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

ROCKWOOD WEST

NEWSLETTER

NOVEMBER 2013

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thank you to everyone for the opportunity to participate in our chapter in such a responsible position.  Though it will be hard to match the great job Paulette did, I will do my best.

Thanks again to Dennis and Paulette for hosting the Santee Lakes rally.  Everyone had a great time and the food was great as usual.

Don't forget dues of $15.00 are now payable for Rockwood membership.  Payment should be made to Mary Lee no later than December 31st.

I will leave you with a wish to all of you for a peaceful and fun filled holiday season.  Have a wonderful Thanksgiving; it is one of our personal favorites.  Just getting the family together and enjoying a good meal, appreciating the blessings we enjoy and sharing with others makes it a special day.  Christmas has certainly become a commercial event but we can choose to make it a more meaningful time.

Unless you are attending the Christmas get together at the Kotans, Mary Lee and I will see you in Quartzsite in January.

Steve Smith, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Santee Lakes Regional Park

November 16, 2013

10:00 a.m.

Meeting was called to order by president Paulette Kotan who led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members present:  Linda and Gerry Chetelat, Steven and Irene DeAmbrogio, Nick and Ramona Escamilla, Russ Himmer, Dennis and Paulette Kotan, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Walt and Pam Rose, Steve and Mary Lee Smith, Rich and Linda Strobel, Bill and Vargo and Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

Rich Strobel swore in the new officers for 2014: president Steve Smith, vice-president Cookie Ringhand, secretary/treasurer Mary Lee Smith, national director Paulette Kotan, assistant national director Nick Escamilla, nominating committee Dennis Kotan, Debbie Murrell and Linda Strobel. 

The new president then took over the meeting.

Motion to approve the minutes of the last meeting as they appeared in the blog was made by Linda Chetelat, seconded and approved.

Mary Lee reported there was $2,794 in the Rockwood West account.  Ramona made a motion to approve the treasurer's report.  The motion was seconded and approved.

There was no national director's report.

Old business: none

New business:  Linda and Gerry will host a rally at Chula Vista Resort next September 19, 20, and 21st.  Paulette reported the Cheshires are still planning to host a rally in May somewhere in Fresno county.  Cookie is looking into a park in Escondido or Sweetwater Summit for April.  The Murrells reported on the rolling rally in Quartzsite, Alamo Lake, Wickenburg and Lake Havasu City, AZ beginning in January.  The Strobels will look into hosting a rally in October in Pahrump for the wine stomp weekend.

The Kotans are hosting the Rockwood West third annual Christmas Party at their home on Wednesday, December 11 at noon.  They will provide a ham, beer, wine, soda, etc. and requested us to bring side dishes for the potluck.  No deserts or cookies as Paulette likes to bake and makes terrific cookies!!!

Linda Chetelat made a motion to adjourn the meeting, seconded and approved.

Meeting adjourned at 10:25 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Lee Smith 

RALLY SCHEDULE

January-February     Rolling rally from Quartzsite, to Alamo Lake and Wickenburg ending in Lake Havasu City.  For details contact Greg Murrell 858-483-3998 or Nick Escamilla 714-846-8558.

March 14-15     Indian Wells RV Resort, Indio, CA hosted by Bill and Sandy Vargo

April     location and date to be announced hosted by Hal and Cookie Ringhand

May      somewhere in Fresno County hosted by Jim and June Cheshire

June      open

July-August   NO RALLIES

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

October  date to be determined at Nevada Treasure RV Resort hosted by Rich and Linda Strobel

November date to be determined at Santee Lakes Regional Park hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

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

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

We had a great turnout at Santee Lakes with 12 coaches attending.  Russ Himmer also had several family members providing moral support.

The weather was good considering this was the third weekend of November.  Rain was predicted but we only had a few sprinkles.

On Friday we had our usual happy hour around a campfire provided by Greg and Debbie.  They not only brought the fire pit but also provided all the firewood as well.

Saturday morning we served breakfast casseroles, english muffins, fruit and juice.  Thanks to all the ladies that helped by cooking all the casseroles.

 After breakfast we had our meeting where all the new officers were sworn in.

After the swearing in, Steve Smith took over as president.

Lin Chetelat showed the ladies how to make beautiful beaded irises.

While the craft session was going on several of the guys headed to GTM looking for bargains.  Several brought home flashlights they showed off after dinner.  Rich Strobel and Walt Rose went off to take pictures.
Before dinner on Saturday Rich Strobel displayed many of his beautiful mounted photographs while our hot dog and hamburger dinner was being prepared.

 Several of the guys brought their grills and helped with the cooking.

After dinner we again all gathered around the campfire.
Sunday morning we had a continental breakfast at the clubhouse followed by goodbyes until next time.

Thanks to everyone who helped us during the campout, you are much appreciated.
Paulette and Dennis Kotan

ROCKWOOD WEST 

NEWSLETTER

OCTOBER 2013

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thank you to everyone who supported me during my three years in office.  I appreciate everyone who hosted a rally or helped out at a rally.  Without your help this chapter could not survive.  This is my last president's message as Steve Smith takes over as president in November.  I've had an unforgettable three years in office and look forward to watching the chapter grow and prosper.  

Paulette Kotan, president

MEETING MINUTES:

Nevada Treasure RV Resort

Pahrump, NV

October 4, 2013

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

Members in attendance:  Lenny, Gloria and Julie Blake, Gerry and Linda Chetelat, Wendy Holloway, Dennis and Paulette Kotan, Greg and Debbie Murrell, Hal and Cookie Ringhand, Rich and Linda Strobel, Henry and Lucille Yanoff, and Bill Proett and Beverly Hall.

The Strobels were thanked for hosting the rally in place of the Vargos who were unable to host because of health concerns.

Cookie made a motion to accept the minutes from our last official meeting as published in the blog.  The motion was seconded and approved.

The treasurer reported a balance on hand of $1,791.79 with an outstanding check to the Shiley Eye/Thyroid Fund in memory of Pat Himmer.  Linda S. made a motion to approve the treasurer's report.  The motion was seconded and approved.

National Director's Report:  Same as always, will not in the future entertain allowing 5th wheels or other trailers.  FMCA in the black for the 1st time due to cut backs, etc.

Nominating committee report:  Dennis presented the slate of officers for 2014 as follows:  President Steve Smith, Vice-president Cookie Ringhand, Secretary/Treasurer Mary Lee Smith, National Director Paulette Kotan, Assistant National Director Nick Escamilla, Nominating committee Dennis Kotan, Debbie Murrell and Linda Strobel.  Wendy made a motion to elect the officers by proclamation as there is no opposition to the nominations.  The motion was seconded and approved.

Old business:  Discussion of wearing of badges at club functions ended with all agreeing they don't mind wearing them and are proud of the badges.  This subject is covered in the bylaws.  The wearing of badges is a source of revenue for the chapter.  If the objection is to the fine for not wearing the badges this can be brought up for further discussion.

New business:  Greg had lunch with Russ and said he is putting up a good front and will be coming to the rally this November and hopes to attend other rallies as well.

Upcoming events and rallies:

The Christmas Party will again be hosted by the Kotans on Wednesday, December 11, 2013 at 12:00 p.m.  It will be potluck.  Further details will arrive by email.

January & February is a rolling rally hosted by Murrells and Escamillas.  This rally will begin in Quartzsite, followed by Alamo Lake, Wickenburg and Lake Havasu.  You must register for parts of this rally on your own.  For further information contact either Greg and Debbie or Nick and Ramona.

The May rally will be hosted by the Cheshires with the date and location to be announced.

Chetelats will host a rally in Chula Vista either in October or November 2014.

Ringhands will host a rally in 2014, the date and location to be announced. 

Wendy made a motion to adjourn the meeting.  The motion was seconded and approved.  Meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

We arrived at Nevada Treasure RV Resort on Sunday morning September 29th and found the Ringhands were already there.  They had arrived early so they could watch football on Sunday but had forgotten one important item, the satellite receiver.  The Chetelats were next to arrive so Gerry and I got the Ringhands over the air signal working so Hal could get some football to satisfy his needs!!  Wendy showed up on Sunday without Lloyd.  Lloyd had injured his back/neck so he stayed home to rest and wait for surgery.  The surgery was successful.  Lloyd we thought of you and missed you all week.

More members started arriving on Wednesday for a total of 9 rigs.  We had great weather all week except for one windy day.

The gals had a lot of fun checking out the local stores and Greg was off to the auction house to find some special items to bid on so he could take a little bit of Pahrump home.  Gerry and I did some Geocaching and found a beautiful gorge with a spring.  Hal and I along with Gerry and Greg took a nice "hiway" :o) back to the gorge a day later where we saw a family of wild horses up close.

We moved the hosted breakfast from Saturday to Friday morning so we could get an early start to the wine stomp on Saturday.  Thanks to Wendy for doing the pancakes and Linda for cooking eggs.  We couldn't have done it without your help.  Great job!!

 Everyone enjoying breakfast on Friday morning.

After the meeting on Friday the ladies had a great workshop put on by Linda.  I know the ladies really appreciate you doing this.

 

On Saturday we were off early for the Pahrump Valley Grape Stomp and other things.

The grape stomp was a lot of fun with great buys on wine and lots of vendors and eats.  If we go again next year several members want to take part in the team grape stomping!

 It is always good to see Lenny at the rallies.

 More great pictures from Richard.

Saturday night's potluck dinner in the big room went off well with so much gooooood food, I'm sure everyone went away full.  After dinner several members played Farkle.  I heard that Cookie came out the big winner.
On Sunday morning we had a continental breakfast and most members were off for home or other destinations except for us and Murrells who didn't leave until Monday.
We enjoyed hosting the rally for everyone but really missed Bill and Sandy, the original hosts, as they had to cancel due to Sandy's medical issues.  Get well Sandy, we miss you both!

Rich and Linda Strobel, wagonmasters

Pictures this month by Rich and Wendy.  

ROCKWOOD WEST

MAY-JUNE NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Thanks to everyone who made our 25th anniversary celebration a success from Ramona who bought the cake and ice cream to Nick and everyone else who cooked the meat or baked a potato casserole.  We all had a great time with lots of good food and excellent company.  

Our slate of officers for the next term is shaping up very well.  If you would like to hold an office, please contact Ramona, Gerry or Dennis and let them know.  Some positions are still available.

Paulette Kotan, president

MINUTES:

May 26, 2013

Prado Regional Park

China Hills, CA

The meeting was called to order at 9:50 a.m. by president Paulette Kotan who led the members in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Special thanks were given to rally hosts Nick and Ramona Escamilla and Steve and MaryLee Smith for a well organized and fun rally.  Our special guests from the Western Area, Rick and Jan Recordati, president and Lon & Chris Cross, southern area vice-president were recognized.

A motion to approve the minutes as they appeared in the last blog was made by Lucille and seconded by Dennis.  The motion carried.

There was no treasurer's report.

There was no national director's report.  However, Lloyd will be representing the chapter at the FMCA national rally.

Membership committee:  Ramona reported the present officers will not serve another term and all positions are available.  Nita will take over writing the blog when the new officers are sworn in.  There were some suggestions made for president and secretary/treasurer.  The nominating committee will continue to work on the new roster of officers for the next election.  

Chris Cross suggested a hospitality chairman should be considered to recognize birthdays, bereavement and special occasion events.    

New business:  Lon Cross presented our FMCA chapter with a 25th anniversary award and read a letter from National President Charlie Schrenkel recognizing our chapters' longevity as a tribute to the high standards proposed by FMCA.  We received a check from the national organization.

A point of clarification was discussed to establish a policy regarding the use of chapter funds to provide donations or flowers to deceased members or deceased family members.  After a brief discussion a motion was made by Pat Himmer to limit our donations and the sending of memorial flowers to members only in the amount of $50.  The motion was seconded by Steve Smith.  The motion carried.

Lucille Yanoff informed us the September rally was scheduled for East Shores RV Park in San Dimas at Puddingstone Lake and passed out fliers and brochures.  The dates are September 6-8, 2013.  Other rallies and events can be found in the schedule below.

MaryLee made a motion to adjourn seconded by Henry.  The motion carried.  Meeting adjourned at 10:23 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Nita McAfee

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Hello from farm country.....Prado Regional Park.

Once again we had a great time!  We had ten coaches in attendance, 2 or which were from WHMA.  The Western Area president, Rick Ricordati and his wife Jan, and the Southern Vice-President Lon Cross and his wife Chris were our guests for our 25th anniversary celebration.  It was great seeing Rick and Jan again and it was equally as nice meeting Lon and his wife, Chris.  

After a delicious breakfast on Saturday, we all went to Dick Bartlett's funeral service.  It was good to see Vicki and she really enjoyed having us all attend.  We saw a slide show dedicated to Dick's life that was really interesting.  It included some pictures of his various motorhomes.

Steve cooking cinnamon bread french toast.

 Some of the ladies playing dominoes because it was too windy to play Pokino.

 Some of the group played ladder golf in the afternoon.

Saturday night we had a wonderful anniversary dinner prepared by our president, Paulette.  Thank you so very much Paulette and Dennis!  Those who were unable to attend missed a great dinner.  After dinner we had a movie night and saw "My Big Fat Greek Wedding."  Nick made a 13' x 7' screen and had a projector and a complete sound system.  It was like being at the drive-in only sitting in your chairs outside.  Popcorn was served and Nita brought mini candy bars to round out the menu.  It was a bit hit and everyone wanted to do it again on Sunday night.  So we watched "RV."  It was  lot of fun and laughter could be heard all around.

Sunday evening after dinner we had cake and ice cream to celebrate our anniversary.

 The whole gang gathered after dinner for cake and ice cream.

 Waiting for the movie to start.

 Sunday night's feature "RV."

After breakfast Monday, everyone said their "Good Byes" and "Safe Journey" before leaving.

Thank you to all of those who attended and a special thank you to MaryLee and Steve for all their help.  I also want to thank the guys who helped Nick with setting up and taking down the movie equipment.  It was greatly appreciated.
Happy Trials from your hosts, Ramona and Nick

RALLY SCHEDULE:

September 6-8     East Shore RV Park, San Dimas, CA hosted by Henry and Lucille Yanoff.

October 4-6         Nevada Treasure RV Resort, Pahrump, NV (Wine stomp weekend)  hosted by Bill                            and Sandy Vargo with co-hosts Rich and Linda Strobel

November            Date and Location somewhere in Fresno County, CA hosted by Jim and June Cheshire with co-hosts Lloyd and Wendy Holloway

December             Date to be determined, Third Annual Christmas Party hosted by Dennis and Paulette Kotan

This month's pictures contributed by Rich Strobel and Dennis Kotan

ROCKWOOD WEST

APRIL 2013 NEWSLETTER

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE:

Happy Anniversary Rockwood West.  Twenty-five years as an FMCA chapter.  It is hard to believe Dennis and I joined the chapter at it's 10th anniversary in a county park in San Diego.  Time sure flies by when you're having fun and that is what this chapter is all about.  Plus food and friendship.  I'm looking forward to many more years as a chapter member and I hope all of you feel the same.  Our May rally should be a good one and I hope everyone can participate in our celebration.

Paulette Kotan, president

WAGONMASTER'S REPORT:

Whoa Buckeroos,

The High Chapparral was buzzing with excitement as the Rockwood West travelers hit the desert country to attend the April Tombstone rally.  Twelve coaches attended and enjoyed the many activities and historical sights of the area.

Wagonmaster Nita and Mac McAfee and co-hosts Irene and Steve DeAmbrogio provided delicious meals and allowed plenty of time for exploring and touring.  Attendees included Linda and Gerry Chetelat, Ramona and Nick Escamilla, Pat and Russ Himmer, Wendy and Lloyd Holloway, Carol and Bernie Juliar, Debbie and Greg Murrell, Mary Lee and Steve Smith, Linda and Rick Strobel, Lucille and Henry Yanoff and special guest Bill Proett.

Tombstone Territories RV Park was a great choice as the spaces were large and the club house was spacious with a fully equipped kitchen for our meals.  Thanks to group coordinator Sylvia for her assistance.  She invited us to return anytime.

High points of sightseeing were Tombstone itself taking us back to the days of cowboys, saloons and shoot-outs.  There was plenty of time to visit Kartchner Caverns, Bisbee, Fort Huachuca, Sierra Vista and more.  We did our best to cover as much as possible.  Our craft maven, Lin Chetelat organized a fun and simple craft of painting sun visors.  Rich Strobel set up his super telescope for solar viewing and examining the glorious night skies.  Sadly, Debbie Murrell returned to her ailing father and we learned of his passing after a long illness.  Our thoughts and prayers go to her and her family,

Special thanks to Steve and Irene DeAmbrogio for their co-hosting efforts and organizational skills.  They tell me they really enjoyed learning more about our group and spending quality time with us.  We hope to see more of them in the future.

Thanks to all of you hearty travelers for coming the distance and I hope your return trips through the windy conditions were safe.  

Until next time,

Good traveling,

Mac and Nita McAfee

Here is Linda Chetelat presenting Mac with a shirt with his favorite saying:  "You Can't Fix Stupid"

 The ladies painting sun visors.

 The finished product.

 Our wagonmasters with their co-hosts.

 Now who is helping who?  Or is it the blind leading the blind!

 The gang gathered together for a meal.

 Getting ready for a mine tour.

 Having a drink at Big Nose Kate's Saloon.

 Rich with his telescope for night sky viewing.

RALLY SCHEDULE:

May 24-27     Prado Regional Park, Chino, CA hosted by the Escamillas and Smiths

                      Twenty-fifth Anniversary Celebration

September 6-8     East Shore RV Park, San Dimas, CA hosted by the Yanoffs

October 4-6    Nevada Treasure RV Park, Pahrump, NV hosted by the Vargos and Strobels

November      Date to be announced somewhere in Fresno County, CA hosted by the Cheshires and Holloways

December      Date to be announced, Third Annual Christmas Party hosted by the Kotans