December 2008 Unit Newsletters
Alabama
link to Contacts for Alabama
By the time you get this newsletter the month of November will have come and gone. We Hope everyone had a very Happy Thanksgiving and VOTED.
The Fall Rally, September 18-21 at Joe Wheeler was a success with everyone pitching in and getting the job done. Those attending were Landrums, Glenns, Whites, Evans, Gilmores, Smiths, Spanyer, and Wilbanks stopped by one day for a visit. Sam was there most of the time but didn’t take the motor home since Ginny still was not into climbing steps. Gordon & Pattie Robertson were unable to attend as the Lodge had “no room at the inn”.
Alabama, for the first time in years, was not represented at the Fall Rendezvous in Texas. The Whitakers were registered and had good intentions but had to cancel due to Ginny’s foot surgery.
Alabama’s Christmas Party is December 5th at the Redstone Arsenal Officers Club. Everyone please get your reservations back to Ginny & Sam as soon as possible. We still don’t have the Spring Rally nailed down, but we are working on it.
Our monthly dinner has been changed to the 2nd Tuesday night at 6:00 p.m. We meet at Mama Blues in Decatur. If you are ever in the area please feel free to join us (no reservation required).
We wish everyone Healthy, Happy Holidays and Safe Travels.
REMEMBER if you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get what you’ve always got.
Ginny
Arizona
link to Contacts for Arizona
The Arizona Unit’s Traveling Rally from Benson AZ to San Antonio, TX started with a side trip to Tombstone AZ visiting many shops and followed by a sumptuous lunch. Then, we were on to the night visit to the observatory. Our next stop, Cliff House Cattleman’s Ranch; a stop you should not miss with a fine meal served, where you have a view of the wild life through dining room windows. The following day we arrived at “The Caverns of Sonora” TX. We have passed this spot many times on trips through Texas. This time we managed to schedule a trip that would allow us some time to explore the sights and hike to many feet below ground level to spot beautiful stalagmites.
News from the San Antonio Rendezvous: No doubt you guessed that the Arizona Unit did not return home with the coveted Road Runner trophy; that honor went to the Ohio Unit. Highlights of the Rendezvous included a trip of Fort Sam Houston, orientation to Brook’s Hospital ‘Intrepid’ and a city tour of San Antonio. The Radio Club Special Interest Group conducted a “Fox Hunt” This is an event where members attempt to locate a hidden Transmitter. The successful hunter treeing the fox was Jim Davis, California unit member, Governor of the Southwest Region and Ms Carol’s driver! The Computer Club Special Interest Group enjoyed discussion with many new members. Diane’s Seminar encouraged everyone to update their immunizations. Tetanus Spores are in the soil and everyone needs protection!
The CA/AZ Fall Rally in Borrego Springs, CA is now history; Over 40 members attended this fall event. A live band provided music for listening and dancing pleasure. Mike & Kathy Sexton did an outstanding job in providing many days of fine dining and entertainment. A trip to Julian, CA found the group visiting old shops in this quaint city. Apple Pie with Ice Cream proved to be a big hit. A live performance at the local theatre highlighted our day. Jay & Susan Engroff and Jack & Diane Ernest are contacting all AZ Unit Members on up coming events.
December Critter Report: The first and foremost visitor is Jennifer, a grand daughter of Roberta; who stopped by with her cubs. These cubs have grown quite a bit since our last report; however, they continue to entertain us just when we have quests watching. Another notable visitor is a “Harris Hawk” I think the word of mouth must be to dine at the Ernest’s, as all of these creatures dine on rodents. Our bird population is ever increasing with northerners and most are putting on a few extra grams in preparation for southern fall departure.
Jack Ernest
The pipers came to celebrate the 233 rd Marine Corps Birthday. Our daughter Donna, husband John Willy and Paul McAfee, from South Lake Tahoe’s Black Bear Band, piped the members into the hall and proudly presented the colors. Later a few tunes brought down the house.
The biggest surprise was the recognition of Jack Ernest as Marine of the Year 2008. The plague and medal read “In recognition of His Outstanding Contributions to the Marine Corps League and His Efforts in Support of The United States Marine Corps and The United States of America.”
Diane Ernest
Arkansas
link to Contacts for Arkansas
The Arkansas Unit of the Fleetwood Travelcade Club has dissolved as of our Fall Rally in Harrison, AR. If anyone wants to remain in the Fleetwood Travelcade Club you can pay your dues to the Oklahoma or Missouri Unit Secretary, Ginny Cox or Betty Lewis and become a member of either unit. They are both great units and would love to have you. Jerry & I have had a great time with both of them several times. If you would prefer you can send $35 to the billing officer and be a member-at-large. International dues go to Fleetwood Travelcade Club, P.O. Box 43886, Birmingham, AL 35243.
Jerry & I have enjoyed serving as officers in the AR Unit this year.
Peggy Keeter
California
link to Contacts for California
What a wonderful time at everyone had at our California/Arizona Unit Buddy Rally. We were in Borrego Springs at The Springs at Borrego RV Resort. It is a beautiful resort and the weather was perfect. Most of us had not visited in this area before and it is an undiscovered area with much to see and very different.
Those attending were the Plunketts, Davises (Jim & Carol), Ernests, Adamsons, Ansevics, Bakers, Chivas, Curiels, Dunbars, Engroffs, Lanes, and Bakers. Also attending were the Manleys, Mendenhalls, Paskeys, Phillips, Powers, Ruanas, Sextons and Tuttles. Two attending that we had not seen in a long while were the Marshalls and Janie Gustafson. Cathy Mendenhall came as a walk in and was there also. As always, it was very special with visiting, lots of talk and catching up. Besides great food and all the fellowship, the fun part didn’t stop. There was a live band, dancing, golf, games, and swimming,
We caravanned over hill and dale to Julian for the Apple Festival, shopping, lunch and the Old Time Melodrama. Another day 29 of us climbed into old Army trucks (G-6’s) and went on an adventure off-road tour. Those were just the highlights!
I repeat, it was a great rally and we thank Mike & Kathy Sexton for their planning and attention to the details.
Mark you calendars for April 2-6, (home on Tuesday the 7th), 2009. Our Spring Rally will be in Bakersfield, CA at the Bakersfield RV Resort. It is a Buddy Rally so invite someone to come along. It is at a new resort and you will be getting more information in the near future.
Reminder: If you have not paid your membership dues ($45.00) $35 for International and $10 for CA dues, be sure to get them to me as soon as possible. Any questions, please call me.
Happy Holidays to each of you.
Myrna Mendenhall
Florida
link to Contacts for Florida
We all had a fabulous time at our Fall Rally. The attendees included: Chuck & Fran Blanchet, Bob & Pat Bradford, Bill & Chris Catron, William & Shirley Clark, Dave & Pam Cox, Larry & Peggy Crisp, Al & Carole Dumbleton, George & Dianne Frerichs, John & Audrey Gilbert, Saul & Joanne Goodkin, Charles & Jenova Hoelscher, Otis & Linda Lutz, Roy & Dee Manor, Bill & Wilma Rink, Tom & Jeanie Russell, Mike & Cathy Stallings, Bob & Judy Stewart, Art & Arlene Strauss, Leo & Linda Woodward and Pete & Alice Pizzano. Don Porter visited the Rally and looks and acts the same. Gladys is now being cared for in home.
John Gilbert purchased a Dump Truck for their wedding anniversary and Audrey liked it so much she made John sleep in it for a week. Jim Saxon has volunteered to be laid off December 5th so Jim & Joyce will stay in the Jacksonville area for several days then visit family. December 9th we restart our monthly luncheons at the Golden Corral, 4705 US Hwy 98 North, Lakeland Florida 33809 and everyone is invited. Sign up for the Friends First Rally at Lazy Days February 10-16, 2009. Florida’s new President is Larry Crisp with Leo Woodward as 1st Vice President and Chuck Blanchet as 2nd Vice President. We are planning a Rolling Rally to the Spring Rendezvous in Urbanna, Virginia. If anyone has any suggestions of things to do or see contact Cathy@Stallings.com.
Cathy
Georgia
link to Contacts for Georgia
It's a sad time for Janis & I, because no one stepped forward to be officers and we had no choice but to plan the demise of the Georgia Unit. By the time you read this, we will have had our last official function as a Unit of the Club. That's the December 6th Christmas Luncheon at Ryan's on Jimmy Carter Blvd in Norcross. We will close out the books as of December 31st and by a vote of the GA Unit at our Fall Rally, any funds left over will go into Elizabeth Johnson's Education Fund.
Georgia members that have not paid the 2009 National dues of $35.00, please do so now, so we have the funds before December 31st. Be sure to state which Unit you want to be affiliated with or state Member at Large. You can send your dues to me or Dan Gilmore. Janis & I offer special thanks to you that have made donations toward the education fund for our 16 year old Granddaughter, Elizabeth. She is the daughter of our son Eric that was killed in a motorcycle accident. The fund is now at $1000. Elizabeth is back to a normal routine and making excellent grades in school. We have asked her and her mom to meet with her school counselor and arrive at the best way to use this fund towards her education.
We just returned from a trip that took us to the San Antonio Rendezvous, The Taste of Big Bend Travelcade, a visit in Yuma, AZ with long time friends, some going back 58 years. One of those, many of you know, is our own International Club President and his wife, Harvey & Mary Plunkett. We had a great visit in their new home and went out to dinner afterwards. From Yuma, we traveled on to the San Jose area of California to visit family.
Among them was our Grandson, Sean, whom we had not seen in over 4 years. From there, we went to Fredericktown, MO to visit with Eric's family and help with some pressing problems. In 3 days we had everything as near normal as it can be without a father and husband in the house.
Since arriving back home, we are trying to empty all that "stuff" out of the truck and trailer in preparation to put the rig on the market. We had as many as four of some items when only one is enough!! Many of you have been there and know!
To all of you, Until we meet again, HUGS & thanks for the memories and friendships.
Tom & Janis Johnson #12737
Illinois
link to Contacts for Illinois
Thirty members have renewed their Unit Membership As of November 20th.
On the death of Laverne Eilers and Tom Horn, we send our condolences and prayers to their families. These individuals will be dearly missed.
The Illinois Unit of the Fleetwood Travelcade Club held their Christmas party November 15th, because the prior two years it was scheduled in December and both years it was cancelled due to winter storms. It was held at Alexander’s Steak House in Normal, IL. Everyone enjoyed visiting after a delicious meal. Those attending were Hosts: Hank & Addie Weast, Ralph Burcar, Shirley Clark, Jean & Norma Davis, John & Nina Dennis, Stan & Doris Carman, Don & Sandy Fowler, Bill & Roberta Jaynes, Fred & Fran McKinnon, Byron & Nora Peters, Dick & Jane Russell, Terry & Faith Sorensen, Bill & Sharon Wagner, Jim & Sharon Waller, Bernie & Judy Weithorn, Bruce & Shirley Wells and Former Unit President and Regional Governor, Charlie & Mary Jane Anderson.
Stan & Doris Carman celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on November 1, 2008. Their daughter and son held a reception for them on November 2nd. Those attending were: Bill & Roberta Jaynes, Fred & Fran McKinnon, Byron & Nora Peters, Dick & Jane Russell, Wayne & Ellen Spencer, Terry & Faith Sorenson, and Bill & Sharon Wagner.
Jim & Ann Collins went to Texas in October. They are in a program, “Walk for Your Life.” They visited with Beasleys at the Rio Grande Valley luncheon. John & Nina Dennis are leaving for Texas in January, Wagners plan to leave for Texas in late December (since Sharon has to get her mouth fixed.) They hope their new great-grand daughter (Hannah) arrives prior to their departure. The Weasts leave for Texas in February and the Weithorns leave for Florida in December.
Congratulations to Don & Sandy Fowler on their recent retirement!! We hope you enjoy many years of camping.
Terry & Faith Sorensen attended the fall rendezvous in Texas. We sincerely thank them for accepting the task of proxy for Wayne and Faith for attending the Secretary meeting for Ellen.
The planned Buddy Rallies are scheduled for May 12-15 at Galesburg and August 11-14 at Effingham. The Spring State Rally has not been determined yet, but the Fall Rally will be Sept 15-18 in Taylorville at the fairgrounds. All rallies will run from Tuesday through Friday AM.
We hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving with family and friends. Have a blessed Christmas and Happy New Year.
We are eagerly looking forward to the return of spring and a new camping year!
Wayne & Ellen
Indiana
link to Contacts for Indiana
Hi everyone
As I am receiving from you and writing this bit of Unit News, we are all busy getting ready for Thanksgiving Day. It is one of the best holidays, no pressure, no gifts to buy, just good food and great family get-togethers. Although, we have sadly lost Warren Middaugh, we shall keep him in our prayers this holiday season.
The Fall Rally was a great success! John & Rita McCarren were our hosts. In attendance were: Albert & Bobbie Bailitz, Larry & Phyllis Bousman, Lewis & Mary Carter, Bud & Betty Fish, Loretta Fleming, Lenore Gilley, and Vic & Maryln Kerlin. Terry & Marilyn Penn came up for a day to visit. At our Fall Rally meeting we voted in the same officers as last year.
John & Rita McCarren have accepted the task of putting together the Spring Rally for 2009. There are no dates as of yet, but, it will most likely be held in the southeast portion of the state near Cincinnati.
Vic & Maryln Kerlin will be hosting the Fall Rally just north of Peru, Indiana September 17-21, 2009 at a private campground. I will let you know more information as I receive it.
Albert & I were able to get our coach out again in October for the Halloween Weekend Extravaganza at Broken Arrow Campground in Winamac. A spooky good time was had by all. We have been keeping very busy at work with all the flooding we've had in this northwestern part of the state and all those chimneys to clean!
Vic & Maryln Kerlin attended and enjoyed the Fall Rendezvous in San Antonio, TX. The day the Rendezvous ended an afternoon was spent with Elaine & Walter Kehren enjoying the Alamo River Walk. They rode one of the boats along the river and then enjoyed a riverside lunch at one of the many outside cafes along the walk. They also walked along the river before returning to the RV Park. After returning from the River Walk area the Kerlins were two of forty-six people who met for the organizational meeting for “A Taste of Big Bend Travelcade.”
The Travelcade was an enjoyable fourteen days of seeing a lot of scenery in the Southwest Texas area. They also went to the McDonald Observatory twice while on the Travelcade—once to see inside the telescope domes and then again at night to attend a “Star Show” and view selected items in the night sky through telescopes. After the Travelcade ended at Fort Davis, TX the Kerlins traveled south and east to end up in Donna, TX for a while. They attended the first FTC Rio Grande Valley group weekly luncheon of this season on November 5th. Indiana was well represented at the luncheon by Leroy & JoAnn Buis, Carl & Joan Bowen, LeNore Gilley and Vic & Maryln Kerlin. There were seven others there from various states.
Loretta Fleming and Lewis & Mary Carter left IN on Oct 24th for a trip to Bowling Green, KY to visit a cousin. Loretta left there and went to her daughters (Kellie Walter) in Crossville, TN. Lewis & Mary went to visit Lewis' niece in Lafayette, TN and then came to Kellies later. Leaving Crossville, TN they went to GA to visit a long time friend. Then on to Ruskin, FL and arrived Nov. 3rd. They reported beautiful weather, but desperately needing rain. Lenore Gilley is in Texas for the winter months.
Bud & Betty Fish celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on November 8th with a nice reception at their church. Betty just might take a "Computer for Dummies" class being held at the college on December 3rd. They are not sure yet when they will be leaving for Florida.
Marilyn & Terry Penn are in residence at Luxury RV Resort in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They left their home on October 31st, and pulled into the campground on November 1st. They will be there until April 1st. They expect to be back at their home in Indiana some time during the first full week in April.
By this time of year, everyone that winterizes their coaches has most likely done so. Soon it will be Christmas and on to the New Year. Time sure flies when you are having fun!
Have a blessed holiday and a wonderful New Year!
Bobbie
Iowa
link to Contacts for Iowa
No Report
Kentucky
link to Contacts for Kentucky
The annual Christmas Party will be held Saturday, December 6 at the Georgetown Conference Center in Georgetown, KY at 1 PM. Meal choices include garlic cream sauce chicken or simmered beef pot roast. The cost is $20 per person. Members will bring a $5 to $10 gift for a gift exchange. Call Sid & Gladys Hisel for reservations or additional information at (859) 608-1404 or (812) 661-7250.
Plans are being made for the Kentucky Spring Rally May 13-17, 2009 in Bardstown, Kentucky at Holt Campground. It’s the perfect place to stop on your way home from the Rendezvous in Arlington, West Virginia. Events will include a tour of the Civil War Museum proclaimed to be the best in the country. A very knowledgeable tour guide will give us a narrated tour. A tour of the house which was inspiration to Stephen Foster as he wrote “My Old Kentucky Home and a tour of a bourbon distillery will be the events for another day. A third day will include a trip to the Railway Museum in New Haven and an excursion on a 102 year old steam locomotive. We’ll have our own version of the Kentucky Derby as well as lots of fun, food and fellowship.
Lloyd & Louise Smith represented Kentucky at the Fall Rendezvous in San Antonio, Texas and then joined the “Taste of Big Bend Travelcade” October 12-25. It was a great time to see some of the desert southwest of Texas and make new Fleetwood friends.
Louise
Michigan
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No Report
Missouri
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No Report
Nebraska
link to Contacts for Nebraska
No Report
North Carolina
link to Contacts for North Carolina
No Report
Ohio
link to Contacts for Ohio
Greetings from snowy Northern Ohio. The holidays and the New Year are right around the corner. Where has the year gone? They say activity makes time pass faster, and this has been an active year. Most recently was our Fall Rally at Navarre. Thanks go to Bob & Marilyn Zakrajsek for the great rallies this year.
The fall luncheon was held September 23rd in Canton. Attending were John & Alice Wheeler, Jack & Bev Carstensen, Glen & Verla Forney, Don & June Grable, and Dean Bailey & Yvonne Westover. Each one told what they had been doing since the spring luncheon. We signed a get well card for Paula Staib who had surgery after leaving the fall rally.
Five couples from the Ohio Unit attended the Fall Rendezvous in San Antonio Texas. Helping us win the Roadrunner Trophy for the first time were the Grables, Lucases, Brehms, Gossards, and Dean & Yvonne. It was extremely hot so the beautiful "Indian Summer" when arriving home was very enjoyable.
Mark your calendars for May 5th for the spring luncheon and May 11-16 for the Spring Buddy Rally at Poor Farmers campground in Fletcher Ohio. A reminder that dues are to be paid by January 1. Please send both your Unit Dues and International Dues to Dean Bailey, 60 Clyde Ave., New London, OH 44851.
Dean
Oklahoma
link to Contacts for Oklahoma
We have all just returned home from the travels to Texas for the Fall Rendezvous that was great fun for all and then on to The Taste of Big Bend Travelcade. Those Oklahomans enjoying the warm days at the rendezvous were Wanda Berry, Jerry & Shelby Brown, Jim & Peggy Clubb, our official greeters, Ebb & Ginny Cox, John & Mary Lu Ehrle, and Bill & Nellie Pennington. It was good to touch base again with our longtime friends and to make some new friends. The tours and entertainment at the rendezvous was enjoyed by all. The next rendezvous to put on your calendar is the Winter/Spring Rendezvous in Urbanna, Virginia starting April 29 to May 5, 2009.
The Taste of Big Bend Travelcade covered many miles which is not unusual for Texas but we saw a wide range of desert, canyons, mesas and a variety of critters. There are many fond memories we share with our other Oklahomans who attended the travelcade, the Penningtons, the Ehrles, the Browns, Wanda Berry and the Coxes. Harry & Flo Brennen led our crew of 24 units through some interesting and entertaining places. On the evening we were to see the Marfa Lights, the lights decided to not show up, but it didn't matter because we sang old songs and shared our bags of popcorn. Another fun memory!
When the travelcade ended we all went our separate ways and since the weather was so perfect it seemed a shame to go home for winter will be here soon enough. Ebb & I made our way to the Grand Canyon for a trip back to one of our favorite places. Now that we're home the weather has changed to a more seasonal temperature and our thoughts are now turned to the holidays ahead. A blessed holiday season to all from your friends in Oklahoma.
Ginny
Oregon
link to Contacts for Oregon
HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO EVERYONE:
I can hardly believe it is the Holiday season already.
Many of us have migrated to the sunny south.
Our Fleetwood luncheon here in Yuma was last Wednesday. We had 18 attend and really enjoyed catching up on our friend’s activities. Those attending from Oregon were, Herb & Marge Christensen, Gerald & Linda Lavy, Ed & Carol Fox, Paul & Paula Brawn and LaVerne & Norma Edwards. Ray & Marlise Hanson were there from Washington, and attending from California were Roger & Melanie Phillips and International President, Harvey & Mary Plunkett., Michigan visitors were Budd & Evelyn Stapley.
The Oregon and Washington people are looking forward to our Christmas Party that will be December 4-6 at Ocean Shores, WA. This annual party had to be canceled last year because of a big Northwest storm, so we are really anxious for this time together. Carolyn & Ken Abramson and Jim & Fran Reed have put in a lot of hours planning this party, so we hope you are planning to be there.
The Oregon and Washington units both have their Spring and Fall Rally dates and locations in place, so check the activities calendar and plan to attend these fun times.
Happy Holidays to each of you, from your Oregon Officers and Fleetwood Hugs,
Norma
Pennsylvania
link to Contacts for Pennsylvania
Here we are into December and Bob & I do not know where the year has gone? It was a beautiful fall here in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. The leaves were especially awesome unless we forget each year how pretty they are!
We had a wonderful Spring Buddy Rally down at the Jersey Shore at Sea Pirates Camp ground, in West Creek, New Jersey. It was put on by the Skrables and Casamentos. Thanks again for all their work. It was attended by 12 Rigs. Pat & John Owens went to see the Ocean, or rather, the Ocean came up to seen them and they got very wet and sandy. They both came back wet and soggy. Wish we could have seen it when Pat fell in the water and sand! Lots of fun, food & fellowship was had by all!
Pat & Phil Tuttle represented the Pennsylvania Unit at the Texas Rendezvous and then went on the Big Bend Travelcade for two weeks. Phil couldn’t get over all the open space in Texas and they enjoyed it very much.
The last report from the Werners was that they were still in Florida, and would soon be heading north. The Lindsays and the Eichlins met together to make plans for our Spring Rally in May 2009. Jim & Beryl Eichlin are doing fine.
A reminder: If you haven’t paid 2009 dues they are $35.00 International dues and $5.00 Pennsylvania Unit dues, for a total of $40.00. After December 20th please mail your dues to Mae E. Lindsay Mailbox it 3682 North Wickham Road, B-l Melbourne, Florida 32935
We pray that everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving, and a wonderful Christmas, being with your families. Always remember that we live in the best country in the world, where we have the right to worship and have the freedoms that other countries do not have.
Some of us will be traveling over the Holidays, we wish you all safe travels, and many blessings in the New Year to come.
Peace be with you all,
Mae Lindsay
Rocky Mountain
link to Contacts for the Rocky Mountain Unit
We want to wish everyone a spirit filled and wonderful holiday season. The ski slopes are open in Colorado so if that is your way to enjoy the season, "Come on Down." Actually winter has arrived early and mid November is feeling a lot like mid January. It's hard to get out for daily walks when it's this chilly outside, but we have warmth in our hearts and want to share our Unit's news.
Clara & Bob Lee returned home in mid October from a family gathering in China. They took their children to the villages where Clara's and Bob's families formerly lived. Bob's first impression of China today was "it's really modern." Everyone is living in high rises and very few single homes remain, except in the remote farming villages.
Knute & Joan Cotton are again in Joplin, MO continuing another five weeks of volunteer work for Prison Ministry. They have completed the remodel work on their Avion Silver, "Joan's Doll House."
Wayne & Dee Ann DeMill returned to New Mexico from their summer volunteer job in Cody, Wyoming. They will be returning first to Utah and then Idaho for Thanksgiving, but will not be taking the motorhome on this trip. They will travel on to California in mid December using a time share near the beach for Christmas. Wow, way to go!
We're so happy to hear that Tom Roberts spent an enjoyable week in Branson, MO recently. He drove there with his daughter, Christine, and her mother to spend the week in their time-share apartment. Tom especially enjoyed the Titanic exhibit.
Harry & Betty Peterson have moved their Avion from its summer location in Montana to their beach cottage on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The house has lots of maintenance issues and cleaning concerns as the house is rented during the summer season. They plan to drive to York, PA for Thanksgiving and a family reunion that will include their three children, their spouses and the eight grandchildren. The event will celebrate Harry & Betty's recent 50th wedding anniversary plus both their milestone big 7-0 birthdays. This is the first time the family will all be together in 10 years.
We hope you all have the happiest of holiday seasons and remember the reason for the season.
God Bless You all,
Betty Peterson
South Carolina
link to Contacts for South Carolina
As this news is being written, it's gotten very chilly here in SC. It feels more like January than November. We'll take this opportunity to wish a happy holiday season to all of our members, associates and buddies.
Our Fall Rally in Elberton, GA was attended by Jim & Billie Barton, Herman & Marlene Murray, Harry & Lee Peel with buddies Gene & Carole Sansone present for SC. The GA & NC units joined with us so we did have a larger group than we would have normally.
Jim & Billie had to leave early for a family function in NC but on Saturday, John & Johnnie Melton arrived to participate in the business meeting. John said he's sold the Avion so will be a “walk-in” in future functions. As we had no one step up for officer positions, Harry & I will continue for this coming year to hold down the fort. Hopefully someone will come forward for the next year.
We were hoping that several couples would head to San Antonio, TX for the rendezvous but only Tom & Janis Johnson (GA) went but stopped by home before going on. They were leaving from San Antonio to go on the “Taste of Big Bend” Travelcade then on to CA to visit family.
If you are reading this column prior to December 6, and are in the area, come join us at our “Holiday Luncheon” in Columbia, SC, 11 A.M. Call us at (864) 848-9686 if you need directions.
We are considering having our Spring Rally combined with the NC Unit prior to the Spring Rendezvous in Urbanna, VA. We hope that more of our members will be able to travel along with us to VA. We'll get the information out to you as soon as the final arrangements are made.
As you are aware, dues are payable immediately. Some of you are probably coming to our luncheon and will pay there. If you aren't going to be at the luncheon, please send your $40 check to me ASAP. Harry & I will leave for FL about December 15th and our mail will be forwarded but it would make it simpler if we could receive your dues prior to our departure. Make your check payable to SC UNIT FTC and address to LEE PEEL, 100 LAKEFOREST DR, GREER, SC 29651.
Hope to hear from all of you soon,
Lee Peel
Tennessee
link to Contacts for Tennessee
No Report
Texas
link to Contacts for Texas
No Report
Virginia
link to Contacts for Virginia
No Report
Washington
link to Contacts for Washington
The Washington Unit Fall Rally in Lacey attracted Nine Rigs including two buddies. The assembled group welcomed First Timers, Denis & Sally Noble and Scott & Cassandra Schmittler. The Chitticks spent Saturday afternoon and evening with the group.
The group visited the Museum of Glass and the Washington State Museum in downtown Tacoma as well as a quick tour of the recently renovated Union Station. The group also toured the State Capitol Building in Olympia to see the results of the renovation work done following the recent earthquake. As is the custom, all in attendance enjoyed Fun, Food and Fellowship.
Following a very successful Fall Rally at Lacey, Ken & Carolyn Abramson traveled to the Oregon Rally near Salem, OR, then on to the coast for a few days of relaxation.
The North end Lunch Bunch met at the Golden Corral in Marysville as usual on October 6th. The 22 in attendance were, Trish Abernathy, Ken & Carolyn Abramson, Norm & Norma Anderson, Harry & Susan Andrews, Don & Peg Alastra, Ray & Marlise Hansen, Beth & George McKay, Chuck & Inez Michael, Dennis & Sally Noble, Tom & Marnie Opstad, Frances Penick and Jim & Fran Reed.
Following lunch Ken Abramson welcomed all and made an extra special welcome to Sally & Dennis Noble. The Nobles had traveled from Ellensburg to attend their first luncheon.
Carolyn Abramson reported on the Lacey Rally. Those in attendance were informed of the new policy that will see the Unit paying the Rally fee for First Timers in an effort to encourage participation. Carolyn also informed those in attendance that the Unit has divested itself of many items such as disposable dinnerware. This reduces the amount of materials and equipment that future Unit Officers will have to transport from Rally to Rally.
The Christmas Party at the Polynesian Restaurant in Ocean Shores was discussed and members were reminded to respond, confirm reservations and make their meal choices.
This was Fran Reed’s birthday and we all sang Happy Birthday to her. Tom Opstad then made a special introduction of Frances Penick. Ken Abramson, Ray Hanson and Jim Reed all recounted past remembrances of time spent with the Penicks. Old photos of the Penicks at club events were passed around and later given to Frances. Carolyn Abramson presented Frances with a lovely bouquet of cut flowers and Ken presented her with her 40-year pin as well as a certificate acknowledging her extraordinary and remarkable achievement of 40 years membership in the Avion (Fleetwood) Travelcade Club. Frances thanked us all and then recounted some of her special memories.
Frances & Bill Penick joined the Avion Travelcade Club in 1968 after they purchased a slide in camper. They enjoyed the camper but by the mid seventies wanted a little more room so they purchased a 28-foot Avion trailer. They kept both the camper and trailer when they relocated to Sequim, Washington from Ellensburg. The trailer was sold in the late 80's but they continued to use the camper. Frances drove the camper to a rally in Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. This was their last trip and they sold the camper shortly after that trip. Bill passed away in 1996; However, Frances has continued membership in the Club. She had a good time and enjoyed seeing some of her long time friends. Frances does not have a computer but she continues to receive The Fleetwood Flyer and enjoys reading about the many friends she has made over the years.
This was truly a special luncheon with Francis celebrating 40 years of membership and Sally & Dennis Noble attending their first luncheon. Members made a special point of welcoming the Nobles.
There was a lot of visiting and the group slowly departed, anxious for next time and more fun, food and fellowship.
The South end Lunch Bunch met at the Old Country Buffet in Federal Way on October 21st. The weather was “picture perfect” with plenty of sun and warmer than normal temperatures.
Twelve smiling faces enjoyed food, fun and fellowship: Frank & Eileen Lamar, Ray & Marlise Hanson, Barney & Jeanne Klinger, Les & Linda Willey, Tom & Marnie Opstad and Michael & Sheri Hassett. Michael & Sheri are proud new owners of a 28-foot Bounder Motorhome. After reading about our club on the Fleetwood Travelcade Club website they contacted Al & Del Caskey who put them in touch with Tom & Marnie. Michael & Sheri live in the Lake Stevens area and came with Tom & Marnie to the luncheon today. We sincerely hope they’ll want to join our club and continue to experience the fun and fellowship of our Fleetwood “family”.
Information about the upcoming 2009 Spring and Fall Rallies was presented to those in attendance at both luncheons.
Spring 2009 Rally June 3-7 at Fidalgo Bay RV Resort, Anacortes, WA and Fall 2009 Rally September 9-13 at Ft. Steele Resort & RV Park, Ft. Steele, B.C.
Ken & Carolyn Abramson also attended the November 3rd North End luncheon and had a grand time. In attendance were eight couples; Reeds, Abramsons, Andersons, MacKays, Raymonds, Opstads, Nobles and Mike & Shari Hassett. We all expressed amazement that the Nobles came all of the way from Ellensburg. It was also reported that so far there are 41 confirmed to attend the Christmas party.
Thank you notes from Phil & Leah Kimball and Francis Penick were read to the group.
The fridge magnet reminders for luncheon dates were handed out, and we wished everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Thanksgiving since we will not see them again until the Christmas Party, for those attending, and not until next year for those not able to come. Tom reported that the next three rendezvous’ would be open to buddies so we can bring friends if we wish and we were reminded to pay our International Club dues.
Al & Del Caskey