Message from VP Rallies

I know it's hard to believe but the 2013 Dogwood rally's are winding down and it's time to begin planning for 2014.

After conferring with some of our chapter elders, I have decided to approach 2014 in a different manner.  Rather than me finding rally locations and then finding hosts, we're going to approach next year in a different manner.  For 2014, I would like for volunteer host to pick a location and dates for their rally.  After you have gathered the information, contact me to confirm and lock in your dates.  I have asked Carolyn to post the following information to help you in making your decisions.

• Potential Rally Dates for 2014 - These are potential dates that don't conflict with holidays or FMCA events.  You can use this to help with your decision process.  Try to maintain at least a 3 to 4 week buffer between other scheduled events.
• 2014 Rally Schedule - Once locations, hosts and dates are confirmed, the rally information will be posted in the schedule.  This will be the official schedule for upcoming  rally's.  For those of you that haven't hosted lately, this is a great opportunity for you to choose your dates and locations for next year.  Remember, we will need host before we can plan a rally.
• Dogwood Hosting Handbook - Over the past year, I have had many people to approach me about hosting, but didn't feel like they knew enough about it, to undertake the task.  I have compiled a handbook to assist hosts with information necessary to host a rally.  The information was compiled from other FMCA chapters and Dogwood members.  It should provide the necessary information to host a successful rally.  Since it is a work in progress, input from members is more than welcome.

There is one exception to the new procedure for rally selection next year.  I have taken the liberty of booking the first weekend in May for the Houstonfest in Galax, VA.  Because of the feedback from members, I took the liberty of booking the only prime event available next year at the Coolbreeze Campground.  I would like to see someone "step up to the plate" and  host this event.  Our campground host, Robert Sells, said that he would hold the weekend for us until the end of this year.  Don't let this one get away from us!  Anyone interested, get in touch we me for more details.  

I feel that we have had some great venues for rally's this past year and I am looking forward to even greater rally's next year.

Dennis Reid