February Edition 2010
Doll Maker, Editor

Howdy Folks

Since I missed this month’s match the newsletter will be very short. I know everyone had a great time at the range this month and had a lot of fun with the stages, potluck and togetherness. My work demanded my attention so I was forced to miss all the fun to be had at the range. I plan on being at the range in March so if there is anything you want posted in the newsletter please let me know. I also need to have your announcements or comments to be sent to me within one week after the match so I can get the newsletter out in a timely manner. Thanks. See you on the range.
______________________________________________________________________

Bo Bean is writing the match for April and is requesting a poll on how many folks would like to have seven stages for Saturday or if you want to keep it at six stages. There won’t be any shooting on Sunday because the range will be closed for Easter Sunday. Dave Olds is closing the range to observe Easter Sunday with his family. So you can let me know what you think and I will let him know.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Shootout at 5 Dogs Creek – California State Championship is right around the corner – April 28, May 2. If you’ve attended previously, you know that you’re in for a great weekend of shooting and frivolity. If you’ve never attended, boy oh boy, are you in for more fun than you thought possible.

All club members are encouraged to shoot the match!!! All too often it seems some folks get a bit intimidated by the “state championship” title. Really folks, it just a big ’ol monthly match where you can have a great time with your pards. Life is short…sign up and shoot!

All club members are encouraged to volunteer to help with the match!!! The income from the annual is what makes range improvements, new targets, and all the things you enjoy each month possible. Our monthly matches do not pay the bills. So if you like shooting each month, come on out and help 5 Dogs Creek put its best paw forward. With your help, we can make this year’s annual the best yet.

What can you do to help? So glad you asked!

• Work parties are scheduled after shooting on Saturday, March 6 and Saturday April 3. All day work parties are set for Saturday, April 24 and Sunday, April 25. Bring general clean-up tools (rakes, weed whackers, gloves etc.). There will be projects for everyone – from pulling staples and hammering nails to cleaning out the bays to painting tables to sweeping for cobwebs to hanging lanterns to stuffing packets.
• If you can’t make a work party, but would like to help at another time? There will soon be a list of projects posted by the registration office soon. Take on one or two and then cross ’em off when done.
• The week prior to the match (April 27 and 28) help will be needed to set targets for long range and the two stages in the open fields, set up tables and chairs, and a million other details that make the match run smoothly.

During the match…

• Volunteers will be needed throughout the weekend, and especially extra help needed to run side matches on Thursday, April 28. There is no great science to running a side match. If you can hold a pencil, count and be welcoming, you can help with the side matches. These are a vital part of the weekend and it takes extra hands to make the day a success.
• Miss Foxi Schoolmarm is coordinating volunteer sign-ups. See her at the March match or contact her at (661) 342-3442. Whether it is helping to run scores or put table cloths on tables, everyone is needed. Even if you are shooting, there is plenty of time to lend a hand. Many hands make light work!

After the match…

• On Sunday, May 2, after the awards are over there is general clean up to be done (taking down signs, putting away lanterns etc.). A good crew of folks can have the range ship-shape in a couple of hours at the most.
• AND…most folks find all this work actually turns into a whole lot of fun. The more help we have, the more fun it is for all involved! 5 Dogs Creek is YOUR club – help make it the very best!

If you have questions about the Shootout at 5 Dogs Creek, be sure to check the website at www.5DogsCreek.com or check with these brave and hearty folks that are spearheading the shoot activities…

• Match registration/dinner tickets: Email or 805-497-2857
• Shooting: Email or 661-588-8978
• Camping: Email or 661-837-2126
• Registration office/Shooter packets/Pie Contest: Email or 805-838-3272
• Vendors: Email or 310-386-9584