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Rockville Sportsman's Club recalls role building local dam and plans Aug. 24 50th-anniversary fundraiser
Summary
Members described the club's role securing state financing in the 1970s to build a dam, reviewed long-running conservation and youth programs, and announced an Aug. 24 street fundraiser featuring a street dance, raffles, and refurbished fishing-rod giveaways for children.
Gary, a long-time member of the Rockville Area Sportsman's Club, recounted the club's effort in the 1970s to secure state financing and get bids for a new dam, saying bids were let in October 1975 and the project was completed in 1976. He credited then-local representative Bernie Brinkman and club members, including Ed Daniels, for helping the community organize to make the project happen.
"I was the only living member of the original board," Gary said, describing how the club and individuals pushed state DNR offices to secure financing and oversee construction. He reviewed the club's past fundraising methods, its conversion to a 501(c)(3), and programs that have continued over decades: tree plantings, pheasant-raising and release programs, walleye restocking in nearby lakes, scholarships, humanitarian donations and gun-safety training for youth.
Amanda, the club's current vice president, outlined plans for the club's 50th-anniversary celebration on Aug. 24 in Rockville. The event will start at 4 p.m. with street activities, including minnow races, meat raffles, kids' crafts, face painting, a refurbished fishing-rod giveaway for children in need, and a street dance beginning at 7 p.m. The Rockville Lions Club will run a burger stand; Boy Scout Pack 15 will sell popcorn; the senior center will serve ice cream floats; and a local business will provide stage power. The club will sell commemorative shirts and sweatshirts and is using the event to recruit younger members.
The presentation included a request to the city and other local groups to consider re-creating a small skating pond by dredging and restoring the former pond behind the dam; Gary said he and his wife would seed an initial fund of $1,000 if the city or other clubs were interested in pursuing dredging.
The council thanked the presenters and invited questions; no council action on club requests was recorded in the transcript.
The Sportsman's Club presentations combined historical context, ongoing conservation and youth outreach work, and a community-facing fundraising plan meant to draw volunteers and raise modest funds for club activities.
