This week’s CHL instructor class

[bkj]

I stayed at the Best Western Atrium North; located one block west of the Saint Michael Plaza Hotel at 183 and Gasser. To get to the St. Mich. I went north on Gasser to Wonsley and right to I-35. Right on I-35 feeder one block. Took maybe 5 min. Going back, I used the South exit from St. Mich. onto 183 feeder and one block to BWAN, maybe 2 min. The free breakfast was hash browns (undercooked for me) bacon, sausage patties, real scrambled eggs from the shell and fried eggs cooked to order and waffles. Lots of DPS troopers and Texas Rangers staying here. Six or more DPS cars in the parking lot at night. The bad points: The AC in my room only had 2 settings - off and ice chest. It was also very loud.

The class went very well although the room was overfilled (about 100 students). I was on the east side (closest to front desk) and it was hot. I was told that the other side was much cooler. Setting consisted of chairs only with no tables. But I did not have to do too much writing. Chairs were standard hotel conference room junk. If you have a problem sitting, you should consider bringing a cushion. At times class went slow due to a lot of questions. One of the young ladies for the CHL unit, before starting the class, said there are no dumb questions. I wonder if she feels the same now. The test was about the same as my last renewal class 2 years ago.

The only problem is that on the second day, three vehicles were broken into and firearms taken. CHL holders can bring their guns to the class, but you are expected to follow the law. As I read on here a lot ‘concealed means concealed’

The range was excellent. We shot in two groups of 50. I was in the first group. Sign in between 7:00 and 7:30 a.m. Got range instruction around 8:00 heading home with certificate by 9:40. The targets rotate 90 degrees into and out of shooting position. First time I have shot at this kind of target. I rushed the first shot and it cost me a point.

I can’t say enough about the quality of the staff. Sergeant Bamsch conducted a very well run program. To the staff I thank you for all your efforts. It is very good to know that those running the CHL program believe in it.

[A-R]

Thanks for the report. Read also in another forum member's post about three cars being broken into at the St. Michaels. That is awful. They need to find a better/safer place to hold this class. Guess I'll be removing EVERYTHING of value from my truck before going in July.

Curious about lack of tables. You say you didn't need to do much writing - is that because everything is given to you (like a lesson plan)? I'm heavy note taker even when I do get handouts and such. Best to just bring a notepad and write on your lap?

[MoJo]

Thanks for the report. Read also in another forum member's post about three cars being broken into at the St. Michaels. That is awful. They need to find a better/safer place to hold this class. Guess I'll be removing EVERYTHING of value from my truck before going in July.

Curious about lack of tables. You say you didn't need to do much writing - is that because everything is given to you (like a lesson plan)? I'm heavy note taker even when I do get handouts and such. Best to just bring a notepad and write on your lap?

I just returned from this same course I can't say enough good about the DPS troopers who were the instructors. Sgt. Bamsch did a wonderful job for his first time as coordinator. The chairs were bad yes, the A/C was inadequate and tables to write on would have been nice over all it was a good experience. I met some nice folks and learned a lot.

The three viehicles that were broken into were parked in a remote part of the lot and were burgularized over night. Some locals said the area is a combat zone at night during the day, vermin bed down. Oh yes, St. Michaels is now a Howard Johnson FWIW.

[bkj]

Curious about lack of tables. You say you didn't need to do much writing - is that because everything is given to you (like a lesson plan)? I'm heavy note taker even when I do get handouts and such. Best to just bring a notepad and write on your lap?

The room was very full with 100 students. I do not think they could get everyone in if they used tables. And I think the next classes are 150 students. The class book is well laid out and has plenty of room on each page for notes. If you want to take notes on a separate pad it may be problem.