News Letter        

August, 2010

Bill Burgess will be introducing Email notification of Events, news, and membership renewal reminders.

Please email bill at  hrc-member-sec@comcast.net with your name and address and an updated email address.  All email is kept confidential.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Guest Speaker

 Jay Fleitman, Republican candidate for Congress in the Second District was a guest speaker at the August meeting.  A physician in practice for more than 20 years, he said the federal health care plan should be repealed and replaced.  He also said that the current level of federal spending is not sustainable, and will bankrupt the country if it is not changed.  He is running against Congressman Richard Neal.

Air Conditioning

 The board of directors voted recently to install a central air conditioning system for the two meeting rooms at the club, using the existing ductwork..  The decision was made following a discussion of temperature and humidity conditions during summer months.  The club is hosting more training events and meetings, including basic pistol and range officer training, junior rifle and scout meetings and club meetings.  In addition to the heat, the summer humidity has often resulted in wet floors, a hazardous condition.

50-Yard Range

 The range is open for shooting again following an extensive project to remove tires and install a new sand backstop and associated berms.  Falling plates have been repaired and are ready for use. Shooters are reminded that the range is for pistol and rimfire rifle shooting only. Centerfire rifles may be used on the 100-yard range.

Appreciation Dinner

 The club will sponsor a dinner October 8 for those members who have worked on the range renovation projects and those who have taught classes and led competitions during the past year. The function will be at the Summit View Restaurant on Northampton St., Holyoke.   Invitations will be mailed.  Additional tickets will be available for $25.

Range Officer Training

 Norm Desilets and Rob Lombardi recently became certified as NRA trainers for range safety officers, and will be conducting a training session for range officers in the fall at the club.  The course is open to members of other clubs as well as HRC members.  Anyone interested should leave a message on the club phone at 413 539 9345.

Reloading Course

 The next reloading class will be held November 6 at the club.  Ralph Rechenberger, an NRA-certified reloading instructor, will conduct the course.  Interested parties should leave a message on the club phone at 539-9345.  Enrollment is limited.

Club Cookout

 There will be another cookout prior to the September membership meeting.  Interested parties should leave a message on the club phone.  A $5 contribution to the club will be collected.

Junior Rifle

 The club’s junior rifle program will kick off another season on October 7.  Meetings will be on Thursday evenings through May.  Several Scout organizations will be receiving Merit Badge training, as the club instructors are now certified as merit badge counselors.  The junior program is open to 12 – 20 year-olds with parents’ permission.  Interested parties should call the club phone at 539-9345.  Norm Desilets is in charge.

Bullseye Practice

 The annual winter league Western Mass. Pistol League matches begin October 4.  Team captain Ron Mehlhorn is holding training and practice sessions twice a week.  Newbies and rusty veterans are welcome. Times are posted on the club website calendar and on the bulletin board.

Black Powder

 The club will be holding black powder events this summer. Bill Burgess is in charge.  The matches will be listed on the club calendar.

Fun Shoots

 Dave Sparko conducts fun shoots on Thursday evenings. Dates are listed on the website.  There is also a clay bird shotgun stage.


Benchrest .22 Matches

 Jim King is in charge of the monthly shoots.  They are held the first Saturday of every month on the 50-yard range.  Any .22 rifle may be used.  All outdoor matches are only open to club members, in compliance with a legal agreement.

Practical Matches

 The club holds practical matches on the fourth Saturday of the month.  New shooters should arrive at 9 a.m. for safety instruction. Participants should bring a centerfire pistol or revolver and 100 rounds of ammunition, extra magazines and speedloaders, a holster which is not a shoulder or crossdraw model, a baseball cap and eye and ear protection. Chris Fila is in charge.  Volunteers are needed to set up the stages, and should arrive at 8 a.m.

Pistol Safety Course

 Holyoke Revolver Club conducts an NRA Basic Pistol course every month.  Successful participants receive both the NRA certificate and the Massachusetts state certificate required for firearms licenses. Information is available at the club website or by leaving a message on the club phone at 413 539 9345.  Dave Matuszek  is chief instructor.

50/50 Raffle

 Charlie Russell won $22.50 in the 50-50 raffle at the August meeting, and Chris Pratt’s name was drawn to win $72.50 but he was not present, so the money will go into the September jackpot.

New Members

 Joining the club at the August meeting were Kimberly Galindo of Ludlow and Marshall Johnson of Westfield.

NRA and GOAL

 The club encourages its members to join the National Rifle Association and the Gun Owners’ Action League, the state rifle and pistol association.  Ed Pelland is the club recruiter for both organizations, and handles membership applications and renewals for both.  Club members can save $10 per year by renewing their NRA memberships through Ed for $25, rather than the standard $35. Ed receives NRA points for each renewal or new membership, which he applies to NRA memberships for the junior members of the club.



Tuesday, August 17, 2010

 

© 2004-2010 Holyoke Revolver Club Inc