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SCUTTLEBUTT April 2020
Singles International www.fmca-si.com Vol 36 Issue 2
Est. 1984
Inside this Issue
President’s Message 2 Chapter Officers 3
Minutes of Annual Mtg 4 Meet your new SI
Chapter Officers
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Rocky Mountain Area News 6 Western Area Rally, a Memorial and a Tribute
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New Banner, Nomination Committee & Editor’s story
8 Recap of 2020 Rally Events including those cancelled
9
Membership Renewal Form 10
A bit of history
SI’s celebrating a Bean Bag Baseball win
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
“The World Turned Upside Down” was played by the British Band when they surrendered Oct. 19, 1781 here in Yorktown VA. so many years ago. This is now a local holiday and we have special programs and every 25 years we have expanded events lasting for days. In 2006, we had a Singles International rally here to celebrate our history and we had a fun time for several days. We had two members come all the way from Florida…GUESS WHO???? TODAY, the world is facing the COVID 19 epidemics and I pray that our Singles family is not affected by this dangerous virus. Everyone please stay safe.
I can finally mention that my Motorhome was returned home on March 5, 2020 from Freightliner, after being off the road since Dec. 15, 2019.We were getting the SI Inventory back in the coach and packing our NEW 3ft Banner that outlines our Happy Hour/ Block party location when I received word from INTO President George Schremp that FMCA had to cancel the Tucson rally. I sent this notice to the 14 INTO Chapters that I represent including Singles International. I am so disappointed that I will not have the opportunity to visit with our Western Singles. FMCA is NOT returning our rally fees but have issued a certificate for registration at a future rally good till March 31, 2023. The FMCA Summer rally that was to be held in Lincoln NE in August is also cancelled. The next FMCA rally will be at Perry GA in March 2021.
On Saturday March 28, 2020 the INTO Board had a telephone conference call about the Calgary Stampede Rally. With additional new details we decided to cancel the Rally ahead of our May 1, 2020 decision date. All of your registration fee will be refunded. So, another to bite the dust ...
I had to cancel ALL the rallies I planned to attend because of the motorhome problem. I asked our immediate past president Betty Howard if she would conduct our 2020 SI Annual Business and she volunteered...I remember the last time we had our annual SI Business meeting at the SEA Rally at Lakeland FL it was outside at a Happy Hour. Our last two annual meetings held at Perry were in seminar rooms and it was wonderful! I made arrangements at SEA to use the Cessna seminar room but I was told that the acoustics were terrible, and then we had members trying to adjust the agenda and then a group of members thinking it was happy hour; time to chat. Consequently this led to some confusion…I feel there are things you can talk about and things you can write about so there is a copy of the 2020 SI Annual Business Meeting in this issue.
Unfortunately a few days after the Business Meeting I was talking with Betty and she felt that she had to resign as our Eastern VP. Fortunately I was talking with a former SI Officer Bob Gillis and he volunteered to become the Eastern Area VP. We have three NEW Officers on the SI EX Board for 2020 and I have asked them to include a short bio.
As you know, it is election time again for all INTO Officers and a notice was sent to ALL INTO Members concerning elections. I have decided to run again for re-election as an INTO VP.
John McPherson – SI President
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Officers—2020
President
John McPherson F088818
PO Box 1347
Yorktown VA 23692
757-880-9347
Executive VP
Ned Boston F226166
3228 Ringwood Mdw
Sarasota FL 34235
608-217-5412
Secretary
Roberta Harden F310648
65 Sunrise Ct
Dawsonville GA 30534
678-617-5748
Treasurer
Carol Klenow F401826
3916 N Potsdam Ave
PMB # 2969
Sioux Falls SD 57104
810-287-1486
Standing Committees
Newsletter Editor
Bob J. Mills F273086
Summer address
7-841 Sydney St
Cornwall, ON K6H 7L2
Canada
438-822-6503
Webmaster
Bob Kelley F422641
217 E. Preston Ave
Wildwood NJ 08260
860-995-4393
National Director
Carol Klenow F401826
3916 N Potsdam Ave PMB #2969
Sioux Falls SD 57104
810-287-1486
Alternate National Director
Ann Kristal F492698
7221 Glendyne Dr. N.
Jacksonville FL 32216
571-212-8786
Eastern Area VP
Bob Gillis F356051
974 Craigs Chapel Rd.
Greenback TN 37742
865-368-4157
Great Lakes Area VP
Sue Balmert F260271
4706 Portside Dr
Vermilion OH 44089
440-315-8417
Northeast Area VP
Bob Burnham F220376
PO Box 203
Hinsdale NH 03451
603-762-0172
Southeast Area VP
Jeannine Fontaine F436805
PO Box 425
Cleveland GA 30528
706-200-0876
Vacant
Midwest Area VP
Northwest Area VP
Rocky Mountain Area VP
South Central Area VP
Western Area VP
Web Site: www.fmca-si.com
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MINUTES OF SI MEETING
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Meet your new officers
New Eastern Area Vice President Robert Gillis 974 Craigs Chapel Road, Greenback, TN 37742 e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 865-368-4157
Bob was born and raised in the area of Boston, MA, entered the military ending up in CA, where he served as a police officer for the city of Hayward, CA for 28 yrs. Bob retired from the police department and also from the US Army reserves after 21 years. Bob joined the FMCA and S.I.’s in 2006. While in the S.I.’s he has served as Executive VP, Southeast VP and newsletter editor.
New Executive Vice President
Ned Boston
3228 Ringwood Mdw
Sarasota, FL 34235—[email protected]
608-217-5412
I’ve been camping and RV’ing since I was young, starting with the Boy Scouts and then family camping trips in a trailer my father purchased. After Jeanne and I were married, we started backpacking, then a wall tent, then a pop top trailer, then a small travel trailer, then a bigger travel trailer, and then an even bigger travel trailer.
After a period of time with boating, we bought a Class C motor home in 1996 and joined FMCA. The Class C eventually gave way to a small Class A . The small Class A was replaced with a diesel pusher with all kinds of slides, televisions everywhere, a fire place and a washer and dryer. We were only able to enjoy that coach for a couple of years before Jeanne passed away. I sold the coach and
I’m buying a smaller and simpler coach.
We got involved at a national level with FMCA in 2008 when I joined the Marketing Strategy Committee. After that, I was on several other committees, and was asked to take the Chair position on the Risk Management committee. I’ve chaired that committee now for over 8 years. We were also involved in area and national rallies. We chaired the FMCA store at Midwest Area rallies for several years, and we chaired the FMCA store at the Madison national convention. I chaired the Midwest area audit committee for several years, and I’m currently on the INTO area audit committee. At chapter level, I was VP of the Wisconsin Voyagers chapter for a term and I’m the National Director for the Amateur Radio Chapter.
FMCA was an important part of our life, and remains an important part of my life. Now that I’ve
moved from Wisconsin to Sarasota, Florida, I’m hoping to enjoy year round trips getting to as many
SI rallies as I can fit into my schedule.
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Next Scuttlebutt - Issue Deadline: June 1
Send your articles and photos to [email protected]
The 101st FMCA Convention for Tucson, March 2020 was cancelled on Friday, 13 March at 4:30 p.m., Cincinnati time. Refunds in form of a Certificate redeemable for a future FMCA Convention before 2023 should have been issued to you via email from FMCA office. If you did NOT receive this notice, please notify the office. If you had already registered for the August 2020 Convention in Lincoln NE, it has also been cancelled. Please look for your refund in the same way as above. The next currently scheduled FMCA Convention will be March 2021 in Perry GA. All this has caused difficulties for members already on the road, and I hope my messages made their way to you. Some members were already at the Desert Diamond Casino where the pre-convention gathering was to be held. I left Apache Jct AZ on Monday, Mar 23rd, to spend a few days at DM AFB famcamp to dump,etc. I arrived 4hrs after decision was made to not accept any NEW arrivals, so dumped and went to Casino. Seven of us were there, then it rained, and Wed at 7 p.m., a security officer arrived and said we had 1 hour to depart as the casino was closing. Four of us 'more mature' (!!!) gals said we have trouble driving at night and in rain, and got permission to stay till morning.
We then went to a Walmart allowing o/n parking !!! 2 days later the group disbanded to various directions and I saw notice on line that Escapee Coop Park outside Casa Grande was accepting new arrivals, and 2 hrs later I was checked in. Have a safe haven and other SI/SOLO friends are here also. I feel for those who use various National, State, COE, and other campsites that are not accepting campers. Like the truckers, may you be safe and secure. I am not going off-the-road, but will not be an SI officer, nor travelling South in winter months, as I am retiring to Senior Independent Living apartment this summer.
It is great to know all of you and to have helped with rallies with you. I may see you in Gillette WY in 2021 Summer Convention to use my Certificate!! [email protected] 307-630-7396 Cheyenne WY !!!
NEWS FROM ROCKY MOUNTAIN AREA
Attention SI members Scuttebutt is your newsletter. It will only be interesting if officers and members provide input. Members are always interested in learning what other members and their friends are doing. Reports and photos are needed. Please consider sending in a contribution to a future issue. Scuttlebutt is currently published every two months. I would love to have the challenge of deciding what to leave out because I have too much material. This is not the case at present.
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Remembering an SI friend
Donna Eggleston was found unresponsive next to her vehicle after leaving the WIN Dance Rally practice on Friday, 31 Oct 2019. She had been at the Fountain of Youth RV Park near Niland CA and enjoying herself. Someone saw her on ground, bleeding from head wound. Nurses and trained medical responders were not able to get a response and ambulance took her to hospital in Brawley CA. Her medical history and such were found in her rig.. and they included a Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) wish, so hospital removed any life support and she quickly died. Family has been located and notified. We reminded a friend of FMCASSIST, and the hospital was to be notified.
Donna was from Pennsylvania, had a daughter, her son died in recent past. She and her husband travelled a lot in their Roadtrek, and after his death, she continued to travel. Often alternating from Florida to the Southwest for winter living. She had many SI friends and attended lots of FMCA SI, SKP SOLO, AND WIN gatherings.
God bless you Donna. Continue traveling and sharing with us. Hugs and love
Joanne Harnit
A Tribute to Joanne Harnit
Joanne Harnit recently stepped down as SI Vice President of the Rocky Mountain Area and from the position of SI Alternate National Director. For a number of years, Joanne has been a leader in organizing SI activities west of the Mississippi. What follows is a brief biography provided by Joanne after her initial election as Alternate National Director. “I am Joanne Harnit, born in North Dakota, educated as a nurse, spent 20 years in the Air Force Nurse Corp, retired and settled in Cheyenne WY. I have been a part timer in a motor home since 1997 and a member of FMCA since then. I belong to High Plains Drifters, Roamin Catholics, Veterans, Frustrated Maestros and Singles International chapters. I also belong to Good Sams, WINs, LOWs, SMART and Escapees camping clubs and chapters. I love the desert southwest, cats, knitting, music and sight-seeing while traveling in the RV for more than 6 months a year. I do not generally travel east of the Mississippi, but will attend FMCA Family Conventions in the West and Mid-West. I feel priviledged to represent SI at these FMCA gatherings. Thank you, Johanne, for your many years of service as an SI officer on behalf of the SI President, the Executive and the Membership. Wishing you the very best.
Western Area Rally, Indio, California—January 8 to 12, 2020
Singles started gathering at Spotlight 29 Casino off Dillon Rd, Indio, CA on 3 January, 2020. Outings to eat Mexican, Italian, and casino buffet ($9.99, prime rib daily). Group caravaned into fairgrounds Tuesday 7 Jan, and were parked before noon. Over the next 4 days they were busy visiting vendors and exhibitors, attending seminars, evening shows, and local sights. The Indio rally is a good one, well run with great facilities. Attendance was less this year, but the weather was great. Most SIs went on to the Quartzsite gathering on the desert afterwards. Attending: Carols H, T, P and B-Bob S, Jerry D, Claudia D, Dottie B, Robin Mc, Gloria Jean D, Sally B, Paul D, Judy H, Leah G, Fran R, and Joanne H. Sorry if anyone was missed as am reconstructing this from memory and a sign in sheet. The Chapter Fair was a success as we added new members and dues !!! May someone step in and take this gathering on--was my last year. Hugs to you all. Joanne Harnit
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As many of you know, I am a Canadian snowbird. This spring Lise and I had planned to leave Florida on April 8 and stop in Radford, Virginia to spend Easter with family to arrive back home in Canada April 16.
Well COVID-19 changed all that. On March 13 the Canadian Government announced that all Canadians outside the country should return as soon as possible. A window of 10 days was suggested. There was a mad rush of getting ready to close up the house (park model) in Florida, transfer clothing and food to the RV and get ready to leave. Since we had not yet started to deplete our food supply it was really a challenge to get everything that needed refrigeration into the smaller fridge in our Class C motorhome. The distance between our Florida home and our Canadian home is approximately 1,500 miles. At our age we find it taxing on or bodies to cover more than 350 miles per day. Last year we took 5 days to return but this year we were able to do it in 4 days. Along the way, we stayed in campgrounds the first two nights and took precautions like disinfecting the hookups before plugging in. The third night we stayed in a motel and went though a disinfecting routine also. I also tried to disinfect the nozzle before fueling along the way. In Pennsylvania all of the rest areas on our route were closed with barriers at the entrances. Fortunately, in other states the parking areas were open and only the service buildings were closed. We were very fortunate to be traveling in an RV. I felt sorry for snowbirds returning by car because they did not have access to toilets in rest areas nor in restaurants as most were restricted to take out or drive through. Surprisingly there was no delay at the border on Sunday March 22. With a million Canadian snowbirds all returning over a 2 week period I would have expected long lines.. We were given a document instructing us to be in self quarantine for 14 days. Fortunately a son had done our grocery shopping and delivered the food to our home before we arrived as we were instructed not to stop for groceries before beginning our quarantine. These are unusual times and we are all trying to make the best of it.
Good luck everyone, and please be careful and keep healthy. Bob Mills
BOB—COPING WITH A PANDEMIC
My idea for this banner was to PROMOTE us Singles at the FMCA Chapter Fairs, when we conduct the Card Bingo at the Fun & Games and our HH Hour location and Block Party. This is the same size as our SI Flag so it would be mounted on my portable standup display. MY budget for this project was the FMCA Funds ($75,00) given to us for participating in the Chapter Fair and Block Party and then the matching funds from INTO ($75.00) for a $150.00 total. I had done the BANNER BEFORE "The World Turned Upside Down" So now the $45.00 will be funded from SI Funds...I had designed
four different banners and I sent them to our SI Ex Board for a vote and this was the winner...John McPherson [email protected]
A NEW SI BANNER
I would appreciate it if 3 Singles members would volunteer to serve on the nomination committee for 2020...It is really rewarding experience and a tremendous service to our Chapter...You will be included in my correspondence to the SI Executive Board and you will be so listed on Page 3 in the Scuttlebutt. Thank you, John McPherson
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102nd
International Convention & RV Expo—August 26-29, 2020
Lancaster Event Center — Lincoln Nebraska
GEAR –September 30-October 4, 2020—Almost Heaven
State Fair, Lewisburg, West Virginia—Full hookups for everyone
South-Central Area Rally – Oklahoma Trails To Fun
September 16-19, 2020
Heart of Oklahoma Expo Center, Shawnee, OK
Great Lakes Area Rally—June 17-20, 2020
Friends and Fun Aplenty! registration now open
Allegan County Fairgrounds, Allegan, Michigan
Please let your editor know about any SI events planned
If you send me photos of SI’s having fun I will publish the best ones.
SI table at a Chapter Fair
Northwest Area Rally—June 24-27, 2020
Douglas County Fairgrounds, Roseburg, Oregon
International Area Rally—July 17-20 and July 24-27, 2020
Calgary Alberta, Canada
See registration form of page 9 ** Mail in only
Rocky Mountain Area Rally—October21– 24, Tucson, Arizona
Northeast Area Rally—July 10-13, 2020
Champlain Valley Exposition, Essex Junction, Vermont
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
CANCELLED
103rd
International Convention & RV Expo— July 7—10, 2021
CAM-PLEX, Multi Event Facilities, Gillette Wyoming
102nd
International Convention & RV Expo—March 10-13, 2021
Georgia National Fairgrounds & Agricenter, Perry, Georgia
Western Area Rally — January 6-10, 2021—Indio, California
CANCELLED
From June 5, 2009
2020 SI All Singles Dance Rally—April 5-16, 2020
Skyline Ranch RV Park, Bandera Texas CANCELLED
Singles International
Chapter of FMCA/INTO Chapter
Membership Application/Renewal Form/Information Update
PLEASE FILL OUT THIS FORM WHEN RENEWING MEMBERSHIP
Membership: New Renewal Update Date _____________
Welcome Aboard New Member!
Name: ____________________________________ FMCA# __________ Expiration Date: __________
Address: _____________________________City:_____________________State____Zip:_______
Home Phone: ___________________ Cell Phone: ________________
Email Address
(Required):________________________________________________________________
IF referred by a SI Supporter Member _____________________________ (name of member)
Dues are not prorated
Initial Membership: $10.00 plus $12.00 for badge Total $22.00
Renewals: $10.00
Mail to: Singles International, Treasurer Carol Klenow, Treasurer, 3916 N. Potsdam Ave., PMB 2969, Sioux Falls, SD 57104 Phone: 810-287-1486 Email: [email protected]
Badge Information:
As you want it on your badge: Name_______________________ City & State____________
Ship Badge to: Name: ________________________________________________________
Address________________________________City______________State/Zip____________
BI-MONTHLY SCUTTLEBUTT (NEWSLETTER) WILL BE SENT TO YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. YOU CAN ALWAYS
REVIEW THEM ON OUR WEBSITE AT http://www.fmca-si.com.
I WOULD ____or WOULD NOT ____like my information to be listed on the roster available only to Singles
International members.
You must maintain your membership in FMCA in order to be a member of Single International.
Jm 2/27/20
Renewals are Due Oct. 1-please fill out this form for ALL renewals
Checks/Cash payable in U.S. funds only
Make Check Payable to:
Singles International as a Chapter of FMCA
