In Fond Memory.....

Emmit Francis, Ranger Jennifer Stowe & Gerry Lemire

Last night at our Worcester County League meeting at the North Worcester Fox and Coon Club, we were given a demonstration by Ranger Jennifer Stowe of the ability's of a trained search and rescue dog that was sponsored by the Worcester County League Of Sportsmen.

It was quite coincidental how this came about. Sandra Smith gave a fundraising event to raise money in honor of her Godfather, Francis Walleston who was a member of Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club. She gave the check to Gerry to bring to his favorite organization (WCL) in his honor. That same night at our meeting we received a letter of a dire need of funds for a search and rescue dog.The check happened to be the exact amount they had requested. A motion was made and passed that the check would be used to sponsor a search and rescue dog. The dog was named in Fran's honor. It was a sheer pleasure meeting him.

Last weekend, Fran was also honored by a donation that was made to sponsor a target sign in his name for the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Ranger Jennifer Stowe will be coming to Nipmuc to give a demonstration at our Members Meeting.............please stay posted.

Baystate St. Jude's Archery Shoot

Our total collected for St. Jude was $12, 742.00. Nipmuc Rod and Gun club would like to extend a special thank you to all of you who sponsored targets and pledges for St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

The day of our event was extremely hot. Nipmuc would like to thank all those brave shooters who came regardless of the weather. We sincerely appreciate your coming to our special event ! We hope you enjoyed shooting the course. We look forward having you back again!

Inside the clubhouse we had Ed Lucier who served a hearty breakfast, and lunch, thanks Ed! Dan Sullivan took care of the registration and made our guests feel right at home, thanks Danny! Thank's to all those members who baked a goody, we had a successful Bake Sale coordinated by Mary Tiedemann, thank's Mary! Raffle tickets were sold by Louis Calabrese, thank's Louis! Speaking of raffles, we would like to thank Reedy's and All Things Hunting, and all of those who donated a raffle item to raise funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Since Gerry Lemire collected so many pledges, he spent the day on the course along with his brother Al. Al supported his brother by attaining target sponsorships and pledges. Thank's, Gerry and AL!

We had a special guest who traveled quite a distance to be at our charity event. We would like to thank Jim Jacobs from the Miami Dolphins, who came with his brother to sign t-shirts.

We would like to thank Dan Sullivan, Kyle Sullivan, Gerry Lemire, Bruce Tiedemann, and all those who helped with creating the course at their work parties. Thank's to all of you who took out and brought in the targets.

Regardless of the heat.........it turned out to be a great day!

Worcester County League Banquet

Last night, the Worcester County League of Sportsmen had their annual banquet. It was located at the Spencer Country Inn. The place is beautifully landscaped......and just about everything is in bloom. The warm air outside was delightfully scented with the sweet smell of flowers. The inside of the place is just as elegant as the outside. The food was fantastic. I think it was the best one inch thick prime rib I have ever had.

After a great meal we were entertained by our guest speaker, Ernie Foster. He gave us some good news...... more money has been budgeted for up coming year for the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, and it looks positive that it is going to be approved. He also talked about the possibility about the bear season being extended . He gave a heart felt speech about his love and dedication towards hunting and thanked his wife for her life long support. He ended his speech with a special surprise, he gave each woman at the banquet a dozen long stem roses. Needless to say.........I enjoyed the pleasant surprise!

Then there was the presentation of awards. They were presented with pride! The awards went out to..........Legistlator Award-Anne Gobi. Just want to make a short note here, Anne is working to get a moose hunting season for the sportsmen's. Sportsman's Award-Steve Howell, Words of Wisdom Award-John O'leary, Youth Mentor Award-Terry Bass and Jaye Fitzgerald and Farmer/Land Owner Award-Jim Talby.

Noel Hare, was this years Worcester County League Of Sportsmen's Clubs, Sportsmen's Hall of Fame recipient which was received by Mel Crouse who was Mel's best friend, needless to say, the award was recieved with honor.

If you missed this year's spendid evening, please plan on attending next year.............it is an event I am sure you will enjoy.

10 days........Till Showtime!

We have reached $8,191.00 for St Jude Children's Research Hospital with only 10 days left to go! We are less than half way at meeting our goal. I have faith in all you sportsmen and woman that come to visit us at our web site. We welcome you to come and join us at our event. I also have faith that our members will continue to make an earnest effort to reach our goal!

If you have target sign sponsorships please send them to Danny so that target signs can be made and ready for the day of the shoot. All other pledges and donations can be submitted up until the day of our event on June 12.

Thank you for all of your continued efforts! I am sure knowing you can help change the life of a child will make all your efforts worth while!

Good Luck Nipmuc!