Merry Christmas

During this holiday season please take a moment to remember our members who have had illness or injury.

Merry Christmas

Happy New Year

Northern January Luncheon

FOR THOSE BRAVE SOULS WHO BRAVE THE WINTER AT HOME

January Luncheon
January 9, 2010
Tomasso's Restaurant, Waverly, N.Y.

Hosts: Larry and Barbara Kotar
Social Hour: 1p.m. - 2 p.m.
Lunch/Dinner: 2 p.m.

We will order from the menu.

A count of who is planning on attend is needed by January 2, 2010.

Please e-mail Barbara at: barbeann@CQServices.com,

or call 570-888-8163, so we know if you plan on attending.

Industry Better News

By: The Associated Press 17 Dec 2009 11:35 AM ET

FOREST CITY, Iowa - Recreation vehicle maker Winnebago Industries Inc. continued to lose money in its fiscal first quarter, though its net loss narrowed from a year ago as the RV market showed signs of improvement.

The company said Thursday its order backlog more than quadrupled during the quarter, while dealer inventory fell 52 percent. Its loss was smaller than analysts expected, sending shares climbing in morning trading.

Update regarding Hinckley from Walt Linden

As of December 11th, Walt Linden reports from Paul Dubois:

If any of your members have any questions concerning the Monument at Hinckley School, for example purchase of blocks or questions on blocks that they have ordered, Please e-mail them either to LanaMakin at lmakin@fmca.com or myself at diplomatman2002@yahoo.com . I have been in contact with Natalie the Executive Dirctor at Hinckley and we have agreed that everything will go through Lana. She has been very gracious and helpful but the problem is really ours and I don't want to burden her with it as she has a very difficult situation as is at the school. I have invited Natalie to our NEAR Rally at Essex Junction in July and will give them a booth free of charge and will arrainge for her housing. She is very excited at the opportunity.

Thanks
Paul DuBois
Northeast Area Vice President

Information regarding the Hinkley School

Paul Dubois (NEA VP) sent out the following information about Hinckley:
------------------------------------------

As some of you may be aware, Hinckley School where FMCA was founded is going through some difficult times. Things seem to change from day to day. The latest that we have heard is that they have a small day school program but no longer have a resident program. They also have a new Executive Director. The situation is very fluid and nothing is for certain.

Lana Makin our National Administrative Director is currently in contact with the Executive Director to insure the safety of our Monument . It could be if the school closes in the future that we would be required to move the monument, purchase some land for it, or take some other action.

We are aware that the site is in need of some repair work and lana is addressing that issue. I received an e-mail from John Devlin from Perfect Circle that they had purchased a brick in memory of a deceased member and the Brick has not been installed. We are looking into the situation. If any other chapters or individuals have also purchased bricks and they have not been installed, please e-mail me and let me know so I can take action on the issue. I will keep you all informed

Thanks
Paul DuBois
Northeast Area VP

PS: Paul's email is: diplomatman2002@yahoo.com

Happy Thanksgiving !!

• Where ever you are -
• Whatever your doing -
• Who ever you are with -

We wish you good health and happiness on this Thanksgiving and every other one.

Happy Thanksgiving from Paul DuBois

The following comes from Paul Dubois, Northeast Area Vice President.
----------------------------------------------------------
Diane and I want to wish each and everyone of you a very happy Thanksgiving. The past two years have been a very difficult time for all of us personally, as a nation and as an FMCA family. We have all been through some difficult financial times, We have seen loved ones go off to fight a war that sems to never show signs of ending, As a nation we have seen troubled times and unrest, and as a FMCA Family we have seen some changes. On a national level, Don Eversman Executive Director has submitted his resignation effective immediately. Don had intended to resign and retire after the Albuquerque convention but decided to retire while the Executive Board was meeting in Cincinnati in November to permit them to start the process of replacing him.

A management Team consisting of Executive Board Members will oversee operations while a Search team made up of Board Members will start a Search for a new Executive Director.

The Board has some exciting new programs to encourage member recruiting and benefit our members. These programs will be announced during the coming months.

On The Area scene, Lou Snow First VP has resigned and will devote more time to his position of Minuteman president.

OUR 2010 NEAR Rally date has been changed . It will be July 2-5. This change was made necessary as we found that our original date conflicted with three major National rallies and we were told by the vendors that they could not come to our rally. We have been guaranteed a good turnout of Vendors for our new dates. Unfortunately the July 2-5 dates were the only dates available to hold our rally . We have several exciting events planned for the rally. Some of those include a Driver Rodeo where you can show your skills in operating a motorhome, A Family Day with many family geared activities, a Boat Ride and Buffet, Fire Works and many other events not usually seen at a rally. Come and bring your kids and Grand Kids.

We are fortunate to be a part of this great organization and our prayers are with all of you for a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving .

Paul DuBois
Northeast Area Vice President

Recent Trip Observations

We recently spent 35 days on a 3300 mile circle route through 10 states going as far west as Texas and ending up in Florida where we left the motor home. We had a number of observations - some of them you know, some you may not. Below are few:

• Late October is a great time to head toward the middle of the country. Weather is moderate and foliage is beautiful everywhere.
• Our vote for “Best place visited” – San Antonio, TX. Attractions are modestly priced (many free) leaving money to spend on other things. The RIVER WALK exceeded expectations.
• Downtown New Orleans is flourishing, but the Northeast corner of the city is not.
• Biggest disappointment – Paducah, KY. Besides the “Quilter’s Hall of Fame”, most other quilt related activities have closed. Branson, MO was better.
• Second – rebuilding along the Gulf Coast after Katrina is lagging. I think over half of the beach front homes have not been rebuilt. Many have “For Sale” signs on them.
• Highest priced gas – New York: $2.85 per gallon
• Lowest priced gas – 60 miles west of Houston, TX (I - 10): $2.19 per gallon. Once out of the Northeast, price was below $2.50 until we reached Florida.
• Oklahoma and Texas welcome folks to spend a night in their Rest Areas and Welcome Centers.
• Flying J has recovered nicely from bankruptcy protection. RV parking sites are larger, gas prices are lower and member cards typically give an additional 1.5 cents/gallon off. $10 spent in the store gives 3 cents off for the month; $20 gives 5 cents off.
• A number of state parks in the south (including Louisianna) honor the Golden Age Pass – giving 50% discount on camping and free admission.

What are PenNY Mixers doing?

Our final get together was a dinner at Tomaso's in Waverly hosted by Larry & Barb Kotar. Before dinner was an open house hosted by Ed & Sylvia Plaisted. The dinner had 25 families with 9 coaches coming to spend the night. The Kotar's provided a great time for all.
Meanwhile Ed Coon celebrated his 98th birthday with a party on October 31st.
Now that our rally season is over, our members are scattering in different directions. The Roule's have been traveling the mid-west and southwest visiting some places they have not seen.
Recently, we found the Linden's as Campground Hosts busy holding down the "Host" sign on Padre Island National Seashore outside Corpus Christi, TX.
Also seen were Corbett and Connie Pool (past president of FMCA) who are busy renovating a 60's home they bought near Corpus Christi Bay. We all got together for a great Mexican dinner.

If you have any information about what PenNY Mixers are doing, please send an email to: troule@aol.com

Help Needed

• We need Wagon Masters for our 2010, September Rally !
• We have help for May, June, July, and August Rallies and and the January and the October dinner.
• Please consider volunteering.

September, 2009 Rally Highlights

Our September rally was held at the Marathon convention center with Jim & Sherry Miller as Wagon Masters and Rose & Bill McGlynn doing a great job assisting while many others helped where needed. (REMEMBER THIS IF YOU ARE WORRIED ABOUT BEING A WAGON MASTER).

When Jim & Sherry are Wagon Masters, there is creative food, a variety of things to do and a full schedule. The 16 coaches attending got to visit a tractor museum, the opening of an apple cider mill, an Alpaca Farm and some quilt shops (surprize!!). For food, we had a fish fry using JIM'S caught fish, omelettes in bag, a catered dinner, a breakfast supplied by the Marathon Senior citizens and a continental breakfast.

Having followed visiting the Bean Festival in Pennsylvania with the Fingerlakers, we are spending this week on the treadmill.

The highlight of the meeting was reelection of existing officers.

By the way, in spite of the busy schedule, Jim managed to get his battery converter/charger repaired with the help of Larry Kotar and Nelson Hansen.

Stupidity Award Winner

When a man attempted to siphon gasoline from a motor home parked on a Seattle street, he got much more than he bargained for. Police arrived at the scene to find a very sick man curled up next to a motor home near spilled sewage. A police spokesman said that the man admitted to trying to steal gasoline and plugged his siphon hose into the motor home's sewage tank by mistake. The owner of the vehicle declined to press charges saying that it was the best laugh he'd ever had.

Thanks to Ray Lear.

August Rally Highlights

This August we returned to the Hickories Town Park in Owego, NY. Our hosts were Howie and Pat Newman, John and Carla Couture, and George and Barb Cole. With 20 coaches attending and Sherry Miller visiting, we all had a great time.

... Rain dampened some Saturday activities, but our hosts adjusted. It didn't spoil the great food which included Hors de'ourves and a catered chicken dinner on Friday, a full breakfast including sausage and French toast on Saturday, an ice cream social, and an Italian themed pot luck dinner. Sunday sent us on our way with a continental breakfast. A couple of pictures are included.

Self defense

At one time or another, when camped alone in a parking lot or some similar place, we wonder how vulnerable we are. Thoughts lean to self defense. Alternatives discussed at rallies include Pepper Spray, Tasers, and hand guns. However, these may have possible legal, safety concerns, are fairly expensive and may require a permit.

One possible alternative is keeping a can of "wasp/hornet spray" handy. It can spray 20 feet, is inexpensive, as effective as pepper spray and legal in many circumstances. A number of self defense instructors have recommended this for some time. Checking with SNOPES, led to a rather extensive article listing the advantages and possible problems. If you click on the link below, you will be brought to the article.
http://www.snopes.com/crime/prevent/waspspray.asp

Notes from the FMCA International

Here a few highlights from the August newsletter about Bowling Green, KY and the FMCA International.

-------
A group of Penn-NY Mixers joined up with other NY chapters to volunteer on security for the Bowling Green Convention. We totaled about 50 in all. We had a group hot dog lunch which Connie and Corbert Poole joined. Celebrated a couple of birthdays (Sherry Miller and Barb Kotar) with cake.
Weather was great for 1st nights entertainment a young group from Orlando that sang acappella and sounded like an entire instrumental band. Weather caused Lorrie Morgan’ to cancel and
Thursday weather still threatened. So, entertainment was moved inside and Phil Dirt and the Dozers performed 50’s, 60’s & 70’s. And we always had to take time to eat.

Alternate National Director Report - Area Meeting

Paul Dubois had been elected NMA President proir to meeting.

• Meeting called to order by Paul Dubois 11:00 am.
• 2010 rally will be in July. The exact dates are under discussion due a conflict with Good Sam in the area at the same time.
• Proposed bylaws changes were tabled based executive board wishing to review the option of creating regional vice-presidents.
• Each chapter is being requested to put a description of their chapter on the FMCA web. Details regarding the guidelines will be made available soon.
• Each member is asked to identify email address changes to FMCA Chapter services.

The following officers were elected by acclamation:

• President -- Paul Dubois
• 1st Vice President -- Lou Snow
• 2nd Vice President -- Ed Hoag
• 3rd Vice President -- Bob Mills
• 4th Vice President -- Dick Higgins
• Secretary -- Kathianne Taylor
• Treasurer -- Eleanor Rizzi

Submitted: Sharon Roule, Alternate National Director

Northeast Area Rally Pen-NY Mixer Highlights

Being responsible for door prizes for the FMCA Northeast Area Rally, we gathered over 150 for this year's event.
We want to thank Camping World in Churchville, NY for their generous donations and assistance obtaining door prizes.
Also, among door prizes, were 21 contributed by Chapters which celebrated the beauty, activity and products of their area. Hopefully, these chapters will receive appreciation beyond our gratitude.
With about 550 attendees (slightly more than last year), visitors enjoyed the numerous activities and beauty available in the Green Mountains of Northern Vermont.
Thank you to Sandy Wollaber and Celene Moses for their help and the many hours they spent distributing door prizes.
We hope to see more folks next year.
One other note: The temperatures were in the 80's, with lot's of sun, and the entertainment was very good. Rally cost was $180 including water and 30 amp electric for 5 nights.

Some Interesting Tidbits

According to AOL real estate news: Three cities in New York (Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse) and one in Pennsylvania (Pittsburgh) were among the top 10 in the US whose population is declining fastest.

Visited Letchworth State Park and found that seniors were getting in free on weekdays.

July is "Parks and Recreation Month" according to the National Recreation and Park Association.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection's (DEP): Florida Park Service has announced a new record for state park attendance during the 2008-09 fiscal year. Last month, New York State parks reported a 6% increase in reservations over 2008.
(ed: I guess some folks have been traveling, but looking for inexpensive campgrounds).

Walt Linden reported the final count at the FMCA International in Bowling Green, Ohio: 2426 family coaches , 299 commercial coaches for a total of 2725.

The three major stock indices closed at 2009 highs during the past week. The Dow Jones broke above 9000, while the S&P is within 21 points of 1000. The Nasdaq is up 22% for the year.

Fleetwood hopes to be producing 2500 Class A and C motorhomes next year.

National Director's Report from FMCA International

We were required to arrive at the Governing Board meeting at 8:00 AM to register. The meeting lasted till 8:40 PM with only a lunch break and no other breaks. The actual meeting started at 9:00 AM. In the morning session there were 422 out of 501 National Directors present for a quorum of 84%.

A $5.00 dues increase was voted in by a 190 for and 115 against vote but the pay for four years and receive five years dues incentive was retained.

Medex will be renegotiated and continue through 2010 and paid for by dipping into the “rainy day fund”. Medex is considered to be a great recruitment tool. The reserve fund was also used to balance the budget. 227 votes for, 184 against and 11 abstained.

At future conventions both indoor and outdoor venders will open at the same time, Monday afternoon.

Mail forwarding will remain at $5.00 per month.

Anything related to Social Networking was sent back to committee for reconsideration and changes.

Final pre-registered count was 2300+ attending.

Vote for president with 417 votes counted.
First vote
Doug Key 99
George Skipper 81
Charlie Schrenkel 135
Nelson Stubbs 98

Run off vote with 408 votes and 4 voided
Charlie Schrenkel 234
Doug Key 174

Senior Vice President with 413 votes counted.
Judy Czarsty 272
Hollis Dick 141

Secretary with 384 votes counted.
Joann Durbin 374 with 6 votes voided.

Treasurer with 407 votes counted and 4 voided.
Bernard Dobrin 137
Wilburn Young 266

Submitted by Walt Linden, Pen-Mixer National Director

July Rally

Well, it finally happened!
We have managed to have rallies in spite of floods, rally grounds finding more profitable customers, little groups, groups too large for the facility, conflicts of interest and an assortment of other issues ....... but now .......

THE JULY, 2009 RALLY IS CANCELLED !!!!

Although we knew the rally in Shortsville might have had limited attendence due to the conflict with the International in Bowling Green, we were looking forward to attending instead of the International.

So now, we look forward to seeing everyone at the NEAR and if not there, the August rally hosted by the Howie and Pat Newman.

June Rally Highlights

The June Pen-NY Mixer Rally was held at the Penn Yan, NY. ViewAfterSave airgrounds. Our hosts were Nelson & Neena Hansen, Jim & Sharon Fairbrother, Phil Liberatore & Lury Wallenbeck, Paul & Celeste Page. There were thirty coaches, with nine arriving Thursday and parking at the Penn Yan bowling alley until we could get into the fairgrounds on Friday morning.

Friday started with three o-clock wine and cheese (in the dark) due to a power outage because of a storm, the bang of thunder and torrential rain. Fish fry at the American Legion. We went in smaller groups to avoid a long wait. Back to the fairgrounds for birthday cake and ice cream provided by Sylvia for Ed’s seventieth. Camp fire and card games followed. The bang continued into Saturday with high temps expanding the balloon decorations until they blasted off like gun shots, one at a time throughout the day. Several visited the windmill and local shops. There was some horse activity and coach maintenance, a craft taught by Celeste Page. Dinner was catered by the Steve Owens’ family.

Entertainment was provided by the Crooked Lake Fiddlers. It began at 6:45. A desert buffet was provided at intermission. They continued to play until dark, finishing with AMAZING GRACE.

Sunday AM brought the sun and a delicious breakfast by Owens.

Highlights - Thanks to Bonnie Pollow

Pictures - Thanks to Jim Fairbrother

Father's Day

To all you Fathers, step fathers and surrogate fathers, we wish you a great Father's day free of lawn mowing, broken tow bars and with a full tank of fuel.

Fingerlakers Joint Rally

Having just returned from the York, NY Firemen's field and the Fingerlaker Rally, I thought we might touch on some highlights since 26 Pen-NY Mixers attended. With a total of 45 coaches attending, it was one of the largest turnout's for a rally we have had in several years. We had members from the Fingerlakers, Pen-NY Mixers and Niagara Frontier Travelers along with Sam and Pat Allen (Northeast Area President).

As always, there was plenty of good food, plus a scavenger hunt, and a road rally.

The highlight of the weekend was a "Grazing Dinner" at Bohn's Restaurant in Batavia to celebrate George and Millie Worden's 50th Wedding Anniversary. With over 200 attendees, many folks will not forget this rally for many years.

One highlight, among many, was a beautiful hand made quilt made by the Pen-NY Mixer members and presented by Sylvia Plaisted.

Happy Anniversary, George and Millie !!!!!

Chapter Sponsorship

An RV park in Texas has offered to sponsor our rallies and provide special offers to members visiting them. The name is OASIS RV RESORT in AMERLLO, TX. They might be worth consideration during your travels west. Below is the note they sent to us with their current rates (same as their internet site).

"Oasis RV Resort (on I-40 just west of Amarillo, TX) is a first class resort www.myrvoasis.com. I'm sure with all your activities, every once in a while your members are travelling on Interstate 40, so while they are on their way to a rally or just on their own, your members will know they have a great place to stay. PEN-NY Mixers members will receive a $20 nightly rate (A Class), $17 (C Class/5th Wheels), $15 (Trailers/B Class)! Oasis RV Resort provides all paved roads, concrete pads, 75' X 40' sites, private bathrooms, pool, spas, clubhouse and rally room, but don't believe me, check us out at www.myrvparkreviews.com .

If there is anything we can do to make your members happy along the way, let us know. At the very least they can get caught up on their laundry--its FREE!! ?"

Thomas Barr, tbarr@myrvoasis.com , 505-401-8540
Oasis RV Resort, info@myrvoasis.com , 888-789-9697 Resort phone
web site: www.myrvoasis.com

Travel to Canada

As you may know, travel to Canada, Mexico and the Caribean now requires a passport or a Enhanced Drivers License (EDL).

At this time, New York is one of 6 states that issues such a license. Most of the documentation for the EDL can be obtained on line at http://nysdmv.com . If you go to the site, click on "Driver's Licenses......" and it will take you to a site where you can get all the forms and documentation for getting the license. Take them to the DMV. YOU MUST HAVE YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY CARD AS ONE FORM OF ID. Cost is about $35.

If your passport is less than 15 years old (it has been expired less than 5 years), you can renew your it by entering all the information on line at the State Department web site, http://travel.state.gov . By cllicking on "Apply for a Passport or Passport Card", you can fill in the forms on line, print them out and mail them. Just add the required picture. Cost is $75.

If you don't have a passport, and want to get one, you will have to go to a Post Office, Town Clerk, etc and get the forms and have them certify your identity. This will add another $25 to the $75 above.

The biggest advantage of the EDL is cost. However, you cannot fly between countries using this form of ID and it's limited to Canada, Mexico and certain Carribean countries. That may change.

June Rally

Remember, our June rally is being held at the Penn Yan Fairgrounds June 26th-28th.

There are lots of activities, good food and Saturday night entertainment.

The deadline is June 18th. At the bottom of this blog is the itinerary.

Costs: Rally Fee 2 nights/3 days camping: $55.00 (2 people) ($42.00 one person)
Amount for camping: _________
They also need a head count for
Fish Fry No. _________
Steak No. _________

RSVP by 6/18/2009 and make checks payable to:
Nelson Hansen
324 North Ave.
Penn Yan, NY 14527

Gas Prices

On the right side of our Blog, we post some links to potentially interesting sites. One of these that we have used quite a bit this year is http://www.gasbuddy.com/.

On this site, you may enter the city and state and they will report the lowest gas prices in the area.

We have had very good luck using this and just this past weekend found low priced gas in Essex Junction, VT before we headed there.

FMCA, Northeast Area Planning Meeting results

This past weekend, we visited Essex Junction, VT for the planning meeting for the Northeast Area Rally held August 12-15th in Essex Junction.

The get together is hosted by the officers of the Northeast Area where we spent time eating and finishing details for the rally. Being our first meeting, I was both pleased and impressed with how much has been accomplished since last August. All activities except two had chapters for support and most chapters seemed to be prepared to fulfill their jobs.

As in the past several years, the Pen-NY Mixers have volunteered to give out door prizes during the rally. We are still looking for volunteers to help with this. Please contact Sharon or Tom Roule (troule@aol.com, cell phone: 585-739-9074) if you would like to help. We get good parking and the work is pleasant. Northern Vermont is beautiful with not only the mountains, but many things to see.

May Rally Highlights

We don't know what you did Memorial Day but our first rally of the summer was held at the Lakeville (NY) Volunteer Fire Department Training Grounds. We had a great building with all the amenities and a field with enough electric to keep all our batteries charged. With 25 coaches attending, fantastic weather, good food, it seemed like our hosts the Klines, Wordens and Roules had some inside information.

Twelve motor homes arrived on Thursday with the rest arriving on Friday. Our official first activity was Friday dinner featuring Charlie Kline's home made Italian sausage. After dinner, we organized teams for our first PenNY Mixer road rally in many years. The basic objective of this was to find answers to trick clues while driving a disguised road course. We ended with 10 cars with 20 couples ready to drive the rally.

Saturday morning started with a full breakfast of eggs, sausage and pancakes made with Millie Worden's secret ingredient. It was followed by "Show-n-tell" and then left over stone soup from Friday. And then >>>>>> the "Road Rally". What was thought would be 20 miles in about one hour to find 42 answers turned out to be 38 miles and two hours for some. Folks criss-crossed several times while trying to get back on course. It provided for some waves, laughs and and other unmentionable comments. All in all - good fun. A pot luck dinner followed provided by all the participants. Evening entertainment was a review of road rally stories and prizes of lottery tickets to the winners.

Sunday morning breakfast consisted of oat meal, cereal, fruit and toast. The rest of the morning consisted activities on our own and a sewing-bee hosted by Sylvia Plaisted. This worked up an appetite for an ice cream social. Our evening dinner consisted of beef bar-B-Que, salad and beans. This was followed by a pound auction, hilariously hosted by Nelson Hansen and Jim Fairbrother.

Monday morning ended our Memorial Day weekend with a continental breakfast, a happy birthday to Donna, and a moment of silence for troops who make all American's weekends possible.

There are more pictures in our newsletter.

PenNY Mixer private email site

We have a private email site for you to pick up old newsletter and chapter information. The site is on Google though their GMAIL mail server. Since we have set up the site, you do NOT have to have a GMAIL account to access the site. To get to our site, you need to do the following:

• In your browser window at the top the screen, type: http://www.gmail.com/
• This will send you to GMAIL where will see a USER NAME and a PASSWORD window to get access to the site.
• In the User name window, type: fmca.pennymixers
• Type in the password in the "Password" window. If you need the password and are a member, contact troule@aol.com
• This will take you to our private email site where past newsletters are stored in PDF format.
• You may open and download any of them going back to last year when we started to provide newsletters in digital form.

Speed Trap Locations

There is an interesting web site that allows someone to search for speed traps by state and community. I checked it out and it works. I cannot verify its accuracy, however, the ones in Geneseo, NY seemed verify what we have seen.

http://www.speedtrap.org/speed-traps/find/

You don't have to register.

MAINE WITHDRAWS BILL TO BAN PARKING IN PUBLIC PLACES

Yesterday, representative Ann Perry of the Maine Legislature asked and received votes to withdraw the legislation to ban parking in public places. Since she was the original sponsor of the bill, it was couragous and commendable to change her position.

A number of you wrote or emailed various groups and individuals (including Representative Perry) in Maine asking this be done. I say: "Well Done". Those notes may have contributed to the realization the bill should be reconsidered.

Mother's Day

To all you great mothers out there, we want to extend to you a happy, pleasurable Mother's Day.

May Rally

Don't forget - our first rally is Memorial Day weekend (May 22-25th). The agenda is at the bottom of this Blog. Lots to do, but you are what makes it fun.

Please signup with -

Tom Roule
email: troule@aol.com
phone: 585-739-9074

Need to know if you are coming about 5/16/2009

MAINE TO BAN PARKING IN PUBLIC AREAS

ESCAPEES RV Club has alerted many to LD114 / HP98, a bill in the Maine State Legislature being pushed through the legislative process. This bill will make it a civil offense with a $100 fine to park an RV overnight on any public parking lot (like Walmart) in the state. You can view the bill text and status, contact legislators at
http://janus.state.me.us/legis/

It's a shame to see a state like Maine whose economy depends on tourism try to force RV'ers to stay in parks, limiting flexibility. When we visit an area, we stay in a campground. However, if just looking for a meal and some sleep, we may stay in a Walmart.

Legislators don't realize how much is spent in restaurants and other local businesses during an overnight stay at a Walmart or similar location. It would seem like the local Chamber's of Commerce should be fighting this bill.

With FMCA committed Essex Junction, VT we have made a side trip to Maine part of our August travels. If this legislation passes, that trip will end. Maybe Quebec instead.

If you feel like I do, maybe you can drop a note to the the Govenor of Maine. His web address is:

Governor John E. Baldacci
http://www.maine.gov/governor/baldacci/contact/citizen_services/share_views.html.

Maine Chamber of Commerce:
http://www.mainechamber.org/mx/hm.asp?id=ourstaff

FMCA, Northeast Area Officer Nominations

The Northeast Area of FMCA is seeking nominations for officers for 2009-2010.

Currently, candidates are as follows:
President: Paul DuBois
1st Vice President: Lou Snow
2nd Vice President: Ed Hoag
3rd Vice President: Open
Secretary: Kathianne Taylor
Tresurer: Eleanor Rizzi

The nominatting committee consists of the following individuals:
Grant Bamberger, email: jbambi@att.net
Frank Rizzi, email: eleriz15@yahoo.com
Tom Roule, email: troule@aol.com

If you are interested in running for a position, please contact one of us. Just send a brief history of your FMCA experience.

FMCA can use your help and creativity.

Rally season is approaching

As many PenNY Mixers head North for the summer, it's time to plan for the rally season. To the right of this posting are opportunities for us to get together. A few that need more explanation are mentioned below:

1. On June 12-14, we have been invited to the Fingerlakers rally in York, NY. One highlight among many will be the celebration of George and Millie Worden's 50th wedding anniversary.
2. On July 20-23, there is the 82nd FMCA International in Bowling Green, OH. PenNY Mixers have offered to help the Fingerlakers serve coffee and donuts. The Worden's will be the key contacts for this function. We are looking for volunteers to help. Please contact them.
3. On August 12-15th, PenNY Mixers will again be collecting and distributing door prizes for the FMCA NEAR in Essex Junction, VT. The Roule's will be the contacts for door prizes. We will need some help. Please contact the them if interested.

Our first rally will be at the Livonia firemen's training field on May 22-25th. Please look for details at the bottom of our blog

Shirley Moore is busy working on the newsletter and you should see it soon.

Industry Notes

There are signs (although anecdotal) that RV and motor home sales are beginning to increase.

Monaco Coach Corp. has struck a deal with Navistar International to purchase Monaco's assets for $50 million. The bankruptcy judge has ordered the deal be completed by June 1st with more details to be worked out.

Coachmen RV has been dropped from the New York Stock Exchange because it has not met the $15 million minimum capitalization requirements. It's going to be listed on the Over The Counter as COHM.

Note From Paul DuBois - NEA 1st VP

There are a couple of issues that I have become aware of because of my Governmental and Legislative Affairs committee assignments that I thought should be passed along to your membership.

First of all, concerning LLC'S or Limited Liability Corporations: These have been very popular among RV'ers for many years when they purchase coaches to eliminate or lessen taxes paid on new motor homes. Recently many states have been cracking down on the use of these. California has taken the stand that if you have a LLC that you are a business. The state has been hunting these owners down and making them purchase an IFTA fuel sticker and pay fuel taxes for all fuel since their original registration.

Recently, as noted in the FMCA website, Colorado is arresting their residents who use Montana LLCs and charging them with tax evasion. Recently a Colorado FMCA member was charged with tax evasion and his fine was over $9000.00 plus his attorney's fees. It is my understanding that Connecticut is starting to take action also. So It would behoove you to reconsider if you have thoughts of doing this.

The second issue concerns fueling your coach at the truck pumps at truck stops or Flying J or Loves. I received an e-mail from a member complaining that he was refused use of the truck pumps and told to go to the RV or auto pumps because he did not have a DOT number . He called FMCA seeking assistance in getting a DOT number. or for assistance in forcing them to permit his use of the truck pumps. When I contacted Flying J they advised me that many states are changing their laws to permit trucks with DOT numbers to fuel without paying the tax at the pump therefore showing a lower price at the pump. The trucks would then submit forms at the end of the quarter and pay the tax instead of paying at the pump and then getting a refund. .

He then requested that I help him obtain a DOT number but when I advised him that he would have to pull into all scales and inspection stations, he changed his mind and dropped the issue.

Paul DuBois, 1st VP

Migratory Characteristics of PenNY Mixers

As many folks get ready to head north, a trend of PenNY Mixers has evolved. One of the favorite Florida stop overs is just off I75, exit 309 where there are 2 campgrounds - BREEZY OAKS RV PARK and SUMPTER OAKS RV PARK. Both are within a 2 miles of the exit in a wooded area of Bushnell, FL. Because of its proximity to Brooksville, it has become a jumping off and lay over point for the FMCA Southeast Area Rally during the first week of February.

Some recent guests included the Lindens, Crebs, Wordens, Lears and Lavenders while others have stopped by earlier. Seasonal nesters include Klines and Fyles.

Our recent visit at BREEZY OAKS RV PARK found the Lavenders, Klines and Fyles there -where we all enjoyed dinner at a local restaurant - HOWIES.

If you stop by before early April, you, too may find them there.

Update on Country Coach RV

Country Coach has announced that they have been able to restructure their dept through Wells Fargo Bank and plan to resume operations soon.

May Rally

At the end of this Blog we will be publishing the rally agenda for our rallies. Look for the May Rally soon.

Update from Florida

We have been coming to Florida during the first couple months each year for almost 10 years and have been awed by the Space Shuttle and Kennedy Space Center. However, there has not been a "viewable" launch since we have been coming here.

It changed on Sunday, March 15th at 7:43 pm with a spectacular dusk launch. We are about 60 miles away, and about 100 of us gathered to see what we could see. Well, what we saw was SPECTACULAR for this old techie. The ensuing 10 minutes was worth 10 years wait. The attached picture was taken about 2 minutes after the launch.

More news regarding the RV Industry

Last week, Fleetwood Industries announced they have filed for Chapter 11. Like Country Coach and Monaco, they hope to restructure and survive. However, they have shut down their travel trailer production.

Also, MOODY'S INVESTOR SERVICES has placed AFFINITY GROUP owner of Camping World, Good Sam, Trailer Life and Motor Home Magazines, Coast to Coast and more on "watch" as a possible candidate for bankruptcy.

RV Manufacturer News

I am sorry to report - two fine motor home manufactures announced they have filed for bankruptcy protection under Chapter 11.

COUNTRY COACH was ordered by a judge to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after over a year's discussions with creditor Wells Fargo Bank.

MONACO CORPORATION, America's largest manufacturer of motor homes and trailers including Holiday Rambler, Safari, Beaver, Aluma-Lite and others terminated most of their remaining employees on March 2nd, and filed for Chapter 11 on March 4th. Their reorganization plan currently calls for spinning off most of their assets. It will continue to trade Over the Counter under the symbol MCOA.

Both of these companies are based in the Eugene, OR area. Monaco also had extensive operations in the Elkart, IN area.

While Chapter 11 does not mean they are "history" (just look at USAir and UNITED Airlines), it does indicate they may not be around in the future.

Consolidation of the industry will probaby continue to follow - like Coachmen being bought by Forest River (owned by Birkshire Hataway) last fall.

With RV sales falling by more than 60%, we hope those left will be able to perpetuate our fine lifestyle.

March Get together at Osaka's

Walt & Beryl Linden have come out of hybernation in the Everglades where they were campground hosts for the past several months. He then got together 27 friends for our annual dinner at Osaka's Japanese restaurant in Leesburg, FL.

The food was good, plentiful and it was great to get a chance to see everyone. We definately had FUN.

To view image in a larger format, double click on the desired image. Close the image by clicking on the "back arrow" when done.

Free Programs

Many computer sytems are not coming with software any more. Some come with trial versions that expect you to spend $100+ to upgrade to a full version. At the request of the computer club here in Florida, I did a little research to see what is available for FREE.

Many of us need a Word Processor to create documents and letters. There is an excellant "open source" Word Processor that very closely mimics Microsoft Word. It's GOOD. The program is called ABIWORD. You can download it to your PC in less than 5 minutes with a WI-FI connection. To get there go to:

http://abiword.com/

If you need a full blown immitation of Microsoft Office, consider "Open Office" that includes Word Processor, Spreadsheet, and a presention package. Go to:

http://www.openoffice.org/

Downloading is free, but it could take an hour or more at WI-FI speeds.

Both are FREE!!!!

Enjoy your travels.

January get together in Bushnell, FL

On January 31st, we got together for our annual pot luck dinner at Dogwood Mobile Home park in Bushnell, FL. Arranged by Joe, Ellie and Linda Van Haelst, we had 55 folks attending with most showing up shortly after noon.

After socializing, Ellie started us off with a prayer. Then Charlie Kline asked for a moment of silence for Ola Williams and Deroy Putman who passed away this past fall.

During dinner, Tom Roule introduced special guests, Bill Conway (past president of the Northeast Area) and his wife Pat, Paul DuBois (Northeast Area 1st vice president), Ed Hoag (Northeast Area 3rd vice president) and his wife Lori and Eleanor Rizzi (Northeast Area treasurer) and her husband Frank.

After dinner, Paul Du Bois updated us on recent events in the Northeast Area. Considerable progress is being made for the Northeast Area rally in Essex Junction, VT as well as possible changes to New York laws allowing out of state dealers and, therefore, future conventions in New York. Sam Allen is not running for Northeast Area president due to Pat’s health. Paul will be running for the office.

After dinner, we continued to socialize, and complain about the 60 degree temperatures, fully realizing no one up north was sympathetic.

It sure was good to get together and we hope to see everyone soon. Thank you, Joe, Ellie, and Linda and see you same place January 30th , 2010.

Joe Van Haelst's Potato Soup

During our January Dinner in Bushnell, many asked for Joe's famous Potato Soup recipe. So, after much coaxing, here it is:

In a pot mix,

4 cups of water
4 cups of cubed potatoes
1 cup diced carrot ts
1 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced onion

Cook until vegetables are tender. Caution, do not drain.

Broth

1/2 cup butter or margarine
1/2 cup of flour
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of any kind of cheese you like (I use Velveeta)
2 cups diced ham

In a pan, melt butter, add flour and stir until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until smooth. Add cheese and ham. Add salt to taste. When hot and cheese is melted add to vegetable mixture and serve.

Update on FMCA Conventions

We are pleased to let you know after prodding by many, including PenNY Mixers Walt Linden and myself, that FMCA has decided to hold two conventions in 2010. Quoting a letter to the governing board -
-------------------
"Family Motor Coach Association is pleased to announce the dates for FMCA International Conventions to be held in 2010."
...
"FMCA’s 83nd International Convention: March 22 to 25, 2010, Albuquerque, New Mexico."
...
"FMCA's 84th International Convention: August 11 to 14, 2010, Redmond, Oregon."
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While both are west of the Mississippi River, to our detriment, we can't help but applaud their intentions.

January Dinner Highlights - Thanks to Bonnie Pollow

On January 3, 2009, twenty-one brave souls endured frigid temperatures to get together for the annual Winter Dinner at El Monte's Restaurant in Fisherville, NY.
After a lively social hour, Vice-President Barbara Kotar welcomed everyone and thanked Norm and Madeline Pease and Larry and Bonnie Pollow for making arrangements for the dinner.
Those attending were: Ed and Sylvia Plaisted, Jean Williams, Jean Horton and Bill Ahart, Matt Miller, Walt and Pat Ott, Clair and Nora Marquart, Lury Wallenbeck and Phil Liberatore, Jim and Sherry Miller, Betty Putman, Larry and Barb Kotar, Norm and Madeline Pease, and Larry and Bonnie Pollow.
Everyone seemed to enjoy their dinners, (Sylvia enjoyed her taco salad even better after she returned it to the kitchen to have them put MEAT in it). All in all it was a good day and it was fun getting together the first weekend of 2009.
Since then I received a thank you card from Jean Williams and her family for the contribution the PenNY-Mixers made to the first Presbyterian Church in Horseheads, in Ola Williams' memory.

National Director, Walt Linden's PenNY Mixer statment to FMCA about cutback to 1 International convention

At the last Governing Board meeting I voted that FMCA should continue to have 2 conventions a year as we have had in the past. I would rather see a scaled back and less costly convention than none at all. I feel that many members go to see new products but many more members go to enjoy the fellowship and the friendships they have made over the years. You can see this most evenings as you look around the convention site at the many group get togethers.

I feel fellowship is an important part of FMCA. That's why we join chapters.

I understand that manufacturers have to cut back. But is FMCA here for them or is FMCA here for it's members. FMCA has to serve both, but if the manufacturers don't want to display their products to their market, so be it. FMCA does a great job bringing potential buyers together in one place.

Maybe less costly conventions are the way to go till times get better even if they are smaller.

Walt Linden
Nat. Dir. Penny Mixers