Newsletter of the
Helderberg Rod & Gun Club
Box 151, Altamont, N.Y. 12009
861-5302
The RUFFED GROUSE
---------------------------------------------------------------------------April 2015
The 2015 Cabin Fever Shoot was a blast (no pun intended), with a small but energetic
crowd on hand and we had a ball. Winners included, Ed Schleier, Chuck Herkel, Travis
Stevens, etc. Thanks to Tony LaTorre for chairing the event and providing refreshments for the
throng. It was great to get out and enjoy some of the frigid wind ..... Spring?
The previous day a Pizza Shoot for members was held at the Club. Again, Tony ran the
show and the shoot was followed by a tour of gun shops by a number of the day’s participants.
You can never have too many of those items in your closet...they’re just like shoes!
A salute to Dick Egleston for donating a slew of fine items for the Annual Sportsman’s
Auction. Dick has always proven to be a asset to the Club, we definitely need many more like
him. Again, thanks Dick, and thanks to all who have donated, now and in the past!
The last weekend of March found Barb and I again volunteering at the Annual Hockey
Tournament at Union College. The Tournament raises monies to fight brain cancer and
women’s hockey teams from many States are involved. We are pleased to be associated with the
happening, which is hosted by a dear friend of ours whose son struggles with the disease. Our
prayers are always with them. We had a super time as always and the games were very
competitive, a fine group of ladies.
Thanks to Jamey Darrah and Ed Schleier the Outdoor Range has taken on a cleaner
look these days, as they cleaned up the pile of trashed cardboard and smashed wooden target
frames. Also, as a notification....There is a list of range protocols in the works, spelling out
patterns for shooter behavior on the ranges at all times. The protocols will mainly deal with
safety issues and will be posted on the range as well as sent to all members.
The opening night of 2015 Trap was held on Wednesday, April 1st. A first night
attendance totaled nine shooters, with nary a fool in the crowd. Ed Schleier led the way,
shooting his latest $25.00 shotgun and scoring a respectable score of 19. Not bad for an old
single barreled shotgun, with a full choke. We’ll challenge for sure on nights to come. ** Don’t
forget the Annual Charlie Fairman Trap Shoot will be held on the 3rd Wednesday in June
(17th, with rain date the 24th), with greater prizes this year, totaling $165.00. They will be
donated in memory of our long time friend and fellow Club member, Lyle Newcomb. ** The
cost per round for Trap remains at $3.25 and first time shooters continue to get their first two
rounds free. Come on down and vent your frustrations and have a few laughs along the way.
GUN SHOW....April 25,26......at the Polish Community Center on Washington Avenue
Extension, near Crossgates Mall. Celebrate Spring by getting out of the house and browsing
some fine firearms.
The Annual Club Banquet is happening on Thursday May 14th, at the Settle Hill
Banquet House. The Price is $34.00 (same as 2014) including all and reservations should be
made with Carol Whaley by May 7th. Carol’s number is 279-9446 or 858-4432 and reservations
should be made as soon as possible. Meal choices are Prime Rib, Stuffed Sole or Chicken
Cordon Blue; cash bar available. The affair opens at 6pm and meals will be served promptly at
6:40, please be prompt. The May Membership Meeting will be held early, on May 7th, as it
conflicts with the banquet date. (There will be many hand-made items as door prizes and a 50/50
to help defray costs. Please pay at the door and try to bring the exact amount..thanks.
There will be a work date at HR&G on April 25th, to demolish the old and construct the
new roof over the outdoor ports. Please be there by 9am and bring your tools and a stepladder if
you have one. Cordless screwdrivers or screw guns will be a real plus, to remove and replace
the roofing screws. Please help if you possibly can, the more the merrier.
The next Pistol Safety Class will be held at HR&G on Friday, May 8th. Subsequent
classes are to be held on July 17 & August 14. Please call the Club to enroll.
Update: The Annual Sportsman’s Auction brought in a new record, $721.00 added to
the Club Treasury for DEC Camps. There were some really great buys and the crowd was in a
buying mood. Thanks to all who attended and opened their wallets for a great cause.
The 2015 Pistol League Banquet will be held at the Township tavern on April 21,
starting at 7pm. Is was a great year, despite the cold and snowy weather. Thanks to all who
continue their attendance and though the crowd is small we have a super time. Congrats to all
the League Leaders and to Tony LaTorre for his perseverance in keeping the League going.
Continue to check out the Club web-site, at helderbergrgc.org....it is full of information
regarding the Club and its activities. If anyone has any items to be added to the site, please
contact the Club and the executive Committee will access the merits of the suggestion.
Tony LaTorre will hold a Personal Protection Outside the Home seminar on May 31.
The Club ranges will be closed at that time. There will be an Open House at HR&G on June 6th,
more details will follow. The club ranges will also be closed on that day.
As in the past, all work sessions at the Club will take precedence over all other
activities. All work is done by volunteers at their convenience and when activities, such as
mowing, take place all shooters will be asked to curtail their practice until the mowing is
completed. Thank you all for your adhering to these rules.
Thanks to Kevin Bush for his spirited talk on ACCA and the Conservation Council.
They do great work on behalf of the Sportsman’s Clubs across the County and State. Al
Raymond is our new Club liaison for these organizations, replacing long-time member Bill
Ackner, who stepped down because of health issues.
Happy Birthday to our paternal longest member, Neil Taber, who celebrates his 88th
birthday. Neil is our last remaining inaugural member of the Club....a salute to Neil!!!!!
Don’t forget to celebrate Memorial Day and D-day...two memorable dates in our past,
and never to be forgotten in our future.