President’s Message
(December 2023)
The annual membership dues invoices will be sent out in early December and payment is due by February 1, 2024. As previously reported the board has approved an increase to our annual membership dues. As you all know, the cost of goods has gone up over the past several inflationary years. Targets prices increased by 12% over last year’s order. Also, we are experiencing increases in our fixed costs (taxes, insurance, utilities, etc.). Therefore, the annual membership dues will increase to $150 from $125 for 2024. If you elect to use the handgun range, that additional fee remains the same at $25.
The heater in the handgun range has been fixed and is available for use. Simply turn on the timer located on the back wall near the thermostat. Once the time runs out the heater will shut down after a cool down period. Thanks to Steve Wiltgen, Crag Bergbauer, and Mike Brost for developing a plan and fixing the heater.
The club house phone is not working. We are looking at an alternative phone service as the service we have now has had issues for several years in spite of several compliant to the service provider.
The club sponsored a table at the Winnebago-Boone County annual fundraiser for the Friends of the NRA Foundation that was held in October. The table sponsorship included a CZ 9mm pistol. We plan on selling raffle tickets for the gun prior to and during our fun day in June of next year. I will provide more information about the raffle and fun day at a later time,
The sporting clays Illinois North Zone Tournament was held June 2-4 at Rock Ridge. Club member Caleb Davis was champion of master class. Caleb also won the 28-gauge event in Class C. The Illinois State Championship for Super Sporting was held Sept 8-10 at Rock Ridge
and Caleb was State runner up in Master Class. Steve Howlett was Class D Champion
and Bill Shold was Class E Champion. Congratulation to Caleb, Steve, and Bill
Club member, Joe Vancura won the Illinois state shoot championship for 12-gauge with a 100X100 score and the state championship for 12-gauge doubles with a 97X100 score which included a 5 way shoot off. He also won the zone 5 .410-gauge championship at the Zone Shoot in Sauk Prairie Wisconsin with a 100X100 score. Congratulation Joe.
Bob Liphart has decided not to be the chairman of the trap range effective immediately. Rob Tholin has agreed to take Bob’s position. Thank you, Bob, for all your service for the past several years. Bob has however, agree to assist Rob when needed. Thanks Rob, for taking on the trap chairmanship.
In September the club hosted the annual steak lunch for the landfill forks in appreciation for all that they do for us. It was well attended and the food was delicious.
If anyone is interested in getting certified for the handgun range, please contact Milt Schwanke at
815-988-2278, George Ketter at 815-631-9366, Caleb Davis at 815-243-1483, or Dan Gengo at 815-572-1423. You will need to bring a handgun, ammo, eye and ear protection and a $25.00 annual fee.
2023 Projects
- Club internet – completed
- Replace furnace – completed
- Install card readers – in process
- Seal coat parking lot – completed
- Repair handgun range heater – completed
- Install gutter guards – completed
2023 Events
Remember gun safety is our number 1 priority.
Rockford Skeet Club Mission Statement
The Rockford Skeet Club’s mission is to promote clay target shooting and complementary shooting sports. The objectives are to promote 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 membership.
Best Regards,
Sam Valenza
President, Rockford Skeet Club
