Couples in attendance: Barkers, Blocks, Browns, Eddys, Hollisters,
Keelers, Knights, Nemishs & Schindlers -- also the Isoms, as day guests, &
the Goeddes, NWTFC members who were attending with another chapter.
Our caravan found no
delay as we approached the Linn County Fairgrounds but most chapters had
already filled all paved areas. To our delight, our nine Treks were led
to a row of especially generous spaces that had not been requested by
handicapped members . . . a stone’s throw from the dining hall! Gene
requested 18 volunteer ribbons so we all got to attend the fine catered
Volunteer Dinner that evening. The prize committee set up the booth with
Judy & Jeanette’s banners & decorations, and chose gifts for Thursday’s
prize winners. After breakfast and the opening meeting, quite a crowd
gathered at the prize booth excitedly watching as Gene called out the
first day’s 30 winning FMCA #s from the official printout of attendees --
and they were written on the board. Like all chapters, our club gave a
($25) donation. We thank our member, Suzan Williams, for donating two of
her fine handmade animal-print tote bags! They were a hit -- as was the
denim shirt with striking NW mountain embroidery donated by the company
who does our club logo. Approx. 120 gifts were claimed over the 3-day
rally.
All our members helped
with the booth or had other rally obligations, like Greg Hollister, who
assisted FMCA NW Webmaster, Bob Gummersall. The two gave an informative
Internet/club website seminar using our fine NWTFC site and a “bare bones”
site from another chapter who use theirs purely for club member info &
communication. We still found time to attend seminars or RV safety class,
make crafts or attend the Red Hat luncheon – even religious services
on-site. Jeanette set up a NWTFC display for the Chapter Fair -- with a
1950’s theme – joining 15 other chapters. Only eight participated as
costumed clubs in the Rock ‘n Roll & Rally theme parade, but it was pretty
entertaining. The vendors & swap meet satisfied shoppers and excellent
catered breakfasts & dinners and ice cream sundaes satisfied our
appetites!
When the prize booth
closed each day, our members were able to meet for parking lot gatherings
with lawn chairs, snacks & stories. Ed, Barb, & Judy met for a board
meeting and a general meeting was held on Friday.
Terrific entertainment
included a couple evenings of hilarious comedy & a step back in time with
first-rate Elvis & Marilyn Monroe impersonators! Every day the
“Frustrated Maestros” chapter started our days with joyful & silly songs
and also good patriotic tunes for our rally gatherings. There were also
‘50’s costume and hula hoop contests. Good effort Judy S. & Barb B.!!
Sure was easier nearly 50 years ago . . .huh?
The rally closed Sunday with an FMCA
general meeting of the NW Motorhome Assoc. Ed, our club president, and
Judy S., our FMCA Natl. Director (& spouses) attended. Their votes were
required during the election of area officers.
Report: J. Block
