NEWS, PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE - MARCH 2011

Here we are at the start of another new year. I hope that everyone’s 2011 is a good one. While some of us have had the good fortune to spend the winter in warm climates I know that others have not been so fortunate. If you have spent some money on a snow blower at least you have gotten your money’s worth. In the past, for the first newsletter of the year, I have included a picture of the beach here at Venice, Florida. I decided that I would be kind and skip that project this year.
I have been told that Carol Lynch has had some medical issue this winter and that she is doing fine (better?). We should learn more at our first rally. If there are any other medical issues I am not aware of them.
We are planning an active 2011. Check the rally locations and dates for this year. Included is an FMCA National Rally at Madison, WI, just a short jump north and a Six State Rally at Hutchinson, KS where we will be one of the host chapters.
Hopefully, by the time of the FMCA convention in August the Wisconsin legislators will have decided what to do and we will not have to jockey around the demonstrators. Carol and I are planning on going and we hope that other members will join us.
So far this winter we have managed to have two executive board meetings in SW Florida. In January, Sue (VP) and Dave Carey and Wayne (Alt ND) and Carol Cook met Carol (Treas) and I (Pres) in Ellenton and then in March, Ken and Ruth Ann Stremming and Dan (ND) and Marilee (Sec) Couch gathered in Venice. While we had great food and good conversation the one thing we did avoid was anything to do with management of the chapter.
Rally: I recently talked to Lucille Severe who, with John, is in south Texas as are the Cooks, Drennons and probably others. Lucille has done a great job organizing the first rally at the Cedar Oaks RV Park in Grove, OK, the flyer of which is with this newsletter. They should have all of the snow disposed of by the time of our first rally, 20-23 April. Please note that this is a Wednesday-Saturday rally.
Six State: Just prior to the rally Carol and I and the Careys are going to attend the Six State Association 2011 rally planning meeting to determine what responsibilities we will have as one of the host chapters. I should be able to announce the results at the Grove rally. I want to thank all who have volunteered to work at the rally and encourage any who have not to consider doing so. As of now I have the following as volunteers: Carey, Carlile, Cook, Lynch, Mathes, Sidebottom, Severe, Thornton and Genrich. The Couchs and McVays are Six State Cadre and cannot be volunteers.
Blue Ox. I recently received a letter from Blue Ox advertising their campground which is co-located with their factory in Pender, Nebraska. They have 14 50-amp full hook-up and 16 electric only sites. They have a daily factory tour and there are various tourist items in the local area. If you mention you are an FMCA member you can stay free.
Membership: As they did last year, FMCA has sent each chapter president five free memberships. These are to be used to help entice (lure?) prospective members into a chapter. If you know of someone who you consider a prospective member this might just be the thing that closes that sale.
Dues. I want to remind you that dues are now past due and delinquent as of the first of April. For those who do not pay this is your last newsletter. If you do not want to deal with putting a stamp on an envelope and mailing it then come to the April rally and save the price of a stamp. Please note, I do not want to have to send Guido to your house as I did on one occasion last year.