Author: Marion Mason

Two members of the EAWA, Phil N1EP and Barbara KC1SSY, had a great time at the recent Northeast HamXposition (HamX) and ARRL New England Division Convention (August 21-24, Marlborough, MA). Phil reported that the convention was well attended and well supported with vendors, booth displays, tailgaters, and presenters. Some of the program topics that caught his attention were satellite communications, loop antennas, and end-fed wire antennas. One of Phil’s highlights was to meet fellow Seaguller Jim KC1TQN. Jim is a regular check-in to the Seagull Net sessions that Phil leads on Wednesday evenings.

Barbara KC1SSY also reported strong attendance and commented on the hard choices to made between the many informative presentations and activities. Some of the presentations Barbara attended focused on the SKYWARN Storm Spotter Program, FEMA Region 1, an Antarctica expedition, contesting with a modest station, and MARS (Military Auxiliary Radio System). One of Barbara’s highlights was to meet up with Barbara KC1KGS, the District One Chair for the YLRL (Young Ladies Radio League) and attend the YL Meet-Up. Barbara KC1KGS has grown familiar with active women in the EAWA through the YLRL monthly newsletter. She often says she wishes she lived closer to us so she could join in our supportive, vibrant group.

Phil and Barbara enjoyed the speakers at the banquets and the morning gathering. Barbara was particularly taken with the presentation given by Thomas K4SWL. He reminded the attendees that we represent the global ham radio community, and of the importance of being welcoming. Thomas’s community was devastated by Hurricane Helene in September 2024. This experience and others are prompting him to share, as he did in the keynote address, the need to be empathetic and focus on the present moment.

Both Phil and Barbara remarked on the joy of seeing old friends and meeting new hams. These kinds of gatherings, as well as Hamfests, Field Days, and other shared radio activities strengthen our world-wide ham community. Speaking of gatherings, mark your calendars:
**Windsor Hamfest, September 6
**Alexander Hamfest, September 20
**NEAR-Fest, October 3-4
If you see Phil or Barabara, ask them about ‘Marlborough’ — they may just talk you in to attending next year!
Written by Marion W1GRL

What an exciting journey it has been over these last 18 months! As the primary blogger here, I’m usually writing about someone else. It feels odd to write about myself, but I must say THANK YOU to all who have inspired and helped me along my radio journey. I’ve felt the joy of being part of an active club, support from an extensive YouTube and social media community, inspiration and encouragement from radio friends, the thrill of POTAs and contesting, and strengthened companionship with my husband, Stan W1BOY, as we share this hobby. 

When I became active in ham radio, January 1, 2024, I decided to keep a radio journal. After browsing my entries it’s clear that three things about this hobby have been foundational to my radio journey:
Continued personal challenges
Involvement in the EAWA
Engaging the world-wide ham radio community.

I’ll spare you the task of reading a resume or brag sheet of my modest accomplishments. I’ve learned that the more I invest in the art and science of amateur radio, the more enjoyment and sense of accomplishment I gain from it. The more I engage in the world-wide radio community, the more my circle of radio friends grows and the more opportunities come my way.

There are too many people to name and too many stories to tell in this short space. Again, thanks to everyone who has been a part of this amazing journey, particularly W1BOY.

Written by yours truly, Marion W1GRL

What a wonderful compliment to be featured in a Facebook post from the Heart of Ellsworth, and to be hosted each week by Flexit Cafe! One of the primary functions of the radio club is to offer ways for hams to get together to discuss all things radio. We are a lively bunch!

Perhaps you will stop by? Ask us about ham radio, find out more about the club, or learn how the radio connects amateur radio operators around the world, 24/7. The ham radio community is a wonderful community!
Written by Marion W1GRL

Saturday, August 2, was a beautiful day for EAWA members and friends to make their way to the Augusta Civic Center for the ARRL Maine State Convention and Hamfest. It was great to see our friends from other parts of the state and other clubs, as well as hear the presentations and browse items on the vendors tables.

As is usually the case, many people closely studied the vendor tables throughout the morning. Others were in and out of presentations and group meetings.

Among these presentations given were Parks on the Air, with Kevin W1DED, the ARRL Forum, with the New England Director and Vice Director, Tom K1KI and Phil K9HI respectively, an ARRL ARES Meet & Greet, with Maine Section Emergency Coordinator, Derrick KW1A, and a Quarter Century Wireless Association Chapter Meeting.

As part of the ARRL Forum, Phil N1EP presented two awards. Phil recognized Jim KY2D for his continued passion and commitment to the National Traffic System. Jim routinely handles a large number of messages along with offering frequent traffic handling training sessions. Phil also presented the Maine Ham Radio Operator of the Year to yours truly, Marion, W1GRL.

Even with the activities, there was time to hang out with friends and, for some, start some shenanigans! In the photos below, Mark W1ABY and Stan W1BOY share vendor notes, while Joan W1DLC, Marion W1GRL, and Barbara KC1SSY share the morning’s news. Marion and Stan were happy to catch up with their friend, Kevin W1DED. There’s something fishy about the bottom right photo…

What a pleasant way to spend a Saturday morning! Many thanks to Cory KU1U and the Androscoggin Amateur Radio Club for organizing this time honored event!
Written by Marion, W1GRL