The West Essex Amateur Radio Club was founded in 1994 by a group of local hams. Their goal was to come together in an atmosphere where like-minded amateur radio operators could both discuss and engage in contesting, DX’ing and all modes of ham radio communication, including voice, digital and (CW) code. With over 500 years of combined radio experience, our club will often host or participate in local community events. As expected, the annual Field Day, held on the fourth full weekend in June, is the most-anticipated club event for WEARC, as it is for most amateur radio clubs.
Our Mission
WEARC places a strong emphasis on public service and community involvement. The club maintains a direct affiliation with Essex County RACES, supporting emergency preparedness and communications at the county level. In addition, individual members participate in related organizations such as Metro Red Cross, Military MARS, and other emergency-response groups throughout the state and region. These connections reflect the club’s broader role within the emergency communications community.
Regular in-person meetings are held at the American Red Cross Office, 209 Fairfield Road, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004. Meetings take place on the first Wednesday of each month and begin at 7:30 p.m.
The club also conducts a weekly online meeting every Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. Those interested in attending the online meeting may request an invitation using the Contact Us section of the website.
Full membership in WEARC is granted through election by the existing membership. This process helps ensure that new members understand the club’s goals and are prepared to participate constructively in its activities.
WEARC supports amateur radio education, licensing, and operator development. The club is affiliated with the American Radio Relay League (ARRL) and follows its standards for operating practice and public service.
WEARC sponsors monthly FCC amateur radio license examination sessions for new operators and those upgrading their licenses. The club also provides guidance and mentoring for individuals interested in learning more about amateur radio or preparing for examinations.
Club meetings are open to all, regardless of license level or experience.
Our Members
All our full members are licensed operators. WEARC has three classes of membership:Full membership, Limited Member (suitable for those under 18), and Honorary Members.
To join you must attend at least three meetings within a six month period and get the support of a majority of members.
Membership is open to all who have an interest in Amateur Radio. To join you must attend at least three meetings within a six month period and get the support of a majority of members.
The W2EF Call-sign
W2EF is the club’s call sign and a long-standing part of its identity on the air. Like many established amateur radio call-signs in the Second Call Area, it reflects a tradition of service, operating, and mentorship carried forward through generations of operators. As the club continues its activities today, W2EF remains the shared station identifier used for nets, events, and public-service communications.
Many details of our club call-signs live in personal stories, logbooks, newsletters, and memories of long-time members. If you have information, photos, documents, or recollections connected to W2EF—such as past trustees, operating milestones, or notable events—please share them so we can preserve and document the call-sign’s history accurately.