Where do you live? Some of us who are more familiar with the search for R/C clubs may be able to help you connect with one...

And, of course, you're already headed to the best source of such info -- the hobby shop should know about any clubs or rabid independant R/C operators in the area. One thing I have found on that, tough, even at a good hobby shop, I've sometimes talked with somebody other than a guy who knows the R/C flying community, so if the shop you use serves a variety of interests, it may be good to follow any negative response up with a conversation with a different person.