The Rip Van Winkle
Amateur Radio Society, Inc.
(RVWARS)

Welcome! We’re happy you’re here. RVWARS is a friendly, active amateur radio club serving the Columbia and Greene County region of New York State. Our goal is simple: enjoy the hobby, teach it, grow it, and share it.

RVWARS draws members from all ages and backgrounds—teenagers discovering radio for the first time to long-licensed octogenarians with decades of experience. What we all share is a love for the hobby and the friendships that come with it.

Despite what you may hear about “code vs. no-code wars” or generational divides, our club doesn’t see that. We joke that our biggest conflict is teaching new operators that real ham-radio coffee must be strong enough to dissolve the spoon. Thankfully, everyone survives this tradition, and the combination of new energy and seasoned experience keeps the club thriving.

Our annual licensing classes bring in new operators every year. Our instructors teach the theory (not just memorizing the question pool), good operating practices, and the traditions of amateur radio—just as our Elmers did for us. Each graduate receives one full year of RVWARS membership, and they always bring fresh excitement to the club.

Club meetings are friendly, low-pressure, and fun. We handle business quickly, then move on to coffee and conversation. Two of our most popular events are the annual December “Goody Fest” (where we all pretend calories don’t exist) and our Pizza Party & Rumble with our friends at TARA— spirited competition included.

RVWARS isn’t built around one single part of the hobby. Our members explore HF, VHF/UHF, digital modes, contesting, public service, antenna building, repeater work, and more. Many drift between groups as their interests grow. That variety—and the friendships built along the way—is what truly defines us.

– WD2K