President’s Message – Jul/Aug 2023

Ed Herbert

Hello Dogwood! It is August and the Dog Days are upon us! Heat, humidity and bugs – what a great summer....Jean and I are still at home; we have not traveled this summer because of major repairs we needed on the house and some health issues. However, we are OK now. Our next trip out will be to Buena Vista, VA for the big Bluegrass Festival in mid-September. Unfortunately, this hits right when the club is headed for Roanoke Island. Oh well, have a great time and make sure somebody takes Bubba Allen fishing. 

When you get this, our National Director, Ed Fisher, will be in Gillette, WY for the big International Rally. I hope everyone has sent him their picks for the new FMCA Officers; this is an important election so please let Ed Fisher know who you want for president.

 

Speaking of rallies, the latest word on GEAR is that we have 148 families signed up so far. I have been getting handouts and door prizes from our vendors to bring along. Volunteers are needed for the following: 

· Volunteers to cook, serve, etc. on the pancake & sausage breakfast one morning  

· Volunteers to run the Dog Show/Parade – was suggested that we have one because so many of our members have their furry family members that they enjoy showing 

· Volunteer(s) to demonstrate an Instant Pot or other cooking class. 

· Volunteers to work the craft show (flea market for GEAR Attendees). It is expected to have this on Saturday afternoon. The location with tables have yet to be determined.

Any folks interested in helping with these, please contact Ms. Phyllis Britz for a point of contact and phone number. 

 

On a different note, we are part of the Eastern Area of FMCA and one of the nine states covered by it – Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, North Carolina and South Carolina. Pretty big spread with about 8100 members. 

 

EAMA  is soliciting applicants, volunteers and/or nominees for leadership positions in the organization. Elections will be held during the GEAR in Lewisburg, WV. We will be voting for the following positions, and it would be great to have some competition for the following: SR. VP, Area VPs, Treasurer, and Secretary.  I have been asked to poll our chapter members for prospective candidates. If you are interested, please notify the nominating committee of your intent; I suspect they would want a resume of your experiences and statement of willingness to serve. The names, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the nominating committee members are below: 

 

NOMINATING COMMITTEE  

David Fowler (843) 833-3197 dfowler428@gmail.com  

Bill Mallory (859) 338-1366 4windsacres@gmail.com  

Leon Whitt (410) 935-2510 leonwhitt323@aol.com

 

This is an excellent opportunity to serve the organization using your skills of leadership, coach, counselor, finance, organization, etc. You will also have an opportunity to make improvements to enhance the overall operation of our group. In the Eastern Area News reports on our Blogsite, you can read about the adventures and workings of the EAMA officers. These reports will give you a good idea of the activity involved with the various positions. In any event, thank you all in advance for your participation and willingness to serve.  

 

And for Jean and I, that’s it for now. Safe Travels to all and we will see you down the road.

 

Ed Herbert, President

FMCA Dogwood Chapter