To My Fellow Lowell Sportsmen’s Club Members,

Massachusetts is currently in the middle of an unprecedented health crisis. The Coronavirus, or COVID-19, is sweeping through our state and nation, leaving behind severe hardships and multiple deaths. Many of my own family members and friends are presently on the frontlines in the battle against the ravages of COVID-19.

The Governor of Massachusetts, Charlie Baker, has put forth executive orders mandating all non-essential businesses and services to be closed until at least the 4th of May. In his initial order ranges and stores selling firearms were on the list of essential services. However, within a week the Baker administration reversed course and removed both services from the list. Board members of the Lowell Sportsmen’s Club have reached out to various sources seeking clarification of the governor’s order. We have also contacted our many sister clubs in the area to inquire how they are addressing this situation.

The Lowell Sportsmen’s Club Board of Directors met by conference call on Tuesday evening the 7th of April. After two hours of discussion, and at times a passionate debate, we came to the conclusion to close our club and all its facilities. Therefore, effective Saturday April 11, 2020, the front gate lock combination will be changed and all ranges, indoors and out, will be closed. This rule also includes the clubhouse, fishpond, and the boating facilities. The club’s closure will only remain in effect until the governor lifts the order on gun stores and ranges, and it is once again safe for people to gather in large groups. The board made this decision for the consideration of the health and safety of our members, many of whom are in the most vulnerable population for acquiring this disease.

Although individuals will be permitted to hike the surrounding grounds for physical activity, during this time, we encourage all members to respect the board’s decision and refrain from traveling to the club for any reason. If any members are observed violating this decision by utilizing ranges or other facilities, they will be reported to the EBoard and actions of suspension to termination of membership will be considered.

We sincerely hope our members understand the reasoning behind the EBoard’s decision to take this profound step. We are all waiting the time when we can again enjoy a sport we love.

Please feel free to contact any board member or myself with questions or comments regarding this rule.
Stay Safe, Stay Healthy!

Brian D. Campbell COL, USA (ret)
President Lowell Sportsmen’s Club

What This Means

• Effective Saturday, April 11th, the code of the main gate at the street will be changed to prevent access to the property.
• All ranges, including archery and the fishing pond, as well as the clubhouse, are closed.
• Members who wish to walk the Club property for exercise are permitted to park outside the main gate and walk in. Badges must be visible at all times. Also, you are responsible for observing all COVID-19 safety guidelines, which includes not touching tables, benches, or other surfaces within the Club. We are not able to keep everything disinfected, so it is your responsibility to practice social distancing and good hygiene at all times.
• In support of law enforcement, the Middlesex Sheriffs and Chelmsford Police will still use the Club to train and qualify their officers. When using the Club, these departments are required to follow strict disinfecting and cleanup procedures before and after their sessions. Considering the emergency conditions we face, preventing law enforcement from being at their best would be a disservice to our community.
• General monthly meetings are suspended until further notice. Although using a conference call for E-Board meetings works, it doesn’t seem like a feasible option for a general meeting. We are continuing to explore Zoom and other video conferencing tools, and members will be notified if we are able to conduct a virtual meeting. In the meantime, First and Second membership readings are also suspended, and Membership Secretary Darlene Parker will be contacting the pending applicants. As always, any member is welcome to attend an E-Board meeting; that has not changed. Contact President Brian Campbell for information on how to join the conference call.
• We will also be making special arrangements utility companies who routinely service the Club. Jim Martin will be coordinating with them during this time, as well as anyone else who needs emergency access to the property.

This is an unprecedented time for all of us. The E-Board made this decision only after exhaustive discussion, because it was not the outcome anyone wanted, but was clearly the only choice under the circumstances. The LSC is a member-run club, and everyone’s input is welcome and valued. Please direct comments to Brian Campbell, or any member of the E-Board.

The E-Board will endeavor to keep the membership as up to date as possible as conditions change. Please watch your email, the website, and Facebook for additional updates. We’re all in this together. Keeping safe and healthy is the best way we can get through this.

COVID-19 Safety Guidelines:

• Stay home as much as possible and avoid close contact with others
• Stay 6 feet away from others
• Don’t shake hands
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Clean things before and after you touch them (like doorknobs and tabletops) with household cleaning spray or wipes (please bring from home)
• Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze with a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hand

Due to State and Federal public health guidelines, the Executive Board of the Lowell Sportsmen’s Club is taking the following action:

• Weekly scheduled events (trap, skeet, archery, and pistol) are suspended. Members of the public are not permitted at the Club.
• Other events, including training classes, are suspended until further notice. These events will be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Members are still allowed to use the Club and ranges. However, it is important to use common sense when at the club.

• First, if you feel sick or are showing symptoms, stay home or seek medical treatment.
• Use the hand sanitizer and soap and water available at the Club. As always, wash your hands after shooting, with hot water and soap, for at least 20 seconds.
• Maintain comfortable distances between people, preferably 3-6 feet.
• Do not share eye or ear protection, and firearms or other equipment should be sanitized with alcohol wipes before being used by another shooter.
• If you test positive for COVID-19 after being at the Club, please inform your medical provider and the E-Board, so we can try to notify any other members you may have been in contact with.

This situation, and recommendations from health officials, have been developing rapidly. We will provide the membership with additional information as it is warranted.