President August 2017

President's Report August 2017

 

Hello Dogwood Family. Hope all is well with all of you.

.Susan and I returned home from our 54 day trip to the West coast on July 30. We had a frustrating and expensive first two weeks out as we had slide issues. After spending several days in RV dealerships and over $2000.00 in repairs, the coach and TOAD finally settled down and we were “On the Road Again”. We traveled almost 8000 miles and did and saw a lot of things. Our bucket list is not empty, but we put a huge hole in it. One thing for sure, America is Beautiful and we have lots of great memories and pictures to confirm that. And, we REALLY enjoyed having a TOAD; don’t know how we did without one for 13 years.

Now for a little business:

As most or all of you know by now, Rich and Elle Bonewitz lost their coach and TOAD in a fire in AZ in June. They and their dogs are fine, but as you can imagine, this was a horrible experience to go through. Rich is including an update on their status in this newsletter. Just a reminder to keep your thoughts, prayers, and calls coming to Rich and Elle.

The FMCA Convention was held in July and two major things happened. The Governing Board approved the resolution to allow all RVs into FMCA, and a new Executive Board was elected. Ed will elaborate on the Convention results and what happens next in his Directors Report.

WELCOME new members Ed and Jean Hebert from Fredericksburg, VA and Skip and Gabby Rasmussen from Fork Union, VA. We look forward to meeting you, and hope you enjoy the fun and friendship that is always abundant in Dogwood.

T-Shirts – The first order of T-shirts has arrived. We received orders for 56 shirts which I think was a great response for the first cut. Now to get then distributed. As shipping was not included in the cost in order to keep the price down, here is the plan to get them to members. Pam and Ben Phillips live at the Americamps Campground in Ashland, VA, which is somewhat centrally located to most of our members who have ordered shirts. They have agreed to act as a distribution point for the shirts. I will have the shirts to them by August 19, 2017. You may pick them up any time after that. Please contact Pam in advance.

Contact information is Pam and Ben Phillips, Americamps Campground, 11322 Air Park Rd, Ashland, VA 23005, Cell 804 363-6191.

For those of you attending the Mt Airy rally, if you would like to pick up your shirts there instead of Ashland, we will have them available at the rally.

Thanks to all of you for your orders. We will do this again in the near future and on the next order, we will include sweatshirts as fall and winter will soon be upon us. Tentative cost for sweatshirts will be around $15.00.

I am working with Paul on getting the By-Laws changes that were previously approved and the new Rally Expense Form incorporated into our blog. We will get this done as soon as we can.

As I close, just a reminder. As you travel, please reach out to other motor home owners you see along the way. Make a new friend and invite them to join Dogwood and FMCA. We the members are the best ambassadors FMCA has.

Many thanks to the Dogwood Officers, volunteers, and members, who continue to make our chapter a great organization to be a part of.

 

Regards and SAFE travels,

Jim

Director's Report August 2017

Director's Report August 2017
Ed, Fisher

This is being written from our motor coach, parked in the Crested Butte RV Park, in Crested Butte Colorado. Everything is calm now, but got pretty stressful back in Nebraska when a large Deer leaped into our left corner windshield pillar, shattering the windshield, removing the drivers side window and destroying the outside mirror. With temporary repairs, we are back on the road, operating normally. I could fill a whole newsletter about this trip, but this is about the FMCA's 96th annual convention in Indianapolis, specifically the Governing Board Meeting.

President Charlie Adcock opened the meeting by having a quorum established and then with the Pledge of Allegiance to the US flag, then the singing of the Canadian and US National Anthems. The quorum was established with 277 delegates ( National Directors) present representing 73% of the possible total.

Charlie advised the delegates that there had been a net gain of 2000 members in the last quarter, and June had the best June net membership gain in the history of FMCA, with a net gain of 1150. (This seems to disagree with the Treasurers report further down-don't call me) Charlie said these figures take into account the membership reimbursements due to the collapse of the Verizon program collapse .

The Verizon Benefit was to provide unlimited MIFI data plans to FMCA members at a price of $49.99 per month. The agreement was intensely and thoroughly negotiated by FMCA staff with high level Verizon staff over a period of months, and when it went to Verizon top management for signature, they refused to sign it, citing  legal matters. I do not have all the details, but it had to do with Verizon's charter, and doing business with an organization such as FMCA. It was assumed by all parties concerned that the program would go forward, and a pre announcement got out, and there was a rush of new members joining just for that benefit. When the deal fell through, FMCA offered refunds to those who joined just for that benefit, and some did take the reimbursement.

There were 1477 Family coaches attending the convention.

TREASURER'S REPORT:
Treasurer Percy Bell stated that the results of operations were very discouraging. The association was $211,000 under budget on membership revenue, but he stated the trend of loosing members seems to have subsided, with a net gain of 991 members in the first 7 months of the year. Expenses are over budget by $20,000 for the year. Magazine revenue continues to slip, being $41,000 under budget. The Treasurer sees further deterioration of the last 6 months of this year.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT:
Executive Director Terry Smith stated that the 2018 budget is balanced. Not only that, but most items funded from investments (rather than being funded from the budget) including $680,000 of the FMCAssist program are now funded from operating expenses. Only $145,000 of FMCAssist will be funded from investment income.

Several of the new initiatives undertaken are:
     Continental tires have been added to the tire savings program.
    There is a new windshield replacement program administrated by the Guardian
     Network.
    Cincinnati has a new phone system that has enhanced performance, features and
    reliability. FMCA owns the system rather than leasing from Cincinnati Bell, and the
    annual savings is $20,000 per year.
    There has been a website overhaul, new membership acquisition initiatives, and new
    store merchandise.

NEW BUSINESS
There were 3 bylaws amendments proposed. The first two failed, but the BIGGIE passed by the overwhelming majority of 85%. This amendment would allow RVs other than motor homes to become members along with motor homes. BIG NOTE- this vote by the Governing Board does not change the bylaws, it merely allows the whole FMCA membership to vote on the change. The Executive Board hopes to go through the necessary steps to have a vote by December 2017.

ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE OFFICERS:
Jon Walker and Gaye Young were elected by acclimation to the office of National President and National Secretary respectively.
Rett Porter was elected as National Senior Vice President by a vote of 185 to 87 over a write in candidate.
Our own John Reynolds was narrowly elected as National Treasurer over Frank Tabor by a vote of 139 to 135.
        Ed Fisher
        Dogwood Chapter National Director

Fall Rally Schedule 2017

Rallymaster Report August 2017

Donna Hill

Hello all, Donna here. Hope you have been enjoying your summer. The July FMCA International Convention in Indianapolis, IN was a lot of fun.We have five rallies between now and February,  2018:  Mount Airy, GEAR, Urbanna, Christmas rally and Florida rally, details as follow.m

Date:  September 15-17, 2017

Location:  Mayberry Campground in Mount Airy, NC

Hosts:  Buck and Linda Buchanan and Ben and Pam Phillips

Mayberry Campground is centrally located to Mayberry RFD (Mt. Airy), Pilot Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Date:  October 4-8, 2017

Location:  October 4-8, 2017

Host:   Greater Eastern Area Rally (GEAR)

Lewisburg is a fun town and lots to do in the area. There is entertainment each night, Donald Warthans's Heritage Bluegrass band on Saturday night. Also, Paul Cummings and Jim Buelow will be presenting a video of EAMA/GEAR history.  Many Dogwood members do attend and some volunteer, we will plan a get together. We will have a Dogwood boothe at the chapter fair this year.

Of note too is there will be two Habitat for Humanity Projects, one the week before GEAR and one the week after the rally to repair houses damaged by the 2016 flood. If you are able to help, please contact FMCAENERGIZED@Gmail.com. (Rob and I will be supporting both weeks.)

Date: November 3-5, 2017

Location: Ed and Anke Fisher’s in Urbanna, VA

Host: Berkley & Karen Alexander

The Oyster Festival in Urbanna is always a great time; bring your appetite.

Date: December 1-3, 2017

Location: Americamp in Ashland, VA

Hosts: Dogwood Executive Board

Plan on this fun event to kick off your holidays.

Date: February 20-22, 2018

Location:  The Great Outdoors RV, Nature and Golf Resort in Titusville FL

Hosts: Steve and Sue Sohles

Join us for our first ever Dogwood Florida Rally!

Treasure's Report August 2017

TREASURER'S REPORT 07-31- 2017

 Pat Allen

The current balance is $2226.79.

News from the Road

News From the Road

June 2017 

Mon, Jul 31, 2017 at 9:28 AM Richard Bonewitz wrote:
Just to give you a brief update on the Bonewitz's, we're still trying to reach a settlement on our motorhome. The motorhome has been shipped to San Diego where will undergo a procedure called subrogation. Which basically means Tiffin, Cummings and a specialist on fire damage are going to inspect the motorhome to try to determine the cause. I guess what that means is my insurance company thinks someone else should pay the claim. In the meantime we haven't reached a settlement so we can't do anything about a new motor home. Rest assured we will be back in a motorhome sometime in the future it's a lifestyle Ellie and I love and we really miss our friends from dogwood. Will keep you posted and hopefully will hear something in the next few weeks. We will be "on the road again"

ellerich

August 7, 2017 Caspar, Wy.

Estes Park Co. Rocky Mt National Park

Nancy and I are currently on the road in Casper, Wyoming visiting family and sight seeing. We attended FMCA Rally in Indy and were fortunate to have HWH service our coaches leveling system. Funny thing, if the coach is not level, the slides will not extend. We lived twelve (12) days knee to knee and rolling over the bed. Boy! do we love HWH. They drove the new computer from Moscow, Iowa to Indy and installed it while we attended the rally. We also had our refrigerator serviced too. FMCA and all the vendors who provide service to us as a result of our membership is a benefit indeed.

We will upload more photos once we get home. Data rates on the road are one expense we can control, Ha!

Casper is also the site of a total Solar Eclipse August 21, 2017, we plan to cover the event for the Dogwood eNews Blog, so watch for that in the Fall edition.

Paul and Nancy Cummings

August Care Report

CARE PERSON UPDATE August 8, 2017

Susan Buelow

Susan in the middle with Mike and Suzanne Greenfield
Sharing lunch at Pike's Peak, Co.

Donald and Carol Warthan: I spoke with Carol today and they are doing
fantastic.  Donald is still going to therapy but he continues to improve after surgery.
He gets around well.
Carol is now dressing herself and can walk without her cane, and continues her rehab.

They are getting out and about more and more and settling down into a
more normal routine. Are these two amazing or what?
Remember that Donald will be performing at GEAR in October and Carol
will be cheering him on.  Lets make a party of it with lots of Dogwood
attendees.

Please keep Carol and Donald in your prayers and thoughts, and call to
say hello.

Why????

😐WHY??????

…do drugstores make the sick walk all the way to the back of the store to
get prescriptions while healthy people can buy cigarettes at the front?
…do people order double cheeseburgers, large fries, and a DIET coke?
…do doctors call what they do Practice?
…don’t you ever see the headline “Psychic Wins Lottery”?
…is the man who invests your money called a broker?
…don’t they make planes out of the same indestructible stuff that they use
to make black boxes?
…if the opposite of con is pro, isn’t the opposite of Congress called
progress?

Safety Report August 2017

Safety Report  August 2017

Maintaining Your Propane Heating Systems

Butch Jones

While many of us are trying to find cooler climates now, it won’t be long
before some will be traveling in cooler temperatures this winter at least
perhaps until we reach our winter destinations. Of course there are also
some that prefer to travel in colder weather. Regardless, at some point you
may want to get a little heat on those chilly mornings. For this reason this
month we will look at furnace maintenance.
There are three basic types of furnace appliances used in motor homes
today. The first is the hydronic heating system such as the Aqua-Hot or
Hydro-hot unit pictured below. Today’s larger rigs can enjoy never-ending
hot water and multiple heating zones provided by hydronic heating units.
Hydronic heating systems provide a continuous supply of hot water for the
fresh water plumbing system plus comfort heat for the interior. Employing a diesel-fired burner or a propane burner, combined with 120-volt AC heating
elements, these types of “on-demand” systems are much appreciated and
handy for those slightly chilly mornings. The diesel or propane burner can
be bypassed using heat supplied by an electric heating element, thereby
conserving on-board fuel.


  Hydro-Hot Unit
Next we hat the heat pump. This has gained favor with some
manufacturers and RVers in that it is totally 120 volt and does not use
propane. The downside is that it is only effective down to about 45 o F. So it
is good for times when it is just a bit cool but may not be adequate for really
cold weather.
Over the course of RV history there have been a few different types of
heating systems employed, but most of today’s coaches are equipped
typically with at least one, if not a couple of direct-spark forced air furnaces
or a hydronic heat system for comfort heating.

LP Furnace

The first thing to understand is that all recreation vehicle LP-burning
appliances, for optimum performance, require some degree of annual
maintenance. Just read any user’s guide from any RV appliance
manufacturer and it will often state, in so many words, that very sentiment.
And because of its design and operational characteristics, regular
maintenance of the RV heating system is a must.
About the only regular maintenance required by the owner of a hydronic
heating unit is to keep an eye on the level of the 50/50 (water/anti-freeze)
solution in the reservoir tank. Additionally, diesel units require an annual
cleaning of the fuel nozzles and a new fuel filter, while the propane-fired
units require an annual cleaning and servicing and delivery source

pressure testing like any other propane appliance. Aside from checking the
coolant level, most all other maintenance tasks are usually performed by a
trained RV service technician.
But because of their sheer numbers, the main focus here will be the
forced air furnace; by far the most popular choice among coach
manufacturers today. At the root level, a forced air furnace draws in fresh
air from outside the vehicle, mixes it with propane and burns it in a sealed
combustion chamber. A blower then blows interior air over the heated
chamber and into the living portions of the motorhome through a system of
ducts or in the case of some smaller Class C motorhomes and travel
trailers, directly out of the front of the furnace grill (blow-through design).
Most of the supplier manufacturers use this same design strategy. They
may employ slightly

Dogwood T Shirt Order Form

Official Dogwood Chapter T shirts

Your Color Choices

Our Dogwood Chapter shirts are now available to order. It is time to dress this crowd up a bit and Paul says that only members wearing Dogwood shirts will be allowed in group pictures (LOL).
In all seriousness, these shirts are long overdue and a long time coming, so jump on board and order your shirts now.

The Official Dogwood shirt photo includes color and an example of the logo,  The order form below can be emailed to Jim with your order information,

The order cut off date for the 1st order is July 1st. The order form below includes instructions on how to order the size, color and type of shirt you would like. Also whom to make checks payable to and where to send the order form.
When we return in late July, we will come up with a plan to get the shirts distributed, ie; central pick up point, rally distribution etc.
We hope you like the shirts and that we see all of our members wearing them.
Regards and SAFE Travels,
Jim

DOGWOOD SHIRTS INFORMATION and ORDER FORM

All shirts are pre-shrunk
COLORS: Blue, Gray, Pink, Teal
COST:  $8.00 per shirt for sizes S-XL
            $11.00 per shirt for sizes 2X, 3X, 4X                                                                                                                                                                                    
         *    ADD $2.00 PER SHIRT WITH POCKET
   
Name                                         Size              Color             Pocket(Y/N)      Quantity            Cost/each                  

1. 
   
2. 
   

Total Cost                                                                                                                                  


TOTAL COST FOR THIS ORDER (Add all lines in Total Cost column and place amount here.)       ______________                                                  

Make checks payable to John Martin.

Mail order forms along with checks to:  Jim Buelow, 112 Don Juan Circle, Yorktown, VA 23693

                                                                                                     

May 2017 Director's Report

May 30, 2017


Hello Dogwood Members,

Below is an email from our National Director, Ed Fisher addressing the FMCA Proposal to allow all RV's  into FMCA. This is a VERY IMPORTANT issue and requires our attention. In his email Ed provides information as to why this proposal is being presented. For additional information on the subject, read the Presidents Message in the April issue of FMCA magazine, or go to FMCA REMODEL on your computer.

In order for this proposal to pass, the FMCA Articles of Incorporation, Bylaws, and Constitution must be changed.

The Bylaw changes can be approved by a majority vote of the Governing Board which Ed is a member of. This vote will take place in July at the FMCA Rally.

The Articles of Incorporation and Constitution changes require a majority vote by the FMCA membership.

If the Bylaw change is approved in July, the next step will be to present the proposal to the entire FMCA membership for a vote, so we DO have a voice in this decision, both at the July vote and the general membership vote.

SO PLEASE DO AS ED IS ASKING. REVIEW THE PROPOSAL AND PROVIDE YOUR COMMENTS(pro or con) TO HIM AS SOON AS POSSIBLE AT aandedfisher@gmail.com AND COPY TO  fmcadogwood@gmail.com

Thank you,

Jim Buelow
Dogwood President

Director May 2017 Report
Ed Fisher

To All Dogwood Chapter Members
As your National Director, I will be asked to discuss and vote on the proposal to amend the FMCA Articles of Incorporation, Consti- tution, and Bylaws. This will allow the Executive Board to proceed with admitting RV Families, instead of restricting membership to Motor Homes only.
This is a very important decision and I solicit comments from all Dogwood Members. Regardless of my opinion, I will vote the wishes of our membership if I can get enough replies to this Email to determine our members preference.
I find this to be a very distasteful, but important subject. It might well be that very strong trends in the RV market could be a death blow to FMCA as we know it, so your Executive Board is looking at this solution. Even though I personally do not care for the change, I am in favor of it when all of the facts are considered.
Below, I will present the undisputed facts surrounding this situa- tion.
MEMBERSHIP: Peaked at 130,000 Families in 2004. Steady de- clines to 97,065 in 2010, then to 89,864 in 2011, then to 83,708 in 2012, then to 78,708 in 2013, then to 75,699 in 2014, then to 71,771 in 2015. Finally, there was a net increase of 616 members in 2016, but at a recruiting cost of $269,910. This all represents in a 45% membership loss from the peak.

CONTRIBUTING FACTORS: In 1986, motorhomes accounted for 37.7 % of RV sales, while other RV sales accounted for 62.3%. In 2016, 12..7% of RV sales were Motor Homes, leaving 87.3 % to other RVs.
Average age of FMCA members has increased from 65 in 2001 to 71 today, while average age of other RV owners is currently 48. How many Motor Homes will be driven by people 81 years old (other than me) in the future? We must look to increase our mem- bership pool.
WHY DO WE NEED SO MANY MEMBERS: Simply put, with around 72,000 members, there is a shortfall of $16.00 per mem- ber not covered by dues. The difference is being made up from investment income. This has been possible due to the long bull market in stocks, with everyone making money. ALL bull markets come to an end, and when it does, more likely sooner than later, this source of income will be lost. Before internet advertising, FMCA has had from $5 million to $8 million per year advertising income from the FMCA magazine advertising. This income has dropped to $1.82 million in 2016, and this will never come back. Have you noticed how skinny the magazine has become? One advantage of opening to all RVs is that we will have a vast new trove of towable RV advertisers, which should bring back some of these advertising dollars. To provide our same level of benefits at the current dues, we need 125,000 members, at which time we would have net income from dues of $1.72 per member family. This proposal by the Executive Board opens our audience to all 8.9 million RV owners, increasing it by 833%.
Your National Director has lived winters since 1996 at the Bryn Mawr Ocean Resort in St Augustine Beach Florida, and has seen a significant decline in Motor Homes as compared to other RVs (particularly 5th Wheels). As a matter if fact, the Motor Home manufacturers can also see hand writing on the wall. Just last

month, a large Winnebago 5th wheel pulled in, and there have been other traditional Motor Home manufacturer names on 5th wheels this winter.
Please let me have your thoughts on this subject. It is very quick and easy to click "reply" and send me a note, and we can discuss this at rally's between now and the end of June.
Ed Fisher
Dogwood National Director 

President's Message May 2017

Presidents Report

Hello Dogwood members. Spring is finally here and in April and May, we had 2 great rallies. More info on those rallies is included in the rally schedule. Susan and I attended both rallies and really enjoyed seeing our Dogwood friends. We are now busy planning and preparing for a 7 week trip to the northwest. Stopping in WI to visit my family, and then on to Glendive, MT to attend a memorial for Susan’s mother and aunt. From there we will head to the west coast, and we are so looking forward to the trip.

There is a lot going on in Dogwood and FMCA at the present time so I have numerous subjects and items to cover.

First and most important is a proposal by FMCA to allow all RVs to be members of our association. Detailed information pertaining to this proposal can be found in the April FMCA magazines Presidents message. You can also go online to FMCA REMODEL for additional information. Due to the importance of this proposal, we will be sending out a separate mailing to all members with detailed information put together by our National Director, Ed Fisher. I strongly recommend your review this proposal and provide inputs back to Ed and Dogwood. The initial vote on this will be in July at the National convention.

Elections for FMCA National Officers will take place in July at the National Convention. The only contested position is for Treasurer. John Reynolds, our past EAMA President and long time GEAR Host and FMCA volunteer is one of the candidates. Frank Taber is the other candidate. Their biographies can be found in the May issue of the FMCA magazine. Ed Fisher will be our representative at the convention, so if you have any inputs, please provide them to Ed ASAP.

We used our new Keurig coffee maker for the second time at the May rally, and it was well received. The only issue was the wait time if several people show up at the same time. We will use it again in September and go from there.

A new Rally Expense form has been produced and reviewed by our Executive Board and members present at the May rally. It is much less complex than the old form and well received by the members. I will make the suggested corrections, update the Rally Instruction form, and ask Paul to put the new form on our blog so we can begin using it.

Last December, the Cummings presented the idea of purchasing shirts for Dogwood. We came up with a logo, had a few shirts printed and showed them off at the May rally. Members liked the logo and shirts, so we will proceed with the next step. Right now we are doing T-shirts, but that could grow to other things in the future. Original cost was around $8.00, but members requested pre-shrunk shirts and pockets if you so desire. That may change the cost a bit. In addition, sizes larger than xtra large will be a few dollars more. Color options include blue, pink, athletic grey and possibly teal. Pink for the men of course, and they will come with a ribbon (LOL). I will put together an order form and get it out in the next few weeks. As we will not be back until July, it will be after that before you can take delivery. There is no middle man involved in this. My son-in-law does the shirts and what he charges is what you pay. The cost for the logo will be about $25.00 which Dogwood can pay for. Hope you like the wardrobe. 

Late breaking personal good news from the Buelow’s. I took a break yesterday from writing this message so Susan and I could go look at a TOAD. A friend of mine sold his coach but still had his TOAD and he offered to let us use it for our trip. We checked it out yesterday, liked what we saw and made an offer to buy it. An hour later we were on our way home with our new TOAD in tow. Deal included a 2012 Nissan Versa  in excellent shape, tow package, and break system. Needless to say, we are very HAPPY CAMPERS. After 14 years, we finally have a TOAD. Many thanks to all of you whom over the years offered us your back seat or the keys to your car when we were in need. Hope we can reciprocate in the future.  

As I close, just a reminder. As you travel, please make a point to reach out to other motor home owners you see along the way. Make a new friend and invite them to join Dogwood and FMCA. Members are the best ambassadors FMCA has.

Regards and SAFE travels,

VIR Rally June 2017

VIR Rally June 2017, Hosted by Ed Fisher
Cancelled 

I am planning a VERY SIMPLE rally at the Virginia International Raceway. It can work for 2 coaches or 30, but I will need to have a count by May 30, 2017. 

LOCATION: Virginia International Raceway, 1245 Pinetree Rd, Alton VA, 24520 (near Danville)RALLY FEE: $10.00 to DogwoodCAMPING FEE: 

To VIR, $50.00 per coach for weekend, and $25.00 per person race admission.                          This will be discounted by $10.00 per person if paid on line by 5:00 PM, June 2.  

 OK to arrive on Thursday.RACE AND TRACK INFO: Google Virginia International Raceway. Wealth of infoCAMPING AREA: Along the track at the "Snake" esses just North of the cross over bridge. 

We camped in that area, and found pretty level ground and good track view.SCHEDULE: 

Friday, 4:00 PM, social at coaches. Bring lite snacks and your beverage

Friday, 5:15 PM depart for Dutch Treat dinner at Golden Leaf Bistro, 215 Craghead                       Danville.

 Saturday, 9:00 AM, breakfast furnished in rally fee, consisting of eggs, sausage,                       biscuits, butter, jelly, juice and coffee.   

Saturday, 4:00 PM, social at coaches                       

Saturday, 5:30 PM, bring a meat of your choice for the community grille and your                        drink. Other food in your rally fee.                        

Sunday: Enjoy race and depart on your own schedule.      

                        Ed Fisher

Fall 2017 Rally

Mount Airy YouTube

Our September rally will be at Mayberry Campground in Mount Airy, NC. The dates are September 15-17 (Friday night through Sunday morning). Your hosts are the Phillips and the Buchanan’s.  Mayberry Campground is centrally located to Mayberry RFD (Mt. Airy), Pilot Mountain, and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Also close by is the world's largest open face granite quarry!  

A description of the Park can be found on their website: www.mayberrycampground.com

Campground Reservations: Make your reservations directly with Mayberry Campground, at 336-789-6199, before August 1.  Tell them you are with the Dogwood rally to get the special rally rate (also available for early arrivals and late departures).  A block of 15 sites has been reserved. A $30 deposit required for a reservation. 

The Mayberry Campground is located at 114 Bunker Road, Mt. Airy, NC 27030.  

From 77 North (Virginia Area):

Exit onto 74 East. Take Exit 11 Highway 601, at the end of the ramp take a right onto Highway 601.  Take the first left which is South McKinney Road.  Go approximately 1/8 mile, take the first left onto Rustic Village Trail. At the stop sign, go straight across into the campground parking lot. 

Rally fees for the weekend will be $15 per person ($30 for a coach with two adults) to include, dinner Friday night, full breakfast Saturday morning, and a continental breakfast Sunday morning.  Additional people in a coach will be $15. Other meals will be on your own at a wide variety of local restaurants or in your coach.  There will be no pot lucks, except that you may certainly bring a snack to Happy Hour if you like. Also, we will have a dessert social Saturday night. You can bring a dessert to share if you like.  

Please register with Pam Phillips as soon as possible, but no later than August 1.  You will find a registration form at the end of this article. 

Schedule (some items subject to change)

Friday, Sept. 15 

5:00 PM - Happy hour (bring an appetizer to share)

6:00 PM – Dinner (furnished)  BYO drinks, plates and utensils.  

Saturday, Sept. 16

8:30 AM -  Breakfast (furnished)  BYO drinks, plates and utensils.

Afternoon and evening – Lunch & dinner on your own. You can visit local wineries, tour the town of Mayberry and dine there too. Below is a sample of places to visit:

·        Leon's Burger Express

·        Andy Griffith Squad Car Tours

·        Andy Griffith Playhouse

·        Downtown Cinema

·        Opie's Candy Store

·        Andy's home place

·        Mt. Airy Tractor Toyland

·        Floyd's Barber Shop

·        Snappy Lunch

·        Old Mayberry Jail

·        Barney's Café

·        Bluebird Diner

·        Mt. Airy Museum

·        Andy Griffith Museum

·        Wally's Service Station

8:30 PM – Dessert Social  (BYO drinks & a dessert to share)

The rally masters will be there, but don’t worry if you’re having too much fun to come back to Mayberry Campground  – we’ll see you at breakfast.

Sunday, Sept. 17

8:30 AM – Continental breakfast.  BYO drinks, plates and utensils.  Short business meeting after breakfast, at the discretion of the  President.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

REGISTRATION FORM

Mayberry Rally

Sept. 15-17, 2017

Names _________________________________

___  Number of adults/children @ $15 each = $________

Total enclosed ………………………………. =$________

Make checks payable to Pam Phillips, and mail to:

Pam Phillips

P O Box 9843

Henrico, VA 23228

Cutoff date is August 1, but please confirm as soon as you can so we can get an accurate count for the campground.

Thanks, 
Pam