DECEMBER MEETING

Okay fellas, the meeting is this Thursday (10DEC) at the Berlin Middle School (Room 12) and we need some attendance if we are to move our Club forward.  This is the month that officers are to be elected for 2016.
-
I need everyone who gets this message to talk to 2 or 3 others and let them know they are welcome to come to our meetings and get involved with some interest of theirs.
-
At the very least, let them know that our blog address and email address are on the back of their 2016 membership cards.  These are alternate ways of staying in touch and/or contributing ideas. 
-
I can use the main photo on our blog as an example of member contribution.  Laci Landis sent me the image as an email attachment because she knew I was looking for a Fall scene to replace the summer image that had been posted for quite a while.  Looks pretty good doesn't it??  Thanks again, Laci.
-
I am currently in search of a winter picture to post on or about 21DEC.  I do not have a good winter scene looking out over the dam, and will consider any offerings you photographers will send.  I would like to stay with the theme of "looking out over the dam" for now.  See what you can do......
-
Come on--- we have some very nice facilities.  Let's work with them!
-
See you at the metting.
-
-

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Just wanted to take a moment to wish everyone a "Happy Thanksgiving" !!!
-
I appreciate all the help everyone has been this year.  Thanks.

New Signage on the Range

Please take the time to check out the new signs being put up around the range.
It is a slow process, but displaying the "Range Rules" is important.
We are waiting on some parts and pieces before the 200 yard range area can be addressed.
So, stay tuned and stay frosty when using the range.
-

===== SAFETY FIRST =====

 

 

Good Thing Scotty had His Camera ------

1- Can you see them in the tree?

Scotty and I were standing at the 50 yard backstop when one of theses guys did a treetop flyover right above us.  To say it was impressive does not begin to cover the feeling of seeing that wingspan only 60 feet overhead.  And the colors --- wow!
-
Scotty was moving to get his camera as it flew out over the dam, and circled the dam once before taking the perch seen in the 4th image.
-
That is when Scotty pointed out the other, closer eagle, perched in a tree just across the dam from the 200 yard bench (Image 2).  He was clicking away as this 2nd eagle launched out over the lake, circled the dam and took a perch next to its partner (Image 3).
-
I cannot say exactly how long we watched and took pics, but it was quite the event for the two of us.  The pair finally took flight to the east, away from us, leaving us at the 200 yard bench with a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that being buzzed by a Bald Eagle is probably a once in a lifetime experience.  Not just one, but a pair.........
-
I sure hope others get to see them!

3- Does this help?

2- No words needed!

5- Different angle.

4-  Nice perch.

*** Do not forget you can
      enlarge these images.

November Meeting Relocated to the Clubhouse !!!

PLEASE NOTE-----
The weather has been cooperating and the Clubhouse needs "winterizing" so, the November Meeting (12Nov2015) will be held at the Clubhouse.
-
-
The regular meeting will be held first and then the winterizing will be done.
-
One of the items on the Agenda is the nomination of Club Officers.  According to our by-laws, nominations are made at the November Meeting and voting will take place at the December Meeting.  All are welcome to come and take part in the process.  Also on the Agenda is the issue of fund raising which members have brought up.
-
Reports will be given on "Old Business" such as signage and range rules.  There are a few new developments in the 50 yard Handgun Range Proposal that will be presented as well.
-
What activities are YOU interested in doing?  Come to a meeting and get involved.  The more the merrier.  See you there!

A Hearty THANKS! -- to all Veterans

Unfortunately, this Blog does not get out there as far as I would like. 
-
Especially in this instance where I would like to extend a sincere thanks to ALL veterans. 
-
Thank you for your service and the sacrifices you made to serve our country.
-
A special thank you goes to our own members who are Vets.
-
I ask anyone reading this to thank a vet when you see them this month.  And, keep all vets in your thoughts.  We may not be able thank those who are gone, but taking the time to think of them, will keep their memory alive.

COMING.... in 2016!

"Do you love the outdoors, but can’t find time to enjoy it?
Are you tired of your typical weekend...errands, laundry, kids, cleaning, chores… the same old thing.

Have we got the Perfect Escape For You!
 
This is an opportunity to stretch your wings and try something new and exciting in a setting that encourages comfort and fun in the outdoors. It’s like a day camp for grown ups!
-
Grab your mom, sister, friend or co-worker, or grab all of them. Bring them to the Women in the Outdoors event for a Fun and Exciting day of learning and fellowship.
-
You don’t have to be a hunter to come to our event. This event is about learning new things and meeting new friends. Just come on out and try it. You will have the time of your life and a day with
the girls."

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I could not think of a better way to announce this up-coming event.  So, I took it chapter and verse from their 2015 brochure.
-
Plans are for the August 2016 NWTF Women in the Outdoors Conference to be held at our facilities.  Grounds use was approved at our October Meeting.
-
Michelle Holt tells me that the 2016 event is still in the early planning stages, but I felt a brief mention at this point in time would be appropriate.  Updates to the plans will be posted on this Blog as they become available.  A special "Women in the Outdoors" page will be added to our Blog once the application for 2016 is finalized.  Michelle indicated that she is targeting January 2016 for the application to be ready.
-
The Berlin Sportsmen's Assoc. is proud to be able to provide its facilities for this worthwhile event.
-
-

Range Rules Being Reviewed for Posting

Scotty Wagner has volunteered to review our range rules and put them on paper for discussion and adoption by the membership.
-
Your input is welcome.  Scotty can be reached by phone at 267- 4576 and would be happy to hear from you.
-
You may also email ideas to: berlinsportsmensassoc10@gmail.com
I will forward all input to Scotty.
-
The <Range Info> page on the blog has some information, and it is being processed by Scotty , so any suggestions are welcome.

Hope you did not miss it -----

Here are the candidates ---- 

The Candidates with Club President in the middle.

It was a good meeting tonight!  Everyone had an opportunity to talk with the candidates for Somerset County Sheriff.  And get in on some snacks as well.
-
The evening began with some horseshoe tossing until darkness closed in around us when we all moved indoors for for some snacks. 
-
After a bit of informal chatting, the meeting started with the first order of business being the "Meet & Discuss".  As President, I thought it was well received by the members.  After an introduction by the candidates, they fielded questions from the members with quite a 'back-and-forth' taking place.  Before it was over everyone had engaged the candidates which really went well considering attendance did not fill the room.
-
My fondest hope is that all learned something and all will visit the voting booth on the 3rd of November and cast their vote for their choice for Sheriff.
-
I would like to extend my thanks to both candidates, Bob Barnes and Brad Cramer, for giving us their time.  Thank you both for coming and good luck.
-
-

REMINDER of "Meet And Greet" ----

The new week is starting and it is a good time to put the Sheriff's candidates meet and greet on your schedule.
-
THIS THURSDAY (8Oct) starting around 7PM at our Club House both candidates have agreed to attend.
-
Bring a friend, members and non-members are welcome.
-
-

Meet & Greet the Candidates for Somerset Co. Sheriff

Both Candidates for Somerset Co. Sheriff have agreed to come to our October Meeting for a "Meet & Greet" to tell us a little about themselves so we can get to know them.
-
Bob Barnes and Brad Cramer are the candidates and they both graciously agreed to attend our next meeting.  This is your chance to get to know them, so I hope you will attend.
-
Knowing our public officials is an important part of our system of government.  Our club takes this responsibility seriously and so is providing this occasion for you to participate.  Bring a friend!  Members and non-members are welcome.  We want you to be involved.
-
-

September Meeting - moved!!

-
Just a reminder--- September Meeting is on WEDNESDAY due to a schedule conflict!!!
-
-
Same place, same time.
-
Agenda
- regular items
- approve the new membership cards and dues
- discuss Bob Barnes proposal for defensive handgun class
- Michelle Holt w/r "Women in the Outdoors"
- conveyor belt
- vice-president open position
-
-
Hope to see more and more participation so come on by------  share your ideas.
-
-

A good meeting ---

Our August meeting was held last evening with 10 members present.
-
There has been a lot of activity on the grounds recently.
-
Thanks to Mark Craig and his Eagle Scout Project, there is a new 200 yd bench to expand our shooting activities.  Mark's crew also installed a regulation horseshoe pit behind the club house for our use and the use of those who rent the facilities.
-
The 50 yd backstop has been refurbished by Scott Wagner.  And to top things off, Scott is working to improve the road leading in to these new additions.  Scott is donating his time, machine and much of the materials to fill in the pot holes and cut back the brush along the road.
-
Part of our Club's Mission is to promote an "interest" in "fish, game, and forestry" and the above projects certainly do.  Projects like these do not happen unless there is membership involvement.  So, come out and join us, bring your interests and ideas and have some fun.  The more different ideas we get, the more people we can reach.
-
The Club's grounds and facilities are a valuable community asset where good experiences can be had and memories made.  See you there!
-
-
Our September Meeting has been moved to the 9/September/2015, which is a Wednesday.  All are welcome.

CORRECTION ON AUGUST MEETING-----

I made a mistake when I called the newspaper to put in the notice of the August meeting.
-
I mistakenly gave Wednesday instead of Thursday as the day of the meeting.
-
A correction is being run in today's edition of the paper.
-
Sorry for any confusion!  Our meetings are always on the 2nd Thursday of the month as per the Club's By-Laws.
-
-
Tony

Let Freedom Ring---

We rolled it out for the 4th of July weekend!!
-
If you can enlarge the image, you will see my shooting tree that has been completed thanks to our newest member -- Ron Schrock.
-
I was too ambitious with 8 plates, so we will cut it back to 6 to make it more user friendly.  With 6 plates, it worked beautifully!
-
It is actually called a 'Dueling Tree', so you get the idea of how it could be used.
-
I was originally thinking of trying to start a 'League' that would shoot every week, every other week or monthly, but not sure there is any interest??? 
-
Any way you cut it though, it is a blast to shoot ... and it worked perfectly, too.

Call for items for June Agenda

The June meeting is scheduled for the 11th and is fast approaching---
-
We will be reviewing projects that have been started as well as developing new ideas.  Such as;
-
---- 200 yard range progress
---- club rentals
---- fishing derby results
---- road improvements
---- dam improvements
---- possible Fall open house
---- hosting the July County meeting *******
-
Your input is not just welcome, but needed in order to keep our Club active.
-
So, contact any of the officers with your ideas or questions or concerns.

A Day for Cub Scouts

 Here are some images taken during
the Cub Scout Outing on Saturday.









                                                                    Everyone was involved----


And seemed to be having fun!

There was some rain off and on, but as you can see, the event was not a wash out.
-
We were glad to be able to provide our grounds for the Cub Scouts use.



PS---} whoever forgot their sweatshirt it is on the picnic table on the porch of the club house.

It has begun......

Tree clearing has started for the 200 yard range.
-
Stay tuned for additional progress reports on this project.
-







-

 About 5 trees need to be taken down.
-
Some were rotted and others were not.
-

CHANGE in Today's Agenda

 Rick Lorson has been forced to cancel his review of our dam today.
-
Hope this gets out to everyone in time......
-
He has rescheduled for the June meeting.  More details at tonight's meeting.
-
Sorry----!!!

May Meeting Topics

Our monthly meeting is coming up this week.
-
The Agenda so far;
-
---- Lorson review of the dam  (this will be @7 PM before the meeting)
---- Cub Scout use of grounds
---- Facility rental update
---- ????
-
If anyone has any other items for the good of the cause.......
-
Please submit (post, email or call) them so they can be placed on the Agenda for this month's meeting.
-
Otherwise, hope to see you at the meeting!

Reults of April Meeting

It was a stormy evening----!  But we did have 10 members in attendance.  That was good.
-
With the bad weather it was probably good that Rick Lorson had to cancel the fish survey.  Family matters came up and he asked to reschedule for the May meeting.  We will try again then.
-
I just may have found one of our problems with the fish --- see image below.

Hard at work Sunday morning

-
This guy just took a dip in our dam and left with a prize.  I guess he started the fishing derby early.  Zoom in to see what he is carrying.
-
Speaking of Fishing Derby, that was one of the main topics of discussion at the meeting.  Plans are being developed to host a fishing derby at the Club.  The details need to be worked out.  Things like; source of fishing poles, funding, logistics, date, and volunteers.  Plus items I cannot think of right now.  If you are interested in getting involved, let us know.  As always, your input is important!
-

April Meeting Coming Up

Just a reminder that we will be conducting a survey of the dam with Rick Lorson from the Fish Commission before this week's monthly meeting.  That will star at 7 PM.
-
A regular monthly meeting will start at approximately 7:30 PM.  Although the main topic is improving the fishing at the dam, other items will be considered as usual. 
-
If anyone has anything for consideration, please contact any of the officers so it can be put on the agenda.
-
Hope to see you on Thursday!!

Dam Survey to Improve Fishing

Rick Lorson from the Fish Commission will be visiting us before the April 9th meeting.  Mr. Lorson will be surveying the site starting at approximately 7 PM.  Please join us ----
-
Mr. Lorson will be taking a look at our dam with the purpose of  providing ideas to improve the fishing.   This move was prompted by comments from several members with concerns about making it more fun for the youngsters by increasing their chance for success. 
-
Also, one of our members is interested in taking this idea as an Eagle Scout Project.  Mr. Lorson will be a good source of information for him as well.
-
Come out and join us.  Your input is important.

Range Develoment On-going

-
As Club President, I recently signed Mark Craig's Eagle Scout Project Proposal.  His Project involves the construction of a covered bench at 200 yards for long range shooting.  Hopefully, this will provide more shooting opportunities for our members.
-
More shooting will require us to be more aware of safety in our activities.  We will need to make sure that all activities on our grounds blend together so that everyone has safe access.  We will need to cooperate with one another in our activities.
-
To open a discussion, a Page has been added to the topics posted at the beginning of our Blog.  It is titled "Range Info" and contains some ideas to generate discussion of the addition of this new section to our range and what effects it will have.
-
Please take a look and join the discussion by posting to the Comment Section.
-
Let us hear from you.  The main idea is to generate more activity in our Club.

March Meeting

The meeting was held with 6 members in attendance.
-
A. Regular agenda items were covered.
-
B.  Active discussions;
     1. range work
     2. range rules review
     3. new signage
     4. well water testing
-
C.  Come On, Get Involved!
      **** There are numerous issues being addressed.  As a member you are entitled to have a say.  Just attend meetings and offer your input.  Come On Aboard!
-
-

March Meeting Topics

The weather has really put a damper on activities for most people, so to it is withe club. 
-
Better days ahead, though!  We can still start our planning.
-
-
This is a call for any items for the March Meeting.....
-
--- 1. Penelec brush clearing
--- 2. Workshop ideas
--- 3. Open House ideas
--- 4. Share fish structure project from Rocky Gap State Park, MD
-         http://www.fishandboat.com/water/habitat/lake_structures/lake_structure13_pondplan.pdf  
-  
--- 5.
--- 6.
-
-
Let me know if anyone has anything for the good of the cause...
-
It can be added to the agenda.

Now It's Our Ammo They Want !

-
Here is a decent article about the proposed "ammo ban" you have probably been hearing about.
-
http://www.wnd.com/2015/03/firing-back-shootout-over-ammo-ban-gets-serious/
-
It is felt that this article is a good one to provide for the members to review because it summarizes not only the current situation, but delves into the history of the "green tip" and even projects into the future of possibly more ammo bans.
-
-
Notice how BATF has built their case on a false interpretation of the definition of "armor piercing" ammo.  The green tip does NOT meet the Law's (18 US Code Section 921) definition of armor piercing!  Their case ignores that fact and hinges on doing away with the "exemption for sporting use" that they arbitrarily assigned back in the 1980's when the law was passed.
-
Read this article, as well as others.  Then make up your own mind.
-
Also making this ammo ban note-worthy is the fact that it comes on the eve of a vast surplus of the green tips about to be released to the civilian market because the military is changing to non-lead ammo.  The ban would prevent this lower-priced ammo from being provided to the U. S. market.  Timing is everything!
-
-
All are entitled to an opinion, just do good research and get the facts before you make up your mind.  If you choose, contact information is provided at the end of the above article for you to have your voice heard on the matter.
-
-

SUMMARY: February Meeting

Although cold, the meeting was held.  Eight members were in attendance.  A large part of the meeting was taken up with the launching of the Club's Blog.  It is hoped that it will be another method of disseminating information about our Club.  If you have any questions, please contact us.

 

Mark putting forth his ideas.

Regular items as well as new ones were also covered.
------- The short list is;
-
--- Treasurer's Report
--- Old Business Items
--- County dues for 2015 paid
--- Penelec meter reading discussed
--- Ideas for an Open Hose developed
-
-------- any questions contact us
-
The highlight of the meeting was an idea for an Eagle Scout Project presented by member Mark Craig.  He is designing a 200 yard bench rest for long range shooting.  Because of it necessarily being close to the shoreline, he hopes to incorporate structures that will facilitate fishing activities.
-
Along with the range improvement, Mark offered to include the construction of a regulation horseshoe pit in the area behind the Club House.
-
His projected plans were approved by the membership which allows Mark to work  on securing approval from the Boy Scouts.  As the project moves forward, we will develop a special blog page to keep members abreast of Mark's progress.  Stay tuned!
-
The meeting was adjourned approx. 8:40 PM.

February Meeting - Items for the Agenda

Here is a list of topics to be discussed at the February meeting
-
-----   1- Penelec Service
-----   2- Committees
-----   3- the eClub (for lack of a better name)
-             a. email
-             b. blog
-             c. email Follower
-----   4. county dues
-----   5. Eagle Scout Project update
-                 (depends on Craig schedule)
-----   6.
-----   7.
-
That's it, so far.......
-
-
If anyone has anything else for the good of the cause, put it in a COMMENT and it can be added to the Agenda for the meeting.  Hope to see you there.
-
-
Just a Thought--   traditions are a good thing.  Here is the artwork from our 1952 By-Laws booklet.
-

If anyone knows who created this drawing or the history behind it, please let us know !

February Meeting

-
If anyone has any items to place on the Agenda for February's meeting, please submit them.
-
Use the Club's email --- berlinsportsmensassoc10@gmail.com
-
OR
-
Contact one of the officers.
-
-

Steel redo

-----------The Sound of Steel----------
-   (vid may or may not work?? Sorry)

-

Bill Perdew and Tony Slatcoff wanted to provide a progress check on their dueling tree project.
-

-        We have this----                                                                                                       We want this !!!

-

--

The plates and hinges arrived and now the base and upright need to be constructed and assembled.  Materials are being scrounged toward this end.

-

Depending on the weather, the ring of steel will soon be in the air-------

-

-

Committees have been set--

As is the duty of  the president, Committees have been appointed for 2015.
-
A list of Committee appointees can be found by clicking on the "Committees" page listed above this post.
-
Feel free to ask questions in the Comments.
-
Fresh descriptions of the responsibilities of each Committee will be posted in the near future.
-
Stay tuned!
-

MEETING CANCELLED

In accordance with the Club's guidelines, tonight's meeting has been cancelled since Berlin Brothersvalley School District has cancelled school for the day.
-
Please plan on attending the next meeting---
-
12February2015 at 7:30 PM in Room 12 of the BBMS
-
-
 

AGENDA

Here is the Agenda for our January meeting.  You can look it over and make comments or suggest additions------  Hope to see you at the meeting!!
-

TENTATIVE AGENDA _-- 8/JANUARY/2015

Call to Order--- Flag Salute

Old Minutes  -  11/DECEMBER/2014 Meeting

Treasurer’s Report:   Current—

   ( Needs Vote)                

Old Business

1-     Flower Fund

             details

2-     Improve fishing

a.       Fish structures

                                                         i.      Porcupine cribs

                                                       ii.      tires

New Business:

1-     Committees appointments—

2-     Club Blog

a.       http://berlinsportsmensassociation.blogspot.com/

3-     Club Email

a.       berlinsportsmensassoc10@gmail.com

Committee Reports:  (“NEW” Committees to be set in January)

1-  Membership  -

2-   Property-   Horseshoe Pit ????

3- Fish and Game –

4- Communications –

5-   Shooting –

*** list of committee members available

Closing:

                 Next Meetingà  12/FEBRUARY/2015  (Berlin M.S.)

                  Other up-coming events…….

County Meeting–  21/JANUARY/2015 (- New Baltimore Sportsmen -)--                                                                       (-- Location—                    --)

Adjournment---                           Time-----