NORTH ALABAMA RV ers

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Linda Howard
6 years ago
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I have also called River Plantation, TENTATIVE location for October s rally. Their online system had NO sites available for our dates, and a phone call confirmed this.

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 I have called Hoover RV Park, for September s rally that Kathie and I are hosting. See rally schedule for new information! I have also called River Plantation, TENTATIVE location for October s rally. Their online system had NO sites available for our dates, and a phone call confirmed this. We will need to reschedule or move (and get volunteers to host!). The first and last weekends in October are available. Greetings, friends! Many thanks to Jim and Betty Duncan (mostly Betty) for hosting the June Rally at Joe Wheeler State Park. See Betty s write-up in her National Director section. I lent an assist, while it was fresh in my mind. Donett Murphy joined at the rally. She has a late-model Class A Winnebago, and I love her dog and 2 cats! Besides the members Betty identified going to the FMCA International Convention in Indianapolis, we passed Connells on their way (on the road). Betty Duncan will be installed as South East Area President (and FMCA National Vice President). Congratulations again, Betty! Chuck & Sue Borcher have stepped up to host an August rally at Honeycomb Campground, near Guntersville on Hwy 431. So far, Borchers, Caruthers, Halls, and Ericksons have signed up. Chuck s initial said that a total of 8 sites are available, and they fill up fast. Hurry! Please consider volunteering to host rallies. This is a volunteer organization! We have no hosts for the rally in October! 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. I ll need to call folks that haven t paid this year s dues, as a reminder. It s a good idea to call anyway! I ll bring Newsletter Archive CDs to any rally that Kathie and I attend. 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. Those I m aware of are Tim & Barbara Day, Gene Hammond, Dwight Hayes, and Garry Claypoole. Please let me know who to add to this list (I know there s more). Bob Erickson, President Page 1 of 10

2 Secretary s Meeting Minutes Chuck Borcher A meeting was called to order by President Bob Erickson at 2:10 pm on June 17, 2017 at Wheeler State Park. Nine coaches attended the rally and were represented at the meeting. Attendees were: Chuck & Sue Borcher Bob & Sylvia Connell Jim & Betty Duncan Bob & Kathie Erickson Carl Hall Gene & Linda Hammond Dwight & Gayla Hayes Donett Murphy Tom & Trudy Rohr The meeting was called to discuss and vote on Amendment #3 to the Constitution of the FMCA. This amendment deals with allowing non-motorized RVs into the FMCA. Although a vote was taken at the restaurant where we had lunch, several members expressed disappointment that there was no discussion of the amendment. Therefore, Bob called this meeting so that we could discuss the amendment and vote per Roberts Rules of Order. After much discussion, a motion was made to accept votes that were given to others at the rally by people who were not attending this rally. This included the Caruthers, the Claypools, and Linda Hall. The vote on this motion was No only those still in attendance at this meeting will be able to vote. After much more discussion a second motion was presented to accept Amendment #3 to the FMCA Constitution. This amendment deals with letting any RV (including towables) into the FMCA. This motion was also defeated by a large majority of those present. Therefore, Betty Duncan, our National Delegate, is instructed by the North Alabama RVers to vote No to this amendment at the convention in Indianapolis, IN. The last motion presented was to allow Betty Duncan to vote as she sees fit after listening to the arguments presented on Amendments 1 and 2. The meeting was adjourned at 3:30 pm. National Director s (Wheeler State Park Rally) Report Betty Duncan Page 2 of 10 Hello everyone, A rally was held June at Joe Wheeler State Park in Rogersville Alabama. Attendees were: Jim & Betty Duncan (hosts) Bob & Kathie Erickson Chuck & Sue Borcher Randal & Pam Caruthers (joined us for dinner and games Friday night) Garry & Lynn Claypool (joined us for boat ride and lunch on Saturday)

Donett Murphy (guest, who joined at the rally) Bob & Sylvia Connell Gene & Linda Hammond Carl & Linda Hall Ove & Linda Jakobsen (former members) Dwight & Gayla Hayes Tom & Trudy Rohr Rain was

Our normal Thursday Meet-n -Greet turned into a full dinner, featuring Cajun tube steaks (blackened hot dogs) by master chef Jim Duncan. Jim demonstrated his impressive tailgate kitchen.

We had a lot of good food while there. Kathie everyone loved your "homemade" potato salad and commented how good it was. After dinner, we played dominos and Hand & Foot.

3 Donett Murphy (guest, who joined at the rally) Bob & Sylvia Connell Gene & Linda Hammond Carl & Linda Hall Ove & Linda Jakobsen (former members) Dwight & Gayla Hayes Tom & Trudy Rohr Rain was predicted for the full weekend, but barely intruded on our enjoyment. Mosquitos didn t bother us much, either (contrary to TripAdvisor reviews). We had a nice, enclosed building with air conditioning. Our normal Thursday Meet-n -Greet turned into a full dinner, featuring Cajun tube steaks (blackened hot dogs) by master chef Jim Duncan. Jim demonstrated his impressive tailgate kitchen. Betty provided goodie bags to each coach. We also had potato salad, several kinds of chips, baked beans, deviled eggs, a veggie tray, several cakes, and more. The cookout turned into a feast. We had a lot of good food while there. Kathie everyone loved your "homemade" potato salad and commented how good it was. After dinner, we played dominos and Hand & Foot. Sylvia Connell and Bob Erickson won at dominos, Jim Duncan and Trudy Rohr won at hand & foot. It was Jim s first time to play. Front table: Ove Jakobsen, Chuck & Sue Borcher, Kathie Erickson. Second table: Betty & Jim Duncan, Tom & Trudy Rohr, Gene Hammond. Third table: Sylvia & Bob Connell, Gayla & Dwight Hayes. Buffet table: Linda Jakobsen, Linda Hammond. Friday, we shopped at the quaint downtown shops to work up an appetite for lunch at Walton s. We tried to eat light, so we wouldn t spoil our dinner appetite. There was a cat in a rocker on the porch, and Linda Hall posted a picture of the group on Facebook. From left front: Bob & Sylvia Connell, Dwight & Gayla Hayes, Kathie Erickson, Linda & Ove (hiding) Jakobsen, Linda & Carl Hall, Betty Duncan. From Right Rear: Gene & Linda (hiding) Hammond, Chuck & Sue Borcher, Bob Erickson, Jim Duncan, Donett Murphy (new member!), Trudy & Tom Rohr. Jim Duncan s tailgate kitchen has admirers (from left Jim Duncan, Gene Hammond, Ove Jakobsen, and Dwight Hayes)! We ate dinner at the Fish Creel in Anderson (not far). The parking lot(s) were more than full, but we were seated quickly and the food was good! After dinner, we played dominos and Hand & Foot. Sylvia Connell and Bob Erickson won at dominos (again!), Jim Duncan and Randal Caruthers won at Hand & Foot. It was Randal s first time to play and Jim s second. These first-timers probably enjoy the Page 3 of 10

game! Linda Jakobsen brought a cake to celebrate Ove s birthday. over the edge. Afterward, we went to the Honeysuckle Café for lunch.

Notice all the new NARV ers shirts! Thanks, Chuck Borcher, for coordinating purchase!

Jakobsen, Jim & Betty Duncan, Sylvia & Bob (half of his face) Connell, Donett Murphy.

There were 19 of us, and Captain Steve regaled us with history, waterfowl identification, and stories of his upbringing in the area.

4 game! Linda Jakobsen brought a cake to celebrate Ove s birthday. over the edge. Afterward, we went to the Honeysuckle Café for lunch. Linda Hammond and Jim Duncan playing Hand & Foot. Behind, Sylvia Connell, (who else?), Sue Borcher & Kathie Erickson playing Dominos. Notice all the new NARV ers shirts! Thanks, Chuck Borcher, for coordinating purchase! From left: Tom & Trudy Rohr, Sue Borcher, Gene & Linda Hammond, Gayla & Dwight Hayes, Kathie & Bob Erickson, (now it gets confusing) Garry & Lynn Claypool, Ove & Linda Jakobsen, Jim & Betty Duncan, Sylvia & Bob (half of his face) Connell, Donett Murphy. Birthday Boy Ove Jakobsen Saturday we went on a morning 2-hour boat ride with Captain Steve. There were 19 of us, and Captain Steve regaled us with history, waterfowl identification, and stories of his upbringing in the area. He brought us to the brink of the spillway to the 6,000-foot-long Wheeler Dam, and promised us that we wouldn t go over due to our 20-inch draft (pontoon depth under the water). We took pictures From right side front: Ove & Linda Jakobsen, Tom & Trudy Rohr, Jim & Betty Duncan, Dwight & Gayla Hayes. From left side front: Kathie Erickson, Chuck & Sue Borcher, Linda & Gene (hidden) Hammond, Garry & Lyn Claypool (visited for the day), Bob & Sylvia (taking a picture) Connell, Captain Steve. Page 4 of 10

From the left side front, the only addition is Donett Murphy. We are feet from the Wheeler Dam spillway. The drop is 30-40 feet.

They featured a seafood buffet, but also had a nice limited menu. Afterward we again played dominos and Hand & Foot. Bob Connell and Kathie Erickson won at dominos.

5 From the left side front, the only addition is Donett Murphy. We are feet from the Wheeler Dam spillway. The drop is feet. No one would stand in front of me for scale We had a business meeting to work up our appetites again for dinner at Daniella s in the Park Restaurant. This is at the Wheeler State Park Lodge. They featured a seafood buffet, but also had a nice limited menu. Afterward we again played dominos and Hand & Foot. Bob Connell and Kathie Erickson won at dominos. Sunday morning we had a light breakfast and Jim Duncan led devotion, before checkout at 11. Donett Murphy, our newest member, is a funny lady and pet lover. She travels with a standard poodle and 2 affectionate Cornish Rex cats. A big thank you to those of you who came to the rally and the two couples who came for one day. Pam and Randal Caruthers had a Saturday baby shower but joined us for Friday (Those first time grandparents are funny like that) and Lynn and Garry Claypool came for Saturday. Garry is getting prepared for heart surgery and the doctor didn't want him driving the coach. Both couples made extra efforts to join us, and it was wonderful seeing them and everyone else. Please keep Garry in your prayers, as he undergoes surgery. If you are ever in Rogersville, check out the river cruise. Captain Steve also offers an evening cruise, which I'll bet is breathtaking. Again, we loved being with everyone and hope to make another rally real soon. It's off to Indianapolis in July where we will be voting on several amendments including Amendment 3 which will allow towables. I will be voting no, per the majority vote request. If the amendment passes in Indianapolis, every member F# will get to vote again before it is put into force. After Indy, we head to Tallahassee, Florida and on to Lakeland, FL for a meeting with Sun 'n Fun people. Then the Alabama games start, and Jimmy and I will be going to the new stadium for Bama's first game against Florida State. That will be a close game! Hope to see you in Indy. I know the Winters, Donette Murphy, and Jimmy and I will be there. It is not that far, so won't you join us? Jimmy will be going out of office and I will be getting installed. I will be reporting on the rally upon my return. Respectfully submitted, Betty Duncan, National Director & SEA President Elect Page 5 of 10

Safe Home Products gave me a 10% discount coupon toward future purchases of LP or CO monitors, expiring 1 August. It s a coupon code, so can be used by more than 1 party. Call me if interested!

6 Newsletter Editor s Ramble Bob Erickson fluff between layers of strawberry cake. The frosting had design made with a pastry bag, and fresh strawberries on the top & sides. I m a little tardy this month. We returned from Mountain Glen RV Park on the 9 th, there were a few priority items to accomplish, and I ve found I need to update some campground info for rallies. Safe Home Products gave me a 10% discount coupon toward future purchases of LP or CO monitors, expiring 1 August. It s a coupon code, so can be used by more than 1 party. Call me if interested! Kathie has sewn our co-pilot s chair ripped seam, from the outside. She does good work, but it s tearing out already. Kathie will need to make seat covers, and I will put all those clips back in (I removed them to try to take the cover off). There are a lot of projects I ve got in work for our motorhome, but to document in the newsletter I ve got to finish them! Anyone else have that problem? 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. Also, if you have RV questions or issues you need help with. And don t forget to tell us where you ve been, with pictures! Bob Erickson Newsletter Editor Kathie s birthday was in late June. Our youngest son James, and his girlfriend Lanna, made a fantastically rich cake for her. There was cheesecake Page 6 of 10

Member Celebrations 3 Carl Hall July Birthdays 1 August Birthdays Jim Pratt 8 Kay Rengers 3 Lou Holcombe 14 16 23 Sue Borcher Dianna Smith Bill Rengers 12 Wayne Burgett 24 Jack Wolfe 28 Jim Coble

7 Member Celebrations 3 Carl Hall July Birthdays 1 August Birthdays Jim Pratt 8 Kay Rengers 3 Lou Holcombe Sue Borcher Dianna Smith Bill Rengers 12 Wayne Burgett 24 Jack Wolfe 28 Jim Coble July Anniversaries None! August Anniversaries 1 Carl & Linda Hall 17 Jim & Betty Duncan 20 Chuck & Sue Borcher 26 Tim & Barbara Day 26 Larry & Janet Holder 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 7 of 10

8 NORTH ALABAMA RV ers 2017 Rally Schedule Volume 15, Number 7, July 2017 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 8 of 10

9 May Huntsville, ( (11 Miles) Location: Ditto Landing, AL Ph Charges: $XX.00 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. Rally Hosts: Pam & Randal Caruthers June (new dates!) Joe Wheeler State Park ( (40 Miles) Location: Rogersville, AL Ph: Charges: $ for 3 nights (ask for senior discount at check-in!). Rally Hosts: Jim & Betty Duncan 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 Honeycomb Campground (45 Miles) Location: Mile marker 308 on Hwy 431. Phone: Discount for Golden Age passport Rally Hosts: Chuck & Sue Borcher Hoover RV Park September 7-10 lots/ (112 Miles) Location: 1000 RV Trace, Hoover AL Ph , contact Guy Corney Charges: $49 for phone reservation, $45 for online reservation. Plan to visit Barber Motorsports Museum (26 miles, 28 minutes away, $15; we MAY pay extra for a docent-led tour ($27 each) 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! Online reservations will be accepted starting about July 20, the application is still being tested. Signup is required. All 170 sites are currently available for our dates. Rally Hosts: Bob & Kathie Erickson Page 9 of 10

10 September Georgia Good Sam Fall RV Rally, Perry, GA (345 Miles) Go to: for information and registration form October River Plantation, ( riverplantationrv.com/) (240 Miles) Location: 1004 Parkway, Sevierville, TN. Ph Charges: $46.50 per night or less depending on the discounts at that date. NOTE: Fully booked up for these dates already! The week prior (October 5-8) has many sites open, as well as the last weekend of the month. Change location or 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 10 of 10

NORTH ALABAMA RV ers

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 I talked to Robbin Gould, the