February always was one of my favorite months when I was a kid – school vacation the week between the two presidents’ birthdays, Lincoln on the 12th and Washington on the 22nd. That also meant that I was spared the trials of Valentines Day – you know all the card exchanges and the candy stuff. I used to avoid it; but now it would be kind of nice to be part of all that activity once again.

Not your cup of tea? Then take a look at the contest page and see if there’s anything you like. There are Sprints, short 4-hr contests, Roundups and QSO Parties, about 12-hr long. and a 24-hr CQ WW 160-meter SSB Contest. Still don’t see what you like? Then try the ARRL’s contest website (URL on the last page.)

Want to be the first to take advantage of the new, no-code licenses? Plymouth is holding their VE session on the 24th, the day after the code is dropped.

Three candidates successfully passed their written exams at the VE session on January 6. They were:

Robert A. Stanton - Technician
Sati P. Mitra, N1QYM - General and
David M. Cronin, KB1NZT - Extra.

Job well done!

SK announcements for Dick-WA1CXG and Bob Kish, KA1YON on page 6.

LOCAL NET ACTIVITY

Please support these local nets by checking in!

2-m Roundtable Net or the “Camel Net” is on the air every evening at 7 p.m. All are welcome to join in on the SEMARA Repeater, W1AEC, 147.000+ with a PL of 67.0 Hz.

6-m Net meets on Wednesdays at 8:30 p.m. on 50.200 MHz USB. Bob, N1HCW in Acushnet acts as net control. This net is very informal and discusses everything from antennas to the weather as well as the recent band openings. All those with 6-meter capabilities are invited to check in.

3868 kHz SEMARA Morning Net meets weekdays from 7:30-8 a.m. All are welcome, especially those from outside the area. Most recent out-of-town check-ins include Steve, KB1GVT from Maine (after some antenna work and when his work schedule allows) and Randy, W1RTF from Maryland.

SUDOKU

Here’s something to keep you occupied while listening for that rare one. Solution is on page 7.