Election Results

Election of 2018 officers was held at the December meeting.
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The results..... the 2017 officers were retained for 2018.
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For the record, they are;
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----- President          = Anthony Slatcoff (267-5651)
----- Vice-President = John Hayes          (267-5866)
----- Treasurer          = Larry L. Pritts     (267-3572)
----- Secretary          = Edward Landis    (267-4497)
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As President of the Club, I feel that I speak for all the officers when I say that we look forward to working for/with the members in making the Club meaningful to all the members during 2018. 
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I will remind the membership that this Club is like a co-op in that members are owner/operators.  It takes member involvement to keep the Club developing in a way that meets the members' needs. 
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If you are reading this, I ask you to help me get the message out to our members.  Here's how .... find one or two members who are NOT signed up on the "Follow On Email" so they start receiving email copies of these Blog posts.  This may help in stimulating discussion, and hopefully involvement.
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Remember, our facilities are 'tucked in the back', so our activities go largely unnoticed by members who are not real active in the Club.  Receiving emails of these posts might stimulate more involvement.  It's worth a try.
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"nuff said" for now
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Hey, remember  ... Be safe out there.
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AWS
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A Review: Membership Rules.....

Over the past year, issues have developed with regards to the Club's membership rules.  The following is an attempt to clarify.
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Membership Fees for 2018
--- Family = $17.00
--- Single  = $12.00
---  Key    = $  3.00
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To start, our Club has one the most relaxed set of requirements regarding membership in the area.  And our dues, even with the increase for 2018, are still a great buy for your money.  Membership in our Club offers a wide array of recreational opportunities all of which are supported by the dues collected from the members.
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One of the issues that seems to be cropping up is nonmembers using our facilities.  To be blunt, that is theft of services along with trespassing.  Breaking the law .. and for what??   Look  at our dues schedule above.  The cost of membership is minimal, and certainly, is less than the fines that would be set in court. 
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As members, we must get this message out there.  Do NOT be offended if you are asked to show your membership card.  Unless you are not a member, in which case that person should be embarrassed, to say the least.
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The Club is like a co-operative.  Members are "owner/operators", and as such must take care of the place.  We are all in this together.
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Questions have also been brought up that pertain to the "Rules" of membership.  The following are excerpts from our By-Laws .....
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Article 2: Memberships

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Section 3 - Each member, upon paying the Annual Dues, shall receive a Membership Card indicating the year in which he/she is in good standing.

Section 4 - All memberships expire with the calendar year.

Section 5 - A “family membership” will include 2 adults (spouses) and all children living with those adults.

Section 6 - All children (described in Section 5) will be covered by a family membership until they are no longer attending high school.

Section 9 - No complimentary memberships will be issued by any member, or the membership committee, or any officer without first getting the approval of the membership at a stated meeting.

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You can use the "comments" to reply to this post....

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December Meeting ---

Our monthly meeting is scheduled for this Thursday (14Dec) in the Vocational-Agriculture (Vo-Ag) room at the Berlin Brothersvalley Middle School.  It starts at 7:30 PM.
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Besides normal monthly business, the election of officers for 2018 will be held.  Nominations started at the November meeting.  They will be finalized and closed, and voting will take place at Thursday's meeting.
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Another item that needs mentioning is "Committee Chairs".  These posts are appointed for the year by the president.  They will be set at the January 2018 meeting.  If interested in a chair position, or serving on a committee, let the 2018 President know.  If the Club is to stay active and make progress, it needs members willing to participate.
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Established Committees are;
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---- Membership
---- Property
---- Fish
---- Game
---- Shooting
---- Communications **
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Other items that will be discussed are;
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---- fish stocking
---- maintenance
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If anyone has anything for the good of the cause, please contact sent it so it can be put on the Agenda.
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Be safe out there.
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NEVER FORGET ----

Please remember that Veteran's Day is fast approaching....
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Our Club has quite a few members who are "Vets",  A special ...........
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 "THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE"

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And the same to ALL Vets!
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October Meeting

Boy!  The month sure went fast.  It's time for the October Meeting already.
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Be advised, the October meeting is this Thursday (12Oct) at 7:30 PM and will be held at the Clubhouse.
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I have nothing new for the Agenda although if someone has something, get it to me so it can be added.  Nothing has come in via the Club's email or the Blog.
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That being the case, the meeting will cover normal business with a summary of the changes in Membership Rules and Dues for 2018.
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Hope to see you at the meeting.
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Monthly Meeting ----- Thursday, 14September, 7:30PM @ Club House

The title says it all....
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There will be progress reports on various on-going projects as well as new plans to be made.  Read the previous post for some details on some of the projects.
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Membership is to be discussed concerning the setting of dues for 2018 and finalizing membership cards for printing.  A decision on where to make the membership cards available for purchase will need to be made.
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Individuals have mentioned possible new projects they are interested in spearheading;
1-bridge over breast, 2-reconstruction on the outhouse, & insurance possibilities.  These individuals were encouraged to bring their ideas to the meeting for discussion.
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So, we have some things to do.  Hopefully you can make it and add your input....
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Be safe out there.
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Catch up ----

I have been away for a bit, and was feeling bad about that until I checked the Club's email... nothing.  So, I do not have to feel bad.
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The last thing I remember is the staining of the structures in progress, which looks good (thanks Fred & Scotty).  The gate also looks nice.  I like the color, it livens things up (thanks Jillian)
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Also, thought there might be info on our insurance situation sent to the email.  Nothing there, so we'll stay with what we have.  For now at least.  I found a possible lead w/ a new member, and may have some info at the September Meeting.  We'll see.
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I have noticed that members are using the place. That's a good thing.  The road seems to be holding up, for now.  One member did report drainage problems on the road near the gate.  The ditch along that section needs cleaned out, I imagine.
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I recently had an offer from a member to rebuild the bridge over the spillway.  I asked him to come to the September Meeting to present his plan and maybe get some laborers for help.  There have been a number of ideas floated, and I did not want to commit to anything so as not to hurt any ones' feelings.
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I received confirmation from Eric Craig that the tree near the corner of the Club House does need to be taken down before it comes down on the Club House.  It will require someone w/ the necessary skill and insurance.  If anyone knows a member that fits that description, please come forward.
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That's about all I have for now.
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If you have something to discuss, send an email....

Some people will shoot anything!!!

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Our September Meeting is 14 Sept, don't forget.
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Be Safe out there.
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More Progress - - - It's A 2'fer....

Here are a few pics showing some additional improvements being made at our Club. 
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Isaac setting the grass rake.

John Hayes is working with Isaac Bittner to remove some of the grass from the water.  Several groups have been tackling this on-going problem.  There is rumor of complaints being made about the grass problem, but few have realized that if they are members, some of the work falls to them to do.  In other words, do not complain, if you are not willing to do your part, period.
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The long pull fell to John.

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Kudoes to Isaac and John, and the others working to minimize this problem.
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The same day found Keegan Walker running the tractor to dress the access road to our Club.  The Walkers have been very gracious with their donations of time and equipment to help our Club.
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Keegan reworked the entire length.

MANY THANKS, guys !!
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Makes a BIG difference !!

As members, we should verbalize our thanks to those who have gone out of their way to help the Club. 

Drain the Swamp, .... Well, Almost

Volunteer, Dave Bailey starting the ditch work.

An earlier post discussed the drainage problem along our access road.  Dave Bailey offered his help to clean the ditch which has become clogged with sediment and plants over the years.  The work has begun.
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This work is weather-dependent, so there is no telling how long it will take, although I was pleasantly surprised at the progress made in the short time I was present.  Please be patient.
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Also note, your co-operation is needed as we continue to use the facilities while work proceeds.  This especially effects the use of the shooting facilities.  This work has priority!!!
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Fred, another volunteer.

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Shooting from the 100 yard benches can still take place, BUT ALL shooting needs to cease to allow the dumping of the sediment dredged from the ditch.  Your SAFE co-operation is appreciated so that the range need not be closed.
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There are other members pitching in to complete this work.  Thanks to all involved.
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This is a temporary situation, so be patient .... and THANK Mr. Bailey for donating his time and machine to help the Club.

Contacts

My Apologies!
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I thought the contact numbers for the Club Officers were listed on the Blog's main pic, but they are not.  Sorry about that.
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Sooooooo ....  here they are;
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---- President  - Anthony W. Slatcoff ---- 267-5651
---- Vice-Pres - John Hayes                ---- 267-5866
---- Treasurer - Ed Landis                  ---- 267-4497
---- Secretary - Larry L. Pritts            ---- 267-3572
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If there are questions, please feel free to contact one of the officers for assistance.
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Be safe out there.
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NEXT MEETING: Thursday (13July)

Just a reminder that our monthly meeting is this Thursday (13Jul).  The meeting will be in the Clubhouse at 7:30PM.
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All are welcome to attend.  In fact, bring a friend.
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After our regular business, we will be reviewing on-going projects.  There will also be an opportunity to bring up new items.  For instance, concern for the condition of our road has been discussed.  To that end, Sperry Drilling will be looking at the drainage situation on Wednesday (12Jul) to give the Club an estimate on cleaning the ditch.
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Hope you plan on attending.  See you there.
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Be safe out there.
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Don't Be A Litterbug!

 There is an old saying (or make it a new one if you prefer) -------It goes like this;
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Take Only Pictures,

Leave Only Footprints.

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I came across those words some 45 years ago. They made quite an impression on me.  Think about what the words mean.....  In those few words there is great meaning.  Read it slowly.  One line, then the other. Roll it around in your mind.  Pretty neat, isn't it? 

Note top of pic is shoreline.

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Now, take a look at the two pics that a member forwarded to me---
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Needless, garbage can is at the gate.

 

Do you think this individual was thinking of the above quote?
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No, me neither.
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Maybe we members should offer a reminder to each other????  We all lapse now and again, nothing wrong with gentle reminders.  After all, if you are a member, you have a vested interest in the well-being of our facilities.
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Do not be afraid to draw attention to behavior that is harmful to our Club and the opportunities it affords us.  Who else is going to take care of our Club if we don't????
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Be careful out there.
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Just A Reminder --

Thursday (8JUN) is our monthly meeting.  We are scheduled to meet at 7:30PM in the Clubhouse.
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Regular business will be covered first.  Then, Committee Reports will be entered with discussion centered on progress made along with new developments regarding the projects.  A brief list of these Projects follows.  Remember, the only way this work can get done is if the members contribute their time to help with the labor.  Find something of interest to you, get a friend, and pitch in.
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--- Property Committee -
-        1) Work on dam breast -
-             a- grates
-             b- spillway bridge
-        2) Staining out buildings
-        3) Roof on toolshed
-        4) Road work
-            a- clean out drainage ditch
-            b- fix potholes
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--- Fish / Game Committee -
-         1) Cribs
-         2) Turtle trapping
-         3) Selective carp removal
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--- Shooting Committee -
-         1) possible "steel" shooting event
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A possible new project in the early development stages, is the installation of a number of "park benches" around the dam.  Come to the meeting and join in on the planning.
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Thanks to the members who are 'regulars' at the meetings, and WELCOME to members who would like to join in on the meetings.  You may not be able to attend every meeting, but that is not a problem.  Drop in to stay in touch and add your comments to the discussion whenever you can.  See you there!
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Be safe out there.
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Remember ...

 

VETERANS

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Give them their due. 

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 Today is to remember their sacrifices.

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THANK YOU!

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Spillway Bridge Closed ..... !!

Some of you may have already found out that the Club had to close the bridge that crosses the spillway.  It has seen better days, and due to safety concerns had to be blocked off.
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Spillway Bridge UNSAFE for use!

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No one should use the bridge over the spillway!
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Plans are being made to remove the rotted wood to prevent its use.
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Stringers showing rotted ends.

West end of bridge showing rot.

I would like to say that this bridge will be replaced, but that will depend upon availability of funds for materials, and volunteers for a labor party.  If you have any ideas please contact a Club Officer.
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I hate to be the troll under the bridge so to speak, but unless we can come up with the necessary funds and labor, this bridge will be removed and the Club will be unable to replace it.
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Any help will be appreciated.
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Be safe out there!
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Need some help ....

A drainage problem along our driveway developed this year.  Actually, for the last couple of years, the roadway has become badly riddled with potholes which are getting longer and deeper due to poor drainage along the road.
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1- One of the problem areas.

2- Worst area, right in front of the Cabin!

Images 1 & 2 show two of the worst areas.  Enlarge Image 2 and water in the drainage ditch can be seen level with the road.  It is ready to run on to roadway.
  This drainage problem is the cause of the potholes and needs to be addressed.
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Adding more gravel would help a bit, but the water must be drained away.  Luckily, there is a culvert from this side of the road to the lake.  See Image 3. 

4- Culvert emptying into lake.

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3- Opening of drainage culvert.

The ditch needs to be dredged to get the water to flow.  This culvert would drain both of these trouble spots if dredged.  That would take care of the worst of our problem.
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The other potholes could be filled in for now and further dredging could be done as as funds become available. 
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Bottom line,-----  the Club could use your help.  Does anyone know of a backhoe (or other machine) that we could hire to get this job done????  We need an estimate of cost and when it could be done.
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Any suggestions, contact a Club Officer. 
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Be safe out there!

POW -----

I came across this article ----
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http://www.wnd.com/2017/05/pow-the-tick-virus-far-deadlier-than-lyme/
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---- and felt our members might benefit from it.
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Seems like we are always facing one type of "doomsday" problem or another.  I guess "Mother Nature" is just showing us who's boss.   Living where we do, we cannot help but be exposed.
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So, we can help lower our risk by taking the normal precautions to prevent tick bites;
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   1- Use tick repellent
   2- Wear long sleeves & pants
   3-  Do "tick checks" after venturing out
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Take precautions, but don't stop living.
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Be safe out there ...

May Meeting

This Thursday (11MAY2017) is our monthly meeting.  Remember that we are at the Clubhouse and the meeting starts at 7:30PM.
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We will conduct a normal business meeting. Updates on our projects will then be discussed.  One of these brought up at the March Meeting concerns the drainage situation along the road in to the Clubhouse.
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New ideas are also welcome.  Please come and take part on your Club!
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Be careful out there.

April Meeting

Monthly meeting coming up this Thursday --- 7:30 PM and we are back at the Club House with the nicer weather.

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There may be conflicts with church services, but that's okay.  Church comes first!  There is nothing that pressing for the month.  We will catch up with things in May if you cannot make it to the meeting this Thursday.

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Here is the list of Projects being discussed.  The ones followed by asterisks are in development.  Look over the list and see if there is anything with which you want to get involved.

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----- 1) Fish stocking

----- 2) Snapping turtle reduction ***

----- 3) Stain for pavilions (3) and ?? Clubhouse ***

----- 4) Repair roof on tool shed

----- 5) Repair overflow screens on breastworks of dam

----- 6) Add "structures" to lake for habitat improvement ***

----- 7) Place new duck boxes ( which we already have)

----- 8)      ?????

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Bring any ideas you have to a meeting, we can use the the help.

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See you this Thursday, if you can make it.....

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Be safe out there.

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Items fot the March Meeting...

The March meeting is this Thursday (9March).
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If you have any items for the Agenda, please send them.  They will be placed on the Agenda being composed.
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Copies of the Agenda will be emailed to the addresses that have been submitted.
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February Meeting Coming Up ...

Another month has gone by and the FEBRUARY Meeting is coming up (Thursday - 9FEB2017).
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There has not been a lot of snow and access to the Club has been uninterrupted.  Hope you have been able to make use of Club.
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This is just a reminder of the Meeting this Thursday with a request to "bring a friend". 
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The Agenda is to continue the planning for 2017.  The previous Post lists some of the ideas that are on the table.  Hopefully, details for a couple of them will be filled in at this meeting.
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The Meeting will be held at 7:30 PM in the Vo-Ag Room at tha Berlin Middle School.  Come on in and share your ideas..... !
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Be careful out there!
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After Meeting ----

 
Committee Chairs were appointed by the President at the January Meeting.
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Here they are;
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Membership  - Chair/ Larry R. Pritts

Property- Chair/ Ed Landis

Fish and Game – Chair/ Rich Berkey

Communications – Chair/ Cynthia Slatcoff

Shooting – Chair/ Scotty Wagner

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All Committees were asked to come up with a plan for 2017.  A discussion was held on what items need addressed in order to improve the Club for its members.  The following are a few of the ideas that were put on the table.

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----- 1) Fish stocking

----- 2) Snapping turtle reduction

----- 3) Stain for pavilions (3) and ?? Clubhouse

----- 4) Repair roof on tool shed

----- 5) Repair overflow screens on breastworks of dam

----- 6) Add "structures" to lake for habitat improvement

----- 7) Place new duck boxes ( which we already have)

----- 8)      ?????

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#8 is for "you" to fill in.  The Club will only go as far as the members are willing to take it.  Come on, get involved.  Find something you are interested in, and let's do it!  Please feel free to bring your idea (s) to a Meeting, call a Club Officer, or contact one of the Chairs.......

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Here's something a couple of guys got interested in doing ---

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Muzzle flash must be considered.

---- Night shooting, or low-light shooting.

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Not all defensive shooting scenarios are going to take place in broad daylight--- good preparation requires practice in all conditions ----- 

Funny, it doesn't do that in daylight..

------ and unless you have been there, it could catch you off-guard........
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Pretty neat, wouldn't you say?
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Be safe out there...!

Just A Reminder ....

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The January meeting is this Thursday (12Jan2017). 
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Just wanted to remind everyone that the meeting will be held at the Berlin Brothersvalley Middle School in the Vocational Agriculture Room.  Enter the door next to the greenhouse.  The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:30 PM.
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The weather outlook for Thursday is not bad.  However, we all know (and love) Somerset Co. weather changes.....  So, our rule of thumb is that if school is canceled, our meeting is canceled. 
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Just wanted everyone on the same page.
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Along with our regular monthly business, Committee Chairs will be appointed for 2017.  Keeping with that topic, we will also try to develop an outline for projects in 2017.  Some ideas are already being discussed, and they will be further refined.  It is hoped that at least one idea will be initiated for each committee.  In this way, we will keep the Club moving forward.
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ALL members are welcome.  Your input is important.
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Be careful out there!