President’s Message – Nov/Dec 2021

Good Morning Dogwood Friends!  This has been an unusual year for all of us, but we are all back to traveling again, and enjoying our trips and rallies. We have had terrific rallies this year - Natural Bridge, North Landing, Booth Bay, and Ashland (twice). And based on our notes from the Christmas Rally last week, we have plans for doing something in nearly every month in 2022. So, get your rigs ready and let's hit the road! Speaking of the Christmas Rally, what a great weekend that was! Thirty of us joined up for four days of food and fun in Ashland at Americamps. Some good things have also happened this year: our rallies have continued, we got the new Dogwood Flyers printed and folks have been handing them out at campgrounds, and we have picked up five new coach families. Not bad at all.

 

So far, we know that the Greenwoods, Monaghans, and us (the Herberts) are planning to go to the FMCA International Rally In Tucson, AZ in March. If you are planning to attend, please let me know so we can try and catch up with you there - maybe, travel out together?

 

In any event, it is officially winter, so time to winterize your rig (if you're not going south any time soon) and do all the maintenance things that motorhomes need. Jean and I discovered that mice really liked our Tiffin. We had to spend lots of time cleaning and scrubbing (and de-mousing) prior to the Christmas Rally. My next job is to plug all the holes; wish me luck on that. 

 

For now, safe travels and we'll see you down the road.

 

Regards,

Ed Herbert

Dogwood President

 

Secretary’s Report – Nov/Dec 2021

Dogwood Chapter Business Meeting Minutes

December 4, 2021

Members present:  Berkley and Karen Alexander, Clint and Pat Allen, Jim and Susan Buelow, Paul and Nancy Cummings, Mary Lou Dudziak, Robert and Nancy Greene, Wilt and Barbara Greenwood, Ed and Jean Herbert, Rob and Donna Hill, Jim and Mary Hunter, Henry Kuiken, Dave and Nanette Meyer, Pace and JoAnn Mimms, Rob and Dale Robison, Ken and Marsha Thorpe, Ed and Connie Tilman, and Mike Vreeland

1.  Call to Order:  Having a quorum established, President, Ed Herbert ("Ed") called the meeting to order at 11:20 a.m. with a welcome and thanks for the good food and fellowship.  He reported that the campground staff had "bent over backwards" to make our rally a special event and asked everyone to thank them.

2.  Treasurer’s Report:

A.   Treasurer, Pat Allen, reported that the current balance in Dogwood treasury is approximately $2,700.

B.   Ed reminded members to send 2022 dues ($15 per coach) to Pat.  

C.  A few members are arrears in paying their dues.  Pat will be contacting them.

D.  The Treasurer’s Audit Results:  The Treasurer’s Audit Committee (Berkley Alexander, Jim Buelow, and Ed Herbert) conducted an audit of Dogwood’s treasury on December 3, 2020.  The books look complete and well kept.

3.  Communications:

A.   Dave Meyer ("Dave"), Communications Vice President, asked everyone to look over the current directory, that was being passed around the room, and mark any corrections that needed to be made.  If needed, member photos can be taken today.

B.   An updated membership directory will be distributed by the first of the year.

C.  The Dogwood blog site has been updated with mirror cover/garden flag, and new shirt order forms.

D.  Dave's goal, in the coming year, is to build a Dogwood website, to include the blog.

E.   Paul Cummings suggested considering a Dogwood Facebook site.

F.   An "Items for Sale" section was added to the blog site this past summer.

4.  FMCA Membership Reconciliation: 

A.   Jean Herbert, Dogwood Secretary, met with Pat Allen, Dave Meyer, and Ed Herbert, with the help of Jim Buelow and Berkley Alexander, to compare the FMCA Dogwood roster with our Dogwood list of members.  Some members were deleted, some new members were added, and Pat Allen is going to follow-up on members we have not heard from lately.  The updated audit report must be sent to FMCA before the end of the year.

B.   Dogwood’s current membership number is 50 coaches. 

5.  Dogwood Shirts, Mirror Covers, and Garden Flags:

A.   Dogwood tee shirts and sweatshirts are provided by John Martin, Jim Buelow’s son-in-law. Jim has agreed to continue as the POC for ordering shirts. Prices for the shirts have increased.  An updated shirt order form is on the Dogwood blog site. Members wishing to order tee shirts or sweatshirts should print and complete the order form and send it, along with a check, to Jim.  Instructions are on form. 

B.   An order form for mirror covers and garden flags is on the Dogwood blog site.

6.  Rally Master Report:

A.   Rally Master, Henry Kuiken, thanked the 2021 rally hosts and passed out host pins for 2021.

B.   2022 Rally plans are as follows:

January - Lunch or dinner gathering for Dogwood members in the Titusville Florida area. Date to be determined.  Hosts:  Tilmans

February 21-23 - Rally at TGO ("The Great Outdoors) in Titusville Florida.      Hosts:  Sohles

March 23-26 - FMCA  International Rally in Tucson, Arizona

April 22-24 - Old Mill Stream Campground in Lancaster PA,  Hosts:  Hunters

May 18-21 - Devil's Backbone Brewery and Campground,  Hosts:  Herberts.  This may be moved to October, depending on campground availability.

June 9-11 - Carolina Crossroads Campground in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina,  Host:  Nelson

July 7-10 - Greater Eastern Area Rally ("GEAR"), Lewisburg, West Virginia.   Jim Buelow reported that Volunteers are needed.

August 24-27 - FMCA International Rally, Lincoln, Nebraska

August 24-Sep 7 – Lobsterfest Rally at Shore Hills Campground in Booth Bay, Maine,  Hosts:  Alexanders and Tilmans

September, Date to be determined, Rally at North Landing Campground in Virginia Beach OR Outer Banks,  Hosts:  Meyers, Buelows, and Mimms.

November 4-5 – Urbanna Oyster Festival;  Hosts  Alexanders

December 2-4 - Dogwood Christmas Rally at Americamps;  Hosts  Kuikens and Herberts

 

7.  EAMA Update:  Rob Hill reported that the GEAR rally dates changed for next year, from October to July.

8.  Wilt Greenwood reported that Gourmands Chapter dinners are being scheduled for the Tucson and GEAR rallies.

9.  Closing by President:  Ed wished everyone Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

10.  The meeting was adjourned at 12:15 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Jean Herbert, Secretary

FMCA Dogwood Chapter 

Treasurer's Report – Nov/Dec 2021

The current balance in Dogwood treasury is approximately $2,700.

We still have a few outstanding 2021/2022 Chapter dues. Please help us by getting this done – if you have not gotten your dues to Pat Allen, please send her your check.  If you have any questions, please email us at FMCADogwood@gmail.com.

 

Pat Allen, Treasurer

VP Rallies Update – Nov/Dec 2021

Hello to all.  Merry Christmas to each of you and your families!  Trust everyone is doing well and has had a good year.  We have had some fun Rallies this year, despite the Covid out break!  I want to thank all of you that have hosted a Rally this past year, which made for some fun times for all!  If you missed the Christmas Rally, you missed a great time!!  Our Hosts, Herberts and Meyers did a fabulous job, excellent food, fun, games, and prizes!!  A huge thank you to both couples!!

 

Here is a list of Rallies we have scheduled for 2022:

 

January:  Hosts  Ed and Connie Tilman

         Lunch or dinner in Titusville FL

         At the Great Outdoors (TGO)  FL

February 21-23:  Hosts  Steve and Sue Sohles

         Rally at TGO ("The Great Outdoors) in Titusville Florida.

March 23-26:  FMCA International Rally in Tucson AZ

April 22-24:  Hosts  Jim and Mary Hunter

Old Mill Stream Campground in Lancaster PA

May 18-21:  (may be moved to Oct.) Hosts  Ed and Jean Herbert

         Devils Backbone Brewery

June 9-11:  Host  Lynn Nelson

         Carolina Crossroads in Roanoke Rapids NC

July 7-10:  GEAR Rally in Lewisburg WV (moved from October)

         Can use some volunteers for this

August 24-27:  FMCA International Rally in Lincoln Nebraska

August 24-Sept 7:  Hosts  Alexanders and Tilmans

         Lobsterfest Rally at Shore Hills Campground in Booth Bay Maine

September (date TBD) Hosts  Buelows, Meyers and Mimms

         North Landing Campground in Virginia Beach OR Outer Banks

November 4-5: Hosts  Karen and Berkley Alexander

         Urbanna Oyster Festival

December 2-4: Hosts, Herberts and Kuikens

         Dogwood Christmas Rally at Americamps   

 

I am encouraged by everyone’s participation and am looking forward to a fun year!  If anyone has an idea for another get together let us know and we can put the information out to all!

 

Wishing you all a very blessed and safe New Year!

 

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

 

Safe Travels,

 

Henry Kuiken, Rally Master

VP Membership Update – Nov/Dec 2021

WELCOME to our newest Dogwood Members – Robert and Gerry Canipe from Williamsburg, VA     and     Gary Ham from Box Elder, SD     and     Lynn Nelson and Wayne Dancause from Virginia Beach, VA.  Glad to have you and looking forward to seeing you at the upcoming Rallies!!

 

Pat Allen, VP Membership

Safety Article – Nov/Dec 2021

Food Safety, There May be More to it Than You Thought

By Butch Jones

 

    The COVID-19 situation has made me as well as others think about food safety. RVers in general and Dogwoods in particular love to eat. I am reminded of this every time I look in the mirror or try to fit into clothes. It is strange how clothes shrink just hanging in the closet, but I digress. Part of the enjoyment of RVing and Rallies is enjoying a meal together and this is true especially during the holiday season. I came across an article on food thermometers. This caused me to do some research on food safety as well as the digital food thermometer. 

    I found some recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning food safety. Some of these are things that many are already doing, however, I found a few that were new to me.  By following these simple steps, we can help protect ourselves and those with which we are sharing a meal. There are 4 basic steps, Clean, Separate, Cook and Chill. 

1.    Clean: Wash Your Hands and Surfaces Often. Wash your hands thoroughly and often during food handling and clean the food preparation surfaces often. Rinse fruits and vegetables before peeling or cutting to prevent germs from entering the eatable portions.

2.    Separate: Don’t Cross Contaminate. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs to ready-to-eat foods unless you keep them separate.

3.    Cook: Cook to the right temperature. Using a food thermometer is the best way to do this, more on this later. I have included a food temperature chart in this article.

4.    Chill: Refrigerate properly. Food left at room temperature or in the “Danger Zone” between 40^oF and 140^oF can allow bacteria to multiply rapidly. Never leave perishable food out for more than 2 hours. If exposed to temperatures above 90^oF (like in a hot car or at a potluck) refrigerate within 1 hour. Always thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator, in cold water or in a microwave oven. Never thaw frozen foods on the countertop because bacteria can multiply on the parts of the food that has reached room temperature.

5.    I have a fifth step that was not mentioned in the CDC. Label: Since there are increased number of people with food allergies such as nuts, peanuts, gluten, and shellfish, it is important to label anything provided to guests or a potluck which may contain ingredients from one or more of these allergies. If you are aware of another allergy that someone coming to the meal has, make sure to label anything that has those allergic items. 

    I was also surprised to learn that raw meat, chicken, turkey, and eggs should not be washed before cooking. Cooking thoroughly will kill harmful germs. Washing can spread germs to adjacent countertops, other items, and utensils.

    Washing vegetables and fruits should always be done before cutting or pealing to prevent germs entering thru the cuts or into the peeled item. Speaking of germs, they can spread if a separate plate is not used for raw and cooked meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood. When cooking these meats, always check the temperature using a meat thermometer and cook at a high enough temperature to kill germs and bacteria.

    Marinading should always be done in the refrigerator, regardless of the marinade being used. 

    When putting hot foods in the refrigerator, divide large portions and put all foods in small enough containers that they can be cooled quickly. 

    I read an article on food safety that reviewed a digital food thermometer. The one tested, Thermopen One, came with temperature charts and other information about safe cooking temperatures and food handling. A quick internet search netted several digital food thermometers in the $14.00 to $106.00 range depending upon the options desired. 

    We all want to have a fun safe time at our rallies and travels, so just a few ounces of prevention can keep us all safe. Susie and I wish all of you a Merry (and Safe) Christmas and New Year. 

Wishing everyone safe travels. 

Butch Jones, Safety Chairman

Celebrating Dogwood Birthdays and Anniversaries Dec/Jan

Updated/Corrected on Jan 1, 2022

Our Word of the Day

Strikhedonia (n.) 

    Origin: Greek

 

Submitted by Nanette Meyer

Dogwood Christmas Rally - 2021 - Summary

Dogwood Christmas Rally, 2021

Dogwood 2021 Christmas Rally at Americamps in Ashland, Virginia - Dec 3-5, 2021 Summary

 

The following members were in attendance: hosts Ed & Jean Herbert and Dave & Nanette Meyer, Berkley & Karen Alexander, Pat & Clint Allen, Jim & Susan Buelow, Paul & Nancy Cummings, Mary Lou Dudziak, Bob & Nancy Greene, Wilt & Barbara Greenwood, Rob & Donna Hill, Jim & Mary Hunter, Pace & Joann Mimms, Robi & Dale Robison, Ken & Marsha Thorpe, Ed & Connie Tilman and Mike Vreeland. (Henry & Patty Kuiken were co-hosts too but had to cancel at the last minute due to illness, but Henry attended Saturday’s activities. We missed you!)

 

Several members arrived early so on Thursday we had Happy Hour and a dinner of heavy hors d’oeuvres at the Meyer’s campsite. Everyone brought their chairs and Jim Buelow brought his gas firepit to put in the middle. It was a great start to the weekend.

 

Friday started out with the annual audit and then later, Happy Hour and dinner provided by the hosts, consisting of chicken cacciatore (made by Jean Herbert) with spaghetti, salad, French bread and dessert. Oh my, was it delicious!! Then we raffled off some goodies and played several rounds of Left, Right, Center. Btw, the Herberts met their neighbor in site #E10, Gary Ham, and invited him to our gatherings. He ended up joining Dogwood before the weekend ended. Welcome!

 

Yankee Swap and it's a steal!

Saturday morning started with breakfast in the Rally Room & it was delish!! Everyone brought something yummy to share. We took the group photo right after eating and then started the business meeting. Happy Hour was at 5, before another wonderful dinner provided by the hosts consisting of ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, salad, biscuits & rolls and dessert. Needless to say, no one left hungry! We had the Yankee Swap after dinner, and everyone seemed to have a great time.

 

Clint Allen

Sunday morning, we gathered in the Rally Room for breakfast leftovers from Saturday and baked goods before saying goodbye to those people leaving for their next destinations. Several coaches stayed over Sunday night, so we met for dinner & again enjoyed leftovers of chicken cacciatore, salad, ham, scalloped potatoes, bread & rolls, green beans and desserts. Boy, does this group always eat well or what?!! 

 

Another year of great rallies are in the books for Dogwood, and we hope that 2022 will have some more great times in store for this wonderful group to enjoy fun, food & friendship!

 

Your hosts,

 

Ed & Jean Herbert

Dave & Nanette Meyer

Henry & Patty Kuiken

~Click here to see the Rally Photo Album~

 

2021 Dogwood Christmas Rally - Update

UPDATED 11/27  - Please see below.

2019

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!   Hello Dogwood!  Yes, it is time for our annual Dogwood Christmas Rally (just a week away) and here’s the latest information on the rally.

 

Your Hosts:

         Jean & Ed Herbert                  (540-760-4181)

         Patty & Henry Kuiken              (540-424-8134)

         Nanette & Dave Meyer            (757-813-0828)

 

Rally Dates:  December 3-5, 2021.

 

Although the rally doesn’t officially begin until the 3rd, we’re planning an informal gathering with heavy hors d’oeuvres for those arriving on the 2nd.  Please see details below.

 

Location:   Americamps Campground

11322 Air Park Road

Ashland, VA 23005

804-798-5298 

 

Attendees:  We have 35 attendees and 18 coaches registered for the Rally!  If you believe you signed up and are NOT on the list, please let us know!

 

Alexander,  Berkley & Karen

Allen,  Pat & Clint

Buelow,  Susan & Jim

Dudziak,  Mary Lou

Greene,  Bob & Nancy

Greenwood,  Wilt & Barbra

Herbert,  Ed & Jean

Hill,  Rob & Donna

Hunter,  Mary  & Jim

Kuiken,  Patty & Henry (+ Cindy - Patty's sister)

Meyer,  Dave & Nanette

Mimms,  Pace & Jo Ann

Robison,  Dale & Robi

Thorpe,  Ken & Marsha

Tilman,  Ed & Connie

Cummings, Paul & Nancy

Monaghan, Andrea & Roger

Vreeland,  Mike

 

Note:  All of our activities will be in the Rally Room.  Please bring your own drinks, plates, and utensils to all meals.  And we divided hors d’oeuvres and deserts between families to help cut down on the over-abundance of food – please look for your name and details below.

 

Food Drive:  We are having a food drive at the rally for the local food bank. Please bring your donations and we will have a drop-off container in the Rally Room.  Thanks in advance!

 

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, Dec 2 (pre-Rally)

5:00 pm  Informal gathering in the Rally Room–please bring a heavy hors d’oeuvre to share.

 

Friday, Dec 3

 

1:00 pm  Dogwood officers meet for the annual Chapter Roster Update for FMCA, and fiscal audit.  Ed Herbert has sent a separate email to those needing to attend and activity details.

 

5:00 pm  Social hour in the Rally Room.

> We’re asking the following families to bring a light hors d’oeuvre to share:

Alexander, Allen, & Buelow, Vreeland

 

6:00 pm  Chicken Cacciatore Dinner provided by your hosts in the Rally Room.

> We’re asking the following families to bring a desert to share: 

Dudziak, Greene, & Greenwood

 

Games are planned for after dinner - Please bring 3 $1 bills per person.  Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners.  We will also have a Raffle with lots of fun and prizes!

 

Saturday, Dec 5

10:00 am  Covered dish breakfast – Bring a prepared breakfast dish to share.

 

After breakfast, we’ll gather for a group photo, so please wear your favorite Dogwood apparel.  We’ll also have our Business Meeting and our Rally Planning for 2022. Please bring your thoughts on rally locations, rally activities and a willingness to host a rally for 2022. Let’s make 2022 a great year for rallies!

 

5:00 pm  Social hour in the Rally Room.

> We’re asking the following families to bring a light hors d’oeuvre to share:

Hill, Hunter, & Mimms, Cummings

 

6:00 pm  Ham Dinner provided by your hosts.

> We’re asking the following families to bring a desert to share:

                   Thorpe, & Tilman, Monaghan, Cindy

 

After dinner we’ll have the 50/25/25 Raffle sales and drawing as well as the crowd favorite Yankee Swap.  Please bring one wrapped gift per coach, valued at $25.00, to participate and be prepared to laugh and have fun.

 

Sunday, Dec 6

 

9:00 am  Continental breakfast and rally wrap up.  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

2021 Dogwood Christmas Rally

2019

Yes, it is almost time for our annual Dogwood Christmas Rally and here’s the latest information on the rally. More to come so stay tuned to your favorite Blogspot!

 

Your Hosts: 

         Jean & Ed Herbert                  (540-760-4181)

         Patty & Henry Kuiken              (540 424 8134)

         Nanette & Dave Meyer            (757-813-0828)

 

Rally Dates: December 3-5, 2021.

 

Although the rally doesn’t officially begin until the 3rd, several members will arrive on the 2nd. For those that do, we plan an informal gathering for Social hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

 

Location: Americamps Campground

                  11322 Air Park Road

                  Ashland, VA 23005

                  804 798-5298 

 

We have 30 sites blocked out for Dogwood.  We currently have 12 confirmed reservations.  Please make your own reservations with the campground. Tell them you are with Dogwood.  Our group rate is $50.00 per night plus tax. Cutoff date for reservations is November 19, 2020.  Then, please complete the Registration Form below and send to Jean. 

 

Rally Fees: Rally fees will be $25.00 per adult and $15.00 per child.

Food Drive: We plan on doing a food drive at the rally for the local food bank. More to come later on this.

 

Note: All of our activities will be in the Rally Room.  Please bring your own drinks, plates, and utensils to all meals.

 

 

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, Dec 2 (pre-Rally)

5:00 p.m.  Informal get together in the Rally Room – Social hour, please bring a heavy hors d’oeuvre to share.

 

Friday, Dec 3

 

5:00 p.m.  Social hour in the Rally Room with light hors d’oeuvres. 

 

6:00 p.m.  Dinner provided by your hosts in the Rally Room.    

 

Games are planned for after dinner.  We will also have a Raffle with lots of fun and prizes!  

 

Saturday, Dec 5

10:00 a.m. Covered dish breakfast – Bring a prepared breakfast dish to share.

 

After breakfast, we will gather for a group photo, so please wear your favorite Dogwood apparel.

   

We will also have our Business Meeting and our Rally Planning for 2022. Please bring your thoughts on rally locations, rally activities and a willingness to host a rally for 2022. Let’s make 2022 a great year for rallies!

 

 

5:00 p.m.  Social hour in the Rally Room with light hors d’oeuvres. 

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner provided by your hosts.  

 

After dinner we’ll have the 50/25/25 Raffle sales and drawing as well as the crowd favorite Yankee Swap.  Please bring one wrapped gift per coach, valued at $25.00 to participate, and be prepared to laugh and have fun.

 

 

Sunday, Dec 6

 

9:00 a.m. Continental breakfast and rally wrap up.

Registration Form:

(Click here for a pdf version for easier printing)

Cutoff date for registration is November 19, 2021.

 

Name(s) of attendees:

 

 

Number of adults times   $25.00       =       _________     

 

Number of children times $15.00       =       _________

                                  

Total enclosed      =       _________

 

Please make checks payable to:  Jean Herbert   (not Dogwood)

 

Please mail registration forms to:       Jean Herbert

3216 Cavalry Ridge Ct.

Fredericksburg VA  22408

 

 

*** and please send her an e-mail at Jherbert125@aol.com, just in case the regular mail gets delayed!

 

 

 

Please join us for “FUN, FOOD, and FRIENDSHIP at the last rally of 2021.