Fuel price update

This Christmas, Santa realized he needed a more economical alternative to corn being used for ethanol.

Happy New Year !

May, 2012 Rally (May 25-28, 2012) Update

The May get together is on Memorial Day weekend at Ives Run, PA. As of December 23rd, there are only 22 non-electric sites left, if you want to attend.  All electric sites are reserved.

Better sign up soon, if you want to attend.

January, 2012 Dinner Plans

Barb and Larry Kotar have finalized the dinner plans for folks staying north.
It's planned for January 14th at Tomasso's Golf Course and restaurant in Waverly, NY.
Cocktails are at 1:00 with the dinner scheduled for 2 when you can order from the menu. More details under the
""Pen-NY Mixers Next Event" TAB

Florida Lunch Plans

We are planning a get together for folks in Florida.  We have reservations at the following restaurant:

Golden Corral

1720 Citrus Blvd  (US route 27)

Leesburg, FL 34748

Phone:  (352)728-3911

Date: February 11, 2012

Time: 1:00 pm

They have a banquet room which we have reserved.  It holds about 50 folks. You will be paying as you come in as it is a buffet.

If you want to join us, contact:

Tom Roule

Cell: 585-739-9074

email: troule@aol.com

That way we will have a approximate count.

Hope to see you there.

Trailer Life and Woodall's Campground Directories To become one

It's not a surprise that after Affinty Group bought Woodall's a few years ago one of the directories would disappear.  Affinity had already combined Highways (Good Sam) and RVView (Camping World President's Club) and Coast-to-Coast Magazine last year.
Now it's official - the merger will be completed in 2013. Trailer Life Directory and Woodall's Campground Directory will become one.  Some details are below:
http://blog.goodsamclub.com/2011/11/woodallstld/

VIN NUMBER - WARNING

WHAT WILL the car thieves THINK OF NEXT?

A potential car thief peers through the windshield of your car or vehicle, writes down the VIN # from the label on the dash, goes to the local car dealership and request a duplicate key based on the VIN #. The Car Dealer's Parts Department will make a duplicate key from the VIN #, and collect payment from the thief who will return to your car, insert the key and off he goes to a local chop shop with your vehicle.

Whether this is always accurate, the information is out there for thieves. So, should the solution. It's really simple.

By law, you cannot remove the VIN, but you CAN cover it so it can't be viewed through the windshield.

So, put some dark tape (electrical tape, duct tape or medical tape) across the VIN Number Metal Label located on the dashboard. 

More news about May, 2012

If you get reservations for Ives Run, please let Ed & Sylvia Plaisted know, so, they have a rough count.
Ed's email is:  esp365@yahoo.com
Sylvia's is:  sosew722@yahoo.com

For the people who are not going to Ives Run, we have also been invited to join the FingerLakers' May rally which will  be May 11-13 at Elkdale Campground, Salamanca, NY.

Wagon masters are: Dick & Mary Randall or contact Millie Worden, if interested.

Of course, you may attend both.
There will be lots more updates as we get closer.

May, 2012 Rally (May 25-28, 2012)

Because no one signed up for the Pen-NY Mixer May rally, several members have decided to go to Ives Run near Wellsboro, PA. on Memorial Week end.  This will not be an official rally.  If you would like to join in each member will have to make their own reservations. 

Ives Run fills up rapidly on Memorial weekend.  You can make reservations 6 months ahead.  Several members are making reservations for Tuesday (May 22nd) or Wednesday before the weekend.  If you have a Golden Age Pass don't forget to use it to get the discount.  So, if you want to go in on May 22nd, register Nov. 22nd.

Reservations need to be made through RESERVE AMERICA. They charge an $8.00 processing fee when registering. Below is the link to the site for Ives Run.

http://www.reserveamerica.com/campgroundDetails.do?subTabIndex=0&&contractCode=nrso&parkCode=ives 

Contact Ed Plaisted if you have questions.  Phone 607-529-3353, email esp365@yahoo.com

Northeast Area Has a Blog

The Northeast Area MotorHome Association of FMCA has a blog.  Check it out at the link below.
http://nma-fmca.blogspot.com/

October, 2011 Dinner Highlights

 

One of the beauties of living in the northeast is fall foliage.  Folks who left the area have missed one of latest  fall changes in recent memory. Our October dinner was close to peak color even though it was October 22nd. So, many of us drove through colorful foliage to Plaisted's for lunch.  In honor next 2012 September rally, Sylvia prepared bean soup. Women made creative designed purses.  Men solved the world's problems.
Only the Worden's and Roule's took advantage of Tomasso's letting folks park in the parking lot. However, 35 other folks showed up for the excellent dinner presented by Tomasso's.
Barb & Larry Kotar presided over the fare as well as door prizes for everyone.
On SUNDAY 8 folks showed up for breakfast at Tomasso's.
Thank you Barb & Larry, Ed & Sylvia for a nice weekend and great foliage.

Bradford Koshland Resignation

Below is a letter from Charlie Schrenkel regarding Brad Koshland.

October, 2011 Dinner plans

Our October dinner is planned for Tomasso's Restaurant in Waverly, NY. The date is Saturday, October 22, 2011.  We may bring our RV and stay overnight and enjoy Tomasso's breakfast on Sunday morning.  Happy hour begins at 5:00 pm with dinner at 6:00.
Larry & Barb Kotar are our wagon masters and deadline is October 15th.
Details are under the "Pen-NY Mixer Next Event" tab.

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

In addition, once again Ed & Sylvia Plaisted will be hosting a open house the afternoon of the dinner (Oct. 22th). Below is their invitation:

Everyone is invited to Ed & Sylvia Plaisted’s house on October 22, 2011 before the dinner at Tomosso’s.

Come as early as you want. We will be making soup for lunch. If you would like, bring a small snack.
For those of you who want, the girl’s will be making a “Vera Bradley” purse. You will need a Vera Bradley
place mat and a matching napkin. For more info call me 607-529-3353. You will need your sewing machine,
thread etc.
For the Golfers (weather permitting)Ed is planning golf – closest to the pin in our yard plus a game at
Tomosso’s after lunch.
If you could let us know if you are coming for lunch, it would be helpful. If not come anyway. You are welcome to drop in any time during the day.
If you get to Tomosso’s and need a ride call us. 607-529-3353

New Senior RV

RV Daily Report recently received a picture of a new senior RV.  Looks like it's perfect for the Villages, Florida.

September, 2011 Rally

Ed & Sylvia Plaisted and Lee & Shirley Moore pulled a rabbit out of a hat to find and get a site for our rally at Jim's RV Center for September.

Visiting Jim's RV in Nichols, NY for their annual customer appreciation rally turned out to be fun for all.  They had something going from Friday afternoon to after breakfast on Sunday. In addition, they provided service to coaches while we were there, charging little or no labor.

 

Caricature Art

17 coaches attended with 12 arriving on Thursday. Also, there were 20 or so units from prior customers of Jim's attending. Games abounded with hog calling, rodeo, best western outfit, BS contest (ask someone there about it) and more.
With competitive line dancing being a sport, we chose teams to compete, one led by Ed Plaisted and the other by Millie Worden.
In spite of competing with other guests, Pen-NY Mixers fared well. Nelson Hansen won the Hog Calling, Larry Kotar was the best BS'er, while Millie's Studs won the Line Dancing (if you can call it that).
Food was abundant with hot appetizers Friday night, full breakfast Saturday and Sunday, a chili cook off Saturday lunch and a beef briscitt dinner on Saturday.

Millie & Lori practice for 
Line Dancing

Thanks to Ed, Sylvia, Lee, Shirley and Jim's RV for a great weekend.

ONE FINAL THOUGHT: Nickols is on the shores of the Susquehanna River and saw the ravages of the floods earlier this month.  Most of the sewage treatment plants along the river were under water and that polluted water flowed through the first floor of many homes, ruining folks belongings.   Homes that had stood for over 100 years were in as much as 10 feet of water.  In addition, many trailers and double wides near the river were knocked off their foundations due to rapidly flowing water.

Our hearts and prayers go out to them. 

As I finish this on the 29th of September, I have heard that there is flood warning for parts of the area again!

Another Update from Bainbridge, NY

Walt Linden sent the following pictures from the General Clinton Park (Bainbridge Labor Day Rally site) after the floods last week. The stand of trees are where many Pen-NY Mixers park. Below is the view of the exit ramp from on I88

Remember, you can always see a larger view of a picture by "double clicking" on it.

More Flood Updates

Walt Linden has forwarded the following notes from folks in the flood area along the PA/NY border.  
From Ed & Sylvia Plaisted:
Walt & Beryl,  We did get some water in our cellar, but it is nothing compared with    what happened just a few miles east of us in Athens, PA and Owego, NY.  It is very bad.  We are so thankful that we did not get any river water.  What we got was surface water and it was very minimal.  Thanks so much for thinking of us.  Sylvia
From Barb Kotar
We finally ventured out today. We were on the mountain since Wednesday and I was getting cabin fever.  Part of the road going down the mountain is washed out but still passable. The only thing is when you get to the bottom that road is closed. The bridge that connects to town is out ( the road is washed away) so we now have a detour that is about  20-25 miles up over the mountain and down another way to the only bridge that is opened at this point.  The downtown is a mess as most of it had at least 4 to 5 feet of water and now they are dealing with mud. They are not letting anyone go into town unless you have a home or business there, and can produce proper identification. This is going to a long long clean up. I hope everything goes OK for your trip in a week or so. Take care and be safe in your travels.

Barbara

Bainbridge

Many Pen-NY Mixers were at Bainbridge for the annual Labor Day rally.  Here are a couple pictures from September 8th. The one below is from the 206 exit off I88.  There one to the right is Bainbridge Park.
These photos were done by a photographer with the Evening Sun (the local Norwich paper).

Here we go again

Those who did not get enough rain from Hurricane Irene got even more from the remnants of Lee. The heart of PenNY Mixer country got hit with as much as 9 inches of rain.
Walt Linden reported the following:
.......the Candor school has the boilers underwater now.
All the roads are closed into Candor. I just spoke with Barb, who said that all the fields around their house are flooded like a lake, but their house is OK.

They have had some surface water in the basement causing some minor problems, but George and Barb spent the day trying to save other people with his boat. The fire dept. got an airboat from Ithaca to save quite a few people.

All the roads and bridges in Owego are closed and the streets are all flooded, as is Hickories. They moved the RV's out of the park and closed it down for the season. I spoke with the Jenkins who were parked in the Town Hall parking lot in downtown with 3 other RV's. There is no way out since all their roads and bridges are closed. 

Route 17 is closed and the river is just under the bridge. We have a friend who has a blueberry farm in northwest Owego, but the blueberries are under 9 feet of water. He had a flock of sheep that all floated away while the neighbors were trying to gather them back in.
In Binghamton the river overflowed the flood walls at 10 AM, and everything has been flooded since. The water is flowing very fast. Oneonta is closed and most of the towns along the Susquehanna are also. 

Unbelievable! Worse than hurricane Agnes in 1972.

---

Below is a short video from the Huffington Post about Oneonta. Just click on it. You can come back to blog by clicking on the PenNY Mixer tab above. Tom

Video From Oneonta

September, 2011 Rally

Remember, our September Rally has been changed to Jim,s RV Center. 

Dates: September 22-25, 2011

Cost: $40

Registration forms were mailed earlier. If you have not registered for the September Rally yet, it is not too late. Contact Ed and Sylvia Plaisted. (607-529-3353)

Ed Plaisted says we can come in on Thursday that weekend. We will have a better chance of parking together if we come in on Thursday.You are still welcome to come on Friday.

See the agenda under our next event tab.

Hurricane Irene

Many PenNY Mixers live near or in the path of Hurricane Irene that rolled through August 26-29th.
Seneca Falls, the site of our last rally was on the fringe of the storm.
A week after the storm, many folks are trying to recover from the torrential rains of the weekend.  A few pictures show the effects and what folks saw.

The 2 pictures to the right were taken in Margaretville, NY in the Catskill mountains.  Amazingly, the stop light is the top picture is still working.

The pictures on the left are from Windham, NY.  
Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone trying to recover.

PenNY Mixers in Madison, WI for 86th FMCA International

The week of August 8th brought members of the PenNY Mixers to Madison, Wisconsin for the 86th annual FMCA rally.  Many PenNY Mixers were parked in front of the dome at the Alliant Energy Center.

Almost perfect weather and a warm welcome from Madison made the event a great week.  The event was visited by all the local tv stations.  Northeast was highlighted on channel 15, NBC as Ed Smith (NMA Vice President Barb's husband) & Tom Roule were interviewed.  Click on the link below to see the video.

You may need use the "back" on you keyboard to return to this blog after you've viewed the video.

Madison channel 15 FMCA video

NMA chapter members got together twice in open forum discussions led by President, Paul Dubois.
The first one was on Tuesday before the Governing Board meeting on Wednesday where Paul and Ed Hoag led review of the upcoming elections.  While they could not advize area directors how to vote, considerable discussion centered around experiences with national candidates.

Walt Linden - Bev Brown

Election results from Wednesday, August 10th were as follows:

• National President:  Charlie Schrenkel
• National Senior Vice President: Allen Rein
• National Secretary:  Vicky Ferrari
• National Treasurer:  Wil Young

As always, Walt Linden represented us during the Meetings.

PenNY Mixer Governing Board Members

In other business, Hutchinson, Kansas was chosen for the 2013, 50th FMCA anniversary rally.  National Directors will not reimbursed for 2012 87th International.  Consideration is being given to combining one of the winter regional rallies with the winter international.  Currently, the plan is to cancel the 2012 and 2013 winter rallies.

Our second NMA get together was a general discussion led be Paul Dubois, Barb Smith and Lorie Hoag (Ed was under the weather).  Paul was soliciting ideas for improvement within the area.  Some folks expressed interest in moving the rally to different venues.  Essex Junction more than meets our needs with great facilities and reasonable electric, but an occasional alternative would make returning to Essex Junction "new".  The challenge for the area is finding a location that is open to vendors from out of the area.  Paul asked for help finding and securing a location that meets the area's requirements.
Much discussion also centered around how to include trailers and 5th wheels to foster growth of the organization. This topic will be on future agendas.
Finally, we had a brief visit from our new board officers.
Coach count was 1810 family units.  Total coaches exceeded 2200.  The vendor building was loaded with a variety of products and it seemed busy all the way through Saturday.
Restaurants were great and reasonable.

Sherry Miller's Award

Sherry is very excited as she won first place in the open division quilting at the NYS Fair. 
The quilt will now compete for best in show. They are going to go to the fair on Friday while they are at the rally.

GOOD LUCK, SHERRY !

September, 2011 Rally Change

Good news for the Robbins, problem for the Pen-NY Mixers.  Lee and Vivian Robbins decided to place their house "for sale".  And-----they got an offer in a week with the stipulation they close before August 31st.
Neither Lee or Vivian are easily flustered, but this is close.  As a result, they have asked if an alternative site could be found.
Thanks to Shirley and Lee Moore and Ed and Sylvia Plaisted, we will be going to Jim's RV in Nichols.  We will be part of Jim's Customer appreciation weekend, September 23-25.

The deadline is August 19th. 

Price is $40 with Thursday arrivals being ok.

 Please have checks made out to Jim’s  RV Center but Mail to Ed Plaisted.

Ed's email is  
Esp365@yahoo.com
Phone:  607-529-3353

Happy Travels.

Preliminary Madison highlights

A number of  Pen-NY Mixers are visiting the 86th International Convention in Madison, Wisconsin.  On Wednesday, the local NBC news affiliate visited the governing board area we are staying to capture the flavor of  1911 family coaches visiting.
Admittedly, this is a little self serving, but below is the link.  The story is about 3 minutes in length.  So, I would suggest you have a high speed connection before trying to view the segment.
http://video.nbc15.com/global/video/flash/popupplayer.asp?ClipID1=6137803&h1=VIDEO%3A%20Tim%20Travels%20Mini%20City%20Motors%20into%20Madison%206am%208/10/2011&vt1=v&at1=News&d1=40656&LaunchPageAdTag=News&fvCatNo=&backgroundImageURL=&activePane=info&rnd=22299924

We had rather high expectations for Madison; and, so far, results have exceeded those.

Walmart Information

We noticed that our local "Walmart Superstore" seemed to have fewer items then previously.  Then while traveling through Montana, we stopped in a store that had "most" of the items we usually saw but without the "Superstore".
When asked, we were told Walmart is reducing inventory to increase "turnover" rate in some superstores and removing the "Superstore" name.
So, at least we know it's ok to look elsewhere.

----------

Some good news about Walmart:
Most of  us have IPADS or laptops, and find that Walmarts can be found on map programs along with address and phone number.

• So, Sharon locates a Walmart where we want to stay
• Calls the phone number
• Asks for customer service
• Asks if it is ok to "park overnight"

So far, they have been extremely willing to answer our questions. So, we know where to stay several hours in advance.

August 2011 Rally plans

The Wordens, Lindens and Millers have finalized plans for the August rally.  Check out our "Next Event" page for information.
Below is a map of the location.

Information about Gas prices

We've been wandering around the northern US the past few weeks and noticed the price of gas is not is variable as we've been led to believe in the northeast - aka "we have highest price is the US".
As we arrived in the higher altitudes, 89 octane became less than 87 because it has 10% Ethanol.  DA - all our gas in the east has Ethanol.
Then - "Regular" became 85 octane and "Super" became 87 or 88 octane.  Our owners manual says "Don't use 85 octane".
So, now we find 87 octane in the mountains is equal to or higher price than 87 in the northeast.

Once again - watch out for "lying with statistics"!

Slide and Jack maintenance News

On our way west, we stopped at HWH in Moscow, IA to have some work done on our aging Jacks.  Not to our surprise, the right front had to be replaced.  I had been using a pribar to get up most of the time since we were in Florida.  The other 3 needed springs.

After they changed the springs, the left front was slow returning.  So, the lead technician said, "get the WD40".  He then squirts the jack and it returns.

Of course, I said: "Can I say I saw that?".  Yep !


So, this is the closest I have ever seen to maintenance recommendations for jacks and slides - as spoken by an HWH lead technician:

• NEVER spray the jacks with teflon or silicone based products.  They dry out the seals.
• Once a month exercise your jacks and slides.
• If the jacks become slow returning, clean them with "carburator/brake pad cleaner" and spray them with WD40
• Even though working fine, periodically spray the jacks with WD40.

Hope this is helpful.

We are in the "Badlands".  We got to camp in the daddy of BASS OUTFITTERS - CABELAS in Sidney, Nebraska.  Jim Miller will be green with envy.

We hope to make it to Madison about August 9th.
Happy travels.

July 2012 Rally info from Jim & Sherry Miller

Below is an update from Jim & Sherry regarding our return visit to Harborfest.

We have made plans to return to Oswego, NY for Harborfest in July 2012. The Port Authority is renting us the same lot on the lake.

There is plenty of room so if you have a friend with a motor home invite them. A rally is a great way to introduce someone to FMCA. If you send us an email we will add them to our list and keep them up to date.

If you have any questions contact us or any of the other rally hosts.

Jim & Sherry Miller

Alternative to FMCA International

In our investigation of possible places to visit while in the Northwest, we concluded Rapid City, SD was centrally located for an extended visit.
The area is host to the 71st Sturgis motor cycle rally.  Dates are from August 8th-14th (conflicts with FMCA).  But, if you looking for a real exciting alternative to FMCA, check out

http://www.sturgis.com/calendar/schedule.php

They celebrate in class with daily "buffalo chip" beauty contests, 240 min beer and hots daily starting a 9 am.  Judging for beauty contests are solely on bikinis and lingerie. Daily entertainment is from 9 am - 1:30 am

They even publish the fines for various infractions, should we choose to participate.

Sure looks different.

If you go, bring your nitroglycerin.

FMCA Madison Update

Pangburns, Antens and Lindens will be stopping at the Blackhawk RV Park in Rockport, Illinois Aug 6th prior to going to Madison. We will enter the rally site on Aug 7th.

There is free public parking at exit 262 on Rt 12/18 a few blocks from the main gate where we will enter. We could meet there.

If you want to go in with the group, contact Walt at 585-747-6146

Pen-NY Mixers have been asked to help Fingerlakers with handicap parking at the FMCA International.

If you are attending and interested, contact Millie Worden at 585-243-2951

The rally dates are from August 10-13, 2011.

July Rally Information

The July rally has been set and we are returning to Beaver Dams for the first time in several years.  Our Wagon Masters are:  Cole’s, Couture’s, Moore’s, McGlynn’s, and Plaisted’s.
You can view the agenda under NEXT EVENT tab or click on the link below.

http://pennymixers.blogspot.com/p/pen-ny-mixers-next-rally.html

Copied from the newsletter

June Rally Highlights

If you missed the June 2011 Pen-ny Mixer Rally you really missed a lot. Our hosts worked very hard before and during the rally to make it enjoyable for everyone and they succeeded. We had rain off and on, but that did not hinder our fun.

Several coaches arrived on Thursday and enjoyed each others company. Several went to local shops and attractions. The remainder of the coaches arrived on Friday. There were 21 coaches all together. We welcomed new FMCA members Jim and Nancy Smith.

Our hosts prepared sloppy joe,s for everyone for dinner on Friday. Half of the coaches brought salads. It was a great way to kick off the weekend with everyone together.  After dinner our hosts played card bingo.
Saturday we had a continental breakfast followed by our meeting and show n tell. For the rest of the day we were free to visit local attractions. Charlie enjoyed the Curtis Air Museum, several went to the Windmill and other attractions.

The theme of the weekend was Kentucky Derby so of course the women (and Carl) decorated hats in honor of the Derby. Everyone had fun decorating their hats with flowers ribbons etc. Most wore their hats during the dinner and the following derby race.

The Hammondsport Fire Dept prepared a lovely dinner of chicken and biscuits. After dinner the race was on. Our hosts had everything very organized. There were 6 horses racing.(They were kept in a corral so they would not bother us during dinner). Neena made and decorated the horses.

The betting was fast and furious. I noticed that Nancy Smith placed all her money on her husband (Horse # 5). Members were knocking each other over to get to the betting table. Our jockeys were Shirley Moore, Rose McGlynn, Lee Robbins, Jim Smith, John Couture, and Reed Johnson .

Viv Robbins was in charge of the pooper scooper. The crowd cheered the horses on. Something must have
been wrong with Lee Robbins horse, he seemed to lag behind a lot. The winners of the betting made big money on the horses. The bets were $.25.

After the race we enjoyed dessert.

Our hosts did it again on Sunday Morning. They prepared egg & ham on English muffins for all of us. It was a great time for all.

Copied from the newsletter

June Rally Agenda

If you have seen the June newsletter, the June rally is all set with Nelson & Neena Hansen acting as wagon masters with help from Fairbrother’s, Robbins’, Lury & Phil, Rossner’s and Jean Horton.
The agenda can be seen clicking on our NEXT EVENT  or click on the link below.

http://pennymixers.blogspot.com/p/pen-ny-mixers-next-rally.html

May, 2011 Rally Highlights

For the 3^rd consecutive year, 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 18 coaches attending, we managed to enjoy 3 of the 4 seasons in a 5 day span.  Because of the recent monsoons, many folks parked on the pavement in the parking lot.   

Early entertainment consisted of getting the Glossner's out of the mud with the help of a 1943 Farmall.  In spite of the weather we had good food and things to do thanks to our hosts the Klines, Lindens, Wordens, Strubles and Roules. 

Eleven motor homes arrived on Thursday with the rest arriving on Friday.  Our official first activity was traveling to several restaurants including the classic Big Tree Inn in Geneseo – led by Donna and Gene Struble. 

Saturday morning started with a continental breakfast, along with Millie Worden's oatmeal.  It was followed by "Show-n-tell" and, then a Poker Walk.  A potluck dinner followed provided by all the participants.  Honored guests included Ed and Leslie Sharpe (President of the Firemen’s Exempt and Hall Manager).  Evening entertainment was a guess the location of pictures of places we visited followed by “pass the ace” won by Bob Webster.  During the day on Saturday, we had visits from Jim & Sherry Moore and Jack & Charlie Hassett in their new car.  Les and Betty Sliker joined us for Pass the Ace Saturday night.

Sunday morning breakfast consisted of pancakes, sausage and rolls, etc..  This was followed by a tour of the firemen’s training facilities – thanks to the Sharpes.  This worked up an appetite for an ice cream social.  Our evening dinner consisted of spaghetti and Charlie Kline’s famous meat sauce, salad, and Italian bread. This was followed by a Chinese auction hosted by Sharon Roule and Bob Webster and then more “pass the ace”.

Monday morning ended our Memorial Day weekend with a continental breakfast.

During the rally, it was noted THIS IS THE 20^TH ANNIVERSARY  of our chapter.  Among members present were 3 charter members – Ed and Sylvia Plaisted, Lee and Vivian Robbins (also founders)  and George and Millie Worden.


Below are a few pictures.

A Little Florida (very little) in New York

For those folks longing for Florida about now, maybe this will help -

JAMESTOWN, N.Y. - A call of an alligator on the loose snapped police into action in western New York. Police in the city of Jamestown say a resident called about 7:45 a.m. Tuesday to report an alligator in a side yard. Officers and the city's animal control officer were able to round up the 3-foot creature without incident. They don't know where it came from or how long it may have been wandering the city.  
The Associated Press 2011-05-17 16:40:58 GMT

Thanks to Walt Linden for the article

THANK YOU, George and Millie

George and Millie Worden are members of the Pen-NY Mixers and the Fingerlakers.  Millie has been past president of the Pen-NY Mixers and is current President of the Fingerlakers.  George is Treasurer of the Fingerlakers.
There are 12 rallies between our chapters this summer.  It's worthy to note that in a addition to their officer duties, they are wagon masters (or co-wagon masters) to 5 of the 12 this summer.  Two (including our Memorial Day rally this month) for the Pen-NY Mixers and 3 for the Fingerlakers.
Volunteering is typically thankless and without pay - except for an occasional "thank you". We are certainly not the first but if you see them (and you will), pat them on the back and say -

'THANK YOU !"

And then ask,

'WHAT CAN I DO TO TO HELP?"

Flying J - Pilot Information

As you know, the FLYING J and PILOT merger has been completed. On our way north, we found they seem to have adjusted prices to be more competitive with their peers.

Also, PILOT honors your FLYING J - FMCA card.  So, you get 2 cents off every gallon.

Also, they have a combined advantage card you may get at any PILOT or FLYING J. Once received, you need to activate it on the web site or by phone.  Their web site is:

http://www.pilottravelcenters.com/

Their web site posts fuel prices for every station at 6:00 am each morning.  So, you can see if they have good price during your travels.

Remember, that if you want to check gas prices in any location, go to-

http://www.gasbuddy.com/

Fingerlaker Rally at Elkdale RV Camground

Those folks who visited ELKDALE RV Campground last fall might be interested to know the Fingerlakers visited there for their May rally - their third visit.

OUR INITIAL QUESTION WAS:  How many came? With 20 motor homes attending, the count was down from the last couple years, plenty for a good time.

The weather started out unusual with temperatures in the low 80's and the turned to what has been the usual recently - wet !  Rained most of Saturday and Sunday.  Fortunately, the campsites seem to absorb the amazing amount of rain we have had this spring.

However, as usual, it was the company, things to do and good food that made the difference.  As last year, Saturday lunch was highlighted by Linburger cheese tasting.

I think I overheard they are going back next year.

Hydrofracking !!!! (What's this?)

While this may be beyond the scope of our BLOG, the cost of fuel and the options available might make the following topic informative. If you don't want this kind of post, let me know.

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"Hydrofracking" or hydraulic fracturing are terms which describe a technique used to extricate Natural Gas from the Marcelus Shale in New York, PA and Ohio.  The process consists of drilling deep wells into the shale and then pressurizing them with water to burst the shale and release the natural gas.

Could this be a potential solution for high energy costs in the northeast?  Pen-NY Mixer country is in the heart of the discussion.

Sounds great, right?  Well as with any sophisticated system, folks ask: are there some problems? Well, yes, maybe.  There are some instances where ground water "may" have been contaminated by the water used for hydrofracking.  ATTORNEYS are jumping on this potential bandwagon. Check -

http://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/hydraulic_fracturing_fracking?gclid=CK7Mh8Cg6KgCFSJ-5QodmRvhCA

In spite of the fact hydrofracking is being used in Texas, folks in the southern tier and residents of NYC are petitioning to put it on hold. So, as potential benefactors, this brings up choices of some current energy options and their status.

• Over 50% of our oil comes from outside the US.  Isn't more US oil a  better alternative?
• Deep water oil drilling in the Golf of New Mexico is on hold after the BP rig explosion.  Is it better than natural gas from NY?
• ANWR area of Alaska has some of the largest reserves in the world.  Drilling has been delayed. Is it a better choice?
• There's potentially large quantities of oil in shale in Montana and Canada.  It still needs development and hydrofracking may be part of the solution. Is it possibly better NY natural gas? 
• And, of course, we have ethanol.  Attempts to use it almost drove the price of food through the roof depleting NY's corn supplies.

These do not take into account natural gas and ethanol and most alternatives to gasoline and diesel are not as efficient (lower MPG).  And then there is nuclear and wind mills. But those are topics for another time.

Any solution has some risks. As you see, we as a country, seem to be afraid to try anything.  So, if we continue to put the alternatives to imported oil on hold, we will be using horses for our transportation and droppings to get methane to run our power plants.

Dometic Refrigerator Recall Information

Dometic Corporation has decided that a defect which related to motor vehicle safety exists on some of the two door refrigerators it manufactured between April 1997 and May 2003 for installation in recreational vehicles.

The Problem: A fatigue crack can develop in the boiler tube of the identified refrigerators, which can permit the release of pressurized coolant solution. If this solution is exposed to an ignition source under certain specific circumstances, it can result in a vehicle fire.

Potentially Affected Units:
NDR1062, RM2652, RM2662, RM2663, RM2852, RM2862, RM3662, RM3663, RM3862, and RM3863. The possible affected units have serial numbers that begin and end  with the following combinations:
713xxxxx through 752xxxxx
801xxxxx through 852xxxxx
901xxxxx through 952xxxxx
001xxxxx through 052xxxxx
101xxxxx through 152xxxxx
201xxxxx through 252xxxxx
301xxxxx through 319xxxxx

The recent expansion of this recall now includes the same two-door refrigerators, manufactured between June 2003 and September 2006.

If you own one of the following above units, it requires immediate service and continuing use could pose a potential safety hazard.
How Do I Know If My Refrigerator Is Being Recalled?
1) Find your refrigerator's model and serial numbers by opening the refrigerator door and looking for the sticker attached to the side wall of the interior.
2) Call 1-888-446-5157 or go to www.dometicusa.com 

(or http://67.238.126.140/recall.php) 

to confirm if your refrigerator is affected by the recall.

It's Travel time !

It's no secret that gas and diesel have broke the $4.00 per gallon barrier.  This always raises the question whether we should stop travel.
So, here's some food for thought.  I'm using our camper as an example which gets 7 - 7.5 mpg.  The difference between $3 (last year) and $4 causes the cost per mile to go from 42 cents to 57 cents.

• To travel 200 miles round trip to a rally will cost $30 more than last year.  6 Rallies will cost $180 more than last year.  Does that break the bank?
• If your motor home is worth $30,000 it will depreciate $3000 (10%) - $250 per month. So, one month depreciation is more than the incremental cost for gas for the whole rally season.  Depreciation occurs whether the motor home is used or not.
• We just bought new tires last year - $2400.  They will last 6-8 years - whether we use the motor home or not.  So, my tires are being used at roughly one tire per year ($400) - more than 2 times the incremental cost of gas.
• As you know, if your motor home sits, something probably won't work when you go to use it.  So, there is some repair cost to try and get ready to go.  That's why the first trip of the year was called a "shake down".

Everyone has to analyze their own situation.  But if we had the money to buy these toys in the first place, it seems like a waste of the investment to let it sit unused.

Our first rally is Memorial Day weekend in Lakeville.  It will cost $60 for 3 nights ($75 for 4).  We try to make it a bargain.  We will  see some great people, have some good food, and have a little fun.  Fuel will probably cost more for some than the rally fee.  Think of it as a "shake down".  

Click on the "Next Event" to see what's planned.

We look forward to seeing everyone!

Nitrogen vs compressed air for our tires

Once again a major publication is promoting we consider replacing compressed air in our tires.  The latest is the FMCA.  In -

www.FMCA.COM//polks-top-7/3380

Ron Polk suggests a number of reasons to consider nitrogen.  Here are a few counter points left over from high school science.

• Air is made up of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen and the rest are trace elements. So, the most we can add is 22%. more nitrogen.
• The atomic weight of Nitrogen is 14, Oxygen 16 making Nitrogen about 10% lighter than Oxygen.

So, to replace 22% of air with a product that weights less than  10% less means that the new composition weights 2% less. Remember, all the assumptions are based on changing just 22% of the material in the tire with a product that has ONE PROTON.

On an RV tire that weighs approximately 75-150 pounds, ask yourself if 2% less air makes sense.

COMMON FOLKS !  Please help me.

Does "shrinkage" = "inflation"?

Did you notice packages fit in your refrigerator easier? We did.  Here are a few examples:

• 32 oz jar of Mayo now is 30.
• 64 oz container OJ is now 59 oz
• 1/2 gal ice cream is now 1 3/4 qts.
• 16 oz of frozen veggies is 14 oz.

We have not noticed corresponding prince drops. So, even though 2 folks may not notice we are "loosing weight", it sure means INFLATION just as much as $3.50/gal gas.

CHECK YOUR GROCERY LABELS !

We will be returning to Harbor Fest

For those of you who visited Haborfest in 2010, we have preliminary plans to return in July, 2012.  Jim and Sherry Miller have been contacted about coming back next year.
They have secured the help of the Sprout's and Roules to put together the agenda.
More news will follow.

Charlie Schrenkel, past president FMCA health update

Charlie Schrenkel wrote a very informative update regarding his health in the March issue of "Family Motor Coaching" magazine (page 16).  As we previously documented, he needed to resign his post due to an apparent rare blood disorder.
Thanks to his son's research, his problem was found to be an allergic reaction to medication he was taking for his eyes.  He had taken the medication previously without problems.
For those of us who have had an adverse reaction to a med, this is very helpful.
His story is the reminder when we start to feel different, go back and ask "WHAT CHANGED?"

May, 2011 Rally preliminary plans

Our rally committee has some ideas for the May rally and they are on our blog.  Since many of us are traveling or trying to get things organized at home, these are still preliminary.  If you check on the Pen-NY MIXERS NEXT EVENT tab above you can see what the ideas are.
The most important thing is - WE WANT TO SEE YOU !

The ground hog Blew It

Below is a note from Jim Miller about our early spring predicted by the ground hog.

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Thought those still in Florida would like to see what they are missing. Yesterday was the third day of snow this week.
Jim

Tom's comments -
Those of us in Florida are on our 12th straight day over 80.  Ten day forecast is for more of the same with some scattered showers next week. Best weather in years.
We will bring a bucket of heat when we leave in a couple weeks.

FMCA Perry, GA rally attendees from Walt Linden

Below is a note from Walt about the Perry Rally.

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The Fingerlakers and Penny Mixers caravanned with 20 Motorhomes.
There was a total of 2970 units.  2706 family coaches and 264 commercial
coaches.

Walt and Beryl Linden

Email with "Hi" in the subject line may contain a virus

You may recently have received an email with just "Hi" in the subject line.  When you open it, you may find that it lists one of us and wants you to join a social networking site called "jhoos.com".

It will ask to "Accept" or "Decline".  

Do NOT do EITHER !

According to Microsoft,  it contains a small program which goes into your contacts and sends everyone the same request.  It may also place a virus on your computer.

Most Antivirus software should catch it, but if you aren't using any, you may be vulnerable.

I got 2 such emails.  Just remember don't acknowledge anything that has "jhoos.com" anywhere in the email.

By the way, do you remember what a "jhoo" is?

Discovery Shuttle Launch

We stood  2 1/2 hours atop this bridge, February 24th. -------

To view the following ---------------------------------------

IT'S OUR PICTURE AND THE EXPERIENCE WAS ONCE IN A LIFETIME !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  WORTH EVERY SECOND !

This is Discovery's last scheduled mission and there are only two more manned US space flights left.

Annual Get together at Osaka's Steak House, Leesburg

Walt and Beryl Linden arrived from Texas this week and it didn't take them long to arrange a get together of 17 folks at Osaka's Japanese Steak House in Leesburg, FL.
It started by gathering in the parking lot and talking. Then having a great fun dinner in the restaurant and, finally, gathering in the parking lot to talk.
One of the accompanying side dishes at Japanese Steak Houses is their "white sauce".  We  consumed lots of it and then wondered how it is made.  A little research found the following web site link that prides itself in cracking recipes.

http://www.japanese-steakhouse-white-sauce.com/white-sauce-recipe.htm

No Politics in our blog - well maybe

Those of us who live in the Rochester/Buffalo region find ourselves without a congressman.  CHRIS LEE, the congressman from our district somehow thought that no one would notice if he answered an ad on Craigslist.com for a man. Chris is married with children, but chose to send a picture of himself to the solicitor.  Now, he has resigned over the scandal.
Those of us who don't realize it, when you press 'SEND' you open a window to ONE BILLION people.
We hoped our congressman was smarter than Bret Farve, Venessa Hudgens, Britney Spears, Lindsey Lohan and a host of others whose judgement is questionable.
If you don't want your spouse, mother, children or boss to see an email, don't press "SEND".

Interesting experiences at the Southeast Area Rally

Last Thursday, February 3rd, we visited the SEA Rally in Brooksville, FL - about a 1 hour drive from where we are in Leesburg.  Arriving about 10:30, we were greeted at the gate and directed to the day use parking area where we paid $7.00 per person for a day pass.  For the record, day pass visitors get:
... A very distinctive sticker signifying DAY PASS
... Access to the vendor tent
... Access to the motor home displays
... NO access to seminars
... NO access to the entertainment

We visited the vendor tent and made some notes about what would pick up on our way back to the car.  Then, we visited the coach displays.  They were more extensive then we recalled from the last time we were there.  About 3:00 pm, we decided to wander back to the vendor tent and purchase the items we had ear marked.
Approaching the entrance to the tent, we were stopped and told the tent was "CLOSED".  If we wanted to buy anything, we should return the next day.  We explained we were DAY PASS and not coming back the next day.  They told us there was going to be a parade, and vendors were CLOSED.
If I were a vendor, I would have been seriously angry.  As a potential customer, we weren't too happy either.
Last time we went with the motor home, there were about 2000 families.  Now it's about half.  I can understand why attendance has dropped.
There is some anecdotal evidence that other visitors were disappointed with the hospitality of the rally volunteers. Hopefully, they will realize there are opportunities for improvement.

Wal-mart Parking

Recently, there was a note on the FMCA blog about an idiot from Florida suing Wal-mart because they had opened their door of their camper to a potential intruder.  Their case is that Wal-mart is responsible for their security. 
This type suit has the potential of ruining a privilege afforded RV'ers.  Since we feel no one should be responsible for our lunacy except ourselves, we sent a note of appreciation to Wal-mart for their gracious hospitality.  
Below is a copy of that note.  Feel free to use any part should you feel like writing.

...  Copy is 'ctrl' + "c".  

...  Paste is 'ctrl' + "v"

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Walmart Home Office
702 SW 8th Street
Bentonville, Arkansas 72716-8611

Dear Sir or Madam:

The purpose of this note is to thank WALMART and its employees for your warm hospitality as we travel the roads of North America in our motor home.

Recently, on our annual trip to Florida, we encountered snow from upstate New York to middle South Carolina.  Most campgrounds were covered with snow and inaccessible.  On two occasions, we stopped in WALMART, asked permission to park overnight and were warmly welcomed.  Since most items in the motor home were not ready for use due to winterizing, we used these occasions to stock up.

We stay in WALMART on various occasions each year.  We always:

·        Ask permission (as there may be some zoning restrictions)

·        Ask if you want us to park in a specific spot.

·        Don’t stay more than overnight.

·        Try not to look like we are “camping”.

·        Use the visit to “stock up”.

We believe parking in WALMART is a privilege, want to thank you for that privilege, and hope you will continue to grant it.

Best Regards,

Tom and Sharon Roule

Past President, Pen-NY Mixer Chapter, FMCA

March, 2011 FMCA Rally

FMCA has announced that the 85th annual rally at the Georgia National Fairgrounds in Perry, GA will welcome "towable" RV's including trailers and 5th wheels.
Obviously, this is a major departure from their bylaws and constitution and places FMCA in direct competition with Good Sam. Ed Hoag, NEA vice president tells us the Northeast Area of FMCA plans the same thing.
The discounted sign up deadline for Perry is February 7th.
The dates of the rally are March 14th to 17th.
Watch our blog as caravans from Florida to Perry are planned.  George & Millie Worden will be leading these.

2011 January Florida Dinner Highlights

Our annual January Florida dinner was held at the GOLDEN CORRAL on route 27 in Leesburg, FL. We gathered in a reserved room about 1:00 pm with folks having a chance to socialize and tell stories.  The 46 attendees were dominated by members from the Pen-NY Mixers and Fingerlakers. Honored guests included Ed & Lori Hoag.  (Ed is an FMCA Northeast Area Vice Presidents).

Being a buffet, food was plentiful, great variety and excellent tasting. After folks got their first course, Tom Roule asked for a moment of silence for the passing of Mary Lucas, Lucille Davenport and Carol Shafer's son-in-law. Ed Hoag briefed us regarding upcoming plans for the Northeast Area.  (Some other posts on our blog describe these events). We expressed pleasure to hear Bob Schoonover is doing better after his stroke and Charlie Kline is healing from his first carpal tunnel surgery.

Stories and chat were plentiful. In spite of all our attempts, the food was still abundant as 4 pm approached.  So, those there finally gave up for other activities (including a cruise by the Wordens and Sprouts).

Hoping to see each other again soon, all departed full.

Paul DuBois running for reelection of FMCA Northeast Area Vice President

Below is Paul DuBois' summary of his accomplishments and goals. 

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Dear Officers of the Northeast Area Chapters,

          I have decided to seek another term as Northeast Area Vice President.  The past two years have been very difficult on the National level for FMCA.  We have operated without an Executive Director for most of that period, resulting in numerous problems for both the Executive Board and the Staff.

          Finances have been a major concern.  On a positive note, I believe that we have had the services of one of the best Finance Committees that we could possibly have. They have been able to look at the entire picture and make well-balanced decisions. In budget preparation they have demanded answers from department heads, and have watched over monthly expenditures. They have watched very closely over our investments and have kept the Executive Board informed, and they have not hesitated to make recommendations to the Board concerning the investments.

          As I advised you a while ago, I have been selected to mentor our new Executive Director Brad Koshland. This will give me the opportunity to make him aware of the problems that the areas face, and of the importance of the areas to the operation of FMCA as a whole.

          The next few years are going to be crucial to FMCA.  Our membership continues to decline; despite the new members we gain, we have a net loss of approximately 500 members a month. There are several reasons for this. In some cases our membership is ageing out.  In addition, younger people are not joining in the numbers we would like to see. We have to develop a way of drawing younger members into our organization.

          The dynamics of the RV industry are changing. For a number of reasons, motorized units are no longer selling at the rate we were used to a few years ago. The banks have tightened credit requirements, and current motorhome owners who are upside down on their loans frequently find that they are no longer able to finance a new unit. The banks are demanding a FICA score of at least 740 and a very large down payment for financing a motorhome.  These requirements usually prevent or discourage would-be owners – especially the younger ones – from making that first-time purchase. And cost factors aside, many members of the “younger generation” seem simply to be in love with pickup trucks and so are purchasing towables rather than motorhomes. Towable sales are up 37% over last year. Motorhome sales are down. Dealers are reacting accordingly in ordering new inventory.

          In the Northeast Area our Executive Board has worked very hard to react to the loss of membership. We have been attending RV shows and working with dealers to have FMCA booths at shows and open houses.  This summer, for the first time, we will be able to open our area rally to 5^thwheels and travel trailers.  This will give us the opportunity to share our love of the motorhoming lifestyle with a segment of the RV population that has not previously been available to us.

           As a result of my involvement with the transportation of Marine Sgt. Eddie Ryan to Washington, DC for the Marine Marathon, which drew national attention to FMCA and the Northeast Area, we have established the Northeast Area Veterans’ Outreach Service. Our goal is to assist veterans with all types of needs. We are working very closely with Blue Water Navy Veterans Association to help veterans receive benefits for injuries resulting from exposure to Agent Orange and other chemicals. Blue Water Navy Veterans’ National Special Projects Director, Sue Belanger, a member of the Empire State Chapter, has been a great help to us in this regard.  Our Veterans’ Outreach Service has already received much attention both from veterans and from the press, and it has brought several new members into FMCA.

          The National Executive Board has voted to follow the lead of the Northeast Area.  Acting National President Judy Czarsty, newly-elected Executive Director Brad Koshland, and Administrative Director, Lana Makin, and I met during my time in Cincinnati this past week to lay the groundwork for the new organization.  At the Perry Convention I will be meeting with officers from the FMCA Military Chapter, Habitat for Humanity, and Friends of Angel Bus Chapter.  We are to formulate a plan to present to the Executive Board at Perry to establish a National FMCA Veterans’ program.  Following the Board’s approval, the plan will be presented to the Governing Board at Madison this summer.

          The aim of this program will be to work with dealers, manufacturers, our own chapters (such as those mentioned above,) and other organizations as needed to help our veterans in any way that we can.  In addition to aiding veterans throughout the US and Canada, this program will give FMCA national exposure among younger families.  I have already received inquiries from Winnebago Industries, indicating interest in helping us obtain handicapped-accessible RV’s, and from a retired Navy Veteran who is a contractor and has property located near Albany, NY.  He is interested in creating a camp where children of service personnel, (especially those of wounded service men and women) can attend without charge.

          I would be pleased if you would grant me the opportunity to serve another term as your Area Vice President.  I am eager to continue my involvement with the programs described above, to see these and other programs grow and develop, and to see this great organization thriving once again.

          Thank you!

Sincerely yours,

Paul DuBois

Northeast Area Vice President

Northeast Motorhome Association President