MARCH 2026 NYC-LI Section Newsletter
This is the March 2026 edition of the New York City-Long Island
Section e-Happenings newsletter. This newsletter is here to serve the Amateur Radio community in our area. We welcome and encourage all submissions. Help make this your
newsletter. We especially encourage NLI radio clubs and organizations
to submit their meeting announcements, guest speakers and any special
events. Please submit any information for the April 2026 issue prior to
the end of the first week in April.
Section News is available only on the world-wide-web. See the NLI site
at: http://nli.arrl.org
INCLUDED IN THIS ISSUE:
* From Jim Mezey, W2KFV – Section Manager
* Silent Keys
* Hamfests:
* Events
* VE Sessions
* From the ARRL
* National Traffic System
* Club Info
Hello everyone,
I wanted everyone to know that we have a new Section Emergency Coordinator. After numerous conversations, I have appointed Joe Schierer, KC2BZB, as NLI SEC. Joe wants to get more involved and what a perfect spot. He still will handle Brookhaven ARES until he finds a replacement. Joe is very easy to talk to and is very knowledgeable.
Please give him your utmost cooperation and support.
Congratulations Joe, wishing you the very best of luck.
Congratulations to the Hall of Science Amateur Radio Club (HOSARC)!
I am very proud and honored to report that at last night’s Coast Guard Auxiliary Annual Change OF Watch Dinner,
The Hall of Science Amateur Radio Club was presented with
“The Division Commanders Award for Outstanding Support”
” For Their Exceptional and Continued assistance in support of the Division Radio Communications Applications. ”
I would be remiss in not mentioning the efforts of Will Miller Kc2snt, Les Sugai N2ujg, John Hale Kd2lpm,
Martin Grillo W1emr, Steve Greenbaum Wb2kdg and Mike Fogerty Kd2tlw, their efforts in assisting me in helping to maintain and improve the Radio Communications capability at Ft Totten. The COW of “Change of Watch” dinner is an annual event in which Coast Guard Auxiliary Members swear in their Flotilla Officers for the coming year as well as present recognition for deeds well done. Our executive board members generally attend the dinner as a show of support for the CGA and their efforts for the people of this nation and the welcome and courtesy they have given to HOSARC and our membership. We never expected this recognition for just “doing what hams do” . I am confident that you all will join me in the recognition and honor that they have shown us.
Gerard A Pilate N2WGF
President
Hall of Science Amateur Radio Club
I hope everyone got through the blizzard this past month. Haven’t seen one of these type events if quite a few years. I also had snow blower issues and had to pretty much use the old trusty shovel to clear the driveway and walks. I hope you all had better luck. While outside shoveling, I looked at my antennas, and they seemed in good shape as I performed some maintenance on them this fall. I always have to check my OCF dipole especially when we have heavy wet snow, as it sags pretty low and I need to tap it with a wooden stick to get the heavy snow/ice off of it so it doesn’t break. But this year it all went well. Well spring is around the corner as well as St Patrick’s Day. Wishing all my Irish friends a very happy day. May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow.
Be safe everyone.
Remember, webinars and training are available at:
The ARRL Learning Network
http://www.arrl.org/arrl-learning-network
ARRL You Tube,
https://www.youtube.com/user/ARRLHQ/videos?app=desktop
RATPAC presentations:
Ham Radio University You Tube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/c/HamRadioUniversityNLI/videos
LIMARC, You Tube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@limarc-longislandmobileama3620
LICW, You Tube Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@longislandcwclub
My Zoom account is available for clubs or group meetings. Please contact me at w2kfv@arrl.org for more information.
That’s all for now but don’t forget to get on the air, have fun, and enjoy our great hobby and by all means…. keep those batteries charged …….. <ar>
73, Jim Mezey, W2KFV
w2kfv@arrl.org
Section Manager – NYC/ Long Island
ARRL ~ the national association for Amateur Radio™
C: 516-315-8608
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Silent Keys:
~ The Larkfield Amateur Radio Club reports the passing of Dave Hines-W2NYS brother of Secretary Steve Hines, N2PQJ.
~ Ronald Birnbaum WY1R, announces with deep regret the recent passing of Richard Ross, K2RNR
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Hamfests:
Outdoor Hamfest June 7th: www.arrl.org/hamfests/long-island-outdoor-hamfest-and-electronics-fair-2
Indoor Hamfest November 8th: www.arrl.org/hamfests/long-island-hamfest-and-electronics-fair-24
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Events:
Year of the Club
For more information see the ARRL webpage at
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The ARC Emergency Communications Service will be hosting a Technician class at Bethpage OEM.
Dates: March 23 – May 18, 2026,
Time: 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm (8 Sessions) Instructor: Edwin Rhodes, WA1LEI
Fee: $50 (Includes book and exam fee)
You must preregister by March 1, 2026.
No walk-ins.
Exams will be conducted on June 1, 2026
Location:
Nassau County Office of Emergency Management
510 Grumman Rd W, Bethpage, NY 11714
Email: warapres@gmail.com
To register for this class please send your name, address , phone number and email address, along with a check for $50.00 made out to the ARCECS to: ARCECS c/o Deborah Kerr 125 Lincoln Avenue, APT B2C Mineola, NY 11501
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World Cup Games Need Operators
HI everyone,
I’ve been asked to help out on the upcoming World Cup games special event stations that are going on the air in 11 host US cities as well as Mexico and Canada throughout the competitions starting in June. I’m hoping some of you will want to be part of the NY/NJ area team since the World Cup soccer games are at the Meadowlands, right in our region. They are being hosted in cities around North America. I have been asked to build a team of about 15 ops and we need some enthusiastic activators – all modes! I promise it’s not a major commitment like other events can be sometimes.
Here are the details:
The NYC area is hosting the games at the Meadowlands. Dates of those games are June 13, 16, 22, 25, 27 and July 4. You don’t operate every day and you do not have to commit to every game.
ALL MODES – and very flexible operating schedule. Not every day, not every night. CONVNIENT.
Please DM me privately or email me – and say “YES!” Please?
73
Caryn KD2GUT squirrelmama@earthlink.net
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Upcoming VE Sessions:
(Note if you have a VE Session you want to list, please send it to w2kfv@arrl.org
LIMARC
All test sessions are held at Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, NY 11801
2026 Schedule
May 9, July 11, Sept 19, Nov 14
Sessions begin promptly at 8 AM (unless otherwise indicated)
For further information Contact: VE@limarc.org
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Larkfield ARC
Where: Halesite Fire Department
1 North New York Ave, Halesite, NY 11743
Time: During club meetings or TBD
Contact: larkfieldarc@gmail.com
VOIP: (516) 415-2406
Tests will be conducted during monthly club meetings or on an as-needed basis by appointment only.
NO WALK-INS ALLOWED
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Suffolk County Radio Club:
VE Sessions are the 1st Thursday of the month at 7 PM on the FIRST Thursday of each month at the:
Longwood Youth / LYSA Sports Complex
210 Meadows Blvd E
Yaphank, NY 11980-9999
Walk-in’s allowed.
Contact: VE@suffolkcountyradioclub.com
Prior to arriving for your exam, please have $15 in EXACT CASH.
Checks ARE NOT accepted, and change is NOT available.
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Suffolk VHF/UHF Association:
OUR TEST 2026 SCHEDULE WILL BE EVERY SECOND SATURDAY AT 10 AM.
Location: Smithtown Elks Lodge
124 Edgewood Ave
just off Landing Ave
Walk-ins okay.
Smithtown NY 11787-2737
You can pre-register or walk ins are always welcome.
To get info please contact Scott NQ2F
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Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club
March 28, April 25, May 30, June 20, July 25, Aug 29, Sept 26, Oct 31, Nov 28 Dec 29. All sessions are at the Town of Babylon EOC at 10 a.m., located in the basement in the rear of town hall. Please bring photo ID, a copy and your original amateur radio license (if you have one) and any CSCEs you may have. Nonprogrammable calculators are allowed. The exam fee is $15 payable by cash or a check made out to “ARRL VEC.”
Candidates are required to have an FRN number.
All VE Sessions are in the basement of:
Babylon Town Hall
200 Sunrise Hwy.
Lindenhurst, NY
(between Rt. 109 and Wellwood Ave.)
In the Emergency Operations Center which is located in the basement. Access to Town Hall after hours (Evening and Weekends) is only via the rear of the building, inside of the courtyard and down the stairs.
It starts at 10 AM.
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From the ARRL:
Start Planning for ARRL Field Day 2026
03/13/2026
It’s not too early to gear up and get ready for ARRL Field Day! Field Day 2026 takes place June 27 – 28 and will bring together more than 30,000 amateur radio operators for one of the most popular on-the-air events in the US and Canada.
This year’s Field Day theme is “Amateur Radio: A National Resource.” Combined with the ARRL Year of the Club, it provides the perfect opportunity for radio clubs to set up stations in public places to demonstrate ham radio’s science, skill, and service to our communities and our nation.
All of the information you need to get started can be found on the Field Day web page, including how to join the ARRL Field Day Facebook Group, where you can share your plans, tips, and tricks for a successful Field Day.
The overall objective for Field Day is to contact as many stations as possible on the 160-, 80-, 40-, 20-,15- and 10-meter HF bands, as well as all bands above 50 MHz, and to learn to operate in less than optimal conditions. Many clubs choose to set up in camp-style fashion with portable equipment, temporary antennas, and off-grid power sources.
Field Day is open to all amateurs in the areas covered by the ARRL/RAC Field Organizations and countries within IARU Region 2 (North and South America). DX stations residing in other regions may be contacted for credit, but are not eligible to submit entries. Each claimed contact must include contemporaneous direct initiation by the operator on both sides of the contact. Initiation of a contact may be either locally or by remote.
Also check out the Field Day site locator page to help find participating stations near you. As an added incentive for anyone participating in ARRL’s yearlong America250 Worked All States (WAS) Award, contacts made with ARRL Affiliated Radio Clubs all year, including during Field Day, will count toward your America250 WAS Affiliated Club Endorsement. Check out those details at www.arrl.org/america250-was.
For more information about ARRL Field Day, visit www.arrl.org/field-day.
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Indiana Hams Living Under HOAs Gain Antenna Protections
03/13/2026
The Indiana General Assembly has passed and Governor Mike Braun has signed a bill that adds protection for amateur radio operators who live in homeowner association (HOA) regulated housing developments.
Official language of the House Bill 1152 can be found at IGA | House Bill 1152 – Homeowners association matters.
Credit for adding the new language goes to Hunter Reed, KD9YLQ; Campbell Reed, KD9GEK, and State Senator Scott Alexander for their efforts writing and introducing the bill, and to the Muncie Area Amateur Radio Club, an ARRL Affiliated Club.
The bill takes effect on July 1, 2026.
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| Section Manager Nomination Results
03/13/2026 The nomination period for the 2026 spring season Section Manager election cycle concluded on Friday, March 6. There will be no balloted elections because only one nominee per section was received at ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® Headquarters. Wisconsin will have a new Section Manager starting on July 1, 2026. Myron Oestreich, KB9STB, was declared elected as the sole nominee. He is currently the Wisconsin Public Information Coordinator. Oestreich will take the reins of the Wisconsin Field Organization from Jason Spetz, KC9FXE, of Menomonie, who has been Section Manager since 2022. The following incumbent ARRL Section Managers did not face opposition and were declared elected for their upcoming new terms of office beginning July 1, 2026: Thomas Beebe, W9RY, Illinois; Bob Burns, AK9R, Indiana; Scott Roberts, KK4ECR, Northern Florida; Scott Rosenfeld, N7JI, Oregon; and Paul Gayet, AA1SU, Vermont. Nominations will be re-solicited for Section Manager positions in Maine and Santa Clara Valley in January 2027 QST because no nominating petitions were received by the deadline on March 6. Phil Duggan, N1EP, decided not to run for another term of office as Section Manager of Maine, a position he has held since December of 2021. In Santa Clara Valley, James Armstrong, NV6W, decided not to run for a new term of office after serving as Section Manager since August of 2020.
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Hams Help Forecasters with Real-Time Data on Northeast Blizzard
02/27/2026
A historic blizzard paralyzed much of the Northeast in late February, and amateur radio operators were on the air to help forecasters keep track of the storm’s impact. Southeastern New England was one of the hardest-hit areas. ARRL Eastern Massachusetts Section Emergency Coordinator and Boston-area SKYWARN Coordinator Rob Macedo, KD1CY, provided this summary for ARRL News:
A severe blizzard left its mark on Southeast New England with massive amounts of snow, vehicles and even plows getting stuck, damaging winds gusts to hurricane force causing ~350,000 customers to lose power in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and some coastal flooding issues at high tide. The blizzard broke Rhode Island’s state record for snowfall with 37.8 inches of snow in Providence. ARES-SKYWARN Nets across southern New England were activated with the WX1BOX amateur radio team to support the National Weather Service (NWS) Boston/Norton office, as well as local and state emergency management and broadcast media, with timely updates on the storm.
We had ARES-SKYWARN nets activating on an every 1-2 hour basis providing snowfall, wind gust, wind damage and coastal flood reports. The nets were very active with great participation, allowing a comprehensive situational awareness. We also interacted with many non-amateur radio SKYWARN spotters via social media.
Reports of snowfall as high as 43 inches in Tiverton, Rhode Island, and 41 inches in Fall River, Massachusetts, were received from SKYWARN spotters. Macedo’s hometown of New Bedford, Msssachusetts, recorded 37 inches of snow.
Amateur Radio SKYWARN Nets were active on over a dozen repeaters across southern New England, along with the New England Amateur Radio VoIP Reflector system with snowfall, wind damage and wind gust reports. The Amateur Radio Net Plan for Massachusetts was sent into Massachusetts Emergency Management in an ICS-205 to ESF-2 as part of a closer working relationship with state emergency management. Well over 1,000 reports were generated from these nets and shared with partner agencies and the media. Blizzard conditions were met at numerous sites across southern New England.
Eastern Massachusetts ARES was placed on stand-by on Sunday 2/22/26 for any partner agencies and to augment and enhance support for the ARES-SKYWARN Nets for participation. Cape Cod ARES members Chris Ranney, WA1CMR, and Dennis Driscoll, N1DRN, deployed to support operations in the town of Sandwich, providing auxiliary communications between their EOC and a shelter for the town. Their operation secured on Wednesday evening, February 25.
Amateur radio received media attention on The Weather Channel several times throughout the blizzard. Jim Cantore stated, “When we get all these observations, it comes from SKYWARN spotters and amateur radio operators because when people can’t communicate and the phone lines down, the amateur radio operators are all we got.”
The WX1BOX website will be updated with a Post Blizzard Coordination Message at the end of the week with more detailed information on the blizzard across southern New England.
ARRL News and The ARRL Letter will also provide reports from other parts of the affected region as they are received.
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Icom America Named Official Sponsor of the ARRL Year of the Club
02/26/2026
Newington, CT – ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® is pleased to announce that Icom America is the Official Sponsor of the ARRL Year of the Club, supporting the initiatives that spotlight and strengthen ARRL Affiliated Clubs throughout 2026.
The ARRL Board of Directors designated 2026 as the ARRL Year of the Club, recognizing the essential role that local amateur radio clubs play in building community, mentoring new operators, and delivering public service at the grassroots level. This nationwide focus celebrates clubs as engines of civic engagement and increases public awareness of the Amateur Radio Service through local connections across the United States.
“Amateur radio clubs are the backbone of the hobby,” said Ray Novak, N9JA, Senior Sales Manager at Icom America. “Icom works closely with them to support education, growth, and engagement. Strong clubs create strong communities, and Icom is proud to support them.”
Supporting Clubs On the Air and Beyond
ARRL has emphasized the broader impact of the initiative. “The Year of the Club places a spotlight on the vibrant community of radio clubs,” said ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA. “By investing in clubs, Icom and ARRL are reinforcing the local foundation of amateur radio—where mentorship begins, technical skills are shared, and public service takes root,” said Minster.
Through its sponsorship, Icom is supporting content that highlights the work of radio clubs in QST, ARRL newsletters and publications, and through resources and activities designed to help clubs thrive.
As part of ARRL’s broader 2026 activities, ARRL has launched the America250 Worked All States (WAS) operating event, a year-long on-air activity encouraging amateur radio operators worldwide to make contact with all 50 US states in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. Radio clubs are participating and supporting a special endorsement for operators who contact ARRL Affiliated Clubs in all 50 states during the year. In addition, clubs and hamfests are hosting W1AW/portable activations in all 50 states, creating another endorsement opportunity for participants.
ARRL also announced that the theme of 2026 ARRL Field Day, held June 27–28, will be “Amateur Radio: A National Resource.” Since 1933, Field Day has been the largest on-the-air operating event in North America, showcasing amateur radio’s readiness to provide resilient communications in times of need while engaging the public through hands-on demonstrations and community outreach. This year’s Field Day will emphasize club participation and the use of club call signs.
For more information about the ARRL Year of the Club, the America250 Worked All States operating event, and 2026 ARRL Field Day, visit www.arrl.org.
About ARRL®
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® was founded in 1914 as The American Radio Relay League, and is a noncommercial organization of radio amateurs. ARRL’s mission is to promote and protect the art, science, and enjoyment of amateur radio, and to develop the next generation of radio amateurs. ARRL supports members with opportunities to discover radio, to develop new skills, and to serve their local communities. ARRL’s youth initiatives include programs to inspire students and advance STEM education through amateur radio, and to encourage pathways to higher education and careers in wireless communications and related technical fields. ARRL is also the Secretariat of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). For more information about ARRL and amateur radio, visit www.arrl.org.
About Icom America
Icom is a world leader in the amateur radio market. Icom makes amateur radios for use in long-range (HF) and short-range (VHF, UHF) communications. Digital technology is transforming the market, and Icom helped pioneer the development of Digital Signal Processing (DSP) equipment. Icom is also a leader in product development for the D-STAR digital mode, a global open protocol that is on the cutting edge in Amateur Radio today.
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Job Posting: FCC Recruiting 7 Field Agents – Electronics Engineers
02/20/2026
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is looking for qualified applicants for Field Agents in seven Enforcement Bureau (EB) offices across the United States: Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; New Orleans, LA; New York, NY, and Portland, OR. Incumbents will resolve Radio Frequency (RF) interference, educate users, and enforce regulations. The GS levels for this position have been expanded to GS 7, opening the opportunity for new college graduates. One year of work experience is not required for this position. Closing date is March 2, 2026.
From the FCC posting:
Performs and directs fieldwork in matters of importance to communications involving safety of life and property. Serves as a point of contact for FCC licensees including the US Government in matters of fixed and mobile radio direction-finding and interference resolution. Participates in unique enforcement and engineering projects that have regional or national applications.
Operates and understands all technical equipment typically used in the Field including RF spectrum analyzers, field strength meters, RF Field survey meters, and radio receivers. Maintains contacts with and assists other Federal agencies, foreign counterparts, and local law enforcement organizations concerning interaction and utilization of the radio spectrum for both authorized and unauthorized activities.
Initiates Official Notices of Violation, Warnings, Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture, and other orders to radio operators and licensees, to bring unsatisfactory or violative conditions to their attention as a result of monitoring, investigations and inspections. Independently initiates correspondence or other communications with complainants and radio users concerning the enforcement functions of the office and region.
Participates in regional emergency planning meetings, serves as the local expert in emergency communications restoration, participates in FEMA conducted training exercises and is able to serve on ESF-2 task force and deployments as necessary. Participates and assists in planning of Bureau enforcement and compliance workshops for persons associated with the various industries and radio services the Commission regulates.
The Salary is $57,736 to $158,322 per year per year depending on qualifications and experience.
See the official, complete announcement for GS-855-7/9/11/12/13 Electronics Engineer (Field Agent) on USAjobs.gov at www.usajobs.gov/job/857694500.
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New Book Release: Digital Networking for Ham Radio
02/20/2026
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio®’s new book, Digital Networking for Ham Radio, a practical, hands-on guide to designing and implementing high-speed data networks for amateur radio stations, is now shipping.
Written by Glen Popiel, KW5GP, the book brings together in one comprehensive resource the knowledge needed to build, configure, and expand digital networks for ham radio. From TCP/IP fundamentals to deploying mesh technologies such as AREDN®, HamWAN, and Meshtastic®, readers will find clear explanations and step-by-step guidance.
“When I began experimenting with amateur radio data networking, I realized there wasn’t a single resource that clearly explained how it all works — especially TCP/IP in terms the average ham could relate to,” said Popiel. “That inspired me to create a practical guide to designing and implementing high-speed amateur radio networks. Since there’s no speed limit above 70 centimeters, operators can integrate webcams, IP phones, and other networked devices. I hope this book encourages hams to explore, experiment, and enjoy networking on the microwave bands.”
Digital Networking for Ham Radio covers selecting hardware, choosing network topologies, configuring systems, and staying compliant with FCC Part 97 rules. The book is designed for both newcomers and experienced operators who want to expand their stations with resilient, high-speed networking capabilities.
Digital Networking for Ham Radio is now shipping. Order from the ARRL online store or through an ARRL publication dealer. ARRL Item No. 2349, ISBN: 978-1-62595-234-9, $29.95 ARRL member price, $34.95 retail. Digital Networking for Ham Radio is also available as a Kindle eBook through Amazon.
For additional questions or ordering, call 1-888-277-5289 toll-free in the US, Monday through Thursday 8 AM to 7 PM and Friday 8 AM to 5 PM Eastern Time. Outside the US, call (860) 594-0200.
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Radio Clubs Encouraged to Plan Now for April Ham Radio Open House
02/13/2026
ARRL The National Association for Amateur Radio® is inviting radio clubs to participate in the second annual Ham Radio Open House in April. Hosting an Open House gives clubs and schools the opportunity to promote amateur radio science and technology by opening their stations to the public and showcasing their hi-tech gear and operating skills.
In addition, clubs are encouraged to set up in public places or conduct outdoor activities, such as a Parks on the Air (POTA) activations or satellite operating demonstrations. The event centers around World Amateur Radio Day on Saturday, April 18, but clubs may schedule an open house at any time during the month.
Ham Radio Open House highlights the Amateur Radio Service as a platform for developing and practicing modern radio communications technology, and as a hands-on pathway into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields for the next generation. The event offers clubs the chance to reshape perceptions of amateur radio and demonstrate how it serves as a steppingstone and testbed for young people pursuing STEM education and high-tech careers.
As ARRL CEO David Minster, NA2AA, writes in his March QST editorial, “the notion of hams sitting in Grandpa’s basement listening to tube radios is quickly dispelled when visitors see a modern transceiver and computer being used to work the world!”
Clubs are encouraged to demonstrate the latest digital modes, such as FT8 using WSJT-X. This is an excellent opportunity to explore emerging areas of amateur radio and show how the service remains at the forefront of wireless innovation.
For example, visitors might see a Software-Defined Radio (SDR) waterfall display, hear the corresponding signal, and watch the decoded message appear on screen — a powerful demonstration of how modern amateur radio works.
World Amateur Radio Day, observed annually on April 18, is celebrated worldwide by radio amateurs and their national associations, organized as member-societies of the International Amateur Radio Union (IARU). It was on this day in 1925 that the IARU was formed in Paris. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Co-Founder Hiram Percy Maxim was its first president.
The inaugural ARRL Ham Radio Open House last year coincided with IARU’s centennial celebrations. This year’s activity is part of ARRL’s “Year of the Club” theme.
Clubs should watch for additional resources to help organize and promote their events. An interactive, map-based Ham Radio Open House Locator is available. Find details at www.arrl.org/world-amateur-radio-day.
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The latest ARRL Letter is at:
http://www.arrl.org/arrlletter/?issue=2026-03-12
The latest ARES-Letter is at:
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/field/ares-el/?issue=2026-02-18
The latest NTS Letter is at:
http://www.arrl.org/nts-letter?issue=2026-03-03
The latest ARRL Contest Update Newsletter is at:
http://www.arrl.org/contests/update/?issue=2026-03-04
The latest ARRL Club News is at:
http://www.arrl.org/club-news?issue=2026-02-17
ARRL Member Bulletin:
http://www.arrl.org/member-bulletin?issue=2025-10-10
ARRL Current:
http://arrl.org/arrl-magazines
Radio Waves:
To receive Radio Waves, register as an ARRL Instructor or Teacher, or simply edit your personal profile to select Radio Waves as one of your email subscriptions.
Radio Waves aims to showcase how educators and license class instructors are getting their students and local communities involved in ham radio. These efforts deserve to be documented and shared. The contributors are teachers and instructors who are currently bringing amateur radio into the classrooms and beyond, just like you!
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ARRL DX news bulletin:
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NLI ~ National Traffic System STATS:
| TRAFFIC NETS | FEB. | 2026 | |||||||
| Sessions | QNI | QTC | QSP | QTR | |||||
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BA |
28 | 493 | 5 | 5 | 788 | ||||
| ESS | 28 | 320 | 42 | ||||||
| NCVHFTN | 24 | 74 | 0 | 0 | 265 | ||||
| NLISTN | NR | ||||||||
| NYS/E | 28 | 109 | 51 | 51 | 235 | ||||
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| Station Activity | FEB | 2026 | |||||||
| SAR | O | R | S | D | T | ||||
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KD2TDG |
0 | 9 | 0 | 3 | 12 | ||||
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0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
3 |
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| WB2JNQ | 4 | 45 | 43 | 23 | 115 | ||||
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| PUBLIC SERVICE | FEB. | 2026 | |||||||
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PSHR |
1/Nets | 2/Tffc | 3/Pos | 4/Pub | 5/Emg | 6/Dig | TOT | ||
| KD2TDG | 40 | 12 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 72 | ||
| WB2JNQ | 40 | 40 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 90 | ||
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Digital Activity |
FEB. | 2026 | |||||||
| DTR | R | S | T | ||||||
| KD2MDV | 0 | 11 | 11 | ||||||
| 73, | |||||||||
| Eugene KD2MDV | |||||||||
| ASTM NLI
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NTS INFORMATION
NYS/M*/ 10am local time daily /*NYS/E*/ 7pm local time daily /*NYS/L*/
10pm local time daily –
As of now the frequency for all things NTS in NY is 3576. The alternate
freq. is usually 7042 kHz ± but 80 is starting to go long again, so if
you can get on top band, the alternate of 1807 kHz.
INDEPENDENT CW NETS which maintain close association with the NTS.
Empire Slow Speed Net (ESS) 6pm daily on 3566 kHz . Alt. 7044 kHz ±
Hit and Bounce Slow Speed Traffic Net (HBSN) 7112 kHz at 7:30 am daily.
Hit and Bounce Net (HBN) 8:30 am daily on 7112 kHz
NTS SECTION LEVEL HF/phone nets:
New York Public Operations Net (NYPON) 5pm daily on 3925 kHz ± QRM,
alternate freq. 3913 kHz
The NTS local nets are:
Big Apple Traffic Net now meets @ 8:00 PM on 446.675 – 114.8 PL
Nassau Co. VHF Net Tuesday thru Sunday at 7:30pm. Pri: 146.805/R (136.5pl)Alt.1:
147.135/R (136.5pl) Alt.2: 443.525/R (114.8)
NCVHFTN Website: : http://www.nassautraffic.net
NLI Student Skywarn / Traffic Net
Meetings
Off for summer
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Digital Traffic:
KD2MDV, KD2MEN, and W2ITT are now operational as a Digital Relay Stations on HF winlink representing the New York City/Long Island Section.
Club Meetings and Information:
The Club listing is always being updated. Please submit your meeting
information to w2kfv@arrl.org
NOTE: Always check with the club to verify the date, time and
location of the events/meetings listed here.
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ARCECS
Due to construction at The American Red Cross in Mineola, our meetings will be virtual via Zoom until further notice.
First Tuesday of every month (except August) our monthly local repeater Net will start at 7:30pm and finish by 7:50pm – Net will commence on: WB2QBP/r – 442.650MHz + 5Mhz/141.3 Tone access.
The Net will be followed by our Zoom virtual General Business Meeting at 8:00pm.
Here are the particulars for attending our TUESDAY meeting:
- Monthly ARC ECS Net on WB2QBP/r (442.650 MHz +5MHz/141.3Hz tone) at 7:30pm (EST) All Members and non-Members are invited to participate if they are within range of our analog system. The Net will close at 7:50pm, FOLLOWED BY:
Meeting is by invite from our President, Ms Deborah Kerr KC2GPV:
- ZOOM ARC ECS General Business Meeting, starting at 8:00pm (EST). The lag time will allow members and any invited guests time to virtually move over & login via their own PC, tablet, iPad or mobile device. After the Net, there will be “social” time before & after the meeting on Zoom as needed.
For more information go to their website: http://www.arcecs.org
Please contact Leonard Smith (PIO) at: n2ldv@arrl.net for information.
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BONAC Amateur Radio Club (BARC)
BARC meets the 4th Thursday of the month at 6:00 PM at the Amagansett
Library (except November, which is on the 3rd Thursday). For more
information please go to the club website at http://www.bonacarc.org
Or contact President Eddie Schnell, WZ2Y at wz2y@arrl.net
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Brookhaven National Labs Amateur Radio Club (BNLARC)
President ; Joe Levesque III – AC2ND ac2nd@arrl.net
For more information please go to the club website at http://www.arc.bnl.gov/BNLARC/Home.html
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Camp Pouch Amateur Radio Association (WA2CP) http://www.wa2cp.org
Meetings are held on the 2nd Saturday of each month. 1 PM. At the William H. Pouch Scout Camp, 1465 Manor Road, Staten Island. Club E Mail, info@wa2cp.org
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Grumman ARC (GARC) http://www.qsl.net/wa2lqo/
Meetings are held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Haypath Road Park in Old Bethpage, starting at 5:30 PM.
GARC VE sessions are held on the second Tuesday of each month in the meeting rooms at the Bethpage Community Park in Bethpage, starting at 5:00 PM.
Contact: Ed Gellender at wb2eav@yahoo.com
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Great South Bay ARC
GSBARC Monthly meetings are the last Thursday of the month, 8PM.
Babylon Town Hall EOC, 200 East Sunrise Hwy, North Lindenhurst. GSBARC
Monthly VE are the 4th Saturday starting 10:00 am. For more
information, Contact AB2ZI Kevin Morgan at kmorgan6@optonline.net.
Please see the club website for directions http://www.gsbarc.org/
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HOSARC
The NY Hall of Science ARC has general membership meetings on the
second Tuesday of each month, 7:30 PM, with the exception of July and August.
The meetings are a time to take care of club business, listen to a
great speaker regarding an interesting topic related to ham radio, and
to make new friends and catch up with old friends. The club has its
meetings at the Fort Totten Coast Guard Auxiliary
611 Little Bay Road
Bayside, NY 11359
Outside Staircase is in the back to 2nd floor
Please check the clubs website at www.hosarc.org for more detailed
information.
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Kings County Radio Club (KC2RC)
Club Meeting Info:
Zoom Virtual Meeting Software
1st Wednesday of Each Month
7:00 PM – Pre-Meeting (informal discussion, questions, etc.)
8:00 PM – General Meeting (Club business, etc. The meeting can continue until 8:30 to 9:30)
Presently we have our meetings by Zoom virtual meeting software. Anyone can request a link to our next meeting by requesting one by email to Roy AC2GS (at AC2GS@AC2GS.com) and identifying themselves (anonymous email addresses are insufficient).
Our 2 Meter Nets Tuesdays at 9:00 PM, 146.730 Pl 88.5 -600hz Encode / Decode
Our 2 Meter Tech Net is Second and Fourth Wednesday of Every Month At 9:00 PM 146.730 Pl 88.5 – 600hz Encode / Decode
Our 10 Meter KCRC Net Sunday 10 Meter Net 28.380.0 USB Every Sunday 11:00 AM Eastern Time Zone
We now have Wire-X Room KCRC-RPT #85663.
To listen to Digital Side and 2 Meter Club Net Stream us when you are away from your radios
https://www.kingscountyradioclub.com/stream/
Kings County Radio Club Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/groups/kingscountyradioclub/
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Larkfield Amateur Radio Club
Club Meetings and Information:
Larkfield Amateur Radio Club
Club Meetings are in person/virtual
Larkfield Amateur Radio Club meetings take place at 7:30 PM on the second Thursday of every month, at the Halesite Fire Department, 1 North New York Ave, Halesite, NY 11743.
Utilize the Town Park parking lot to the rear of the building. Do NOT park in Firefighter parking spots. Use rear entrance and take elevator to 2nd floor meeting room.
ZOOM invitations are emailed to all members on the club roster. Guests are welcome to join. For more information contact: larkfieldarc@gmail.com
Club website http://www.larkfield.org/
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Long Island Amateur Radio Simplex Club
The LIARS Club meets on the first Tuesday of the month at Newfield High
School in Selden, NY at 7:30PM. All are welcome. Our web site is:
www.lisimplex.org Contact: Tim MoDavis, KA2VZX at ka2vzx@arrl.net
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Long Island CW Club:
LICW holds 75 classes and classes and forums weekly on Zoom covering CW instruction and many interesting topics on radio and related technology. The club has grown quickly to 3000 members in 50 states and 43 countries. LICW has local events such as portable outings and luncheons. More outings will be planned as Covid eventually eases. LICW has taught CW to over 350 kids with a number getting licenses. Programs for members with disabilities such as hearing impairments are available. LICW has a very unique website dedicated to all aspects of CW: Learn Morse Code – CW with The Long Island CW Club
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Long Island DX Association (LIDXA)
Zoom Virtual Meeting
For club details, see our Web site, or contact Jack
Phelan, NU2Q, LIDXA Secretary at jackp05@aol.com for further
information.
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Long Island Mobile Amateur Radio Club (LIMARC)
LIMARC meets the second Wednesday each month, 8PM at Levittown Hall,
201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville, NY. All are welcome. Bring a
friend!
Webpage is: http://www.limarc.org
Club Contact: President, Richie Cetron, k2knb@limarc.org
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Long Island Transmitter Hunters (LITHARC)
Seeking new participants A group of Long Island transmitter hunting
enthusiasts has been conducting hunts on Friday nights with an
occasional Sunday event and we are seeking new participants to join in
the fun. Anyone interested in learning more about the activity of radio
direction finding and radio fox hunting is invited to come out as
a hunter or rider. A LITHARC discussion group (Long Island Transmitter
Hunters ARC) has been established on Groups IO as a central
information and communications site.
You are welcome to sign up to keep informed about upcoming events. If
you would like our group to conduct a hunt in your area that would
include members of your radio club, please let us know. For more
information, contact Larry, WA2SUH at wa2suh@aol.com
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Nassau Amateur Radio Club (NARC) http://www.k2vn.org/
Meetings every Monday night at 7:30 PM in Eisenhower Park in East Meadow
at the Lannin House, Field #6 / 6A. The General meeting is the last
Monday of the month at 7:30 PM. All are welcome. Contact Mike Croce, N2PPI, President at n2ppi.mike@gmail.com
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New York City Repeater Association (NYCRA)
Meets the second Thursday of the month (except for July and August)
Meetings are held at the South Beach Psych Center, 777 Seaview Ave.
Off Father Cappodano Blvd., in Building 10. The meeting will start
promptly at 8 pm.
Staten Island ARES meets at the same location starting at 7pm.
Talk in frequency is 447.375 minus shift pl. 141.3
All are welcome, members and non-members.
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Peconic Amateur Radio Club (PARC)
PARC’s regular club meeting is held the first Sunday of each month (except in July) at the Custer Institute and Observatory 1115 Main Bayview Road Southold, New York 11971
See the PARC website at www.w2amc.org for our current club activities, meeting details and contact information
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Radio Central Amateur Radio Club
RCAC meets the last Wednesday
of most months from 6:30-9PM at the Middle Country Public Library;
101 Eastwood Blvd, Centereach, NY 11720
+40.8654, -73.0800
Each month, meeting details are on our web site: http://www.rcarc.org
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Radio Club of Junior High School 22 NYC
Joe Fairclough-WB2JKJ
President
PO Box 1052
New York NY 10002
Telephone 516-674-4072 Mobile/Text 516-658-6947
*** Meet us on THE CLASSROOM NET, 7.238 MHz, 7:00-8:30 am, Monday thru Friday.
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Staten Island Amateur Radio Association (SIARA)
From President Neal “Rich” Balas, W2RB:
Due to the current COVID pandemic, all meetings and VE Sessions have been
suspended until further notice
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Suffolk County Radio Club (SCRC)
Please be advised that the SCRC meeting dates will now be held on the last Monday of the month, Beginning on April 25,2002. The board meeting will begin at 7pm and the general meeting will start at 8:00 pm. Our new meeting will now be held at :
Longwood Youth / LYSA Sports Complex
210 Meadows Blvd E
Yaphank, NY 11980
Contact Richie Geraci, KD2NJA, at kd2nja@gmail.com
Or go to their NEW website, http://www.suffolkcountyradioclub.net
The Suffolk County Radio Club holds weekly nets on the W2DQ repeater.All are welcome to check-in. The repeater is in Yaphank, NY on 145.210 MHz / negative ( – ) 600 kHz shift / PL 162.2 . Their back up machine has a 136.5 PL
SCRC Information & Rag chew Net
Round table discussions, Club news and information, technical topics and for sale items. Wednesday 8:00 PM
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Symbol Technologies Amateur Radio Club
The Symbol Technologies Amateur Radio Club is dedicated to serving the
amateur radio community and the general public on Long Island, New
York. The club operates under the vanity call sign of W2SBL.. Email:
Jim Fuccello, AG2I at jim.fuccello@zebra.com for more details
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Wantagh Amateur Radio Club
Meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 7:30 PM at the
Wantagh Public Library, 3285 Park Ave, Wantagh, NY 11793. Entrance to
the meeting room is at the rear of the library, adjacent to the
parking-lot. For more information, see the club’s website at
http://www.qsl.net/w2va
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Amateur Radio Emergency Service (ARES)
NLI /SEC: Joseph Scheirer, KC2BZB, kc2bzb@arrl.net
New York City:
DEC: Martin Grillo, W1EMR, w1emr@arrl.net
ADEC: Frank J. Racaniello, KE2ARA, ke2ara@arrl.net
EC: Kings / Queens: Simon Wurster, K2FH, k2fh@arrl.net
AEC: L. Sugai, N2UJG, n2ujg@arrl.net
Nassau County:
DEC : Ken Kobetitsch, KD2GXL, kd2gxl@ncaresmail.net
ADEC : Robert Jagde, KD2GRS, kd2grs@ncaresmail.net
Nassau County ARES meets monthly on the 4th Thursday at 7:30 pm.
Meetings are held at the American Red Cross 195 Willis Ave. Mineola , NY
For more information about local ARES groups, contact the
following Emergency Coordinators:
Suffolk County:
DEC: John Melfi, W2HCB suffolkcountydec@outlook.com
EC;s
Town of Smithtown: Rich Johnston, KC2TON, kc2ton@arrl.net
Smithtown meets on the 2nd Monday of every month at the Smithtown EOC – 7:30PM.
We also hold weekly Nets on Monday’s at 7:30 pm, (W2LRC/145.43, PL 136.5 Larkfield Repeater)
Town of Brookhaven: Joe Isbell, KE2NK, ke2nk@arrl.net
2nd Monday of the month at the Middle Country Library,
101 Eastwood Blvd., Centereach, NY at 7:30 pm
Town of Riverhead: Steve Casko, W2SFC, w2sfc@arrl.net
Monthly meeting TBD
Town of Southampton: Vacant
Town of Southold: Don Fisher, N2QHV, n2qhv@arrl.net
ARES announcements and business conducted during the Peconic ARC
meetings.
1st Friday of the month at 6:30 pm. Mattituck Public Library on the Main Road
(route 25) in Mattituck.
Town of East Hampton: Eddie Schnell,WZ2Y, wz2y@arrl.net
4th Thursday of the month at 6:00 pm during the BONAC ARC meeting
(except November which is on the 3rd Thursday). Amagansett
Library, Amagansett
Town of Shelter Island: Vacant
Town of Islip: Phil Jacobs, W2UV, w2uv@arrl.net
Other Stuff :
[DX]
John Reiser, W2GW is the section DXCC card checker and is available for
field checking of QSL cards for your DXCC Award. John is available by
appointment at his home in West Hempstead for card checking, and at all
LIDXA meetings. If some lives far from him, John is willing to meet them
halfway at a diner or someplace. Contact John at w2gw@arrl.net
Aaron Broges, WC2C and Tom Carrubba, KA2D are also DXCC card checkers. Aaron and Tom are also members of LIDXA and is usually available for DXCC QSL checking at the monthly LIDXA meetings (along with W2GW).
Approved DXCC card checkers can also check cards for WAS and VUCC
awards as well.
NLI DX Spotting Clusters:
AA2MF Staten Island-NY, dxc.aa2mf.net
K2LS Greensboro- NC. dxc.k2ls.com
K2LS is still a popular spot for many NLI DXers.
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ARRL Additional :
Finding ham radio classes a mouse click away! A new user-friendly
feature on the ARRL Web site-the ARRL Amateur Licensing Class Search
Page-lets prospective hams search for a licensing class in their area.
It also allows ARRL registered instructors to list their classes on the
Web. Visitors can search for classes by ZIP code, ARRL Section or
state.
http://www.arrl.org/FandES/courses/
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ARES E-Letter, sign up now!
The ARES E-Letter is an e-mail digest of news and information of
interest to active members of the ARRL Amateur Radio Emergency Service
(ARES) and to hams concerned with public service and emergency
communications. ARRL members may subscribe to The ARES E-Letter by
going to the Member Data Page at:
http://www.arrl.org/members-only/memdata.html?modify=1
Check the box for ARES E-Letter (monthly public service and
emergency communications news) and you’re all set. Past issues of
The ARES E-Letter are available at: http://www.arrl.org/ares-el/ Issues
are posted to this page after publication.
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Repeaters:
MetroCor is coordinating body for the New York metro area. MetroCor is
the established coordinating body for the New York Metro area,
inclusive of New York City, Long Island, Westchester County and the
majority of Northern New Jersey. You must apply for coordination
through MetroCor if you wish to establish a new system on Amateur Radio
Spectrum above 29.5 MHz. These and any other matters related to repeater
systems coordination are welcomed by MetroCor. They invite you to
visit their website at: http://www.metrocor.net. You can also direct
questions to their e-mail at metrocor@metrocor.net.
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NLI Staff :
SEC/NLI: Joseph Scheirer, KC2BZB, kc2bzb@arrl.net
DEC New York City: Martin Grillo, W1EMR, w1emr@arrl.net
DEC Nassau County: Ken Kobetitsch, KD2GXL, kd2gxl@ncaresmail.net
DEC Suffolk County : John Melfi, W2HCB, w2hcb@arrl.net
Affiliated Club Coordinator : Richie Cetron, K2KNB, k2knb@arrl.net
Technical Coordinator: Steve Schuck, WB2WAK, wb2wak@arrl.net
Public Information Coordinator : Mel Granick, KS2G, ks2g@arrl.net
State Government Liaison: George Tranos N2GA, n2ga@arrl.net
Section Traffic Manager: Todd Walerstein, KD2CBV, kitsune@arrl.net
Assistant Section Traffic Manager: Eugene Boychenko, KD2MDV, kd2mdv@arrl.net
Assistant Section Managers:
Webmaster: Mitch Cohen N2RGA, n2rga@arrl.net
Skywarn: John Hale, KD2LPM, kd2lpm@arrl.net
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MARCH 2026 NYC-LI Section Newsletter — No Comments
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