President's Message December 2017

Presidents Message                                         

by Jim Buelow

Lots of Fun

Seasons Greeting to the Dogwood Family

 As 2017 comes to a close, I just wanted to say a few words about this past year, and cover some plans for 2018.

First, an important note concerning the FMCA proposal to allow all types of RV’s into FMCA. The vote is in and about 7000 members voted for and 3000 voted against this proposal, so it has been approved. Although the proposal has been approved at the FMCA level, it is my understanding that each chapter still has the option of allowing or not allowing all RV’s into their chapter. We discussed this issue at our meeting during the Christmas Rally and agreed to hold off on that decision until things settle down and we get further information from FMCA on how this is all going to come together. More later on this subject.

From your Presidents view, I think 2017 was a pretty good year for our chapter. We made some administrative and forms changes which make it easier to complete rally requirements, bought a Keurig coffee system to replace our old pots, and now have Dogwood t-shirts and sweat - shirts to proudly show off our chapter. Although attendance was down, we had some very good rallies, and I attribute a smaller turn out due to the fact that many of our members did some long distance traveling in 2017. Dogwood attendance/volunteers at the GEAR Rally were up this year, and our participation and winning second place in the Chapter Fair was a satisfying accomplishment. Although we lost members this year, we gained more than we lost and are currently at about 50 coach members. Other chapters are not as fortunate to have gained new members. Thanks to those who recruited new members and keep up the good work.

Numerous Dogwood members also donated their time to help the needy. The Hill’s and Kuiken’s supported the Habitat for Humanity project at Gear, and the Greene’s traveled all the way to FL to support distribution for hurricane victims. And Dogwood members contributed 129 pounds of food to the Richmond Food Bank during our food drive at the Christmas Rally. Many thanks to all of you.

As 2018 approaches, we have some fun and interesting things planned.  Thanks to Donna Hill’s determination to rally the members to host events for 2018, we have rallies scheduled in KY, VIR in VA, and a Maine rally, along with Urbanna, and our Christmas rally. And that doesn’t include the GEAR Rally in York, PA, along with 2 FMCA rallies. Thanks to those who stepped up to host our rallies, and let’s make 2018 another fun filled and successful year for Dogwood. 

As I close this message, I want to thank the Executive Board, Rally Hosts, and the members of Dogwood who continue to make Dogwood the great chapter that it is. Susan and I wish all of you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and SAFE, Healthy, and Happy New Year. See you in 2018.

Regards,

Jim

                 

Secretary's Report 12/18/17

Secretary's Report, December 2017 Business Meeting 

Jim Buelow, President 

The business meeting for the December Dogwood Rally held at Americamps RV Resort was called to order on 12/02/17 at 10:30 a.m. by President Jim Buelow.  

Attendees were: Alexander, Allen, Bonewitz, Buchanan, Buelow, Cockrell, Cohen, Cummings, Fisher, Greene, Greenwood, Herbert, Hill, Hunter, Kuiken, Meyer, Moore, Phillips, Rasmussen, Saul, Schoolar, Thorpe and Tillman’s.

President Buelow thanked the Executive staff for hosting the rally. 

Your 2018 dues of $10 are due, please pay them to Pat as soon as possible. 

Old Business:

• FMCA Remodel vote passed, 10,000 total votes 7,000 approved to allow all RV types and 3,000 disapproved. It will be up to individual chapters to decide if they want to allow all RV types. Our bylaws will need to be changed if we decide to allow all RV types.  The FMCA catalog will list if a chapter allows all RV types.  
• New forms, bylaws and Dogwood flyer are now on the Blog site.
• Tee shirt and sweatshirt orders were a success. If you would like to order more contact Jim Buelow.  Also, for $6 you can have the logo put on any item of clothing you purchase.  
• Mirror covers – Cil Schoolar may have someone to make them for us.
• Name tags – See our Blog for form to order name badges.
• The Dogwoods won 2^nd place in the Chapter Fair at the GEAR Rally in Lewisburg, WV  
• Next year 2018 will be an election year for us. 

New Business:

• We loss two members this year, Don Anderson and Wes Miller. Cards and monetary donations were sent for both.
• Bobby & Barbara Dykes daughter is suffering from cancer.  A motion was made by Ed Fisher and seconded by Susan Buelow to make a $50 donation to the Dyke foundation.

Motion passed.

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

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

• February 20-22^nd Host: Sohles & Jones – Florida TGO
• March 15-18^th FMCA's International Convention - Perry, GA
• May 15-17^th Host: Bonewitz, Schoolar & Alexander - Bourbon Trail
• June 1-2^nd Host: Fishers – VIR
• July 18-25^th FMCA Rally - Gillette, WY
• August 28^th – Sept? Host: Bonewitz & Alexander - Boothbay Harbor, Maine
• Oct. 3-7^th GEAR Rally
• Nov. 2-4^th Host: Alexander & Fishers - Urbanna Oyster Festival
• Dec. 1-3^rd Host: Herbert, Kuiken & Thorpe – American Heritage Williamsburg VA

(Members were torn between having our Christmas Rally at Americamps or American Heritage in Williamsburg. Jim Buelow made the motion that was seconded by Richard Bonewitz that members vote where they wanted to go.  First vote was a tie but after a revote the majority voted to have our December Rally at American Heritage in Williamsburg.)

Donna presented Dogwood Host Rally pins to members that hosted rallies in 2017.

Paul Cummings asked members to please stay after the meeting, he wants to go over how to navigate the Dogwood blog, so everyone will be familiar with it. 

Meeting adjourned at 11:39 am. 

​Submitted by Pam Phillips, Secretary 

Christmas Rally 2017

Christmas Rally 2017 Summary                        by Jim Buelow

Our annual Dogwood Christmas Rally was held Dec. 1-3, 2017 at the Americamps Campground in Ashland, VA. If you were unable to attend, you missed a fun rally. We had 22 coaches and 46 members/guests in attendance. Guests included Jerry Cohen, EAMA Regional VP and wife Millie (thanks for joining us), along with Dave and Nanette Meyer, guests of the Buelow’s. The Meyers liked what they saw, just joined FMCA, and are planning on joining Dogwood. Welcome Dave and Nanette.

Many members arrived on Wednesday and attended a Gourmands dinner in Ashland at the Iron Horse restaurant. On Thursday evening. the campground provided a free Lasagna dinner for all attendees. Price was right. On Friday night after dinner, the Hill’s hosted a fun game that had us all laughing and cheering on their teams. Saturday night included our annual Yankee Swap hosted by the Bonewitz’s, along with drawing for raffle prizes. A fun time was had as usual during the swap. Paul Cummings had several Dogwood quiz’s during the rally, testing members knowledge of our chapter and awarding prizes. More fun. 

We also did a food drive at the rally. Per Christy from the Richmond Food Bank, we collected and donated 129 pounds of food. Thank you very much. 

On Saturday morning, we had our regular business meeting and on Sunday morning after breakfast, the rally concluded.

The weather was beautiful, the campground staff was great, and I think it is safe to say that a fun and good time was had by all.

Many thanks to the Dogwood Executive Board for hosting this rally 

Rally Schedule 2018 Report

Rally Schedule 2018 VP Rally Master Report

Donna Hill December 2017

Your Rally VP here, looking back 2017, has been a difficult year for the Hill family and we are looking forward to 2018. As we recap 2017 for Dogwood, we had a great set of rallies and I am so appreciative of our hosts, especially those who stepped up to host for the first time (Thank you, Sauls).

 For 2018 we have fun in store beginning in February with Dogwood's first ever Florida rally (see additional information on this rally below). A quick summary of rallies planned for 2018 so you can mark your calendars....

20-22 Feb The Great Outdoors in Titusville, FL (Sohles, Jones)

15-18 MAR - FMCA International Convention Perry, GA

19-25 MAY - KY Bourbon Trail (Bonewitzs, Schoolars, Alexanders)

1-2 JUN - Virginia International Raceway (Fishers)

18-21 JUL - FMCA International Rally Gillette, WY

28 AUG-? - Booth Bay, ME (Bonewitzs, Alexanders)

3-7 OCT - GEAR York, PA

2-4 NOV - Oyster Festival Urbana, VA (Alexanders)

30 NOV- 2 DEC - Christmas Rally (Herberts, Kuikens, Thorpes)

More details on each rally to follow in our Dogwood newsletters.

Merry Christmas dear friends and a safe, Happy New Year!

Donna

Florida Rally Update 2017

Florida Rally Update 12/13/17

Our first Florida Dogwood Rally will be held February 20 thru 22, 2018 at TGO/The Great Outdoors RV & Golf Resort, 125 Plantation Drive, Titusville FL 32780.

We are providing for those who want to bring their coach, as well as others who will visit and perhaps join in meals or happy hours. 

There will be camping fees, but no Rally fee. Tuesday night will be a pot luck, and Wednesday night a dinner at TGO's Blue Heron restaurant, where we will order off the menu. (http://www.thegreatoutdoorsgolf.com/blue-heron-restaurant).

We will need to receive your completed Rally Registration Form and any camping payment by January 31, 2018.  There are 10 spots reserved.

Do not contact the TGO Rally Center directly for camping reservations, as they require the Rally Host to handle all camping reservations, identification information for the Gate House, and make a total payment for all participants, including any additional days either before or after the Rally dates.  Payment of $30 per night includes water and 30AMP service. A dump station is available. 

Please complete the Registration Form and send with camping payment no later than January 31, 2018 directly to Steve Sohles at 159 Greenwing Trail, Titusville FL 32780.  

If you are not camping, but planning to join the potluck or Blue Heron meals please complete the DAY ATTENDANCE ONLY section so that we can plan accordingly.

If you have questions please call us at 804 824-8525 or email SSohles@gmail.com.

Hope to see you at the Rally. 

Sue and Steve Sohles 

TGO Rally Form

DOGWOOD THE GREAT OUTDOORS RV AND GOLF RESORT (TGO) RALLY

125 PLANTATION DRIVE, TITUSVILLE, FL 32780

FEBRUARY 20 - 22, 2018

REGISTRATION FORM

DO NOT CALL TGO FOR CAMPING RESERVATIONS

MAIL COMPLETED FORM AND ANY PAYMENT TO STEVE SOHLES, 159 GREENWING TRAIL, TITUSVILLE FL 32780 NOT LATER THAN JANUARY 31, 2018.  

         

NAME: _____________________________________________

CELL NUMBER: _____________________________________

CAMPING RESERVATION:

TGO RALLY LOT $30.00/NIGHT (30 AMP AND WATER, DUMP STATION ON SITE)

RV LENGTH: _________                             

ARRIVAL DATE: _____________________      DEPARTURE DATE: __________________

CHECK AMOUNT: ____________________  MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO STEVE SOHLES

NUMBER ATTENDING DINNER AT BLUE HERON RESTAURANT ____________

============================================================================

DAY ATTENDANCE ONLY - if easier you can email this information by January 31, 2018 to SSohles@gmail.com.

TUESDAY'S POT LUCK - YES_____                     NO _________

WEDNESDAY DINNER AT BLUE HERON RESTAURANT - YES _______     NO ______

NUMBER ATTENDING DINNER __________ 

Christmas Rally Photos 2017

Christmas Rally 2017

KY's Bourbon Trail Rally 2018

Bourbon Trail Rally, May 2018    

by Rich Bonewitz

The Dogwood Bourbon Trail rally will be held May 19-25, 2018 at the Cummins Ferry Campground in Salvisa, KY. Hosts will be the Bonewitz’s and Alexander’s. Come on down and enjoy the beautiful hills of KY.  Attendees are responsible for making their own reservations at the campground. Phone number is 859 865-2003. You can view campground information at cumminsferry.com. Although the rally is not until May, I suggest you make your reservations ASAP, as sites will go quickly. Mention Dogwood when you reserve your site. Sites are $40.00 per night or $200.00 per week. Additional information on rally fees and activities will be provided at a later date. Join the fun. For questions, call Rich at 301 481-6003. 

Main Rally August 2018

Maine Rally Aug-Sep, 2018                            

by Rich Bonewitz 

A Happy Man and Driver, Elle, "On The Road Again" 

The Dogwood Maine rally will be held Aug. 28 – Sep. 5, 2018 at the Shore Hills campground in beautiful Booth Bay, ME. Hosts are Rich and Elle Bonewitz. If you have never been to Maine, don’t miss this rally. The menu will include lobster served 24 hours per day (LOL). Attendees are responsible for making their own campground reservations. To do so call Jean at 386 233-9154 or 207 633-4782. After reserving your site, go to shorehills.com website and click on Reservation Information. On the Reservation Information page at the bottom, click “here” to print out reservation form, and send form along with a $50.00 deposit to Campground. As this rally is over Labor Day weekend and the end of the season, it is important that you make your reservations ASAP in order to get a site. Mention Dogwood when you make your reservation. Sites are approximately $50.00 per night and they do offer Good Sam’s discount. Additional details on menu, rally fees, etc will follow at a later date. Great area, delicious food. Call me if you have questions. Rich, 301 481-6003     

Care Person Report December 2017

Care Person Update                              

Susan Buelow                          

by Susan Buelow

As 2017 comes to an end, please remember those members in our Chapter who have passed during the year to include Don Anderson and Wes Miller, along with family and friends of Dogwood members. Also remember those who are sick or suffering. Our thoughts and prayers are with them and their families.

And just a reminder to let me know that if you are aware of someone in the Dogwood family who is hurt or sick, or who has passed, please contact me so I can notify Paul and send out cards/donations etc.

Thank you,

Susan  

Washing Tip by Marion Cockrell

Washing Tip by:       

Marion Cockrell

When washing your red sweatshirt the first time, try this to prevent color fading

Use cold water and add 1 cup of white vinegar, NO DETERGENT.  This sets the color to prevent "running" onto your clothes.

Remember, NO DETERGENT!

Safety Update December 2017

Fire Extinguisher RecallButch Jones

The Kiddie Company has issued a recall on most of their plastic handle fire extinguishers. There are more than 40 million, yes million fire extinguishers included in this recall.  These are used in automobiles, trucks, RVs and boats. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) “The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.” So this is an important safety issue for all RVers. 

There has been one reported death, which occurred in 2014. This happened when an extinguisher failed during a car fire. There have been 16 reported injuries, 91 reports of property damage and 391 reports of the extinguishers failing to operate properly or not at all. 

This recall includes 134 models manufactured as far back as 1973 and as recently as August 2017. All the units have a plastic handle or plastic push button. Units with a metal handle or valve assembly are not included in the recall. The plastic handles and buttons can break or detach when force is applied

This is not the first recall in recent times. This is the third time Kidde has issued a recall for this type of fire extinguisher, and it’s by far the largest. The earlier recalls were made in March 2009 and February 2015.

Kidde is offering free replacements to anyone who owns one or more of the recalled units. “Consumers with a recalled fire extinguisher should contact Kidde right away,” Wallace says.

To claim a replacement, check the brand name and model number of your fire extinguisher against the CPSC recall notice. The model numbers are printed on the body of the fire extinguisher (see photos above and below). You can call Kidde at 855-271-0773 or visit the Kidde website, where you can fill out a form to get a new unit. 

If you go to the Kiddie website scroll down and you will see three boxes, one with a smoke detector, one with a fire extinguisher and the other with a keypad of sorts. Click on the box with the fire extinguisher. This will get you into the recall screen. Then follow the prompts the first you will click on United States then follow the directions from the next screen.

Here is the consumer contact for Kidde. The toll-free number is 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. If you want more information you can also go to the CPSC website, just type “fire extinguisher recall” and the CPSC website will be visible.

I have two of the affected extinguishers and it has been several weeks since I sent my information to Kiddie. I still have not heard from them, but remember there are 40 million extinguishers out there so I guess they may be a bit busy.

I will keep you updated if more information becomes available.

Dues Reminder

Dues are Due Reminder

Wilt Greenwood  "Christmas Rally 2017"

Dogwood Chapters Dues are $10.00 per year and 2018 dues are payabel in December each year.

Send your dues to:

Pat Allen
9507 Lakewater Court
Henrico, Va,  23229