During the Vista rally Rich Strobel took these wonderful pictures of Red-tailed Hawks in a nearby tree.

ROCKWOOD WEST NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 2011

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

We recently had our first rally of 2011 and, as usual, Greg and Debbie were the perfect wagonmasters. There were 14 rigs in attendance and it was good to see so many members attend.

We have almost a full schedule of rallies for 2011. I'm looking forward to all the fun stuff planned for this year. Thanks to everyone who has "stepped up to the plate" by agreeing to host a rally. You can see the full schedule below. If you would like to host a rally we have a few months available. Please give me a call.

I'm looking forward to seeing many of you at Death Valley in March.

Paulette Kotan, president

MINUTES:

Vista Elks Lodge #1968

February 5, 2011

The meeting was called to order by the president who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance: Linda and Gerry Chetelat, Ramona and Nick Escamilla, Karenann and Bob Evans, Pat and Russ Himmer, Elaine and Tom Holloway, Paulette and Dennis Kotan, Nita and Mac McAfee, Debbie and Greg Murrell, Cookie and Hal Ringhand, Linda and Rich Strobel, Lucille and Henry Yanoff. Our guests included Bill Proett and friends of the Chetelat's Cathy Heffern and her dad Duke Heffern.

A heartfelt thanks to Greg and Debbie Murrell for their hard work in putting on yet another great rally.

Minutes: A motion to approve the minutes as printed in the chapter blog was made by Dennis and seconded by Tom. The motion was approved.

Treasurer's Report: We have a balance of $2,162.22. Motion to approve the report made by Tom and seconded by Hal.

There was no national director's report. Paulette said there were 1,280 coaches and 160 exhibitors at the Indio rally in January. The 2012 rally will begin on January 11, and the theme will be Pirate's Adventure. The FMCA rally in Perry, GA in March will allow people with "towables" (fifth wheels and trailers) to attend with the purpose of encouraging them to buy motorhomes.

Old business: A document "How to Put on a Rally" was recently located and updated by Paulette and is available to those planning on putting on a rally. It is important to set the cost for the rally based upon actual expenses. All costs must be borne by the members who attend the rally. If you would like a copy of the document, please contact Paulette.

Linda Strobel gave out information about the Vial of Life she obtained from Sharp-Grossmont Hospital and why we should have them in each of our vehicles and in a conspicuous place in your home. Please let her know how many you would like to have.

New business: Guests Cathy Heffern and her father Duke Heffern are interested in joining the chapter and were voted in as new members. We welcome you both to the chapter.

Paulette went over things to do in Death Valley during the March rally and put out printed information for anyone to look at. Dennis advised there are 3 dump locations and fresh water is available. Be sure you have full tanks when you enter the park since it is quite expensive within the park.

Gerry advised of the need for payment for the April rally by March 28th.

Nick gave us information about things to do at the May rally in Lone Pine.

Tom and Elaine expressed interest in the possibility of having a rally at their place in Colorado in August.

Motion to adjourn by Linda Chetelat, seconded by Pat Himmer.

Meeting adjourned.

Wagonmaster's report:

The February rally was held at the Vista Elks Club Campground from February 3rd to the 6th. It is probably the first Rockwood rally held at an Elk's Club. Several Rockwood members are also Elk Club members so they were familiar with narrow spaces and the cordial hospitality of an Elk's Club.

We had a nice covered patio area to use for all our meals. The rally began with heavy appetizers the first evening after everyone arrived.

On Friday morning several members carpooled to the Gemological Institute in Carlsbad for a 90 minute tour of their very large facility. It was an educational and beautiful tour. The Institute has many international locations for education, research, certification and instrumentation. The Carlsbad location is their main facility and employs about 900 people. We were in awe of the many jewels and stones.

One of the displays was the Victoria Secret's Special Bras.

The evenings were cool but warmed up a little more each day. The campground had a firepit with plenty of firewood for us. The second evening, a dinner of chili and beef stew helped to warm the members. Linda Chetelat brought cheesecake for the February birthdays, including Gerry's.

The meeting was held Saturday morning. Afterwards, a few members went searching for garage sales and the "Banana Split Gang" went to Denny's for banana splits. Later in the afternoon, Linda helped guide us through making "bean safes" for the monthly craft project. Her patience was admirable.

That evening the potluck was amazing, as usual. We have many good cooks in the chapter.

On Sunday morning, we left in a leisurely manner to our afternoon Super Bowl destinations.

See you in Death Valley next month!

RALLY SCHEDULE:

March 3-10 Death Valley Nat'l Park hosted by Kotans

April 1-3 Chula Vista RV Resort hosted by Chetelats

May 13-15 Lone Pine hosted by Escamillas and McAfees

August TBA in Colorado hosted by Holloways

September 9-11 Viejas Indian Reservation/Casino hosted by Himmers

October 20-23 Pismo Coast RV Resort hosted by Smiths and Yanoffs

ROCKWOOD WEST NOVEMBER 2010 NEWSLETTER

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Another Rockwood West fun rally in Pismo Beach, CA. Fourteen rigs attending. Thursday and Friday were beautiful sunshine days; however, Saturday and Sunday were cold and raining. Friday's pancake breakfast was a great start for the day.

Lloyd, Bill and Tom cooked up a mess of pancakes and sausage for everyone to enjoy

Following breakfast Linda Chetelat led a group, including Frank, in making cute little ribbon Christmas trees. Linda prepared all of the ribbon in advance with the help of Sandy.

Friday night's potluck dinner was an overwhelming success, with everyone eating till they were filled to the brim. Several desserts were provided with someone helping himself to thirds.

After breakfast on Saturday morning of cook your own eggs in a bag, several of the guys went to the Nipomo swap meet and some of the gals went to Avila Country Barn where ice cream was enjoyed.

Saturday afternoon was the scrumptious Santa Maria style BBG cooked by Bill Proett's friend Paul Wisser consisting of top block, beans, bread and Lloyd's famous homemade potato salad. Then we were off to the Melodrama in Oceano, CA. where we saw Trudy & The Beast, an absolutely hilarious show. Due to a late lunch and an early dinner and it only being 7 p.m. Denny's restaurant was calling us to go have ice cream; banana splits and sundaes!!!! Sunday morning's continental breakfast ended our outing. Everyone was off to their own destination. A good time was had by all.

I would also like to mention Rockwood West has a new Pokeno Queen, Lucille Yanoff!!! She likes it so much she wants to do away with the pennies and play with quarters!!!! Look out ladies.....

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

We just concluded our final rally for 2010 and I'm already looking forward to a busy camping schedule for 2011. Rockwood West has a rally scheduled for almost every month next year! If you are interested in hosting or co-hosting a rally checkk out the rally schedule below to see what is available. We have a wonderful group of members who enjoy being together and having a great time. Thanks for your continuing contributions to our fine chapter. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.

Paulette Kotan, president

MINUTES:

Pismo Coast Village RV Resort, Pismo Beach, CA

November 5, 2010

The meeting was called to order by the president who led us in saying the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance: Lenny and Gloria Blake, Jim and June Cheshire, Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Nick and Ramona Escamilla with guest Frank, Russ and Pat Himmer, Lloyd and Wendy Holloway, Tom and Elaine Holloway, Dennis and Paulette Kotan, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Steve and Marylee Smith, Rich and Linda Strobel, Bill and Sandy Vargo and Henry and Lucille Yanoff plus our guest Bill Proett.

Motion to approve the minutes from the October meeting as posted in the chapter blog was made by Lloyd and seconded by Tom. The motion carried.

The treasurer reported a balance of $2,589.07. Motion to approve the treasurer's report was made by Pat and seconded by Dennis. The motion carried.

There was no national director's report.

Old business: None

New business: A check was presented to Rich and Linda Strobel in appreciation of their fine service as past president and secretary/treasurer of the chapter.

Our appreciate for their hard work and great rally was extended to Lloyd, Wendy and Bill Proett.

A motion was made to give Linda Chetelat $150.00 for craft supplies was made by Pat and seconded by Linda S. The motion carried.

Replacement of the old electric grill was discussed and a motion to replace it was made by Pat, and seconded by Linda S. The motion carried. Debbie volunteered to purchase the new grill prior to the February rally.

There was also a discussion regarding the purchase of two 4-slice toasters but it was rejected. It was decided the wagonmaster for each rally will post on the bulletin if toasters are needed.

New members Jim and June were presented with the Rockwood West flag and one was also given to Dennis and Paulette. Cookie Ringhand will be making more for those members who still do not have one.

The procedure for going to the Indio rally was presented by Sandy. A following discussion resulted in the chapter not going as a group. There was also a discussion regarding a rally in Quartzsite but the matter was left unresolved at this time.

Debbie provided information for their rally in Vista on February 3-5 and advised GIA needs at least 15 people to attend for the chapter to have a tour of their facility.

Paulette and Dennis provided more information regarding things to do in Death Valley at the March 2-9 rally.

Linda C. provided additional information about things to do in the San Diego area during the rally at Chula Vista RV April 1-3.

Nick asked for a show of hands for the May rally at Lone Pine.

Pat asked for interest in a future rally at Viejas Indian Reservation/Casino in Alpine.

Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Tom and seconded by Wendy. The motion carried.

RALLY SCHEDULE:

February 3-6 Vista Elks hosted by Greg and Debbie Murrell

March 2-9 Death Valley National park arranged by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

April 1-3 Chula Vista RV Resort hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat

May 13-15 Lone Pine hosted by Nick and Ramona Escamilla

September Date to be determined, Viejas Indian Reservation/Casino hosted by Russ and Pat Himmer

October Date to be determined, Pismo Coast RV Resort hosted by Steve and Marylee Smith and Henry and Lucille Yanoff

Wendy's Nut Recipe

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

4 - 10 oz bags of slivered almonds

2 - 10 oz bags of chopped walnuts

2 - 10 oz bags of chopped pecans

4-6 tablespoons cinnamon - or to taste

Mix all in a large bowl, set aside.

In a glass bowl mix together 3/4 cup canola oil (put oil in bowl first as syrup will stick to bowl), 1 1/2 cups maple syrup, 4-6 tablespoons vanilla or almond extract. Note, if you are using almond extract you will have to determine how much to use as it is very bitter. Mix well. Pour over nut mixture.

Place in large flat pan and place in over at 350 degrees for approximately 1/2 hour. Every 5-7 minutes stir mix around.

More pictures from the October rally.

Wendy was crowned Wonder Woman for all her hard work in putting on this rally. It is an award she deserved for this fun and interesting rally.

I guess we can't say the men don't do their fair share in the kitchen. Here are Lloyd and Hal doing the dishes.

On Saturday night we played games from our childhood. Here is Ramona and Vicki playing jacks.

The RV park has an outstanding shuffle board court and we were allowed to use the court on Saturday afternoon to hold a tournament. We all had a great time playing.

Here we have Bill and Nick lining up their shots.

Some additional pictures from the October rally held in Hemet.

As usual, Linda C. held a craft class, this month making ghosts and spiders for Halloween.

As the chapter is known for its consumption of ice cream, Wendy planned an ice cream social where everyone could build their own sundae.

Wendy suggested that everyone in the chapter participate in a Halloween gift exchange. We were encouraged to decorate the outside of the bags in the Halloween spirit. You could put anything in the bag but it was suggested you have a $5 maximum gift.

Everyone had a number and each person was called upon by number and could either choose a bag from the pile or could steal a bag from someone else. No one could open their bag until all of the bags were chosen. There was some spirited exchanges.

Linda S's bag contained a rather cute Halloween hat which Linda wore for the remainder of the weekend.

ROCKWOOD WEST OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S REPORT: Wow, it doesn't seem like it's been two years since I took office!! It has been a great two years for Linda and me and a great two years for the chapter. We have enjoyed watching the chapter grow in so many ways because of the wonderful members that made it all happen. It is so nice handing the chapter presidency off knowing that we are in great shape in every way. Everyone in the chapter helped make my term as president a real joy and I know this will continue with our new president, Paulette Kotan. I want to thank all the board members who served with me, Gerry Chetelat (vice president), Linda Strobel (secretary/treasurer), Bob Evans, Nick Escamilla, Wendy Holloway all serving us as national director at different times and Paulette Kotan (newsletter editor), each and everyone did an outstanding job and helped the chapter get to where it is today, a chapter with great attendance at our outings, many fun things to do at every outing and wonderful camaraderie. Linda and I are looking forward to next year as I'm sure everyone is, we have four outings already scheduled for next year plus the FMCA rally at Indio! We hope to see all of you at every outing.

Richard Strobel, Chapter President

MINUTES:

Golden Village Palms RV Resort, Hemet, California

October 9, 2010 at 9:30 a.m.

The meeting was called to order by the president Rich Strobel. He led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members in attendance: Dick and Vicki Bartlett, Lenny and Gloria Blake, Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Russ and Pat Himmer, Lloyd and Wendy Holloway, Dennis and Paulette Kotan, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Rich and Linda Strobel, Bill and Sandy Vargo and Henry and Lucille Yanoff. Guests attending included the Blake's daughter, Jim and June Cheshire and Bill Proett.

Thanks to Wendy and Lloyd Holloway and Cookie and Hal Ringhand for hosting this great rally.

A motion to approve the minutes from the May meeting as printed in the blog was made by Dick and seconded by Dennis.

The treasurer reported a balance of $2,429.07 after expenses of $178.78 for food for the club anniversary dinner and $26.50 to Badges "R" Us for badges. Motion to approve the treasurer's report was made by Ramona seconded by Hal.

NATIONAL DIRECTOR'S REPORT: The 2010 Governing Board was held on Wednesday, August 11, 2010 in Redmond, OR. It started at 9:00 a.m. and adjourned at 2:06 p.m. We had 51% of the total voting members in attendance. Out of 488 possible Governing Board voting members, a total of 290 voting members were represented, which equates to 59% and a quorum was established.

There were 1,928 family coaches and 274 commercial coaches actually staying on the fairgrounds. The overall total including day passes for the convention was 2,202.

FMCA had added income from their web site advertising and have benefited through the efforts of our IT department and their untiring focus to put Family Motor Coach at the top of the search engine lists, so that when you go online and search using the key word RV or motor home, Family Motor Coach Association is one of the first things that pops up. FMCA also has a presence on the popular social networking sites Facebook and Twitter.

FMCA has partnered with GMAC Insurance Company to give most of the members a better rate on their motor home and car insurance while at the same time ensuring a licensing fee to the Association for their participation.

Since January 2009, FMCA has downsized their workforce by 17 people and cross-trained the remaining employees to fill gaps of those who left. The employees are paying 25% of their own insurance premiums for single medical coverage and 50% for family coverage. Contributions to the employee's 401(k) play by FMCA ceased effective March 1, 2009. These has been no salary increases since January 2007, nor has there been any cost of living or merit raises.

With fewer staff, FMCA has reconfigured space at the Clough Pike location and have done some necessary computer programming and, as a result, have been able to bring the FMCA Store in-house at a savings of $60,000 per year.

Last January a campaign called the "A Dozen Does It" program began and as a help to each chapter, FMCA gave each chapter president five free memberships; which is approximately 2,599 free memberships. To date FMCA has signed up approximately 300 new members from that free program. That's 300 new members in 7 months. 34% of our membership have a chapter affiliation and 66% is not chapter affiliated.

At last year's governing board meeting, we requested a committee be formed to seek a better, more economically priced medical evacuation plan. Currently we have MEDEX which will expire December 31, 2010. The Evac Benefit Special Committee was formed. The committee reported out of 12 firms asked for a proposal, only 5 replied. Those five were contacted and were consulted again for clarification of items.

There are four parts to this service: Incident or accident to first medical stabilization facility; stabilization facility to a major hospital; hospital to recuperation location; and repatriation of remains. These services are world wide. The present provider does not cover the evacuation until after the initial emergency call. Optional medical coverage is better than that offered by the previous carrier. With the new provider, grandchildren under age 18 are returned home; handicapped children are returned home regardless of age, escorted by a registered nurse, if needed; and the motor home return includes, towed vehicle, the use of a professional driver and expenses, including fuel, with a $5,000 limit for the professional driver. Additional items covered under the new provider: dispatch of doctor or specialist; chronic condition travel; 24 hours; 365 days a year call center; numerous concierge services; $1,000 AD&D coverage; summary plan and ID cards included; monthly invoicing; monthly report of services; quarterly reviews; and FMCA has full access to claims and losses. HIPPA regulations will not be violated, and the underwriter has an AM Best AA+ rating.

Available now through FMC Assist: optional out-of-country coverages available through FMCA Assist are in effect now, which provides medical coverage when out of state that Medicare or other insurance companies do not cover.

The saving as projected for the proposed 2011 budget is $148,571. FMC Assist is an improved member benefit for a lower cost.

Executive Director Search Committee - FMCA has over 40 applications to date and still accepting applications. Additional details will be available in the FMC magazine. Approximately 1 to 1 1/2 years before having someone hired. FMCA National Bylaws state we shall have an Executive Director.

Mail forward fees will be reduced from $10.00 per month to $8.00 per month.

The 2011 budget submitted is a workable budget. It is a $92,000 deficit recovery budget. FMCA continues to be optimistic about the remaining portion of 2010 and the upcoming year of 2011. Your Association continues to be debt-free.

Respectfully submitted by Wendy Sue Holloway, Rockwood West National Director

OLD BUSINESS: none

NEW BUSINESS: Wendy provided more information on the Pismo Beach rally and the melodrama that is included. There were enough members interested in attending the FMCA rally in Indio to attend as a group. The Vargos are making all the arrangements and they should be contacted directly if you are interested in attending. The Murrells gave some information about the rally they will be hosting at the Vista Elks Lodge in February. Paulette provided more information about the rally to be held at two campgrounds within Death Valley National Park in March, Linda Chetelat talked about their rally in April at Chula Vista RV Resort and Nick also talked about their rally at Lone Pine Boulder Creek RV Park.

Wendy presented a badge to Bill Proett as the chapter permanent mascot.

Greg received the Rockwood West "Dummy" Award for walking in front of a car!

Wendy said that Karenann is still trying to finish the history of the chapter and if you have anything that can help please contact Karenann.

Wendy reporting for the bylaw committee the need to amend the chapter bylaws so that the election of officers is completed prior to November 1st of each year so the new officers are listed in the January issue of FMC magazine instead of the outgoing officers. The other issue to be discussed is the membership section of the bylaws, specifically paragraph E. The language is confusing. The present language states: All prospective members must attend two outings in one year before membership will vote to accept or reject them for membership unless they are sponsored by a member in good standing when they may be voted on after attending one meeting. The proposed language changes the bylaw to read: All prospective members must attend one outing before membership will vote to accept or reject them for membership unless they are sponsored by a member in good standing when they may be voted on at that meeting.

Under Officers, section B. The present language states: The Officers of the Chapter and a three member nominating committee shall be elected by a vote of the membership at the annual meeting in October of each year and shall take office January 1st after election and receive all records from the outgoing officers. The proposed language changes the bylaw to read: The officers of the Chapter and a three member nominating committee shall be elected by a vote of the membership at the annual meeting in October of each year and shall take office immediately after elected and receive all records from the outgoing officers.

Section F presently states: The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates for chapter officers at the annual meeting in March October. They shall be responsible for conducting the election in November and installing the new officers in January.

The proposed language changes the bylaw to read: The Nominating Committee shall present a slate of candidates for Chapter officers at the annual meeting in October. They shall be responsible for conducting the election in October and installing the new officers in October.

After much discussion of the above changes a motion was made by Dennis and seconded by Ramona to approve the changes to the bylaws. The motion carried.

The nominating committee presented the slate of officers for election: Paulette Kotan, president; Cookie Ringhand, vice-president; Linda Chetelat, secretary/treasurer; Lloyd Holloway, national director; Nick Escamilla, alternate national director; Ramona Escamilla, Gerry Chetelat and Dennis Kotan, nominating committee. There were no other nominations and the officers were elected by proclamation. Debbie Murrell swore in the new officers.

Wendy also showed everyone a form to list the chapter rallies on the FMCA calendar.

Motion to adjourn meeting made by Gerry, seconded by Hal. Meeting adjourned.

RALLY SCHEDULE:

November Pismo Coast Villae RV Resort, Pismo Beach, hosted by Lloyd and Wendy Holloway

January 12-16, FMCA rally, Indio, organized by Bill and Sandy Vargo

February 3-5 Vista Elks Lodge, Vista, hosted by Greg and Debbie Murrell

March 2-9 Death Valley National Park organized by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

April 1-3 Chula Vista RV Resort, Chula Vista hosted by Gerry and Linda Chetelat

May 13-15 Lone Pine Boulder Creek RV Park, Lone Pine hosted by Nick and Ramona Escamilla

Paulette Kotan,

Editor

Prior to the October Rockwood West rally, a large group of our members attended the California Chapter's Oktoberfest in Hemet.

Greg, Debbie, Bill, Sandy, Linda S. and some prospective members at one of the luncheons provided by the California Chapter.

In the evening after dinner members of the California Chapter provided entertainment based upon the "Gone Country" theme.

One night a disk jockey played good dance music and Greg and Debbie took advantage.

One evening at dinnertime one of our tables was right next to the food line. Linda was protecting herself from flying food.

This picture of some familiar lovebirds was taken at the FMCA convention in Redmond, OR.