Friday, August 28, 2015

The Dogwood Chapter


September Rally

by Ed Fisher

Place - Ed Fisher's shop, 147 Urbanna Road, Saluda VA 23149. Free dry camping. Limited electricity, enough to charge batteries, run lights and TV. Bring extension cords. Two coaches per 20 amp service.This is for up to 12 coaches. Additional coaches in overflow, with no electricity.


When:  Friday and Saturday, September 11 and 12.  Early arrivals welcome.

Thursday evening, group dinner at local restaurant for early arrivals. Attendees order from menu and pay Dutch.


Saturday and Sunday breakfast cooked by volunteers, with fixins included in rally fee.


All lunches are on your own.

Friday dinner. Bring the meat of your choice to be grilled on community gas grille. Bring a side dish or dessert to share.


Saturday dinner. Ed Fisher's famous smoked Eastern NC bar-b-que (vinegar based), with cole slaw, hush puppies, and soft drinks, all furnished in rally fee. Bring a desert to share.


Activities:  Saturday morning, the Urbanna farmers market.  Friday and Saturday throughout the day boat rides in local waters, groups of 5 or so, 30 minutes or so, free. All week end, bull sessions, etc. Social hour on Friday and Saturday at 5:00 pm.  Snacks furnished in rally fee. Bring your own alcohol.

There will be 2 door prizes. Each coach will get one ticket. Prizes will each be for a trip for two in Ed Fisher's airplane for lunch on Tangier Island. Cost of lunch not included. We will do this as time permits on Saturday or Sunday.  Drawing will be Friday at the social hour.

For all meals, bring your own plates, cups, and utensils.

Rally fee is not firm, but will be around $30.00 per coach.

Christmas Rally

by Wilt Greenwood

The annual Christmas Rally will be held December 4 - December 6, 2015 at the Americamps RV Resort in Ashland – 11322 Air Park Road, Ashland, VA 23005. For a description of the campground, click here to see their website. Your hosts are Wilt & Barbara Greenwood and Ed & Connie Tilman.

Campground Reservations: Make your reservations directly with the Americamps RV Resort at 1-804-798-5298. Tell them you are with the Dogwood Chapter FMCA to get the special rally rate of $35 per night for 50 amp full hookup sites (applies to Wednesday and Thursday nights also, if you want to come early). A block of 25 contiguous sites has been reserved for us.

Directions: Take Exit 89 (Route 802 – Lewistown Road) off I-95. From the south, turn right at the end of the ramp and then immediately right again onto Route 809 – use care; this is a tight turn. From the north, turn left at the end of the ramp, cross over the Interstate, and turn right onto Route 809. Follow 809 a little less than a mile to the Americamps on your left.

Rally fees for the weekend are $18 per person and cover dinners for Friday and Saturday and breakfasts for Saturday and Sunday (the fee calculation takes into account the fact that the Chapter is providing a $20 per person subsidy for the rally – don’t worry, you’ll be getting your money’s worth!). Please bring your own beverages, plates, and utensils to all meals. Please register with Connie Tilman as early as possible, but no later than November 15th.

Note: The Chapter voted at the Galax rally to donate $100 from the treasury to a local food bank at the Christmas rally, and also to encourage the rally attendees to donate some food on an individual basis. Please bring a few non-perishable food items to contribute, and President Buck will arrange for a Food Bank representative to be present to accept them on Saturday afternoon.

Schedule: Free waffle breakfasts, including juice and coffee, are available courtesy of the campground at 9:00 Thursday and Friday mornings. A free hot dog meal will also be available Thursday evening.

Friday afternoon, 1:00 – 3:00: Optional craft class (Christmas Wreath) at Colesville Nursery (click here to see their website). Those of you who attended the Rappahannock River Rally at the Schoolars’ will remember that Steve Greenwood’s friend Gene Lentz works for Colesville, and he offered to set us up for this class. There seemed to be a lot of interest among the ladies, so we’ve added it to our itinerary. Cost will be $30 per person, payable with your rally fee, which includes all materials and instruction. We’re asking for money in advance so we can get an accurate true count – the class is limited to 25 and fills up early, so Colesville is giving us first shot before they open it to the public.

Friday afternoon, 4:00: Optional side trip to the nearby Center Of The Universe Brewing Company (click here to see their website,) for a Craft Beer Tasting. COTU is within easy walking distance of Americamps, so there’s no need to take a chance with driving after you sample their wide range of local brews. A full tasting of seven beers runs approximately $13, but of course you can check them out individually if you prefer. There will probably be food trucks at the brewery, so this can take the place of happy hour if you’re so inclined. If you don’t like beer or prefer something else, the Rally Room at the campground will be available for Happy Hour during the same time period.

Friday evening, 6:00: Dinner in the Rally Room - pulled pork barbeque, slaw, potato salad, baked beans, sauce, and Martin's potato buns (from “Q” Barbeque), provided by hosts.

Saturday morning, 9:00: Full bacon and egg breakfast provided by hosts (including the campground’s free waffles, coffee, and juice), followed by a business meeting at 10:00.

Saturday afternoon, 4:00 (approximately) – acceptance of check and food items by a representative of the local Food Bank.

Saturday evening: 5:00 happy hour followed by 6:00 dinner. Catered Prime Rib dinner from EAT Caterers, provided by hosts – prime rib carved on site with homemade sauces, roasted potatoes, fresh rolls, veggies, and dessert.

Saturday evening, 7:30 – Traditional Yankee Swap gift exchange. Bring one unsigned gift per coach (maximum value $25) and be prepared to be victimized by people you thought were your friends.

Sunday morning, 9:00: Hitch-up Continental breakfast plus sausage patties, provided by the hosts, with the usual free waffles, coffee and juice from the campground.

Attendees as of 11/6: Alexander, Gilbert, Cockrell, Schoolar, Greenwood, Tilman, Hunter (new members), Saul (new members), Johnston, Allen, Anderson, Warthan, Bonewitz, Reid, Buchanan, Dodge, Hill (new members), Buelow, Hicks


REGISTRATION FORM

Dogwood Christmas Rally at Americamps in Ashland, VA
December 4 - December 6, 2013

Names: ____________________________________________

____ Number of people at $18 each = $_________

____ Number of people attending Craft Class (Christmas Wreath) at $30 each = $_________

Total Amount Enclosed = $_________

Mail check payable to, and mail to: Connie Tilman, 3566 Old River Trail, Powhatan, VA 23139-4201. Cutoff date is 11/15, but please confirm as soon as you can so we can get an accurate count, both for the campground and for the Christmas Wreath Craft Class!

GEAR

GEAR, the greater eastern area rally, will be held October 15-18 in Ashville NC.  

Attendees as of 10/9:  Buelows, Tilman, Cummings, Sohles, Alexanders, Greenwood

Urbanna Oyster Festival Rally

Dogwood will have a rally November 6 - 8 at Ed Fisher's garage in conjunction with the Urbanna Oyster Festival.  Click here to link to the festival's web site.

In the past the coaches have parked around his garage then members congregated inside for meals and socializing. We will be dry camping (limited electricity available for some coaches), however, there is water, electricity and a bathroom inside the garage. Early arrivers on Thursday (5th) probably will go to dinner at a local restaurant. Friday and Saturday meals will be pot luck and oysters (steamed, fried, & stewed).  The Alexanders 
are planning on making a pot of chili and cornbread for Friday night to go along with oysters etc. Berkley is planning on making oyster stew again.


Coach limit is about 15.


Call or email Berkley at (804-754-1308) (berkleyja007@cadscanning.com)



Tentative schedule  (Flexible)
Thursday:  dinner at local restaurant
Friday:   Festival begins.  Car pool to town
    Happy Hour
    Dinner- Chili & oysters  (pot luck)    
Saturday:  Breakfast pot luck
    Lunch- on own
    Happy  Hour
    Dinner- more oysters & (pot luck)
Sunday:  Breakfast - leftovers

Message from VP of Rallies

The Rappahannock cruise weekend was not only quite hot, but it was awesome. It all began with a wonderful "home cooked" meal at the Schoolars home on Friday evening. The cruise up the Rappahannock to Leedstown was delightful. And of course Lowerys restaurant did not let us down.  I think the Tangier weekend and the Rappahannock weekend are now tied for 1st place.

I am looking forward to seeing everyone at Eds garage Sept. 11-14.  Who's going to win a trip to Tangier for lunch?? Be sure to set the dates to be there.

Marion

Highlights from Rappahannock River Wine Cruise Rally

by Wilt Greenwood

Our early Summer Rappahannock River Wine Cruise Rally, Hosted by the Schoolars and the Greenwoods on June 12 through 15, turned out to be a very enjoyable event, despite the crippling heat wave that passed through Virginia that weekend.  Sixteen coaches braved the 100+ degree temperatures to dry camp at Fairleigh and Cil Schoolar’s business location, the Top Shop at Bray’s Fork (where Fairleigh’s team manufactures high-end counter tops for upscale kitchens).  Fairleigh managed to provide limited electricity for many of the coaches, but the heat forced all but a very few to run their generators at least a portion of the time.  This was not really a problem – the Schoolars had plenty of space for the exhaust fumes to dissipate – and everyone managed to keep cool, at least while in the coaches.

We had a total of 32 ½ people at some point during the rally, although not all were present all the time (the ½ was the Tilmans’ grandson Thomas, who got more fun out of the event than anyone).  Most folks arrived Thursday night, and some went into Tappahannock to eat out while others just hung around the coaches and sweltered.  Friday was a free day, to explore Tappahannock and Essex County or just hang out, and then on Friday evening we were treated to a Guamanian dinner at the Schoolars’ home, prepared by Executive Chef Cil, with the assistance of a horde of hapless volunteers who just did what they were told.  Fairleigh and Ed Tilman handled the meat, cooking a truly enormous amount of barbecued ribs and chicken over Fairleigh’s charcoal grill.  Everything was excellent, as usual, and many recipes were copied down by the wives in the group.

After sleeping off the food for a while Saturday, we all gathered at Hoskins Creek around 9:00 to board the Captain Thomas.  We took up about half the boat for our trip up the Rappahannock to Ingleside Vineyards for a winery tour, wine tasting, and lunch.  The fact that we were running into the prevailing breeze kept us all cool enough to enjoy the boat ride, and we saw some nesting eagles on our way up the river.  The meal was a very nice luncheon buffet, the tour was informative, and the wines were really good – Virginia is becoming quite a well-respected wine producer.  The only drawback was that the trip back, running with the wind instead of against it, was not quite as comfortable as the ride up!

After the boat ride, we all returned to the coaches for a short break and happy hour before traveling into town for dinner at Lowery’s, a Tappahannock tradition for several decades.  Back to the coaches for Saturday night, and then a Quite-A-Bit-More-Than-A Continental Breakfast on Sunday morning to fortify us for our respective trips back home.  All in all, a great rally and a pleasant weekend. 

Click here to view rally photos.  

Highlights from the Galax Rally

by Barbara Dyke

The Galax Rally, July 13-19, 2015, was hosted by Alexanders, Buelows and Dykes, and attended by the Allens, Alexanders, Bonewitz, Buchanans, Buelows, Cummings, Dykes, Fisher and Miller, Dave Harlow, Hicks, Reids, and Sohles. Members had the option of attending various venues at different times and gathered each morning for breakfast in clubhouse. If they were back at campground for happy hour we joined for shared goodies. Linda Buchanan reserved for next year.   Click here to view photos from the rally.  

Highlights from Jim Buelow's Driving Experience

Several members joined the Buelows at Richmond International Raceway to watch Jim (SMOKE, ROWDY, HAPPY, The INTIMIDATOR, CRASH, LEWY the LIPSHITS) Buelow take the ride of his life in the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience. Jim received a Christmas gift from his daughter and her family to ride for 3 laps with a professional driver, then take to the track on his own for 12 laps.   Dogwood members, family and friends cheered as Jim raced along the track.  After members returned to the campground, Jim got to take another 12 laps as there was a mix up with the photos the race folks were to give him.  Afterwards all enjoyed a barbeque lunch and camaraderie.  Click here to view photos.


Business Meeting Reports

A business meeting was held July 18, 2015 at the Galax rally.  Click to view the secretary's minutes and the treasurer's report.

Member Updates

A former long time Dogwood member, Buddy Franklin, has passed away.  Click here for his obituary.  Our condolences to Jean and their family, 7458 Seven Springs Road, Mechanicsville, VA 23111.

Dogwood currently has 40 members. 

Sunday, May 31, 2015

President's Message

"Thanks" to our Dogwood members who attended the Endless Carvens Rally. A little weather didn't keep us down, everyone had plenty to eat and lots of fun. My only regret is that a picture was not taken of all those steaks lined up on the grill.

Nominatees are needed to serve on the nominating committee (they serve from present to Dec 2016). Members of the nominating committee will be looking for members to serve as officers from Jan. 2017 to Dec. 2018. 

It has been brought to my attention that Dogwood Chapter of FMCA will be 20 years old in June 2016. I would appreciate the memberships' input "a yea or nay" on holding a reunion. If we have a majority vote on holding a 20th Anniversay Dogwood Chapter reunion, a reunion committee will be needed. 

Saturday, July 18th will be our next business meeting. Hope to see you all at the Galax Rally, as I will be unable to attend the Rappahannock River Wine Cruise Rally.
Buck

VP of Rallies Message

It's hard to believe that it is almost June already! Our first rally was May 15-17 in New Market,Va. at the Endless Caverns. The weather was great, except for the one thunder storm. A huge thank you goes out to Buck, Linda, Clint and Pat for the wonderful meals. Buck really knows how to cook a steak!

Our next rally will be June 12-14 for the Ingleside winery cruise in Tappahannock, I hope to see you there. Then on to Galax,Va. July 13-19.

We will also meet together September 11-13 at Ed's Garage for another fun filled weekend in Urbanna. Our host for the weekend will be Ed and Anke Fisher.


The Greenwoods and Tilmans have secured 25 sites at the Americamp RV Resort in Ashland ,Va for our Christmas weekend December 4-6.  We hope to see our Maryland friends there this year.

Mark your calendars for these events and don't forget GEAR in Asheville NC October 15-18

Happy camping
Marion

National Director Message

I will be attending the FMCA International convention in Madison Wisconsin as your National Director in July. Please advise me of any items you desire to be brought up at the business meeting, and any suggestions or information you have for the National Officer election. I am your representative to the convention, and as such, I welcome your input.

Ed Fisher

Rappahannock River Wine Cruise Rally

Rescheduled to June 12-14 (one week later than originally planned), the Rappahannock River Wine Cruise Rally should be a great event for those of you who like wine (to drink), water (to float on), and just hanging out with your Dogwood friends.  Your hosts  Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar and Wilt & Barbara Greenwood are hoping that it’ll be as much fun as last year’s Tangier Island cruise by the Cockrells!

The highlight of the rally will be an all-day Saturday cruise up the Rappahannock, from Tappahannock to the Ingleside Winery in Oak Grove, VA, and back – but there’ll be plenty to do on Friday and Sunday too.  You’ll be dry-camping on the Schoolars’ business property, The Top Shop at LaGrange Industrial Park in Tappahannock, near Bray’s Fork.  (Fairleigh is going to try to provide enough electricity and water to keep batteries up and bodies clean, but don’t count on more than that). Attendees may come in on Thursday night after 5:00 PM at no additional charge, but there are no rally activities planned for Thursday, other than probably an informal social hour after everyone arrives.

Friday daytime will be free time to explore the Tappahannock area or just kick back.  Friday night will be a Guamanian dinner at the Schoolars’ home, prepared and served by the hosts and included in the rally price (this really means that Cil is in charge, with the rest of the rallymasters providing what help we can).  This is not a pot luck – so you can spend the day doing whatever you want without worrying about preparing food.

Saturday will be a full day – we’ll leave Tappahannock in mid-morning and travel up the Rappahannock River on the Captain Thomas, arriving at Ingleside Vineyards where we’ll enjoy a catered buffet lunch, a wine tasting, and a tour of the winery.  Click here for more information on the cruise, and here for more information on Ingleside Vineyards.  In the afternoon we’ll return to Tappahannock in time to have dinner at Lowery’s, a Tappahannock tradition.  The rally will end Sunday morning with a hitch-up continental breakfast.

RALLY FEES: The cost of the rally is $50.00 per person, and includes 2 or 3 nights of dry camping, a Friday night full dinner, the boat trip, the Saturday wine tasting and winery tour, a catered buffet lunch at the winery, and a continental breakfast on Sunday morning.


RALLY SCHEDULE:


Thursday 

6:00 pm (or so) - Informal social hour. BYOB

Friday 
Breakfast on your own
5:00 pm – Social hour. BYOB
6:00 pm – Full dinner (Guamanian cuisine) at the Schoolars’, 1976 Essex Mill Road, Dunnsville, VA

Saturday 

Breakfast on your own
9:00 am – Gather to depart for the boat 
10:00 am – Boat leaves Hoskins Creek at Tappahannock
Midday – Arrive at Ingleside Vineyards
4:30 pm (approximately) – Boat arrives back at Hoskins Creek
6:00 pm – Dinner (at your own expense) at Lowery’s

Sunday
9:00 am – Coffee and continental breakfast. 

Please bring your own plates and utensils for
Sunday’s breakfast.

DIRECTIONS:

The Top Shop
230 LaGrange Industrial Dr.
Tappahannock, VA  22560

From RICHMOND:
Take Rt 360E towards Tappahannock
Turn left @ LaGrange Industrial Dr. (beside JOHN DEERE)
(This turn is just before you get to Bray’s Fork – if you see Rt 17, you’ve gone too far)
Turn right @ 2nd driveway (The Top Shop – bldg. in the rear on right)

From the NORTH:
Go thru Tappahannock on Rt 17
Turn right onto Rt 360W @ Bray’s Fork
Turn right @ La Grange Industrial Dr (just past JOHN DEERE)
Turn right @ 2nd driveway (The Top Shop - bldg. in the rear on right)

From the EAST:
Take Rt 17N
Turn left @ Bray’s Fork onto Rt 360W – get into the right lane before you get to the top of the hill
Turn right @ LaGrange Industrial Dr (just past JOHN DEERE)
Turn right @ 2nd driveway (The Top Shop – bldg. in the rear on right)

If you have any questions, e-mail:
Barbara at barbaragreenwood@earthlink.net

6/1 update:  We are full for the boat trip at this time, and even have a small waiting list.  Check back with Cil or Barbara as the date gets nearer, to see if there have been any cancellations.

________________________


REGISTRATION FORM – RAPPAHANNOCK RIVER WINE CRUISE RALLY
June 12-14, 2015
Please get your Registration Forms in as soon as you can – we need to pay the cruise company the remainder of their fee, and we need to give them an accurate count of attendees (we have to have 26 people to get the volume discount). Rally Registration cutoff date is May 15, 2014.

NAMES__________________________________


Rally fee is $50.00 per person.


AMOUNT ENCLOSED $__________________


Please mail form and fees (check payable to Cil Schoolar) to:


Cil Schoolar

1976 Essex Mill Road
Dunnsville, VA 22454


Galax Rally

by Barbara Dyke

The Galax Rally will be held at the Cool Breeze Campground July 13 thru July 19, 2015.  I am happy that Karen and Berkley Alexander will be co-hosting with Bobby and me. We have reserved the clubhouse for the entire week as there is so much to do in the area and it will be available for members who want to stay at the campground.  With Connie Tilman's help I am listing suggestions for activities you may want to see.

July 14, Tuesday:  Visit Mabry Mill and lunch in the area. Old time bluegrass jam at Stringbean Coffee Shop in Galax.
July 15, Wednesday:  Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center, music played on front porch. This is free.
July 16, Thursday:  Visit Mt. Airy Museum and lunch  Snappy Lunch for famous porkchop sandwich. Visit Mayberry jail and take a ride in Mayberry squad car. Visit Andy Griffith Museum.
July 17, Friday:  Walk around Galax, listen to music, shop gifts and antiques, watch set-up for BBQ festival. 8 pm Go to Rex Theater for live radio show.
July 18, Saturday:  After 3pm BBQ judging get free samples.  7pm Music at Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center. Take chairs and snacks.

Click on the links below for more information on the activities:
Smoke on the Mountain BBQ Championship (July 17-18)
Blue Ridge Parkway Music Center
Rex Theater
Mt. Airy Museum
Andy Griffin Museum
Mabry Mill


CAMPGROUND; call Cool Breeze at 1 866 342-0300 to make reservations and tell them you are with Dogwood Chapter. The address is 2300 Edmonds Rd., Galax, Va.24333. Campground fee is $33.09 including tax a night.  Click here to link to their website.  

Rally Schedule:
Monday: Pot luck supper.
Tuesday: Pot luck breakfast   9am Coffee and juice provided.
Wednesday:  9am Pot luck breakfast. Coffee and juice provided
      4pm Happy Hour (Hors d"oeuvres provided) BYOB
Thursday:  9am  Pot luck breakfast. Coffee and juice provided.
Friday:  9am  Egg casserole, eggs cooked to order, bacon & biscuit
Saturday:  9am  pancakes, sausage, and fruit.
Sunday:  Continental breakfast

                                                                Registration Form

NAMES_____________________________________
Amount Enclosed: $10.00 per person:___________________
Date arriving____________________________________:

Deadline for Registration: July 1

Please send registration to:
Barbara Dyke
5325 Iron Bridge Road
N. Chesterfield, Va. 23234

Christmas Rally

Mark your calendars for the weekend of December 4-6, 2015.  Americamps RV Resort at 11322 Air Park Rd., Ashland, VA  23005 has been reserved for our Christmas Rally.  Right off I 95 just north of Richmond, this campground seems like a good central location for most of our members.  There are 25 sites set aside in the name of Dogwood Chapter.  You can make your reservations beginning now at 804-798-5298.  Click here to link to their web site.  The rally rate is $35 per night.  The sites are set aside for Thursday, December 3 too if you would like to arrive early.  We also have the party room reserved.  More details will be available in upcoming months.

Your hosts, Ed and Connie Tilman and Wilt and Barbara Greenwood

Highlights from Endless Cavern Rally

by Buck Buchanan

The Endless Caverns Rally was attended by 15 members and 4 guests. The campground was quiet, well laid out (most were on pull thru sites) with lots of room. The rec room, where we had our meals, was huge and short of having a kitchen was perfect; we could have held a barn dance or even a corn hole tournament. The pool was not ready for use but with the cool temperatures I don't believe we would have had any takers anyway. There was even talk of holding another rally there next year about the same time. 
Most of us did the cavern tour, which were nice and deserve a look.  Our tour guide was a trip and some of our coaches were actually parked on top of the caverns we walked 200 feet down to see. The rugged terrain was tough on some of us with knee, legs and back problems, but the trip was worth it, even with all of the steps at the end. Those members who did not tour rode into town to look around or visited the potato chip factory. 

As for the meals everyone had plenty to eat and there was even a small amount of money left to turn into the treasurer.

Click here to view photos from the rally.

A special thanks to our hosts for the rally Buck and Linda Buchanan and Clint and Pat Allen.

Minutes from May Business Meeting

Minutes from May 16, 2015 Dogwood meeting - Endless Caverns, VA
President Buck Buchanan opened the meeting by welcoming everyone and thanking them for participating in the Endless Caverns Rally.  Buck told the group he would like to get the ball rolling by forming a nominating committee which would be nominated and voted on by the membership. So if you are interested in serving on the nominating committee please let him know so your name can be placed on the ballot. Since our bylaws state the preferred way of voting is electronically once names of members who would like to serve on the nominating committee are received, he will ask Carolyn Duff to send out the ballots, (he would like for September 1, 2015 to be the deadline for nominations). It was mentioned that Berkley Alexander and Buck Buchanan should sit on the committee. Being short one member to hold a vote it was decided that these minutes would be the necessary notice to our members to make their voices heard. The nominating committee will be looking for officers to service from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018.  These minutes will be forwarded to Carolyn Duff for distribution. 

Pat Allen reported that currently there is $3,047 in the treasury.

The Greenwoods and Tilmans will host our Christmas Rally on December 4-6 at America Kamp in Ashland just off of I-95 at the Lewistown Road exit. Camping will be $35 per night. It was suggested that the club pay for the Saturday night dinner and it would be the decision of the hosts to caterer or to prepare. The members will need to vote whether they agree to spend the club's money. By copy of these minutes Buck is asking for  members input.  
  
Wilt Greenwood gave a report on the June rally taking place in Tappahannock, currently eight more coaches are needed to get the special rate on the cruise to the winery. If you consider there is no fee for camping the June Rally is not a bad deal. 

Connie Tilman reported on the July Galax Rally stating that she was going to be unable to be there but has provide the itinerary to Barbara Dyke who has agreed to handle the hosting responsibilities. 

Marion Cockrell said there may be a September Rally but was awaiting confirmation, she also reminded everyone of the November Rally in Urbanna.

Discussion followed on Small Country Campground. Pat Allen said she will check to see if they could accommodate our group, if so then the Allens and Greenfields will host. 

No further business Fairleigh Schoolar motioned to adjourn. 
Linda Buchanan
Pro-Tem Secretary 

Member Updates

Welcome to new members Doug and Maureen Dodge from Mineral VA!

Judy and Steve Czarsty wrote: "After almost 20 years of Dogwood membership we realize we have not attended a rally in a number of years and it is not fair to you all to have members who don't participate, yes when the chapter was younger we did a lot but it's the current times that count. We do not see in the foreseeable future getting to attend let alone host an event. You have other founding (Charter) members still active and from what we read great continuing leadership so as we have always said " we'll see you on the road"! See you in Madison!"

Sue and Steve Sohles wrote "We are expecting a delivery....Oh, we mean a new coach.  We returned to VA in early May, leaving the Bounder in FL after ordering a 2016 Itasca Solei....a 38' diesel with 3 slides. Heading back to FL in mid June to pickup the "new ride"."

Butch and Liz Jones have sold their house in Powhatan and are moving to Florida.  They bought a house at The Great Outdoors in Titusville.


Donna Gruel stated:  "I am doing fine (following her hip replacement surgery).  Only use cane once in awhile when the hip gets overworked.  Please give our best to all the members.  TGO is an RV community with pad, pads with executive suites and houses.  Activities available are many, even free movies every Thursday nights.  We have a guest room in our loft and all are welcome... just not all at once!  But please, if you get anywhere within a hundred miles, please contact us.  We are mobile!


Remember the video Butch Jones created on RV fire safety.  Click here for a video of a family who had to escape their motor home during a fire - just down the road from Thousand Trails Orlando where many members visit during the winter.  Have you practiced your fire escape plan?


I have updated the mailing address for Mr. Ken's badges in the eNews article for ordering name badges.  He had moved and just sent me his new address.  Be forewarned that he isn't the most prompt in responding.  Carolyn  

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Endless Cavern Rally

by Buck Buchanan

Dogwood's first rally for 2015 will be held May 15-17 at Endless Caverns. Hosts for the rally are Buck & Linda Buchanan and Clint & Pat Allen.  

CAMPGROUND: Endless Cavern Recreation Destination, 1800 Endless Cavern Road, New Market VA 22844.   Attendees are responsible for making their own reservations directly with the campground by calling 540-896-2283 or 800-544-2283.  Tell them you are with the Richmond Dogwood group.  Reservations need to be made by April 15th to receive our 25% discounted rate.  We have reserved sites E31-E38; E42-46 pull thru and sites E10-13 back in.  All sites are full service, with 20,30,50 amp.  Click here to link to their website. 


Directions and a site map are on the Endless Caverns website. I would recommend those coming from the south take I-64W to I-81N and those from the north take I-66 to I-81S.  We are not too far from Luray and Harrisonburg.  Local attractions include the New Market Battlefield Military Museum, flea market (open daily 9 -5), Painted Pony, a fine consignments and galleria, wineries, restaurants and a Super Walmart in Luray. 

Tours of the Endless Caverns on site are given at 10, 12, 2 and 4. Cost will be $13 per person.  The caverns are not ADA accessible for the long tour.   Some of our campsites will be situated on top of the caverns.

SCHEDULE:

Friday
Happy Hour BYOB:  Attendees should bring an appetizer or dessert to share
Dinner:  Roast chicken, cabbage, rice, peas, roll

Saturday
Breakfast:  Scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage gravy, grits, biscuits, juice and coffee
Happy Hour BYOB:  Attendees bring an appetizer or dessert to share
Dinner:  Steak, baked potato, green beans, salad, roll  

Sunday
Continental breakfast

Please bring your own plates, utensils and beverages (juice and coffee provided at breakfasts) for all meals.     

Rally Fees:  The cost of the rally is $15 per person, and includes Friday and Saturday night dinners, Saturday breakfast, and Sunday continental breakfast

Attendees (as of May 5):  Buchanan, Hudson, TiIlman, Cockrell, Greenwood (plus daughter and grandsons), Schoolar, Alexander, Buelow, Fisher


Registration Form 
Endless Cavern Rally May 15-17, 2015


NAMES______________________________________________

Rally fee is $15.00 per person.

AMOUNT ENCLOSED $__________________

Number of people interested in tour of Endless Caverns  ______

Friday, we will bring appetizer______or dessert_______.

Saturday, we will bring appetizer_______ or dessert________.

Deadline for Registration is May 5

Please mail registration form and fees (check payable to James Buchanan) to:

Buck Buchanan
349 Carltons Corner Road
King and Queen Courthouse  VA  23085

Richmond International Raceway with the Buelows

By Jim and Susan Buelow

To Our Family and Friends

Join us for

FREE - FUN, FOOD, FRIENDSHIP and EXCITEMENT

WHAT – Come join us to see Jim (SMOKE, ROWDY, HAPPY, The INTIMIDATOR, CRASH, LEWY the LIPSHITS) Buelow take the ride of his life in the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience.

WHERE – Richmond International Raceway, 600 E Laburnum Avenue Richmond, VA  23222,  804 228-7506

WHEN -  Saturday, May 09, 2015 at 11am.

WHY – I received a Christmas gift from my daughter and her family to participate in this driving experience. I will have the opportunity to ride for 3 laps with a professional driver, then take to the track on my own for 12 laps of a hopefully safe and exciting driving experience. Racing other cars is allowed. Autographs available, YEAH RIGHT!!! TAILGATE PARTY TO FOLLOW AT THE CAMPGROUND.

DETAILS – Entry to this event is totally free. You can view the excitement from the infield pit and garage area. LOOK FOR THE JIM BUELOW BANNER. Total time for my experience will be about 2 hours. 

We are taking our motor home to the track and will be parked in the campground outside of turn 4 Fri-Sun. After the event, we will host a tailgate party at our coach. This will include drinks, food, and all the trimmings. Please bring chairs, and be prepared to have FUN.

RSVP to Jim at 757 876-7399 by  April 25th. PLEASE JOIN US

DIRECTIONS to RICHMOND RACEWAY 
  • Follow I-64 to Richmond.
  • Take exit 195, Laburnum Ave north and follow for approximately 5.2 miles to the track. Track will be on your right.
  • Follow Laburnum along the track until you reach the corner of Laburnum Ave and Richmond Henrico Turnpike.
  • Enter the track through the main gate at the corner of Laburnum and Richmond Henrico Turnpike.
  • After entering the gate follow road to left. (Should be signs directing you to the Rusty Wallace Racing Experience.) Follow the road past the campground (on your right) and continue around the outside of the track to the tunnel. Take the tunnel to the inside of the track and continue to the pit and garage area. There will be a sign/banner where the Buelow group is gathering.
  • After the driving experience, exit the track through the tunnel and follow the road back to the campground you passed on the way in.
  • Our motor home will be parked in the campground. It is a 2009 WINNEBAGO SIGHTSEER, GREY, GOLD, and BURGUNDY IN COLOR. THEIR WILL BE AN AMERICAN FLAG FLYING FROM THE LEFT REAR CORNER. PLEASE JOIN US FOR A FUN TIME.



Incoming President's Message

As the new President of FMCA Dogwood Chapter, I would like to Thank all who had the confidence in me to lead our Chapter for 2015 & 2016. I look forward to working with our new officers (Pat Allen, Marion Cockrell, Carolyn Duff, Carol Warthan, Ed Fisher and Mann Duff) and all of the Dogwood Chapter members. Its my hope that with our members' help and suggestions we will be uncovering new adventures and holding many rallies.

Linda and I are looking forward to hosting a rally this year. Being a fairly new member and with all of the new members in Dogwood, if there is a location which the Dogwood Chapter visited in the past or a location you may have visited without the Dogwood members and would like to revisit, do not hesitate to let Marion or myself know. Let's all consider participating more in our Chapter by making suggestions and especially hosting a rally. Remember when hosting it is what you want to do and not a competition with what was served or done at past rallies.


A special Thanks to the Dykes, Cummings and Reids for hosting the Christmas Rally in Selma, a job well done.  I believe that everyone in attendance had a good time and enjoyed themselves, especially at the Ruby Theatre.  The new owners of RVacations Resort made every effort to make us welcomed, just finishing up the rec room in time for our Saturday morning gathering.  For those who were unable to be with us at RVacations Resort, this is a place to checkout when traveling I-95 through Selma.


Let's make our Chapter a very active one!


James "Buck" Buchanan

President -Dogwood Chapter FMCA

Outgoing President's Message

As 2014 comes to an end, we look forward to a bright new year. The new officers will take office and continue Dogwood on its journey toward traveling enjoyment.

Although we were not able to attend the Christmas Rally in Selma, NC, we understand that it was a success. Many thanks to our hosts.

I would like to thank all of the 2013-14 officers for their hard work and enthusiasm.

As the final membership numbers are in and though we had a net loss of three member families, we did gain three families. I hope we can grow our membership this next year.

As more snowbirds are filtering south Liz and I are anxious to see more of our Dogwood family.

I hope that our newer members will get involved, and some of our more, shall we say experienced members; will get involved in the functions and hosting of events in 2015. If anyone has an interest in hosting a rally, please let Marion Cockrell know. If you have an interest in any other function or activity, contact any of the officers.

As my last presidential message, I would just like to say that I have enjoyed serving as your president and wish the best to our new president as I pass on the Dogwood Presidential Torch.  

Happy New Year!
Butch Jones

Click here to link to Butch's presentation "2014 Dogwood Chapter in Review" which was presented at the Selma rally.  You can use the page up and page down keys to scroll between slides.  

Message from VP Rallies

Greetings everyone.

I hope everyone had a good holiday season. I am looking forward to the 2015 camping season. At this time we have 2 events on the calendar. The first one is June 5-7 with the Schoolars and Greenwoods hosting an Ingleside winery cruise.  The second one July 13-19 with the Tilmans and Dykes hosting a Galax Va. bluegrass event. More details to follow as soon as they become available.

At this time the months of May, August, September, October (with the exception of 10/15-18), November (with the exception of oyster festival weekend) and December (I have tentatively booked the RVaction RV park) for the Christmas Rally are open. So let me know  which of these times will be available for you to host your rally.

Don't let the word "HOSTING" intimidate you. It does not have to be hard or complicated to host.  I will do my best to assist you in any way I can.

Marion Cockrell, VP Rallies

Highlights from the Selma Rally


by Barbara Dyke

The Annual Christmas Rally was held at Selma/Smithfield, NC at the RVacation Campground Dec. 5-7, 2014.  We unfortunately had several members cancel for health issues. We wish them all a good recovery. We ended up with 20 coaches and 39 members. Click here for photos.

On Thursday night we had 15 members enjoy a great seafood dinner at the Mayflower Seafood Restaurant.

Friday night we ate at the Robins Nest Buffet, followed by a great Christmas performance at the American Music Jubilee.

Saturday morning was men cooking pancakes and eggs. Special thanks to Dennis Reid for smelling up his coach frying bacon before hand. Thanks to Berkley for manning the coffee urns.  Mid day members shopped the outlets and toured museums.  Saturday evening was pork roast dinner with mashed potatoes, sweet potato casserole, green beans, salad, and rolls. Dessert was pies and cake.

After dinner Donna Gruel emceed our yankee gift swap with her usual humor and many mask changes.

Sunday morning was continental breakfast and saying goodbye. Some members were leaving from there to Fl. to winter in.

The campground owners and staff went out of their way to make our rally successful. Thanks to them also for the Wine given for our gift give-away.

Thanks to Cummings, Reids, and Dykes for hosting the rally.

Member Updates

Paul Cummings:  It was great to visit with all our Dogwood friends at the Selma Rally.  We were on the road four months of 2014 traveling in the northwest states.  In Wyoming and Oregon mostly visiting with our daughter in Casper WY and at the Country Coach factory in Junction City OR where we saw a 2004 CC looking for a new home.  I think we got the RV fever from some of our members.  Highlights of our trip included Buffalo, the Badlands and Cody WY.  Glacier National Park, Seattle WA and the Boeing Aircraft Mfg. plant, Long Beach WA. 150 miles of the Oregon Coast, Columbia Gorge, Jackson Hole, Teton Mountains and the Cumberland Mt. of KY.  Add wineries to the list and you have the big picture.

On a technical note, I wanted to share with those who don't have a new coach.  Tv up date remains an issue when you want to record a TV program.  Seems like we can not record unless we subscribe (pay) for it.  So, those over the air free TV show cannot be recorded.  My question is where were we when Congress passed this new law, better still where was the Tea Party.  Good news, Channel Master now makes a $400 box that will record free and no fee other than the upfront cost of the box.  Hope this helps.


Donna Gruel:  We hope, that any of you that get to Florida and especially on the East Coast, will give us a call (804-435-7317) - we are just around the corner from Liz and Butch Jones and about a mile away from Sue & Steve Soles.  Since we saw ya'll at the Christmas Rally we've traveled to Aspen, Colorado for Christmas - very cold there, snowed every night.. Return trip was definitely an adventure thru Texas.  We actually got off the icy Interstate (they had done nothing to make the roads passable -- Tractor Trailers sideways, upside down, in pieces - smaller trucks and cars destroyed (many had been there for what looked like at least a 24 hour period) and drove on the State roads which were cleared, dry and less crowded?????  Go figure!  Our best wishes to all of you for a great 2015....Donna & Carl.

Barbara Dyke:  Bobby and I will be in Florida Jan 7 thru April and would love to have visitors at 16423 Citrus Parkway, Clermont,FL. We're 1/2 mi from TT Orlando. Barbara Dyke, 804 337-3530

Carolyn Duff:  Since we have been in Florida we have gotten together with the Greenfields, Hicks, Reids and Dykes.  We also spotted the Warthans driving south on 27 on their way to Arcadia.  You never know who you might run into.   We always enjoy getting together with our Dogwood friends.      

Carol Warthan:  Carson Christian (former Dogwood member) is not doing well and he and Carolyn need our prayers.  Will keep you posted on them.  


Jim Buelow:  I am mending well from my knee replacement and we are leaving Friday for a 5 week trip to FL. Hope we see you along the road.

Updates from 1/18/2015


Ken Wyatt:  We have a Florida home in RV Community in Polk City-Mount Olive Shores North. Address: 468 Meandering Way.  Would love to get together sometime. 

Bill Guttridge wrote that he is responding well to medicine following his heart attack in November.

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