My fellow members;
You will note from Director’s status reports that there has been no lack of both indoor and outdoor activities during the first quarter of 2019. That being said, the advent of better weather will result in increased activity including the timely completion of two major development projects, specifically, trap field #2 surface cosmetics and new indoor archery facility requirements such as insulation, temperature controls, lighting, target area protection, etc.
With the pending conclusion of those two major projects, plus the previous completion of the new outdoor pistol range, initial feasibility studies and planning efforts have commenced with respect to other possible projects including the possible development of a 300 yard rifle range. Details will be announced at such time as feasibility has been firmly established within acceptable economic constraints and when overall planning reaches a more advanced stage.
You will also note a significant increase in “fun events" being developed and announced by the range directors.
With respect to non-range activities, the training department is continually expanding its outstanding programs and the professional accreditation of instructors. It is anticipated that more than 100 training classes will be held in 2019 including those specifically dedicated to ladies and youth interests.
From a community relations perspective we continue to financially support a variety of worthwhile causes including but not restricted to; Veterans Outreach programs, opioid awareness and treatment efforts, youth summer camp scholarships, high school continuing education scholarships, scouting activities and our signature annual fishing derby open free of charge to youth from not only the Andovers but from all surrounding towns as well. This year will celebrate the 70th anniversary of ASC supporting this event.
Because we have members that reside in more than twenty cities and towns, the Community Relations and Membership departments are working jointly to develop programs that will identify activities in those communities we might also support. An initial group of communities has already been selected and future department reports will provide details regarding our planned participations in those communities.
From an administrative perspective there has been a reorganization of responsibilities consistent with modern professional project management practices under the auspices of the Financial Director. This will insure that the multiplicity of issues including; feasibility studies, project design, contractor selections and coordination, manpower and equipment needs, financial integrity, etc. are tightly controlled on a central rather than splintered basis.
The reorganization also involved the office of Secretary that now incorporates, in addition to By Law statutory obligations additional responsibilities now include, but are not restricted to, BOD level website overview, clubhouse policies and procedures, and Chairman of a newly appointed Special Events Committee.
Recognizing the club’s consistently expanding membership base the Special Events Committee is developing social events intended to create the most harmonious atmosphere possible for all members. It is anticipated that details of the first two new events, will be announced in the near future. Any member having suggestions that could further enhance our “one club for all and every member being of equal” mantra will be welcomed and should be directed to the Secretary.
All of the foregoing has resulted in our continuing to attract a substantial flow of new membership applicants with a clear focus and dedication to ASC being a dedicated family oriented club.
Financially, I am especially pleased to underscore the fact that that all of the above, and more, has been, and will continue to be, achieved on the basis of inviolate financial management practices with the result being a continued annual enhancement of our club's financial position.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: No one should have the slightest doubt about safety being the single most important ASC consideration and that members that violate any safety rule have been, and will continue to be, subject to swift and serious consequences that may include membership suspension or revocation. It is the responsibility of every member to study and fully adhere to all By Law and Range Rules. Ignorance of a rule will not be an acceptable excuse.
WEB SITE: It is also the sole responsibility of every member to always check the club's web site before going to the club expecting to use one of our ranges. The website is constantly updated with a schedule of all events on the club calendar. There have been too many instances when members have complained about going to the club only to find a range they intended to use closed. No such complaints are acceptable. It has been established that inevitably the complaining party had been too lazy to check the web site in advance.
CONCLUSION: As better weather is on the horizon I look forward to seeing you at the club.
Dick Reichter, President
