Appleseed is finally taking root in the Mountain State! :~
We have a DAR being finalized in central WV, and another in the works, but there is still plenty of opportunity for folks who would like to host events in the N, S, E, and W parts of the state. I know you're out there, so now's the time to take a stand for Liberty!
All volunteer positions are open. Send me a PM and we'll talk things over @@)
There has been some "stirrin's" going on in the Mountaineer State!
TM, I did get your Host App and I still need an Instructor to step up to do a site survey &)
I have also gotten a couple of other folks in WV that have contacted us, so we have cracked the ice, to be sure.
It is critical that all the folks in WV rally around The Machine, as he looks to be the center of the DAR movement in WV for now, perhaps a few more in the future ;)
The biggest deal will be getting the word out.
Remember, Appleseed is about much more than shooting, it is American Heritage. "I can shoot just fine" is no excuse. The reply is, then how about helping us teach others and working to preserve this nation for our Children, the country that our Founding Fathers passed on to us.
Folks, the WV Appleseed program will be what you put into it. This program is not a top-down organization, but a grassroots program. It is neighbors waking up neighbors, in this case, fellow Mountaineers waking up other Mountaineers! O0
Appleseed supplies the "starter seed" and some support to get you folks up to speed, then we move to North Dakota to do the same.
So, just for fun:
Looks like WV will get a DAR, this is very exciting! This means that there will be 6-10 Appleseeds in WV, at this location alone. Not to mention all the new sites that will be spawned from folks coming to their first Appleseeds at this location.
This also means that there will be an WV Instructor course, in the Spring of 09, and again in the Fall, at a minimum. This leads to WV getting 12 or more Instructors by the end of 09.
This all sets WV up for 6-8 different locations, and 25-30 Appleseeds by 2010!
That is, of course, if that is what you folks in WV would like ;)
25-30 Appleseeds = 750 to 900 Appleseeders in WV for 2010, added to the 300 or so from 2009....not too shabby <:)
QuoteRemember, Appleseed is about much more than shooting, it is American Heritage. "I can shoot just fine" is no excuse. The reply is, then how about helping us teach others and working to preserve this nation for our Children, the country that our Founding Fathers passed on to us.
FF is right on with this. The response that I usually get is something like: "I've been shootin' since I was knee high to a grasshopper, I'll show them Appleseed fellers how it's done!" Then I say "GREAT! We need folks like you to become instructors so you can show others how to shoot that well." I also ask if they know what the date 4/19/1775 means, and after some grumbling, they usually don't know.
So, expect to get the initial high-and-mighty marksman comment, then gently bring them back to earth and explain the value of Appleseed--even if they are already a "crack pot"...oops, I meant "shot". ::)
QuoteThis also means that there will be an WV Instructor course, in the Spring of 09, and again in the Fall, at a minimum. This leads to WV getting 12 or more Instructors by the end of 09.
This all sets WV up for 6-8 different locations, and 25-30 Appleseeds by 2010!
That is, of course, if that is what you folks in WV would like
FF, you are an underachiever, aren't you! ;D
No, what we'd like--at least me anyway--would be to set the bar higher and double your figures. There you go Mountaineers...the gauntlet has been laid down...now jump aboard and let's make this thing happen! O0
I was gonna stay out of this thread but I had to laugh when I read that last post.
Fred better watch out, I think the Machine (Fred, Jr.??) is moving in. ;D
Quote from: Old Dog on December 23, 2008, 08:18:59 PM
I was gonna stay out of this thread but I had to laugh when I read that last post.
Fred better watch out, I think the Machine (Fred, Jr.??) is moving in. ;D
I've been told that everyone has a twin. :D
Hey TM good on ya for finally getting the ball rolling in our home state of WV..
Yeah they say that they can shoot, but it's usually from a treestand or off of the bench.
Been there done that.
Also, I saw you may be up around my old stomping grounds of the upper Ohio Valley from a post in another thread.
If so hot damn.
The Valley has lost its way the last few years with all of the cuts from Weriton Steel, Wheeling Pit, and alll others who depend on steel, glass and coke. (ok for those who don't know coke is coal that baked in a hot oven to remove all of its unwanted properties. this is the fuel for making steel.)
I wish I could be up there to help you guys, but I'm busy down here in Georgia trying to get these yahoos to step up and be drafted for the AS.
Keep the Faith.
Buzz.
Quote from: Buzzstrike on December 24, 2008, 01:37:58 AM
Hey TM good on ya for finally getting the ball rolling in our home state of WV..
Yeah they say that they can shoot, but it's usually from a treestand or off of the bench.
Been there done that.
Also, I saw you may be up around my old stomping grounds of the upper Ohio Valley from a post in another thread.
If so hot damn.
The Valley has lost its way the last few years with all of the cuts from Weriton Steel, Wheeling Pit, and alll others who depend on steel, glass and coke. (ok for those who don't know coke is coal that baked in a hot oven to remove all of its unwanted properties. this is the fuel for making steel.)
I wish I could be up there to help you guys, but I'm busy down here in Georgia trying to get these yahoos to step up and be drafted for the AS.
Keep the Faith.
Buzz.
Man, all the West Virginians are coming out of the shadows, it's just a shame they don't live here anymore. :'(
I know what you're saying about shooting from a tree stand or a bench. It's almost taboo to do it any other way around here. ;D
I'm a little further south from your home town, but I know where you're referring to. We live near Nebo, about right in the center of the state, 5 miles from I-79.
Yeah, the industries you mentioned have been fluctuating the last few years, experiencing a real bad down cycle right now.
If you get up this way Buzz, definitely give us a shout. My mom just retired to Alabama, so maybe I could coordinate a Georgia AS with a family visit someday.
Thanks for the encouragement!
I live in coweta county down here. They have at LEAST 4 AS here in Ga. Two of them in Toccoa which is only about a 1.5 hr drive from Atlanta, and Hinesville which is the southern part of Ga's AS. Its near Savannah (sp?)
There is also a mini AS over in Aniston Al just off of I-20 iirc.
Check out the Homestate posts for updates. Alot of times if enough people what to to shoot they may put together a impromptu AS for the day.
I'll keep my eyes ears open.
buzz.
QuoteTM, I did get your Host App and I still need an Instructor to step up to do a site survey &)
Mmm...I see the clown is still battin'. As the post says: "Appleseed is taking root in WV", but it can stand a little watering, in the form of an instructor to do site surveys. We have construction pending on two DARs.
We are not looking for hand-outs here, just a hand-up, so we can get our own state AS program going. If any of the foundational group in WV were qualified, we'd do it ourselves, but that just isn't the case. I don't think it's appropriate to put the job in ff's lap either. So could someone please step off the sofa? Thanks! O0
Hi guys. I was sort of wondering when WV would come out of the woods. Good to see. For The Machine and Funfaler specifically if there is something I can do to help, instruct or site survey or whatever and the location is even sort of close to Northern Va, then just ask.
Thanks TT, I sent a PM.
I also sent a response to the PM that you sent to me. I sent copies to Fred, funfaler, Maryetta, and Dirty Bill. The first one that I sent returned a message saying it couldn't find members Fred and Dirty Bill. I resent the same PM to each of them individually. If this all sounds confusing to you, it is to me also. ::)
Maybe I'm missing something when sending a PM using the Bcc feature? Is there a limit on amount of copies that can be sent? Does the system hiccup sometimes, creating the problem I had?
O0
I'm good to go down in Mercer County, but want to attend a second RBC and maybe an IBC first.
Gunner Jim
;)
Don't rule out the IBC for the last weekend of March here in central VA. The last Friday, Saturday and Sunday of March. Keep checking the schedule and looking for the posts on the IBC. I'm sure once it is set up so folks can begin to register there'll be more posts on that thread.
See you there.
Old Dog,
Last year's RBC wasn't that good for me. I was "almost over" a bad chest cold, screwed up the maintenance on my M-1, and didn't stay for the Appleseed because I wasn't really feeling well. That being said, I failed to qualify as Rifleman, and I refuse to participate in an IBC or attempt to teach someone to do something that I haven't done - yet!
Now it's a matter of when. My wife doesn't want me to go to Ramseur in Feb; he b-day is during the May RBC in Ramseur, so we'll see what happens.
Gunner Jim
Don't know how close you are to firing that 210 (or better), but the IBC the end of March in central VA is a "shooting" IBC. Some of them, based on location/facilities, do not have the option of actually firing rifles. This one will be held on private land and VAshooter has promised some shooting. If you're close, this could be your opportunity.
PM VAshooter, discuss your current level with him and see what he says about you attending.
Something else to keep in mind GJ, we will be holding our own miniAS/IBC in WV sometime during March. This would save a little on travel time and expense, since you are about 2.5 - 3 hrs. from our location. ;)
OD, if I have the doe-re-me, maybe I'll round up some Mountaineers to attend the VA IBC that you mentioned.
And another thing OD, since you are still considered a fellow Mountaineer, we'll give you a pass on using the West Virginia section of this forum to tap "recruits"...we're all on the same team! ;D O0
Sorry, hadn't heard anything about an IBC in WV (that I recall). I was just inviting a WV Instructor candidate to attend the VA IBC so he'd be that much closer to being able to jump in and help when WV got their DARs up and running.
I still go home regularly to get my passport renewed. I'm 51 and I've been "going home" since 1957. Only two problems with it. First is I don't get home often enough. The second is I always have to leave and come back down here.
Do you think your March IBC will be at one of the DARs, or somewhere else?
Oh, the link to the sign up page (the VA IBC for March is still not up yet but can be found here once it's added so folks can begin signing up) is http://www.appleseedinfo.org/bc_schedule.htm
Have a good one. Oh yeah, should the WV March IBC attendees bring a snow shovel, or will a #2 be acceptable? **)
QuoteHave a good one. Oh yeah, should the WV March IBC attendees bring a snow shovel, or will a #2 be acceptable?
I see you haven't lost your WV humor! I like that...#2! ;D
You know we are used to doing things the hard way around here...the weather is just a slight inconvenience. If folks want to work on their tan or be coddled at an AS, then maybe they should pass on this one. ::)
You DO know I was just bustin' your gonads on the previous post! ;)
We aren't advertising the IBC because it is a "hybrid" gathering and doesn't meet all the parameters of an "official" sanctioned AS event. Dinky from over Ohio way is helping us put it all together. She has some IITs that could use some practice and WE definitely need a crash course, so we brainstormed the idea. You or anyone in VA that wants to join the party, are more than welcome. It will most likely be held in Nebo, since all we are really lacking is the people and targets. Oh...lest I forget...the official recognition of the location as a DAR. O0
For all you flatlanders who haven't unloaded a truck load of coal (or two ;D) into a coal house or filled up coal scuttles every night before dark, a #2 shovel is fairly small, flat, and short - compared to a snow shovel. But they will far outlast the snow shovels sold these days. Hey, maybe that's why my arms used to be much steadier holding that '03 Springfield in the offhand position (with no sling - slings is what you use to carry it with after you kill the buck ;)).
Hey, when you settle on a date, let us know. I might be able to get home that weekend and at least come by for a visit and meet folks.
When you get your dates worked out, let me know. I may take a ride over there to see what you guys are doing. Old Dog and Dinki are old friends. The IBC in Virginia will be the 27th through the 29th of March. I should be able to make it unless yours is the same weekend.
VAshooter
Quote from: VAshooter on January 07, 2009, 05:58:52 PM
When you get your dates worked out, let me know. I may take a ride over there to see what you guys are doing. Old Dog and Dinki are old friends. The IBC in Virginia will be the 27th through the 29th of March. I should be able to make it unless yours is the same weekend.
VAshooter
Sure thing VA...I would like to do it before the 27th, but after Dinky makes the DAR inspection on 1/12 - 13, we'll have a better feel for when it will be. I will send a PM as soon as we have a date. ;)
According to the schedule there are no Appleseeds nor IBC scheduled in WV or VA this year.
Status please?
I'd like to do the Boot Camp at Ramseur, but none of the dates are good for me. So I'll "settle" for an Appleseed and an IBC.
Hang on,we are busy getting a range,and there will be AS in WV this year. O0
Another West Virginian here eagerly awaiting approval of a range for an Appleseed in West Virginia this year so he can hope for attendance of more WVans of an Appleseed.
Quote from: The Machine on December 29, 2008, 05:40:33 AM
QuoteTM, I did get your Host App and I still need an Instructor to step up to do a site survey &)
Mmm...I see the clown is still battin'. As the post says: "Appleseed is taking root in WV", but it can stand a little watering, in the form of an instructor to do site surveys. We have construction pending on two DARs.
We are not looking for hand-outs here, just a hand-up, so we can get our own state AS program going. If any of the foundational group in WV were qualified, we'd do it ourselves, but that just isn't the case. I don't think it's appropriate to put the job in ff's lap either. So could someone please step off the sofa? Thanks! O0
Welcome aboard TracyWV! What part of the state do you hail from?
As part of your "Welcome Package" comes an offer to select a volunteer position that suits your particular skills/talents. At this time everything is open except the "flyer/promotional material design" job, which Maryetta is handling. So that leaves the other 101 positions available! ;D
Send me a PM if you have any particular questions that need addressed. You just made my day sir...the team is growing as planned. O0
Tracey,Welcome to the WV Team.. O0
Quote from: The Machine on January 22, 2009, 06:24:02 PM
So that leaves the other 101 positions available!
Well, I don't know what those 101 positions are. I only know 4 "standing" "kneeling" "sitting" "prone". ;D
But seriously, I don't have a clue what needs to be done but I am willing to help where I can whatever that may be.
Quote from: TracyWV on January 23, 2009, 09:12:52 PM
Quote from: The Machine on January 22, 2009, 06:24:02 PM
So that leaves the other 101 positions available!
Well, I don't know what those 101 positions are. I only know 4 "standing" "kneeling" "sitting" "prone". ;D
But seriously, I don't have a clue what needs to be done but I am willing to help where I can whatever that may be.
Tracy, you have two things I like...a sense of humor and motivation...you're going places in the WV Appleseed program my friend! ;D
I guess the best way to approach this, would be for you to PM (Private Message) me with whatever skills or knowledge you may have. That would allow me to match you up with a task that currently needs done.
We are working on a job list that will be posted in the WV section in the near future.
I can tell you that promotions is numero uno right now. I am referring to radio, TV, letter writing, emails, flyers, WV specific internet sites, tables at gun shows and conventions, etc. Does any of that tickle your fancy?
Just contact me and we'll match you up with something. I appreciate your willingness to help "bail the sinking ship"! O0
I want to thank the 5 Mountaineer's (TracyWV, Aaron, Tim, Ben, and Shawn) who generously took time from their families and personal schedules to come out and lend a hand with the DAR preparation. I hearby dub you all "The Society of the Black Doughnut"; I think you get my drift... ;D
We had wonderful weather--it actually hit 80--that brought out the sweat profusely, while everyone braved the briers and were cooled occasionally by the splash of "a funky liquid substance", that had been fermenting in the objects to be moved. !@#) ;D
The crew took a break from the festivities for the lunch that Sugie prepared, while we discussed the importance of launching the Appleseed Project in WV and the strategy for growing the program in the near future, among other things.
All the hard, dirty, work paid off in the end, when the "hardware" came out of the cases and the range was officially "broken in".
I made 5 new friends Sat., that not only helped move the Appleseed program along in WV, but are true patriots commited to saving this country...thank's again guys. O0
I posted on arfcom about the VA Appleseeds and had a guy from WV "wish" we had some up there this year. I posted a link to the Stinson Appleseed information post. Maybe he'll make one of them.
Quote from: Old Dog on March 12, 2009, 07:17:43 PM
I posted on arfcom about the VA Appleseeds and had a guy from WV "wish" we had some up there this year. I posted a link to the Stinson Appleseed information post. Maybe he'll make one of them.
Thanks OD, maybe we can make his "wish" come true. I'll have to head back over to arfcom, it's been awhile...
It doesn't seem that long ago when the formative stages of an Appleseed program in WV began, but here we are, a half year later hosting our third event...real good news. O0
We also have a DAR location positioned in the center of our state, within less than an hour from the Charleston metropolitan area, and no more than three hours from the other major population centers.
There were several folks who stepped forward with enthusiasm toward volunteering and/or attending events. Some even expressed interest in becoming instructors; a critical aspect of continuing Appleseed in WV.
In this time-frame, about 50 people have attended our events. Half of those in attendance have been from other states, however. In addition to this, there have been no takers on the instructor path.
I really want to see Appleseed succeed in WV, but lately, the motivation level of our state "volunteers" has been on the decline. I really hate to keep hammering on people (we're adults; not adolescents; right?) so I'm adding some insight from one of the national volunteers, to maybe put things in perspective.
I hope those who look at the Appleseed Project as a "shoot and scoot" program, reconsider this line of thinking after reading this piece (posted by funfaler):
QuoteThe mission of Appleseed? To increase the population of Riflemen in this nation to a point that it is a nation of Riflemen.
So, allow me to dissect this a bit.
Rifleman = Not just someone that can shoot 210 or better on the AQT (this would be rifleman) Rifleman is that spirit that demonstrates persistence in the face of adversity and perhaps seemingly hopeless outlook. Envision that soul that, with the knowledge that the most powerful nation in the world has sent the most powerful army in the world after you, and while knowing that you will be out numbered, out trained and out equipped, you still grab your musket from over the mantle and step through your threshold.
"Increase the population..." = This is critical to not only the Appleseed program but for this nation. There are enough programs out there to "raise awareness".....what have they done?
Waking people up is just one aspect of Appleseed, getting them to take ownership of their nation is the ultimate end. So, just to paint a word picture, there would be enough Riflemen, those that know what they are about, those that understand the Founding Principles of this nation, in those leadership positions around the nation to so impact the course of events in this nation to be in line with the course our Founders set us upon.
So, the primary goal of Appleseed is the growth of Appleseed. We would like to see a day that there is a county Appleseed range in every county of the nation. School busses would pick up children on the weekends, with their rifles, and take them to the Appleseed range for an Appleseed.
That every person in representative positions around the nation are "graduates" of an Appleseed (or three).
This sort of thing happens with more Appleseeds. Only with more Appleseeds.
"your hands full with your own movement..." Here is something to consider. Whatever movement that is, assuming it is not anti-American, then it would benefit from a strong Appleseed program in your community. Your neighbors, representatives and others, would all have as a foundation, those Foundational Principles of our Founding generation. They would have that underlying purpose to share together and in common with the likes of our Founders.
See, Appleseed is a non-threatening tool that can be used to ease folks off of their couch and into the rolls of Americans, the rolls of those that "DO" vs. "Watch and complain".
Example: "He Joe, I am going to a Tea Party, want to go?" Joe: "Nah, I am not into politics, there is nothing I can do anyways". OR..."Hey Joe, want to come with me to an Appleseed Shoot, learn rifle marksmanship and some History?". Joe: "Yea, that sounds like fun (and not me "joining a movement")." So we can get Joe out to hear the message and instill some motivation to get involved.
However, this is all possible, if we can keep Appleseed, the machine, running and growing.
This program, unlike so many, has a long term focus. Tea Parties are great, but lower the taxes to some yet to be determined level, they will disolve, all the while, the underlying reason they were set up in the first place is still there. Same can be said of many other "movements".....If they succeed, how does that change the "Climate" of the nation?
In fact, most of the "movements" in America today are doomed to failure, not because they are not worthy, in fact, many are critical and needed, today and in the future, but they are doomed because the "Heart and Mind" of Americans are not behind them. We can not dictate Liberty and Freedom, it has to be desired.
This is Appleseed. Stirring that latent desire for Liberty and Freedom deep within every real American we can reach. We stir enough, then all these other anti-American issues that these other groups are fighting will dissolve away, cause there will be not heart and mind for them.
So, the process of someone coming to Appleseed, getting motivated, not helping Appleseed, but rather their own pet project is death to Appleseed and ultimately for their pet project too. However, giving time and resources to Appleseed, to keep this program growing and strengthening, will allow the other pet projects to flourish too, as the community gets populated by Riflemen.
Appleseed is a foundation building program, for marksmanship and for "civics". If we can reach those hearts and minds that are not already involved, it will greatly aid those that are already involved.
The issue we are seeing here at Appleseed is not so much that people are not doing enough, it is that not enough people are doing Appleseed.
There are many other tasks/jobs here at Appleseed, beyond being an Instructor. There is no doubt that an Appleseed Instructor is a breed of American unto themselves. I marvel at the level of dedication, professionalism and effectiveness of these "mere normal Americans"....fact is, they are, by all measures, "super Americans". However, they need support, in the back office, on the line, promoting shoots, setting up shoots, administrative measures, and so on.
So, if one can not Instruct, there is still plenty of places to contribute.
Appleseed has an unique American mission. No where in the world is this sort of program happening. No where in the world are we able to do this without asking permission. No other program in America, that I can find, is so unique in set up and function.
Appleseed is not competing for "volunteers". We will not survive with folks that just want to clock in for a period of time, "volunteer" and move on. Appleseed is a mission and mind set. Do you want to see your community be populated by those same people that populate the Appleseed firing lines? If this were to happen, would that be a serious bonus for your community and the organizations within that community?
We do ask Appleseeders to weave themselves into their community, actually it is weaving Appleseed in to the fabric of their community.
As you all go about your normal daily business, exploit those opportunities to push Appleseed and the Appleseed message. However, we need folks to mind the Appleseed store, ensure that it is growing and making room for those millions of our neighbors to get out and gain that Appleseed and Founding generation exposure, thus building a foundational understanding that will move them from their couches and into the bilge, where the work needs to be done.
It is not an either/or, it is just living Appleseed, living as a Rifleman, rather than just a person with a rifle that attends an unique shoot once in a while. It is someone who grasps the seriousness of the issues facing our nation, that being the ignorance, laziness and apathy of the American people. Until we overcome these, there is no "pet issue" that we all have as individuals that stands a chance of succeeding.
The single source of power for all of these "pet projects" is the will of the American people. That means that the education of the American people has to be the foundation of all other actions or movements.
Again, even if we have the best candidate, the best project, the best ideas, to improve this nation, they will all be for naught if there is not that foundational understanding of what America is about, what Americans are supposed to do, of what this nation is supposed to be, there is no advancement of American efforts.
If we don't have the will and mindset as mentioned above, I see another opportunity wasted here...as if this state hasn't had a belly full already. Anyone gonna do something about it?
For those wanting to track this back to the original thread it came from, here's the link:http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=7275.msg67453;boardseen#new
Although The Machine is already aware of this, I'm one of those who has slowed down. Not by choice, I've had some "minor" surgery to my left hand and for at least another 4 weeks I'm unable to do anything that I enjoy - except reread every W.E.B. Griffin book ever written and diddile with my computer. My darling bride has even convinced my Dr that driving my lawn tractor is not a good thing to do. Consequently the "hilly" parts of my lawn have grass 12-18" high. The flat parts, which I managed to cut one day when she was out, are now 6-8" high.
I will be up for part of the RBC, but only one night and hopefully I can pull my trailer out of there when I leave. Will know more about that when I have 2nd post-Op Dr. appointment on 8 Jun.
>:(
Congratulations to Spanner for getting his Rifleman patch and taking an Orange Hat at Ramseur, 7/05/09! O0
Our IC is finally developing and we will hopefully have our first WV Shoot Boss by this Dec...the roots are growing deeper.
2010 is going to be a year of explosive growth in the WV program. We'll have 3 new locations coming online, for a total of 4. We will have additional Shoot Bosses and instructors in place to run these events. The area that we are still deficient in is promotions. Everyone can lend a hand in this area: http://appleseedinfo.org/smf/index.php?topic=5765.0
I can confidently say that AS has taken root in WV, now let's see how much fruit the tree will bear. ;)
Spanner definitely deserves congratulations. Yesterday, he put all seven steps into action. He had no hesitation whatsoever when I walked up and asked him if he was interested in taking on an Orange Hat. I do hope that the Virginia contingent can borrow him on occasion.
Congratulations Spanner!
Some more fantastic news...WV had it's first female Rifleman and IIT emerge from the AQT anvil this past weekend--congratulations Beth! O0 Siglite followed suit on the next AQT--congratulations! O0
What does this mean for WV? We have our first family of Riflemen developing (Alex will be Rifleman soon), and our first husband/wife instructor team taking shape. I believe siglite's family will be a motivation and inspiration for others in our program; this "dynamic trio" is another set of "booster rockets" that have been added to the WV program in the last 3 months.
I thank all of you guys--and gal--that have jumped aboard lately and are doing a wonderful job of helping WV AS grow. Let's all put our shoulder to the applecart and keep the momentum going. :)
Congratulations (and a BIG THANKYOU) to Beth and Siglite for stepping up. You guys are 8) the real deal.