Everything that happened at this well-attended meeting demonstrated what a strong, healthy club the EAWA is. The meeting started with introductions and a question: Has Murphy (of Murphy’s Law) visited your shack lately? While most everyone had a story of some mishap, the overall trend was that problems were solved. When there’s a technical issue, we get it sorted out. There was also time given to recognize veterans, as it was Veterans Day, and a recent Silent Key, Everett KA1BFA (see story here).
Here is a quick summary of the many announcements and updates:
2026 MDI Marathon Report: Barbara KC1SSY shared a quick preview of the upcoming After Action Report for the marathon that will be sent to all participants. The good news is that the communications team worked well, with highlights including the use of tactical callsigns and APRS tracking. The feedback was helpful, offering many useful suggestions for next year.
2026 Field Day Report: Rob W8HAP shared the final results. The EAWA came in 2nd place in our category. We scored 20% more points than we did in 2025, and we increased our number of QSOs by 46% over 2025. We should be darn proud of that!!!
Net Controls: While we have a rotating schedule of Net Control operators for the two nets staffed by the EAWA (see Regular Events here), we can always use more! Contact Joan W1DLC if you’d like to be in the Net Control rotation.
Nominating Committee: If you are interested in learning more about filling an officer position, contact a member of the nominating committee: Stan W1BOY, Mel W1MEB, & Jeff KA1DBE. The slate will be announced at the December meeting.
Otter Cliffs Radio Station Special Event: Plans are coming along for this event, also called the “Fabbri Special Event,” scheduled for August 28, 2027. With volunteer help, current plans are to staff several stations at two locations, along with public outreach and educational components. Contact Stan W1BOY if you’d like to take a leadership role in this project, and look for another planning meeting in early 2027.
24-hr Maine State POTA Day: Momentum is growing for a 24-hour effort at Ft. Knox, on the UTC day of May 22. The goal is to get a POTA Kilo Award (1,000 QSOs) for our club callsign, W1TU, on the Maine POTA Day. Look for an informational meeting in the spring. In the meantime, contact Matt KC1VLH if you have ideas or questions.
W1AW/1 for the ARRL’s USQ250 program: If you would like to operate as W1AW/1 during the week of December 16, representing Maine in this year-long effort, please contact Sully KC1WNM to get on the schedule.
Radio Demonstrations for Students: Markus K1FIG, an instructor at the Hancock County Technical Center, is seeking radio demonstrations and activities for his students. The students are studying for their Tech license. Contact Markus if you have some time to donate to this worthy cause.
No Regular December meeting: What? Delete the meeting on the second Thursday? Keep reading.
Annual Holiday Potluck Party: Replacing our usual monthly meeting in December is our annual potluck dinner. This is scheduled for noon, on Sunday, December 13 at Meadow View Apartment (see map here). Traditionally this has been a well-attended, lively get-together of EAWA members and friends, and their families.
Our speaker for the evening was Clint, now known as Dr. Clinton Spaulding. Many EAWA members participated in his doctoral research project focused on ways hams pass along knowledge to other hams. His statistical analysis revealed four themes, also called “factors.” Clint’s data indicated that the strongest way hams share knowledge is centered around technical radio topics. Hams love innovation, discovery, and hands-on engagement — and we like to talk about it! This theme was focused more on the physics and cutting-edge science of amateur radio. The second powerful theme highlighted the ways hams share knowledge through building kits, antennas, or stations, and taking others along for the ride! We enjoy those teaching situations. (EAWA members, think “Weekend Sessions.”) The third theme or factor focused on Elmering but more in the way of sharing traditions. This theme is the energy that moves us to share our love of ham radio with our families and our communities. This energy pushes us to advertise events, such as Field Day. We all want to do our part to keep ham radio thriving for generations to come. The fourth theme or factor focused on emergency communications, public service, and connecting our skills with community needs. While the hobby is all about having fun, there is the more serious, emergency communications foundation to all we do.
It was interesting to learn what Clint found in his research. Across all of his data, Clint found that hams value hands-on learning, a commitment to share our knowledge and Elmer others, and share a common bond as members of the world-wide ham radio community. We value all types of radio operations and related interests. With each finding, it became clear that we, the EAWA, are a healthy ham community! Thanks, Clint, for sharing these findings with us!
The November meeting was filled with information, event planning, and a strong evening program. Thanks to all who came out and followed the meeting on Zoom. If you haven’t yet joined us for a club meeting, perhaps the upcoming Holiday Potluck event will be your first time? We hope so!
Written by Marion W1GRL
