Everybody is OK but I have some very disappointing news:
As some of you may be aware we began to have some problems with our BOD in recent months. By the time I, and a couple of others got involved, we quickly realized the situation was seriously and quickly deteriorating. Basically we have a couple of BOD members that had been appointed to positions in which they had little knowledge or qualification - and as hard as it might be to believe - these guys are far more interested in drinking liquor and beer in the club house then shooting on the range. They decided that they would restrict us from shooting at side berms - much as Manville did a few years ago. We had no intention of going down that road. Unfortunately, they got a few others on the BOD to go along with them. Dave Bold had little sway because as vice-president, he has no vote on the BOD. The worst thing I witnessed through the entire process was the president of the club stabbing Dave in the back after sitting next to him for years on the BOD. It was disgusting. I lost all respect for him. After attending many meetings, arguing, and making our case to the membership, I decided that I would run for president and Fred Viveiros and Bob Frade would run for BOD. Unfortunately it became obvious to me that is didn't matter how good our presentation, facts, or case was - these guys wanted us out. The club 'safety' 'chairman' arrogantly stated tonight that he had the final say on all things safety (qualifications: NRA range safety course) and 'range development' 'chairman' (Qualifications unknown) stated he would be doing no work on the pistol bays this year (which he claimed would be required to shoot at the side berms). Of course they based their actions on liability - although they are not at all concerned about the liability the club could incur if one of the BOD members or officers gets busted for drunk driving after leaving the club. They also didn't much care that I pointed out that drinking while possessing firearms is illegal in MA (yes-some of these guys carry handguns, and drink, in the clubhouse - I kid you not).
The election took place tonight and unfortunately we got beat. At this point it is safe to say that sanctioned USPSA matches at New Bedford are done. I doubt any matches will take place for the foreseeable future. It's hard to believe that all the work we accomplished over the years was so completely unappreciated. Luckily for me, my efforts were more for my fellow competitors, friends, and my love of action shooting and USPSA then for the club so I'm not heartbroken. I'll spend more time on the road this season but it's sad and very disappointing just the same.
I want to thank all the guys at New Bedford that supported my bid for the presidency. You guys are the best and you know that I'd do it all again for you guys. To the rest of you - thank you all so very much for all your help and great times we had since 2007 - when the new ranges were constructed.
I'll see you all on the range this season.
As some of you may be aware we began to have some problems with our BOD in recent months. By the time I, and a couple of others got involved, we quickly realized the situation was seriously and quickly deteriorating. Basically we have a couple of BOD members that had been appointed to positions in which they had little knowledge or qualification - and as hard as it might be to believe - these guys are far more interested in drinking liquor and beer in the club house then shooting on the range. They decided that they would restrict us from shooting at side berms - much as Manville did a few years ago. We had no intention of going down that road. Unfortunately, they got a few others on the BOD to go along with them. Dave Bold had little sway because as vice-president, he has no vote on the BOD. The worst thing I witnessed through the entire process was the president of the club stabbing Dave in the back after sitting next to him for years on the BOD. It was disgusting. I lost all respect for him. After attending many meetings, arguing, and making our case to the membership, I decided that I would run for president and Fred Viveiros and Bob Frade would run for BOD. Unfortunately it became obvious to me that is didn't matter how good our presentation, facts, or case was - these guys wanted us out. The club 'safety' 'chairman' arrogantly stated tonight that he had the final say on all things safety (qualifications: NRA range safety course) and 'range development' 'chairman' (Qualifications unknown) stated he would be doing no work on the pistol bays this year (which he claimed would be required to shoot at the side berms). Of course they based their actions on liability - although they are not at all concerned about the liability the club could incur if one of the BOD members or officers gets busted for drunk driving after leaving the club. They also didn't much care that I pointed out that drinking while possessing firearms is illegal in MA (yes-some of these guys carry handguns, and drink, in the clubhouse - I kid you not).
The election took place tonight and unfortunately we got beat. At this point it is safe to say that sanctioned USPSA matches at New Bedford are done. I doubt any matches will take place for the foreseeable future. It's hard to believe that all the work we accomplished over the years was so completely unappreciated. Luckily for me, my efforts were more for my fellow competitors, friends, and my love of action shooting and USPSA then for the club so I'm not heartbroken. I'll spend more time on the road this season but it's sad and very disappointing just the same.
I want to thank all the guys at New Bedford that supported my bid for the presidency. You guys are the best and you know that I'd do it all again for you guys. To the rest of you - thank you all so very much for all your help and great times we had since 2007 - when the new ranges were constructed.
I'll see you all on the range this season.
