Board of Directors Update - September 2015

The Board of Directors reports are as follows for the month of September 2015.

Vice President (Frank Bleszinski):
ASC regularly donates to the Veterans Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill. I was invited by John Ratka, the executive director, to tour the facility and see what they do. John is impressive with coordinating the large operation and spent a few hours showing the food pantry, soup kitchen and living quarters they provide. They seek out Veterans in need of physical and psychological help. assisting and directing them to the proper care. If needed, they provide apartment-style housing for individuals as well as those with families, and assist in finding employment allowing them to be productive. I could go on about the fine work these people are doing, but will just end with assurances that ASC donations could not go to a more worthy or well-run organization.

Outdoor Range (Dave Williams):
No report received.

Indoor Range (Al Croteau):
If you plan to use the indoor range with in the next two months, please check the website. It will be undergoing painting and other maintenance items. The blower motors have been repaired and seem to be functioning as required. I wish to thank all for their help over the summer.

Trap (Tony Capone):
Hello all -- the summer is almost over, and that means a lot of trap shooters will be showing up weekly to shoot so I ask that everyone please be considerate when signing up. Keep in mind that you can only sign up one time then after you shoot you may sign up again.

The mining of the trap range is complete, and this means that members may use the range again with hand or machine throwers.

Saturday Sept 19th the trap range will be closed for a trap training class. This class is full.

Archery (Bob Felsberg)
No report recieved.

Security (Bill MacKenzie):
No incidents to report for July.

During the month of August, there were two incidents reported that concerned unsafe acts on our ranges.

• On the 29th: there was a report of a member walking from the pistol side of the outdoor range to the rifle side of the range with a firearm that had the action closed, this member will be spoken to about the incident and the proper safety procedure.
• On the 30th: there was an unsafe act reported on the trap range where a member had his shotgun loaded with the action closed while there were members down range and where the red cones were being displayed to indicate that there were persons down range. It has been reported that this was not the first infraction by this member and the incident will be discussed at the Board of Directors meeting with the Trap Range Director.

There were a few emails sent to me inquiring about member’s access keys not working or lost cards. All were forwarded to our Treasurer to be rectified as some access issues may have been due to an unpaid dues issue.

Facilities (Mike Pierce):
Coming to the end of the summer, and projects at the club have gone very well so far. We have installed a new roof on the club house, remodeled the whole kitchen, and are still working on the outdoor pistol range. Work is progressing very well. Also, in the process of enlarging the archery practice range, and moving the archery storage containers. The mining on the trap field is complete and mining on the outdoor range  is soon to be completed. Hope to see you all there soon!

Community Relations (Paul Miller):
The year is more than half over, and we've had a very successful year so far. The fishing derby went well, we gave out over a half-dozen scholarships, and sent two kids to Junior Conservation camp. The following is the experience that one boy had. I hope everyone had a great summer.

From a happy camper's father:

I just wanted to drop you both a note of gratitude and appreciation for your help and guidance (and also gratitude and appreciation to ASC) on the Mass Junior Conservation Camp. Our son, Jacob S., was selected and sponsored by ASC for the MJCC this year. He just returned from this two week camp and he had the time of his life. It was a total success. He had fun, learned a TON of info, was able to get hands on experience on new sports he had not previously been exposed to (especially shooting clays - yes we will be signing up for intro to skeet!) and made several new friends on the way that will hopefully continue for a lifetime. In addition, he took first place in the biggest Trout caught (fly fishing is now his new love). Finally, he was selected to come back next year as a councilor in training...something that he is excited about and proud to have been chosen.

The fact that you / the Club sponsors these kids each year and therefore exposes them to this experience is simply awesome. We would not have heard of this camp if it were not for the ASC. So on behalf of myself, my wife and most importantly my son, thank you very much for the opportunity and the chance for our son to continue to grow into a young man and continue to learn & expand his outdoor experiences and knowledge. ASC should be proud and honored for what they do. 
 

Training (Sam Washburn):
Lots of training available this fall. Please check the club's website for details.

Membership (Steve Harsfald):
I hope everyone has had a good summer, welcome back to regular meetings. Over the summer we had enough applications and called a special meeting to vote in 22 new members in August, congratulations and welcome.

New and old members remember that any child between 8 and 18 years old, and this includes guests, MUST have completed a Youth Safety Course and have a Youth Badge to be on an active shooting range and shoot with you. Children under 8 years old are NOT allowed to be on an active shooting range, please be aware of this and read the range rules so that no one is hurt or disappointed while at the club. Youth Training Courses are offered on the website.

There are many projects going on at your club, talk to the range director for your primary interest and offer to help. Work is not required at our club, but any help is always appreciated and makes our club that much better. We make every effort to post all current and important information on the club website, and the scrolling sign by the outdoor range. Sometimes as hard as we try, some information gets left out or not posted on time. Please remember all directors are volunteers and most work done at the club is volunteer, before you criticize take a step back and think about the whole picture.  Please check the website often for the latest information.

Membership Numbers for September 2015:
Current members:  1708
Current Life Members: 185
Pending: 14
Total Membership: 1907