ARRL Great Lakes Division

1. Dale's Tales for January

   Greetings, welcome to "Dale's Tales" for January, 2021.
   
   HAPPY NEW YEAR and let's all hope it brings us back to a more normal lifestyle.
   
   SOME CHANGES FOR 2021: With the New Year, we report some changes within the Great Lakes Division. As you know, Tom Delaney W8WTD chose not to run for re-election as our Division Vice Director. Former Ohio Section Manager Scott Yonally, N8SY was elected to the post and officially took office January first. We also bid farewell to "Tom's Tome", W8WTD's monthly news section of this column and introduce "Scott's Stuff", to keep you apprised of Division news from the Vice Director's perspective.
   
   We also welcome the new Section Manager for the Ohio Section as Tom Sly WB8LCD takes the helm to manage the nation's largest Section in terms of ham population. Tom had been recently serving as Ohio's Affiliated Club Coordinator and brings a wealth of experience in team management to his new post.
   
   My special thanks to Tom Delaney W8WTD who has been such a team player and wonderful associate while serving as our Vice Director. Thanks Tom for all of your efforts and successes and best wishes as you continue to enjoy ham radio.
   
   A special note to Scott N8SY as he changes roles: "Scott, you voluntarily retired from the Section Manager slot - remember that - it is now WB8LCD's job - remember that. Tom will do it differently, make changes, bring in new ideas, and toss old ones. Sit back and enjoy, it's Tom's turn." <GRIN>.
   
   UPDATES: The ARRL Board of Directors meets the third weekend of January, again by remote due to COVID restrictions. This seems to work pretty well for the actual meeting process, but is rather limiting when we attempt to discuss new ideas and try to build a coalition in support of a potential motion.
   
   I suspect that it is not too much different from what most of are experiencing when conducting a remote radio club meeting. Still, it is important that we make a full effort to keep close contact with our membership and likewise take the extra action to keep those members involved. We are seeing a lot of live remote presentations and pre-recorded videos put to use. These have offered new technical training materials, reported on some historical and very interesting DXpeditions, provided some new contesting ideas and ham radio product reviews. Actually it is really taking some of the edge off for those of us in lock-down. Club programs are a revitalized initiative for radio clubs - let's keep it on a roll.
   
   SCOTT'S STUFF: Comments from your ARRL Vice Director Scott, N8SY.
   
   Wow, what a year this has been for all of us. This being my first article as the Great Lakes Division Vice Director I want to say that I have some really big shoes to fill as Tom, W8WTD did a really exceptional job over these many years and I have a great example to follow and grow on. I will do my level best to carry on in his footsteps in serving Dale as a team partner in taking the Great Lakes Division to the “Next Level.”
   
   A lot of you are most likely wondering just who the heck is this guy anyway. Well, here’s a little background information about me. I became licensed in January 1979 as a Novice. I was issued one of those unusual newfangled "KA8" calls that really stuck out “KA8DWI.”
   
   Don’t worry, I’ve heard it all. But I was proud of becoming an Amateur Radio operator no matter what the call sign. Oh, I do have that call sign on a license plate! I soon upgraded to General and then again to the now almost extinct Advanced Class license and became KC8SS. Yes, I was kidded about now becoming “Suddenly Sober,” but I will say this, I really loved that call! I was sought after during Sweepstakes every year. My boss convinced me to upgrade one more time and I got my amateur extra along with a new call sign N8SY. YES, I am a CW nut as well as a life member of the ARRL.
   
   I’ve always had a place in my heart for emergency communications and traffic handling. Over the years I have been a part of numerous emergency situations and have been very active in a number of traffic nets around the country. I’m currently the resident troubleshooter for ARES Connect assisting Headquarters as well as volunteers from around the country getting them up and running. In the late 1990’s I got interested in the world wide web and created a number of websites, including the one for the Great Lakes Division.
   
   In 2019 I received the Joe Knight, Distinguished Service Award for my work as Section Manager of Ohio, and for my leadership contributions to the ARRL and its Field Organization. I am one of only 9 Section Managers in the country to receive this award and I am so very honored to be able to serve all of you.
   
   That’s going to do it from here. I want to say to everyone…. Have a Fantastic New Year!! Let’s keep our fingers crossed that we all get to meet at a Hamfest somewhere soon.
   
   --73, Scott Yonally N8SY, Vice Director, Great Lakes Division
   
   
   HAMFESTING: For the latest detail on regional hamfests, check the ARRL web page at: http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar.
   
   If you plan to request ARRL Hamfest Sanctioning, please do so well in advance of your Hamfest date, as this allows adequate time for QST Listings. QST announcements require a 3 month lead time.
   
   Be sure to invite your ARRL Officials as soon as your date is set.
   
   

   Things do require some advanced planning, especially under the current travel restrictions.
   
   This is a continuing struggle for most hamfest sponsors, both in terms of meeting community safety requirements and those imposed by the host venue. If your swap is cancelled or the date is going to change, please notify ARRL HQ. We work together with the HQ staff to verify all new date selections in the hope of mitigating date conflicts.
   
   Here is the current listing of Great Lakes Division ARRL Sanctioned hamfests for early 2021. Please note that all are subject to change, so please stay current by checking the sponsoring club's web page before making your travel arrangements.
   
   On the 2021 ARRL Sanctioned Hamfest calendar:
   
   03/06/2021 - Cave City Hamfest, Cave City, KY
   
   03/07/2021 - WINTERHAMFEST, Elyria, OH
   
   04/25/2021 - Athens Hamfest, Athens, OH
   
   5/21/21021 - Dayton Hamvention, Xenia, OH
   
   It should be noted that there has been a change in the way ARRL contributes to your ARRL sanctioned hamfest efforts. Please carefully read the e-mail from ARRL Headquarters confirming your sanctioning as IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING PRIZES.
   
   73, Stay safe.
   Ham it up!
   
   Dale Williams WA8EFK
   Director
   Great Lakes Division
   wa8efk@arrl.org
   
   

2. Dale's Tales for December

   Greetings, welcome to "Dale's Tales" for December, 2020.

   THE ARRL FOUNDATION, with the generosity of many donors and the hard work of a long line of dedicated Foundation Directors, has had a positive impact on the lives of many young amateur radio operator students since 1973. Being awarded an ARRL Foundation scholarship could mean the difference in whether a student can pursue their education in 2021 or not.
   
   You can check on available scholarships at:
   http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions
   
   And you may use this URL for applications:
   http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-application
   
   Since only amateur radio operator students may apply, the chances of being selected for a scholarship are quite good. It would be a shame to miss this opportunity. The ARRL Foundation offers over 100 scholarships and it only takes a simple online application to apply. Please pass this information along to anyone you feel is eligible for this opportunity. It is your chance to have a direct positive impact upon the life of a student.
   
   MY THANKS to you all for supporting me in the recent ARRL Election for Great Lakes Division Director. I am truly honored that I will be able to serve you for another term. As you know, Tom Delaney W8WTD has chosen to retire from his roll our Vice Director. Our new Vice Director will be Scott Yonally N8SY who will take office on January first. Scott currently serves as Ohio Section Manager. A new SM will be selected to fill the remainder of Scott's term. This appointment is made by ARRL President Rick Roderick K5UR, based upon recommendations from yours truly and the ARRL Radiosport and Field Services Manager Bart Jahnke W9JJ. We will be working with Scott and his staff over the next few weeks to complete this process.
   
   OUR EFFORTS to convince the FCC to reconsider their proposed new fee structure for Amateur Radio licensing have been very strong and have included a wide range of opposing arguments. As of today, the FCC has received nearly 4000 responses to the NPRM. Thank you for your efforts.
   
   With the expected changes to the Commission due to the departure of Commissioner O'Reilly and Chairman Pai, the FCC will not be expected to offer any major decisions through the remainder of this year.
   
   
   

   TOM'S TOME: Comments from your ARRL Vice Director Tom W8WTD.
   
   My last column in this space. It’s been amazing over the past few years, to hear from so many people who have read something here and made comments, in person or by email. Thank you for reading.
   
   It has been my privilege to serve as a representative for the Division with the ARRL. I’ve enjoyed helping Dale in all the business of the League, and it’s been especially rewarding to be able to talk to so many hams throughout the three states, getting your perspective on important matters, and being able to help you understand the ARRL’s position on the many things that affect ham radio.
   
   Congratulations to Scott, N8SY, who will take over as Vice Director. I’m sure he will do a great job.
   
   As for me, I’m just stepping back from some of the direct involvement with ARRL. I remain a strong supporter of the League, and still want to do whatever I can to further ham radio, especially getting newer, younger members interested. I miss seeing so many of you, and hope that we can safely go back to hamfests and meetings sometime in the coming year.
   
   --73, Tom W8WTD Vice Director, Great Lakes Division
   
   
   

   HAMFESTING: This is a continuing struggle for most hamfest sponsors, both in terms of meeting community safety requirements and those imposed by the host venue. If your swap is cancelled or the date is going to change, please notify ARRL HQ. We work together with the HQ staff to verify all new date selections in the hope of mitigating date conflicts.
   
   Here is the current listing of Great Lakes Division ARRL Sanctioned hamfests for early 2021. Please note that all are subject to change, so please stay current by checking the sponsoring club's web page before making your travel arrangements.
   
   On the ARRL Sanctioned Hamfest calendar:
   
   03/06/2021 - Cave City Hamfest, Cave City, KY
   03/07/2021 - WINTERHAMFEST, Elyria, OH
   
   For the latest detail on regional hamfests, check the ARRL web page at:
   http://www.arrl.org/hamfests-and-conventions-calendar.
   
   If you plan to request ARRL Hamfest Sanctioning, please do so well in advance of your Hamfest date, as this allows adequate time for QST Listings. QST announcements require a 3 month lead time.
   
   Be sure to invite your ARRL Officials as soon as your date is set. Things do require some advanced planning, especially under the current travel restrictions.
   
   

   It should be noted that there has been a change in the way ARRL contributes to your ARRL sanctioned hamfest efforts. Please carefully read the e-mail from ARRL Headquarters confirming your sanctioning as IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING PRIZES.
   
   
   73, Stay safe.
   
   Ham it up!
   
   Dale Williams WA8EFK
   Director
   Great Lakes Division
   wa8efk@arrl.org
   
   
   

3. Dale's Tales for November

    Greetings, welcome to "Dale's Tales" for November, 2020.

   MY THANKS to everyone who responded to the plea a few weeks ago to protest the re-imposition of fees for Amateur Radio Licenses.  The plea continues, as the NPRM Comment Period is still open for a few more days.

   While the $50 fee can be amortized over 10 years, how many youngsters can be expected to do that? How many adults do that?

   ARRL's Legal Counsel has advised us that the FCC does have some options as they relate to the Congressional Mandate to recover costs through the imposition of fees.

   The opportunity exists for you to let the FCC know your opinion on thematter.  For step-by-step instructions on the filing process, see:  http://www.arrl.org/FCC-Fees-Proposal  From there, select: "ARRL's Guide to Filing Comments with the FCC (PDF version or web version)" for the detailed instructions.

   We know that ham radio is quite different from the commercial aspects of many radio services. Amateur Radio has no profit motivations, and quite to the contrary, we can derive no income from our ham activities.

   Certainly, that is one argument against an arbitrarily excessive fee for our licensing. How many more can you add to that? Please consider filing a response to the FCC's NPRM.

   THANKSGIVING will be different for many families his year. With notable upswings in COVID-19 infections on the increase, it's going to be tough sharing a turkey via Zoom but we urge erring on the side of caution as our families gather later this month. Please plan to be safe. All of our best wishes go out as we celebrate this year.

   HALLOWEEN was last evening and many ham radio groups assisted their local communities with patrol efforts to help insure the safety of the youngsters out for Trick or Treat. Our thanks go to all who participated. It was truly different this year; many areas did not allow Trick or Treat, while others permitted it with homeowners participating at their own comfort level. We had reports of several innovative non-contact ideas to deliver the treats, ranging from bags of treats hung out by clothes pins to chutes from second floor windows to drop candy directly into the Halloweeners' bags. What fun. Still, many hams safely volunteered their services, keeping watch for the safe passage for children.

   TOM'S TOME: Comments from your ARRL Vice Director Tom W8WTD.

   To say “what a year it’s been” is hardly a new thought, right?

   Still, trying to see where we’ve been and where we might be going with ham radio might be worthwhile. A lot of things happened that we don’t like, and some may have possibilities for the future.

   Dale and I were just talking the other day about how in order to complete some simple bench projects, we actually had to go on the internet and buy new parts, instead of waiting for the next hamfest and finding what we need in the “anything in the box for a buck” from a local ham. We miss that. Hope it comes back soon. 

   Even though most clubs are still meeting, the informal chats outside the main meeting aren’t happening, since everything is on Zoom. On the plus side, I’ve been to several club meetings lately where the program portion was really outstanding. Teleconferencing can bring experts from far away to a local meeting, without the expense or trouble of traveling. We’re all getting much more comfortable with video. Even after club meetings in person resume, look for this aspect to continue.

   A good presenter has always been a draw for meetings, and the ability to reach out farther will help everyone. Club officers should be thinking about who can be tapped for programs. Many presenters are quite willing to share, particularly since they can do it from the comfort of their own homes.

   Fall and winter bring contests and final antenna tweaking before the snow flies. The great outdoors seems a safer place to avoid the virus, and antenna work usually involves some distance between workers. So we can probably get some of those projects done in the next few weeks. 

   Some of the bigger contests happen over the next few months. Maybe you’re not a big contester, but you could give it a try. We need to keep using all our bands. Being on the radio for any purpose is a good thing right now. The latest solar update indicates some good news that propagation may be on the increase.

   On a technical note, some hams are IT professionals, and some are scared of computers. It’s clear that interconnectivity makes things easier.

   Did you see that ARRL has issued some new temporary guidelines for multi-operator stations for the ARRL DX Contest coming up in February and March? Maybe the IT professionals can help the rest of us figure out how to set up network logging software and use a communications platform to stay in touch, so that more people and clubs will participate in contests like that one.

   That’s about it for now. Remember, talk on the radio! And stay safe as the holidays approach.

   --73, Tom W8WTD Vice Director, Great Lakes Division

   HAMFESTING: This is a continuing struggle for most hamfest sponsors, both in terms of meeting community safety requirements and those imposed by the host venue. If your swap is cancelled or the date is going to change, please notify ARRL HQ. We work together with the HQ staff to verify all new date selections in the hope of mitigating date conflicts.

   Here is the current listing of Great Lakes Division ARRL Sanctioned hamfests remaining through the end of 2020. Please note that all are subject to change, so please stay current by checking the sponsoring club's web page before making your travel arrangements.

   Still on the ARRL Sanctioned Hamfest calendar:

   11/1/20 Massillon,  Massillon, OH

   11/8/20 Livonia Amateur Radio Repeater Group,         Livonia, MI

   For the latest detail on cancelled hamfests, check the ARRL web page at:  http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search/page:5/keywords:Canceled/model:Event

   If you plan to request ARRL Hamfest Sanctioning, please do so well in advance of your Hamfest date, as this allows adequate time for QST Listings. QST announcements require a 3 month lead time.

   Be sure to invite your ARRL Officials as soon as your date is set.

   Things do require some advanced planning, especially under the current travel restrictions.

   It should be noted that there has been a change in the way ARRL contributes to your ARRL sanctioned hamfest efforts. Please carefully read the e-mail from ARRL Headquarters confirming your sanctioning as IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING PRIZES.

   73, Stay safe.

   Ham it up!

   Dale Williams WA8EFK  Director - Great Lakes Division 

   --------------------------------------------------------------------

   ARRL Great Lakes Division

   Director: Dale R Williams, WA8EFK

   wa8efk@arrl.org

   --------------------------------------------------------------------

4. Call To Action - FCC Fees for Radio Amateurs

    

   Greetings fellow Great Lakes Divison hams.

   It is time to protest the imposition of fees for Amateur Radio Licensing.

   The fees Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was published in this morning’s Federal Register (https://tinyurl.com/yyk8f2yp). The deadline for comments is November 16, and the Reply comment deadline is November 30.

   With this in mind, I am extending the following suggestions you might consider using in writing to the FCC in response to the NPRM. Our thanks to Dave Siddall K3ZJ, ARRL Counsel, for these guidelines. Be sure to carefully review the paragraphs; "Some Suggestions" as the information therein will assist with much of the applicable background.

   This subject is critical, the timing is critical. I urge you to contact the FCC. Address and related information is contained in the article referenced in the Federal Register.   Please use your own words to express your objections to the proposed fees.

   (Good) Arguments Against FCC Fees for Radio Amateurs

   Amateurs contribute to the public good. In many areas they provide an emergency communications backbone capability at no taxpayer cost.

   Consistently we have witnessed storms and natural disasters completely wipe out internet, cellular, and other means of communication. Radio amateurs often fill that void on an unmatched, flexible basis when needed.  One recent example is the California wildfires.  

   Unlike operators in other FCC licensed services, Amateur Radio operators by law – domestic and international -- must eschew using their license for any pecuniary interest. Amateurs are prohibited from earning or charging any money for any communications activity. The expenses for their equipment and activities come out of their own pockets, with no opportunity for reimbursement or payment of any kind.

   The United States is experiencing a severe lack of RF engineers and expertise at the very time it is needed by the burgeoning wireless industries.    Amateur radio is helping to meet the deficit, but much more is needed and youngsters (High School and College-aged) are least able to afford licensing fees.  RF knowledge and related digital expertise is needed to maintain U.S. leadership in wireless industries.

   At a minimum, young people (below the age of 26) should be exempt from the proposed license fees.

   Amateur radio is self-regulating. (a) Amateur examinations are written and administered by radio amateur volunteers. (b) Examination results and paperwork most often are submitted electronically to the FCC.

   Electronic submission could be required if there would be a cost savings to the Commission. (c) Amateur radio educational classes are conducted by volunteers who by-and-large do not charge fees or tuition for teaching. (d) The amateur service, in cooperation with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau, has a volunteer corps that monitors the amateur airwaves and has programs that try to prevent their misuse before FCC involvement might be needed. The amateurs also observe non-amateur signals both within amateur spectrum and outside it, and report unusual or suspicious signals.

   Amateur radio continues to be a source of significant technological innovation that should be encouraged, not discouraged. 

   Some Suggestions

   We do not recommend arguing that the $50. fee every 10 years, which amounts to $5.00 a year, will “kill” amateur radio, even though as proposed this is for each covered application, which includes upgrade applications. Tech-General-Extra could be $150. If exams taken at different sessions, a substantial amount. But it “rings” the wrong way to say the whole service turns on $5/year for each licensee. If that’s all it would take ….

   The Commission argues that the charges are required by the statute. The word used is “shall”, which is mandatory, not optional. But the statute does not set the amount, nor does it prohibit reasonable exceptions – evidenced by the Commission’s proposal to exempt from fees administrative update applications based on policy grounds.

   This is not “aimed at amateur radio to kill it.” There is a long history and precedent on charging fees for the licensing service involved, just as there is for passports, green cards, drivers' licenses (issued by states), etc. Better to make pertinent arguments on why the fees would impair the public benefits of the amateur radio service than argue that the whole service might die as a result of a fee that, in fact, is less than the fee many of us paid in the 1960’s and 1970’s.

   For background: this proceeding is being handled by staff unfamiliar with amateur radio. It is being handled in the FCC’s Office of Managing Director (OMD), not in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau where the amateur-specific Part 97 matters are handled. The focus of OMD is accounting – budgets and the like for the entire Commission.

   The fee proposals cover every FCC license and service across the board and the consideration was directed by Congress. It is recommended keeping “ham jargon” out of comments, it won’t be understood by the intended recipients.

   
   

   Thank you.

   --------------------------------------------------------------------

   ARRL Great Lakes Division

   Director: Dale R Williams, WA8EFK

   wa8efk@arrl.org

   --------------------------------------------------------------------

    

5. Dale's Tales for October

    Greetings, welcome to "Dale's Tales" for October, 2020.

   OCTOBER is the month for the annual Simulated Emergency Test (SET).

   Nationally it is held on the first weekend in October and this year KY and OH will participate on Oct 3, while MI will hold their SET on Oct 10. So charge your batteries, gas up the generator, check out your jump kit and get active with your local group.   Most of our local Emergency

   Coordinators (EC) have plans in place to test preparedness, nets, deployment, traffic handling skills and problem solving. We all use this event to see where our shortcomings may be and develop plans for improvement. If you are not registered with your local Emergency Coordinator, please do so and offer your assistance. 

   NEW CEO: The New Guy is on board. David Minster NA2AA became our new CEO on September 28 and has been meeting our staff in Newington as much as Covid-19 restrictions permit. As most are aware, our ARRL Support staff has largely been working remotely while limited staffing has been in the HQ building. That continues while arrangements are ongoing to insure we are able to offer all of our regular services.   What a truly different introduction this will be for our new CEO as he joins the organization. 

   FCC PROPOSED CHANGE: ARRL filed in response to the recent NPRM from the FCC regarding changes to the amateur allocation in the 3.0 the 3.5 GHz band. We have secondary status in the band and ARRL asked that the allocation be continued. You can visit:

   http://www.arrl.org/news/arrl-seeks-changes-in-fcc-proposal-to-delete-3-4-ghz-amateur-band

   for additional details.

   In another FCC related issue, the League is preparing a strong, specific and detailed response to oppose any of the recently proposed fees related to Amateur Radio Amateur licensing.  This has been a concern expressed by many hams not only in the Great Lakes Division but across the country.  ARRL has received many useful comments and suggestions to incorporate in our response opposing this issue, thank you all.

    

   TOM'S TOME: Comments from your ARRL Vice Director Tom W8WTD.

   Most of us read QST as soon as it comes in. So, have you read the cover article for October? That’s the one entitled “Ham Boot Camp,” and it’s on page 58, if you haven’t gotten to it yet. There’s a lot of great advice in this worthwhile article.

   Over the last six years, as I met with so many hams at various meetings and other gatherings, one issue that came up again and again was the future of ham radio. Some of the concern is over keeping our frequencies. Much of it was about the future generation, and whether we will have enough hams to keep this service/hobby strong in the future.

   I worked on several education projects, as well as the “Entry Level License” committee, trying to help with these issues. I know the Board and the staff of ARRL have been working on not just getting new hams, but retaining them once they get licensed.

   So this article from the Nashua, New Hampshire club points out a number of things hams can do, both as clubs, and as individuals, to help in this process. I’m encouraged to hear about efforts that clubs are making throughout the Division to educate new hams.

   I’d like to point out some ways that individual hams can help. It’s not all just up to clubs or the national organization. Let’s start with the local repeater. The article points out that even getting an HT programmed for local use can be a challenge. But let’s say a new ham gets over that challenge. Then what? He or she puts out a call on the repeater. Who answers? Who’s listening? If you hear a “KE8__”or a “KO4__” you might guess that the person is a new ham, based on the call sign.  Can you be friendly and welcome them to ham radio? 

   We hope they know about local clubs. Yes, because of the pandemic, many are not meeting in person. But they do meet somehow, and they do have resources. Does the new person have questions? Maybe you can answer, or at least begin the process of answering. Tell them about the club you belong to, when it meets, and how to get involved.

   What are your interests in ham radio? Why not share them? Perhaps that person will become interested. Or, if they express interest in an area you’re not familiar with, do you know who in the area likes that and is somewhat of an expert? Can you put them in touch?

   Bottom line—make sure new hams have a positive experience of ham radio. There’s a lot to discover, and it will take them some time and it will take good mentoring. To start, they have to like using their radios, or they won’t upgrade, or even stay with it.

   Which repeater do you monitor? How often? Will you answer a call from someone you don’t know? It could lead to some interesting conversations for you, and a lifelong interest in ham radio for the other person. Turn on that radio!

   --73, Tom W8WTD Vice Director, Great Lakes Division

    

   HAMFESTING: If your swap is cancelled or the date is going to change, please notify ARRL HQ. We work together with the HQ staff to verify all new date selections in the hope of mitigating date conflicts.

   Here is the current listing of Great Lakes Division ARRL Sanctioned hamfests remaining through the end of 2020. Please note that all are subject to change, so please stay current by checking the sponsoring club's web page before making your travel arrangements.

   Still on the calendar:

   10/18/20    St Joseph County          Centreville, MI

   10/24/20    Hazard                           Hazard, KY

   11/1/20      Massillon                       Massillon, OH

   For the latest detail on cancelled hamfests, check the ARRL web page at:

    http://www.arrl.org/hamfests/search/page:5/keywords:Canceled/model:Event

   It should be noted that there has been a change in the way ARRL contributes to your ARRL sanctioned hamfest efforts.  Please carefully read the e-mail from ARRL Headquarters confirming your sanctioning as IT CONTAINS IMPORTANT DETAILS REGARDING PRIZES.  Be sure to invite your ARRL Officials as soon as your date is set.  With 52 weeks and normally about 70 hamfests in the Great Lakes Division, things do require some advanced planning, especially under the current travel restrictions.

   If you plan to request ARRL Hamfest Sanctioning, please do so well in advance of your Hamfest date, as this allows adequate time for QST Listings. QST requires a 3 month lead time. 

    

   73, All the best to you and your family. Stay safe.   Ham it up!

   Dale Williams WA8EFK

   Director

   Great Lakes Division

   wa8efk@arrl.org