ROCKWOOD WEST 

NOVEMBER 2014

NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

First I would like to thank Paulette and Dennis for putting on another great rally.  Santee Lakes is a beautiful park and is relatively close to all of us.  Thank you Greg for bringing everything for the nice fires which provided us with more time to visit.  Linda C introduced Bob and Teddie Opteyndt to our group and they have now joined FMCA and Rockwood West.  WELCOME BOB AND TEDDIE!

I would like to expand on Paulette's good news that FMCA has re-introduced the FMCAssist insurance.  This is an excellent plan that has been included with the membership at no additional cost.  Highlights of the FMCAssist include emergency evacuation, emergency medical reunion, return of mortal remains, return of dependents, RV/vehicle return (in North America), and pet return.  This coverage is available to FMCA members anywhere in the world as long as you are more than 100 miles from home and you don't have to be in a motorhome.  You can be traveling in a car, plane, ship, motorcycle or even by foot.  More information is available on the FMCA webpage (www.fmca.com)  Please note this coverage is available to former members of FMCA who no longer own a motorhome, their old "F" number will be restored as an "A" number.  They are eligible to rejoin FMCA as Associate members.  There is nowhere else where this coverage is available for our cost of FMCA membership.

See ya in December,

Steve Smith, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve

November 15, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by president Steve Smith who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members attending:  Linda and Gerry Chetelat, Ramona and Nick Escamilla, Russ Himmer, Paulette and Dennis Kotan, Debbie and Greg Murrell, Cookie and Hal Ringhand, Mary Lee and Steve Smith, Linda and Rich Strobel and Sandy and Bill Vargo.

A motion to approve the minutes from the last meeting was made by Ramona.  The motion was seconded and approved.

National director's report:  Paulette reported FMCA needs to recruit members and if everyone recruited just 1 new member the cost of the FMCAssist program would be covered for another year.  Effective October 1, 2014 the FMCAssist program was again included in the annual membership dues for all full members, life members and family associate members.  This is an excellent benefit as this coverage is available to all FMCA members anywhere in the world and you don't need to be traveling in a motorhome or even own one.

Treasurer's report:  Mary Lee reported a balance of $2,000.29 in the account.  She said the Rockwood West annual dues ($15) are now due and payable.  Linda S made a motion to approve the treasurer's report.  The motion was seconded and approved.

Old business:  none

New business:  Bernie and Carol Juliar are hosting a "Quartzite Outing" January 17-25, 2015.  In February or March the Murrells will host a rally.  The McAfees may possibly host a rally in April.  Steve received an invitation from Silent Valley near Idlewild and will check into hosting a rally there or at the Colorado River.  Yucaipa Regional park was also suggested as a rally site.  Wendy and Paulette will again represent Rockwood West at the Chapter Fair during the Western Area Rally in Indio in January.  She suggested giving the first year's membership in the chapter as an incentive to join the chapter.  The Kotans will be hosting Rockwood West's 4th annual Christmas party at their home on Wednesday, December 10th at noon.  She will send an email with further details.

Linda C made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded and approved.  Meeting adjourned at 10:30 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Lee Smith

Wagonmaster's report:

Once again we gathered at Santee Lakes for the November rally.  Rich and Linda arrived first on Wednesday, followed by a number of coaches on Thursday with the remainder arriving on Friday afternoon.  The weather was great, no rain and, with the evening campfires supplied by Greg and Debbie, it was nice enough to stay outside after dark.

On Friday evening we had heavy hors d'oeuvres that were plentiful and very filling. 

On Saturday morning french toast, sausages and fresh fruit was served for breakfast followed by the meeting.  We had the use of the clubhouse for the entire day on Saturday and several of the ladies

took advantage and played Pokeno during the afternoon. There were several trips to the local GTM store and a few of the guys went hunting for garage sales. 

For dinner on Saturday Dennis and Bill cooked hamburgers, cheeseburgers and hot dogs on the grill.  We also had Santa Maria style beans, potato salad and green salad.  Dessert was homemade brownies with ice cream.  Russ Himmer's family also contributed to the dinner with salads and desserts.

 Rich also had several of his pictures on display in the clubhouse for all of us to admire.  He currently has a picture on display at the Natural History Museum in Balboa Park.

On Sunday morning we had breakfast at the camp sites as the weather was pleasant and we no longer had the use of the clubhouse.  After breakfast most of us got ready and headed for home.  Steve and Mary Lee and Nick and Ramona stayed an additional day to take in the local casinos.  Sure hope they won.

Thanks to everyone who helped out during the rally.  Your help is always appreciated.
We hope to see all of you at the annual Christmas party at our house.
Dennis and Paulette

Photographs this month taken by Rich Strobel.

ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2014

EDITOR'S NOTE:

There was no meeting at the October rally and, therefore, no minutes.  The following report is from the October rally in Pahrump, NV.

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Once again we had a great week at Pahrump's Nevada Treasure RV Resort.  Although there was a large Bounder rally going on, the resort was a great host, with good meals at Mark's Grill.  The sites all worked out well, even for Holloway's 45 footer!!  We drove to Pahrump on Saturday night and checked in at the campground on Sunday morning to make sure everything was in order for those coming in later that day and in the days ahead.

It sure was nice to see everyone after a long summer without any rallies.  We had 7 coaches that showed up from Sunday through Thursday.  During the week we made trips to the outback, thrift stores, WalMart for various things and some good restaurants including some good deals at Mark's Grill.  The Chetelats joined us for a 4WD trip up into Spring Canyon.

On the way up we saw a family of wild horses and got even closer to them on the way out, always very special to see!!

Saturday morning's breakfast was a big success thanks to Linda Chetelat who helped cook up scrambled eggs and Lloyd Holloway who made his famous beer batter pancakes.  Thank you both.

Then came the famous Pahrump Winery Grape Stomp where Wendy Holloway and Linda Chetelat stomped their hearts out while having a great time squeezing those grapes for every last drop of future Toe Jam Wine??  

While their effort didn't produce the winning ounces of precious liquids, their smiles produced winning fun for all attending.  Wendy told us it got very slippery while stomping and she was glad to have the bar to hold onto and keep her from falling.  The gals wore pink ribbons, pink hair bands and pink shoes   to highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

For Saturday night's potluck dinner we had the banquet room that worked out perfect.  There was plenty of seating plus tables for all the wonderfully prepared dishes everyone brought.  So much good food and camaraderie.

Sunday morning was a continental breakfast and then time to pack up and say goodbyes.
Four of us were off to Valley of Fire State Park north of Las Vegas.  The Chetelats stayed until Tuesday, the Smiths left on Wednesday and the Escamillas stayed with us until Thursday.

Several of us were fortunate to see a nice big herd of Big Horned sheep.

We did some fun night photography at the "Cabins" after some dancing with the park superintendent to get a "night photography permit".

Valley of Fire is a really special place and we plan to visit again.

Thank you to all those attending the rally for the support and great camaraderie, each one of you are very special to us!!  We hope to see you at the next rally.

Rich and Linda Strobel

Photography this month from Rich Strobel and Wendy Holloway

ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

MAY 2014

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

I am sitting here in Edna, Washington at the Travel Inn Resort, on our way to Alaska, reflecting on our recent rally at Sierra Meadows RV Park and have to say it was one of our favorite rallies.  Many thanks to June and Jim Cheshire for their exceptional effort in planning a great outing.  Not only was it a very beautiful location but June's cooking was fantastic (thanks for those extra pounds June.) The butterfly festival in Mariposa was fun and Rich lead a fun hike on Sunday up beautiful Willow Creek.  We stayed an extra day and gave Jim Cheshire his first view of the Yosemite Valley and fantastic waterfalls.

Mary Lee and I wish you all a wonderful summer.

Steve Smith, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Sierra Meadows RV Park

May 4, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by president Steve Smith who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in Attendance:  June and Jim Cheshire, Ramona and Nick Escamilla, Paulette and Dennis Kotan, Mary Lee Smith and Steve Smith, Linda and Rich Strobel and Sandy and Bill Vargo.

A motion was made to accept the minutes from the last meeting in Indio as printed in the blog.  The motion was seconded and approved.

The treasurer reported a balance on hand of $3,090.  Paulette made a motion to approve the treasurer's report.  The motion was seconded and approved.

National Director's report:  Paulette stated that contrary to what Nick reported at the last meeting, FMCA is doing very well.  In the first quarter of 2014 membership is at the break-even level and no longer bleeding members.  Also the investments are up!

At the governor's board meeting in August FMCA will introduce new insurance plans similar to what was previously offered by SkyMed at no cost to the membership.  Two plans will be brought up and voted upon with the favored plan having a $100,00 deductible payable by FMCA to insure accountability for the number and amount of claims made.  If the claims are less than $100,000 FMCA will consider self insurance.  The board will also vote on restoring funding for travel to officers that is presently paid at the car rate.  This will double.  The cost to operate most diesel coaches is approximately 85 cents per mile.  The president and vice-president have personal funds to cover the cost of necessary FMCA travel but other officers lack such funds.  The very successful Michelin tire program does not bring any income to FMCA but FMCA has 2 full-time employees that run the program answering questions and providing information.  The FMCA rally March 26-28, 2015 will be held at the Pomona Fairplex and the Western Area is considered the host.  There is a need for 1,000 volunteers.  If anyone is interested please contact Alice Bernard for more information.  Lon Cross is also looking for a motor coach display assistant.  Please contact him directly if you are interested.

Old business: none

New business:  Linda thanked June and Jim Cheshire for hosting a great rally.

Rich moved to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded and approved.  Meeting adjourned at 10:20 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Lee Smith

RALLY SCHEDULE:

JUNE, JULY, AUGUST    No rallies

September 19-21  Chula Vista RV Resort, Chula Vista, CA hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat

October 3-5  Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump, NV (grape stomp weekend) hosted by Rich and Linda Strobel

November Date to be announced at Santee Lakes Regional Park, Santee, CA hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

December Date to be announced, Fourth Annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

Wagonmaster's report:

The bucolic, rural setting of the RV park was a pleasant surprise.  Sierra Meadows RV Park in Ahwahnee is located nearly 5 miles from the main highway, across from a pretty good-looking golf course (no experience here), lots of pines and a feeling of being "camping".  We arrived on Wednesday after the Kotans.  The Vargos and Strobels arrived to a snowy background on the previous Sunday…the central valley having experienced heavy rain and snow a few days earlier.  They spent the days sightseeing in Yosemite, Coarsegold and riding the Sugar Pine Railroad.  The Escamillas and Smiths arrived on Thursday and Friday.

On Thursday everyone went in different directions - Yosemite, Bass Lake, Coarsegold and some of us just enjoyed the peaceful surroundings.

We finally all met at Friday's dinner meal consisting of a baked potato bar, salad and dessert.  Our eating area was in a corral-like space complete with tables and an outdoor counter with water and electricity.  Because it got a bit chilly after the sun set, and campfires were prohibited, everyone snuggled up in their coaches when it got dark.

 

Saturday morning started with a breakfast casserole, fruit, English muffins and juice.  Following breakfast, many in the group went to the Mariposa Butterfly Festival where one could enjoy the parade, butterfly releases, handcrafted artisan items, quilt show, a museum and lots of things to eat.  Some of us hung around to visit with day guests and some of us were trying to fight off a chest cold.  No plans were made for Saturday dinner to allow those who wanted to stretch out their day, lots of free time.

We met up again on Sunday morning for a breakfast of waffles, sausages, fruit and juice.  A brief meeting took place following breakfast.  Rich Strobel volunteered to take a group to Willow Creek in the early afternoon.  The creek had lots of rushing water due to the rain and snow fall the week before.  Thanks Rich, you always find interesting adventures.

 The day concluded with a tri-tip dinner and dessert.

 Four coaches left on Monday morning after a breakfast snack.  Two of the four left at zero-dark-thirty so they got their breakfast snacks in a bag.  The Smiths and Cheshires stayed until Tuesday as they wanted to visit Yosemite on Monday - an experience that always inspires.
Thanks to all of you for driving such a long distance to the rally as we understand just how far you traveled.  Also, a big thanks to all who helped us.
June and Jim Cheshire

Rich and Linda arrived early and took a drive to the snow.  Bryce sure seemed to enjoy herself.

 Rich took this picture at a pond located on the RV park property just up the road from the campground.

Pictures this month courtesy of Rich Strobel and Dennis Kotan

ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

MARCH 2014

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Well we got our new year off to a really good start, first a fun "rolling rally" at Quartzsite-Alamo Lake-Wickenburg-Lake Havasu City followed by a great rally at Indian Wells.  Thanks to Bill and Sandy for all their efforts in making the rally a success.  Mary Lee and I enjoyed the location, the weather, the food and, of course, the wonderful friends.

Everyone try your hardest to make our next rally at Sierra Meadows in Ahwahnee, CA being hosted by Jim and June Cheshire.  The flyer was handed out at the Indian Wells rally and sent by email.  If anyone has any questions, please give us a call.  Remember the deadline to register is April 10th.

See ya all there,

Steve Smith, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Indian Wells RV Resort

March 15, 2014

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 p.m. by the president, Steve Smith who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance:  Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Russ Himmer, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Rich and Linda Strobel, Bill and Sandy Vargo, and Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

Steve thanked the Vargos for hosting the rally and arranging the wonder seafood paella dinner Friday night.

A motion was made to accept the minutes from the meeting at Santee Lakes.  The motion was seconded and approved.

The treasurer reported a balance of $3,088 in the Rockwood West account.  A motion to accept the treasurers report was made, seconded and approved.

National Director's Report:  Nick reported the FMCA is still not doing very well.  Greg said that Michelin tires can be discounted through FMCA.

New business: none

Mary Lee passed out flyers for the Cheshire's rally to be held May 2-5 at Sierra Meadows RV Park in Ahwahnee.  Rich said it is a beautiful spot near Yosemite and June and Jim also attached a flyer detailing all the activities at the campground (golf, volleyball, horseshoes) and nearby (Sugar Pine Mountain Railroad, Giant Sequoias, Coarsegold Historic Village, casinos, wineries, etc.  Deadline for reservations is April 10th.

Rich reported he will set the date for the October rally in Pahrump, NV when he finds out when the "grape stomp" will be scheduled.

Ramona made a motion to adjourn the meeting and it was seconded by Linda C and approved.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:20 p.m.

March rally at Indian Wells RV Resort hosted by Bill and Sandy Vargo:

Friday evening we all enjoyed a great seafood "paella" dinner with rolls, salad and ice cream prepared by the RV resort.

Saturday morning we all enjoyed a scrumptious breakfast of Italian strata prepared by Bill and Sandy.  After breakfast the guys went out looking for garage sales and the gals did an Easter egg craft prepared by Linda Chetelat.  Linda always comes up with great craft ideas.

After crafts, the gals went to an Art Festival and swap meet at the College of the Desert.

We had a quick club meeting on Saturday evening followed by a potluck dinner with way too much delicious food!!

 Saturday evening we all sat outdoors in the great weather solving all the world's problems.

Sunday morning we had a continental breakfast, said our good byes and most were off back home.  Russ Himmer and his family also joined us several times during the rally.  They were staying at Russ's desert home.
Report provided by Rich and Linda Strobel

RALLY SCHEDULE:
APRIL  dark
MAY 2-5     Sierra Meadow RV Park, Ahwahnee, CA hosted by Jim and June Cheshire
JUNE           Date and location to be announced hosted by Mac and Nita McAfee
JULY-AUGUST  NO RALLIES
SEPTEMBER 19-21    Chula Vista RV Resort, Chula Vista, CA hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat
OCTOBER   Date to be announced (grape stomp weekend), Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump,  NV hosted by Rich and Linda Strobel
NOVEMBER Date to be announced, Santee Lakes Regional Park, Santee, CA hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan
DECEMBER Date to be announced, Fourth annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

Photographs this month provided by Rich Strobel and Debbie Murrell

ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2014

President's Message:

We started our 2014 rally outings with a successful "rolling rally" beginning at Quartzsite, AZ then onto Alamo Lake, AZ, next stop Wickenburg, AZ and finally ending up at Lake Havasu City for the great fireworks show.

Big thanks to Greg and Debbie Murrell for all their work on setting up the "Dome Rock" campsite and their donation of the old deck.  We had some of the best campfires ever at both Quartzsite and Alamo Lake.  The impromptu pot luck hosted by Carol and Bernie Juliar was a lot of fun, we sure have good cooks in our group.

Mary Lee and I are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Indian Wells RV Resort on March 14, 2014.

Steve Smith, President

ROLLING RALLY

January 20 to February 17,2014

We arrived in Quartzsite on Monday, Januaruy 20, hoping that the big weekend for the RV Show wouldn't be so busy the rest of the week.  Members arrived and left through the week.  We had as many as 9 rigs there at one time, including Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Russ and Rusty Himmer, Russ's granddaughter Melina and her family, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Henry and Lucille Yanoff, Jeff and Patty Kuchenski, Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Bernie and Carol Juliar and the Murrells.  Everyone went into town several times shopping at the vendor tents and the RV Show.  We hosted a happy hour with appetizers one evening but otherwise we socialized well all through the days and into the nights.  The campfires every night were fun.  Steve brought "Chinese lanterns" that he lit each night.  We had fun watching their path and how far they went.  We were entertained well. 

 By January 28th three rigs were left in Quartzsite, the Smiths, Juliars and Murrells.  We traveled about 70 miles northeast to Alamo Lake State Park.  Again we had campfires every night (brought a lot of firewood this time,) drove over to "the Ranch" one day, ate a couple of meals at the very small community (if you could even be called a community) of Wayside.  Bernie tried to fish one day but he and several of the returning fishermen were not catching anything.  The lake was very low.  On Super Bowl Sunday the Smiths went home with the Juliars to Surprise, AZ to watch the game.  Their team lost. Steve grew up in the Denver area and the Juliars were CO residents until recently.  We drove over to spend a few days with my mom in Mesa.

Sunset at Alamo Lake

 The next week was Wickenburg where we stayed at the Community Center in the middle of downtown.  It was convenient to walk anywhere around the small town.  Bill Proett and his friend Beverly had planned on driving over from Cottonwood but were unable to make it.  Bernie and Carol Juliar drove 20 miles from Surprise to spend a day with us.  We took the 2 hour guided tour of the Vulture Mine and went to lunch.  The community center was having the Silver and Leather Tool Show during our stay.  It was very interesting to see how the craftsmen used a variety of supplies and tools to make such beautiful items.

Chollas at Wickenburg

 The last stop on this Rolling Rally was at Lake Havasu City.  We had registered for the Winter Blast where several fireworks companies displayed their wares over 5 nights with the intent to show customers from towns that would want fireworks shows.  The town marketed the occasion well to tourists also.  We were among about 300 motorhomes dry camping at the Rodeo grounds 1/2 mile from the fireworks.  Each night there was a one hour show with sporadic fireworks before and after the main event.  Friday and Saturday shows were done with a musical accompaniment from a local radio station.  Members attending with us were the Yanoffs, Juliars and Nick and Ramona Escamilla.  We were invited over to Lloyd and Wendy's house for a barbecue one evening.  Their friends, Steve and Beverly joined us.  It was a fun and delicious evening.  Most of the fireworks could be seen from their house.

Dinner at Lloyd and Wendy's house

It was a fun month with a variety of good friends, locations and activities.  The weather was good all 4 weeks.  Would you believe we had our big awning out for 8 consecutive days in Quartzsite without a windy day?

Debbie and Greg

Wagonmasters

RALLY SCHEDULE

MARCH 14-16     Indian Wells RV Resort, Indio, CA hosted by Bill and Sandy Vargo

APRIL     Open

MAY 2-5            Sierra Meadow RV Park, Ahwahnee, CA hosted by Jim and June Cheshire

JUNE date and location to be announced hosted by Mac and Nita McAfee

JULY-AUGUST No rallies

SEPTEMBER 19-21  Chula Vista RV Resort, Chula Vista, CA hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat

OCTOBER date to be announced Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump, NV (wine stomp weekend) hosted by Rich and Linda Strobel

NOVEMBER date to be determined Santee Lakes Regional Park, Santee, CA hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

DECEMBER date to be determined Fourth Annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

ROCKWOOD WEST

RECENT ACTIVITIES

In mid-December Rockwood West held their third annual Christmas Party.  Everyone was asked to bring an unwrapped toy for the Toys for Tots program.  We ended up with a large selection of toys.  Thanks to everyone.  The weather was perfect and we were all able to sit outdoors and enjoy the good weather.  There was a lot of food to eat and plenty of things to drink.  It is nice to get together once in awhile without the coaches.  

The Western Area Motor Home Association recently held their rally in Indio January 8-12 with approximately 1200 motor homes attending.  The Chapter Fair was held on Wednesday January 8th immediately following the first timer's meeting.  The first timer's meeting was well attended and let out early.  Since both the first timer's and the chapter fair were held in the same building some chapters were not quite ready for the flood of folks that came early!

Wendy Holloway and her friend Sheri Brewer from Kennedale, TX once again worked the RWW table.  Lloyd and Sheri helped set up.  RWW had several craft projects and games on display along with the BEST chocolate candy giveaway: Ghirardelli chocolate!!!  Folks flocked to the table.  Sixteen RWW 2014 monthly rally schedules were given out.  Two couples were interested in joining and they were provided with Steve's phone number.  Numerous ladies wanted to purchase the craft items on display.
Wendy and Lloyd also participated in the parade.  Wendy drove Charlie Adcock's golf cart with Gloria (Charlie's wife, the first lady) and Sheri.  Lloyd was behind on Jon Walker's golf cart along with Tim Walker (Jon's brother.)  Gloria, Sheri, Tim and Lloyd threw out candy while Charlie and Jon walked the parade route shaking hands with onlookers and giving out dog bones to all the adorable beloved dogs.
WMHA's president Rick Ricordati and his team did an outstanding job with this year's event.  The gang is looking forward to next year when they can all be together again.

 Sheri, Wendy and FMCA President Charlie Adcock