We had an amazing weekend at the Manistee Muzzle Loading Club this past weekend! We had tweny one shooters come to the line to celebrate out heritage as Americans and learn more abut our history. The weather was hot and humid but that did not slow them down and spirits ran high all weekend.
Congratulations to those who scored rifleman for the first time ( Brian with a 212, Hannah with a 210, Tim with a 226) and to two of our shooters Reese, and Bob (AKA GrayPiper) on shooting requaltifying scores of 233 and 217 respectively. I want also to mention that we had several other shooters that were consistently very close to shooting rifleman scores. Hang in there people! A rifleman persists and I know you will get the job done soon!
A huge thank you to the host club for providing such an amazing facility for us to use for our event. The club members were graciously helpful and went out of their way to make our weekend a success. The club in Manistee has been incredibly supportive of our program over the years and we are grateful for all they have done and all they did this past weekend. They are even thinking about expanding their participation in Appleseed's overall program. I especially want to thank Hank Rozmarek, a member of the club, who along with a couple of other club members put together an excellent presentation of Revolutionary war arms types and useages, and even had a small one pounder field cannon that two of our younger shooters were allowed to fire. (No ball, of course.)
I want to thank my two instructors who had their hands full keeping up with the numbers of shooters while enduring 85 degree heat and 95% humidity. They handled the situation professioanlly and well. My hat is off to Click and Fidget for a job well done!
What an incredible weekend filled with outstanding students and instructors! Hunter and Josh, your groups were fantastic! I can't wait to witness your exceptional skills on the line once again. Tim, Jen, Maverick, Lincoln, Hannah, and Reide, you all did an amazing job this weekend. Congratulations to the engaged couple who achieved rifleman status on the same day! George, Karl, Noah, Peter, Benjamin, Chris, and James, keep up the practice. I look forward to seeing you all back on the line very soon!
Derek and Cody, it was a pleasure to have both of you join us on the line. Delynn, we hope to see you back soon, eager and ready to shoot. Trevor, your groups are destined for rifleman scores! The next time, they will be right on target, and you'll achieve that coveted title. Carl, Merle, Maverick, and Terry, you are so close to reaching your goals. Keep up the exceptional work, and success will be within your grasp!
Olen, just a few more points to go, and with no assistance on your target, you'll get there! Robert, a special thank you for providing coaching assistance on the line. Your expertise was invaluable.
Here are some incredible pictures capturing the spirit of the event:
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To all the fierce and determined individuals who proudly earned their patches, this one's for you! Your dedication, perseverance, and unwavering spirit have brought you to this moment of triumph. Congratulations to all those who patched!
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When a student achieves a rifleman score of 210, they are immersed in the symbolic waters of the mighty Concord River flowing beneath the North Bridge. And let me tell you, on scorching hot days like that, the invigorating river bath dries up in no time, fueling their fiery determination even further!
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The day kicked off with a powerful moment as the flag was raised high and the collective voices echoed in unison, reciting the pledge of allegiance. It was a poignant reminder of the values we hold dear and the unity that binds us together. Following this patriotic ritual, a crucial safety meeting took place, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the well-being of all participants. It set the tone for a day filled with responsibility, awareness, and a commitment to upholding a safe environment for everyone involved.
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Get ready for some serious excitement! Hank and two awesome club members rocked the scene by showcasing authentic period pieces from the Revolutionary War. But that's not allâ€"hold on tight because they took it up a notch by teaching our incredible students a dose of local history. And guess what? Two lucky young kids even got the chance to unleash the power of a restored timber pirate's 2-inch cannon! It was an unforgettable experience that left everyone buzzing with adrenaline and historical knowledge.
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The students were absolutely having a blast! Laughter filled the air as they enthusiastically engaged in various activities, forming new friendships, and immersing themselves in the joy of learning. Their smiles were contagious, and their energy was infectious. It was a truly memorable and exhilarating experience for all involved!
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Seeking refuge from the scorching heat, we cleverly retreated to the cool shade where instruction and captivating history stories unfolded. The sheltered environment became a haven for both learning and camaraderie, as we delved into engaging discussions while staying comfortably shielded from the sun's relentless rays. It was a clever strategy that ensured our minds stayed sharp and our spirits high, even in the midst of a sweltering day.
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Picture this: a group of dedicated instructors and a select few adventurous students embarking on an unforgettable camping experience right on the range. The nights were alive with the warm glow of campfires, creating the perfect ambiance for laughter, camaraderie, and shared stories. Amidst the starlit skies, bonds were strengthened, memories were made, and the spirit of fun was ignited. It was an extraordinary blend of education, adventure, and pure enjoyment under the open sky.
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Whew, that day was a scorcher! The dedicated instructors were desperately seeking a much-needed respite and some refreshment. Their quest led them to discover a true oasisâ€"a watering hole with an abundance of cool, refreshing water and a delightful dinner to satisfy their appetites. They struck gold when they stumbled upon The Painted Lady Saloon, the oldest operating Saloon in Manistee, which offered the perfect blend of history and hospitality. It was a well-deserved oasis of relaxation and nourishment amidst the blazing heat.
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a cannon. hell yeah !
What a wonderful event! And look at the proud smiles!
Can't wait to hear the shooters' responses (as well as their plans for their next Appleseed!)
Had a great time, haven't done this in two years great to be back. Thank you to the Manistee Muzzle Loading Club, Appleseed instructors and attendees for making this happen. I will be back and I will be better!