President’s Message – Mar/Apr 2025

Hello Dogwood! Spring has sprung and Virginia is blooming – ACHOO! This club has been doing some traveling, giving us great stories to go with those travels. The stories from Chiefland (thanks Patty & Henry) and Perry (thanks Dave, Dell, Nanette & Terry) are really fun to read; the plans for the upcoming rallies are exciting and all remind me of how nice these rallies can be. Good friends, good fellowship, and of course, good food. 

 

Family RV Association (FRVA) will be holding its 111^th International Convention out in Gillette, WY in July and a new slate of candidates will be voted in. Their resumes should come out in the next FRVA magazine, but here’s a sneak peek just for you - FRVA Candidates for National Office.  Please read over these and let me know who you think Dogwood should vote for. I also serve as your National Director, and depending on family visits this summer,  I plan on attending the convention. However, please let me know if you are planning to attend as well.

💔 On a sad note, our hearts go out to families of members we lost this year – David Gilbert, Nancy Cummings, and Marion Cockrell as well as family members lost – Clint’s brother Bob, Steve’s sister, Patricia, and Dave’s brother Tom. On the other hand, we are glad to read about Tom Spiezio’s recovery, and your president (me!) is nicely recovering from his surgery. I did not realize the number of things a right-handed person can’t do with the left hand. (Ha-ha, Nanette, I can almost shave again!) Also, our rig has been nicely repaired from our little fender-bender of last September and we are looking forward to getting back on the road again. Many thanks to Nanette for keeping us appraised of these things.

 

That’s it for now – safe travels and we’ll see you down the road.

 

Ed and Jean Herbert

 

Ed Herbert, President

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

Treasurer’s Report – Mar/Apr 2025

Treasury balance is $4,452.26.

 

 

 

REMINDER – Chapter Dues for 2025 are now due.  Many of you have already paid – so thanks to all of you!

 

Dues are $15/coach/year.  And remember we have a new Treasurer this year - Please send your Dogwood dues payment to Sonia.

 

Sonia Kuppert

FRVA Dogwood Chapter Treasurer

6113 Providence Court

Fredericksburg, VA  22407

 

 

Sonia Kuppert, Treasurer

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

VP Membership Update – Mar/Apr 2025

Hello Dogwood Family,

 

We hope that all is well with all of you and that you are enjoying our beautiful Spring weather. It's about time to head down the road.

 

2025 Perry, GA.  Dave, Nanette,
Sue, Steve, Dell, & Terry

In our last article I discussed member recruitment, specifically Chapter Fairs, and I will continue on that subject in this article. And by the way, our Chapter Fair at the FRVA rally in Perry last month went very well. Del and Terry Tenney headed up the Fair committee and were assisted by several Dogwood members including Dave and Nanette Meyer, along with Steve and Sue Sohles. They put together a very impressive Dogwood display, talked to many prospective members and handed out a good number of Dogwood fliers. Several people indicated an interest in our chapter and we are hoping to get some new members as a result of the fair. Thanks to all who participated for a great job at the Chapter Fair.

 

In addition to Chapter Fairs, another excellent way to recruit new members is through the use of our Dogwood Flyer (printable copy on the blog), along with copies of the FRVA magazines. Carry copies of both in your RV and never miss an opportunity to stump for Dogwood and FRVA. Rest stops, truck stops, campgrounds, RV stores, rallies, etc are excellent places to strike up a conversation with fellow RV owners, make a new friend and invite them to join. It doesn't require a lot of effort, and believe me, it works.Give it a try.

 

Our current membership is 58 RV families, let's work to not only increase that number, but encourage participation of existing members in Dogwood activities and governing positions.

 

So long until next time and SAFE travels.

 

Regards,

 

Jim Buelow, VP Membership

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

VP Rallies Update – Mar/Apr 2025

2025 Perry, GA

Dogwood Chapter

FRVA 110^th International Convention & RV Expo

Perry Georgia

Hello Dogwood friends. To all who attended the convention, thanks for a great time! For those that could not attend, we missed you but it was a great time and lots to see and do.

The convention started off in a not so pleasant way with rain on Monday as us first timers arrived. Apparently it rained on the volunteers throughout the weekend as they prepared for our arrival so to say the ground was saturated was an understatement. Fortunately, the weather improved changing to sunny and warm, but windy at times, weeklong event.

The Convention had lots of activities, vendors, seminars, and entertainment. Tuesday was highlighted by the First Timer’s Orientation followed by the Chapter Fair where Dogwood had a table and several members shared our experiences and chapter activities. That evening a “Welcome to Perry” Party was held in downtown Perry. Streets were blocked off for vendors, food and dancing. A stage with live entertainment was setup in front of the courthouse and everyone enjoyed a wonderful evening.

The next several days included many seminars, educational events, crafts and vendors selling RV accessories. Thanks for Kurt and Sonia for hosting the Dogwood gathering at their site where we enjoyed happy hour and tall tales of the week’s experiences.

In summary, I believe the Dogwood count this year was 17 members. Hopefully next time we will see familiar Dogwood members and new ones at Perry. 

 

PS: A stop at Carroll’s Sausage & Country Store on the way was well worth the time.

 

 

Rallies scheduled for this year:

 

May 1-4:  Mr. B’s Bluegrass Festival in Woodford VA; Hosts: Herbert

June 5-8:  North Landing Campground, Virginia Beach VA;  Hosts: Buelow, Robison, and Meyer.  Cutoff for making reservations is 5 May.

July 7-11:  Breaks Interstate Park, near Marion VA;  Hosts: Nelson and Brooks

July:  Dogwood Luncheon, date and place TBD;  Hosts: Herbert and Kuppert

July 16-19:  FMCA 111th International Rally; Gillette WY

August 29-Sept 4:  Lobster Rally in Booth Bay ME; Hosts: Alexander and Bonewitz

September 11-14:  Old Mill Stream Campground in Lancaster PA;  Hosts: Tenney and Kuiken

         We have 30 seats reserved for “Noah” at Sight & Sound Theater on 9/12.  Request for tickets will be included on rally registration form.  Ticket payment will need to be paid to rally host with rally registration.

October:  Open

November 4-8:  FMCA Great Eastern Area Rally (“GEAR”); Myrtle Beach SC

December 4-7:  Dogwood Christmas Rally in Lanexa VA at Rochahock Campground;  Hosts: Kuiken, Warren, Brooks, Hill

  

Please see all the Rallies and updated information planned for this year.

Happy Camping, 

Dell Tenney, Rally Master

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

VP Communications Update – Mar/Apr 2025

2025 Suwannee Belle in Chiefland, FL

Hello All.  Nanette & I  had another great trip south again this year.  They seem to be getting longer each year.  And visiting with friends was the best part!  Oh and the weather was a whole lot better too!  We spent a full month at Patrick SFB in Cocoa Beach, FL.  From there we headed over to Chiefland for the rally and then up to Perry for the FRVA Convention.  We left Perry a day early because of the pending storms and headed southeast to Brunswick, GA – where the storms weren’t supposed to go.  But they did follow us and we found ourselves sitting there Sunday morning under a tornado warning.  Thankfully, the system passed without producing any severe weather!  From there we headed up to Myrtle Beach and spend a nice week at Ocean Lakes.  BTW,  Ocean Lakes will be the site for GEAR this coming Nov.  Have you made your reservations yet?  

  

I’m working on a few updates to our Membership Directory – the latest version was distributed on December 30^th.  Please let me know if you have any updates or corrections for me to make.  And be on the lookout for a new version coming out soon.

 

Shared in the last newsletter, we updated a number of Dogwood documents for the new year and the new term for the Dogwood Officers.  As you look through the Blog and our documents, if you find anything I missed, or you feel needs updating – Please let me know so we can get it taken care of!

 

We continue to post updates for the upcoming Rallies, and it is a busy year!  Stay on top of all the latest information - Visit often and Stay up to date here on the Blog Site!

 

As always, please share your travels and adventures – I’d love to share your stories with the chapter!

 

Looking forward to seeing you at one of the next rallies.

 

Dave Meyer, VP Communications

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

Safety Article – Mar/Apr 2025

Fellow Dogwooders…

 

The last newsletter from your Safety Officer focused on all things “rubber” as applied to windshield wipers.  As a recap: Frequent inspection of the wiper blade was stressed.  Evidence of blade aging are (1) cracking of the blade rubber, (2) evidence of separation at either end where the blade’s edge to that of the main rubber structure, (3) skipping or stuttering of a wiper on the windshield in one or both wiping directions.  Or the last failure state:  The damn wiper is just not clearing the rain like it should (i.e., the blade flexibility has aged-out).

 

So with some embarrassment, I must offer the following story which occurred to me (regarding my wipers during a serious rain storm).  Before starting my recent … 

 

  …  Continue Reading

THINK

SAFETY

EVERYDAY!

 

Wishing everyone safe travels.

Robi Robison, Safety Chairman
FRVA Dogwood Chapter

   

 

Care Person Update – Mar/Apr 2025

 Hello Dogwood Friends...

 💟  Ed Herbert had his shoulder replacement the week of March 10. Sent a get-well card, and happy to say that his recovery is coming along well.

 💟  Clint Allen’s oldest brother passed away on March 16. Sent a sympathy card.

💟  Steve Sohles’ sister, Patricia, passed away earlier in March. Sent a sympathy card.

💟  Tom Spiezio had a stroke on April 3, while still in Crystal River, FL. Sent a get-well card and lots of prayers. He had a rough few days, but am happy to report that Carolyn told me he went home on April 10 and is doing well! 

 

Thank you to all who reached out to keep me informed of these events. Please continue to let me know whenever you hear of our members being ill, having surgery, losing a loved one (even a pet) or just not doing well for whatever reason at  ndmeyer3@icloud.com or text me at 757-813-0828.

Sincerely,

Nanette Meyer, Care Person
FRVA Dogwood Chapter 

 

National Director Update – Mar/Apr 2025

Reminder – Hopefully you all saw the letter we published from the Eastern Area regarding the Nominations for the FRVA Review Council.  The deadline for submitting nominations is APRIL 30, 2025.  Nominations should be submitted to me as your National Director.

 

Here is a link to the letter we posted:

 

2025 EAMA request for Review Council Nominations

 

Ed Herbert, National Director

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

Celebrating Dogwood Birthdays and Anniversaries – Apr/May 2025

We would like to help you celebrate your annual milestones.  Please send your dates (just the month is fine) to FMCADogwood@gmail.com so we can include you on those special months.  🥳

 

2025 EAMA request for Review Council Nominations

 View this email online  to access all the embedded links and Forms

Click here for the FRVA Bylaws pdf

Click here for Nomination and Consent Form

Mr B's 2025 Spring Music Spectacular

Updated 4/16/2025  

    See all the latest

Third And Final Call for Mr. B’s Music Spectacular

 

Hey Dogwood, this is the third and final call for Mr. B’s Spring Music Spectacular, May 1- 3 down in Woodford Va. We have 9 campers (16 club members) signed up so far including:

 

Buelow, Herbert, Sohles, Cummings, Dudziak,

Brooks, Greenwood, Spain, & Warren

 

Continue Reading

______________________

(Update Posted 3/3/2025)

Second Call for Mr. B’s 2025 Spring Music Spectacular...

Continue Reading, including the Rally Registration Form

______________________

(Original Post 1/16/2025)

Hello Dogwood! 

This is first call for the upcoming Mr. B’s Bluegrass Spring Music Spectacular on May 1-3, 2025. Like last year, it will be held at Mr. B’s Event Park in Woodford, VA – on the west side of old Route 1 just north of the Ladysmith exit off I-95. Ms. Billie Sue Goff (Event Director and good friend of the club) has set aside 10 spots for us – all together. If more sign up, that’s fine, you just might not be right next door to us. But that’s OK because the campground is easily crossed in minutes from wherever you get parked. The directions and signup sheet will be out on the Dogwood Blog site.   We have two families signed so far: us (the Herberts) and the Buelows.

Jean and I are hosting again for the brunch, but we will need a co-host... 

Continue Reading, including the Rally Registration Form

Your Hosts

Ed & Jean

National Officer Slate - Letter to the Board

Care Person Update – Tom Spiezio

Tom & Carolyn Spiezio

Updated 4/11/2025

 

Hello Dogwood!  I have some wonderful news to share about Tom. I reached out to Carolyn earlier today and have pasted her message below:

 

"Tom was discharged yesterday, he is doing great. No deficit at all. Some words are slow coming out, & he has to think awhile making sentences. We are so blessed we caught & got him help fast. Thank u for caring”

 

Prayers were answered, and it feels really good that I can give some positive news to our group!

Sincerely,

Nanette Meyer, Care Person

FMCA Dogwood Chapter   

___________________

(Original Post 4/7/2025)

Hello Dogwood – wanted to share news we received this afternoon.  Tom Spiezio suffered a stroke Thursday night, Apr 3rd. He is in the ICU at Tampa General Hospital Crystal River.

Please keep Tom and Carolyn in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy and full recovery.   Thank you Donna, for sharing the news.

Sincerely,

Nanette Meyer, Care Person

FMCA Dogwood Chapter   

Dogwood Rally at Breaks Interstate Park

 

Update on Breaks Interstate Rally

 – July 7 – 11  

Based on the information we’ve gathered thus far:

The park is located on the Virginia/Kentucky border. The park encompasses 4,500 acres of greenwood lands and mountain scenery, including the "Grand Canyon of the South". History: The name "Breaks" is derived from the break in Pine Mountain created by the Russell Fork of the Big Sandy River as it carved a 1,000-foot gorge on its way to the Ohio River. The Russell Fork River has carved the largest canyon east of the Mississippi. Its craggy untouched beauty reaches more than five miles long and 1,600 feet deep.

Park features: Olympic pool, a lake with paddleboats and fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, camping areas, a visitor center, a gift shop, playground equipment, ziplining, cabins, a restaurant and amphitheater. Numerous events scheduled.

 

Activities include but not limited to: ...

Continue Reading for all the Rally Details

 

Your Rally hosts are Dan Brooks and Lynn Nelson

________________________

(Original Post 1/23/2025)

Hello Dogwood! Breaks Interstate Park is located on the Virginia/Kentucky boarder and called the Grand Canyon of the South because of the gorge it is located in. Access coming north or south is off I-81. For detailed instructions, check your GPS or see their website:  BreaksPark.com. Please visit the website and read the Things To Know section. If you have a problem driving in the mountains, this might not be for you. From the website: The Breaks Interstate Park is located in a remote area. While the Breaks is surrounded by rugged beauty, this can make getting here a challenge. All roads leading to the Breaks are mountainous, narrow, and curvy. Please plan accordingly. If this is your first trip to the Breaks, we recommend you plan on arriving before dark.

 

Your Rally hosts are Dan Brooks and Lynn Nelson

Continue Reading for all the Rally Details

Dogwood Rally at North Landing Beach

North Landing Beach in Virginia Beach

Updated 4/8/2025

 

The Dogwood Rally at North Landing Beach Campground in Virginia Beach, VA will be held Thursday June 5^th – Sunday June 8^th, 2025. 

 

Hosts are the Buelows, Robisons, and Meyers.

 

We reserved 19 sites at the campground. As of today, 8 of those sites have been reserved.  Attendee names to be provided in final notice.  There are 11 reserved sites left and the cutoff date for campground and rally registration is May 5^th. If you call to reserve a site, and all are taken, please let us know and we will try to work it out.

 Continue Reading - For all the latest rally details, registration form, and more 

____________________

(Original Post - 2/21/2025)

Hello Dogwood!   It’s time for another Dogwood Rally at North Landing Beach RV Resort in Virginia Beach.  

Your Rally Hosts are Jim & Susan Buelow, Robi & Dale Robison, and Dave & Nanette Meyer.  We hope to see you there.  

 

The Rally dates are Thursday, June 5^th – Sunday, June 8^th. 

Location:     …  Continue Reading

 

FRVA Convention at Perry GA - Summary

FRVA’s 110^th International Convention & RV Expo at Perry, GA (Mar 2025)

Dogwood Summary by Dave Meyer

Hello Dogwood!  I want to share a few thoughts on our visit to the FRVA Convention in Perry last month.  First, let me say this was our first time at Perry and we had a wonderful time!  And Dogwood had a good turnout – I think I counted some 17 rigs attending.   ... Continue Reading

Click here to see the Rally Photo Album

Dogwood Rally in Chiefland - Summary

Chiefland Rally - 2025

We had a great rally at Southern Leisure Resort in Chiefland FL!!  

Had a great turnout, with Tenneys coming down from Maryland and snowbirds from all over Florida!!  Tenneys came in on the 3rd so we enjoyed a week with them.  Everyone else came on Friday, March 7th.  

The Rally began by meeting at Suwannee Bell Landing for an early dinner on Friday.  Followed by dessert and coffee at the Kuiken's campfire where we shared a lot of stories and laughs!  

Steamers in Cedar Key

Saturday a group went to Manatee Springs, about a 15-minute drive from Southern Liesure Resort and saw a few Manatees, and then headed to Cedar Key for lunch.  It was a rainy day, so Kuikens and Tenneys stayed at the resort and played games.  Saturday night we took our left-over desserts to the clubhouse where the Resort had a dance.  Meyers and Tenneys were here until Monday morning, so enjoyed a little extra time with them on Sunday.  It was really nice to have newer members Jack and Mary and Carolyn and Tom come.  We enjoyed getting to know them!

 

Thank you to everyone who came, making this a fun Rally!!

Click here to see the Rally Photo Album

 

Sincerely,

Your Hosts

 

Patty & Henry Kuiken

Donna & Rob Hill

Cil & Fairleigh Schoolar