Acting President Herb Usilton called the meeting to order. There were more than 45 people in attendance. A minute of silence was called in memory of our past President George Clark.

Herb, as acting Treasurer, gave a brief Report on financial matters indicating that all taxes and insurance bills were paid up, that the club had no outstanding payments due and that there was over $7000 currently held in our bank accounts. He noted that our Current Use Program status is in good order and that our corporate papers have all been filed appropriately with the State.

It was pointed out that with the cost of petroleum, we might have to see an increase in the per-string cost of trap due to the increase in clay pigeon cost. Plans were also mentioned to weatherize the Club House with Bryan Bibeault overseeing the project. Herb pointed out that it was important to maintain a ‘cushion’ in the treasury to be prepared for unforeseen future eventualities. He also indicated that this year we hope to feature more rifle and pistol events, and initiate archery demonstrations.

This year we hope to add a new event, the Open House & Cookout to promote membership and introduce new members to the club. We are also making plans to hold Hunter Safety courses at the club to promote youth interest.

Mary Aschenberg read the minutes from the last Annual Meeting. Karen moved that they be accepted as read and Dale Johnson seconded the motion.

Herb read the proposed slate of Officers:

President Jon Christensen
VP of Range Bryan Bibeault
VP of Events Lou Ahlen
VP of Membership Dave Bollinger
VP of Legal Affairs Karen Kerin
VP at Large Robert Deeley
Treasurer Herb Usilton
Secy and Asst Treasurer Hunt Melville

The slate was approved unanimously.

Bill Badger asked why there was a new officer titled Vice President of Legal Affairs. Herb said that having such a person so designated was important in dealing with the legal matters that have increasingly come before the Board, including the Land Use crisis and dealing with the matter of check signing and the chain of command following George’s untimely death. Herb said the position should be viewed as mostly a spokesperson, so that the Club would be prepared in the future to handle such matters as they come up, that some dealings require a Resident Agent that is in effect a quasi-legal position.

Bill said that as the position is not defined in the By-Laws they should be amended. Dave said that the position was in recognition of Karen’s work on the Current Use Program and Herb pointed out that the By-Laws needed to be made simpler as they were created in the 1950s.

Bill followed with a report on Field Clays detailing some of the successes of last year and plans to tweak the system for 2008. He explained that Field Clays are intended to simulate upland shooting, with more angles and variety of shots than are offered by Trap. He mentioned that the launchers are battery operated, and that this year to improve visibility we’re going to locate fluorescent orange clays and move the launchers into closer range. Last year Field Clays was held every other Thursday and one Saturday per month. Bill gave a pitch for people to get trained to run the machines so that this event could be run more often this upcoming season.

Bill Badger asked about the absence of a budget at the meeting and proposed that next year one be presented that included the year previous as well as a proposed budget for the ensuing year. Herb agreed that would definitely be the case, but pointed out the troubles we had this season in getting the accounts organized, that much was in disarray.

Karen pointed out that it was remarkable that the Board was able to come together in this difficult year.

Bryan Bibeault discussed some of the plans for the Range for 2008. Archery was highlighted. Kevin Rice said that was a great idea and brought up the success of Randolph’s Club in attracting youth. That they actually held a State Meet there and it worked great in attracting new members and increasing the reputation of the club.

Karen made an appeal for people to assist in rifle and pistol events. She pointed out that that is the name of the Club, after all, and it would be good to continue the tradition.

Dale pointed out that we have a great asset at the club that is under-utilized, the 300 yard range, perhaps the only one in the State. He recalled a time when it was used in the past that scared some horses coming up Church Hill Road because of the closeness of the stand to the road. It was suggested that if the range was in use a sign be put in place to warn passersby. Bryan said that would be taken care of.

Jim Fish asked Dale what the dues were in clubs in Connecticut and Dale indicated they were $200 annually with a $500 initiation fee. Jim said this shows what a good deal we have at the Woodstock Club. Bryan pointed out that in Massachusetts one of the requirements of membership was 8 hours of mandatory service.

Dale brought up the fact that the house opposite the Club’s entrance was originally built by the Colstons so that they could have easy access to the property, and wanted it not to be forgotten that the house was built in that location because of the Club.

Hunt discussed the Chamber membership saying how it was useful in building links to the website and how it would useful in disseminating brochures and building membership.

Bill Badger requested that a Calendar of Events be created as soon as possible so that members had plenty of warning of upcoming activities. He also brought up that one of the topics of the annual meeting was the matter of dues and whether they were going to be raised. Herb stated that it was the Board’s intention to keep the dues at the same rate: $50 regular, $25 senior, and made a motion to that effect. Bill seconded it, and it was approved unanimously.

The new code for the padlock was mentioned, and with that Karen moved that the meeting be adjourned. Bill seconded it and it was approved to close.

Submitted by Hunter Melville, Secretary, April 5th, 2008