Lake Havasu, Arizona March 14-18

 Steve and Mary Lee Smith did a great job of hosting a rally.  It was a small turnout but they did a lot of work to host it in our "old" structured way - continental breakfast and hosted hot meal (Yum!)"

There are no other rallys scheduled.  Can someone come up with a place to meet up?

Here is Mary Lee's report:

In March a few of us from Rockwood met at Havasu Lake RV Resort in Lake Havasu City for a "mini" rallly hosted by the Smiths.

Those attending were Teddie and Bob Opteyndt, Debbie and Greg Murrell and yours truly.  We were joined by Nick and Ramona Escamilla who had just sold their RV but decided to come anyway!  They stayed in a nearby motel and visited us every day.  Also Linda and Dave Veysey, our Canadian friends (and members) drove up from Apache Junction, where they are staying for the winter, and spent the day with us.

We had lots of fun visitng the London Bridge, the English village, playing Pokeno, eating a breakfast in the resort's clubhouse, celebrating St. Patricks Day with corned beef and cabbage and just sitting around catching up.

!!

Vail Lake - Temecula, September 20-23

 Minutes of Meeting

KOA, Temecula Rockwood West Outing

September 21, 2021

The President, Walt Rose, called the meeting to order and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Members present were Pam and Walt Rose, Debbie and Greg Murrell, Rich Strobel, Russ and Rusty Himmer, Sandy and Bill Vargo, Patti and Bob Usher. Visiting guests who joined as new Rockwood West members at this meeting:  Lucy Dukes and Joe Housley, Sandi and Larry Stein.  Welcome to our new members!

The treasurer reported that the balance still remains at $1,791.02.  There were no income or expenses since the last meeting.

No old business was discussed.

New Business:

    Schedule of upcoming events:

    December 8,   Christmas Party,   Noon,    Paulette Kotan's house in El Cajon

    January 22-30 Quartzsite RV Show

Members discussed the next outing will be in Quartzsite, AZ. The dates will be January 22-30. Some members will be dry camping out in the desert and some will be camping at the Rice Ranch where there will be access to hookups. If planning on camping at Rice Ranch, you will need to make reservations, ASAP as they fill up fast. Contact Rice Ranch at 1-833-533-9905.

Christmas Party:  Paulette Kotan will be hosting this year on December 8, noon in her home. Due to COVID, she is requesting that everyone bring their own lunch and drinks. She said there will be enough tables and chairs, so no need to bring them.

The meeting was adjourned.

Pam Rose, Sec-Treas.

(Pam has sent a few emails about the Christmas Party and Quartzsite outing.  Please let her know if you are not receiving her emails.        pamrose39@yahoo.com)

Vail Lake Outing Report

As first time hosts, we loved having everyone at Vail Lake KOA.  While it is crazy busy on the weekend, we had most of the campground to ourselves for the Monday to Thursday stay.  The weather was hot, hot, hot. There was a total of 8 rigs. Bob and myself, Russ and Rusty Himmer, Rich Strobel, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Walt and Pam Rose, Bill and Sandy Vargo, their friends and our new members Larry and Sandi Stein and Lucy Dukes and Joe Housley from the Vista Elks Club outing.

The first evening was happy hour and Appetizers as everyone gathered. The Murrells were the last to join due to a shoulder injury that required an ER visit for Greg. Tuesday started with the meeting and coffee, followed by crafts for the gals.  We made wine cork pumpkins with fall decorations adorning the tops. That evening was a potluck where no one went away hungry. Wednesday some folks went to shop in Old Town Temecula and had  lunch. Several others stayed in camp visiting.  In the afternoon there was reading, swimming, riding bikes, napping and more visiting.  We ended the day with dinner at Ritchie's Diner in Temecula.  All agreed the food was great and the variety on the menu outstanding.  The meal was finished off with fudge sundaes, banana splits and shakes.  Thursday morning we said goodbye to all, with anticipation of meeting again for the Christmas party. 

Patty Usher

Vista Elks Club 5/17-20

 MINUTES

The Vice President, Steve Smith, called the meeting to order and led the members in the Pledge of Allegience. Members in attendance were Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Bob and Teddie Obteyndt, Russ Himmer, Dave and Cindy Long and Greg and Debbie Murrell. Guests of the Murrells were John Talbott and Naz Alderson.

The minutes of the last meeting in October in Hurricane, Utah were approved as reported in the blog. The previous Treasurer reported that the balance remained $1791.02. There was no income or expenses since the last meeting.

There was no Old or New Business.

Greg and Steve led discussion about the need for more outings.  Debbie reported that our associate members, Patty and Bob Usher volunteered for hosting an outing September 20-24 at the Vail Lake KOA, near Temecula. 

Steve and Mary Lee Smith volunteered to host the Christmas Party. (After the meeting, Russ and Rusty Himmer also volunteered to host the Party in hopes to see members in San Diego that no longer have motorhomes. The Smiths graciously agreed.)

The 5 minute meeting was then adjourned.

Debbie Murrell

SCHEDULE

September 20-24      Vail Lake KOA, Temecula     Hosted by Patty and Bob Usher

December (date to be determined) by Russ and Rusty Himmer, La Mesa

OUTING REPORT

It was great to get out and see our friends after so long a time, since we all stayed "safe" in the last year. The weather was mostly cloudy and cool, even inland in Vista. The Vista Elks Club has an established campground with about 30 full hookup sites.  We used the covered patio tables and firepit with their free firewood. Six rigs were parked next to the group facilities: Russ and Rusty Himmer, Steve and Mary Lee Smith (in their new to them motorhome!), Dave and Cindy Long (on Day 1 of their 6 month trip), Bob and Teddie Obteyndt, Greg and Debbie Murrell and their Clairemont neighbors Bill Talbot and Naz Alderson.  The President and Sec/Treas, Walt and Pam Rose were traveling out of state in their motorhome.  After Greg hung the club banner printed with "Ask me about our Rockwood Club" another couple joined us at meals and fireside.  Lucy and Joe along with John and Naz would like to join our club.  They are in the process of joining FMCA. 

The new "simplified" form of hosting was used by the Murrells.  The first evening was Heavy Appetizers, second evening was Potluck and the 3rd evening was a group meal at the Elks Club where they served off a menu from hamburgers to steak.  The Karaoke singing was not always so good 😮so we moved into the bar to eat.

Around the fire every night.

Open House at the Smith's new rig.

Dinner in the Elk's Lodge bar (3 tables)

An artist painting the stable.

Joe and Lucy-guests. (Bob's photo)

Amazing Bird of Paradise. (Bob's photo)

Teddie at the Ranch. (Bob photo)

On the first day most of us went to the Leo Carrillo Ranch State Historical Park in Carlsbad. Leo Carrillo was a movie star that was known for his role as the Cisco Kid in many old cowboy movies. The Murrells and Smiths had been there before, but many years ago.  Since then many more outbuildings have been restored and the grounds have been more fully developed and manicured. It was a beautiful setting in a small valley with housing all around, but out of sight. The history of the ranch,  subsequent purchase by Carrillo in 1937 and since then was interesting.  A suggestion of the Rancho Guajome Adobe in the County Regional Park in Oceanside was made for Wednesday. 

The last Happy Hour was in the Smith's Open House for their new Motorhome.  They served champagne as we all helped to celebrate their new home on wheels.

Our goodbyes on Thursday were first to Dave and Cindy Long as they left for the next of many stops on the beginning of their 6 month travels. Then The Obteyndts to Alpine, Himmers to La Mesa, Smiths to Huntington Beach and and Murrells and John and Naz to Clairemont. Until the next outing in Temecula in September or earlier if anyone gets ambitious?

Sand Hollow, Utah State Park, Hurricane, Utah

Minutes of Meeting, October 28,2020

The meeting was called to order by the president,Greg Murrell. He led the group in the flag salute, including the hosts Escamillas and McAfees and members Smiths, Himmer’s, Strobel, Roses, Juliars, Holloways, Kuchenskis and guests Bob and Patty Usher and Jack and Sue Winchester.

The minutes were approved as printed in the blog.

The treasury report of $1791.02 was approved. Two checks had been written for $50. One to the American Cancer Society in memory of Linda Strobel one to the Leukemia Society in memory of Dennis Kotan.

The National Director, Nick Escamilla reported that he was going to vote in the FMCA election and asked for input.

The election of new officers was filled by volunteers at the meeting and unanimously approved.

President- Walt  Rose

Sec-Treas- Pam Rose

Vice President-Steve Smith

National Director-Nick Escamilla 

Alternate ND- Greg Murrell 

Nominating committee- Bernie Juliar, Marylee Smith, Rich Strobel 

Rally schedule was discussed. Smiths will look into one in Julian, CA, guests Bob and Patty will see about one at KOA in Temecula. The next outing will be the “informal “ gathering at Quartszite, AZ. The RV show begins January 16 and ends on the 24th. The Murrells plan on arriving a few days early to establish a “site” for everyone.  Members and guests have usually arrived in the first few days and stayed as long as they wanted. The RV show is supposed to have health precautions, whatever that will be. But we have always found other things to do around the area to keep busy. Call Greg when you arrive at the Q exit and he will give specific directions to the dry camping area, 858-483-3998.

The hosts Nick and Ramona and Mac and Nita were thanked for another great rally. The meeting was adjourned.

Wagonmaster’s Report

SAND HOLLOW STATE PARK RALLY 

We are happy to report the success of the RWW rally in Hurricane, Utah. We had 12 coaches attend and a final count of 23 campers. Members attending were Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Nita and Mac McAfee, Steve and Marylee Smith, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Russ and Rusty Himmer, Rich Strobel, Walt and Pam Rose, Wendy and Lloyd Holloway,  Bernie and Carol Juliar and Jeff and Patty Kuchenski. We welcomed Bob and Patty Usher and Jack and Sue Winchester. We hope they consider joining our club.

Mother Nature got our attention with a few days of high winds which eventually subsided into sunny and chilly Fall days. The ladies joined together at the McAfee home for a ghostly Halloween craft which turned out to be great fun, which was followed by a group luncheon at the Sand Hollow Golf Resort.

Other social activities included a baked potato buffet dinner and movie night held at the Escamilla home on Tuesday and a taco bar  dinner held at the McAfee house on Thursday. A special thanks to our kitchen helpers (absolutely priceless) Elva, Amelio and Carolyn. Luckily the beautiful weather held for the remainder of the week so folks could explore and visit the local sites. Friday evening the group joined together in a dinner at the local Black Bear Diner. On our last morning we had a Continental Breakfast and fond farewells to all. 

Kuddos  to all the RWW’s who traveled to our neck of the woods. We enjoyed seeing our camping buddies again. Please stay safe and healthy and we hope to see you again soon.

Virtual Hugs and Fist Bumps to you all.

Nick and Ramona and Mac and Nita

😍🥰🍷🚇

Palm Canyon State Campground, Borrego, Springs, CA

February 10-14

Hosts' Report- by Teddie Opteyndt

Thank you for all who attended the Palm Canyon Campground Rally in Borrego Springs. Everyone received a welcome bag which included information and history of Borrego Springs, along with a few other goodies! The weather was beautiful, which made it nice for all of our activities.

Such as.....The Visitors Center, the amazing Slot Canyon Hike, craft time-glass beaded heart, Sheep, the self guided tour of the Galleta Meadows Sculptures created by Ricardo Breceda (a must see)!

Can't forget about the food! Heavy hors d'oeuvres, a yummy pot luck, dinner and drinks at the famous Carmelita's Mexican Grill and Cantina and eight of us got to experience the delicious food at Carlee's.


Minutes of meeting 2/13/2020

Members present: Bob and Teddie Opteyndt, Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Rich Strobel, Bill and Sandy Vargo, Russ Himmer and Guests- Mary and Rusty Himmer, Jim and Ann Hauck (new members) and Dave and Cindy Long (members in process, just have to pick up their application info).

The meeting was called to order by president Greg Murrell. He led the members in the pledge of alledgience.  The hosts were thanked for a great rally. Guests were introduced.

The minutes were approved by the members as recorded on the blog.
The treasurer reported a balance of $1, 891.02.
Debbie, the treasurer reported that information had come to her that the club voted in the past to make a donation after the passing of club members.  The family would designate the charity and a donation of $50 from Rockwood West would be made.  A donation will be made to the memory of Dennis Kotan and Linda Strobel who passed away this year.
She also reported that FMCA had notified the club that a total of 5 members were no longer active:  Blakes, Bartletts, Cains, Cheshires, and Chetelats. The club now has 16 active memberships. The Haucks and Longs will be added to that.

Rallys
The Escamillas volunteered to host another rally in St. George, Utah area.
October 25-31 at the Sand Hollow State Park
The Murrells volunteered to host a rally in North San Diego county in late Spring.
Nothing else is scheduled for the year.
Volunteers?????

Teddie mentioned the old whiteboard was in need of being replaced.  The members voted to purchase another one.

Teddie led us in this craft. Beautiful!

Walt and Pam Rose were missed.  They canceled their reservation due to the passing of Walt's mom.
The meeting was adjourned.

This one was on BOTH sides of the road!

 

Quartzsite Jan, 2020

Bob Opteyndt shared these pictures from the informal outing at Quartzsite.  Rich Strobel arrived early and located this great little area, next to where we have camped for several years. We had as many as 14 rigs during this outing, coming and going.  Bernie and Carol Juliar were our hosts. No club meeting was held.

Utah State Park Sand Hollow, Hurricane, Utah

Wagon Master Report

Sand Hollow State Park Rally

November 3-8, 2019

What a great rally! We had such a good turnout! A huge “ThankYou” to all of you who came to Utah for our rally. So many things for everyone to do.....some visited Zion, Snow Canyon, went out in the side by side, a lot of visiting and laughing, nights around the campfire and of course, good eating!

We each hosted a dinner at our perspective houses. McAfee’s had a wonderful Mexican meal, with beef & chicken, along with rice, beans, tortillas & salsa. After dinner we had 2 tables playing LCR. The place was filled with laughter and shouts of left, right or dot, dot, dot! Big winners, with 2 wins each, were Amelio (our brother-in-law) & Debbie. Escamilla’s had a delicious Italian meal, with lasagna, garlic toast & salad. Afterwards, we had a movie in the garage shown on the big screen & with a projector. Laughter echoing throughout the garage could be heard. Both nights were a lot of fun and we got to show off our new homes!

For lunch on Wednesday, we all went to the Sand Hollow Resort Grill. We had a large table by the window with views of the mountains and the golf course. And the food was great! Another successful event.

After lunch we went back to the campground. In honor of Linda Chetlet, we had a craft time with the ladies. It was so much fun! We laughed and missed our 2 Linda’s.

Dinner at the Escamilla Home

Again, we would like to thank everyone for coming to our rally. We feel it was a great success because of you!

The McAfee’s & Escamilla’s

Can you see Teddie hiking?

Ramona and Nick

Craft Time

Nita, Mac and Lady

Bob's beautiful photo of Zion NP

MINUTES OF ROCKWOOD WEST MEETING,  November 8, 2019

The meeting was called to order by the president, Greg Murrell.  He led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance and then thanked the Escamillas and McAfees for a great rally.

Guests of Walt and Pam Rose were introduced, Mark and Andrea Rose from Manhattan, KS.

Members in attendance were Rose, Juliar, Murrell, Holloway, Strobel, Opteyndt, Smith, McAfee and Escamilla.

The minutes were approved as printed in the last blog entry.

The treasurer reported a continuing balance of $1,891.02.  There have been no income nor expenses during the last year.

Nick Escamilla, our National Director previously submitted the following report. He summarized it at this meeting.

FMCA GOVERNING BOARD MEETING

Minot, ND August 14, 2019

Meeting called to order at 8:00 am.  71% were in   attendance for a quorum.

• Treasure Report: 2020 Budget $8,054,803 was presented. AS of May 30, 2019 the FMCA balance was $7,397,558.00
• Bylaws XVII Chapters—change approved. (2) A group for 15 (old 20) can petition to to create a new chapter. A group of 7 (old 10) can petition to create associate chapter. (5) A chapter can elect in their bylaws to combine the positions of secretary and treasurer.
• Convention Committee Report: 2020—winter in Tucson, AZ and summer in Syracuse, NY. 2021—winter in Perry, GA and summer Gillette, WY. Future years presented, but not yet negotiated included Tucson, AZ, Rock Springs, WY, Perry, GA, Sedalia, MO and Syracuse, NY.
• PROTECH presented a new software system for FMCA Staff and Membership. The cost is $285,000 plus a monthly charge of $6,025.00. After much discussion it was approved. Since PROTECH is a capital expense the Governing Board approve a short term loan (4-6yrs) to pay the initial cost of $285,000.
• The Nominating Committee presented a slate of officers. Elected were Jon Walker—President, Rett Proter—Senior VP, John Reynolds—Treasurer, and Kathie Balogh—Secretary.
• FMCAssist: There is an increase of 73% from Seven Corners to keep FMCAssist. After much discussion, it was voted to increase membership dues for FMCA to $75.00 a year in order to keep FMCAssist.
• There 1,791 family and commercial RV’s at the convention.

The president asked about dues for the 2020 year since we have not had dues the last 2 years. It was moved, seconded and voted upon. There will be no dues for Rockwood West for 2020.

Next were elections for next year.  Every position agreed to remain in office.  The members approved the officers unanimously.

CALENDAR

December 11  Christmas Party at Paulette Kotan's house

January 19-23  Quartzsite, dry camping   (Bernie and Carol Juliar)

February 10-14  Borrego Springs, California State Park Palm Canyon (Bob and Teddie Opteyndt

March 26-29  FMCA Convention, Tucson, AZ

            pre rally?  go in together?

May TBA end of the month, (Walt and Pam Rose)

Other options were discussed for locations of rallys.

The meeting was adjourned.