A Bronx Tale - Part 1
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Not to be confused with the notable movie,released several years ago....This Bronx tale is about adifferant form of "Controlled Interest".

Two years ago it was decided that Pete Lapore, Bob Bocker and myself would pool our Birds, Expertise and Funds in an effort to compete along side of what we considered some of the best pigeon flyers in the country.!!

Although the numbers arent as large as other parts of the country, The flyers from the NY Tristate area should be considered some of the Best around... Pete And Bob (cottage merrit)have to be counted as one of those notable lofts as their race record in the last 20+ years will reflect, as for myself ,1 feel that my flying record would be considered equal of the top lofts around in our area... Combined and with great effort, ! felt we should excell in any competition..... This is where the problem arose !!

We didnt only compete — We Dominated some of the biggest races in the area !!
In doing so , We followed EVERY rule of every club..If a club had a flight rule and our birds didnt fit the rule - They were rejected..We've had birds rejected shipping night by commitee members,When asked why - The answer was because we just dont like it ?...

During the race season we've faced numerous arbitrary decisions on race night,with no recourse...On one occation when presenting our birds for examination, a race comittee member rejected one of our birds..This birds was returned to our basket .Presented several minutes later and was excepted for the race by the same examiner who had rejected it previously...There were times (documented) when birds rejected one week ,were allowed the following week H.Same birds ,same condition (flights)same club,same comittee members. In addition to this ,,it didnt take long for the "WORD"to get back to us ,that the only reason we excelled was due to the DRUGS we were using.....

The club in question has a drug test policy which we were subject to 4xs !!
None of our birds EVER tested positive for drugs - "can all of our critics claim the same results??"

ln their FRUSTRATION and failing to find us guilty of any wrong doing, they still suspended us from flying in ther club..

THE REASON...Article X1(ii) Penalties:

#1—any member charged in writing with dishonorable conduct,fraud or gross impropriety shall be cited to appear before the executive comittee.Etc..Etc..

#5—any member who willfully acts against the best interest of the club will be brought up on charges and if found guilty by majority vote,,will be suspended for at least one year...

The official notification to us stated that we were suspended for "Bad Mouthing" the club,its elected officials or race comittee,,! guess the executive comittee feels that if you want to compete in "THEIR CLUB"-you dont have the right to complain if you feel that you are being treated UNFAIRLY !!..

My advice is to insist that all members of the executive comm. Read the Rules & Bylaws and see if they are
following the "OBJECT of the RULES""and bylaws.

#1 To race ,to improve the breeding,training and flying of homing pigeons by having various flights for old and young homing pigeons.also to hold varius pigeon shows and acts that may be beneficial to homing pigeons.

#2—To offer its members competition in raceing pigeons in the best possible mannerand to exctend a social invitation to ALL honorable fanciers past and present.

#3—To properly equip.maintain and improve the headquarters as a non profit org.and corp.To give trophies and diplomsd to those who are entitled to them,,,.

#4—To extend a social and brotherly feeling among its members and officers,,,

Our success was the result of 3 ardent.devoted pigeon flyers !!! Working with our race team from 5;30 am to 5;30 pm ***EVERY DAY !!!***

Sparing no expense feeding,training and Most of all-Purchasing The best breeders available in this country !! I never get any refusals when i offer youngsters from my breeding loft In closing,,! would like every pigeon flyer to answer this Would this be happening to the flyer who is normally in the middle of the pack !!

Keep paying huge sums for little in return..He or she can complain all they want -as long as you dont start WINNING on race day and stay behind the "Cntrolled Interest" of your club.

Vinny Porpora

Submitted by :
V.Porpora
Cottage & Merrit Loft