KA1TUZ Receives BARC Ham of the Year Award

KA1TUZ presented BARC 2003 Ham of the Year awardDick Doherty, KA1TUZ (right) is shown receiving the Boston Amateur Radio Club’s 2003 Ham of the Year Award from club president Paul Olivieri, N1ZKR at the BARC’s annual holiday dinner on December 18.

“This was not the first time Dick was so honored over the last 15 years. [KA1TUZ] has consistently given his all to promote ham radio and the Boston Amateur Radio Club,” commented BARC member Frank Murphy, N1DHW. Murphy was a co-recipient of the prestigious award in 2001.

Photo courtesy N1DHW

ARRL, Citizen Corps and You

Citizen Corps logoPossible State Funding Available for Amateur Radio Organizations

In June 2003 ARRL signed a Statement of Affiliation with the Citizen Corps, making ARRL an affiliate organization working with Citizen Corps and other organizations to promote the goals of Citizen Corps. As an affiliate organization, ARRL, along with American Red Cross, NOAA, Points of Light Foundation, Veterans of Foreign Wars and others, was invited to a two-day meeting in Maryland on December 2 and 3. The purpose of the meeting was to identify strategies and goals for organizations working with Citizen Corps.
In the course of the meeting, Citizen Corps staff shared the information that $35 million was awarded to state Citizen Corps groups. Each state will receive a share of the money based on a population-based formula. The funding was awarded in order to execute states’ strategic plans for disaster prevention and preparedness and recovery – this plan had to be submitted to Citizen Corps by December 31, 2003. Funds will begin flowing to states in March 2004.

What does this mean for ARRL? Since there is no funding available on the national level, ARRL Hq is not eligible for funds. However, for ARES groups and Amateur Radio clubs, there is potential funding for projects that relate to a state’s strategic plan. The message from Citizen Corps was that participation and funding must be at the local and state level. Each state has a Point of Contact (POC) for Citizen Corps and a State Administrative Agency (SAA) that will manage the funds. The Citizen Corps funding mandate requires that the SAA work through the POC for programs and initiatives to be funded locally. The POC and SAA may be the same in some states.

ARRL affiliated clubs that are interested in this funding might best band together, and should take the initiative to contact their state POC and SAA about programs that need funding (a pilot project, specialized training, equipment or a system). If there is more than one Section in the state, it would be best to work together on a funding request and present a unified plan that may be better received by the POC and SAA. Please share this information with those you feel would be interested. Also, SMs and/or SECs should contact the state POCs, if this has not already been done, to ensure that Amateur Radio is included in the state’s strategic plan.

So, it’s up to you. If you need funding for a local project, event or initiative, collaborate on your grant request by contacting other Amateur Radio groups in your area or state to coordinate and integrate your plans. Then contact the state Citizen Corps POC. A list of the state POCs can be found at this web address: http://www.citizencorps.gov/citizenCorps/statepoc.do. Additional information about Citizen Corps is at http://www.citizencorps.gov.

DHS Raises Warning Level to High (Orange)

***** DHS Raises Warning Level to High (Orange) *****
**** ARES Members Asked to Assume Higher State of Readiness ****

(Updated 1300 12/22/03)

Hello to all…

Quoting specific sources and “…raised chatter approaching the levels of 9/11…”, Department of homeland Security (DHS), raised the Warning Level to High (Orange) at approximately 1330 EST (1830Z) today. Responding to only a few questions, DHS Secretary Ridge stated that the threat level was being raised in face of compelling evidence, but at the same time, exhorted the public to participate in holiday activities as usual while keeping a wary eye out for unusual activities around them. Read about the news release at DHS News Conference

As in past declarations of High (Orange), I ask that you assume a higher state of individual readiness by completing the following actions as soon as possible:

1. Test your home and mobile systems to ensure their proper working order
2. Test and charge all battery backup systems
3. Review current procedures for reaction and mobilization on our website, http://ares.ema.arrl.org
4. Contact your EC/DEC if you have recently changed your contact information and you did not have a chance to communicate that to him.

Please carry your H/T with you at all times as practicable. During an emergency, please remember to check in to the RACES repeater nearest to your current location. That is important if you are visiting relatives, etc., within our section away from home.

I would like to echo Secretary Ridge’s call to all of us to carry on and enjoy our holiday activities. I would also like to wish you and your family Happy Holidays, and a happy and prosperous new year!

s/Michael P. Neilsen
Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN
Eastern Massachusetts
Section Emergency Coordinator
w1mpn@ema.arrl.org
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
978.562.5662

“CQ Snow”

W1BOS/MQE operation, Blue Hills, December 6, 2003“Saturday, December 6 was SKYWARN Recognition Day, sponsored by the National Weather Service. The Boston Amateur Radio Club, using club call W1BOS with designator /MQE, set up a station at the Blue Hill Observatory on Great Blue Hill in Milton. “MQE” is the station designator assigned by the NWS to the Blue Hill Observatory, home of the longest continuous weather data in North America.

“We’ll remember this one for a long time,” said Mark Duff, KB1EKN, the leader of the event. The storm of December 6, 2003 was to become one of the most substantial to hit our area. It turned out to be one of the biggest December snow storms on record. You couldn’t ask for a more perfect day for a SKYWARN event.
Fortunately, Mark, KB1EKN, Bob, WA1IDA, and Hank, K1QK set up the station, strung a couple HF wire antennas, and mounted a VHF ground plane on the day before the event. It turned out to be excellent planning.

The same trio, along with Geri, KB1ISG and Joe, KB1IXK met at the Observatory at the summit of Great Blue Hill about 0900 on Saturday, December 6, as the storm continued to increase in intensity. By then, approximately 6 inches of snow had fallen. The Observatory had earlier recorded a wind gust of 53 miles per hour! Thanks to the work done on the day before, the group was able to get on the air in short order.

Contacts were made on the HF bands with stations across the country on 10, 15, and 20-meters. We were also active on 2-meters, both on simplex and through repeaters. The wind blew to nearly 50 mph and the snow fell heavily during the event. Since one of the items reported during the QSO exchanges was the local weather, we couldn’t have been more pleased with the exciting conditions to report.

Operations continued into late Saturday afternoon, when the better part of valor suggested that we shut down and get off the hill before we became stranded. Mark led the way with the dismantling of the antennas in 40+ mph winds. [Boy, these fire fighters sure are tough.] Both of the 4-wheel drive vehicles that brought the group up the hill made it off safely as darkness was falling. All in all, it was quite an adventure—and we had fun.

Kudos also to Blake, K1BTH, for providing the mid-afternoon fuel (in the form of coffee and donuts) that helped provide the energy required for the tear down, and to Bill, N1VUX, for arranging to have W1BOS/MQE listed as an official station.

Finally and foremost, thanks are due to KB1EKN for the concept and the arrangements with the Observatory.

Shown (L-R): KB1EKN, K1QK, KB1IXK, WA1IDA

—Written by K1QK, in Boston ARC The SPARC, December 2003, photo courtesy KB1ISG

[See also: W1BOS to Operate From Blue Hill Observatory for SKYWARN Recognition Day]

Falmouth ARA Signs MOU With Town of Falmouth

Falmouth ARA logoThe Falmouth Amateur Radio Association has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Town of Falmouth, according to FARA president Bob Courtemanche, N1WAT. Courtemanche signed the document for FARA; Fire Chief Paul Brodeur signed on behalf of the Town. The MOU designates FARA as “the official RACES organization to provide emergency and disaster communications support to the Town of Falmouth.”

In agreeing to the Memorandum, the Falmouth ARA will activate the Emergency Operations Center when designated club representatives have been asked to do so by the Fire Chief. According to Courtemanche, “volunteers must be sworn in by the Town to operate in any emergency situation, whether at the EOC or at an official town site. Emergency traffic will be handled over the repeater which will be closed for general use.”

“The Falmouth ARA has worked for over a year to reach the agreement with the Town,” commented Courtemanche. “Now we must show them that we are professional, prepared, and competent communicators.”

N1WAT requests that all members familiarlize themselves fully with the MOU which will soon be posted on the club’s web site.

Falmouth ARA Newsletter, December, 2003

Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARC Awarded SSC Status

Sturdy Memorial Hospital ARCWe’re pleased to report that the Sturdy Memorial Hospital Amateur Radio Club has been officially designated a Special Service Club. Extraordinary clubs like SMHARC actively pursue all aspects of Amateur Radio: new ham development and training; public relations; emergency communications; school club support; technical advancement; operating activities; annual reports, etc.

“Through the work of its members, [SMHARC] is recognized for its continued efforts on behalf of Amateur Radio and services to its community.” said ARRL staff member Thomas M. Cote, KB1KOS in a December 17, 2003 letter to SMHARC secretary/treasurer Ray Cord, K2TGX, EMA Section Manager, K9HI, and New England Division Director, K1KI.

More information about Special Service Clubs can be found at http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/club/#ssc_program

Storm Update (expired)

SKYWARN Logo From KD1CY:

Hello to all….

A brief storm update…..

Most precipitation is falling as Rain across much of the southern and
eastern parts of Southern New England with a light wintry mix of Snow, Sleet
and Freezing Rain in Western and Central Massachusetts and Southern New
Hampshire. Please report final accumilations to NWS Taunton as needed today.

A Wind Advisory has been posted for all areas for this afternoon. A High
Wind Watch has been posted for this evening over Cape Cod and the Islands.
Please report any wind damage and measured wind gusts 46 MPH or greater to
NWS Taunton as needed.

Another nor’easter will impact the region Wednesday Night into Thursday.
Current indications are that the track of this storm will cause mostly rain
across Southern New England. 1-2″ of rain are expected and the warm-up will
be brief enough where significant flooding is not expected except for the
typical urban and poor drainage areas.

Below is the NWS Taunton Wind Advisory/High Wind Watch Statement and
Hazardous WX Outlook and the latest Public Information Statement of Spotter
Reports:WWUS71 KBOX 151028
NPWBOX

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
517 AM EST MON DEC 15 2003

.STRONG LOW PRESSURE NEAR BUZZARDS BAY AT DAYBREAK…WILL CONTINUE TO
STRENGTHEN AS IT TRACKS ACROSS CAPE COD AND INTO THE GULF OF MAINE
TODAY.

MAZ022-024-151926-
BARNSTABLE MA-NANTUCKET MA-
517 AM EST MON DEC 15 2003

…HIGH WIND WATCH THIS EVENING REMAINS IN EFFECT…
…WIND ADVISORY THIS AFTERNOON REMAINS IN EFFECT…

WINDS WILL BECOME NORTHWEST LATER THIS MORNING…AND THEN INCREASE TO
25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 55 MPH AFTER MIDDAY ACROSS CAPE COD AND
NANTUCKET. THE STRONGEST WIND WILL LIKELY OCCUR AFTER 2 PM.

THIS EVENING WINDS WILL CONTINUE TO INCREASE…WITH NORTHWEST WINDS
OF 30 TO 40 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 60 MPH EXPECTED ACROSS NANTUCKET AND
CAPE COD. THE STRONGEST WIND WILL LIKELY OCCUR BETWEEN 5 PM AND 8
PM. BE PREPARED FOR POSSIBLE POWER OUTAGES.

A HIGH WIND WATCH MEANS THAT THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR STRONG DAMAGING
WINDS TO DEVELOP IN THE MENTIONED AREAS. THESE STRONG WINDS CAN CAUSE
TREESAND POWER LINES TO FALL AS WELL AS CAUSING PROPERTY DAMAGE. IF A
HIGH WIND WARNING IS ISSUED, STAY INSIDE, AND AWAY FROM WINDOWS.

$$

CTZ002>004-MAZ002>021-023-026-NHZ011-012-015-RIZ001>008-151700-
BLOCK ISLAND RI-BRISTOL RI-CENTRAL MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-CHESHIRE NH-
DUKES MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-
EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH NH-EASTERN KENT RI-
EASTERN NORFOLK MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-HARTFORD CT-NEWPORT RI-
NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-
NORTHWEST MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-
SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-
SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-SUFFOLK MA-TOLLAND CT-
WASHINGTON RI-WESTERN AND CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH NH-WESTERN ESSEX MA-
WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
WESTERN KENT RI-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-WINDHAM CT-
517 AM EST MON DEC 15 2003

…WIND ADVISORY FOR THIS AFTERNOON REMAINS IN EFFECT…

WINDS WILL BECOME NORTHWEST LATER THIS MORNING…AND THEN INCREASE TO
25 TO 35 MPH WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH AFTER MIDDAY THROUGHOUT SOUTHERN
NEW ENGLAND. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL LIKELY OCCUR AFTER 2 PM.

$$

NOCERA

FLUS41 KBOX 151009
HWOBOX

HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
510 AM EST MON DEC 15 2003

CTZ002>004-MAZ002>024-026-NHZ011-012-015-RIZ001>008-161200-
BARNSTABLE MA-BLOCK ISLAND RI-BRISTOL RI-CENTRAL MIDDLESEX MA-
CHESHIRE NH-DUKES MA-EASTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-
EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH NH-
EASTERN KENT RI-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-HARTFORD CT-
NANTUCKET MA-NEWPORT RI-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-
NORTHWEST MIDDLESEX MA-NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-
SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-
SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-SUFFOLK MA-TOLLAND CT-
WASHINGTON RI-WESTERN AND CENTRAL HILLSBOROUGH NH-WESTERN ESSEX MA-
WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
WESTERN KENT RI-WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-WINDHAM CT-
510 AM EST MON DEC 15 2003

THIS HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOK IS FOR SOUTHWEST NEW HAMPSHIRE…
MASSACHUSETTS EAST OF BERKSHIRE COUNTY…NORTHEAST CONNECTICUT AND
RHODE ISLAND.

.DAY ONE…
THE WINTER STORM WILL BE WINDING DOWN THIS MORNING. SNOW…SLEET
AND FREEZING RAIN MAINLY FROM HARTFORD TO WORCESTER AND LAWRENCE
INTO SOUTHERN NEW HAMPSHIRE WILL END THIS MORNING. ADDITIONAL
ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 4 INCHES ARE EXPECTED…WITH THE MOST IN
NORTHWEST MASSACHUSETTS AND SOUTHWEST NEW HAMPSHIRE. WINTER STORM
WARNINGS AND WINTER WEATHER ADVISORIES REMAIN IN PLACE FOR THESE
AREAS. REFER TO THE LATEST WINTER WEATHER BULLETIN FOR DETAILS…
UNDER THE HEADER WWUS41 WSWBOX.

STRONG WINDS ARE EXPECTED ACROSS ALL OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND THIS
AFTERNOON…AND WIND ADVISORIES HAVE BEEN POSTED. SUSTAINED WINDS
OF 25 TO 35 MPH ARE EXPECTED WITH GUSTS TO 50 MPH BEGINNING AROUND
MIDDAY. CAPE COD AND NANTUCKET COULD SEE A PERIOD OF 30 TO 40 MPH
SUSTAINED WINDS…AND GUSTS COULD REACH 60 MPH THIS EVENING. A HIGH
WIND WATCH HAS BEEN POSTED THERE TONIGHT. REFER TO THE LATEST
WEATHER BULLETIN FOR DETAILS…UNDER THE HEADER WWUS71 NPWBOX.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN…
ANOTHER STORM IS FORECAST TO DEVELOP OFF THE MID ATLANTIC COAST
WEDNESDAY…THEN LIFT NORTH INTO SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND WEDNESDAY
NIGHT. UNLIKE PREVIOUS STORMS…THIS ONE IS EXPECTED TO TRACK FAR
ENOUGH INLAND TO BRING RAIN TO ALL OF SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND. EARLY
INDICATIONS ARE FOR 1 TO 2 INCHES OF RAIN…WITH THE HEAVIEST
FALLING WEDNESDAY NIGHT INTO EARLY THURSDAY. FLOODING OF RIVERS AND
STREAMS IS NOT EXPECTED AT THIS TIME.

THE STORM WILL BRING GALE FORCE WINDS TO THE COASTAL WATERS
WEDNESDAY NIGHT AND THURSDAY…AND GUSTS COULD REACH STORM FORCE ON
THE OUTER WATERS THURSDAY AFTERNOON.

NO HAZARDOUS WEATHER IS EXPECTED FRIDAY THROUGH SUNDAY.

.SPOTTER CALL TO ACTION STATEMENT…
SPOTTERS ARE INVITED TO REPORT FINAL SNOWFALL ACCUMULATIONS TODAY…
AS WELL AS WINDS OF 40 MPH OR GREATER THIS AFTERNOON.

$$

JWD

NOUS41 KBOX 150959
PNSBOX

PUBLIC INFORMATION STATEMENT…SPOTTER REPORTS
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE TAUNTON MA
500 AM EST MON DEC 15 2003

THE FOLLOWING IS A REPRESENTATIVE SUMMARY OF SNOWFALL AND WIND
REPORTS FOR THE DECEMBER 14-15 NOREASTER.

THE SNOWFALL REPORTS HEREIN ARE CONSIDERED RELIABLY ACCURATE WITHIN
THE STATE OF THE SCIENCE AND ARE GENERALLY FROM SPOTTERS OR
COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS TRAINED BY THE NWS AND/OR MEDIA.

OUR THANKS TO THE COOPERATIVE OBSERVERS…SKYWARN SPOTTERS…AND
AMATEUR RADIO FOR THEIR HELP.

THIS SUMMARY IS ALSO AVAILABLE ON OUR HOME PAGE AT (SMALL LETTERS)
HTTP://WWW.NWS.NOAA.GOV/ER/BOX

NEW SNOW DATE/TIME COMMENTS
LOCATION IN INCHES

…CONNECTICUT…

…HARTFORD COUNTY…
GRANBY 6.5 14/1100 PM
MANCHESTER 5.0 14/700 PM
BURLINGTON 4.5 14/1000 PM
WINDSOR LOCKS – BDL 4.4 15/12 AM
NEW BRITAIN 4.3 14/700 PM
WEST HARTFORD 4.3 FINAL
SOUTH WINDSOR 4.0 14/700 PM
WETHERSFIELD 4.0 14/700 PM
GLASTONBURY 3.7 14/455 PM
NEWINGTON 3.7 14/455 PM
WINDSOR CENTER 3.5 14/730 PM
MARLBORO 3.0 14/700 PM

…TOLLAND COUNTY…
STAFFORD SPRINGS 4.0 14/515 PM CO-OP OBS
STORRS 3.3 14/930 PM

…WINDHAM COUNTY…
POMFRET 4.0 FINAL
SOUTH KILLINGLY 4.0 FINAL
WOODSTOCK 3.9 14/830 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
ASHFORD 3.0 FINAL
EAST KILLINGLY 3.0 FINAL
EASTFORD 3.0 14/400 PM

…MASSACHUSETTS…

…BARNSTABLE COUNTY…
SANDWICH 3.5 FINAL
BOURNE 3.0 FINAL
EAST FALMOUTH 2.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
HARWICHPORT 2.0 FINAL
BREWSTER 1.3 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
MANSFIELD 6.0 FINAL W.E. 0.90″
EAST MANSFIELD 5.7 14/745 PM W.E. 0.48″
FREETOWN 4.5 14/605 PM
REHOBOTH 4.5 14/1015 PM
NORTH ACUSHNET 4.3 14/800 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
TAUNTON – NWS 3.8 FINAL
ACUSHNET 3.5 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
FAIRHAVEN 2.0 14/505 PM

…ESSEX COUNTY…
NORTH ANDOVER 6.8 14/1100 PM
HAVERHILL 6.5 14/1050 PM
TOPSFIELD 6.2 14/1035 PM
METHUEN 6.0 14/1110 PM
MANCHESTER 5.3 FINAL
IPSWICH 4.5 14/900 PM MIXED WITH FZRA
ROCKPORT 4.0 14/11 PM
BEVERLY 3.5 14/920 PM
SALEM 3.5 14/910 PM

…FRANKLIN COUNTY…
GREENFIELD 6.4 14/1000 PM
COLRAIN 6.0 14/700 PM
LEVERETT 6.0 14/810 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
SUNDERLAND 6.0 14/1000 PM
NORTHFIELD 5.5 14/1015 PM
ASHFIELD 5.0 14/525 PM

…HAMPDEN COUNTY…
MONTGOMERY 5.4 14/630 PM
SOUTHWICK 5.0 14/730 PM
WILBRAHAM 5.0 14/1040 PM
BRIMFIELD 4.5 14/650 PM
AGAWAM 4.0 14/740 PM
CHICOPEE 4.0 14/505 PM
LONGMEADOW 4.0 14/700 PM

…HAMPSHIRE COUNTY…
GOSHEN 7.0 14/820 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
NORTH AMHERST 6.0 14/900 PM
WORTHINGTON 5.3 14/1015 PM
CUMMINGTON 5.0 14/645 PM MIXED WITH FZRA
WESTHAMPTON 5.0 14/655 PM CHANGED TO SLEET

…MIDDLESEX COUNTY…
AYER 7.0 14/1055 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
WESTFORD 6.8 14/1100 PM
LITTLETON 6.4 14/1005 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
PEPPERELL 6.3 14/1000 PM
BILLERICA 6.2 14/1025 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
ACTON 6.0 14/800 PM
WEST CONCORD 6.0 14/930 PM
TYNGSBORO 6.0 14/930 PM
WOBURN 5.5 14/930 PM
WAKEFIELD 5.3 FINAL
BEDFORD 5.1 14/935 PM
CHELMSFORD 5.0 14/900 PM
GROTON 5.0 14/930 PM
LEXINGTON 5.0 14/950 PM
READING 5.0 14/830 PM MIXED PRECIP
EAST CAMBRIDGE 4.6 FINAL CHANGED TO SLEET
BELMONT 4.5 FINAL
CAMBRIDGE 4.5 14/830 PM
FRAMINGHAM 4.5 FINAL
HOLLISTON 4.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
HUDSON 4.0 14/630 PM CHANGED TO RN/PL
WEST CHELMSFORD 4.0 14/930 PM
HOPKINTON 3.5 14/555 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
STONEHAM 3.5 14/930 PM
WALTHAM 3.0 14/900 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
WATERTOWN 3.0 14/730 PM
DRACUT 2.0 14/800 PM

…NORFOLK COUNTY…
NORWOOD 5.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
BRAINTREE 4.5 14/745 PM
FOXBORO 4.5 14/700 PM
RANDOLPH 4.5 14/705 PM
FRANKLIN 4.1 14/735 PM
DOVER 4.0 14/745 PM
STOUGHTON 4.0 14/700 PM
WELLESLEY 4.0 14/755 PM
WEST WALPOLE 4.0 14/800 PM
MEDWAY 3.8 14/745 PM
SHARON 3.0 14/800 PM

…PLYMOUTH COUNTY…
HANSON 5.0 14/910 PM
HINGHAM 5.0 14/700 PM
SCITUATE 5.0 14/655 PM
BROCKTON 4.9 14/915 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
MIDDLEBORO 4.8 14/730 PM
MARSHFIELD 4.3 FINAL
DUXBURY 4.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
WEST BRIDGEWATER 4.0 14/555 PM
MARION 3.3 14/845 PM CHANGED TO RAIN
ROCKLAND 2.3 14/700 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
MANOMET 2.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN

…SUFFOLK COUNTY…
DORCHESTER 4.5 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
BOSTON 4.4 FINAL
BRIGHTON 4.0 14/735 PM

…WORCESTER COUNTY…
WORCESTER 7.0 14/1000 PM AIRPORT
ASHBURNHAM 7.0 14/1100 PM
BERLIN 6.3 14/1020 PM
FITCHBURG 6.2 14/930 PM
LUNENBURG 5.8 14/930 PM
CLINTON 5.0 14/930 PM
HOPEDALE 5.0 14/825 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
LEOMINSTER 5.0 14/830 PM
SHREWSBURY 5.0 14/800 PM
SOUTHBRIDGE 5.0 14/805 PM MIXED WITH SLEET
WESTBOROUGH 5.0 FINAL
BOYLSTON 4.9 14/915 PM
MILFORD 4.5 14/800 PM
SPENCER 4.5 14/1040 PM
WEBSTER 4.5 14/650 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
WEST WARREN 4.5 14/815 PM
NORTHBORO 4.0 14/800 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
SOUTHBORO 4.0 14/720 PM
SUTTON 4.0 FINAL

…NEW HAMPSHIRE…

…CHESHIRE COUNTY…
WESTMORELAND 7.0 14/11 PM
SWANZEY 5.0 14/11 PM
EAST ALSTEAD 4.0 14/720 PM
RINDGE 3.5 14/600 PM
WINCHESTER 3.5 14/545 PM

…HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY…
TEMPLE 11.0 14/11 PM
GREENFIELD 7.0 14/1130 PM
MILFORD 7.0 15/315 AM
BENNINGTON 6.5 14/900 PM FREEZING RAIN
PETERBOROUGH 6.5 14/1000 PM
MANCHESTER 6.0 14/1115 PM
HILLSBOROUGH 6.0 14/1015 PM EMERALD LAKE
NEW IPSWICH 6.0 14/1000 PM
WILTON 6.0 14/1015 PM
HUDSON 5.8 14/1000 PM
SOUTH WEARE 5.5 14/11 PM
HILLSBOROUGH 5.0 14/1015 PM UPPER VILLAGE
MERRIMACK 5.0 14/735 PM
NASHUA 5.0 14/1030 PM
SOUTH NASHUA 4.5 14/1005 PM

…RHODE ISLAND…

…BRISTOL COUNTY…
BARRINGTON 4.0 14/655 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
BRISTOL 4.0 14/800 PM RAIN AND SLEET

…KENT COUNTY…
CRANSTON (GARDEN CITY) 5.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
WEST WARWICK 4.5 14/725 PM
COVENTRY 4.0 FINAL CHANGED TO RAIN
WARWICK 4.0 14/655 PM
WARWICK (TF GREEN) 3.4 FINAL

…NEWPORT COUNTY…
PORTSMOUTH 5.0 14/620 PM MIXED WITH SLEET
TIVERTON 4.1 14/645 PM CHANGED TO SLEET

…PROVIDENCE COUNTY…
BURRILLVILLE 5.0 14/525 PM
PROVIDENCE 4.6 14/730 PM MOUNT HOPE
WOONSOCKET 4.5 15/12 AM
NORTH FOSTER 4.3 14/900 PM W.E. 0.56″
JOHNSTON 4.0 14/630 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
NORTH SMITHFIELD 3.5 14/655 PM CHANGED TO SLEET

…WASHINGTON COUNTY…
SOUTH KINGSTON 5.0 14/810 PM
WESTERLY 4.5 14/510 PM CHANGED TO SLEET
NORTH KINGSTOWN 4.0 14/555 PM

…WIND REPORTS…

SUSTAINED GUST
NANTUCKET 40 MPH 129 AM 48 MPH 128 AM
MARTHAS VINEYARD 37 MPH 216 AM 49 MPH 216 AM
BLUE HILL 35 MPH 1220 AM 49 MPH 1039 PM
BOSTON 35 MPH 1227 AM 40 MPH 1223 AM

$$

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Southeast Massachusetts ARES District Emergency Coordinator
SEMARA ARES Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://users.rcn.com/rmacedo

Norwood ARC General Upgrade Class Coming in 2004

Norwood ARC logoThe Norwood ARC will conduct a General upgrade class early next year, according to Norwood ARC president Barry Devine, K1BFD.

“Jeff Tracy, N1SOM has graciously agreed to coordinate this class for us. We are currently working on the curriculum and training method and hope to have some specifics later…”

Norwood ARC K1JMR Newscarrier, November 2003

Algonquin ARC Flea Market Marlborough February 14, 2004

2002 AARC Flea MarketMark your calendars for the Algonquin ARC Flea Market in Marlborough, MA on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2004 at the Marlborough Intermediate Elementary School, Thresher Drive (off Union Street) or off Bolton Street (Rt. 85).

Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

6 foot tables or 10 ft. spaces
$12.00 before February 5, 2004; $15.00 February 5, 2004 or later
Tables and spaces include One Admission; Spaces provide own chairs, tables

Setup Time: 7:00 a.m.
Information: Ann Weldon, KA1PON, 508-481-4988 (before 9 p.m.)

Talk-in: 146.61 (pl 146.2), 449.925 (pl 88.5)

Grand door prize $200.00 awarded at 11:30 a.m. Must be present to win

K9HI Photo: 2003 AARC Flea Market

Nashoba Valley ARC: “A Whole Lotta Sortin’ Goin’ On”

Nashoba Valley ARC meeting/QSL sortingMembers of the Nashoba Valley ARC spent a large portion of a recent club meeting pre-sorting cards for the first call district. Stan, KD1LE addressed the group briefly “explaining the purpose and process for the pre-sort.” The group then went on to sort an amazing 12,000 cards in 1 1/2 hours! NVARC wrapped up the meeting and pre-sort with food and refreshments. —Nashoba Valley ARC Signal, November 2003

[Pictured: Diane, K1LG sorting away; Dennis K1LGQ in the background. Photo courtesy KA1RV]

New England Division Cabinet Meeting January 4, 2004

ARRL flagTo: New England Division Section Managers, Assistant Directors, Advisory Committee members, and Affiliated Club Presidents

“I’d like to invite you to an ARRL New England Division Cabinet meeting on Sunday, January 4, 2004 in Springfield MA. We usually have 30-35 people from all ends of New England – this will be an opportunity for you to provide direct input to the ARRL on policy issues. The meeting will run from 9:00 AM until 4:30 PM, with a break for lunch at noon – and as in the past we’re asking for your contribution of $15 to help cover some of the cost for breaks and for lunch.

“There is an ARRL Board meeting scheduled for January 16-17 – this will give us a chance to talk about issues you think the Board should be considering. What would you like to see on the agenda for the meeting?

“The meeting will be at the Sheraton Springfield Hotel (413-781-1010) at One Monarch Place in Springfield MA (If you like basketball, it’s real close to the new Basketball Hall of Fame). Directions are at:

http://www.sheraton-springfield.com/Directions.htm

“Please let me know by December 31st (earlier is better!) if you will be coming so we can plan for a big enough room and enough food. Park in the hotel parking area – we’ll cover the costs. Both Vice Director Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF, and I are looking forward to seeing you there!

Very 73!

——————————————————————————————-
Tom Frenaye, K1KI ARRL New England Division Director k1ki@arrl.org
P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444

Mike Raisbeck, K1TWF ARRL New England Division Vice Director k1twf@arrl.org
85 High Street, Chelmsford MA 01824 Phone: 978-250-1235

Waltham 04/64 “Crunchies” Gone

WalthamRichard Amirault, N1JDU writes on wara64 list:

“As a result of the work party a week ago, the “crunchies” that have been so much a pain lately are now gone on the [Waltham 146.04/146.64] machine.

“The work party installed a coax run for the previously installed secondary antenna. However, there was a problem with the coax and the single antenna system was hooked up again. Andy [WA1GEP], however, removed the notch filter for the intermod problem … since it was not helping anyway … and now the crunchies are gone.”

Eastern Massachusetts Web Site Outage

Construction logoThe Eastern Massachusetts ARRL web site, including ema.arrl.org, ares.ema.arrl.org and nts.ema.arrl.org, were off the ‘net from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. today (Sunday, December 7). The hosting site lost its T1 line and connectivity to the interenet. It is currently operating on generator/solar power. I apologize for any inconvenience this outage may have caused.

73,

Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts

Eastern Massachusetts Web Site Outage

Construction logoThe Eastern Massachusetts ARRL web site, including ema.arrl.org, ares.ema.arrl.org and nts.ema.arrl.org, were off the ‘net from approximately 4:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. today (Sunday, December 7). The hosting site lost its T1 line and connectivity to the interenet. It is currently operating on generator/solar power. I apologize for any inconvenience this outage may have caused.

73,

Phil Temples, K9HI
ARRL Section Manager,
Eastern Massachusetts

EMa ARES Update (expired but UHF info still needed)

***** EMa ARES Update *****
***** ARES relay stations may be needed *****
***** Please test the UHF repeaters listed below during windstorm *****

As of 0045, most of the section is enduring a bruising from an early winter
storm, with only minor damage so far. This may change overnight or during
the day Sunday.

It is important that you stay in place until we request that you do
otherwise. SKYWARN will certainly need reports and ARES may need relay
stations during the day tomorrow. This request follows our shelter-in-place
doctrine which is detailed at
http://ares.ema.arrl.org/mod.php?mod=userpage&menu=2904&page_id=67 .

While you are assisting in the ways listed above, we request that you gather
signal reports from the list of repeaters listed below DURING the windstorm.
Please list:

Your location and time
List of repeaters worked
Whether home or mobile
Power on input
Antenna type
Other comments (i.e. unusually good or bad location, etc.)

Please send reports to me at w1mpn@ema.arrl.org

List of repeaters:443.450-Westport Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

443.700-Gloucester Repeater No PL Listed

444.200-Bourne Repeater PL: 118.8 Hz

445.175-Newton Repeater PL: 141.3 Hz

446.575-Boston Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

449.925-Marlborough Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz Part of
MMRA System

446.725-Stoneham Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz Part
of MMRA System

447.075-Kingston Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

447.175-Boston Repeater PL: 110.9 Hz

447.325-Truro Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

447.575-Concord Repeater PL: 110.9 Hz

447.975-North Attleboro Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

448.125-Framingham Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

448.975-Walpole Repeater PL: 141.3 Hz

449.075-Waltham Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

The following repeaters were considered Good location, good local coverage,
may have extended coverage and has linking capability (to either other
repeaters, IRLP, Echolink or a combination of each):

442.450-Westford Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

443.350-Pack Monadnock, NH PL: 110.9 Hz

443.500-Dennis Repeater PL: 141.3 Hz Part
of Cape Cod Link Sys.

443.800-Dartmouth Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

444.200-North Truro Repeater PL: 141.3 Hz

444.250-Falmouth Repeater PL: 141.3 Hz Part
of Cape Cod Link Sys.

445.175-Barnstable Repeater PL: 141.3 Hz Part
of Cape Cod Link Sys.

447.875-Brookline Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz Part
of MMRA/Has Echolink

446.675-Marlborough Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz Part of
MMRA System

The following repeaters have good location but unknown or questionable
coverage. Some of these repeaters may have IRLP or Echolink coverage:

441.075-Chelmsford Repeater PL: 100.0 Hz

441.400-Assonet Repeater PL: 192.8 Hz

441.400-Plymouth Repeater PL: 100.0 Hz

441.500-Medfield Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

441.750-Seekonk Repeater PL: 192.8 Hz

441.850-Bradford Repeater PL: 127.3 Hz

442.250-Marlborough Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz -Has Echolink
capability

442.500-Braintree Repeater PL: 118.8 Hz

442.800-Danvers Repeater PL: 136.5 Hz

442.900-Pepperell Repeater PL: 100 Hz

443.200-North Andover Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

443.600-Norwell Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz -Has Echolink
capability

444.100-Wilmington Repeater PL: 123.0 Hz

444.300-Saugus Repeater PL: 123.0 Hz

443.350-Fall River Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

444.550-Bridgewater Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

444.600-Newton Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

444.700-Boston Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

446.525-Reading Repeater PL: 151.4 Hz

446.875-North Reading Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

446.925-Medford Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

447.025-Peabody Repeater PL: 110.9 Hz

447.275-Haverhill Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

447.625-Lawrence Repeater PL: 88.5 Hz

447.675-Natick Repeater PL: 203.5 Hz -RACES?

449.650-Belmont Repeater PL: 67.0 Hz

449.725-Cambridge Repeater PL: 114.8 Hz

449.825-Woburn Repeater PL: 136.5 Hz

Please also visit the website to vote in the poll about UHF usage. Thanks
in advance for your help.

Michael P. Neilsen, W1MPN, EMa SEC
978.562.5662 Voice
978.389.0558 FAX/Secondary Voice
http://ares.ema.arrl.org
w1mpn@ema.ares.org

WINTER STORM WARNING (expired)

WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY.

SKYWARN Logo [SKYWARN Activation with Ops at NWS Taunton is likely late Friday and particularly Saturday for the entire region. This Activation will most likely curtail some of the originally planned SKYWARN Appreciation Day activity. A final announcement on plans for SKYWARN Appreciation Day activity will be made on Friday pending latest Watches and Warnings from NWS Taunton – KD1CY.]

From KD1CY 0540 6 Dec 03

Hello to all…

….Dangerous Major Winter Storm Hammering Southern New England….
….Additional Snowfall of 5-10″ will occur between 8 AM and 8 PM Today.
Further additional Significant Snow Accumilations will occur after 8 PM
Today. Near Blizzard Conditions are possible….
…..Coastal Flood Watch Now Issued for Portions of the East Coastal
Massachusetts Coast….
…..SKYWARN Activation Recommences within 30 minutes either side of 7 AM
with Ops at NWS Taunton….
….ARES/RACES Groups Should Consult with their leadership as Activation
Could Occur in Hardest Hit Areas….

This Coordination Message is occuring without a full product update with NWS
Taunton as we make preparations to head back to NWS where we may remain for
the remainder of the event. Already 4-7″ of snow if not more has fallen
across much of the region. An additional 5-10 inches of snow will occur
between 8 AM and 8 PM today with further significant accumilations after
that timeframe of snowfall. Strong Winds will also occur creating near
Blizzard conditions. The combination of snow and wind could knock down trees
and power lines causing scattered power outages. Total Snowfall will range
at least 10-20″ with the potential for snowfall of around 2 feet in some
areas.

A Coastal Flood Watch has now been issued for the Sunday Morning high tide.
Details on this are featured in the Area Forecast Discussion issued by NWS
Taunton.

SKYWARN Activation will begin within 30 minutes either side of 7 AM and
continue through the entire day and into the night. Activation may continue
into Sunday as this major storm unfolds. ARES and RACES groups should be
prepared for potential activation later today and into tomorrow particularly
if infrastructure damage occurs from the combination of wind and snow as
well as from Coastal Flooding.

The National Center for Environmental Prediction is issuing Storm Summaries
on this major event.

This will be the last message for this event as we go into full activation
mode for SKYWARN for the entire day from NWS Taunton. Below is the Area
Forecast Discussion from NWS Taunton that has updates on the situation:A MAJOR SLOW MOVING WINTER STORM WILL IMPACT MUCH OF S. NEW
ENGLAND & SW NH WITH PERIODS OF HEAVY SNOW AND
INCREASINGLY GUSTY WINDS THROUGH SUNDAY.

SNOW WILL BECOME STEADIER & HEAVIER THIS AFTERNOON & EVENING.
THE COMBINATION OF HEAVY SNOW & GUSTY NE WINDS MAY PRODUCE
NEAR BLIZZARD CONDITIONS TONIGHT ESPECIALLY OVER ACROSS NORTHEAST
MASSACHUSETTS. THE RAIN SNOW LINE WILL PROGRESS NORTHWARD TO A
PROVIDENCE TO TAUNTON TO PLYMOUTH LINE TONIGHT. MIXED PRECIPITATION
WILL KEEP ACCUMULATIONS DOWN ALONG SE COASTAL SECTIONS OF
NEW ENGLAND.

LOW PRESSURE WILL TRACK JUST SE OF CAPE COD TONIGHT THEN HEAD
ACROSS GEORGES BANK ON SUNDAY. INCREASING NO. WINDS BEHIND THE
DEPARTING LOW ON SUN MAY PRODUCE WIND GUSTS TO 50 MPH OR GREATER
ALONG COASTAL LOCATIONS. THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE SNOW & GUSTY
WINDS MAY CAUSE SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES SUNDAY.

MOTORISTS WILL NEED TO USE CARE WHEN DRIVING.AS MANY ROADWAYS ARE
SNOW COVERED & ICY. BE ESPECIALLY CAUTIOUS ON ANY UNTREATED
SECONDARY ROADS.

STAY TUNED TO NOAA WEATHER RADIO.OR YOUR FAVORITE MEDIA OUTLET.
FOR THE LATEST INFORMATION ON THIS DEVELOPING WEATHER SITUATION.

MAZ019-061700-
EASTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR EASTERN PLYMOUTH COUNTY THROUGH SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT. SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO FALL
AND WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES TODAY. EXPECT ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 2 TO 4 INCHES BY THIS EVENING. SNOW MAY MIX WITH & CHANGE TO
RAIN FROM HANOVER TO PLYMOUTH & ESPECIALLY POINTS SO. THIS
AFTERNOON & TONIGHT. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS BY SUN AFTERNOON SHOULD
RANGE FROM 8 TO 15 INCHES. IN ADDITION SOME BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW
WILL OCCUR ON SUN AS WINDS INCREASE FROM THE NORTH. WINDS MAY GUST
TO 50 MPH SUN AFTERNOON. SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES MAY BE POSSIBLE
SUNDAY DUE TO THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE SNOW & GUSTY WINDS.

$$

CTZ002>004-MAZ002-003-008>011-061700-
EASTERN FRANKLIN MA-EASTERN HAMPDEN MA-EASTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-
HARTFORD CT-TOLLAND CT-WESTERN FRANKLIN MA-WESTERN HAMPDEN MA-
WESTERN HAMPSHIRE MA-WINDHAM CT-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR N. CT & WESTERN
MASSACHUSETTS THROUGH SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT. LIGHT SNOW WILL BECOME
HEAVIER & STEADIER THIS AFTERNOON. EXPECT ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 4 TO 8 INCHES BY THIS EVENING. STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS BY SUNDAY
AFTERNOON SHOULD RANGE FROM 8 TO 15 INCHES. IN ADDITION EXPECT SOME
BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR ON SUN AS WINDS INCREASE FROM
THE NORTH.

$$

MAZ004>006-012-026-NHZ011-012-015-061700-
CNTL MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-CHESHIRE NH-EASTERN HILLSBOROUGH NH-
NORTHERN WORCESTER MA-NORTHWEST MIDDLESEX COUNTY MA-
SOUTHERN WORCESTER MA-WESTERN & CNTL HILLSBOROUGH NH-
WESTERN ESSEX MA-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR CNTL & INTERIOR NORTHEAST
MASSACHUSETTS & S. NH THROUGH SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT. LIGHT SNOW WILL BECOME
HEAVIER & STEADIER TODAY. EXPECT ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 5 TO 10 INCHES BY THIS EVENING. STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS BY
SUNDAY AFTERNOON SHOULD RANGE FROM 14 TO 22 INCHES. IN ADDITION
BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR ON SUN AS WINDS INCREASE
FROM THE NORTH. SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES MAY BE POSSIBLE DUE TO THE
WEIGHT OF THE SNOW & GUSTY WINDS.

$$

MAZ013-017-018-RIZ001>005-061700-
BRISTOL RI-EASTERN KENT RI-NORTHERN BRISTOL MA-
NORTHWEST PROVIDENCE RI-SOUTHEAST PROVIDENCE RI-WESTERN KENT RI-
WESTERN NORFOLK MA-WESTERN PLYMOUTH MA-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR INTERIOR SE MASSACHUSETTS AND
NORTHERN RI THROUGH SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT. LIGHT SNOW WILL BECOME
HEAVIER & STEADIER TODAY. EXPECT ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 4 TO 8 INCHES BY THIS EVENING.EXCEPT LOCALLY UP TO 10 INCHES IN
PORTIONS OF N. PROVIDENCE & WESTERN NORFOLK COUNTIES.
SOME SLEET MAY MIX WITH THE SNOW TONIGHT. STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS
BY SUN AFTERNOON SHOULD RANGE FROM 10 TO 20 INCHES. IN ADDITION
BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW WILL OCCUR ON SUN AS WINDS INCREASE
FROM THE NORTH. WINDS MAY GUST TO 45 MPH SUN AFTERNOON.

$$

MAZ007-014>016-061700-
EASTERN ESSEX MA-EASTERN NORFOLK MA-SOUTHEAST MIDDLESEX MA-
SUFFOLK MA-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR THE IMMEDIATE BOSTON VICINITY AND
ADJACENT NO. SHORE LOCATIONS THROUGH SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT. SNOW WILL CONTINUE TO FALL
AND WILL BE HEAVY AT TIMES TODAY. EXPECT ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS
OF 3 TO 6 INCHES BY THIS EVENING. SOME SLEET MAY MIX WITH THE SNOW
TONIGHT. STORM TOTAL ACCUMULATIONS BY SUN AFTERNOON SHOULD RANGE
FROM 10 TO 18 INCHES. IN ADDITION SOME BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW WILL
OCCUR ON SUN AS WINDS INCREASE FROM THE NORTH. WINDS MAY GUST TO
50 MPH SUN AFTERNOON. SCATTERED POWER OUTAGES MAY BE POSSIBLE
SUNDAY DUE TO THE COMBINED WEIGHT OF THE SNOW & GUSTY WINDS.

$$

MAZ020-021-RIZ006-007-061700-
NEWPORT RI-SOUTHERN BRISTOL MA-SOUTHERN PLYMOUTH MA-WA RI-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WARNING FOR SO. COASTAL MASSACHUSETTS.SOUTHERN
RI WITH THE EXCEPTION OF BLOCK ISLAND & CAPE COD & THE
ISLANDS THROUGH SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT. SNOW WILL MIX WITH SLEET
AND RAIN THIS AFTERNOON & TONIGHT.THEN CHANGE BACK TO ALL SNOW
EARLY SUN MORNING. EXPECT ADDITIONAL ACCUMULATIONS OF 2 TO 3
INCHES BY THIS EVENING. SNOW ACCUMULATIONS BY SUN AFTERNOON SHOULD
RANGE FROM 8 TO 14 INCHES. IN ADDITION SOME BLOWING & DRIFTING SNOW
MAY OCCUR ON SUN AS WINDS INCREASE FROM THE NORTH. WINDS MAY GUST
TO 50 MPH SUN AFTERNOON.

$$

MAZ022-RIZ008-061954-
BARNSTABLE MA-BLOCK ISLAND RI-
658 AM EST SAT DEC 6 2003

WINTER STORM WATCH FOR CAPE COD & BLOCK ISLAND SUNDAY.

A WINTER STORM WATCH IS IN EFFECT. RAIN WILL CHANGE BACK TO SNOW ON
SUNDAY WITH A SIGNIFICANT ACCUMULATION POSSIBLE. PRECIPITATION WILL
END SUN EVENING.

A WINTER STORM WATCH MEANS THAT THE POTENTIAL EXISTS FOR A PERIOD OF
HEAVY SNOW ACCUMULATING MORE THAN 6 INCHES.OR A COMBINATION OF
HEAVY SNOW & SIGNIFICANT ICE.

$$

W1BOS Blue Hill Observatory Operation—Update

Skywarn logoIn a previous post we reported that members of the Boston Amateur Radio Club will operate W1BOS/MQE on December 6th, from 9 am to 4 pm from the Blue Hills Observatory in observance of SKYWARN Recognition Day. This operation is scheduled to occur as planned despite the major storm that is expected to impact our region over the weekend.

The Eastern Massachusetts ARES web site has additional information about special events at the Blue Hill and Taunton National Weather Service Stations (WX1BOX) as well as regularly updated weather advisories.

SKYWARN Recognition Day UPDATE!

NWS Special Event Logo
[Note: Prior arrangements MUST be made with KD1CY for entry to NWS Taunton Offices – W1MPN]

Hello to all…

The following is a modified plan for SKYWARN Appreciation Day participation
due to the major storm that is expected to impact the region. Right now, the
Blue Hill Observatory station will still particpate as planned. NWS Taunton
plans have been modified to be as follows:

Here is an update on NWS Taunton participation for SKYWARN Recognition
Day based on the SKYWARN Activation that will occur on that day.

QSL Cards will be done this year. You must send a SASE with your QSL
card in order to receive a QSL card for contacting NWS Taunton during
SKYWARN Appreciation Day. We are using the Boston Amateur Radio Club’s
mailing address and it as follows:

Skywarn Recognition Day (MQE) &/or (BOX)
c/o Boston Amateur Radio Club
PO Box 15585
Boston, MA 02215
*If you worked both W1BOS/MQE & WX1BOX, Please send 2 QSL’s & 1 SASE

Here is a schedule of where WX1BOX operations will be on 2 Meters and
440 MHz for both Friday Night and Saturday:

Friday December 5th, 2003 Schedule of Roving Operations for 2 Meters
and 440 MHz

7:00-7:30 PM 146.970-Paxton Repeater
7:30-8:00 PM IRLP link to the Wilbraham Repeater and then possibly to an
IRLP reflector.
8:00-8:30 PM 146.655-Falmouth Repeater
8:30-9:00 PM 147.000-Dartmouth Repeater
9:00-9:30 PM 145.230-Boston Repeater
9:30-10:00 PM 146.760-Scituate RI
10:30-11:00 PM 147.195-Attleboro Repeater

At this time, we plan to terminate operations one hour early to save
resources for the most significant part of the storm which is expected
Saturday into Sunday.

Saturday December 6th, 2003 Schedule of Roving Operations for 2 Meters and
440 MHz.

The schedule of being on various repeaters has been pre-empted due to the
potential for roving to various repeaters for storm reports. If you make
contact with us directly, we will honor QSL’s and log the contacts but we
cannot honor the previously set schedule as we may need reports from
repeaters at different time than the previous schedule. We appreciate
everyone’s understanding here and we thank all of you for your continued
support of SKYWARN including for this latest major storm.

Here is the HF Schedule. Friday Night’s Schedule is unchanged except to
shave one hour off the expected time we will be at NWS Taunton. For Friday
Night from 9-11 PM, we will guard near the 3943 KHz 75 Meter ARES/RACES
liaison frequency. For Saturday, we have made 40 Meters the primary band for
much of the daylight hours and 20 Meters the secondary band. On 40 Meters,
we will guard near or on the 7245 KHz ARES/RACES frequency.

Friday December 5th, 2003:

7-9 PM: Primary Band: 20 Meters Secondary Band: 75 Meters
9 PM-11 PM: Primary Band: 75 Meters Secondary Band: 20 Meters

Saturday December 6th, 2003:

7 AM-Noon: Primary Band: 40 Meters Secondary Band: 20 Meters
Noon-5PM: Primary Band: 40 Meters Secondary Band: 20 Meters
5-7 PM: Primary Band: 75 Meters Secondary Band: 20 Meters

We appreciate everyone’s support during this major winter storm and have
modified our plans to be as accomodating as possible to thank the SKYWARN
Spotters in the region as best as possible. We would like to thank everyone
for their past support and their support for this latest storm.

Respectfully Submitted,

Robert Macedo (KD1CY)
ARES SKYWARN Coordinator
Southeast Massachusetts ARES District Emergency Coordinator
SEMARA ARES Emergency Coordinator
Pager #: (508) 354-3142
Home Phone #: (508) 994-1875 (After 6 PM)
Home/Data #: (508) 997-4503 (After 6 PM)
Work Phone #: 1-800-445-2588 Ext.: 72929 (8 AM-5 PM)
Email Address: rmacedo@rcn.com
http://users.rcn.com/rmacedoThe fifth annual SKYWARN Recognition Day (SRD) will take place this year on Saturday, December 6, 2003. This is the day that Amateur Radio operators visit National Weather Service (NWS) offices and contact other operators around the world.

The purpose of the event is to recognize Amateur Radio operators for the vital public service they perform during times of severe weather, and to strengthen the bond between radio amateurs and their local National Weather Service office. The event is co-sponsored by the American Radio Relay League and the National Weather Service.

Traditionally, hams have assisted the National Weather Service during times of severe weather by providing real-time reports of severe events and storm evolution. “You simply can’t put a price tag on it”, says Scott Mentzer (N0QE), organizer of the event and Meteorologist-In-Charge at the NWS office in Goodland, Kansas. “The assistance that radio amateurs provide to the NWS throughout the year is invaluable”.

SKYWARN Recognition Day this year will be held from 0000 UTC to 2400 UTC on December 6, 2003. Scott Mentzer, the creator and promoter of the event, strives to involve more NWS offices and Amateur Radio operators each year. In 2002, participants logged nearly 23,000 QSOs during the 24-hour event. Last year nearly 70 countries were contacted. To learn more about this year’s event, check out the NOAA Web site:
http://hamradio.noaa.gov/. This site includes a link to a list of participating National Weather Service offices and their call signs.

Questions concerning this event can be directed toLarry Boyd, K0ILB, at larry.boyd@noaa.gov.

– –Thanks to David Floyd, N5DBZ,
Warning Coordination Meteorologist,
NWS Goodland, Kansas
david.l.floyd@noaa.gov

An announcement on SKYWARN Recognition Day also appears in November, 2003, QST, p. 90, and at the
SRD site Web page.

Norwood ARC Monthly C-CE Exams

Norwood ARC logoNorwood ARC offers Amateur Radio Emergency Communication Course Exams each third Thursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the Norwood Civic Center. Pre-registration is required. See http://www.norwood-arc.org/newscarrier/newscarrier.htm for details.

Norwood ARC K1JMR Newscarrier, November 2003