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.
