SHFC wishes all their members and guests over the last year a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  We are looking forward to seeing you join our activities in the new year.  Let me take a moment to remind you of all the organized activities we have a SHFC:

• Trap
• 5 Stand
• Archery
• Action Pistol Practice
• Kids Fun Club
• Hunter Safety Training

Thanks to all the members that volunteered and made these activities happen!  It takes volunteers to run the club and that is the only reason our club exists.  If you enjoyed our club over the last year, please give back and plan on volunteering for an activity in 2015.  If you would like to know how, please email info@spartahuntingandfishingclub.com and let us know what activities you are interested in.  Also, special thanks to all the full members and officers of the club.  Full members dedicate a minimum of 20 hours a year to club and their service is much appreciated!  Board members are required to supervise all sanctioned activities and put in a minimum of 44 hours a year by just completing the required board member activities, however most officers put in many more hours.  Please thank a full member or an officer next time you see one and tell them that their service is appreciated!

Again, thanks to everyone for a great year!

-SHFC

Troop Boxes: We will be packing troop boxes on Thursday Dec 4th, at 6:00 pm. Please come and help out. If you have an questions, please contact Karen Seites. The boxes will be mailed by Dec 10th. Thank you, Karen

Bonfire and Hayride: On Friday starting at 7 p.m. we will have a Bonfire and Hayrides for Kids. This event is open to the public, so members bring your neighbors and friends. Non-Members will have to sign releases for this event. We will have:

• Caramel Apples
• Hot Dogs
• S’mores
• …and more

Please bring your own folding chairs.  Thanks,  Rob

Annually, Sparta Hunting an Fishing Club offers an open day to hunters to sight in their rifles and shotguns free of charge.  This year it is on Saturday, November 8th.  Simply bring your firearm, ammo and gear and join us at the rifle range (follow the signs).

When:  Nov 8th, 2014  Starting at 10:00 a.m.

Where:  SHFC rifle Range

Who:  Open to Public.  Members and Non-Members

Cost:  FREE

Every year SHFC sends boxes to the troops.   In order for this to be successful we need your help.  First, we are collecting items listed below, or if you prefer to donate money, each box costs approximately $15 to ship.  Any donation is appreciated.  If you want to help, please contact Karen Seites at 616-678-4523 or email her at seites@att.net.

Donations need to be submitted by Nov. 30th.  Thanks!

Items needed (No pork or alcohol in items, please read ingredients):

• T-Shirts…black, dark green, brown
• Socks…white, black, brown, grey
• Gloves… jersey
• Disposable razors
• Gum, Hard candy (wrapped)
• Microwave popcorn
• Granola bars/protein bars
• Magazines, puzzle books, games
• Note book paper, envelops, stamps
• Beef jerky, Fruit roll ups
• Tooth brushes and toothpaste
• Dental floss/chap stick
• Pens and pencils
• Tissues, cotton swabs, cotton balls
• Paying cards/Phone cards
• Pudding cups
• Small fruit cups
• Tuna or chicken salad kits

I would like to announce the creation of a SHFC Kids/Youth Club.  Our goal is to encourage outdoor fun in our beautiful SHFC setting for kids of the ages 5-15.  If you are current associate member or full member and have kids or grand kids that would like to be involved in setting the activities for the new club, I would like to invite you to our first open meeting this coming Thursday (10/16) from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Agenda:

• Establish a interim committee
• Establish a name for the Kids/Youth Club
• Establish a mailing list
• Brainstorm activities/events

We are really looking for youth stewardship of this club, so bring your socially minded youngsters with you to the meeting.

Looking forward to seeing you there,

Rob Woodhouse

On September 20th the club lost a life member. Mr. Richard Loseth passed away at his home. He will be missed by his family here at the club. Dick was a very special person to a lot of us. Visitation is Friday September 26th from 2-4pm and 6-8pm at Throop Funeral Home in Ravenna. The funeral is Saturday Sept. 27th at 11 am at the funeral home.

Members,

Please make sure you review the by-laws that were issued to you when you received your membership packet.  If you are in violation of the bi-laws you are risking loss of membership.  If you see anyone violating safety rules, please report it to the club President or any board member.

Please watch the Range Safety video below:

Thank you.

Due to the abuse of some members, no clay pigeon shooting will be allowed other than Sundays (10am – 4pm) and Thursdays (2 – 8pm) or as scheduled by management. Effective immediately.

This decision has been reversed. If you do shoot pigeons outside of normal club hours it must be past the trap bunkers and in the same direction that the traps throw them. If you are in doubt, contact any board member to get clarification.

It is all of our responsibility to ensure safe gun handling at the club.  Membership cards need to be presented anytime one is asked.  If you see unsafe activity ask for their membership card and call (616) 606-0770.

Thank you for your cooperation.

The SHFC Board