WNY Section News – Update 9 October 2026

New York QSO Party 

The New York QSO Party is coming up October 17, 2026. The QSO party starts at 1400Z (10AM local time) to 0200Z (10PM local time). NY stations work everyone, and out-of-state stations work NY stations in the various NY counties. See https://nyqp.org/wordpress/ for more information. This is fun activity for all!

Hamfests and Events in WNY

The 2026 hamfest season has come to a close. I hope that you enjoyed the WNY hamfests as much as I did. I'll be adding the hamfest information here as it comes in.

9 January 2027 the Skyline ARC Winter Hamfest (Marathon Hamfest) at the civic center in Marathon NY.

27 February 2027 the Batavia Winter Hamfest at the Alexander NY Fireman's Hall in Alexander NY.

For more information go to the ARRL Hamfest and Conventions search.

Sponsoring a hamfest this year? Go to the link and apply to be an ARRL sanctioned event.  https://www.arrl.org/arrl-sanctioned-events

Attention All Nets!

Attention to all net managers.  Please update your net information for the ARRL Net Directory at this link.  Much of the information in the net directory is old, so please update your net information. 

https://www.arrl.org/arrl-net-directory-search

Amateur Radio Activity Report – submit your latest activity and tell HQ about what is going on! https://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-activity-report

Something great going on? Please report your club or group activities to ARRL HQ. We want to hear about what's going on!

2026 is the ARRL Year of the Club for more information go to this link.  http://www.arrl.org/year-of-the-club

Club Photo Submission - https://www.arrl.org/club-photos    

Amateur Radio Activity Report – submit your latest activity and tell HQ about what is going on! https://www.arrl.org/amateur-radio-activity-report

America250 WAS Challenge

Award for working all states in 2026. Endorsements for working W1AW portable in all states, triple play endorsement for WAS on all 3 modes CW, SSB, digital, endorsement for contacting ARRL affiliated clubs in all 50 states. All contacts to be confirmed using logbook of the world LoTW.

Amateur Radio Emergency Service ARES

Go to this link for ARES information and resources, https://www.arrl.org/ares

ARES Fact Sheet, ARES Plan, ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book (Fillable PDF), ARES Standardized Training Plan Task Book

Please register your ARES group at this link  https://www.arrl.org/register-an-ares-group

Affiliated Clubs

Brand new ARRL web site for ARRL affiliated clubs.  Check it out! 

https://affiliatedclubs.arrl.org/  

This link has information on many club benefits offered to ARRL affiliated clubs.  Not yet affiliated?  Click on the "Clubs" link in the top left then scroll down a bit for the information on becoming an ARRL affiliated club

Current officers or listed contacts can update club affiliation information.  You must be logged in to use the editing system for clubs.  

This file has instructions on how to proceed. https://www.arrl.org/files/file/Clubs/Club20Online_20150806.pdf

For information or to address problems - email  CLUBS@ARRL.org. 

Club Affiliation Updates are Required!

Please remember that ARRL affiliated clubs need to update their information once a year. Any club with out of date information will be placed on an inactive list until the info is updated. 

Silent Key Reports to ARRL HQ

Silent Key reports must be confirmed by ONE of the following forms of documention:  a copy of an obituary notice that includes the date of death, a copy of the death certificate, a letter from the family attorney or the estate executor.

On-Line SK Reporting 

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Silent Key Administrator. Email: sk@arrl.org

Fillable pdf submission form is here

https://www.arrl.org/files/file/VEs/SK_Report a Silent Key_Printable 2026.pdf

Any WNY News to Report?

You may email me at W2LC@arrl.org or W2LC@arrl.net.

73 Scott W2LC ARRL WNY Section Manager