Newsletter
Vol. 4, No. 118 January 2012
Happy New Year! A large percentage of our members have renewed for this year. Welcome back. Anyone who did not pay by December 31st can still renew until Jan. 31 with a $30 late penalty. If your dues has been paid, you may continue to use your 2011 Badge and gate combination until the new ones are issued in early February.
One advantage of the mild weather we are experiencing is that there have been lots of great days for shooting. All of the ranges have been busy. 2011 saw lots of improvements to the club and your Board of Directors is in the process of making more.
• We just approved purchasing two refurbished golf carts. One will be stationed at the Centerfire Rifle Range. It will be for members who have difficulty walking to hang (and remove) targets and for moving trash cans to the dumpster. The second will be kept at the Skeet Range for score running during matches, etc. The mowers are NOT to be used for running targets.
• The board has approved funding for 6 nice plastic wood benches and 2 12-gun racks the Trap Range.
• The Pistol Range will be getting a metal non-reactive, 2/3 size human torso target. It will be placed in pit #1 at an angle that will deflect ricochets toward the ground. (Remember the pistol pits are for centerfire handguns ONLY.)
• The Pistol Range is also getting 3 brass “magnets”. These are rotating baskets on extension handles used for picking up spent cartridge cases.
• Plans are being made to rearrange the Rimfire (.22) Range and include some reactive targets. Finding something that will be both safe and durable has been a problem.
• A new shipment of clay targets for trap and skeet is being ordered.
On Thursday Jan. 5th, Bill Kabrich, Scoutmaster of Troop 216 presented an award to Ron Anderson in appreciation of our club’s support throughout the years. Troop 216 visits RCGC regularly.
To view other photos of the scout’s recent visit to the club, CLICK HERE. The group is always well supervised. The leaders, four of whom, are club members make certain that eye and hearing protection are being worn and that safe gun handling is practiced at all times.
The 2012 Trap Schedule has been posted on the Trap page of the website. CLICK HERE to view both the Registered and Fun Shoot schedules. RCGC was third in the state for the number of registered trap targets thrown in 2011! Reports are that Tom Cox is doing well after knee replacement surgery. You should be seeing him more often at the Trap Range as he recovers.
Roger Haney says that most of the problems he finds on the Skeet Range are due to operator error. He cautions you to be very careful when loading the targets into the traps. They are brittle and will crack easily. This can jamb the machinery. Roger would like to schedule more Fun Shoots this year if he can find volunteers to help. Any volunteers? Contact Roger.
Scott Gillespie reports that in spite of some heavy rain, the ties, mulch and new drainage ditches on the Pistol Range are all working well. The next Concealed Carry Handgun class is scheduled for March 17th. Club member Tommy Massey offers the class at a reduced rate to club members and members of their families. For more information and to pre-register, CLICK HERE.
Pete Wilson says things must be going well on the Utility Range because has not been called. Members are asked to help replace the backer boards when needed. Materials are provided. All you need is a screwdriver.
Jeff Thompson, treasurer, had a big smile on his face at the recent board meeting. He stated that the board has been fiscally responsible; all outstanding debts have been paid off (including recent repair work on the rifle and pistol ranges) and RCGC now owns all of its property and equipment.
Wayne Busch and Ron have been performing maintenance on the mowers, winterizing them and getting them ready for next spring. They discovered a blown head gasket in the Big Z-turn mower. It is being replaced under warranty. The dead battery on the John Deere was replaced with one that has a three-year free replacement warranty. Ron has built 3 shelves inside the maintenance building.
In other action, the Board decided to continue holding general meetings at The Summit Conference Center in Browns Summit.
A request to allow reactive metal targets on the rifle range was unanimously defeated, due to safety concerns. Metal targets on the centerfire range have been permanently banned.
Plans are being made to offer instruction in competitive pistol shooting and also skeet lessons. Watch for more details later.
The club rule that requires safety glasses will be enforced. Glasses are required for participation in all matches. All board members and directors will be assisting in policing this rule. They are to request the ID badges of members who do not comply.
At this time we plan to accept new members through March.
The December 31st Workday was cancelled, but we have another scheduled for March 31st. Please make plans to attend.
Range Directors: If you have not done so, please get your 2012 schedules to Lil so they can be posted.
Keep up with what’s current at RCGC by visiting our website often. Make a habit of checking the website before you head out to the club, just in case the range you are planning to use has been temporarily closed. If you notice anything on the website that is out of date, inaccurate or could be improved, please let Lil know. She need your eyes and suggestions. LilA@rockinghamcountyguncub.com
Jim & Lil Alverson – Editors
If the National Rifle Association had an award for Mother of the Year, it might already have a winner. When two men began to break into her home on New Year’s Eve, Sarah Dawn McKinley of Blanchard, Okla., popped a bottle into her crying three-month-old baby’s mouth and reached for her guns. READ MORE.
Vol. 4, No. 117 December 2011
(13% of 1098) Dan Shelton, RCGC's first president, was on hand to help greet the members.
Secretary’s Report – Lil reports that she sends Email News and Alerts to 945 club members, but apparently only about 40 to 50% are being opened. She asked that each member actually open these messages rather than read them in “Preview” format. Otherwise, the service provider has no way to track the opens. From time to time she will include a link that everyone should click. Having a high open and click rate shows the provider that our email list is current and healthy, which is important to the delivery of ALL of our messages.
Treasurer’s Report: Jeff Thompson presented the Profit & Loss Statement and the Balance Sheet as of December 5th. The books are in balance. The outstanding loan has been paid off! The club now owns all of its property and equipment.
Membership Report – Jim said that since October, when the membership cap was temporarily lifted, eleven orientation sessions have been held. Club membership is currently 1098 with another eight memberships approved to begin on Jan.1, 2012. The Board accepted additional group of 19 during their December meeting. Ron mentioned the passing of Elmore Matkins and Bill Maron, two club members who will be greatly missed.
Youth – Scout Troop 216 came on Saturday morning, 12/03 to shoot trap and skeet. This was the 5th year this group has used our facilities. Ron is available to instruct any young person who wants to learn to shoot. Parents should contact him directly.
Trap – Lane reported that Tom was not able to come to the meeting due to having had knee replacement surgery. The Final 2011 Fun Shoot on 12/4 was very well attended. At the conclusion of the match, the monthly winners held a shoot-out to determine the club’s champ for the year.
Skeet – Roger reports that the electrical problems on field three have finally been found and repaired. The Nov. 4-Gun Skeet Fun Shoot was a great success. Results are posted on the skeet page of club’s website.
Pistol and Utility – Improvements and repairs to the pistol and utility ranges are complete. Each has a new bulkhead of railroad ties back filled with mulch. The pits have been regraded and additional rock dust has been added to improve drainage. Pistol Matches will resume in February or March and will be held on the 3rd Saturday of the month. Concealed Carry Classes will resume in March or April.
Rimfire – The range is in good shape. Bob Yerkes continues to hold matches throughout the winter, weather permitting.
Rifle Range – Wayne reports that the re-grading and drainage repairs to prevent mud washing from the parking lot over the floor of the reloading shelter have also been completed. The rifle range is home to two NBRSA matches each year and we will hold Fun Score Matches (open to anyone) from March thru September.
Club president Ron Anderson thanked everyone who has worked so hard this year to keep the club operating smoothly. Members recognized during the evening for their service to the club included JT Brewer, Lil Alverson, Alan Brame, Roger Haney, Tom Cox, Bob Yerkes, Gary Daniels, Leo Weber and Scott Shoulars. A member gave $50 gift certificates to the 6 range directors and to JT Brewer.
Ron then made the 2011 Member of the Year presentation to Mike Turner. He was presented with an engraved plaque and his name will be added to the perpetual plaque in the club office. Thanks, Mike for all that you do!
Rockingham County Sheriff Sam Page was the guest speaker. He covered newly effective (as of Dec.1) changes to the North Carolina Concealed Carry Law. CLICK HERE TO READ IT. Concealed carry is now allowed in financial institutions and in state parks, by persons in lawful possession of a CCH permit. The Castle Doctrine has been broadened to include more rights for homeowners and has shifted the presumption of guilt away from them to the perpetrator(s). Sheriff Page encouraged everyone in the room to apply for their CCH permit, stating that we are the “first line of defense.” He also encouraged each person present to become a member of the NRA, stating that it is the only effective organization fighting for our Second Amendment Rights in a time when so many politicians are bent on revoking them.
Club hats and pins were available for sale. Pete Wilson played Santa and distributed door prizes while Pam Young took photos. Thanks, Pam! Thank you to everyone who donated door prizes!
Logan won the 50/50 Raffle, splitting the prize money with the club.
Merry Christmas!
Lil & Jim Alverson - Editors
Rockingham County Gun Club - 2012 Dues Reminder
Dues must be paid by Dec. 31st. For dues paid between Dec. 31st and Jan. 31st include a $25.00 Late Penalty. If you have already paid or have a pre-paid Extended Membership or Life Membership, you do not need to send any money but please update your personal information. Members who do not renew before Jan. 31st will be dropped from the roster and will need to reapply for membership.
Charter Members - insurance $10, Annual Members $120, Seniors (65 +) and Qualified Disabled Vets $60
Help us update our files by completing the following. Please write legibly.
Name _______________________________________________________________________________
Address _____________________________________________________________________________
Phone _______________________ Email Address ___________________________________________
Mail to: RCGC – DUES, PO BOX 811, Reidsville NC 27323-0811 DO NOT leave your dues at the club.
National News
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, the ongoing effort to fully vindicate the fundamental, individual right to carry a concealed handgun for self-defense took a major step forward with House passage of H.R. 822, the “National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act of 2011.” The bill, sponsored by Reps. Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.) and Heath Shuler (D-N.C.), which has 245 cosponsors, was approved by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 272-154. Several amendments were offered to undermine the bill’s protections. Every one of these amendments was soundly defeated by an overwhelming bipartisan vote. CLICK Here to read more.
This critical legislation now moves to the Senate. Please contact your Senators and urge them to bring H.R. 822 up for a vote at the earliest possible opportunity!
Did You Know? • States with right-to-carry laws have lower violent crime rates. On average, right-to-carry states have 22 percent lower total violent crime rates, 30 percent lower murder rates, 46 percent lower robbery rates, and 12 percent lower aggravated assault rates, compared to the rest of the country. The seven states with the lowest violent crime rates are right-to-carry states. (Data: FBI.)
GPS coordinates: 36.250646, -79.756364 Click Here for a GOOGLE MAP.
From Greensboro:
Take US 29 North to the Brown Summit exit (Hwy 150). Turn left, go thru Brown Summit where Hwy 150 veers right and crosses railroad tracks. Continue on Hwy 150 to Spearman Rd. (about 3 miles past the railroad tracks). Fire Station #33 is on the corner. Turn right on Spearman, go 1.4 miles and turn left on Conference Center Drive. We are at the Lodge towards the end of the drive.
OR
Go North on either Church St. to Hwy 150, OR Hwy 220N to Strawberry Rd. to Hwy 150, OR Lawndale Dr./Lake Brandt Rd. to Hwy 150, then turn right on Hwy 150 East. Turn left at Fire Station #33 onto Spearman Rd. Go 1.4 miles and turn left on Conference Center Drive. We are at the Lodge towards the end of the drive.
From Reidsville:
Take US 29 South to the Brown Summit exit (Hwy 150). Turn Right, go thru Brown Summit where Hwy 150 veers right and crosses railroad tracks. Continue on Hwy 150 to Spearman Rd. (about 3 miles past the railroad tracks). Fire Station #33 is on the corner. Turn right on Spearman, go 1.4 miles and turn left on Conference Center Drive. We are at the Lodge towards the end of the drive.
OR
Take Hwy 158 West to Monroeton. Turn left on Cunningham Mill Rd. at the flashing yellow light beside Monroeton Golf Course. Go about 2 miles to Spearman Rd. Turn Right and The Summit entrance is about 2 miles on the right. We are at the Lodge towards the end of the drive.
From Winston-Salem:
Take Hwy 158 East towards Reidsville for 34 miles to a flashing yellow light at Cunningham Mill Rd. (Monroeton Golf Course is just past the intersection) Turn right and go about 2 miles to Spearman Rd. Turn Right and The Summit entrance is about 2 miles on the right. We are at the Lodge towards the end of the drive.
OR
Take I-40 East through Greensboro to US 29 North (exit #127). Follow US 29 North to the Brown Summit exit (Hwy 150). Turn left, go thru Brown Summit where Hwy 150 veers right and crosses railroad tracks. Continue on Hwy 150 to Spearman Rd. (about 3 miles past the railroad tracks). Fire Station #33 is on the corner. Turn right on Spearman, go 1.4 miles and turn left on Conference Center Drive. We are at the Lodge towards the end of the drive.
U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R KS) today led 44 senators in expressing grave concern about the dangers posed to Second Amendment rights by the United Nations' Arms Trade Treaty. The 45 senators notified President Obama and Secretary of State Clinton of their intent to oppose ratification of an Arms Trade Treaty that in any way restricts the rights of law abiding American gun owners. This is enough to block the treaty from Senate passage, as treaties submitted to the U.S. Senate require approval of two thirds of Senators present to be ratified.
Posted: 7/25/2011 9:23:28 AM
Copyright 2011, National Rifle Association of America, Institute for Legislative Action.
________________________________________
For some time now I have wanted to address you concerning membership in the NRA. Only a small percentage of you, about 25%, are NRA members. Everyone who enjoys recreational shooting and hunting should be a member of the NRA. I say this for one simple reason. The NRA virtually stands alone when it comes to guarding and protecting shooters’ rights. There are smaller, less vocal organizations with similar agendas, but the NRA is your main ally when it comes to maintaining your right to own and shoot firearms. You should feel obligated to support the NRA with your membership dues. You must be aware of the well funded and well publicized anti-gun forces at work in the USA. We need to be actively involved in trying to balance the bias often presented to the American people in the media.
After talking to literally hundreds of you over the years the main “excuse “ offered to me for not joining the NRA is, “I don’t want to be constantly bothered with them asking for money”. There was a time when I felt the same way and I let my membership lapse for about three years. But, today’s NRA is not like it was 20 years ago. Now when you join, you can ask to be placed on the “Do Not Contact” list and you will not be contacted. I have not been solicited for money in any way by the NRA for more than 15 years. No calls. No letters. I receive a renewal notice and that is all.
Please consider joining the NRA. The cost of an Annual membership is often discounted at gun shows and other shooting oriented events. If you join for multiple years the Annual rate is discounted even more. The American Rifleman or American Hunter magazine that comes with your membership is good reading and contains a wealth of information. If you aren’t aware of NRA sponsored websites take a look at www.americanrifleman.org or www.americanhunter.org There are no pop-ups or overt advertisements flashing in your face and I promise you will learn something.
No, I’m not getting paid by the NRA. I am writing you with a sincere desire to see more RCGC members also become NRA members. You will be part of an organization that does a lot more than lobby Congress and state legislatures. It also sponsors youth shooting activities, shooting, instruction, and provides grant money for building and improving gun clubs such as RCGC.
I remind you that you often don’t appreciate what you have until it is taken away from you. Join the NRA.
Ron Anderson
President, RCGC
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