March 2018 - arrl-odv - reflector.arrl.org

[arrl-odv:27128] Reminder: Registration for Hamvention is due March 31
by Pereira, Carla, KC1HSX 16 Mar '18

16 Mar '18

To: ARRL Officers, Directors and Vice Directors attending Hamvention, May 18-20, 2018 This message serves as a reminder. Hamvention is May 18-20 in Xenia, Ohio. Board members who are interested in volunteering as part of the ARRL team at Hamvention should complete our online registration before March 31, so we can meet the deadline for our hotel room block. The online registration form will help us organize room reservations, badges, apparel and staffing for the event. Even if your plans are not entirely committed, please complete the form with your tentative information so we can develop counts for hotel bookings. Register online before March 31 http://www.arrl.org/hamvention-2018-arrl-team-registration Registrations have already been received from the following individuals. Anyone requesting a hotel reservation is noted as "with HOTEL." Tom Abernethy (and Debbie) Jay Bellows K0QB with HOTEL Jim Boehner N2ZZ Kermit Carlson W9XA with HOTEL Mike Lisenco N2YBB with HOTEL Diane Middleton W2DLM with HOTEL David Norris K5UZ with HOTEL Barry Shelley N1VXY with HOTEL Ned Stearns AA7A with HOTEL Jim Tiemstra K6JAT with HOTEL Dale Williams with HOTEL ARRL team members will each receive an ARRL exhibitor's badge (in lieu of purchasing a Hamvention ticket), and team shirts. We're returning to the same Marriott as 2017. ARRL's staff team and Board members will be housed at the Marriott on S. Patterson Blvd in Dayton, http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/dayoh-marriott-at-the-university-of-d…. The hotel is 17 miles from the exhibition venue in Xenia. Our online registration form will capture your hotel registration information (please don't book directly with the hotel). ARRL's room block must be committed by the end of March. Each room includes 2 hot breakfasts and Guest Room Wireless Internet. Important: All hotel reservations will require that you present a personal credit card at check in. All hotel lodging expenses, meals, and incidentals will be charged to your personal credit card. Following the convention, Officers, Directors, and the Great Lakes Division Vice Director may seek travel expense reimbursement, expensed to their respective ARRL budgets. Hamvention parking will be free, onsite, and no parking passes are necessary. Those requiring ADA/Handicap parking should visit the Hamvention website for instructions. Shuttles and golf carts will be going through the lots to facilitate easy access. The registration form should not be shared with anyone else. If you have a spouse, companion, or other family member accompanying you-and they're interested in volunteering with you-please have them complete a registration form, too (be sure they mention your participation, so we can associate their registration with your own). Thank you for your cooperation. Please contact me if you have any questions. 73 Bob NQ1R rinderbitzen(a)arrl.org<mailto:rinderbitzen@arrl.org> ________________________________ Staff Team ARRL Team Members for 2018 Hamvention(r) Mike Corey, KI1U - ARRL Public Service, and coordinator for 4 public service forums & 15-min talks Ken Bailey, K1FUG - ARRL Public Service, and public service forum(s) & 15-min talks Sabrina Jackson - Radiosport and DXCC Bart Jahnke, W9JJ - Radiosport, IGC, and IGC Forum Bob Allison, WB1GCM - Learning! booth; technical support Steve Ford, WB8IMY - ARRL News, Product Review, and other editorial, video Dave Isgur - ARRL Media and Public Relations, including social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, blogging, vlogging, video) Michelle Patnode - ARRL Media and Public Relations, including social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, blogging, vlogging, video) Dan Henderson, N1ND - staff liaison to SM Meeting (Thursday), staff liaison to Field Org booth, attend Membership Forum Yvette Vinci, KC1AIM - ARRL Membership and Store Jackie Ferreira, KB1PWB - ARRL Membership and Store Kim McNeill, KB1WUX - ARRL Membership and Store Margie Bourgoin, KB1DCO - ARRL Membership and Store Michael Scharr - ARRL Membership and Store, and freight logistics Lauren Clarke, KB1YDD - ARRL Development & Foundation, and donor reception Regina Galuppi, W3DGI - ARRL Development & Foundation, and donor reception Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R - ARRL EXPO Manager, and Sunday forum Diane Middleton, W2DLM - CFO Barry Shelley, N1VXY - CEO ETP Instructors: Tommy Gober, N5DUX - Learning! ARRL ETP Program, and Sunday forum Matt Severin, N8MS - Learning! ARRL ETP Program Exhibits and Booths * ARRL Development and ARRL Foundation (Clarke, Galuppi) * Learning! ARRL ETP Program (Gober, Severin, Allison) * ARRL Field Organization Volunteers (Henderson) * ARRL meet & greet area (Board and Officers) * ARRL Public Service (Corey, Bailey) * ARRL Radiosport and DXCC - DXCC Card Checking; ARRL Contests and Awards; QSL Bureau (Jackson, Jahnke) * ARRL Store & Membership (Vinci, McNeill, Bourgoin, Scharr, Ferreira) * Meet the Author (Ferreira) * ARRL Visa(r) Card - U.S. Bank * ARRL Collegiate Amateur Radio Initiative * International Amateur Radio Union (IARU) Operational Leads * ARRL EXPO Manager - Inderbitzen * ARRL News/event photography/Product Review/and other editorial - Ford * ARRL Media and Public Relations - Isgur, Patnode --end--

1 0

[arrl-odv:27127] ELL Petition Talking Points
by Henderson, Dan N1ND 14 Mar '18

14 Mar '18

HQ staff, working with the ELL Chairman and general counsel, has put together the attached talking points for the Technician Enhancement petition recently filed with the FCC. It will be distributed tomorrow to the SM reflector and posted on the ARRL Web. Thanks and 73 Dan Henderson, N1ND Assistant Secretary - American Radio Relay League, Inc. Regulatory Information Manager ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio 860-594-0236 dhenderson(a)arrl.org<mailto:dhenderson@arrl.org>

1 0

[arrl-odv:27126] FW: For posting to the ODV reflector
by Henderson, Dan N1ND 14 Mar '18

14 Mar '18

I have been asked on behalf of the PSC working group to forward this to ODV: Dan Henderson, N1ND Assistant Secretary - American Radio Relay League, Inc. Regulatory Information Manager ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio 860-594-0236 dhenderson(a)arrl.org<mailto:dhenderson@arrl.org> Subject Line: Information Update on ARES Connect -- Beginning Beta Testing Notices are now going out to those who have been selected to beta test the new ARES Connect volunteer management system in their section. We believe that during this testing period, testers will discover many valuable features that will truly enhance their ability to manage their emergency communication volunteers. Those features include: a robust event management feature that allows ECs at all levels to create events, register users, log hours; a more automated reporting system based on user input, so that, instead of filing reports, ECs will be able to generate reports based on the events users register and log hours for; enhanced roster management capabilities; and embedded communications tools that will allow ECs at all levels to send email and text messages to volunteers. As we start on this beta-testing process, it may be helpful to remind everyone what ARES Connect is and what it is not. ARES Connect is built on a platform hosted by Volunteer Hub, a company that specializes in volunteer management solutions. Volunteer Hub has created platforms that are currently being used by a wide range of organizations of all sizes, including non-profits, religious organizations, hospitals, food banks, and public service programs. ARRL has committed to cover the costs of acquiring and implementing the ARES Connect system for ARES, so there is no cost to users or field organizations' leadership. ARES Connect offers many helpful features for the management of ARES volunteers, including: * A standardized ARES application process with the ability to add ARRL Section level customization. * An event management feature that allows ECs at all levels to create events, register users, log hours, and share information with other system users. * Roster management - the roster of volunteers remains the same when leadership changes. * Communications tools - ECs at all levels can send email and text messages to volunteers. * An on-site log in feature - so that during an event you can create a volunteer log in kiosk to track hours. * Each ARRL Section will have a dedicated page where new radio amateurs can be directed to sign up for ARES, find contact information, and see upcoming events including important training opportunities. * Volunteer approval process - new volunteers can still vetted by ECs before being added to the roster. * ARES Connect can be used on a computer or tablet or mobile device. * Reporting based on user input - so that, instead of filing reports, you will now generate reports based on the events users register for and log hours. This will offer a wider range of information so that more detailed or customized reports can be created at all levels. One important thing to keep in mind with ARES Connect is that it is not just a website or a database; it is a volunteer management system that is web-based. ARES Connect cannot serve as a full web page for ARES in a section. However, it can be used to direct potential volunteers to a wealth of available information about the ARES program. The timeline for the Beta Test Process will involve a week for training, a week for familiarization, and then about a month for local testing. After that will be a one-week period where we will reconnect with our beta-testers to get their feedback on their experiences and get insights on any needed changes to the system. As we continue moving forward, we will endeavor to keep everyone informed about the progress of testing, refining and implementing the ARES Connect system. Again, we want to sincerely thank those who taking part in the beta testing and we appreciate the support of all those involved in making this evolution to a better trained, better organized, more professional ARES program. ARES Connect Support Team ARRL Field Service Department

1 0

[arrl-odv:27125] recent CT press
by Tom Frenaye 12 Mar '18

12 Mar '18

https://ctmirror.org/2018/03/12/ct-lobbies-washington-taxes-riverboats-radi… -- Tom ===== e-mail: k1ki(a)arrl.org ARRL New England Division Director http://www.arrl.org/ Tom Frenaye, K1KI, P O Box J, West Suffield CT 06093 Phone: 860-668-5444

1 0

[arrl-odv:27124] In Newsletter March 9 2018
by Pereira, Carla, KC1HSX 09 Mar '18

09 Mar '18

Attached is this week's In Newsletter. Please be sure to check out the links! Have a great weekend! Carla Pereira Assistant to CEO ARRL Newington, CT 06111 860-594-0242

1 0

[arrl-odv:27123] If A Bunch Of Lawyers Can Do it, What Are We Afraid Of?
by John Robert Stratton 08 Mar '18

08 Mar '18

_______________________________________ John Robert Stratton N5AUS Vice Director Legislative Director West Gulf Division Office:512-445-6262 Cell:512-426-2028 P.O. Box 2232 Austin, Texas 78768-2232 *_______________________________________* -------- Forwarded Message -------- Subject: State Bar Transparency & Other News Date: Thu, 08 Mar 2018 22:09:40 -0000 From: Tom Vick <statebarpresident(a)texasbar.com> Reply-To: statebarpresident(a)texasbar.com To: jrstratton(a)strattonlawfirm.com To ensure receipt of our email, please add <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/dmNhci5hc3A_dj0yNQ/index.html> 'statebaroftexas(a)informz.net' to your address book. March 8, 2018 Dear Member, Starting Sunday, open government advocates will recognize Sunshine Week, a yearly celebration of access to public information. In that spirit, I’m pleased to announce that the State Bar of Texas is moving forward with plans to begin videotaping its quarterly Board of Directors meetings and sharing the videos on our website and social media. The videos will be posted at texasbar.com/board <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzI0NDI3JnA9MSZ1PTc1MTMwNDE1OCZsa…> soon after each board meeting. We'll be piloting the new recording process starting with the next board meeting on April 27 in Fort Worth. We believe this will promote transparency by making it easier for you to learn about the work of your elected representatives and the issues affecting you. State Bar board meetings are already open to the public, and anyone is welcome to come and address the board. But Texas is a big state, so getting to the meetings can be impractical. We do our best to come to you by holding board meetings in different cities, but with video we will now be even more accessible. I want to thank President-elect Joe K. Longley for making this issue a priority and Executive Director Trey Apffel and the State Bar staff for making it happen. The State Bar has also received requests to live-stream board meetings, and we are studying that possibility. The State Bar will post the April 27 meeting agenda at texasbar.com/board <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzI0NDI3JnA9MSZ1PTc1MTMwNDE1OCZsa…> at least seven days before the meeting. In the meantime, you can visit the site to read past meeting minutes. We always welcome your comments and questions. You can reach me at statebarpresident(a)texasbar.com <mailto:statebarpresident@texasbar.com> and Executive Director Trey Apffel at trey.apffel(a)texasbar.com <mailto:trey.apffel@texasbar.com>. *Our Finances, Online *The State Bar also recently launched the Our Finances <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzI0NDI3JnA9MSZ1PTc1MTMwNDE1OCZsa…> page with several years’ worth of budget documents, financial statements, and independent auditors’ reports. Today, the board’s Executive Committee received the State Bar’s 2017 fiscal year internal audit reports, and the findings are positive. The CPA firm of McConnell & Jones LLP conducted the audit, which focused on the State Bar’s compliance with: * the Public Funds Investment Act; and * State Bar Act, State Bar Rules, and State Bar Board Policy Manual provisions related to the following departments: o Membership; o Advertising Review; o Budget and Finance; o Purchasing and Facilities; and o Information Technology. The audit found all areas to be in compliance. It also found the State Bar has adopted best practices in a variety of areas to better serve its members and the public. You can read the reports at the Our Finances <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzI0NDI3JnA9MSZ1PTc1MTMwNDE1OCZsa…> page. *Bar Card Replacement Fee Cut *Finally, the cost of a replacement bar card is dropping from $25 to $15, effective immediately. The State Bar has been working toward this change for some time in response to members’ requests, so I’m pleased to see it become a reality. Go here <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzI0NDI3JnA9MSZ1PTc1MTMwNDE1OCZsa…> for instructions on how to request a replacement bar card. Be on the lookout for an email from your district directors in coming days with more updates from your State Bar. Sincerely, *Tom Vick * President, State Bar of Texas << Send this email to a friend! >> <http://texasbar.informz.net/texasbar/SendToFriend.asp?brandid=3046&email=jr…> Please go here to opt-out <http://texasbar.informz.net/texasbar/optout.asp?uid=751304158&mi=6724427&fi…> from receiving this mailing from State Bar of Texas. If you prefer not to receive any further email from State Bar of Texas, please unsubscribe here <http://texasbar.informz.net/texasbar/default.asp?action=u&email=jrstratton@…>. If you would prefer not to receive emails from us, go here <http://texasbar.informz.net/texasbar/default.asp?action=u&email=jrstratton@…>. Please send any comments about this email to webmaster(a)texasbar.com <mailto:webmaster@texasbar.com> Informz <http://texasbar.informz.net/z/cjUucD9taT02NzI0NDI3JnA9MSZ1PTc1MTMwNDE1OCZsa…> ****

1 0

[arrl-odv:27108] Expanded Technician Class Privilege Proposal
by James F. Boehner, MD 07 Mar '18

07 Mar '18

In regards to the news story on the above topic: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-requests-expanded-hf-privileges-for-technician -licensees I have recently received numerous "angry" e-mails from members who are against Technicians getting expanded privileges, perhaps thinking that this is a further "dumbing down" of amateur radio. The fact is, the news story did not immediately indicate the processes of the Entry Level License Committee. The intent was to create an entry level license that would attract young, technically minded youth into amateur radio, similar to the foundation license in the UK and Australia. The initial emphasis should have indicated that if we do not attract youth in our hobby, the service will die out as we do, and there would be no legacy to be left. Then, the practicality of the entry level license should have been discussed, that the FCC dropped us down to 3 license classes, and it would be unlikely that they would ever create another license class. Therefore, the current Technician license was chosen to be the vehicle of the Entry License. To that end, we needed privileges that would give newcomers a true "taste" of amateur radio, which required additional HF privileges, and modification of the exam. All of this, including the extensive surveys were discussed later in the article, but I doubt many read anything after the first paragraph. I would request that we have a follow-up article that describes the processes and original intent of the Entry License Committee, in order to diffuse some of these very negative impressions. On a positive side, I hear CQ actually agrees with us on this issue. '73 de JIM N2ZZ Director - Roanoke Division Representing ARRL members in the Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina sections ARRL - The National Association for Amateur RadioT

8 10

[arrl-odv:27120] HQ Closing Early
by Shelley, Barry, N1VXY (CEO) 07 Mar '18

07 Mar '18

Good Afternoon: Although the "weather guessers" in CT have been wrong on the timing of today's nor'easter, snowfalls are beginning to ramp up now. Total accumulations are predicted to be up to 12" in parts of the State. Non-essential state employees have been sent home by the Governor and many businesses are closing early in anticipation of snowfalls of 2"-3" per hour. As such, we've decided to close HQ at 3 pm EST today to make sure the staff gets home before the heavy snow hits and before rush hour. At the moment, we plan to open at the normal time tomorrow morning. If that changes, we will let you know. 73, Barry J. Shelley, N1VXY Chief Executive Officer ARRL, Inc. The national association for Amateur Radio (860) 594-0212 www.arrl.org

1 0

[arrl-odv:27117] Expanded Technician Class Privilege Proposal
by James F. Boehner, MD 07 Mar '18

07 Mar '18

Chris, I agree with you 100%. The Petition was very well written and explains all the diligent work of the Entry License Committee. For those who read everything and understand our motives, Bravo! Unfortunately, many people are “Headline Readers”. They read the first few lines of a story, and make their impressions from those first two lines. They are already angry, which no doubt decreases comprehension should they actually go on to read the remainder of the article. After they have written me a nasty e-mail, the “horse is out of the barn”. I can ask them to read the petition, but of those few that will actually do so, perhaps a handful of them will change their opinion. So, I feel really good about what we have done and can certainly defend it, but now it’s after the fact. We are dealing with perception, which to many becomes their reality. Thanks to those setting up the FAQ and to Barry and staff for choosing this for his editorial. To Chris and the Entry License Committee for their hard work also! ’73 de JIM N2ZZ Director – Roanoke Division Representing ARRL members in the Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina sections ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™ From: Christopher Imlay [mailto:w3kd.arrl@gmail.com] Sent: Wednesday, March 07, 2018 11:13 AM To: James F. Boehner, MD Cc: arrl-odv Subject: Re: [arrl-odv:27108] Expanded Technician Class Privilege Proposal Jim, we are working on an FAQ on this for Barry's next editorial and for other purposes. I would note however that while the news story didn't elaborate on the extensive polling and planning for this (which would have necessitated an awfully long news story), the Petition itself did. in great detail. It shouldn't be too much to task the naysayers to read the Petition itself, which notes, among other things, the 8,000 responses to two surveys done by the ELL Committee. "Dumbing down" is a complete mischaracterization of the petition which proposes ONLY to add certain relevant operating privileges to the Tech license, not to change the qualification requirements for the license. The mischaracterization is a complete non-sequitur. But if you don't read the petition you can't understand the proposal at all. 73, Chris W3KD On Wed, Mar 7, 2018 at 10:40 AM, James F. Boehner, MD via arrl-odv <arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org> wrote: In regards to the news story on the above topic: http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-requests-expanded-hf-privileges-for-technicia… I have recently received numerous “angry” e-mails from members who are against Technicians getting expanded privileges, perhaps thinking that this is a further “dumbing down” of amateur radio. The fact is, the news story did not immediately indicate the processes of the Entry Level License Committee. The intent was to create an entry level license that would attract young, technically minded youth into amateur radio, similar to the foundation license in the UK and Australia. The initial emphasis should have indicated that if we do not attract youth in our hobby, the service will die out as we do, and there would be no legacy to be left. Then, the practicality of the entry level license should have been discussed, that the FCC dropped us down to 3 license classes, and it would be unlikely that they would ever create another license class. Therefore, the current Technician license was chosen to be the vehicle of the Entry License. To that end, we needed privileges that would give newcomers a true “taste” of amateur radio, which required additional HF privileges, and modification of the exam. All of this, including the extensive surveys were discussed later in the article, but I doubt many read anything after the first paragraph. I would request that we have a follow-up article that describes the processes and original intent of the Entry License Committee, in order to diffuse some of these very negative impressions. On a positive side, I hear CQ actually agrees with us on this issue. ’73 de JIM N2ZZ Director – Roanoke Division Representing ARRL members in the Virginia, West Virginia, South Carolina and North Carolina sections ARRL – The National Association for Amateur Radio™ _______________________________________________ arrl-odv mailing list arrl-odv(a)reflector.arrl.org https://reflector.arrl.org/mailman/listinfo/arrl-odv -- Christopher D. Imlay Booth, Freret & Imlay, LLC 14356 Cape May Road Silver Spring, Maryland 20904-6011 (301) 384-5525 telephone (301) 384-6384 facsimile W3KD(a)ARRL.ORG

2 1

[arrl-odv:27107] Spring 2018 EC Meeting scheduled
by Henderson, Dan N1ND 06 Mar '18

06 Mar '18

As directed in Standing Order 90-1.63), be advised that the Executive Committee has scheduled its Spring meeting for Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Hartford/Windsor Airport Marriott (where the Board generally meets). The meeting will begin at 8:30 AM. 73 Dan Henderson, N1ND Assistant Secretary - American Radio Relay League, Inc. Regulatory Information Manager ARRL, the national association for Amateur Radio 860-594-0236 dhenderson(a)arrl.org<mailto:dhenderson@arrl.org>

1 0