President’s Message

(March 2021)

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and our concerns of being able to maintain social distancing in the club house, our annual meeting scheduled for March 27, 2021 is cancelled and will be rescheduled in the May/June time frame when the meeting can be held outside. I will however, inform the membership on the results of the board of directors’ election when the votes are tabulated later this month.

The board has approved and has purchased a new John Deere tractor to replace our current tractor which is beyond economical repair. This new machine has a 54-inch mowing deck and is fitted with a 44-inch snow blower. Only authorized members are allowed to operator this tractor and our zero turn Toro mower.

The board has also approved the purchase of two new MEC trap machines for the 5-stand venue. I will provide more information once the machines are delivered

Now that the weather is getting nicer and COVID-19 vaccines are becoming available, I hope to see more of you returning and enjoying our wonderful club. Please feel free to invite friends, relatives and neighbors that are interested in the shotgun shooting sports to come on out with you. We would love to show them around and hopefully entice them to become members.

The registered skeet shoot scheduled for June has been cancelled due to some confusion on our planned dates.

Winter shooting rules are in effect as follows.

• Trap and skeet fields and sidewalks are to be cleared of snow before shooting. Shovels are outside of the club house and in the storage barn. The snow blower is available for use and is located in the storage barn. Do not shoot on fields that have not been cleared of snow. Doing so will compact the snow and make it difficult to remove. It is everyone’s job to pitch in to remove snow from the sidewalks and shooting fields.
• As always, gun cases are not permitted in the club house. Guns will be permitted, but it is strongly suggested that they only be kept inside if it is raining or snowing.

• Social distancing: Please spread out adhering to the six-foot rule when shooing, socializing, using the club house and pretty much all activities at the club. Working out of your car and utilizing additional seating outdoors such as lawn chairs is recommended. If you can’t maintain 6 feet distance, please where a mask.

• Club House: The club house is open but food should not be prepared. There are hand sanitizers and wipes in the club house for everyone’s use. In addition, we got lucky and have enough paper towels for foreseeable future so please feel free to wash your hands frequently. Also, there is tape on the floor marking six feet distances for your reference. As it gets colder, you may use the club house to warm up but please maintain your distance inside. If you can’t, please wear a mask.

• On the fields: Best practice is still to have an individual puller for each squad responsible for sanitizing the remote. If you can’t designate such an individual, please be sure to disinfect the remote and again wash your hands frequently. Also, spread out so that six feet distances can be maintained. If you can’t please wear a mask.

If anyone is interested in getting certified for the handgun range, please contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278, George Ketter at 815-456-2871, or Caleb Davis at 815-243-1483. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection and a $25.00 annual fee.

2021 Club Projects

• Skeet field 1 cement sidewalk from station 4 to station 8 and walks from all skeet fields high houses to the stairs – on hold
• Skeet and trap House maintenance – spring time frame
• Paint propane tank – in process complete in spring

2021 Events

• Annual Meeting – TBD
• Cleanup Day – 5/8/21
• Registered Skeet Shoot – cancelled
• Club Fun Day – 7/17/21
• Landfill Lunch – 9/17/21
• Pig roast – 10/2/21

Remember gun safety is our number 1 priority.

Best Regards,

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

Rockford Skeet Club Mission Statement

The Rockford Skeet Club’s objectives are to encourage organized target shooting; to forward the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team-play, and self-reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship. It is the duty of all members to contribute to the wellbeing, to protect, to grow, and to enhance the club and its members now and in the future.

RCS BOD, March 2, 2021                                                                                                        PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, , Harley Shepherd, Terry Van Den Boom, Randy Scott, Todd Hendrey, Caleb Davis.

1.     Meeting called to order at 5:30 by President Sam Valenza

2.     Minutes of February 1 / 2020 – Approved, 6-0

3.    Treasurers Report:  Approved, 6-0

4.    2021 Projects:

a.     Additional concrete work to complete sidewalks on field 1 station 8 to 4 and from stair case sidewalks to semi-circle on all skeet fields. – Spring

b.     Skeet houses and Trap houses maintenance – Approved.

c.     Paint propane tank – Todd Hendrey, Spring 2021

6.          2021 Events.

a.   Annual meeting – Postponed

b.  Clean up day – May 8th

c. Club fun day – July 1st

d.  Registered Skeet Shoot – Canceled

e.  Landfill lunch – September 17th

f. Family pig roast – October 2nd

7. New Business:  

1.  Lawn crew – Committee selected

2. Virus guidelines – till in effect, and sent out via email.

3. New election, Bill Shold, Effective early April

a. 2021 Elections – Completed.  

b. Handgun Safety Course – T.B.D.

c. Shooting instructions – Craig Strike   T.B.D.

d. New tractor purchased.

e. Discussed duties as board members.

f. Lock boxes for keys.

g. New toilets, to be quoted.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30

Next Board meeting April 6, 2021                                                                                         Respectfully submitted – Caleb Davis, Secretary

President’s Message

(February 2021)

The February 1, 2021 deadline to pay dues has passed. In order to be reinstated, a new membership application will be required with a check for $175.00. Also, nominations for running for the Board of Directors positions of vice president, treasurer, and the three directors were due by February 1 and is now closed.

The 2021 Budget has been approved and is posted in the club house.

The Board has approved a bid from club member Rich Tomasewski to paint and repair the skeet houses, replace the stairs, and to install rain gutter on the houses. Work will begin in the spring. We may be asking members to help with this project. When work is being done on a particular skeet field, shooting will be suspended on that field until the work is completed. All other fields will remain open.

The board is considering a handgun safety course and offering a day of shooting instructions for all venues contingent upon the Covid-19 conditions and membership interest. If held, they will probably be offered late summer or early fall. I will keep you posted.

Winter shooting rules are in effect as follows.

• Trap and skeet fields and sidewalks are to be cleared of snow before shooting. Shovels are outside of the club house and in the storage barn. The snow blower is available for use and is located in the storage barn. Do not shoot on fields that have not been cleared of snow. Doing so will compact the snow and make it difficult to remove. It is everyone’s job to pitch in to remove snow from the sidewalks and shooting fields.
• As always, gun cases are not permitted in the club house. Guns will be permitted, but it is strongly suggested that they only be kept inside if it is raining or snowing.

• Social distancing: Please spread out adhering to the six-foot rule when shooing, socializing, using the club house and pretty much all activities at the club. Working out of your car and utilizing additional seating outdoors such as lawn chairs is recommended. If you can’t maintain 6 feet distance, please where a mask.

• Club House: The club house is open but food should not be prepared. There are hand sanitizers and wipes in the club house for everyone’s use. In addition, we got lucky and have enough paper towels for foreseeable future so please feel free to wash your hands frequently. Also, there is tape on the floor marking six feet distances for your reference. As it gets colder, you may use the club house to warm up but please maintain your distance inside. If you can’t, please wear a mask.

• On the fields: Best practice is still to have an individual puller for each squad responsible for sanitizing the remote. If you can’t designate such an individual, please be sure to disinfect the remote and again wash your hands frequently. Also, spread out so that six feet distances can be maintained. If you can’t please wear a mask.

If anyone is interested in getting certified for the handgun range, please contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278, George Ketter at 815-456-2871, or Caleb Davis at 815-243-1483. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection and a $25.00 annual fee.

2021 Club Projects

• Skeet field 1 cement sidewalk from station 4 to station 8 and walks from all skeet fields high houses to the stairs – on hold
• Skeet and trap House maintenance – spring time frame
• Paint propane tank – in process complete in spring

2021 Events

• Annual Meeting – 3/27/21
• Cleanup Day – 5/8/21
• Registered Skeet Shoot – 6/26 & 6/27/2021
• Club Fun Day – 7/17/21
• Landfill Lunch – 9/17/21
• Pig roast – 10/2/21

Remember gun safety is our number 1 priority.

Best Regards,

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

Rockford Skeet Club Mission Statement

The Rockford Skeet Club’s objectives are to encourage organized target shooting; to forward the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team-play, and self-reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship. It is the duty of all members to contribute to the wellbeing, to protect, to grow, and to enhance the club and its members now and in the future.

RCS BOD, February 1 2021                                                                           

PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, Al Perry, Harley Shepherd, Terry Van Den Boom, Randy Scott, Todd Hendrey, Caleb Davis.

1.     Meeting called to order at 5:30 by President Sam Valenza

2.     Minutes of January 4 / 2020 – Approved, 6-0

3.    Treasurers Report:  Approved, 6-0

4.    2021 Projects:

a.     Additional concrete work to complete sidewalks on field 1 station 8 to 4 and from stair case sidewalks to semi-circle on all skeet fields. – Spring

b.     Skeet houses and Trap houses maintenance – Approved.

c.     Paint propane tank – Todd Hendrey, Spring 2021

6.          2021 Events.

a.   Annual meeting – March 27th

b.  Clean up day – May 8^th

c. Club fun day – July 17th

d.  Registered Skeet Shoot –June 26 & 27 

e.  Landfill lunch – September 17th

f. Family pig roast – October 2nd

7. New Business:  

1.  Lawn crew – Committee selected

2. Virus guidelines – Still in effect, and sent out via email.

3. New election nomination, Bill Shold

a. 2021 Elections – Randy Scott Treasurer. Al Perry – Vice President. 3 director positions.  

b. Handgun Safety Course – T.B.D.

c. Shooting instructions – Craig Strike   T.B.D.

d. Both Tractors and snow blower have been serviced.

e. Discussed duties as board members.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30

Next Board meeting March 2, 2021                                                                                         Respectfully submitted – Caleb Davis, Secretary

RCS  BOD  ,  January  4th 2021                                                                                                        PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, , Al Perry, Harley Shepherd,  Randy Scott, Caleb Davis.

1.     Meeting called to order at 5:30 by President Sam Valenza

2.     Minutes of November  2 / 2020 – Approved ,  4-0

3.    Treasurers Report:  Approved , 4-0

4.    2021 Projects:

a.     Additional concrete work to complete sidewalks on field 1 station 8 to 4 and from stair case sidewalks to semi-circle on all skeet fields. – Spring

b.     Skeet houses and Trap houses maintenance – Getting quotes for repair.

c.     Paint propane tank – Todd Hendreys , Spring  2021

6.          2021  Events.

a.   Annual meeting – March 27th

b.  Clean up day – May 8^th

c. Club fun day – July 17th

d.  Registered Skeet Shoot –June 26 & 27 

e.  Landfill lunch – September 17th

f. Family pig roast – October 2nd

7. New Business:  

1.  Lawn crew  –  looking for volunteers for next year.

2. Virus guidelines –  Still in effect , and sent out via email.

3. Membership dues are due February 1st

a. 2021 Elections  – Randy Scott Treasurer. Al Perry – Vice President . 3 director positions .  

b. Handgun Safety Course –  T.B.D.

c. Shooting instructions – Craig Strike   T.B.D.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30

Next Board meeting February 1 , 2021                                                                                         Respectfully submitted – Caleb Davis , Secretary

 RCS  BOD  November 2nd ,  2020                                                                                                        PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, , Al Perry, Harley Shepherd,  Randy Scott, Terry VanDenBoom,  Caleb Davis, Todd Hendreys 

1.     Meeting called to order at 5:30 by President Sam Valenza

2.     Minutes of October  5 / 2020 – Approved ,  6-0

3.    Treasurers Report:  Approved , 6-0

4.    2020 Projects:

a.     Additional concrete work to complete sidewalks on field 1 station 8 to 4 and from stair case sidewalks to semi-circle on all skeet fields. – On Hold.

b.     Skeet houses and Trap houses maintenance – Getting quotes for repair.

c.     Paint propane tank – Todd Hendrey , Spring  2021

d.    Replace skeet light –   Completed.  Thank you Todd Hendrey.

6.          2020  Events.

a.   Annual meeting – Cancelled

b.  Clean up day – Cancelled

c.  Registered Skeet Shoot – Cancelled 

d.  Landfill lunch – Completed

e. Family pig roast – On hold until 2021

7. New Business:  

1.  Lawn crew  –  looking for volunteers for next year.

2. Virus guidelines –  Still in effect , and sent out via email.

3. Membership dues to be sent early December

a. Five stand night –Any member is more than welcome to shoot the five stand .

b. Handgun Safety Course –  On hold .

Meeting adjourned at 6:30

Next Board meeting December 7  , 2020

Respectfully submitted – Caleb Davis , Secretary

RCS  BOD  October  5 ,  2020                                                                                                        PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, , Al Perry, Harley Shepherd,  Randy Scott, Terry VanDenBoom,  Caleb Davis, Todd Hendreys 

1.     Meeting called to order at 5:30 by President Sam Valenza

2.     Minutes of August 3 / 2020 – Approved ,  6-0

3.    Treasurers Report:  Approved , 6-0

4.    2020 Projects:

a.     Additional concrete work to complete sidewalks on field 1 station 8 to 4 and from stair case sidewalks to semi-circle on all skeet fields. – On Hold.

b.     Skeet houses and Trap houses maintenance – Fall

c.     Paint propane tank – Todd Hendreys , Fall  2020

d.    Replace skeet light –   Completed

6.          2020  Events.

a.   Annual meeting – Cancelled

b.  Clean up day – Cancelled

c.  Registered Skeet Shoot – Cancelled 

d.  Landfill lunch – Completed

e. Family pig roast – On hold

7. New Business:  

1.  Lawn crew  –  looking for volunteers.

2. Virus guidelines –  Still in effect , and sent out via email.

3. Snow plowing for handgun range and 5 stand .- Approved

4. New target prices –  No increase to members

a. Five stand night –Any member is more than welcome to shoot the five stand .

b. Handgun Safety Course –  On hold .

c. Quarry shooter –  Investigating.

Meeting adjourned at 6:30

Next Board meeting November 2  , 2020

Respectfully submitted – Caleb Davis , Secretary

President’s Message

(October 2020)

I want to make all of you aware that the Northern Illinois Pistol and Rifle Club will be having a pistol shoot this Saturday October 10 from 9 am to 2 pm. They will be driving on the road behind our trap and skeet fields. I mention this because there have been rogue/trespassing shooters over there that do not have permission to be there. The trespassing shooters park at the gate and walk in. If anyone observed this illegal activity, please contact and I will call the president of the pistol club and/or the sheriff as these trespassers could endanger our club members.

As I communicated in a past email the planned pig roast has been cancelled and rescheduled to sometime next year depending on the COVID 19 conditions.

The annual landfill lunch was a success in spite of the virus. We made up individual meals and sent them over to the folks at the landfill instead of having them come over to the club to eat as we have in the past. I believe they had an enjoyable meal of new york strip steak, cheesy potatoes, baked beans, and pumpkin squares for dessert. Thanks landfill folks for all that you do for our club.

Social distancing: Please spread out adhering to the six foot rule when shooing, socializing, using the club house and pretty much all activities at the club. Working out of your car and utilizing additional seating outdoors such as lawn chairs is recommended. If you can’t maintain 6 feet distance, please where a mask.

Club House: The club house is open but food should not be prepared. There are hand sanitizers and wipes in the club house for everyone’s use. In addition, we got lucky and have enough paper towels for foreseeable future so please feel free to wash your hands frequently. Also, there is tape on the floor marking six feet distances for your reference. As it gets colder, you may use the club house to warm up but please maintain your distance inside. If you can’t, please wear a mask.

On the fields: Best practice is still to have an individual puller for each squad responsible for sanitizing the remote. If you can’t designate such an individual, please be sure to disinfect the remote and again wash your hands frequently. Also, spread out so that six feet distances can be maintained. If you can’t please wear a mask.

If anyone is interested in getting certified for the handgun range, please contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278, George Ketter at 815-456-2871, or Caleb Davis at 815-243-1483. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection and a $25.00 annual fee.

2020 Club Projects

• Skeet field 1 cement sidewalk from station 4 to station 8 and walks from all skeet fields high houses to the stairs – on hold
• Rewiring of skeet field 3 as a result of the installation of the new machines – completed
• Skeet House maintenance – fall time frame
• Paint propane tank – fall time frame
• Safety bars on all low house skeet machines – completed
• Seal coat parking lot – completed
• Carpet cleaning – completed
• Clean out Barn – completed

2020 Events

• Annual Meeting – cancelled
• Cleanup Day – rescheduled to spring 2021
• Registered Skeet Shoot – Cancelled
• Club Fun Day – cancelled
• Landfill Lunch – completed
• Pig roast – cancelled

Remember gun safety is our number 1 priority.

Best Regards,

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

Rockford Skeet Club Mission Statement

The Rockford Skeet Club’s objectives are to encourage organized target shooting; to forward the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team-play, and self-reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship. It is the duty of all members to contribute to the wellbeing, to protect, to grow, and to enhance the club and its members now and in the future.

RCS  BOD  September , 8   2020                                                                                                        PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, , Al Perry, Harley Shepherd,  Randy Scott, Terry VanDenBoom,  Caleb Davis, Todd Hendreys 

1.     Meeting called to order at 5:30 by President Sam Valenza

2.     Minutes of August 3 / 2020 – Approved ,  6-0

3.    Treasurers Report:  Approved , 6-0

4.    2020 Projects:

a.     Additional concrete work to complete sidewalks on field 1 station 8 to 4 and from stair case sidewalks to semi-circle on all skeet fields. – On Hold.

b.     Skeet houses and Trap houses maintenance – Fall

c.     Paint propane tank – Todd Hendrey , Fall  2020

d.    Replace skeet light –   Todd Hendrey.

6.          2020  Events.

a.   Annual meeting – Cancelled

b.  Clean up day – September 26^th 2020

c.  Registered Skeet Shoot – Cancelled 

d.  Landfill lunch – 9 /11

e. Club Fun Day – Cancelled

7. New Business:  

1.  New picnic tables –  Installed

2. Family pig roast – October 10, 2020  .  Approved

3. Lawn crew  –  looking for volunteers.

4. Virus guidelines – Still in effect

5. Gun racks – installed

a. Trap League – Cancelled

b. Five stand night –Any member is more than welcome to shoot the five stand .

c. Handgun Safety Course – On hold .

Meeting adjourned at 6:30

Next Board meeting October 5 , 2020

Respectfully submitted – Caleb Davis , Secretary

President’s Message

(September 2020)

We will be having a free of charge pig roast on October 10, 2020 starting at 11;30 am. If you have not made your reservation through our online survey and would like to attend, please email me at sam.valenza@att.net no later than October 1. Members and their immediate family and grandchildren are invited. We will be providing the pig roast and all of the trimmings. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available for anyone that does not like pork. All shooting venues will be open starting at 9:00 am.

The club will be hosting our annual steak lunch for the guys at the landfill this coming Friday, September 11, in appreciation for all that they do for us. The club will be open for shooting by the membership.

This coming Saturday, September 12, will be the next pistol shoot. It will be a bullseye match with 30 shots at 25 yards. First is slow fire with 10 shots in 5 minutes. Second will be a timed fire with 5 shots in 20 seconds, 2 strings. Finally, rapid fire with 5 shots in 10 seconds, 2 strings. Any caliber handgun is acceptable including 22’s. You can use 1 or 2 hands. Shooting times will be 9 am, 10 am, and 11 am. If you haven’t already let George Ketter (815-456-2871) know what time you prefer.

As I stated previously new aluminum picnic tables have replaced the deteriorating wood tables except for the two that are under the trees on the trap and skeet fields. We also have installed new maintenance free gun racks to replace all of our wood racks except the two in front of the club house. We do have three spare racks for future needs.

Our annual clean up day has been moved from the spring time frame to Saturday September 26 starting at 8:30 am. Bring out your shovels, rakes, and trimmers. No shooting will be allowed until all of the work is done. I hope to see you there. Hot coffee and donuts will be provided.

If anyone is interested in getting certified for the handgun range, please contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278, George Ketter at 815-456-2871, or Caleb Davis at 815-243-1483. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection and a $25.00 annual fee.

2020 Club Projects

• Skeet field 1 cement sidewalk from station 4 to station 8 and walks from all skeet fields high houses to the stairs – on hold
• Rewiring of skeet field 3 as a result of the installation of the new machines – completed
• Skeet House maintenance – fall time frame
• Paint propane tank – fall time frame
• Safety bars on all low house skeet machines – completed
• Seal coat parking lot – completed
• Carpet cleaning – completed
• Clean out Barn

2020 Events

• Annual Meeting – cancelled
• Cleanup Day – rescheduled to 9/26/20
• Registered Skeet Shoot – Cancelled
• Club Fun Day – cancelled
• Landfill Lunch – 9/11/20
• Pig roast – 10/10/20

Remember gun safety is our number 1 priority.

Best Regards,

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

Rockford Skeet Club Mission Statement

The Rockford Skeet Club’s objectives are to encourage organized target shooting; to forward the development of those characteristics of honesty, good fellowship, self-discipline, team-play, and self-reliance which are the essentials of good sportsmanship. It is the duty of all members to contribute to the wellbeing, to protect, to grow, and to enhance the club and its members now and in the future.