ARI Treviglio (IQ2DN): A Legacy of Friendship, Skill, and Service

Treviglio, Italy – The A.R.I. (Associazione Radioamatori Italiani) Sezione di Treviglio, identified by its call sign IQ2DN, has a deep-rooted history stretching back to the late 1970s. Born from the desire of local radio amateurs to create their own dedicated space, the section has evolved into a well-known entity in the national amateur radio scene. The section is proudly named in memory of Enrico Vertova IW2FDU.

The section is located at VIA CALDARA 6, 24047 TREVIGLIO BG. For inquiries, you can contact President IZ2JQP Erbisti Luca Oreste.

Meetings are held every Friday from 9:00 PM to 11:00 PM. For more information, visit their website: www.aritreviglio.it.

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The Genesis of a Community

 

In the late 1970s, a group of radio amateurs in Treviglio and surrounding areas felt the need and desire to establish their own local section of the A.R.I., the Italian Radio Amateurs Association. Reasons included the relative distance from the historical Bergamo section and, more importantly, the need for a common meeting place to share experiences, technical solutions for transmission methods and antennas, and most of all, foster friendship.

The initial core group gathered around the charismatic figure of Father Gabriele Sanità I2KSG, a radio amateur and prefect of the Salesian College of Treviglio. They held their first meetings at the then-headquarters on Via G.Zanovello, 1.

 

A History of Activity and Dedication

 

From its inception, the section saw a crescendo of activities. This included technical training for new OMs (Old Men, referring to technical and behavioral experience in radio and courtesy towards everyone!), participation in national and international amateur radio competitions, and a constant readiness for calamities. These activities elevated the Treviglio section to one of the most recognized nationwide. It was not uncommon for radio amateurs from other regions, passing through, to stop and visit the "trevigliesi" members.

Sadly, most of the founding members, including Father Gabriele, have passed away and are now, in amateur radio parlance, "silent keys" (tasto telegrafico silenzioso). Among these, the section especially remembers Giovanni (Gianni) Legramandi, I2ZLB, a highly active radio amateur since the early 1950s, a passionate self-builder, and a tireless trainer and participant in numerous national and international competitions.

 

A New Home and Enduring Spirit

 

Since the early 1990s, the section has been located in its current headquarters, provided by the Province of Bergamo under a symbolic, indefinite-term rental contract. The move and establishment of the new premises were a testament to the dedication of its members. Many, including Sergio Cazzaniga IK2RTK, Daniele Valota IZ2ADC, Simone Goigis IK2TDB, Massimo Oggionni I2HXO, Enrico Vertova IW2FDU, Walter D’Andrea IZ2ARE, and many others, transformed from radio amateurs into masons, laborers, blacksmiths, electricians, plumbers, painters, and carpenters (and so on!) to make the section functional and accessible.

Over the years, the section has also endured tragic and unforeseen events, such as the premature passing of Enrico Vertova IW2FDU at the age of 32, while carrying out activities related to their passion. The section is now dedicated in his memory, a tribute from both older friends and new members.