As we gathered at the Cedar Oaks RV Park we had ten coaches and one single. Those attending were the Severes, Sidebottoms, Cooks, Mathes’, Nashs, Careys, Genrichs Carliles, Lynchs and Bennetts plus our one single, T.J. Ballard. By the way, TJ is becoming a mere shadow.
Wednesday evening started off with a reception hosted by Lucille and John Severe, with many helpers. We were served Severe’s Finger Food Sandwiches and a heaping platter of freshly made cookies. Since it was our first rally the conversation consisted mostly in finding out about everyone’s winter. Prior to the meal Lucille Severe drew names for the winners of the door prizes. The lucky three were Dave Carey, Jack Mathes and Lynn Lynch. They each got an Easter bonnet that has to be seen to be appreciated. No, that is not all Dave's hair. Later in the evening the daily card game started.Thursday morning breakfast was hosted by Gary and Elaine Sidebottom with the able help of Dave Carey. Gary whipped up his world-famous French toast with sausage and a fruit cup. Following breakfast we held our business meeting which is reported in the Meeting Minutes. After the meeting many went out to see the sights. During the early afternoon the forecast rain showed up and stayed until the middle of the night. If the Grove area needed rain this should have gone a long way to solve the problem. That evening we had a catered meal from the John Severe-recommended World Famous Catfish Johns. There was plenty to eat for all. In fact, even Wayne Cook quit before it was all gone.
Friday came as a warmer day. Maybe a harbinger of things to come? This is the day of a late breakfast or brunch, your choice. Lynn and Carol Lynch arranged for us to dine at Sandra’s restaurant. It is a place we have been before and you always get a lot for your money. After brunch people were free to go their own way and many did. Also, the card game restarted. As evening approached we headed south for the Lazy Parrot, arranged by Lucille Severe. This is a restaurant located on the southwest side of Grove next to the lake. We had our own room and a great waitress. We turned this into a birthday party as it was Carol Lynch’s birthday. No, I did not ask. Everyone had a good time along with a piece of cake and ice cream. By that time we had seen the sun disappear and we headed back to the park for, you guessed it, more cards.
Saturday was get-away day for this rally. We not only woke up to rain but it played a thunder tune most of the night. Fortunately it stopped just as everyone was ready to head to a breakfast hosted by Carol and Wayne Cook. As usual the doughnuts were ready but for the healthy side we had fruit and orange juice. Most took one of each to keep everything balanced. After that was the cleanup, load up and hook up. All in all, a great rally with everyone participating.
May 18 – 22 Rally. Get those reservations in to Dan Couch as soon as you can. It helps the host to know how many to expect. Also, don’t forget to make your campground reservations by May 5, by calling the RV park.
June 16 – 19 Rally. This rally is at the Deer Creek Valley RV Park in Topeka, KS. This is a new park and looks great. You can go to their web site (www.deercreekvalleyrvpark.com) and view photos. They are requiring that we make our reservations a month in advance. Do not call the park. Please call Ginny Weaver and she will call the park for everyone. Ginny's numbers are: 816-635-3627 (Home) and 816-830-8508 (cell). Call Ginny before May 16, please.
2012 Rallies. Our intrepid wagonmaster, Lucille Severe has things well in hand for this year. She has done a great job. For next year we are considering having mostly all-host rallies. That does not mean that any couple/couples cannot host a rally. The wagonmaster believes it would lessen the load on any one couple if we all pitched in and played a part. That does mean that Lucille will have to ask all of us to commit to one part of many rallies so be ready to have something in mind. I know there are members who might be hesitant to host a rally but have ideas for things to do at a rally.
Six-State Rally: We are one of nine host chapters for this year’s rally and are responsible for providing seven coaches (14 people) as volunteers. Therefore, Carol and I and the Careys attending a planning meeting in Hutchinson, KS immediately prior to our rally. As a result of the meeting our chapter is responsible for staffing the volunteer positions for the seminars. I want to thank all who stepped forward to volunteer. The volunteers have to be at the rally grounds by Monday, 26 Sept. We are planning on have a pre-rally Sunday (Sept. 25) at the rally grounds. That will be our last business meeting and we should be able to beat the early arrival rush. The chapter will be paying for the one extra early day (Sunday) for the volunteers. I will be sending each volunteer coach specific details soon.
Flying J. Most of you know that Flying J was purchased by Pilot with the combined company now Pilot/Flying J. With that merger have come some changes for RV owners who stop for fuel. If you have an RV Real Value card and have registered that card nothing has changed at the RV pumps and for those who use the truck pumps. All that is true in a perfect world. They are still working their way through the merger details. You should get the RV discount at either pump. If you use the truck pumps you should get the cash price. If you do not get those discounts see the manager. I have had to do that twice and they were happy to honor the discount. The Flying J managers are well aware of the problems and are working to get them all resolved. They want to know of any problems so they can address them. I have also heard that Flying J is no longer always the lowest price. I think that is more affected by the Pilot side of the company which I do not think has ever been the lowest price brand.
