The ARRL search has revealed the Jones County ARC (W0CWP) as a promising option. Their recent information, diverse activities, and focus on public service make them a strong contender.
Diverse Activities and Strong Community
Founded in 1979, the Jones County ARC boasts a membership of around 15. 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 get started in ham radio.
- Club Newsletter: They might have a newsletter to keep members informed about club activities and news.
- On-The-Air Bulletins: They might provide on-air bulletins to share important information and updates.
- Tvi/RFI Committee (Technical Focus): They have a dedicated committee to address technical challenges like television interference (TVI) and radio frequency interference (RFI).
- Diverse Interests: They cater to a wide range of ham radio interests, including contesting, digital modes, DXing, and general interest.
Recent Information and Supportive Environment
- Annual Report: Their annual report is dated April 2024, indicating very recent activity. This suggests a thriving club.
- Eye-ball QSO before Meetings: They hold an "eyeball QSO" (social gathering) before meetings, fostering a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.
Reaching Out and Getting Involved
Here's how to connect with the Jones County ARC:
- Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the 1st Wednesday of the month at 6:30 PM (with an "eyeball QSO" at 6 PM) at McOtto's Restaurant in Anamosa, Iowa.
- Contact: Reach out to Ronald D. Hendricks KB0OCH, a contact person, using the provided email address (ronh@kb0och.com).
- Website: Their website (https://www.jonescountyarc.org/) seems to have up-to-date information.
Making a Choice
The Jones County ARC might be a great fit if:
- Location: You're in Anamosa, Iowa and the meeting location works for you.
- Focus: You're interested in a variety of ham radio activities, including public service, repeaters, technical aspects, contesting, DXing, digital modes, and social interaction.
- Experience Level: You're a beginner looking for mentorship or a seasoned ham radio enthusiast seeking a diverse and active club.
Recommendation
Given the recent information, diverse activities, strong community focus, and potential for mentorship, the Jones County ARC seems like an excellent option. However, you might also 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.
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