Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club (KD0NEB): A Viable Option with Public Service Focus and Recent Information (Dallas Center, Iowa)

The ARRL search revealed the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club (KD0NEB) as a viable contender. Their recent information, public service focus, and decent membership size make them a good option to consider.

Services Offered and Diverse Interests

Founded in 2011, the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club boasts a membership of around 13. Here's a glimpse into what they offer:

• Public Service: They likely participate in community events and prepare for emergencies.
• Repeaters: They manage repeaters to facilitate communication among members and with other stations in the area.
• Mentorship: They offer mentorship programs to help you learn and grow in your ham radio journey.
• School or Youth Group Program: They might have a program to introduce ham radio to younger audiences.
• Hamfest (Confirmation Recommended): Their listing mentions a Hamfest, but confirmation is recommended.
• VHF/UHF: They seem to have a focus on VHF/UHF communication.

Recent Information and Supportive Environment

• Annual Report: Their annual report is dated January 2024, indicating recent activity. This suggests an active club.

Reaching Out and Getting Involved

Here's how to connect with the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club:

• Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM Central Standard Time (CST) at the Dallas Center Fire Station.
• Contact: Reach out to Robert V. Colling KE0STT, the president, using the provided email address (hiawatha_arc@hotmail.com).
• Website: Their website (http://www.qsl.net/kd0neb/) might have more information, although details are limited based on the provided info.

Making a Choice

The Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club might be a good fit if:

• Location: You're in Dallas Center, Iowa and the meeting location works for you.
• Focus: You're interested in public service, repeaters, mentorship, VHF/UHF communication, and potentially a program for younger audiences or a Hamfest (confirmation needed).
• Experience Level: You're a beginner looking for mentorship or a seasoned ham radio enthusiast seeking a supportive community.

Recommendation

Given the recent information, public service focus, mentorship opportunities, and VHF/UHF focus, the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club seems like a viable option. However, consider exploring other options in your area (Southwest Iowa Amateur Radio Club, South West Iowa Amateur Radio Association, Iowa Wireless Amateur Radio Network, Buchanan County Amateur Radio Club, Iowa City ARC, or Northland Amateur Communications Group) to compare based on your preferences and desired focus areas. You can also reach out to the Hiawatha Amateur Radio Club for confirmation on the Hamfest and any additional information you might need before making your decision.