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 There are others that have said they plan on coming. If there are 15 sites taken by our club, a clubhouse is provided at no cost. Connells and Hammonds are co-hosting, so a good time is guaranteed! An itinerary will be provided as soon as I receive it. Greetings, friends! I sent out an email on Friday about previous member Shirley Sutton. Sylvia Connell notified me of her passing. They left the club in 2013, here is a photo provided by Connell s. It was taken in November 2017 in Pigeon Forge, TN: We had a really fine rally this month, despite the weather predictions. Most of us shortened our time (left a day early), but Randal & Pam Caruthers packed a lot of activities into the time we spent. We got only rain, but Mississippi and Georgia had tornados. It could have been worse here, too! Storms seem to be getting more common and worse, so we always need to be wary. Please read the rally report! We did NOT get to the photo contest or the FMCA national giveaways. See photo contest update. Giveaways will be done at the NEXT rally (I promise!). So far, the following have signed up for the Pine Mountain rally: Ruth & Danny Bright Sylvia & Bob Connell Kathie & Bob Erickson Linda & Gene Hammond Trudy & Tom Rohr Teresa & Rick Steinberg Funeral services will be at Arab Heritage Funeral Home in Arab on April 23 at 4pm. Visitation will be from 2:30 to 4. Page 1 of 12
Wayne Burgett also informed me on Friday night that Norma Burgett s mother passed on Tuesday. The Burgett s left the rally early to be with her during her final days. I also have more information from Dwight Hayes about Gayla. She fell outside her car, requiring 7 stitches in her right eyelid and broke her right arm. She will undergo surgery on Monday at Huntsville Hospital for her arm (fractured humerus). She is in a lot of pain, and is sleeping in a recliner. Please consider volunteering to host rallies. Also recommend locations (that you will host at ). This is a volunteer organization! If you ve never hosted, folks will be glad to assist. Also at rallies, EVERYONE will volunteer to help. At the end of the rally schedule is a list of potential rally locations. There are volunteers for April, May, and June. Please pray for those members and friends that are experiencing health problems and/or other issues. Also pray for those that have lost loved ones. Those I m aware of that need prayers for recovery are Tim & Barbara Day, Carl & Linda Hall, Gene Hammond, and Dwight & Gayla Hayes. Please let me know who to add to this list (I know there s more). Bob Erickson, President North Alabama RV ers Spring Photo Contest We decided to hold the judging during Game Night at Caruther s on Saturday Night. After breakfast and shopping at Parkway Place, We decided to take the RV home. I FORGOT the jumpdrive with the pictures on it! We only had 12 pictures submitted, maybe due to the short 3-week notice. Let s do this at the May rally at Pine Mountain. Please submit your photos! These will be judged by member attendees at the May rally. Guests can submit, including prospective members that aren t in attendance. Email electronic photos (.jpg format) to me at mhsurfr@gmail.com. I will print the winners in each category prominently Bob Erickson in the April newsletter, plus all candidates in smaller format. Specific rules: Photos must be taken by the members or guests that provide them. Three photos maximum for each family unit, and limit of one for each category. Photos must be provided by email to me by 12 am on 14 May 2018 (that s before bed on 13 May, folks!). Identify the category you want the picture to compete in, and provide a short description. Also identify the photographer by name. Members will be voting, that means multiple votes per family unit. Don t vote for your own pictures! Categories: Your family s pets Your family Page 2 of 12
Travel locations (provide the name of feature, not just location name) Seasonal pictures (any of your favorite season, not just Spring!) Example of a Spring seasonal photo, taken by me in March 2018 with my phone. Place was my back yard, as I was mowing! Monte Sano State Park Rally Report Bob Erickson (by permission from the Rally Hosts Pam & Randal Caruthers) Betty & Jim Duncan Kathie & Bob Erickson Linda & Gene Hammond Gayla & Dwight Hayes Sue Richter joined us for activities Teresa & Rick Steinberg joined us at activities, their RV is in the shop The first rally of our RV ing year was held at Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville, hosted by Pam & Randal Caruthers. The following folks participated: Norma & Wayne Burgett and guests Shirley & Richard Langston Pam & Randal Caruthers (hosts) Sylvia & Bob Connell Six RVs is a pretty good turnout, considering the weather predictions! Donett Murphy was feeling poorly, and Lynn Claypool s dog Cooper was as well. They had to cancel, and we missed them (and everyone)! Thursday: It was easy to arrive early, since the location is so close. Most arrived soon after11am. For meet n greet we had chips and fruit. Fortunately, Pam & Randal Caruthers provided a heavy dip in a slow cooker. Page 3 of 12
From left: Dwight Hayes, Betty & Jim Duncan, guest Richard Langston, Norma Burgett, Gayla Hayes & Wayne Burgett From left: Gene Hammond & Randal Caruthers Afterward, we played dominos and pegs n jokers. Winners selected prizes provided by the hosts. From left: Linda Hammond, Rick & Teresa Steinberg From left: Shirley Langston, Gayla Hayes, Jim Duncan, and Kathie Erickson From left: Kathie Erickson & Pam Caruthers From left: Linda Hammond, Randal Caruthers, Rick Steinberg, Pam Caruthers, and Betty Duncan Page 4 of 12
Prize-winners in Pegs n Jokers, from left: Betty Duncan (fly swatter), Rick Steinberg (pickleball set), Bob Erickson (putter & ball). The prizes were wrapped, so we didn t know what they were when we chose them. Around left table: Betty Duncan, Gene & Linda Hammond, Sylvia & Bob Connell, Jim Duncan. At right table: Wayne Burgett and Randal Caruthers We went to Harrison Hardware to shop for unique trinkets before our walking tour of an historic section began. Prize-winner at Dominos Kathie Erickson (wind chime) Friday: Friday morning we had waffles and fruit. The pavilion at the park had 2-20A circuits, but one was out. One circuit supported 2 waffle irons, no problem. From left: Kathie Erickson, Rick & Teresa Steinberg, Bob Erickson, Pam & Randal Caruthers, Sue Richter, Gayla Hayes, Betty & Jim Duncan, Bob Connell, Gene Hammond, Sylvia Connell, Linda Hammond. Tour guide Jacque (pronounced Jackie) Reeves took the picture. Page 5 of 12
Jacque gave each couple a copy of one of her books (she has published 12), about Amy Bishop and the UAH shooting. We went to the Cajun Steamer for lunch. We re paying attention to Jacque Front table, from left: Randal & Pam Caruthers, Kathie Erickson. Next table, on right, from left: Sue Richter and Betty Duncan (Sue and Duncans ate at Taco Mama next door). Rear tables, from left: Rick & Teresa Steinberg, Linda & Gene Hammond, Sylvia & Bob Connell, Gayla & Dwight Hayes. Inside of the Church of the Nativity We went back to the campground to prepare for dinner (and walk dogs ). Dinner was meat that each family brought to grill over charcoal. Each family also supplied sides. There were beans, salads, and desserts. I remember that Sylvia Connell made a coconut cake (fantastic!), Kathie Erickson made an apple chip cake, there was a cheesecake-looking pie with whole blueberries scattered on top. Linda Hammond supplied all the fixings for banana splits! I don t know what we re looking at, but it seemed important at the time Pam thought the tour was going to have a few ghost stories, but there was just a mention or two. Gene Hammond was wishing for an off-road scooter to negotiate the lumpy brick sidewalks. From left: Sylvia Connell, Gene Hammond, Jim Duncan, Randal Caruthers, Bob Connell Page 6 of 12
After dinner, Bob Connell invited Wayne Burgett and his friends to play for us. Robin, and that s where we went (due to the absence of other suggestions). Players, from left: David Beam on guitar, Wayne Burgett on banjo, Keith Cannon on mandolin Saturday: Saturday morning opened with a drizzle, and we didn t know how severe the coming two fronts were going to hit us. Faced with uncertain weather, we went to Gibson s for breakfast. Kathie Erickson leaning against a mirror at the end of the table. Her reflection (on the left) is Pam Caruthers. They went shopping together at Belk that morning. From left: Randal & Pam Caruthers, Kathie Erickson, Gayla Hayes, Sylvia Connell, Dwight Hayes, Bob Connell After, we dispersed to individually decide what to do about the weather before dinner. The Caruthers and Ericksons decided to walk off breakfast at Parkway Place mall. Then, we returned to the campground. The first front had passed while we were at Gibson s, but the second was predicted to be worse. Ultimately, the Hayes were the only ones to stay in their RV at the park Saturday night, and Caruthers left their RV lonely while they were snug at home with their dogs. The dinner Saturday night was at an undisclosed location, at least in the itinerary ( you name it )! I ve got to admit that Bob Erickson suggested Red From left: Gayla Hayes, Pam Caruthers, Kathie Erickson, Sue Richter, Teresa Steinberg, Betty & Jim Duncan, Rick Steinberg, Randal Caruthers, and Dwight Hayes. Immediately after dinner, we went to Caruthers for Dominos & Peg n Jokers. Page 7 of 12
From left, clockwise: Randal Caruthers, Betty Duncan, Teresa & Rick Steinberg. Because we hadn t played games on Friday night, the prizes were for participation instead of just winning. Jim Duncan chose a ducky bathing scrunchy. The Caruther s put an amazing amount of planning into this rally. Thank you, Pam & Randal! Newsletter Editor s Ramble Bob Erickson (subscription, $99.95 per year). When I replaced my failed drive in February, I was able to recover files from File History, but not applications. I had Office 2007 install disks, but not the Office 2010 install disks that I had previously used for the newsletter. This resulted in a number of formatting problems. Upgrading to Office 365 ALSO resulted in formatting problems! Cleaning Patio Rugs Once again, I am beyond my target newsletter release date of 15 April. 15 April was the planned last date of our April rally, and I DID put a lot of effort into the Rally Report. Thank you to Betty Duncan for sending me some pictures from the rally. This will seem obvious, but I wanted to relay our experience anyway. We have the thin, woven patio rugs that don t kill grass. During our month in Florida this winter, we experienced a LOT of rain. Our patio rugs were VERY dirty, and the dirt (black and red) would not sweep off. In addition to the rally report, I decided to update my Microsoft Office to Office 365 Page 8 of 12
slowly toward a downslope in the drive. This allowed more grime to rinse under and away from the mat. I don t expect we got ALL the grime off the mats, does anyone have a better method? The first long mat was laid across 4 sawhorses to drain and dry. The second we merely rolled up on the pavement. We postulated that the weave would allow draining and drying as well, even when rolled. We bought these at Beasley Mfg in Centerville FL (beasleyrvsunshades.com/). They had the best prices we had seen. We have 2-5 x20, and two smaller ones for the entrance door. We cleaned an area of concrete driveway, sprayed the mat with soap solution, then used a pressure washer to rinse. The grime came off the top of the rug, but I could see it puddling back up from the pavement through the weave of the mat! I tried to minimize this by moving the wand more Please consider sending input (and errata) for YOUR newsletter. I LOVE being told I made a mistake, because then I know the newsletter is being read! 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 Editor Page 9 of 12
Member Celebrations April Birthdays 8 BJ Campe 17 Judy Collier 22 Connie Rogers May Birthdays 3 Charlie Cooper 5 Teresa Steinberg 9 Norma Burgett 27 Randal Caruthers 13 17 Barbara Day Wallace Cook April Anniversaries May Anniversaries 16 Horace & Elaine Crowden 3 Joe & Judy Collier Membership Dues Reminder Annual chapter membership fees ($20 couple and $10 single) for calendar year 2018 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 35957 Page 10 of 12
NORTH ALABAMA RV ers 2018 Rally Schedule Members please take note of the rallies still needing hosts. You can sign up by email send your selection to Randal & Pam Caruthers at randalc440@aol.com 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 05-07 Knoxville RV Supershow, Sevierville, TN (247 Miles) Good Sam show only, not a rally Go to http://www.knoxvillervshow.com/ for info. Good Sam membership gives 50% discount, $8.00 for adults (per day?) January 17-22 Florida RV Supershow, Tampa, FL (663 Miles) Go to http://www.frvta.org/show/florida-rv-supershow/ for info. $10.00 for adults (2d day free). Happy Traveler RV Park nearby has no vacancies. February 07-10 Southeastern Area Rally, Lakeland, FL (651 Miles) $185 - $165 Additional Fee For Electric (Southeast Area Rally) Go to the FMCA website for info and to register. March 15-18 FMCA 97 th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, Perry, GA (299 Miles) $195 - $175 Additional Fee for Electric Go to the FMCA website for info and to register April 12-15 Huntsville, (http://www.) (11 Miles) Location: Monte Sano State Park, 5105 Nolen Ave, Huntsville AL 35801 Ph. (256)534-3757 http://www.alapark.com/monte-sano-state-park Charges: $28.00 per night (ask for Senior Citizen discount) plus tax. Rally Hosts: Pam & Randal Caruthers May 17-20 Pine Mountain RV Resort (http://pinemountain.rvcoutdoors.com) (246 Miles) Location: 8804 Hamilton Rd., Pine Mountain, GA Reservations: Pine Mountain 706-663-4329 Charges: about $50 per night Rally Hosts: Bob & Sylvia Connell, Gene & Linda Hammond Page 11 of 12
June 7-10 Noccalula Falls http://www.noccalulafallspark.com/campground/ (74 Miles) Location: 1600 Noccalula Rd, Gadsden, AL. 35904 Ph. 256-543-7412 Charges: about $22.00 per night, including tax and discount Rally Hosts: Bob & Kathie Erickson July 12-15 TBD www.tbd.com (XXX Miles) Rally Hosts: TBD July 18-21 FMCA 98 th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase Gillette, WY (1800 Miles) Go to the FMCA website for info and to register August 9-12 TBD www.tbd.com (XXX Miles) Location: Rally Hosts: TBD September 13-16 TBD www.tbd.com (XXX Miles) Rally Hosts: TBD October 11-14 TBD www.tbd.com (XXX Miles) Rally Hosts: TBD December 8 Holiday Celebration, Luncheon, business meeting Location TBD Tentative Campgrounds for Rally Sites Campground Name Phone Number City Miles $/Night Windemere Cove RV Resort 256-228-3010 Langston, AL 54 $ 32.00 Rock Island State Park 800-713-6065 Rock Island, TN 110 $ 25.00 Best Holiday Trav-L-Park 800-693-2877 Chattanooga, TN 110 $ 43.00 Talladega Creekside 877-307-6303 Talladega, AL 106 $ 30.00 River Country 256-543-7111 Gadsden, AL 74 Piney Grove 662-728-1134 Dennis, MS 117 $ 22.00 Tishomingo State Park 662-438-6314 Tishomingo, MS 110 $ 19.26 Page 12 of 12