NORTH ALABAMA RV ers

Transcription

1 NORTH ALABAMA RV ers A chapter of the Family Motor Coach Association Chartered March 2003 Editor: Bob Erickson mhsurfr@gmail.com Greetings from our President Bob Erickson organization. PLEASE step up to host this rally, or get together with ANOTHER family to jointly host it. Randal & Pam Caruthers would reluctantly cancel this rally if we don t have hosts! I called DeSoto on February 22, and they have plenty of sites available. Greetings, friends! Time is flying! Spring is around the corner, and I ve seen this year s first daffodils on February 12! We just arrived home from a 3 week Florida trip, where we attended the Tampa RV Supershow and the SouthEast Area Rally themed SEA Lands in Lakeland. I ll include a Rally Report, and Betty will present a National Director s Report. The first NARV rally on our schedule is coming up fast (April 6-9), and we need volunteers to host it! DeSoto State Park is a fantastic place. Kathie and I hosted there in April of 2015 (Please see that rally report, reply to me if you need a copy). There is a pavilion, but another club had reserved it first. Like all of FMCA, NARV is a volunteer Randal & Pam Caruthers have volunteered for a rally in early May in Huntsville, and Bob & Kathie Erickson have volunteered to host in September in Hoover AL. See the rally schedule and recommended locations for ideas, and please volunteer to host! If you ve never hosted, folks will be glad to assist. Also at the rally, EVERYONE will volunteer to help. Charlie Adcock sent out s to our NARV Executive Board, containing info we need to consider for our National Director to vote on. I m including all document links below: President's Newsletter This includes Charlie Adcock s assessment of FMCA s current condition, and a presentation justifying opening up FMCA to towables as equal memberships. Proposed Amendments #1-#3 These are self-explanatory, and include justifications. I personally concur with all three. Please reply to me with all questions Page 1 of 12

2 or votes (yes OR no), and I will tally for Betty and Linda. IF I DON T GET A RESPONSE, I WILL CONSIDER THAT A YES VOTE! Please respond! Also, may I assume that NARV will vote for Betty Duncan for SEA President??? I ll bring Newsletter Archive CDs to any rally. Remember, this CD also includes my Travel Journal from 2016 (Our Western Adventure)! Please pray for those members and friends that are experiencing health problems and/or other issues. I ve talked to Tim Day and Linda Hall about their health recently. Tim s condition is stable, he s not on chemo at the moment. Linda had a skin reaction to her medicine, and her doctor recommended stopping it. She s doing great otherwise. I didn t read Betty s report closely, and missed Linda Winters mother s passing. Thanks to Sue Richter for noticing. Apparently, Sue routinely reviews obituaries (for friends, not herself). Bob Erickson, President SEA Lands in Lakeland Rally Report Bob Erickson This year was the first in Lakeland FL. There was much to like about the venue, and I m going to discuss it to encourage others to participate in future years. The main areas were three airplane hangars (A, B, and C), and un-walled pavilion with adjacent seminar space, and a further seminar building (Cessna Building). Venue For many years, the SouthEast Area (SEA) of FMCA had its annual rally in Brooksville FL. SEA owned and maintained many assets to support this single rally. After the last rally in Brooksville, SEA disposed of most of this. The single SEA rally in Sarasota revealed that the venue was too small. Kathie and I didn t attend this rally, but heard much. Welcome, registration, and information was in Hangar C. Half of the hangar was partitioned for the full breakfast, men s and women s lunches, and Chapter Fair. Vendor space FILLED Hangar B. The front and rear roll-up doors were open for ventilation and entrance. There were a few vendors with trailers in front of the hangar as well. Hangar A included a stage and individual seats for the shows. There was plenty of room and seats for all attendees. Page 2 of 12

3 RVs were in rows in front of the hangars, plus in other sections as shown on the map. Handicap parking was near the buildings. Kathie and I were in the area affectionately called Lot 1. Below you can see Lot 1. Our coach is near the tree on the left. Individual sites are slightly larger than in previous rallies. Below is a view toward the rally area, which is beyond about 400 feet of trees and cabins. All the trees had LOTS of Spanish Moss. Attendees: Jim & Betty Duncan Bob & Kathie Erickson Ken Winters-Linda stayed with her sick mother If there is any I missed, please forgive me The rally ran from February 2-5, and we could not register for early days online. I thought that meant we could not arrive before February 2. BUT, on February 1 I was called and told we had a volunteer meeting at 3pm on February 1. PLUS, February 2 was a full day! We were at a campground only 70 miles from the rally, so I made my meeting. Another unusual feature of this rally is that Sunday (February 5) was a full day. Parking was relatively easy. Some folks waited up to 3 hours before being led in small groups to the parking area. We were given priority to make our volunteer meeting (we barely made it). As Security volunteers, Kathie and I were scheduled together for a 4-hour shift in a golf cart and a 4-hour shift in the Vendor Hangar. I attended seminars in the Cessna and Sunset Grill building, and there were overflow crowds in each (not big enough). Also, the presenter did not show for the first. The seminar host did a fantastic job leading a discussion of favorite travel destinations. Rally Report Kathie and I signed up for the optional Ladies and Men s luncheons. Besides a hot buffet meal, there were lots of door prizes at each. Kathie won a pair of sparkly earrings. I bought some sewer hose and a back brace, and Kathie bought a fleece coat with dogs printed all over it. Some vendors we talked to said they had poor sales, but we did our part! The vendors also knew each other, and said Page 3 of 12

4 they travel around the country and see each other at many rallies and RV shows. concert. There was plenty of seating for all attendees. There was one full breakfast, and other mornings featured Krispy Kreme doughnuts and coffee/cocoa in the pavilion (7 to 9am!). There were always leftover doughnuts being carted away in boxes at 9am. There was also an ice cream social featuring Dairy Queen dilly bars. Below is SEA President Jim Duncan, at the Opening Ceremony before Thursday night s entertainment: Show Coaches I didn t count the coaches, but I was surprised by the number. Tiffin, Winnebago, Newmar, and Entegra were represented. All we talked to raved about the entertainment in Hangar A, which were relatively unknown country/gospel groups. The McMillions (shown below) for Thursday, Kenny Evans on Friday, and Sunday Drive on Saturday. There was also an oldies group The Rogues outdoors on Saturday afternoon. There was a Superbowl Party on Sunday evening. Kathie and my personal favorites (we re not in the market) were the Newmars. Below is a gas Canyon Star toy hauler: Below is Kathie posing in a Dutch Star. Newmars have a swivel bath door (on left), for easy entrance when slides are in. I moved to the rear of the space, to give you a good view of the hangar space for the Page 4 of 12

5 Below is a Newmar dining buffet. The table has an outer leg for stability, and a drawer-type facing at the outer edge. The table is made up of 4 inch slats, that roll down at the rear next to the wall. The table is completely hidden when desired, but rolls out to a very good size! Conclusion The Lakeland Sun N Fun venue was much better than either Brooksville or Sarasota. The We survived the extra day of dry camping (did I mention that Sunday was a full day?), and we approve of that as well. Kathie and I made some new friends, one couple may become close. I heartily recommend that NARV members consider future SEA rallies in their travel plans! We just finished, "SEA Lands in Lakeland," rally and are getting ready to head to the National rally in Chandler, Arizona. It was a SEA Business Meeting Report Betty Duncan Page 5 of 12 good rally with around 650 family coaches and 100 vendors. We also had 60 or so show coaches. Elections were held for the Southeast area. Three bylaw changes were also presented. One was to eliminate term limits for officers, another to allow members with the same F# to hold office in the Southeast, and the last was stated a past president position could not be replaced if someone left that office. All three bylaw changes passed. I then announced my candidacy for National VP and SEA President. The election will be in March or April with a ballot to the NDs of chapters. I hope you will allow me to vote for myself.

6 Carol Buck, with the term limit removed, was allowed to run again for Senior VP. She won unopposed. The current secretary, Eloise Rapsas, also was allowed to run again and won. Our own Linda Winters, who was with her very ill mother, whom she lost yesterday, was elected treasurer. A guy who was also not present was nominated but Linda won by acclimation since the other guy had not sent a reason he wasn't there. Bob and I nominated and seconded Linda's candidacy. Bob had a letter/resume to read for Linda but it wasn't needed. Patricia Voyna was re-elected Georgia VP. Ronda Kleinpeter was re-elected Mississippi VP. Our Ken Winters was re-elected Alabama VP. Hank Lavertue was re-elected North FL VP, Laurie Wilson was elected Central FL VP, and Richard Johnson was elected South FL VP. Below, the elected officers are taking their oath of office: I hope more of you can come to our SEA annual rally next year. Bob set up our Chapter Fair, and I dropped by. (See Picture). Also, Ken Winters accepted a 15 year certificate for the Bay Area Travelers. Page 6 of 12 Jimmy and I have finished closing down Lakeland and are spending a week getting our generator repaired and our slide worked on.

7 Both broke down while we were here. We took the coach to Onan in Tampa day before yesterday. The generator needed a new program board to the tune of over $1,000. We took the slide problem to Alliance Coach on Monday. We are hoping it is something simple. It is going in crooked making a loud popping sound. We hope nothing else happens while on our 2200 mile trip from Bushnell, FL to Chandler, AZ for the FMCA National rally. By the way, Kathie Erickson won a pair of earrings at the ladies' luncheon that cost $ I had told her I thought they cost around $25.00, and we were both surprised when we found out they cost what they did. More on the March rally at Chandler in April. Respectfully submitted, Betty Newsletter Editor s Ramble Bob Erickson Back-up camera issues Satellite dish issue This is not a complete list, but I am working all issues plus routine maintenance. If anyone needs help getting their RV safe to drive and comfortable to live in, I would be happy to commiserate (I mean, consult). or give me a call! I apologize for tardiness in sending out this newsletter. Illness, logistical, and technical issues Kathie and I have a fairly new coach, but are having quite a few issues this year: Intermittent low engine power Worn steering gear Failing house batteries Clogged kitchen faucet (not just the outlet screen) Closet latches breaking Failing front roof A/C (we have 3) I reported last month that we were happy with service at Madison RV, in replacing our dash radio. We still have the same issue, of the rear camera overriding the other radio settings. The problem was not the radio! Also, the rear strap was not connected, so the radio bounced on the trip to Florida. Also, the tech neglected to remove the DVD player retention screws (there is a red label saying remove before installation. If I had tested the DVD player, it would have destroyed itself At the SEA Rally (dry camping), we needed to run our generator 3x a day to charge our batteries. We have Interstate L16HCL batteries (not common). I ve just ordered them for Page 7 of 12

8 $1,200 at Interstate in Huntsville (nice folks). Our current ones are about 5 years old. Our kitchen faucet is made by Global Union. Flow through the spigot has reduced to a trickle over time. I cleaned the outlet screen, to no effect. Global Union sent me new outlet head and valve cartridge. I replaced them (rinsing out the lines with these removed first), and flow is only slightly improved. More to come Our coach is currently at Southland International, to evaluate the engine problem and update the engine software. I had FREE items listed in last month s newsletter, and no one wanted any of them (no responses or questions)! Who doesn t like free stuff? I have twice left phone messages and s for Hoover Metrodome Campground, with no response. They are closed until May 31 for renovations. This is the rally Kathie and I have volunteered to host. PET OWNERS! In preparation, work on your pet tricks! Please consider sending input (and errata) for YOUR newsletter. Prayer requests, RV used items for sale, family milestones, family biography, recipes, crafts or any type of motorhome project are requested. And don t forget to tell us where you ve been, with pictures! Page 8 of 12

9 Member Celebrations February Birthdays 12 Mary Ellen Hornsby 13 Kenneth Winters 15 Nan Cagle March Birthdays 7 Elaine Crowden 7 Linda Hammond 8 Jack Craver Wayne Smith Jim Duncan 13 Trudy Rohr 17 Joy Nelson 21 Gene Hammond 18 Linda Hall 25 Horace Crowden 27 Janet Holder February Anniversaries 2 Wayne & Norma Burgett March Anniversaries 10 Jim & Patsy Coble 25 William (Bill) & Kay Rengers Wayne & Dianna Smith Bob & Kathie Erickson Membership Dues Reminder Annual chapter membership fees ($20 couple and $10 single) for calendar year 2016 are due, and they may be paid in the form of cash or a check payable to North Alabama RV ers sent to: Linda Hammond 7555 AL Hwy 168 Boaz, AL Page 9 of 12

10 NORTH ALABAMA RV ers 2017 Rally Schedule Members please take note of the rallies still needing hosts. You can sign up by send your selection to Randal & Pam Caruthers at I ve also included some nearby RV shows and nearby Good Sam rallies Note: Please make your reservations at least 60 days in advance of each rally, so the Wagon Masters can obtain a count of the attendees for the Hosts. Also let Bob Erickson know your plans, and I will let the whole club know who is attending (include tentative, please). January Knoxville RV Supershow, Sevierville, TN (247 Miles) Good Sam show only, not a rally Go to for info. Good Sam membership required, $8.00 for adults (per day?) January Florida RV Supershow, Tampa, FL (663 Miles) Go to for info. Camping sold out, local RV parks may be available. $10.00 for adults (2d day free). Happy Traveler RV Park also has no vacancies. January Chattanooga RV Supershow, Chattanooga, TN (112 Miles) Good Sam show only, not a rally Go to for info. Good Sam membership required, $8.00 for adults (per day?) February Southeastern Area Rally, Lakeland, FL (651 Miles, 26 miles from Tampa) Location: Lakeland Lindner Regional Airport. Go to the FMCA website for info and to register. See application illustration on last page. March FMCA 95 th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, Chandler, AZ (1788 Miles) Go to the FMCA website for info and to register March Georgia Good Sam Spring RV Rally, Perry, GA (345 Miles) Go to: ion_spring_2017.pdf for information and registration form. Cost $110 for 3 nights, power available if you apply early. April DeSoto State Park (79 Miles) Location: 7104 DeSoto Parkway NE, Fort Payne, AL 35967Ph Charges $34.65 per night Rally Hosts: TBD Page 10 of 12

11 May Huntsville, ( (11 Miles) Location: Monte Sano or Ditto Landing, AL Ph. 256-XXX-XXXX Charges: $XX.00 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: Pam & Randal Caruthers June Memphis??? ( (200 Miles) Location: Somewhere, Memphis, TN Ph: Charges: $XX.00 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: TBD July Mountain Glen RV Campground, ( (125 Miles) Location: 6182 Brockdell Road, Pikeville, TN. Ph Charges: $31.00 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: TBD July FMCA 96 th International Convention Indiana State Fairgrounds, Indianapolis, IN (400 Miles) Caravan parking July Early parking in the holding area (as identified on date of entry credential beginning July 9. Tram service begins July August TBD (XXX Miles) Location: Rally Hosts: TBD September 7-10 Hoover RV Park (112 Miles) Location: 100 Ben Chapman Dr, Hoover AL Ph Charges: $31.92, incl tax. Plan to visit Barber Motorsports Museum (26 miles, 28 minutes away, $15; we MAY pay extra for a docent-led tour if we have at least 10 attendees). We also plan to conduct a pet cute trick contest. Judges will be members WITHOUT pets! Start your training now! Rally Hosts: Bob & Kathie Erickson September Georgia Good Sam Fall RV Rally, Perry, GA (345 Miles) Go to: for information and registration form (none on website yet). Page 11 of 12

12 October River Plantation, ( (240 Miles) Location: 1004 Parkway, Sevierville, TN. Ph Charges: $40.50 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: TBD December 9 Holiday Celebration, Luncheon, business meeting Location TBD Tentative Campgrounds for Rally Sites Campground Name Phone Number City Miles $/Night Windemere Cove RV Resort Langston, AL 54 $ Rock Island State Park Rock Island, TN 110 $ Talladega Creekside Talladega, AL 106 $ River Country Gadsden, AL 74 Piney Grove Dennis, MS 117 $ Tishomingo State Park Tishomingo, MS 110 $ Page 12 of 12