Amateur radio operators from eastern Connecticut and those visiting here have a new way to socialize and catch up on news relating to their hobby.

The Eastern CT Amateur Radio Breakfast will take place weekly, starting Sept. 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturdays at Uncasville Diner, 884 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Uncasville.

“There are many facets to ham radio these days and social get-togethers truly enhance our ability to enjoy the ‘hobby-service’”, Kevin Harkins — KA6PDG on ham radio — a member of the committee that’s coordinating the events, said in a news release announcing the weekly breakfast. “There are about 1,200 licensed radio amateurs in New London and Windham counties. Getting to know each other better face-to-face strengthens our ability to provide public service communications to our communities and advance the radio art.”

Nationwide there are about 600,000 ham users licensed by the Federal Communications Commission. This trained core of radio operators is tasked in part with promoting international goodwill and providing a communications resource for local, state and federal agencies in time of need. Amateur radio operators are prohibited from accepting monetary remuneration for their services.

Ham radio operators, their guests and those interested in radio are invited to attend the breakfasts. For more information about the amateur radio service and how to become licensed, visit the American Radio Relay League online at ARRL.org.