Inside This Issue:
🌸 President’s Message – Doug Bruce, N1WRN, shares spring antenna maintenance tips, recounts his thrilling contact with 3Y0K Bouvet Island (#10 most wanted DXCC entity!), announces Field Day 2026 dates (June 27-28), highlights Sable Island CY0S DXpedition, and asks members: what would bring you to in-person meetings?
🎙️ April Meeting: ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA – “Current Happenings and Initiatives at the League” – Hear directly from the Chief Executive Officer about updates and initiatives at ARRL. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn what’s happening at the national level! Plus: flea market continues – bring your excess gear!
📡 Spring Antenna Season – Editor Marla Wallace, WA1GSF, reminds members it’s time for antenna repairs and maintenance now that astronomical spring has arrived. Get your RF into the ether before black fly season begins! (And yes, she knows about Maxwell’s Equations, but prefers the poetic term.)
🎉 Special Events & Opportunities
- Westford Apple Blossom Parade – May 16th, volunteers needed (perfect first-time public service event!)
- USA 250 W1AW/1 Operation – August 12-21, Massachusetts hams can operate the special event station
- FREE Online Amateur Radio Operating Class – Weekly 3-hour sessions via Zoom, April 2-June 18, covering everything from DXing to satellites to traffic handling
- HamX Call for Speakers – Submit your presentation proposal for the Northeast’s largest convention
📅 April Contest Calendar – Andy Wallace, KA1GTT, highlights an impressive lineup of state QSO parties (LA, MS, NM, MO, GA, ND, FL, TX, MI, ON, QC, NE!), plus the ARRL Rookie Roundup SSB, Florida/Georgia/Texas State Parks on the Air, and the unique World Time Zone Challenge contest!
📡 Photo Feature: Antenna Dreams – This month’s QSL card theme showcases impressive antenna systems from around the world – from modest verticals to massive tower farms. Field Day Cat Herder Tim Carter is also seeking someone to lead antenna selection and installation for BARS Field Day 2026!
✅ Club News
- VE Session Results: 4 new Technicians, 1 General upgrade, 1 Extra upgrade – welcome Gerald KC1ZEI, Steven KC1ZEM, Kevin KC1ZEN, and Norberto KC1ZFN!
- Membership update: 146 members, 38 renewals still needed
- Field Day 2026: June 27-28 at last year’s location – volunteers needed!
- Saturday breakfast gatherings continue at Stelio’s
Plus: FCC email address reminders, HamStudy.org exam tips, Zoom Elmering opportunities, recurring CW contests, and much more!
The complete April 2026 BARS Newsletter is now available. Spring is here – time to get on the air!
BARS – Billerica Amateur Radio Society
News For and By BARS Members
Editor: Marla Wallace, WA1GSF
Download your copy at https://www.w1hh.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/BARSApril2026Newsletter.pdf
