Charlotte, NC Oct 29-30

[Lawrence]

Charlotte Rifle & Pistol Club, Waxhaw, NC

Although a cold rain lingered from the previous evening, the forecast indicated that the morning would clear and the sun would bring temperatures into the 50's by the afternoon. Eighteen fellow Americans signed in promptly and we began our morning briefing and initial instruction in the comfort of the range clubhouse.

Of the 18 attendees, 7 were young first time Appleseeders, ages 7 to 15 who took part with their Dads. During the day, as club leadership and range members passed our firing line, many commented and were encouraged to see youth attracted to an event about marksmanship and history. CR&PC successfully initiated a junior air rifle team to encourage this growth in their membership.

Having adjusted our schedule to allow the firing line to dry, we were able to complete our first AQT as the shadows lengthened and colorful fall leaves blew across the targets. Saturday closed with the Timothy Murphy Saratoga story, a tribute "redcoat" and the day's benediction and call for continued involvement.

Since many of our participants were club members and 4 had previously attended an Appleseed, we began a frosty Sunday morning with an optional classroom presentation of our "Long Range Component". Even though our events at this range are rimfire only, qualified membership has access to the 300yrd rifle range and frequent service rifle events are held at reduced range. Feedback was extremely positive and this option will be offered at future events.

Sunday produced 5 new Riflemen! Appleseed welcomes and congratulates Charles, Chris, Sean, Steve and Liat! Wear our patch proudly! Most are CR&PC members or have applied for membership. A special mention to Liat, age 13, who also participates on the clubs air rifle team. And if memory serves, I think the club president mentioned that she had already set a national record for her age category in junior air rifle.

Needless to say, we are hoping for many future Appleseeds at CR&PC as the club meets for it's elections and plans for the 2012 calendar. Please add your photos, comments, corrections or recommendations to make our events in Charlotte more meaningful and effective!

A special thanks to NeilR (IIT3) who presented Strikes 2 & 3 beautifully, to chitty (IIT3) who arrived from an out of state job just in time to help, and jbachman (now IIT1) who accepted the Orange Hat after becoming a Rifleman at the last Charlotte AS in March. I am pleased to report that we are building a dedicated group to staff this venue for the future.

True hope eternal!