1st Quarter 2013 January-March

MEMBERSHIP RESPONSIBILITY Membership dues have been increased for 2013. Regular member dues are now $84 ($7 per month) and senior member dues are now $42 ($3.50 per month). The initiation fee has also increased to $175. As you have seen in the past two newsletters, beginning in 2013, your membership fees are your responsibility and it is incumbent on you to maintain your membership just as you do your property taxes and vehicle registration. Your current membership expires each year on January 31st and the gate code will change on March 1st. Late fees have been established with our Policies and Procedures and will be in full effect in 2013. Late payments made after March 2, 2013 (30 days late) will be 150% of the renewal rate and will be $126.00 for regular members and $63.00 for senior members. Late payments made after April 1, 2013 (60 days or more) will be assessed a 200% late fee making the renewal rate $168.00 for regular members, $84.00 for senior members.

Also beginning this year, members shall be required to log 6 work hours per year in addition to the other requirements in order to renew their 2014 membership. Work accomplished will be reported to the Facilities Committee who shall keep a master spreadsheet recording hours worked by members. You can contact the Range Chairs, Facilities Chair, or your Board of Directors to find out about upcoming opportunities. Your work hours can be accomplished be helping at events with sign in, keeping score, set up/tear down at events, physical work such as moving rock, painting or other range projects, or even stuffing envelopes in February. You can contact the Secretary to volunteer.

CANDIDATE STATEMENTS – Candidates are listed in alphbetical order by catagory

Rick Danzey, candidate for Vice President/President-Elect

It is an honor to be nominated to serve the membership of the BEST gun club and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to serve all members of the club.

I am now semi-retired and part-time self-employed which, allows me to adjust my schedule to my needs and desires. My experience at the Club includes: being a graduate of the Club’s first Range Safety Officer cadre; the first Event Coordinator, stepped forward following the resignation of the VP to serve the final 6 months of his term; 18 months as the Pistol Range Chairman; a member of the Club Safety Committee; a member of the Club Policies and Procedure Committee; USPSA Asst. Match Director; Steel Challenge statistician; USPSA certified Range Officer; Match Director for Competition Pistol 101, NRA-certified Handgun Instructor, NRA-certified Range Safety Officer and NRA-certified Refuse to be a Victim Instructor. My non-firearms activities include conducting board of director facilitation; a trainer for Robert’s Rules of Order; a member of CERT in Spring Valley Lake; and a HAM Radio Technician. My volunteer board experience includes Past International Director of Toastmasters International, Past President of Victor Valley Marketing Group, Past President Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Past President of Spring Valley Lake Association and former member of the VVC Foundation Board. As you can see, I believe in service and service leadership. I make only one promise – every decision I make will be made with the best interest of the entire club and not one individual or small group.

When you cast your vote in January, vote for RICK DANZEY for Vice President/President Elect!

Jon Marhoefer, candidate for Vice President/President-Elect

Fellow Apple Valley Gun Club members: I’m honored and excited to have been nominated to serve as your vice president for the coming year. For the past 64 years, the club has served its members well and must continue to do so in order for future generations to have a quality place to exercise their Second Amendment rights. Over the past five years I’ve served our club in a variety of capacities made many friends as a result. AVGC Event Coordinator – responsible for the club’s yearly shoots AVGC Orientation Coordinator – currently responsible for monthly new member orientations NRA Instructor - Refuse to Be a Victim, Basic Pistol, Personal Protection in the Home, Personal Protection

Outside the Home, Rifle Coach Multi Gun (3 Gun) Match Director USPSA Range Officer NRA Range Safety Officer Women’s Program/Women on Target – facilitator, instructor and coach. I presently serve as your Pistol Range Chairman

I do what I say I’m going to do. In the two months I’ve been the Pistol Range Chairman we’ve made improvements to the pistol range through the addition of a patio area, adjusting benches to a proper height to serve members with disabilities, and we’ve added a fourth pistol bay at the south end of the range. The cost for improvements on that fourth bay was less than $1000 due to donations of equipment and volunteer labor. These savings were achieved by reaching out to the membership in a cooperative fashion and with a shared goal; by building consensus and teamwork within our membership. Previous plans for the fourth bay would have cost the membership over $50,000 – money we can’t afford to spend now or in the foreseeable future. Chances are you’ve seen me and my family on nearly every range at our club; you will find me at the Big Bore, Trap and Pistol ranges on a regular basis. My allegiance doesn’t lie with just one discipline, range or event, and this important distinction sets me apart from the other candidate. For over twenty-seven years I’ve served my community as a law enforcement professional and executive. I’ve put my values of integrity, duty, accountability and service to others on public display and have been held accountable for those values each and every day. I stand on my record of service to this club and to the community. Those who nominated me did so because they believe I possess the values and leadership to take this club into the future. We face difficult times as a gun club and as a shooting sports community. I have faced tough challenges all of my life and I am prepared to lead in the face of adversity. We’ve seen how poor leadership and unethical decision making has almost ruined our club in the past and we all would be well served to avoid those mistakes in the future. If you would trust me with your vote for vice president I promise to work with the board and the membership to move this club in the direction it needs to go to ensure it’s here to enjoy for another 64 years. Thank you, Jon Marhoefer Raoul Burchette, candidate for Treasurer

I have lived in Apple Valley since 1999 and been a member of the club since 2009. I have lots of experience with numbers and some current experience with finances and as treasurer for another not-for-profit organization. It is my intent to make the finances of the Apple Valley Gun Club transparent and comprehensible and set down procedures that will make it easier to have continuity in the financial records, and seek to get the best value for our resources, working in the interests of the club.

George Ellison, candidate for 2 Year Director

George served in the United States Air Force for eighteen years where he managed the Supply Systems Branch at numerous locations around the world. George completed a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Education while in the Air Force. His extensive experience with computerized logistics provided a natural stepping stone to several successful entrepreneurial ventures after leaving the Air Force. One such company was called Software Solutions where George assisted banks and Real Estate companies in the early days of computerization. He later co-founded a company in the Redlands area called Home Loan Profiles Inc., where as a Mortgage Brokerage, he developed one of the first ever automated loan processing systems. He then moved on to high tech companies where his computer skills were invaluable. George served on the Board of directors for the Weslyan Methodist Church in Pasadena for two years where he helped guide them successfully through two pastoral transitions and numerous community projects. He retired from the computer industry after thirty three years and now resides in the community of Spring Valley Lake. George has been around firearms and archery equipment from an early age back in Iowa where hunting in the fall of the year was a natural part of putting food on the table. In order to improve his firearms skills even further, he recently completed a Four Day Defensive Handgun course with a One Day 30 State CCW course at FrontSight Nevada. George currently holds Concealed Carry Permits in Nevada and Utah and is awaiting range scheduling for his California CCW. He currently serves as the Archery Chairman for Apple Valley Gun Club. In this capacity, he doubled the number of Open Archery sessions and initiated a 3D archery Tournament once a month. If elected as a director for the Apple Valley Gun Club, he will continue to serve as the Archery Range Chairman.

Wayne Mullen, candidate for 2 Year Director

Hello, my name is Wayne Mullen. I've been a small business owner in the high desert since 1980. I have been on the Board of Directors for the club since 2007-2008. I am the Big Bore Rifle Chairman, RSO and a NRA Rifle instructor.

The reason I ran for the BOD back in 2007 was to help get the club back on track and make it a great place for all to come and have a safe, fun shooting experience. I strongly believe in keeping everything FAIR across the board for everyone and not let COMMON SENSE get out of the loop in running this club.

If you put me back on the BOD for this club, I will continue to stay with my believes and work to keep the Apple Valley Gun Club a safe, fun shooting experience for everyone.

Thanks for your consideration, Wayne Mullen

Rose Henrichsen, candidate for 1 Year Director

I am first honored to be nominated as a board Director at the Apple Valley Gun Club. I have been a member for a year and I have met some great individuals and I am proud to be a member. I have a great time with shooting and learning so much each and every time I go and for that I am grateful. However though my concern is for all the membership as a whole, I have been disenchanted by the way our business is conducted by some of the Board of Directors and hope to be a positive force in holding individuals accountable for their handling of our clubs business. I am a person with experience, a person you can depend on, a person that will voice the concerns of and represent each and every one of you, a person that will put in 110% is the type of person you need in serving as your Director at Apple Valley Gun Club. I believe that I am that type of person and I am ready to step into that position.

As a wife and a mother, I care about a safe and fun place to go to and enjoy our firearms with like-minded individuals as yourself. I would consider it an honor to serve you the members with complete dignity and with integrity. I believe it is important to be accountable for your actions and also do things not for your own individual agenda but for the benefit of all members’ with no arterial motives. I have no motives but to make it a happy and safe environment to come and shoot. I am not a person to ever let things go to my head but I believe the best thing one can do is to be of service. I am that individual, and ask for your vote so we can get the club in good standing at all levels of management. It is vital that we elect people that will make the improvements and make it happen, I am that person. As a team player and I will always be there for any member who calls upon me for anything dealing with our club.

Once again thanks for the opportunity to voice my position and I look forward to your vote as a Director at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Sincerely, Rose Henrichsen

Gary Menser, candidate for 1 Year Director

I’m Gary Menser, candidate for the one year director and I’m running for the directorship for three specific reasons. First, I want to work with our governance documents committee at the director level, helping to perfect our recently adopted Policy and Procedure Manual, our Bylaws and our Range Regulations. This effort will be accomplished by working with the newly formed governing documents committee helping recruit members and getting this important work moving forward. Second, I believe there is a tremendous benefit in having continuity in the leadership of the club and I can offer that. I believe I’ve made reasonable and good sense decisions as your president and vice-president by listening to the needs of range chairs and membership and would like to continue. Last, as a Board Member I want to continue to support the other directors and range chairs and all the other active participating members who help each other put on the numerous events and activities that our club offers to the membership and the public. I’ll end by asking all members to vote in the election process. I’d like to see at least 50% of the members voting this year instead of the usual 30% deciding on our club leadership. Also, get your renewal materials in before the due date to avoid penalties, and vote for me. Hope to see you at the range.

John Sandoval, candidate for 1 Year Director

My name is John Sandoval and I have accepted my nomination to run as a candidate for the one year term on the Board of Directors. I retired after 30 years with the Los Angeles County Fire Department and have lived in the high desert for the last 27 years. I have been a member of the AVGC for about 15 years and have been active not only as a shooting member but have also served as a director in the past. Prior to becoming a Director I served on the original Bylaws Committee, Rules and Regulations Committee and the Safety Committee which met monthly for over a year and feel I have the understanding to serve again to keep our club gong in the right direction. As a regular member I have seen many events, both good and not so good, transpire within our club and feel I can help our club continue on a path we all want and deserve. I have become an NRA certified RSO, Basic Pistol and a Cartridge Reloader on my own time and money. I know there are many items on the AVGC agenda that I can and will be your voice for regarding the direction this club should go. I WILL CONSIDER IT AN HONOR IF YOU VOTE FOR ME AND ALLOW ME TO BE YOUR VOICE FOR THE APPLE VALLEY GUN CLUB.

You may renew your membership by mail, drop it in the black box, or come in person to the Clubhouse on Saturday, January 19th from 9:00-2:00 pm, Monday, January 21st from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm, Wednesday, January 23rd from 6:00 -9:00 pm, and Tuesday, January 29th from 6:00-9:00 pm.

Election results will be revealed at the Annual Banquet to be held on February 16, 2013 at the Victorville Fairgrounds. Come join us for some fun and a chance to win some of the exciting raffle prizes too!

MEMBER(S) SPOTLIGHT

Two AVGC members participated in the Civilian Marksmanship Program’s Annual Western Games in Phoenix, Arizona and the 29 Palms NRA/USMC Long Range & Regional Match. Jeff Lovat and Lyle Drenth went east in October to compete with over 160 shooters from all over the U. S. and one from England! Lyle is one of your Board of Directors and is the Match Director for the AVGC CMP matches and clinic. Jeff is a regular at the Big Bore/Rifle range and has competed at the AVGC matches for the last couple years. This was Jeff’s first time at a big match like this. Jeff shot in the Garand, Springfield, Military Vintage Bolt Rifle and Rimfire Sporter matches. He did very well and garnered a bronze medal in the 1903(& A3) Springfield Rifle Match and placed 31st out of 164 competitors in the 3 Rifle Garand, Springfield, Vintage Bolt Rifle aggregate score. While at this event, Jeff attended an Advanced Reloading Clinic given by Chief Ballistician Dave Emory of Hornady. Lyle took 4th in the Garand match - missing 3rd place by “X” and came in 2nd in the Tactical Rimfire Rifle match missing 1st by 1 point to the gentleman from England! Lyle’s “take” for the CMP matches - 2 Golds, 2 Silver 1 Bronze medal and won the M1 Carbine Match. He hopes to do better next year as he slipped a little with the Vintage Bolt and Springfield Rifles coming in 7th overall for the 3 Rifle - Garand, Springfield, Vintage Bolt Rifle aggregate score. In November Jeff and Lyle went to the 29 Palms NRA/USMC Long Range and National Match/Excellence In Competition Regional Matches. Lyle competed with his M1A and finished in the middle of the pack. This match was 2 days, 100 rounds, all prone, sling supported which was a challenge with a 308 cal. and open sights. Jeff and Lyle competed in the NRA 80 round Regional Match. This match is shot in the standing, sitting and prone positions in slow and rapid fire stages at 200, 300 & 600 yards. Lyle brought home 1st place Expert Class medal for the match and Jeff did very well for his first time. Jeff was the winner of the Veteran’s Day M1 for Vets competition. Being a vet himself makes this win even more special. Congratulations to Lyle and Jeff!

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT – Gary Menser

This is my last message as your president and I’d like to thank all of you who continually support the club and keep us all shooting in a safe friendly environment. The common theme I hear from guests at our events and probationary members is how friendly and helpful the members are toward them, and it is true. The best part of being a board member is working with all the members who are heavily committed to the membership and keeping the club moving in a positive direction.

I’ve made many life-long memories over the past year. I’ll never forget the feeling of relief I had when Jay Graham and Miki Marhoefer volunteered to become our treasurer and secretary. The September membership meeting created many challenges and learning opportunities and the June membership meeting made me proud when Mike Davis asked the membership,” how many of you have actually read the Policies and Procedures?”, and approximately forty people raised their hands. The crowded conditions at our meetings had been a topic of discussion for a long time and thanks to Jim Cottingham our new meeting location has plenty of room and we have seen over a hundred members in attendance for meetings and a hundred -thirty attended the CCW information workshop sponsored by the club. This month we added a fourth bay at the outdoor pistol range and the big Tonka Toys looked like fun to drive. One of my favorite activities is RSOing and coaching at the Women on Target and Women’s Program events. I’ll never forget the day Woody and I both posted better than expected doubles scores during an ATA match. Thank you all for the friendship and the life-long memories, keep ‘em coming. I look forward to working with you all to continue the positive efforts of the club. Please vote in the upcoming election and pay your dues on time to avoid the late penalties that will be enforced this renewal process.

Apple Valley Gun Club P.O. Box 786 Victorville, CA 92393

A BRIEF HISTORY LESSON This year marks 65 years of the Apple Valley Gun Club. So much has happened over those 65 years and it is important to know the history of your club and to keep the generations coming. The club was formed in January 1948 and was originally called the Desert Fish and Game Association Rifle and Revolver Club. In 1968 the name was changed to the Apple Valley Gun Club. The earliest printed bylaws indicate the initiation fee was $100 and annual membership was $16 per year which included the $4 NRA membership. Only men were allowed to be members at that time. In 1968 initiation fees remained at $100 but annual dues jumped to $18.50 to include the $6.50 NRA membership. The Clubhouse once sat where the center median of the I-15 freeway is now and a small lake existed on the property. The brick building on the way up the driveway was the trap house and shooters stood in the picnic/primitive weapons area. In late 1983 or early 1984, Jerri, the first woman member was accepted with great controversy.

Some stories from years past include late night poker parties, moving buildings in the middle of the night to outwit the law, practical jokes, legal battles, lack of money in the treasury, selling bonds to members to get out of a bind, and the constant fight to preserve the club. Land barons such as Newton T. Bass bought up the areas around the club hoping to acquire it. There were easement battles and fights with the city of Victorville and eventually the property was annexed to Victorville. Nobody knows what really went on there and what promises or exchanges were made but 65 years later we are still here.

We may not be perfect for a bunch of club members and volunteers but we fight for what we believe in and do our best to spread our message and knowledge to our community. We support our kids and women’s programs following the NRA model and keep our club safe and family friendly. Keep up the great work and we will be here another 65 years.