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.
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.
Pictures this month courtesy of Rich Strobel and Dennis Kotan
