BLACK EAGLE BOWMEN -- WINTER 2010 NEWSLETTER

2010 was a good year for us here at Black Eagle and we are hoping for a repeat in 2011. Membership, at 214, is the best in recent years. The range and clubhouse are in good condition, and attendance has been increasing at our 3D shoots with over 480 shooters participating during the 2010 season. Attendance at our other events, including indoor tournaments, field tournaments, meetings and work parties is still below expectations. We will be trying several new projects to make some other activities more appealing. We want to maximize your membership’s value. There is some news to report at this printing, but we are devoting much of this newsletter to inform you of some issues we have been facing lately, and to generating new ideas. There is some older information being included for the benefit of our newer members. This newsletter will be posted on the website.

MEMBERSHIP
We enrolled 214 members in 2010, with over 40 family memberships. Your 2011 Membership Application is enclosed. It is also available on the website. Feel free to print extras to share with friends, archery shops, work-place. Membership runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, just like your fishing license. General Membership meetings for 2011 are April 6 and September 7, at 7pm at the clubhouse. Let us know how we can improve your experience. Are there events you would like to include? You may bring guests for a one-time visit each. They just pay for targets used and the $1.00 fee.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Elections were held at the September meeting. All board members have retained their positions: Mark Deitrich as President, Dave Murray as Vice President, Jack Thorpe as Secretary, Steve Shaffer as Treasurer and Board Members Kevin Novosel, Eric Wagner, Don Confer, Robert Fenton, and Jim Bechdel. The next nominations will be conducted at the April General Membership meeting. Board meetings are held at the club at 7:00 pm on the first Wednesday of the months of January thru September, and after deer season in December. Contact info for directors is on the website and posted in the clubhouse by the main door.

IMPROVEMENTS
This year we were able to upgrade the water system, restrooms, indoor and outdoor target butts, indoor and outdoor lighting, signs, parking lot, pavilion, and re-seal the roof. We have new floor mats and have a contract to wax and buff the floor. The kitchen is again operational. We have our own trailer for transporting the targets. Most of our projects are being done by volunteers, the only ‘payment’ is a free 3D round. Come and join in. Work parties are on Saturday afternoon before each of the scheduled shoots. Additional work parties, when called, are posted on our website. If you have special skills or tools to share, please let Dave Murray know.

PROJECTS
Black Eagle Bowmen continues to do as much as possible for the 4H, YHEC, and other youth who are interested in archery. 4H will meet three times this winter at the clubhouse. These great kids are the future of our club.

WEBSITE
Our website, www.blackeaglebowmen.com, is a great source for current information about us and about archery in general. You will also find contact information for board members and other organizations. Check it for news, changes, updates etc.

TREASURY
Costs of propane, gasoline, targets (which are petroleum based), taxes, printing, postage, tools, supplies etc. are rising. You will note a nominal increase in some fees for this year. This is our first increase in 12 years, and it is necessary in order to maintain a healthy balance in the treasury to ensure smooth running and provide a quality experience for all. You can be assured that this was done only after careful consideration and talking with as many members and visitors as we could. An entire year here still costs less than one day of golf.

INDOOR
Indoor shooting is available to all members. All indoor shooters sign in and pay fifty cents for each target used. Deposit $1.00 per visit in the jar to help cover utilities, unless you purchased a season pass that covers the $1.00 visit fee. If shooting a league score, deposit league fee ($3.00) and scorecards in the ‘slot’. Indoor league will run from January to March. Scores will be posted continuously throughout the schedule. Shoot and pay for six league scores and receive your choice of a free hat or T-shirt. Pick up your hat/shirt at any 3D Shoot or Monthly meeting after end of the league.

NC3D ASSOCIATION
The North Central 3D Association (Black Eagle, Clarence, Three Point) schedule has been established. Schedule cards will be available at the clubhouse and other locations, and will be posted on the website. The NC3D shoots will be held late spring through early fall and are open to the public. A new Mathews Monster was presented to Jerry Bechdel whose scorecard was drawn from among all cards turned in during the entire season. There will be another new bow given away this year.

BLACK EAGLE 3D LEAGUE
The BEB 3D League, for members only, will be held late summer, into the fall. Payment and scorecards should be placed in the ‘slot’. Shoot six or more scores and get your choice of a hat or shirt that you can pick up at any scheduled event or meeting. Scores will be posted. Additional information will be in your Summer 2011 Newsletter.

FIELD SHOOTING
Field rounds are the most demanding and rewarding forms of outdoor shooting. You have seen the field targets on the big round butts on the range with shots from 12 to 80 yards. We are again participating in the NEPAC Conference and have a field shoot scheduled here in June, 2011. We are offering an orientation to field shooting on Sundays in May. Check the clubhouse bulletin board for information. Please consider participating. There is no better way to improve your archery skills.

BROADHEADS
“Yellow Jacket” broadhead targets are set up at the practice range in September, for members only, and remain there during hunting seasons. Any other use of any style broadhead (practice or hunting) on our grounds, indoors or out, will result in immediate expulsion from our club. Please help enforce this. We have encountered sharp blades when working on the butts both indoors and out. All broadhead styles (both practice and hunting) destroy targets costing you money and endangering volunteer workers. We actually had a report of a 3D shooter using broadheads during the August 30 shoot this past summer!

KEYCARDS & “STICKERS”
The ‘sticker’ is to be displayed while using the facility. It has been resized to fit in a fishing license holder so it can be moved to your hat, belt, quiver etc. The 2011 Keycard and stickers are blue and will be required after January 31. Your 2010 keycards will work until then. The new stickers will have a place to display your optional season pass.

CHANGES FOR 2011
The phone has been disconnected, emergency numbers are still posted for cell phone use. Winter indoor ‘600’ shoots have been discontinued due to low interest. Please feel it part of your membership benefit to come up with ideas for us to improve your experience and your value here. Those who have visited other clubs agree that we have one of the best, but it can be made even better with your help.

BEYOND BLACK EAGLE
There were many opportunities for archery fun in Pennsylvania and elsewhere this year. If you know of someone who deserves recognition, let us know, and we will include it in the next newsletter. You can also post on the bulletin board. Consider PSAA, NC3D, NEPAC, ASA, USArchery and IBO (which will have several World Championships here in PA).

RIFLE LEAGUE
For our newer members, please be aware that the local rifle league uses our building and has shoots scheduled throughout the winter. Check the schedule that is posted above the bow-press and on our website. Please adjust your shooting accordingly.

ISSUES
Some of the issues we, your Board of Directors, have had to resolve lately include: Managing costs and fees, Attracting volunteer help, Choosing clubs to partner with for leagues, scheduling shoots for optimum attendance, Managing and improving the range, Deciding which 3D targets to purchase and set out, Insurance, Purchasing new equipment such as the bow-press, Joining groups such as PSAA, NRA, NC3D, NEPAC, Broadhead use on the range, even during a 3D Shoot, Non-payment of fees by those who choose to shoot for free, both members and nonmembers, Damage to the parking lot by someone spinning out and throwing stones against the building, Four-wheelers using the trails, Broken glass, Arrows being released into the air over targets by people who cannot draw their bow in a level manner.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Your 2011 Summer News will be sent out after the July meeting. Make sure we have your current address. Have a great winter and spring!

BLACK EAGLE BOWMEN -- WINTER 2009 NEWSLETTER

2009 was a very good year for us here at Black Eagle and we are hoping for a repeat in 2010. Membership was one of the best in recent years. Attendance at the outdoor 3Ds was very good. Our facility has been improved in many ways. The treasury is very healthy, allowing us to perform some desired improvements and avoid any price increases for the coming year.

MEMBERSHIP
We enrolled more than 200 members in 2009, countingour 40 family memberships. Your 2010 Membership Application is enclosed. It isalso available on the website. Feel free to print extras and share with friends, archery shops, yourworkplace. Membership runs from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, just like your fishing license. You can save $5.00 by enrolling before March 31, also ensuring uninterrupted privileges. Please notify us of any address changes.General Membership meetings for 2010 are April 7 and September 1, at 7pm at the clubhouse.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Elections were held at the December meeting. Re-elected for 2010/2011 wereMark Deitrich as President, Steve Shaffer as Treasurer and Board MembersKevin Novosel and Eric Wagner. Completing their second year of a two-year term will be Vice President Dave Murray, Secretary Jack Thorpe, Board Members Don Confer, Robert Fenton, and Jim Bechdel. The next nominations will be conducted at the April General Membership meeting. Contact information for the board members is on the website.Board meetings are held at the club at 7:00 pm on the first Wednesday of January, February, March, May, June, July, August and after deer season in December.

IMPROVEMENTS
This year we were able to upgrade the water system, restrooms, indoor and outdoor target butts, indoorand outdoor lighting, signs, parking lot, pavilion, and re-seal the roof. We have new floor mats and have a contract to wax and buff the floor. The kitchen is again operational. We have our own trailer for transporting the targets. Most of our projectsare being done by volunteers, the only ‘payment’ is a free 3D round. Come and join in. Work parties are on Saturday afternoon before each of the scheduled shoots. Additional work parties, when called, are posted on our website. If you have special skills or tools to share, please let Dave Murray know.

PROJECTS
Black Eagle Bowmen continues to do as much as possible for the 4H, YHEC, and other youth who are interested in archery. 4H will meet three times this winter at the clubhouse. These great kids are the future of our club. After all of the work put into theproposal for the‘Pennsylvania State 3D Tournament’with Clarence Archery, we never even received a response from PSAA. We discovered there was no State 3D Shoot by reading a newsletter from NEPAC.

WEBSITE
Our website, www.blackeaglebowmen.com, is a great source for current information about us and about archery in general. You will also find contact information for board members and other organizations.

TREASURY
Costs of propane, gasoline, targets (which are petroleum based products), and electricity have risen significantly this year. Our increased membership, and attendance at events, have helped to defray these costs. We are not anticipating any increase in fees unless absolutely necessary. Treasury balances have remained fairly constant even considering all of our projects.

INDOOR
Indoor shooting is available to all members. All indoor shooters sign in and pay fifty cents for each target used. Deposit $1.00 per visit in the jar to help cover utilities, unless you purchased a season pass which covers the $1.00 visit fee. If shooting a league score, deposit league fee ($3.00) and scorecards in the ‘slot’. Indoor league will run from January to March. Scores will be posted continuously throughout the schedule.Shoot and pay for six league scores and receive your choice of a free hat or T-shirt. Pick up your hat/shirt at any 3D Shoot or Monthly meeting after end of the league.

NC3D ASSOCIATION
The North Central 3D Association (Black Eagle, Clarence, Three Point) schedule has beenestablished. Schedule cards will be available at the clubhouse and on the website. The NC3D shoots will be held late spring into summer, early fall and are open to the public.This year, a new bow will be given to a lucky shooter drawn from among those attending the most shoots.

BLACK EAGLE 3D LEAGUE
The BEB 3D League,for members only, will be held late summer, into the fall. Payment and scorecards should be placed in the ‘slot’. You get choice of a hat or shirt for shooting six or more scores. Scores will be posted. Additional information will be in your Summer 2010 Newsletter.

FIELD SHOOTING
Field/hunter/animal targets will stay up on the practice butts and on the outdoor range throughout the winter. You may occasionally find one of us there late Wednesday or Sunday afternoons. Daylight is scarce, so shooting time is limited. We are again participating in the NEPAC Conference and have a field shoot scheduled here on June 20, 2010.

BROADHEADS
“Yellow Jacket”broadheadtargets areset up at the practice range in September, for members only,and remain there during hunting seasons. Any other use of a broadhead on our grounds, indoors or out, will result in immediate expulsion from our club. Please help enforce this. We have encountered sharp blades when working on the butts both indoors and out. They destroy targets costing you money and endangering volunteer workers.

CHANGES FOR 2010
The ‘sticker’ to be displayed while using the facility is resized to fit in a fishing license holder so it can be moved to your hat, belt, quiver etc. The 2010 Keycard and stickers are gray and will be required after January 31. The phone has been disconnected, emergency numbers are still posted for cell phone use. Winter indoor ‘600’ shoots havebeen discontinued due to low interest.

BEYOND BLACK EAGLE
There were many opportunities for archery fun in Pennsylvania and elsewhere this year. The YHEC Kids did well in New Mexico, placing 5th in the nation, with BEB members Bryce Bason being 1st in Wildlife ID, and 6th overall, and Courtney Rager 2nd in the nation in Hunter Safety. BEB member Les Bresslerwon the TexasState ASA Championship and placed in several other ASA shoots. Don Confer won the PFATA State title in Master Senior Men’s Freestyle and very nearly medaled at the NFAA. Jack Thorpe set a new all-time National Record winning the NFAA Senior Traditional National Championship. If you know of someone who deserves recognition in our news, let us know, and we will include it in the next newsletter. You can also post on the bulletin board.

RIFLE LEAGUE
For our newer members, please be aware that the local rifle league uses our building and has shoots scheduled throughout the winter. Check the schedule that is posted above the bow-press and adjust your shooting accordingly.

SUMMER NEWSLETTER
Your 2010 Summer News will be sent out after the July 7 meeting. Make sure we have your current address. Have a great winter and spring!

BLACK EAGLE BOWMEN INC - SUMMER 2009 NEWSLETTER

2009 is looking like another very good year for us here at Black Eagle. Membership is on
pace to be one of the best in recent years. Attendance at the first several outdoor 3Ds has been
excellent. Our facility continues to improve under the constant care of Dave Murray. The treasury is
in excellent shape, allowing us to purchase many new 3D targets and perform some desired
improvements. We were also able to avoid any price increases for this year. The only downside so
far has been very low usage of the indoor range over the winter, the low turnout for our indoor 600
rounds, and low turnout for the setup and work parties.

MEMBERSHIP
We are approaching 180 memberships as of this July. This includes more than 40 family memberships. Many new members have taken the place of those who did not renew.

ELECTIONS
Nomination of officers was held at the April 1st General Membership meeting. There was one candidate nominated for each of the open positions as follows:
President: Mark Deitrich.
Treasurer: Steve Shaffer.
Board Members: Kevin Novosel, Eric Wagner.
Elections will be held at the September meeting.

IMPROVEMENTS
Much has been done to upgrade the indoor and outdoor facilities. We have a new water pump and improvements to the water supply. We have a contract for keeping the floor looking great. The concrete floor for the pavilion is a great improvement and landscaping has been started around it. Many dead trees have been removed and the pathways are clear and safe. Over the past two years, we have added at least 15 new 3D targets and replaced many vitals.

WORK PARTIES
Participation has increased modestly at our latest work parties. The spring cleanup was
especially successful. Gary and Susan Seymour totally cleaned the kitchen and
restrooms. Jeff and Kevin Novosel, along with Rick Stine and his Bobcat did the landscaping and parking lot work. Trees were cut, the backroom cleaned out and the pathways and target lanes cleared. There is much yet to do and future work parties will be scheduled. Everything is done by volunteers under the direction of Dave Murray, who actually does a very large portion of the work himself. The only ‘payment’ is a free 3D round. Come and join in.

PROJECTS/EVENTS
We have begun discussion with Clarence Archery and the PSAA toward the goal of hosting the 2010 PSAA State 3D Tournament in conjunction with an Open PA Championship to be held in 2010 at Black Eagle. If we receive the nod, we will need many volunteers to ensure success.

3D
We participate with several other local clubs in the North Central 3D Association and the
shoots rotate among the clubs. This year we scheduled 3D at Black Eagle on 4/5, 5/3, 6/14, 7/12, 8/2, & 9/13/2009. Schedule cards for the entire NC3D are available at the clubhouse and on the website. The 3D League will run from 8/2 to 9/12. Shoot and pay for six rounds and receive a hat or shirt.

FIELD SHOOTS
The only Field/Hunter round scheduled this year was on May 31 as part of the NEPAC
conference. Twelve shooters participated. We would like to see this part of archery
increased. The field/hunter targets have been kept up on the practice butts and on the outdoor range. We have just begun shooting a very informal field/hunter league on Wed evenings.

WEBSITE
Under the care of Dave Seasholtz who volunteers his efforts, our website has current information, links, and features that could be of value to you. The more it is utilized, the better it will become. Visit us at
<http://www.blackeaglebowmen.com>

MEETINGS
All meetings are at the club at 7:00 pm. General Membership meetings for 2009 are April 1st and September 2nd. Board meetings are on the first Wednesday of January, February, March, May, June, July, August and December.

COSTS
We have done everything that we can do to keep our costs low. This, along with increasing memberships, has allowed us to maintain, even increase opportunities without raising any fees or prices. Considering the increases in target prices and propane, the added income from memberships is very welcome.

YOUTH
We have several projects underway with the 4H and YHEC groups. The 4H held their January, February, and March meetings at Black Eagle, providing a great place for them to meet, learn, and shoot. Out of this endeavor we gained at least nine new family memberships, and have sold many hotdogs and sodas. Hopefully, our future is more secure with the addition of these great kids.

BEYOND BLACK EAGLE
2009 has also been a good year for all Pennsylvania archers. Mechanicsburg Archers hosts the NFAA Outdoor Nationals in late July. The Pennsylvania Games and Senior Olympics are at York. Strictly Sticks Traditional was in June, Denton Hill hosts the Eastern Traditional and the Bowhunters
Rendezvous. The Bowhunters Festival is in Forksville. The PSAA hosts the five Pennsylvania State Championship tournaments. Young archers from Golden Grain in Shawnee continue to be among the
national and world champions in the JOAD program. NEPAC and NC3D schedules are posted on the club bulletin board.

ARCHERY, A BARGAIN
This looks like a good year to stay close to home and enjoy the club, a good year to improve your skills, or try something new in archery. Where else can you spend so many hours and so few dollars having so much fun? Show a friend or another family member how much fun you can have right here near home.

YOUR 2009 BLACK EAGLE BOARD
President: Mark Deitrich
Vice President/Range Capt: Dave Murray
Secretary: Jack Thorpe
Treasurer: Steve Shaffer
Additional Board Members:
Kevin Novosel, Eric Wagner, Bob Fenton,
Jim Bechdel, Don Confer.

Winter Newsletter and 2010 Membership Applications will arrive in December.

Please notify us of address changes.

BLACK EAGLE BOWMEN -- WINTER 2008 NEWSLETTER

This is a very special year for Black Eagle Bowmen, Inc. It marks the 50th year since the first shoot was held on the premises. A heartfelt thank you goes out to those pioneers in archery for their foresight in purchasing 47 acres in 1958 and constructing an archery range. Tom Lucas supplied us with his secretarial notes and photos of the early days of archery when long bows and recurves were the latest thing. We even have a picture and newspaper article describing the very first shoot held here.

We are grateful for their gift and vow to preserve our range for future generations. This year in addition to the usual schedule of events we are planning a 50th. Year Anniversary 3D Shoot and some special clothing to commemorate Black Eagle Bowmen's 50 years in archery.

2008 OFFICERS
President   --  Mark Deitrich

Vice President  --  Dave Murray

Secretary  --  Don Confer

Treasurer  --  Steve Shaffer

Board Members  --  Jack Thorpe,  Jim Bechdel,  Kevin Novosel,  Eric Wagner,  Bob Fenton

WEBSITE  

Thanks goes to Dave Seasholtz for establishing and updating our website, www.blackeaglebowmen.com. Please check it out for news, schedules, applications, and more on BEB's 50th Year in Archery!

GETTING INVOLVED  

If you would like to hold an office in the club, it is necessary to purchase a Certificate of Membership. The cost is $50 and requires Board approval. Many of us have held office for many years and would welcome your involvement.

KEY CARDS  

Please use your current key card until you receive the new 2008 card. Remember the lock will be changed at the end of January and the yellow 2008 key card will then be required.

RESPONSIBILITY  

If you see anyone misusing the Club, please get their name or license number and call a Board Member. This behavior includes shooting broadheads indoors or shaking and bumping the candy machine, making a mess, etc. Our Club is a very open Club allowing access to members at all times. It can remain this way only as long as the membership obeys rules and acts responsibility. Offenders will have a hearing and face expulsion from the Club.

HELPING OUT  

Please feel free to tidy up the building such as sweeping floors, shoveling snow, etc. We all like to see and use a neat and clean building and appreciate all help. Anyone who helps set out the 3D course gets to shoot the 3D Shoot free of charge.

FIELD SHOOTING  

For those wanting a different challenge, check out our field course and our Field Shoot on June 1.  State and National events are also available. Our field course is set up for practice shooting all summer.

INDOOR LEAGUE  

The indoor league starts Sunday, January 13, and will be run similar to last year. A signup sheet and rules will be posted at the Club.

NORTH CENTRAL PENNSYLVANIA ARCHERY CONFERENCE  (NCPAC)  

The Indoor NCPAC Conference Shoots are February 2 and March 1. Shoot times are 2 and 6 pm. These are the only indoor shoots scheduled at BEB. Points are awarded to clubs based on attendance as well as medals won in competition. Regardless of your score, your presence helps the Club's point total. Help Black Eagle improve on last year's finish. Schedules and directions to the clubs are available on the counter in the Clubhouse for interested shooters.

IMPROVEMENTS  

You will notice a new concrete floor in the Pavilion and a new foam layered indoor butt. A big thank you goes to all who helped with these projects.