President Elect Message 2016

President Elect Jim

Buck Handing the Dogwood Football Off to Jim, December 2016

A note from your President Elect

Greetings Dogwood members. First I would like to thank Buck Buchanan and the outgoing Executive Board for serving as Officers for the past 2 years, and for your time and contributions to our chapter. The fact that Dogwood celebrated its 20th anniversary in June is a testament to those who have offered to serve this chapter over the years. Thanks again for all you have done.

I and the new Executive Board look forward to guiding and serving the chapter for the next few years and continuing our tradition of lots of fun, food, and friendship.

On behalf of Susan and I and our family, we wish all of you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy and Happy New Year.

Regards and safe travels,

Jim

December 2016 Secretary Report

Secretary's Report, December 2016 Business Meeting

The business meeting for the December Dogwood Rally held at Americamps RV Resort was called to order on 12/02/16 at 10:05 a.m. by President Buck Buchanan.  

Attendees were: Alexander, Allen, Anderson, Buchanan, Buelow, Cockrell, Cummings, Dodge, Fisher, Greene, Greenwood, Hall, Hill, Hunter, Johnston, Moore, Phillips, Reid, Saul, Schoolar, and Tillman’s.  (Warthan’s had to leave early due to their band playing in Amelia). 

Welcome to our guest: Patty & Henry Kuiken, Kenny & Marsha Thorpe. New members’ dues are free for the first year.

President Buchanan thanked the Hill’s and Dodge’s for hosting the rally. 

He thanked Cil & Fairleigh Schoolar for framing the 20^th Anniversary FMCA Dogwood Logo.

He also thanked his officers and members for their support during his 2015-2016 term as President.

Pat Allen presented the Treasurer’s report: As of October 31, 2016, the balance is $2,051.44

Your 2017 dues of $10 are due now, please pay them to Pat as soon as possible.

President Buchanan reminded members of the two by-law changes the club passed in 2016. 

1. The past President will be the chairperson of the Nominating Committee. The nominating committee for the 2017-2018 officers will be: 

Buck Buchanan, chairperson; Regis Johnston and Carol Warthan.

1. New members 1^st year dues will be waved. 

These changes will be noted in the Club’s Standing Rules.

President elect Jim Buelow made the following announcements:

Your 2017-2018 officers are:

                         President, Jim Buelow​ (Right side)

                         Vice President, Communications, Paul Cummings​ (Left Side)
                         Vice President, Treasurer, Pat Allen​ 
                        Vice President Rallies, Donna Hill​ (Center) 
                         National Director, Ed Fisher (Not Pictured)​      
                         Alternate National Director, Bonewitz (Not Pictured)  
                         Secretary, Pam Phillips​ (Right side of Jim)

The Executive board met and discussed the following:

Officer Responsibilities: each officer received a packet with their assigned duties

Member goals for 2017/2018:

• Have fun
• Improve newsletter.  More articles, member news, new input etc.
• Find new and interesting locations to hold rallies, motivate members to host rallies. Remember rallies are not a completion, raffles and goody bags not required. 
• Increase membership by promoting our chapter through brochures, fairs etc.  (Packages were passed out to members). Be sure to add your FMCA number on the application for rewards.
• GEAR rally: We will have a booth and participate in the Chapter Fair
• Increase involvement in local community, i.e. 50/50 raffles, food bank etc.
• Order T-shirts or sweatshirts with Dogwood Logo for members
• Find someone to make Dogwood mirror covers
• Update and provide a new directory
• Would love to have a large attendance at the GEAR Rally in Lewisburg, WV 

Oct 4-8^th Several of our members will be participating: Paul Cummings will present the 25^th Anniversary video and Donald Warthan band Heritage will be the entertainment. 

Administration goals:

• Review Dogwood documents for accuracy and update as necessary (by-laws etc.)
• Review Dogwood BLOG and update/change if necessary
• Evaluate the Rally Expense form and create a friendlier, less complicated document
• Discuss the use of totes and coffeepots for rallies.  Change/increase/decrease contents.
• Discuss ideas on how to disperse treasury monies in a way to benefit members such as free dues for a year etc.
• Executive Staff to Host the December Rally

President Elect Buelow told members to check out their December FMCA magazine (pg. 30/31) there is an article of the Dogwood’s 20^th anniversary in it.

Susan Buelow will be our Care Person.  She will send cards on behalf of the club to members that are sick, have loss of a loved one etc. 

Vice President elect, Communications, Paul Cummings asked members to use Bcc… when sending emails to members instead of the Send To… box.  This protects members email addresses. 

Paul asked members to review their information (phone #’s, addresses etc.) on the documents he placed on the table by the Christmas tree to verify their contact information.  Please make necessary changes if needed.  Once you have verified your information please initial by your name so he knows you reviewed it.

He also asked that any documents for the newsletter/blog sent to him to please use Helvetica or Times New Roman font/12pt.                                                                                                       Paul told members he was still trying to figure out how to remove Carolyn’s name from the blog email address, so you may receive emails with Carolyn’s name on it but it’s really from him.

Vice President of Rallies: Marion Cockrell and Donna Hill asked members for volunteers to Host Rallies for 2017-2018. See below for the tentative schedule:

For 2017:

• March 7-10^th FMCA's 95th International Convention
  Rawhide Western Town and Event Center at Wild Horse Pass
  Chandler, Arizona
• April 6-9^th Host: Fishers @ Charlotte Motor Speedway
• May 6-8^th Host: Tillman’s/Greenwoods @ Natural Bridge, VA
• July12-15^th FMCA's 96th International Convention
  Indiana State Fair Grounds, Indianapolis, IN
• Sept. 8-10^th Host: Buchanan’s/Phillips location TBD
• Oct. 4-8^th GEAR Rally @ Lewisburg, WV
• Nov. 3-5^th Host: Alexander’s @ Ed Fishers / Urbanna Oyster Festival
• Dec. 1-3^rd Host: Executive Staff @ Americamps RV Resort 

Note: There was a discussion as to where to have the December Rally. Suggestions were Carolina Crossroads RV Resort or Americamps RV Resort.  Jim Buelow made the motion that the members vote as to where to have the Rally.  Doug Dodge seconded the motion.  Members vote:  9 for Americamps RV Resort and 6 for Carolina Crossroads RV Resort.  Motion passed. Americamps RV Resort will be the location for the December 2017 Rally.

For 2018: 

• Date TBD Host: Fishers @ VIR
• Dec. Host Executive Staff 

Rob Hill informed members that the October FMCA magazine page 84/85 has a ballot in it for a Member Vote: Proposed Change to FMCA’s Articles of Incorporation that members should check out. See link for ballot:  http://digital.fmcmagazine.com?shareKey=XpxEi4 . The ballot must be received by the Certified Accountant by December 31, 2016.

President Buchanan presented Dogwood officer pins for 2015-2016 and 2017-2018. He also presented the Dogwood Host Rally pins to members that hosted rallies in 2016.

​Submitted by Pam Phillips, Acting Secretary for Carol Warthan                         

December 2016 Rally Photos

Photos from the Dogwood Chapter Rally 2016

James River Cellars, Wine Tasting 

Jim and Susan 

Fried Pickles? Thanks to Dan Moore

Hard work game enjoyed by all

Marion and Donna review Rally list for 2017

Welcome new Members Henry and Patty Kuiken 

Thank You to Fairleigh and Cil for framing our 20th

Welcome new members Kenny and Marsha Thorpe

Passing of the Dogwood Football

"It's all yours now Jim"

A Peaceful transfer of power

Dogwood Officers 2017 - 2018

Member Update December 2016

Member News

Look Close, Steve Sohles is working for Santa

Hi Paul, no contact changes for the Sohles.

1. Where have you been RVing in 2016?

FMCA Rally in Perry GA.

FMCA TGO Ambassadors rolling Rally which stops in Jupiter FL, Marathon Key, FL and Hollywood, FL.  And a second rally with this group in Ft Myers, FL. 

Old Fiddlers Convention in Galax, VA. 

Blue Grass Festivals at Rockahock in Lexana, VA. and Chesapeake Bay Thousand Trails Gloucester, VA. 

Our Dogwood 20th Anniversary Rally and the Rally to Gordonville, PA.

2. What was your most FUN RV trip?

Rally to Gordonville, PA.

3. What do you like most about Dogwood?

The friendships we have made, and the low key style of the group.

Our best to our Dogwood Friends.

Steve and Sue

Christmas Rally 2016

by Donna Hill

The annual Christmas Rally will be held December 2 - 4, 2016 at the Americamps RV Resort in Ashland – 11322 Air Park Road, Ashland, VA 23005. Your hosts are Maureen & Doug Dodge and Donna & Rob Hill.

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 take the next right onto Air Park Road (Route 809). From the north, turn left at the end of the ramp, cross over the Interstate, and turn right onto Air Park Road. Follow Air Park Road to the Americamps on your left.  The address is 11322 Air Park Road, Ashland, VA 23005.

Rally fees for the weekend are $18 per person and cover dinners for Friday and Saturday and

breakfasts for Saturday and Sunday. In addition, each coach/couple are asked to provide one

dozen Christmas cookies. Please bring your own beverages, plates, and utensils to all meals.

Please register with Donna Hill as early as possible, but no later than November 15th.

Free waffle breakfasts, including juice and coffee, are available courtesy of the campground at

9:00 each morning except Thursday when a free chili meal will be available for dinner.

Friday afternoon, 1:00 – 3:00: Optional craft class (Christmas Wreath) at Colesville Nursery. This

is a repeat of the wonderful wreaths created last year. Steve Greenwood’s friend Gene Lentz

works for Colesville, and he will again set us up for this class. Cost is the same as last year too,

$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 trip to James River Cellars Winery (6 mile round trip drive,

$8/person) for a tasting and to maybe pickup some wine for dinner. Also an option is to visit the

nearby Center Of The Universe Brewing Company for a Craft Beer Tasting. The brewery is across

the street from the campground, easy walking distance. (Or maybe some will do both?) These

options take the place of happy hour if you’re so inclined. However if you 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 - Meatball subs, salad, chips and peach cobbler,

provided by hosts. Following dinner we will have a game (with a prize).

Saturday morning, 7:30-9:00: Breakfast provided by hosts (including the campground’s free

juice, coffee, and optional waffles), followed by a business meeting at 10:00. We plan to discuss

future rallies, please bring your ideas. It would be great if each could bring an idea for a rally.

Maybe there is something in the area you live or some great place you have been that we all

would enjoy. Let’s try to fill our two year calendar.

Saturday afternoon, 1:30 – Optional visit to Patrick Henry’s home, Scotchtown. This will be a

guided tour, $5/person payable with your rally fee.

Saturday evening: 5:30 happy hour followed by 6:30 dinner in the Rally Room. Your hosts will

provide salad, ham, green beans, yams, rolls and dessert (your Christmas cookies and ice

cream).

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 any leftover breakfast items,

provided by the hosts, with the usual free waffles, coffee and juice from the campground.

Attendees as of 10/12: Alexander, Cockrell, Schoolar, Hunter, Buchanan, Dodge, Hill.

REGISTRATION FORM

Dogwood Christmas Rally at Americamps in Ashland, VA

December 2 - December 4, 2016

Names: ____________________________________________

____ Number of people at $18 each = $_________

____ Number of people attending Wreath Class at $30 each = $_________

____ Number of people attending Scotchtown at $5 each = $_________

Total Amount Enclosed = $_________

Make check payable to Donna Hill, and mail to: Donna Hill, 900 Barton St. #305,

Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Cutoff date is 11/15, but please confirm as soon as you can so we

can get an accurate count for the campground, the Christmas Wreath Craft Class and

Scotchtown!

Myrtle Beach Rally 2016

Myrtle Beach Rally 2016



On September 17th through the 25th, Dogwood held a rally at the Pirateland Campground in Myrtle Beach, SC.  Although many members stayed the entire week, the rally was officially Friday & Saturday departing on Sunday.

The good thing about picking this week was, that we missed hurricane Matthew.  The bad part was that we had monsoonal rains for most of the week.   However, the resilient crowd made the best of it.  With the communal space provided by Pirateland and canopies provided by members, we were able to make the best of a bad situation.

The majority of the meals were potluck and dining out with the following  exceptions.  A special thanks goes out to the Buelows and Cummings for creating a competitive atmosphere with a special “Bratfest.”  The Schoolars for providing sausage and biscuits and the Reids for a hamburger cook out.  Also, a special thanks to all of the members who provided potluck dishes and appetizers.

The attendees were, Buckannan, Cockrell, Bonewitz, Cummings, Alexander, Reid, Gilbert, Schoolar, Buelow, Allen, Johnston, Fisher & Warthan.

Go to this link to see photos of the rally, http://fmcadogwoodphotos.blogspot.comhttp://fmcadogwoodphotos.blogspot.com/

Dogwood Director's FMCA Report October 2016

Dogwood Director's Report 2016

The annual business meeting of the Governing Board was held at the Summer convention as usual. It was the shortest National meeting I have ever attended. This was due to several factors, including no election, no really contentious business items, and it was very hot in the hall which was not air conditioned. We worked through the normal lunch period, and most National Directors took their boxed lunches back to their comfortable coaches.

All of the following business items were approved by wide margins with very little discussion:
-A dues increase of $10.00 per year, bringing the total to $50.00. This was the first increase since 2010, and the adopted budget including the dues increase was much more workable. The increase took affect as of October, to coincide with the associations fiscal year.
-The budget, which was balanced. There were two budgets submitted, one with and one without dues increase.
-To authorize the Executive Board to proceed with amended Articles of Incorporation which were adopted in 1971. Council has advised that existing articles are archaic and very restrictive, preventing the Governing Board from making almost any change to FMCA's operations. Should such a need arise to make a change, it would first require amended Articles of Incorporation, so the whole process could take up to two years. This is a proactive measure, which makes future operational changes possible. It in no way changes FMCA as it exists, and no such changes could me made without approval of the Governing Board.
-The extension of the FMCAssist program, which assists members with emergencies while traveling, to be funded  with PROFITS from the investment account. This will cover a one year period in the 2016/2017 time frame. Membership is reminded to be eligible for any reimbursement, they must file a claim before any expense is incurred, or it will not be paid. FMCA has had a very good experience with the carrier and the plan administrator. 
-Holding the Winter 2019 convention in Chandler Arizona, the Summer 2019 in St Paul Minnesota, and the Winter 2020 in Perry Georgia, all subject to final negotiations. As previously announced, the Winter 2017 convention will be held March 7-10 in Chandler Arizona, and the Summer 2017 convention will be held July 12-15 in Indianapolis Indiana. 
-The Treasurer reported that FMCA remains in a strong financial position with investments doing well.
-The official count for this Summer convention was 1059 family coaches and 246 commercial coaches. Membership as of July 1, 2016 was 70,539 family 
units, and has finally bottomed out and shows a slight upturn.

     Ed Fisher
      National Director

Member Updates October 2016

Dennis Reid,
I had a Proximal Row Carpectomy (PRC) on my right wrist this past Tuesday the 11th.  It was an outpatient surgery which I'm not going to explain.  Just Google it.  Other than Joyce carrying a butcher knife with her, the surgery has gone very well for "me", as long as the meds hold out.
Thanks 

CARE PERSON UPDATE
By Susan Buelow

A note concerning our Dogwood members and friends. Several weeks ago, Steve Czarsty fell off of a ladder. Injuries included 4 broken ribs, a sprain, and some lacerations. As of October 18, he is mending well but slowly.  If all goes well, they will head back to FL. in the near future. They will be in the VA area in December, and will try to stop by the Christmas rally if things work out.

Dick Wolf was hospitalized at the GEAR rally for heart and lung issues. He was treated in Roanoke hospital for about a week, then released, and stayed in a Roanoke campground until today. They will drive their car back to FL, and FMCA assist will take their coach back to FL. Dick and wife Nancy are not Dogwood members, but are friends of many Dogwooders.

Please keep the Czarsty’s and Wolf’s in your thoughts and prayers.

For Sale;
Wilt Greenwood has two like-new Mor/Stor coach bay slide-out trays, bi-directional, 47”X90”, for sale.  Cost over $1000 each new, will sell for $300 each or both for $500 – but you have to pick them up.  Call or text to (804) 337-7733.

Lewisburg GEAR Rally 2016

2016 GEAR RALLY HIGHLIGHTS

by

Jim Buelow

The 25th annual Greater Eastern Area Rally (GEAR) was held Oct. 5-9 in the beautiful mountains of Lewisburg, WV. A total of 301 coaches and about 600 FMCA members attended the rally, along with show coaches and vendors. There was much to do at the rally and in the local area including a wide variety of seminars, vendors, free coffee and donuts, ice cream social and 3 nights of good entertainment. Also some good restaurants and local history to see and enjoy.  

Dogwood attendees included the Alexander’s, Buelow’s, Chuilli’s, Greenwood’s, Hill’s, Hunter’s, and Tillman’s.  All Dogwood members were volunteers at the rally which gave our chapter 100 % participation in assisting to make this rally a success.

On Wednesday afternoon we attended the Chapter Fair. Dogwood was not represented at the fair as we did not have our banner or Dogwood info. It is something we should definitelyprepare for and do next year as it can be a good source for new members. We talked with several different chapter members, and got some good ideas and contacts. The Greenwood’s had a booth for the Eastern Gourmands.

On Friday evening, all Dogwood members, along with invited guests got together for social hour and heavy snacks. It was nice to see old and make new friends. 

Buck had authorized me to act on Dogwood’s behalf in his absence, so we attended the annual EAMA meeting on Saturday morning. New EAMA officers were elected for the coming year. Of note are Bill Mallory, president, Jerry Cohen continues as our Area VP, and our own Berkley Alexander was re elected as Treasurer.

We met and signed up a new couple to the Dogwood chapter. Their names are Ron and Nancy Bristol from the Bowling Greenarea of VA. They are friends of the Alexander’s. Welcome Ron and Nancy. They plan to attend Urbanna and Christmas rallies.

Next year’s GEAR will be held at the same location during the same time frame. Meeting facilities and camp sites were good. Close to shopping and good food along with some fun things to do in the area. The famous Greenbrier Hotel and Golf Course is only a few miles away. We look forward to attending next year and hope more of our Dogwood members will do the same.  

Dogwood 20th Video on You Tube

The video of our 20th year has been posted on You Tube..  The link will ask you if you want to open   You Tube,  click ok and it will open the video. Dogwood's 20th Video

July 2016 eNews

Election Results
Posted by President Buck,

Hope everyone has had a great summer of RVing, traveling, rallies and have many more adventures planned. 

Election results are in and as the Chairman of Dogwood's Nominating Committee it is my pleasure to present your FMCA Dogwood 2017-2018 Officers:  

Jim Buelow,   President;
Pat Allen,   VP Membership/treasurer;
Paul Cummings,   VP Communications;
Pam Phillips,   Secretary;
Donna Hill,   VP Rally Master;
National Director:  Ed Fisher;
Alternate Nat. Director: Rich Bonewitz.  

Congratulations to each of you!

I look forward to seeing our members at the Myrtle Beach Rally in September. 

Update on the July 2016 rally posted by President, Buck Buchanan and Jim Buelow

Upon  arrival to Country Acres we found that the pavilion was not quite in the location we were led to believe and there was no parking area. Our camp sites were located in the new area, great sites with lots of room just across from the pool and for those who like walking a great trail. Thanks to Ben Phillips a 10 x 20 top was set up on his site for all of the Dogwood's' gatherings. The weather was hot and humid but most days pleasant enough to do some sightseeing. There were several days that thunderstorms threatened but never developed. Everyone had arrived by Thursday so we took a trip to the local Olive Garden for dinner.  Friday's dinner included four different sliced meats, two cheeses, pickles, watermelon, local slice tomatoes, spaghetti salad, chicken salad and pasta salad along with strawberry/berry shortcake and brownies. Thanks to everyone who provided appetizers and deserts.

Saturday morning breakfast was moved to 8:30 instead of 9 with more food than could be eaten. Thanks to Jim Buelow who arranged the free two hour trip of the countryside making several stops for purchasing and enjoying the local grown and prepared food. Dinner was at Good and Plenty as Plain and Fancy had been booked for over a month. Some of our members found time to made trips to Bird in hand, Intercourse, did some local shopping and visited a winery.

Sunday's continental breakfast closed our weekend with some of us heading home, ending another successful  rally. 

Attendees included Allens, Alexanders, Buelows, Hicks, Schoolars, Soles, Veerland and hosts Buchanans and Phillips.

Missed the Greenwoods who had lost their RV in a storm.

After attending the PA rally where we had a very good time, the Buelow's and the Sohles hung around the area for a few days. On Sunday, we took a trip on one of the oldest operating steam railroads in the USA.We traveled from Strasburg, PA to Paradise,PA and back through the Amish country. And because they thought we were such special people, they gave us our own Club Car to travel in.(LOL). We all really enjoyed the trip and a great time was had by all.

Click this link for more photos of the rally July Dogwood Photos


Fall Rally Update

September 2016 Rally Update information posted by,
Dennis and Joyce Reid 

This is a final notice for the rally being held in Myrtle Beach at the Pirateland Campground.  At this time there are 3 sites that have not been taken.  They are #776, 766 and 775.  Pirateland will hold these sites until August 17th.  After that, you're on your own.
Thirteen sites have been reserved for Dogwood from Saturday the 17th of September departing Sunday the 25th. of September.  Although the official rally dates are Friday and Saturday of that week, many members are planning to come for the entire week.
We have been given a comm on area site (#735) to gather during the week.  There is no rally fee.  We plan to potluck and dine out.  We are sure that no one is going hungry, as usual.
Also, we need at least four 8 X 10 canopies to use in the common area.  We could also use a few on the beach if you have one.  Please let Dennis Reid know if you have one can bring.  (reid9439@gmail.com)

Currently the attendees are:

Common Area #735

Buckannan  #779

Cockrell #777

Bonewitz #738

Cummings #773

Alexander #739

Reid #737

Gilbert #740

Schoolar #733

Buelow #736

See you there.  Your hosts are the Schoolars and Reids.

President's Message June 2016

President's Message, June 14, 2016 

Another successful Rally - special thanks to the Buelows, Cummings, Sohles and Hicks, Donald Warthan and the Heritage Band.

It was a pleasure to honor Dogwood's  charter members; its founders, The Czarstys, welcome FMCA officers the Cohens and Mallorys. I am proud to announce that there was talk of several of our former members rejoining. Welcome our newest members Michael and Cindy Barbeau.

Thanks to our members who have agreed to fill the ballot for the Dogwood officers for 2017-
2018. A voting ballot will be sent to each of our Dogwood members shortly, once you have received the ballot please vote and return promptly, so Dogwood will have time to get our officers names entered in the FMCA magazine.

Our nominees are:
Jim Buelow, President:
Pat Allen, VP Membership/treasurer:
Paul Cummings, VP Communications:
Pam Phillips, Secretary:
Donna Hill, VP Rally Master.
National Director: Ed Fisher,
Alternate Nat. Director: Rich Bonewitz. 

Our next scheduled  rally will be July 15-17 in Gordonsville, PA followed by Myrtle Beach in September, check the newsletter for additional  information.

James "Buck" Buchanan

President  FMCA Dogwood Chapter