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JANUARY NEWSLETTER Fellow
Members, As I write this, I see a forecast for colder temperatures including a couple of days where
the high is only going to be 23 degrees. This bodes well for the ice to be thick enough for the Annual Raymond "Skip"
Whalen Echo Lake Ice Fishing Derby which will be held on Sunday, February 5th at Averic Lake, the Stockbridge town
reservoir. The next 2 Sundays acting as rain dates. Enclosed are tickets for a drawing to win a new gas-powered ice
auger (or a $400 cash option) that we ask each member to either sell, or purchase themselves to help defray the cost of putting
on this wonderful derby. Derby tickets are available at Berkshire Insurance Group (formerly Minkler Insurance) on Main St.
in Stockbridge or from club committee members. As per usual, there will be prizes for all children ages 12 and
under. This is a huge endeavor that requires volunteer efforts by a large number of our members. If you're interested in volunteering,
please contact one of our 3 Chairmen, Mike Buffoni, Keith Whalen or George Chasse. Hope to see you all there! On
the all-important youth front, first VP Mike Buffoni has reported a great response for signups for the Youth Archery program
which kicks off Saturday, January 14th. Youngsters 6-16 can still enter the 10 week program. Buff can be reached
at (413) 232-7703. Buff reminds us that the 2012 Youth Turkey hunt mentoring program is set for later
this spring. Participants, ages 12-15 must have completed the MA Hunter Education course PRIOR to the
actual hunt. MA Wildlife offers these free hunter education courses at numerous times and locations across the state.
You can call MA Wildlife, or check their website for more information on these classes. Through
the diligent efforts of President Wayne Slosek, board member Keith Whalen and the Stockbridge Police Department, we have successfully
identified the thief that had been breaking into our range fee boxes and stealing the cash. Since this is a pending prosecution,
no more will be said at this time. Members may now feel comfortable leaving their range fees in the appropriate boxes. Thank
you for your cooperation during this upsetting time. Membership chairman, David Adler wishes to profusely
thank all of the members who have sent in their dues so promptly this season. His goal is to have the updated expiration
dates on the mailing labels AND the new membership cards ready for the next newsletter at
the end of February. We will include a renewal form at the bottom of this newsletter for those few laggards who have
yet to pay. The Second Annual Jim Creran "Red Nose" Open was held on Sunday, January
8th with a good turnout and a fantastic potluck luncheon. In a shoot off for top gun with 45 hits out of 50 targets
by Jim Johnson and Jim Olmsted, Jimmy O. prevailed after 7 pairs of doubles at stations 3,4 and 5. Gary Johnston took
3rd place over "Last Minute" Tom Race who both shot 44s. The day was clear, cold and quite windy, which
made for a fitting challenge to connect on the dropping, dodging, accelerating, nasty targets that Jim Creran would have gleefully
enjoyed participating in. We miss him. See you at the derby!
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