3/26/2021

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John P. Schiavo, Jr – W2JPS of Cooperstown, New York in Otsego County. John joined the ranks of the amateur radio community in 2017. Shortly after, he joined the Oneida County Traffic and Emergency Net (OCTEN) and became the calling station for the two southern-most OCTEN satellite repeaters, the 146.850 in Otsego County, owned by the Oneonta Amateur Radio Club and the 146.685 in Chenango County owned by the Chenango Valley Amateur Radio Association. He was not only the voice you expected to hear every night, but was also a vital link to the NTS for these communities. John passed away on Tuesday surrounded by his loving family after suffering a stroke the week before. Per John’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or funeral. His kind words, positive outlook and his commitment to both the NTS and to the amateur community will not soon be forgotten. In addition to John’s many contributions to OCTEN, he also held the appointment of Official Relay Station and also was a regular net control station for ECARS.

3/19/2021

After 27 years of faithful service to the Oneida County Traffic & Emergency Net, Jack KA2ZNZ has retired from his role as OCTEN Net Manager. Jack has been a licensed amateur radio operator for over 35 years and has a long history of being dedicated to traffic handling and as a mentor to many new amateurs. During this time Jack has been deployed to disaster stricken areas to route welfare traffic when needed. 
Jack is known for recognizing local hams on their birthdays and anniversaries through radiograms as a way to generate interest in traffic handling and to help the net members practice their skills. He encourages his net members to be active participants in other nets in addition to OCTEN, and teaches that OCTEN is part of a much larger cog. 
Through Jack’s service, the OCTEN net has grown to provide traffic coverage beyond Oneida County regularly including portions of Central New York, North Country, Southern Tier, Mohawk Valley and Finger Lakes.  
With Jack’s retirement, Doug AK2Z has accepted the appointment as OCTEN Net Manager and Dick KA2JFU has accepted the appointment as OCTEN Assistant Net Manager, effective March 19. Andy W2ZXN has also accepted the appointment of Assistant Section Traffic Manager for the ARRL Western New York Section, to help further strengthen traffic handling across the larger eastern portion of the WNY Section.
Please join us in thanking Jack KA2ZNZ for his dedication and service to OCTEN. Please also join us in welcoming and supporting Doug, Dick and Andy in their newly appointed roles.
Matt K2EAG ARRL WNY Section Traffic Manager