HRU 2009 Moderator Biographies

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ARRL New York City-Long Island Section Convention

Sunday, January 11, 2009
Briarcliffe College
Bethpage, NY

"A day of education to share ideas, experiences, knowledge and fellowship among Amateur Radio operators"

Featuring
Spreading Ham Radio Knowledge and Know How

2009 Biographies as of December 30, 2008
Information from moderators for HRU CD due by December 20, 2008

Time Forum Moderator Biography

9:00am - 9:50am Long-rand Six Meter Sporadic-E Propagation
Ken Neubeck WB2AMU Ken Neubeck, WB2AMU, has an extra class license and has been a ham since 1971. He writes regularly on VHF propagation for CQ VHF and Worldradio. He has written the book, SIX METERS, A GUIDE TO THE MAGIC BAND put out by Worldradio books and it is now in its third edition. He is co-author with Gordon West of the book, VHF PROPAGATION, A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR RADIO AMATEURS, put out by CQ Magazine.

9:00am - 10:00am ARRL Forum
Mike Lisenco N2YBB Mike Lisenco N2YBB of Brooklyn, New York is the incoming Section Manager for NLI. N2YBB has served as ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator and Assistant Section Manager for New York City-Long Island since 2007. Prior to that date, Mike was the ARES District Emergency Coordinator for New York City, supervising an organization made up of the 5 borough (county) organizations that comprise the metropolis. Mike was first licensed in January 1994, having passed the Novice, CW and Technician exams one cold evening in December 1993. He quickly upgraded to General and then Advanced, but waited 12 years to upgrade to Extra. Besides emergency communications, Mike's passion is DX; having worked nearly 300 countries (299 confirmed). You can find him trolling the bands on SSB, CW and RTTY searching for that elusive 300th DXCC entity (he needs another endorsement sticker). A professional actor, Mike has appeared in countless films, tv shows and commercials over the past 25 years. He is married, has two children and lives in Brooklyn where he grows antennas in his backyard farm.

9:00am - 9:50am Transmitter Hunting
Larry Berger WA2SUH Larry Berger was first licensed in 1961 and has been involved with transmitter hunting for many years, first on 10 meters and later on 2 meters. He is a member of the Plaza Repeater Group and participates in Nassau County RACES activities. He serves as the Vice-President of the 10-10 International Net. Larry heads up the Transportation Division of the Nassau County Planning Commission. The presentation will focus on what transmitter hunting is, why hams hunt, different types of hunts, hunting strategies, different types of hunting equipment and how to get involved. A demonstration of some of the equipment used on local hunts will be part of the presentation.

9:00am - 9:50am Transmitter Hunting
Andy Kirschenbaum WA2CDL Andy Kirschenbaum, WA2CDL, will co-moderate the Hidden Transmitter Hunting forum with Larry Berger, WA2SUH. Andy has been licensed since 1970 and holds an Extra class license. His involvement in amateur radio has included everything from public service thru RACES, to building and experimenting. Many people know Andy from his radio repair activities. He has conducted “tune up clinics” at various hamfests in the NYC area since 1985. Andy is a member of LIMARC and the Plaza Repeater Group. Andy works in the field of radio communications systems.

9:00am - 9:50am QRP low power fun
John Meade W2XS John Meade W2XS started ham radio in the mid sixties as WB2SLI. The QRP bug hit him when Heathkit came out with the HW-8. Since that time, he has used many of the QRP rigs out there including Ten Tec, Small Wonders Labs, MFJ, OHR, NorCal, and Elecraft. There have been many successful outings with the Long Island QRP club with QSOs far and wide with simple (but effective) equipment and antennas. His career has been in the Electronics Management industry as well as teaching Electrical Technology at Nassau Community College.

9:00am - 9:50am and 10:00am -10:50am DSTAR - digital Amateur Radio
Randy Gutentag WA2RMZ Randy Gutentag WA2RMZ has been licensed since 1971. He is currently holds an Extra Class license. He is a life member of the ARRL and QCWA. He is also a member of the Cherryville Repeater Association. Randy was very active in vhf/uhf contesting and traffic handling in the late 70's and early 80's. For the last 15+ years he has been active in Emergency Management in Middlesex County NJ. Randy is the President of the Central NJ D-Star Group and a trustee of the NJ2DG D-Star repeater system in Martinsville, NJ.

10:00am - 10:50am Wireless History
Connie Currie Connie Currie is President of the Long Island Wireless Historical Society. A Novice Ham from 1956 to 57, her father was an electrical engineer who loved radios and fixing them, and she has melded her love of history with radio. Connie has tried to save the Telefunken Wireless site in West Sayville for posterity, but went down in burning defeat. Now she's hoping to see radio history remain in the minds and hearts of Long Islanders, by writing, publishing, exhibiting and talking about it.

10:00am - 10:50am Into to Emergency Communications
Mike Lisenco N2YBB Mike Lisenco N2YBB of Brooklyn, New York is the incoming Section Manager for NLI. N2YBB has served as ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator and Assistant Section Manager for New York City-Long Island since 2007. Prior to that date, Mike was the ARES District Emergency Coordinator for New York City, supervising an organization made up of the 5 borough (county) organizations that comprise the metropolis. Mike was first licensed in January 1994, having passed the Novice, CW and Technician exams one cold evening in December 1993. He quickly upgraded to General and then Advanced, but waited 12 years to upgrade to Extra. Besides emergency communications, Mike's passion is DX; having worked nearly 300 countries (299 confirmed). You can find him trolling the bands on SSB, CW and RTTY searching for that elusive 300th DXCC entity (he needs another endorsement sticker). A professional actor, Mike has appeared in countless films, tv shows and commercials over the past 25 years. He is married, has two children and lives in Brooklyn where he grows antennas in his backyard farm.

10:00am - 10:50am Into to Emergency Communications
Jim Mezey W2KFV Jim Mezey W2KFV, is the incoming Section Emergency Coordinator for NLI. With over 45 years of experience in Emergency Communications, Jim most recently served as ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Nassau County. He holds an Extra Class license and is a member or officer of LIMARC, Nassau Amateur Radio Club, Nassau County Police Amateur Radio Club, QCWA, and IPARC. A VE examiner, Jim is well versed in public service communications and is also a certified ARRL instructor who is trained in ARRL EC 001, EC 002, and EC 003, as well as ICS and NIMS.

10:00am - 10:50am Intro to DXing Long Island DX Association Join members of the LIDXA discuss the why and how of DXing. This forum is for you whether you are new to DXing or a seasoned pro. Discussed will be DXing techniques, QSLing, HF propagation and upcoming DXpeditions.

10:00am - 10:50am Grounding for the Amateur Radio Station
Rich Rosner,PE N2STU Rich Rosner N2STU was first licensed in 1971. Rich let that license lapse, but then decided to take the tests again in 1991 and became N2STU. In very short time he became an Amateur Extra. Rich has belonged to the 760 Stony Brook Repeater Group, the 715 Repeater Group, LIMARC, QCWA, AMSAT, and the ARRL. For LIMARC, he has been a Director, chaired the Membership, Advertising, Hamfest, Fox Hunting and Biking committees. Each year he works at Field Day demonstrating digital modes, Slow Scan TV, Packet radio, Echolink, IRLP, APRS; makes Solar Panel charged HT contacts and tries for satellite contacts. He has also served on the Technical and Education Committees. Rich has taught at many classes given to groups going for Technician, General, and Extra class licenses. For the ARRL, Rich has been an Assistant Director, Technical Coordinator, Technical Specialist, and BPL Coordinator. N2STU has found that Amateur Radio is not only a good avocation, but his family has enjoyed this great hobby in various ways. His spouse, Nancy N2TKA is a Hudson Division Assistant Director and Webmaster of the LIMARC website. Both daughters are hams, Nicole N2TKA and Lynda N2WJK. Each year, they all help with the NYC Marathon where Rich is Mile 5 Captain. Rich is a Professional Engineer, licensed in four states and also a licensed Master Electrician. He's employed as the Director of Engineering at CSF, a company that works with bonding companies, construction companies, their attorneys, and owners. He is also Vice President and partner of NSEA, an Architectural and Engineering design company. Often he is called to provide expert testimony in courts to provide the Court with the needed information to decide cases. Engineers taking this seminar will receive 1 professional development hour credit and will receive a certificate at the end of the seminar. This forum is for all amateur radio operators.

11:00am - 11:50am Young Ham Forum
Lew Malchick N2RQ Lew Malchick, N2RQ, was first licensed in 1959 as WV2FBX while in 8th grade. He is a past president of the Erasmus Hall HS ARC – W2ANU and Brooklyn College ARS – K2APZ. He was faculty advisor at Brooklyn Technical HS – W2CXN from 1977-2003 and continues as station trustee. He has administered the School Club Roundup (SCR) since its inception more than 20 years ago. Lew is a VE, has taught classes and has mentored students mostly at BTHS. He is a life member of ARRL & QCWA, is active in ARES, is a LIMARC director, Hudson Division Assistant Director and also served more than 30 years in Army MARS. Personal experience as a student, with students and feedback from SCR participants provide knowledge of a wide variety of successful approaches to attracting younger operators to ham radio. We hope the young ham forum will help you to be more effective in rejuvenating our beloved hobby.

11:00am - 11:50am Young Ham Forum
Martin Smith KA2NRR Marty Smith KA2NRR of Wantagh, NY, was first licensed in 1972 as WN2IAV. He held that license until 1974. He earned his Novice license again in 1980 as KA2NRR. He achieved his Extra Class Amateur Radio License in 1995. He has served as an Assistant Director of ARRL, Hudson Division and was a member of its Educational Task Force. He has been an ARRL Volunteer Examiner and has served as a volunteer radio operator and Mile Captain for the New York City Marathon as well as the Long Island Marathon in past years. He is the co-founder of the School Club Roundup Contest which is sponsored by ARRL and was co-editor of the New York City Board of Education 90 page manual entitled “You’re On The Air-Amateur Radio in the School Curriculum” which was published in 1990. He has worked closely with Lew Malchick, N2RQ in regard to school-related amateur radio activities over the past twenty five years. Marty has served as president of the Rockaway Amateur Radio Club, president and co-founder of the Council for the Advancement of Amateur Radio-New York City Schools and president and co-founder of the Big Apple Chapter (Tapuach Gadol) of the Chaverim International Radio Club. He was also Second Vice President of the Chaverim International Radio Club. During his many years in amateur radio he has been a member and active participant with these clubs as well as LIDXA, Electchester ARC, MAARC, and LIMARC. He has been Newsletter Editor of the LIDXA, CAARS-NYC and the Rockaway Amateur Radio Club. He also holds membership in the International Amateur Radio Society, International DX Association, the YLISSB, OMISS, 3905 Century Club and the Certificate Hunters Club. His amateur radio interests are rag chewing, DXing, contesting and working Echolink. He has spoken on amateur radio topics at workshops, organizational meetings and religious groups.

11:00am - 11:50am ARES Section Meeting
Jim Mezey W2KFV Jim Mezey W2KFV, is the incoming Section Emergency Coordinator for NLI. With over 45 years of experience in Emergency Communications, Jim most recently served as ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Nassau County. He holds an Extra Class license and is a member or officer of LIMARC, Nassau Amateur Radio Club, Nassau County Police Amateur Radio Club, QCWA, and IPARC. A VE examiner, Jim is well versed in public service communications and is also a certified ARRL instructor who is trained in ARRL EC 001, EC 002, and EC 003, as well as ICS and NIMS.

11:00am - 11:50am DX Forum
John Reiser W2GW John Reiser, W2GW, was first licensed in 1958 and upgraded to Amateur Extra twenty years later. His primary ham radio activity is HF DXing and his preferred mode is CW. However, he also enjoys building electronic gear, restoring vintage equipment, and operating QRP portable outdoors. John serves as the official ARRL DXCC field checker of QSL cards for the New York - Long Island Section. He makes himself available in that capacity at several ham fests in the area. You can contact John for an appointment to have your QSL cards checked at his home in West Hempstead or another agreeable venue. (w2gw@arrl.net). John is currently President of the Long Island DX Association which meets at Briarcliffe College on the third Friday of the month at 8:00 PM (all are welcome). He is available for card checking before these meetings as well. John is also active in LIMARC and QCWA Chapter 81, where he serves as Secretary.

11:00am - 11:50am Dealing with RFI during reception
Bill Lynch AB2UW Bill Lynch, AB2UW, was first licensed in 1961 as WA2PXY. At that time, he operated on 6 meter AM in crowded Brooklyn NY and became very familiar with RFI as the source of TVI to his neighbors' inadequately shielded TV sets with rooftop antennas. He got his B.E.(E.E.) from City College in 1969 and worked in industry for five years. After a stint in graduate school, he was "transformed" into a high school teacher and spent 25 years teaching HS physics. He still teaches physics part-time at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue and during the semester break in 2006-07, earned his Extra Class license and current call. Bill is currently active in the Radio Central Amateur Radio Club and still hasn't decided what mode or band he likes best, having worked satellites, including Richard Garriot on the ISS, LI and CT VHF/UHF repeaters, HF SSB and CW, PSK31, Hellschreiber, Olivia, FDMDV and fastscan ATV. Bothered by powerline interference at his Long Island QTH, he researched the topic and constructed some equipment to help find the source. His presentation, with demonstrations, will describe how powerline and other RFI is generated and how to locate and eliminate the problem.

11:00am - 11:50am Mobile and Portable Operations
Sid Wolin K2LJH Sid Wolin K2LJH has been an active ham for 55 years. His schooling was as an RF-microwave engineer with a masters in mathmatics. He has designed and built all types of antennas specializing in emergency portable types. As the tech coordinator for the NLI section, Sid has worked on many mobile installations and will be able to shed light on proper installations for your car.

12 noon - 1:00pm Keynote Speaker
Kay Craigie N3KN ARRL First Vice President, Kay Craigie N3KN, lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her husband Carter Craigie N3AO. First licensed in 1983, Kay became ARRL Section Manager for Eastern Pennsylvania in 1986, moving up to Atlantic Division Vice Director in 1990. Six years later, she became Atlantic Division Director, and in 2006 she was elected First Vice President of the ARRL. Kay's first assignment as Vice President was to design what became the ARRL Education and Technology Program. She chaired the National Emergency Response Planning Committee, tasked with recommending how to improve the League’s readiness at the national level to respond to extraordinary disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. On the air, Kay enjoys DXing -- that's what attracted her to ham radio in the first place -- award-hunting, and contesting. She holds VUCC on 6 meters, 5BDXCC (endorsed for 12, 17, and 30 meters), and the DXCC Challenge award. She enjoys digital modes, CW, and phone. She participates in Skywarn and is a Volunteer Examiner.

1:30pm - 2:20pm The Story of Ham Radio Licensing
Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP Bob was licensed as W2ILP since 1951. He has had his Extra class since 1988. Bob is a member ARRL, QCWA, Mensa, Grumman Amateur Radio Club (GARC), Radio Central Amateur Radio Club, Life member IEEE. BSEE, MSEd. GARC Board Member and editor of GARC Newsletter. He is the contact VE for GARC, has operated RTTY, PSK-31, MFSK and Hellschreibrer digital modes and served as Mentor for ARRL Digital Mode Course. Bob has over 40 years experience as technician, field service engineer, design engineer, technical writer and electronics instructor.

1:30pm - 2:20pm SATERN and Go-boxes
Jeff Schneller N2HPO Jeff Schneller N2HPO is the senior SATERN Amateur Radio liaison officer for New York City. Jeff was the primary Amateur Radio contact for the Salvation Army during the World Trade Center disaster at Ground Zero in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Jeff also was active for SATERN in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Jeff has developed a number of self-contained Amateur Radio stations in "go-boxes" that are useful for portable and emergency operations.

1:30pm - 2:20pm Internet Linking for Amateur Radio
Jonathan Taylor K1RFD Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, of Ridgefield, Connecticut is the developer of the EchoLink voice-over-IP (VoIP) linking system. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he has been a licensed ham since 1974, holding the Amateur Extra license since 1979. Jonathan is also the author of the ARRL book, "VoIP: Internet Linking for Radio Amateurs", the standard reference for both the IRLP and EchoLink systems. Now in its fifth year of operation, the EchoLink system has grown to nearly 200,000 registered Amateur users in 162 nations worldwide. This HRU seminar features an update on the latest developments in EchoLink, and a discussion of some exciting ways Amateur Radio stations can be interconnected via the Internet to provide essential public service and emergency communications in the 21st century. Jonathan's favorite on-air activities are CW DXing and contesting, traffic handling, FM and repeaters, and HF/VHF digital modes. He has received the ARRL Technical Innovation Award and the Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award, and was named to the CQ Magazine Hall of Fame in 2005.

1:30pm - 2:20pm Packet Radio Primer
Charles Alfano WA2GUG Charles Alfano was licensed in 1966 one year after getting his First Phone License. He was a transmitter and audio engineer at WRFM and WNYW. Charles had served in USA Signal Corps operating High power HF [60kw] transmitters and microwave. After leaving the service, he became interested in Emergency communications and public service. Charles retired from AT&T after 28yrs of service working on digital and analog transport services. He is currently the Emergency Coordinator of Queens County and maintains 2 Telpack nodes and an APRS digipeater. He likes to operate PSK31 on the low bands and lives for field day. Charles has been involved in emergency responses such as 9/11, American Airlines and the blackout. He is also a member of SkyWarn and RECWA. Charles has help train beginners on Packet, FlexNet, Winlink2000 and APRS for the last 4 years. He is also a CERT team member in his spare time ;-). The forum will be geared to the beginner interested in a reliable digital mode and to the old guy who forgot what a TNC is ;-)

1:30pm - 2:20pm Getting The Most Out Of Contest Logging Software
Mel Granick KS2G First licensed in 1977 as a Novice, Mel Granick upgraded to Technician, General and Advanced class licenses within six months and has been an Amateur Extra since 1981. He’s been active in numerous aspects of Amateur Radio ranging from traffic handling to the early use of packet radio. With a modest station consisting of a 100 watt transceiver, 3-element tribander and 40/80 dipole up just 35 feet, he’s been successful as a DX’er (DXCC-225+), awards chaser (5BWAS) and one of the leading contesters in the 2nd Call Area, repeatedly placing in the top ten among U.S. low-power single operators in the CQ World Wide DX, CQ World Wide WPX and ARRL 10-Meter contests.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Home Weather Stations
Harris Stein NY3H Harris Stein NY3H was first licensed 1960, enjoyed local Q’s with friend on 80 meter CW as well as DX, especially on 15 meter AM. As Long Island had become the target for hurricanes, he joined Brookhaven Town Civil Defense, running emergency traffic during weather events. From these early experiences, he was able to enjoy a wonderful hobby as well as serve the public good while developing a strong sense of how weather impacts all on Long Island. Service to county and community stayed with Harris, actively serving in the USAF during the sixties, after, as a long time volunteer firefighter, he never forgot the need for public service through Amateur Radio and became active again in hobby. Most recently, involved in the ARES and SKYWARN programs in Nassau for more than ten years, he became ARES AEC before moving to Bucks County, PA where he orchestrated the reemergence of ARES into a viable EmComm resource for Bucks Co. EMA, serving as Emergency Coordinator for that county. After three years, he moved back to Nassau County and served as Emergency Coordinator for ARES, expanding the county SKYWARN program for the National Weather Service. January 1st, Harris took over as the ARES DEC for Nassau County. He continues to promote Amateur Radio as a reliable volunteer resource capable of serving the public as well as served agencies like Red Cross, National Weather Service, N.C. Fire Battalions and local EMO in times of need. He will be promoting voice operation as a main resource but is focusing efforts to further develop digital modes for transferring the essential data to all in need of critical information. Weather data is part of that focus.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Home Weather Stations
Michael Blanc K2YYD Michael Blanc K2YYD, is the AEC for Digital Communications for Nassau ARES. In that role, he is helping to enhance Nassau County’s EMCOMM capabilities utilizing, Voice, APRS, Winlink, D-Star, and other modes. He holds a General Class license and is active on both VHF/UHF and HF (mostly 10 through 20 meters). Michael is also a member of the ARRL and LIMARC.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Home Weather Stations
Bruce Gronich K2BRG license. He has been very active in Nassau County ARES and County Red Cross activities since 2004. By 2008, Bruce became especially active in Skywarn and now serves as the Deputy Coordinator for Nassau County Skywarn. As a private pilot, he has always taken a strong interest in meteorology. In real life, Bruce is a technology professional in the fixed income industry.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Red Cross
Mario Maltese WF2T. Mario Maltese WF2T co-chairs the Communications Section in the American Red Cross in Nassau County. Mario is a Life Member of ARRL, QCWA, and AMSAT and was formerly Section Emergency Coordinator NLI Section. He is an Assistant Director Hudson Division, and Senior Staff of the NYC Marathon Communications Committee. WF2T is a recipient of the Kevin Kane N2MEI Public Service Award. Mario is an executive in Audio Visual Resources, Inc., an audio visual engineered systems integrator, and holds advanced certifications CTS-D, CTS-I, and CVE. He is a Senior Faculty member at the Infocomm International Academy, heads the technical committee for Skills USA in Audio Visual Technology, and received Infocomm International's award "Educator of the Year 2004-5". Mario holds an MEE (Electrophysics) and a BEE (Microwave Engineering), is a member of the Audio Engineering Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality. Author of "AV 9000: Defining Quality in Engineered Audio Visual Systems.

2:30pm - 3:20pm North to Alaska with Ham Radio
Neil Heft KC2KY Neil received his first ham callsign (WN2UDP) in 1971 when he was a 12 year old lad living in Stony Brook, NY. In those days, Robert Cushman Murphy Junior High school had a pretty active ham radio club. The club station, WB2LQD, consisted of a Drake Novice line, the 2-NT transmitter and the 2-C receiver - your school taxes at work. Neil spent many a lunch hour (And a few hours when he should have been in class) in the club shack working DX on 15 meter CW. By 1973, Neil was just about able to copy 13 words per minute and upgrade to Advanced, about a month after his Novice license expired. (In those days, the Novice license was only good for 2 years and was non-renewable.) In the middle and late seventies, Ham radio started taking a back seat for Neil. When Neil finished college in 1980 (receiving his B.S.E.E.), his interest in ham radio started to take off again. By then his Advanced call, WA2UDP, had been expired for a year and a half. When Neil renewed his license in 1981, he was issued his present call sign, KC2KY. In 1987 Neil upgraded to Extra Class. Neil works as an Electrical Engineer on Long Island and is an active member of Radio Central Amateur Radio Club. Over the years, he has held various offices at RCARC, starting as Recording Secretary, then Vice President, and was club President in 1993 and 1994. Today Neil is President of Radio Central and is editor of Radio Central's club newsletter, Random Oscillations. In 2008, Neil was one of the featured speakers at the Alaska Section Convention in Anchorage. He will talk about operating in the north country.

2:30pm - 3:20pm EmComm Software for Packet
John Blowsky KB2SCS John Blowsky KB2SCS was first licensed in 1994. John's main interests in the Amateur Radio Service are Emergency communications and the writing of software for the amateur radio community. John has been the EC and Radio Officer for the Town of Islip since 2003. He is also the Assistant Section Manager for Digital Communications for the the NY City / Long Island section. John has been published several times in the Proceedings of the ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Antenna Forum
Walter Wenzel KA2RGI Walter Wenzel, KA2RGI, has been licensed in the Amateur Radio Service since 1983 and is an Amateur Extra Class Operator. His whole family, wife and 4 children, are licensed amateur radio operators. His major involvement in Amateur Radio is Emergency Communications. Walter is a past NYC/LI Section Manager and has held almost all of the ARRL Leadership positions over the years. He has also held the position of Assistant Director for the Hudson Division. Walter worked with the New York State Emergency Management Office as a volunteer as their Regional Radio Officer for years under Regional Director, Wayne Georgia. Today, Walter is the Radio Officer and ARES EC for the Township of Babylon Amateur Radio Emergency Services (TOBARES). KA2RGI is also active with the National Weather Service as the Skywarn Coordinator for Suffolk County and is a past Regional Skywarn Coordinator for the OKX Forecasting Office at Upton, NY on the grounds of BNL. He also part of a committee to update radio communications for the American Red Cross in Suffolk County and Long Island. Walter has long been involved with The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club. He served as President multiple times, and has held various other positions on the Executive Board and other committees which have included Field Day Coordinator, Volunteer Exam Liaison for their VE sessions, and the Trustee for club call, W2GSB. Today he is part of their board as their Secretary. Walter has always enjoyed instructing persons in the various levels of amateur radio classes and maintains the VE Sessions for GSBARC. He has been instructing Amateur Radio Licensing Classes (Novice through Extra) since January 1983, and have been an ARRL Certified Instructor since 1984. He has also instructed classes on introduction to computers, soldering, kit building, basic repeater techniques and etiquette, repeater maintenance, packet radio protocols, BBS operation, basic antenna building, basic contesting. Walter is an Awards Manager for the ARRL for HF and VHF/UHF Awards, but not DXCC. Walter is also certified to give ARRL ARECC Hybrid Classes for EC-001, EC-002, and EC-003 plus administer the exams. Walter has been part of HRU since its conception. Walter has also been involved in other "Ham Radio" clubs and organizations such as the Suffolk County Radio Club, South Shore ARC, Larkfield ARC, LIMARC, and the Packteers of Long Island. Walter, KA2RGI is also on the board for the Suffolk County Half Marathon.

3:30pm - 4:20pm HRU - what a decade!
George Tranos N2GA George Tranos N2GA, was ARRL NYC/LI Section Manager from 1998 through 2006. He was president of LIMARC from 1996 to 1997. George was past chairman of Ham Radio University in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. N2GA is a member of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club, the Order of Boiled Owls DX and Contest Club and LIMARC. He is an ARRL life member, Assisant Director of the ARRL Hudson Division and NYC/LI Section State Government Liaison. George has chaired meetings of division club presidents and helped work out problems between clubs. Along with Phil Lewis N2MUN, Diane Ortiz K2DO and Neil Heft KC2KY, George will discuss how Ham Radio University got started, has grown, and what it took to get here. They will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past decade with you.

3:30pm - 4:20pm HRU - what a decade!
Phil Lewis N2MUN Phil Lewis is the originator of the HRU concept. Phil envisioned a day of education for and about Amateur Radio and with the help of other hams in the NLI section, put together the first HRU in 2000. Phil has beed chairman of the event three times, in 2000,2001 and 2002. Phil is past president of the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, and currently is the Affiliated Club Coordinator for the NY City/ LI Section. Phil was ARRL Hudson Division Amateur of the year in 2000. Radio and electronics run in his blood (Father, Uncle and Cousin) Phil is in his 40th year at BAE Systems in Greenlawn producing military hardware for our troops . Phil enjoys DXing and contesting and is a member of the Order of Boiled Owls of New York contest club and the YCCC. Along with George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO and Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil will discuss how Ham Radio University got started, has grown, and what it took to get here. They will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past decade with you.

3:30pm - 4:20pm HRU - what a decade!
Diane Ortiz K2DO Diane Ortiz K2DO, has been publicity chairperson for HRU since its inception. Diane was president of LIMARC from 2001 to 2003. K2DO is a member of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club, the Order of Boiled Owls DX and Contest Club and LIMARC. She is an ARRL life member, Assisant Director of the ARRL Hudson Division and past NYC/LI Section Public Information Coordinator. Along with Phil Lewis N2MUN, George Tranos N2GA and Neil Heft KC2KY, Diane will discuss how Ham Radio University got started, has grown, and what it took to get here. They will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past decade with you.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Rob Yenis KC2ILP Rob Yenis KC2ILP, licensed in 2001 is trained in Em-Comm, ICS, and NIMS. Rob is the Volunteer Emergency Communications Development Unit Leader for the CERT program. He is responsible for the programs communications plan and 2-way radio training and assists with the programs FRS, GMRS and Ham Radio programs.

2:30pm - 3:20pm Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)
Bob Beckmann Bob Beckmann is a Lieutenant in and a 22-year veteran of the Nassau County Sheriff's Department detailed to the Office of Emergency Management. He serves as the Program Director for Nassau County CERT and is also responsible for the collection and dissemination of emergency management and Counter Terrorism intelligence related to the protection and safety of the county. Bob has extensive training in emergency management and homeland security.

Time	Forum	Moderator	Biography
9:00am - 9:50am	Long-rand Six Meter Sporadic-E Propagation	Ken Neubeck WB2AMU	Ken Neubeck, WB2AMU, has an extra class license and has been a ham since 1971. He writes regularly on VHF propagation for CQ VHF and Worldradio. He has written the book, SIX METERS, A GUIDE TO THE MAGIC BAND put out by Worldradio books and it is now in its third edition. He is co-author with Gordon West of the book, VHF PROPAGATION, A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR RADIO AMATEURS, put out by CQ Magazine.
9:00am - 10:00am	ARRL Forum	Mike Lisenco N2YBB	Mike Lisenco N2YBB of Brooklyn, New York is the incoming Section Manager for NLI. N2YBB has served as ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator and Assistant Section Manager for New York City-Long Island since 2007. Prior to that date, Mike was the ARES District Emergency Coordinator for New York City, supervising an organization made up of the 5 borough (county) organizations that comprise the metropolis. Mike was first licensed in January 1994, having passed the Novice, CW and Technician exams one cold evening in December 1993. He quickly upgraded to General and then Advanced, but waited 12 years to upgrade to Extra. Besides emergency communications, Mike's passion is DX; having worked nearly 300 countries (299 confirmed). You can find him trolling the bands on SSB, CW and RTTY searching for that elusive 300th DXCC entity (he needs another endorsement sticker). A professional actor, Mike has appeared in countless films, tv shows and commercials over the past 25 years. He is married, has two children and lives in Brooklyn where he grows antennas in his backyard farm.
9:00am - 9:50am	Transmitter Hunting	Larry Berger WA2SUH	Larry Berger was first licensed in 1961 and has been involved with transmitter hunting for many years, first on 10 meters and later on 2 meters. He is a member of the Plaza Repeater Group and participates in Nassau County RACES activities. He serves as the Vice-President of the 10-10 International Net. Larry heads up the Transportation Division of the Nassau County Planning Commission. The presentation will focus on what transmitter hunting is, why hams hunt, different types of hunts, hunting strategies, different types of hunting equipment and how to get involved. A demonstration of some of the equipment used on local hunts will be part of the presentation.
9:00am - 9:50am	Transmitter Hunting	Andy Kirschenbaum WA2CDL	Andy Kirschenbaum, WA2CDL, will co-moderate the Hidden Transmitter Hunting forum with Larry Berger, WA2SUH. Andy has been licensed since 1970 and holds an Extra class license. His involvement in amateur radio has included everything from public service thru RACES, to building and experimenting. Many people know Andy from his radio repair activities. He has conducted “tune up clinics” at various hamfests in the NYC area since 1985. Andy is a member of LIMARC and the Plaza Repeater Group. Andy works in the field of radio communications systems.
9:00am - 9:50am	QRP low power fun	John Meade W2XS	John Meade W2XS started ham radio in the mid sixties as WB2SLI. The QRP bug hit him when Heathkit came out with the HW-8. Since that time, he has used many of the QRP rigs out there including Ten Tec, Small Wonders Labs, MFJ, OHR, NorCal, and Elecraft. There have been many successful outings with the Long Island QRP club with QSOs far and wide with simple (but effective) equipment and antennas. His career has been in the Electronics Management industry as well as teaching Electrical Technology at Nassau Community College.
9:00am - 9:50am and 10:00am -10:50am	DSTAR - digital Amateur Radio	Randy Gutentag WA2RMZ	Randy Gutentag WA2RMZ has been licensed since 1971. He is currently holds an Extra Class license. He is a life member of the ARRL and QCWA. He is also a member of the Cherryville Repeater Association. Randy was very active in vhf/uhf contesting and traffic handling in the late 70's and early 80's. For the last 15+ years he has been active in Emergency Management in Middlesex County NJ. Randy is the President of the Central NJ D-Star Group and a trustee of the NJ2DG D-Star repeater system in Martinsville, NJ.
10:00am - 10:50am	Wireless History	Connie Currie	Connie Currie is President of the Long Island Wireless Historical Society. A Novice Ham from 1956 to 57, her father was an electrical engineer who loved radios and fixing them, and she has melded her love of history with radio. Connie has tried to save the Telefunken Wireless site in West Sayville for posterity, but went down in burning defeat. Now she's hoping to see radio history remain in the minds and hearts of Long Islanders, by writing, publishing, exhibiting and talking about it.
10:00am - 10:50am	Into to Emergency Communications	Mike Lisenco N2YBB	Mike Lisenco N2YBB of Brooklyn, New York is the incoming Section Manager for NLI. N2YBB has served as ARRL Section Emergency Coordinator and Assistant Section Manager for New York City-Long Island since 2007. Prior to that date, Mike was the ARES District Emergency Coordinator for New York City, supervising an organization made up of the 5 borough (county) organizations that comprise the metropolis. Mike was first licensed in January 1994, having passed the Novice, CW and Technician exams one cold evening in December 1993. He quickly upgraded to General and then Advanced, but waited 12 years to upgrade to Extra. Besides emergency communications, Mike's passion is DX; having worked nearly 300 countries (299 confirmed). You can find him trolling the bands on SSB, CW and RTTY searching for that elusive 300th DXCC entity (he needs another endorsement sticker). A professional actor, Mike has appeared in countless films, tv shows and commercials over the past 25 years. He is married, has two children and lives in Brooklyn where he grows antennas in his backyard farm.
10:00am - 10:50am	Into to Emergency Communications	Jim Mezey W2KFV	Jim Mezey W2KFV, is the incoming Section Emergency Coordinator for NLI. With over 45 years of experience in Emergency Communications, Jim most recently served as ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Nassau County. He holds an Extra Class license and is a member or officer of LIMARC, Nassau Amateur Radio Club, Nassau County Police Amateur Radio Club, QCWA, and IPARC. A VE examiner, Jim is well versed in public service communications and is also a certified ARRL instructor who is trained in ARRL EC 001, EC 002, and EC 003, as well as ICS and NIMS.
10:00am - 10:50am	Intro to DXing	Long Island DX Association	Join members of the LIDXA discuss the why and how of DXing. This forum is for you whether you are new to DXing or a seasoned pro. Discussed will be DXing techniques, QSLing, HF propagation and upcoming DXpeditions.
10:00am - 10:50am	Grounding for the Amateur Radio Station	Rich Rosner,PE N2STU	Rich Rosner N2STU was first licensed in 1971. Rich let that license lapse, but then decided to take the tests again in 1991 and became N2STU. In very short time he became an Amateur Extra. Rich has belonged to the 760 Stony Brook Repeater Group, the 715 Repeater Group, LIMARC, QCWA, AMSAT, and the ARRL. For LIMARC, he has been a Director, chaired the Membership, Advertising, Hamfest, Fox Hunting and Biking committees. Each year he works at Field Day demonstrating digital modes, Slow Scan TV, Packet radio, Echolink, IRLP, APRS; makes Solar Panel charged HT contacts and tries for satellite contacts. He has also served on the Technical and Education Committees. Rich has taught at many classes given to groups going for Technician, General, and Extra class licenses. For the ARRL, Rich has been an Assistant Director, Technical Coordinator, Technical Specialist, and BPL Coordinator. N2STU has found that Amateur Radio is not only a good avocation, but his family has enjoyed this great hobby in various ways. His spouse, Nancy N2TKA is a Hudson Division Assistant Director and Webmaster of the LIMARC website. Both daughters are hams, Nicole N2TKA and Lynda N2WJK. Each year, they all help with the NYC Marathon where Rich is Mile 5 Captain. Rich is a Professional Engineer, licensed in four states and also a licensed Master Electrician. He's employed as the Director of Engineering at CSF, a company that works with bonding companies, construction companies, their attorneys, and owners. He is also Vice President and partner of NSEA, an Architectural and Engineering design company. Often he is called to provide expert testimony in courts to provide the Court with the needed information to decide cases. Engineers taking this seminar will receive 1 professional development hour credit and will receive a certificate at the end of the seminar. This forum is for all amateur radio operators.
11:00am - 11:50am	Young Ham Forum	Lew Malchick N2RQ	Lew Malchick, N2RQ, was first licensed in 1959 as WV2FBX while in 8th grade. He is a past president of the Erasmus Hall HS ARC – W2ANU and Brooklyn College ARS – K2APZ. He was faculty advisor at Brooklyn Technical HS – W2CXN from 1977-2003 and continues as station trustee. He has administered the School Club Roundup (SCR) since its inception more than 20 years ago. Lew is a VE, has taught classes and has mentored students mostly at BTHS. He is a life member of ARRL & QCWA, is active in ARES, is a LIMARC director, Hudson Division Assistant Director and also served more than 30 years in Army MARS. Personal experience as a student, with students and feedback from SCR participants provide knowledge of a wide variety of successful approaches to attracting younger operators to ham radio. We hope the young ham forum will help you to be more effective in rejuvenating our beloved hobby.
11:00am - 11:50am	Young Ham Forum	Martin Smith KA2NRR	Marty Smith KA2NRR of Wantagh, NY, was first licensed in 1972 as WN2IAV. He held that license until 1974. He earned his Novice license again in 1980 as KA2NRR. He achieved his Extra Class Amateur Radio License in 1995. He has served as an Assistant Director of ARRL, Hudson Division and was a member of its Educational Task Force. He has been an ARRL Volunteer Examiner and has served as a volunteer radio operator and Mile Captain for the New York City Marathon as well as the Long Island Marathon in past years. He is the co-founder of the School Club Roundup Contest which is sponsored by ARRL and was co-editor of the New York City Board of Education 90 page manual entitled “You’re On The Air-Amateur Radio in the School Curriculum” which was published in 1990. He has worked closely with Lew Malchick, N2RQ in regard to school-related amateur radio activities over the past twenty five years. Marty has served as president of the Rockaway Amateur Radio Club, president and co-founder of the Council for the Advancement of Amateur Radio-New York City Schools and president and co-founder of the Big Apple Chapter (Tapuach Gadol) of the Chaverim International Radio Club. He was also Second Vice President of the Chaverim International Radio Club. During his many years in amateur radio he has been a member and active participant with these clubs as well as LIDXA, Electchester ARC, MAARC, and LIMARC. He has been Newsletter Editor of the LIDXA, CAARS-NYC and the Rockaway Amateur Radio Club. He also holds membership in the International Amateur Radio Society, International DX Association, the YLISSB, OMISS, 3905 Century Club and the Certificate Hunters Club. His amateur radio interests are rag chewing, DXing, contesting and working Echolink. He has spoken on amateur radio topics at workshops, organizational meetings and religious groups.
11:00am - 11:50am	ARES Section Meeting	Jim Mezey W2KFV	Jim Mezey W2KFV, is the incoming Section Emergency Coordinator for NLI. With over 45 years of experience in Emergency Communications, Jim most recently served as ARRL District Emergency Coordinator for Nassau County. He holds an Extra Class license and is a member or officer of LIMARC, Nassau Amateur Radio Club, Nassau County Police Amateur Radio Club, QCWA, and IPARC. A VE examiner, Jim is well versed in public service communications and is also a certified ARRL instructor who is trained in ARRL EC 001, EC 002, and EC 003, as well as ICS and NIMS.
11:00am - 11:50am	DX Forum	John Reiser W2GW	John Reiser, W2GW, was first licensed in 1958 and upgraded to Amateur Extra twenty years later. His primary ham radio activity is HF DXing and his preferred mode is CW. However, he also enjoys building electronic gear, restoring vintage equipment, and operating QRP portable outdoors. John serves as the official ARRL DXCC field checker of QSL cards for the New York - Long Island Section. He makes himself available in that capacity at several ham fests in the area. You can contact John for an appointment to have your QSL cards checked at his home in West Hempstead or another agreeable venue. (w2gw@arrl.net). John is currently President of the Long Island DX Association which meets at Briarcliffe College on the third Friday of the month at 8:00 PM (all are welcome). He is available for card checking before these meetings as well. John is also active in LIMARC and QCWA Chapter 81, where he serves as Secretary.
11:00am - 11:50am	Dealing with RFI during reception	Bill Lynch AB2UW	Bill Lynch, AB2UW, was first licensed in 1961 as WA2PXY. At that time, he operated on 6 meter AM in crowded Brooklyn NY and became very familiar with RFI as the source of TVI to his neighbors' inadequately shielded TV sets with rooftop antennas. He got his B.E.(E.E.) from City College in 1969 and worked in industry for five years. After a stint in graduate school, he was "transformed" into a high school teacher and spent 25 years teaching HS physics. He still teaches physics part-time at St. Joseph's College in Patchogue and during the semester break in 2006-07, earned his Extra Class license and current call. Bill is currently active in the Radio Central Amateur Radio Club and still hasn't decided what mode or band he likes best, having worked satellites, including Richard Garriot on the ISS, LI and CT VHF/UHF repeaters, HF SSB and CW, PSK31, Hellschreiber, Olivia, FDMDV and fastscan ATV. Bothered by powerline interference at his Long Island QTH, he researched the topic and constructed some equipment to help find the source. His presentation, with demonstrations, will describe how powerline and other RFI is generated and how to locate and eliminate the problem.
11:00am - 11:50am	Mobile and Portable Operations	Sid Wolin K2LJH	Sid Wolin K2LJH has been an active ham for 55 years. His schooling was as an RF-microwave engineer with a masters in mathmatics. He has designed and built all types of antennas specializing in emergency portable types. As the tech coordinator for the NLI section, Sid has worked on many mobile installations and will be able to shed light on proper installations for your car.
12 noon - 1:00pm	Keynote Speaker	Kay Craigie N3KN	ARRL First Vice President, Kay Craigie N3KN, lives in Blacksburg, Virginia, with her husband Carter Craigie N3AO. First licensed in 1983, Kay became ARRL Section Manager for Eastern Pennsylvania in 1986, moving up to Atlantic Division Vice Director in 1990. Six years later, she became Atlantic Division Director, and in 2006 she was elected First Vice President of the ARRL. Kay's first assignment as Vice President was to design what became the ARRL Education and Technology Program. She chaired the National Emergency Response Planning Committee, tasked with recommending how to improve the League’s readiness at the national level to respond to extraordinary disasters such as 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina. On the air, Kay enjoys DXing -- that's what attracted her to ham radio in the first place -- award-hunting, and contesting. She holds VUCC on 6 meters, 5BDXCC (endorsed for 12, 17, and 30 meters), and the DXCC Challenge award. She enjoys digital modes, CW, and phone. She participates in Skywarn and is a Volunteer Examiner.
1:30pm - 2:20pm	The Story of Ham Radio Licensing	Bob Wexelbaum W2ILP	Bob was licensed as W2ILP since 1951. He has had his Extra class since 1988. Bob is a member ARRL, QCWA, Mensa, Grumman Amateur Radio Club (GARC), Radio Central Amateur Radio Club, Life member IEEE. BSEE, MSEd. GARC Board Member and editor of GARC Newsletter. He is the contact VE for GARC, has operated RTTY, PSK-31, MFSK and Hellschreibrer digital modes and served as Mentor for ARRL Digital Mode Course. Bob has over 40 years experience as technician, field service engineer, design engineer, technical writer and electronics instructor.
1:30pm - 2:20pm	SATERN and Go-boxes	Jeff Schneller N2HPO	Jeff Schneller N2HPO is the senior SATERN Amateur Radio liaison officer for New York City. Jeff was the primary Amateur Radio contact for the Salvation Army during the World Trade Center disaster at Ground Zero in the aftermath of September 11, 2001. Jeff also was active for SATERN in Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. Jeff has developed a number of self-contained Amateur Radio stations in "go-boxes" that are useful for portable and emergency operations.
1:30pm - 2:20pm	Internet Linking for Amateur Radio	Jonathan Taylor K1RFD	Jonathan Taylor, K1RFD, of Ridgefield, Connecticut is the developer of the EchoLink voice-over-IP (VoIP) linking system. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, he has been a licensed ham since 1974, holding the Amateur Extra license since 1979. Jonathan is also the author of the ARRL book, "VoIP: Internet Linking for Radio Amateurs", the standard reference for both the IRLP and EchoLink systems. Now in its fifth year of operation, the EchoLink system has grown to nearly 200,000 registered Amateur users in 162 nations worldwide. This HRU seminar features an update on the latest developments in EchoLink, and a discussion of some exciting ways Amateur Radio stations can be interconnected via the Internet to provide essential public service and emergency communications in the 21st century. Jonathan's favorite on-air activities are CW DXing and contesting, traffic handling, FM and repeaters, and HF/VHF digital modes. He has received the ARRL Technical Innovation Award and the Dayton Hamvention Special Achievement Award, and was named to the CQ Magazine Hall of Fame in 2005.
1:30pm - 2:20pm	Packet Radio Primer	Charles Alfano WA2GUG	Charles Alfano was licensed in 1966 one year after getting his First Phone License. He was a transmitter and audio engineer at WRFM and WNYW. Charles had served in USA Signal Corps operating High power HF [60kw] transmitters and microwave. After leaving the service, he became interested in Emergency communications and public service. Charles retired from AT&T after 28yrs of service working on digital and analog transport services. He is currently the Emergency Coordinator of Queens County and maintains 2 Telpack nodes and an APRS digipeater. He likes to operate PSK31 on the low bands and lives for field day. Charles has been involved in emergency responses such as 9/11, American Airlines and the blackout. He is also a member of SkyWarn and RECWA. Charles has help train beginners on Packet, FlexNet, Winlink2000 and APRS for the last 4 years. He is also a CERT team member in his spare time ;-). The forum will be geared to the beginner interested in a reliable digital mode and to the old guy who forgot what a TNC is ;-)
1:30pm - 2:20pm	Getting The Most Out Of Contest Logging Software	Mel Granick KS2G	First licensed in 1977 as a Novice, Mel Granick upgraded to Technician, General and Advanced class licenses within six months and has been an Amateur Extra since 1981. He’s been active in numerous aspects of Amateur Radio ranging from traffic handling to the early use of packet radio. With a modest station consisting of a 100 watt transceiver, 3-element tribander and 40/80 dipole up just 35 feet, he’s been successful as a DX’er (DXCC-225+), awards chaser (5BWAS) and one of the leading contesters in the 2nd Call Area, repeatedly placing in the top ten among U.S. low-power single operators in the CQ World Wide DX, CQ World Wide WPX and ARRL 10-Meter contests.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Home Weather Stations	Harris Stein NY3H	Harris Stein NY3H was first licensed 1960, enjoyed local Q’s with friend on 80 meter CW as well as DX, especially on 15 meter AM. As Long Island had become the target for hurricanes, he joined Brookhaven Town Civil Defense, running emergency traffic during weather events. From these early experiences, he was able to enjoy a wonderful hobby as well as serve the public good while developing a strong sense of how weather impacts all on Long Island. Service to county and community stayed with Harris, actively serving in the USAF during the sixties, after, as a long time volunteer firefighter, he never forgot the need for public service through Amateur Radio and became active again in hobby. Most recently, involved in the ARES and SKYWARN programs in Nassau for more than ten years, he became ARES AEC before moving to Bucks County, PA where he orchestrated the reemergence of ARES into a viable EmComm resource for Bucks Co. EMA, serving as Emergency Coordinator for that county. After three years, he moved back to Nassau County and served as Emergency Coordinator for ARES, expanding the county SKYWARN program for the National Weather Service. January 1st, Harris took over as the ARES DEC for Nassau County. He continues to promote Amateur Radio as a reliable volunteer resource capable of serving the public as well as served agencies like Red Cross, National Weather Service, N.C. Fire Battalions and local EMO in times of need. He will be promoting voice operation as a main resource but is focusing efforts to further develop digital modes for transferring the essential data to all in need of critical information. Weather data is part of that focus.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Home Weather Stations	Michael Blanc K2YYD	Michael Blanc K2YYD, is the AEC for Digital Communications for Nassau ARES. In that role, he is helping to enhance Nassau County’s EMCOMM capabilities utilizing, Voice, APRS, Winlink, D-Star, and other modes. He holds a General Class license and is active on both VHF/UHF and HF (mostly 10 through 20 meters). Michael is also a member of the ARRL and LIMARC.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Home Weather Stations	Bruce Gronich K2BRG	license. He has been very active in Nassau County ARES and County Red Cross activities since 2004. By 2008, Bruce became especially active in Skywarn and now serves as the Deputy Coordinator for Nassau County Skywarn. As a private pilot, he has always taken a strong interest in meteorology. In real life, Bruce is a technology professional in the fixed income industry.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Red Cross	Mario Maltese WF2T.	Mario Maltese WF2T co-chairs the Communications Section in the American Red Cross in Nassau County. Mario is a Life Member of ARRL, QCWA, and AMSAT and was formerly Section Emergency Coordinator NLI Section. He is an Assistant Director Hudson Division, and Senior Staff of the NYC Marathon Communications Committee. WF2T is a recipient of the Kevin Kane N2MEI Public Service Award. Mario is an executive in Audio Visual Resources, Inc., an audio visual engineered systems integrator, and holds advanced certifications CTS-D, CTS-I, and CVE. He is a Senior Faculty member at the Infocomm International Academy, heads the technical committee for Skills USA in Audio Visual Technology, and received Infocomm International's award "Educator of the Year 2004-5". Mario holds an MEE (Electrophysics) and a BEE (Microwave Engineering), is a member of the Audio Engineering Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and a Senior Member of the American Society for Quality. Author of "AV 9000: Defining Quality in Engineered Audio Visual Systems.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	North to Alaska with Ham Radio	Neil Heft KC2KY	Neil received his first ham callsign (WN2UDP) in 1971 when he was a 12 year old lad living in Stony Brook, NY. In those days, Robert Cushman Murphy Junior High school had a pretty active ham radio club. The club station, WB2LQD, consisted of a Drake Novice line, the 2-NT transmitter and the 2-C receiver - your school taxes at work. Neil spent many a lunch hour (And a few hours when he should have been in class) in the club shack working DX on 15 meter CW. By 1973, Neil was just about able to copy 13 words per minute and upgrade to Advanced, about a month after his Novice license expired. (In those days, the Novice license was only good for 2 years and was non-renewable.) In the middle and late seventies, Ham radio started taking a back seat for Neil. When Neil finished college in 1980 (receiving his B.S.E.E.), his interest in ham radio started to take off again. By then his Advanced call, WA2UDP, had been expired for a year and a half. When Neil renewed his license in 1981, he was issued his present call sign, KC2KY. In 1987 Neil upgraded to Extra Class. Neil works as an Electrical Engineer on Long Island and is an active member of Radio Central Amateur Radio Club. Over the years, he has held various offices at RCARC, starting as Recording Secretary, then Vice President, and was club President in 1993 and 1994. Today Neil is President of Radio Central and is editor of Radio Central's club newsletter, Random Oscillations. In 2008, Neil was one of the featured speakers at the Alaska Section Convention in Anchorage. He will talk about operating in the north country.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	EmComm Software for Packet	John Blowsky KB2SCS	John Blowsky KB2SCS was first licensed in 1994. John's main interests in the Amateur Radio Service are Emergency communications and the writing of software for the amateur radio community. John has been the EC and Radio Officer for the Town of Islip since 2003. He is also the Assistant Section Manager for Digital Communications for the the NY City / Long Island section. John has been published several times in the Proceedings of the ARRL and TAPR Digital Communications Conference.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Antenna Forum	Walter Wenzel KA2RGI	Walter Wenzel, KA2RGI, has been licensed in the Amateur Radio Service since 1983 and is an Amateur Extra Class Operator. His whole family, wife and 4 children, are licensed amateur radio operators. His major involvement in Amateur Radio is Emergency Communications. Walter is a past NYC/LI Section Manager and has held almost all of the ARRL Leadership positions over the years. He has also held the position of Assistant Director for the Hudson Division. Walter worked with the New York State Emergency Management Office as a volunteer as their Regional Radio Officer for years under Regional Director, Wayne Georgia. Today, Walter is the Radio Officer and ARES EC for the Township of Babylon Amateur Radio Emergency Services (TOBARES). KA2RGI is also active with the National Weather Service as the Skywarn Coordinator for Suffolk County and is a past Regional Skywarn Coordinator for the OKX Forecasting Office at Upton, NY on the grounds of BNL. He also part of a committee to update radio communications for the American Red Cross in Suffolk County and Long Island. Walter has long been involved with The Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club. He served as President multiple times, and has held various other positions on the Executive Board and other committees which have included Field Day Coordinator, Volunteer Exam Liaison for their VE sessions, and the Trustee for club call, W2GSB. Today he is part of their board as their Secretary. Walter has always enjoyed instructing persons in the various levels of amateur radio classes and maintains the VE Sessions for GSBARC. He has been instructing Amateur Radio Licensing Classes (Novice through Extra) since January 1983, and have been an ARRL Certified Instructor since 1984. He has also instructed classes on introduction to computers, soldering, kit building, basic repeater techniques and etiquette, repeater maintenance, packet radio protocols, BBS operation, basic antenna building, basic contesting. Walter is an Awards Manager for the ARRL for HF and VHF/UHF Awards, but not DXCC. Walter is also certified to give ARRL ARECC Hybrid Classes for EC-001, EC-002, and EC-003 plus administer the exams. Walter has been part of HRU since its conception. Walter has also been involved in other "Ham Radio" clubs and organizations such as the Suffolk County Radio Club, South Shore ARC, Larkfield ARC, LIMARC, and the Packteers of Long Island. Walter, KA2RGI is also on the board for the Suffolk County Half Marathon.
3:30pm - 4:20pm	HRU - what a decade!	George Tranos N2GA	George Tranos N2GA, was ARRL NYC/LI Section Manager from 1998 through 2006. He was president of LIMARC from 1996 to 1997. George was past chairman of Ham Radio University in 2003, 2004, 2005 and 2006. N2GA is a member of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club, the Order of Boiled Owls DX and Contest Club and LIMARC. He is an ARRL life member, Assisant Director of the ARRL Hudson Division and NYC/LI Section State Government Liaison. George has chaired meetings of division club presidents and helped work out problems between clubs. Along with Phil Lewis N2MUN, Diane Ortiz K2DO and Neil Heft KC2KY, George will discuss how Ham Radio University got started, has grown, and what it took to get here. They will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past decade with you.
3:30pm - 4:20pm	HRU - what a decade!	Phil Lewis N2MUN	Phil Lewis is the originator of the HRU concept. Phil envisioned a day of education for and about Amateur Radio and with the help of other hams in the NLI section, put together the first HRU in 2000. Phil has beed chairman of the event three times, in 2000,2001 and 2002. Phil is past president of the Great South Bay Amateur Radio Club, and currently is the Affiliated Club Coordinator for the NY City/ LI Section. Phil was ARRL Hudson Division Amateur of the year in 2000. Radio and electronics run in his blood (Father, Uncle and Cousin) Phil is in his 40th year at BAE Systems in Greenlawn producing military hardware for our troops . Phil enjoys DXing and contesting and is a member of the Order of Boiled Owls of New York contest club and the YCCC. Along with George Tranos N2GA, Diane Ortiz K2DO and Neil Heft KC2KY, Phil will discuss how Ham Radio University got started, has grown, and what it took to get here. They will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past decade with you.
3:30pm - 4:20pm	HRU - what a decade!	Diane Ortiz K2DO	Diane Ortiz K2DO, has been publicity chairperson for HRU since its inception. Diane was president of LIMARC from 2001 to 2003. K2DO is a member of the Yankee Clipper Contest Club, the Order of Boiled Owls DX and Contest Club and LIMARC. She is an ARRL life member, Assisant Director of the ARRL Hudson Division and past NYC/LI Section Public Information Coordinator. Along with Phil Lewis N2MUN, George Tranos N2GA and Neil Heft KC2KY, Diane will discuss how Ham Radio University got started, has grown, and what it took to get here. They will share the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the past decade with you.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)	Rob Yenis KC2ILP	Rob Yenis KC2ILP, licensed in 2001 is trained in Em-Comm, ICS, and NIMS. Rob is the Volunteer Emergency Communications Development Unit Leader for the CERT program. He is responsible for the programs communications plan and 2-way radio training and assists with the programs FRS, GMRS and Ham Radio programs.
2:30pm - 3:20pm	Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT)	Bob Beckmann	Bob Beckmann is a Lieutenant in and a 22-year veteran of the Nassau County Sheriff's Department detailed to the Office of Emergency Management. He serves as the Program Director for Nassau County CERT and is also responsible for the collection and dissemination of emergency management and Counter Terrorism intelligence related to the protection and safety of the county. Bob has extensive training in emergency management and homeland security.

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