GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION INC: A Service-Oriented Club with Online Meetings (South Florida)

Based on the ARRL website, GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION INC (GCARA) appears to be a large and active club in South Florida with a strong focus on service and supporting its members. Here's a breakdown of what they offer:

Key Points About GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION INC:

• Service-Oriented: They explicitly state they are a "service club," suggesting a focus on public service communication and community support.
• Diverse Specialties: Their specialties encompass digital modes, general ham radio topics, public service/emergency communication, repeaters, and VHF/UHF communication, catering to a broad range of interests.
• Online Meetings: Meetings are held on Zoom on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 7:30 PM, except for December.
• Support for New Hams: Entry-level license classes and license test sessions suggest they actively support newcomers.
• Additional Services: A club newsletter, on-the-air bulletins (potentially weather or emergency updates), a mentor program, and a TVI/RFI Committee (which helps address interference issues) are offered.

Is GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION INC a Good Fit for You?

• Broad Range of Interests: If you have diverse ham radio interests, this club offers something for most people.
• New to Ham Radio: The resources offered for new hams suggest a welcoming environment for learning and collaboration.
• Public Service Minded: If contributing to emergency communication and community support is important to you, GCARA is a great option.
• Location Flexible: Meetings being held online via Zoom makes location less of a factor.

Connecting with GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION INC:

• Contact: Reach out to Thomas J. Savoca K9TJS, the contact person (and editor) and current President, via phone ((754) 444-1184) or email (President@w4bug.org) to inquire about meeting details, activities, or general club information.
• Explore Their Website: Visit their website (https://www.w4bug.org) for a more comprehensive overview of their activities, events (if any are listed), Zoom meeting information, and potentially a membership application process.

Overall, GOLD COAST AMATEUR RADIO ASSOCIATION INC appears to be a large, service-oriented club in South Florida with a strong focus on supporting its members. Their diverse offerings, online meetings, and established presence make them a valuable resource for anyone passionate about ham radio in the area, especially those new to the hobby or interested in public service communication. Consider contacting them directly to get a better sense of their current activity level and to learn more about their specific service projects.