SeeYa Connection
Newsletter for our FMCA Chapter
#14 - December 2006
Jim Huber, editor
1104 Hampton Rd
Washington, IL 61571-1254
317BKP@insightbb.com
Alfa SeeYa Officers
President - Bruce Monte - (Phone 513-310-1735) travelin_man@iname.com
Vice President - John Bohn - JFBohn@roadrunner.net
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@yahoo.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?
Page 2 - President's Message
Page 2 - National Director's Report
Page 4 - Tricks, Tips and Maintenance
Page 6 - Web Sites
Page 8 - Chapter Information
Page 10 - Rally Reports
Page 11 - Upcoming AlfaSeeYa Rallies
Page 12 - FMCA Rallies
Page 13 - New Members
Page 14 - Changes
Page 15 - Humor
Page 16 - Rally Application
NOTE: There are still spots left for the Florida Rally at Lazy Days Rally Park in early February. Look for the article on rallies in this issue.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
FUTURE ALFASEEYA LEADERS NEEDED!
We’ve got a problem!!!!
After serving the AlfaSeeYas for almost four years, it is time for several of the officers of the chapter to stand aside and let others have the opportunity to serve. Unfortunately, I have been informed by the Nominating Committee that, after the notice in the last issue of the SeeYa Connection, plus direct e-mail, and their making over 100 phone calls, no one has offered to fill the position of President, or Treasurer, or Secretary of the chapter. The amount of work involved is not substantial. A few hours each week at the most. The rewards are tremendous. Everything is in place for the smooth running of the chapter. The outgoing officers will all willingly assist new officers to achieve a smooth transition. We presently have an active membership of over 650 families and it amazes me there are not dozens of members who would be willing to work to make this chapter even better than it is. This is the final written call to YOU to volunteer. Apparently, members are of the opinion that it is not they that must offer to serve. BUT, It IS. Why don’t you take the time NOW to contact Bea Christensen at Bea Christensen -- johnandbirthe@aol.com
(703)-283-2989 and let her know the office you are willing to serve.
We are looking forward to several winter rallies on the East and West coasts and, along with all the officers and volunteers of the chapter, wish everyone a Happy Holiday Season. With luck we will see some of you as you travel this winter, and we hope you take the time to say hello to any Alfa owner you might see.
The club cannot function without officers.
Nominating Committee:
Bea Christensen -- johnandbirthe@aol.com
(703)-283-2989
Bill Harju -- waharju@pacbell.net
(619)-993-0140
Dave Kiesig -- trainmaster1@hotmail.com
(253)-732-9127
Gene Bergstrom -- fairway19@redspar.com
(909)-376-9506
Editor's Note: As newsletter editor I have had the opportunity to work with most of the officer's in the chapter. I wish to express my appreciation for their efforts and the results we've had since the chapter's organization.
Vice President’s email address has changed!
John Bohn is now at jfbohn@roadrunner.net
AlfaSeeYas National Director Report August 2006 - FMCA Convention -
Editor's note: This report was not available at press time for the September Issue.
Sharon and I arrived in the Charlotte / Concord North Carolina area at the Lowe’s Motor Speedway on Aug 11th and checked in at the governing board parking area.
On Sunday the 13th I attended the (INTO) International Area caucus. The first part of this meeting was training for newly elected national directors and a refresher for the rest of us. Upcoming issues to be presented and voted on during the governing board meeting to be held on Monday were discussed.
On the 14th, the governing board members were bussed to the West Cabarrus Church as this was the only available facility large enough for the meeting. Of 490 chapter representatives - plus 14 executive board members - (a total of 504 governing board members), we had a quorum with 394 members present.
We had nine proposed By-Law amendments plus twelve Policy and Procedure proposed changes to work on. There were two By-Law proposals that, if approved, would cause us to change our chapter By-Laws. One would change the term limits of the National Director, Alternate National Director and Elected Temporary Delegates. The other proposal would completely eliminate the Alternate National Director position. The Governing Board, almost unanimously (including my “NO” vote), rejected both of these proposals.
There was a great concern among the many national directors I talked to prior to the governing board meeting about the proposed “BAR”, Board of Area Representatives. This proposal from the Long-Range & Development Committee came from a governing board motion made at the Ames, Iowa meeting in 1999. Its purpose was to develop a governance plan to “have an organizational and governance structure that best achieves its (FMCA) goals in a competent, timely, and fiscally responsible manner.” If enacted, the BAR would have 71 members made up of: the national president, the 10 national area vice presidents, the 10 area senior vice presidents and 50 chapter national directors (five from each area). It would reduce the responsibilities of the “Governing Board” to where it would never meet again and do all of its voting by mail. Needless to say, this proposal caused a great deal of discussion and it was thought it would put our meeting way beyond the 5:00PM quitting time. As your representative, I took the floor and expressed my concerns on not to approve this proposal. The governing board prevailed in expressing things are working as is, and quickly voted down the “BAR” proposal.
The last part of the meeting was accepting the many committee reports of which I’ll list a few interesting items:
FMCA works with a $16 million budget of which $12 million is returned back to the members in way of benefits and conventions. For your annual dues of $35, there is a $99 return of benefits for each member. The MEDEX program has been extended through December 2008.
As of June 30, active membership was 122,327 families and the last membership number assigned was F378236. This changes daily, as there were many new members signed up during the convention.
Future national conventions are:
Perry, GA March 19-22, 2007
Redmond, OR August 13-16, 2007
Pomona, CA February 25-28, 2008
St. Paul, MN July 14-17, 2008
Perry, GA winter 2009
Louisville, KY summer 2009
Albuquerque, NM winter 2010
Redmond, OR summer 2010
Other items are:
The average age of FMCA members is 66 for males and 62 for females.
The attendance count was below expected estimate of 6000 coaches. Member coaches totaled 3153 and approximately 1400 commercial exhibit coaches. (Mainly due to fuel prices).
The 8th annual International Area (INTO) rally will be held in Harrington, DE April 19-22, 2007.
On Tuesday 15th the chapter had a dinner get together with about 30 members plus Jay Blumenthal, our National Area President, and his wife Donna. On Wednesday 16th I attended the International Area Gathering. We conducted business for the International Area by changing a few By-Laws and Standing Rules to be in line with the National By-Laws changes. We were visited by Don Moore, National President; Connie Pool, National Senior Vice President; Ginger Painter, National Secretary; and Jim Kern, National Treasurer. The previously elected INTO officers were presented.
Sharon and I had a great time even after our 2358 mile trip from Indio, CA. Thank you for allowing me to represent our chapter. Please contact me with any questions or concerns. DJ “Tony” Monson, National Director AlfaSeeYas Chapter FMCA.
TRICKS, TIPS & MAINTENANCE
Fiberglass Yellowing - (repeated from an earlier posting) parts of the fiberglass exterior or some of the attached parts may "yellow" over time. Two Alfa owners offered these suggestions to improve the looks of those parts.
Different remedies should be tried in non-visible areas to see which one may apply to a particular issue. Note that different suggestions may work on different problems.
1) Use Protect All Fiberglass oxidation remover
and color restorer followed by applications of gel-gloss. Work the restorer like a polish and keep it away from stickers (it has seemed to lift some edges but it will get through the outer skin that yellows. After a couple of times the yellowing seems to decrease and the effort is considerably less. The gel gloss with a high percentage of carnauba wax provides some UV protection.
2) Use rubber roof cleaner on vent covers that turned yellow. Use 303 protectant on the vents after cleaning them.
Cleaning and Re-caulking - (Note: At the suggestion of another member I contacted Dick Albrittion re: removing and recaulking. Here is Dick’s reply…..I use brake cleaner to clean most things. First, I use a single edge razor blade to carefully remove most of the caulk and then clean up the rest with brake cleaner. WD-40 works well on most things but leaves an oily film that will need to be removed with a solvent such as brake cleaner before you do the caulking.
Editor’s note - Alfa recommends the use of a plastic scraper to remove caulking.
Engine Breather Tube Extension - Freightliner Service Bulletin - September 2001 Freightliner Service Bulletin 01-7. On XC, XCS, and XB chassis vehicles with rear radiators (Caterpillar or Cummins engines), the end of the engine crankcase breather tube is located near the suction path of air flow through the radiator. This can allow a fine oil mist to be deposited on the radiator and cause an accumulation of road dirt on the radiator fins. If not routinely cleaned, the oil/dirt accumulation can cause engine operating temperatures to rise.
Talk to your Freightliner Service people about this service bulletin and what can be done to correct the situation if it applies to your RV.
Exhaust Brake Assist (From David Vaughn) I read of an addition to the exhaust brake system in the Freightliner FMCA club bulletin. I bought and installed the recommended switch system in the exhaust brake circuit. It really works and gives exhaust brake assist every time you apply the brakes. Check out the web site.
(www.brakeswitch.com). I think it is a great safety addition and easy to install.
Do You Have The Correct Driver’s License? Many RV Dealer’s do not inform RV buyers of the need to obtain a different driver’s license than required for driving an automobile if the RV weight is considerable. Check with your driver’s license bureau to determine the license you need for your state.
When we checked we were informed we needed a Class B license in Illinois. (Jim Huber, editor)
Cleaning Your Rubber Roof - for additional information go to www.rvingthemidwest connection.com/howto.htm
1) Keep your roof clean (4 times/year)
2) US RC100 or a mild laundry detergent
3) Rinse complete roof with clean water to remove any loose dirt or debris
4) Use a medium bristle brush, along with the cleaner mixed with water, scrub the entire roof. Rinse thoroughly with clean water to avoid residue build-up on the roof or sidewalls.
5) For more difficult stains you may use RC100 in a more concentrated mixture.
This information came from Dicor Corp.
Editor’s note - when I talked to Dicor several years ago about my inability to find the cleaning product Alfa recommended the lady recommended I use Dawn dish detergent!
Editor’s note - the web site listed above has warnings about use of some products to clean the roof. And, also lists other helpful
How To Information!
Protect The Carpet At The Top Of Your Steps! - Some models have carpeting extending to the top of the steps leading into the coach. If you want to protect the carpet at the top of your steps purchase a plastic chair mat (the kind your desk chair rolls on) at Office Depot or Office Max. Make a paper template of the curved area at the top of the steps - transfer the pattern to the chair mat and make the cut with heavy duty shears.
Low Sulfer Diesel Warnings At Your Service Station.- You may have seen a sticker on the diesel fuel pump when you stopped to refuel saying 2007 engines must use low-sulfur fuel. Does the warning apply to you?
Here is summary of the information from the web site (www.clean-diesel.org).
Although Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel will be the dominant highway diesel fuel produced, EPA does not require service stations and truck stops to sell ULSD fuel. Therefore, it is possible that ULSD fuel might not be available initially at every service station or truck stop and that a diesel retailer may choose to sell Low Sulfur Diesel fuel instead of ULSD fuel. The industries involved in the transition are doing all they can to minimize inconveniences during the conversion to the new diesel fuel.
Owners of 2007 and later model year diesel-powered highway vehicles must refuel only with ULSD fuel. Owners of 2006 and earlier model year diesel-powered engines and vehicles may use ULSD or Low Sulfur Diesel fuel during the transition period. Only ULSD fuel will be available for highway use starting December 1, 2010.
For more information:
www.clean-diesel.org
http://rvtravel.com
Family Motor Coach magazine October 2006
Motor Home magazine October 2006
Safe Towing Guidelines (A few hints courtesy of Blue Ox)
Baseplates -
* Look for metal fatigue and loose bolts on the base plate before each towing trip.
* Inspect the frame of the vehicle near the mounting points for signs of fatigue.
Tow Bars -
* Visually inspect the pins attaching the tow bar to the base plate are in good condition.
* Check the operation of the retainer pins that hold the main pins in place. Make sure those still have a good strong resistance when you snap them in place to secure them.
* Don’t forget to check the 5/8” pin that holds the tow bar to the motor home receiver hitch.
While checking the pin at the motor home receiver, you can check the receiver itself for signs of fatigue or looseness.
Safety Cables -
* It is important to insure the cable retention clips are operational.
* Cables should be frequently inspected for fraying.
Towing Height -
* The receiver hitch of the motor home should never be more than 4 inches higher than the base plate attachment points.
Lights and Wiring -
* Inspect the condition of your wiring and connectors each time you hook up your towing system.
Dingy Towing Weight Limits - The web site sponsored by Brake Buddy has an excellent resource on towing limits for both the US and Canada. Go to www.brakebuddy.com/towing_laws.html. Click on the states of interest.
WEB SITES
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 iswww.alfaseeyas.com
Web Sites Of Interest :
Fuel prices = www.gasbuddy.com
Dump stations = www.sanidumps.com
Campgrounds = www.mapmuse.com
Caterpillar = http://rv.cat.com
AlfaSeeYas = www.alfaseeyas.com
OnGuardOnline.gov = Internet Fraud
www.brakebuddy.com/towing_laws.html
www.clean-diesel.org
http://rvtravel.com
Editor’s Note: Twice I received emails from an organization claiming to be PayPal. Since I do not have a PayPal account I contacted PayPal and they confirmed a fraudulent attempt. As a result I though it timely to once again offer information on internet/identity fraud. The following information is available on the website listed in the following article.
More On Internet Fraud OnGuardOnline.gov provides practical tips from the federal government and the technology industry to help you be on guard against Internet fraud, secure your computer, and protect your personal information.
1. Securing Your Wireless Network
Increasingly, computer users interested in convenience and mobility are accessing the Internet wirelessly. Business travelers use wireless laptops to stay in touch with the home office; vacationers beam snapshots to friends while still on holiday; and shoppers place orders from the comfort of their couches. A wireless network can connect computers in different parts of your home or business without a tangle of cords and enable you to work on a laptop anywhere within the network's range.
Going wireless generally requires a broadband Internet connection into your home, called an "access point," like a cable or DSL line that runs into a modem. To set up the wireless network, you connect the access point to a wireless router that broadcasts a signal through the air, sometimes as far as several hundred feet. Any computer within range that's equipped with a wireless client card can pull the signal from the air and gain access to the Internet.
The downside of a wireless network is that, unless you take certain precautions, anyone with a wireless-ready computer can use your network.
That means your neighbors, or even hackers lurking nearby, could "piggyback" on your network, or even access the information on your computer. And if an unauthorized person uses your network to commit a crime or send spam, the activity can be traced back to your account.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your wireless network and the computers on it. As no one step is a complete fix, taking all of the following steps will help you be more secure.
2. Take Precautionary Steps
Use encryption. The most effective way to secure your wireless network from intruders is to encrypt, or scramble, communications over the network. Most wireless routers, access points, and base stations have a built-in encryption mechanism. If your wireless router doesn't have an encryption feature, consider getting one that does.
Manufacturers often deliver wireless routers with the encryption feature turned off. You must turn it on. The directions that come with your wireless router should explain how to do that. If they don't, check the router manufacturer's website.
Two main types of encryption are available: Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA) and Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP). Your computer, router, and other equipment must use the same encryption. WPA is stronger; use it if you have a choice. It should protect you against most hackers.
Some older routers use only WEP encryption, which is better than no encryption. It should protect your wireless network against accidental intrusions by neighbors or attacks by less-sophisticated hackers. If you use WEP encryption, set it to the highest security level available.
3. Use anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and a firewall. Computers on a wireless network need the same protections as any computer connected to the Internet. Install anti-virus and anti-spyware software, and keep them up-to-date. If your firewall was shipped in the "off" mode, turn it on.
4. Turn off identifier broadcasting. Most wireless routers have a mechanism called identifier broadcasting. It sends out a signal to any device in the vicinity announcing its presence. You don't need to broadcast this information if the person using the network already knows it is there. Hackers can use identifier broadcasting to home in on vulnerable wireless networks. Note the SSID name so you can connect manually. Disable the identifier broadcasting mechanism if your wireless router allows it.
5. Change the identifier on your router from the default. The identifier for your router is likely to be a standard, default ID assigned by the manufacturer to all hardware of that model. Even if your router is not broadcasting its identifier to the world, hackers know the default IDs and can use them to try to access your network. Change your identifier to something only you know, and remember to configure the same unique ID into your wireless router and your computer so they can communicate. Use a password that's at least 10 characters long: The longer your password, the harder it is for hackers to break.
6. Change your router's pre-set password for administration. The manufacturer of your wireless router probably assigned it a standard default password that allows you to set up and operate the router. Hackers know these default passwords, so change it to something only you know. The longer the password, the tougher it is to crack.
7. Allow only specific computers to access your wireless network. Every computer that is able to communicate with a network is assigned its own unique Media Access Control (MAC) address. Wireless routers usually have a mechanism to allow only devices with particular MAC addresses access to the network. Some hackers have mimicked MAC addresses, so don't rely on this step alone.
8. Turn off your wireless network when you know you won't use it. Hackers cannot access a wireless router when it is shut down. If you turn the router off when you're not using it, you limit the amount of time that it is susceptible to a hack.
9. Don't assume that public "hot spots" are secure. Many cafés, hotels, airports, and other public establishments offer wireless networks for their customers' use. These "hot spots" are convenient, but they may not be secure. Ask the proprietor what security measures are in place.
10. Be careful about the information you access or send from a public wireless network. To be on the safe side, you may want to assume that other people can access any information you see or send over a public wireless network. Unless you can verify that a hot spot has effective security measures in place, it may be best to avoid sending or receiving sensitive information over that network.
Glossary
Encryption: The scrambling of data into a secret code that can be read only by software set to decode the information.
Extended Service Set Identifier (ESSID): The name a manufacturer assigns to a router. It may be a standard, default name assigned by the manufacturer to all hardware of that model. Users can improve security by changing to a unique name. Similar to a Service Set Identifier (SSID).
Firewall: Hardware or software designed to keep hackers from using your computer to send personal information without your permission. Firewalls watch for outside attempts to access your system and block communications to and from sources you don't permit.
Media Access Control (MAC) Address: A unique number that the manufacturer assigns to each computer or other device in a network.
Router: A device that connects two or more networks. A router finds the best path for forwarding information across the networks.
Wired Equivalent Privacy (WEP): A security protocol that encrypts data sent to and from wireless devices within a network. Not as strong as WPA encryption.
Wi-Fi Protected Access (WPA): A security protocol developed to fix flaws in WEP. Encrypts data sent to and from wireless devices within a network.
Wireless Network: A method of connecting a computer to other computers or to the Internet without linking them by cables.
CHAPTER INFORMATION
Treasurer’s Report As of December 1, 2006 the balance in the AlfaSeeYas account was $24,111.56. This total figure includes the monies already collected but not yet expended for our winter rallies in California and Florida.
Special thanks to Ron Flowers, Dan Sheppard and Jan Smith for serving on the Audit Committee at our recent rally in Texas.
Mailing Address - Email and Home! We maintain one mailing address for a member. If you change locations (winter/summer) - or change your email address - you must send a change of address to Karen Hugo our secretary. Email notification is preferred. Her email address is KHugo@aol.com
Annual Dues - Annual dues are $10 - you can determine when your dues are payable by reading the date on the mailing label on page one of this newsletter. Multiple years are encouraged - send your check to:
Rosemary Monte c/o
AlfaSeeYas Chapter
3590 Round Bottom Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026
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.
Please keep your dues current! If your membership is unpaid more than 60 days you are delinquent and if more than 120 days your AlfaSeeYas membership is cancelled. After that time, in addition to the annual dues, a new initiation fee of $10 will be required to reinstate your membership.
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
AlfaSeeYa Jackets And Caps - AlfaSeeYas logo Jackets and Caps are available. You can see these items at www.alfaseeya.com. Prices for the caps remain at $10.00 each plus $4.00 shipping for one or two. Jackets are $53.00 for sizes small through X-large. Sizes 2X, 3X and 4X are an additional $2, $3 and $4. Shipping is $5 per jacket. All items are top quality and sold to members at chapter cost. You can e-mail your order to travelin_man@iname.com or call 513-310-1735. You will be billed after the items are sent.
AlfaSeeYa 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.
The Difference Between The Alfa Owner's Club And The AlfaSeeYas.
Owner's Club - Exclusively for Alfa 5th wheel trailer and motorhome owners. Contacts are listed below the Club's Name.
Information about Owner’s Club rallies can be obtained by going to the Alfa Leisure Web Site (see article in this edition).
Alfa 1 (Los Angeles & Surrounding Area)
libman@vess.K12.ca.us
Lone Stars (Texas Area)
t.avery@swbell.net
Road Runners (Full Timers)
weissteddybear1@aol.com
South Loafers (Southern CA)
s.gosser@verizon.net
Sunrisers (Southeast USA) fayers@rose.net.
Sun Seekers (North of Eugene, OR & WA)
cherandy@msn.com
Wranglers (Northern CA to Eugene, OR)
rquigs@sbcglobal.net
Mavericks (Central CA)
lkunsman@comcast.net
Sunchasers (Northeast US)
cbmomof6@aol.com
AlfaSeeYas - An FMCA Chapter for Alfa Motor Home owners.
Membership - AlfaSeeYa members may belong to AlfaSeeYas and one or more of the Alfa Owner's Club Chapters. For example: The editor and his wife are members of the AlfaSeeYas and the Sunchasers.
RALLY REPORTS & INFORMATION
AlfaSeeYas in Branson 2006 Rally…
From September 10 through September 16, twenty-six AlfaSeeYas families spent a hectic six days in Branson, Missouri. Staying at ABC RV Resort, attendees started the official festivities with a social hour, catered dinner and Hillbilly Show just for them. Since this was a themed activity, members arrived in their finest country clothes. Straw hats, bib overalls, Hee-Haw outfits, Daisy Mae…it was all there. This set the tone for the rest of the week. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday, a chauffeured tour bus took the group on a full day of shows, lunches, dinners, tours, boat rides and more. On the days off, in addition to the usual coach walks and social hours, members met for cards and a potluck dinner. The end of the week had more entertainment by the talented campground workers, who not only sang and joked with us, but prepared a get-away pancake breakfast. (Bruce and Rosemary Monte)
Central Illinois September 2006 - Nine families met the middle of September for a five day rally in Central Illinois. Tours of Caterpillar's Tractor-Assembly Facility and Engine Assembly were the major activity for Friday. Saturday the ladies enjoyed a Red Hat luncheon and many enjoyed the Morton, Illinois Pumpkin Festival (Libby cans 80% of the US crop in Morton). Sunday the caravan moved to Springfield, Illinois where Monday's highlight was a tour of the New Lincoln Presidential Museum in Springfield. Several families enjoyed other Springfield sites.
We will do it again in 2007! The 2nd weekend in September. Wagon masters are; Mike and Karolyn Lippert and Jim and Kris Huber. (Klippert43@msn.com) )309-360-5720 JimNKrisHuber@peoplepc.com
(309)-635-8369
Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta - October 2006
The 35th Annual Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta had perfect weather for the 9 couples attending the AlfaSeeYas rally. The "Meet & Greet" social gathering on the first day was highlighted by the "Bag Game" which Joe Choate won and received a 2007 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta calendar. We had 3 fabulous mornings of mass ascension of balloons consisting first of 100 special shapes followed by 700 hot air balloons. We spent the morning hours watching beautiful balloons float by in a clear blue sky. Several balloonists landed in our vicinity and we were there to assist in bringing the balloon down. Several of us were fortunate to be given "crew passes" which was unlimited free admission onto the launch field.
Our group outings consisted of a buffet lunch at the El Pinto Mexican Restaurant and a buffet lunch at the Santa Ana Pueblo Star Casino, both had menu items enjoyed by all. The evening special shapes "Glow-deo" (rodeo) and "Afterglow" fireworks were awesome.
Thank you Tim & Rhonda, Chuck & Audrey, Brian & Sheri, Dan & Carmen, Paul & Claudia, Don & Ada, Bruce & Joanne, Joe & Betty. You were a great group! Wagon masters were Owen and Terry O”Neill.
Texas Area Rally 2006… The AlfaSeeYas started their first rally in Texas on November 10. Sixteen coaches were expected on the 10th, but by the day before, all but four families had arrived. I guess AlfaSeeYas members know when there is a good time available. We started with a welcome social hour and catered barbeque dinner for the group on Friday night. What was originally going to be a carpool drive into San Antonio on Saturday became a chauffeured bus tour instead when we saw how well bussing worked when we were in Branson. Most of the rally attendees took the tour and from 8 am until 8 pm we were on the road and touring a variety of sites in San Antonio. The Riverwalk, Water Taxi, Alamo, IMAX, all of the Missions, and Chinese Tea Gardens, were some of the stops. We ended the day at La Margarita Restaurant where almost everyone took advantage of the generous drinks served before dinner. The next day we did carpool on a trip to the Johnson Ranch and then the town of Fredericksburg. Rosemary and I were glad to be able to provide both of these rallies for the members. We hope that everyone who attended enjoyed every moment and look forward to seeing everyone in the future. (Bruce and Rosemary Monte)
Alfa Owner's Club Annual National Rally
The 2007 National Rally will be held April 18 to 25, 2007 at Viewpoint RV Resort in Mesa, AZ. Wagon masters are Bill and Bobbi Kelton of the Wranglers. For information contact them at
wakelton@aol.com or (480) 288-6592 or 5139 S Nighthawk Drive, Gold Canyon, AZ 85218.
---Upcoming AlfaSeeYa Rallies---
February 2007 Post Rally in Florida - Lazy Days is the place to be for our February, 2007 AlfaSeeYas Post Rally following the FMCA Southeast Regional Rally. We are planning a great time for everyone. Plan to join us on February 11th thru 14th, 2007.
Cost is $150 before January 10th and $165 after January 10th. Reservations include 3 nights full hookups, paved sites, welcome dinner, door prizes, round table discussion groups, coach walk and pot luck dinner. Since time is fleeing please contact the wagon master ASAP. Sites are limited this year to 50. Lazy Days provides free breakfast and lunch - except for Sunday. Reservations are made by sending the attached Rally Application to Terry O’Neill, Rally Coordinator.
Wagon Masters are Karol & Mike Lippert, Klippert43@msn.com or (309)-360-5720 and Susan & John Richardson, (are Co-Wagon Masters).
St Louis area Rally - Plans are underway for a rally in the St Louis area for late May or early June 2007. More information will be in the March 2007 newsletter.
September 2007 - Central Illinois Rally The 2006 participants have asked the Wagon Masters to do it again in 2007. The Central Illinois Rally will be Sept 6 to Sept 12, 2007 in conjunction with the 2007 Pekin, Illinois Marigold Festival. Included will be a tour of a local Caterpillar facility, and tour of the new Abraham Lincoln Museum in Springfield, IL and camping at Hopedale and Springfield, IL.
More information in the March newsletter. Wagon masters are: Mike and Karolyn Lippert klippert43@msn.com (309)-360-5720 and and Kris and Jim Huber 317BKP@insightbb.com or (309)-635-8369.
For information on the Marigold Festival go to www.pekin.net/MarigoldFestival.htm .
Wagon masters needed… We are looking for wagon masters to run a pre-rally to the FMCA International Area Rally in Delaware in April and the FMCA Convention in Oregon in August.
NOTE: DO NOT SEND RALLY APPLICATIONS TO ALFASEEYAS’ CINCINNATI, OH ADDRESS - SEND TO TERRY O'NEILL AT HER ADDRESS ON THE APPLICATION!
ALFASEEYAS RALLY COORDINATOR - Have questions or suggestions for SeeYa Rallies. Contact our Rally Coordinator Terry O’Neill- terry.o@prodigy.net or 119 Rainbow Dr. PMB1927 Livingston, TX 77399 phone (702)807-2728.
We hope you have read 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 AlfaSeeYa 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.
Note: The cost of pre-rallies and post-rallies is for two adults in one Alfa motor home.
FOR ALFASEEYA RALLIES: PLEASE COMPLETE THE RALLY APPLICATION FORM AND MAIL IT WITH YOUR CHECK TO THE RALLY COORDINATOR OR WAGON MASTERS AS REQUESTED IN THE RALLY INFORMATION.
AlfaSeeYa
---Rally Schedule---
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Jan 14 to 18 2007- AlfaSeeYas Post Rally at Sands RV Resort In Desert Hot Springs, CA More information in this newsletter.
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Feb 11 to 14, 2007 - AlfaSeeYa Post-Rally at Lazy Days Rally Park in Seffner, FL. More information in this newsletter.
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May/June 2007 - St Louis area. Details later.
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Sept 6 to 12, 2007 - AlfaSeeYa Rally at Hopedale and Springfield, IL. Preliminary details in this newsletter.
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FMCA
---Rally Schedule---
For FMCA Rallies - 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).
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Jan 10 to 14, 2007- FMCA Western Area Rally at Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, CA.
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Feb 7 to 11, 2007 FMCA Southeast Area Rally at Hernando County Airport, Brooksville, FL
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Mar 19 to 22, 2007 FMCA 77th International Convention at Georgia National Fairground & Agricenter in Perry, GA
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April 19 to 22, 2007 INTO International Area Rally at Delaware State Fairgrounds in Harrington, DE.
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May 3 to 6, 2007 - FMCA Eastern Area Rally at Agricenter International in Memphis, TN
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May 24 to 28, 2007 Great Lakes Area Rally at Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, MI
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July 11 to 14, 2007 FMCA Northeast Area Rally at Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ
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Aug 13 to 16, 2007 International Convention at Deschutes County Fair & Expo Center in Redmond, OR
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Sep 12 to 16, 2007 Midwest Area Rally at Delaware County Fairgrounds in Manchester, IA
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Sep 25 to 28, 2007 South Central Area Rally at Sedalia, MO
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Feb 25 to 28, 2008 International Convention at Fairplex in Pomona, CA
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July 14 to 17, 2008 International Convention at Minnesota State Fair Grounds in St Paul, MN
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Alfa Owner’s Club Rallies - For those of you who are Alfa Owner’s Club members - please check the Alfa Leisure web site for local rally information. Go to www.alfaleisure.com - click on owner’s club then select either (or one at a time) Alfa 1, Sun Loafers, Wranglers, Lone Star, Sunrisers, Mavericks, Road Runner, Sunseekers or Sunchasers to learn of the rallies they are scheduling. See listing on previous page for contact email addresses.
A Bird In The Coach! What do you do when a bird enters your coach when you are closinge your large slide? Ask Mike and Karolyn Lippert wagon masters for the February Post Rally at Lazy Days in Seffner, FL.
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.
A LITTLE HUMOR
I fell like my body has gotten totally out of shape, so I got my doctor’s permission to join a fitness club and start exercising. I decided to take an aerobics class for seniors. I bent, twisted, gyrated, jumped up and down and perspired for an hour. But, by the time I got my leotards on, the class was over.
Reporters interviewing a 104-year-old woman: “And what do you think is the best thing about being 104? the reporter asked. She simply replied, “No peer pressure.”
