I must be sick

For 70 years I've licked the beaters and cleaned the bowls with raw cookie dough. Now the CDC says raw dough may cause salmonella poisoning.
Next, they will tell us I shouldn't drink my well water!

November In Rochester

It's official !
Rochester had the coldest, snowiest November in over 20 years.
Average temperature: 37.4 degrees
Snow fall: 17.5 inches. We had more in Livonia.
What they didn't mention - if wasn't snowing, it was windy, rainy and cold. Farmers are still trying to get into their fields to harvest corn.
Those of you who made it south, it may be chilly, but at least you can see your lawn.
Travel safe.

Happy Thanksgiving

We have a list of folks we know - all written in a book,
and every now and then - we go and take a look.

That is when we realize these names - they are a part,
not of the book they're written in - but taken from the heart.

For each name stands for someone - who has crossed our path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become-the reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic - for us to make this claim,
we really are composed - of each remembered name.

Although you're not aware-of any special link,
just knowing you, has shaped our life-more than you could think.

So please don't think our greeting as just a mere routine,
your name was not-forgotten in between.

For when we send a greeting - that is addressed to you,
it is because you're on the list-of folks we're indebted to.

So whether we have known you for many days or few,
in some ways you have a part in shaping things we do.

We are but a total of many folks we've met,
you are a friend we would prefer never to forget. 

HAVE A GREAT THANKSGIVING

Love Your I-Phone

2019 Rallies

We have a pretty full schedule for 2019 rallies. Below is the schedule as of October 22nd.

• Feb - NY get together in FL - Begys
• Feb 6-9, SEAR: Lakeland, FL
• March 13–16, 2019, 99th International Convention RV Expo, Perry, Georgia
• May 9-11; Hartland Campground, Davignon's
• June 14-16, Haiti Auction, Himrod- Pangburns
• July 11-14 2019, Roy Bennett/ Annie Weldon; Babcock park on Fireman’s field
• July - (NEAR - July 27-28)?
• FMCA International - Ninot, ND
• August 8-11 - Avon Corn Festival; Linden's yard
• Sept - Palmyra - Barager's
• Oct 12-14, Officer's meet, Cambria Fireman's Field

You may also click on the "Future Rallies" TAB above any time.

October, 2018 at Fingerlakes Race Track

October 13th, 18 of us returned to Fingerlakes Race Track for brunch. Like last year, food was great, as were the complimentary drinks. 
Most important, we had a chance to see each other and socialize.  
We saw Dick and Mary Randall who had sold their motor home. They stated his kidney disease is coming up clear for 4 years.
A few folks won some money, while others "donated". (Tax deduction).
We have a full schedule of rallies next year, but we are happy to set up a get together during an off weekend, if there is interest. Pen-NY Mixers are welcome, too.

Northeast area

As some sensed during the September Rally, the lug nuts may be coming loose in the Northeast Area organization.
Common sense says: "Stay out of the way of flying debris". So, without comment, below is the link to the Northeast Area Web site and their meeting minutes. Take a look, if you like and judge for yourself.
Remember, if you click on it, you leave this blog.  So, please come back.

http://www.nmafmca.org/minutes1.shtml

Cambria Rally - September Highlights

We had a great rally at Cambria. 18 RV’s came, including Barbara and Ed Smith, NE Area President, who joined our chapter.

Most exciting, we had members who we haven’t seen in several years come. Welcome back, Ron and Pat Szustakowski, Gary and Sharon Davignon. Charles Nemec, Robert Lucey, J.D. Miller (all have rejoined).

Also, George and Millie Worden visited for our Saturday meeting.

It gave us a chance to present them with a “Certificate of Appreciation” for their efforts making the Fingerlakers a valuable part of the growth of the Northeast Area.

We elected a slate of officers and had our second Senior Olympics. Gary Davignon was the big winner of the Olympics, while Dave Metzger got a lottery ticket with some winning numbers.

Below is Sharon's secretary's report.

----------------------------------------------

Fingerlakers Rally at the Cambria Fire Hall

September 13-16, 2018

Tom Roule opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance.  He then thanked Wes and Janet Barager for the breakfast.

Guests present:  Ron and Pat Szustakowski, Gary and Sharon Davignon. Charles Nemec, Robert Lucey, J.D. Miller (all have rejoined).  Also, present NEAVP Barbara Smith and husband Ed (they have also joined).

Gene Struble broke his hip in August – they will not be going west this winter.  Don and Jeanette Parks – neither are doing well – please keep them in your thoughts.  Randalls have sold their motorhome.  Had a moment od silence for Nancy Anten who passed this summer.  Ken and Barb Eggleston are in Hershey, Pa.  They are trying to trade their motorhome.

Secretary’s report was in the newsletter.  Treasurer’s report – we have approximately $2300.  No updates on the National Director’s report. 

Barbara Smith said FMCA has 76,470 members of which 2800 are non-motorhome members.  Treasury for NEAR is $61,100.  Hoping to go back to Syracuse next year (7/24-28/2019).  Gave an update on changes to the venue.  National is hoping to come east again for an international.

Barbara Smith presented a Certificate of Appreciation to George and Millie Worden for their many years of service to the Fingerlakers Chapter.  The certificate was signed by Barbara Smith, Thomas Roule and John Pangburn (National Director).

New Business:  Slate of officers for 2019 was presented by acting secretary Sharon Roule:  President: Tom Roule, Vice-President: Wes Barager, Treasurer: Harold Wollaber, Secretary: Barbara Eggleston, National Director: John Pangburn, Alternate National Director: Jim Anten, Newsletter Editor: Walt Linden.  No nominations from the floor – the acting secretary cast one vote for the slate.

Rallies for 2019:  Davignons will do May rally, Pangburns the June rally in Himrod, July will be the NEA Rally, Lindens will do August, Baragers the September rally, and October at Cambria. 

This October (2018) will be lunch on Saturday the 13^th, at the Fingerlakes Race Track. 

A coupon for $15 will be given to each coach with dues paid for 2019.

Motion made to adjourn.

Respectfully submitted, 

Sharon Roule, Acting Secretary

September Rally change

This is not a major change, but we have swapped dinners Thursday and Friday. We changed the hots and sausage to Thursday night and Gordy Harpers to Friday evening. We will supply 1/2 chicken for Saturday Dinner.

Remember to practice for our second pentathlon. The events are:

1. Ladder ball
2. Putting
3. Washer toss
4. Bean bag toss
5. Marshmellow shooting

Check the tab above for details of the weekend.
See you this weekend.

Thursday, Sept. 13 is NY Primary Day

Don't forget to vote Thursday before you come to the rally this weekend.
Recently,

October Get together

I talked to Finger Lakes Race Track.

Kinda good news and bad news. 

• Bad news:They told me they had problems with another camping group who used the facility this past summer. They abused the privileges we spent over 5 years trying to obtain. The result is - Finger lakes can no longer accept camping groups for extended stays. They don't have the insurance to cover the problems the group presented.
  
• Good News: They would love to have us come back for lunch. I chose October 13th at 12:30 pm. Their buffet is among the best in the area.

We had about 25 last year. Let me know if you are interested in lunch at Fingerlakes this year.

I am open to other venues, if anyone has suggestions.

Northeast Annual Meeting has been postponed

The meeting was scheduled for August 31st. There will be updates after the audit is completed.
Tom

--------------------------------------------------

NORTHEAST AREA ANNUAL MEETING POSTPONEMENT Dear Presidents and National Directors, It has been an honor serving you since I was installed in Indianapolis as the National Vice President, Northeast Area.  Ed and I have especially enjoyed our chapter visits and area gatherings. Annual Meeting Postponement In June we sent an annual meeting notice for our meeting on August 31, 2018. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this meeting is postponed until further notice. The reason is that a seven-year audit of the Northeast Area is being performed by a certified accountant. For further details, refer to the July 31, 2018 National Executive Board meeting minutes published in the Governance section on the FMCA website. Updates from Gillette The Governing Board approved Minot, North Dakota as the location of the 2019 Summer Convention. In Gillette there were: 1,753 Total RVs parked at the CAM-PLEX 1,559 Family member RVs 217 Commercial member RVs 150 Exhibitors 13 Sponsors & Manufacturer 71,600 People reached by FMCA's social media channel 1,500 Users on the convention Crowd Compass/Attendee Hub mobile ap 497 First Time Attendees The Supersize Book Club was a big hit. If you have questions about the postponement or happenings in Gillette, please give me a call. Barbara Smith National Vice President, Northeast Area 978-764-7484 bsmith@fmca.com

Are we too old??

We hear quite often from folks, "we are too old for that". So, when a couple in their mid 70's embarks on a trip of almost 6000 miles from New York to Hoover Dam, are we too old? 
The goal was to visit many of the great national parks is the west. Here is a summary.

Mileage traveled – 5,789 miles

Number of days traveled - 35

States visited - 17

National Parks, Monuments visited - 11

Other museums Visited: 5

Highest Altitude climbed in motor home –

Eisenhower Tunnel under Continental Divide - 11,153 ft

Highest Altitude climbed by commercial means –

Jackson Hole, WY tram: 10,415 ft – (14,400 ft view of Grand Teton)

Photos taken – about 1000

Rallies attended: 1 International in Gillette, WY

Just about the time I think about patting myself on the back, I remember 2 octogenarions joined us for the first 2+ weeks. 

None of us are "too old". Just need a little motivation.

September Rally Plans

Our September Rally agenda is posted on a tab above. Wes and Janet Barager will be making their famous pancakes.
We hope to have our second chapter olympics.
We would love to see you there.
It's only $40 + (a dish to pass) on Saturday.

Governing Board summary

July 18, 2018

2018 FMCA Governing Board Report

·         Secretary, Gaye Young reported there was a quorum – 241/355 member chapters present

·         President, Jon Walker called the meeting to order at 9:00 am

·         He announced there would be no rest breaks before lunch, in order get though the agenda as fast as possible. 

·         The usual procedural issues were covered which led to the National President’s report.  A few highlight’s follow:

a.       “The state of the organization is good”

b.      Membership has increased by 5,000 since the low reached in 2016

c.       Motor home production reached 62,638 in 2017 – highest since 2005

d.      There are 2,210 owners of non-motorized RV’s now members.

e.       Perry 2,570

f.        Gillette 1,700

g.      The big challenge – Chapter Participation. In 2014, 34,000 of 75,000 members belonged to chapters. 2018, 22,000 of 77,000 belong. That’s a decline from 45% to less than 30% participation in 4 years. It is reflected in 72 chapter losses.

h.      Many more charts will available at the September rally.

·         Treasurer, John Reynolds, reported $311,653 in Cash and $7,573,237 in investments.

·         Executive Director, Chris Smith reviewed the accomplishments of the staff in Cincinatti. They are in the report.

·         Bylaws: Bob Mills had 10 amendments to the bylaws. A couple significant ones:

a.       Changes to the constitution can now be voted electronically.

b.      An RV is defined a “self-contained wheeled vehicle that includes permanently installed cooking, sleeping and sanitary facilities.

c.       A proposal to have National Directors and Governing Board members be elected by all members rather than chapters was rejected.

·         For me, in trying to get through the agenda quickly, International Rally’s through 2022 were presented as a package – rather than individually. This resulted in some frustration among participants. After considerable debate, the following were chosen:

a.       2019 Winter – Perry, GA

b.      2019 Summer – Minot, ND

c.       2020 Winter – Staff ot review Kissemmee, FL, Tucson, AZ, Las Vegas, NV and other sites

d.      2020 Summer- Rock Springs, Wy

e.       2022 Summer – Rock Springs, WY???

·         Policies and Procedures: Committee recommendations were accepted except for ways travel should be reimbursed. They suggest receipts, which met with some resistance. Ultimately, it was sent back to committee.

·         Other informational items were discussed.

·         Meeting adjourned at 12:00 noon by Jon Walker.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of John Pangburn.

Tom Roule

Plans for the rest of the year

We are planning a special event for September. FMCA gave us a $450 check after our 45th anniversary last year. 
So, if you paid your dues for 2018 we have some special plans for the September meet. If you are interested -

ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS PAY YOUR DUES BY AUGUST 20TH.

That may be complicated, but many have not paid their dues as of June 1st.  You will get an email indicating your status soon.

Those considering joining the chapter,

We have a special offer for you to attend the September Rally

Please contact  Harold Wollaber (treasurer) or me to join.

In addition, we will be including a coupon in future newsletters for $15 to be applied to a rally of your choice.

There will be an email with details coming soon.

October, we hope to return to Fingerlakes Gaming Casino.

Northeast Area Annual 2018 Meeting

The following is the list of Norheast Area officer candidates from Barbara Smith, NEA VP.

========================

I would like to thank all the candidates for consenting to run for election in 2018.  I would also like to thank the Nominating Committee for their work in providing the slate of officers.

Save the time and date:

The annual meeting for the Northeast Area is by teleconference call on August 31, 2018 at 11:00.

The election will be conducted during the annual meeting per the NEA bylaws.

The slate of officers is a follows:

Louis Snow, running for Sr. VP, unopposed        F201098;

Donnie Osterhout, running for VP, unopposed F229123

Donna Merlino, running for secretary,               F365443

Deb Flattery, running for secretary                     F437041

Resumes will be available in the annual meeting package in the mail soon from the FMCA national office to chapter Presidents and National Directors.

Please call if you have questions.

Barbara Smith

National Vice President, Northeast Area

bsmith@fmca.com

978-764-7484

June Rally

Just a reminder our first rally is coming up soon – June 14^th - 17^th. John and Joan Pangburn have been planning this since we were in Himrod last year. It’s a dual rally with Pen-NY Mixers.

All the proceeds from the Haiti auction go to folks in Haiti.

If you want to see more information about the Haiti auction, check their web site below:

https://www.pahaitiauction.com/about-us

The tab about gives details about the rally

No May Rally

Just a reminder, there will not be a May get together next week (May 11-13). Sorry.

John and Joan Pangburn will be hosting the June rally in Himrod as part of the Haiti auction.

Hope to see you there.

NEA Officer candidates

Current officers from the Northeast area are interested in running for reelection in 2018. Below is the list:
    Lou Snow - F-201098
                     Sr. VP
    Donna Merlino - secretary
                   F-365433
    Don Osterhout  - VP
                   F-229123
    Harley Soulia  - VP
                   F-103867
    Jim Sennett - Treasurer
                   F-16182D

If anyone is interested in running for office, contact the nominating committee ASAP:

Terry Metcalfe 
tmetcalfe@optonline.net
845-325-2515

Harley Soulia
hsoulia@aol.com
820-236-7881

Tom Ziobrowski 
tziobrowski@fmca.com
513-543-7421

Don't throw away the magazine with a funny name

FMCA magazine showed up this week. But you might be temped to toss it. Don't! 
It's now called:

"family RVing"

Highlights from Perry - from Walt Linden

New name for Family Motor Coaching: Family RV
Changes are coming to the magazine.
2904 total attending the 97th rally
2518 member owned, 386 commercial
1100 towables have joined the FMCA. 
FMCA will operate in the black this year.
Russ and Dorothy Taylor bought a new coach. Another Newmar.

Thoughts

Do any of our members have interest in traveling to campgrounds focusing on families - like we did 30 years ago?
My children camp, aren't afraid of campground prices because food costs are main detriments. Food would be more along the lines of pot-luck. They also want activities.
Any interest by you or your offspring, please let me know.
I have sent an email to Batavia Downs regarding a possible rally in May. Children under 18 can't get into the casino. So, my thought above doesn't apply.
Tom

South East Area Rally Highlights

The week after we got together for lunch, Lindens, Harold Wollaber and Roules went to the "Sun in Fun Southeast Area Rally" in Lakeland, FL. Harold drove the trolly while Roule's worked security. We must be innocent - because we thought

it was lots of fun.

There were about 540 member coaches attending. Clearly, it was a reduction from previous SEAR's. Many indicated was smaller than usual because they didn't want to commit to two rallies (the other Perry) close together. However, the entertainment was great and there are things to do in the area. There was a Ford Tri-motor available for rides as well as other activities, tours of the air field and classic planes.
My understanding is - the area has committed to 5 years.

CLICK ON ANY IMAGE TO VIEW FULL SCREEN

Florida get together - 2018

On February 3rd, thanks to Dan and Carol Begy, we returned to the Golden Coral in Winter Haven, FL for our annual winter get together. There were about 40 of us attending.
One observation of changes that have occurred, the majority now have places in Florida. So, it's great to see them. Just a few of us are hobo's moving place to place.
We pick the Golden Coral because the provide a room and as always, the variety food allows us to satisfy a variety of appetites.

Unless, someone volunteers to do it somewhere else, Dan is willing to set up another event for 2019.

THANK YOU, DAN AND CAROL

January 1st, 2018

Happy New Year.
We hope you had a great holiday season.
We received a very nice certificate from Tom Ziobrowski and Lou Snow for all your efforts to help make the 2017 Northeast Area Rally a success. Below is a copy.

Once again, Thank you.