Hello Shooters:

There are only three months to go before we gather at Raton, NM, for the annual Schuetzenfest. Your Board of Directors has been busy behind the scenes getting everything ready. There are a few details I would like to review with you.

Our Recording Secretary, Frank Zika, has had to resign his position as he is still fighting to return to good health and needs to reserve his energy for the fight. I know
that you all join me in wishing Frank a successful fight and return to good health. We are thankful to Frank for his good work these past years. In addition to taking minutes at all meetings Frank has also been responsible for organizing the two meals we enjoy as a group while at Raton. Frank has also made sure that at the end of a days shooting there are coolers full of cold refreshing beverages for us to enjoy. Thank you, Frank.

Speaking of food, the Whittington Center will again this year have the food cart parked at the range and will be selling breakfast and lunch.

Fred Nace, the Schuetzenmeister, has been working with Lewis Thone who is a part time employee of the Whittington Center. The ISSA has hired Lewis to act as full time range office during the Schuetzenfest. You will notice a $10.00 charge in your registration fees to help defray part of this expense. The ISSA will pick up the cost of anything over the $10.00 shooter fee.

Fred will still need the help of shooters to act as range officers during the matches. If you have a day when you are not shooting and are willing to act as range officer
please contact Fred. His e-mail address is cathynace@earthlink.net.

This year your shooters packet will include a copy of the range rules. You are asked to read the rules and to comply with them. Safety is the most important factor in any match.

Iwant to remind the lady shooters that Lonnie Bathke has generously offered a prize for the top lady shooter who participates in all four of the center fire matches. Last years
winner was Megan Flanagan. OK all you ladies, you have three months to sharpen your shooting skills.

As you know the annual election of officers and/or directors will be held again this year. Those persons whose three year terms expire are Gary Miller (President); Sue Miller (Treasurer); and Randy Wright (Vice President). We will also need to elect another person to complete Frank Zika's term as Recording Secretary.

I want to take this time to announce that I am not running for re-election this year. I have enjoyed being on the Board for these past six years but feel that it is time for me to step down.

I look forward to greeting each of you at Raton this year and to all of us enjoying a safe and fun shoot.

Gary Miller