There so many aspects to amateur radio that it would be impossible to list them all here. The PVVET strongly suggests that you join an area club.
First thing we usually suggest to new hams in the area is to get on the air! You went through all that studying for license, put it to good use. There are many active repeaters in the valley. There are even some that are networked that make a device like a handheld radio communicate around the world using IP (Internet Protocol). There are even some newer digital modes such as DMR, D-STAR and Yaesu System Fusion in operation around the valley.
You can find a list of up-to-date frequencies at the New England Repeater Directory.