New Policy Covering MA FID/LTC Instruction

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OCSA is announcing the release of a new policy covering MA FID/LTC instruction using OCSA facilities. With the introduction of new training requirements under Chapter 135, many clubs have had to review the impacts created by what is perceived to be a problem created by the lack of municipal ranges, forcing more instruction to private ranges. OCSA has in the past had a hands off approach to the use of our facilities by members who also held a MA State Police Instructors certification. However, to better manage this issue and comply with the requests of the club’s liability insurer we felt it was necessary to move in the direction of a formal policy and process for registering individuals as “Authorized Instructors”.

To that end we have created a “BFS Instructor Policy” and a new “student waiver”. Instructors must acquire the appropriate liability insurance and register with the club per the procedure before teaching at OCSA. We have added a new “instructors” link on the website which will be used for advertising the club authorized instructors and an instructor’s registration page where they can complete and update their registration with the club.

With the release of this policy and the ability to properly register with the club, we are rescinding the ban on instruction introduced on April 2, 2026.

MA LTC/FID Instruction on Club Property

Effective April 2, 2026, all instruction for an LTC/FID at Old Colony Sportsmen’s Association is suspended until further notice pending forthcoming information from the state, state police, and the insurance provider for Old Colony.

If you are a Massachusetts certified instructor, you should be aware that the state is imposing new instruction requirements. You should by now have received multiple emails from the State Police Firearms Compliance Unit concerning this.

These new requirements take effect on April 2nd. OCSA, like other clubs, has little information on the new materials and only recently started to receive details on testing, use of force & de escalation, and the live fire requirements etc. The new state instructor portal has yet to even go online and is not expected to do so before April 14th.

These new requirements are raising many questions for the Board of Directors and the liability that may be imposed on the club. A committee has been formed to develop a policy concerning anyone wishing to use the club for the purpose of LTC/FID training. The committee will be chaired by Rick Sten with committee members Dale Solander, Tom Pye, and Tony Melendez. It is charged with developing an instructor code of conduct, developing a process to register instructors with the club, looking at instituting a waiver policy, looking at the insurance issues this may be creating, and any other associated issue that may develop.

We will most likely have an opportunity for instructors to attend a discussion as this policy is being developed. Signage will also be posted at respective ranges indicating the temporary suspension of use for LTC/FID instruction. Further announcements regarding the committee’s activities will be provided as they become available.

Not affected is any free or complimentary coaching for guests, any established activity introductory classes, any competition where a fee is charged or any authorized law enforcement training. Only instruction for an LTC/FID where a fee is charged by an instructor shall this be applicable.

Any questions feel free to reach out to OCSA. 

Raising Funds to Repeal Ch. 135

Old Colony Sportsmen Association, (OCSA) announces our 2026 fundraiser for the repeal of MGL Chapter 135. In 2024, a grassroots movement of everyday people, sportsmen or not, and business owners across the commonwealth worked to pose this question directly to voters at the ballot box by collecting over twice the required number of signatures. This opportunity gives every voter a voice to say NO. If repealed, the gun laws of Massachusetts will revert back to what they were previously. On November 3, 2026 all MA registered voters will have a chance to vote on this referendum to repeal Chapter 135. At this time no question number has been assigned so please subscribe to "The Civil Rights Coalition" (https://thecivilrightscoalition.com/) to be kept up to date on the latest information and repeal events.

OCSA will add a matching donation, dollar for dollar, up to $5,000 to what is donated BY YOU, our members, friends, concerned citizens, competitors, business owners, and the sportsmen of Massachusetts. Last year we were able to present $10,552.63  to "The Civil Rights Coalition" (https://thecivilrightscoalition.com/). We would love to surpass that amount by a significant margin. Please share this with everyone you know or believe will support this cause. If other clubs are not raising funds, their members can also donate here. You can also share the announcement made on our facebook page. Donations will be closed on June 1, 2026.

To Donate please go to https://old-colony.org/gunban

November 3, 2026 is Election Day.

VOTE NO to repeal Chapter 135.

Not registered to vote or not sure about your registration? CLICK HERE

All donations minus expenses will be donated to "The Civil Rights Coalition" (https://thecivilrightscoalition.com/) 

GOAL Law Class 2026

Massachusetts / Federal Gun Law & Regulation for the MA residents/LEO/Retailers.

On April 22 2026 OCSA will host a GOAL firearm law seminar. This 3 hour class will focus on the changes in MA gun law under Chapter 135, explain state and federal laws and regulations in layperson terms. Students will explore applicable MGL and CMR as it pertains to definitions, gun purchase, possession, transport, record keeping requirements, buying/selling, interstate transport, interstate purchase, ammunition storage and best practices for gun owners.

Jon Green has been the Director of Education and Training for Gun Owners’ Action League since 1999. He served on the NSSF Range Advisory Committee for 4 years and has owned and managed FFL 01 Businesses. He has taught similar classes to thousands of citizens, hundreds of Mass State Police BFS Certified Instructors, Massachusetts Hunter Education Instructors and Massachusetts Environmental Police Officers.

A dinner is available by adding it to your shopping cart after the class registration. For all the details and required pre-registration links please see the club calendar for this event.

Driveway Edge Project

Please DO NOT drive your vehicle along the edge as the drop in some areas may bottom out your vehicle.

A project to fill and grade along the edges of the newly paved driveway using compacted reclaimed asphalt is expected to begin the first week of December and is projected to take 4 days provided weather cooperates. The club will remain open during this work.

The contract for this project was awarded to SITECON EXCAVATORS CORP. This is the same group that worked on the outdoor pistol range in 2024.

Assistant Treasurer Appointed

UPDATE 05/19/2026: Tom Barone has informed the Board of Directors that he will not be transitioning to full time treasure.

At the BOD meeting of 11/24/2025, member Tom Barone was appointed to the position of Assistant Treasure of OCSA. Since no one ran for the position at the last election and Joe has announced his intent to retire from the position, Tom has volunteered and will be working with Joe Staier on a transition to full Treasurer during 2026. This appointment was presented to the membership at the December 1, 2025 membership meeting. This appointment is in compliance with Article Three Section three of the club By-Laws.

“Section 3: The Board of Directors may appoint or contract with a manager, superintendent, and such agents, committees, and employees as may be deemed necessary to carry out the purposes of the Corporation, fix their compensation, supervise their action, and the action of the Secretary and the Treasurer.”

Tom has a long history in financial positions most recently serving as CFO for a MA robotics company. The BOD looks forward to working with Tom and considering his input.

Driveway Paving

Paving Update 11/24/25:

Paving is completed. The club will reopen on Tuesday 11/25/25.

Paving Update 11/21/25:

The driveway will be paved on Monday 11/24/25. The club will be closed on Monday reopening on Tuesday provided there are no issues.

Paving Update 11/14/25:

The driveway paving will be on Monday 11/17/25. The club will be closed all day and night on Monday but will reopen on Tuesday provided there are no issues.

Paving Updates 11/13/25:

The old driveway has been removed and the road is currently dirt. We are waiting notification on the day of paving. Tentatively we were told that it would be Friday or Monday. On the day of paving the club will be closed but will reopen the next day.

Paving Update 11/11/2025:

We have been informed that the paving company will be removing the old driveway starting 11/12. The club will remain open during this phase of the project.

Updated By-Laws and Range Rules Released

OCSA has released updated By-Laws and Range Safety Rules effective July 8, 2025. These can be found in the “About” section of the website.

2025 Election Schedule & Results

UPDATE September 29, 2025: At the first BOD meeting of the new fiscal year the position of Club President was unchallenged. Tom Mortland will continue as President for another year.

UPDATE August 6, 2025: No position is contested so in accordance with our bylaws there will be no election during the September annual meeting. The below individuals will continue for another term.

7/1/2025: There will be an election for the Board of Directors and officers at the Annual Membership Meeting on September 8, 2025. Elections will run from 6pm to 7:30pm with the member meeting starting at 7pm. A nomination list will be posted on the bulletin board at the July membership meeting for those interested in running, it will come down at the end of the August membership meeting. Any member with at least 5 years can run for office.

These elections help set the course for the next three years so please consider dropping by to cast your vote, even if you cannot stay for the meeting. Please see the club By-Laws for election and club officer information. Please see our club officials page for information on current club officials.

Terms ending:

Tom Pye – Board:

Tom Kennedy – Board:

Tom Mortland – Board

Paula Cavalieri – Secretary

Joe Staier – Treasurer (Joe plans to retire so we need a replacement. Please consider running)

2025 Scholarship Awards

On behalf of the scholarship committee we are happy to announce the following recipients.

We are awarding four $500 scholarships, 2 Old Colony Scholarships and 1 to Pembroke High School.

Old Colony:

1. Christopher Agnew

2. Elena Celli

 Pembroke High School:

1. Allyson Johnson

Massachusetts Junior Conservation Camp (Copy)

No one submitted a request to be sponsored for this year, (2025) so OCSA will not be sending anyone.

More information can be found at: https://old-colony.org/mjcc

Replacement Lift

At the membership meeting of August 5th, 2024 George Emanual presented his research on the replacement of the decommissioned handicap lift. At the previous Board of Directors meeting the Board voted in favor of Georges recommendation. This was done after meeting with three contractors and a site visit to one of the installed units. At the membership meeting the majority approved of the recommendation and voted on a budget of approximately $67K to cover the quote with a 10% contingency for unknowns once the old lift is removed.

The contractor chosen was Residential Elevator and Lift in Hanover and the unit is a Savaria Vertical Platform Lift.

Update 9/18/24:

The new lift is expected to be delivered 9/19. Installation will start almost immediately. The parking around the lift/range gate area and electrical power to all ranges may be affected during the project. It will also be necessary to close ranges on short notice for the electrical work to be performed. Due to the fluid nature of the project it may be difficult to post notices.

Update 12/5/24:

The lift installation is functional but not yet inspected. Please do not use the lift until a notice is sent out to the membership.

Update on Storm of 12/18/23

12/28/2023: Main power has been restored. Cable/internet has been restored. No known issues. All ranges are open.

Clubhouse Deck Replacement

2/24/24: The deck is complete. Please use caution parking in front of the deck as screws have been observed around the construction. We are working on cleaning the area.

1/22/2024: The contractor is mostly done except for some cleanup work but the deck is now open for use. Please use the righthand door with card access. You can also use the parking lot door to the indoor range except during archery for safety reasons.

12/7/2023: The clubhouse Deck replacement has begun. Members are asked NOT to park in front of the clubhouse on weekdays. Be advised that at some point in the project access to bathrooms may be affected. Please check the home page for updates.

OCSA Testifies on HD.4607

On October 12 OCSA submitted a document to the MA State House Committee that held hearings on HD.4670. The document was prepared by member Dale Solander who serves as the clubs Liaison with GOAL and NSSF as well as provides reports to the membership on a wide range of legislation important to MA gun owners and the members of this club.

OCSA rejects HD.4607 and asks all members to contact their legislators concerning this bill or any replacement bills that may occur. We are heartened to hear that for the first time in it’s history the Mass Chiefs of Police Association along with the MA State Police voted unanimously against supporting this bill as well as the previous version HD.4420. A big thank you to all Chiefs.

Members can read the clubs testimony by clicking HERE.

2023 Election Results

On the night of September 11, 2023 at the clubs annual meeting the below election results were verified.

Results:

Paula Cavalieri – Secretary , 1 year, no challengers

Joe Staier – Treasurer , 1 year ,no challengers

Carl O'Brien (BOD, reelected for 3 years)

Bill Earl (BOD, reelected for 3 years)

Richard Moskos (BOD, elected for 3 years)

Not Elected: The BOD would like to thank the following members for participating in the election and hope they will consider future runs.

Dan Hart

Tom McClennan

At the Board of Directors meeting on September 25, 2023 Tom Mortland was reelected as President and Rick Sten was reelected as Vice-President.

Please see the club By-Laws for election and club officer information. Any member with at least 5 years can run for office. Please see our club officials page for information on current club officials.

2024 Membership Renewal

The membership team has completed sending out the 2024 dues bills. These were sent using the email address on file with the membership office. As a mass email, it is possible that it ends up in your SPAM/JUNK folder so please check before saying you did not receive it. Please note that everyone does get an invoice even our life members and those who pre-paid. This is both for your records and to allow you to participate in the two annual raffles if you choose.

Every year we have a certain number of problems and we wish to minimize this so please read this notice and the notice on the website membership page completely if you have not yet paid. Please refer to the membership page (https://old-colony.org/membership/#mem-renew) and the club bylaws https://old-colony.org/bylaws before asking any questions to see if the answer is available and reduce the email volume.

Please remember, only one club member performs most of this renewal process including answering your questions so answers may be delayed. The next membership meeting on September 11 includes the club elections so Richard will be busy. You can stop by the Board meeting on August 28th starting at about 6:30pm if you have questions. 

• The deadline for all dues payments is 4 pm on October 15th, (in the office, not postmarked by). A late fee of $20 dollars will apply after this date

• Members in arrears as of 4 pm on Nov 15th, (in the office, not postmarked by) will be deactivated and access card privileges revoked. A $20 dollar late fee and $10 card re-activation fee will apply after this date

2023 Election Schedule

There will be an election for the Board of Directors at the Annual Membership Meeting on September 11, 2023. Elections will run from 6pm to 7:30pm with the member meeting starting at 7pm. These elections help set the course for the next three years so please consider dropping by to cast your vote, even if you cannot stay for the meeting. Please see the club By-Laws for election and club officer information. Any member with at least 5 years can run for office. Please see our club officials page for information on current club officials.

Terms ending:

Carl O'Brien – Board:

Bill Earl – Board:

Open Seat – Board

Paula Cavalieri – Secretary , No challengers

Joe Staier – Treasurer , No challengers

Running for Board of Directors: (3 positions)

Carl O'Brien (Incumbent for reelection) [Life member having joined OCSA in 2016. Carl is active in Precision Pistol.]

Bill Earl (Incumbent for reelection) [life member having joined OCSA in the 1970’s. Bill is active in Black Powder.]

Dan Hart [Joined OCSA in 2018. Dan is active in Black Powder]

Tom McClennan [Life member having joined OCSA in 1977. Tom is active in Black Powder]

Richard Moskos [Joined OCSA in 2017. Rich is active in IDPA]

2023 Family Day

The OCSA Open House this year is on Sunday
September 17th.

Family NRA Firearm Safety and Education Day Sunday September 17. This is when the club opens its doors to anyone from the public interested in checking us out between 9:30AM and 1PM. Individuals and families with children 10 years old or older are invited to see what the club has to offer. Youth programs, Safety instruction, and opportunities to try various firearms and archery will be available.  SEE FLYER

Each activity will run continuously during the day unless noted otherwise. Black Powder demonstrations will be active from 10am to 12pm, IDPA demonstrations will be active from 12pm to 1pm. What we need to make this the success it has always been are club members willing to lend a hand in one of the following ways:

·       A firearm and your time on the line to run it

·       Ammunition, all calibers

·      Administrative help to aid in registration, checking for needs on the line etc.

·       Photos and short videos that the club can use may be uploaded HERE.

·       Helping to talk to people waiting on the firing line to keep things moving and to talk about what the club has to offer.

Tom Pye will be organizing this event. If interested in helping, donating, or you have questions. Send them to oldcolonyfamilyday@gmail.com

ALL RANGES WILL BE CLOSED TO GENERAL USE UNTIL 2PM

Kitchen Closing

Hello fellow members. Joe and Robin have informed the club that they will be shutting down kitchen operations immediately. This was their choice, there were no problems between them and the club. We thank them for their efforts and wish them the best going forward. If you have questions or suggestions about the kitchen going forward, we suggest you attend the upcoming membership meeting on July 10th starting at 7pm. More information will be posted as it becomes available.