Forest River Forum

Forest River (RV manufacturer owned by Birkshire Hathaway - Warren Buffet) has a forum similar to ours. This hit the forum within a couple hours of the announcement.

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The FMCA Has Voted To Open Membership To All RV's

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The Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA) membership has voted to open the organization to all types of RV's, not just motor homes. Prior to the vote the FMCA was restricted to motor homes with the exception of some legacy members who had owned a motor home previously but now have a TT. See Here for the FMCA FAQ's about the announcement.

So why does this matter? The FMCA offers some very good benefits to its members that all RVer's will soon be eligible to access. For a list of current benefits See Here. I've found the FMCA a very viable competitor to Good Sam / Camping World as far as benefits.

I'm glad to see this change to the FMCA. Quite frankly I've thought it was too biased towards Class A's and it needed the diversity this change should bring. The FMCA has also installed new leadership so this will be an interesting time!

If you have any questions please contact the FMCA Here. I'm not a member of a FMCA Chapter, 70% of the FMCA membership isn't, so I'm probably going to have to plead ignorance on most questions. 

Vote Results - Towables

JUST IN CASE YOU HAVEN'T SEEN THIS. ===================================

Hello Committee Members: I wanted to make everyone aware that the vote passed. It mirrored the Governing Board vote. Approximately 70% of members were in favor, and we received a little under 10,000 votes total. The first step is for FMCA's attorney, Scott Gilligan, to file changes with the state of Ohio to change our Articles of Incorporation. He expects that to go into effect sometime next week. We had originally planned to make the announcement on December 8. That is a Friday, so I think it would be in our best interest to make the grand announcement on the 11th. We will do a press release, social media posts and a detailed email to membership. Today, per the bylaws rule that membership must be informed right away, we will send a brief email to all members. The next big push will be paid advertising through Google and Facebook. This will not occur until we finish the new website, which is expected to be done on December 20. We want to put our best foot forward by directing potential members to a new, user-friendly website.  This is a big, yet exciting, change for FMCA. We are ready to welcome all RVs to the family, and at the same time keep serving our current motorhome members. If you have any questions or suggestions, I am all ears. Call or e-mail me your thoughts. Thank you,

Chris Smith Executive Director/CFO 513-388-5217

February get together

Dan and Carol Begy have made reservations for our February luncheon in Florida - date is February 3rd.

Having started with a few Pen-NY Mixers and Fingerlakers, this event has grown to include many folks from the Northeast in the past 20 years.  This will be the first time is several years that we can meet before the Southeast Area Rally - just in case we want to gather for it.

Below are the details.

Location:

Golden Corral

5722 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven, Florida 33884

Phone: 863 324 5600

Date: 2/03/2018, Saturday

Time: 1:00PM

Tell them you are with the Dan Begy group. If you show up too early, they could hit you with the Brunch price - $2-$3 MORE.

Please let Dan know if you plan to attend by January 30th. So, he has an idea of the count. Below are his phone numbers and email.

email: danbegy@aol.com 

Cell Phone: 585-316-0720

This information is repeated in the Get Together tab above.

Clarification of Cancelation of NEAR-2018

Dear Northeast Area Chapter Presidents and National Directors,

Please share this letter with your chapter members.

I am writing to update you on the latest FMCA Northeast Area happenings since the annual meeting in Syracuse.  First, I would like to thank each and everyone who attended and volunteered for “We love N.Y. 2017”.  I particularly want to thank the board members and volunteers who put in countless hours to make the rally a success.  We had 344 camping units including FMCA members and guests. Over 100 volunteers helped with all facets of the rally. We had a couple of bad weather evenings but made the best of it. Participating RV dealers sold at least 1 motor coach and 4 other RVs.

It is with a heavy heart that we make this announcement that the Northeast Area Rally (NEAR) has been cancelled for 2018.  We understand many are disappointed and it's contradictory to the Northeast Area's mission, but we will make 2019 a great rally.  We heard that water and electric (sometimes sewer connection) is preferred. We heard that you want to wait before going back to Essex Junction, VT.  We are evaluating several possible locations, but rally venues that are large enough to handle our numbers fill up fast for the summer season and many desirable ones are already taken. If we had chosen Syracuse again, a large building construction project was scheduled to begin next to the campground.  We did have front door access issues to our major building due to construction beside and in front of the building and dates for 2018 did not work out despite our research and investigation. They also conflicted with the national convention calendar.

For 2019 several locations and rally types are possible. We could do another rally in the Syracuse location, or we could do a destination rally with more adventures but fewer seminars.  We could move the rally to June or September. However, that might preclude members with school age children from coming.  We would like to have the new rally location decided on by spring, so we can begin putting our chapter volunteer teams together. The board tells me that it takes over 1.5 years to plan a rally of this size. 

However, we will have a 2018 annual meeting. Dates and the location will follow. Northeast Area Executive Board members are discussing our options.

If you have questions please contact me.

Sincerely,

Barbara Smith
National Vice President
Northeast Area
bsmith@fmca.com
978-764-7484

Cincinnati has been busy

FMCA has announced updates to 3 programs:

1. Tech Connect Plus - A Series of new programs including one from Sprint
2. A new data plan with Verizon Wireless
3. A $69 contract for roadside rescue

Check out the TABS for more information

Happy Veteran's day

To all veterans and anyone who serves the rest of us though their service.

HAPPY VETERAN'S DAY

2018 Northeast Area Rally

We received the following from Tom Ziobrowski. 

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 THE Northeast Area EXECUTIVE BOARD HAS VOTED

NO NORTHEAST AREA RALLY NEXT YEAR 

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SEE YOU ALL IN 2019.

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We had 355 coaches in August, 2017 - the largest turnout in several years.

You Fingerlakers were instrumental in that success. You were amazing, putting up with the many hours of work and changes that occurred.

Chef Dan

I found a few more pictures from our 2017 get together in Syracuse.

 

October Get together highlights

We have tried for several years to find a casino that was interested in supplying a venue for a get together allowing us to park our RV's.
This October, Finger Lakes Gaming and Race Track said they would welcome us. We arranged for lunch in the Vineyard Buffet on Saturday afternoon. 21 folks showed up for the combination brunch and buffet including a complimentary drink.
Meanwhile, 4 campers showed up Friday and parked in a corner of the parking lot. We ate their buffet on Friday.
Nature provided us with great weather for the weekend.
The whole weekend was relaxed without too many plans. There were horse races Saturday and obviously the casino. So, there were things to do.

We thank the casino and hope to do this again.

Here are a few pictures. Any one can be seen full screen by clicking on it.
I didn't take any pictures inside for obvious reasons.

Sun Rise at Finger Lakes

Is this true ???

The story is FMCA will change its name if the vote changes the constitution. A Google of FMCA yesterday turned up -----

Florida Mosquito Control Association

Sorry if the humor is missed.

October get together

As promised, we have an update about a possible get-together at Finger Lakes Race Track in Farmington, NY. October 13, 14 and 15th, they have agreed to let us come, eat, gamble, watch races and entertainment and spend the night. They will let us gather and circle.

Along with the Lindens, we had the buffet. It was excellent.
They have discounts for veterans, seniors (not available weekends) and player card members making it competitive with Golden Coral

Their security director has gained the necessary approval. They have an events coordinator who we will discuss details during the next few days. They offer group packages. So, there is more to follow.

If you want to see their amenities, check out their web site:

http://www.fingerlakesgaming.com/Event_Planning.aspx

Please let me know if you are interested by October 8th.

Details on the tab above.

Hurricane update

Everyone we have heard from indicate little damage to their homes in hurricane range.
Only the Del Grande's had unit surrounded by water and we haven't heard from the Begy's.
As they say, it ain't over yet, but we keep praying.

Irma's aftermath

Ben Reed supplied a drone video from the Villages showing the golf courses under water. The following gives you the idea. Click on the link

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1aexHSEh4Y&feature=youtu.be

October Get together

Drove through Batavia Downs on the way home Sunday. They have RV Parking but it's behind Kohls and is small.
Del Largo has no RV Parking.
Checked Fingerlakes Race Track. There seems to be potential. They allow overnight RV Parking, have several restaurants. Walt and Beryl have volunteered to take a ride there Thursday. Looks like we have the option to go for lunch or dinner and spend the night if we like.
MORE INFORMATION AFTER THURSDAY.
Let me know if you are interested.

45th Anniversary Picture

Barbara Smith (and Ed), Northeast Area President joined us for the 45th anniversary weekend
And, Many folks from the Niagara Frontier Travelers joined us to help celebrate.
And, Jim and Pat Sennett joined us Saturday night.

More information to follow.

45th Anniversary Highlights

Our 45th Anniversary celebration returned to Cambria Fireman's Field in Cambria, NY with the officers hosting. Harold Wollaber has spent 55 years helping turn this venue into a great place to have a rally (not to mention "tractor pulls") and more.

We had 22+/- campers show up for our PARTY. We had classic 70's music, one mini skirt, some dancing, good food and more. 

 

Every officer pitched in making delicacies for each meal.
Thank you, Barb, Ken, John, Joan, Wes, Janet, Nancy, Jim, Harold, and especially SHARON. You folks are fantastic.
Barbara Smith (NEA President) presented the chapter with a 45th anniversary certificate.
Barbara and Ed were here for the entire rally. And...Jim and Pat Sennett (NEA Treasurer) were there.
Niagara Frontier Travelers had 6 members helping us celebrate after they were so helpful during NEAR in Syracuse.
We hope you had as much fun as I did.

45th Anniversary Update

We hope you had a good Labor Day weekend. Ours was spent with the family Fantasy Football draft. 

So, it's time to think about our 45th anniversary. 

It appears we will have about 21 members and guests attending. 

Saturday night will be dedicated to 1972 (45 years ago). What was exciting in then? Like:

• Mini skirts 
• Nehru Jackets
• Who was president of the United States?
• Music - What is a Victrola? 8-Track?
•  Artists like: Neal Diamond, Connie Francis, Cher, Bobby Vinton and ??????. We will have many.
• There will be a 1972 trivia game
• Whatever else we can think of.
• Barbara (NEA President) and Ed Smith will make the trip from eastern Massachusetts for the weekend, as well as some Niagara Frontier Travelers and Pen-NY Mixers. 
• The officers will be making Saturday breakfast and dinner.
• The Saturday meeting, will elect next years' officers

Bring a 1 pound item for our Saturday auction. 

Please think about hosting a rally next year. The calender is pretty open.

Also, since this is our officers meet. What would you like to do in October. Many are heading south soon. Shall we do lunch?

As always, we are looking forward to seeing you.

Northeast Area Rally - 2017

August brought 12 Fingerlakers' coaches to the New York State Fairgrounds for the Northeast Area 
Rally. Along with 6 coaches from the Niagara Frontier Travelers, we staffed the FMCA Store Thursday through Saturday and helped area and national officers with the membership booth.
Unlike the National Rallies, we were also responsible for managing the computerized I-PAD based cash management system. Considering the short learning curve (less than 24 hours), folks did a excellent job learning on the fly. During the 3 days, we sold $3127 worth of merchandise. THANK YOU all!
On Wednesday night, a severe thunderstorm rolled through threatening the tent and canceling the entertainment.
Thursday night, we managed to get all 34 of us together and celebrate a little before the entertainment - which was cancelled again because of severe weather warnings.
The annual meeting was normal with the exception of one twist - Tom Ziobrowski (outgoing president) was elected a vice president. (Yes, it's perfectly legal).
There were some glitches supporting arrivals, but they managed to be resolved by area officers. Also, we found some problems with the store software and documentation. It was documented and sent to FMCA.

Pictures may be viewed full screen by "clicking" on one.

Octoberfest Highlights

This July, once again, we returned to Oswego for Harborfest.
This is a multi-chapter rally including many of us from the Fingerlakers. The Fingerlaker tent is the center of activity, as it has been in the past visits to Oswego.

Organized by Jim and Sherry Miller, we ended up with about 90 coaches. The amount of work they do to accommodate this group is hard to emulate.

The pictures can be seen full screen by "clicking" on one.

 

Indianapolis FMCA Highlights

Some rain

We had 7 Fingerlakers willing to travel the 500+ miles to the Indiana State Fairgrounds for the FMCA 96th International. We managed to get together for dinner a couple times at Golden Coral and Chili's. Most of us parked inside the sulky race track - which meant our campers got muddy trying to cross it to get to the infield.

Governing Board meeting

Weather was in the 80's most of the week. So, generators got a workout if you didn't have electric (we didn't).
There were about 1350 coaches and several hundred vendor coaches.
Barbara Smith was officially sworn in as President of the Northeast Area.
Below is John Pangburn's (ND) summary of the Governing Board Meeting.


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The 2017 Governing Board meeting was started promptly at 9am. There was a bit of a new twist this time as we had a workshop on the day before.  It was a very good idea.  Although criticized  by some Charlie Adcock took a straw vote to see if the proposition 3 would likely pass.  Proposition 3 was the by-law change to allow towables in FMCA.  It did certainly appear there were enough votes to pass. The remainder of the workshop was spent developing a definiton of what recreational vehicles are that we will admit.  The working definition is “defined as a self-contained, wheeled vehicle that includes permanently installed cooking, sleeping, and sanitary facilities”.  The definition is subject to review at future gb meetings. The proposition did receive the necessary 2/3 margin receiving 277 yes votes out of 308 total.  Of interest to us attending was what President Adcock referred to as the roast of the executive board. The fisrt 2 propositions for by-law amendment put forth as approved by the executive board; during discussion were obviously not favored by the executive board..The question was then raised of why the 2 proposals were even on the agenda which amounted to a waste of time for the governing board. The discussion was ended there. The decision to add towables is not over yet.  Now the question goes before the membership.  If you all approve the measure in November, we will begin adding towables in December.  This action was the high point of the meeting in my opinion.  The remainder of the meeting was taken up with the usual housekeeping of updating policies and procedures.  The meeting ended with the report of the nominating committee. Our new national officers will be

                                             President Jon Walker

                                             Vice President Erretta Porter 111, Rett

                                             Secretary Gaye Young

                                             Treasurer John Reynolds

There was a nomination from the floor for vp but the candidate select was as above.  I will bring the GB agenda to our meeting in September should anyone be interested to review the details of the meeting including my thought as it progressed.  I was really amazed the progress that has been made since the last time the idea of towables was brought up.  Most of those attending expected a long and very heated meeting, although there was an oppsition present the measure very easily and swiftly passed. Hopefully if approved by the total membership FMCA will begin a new concept for the future.

Although brief I believe this sums up the main points of of the meeting. I am hopeful President

Walker will continue the practice of  workshop prior to the meeting.  I believe this was the reason the proposal was acted upon so quickly.  In any case Our new president has a tough act to follow.

45th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FINGERLAKERS

The agenda for the 45th anniversary of the chapter is on tabs above.
LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU.

Himrod Rally Highlights

For almost 2 years John Pangburn has tried to arrange a rally at an old PenNY Mixer rally site – the Himrod Conservation Club.

In June, he accomplished his goal when our rally was held at the club. We had 12 coaches.

The weekend coincides with the Haiti auction put on by the Mennonites. They put on great meals Friday night, Saturday morning and afternoon where we donate to the cause. Food was donated by Mennonites and the Amish. Auctions occur Friday night and Saturday. All proceeds go to Haiti. John reports there 2300 for Friday dinner.

In addition, we had hots Thursday, pizza and ice cream Saturday and a continental breakfast Sunday.

Between the auction, Windmill, bulk food, quilt shops and wineries, there are countless things to do.

The PenNY Mixers voted to join us next year during the 3^rd week of June when we return.

Thanks John for your perseverance, Joan, Alice and Fred for a great weekend.

Chapter Plans

As we approach our 45th Anniversary, we need help planning the party. It will be the officers meet in September.
45 years ago was 1972. What was great then? I had a Camaro RS350 and used a ski rack to carry a tent when camping. It was fast, but no trunk space. Sold it when it couldn't carry a "play pen".
What do you remember? Do you want to share?
Or, do you want to do something else?

Oh, yeah, we got married in 1972.

It looks like we need a nominating committee. Barbara has done a great job, but wants to move on. We cannot survive without a full compliment of officers. Chapters are closing their doors because of a lack of officers. Nothing is hard, if we help each other. Please help!

The rally dates for next year are on the future rallies tab. Please consider volunteering as a wagon master.

Happy Memorial Day!

On this Memorial Day it's a good time to think of the 1.2 million who died since 1776 to give us the freedom to Hug One Another.

• Remember, the deadline to sign up for our next rally is June 6th.
• Also, the newsletter will be coming by email from Wes Barager (bulldawg) - with the exception of those who request a printed copy. So, if you see the email, please don't discard it.

Volunteers for the FMCA Store at NEAR

As we approach Memorial Day Weekend, we have 23 volunteers for the FMCA store in Syracuse, including 6 from the Niagara Frontier Travelers. Thank you all.
Sharon and I plan to host a hot dog roast one night. Once I know we aren't interfering with any planned activities, I will update you with details.
You will be getting an email next week with some more plans.

It's not too late to volunteer. More folks just means less work. 

We never refuse a helper.

Just call, text or email me.

May Rally Highlights

Thanks to Carol and Wilbur Shafer, we had a great May rally at Genesse Country Campground in Caledonia, NY. We had 14 campers. Campground owners are masters at trying to satisfy their customers. 

Visitors included Lindens and Randalls. Weather, while a little cool, was cooperative.

After a pot luck feast presented by members, Saturday night was highlighted by a bag auction.

Sunday morning we had breakfast supplied by the campground as part of the rally fee. 

Thanks again Carol and Wilbur.

June, 2017 Rally

John and Joan Pangburn have put together details for our June Rally. Dates are June 15-17.
For those of you who have been members in the Pen-NY Mixers, we are returning to Himrod Sportsman Club.
For many years, it was the location of the Memorial Day rally for the Pen-NY Mixers.

Details are on the June tab above.

May, 2017 Rally

We got home Sunday (April 10th) and our mail just caught up to us.
Carol Shafer has provided the information for the May Rally.  Dates are May 12, 13, 14 at the Genesee Country Campground, Caledonia, NY.
The deadline to make reservations at the campground is May 1st and you must get the application to Carol by May 5th.
The rally information and the application are under the tabs above.

FMCA's 96th International Convention

Hi Folks, 

We received the following note from Charlie Adcock, There are many plans to change FMCA. Much will begin at the 96th International Convention.

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Fun and friendship.  New ideas and inspiration.  That’s what “Crossroads To Fun” is all about! The welcome mat is out for FMCA’s 96th International Convention and RV Expo, July 12 through15, 2017, at the Indiana State Fairgrounds and Event Center in fun and friendly Indianapolis, IN. The theme is “Crossroads To Fun” and we’re looking forward to a great event! Get out your calendar and start planning your travel today. Be sure to tell your friends to meet you there, too! Will you include a stop in Elkhart at the RV/MH Hall of Fame?  (Did you know that half of all RVs are built in Elkhart County?) How many national parks lie along your route? Where will you go after the convention?

As a chapter leader, please check in with your chapter members and ask them to include Crossroads To Fun in their summer travel schedule!  Get the full experience of an FMCA convention by staying on the grounds next to your friends and FMCA family members. You’ll receive full access to exhibits, seminars, entertainment and all the social events. Family camping starts at $195/couple for five nights of camping and access to the full four-day event.

Register Now

February Florida get together

February 25th.

This February, our annual get together was at the Golden Corral in Winter Haven, FL. This year Dan and Carol Begy hosted and organized the get together. Carol had a hip replacement 2 weeks before, and was healing well.

We came from Pen-NY Mixers, Fingerlakers and other NY members now in Florida as well as guests. 

Former president of the Northeast Area, Jean Pryor also joined. 

Many arrived before 1 pm and stayed past 3. There were lots of stories and the buffet gave everyone a nice variety.

Thanks Dan and Carol.

Clicking on an image will allow you to view it full screen.

Del Largo Casino is open

Del Lago Casino in Waterloo, NY opened January 28th. It's going to employ about 1500 folks once a hotel is finished this summer. More information can be found at:

Web site: dellagoresort.com

Address:

1133 Route 414

Waterloo, NY 13165

Phone: 315.946.1777

Rochester Area Picnic in Florida

Just in case you are interested, the following event is scheduled for Rochester area snowbirds near The Villages. We went once. Be advised, nothing is free, but it is fun. Museum is nice.

Rochester Area Picnic at Grand Oaks Resort Purchase your tickets now for the  Rochester Picnic

Sunday, March 26, 2017 Event starts at Noon

Please visit  www.GrandOaksTickets.com  to purchase tickets for this event. Only $10 per person. Don't miss out! There will be Zweigle Hot Dogs, Genesee Beer and Abbott's Ice Cream at the picnic.  Bringing food and beverages is prohibited. Why deal with the cold when you can enjoy sunny Florida at the Rochester Area Picnic at Grand Oaks Resort? 3121 Griffin Avenue, Lady Lake, FL 32159 352.750.5500 www.TheGrandOaks.com

February Florida Get Together

Dan and Carol Begy have made reservations for our February luncheon in Florida - date is February 25th.

Having started with a few Pen-NY Mixers and Fingerlakers, this event has grown to include many folks from the Northeast in the past 20 years.  

Below are the details.

Location:

Golden Corral

5722 Cypress Gardens Blvd

Winter Haven, Florida 33884

Phone: 863 324 5600

Date: 2/25/17, Saturday

Time: 1:00PM

Please let Dan know if you plan to attend by February 20. So, he has idea of the count. Below are his phone numbers and email.

Cell Phone: 585-316-0720

email: danbegy@aol.com