This will be the first of my monthly section news reports. I want to thank Larry O'Toole for his dedication and service to Western Pennsylvania and wish him well as he continues to recoup from his illness.
I am looking to speedily get some action going in many areas that are of importance to the members. When I attended the Wacom hamfest last weekend I talked with many individuals that expressed concern about generating interest in the ARES program as well as the need to put new life into the clubs of our area. One of the first things that we will be working on is a combination of the section plans for Eastern and Western Pennsylvania. A sort of generic plan that will then be modified with details for the individual sections but will combine the resources of the two sections should the need arise. A committee is being formed for this purpose and I will be looking for one individual to serve on that team. We will then form a team to detail the Western Pennsylvania plan. We also need individuals to step up and be willing to accept the position of Emergency Coordinators for their individual counties. While some are on record we need to work to get a leader for each county. We also are in need of District coordinators for the four regions. Individuals with a desire to serve in this capacity are asked to contact myself at n3mse@arrl.org or Kathleen Peca at arrl.sec.wpa@comcast.net . One important aspect of the job is the filing of monthly reports to the SEC. Failure to do so could result in the cancellation of the appointment.
Another area we feel needs help is the club program. We are looking at a one day meeting to develop methods to interest new members and to get current members of clubs to become more active. More information on this will be forthcoming. Another program which is being developed is a method for clubs to share the information in their club newsletters with other clubs to help develop ideas for meeting programs and other activities. Bob DeMarco, WA3ZRM is interested in establishing a club newsletter and information exchange program. Bob is the Vice President of the Beaver Valley Amateur Radio Association (BVARA) and a retired educator. Any club iinterested in participating in such a program is asked to e-mail him at WA3ZRM@YAHOO.COM Bob can also be reached by phone at 724-378-7070 or on the 145.310- (100 Hz PL) repeater. Interested club's can also subscribe to the BVARA's eQRM newsletter by either visiting the club website at WWW.W3SGJ.ORG or sending Bob an e-mail with the subject line: SUBSCRIBE.
The Western Penna. Phone and Traffic net meets daily on 3983 KHz. There is always a need for individuals to check in and help deliver traffic. It is easy to do and you will get help from the people already on the net. We do not want to return traffic as undeliverable because we do not have an outlet for someone to make a call and deliver the message. Due to propagation the net is currently beginning at 5:30 P.M. for the winter months.
My schedule is rather flexible at this time for me to attend meetings and club activities to speak to your group. Contact me at n3mse@arrl.org to schedule a visit.
73
John Rodgers- N3MSE
W. Pa. Section Manager
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ARRL Western Pennsylvania Section
Section Manager: John V. Rodgers, N3MSE
n3mse@arrl.org
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