SeeYa Connection #10

 

The quarterly AlfaSeeYas newsletter      Editor:  Jim Huber

Web Administrators NOTE:  The members names and address's will not be published on this site.  The full newsletter is individually mailed or e-mailed to each member.

SeeYa Connection !

Quarterly Newsletter for FMCA Chapter

#10 - September 2005

Jim Huber, editor

1104 Hampton Rd

Washington, IL 61571-1254

317BKP@insightbb.com

Alfa SeeYa Officers

President - Bruce Monte - travelin_man@iname.com

(phone 513-310-1735)

Vice President - Norm Duarte - GoldChip1250@aol.com

Secretary - Karen Hugo - KHugo@aol.com

Treasurer - Rosemary Monte - travelin_lady@mail.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@direcway.com

Historian - Helen Spears - HSpears @hotmail.com

Rally Coordinator - Terry O’Neill - terry.o@prodigy.net or 119 Rainbow Dr PMB 1927 Livingston, TX 77399 (702)807-2728

What is Inside This Edition?

Page

2 - Standing Rules Ballot

3 - Information for Voting on Standing Rules

3 - President’s Message

4 - National Director’s Report

5 - Treasurer’s Report

6 - Dues and Technical Items

8 - Corrections and Changes

9 - Items of Interest

10 - Rally Reports

11- Rally Schedule

13- See Ya Jackets and Name Badges

13- New Members

15 - Rally Application

AlfaSeeYas

STANDING RULES

Ballot

NOTE: SEE INSTRUCTION IN THIS NEWSLETTER BEFORE COMPLETING THE BALLOT

1

There will be an Initiation Fee of $10.00 that will be collected from new applicants in addition to the Annual Dues of $10.00. A new Initiation Fee and Annual Dues will be needed to reinstate a cancelled member.

Yes

No

VOTE FOR EITHER # 2 OR # 2A - DO NOT VOTE FOR BOTH!

2

AlfaSeeYas functions are open only to AlfaSeeYas Members.

Yes

No

2A

OR, AlfaSeeYas functions are open to anyone.

Yes

No

VOTE FOR EITHER # 3 OR # 3A - DO NOT VOTE FOR BOTH!

3

Members at AlfaSeeYas rallies and gatherings must attend in their Alfa coach.

Yes

No

3A

OR, Members may attend without their coach.

Yes

No

4

There is a $10.00 charge if a reservation is cancelled. If the rally has incurred no-refundable costs, these will be deducted from the refund unless there is a waiting list. There are no refunds for cancellations less than seven days prior to the start of a rally.

Yes

No

5

If not in conflict with the rules of the rally site, members may sell goods and services during chapter rallies and gatherings, but not during an FMCA Rally unless duly registered as a vendor with FMCA. Members offering such goods and services must first obtain rally site permission and will be fully responsible and liable for settling any disputes arising from their sales. The AlfaSeeYas Chapter officers and /or Wagon Masters shall no liability in this regard.

 

Yes

 

No

6

There will be no posting of signs or verbiage of a derogatory nature in, on, or around a member's coach during the course of an AlfaSeeYas rally or gathering. This will apply to all AlfaSeeYas events, including AlfaSeeYas Rallies, Pre-Rallies and FMCA Events where AlfaSeeYas are gathered together in a group in a coordinated manner.

Yes

No

7

By December 1st of the year prior to elections the nominating committee will seek nominees for each office who are members in good standing and will obtain written agreements to serve from each nominee selected. Provided that there is more than one nominee for any office, balloting will be conducted to conclude by March 15th

Yes

No

8

All votes must be cast by email, or postmarked, by a date 45 calendar days from the date of the mailing of the SeeYa Connection newsletter publishing the ballot. All votes must be identified with a signature and coach number. ONE VOTE PER COACH membership in good standing with dues paid current.

Yes

No

 

 

 

Member signature _________________________________________ Coach Number ________________

Print Name _________________________________________________________

BALLOTS MUST BE POSTMARKED NO LATER THAN NOVEMBER 12, 2005

RETURN ALL BALLOTS TO ALFASEEYAS SECRETARY

Karen Hugo

205 Rainbow Drive #10565

Livingston, TX 77399

Standing Rules - (Bruce Monte President) several months ago I asked members to volunteer to serve on a Standing Rules committee and to submit suggestions for rules to assist in the operation of the chapter. They submitted five rules that I reviewed and added to. I do not agree with several suggestions, and explain my reasons in the following paragraphs. On Page 2 of this newsletter you will find the complete listing of proposed Standing Rules. Please submit your vote - ONE VOTE PER COACH - to our Chapter Secretary.

Karen Hugo

205 Rainbow Drive #10565

Livingston, TX 77399

We must have your vote by November 12th, 2005

While agreeing with most suggestions I believe two items would not benefit the membership. Here are my reasons.

My reason for limiting the AlfaSeeYas functions to members is that many of our rally sites can accommodate only a limited number of attendees. I believe dues-paying members should be the ones who have to opportunity to attend. There are over 480 chapters in FMCA; about 75% are open to any coach owner. The AlfaSeeYas is a chapter for Alfa owners only. However, if a non-member Alfa owner wants to attend an AlfaSeeYas function, they need to join the chapter.

I believe there are several reasons members need to come with their coach. The rally is a complete package and it is inconvenient to accommodate someone who comes only for certain activities; many parks do not permit guests for rallies and it puts an unnecessary burden on the wagon masters; and it is unreasonable for the attending members to subsidize a member who does not bring his/her coach.

President’s Message

"THE" news item for 2005 for RVers is certainly the increase in fuel cost. Many owners are looking at ways to enjoy their coach and lifestyle, without breaking the piggy bank. We’ve seen many good suggestions, some of which might work for you.

1) Make sure you look at the INCREASE in the budget. It is easier to say that my fuel expense this month is $150 more than I anticipated, rather than say that I spent $700 on fuel!

2) Now is definitely the time to get rid of the items we’ve ‘had’ to keep. Personally, I don’t think I’ll need all the tools I’ve been carrying for the past six years, so one of the kids is about to inherit that extra set of sockets, vise, etc.

3) We are definitely going to read the two boxes of books in the front bay and we will be giving two for one at the book swaps at the campgrounds.

4) Now more than ever, it’s important to keep an eye on the tire pressure. Under inflated tires are unwise to begin with, and they impact our fuel costs. Proper tire inflation is determined by the weight being carried. If you haven’t weighed your coach do so now. You should have full fuel, water and propane, but empty holding tanks. To determine the correct tire pressure, get weights at each corner, then inflate all tires on the same axle to accommodate the higher side of that axle. As an example, if the front axle tires are carrying 5800 lbs on the left and 5400 lbs on the right, inflate both tires to accommodate the 5800 lbs; if the rear axle tires are carrying 9400 lbs on the left and 9900 lbs on the right, inflate all four tires to accommodate the 9900 lbs.

5) We travel with water in our holding tanks in case we stay on the road overnight, or the campground water system is in repair. We could do with 20 gallons in the tank instead of 60 or 70. A change in travel style will help offset the increase in fuel costs.

6) Monthly rates often can save 30% over weekly rates and now might be the time to volunteer at a State or National Park or Forest, or at a Corp of Engineers park.

Personally we are going to do some traveling while the price of fuel is still low! We hope everyone who is able to do some traveling gets to their favorite spot for the winter. We will be in Florida this year and hope to meet with some of you there.

Thanks to the efforts of Marilyn & Ron Bertsch, about 16 AlfaSeeYas families were able to meet before the FMCA International Convention in Minot, ND. Since we were busy celebrating the early arrival of a new granddaughter in Lexington KY, we were unable to join in the festivities. We appreciate the extra steps the Bertschs took to arrange for a couple of nights at the local K-Mart, and water fill and dump at the a nearby service area. In addition, a pizza party one night made for a great social time. If there is an FMCA rally in your area and we are not running a formal rally, something like this would go a long way to making visitors feel welcome to your state. Just call or e-mail to let us know what you can do.

Also, big thanks are due to Tony Monson for doing the research and then putting together our very own web site for the enjoyment of our members. This is an ongoing project and we will be adding items as time goes by, so do check in regularly. The site is www.alfaseeyas.com.

While on the topic of rallies, be sure and check out the two winter rallies planned for AlfaSeeYas. The first is on the West coast in early January and the second on the East coast in early February. Both rallies have been very successful in past years and will add to your winter enjoyment.

Finally, we have proposed eight Standing Rules. Members should complete the ballot and mail it to:

AlfaSeeYas Secretary

Karen Hugo

205 Rainbow Dr #10565

Livingston, TX 77399

National Directors Report My wife Sharon and I attended the FMCA 74th International Convention in Minot, ND. We checked in on August 12th and left on the 19th after a great convention. I attended all 4 sessions of the National Directors training held for a full day on the 13th. I had previously attended parts 1 & 2 when I was Alternate National Director, but felt that any and all training (or refreshers) I could get would help me perform my duties as your National Director.

For those of you that don’t know, there are 2 FMCA conventions held each year. The summer session, held in the Northern areas of the Americas and the winter session held in the Southern area. The summer session is when the main governing board meeting is held. This is the meeting that the national officers (National President, Senior Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer) are elected, the budget is approved, bylaw amendments and policies are approved, convention sites are approved and acceptances of the FMCA committee reports are performed. All these items are covered in the annual Governing Board meeting. The Governing Board is made up of the 10 area Vice Presidents and each of the National Directors elected from the approximately 490 chapters of FMCA.

The 10 Area Vice Presidents are elected by mail ballot by the respective National Directors of chapters that are encompassed in each area.

The Governing Board meeting was held on the 15th and lasted from 9:00 AM till 5:40 PM. There were 419 governing board members present. The main issues were:

1) Standing rules to be used during the meeting. Approved.

2) National Treasure / Finance Committee Report. This included the proposed combined budget for 2006. Approved.

3) The Constitution and Bylaws / Policy and Procedure Committee Report. Approved.

4) There were 2 proposed Bylaw amendments. The first one which dealt with wording that would use a “grid” developed for implementation of election

of the National Officers, which was included in the Member and Volunteer Handbook. This proposal Failed. The second proposal which was identical except it dealt with the 10 Area Vice Presidents elections. This proposal passed.

5) There were 4 proposed Policy and Procedure Amendments. The first one dealt with a change to the “Grid” structure for electing the National officers but this proposal could not be acted on because of the failed bylaw proposal noted above in item 4. The second one which also dealt with a change to the “Grid” structure for electing the 10 Area Vice Presidents failed. The third one dealt with changing the Campaign / Election activities from the Executive Board approval level to the Governing Board approval level and was approved. The fourth one dealt with changes to be made in the Nominating Committee Election and Responsibilities policy and this proposal passed.

6) Convention Committee Report. Approved.

Future convention locations: March 2006 Pomona, CA; August 2006 Charlotte, NC; March 2007 Perry, GA; Summer 2007 Gillette, WY; Winter 2008 Pomona, CA.

7) There were 76 actions performed by the Executive Board. All were initially approved except for items 2, 7, 54, 58, 71 & 75. These were all discussed and individually all accepted and approved except for Item 71 which was sent back to the Information Technology committee.

8) The Executive Director’s report. Approved. (See “New Items” below)

9) The National elections were held during the afternoon portion of the meeting. Don Moore (Past Senior Vice President) was elected as our new President. Connie Pool (A previous National Treasurer) was elected as Senior Vice President. Ginger Painter was re-elected as National Secretary. Jim Kern was re-elected as National Treasurer.

I cast my votes on your behalf for all elected officials except the Senior Vice President position. For this position I had cast my vote for Max Durbin.

Some “New Items” that were reported by the Executive Director, Don Eversmann are:

FMCA has purchased the MEDEX program to be extended for members through December 2007. FMCA has partnered with Spatial Data Services to provide trip routing services for members. FMCA has partnered to offer the AFLAC insurance programs at an association-discounted rate. FMCA has entered into an agreement that will provide the opportunity for FMCA members to purchase Identity Theft Protection at a considerably reduced price. Please read your monthly FMC Magazine for further details on these items.

(Tony Monson)

Treasurer’s Report

We recently closed the books for the AlfaSeeYas second financial year. Our starting balance on July 1, 2004 was $8,139.34. Our total income for the year (dues, rallies and clothing) was $37,898.15. Our total expenses (rallies, newsletter, clothing, operating costs) were $32,601.84. Our closing balance on June 30, 2005 was $13,435.65.

(Rosemary Monte)

PLEASE KEEP YOUR DUES UP-TO-DATE -- Valid AlfaSeeYa membership requires valid FMCA membership.

Chapter By-laws state:

ELIGIBILITY: To be eligible for and to maintain membership in the (AlfaSeeYa) Chapter, a person must own at least 1/3rd of an FMCA approved Qualifying Motor Coach manufactured by Alfa Leisure, Inc., be in good standing with FMCA and meet dues requirement and provisions set forth in the Bylaws of this Chapter."

ANNUAL DUES: Annual payment of Chapter and National dues enables persons to become active Members and entitled to all rights and privileges of the Chapter and FMCA. The annual dues for Membership in the Chapter shall be an amount, as the Membership shall establish.

If you have questions about your dues contact:

FMCA --- www.FMCA.com at 1-800-543-3622

AlfaSeeYas --- Rosemary Monte at- travelin_lady@mail.com or 513-310-1735

Editor needs help for June 2006 Edition! My wife and I are planning an extended tour of the Maritimes during June and July 2006. A substitute editor is needed for the June 2006 edition of the newsletter. If you would be willing to help please contact me!

Jim Huber

1104 Hampton Rd

Washington, IL 61571-1254

Home (309) 444-9351 -- Cell (309) 635-8369

317BKP@insightbb.com.

SEEYA WEB SITE Did you know that we have our own web site? Created by Tony Monson it features information all members will find useful such as: About us; Officers; Latest Issue of the SeeYa Connection newsletter; Links to other sites; Photo Album, Chapter Documents, Rally Information and a Rally Application form. We suggest you add this site to your favorite list - it is www.alfaseeyas.com.

Web Sites of Interest?

RVers" Internet Forum

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/campingtipsgroup

www.rvdumps.com

 

Yahoo Group Web Site for Alfa Owners:

1) enter www.groups.yahoo.com

2) enter alfaseeyas in the search box

3) enroll in the group

4) choose either daily messages or daily digest to

read messages off line

5) see prior messages by entering the message

number in the message number box

Technical items….

When we were at the FMCA International Area rally in Lebanon TN this April, we were shown a product that easily cleans the coach fiberglass. It was especially good in removing caulking (NOT for use on rubber roof). Manufactured by PPG, the product is used by auto paint shops just prior to applying a new coat of paint to a vehicle. You must then wax the area since it will remove existing wax. DITZ-O DX 440 is the product reference. It should be available at automotive paint supply houses. The product was shown to us by John Morris, the Service tech for Almond RV, Memphis TN. I expect that any similar product would achieve the same results.

Since I don’t like to wrestle with the 50 amp service cord and have found the following method of storing the cord works well. I leave the cord attached to the Alfa and when I am ready to leave, I pull the cord back through the opening, then store it using a figure 8 pattern. This prevents kinks from getting in the cord, lets it lie flat, and lets it be used easily.

Our 5 year protection plan provided when we purchased our coach is an important document that every owner should be familiar with. In discussing some items with other owners, we determined that somewhere around coach #1100 the contract began to include a mileage limitation in addition to the 5 year limitation. You should check the terms of your contract for this change. Also, you should be aware of the items in the coach that have more than one year of coverage by the manufacturer. This information is on the Equipment Data Sheet. Before using the protection plan, you should contact Alfa Leisure (800-373-3372) to be certain that you are complying with the terms of the contract. In particular, be aware that in general, parts that are worn out are not covered, but parts that are damaged may be. The wording in the write up can easily affect the decision of whether the item is covered.

(Bruce Monte)

Motor Home Equipped with Generac Diesel Generators - our special thanks to Jack Exum for permission to use his article from the Alfa Sunchasers newsletter).

At the 2005 Alfa National at Gillette, WY, Jon Vyn from Generac was one of the speakers. His address was aimed at motor home owners whose rigs come equipped with Generac Diesel Generators. The motors are Japanese three cylinder models known for reliability and economy. Generac makes the alternators from the ground up.

The speaker noted that some repair facilities refuse to work on diesel generators, preferring to stick with LP and Gas Engines. The alternators and controls are identical for all three models, so if you need service on the generator and the engine is working,

any shop should be able to make the repairs on the alternator portion (but check your extended warranty).

To avoid repairs, a number of worthwhile suggestions were presented. First, generators are made to run (not sit idle for extended periods) -- even stationary units are programmed to start and run for a few minutes every week. The windings have a coating that attracts water and the engine oil drains to a sump. Neither is good for the unit. Periodic running the generator prevents problems. (Note: I use a portable hand start generator and have found it works much better and starts much easier if I run it for 5 minutes at least once a quarter (I store it inside).

The units were designed for normal weather

conditions. They are located in a space open to the elements for ventilation and temperature control. Some problems have been traced to washing the RV with pressure washers which can cause water to enter the generator compartment and soak the alternator windings. It was recommended owners pressure washing their rigs be mindful of the potential problems. The engine requires periodic maintenance -- filters, oil changes and coolant changes. Since the radiators are located above the level of the engine, when coolant is changed the water passages in the engine can trap air pockets. The final step of coolant changes should be to run the engine for 5 minutes to "burp" the engine and flush out the passages and then the radiator should be topped off and the cap installed.

Starting and stopping the generators is a simple process, to avoid problems, a simple procedure should be employed. The rig has a number of appliances battery chargers, etc. that are always on. The load to a starting generator can be surprisingly large. So first flip your circuit breakers OFF, then start the generator. Give the engine four or five minutes to come up to speed and stabilize before turning the circuit breakers ON and introducing a load (this is especially important when air conditioners are to be used). Shutting down the generator is the reverse of start up. When a generator is shut down with a load still on line, the appliances can suck the residual energy out of the generator coils the speaker said, creating problems for the next startup. So remove the electrical load from the generator and run the engine without load to stabilize temperature prior to engine shut down.

Only 5 causes can occur for the engine shutting down unexpectedly.

1) The fuel has run out.

2) The oil level sensor has shut down the engine

for low oil.

3) The engine temperature sensor has shut down

the engine for dangerous temperatures.

4) The generator load sensor has sensed

excessive loads.

5) The generator speed sensor has detected unsafe engine speed.

Otherwise, Generac thinks you should have reliable uninterrupted service from your unit.

Small Expense, Big Improvements For under $30 we improved the efficiency of our 2005 Alfa See Ya. The first time I took a shower in our new coach I noticed the water stream did not reach my legs. The shower head was installed in the center of the back wall of the stall which is the narrowest part. Because it is so narrow, you cannot distance yourself from the water stream. Consequently, the water only hits the upper torso. The fix was easy. I removed the shower head mounting bar and reinstalled it to the left side of the shower. Now the water stream is aimed at the widest part of the stall which enables me to distance myself from the shower head allowing the water to hit more of my body. The screw holes left from moving the shower head mounting bar were covered with two stick-on hooks which are used for soap bags. Total cost, about $3 for the hooks.

My wife and I travel with an electric toothbrush, electric razor, regular tooth brushes, and a bunch of other bathroom stuff. We also like to have a large box of Kleenex at the bathroom sink. The problem is the bathroom counter space in our See Ya would not accommodate everything we like to have easily accessible. The solution was simple. I added a shelf below the medicine cabinet. I made it out of poplar and stained it a light oak to blend with the interior of the coach. The shelf is shaped like the medicine cabinet and is mounted to the underside of the cabinet with three decorative posts (only the front two are visible). We have more than doubled our counter space making it much more convenient to get to our things. Total cost, about $25…and a couple of hours cutting, sanding and finishing.

(Tom & Ellen Blair Lewisville, NC )

 

EDITOR'S NOTE: - Recently I had a phone call and the person stated they wanted to send me a copy of my credit card report. I told them I would call the credit card company if I wanted a report. Later I called the credit card company and explained what had occurred. They told me that NO one from their company had attempted to contact me.

As many of you know this is a common scheme where you are asked to verify your credit card number to the caller and they use that number to make purchases on your account.

That prompted me to summarize what I have read recently about identity theft. I hope you find it helpful (Jim Huber, editor).

Identity Theft It is easy to think your biggest risk comes from using the Internet. However, experts continue to offer this reminder. The more common source of ID theft comes from information that's physically stolen such as a) finding it in your trash, b) skim your encoded information from your credit/debit cards, c) steal your purse or wallet, d) obtain a fraudulent credit card in your name form offers you receive in the mail, e) get information by posing as a legitimate business representative, f) Phish through email for your account information and g) snoop through your house (RV) even as an invited guest.

You are the best defense.

1) Guard your SSN. It is the key to your credit report and banking accounts and is the prime target of criminals.

2) Monitor your credit report and watch for discrepancies (www.freecreditreport.com)

3) Shred all old bank and credit statements and 'junk mail' credit offers before trashing them.

4) Remove your name from marketing lists of the three credit reporting bureaus to reduce the number of pre-approved credit card offers you receive.

5) Do not carry extra credit cards and other important documents unless needed.

6) Photocopy the contents of your wallet. Copy both sides of you license and credit cards to you have account numbers, expiration dates and phone numbers if your wallet is stolen.

Note: Those of us on Medicare

carry a card with our SSN on it.

Remove it from your wallet and

carry only when necessary/

7) Do not mail bill payments and checks from at home. They can be stolen from your mailbox. Take the to the post office.

8) DO NOT print your SSN on your checks.

9) Order your Social Security Earnings Benefits statement once a year to check fraud.

10) Examine the charges on your credit card statements before paying them.

11) Cancel unused credit card accounts

12) Never give your credit card number or personal information over the phone unless

you have initiated the call and trust the business. Never give your account numbers

or personal information in response to e-mailed requests to validate or update your

accounts. Legitimate firms don't ask for personal information via e-mail.

13) Subscribe to credit report monitoring service that will notify you whenever someone

applies for credit in your name.

14) Periodically change your passwords and pin numbers.

If you suspect you've been victimized contact the following:

FTC Fraud Theft Hotline 1-877-438-4338 or FTC at www.consumer.gov/idtheft

Social Security Admin. 1-800-269-0271

Better Business Bureau at www.bbonline.org/idtheft/

Anti-Phising Work Group at www.antiphishing.org

Identity Theft Resource Center at www.idtheftcenter.org

Privacy Rights Clearinghouse www.privacyrights.org/identity.htm

Credit Bureaus

Equifax 1-800-525-6285 or www.equifax,com

Experian 1-888-397-3742 or www.experian.com

Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 or www.transunion.com

Editor's Note: See Page 16 of the August Issue of FMCA magazine

for more information and their Identity Protection Plan

Birding and Wildlife Trails - interested in these subjects? Type '"birding trails" in your favorite search engine.

Here are a few web sites:

Florida - www.floridabirdingtrail.com

Minnesota - www. mnbirdtrail.com

Nebraska - www.nebraskabirdingtrails.com

Oregon - www.oregonbirdingtrails.com

Texas - www.tpwd.state.tx.us/birdingtrails/costal_trail

 

 

 

Passports Soon to Be Required for Travel between the US and Canada/Mexico.

The Department of Homeland Security announced a travel initiative, which is intended to help secure and expedite travel between the US and other countries in the Western Hemisphere. For more information read the article in the July edition of your Family Motor Coaching Magazine - Page 52

(For Passport Information

http://travel.state.gov )

Pasco Washington PD buys a Founder A new 39ft mobile command center has arrived at the Pasco PD. The Alfa Founder will be used by Pasco and Franklin County's emergency response crews in major emergency situations, such as large fires and situations where the SWAT team is called in. The Founder was completely stripped inside. The command center has room for a two-person dispatch team and was purchased with Homeland Security grants. Special features include a dry erase board with digital recording capabilities, wireless internet, several computer work stations and a six-person conference table, The facility also has a 45-foot mast with a pivoting camera on the roof and images can be monitored on televisions inside. (Bob and Helen Spears)

Minot, ND AlfaSeeYa Pre-Rally - The convention was not all meetings and training. There were 18 AlfaSeeYas members that gathered at the Minot K-Mart parking lot prior to caravanning into the convention. Ron and Marilyn Bertsch did a great job of getting K-Marts approval for the parking,

plus getting approval of a service station across the street to use their dump station and get fresh water (if they would hopefully top off their tanks with fuel there). Ron and Marilyn also organized a pizza dinner for us all, a trip to the nearby Minot AFB air show on Sunday and even a trip with free transportation to the local Zoo. Ron and Marilyn did a Great Job and should be congratulated.

(DJ “Tony” Monson National Director AlfaSeeYas Chapter FMCA)

SeeYa Gathering in Central Illinois - Nine SeeYas and four visitors met the 3rd weekend in September at Kentuckiana Campground in Hopedale, IL. Friday they were treated to a Caterpillar Product Demonstration followed by a tour of Caterpillar’s Engine Manufacturing and Assembly Plant. Saturday, participants had their choice of the Pumpkin or Railsplitter Festivals or the new Lincoln Museum. More delicious food than could be eaten was available at our Saturday night potluck and later that evening several families enjoyed the Kentuckiana Opry. We will do it again! For those unable to attend mark your calendar for the 3rd weekend in Sept 2006. (Wagon masters were Mike & Karolyn Lippert - Jim & Kris Huber)

 

Oct 7 to 10, 2005 AlfaSeeYa In Tucson, AZ Our April Spring Fling in Tucson was so successful that we are going to have a “Welcome Back” rally in Tucson in October. Includes a BBQ on Friday, catered dinner Saturday, potluck on Sunday and continental breakfast each morning. Activities include a presentation by Alfa Leisure, technicians on-site, seminars, free time to meet old friends and make new ones, and rigs to walk through. New for this rally will be western entertainment provided by the Tombstone Vigilantes. The Vigilantes perform regularly in Tombstone and have agreed to put on a special performance for us, at the RV Park. As always, there will be door prizes galore. The cost of the rally is $125, which includes 4 days and 3 nights of full hookups, the dinners, continental breakfast, all scheduled activities and entertainment. Come join us in Tucson! For more information, please email John Cohn at: jjcskydive@cox.net (623-536-5322 or (623)-451-8487.

Jan 7 to 10, 2006 Alfa See Ya Pre-Rally at Emerald Desert in Indio, CA at Emerald Desert in Indio, CA -- FMCA Southwestern Area Pre-Rally at Emerald Desert RV Resort, Palm Desert CA. Rally will caravan to the FMCA rally site on January 10. Wagon masters are Dave & Carole Kiesig ( trainmaster1@hotmail.com ). Rally cost includes 3 nights full hookups, paved site, welcome dinner, door prizes, poolside BBQ round table discussion groups, coach walk and pot luck dinner. Sign up for optional golf. All inclusive cost is $170, paid by November 15th. Cost is $185 after that date.

AlfaSeeYa POST-Rally at Lazy Days February 5 to 8, 2006 FMCA Southeastern Area POST-Rally at Lazy Days Rally Park, Seffner FL. We will arrange for FMCA Brooksville Rally attendees to meet and caravan to the FMCA rally and park together. After the Brooksville rally, members will caravan from the FMCA rally site to Lazy Days Rally Park. Wagon masters are Mike & Karol Lippert (klippert43@msn.com). Rally cost includes three nights full hookups, paved sites, welcome dinner, door prizes, round table discussion groups, coach walk and pot luck dinner. Sign up for optional golf. All-inclusive cost is $140, paid by December 1st. Cost is $155 after that date

AlfaSeeYas and FMCA Rally Schedule

Oct 2005 - Oct 2006

Rally Coordinator - Have questions or suggestions for SeeYa Rallies. Contact our Rally Coordinator Terry O’Neill- terry.o@prodigy.net or 119 Rainbow Dr. PMB 1927 Livingston, TX 77399 phone (702)807-2728.

We hope you have seen information on upcoming FMCA rallies and conventions. We've listed them in your newsletter for your convenience. If you would like to suggest a local rally (gathering), please inform Terry O’Neill. Local rallies are listed in the rally schedule. 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.

 

Please note: Members should reserve General Parking for FMCA Rallies by calling FMCA reservations (1-800-543-3622) or using the FMCA web site (www.FMCA.com). Contact information for other rallies is listed.

Note: The cost of the pre-rallies is for two adults in one Alfa motorhome.

NOTE: PLEASE COMPLETE THE RALLY APPLICATION FORM AND MAIL IT WITH YOUR CHECK TO EITHER THE RALLY COORDINATOR OR WAGON MASTERS AS REQUESTED IN THE RALLY INFORMATION.

Key:

FMCA - Event sponsored by FMCA

AlfaSeeYas Pre-Rally (to FMCA Event) - sponsored by our Chapter of FMCA

AlfaSeeYa Rally - sponsored by AlfaSeeYas chapter of FMCA

AlfaSeeYas Gathering - a local gathering of SeeYas

Rally Schedule:

Oct 4 to 8, 2005 AlfaSeeYas Rally for International Balloon Festival in Albuquerque, NM - SOLD OUT!

Oct 6 to 9, 2005 - FMCA Eastern Area Rally at Delaware State Fairgrounds in

Harrington, DE

Oct 7 to 10, 2005 AlfaSeeYa Gathering In Tucson, AZ

Jan 7 to 10, 2006 Alfa See Ya Pre-Rally at Emerald Desert in Indio, CA at Emerald Desert in Indio, CA

Jan 11 to 15 - FMCA Western Area Rally at Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, CA.

Feb 1 to 5, 2006 - FMCA Southeast Area Rally at Hernando County Airport

Brooksville, FL

Feb 5 to 9, 2009 - AlfaSeeYas Post Rally at Lazy Days Rally Park in Seffner, FL (see previous listing).

Mar 20 to 23, 2006 - FMCA 75th International Convention at Fairplex in Pomona, CA.

May 25 to 29, 2005 FMCA Great Lakes Area Rally at Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, MI

June 8 to 10 FMCA Northwest Area Rally in Albany, OR

Jun 21 to 24, 2006 - FMCA Midwest Area Rally at Marshall-Putnam Fairgrounds in Henry, IL

June 30 to July 3, 2006 FMCA International Area Rally at CAM-PLEX in Gillette, WY

July 12 to 15, 2006 Northeast Area Rally at Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ

Aug 14 to 17, 2006 FMCA's 76th International Convention at Lowe's Motor Speedway in Charlotte, NC

Sept 7 to 12 2006 - AlfaSeeYa Gathering (tentative) at Kentuckiana Campground (3 days) in Hopedale, IL and (2 days) Double J Campground at Chatham, IL (Springfield, IL Area)

Sept 10 to 16, 2006 - AlfaSeeYa Rally at Branson, MO. SOLD OUT -

Bruce Monte is accepting waiting list applications with $50 deposit

AlfaSeeYas Jackets and Caps available in time for the holidays!

We are taking orders for AlfaSeeYas jackets and caps for delivery in time for the holidays. Since we do not stock jackets, we only take orders about twice a year. Prices remain the same…$50 for the jacket up to XL ( for larger, add $2, XXL; $3 XXXL; $4 XXXXL) and $10 for the cap. Both are quality items with AlfaSeeYas embroidered on the front of the jacket and cap. Shipping is $6.00 per jacket, $4.00 for up to 2 caps; free shipping on caps ordered with jackets. You can see these items at www.alfaseeyas.com. You can order jackets and/or caps by contacting Bruce Monte at 513-310-1735 or at travelin_man@iname.com

AlfaSeeYas Name Badges - A badge with a pin back is $6.50 (shipping cost is $1.25 for two badges), and with a magnetic back at $8.50 (shipping cost is $0.50 for two badges). Please include name(s), coach number and FMCA number. Make your check payable to: Two Crazy Ladies 154 Rainbow Dr #5452 Livingston, TX 77399-0141.

Welcome to our new members.

 

 

 

ALFASEEYA Rally Application:

Name and Date of the Rally_________________________________________________

Member names __________________________________________________________

Address ________________________________________________________________

City, State ZIP ___________________________________________________________

Cell phone # ____________________ Home Phone _____________________________

Coach # ___________ Handicapped site needed _______________________________

Make your check payable to ALFASEEYAS for $_______________

Send to: Terry O'Neill 119 Rainbow Drive, PMB 1927, Livingston TX 77399-1019

Cancellation Policy: There is a $10.00 cancellation charge. If the rally has incurred non-returnable costs, these will be deducted from the refund unless there is a waiting list. There are no refunds for cancellations less than seven days prior to the start of the rally.

We agree that we shall not hold FMCA, the AlfaSeeYas Chapter, officers, employees, or agents responsible for any damage or injury of any kind which our guests or we may suffer during the rally. This agreement applies regardless of the cause of the damage or injury.

Signature ______________________________________ Date _____________________

Signature ______________________________________ Date _____________________

Send your check and this application to Terry O'Neill - address listed above.