By Robert Alan Griffiths, NE3I, EPA Public Information Coordinator
At its “ARRL Night” April meeting, the Mount Airy VHF Radio Club, “the Pack Rats,” hosted ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA as its special guest. Other ARRL representatives attending and reviewing current topics with David were Atlantic Division Director Robert Famiglio, K3RF, ARRL Volunteer Monitor Program Administrator Riley Hollingsworth, K4ZDH and EPA Section Manager Bob Wilson, W3BIG.
David’s presentation covered a broad range of ARRL initiatives as well as his current concerns about the future of Amateur Radio. Utilizing the phrase “It’s just one band,” he illustrated the threat to the Amateur Radio Bands by commercial demands for our attractive frequency spectrum. David also raised the unclear outcome of potential FCC “delete, delete, delete” regulatory initiatives.
In contrast, the ARRL’s CEO went on to outline ARRL efforts to make Amateur Radio more accessible to young people. He emphasized the importance of the ARRL’s Teachers Institute, recognizing that new technologies are what is interesting to young people. Offering additional inspiration, David advised that new and old ARRL members alike can now call into the ARRL’s Information Service for technical advice. Another revelation the CEO brought to us was that the ARRL had recently acquired publication rights to Gordon West publications. David reminded meeting attendees that Amateur Radio privileges exist as a non-commercial radio service for the benefit of the public. In concluding, the ARRL’s CEO went on to say that Radio Amateurs need to utilize and incorporate new technologies for the future of Emcomm and Amateur Radio.
Pack Rat President Phil Miguelez, WA3NUF, initially introduced each of the ARRL speakers. After their presentations and a lengthy question and answer period, Phil thanked each of the Packrat guests for their travel, comments and informative answers to inquiries. Of the 96 Radio Amateurs in attendance, 27 members of the South Jersey Radio Association appeared remotely from their Club’s meeting location in New Jersey. Phil also recognized the 14 different clubs, ARES and other Amateur Radio groups that were represented by those on hand
