President's Message

Greetings Dogwooders

Carolyn and I have been racing around preparing for Christmas to the point of near exhaustion. As a Dogwooder, you'll find that there's a huge benefit. The Presidents message will be even briefer than usual.

From our home to yours, we wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas , and a HAPPY NEW YEAR filled with good health, good travels, good friends and prosperity.

Mann

Highlights from the Virginia Beach Rally

The annual Christmas rally was held December 3-5 at the Holiday Trav-L-Park campground in Virginia Beach. 17 coaches attended including new members David & Jackie Gilbert, Richard & Elle Bonewitz, Steve & Mary Hall, and Debby Deffendall.

The rally officially kicked off Friday with a happy hour followed by a chili dinner. Each coach contributed a container of chili to the community pot. Despite some skepticism, all agreed the outcome was delicious.

Saturday started off with a hot breakfast of eggs, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy followed by a business meeting. Members then ventured out to check out the local attractions.

Saturday evening we enjoyed a wine tasting followed by a holiday dinner. Our hosts provided turkey, ham and stuffing and members contributed side dishes. The highlight of the evening was our traditional Yankee Gift Swap emceed by Donna Gruel. There was lots of laughter as gifts were "stolen". The Greenwoods continued their tradition by finding all 4 packages of Bailey's Irish Creme, but once again all were stolen. Some lucky members also won door prizes. Mother Nature provided snow flurries for the grand finale.

Following a breakfast of biscuits, ham, sausage and cinnamon buns, members packed up and headed home Sunday morning.

Special thanks to our hosts, Jim & Susan Buelow, Berkley & Karen Alexander, Paul & Nancy Cummings and Mel & Dian Hughes for a great rally. Click here to view photos from the rally.

Highlights from the Urbanna Oyster Festival Rally

11 coaches gathered around Ed Fisher's garage to enjoy the festivities the weekend of the Urbanna Oyster Festival. New members Steve & Mary Hall, Richard & Elle Bonewitz and Doug & Jeri Carroll joined us.

For those Dogwood oyster lovers, there were plenty of roasted oysters as well as the Alexander's famous oyster stew. Members provided an abundance of good food throughout the weekend.

Dogwood's own blue grass band (Donald Warthan, Mel Hughes, Dickie Cannon, and guests Sandra and Harold Smith, Carter Clements, and Maggie Rainwater-Budd) provided entertainment in the evenings.

Other activities included festivities at the Oyster Festival and antique & yard sale shopping. The Alexanders enjoyed a flight in Ed Fisher's plane and took this picture of the Fisher's RV Resort.

Thanks to Berkley & Karen Alexander who hosted the event.

Highlights from GEAR

Dogwood was well represented at GEAR (The Greater Eastern Area Rally) which was held in Winston-Salem in October. There was a nice selection of seminars, vendor exhibits, entertainment and a good time shared by all.

Thanks to the Cil & Fairleigh Schoolar for hosting the Dogwood social hour which was funded from the Dogwood treasury. We had a good turnout and a lot of fun and recruited 3 new members.

Special recognition should be given to Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, Max Hicks, and Berkley & Karen Alexander, who chaired various committees, and to the many Dogwood members who volunteered during the rally.

Stylish Travel

"Traveling in style is the name of the game" said Cil Schoolar. Her husband Fairleigh says she is low maintenance so long as there's a 50 amp electric service, plenty of "hot" water for showers, sewer hookup, beef tenderloin, shrimp, foie gras, and ..... . ... . . . ..or, sunshine , moderate temperatures and . . ..... . . . .. ..

2011 Rally Schedule

Click here for the 2011 rally schedule.

If you are planning ahead for the 2011 International Convention in Madison Wisconsin, you may want to check out these events in nearby areas. The EAA fly in will be held in Oshwosh Wisconsin July 25-31. Click here to view their web site. A Dulcimer Festival will be held in Evart, MI, July 14-17, 2011. Click here to view their web site. Richard Bonewitz volunteered to host the happy hour at the convention and suggested the possibility of caravaning in to the fairgrounds (more on this will be posted later).

The Hughes volunteered to host a rally on their property. Dian suggested the attendees hold a yard sale and enjoy some blue grass music (more information to follow).

Membership

Welcome new members: Richard & Elle Bonewitz, Doug & Jeri Carroll, Debby Deffendall, David & Jackie Gilbert, and Steve & Mary Hall.

Membership statistics for 2010:

• 69 members on role as of 12/15/2009
• 18 members did not renew in 2010
• 7 new members joined in 2010
• 58 total membership as of 12/15/2010

Dogwood has several free FMCA memberships that can be given to people who are not FMCA members, but join Dogwood. Contact Mann if you know of someone who is interested in joining Dogwood and FMCA.

The following members will not be renewing their memberships for 2011: Bonnie Scanlin, John & Susan Weigley, and Jimmy & Margie Elliot. 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. A link to the Member Photo Directory can be found on the right side of the screen (green section) under Photos.

A new Member Directory (addresses and phone numbers) has been distributed (dated Dec. 10, 2010).

If you haven't already done so, please pay your 2011 dues to Carol Warthan.

Member Updates

Steve and Judy Czarsty: "Judy and I wish our Dogwood friends a Happy Holiday Season. We will be returning to Cincinnati immediately after Christmas to greet the new Executive Director to our Family. If someone wants to track us we will be Flying to Indio, CA for the Western Area Rally then back for SEA in Brooksville. That is followed by Perry and then another trip to Cincinnati (third in 4 mos). Then the rally circuit begins 3 in 4 weeks. INTO, GLASS and Northwest. Hope everyone is planning on joining us in Madison, WI in August. Whew we will be busy! Hope to see you all along the way. Zar"

Bonnie Scanlin wrote that her husband Tom passed away.

Charlie Schrenkel, FMCA president, resigned and fellow Dogwood member, Judy Czarsty is now acting President.

I received these updates after the last newsletter. Sorry for the tardiness in publishing them.

Dennis & Joyce Reid wrote "We hit the Pacific coast a few days ago. We will be on the road until late November. I hope we don’t have the luck of “Big Bubby”." Here is a link to their blog: http://wobbleboxtravels.blogspot.com/

Judy and Steve Czarsty wrote "We enjoyed reading the latest on what is going on in Dogwood. The Oyster Festival rally will be great as usual and while I am in meeting in Cincinnati I will be salivating over all the good oysters I'll miss. The Christmas rally at VA Beach also sounds like it will be the usual fun. I will think of all while in Louisville, KY at the RVIA show and FMCA's exhibitor sign up for Perry, GA in March.

Speaking of Perry, I sure hope you can talk up the Perry convention (March 14-17). We will have a lot of new things at Perry. Be sure to check on the registration which should appear in the November magazine and currently on line for changes in parking options.

Best wishes to all our Dogwood family and please keep in touch. We will be at GEAR and hope to be free to attend the Thursday happy hour."

Winter Travel Plans (Send me your winter travel plans and I will include them here. It is always fun to hook up with fellow RVers when we are on the road)

Florida: Warthan, Jones, Alexander, Fisher, Venable, Gruel, Williams

California: Hicks

Arizona: Greenwood

Texas: Duff

Business Reports

A business meeting for the Dogwood Chapter was held on Saturday December 4, 2010. Click on these links to view the treasurer's report and secretary's report.

2011 - 2012 Officers and Committees

President: Mann Duff
Vice President Membership: Carol Warthan
Vice President Rallies: Fairleigh Schoolar
Vice President Communications: Carolyn Duff
Secretary: Karen Alexander
Treasurer: Carolyn Duff
National Director: Ed Fisher
Alternate National Director: Mann Duff
Audit Committee: Mo Martin, Cil Schoolar, and Liz Jones

Nominating Committee: Paul Cummings, Pat Allen, and Barbara Greenwood

President's Message

Greetings Dogwooders,

Did you ever wonder why chapter news always includes a message from your president? Me too. Could it be because presidents feel a need to share superior intellect? Possibly, but I think the intended audience for this news would see through this pretty quickly.

Rather than ramble on about rallies, motor homes, volunteering and things like that, I think I’ll share a few thoughts about change. When I was waking this morning from a fairly restless sleep, I was thinking about my dad who would be 100 if he were still alive. I was recalling a story he told me years ago about the changes he had seen during his life. He told me of the first car that he ever saw and offered an account of how he and other children ran behind it on a dusty road, fascinated by this newfangled contraption.

Quite naturally, these thoughts lead to changes that I’ve seen and enjoyed in my lifetime. I’ve started a list, some of which I’ll include here to illustrate.

Typewriters - typewriter erasers, special easy erase paper, white out

Recorders - reel to reel, 8 track, cassette

Portable radios - my first one had tubes and batteries that cost a months allowance, next came transistor radios- my first was very compact, about the size of 3 packs of cigarettes

Telephones - Party lines, phones with no dial mechanism, dial phones, cell phones in a bag, cell phones ( large ones that wouldn’t fit in your pocket)

Cameras – Box cameras, flash bulbs, 35 mm, 110, Polaroid, film

Maps

Phone book

Television - Tubes, Black and White CRT, Color CRT, Projection, Plasma, LCD, LED

Home Delivery - Milk delivered to the door in bottles, Fuller Brush, Charlie’s Chips

Think about it, make your own list and bring it with you to the next event where we’re together. We could have a good time sharing.

In the mean time, safe travels.

Mann

GEAR October

GEAR (the Greater Eastern Area Rally) will be held October 20-24 in Winston-Salem NC.

Cil & Fairleigh Schoolar have graciously volunteered to host a Dogwood happy hour during the rally. Tentative plans are for the happy hour to be held late afternoon Thursday. Please let us know by emailing fmcaDogwood@gmail.com or calling Carolyn at 804-272-1328 if you will be attending GEAR so that we can let you know when and where the happy hour will be.

If you are interested in volunteering at the rally, contact Max Hicks, for driving trams (golf carts) or Berkley Alexander for monitoring seminars. You must have a Volunteer pass in order to enter the fairgrounds early.

Members who plan to attend: Berkley & Karen Alexander, Max & Barbara Hicks, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, Mann & Carolyn Duff, Butch & Liz Jones, Jimmy & Margie Elliott, Mo & Shirley Martin, Carl & Donna Gruel, Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar, Paul & Nancy Cummings, Lynn & Betty Gray Faber, Steve & Judy Czarsty

Rally- Urbanna Oyster Festival

Dogwood will have a rally November 4 - 7 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. This is an informal rally. Berkley collects monies for oysters for roasting and the attendees provide food to share at pot luck dinners and breakfasts.

The Urbanna Oyster Festival will be held on Friday and Saturday (November 5 & 6). Click here to link to the festival's web site.

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

Virginia Beach Rally December 3-5

The Christmas rally will be held December 3 - 5 at the Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground in Virginia Beach. Hosts for the rally are Jim & Susan Buelow, Paul & Nancy Cummings, Berkley & Karen Alexander and Mel & Dian Hughes.

Campsites: You must make your own reservation with the campground at 757-425-0249; ask for June and tell her you are with Dogwood. The cost is $36.50 per night, including tax, for a super site which includes concrete pad, 50 amp and cable. The same rate will apply for early arrivals and late departures. The deadline for reserving your campsite is November 15.

Rally Registration: Fees for the rally are $20 per person (or $40 per coach with 2 people). Please mail a check along with the form below to Jim Buelow.

Schedule and Menu:

Friday:

5:00 PM Social hour and snacks. BYOB and bring a snack to share.

6:00 PM Chili dinner. Bring your favorite chili (2 quarts) to share. Bread, crackers, cheese, condiments, dessert provided.

8:00 PM Trolley to Parade of Lights on the Beach (optional). Time is approximate. Cost is about $10 per person.

Saturday:

8:00 AM Coffee

9:00 AM Breakfast to include: eggs, potato casserole, biscuits & gravy, bacon, sausage, fruit, juices

10:00 AM Chapter business meeting

4:00 PM Wine tasting and social hour. Bring a bottle of your favorite wine to share. Snacks provided.

6:00 PM Dinner. Hosts will provide: turkey, ham, regular dressing, cornbread dressing, gravy, mashed potatoes, cranberries, and rolls.

Each attendee is asked to bring a casserole, salad, or dessert to share.

7:30 PM Yankee Gift Swap (see description below)

Sunday:

8:00 AM Coffee

9:00 AM Continental Breakfast to include: biscuits, sausage, pastries, fruit, juices

Bring your own plates and eating utensils to all meals. 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 $20 to $25. 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.

If you have any questions concerning the rally, contact one of your rally hosts.

Attendees (as of Nov 21): Clint & Pat Allen, Berkley & Karen Alexander, Richard & Elle Bonewitz, Jim & Susan Buelow, Paul & Nancy Cummings, Terry & Judy Davis, Mann & Carolyn Duff, Debby Deffendall (Mel & Dian's daughter), Bobby & Barbara Dyke, Davie Gilbert & Jackie Vito, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, Carl & Donna Gruel, Steve & Mary Hall, Mel & Dian Hughes, Butch & Liz Jones, Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar, Jim & Donna Venable, Donald & Carol Warthan

_________________________________________

Registration Form for Dogwood Virginia Beach Rally, December 3-5, 2010

Send completed form along with check payable to James Buelow at 112 Don Juan Circle, Yorktown VA 23693

Names ____________________________________

Number of people attending ____________

Amount Enclosed $_______________

Highlights from the Luray Rally

What a great weekend! Great scenery, weather, food, fellowship and accommodations. Special thanks to our hosts Cil & Fairleigh Schoolar and Liz & Butch Jones. Click here to view photos from the rally.

The rally kicked off Friday evening with happy hour and dinner. If you are not aware, Liz used to own / manage a pizzeria in Illinois. In keeping with that spirit, she served Chicago hot dogs with traditional sauce and seasoning and Chicago beef sandwiches.

Saturday morning we enjoyed a breakfast of egg casserole, bacon and gravy biscuits followed by a business meeting where the 2011-2012 officers were elected. Saturday evening we enjoyed a delicious beef tenderloin dinner. Sunday following a breakfast of homemade sausage gravy biscuits and coffee cake, we packed up and said our goodbyes.

There was lots to see and do in the area. While some members ventured out to Luray caverns, Skyline Drive, small town shops, and even Camping World in Winchester, others relaxed outside their motor homes and enjoyed the spectacular mountain views.

This was a great campground for a rally. We parked on spacious sites and held our group activities inside a yurt. If enough members are willing to commit, we could make reservations for a future year during leaf season.

Business Reports

A business meeting for the Dogwood Chapter was held on Saturday September 19, 2010. Click on these links to view the treasurer's report and secretary's report.

Member Updates

A special welcome to new members June and Bob Gausman who are former Dogwood members.

Former Dogwood member Elizabeth De Monte wrote that Nick received stents for 3 heart blockages. He is doing well and is lucky the problem was found during a routine doctor's visit before a heart attack occurred. They are headed for Florida and will work for Disney again this year. They have put their house in Virginia on the market.

Clint and Pat Allen sent pictures of their new mode of forward motion in their "motor home from hell". Following repairs to the alternator and a huge crack in the manifold they enjoyed their trip to Cape Cod. Click here for pictures.

Recipes

Grilled Marinated Shrimp - Donna and Carl Gruel

Serves 4

2 lbs raw jumbo shrimp, peeled, deveined

3 cloves garlic - minced

1 lemon, juice of

1 cup olive oil OR vegetable oil

1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

2 tbsp hot sauce

1 tbsp tomato paste OR 2 tbsp ketchup

1 tbsp minced fresh oregano OR 2 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

1 tsp black pepper

Combine all ingredients in large sealable plastic bag.

Marinate at room temp for 2 hours (can do early in day and put if frig)

Put shrimp on skewers, in a grilling basket, or you can stir fry on grill in a grill stir fry pan.

Grill over medium grill for 5 minutes each side if on skewers or in basket.

If in stir fry pan, it takes about 8 - 9 minutes - remember it's STIR FRY so stir it a few times.

The shrimp are done when they are firm.

A great appetizer, a fish entrée or over pasta.

Seasoned Pretzels - Judy Davis

1 and half teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dill weed

1 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning

1 envelope Hidden Valley dry ranch dressing mix

1 cup olive oil

1 pound pretzel nuggets

In a small bowl mix spices, ranch mix and oil. Put pretzels in a large bowl. Pour oil mixture over pretzels and stir to coat. Pour pretzels onto a baking sheet and spread out evenly. Bake at 215 for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minute. Store in an airtight container.

Fresh Fruit Salad - Cil Schoolar

3 medium bananas

1 cup strawberries, halved

4 medium oranges, pared & sectioned

1 cup seedless green grapes, halved

Sour Cream Honey Dressing

1/2 cup dairy sour cream

1 tbsp honey

1 tbsp orange juice

Slice bananas, strawberries, oranges & grapes. Place in large mixing bowl.

In small bowl, combine sour cream, honey, orange juice and mix well.

Coat the fresh fruit with the dressing & refrigerate for 2 hours or more before serving.

For the rally, I tripled the recipe and used 4 cans of mandarin oranges instead of medium oranges.

Chocolate Mousse - Cil Schoolar

12 oz package semi-sweet chocolate morsels

2 1/2 cup whipping cream, divided

1 tablespoon rum

garnishes: whipped cream, grated chocolate

Microwave chocolate morsels and 1/2 cup cream in small glass bowl at High for 1 1/2 minutes or until melted, stirring twice. Stir in vanilla and rum, blending well. Cool 5 minutes. Beat remaining 2 cups cream at medium speed with electric mixer until soft peaks form, fold cream into chocolate mixture. Pipe or spoon into a large serving bowl or dessert dishes. Garnish with additional whipped cream and grated chocolate, if desired. Chill 2 hours. Makes 6-8 servings.

Cream Cheese Coffee Cake - Cil Schoolar

2 cans crescent rolls

2 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese

1 cup sugar

1 egg separated

1 tsp vanilla

Topping

1/2 cup sugar

1 tsp cinnamon

1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans

Mix ingredients for topping and set aside.

Unroll 1 can of crescent roll in bottom of 9x13 pan.

Mix cream cheese, vanilla, sugar and egg yolk. Spread mixture on top of crescent roll.

Unroll 2nd can of crescent roll over cream cheese mixture. Beat egg white with fork and brush on rolls. Sprinkle topping and bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Cool and refrigerate before cutting.

Baked Mashed Potatoes - Cil Schoolar

5 lbs potatoes, peeled and cubed

1/4 lb butter (1 stick)

1 cup sour cream

8 oz cream cheese

1 tsp seasoned salt (such as Lowrey's)

1 tsp onion salt

1/4 tsp pepper

Boil potatoes until done. Drain, add all other ingredients and mash until thoroughly mixed. Place mixture in a greased 13x9x2 casserole dish or small metal pan. Before baking, top with corn flakes or potato chips. Bake for 1 hour at 350.

The recipe could be made the day before and refrigerated overnight, in this case bake for 1 1/2 hours at 350.

Chilies Rellenos Bake - Cil Schoolar

8 large eggs

1 cup sour cream

1/4 tsp salt

2 drops hot sauce

2 cups (8 oz) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 cups (8 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

2 (4 oz) cans chopped green chiles

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease 13x9x2 baking dish with butter or shortening.

Beat eggs, sour cream, salt, & hot sauce in large bowl with wire whisk. Stir in cheeses and chiles. Bake uncovered for 45 minutes or until golden brown and set in center. Remove from oven and allow to sit 5 minutes before serving.

Nominees for 2011-2012 Officers

The Dogwood Nominating Committee submits the following names to fill Officer positions for 2011-2012. All nominees are aware and agreeable to filling the respective positions.

• President Mann Duff
• VP Membership Bill Ferebee
• VP Rally's Fairleigh Schoolar
• VP Communications Carolyn Duff
• Secretary Karen Alexander
• Treasurer Carol Warthan
• National Director Ed Fisher
• Alt. National Director Mann Duff

President's Message

Carolyn and I just returned home from the rally at Rockahock hosted by Judy and Terry Davis and Barbara and Bobby Dyke. If you missed it, you missed a really nice time and an abundance of good food. There were too many really good dishes to mention them all but particularly noteworthy were the fried salt herring prepared by Judy Davis which were served at breakfast on Saturday morning and the BBQ chicken and ribs prepared by Barbara Dyke for Saturday dinner. Thinking about these treats makes my mouth water. Yes, it was hot but not so hot as to get in the way of enjoying our usual good times and fellowship.

Our next gathering will be in Luray next month. We'll have a business meeting on Saturday September 18 where you'll have the opportunity to vote in the election of Chapter Officers for the 2011 - 2012 term. It's important that we have a quorum present otherwise we'll have to deal with the administrative work of conducting a mail vote. Please do your part to help us avoid the hassle. Both Carolyn and I will look forward to seeing you there.

Mann

Luray Rally September 17-19

Head to the mountains for Dogwood's fall rally, September 17-19, at the Country Waye RV Resort in scenic Luray Virginia. The campground has spacious sites with full hookups and a yurt for our group gatherings. Hosts for the rally are Cil & Fairleigh Schoolar and Liz & Butch Jones.

While in the area, visit Virginia's famous Luray caverns, drive along the scenic Skyline Drive, or go tubing down the Shenandoah River. For more information about the campground or attractions in the area, click here to check out the campground's web site.

Campsite: Make your campsite reservation directly with Country Waye, 888-765-7222. Rates are $41.40 plus tax per night and include water, electric and sewer. Be sure to mention that you are with Dogwood to receive the discounted rate and to be parked with the group. Deadline for making your reservation is September 3.

Rally fees are $20 per person and cover the meals listed below. Send check, payable to Cil Schoolar at 1976 Essex Mill Road, Dunnsville VA 22454. Please register by September 3.

Schedule for the weekend (along with a preliminary menu):
Friday:
Happy Hour. Snacks. Bring your own beverage.
Dinner. Chicago take out, dessert.

Saturday:
Breakfast. Egg casserole, bacon, sausage gravy, biscuits, coffee, juice
Business meeting including election of chapter officers
Happy Hour. Snacks. Bring your own beverage.
Dinner. Beef tenderloin, roasted potatoes, veggies, dessert

Sunday:
Breakfast. Sausage gravy, biscuits, coffee, juice

Please bring your own beverage (unless noted provided), plate and utensils for all meals.

If you have any questions, call the Schoolars or Joneses.

__________________________________________

Registration Form for Dogwood Luray Rally, September 17-19, 2010

Payable to Cil Schoolar at 1976 Essex Mill Road, Dunnsville VA 22454

Names ____________________________________

Number of people attending ____________

Amount Enclosed $_______________

__________________________________________

Updates:

Attendees as of 9/5: Schoolar, Jones, Dyke, Davis, Gruel, Martin, Hicks, Duff, Gausman, Cummings, Buelow, Sohles

8/29: When I made my campsite reservation, I was told that they used the credit card number to hold the site, but I needed to pay with a check when I checked in.

Other Upcoming 2010 Rallies

Mark your calendars for these upcoming Dogwood rallies. More information will be provided closer to the rally date.

October 20 -24: GEAR (the Greater Eastern Area Rally) in Winston-Salem NC. There will be a Dogwood happy hour one evening during the rally. If you are interested in volunteering at the rally, contact Max Hicks, for driving trams (golf carts) or Berkley Alexander for monitoring seminars. Please send an email to FMCAdogwood@gmail.com and let us know if you are planning to attend.

Members who plan to attend GEAR: Berkley & Karen Alexander, Max & Barbara Hicks, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, Mann & Carolyn Duff, Butch & Liz Jones, Jimmy & Margie Elliott, Mo & Shirley Martin, Carl & Donna Gruel

November 5-6: Urbanna Oyster Festival. Ed Fisher's garage (and campground). Hosts: Berkley & Karen Alexander

December 3-5: Holiday Trav-L-Park Campground in Virginia Beach. Hosts: Jim & Susan Buelow, Berkley & Karen Alexander, Paul & Nancy Cummings, Mel & Dian Hughes

Click here for tentative 2011-2012 rally schedule.

Highlights from the Rockahock Rally

Twenty four coaches gathered for an enjoyable weekend at the Rockahock rally. Special thanks to the Barbara & Bobby Dyke and Judy & Terry Davis who hosted the event. We were glad that new members Dennis & Joyce Reid and charter member Amelia Winn were able to join us.

The official kickoff for the rally was Friday evening, however, several coaches arrived on Thursday. Despite the stormy weather, several carloads ventured to Colonial Heights for snow crab legs at the Chinaman Buffet. Friday evening we enjoyed a cold cut dinner (which was perfect for upper 90 degree weather) followed by music performed by Dogwood's own blue grass band . Saturday morning the men cooked bacon and eggs while Judy Davis cooked salt herring in the small, hot campground kitchen. Following breakfast there was a business meeting which included planning for next year's rallies. Saturday evening we enjoyed bbq ribs and chicken prepared by our hosts 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.

Superlative awards were presented at the rally for:

• Traveled the farthest: Donna & Carl Gruel who traveled from Michigan
• Lowest FMCA #: Ed & Anke Fisher F54400
• Married the longest: Mo & Shirley Martin 54 years
• Our newlyweds: Rachel & Bill Ferebee 2 years
• Most children: Don Warthan 5 of his own (+ 3 of Carol's)
• Newest members: Dennis & Joyce Reid April 2010

A special thanks to the band members, Donald Warthan, Mel Hughes, Dickie Cannon, Harold & Sandra Smith, Carter Clements, Curtis Brizendine and Maggie Budd for providing enjoyable entertainment throughout the weekend.

Highlights from the Tappahannock RivahFest

Several Dogwood members joined the Schoolars to attend the Tappahannock RivahFest. If you have never been, this is a really nice festival - arts, crafts, antique cars, music, food and more. We got to check out Dan Moore's famous fried pickles and the Davis' son's antique Chevrolet. Fairleigh's motorhome was parked behind the stage to be used by the bands to change clothes and relax between performances. Dogwooders also used it to "chill" from the 90+ degree weather.

We really enjoyed meeting the members of the "Band of Oz" and their beach music was very entertaining. Some members danced to the music while others swayed beneath the shade trees.

After a day at the festival, we met back at the Schoolars house for "light snacks" (Mann said if this is light snacks he couldn't imagine what dinner was like). Thanks to Cil and Fairleigh for their hospitality and a delightful day.