2019 Annual Meeting

[Mike Franzen]

Greetings! I want to give you preliminary information on the upcoming 2019 PGCA Annual Meeting and Recognition Banquet. This years event will be held in conjunction with the Vintager Gunners Cup at Hausmann’s Hidden Hollow. The VGC event begins Thursday, September 19 through 21. All ready there is a great line up of vendors including RST, Robin Hollow Outfitters, Steve Barnett Fine Guns, Connecticut Shotgun, Vintage Doubles,Custom Stocks and Steel and Firetower Doubles. We have blocks of rooms available at two area hotels:
1. Comfort Suites
3401 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850-2147
607-766-0600

Use this link to get the special rates below, or call the Comfort Suites directly: https://www.choicehotels.com/reservations/groups/QY73H3
A King size bed/suite is $119.00 plus tax. An extra cot in the room is $35.00.
Two Queen size beds/suite is $145.00 plus tax. An extra cot in the room is $35.00.

2. Candlewood Suites (This hotel is three years old and is recommended)
3605 Vestal Parkway East
Vestal, NY 13850
607-770-0007
Your choice of a King size bed/Suite or two Queen size beds/suite for $114.99 plus tax (Full kitchen and dishwasher in all rooms).
To get the special rate at the Candlewood you must call. Give our group code: PA Side By Side Championship.

Both hotels are located in Vestal, NY approximately 25 to 30 minutes from the site of the Vintage Gunners Cup and both hotels have a variety of places to eat nearby. Make your reservation early as we expect a strong turn-out for the VGC.

This years banquet will be held at Traditions At The Glen Country Club. I will have more info on cost and reservations as soon as everything is finalized in the next couple weeks. I wanted to get you the room info so you can book now.

[Mills Morrison]

Done! Thanks Mike. See you all there

[Dean Romig]

Nice work Mike - Thanks!





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[Mills Morrison]

Now I have airline tickets, rental car and Harry and I will see you all there

[John Davis]

It's only a 15 hour drive from here.

[Brian Dudley]

Now I have airline tickets, rental car and Harry and I will see you all there

I knew we would get you to Hausmans some day.

[Mike Franzen]

I’m excited about going to Hausmans too. I’ve never been but heard only good. I’ve talked to Mr. Hausman on the phone and he couldn’t have been nicer to work with.

[Dean Romig]

Ernie is a wonderful guy! And his SC (or rather, Hunters Clays) courses are top notch!





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[Harold Lee Pickens]

Wow, I may have to go back to Hausmann's again in Sept. If you havent been there, you will like it. It will be a little early for fall colors in the Pa mountains, but weather should be nice. I live less than 10 miles from the Pa border, but it still a 6 hour trip for me.

[Randy G Roberts]

Wow, I may have to go back to Hausmann's again in Sept. If you havent been there, you will like it. It will be a little early for fall colors in the Pa mountains, but weather should be nice. I live less than 10 miles from the Pa border, but it still a 6 hour trip for me.

MapQuest says it's a 10 hour trip for me and it's bad timing. I sure would like to go though.

[Chuck Bishop]

Looks like a great choice and a short distance from Vestal.

[Steve Cambria]

FYI: Just booked at The Candlewood. Be sure to tell them up front of the block rate or they'll transfer you to the phone bank in Kuala Lumpur. I worked with Rachael at the Vestal location and she was terrific.

[Mills Morrison]

I did online at Comfort Suites and had no problem. Hope they are better than the Hampton Inn in Sanford

[Mills Morrison]

I knew we would get you to Hausmans some day.


I am really looking forward to it. I have been wanting to go. Frontier Airlines has non stop to Philly both ways

[James L. Martin]

I just got a room at the Candlewood and as soon as I said I wanted a room I was on hold for 10 plus minutes, I had a very hard time understanding the person that answered the phone, first thing I said was I was in a group, well I finally got the room but it was a pain, and she told me she could not send a confirmation e-mail because I was in a group code and I would get one in a day or so. I called the listed # 607-770-0007

[Dean Romig]

Doesn’t Binghamton, NY have an airport?





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[Chuck Bishop]

Binghampton may have a small airport but Scranton/Wilkes Barrie has a larger one but he'd have to make a connection out of Philly. Scranton is about 1 hr away from Housmanns.

[allen newell]

Will there be an auction at the annual meeting. If so, I may have some nice items to donate

[Dean Romig]

There sure will be Allen, just like every other Annual Meeting.

Send items to either myself or Larry Frey.





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[allen newell]

I will attend if there are still rooms available

[Craig Larter]

One suggestion I would like to make regarding the silent auction at the Annual Meeting. How about naming the member that donated the item?? I don't think that has been done in the past, correct me if I am wrong. Craig

[Dean Romig]

One suggestion I would like to make regarding the silent auction at the Annual Meeting. How about naming the member that donated the item?? I don't think that has been done in the past, correct me if I am wrong. Craig


We used to do that and then some contributors asked to remain anonymous so we stopped doing it. There's no problem in naming the contributors going forward but those wishing to remain anonymous need to state that when they send their items in to us.





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[Larry Frey]

One suggestion I would like to make regarding the silent auction at the Annual Meeting. How about naming the member that donated the item?? I don't think that has been done in the past, correct me if I am wrong. Craig

Craig,
That's an easy one ever since Deb created the data base we run the auction with. I can give you every item donated for the last several years along with who donated it, the starting bid and final price. We also post a list of names both on this site and in Parker Pages of the individuals and companies who donated. Also, on the bid cards at the auction you will see the items description, retail value, who donated the item, and the minimum starting bid.

Now that the Annual meeting date and site has been announced we will be soliciting donations soon both on this site and from the many businesses that support our organization. Our goal every year is to exceed the previous year and thanks to our members we have had a pretty good run.

[Dean Romig]

Yeah... what Larry said...





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[CraigThompson]

I am really looking forward to it. I have been wanting to go. Frontier Airlines has non stop to Philly both ways

You realize you’ve got a pretty decent drive from Philly to Scranton .

[CraigThompson]

What evening is the meeting/banquet ? I didn’t see the actual date time etc anywhere in this thread ?

[Russell E. Cleary]

Craig:

My copy of PARKER PAGES Spring 2019, page 6, says that The PGCA 2019 Annual Meeting will be held on September 21st, 2019, which is a Saturday night.

[Harry Sanders]

Guys,

I don't want to be a stick in the mud, but NY is not gun friendly, even our old kind. I made a reservation for Candlewood and was told twice during the process that firearms are not permitted on the premises. As a result I'll be staying in PA.

Not trying to create a panic or crapstorm, but if we register with an event discount code it's easy picking. Perhaps everyone will be happy leaving things at Hausmanns. Just food for thought.

[Dean Romig]

For years and years we have stayed at the Quality Inn & Suites in Vestal and have never had an issue with bringing our guns from our vehicles to our rooms and vice-versa.

And they are pet friendly too.

https://www.choicehotels.com/new-york/vestal/quality-inn-hotels/ny413?source=gyxt




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[Harry Sanders]

That sounds much better. Maybe I'll bring Rocky.

[Bill Murphy]

We have never had a problem with guns in New York. I don't remember a theft from a vehicle at the Vestal hotels. Don't leave your guns in your vehicle.

[Harry Sanders]

Ok more good news. I suspect I fell victim to a corporate booking agent or policy. I have since put a call into the Vestal location manager and am awaiting a call back. I'll share what I'm told.

[Daryl Corona]

I refuse and have'nt stayed in NY for many years due to their anti-gun policies. There are numerous places to stay in PA so I would much rather keep my money there. It's just the principle of the thing.

[Bill Murphy]

Daryl, I am willing to change. What facility do you stay at in PA? Harry, never make a reservation unless the person swears he or she is at the desk in the hotel at which you want to reserve. Otherwise, you may or may not have an actual reservation.

[Daryl Corona]

Bill, I've stayed at the Montrose Inn in Montrose Pa. for a number of years now. PM me if you want more info. I'm booked 6/6-6/8. Great restaurant/bar on the ground floor called McCormack's. Can't go wrong with that name.

[Kevin McCormack]

Yes, and please be sure to keep the place clean.

[Daryl Corona]

Yes, and please be sure to keep the place clean.

Smith, Anderson and Eis won't be there so it won't be much of a problem.:whistle:

[James L. Martin]

Harry, any update from the manager on the gun issue? I have a room booked also ,by the way they never said anything to me about guns.

[John Davis]

I may be wrong (wouldn't be the first time) but I can't imagine that the guns will be a problem.

[Dean Romig]

I guess it it falls under the “hotel policy” and in New York that may prove to be prohibitive.





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[Mike Koneski]

Wherever you guys stay in NY, DO NOT TAKE HANDGUNS ON YOUR PERSON!! NY gun laws are a$$. A NY resident has to get a LTC permit from a judge. NY recognizes no reciprocity. Not to mention if you do have a handgun with a mag that holds more than 7 rounds, you are a felon. NY, NJ and MD are all anti-gun governments. But, outside of Philly, PA welcomes you and ALL of your firearms!!

[Tom Pellegrini]

As much as New York hates guns. I can't imagine why anyone would want to spend their money for a hotel room there.

[Frank Srebro]

Just a few words to those who are licensed in their state and travel to shoots and events with a handgun. Adding to Mike's post: Last week I talked with a PA resident friend who has a PA LTC. We're near the NYS line and he planned to visit a client across the border near Vestal NY. While driving there he remembered his 380 auto was in the vehicle. Knowing the NYS gun laws ….. he pulled over in PA, disassembled the handgun and stashed its receiver in the woods, retrieving when he returned to PA. Smart expedient.

[Jerry Harlow]

Wherever you guys stay in NY, DO NOT TAKE HANDGUNS ON YOUR PERSON!! NY gun laws are a$$. A NY resident has to get a LTC permit from a judge. NY recognizes no reciprocity. Not to mention if you do have a handgun with a mag that holds more than 7 rounds, you are a felon. NY, NJ and MD are all anti-gun governments. But, outside of Philly, PA welcomes you and ALL of your firearms!!

Idiot Guv Ralph "Blackface" "Infanticide" Northram shares VA concealed carry permit information with MD police so anyone who travels there can have their plate information run and vehicle pulled over and suffer the consequences of having a concealed weapon without a permit in Maryland.


States that will honor a Maryland handgun permit
23
states

Resident Permits
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin

Non-Resident Permits
Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin
Handgun permits Maryland will honor 0 states.

Maryland will not honor any other states handgun permits

[Mills Morrison]

It is still God's country down here, although we have some "agitators" looking to change that.

[Bill Murphy]

When staying in Vestal, NEW YORK, I have never taken any more than fifty guns into my room at night, and I have never carted more than fifty guns to my truck in the morning. The hotel people in Vestal are very nice.

[Mike Franzen]

Yes Bill you are right. The people at venue where we are having our banquet are excited about having us and are looking forward to seeing the fine gun displays.

[Bill Murphy]

Getting back to the "ANNUAL MEETING" subject, how many miles is it from Hausemann's Hidden Hollow to the venue in Johnson City where the annual meeting will be held? I'll be waiting for the reply .

[Brian Dudley]

Johnson City is basically right next to Vestal. So, if you are familiar with Vestal, then you know what the distance is. Or... there is always mapquest...

[James L. Martin]

Just saw on vintages.org that the no firearms policy at Candlewood Suites in Vestal, N.Y. has been waived for the Vintagers Shoot.

[Mills Morrison]

That is good news.

[Chuck Bishop]

I'll be at the Candlewood Thursday to Saturday.

[MattHaney]

Please check The Vintage Gunners website periodically. We're keeping this as up-to-date as possible about vendors, events and others items of interest.

http://vintagers.org/VC

For those who may be bringing their spouses (or who may be interested), don't forget the Ladies High Tea on Friday the 20th.

"A team of ladies are planning for the upcoming Ladies Vintage Tea to be held Friday, September 20 at 2:00 pm. This is a free event for all Lady Vintage Gunners, Vintage Gunner wives and lady vendors (and female PGCA members and spouses of PGCA (male) members ). The women are planning to have a nice selection of goodies and are planning for a pleasant afternoon of talk and sampling.

It would be very helpful to get an approximate count to assure we have enough of everything to accommodate the attendees, so please email Tom Snyder tsnyder610@aol.com with an RSVP."

Thanks! ---Matt

[Russell E. Cleary]

Matt:

Thanks for the notice.

However, the Ladies' High Tea apparently does not include Parker Member-accompanying ladies who are not "Lady Vintage Gunners, Vintage Gunner wives and lady vendors".

[MattHaney]

Matt:

Thanks for the notice.

However, the Ladies' High Tea apparently does not include Parker Member-accompanying ladies who are not "Lady Vintage Gunners, Vintage Gunner wives and lady vendors".

To clarify,

Please allow me to explicitly and cordially invite female PGCA members and spouses of PGCA (male) members to the Ladies High Tea. Please RSVP by email to Tom Snyder at: tsnyder610@aol.com.
:)

[Mike Franzen]

Sounds like a nice event Matt. I know Tom Snyder has been working hard on this event.

[Richard Flanders]

It's only a 4-5 day drive from here! Maybe I should come down!

[Dean Romig]

Looking forward to seeing you there Richard!





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[Randy G Roberts]

It's only a 4-5 day drive from here! Maybe I should come down!

I thought you had a plane. :rotf:

[Mills Morrison]

It was great to see everyone there. My camera was acting up, so I did not get as many photos as I would have liked, but here are a few

[Garry L Gordon]

Mills, thanks for posting these. I hope to one day make it east to a meeting and the accompanying shoot.

[Eric Eis]

So does anyone have comments or photos of the shoot or the annual meeting for those of us that couldn't make it?

[John Davis]

We (Jennifer and I) had a great time and it was a wonderful event. Beautiful country and perfect weather. Shot the 12/10 gauge sporting clays course, the pigeon ring, the 2 man team flurry, the five stand and the main event. Bought an Orvis sweater and two Barbour jackets. The annual meeting banquet went off without a hitch and I thought the food was very good. Congratulations to Dean Romig on his Invincible Membership and Chuck Bishop on his shell bag. Both recognitions were greatly deserved and overdue. And congratulations to Josh Lowenstiener and Bruce Day on their Distinguished Service Awards.

[Larry Frey]

So does anyone have comments or photos of the shoot or the annual meeting for those of us that couldn't make it?

Eric,
I can tell you that you likely wouldn't recognize Hausman's if you hadn't been there in a year or two. They have made many great changes including another 8 station course for 28 gauge an smaller in the woods to the left of the five stand. With all three courses running there were very little waiting. The banquet facility and meal were top notch, and the weather could not possibly have been any better. A great weekend all around.

[Eric Eis]

I am sorry that I couldn't make it. I really miss seeing everyone

[Chuck Bishop]

The banquet was very nice. Thanks to Mike Franzen organizing the banquet. I was surprised when Tom Wooden presented me with a beautiful leather shell bag. Even had my middle initial on it. I asked him how he knew what my middle initial was and said "I got it from your wife!" Margaret kept it a secret for months:) Beautiful tooling on that leather.

I was surprised again when I won the Peoples Choice Award for my SC SBT because there were so many other wonderful guns on display. The attached picture shows the bowl along with the runner-up bowl I won in 2016. Hand turned by our own Mike McKinney. Beautiful!

Dean Romig was awarded an Invincible Life Membership award for the years of work he did with the Parker Pages but the kicker was when Tom had Kathy join him at the podium and unveiled a hand drawing of their setter Grace. I believe it was drawn by Mike Franzen's daughter. Just beautiful.

A good time was had by all.

[Eric Eis]

What a beautiful portrait of Grace !

[Dean Romig]

I must admit I was totally caught off guard.

Tom Wooden came to me someplace in front of the RST tent and said they wanted him to say a little blurb about my service as editor and he asked me a couple of questions about myself and Kathy. I was more interested in making sure he would allow me enough time to introduce the new editors Mike and Susan Koneski and Tom said that would not be a problem.

When Tom unveiled the Invincible Life Member "certificate" I was completely blown away... and then in the next breath he asked Kathy to join us up front and unveiled that fantastic drawing/painting of "Gracie" we both got a little choked up.

I will say that in the 26 years of PGCA existence only 8 Invincible Life Memberships had been awarded and I find myself, my name, among very heady company. In many ways I feel 'unworthy' but I can't argue with the wonderful folks who came to that decision- all I can do is thank them for such an honor. :bowdown:

The picture of Gracie appears to have been done as a charcoal over watercolor but I don't know for certain. Maybe Mike Franzen can ask his extremely talented daughter, Madeline, how she accomplished such a lifelike expression - what medium she used to capture Gracie's amazing personality...


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[Mills Morrison]

It was very well deserved! I am sure I speak for the other board members as well!

[Mills Morrison]

More pictures. Harry didn't inhale. No, really

[Dean Romig]

That kid has a great smile to go along with his personality!!






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[Mills Morrison]

Harry had a great time! Thank you to everyone for making him feel welcome

[Garry L Gordon]

There's something especially poignant when good work is recognized in such a fashion. My congratulations to our two very hard working -- and gracious -- colleagues who have obviously done so much for the Association. All of us are better off because of their leadership and many contributions.

[Randy G Roberts]

Congrats to all the recipients. Well deserved in each and every case. Each of you have been and continue to be an ambassador to this organization and the members. You continually make yourselves available to folks such as myself and others willingly sharing your knowledge which has been instrumental to this membership most assuredly. Thank you all and congrats again :bowdown:

[Russell E. Cleary]

Neither Kathy G. nor I entered in the shooting, but we had a most memorable time, surrounded as we were by fine country, fine guns and fine people.

We plan to attend more PGCA meetings and related events.

The buffet-style banquet was done really well, and included three great salads; whipped potatoes; roasted green beans; chicken, fish and meat dishes – eat up and just go back and pick up another plate for more!

Even the decaf had the quality-coffee flavor that decaf hardly ever has.

There was the lofty and expansive dining room with windows that commanded the valley and surrounding hills, providing all the natural light one needed to admire and scrutinize in detail the guns arrayed for the People’s Choice Awards -- official theme guns (Single-barreled Trap); outstanding eclectic choices, i.e., 28-gauge skeet; high-grade and condition hammer-guns, and the GHE 12-gauge Raffle Gun.

The auction generated the second-highest dollar amount ever to the Association.

Again, many thanks to Mike Franzen and Brian Hornacek for putting it all together, and to all others – the men and the ladies -- who perennially do the heavy lifting for these official PGCA events.

Mills was not the only one that had camera troubles, as Kathy G.’s 12-year-old camera finally took a dive. Thus, only a few photos of ours came out, and even those were grainy. But still recognizable in the one I post below are banqueteers Mills and Harry Morrison.