Easter Egg Hunt

The Easter Egg Hunt will take place Sunday, March 28 at 1:00. Bring your family and enjoy an early afternoon of annual festivities. Please bring your own Easter baskets.

The Elusive Whitetail Hunter Education and Instructional Program

On Sunday February 28th, beginning at 7:30 AM, The Elusive Whitetail Hunter Education and Instructional Program with its experienced and knowledgeable instructors will join together with Sonja Christensen current Deer & Moose project leader for the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Originally from northern Minnesota, Sonja graduated with a biology degree from Minnesota State University. While completing her undergraduate degree, she worked for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biology research intern, focusing on the whitetail deer.

In 2006, Sonja began her Masters research through the Pennsylvania State University Wildlife and Fisheries Science program and the Pennsylvania Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit. She led a research project investigating habitat use, movement and survival rates of white-tailed deer at Assateague Island National Seashore, on Maryland's eastern shore. In April of 2008, while finishing her Master’s degree, Sonja accepted her present position with the Division where she is currently employed.

She has most graciously accepted our invitation along with a team of biologists to enhance our participants knowledge in the understanding of the Whitetail Deer.

Our second morning segment will be divided into three groups, the first will remain at the club house to get a hands on demonstration by Rick Gagnier on field dressing rabbit, Rick who has been hunting the great woods of Maine, has had the experience of harvesting a Bull Moose and the joy of hearing that lovely sound of a Beagle on the run. He will be spreading his vast knowledge while preparing those who may want to attend our afternoon segment of Field dressing a Deer.

The second group will have the pleasure of participating in the first of two Wildlife Tracking interactive demonstrations performed by Julie Towne from Cape Ann Trackers. A certified Cyber Tracker who as a young child has always been interested in animals and nature. It wasn't until 1996 when she attended Tom Browns Tracking School in New Jersey that she really became passionate about studying wildlife as a way of learning more about the ecology of the natural world. After actively studying animal tracking for five years and completing over 200 hours of instruction with White Pine Program she has recently become certified as a Level One Tracker by Cyber Tracker Conservation Website. Julie participated in an apprenticeship program in preparation for her evaluation, which consisted of more than 100 questions on animal tracks and sign over the course of two days. Though she has more familiarity with tracking during the winter months, Towne not only passed Level One evaluation, but she also scored just a few points away from earning a Level Two certification. The second tracking segment will be after lunch.

The third group will be instructed by Gerry Lemire and his brother Albert who are both certified IHEA instructors and have over 50 years of combined experience in the art of Tree-Stand Placement and Safety. They will demonstrate the proper use of the Ladder, Fixed, and Climbing Tree-Stands.

There will be a short break for lunch which participants may bring or purchase from the kitchen of Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club. After lunch participants will begin the first segment of the afternoon with either Miss Towne with interactive tracking or join Gerry, Rick & Albert for a hands on Tree-Stand interaction with the aid of Hunters Safety Systems Vest & Lone Wolf Tree-Stands.

Our second afternoon segment will consist of proper shot placement and Game Recovery with a hands on Field Dressing demonstration, which will conclude the program for the day. Anyone wishing to participate in the Meat Processing which will be held on March 7th will be instructed on the time and location.

Though this program will be free of charge a small token of appreciation to help promote future educational and instructional programs will be sincerely welcomed.

All interested participants will be required to preregister by Tuesday February 23rd, for more information or to preregister for this upcoming program please mailto:gerry@theelusivewhitetail.com. or call Gerry Lemire (508) 450 – 8518.

On the Ice

I recieved a few Fishing Derby photos from Bruce Tiedemann. Unfortunately, I recieved them after I put the awards video together but since these people braved the frigid temperatures I thought I would dedicate a video just for them. All joking aside (video) NRG sincerely appreciates your support and participation. Hope to see you all at the next derby.

2010 Ice Fishing Derby

Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club had 59 brave sportspersons participate at our Annual Ice Fishing Derby in spite of the frigid weather. Twenty of which were members and thirty-nine non-members.

The morning started off with a hearty breakfast prepared by volunteers: Bruce Tiedemann, Ed Bergmann and Matt Ronzio. Jon Tiedemann tended the fire in the fireplace all morning long for those who needed a break from the cold.

If there was any one example of what a positive attitude can do for a person Mike Ozella would get my vote. Mike has placed 1st place in his age bracket for years. During last year’s derby awards, I distinctly remember him saying that he was looking forward to this year’s derby for he would be competing as an adult. Today, Mike Ozella took 1st place. Kudo's Mike!

Just to inform members there are two Tagged Fish Pools. You must be signed up before the tag fish are caught. There is a signup sheet at the clubhouse.

NRG thanks those who donated their trout for the upcoming Game Feed, The Game Feed will be taking place February 20 at 2:00 PM, tickets are $20.00 and can be purchased at the clubhouse beginning February 1.

Fishing Derby Winners:

PeeWee - 1st place - Anthony Crisafulli / 2nd place - Ryan Dupell

Junior - 1st place Kevin Daniels

Adults - 1st place- Mike Ozella / 2nd place-George Parry / 3rd-Kyle Sullivan









Congrats! : )

An Article About One Of Our Own, Ed Bergmann

As a parent , my wish for my sons' public school experience was simple. I wanted them to catch the fire of adults who were passionate and deeply knowledgable about something. My hope was that one of those things would resonate, spark, and light their way to life long learning, committment and excellence.

As Superintendent , my wish for Hopedale students is fundamentally the same. This week, when I walked into the Memorial School Library to roll up my sleeves and discuss the future. I was sidetracked by the sight of Mr. Ed Bergmann in the midst of his demonstration of fly tying with a rapt group of eleven students (9 boys and 2 girls). Here was my wish made manifest.

Ed. who is a scientist by day, is a fly fisherman by avocation. He was conducting a brilliant seminar for these students, who were so engaged that anyone else coming or going was as good as invisible.

Their heads were bent over Ed's construction of two classic flies- a "wooly bugger" invented by an engineer for catching fresh water fish (bass, trout, pickerel), and a Clouser fly for sea fishing (striped bass and bluefish). An amazing commentary that ranged from chemistry to culture, sprinkled with puns, drew the students in, much like I imagane this gentleman pulling in a fish (minus the resistance). He shared the fact that the Romans and Native Americans crafted flies. He explained the choice of stainless steel for seaworthy hooks, versus nickel coated hooks for fresh water, and the importance of allowing hooks to rust eventually (so they fall out of the mouths of the ones that got away). He talked about lead wire coiled around the hook for weight, and his use of Kevlar - a sythetic thread so sturdy that it's woven into bullet-proof vests and astronaut suits. Moving his hands deftly around the hooks held by a vise, Ed shared that most of his materials came from sewing and fabric shops. He demonstrated knots, the use of various colored threads, and the wrapping and tying of chenille to create a fat little body, before wrapping a rooster feather. This later step came with a wonderful explanation of rooster self defense, posturing, and what it means to "get your hackles up." Voila! The wooly bugger was done.

The construction of the salt water fly began with a discussion of camouflage, as Ed showed his materials- two lead "dumbbells, " a white deer tail, a green deer tail and a piece of plastic tinsel for a little shine. This fly would look like a little fish scurring through the water like they're running away. "Big fish love that," he said. "They're like bullies." The students understand this. As he works, he shows how his placement of white fur with the dumbells guarantees that the weight will keep the "belly" of his fly down, so it doesn't look, well, "fishy" to those big fish he is trying to attract.

Throughout the demonstration, several of the students took notes, offered responses to his "why do you think" questions, and asked intelligent questions back. He invited them to come over to Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club on Sunday afternoons if they wanted to learn how to tie for themselves, and shared a picture of a 13 year old girl showing a fly. I am sure that these kids will take him up on this. "Just ask for the Fly Guy if you dont see or remember my name, " he smiled.

Ed Bergmann's visit is the culmination of a research project taken on by a self-slected group of students who gave up their recess time to work in this particular "Discovery Zone." This is a special and changing Library/Media Center display that invites curiosity and deeper investigation. These students were lured in, and completed research in December on a series of questions that drew them into the topic of fly fishing and make them knowledgeable about the basics. In addition to loving the learning, the students got to select a fly to keep. One of the girls was so excited about her fly that she wrapped it and gave it to her grandfather for Christmas, since he is the person who takes her fishing. The session with Mr. Bergmann was made even more special by their interest, readiness, and prior knowledge.

Magic like this doesn't just happen. It takes vigilance, planning, imagination, and, like this weeks poem by W.B Yeats, a "faery" to take a child by the hand. In this case, there was also a piece of serendipity. Last summer, Librarian Laurie Wodin was swimming at her favorite pond and saw Ed casting. The movement was so beautiful that she struck up a conversation. When she realized waht he did and understood how knowledgeable and passionate he was, she knew just what to do to create a unique opportunity for Memorial students.

The irony of my visit on this day was not lost on anyone. With a shortfall of funds, we face a reduction in library staff. We need more wonderful orchestration of this sort - not less. None of the mid-year cuts make sense at either Memorial or the Jr.-Sr High. They are painful. I appreciate the continued professionalism and graciousness of the staff who have recieved bad news in the past week. The cup is not full in Hopedale, and will not get better soon. The extent to which we can view our circumstance as half full, rather than half empty, will help all of us get through these difficult and challenging waters.

Where the wondering water gushes

From the hills above Glen-Car,

In pools amoung the rushes

The scarce could bathe a star,

We seek for slumbering trout

An whispering in theeir ears

Give them unquiet dreams,

Leaning softly out

From ferns that drop their tears

Over the young streams.

Come away O human child!

To the waters and the wild

With a feary hand to hand,

For the worlds more full of weeping

than you can understand.

Excerpt from "The Stolen Child" by W. B. Yeats.

Article written by Patricia C. Ruane, Superintendent of Schools, Hopedale, MA

--------------------------------
Kudo's to you Ed Bergmann! : )
Proud to have you on board not only as an active club member but also director!
Ed Bergmann provides instruction free of charge. See our club calendar for fly tying Instruction dates.

Respectively yours,

Nancy J. Wentworth

Secretary

Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club

2009 Christmas party

Nipmuc Family Camping & FlyFishing Weekend

Join us for a family camping and/or fishing weekend in May on the famous Housatonic river. If you are interested in either camping or flyfishing or both this will be a fun weekend. This event is open to members and non-members alike and their families. Signup now!!

Event Date: May 21 - 23, 2010

Location: Housatonic Meadows State Park, Sharon, CT

Located in the rock-strewn valley of the Housatonic River amid the rugged hillsof the northwestern uplands. Housatonic Meadows is an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor recreational activities. Camping under the tall pines on the riverbank gives the overnight visitor a genuine back-to-nature feeling. The clear, cold river water also provides a fine opportunity for the fly fisherman to test their skills on trout and bass. A two-mile stretch of river (including the park shore) is limited to fly fishing (catch and release). Housatonic Meadow Campground offers 95 sites in a rustic setting near the river.

Fees:

• Campground: $36.00/night for non CT residents, see http://www.ct.gov/dep/cwp/view.asp?a=2716&q=325220
• CT Fishing License $32.00 (Non-resident 3 day Inland fishing license) http://ct.outdoorcentral.net/internetSales/
  

Directions:

From the North - Great Barrington or Pittsfield, MA areas: travel south on Route 7 into Sharon, CT. The park is located along Route 7 in the town of Sharon approximately 3 miles south of the West Cornwall Covered Bridge and approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 4.

From the East: Hartford area: travel west on I-84, take Exit 39. Continue west on Route 4. From Cornwall Bridge after crossing the Housatonic River, turn north on Route 7. The park is located in Sharon, CT along Route 7, approximately 2 miles north of the intersection with Route 4.

What you will need:

• Tent, sleeping bag, and camping supplies
• Flyfishing equipment (rod, tackle, waders, etc.)
• Food and bererages for the weekend

Next Step;

• Sign up with one of the people below no later than March 5th and provide a deposit of $36.00 (this money needed to reserve your campsite).
• Buy your 3 day fishing license online at the link above or via phone 860-424-3700.

Contacts;

Ed Bergmann - Phone: 617-258-2290 or email ebergmann@draper.com

Mike Deprey - Phone: 508-429-7503 or email deprey@comcast.net

Bruce Tiedemann - phone: 617-968-8489 or email bruce@Bruce@bmpvc.com

Nipmuc Wednesday Archery League

Overview

The Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club invites you to join our Wednesday Archery League. Any and all skill levels are encouraged to participate; it will be fun and no one should feel they are not good enough. The league will include 8 evening shoots over a period of 2 months. Spread the word and invite friends and family that may be interested.

Format
These archery shoots will be based on target games as follows.

Baseball - Home team is determined by a coin flip. Visitor team shoots first. First player shoots until out or successful hit. Rotate players until team shootings has three outs. Then the other team shots and completes the inning. Next inning starts with on deck shooter from previous inning. At the end of 5 innings, team with most runs wins.

Poker ; 5 card - Each player gets 1 shot per round and 5 shots per game. Target has 52 cards plus 4 wild cards. Yhe 4 wild cards can be used as any card in your hand. Best hand wins. If more than 1 player its the same card, only the first player can count the card. Play money may be involved in this game.

Nock Out - Each player deposits $1.00 play money into pot and is assigned a number 1 - 5. #1 Player shoots first, then rotates players. Object is to shoot other players numbers. When all of your numbers have been hit, you're out. Last player with spots not hit wins. Hit red center bull's eye and win automatically. Hit black outer center and lose automatically.

Break the Bank - Each player deposits $2.00 in play money in pot. First player shoots one arrow. If successful, he removes play money corresponding to target from pot. Next player does the same and so on until the pot is empty.

League Schedule
This league begins Wednesday May 12 at 6:00 PM. The league dates are posted in the club calendar.
In the event of inclement weather the round will be postponed and will be made up on another night.

Cost

• The entry fee is $20.00 per adult archer for Nipmuc Club members, $15.00 for youths 16 and under; and $20.oo for non-members. This fee is to be paid if full (cash or check) at the time the League commences.
• If a team joins part way through the league they will pay a prorated fee. Example; if you join in week 5 you would pay 50% of the 8 week event.

Next Step

If you are interested in joining the league please send an email to the following individuals or include your name on a signup sheet at the club.

Mike Deprey at deprey@comcast.net

Bruce Tiedemann at bruce@bmpvc.com

Please provide us with your name, phone # and email address.

Please remember: Have fun; be safe!

Smallbore Rifle Silhouette League - 2010

The Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club invites you join our new Smallbore Silhoutte League. This league will include 6 shots over a period of about 2 months. This league is for those people who want a litte more fun than punching holes in paper. A silhouette is a steel profile of an animal (chicken, pig, turkey, or ram) standing on a pedestals, shooting one round at each silhouette. It is very simple competition, with very simple scoring. You get a "1" for knocking an animal off its stand, a "0" for anything else. Although silhouette s an easy game to learn, it is not an easy game to master. The animals are rather small and the distances are rather large. You'll be shooting the silhouettes form the offhand position only. This means that you shoot standing and you support the rifle entirely with your body. No part of your body except your feet can touch anything. Slings may be attached to the rifle but may not be used for support of the hand or arm.

A match will consist of 40 shots per person shooting at the same number of animals. For example, in a 40 shot match, you shoot 10 shots at 10 chickens, 10 shots at pigs, and the same for turkeys and rams. Each of the 4 groups of animals will be setup at various yardages. For smallbore silhouettes you can use most any .22 rifle with standard 22 LR ammunition. Only 22's are allowed for this competition. Typically people use rifles with scopes at the silhouette shoots; hoever ; we may very well setup a seperate competition for open sights and scopes depending on the mix of rifles available. you'll get 3 minutes to shoot five shots at each of the five animals (e.g. chicken; then another 3 minutes to fire 5 shots athe pig; and so on.

League Timeframes

The first shoot will begin Saturday April 17th at 9:00 AM. Dates for this competition can be found on our calendar of events. In the event of inclement weather we will re-schedule the shoot.

Cost
Cost to join this league is $20.00 for members and $25.00 for non-members. Each participant will have to supply the 22 rifle and ammunition. It's conceivable that those people who do not have a 22 rifle they can borrow one from another participant.

Location
The league will shoot at the rifle range at Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club in Upton. Vehicles are permitted at the range but should be limited to a few; please try to carpool from the Nipmuc Rod and Gun parking lot. Everyone is encouraged to gather at the club afterwards.

Safety

• Ear and Eye protection should be worn
• ALWAYS keep your action open when not in use.
• Be Muzzle conscious; never point the gun in the vincinty of someone else.
• Do not keep a firearm loaded with a live shell when it's not your turn to shoot.
• Anyone not practicing safe firearms handling will be asked to leave so as not to endanger the other people

Next Steps

To join the league, send an email to Mike Deprey at deprey@comcast.net ; or add your name and contact information on the signup sheet available at the club.

Please provide us with your name, phone #, email address, and whether your 22 rifle has a scope or open sights.

Remember: Have fun; be safe!

Nipmuc Skeet League

The Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club invite you to join our new "skeet" league which is designed to improve your shooting skills while meeting new people and building friendships. This is intended to be a fun and informal league rather than a highly competitive league. The goal is to get together periodicly and share our passion for shooting. All skills levels are encouraged to participate; it will be enjoyable. The league will include shoots over a period of about 3 months.

League Timeframes -will be posted on the club calendar. April 3 is scheduled for postponed shoots; if needed.

Location
The league will shoot at the skeet range at Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club in Upton. Vehicles are permitted at the range but should be limited to a few; please try to carpool from the Nipmuc Club parking lot. Everyone is encouraged to gather at the club afterwards.

League Awards
An informal league get-together at the end of the competition at the Nipmuc Rod and Gun Club for an afternoon or evening of fun. The following awards will be presented:

• "Nipmuc League Champion" award for male, female and youth category.


• "Most Improved Shooter" award to the person that had the biggest change in his/her handicap from week 1 to week 8.

Cost

• The entry fee is $5.00 per shooter (per round of 25 shots) for Nipmuc members. This fee is to be paid weekly in full at the time the league commences. The fee pays for the clays used during the events.


• Every additional round of 25 shots during any given league shoot will cost another $5.00; however it is only the first round that will count for the league scoring.


• The fee for non-members will also be $5.00; feel free to invite friends and family who are not members but want to shoot.


• Individuals are responsible to bring their own shotguns and shells; these are not provided by the league.

Safety

• Ear and eye protection should be worn


• ALWAYS keep your action open when not in use.


• Be muzzle conscious; never point the gun in the vicinity of someone else.


• Do not keep a firearm loaded with a live shell when it's not your turn to shoot.


• Anyone not practicing safe firearms handling will be asked to leave so as not to endanger other people

Next Steps

To join the league, send an email to the following individuals or add your name and contact information on the signup sheet available at the club.

Mike Deprey deprey@comcast.net

Allan Waters arwaters@charter.net

Dan Sullivan dsully123@yahoo.com

Please provide us with your name, phone #, email address, your overall level of experience shooting clays.

3 D Archery League

The Nipmuc Rod and Gun invites you to join our 3 D Archery League which is designed to improve your archery skills while meeting new people. This is intended to be a fun and informal league. The goal is simply to get people together periodically to enjoy ourselves and share our passion for archery. Any and all skil levels are encouraged to participat; it will be fun and no one should feel they are not good enough. The league will include 8 shoots over a period of 3 months. Spread the word and invite friends and family that may be interested.

Format

• Scoring will be as follows: Heart: 10 points; Lungs: 8 points Body: 5 points: Miss: 0 points. We will use the honor system for scoring. Perfect Score is 300 for a round.
• Range finders are not allowed. No pacing off yardage before shooting.
• Any style of archery equipment may be used.
• Shooter rankings are based on actula yea-to-date average; a minimum of 6 rounds will be used to determine overall rankings.
• Scores and league standings will be distributed weekly via email.

League Schedule

The league schedule will be posted in the club calendar of events. In the event of inclement weather the round will be postponed and will be made up February 21.

Cost

• The entry fee is $40.00 per for Nipmuc Club members; $15.00 for youths 16 and under; and $50.00 for non-members. This fee is to be paid in full (cash or check) at the time the League commences.
• If a team joins part way through the league they wil pay a prorated fee. Example; if you join in week 5 you woulo pay 50% of the 8 week event but would not be eligible for the prizes.

Next Steps

If you are interested in joining the league please send an email to the following individuals or include your name on a signup sheet at the club.

• Mike Deprey at deprey@comcast.net
• Tiedemann at bruce@bmpvc.com

Please provide us with your name, phone # and email address.

Remember: Have Fun; Be Safe!

Election 09 Results

The results of the elections: President-Gerry Lemire, Vice President - Bruce Tiedemann, Treasurer-Jon Tiedemann, Financial Secretary-Jeff Lynch, Secretary-Nancy Wentworth, directors-Ed Bergmann, Mike Deprey, Allan Waters, Matt Ronzio and Phil Saulnier. Congrats!

Clambake Recap.....

As I was listening to the pouring rain Friday night I was wondering what kind of effect the weather was going to have upon the Clambake on Saturday. I looked at the forecast and showers were predicted for Saturday.

I didn't buy a ticket to the clambake due to my diet and a prior committment to care for my grandson while his parents work. I knew I wouldn't be able to eat most of what was on the menu. (I did however enjoy the smell of fresh clam cakes cooking!) The day of the event however I learned that Gerry Lemire had bought me a ticket.

I absolutely love being a grandparent and caring for my grandson while his parents work unfortunately, their work schedule conflicts with our scheduled events. I find it challenging to be focused on covering events while he is in my care which is why there is no coverage of so many of our yearly events on this forum.

Yesterday however, I was able to go up to the club prior to my family commitment. I got there about 2:30. I walked into the hall full of people with smiling faces, friendly greetings along with plenty of action going on. I saw Gerry Lemire enthusiatically moving along from table to table selling raffle tickets. I wish I could had gotten a photo of him proudly displaying the prize lobsters.

Then I walked into the kitchen to see a familiar face, Jayme Armstrong. She was cool, calm and collective and surrounding her were our younger club members Michala Knight, Eric Lucier, Machazie Knight, Austin Lynch and Karrissa Smith. They looked as if they were all waiting in anticipation eager to do whatever it was required of them. I also saw Jerry Guillemette floating in, out and about.

Then I stepped out of the kitchen to see Ron Chocquette outside with the deep fryer along with Jason Guillemettee making clam cakes. Jeff Lynch popped in and out of the kitchen to assist. Ron informed me the day didn't start out without its challenges, he told me when they got to the club in the morning they found that they didn't have any water. With the assistance of Sandy Smith they were able to temporarily resolve the problem. Ron was very pleased that this event was a near sell out.

Later I walked over to the fire pit that had been burning all morning to get the irons heated. There was Mike Penny with the water hose in antipation of what I refer to as the "sweep". The sweep is when the fire pit is cleared and then the iron balls and triangles are seperated from the hot wood coals and then put back into the fire pit. I watched as Briak Clark, Gordie Gould, Jack Hoberg, Ed Lucier, Matt Crocia and Mike Moroney seperated the iron's from the wood coals, put in the seaweed then stack and cover the food. When they finished suddenly it occurred to me that the weather was perfect! The timing also couldn't have been better, I went inside collected my personal belongings behind the bar that I entrusted with Jennifer Knight and Lauren Lynch and left to pick up my grandson.

When I got back all of the food had been served. I did manage to get in a lobster and some corn. What I ate was absolutely delicious! It wasn't long before I had to leave the table for it was time to draw winners for the raffles. The winner of the 50/50.... Gerry Lemire. The winners of the lobsters were Janet Yarush and Mike Ozella. Jerry Guillemette won a ticket for next years Clam Bake and Katie Tiedemann took some lobsters home.

After the drawing, Mary Tiedemann surprised her husband (Bruce Tiedemann - Treasurer) with a birthday cake. Happy 50th Bruce!

If you like seafood and were not able to attend this year's event be sure to mark this date on your calendar for next year!

MJCC Graduation Ceremony

-------------
I had the priviledge of attending the Massachusetts Jr. Conservation Camp graduation ceremony in "CHESTERFIELD" today. In attendance, Jim Wallace, Executive Director of GOAL, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Director, Wayne MacCallum, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Commissioner, Mary Griffin, Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife Chief Information & Education, Ellie Horwitz and many others.

Gerry Lemire and I recieved recognition and was awarded a plaque for our efforts in coordinating a petition with the intent to save the camp and support the program.

The closing ceremony started off with a Conservation Prayer headed by Ellie Horwitz followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. State leaders gave inspiring life lesson speeches. After the speeches were finished students were awarded trophies and small tokens, then by section each student were handed their paperwork and congratulated.

It was quite evident close friendships had developed over the two weeks. The students were high spirited and outwardly displayed support of one another.

It is my hope that this valuable educational program will continue to recieve support so as it will continue to thrive in the future. The Worcester County League Of Sportsmen,(WCL) offers a full scholarship to the camp to three students each year. Beginning in January age appropiate students may apply for a scholarship by writing a letter to the WCL explaining why they would like to go. WCL votes on who will be offered a scholarship based on what is written. For more information about the camp please see: http://www.juniorconservationcamp.org/

Best Regards
Nancy Wentworth

Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp Petition

Thank you Nipmuc Members for your support for the Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp. The petition was hand delivered by Nancy Snow, GOAL Chief of Staff, Steve Johnson, President of MJCC, Gerry Lemire, Massachusetts Junior Conservation Officer of Worcester County League and myself on April 6, 2009. The petition included over a 1000 signatures and over 300 comments. Now we wait for a response.....

Meat Shoot

Sunday, February 24, 2008

Pancake Breakfast

Monday, February 04, 2008

Ice Fishing Derby

Everyone enjoyed being outdoors and doing some sporting activity. The only thing that didn't cooperate on this day was the fish! So there are many fish left in the pond. Plans are in the making for a spring derby. For details please attend our February Members Meeting February 12, at 7:00 PM.

Children's Christmas Party 2007