FROM YOUR CLUB PRESIDENT:

  Jay Pienta 309-786-1364

Lots of things to talk about this month but first I wanted to respond to some replies that I received about last months article about volunteers. 

I appreciate that there are some members who make an effort to help out when asked. I also respect the fact that there are also members who do not wish to help out. 

As our club grows in size and as more members use our facilities and grounds,   the club requires more upkeep, more items like picnic tables, fire rings, trash cans, etc. The roads are getting used more, so we need to maintain them, purchase more gravel, dirt to fill in holes etc.

Growing is a GOOD!  

We just need to understand that it takes more work, and more money to keep both our club and our resources in good shape for all to use. 

IF we don’t get our members to help, then we must outsource and pay the money to maintain our grounds, and equipment.

The club has formed a special committee to develop a 5 year plan on what it will take to keep our club running and to provide our members with the grounds and facilities the membership deserves. 

Expect some changes to take place for the 2011 new year. 

As always, I look forward to hearing from you so email me or give me a call. 

Pet Owners: Please make sure you have  your pet on a leash AT ALL TIMES at the club. It is one of our club rules. Dogs are not allowed to swim in the lakes or chase our wildlife. Nor are they allowed to run free. Please clean up all waste from your pets. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the loss of your membership. 

(Jay) Pienta  RICC President             309-786-1364

 

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CareTaker’s Corner
Troy Eacker 

at the Club: 309-787-4770      Direct Contact: 563-271-8160

*NOTICE*     ---YOUR BOATS---     *NOTICE*

Club rules state that ALL boats left on club grounds MUST be stored on (NON MOWABLE AREAS) right now there are numerous boats chained to trees and are on grassy areas that need to be mowed. 

It is not the job of the caretaker to move your boat in order to cut grass.

IF your boat is in violation and currently on mowable surface, you will have until SATURDAY AUG 14 to move your boat, or it will be put in lockup and will cost you $50 to get it released. 

This rule has been in affect for many years is clearly stated in our rules. Any questions can be directed to the caretaker. 

I continue to find cans, bottles and trash left in our fire pits. PLEASE use the proper trash containers. 

As always if you would like to do a small job while you are out at the club, just let me know and we can come up with a task to keep you busy.

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FLOATZILLA Saturday August 21, 2010 www.floatzilla.org

Guinness World Record breaking attempt for largest flotilla of canoes and kayaks will take place at 2:00 pm in Lake Potter at Sunset Park, Rock Island, IL. 

The current record of 1,104 was set in Inlet, NY in 2008. 

On June 5, 2010 an unofficial record of over 1,700 canoes and kayaks was set at Paddle at the Point in Pittsburgh, PA. 

Registration fee is $10 per paddler, which includes one Floatzilla T-Shirt, commemorative boat sticker,  registration wrist band, free parking and free shuttle to and from off-site parking for “floats”. Visit www.floatzilla.org to register. 

The RICC has sponsored 10 registrations, so if you are interested in participating, call Jay Pienta 786-1364. 

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E-GREEN-RECYCLING  Project
 Anna Pienta 309-786-1364 

I have a special project that I am working on to help save our environment called E-Green-Recycling. 

I will be collecting Electronic Waste or E-Waste as it is called, during specific drop off dates. The RI Conservation Club and the QCCA have agreed to be drop off sites for my project during the months of August, September and October of this year. 

If you have any type of electronics equipment (items with a cord) such as TVs, DVD players, radios, cell phones, computers, printers etc, please plan to drop them off at my scheduled drop off times. I will have informational brochures available and a new website to educate the public on the importance of  proper e-waster disposal.

The first drop off date is set for Saturday August 7 from 9:00 am to 12:00 noon at the RI Conservation Club on Big Island,  and 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the QCCA EXPO Center in Rock Island.

 I will also be at the RICC picnic on Sat. Aug 28 collecting E-Waste.  Please plan to drop off your E-Waste and help me with my project! 

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WANT TO BE IN A PARADE? 
Jay Pienta 309-786-1364

The club will be entering the Rock Island Labor Day Parade on September 6th. We will be having a special meeting to discuss our plans on August 4th, 6:00 p.m. at the club. If you are interested in helping with building a float for the parade, please attend our meeting. Last year we entered the Milan Labor Day parade and had a great time and won first place in our category.

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RICC TO HOST JAMBOREE 

On the weekend of August 27-28, Troop 243 will be hosting a campout on then new property area for its Troop and feeder Cub Scout packs. The area near the pavilion will be their primary campsite area. There is expected to be over 140 scouts and parents in attendance. They will be doing a special project for the club and will also be attending our picnic. The horseshoe lake and other camping areas located 

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  Memberships
309-786-1364

We are close to 1100 members.

We are getting a new membership person trained and coming up with suggestions and procedures on how we will turn around your membership requests faster.

New 2011 membership forms are on order at this time. 

More info to come in the August newsletter in preparation for the 2011 year. 

Make sure to check out the ARGUS/DISPATCH AUCTION MANIA when it comes out to bid on 2011 memberships at a reduced cost.

Forms can be printed by clicking Membership form.  Don't forget to get in on the referral action in the Membership section of this site.

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Rent The Club House
for details click here

This is the time of year to secure your rental for a Bridal Shower, company picnic or family reunions!  The club is also a great place to have a rehearsal dinner! You can have an outside BBQ for dinner and cash bar. We rent the club to many groups or organizations for their special events too. 

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A word on pets: If you bring out your dog, the club rules state that they must be on a leash. NO swimming in the lakes, chasing our wildlife, or bothering other campers or fishermen. Our club is not a dog park. Milan has a dog park for you to use. Please pickup after your dog. It’s not right that someone else gets to step in a pile of dog waste. We will start cracking down harder on this so be warned.

When the clubhouse is rented to a private party, a sign will be posted on the front door. DO NOT come into the club and ask someone for a membership, use the restrooms, or see if the bar is open. Memberships are at the caretakers house, and it is not fair to intrude on someone’s private party. We continue to patrol and check for current stickers for make sure you have them posted under your rear view mirror. If you don’t, be prepared to get asked to see your membership! Hope to see you out enjoying the club.

Please Help Keep Clubgrounds Clean

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RICC ANNUAL PICNIC

Saturday, August 28 mid morning until all is quiet for the night

Dinner will be served between 11:00 and 1:30

Menu is: Slow-cooked pulled pork sandwich, baked beans, coleslaw, and dessert.

Cost is $5.00

Hot Dog meal will be $3.00

There will be kids games, a kids’ casting contest, horseshoe tournaments, raffle prizes, hayrack rides, and a silent auction. We will have a live band from  2 to 6 pm. The picnic is open to the public so potential members can look over our club. 

The Moline Bass Club will be on hand to inform our you about their club. There will be Asian/American dancers from 12-1, A live band from 2 –6pm. 

We are in need of volunteers to help in planning this event. If you are interested, please call 309-787-4770 or Jay Pienta 309-786-1364.

 Raffle tickets will be available at the club meeting, or you can send in your check for raffle tickets and we will send you out the stubs. Tickets are $1.00 or 6 for $5.00. for every 10 tickets you sell, you receive one free. Areas that we will need help with are: Raffle tickets, games, fish casting contest, set-up, clean-up. 

We will also accept donations for the silent auction and raffle prizes. 

Please call Sue Pienta 786-1364 if you would like to donate a gift. 

If you have ideas or connections to make the picnic a success, please call us. 

We expect a great turnout this year and hope that this is the best picnic yet.

 For more information: Club House: 309-787-4770 or Jay Pienta 309-786-1364

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GOT USED MOTOR OIL?
309-787-4770

Help save the environment and recycle your used motor oil. The club has a container located in front of the main pole barn. Please take your used motor oil out to the club and place it in the container. The club makes money off of used motor oil, and also helps save the environment. If you have any questions, please call Troy at 787-4770. 

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We continue to try to have the bar open on weekends if there are no club rentals booked. By having the bar open it allows our members to come on in out of the weather, enjoy a  beverage and meet some new members. We have Mama Bosso pizzas available, and always a cold selection of drinks on tap. So check out the dates on Page 1 of the newsletter, and as always double check our open sign on the club door in case our dates have changed due to rentals. Hope to see some new faces and our regulars too. Enjoy your summer!

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You're Invited to Attend Your Club Meetings

Club meetings are always held on the 3^rd Tuesday of each month unless notified in advance. Board meetings start at 6:30. General members can attend the Executive board meetings but may not interact unless prior notification is given to the board, or you may fill out a request form to address the board on an issue. General membership meetings begin at 7:30. In between the Exec and General Membership meetings is a great dinner served for a donation fee. I encourage you to attend our meetings to find out what is going on, and to voice your opinions. This club is your club and we encourage your input. Hope to see you at our meetings! We’ll do the cooking that night! 

Put the 3rd Tuesday of each month on your calendar for RICC 

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INDOOR ARCHERY RANGE The RICC indoor archery range is open on Wednesday nights starting at 6:00 pm.  There is a small range fee.  Interested members can stop in on Wednesday nights. If you are a beginner and would like some advice or tips, there are always some archers there to help you. Back to Top

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The Club's Secretary

Justin Small  

Secretary’s Note: Congrats to the Moline High School Fishing team. They took 2nd place at the state tourney. The club was recognized at their trophy presentation and stated that the extra time on our lakes helped them with their win. We are looking for your fishing or nature pictures from the club. Sent them to ricc@att.net or ricclakeside@gmail.com.

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RICC IS A NON-SMOKING FACILITY

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MEMBERSHIPS
2010 MEMBERSHIPS AVAILABLE

 

Please follow these simple rules: Please print legibly, make sure you circle or check for family or senior. 

One sticker is provided per membership. Additional stickers will cost you $3.00 each. 

February will be the last newsletter you will receive if you have not renewed your 2010 membership. There will be reminders in the upcoming newsletters.   

Any member who recommends the club to a friend or relative can get a referral slip. These slips are available at the caretaker’s house, at the camping center, at club meetings, and directly below this article.  After that person is a paid member you are eligible for a drawing during the club picnic.  The current member must drop this slips off at the caretaker’s house or bring them to a club meeting.  Please write your membership number as well as the new member's number on the slip for verification. Your name will go into the drawing with each paid referral.
Any member who signs up 5 new members by September 1, 2010  will receive 50% off their 2011 membership. (they still may get their membership free if their name is drawn.)

Remember to refer members . . . You can copy and print the referral slip below!

If you want a membership form for a friend, click on the link below and print one.

Go to Membership Application form

As always, if you have questions about membership, give me a call. 309-292-1203

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2010 & 2011 Club Calendar

January  2011 18--Regular Club Meeting 29--Ice Fishing Tourney	February  2011 15-Regular Club Meeting	March  2011 115--Regular Club Meeting
April  2011 19-Regular Club Meeting	May 2011 17-Regular Club Meeting	June  2011 21--Regular Club Meeting
July  2011 19-Regular Club Meeting	August 2010 17-Regular Club Meeting 28-Picnic	September 2010 9 & 11 Hunter's Safety 21-Regular Club Meeting 26 Hunter's Volunteer Dinner
October 2010 2-Work Day 19--Regular Club Meeting 23-Halloween Party	November 2010 16-Annual Club Meeting with election of officers and directors	December 2010 11-Blood Drive 12-Kids Christmas Party 21-Regular Club Meeting

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Club Facilities Available for Rent

For all your rental needs be it a bridal shower, baby shower, wedding reception, wedding rehearsal dinner, birthday, class reunion, graduation, reunions etc. we can help by providing a facility to host your event. Clubhouse and Pavilion rentals are available. Please contact me or visit our website www.riccnews.org. or email me at the club email address: ricc@att.net

 

Sue Pienta 309-786-1364 or email smpienta@aol.com

 

click photo to enlarge For all your rental questions, please give me a call 309-786-1364

For rental questions on the Clubroom, Shelter, or outdoor recreation areas, please give me a call to set up your rental dates

 

Click to see the clubhouse and grounds

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Monthly Eurchre Tournament Troy Eacker Club: 309-787-4770 Direct: 563-271-8160 Fridays July 30, Aug. 13 Check in time is 6:30p.m. and play time is 7:00p.m.  $5.00 buy in The bar will have club prices--please bring your own snacks. You do not have to be a member to join our Euchre night so bring your friends!  Maybe they’ll join your club Tell your friends and come on out for a great evening of cards. Back to Top

 

Blood Drive

309-787-4770 

We had a great turnout at the blood drive and collected over 30 units of blood.

A special thank you goes out to all those who donated, and hope to see you at our next club blood drive.

   Your blood is needed and could save someone’s life.  

Please consider a donation all scheduled Drives.

 December 11, 2010

Please help us out if you can.

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Berta Garcia 309-787-1242

THE WOMEN IN THE OUTDOORS PROGRAM

Welcome to the National Wild Turkey Federation's Women in the Outdoors. We're so glad you've taken the time to learn more about our exciting program. The Women in the Outdoors program is an outdoor educational program that provides hands-on, in-the-field learning opportunities for women. The program offers women a chance to learn about various outdoor activities that are educational and fun for both the novice and experienced outdoor enthusiast. Through Women in the Outdoors events, women from all walks of life are being given the chance to experience the thrill of outdoor activities such as camping, recreational shooting, archery, fishing, fly fishing, wild turkey hunting, birdwatching, canoeing, and outdoor cooking, and many other fun activities. The events will also allow women to develop a greater understanding of wildlife conservation and meet others who share their enthusiasm. We know that not every woman is interested in hunting so we ensure there is always a mix of classes so everyone will find classes that appeal to them. If you've never seen how enthusiastic and amazed women are when they hit their first clay pigeon or see how great the women are at cheering their classmates on when they hit OR miss a clay pigeon; it's a pretty awesome sight. Maybe shooting isn't your forte; what about fishing or fly fishing? How about experiencing the serenity of learning to fish and then catching your first fish? Have you ever had the desire to learn how to shoot a bow? You may never go archery hunting, but maybe you like the thought of target practice. Have you ever wondered how women in the 1800's lived? How about taking a pioneer women skills class and learn about building fires with flint and steel, see replicas of guns that were used at that time, how about learning about what goes on at a civil war reenactment, what about learning to throw a tomahawk or knife? These are just a couple of the different types of classes that are held at events. "The Women in the Outdoors program allows the NWTF to reach an entirely new audience, one that has been overlooked in the past for outdoors sports and conservation" said Rob Keck, NWTF CEO. Women in the Outdoors programs are held at various types of locations. From shooting clubs, archery clubs, hunting clubs, plantations, guide services, to private farms, or anywhere we can gather for a safe and fun day in the outdoors. The events are held across the country with experts on hand to teach in a non-competitive manner. Women in the Outdoors members are from all over North America. We have Women's Regional Coordinators for every state, so no matter where you're from, there's a Coordinator who will be happy to assist you.

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A WORD FROM OUR CARETAKER Troy Eacker Troy can be contacted at: 309-787-4770 or direct at: 563-271-8160

I continue to find cans, bottles and trash left in our fire pits. PLEASE use the proper trash containers.  As always if you would like to do a small job while you are out at the club, just let me know and we can come up with a task to keep you busy.

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Officers & Directors

 

^{PRESIDENT:  Jay Pienta                     1st VICE:  Mike Hughes} 

^{2nd VICE:  Al Classen            TREASURER: Berta Garcia          SECRETARY: Justin Small}

 

^{BOARD OF DIRECTORS--20010-2012}

^{Barb Aney      Ray Bender       Tim Miller        Doug Palmer        Jim Garcia        John Miller}

^{Andy Wood        Rollie Bender        Tim Wood        Judy Gunnell}

^{ALTERNATE FOR ABOVE:  Stan Leach}

 

^{EXPO CENTER RICC DIRECTORS -- 2010-2011}

^{Troy Eckert         Jim Garcia}

^{ALTERNATE FOR ABOVE: Dan Henning}

 

GROUNDS CARETAKER

Troy Eacker

 

^{Nominations for the Board of Directors are received by the club during the October}

^{General Membership Meeting with voting at the November General Membership Meeting}

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QCCA VOLUNTEERS for Our Booth

Troy Eacker: 309-292-1553

We need volunteers to help man the Club's informational booth during events at the EXPO center.  As one of the sponsoring clubs of the center, the club receives payment for all volunteer hours, and a share of the profits generated by shows at the center.If you are a new member, I will place you with a veteran. Duties? Greet people, pass out information, tell them about our club, and get them to join our great club. You pick the hours, any time you can give will be greatly appreciated. 

Please call me to schedule a shift.

You can also attend the show that day free of charge! 

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QCCA Volunteers for EXPO Center

Jerry Hagstrom 309-764-7097

www.qccaexpocenter.com

The RICC is one of  5 clubs that make up the QCCA, the 

Quad Cities Conservation Alliance

The shows are run by the various club volunteers. The QCCA needs volunteers to work: Concessions, popcorn, beer wagon, tickets, crowd control, and parking attendants. When you volunteer to work a shift, the club gets paid $3.00 an hour for your time. That money goes directly into a fund that can only be used for conservation projects. So please call Jerry and volunteer. You can also take in the show before or after your shift.  NOTE: There are only a few more shows left, so call Jerry to volunteer. 

ALSO as a worker you are entitled to a sandwich, chips, and a drink when you work the shows. PLEASE do not abuse this privilege! Also if you are not working the show, DO NOT come in the back door to attend the shows. Come thru the front and pay the required admission price. The success of the QCCA, and the money that they make is being effected by these two issues. If the abuse continues, then the QCCA will be issuing out food vouchers and will be monitoring the back door and verifying that you are a worker when you come in. Please help us out. Thanks, the QCCA board.

 2010 Show Calendar in EXPO Center

Support RICC  and the EXPO Center	October 8-9-10, 2010 Home Remodeling, Woodworking
January 7-8-9, 2011 Bald Eagle Days	Watch for more Exciting Shows
February 25-26-27, 2011 RV, Camping & Travel Show	Watch for more Exciting Shows
March 25-26-27, 2011 Flower & Garden Show	Watch for more Exciting Shows
February 17-18-19-20, 2011 Outdoor Show	Watch for more Exciting Shows
Watch for more Exciting Shows	Watch for more Exciting Shows

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ICE FISHING TOURNAMENT

309-787-4770

^{Get ready for the tourney--January 29, 2011}

A day of perfect weather brought together 143 avid participants for the 2010 tournament held Saturday, January 30. According to Dan Galusha, co-chairman of the event, "A few anglers stated that just the fun of being at the event, learning from other anglers and having a very good chili meal was worth the $10 entry fee.  This is what fishing is all about --relaxing and having fun." Congratulations to these winners: Crappies:  1st place Solomon Isreal; 2nd place Ron Booth, 3rd place Ralph Brown. Bluegill/Sunfish: 1st place Mike Sherwood; 2nd place Mike Ayala; 3rd place Bob Hansen. Overall weight for 10 bluegill/sunfish: Connor Dusch 2 lbs 2.5 oz.; Craig Handley 2 lbs 1 oz; Jeremy Sierens 1 lb 12oz.  Bailey Classen won the special pink ice rod/real combo. A total of 1 limits of 10 bluegills/sunfish  were takem during the tourney.

 

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Please be considerate of your club. 

Help keep it clean.

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GOT USED OIL? 309-787-4770

Remember that you can get rid of your used motor oil by bringing it out to the club and placing it in the big oil recycling container located by the pole barn/garage. This way you are helping the environment, and we’ll make a few bucks.

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MONTHLY CLUB MEETINGS:

What better way to find out what is going on with our club and to voice you opinion or concern, then to attend the monthly meeting. Our meetings are the third Tuesday of each month. Our Executive board meeting starts at 6:30p.m. Members are encouraged to attend the executive meetings however, you can not address the board unless you are on the agenda or have filled out a request form, and be recognized as having a legitimate issue that needs to be addressed by the executive board. The club provides a meal between 7-7:30 and we ask you to put a donation in the jar. Our general membership meeting starts at 7:30 with the reading of last months general membership meeting and the current months executive meeting. We are always open to new ideas and encourage participation. We also have door prizes each month.

 Please consider attending the meetings. We love to meet new members.

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Free Hunter Safety Clinic

Jim Garcia, Master Instructor, Al Classen, Master Instructor
Berta Garcia, Registrar and Instructor 
 

Learn more about the program at http://dnr.state.il.us/safety/hunt.htm

Fall Course --  September 9 and 11, 2010.  Mark you calendars!

Limited to 250 students--Registration Deadline is 15 days prior to first class

Lunch Available for a Small Fee

Registration forms can be obtained at area Sporting Goods Stores, Bait Shops and Sporting Goods Departments

You can print a registration form here

Questions? 309-787-1242

Classes are taught each year at the club and are totally run by dedicated volunteers. We are always in the need for new instructors and counselors. So consider helping us out. Thanks for helping!

If you would like to volunteer to help, please call Jim Garcia 309-787-1242

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CARE Of CONSERVATION CLUB GROUNDS:

1. Please place trash in trash receptacles.

2. Don’t throw large boulders near or in the tubes between the lakes as our boats cannot go thru. 

3. If you do not want your unwanted building materials – neither do we! 

4.  Do not dump trash in the porta potties.

5. If someone is caught trashing our property and they are a member, they will be dealt with by the elected board.  Non-members will be arrested for trespassing and have charges filed against them. 

6.  Let’s make an effort to keep an eye on things and help keep our club clean. You also need to take an active role in keeping our grounds clean. 

7. If you see someone suspicious dumping or destructing our grounds, grab their license plate number and report them to a board member or call the sheriff’s department.  

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Greetings from Boy Scout Troop 243.

Scouts and Their Leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Doug Palmer

 Dennis Vancil, Troop 243 Scribe

We would like to thank the conservation club for their support and to invite any boys who might be interested in scouting to come check us out. 

Troop 243 meets on Monday nights at 6:00 at the Rock Island Conservation Club on Big Island in the clubhouse.

Membership is open to boys 11 to 14. No experience necessary. 

Come join the Scouting family.

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This beautiful campsite is waiting for someone special to enjoy.  No reservations needed.

www.riccnews.org  

  John Miller, Consultant 

News items can be sent to jjjfm@sbcglobal.net with RICC News as the subject

Our website is changing all the time. Please check out the website for updated information regarding our club. As we change and grow, so will our website. Keep watching!

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