More than 35,000 radio amateurs nationwide will participate in the Amateur Radio Relay League Field Day next weekend, with some of those locally at the Claverack Town Park, 91 Church St., in Mellenville. Operators work as many stations as possible on any and all amateur bands (excluding the 60, 30, 17, and 12-meter bands) and to learn to operate in abnormal situations and less than optimal conditions, in preparation for emergency broadcasts. The Claverack event is organized locally by the Rip Van Winkle Amateur Radio Club. The club holds its monthly meeting, with final Field Day planning, Mon., June 17 at 7 p.m. at the Noecker66 Showroom at Rt. 66 and Graham Ave. in Hudson.