Acting President Bryan Bibeault called the meeting to order. There were more than 52 people in attendance. A recent record.

Bryan began with the Range report. He indicated that much work had been done in the proceeding year, trees had been removed behind the 100 yard range, so that the 300 yard range would have a clear view of their targets. Silhouette targets were cleaned and set up on the main range and he indicated they got a lot of use. Other trimming of trees was done around the range, special thanks to Bill Badger for his chainsaw work. Special thanks also to Dave Bollinger, Hunter Melville and Kevin RIce for their work on the new archery range. We currently have three 3-D targets on the archery trail, a bear, a turkey and a buck. With pegs at various distances. Also new this year was the 'monolith' an Olympic target backing set up at the west end of the main range. For this upcoming year, due to the recently created Capital Campaign, we hope to take on a bunch of new projects including renovation of the clubhouse, repair of the pump and bathrooms. Bill Badger led a round of a applause.

Lou Ahlen followed with the Events Committee report. He went through an extensive Schedule that included 15 events, including training events, hand gun courses, the Open House, Annual BBQ, several championships, etc. He mentioned that these events were subject to change and addition, and urged members to check the website for the updated Schedule. Karen spoke for awhile on the handgun certification course saying the cost would be $15 to $20 and consisted of two days training. Dale pointed out that Wednesday was bad for women shooters. Tom Hunt asked about exactly what was the pistol shoot and Karen indicated that it was basically a defensive shooting contest in which participants can use a variety of handguns and that they would be judged by how many hits they made in a certain time. She said it could also be termed Combat Effectiveness Shooting. Karen added that she will be running a Hunter Safety Course at the club sometime this summer. Jim Fish pointed out that member Keith Blake was certified.

Dave presented a membership report saying we had a great past year with strong growth. That lots of new events, including Field Clays had brought people in. He hopes that the members will get behind pistol and rifle events in the upcoming season. Hunt asked an members who hadn't been receiving email updates about the club to give him their addresses if they have one. Keith asked if the code to the locks was going to remain the same this year, it was agreed that it would remain the same. Bryan told him that anyone who needs the code can contact the officers if they forget it.

Karen Kerin gave a legal report focussing on the lead issue which wasdefeated by a coalition of gun groups. She said that there are problems in the future but that a number of good bills are coming up like the one to ensure that gun clubs are not subject to Act 250. She added that on the National front things look problematic. In state she pointed out that the Attorney General Eric Holder is anti-gun, but that both Senators and Bernie Sanders have voted correctly. She urged members to get involved by calling representatives to fight the bills that come through that might hurt the club.

The club itself has no current legal issues.

Turning to the Treasurer's report Herb handed out copies of the 2009 budget.The club had a total of $8929.67 in a CD and in the bank account. Income for $2008 was $6204, Herb has budgeted $7200 for 2009. Expenses are forecasted to rise from $6003 to $6360. Kevin asked why the insurance increased from $1500 to a forecast of $2600 for 2009. Herb said it was because of a combination of the new Directors' insurance and increases due to our higher member count. Kerin recounted a story about a gun club in southern Vermont that had it's officers personally sued for over $100,000, she stressed the necessity of ensuring that the club had sufficient and proper insurance coverage.

Airell Jenks told us about a time when the leadership of the club was considering allowing the dumping of oil on gun club property. A neighbor indicated that he would sue the club if they allowed it. Airell said that he left the club during this era because he didn't want to be individually liable. Karen indicated that our present coverage was perfectly adequate, though we must always be sure to protect the property.

Kevin Rice asked that in future budgets if we could have the different insurances listed as separate line items.

Turning to the election, Bryan indicated that we had two new officers to add to the slate of the remaining 7 officers, Kevin Rice and Don McNeill.

President Jon Christensen
VP of Events Lou Ahlen
VP of Membership Dave Bollinger
VP of Legal Affairs Karen Kerin
VP at Large Robert Deeley
VP at Large Don McNeill
VP at Large Kevin Rice
Treasurer Herb Usilton
Secy and Asst Treasurer Hunter Melville

The slate was approved unanimously.

Bryan called for the members to vote on the slate, it was accepted unanimously.

Bryan discussed the new Capital Campaign and how important a gun club is to the youth of a community. Hunter pointed out that the members have contributed over $1500 to the campaign and that he felt we should all thank those generous people who made contributions big and small.

Bryan indicated that the Board wished to leave dues at last year's rates: $50 regular, $25 senior. The membership voted unanimously to keep dues the unchanged. Bill Badger was asked to speak about Field Clays, he said it was an excellent year, that people had a lot of fun, though they probably had more laughs than broken birds. He presented Kevin Rice, this year's Field Clay Champion with the new Church Hill Cup that will be inscribed with his name.

Under new business Penni Reid brought up the Appleseed Shoot that is very popular at other clubs. Don McNeill said he would look into setting one up this summer.

Kevin Rice asked if the club would consider sponsoring a youth to go to the State Conservation Camp over near Bomoseen. The kids learn, hunter safety, fly tying, many conservation and sportsman skills. The membership was very supportive of the idea. Hunter asked what the approximate cost was, perhaps we could create a Scholarship program. Kevin indicated it was around $180-$200 for the week.

Karen told the membership that sometime later in the summer she will be setting up an NRA Range Safety Officer Certification course.

Hunter moved that the meeting be closed, Don McNeill seconded it and it was so unanimously moved.

Submitted by Hunter Melville, Secretary, April 9th, 2009