SeeYa Connection
Newsletter for our FMCA Chapter
EMAIL VERSION
#15 - March 2007
Jim Huber, editor
1104 Hampton Rd
Washington, IL 61571-1254
317BKP@insightbb.com
Alfa SeeYa Officers
President - John Bohn - (Phone 513-310-1735) JFBohn@roadrunner.com
Vice President - Dave Kiesig - trainmaster1@hotmail.com
Secretary - Karen Hugo - KHugo@aol.com
Treasurer - Belle Bohn - bjbohn@roadrunner.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 - Open
Rally Coordinator - Open
Past President‘s Message March 2007 We hope everyone had a pleasant winter, and those who were able to get south found warmth this year. This was the winter for strange weather phenomena. The disastrous tornados that caused so much damage and suffering in Florida and Alabama, and the record setting snows in the northern part of the country. If any of our AlfaSeeYas members were caught in any of these exceptional weather situations we hope they did not suffer any permanent damage.
It has been almost four years since the AlfaSeeYas were formed and thanks to the efforts of the volunteers who helped, the chapter has grown to over 650 member families and during the past three years we have conducted seventeen rallies and twelve caravans into FMCA functions.
Our first rally was held at Emerald Desert Resort in Palm Desert, CA on January 5-7, 2004. We hosted 47 AlfaSeeYas families plus guests from Alfa Leisure. One of those guests was Steve Wishek, then a Vice President at Alfa Leisure and one of the finest individuals we have encountered in the RV business. We honored Steve that night and presented him with an AlfaSeeYas jacket, and the appreciation of the entire group.
I am now happy to place the chapter in the hands of the new officers for 2007-2009. John Bohn who won the election for President, and his wife Belle, who won the Treasurer‘s position. John’s introductory message is on the next page. Also coming on board is Dave Kiesig as Vice President.
Karen Hugo is continuing as Secretary, as are Tony Monson, National Director, and Bill Harju, Alternate National Director. Remaining as editor of the SeeYa Connection is Jim Huber, who, along with his wife Kris, has published, printed, collated and mailed thirteen issues of the SeeYa Connection. Continuing to keep you reminded of your dues is Hannah Dubuc, our Membership Coordinator. Helen Spears has finished her time as Historian for the chapter and Terry O‘Neill is finishing as Rally Coordinator.
I thank everyone who gave their time and energy and made this chapter what it is. But mostly, I want to thank my wife, Rosemary, for the constant help she gave as chapter Treasurer. For the past four years she has taken care of the chapter funds and been a tremendous help to me.
Again, I thank all of the members who served as officers, volunteers, wagon masters and especially those who came to chapter rallies.
We look forward to attending future rallies as members and hope to see you there.
Bruce & Rosemary Monte Traveling Alfa
Leisurely in a 2003 40' See Ya Motorhome #959
ELECTION OF OFFICERS.
The results are final and the membership has elected John Bohn as President and Belle Bohn as Treasurer. They will officially began their duties March 15th, 2007.
Dave Kiesig will serve as Vice President..
The voting members also approved the following:
.
C: ANNUAL ELECTION: One of the Business Meetings shall be an Annual Meeting at which an election is held if required by a 1 year term option. The voting general Membership is to elect Chapter Officers, including a President, one or more Vice Presidents, A Secretary, a Treasurer, a National, Director, and an Alternate National Director.
Article VII - ELECTIONS
#2 NOMINATING COMMITTEE DUTIES:
B. To nominate candidates for the Chapter Officers of President, Vice President(s), Secretary, Treasurer, National Director, and Alternate National Director for the new term for voting by the Chapter Membership.
The YES vote allows the chapter to have Area Vice Presidents.
Greetings to all members of AlfaSeeYas Chapter of FMCA from our newly elected President
It is an honor to be elected President of the FMCA’s AlfaSeeYa Chapter. This relatively new organization (founded only 4 years ago) has nearly 650 families, a solid financial foundation, devoted volunteers and officers, and provides a great service to its members through rallies, newsletters and an Internet website. It is my wish as President, to continue and expand the benefits of this organization to all participants.
I think a little of my (our) history would be appropriate. (I say “our” because my wife, Belle, is also your new treasurer.)
We have had a variety of vocational experiences during our lives, but spent the last twenty years teaching at the elementary and middle school levels. A year before our retirement we decided to research motorhomes and opted to purchase a new Alfa SeeYa the month following our last days in the classroom. Being new at this big rig business, we spent several months making short runs and learning the ropes. Our very first rally experience was an AlfaSeeYas Pre-Rally in Palm Desert at the Emerald Desert RV Resort. Wagonmasters were Dave & Carole Kiesig (Dave is our new Vice-President). We had a marvelous experience. We further benefited by being with the group of over 30 Alfa coach owners who convoyed on to the FMCA Rally. We really appreciated the camaraderie and helpfulness of those we “camped” with, and realized if we had gone solo to the FMCA Rally we would have missed a lot.
These kinds of benefits, derived from membership in this club, are the reasons I decided to run for the Presidency. During my tenure I hope to be able to continue and expand these great benefits. I welcome your suggestions and encourage open communication.
Most sincerely,
John (&Belle) Bohn -- jfbohn@roadrunner.com
Editor’s Note…John and Belle can also be reached at our phone number and/or mailing address listed on page one of this newsletter.
WHAT IF SOMEONE IMPORTANT TO YOU NEEDED CPR?
Have you been trained in CPR? If not please consider taking the training. You never know when you’ll need it for your spouse, child, grandchild, friend or fellow RVer.
This was a real life experience for us a few weeks ago when the lady next lot in our campground had a heart attack and needed assistance.
It has been several years since we’ve been trained - we signed up for a refresher course. (Jim and Kris Huber)
Passport Update
In a previous issue we talked about the upcoming need for a passport to travel outside the US to Canada or Mexico. Here is an update from the web site listed below.
Under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)
The proposed implementation timeline has two phases:
Beginning January 23, 2007, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a valid passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document, or an Alien Registration Card, Form I-551, if applicable.
As early as January 1, 2008, ALL persons, including U.S. citizens, traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes permit a later deadline, the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to meet all requirements as soon as possible. Ample advance notice will be provided to enable the public to obtain passports or passport cards for land/sea entries.
If you are planning an RV trip to Canada or Mexico - or need more information - log on to the State Department’s web site at www.travel.state.gov.
The Passport Services Office provides information and services to American citizens about how to obtain, replace or change a passport.
A passport is an internationally recognized travel document that verifies the identity and nationality of the bearer. A valid U.S. passport is required to enter and leave most foreign countries. Only the U.S. Department of State has the authority to grant, issue or verify United States passports.
New Application for a U.S. Passport
To obtain a passport for the first time, you need to go in person to one of over 8,000 passport acceptance facilities located throughout the United States with two photographs of yourself, proof of U.S. citizenship, and a valid form of photo identification such as a driver’s license.
Acceptance facilities include many Federal, state and probate courts, post offices, some public libraries and a number of county and municipal offices. There are also 13 regional passport agencies, and 1 Gateway City Agency, which serve customers who are traveling within 2 weeks (14 days), or who need foreign visas for travel. Appointments are required in such cases.
You’ll need to apply in person if you are applying for a U.S. passport for the first time: if your expired U.S. passport is not in your possession; if your previous U.S. passport has expired and was issued more than 15 years ago; if your previous U.S. passport was issued when you were under age 16; or if your currently valid U.S. passport has been lost or stolen.
For more information on getting a new passport, please visit How to get a passport at http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/first/first_832.html
ADDRESS CHANGE OR CORRECTION????
We need your help. When you change your home mailing address, email address, phone numbers, etc. ---- please send a note to Khugo@aol.com informing her of the change. It will make it easier for us to communicate with you.
Example: recently mailed newsletters to home addresses resulted in five of them returned as undeliverable.
Recently emailed newsletter had multiple returns due to incorrect email addresses.
Please send corrections to Khugo@aol.com
TRICKS, TIPS & MAINTENANCE
Gift Card Fraud - Did you get a Gift Card for your birthday or for Christmas? Gift Card fraud is increasing! Here are some things you can do to minimize the danger.
1) Ask the cashier to give you a card not on display but kept behind the counter.
2) Ask for a card with concealed security codes or protective sleeves.
3) Look over the card for signs of tampering.
4) After buying the card ask the cashier to test it and show you the balance. It should match your purchase amount.
5) Save you receipt and give it to the recipient.
6) If possible, register your card on the store’s web site.
7) Use caution when buying gift cards from auction sites.
Robe Hooks - add a convenient robe hook (or two) and mount them to the wood frame above your closet. An excellent way to hang bathrobes, and other clothing. They are available from Home Depot and Wal Mart. If not available go to www.doityourself.com/invt/u270352 or call them at 1-866-835-5643. Cost is $3.50 each plus shipping. The oak finished robe hook and mounting plate are 3 & ¾ inches tall X 2 inches wide.
Splendide Door Handle Breakage - Whoops, guess what I did! Pulled the handle on the washer/dryer too early! The result = broken handle! If this happens to you contact Splendide - they will email you instructions on how to get the door open - you can order a replacement handle which is relatively easy to install.
The best advice - WAIT until the flashing light slows considerably - (after the ‘load’ is finished) - to open the door! (Jim Huber, editor)
More Uses for WD40
* Removes lipstick stains
* Restores and cleans padded leather dashboard in vehicles as well as vinyl bumpers.
* Keeps rust from forming on tools
* Keeps bathroom mirror from fogging.
The basic ingredient is from FISH OIL!!!
For a list of 2000 uses go to: www.wd40.com and click on 2000 uses for spray and /or 300 uses for the pen.
Trouble with Mice? - If you are having trouble with mice entering your coach while the coach is in storage here is a suggestion. Take a plastic tub about 3 or 4 inches high - put D-Con in it - place a rock in it (so it will not blow away) - place it under your coach out of the weather. Refill as needed.
Want to use the potty while traveling during cold weather? When traveling with temperatures below 32 degrees and no water in your holding tank - place an appropriate size plastic bag in the toilet, when used, close it and dispose of it appropriately!
Tire Pressure - during our recent post-rally in Florida there was extensive discussion about tire pressure. If you are not sure of the tire pressure for your Alfa we suggest you consult the tire manufacturer. One web site worth reviewing is
www.michelinrvtires.com . This site contains good information on tire pressure for your RV’s weight . Check the video for information on handling your RV if you experience a tire blowout.
Wi-Fi Antenna - Having trouble with weak Wi-Fi signals? Linksys has introduced WUSB300N Wireless Adapter which plugs into one of your USB ports. The adapter takes advantage of signal bounce. Check out the details at Linksys.com
WEB SITES
SeeYa Web Site Did you know 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
Caterpillar Continues to expand its Cat RV Center service network. The number of facilities now tops 100. A 24 hour hotline is available and web site for RV travelers. Log on to http://ohe.cat.com and click on the RV icon.
Pet Friendly Hotels - If you travel with your pet(s) in your tow car and stay overnight you may want to check out this web site…. www.bringyourpet.com
CHAPTER INFORMATION
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 checking the mailing label for the expiration date of your dues! For those who receive the email copy - please contact Hannah Dubuc for your expiration date. Her email address is on Page One.
Multiple years are encouraged - send your check to:
Treasurer
AlfaSeeYas Chapter
3590 Round Bottom Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026
RALLY REPORTS & INFORMATION
The Post Western Regional AlfaSeeYas rally at the Sands RV Resort in Desert Hot Springs, California was held January 14-17. Wagonmasters Bill and Peggy Harju reported that 17 rigs participated in the rally, most having first attended the Western Regional FMCA Rally in Indio. Activities at the rally included an excellent catered barbecue dinner on Sunday Night, a coach "walkabout" on Monday afternoon, and a golf outing on Wednesday morning. Shawn Palmer, Vice President of Sales at the Alfa factory in Chino conducted a forum on Tuesday afternoon, presenting members with a brief discussion of what's new with Alfa, and answered many questions posed regarding coach maintenance, warranty problems, extended warranty issues, and issues relating to working with service departments at Alfa dealerships. On the last evening of the rally, January 17, all participants headed for Haliewa Joe's, a Hawaiian seafood restaurant for a relaxing dinner. A great time was had by all!
Post-Rally at Lazy Days - Thirty-three coaches were present for the AlfaSeeYas post-rally held at Lazy Days Rally Park at Seffner, Florida in mid-February 2007. A number of coaches came from the FMCA Regional Rally held at Brooksville, FL
A catered dinner was held the first night preceded by a get-acquainted gathering. Many couples enjoyed the free breakfasts and lunches provided by Lazy Days. The first day was a free day for choosing activities of personal interest some golfed, shopped, did laundry and household duties after spending days dry camping at the FMCA rally, sightseeing in the area and some spent time catching up with friends they hadn’t seen since a previous rally. Everyone came together for a social hour and cards and games were played that evening at Rally Central.
Day two featured a Red Hat luncheon for the ladies at a nearby quaint tearoom for a very special time of companionship and great food. The men gathered for a group coach tech session led by John Richardson. A coach walk that afternoon was rained out. A gourmet potluck dinner started the evening, card bingo was played, and each couple received a door prize.
Many enjoyed the great restaurants in the area. A favorite was Parksdale Farms renowned for their huge strawberry shortcakes and great fruit and vegetables. Wagonmasters were Mike & Karol Lippert. Co-Wagonmasters were John & Susan Richardson.
Alfa Owner's Club Annual National Rally
The 2007 National Rally will be held April 18 to 25, 2007 at ViewPoint Rv & Golf 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.
September 2007 - Central Illinois Rally The 2006 participants 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. Camping will be at Hopedale and Springfield, IL.
Wagonmasters are: Mike and Karolyn Lippert ( klippert43@msn.com ) (309)-360-5720 and Kris and Jim Huber (309)-635-8369 or 17BKP@insightbb.com ).
Send Rally Application to Jim & Kris Huber at 1104 Hampton Rd. Washington, IL 61571-1254.
For information on the Marigold Festival go to ( www.pekin.net/MarigoldFestival.htm ).
NOTE: DO NOT SEND RALLY APPLICATIONS TO ALFASEEYAS’ CINCINNATI, OH ADDRESS
ALFASEEYAS RALLY COORDINATOR - Thanks Terry for your efforts as rally coordinator. No replacement has been named.
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 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 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 WAGON MASTERS AS REQUESTED IN THE RALLY INFORMATION.
AlfaSeeYa
---Rally Schedule---
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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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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 FMCA’s 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 Missouri State Fairgrounds in Sedalia, MO
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Oct 3 to 6, 2007 Rocky Mountain Area Rally at San Juan County Fairgrounds in Farmington, NM
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Jan 9 to 13, 2008 Western Area Rally at Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, CA
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Feb 25 to 28, 2008 International Convention at Fairplex in Pomona, CA
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Feb 6 to 10, 2008 Southeast Area Rally at Hernando County Airport in Brooksville, FL
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Jun 4 to 7, 2008 Northwest Area Rally at Linn County Fair and Expo Center at Albany, OR
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July 14 to 17, 2008 FMCA 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 Alfa 1, South Loafers, Wranglers, Lone Stars, Sunrisers, Mavericks, Road Runners, Sun Seekers or Sunchasers to learn of the rallies they have scheduled
CORRECTIONS
In the last newsletter we reported the audit committee for the Treasurer‘s Report incorrectly. The committee was Ken Baas, Dan Sheppard and Jan Smith
.
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.
PILOT/CONTROLLER HUMOR
Actual exchanges between pilots and control towers:
Tower: "Delta 351, you have traffic at 10 o'clock, 6 miles!"
Delta 351: "Give us another hint! We have digital watches!"
Tower: "TWA 2341, for noise abatement turn right 45 Degrees."
TWA 2341: "Center, we are at 35,000 feet. How much noise can we make up here?"
Tower: "Sir, have you ever heard the noise a 747 makes when it hits a 727?"
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A blond female Sheriff’s deputy pulls over a blonde in a convertible sports car for speeding. She walks up to the car and asks the blonde for her driver’s license.
The blonde convertible driver searches through her purse in vain. Finally she asks, “What does it look like?”
The blonde deputy tells her, “Its that thing with your picture on it.” The blonde driver searches for a few more seconds, pulls out her compact, opens it and sure enough sees herself. She hands the compact to the blonde deputy.
After a few seconds looking at the compact, the blonde deputy rolls her eyes, hands the compact back to the blonde convertible driver and says, “If you would have told me you were a law enforcement officer when I first pulled you over we could have avoided this whole thing.”
THE YEAR’S BEST HEADLINES
Something Went Wrong in Jet Crash, Expert Says.
Police Begin Campaign to Run Down Jaywalkers
Panda Mating Fails; Veterinarian Takes Over
If Strike Isn’t Settled Quickly, It May Last Awhile.
Typhoon Rips Through Cemetery; Hundreds Dead
PERKS OF BEING OVER 50 -- If you are not over 50, this is what you have to look forward to.
1. Kidnappers are not very interested in you.
2. In a hostage situation you are likely to be released first.
3. No one expects you to run--anywhere.
4. People call at 9 pm and ask, " Did I wake you ???? "
5. People no longer view you as a hypochondriac.
6. There is nothing left to learn the hard way.
7. Things you buy now won't wear out.
8. You can eat dinner at 4 pm.
9. You can live without sex but not your glasses.
10. You get into heated arguments about pension plans.
11. You no longer think of speed limits as a challenge,
12. You quit trying to hold your stomach in no matter who walks into the room.
13. You sing along with elevator music.
14. Your eyes won't get much worse.
15. Your investment in health insurance is finally beginning to pay off.
16. Your joints are more accurate meteorologists than the national weather service.
