April 2009 Unit Newsletters
Alabama
link to Contacts for Alabama
No Report
Arizona
link to Contacts for Arizona
News of the Arizona Unit continues to be scarce. Perhaps the fuel costs are keeping you close to the old homestead as we have not heard any news to report. One item to report on would be the fine service I received from Fantastic Vent Fan Company. The fan in our Avion ceased to work, so I removed the fan and located the problem, which turned out to be a defective printed circuit board that controls the temperature and rain sensor. As our fan was several years old I figured that obtaining a replacement part was slim to none, however, I wrote to Fantastic Vent, asking if they had a replacement board and what the cost might be. To my surprise they called to inform me that their product has a lifetime warranty, and they were sending me a new fan to replace the defective one.
Please drop us a note let us know of your travels.
April Critter Report:
Now that Sprig has arrived in Southern AZ, our wild life started to reappear after hiding for the winter months. The resident “Hummer” is busy chasing us from one side of the house ever reminding us that the feeder is low and needs prompt attention. Several quail made test runs just checking out likely spots to raise their family. They favor low bushes with plenty of cover. Cardinals, having never left the area in full, are also reappearing in numbers, also looking for food and nesting locations. Sally Roadrunner scurried through the yard and with one mighty leap bounced off the wall and onto the roof of the neighbors house, the next leap was onto the chimney flashing. One can only imagine the sound of a hungry road runner pecking on that tin flashing; I am glad that we do not have a fire place.
Dates to remember in April: Aprils Fools day April 5 Palm Sunday, April 9 Passover, April 10 Good Friday, April 12 Easter Sunday April 13 (Canadian) Easter Monday, April 15 IRS tax Day, and April 22 Administrative Professionals Day.
Jack Ernest
California
link to Contacts for California
Greetings from Kernville, CA.
It is the middle of March and we’re parked in a spot on the Kern River and enjoying the great spring weather, the beautiful stars, our family and most of all the sounds of the rushing water. Most of the plans for our Spring Rally in Bakersfield are complete. By the time you read this the rally will be over and time for making summer plans.
We were sitting around a wonderful campfire and while discussing our remodeling dilemma in our motor home, these suggestions were made. Hints for updating, remodeling and repairs inside your R V units:
Some things like simple remodeling, plumbing, flooring, cabinets, hinges and latches and repairs can be done by someone other than your local RV dealer. Call and talk to your local handyman or a general contractor as many of these items can be done and completed by them. We all get frustrated waiting for the RV specialists to get us in. These ideas and suggestions were by our son Norm who is a licensed contractor and does R V work.
Our news: Leon sold his Dodge Diesel Truck; I know some of you guys find it hard to believe. He purchased a Piaggio three wheel scooter. It looks like a motorcycle. Great for around town errands, fun etc. He says it gets very good gas mileage (better than 50 miles per gallons) and a pleasure to ride. We have matching motorcycle helmets and ‘we’ are ready to go. Although I have yet to muster the courage to put on the helmet and get on the scooter.
Not much news from the CA Unit except that the Southern CA Inland Empire group enjoyed a campout in February with seven members in attendance. They included Bud & Dot Ansevics, Larry & Karen Baker, Larry & Linda Bryant, Gene & Martha Chivas, Jim & Carol Davis, Lavern & Margaret Quisenberry and Harold & Joanne Wenzel. Among activities enjoyed were a potluck picnic and a nice boat ride on the Bryant’s beautiful pontoon boat. The weather was a little iffy on Friday but turned out beautiful on Saturday for the boat ride and the potluck.
Another one is planned the second weekend in June at Guajome San Diego County Park. Details regarding reservations are in the April issue of The Fleetwood Flyer or you can contact Dot Ansevics at (951) 683-5062 or dotans@att.net.
Enjoy your RV and have a safe and great time traveling.
Myrna Mendenhall
Florida
link to Contacts for Florida
This was the last luncheon this spring at the Golden Corral in Lakeland. We had 36 people which was an excellent turnout. Some of the topics discussed: were the possible dissolution of the Fleetwood Travelcade Club, the Virginia Rendezvous, the Rolling Rally to the Rendezvous and the survivability of the Florida Unit. Our President, Larry Crisp, gave us a briefing which included a letter from the International President, Harvey Plunkett, on the general status of the Club. Larry needs to find out the views of the Florida members and will have the secretary send out an e-mail/mail requesting the opinions of all paid members. Larry will be taking this to the Rendezvous in Virginia.
Cathy Stallings mentioned that the Florida Unit was created independently and decisions at the unit level may be different than international decisions. Decisions affecting the Florida Unit funds and organization will be made by our unit. We have no plans to dissolve and are going to plan other rallies and get-to-gethers. She also discussed the Rolling Rally to the Virginia Rendezvous mentioning the RV Parks that have been set up and a list is now available on the web site. Anyone can join or depart this Rolling Rally at any point along the way.
Don Porter, Florida Unit #926, was able to join us at this luncheon since he lives a short distance away. He has been a member for 40 years and at the age of 94 his mind is as sharp as ever. Gladys is being cared for at home by Don with outside help. We were pleased to have several guests: Lloyd & Louise Smith, Harry & Lee Peel and Bernie & Judy Weithorn.
Cathy
Illinois
link to Contacts for Illinois
Ann Collins reports that she and Jim visited with former members Frank & Kathryn Lapacek and their son. The Collins had a patio party with the Wagners attending. They saw the Beasleys at the March luncheon. Ann mentioned that she placed fifth in the shuffleboard Olympics, and they had a good art show.
Ellen
Indiana
link to Contacts for Indiana
Vic & Maryln Kerlin had an enjoyable trip to see some of Mexico, including the Copper Canyon. They traveled by motor coach on a tour from Reynosa west across Mexico to Mazatlan. They stayed in Mazatlan in a beach front hotel for two nights. There was a beautiful view of the beach and ocean from the balcony of the hotel room. From Mazatlan travel was by motor coach to El Fuerte; where there was an overnight stay before catching the train to travel through Copper Canyon. The train trip took most of the day and deposited the group at a hotel where the room balconies literally overhung the canyon where the views were breathtaking. The train arrived at the rim hotel early enough that some took a hike a short way down into the canyon to where some Tarahumara natives live in caves and shacks. These natives make and sell native crafts (and China imports) to the tourists. They live without electricity or pressurized water. Their water is from springs that seep from the canyon walls. The next day the group motor coached from the canyon rim on eastward through Creel and through a large Mennonite colony to Chihuahua. After an overnight stay in Chihuahua and a tour of the city the group traveled back to Torreon for an overnight stay before returning back to Texas.
“It was an enjoyable 9 days, 8 night’s trip. Abject poverty and also some very lavish conditions were witnessed by the members of the tour group. We met very friendly people everywhere we went. We spent some time in mid-city plazas with the natives; listening to music and watching dancers a couple of Saturday nights. We walked around after dinner several evenings and enjoyed the sights and people. Once one got away from the border cities there was no more danger than walking around in one's hometown in the USA.”
The Kerlins also took a two-day trip on their own to visit the King Ranch, Corpus Christi, and North Padre Island's National Seashore Preserve. They had visited South Padre Island a month prior to the North Padre Island trip.
The McCarrens will not be traveling to Florida this year! They are still waiting for the logging to be completed on our farm.
Marilyn & Terry Penn have spent the winter in Gulf Shores, Alabama. They will be pulling out of there on April 1st and will be stopping at their house in Tennessee. It has not yet sold, and there are some business issues that they need to address. They will be leaving Tennessee on April 5th, and will be pulling into their driveway in Huntington that same day.
Albert & I will be at the Tin Can Tourist Rally May 11-17 and then on to our Spring Rally in Greenfield. Please try to make this rally folks. Here is the info:
ARRIVAL: MONDAY, MAY 18 th DEPARTURE: THURSDAY, MAY 21st
LOCATION: Heartland Resort 1613 W. 300 N., Greenfield, Indiana
You must Phone For Reservations: (317)326-3181
WAGONMASTERS: John & Rita Mccarren
See you soon and Take care,
Bobbie
Iowa
link to Contacts for Iowa
No Report
Kentucky
link to Contacts for Kentucky
Check out the Fleetwood Website for information on a tour to the World War II Monument in Washington D.C. April 28th or call the Hisels at 859-608-1404.
The Crafts are busy finalizing plans for the Kentucky Spring Rally to be at Holt's Campground in Bardstown, KY May 14-17. They may be contacted by e-mail at craf55@bellsouth.net for further details.
Some of our members are still enjoying the Florida relaxation.
Lanny & Joyce Williams were married the first of January and have enjoyed their time at Lake Okeechobee.
Some of us just stayed up north and put up with the ice and snow storms that seemed to be in abundance this year.
Several units from KY are planning to attend the Rendezvous in Urbanna, VA and welcome anyone traveling that way to join us.
Thelma Gibson
Michigan
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No Report
Missouri
link to Contacts for Missouri
No Report
Nebraska
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Members of the Nebraska unit of the Fleetwood Travelcade Club held their annual "Christmas Lunch" at Fred's Restaurant in Bartow Florida, February 17th. Those attending were Gene & Bev Russell, Dick & Bev Johnson, Larry & Loreene Lane, Bev Ratekin and Lucy Clubine. This was delayed from December as everybody left for Florida! Bev Ratekin wore her Santa Claus hat and Bev Russell handed out Christmas Cards. Good friends and good food made for a fun time.
Loreene Lane
North Carolina
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No Report
Ohio
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Greetings from "Sunny" Ohio. It was so good to feel the warmth that we enjoyed on our trip to Florida. During the month of February we had the pleasure of visiting Ohio members and past members as well as other friends wintering in Florida at Avion Palms. Time was spent with the Wheelers, Forneys, Seases, Morris, and Alls. John Wheeler and Dean even got in a game of golf. We attended the “Swamp Cabbage" parade and festival with Marilyn Troxel and Jim Mullin. (Tasted the swamp cabbage; not on our list of favorite foods. It is an acquired taste.) We also spent an enjoyable evening with Jim & Shirley Carroll. We later went to Key West for a couple of days with our firefighter friends. Other members that we have talked to since returning home, report doing ok. Remember to keep those with health concerns in your prayers.
In January a long time Ohio member Ellis Cook #23 passed away. His wife stated some of their fondest memories are of their time spent in the old Avion Travelcade Club. They went on the first travelcade to Alaska in 1959.
Several members are planning to go the Winter Rendezvous in Urbanna, Virginia April 29 to May 4. Remember this is a buddy event. It is not too late to send in your reservation.
The next Ohio event is the Spring Luncheon in Canton on Tuesday April 21 at 1:00 at the Hometown Buffet. Note this is a date change.
The Spring Rally is May 11-16th at the Poor Farmers Campground at Fletcher, Ohio.
Safe travels to all. Check in anytime as we would like to hear from you.
Fleetwood Hugs,
Dean & Yvonne
Oklahoma
link to Contacts for Oklahoma
Happy Easter and springtime to all our friends out there in Fleetwood land. We are glad to see spring so close on the horizon and can summer be far behind.
We haven't heard much from our members so I'm hoping no news is good news. Our small group in the Tulsa area met for our monthly luncheon date and everyone is ready to get out and do some traveling. We are looking forward to the Mid States Roundup in Carthage, Missouri on April 15-19, 2009 and who knows where from there.
Take care and let us hear from you.
Ginny
Oregon
link to Contacts for Oregon
Greetings:
Winter has been great for us spending the season in AZ. We have had two monthly luncheons since our last letter.
The attendance in February was our largest group. New Members, Bill & Gloria Brinkman from Montana were with us for the first time and it was great to meet them. Also attending were Margene Kethcart and her friend Anna Jackson, who were checking out what this club is all about. We enjoyed them and hope they return. There were 32 friends at the lunch and we came from Colorado, Michigan, Washington, Arizona, California and Oregon.
March attendance was much smaller with 21 attending. These were mostly the regular Yuma group. We were all happy to see former members David & Paula Staib from Ohio.
We have had several times to be together and enjoy our friendship:
Roland & Marilyn Vorrath from Oregon hosted a big Happy Hour and later Ray & Marlise Hanson from Washington hosted another big Happy Hour. Both were very well attended and a good time was had by all.
LaVerne & I invited all to our place for a St. Patrick's Day breakfast. If my count was right there were 33 good friends there.
We have not heard much news from our members and friends who stayed in the Northwest for the winter. We hope they are having a great winter.
Now It Is Spring-----Time To Plan To Attend The Spring Rally!!
The information on the Oregon Rally is in the mail but for anyone who could come and did not get the information:
WHEN: May 27-31, 2009
WHERE: Casey's R.V. Park, Westfir, Oregon (4 miles west of Oakridge on Highway #58 (You will be parked right on the middle fork of the Willamette River). And remember this is a Buddy Rally so invite your RV friends to come too.
We would love to have you come. Call me or email me for more information. Please let me know that you are coming so that we will have a space saved for you.
The Washington Rally starts just a few days after Oregon's, so read their unit newsletter and lets all plan on going to both.
Norma Edwards
Pennsylvania
link to Contacts for Pennsylvania
By the time you read this, Bob & I, like the birds and waterfowl, will be making our way North to New Jersey with a slight detour west, to join Bill & Shirley McNaney’s travelcade (The Natchez Trace & Beyond) starting in Vidalia, LA. We are looking forward to joining the group and seeing friends from our Pennsylvania Unit, previous travelcade friends and making new ones as the group tours on the way to Nashville, Tennessee, for eleven days. After leaving Nashville we will be slowly working our way Northeast, sightseeing as we head to Urbanna, Virginia for meetings, tours, food and visit with people we have met over the years. Leaving the Rendezvous we will be heading home for a few days, then on to Kutztown PA for our Spring Buddy Rally and then home we go, for the Summer. What a way to end the 2009 winter cold, being home for the spring time!
Since the last Newsletter, Ruth & Bob Skrable made arrangements for Blaines, Banhicks and the Lindsays to get together for lunch in Stuart, FL. It was nice to see them all and have a nice meal together.
News from the Grapevine: Jim & Ida Ann Dunagan made it to FL. Ida Ann is well and Jim has made a path in the black top from walking all over Avion Palms. Jim, keep up the good work! Ruth & Bob Skrable drove over to Avion Palms for a visit to see a few Unit friends. Mike & Ann Barnhardt went on a cruise! That must have been fun. On a cruise there is always plenty of activities going on and yes food, food and more food. The Skrables will be trekking north the last part of March so they can attend a wedding and will not be able to attend the Winter Rendezvous in Virginia. We will miss you both. By now Wayne & Bertha Bowers have migrated north and some of the others in the Palms will be heading home. Jim & Beryl Eichlin are getting their RV out of hibernation and are heading south to the Rendezvous. I’ll bet they can’t wait to hit the road after the cold winter! A few of the PA Unit members will be on The Natchez Trace & Beyond Travelcade; they are the Barnhardts, Lindsays and theTuttles. That is so good to have three from our Pennsylvania Unit!
We spoke to Jim & Beryl Eichlin, and they have been working on the Spring Buddy Rally when not plowing snow, slush, and ice. If you stayed up North this winter, by now you must be itching to get the RV out so come and join us in Kutztown. Jim & Beryl have set up tours, some meals and our ice cream social. Our Unit meeting will have important information for you about our club, so please try to attend. They have sent out e-mail notices and put on the web with all the details about the Spring Buddy Rally. Mark your calendars for May 13-17, 2009 Spring Buddy Rally at Pine Hill Campground Kutztown Pa. and get your RV ready, because, the Rally will be here before you know it. If for some reason you have missed the info or have any questions contact Jim & Beryl at (570-759-8260) or email jreich@uplink.net. Please respond to Jim & Beryl no later than April 20th, because they have to let the campground know the number of sites, with a deposit on each.
As you travel, stay safe, good health, peace, and may god bless you all.
Mae Lindsay
Rocky Mountain
link to Contacts for the Rocky Mountain Unit
By the time you read this, Spring will probably be showing itself in most parts of the country. We know many of you are more than ready for warmer weather. The Rocky Mountains still have a good snow pack in many areas, but could use much more moisture in other areas. Hopefully we'll have good spring rains.
Bob & Clara Lee celebrated the Chinese New Year at the Chinese Cultural Center in New Mexico and are planning to attend the American Rally in April, as it's almost in their front yard! They also plan to attend a Gypsy Journal Rally in Casa Grande, AZ followed by a stop in Quartzite, AZ and then on to Las Vegas and Stockton, CA. Lots of travel plans ahead for them.
Harry & Betty Peterson are continuing to enjoy their stay in sunny Florida; but the weather there has been chilly and windy much of the winter. They have spent most weekends putting varnish on all the windows and doors in their daughter's new house addition, plus attending lots of sporting events of the grandchildren. Harry has done some fishing, but doesn't have much news to report on that subject! We want to wish Harry a Happy Birthday on April 17th. Harry & Betty plan to join the FL Unit on their two week rolling rally, stopping to tour many of the major cities as they head north to attend the Winter Rendezvous in Urbanna, VA.
We'd like to welcome Ken & Connie Sorenson from Lindon, Utah to our unit. We hope you will attend Fleetwood rallies in our area so we can all get to know you.
We want to wish everyone a spirit filled Easter holiday and a joyous spring time ahead.
Hugs to all.
Betty
South Carolina
link to Contacts for South Carolina
Welcome to Springtime in SC. Harry & I returned home from FL on 3/15. Having experienced temperatures in the high 70's or low 80's prior to leaving, we were certainly unhappy to get back home to rain (NO, I'm not complaining as we need it badly) and temperatures in the 40's and much lower overnight. I told Harry, if we go back down next year, I'm not coming home till June.
We had sent out a letter to all SC members in February requesting an answer as to who was planning to attend our Spring Rally in April. All the responses we received said they were sorry they couldn't make it for various reasons. Several had family gatherings planned, others still working and can't take time off. Ron & Rev. Bobbie Taylor wrote that Bobbie will be involved with the selection of a new minister at the church where she has been the assistant. We hope they are successful in their mission as we would love to have them with us again. We only have seven members including us so you can see the reason we had to cancel those plans. However, if we can get some members to attend the Winter Rendezvous Urbanna, VA, 4/29-5/4, we will have our business meeting there. We will announce a time when we see how the schedule is for all attending.
I realize that this isn't much news for this issue of The Fleetwood Flyer so I hope you will forgive me for not writing more.
That's all for now; Hope to see some of you in Urbanna.
Lee
Tennessee
link to Contacts for Tennessee
No Report
Texas
link to Contacts for Texas
DFW GROUP
We held our Saturday Luncheon at a new meeting place on March 14 2009 at Spring Creek BBQ, 3514 W. Airport Fwy, Irving, TX 75061. There were 19 members present and we discussed the future of the TX Unit, the Fleetwood Travelcade club and the DFW Group. The next meeting will be on Saturday April 11, 2009 at 11AM, not canceled as previously announced.
Don’t forget the TX Spring Buddy Rally April 13-18, 2009 at the Mineola Civic Center, 1150 N. Newsome, Mineola TX 75773.
Joyce
Virginia
link to Contacts for Virginia
No Report
Washington
link to Contacts for Washington
The North end luncheon in Marysville drew the following: Trish Abernathy, Andersons, Mckays, Raymonds, Jim Reed and Opstads. Many of the regulars are away at this time of year. Some, lucky enough to be on a cruise, others are in Yuma, AZ. and other locations across the U.S.A.
Spring is showing some signs of coming in the Northwest. The tulips are starting to show above ground. For others further north, spring is still a ways away from showing up. However we have struggled back to the freezing point on occasion lately.
In the Greater Seattle area it was fun for us to have a white Christmas for a change. Many of the folk’s kids made it here and spent a good portion of the day sledding on our hill. The snow got old pretty fast as it does seem to bring the city to a halt.
Attendance at the South end luncheon January 20 saw six folks in attendance: Lois Burns, the Klingers and the Willys. They had a nice long chat.
There was a good turn out at the North end luncheon March 2nd. All were concerned about the dissolution of the FTC International club but they fully realized that it is inevitable.
People are generally resigned to the fact but hopeful that we can continue to get together in one form or another. We encouraged everyone to contact the Unit President with their views and to come to the Spring Rally where we can get together and discuss some alternate plans.
The people in attendance were, Sally & Dennis Noble, Harry & Susan Andrews, Norm & Norma Anderson, Marnie Opstad, Beth & George McKay, Larry & Marge Raymond, Jim Reed, Trish Abernathy and Ken & Carolyn Abramson.
Marnie continues to receive treatments and has received very encouraging reports from the doctor on her progress. Our thoughts and prayers are with her.
Plans are well underway for the Spring Buddy Rally at Fidalgo Bay Resort and RV Park. The Rally takes place June 3 through June 6, 2009.
We welcome all our present members as well as former members and their Buddies to this event. Come and make this the turning point for the Washington Unit.
Al & Del Caskey