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The 80th Annual Meeting of the Colorado Rifle club was held Saturday, February 19th. Over 100 members turned out to enjoy the dinner and more members came for the meeting afterwards. The evening was dominated by discussion of some proposed changes in the by-laws, and a more detailed summary of this important discussion will follow, but first, some other meeting highlights.
President Dennis Reul opened the meeting and talked briefly about some of the achievements of the club this year including the purchase of the Allis property, the completion of three new toilets on the property, the success of some junior shooters (for more on that see page 2), and some new equipment purchases for range maintenance.
Vice President Jim Brummerstedt spoke briefly on the success of the release of the wild turkeys on the range. He reported that he has seen them from time to time and they appear to be doing well and they have brought us a lot of positive PR.
Secretary/Treasurer Martin Everitt distributed the 2004 Budget report to attending members and officially announced his retirement from the Sec/Treas position. Ron Best has been named the new Secretary/Treasurer. CRC’s accountant, Suanne Parro-Snyder of Parro International, reported that a review of the club’s accounts and financial records showed everything in order and operating smoothly and efficiently.
Special recognition was given to the following club members:
To Martin Everitt for his four years of service to the club as Secretary / Treasurer.
To Don Fabrizo for his work on constructing the new toilets.
To David Lee for his work on constructing the new toilets.
To Rick Blume for his work on the CRC Website and the weather station
To Laura Everitt for her work on the CRC Newsletter.
To Bruce Benninghoff for his tireless efforts in keeping the CRC database up-to-date.
Several door prizes were drawn, and the big winner was Ken Abramovitz, who won free membership dues for the year. Congratulations Ken!
ELECTION RESULTS
As reported earlier, three members of the Board of Directors terms expired this year. Dennis Reul, Martin Everitt and David Lee all were nominated to serve again, along with Jeffrey Andre, Les Dillman, and Gary Prebyl. Members voted at the end of the evening and returned Dennis, Martin and David to the Board of Directors.
MEMBER’S PROPOSALS
About a month before the Annual Meeting, members Robert John, Steven Kingcade, Gary Prebyl and Jerry Davidson mailed a proposal for several changes to the CRC by-laws, which they wished to be considered at the meeting. While the club is member driven, this forum was improper. The Annual Meeting does not have the power to consider changes to corporate by-laws. Only the Directors have this authority, and the procedures for doing so are governed by State laws concerning non-profit organizations. Since some of the proposals appeared to conflict with
Member Bob Lees is an attorney specializing in non-profit corporations. In addition he advises several shooting clubs in the state and works with the NRA and CSSA. He has been our attorney for a number of years. He attended the meeting in this official capacity and spoke to the members. The following is a brief summary of the proposals and his replies to them.
Editors Note: The Proposed is a brief of the written changes proposed. The Intent is an elaboration of those proposals made by the submitting members during the meeting. Advice is a summary of Bob Lees recommendations, and Comments are summaries of what attending members expressed during the meetings discussion of the proposals.
Proposed: No contracts with any Government agencies private guard/security agencies or hunting groups.
Intent: To protect the club and its property from damage that may result from misuse/abuse by non-members.
Advice: Because of the pressure on ranges from anti-gun groups and others, gun clubs need all the friends they can get. It is better to be an active member of our community than an isolated entity outside it. Use of ranges by police, military and other agencies provides clubs access to public officials who will then have an incentive to favor the club against a closure attempt. Under the Homeland Security Act any club cooperating in security training will have a lot of leverage with public officials and there are such programs which might become available to us. The club does have the option to refuse offers or groups we don’t feel would be of benefit and it’s more prudent to consider offers on a case-by-case basis rather than close off our options entirely.
Comment: The Club received $6150 from the USDA Conservation Reserve Program during 2004. Loss of this revenue would require a dues increase of between $10 and $13 per year. Other clubs report very beneficial results from cooperation with police agencies. Several years ago members of the Rocky Flats Rapid Response Unit became individual members of CRC. One or two complaints and several compliments about their activities were heard and their dues and work bond payments were beneficial. One of those men is still a member, though the unit has gone out of existence. A proposal from a private hunting club was not pursued because of member opposition. This proposal could also jeopardize the Hunter Safety program, CMP programs and others.
Proposed: Expendable items such as food, ammunition etc., shall be an individual’s responsibility.
Intent: To ensure that the clubs resources are not going to benefit a select few, rather than the membership at large.
Advice: This is a discretionary item, but members should consider the benefits to competitors such as youth, which enhances our tax-free status and helps secure the future of our sport.
Comment: The basis for this proposal is unclear. Some ammunition is bought and resold to members or competitors, but no significant amount has ever been given free to anyone, except as it may have been a match condition in a few cases. Some Match Directors hold picnics after events and the food does come out of match proceeds, but the total is a few hundred dollars per year and the Board of Directors (BoD) considers this a promotional activity. Shooters who leave our range happy are likely to return and bring others.
Proposed: The annual meeting shall elect Officers as well as Directors, and there shall be monthly BoD meetings open to all members.
Intent: To make sure the members have the greatest possible voice in the governing of this club.
Advice: Election of Officers is contrary to Colorado law. The Directors have that obligation. Broader election could result in problems with personal liability of members and with insurance coverage. Monthly scheduled public meetings of the BoD has proven cumbersome for volunteer organizations, though quarterly might be feasible.
Comment: CRC BoD meetings have never been closed, but they have never been widely publicized because they have normally been at someone’s house where space is limited (and free of charge to the club!). It is not easy to schedule a meeting when a majority of BoD members are available and on a monthly basis and it would often be difficult to get a quorum. There is no clear need for monthly meetings. (Heck – we can’t get most of you to attend the Annual Meeting!) Voting for your BoD and working through them is how to make your voice heard.
Proposed: The Annual Meeting shall elect one Officer and two Directors each year.
Advice: Popular election of officers is not legal. If officers so elected happened to not be members of the BoD, it would have the effect of increasing the board by up to three members, and be in violation of the by-laws.
Proposed: In the event of a BoD vacancy the replacement member will be elected by the membership at a special meeting.
Advice: Traditionally the BoD fills a vacancy until the next annual meeting or for the remainder of the directors term. This is efficient and appears to work well. Obtaining a quorum at a special meeting might be a problem.
Comment: Filling a vacancy in the Presidency is the purpose of Vice Presidents. There has only been one vacancy in recent memory, and that was caused by the death of President Bill Hartman in 1996.
Proposed: Meetings of the BoD must have written notice and issued not less than seven days before the meeting.
Intent: To ensure members have time to give input to BoD decisions and actions.
Advice: The law allows for contact by means other than mailings, including the use of telephone, email, etc., to conduct business. Seven days notice is impractical in the event of an emergency situation.
Comment: The BoD is elected by the members with the trust that they will act in the best interests of the club as a whole. Once elected there is no need to micro-manage them. Again, input is always welcome, but the BoD must be allowed to lead and take action for the club once elected.
Proposed: The Officers shall be elected for a three-year term and will be considered Directors of the Club.
Advice: This is illegal under Colorado State law as was discussed earlier.
Proposed: Change the heading “Assignments” to ”Assessments”.
Advice: This is proper. Assignments was an obvious typographical error.
A motion was made that these proposals (save the last type-O catch) be rejected until such time as they could be resubmitted through proper channels and with the legal advisement of Mr. Lees, to ensure they didn’t run counter to Colorado law. Motion was seconded, all attending were in favor and no “nays” were sounded. Watch the newsletter and/or the Website for notification on when that happens.
Additional Advice: Mr. Lees proposes changing the Club from the present 501(c)(4) status to a 501(H) status. This would clarify our tax status and make it possible for us to escape the annoying small sales tax burden as well as our present real estate taxes of about $3700 yearly. It would also make it possible for individuals to make tax-free contributions to the club. It would not affect the present rights and privileges of members in any way. The BoD will consider this recommendation.
Securing Success through Shooting Sports
CRC would like to congratulate four junior shooters from the Arvada Rifle and Pistol Club who have used shooting to help secure their futures and careers. Coaches Keith Roberts and Norm Austen reported that the following shooters have been awarded scholarships to some of the most prestigious schools and academies in the country.
Greg Youngs to the U.S. Naval Academy Annapolis.
Harry Gauthier to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Tamera Reul to the Merchant Marine Academy.
Katie Mullen to Texas A&M University.
The combined dollar value of the awarded scholarships is close to $1,000,000! (now that’s an investment in our future!) It should also be noted that the Denver Post refused to carry the story of their success, on the grounds that shooting was not a sanctioned high school sport. Congratulations to them, their families and their coaches. We wish them the best in both their academic and SPORTING pursuits. We were happy to host you when you shot out at CRC and are even happier that the school year begins before the first matches of summer so we don’t get whupped by you hot shots anymore.
Heavy Equipment Operators
The combination lock box containing the keys for all the tractors and other heavy machinery has been installed in the tool shed. Members who are checked out on the machinery should call Paul Wilson at (303) 646-6646 to get the combination to this box. PLEASE DON’T SHARE THE COMBINATION WITH ANYONE NOT CHECKED OUT TO RUN THE EQUIPMENT. And don’t forget to fill out the log sheet – located right next to that key box – for equipment used.
FOUND
A 2XL club T-Shirt was left at the restaurant after the Annual Meeting. The owner should call Ron Best at 303 986-0836.
Help Needed
Is it possible to meet your work bond requirement for CRC from the comfort of your own home? YES! We always need volunteers to fold and stuff the newsletters for mailing. If you’re interested in being on the folders call list, please contact Denny Reul at (303) 238-5696, denreul@comcast.net; or Work bond Coordinator Dave Paananen at 303-673-0106 dpaananen@netzero.net.
A Note of Thanks
Ron Best has taken over as the Secretary - Treasurer and all business for the S/T should be directed to him. I want to thank all of the members of CRC and especially the Directors, Match Directors and other Volunteers for your help and co-operation which has made it possible for me to do the S/T job for these past four years. Without your participation, it would have been a really difficult task. I know you all will extend equal help to Ron. I also want to thank you all for returning me to the Board of Directors of the Club. I hope to continue to contribute to the Club’s success.
Sincerely,
Martin Everitt
HAVE YOU TRIED SMALL BORE SILHOUETTE?
By Bob McAlice
Small Bore Rifle Silhouette uses 1/5 the size targets of the high-power version. The targets are placed at 1/5 the distances of high-power. In small bore rifle silhouette you use a .22 rimfire rifle to shoot at small metal targets at fairly short distances (out to 100 meters). Your .22 rifle can be a bolt action, lever action, pump, or even a semi-auto like a Ruger 10/22. Most .22 rifles possess the necessary accuracy to compete in this game. It is a sport in which the whole family can take part. Following are some of the specifics.
When you show up you find the Match Director to sign up for the match. Usually that’s the person trying to do all the pre-match paperwork Your first match is free if you are a brand new shooter to the sport.
There are two kinds of matches – a 40 round match and a 60 round match. At CRC we usually shoot a 60 round match. That means 15 shots each at chickens, pigs, turkeys and rams. We do this 5 shots at a time, with a short rest between each five shots. The targets are in meters and are located as follows:
Chickens – 40 meters Pigs –----- 60 meters
Turkeys -- 77 meters Rams---- 100 meters
For small bore you shoot a .22 rimfire rifle with standard velocity ammo. To avoid broken targets, no hyper-velocity ammo is allowed (such as stingers and yellow jackets). Anyone can enter, and you shoot according to skill levels that are divided into classes. Your first match is shot as an unclassified match. After your first match, you would fall into a class B, A, AA, AAA or Master classification depending on your score.
You shoot standing up, no slings or heavy shooting coats allowed, but scopes are OK and recommended. Practice and sighting in usually start about an hour before the match. Typically there are modest prizes for winners in each class and for the overall match winner. In case of a tie there is a shoot off.
Basically a match goes something like this. Shooters are called to the line. The command “READY” is given. Fifteen seconds later the command “FIRE” is given. Now you have two and a half minutes to shoot 5 shots at 5 animals from left to right. If you knock the animal over it is a hit; if you miss it or simply turn or rock it, it is a miss. After the two and one-half minutes are up, the command “CEASE FIRE” is given. You then rest for about a minute, still standing at the firing position. The routine then is started again. It is done twice in each bank or set of target animals for a 40 round match and 3 times for a 60 round match. Then when you are finished with a bank of animals, you go on to the next bank Shooters take turns in relays if there are enough shooters. Between relays shooters walk out to set up the targets they have knocked over. If it is your first time you are paired with an experienced shooter. It’s a lot of fun, so bring yourself, your family and your friends and (of course) a .22 rifle. Please keep in mind that we emphasize shooting safety at all times. This group shoots at several ranges in the Denver area so call one of the silhouette match directors for more information.
THE HISTORY OF HIGHPOWER METALLIC SILHOUETTE SHOOTING
By Bob McAlice
The sport originated in Mexico. It began with the use of various live animals at various distances, to metallic cutouts at specific distances.
It is believed to have begun around 1914 by the followers of Pancho Villa. There was a dispute between two men and the squad leader Juan Martinez had the idea of them shooting at long range at a steer that had been taken for food. They each would shoot alternately and the first to kill his steer would be the winner. That contest was enjoyed and began to be repeated with other animals at other distances. After the Mexican Revolution the contests continued throughout different regions of Mexico.
After the conclusion of World War II, the thought that it was too inhumane to use live animals in such a sport caught on. This was the birth of the name “Silhuetas Metallicas”. The first match was held in 1948 in Mexico City using the metal animal silhouettes. Don Gongalo Qguilar organized that first match and in 1952 was the person behind the organization of the “Silhuetas Metallicas Nacionales” in Mexico City, or the Mexico National Championship of Metallic Silhouette. The targets there were “Gallinas” (Chickens) at 200 meters, “Gualotes” (Turkeys) at 385 meters and “Borregos” (Sheep) at 500 meters. Later, in the mid 1960’s the “Javelina” (Pig) at 300 meters was added.
Eventually, around 1960 the Northern League or “La Liga Del Norte” of Mexico started to draw the attention of people living in the Southwestern United States. They started crossing the border to compete. There were some informal competitions being held in Southern Arizona but in April 1968 the first formal Metallic Silhouette competition in the United States was held at the Tucson Rifle Club. In November 1972 the NRA sponsored its first Rifle Silhouette Championships and officially recognized it as a shooting discipline.
Today Metallic Silhouette is an international sport with several categories of competition. It is governed by the International Metallic Silhouette Shooting Union (IMSSU). Eighteen countries are members of the IMSSU. They are Australia, Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, USA and Zimbabwe.
Workbond Update
The ranges will be closed for one weekend in April to perform maintenance activities. We would like to get as much done during that time as possible. I would like suggestions from the members who use the ranges on maintenance and improvements they would like to see done. Please email me at dpaananen@netzero.net or phone at 303-673-0106 with ideas for the spring work days.
We need help on a couple special request items. The trash trailer needs some maintenance. Also, Jim Adell has requested someone to mow the Schutzen range prior to his April 3rd Garand match. Contact me for details.
The April range shutdown days. Special items listed above and on the website. The matches listed below needing volunteers. There are a lot of opportunities this spring to complete your workbond.
Date |
Event |
Contact |
Phone |
Email |
# req’d |
3/20 |
Sporting Clays, 9 AM |
Kingcade |
303.644.3523 |
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2 |
3/20 |
Hi Power 1000 Yard Bench Rest |
Brummerstedt |
303.772.5145 |
jr338@juno.com |
2 |
4/3 |
CMP Garand Match, Schuetzen Range |
Adell |
970.663.4779 |
jim_adell@hotmail.com |
4 |
4/10 |
Sporting Clays, 9 AM |
Kingcade |
303.644.3523 |
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2 |
4/16 |
SPRING WORK DAYS |
ALL RANGES CLOSED SAT. |
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4/17 |
SPRING WORK DAYS |
SOME RANGES CLOSED SUN. |
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4/24 |
Hi Power 1000 Yard Bench Rest |
Brummerstedt |
303.772.5145 |
jr338@juno.com |
2 |
4/24 |
Silhouette IHMSA Pistol |
Funk |
303.690.5219 |
TMKTHKRN@aol.com |
4 |
5/8 |
Long Range Black Powder, Hi Power Range |
Dillman |
303.751.1116 |
les.dillman@comcast.net |
2 |
5/14 |
CMP Garand Match, Schuetzen Range |
Manley |
970.493.1168 |
bob_manley@agilent.com |
4 |
5/15 |
Pistol: Kaser Memorial Sliver Trophy Match |
Harris |
303.431.4009 |
wwharris@comcast.net |
2 |
5/15 |
Sporting Clays, 9 AM |
Kingcade |
303.644.3523 |
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2 |
5/21 |
Hi Power 600 Yd. Any Rifle, Any Sights |
Prebyl |
303.622.9694 |
Prebyl@tds.net |
2 |
5/22 |
Silhouette IHMSA Pistol |
Funk |
303.690.5219 |
TMKTHKRN@aol.com |
4 |
5/22 |
Hi Power 1000 Yd. Any Rifle, Any Sights |
Prebyl |
303.622.9694 |
Prebyl@tds.net |
2 |
5/28 |
Pistol: ISSF Zone 9 Championship |
Maxwell |
303.431.1420 |
dkmaxwell0@lycos.net |
1 |
5/29 |
Hi Power 1000 Yard Bench Rest |
Brummerstedt |
303.772.5145 |
jr338@juno.com |
2 |
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