Section news

Scott Yonally, N8SY

State of the Hobby, 2019!

(from Dustin, N8RMA | Gregory Drezdzon, WD9FTZ) Radio amateurs have spoken and the results are in! I truly hope you read and enjoy the report below. It represents approximately 120 hours of blood, sweat and tears each spring, donated out of love for amateur radio and a sense of duty to help in some way. Share these results with your clubs, ham friends and family, and most importantly challenge them (and yourself) to use the information to enact positive change. We all know this hobby isn't one we can do solo - it's in our best interest to improve and grow it each and every year. It doesn't have to be a grand gesture either - to quote the greatest movie ever, Contact, starting the marvelous Jodie Foster, "small moves Ellie, small moves". Do something small within your community or club to positively promote the hobby and create that ripple. As always, if you are interested in receiving email updates please subscribe to the blog. The yearly survey results and information will be posted there and by subscribing you won't miss a single update . Now, on to the report! 2019 State of the Hobby

Ohio Statewide Courthouses On The Air

Special Event, August 24, 2019 Event Background Last year there was the Ohio Covered Bridge Special Event that was led by John Levo, W8KIW Editor of the Highland ARC’s Monday Morning Memo. Several clubs participated and was a complete success. Additionally, there were several folks interested in Ham Radio at the event who have now become new Hams. Yes, anytime there is a public event resulting in a gain to the Ham Radio community, it is a total success. This year in keeping with the historical event series, John and the members of the Highland ARC decided to do a special event from their courthouse lawn. John published an article in the Monday Morning Memo which attracted the attention of Michael Love, WB8YKS Southern Ohio Amateur Radio Association (SOARA) PIO. John and Mike decided that there may be interest in an all-state special event celebrating the courthouses in all of Ohio’s 88 counties. Scott Yonally, N8SY Ohio Section Manager thought it was a fantastic idea and requested John and Mike to reach out across the state to determine the level of support for the event. The Ohio Section has 117 affiliated clubs of which 48 are Special Service Clubs and there are 29 PIOs. There may not be a club listed in each county by address, but we do have Hams in each county. Promoting Ham Radio This may be a first for the ARRL and the Ohio Section. This event has all the opportunities for a FUNFILLED family day engaging the public and our government officials. Additionally, one county’s club is partnering with their county commissioners, historical society, EMA, sheriff’s office, public library, chamber of commerce, and news media. The club has decided to use a large tent as the event will take place rain or shine. Their PIO will make handouts available about ham radio and promoting the ARRL, ARES, RACES, Ohio Section and their local club. A special focus will be made to spotlight the public awareness of the hobby and the benefits of a Ham radio license, emergency and community service. The public will be invited to talk on the radios under the direct supervision of a licensed operator. Several clubs plan to provide contact QSL cards and/or certificates to capture this historical event. Fun for Everyone There may be some folks dressed in period costumes providing history about their courthouse and the early days in their county. Moreover, one club has requested, August 24, 2019, to be declared as Ham Radio Day in their county, and their county commissioners have approved it. Event Details Yes, we are excited and hopefully you are as well, about participating in this historical Ohio Courthouses on the Air Special Event. We are requesting ALL Ohio Clubs and Hams to consider supporting this special event. The event will take place on, Saturday, August 24, 2019, from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. However, the hours can be extended by each club. Additionally, each club will determine the frequencies and modes they will use. Another opportunity presents itself as the Ohio QSO Party www.ohqp.org is also on the air, Saturday, August 24th. Therefore, these two events will complement each other providing contacts not only from within Ohio but across the country. All Hams are invited to participate. Staying in Touch Please inform the listed contacts that your club will be participating, and the name of the county represented. Additionally, there will be updates provided in the Monday Morning Memo, the PostScript, Ohio Section Journal, and www.arrl- ohio.org. Contacts for additional information: Michael Love, WB8YKS wb8yks@arrl.net John Levo, W8KIW highlandara@yahoo.com

ARRL and FCC Sign Memorandum to

Implement New Volunteer Monitor

Program

ARRL and the FCC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that paves the way to implement the new and enhanced Volunteer Monitor program. The memorandum establishes the Volunteer Monitors as a replacement for the Official Observers (OO) program. Current OOs have been encouraged to participate in the new program. "We are excited by the opportunity to codify our partnership with the FCC and to work together to achieve our mutual interests of protecting the integrity of our Amateur Radio bands," said ARRL President Rick Roderick, K5UR. "This Memorandum of Understanding will serve as the foundation for a new level of partnership on this very important issue." ARRL has contracted with retired FCC special counsel and former Atlantic Division Vice Director Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH, to oversee the ARRL's role in the development and implementation of the Volunteer Monitor program. Approved by the ARRL Board of Directors at its July 2018 meeting, the new Volunteer Monitor program is a formal agreement between the FCC and ARRL in which volunteers trained and vetted by the ARRL will monitor the airwaves and collect evidence that can be used both to correct misconduct or recognize exemplary on-air operation. Cases of flagrant violations will be referred to the FCC by the ARRL for action in accordance with FCC guidelines. The intent of this program is to re-energize enforcement efforts in the Amateur Radio bands. It was proposed by the FCC in the wake of several FCC regional office closures and a reduction in field staff. "Under this program, the FCC will give enforcement priority to cases developed by the Volunteer Monitor program, without the delay of ARRL having to refer cases through the FCC online complaint process," Hollingsworth said. Hollingsworth has committed to FCC and ARRL officials to ensure the adequacy of training for the new positions, to review the quality and utility of Volunteer Monitor submissions to the FCC for enforcement actions, and to advocate for rapid disposition of cases appropriately submitted to the FCC. ARRL officials estimate that the first Volunteer Monitors will be in place and ready to begin their duties within 6 to 9 months.