SUMMARY-- Decemeber Meeting

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Main business of the evening was to elect officers for 2017.  This was done and the results are listed below.....
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List of 2017 officers was here, but is throwing a glitch.  Therefore, let it be known that the 2017 Officers are the same as last year
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It was also decided to make a major effort to improve the fishing opportunities for 2017.  Plans are currently being developed for a three-pronged approach.  This includes;
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 1) Turtle Control (snapping)

2) Catfish Reduction            

3) Fish Stocking                    

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As stated, plans for each of these are just being started.  If anyone has any input now would be the time to get involved.  It is hoped to have a definitive plan completed so that as the weather clears in the spring the Club will be ready to implement.  Now is the time to do the research and development, so please feel free to join in on the planning.  Come to a meeting, leave comments on this Post, send an email, or give us a call (814)267-5651.

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The task is big and we are few, so any help will be appreciated.  It is all for the greater good.

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Be careful out there!

December, 2016 Meeting

A special note to let everyone know that the election of Club Officers for 2017 will be conducted at our December Meeting.  Some nominations were made last meeting and the nominations will be re-opened for final nominations before the election is conducted.
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Other business will be to develop plans for 2017.  What would you like to see happen with your Club?
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Do come to the meeting and contribute your ideas.... it is the only way the Club can continue to meet your needs.
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We will meet this Thursday (8DEC2016) in the Clubhouse @ 7:30 PM.  In the event of inclement weather a sign will be placed on the main gate to indicate a move to the Berlin Middle School in the Vo-Ag Room.
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Hope to see you there.
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2016 Winding Down

The approaching Holiday Season reminds us that the year 2016 is coming to an end.  I would like to wish all our members a joyous holiday season!
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It is at this time of the year that our Club begins to re-organize for the coming new year (2017).  In keeping with the by-laws of the Club, nominations for 2017 officers was opened at the 10NOV Meeting.  The first order of business at the December Meeting will be to accept final nominations and then conduct the vote to determine the officers for 2017.  The new President will appoint 'Chairs' for the various committees at the January Meeting.
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Please attend and take part in the process.  The only way the Club can move forward is for members to be involved.  As a "Members Only" Club, we, the members, must get the job done.
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Stay safe out there!
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To ALL Veterans ----

We would not have a country if it were not for you!
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THANK YOU.
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You sacrifice more than we can ever know.
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THANK YOU.
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We can never say it often enough or loud enough.
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THANK YOU.
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Always Something New-------

Just when I think things are getting routine....  I get a surprise.
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The smile says it all!

Met a couple members Sunday who are relatively new to our Club.  They are really interested in carp fishing (and releasing!!).   Can you tell?
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What impressed me the most, was their enthusiasm.  As President of the Club, I want to be aware of the interests of the membership.  Only then can we work toward having a wide range of activities to satisfy everyone. 
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Look carefully, note the preparation.

This chance meeting was quite the learning experience.  It was a reminder that our Club is part of Nature's web of interrelationships.  No one activity can stand alone.  Nature favors diversity, and so must we in our stewardship role at the Club.
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Dedication. 

Pleasure in success.

Sue was very gracious in sending the images.  They showcase this aspect of our Club very nicely.  Thank you, Sue.
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-----  Special note: No carp were injured in this activity!!!!
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Backstop Work Being Done

For those wondering, the 100 yard backstop is under construction.  As you can seen in the first image, the telephone poles have been removed, fill added to increase the height of the backstop, and the foreground lowered a foot or so.
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This work was prompted by the deterioration of the backstop.  This was most obvious on the right side.  The main concern was to fortify the backstop by raising it and making it deeper.  Trees are also being cleared to allow more light on the target zone.  The improved light conditions  benefit should benefit all shooters, but especially the 200 yard shooting.  All together, our members will have a chance to better enjoy their shooting.
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The first image gives a general idea of the work being done.  The leaves on the ground tend to hide some of the work, but look closely and you will see the progress being made.
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Overview of work being done.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next few pics Show various aspects of the work completed.  Tanner Walker and Kelby Hay coordinated the their work on this project.  Sorry, Kelby, but I did not receive any pics of you at work.
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Fieg Bros. fill being put to use.

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Tanner moving fill to raise the right side.

Much better!

Kelby lowered the base of the berm.

There are no plans to replace the telephone poles.  They may be employed as cribbing for the right side of the backstop to help anchor it.
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It is thought that mobile target stands will provide more flexibility for the shooter.  Well before this construction, a number of mobile target stands were put into use.  Members have been using them, and the stands have held up rather well.  More will be added and it is hoped that members will use them with care.
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Other ideas for target stands are being explored.  If anyone has any ideas, please send us your comments, or better yet, come to a meeting and join the discussion.
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Let's be safe out there.
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Expanding Involvement

This is a request of anyone receiving this post by email.
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If you are getting this notice, it means you signed up on the "Follow by Email" section on our Blog.   *** The Club does see your email address, it is private.  Therefore, I have no idea who or even how many people are receiving these notices.
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In the hope of getting more members involved with the Club (not just work details, but other activities as well), you are being asked to let other members know about this "Follow by Email" feature on the Blog.  It is a good way to get rapid updates on activities without having to check the Blog all the time.
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For my part, I will try to keep the blog updated, and get announcements out in a timely fashion.  It is also hoped that this will provide a chance for members to give input on Club activities.
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Any questions or comments can be emailed or put under "Comments" on this or any other post.
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Thanks for your help in this matter.
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Let's be safe out there...!
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UPDATE --- couple of items

Just a quick reminder that Thursday (13OCT) is our monthly meeting.
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Two items that need attention at this time of the year are;
----- 1- a review of the Club rules
----- 2- a review of our Membership Cards, getting ready to have them printed for 2017.
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In addition to the regular business, we will check progress on some of the projects the Club is bringing along.  They include;
-- 1- fish stocking
-- 2- 100 yd backstop repairs
-- 3- dam up-keep (breast maintenance)
-- 4- 50 yd handgun range development
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The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM and will be held in the Clubhouse.
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Hope you can make it.
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-------------- PS
----------------------- Anyone with a digital image looking out over the dam that shows nice Fall colors?????   We are due to change the Blog image to Fall.  Send it to the Club email---

berlinsportsmensassoc10@gmail.com

Better Safe Than Sorry

I went back and forth as to post this or not.  My decision ended when I began to think about the large number of individuals who own Remington Model 700's.
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Here is a link--- http://remingtonfirearmsclassactionsettlement.com/?_bta_tid=222209753676000723510181470290439563348289274622458879114029418443332195322008761852464
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If it works you will be sent to a Remington's site that describes a recall on the Model 700's.  You will have to take it from there.
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PS----  if the link does not work, someone must tell me so I can fix it.

Range Improvents Continuing--- Thanks Fieg Bros. Coal

Range improvements are an on-going process and we have been working on it.
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The Club has been making a push to strengthen the 100 yard backstop by increasing its height.  Clearing the trees and brush for the 50 yard handgun range in the area near the outhouse as commenced.  It is a step-by-step process.
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To this end, Fieg Bros. Coal just donated a couple of tri-axle loads of badly needed fill.  Scott Fieg was very gracious in making this donation.   Scott, please accept our appreciation for stepping forward with your help.
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Fieg Bros Coal making a delivery.

Delivery was made Tuesday (30AUG2016).  Joe Popovich reported 1.25 inches or rain at the coal dock Monday night so it was not surprising that the ground at the Club was too soggy to take the truck in where the fill is needed.  Plan B was used and the fill stockpiled near the tool shed to be moved later.
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A big THANKS to Fieg Bros.

Plans include embedding used tires in the backside of the backstop to help stabilize the fill.  This should allow us to reach the height needed making the best use the fill we have.
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An access road is being planned from where the fill is piled back to the head of the handgun range (to the left of the 50 yard backstop).  This will allow easier access to the handgun range when completed.
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Anyone wanting to get involved with this project, let us know.  The more hands, the lighter the load.
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Let's be safe out there!

An Experiment....!

A new member (Brian Wingard) wasted no time in getting involved......
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An avid fisherman (in competitions, too), he approached me about trying to improve the fishing in our dam.  He proposed "raking" the dam to remove some of the weeds to give clear water and less tangles for the fishing lines.
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I do not fish so Brian educated me on the ups and downs of this process and a plan was developed.  Since fishing was part of the Women In The Outdoors activities, Brian would rake the section of the dam that they would be using.  Then, data would be gathered on the success of the venture.
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The raking occurred at the end of July and the WITO took place on the 6AUG.  I have not had the chance to compare notes with Michelle Holt yet to find out if the raking made a difference.  You will just have to check back to get the final results.
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In the meantime, here are some images of the raking process-----
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The spit near the bridge was the test area.

Brian and unknown helper.

Quite a pile of weeds from a small area.

THE RESULTS.

Thanks !, Brian and unknown friend.
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And thanks to Scotty Wagner for the images... and for hauling the weeds away.   He is composting the stuff, but that's another experiment for another post.
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Let's see how this first attempt turns out.  Brian reported that there is a LOT of weeds in the that dam.  If this helps improve the fishing, we may need to gather a crew to make a big difference.
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Stay tuned for further updates and feel free to leave comments about this project.
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A Lot Is Happening......

It has been way too long since a Post has been added... apologies for that because it has been a busy summer at our Club thus far.
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Part of my lateness is due to always waiting to get  images to post... I am not going to wait any longer--
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First, cudoes to Tyler Landis for finishing his Eagle Scout Project--- the archery range.  There are bag targets at 20, 30, & 40 yards.  Better hurry and take a look, Hunter Perdew was using it today.  He was quite impressed and said he plans to use it more to get his new bow ready for the fall archery season.
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To help catch up here is a collage of images that I do have to show some of the activities taking place at the Club.  Remember, this only represents those activities of which I am aware.  I am sure there others taking place.  So, take no offense, this is what I know...
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Scotty's newest toy!

If you have never shot steel, you haven't lived.  Scotty picked up this horizontal plate rack to have some fun.  I feel lucky that he invites me to shoot with him, it's a barrel of laughs.  Note the rope that allows the plates to be reset without having to walk.  Pretty neat, Scotty. THANKS for sharing.
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Stay tuned --- we are trying to get an open house of sorts arranged for some time in September.  If we get any interest.  We'll certainly want to give members a chance to try their hand at steel.
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Just today, I got this image on the water....

Isaac Bittner has his own approach to getting the fish.

You may have to enlarge the image, but this member has taken to the water with his kayak.  It is good to see members using the facilities in different ways.
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Not all of the activities are purely fun.  Some are downright hard work.  This work allows all of us to enjoy the opportunities that our Club offers.  Clean up work like that done by Dave and Michelle Holt is always needed.

Removal of the leaves was badly needed

Sanded tables tops makes for better use.

Their clean-up around the Pavillion really makes it more inviting.
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Besides the Pavillion, they also took care of the area around the storage shed and part of the lawn around the horseshoe pit.
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Many THANKS!

This is the back, imagine how nice the front looks!

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This past Saturday the 'Walker Crew & Co.' brought in a skid loader operated by Tanner to do some heavy lifting.

Operator Tanner with Keegan and Carson directing.  Scotty is just watching (lol).

My understanding is that the Walkers donated equipment and labor (including Bunk &grandson Carson), and Scotty Wagner engineered the backstop using a new design that he wanted to try. The railroad ties were donated by Baker's in Somerset.
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Bunk and Carson handle the ties.....

A little fine tuning ....

The amount of work done is deceptive when looking at the finished product.

NICE JOB, guys!!  A lot of members will benefit from this day's labors when they sight in their rifles this hunting season.  More will benefit just from general use of this backstop.
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Besides the backstop work, this crew did some landscaping and organizing of materials too heavy to move by hand.  Pictures do not do that work justice, so I invite the membership to visit and look around.... enjoy yourself..... and if you bump into any of the members mentioned above, thank them for their efforts.
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It is always nice to be appreciated.
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I want to also point out that "the grass is always cut"...... something too easy to take for granted.
There is NO doubt that we all notice how nice the place looks with the grass neatly trimmed.  The bulk of that effort is being done by 'Bailey & Co'--- and a good job it is!  Be sure to tell them when you see them.
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If you enjoy the shooting range, thank Bill Perdew and Larry Pritts (and Grace)..... all have a had a hand in keeping the place looking good .. .. Scotty Wagner has taken the time to cut the brush back along our long 'driveway'.
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If I missed anyone, please let me know so I can add them ...  if I missed you, it was not by intent, but by ignorance... let me know, allow me to fix it.
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Have a good time at your Club and "be safe out there".......
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NEW vs OLD.....

In need of some TLC.

The Club has been fortunate to have some really nice improvements donated recently (see past posts w/r 200 yd bench, horseshoe pit, archery targets, road improvements, backstop work).
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While enjoying these new additions, we, as members, must take on the responsibility of keeping them in good repair.  It was with that thought that the outdoor grill near the pavilion came to mind. 
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The grill was in bad shape and not very inviting to use.  Some might have said it was junk, something to throw away..... BUT note the blue placards on the side----

Thank You-- M & M Welding !!

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This grill was a donation, it needed to be maintained to show respect to the donors!  A couple hours and a little BBQ paint ------ and there you have it.  A pretty good looking functional grill for members to use and enjoy (see previous post).  Just like the original donors intended.
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Restoration complete.

I would like to thank Mark Craig for showing me the placards he placed on the projects he made for our Club.  If not for that, I may never have noticed the placards on the grill.  You see, that made the decision to restore the grill an obvious one.  We (members) have the obligation to  maintain and preserve donations made to the Club. 
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Usually, that is all that donors want in return-- to see that appreciation for their efforts. 
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If you can help with something, please bring your ideas to one of the officers.  We all benefit in the end by enjoying the use---
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I sure did!!!

Fruits of the labor.

Celebrating Memorial Day

Red,White and Blue to honor our Veterans.

It was a beautiful day---- a good time to reflect on this Memorial Day....

--- Thank you to all who have given so much to keep us free !!!
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Nice work Bill !!

We are able to do these things----

The "Cookout" after the "Shootout".

--- because our rights and freedoms are being protected by the men and women who serve. 

MAY MEETING

Besides the regular business, progress on the new Archery Range was discussed and members of the Women In The Outdoors (WITO) were present to discuss their up-coming Conference (6AUG2016).
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Check out the WITO Event Page for class descriptions and contact info for the conference.
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Young Alex surveying the Archery Range.

WITO members looking to make use of the new range.

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Tyler explains his plans for .the Archery Range.

Just In ! ----

Several items have been received for this Thursday's Meeting
--- Idea for a Club Shooting Match
--- Brochure is in for the Women In the Outdoors Conference (WITO)
--- Update on Archery Range... it has been started
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Be sure to attend and bring a friend......
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Meeting is at 7:30PM @ the Club House.
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Moving Ahead....!

Tyler working on the layout of the archery range

 The April meeting started with a review of the Archery Range layout and it looks like a good fit up-slope of the horseshoe pit and stretching along that slope.  Tyler placed metal stakes to mark the position of the target stands and there is a large rock marking  the shooting line.
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 Tyler's Eagle Scout Project will be taking shape over the next couple of months so stop by and take a look as he starts his work.

Tyler on the shooting line.

Marking the stakes.

  As with any facility, maintenance is always a problem.  Routine cleaning is necessary.  Some of the wood structures are in need of paint or stain, and the roof has a leak.  We are attempting to prioritize these issues in order to address them.  Any help from members will be greatly appreciated.
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  The additions to our facilities that have been made recently are very nice, but we as the membership must be willing to put in the time to keep the facilities in good order for all to enjoy.
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  As the weather continues to improve, come out to the grounds and look around.  The place is special and has much to offer.  Enjoy!
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A New Look ----

In order to keep members informed as much as possible, this Blog has been modified a bit.
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In the past, the "Next Meeting" was posted to the right of the current Post.  It is still there, but under the new heading "Up-Coming Events".  The next meeting is at the top so it will look much the same.  Scrolling down, however, will show the new addition.  A list of the events using our Club facilities is now being included.
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The intent is to better inform the members of the different activities taking place at our Club.  There may be a time, if the event is not a closed event, that members may want to attend, or drop by to see what is taking place.
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Feel free to leave a comment -----

Nice Job, Tyler!

Tyler talking archery.

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Tyler Landis presented an Eagle Scout Project at our March meeting.  He did a fine job, too.
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Once he obtains final approval from the Boy Scouts, he will be setting up an "Archery Range" for the Club's use.  It will be located up slope from the Pavilion.  The range will consist of targets at 20, 30, and 40 yards.  He will be using reusable targets that should last quite a while.
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Stay tuned as design details are finalized.  If you bump into Tyler, be sure to thank him for helping our Club.

FEB meeting

Just a short note.
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Our February Meeting is this Thursday @ 7:30 PM in Room 12 of the Berlin Middle School.
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 If you have any items for the agenda, you can send them to the Club's email and they will be added.  The address is; berlinsportsmensassoc10@gmail.com
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A FEW UPDATES---

If you get the time, check out the following updates to the Club's "Pages" on the blog .....
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"Membership" Page - Photos added.
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John Hayes took a couple of nice photos of the two businesses that have been gracious enough to help sell our memberships.  Having the ability to purchase memberships within our community is a very big convenience for our members.
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When you bump into Brian or Bret, please be sure to offer your thanks for their support.
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"Committees" Page
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Committees have been set up for 2016.  "Chairs" were set for each committee and volunteers enlisted as helpers.  The current list is posted in the "Committees" Page on our blog and hard copies will be made available at the February meeting.
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Please keep in mind that additions can be made to the committees at any time.  So, if you are interested in helping with any one in particular, get the message to one of the officers or just come to a meeting.  Your name can be added to the list.
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The image below was included to close this post,  it shows that there are a few real die-hards out there that just love the smell of gun powder regardless of the weather .........
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A little snow doesn't stop the shooting. (1/31/2016)

The Clearing Has Started ---

John and Shane came Sunday morning to start the clearing for the 50-yard Handgun Range, But were surprised to see someone had beaten them to the punch, so to speak.
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Whoever the mystery person was, we want to thank them for getting the ball rolling.  John and Shane are putting quite a dent in the job as well.  You get the idea from the images below.
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The next step is to get an idea as to what it will take to excavate the shooting area and build up the backstop.
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Stay tuned and if you have a chance to help with any aspect of this project, please contact one of the officers.
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The weather got a bit bothersome, but the guys soldiered on!
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John and Shane made nice progress.

UPDATE--- Women in the Outdoors Conference

In October, 2015, it was posted that the 2016 Women in the Outdoors Conference will be held at our Club's Facilities this August.  The program is being developed by Michelle Holt who just sent me an  update on the progress being made.
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It seems that the classes have been set, so I am listing them for anyone who is interested.  Please spread the word.  I would not want anyone to miss out on a great opportunity to participate in what is building to be a fun time.
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This year's classes are;
                                     1- Muzzle Loader
                                     2- Ax and Knife Throwing
                                     3- Archery
                                     4- Beginner Hand Gun
                                     5- Advanced Hand Gun
                                     6- Master Gardner
                                     7- Herbal Remedies
                                     8- Fishing
                                     9- Map Compass and GPS Reading
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As the program continues to be developed, we will keep you posted on the specifics.
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STAY TUNED!