Presidents Message by Jim Buelow March, 2020
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| Jim Buelow with his New BFF, |
Hello Dogwood Friends,
I hope all is well and that all of you have had a good winter. Susan and I recently returned from a 2 month trip to FL which we truly enjoyed. The first several weeks out were frustrating and stressful, as we had coach problems including issues with all 3 slides, along with the house batteries. Finally got things squared away for the most part.
We attended the TGO Rally and what a crowd, over 30 attendees. FUN, FOOD, and FRIENDSHIP were definitely in abundance at the rally. Thank you Steve and Sue Sohles and Butch and Susie Jones for putting on a great rally. We also saw 2 space launches, and of course, Susan did some shelling. The best part was meeting new friends, and spending considerable time with Dogwood friends (so many Dogwooders in FL we should consider moving the Dogwood Winter Headquarters there, LOL). A special treat for Susan and I was spending several days with high school and BFF’s from my home town in WI. They were in FL and we were able to get a campsite close to their location. Great times and great memories of FL.
Now for a little Dogwood business.
As we get into 2020, we have some exciting things happening in Dogwood. The TGO rally is in the books and I know a great time was had by all. In addition to the FMCA and Gear rallies, along with Maine, Urbanna and the Christmas rallies, there are 2, possibly 3 additional rallies in the works. One in Devils Backbone, one at Lake Anna State park, and the 3rd at the VFW in Ashland, VA. It will be fun to explore some new and exciting areas. More information on all rallies under Reid’s report. And thanks to those who stepped up as hosts.
At the Christmas Rally, we formed 2 working committees, one to begin plans and find a location for our upcoming Dogwood 25th Anniversary Rally scheduled for mid 2021. The other committee is discussing options to change our name tag and badge configuration to better reflect status and positions. We will have updates from those committees later in the year.
Elections
As you know, 2020 is an election year for Dogwood officers to fill the 2021-2022 term. I have been working with Buck, along with the current officers and members of our Chapter, and here is an update on the status.
President – Ed Herbert has agreed to be nominated.
VP of Membership – Pat Allen has agreed to be nominated for another term.
VP of Communications – Vacant (Note that Paul Cummings is willing to spend the time necessary to train/transition a new member to fill this position).
VP of Rallies – Vacant
Secretary – Jean Herbert has agreed to be nominated for another term.
Treasurer – Pat Allen has agreed to be nominated for another term.
National Director – Ed Fisher has agreed to be nominated for another term, unless someone else is interested.
Alternate National Director – Rich Bonewitz has agreed to be nominated for another term.
Nominating Committee Chairman – Jim Buelow, (past President fills position)
Nominating Committee Member – Rich Bonewitz has agreed to be nominated for another term.
Nominating Committee Member - Vacant
Appointed Positions
Safety Committee Chairman – Butch Jones has agreed to continue as Chairman.
Care Person - Vacant
So as it stands now, we have 3 elected positions and 1 appointed position to fill. Please consider stepping up to fill one of the vacant positions, and if interested, contact Buck at 804 377-6677. And be assured that if you step up to serve, you will not be left hanging. There is a lot of past experience with members, and we will be here to assist new officers at any time. Lets “GET ER DONE” And thanks to all who have agreed to serve for the upcoming term. We will have elections sometime later this year. Possibly by mail-in ballot, but most likely, a vote at the Christmas Rally. More to come on this later. And again, THANK YOU to those who have stepped up.
Mirror Covers - As most of you know, we now have a source for Dogwood Mirror Covers, in fact we have 2 sources. I currently have 2 in my possession, and if those will not fit your coach, contact Peggy Groves at 228 671-9836, or Nanette Meyer at 757 813-0828. Thank you Peggy and Nanette.
SHIRTS - If anyone is interested in purchasing Dogwood T/ Sweat shirts or having your own shirts printed with the Dogwood logo, please contact me at 757 876-7399. (Jim)
I guess I have rambled on long enough. In closing, I want to thank our officers and members for stepping up and making Dogwood the great Chapter that it is. We hope to see you at a rally in the near future.
Welcome to our new members, Dave and Terri Moberly from Mineral, VA
Welcome to our new members, Dave and Terri Moberly from Mineral, VA
Regards and SAFE TRAVELS
Jim Buelow
Dogwood President
