January, 2011 Florida Dinner

Merry Christmas !
We have a location for our January dinner in Florida.  This year we will be going to the Golden Corral in Leesburg, Fl. at 1:00 pm on January 29th.  The Golden Corral is a buffet with large variety of foods. Please contact Tom Roule at 585-739-9074 if you are interested in coming.
More details soon.

Blog Information

Our blog is over 2 years old and it's time for a brief review.
The blog is owned by GOOGLE and it's use is FREE.  They use blogs to promote themselves. Their only requirement is to have a GMAIL address. Ours is:

penny.mixers@gmail.com

We do our own development. Our blog has evolved as features were introduced by Google and folks have requested something.

If you wish to look at old posts, the right side has them.  All you have to do is -

• Click on the year.  That will show the months.
• Then click on the month.  The month shows all the posts.  You can then click any of the old posts.
• Our first post was in October 2008.

Recently, we were able to ad tabs at the top of the blog.  Currently, there are tabs for the following:

• HOME - This is the main page with all the old posts.
• Pen-NY Mixers Next Event - Here is all the information we have about our next rally or dinner.
• Upcoming Rallies - We have a list of all the activities planned for the future.  It has preliminary location and contact information for each activity.

JUST CLICK ON EACH PAGE TO VIEW EVENTS.

We have a counter near the bottom of the right side that shows the number of visitors.  It is provided by STATCOUNTER.  It keeps track of visitors and where they visited the site from.  It does NOT indicate who visited the site - maintaining privacy.  We have averaged about 100 visits per month since we turned it on.  We have about 60 folks on our distribution list. So, it seems we get one visit per month from everyone. 

We have list of links to other web sites that we thought might be interesting. They are on the right side.  CLICK on any them will transfer you to them.  We have free software, gas prices and links to FMCA, GOOD SAM and links to RV Sites.

We also have a list of officers and their contact information.

Comments and questions are welcome.  You can email to -

troule@aol.com

or

penny.mixers@gmail.com

September, 2011 Rally update

Lee and Vivian Robbins report they have a rally site for our September Rally:
EAA Hanger and Club Room
Elmira/Corning Airport
Sing Sing Rd.
Horseheads NY


Remember, you may check all events by clicking the tabs at the top of this blog.

Bradford Koshland hired to serve as FMCA Executive Director

Since the resignation of Don Eversmann, FMCA Executive Director, over a year ago operations have been run by a committee from the executive board.  Charlie Schrenkel's resignation as President probably motivated the board to SERIOUSLY consider replacing Don.  So, Below is the note from Judy Czarsty, Senior Vice President naming a new Executive Director, FMCA -


Dear Governing Board Members,
I am pleased to announce that Bradford Koshland has been hired to serve as Family Motor Coach Association’s next executive director. As a motorhome owner and FMCA member, Brad brings to the association great enthusiasm for the RV lifestyle. He also has a variety of management experience. Most recently, he served as bureau chief of enforcement for the real estate division of the State of Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation. Prior to that, his career included 28 years in the law enforcement profession. He retired as a lieutenant from the New Jersey State Police.

Brad has a master’s degree in administrative science from Fairleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey, and a bachelor of arts degree from Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. He is a certified public manager and brings with him a broad background in management.

We look forward to welcoming Brad as executive director. Brad is well-qualified to represent the interests of Family Motor Coach Association and motorhome owners in general. He will bring leadership and a fresh perspective to the association as it continues in its mission to promote and enhance the motorhome lifestyle.

Brad will officially begin work as FMCA executive director on January 3, 2011.

Yours in friendship,

Judy Czarsty, National Senior Vice President/
Acting National President

HAPPY THANKSGIVING !

THANKSGIVING IS THE TIME TO GIVE THANKS FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS.  

THAT'S ALL OF YOU!  

We wish you a Happy Thanksgiving filled with your family and friends.

(and, maybe, have some food and libation) 

Is it time to check your tires ?

A couple of weeks ago while cleaning the motor home, I casually checked the DOT code on the tires.  As most of you may know, the last 4 digits signify the week and last 2 digits of the year the date it was manufactured.  The tire showed the following:

DOT 244CHADI 5202

That means the tire is almost 8 years old!  Most manufacturers recommend replacement at about 6 or 7 years old.  A check showed all 6 tires were manufactured before July, 2003.  So, knowing we head for Florida in January meant we had a decision - "DO WE OR DON'T WE REPLACE THEM"?

So, our bank account is lighter, but we have new tires.

Just a reminder, time flies and you might want to check your tires, too.

Charlie Schrenkel Resigns FMCA Presidency

To: Governing Board, FMCA
Executive Board
Directors
Staff

I have given much thought and have done a lot of reading these past few days about the
challenges I am faced with as far as my health is concerned. It would not be fair to this
association to have a president not fully capable of holding that office. A president of FMCA
should be directly involved with the day to day operation of the association, and not have any
distractions, such as health problems that take away from the assigned duties of that office. I don't know how to do both.
Therefore, I respectfully submit my resignation from the office of President of Family Motor
Coach Association effective upon receipt of this e-mail.
My thanks to all of you for your support during my term as president.


Charlie Schrenkel F140050
National President
Family Motor Coach Association

Blood Clots/Stroke - Now Have a Fourth Indicator, the tongue

Neurologists say that if you have had stroke, no matter how small at the time, getting to a hospital within 3 hours greatly reduces the chances of any long term effects.

If someone falls or suddenly shows some other incoherent action, KNOW HOW TO RECOGNIZE A STROKE.  Traditionally, 3 tests have been used to check a persons condition.  Now there is a Fourth, the Tongue.  If you suspect someone may have had a stroke, try the following *S*T*R*T*.

S  * Ask  the individual to SMILE..

T  * Ask  the person to TALK and SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE  (Coherently)

(i.e. “It is sunny out  today”.)

R  * Ask  the person to RAISE BOTH  ARMS

T  * New Sign of a Stroke -------- Stick out Your TONGUE

If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other, it is also an indication of a stroke.

.If  he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these  tasks, call an emergency number (911) immediately and describe the symptoms to the  dispatcher.

It might save a life.

FMCA 3rd Quarter, 2010 earnings statement

FMCA has published the national organization 3rd quarter results.  Below is a link to that document.

http://www.fmca.com/images/stories/pdf/financials/3rd_10.pdf

It shows revenue losses for the period, attendees to FMCA international in Redmond, OR, number of new members recruited during the quarter and, of course, the accounting balances.

Feel free to take a peek.

October, 2010 Dinner Highlights

Our annual October Dinner was held at Tomaso's Restaurant in Waverly, NY -  preceded by quilting, practice golf and snacks at the Plaisted's.  (Ed set up a driving range over 150 yards in his back yard). Of course, as soon as we went out to hit, it started to rain.  Like good golfers, we stayed out!
Arriving at Tomaso's were 48 folks.  Hosted by Charlie & Doris Kline, the food was great and we had 5 motor homes come to spend the night. Highlights of the evening included swearing in our officers for the next 2 years and the Sylvia Plaisted's presentation of a "Friendship Quilt" to Doris Kline made by the chapter women.
Sunday morning brought 18 folks back for breakfast in the restaurant.



Clicking on the pictures above show our Web Album

Safe travel wishes were passed around as we headed in different directions.

November 2nd, 2010 is election day

Just a reminder, November 2nd is election day.  Many folks have expressed passion about where our country is and where they would like to see it go.

  THIS IS THE CHANCE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF.

It is not the role of this blog to take political positions - albeit tempting, but there are a couple of things you might not know.

• If you haven't registered to vote, it's too late!
• In New York, voting machines have been replaced by paper ballots.  The ballot will look like you might see in the paper with spots to fill in for the candidate of choice.  So, you might want to bring your glasses.
• Where to find your local ballot before you go to the voting booth.  Local newspapers have posted them regularly.  But, if you are like us and don't get one, you can go to your COUNTY BOARD of ELECTIONS.  Each county web site is different.  The easiest way to find yours is to go to GOOGLE.COM.  Search for your by typing " board of elections".  

For example:

"monroe county board of elections" will return

 http://www.monroecounty.gov/elections-index.php

• If you want to know who the incumbents are you can go to the state site where they are listed.

http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=nysboe_incumbnt

• If you want to know what your district is, go to:

http://nymap.elections.state.ny.us/nysboe/

Do a little research and PLEASE VOTE ! 

September Rally Highlights

The Penny Mixer September rally was a visit to the western part of the Penny Mixer territory at Elkdale Campground near Salamanca, NY.  With fall foliage at full bloom, good weather, creative wagon masters (Sandy & Harold Wollaber), a great weekend was enjoyed by 14 families.  Help for Sandy and Harold was supplied by Donna & Gene Struble and Sharon & Tom Roule.

Eldale is close to major resort areas Holiday Valley, Allegany National Park, casinos and a WW II museum. 

A golf course is within walking distance and a couple folks played.

Our Saturday Meeting was highlighted by the election of officers.  They are:
President:  Barb Kotar
Vice President:  Barb Cole
Treasurer:  Shirley Moore
Secretary:  Sylvia Plaisted
National Director:  Walt Linden
Alternate National Director:  Sharon Roule

With by law changes enacted, officers terms will now be TWO years.  Induction will be at the October dinner.

One culinary event from the weekend was "Egg McWollaber's" on Sunday morning.  The creation of Sandy Wollaber closely resembled Egg McMuffin's - only better.  

Other events - Rose McGlynn cheated and beat Tom Roule in "Pass The Ace" on Saturday night.

With plenty to do, folks left satisfied.

Below are a few pictures.

CLICKING ON A PICTURE WILL OPEN OUR "WEB ALBUM".

September Rally update

For our September rally, we will be visiting the Elkdale campground in Salamanca, NY hosted by Sandy and Harold Wollaber.  The following directions may help you to get there:
Take Exit 21 off I-86. Go Right on Parkway Drive and bear right on 417 left on 219,  left on State St.. Follow State to 353 N.
IF YOU TAKE THE ROUTE 353 EXIT, THE BRIDGE IS CLOSED AND YOU WILL HAVE TO FOLLOW DETOUR SIGNS.
Campground phone:  Tel: (716)938-6136

Those interested in golf, Elkdale Country club is walking distance from the rally.  Below are their fall rates.

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

ELKDALE COUNTRY CLUB FALL SPECIAL:

Play Weekdays after 10:30 for only $31 Rate includes Green Fee and Golf Cart!


Play Weekends after 11:30 for only $41 Rate includes Green Fee and Golf Cart! Offer Good: Tuesday September 22, 2010 to Sunday October 31, 2010 excluding the dates listed below.

Call 716-945-5553 ext. 11 for reservations



2012 Winter Convention Update from FMCA

The FMCA Board of Directors have issued the following:

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

TO: Members of the Governing Board, Commercial Council
The Family Motor Coaching Board of Directors met via telephone conference on Thursday, August 26, and took under consideration continuing plans for the winter convention scheduled for Fairplex, in Pomona, California, in April 2012. Discussion included the lack of attendance at our three previous International Conventions; the uncertainty of the RV industry; the current economic climate; and the availability of the venue in a time frame conducive to member attendance. They also took into consideration the actions of the Governing Board in Bowling Green and Saint Paul requesting the Executive Board look into producing one convention per year during this economic downturn. It was determined that the 2012 Winter International Convention in Pomona, California, be suspended. The Board determined that resources should be focused on making the summer 2012 convention a grand event.

Charlie Shrenkel

September Rally

Our rally for September is all set to be will be held at Elkdate RV Resort in Salamanca, NY.  Sandy and Harold Wollaber have planned a great weekend at a campground with 30 amp electric and water near Allegany National Park, Holiday Valley with many other things to do.  Below is the agenda for the rally.

The phone number of the campground is (716) 938-6136 if you want to arrive early.

It's close to fall foliage time. So, it will be beautiful.

Hope to see you all there.

Any questions, call: Sandy at 716-622-3037 or Harold at 716-622-4118

Flying J Update

As you know, Flying J has merged with Pilot.  As of September 1st, your Flying J card will be honored at Pilot stations with a 2 cent discount on gas, 3 cent on diesel and 10 cents on propane at RV islands. Discounts will no longer based on purchases in stores.

While visiting the Flying J in Penbrooke, NY, they told me the restaurant will be converted to DENNY'S starting in September.  This seems to be another sign of things to come.

To find out more about the Flying J/Pilot program, click on the following link:

http://www.pilotflyingj.com/rvloyaltyfaqs/SitePages/Home.aspx

Also, for those of you who travel the New York Thruway near Penbrooke, TOTEM POLE gas station on Ledge Road north of the exit had gas for 17 cents less than Flying J and propane for 95 cents less. It is on the Seneca Indian Reservation.

Season change causes change of recreation

As camping season and BBQ season get close to fall we start to think of other sports.  A creative person has figured out a way to make any orderly transition.  Not one us - IS IT ????

August Rally

Our August rally is all set.  We are heading for the Hammondsport Firemen's field.  Our wagonmasters, the McGlynns, Coles, Moore's and Worden's have a great weekend planned.  Check out the agenda at the bottom of our blog.

Hope to see you there.

July Rally Highlights

We have parked in firemen's fields, state and county parks, streets of Jamestown and numerous campgrounds through PA and NY, but, now, we found a great new venue - the Oswego Port Authority. Our rally this month was from July 21st - July 26th.

Oswego Harborfest, in its 23 year, was discovered by Jim and Sherry Miller. Aproached by them, it was the Harborfest's first experience with a camping rally. However, they welcomed us with open arms providing trolleys between our campsite and the various venues, souvenirs, entertainment, music, vendors and, of course, historic sites to visit. 65 motor homes from most of the chapters in New York as well as visitors from other areas spent 6 days at the Port Authority near the fort.

Assisted by Alice & Fred Sprout, Sharon & Tom Roule and almost every other member of the 34 Pen-NY Mixers attending, Jim and Sherry had considerable help putting together a memorable weekend. It included a "pot luck" dinner on Wednesday, a welcoming party on Thursday and departing party on Sunday. Breakfast was available every morning.

We were honored to have executive members from the FMCA Northeast Area decide to join us. Included was President: Paul DuBois & Diane, Senior VP: Ed Hoag & Lori, Treasurer: Eleanor Rizzi & Frank, and Secretary: Kathianne Taylor & Dave.

While Harborfest is a tough act to follow, we look forward to seeing everyone at an old "stomping grounds" - Hammondsport firemen's field for the August rally.

Details will be available soon.

Below is another post with pictures from the rally.

Pictures from our July rally

Below are some pictures from our rally in Oswego. You may also go to our web album by clicking on the Title of this post above.

New Web site links

We have found a couuple new WEB sites that may be of interest.  You may click on either the links to go directly to the site.

The first is "RV Daily Report" is a voice of RV manufacturers and dealers:

http://rvdailyreport.com/Home/tabid/59/Default.aspx

Another is the Web site for the Northeast Area of FMCA.  Paul Dubois (NMA President) informs us of the following site that is in its infancy, but will be improved soon: 

http://nmafmca.com/

We will place these on the list of links on the right side of this blog.

July Rally Agenda

Happy Independence Day!
Our July rally is all set. We are going to the Harborfest in Oswego. Details are at the bottom of this blog.

Below is a map of Oswego.

Below is the map to Oswego and the Rally site.

Instructions are as follows:

- From the south take I-81 to Rt. 481N turn right on Rt. 104 turn left on E 9th Street, rally at end of street.
- If you enter Oswego on Rt. 104 from the west turn left on E 9th Street to end of street.
- If you enter Oswego on Rt. 104 from the east turn right on E 9th Street to end of street.
- Do not turn on E 7th Street it has a low bridge and you will have a convertible motor home!

June Rally Highlights

Thanks to Bonnie Pollow, the following are highlights from the June rally at Wilkins RV:

I’m quite sure that the June Rally at Wilkins’ RV was enjoyed by all (66) who attended. This was the 3rd rally held at this site and it was, in my opinion, the best one yet. The folks who planned it (Plaisted’s, Moore’s, Kotar’s, Wollaber’s, and Pollow’s) did a splendid job.
The Kanona Fire Department provided us with a tasty chicken barbeque dinner on Friday evening, after which Monty Hall (Larry Kotar) made “deals” with several unsuspecting audience members in the TV Game Show, “Let’s Make A Deal.” Contestants made deals by selecting Door #1, #2, or #3 and were awarded prizes by a very “sexy” lady, or they were “zonked” and sent packing.
Saturday’s breakfast was catered by Holly Havens, who had made delicious specialty breakfast pizzas for all of us. The show 'n tell revealed how very talented our ladies in this club are. Beautiful completed quilts and some beauties “still being worked on” were shown, as well as jewelry and other crafts.
After a midday ice cream social, several people made the trip to the Curtiss Museum to enjoy the vintage airplanes and such. Others stayed behind to play cards, visit, walk their dogs, or merely rest-up before the evening meal, which was Larry Pollow’s “Beef on Weck” and Holly’s pasta casseroles and salads from Pizza Hut. Even though we were filled to the brim, Larry Kotar insisted on handing out an ice cream cone to anyone who could eat one.
The highlight of the night was our guest emcee, Roberta Eubanks (Barb Kotar) who revealed many marital “secrets” about these contestants: Gene and Donna Struble, George and Barb Cole, Jim and Sharon Fairbrother, Celeste and Paul Page, George and Millie Worden and Nelson and Neena Hansen in a spin-off of The Newly-Wed Game, Almost Newly-Weds (Senior Style).
A great time was had by all. On Sunday morning a very ample continental breakfast was available before we headed home.
We’re looking forward to meeting up again in Oswego in July, Hammondsport in August and Salamanca in September.

Industry Update

rvdailyreport.com reports the following from RV Industry Association:

RV shipments were up 83.5 percent in May from the year before. Year to date, total RV shipments have reached 108,900 units through May, up 91.1 percent from the same period last year.

Motorhomes are up 139% to 11,000 for 2010.

June Rally

Our June rally is at Wilkins RV hosted by the Kotar’s, Moore’s, Pollow’s, Wollaber’s and Plaisted’s. They have developed to Game show theme. Price is great and food should be outstanding. We look forward to a great turnout.

See the agenda at the bottom of this blog.

August Rally

If you haven't noticed, we have a site for our August Rally. We are returning to the Hammondsport Firemen's field for the first time in many years. Something different for many of our newer members.

September Rally

We have wagon masters and a location for the September Rally. We will be going to ELKDALE CAMPGROUND in Salamanca, NY. It has full hook ups and there are lots of things to do along the PA-NY border.

Thanks to Sandy & Harold Wollaber for taking the rally and setting up the location.

Tornado Warnings in Pen-NY Mixer country

Today, some tornados cruised along the Pennsylvania/New York border - heart of Pen-NY Mixer country.

As of 8:00 pm, Sunday none of our members reported any "sightings".

We are thankful for your good fortune. Let us know if you know of any updates.

God bless !

May, 2010 Rally Highlights

Below is something new - a slide show of pictures from our May Rally. If you click on the Title above, it go to our Web Album page for larger renditions of the pictures.


Hosts for our Memorial Day rally were Charlie & Doris Kline, Walt & Beryl Linden, Tom & Sharon Roule, Gene & Donna Struble and George & Millie Worden. A 5 day rally require's lots of help and this group had that!

Walt Linden highlighted the Saturday games with group mixer getting folks to tell their innermost secrets.

We had PERFECT weather, good food and things to do. Friday, Pizza was supplied by Leisure's Restaurant. Saturday was highlighted by Millie Worden's oatmeal for breakfast. Sunday dinner was catered (AKA "pot luck") by our member cooks. Sunday morning breakfast was highlighted by Millie Worden and Charlie Kline making pancakes to go with sausage.

Sunday afternoon was spent playing our first "OctaMixer-thon" - games. Dinner was pulled pork made by our hosts. After dinner was a "pound auction" hosted by Nelson Hansen and Gene Struble.

Monday was MEMORIAL DAY where we get a chance to honor our fallen veterans. Folks left with a continental breakfast to aid their travels.

We will be coming back next year.

July, 2010 Rally Update

Location: Oswego Harborfest, Oswego Port Authority

Dates: July 22-26, 2010

Note: There are updated plans for the July rally. We have a new campsite at the port authority - right on Lake Ontario; and can stay to Monday (the 26th).

Rally Fee includes-

• 4 or 5 nights dry camping (Thu thru Mon ) at Oswego Port Authority with view of the fireworks
• Continental breakfast Friday through Monday.
• Social hour and information on Thursday July 22 at 5:30 pm. Bring a hardy snack to share.
• Trolley passes included ($6 value)
• Farewell dinner and ice cream Sunday July 25 evening

Harborfest highlights -

• Named one of the top one hundred events for group travel by the American Bus Association.
• Top 10 rated fireworks show.
• Juried arts and crafts
• Music and entertainment on three stages.
• 30+ bands classic rock, country, blues and jazz.
• Midway and street vendors
• Lake Ontario waterfront location
• Contact Jim Miller if interested in a fishing charter Friday

Harborfest web site: http://www.oswegoharborfest.com/

• $70 per coach with two people, $55 one person Thursday- Monday
  $ 15 additional person
• Early arrival Wednesday after 2:00 pm, $10 additional.
• Please bring a 1 gallon jug of water for coffee

Jim & Sherry Miller-- Tom & Sharon Roule-- Fred & Alice Sprout
___607-898-4626 ____ 585-346-6567 ____ 315-587-9533
Jem590@aol.com __ Troule@aol.com __ Afsprout2@gmail.com

A Potential Benefit Available at FMCA NEAR

Paul Dubois - FMCA Northeast Area VP reports regarding the Northeast Rally

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

ACC Warrantee Services will be furnishing Techs to do repair work on RV's at our NEAR Rally. It would help them greatly and save the customer money if they had an idea ahead of time what parts were possibly needed
In order to assist them if any member plans on having them work on their coach, if they go on their website www.accws.com and in the left hand corner click on Mobile Service Repair form and fill out the information it will benefit both the member and ACC.

Paul DuBois
National Vice President Northeast Area
diplomatman2002@yahoo.com

Norcold Refrigerator recall (still)

Norcold continues to try and find owners of their refrigerators built after 1998 that are potential FIRE HAZARDS. Units affected are -

4 Door models 1200LR, 1200LRIM, 1201LRIM

• These have cooling unit serial numbers between 700000 to 1536607

2 Door models N621,N641,N821, N841, or 1082

• These have cooling unit serial numbers between 1038000 1099000

Most campers built from 1999 to 2006 could have these model refrigerators. SO, PLEASE CHECK YOURS.

We just received a letter from Norcold - again. They offer $5o gas card if you get your refrigerator repaired. Good for one rally.

New Activity for May Rally

This May, we are going to try a book exchange. If you have books you've read or ones you don't want to read, bring to the rally and, maybe, you will find someone who might find them interesting.
Also, you can exchange them for some you might enjoy more.
Hopefully, it will be fun.

Speed Trap Location update

Interesting -
I tried to link to the web site with Speed Trap locations only to find it's GONE. Did someone get to the webmaster?
I will remove it from our list of links.

Flying J Dump Station Update

Walt Linden reports from ESCAPEES -

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

We have heard from some traveling Escapees that a few Flying J truck stops with RV dump stations are beginning to charge a use fee. We contacted Flying J and received the following statement from their customer loyalty department:

To continue providing waste dump station services at Flying J, we are instituting a $10 fee to customers using this service. This has become necessary to cover the increasing costs of offering this amenity. These additional fees include:
• Escalating expenses associated with normal usage and the misuse and abuse of waste dump stations

• Rising costs from local sewer treatment service providers

• Increasing expenditures linked to stringent corporate responsibilities

For our best customers, those that are members of Flying J’s Frequent Fueler and RV Real Value clubs, a $5.00 dump station coupon will be added to their card based on fuel purchases. The club member must present their card to cashier at point of purchase to receive the discount.
We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to offer the best services and facilities in the industry.

Flying J also stated that the program is being implemented at all Flying J locations in the next week. Some will be monitored by a device that will allow you to pay at the dump, others will require the customer to come inside to pay for the service. Be aware that you will soon be required to pay a fee to use the RV dump at Flying J.

May Rally Agenda

Our May rally is set for Livonia Firemen's Training Grounds. At the bottom of this blog is the agenda. You may arrive on Thursday or Friday and we have plans through Monday morning.

There are 2 flea markets, wineries and a microbrewery in the area. You should be seeing everything in the newsletter soon.

We look forward to seeing you there.

Tom, Sharon, Walt, Beryl, Charlie, Doris, Gene and Donna

Robert (Bob) Putnam

We lost a long time Pen-NY Mixer member and good friend this past weekend. On April 24th, Bob Putnam suddenly passed away. At 78 he leaves his wife Barb, 3 childrean and 6 grandchildren.
Friends may call on Wednesday, April 28, from 1-3 PM at -

Payne & Murphy Funeral Home

1040 Route 31

Macedon, NY

A Celebration of Bob's life will be offered on Wednesday, April 28th at 3:30 PM at the

First Baptist Church

Main St.

Macedon, NY 14502

Memorials in memory of Bob may be directed to the church.

More interesting Web sites

We have found a couple of web sites which might be of interest.

FIRST: Many of us belong to PASSPORT AMERICA. Below is the link to their site. It provides latest updates regarding participating campgrounds.

http://www.passport-america.com/Default.aspx

SECOND: Sometimes we may be looking for free software. One site which we have found some good stuff is -

http://download.cnet.com/

Update regarding Golden Age Passes

In January, we posted that the USDA Forest sevice was going to significantly change the fee structure for Golden Agers. Recently, they announced they will NOT implement those changes. Below is an excerpt from that decision.

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

WASHINGTON, March 17, 2010--USDA Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell announced today his decision not to implement proposed changes to fees charged to holders of passes at Forest Service campgrounds operated by private businesses. The Chief's decision means Seniors and people with disabilities will continue to receive a discount at Forest Service campgrounds run by private concessions.

Possible alternative to September Rally

There still is no venue for our September rally. One possibility might be the New State RV Show. It will be at the NY State fairgrounds September 24th - 26th (our rally weekend).
Camping is $18.00 per night with electric. Entrance is $12.00 for a 2 day pass. Activities would be at the descretion of the attendees. Details will be made as we get closer to the date - if there is interest.
Below is a link to the web site which contains more information.

http://www.eastcoastshows.com/shows_rv-newyork.php

If interested, check out the link.

We found a new link to RV information that seems rather useful. It contains a lot of different info that may not be available in the typical magazines. It will be on our links on the right side of this blog. Click on the link below to check it out.
http://rvbasics.com/

Another website that may be useful (although sometimes self serving) is:
http://rvnewsservice.com/

Check out this link. FMCA used a picture of "Our Gang" in their March E-Mail Blast.

http://content.dynamicmessenger.com/fmca/?c92Q.ekZv63w2TaXT-QhFdg9iE1tl6mSc

FMCA Looking for volunteers in Albuquerque

Below is a note from Paul DuBois, FMCA Northeast Area Vice President

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

If any of you or your chapter members are going to Albuquerque , and would be willing to Volunteer, it would be appreciated.

Paul DuBois
Northeast Area VP


Subject: HELP IN ALBUQUERQUE
Hello All
I thought the Rocky Mountain Area would be able to provide the required number of volunteers for ABQ, but it doesn’t look like that is going to happen. So I am asking for some additional help.
We need help in Security, Seminars, Trams, and Handicap Carts. If you would please try and get the word out to your chapters that we need help I would appreciate it.
If anyone is interested, have them contact Bill Marti, Volunteer Coordinator, at:
Cell: 303-898-7039
or by email: billmarti@attglobal.net

New York to Reduce Services or Close State Parks

"RV News Service" reports that New York is reducing activities/services or closing 41 state parks. New York is facing some serious budget deficits and this is one way to help to reduce them (THEY HOPE ! )

Below is the link to the list of the parks and what is being done.

http://rvnewsservice.com/?p=346

Sue Bray, Executive Director, Good Sam Leaving

Sue Bray, who has been with Good Sam (and the Affinity Group) for 33 years is leaving to start her own consulting firm SUE BRAY CONSULTING (http://www.suebray.com/).

During her tenure, Good Sam grew five-fold to almost 1,000,000 families.

One of her first clients will be Good Sam.

FMCA Executive Director Search update

Below is a letter from Paul DuBois, FMCA Northeast Area President.

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I have been asked by several Northeast members what the status of the search for a new Executive Director is. At the present time , I have no more information than the Northeast members do. Unfortunatly the Northeast area is not represented on either the Management or Search commitee. This information is only shared with the other Board members on a need to know basis . For your information following is a list of the committee members and their areas

Management Committee
Charlie Schrenkel National President South East Area
Judy Czarsty National VP Eastern Area
Boby Donald AVP Western Area
Allen Rein AVP Rocky MT Area
Will Young National Treasurer SE Area

Executive Director Search Committee

Ross Boyer AVP Great Lakes Area
Tom Eller AVP South East Area
Fred Kennedy AVP South Central Area

As Northeast Area President I feel very strongly that the membership should be kept well informed. The Membership through the Governing Board will be called upon to make some very difficult decisions greatly affecting the future of FMCA. I feel that the only way that they can make the right decisions is to be kept well informed.in advance of making these decisions I will do everything in my power to make sure that this happens. I sincerely appreciate your comments and input they are valuable to me in making the decisions that I must make and to vote in your best interest.

Sincerely
Paul DuBois
Northeast Area President

Walt Ott

Sadly, we have lost another of our members - Walt Ott. Walt passed away from pancreatic cancer February 10th. He was a Pen-NY Mixer for many years. Anyone who had the good fortune to see his workmanship rebuilding player pianos, would appreciate his many talents.

Our prayers are with Pat and his family. Below is a brief biography, copied from the funeral parlor web site.

*******

Walter L. Ott, 69, of Waverly, NY and formerly of Owego, NY, passed away at home on Wednesday evening, February 10, 2010. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Patricia Ott; his two daughters and son-in-law, Trina and Nick Smith, Huntersville, NC, Angela Ott, Barneveld, NY; his mother, Julia (Ott) Barrett; his sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and James Nichols, Binghamton, NY; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Joseph Ott; his sister, Marlene Covey; and his step-father, Marshall Barrett. Walter was born on September 24, 1940, in Sayre, PA. He retired from IBM and Lockheed Martin in Owego after over 30 years of service. Walt always enjoyed camping trips with his family at Cayuga Lake and later with his motor home all around New York and Pennsylvania. He was extremely mechanical, and could fix anything he tried. He used this gift in restoring antique automobiles, and his love of rebuilding player pianos.

A Funeral Service will be held at Richards Funeral Home, Rte. 17c West, Owego, NY on Saturday February 13, 2010, at 2:00pm with his nephew, Mitch Nichols officiating. Interment will be at a later date in Tioga Cemetery, Owego. Family and friends are invited to visit at Richards Funeral Home on Saturday from 12:00 noon until the time of service at 2:00pm. Please consider a memorial contribution in memory of Walt to the Guthrie Clinic Oncology Department, Nancy Quattrini Fund, One Guthrie Square, Sayre, PA 18840 or to Lourdes Hospice, 169 Riverside Dr. Binghamton, NY 13901.

FMCA RAISES DUES AGAIN

As FMCA transitions from a fraternal organization funded by advertisers and commercial support to a one supported more and more by member dues, members face another dues increase.

So, if you want to renew at the current dues structure, renew before April 1st. Below is the last offer from FMCA.
Please take a moment to renew online (must sign in), call them toll-free at (800) 543-3622 or send a check. You can take advantage of the multi-year program and receive a discount.

1 - Year ($35.00)
2 - Years ($66.50)
3 - Years ($94.50)
5 - Years ($140.00)

Make checks payable to:
FMCA
8291 Clough Pike
Cincinnati, OH 45244-2796

Below is a paragraph from Charlie Shrenkel, FMCA National President, explaining the process used to arrive at the increase. Note, It does not mention the above offer.
So, TAKE CARE OF RENEWAL YOURSELF.

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

I wanted to let you know firsthand that the FMCA Governing Board voted by mail ballot (322 for, 91 against and 84 not voting) to increase the FMCA membership dues by $5.00 per year. Effective April 1, 2010, your annual dues will be $40 instead of $35. Steps have been taken over the last two years to reduce expenditures while at the same time keeping the quality of an FMCA membership. As I am sure you are aware, the motorhome industry, including many companies that are commercial members of FMCA, has experienced a downturn for the past two or three years. A number of companies have even gone out of business. As a result, the revenue FMCA receives from these commercial entities has declined. Some companies are now in the reorganization process and should be back with us soon, advertising in Family Motor Coaching magazine and participating in FMCA international conventions. It is important that we keep FMCA the organization that it is, which enhances your motorhome lifestyle with the exceptional benefits we offer. .............................

Charlie Schrenkel
National President

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

FYI - Links to other sites

On the right side of our blog is some potentially helpful links to other web sites. It includes sites like FMCA.COM, RV.NET and GOODSAM.COM.

Another site is GASBUDDY.COM which lists best gas prices. Just enter the name of a city.

SPEED TRAPS list speed traps by city.

Many of us need a Word Processor to create documents and letters. There is an excellant Word Processor that very closely mimics Microsoft Word. It's GOOD. There a link to a program 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/

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

January, 2010 Get together in Bushnell, FL

Thanks to Joe and Ellie VanHaelst, on January 30th 37 folks got together in Bushnell, FL at Dogwood Mobile Home Park. Members from Pen-NY Mixers, Fingerlakers, and Newmar motorhome chapters had a chance to share food, friendship and good stories.

Since it was raining in the "Sunshine State" most folks showed up early to start the festivities.

Tom Roule started off with get well wishes for Walt Ott and Doris Kline and a prayer for Ed Coon and Millie Worden and Annie Welton's brother who passed away recently. Ellie then started the feast with a prayer.

After dinner, most of us stayed until almost 4:00 pm to talk and catch up on recent events.

Thank you Joe and Ellie for getting us together.

Tentatively, plans are do it again on January 29, 2011.

National Park Golden Age Pass

I found this information in the St. Petersburg Times. Maybe you know it already.

In December, the Forest Service proposed a reduction in the discount from 50 percent to 10 percent at places managed by private concessionaires, a little more than half the total number of sites.

It appears the old "Golden Age Passport" will be phased out.

After our social socurity increase and the pending one next year, we should be able to handle the increases easily.

It's not a done deal, if you want to complain.

Lazydays

Now that Lazydays was able to file a prepackaged bankruptcy and restructure $137 Million in dept, it's founder can continue work on his 40,000 square foot mansion.

Check out this link.

http://www.tampabay.com/news/humaninterest/article1066093.ece

It's not quite Hearst Castle, but close.

January Get Together in Bushnell, FL

Our January get together is set again for 2010 in Bushnell, FL. Joe, and Ellie Van Haelst have secured the recreation hall at Dogwood Mobile Home Park. Below are some details.

Date: January 30, 2010

Time: 1 - 4 pm

Please bring a dish to pass.

Ellie will make coffee and Joe may make his famous potato soup. See the recipe from our blog archive.

Please contact the following folks if you think you are coming. That way, we will know how many may come.

Tom Roule: 585-739-9074

email: troule@aol.com
Joe & Ellie Van Haelst: 352-569-0958

email: ebvh2001@yahoo.com

DIRECTIONS:
Take I75 to exit 314 east. Go past Walmart to the blinking light (about 1 mile) to N. West St (a Babcock Store is on the corner). Turn right.
Go straight, (you will see the Park office on the second street to the right,) Continue on N. West St. to the end of block. That next street is West Noble.
Turn right and the Rec. Hall is on that corner. There is a parking lot in the front.

Hope to see you at Tomasso's (northern dinner) or Bushnell (or both).

Ed Coon Passes away

Ed Coon passed away on January 18th. Ed was one of the founders of the Pen-NY Mixer Chapter and friend of many campers in the southern tier of New York. He hosted numerous rallies at the Beaver Dams fire department.

Ed had a gala 98th birthday celebration last October 31st. The viewing and funeral are scheduled as follows at

ROYCE-CHEDZOY FUNERAL HOME
212 E. Fourth Street

Watkins Glen, NY

Telephone (607) 535-4331

VISITATION: Thursday, January 21, from 5:00pm - 8:00pm at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home

FUNERAL SERVICE: Friday at 1:00pm at Royce-Chedzoy Funeral Home

There is an on line obituary at the following web site.

http://royce.beyondfh.com/obits/obituaries.php/obitID/707887

He will be missed and our prayers are with his family.

Pen-NY Mixer Northern Luncheon Highlights

Pen-NY Mixer’s Luncheon (Northern Version) “Brrr-Brrrr”

Several hardy souls (twenty to be exact) braved plummeting temperatures and met together at Tomasso’s Restaurant, overlooking a snow-covered golf course, on January 9, 2010.

After a lively social hour, the following Pen-NY Mixer’s enjoyed their lunch: Charlie & Doris Kline, Ed & Sylvia Plaisted and son, Dwayne, Norm & Madeline Pease, John & Carla Couture, Jim & Sherry Miller, Phil Liberatore & Lury Wallenbeck, Joe & Shirley Lopreste, Jean Williams, Larry & Bonnie Pollow and our hosts, Larry & Barb Kotar.

Charlie Kline thanked everyone for their cards, thoughts and prayers throughout Doris’s illness. She’s finally on the mend and we were all glad to see here there at the luncheon. The group signed a card for Walt Ott and Sylvia gave us an update and encouraged all of us to keep him and Pat in our prayers.

We thanked Barb and Larry for planning this luncheon and all left with wishes for safe travel and good health until we meet again in May in Lakeville, NY, for our first rally of the 2010 season.

Submitted by
Bonnie Pollow

Winter update from Paul Dubois, Northeast Area President

Below are Paul DuBois' comments from the Northeast Area Newsletter. Tom

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NMA Newsletter Winter 2009 – 2010 – Paul DuBois
Hi Everyone,
Diane and I hope that you and yours had a very Merry Christmas, and that the New Year is proving to be a good one for you.
It is the time of year where we reflect on the old year and look forward to the new. 2009 was in many ways a difficult year for your Executive Board and the Northeast Area. Upon taking office as Northeast Area President, I had to spend the last two weeks in July and part of the first week of August out of the Area working at the National Convention in Bowling Green and then in Cincinnati for training. Diane and I left Cincinnati on August 6th and headed for Essex Junction for our rally and arrived on Friday the 7th. We “hit the ground running,” along with the rest of the Executive Board.
In October, 1st Vice President Lou Snow resigned. Ed Hoag, our 2nd Vice President, became ill and currently is still in New York State, awaiting the doctor’s okay to travel to Florida following necessary tests which could not be scheduled until late January. Last week our Treasurer Eleanor Rizzi experienced some eye problems which now fortunately are on the mend. Our Secretary, Kathianne Taylor, lost her mom this fall. So, as you can imagine, we are all really glad to be putting 2009 behind us!
The New Year, both for the Area and for FMCA at the National level, looks very promising. We have a great Northeast Area Executive Board. Our Past President Sam Allen has been very helpful with his input and I have enjoyed working with him. We work very well together, and we are determined to produce a wonderful 2010 Rally for you. We are going to offer several new events, among them a Motorhome Rodeo. In addition, we have several new vendors committed, including Craft Vendors.
On the National scene, we have an outstanding executive Board that has come up with many new ideas to improve FMCA. Our “Dozen Does It” program is in full swing, and we are currently working on additional programs that will be announced during the coming months.
Since the resignation of Don Eversmann, our Executive Director, FMCA has been governed by a management team made up of members of the Executive Board. Things have gone very smoothly and the co-operation from the Cincinnati staff has been outstanding.
Our National President Charlie Schrenkel told the Executive Board at our first meeting to “get our track shoes on” because we would need them. He has been true to his word. We have telephone conference calls every other week, and the emails that are constantly being exchanged among the Executive Board Members are filled with new ideas and new approaches to problem solving. FMCA’s financial picture is at last beginning to improve, and we are definitely on the “upswing.”
It is going to be a great FMCA New Year and we want you to enjoy it with us!

Paul DuBois, Northeast Area President

Nortwest Area Vice President

Below is the resignation of the FMCA, Northwest Area Vice President, Judy Keppler. We received this from Paul DuBois, NEA VP.

--------------------------------------------
January 7, 2010

TO: Northwest Area Executive Board Members and Members at Large
Charlie Schrenkel, President, Family Motor Coach Association

RE: Resignation

Effective today, I am resigning from the position of National Vice President – Northwest Area. My resignation is based on family medical issues.
I am proud to have served in this position and have given it my best. I have always had the members first and foremost in mind as I have made decisions and carried out the goals of this great organization.
Ron and I enjoyed meeting the chapter members of the area and will always remember each person with fondness.
I respectfully say to each person that has touched my life, thank you!

Sincerely,
Judy Keppler, F283131

Southeast Area Rally

Annual Southeast Area Rally is-
February 3 to 7, 2010
Hernando County Airport
Brooksville, Florida