NEWS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - JULY 2010

Since the chapter president and treasurer were at the annual Winnebago rally in Iowa I have no personal experiences from the latest rally. However, our most capable secretary, Marilee Couch, was kind enough to provide me with the following information.

The "hot" summer season continued into July at Osage Beach RV Park, Osage Beach, MO. The few glimpses of the lake water gave a false sense of coolness, even if those were just a few times. We did get comforted by the air-conditioning in the campground clubhouse.

Those gathering at the campground for the rally were the Lynchs, Mathes's, Nashes, Severes, Stremmings, Weavers and the co-hosts Couchs and Sidebottoms. The theme of this rally was "Christmas in July". Elaine Side-bottom had the tables decorated beautifully for Christmas and loads of candy were available.

The Thursday evening reception greeted everyone with Red Velvet Cake and ice cream sundaes with green creme-de-menthe syrup. Most days found card games being played by the gals and Thursday evening was no exception.

Friday morning was a biscuit and gravy breakfast. The baking and cooking had to be done in the coaches because the clubhouse does not have a stove. The fire department will not allow one in this size room. We did have a sink and refrigerator which helped tremendously. The Friday "Christmas Dinner" was catered by HyVee Grocery Store. This consisted of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salad, rolls and cheese cake. Following the dinner we had a gift exchange of Christmas ornaments. These were supposed to be "white elephant" items but some bought new ones. One of the most popular gifts was a class A motor home ornament. That went through several hands and I think John Severe finally got the prize. Hopefully, everyone enjoyed this game.

Saturday's continental breakfast was similar to what you might find at a Comfort Inn or Holiday Inn hotel. Everyone had a choice of cereal, muffins, fruit cup or hard boiled eggs. (Some may have had all of them.) (You mean someone like Wayne? Ed.) Dinner that night was a "pot luck". Some brought freshly made dishes. We had loads of leftovers. Also we had buckets of fried and grilled chicken. After dinner the majority of us attended the Main Street Music Hall. This is live music and entertainment. All those attending felt very highly entertained.

Sunday morning was the "Get Away" leftovers breakfast and the usual goodbyes.

We did not hold a business meeting this month but there was talk about the Six-State Area Rally in Shreveport, LA September 29 to October 2. During one morning the ladies put together baggies with health emergency forms which are to be placed on the refrigerator in case of emergency. These baggies will be distributed at our booth in the Chapter Carnival Fair. We hurried to finish them so we get to the serious business of playing cards.

Sadly we do need to report that Barbara Ballard passed away June 30. A memorial service was held July 10 at the Antioch Community Church in the Kansas City area. HOA was well represented with active and former members. The Ballards had sold their motor home when they discovered they could no longer travel. TJ is now trying to get a neighbor's old motor home in working order so he can join us at a meeting in the future. We will love to have him attend.

August Rally. The next rally will be in Roaring River Park August 18-21 and starts on Wednesday. You DO NOT need to make park reservations. Please get your rally reservation in by August 4.

Barbara Ballard

I have the sad duty to inform you that Barbara Ballard passed away Wednesday night June 30. Memorial services will be on July 10. Visitation will be 10 – 11:30 with services following. The visitation and services will be held at the Antioch community Church, 4805 N Antioch Rd, Kansas City, MO