The Nimrod League Newsletter April 2021
EBoard Monthly Meeting, March 30, 2021
Maryanne may not have had a Secretary’s report on this night, but she sends along this wildlife tidbit for the Newsletter courtesy of the New Hampshire Public Broadcasting Station (PBS)…
This is the time of year when we all hear li’l peepers - and that really loud chitter that sounds like one big happy squirrel. Guess what? It is a Grey Tree Frog! Yes, it sounds strange, but this little grey tree frog can be heard for a hundred feet calling out for mates from April to August. And if you do a reasonable impression, he will answer you back!
Copes Grey Tree Frog looks almost exactly alike but a slower trill; scientists tell the difference by the grey tree frog having twice as many chromosomes. Be careful if you encounter a Copes Grey as they secrete a toxic substance that irritates the eyes, nose, and mouth. Handwashing is highly recommended following handling of these little frogs!
To hear the Grey Tree Frog, Follow this link on YouTube. “Framingham Tree Frog” Yes, a local recording made it up there on YouTube. In 10 years, it's racked up almost 11,000 views - pretty famous!
Here is the link…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyedyeYHgao
Thank you, Maryanne!
To everyone, please send me any outdoor stories that you may have. We would love to hear about your latest exploits! I will serve as editor and get the story into a presentable format, subject to your approval before publishing. Please email me, Chris Erali, at eralic23@gmail.com
Monthly Meetings are always the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Clubhouse. – The April general club meeting will happen on Tuesday April 13, 2021. We will meet live and probably have pizza!
Secretary Report
No report.
Treasurer’s Report
No report. Our investments are in good shape and we are where we expect to be.
This is the time of year when we all hear li’l peepers - and that really loud chitter that sounds like one big happy squirrel. Guess what? It is a Grey Tree Frog! Yes, it sounds strange, but this little grey tree frog can be heard for a hundred feet calling out for mates from April to August. And if you do a reasonable impression, he will answer you back!
Copes Grey Tree Frog looks almost exactly alike but a slower trill; scientists tell the difference by the grey tree frog having twice as many chromosomes. Be careful if you encounter a Copes Grey as they secrete a toxic substance that irritates the eyes, nose, and mouth. Handwashing is highly recommended following handling of these little frogs!
To hear the Grey Tree Frog, Follow this link on YouTube. “Framingham Tree Frog” Yes, a local recording made it up there on YouTube. In 10 years, it's racked up almost 11,000 views - pretty famous!
Here is the link…
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyedyeYHgao
Thank you, Maryanne!
To everyone, please send me any outdoor stories that you may have. We would love to hear about your latest exploits! I will serve as editor and get the story into a presentable format, subject to your approval before publishing. Please email me, Chris Erali, at eralic23@gmail.com
Monthly Meetings are always the 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Clubhouse. – The April general club meeting will happen on Tuesday April 13, 2021. We will meet live and probably have pizza!
Secretary Report
No report.
Treasurer’s Report
No report. Our investments are in good shape and we are where we expect to be.
Communications
Included in our mail was Cambridge Investment Research, WCLS Newsletter, Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine Spring Appeal 7890, and American Hunter.
Speakers
Please let us know if you have a suggestion for a speaker at a future meeting.
Monthly Safety Tip and Topic for Discussion
We have lost a lot of ice so once again I am making an executive decision and changing the monthly safety tip.
“Watch Young Children While Fishing or Hiking
Near the Banks of Swollen Rivers and Streams!”
The banks are slippery, and the currents are swift!
Archery
Jason reports that new bales are in and targets have been restuffed. Bales have been installed on the course in the woods and new lanes will be marked. Nimrod has joined the National Field Archery Association (NFAA). We anticipate holding some shoots that we will adapt as needed for COVID. Our first shoot is scheduled for April 18, 2021, and it will be indoors. The IBO Shoot will be on May 1st & 2nd. Following those dates are May 30, 2021, July 1, 2021, along with November 14 and December 19, 2021, which will be indoor shoots. We will practice all virus protocols deemed necessary by the governor. Hopefully, as the year passes most people will receive their vaccinations and our world will continue to open up.
Bar
No report. Eric Smith is running the bar, but there have been no events.
Great job, Eric!
Great job, Eric!
Birds
We are now looking for a new Bird Chairperson. Kevin Chviruk has done his duty to God and country as well as NIMROD and would like a break. He has been our bird chair for around two decades! Kevin will mentor you until you learn the procedures and schedule. My guess is he will not be far away. This is a great way to become involved with the club. The world of dogs, shotguns, and birds awaits! Do not miss your chance at this great opportunity!
Board of Trustees
No report.
Finances
The market fluctuates as we all know. Smart investors stay the course.
Game Dinner
No report. Cancelled due to COVID.
Grant Writer
No report.
Grounds
Kevin announces that on April 10th, that is this Monday, tomorrow, NOW!...
We will begin “Grounds Help-Out Effort!” There will be some oil changes, etc. in the barn. We can shift snow equipment with summer hardware in the barn. We have game cameras out with feeders. There is plenty of wood that can be used by members. We can start blazing some trails that have become overgrown. April is a great month for outside projects before it gets too hot and buggy. There is a huge tree across one of our upper trails! We want to expand our system of trails to some of our more remote areas of the property that can be hard to surveil. Kevin will be leading a myriad of projects that will be ongoing and he needs HELP! Any scouts that are looking for projects can earn plenty of merit badges if they are willing to help! Members, please contact the troops. We hope to have a crew of people almost every weekend or weekday! Kevin will let you know when to come up. We need groups of people for safety reasons.
Please contact Kevin! He has a list of things that need to be done! Many hands make light work! Give an hour one day and come back another. All work is on-going. Thanks!
We will begin “Grounds Help-Out Effort!” There will be some oil changes, etc. in the barn. We can shift snow equipment with summer hardware in the barn. We have game cameras out with feeders. There is plenty of wood that can be used by members. We can start blazing some trails that have become overgrown. April is a great month for outside projects before it gets too hot and buggy. There is a huge tree across one of our upper trails! We want to expand our system of trails to some of our more remote areas of the property that can be hard to surveil. Kevin will be leading a myriad of projects that will be ongoing and he needs HELP! Any scouts that are looking for projects can earn plenty of merit badges if they are willing to help! Members, please contact the troops. We hope to have a crew of people almost every weekend or weekday! Kevin will let you know when to come up. We need groups of people for safety reasons.
Please contact Kevin! He has a list of things that need to be done! Many hands make light work! Give an hour one day and come back another. All work is on-going. Thanks!
House
Ralph and a friend cleared out a lot of scrap metal, fluorescent lights, and junk in the basement and barn. Thank you to Cindy for our clean bathrooms, hallway, and laundry!
Kitchen
We will have a Clean-up day TBA (possibly April 17?). The kitchen remains closed as we are not compliant with COVID-19 restaurant regulations. We will do as much as possible outside within regulations.
Land Use
We have purchased 10 apple trees. We will plant in stages to deal with any drought issues. We have about a 1 acre clearing above the rifle range. We will have to protect and nurture the trees initially so there will be fencing and wire to install along with the needed 10 yards of loam for planting. It will be genuinely nice to have an area of our property that we can refer to as “The Orchard.”
Membership
Sam Ganeson reports that we lost 17 members who did not renew. In their place, this month we have the following new members who are ready for induction. William Scott Garland, Richard Vandale, along with a family membership for Stuart Cain and his 3 children, Douglas, Michael, and Elizabeth. In addition, to the membership rolls come John McMillan, Andrew Sebring, Marc Braithwaite, with a change to family membership for Paul Rainville with Christine, Lindsey, and Renee. To all our prospective members, please join us on Tuesday, April 13th when we welcome you to our club and enjoy the best $5 meal anywhere!
Photography
No report.
Records
No report.
Revenue
There is nothing new to report in this area.
We need a new Chairperson! This is a good gig because if you hold one successful fund raiser you’ll be hero! We don’t have any scheduled, so the calendar is open for your ideas. It’s also a great opportunity to contribute to the club and meet your 8-hour commitment requirement.
We need a new Chairperson! This is a good gig because if you hold one successful fund raiser you’ll be hero! We don’t have any scheduled, so the calendar is open for your ideas. It’s also a great opportunity to contribute to the club and meet your 8-hour commitment requirement.
Rifle Range
We have made an additional area to stockpile clean fill. The concrete block has been ordered. We should continue renovations in the next 30 days. The goal is to improve starting with the height of the berm. We want to capitalize on clean soil to fill in the drop off on the backside of the berm. We will take necessary precautions to stay in compliance with permit restrictions. Other goals for the renovations are to improve the range aesthetically and safety wise, plus also give us the ability to shoot steel targets. A Clean Up Day is being planned. More information is forthcoming.
Remember, whatever you carry in, bring it out with you when you leave. Thanks!
Remember, whatever you carry in, bring it out with you when you leave. Thanks!
Standing Committees
Scholarship
No names yet. Howard Gelles is now on the committee. Thank you, Howard, for stepping up.
Conservation Camp
For those of you who are new members, NIMROD awards scholarships to the Conservation Camp. Al Afonso is the man to contact for more information. There is much competition for these spots, so do not hesitate to show initiative and act. The deadline is May 1st. We will send money to reserve 2 spots.
Trap/Skeet
Trap and Skeet is going fine, but it is far from crowded. We will begin work on the walkways as the weather improves. The WOT-type event is also under construction. Work parties will be coming. Remember, Trap and Skeet is every Thursday evening. It is open to the public, so bring a friend and join in a night of good fellowship and shooting. COVID regulations apply.
Worcester County League of Sportsmen
Joe Afonso gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the Massachusetts proposed fee changes for hunting and fishing along with a clear and informative appeal for funding to hire a lobbying firm. Great job, Joe!
The Board voted to bring before the general membership the donation to the fund-raising effort of $5,000. The vote was unanimous, and we will discuss it at this month’s meeting.
The Board voted to bring before the general membership the donation to the fund-raising effort of $5,000. The vote was unanimous, and we will discuss it at this month’s meeting.
Old and Unfinished Business
The new gate installation continues…
New Business
None.
Executive Board
This month’s meeting adjourned at 9:11 PM. We aim for the newsletter to convey the highlights. E Board meetings are held at 7 PM the last Tuesday of the month. Members are welcome if you would like to come and observe our club’s operation. Our membership can be proud of the board and the time and effort that is made by everyone to keep our club running smoothly. Member concerns are always addressed. Many times, one board member will inform others that a single club member voiced a certain matter that he/she found troubling. Our club can rest assured that any points brought up by a member are ALWAYS brought to the attention of the entire board.
Good and Welfare
Avid outdoorsman and Nimrod member, Bob Hokanson, has passed away. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Here is a link to his obituary:
https://www.philbincomeaufh.com/memorials/robert--hokanson/4575285/obituary.php
Please if you have any news that you would like to have included in this section, good or bad, contact any member of the Executive Board, and we will see that it is included.
https://www.philbincomeaufh.com/memorials/robert--hokanson/4575285/obituary.php
Please if you have any news that you would like to have included in this section, good or bad, contact any member of the Executive Board, and we will see that it is included.
