President’s Message

(December 2014)

The handgun range is now operational. Members will be required to complete the handgun/range safety course before the range can be used. Under no circumstance can anyone use the range before completing the course. To sign up for the course contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278 for weekend morning classes and Don Lyydon at 815-877-0754 for weekday afternoon classes. The classes are under an hour long. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection. A twenty five dollar annual fee for 2015 is due at the completion of the class. The club guest policy applies for all handgun range guests – sign them into the guest log book and collect a $5.00 guest fee.

The BOD has approved pulley systems for two lanes on the handgun range for paper targets. The plan is to install them in the spring of next year.

Tom Platt has installed heater in all of the skeet high houses in an attempt to prevent targets from freezing together and throwing two targets at a time.  The control is located above the power switches. Simply twist the nob for up to six hours of heating.

The invoices for the 2015 club dues have been mailed. Payment is due by February 1, 2015.

WINTER SHOOTING RULES

The following winter shooting rules are affective immediately:

• 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, however it is strongly suggested that they only be kept inside if it is snowing or raining.

2014 Club Projects

• Construction of a 5 stand deck – approved and on hold
• Electrical power and cameras for the 5 stand and handgun range – under consideration

2014 Club Events

• All scheduled events have been completed

Best Regards

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

The handgun range is now operational. Members will be required to complete the handgun/range safety course before the range can be used. Under no circumstance can anyone use the range before completing the course. To sign up for the course contact Milt Schwanke at 815-988-2278 for weekend morning classes and Don Lyydon at 815-877-0754 for weekday afternoon classes. The classes are under an hour long. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection. A twenty five dollar annual fee for 2015 is due at the completion of the class.

Best Regards,

Sam Valenza

President Rockford Skeet Club

BOD Minutes of 3 November 2014

PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, Larry Ohda, John Bailey, Sam Parkinson, Harley Shepherd, Clay Buehler, and Terry VanDerBoom

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 1700 BY PRESIDENT SAM VALENZA

1. Approval of minutes of 6 October 2014 – Approved 6-0
2. Treasurers report – accepted, attached by reference
3. 2014 Club projects
   1. Hand gun/.22 rifle range – completion by end of November
   2. Construction of 5 stand deck – 2 designs under review – on hold
   3. Electrical power for 5 stand and hand gun range – Tabled
   4. Cameras for 5 stand and hand gun range – in process
   5. Total cost for hand range at approximately $10,000
4. 2014 Events
   1. Braggin Rights shoot – completed 11 October
   2. Geezer shoot – completed 1 November (23 shooters)
5. Carpet cleaning – scheduled for Wednesday morning, 12 November
6. New Business
   1. 2015 elections
      1. Vice-President and Treasurer – 2 year terms
      2. 3 Directors – 1 year term
   2. 2015 dues – $125, forms will be mailed
   3. Skeet field heaters installed on machines, timers will be added
   4. 2014 mowing report – 31 mows, total cost to club of $1,208.92 Approved 6-0
   5. Targets – will be ordered in December
   6. Compensation for workers on hand gun range – 100 rounds, Approved 5-0-1
7. Business of members – none

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1800

NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING IS MONDAY, 1 DECEMBER, 1700 HOURS

Respectfully Submitted:  Sam Parkinson, Secretary

President’s Message

(November 2014)

The handgun range is progressing very well and should be completed by the November 15. Absolutely no one will be able to shoot until they have completed the safety training for the handgun range. I will keep you all informed as to when the training will begin. The two club members that will conduct the training are Milt Schwanke and Don Lyddon.  Also the BOD has approved a $25.00 yearly handgun range usage fee. The fee is due upon completion of the safety training.

WINTER SHOOT RULES

The following winter shooting rules are affective immediately:

• 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, however it is strongly suggested that they only be kept inside if it is snowing or raining.

We had two successful club shoots in October. The “Braggin Rights shoot was won by Frank Halsey and the Geezer shoot high over all shooter was George Ketter. There were also six first place, 6 second place, and 6 third place winner for the Geezer shoot for of the various age categories. Congratulations to all of the winners. Thanks to all that helped organize both shoots. We will have more fun shoots next year.

Tom Platt has installed heater in all of the skeet high houses in an attempt to prevent targets from freezing together and throwing two targets at a time. I will let you all know how to operate the timers in the near future.

As I have always said, members are welcome to attend the monthly Board of Directors meeting with any issues or concerns. The meetings are held at the club on the first Monday of each month and start at 5 pm. All that I ask is that advance notification be given to me so that I can add you to the agenda.

The invoices for the 2015 club dues will be mailed during the first week of December. Payment is due by February 1, 2015.

2014 Club Projects

• Handgun range – and in process
• Construction of a 5 stand deck – approved and on hold
• Electrical power and cameras for the 5 stand and handgun range – under consideration

2014 Club Events

• All scheduled events have been completed

Best Regards

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

BOD Minutes of 6 October 2014

PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, Larry Ohda, John Bailey, Sam Parkinson, Harley Shepherd, Clay Buehler, and Terry VanDerBoom

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 1700 BY PRESIDENT SAM VALENZA

Guest Dave Schroeder requested permission to run a competitive skeet shoot next year.  Date is open until assigned by the ISSA.  Approved 6-0.  A motion was made to pay our dues for next year to the NSSA ($50) and the ISSA ($25).  Approved 6-0

1. Approval of minutes of 8 September 2014 – approved 6-0
2. Treasurers report – accepted, attached by reference
3. 2014 Club Projects
   1. Hand gun range – targeted to finish by end of October
      1. Safety rules – currently being developed
      2. Pulley system – cost and design being researched

• Range access fence – will be put up when project ready

1. Shooting and fee collection – see below
2. Erosion protection – in process

1. Construction of 5 stand deck – two proposals, currently on hold
2. Electrical power for 5 stand and handgun range – tabled
3. Cameras for 5 stand and hand gun range – in process
4. Electronic vote at an earlier date to increase funding for handgun range by $1000, from $5000 to $6000 – approved 5-0-1

4. Braggin’ Rights Shoot – this coming Saturday, 11 October
5. New Business
   1. Geezer shoot – approved 6-0 for 11/1/14 – details to follow. Club will remain open for all, even if you don’t shoot in the event
   2. Revision of unaccompanied minors policy – withdrawn
   3. Carpet cleaning – John Bailey will do
   4. DVR replacement – completed
   5. 2014 targets shot on 5 stand in 3^rd quarter – infor only
   6. Motion to charge $25 per year for members who wish to take the handgun safety course and use the handgun range. Approved 4-2  Cost will be part of their yearly dues
6. Business of members – none

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1700

NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING IS MONDAY, 3 NOVEMBER

Respectfully submitted:  Sam Parkinson, Secretary

President’s Message

(October 2014)

The handgun range berms have been completed and will be seeded in the near future. The cement pad has been poured and construction of the shooting stations/shelter has started. We still are in need of volunteers to help Owen Anderson build the shooting stations. If you can help, please call him at 815-494-6830. The more help we can get, the sooner we can start shooting. Absolutely no one will be able to shoot until they have completed the safety training for the handgun range. I will keep you all informed as to when the training will begin. Also the BOD has approved a $25.00 yearly handgun range usage fee. The fee is due upon completion of the safety training.

The annual Braggin Rights Shoot is this Saturday October 11, 2014. I hope to see you all there. You get a free lunch even if you don’t win.

• Date – Saturday, Oct 11
• Time – Must sign in by 0900
• $5 plus your rounds
• 25 each skeet, trap, 5 stand, you keep your own score
• Entry money returned at 50% for 1st, 30% for 2nd and 20% for 3rd
• Any gauge can be used at any field
• Best total score
• Members only can partake, but guests or those not willing to participate can shoot as space is available
• Free lunch at noon

Club Member Frank Halsey is hosting a Geezer Shoot at the club on Nov. 1, 2014 with a rain date of Nov. 8. The shoot will start at 10 am and finish when done. The shoot consists of one round of skeet and one round of sporting clays. There will be three winners in each class (1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd). The classes will be 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75 and over. A free lunch will be provided. The cost includes a $5.00 entry fee, plus the cost of the two rounds (which are to be posted on the members log sheet).

The family members policy has been revised and is as follows. This revised policy will be posted on our web site and in our policy/procedures book located in the club house. The revision includes grandchildren which were omitted in the basic policy.

A Membership shall include the principal member and the immediate family – husband, wife, children, custodial children, and grandchildren under the age of twenty-five (25). The principal member will be allowed full access to the Club, voting rights, and the opportunity to serve as a Club officer. Family members under the age of twenty-five (25) will be allowed access to the Club only under the direct supervision of the principal member or other adult Club members.

2014 Club Projects

• Handgun range – approved and in process
• Construction of a 5 stand deck – approved and on hold
• Electrical power and cameras for the 5 stand and handgun range – under consideration

2014 Club Events

• Bragging Rights Shoot – 10/11/14
• Geezer Shoot – Nov. 1, 2014

Best Regards

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

President’s Message

(September 2014)

Thanks to LK Roney for donating a brand new gas grill. That was very generous of you LK. Members are free to use it at any time. If at any time the gas runs low, let me or any BOD member know so that it can be refilled.

The skeet field 1 remote has been repaired and is being returned this week. I also ordered a spare one to have on hand when we have any failure.

The night skeet light bulb that was burnt out on field 2 has been replaced. Thanks to Larry Ohda for renting the bucket lift and going up in it to replace the bulb.

We have resumed the construction of the handgun range. The berms will be completed this week and the grass will be seeded on the berms early next week. Shortly after that the cement pad will be poured. The plan is to start construction of the shooting stations/shelter by the end of September. No one will be able to shoot until they have completed the safety training for the handgun range. I will keep you all informed as to when the training will begin. Thanks to Bob Lichty over at the Landfill for building the range.

We held our annual steak lunch on September 9, 2014 for the good folks over at the Landfill. This was a small token of our appreciation for all that they do for us. . Thanks to Jeff Theien, John Lichty, Bob Lichty, and crew for being such great neighbors.

Mark you calendars as the annual Braggin Rights Shoot is Saturday October 11, 2014. I hope to see you all there. You get a free lunch even if you don’t win.

• Date – Saturday, Oct 11
• Time – Must sign in by 0900
• $5 plus your rounds
• 25 each skeet, trap, 5 stand, you keep your own score
• entry money returned at 50% for 1st, 30% for 2nd and 20% for 3rd
• Any gauge can be used at any field
• best total score
• Members only can partake, but guests or those not willing to participate can shoot as space is available
• free lunch at noon

The following is a new policy regarding family members and minor children. The policy will be posted on our web site and in our policy/procedures book located in the club house.

A Membership shall include the principal member applicant and the immediate family who resides within the same domicile – husband, wife, and children or custodial children under the age of twenty-five (25). The principal member will be allowed full access to the Club, voting rights, and the opportunity to serve as a Club officer. Family members under the age of twenty-five (25) will be allowed access to the Club only under the direct supervision of the principal member or other adult Club members.

Our guest procedure has not been followed by some of our members so the following is a reminder as to the proper process when hosting guests at the club

1.  All quests are required to complete and sign the guest log.

2.  Guests are required to wear a guest badge (located on the bulletin board) while on club    property.

3.  A fee of $5.00 per guest should be deposited in the payment drawer located at the north end of the long counter running the length of the east wall, e.g. same drawer in which round payments are deposited.

4.  All rounds shot by guest(s) and sponsoring member are to be recorded and deducted from the sponsoring members round log sheet.

** If members wish to immediately pay and offset guest rounds then the value of the rounds shot should be included in the same payment envelope with the $5.00 guest fee.  Make sure you completely fill out the envelope to include clearly identifying the sponsoring members name.  Terry will credit the members round balance the next time he collects payments from the payment drawer.

2014 Club Projects

• Handgun range – approved and in process
• Construction of a 5 stand deck – approved
• Electrical power and cameras for the 5 stand and handgun range – under consideration

2014 Club Events

• Bragging Rights Shoot – 10/11/14
• Geezer and side by side shoot – TBD

Best Regards

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club

BOD Minutes of 8 September 2014

PRESENT:  Sam Valena, Larry Ohda, John Bailey, Sam Parkinson, Harley Shepherd, Clay Buehler, and Terry VanDerBoom

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 1702 BY PRESIDENT SAM VALENZA

1.  Approval of minutes of 4 August 2014 – Approved 6-0
2. Treasurers report – accepted, attached by reference
3. 2014 Club projects
4. Handgun range

i.      Motion to approve up to $6000 in expenses – App 6-0

ii.      Bids for cement work  (10×42)

1. Paul Larson concrete – $3500
2. Henning Construction – $3150 – App 6-0

iii.      Landscaping – will be begun soon

1.  Construction of 5 stand deck – 2 designs – under study
2. Electrical power for 5 stand and handgun range – tabled
3. Cameras for 5 stand and handgun range – tabled
4.  2014 Events
5. Land fill lunch – will be held tomorrow, 9 September
6. Braggin Rights shoot – Saturday, 11 October – info to follow
7.  Geezer and side by side shoot – tabled, probably spring event
8. Special Committee Report – none
9. Pumping septic system – completed, $295
10. Family members using principal members membership
11. Proposed Policy – “Membership shall include the principal member applicant and the immediate family who resides within the same domicile – husband, wife, and children or custodial children under the age of twenty five (25).  The principal member will be allowed full access to the Club, voting rights, and the opportunity to serve as a Club officer.  Family members under the age of twenty five (25) will be allowed access to the Club only under the direct supervision of the principal member or other adult club member(s).
12. Move to accept and make part of club policy – Approved 6-0
13.  New Business
14. Pallets – disposed of
15. New Grill donation – Thanks to L.K. Rooney
16.  Business of members – motion to buy a spare pickle for a spare.  Cost is $350 .  Approved 6-0

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1815

NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING IS MONDAY, 1700, 6 OCTOBER

Respectfully submitted:  Sam Parkinson, Secretary

BOD Minutes of 4 August 2014

PRESENT:  Sam Valenza, Larry Ohda, John Bailey, Sam Parkinson, Harley Shepherd, Clay Buehler, and Terry VanDerBoom

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER AT 1700 BY PRESIDENT SAM VALENZA

Approval of minutes of 7/7/14 meeting – Approved 6-0

1. Treasurers report – accepted, attached by reference
2. 2014 Club projects
3. Hand gun range – Still on hold
4. 5 stand deck – 2^nd proposal submitted, referred to 5-stand committee, project  still on hold
5. Electric power and security cameras for 5 stand – on hold
6. 2014 upcoming events
7. Land fill lunch 9 September
8. Braggin’ Rights shoot – Saturday, 11 October
9.  Compliance audit – reviewed and accepted
10. Geezer and side by side shoots – awaiting additional information
11. Special committee report – accepted
12. Replacement of skeet light – lift will be rented to save costs, Sam P and Larry will do
13. Pump Septic System – approved, waiting to be done
14. New business
15. Reported that unsupervised minor(s) was/were shooting.  Member will be notified.  Board voted 5-1 to table issue until more study is done.  By-laws require a member to be 18 and our insurance may so specify
16. Request for permission to purchase 5 new batteries at $45 each for 5-stand.  Approved 6-0
17. Reviewed no alcohol and/or illegal drug policy – approved 6-0
18. Boy Scout shoot – approved purchase of “station” at $250, vote 5-1

MEETING ADJOURNED AT 1822

NEXT REGULARLY SCHEDULED MEETING IS MONDAY, 1700, 8 September 2-14

Respectfully submitted:  Sam Parkinson, Secretary

President’s Message

(August 2014)

Skeet field 3 is down as a result of a broken part on the low house machine. The part is on order and should be delivered in the next few days. In the meantime, please use fields 1 and 2.

One of the night skeet lights bulbs is burnt out on field 2. We will be replacing it in the near future.

Again it has been brought to my attention that some of our members are not loading the machines when done Shooting. This is a requirement for all members, so please load the machines so that the next shooters don’t have to load them because you didn’t. The empty boxes should be broken down and put into the dumpsters.

A policy has been written and approved by the BOD regarding alcohol and drugs on club property.  The policy reads as follows:

Rockford Skeet Club Members or Member’s Guest shall not use or be under the influence of any alcohol or illegal drugs on club property. Club Members, or Member’s Guest shall not use or be under the influence of any stimulants, depressants, tranquilizers or mood altering drugs on Club property. Alcohol and illegal drugs cannot be stored on club property. Members who violate this rule will be brought before the Board of Directors for disciplinary action and are subject to membership termination.

The following Safety Rules have been updated and are posted in the club house. These rules along with the Alcohol and Drug policy are contained in the policy/procedures book located in club house and will soon posted on our web site – rockfordskeetandtrap.com.

Safety Rules

(July 2014)

• Muzzle direction: point up, to the ground, down range
• Breaches are to be open at all times when not shooting
• Load and unload guns on station only when it is your turn to shoot
• Absolutely no “Dry Firing/Pointing” of a firearm in the club house. Do not mount or point guns towards the road
• Eye and ear protection is required while on a shooting field
• No shooting alone. A minimum of two people are required at all times on club property when shooting
• No shot larger than 8 is permitted
• Always unload your gun immediately if there is a hold up and/or malfunction. If you have a misfire or malfunction, keep your gun pointed down range until it can be safely unloaded. Always check for obstructions in the barrel before attempting to fire the gun
• All handguns are to be concealed at all times on club property.
• No rifles, handguns (unless licensed to conceal carry), BB guns are to be used/fired on club property
• Rockford Skeet Club Members or Member’s Guest shall not use or be under the influence of any alcohol or illegal drugs on club property
• Pick up shell casings when done shooting.
• Don’t walk in front of trap machines until the arm is released and the power is turned off
• Shut down the houses and machines when done shooting.
  • Release trap arm
  • Turn off power to the machine and the field
  • Load machines with targets
  • If a cord is used, roll it up and store in the low skeet house or in the storage building if using the trap fields.
  • Lock all house
• Club shooting hours must be adhered to strictly: 9:00 AM to ½ hour before dusk, except when shooting under the lights. All shooting must stop by 9:00 PM. Our special Use Permit is very clear on this issue. No violations!
• All guests must be logged into the guest book
• Remember: Firearms safety is no accident. Safety is every ones job. BE SAFE, KEEP IT OPEN, AND HAVE FUN

The BOD has again agreed to donate $250.00 to the Boy Scout Shoot which will be held at the Upland Gun club on September 13, 2014.

2014 Club Projects

• Handgun range – approved and in process
• Construction of a 5 stand deck – approved
• Electrical power and cameras for the 5 stand and handgun range – under consideration

2014 Club Events

• Landfill lunch – 9/9/14
• Bragging Rights Shoot – 10/11/14
• Geezer and side by side shoot – TBD

Best Regards

Sam Valenza

President, Rockford Skeet Club