SeeYa Connection
Newsletter for our FMCA Chapter
#19 - March 2008
Alfa SeeYa Officers
President - John Bohn - (Phone 513-310-1735) JFBohn1@mac.com
Vice President - Dave Kiesig - trainmaster1@hotmail.com
Secretary - Karen Hugo - KHugo@aol.com
Treasurer - Belle Bohn - bjbohn1@mac.com
National Director - Tony Monson - djnsnow@aol.com
Alt Nat'l Director - Bill Harju - WaHarju@pacbell.net
Address US Mail to:
AlfaSeeYas Chapter 3590 Round Bottom Rd Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026
Other Volunteers
Membership Coordinator - Hannah Dubuc - hmdubuc@yahoo.com
Newsletter Editor - Jim Huber 1104 Hampton Rd Washington, IL 61571-1254
317BKP@Comcast.net or Jim & Kris Huber @ people.com
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
We are fast approaching the summer travel season and many of us are making plans accordingly. Belle and I are going to the Alfa National Rally in Texas in April, then joining the Roadrunner’s Rolling Rally to Banff, and from there on to Alaska. Many who have previously traveled to Alaska have been most helpful with information and suggestions, and we thank you. During our trip we cannot expect to have cell phone and/or Internet availability at all times, so you should consider contacting our Vice President, Dave Kiesig, or our Secretary, Karen Hugo, if you have an urgent need.
In January Dave Kiesig Wagon mastered an excellent pre-rally in Desert Hot Springs prior to the FMCA Western Regional Rally in Indio, CA. You can read his report elsewhere in this newsletter. In February, Belle and I organized a “mini-pre-rally” in conjunction with the FMCA Convention in Pomona, CA. Twenty coaches arrived at the Pomona Fairplex on Friday, and two more joined us on Sunday. Most of us served as Tram Monitor volunteers and everyone commented about how fun and rewarding it was. On Friday night we all went to dinner at Baker’s Square, and Wednesday afternoon we had a tour of the Alfa factory. (Alfa is producing about 5 units per week, with one or two of them being 5th wheels, the rest coaches.) Of course we had our daily social hours with lots of good food and fun, except for Sunday when we were treated to a volunteers dinner, and Wednesday when we were on tour. All in all it was a great outing!
If you are going to be near St. Paul, MN this summer consider attending the AlfaSeeYas pre-rally at Oronoco, MN being organized by Larry Thoma. The pre-rally will be from July 8-11 leaving in caravan for the FMCA Convention on the 12th. The Convention runs from July 14 thru the 17th and you can register for it online now. (You do not have to attend the convention to attend the pre-rally.) Space is limited so if you’re interested please let me know ASAP.
A pre-rally reservation form is included in this newsletter and on our website. More details of the pre-rally are listed in the Rally Information section.
There are three important items to be voted on by the membership:
New Nominating Committee members
A change of our Standing Rules
Election of an Alternate National Director.
The first two items were discussed and explained at the January meeting. Minutes of that meeting are printed elsewhere in this newsletter. In the future, minutes of meetings will be posted on our website immediately following any meeting, even they though they will not yet have been read/corrected and approved at a subsequent meeting. Because our business meetings can be months apart, I feel this is important so the membership will know about chapter business much earlier.
The third item arose because our current Alternate National Director, Bill Harju, has downsized and sold his Alfa. Our By-Laws require this office to be filled by an Alfa coach owner. Tim Dean has been nominated for the position, and has agreed to serve if elected.
Please read the information about these items and VOTE!
Until next time, I wish you happy and safe travels.
John Bohn, President
MEETING MINUTES
AlfaSeeYas Meeting Minutes January 6, 2008
Emerald Desert RV Resort Pre Rally Palm Desert, CA
John Bohn, President, called the meeting to order at 6 PM.
The president welcomed everyone and introduced the officers present: Treasurer Belle Bohn, Vice President Dave Kiesig, and National Director Tony Monson.
Minutes of the previous meeting in Redmond, OR were handed out, read by all and approved as submitted.
A treasurer’s report was also handed out, read by all, and approved as submitted.
New Business:
Proposed modification of Standing Rules
John Bohn explained our standing rules currently call for two mandatory meetings at the FMCA National Conventions, which occur twice per year. This has been a problem in the past because we have not been able to guarantee having attendance at National Conventions sufficient enough to have an official meeting. There either have not been enough coaches in attendance, and/or there have not been officers present to conduct a meeting. The proposed change would allow us to conduct official meetings at functions other than only National Conventions. The proposed change will be submitted to all members for approval by mail or email and will require “ a 2/3 affirmative vote by members voting by mail or email” as specified in our By-Laws.
By-Laws allow more than one Vice President
In an earlier action, our By Laws were amended to allow for more than one Vice President. John Bohn explained it would be desirable to have additional Vice Presidents representing other regions, and why Vice President(s) appears in the plural.
Officers recommend retaining current voting procedures.
John Bohn explained that the new FMCA “suggested” By-Laws format recommends using a
“65% affirmative vote of the members present and voting at a duly-called meeting”. Because we have over 600 members nationwide, the current officers in attendance are recommending we do not change our current procedure, which calls for “a 2/3 affirmative vote by the members voting by mail or email”.
Nominations for the Nominating Committee
John Bohn explained chapter officers are elected every two years in odd years, and nominating committee members elected every two years in even years. The term of service is two years, and there must be a minimum of three nominating committee members. This committee’s responsibilities are primarily to develop nominations for all chapter officers for the following year.
2008 being an even year, new committee members need to be elected. The floor was opened for nominations. There were three nominations; all were seconded and approved. They were Don Rowe, Rhonda Dean, and Gene Lasater.
The president related to the attendees these nominations would be placed before the entire membership for a vote, and additional nominations may be made by any members. Any additional nominations would be added to the voting slate.
There being no further business, a motion to adjourn was seconded and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 6:25 PM.
BALLOT INFORMATION
The ballot is printed on a different colored paper and included at the end of the newsletter. Please VOTE by following the instructions on the ballot! Fold the ballot and mail - the postal return address is printed on the reverse side.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Alfa Changes - Nogales Investors Management, LLC, purchased in January 2005 Alfa Leisure Chino, California www.alfaleisure.com. Nogales invested $10.9 million in the purchase of 51% of the company.
From Nogales Website - “Alfa Leisure is a recreational vehicle manufacturer. It manufactures RVs in two main product categories: fifth-wheel travel trailers and motor homes. Alfa's products include eleven trailer models and four motor home models. These products are marketed under the See Ya, See Ya Gold, Founder and Toyhouse brand names.”
Alfa announced that Scott Degnan has been named president of the company - 20 years of experience most recently at National RV and previously at Fleetwood Enterprises. Alfa also announced the hiring of Niles Whitehouse as vice president of sales and marketing.
Editor’s Email Address Change - My email address has changed to : 317BKP@Comcast.net. Our other address is JimNKrisHuber@peoplepc.com.
FOR YOUR HEALTH!
When To Call 9-1-1
Call 9-1-1- or the local emergency number if the ill or injured person ---
* Is unconscious
* Is not breathing or having trouble breathing
* Is choking
* Has persistent chest pain
* Shows no signs of life (movement or breathing)
* Has severe bleeding
* Has severe burns
* Is in shock
* Has seizures
When calling
* Stay calm and provide the following information
* Your name
* The phone number from which you are calling
* What happened
* Your exact location (including landmarks, intersections, building name and /or
apartment number
* How many people are injured
* The condition of the person(s)
* What help is being given
DO NOT HANG UP UNTIL THE DISPATCHER TELLS YOU TO!
Please consider being trained in the use of CPR and the A.E.D. You never know
when you will need to administer CPR or use the A.E.D. with a loved one!
A.E.D. - Automatic External Defibrillator - A.E.D.’s are appearing in more places for use when someone needs help! Good news - if you have not been trained in its use verbal instructions for its use are built into the device.
MAKE SURE YOU TELL SOMEONE TO CALL 9-1-1.
Turn on the A.E.D. it will provide instructions verbally! Wipe the chest dry - attach the pads per the instructions you’ll hear - plug in the connector as directed - make sure NO ONE, including you, is TOUCHING, the person - say “STAY CLEAR” - Push analyze button and let
the AED analyze the heart rhythm - if shock advised makes sure no one, including you, is touching the person. Say ‘EVERYONE STAND CLEAR” - push the shock button if directed to do so.
FOR EACH MINUTE YOU DELAY A 10% CHANCE OF SURVIVAL IS LOST! - Continue to follow the instructions, perform CPR, if instructed, until help arrives.
Did you know -- the Red Cross sells Rescue Masks you place over the nose and mouth of the patient to avoid your mouth touching theirs during mouth-to- mouth resuscitation?
Put Your Car Keys Beside Your Bed At Night Tell your spouse, your children, your neighbors, your parents, everyone you run across.
Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or RV -- someone trying to get in, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.
This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It's a security alarm system you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain. It works if you park in your driveway or garage. If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the intruder won't stick around... after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won't want that. And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there.
This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or prevent a sexual abuse crime.
It would also be useful for any emergency such as a heart attack or a disabling fall, where you can't reach a phone. If you have your keys you can activate the car alarm and alert someone.
(Bruce Monte)
TRICKS OF THE TRADE, ETC.
Having trouble locating the ‘blown’ fuse? - I recently had a thermostat problem and when the mechanic replaced it he ‘blew’ the fuse. When replacing the blown fuse he recommended I purchase “Smart Fuse” - they “Glow When It Blows”. The integrated light emitting device on the top of the fuse glows brightly if the fuse is blown. This eliminates the guess work and speeds the replacement of the blown fuse. When checking for blown fuse keep the ignition switch in the “on” position. Bought mine at Auto Zone. (Jim Huber)
HELP -- Hot Water Tank Odor - The editor has heard (and read) of members looking for suggestions to eliminate the odor of water from the hot water tank. Please email your suggestions (remedies) to me and I will include them in the next newsletter. My address is on page one.
Cleaning Off The Bugs! - I returned from a short trip and needed to clean my front
windows . I used “Sparkle” (purple color) glass cleaner on the windows as usual then tried
it on the fiberglass - it worked superbly! And, less expensive than the bug removal special
formulas sold by camping supply stores.! (Jim Huber)
Is your packaged lettuce gummy? If so put a paper towel sheet in the bag when you close it - it will absorb some of the moisture from the remaining “greens” and keep your mixture enjoyable longer.
Hints from the Past……
Replacing Caulking from June 2005 edition Alfa wrote in response to a member’s inquiry about using mineral spirits to remove caulking. Mineral Spirits are not a good idea, they can attack the finish. What we do here is:
1) Use a nylon scraper to remove most of the caulking. (It will usually pull off in strings)
2) Wipe and clean with lemon oil to get rid of the residue.
3) Clean with soap and water to remove the lemon oil residue.
4) Reseal
Kingdome Fine Tuning - from June 2005 edition. Recently I had difficulty getting to the proper satellite (DirecTV) and
finally called King Controls. The service tech called me within the hour and was very helpful explaining how to fine-tune the dish.
If you get a 'wrong satellite' message and the green light is solid -- touch the ON switch for a brief 1001 count and the dish will seek
the next satellite - DO NOT TURN THE UNIT OFF! Keep doing this until it locates the proper satellite (there are nine satellites up there). (Jim Huber).
When I had a problem getting my Kingdome to lock onto DISH network satellite at 119, a Kingdome tech reminded me that it is important to select the "Check Switch" option (Main Menu, 6,1,1, and then "Check Switch). This will cause the receiver to go through about a 3 minute self-check, which should enable the Kingdome to lock onto the required satellite. (Bruce Monte).
Trash Bin Cover- From December 2005 edition. Want to make the job of putting trash into the garbage can easier? Use a band saw and cut a narrow width slot across the lid making two halves. Lifting up and removing the front half makes it easier to drop trash into the garbage can. (Mike & Karolyn Lippert) Note: The editor’s wife added four small felt cushions to the bottom to keep the cover from scratching the counter top.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER(S) - When have you last checked your fire extinguisher? Do you have more than one in your coach? Have you and your partner talked about emergency exit procedures? Many of the SeeYa owners we have talked to recently have added one or more fire extinguishers making sure one of them is in the rear of the coach and one near the front entrance.
GOOD IDEAS from June 2006 edition.
Large windows move easier if you clean the felt track with an old toothbrush and use a light application of pure silicon spray on the track.
Put screening on the inside of the floor air ducts so stuff doesn’t fall down into the duct.
Install a quick disconnect on the air manifold to add air to your tires. You’ll need at least 50 foot of air hose.
Another use for the air hose! Purchase an extension with a hand control and use the air to blow off dirt, grass, etc.
Make use of the compartment above the large slide for storing umbrellas, fishing rods, and your books. (Keep the books clear of the paddle fan). AND, make sure nothing can open and fall behind the compartments and onto the roof of the slide out when the slide out is ‘in”.
Have slow (or no) water coming from your kitchen faucet? Make sure you clean the filter at the end of the faucet.
Make sure your tires are inflated properly - check the Michelin Web site for the proper amount. http://www.michelinrvtires.com/michelinrv/index.jsp and review the RV Tire Information!
For those with Goodyear tires go to http://www.Goodyear.com/RV/tire care/loadinflationtables.html
If you need more storage buy plastic containers similar to those in your overhead compart-ments and keep them under the couch. You will need to lift the couch to place them under the couch.
Ladies: under the couch is an excellent place for you ladies to store your ironing board.
Check the valve extensions on your rear tires to make sure they are not rubbing against the rims.
If you get water stain on your ceiling, Oxi Magic Chlorine Beach Free Multi-Purpose Stain Remover (white bottle with blue label) sprayed on and left overnight will perform wonders. (Cover the area below with a sheet of plastic). As always, try an inconspicuous area first to verify the product does not damage the ceiling.
FMCA Benefits - Your January 2008 issue of “Family Motor Coaching magazine had two articles of importance to members. The issue included their annual list of vehicles to “Towing Four Down” and, an extensive description of FMCA benefits which begins on page 117.
If you have not reviewed the extensive list of benefits - and your copy of the magazine has been discarded - go to FMCA.com and review the January issue. Examples of the information included: mail forwarding; emergency medical evacuation (MEDEX cards are included); insurance, financial services, discounts, identify theft protection, etc.
WEB SITES
Web Site of Interest e.g., fuel prices and miscellaneous
Diesel prices
USA/Canada http://www.gasbuddy.com
Nationwide service... good USA http://www.gaspricewatch.com/
Great site, Become a Spotter! Canada http://www.gaswatch.org/ Canada only now, USA Soon
USA http://www.gasprice.com/
Other Sites
www.michelinrvtires.com/michelinrv/index.jsp
www.alfaseeyas.com
www.maps.live.com
www.askcity.com
www.jiwire.com - wifi sites .
www.hotsheet.com
www.freecampgrounds.com - listing by state of locations for $10 or less
New Members and others!!!!! Do you have questions about your coach? Need advice? Many of our new members have received answers to their questions on a web site owned by RV Consulting designed and used exclusively by Alfa RV Owners. The site is for sharing of information regarding Alfa Leisure RV products. Owners benefit from information
shared and have the ability to ask for advice when they encounter problems. If you are interested in joining this group....
- Go to www.groups.yahoo.com
- Enter AlfaSeeYa in the search box
- Enroll in the group
- Choose either daily messages or daily digest to read messages off-line.
Computer Virus? Hoax? Scam Want to check out an email you receive re: possible virus or a possible hoax? Go to www.Snopes.com and type in the key words for the virus or hoax in the search box.
For example - an email warning folks not to return calls to area code 809 because it is a scam and you will pay large sums for your mistake. Go to Snopes.com and type 809 in the search box.
Cell Phone Numbers Released To Tele-Marketers??? - From a member - “This is a scam.” (The part about cell phone numbers being released in 12 days.) Check out what snopes.com has to say. http://www.snopes.com/politics/business/cell411.asp
Freightliner Chassis Yahoo Group - you can participate in the Freightliner Yahoo site, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FCOC
Freightliner Oasis Dealers - go to: www.freightlinerchassisownersclub.org and click on Links to find the nearest Oasis Dealer - (trained to repair RV’s).
CHAPTER INFORMATION
Articles for the See Ya Connection Members are encouraged to share experiences, tricks of the trade, maintenance tips etc with other members. Please consider writing your thoughts and sending them to the editor. His address is on page one!
Did You Know? Alfa See Ya Members are often involved when tragedy strikes and a need for assistance is there. Over the past few years we’ve had members serve as the ground crew during “Operation Migration” (escorting by ultra light aircraft the young Whooping Cranes from Wisconsin to Florida). We’ve had members drive from their home in Michigan to assist others whose lives were disrupted by Hurricane Katrina. Others helped with tending the horses after the fires hit their home area of San Diego. And more recently another couple helped those in need after the tornado damaged a large area of their home state of Arkansas. If you know of others please let me know so we can honor their participation - it is neighbor helping neighbor that makes America great!
Changes
New Members
NOTE: The listing of member’s names, city & state, and e-mail addresses that would normally be listed at this point in the newsletter are not included on this web site. For information on Changes, Corrections and Welcome new members you will need to refer to the e-mailed or regular mailed copy of the newsletter.
Thank you, Tony Monson, Web administrator. djnosnow@aol.com
Emerald Desert Pre-Rally Report Seventeen coaches attended the Emerald Desert Pre Rally. Those who braved the wind, rain and in some instances, snow, to get to the Rally, enjoyed the southern California Desert and the Emerald Desert Resort. The Resort is open again and will be for at least one more year. Hopefully more years will be available for this activity in the future, but that will depend upon the condo market in Palm Springs area.
The attendees all arrived and were parked in plenty of time to get to a dinner catered by the Emerald Desert Resort followed by a “get acquainted” introductory lesson in memory presented by John Bohn our AlfaSeeYas President. Everyone got a chance to be innovative and test their memories; however, no one attending was brave enough to try to remember all 34 nicknames.
On the second day attendees had free time to choose from an extensive list of available options, such as attend the swap meet at the College (which closed due to a wind storm passing through), attend a balloon flight in Indio, or head to the many shopping areas, some high priced and some a bit more reasonable. We had happy hour at four where our very own Joe and Donna Davis provided background music while yours truly and a couple of other volunteers braved the smoke to cook steaks. We managed to cook them in spite of the smoke and wind, although a couple of the T-Bones and Porterhouse Steaks got cooked more than we intended because of the weather and smoke getting into the cooks’ eyes. No one went away hungry, though, and the beans and salad seemed to go over well. Dessert was provided by the attendees with everyone bringing enough of their favorite. We really had some interesting and tasty selections and the leftovers were put out the next night. We gave away four $25 Camping World gift cards to lucky attendees.
We held an official meeting of the AlfaSeeYas after dinner. President John Bohn introduced the other officers in attendance and led the meeting. The previous meeting’s minutes were read and approved. A report on the financial status of the club was presented, and nominations for new members for the Nominating Committee were accepted. FMCA International Chapter President Jay Blumenthal and his wife Donna joined us for the evening, and Jay gave us an update on FMCA activities and concerns.
After breakfast on the third day, many attended a seminar provided by the Tom Couldridge dba “The Dirty Blind Man L.L.C.”, on the care and stringing of the day/night shades found in most of our coaches. He also previewed a kit he sells that allows us to fix our own. To purchase one, go to his website: www.dirtyblindman.com. The second seminar was provided by John Nelson of Alfa Leisure. John Nelson has worked for Alfa for over twenty-five years. He told us of some upcoming plans and things being looked into for the future. After everyone had a chance for a lunch break, there was a coach walk with several of the attendees opening up their coaches and showing off their modifications. After the coach walk we joined the Emerald park golfers for a “sloppy-joe” dinner and games in the clubhouse presented by the Emerald Desert Staff. A “Bonfire in a Can”, donated by Charlie’s Service in Utah, was won by lucky Alfa SeeYa owners Charles and Marjorie Doyle. Generously, Charlie DuBose also ran around fixing little things or installing lights or other parts on Alfa See Yas for our members.
After a quick meeting on Tuesday morning, a convoy of thirteen coaches journeyed from Emerald Desert to the Indio Fair Complex to attend the FMCA Western Regional Rally. There, we were joined by another coach and had a good time at Indio where members attended seminars, purchased things offered by vendors, and met nightly for a happy hour around the campfire provided by Don Rowe before the entertainment. We had a great group and good times and look forward to seeing everyone down the road. We really enjoyed helping with this one. Thanks to all who attended. Dave and Carole Kiesig, Wagon masters
Brooksville, FL See Ya Pre-Rally Report - February 6-10. Fourteen Alfa See Yas gathered at Wal-Mart and traveled a short distance to the Hernando County Airport two days prior to the official start of the rally. By the good graces of the parking officials we were allowed to save two spots for late arrivals, giving us a total of 16 attendees.
The Brooksville location is an excellent venue for an activity of this type. It consists of two, one mile long concrete run-ways, everyone gets to park on a hard, level surface. The weather was more pleasant than usual and made our outdoor activities especially enjoyable. Ron & Vicki Flowers were wagon masters.
Activities included a first day 'get to know ya' social hour. Subsequent events included a golf outing, coach walk, pot luck dinner, round table discussions, two excellent dinners at local restaurants and of course, the Happy Hours, (with hors d'oeuvre sufficient to make any meal not previously scheduled unnecessary).
This was the 27th annual Southeast Area Motor Coach Association Rally with just under 1600 RVs in attendance plus new coaches and over a hundred vendors. Seminars covered the usual topics of interest with entertainment each night. The stand out performance seemed clearly to be the 'Rivoli Revue'. Ron & Kay Rivoli professionally performed hit songs from the 40's thru the 90's in Pop, Country, Gospel, even R & B. What made it unique was their parody on the lyrics tailored to the RV lifestyle. A suggestion: Mark your calendars for the first of February, 2009.
RALLY INFORMATION
Alfa Owner's Club 2008 Annual National Rally
Date: April 16 – 23, 2008 NATIONAL RALLY Campground: Lake Conroe KOA in Montgomery, TX) with the Lone Stars as rally hosts. The Roadrunner pre-rally will be April 11-15th. . The rally will be held at what was formerly known as Haven's Landing - now North Conroe KOA . Members must know only 200 sites are available, and since it is in Texas, it is expected a lot more coaches from the east, especially from Florida, will be attending. There were 230 coaches at the Mesa rally, so if one procrastinates, he/she may not be able to get in!
Future National Outings Host Chapters:
2008 Lone Stars Chapter (Texas & Louisiana)
2009 Sunchasers Chapter (Northeast U.S.
2010 Mavericks Chapter (Mid-California)
2011 South Loafers Chapter (Southern California/Arizona)
2012 Sun Seekers Chapter (Washington/Northern Oregon)
2013 Sunrisers Chapter (South East)
2014 Road Runners Chapter (full-timers)
Rally Schedule
We hope you will read information on upcoming AlfaSeeYa and FMCA rallies and conventions. We've listed them in this newsletter for your convenience.
As mentioned earlier, if you would like to suggest a local rally, please contact our President John Bohn. A group of AlfaSeeYas can get together very easily for a few days during the week, or over a weekend.
Please check the scheduled rallies and add some of them to your schedule. NOTE: THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SITES AVAILABLE AT MOST EVENTS. You can insure a spot by reserving now. Your early reservation FOR PRE & POST RALLIES saves you $15 and lets the Wagon Master know if additional sites are needed. Sometimes it is possible to accommodate more than the number originally planned.
Note: The cost of Alfa See Ya rallies is for two adults in one Alfa motor home.
AlfaSeeYa--Rally Schedule Descriptions---
ALFASEEYA FUTURE RALLYS
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE SEND YOUR RALLY APPLICATIONS TO THE WAGON MASTER(S) LISTED IN THE RALLY DESCRIPTION OR RALLY APPLICATION
FMCA St. Paul International Convention Pre-Rally at St. Paul, MN - A pre rally is being planned for the St. Paul, MN FMCA Convention, which runs from July 14 thru July 17, 2008. The pre-rally will be at Tilly’s RV Park in Oronoco, and is scheduled for July 8 thru July 11, leaving in caravan for the FMCA Convention on July 12. You do not have to go to the Convention to attend the pre rally.
NOTE: APPLICATION FORM AT THE END OF THIS NEWSLETTER!
We have 20 spaces reserved, so if you’d like to attend, please contact me soon. John Bohn, President 513 310-1735 or jfbohn1@mac.com.
The pre-rally will include a welcome dinner, coffee and donuts, optional dinner at Hubble House in Mantorville, MN., which is an original historic Pony Express and Stage Stop built in 1800 frequented by several Presidents and other V.I.P.s. Meals are reasonably priced with a great chef. Social hours and a potluck are planned. The town also has several other historic buildings and antique shopping. Other possible activities include: free bus to Treasure Island Casino, a lunch cruise on Mississippi river on yacht at Casino, scenic drive along the near-by Mississippi River, Red Wing Pottery has a self tour 36 miles away. Lake City has a daily cruise aboard the Pearl of the Lake at 1:00 P.M. for a $12.00 senior fare and a dinner cruise in the evening (pearl@lakepepinpaddleboat.com) and Rochester and the Mayo Clinic are 12 miles away. (Also Sam’s & Wal-Mart). Golfing or River tubing is available in nearby Cannon Falls.
Arkansas 2008 - AlfaSeeYa Rally The Wagon Masters are still evaluating two different possibilities: (1.) Batesville, Arkansas area -- CG would be the Raceway RV Park --probably May/June. Venue would be a tour of the Mark Martin ( NASCAR #6 and veteran Race car Driver) Museum. Also a Eastman Chemical Bio-diesel manufacturing facility which produces 1 million plus gallons/year of product and is expanding and several other sights and points of interest. (2.) Would be a Fall Rally in Mountain View for the annual Bean Fest and Outhouse Race plus tours of the Ozark Folk Center, Blanchard Springs Caverns and several musical events.
Both locations are great and friendly as well as economical....considering current and future cost of fuel.
Wagon masters expected to have to a decision but the tornados that struck the Arkansas area have slowed their planning. Look for details in future issues of the newsletter.
Central Illinois 2008 - AlfaSeeYa/AlfaSunchasers - The wagon masters are planning another Central Illinois combined rally in September 2008. Details will be provided in future issues of the newsletter.
Northwest Adventure - The editor is seeking RV owners interested in a 44 day escorted RV tour of the Northwest in 2009. Starting in Hill City, SD with stops in WY, MT, ID, WA, BC and AB. 3862 total RV driving miles - average drive between campground is 161 miles. Includes 44 nights of camping, maps, road log, 20 meals and 19 tours by bus or car.
If you’d like more details contact the editor at 317BKP@comcast.net or 309-635-8369.
AlfaSeeYa---Rally Schedule---
TBD, 2008 - AlfaSeeYa Rally in Batesville, or Mountain Home, AR area (Details in future newsletters)
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July 8 to 11, 2008 - AlfaSeeYa Pre- Rally at Tilley’s RV Park in Oronoco, MN
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Sept 2008 - Combined AlfaSeeYa and Alfa Sunchasers Rally in Central Illinois. (Details in future newsletters)
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Feb 1 -3, 2009 - Brooksville, FL SeeYa Pre-Rally - more information later!
FMCA---Rally Schedule---
For FMCA Rallies - Members should reserve General Parking for FMCA Ralliesby calling FMCA reservations (1-800-543-3622) or using the FMCA web site http://www.FMCA.com.
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May 22-26, 2008 Great Lakes AREA Rally at Barrien County Youth Fair, Barrien Springs, MI
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Jun 5 to 7, 2008 Northwest Area Rally at Linn County Fair and Expo Center at Albany, OR
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Jun 5 to 8, 2008 Eastern Area Rally at Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond, VA
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Jun 12 to 15, 2008 Ninth Annual INTO rally at Sunnyview Expo in Oshkosh, WI
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July 14 to 17, 2008 FMCA 80th International Convention at Minnesota State Fair Grounds in St Paul, MN
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Aug 7-10, 2008 Northeast Area Rally at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, VT
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Sep 24-29, 2008 South Central Area Rally at North Shore Riverwalk Park and Dickey Stephens Park in North Little Rock, AR
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Oct 15-18, 2008 Rocky Mountain Area Rally at San Juan County Fairgrounds, McGee Park, Farmington, NM
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Feb 4-6, 2009 - FMCA Area Rally at Brooksville, FL
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March 16-19, 2009 FMCA’s 81st International Convention at Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agriculture Center in Perry, GA.
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July 20-23, 2009 FMCA’s 82nd International Convention at Bowling Green State University, Wood County Fairgrounds in Bowling Green, OH
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Alfa Owner’s Club Rallies - Alfa SeeYa Members, who are also members of the Alfa Owner’s Club, should check the Alfa Leisure web (www.alfaleisure.com) site for local rally information. Click on owner’s club then select Alfa 1, South Loafers, Wranglers, Lone Stars, Sunrisers, Mavericks, Road Runners, Sun Seekers or Sunchasers to learn of scheduled rallies.
A Little Humor…
Proof Positive The graveside service had just finished when there was a massive clap of thunder, followed by a tremendous bolt of lightning, and even more lightning flashing and thunder rumbling in the distance. The little old man (woman) looked at the pastor and calmly said, "Well, she's (he’s) there."
Church Phone Calls - A man in Topeka , Kansas decided to write a book about churches around the country. He started by flying to San Francisco and started working east from there.
Going to a very large church, he began taking photographs and making notes. He spotted a golden telephone on the vestibule wall and was intrigued with a sign, which read "Calls: $10,000 a minute."
Seeking out the pastor he asked about the phone and the sign. The pastor answered that this golden phone is, in fact, a direct line to heaven and if he pays the price he can talk directly to God.
The man thanked the pastor and continued on his way. As he continued to visit churches in Seattle, Dallas, St. Louis, Chicago , Milwaukee , and around the United States , he found more phones, with the same sign, and the same answer from each pastor.
Finally, he arrived in Minnesota, upon entering a church, --- behold --- he saw the usual golden telephone. But THIS time, the sign read "Calls: 35 cents." Fascinated, he asked to talk to the pastor, "Reverend, I have been in cities all across the country and in each church I have found this golden telephone and have been told it is a direct line to Heaven and that I could talk to God, but in the other churches the cost was $10,000 a minute. Your sign reads only 35 cents a call.. Why?"
I love this part.............................The pastor, smiling, replied, "Son, you're in Minnesota now......You're in God's Country, It's a local call." (From a friend in Minnesota)
Serious Hearing Problems - An elderly gentleman... Had serious hearing problems for a number of years. He went to the doctor and the doctor was able to have him fitted for a set of hearing aids that allowed the gentleman to hear 100%. The elderly gentleman went back in a month to the doctor and the doctor said, 'Your hearing is perfect. Your family must be really pleased that you can hear again.' The gentleman replied, 'Oh, I haven't told my family yet. I just sit around and listen to the conversations. I've changed my will three times!'
Other chuckles….Hospital regulations require a wheel chair for patients being discharged. However, while working as a student nurse, I found one elderly gentleman already dressed and sitting on the bed with a suitcase at his feet, who insisted he didn't need my help to leave the hospital.
After a chat about rules being rules, he reluctantly let me wheel him to the elevator.
On the way down I asked him if his wife was meeting him. 'I don't know,' he said. 'She's still upstairs in the bathroom changing out of her hospital gown.'
A little old man shuffled slowly into an ice cream parlor and pulled himself slowly, painfully, up onto a stool.. After catching his breath, he ordered a banana split. The waitress asked kindly, 'Crushed nuts?' 'No,' he replied, 'Arthritis.'
BALLOT
Proposed Election of Nominating Committee & Alternate National Director
Ballots may be emailed to: KHugo@aol.com
OR
Mailed to: Karen Hugo, Secretary
205 Rainbow Dr. #10565
Livingston, TX
