Newsletter Archives for the V.G.C.A.
V.G.C.A. NEWS May, 2001
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This Month's Topics:
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May Meeting. This item is first so as to remind everyone that our meetings are held on the fourth Thursday of the month, not the last. Therefore, please come on 24 May at 7:30 in the evening at the NRA Conference Center. The program will be presented by Paul J. Davies, Author of the newly published book, C. S. ARMORY RICHMOND. I have an autographed copy and if the presentation matches the quality of the book and relentless research that went into the final product, we are all in for a great program.
April Meeting. The program in April was given by R. L. Wilson, who previously gave us the Ruger presentation. This one was on Pietro Beretta and the history of Beretta firearms. After the presentation in the conference Center we all went up to the NRA Museum to see the Beretta display in the Ruger Room. Once again, Mr. Wilson's ability with the written and spoken word made for an enjoyable and educational evening. To put his new work together Mr. Wilson made 15 trips to Italy and more or less had the run of the Beretta home and factory. We saw a copy of an invoice from the year 1526 for 150 gun barrels; found out that if we ever get to Gardone, Italy we will see 3000 guns from all over the world in the Beretta Museum; and learned that the Catholic Church owns part of Beretta.
Fees. No, this is not about money, it is about Fred Fees. Fred was recently moved from intensive care at Fairfax Hospital to intermediate intensive care. Fred's condition is improving, but he still cannot have visitors.
Deneke Trophy. The VSSA is sponsoring a trophy to be awarded at Camp Perry to a junior shooter. The VGCA, as approved by the Executive Committee, is donating $250 to the Bill Deneke Trophy Fund.
Ezell. The EXCOM also approved $364 for a plaque in honor of Ed Ezell that will be displayed at NORVA. Funds for the plaque came from the sale of books Ginny Ezell gave to us.
Show and Tell. Once again Larry Hare came through, this time with a Buck Rogers BB Rifle that had a compass and sundial built in to the stock. Bill Edwards brought a Model 1934 Beretta that was made in 1944 and was sold in military exchanges after WWII. He also showed us a very nice .25 caliber Beretta.
VGCA Gun Shows. As you all know by now, we had a great show. We almost had a record crowd. The next show is set for September 15-16 at Hugo's Skating Rink. Included in this package is a copy of the show rules as updated by EXCOM during the past year. This is your chance to comment on anything on those four pages or add something that is not there.
If you want a chance to sell at the next show, get your request for tables to Phil Hill. The Sooner you call, the higher up you are on the waiting list. Also, if you have tables and cannot make it to the show, please cancel early enough to make it easier for Phil and the next person in line. Two people who put others before themselves were Donald Bryan and Phil Orem. Neither was able to attend the show, but they didn't demand their money back. They donated their table fees to the VGCA.
Future Meetings and Picnic. Please remember that usually there is no meeting in the month we have our annual picnic. For all the new members and folks like me who can't remember how to get to the NORVA facility, directions are included in this package. For all the old members and new members who have never attended a VGCA picnic, do yourself a favor and come on out. Ed Johnson will once again take care of the meat with his now-famous somewhat-secret recipe. Everyone who attends is asked to bring something other than a meat dish; and as always, bring enough to feed you, your guests, and four others. Most of us are always amazed at what is there to gorge ourselves on.
If you go to the picnic and want to shoot, you have to take eye and ear protection, whatever you want to shoot, and the ammo for whatever you bring to shoot. If you shoot, please do not hog the firing points and please do follow the safety rules. We haven't had anybody shot in the past and want to keep the record clean. In addition, we may see a Cowboy Action Shoot Demonstration.
As was done last year, there will not be a meeting in July. The next meeting after the picnic will be on the fourth Thursday in August., This will be an important meeting to attend because it will be the month before our next gun show. If you have not volunteered to help in the past, please consider doing so. The regulars always need help with the many committees.
EXCOM Meeting. The Executive Committee met on 18 April at the NRA Building. In addition to the fund expenditures mentioned in other parts of this Newsletter, other expenditures were approved. Three thousand dollars were approved to send Charlie and Vince Rausch, Gary Holderman, and Jack Bokinsky to the NRA Convention to again represent the VGCA and set up our display. The amount budgeted is not enough, but Gary and Jack are flying for free and all four refuse to submit vouchers for everything they spend out of their pockets for our benefit.
Two hundred dollars were approved for VGCA participation in the St. Jude's Trap Shoot the week after the picnic. Jim Burgess and Gary Holderman are on the team. I think there are also two others, but I may be wrong. If anyone would like to compete against the present team members for a chance to shoot in their place, contact Gary or Jim at the picnic and you can compete for a spot at that time.
Unsung Hero. In addition to the two people mentioned earlier, it is time to mention another unsung member. Tom Moncrief moved from Virginia to Florida a few years ago. Although he moved, he is not gone and certainly is not forgotten. Tom comes back for every show and serves on John Wallace's security team. Before leaving, I don't think he ever missed a meeting or event. Tom is one of the silent majority who deserves recognition, as do many others who prefer to stay in the background but always help with whatever needs to be done.
Secretary's Subtleties. Well, the show was two months ago. The customers were generally satisfied, as were most of the table renters. Now is your chance to put on paper what you may have complained about or would like to see added. But understand that there will be no major changes to the way the shows are conducted unless there is a definite majority in favor of changing something. If you comment, remember that the rules are for everybody and there should not be any privileged characters. Also, if you want something done that requires people to do it, you should plan to be in charge of it or at least work at it. If you do the talk, you have to help Phil and the Show Committee dot he walk. Please send your comments to the VGCA Mailing address in Middleburg before the 4th of July Holiday.
The same four people who represented us last year are representing us this year at the NRA Convention. All four are excellent choices and do far more for the organization than many do. Charlie and Vince are lock-ins, but Gary and Jack would have stepped back to let somebody else go if there had been time. We had to have names to put with the free tickets, so Gary and Jack agreed to go. Neither they nor any other EXCOM member wants anyone to think this is "good ol' boy" stuff. If anyone thinks they would like to represent us at an NRA Convention, please tell Addison. Next year we can put the names of those who want to go in a hat and have a drawing.
President's Corner. Mike made a nice comment about Phil Orem. We cannot say enough nice things about Phil. He passed away recently at the ripe old age of 91. The VGCA will miss him and those of us who knew him grieve along with the family.
Please rest assured that the Executive Committee will look at and consider every comment we receive concerning the show rules. After the Executive Committee reviews the comments, the rules will be revised and then sent to the entire membership for a "yea" or "nay" vote. Also understand that the rules are for everybody and that Phil Hill and his principal helpers have the support of the Executive Committee.
Come to the picnic and help eat, drink, and enjoy the $2500 allocated for your benefit. -- Addison