December Meeting

This Thursday (13DEC18) is our December Meeting.
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The meeting is scheduled at 7:30 PM.  Remember that the meeting will be held at the Berlin Brothersvalley Middle School.  Enter at the Vo-Ag entrance.
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The main item is to nominate and vote for Officers to be installed at the Jan/2019 meeting.
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Grass Control Is On-Going.

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One of our members is spear-heading an attempt to control the growth of grass in the lake.  Leslie has been searching for a source of "barley straw'.
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He has supplied the Penn State article attached at the end of this Post.  Take a quick read.  If you are interested in helping with this project, get in touch.  The Club could use the help.
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Keep in mind, (if we can find a source), the best results would come from applying early in the spring.  This seems to stunt the growth of grass BEFORE it gets too much of a start.
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Thanks to Leslie for his efforts!!
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I had to fix this link ---  https://extension.psu.edu/barley-straw-for-algae-control 
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Here is another article---- https://www.mdsg.umd.edu/sites/default/files/files/Barley%20Straw.pdf
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Just found this ---https://keystonehatcheries.com/products/barley-straw-bulk-40-lb-bale

November Meeting

Our Monthly meeting is scheduled for this Thursday-- 7:30PM at the Clubhouse.
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Along w/ our regular business, we will be setting nominations for officers.  Bring your input!!  Club voting will be at the December Meeting.
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Also ---- Be sure to VOTE on Tuesday (6NOV2018) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Product Safety Bulletin

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Not sure who in our Club might be shooting this model , or know of someone, but spread the word
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9mm Ruger American^® Pistol Safety Bulletin

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Here 's the link ---

https://www.ruger.com/dataProcess/APRetrofit/?r=banner 

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Updates ...

Here's a few things on the table .....
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Member at work .....
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I do not fish, but that fish looks like a really nice one.????
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catch and release, I hope .....
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----------------  Let us know what your activities !!!!
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Future member sharing an idea for a Shooting Committee project- ------
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3rd 100yd bench
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Thoughts on using 5/4 treated wood for top.... ?
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roof extension with some help
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October Meeting

Just a reminder that the October meeting is this Thursday (11Oct).  We will be meeting at the Clubhouse at 7:30PM.
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Our regular business will addressed after which Committee Reports will be given.  Individuals need to submit any concerns to be included for the meeting.  New membership cards (2019) will be available starting at the meeting.
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----- Announcement:
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Recently, John Hayes tendered his resignation as Vice-President as of 1OCTBER2018.  I would like to say thanks for your past help, John.  Best wishes going forward. 
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If you bump into John --- pass your thanks on to John for past help he has give the Club.
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Hope to see you at the meeting.....
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September, 2018 meeting

Regular meeting is scheduled for this Thursday, 13Sep.  It will be held at 7:30 PM the Clubhouse.
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Business will be first on the agenda, followed by any concerns and interests of the members.
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I have not received any questions w/r interest in activities from members.
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Hope to see you at the meeting.
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Be careful out there.
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All is Quiet .... ???

Just to keep the channels open.....
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It seems that we are in a summer lull.  Although, I have been seeing a good bit of use at the Club.  That's a good thing!
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If anything comes up, let us know.
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Be safe out there.
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August Meeting Coming up !!

Just a reminder that the August meeting will be held at the Clubhouse on Thursday (9August) at 7:30 PM.
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Gather your ideas and bring them to the meeting.
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Regular business will need to be covered, but after that... bring out the new ideas.
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Someone brought up the idea of an "Open House" Picnic ---- OR someone else said a "Membership Get Together"Picnic.  Sometime in early September was thrown about.  What do you think?
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Come to the meeting and give your ideas..
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See you there.
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Busy Week Coming Up

Please be aware of the following events taking place this week;
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18JULY (Wednesday)
------ Somerset County Sportsmen's League will be holding its monthly meeting at our Club.  The meeting will be start at 7:30PM with light snacks after.
------ Ranges will close at 6:30PM.
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21JULY (Saturday)
------ Our facilities are rented for the day.  Therefore, ranges are closed from dawn until dusk.
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Something New For Our Meetings

See if this works --- These are informational links for items from the agenda ...... to be discussed at the July Meeting.
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ITEM #1 ---
Here is a video on "Aquatic Plant Management" ---- it discusses a number of different methods and is worth viewing for 2 1/2 minutes of your time.
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https://extension.psu.edu/biological-control-of-aquatic-plants
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Other links for "Carp Application" are in the LIBRARY on the Blog.....
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ITEM #2 ---
This link goes to Sacrete's "Quickwall" ---- a possible fix to salvage the chimney.  Note video on left.
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https://www.homedepot.com/p/Quikrete-Quikwall-50-lb-Gray-Surface-Bonding-Cement-Concrete-Mix-123150/100318455?MERCH=REC-_-PIPHorizontal2_rr-_-100318462-_-100318455-_-N
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If you cannot access this video from the blog, leave a comment, and I will try again.

July Meeting Is Up ---

Our July, 2018 Meeting will be held in the Clubhouse this Thursday (12July) at 7:30 PM.
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Hope you can attend, and bring a friend.
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Topics to be covered; (besides regular monthly business)
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-1- fishing derby summary
-2- building maintenance
----a- water situation
----b- alternate chimney idea
----c- exterior trim painting
----d- roof leak around chimney
-3- plans for Co. League meeting (18Jul)
-4- rental (21July)
-5- project updates ????
-6- _______________ (you fill this one in)
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Hope to see you there!
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Pics from the Derby

Here are some images taken of the kids during the fishing derby .....
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Pics sent to me by John

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

... TO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
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That is what the 4th of July is.  Exactly that!  Unequivocal, positively the birth of our Nation.
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We must remember.

It is up to us to teach the young ones what it means.  Our 4th of July must NOT be just about picnics!
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The Korean War

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Many have paid to allow us our picnics.

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A few years back, I met a gentlemen during one of my wife's business events.  He was in his late seventies or early eighties.  He asked me to help him pick out a pair of sheepskin mittens explaining that "he could not keep his hands warm since the Frozen Chosin".........
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If you do not know, the "Frozen Chosin" is a common reference to what was a decisive campaign early in the Korean War (Nov/Dec 1950).  It was characterized by subzero temperatures and our soldiers having inadequate winter weather clothing.  A lot of frostbite!
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Some 60 years after living through this experience, this Veteran still suffered for having served his country.  I could have hugged him, but he probably would have slapped me silly.... so I stood, shook his hand, thanked him for his service, and helped him find the best pair of sheepskin mittens we had to offer.  A small service compared to his.
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There are many such stories, I am sure.  That is why we must remember our history, and how we came to be where we are.  And enjoy the fruits of the labors of those who came before us.
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Have a safe and fun 4th of July.......
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Fishing Derby --- a Success!

John, hands down it was quite the success.
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Even the weather co-operated... sort of.
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Here is the 1st installment of pics from the event.  Sorry, I do not know names to label...
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These should be of the opening ceremonies.
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More to come!   Stay tuned.
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I believe, some of the helpers... THANKS!

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 --- pics by Scotty ....

If At First You Don't ............

Ahhhhh!, Sweet success.  And Just in time for the Derby......
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Thanks for helping.

The second attempt at setting the cribs went well.  All are in the water.
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Just needs a little more weight/

John said that the initial problem was overcome by adding more weight to each crib to get to them to sink.
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From the looks of things, Scotty brought out the tractor to make handling the cribs a bit easier.  A good idea considering the added weight.
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Save the back.

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Way to go Guys!  A big project brought to a conclusion.  THANKS to all who were involved.
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John tells me that the next step is to get rid of some of the grass in the water which will make the fishing better.  Anyone interested in helping, please contact John.
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Images by John and Scotty ......

F.Y.I. --- Range Closing

All ranges will be closed on Saturday (23JUNE2018) 

due to the fishing derby being held that day.

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Signs will be posted, but having advanced notice is always nice.....
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June Agenda

The June Meeting is scheduled for this Thursday (14JUNE2018).  We will meet at the Clubhouse at 7:30 PM.
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Emphasis will be placed on finalizing the planning for the Fishing Derby scheduled for 23June.
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Here is a tentative agenda----  Feel free to comment if there are omissions or corrections.
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1-     Regular business

2-     Hat Project

3-     Proposal for Eagle Scout Project

4-     Rental (July?)

a.       Pavilion Cleaning

b.      Fix-ups – e.g.; Horseshoe

c.       Grass cutting

d.      Weeding

                                                               i.      Clubhouse

                                                             ii.      Pavilion

5-     Hosting County Meeting in July (18^th)

6-     Committee Reports 

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Sometimes, It Just Does Not Work Out ----

First The "cribs" were going to put on Winter's ice so that they would sink when it melted.  It was a mild winter, and there was no ice.
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Then, they were just going to be floated out an released to sink to the bottom, but alas, not enough weight to put them under.
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It is said that the third time is a charm ........ The Club THANKS the Shanksville VFD Ice and water Rescue for their efforts thus far and hope they will hang in there with us to get the fish structures placed.  They will enhance the fishing in our lake.  That makes this a worthwhile project!

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Thanks for the try.  

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Anyone willing to lend a hand, please contact John Hayes ... he is lead on this project.
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 Pics by Scotty

Hat Project ----?

There has been some discussion with respect to a "Club Hat Fund Raiser".
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It seems this was done in the past... see pics;
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Scotty's version.

A J 's version.

 Here are two examples to get you thinking.
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The hunters' orange might be well-received if we get them out there varmint season and fall hunting season.
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Looking for ideas.  Please contribute your thoughts.
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Take Time To Remember

It is our DUTY to "never forget".

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Take time this weekend to pay respects to those who have died in the service of our country.  Even a pause in activities for a moment of silence would a nice tribute.
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Image by Starla.

There Is History Here!

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Our Club has quite a long history.  The earliest By-Laws located is a small booklet dated 1952.
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Still in circulation.

 If any others exist, please bring them forward.  It is a good thing to know your origins.
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By the way, the discrepancy in our name (By-Laws booklet versus Hat) has been solved.  The hat is correct.  That is the spelling used when our Club was registered.
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Scotty found the old photo and did great job digitizing it.  It shows that the Club was well used in its early years.  Note the only structure is the "tool shed" which I am told doubled as a snack bar in the early days.  I count 7 cars and 8 or 9 people.  Interesting!
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Left= 1963 Chrysler Newport ------- Center= 1960 Chevy Belair
Right= 1953 Pontiac Chieftain  ??????

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Hopefully, we will see this amount of activity taking place again in the future. Since this photo, the Club House, the Pavilion, and covered 100 yard benches were added. And more recently, the Club has added the 200 yard bench, a regulation Horseshoe Pit, and an Archery Range.
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As for activities, there is the Fishing Derby being planned for the 23JUN2018, so let's keep trying....
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This image is a bit newer ------

Here is a possible fund-raising idea ?????

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The artwork on this hat can be found on the 2009 printed By-Laws, but may date before that.  Anyone Know??
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This photo suggests a possible fund-raising idea --- florescent orange hats for hunting season!  Any interest?????
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At the May meeting, a different hat design from the past was brought up in discussion.  Stay tuned, if a pic becomes available, you will see it in a future post.
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Bottom line, our Club has a strong history in the community, and we are trying to live up to our past by providing continued outdoor opportunities for a wide-ranging audience.
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Again, THANKS to Scotty for the pics!!

May Meeting ---

The May Meeting is scheduled for this Thursday (10MAY) at 7:30 PM.
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With the warmer weather, we are back at the ClubHouse for the meeting.  Do keep that in mind!!  Also, remind others.
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Besides our regular monthly business-----
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----- 1. Vote on the proposed change in By-Laws (re: new standing committee)
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----- 2. Continued planning for the June fishing derby.
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If anyone has anything else, let me know so it can be put on the agenda.
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Hope to see you there.
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Hot off the press ...

Here is an image of the poster John came up with for the "Fishing Derby" to be held on the Club grounds on 23JUNE2018 ...... it is fast approaching so make your plans to participate.
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It says it all.

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New Library Link ----

Some may want to check out the new "Link" (PA CCW Reciprocity) in the Library.  Especially if you are planning some out-of-state travel.
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btw ... the source of this link is "... PA.GOV", so it should be reliable.  In fact, look carefully at Virginia, and you will see that a change is due to take place on 16MAY2018 ...... 
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Any problems with it, leave a comment so it can be fixed.
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Be Safe Out There.
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April Meeting

This Thursday (12APR) is our monthly meeting.  The meeting will be held  in Room 27 of the Berlin Brothersvalley M.S.
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Looks like we will have reports on the problem tree and the chimney.
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Also, be sure to read the previous post (9MAR) concerning the new standing committee proposal.  A vote on that proposal will need to be set up according to our By-Laws.
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If you have any information to be considered at the April meeting, please send an email or leave a comment on this post.
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See you at the meeting..... be safe out there!
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New Standing Committee

A new "Standing Committee" has been proposed.  It will be named the Media Committee.  As its name implies, this committee will handle matters dealing with the various types of media as related to the Club.
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Here is the proposed change addition to the By-Laws;   (Changes/additions are bold underlined.)
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Article 4 Committees

Section 1- Standing Committees   The standing committees shall be as follows;

Membership

Property

Fish

Game

Shooting

Executive

Media

Each committee will be composed of three (3) or more members, and appointed by the President. Committees will report at each meeting with the exception of the Executive Committee.

           

Section 10- Media Committee   The Media Committee shall have full charge of matters pertaining to the Club’s use of media, and shall report on monthly activities at each meeting.  This committee will be responsible for recommending how the Club utilizes the various forms of media.  This will include, but not be limited to; electronic media, such as; television, radio, Facebook, Blogs, websites, Twitter, Instagram, and any future form, and printed media, such as; newspapers, and magazines.  Any and all passwords shall be known by the Chair, the Club president, and one other Media Committee member.

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Comments are welcome. 

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Also, the Club's By-Laws are now posted on the Blog.

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Needs Some TLC

It is nice to add new things to the Club.  It is good to try to have activities that benefit Club Members as well as the public.  Community service is a good thing.  However, the cardinal rule when doing these types of things is .... "to not ignore your own".
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Well, there are two items that, if we ignore, it is at our peril.  Both have been brought up before with little or no action taken by the Club.  They are getting critical, and my duty requires that I bring them to the surface again.  They are;

The chimney is falling apart.

The tree at the corner of Club House.

-- look at the pics
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The pics on the left and right show the problems the Club faces.  Some maintenance is needed .... and soon.  The tree leans toward the building with one large limb overhanging it.  The electric service is an overhead line, and the tree threatens that as well.  As for the chimney, enlarge the pic, and developing holes can be seen just above roof level on the right.  The roof around it is already leaking and the stone will soon be a safety hazard as it starts falling out.
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A fix for both of these is going to take some hefty expenditures.  Ideas are needed.... start thinking!
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It is troublesome that more members are not active.  Members cannot just take from the Club, they need to contribute as well.  It takes all the members to pitch in to make the Club work.  Wish we had more involvement... maybe we need to go back to requiring work details to keep your membership ?????  It may sound harsh, but the dues can only buy a member so much ..... one cannot expect to do nothing, and have all the benefits (use of well-maintained facilities).
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Double tree to left of electric pole.

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 By now, you may be wanting a better view of the problems,and since we are currently meeting at the School , here are a few more pics to help illustrate them.  They are not going away, in fact they will get worse with neglect.

Wider view of chimney

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This is being sent now so all can ponder the situation, and perhaps come up with some solutions.  We can put our heads together at the Thursday's meeting with the hope of developing a plan of action.
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No exaggerating on this!

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The pic to the left shows the half of the tree that leans towards the Club House.  Oh!, and remember our insurance company has already said that they "really would rather NOT insure us".  Maybe we better not give them an excuse.  You think?

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Hope to see you at the meeting, and ...... bring a friend!
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*** THANKS to Scotty for taking the pics.  They show the situation rather clearly.