Connecticut Section News - September 2016 - Printable Version +- W1NRG Forum (https://www.w1nrg.com/forum) +-- Forum: General Discussions (https://www.w1nrg.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=10) +--- Forum: Ham Related Discussions (https://www.w1nrg.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?fid=11) +--- Thread: Connecticut Section News - September 2016 (/showthread.php?tid=881) |
Connecticut Section News - September 2016 - N1API - 09-29-2016 Section Leadership: Section Manager (SM) Betsey, K1EIC Assistants (ASMs): Emeritus Al, W1FXQ; Jim, KD1YV; Larry, K1HEJ Official Observer Coordinator (OOC) Chuck, K1DFS Public Information Coordinator (PIC) Dana, KA1WPM Section Emergency Coordinator (SEC) Wayne, N1CLV Assistants (ASECs): Rod, N1FNE; Brian, K1BRF; Art, AF1HS; Ron, K1VSC; Bill, W1GTT State Government Liaison (SGL) Jon, WF1H Section Traffic Manager (STM) Anne, K1STM Section Youth Coordinator (SYC) Douglas, WA1SFH Technical Coordinator (TC) Steve W1SMS Greetings all! The first thing I want to say is a big thank you to our Division director Tom Frenaye K1KI and vice director Mike Raisbeck K1TWF for the beautiful plaque on the occasion of my retirement as SM, their kind words and their thoughtfulness. I want to thank all of you for your wonderful notes of congratulations and friendship. Special thanks to the many volunteers who served on my cabinet; I appreciated their counsel, dedication and good work. When any one of us receives an award, we’re all uplifted and should share in the celebration because our work depends on the support of others. Our programs in CT continue to be dynamic because of your enthusiasm and teamwork. Thus, you enhance Amateur radio and enjoy the camaraderie our hobby and service provides. The Section has close to 50 active ARRL clubs and strong ARRL programs. As a group, you appropriately demand activities that keep you moving forward with technical and operating training. It truly has been a privilege to lead this Section these last 25 years. Together, we have had a lot of fun at both small and large events. Each of you has your own memories of a variety of Amateur radio experiences. These newsletters are archived on the ARRL site so if you are so inclined, browse through them and read about our involvement in Special Olympics 1995 which involved every program in the field organization (see “The 1995 Special Olympics World Games” QST October, 1995 p. 24), TOPOFF 3 in 2005 (http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter?issue=2005-04-08), “Spring training” (Section news April, 2009) in 2009, very many public service events, excellent simulated emergency tests and work in real emergencies during hurricanes and snow storms, the excitement of new modes including large packet boards prevalent in the early 1990’s, Winlink, the rapid rise of DMR in CT, mesh networking, and so much more. I can tell you for sure that each of my SECs and I always enjoyed coming to your field day sites, witnessing your creativity, operating a bit, sharing some food and of course, hamming it up by way of some great in-person QSOs. What fun! Now, there’s even more fun coming. It’s time for the Nutmeg Hamfest, our State Convention sponsored by the Meriden Amateur Radio Club. Read about it in this note from John, N1GNV: “Hi Friends: The Twenty-Fourth Annual Nutmeg Hamfest will take place on Sunday, October 16th, 2016 Southern New England's Biggest and Best Hamfest! Where: The Sheraton 4-Points Hotel, 275 Research Parkway, Meriden, CT. When: Vendor Setup and Tailgating at 6AM. Exhibits open at 8AM What: New and Used Ham Radios, Accessories, Electronics, Surplus, etc. Interesting Forums and Displays; VE Testing, Connecticut State ARRL Convention, and much more. More: As many of you know, Betsey, K1EIC has retired after 25 years as ARRL CT Section Manager. Take this opportunity to thank her and to welcome incoming SM Chuck Motes, K1DFS at the ARRL forum. Sky warn Coordinator Steve Williams, K1SJW, will offer an overview of Ham Radio's invaluable assistance when severe weather strikes. And Steve Ford, WB8IMY, will have a great presentation on JT-65 and other digital modes. Don't miss this one! Attention Sellers: We still have a few prime indoor tables available. E-mail jbee@qsradio.com for details. Complete information on our Website, http://www.nutmeghamfest.com. Thanks and 73, John Bee N1GNV” You also know that SEC Wayne Gronlund, N1CLV is retiring from this position after eight years of excellent service to the Section. At the ARRL Forum, I will be presenting an engraved plaque to Wayne so please come at 9:00 AM and celebrate Wayne’s work. DEC Douglas WA1SFH will be on hand to coordinate the “go kit” competition at the ARES booth so get your kits ready and share your ideas with others. For rules and information, go to v http://tinyurl.com/j7xdcss. The day before, Saturday, October 15, is also important. You have all spoken about getting more young people into Amateur radio. Now Section Youth Coordinator Douglas WA1SFH has an opportunity for you to do just that. He needs your help so please read on. “I have been asked by 3 SEPARATE BSA CAMPS to coordinate support for HF and VHF/UHF Amateur Radio stations for the Boy Scouts to participate in this “non-competition” event at each Camp. This is a “captive audience” for us, and for many scouts this will be their first encounter with Amateur Radio. It is a great opportunity for us to “spark” their imagination and help them to start building the dream about being a Ham. (Have you seen the ARRL brochure for kids, “22 Things You Can Do”?) We are looking for 3 complete stations (preferably 4), with 3-4 operators for each location. It is a full day of Radio Fun as you introduce 200-250 scouts to our great hobby. Locations: Goshen, New Hartford, Redding. Status (9/20/16) REDDING The Greater Norwalk Amateur Radio Club (GNARC) has graciously agreed to bring 2 full stations and operators here. - Still looking for a Club (or other folks) to bring and operate a 3rd complete station. Imagine being able to introduce over 200 kids to our great hobby in just one day! But to do that, we need YOUR HELP. The Camps in Goshen and New Harford are beautiful in October and provide a wonderful day ‘in the country’. So, no matter where you live, you will have a great experience just by coming out for the day.”—WA1SFH To volunteer your Club or to sign up individually, please contact Douglas at: ConnecticutSYC@gmail.com. Now I will say 73 as the author of these monthly newsletters and want you to know how much I have appreciated your comments about the news over the years. Many thanks to the ARRL staff, especially Steve Ewald who is unbelievably helpful. He is never too busy for leaders in the field. I know that you will give our new SM Chuck Motes, K1DFS your help and support. I’ll see you on the air, on the nets and at hamfests. As I said when I received the award at the Division Convention, I thank my family and close friends for their encouragement and, most of all, God for the ability to lead this great Section. Vy 73, Betsey, K1EIC SM. -------------------------------------------------------------------- ARRL Connecticut Section Section Manager: Betsey M Doane, K1EIC k1eic@arrl.org -------------------------------------------------------------------- |