Saturday, August 12, 2017

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.

Thursday, August 10, 2017

45th ANNIVERSARY OF THE FINGERLAKERS

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

Tuesday, June 27, 2017

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 3rd week of June when we return.

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

Wednesday, May 31, 2017

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.

Sunday, May 28, 2017

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.

Friday, May 26, 2017

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.

Saturday, April 29, 2017

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.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

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.