As the sun descended into the west on April 21 there were nine HOA coaches parked at the Big Red Barn RV Park. In attendance were the Severes, Cooks, Drennons, Mathes’, Nashs, Careys, Weavers, Stremmings and Genrichs.
Medical update: I wish that I did not have to include this category but there is always someone in for a “tune-up”. Wayne Cook is motoring around in good fashion on two new knees. Now he can chase those cows on foot! Dolores Mathes is up and about and seems to be doing much better than before. During the last week of March Dan Couch had three stents installed to take care of some arterial blockage. He is going through cardiac rehab and, of course, has a few more pills to consume. I talked to Dan while he was motoring south for the Six State Planning Meeting and he said that he was doing great. Thursday morning John Severe went to the Carthage hospital due to a cardiac concern. After they conducted a host of tests he was transferred to St. Johns Hospital in Joplin. On Friday John was fitted with a stent in one of the arteries leading to his heart and on Monday they performed a procedure to remove plaque from one of his carotid arteries. On Tuesday he bounded out of the hospital and headed home. He can now compare stents with Dan Couch.
The first thing up was the Wednesday night reception. Everyone gathered in the meeting room while the Cooks dished out the dessert, Strawberry Twinkie cake. From then until after 9pm there were many animated discussions going on as everyone was interested in what others did on their winter “vacation”.
Thursday we skipped over breakfast and went right to brunch, which had been arranged by the Stremmings. For that meal we gathered at Savannah’s Restaurant. In addition to lunch and dinner they serve breakfast all day. We had a great time and finally left after two hours of food and conversation. The rest of the day was left for members to do as they pleased. Several went to the Lucky J Arena to watch the cutting horse practice and I just know that at least one person went to Walmart. We have been to Carthage before and most of the members are aware of the attractions there. That evening we gathered in the meeting room for an Italian meal provided by the Careys and Genrichs. We were served spaghetti, meat sauce, salad and hot bread followed by ice cream pie. While you may think this is too much food, remember, we have to keep our strength up.
Friday’s breakfast was a counterpoint to last night’s dinner. The Severe’s set out very healthful melons, strawberries, oranges, coffee cake and ham. Following breakfast our business meeting was convened, the results of which you can find in the minutes. The morning was filled with projects by most of the members. Lunch was spaghetti pizza and salad basically made up from the remains of the previous evening’s meal. We are just trying to stretch that food dollar. As was to be expected the ever-present card game broke out in the afternoon. That evening we journeyed to the Carthage Broadview Country Club for an excellent dinner. It is a great place to eat. They have great food and an excellent staff. Typically, following dinner, the card game resumed.
The Nashs set out the Saturday get-away breakfast which was more of that healthy stuff. Finally, thanks to Jack Mathes for taking care of all of the drinks for the entire rally.
Several of the members were staying over an additional day and then heading to Arkansas for the Rally in the Pasture put on by Charlie Adcock. There were others who were headed home, a place they had not seen since leaving for the winter.
FMCA Albuquerque Convention. Phil and Ginny Weaver attended the most recent convention and elected to be volunteers. They gave me a summary of their experience and I thought that I would pass that along to the members.
“Phil and I decided to volunteer for this convention and arrived on Friday, March 19 at the Balloon Festival Park. Most of the events and activities were held at the Expo New Mexico in downtown Albuquerque while the remainder were at the Balloon Festival Park where all of the coaches were parked. The two locations are 15 miles apart and transportation was very efficient. The parking was well organized. The next morning we awoke to an inch of snow.
We were assigned to security and attended a briefing on Saturday. On Sunday there was a box supper and game night for the volunteers.
There were 138 seminars of which we attended those of our choice while the daytime entertainment was presented 2 to 3 times per day. The cold temperatures made it difficult on the outside food vendors as there was no place warm to sit. On Wednesday it snowed all morning.
Due to the cold weather the evening entertainment was moved indoors to the Casino Ballroom. Tuesday was Pink Flamingo, Wednesday, B.J. Thomas and Thursday, the Flying J Wranglers who were terrific. Unfortunately, the weather caused the cancellation of the Balloon Glow.
Over all the convention was well organized. While the weather caused some difficulty everyone had a good time. Dry camping was a new experience for us but we could use our generator from 7am to 11pm. That was a good thing as the temperatures caused us to use our furnace quite a bit. On Friday we broke camp and the motor coaches just seemed to disappear.” Thanks Phil and Ginny.
National News. These are some items I thought you might find interesting. Or not.
First up, the national dues are now $40. Starting with the April issue of the FMCA magazine there is a $10 coupon for new members. Check page 77. Each chapter president was sent five free memberships for new members. If you have someone you want to give one to contact me. A $50 dollar free membership is not to be sneezed at (new members have to pay a $10 initiation fee). During the first three months of 2010 FMCA gained 1,000 more members than during the same time in 2009.
The attendance at the last three national conventions was lower than average with 1,717 coaches at Albuquerque. The economy and fuel prices have to be major contributors.
FMCA is still operating at a loss but recent news indicates that there is light at the end of the tunnel. Magazine revenue is still an issue but improving. Plus there is ad revenue from the web site. You will note the lack of advertising by the luxury coach builders. In addition, there has been the loss of advertising from several major coach builders and suppliers. The loss of revenue is in the millions. The revenue from the magazine was a major contributor to FMCA’s bottom line. I think it was much greater than anyone below the national level realized. However, the main reason the magazine is thinner is due to a new paper which is thinner, better and cheaper. FMCA’s investment portfolio is recovering, increasing by almost one million dollars in 2009.
The medical evacuation service provider, Medex, will be terminated at the end of 2010. Out of five companies responding, Global Underwriters has been selected to make a presentation to the Executive Board. I expect this will be a voting issue at the convention in Redmond.
Conventions. The next national convention is Redmond, Oregon, August 11-14. In 2011 there will be conventions in Perry, Georgia in March and Madison, Wisconsin in August.
Clothing. If you want a new chapter jacket or hat contact Lucille Severe. She has a deal on new style jackets.
Rally. The next rally is May 20-23 at Cozy Corner RV Park in Clinton, MO. Check the flyer. We have some events you will want to be a part of. You will have to have your game face on! Just remember to make your reservations with the park (660-885-8824).
Finally, most of you are aware that Carol and I take our winter vacation in Florida. Well this year we were joined for a short time by Ken and Ruth Ann Stremming. The resort we stay at offers several athletic endeavors among which is an Italian lawn bowling game called Bocce’. It is played by teams of four and if one desires you can play every day. I introduced Ken to this game and he had such a good time he joined me every day. I have included a photo of this intrepid player as he prepares to launch a ball in an effort to score a point. Notice the intense concentration required.
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