For the
October rally we ventured to the Cedar Oaks RV Park in Grove, Oklahoma. This is
our last rally of our 44th year so we had to make it a good one.
An even half
dozen coaches arrived by Wednesday afternoon and the remainder showed up on
Thursday. We were far from alone at the park as there were two other FMCA
chapters in attendance; the Happy (Ok) Wanderers and the Covered Wagons and 30
plus members of a national Roadtreck organization. Four rallies with about 100
coaches goes a long way in filling an RV park.
At our Thursday evening reception we had 24
members; Severes, Cooks, Stremmings, Backers, Bennetts, Carliles, Genrichs,
Couchs, McVays, Sidebottoms, Nashs and TJ Ballard and SandyThomas. The Couchs
had to attend via automobile because their coach decided it did not want to
play nice and is now awaiting maintenance. Since everyone contributed
appetizers for the event there was plenty of variety and volume for all. Many
thanks to Anne Marie Carlile for doing a great job.
Friday morning’s breakfast got off to a
fast start with the World Famous Dan Couch pancakes. After much conversation
several groups departed. Five of the men went to the Darryl Starbird National Rod
& Custom Hall of Fame Museum while a number of the wives did some shopping
in Grove. You have not seen Grove until you have been shopping at the Cheapo
Depo. After lunch it was reported that a card game was in operation in the club
house. During the late afternoon the predicted rain arrived and appeared to
settle in for the evening. For that evening meal we ventured to a new
establishment. The older Royal Bay restaurant, at the north end of Sailboat
Bridge, has been rebranded as the Grand Lakeside and has been in business for
several months. One of the Indian tribes has purchased the property and the
local rumor is that they will have a hotel and casino erected on the property. We
had gotten some good reports on the restaurant from Grove residents so we
decided to give it a try. We had a group of 27 for them to contend with and
they did a great job. Even with such a big group almost everyone was served
within 30 minutes and the food was outstanding and plentiful. Joining us for
the meal were Lyanna and Michael McKinney who were prospective members we had
first met at Sedalia. After the meal, since it was still raining and cold,
everyone decided to call it a day and retire.
Saturday dawned crisp and clear, the
rain having decided to visit Arkansas. During mid-morning we headed for the
Heritage Inn for brunch arranged by Brenda and Gary Nash. At the Heritage Inn
you can either order from the menu or go to the buffet. The price is right, the
food is tasty and the staff is great. After brunch we went back to the park for
a business meeting. The main reason for the meeting was election of officers.
For the next year the officers are:
President:
Lucille Severe
V President:
Gary Sidebottom
Secretary:
Ruth Ann Stremming
Treasurer:
Elaine Sidebottom
Nat’l
Director: Chuck Genrich
Alt Nat’l
Director: Wayne Cook
In addition there was discussion about rallies for 2014. You
can read all about the meeting in the minutes. The currently scheduled 2014
rallies are listed on the left side of this page. During the afternoon members
attended to various items plus the McKinneys became the newest members of our
chapter. In the late afternoon we gathered around the fire pit for refreshments.
The main reason for gathering at the fire pit was that it was used to cook the bratwurst
that was the centerpiece of the October Fest meal. Due to the sun disappearing
followed by the temperature dropping we then retired to the club house for
bratwurst, sauerkraut, chips and hot apple cider with a dessert of root beer
floats. All of this was courtesy of the Stremmings and Severes. I have included
some photos of the fire pit festivities including one of our chef-in-charge. The
evening was wrapped up with the ongoing card game.
The Sunday get-away breakfast, courtesy of
the Carliles, was made up of rolls and orange juice and was followed, as always,
by packing up the club equipment and preparing to depart the park. I want to
commend Anne Marie and Dick Carlile for doing a splendid job on the rally.
Six State Rally. I thought that I would
write a few lines about the regional rally at Sedalia, Mo. First off, the
weather was great. If my memory serves me correct there were some 700 coaches
at the rally with Heart of America contributing nine coaches to the total; Couchs,
McVays, Nashs, Genrichs, Sidebottoms, Severes, Backers, Cooks and Tom Drennon
accompanied by Jack Mathis. I believe everyone had a good time as it was a
great rally. Naturally, there were many seminars attended and the vendors did a
brisk business. Overall the entertainment was average to above. The one I
judged average was an illusionist and it is difficult for them when working a
large crowd. The newly elected FMCA National President, Charlie Adcock, was
present and our own Dan Couch was elected Treasurer for the Six State
Association. During the chapter fair we had several couples show interest in
our group which proved beneficial as noted previously. As we were getting ready
to depart John Severe had a chain break on one of his slides that rendered the
slide immovable while extended. With the help of several members, most notably
Nick Backer (Mr. Fixit) the slide was retracted and John was able to return
home where the problem was fixed. Jim McVay came up with some wood and straps
to make sure the slide stayed retracted for the trip home. One never knows when
they might need a short 4x4. This event highlights a reason why it is good to
belong to a chapter. There is almost always expert help for any problem.
2014. Our next rally in April 2014 is at
Coachlight RV in Carthage, Mo. That will be the beginning of the 45th
year for the Heart of America Coachman chapter of FMCA. One more milestone on a
very long 45-year road. The Wagonmaster has a number of empty slots on her spreadsheet
for the 2014 rallies the main one is someone to be the rally master in July.
The other empty slots are for events during the rallies. Also, while there was
a good response at the Grove rally in paying 2014 dues, there are still some of
you who have not paid. There is time left but let’s not wait until next spring.
Remember I can always call on Guido to visit you. Have a great winter!!!!!!!!!!!
