This is RARA

The Rochester Amateur Radio Association, Inc. is a widely diversified, highly active amateur radio club centered in the Rochester, NY area. It was founded in 1930, incorporated in September of 1960 and has over 500 members.

An American Radio Relay League (ARRL) affiliated club since 1931, and a charter Special Service Organization, RARA provides a focal point for much of the amateur radio activity in Western New York. RARA must be doing something right as it continues its steady growth.

Hamfests

RARA has become known as the sponsor of the Rochester Hamfest, one of the largest in the northeast. The Rochester Hamfest is a major club activity and has grown from the modest beginnings in 1934 to one of the finest events of its kind in the country, attracting visitors world-wide. It is held annually in May and hosts the Atlantic Division and New York State ARRL Convention.

Public Services

While the ARRL affiliated conventions draw the attention, RARA also excels in many other areas of amateur endeavor. A working agreement exists between the club and the Monroe County Office of Emergency Preparedness to provide communications during disasters and other emergencies. RARA members participate in excess of two dozen public service events annually.

RARA maintains ongoing relationships with the National Weather Service, The American Red Cross, and strategically positioned area hospitals. This includes maintaining station facilities at each location. This network is tested yearly in conjunction with Rochester Gas and Electric's nuclear plant exercise known as the Ginna Drill. This drill is Federally observed on alternate years.

Classes

For many years, RARA has sponsored spring and fall licensing courses in the greater Rochester area. These courses cover Novice through Extra and are available at modest cost. These provide many opportunities for the public to prepare for a license or upgrade. In recent years the Novice classes have had over forty people attending.

Volunteer Examiner Sessions

Volunteer Examiner Testing sessions are held monthly, September through May, by the dedicated RARA Volunteer Examiner Team. These examination sessions are given for all levels and elements of licenses. The May testing session is held in conjunction with the annual Rochester Hamfest.

Meetings and Guest Speakers

RARA meets regularly on the first Friday of every month, September through May. Meetings are currently held at Henrietta Fire Station No. 1, 3129 East Henrietta Road (15A, just south of Lehigh Station Road).

Each month a new and interesting guest speaker helps entertain and inform the amateur community and friends with a broad spectrum of topics.  Topics range from the highly technical, pushing the boundaries of amateur radio, to the non-technical, practical and fun for the whole family.

Since the club is large, Officers and Directors continually search for new projects and fun activities to keep interest high and give members the opportunity to become better acquainted. Anyone interested in amateur radio is invited to join RARA or attend any of its meetings.

Associated Clubs

Several other groups in the Rochester area are associated with RARA. These include: Rochester Radio Repeater Association (RRRA) , Rochester DX Association (RDXA), Rochester VHF Group, and Rochester Institute of Technology ARC.

Additional Club Services and Activities

RARA furnishes the following additional benefits, services, and activities...

* Annual Directory of all amateurs in the Greater Rochester area
* Annual Auction in November
* Summer Family Picnics
* ARES/RACES preparedness through Public Service and periodic drills
* Monthly newsletter RARA Rag, ten times a year with complimentary advertising of amateur related items
* Club jackets and shirts, in official colors, available for purchase
* Reduced rates for ARRL membership
* Monthly meeting with guest speaker (except July and August)
* Sponsor of Rochester Hamfest
* K2JD Club Station
* Amateur Radio License Courses
* Amateur Radio License Testing
* Youth Education

P.O. Box 93333
Rochester, NY 14692-8333

(585) 671-2424
(24 hours a day)