V.G.C.A NEWS FEBRUARY '99

Membership Meeting

We will meet February 25th at the NRA Headquarters per usual.  Light dinner will be provided.  Larry Hare is arranging Tom Gaylord's program this month of collectible air rifles.  Bring 'em in for the show and tell.  Also, last month's show and tell was one of the best in years.  Keep the things coming.  It is a real source of education and lots of fun, too.  We hope to reschedule Carlos Davilla for his SW presentation.  Carlos was probably out of the country and was unable to make the January meeting.  We do need programs for upcoming meetings.  New members - here is a chance for you to teach us what your specialties are.  The size of your collection does not matter - we love to learn and would appreciate "new blood" presentations.  Call me if you would like to make a presentation.

New Members

Please make welcome the following new members:  Carroll Clark, Jeff Bagan, Jules Lewis and William Michael.  Our newest life members are:  Ralph West Jr., John Frietsch, William Chronisler and William Michael.  Photo ID badges will be made for you at the show..  See Gary Holderman.  It occurred to me that due to an influx of new members, it might not be a bad idea for you all to read the by-laws.  I will have copies at this month's meeting and I will also have them at the show.  Also, it would be good to have extra copies of the show rules.  If Gary Holderman or Jim Burgess could make some extra copies, I think it would be good if the new members could have this to read as well.

Upcoming Show

Safety and security are the name of the game here.  Billy Tonkin is taking over the major responsibility for seeing that incoming guns are checked at the door and tied with the plastic ties.  Gary Holderman and the folks from the Show Committee will needs lots of help monitoring the tables inside.  We all need to make sure all guns on the tables are tied.  Ed Costello has lots of ties so get some and keep a sharp lookout for guns not tied.  Be polite but ask that all guns be kept tied.  Ties are cheap insurance to prevent an accidental discharge.  We will need help on Friday in setting up and we need help on Sunday evening taking the tables down and sweeping the floor.  Again, new members - contact Jim Burgess and offer to help.  New members - your help would be greatly appreciated.

Dues Are Due

Yearly dues are now $20.00 and Life Membership is $100.00.  Please get your dues paid.  The dues barely par for the newsletter and postage.  We will be sending letters out for those who have not paid.

Spring Picnic

It looks like June 19th will be the picnic.  For those new members, we have a pig roast and shoot each year at the NORVA property near Star Tannery, VA (near Stephens City and Winchester).  I do not know the program this year yet but will keep you advised.   This much I do know - the shooting at the ranges will be more tightly controlled than in the past - for safety reasons.  More on this later as we develop the plans for the day.  As usual, Ed Johnson will be cooking his well-known barbecue, and guests and members are encouraged to bring along their favorite dish to compliment the main course.  The picnics are always lots of fun and we have them rain or shine.   Directions to the property will be provided.

Ernie Padgette

Ernie has agreed to be our watchdog insofar as pending legislation is concerned.   Many thanks to Ernie.  Keep in mind that he and Alan Cors are on the ballot for NRA directorships.  Vote for both of these great people!  Speaking of pending laws, Fred Fees made a most interesting presentation and provided a list of pending laws in Virginia.  We will have more copies at this month's meeting and we encourage you to read them and call your Delegates.

Scholarship for the late Ed Zell

There is a scholarship fund being set up in remembrance of Ed.  A second edition by Collectors Grade Publications of his famous book "The AK 47 Story" will be provided to those who contribute to this fund.  The fund will provide post-graduate studies in the technology of infantry weapons.  Call me if you would like more info on this.

See you at the meeting!  Don't forget your show and tell items and your guests.

Addison Hurst,
Secy.