Hi Seachaz,
Our next meeting is May 8th on the SPU campus (see
gsas.org for info); you are welcome to attend as my guest. It is our annual Home Show presentation where a group of 'judges' (very loosely defined) visit member's homes and photograph and video their aquariums. It is a great source of ideas and inspiration. We have a 'mini-auction' after each meeting; typically with unusual fish, plants, and invertebrates.
I too re-entered the hobby after a long absence; primarily due to planted aquariums. Our members range from sub-teen to retired; just a bunch of crazy fish (and plant) nuts!
-Roy