US Radio Ham Receives Lifetime Recognition

Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society has rewarded one of their own for a lifetime of supporting the Amateur/Ham Radio Hobby.

Oscar Norris (W4OXH) who is currently 99 years old, was first licensed as an Amateur/Ham Radio operator in 1949. His initial operation was through an old military radio, after his interest in Amateur Radio was born from a shared magazine article from a friend.

What makes his operation of nearly seventy years more remarkable is Norris is blind.

Members of the Greater Gaston Amateur Radio Society, along with family and friends awarded Norris a plaque transcribed with his callsign and the motto - “For your generous contributions of time, resources and expertise in ham radio.”

Media Story - http://www.gastongazette.com/news/20170725/longtime-ham-radio-operator-gets-lifetime-recognition

Amateur Radio Hams Support RNLI

Barrow RNLI have received a large donation from members of the Furness Amateur Radio Society

The Furness Amateur Radio Society members hold an annual fundraising event on behalf of Barrow RNLI lifeboat station. They attend the lifeboat station for two weekends in the spring of the year and are allowed to set up their equipment and transmit to other enthusiasts.

This year they had contacts not only in the United Kingdom and Southern Ireland but also across Europe. Each contact they make pledges to donate a certain amount of cash towards their fundraising venture.

Earlier this year members of FARS attended the lifeboat station and on their behalf, Dick Smith and Les Bell made a presentation of a cheque for £550 to members of the crew aboard Barrow’s ‘ RNLB Grace Dixon’.

Media Story - http://www.cumbriacrack.com/2017/06/22/barrow-rnli-receives-donation-furness-amateur-radio-society/

Furness Amateur Radio Society - http://www.fars.org.uk/

FCC Announces Head of Enforcement Bureau

FCC Chairperson Ajit Pai has announced that he intends to appoint Rosemary C. Harold to serve as chief of the Enforcement Bureau

Ms. Harold is an attorney with considerable experience both within the agency and in private practice, as well as a former journalist.

“This agency has a critical role to play in enforcing the law to protect consumers and support competition in the communications marketplace. Our Enforcement Bureau has been getting back on track in recent months, and I am confident in Rosemary’s ability to continue this progress. Our enforcement efforts must be governed by the facts and the law, and Rosemary’s experience and expertise will help us conduct sound investigations and craft legally sustainable enforcement actions. This is especially important when it comes to FCC priorities like protecting consumers against illegal robocalls and confronting unlawful interference with broadcast licensees. I greatly appreciate Rosemary’s willingness to serve.”

— FCC Chairman Ajit Pai

Ms. Harold will be working closely with Michael Carowitz who, having served as acting bureau chief, will continue to help lead the Bureau as deputy bureau chief. Chairman Pai praised Mr. Carowitz’s work as acting chief: “Michael’s steady hand at the helm of this important Bureau has helped us stay on task in protecting consumers and enforcing the law. I thank Michael for his superb and tireless work—including his focus on reaching out to our field office staff who play such an important role in fulfilling our mission.”
 
The Enforcement Bureau manages Commission work enforcing the Communications Act, FCC rules, and various licensing terms and conditions. The Bureau investigates and responds quickly to potential unlawful conduct to ensure consumer protection, robust competition, efficient and responsible use of the public airwaves, and strict compliance with public safety-related rules.
 
Ms. Harold rejoins the agency from Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP, where she was a partner. Prior to joining the firm in 2011, Ms. Harold was a legal advisor to then-FCC Commissioner Robert McDowell for media and broadband issues and deputy chief of the FCC’s Media Bureau.
 
She began her career as a journalist, working as a reporter and bureau chief for the Miami Herald and an editor at C-SPAN. She earned her law degree magna cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center, her master’s degree from the University of Missouri, and her bachelor’s degree from the College of William and Mary.
 
FCC Press Release - http://transition.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2017/db0621/DOC-345446A1.pdf