Welcome Larry to the hobby and to the forum from Wisconsin's now frozen Tundra.
LArry:
If you are looking for a local metal Detecting club to join, the Monroeville Area Metal Detecting Club is a good one. A bunch of great people. I was a member for a couple years, and still keep in contact with the group through their Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1409593332635462/
Never went to one of their meeting because in typical Pittsburgh fashion, I'd have to cross one of the rivers to do that. Meaning it's too far.