I am in Md and very far from most of the events but I contnue to pay dues because I think this club is great. I dont know and havent met most of the members but I still chime in and get the help I need when I post. In fact I just sold my sps coral and had a way better turn out from WAMAS than my local club, as far as selling my corals. I think only a couple from my local club came through but many made the trip from this club. I think you cant go wrong with joining.