[South Florida DX Association] Monthly ARRL Section News from Sherri

[Bill Marx]

During June we usually think of Father's Day, graduations, weddings, Field
Day, Kid's Day, Amateur Radio Week, Flag Day.... and this June we have
something new to think about -- BPL.

We were recently informed that BPL testing will take place in the SW Miami
area.  I will use the alert function at www.arrl.org/sections.SFL.html to
post
BPL related information.  If you are in Miami-Dade or want to keep abreast
of
the test please check in there often.  There will be links to the facts
about
BPL, local contacts for reports and information and other notices.  Please
do
not contact the media, the power company or government officials at this
time
about this test site.  BPL is not entirely bad and all of the equipment does
not cause interference.  We will have folks who can talk to the media and if
we need you to contact third parties I will post the information in the
alert
section.

The alert section is also used if we have a communications emergency, and of
course, the Emergency will take priority.

I have forwarded the traffic, public service and net reports that I have
received to ARRL headquarters.  They are incomplete so they are not yet
listed
here.  Thank you for your patience.

The section news page at www.arrl.org/sections.SFL.html has been updated
with
2 months of news. Please scroll through all of the news because there's
ideas
for your clubs, a book review, Elmering ideas and more.

If you are holding a hamfest and want ARRL approval you must contact
headquarters to make the approval request. (giannone at arrl.org).  Approval of
your hamfest means you will receive ARRL brochures and publications for door
prizes, and ARRL Section leadership will attend to answer questions and
conduct forums.

ARRL is offering two new services for clubs.  Log on to and enter the
Members
Only area of the web site. Go to the right side of the page in a yellow box
and click on an item called New Amateur Reports.  The reports provide a
monthly listing of new hams by zip code.  Invite these folks to a meeting,
send them a sample newsletter, or invite them to assist at the next public
service event.  The other new item is a great PowerPoint presentation for
clubs and it's featured on the main news page today -- check it out and
you'll
be glad you did.

To everyone participating in Field Day: I wish you success -- points,
learning
opportunities, and camaraderie.  Please don't forget those NTS messages to
the
SEC and me.  I will be participating with my local club, Vero Beach ARC, and
I
will try to check into traffic nets.  If you contact the club -- W4OT or you
here the GOTA station using my call feel free to deliver the message to that
operator.

73,
Sherri, W4STB