President's Message

Greetings Dogwooders.

Christmas is almost here and the festivities at Dogwoods Virginia Beach rally are a memorable part of the holiday season. I’m sure I speak for everyone that was there when I say THANKS to the Hicks, Greenwoods and Cummings, for their hard work in hosting another very successful rally.

Elsewhere in this issue of eNews is the 2010 schedule for Dogwood rallies. It looks like a fairly full schedule except that we need hosts to assist the Schoolers with a mid September rally and we need host(s) for the December rally. If you haven’t signed up to host a rally or if you are a newer member of Dogwood and haven't experienced the joy of hosting , please consider volunteering for one of these two. All it takes is one member couple to sign up and then we should be able to easily find a co-host to work with you.

In just a little over two weeks Carolyn and I will be leaving for warmer weather. This year we’re going to Texas and then who knows where. The flexibility to go where we want when we want is one of the few benefits I’ve found to growing older. As I think about it, this isn’t really true. I have to be back for the Doctors appointments in early April. Hmmmmmm. Maybe there isn’t any benefit to getting older.

Carolyn and I both send best wishes to each and every one of you for a Merry Christmas and a prosperous and healthy New Year. We look forward to seeing you in the spring unless of course our paths cross this winter.

Y'all travel safe,

Mann

Membership

Membership statistics for 2009:

• 59 members on role as of 12/31/2008
• 2 members did not renew in 2009
• 12 new members joined in 2009
• 69 total membership as of 12/1/2009

The following members will not be renewing their memberships for 2010: Bill & Sandy Freed, Larry & Mem Halstead, Ralph & Janice Parsons, Jean Plott, and Chuck & Donna Tolson. We wish them the best. They will be missed.

The Photo Directory has been updated. If your photo is missing (or you don't like the one that is there), feel free to send one and we will include it. We also have a new feature where you can print a Member Photo Catalog (multiple pictures per page). The file is large enough that it may be a problem for dial up access. Links to both the Photo Directory and Member Photo Catalog are found on the right side of the screen (green section) under Photos.

A new Member Directory (addresses and phone numbers) will be distributed in January. Please review the your personal information that was included on your 2010 dues notice and let me know if there are any changes.

Highlights from Virginia Beach Rally

The annual Christmas rally was held December 4-6 at the Holiday Trav-L-Park campground in Virginia Beach. The campground facilities were nice - paved pull thru sites (which were great considering all the rain we had had) with full hook ups and nice meeting room facilities. The only complaint was the noise from the Navy planes. After the Dykes best described it as the "sound of freedom", folks were a bit more tolerant.

The rally officially kicked off Friday with a wine tasting followed by a pizza dinner. To get in the holiday spirit, some members took the campground trolley down the boardwalk to enjoy the Festival of Lights.

Saturday started off with a breakfast of "iHop" style pancakes, sausage and made to order eggs followed by a productive business meeting. Despite the rain, some members ventured out to check out the local attractions.

Saturday evening we enjoyed a BBQ dinner catered by Rodman's BBQ followed by our traditional Yankee Gift Swap emceed by Donna Gruel.

Lots of laughter as gifts were "stolen". Barbara Greenwood must have a special sense for Bailey's Irish Creme as she picked 3 wrapped packages containing it from under the tree (unfortunately she didn't get to keep a bottle as they all were stolen).

Following a breakfast of gravy and biscuits, members packed up and headed home Sunday morning.

Special thanks to our hosts, Max & Barbara Hicks, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, and Paul & Nancy Cummings, for a great rally. Click here to view photos from the rally.

Highlights from Urbanna Oyster Festival

15 coaches gathered around Ed Fisher's garage to enjoy the festivities the weekend of the Urbanna Oyster Festival. Guests for the weekend included Carter & Rosalee Clements, Sissy Cannon, and Karen & Donald (the Gruel's daughter and son in law).

Click here for photos from the rally.

For those Dogwood oyster lovers, there were plenty of roasted oysters as well as the Alexander's famous oyster stew. As usual lots of food was provided by members. We discovered that new member Dickie Cannon and his daughter, Sissy, are great breakfast makers (we will keep that in mind for future rallies).

Dogwood's own blue grass band (Don Warthan, Dickie Cannon, Doug Cherrington, Mel Hughes, and guest Carter Clements) provided entertainment Friday and Saturday evenings.

Other activities included festivities at the Oyster Festival, including the parade where our own Ed and Anke Fisher drove their church float, dinner at the Sandpiper Reef, geocaching, antique & yard sale shopping.

Rally Schedule for 2010

Click here for 2010 rally schedule. We need hosts for the Christmas rally and would also like to have a rally in the September timeframe.

We typically plan the upcoming year's rallies at the December meeting. Mann suggested that we plan more into the future; come up with potential rally ideas, get someone to investigate the logistics, see if there is an interest from the group; and it may or may not materialize into an official rally.

We recommend 2 or more couples to host a rally and that members who have hosted before team up with those who haven't.

And remember to chip in at rallies - set up, cook, clean up - so that the burden is not placed solely on the hosts and everyone can have a good time.

2010 Chapter Dues

Everyone should have received a notice concerning their 2010 chapter dues. If you have not done so, please pay your 2010 dues to Barbara Dyke.

To make things easier for the treasurer (and for audit reasons) we prefer that you pay by check and include the invoice notice which includes your personal information. If you need a copy of your invoice notice, please request it from fmcadogwood@gmail.com .

Business Meeting and Reports 2009 12

A Dogwood chapter business meeting was held on December 5, 2009. Please refer to the Secretary's report , Treasurer's report , revised chapter bylaws and the new standing rules. If you haven't read the new standing rules, now would be a good time to read them.

Correction to Charter Members Article

In the September eNews there was an article on Charter Members of the Dogwood chapter. Max & Barbara Hicks attended the initial Dogwood gathering in Portsmouth, however, were not included on the initial FMCA chapter roster (most likely because they joined both FMCA and Dogwood that weekend so did not have their F number when the Dogwood member names were submitted to FMCA).

So please congratulate Max and Barbara as being charter members of Dogwood.

Share Your Travel Plans

Let me know where you are traveling this winter and I will post it here. It is always fun to meet up with friends when you are traveling.

Texas - Mann & Carolyn Duff, Max & Barbara Hicks, Donald & Carol Warthan, Carl & Donna Gruel

Florida - Berkley & Karen Alexander, Butch & Liz Jones, Nick & Elizabeth DeMonte, Ed & Anke Fisher

For Sale

Jean Plott is selling her motor home, a 37 foot 2000 Discovery. If you are interested, or know anyone who is, please contact Jean at 804.559.4093

President's Message

Greetings Dogwooders!

As I sit here writing this with guidance from my helper, 2009 is nearing its end which means our chapter is approaching a time of the year that we all look forward to. In only a couple of weeks many of our members will be in Urbanna for the annual gathering at the Oyster Festival and then less than a month after that we’ll gather for our annual Christmas rally in Virginia Beach. These are both festive occasions that promise fun and fellowship for all of us. For our newest members who haven’t experienced our Christmas rally before, do yourself a favor; don’t wait; make plans, payment and reservations now.

If you missed the Williams Grove Raceway rally in PA on October 1 through 3, you missed a great time. Mother nature delivered a couple of challenges in the form of rain on Friday night's race and cold temperatures for Saturday night's race. At least one of our members was smart enough to watch the Saturday race on Speedvision where the race was broadcast live. Did anyone else see us huddled in the stands? Special thanks to Ed Fisher for arranging for the parking passes. Ed also impressed everyone with his culinary skills when he single handedly cooked pancakes for the whole group for Saturday morning’s breakfast. We all marveled at how each and every one was perfectly cooked. Good job Ed!

Our chapter is thriving due to the hard work of many. Thanks to each of you, our membership continues to grow and now stands at 69 members. Speaking of new members, I’d like to offer a great big DOGWOOD WELCOME to our newest members Butch and Liz Jones who joined the chapter following the Williams Grove rally.

Carolyn and I look forward to seeing you at our fall rallies. In the meantime, y’all travel safe.

Mann

Christmas Rally at Virginia Beach

The Christmas rally will be held December 4 - 6 at the Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground in Virginia Beach. Hosts for the rally are Max & Barbara Hicks, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood and Paul & Nancy Cummings.

Campsites: Everyone must make their own reservation with the campground at 757-425-0249 Ext 203; ask for June and tell her you are with Dogwood. We will be using the campground's "super sites" at a cost of $35.54 including tax. The same rate will apply for early arrivals and later departures. All sites have concrete pads with patio, 50 amps, and cable TV. WiFi is available for an additional fee. Please reserve your campsite by November 10 as the campground has blocked off a set of sites for Dogwood and already has a waiting list for the weekend.

Rally Registration: Fees for the rally are $25 per person (or $50 per coach with 2 people). Please mail a check payable to Max (Charles M. Hicks) at 15 Warren Drive, Portsmouth, VA 23701 by November 10. Please include a note stating who will be attending the rally.

Schedule:
We have reserved a large room, the "Tally HO", for the entire weekend.

Thursday: For those who arrive early,

4:00 pm: Happy hour. BYOD and a light snack to share if you so desire.

7:00 pm: The Eastern Gourmands chapter will be having a meal and meeting at the Lucky Oyster restaurant and all Dogwood rally attendees are welcome - you don’t have to be a Gourmands member to come. Just let Gourmands President-Elect Barbara Greenwood know that you plan on dining with them so she can reserve enough adjacent tables to accommodate everyone. (Contact Barbara at greenwood@mail.escapees.com or 804-337-4345).

Friday:
5 pm: Wine and cheese happy hour hosted by Paul & Nancy Cummings. Bring a bottle of wine from your travels to share with the group. Snacks provided by hosts.

6 pm: Pizza dinner.

After Dinner: We suggest a ride down the Boardwalk to view the Christmas Illumination or check out the activities at Hunt Club Farm (more information below).

Saturday:
9 am: Breakfast; Deluxe IHOP style pancakes, sausage and fruit bowl.

10 am: Business meeting

5 pm: Happy hour; light snacks provided

6 pm: Dinner catered by Rodman's Bar-B-Q. Includes pulled pork barbeque, fried chicken, potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and fried red peanuts. Everything will be furnished.

After dinner: Yankee Gift Swap

Sunday:
9 am: Breakfast; Biscuits with sausage gravy and a fruit bowl.

Bring your own plates and eating utensils to all meals (except Saturday night when they will be provided by the caterer). Coffee will be provided at breakfast; otherwise bring your own beverages.

Yankee Gift Swap: This event has become a Dogwood tradition. Each coach is to bring a wrapped gift with a value of approximately $20. Each coach will draw a number from the hat. #1 selects a gift and opens it. #2 can either take #1's gift or an unopened gift. #3 can take #1 or #2's gift or an unopened gift and so on. There is lots of laughter as gifts are "stolen". Once again, thanks to Donna Gruel who has volunteered to emcee the event.

Area Attractions:

Holiday Lights at the Beach: Ride down the Boardwalk to view the Christmas Illumination from your own car for $10.00 a carload or take advantage of the Campground Shuttle which does the whole round trip from the campground for $7.00 per person. Click here for more information.

Hunt Club Farm: View the Christmas lights, animations and more. Click here for more information.

Virginia Aquarium – A new exhibit called “Restless Planet” opened in November. Click here to check out the aquarium's web site or here for a very favorable article from the November 18 Virginian-Pilot. The aquarium is also offering two IMAX films: Disney’s “A Christmas Carol” and a striking “Under the Sea” 3-D photographic documentary. Discount tickets are available for seniors.

There is lots more to see and do in the area, so check with your rally hosts or look through the big pile of brochures, maps and flyers included in the goodie bag you will receive at rally check-in.

Directions: We strongly suggest that you do not follow the directions given in Woodall’s or Trailer Life to the Holiday Trav-L-Park – extensive construction on Birdneck Road has made it almost impassible to large motorhomes. A better route is to exit the Virginia Beach Expressway (I-264) at Exit 21A onto First Colonial Road South. Follow this road (it eventually changes name to Oceana Boulevard ) for a little over four miles, then turn left onto General Booth Boulevard . Go about ¾ of a mile north on General Booth and turn left into the campground. Look sharp – the sign is a little hard to spot.

Members Who Have Signed Up to Attend the Rally: Hicks, Greenwood, Alexander, Buelow, Duff, Gruel, Jones, Martin, Dan Moore, Schoolar, Sohles, Venable, Warthan, Wayman, Weigley, Fisher, Cummings, Dyke, Thomas, Allen

Mini Rally for the Urbanna Oyster Festival

Dogwood will have a mini-rally, November 5 - 8, at Ed Fisher's garage in conjunction with the Urbanna Oyster Festival. In the past the coaches have parked around his garage then members congregated inside for meals and socializing. Most arrive on Thursday and depart on Sunday. We will be dry camping (limited electricity available for some coaches), however, there is water, electricity and a bathroom inside the garage.

The Urbanna Oyster Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday (November 6 & 7). Click here to link to the festival's web site.

Space is limited, so if you are interested, contact Berkley Alexander 804.754.1308 or (berkleyja007@cadscanning.com ).

Members signed up for the rally include: Fisher, Alexander, Duff, Buelow, Warthan, Hicks, Gruel, Greenwood, Jones, Hughes, Cherrington, Cannon, Wayman, Clements

Highlights from the Williams Grove Rally

Thirteen coaches ventured to the beautiful Pennsylvania countryside in early October to attend the Williams Grove rally. We dry camped at the speedway and kicked off the rally with dinner on Thursday evening.

There was lots to do in the area, so folks divided up into smaller groups and went their own way then got back together for breakfasts and happy hours. Members enjoyed the car swap meet in Carlisle, shopping at the outlet mall, quilt shops, the Apple Harvest Festival, the factory tour at the Harley Davidson plant, or just relaxing at the motor home.

After sitting 5 hours through off and on showers, Friday night's race was cancelled. Saturday night 13 members attended the World of Outlaw races. Cars, and mud were flying! There were fireworks Friday and Saturday evenings which could also be seen back at the coaches by those who did not attend the races.

Click here to view pictures from the rally.

Rally Schedule for 2010

It is time to develop our 2010 rally schedule. In the past, the chapter has had 4 or 5 rallies a year. Some of our members think it would be a good idea to have more or maybe spread out to more distant locations. What do you think? Be thinking of locations as at our December business meeting we will rough out the schedule for the year.

We have found that if several couples (2-4) volunteer to work together to host a rally, it makes the task more manageable and enjoyable. If you have never hosted a rally, consider co-hosting with someone who has. Likewise if you are an old pro as a rally host, consider working with a first timer to pass on your experience. And if you don't host, be sure to help out with cooking, set up or clean up, so that the burden is not placed solely on the hosts.

The Gruels, Luxtons and Martins have already volunteered to host a rally together. New member Susan Weigley said that they visited Endless Caverns, a Morgan Resort RV park, a couple of miles from I 81, just south of New Market, and thought it would be a good spot for a rally. Mann and Carolyn Duff plan to host a rally at Virginia International Raceway for the Gold Cup Historics.

Bylaw Revisions and Standing Rules

Dogwood Chapter Bylaws require a minimum of 30 days notice prior to voting on changes to the Bylaws. For our members who have been in our business meetings this year, you know that I think we need to update our Bylaws to (1) clarify the wording of the terms of officers (2) eliminate the position of newsletter editor position since we no longer produce a news letter per se and replace it with the position of Vice President Communications which more clearly identifies the nature of the job and (3) incorporate wording from FMCA's bylaw guidelines.

For any members who are not aware, standing rules are intended to compliment our bylaws by documenting in further detail such things as officers responsibilities, general policies and procedures etc .

As far as I’ve been able to determine, Dogwood has never had any standing rules but in my opinion, we need to adopt standing rules to offer guidance to the current slate of officers and those that follow. I’ve written the standing rules to cover the areas of operation that I feel need to be documented. While the chapter has operated successfully for the past ten years without documented procedures, it seems to me the likelihood of continued success is much improved by documenting how we expect the chapter operate in a few key areas.

I’ll present both the revised Bylaws and proposed standing rules at our next scheduled Dogwood Chapter business meeting in VA Beach on Saturday, December 5, 2009. In the meantime, I’m requesting that all members please review the proposed revised Bylaws and standing rules. If you have any concerns or suggestions, I welcome them, but please contact me so that any issues may be resolved prior to the business meeting.

Please click on these links to view the proposed bylaw revisions and standing rules.

Thanks for your thoughts and assistance,

Mann Duff

Membership

Dogwood has one new member. Please welcome Butch & Liz Jones who joined us for the Williams Grove rally.

The Photo Directory and Dogwood Directory will be updated after the December meeting. If your photo is missing from the Directory (or you don't like the one that is there), see Mann at the Christamas rally or feel free to send one and we will include it.

Current Dogwood Membership: 69 members (68 members in good standing and 1 member whose status is unknown)

President's Message

Have you ever noticed that people often see themselves differently than others see them. I’ve heard several Dogwooders comment on my photo that appears in this section of the newsletter but I always assumed that they were just “yanking my chain”. Well, I’ve decided to update my photo to include a likeness that I hope will be better received. Notice the toothy smile. No more of this serious stuff for me.

We’ve had two great rallies this year, most recently at Rockahock where we found or had delivered to us nine new chapter members. Their names and photos are included elsewhere in this newsletter. Please join me in offering each new member a special Dogwood welcome.

.

Carolyn and I just returned from Pennsylvania where we spent some time touring Amish country and attending the Corvette show in Carlisle. We also visited Williams Grove race track to size up things there prior to Dogwoods October rally. We look forward to seeing many of you there.

Membership

Dogwood has nine new members. Please welcome Gregory Smith & Marianne Filice, Randy & Robin Brock, Jimmy & Margie Elliot, Bill & Eileen Guttridge, Steve & Sue Sohles, Mel & Dian Hughes, Dickie Cannon, Doug & Deirdre Cherrington and Hank Satterwhite.

The Photo Directory and Dogwood Directory have been updated to include our new members. If your photo is missing from the Directory (or you don't like the one that is there), feel free to send one and we will include it.

Jimmie & Jayne Jackson are not renewing their FMCA / Dogwood membership.

Current Dogwood Membership: 68 members (63 members in good standing and 5 members whose status is unknown)

Highlights from GEAR

GEAR (The Greater Eastern Area Rally) was a great success! Despite the economic situation and lower attendance, there was a nice selection of seminars, vendor exhibits, entertainment and a good time shared by all. Click here for photos from the rally.

Thanks to the Noltes and Gruels who hosted the Dogwood social hour. Our hosts provided a nice selection of goodies as well as good weather (it had been raining). We had a good turnout and a lot of fun. There were several impromptu happy hours throughout the week at the Alexanders and Duffs.

We discovered a hidden talent. The Dogwood Dodgers placed 4th in the bean bag baseball competition. Our star players were Ryland & Evelyn Watts.

Special recognition should be given to Dogwood members Wilt & Barbara Greenwood who put in a lot of effort throughout the year to make this event such a success. Thanks to Berkley & Karen Alexander (chairman for seminar monitors), Paul & Nancy Cummings (chairman for motor home exhibits), and to the many Dogwood members who volunteered during the rally.

Highlights from the Rockahock Rally

We had a great time at the Rockahock rally. Special thanks to the Warthans, Waymans and Hicks who hosted the event. 23 coaches attended. The rally officially kicked off Friday night with a happy hour followed by blue grass music performed by Donald Warthan and his fellow band members. Saturday the men cooked breakfast followed by a business meeting. Saturday evening we enjoyed a bbq dinner which was cooked on site and more blue grass music. Sunday morning after a continental breakfast, we packed up and said our goodbyes. Click here for photos from the rally.

Special thanks to the musicians, Donald Warthan, Dickie Cannon, Doug Cherrington, Hank Satterwhite, Mel Hughes and Donnie Warthan.

This was the first rally for several of our new members: Sue & Steve Sohles, Eileen & Bill Guttridge, Mel & Dian Hughes, Dickie Cannon, Doug Cherrington and Hank Satterwhite.

Williams Grove Rally in October

Dogwood's fall rally will be held at the Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania October 2 - 4 to coincide with the running of the Outlaw races.

Ed Fisher is our rally host (with Mann & Carolyn Duff assisting) and has reserved 18 camping spaces at the speedway. The price for a dry camping site for the weekend is $15. Two sites are still available. If you are interested in attending the rally and have not signed up, please contact Mann.

There is lots to see and do in the area:

• Outlaw races will be run at the Williams Grove Speedway starting at 7:45 on Friday ($30) and Saturday ($32) nights. There will be pre race activities as well as fireworks afterwards.
• Fall Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral Sept 30 through Oct 4 (12 miles)
• Fall Carlisle Collector Car Auction Oct 1 and Oct 2 (12 miles)
• Apple Harvest Festival Oct 3 and 4 in Ardentsville (25 miles)
• Historic Gettysburg (26 miles)
• PA Dutch Country (50 miles; Donna mentioned lots of quilt shops in the area)

Since the races have first come first serve seating, we will not have group dinners Friday and Saturday nights. Depending upon the number of members who will be arriving on Thursday, we will either have a dinner at the speedway or go to a local restaurant as a group Thursday evening. We plan to prepare breakfasts on Friday and Saturday mornings.

If you are attending the rally, please respond to fmcadogwood@gmail.com (or call Mann or Carolyn) and let us know when you will be arriving. This will allow us to finalize dinner plans for Thursday and lay out parking in the space we have allotted to us (we reserved one site to use as our gathering area). Rally fees have not been determined, however, they will be minimal and will be collected at the rally. After we receive your input, we will let you now what food will be provided and the rally cost.

Other rally information:

• Even though we have reserved sites, they are small and may be difficult to gain access to as other campers arrive. The earlier you arrive the better; you can arrive as early as Thursday morning.
• Your camping permit is required for admission to the camping area (Mann handed them out at Rockahock).
• Arrive with plenty of fresh water and fuel as you will be dry camping. There are no electric or water facilities available at the speedway.
• There is not a dump station at the speedway.
• Bring your own coffee to breakfast as we don't have the facilities to use the large chapter coffee pots.
• If you would like, bring a snack to share at informal social hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
• Let us know if you have a table you can bring.
  

The Williams Grove Speedway is in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania, just off US 15, between Gettysburg and Harrisburg.

Directions from Interstate 81

• Take exit 48 and head east on SR 74 / York Road
• Go 7.5 miles then turn left onto Williams Grove Road
• Go 1.5 miles. Entrance to Williams Grove Speedway is on the left just past Park Place. We are camping in the grassy area to the left

Directions from US 15

• Head west on SR 74 / York Road
• Go 1.25 then turn right onto Williams Grove Road
• Go 1.5 miles. Entrance to Williams Grove Speedway is on the left just past Park Place. We are camping in the grassy area to the left

The following people have signed up for the rally:
Berkley & Karen Alexander (Thursday)
Clint & Pat Allen (Thursday afternoon)
James & Susan Buelow (Thursday afternoon)
Terry & Judy Davis (Thursday)
Mann & Carolyn Duff (Thursday morning)
Bobby & Barbara Dyke (Thursday morning)
Ed Fisher (Thursday morning)
Carl & Donna Gruel (Thursday afternoon)
Max & Barbara Hicks (Thursday afternoon)
Fred & Maxine Luxton (Thursday afternoon)
Mo & Shirley Martin (not able to attend)
Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar (Thursday morning)
Donald & Carol Warthan (Thursday morning)
Don & Sheryl Wayman (not able to attend)
Butch & Liz Jones (Thursday)

Christmas Rally at Virginia Beach

The Christmas rally will be held in Virginia Beach at the Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground December 4 -6. Hosts for the rally are Max & Barbara Hicks, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, and Paul & Nancy Cummings. More details to follow, however, preliminary plans are to have a dinner catered by Rodmans BBQ on Saturday evening followed by our traditional Yankee gift swap.

Business Meeting and Reports 2009 08

A Dogwood chapter business meeting was held on August 8, 2009. Please refer to the Secretary's report and Treasurer's report.

Member News

Janice Parsons wrote that "Ralph has been diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He has lost use of his right foot. Our camping will be limited. We will probably not be able to attend any more Dogwood Rallies. We have enjoyed the fellowship and will miss all of you."

Donna Tolson wrote "Just wanted to let you and Mann know that we have decided not to continue our membership in the Dogwood chapter. Life just seems too busy traveling in the summer & fall and then going to FL for up to 5 months in the winter to belong to so many clubs here in VA when we aren't here very much."

Congratulations to Dogwood member Judy Czarsty who was elected Senior VP of FMCA.

Charter Members

Did you know that the Dogwood Chapter is 13 years old?

The first business meeting of the Dogwood Chapter of FMCA was held on June 8, 1996 in Olde Towne, Portsmouth, Virginia. Charter members according to a FMCA member listing dated June 27 1996 included (* denotes those members who attended the first business meeting):

Steve & Judy Czarsty*
Buddy & Jean Franklin*
Audrey & Don King*
Ed & Connie Tilman*
Max & Barbara Hicks
Duncan & Dale Chalmers
Bob & Carol Chuilli
Steve & Judy Stevenson
Calvin & Caroline Winn *
Judy & Dave Gales*
Walter & Betty Wood*
David & Dot Hamilton*
Bob & Judy Buccine*
Tony & Amelia Winn*
Arlene & Andy Copianchi*
Ann & Mac McIlvaines*
Lynn Terry*
Baxter Coston
John & Rita Gray
Boyd & Shirley Johnson

Other folks who are currently members and joined Dogwood in 1996 include:
Bobby & Barbara Dyke
Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
Donald & Carol Warthan
Dan Moore
Vern Davis

The first Dogwood officers elected at the June 1996 meeting included:
President: Dave Gales
Secretary & Treasurer: Judy Buccine
National Director: Judy Czarsty
Alternate National Director: Betty Wood

President's Message

On behalf of the chapter, I’d like to recognize and welcome our four newest members who joined Dogwood at the Fort Monroe rally. Their names are included in the Membership section of this eNews and their photos are included in the member photo directory.

For those that have been Dogwood members for a while I’m sure you have noticed that membership has changed over time and I’m equally sure that this will likely continue. I have heard members wonder what happened to someone. So in the Membership section we will also include the names of those who are leaving us along with a membership count. If the numbers are going up, we’re probably doing the right things. If they’re going down, then we need to understand why. Negative numbers may just mean that members are migrating to warmer climates and those who remain can just be jealous.

On the subject of membership, I have five free FMCA memberships provided by FMCA that we can use as a membership recruiting tool for prospective Dogwood members who don’t belong to FMCA. So, do you know someone that may have an interest in Dogwood, but they don’t belong to FMCA? We now have a way to help with that.

Until we meet again, safe travels.

Mann

Membership

Four new members joined Dogwood at the Fort Monroe rally. Please welcome John and Susan Weigly from Powhatan, Fred and Maxine Luxton (friends of the Gruels) from Merry Point, Dave and Bette Thomas from Newport News, and Rachel Carnell from Norfolk. Rachel, who is in the Army and residing at Fort Monroe, was curious as to what all the motor homes were doing, so checked us out. We were such a great bunch of folks she decided to join us. The Photo Directory and Dogwood Directory have been updated to include our new members.

It was good to see Donald and Audrey King at the Fort Monroe rally. The Kings are charter members who have been absent from Dogwood events for several years.

Bob and Carol Chuilli are not renewing their Dogwood membership as they now spend most of their time in Florida.

Current Dogwood Membership: 60 members (50 members who have paid 2009 dues and 10 members who have not paid 2009 dues)

2009 Rally Schedule

Check out the 2009 Rally Schedule and mark your calendar accordingly.

Highlights from the Fort Monroe Rally

We had a great time at the Fort Monroe rally. Special thanks to the Buelows who organized the event and the Schoolars and Duffs who assisted as their co-hosts. 23 coaches attended. Coaches parked along the seawall providing great water front views.

Those who arrived early on Thursday enjoyed a brat dinner despite the wind. Fortunately on Friday the sun came out and the wind subsided providing great weather for the weekend. The rally officially kicked off Friday night with a London broil dinner prepared by the Schoolars. Saturday the men cooked breakfast followed by a business meeting.

Saturday evening started with happy hour and a raffle where everyone won a door prize. Special thanks to Dixie RV for donating 2 recliners, to Dodd RV for donating canopy lights and to the Buelows for obtaining the door prizes. Afterwards we enjoyed a bbq dinner prepared by the Buelows.

Sunday morning after a continental breakfast, we packed up and said our goodbyes.

Click here for additional photos from the rally.

Business Meeting and Reports 2009 04

A Dogwood chapter business meeting was held on April 18, 2009. Please refer to the Secretary's report, Treasurer's report, and Audit report.

Rockahock Rally

Dogwood's summer rally will be held August 7 - 9 at Rockahock Campground in Lanexa VA. Hosts for the rally are Donald & Carol Warthan, Max & Barbara Hicks, and Donald & Sheryl Wayman.

Campsite: Call Angie at Rockahock 804-966-2759 to make your campsite reservations. Be sure to mention that you are with the Dogwood Chapter of FMCA. The camping cost is $91.97 for three nights and includes taxes, etc. An early arrival on Thursday and /or a delayed departure on Monday is okay. Our final count is due one week in advance. Check out Rockahock's website or ask Sabrina to send you a brochure with directions, local sightseeing info, etc.

Schedule:
Friday night - heavy snacks for happy hour (for those who are still hungry, there is a restaurant, as well as a Tavern, on the Campground premises)
Saturday morning - full breakfast
Saturday dinner - BBQ with fixings
Sunday morning - continental breakfast

Bring your own plates, utensils, etc. for all meals. Coffee and juice provided at breakfast; otherwise BYOB.

Rally Registration: The fee for the rally is $40 per coach with 2 people (or $20 per single person). Complete the following form and mail along with a check, for the rally fee, payable to Carol Warthan, 5851 Collins Run Parkway, Providence Forge, VA 23140

Registration Form for Dogwood Rally Rockahock August 7-9, 2009

Name ______________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________

Email Address _________________________________________

Number of people attending ____________

Amount Enclosed $_______________

If you have any questions, call the Warthans, Hicks, or Waymans.

The following people have registered to attend the rally:

• Donald & Carol Warthan
• Don & Sheryl Wayman
• Max & Barbara Hicks
• Terry & Judy Davis
• Bobby & Barbara Dyke
• Berkley & Karen Alexander
• Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
• Mann & Carolyn Duff
• Hank Satterwhite
• Mel & Dian Hughes & Debby
• Jim & Susan Buelow
• Bill & Rachel Ferebee
• Carl & Donna Gruel
• Mo & Shirley Martin
• Fred & Maxine Luxton
• Dan Moore
• Tom & Marily Nolte
• Dickie Cannon
• Sue & Steve Sohles
• Bill & Eileen Guttridge
• Clint & Pat Allen
• Paul & Nancy Cummings
• Doug Cherrington

Williams Grove Rally

Dogwood's fall rally will be held at the Williams Grove Speedway in Mechanicsburg Pennsylvania October 2 - 4 to coincide with the running of the Outlaw races. We will be dry camping at the speedway. Arrival can be as early as Oct 1.

Ed Fisher has reserved eighteen contiguous spaces at the speedway for those who wish to attend. Additional spaces may be available in the general vicinity. The price for dry camping for the weekend is $15.

In addition to the Outlaw races on Friday and Saturday nights, the Fall Carlisle Collector Car Swap Meet and Corral is scheduled for Sept 20 through Oct 4 and the Fall Collector Car Auction is Oct 1 and Oct 2. Both are near by, so lots is happening in the area.

The $15 price only covers camping. There will be other expenses for race tickets (no problem getting these), Collector Car Swap Meet, etc. depending on what you wish to do, plus food and other rally expenses.

Ed and Anke Fisher will host the rally and will provide details later.

Available camping spaces are filling quickly. To reserve your space, call Ed Fisher at 804-370-4066. The following people have signed up for the rally:

Bobby & Barbara Dyke
Mann & Carolyn Duff
Carl & Donna Gruel
Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar
Fred & Maxine Luxton
Mo & Shirley Martin
Donald & Carol Warthan
Don & Sheryl Wayman
Terry & Judy Davis
James & Susan Buelow
Berkley & Karen Alexander
Ed & Anke Fisher
Dave Metzger with Buddy Oliver

Bowling Green International Convention

FMCA's summer international convention will be held in Bowling Green Ohio July 20-23. Email fmcaDogwood@gmail.com if you plan to attend.

Those planning to go to Bowling Green:
Ed & Anke Fisher
Nick & Elizabeth De Monte
Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
Max & Barbara Hicks
Steve & Judy Czarsty
Berkley & Karen Alexander
Mo & Shirley Martin
Carl & Donna Gruel
Chuck & Donna Tolson
Mem & Larry Halstead
Gene & Winnie Williams (parked with the governing board)

Steve Czarsty noted: The Just Friends Chapter is having a gathering at 4:30 Tuesday at the Czarsty's coach located in the Past National officer/Committee parking area. Dogwoods are welcome bring a chair, beverage and a happy attitude!

GEAR

GEAR (The Greater Eastern Area Rally) will be held June 4 - 7 at the Richmond International Raceway in Richmond Virginia.

Berkley & Karen Alexander, who are chairing the seminar monitor committee, need volunteers to hand out evaluation forms before seminars and collect the completed forms afterwards.

Berkley submitted the names of all Dogwood members attending GEAR as volunteers. Your volunteer credentials will be mailed to you separately. This will allow you to park in the volunteer area and to arrive as early as Tuesday. If you do not receive your volunteer credentials, contact Berkley.

There will be a Dogwood Happy Hour at GEAR. The time and place will be announced later.

The following people have registered to attend GEAR:
Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
Berkley & Karen Alexander
Paul & Nancy Cummings
Mann & Carolyn Duff
Eugene & Winnie Williams
Kenneth & Bernice Wyatt
Carl & Donna Gruel
Bill & Rachel Ferebee
James & Donna Venable
Michael & Ann Foster
Max & Barbara Hicks
Tom & Marilyn Nolte
Ryland & Evelyn Watts
Steve & Judy Czarsty
Connie & Ed Tilman
Denny & Betty Raymond
Tom & Bonnie Scanlin
Tom & Ann Ottum
Lynn & Betty Gray Faber

Tappahannock Rivahfest

Cil and Fairleigh Schoolar have extended an invitation to a mini rally to anyone interested in attending the Tappahannock Rivahfest on June 20th.

If you would like, you can bring your motor home and dry camp at Fairleigh's shop which is just off of Rt 360 before you get to Bray's Fork. For more information on the festival, check out the festival website.

If you are interesting in attending, please contact the Schoolars. Space is limited.

Recipes from Fort Monroe Rally

Crunchy Spinach Salad from Cil Schoolar

½ lb fresh spinach, torn into bite-size pieces
2 Tbsp toasted slivered almonds
¾ cup shredded purple cabbage
¼ cup raisins
Dressing (see below)

Combine all ingredients except dressing in a large bowl. Toss and serve with dressing. Yield 6 to 8 servings.

Dressing
¼ cup sugar
¾ tsp dry mustard
¾ tsp salt
½ tsp celery seeds
1 ½ tbsp minced onion
¼ cup vinegar
½ cup vegetable oil

Guamanian marinate for beef, chicken and pork from Cil Schoolar

½ cup soy
1 cup lemon juice
lots of crushed garlic
lots of ground pepper

Double or triple the recipe as needed. Marinate beef, chicken or pork for at least 24 hours.

Water Chestnut Dip from Cil Schoolar

3 cans water chestnuts, drained
1 package dry vegetable soup mix
1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayonnaise
2 tsp hot sauce
¾ cup sliced green onions

Julienne the water chestnuts.

In a medium bowl, mix the water chestnuts, vegetable soup mix, sour cream, mayonnaise, hot sauce and green onions. Refrigerate at least 12 hours before serving.

Caramel Apple Pie from Donna Gruel
Pie Crust
1 1/4 cup flour
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup shortening
4-5 Tbsp cold water

Apple Filling
1/2 cup sugar
3 Tbsp flour
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt
6 cup thinly sliced peeled apples
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/4 caramel ice cream topping

Crumb Topping
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1/2 cup flour
1/2 cup quick rolled oats
1/2 cup butter

For the crust
You can make your own pastry or buy a ready made crust. I use ready made to cut the prep time.

For the crumb topping
Stir together brown sugar, flour and oats. Use a pastry blender to cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside while you prepare the filling.

For the apple filling
In a large bowl stir together sugar, flour, cinnamon and salt. Add apples and toss gently to coat all the fruit.

Transfer filling to pastry lined pie plate. Sprinkle crumb topping over apple mixture. To prevent over browning, cover edge of pie crust with foil. Bake in 375 oven for 25 minutes. Remove foil. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes more or until top is golden. Remove from oven; sprinkle pie with pecans, then drizzle with caramel topping. Cool on wire rack.

Dogwood Mirror Covers

When at rally events, display your Dogwood mirror cover to let folks know you are a Dogwood member.

Donna Gruel makes the covers for chapter members. She charges $8 to cover the cost of the materials, however, she does not charge for her labor. In order to customize the cover to fit your motor home, she needs to know the length and width of your mirror and whether it attaches from the top or side.

If you would like to order a Dogwood mirror cover, please contact Donna.

A special thanks to Donna for donating her time to make the mirror covers.

12/6/2915 update:  Donna and Carl have moved to Florida and are not renewing their Dogwood membership.  We thank Donna for donating her time throughout the years to make the mirror covers.  

Member News

Evelyn & Ryland Watts shared "We had an accident in our motor home in SC on our way to Perry for the Rally. Young military guy moving from Ft. Bragg to Ft. Hood driving a U-Haul truck, towing his car on a trailer, passed us, then cut in, tearing off the front end (bumper, lights, etc), and didn't stop. We "put the pedal to the medal" and flagged him down. He said he didn't feel anything! He wanted to give us his info and not call the police, but we insisted. Said his wife was expecting a baby and had started dilating. Turns out she was just driving before they stopped to change drivers! The officer charged him and said we could drive the motorhome in daylight only, and if we were stopped, to show the accident report. We limped into Perry. The insurance company has been wonderful and the motorhome is in repair shop. This was our first trip out this year as we've had health problems. Just glad no one was hurt!"

Bob & Carol Chuilli shared "We will not be rejoining Dogwood. We are spending so much time in Florida, and in the past 5 years we are going earlier and staying later. This has led to missing most of the rallies dogwood puts on. We have enjoyed the chapter over the years and have made so many friends. Three previous members live at the great outdoors with us and they also have stopped coming north. We cherish the memories and friendships."

President's Message

Greetings Dogwood Members,

Dogwood chapter has been successful as an organization for over ten years thanks in large part to the great group of people that make up the membership and work together to make our rallies enjoyable social experiences. At our last rally I was struck by the cooperation and volunteerism as we were talking about future activities. I've belonged to many organizations through the years and there have been very few that can even begin to compare to Dogwood in this respect. This makes me especially proud to serve as president. My hope is that I can provide the small amount of leadership needed for this group in a manner that’s transparent. I don't want to get in the way.

With this in mind, I'd like to share with you one area that I think we can all work on to improve the likelihood of continued success for Dogwood. Communications in the group have sometimes broken down when membership records were either out of date or members attempted to communicate with outdated membership lists. To avoid these issues in the future, we need to maintain and utilize accurate and up to date records of our membership on a consistent basis. I've asked Carolyn, my wife and Dogwoods Newsletter Editor to use some of her expertise gained from her previous work experience in the information systems field to devise and document procedures that we'll use to maintain membership records from this point forward. Carolyn will present the results at our next business meeting at the Fort Monroe rally in the spring. In the meantime, you should have already seen a first draft of the new membership directory. Additionally, my hope is that you'll all find the new method of delivering Dogwood news a step in the right direction. Be sure to check out the new membership photo directory that I've been working on for quite some time. If your picture is missing or you don't like the one included, feel free to send me one that you'd like to see included. I'll be glad to make updates.

Carolyn and I are currently in Texas where the weather has been pretty fair and there's an abundance of good beef BBQ and country music. Life is good! We look forward to seeing many of you at the spring rally. In the interim, we wish each of you safe travels and good times.

Mann

2009 Dues

It is time to pay your 2009 Dogwood Chapter dues.

• Dues are $10 per year.
• Make check payable to "Dogwood Chapter - FMCA".
• Print and complete the membership form.
• Mail to Barbara Dyke, Treasurer Dogwood - FMCA.

Dogwood's Spring Rally at Fort Monroe

Check out the 2009 Rally Schedule and mark your calendar accordingly.

DOGWOOD RALLY AT FORT MONROE, Hampton, VA

April 17-19, 2009

Hosts – The Buelow’s, Duff’s, and Schoolar’s

Rally will be held in an open area with waterfront parking. We will be dry camping, but water, dump facilities, and portable restrooms are available. There is much to see in the area. Tour info provided at rally.

Passes to Fort Monroe are required, and will be issued at the gate. Pets are allowed, but firearms are not, unless checked at the gate. Drivers license, registration, proof of insurance, and a picture ID are required for all over 18 years of age.

The rally officially begins at 12 PM on Friday April 17. If you would like to come early, you may arrive anytime after 3 PM on April 16.

The rally is limited to 30 coaches. Please reserve early; deadline to register is April 1. Cost per coach is $55.00 if you arrive on April 16, and $50.00 if you arrive on April 17. Cost includes parking for your coach and tow car along with the following meals and snacks. Additional guests are $20.00 per person.

Fri. April 17
12PM Rally Begins
5PM Social Hour (BYOB)
6PM Full Dinner

Sat. April 18
8:00AM Coffee
8:30AM Full Breakfast
9:30AM Chapter Business Meeting
5PM Social Hour (BYOB)
6PM Full Dinner

Sun. April 19
8AM Coffee
9AM Continental Breakfast
12PM Rally Ends

Please provide your own plates, utensils, and drinks for meals and Social Hour.Coffee and juice will be provided for breakfast.


Registration Form for Dogwood Rally
Fort Monroe, Hampton Virginia
April 17 - 19, 2009

Please include the name of each individual attending for security list purposes.

Name ______________________________________________

Name ______________________________________________

Address _____________________________________________

____________________________________________________

Phone _______________________________________________

Arrival date: Friday or Thursday (circle one)

Amount Enclosed $_______________

Please enclose registration fee along with registration form. Includes site and rally cost. Make checks payable to James R. Buelow.

Mail to: James R. Buelow, 112 Don Juan Circle, Yorktown VA 23693


Directions to the Rally

1. Travel to Hampton VA. using interstate 64.
2. Take exit 268 in Hampton, and go to top of hill
3. At top of hill, make a left turn onto east Mallory Street.
4. Follow east Mallory Street to Mercury Blvd.
5. Turn right onto Mercury Blvd. (rte 258).
6. Follow Mercury Blvd to entrance to Fort Monroe, (stay in right lane).
7. Stop at gate to get visitors pass.
8. Follow McNair Dr. to stop sign.(McNair changes to Fenwick Rd. at stop sign).
9. Follow Fenwick Rd along water and to campsites on left.
10. Our rally will be on the right side of Fenwick just across from the campsites.
    

DRIVE SAFE; SEE YOU AT THE RALLY.

For any questions contact Jim or Susan Buelow
Home: 757-596-4648; Jim cell: 757-876-7399; Susan cell: 757-876-8907

Members and Guests who have registered for the rally as of March 29:

Allen, Clint & Pat
Baker, Alan & Linda
Buelow, James & Susan
Cummings, Paul & Nancy
Davis, Terry & Judy
Duff, Mann & Carolyn
Dyke, Bobby & Barbara
Ferebee, Bill & Rachel
Fisher, Ed & Anke
Greenwood, Wilt & Barbara
Gruel, Carl & Donna
Hicks, Max & Barbara
Hughes, Mel & Diane
King, Donald & Audrey
Luxton, Fred & Maxine
Martin, Mo & Shirley
Nolte, Tom & Marilyn
Register, Sandra
Schoolar, Fairleigh & Cil
Tew, Otho & Alice
Thomas, David & Bette
Warthan, Donald & Carol
Wayman, Don & Sheryl
Weigly, John & Susan

GEAR

GEAR (The Greater Eastern Area Rally) will be held June 4 - 7 at the Richmond International Raceway in Richmond Virginia. Wilt & Barbara Greenwood are co-rally masters for this event.

Berkley & Karen Alexander are chairing the seminar monitor committee and are seeking volunteers. This volunteer will hand out evaluation forms before the seminar, collect the completed forms afterwards, and complete a seminar summary form (# attendees, presenter, topic, room etc.). Paul Cummings is chairing the motor coach exhibit. Contact the Greenwoods for other volunteer opportunities.

If you have not attended GEAR in the past, it is a lot of fun. In addition to the rally events (seminars, motor home exhibits, vendor exhibits, entertainment, etc.), Dogwood members enjoy socializing. Last year, in addition to the chapter happy hour hosted by the Alexanders, there were impromptu happy hours, pot luck dinners, dinners out, and more.

If you plan to attend GEAR, please send a note to FMCADogwood@gmail.com. Berkley needs to submit a list of volunteers to FMCA and said he would include everyone from Dogwood who plans to attend as he is sure you will volunteer to help out with at least one seminar. Being on the volunteer list will allow you to park in the volunteer area.

Click here to link to the FMCA to register for GEAR

Who plans to attend GEAR?
Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
Berkley & Karen Alexander
Paul & Nancy Cummings
Mann & Carolyn Duff
Eugene & Winnie Williams
Kenneth & Bernice Wyatt
Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar
Carl & Donna Gruel
Jim & Vicki Henry
Bill &Rachel Ferebee
James & Sunan Buelow
Bob & Carol Chuilli
James & Donna Venable

Member's Travels and Travel Plans

It is always fun to meet up with other members while you are traveling and to hear where other people have traveled. Send your travel plans to: FMCADogwood@gmail.com and they will be posted here.

Who plans to be at the FMCA International Convention in Perry Georgia?
Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
Bill & Rachel Ferebee
Bill & Sandy Freed
Steve & Juday Czarsty
Larry & Mim Halstead
Ryland & Evelyn Watts

It appears that Florida is the winter destination of choice. The following members are either currently in or have been to Florida this winter:
Eugene & Winnie Williams have moved to Oxford Florida
Nick & Elizabeth DeMonte
Bill & Rachel Ferebee
Ed & Anke Fisher
Berkley & Karen Alexander
Vern & Margie Davis
Larry & Mim Halstead
Steve & Judy Czarsty
Carl & Donna Gruel
Donald & Carol Warthan
Wilt & Barbara Greenwood
Lynn & Betty Gray Faber
Ralph & Jean Plott

added after original distribution:
Ed & Connie Tillman
Ron & Robin Shubra
George & Carolyn Callahan
Kenneth & Bernice Wyatt
CJ & Patricia Seamster
James & Donna Venable

Nick and Elizabeth DeMonte are in Davenport Florida. Give them a call if you are in the Disney area. They wanted to let you know that Disney is celebrating this year. With the "Disney's Armed Forces Salute" offer, active and retired US military personnel, including active and retired members of the US Coast Guard and activated members of the National Guard or Reservists can enjoy complimentary multiday admission into the themeparks, plus additional special ticket offers for family members and friends. This offer goes to December 23, 2009.

Berkley and Karen Alexander are in the Tampa area. They attended the Southeast Area Rally at Brooksville where they had dinner with the Greenwoods. They ran into Donna and Carl Gruel at Mac Dill.

Larry and Mim Halstead are in Dade City Florida doing a Habitat for Humanity Build with RV Care A Vanners and are having a wonderful time working with a great group of people. They spent some time in Naples and plan to go to Perry then to Americus, Georgia for another build.

Steve and Judy Czarsty had dinner with Wilt and Barbara Greenwood and managed to get in a couple of geocaches. They attended the Southeast Area Rally and plan to rally with the Elks, Full Timers, and Monaco International prior to Perry. While at Perry Judy will be interviewed by the FMCA Nominating Committee for the position of Senior Vice President Following Perry they will host the 3T's chapter rally then head to Arkansas and Louisiana; to Cincinnati for the May meetings and the Great Lakes Area Rally (GLASS); then to Richmond for GEAR. Judy said they would love to hear from their Dogwood friends as "We were the founders of Dogwood and it has a very special place in our hearts".

Carl and Donna Gruel have spent some time at MacDill AFB (near Tampa). You never know who you will run into when you are RVing. Carl was in Walmart in Wachula and ran into Carol & Don Warthan....surprise! Nick and Betty DeMonte were kind enough to put them up overnight when they they arrived at Orlando Airport very late at night after a trip to Montana for their daughter's 50th birthday. They shared a few good laughs, a great breakfast cooked by Betty and then were on their way back to pick up their rig and continue on to their next adventure.

Donald and Carol Warthan had dinner with Donna and Carl Gruel in Wachula. They have stayed at Thousand Trails Peace River and Yeehaw Junction.

Wilt and Barbara Greenwood have been in Florida, attended the Southeast Area Rally, will be returning to Richmond for a short while, then back to Georgia for the Monaco pre-rally and Perry.

Mann and Carolyn Duff are in Texas visiting with Mann's daughter and her family in Houston and spending some time in the Thousand Trails campgrounds.

Member Concerns

Please keep the following members in your thoughts and prayers:

• Jean Plott whose husband Ralph passed away on February 9. They were RVing in Florida when Ralph was hospitalized for pneumonia. Betty Gray Faber stated that Ralph will be buried in Pulaski, however, she thought there would be a memorial service in Richmond.
• PLOTT, Ralph M., 80, of 8180 Redgate Lane, Mechanicsville, Va., died Monday, February 9, 2009 in the Florida Hospital Heartland Medical Center, Sebring, Fla. He was born in Norfolk, Va. on February 11, 1928 and was the son of the late Omar Adam Plott and Atchie Bradley Plott. He was a retired employee of C&P Telephone (now Verizon), a veteran of the U.S. Navy, having served in WWII and was a mason. Surviving are his wife, Jean Kirby Plott of Mechanicsville, Va.; and sister, Mary P. Pollay of Chesterfield, Va. A graveside service was held Saturday, February 14, 2009 from the Draper Valley Presbyterian Church Cemetery, Draper, Va. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at 1 p.m. from the Fairfield Presbyterian Church, 6930 Cold Harbor Rd., Mechanicsville, Va. Arrangements by Stevens Funeral Home, Inc., Pulaski, Va.
• Susan Buelow whose father recently passed away.
• Tom and Marilyn Nolte whose son is recovering from surgery and chemo and radiation treatments for a malignant brain tumor. Fortunately he is doing very well and did not loose any of his senses or motor abilities. He recently returned home and to his job.

Dogwood Name Badges

Please wear a name badge at all Dogwood events.

If you would like a Dogwood name badge, you can order one from Mr. Ken's Badges and Signs using this order form.

Secretary's Report

Secretary minutes from December 6, 2008 meeting.

2009 - 2010 Officers

President: Mann Duff

1st Vice President (membership): Bill Ferebee

2nd Vice President (rallies): Sheryl Wayman

Secretary: Karen Alexander

Treasurer: Barbara Dyke

National Director: Ed Fisher

Alternate National Director: Pat Allen

Vice President of Communications: Carolyn Duff

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