Our monthly meeting was held on Monday, May 2, 2011. President Philip A. Madonia III welcomed all, opening the meeting at 7:30 PM with a moment of silence for deceased members and our fallen warriors followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

Our guest speaker, Worcester County Sheriff Lewis G. Evangelidis was introduced by Pres. Madonia. The Sheriff talked about changes he has made to depoliticize the Office by eliminating the practice of soliciting campaign donations from employees of the Sheriff’s Department as well as enforcing rules for merit promotions. He explained the community service program which uses inmates, who are considered good risks, and are not incarcerated for violent crimes, to participate in projects such as cleaning public parks and roadsides along with some public building maintenance and repair, all at no cost to the community. The Sheriff held a question and answer after his presentation. A round of applause was given and Pres. Madonia thanked him on behalf of the club members.

Prior to the business meeting, the Sheriff swore in the Secretary as a Worcester County Reserve Deputy Sheriff. Members interested in joining the Reserve Deputy Sheriff’s Association can contact the Secretary. This association donates and raises money for civic programs and projects.

MEETING MINUTES
President Madonia asked for a motion to approve the minutes of the April 4, 2011 meeting as published. The motion was seconded and passed.

NEW MEMBERS
The following are welcomed and we hope you will participate in our activities and workdays:
Hunter Sallila, Gerald Babineau, Edmund Podrazik and Shawn M. Boudreau..

TREASURER'S REPORT
James J. Belliveau reported that all bills received were paid.

The “300” Drawing was conducted on Sunday, May 1 2011.

Winners of $50.00 prizes – Jerry Nichols, Brian Laurence, James Page,Charlmaine Eastwood,
Linda Teittinen, Ken Rehler.
Winner of $100.00 – Bruce Teittinen
Winner of $1000.00 – George F. LeBlanc
Door prizes $25.00 – Tommy Shook, Leo Ross, Jerry Nichols, Jim Belliveau

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

House and Grounds
Jerry Nichols thanked Dan March for his support and conducting the workdays.

Fish and Game
Leo Ross reported on the May 1^st, 2011 Adult Member’s Derby. We stocked $1,500.00 worth of Rainbow and Brook Trout from Great Brook Trout Farm on April 29, 2011. This equaled to 216.25 lbs. of fish at $7.00 per pound. On May 1^st, 36 members registered at $10.00 each, equaling $380.00. Approximately 45 fish were caught. It was an excellent day for the derby. The weather was great even though we have had days where a lot more fish were caught, the quality of the fish caught were outstanding. The prizes were $110.00 for first place; $50.00 for second place; and $20.00 for third place.
The Winners:
First place: Matt Sallila with 18 1/8” Rainbow
Second place: Ken Rehler with a 17 ¾” Rainbow
Third place: Dennis Straitiff with a 17” Rainbow

Stocking for the Kid’s Derby will be Friday, May 13, 2011 at 5:30 PM. The Kid’s Derby will be held on Sunday May 15^th. This event is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC and will start at 8:00 AM and end at Noon. Please note that we will have CHICKEN BBQ with fixings, a Donation of $8.00 is suggested. There will also be hotdogs and hamburgers available.

Trap
Esther Erickson reported that the committee will try to open the Trap field next Tuesday. The Conex will be emptied and moved.

The Youth Turkey Hunt was conducted on April 23^rd with 8 hunters participating. Only three bagged birds, everyone enjoyed the experience. Thanks to the Mentors: Mike Rhodes, Jim Joseph, Ken Brown, Woody Wilson,Jared O’Hare, and to the fathers who mentored their own children. Names to be published in the next news and minutes.

The Beginner’s Trap Shoots are scheduled for June 18, July 16, and Aug 21 with Sept 17 the rain date. All are conducted from 9:00 AM to Noon. Please contact Esther at 978-827-3340 to register. The last day of trap shooting will be September 27 and the Club Championship shoot will be held on October 2 from 9:00 AM to Noon.

Range
Pres. Madonia gave some updates, construction will continue and vandalism repaired. Members are cautioned that the Rifle Range is CLOSED and no one is allowed to use it. He asked all members to be vigilant and if someone is using the Rifle Range to notify the Ashburnham Police Department and give a description of the trespasser and vehicle with plate number if possible. Do not attempt to confront anyone, leave the matter to the Police. Please note that members trespassing will be reported.

Kitchen
Ken Rehler reported that he is ordering 105 chickens for the BBQ, he will also have hotdogs, sausages and hamburgers for the Kids.

RAFFLES
Member #241, Charles Hayes was not present. The next drawing for the June members meeting will be $205.00. The 50/50 drawing was won by Bill Pillsbury.

Our next meeting will feature Massachusetts Environmental Protection Officer Anthony Wolski. Members of the public and members considering a career in Law Enforcement are encouraged to attend. Our next meeting will be held on Monday, June 6, 2011 at 7:30 PM. Hope to see you all there. Chowder will be served.