The Great River ARC (W0DBQ): A Club with a Strong Community Focus and Diverse Activities

The ARRL search results have led you to the Great River ARC (W0DBQ) in Dubuque, Iowa. This club seems to offer a range of activities and a strong commitment to community service.

A Well-Established Club with Diverse Interests

Founded in 1982, the Great River ARC boasts a membership of around 50 and caters to a variety of ham radio interests:

• Contest: They participate in contesting events, which involve making contacts with other stations according to specific rules.
• DX (Distance Reception): They enjoy contacting stations located far away.
• General Interest: They seem to welcome people with all levels of experience and interests in ham radio.
• Public Service/Emergency: Actively involved in public service and emergency response through the Dubuque/Jackson County ARES group.
• Repeaters: Manage repeaters to facilitate communication among members and with other stations in the area. They are updating the PL tones on their repeaters in April.
• School or Youth Group: They might support or have activities for young people interested in ham radio. Confirmation recommended.
• VHF/UHF: Likely utilize Very High Frequency (VHF) and Ultra High Frequency (UHF) bands for local communication.

Resources to Enhance Your Ham Radio Journey

The Great River ARC offers resources to help you on your ham radio journey:

• Entry-Level and General/Higher License Classes: They might provide classes to help you obtain your ham radio license, regardless of your current knowledge level. Confirmation recommended.
• License Test Sessions (potentially): They might hold sessions to help you obtain your ham radio license. Confirmation recommended.
• Mentor Program: Experienced members can guide newcomers on their ham radio journeys.
• On-The-Air Bulletins (potentially): They might provide announcements and updates on the air. Confirmation recommended.
• Repeater: Operates repeaters for communication among members.

A Club Committed to Giving Back

The Great River ARC seems to be dedicated to serving the community:

• Public Service/ARES: Their active participation in the Dubuque/Jackson County ARES group highlights their commitment to public service.
• State Park Activations: Their past sponsorship of IASPOTA-2020, a year-long celebration of Iowa state parks, demonstrates their community spirit.

Reaching Out and Getting Involved

Here's how to connect with the Great River ARC:

• Meeting Time and Location: Meetings are held on the 2nd Monday of each month at 7 PM at the Dubuque Co. Emerg. Mgt. Admin. Bldg. (14928 Public Safety Way, Dubuque).
• Contact: Reach out to Colin H. Wheatley W9UPK, a contact person and the Treasurer, by email at W0dbq.grarc@gmail.com.
• Website: Visit their website (http://www.w0dbq.org) for more information.

Overall, the Great River ARC seems like a great option for anyone in the Dubuque area interested in ham radio. With its diverse activities, focus on community service, and supportive members, the Great River ARC could be the perfect place to learn, connect, and explore the exciting world of ham radio!