SeeYa Connection
Newsletter for our FMCA Chapter
#22 - December 2008
www.alfaseeyas.com
Alfa SeeYa Officers
President - John Bohn - (Phone 858-822-8468) JFBohn1@mac.com
Vice President - Dave Kiesig - trainmaster1@hotmail.com
Secretary - Karen Hugo - KHugo@aol.com
Treasurer - Belle Bohn - bjbohn1@mac.com
National Director - Tony Monson - djnsnow@aol.com
Alt Nat'l Director - Tim Dean tdean68@cox.net
Send US Mail and (Dues to Treasurer)
AlfaSeeYas Chapter 3590 Round Bottom Rd Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026
Other Volunteers
Membership Coordinator - Diane Hawley Epwimmer@verizon.net
Newsletter Editor - Jim Huber 1104 Hampton Rd Washington, IL 61571-1254
317BKP@comcast.net
Web Site Administrator - Tony Monson djnosnow@aol.com
PLEASE NOTE: IMPORTANT The AlfaSeeYas phone number is 858-822-8468.
President’s Message Year 2009 Greetings! I hope you had a happy holiday season. As we enter this new year I am sure many of us have trepidations about the economy, IRA’s, our new government administration, and diesel prices for sure. It is already obvious that we motorhomers have learned how to adjust our travels to compensate for the outrageous diesel prices we suffered through last summer. Belle and I went to Alaska and experienced almost $6.00 a gallon diesel costs in Canada. Thankfully, prices are now actually lower than when we bought our coach in June 2005. However, it is pretty sure they will rise again this coming summer. We will continue to be at the whim of world demand and oil company diesel pricing for the foreseeable future. I hope we can all adjust to those fluctuations so as to be able to continue this marvelous life-style.
Meanwhile, there are other things of concern to all Alfa owners. Two of these are the conversion to digital-only TV, and blisters. For the TV ‘problem’, many owners have already opted to upgrade their TVs to digital units. You will find lots of input regarding that on the Yahoo group website (see our website, www.alfaseeyas.com if you are not familiar with the Yahoo site.) To address the issue of making your non-digital TV capable of receiving the new over-air broadcast digital-only transmissions, I have asked member Jim Reed to write an article you will find elsewhere in this issue. I don’t want to alarm anyone, so if you are only using your TV to watch satellite programs from DirecTV or Dish Network, don’t fret about this change. The only people affected are those who watch TV using their rooftop antenna, not the satellite dish.
Also in this issue, you will find an article by Jim Patton of www.RVAdvocates.com regarding the current situation with blisters. (Jim was formerly an employee of Alfa Leisure who was dealing with this problem when they closed up shop.) Many of us have coaches that do not have this problem, but unfortunately, several owners do. As he states in the article, you are invited to contact him with any blisters concerns. I hope these articles are helpful.
As this newsletter reaches you, several of our members will be enjoying the pre rally prior to the FMCA western regional rally in Indio, CA. Wagonmaster Rhonda Dean has done a masterful job of putting this together. There are 27 coaches going to the pre rally, and we’ll be joined by 3 more coaches for the FMCA festivities. A big Thank You to Rhonda!
As we venture down the road in 2009 I hope Belle and I can meet you somewhere along the way. We will not be able to attend the FMCA rally in Perry, GA this year, but if you plan to do so, please let me know. I have received requests from FMCA for people from our chapter to provide volunteers for this event, which is being sponsored by the International Division. The AlfaSeeYas is an FMCA Chapter under this division. If there is any chance you might be going there, please let me know.
Some final New Year’s Resolution reminders:
If you are reading a snail mail copy of this newsletter, please check your address label NOW to see when your membership is up for renewal.
Remember to keep your FMCA membership up to date. You must remain in good standing with FMCA to be an AlfaSeeYa member, as we are a chapter of FMCA.
If you change your addresses in any way, please be sure to let us know. You can contact any officers listed in the newsletter to do so.
Wishing you the Happiest of New Years,
John F. Bohn. President
DUH!
SOB Owner: 'I've been calling 700-1000 for two days and can't get through; can you help?'
Operator: 'Where did you get that number, sir?'
SOB Owner: 'It's on the door of your business.'
Operator: 'Sir, those are the hours that we are open.'
BLISTER PROBLEMS
Right off the bat, I need to offer up a couple of disclaimers. The first one is that I am not much of a conspiracy theory nut. Oh, sure I believe that more than one gunman assassinated Kennedy, but then who doesn’t nowadays? And, for you younger readers---relax, Teddy has not been shot. Secondly, I am not, nor have I ever claimed to be a Chemist or a Polymer Engineer. The opinions expressed in this article are mine and it will be up to you do decide what is true and what is not.
My body of knowledge, concerning why blisters form on the outside of the exterior walls of a motorhome, has come from a couple of years worth of non-scientific, but nonetheless impartial and eye-opening research. This research consisted of lots of observation of coaches plagued with the blistering issue and digging into samples of the affected areas, tons of reading on the internet, phone conversations with several independent composites companies, as well as extensive investigation with my colleagues at Alfa Leisure, prior to its’ demise on April 30th of 2008. However, some of the most telling evidence, about the root cause of these little pests, actually came unwittingly from the wall material manufacturer themselves. But, I will get to that in a little while.
First of all, let’s talk about what a blister is, for those of you who have not had any show up on your coach.......yet. These little pock marks have been called “Osmotic Blisters” since I first learned about them in June of 2006. I should explain that, prior to that I was the Director of Human Resources and defects on our coaches really fell into several other people’s areas of responsibility. However, it was at this point when I was given the additional responsibility and title of Director of Owner Relations, and then the problem fell squarely in my lap! I started hearing horror stories about people needing twenty to thirty thousand dollars of body work done on their coaches because of this “Osmotic Blistering” problem. Even a dumb old HR guy like me could realize right away this was an issue we needed to get our arms around quickly!
Now, at that point in time, the wall material manufacturer had a program in place, which they actually called a “Warranty”, which paid for repairs to blistering damage on Alfa units. I even have a copy of that document in my possession. However, at the same time, they kept contending that the blisters popping out were a result of water intrusion from the inside. They also kept saying Alfa needed to change their manufacturing process so that our coaches would not allow water to come into the insides of the walls. Their contention was, and pay close attention to this, water gets into the walls, starts moving outward, forces itself through the plywood substrate, then through the layer of fiberglass, and then into the layer of gelcoat, which it pushes outward to form the blister. Whew!!! That “Magic Bullet from the Lone Gunman” conclusion doesn’t sound so far-fetched anymore does it?
In addition to this supplier pointing the finger at Alfa’s manufacturing process, which they had previously audited and could offer no improvement suggestions on, they also contend water intrusion is also the result of owners not sealing their coaches often or thoroughly enough. First of all, Alfa made a very good wall which would rival anything on the market. Secondly, it has been my experience that Alfa Owners, just like most other owners of competitor products, take very good care of their very expensive investments/toys. The fact of the matter is all motorhomes leak sooner or later. Alfa knew that and more importantly, this supplier knows that. What better way to cover your own behind than to point the finger at something you know will always occur, sooner or later, even if it has nothing to do with the problem? When we started to see blistering on coaches that had completely dry substrates with absolutely no water intrusion, the supplier’s explanation started failing to hold water (pardon the pun). What I believe is really telling is the fact this same supplier was offering to fix these units at no charge to the customer or Alfa under this ancillary warranty program, which began in October of 2004 until they ended it in the late Spring of 2007. They must really be nice folks to step up and pay for, at that time, very costly repairs which were not their fault!
When the supplier’s “warranty” program ended, I realized Alfa needed to do something and do it quickly. We could not leave owners hanging with blistering walls and we could not handle covering the cost of repairs as a goodwill gesture. Besides, the problem was not our fault! We persuaded the supplier to discuss another warranty program to pay for the blister repairs. We started negotiating a new program, which by the way, was never again referred to as a “warranty”. Using that word sort of puts the supplier on a legal hook and they would have none of that. Instead, it was called a “Customer Assistance Program”. It also had a cap of $350,000 in aggregate costs borne by the supplier. After that, the program was to be renegotiated. That amount was met in late Spring of 2008 and Alfa closed in the middle of the new negotiations.
To really explain what causes these blisters and whose manufacturing process is responsible for these defects, I need to refer to a letter sent to our Director of Purchasing from the Supplier’s Field Technician in May of 2007. After having a local composite consultant inspect a unit with blistering, he followed up with an explanation of how this problem comes about. In the letter, he describes the Suppliers manufacturing process of spreading polyester resin base coat with an apparatus known as a “Doctor’s Blade”. He described how small spots of partially cured resin will build up on the blade and, unless cleaned regularly, will cause voids where there is resin starvation. When this happens, it creates the opportunity for these voids to become blisters. When this condition is present, it appears that external weather conditions can act as a catalyst to put the blistering in motion. However, it is important to remember that if the voids were not present, the weather would not create the blisters. The voids appear to be the root cause of the problem.
To date, there have been two Court decisions, which went against the Supplier, in the blistering issue. One was a Superior Court Jury verdict and the other a Small Claims Court verdict, which the Supplier is now appealing. The good news is that techniques for repairing the blisters have improved and much less costly methods have been utilized with pretty good results. If you have this problem on your coach, I would strongly advise you to contact one of the two Service Centers now being run by former Alfa employees: SoCal RV Factory Service at 909-434-1680 or Alfateers at 909-428-6775.
Some Owners are attempting legal action against the Supplier. The Supplier has rejected my proposal to set up a customer assistance program to pay for blistering repair, so it looks like Owners have the choice of either biting the bullet and paying for the repairs themselves, or going after the Supplier with a lawsuit. Neither option is pleasant, but there just doesn’t seem to be a third alternative. You cannot drive around with the blisters unrepaired because it will continue to diminish the value of your coach. Especially in this economy, we need to take care of our large investments and keep their value as positive as possible.
If you are uncertain which way to go on this issue, please feel free to contact me at jpatton@rvadvocate.com and I would be happy to discuss it with you and offer some suggestions. Jim Patton
ALFATEERS SERVICE CENTER - The Fontana, CA Alfateers Service Center’ s website now contains Owner’s Manuals for most Alfa coaches and 5th Wheels. To access them go to the customer support section and register. You can download the Owner’s Manuals to your computer and access them at your own convenience. Also at that location are the paint codes for our RVs, and other files that may be of interest/benefit to you. Their website is: http://www.alfateersrvservice.com/
BUSINESS MEETING - There will be an official business meeting conducted at the January Pre Rally in Palm Desert (Indio). If you have items of concern please contact John Bohn directly at 858 822-8468, or jfbohn1@mac.com . . As of this writing no one has volunteered to head up the annual pre or post rally at Brooksville, FL. For the FMCA Rally, Feb 4-8, 2009.
MARCH 2009 FMCA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. Help is needed for the FMCA International Convention, March 16-19, 2009, in Perry, Georgia. The AlfaSeeYas Chapter is part of the International Area (INTO) and INTO Chapters are charged with being hosts and providing the people necessary to meet the convention’s volunteer staffing needs.
I hope we can muster some members to attend and volunteer at the rally. Going in early as a group allows us to be parked together so we can party together too! It is a great opportunity to meet other Alfa owners and share what we’ve learned about and done with our coaches. If you are considering going to that FMCA event, please contact me by phone or email (858-822-8468, jfbohn1@mac.com ).
LCD TV’S AND COLD WEATHER - We have heard of concerns about LCD TV’s and the effect on them during cold weather storage. Here are two web sites which will answer your questions.
WOULD AN LCD TV FREEZE IF LEFT IN AN UNHEATED SPACE? From WikiAnswers Absolutely! As the name "liquid crystal display" (LCD) implies, the display technology uses a substance that shares the same properties as liquids. It therefore can freeze if left in cold enough temperatures. In most cases however, it will also defrost without damage once returned to room temperature. Check the specifications for your LCD device and you'll find two temperature ranges given -- one for storage and one for use. LCDs will only work properly in a certain temperature range, and can usually be stored in a larger range with colder and warmer temperatures. Most LCDs can be stored down to -40F or up to 115F before damage occurs, but will only operate properly in a more comfortable 50F to 90F range. This varies by screen, so you'll want to check the specifications in your TV's manual. If your LCD is left out in the cold, make sure to allow it to rise to room temperature before attempting to power it on, and it should be just fine.
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Would_an_LCD_TV_freeze_if_left_in_an_unheated_space
http://www.lcdtvbuyingguide.com/lcdtvcaring.shtml
MEDEX PLUS - " You may be asking yourself why are we being reminded of Medex?
In the October issue of “Family Motor Coaching” there is a detailed explanation of how MEDEX benefits FMCA members. Simply stated many of our members do not know of this FMCA benefit. Tim Dean wrote in his National Director’s Report in the last “Connection’ Newsletter….”One of the first areas discussed to cut costs was to do away with the MEDEX plan as a benefit, which now costs $500,000 a year. After much discussion the motion to drop this failed due to most delegates not wanting to cut benefits to the members. “
From Executive Director Don Eversmann’s article in the October issue here are the major benefits.
1. Emergency medical air and ground evacuation.
2. Repatriation of remains.
3. Return home of unattended grandchildren and dependent children.
4. RV and automobile return home.
5. Transportation to join a hospitalized member, for members traveling alone and hospitalized for seven days or more.
6. Transportation home after initial evacuation.
CHANGE TO DIGITAL TV SIGNALS - By now most of us are tired of hearing what we need to do to receive TV signals over the air starting February 2009. And, that conversion boxes are available with the government picking up part of the cost. But the problem is, “how do I use a converter box in my Alfa?”
On February 17, 2009 all full-power broadcast television stations in the United States will stop broadcasting on analog airwaves and begin broadcasting only in digital. Digital broadcasting will allow stations to offer improved picture and sound quality and additional channels
This helpful advice is from Jim Reed!
John Bohn asked me to write an article concerning the conversion of coach analog TVs to digital explaining the various options and perhaps some how-to’s! When one combines the various Alfa models and owners’ desires the result is a very large possibility of hookup combinations for the converter boxes.
Unlike a home where one simply puts the converter box between the antenna and the TV, our coaches use the antenna input (RF) of the TV for distribution of VCR/DVD, satellite and other video sources from the switchbox to the Tvs. This adds a layer of complexity to the mix.
My first thought is why spend money for a converter box to extend the life of old technology television sets that have really been obsolete for years?
My first recommendation is to not go the conversion box route but replace the TV sets with HDTV models. The prices have come down quite a bit, one will take advantage of the high definition broadcasts and electrically they are direct replacements for our existing sets with the added advantage of more input options and you will have TV sets with new warranties. With the exception of the front overhead TV, the physical installation is quite simple. The files sections of the http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/alfaseeya/ and http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/SeeYaDP/ Alfa forum sites contain many installation samples and a search of these forums will provide replacement instructions for just about all of our coach models.
With that said on to the converter box. What is a converter box? It is a TV tuner that will receive over the air digital TV broadcasts in the UHF TV band and convert the digital signal to an analog RF signal in VHF TV band that a TV set can receive on channel 3 or 4. The key operative here is tuner. The better the tuner (sensitive) the farther distant stations will be received. Unlike the analog broadcasts where a weak signal results in a snowy picture, in the digital world you have a good picture, picture & sound that breaks up or nothing. So it pays to purchase a good converter box and not a cheap one.
In addition to the tuner sensitivity (gain), the other important feature to beware of is analog pass through. Many conversion boxes do not have this feature. This is important as the DVD/ VHS players, satellite receivers, PVRs, etc., signals are distributed throughout the coach via the coaxial RF cables to the analog antenna input of the TV sets. Without the analog pass through, the converter box will block the signal and one will lose use of these devices.
Keep in mind that the converter boxes were designed for home use where the usual connection is to put the converter box between the antenna and the TV set and not the type of distribution set up that we have in our coaches.
The good news is digital broadcasts are compatible with the bat wing antennas and antenna amplifier in our coaches.
So let’s get started and see how we might hookup a conversion box.
Figure 1 shows a typical home installation where the conversion box is inserted between the antenna and the TV set.
fig 2
Figure 2 is a simplified diagram of our typical coach video distribution system. The Gold owners have another layer of complexity with 2 satellite receivers. The question I am illustrating here is where we insert the conversion box (boxes).
If we insert a conversion box between the antenna and the distribution switch, we lose the antenna booster amplifier as it is built into the distribution box. We need the booster amplifier to bring in distant stations. Plus all TVs would have to watch the same station.
Other deciding factors as to where we locate the conversion box and how many we use are how many different off air programs are to be watched at the same time and from where in the coach it is acceptable to change channels. Let’s assume that 2 people want to watch 2 different programs at the same time and we want to be able to select the channels from the front of the coach, the bedroom and outside. In this case, we would need conversion boxes with analog signal bypass inserted at points A, B and C in Figure 2.
We could place the conversion box for point A in either the right or left overhead compartments where AC and access to the coax from the TV1 connector on the distribution box is easily available. The point B conversion box would be mounted in the overhead bedroom TV ABS or underneath it where again both AC and the bedroom TV antenna jack are accessible.
The outside TV would have its own conversion box in the bay with the TV. Again power and TV antenna jack are accessible.
With this arrangement, we have the same functionally that we had before, i.e. Off Air TV programs, DVD /VHS and satellite to all TV sets in the coach.
As one can see there are a number of trade offs and installation possibilities too numerous to try and cover in an article plus the added mix of owner knowledge and installation skills. The Alfa Forums sited above have several discussions on various ways that Alfa coach owners have installed converter boxes in their coaches that would provide further help.
I have not purchased a converter box so I do not have first hand recommendation but the Zenith Digital-to-Analog Converter with Analog Pass-Through, Model DTT901 should do the job and it is available from Radio Shack, catalog number 15-193.
Editor‘s Note: Your editor and his wife have taken a two conservative approaches to the change. (1) We removed the small Galley TV - located a suitable-sized replacement thru Wal-Mart and installed a small digital HDTV in the opening. This TV will provide us the ability to receive over-the-air signals the few times a year when we have the need. Since most of our TV watching is either cable or satellite this was a low cost alternative vs. trying to locate one or more converter boxes in the RV or removing all TV‘s and replacing them with new digital TV‘s.
(2) We often bring one of our HD sets (32 inch) from home when we expect to spend considerable time at one location, e.g., Florida for the Winter. We use a splitter behind the galley TV - run a coax cable thru the back of the cabinets and to HD set, which we place on the passenger side of the dashboard. This enables us to receive over-the air signals as well as cable and satellite. (Jim Huber)
ANOTHER ALFA FORUM WEB SITE? I am a non "RV Business" forum manager. I have several motor home sites I manage as a hobby. My Travel Supreme site is quite large and been around for years. At the time I started the Alfa site, I did not know about the Yahoo site. I did the Alfa site about the same time I did the National RV site. Because both had been orphaned by their manufacturers, I thought it would be a thoughtful thing to do. The National site is exploding with new members. The Alfa site has not been so active. So if there is not room for a second site I will eventually delete it...
On 9/26/08 7:27 PM, "Rick Smith" < RickLSmith53@Hotmail.com > wrote:
http://groups.msn.com/AlfaLeisureMotorhomeFifthWheelOwners/
GAS AND DIESEL PRICES FOR YOUR AREA…. want to find the lowest gas/diesel prices in your area? Go to: http://autos.msn.com/everyday/GasStationsBeta.aspx
THE BIG WHITE BUS SMASHER - More suggestions on “Bug Removal”
Prestone Bug Removing Windshield Cleaner really works GREAT. The bugs dissolve quickly and don't take much work to get off. For less than $2 a gallon at Wal-Mart it can't be beat. It does not remove wax or poly coatings from the coach. Spray it on and let set for a few minutes and most bug spots wipe off easily. I use a couple of gallons a year. Tom Heath 02 SYA # 70594
A NEW TIRE FROM MICHELIN Michelin has unveiled the latest tire in its X One wide single tire line the Michelin X One XDN2 tire....
Read the full story:
http://www.truckinginfo.com/news/news-detail.asp?news_id=61278
BRIGHTER HEADLIGHTS? We tow a 99 Toyota Carolla and due to the age, the headlights were very hazy, and you could barely see the inside components. By chance I happened upon a product show and http://www.myheadlights.com (Crystal View Headlight restoration Kit) and bought it at the local Wal Mart. I applied it to the headlight lens and was utterly amazed. The headlights look brand new, and obviously project much more light again. This was a much better solution vs. the cost of new headlamps. It is a simple kit with everything you need and could easily be purchased on the internet and sent by regular mail. I’m not one to endorse products, but this one I certainly won’t hesitate to recommend to anyone who wants to restore the plastic covering of the lenses. (Courtesy of John Bohn)
FOOD STORAGE TRIALS AND TRIBULATIONS - For years I have owned one of these big vacuum baggers for food preservation in freezer or frig. I never dig it out cause it is in of the big bottom drawer. Great idea and sucks the air out and seals the bag for freezing but who takes the time. At the RV show in Quartzsite I bought another one the size of a pancake, (smaller but not easier) but still had to be set up and the bags did not stay sealed as advertised.
My next attempt was those green bags that are touted to control the gasses from food that cause fruit ripening and food spoilage. Simpler, and they did slow the actions as advertised. Still not so good for the freezer.
From this dissertation you see I'm on a mission. Well another solution appeared in the Sunday paper. It's from Ziploc. A simple hand sucker pump and a near standard Ziploc bag with a small one way valve on the side. Put the food in, seal the zipper, set the pump over the valve and suck a few strokes. I think it is going to work. Sure looks good in the freezer this
morning. Plus Ziploc claims the bags are Microwave safe. (Courtesy of David & Pat Vaughn SYA #352.)
IN YUMA FOR THE WINTER OR JUST VISITING? Posted on the Yahoo group site.
Every second Monday of the month, from November thru April, Alfa owners in the Yuma area meet for breakfast at the Hometown Buffet. All Alfa owners are welcome to attend.
Hometown Buffet 2595 S 4th Av Yuma, Az 8:30 AM
Dan & Jenny Sheppard 40' See Ya #1590
REPLACING “FOGGY” WINDOWS - Editor’s Note: I noticed several of my windows became ’foggy” (lost their seal) after the warranty had expired. Talking with a friend during our local RV rally he told me of a glass repair service he used to replace one of his ‘foggy” windows. Subsequently, I talked to one of our local glass dealers who measured and then replaced several of our “foggy” windows at what we consider a reasonable price vs. buying new windows. If you have some windows with the same condition you may want to discuss replacing the glass with your local glass dealer.
ARE YOUR DUES PAID???? If you received a sheet of paper (Your Dues are Due) with this newsletter YOUR DUES NEED TO BE PAID! You can determine when your dues are payable by looking at the date on the your address label of this newsletter. Multiple years are encouraged. Send your check for $10/year to:
Treasurer
AlfaSeeYas Chapter
3590 Round Bottom Rd
Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026
A REMINDER ABOUT FMCA DUES To be a member of the AlfaSeeYas you must keep your FMCA Dues paid.
RALLY SCHEDULE
We hope you will read information on upcoming AlfaSeeYa and FMCA rallies and conventions. We've listed them in this newsletter for your convenience.
As mentioned earlier, if you would like to suggest a local rally, please contact our President John Bohn. A group of AlfaSeeYas can get together very easily for a few days during the week, or over a weekend.
Please check the scheduled rallies and add some of them to your schedule. NOTE: THERE ARE A LIMITED NUMBER OF SITES AVAILABLE AT MOST EVENTS. You can insure a spot by reserving now. Your early reservation FOR PRE & POST RALLIES saves you $15 and lets the Wagon Master know if additional sites are needed. Sometimes it is possible to accommodate more than the number originally planned.
Note: The cost of AlfaSeeYa rallies is for two adults in one Alfa motor home.
NEED HELP PLANNING A RALLY? John Bohn, our chapter president has created several documents to help those interested in planning a pre, post or other rally for our members. You can contact John (see page one) and ask for any or all of the documents. They include: Rules of Thumb for Estimating Costs and Planning a Pre or Post Rally in Brief.
LOBSTER FEST 2009 - Alfa See Ya owners are invited to participate in Lobster Fest 2009 sponsored by the Alfa Sunrisers. The Maine Lobster Fest will be from Sept 16th to Sept 20th, with the Lobster Dinner on Saturday September 19th. We will be staying at the Timberland Acres RV Park in Trenton, Maine with full hookups for $27 per night including a 50 amp site. The Lobster dinner will be $30 per person. The Sunrisers have reserved space for between 20 and 30 rigs. Sites must be confirmed by August 2009. SeeYa!
Wagon Masters are: Ron & Carol Davis can be reached at davisrc@htn.com or 863-633-9045. Terry & Owen O'Neil who will be our co-wagon masters.
ALFASEEYA---RALLY SCHEDULE---
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Feb 1 -3, 2009 - Brooksville, FL SeeYa Pre-Rally - not scheduled!
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April 29 - May 6 - Alfa National Rally at Bakersfield, CA.
Sep 16 - 19, 2009 - Sunrisers/SeeYa Lobster Fest at Timberland Acres RV Park in Trenton, ME (see above for more information!)
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FMCA INTERNATIONAL CONVENTIONS AND AREA RALLIES
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 http://www.FMCA.com.
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Jan 7-11, 2009 Western Area Rally at Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival in Indio, CA
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Feb 4-8, 2009 - FMCA Southeast Area Rally at Hernando County Airport in Brooksville, FL
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March 16-19, 2009 - FMCA’s 81st International Convention at Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter in Perry, GA.
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May 21-25, 2009 - Great Lakes Area Rally at Berrien County Youth Fair in Berrien Springs, MI
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June 4-7, 2009 - Northwest Area Rally at Linn County Fair and Exposition Center in Albany, OR
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June 4 - 7, 2009 - Eastern Area Rally at Richmond Raceway Complex in Richmond, VA
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June 17 -21, 2009 - Midwest Area Rally at Freeborn County Agriculture Society in Albert Lea, MN.
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July 20-23, 2009 - FMCA’s 82nd International Convention at Bowling Green State University, in Bowling Green, OH
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Aug 12 - 15, 2009 - Northeast Area Rally at Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, VT
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Sep 22 - 26, 2009 - South Central Rally in Shawnee, OK
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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 emailed or regular mailed copy of the newsletter.
Thank you, Tony Monson, Web administrator. djnosnow@aol.com
WE NEED IT! JUST A LITTLE HUMOR!
1. The roundest knight at King Arthur's round table was Sir circumference. He acquired his size from too much pi.
2. I thought I saw an eye doctor on an Alaskan island, but it turned out to be an optical Aleutian .
3. She was only a whiskey maker, but he loved her still.
4. A rubber band pistol was confiscated from algebra class because it was a weapon of math disruption.
5. The butcher backed into the meat grinder and got a little behind in his work.
6. No matter how much you push the envelope, it'll still be stationery.
7. A dog gave birth to puppies near the road and was cited for littering.
8. A grenade thrown into a kitchen in France would result in Linoleum Blownapart.
9 . Two silk worms had a race. They ended up in a tie.
10. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.
11. A hole has been found in the nudist camp wall. The police are looking into it.
12. Atheism is a non-prophet organization.
13. Two hats were hanging on a hat rack in the hallway. One hat said to the other, 'You stay here, I'll go on a head.'
14. I wondered why the baseball kept getting bigger. Then it hit me.
15. A sign on the lawn at a drug rehab center said: 'Keep off the Grass.'
16. A small boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. When his grandmother telephoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'
17. A chicken crossing the road is poultry in motion.
18. It's not that the man did not know how to juggle, he just didn't have the balls to do it.
19. The short fortune-teller who escaped from prison was a small medium at large.
20. The man who survived mustard gas and pepper spray is now a seasoned veteran.
21. A backward poet writes inverse.
22. In democracy it's your vote that counts. In feudalism it's your count that votes.
23. When cannibals ate a missionary, they got a taste of religion.
24. Don't join dangerous cults: Practice safe sects!
WALKING CAN ADD MINUTES TO YOUR LIFE.
This enables you at 85 years old to spend an additional 5 months in a nursing home at $7000 per month.
My grandpa started walking five miles a day when he was 60..Now he's 97 years old and we don't know where he is.
I like long walks, especially when they are taken by people who annoy me.
The only reason I would take up walking is so that I could hear heavy breathing again.
I have to walk early in the morning, before my brain figures out what I'm doing..
TWO WOLVES
One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people.
He said, "My son, the battle is between two "wolves" inside us all.
One is Evil. It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego.
The other is Good. It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion, and faith."
The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather
"Which wolf wins?"
The old Cherokee simply replied, "The one you feed!
