Section Newsletter — ARRL Santa Clara Valley — February 1, 2026
This month, announcements from ARRL headquarters, reproduced in their
entirety.
ARRL will host the 9th annual Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI) Workshop on March 14 – 15, 2026, with primary activities held at Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) in New Britain, Connecticut, and additional events at ARRL Headquarters in Newington. The international workshop brings together radio amateurs, scientists, educators, and students to explore how amateur radio serves as a practical tool for scientific research and citizen science.
Organized by the HamSCI community, the 2026 workshop carries the theme “Discovering Science Through Ham Radio.” Presentations and discussions will highlight real-world research enabled by amateur radio, including ionospheric and space weather studies, meteor scatter propagation, radio-based sensing technologies, and the growing use of Personal Space Weather Stations. The program emphasizes how these efforts not only advance scientific understanding, but also directly inform and improve amateur radio operating and technology.
The weekend will feature oral and poster presentations, invited tutorials, and sessions designed to be accessible to both newcomers and experienced researchers. A Saturday evening banquet will include a keynote address by astrophysicist Marc Kuchner, NASA’s Citizen Science Officer. Attendees will also have the opportunity to tour ARRL Headquarters, including the ARRL Laboratory, the W1HQ Radio Laboratory, and W1AW – the Hiram P. Maxim Memorial Station, with opportunities to get on the air.
Amateur radio operators, educators, students, engineers, and citizen scientists are all encouraged to participate. A call for abstracts for presentations and posters is open through February 1, 2026, and registration is now available. While the workshop is planned primarily as an in-person event, a virtual attendance option is expected to be announced closer to the date. Additional details, including registration and abstract submission information, are available at hamsci.org/hamsci2026.
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ARRL will announce the winner of the ARRL Sweepstakes Icom® Dream Station at Orlando HamCation®, coming to the Central Florida Fairgrounds February 13 – 15, 2026. Hosted by the Orlando Amateur Radio Club and serving as the ARRL Southeastern Division Convention, HamCation features exhibits, technical and operating forums, a large flea market and tailgate area, and opportunities to meet ARRL officials and program representatives. Attendees can learn about initiatives, including the ARRL Year of the Club and the America250 Worked All States Award. A Saturday night banquet will include the presentation of HamCation Awards and a keynote address from ARRL Senior Director of Marketing and Innovation Bob Inderbitzen, NQ1R. Details and updates are available at hamcation.com.
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Dear ARRL Member,
I am writing to inform members of a recent change in leadership within the Atlantic Division and to provide context regarding the governance process that led to this transition.
Director Famiglio’s Recertification Decision
In accordance with ARRL By-Law 46(d), all Directors and Vice Directors are required to annually sign and submit a recertification of the “Board Member Statement on Authority, Responsibility, and Expectations” (see www.arrl.org/general-information), confirming that they have read and understand their fiduciary obligations under ARRL’s governing documents and applicable law.
Regrettably, ARRL Atlantic Division Director Robert B. Famiglio, K3RF, voluntarily chose not to submit the signed recertification. This signed statement was completed by all 36 other Board members, as well as all candidates who stood for election during 2025.
Under the bylaw, failure to complete the required recertification within the specified period renders a Board member ineligible to continue serving. As a signed recertification was not received from Mr. Famiglio, he became ineligible to serve, and his position as Atlantic Division Director was vacated pursuant to the bylaw.
We sincerely thank Director Famiglio for his many years of volunteer service and for his contributions to ARRL and the amateur radio community.
Background on the Board Member Statement and By-Law 46
As part of its ongoing efforts to promote effective, transparent governance, the ARRL Board adopted an updated Board Member Statement on Authority, Responsibility, and Expectations, incorporated into By-Law 46, at the July 2025 Board meeting. The statement is intended to clarify for Directors, and candidates seeking election to the Board, their fiduciary duties, including the obligation to act in the best interest of the organization, and to not advance any interests that may conflict with ARRL’s interests.
The proposed revisions to By-Law 46 were circulated to all Board members and the membership well in advance of adoption. Directors were provided with the opportunity to ask questions, express support or concerns, and consult with ARRL’s counsel before a majority of the Board voted to adopt the measure.
Members may review the full Board Member Statement here:
www.arrl.org/general-information
ARRL’s By-Laws are available here:
Succession and Leadership Continuity
Consistent with ARRL’s governing documents, with Director Famiglio voluntarily choosing to become ineligible to serve, Vice Director Marty Newingham, AG3I, has assumed the office of Atlantic Division Director, effective immediately. A replacement Vice Director will be named at a later date.
Commitment to Transparency and Good Governance
ARRL remains committed to adherence to its governing documents and to keeping members informed regarding Board governance, leadership transitions, and organizational continuity. We appreciate our members’ engagement and ongoing support.
73
David A. Minster, NA2AA
CEO and Secretary
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73 until next month.
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