Wanting to get back into things in Northern VA

[AG4WX]

Hello all..

I was wondering if someone could point me to some welcoming, friendly, and inclusive clubs in the Northern Virginia area.

I'm looking to get back into things after about a three year hiatus - my last experience with a club (that not surprisingly no longer exists) left me with a rather bad taste in my mouth and practically turned me off to the hobby.

I'm particularly looking for a club that won't look down on me because of my age (I'm only 28.. that was a big problem in the last one), and is into more than contesting (no offense, just not my thing) and ranting about how horrible ham radio has gotten.

I'm sorry if I come off as negative right now, but I really am interested in getting back into things. I'm a bit rusty, and would really like to get involved with a group that would help get me back up to speed and really be welcoming to new members.

I'm really interested in experimental transmission modes, sats, weather / emergency activities, and think I'd really enjoy being a VE some day. (I really like the idea of helping new people get involved..)

I'm in Western Fairfax county.. any suggestions?  
       

[KE4SKY]

There are several active clubs in Loudoun County and in Fairfax.  You might want to check out the Loudoun Amateur Radio Group, while they are a big contest club they also do other activities.  

While not in Fairfax County, the Arlington Radio Public Service Club, which I belong to, website www.w4ava.org has members from around the region, including Fairfax County, where I live and is active in RACES activities supporting the Arlington County Office of Emergency Managemment.  The RACES net is held Wednesdays at 9 pm on the 146.625- W4AVA repeater, PL 107.2.  All are welcome. Check out our web site and see if that appeals to you.  Good luck in finding a club which you can call home. 73

[N4ASX]

Let me invite you to the Alexandria Radio Club.  We meet on the second Friday of each month (Except this December, 8 Dec is the Holiday party).  The club is primarily a social organization.  Many of us have diverse interests in ham radio: DXers, ARES, Digital, APRS, etc. etc. etc.

We meet at the ALexandria Fire Training Center just off U.S. 1 inside the beltway, behind the Nanny J. Lee Center. (this use to be an old school) at 7:30.

Many of us go out to a local place on Monday nights for half priced burgers and some get together on Fridays for dinner out.  We try to have two or three transmitter hunts, Field Day and a few other activities.

Please come on down and get to know us.

73 Rick Bunn
N4ASX