Free Programs

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

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

http://abiword.com/

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

http://www.openoffice.org/

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

Both are FREE!!!!

Enjoy your travels.

January get together in Bushnell, FL

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

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

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

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

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

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

Joe Van Haelst's Potato Soup

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

In a pot mix,

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

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

Broth

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

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

Update on FMCA Conventions

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

January Dinner Highlights - Thanks to Bonnie Pollow

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walt Linden
Nat. Dir. Penny Mixers

Our RV form of recreation is being seriously impacted by current economic situation. Just a few notes of interest include:

1. Recently, Winnebago (one of the original motorhome manufacturers) reported sales revenue drops of 68% relative to the same period in 2007.
2. On December 22, 2008, Flying J Inc. and its Big West refining and Longhorn Pipeline subsidiaries filed voluntary petitions to reorganize under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. The filing was made with the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.
3. FMCA is planning to limit international rallies to one per year starting in 2010.
4. Lazydays, one of the largest RV dealers missed a $8 million dollar loan payment.
5. Beaudry RV has filed for Chapter 11 reorganization.
6. Monaco has restructured $80 million in dept.
7. Several manufacturers have closed their doors.

In this environment, remember:

• Keep your RV maintained. It helps milage.
• Know your supplier of parts and repairs as some may be encountering the same difficulties surviving.
• Don't do like some companies. KEEP YOUR DEPT TO EARNINGS TO A MINIMUM. (Consensus opinion: monthly payments less than 35% of gross income).

HAPPY NEW YEAR!