An amateur radio operator makes an entry in his log during the nationwide, 24-hour American Radio Relay League’s Field Day in Dubuque.

Pursue your hobby, find pals with similar interests

By Kathy Hogan

You may not find a local group solely dedicated to the study of red-headed woodpeckers, but you will no doubt find something in Iowa very close to the group, niche, hobby or interest you might have.

Iowa has a wide range of clubs and organizations small and large, and specialized interests, such as woodcarvers, photography, nature appreciation, Taekwondo, soccer, amateur radio, model railroads, heirlooms, classic cars, bicycling, science fiction, stamps, cooking, and groups dedicated to singles, widowed, new mom’s and dad’s, and just about any professional-related organization in the fields of medicine, law, engineering, advertising, insurance, cooking, and educators, just to name a few, but the list is virtually endless.

There are several venues to start your hobby or club search. Search our iGuide, Newcomers Clubs, local chambers of commerce, visitors & convention centers, the local YMCA, schools, churches, and by searching your local newspapers and city magazines, which may offer lists of daily events, club meetings, and organizations. In addition, check out individual city websites for volunteer organizations, and groups such as Toastmasters or Junior League, another way to find people with similar interests.

If you still can’t find the right niche and you are determined to find that red-headed woodpecker’s group, start with one of the Iowa nature centers — they could probably assist in jump-starting your own club.

Clubs:

• BikeIowa.org
• What othe clubs & groups should we have here? Email content@iowa.com.

Interest areas:

• Gardening
• Genealogy
• What other interest areas do you want us to feature? Email content@iowa.com