Care Person Update – Tom Spiezio

Tom Spiezio passed away this morning, January 11, 2026.

Tom & Carolyn Spiezio

Hello Everyone,  

 

Sadly, we share the news that Dogwood member Tom Spiezio passed away peacefully this morning, January 11, following his courageous, 9-month battle with cancer. Tom and Carolyn have been Dogwood members since 2022.  

A wish of Tom's was to go back to Florida, and his doctors said he could go for a short time. On Monday Jan 5th, they flew down from Delaware. His health took a turn for the worse and he was placed in hospice (Hospice House in Lacanto, FL, not far from Crystal River) on Friday Jan 9th. His brothers live down near Fort Myers and I understand that both were there, on Friday at least.

Thank you to Donna Hill for passing on this sad news.

 

Our condolences to Carolyn and the Spiezio family.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort. 

 

 

Sincerely, 

Nanette Meyer, Care Person
FRVA Dogwood Chapter

Happy New Year Dogwood!!

President’s Message – Nov/Dec 2025

Hey Dogwood –

 

It is winter in Fredericksburg! OK, not exactly yet but pretty dang close – the air is crisp, clear and fogs up your glasses on the exhale. We love it! So get out there and enjoy the cold! (sorry to you Florida folks) We had a great Christmas Rally and our (excellent) hosts – Kuikens, Hills, & Warrens – did an outstanding job for us at Rockahock Campground. Business was conducted and we got our membership roll aligned with FRVA, and our financial audit passed muster. And the fact that we held an “official” meeting means that we met all of our FRVA chapter requirements for the year. You might shrug and say, “Ah, so what?”, but this is a big deal. In the past year about six Eastern Area chapters didn’t or couldn’t do this and had to close up shop. So we have 52 “F” members and are going strong – great for us!

 

OK, so what’s ahead for 2026? Well, the tentative schedule of rallies will be posted shortly and I remember about six or seven events being penciled in. I can tell you that Jean and I will be hosting two rallies next year – the Mr. B’s Spring Bluegrass Festival in early May and the Joint Rally with Penn Coachmen in August. Details to follow. Then there’s the FRVA rallies in Perry. GA, and Sedalia. MO.

 

I want to thank you, each and everyone; you have made this club something that people want to be part of – you have made us very successful.

 

Merry Christmas and have a great New Year.

Safe Travels –

Ed & Jean

 

  

Ed Herbert, President

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

  

Secretary’s Report – Nov/Dec 2025

Dogwood Chapter Business Meeting Minutes

 

December 6, 2025

 

Members present: Alexander, Allen, Bingham, Bragg, Buchanan, Buelow, Cummings, Davis, Dudziak, Green, Herbert, Hill, Kuiken, Kuppert, Meyer, Nixon, Owen, Robison, Tenney, Tilman, Torrence, and Warren

 

1. Call to Order: President, Ed Herbert called the meeting to order at 10:30 AM with a welcome and thanks to the rally hosts, Kuikens, Hills, and Tennys for the good food and fellowship.

2. Minutes: ...

….  Continue Reading 

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Lou Dudziak, Secretary

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

Treasurer’s Report – Nov/Dec 2025

Treasury balance is $$4166.62 as of 12/6/2025.

And a Reminder - 2026 Dogwood dues are now due in the amount of $15.00/coach.

 

Please mail them to me at:

 

Sonia Kuppert

FRVA Dogwood Chapter Treasurer

6113 Providence Court

Fredericksburg, VA  22407

 

Please make checks payable to FMCA Dogwood Chapter.

 

 

Sonia Kuppert, Treasurer

FRVA, Dogwood Chapter

 

VP Membership Update – Nov/Dec 2025

 

Hello Dogwood family,

 

We hope that all is well as we prepare and celebrate Christmas.

 

As we close out the year, I just want to thank all of you for your support during the past year. Our membership remains steady and it is great to see newer members, along with the old, stepping up to support our great chapter.

 

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

 

And remember, never miss an opportunity to meet new friends and invite them to join Dogwood.

 

Regards and SAFE travels,

 

Jim Buelow, VP Membership

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

Care Person Update – Nov/Dec 2025

Hello Dogwood Friends…

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

 

November

Y  Steve Sohles - Steve had 2 cardiac arrests at the end of Oct and had an ICD unit, a pacemaker/defibrillator, implanted on Monday, November 10. He went home on Wednesday, the 12th and is recovering slowly but surely, as he is asking for ice cream…Cherry Nut to be exact!! From Publix!! 😅 Also glad to hear his sense of humor has made a good recurrence! He has a long road to go, but with prayers and encouragement, he will do well. Sent a get-well card.

Y  Larry Sherrow - He had gall bladder surgery the last week of Oct and is doing well. Clarissa was also sick in Oct but is much better. Sent a joint get-well card.

Y  Jim Spain - His sister passes away after a long illness on Nov 20th. Set a sympathy card. 

 

December

Y  Jim Hunter - He was having problems with kidney stones so had to cancel going to the Christmas Rally. Sent a get-well card.

Y  Dale Robison - She is having some health issues that started on their trip out West. She also didn’t attend the Christmas Rally so she could rest, and during the Rally, Robi reported that she was starting to feel better, so staying home was the right choice! Sent a get-well card.

Y  Patty & Henry Kuiken - Both got sick on the last day of the Christmas Rally. I guess that goes to show how hard they worked to help the rally be successful! Sent a joint get-well card.

Y  From Carolyn Spiezio on Dec 18: 

"Update on Tom

FINALLY, we got a good MRI. He's had an MRI every month since this all started last April. This is the first time it's showed no growth in the multiple tumors. If everything goes well after his Chemo next week, Drs said we can take a short trip to visit friends & family in Florida. So we are going to try soon

Thank u for all the continued prayers, calls & cards. This was the best Christmas gift of all."

 

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 

  

Safety Article – Nov/Dec 2025

What if I were to convey that saving water was part of the aggregate topic of “safety”?  If you’re not buying the idea, keep reading as I try my best to convince you.  My topic this session revolves around our RV fresh water tank, and to a lesser degree, the grey water tank.  I must add another qualification to my idea:  This concept applies best when dry-camping.

 

Dry camping for more than a day or so may distress these tanks (or distress the rig owner):  Any fresh water used in the rig does indeed find its way into  …. 

….  Continue Reading

THINK

SAFETY

EVERYDAY!

 

Wishing everyone safe travels.

Robi Robison, Safety Chairman
FRVA Dogwood Chapter

   

  

Celebrating Dogwood Birthdays and Anniversaries – Dec 2025/Jan 2026

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.  🥳

Happy Thanksgiving!

Care Person Update – Steve Sohles

Steve & Sue Sohles

Hi all,
Want to pass on that Steve Sohles is doing well after having an ICD unit, a pacemaker/defibrillator, implanted on Monday, November 10. He went home on Wednesday, the 12th and is recovering slowly but surely, as he is asking for ice cream…Cherry Nut to be exact!! From Publix!!  Also glad to hear his sense of humor has made a good recurrence! He has a long road to go, but with prayers and encouragement, I’m sure he will do well. 

Happy Thanksgiving Steve & Sue, and of course, to all of Dogwood. 

Nanette

(Original posting - 11/3/2025)

Hi All,

I heard from Jim Buelow that Steve Sohles is in the hospital in Florida. I called and talked to Sue and she says he had 2 cardiac arrests over the weekend. He is in a medically induced coma so that his body and heart can rest, and then the doctors can figure out what to do next. Good news is that no blockages have been found. So, now they wait. Please keep both Steve & Sue in your prayers. I’ve included their Titusville address for anyone who would like to send a card or note. Let’s rally around them with Dogwood love!!   ❤️‍ 🙏

Steve & Sue Sohles

848 Plantation Drive

Titusville, FL 32780

Sincerely, 

Nanette Meyer, Care Person
FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

   

GEAR 2025 - Summary

Hello Dogwood! The GEAR 2025 was a pretty big thing! The Eastern Area hosted approximately 360+ families and I think all Eastern Area Chapters were accounted for. The Tenneys and the Kupperts rolled in on Sunday; Jean and I, along with Jim & Susan Buelow, and Paul  Cummings rolled in on Monday.  Other Dogwood folks included the Greenwoods, Alexanders, Mahanes,  Bucklews, Britzs and Cipas. So we had a good representation, and the Penn Coachmen were there also.

 

This campground is/was HUGE – 800+ sites or houses. We definitely needed the golf cart to get around. Our campsites were all on concrete pads with full hookups. Well-tended is an appropriate term – everything seemed to be neat, organized and in its place. So we would go back anytime.

 

Wilt Greenwood hosted a terrific seafood dinner at Wahoo’s Fish House on Tuesday evening and we (Dogwood) had a gathering at our site on Thursday evening. The party was fun and it was great seeing everyone together, but, man, It was WINDY! The next day I was able to get a few hours out on the beach – for the most part the day time weather was beautiful and lots of folks and fishermen were out on the beach. There was a slew of horseback riders out there as well. 

 

So the rally went off pretty well – about a dozen vendors and some excellent evening entertainment. The seminars were good too; we only had two rooms for seminars, but it worked out. At the Chapter Fair we (Terry, Jean, Dell, Jim, Susan, Paul & me) talked to many, many folks and gave out lots of our Dogwood Flyers. It was interesting to note that several other chapters followed our lead in having flyers (tri-folds) printed for handouts at this event!

 

The Saturday morning Business Meeting was brief – several new officers were voted in including our new Central Region (that’s us) Vice President – Steven Raileanu.  The budget was presented, and the big topic of discussion was over how to use electronic voting in future FRVA elections. Nearly everyone was in favor of electronic voting, and FRVA HQ is looking into this – no timeline or dates of action for now.

 

Dave Fowler and his crew did an excellent job putting on this rally. Two things to note for us – 1) December is our business and planning meeting, so think of some places You would like to go and bring them to the meeting, and 2) The Perry Rally is occurring in March and the Eastern Area is the host. Please let me know if you want to volunteer at Perry.

Click Here for a video by Paul Cummings

 

Safe Travels –

Ed

Ed Herbert, President

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

  

 

Veterans Day

THANK YOU to all our Veterans and their Families!

 

Veterans Day -- originally called Armistice Day -- began as an occasion to reflect upon the heroism of those who died in our country's service. It falls on November 11, the anniversary of the signing of the armistice that ended World War I.

 

In 1954, the name of the holiday was changed from "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day" in order to recognize veterans of all wars.

 

We celebrate and honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

Veterans Day is a time for us to pay our respects to those who have served. For one day, we stand united in respect for you, our veterans.

 

Related: Learn about the history of Veterans Day

 

 

(From the Mlitary.com website >>  Veterans Day)

 

Happy Birthday to our US Marine Corps

Happy 250th Birthday to our US Marine Corps!  

THANK YOU to all our USMC Veterans!

Tun Tavern, "birthplace" of 
the Marine Corps

The United States Marine Corps was established on November 10, 1775, to augment naval forces in the Revolutionary War. The recruiting headquarters was set up by Capt. Samuel Nicholas in the Tun Tavern on Water Street in Philadelphia, which is considered to be the birthplace of the Marines.

(Found on  Wikipedia)

 

President’s Message – Sep/Oct 2025

"Dogwood Row" at the Lancaster Rally 

Hello Dogwood! As I write this, the weather here in Virginia has turned absolutely beautiful and Fall has arrived with a flourish. There is just a slight tinge of yellow on the trees right now – soon to be leaf-peeping time for sure.  Jean and I are preparing for a week-long stay in Duck NC with our old college buddies. It’s funny that even after 50 years, none of us have changed and we all look exactly the same. Wait! Is this a dream? We used to talk kids, now we talk (great) grandkids. Oh well, time moves on. 

 

Hey, last month we had an excellent Rally up in Lancaster – kudos to the Tenneys and the Kuikens for putting on a great event for us. Jean and I probably spent way too much in the Sketchers store across the street, but my feet are happy now. From there, Jean and I motored across Pennsylvania on old Route 30 – what a pretty drive! We got to I-81 and headed south to Buena Vista for the Nothin’ Fancy Bluegrass Festival. And that was a hoot! Dogwood was well represented there, with us, the Davis’, Warrens and Mahanes. The Dogwood Bluegrass band jammed Wednesday and Thursday nights until way too late. On Wednesday evening, we were joined by “Claude” from Paris, France! And on Friday, kids and granddaughter rolled in; Saturday morning my son-in-law and I went fishing and caught a mess of sunfish and little bass in the Maury River. All in all, a great two weeks.

 

OK, GEAR is approaching. The event schedule will be posted on the Eastern Area Web site later this month, but what we know so far is that the concert is Friday night, the talent show and craft shows are on Saturday, along with the Business Meeting. There are some by-law changes to be approved and new leadership for the regions within the Eastern area. I suspect there will be a Chapter Fair, but don’t know time or place yet. Anybody want to do a Dogwood Gathering/dinner? We are going to GEAR, along with the Buelows, Cummings, Kupperts and Greenwoods. If you are going, PLEASE let me know – thanks in advance!

 

Lastly, on the FRVA website (and on our blogsite) the latest letters from the National President and the Executive Committee. There are several committees in the FRVA organization, and if you would like to serve at the National Level, I encourage you to read up on the latest FRVA President’s Letter and check out the various committees underway. 

 

That’s it for now – see you at GEAR and/or our upcoming Christmas Rally. Oh yes, one more thing – the Christmas Rally is also our annual planning rally. Jean and I have already marked off Mr. B’s Bluegrass Festival at the end of April. So where do you want to go next year?

 

Safe Travels –

Ed & Jean

 

Ed Herbert, President

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

  

Treasurer’s Report – Sep/Oct 2025

Treasury balance is $4276.75 as of 10/01/2025.

And a Reminder - 2026 Dogwood dues are now due in the amount of $15.00/coach. I will be at GEAR if anyone wants to drop off payment. I will also be collecting at the Christmas Rally.

 

Or you can always mail them to me at:

 

Sonia Kuppert

FRVA Dogwood Chapter Treasurer

6113 Providence Court

Fredericksburg, VA  22407

 

Please make checks payable to FMCA Dogwood Chapter.

 

 

Sonia Kuppert, Treasurer

FRVA, Dogwood Chapter

VP Rallies Update – Sep/Oct 2025

2025 Lancaster Rally at Old Mill Stream

Rallies scheduled for the rest of this year:

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

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

2024 Christmas Rally

 

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

Happy Camping, 

Dell Tenney, Rally Master

FRVA Dogwood Chapter