Hi John,
I'm new to Pattern, just started last year in Classic Pattern. It is a new event, the movement has just started recently. I went to the Classic Pattern contest in Chicago May, 2010. My first R/C contest ever. I flew my new OS 55 AX powered Tower Kaos 40 ARF with only a dozen flights on it in the contest and received help from all whom I asked. In fact, my caller and coach was a new friend I met once I arrived, TOC and US Pattern Team Member Mark Radcliff, he drove in from West Virginia.

I can recommend the Tower Kaos 40 ARF for one's first Classic or SPA model because it is a very good value at 119 dollars, can be flown well on any 40, 45, 46, 52, 55 engine size very well, only needs a muffler, is simple with fixed gear, and has only 4 servos. I don't even take the wing off most of the time. It flies great, is easy to fly. It also flies the sequences very well.
 
Paul Pappas in CT has just started the NECPO in the last few months and all participants are trying to contribute to the movement by getting the word out, urging other modelers to try it, etc. I am a member of NECPO but live in Los Angeles. The way I figure it, the more I support the teams of Classic Pattern flyers, the more info gets out and interest gets drummed up. I'm sure that any New Englanders flying Classic Pattern will accept you and your interest is appreciated.

As for active flyers, flying sites, etc I would try contacting locals individually for a fruitful search. Perhaps some of the NEPCO members near you. Look around at glow power flying field's local to you and ask around about people flying AMA or Classic Pattern. It took me a while to hook up with some fellows of like minds myself. I even joined NSRCA and flew AMA Pattern this year so I could hone my skills with more flying and competition. I even flew my Classic Kaos for a few contests in AMA Pattern.

Hope you find some Pattern flying friends local to you soon, you guy's flying season is about over!

Chris...