1 Volume 43 October 2013 Issue 6 President’s Corner Your Board is still juggling several issues: 1) the range clean-up issue with St. Charles Communities. We are now talking with our lawyer and theirs seeking an agreeable settlement to this whole mess. 2) Seeking land for the Club…we have put in a second offer on the Marbury area piece and await acceptance or rejection on the offer. 3) Updates to the Hall continue to evolve…our lighting changes are resulting in a smaller electric bill! I hope those of you and your many guests (about 130 members and guests!) enjoyed our Family Day Picnic! The crabs were great and plentiful (with left-overs) as well as the chicken, burgers, dogs and shrimp! Great Job Rick and his wife, Mary Anne!!!! Everyone should thank them the next time they see them. Once again the event came-in under budget! A club-member work-party is set for 9/24 to help replace all of the candelabra bulbs in the hall and in the chandeliers. I hope you came by and help! The overhead lighting will be replaced by a contractor soon after we do the candelabra bulbs. These acts should again lower of routine electric bill even further! Walter is spearheading this effort. We cannot continue to conduct our business if our members do not attend our meetings…please make an effort to participate in your Club’s future! Remember, our members truly run the show, especially the money parts! Please continue to seek out land for sale or lease for the Club to consider. Respectfully, Frank Points of Interest to Members Motion To Be Voted On At The October Membership Meeting Please be prepared to vote on the following motion at our October membership meeting: Tom Scheid made the following motion: Moved that we pay our future legal fees out of the land and building fund. Family Day Picnic Over 130 members and their families enjoyed a wonderful day at our annual Family Day Picnic on September 8. We ate crabs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. Members brought delicious desserts to share with friends. Our lucky door prize winners were: Keith Kilgore, $25 gift certificate from Dicks Sporting Goods; Richard Dunn, $25 gift certificate from Dicks; Robert Douglas, $100 gift certificate from Dicks. The 50/50 of $143 was won by Robert Douglas. Gee, Bob, you made out that day. We extend our thanks to Janet and the Middleton Hall crew for doing such a wonderful job again this year. The day was outstanding. We missed those of you who couldn’t attend, but we surely expect to see you all next year. Hunting Privileges Revoked Based on membership decisions regarding range cleanup, our hunting privileges have been revoked by St. Charles Communities, the land owner. It is imperative that you remove any and all tree stands, cameras, feeders, and any other items ASAP. Items not removed in a timely fashion may not be recoverable. St. Charles Sportsman's Club, Inc. Membership Meeting Minutes Wednesday September 4, 2013 President Frank Fruh called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Scouts of Troop 424 led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul Goodwin offered the invocation. All board members were present except Brian Malpasso, Wildlife. Seventy-three members and guests were present, 60 signed the roster. First Vice President, Walter Janushevich, gave an overview of the new lighting proposed for Middleton Hall. Secretary: Elaine Costello made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 7 membership meeting as printed in the Recoil. The motion was seconded by John Leber. The vote was called and the motion passed. Treasurer: Marlene Smith reviewed the financial report for Middleton Hall and the club.
Transcript
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Volume 43 October 2013 Issue 6
President’s Corner Your Board is still juggling several issues: 1) the range clean-up issue with St. Charles Communities. We are now talking with our lawyer and theirs seeking an agreeable settlement to this whole mess. 2) Seeking land for the Club…we have put in a second offer on the Marbury area piece and await acceptance or rejection on the offer. 3) Updates to the Hall continue to evolve…our lighting changes are resulting in a smaller electric bill! I hope those of you and your many guests (about 130 members and guests!) enjoyed our Family Day Picnic! The crabs were great and plentiful (with left-overs) as well as the chicken, burgers, dogs and shrimp! Great Job Rick and his wife, Mary Anne!!!! Everyone should thank them the next time they see them. Once again the event came-in under budget! A club-member work-party is set for 9/24 to help replace all of the candelabra bulbs in the hall and in the chandeliers. I hope you came by and help! The overhead lighting will be replaced by a contractor soon after we do the candelabra bulbs. These acts should again lower of routine electric bill even further! Walter is spearheading this effort. We cannot continue to conduct our business if our members do not attend our meetings…please make an effort to participate in your Club’s future! Remember, our members truly run the show, especially the money parts! Please continue to seek out land for sale or lease for the Club to consider. Respectfully, Frank
Points of Interest to Members
Motion To Be Voted On At The October Membership Meeting Please be prepared to vote on the following motion at our October membership meeting: Tom Scheid made the following motion:
Moved that we pay our future legal fees out of the land and building fund.
Family Day Picnic Over 130 members and their families enjoyed a wonderful day at our annual Family Day Picnic on September 8. We ate crabs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. Members brought delicious desserts to share with friends. Our lucky door prize winners were: Keith Kilgore, $25 gift certificate from Dicks Sporting Goods; Richard Dunn, $25 gift certificate from Dicks; Robert Douglas, $100 gift certificate from Dicks. The 50/50 of $143 was won by Robert Douglas. Gee, Bob, you made out that day. We extend our thanks to Janet and the Middleton Hall crew for doing such a wonderful job again this year. The day was outstanding. We missed those of you who couldn’t attend, but we surely expect to see you all next year.
Hunting Privileges Revoked Based on membership decisions regarding range cleanup, our hunting privileges have been revoked by St. Charles Communities, the land owner. It is imperative that you remove any and all tree stands, cameras, feeders, and any other items ASAP. Items not removed in a timely fashion may not be recoverable.
St. Charles Sportsman's Club, Inc. Membership Meeting Minutes Wednesday September 4, 2013
President Frank Fruh called the meeting to order at 8:00 p.m. Scouts of Troop 424 led the membership in the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul Goodwin offered the invocation. All board members were present except Brian Malpasso, Wildlife. Seventy-three members and guests were present, 60 signed the roster.
First Vice President, Walter Janushevich, gave an overview of the new lighting proposed for Middleton Hall. Secretary: Elaine Costello made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 7 membership meeting as printed in the Recoil. The motion was seconded by John Leber. The vote was called and the motion passed. Treasurer: Marlene Smith reviewed the financial report for Middleton Hall and the club.
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St. Charles Sportsman’s Club Officers and Points of Contact
President Fruh stated since we have installed new LED parking lot lights, we have more light using about one third the electricity. Our average electric bill per month was about $5,000. Last month’s bill was under $3,000. Wildlife: In the absence of Tony Malpasso, Elaine Costello gave a report on a virus being carried by snakehead fish which is killing large mouth bass. The infected snakeheads range from Florida to New Jersey and are in the Bay and Potomac River. Conservation: Jay Bird, reported DNR is holding their national hunting and fishing day in Marriottsville on Saturday, September 28 from 10 to 4. The large mouth bass record was broken by a 12 year old boy. The fish weighed 11 lbs. 2 oz., was 26 inches long and 18 inches around. The estimated mallard abundance in the fish and wildlife survey is 13 percent above the long term average at 10.4 million birds. Blue winged teal, 7.7 million, 16 percent below last year’s estimate. Pintails, 3.3 million, similar to last year. Widgeons, 2.6 million, 23 percent above last year. Lesser and greater scaup 4.2 million, a decrease of 20 percent from last year. Over Veterans weekend in November, all veterans will receive free admission into national wildlife refuges throughout the country. Membership: Dave George introduced one potential member for approval, J. Michael Benge sponsored by Leslie B. Reid. After brief remarks by his sponsor, the perspective member was asked to leave the room. Tom Scheid made a motion to accept the candidate into membership. John Leber seconded, the vote was called and the motion passed. The new member was welcomed into the club. President Fruh reported that in the near future we need to stand up a work party to remove the items we have stored in the trailers from the old range property. We need to move the trailers as soon as possible. Please contact Dave George to sign up to help. Publicity: Tom Scheid handed out passes to the indoor range for each club member to bring a guest for free, waiving the $10 fee. This is the start of a membership campaign to interest more people in joining the club. Ways and Means: Rick Nichols reported the picnic will be held on Sunday. We will have crabs even though they were difficult to find. We will have door prizes and plenty of food and fun. Please bring a dessert. Indoor Range: Rick Nichols reported last month there were 21 RSOs working, 46 members shot in the range and brought 6 guests. The RSOs have been working diligently to upgrade the range. A round of applause was given for their hard work. Come to the range and bring a guest. Frank stated several RSOs work in the range during the week upgrading and cleaning. Junior Rifle: Frank Fruh reported two youth shot at the match this month. The group meets the first Sunday of every month at the indoor range at 1:00 p.m. Firearms, ammunition and instruction are provided at no cost. Additional RSO help is needed to assist. President Fruh stated last month he stood up a land lease search committee and asked for volunteers. No one came forward so we have no committee.
Old Business Land Acquisition: Marlene Smith reported that shortly after our membership meeting last month, we submitted a contract for the
323 acres in Indian Head. All the contingencies the membership requires were included in the contract. The sellers did not accept our offer and countered with $900,000. This piece of property seems to be the best fit for us. A member asked for a comparison between this property and the Brandywine property. Marlene described the benefits of the Indian Head property. George Malone made a motion to make an offer of $900,000 for the 323 acres. Rick Nichols seconded. After further discussion, the vote was called and the motion passed. President Fruh asked for a motion to spend up to $4,000 for the annual picnic. The motion was offered, seconded and passed. Please sign up if you plan to attend so we can adjust the food accordingly. President Fruh reported the board had a special meeting last night with our lawyer to discuss the topic of the range cleanup. We have received several demand letters from St. Charles Communities. They are demanding the full payment of everything they say we owe them We are in the lawyer to lawyer letter exchange phase. Nothing has been settled, nothing has been committed to. Please stay off the St. Charles Communities land. We are getting a work party together to remove our equipment from their property and are awaiting SCC’s permission to do that.
New Business Rick Nichols stated the indoor range RSOs would like to add additional cabinetry in the range for storage. The cabinets would come from Lowes, where we will get a discount. He made a motion to expend no more than $3,000 for cabinetry for the indoor range. After a second, discussion followed where it was determined that the funds would come from the operating fund. A member suggested raising the sum to $3,500 and it was agreed to do this. There being no further discussion the vote was called and the motion passed. Tom Scheid made a motion that we pay our future legal fees out of the land and building fund. Rick Nichols seconded. The motion will be published in the Recoil and voted on at the October meeting. Frank stated 99 percent of our legal issues involve either the cleanup or the purchase of new land so it is correctly assigned to come from the land and building fund.
Good and Welfare Marlene Smith read a statement she prepared in response to concerns voiced at the August membership meeting. Her statement follows: A month ago at our last membership meeting, there were things said that were out of order, inconsiderate and critical of the efforts being put forth by this Board. I would like to address a few of those comments tonight. One, why did we not pursue leasing property? Two years ago a substantial piece of perspective property in Newburg, MD was brought to this membership. The "membership" voted against it. The comment at that time was "why would we lease property again - we need to own and we have enough property to hunt on". Have we looked at other leasing properties? Sure, but to date, none have fit our bill. And, with the previous comment, why would we continue to pursue? Two, why has so much time passed to replace our outdoor facility? We have been actively searching for property for at least five years. If you read the RECOIL you are aware of this. And if it hadn't been for the Board of Directors' due diligence in this matter, you may have ended up with property the Club
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could never have used for its' main purpose. It's not only finding property ... .it's finding property that works for our purpose! As you all know, we have, within the last year and a half, placed two deposits down on perspective properties. We do not have unlimited funds. Property for us, in a reasonable area for travel, is very expensive. To have comments made that we are not doing enough in this area is absurd, because we have continuously requested for people find a piece of property and bring it forward. Some of you have. Unfortunately, you must keep in mind that along with limited funds, there are zoning issues, etc. And, the property has to be large enough to serve us. Three, in looking at the 323 acres that we are currently attempting to purchase, someone commented that is that all? Well, yes, it is!! But this 323 acres will be St. Charles Sportsman's Club property! We have to take baby steps if we are going to own our own property and move forward. Look, the fact of the matter is, we are continually losing membership. We are looking to rectify that situation. Property is a main component. We want to get an outdoor range built. How are we going to handle hunting? Let's see how many hunters we have. As much as some did not want to believe, there is a small percentage of membership that hunts. You know, you all have an opportunity to not only serve on a committee, but you can serve on this Board. Those people who share these seats with me here are very dedicated, hard working, conscientious, FELLOW members! They do not deserve the downgrading criticism received at the last meeting. We are doing everything we can for the betterment of this Club. Let's have some fellowship and applaud the hard work. If you have something to say, then by all means, step forward and help! Don't just sit here once a month and criticize. We're supposed to be a club! Let's act like one. I apologize to those members who have supported and continue to support and had to hear this! This is not directed at you at all! Please let's join together - work together - and build the best sportsman's club we can together! Thank you. Marlene received a round of applause for her comments. The 50/50 was drawn and Keith Kilgore won $39. Bob Baggstrom won the worker’s drawing for indoor range work. There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elaine Costello, Secretary.
Synopsis of St. Charles Sportsman’s Club Special Board Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 2, 2013 The meeting was called to order at 7:14 p.m. Present were
Frank Fruh President; Walter Janushevich, First Vice President; Paul Goodwin, Second Vice President; Elaine Costello, Secretary; Marlene Smith, Treasurer; Tom Scheid, Publicity; Dave George, Property; and Rick Nichols, Ways and Means. Absent were Tony Malpasso, Huntsmaster; Jay Bird, Conservation and Brian Malpasso, Wildlife.
President Fruh stated this special meeting was called to discuss developments in the land purchase and range cleanup issues.
Regarding the land purchase, a contract was developed with the assistance of our attorney which contained the addendums required by the membership. The seller did not accept our initial offer. The board will make a
recommendation to the membership and they will vote on how they wish to proceed.
Frank Fruh reviewed the history of the cleanup issues. Rick Nichols stated there is to be enforcement of the no
trespassing laws on St. Charles Communities’ property. The attorney will contact SCC and ask for permission to
remove our trailers from their property. There being no further business, Tom Scheid made a motion
to adjourn. Walter Janushevich seconded. The vote was called and the motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Elaine Costello, Secretary.
Synopsis of St. Charles Sportsman’s Club Board Meeting Minutes
Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Members present: Frank Fruh, President, Walter
Janushevich, First Vice President, Elaine Costello, Secretary, Tom Scheid, Publicity, and Dave George, Property.
There was no quorum, therefore, no meeting was held. Respectfully submitted, Elaine Costello, Secretary.
Treasurer’s Report
Marlene Smith All committee chairs are reminded that funds collected as a result of committee activities are due monthly (or within 30 days of the event). Event paperwork must include a list of participants, their SCSC member number (or other affiliated club membership number), the amount paid, and the total income. The committee financial report must also include a detailed, itemized listing of all expenses, and must include receipts. All paperwork and collected funds must be turned in monthly, with the required supporting paperwork. Incomplete reports or reports without receipts will not be accepted, and reimbursement will not be paid without supporting paperwork. Committee chairs are reminded that their monthly expense reports for reimbursement cannot exceed $100 without approval by the membership or the Board, as appropriate.
SCSC Web Site Tony Barnett
The annual club activities calendar can be viewed on our web site, stcharlessc.com. Contact Tony if you have any questions, comments or suggestions on our site. Members-only password is: scscmember. The club newsletter, Recoil, is available in the member section of the web site from January 2002 to present. The latest Recoil is generally posted to the web site the weekend before the monthly meeting. Adobe Acrobat Reader is needed to download, read, and print the Recoil.
Current Committee Activities
Indoor Range Rick Nichols
The work is continuing to improve the indoor range.
Junior Rifle Perrin Lewis
The Junior Rifle program is open to kids age 6 to 18 years and is free of charge. The goal of the program is to teach basic rifle marksmanship and firearm safety. We encourage each participant to work toward qualification in the Winchester/NRA marksmanship program. Junior rifle meets the first Sunday of each month at the indoor range at 1:00 PM. We shoot for 3 hours. If you have questions or would like to help out, please contact me at 301-638-1230 or [email protected].
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Membership Dave George
Membership Numbers as of 9/21/13 Regular 315 Associate 7 Life 34 Honorary 15 Total 371 Note: SCSC has a limit of 450 Regular members with unlimited Associate memberships. New applicants approved by the SCSC Board 9/18/13.
(No Applicants) NRA Information Needed
Per SCSC bylaws, the club must maintain 100% membership in the NRA so please keep your membership current. Upon renewal, please advise the Membership Chairman of your new NRA expiration date. New SCSC membership cards will not be issued if NRA membership is not current.
Ways & Means Rick Nichols
Over 130 members and their families enjoyed a wonderful day at our annual Family Day Picnic on September 8. We ate crabs, chicken, burgers, hot dogs, and all the trimmings. Members brought delicious desserts to share with friends. Our lucky door prize winners were: Keith Kilgore, $25 gift certificate from Dicks Sporting Goods; Richard Dunn, $25 gift certificate from Dicks; Robert Douglas, $100 gift certificate from Dicks. The 50/50 of $143 was won by Robert Douglas. Gee, Bob, you made out that day. We extend our thanks to Janet and the Middleton Hall crew for doing such a wonderful job again this year. The day was outstanding. We missed those of you who couldn’t attend, but we surely expect to see you all next year.
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ALL OFFERS CONSIDERED Contact me if you have any questions! I can get most anything, too! (If in Stock!). Thanks! Frank Fruh 301-643-3256 (C).
Notice Southern Maryland Firearms Instruction is hosting a NRA Pistol Instructor’s course October 26th and 27th in Lexington Park (near PAX River NAS). We have 6 openings remaining. Anyone interested may register at the NRA Web Site. Questions should be directed to Randal Browning at [email protected].
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