knight1,

First, welcome to RCU and RC flight! Lots of great people involved in the hobby, most are all too willing to give advice!

There are a number of clubs in CT., so I'd be surprised if there isn't one fairly close to you. Use the AMA site listed above to search for one close.

You can start with small electrics, but the ultimate start-up cost is often more expensive than the cost of a glow trainer and support equipment. And if you're planning on glow eventually anyway....

Crashem also has a valid point. The difference in flight characteristics between small electric park flyers and 40 size glow is substantial. Learning on a park flyer will give you a head start, but will not prepare you to just go fly glow.

Just my opinion.
Dennis-