Celebrating - RVing Women

Transcription

RVing
Women
ebrating
l
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C
1991 - 2011
JULY/AUGUST 2011
www.rvingwomen.org
RVW 2010 Photo Contest
1st Place Winner — Sports and Adventure Category
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photo: Judy Amstutz
RVing
Women
lebrating
Ce
Years
1991 - 2011
Volume 21 / Number 4
July/August 2011
MEMBERS SHARE
18 The Learning
by Cathy Atkins
20 Curve for an RVW Board Newbie
Sharing RVW Memories
a Member Forum
36 Sampling the Big Apple
by Lovern King
38 One Year Out—Experiences on the Road
by Karin LaPointe
40 The Place is Jumping
In May, Mid-America Chapter members
decended 650 feet below the earth's
surface to tour a salt mine near Halstead,
Kansas. / photo: Lanny McBrown
by Kathe McCleave
ON THE ROAD
52 Rachel's Ramblings
by Rachel Harp
RVW CONNECTIONS
54 6 8 9 14 16 18 21 35 50
51
Improving Fuel Economy
by Keith Shomaker
Photo Feature
Welcome New Members
Loyalty Pin Awards
Open Road Futures Program
Opportunities and Gratitudes
RVW's Memorial Garden
Mile Markers
RVW Photo Contest
Anniversary Quilt Auction
Recruitment Campaign
Mel Leach, a Senior Olympics champion, led an archery class at
an April SoCALjourners Chapter rally. / photo: Melody Evans
Dedicated since 1991 to supporting all women who are interested in RVing
RVing Women is a national nonprofit 501(c)(7) corporation organized and operated exclusively for social, recreational and
educational purposes. Our mission is to build a supportive network of women RVers so that any woman, regardless of race, religion,
sexual orientation, disability or financial status, has the opportunity to enjoy the RV lifestyle in a safe and knowledgeable manner.
RVing
Women
MANAGING EDITOR
Dee Johnson
P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction, Arizona 85117-1940
ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE
Karlene Field
CHAPTER FOCUS
22 Chapter Contacts
24 Chapter News
Boot Camp
Brownsville, Oregon
August 22–26, 2011
RVW Convention
Goshen, Indiana
October 12–16, 2011
TRAVEL PLANNER
43 Good Neighbor Policy
46 Convention Preview
48 Convention Tours
51 Convention Registration Form
56 Calendar Preview
58 National Events Registration Form
59 RVW National Events
60 Calendar of Events
72 National Events Report
RVW News
3 Steering Column
12 Board of Directors Listing
12 Schedule of Meetings
13 Mission Statement
DEPARTMENTS
4 Editor’s Page
5 Membership Application
10 Membership Benefits
10 If You Move
69 Advertisers
70 Classified Listings
70 Magazine Deadlines
71 Recalls
The photo on our cover was taken by Jan Secor at a Cascadia Chapter rally
held in April in Ferndale, Washington.
2 | July/August 2011 | RVW
CONTRIBUTORS
Sharon Adams – Dottie Allen
Cathy Atkins – Vicki Blake
Judy Bozman – Judy Brown
Linda Brown – Lynda Byrd
Arlene Dian – Linda Elliott
Mary Sue Ferrell – Dee Hamer
Tammy Hanson – Rachel Harp
Kathy Isenhour – Alta Jones
Lovern King – Kathe McCleave
Lanny McBrown – Karin LaPointe
Barb Pace – Gerri Pries
Barb Schneider – Jan Secor
Keith Shomaker – Arlene Van Note
Send membership requests
and address changes to:
RVing Women
P.O. Box 1940
Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940
Toll Free: (888) 557-8464
Local: (480) 671-6226
Fax: (480) 671-6230
E-mail: rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org
Website: www.rvingwomen.org
RVing Women Office Location:
879 N. Plaza Drive, Suite 103B
Apache Junction, Arizona 85120
(across from the post office)
For advertising information contact:
Karlene Field
E-mail: karly55@aol.com
Cell (206) 909-2607
We welcome suggestions and
submissions of articles, photos
and letters. Please query
rvweditor@rvingwomen.org
or call (360) 510-2557.
RVing Women is published six times a year
for members and friends of RVing Women.
All rights reserved. Permission to quote or
reprint with credit is available on request.
www.rvingwomen.org
| STEERING COLUMN
RVW Celebrates New Website
The RVW Board of Directors is pleased that our new
website launched on Tuesday
May 3, 2011 as scheduled. We
know this improved website
will become a great tool for
our members and chapters to
share information and celebrations and will also improve our
Cathy Atkins, Director
administrative capabilities.
RVW Board of Directors
The website is easy to
access, just go to www.rvingwomen.org. It also is still the
first website that comes up when visitors search for RV or
RVing and women. That’s an important consideration. Next
to word-of-mouth—all those personal contacts you make
when you tell others about RVing Women—the website is
our most effective recruiting tool.
Thank you to all our members who helped fund this
huge improvement through the Open Roads Program.
There is still a need for future funding of this project and
other initiatives to enhance the continued growth of RVW.
Please consider making a contribution through the Open
Roads program.
A special thank you goes out to Pat Setser, our consultant
from the Ohio River Valley Chapter, who created RVW’s web
design on YourMembership.com and completed the data
transfer. She put in some paid consultant time and many,
many volunteer hours making this website a vibrant and
exciting new place for our members to visit and find what
they need. More new capabilities will be launched in the
coming months.
Special thanks are due also to Dianne Walker, RVW
webmaster, for smoothing the transition from our former
website. She made a challenging process look seamless.
By now, you should have received an email or letter
asking you to go into the website to check and update your
personal information.
Why is it important that you check your information
on the new website, even if nothing has changed? We have
found that our old database had many errors, including
missing and incorrect information. Over 900 members show
no chapter affiliation. Please take a few minutes to update
your profile and verify the accuracy of your information.
Also, please take a few minutes to update your profile
whenever you make a change to your email address, preferred phone number and/or physical or mailing address.
Because it is interactive, our improved website gives us
the ability to keep this information continually updated,
but that will only happen if you help us by keeping your
personal profile up to date. Only RVW members with valid
passwords will be able to view this information. You also do
have the option to keep your personal information private
so that it cannot be viewed online.
Please refer to the website launch email you received
on May 3 or to the letter you received via U.S. mail for
instructions on how to log in. Those messages also include
instructions on how to update your information. If you
cannot locate that email or letter, contact the RVW office
for assistance at rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org or call (480)
671-6226 or (888) 557-8464. If you can log in but still need
to update your profile, instructions are also located at the
end of the website Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) under
the Original Getting Started Email heading.
We now have a Members–Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) help section located on the lefthand menu bar near
the bottom of the website page that opens after you sign
in with your password-protected log-in. If you are having a
problem navigating the RVing Women website, registering
for an event, adding or changing your chapter affiliation,
or if you have other questions, check the website FAQs to
see if your answer is waiting for you.
On our new website, there is also a Members–Submit
Problem button located at the very bottom of the left menu
bar after you sign in. Click here to get help or to report a
problem with the website.
As always, the RVW office is available to help anyone
with questions about membership or the website.
While you are visiting the website, check out our new
and improved RVW Forum. The forum now has many different interest areas where members can share their wisdom
or ask questions. Main areas include the 2011 Convention,
Tips and Technical Questions, RVing Lifestyle, Activities
and Interests, Great Places, Fitness and Food and a General
Forum. There are more specific sub-forums for postings.
Share what you know or ask your questions! With your
participation, we can build a large and active forum that is
a great resource for our members. This is also an area where
members can post about informal gatherings, connect with
others of like interests and communicate easily. Check it
out now and take a moment to share something you know
or ask a question.
So, welcome to the new website. We hope you will check
in regularly for news, event information and updates, and
we also hope you will take an active part and add your voice
to the forum. See you on the road and on the web!
Cathy Atkins
Liaison to RVW Communications
The RVW office is available to help anyone with questions about membership or the website. You may contact the
office by email at rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org or by phone at (480) 671-6226 or (888) 557-8464. RVW office hours
are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arizona time.
www.rvingwomen.org
RVW | July/August 2011 | 3
EDITOR'S PAGE |
Pondering Earthly Matters
As I write this, I am sitting
in a home office with distracting views of an imposing red
chimney rock and Copeman’s
Tomb, a sandy-colored mesa
named for a pioneer aviator who lived in these parts.
There are lilacs here spilling
Dee Johnson, Managing Editor
their blooms and day lilies
RVing Women Magazine
taking up residence without
the help of a gardener. There are several different species of
trees living on this property in random harmony—aspens,
junipers, Colorado blue spruce, Austrian pines, green ash,
cottonwoods, willows and a sprawl of ornamental crab
apples and plums.
The grass here is very green, that happy-go-lucky color
that is produced when a jubilant spring finally breaks away
from winter.
Surrounding everything are the majestic Bighorn
Mountains.
I am about 4,000 feet below the summit, and I am having difficulty not stopping every few minutes to stare out
the window.
All along Hwy 14 in this northeastern part of Wyoming,
there are signs telling me the ages of the rock formations,
caves, strata and waterfalls I have passed. I was impressed
with the first signs suggesting that I stop to look more
closely at natural wonders that were judged to be 350,000
to 500,000 years old.
A few miles down the road, I would pass formations said
to be more than a billion years old.
I have trouble wrapping my head around such big numbers. It is something like trying to decipher how much is a
trillion dollars, an amount that seems to be easily bandied
about by politicians. What kind of mountain would that
make, I wonder, if you wadded up one trillion dollars in
unsecured paper currencies. Just thinking about that gives
me a headache.
So how do you measure a billion years, a million years,
even 500,000 years? For me, time already is way too flexible.
Sometimes an hour lasts for an eternity; at other times, an
hour runs through its life before I have even had time to
notice its passing.
I do try to take an honest measure of time. For example, I
try not to be too early or too late for appointments. In those
situations, other people are dependent on me, and most of
those people have only a finite measure of time. I need not
to steal any of theirs.
But compared to 500,000 years, what does it all matter?
And how is it that some parts of the earth are 500,000 years
old and other parts are more than a billion years old? Is it
not all part of the same whole?
I have a friend who grew up in Wyoming. She has done
a bit of geologic exploring herself, and she explained the
differences to me. True, the planet is all the same age—
somewhere between four and five billion years old—but the
planet is changing all the time. The geologic formations,
the chopped and tumbled and slivered rocks, the rivers,
the striated layers of earth, the carved out canyons—these
are all varying ages. What has morphed into a mountain
in recent times, say the last 200,000 years or so, could very
well have been, a million years ago, a flattened out piece of
mud pocked with boulders and held together by scrubby
grasses and wildflowers.
Our recorded history reaches back only a few thousand
years. In geologic time, that short span is insignificant,
something like comparing my bank balance to a trillion
dollars. Very humbling. And it reminds me of something
another friend said a few years ago when we were discussing ecological impacts. She suggested that taking care of
the earth was not something we needed to do because it
was the right thing to do; it was something we needed to
do to protect our own self-interests. “The earth will always
survive, no matter what we do. We are the ones who might
not be here,” she said.
Well, she is right of course. We may poison our waters,
send up artificial lights to blink out the stars, tunnel deeper
through earth in search of precious commodities, divert
rivers and rearrange forests, but in spite of all our efforts,
the earth will adapt and survive. Whatever we do, the landscape will be different—still spectacular, but not the same.
I hope then that we still will have artists and poets and
photographers and brazen admirers populating the earth.
It would be a shame to have all that beauty go unseen,
unheard, unremarked.
Dee Johnson
If your mailing address, telephone number or email address changes, please go online to update your contact
information, even if the change is temporary. To update, log in to our website at www.rvingwomen.org, go to Manage
Profile and then to Edit Bio. If we do not have your current address on file, your copy of RVing Women magazine is not
forwarded.
If you have questions regarding member benefits or how to use our website, contact the RVW office at (480)
671-6226 or (888) 557-8464 or send an email to rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org. The office is open Monday through Friday
from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can read your magazine online. Copies of RVing Women magazine are available in pdf format on our website
at www.rvingwomen.org.
If you have letters or articles for the magazine, please send them to rvweditor@rvingwomen.org or to RVW Editor,
P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940. The editor’s cell phone is (360) 510-2557.
www.rvingwomen.org
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Membership in RVing Women is open to adult women
only, ages 18 and older. Membership renewals are due
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Please mail or fax this form with your dues to: RVW, P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940
Phones: (888) 557-8464 or (480) 671-6226 • Fax: (480) 671-6230 • Email: rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org
www.rvingwomen.org
v1210
PHOTO FEATURE |
Category: Pets
Winner
Sandy Raddatz
Yummy Nasturtiums
Runner Up
Carol Burk
Navigator
Honorable Mention
Dianne Walker
Riding in Comfort
photo: Carol Burk
photo: Dianne Walker
www.rvingwomen.org
RVW 2010 Photo Contest
1st Place Winner — Pets Category
photo: Sandy Raddatz
www.rvingwomen.org
Welcome to These New Members
ALABAMA Wendy Yester
Bobbie Greene
Sandra Haynes
ARIZONA Kimberly Barclift
Doris Norris
Dianne Saba
Ann Buness
Rosanne Johnson
Mary Kuhr
CALIFORNIA Barbara Kerth
Lorena Sikorski
Cynthia Kruger
Sally Allshouse
Shay Lipshitz
Marsha Ashe
Teri Shugart
Pamela Hall
Adele Landis
Birmingham
Lowndesboro
Lowndesboro
Apache Junction
Apache Junction
Apache Junction
Mesa
Mesa
Scottsdale
Cypress
Cypress
El Granada
Palm Springs
Palm Springs
Rohnert Park
San Carlos
Santa Barbara
Sebastopol
COLORADO
Becky Mosier
Linda Rose
Nancy Slinkard
Jan Smith
Surora
Aurora
Aurora
Canon City
DELAWARE Dianne Conine
Margaret Keefe
Milton
Milton
FLORIDA Deborah Winters
Amie Rankin
Marlene Stewart
Joan Mascia
Lisa Adams
Carver Adams
Theresa Wisda
Emily Sherfey
Donna Remsnyder
Tracy Sweetland
Paula Potts
Dorian Callen
KIatherine Hempel
North Fort Myers
Naples
Naples
Odessa
Palm Harbor
Palm Harbor
Pensacola
Port Charlotte
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg
Winter Haven
Winter Haven
GEORGIA Charlene Crawford
Nicholson
IILLINOIS Gayla Scott
Rebecca Wood
Mary Lou Aderman
Linda Robertson
East Peoria
East Peoria
Naperville
Naperville
INDIANA
Karla Lovachy
Fort Wayne
IOWA Kim Gibson
Kathy Gibson
Le Claire
Le Claire
KANSAS
Gloria McGlothlin
Overland Park
KENTUCKY Lisa Christ
Park City
MARYLAND Sandra Bosley
D. Kathleen Healy
Parkville
Parkville
MISSOURI Carolyn Maxwell
Karen West
Sharon Beauchamp
Branson
Kansas City
Peace Valley
MONTANA
Melanie Nelms
Missoula
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Ellen Gadegaard
Mary Jane Sawyer
Rindge
Rindge
NEW YORK
Dale Wright
Union Springs
OHIO Anne Taylor
Jean Block
Nancy Patton
Colleen Ernst
Breanda Huffines
Graham
Columbus
Columbus
Loveland
Loveland
www.rvingwomen.org
OREGON Debbie Johnson
Patti Knight
Karen Castner
Pauline Conn
Mary Miller
Su Smith
Coos Bay
Coos Bay
North Bend
Philomath
Portland
Portland
VERMONT Jeanette Dickson
North Hero Island
VIRGINIA
Anne P. Hocker
WASHINGTON Aubrey Hill
Yvonne Fenton
Marie Potter
Cate Comerford
Stephanie Savel
Sue Sybbro
Kathy Bostwick
Nola Leyde
Auburn
Ferndale
Lakewood
Port Townsend
Port Townsend
Seattle
Yelm
Yelm
WISCONSIN
Jane Robinson
Wales
ALBERTA, CANADA Lenore Reid
Vermilion
Purcellville
Loyalty pins were presented in May and June to the following members.
To all of you, we appreciate your support of Rving Women.
20-Year Membership
Joanne Anderson
Diane Doble
Karlene Field
Jane Hurtig
Fran Macomber
Marianne Metz
Barbara Price
Janice Snook
Lynn Steward
Janie Sturman
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Arizona
Washington
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Tennessee
Florida
Florida
California
15-Year Membership
Lynda Ippolito
Linda Phillippo
Florida
Georgia
10-Year Membership
Carol Burk
Linette Davis
Barbara Hibits
Dee Johnson
Bonnie O'Loughlin
Annette Snyder
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Texas
Texas
Arizona
Texas
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5-Year Membership
Dawn Alarcon
Donna Allen
Phyllis Barron
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Toni Calzone
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Teri Foster
Doris Grinsfelder
Flo Hurlburt
Jacquelyn Kolbe
Karen Leipzig
Julie Lorence
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Stay Connected with RVW
If you are looking for new adventures and new experiences, RVing Women can help you reach your independent
RVing goals. RVW provides access to technical and general
information and advice related to RVing. The information
members share with each other—at RVW events, online at
our rvingwomen.org website, and through our RVing Women
magazine—is one of the primary benefits of belonging to
our organization.
Your RVing Women membership includes these member
benefits:
Friendships and networking: Wherever you go, RVing
Women connects you to members who can offer information, suggest places to see and things to do, and provide
assistance when needed. Members enjoy the company of
other women with a common interest. National events and
RVW chapter rallies and get-togethers are open to all RVW
members, regardless of legal residence and home chapter
membership. If you are traveling and will be in the area
where a chapter event is being held, please feel free to attend.
Contact information for RVW chapters is included in each
issue of RVing Women magazine and on our website at www.
rvingwomen.org. Space for some events may be limited, so
email or call a chapter contact as soon in advance as possible
to make reservations.
Membership directory: You can use our membership
directory, which is published annually, to arrange gettogethers with new and old friends, find traveling companions to caravan to interesting destinations, and connect with
other women who share similar interests. Some members
offer overnight parking at their homes or tours of area attractions to traveling RVing Women. These hospitality services
are indicated with the member's listing in the directory.
Bi-monthly magazine: Every other month, members
receive RVing Women, a publication filled with information
covering technical subjects, on-the-road problem solving,
stories shared by other members, a calendar of events and
contact information for our chapters. RVing Women magazine is also available online at www.rvingwomen.org.
RVing Women website: Membership news, rally
announcements, a chapter contact directory and information for RVers is published online at www.rvingwomen.org.
The members-only section includes minutes of the Board
of Directors meetings, copies of the organization's policies
and procedures and current and back issues of RVing Women
magazine. Our website also offers a member forum for
sharing information, advice, travel plans and on-the-road
experiences.
Rallies, events, caravans and get-togethers: RVW rallies are held year-round in every region of the U.S. and in
Canada. Most are three-day events held over a weekend.
Members volunteer their expertise and skills so we can
offer a variety of social and educational events at reasonable prices. Chapter activities and get-togethers are local
events organized by volunteers. Special events and caravans
focus on activities and geographic locations that add to our
experiences and knowledge.
Maintenance and driving classes: We sponsor and
teach classes for women on safe driving practices and the
care and maintenance of your RV. Some classes are led by
RVing Women; others are led by experts and technicians
we have contracted. All are presented in a non-patronizing,
helpful manner.
Discounted services: Many campgrounds, RV resorts
and businesses offer discounts to our members. A list of
these businesses is published annually in our membership directory. Updates are regularly published online at
www.rvingwomen.org. When taking advantage of these
discounts, be prepared to show your membership card.
Membership card: A membership card showing your
membership number, name, and date of expiration identifies
you to other members and to businesses offering member
discounts.
Club decal: A colorful decal placed on your RV, truck or
car identifies you in campgrounds and on the road, making
it easier for RVing Women to connect.
If your mailing address, telephone number or email address changes, please go online to update your contact
information, even if the change is temporary. To update, log in to our website at www.rvingwomen.org, go to Manage
Profile and then to Edit Bio. If we do not have your current address on file, your copy of RVing Women magazine is not
forwarded. Instead, it is destroyed at the post office and the label, along with a service fee, is sent to our office. If this
happens more than once, we stop mailing your magazine and wait to hear from you.
If you have questions regarding member benefits or how to use our website, contact the RVW office at (480)
671-6226 or (888) 557-8464 or send an email to rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org. Fax us at (480) 671-6230. The office is open
Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
You can read your magazine online. Copies of RVing Women magazine are available in pdf format on our website
at www.rvingwomen.org.
If you have letters or articles for the magazine, please send them to rvweditor@rvingwomen.org or to RVW Editor,
P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940. The editor’s cell phone is (360) 510-2557.
When you email the RVW office, please include RVW in the subject line. The office gets more than its share of
spam; if your message is not RVW identified, it could be inadvertently deleted as spam or junk mail.
www.rvingwomen.org
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Engine Maintenance and Pre Trip Inspections
Cooling System Service and Repairs
Tires and Brakes
Suspension Tuning for Ride Comfort, Handling and Safety
Anti-Sway Bars, Trac Bars, KONI Shocks
Overload Springs and Bags
Precison Scales for Weighing
Bee Line Laser Alignment
Blue Ox and Roadmaster Tow Systems and Base Plates
Tow Car Auxiliary Brake Systems
Prodigy Brake Controllers
Exhaust Brakes
Performance Exhaust Systems
Solar Panel Systems
Air Conditioning Service and Repair
Refrigeration Service and Repair
Brazel's RV Performance
and RV Park
Redlands Truck & RV
Performance Center
3912 Harrison Avenue
Centralia WA 98531
510 Amigos Drive
Redlands CA 92373
Mike@BrazelsRV.com
Jon@BrazelsRV.com
www.BrazelsRV.com
Keith@RedlandsTruckService.com
Karens@RedlandsTruckService.com
www.RedlandsTruckService.com
877 786-1576
Count on us for performance and
products that exceed expectations
www.rvingwomen.org
888 249-0124
2011 RVW Board of Directors
Cathy Atkins, Director
4725 S. 284th Place
Auburn WA 98001-1108
Cell: (253) 709-8366
cathya@rvingwomen.org
Liaison to:
Communications
Website, E-news
Magazine and Directory
Ads and Vendors
Convention 2011
Dorene Thomas, Director
13620 SW Cresmer Drive
Tigard OR 97223-5003
Cell: (503) 360-3530
dthomas@rvingwomen.org
Back row: Constance Wray, Nancy Shoop, Cathy Atkins
Front row: Judy Wise, Gayle Pierce, Wendy Humphreys, Dorene Thomas
Nancy Shoop, President
110 E. Center, PMB 1436
Madison SD 57042-2908
Cell: (317) 289-9940
nancys@rvingwomen.org
Constance Wray, Secretary
3700 S. Westport Avenue, PMB 1614
Sioux Falls SD 57106-6360
Cell: (913) 558-0998
constancew@rvingwomen.org
Liaison to:
Chapter Advisory Council
RVW Historian
RVW Office Oversight
Liaison to:
Election Committee
National Events
Gayle Pierce, Vice President
904 W. Montgomery, Ste 4-349
Willis TX 77378-8834
Cell: (713) 828-4627
gaylep@rvingwomen.org
Liaison to:
Member Services
Contracts
RVW Booth 2011
Convention 2012
Wendy Humphreys, Treasurer
P.O. Box 334
Winfield WV 25213-0334
Cell: (304) 552-5939
wendyh@rvingwomen.org
Liaison to:
Finance Committee
Development Committee
Liaison to:
Bylaws Committee
Trademark and IRS
PR and Marketing
Judy Wise, Director
1770 W. 635 N.
Howe IN 46746-9716
Cell: (978) 502-6779
judyw@rvingwomen.org
Liaison to:
Policies and Procedures
Convention Site Selection
2013, 2014, 2015
RVW Booth 2012
RVing Women Office
Monica Lindmark / Grace Ironside
P.O. Box 1940
Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940
Phone: (480) 671-6226
(888) 557-8464
Fax: (480) 671-6230
rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org
RVW office hours are Monday through
Friday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Arizona time.
RVW Board of Directors Schedule of Meetings
July 26
August 23
October 6–8
Voxwire Conference Room / 6 p.m.
October 12–16 RVW Convention / Goshen, Indiana
October 17–18 Goshen, Indiana / 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Goshen, Indiana / 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
December 6
Hours shown are Eastern Standard Time.
www.rvingwomen.org
RVing Women
Mission Statement
To build a supportive network of women RVers so that any
woman, regardless of race, religion, sexual orientation,
disability or financial status, has the opportunity to enjoy the
RV lifestyle in a safe and knowledgeable manner.
Vision:
A large welcoming community of women supporting one
another in the safe enjoyment of the RV lifestyle.
We Value:
The diversity of our members.
Open communication, integrity and respect among our
members.
The resources, skills and abilities of each of our members,
and treasure the time and efforts of the many who provide
leadership and support.
The chapter structure as one of the most important
vehicles to achieve the purpose of RVing Women.
The freedom of play and the power of laughter.
RVing Women (RVW) is a national nonprofit 501(c)(7)
corporation organized and operated exclusively for social,
recreational and educational purposes.
The Board of Directors of RVing Women is guided by our
Mission and Vision in defining our goals.
RVW
Board of
Director's
Goals
Goals for 2011
Achieve total membership of 2,512
qIncrease new members by 598
qAchieve 80 percent retention rate of current members
qIncrease RVW visibility
Expand RVW member benefits
qAdd a minimum of three new member benefits
qEnhance educational opportunities
Improve communication between national RVW and the membership
qDevelop and implement two new communication tools
qEnhance four existing communication tools
Increase member participation in financial support
qIncrease Open Road Futures Program contributions by 46 percent
qDevelop Legacy Donations Program
www.rvingwomen.org
The Open Road Program
Leads to the Future of RVW
The RVW Open Road Futures Program is a multitier giving program providing opportunities for
members and friends to underwrite new projects
that will contribute to the growth and stability of
RVW. Projects for 2011 include the development and
implementation of a strategic marketing plan and
improvements and upgrades of our technology.
Each contributor will receive a name badge and/or
name bar and will be listed in RVing Women magazine
and recognized at the RVW convention. The first time
a contributor reaches the minimum level in a tier, she
will receive her choice of one of the rewards offered at
that tier level. Contributions will be cumulative year
to year so members may advance from tier to tier.
Contribution levels range from an introductory
level of $100 to over $25,000 (cash and/or stocks)
and are separated into seven tiers. Contributors can
opt out of recognition in the magazine and any other
recognition aspect of the program and/or decline
to receive a premium. A household may participate
as one unit but may include no more than two
individuals.
Chapters may participate in this program and
are eligible for flag streamers for their chapter flag.
Chapter participation may include special fundraising
events and sponsorship of convention events or
specific RVW administrative costs such as postage or
office supplies.
RVW Open Road Program Premiums
The Cascadia Chapter has invested in the
future of RVW with a recent contribution to the
Open Road Futures Program.
• RVW reserves the right to change premium items
based on variety or availability.
• Convention premiums are assignable to a member
attending convention if the contributor cannot
attend.
Marsha Bagby
Joan Brueggeman
Shirley Hausman
Cynthia Riggins
Delight Voignier
Jean Black
Lorraine Dilandro
Nancy Patton
Liz Thomas
Elizabeth Whitbeck
photo: Audrey Palyo
The following members have contributed by
adding additional dollars to their membership
renewals.
• RVW gift cards will be made out to the
contributor's choice of the following vendors:
Camping World, Flying J, Cracker Barrel or an
RVW merchandise provider.
• The RVW Board of Directors may stipulate time
frames for imprinting stationery with a Pioneer
Lifetime Member's name.
www.rvingwomen.org
Camper
$100 to $499 tier
Nomad
$500 to $999 tier
Sightseer
$1,000 to $2,499 tier
Adventurer
$2,500 to $4,999 tier
Traveler
$5,000 to $9,999 tier
Explorer
$10,000 to $24,999 tier
Pioneer
$25,000+ tier
Choice of one:
A. RVW tote
B. RVW T-shirt
C.
D.
RVW flag
RVW hat
RVW Open Road
Futures Program
Choice of one:
A. Ladder tag and one item from Camper tier
B. RVW denim shirt and one item from Camper tier
C. $50 RVW gift card
D. Registration for one national RVW convention tour
Choice of one:
A. Three nights camping at an RVW convention or national rally
B. Four days use of golf cart during RVW convention
C. Picnic basket and RVW polo shirt
D. $100 RVW gift card
Choice of one:
A. One-time convention registration plus use of golf cart for four days
B. Pair of lawn chairs and 9' x 12' patio rug
C. Three-year single RVW membership and $130 RVW gift card
D. Three-year household RVW membership and $70 RVW gift card
Choice of one:
A. One-time convention package to include premium parking site, four paid nights of
camping, two convention registration fees and use of golf cart for four days
B. Six-year single RVW membership plus $260 RVW gift card
C. Six-year household RVW membership plus $140 RVW gift card
D. $500 credit toward an RVW caravan trip offered by Fantasy RV Tours
Choice of one:
A. RVW lifetime membership (non-transferrable)
B. One-time convention package to include premium parking site, five paid nights
of camping, two convention registration fees and use of golf cart for five days plus
paid registration for two convention events (tour, golf tournament, etc.)
C. Pair of mountain bikes with helmets and water bottles
D. Flat screen TV (32", 37" or 40")
Choice of one item from each tier plus:
Name imprinted on RVW stationery and/or publications as a Pioneer Lifetime Member
Please detach and mail to: RVW, P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940 — or fax to (480) 671-6230
I AM PLEASED TO CONTRIBUTE TO THE RVW OPEN ROAD PROGRAM
My contribution will support future growth of RVing Women. I know that my gift is not tax deductible.
Last Name_______________________________________________ First Name __________________________________________
Last Name_______________________________________________ First Name __________________________________________
Address_ _______________________________________________ City_ ________________ State______ Zip__________________
Phone______________________________ Email____________________________________ RVW #_________________________
I/we wish to participate at the following tier q Camper q Nomad q Sightseer q Adventurer q Traveler q Explorer q Pioneer
Please indicate choice of tier premium
Contribution amount $_ ________________
This amount is to be deducted:
q One Time Only q Monthly q Annually / U.S. funds only
www.rvingwomen.org
qA
qB
qC
qD
q Charge my q MasterCard q VISA
Card Number_________________________________________
Expiration Date____________________ V Code*____________
Signature____________________________________________ *3-digit number on the back of the card near the signature area
Opportunities
During the 2011 RVW convention in Goshen, Indiana (Elkhart County), we will be collecting non-perishable food
items for the Food Bank of Northern Indiana. The Food Bank of Northern Indiana will furnish large barrels to be used
in collecting the food. At the end of the week, food bank volunteers will collect the barrels and measure the weight of
the items collected. Their website will then report RVW as a donor and indicate how many pounds of food we contributed and the number of dollars donated.
As always, direct monetary contributions (cash or checks payable to Food Bank of Northern Indiana) are welcome.
All food collected during Convention 2011 will be distributed to food pantries serving the needy in Elkhart County.
Since that area is the RV manufacturing capital of the world, many of the families in that area are directly affected by
the downturn in RV manufacturing. This will be a way to give back to those workers who built many of our rigs.
For more information about the food bank, go to www.feedindiana.org.
Cascadia Chapter Donates $1,000
The Cascadia Chapter is a large
and active chapter with a history
of generosity. This year, due to a
wildly successful auction, members
voted to donate a total of $1,000
to RVW, $500 designated for
Convention 2011 in Goshen and
$500 for use as needed by RVW.
Chapter President Cheryl Edman
noted that Cascadia "has a
long history of supporting the
mothership." Convention support
continues this year even though
fewer chapter members will be able
to attend due to the distance away
from their home area.
The auction was held during the
chapter's Memorial Day weekend
rally in Mossyrock, Washington.
The auction had three separate
parts: a silent auction, a live
auction, and a bid for the club,
which was a simple call for
donations. Bids started at $100 and
went down from there. Members
were asked to donate at whatever
level they were comfortable with.
Six members donated $100 each!
Many others stepped in and gave
what they could, with a total of
$1,100 being collected just by the
asking.
The RVW Board of Directors
would like to acknowledge this
generous donation and support.
Special thanks to all members of
the Cascadia Chapter for their
generous donations.
and Gratitudes
A big thank you goes to Cascadia Chapter member Dianne Milnor for
creating an updated Open Road Futures Program presentation for use by all
RVW chapters. Dianne worked many hours to create a concise and easy-touse presentation to help get this important message out to all our members.
Special thanks are due to Beckey Fritsche and the Development Committee
for creating the initial Open Road Futures Program video presentation that
helped to get this fundraising effort off to a great start.
A round of applause also goes to Arizona Chapter member Marilyn Teresi
and members of her Convention 2010 Fundraising Committee. Their fundraising efforts generated record income for RVW at last year's convention in
Mesa, Arizona.
Introducing
Sports Image Apparel
RVW has a new clothing vendor, Sports Image
Apparel, with an exclusive online store that
makes it easy to order any quantity, any time of
day or night.
The minimum order is one! You can go online
individually and order clothing items with the
RVW logo without ever having to wait for a
group order. Choose your color, choose your
style, choose your quantity. Just go online to:
www.sportsindiana.com/webstore/RVing_Women.html
Special thanks are due to Dorene Thomas and the RVW PR & Marketing
Committee headed by Meg van Zyl for finding and recruiting this vendor.
Committee volunteers include Linda Brown, Karlene Field, Gail Gilvin,
Dee Johnson and Virginia Richardson. Thanks are due also to Gayle
Pierce for finalizing the agreement with Sports Image Apparel.
www.rvingwomen.org
www.rvingwomen.org
CONNECTIONS |
RVW's Memorial Garden
A very special RVW memorial was created this past winter
in Celia’s Garden in Quartzite, Arizona. The RVW Board of
Directors gave permission in February 2011 to create this
special place to remember members who have taken their
final journey. Quartzite has been the site of many RVW
boondocking rallies over the years.
Celia’s Garden is well known to those who have visited
Quartzite. This garden was begun in 1996 in memory of
Celia Winer, who died at the age of 8, as a way to give back
to the community that had supported her family. Since then,
the park has expanded to honor individuals and members
of groups who have passed. It is a growing and thriving
botanical park that receives many visitors from around the
country during the year.
Pat Taylor, of Colorado, had the vision for the memorial.
She was aided in gathering rocks and doing the memorial
site work by Sandy Thuet, Jackie Allard, M. Coit, Nancy
Hale, Pat Parker, Rita Watkins, and Vicki Para. Sandy
Thuet painted several flat rocks with pictures of different
style RVs and graphics spelling out RVW.
Care is being taken to compliment the natural look
prevalent in the park. Desert white quartz has been gathered
to outline the space. A memorial plaque has been ordered
and will be installed on a rock slab that was brought in from
miles away on the desert. Several smaller rock slabs have
been placed alongside the main plaque slab. Individual
nameplates can be placed on those smaller rocks to honor
deceased RVW members.
A dedication of the RVW Memorial Garden will be held
in January 2012 during the Quartzsite rally. Plans are to plant
several cacti and desert plants on the site before then. All
labor and materials are being donated by RVW members.
Individual name plaques for members who have passed
can be ordered through Vicki Para, a member of the Quartzite Memorial Committee. Each name plaque will have
The Learning Curve for an RVW Board Newbie
I joined RVW in 1999, soon after purchasing my first RV.
I knew from the beginning that RVW would be an important
part of my life. I have made special friendships with people
that I would never have known, and I have attended many
great events and learned how to RV safely.
RVW has truly enriched my life. When I retired two years
ago, I decided I wanted to give back to the organization. I
ran for a position on the RVW Board of Directors.
So here I am today, a newbie on the board. My three-year
term began in January 2011.
I was the Cascadia Chapter president for two years, so
I thought I had a good basic understanding of how RVW
works. Wow, have I been getting an education and a workout
since joining the board! I have been learning very rapidly
how much effort and commitment it takes to keep this
organization moving forward.
The seven members of the board come from all over the
country. We work via the internet with a monthly voice
meeting. In between meetings, we send many emails and
documents back and forth and make frequent phone calls.
The board meets face to face only twice a year, for a week in
January and a week at the annual RVW convention site.
In October, in Mesa, Arizona, the candidates for the three
open board positions sat in and were allowed to participate
in the weeklong board meeting. It was my first experience
seeing how the board actually works. I began then to learn
about national RVW operations. It was a long week of hard
work and in-depth, sometimes difficult, discussions.
In January 2011, three of us officially joined the board
and began our work in earnest. Our January meeting, held
this year in Apache Junction, Arizona, provided a deeper
orientation to the organizational structure. We spent time
getting to know a bit about each other and reviewing RVW
background information and documents so we could get
down to work. Together, we set goals and assigned areas of
responsibility.
I was assigned to be the liaison for the website, membership directory and magazine, advertisers and vendors and
Convention 2011. I am fortunate to work with four very
hardworking ladies: Karlene Field, our advertising and
vendor representative; Dee Johnson, our magazine editor;
Dianne Walker, our webmaster; and Linda Elliot, coordinator for this year’s convention in Goshen. Their knowledge
and ongoing work is essential to RVW’s well being and my
mental health! They make a great team to work with.
In January, each board member also was assigned to serve
as the primary contact point on the board for two to three
chapters. This gives us the opportunity for each director to
www.rvingwomen.org
| CONNECTIONS
the deceased member’s name and primary RVW Chapter
engraved on it. The cost is $5 per plaque. Plaques ordered
by the end of November 2011 will be installed in time for
the dedication ceremony in January. Plaques may be ordered
in the future for additions to the memorial.
To order a name plaque, please contact Vicki Para at (253)
859-4748 or email her at catvi@comcast.net.
Information about the RVW Memorial Garden dedication ceremony will be published in this magazine and online
at www.rvingwomen.org. You can read about the gardens
at www.celiasrainbowgardens.com.
Opposite page: Sandy Thuet and Pat Parker place RVW markers for a
new memorial garden centerpiece. This page: Memorial garden planners
Pat Parker, Sandy Thuet, Pat Taylor, Vicki Para and Rita Watkins stop to
pose for a photo. / photos: Cathy Atkins
meet and work closely with members and chapters we may
not have been familiar with. None of us have been assigned
to our home chapter. My chapters for this year are the Lyte
Hearts and Mid-America chapters.
Our monthly online board meetings last between two
and three hours. We each submit a report prior to the meeting outlining the work that has been accomplished in our
areas of responsibility during the month. We ask questions
of each other, seek and give advice, and deal with any items
that need board approval.
This has been an exciting year to be involved with the
website and E-communications. RVW launched a new
website in May. The website design and implementation
project began in January and took more hours than I can
count. Online conferencing became a way of life for a while.
Multiple phone calls, daily emails and much time was
devoted to making choices for the design and capabilities
of the new website.
The new website was a team effort. We have something
I believe we can all be proud of. You will continue to see
improvements and added website capabilities.
I will now begin working with the E-communications
Committee to look at ways to improve our RVW communications.
www.rvingwomen.org
I have discovered that being a director takes many hours.
It can occasionally be slightly frustrating, but it is also very
rewarding. I have met many more women who are linked
by this special organization and the love of RVing. I have
truly enjoyed my first five months on the board.
Take a look at the listing for the current Board of
Directors (on page 12 and on the website) to see what each of
your board members is responsible for this year. Your Board
of Directors truly does care deeply about this organization
and our members. I am pleased to be a member of this hard
working and dedicated board.
Do you have a question or comment for the board?
Check out the Ask the Board section in the Forum area of
the website or simply email any of your directors. We are
here to serve you and always are willing to listen to our
members’ concerns and to answer questions.
I look forward to the adventures and challenges coming during my three years on the board. Most of all, I look
forward to meeting many of you and making many new
memories.
Cathy Atkins
RVW Director 2011–2013
cathya@rvingwomen.org
Sharing RVW Memories
Years
An Interview with Alta Jones and Gerri Pries
Apache Junction, Arizona
Alta Jones and Gerri Pries divide their time between
two Arizona homes, a winter home at The Pueblo in
Apache Junction and a summer home in Dewey, Arizona.
They attended the first RVW national convention in Lodi,
California and have participated in every convention since
then. They will be joining other RVW members at this year’s
convention in Goshen, Indiana.
Alta, who does most of the talking, remembers the
excitement of that first convention. “It was so packed that
we ran a drop cord from our rig to the next rig—we all did
that—and we’d holler out the window, ‘Don’t use your hair
dryer because we’ve got the coffee pot plugged in,’ or some
silly thing like that. We were all just so excited and having
such a good time.”
They didn’t set out to go to all the conventions. “It just
sort of happened," Alta says. "We would look at where the
convention was going to be, and then we’d make our plans
around that. It would take us maybe two or three months to
go and come from the convention.” She remembers that it
was “maybe six years ago when they said, as they always do
at convention, please remain standing if you have been to
(whatever the number was) conventions, and all of a sudden
we looked around and nobody else was standing.”
“So now we can’t quit,” Gerri adds.
Alta and Gerri first learned about RVW in 1990, the
same year that Alta retired. At that time, they had been
RVing for three or four years, just going off for vacations
or weekends.
On one of their earliest camping trips, they slept in a
tent. “We went to Yosemite with friends. There were bears
all around us that night, breaking into ice chests trying to
get to food. So I said to Gerri, if you’re going to go fishing
and you’re going to do all these outdoor things, I’m going
to have something comfortable.”
After that, they bought a 29-foot pre-owned Class A.
Their second RV was a new 32-foot Class A, followed by a
35-foot Class A.
“We were the last ones in our group of friends to buy an
RV, but we were the first ones to tow." Alta says. "We went
off to Texas in the RV, no car. By the time we got back, we
decided we would never do that again. So we bought a car
that we could tow. Our friends said, ‘You’ve got to be kidding!’ And then they all started towing.”
Gerri and Alta took their first long RV trip in 1990. "We
didn’t see any women. We knew they must be out there, but
we didn’t know where they were,” Alta says. “When we got
back from that trip, we picked up some issues of MotorHome
magazine, and that’s when we saw an ad for RVW.”
They went to their first rally in 1992 in Yuma, Arizona.
“Charlotte Norby and Arlene Van Note were our rally leaders, and they completely sold us on RVing Women, completely sold us,” Alta says.
lebrating
Ce
1991 - 2011
That fall, they met Zoe Swanagon and Lovern King at a
rally in Mississippi and learned about plans for developing
The Pueblo into a women’s park. They were one of the first
residents to purchase a lot.
“RVW totally changed our retirement lives,” Alta says.
“We have friends now across the entire United States, friends
that we have had for 20 years. And we’re still making friends
through RVW.”
Their mission, anytime they attend a rally or convention,
is to meet new friends. They aren’t in favor of parking in
chapter areas at conventions. “We just want to go park by
anybody, meet somebody new,” Alta says. “Sometimes we
find it difficult to break into a group. We really try to be open
and friendly, but sometimes groups just don’t reach out.”
Gerri says the best times are when you see someone you
haven’t seen in a long time and you tell them to come on
over, and then you see someone else, someone new, someone you haven’t seen before, and you invite them in, and
pretty soon you’ve got your own group.
Alta says the best thing about going to conventions is
getting together with friends, old and new. “There are just
so many maintenance classes you can go to. We’ve been to
them all, and we sold our RV a year ago, so we get together
with friends, do some scouting around by ourselves." They
appreciate the seminars offered at conventions that are not
strictly RV related. "The financial seminars are the best, the
absolute best," Alta says. "Sally Johnson does a wonderful
job. What she has to say is probably valuable for everybody,
if they just knew it.”
From Judy Bozman
Apache Junction, Arizona
I joined RVW, I think it was 1992, but I really never participated in a lot of RVW activities until I retired. Work kept
getting in the way. We missed the caravan to Alaska because
of work, couldn't get the time off. So I talked to the RVW
office and got a lot of information, and then we went off by
ourselves for six weeks and just loved it, thought we were
in hog heaven. That's when we decided we were going to
try to go full time. When we got back, I started looking for
a bigger truck and a bigger fifth wheel, which we found.
We ended up not being the best travelers. We'd get
together with other RVW members and they'd say, "Oh,
yeah, we went to Podunk, and boy did we see the neatest
thing there." Well, we were in Podunk, and we didn't see
anything. But we did have a good time, and now it seems
that almost all my friends I have met through RVW.
[After retiring, Judy Bozman moved to Arizona. She served
as RVW Office Manager from 2002 to 2008.]
www.rvingwomen.org
Mile Markers
RVW is the only international support
network organized solely for the benefit
of the female RV enthusiast.
From Arlene Van Note
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
There it was, a small ad that said if you were a
woman interested in RVing, there would be a rally
on the coast in Washington State. Living in Spokane
at the time, it was an all-day drive to Ocean Shores
on the coast, but it sounded really interesting. So
off I went and had a fantastic weekend of seminars
and new friendships. That started my involvement
with RVW.
After selling off all my possessions, buying a fifth
wheel and heading out, I began serving as a rally host
all over the western U.S. Eventually, I settled down
in Arizona, just in time to be hired by our founding
mothers to work in the RVW office. As office manager,
I took care of the daily details and eventually took
over the preparation and editing of the magazine.
After a lively growth period involving a “bit of recreational land sales,” I bought RVW from the founders
and eventually began the process of turning the forprofit business into a non-profit organization—not
an easy process, by the way.
It was a 24/7 job and I loved it —especially taking
phone calls from all those women who wanted to
RV but their families forbade it, their neighbors told
them they’d get killed, etc., etc. All they needed was
a bit of encouragement to be on the way to achieving
their dreams. Meeting the members and being part
of their dream was wonderful.
My partner and I are enjoying retirement in the
central highlands of Mexico now. Surprisingly, we
actually encounter former members of RVW from
time to time and reminisce about the good old days.
We continue to love and support the organization
even though we are not active any more.
Best wishes and Congratulations on 20 years!
Help us celebrate the 20th anniversary of RVing Women.
We would like to hear from you about how RVW has
influenced your life. Send your comments, letters and articles
to rvweditor@rvingwomen.org or mail to RVW Office, P.O.
Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940.
www.rvingwomen.org
Mel Leach, a member of the SoCALjourners Chapter,
has served this year as the California State Senior Games
Commissioner for Archery. She planned, organized and
conducted the games at Stanford University, which is
400 miles from her home. Mel set two records for the
state of California and is this year’s state champion for
her division. In June, when this issue of the magazine
went to press, Mel was in Houston, Texas competing in
archery, bowling and power walking. To read additional
information related to Senior Games, check out www.
californiaseniorgames.org.
Lee Snow, also known as Driftin’ Snow, picked up her
keys and made her final journey on May 11, 2011. She
was born in Harvard, Illinois on November 5, 1916. A
World War II veteran, Lee served her country for 21
years and then went on the road. She spent the next 43
years RVing full time, traveling the last several years in
her beloved 1933 Travco motorhome dubbed the Babe
and towing her li’l orange Volkswagen Bug. She was a
regular contributor to RVing Women magazine.
Mineda Joyce McCleave died May 6, 2011. She was
born December 24, 1937 in Davenport, Iowa. In her
youth, she was a gifted athlete, excelling in several
sports. She had an amazingly retentive mind and maintained an extensive global correspondence with several
noted scholars. Her contributions to their thinking
and research have been footnoted in various of their
publications,
Pat Howard died on April 7, 2011. She joined RVW
in the mid 90s and was a dedicated member of the
Florida Chapter. She regularly traveled from her home
in Albany, Georgia to attend rallies, and she and her best
friend Carol Edeker hosted many rallies for the Florida
Chapter. Pat’s howling good humor was a treat for all.
She was a licensed clown and was involved with many
volunteer groups. She was especially passionate about
assisting her dog Charlie on Pet Therapy visitations.
Pat was born March 26, 1937.
Marion Wilson died October 4, 2010 after a short
battle with cancer. She was a charter member of the
RVW Northeast Network. She enjoyed traveling and
meeting new people and especially welcomed the
opportunity RVing provided to spend time outdoors
with the many friends she loved. Marion was born
March 13, 1931. She had an undergraduate degree in
physical education and a master’s degree in counseling
and served as a public school guidance counselor until
her retirement in 1989.
Lois Toni Henry died on April 13, 2010 after a sixmonth battle with cancer. Working in the RVW office,
Lois helped RVing Women get off to a good start during
the early years of the organization. Lois loved RVing
and boating. She moved to California in the mid 90s
and captained the J-Mack and Real McCoy ferries from
1997 until her retirement in 2009.
CHAPTER CONTACTS |
ARIZONA CHAPTER
GREAT LAKERS CHAPTER
Arizona – Adjacent States – Snowbirds
www.rvw-arizona.org
Michigan – Illinois – Indiana – Ohio – Pennsylvania
www.greatlakersrvw.org
glrvw.wordpress.com
Mary Beth Stearns
Mary Cordell
marybethstearns@yahoo.com
cordellm41@yahoo.com
(602) 619-9483
ARIZONA DAY TRIPPERS CHAPTER
Seasonal Outings – Phoenix Area
Lindy Louden
spencerpat@yahoo.com
(520) 559-2131
Kay Houchin houchin1940@hotmail.com
(480) 246-7087
CASCADIA CHAPTER
Washington State – British Columbia
www.cascadiarvw.com
Cheryl Edman
driffin@gmail.com
(360) 446-2060
Elaine Ploegstra
eploegstra@comcast.net
(206) 524-8270
FLORIDA CHAPTER
Florida
www.flrvw.org
Arlene Dawson
arlenedawson@bellsouth.net
(386) 214-0719
Mary Anne Laviano
malaviano42@yahoo.com
(813) 416-1238
FREEWHEELERS CHAPTER
Northern California – Northern Nevada
www.rvwfreewheelers.org
Cheryll Clark
gr82bcheryll@yahoo.com
(775) 882-4112
Judy Leonard
jmleonard3@juno.com
(530) 477-8548
FULLTIMERS CHAPTER
Bringing full-time RVers together from all areas
of the United States, Canada and Mexico
Carol Miller
cacm46@aol.com
(317) 431-5171
Flo Hurlburt
flojo0052@yahoo.com
(402) 290-2630
Gayle Bennett
gayplezeus@aol.com
(248) 669-3826
Shirley McMahan
shirley_denise@hotmail.com
(248) 545-5416
LYTE HEARTS CHAPTER
Wisconsin – Minnesota – Illinois
Iowa – Nebraska – Missouri
Sandy Ferris
smferris@hughes.net
(618) 498-1721
Jeanne Carter
rvingdogmom@att.net
(414) 352-8341
MID-AMERICA CHAPTER
Kansas – Oklahoma – Missouri – Arkansas – Illinois
website: rvwmidamerica.wordpress.com
Marj Ward
marjanddoc@cox.net
(316) 204-3894
Jan Russell
russellj@hughes.net
(816) 738-1738
MIDATLANTIC CHAPTER
District of Columbia – Pennsylvania – New Jersey
Maryland – Delaware – Virginia – West Virginia
Kentucky – Tennessee – Georgia – Alabama
North Carolina – South Carolina
www.midatlanticrvw.com
Joyce Cochrane
cochrane@tcnj.edu
(609) 658-6893
Lee Ensor
megandlee@webtv.net
(717) 993-5571
NORTHEAST NETWORK
Maine – New Hampshire – Vermont – New York
Massachusetts – Rhode Island – Connecticut
Ontario – Quebec – New Brunswick – Nova Scotia
www.nennavigator.org
Teddie Grayson
tedgiu@yahoo.com
(860) 859-2253
Claudia Combies
claudia_a_combies@sbcglobal.net
(860) 774-4215
www.rvingwomen.org
| CHAPTER CONTACTS
OHIO RIVER VALLEY CHAPTER
SOLO TRAVELERS CHAPTER
Michigan – Illinois – Indiana – Ohio
Pennsylvania – Kentucky – Tennessee
www.ohiorvw.com
Bringing solo travelers together from all areas
of the United States, Canada, and Mexico
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/rvsolotravelers
Tammy Haley
tamtam4bikes@gmail.com
(317) 250-4222
Judith Robinson
rvwjude@gmail.com
(321) 960-7339
Vicki Eident
vicki@eident@.net
(317) 679-5386
Max Maxwell
woovoo@aol.com
(813) 469-3190
Liz Kieffer
lizzy2u56@gmail.com
(608) 695-9856
OREGON CHAPTER
Oregon
www.oregonrvingwomen.org – (541) 997-0886
TEXAS RAMBLIN' ROSES CHAPTER
Texas
Gina Masciantonio
scmrmm@charter.net
(541) 267-6999
Marilyn Nichols
nicholme2@comcast.net
(503) 390-5667
Pat Bowen
txpatrving@aol.com
(830) 624-9299
Barb Pace
barbpace1@msn.com
(541) 764-2910
Vicki Blake
vblake42@comcast.net
(713) 562-2271
Sharon Barfield
sharonbar1@aol.com
(936) 446-9979
ROCKY MOUNTAIN CHAPTER
www.txrvw.org
Wyoming – Colorado – New Mexico
www.rmrvw.org
Juliana Quinn
jqcell@telco.net
(719) 256-4655
Marga Callender
margacallender@hotmail.com
(719) 473-2256
Jo Stanbrough
bjwolfeyes@msn.com
(719) 633-4747
SOCALJOURNERS CHAPTER
WE NEED CHAPTER LEADERS
We need chapter leaders in Utah, Nevada, Idaho,
Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Mississippi,
and Louisiana. If you would like to take advantage of
this opportunity to help women RVers in these areas
get together more often, please contact the RVW
office. Call (888) 557-8464 or (480) 671-6226 or email
rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org. We will give you support
to help your chapter get started.
Southern California
Delight Miller
delightm@verizon.net
(323) 599-2100
Arlene Strango
tadger2@aol.com
(951) 780-7666
Bev Laing
bbevgonagn@aol.com
(951) 676-5384
Myra Roselinsky
msmyro@aol.com
(562) 427-8525
Information about RVW national
and chapter events is regularly
updated at www.rvingwomen.org
When you join RVW, you connect with RVing Women all over the USA, Canada and Mexico.
You are welcome to participate in chapter events wherever you travel. Contact the chapter
leaders listed on these pages to find out about chapter activities and membership opportunities.
www.rvingwomen.org
Chapter News
Cascadia Chapter
Ferndale, Washington
April 29 to May 1: We returned to
Cedars RV Resort in Ferndale, which is
near the border with Canada, in hopes
that our Canadian members would join
us as they did last year in March. We
were rewarded with several friends we
Cascadia Chapter members were tasked
with creating slippers at their pajama
party in April. / photo: Jan Secor
haven’t seen for awhile. Some of the
snowbirds have also returned. Altogether we had about 50 people and
25 to 30 rigs for a wonderful weekend.
We even got some sunshine between
rain showers. Sunday was glorious. The
other days were mostly sunny with
rain at night.
Leanna and Marcie, our weekend
captains, and divas Christine, Sherry
and Suzanne kept us busy having fun
all weekend. Friday evening we shared
snacks and caught up on each other’s
doings. Saturday morning, we held our
second annual bowling tournament at
nearby Mt. Baker Lanes, followed by a
pizza party and our annual meeting.
We managed to make the meeting last
over an hour.
The rest of the Saturday afternoon
was free. That evening we gathered in
our pajama party attire to share our
weekend project—the manufacture of
slippers using four Kotex and whatever
we could find in our rigs.
The results were amazing; we are
a very creative group. There were dog
walking slippers, prepared for anything
slippers, Smore’s slippers, a doggie
with slippers, M&M slippers, doggie
biscuit slippers, garden slippers, nurse
Ratchet’s slippers, dandelion gems, etc.
We were so impressed with ourselves
that we lined them all up for pictures.
Our pajama party continued with
movie time. The feature film was “The
Long, Long Trailer” with Lucille Ball
and Desi Arnaz. We all wondered how
they pulled that 40-foot trailer with a
sporty convertible.
The sun was still shining when the
movie was over, evidence that longer
days are here. We had a campfire anyway.
Sixty-plus RVers traveled to Harmony Island to
participate in the Cascadia Harmony Island Survivor
games held in May. / photos: Cathy Atkins
www.rvingwomen.org
Sunday morning, Leanna and her
crew served us breakfast, delicious as
always. It is great to have a food person
who is willing to share her talents in
the group.—Jan Secor
Cascadia Chapter
Mossyrock, Washington
May 28 to 30: A handful of
Cascadians arrived at Harmony Island
on Thursday, braving wind, rain, sleet
and hail. Small groups gathered for a
pre-event dinner and conversation.
Texas Hold’em then commenced, with
Bandit, Suzanne, Guyla and Linda C.
coming out on top.
Cascadia members trickled in
through the wild weather all day
F riday. Several divas helped create
Cascadia Harmony Island Survivor. Sixtyplus survivors gathered for tropical
grub. President Cheryl introduced JoJo
Probst our host for Harmony Island
Survivor.
After stuffing ourselves, we chose
our Survivor teams: Pink Tucans,
Green Rain Rats and Blue CoCo TaTas.
Our team members spanned a 40-year
age range, with our youngest member
Monica (age 40) and eldest member
Mary (age 80) forming the bookends of
the participants in a weekend of Survivor challenges. The teams participated
in the Ping Pong Ball Toss and the very
popular Bikini Wearing/Frog Toss challenge. Some Survivors gathered round
the campfire while others set up for the
silent auction—what great teamwork!
Saturday started with a wholesome
Survivor breakfast in the Tiki Hut. The
sun goddess blessed us with sunshine
for our challenges. Jan K. lead the
Tucans to a win in the Q-Tip Blow Dart
challenge while Monica anchored the
CoCo TaTas to a win in the Ping Pong
Ball Water challenge. The Rain Rats
came out on top in the Pea and Rubber
Band challenge. The Nose/Vaseline/
Cotton Ball challenge was a toss-up.
Our silent auction boasted an amazing array of auction items donated by
Cascadia members. Several bidding
wars broke out for popular items such
as JoJo’s dragonfly quilt (Shelly beat
out Kathy) and the propane campfire
(Karlene won that one). Cascadia raised
over $1,100 in the silent auction!!
Two tables of Texas Hold’em players
sneaked in a tourney after the silent
auction while the tribal council campfire continued to burn, thanks to Jill,
continued on page 26
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www.rvingwomen.org
CHAPTER NEWS |
Laurie and the campfire crew. Cathy A.
previewed pictures from the event on
her computer, and then we embarked
on another great feast of wonderful
food and conversation.
The live auction also proved to be a
huge success. With Vanna on vacation
in Europe, Lynda acted as auctioneer
with assistance from the past and
present tribal council (board members). Highlights included a bidding
war between Cheryl and Beemer for
the patriotic bowling ball. Barbara H.
finally came through with the winning
FreeWheelers held their sixth annual rally
at Pardee Lake in April. Laura Ferrell and
Robbin Rose took advantage of the fishing
opportunities that were offered. / photo:
Paulette "Casper" Nordahl
bid ($65 for Cheryl’s 65th birthday).
Many wonderful items were donated
by Cascadia members, including vacation opportunities, a rig hand wash,
and a hot apple pie served right on the
spot. We raised over $2,200 in the live
auction and an additional $1,100 from
a Bid for the Club call for donations.
We had 100 percent participation.
Cascadia members raised over $4,300
total! The club will send a $1,000 donation to national RVW for convention
and operating expenses.
Sunday morning was spent visiting,
playing games and relaxing. Sunday
afternoon brought the final round
of Survivor challenges, including the
obstacle course, ball toss/net catch
and math challenge. We moved to the
tribal council campfire for the final two
challenges: eating the mystery food
challenge and solving a word puzzle
game.
The Survivor event wrapped up with
tribal council awards at the campfire.
The Green Rain Rats narrowly beat out
the Pink Tucans for top honors. Each
team chose a top Survivor. CoCo TaTa’s
chose Meg, the Tucans chose Linda C.
and the Rain Rats chose Mari. Suzanne
won the Kindness to Others award. Jan
K. won the Blow Dart award with Lin,
Andi, Dorva and Beemer winning the
Go-getters of Go-getters awards. The
Sportsmanship award went to Tessie
and the Team Go-getter award went
to Linda C. Vicki was named Rubber
Band Champ with Cathy P. winning
the Sunny Disposition award. Sherrie
won the Because She Can award after
her knee surgery. The TaTa mascot was
Marti, with Christine taking home the
Pea-face Extraordinaire award. Mari
won the ultimate Survivor award, taking home the coveted Coconut Woman
trophy!
Monday morning we christened
three rigs: Cathy’s Sweet Pea, Kathy and
Nola’s Two Crabs Side by Side and Lin
and Annette’s Delightful. With hugs
and smiles, we said happy trails until
next time.—Lynda Byrd
FreeWheelers Chapter
Ione, California
April 15 to17: While it rained
before and after, the weather for our
sixth annual weenie roast and boondocking rally at Pardee Lake was just
right. The recreation area is located 40
miles southeast of Sacramento where
the grass is lush, wildflowers abound,
turkeys gobble and the lake is stocked
with fish. With a full moon on Monday,
Clear skies welcomed the 42 rigs and
65 members and guests attending the
FreeWheelers Chapter rally at the Jackson
Rancheria RV Park. / photo: Judy Leonard
everyone enjoyed the night skies. A
total of 57 women in 37 rigs, including
four guests, gathered for the weekend,
which was hosted by Irene Paulin and
Mary Sue Ferrell.
Our first real campfire of the year
occurred under great weather conditions after a Friday meet and greet.
The coals were perfect for roasting
marshmallows.
Saturday morning started with a
breakfast potluck. The offerings were
close to gourmet. Following breakfast,
those interested gathered for an educational session moderated by Irene
Paulin. Each participant talked about
a favorite campground or two.
FreeWheelers have added shopping
and playing games to their ongoing
interests in eating and talking. For the
shoppers, Sheridan Designs was selling off their inventory at great prices,
Sue Copeland had custom designed
magnetic jewelry, and Jane Hiatt was
showing her scroll saw wood pieces.
Eighteen creatively styled bonnets showed up for a fashion contest held in May at a
Mid-America Chapter rally in Halstead, Kansas. / photo: Lanny McBrown
www.rvingwomen.org
| CHAPTER NEWS
For the second year, we had a
double elimination washer toss tournament with 14 teams participating,
almost double the number from last
year. The primary object of washer toss
is to have fun and meet new friends.
The winning team included Merrily
Robinson and Pam Walden; in second
place was the team of Pat Tinker and
Shirley Leister.
After that competition, everyone
was either starved or exhausted. We
gathered around the fire pit to cook
hot dogs to go along with delicious
side dishes.
Once the sun set, we returned to a
perfect fire and continued a tradition
of remembering special people, past
and present, with fairy dust which,
when sprinkled on the flames, makes
pretty colors. Thanks to everyone who
brought firewood.
Saying goodbye on Sunday can take
awhile. A dozen rigs stayed another
night.— Mary Sue Ferrell
Jackson, California
April 28 to May 2: Host Sharon
Adams welcomed 42 rigs and 65
members and guests to the Jackson
Rancheria RV Park for a fun-filled
weekend in the beautiful foothills of
California’s Gold Country. On Thursday, we were on our own to visit the
historic sites or the casino. Sharon set
up a book exchange table at her rig and
also collected canned food for the local
food bank.
Each day at 3 p.m., Beverly Hiltachk
had root beer floats for all to enjoy.
Friday, we had a potluck appetizer
meet and greet in the park’s beautiful
clubhouse. New members and guests
were welcomed.
Saturday started with a potluck
breakfast. We then warmed Sue Clark’s
new trailer with lots of cheers. Everyone was on her own to explore the
Gold Country for the day. Some went
geocaching, to the casino, or to local
historic towns to do some shopping.
There was also some shopping activity
at our campsites. Our very own Tinker
Gals brought their Sheridan Designs
t-shirts, sweatshirts and hats for sale
and several gals had homemade items
for sale. Christy Stevens conducted a
computer workshop.
www.rvingwomen.org
We had a Saturday night potluck
and bar-be-cue feast. Our All Girl Band
played after dinner to an arousing
crowd. The clubhouse was filled with
card players and domino players later
in the evening.
Sunday morning, we had a cleanout-the-refrigerator breakfast potluck.
We said goodbye to those that had to
leave Sunday afternoon; 26 rigs stayed
until Monday. Some of us went to the
casino for the local hot jazz concert.
We had fabulous spring weather,
lots of great camaraderie, and we collected 90 pounds of canned good for
the local food bank.—Sharon Adams
Mid-America Chapter
Platte City, Missouri
April 30 to May 1: As has been
our custom, our first outing of the
season was our maintenance rally. We
were joined by technicians from A-Z
Mobile RV Service to help us repair and
prepare our rigs for the year. Owner
Ed Smoot conducted seminars on RV
maintenance and new products for the
RV shopper. We also had on-site wash
and wax service from Clean and Serene
Mobile Detailing.
This was our first outing at Basswood
RV Resort, and it proved to be a good
choice. The meeting room easily held
all 54 members and three guests for
our two potlucks and business meeting. The campground had a huge
store (including excellent choices of
local and international wines) where
we could get RV parts and supplies as
needed.
Pat Mitchell was presented the
Classy Hat Award by President Marj
Ward for just being Pat with a good
sense of humor. Marj, Nancy Stubbs,
Nancy West, and Cindy Winburn
contributed the handmade hat and
hopefully will give lessons in making
tissue paper flowers sometime in the
future.
Some of us took time out to tour
the historic town of Weston, a quaint
village with antique shops, wineries,
and restaurants located in buildings
built prior to the Civil War. Weston
is known for its tobacco production
and, until 2001, was the only tobacco
market west of the Mississippi.
Our thanks to Jan Russell who
hosted the rally.—Barb Schneider
Mid-America Chapter
Halstead, Kansas
May 6 to 8: Thirty-six Mid-America
RVW women gathered at Spring Lake
RV Resort in May for a weekend of fun,
games, tours and food. We had the
clubhouse all weekend, which gave us
many opportunities to play games and
cards, enjoy old friendships and make
new RVW friends. We had seven new
members joining us.
Friday, we took a two-hour tour that
took us 650 feet underground to one
of the few working salt mines on earth.
This mine is also used as a secure warehousing facility for business records
and classic Hollywood films.
In the afternoon, we donned our
spring hats for an unusual sight and
a contest. This fashion showcase was
a huge success, as 18 different styles
and types of bonnets showed up. The
winner was Sharon Allmon, with a
CHAPTER NEWS |
large pink design. Larry Ann Holley
was runner up, with a Kentucky Derby
rendition. Both were awarded Walmart
gift certificates.
We closed out Friday with dinner at
an Amish restaurant in Yoder.
Saturday started out with an RV
garage sale. We dickered and traded
items until everyone was happy. Karen
West gave away some delicious butter
cream mocha cupcakes. We all asked
if she made them in her vintage travel
trailer—it was such a cute little jewel—
but no, she made them at home.
Free time on Saturday allowed us to
tour the countryside and visit nearby
towns. At the Learning Center for
Health, we met Valeda, a transparent,
mechanical woman who told us her
story about the human body. We also
visited a hardware store listed as one of
the few remaining pre-1900 hardware
stores. It has been open since 1885.
Visits to the Cosmosphere and IMAX
gave us new views on space travel.
On Saturday evening, Spring Lake
RV Resort served us a delicious oldfashioned handmade chicken fried
steak dinner (or, for the more health
conscious, grilled chicken). Afterwards,
we gathered for a white elephant
Christmas in May gift exchange. It
wasn’t a good thing to do after dinner because we exchanged and stole
gifts and laughed until we couldn’t
see through the tears for over an hour.
Sometimes you even have to pay to
get rid of unwanted gifts that you have
drawn! A staunch Oklahoma fan ended
up with Arkansas Razorback fuzzy slippers. It cost her some cold cash incentive to give away her lovely slippers.
Most of us ended the night with
several rousing games of 31.
Sunday, we were served a cookedto-order full meal breakfast by the
campground. Those who could stay
another day headed out for touring
the countryside, nap taking and tire
fixing. A new RVW member found out
that hitting junk in the road causes tire
problems. Five nails later, Amy Gibson
had to replace a car tire. We wish Amy
and our other new members safe journeys and hope you enjoy RVW as much
as the rest of us. A potluck dinner and
more card games ended the night and
our latest RVW adventure.—Lanny
McBrown and Judy Brown
Great Lakers Chapter
Ohio River Valley Chapter
Archbold, Ohio
April 29 to May 1: It may have
been a bit cool for this first rally of the
season, but that didn’t stop 25 women
from getting together for a good time
and a little education. Sauder Village
Campground was our temporary home
for this weekend event hosted by the
Ohio River Valley and Great Lakers
chapters.
Friday afternoon started off with
Geocaching 101. Many women gathered with various GPS units to learn
more about the activity. A short explanation of “what is a cache, what does it
look like, and where to find coordinates
for it” was all explained. What was not
available from the instructor was how
to physically program and use the various types of GPS systems that were on
hand. Three different caches had been
hidden by the instructor, and eventu-
ally all the participants were off and
hunting. As the instructor had to hide
caches specific for this activity, she also
had to make up the clues. One cache
was hidden in the shower house that
was also designated as a storm shelter—
the clue was, “You go here to either get
wet or stay dry.” This clue proved more
challenging, as it was later discovered
the laundry facilities were attached to
the same building. Thankfully, we all
had a good time learning about our
existing equipment and a new activity
we could do with it.
A down-home pitch-in dinner was
scheduled with ham provided and
guests bringing their favorite grandmothers’ recipes to share—all while
wearing their bib overalls, straw hats,
handkerchief ties, boots, etc. As usual,
we discovered there are lots of good
cooks in RVW.
An evening fun-raiser of Chocolate
Bingo was played immediately following dinner. Many women went home
happy with various types of chocolate—candy bars, Milky Way parfaits,
and chocolate topiaries. One lucky
winner even left with an “unofficial”
set of RVW candy bars!
Saturday was our day to explore
Sauder Village, a settlement depicting
rural life in the 19th and early 20th
centuries. Everyone came back to camp
with stories about the herb shoppe, the
doctor’s office, songs they had sung
in the church and things they had
seen in the museum. The town was
also hosting a 35th annual quilt show
with over 400 entries. Many women
commented on the beautiful work and
artistry they saw.
Zoogle, a low-impact, aerobic game,
was introduced to the group. It is
played with 3-foot soft sticks that are
tossed between two players who
have to remain standing in one spot.
Points are scored, generally by your
opponent’s mistakes. The wind was
blowing, which did not make the right
conditions for tournament play, but it
is a fun game and may re-appear at the
national convention in October.
A new tradition for the Ohio River
Valley was started at this rally. Co-leader
Vicki Eident presided as mistress of ceremonies for a new rig christening. One
new rig, owned by our newest member,
was on hand for the festivities.
www.rvingwomen.org
| CHAPTER NEWS
At their May rally, Mid-America Chapter
members descended 650 feet below the
earth's surface to tour a working salt
mine. / photo: Lanny McBrown
Dinner at The Barn, operated by
Sauder Village, was enjoyed by all. A
buffet or full menu to choose from
allowed everyone to satisfy her hunger
and to spend some of the $25 certificate
we received upon check-in.
Our campfire that evening proved
challenging. A starter log got our fire
going, but rains came and we all scattered to our rigs.
The weather broke Sunday morning
just long enough to brew coffee, spread
out a continental breakfast and get
some good conversations going. It was
nice to have both chapters together,
swap ideas and meet new friends.
This rally was co-hosted by Harriet
Miller, Monica Wherle, Tammy Haley
and Tammy Hanson of the Ohio River
Valley Chapter.— Tammy Hanson.
Frankfort, Kentucky
May 19 to 22: The Ohio River Valley
Chapter hosted 15 rigs, 26 women and
assorted cats, dogs and exotic birds at
the Elkhorn Campground. We welcomed new member Karla Lovachy.
Side trips to Shaker Village, Buffalo
Trace Distillery, Rebecca Ruth Candy
Factory and Kentucky Horse Park
gave campers plenty of choices for
activities. The candy factory, with its
special Kentucky bourbon balls, was
www.rvingwomen.org
a particular favorite. A hardy few took
the walking tour of Frankfort’s historic
district. Others took a driving tour of
Kentucky horse country.
A Thursday night dinner at Miguel’s,
a local Mexican restaurant, started the
weekend off right. Many participants
also enjoyed lunch at Rick’s White
Light Diner, a restaurant featured on
“Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.” We all
enjoyed a potluck dinner Friday night
and a cookout Saturday night.
Friday night, our own Ohio River
Valley member Pat Setser presented a
webinar demonstrating the new and
powerful features on the RVing Women
website.
Ohio River Valley Chapter members were very pleased to be part of
christening ceremonies for four new
rigs. Our co-president, Tammy Haley,
put together a great ceremony including some wonderful wishes for Susan,
Delight, Karla, Jeri and Sandy, the
owners. Each rig was then christened
with wine, and a raucous cheer, “Who’s
your Mama?”
Torrential rain Saturday night put a
little damper on evening activities, but
Sunday morning’s hitch-up breakfast of
bacon and bagels prepared everyone for
safe journeys.
Patty Cooper, Shelly Haley and
Kathy Isenhour were the rally hosts for
this event.—Kathy Isenhour
Oregon Chapter
Bandon, Oregon
April 8 to 10: We had a wonderful
group of women from Oregon, Utah,
California and Washington attending
our rally at Bandon by the Sea RV Park.
Fortunately we didn’t have rain, but we
did have some very breezy weather.
Friday evening, we had our usual
finger foods with a wide variety from
which to sample. Plans were finalized
for various activities on Saturday. Many
stayed in the clubhouse and played a
variety of games.
Following breakfast on Saturday
morning, several women attended a
lapidary workshop arranged by the
hosts in conjunction with the RV park
and learned how to make a cabochon.
Others traveled to points of interest,
including Old Town Bandon and, of
course, the ocean beaches.
Saturday evening started with a potluck dinner that was ample and delicious. After dinner, we had an auction
of items donated by members. A twonight stay was donated by the RV park.
Joy, the lucky winner of Chocolate Bingo,
went home with a Nestle Wonka bouquet.
The fun-raiser was held at the April rally
hosted by the Ohio River Valley and Great
Lakers chapters / photo: Tammy Hanson
CHAPTER NEWS |
could stay longer enjoyed games and
seeing local sites. Sunday evening, 27 of
us went to dinner at a local oceanfront
restaurant. Afterwards, we returned to
the clubhouse for more games.
Monday, we had a leftovers breakfast before it was time to breakdown
camp, say our farewells and wish safe
travels.—Dee Hamer and Dottie Allen
Several Oregon Chapter members attended
a lapidary workshop in April at Bandon
by the Sea RV Park. Shown here is Paulette
Belivieau. / photo: Dee Hamer
Master auctioneer Gina Masciantonio
had everyone laughing as they parted
with their money. This activity raised
$182 for our chapter. Games in the
clubhouse followed.
Sunday morning, the group enjoyed
three-egg casseroles and a variety of
muffins provided by rally hosts Dee
Hamer and Dottie Allen. Those who
Oregon Chapter
Canyonville, Oregon
May 13 to 15: Our May rally was a
success with an excellent turnout by
our members of well over fifty. The
Seven Feathers RV Resort was definitely
the place to be the second weekend
in May.
The weekend started early on Thursday with many members arriving to get
a headstart on the fun. After getting
settled in, everyone kept busy enjoying
the wonderful pool and visiting with
friends. Some even went gambling to
get the feel of the amenities.
Friday evening, we all got together
at the clubhouse for hors d’ourves and
drinks. As usual, we had some wonderful food at our gathering and everyone
enjoyed meeting our new members,
playing games and visiting with both
new and old friends.
Saturday was an unscheduled free
day. Several women visited the Wildlife
Safari, golfers went golfing, and still
others enjoyed wandering through the
antique shops in Canyonville, swimming, reading, gambling or just sitting
around relaxing. We did have a big
winner of $1,200 at the casino.
Saturday evening, we got together
again at the clubhouse for a huge potluck with an abundance of absolutely
wonderful food. We have an amazing
number of wonderful cooks among
our ranks.
We also celebrated some birthdays
on Saturday. The one that stands out
is our Martha Lindegren who turned
90 years young. And I do mean young!
Mel Leach, a Senior Olympics champion, led an archery class at the SoCALjourners Chapter rally held in Banning, California. Mel
served this year as the California State Senior Games Commissiner for Archery. / photo: Melody Evans
www.rvingwomen.org
| CHAPTER NEWS
Another 17 members rolled in on
Friday.
Rachel Harp presented a Friday
morning Q&A session on hot water
heaters, house batteries, sewer systems,
roof caulking, tires and doing an RV
inspection. In the afternoon, Kathleen
McCall led a tie dying workshop with
music from the 60s era setting the
mood.
Friday night, we had an Uno de
Mayo/Mardi Gras celebration. In keeping with the theme, we saw more
bling on our ladies this year. We had a
potluck that included the best nachos,
specialty dishes and margaritas on the
mountain. The rally leaders provided
the beef, a vegetarian substitute and the
margaritas. After dinner, we gathered
in the activities room for two hours of
dancing and singing. Our wonderful
music program was orchestrated by
Marilyn Teresi.
Saturday brought clearing skies and
warmer temperatures and our final two
attendees. A morning tour of the Silent
Rachel Harp presented Q&A sessions and led a walk-about at the SoCALjourners rally
held Memorial Day weekend. / photo: Judy Leonard
Her favorite cake is chocolate, and her
favorite pie is strawberry rhubarb. In
honor of this very special occasion, the
Illahee Restaurant provided both desserts. The decadent chocolate mousse
cake was much to her liking—and
everyone else’s!
Our education program included
an excellent computer class presented
by June. Most of the attendees walked
away feeling much more knowledgeable and confident.
Sunday morning, we christened
newly acquired RVs. Afterwards, we
gathered at the clubhouse where our
hostess Arlene provided a delicious
brunch from Illahee Restaurant in
Glide, which is a must stop when
you’re going to Diamond Lake or Crater
Lake on Hwy 138.
Some members pulled out after
breakfast, but many stayed on through
Sunday. That evening, about 30 of
us went to the Creekside Café at the
casino.
We said our goodbyes on Monday
as we all headed home or started out
on the road for more adventures. Many
plan to make the RV park at Seven
www.rvingwomen.org
eathers a regular stop on their jourF
neys as they travel up and down the
interstate. It is a beautiful park, the staff
is very friendly and helpful and there is
much to see and do in the immediate
area.— Arlene Dian
SoCALjourners Chapter
Banning, California
April 28 to May 3: Rally leaders
Linda Brown and Barbara Roeder, our
rally leaders, and Rachel and Joel Harp,
arrived on Wednesday to get ready for
our rally at Silent Valley RV Resort.
There were 21 attendees who also
came early.
We woke up to a cool, slightly
windy Thursday. Members started
arriving shortly after 9 a.m. We kept
busy during the day helping members
get parked and registered. Joel Harp
was seen working on our rigs as early as
8:30 a.m. By 5 p.m., over 50 attendees
had arrived. We were all treated to a
loaded baked potato and salad dinner that evening hosted by the rally
leaders—a big thanks to Judy, Sue, Dee,
Susan and Delight for helping prepare
the dinner.
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CHAPTER NEWS |
Texas Ramblin' Roses organized a fashion parade
to show off the Easter hats they decorated at their
April rally in Hempstead. / photos: Vicki Blake
www.rvingwomen.org
| CHAPTER NEWS
Valley facilities was offered for those
who were interested in membership.
Mel Leach, our very own Senior
Olympics champion, led an archery
class. We each had an opportunity
to give our arrow a shot at the outhouse.
Saturday night, we took over the
resort’s restaurant with 68 of us coming together for dinner. After dinner,
we were entertained by three talented
guitarists, Melody Evans, Cynthia
L awrence and Margaret Steinberg.
Some of us sang along. Over in the
corner, our card players were busy at
work.
We gathered Sunday morning for a
SoCALjourners Chapter update meeting. Future chapter outings and the
2011 RVW convention in Goshen,
Indiana were discussed.
Following the meeting, Sue
Daugherty from SkyMed presented a
seminar discussing the differences in
what’s available in emergency medical
evacuation. In the afternoon, Rachel
Harp led another Q&A followed by a
walk-about.
Saturday evening, we enjoyed
grilled hamburgers, turkey burgers, hot
dogs and veggie burgers provided by
our rally leaders and cooked by master
grillers Mo, Jolene, Shelly, Connie and
Barbara. Members brought side dishes
and desserts. After dinner, members
enjoyed a game night organized by
Dee and Susan.
Monday, a beautiful day, was
mostly unscheduled, a day to just relax
and visit with friends. That evening, we
shared an empty-out-your-refrigerator
potluck.
A total of 75 women in 44 rigs
enjoyed this fantastic rally. We had
clear skies every day with just enough
wind to keep us humble. Our biggest
challenge for next year? We realized
that our maximum attendance will be
50 rigs.—Linda C. Brown
Texas Ramblin’ Roses Chapter
Palestine, Texas
March 25 to 27: The Texas Ramblin’
Roses held their Dr. Pepper rally,
attended by 40 women with 25 rigs,
in the piney woods of east Texas. The
dogwoods were in bloom, the azaleas
were abundant, and wisteria decorated
all the roadsides. Events were scheduled for 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. each
on Friday and Saturday.
At 10 a.m. Friday, Sharon Barfield
presented an educational program
showing how to make a water filter
that would fit between the connection from the outlet on the rig exterior
to the site water connection. All the
fittings could be purchased at a DIY
store for reasonable prices and would
prevent germs, worms, parasites, etc.
from entering the RV though the local
system. After the program, several
ladies were excited enough to drive
into Palestine to find the materials so
they could make sure their water supply would be protected.
At 2 p.m. Friday, another gathering was held to talk about the various
hobbies pursued by the members. Our
talented group has done everything
from building a child’s playhouse,
working with mosaics, playing the
dulcimer, painting, making a quilt from
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www.rvingwomen.org
CHAPTER NEWS |
t-shirts gathered on trips across the
United States and the Orient, knitting,
woodcarving and glass etching. One
member is gathering photos of statues
of women of substance with the plan
to put them onto a website.
At 4 p.m. Friday, the group talked
about the various volunteer activities they pursue. Our guest, Renee
DiFronzo, is a pilot and belongs to
Pilots and Paws, and organization that
relocates dogs, cats and reptiles to shelters where they can be adopted. Other
volunteer activities include serving
as a treasurer of the Pederanaldes Fire
Department auxiliary that raises funds
for equipment, making trails easier for
walkers, volunteering at the Houston
Livestock Show and Rodeo, and helping
at the Sequin Outdoor Learning Center.
One volunteer belongs to Grace Flight
and travels to the Houston airports to
pick up and deliver patients coming
for treatment at M.D. Anderson Cancer
Center. Another is a Veterans Memorial
Lady in Houston who attends committal services at the national cemetery for
servicemen and women. These were
just a few of the many activities the
Ramblin’ Roses participate in outside
their daily lives.
Friday evening, we joined together
for a potluck dinner and a brief meeting
with announcements about forthcoming rallies. Three new members, Judy
Alban, Clara Conner and Marilyn
Wiles, were introduced, along with
Renee DiFronzo who is visiting Texas
and decided to join the Roses. After
dinner, the Roses settled down for
cards, bingo and working on a jigsaw
puzzle.
Four carloads of Roses drove to
Palestine on Saturday to attend the
dulcimer convention. They were entertained by blue grass mountain music
played on banjos, fiddles, basses and
dulcimers.
Another six Roses ventured onto
the Dogwood Trail for birding. This
was a drive, walk and picnic trail, and
the group took advantage to try all of
it. They caught glimpses of a pileated
woodpecker, brown-headed nuthatch
and white-eyed vireo, along with the
usual piney woods bird species.
Back at the park, members met to
compare their favorite national parks.
Some of the parks mentioned were
Grand C anyon, Big Bend, Glacier,
Yellowstone, Custer, Mesa Verde, Bryce,
Arches, and Campobello.
In the evening, everyone gathered
around the fire pit to roast hot dogs
and marshmallows and Peeps.
Delma Cummings was the cash
prize winner of the raffle that was held
at this rally.—Vicki Blake
Texas Ramblin’ Roses Chapter
Hempstead, Texas
April 15 to 17: A total of 33 members, two guests, and 18 rigs joined us
at the Red Oak RV Park in Hempstead,
a small town an hour northwest of
Houston.
We had the use of a 6,000-squarefoot meeting hall with a large kitchen.
There was plenty of room for potluck
dinners—no crowding to fill your plate
at this get-together!
On Friday, a couple members drove
11 miles to Brenham and toured the
Blue Bell Creamery. The company’s
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slogan is, “We eat all we can and
sell the rest.” Viewing through large
windows, you could watch the cookie
crusher render the crumbs for cookies
and cream ice cream. Looking further,
you could see the empty half-gallon
cartons coming down the line and
another machine spinning out the ice
cream, and then see glove-protected
human hands place the lids on top and
send the cartons on their way. Along
with watching the various flavors of ice
cream being made, you could watch as
ice cream sandwiches were assembled,
wrapped and sent to the freezer. At the
end of the tour, you could choose from
a number of flavors and receive a big
scoop of free Blue Bell ice cream. It was
an educational and filling tour for all.
On Saturday, several members met
in the meeting hall to decorate their
Easter bonnets in preparation for the
evening parade of hats. Glue guns,
plastic eggs and carrots, ribbons and
flowers were attached to a variety of
headgear. A tin hat served as a resting
place for a number of decorations.
Another was a colander with various
kitchen gadgets attached. One Rose
used the bottom of an Easter basket to
make her fashion statement. A couple
of ladies chose to keep it simple and
just wore bunny ears.
Hempstead is known for the watermelons grown in the area, so some
members drove to the local vegetable
market Saturday morning—only to
find the local produce hadn’t arrived.
They did do a little shopping however
and returned with a few items plus
some herbs for their home gardens.
Saturday morning, a number of
members met for a book discussion and
came away with lists of new books and
authors to seek out.
After an evening potluck of spring
dishes, the Easter parade and judging took place. First place winner was
Nancy Camp. Second place went to
Arden Eversmeyer, and third place
went to Judy Clancy. A group photo
was made of the bonnet wearers. Those
with April birthdays were serenaded
and given birthday wishes.—Vicki
Blake
www.rvingwomen.org
RVW Photo Contest Rules
Do you have photos you would like to share? Why not enter them in our
6th Annual RVW Photo Contest! You can submit up to three photos for
one $5 entry fee. The photos you submit will be displayed at this year's
RVW convention
in Indiana. Entries
C Wildlife and Pets
a
ction or still photos of your pets or
must be received in
o
animals you see on your travels
the RVW office by
n
September 15, 2011.
People
t
e
s
t
C
a
t
e
g
o
r
i
e
s
candid or posed photos of people
Humor
photos of life's humorous moments
that you have managed to capture
Landscapes and Nature
hotos of scenic outdoor vistas
p
(sunsets, mountains, rivers, lakes,
gardens, prairies, etc.)
RVing
photos that represent the joys of RVing
and the RV lifestyle
Sports and Adventure
photos depicting any of the broad
range of activities encompased in this
category (water sports of all kinds,
action shots of various games, winter
sports, etc.)
Winning photos will
be featured in RVing
photo: Jan Secor
Women magazine.
Winners will also
receive extra copies of the magazine to send to family and
friends. A first place, runner up and honorable mention
photo will be selected in each category.
Get your camera and photos ready now. Sort through your
photos and select a few of your best for this year's contest.
We hope you will choose photos that represent various
seasons of the year.
Each entry may consist of no more than one photo per
category, with a maximum of three categories. Write your
membership number, the name of the category, and the
date the photo was taken on the back of each photo.
Entries must be received in the
RVW office by September 15, 2011
How to enter the 6th Annual RVW Photo Contest
1. This contest is open to members of RVing Women only.
2. Submit your best/favorite photos. Do not include photos submitted in a previous RVW photo contest.
3. On the back of each photo, clearly print the category, your RVW membership number and the date the photo
was taken. Include your first name if there are two people under the same RVW number. Also include a note
describing the photo.
4. Enter one to three photos and pay only $5 total. Proceeds will go to support RVW.
5. Send entries to RVing Women, P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940. For courier delivery, send to
RVing Women, 879 N. Plaza Drive, Suite 103B, Apache Junction AZ 85120.
6. Entries must be received in the RVW office by September 15, 2011.
Requirements for photos:
1. If you are using a film camera, photos should be submitted as an 8x10-inch professionally processed print from
either a color negative or color slide.
2. If you are using a digital camera, photos must be taken at a high resolution setting. (Most camera shops can help
you set your digital camera to high resolution.) On some cameras, the highest setting may be labeled “TIFF.”
Check the size read-out on your camera or in your user’s manual. The highest quality setting should be at least 72
dpi at 30x40 inches or 300 dpi at 8x10 inches. Copy the photo onto a CD at full size and resolution in JPEG or
TIFF format. Submit the CD, along with an 8x10-inch print of the photo for judging purposes.
3. No “digital magic” photos will be accepted (i.e., artificially colorized, manipulated to add or delete an image or
manipulated to stretch or skew an object). Photos with captions or text added also will not be accepted.
All entries become the possession of RVing Women and will not be returned.
www.rvingwomen.org
Sampling the Big Apple
Longing to visit New York City but
can’t afford $300 per night for a hotel
room?
As an RVer, you’re in luck. You can
stay at the Liberty Harbor RV Park in
Jersey City across the Hudson River
from Manhattan for about $70 a night,
eat what meals you want at home and
sleep in your own bed at night.
Liberty Harbor RV Park is strategically located directly across from
Manhattan and has easy access to the
city by several routes. Literally at the
doorstep of the park is the water taxi
from Liberty Harbor to the Financial
District in Manhattan. The charge is
$4.50 each way, and it runs every half
hour until nearly 10 p.m. on weekdays.
It does not run on the weekends.
Five blocks away is the New Jersey
PATH subway that runs to either the
site of the former World Trade Center
or as far into Manhattan as 33rd Street.
This costs $2 each way; passes can be
purchased at lower per-ride fares.
Another option is to take the New
Jersey Transit train just one block away
that will take you to the PATH station
at Pavonia/Newport where you can
then go into Manhattan. This costs
$1.75 each way. This is a better idea
than parking at the Pavonia Newport
Centre; we ended up paying $22 to
park for five and one-half hours.
Liberty Harbor RV Park has only 50
spaces available, so reservations are a
must. There is good water and electricity but no sewer hookups. Two dump
stations are conveniently located however. Toilets, showers and laundry are
available, as well as public telephones.
The office staff is very
helpful with suggestions,
maps and locations of
nearby facilities. A tour
bus to Manhattan will
even pick up passengers
in the park.
Fall or spring is the
perfect time to visit New
York City. The weather is
beautiful and the crowds
of tourists have dwindled. You generally won’t
need reservations for
shows or restaurants at
this time of year. There is a great view
of the Statue of Liberty from the park,
and in the fall it is fun to watch boats
from an adjacent marina being transported through the park to the storage
area behind the park. A huge machine
cradles the boat on slings as the driver
steers it to its storage spot. A restaurant,
the Sand Bar, is also connected to the
marina.
Ten blocks away is a large grocery
market and a couple more blocks is
the Newport Centre Mall with over 50
shops, including five major department
stores and Cineplex movie theaters.
Adjacent to the mall are gorgeous
high-rise condominiums and business
buildings plus another ferry to New
York City.
Getting to the park is very easy
off the New Jersey Turnpike. There
are a couple things to keep in mind
when driving in New Jersey and New
York however. Never drive an RV on a
parkway. You may find yourself stuck
in an underpass. The parkways were
deliberately designed so that trucks
could not travel on them. Underpass
clearances are very low. You should also
be aware that, unlike the West Coast,
the exit numbers on the highways do
not reflect miles driven.
If you are courageous enough to
drive your tow vehicle into the city,
the Holland Tunnel, only twelve blocks
away, is a good option for getting into
Manhattan. No RVs are allowed in
the tunnel. We were told that parking is much better in Manhattan now
because old warehouses with strong
enough floors have been converted
into parking garages, but we simply
accepted their word for it. We preferred
to take the subway.
We found the subway very safe,
clean and convenient. Even at rush
hour when we had to stand the entire
way, the distance did not seem that
far. We did not feel safe traveling on
the subway late at night however, so
when we went to the opera that let
out at midnight, we hired a town car
to take us there and back. At the suggestion of the RV park office manager,
we hired Ash Marcus at (201) 780-5469.
We were very happy with his service
and charges. It was so comfortable to sit
back and be transported when we were
dressed up for a big night out. Ash also
gave us some commentary on the area
as we were driving that we wouldn’t
have received elsewhere.
www.rvingwomen.org
| MEMBERS SHARE
by Lovern King
Manhattan is exciting. There is so
much to see, but we learned that you
have to pace yourself. Take a day or so
off sometimes.
A nice diversion that is close to
Liberty Harbor RV Park is the Liberty
Science Center. It has hundreds of
interactive exhibits and one of the
largest IMAX screens in the country.
The three floors of the building are
divided with a different theme on each
floor: environment, health, and invention. Three hours minimum is recommended for exploring. A toll ferry also
leaves from the adjacent Liberty State
Park for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis
Island.
We originally had some concerns
when we found out that Liberty Harbor
RV Park was in Jersey City. We had
heard dire stories of Jersey City, stories
about crime, poverty and filth. We
were very pleasantly surprised. The area
near the park is quite lovely and much
building is going on of even nicer structures. We felt completely safe walking
to and from the subway. Even in the
park, there is no threat of uninvited
personnel coming around.
The advertised rates for the park
are somewhat high ($70 a day), but
Other parks near New York City that
you may want to check out include
C roton Point Park at Croton-onHudson, New York; Newburgh KOA in
Plattekill, New York; and Fla-Net Park
in Flanders, New Jersey. However, getting to New York City from these parks
involves at least an hour traveling
time compared to the 15-minute
subway ride from Liberty Harbor RV
Park. Another alternative is Yogi Bears
Jelly Stone Park at Lazy River but that
commute involves a 30-minute drive
to the train station in Poughkeepsie
and a 90-minute train ride into New
York City.
www.rvingwomen.org
compared to the $300 to $400 a day
for a hotel room in the city, we thought
these rates were a bargain. We stayed for
two weeks and the rate was then more
in keeping with most East Coast parks
(around the $45 range). We found this
New York experience ideal. We plan to
come back again. The number to call
for reservations is (201) 386-7500.
Lovern King is a co-founder of RVing
Women.
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1/28/08 5:30:49 PM
One Year Out — Experiences On the Road
I consider myself a newbie to the RV
world. It all started in May 2009 when
I found RVing Women and the Northeast Network. After a few telephone
calls and speaking to a number of
women who encouraged me to attend a
rally, I rented a Class C 25-foot RV and
ventured to Foxboro and my campsite.
I was welcomed into the fold by the
members of the group and spent the
weekend developing friendships and
being educated about RVing. I had been
bit by the RV bug, so I spent the next
year investigating what type of rig I
would settle on.
I bought a Silverado truck and
purchased a truck camper with the
unit being christened Tortuga Blanca.
I choose this setup because it was
relatively simple, and I wouldn’t need
another vehicle to provide additional
transportation.
I ventured out into the world in
October 2010 traveling with my Pug
dog Dozer who settled down quite
nicely in his own booster seat in the
truck. My goal was to be in Mesa,
Arizona by the end of October to attend
the 2010 RVW convention. Along the
way, I made reservations to stay in two
national parks in West Virginia and
Tennessee, which proved to be filled
with beautiful fall foliage and wild animals. Although I didn’t see a bear, one
did leave a number of paw and nose
imprints on my windshield.
I traveled the old Route 66/Route
I–20 to the convention. Along the way,
I learned that Walmart is a traveler's
friend with much appreciated safe
overnight parking as well as cooked
food saving on my time and propane.
I met other travelers along the way
in these lots. As I continued to travel
west, it struck me as to how different
our country is when one crosses the
Mississippi River. Everything is so
big and expansive. The scenery was
changing from the green-blues of the
mountains to the flat prairie lands
dotted with mesas. The driving was
not the frenetic whiz of cars typical
in the East but long expanses of road
with massive trailer trucks passing me
on either side of the truck. I think this
is called chicken, which initially rattled
me a little. But more often than not,
I drove many miles without seeing a
soul. At that point, my dog proved to
be a good listener.
My learning curve of operating
my truck and camper, basically two
different systems, grew each day and
especially if there was an incident.
I developed a system of closing up
the camper that was methodical, but
there were events that tested and frustrated me. One such event was when
I thought I had packed everything
up and dutifully toured the truck to
double check that everything was put
away. I slowly pulled out of my spot,
and then I experienced a bump. I got
out and there on the ground was the
power surge protector flattened by the
truck. I figured that I had placed it near
the tire, forgot about it and drove away.
It was the surge protector’s demise, and
it was an expensive lesson.
I reached the convention two days
early, and I was glad for a permanent
spot at least for a week. The convention
proved to be informative and fun, with
a variety of workshops that helped me
to understand my camper’s systems. At
the end of the convention, my travels
took me to the desert of Quartzite
for boondocking at a Bureau of Land
Management campground and then to
the vastness of the Grand Canyon and
the red rocks of Sedona. I went as far
west as California to Jacob’s Tree and
San Diego.
Christmas marked the halfway
point of my journey. I decided to come
home to visit my children and other
family members. It was also to assure
them I was safe even though I was
traveling alone. I left my camper in a
secured parking lot near the Phoenix
www.rvingwomen.org
by Karin LaPointe
airport. I was feeling a great deal of
anxiety as to whether or not I would
have Tortuga upon my return. Tortuga
was waiting for me when I got back.
As much as I loved having my dog
with me for both companionship and
as an alarm, I decided to fly Dozer
home. He would end up living with my
sister who naturally spoiled him rotten
for the rest of my trip.
Upon returning to Phoenix in
January, I went off to Tucson with a
new sense of freedom, wending my
way eastward.
As I journeyed, I basked in the warm
weather of the South, although the
Texas weather proved to be a reminder
of the terrible snow and cold weather
New Englanders were experiencing. A
cold snap had hit the San Padre Island
vicinity. I gave in to finding a hotel
with a warm bed and a hot shower. The
cold only lasted a few days, and I found
myself again on the beach of Mustang
Island State Park in Texas. From Texas,
I followed the Gulf of Mexico states
to find myself in New Orleans right
before Mardi Gras, eating bar-be-cue
in Alabama, and finally going into
Florida.
Florida proved to be an experience
I would like to repeat. I went to the
Everglades and traveled to Key West. I
saw breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.
I was tormented by the mosquitoes
of the Glades, and delighted in seeing wild dolphins jumping out of the
water in the bay at the Glades. An alligator walked right in front of me like
nobody’s business.
Traveling as a single woman proved
to be a great learning experience. For
one thing, when traveling alone you
have to like your own company, as
there are times when it is just you.
More often than not, I entered a
campsite as a lone woman but left with
new friends’ names and addresses. In
Savannah, Georgia I met a woman
from New Hampshire just starting her
adventure. We became fast friends, and
I was pleased that I could share with
her some of the experiences that I had
gained over my seven-month trip.
I am home now and can’t wait to
see my friends from the Northeast
www.rvingwomen.org
Network and relate more of my experiences. I am comfortable in my own skin
of knowing my camper, how to travel
and set it up. I have been creative in
finding solutions to inconveniences
that arose in my travels. RVing has
provided me with a grand sense of free-
dom and the confidence that I can do
whatever I put my mind to complete.
In other words, go for it!
This article was published in the
Northeast Network newsletter and has
been reprinted here with permission.
The Place Is Jumping
The official website for the resort
town of Lake Geneva, Wisconsin boasts
the slogan, “It’s Always Been the Place.”
If you grew up almost anywhere in the
Midwest, you know exactly what is
meant by that. The lake’s reputation
is known far and wide, and it always
was the place you wanted to go and see
someday, mostly for its incredible opulence. The name still suggests water and
wealth and yachts and mansions. Not
for nothing did it earn the title “The
Newport (Rhode Island) of the West,”
which was its better-known slogan during much of the last century.
As is frequently the case when it
comes to real estate, the reason for its
renown has a lot to do with location,
location, location. Another phrase
that comes to mind is “timing is
everything.” Early in the 1800s, the
wealthier residents of both Milwaukee,
located about 50 miles away, and
Chicago, about 80 miles distant, began
to see Lake Geneva as a retreat from the
searing summer heat of those cities.
In particular, many Chicago residents
already owned lakefront property and
had begun to build or expand by the
time of the great Chicago fire in 1871.
Needing close but comfortable places
to stay while the city was rebuilt, even
greater attention was focused on their
homes up north in Wisconsin.
W i t h n a m e s l i k e Wr i g l e y,
Montgomery Ward, Pinkerton, Sears,
Schwinn and Maytag, the Chicago elite
were not long content living in little
cottages and tents. When Dr. Philip
Maxwell, a Chicago surgeon, began
building The Oaks in 1856, just before
the start of the Civil War, he set off
an era of mansion building that still
continues. Having precipitated a real
estate and building boom, it is perhaps understandable that Dr. Maxwell
became known as the “Father of Lake
Geneva." Though not all the early mansions exist intact, you can book a room
today in his, which is noted for tall
windows, fine ornamental wood moldings, marble fireplaces and a grand
staircase. Today, it is called the Golden
Oaks Bed and Breakfast Inn.
By far the largest mansion on the
lake is Stone Manor. Built in 1900 and
1901 by a Chicago realtor, it is labeled
an Italianate Palace because of its sheer
size and grandeur. It contains 18,000
square feet and has a lakeside veranda
that stretches for 250 feet. Though
accustomed to great wealth, the inside
still astonished local residents, containing as it did gold fixtures, a basement
bowling alley and a third-floor miniature golf course. The manor remained
a single family dwelling until 1939. In
the 1990s, it was finally converted into
six condominiums.
Another prominent home is Black
Point Mansion. Begun in 1888 by a
Chicago brewing family, this little
summer cottage has 20 rooms, 13 of
which were bedrooms for the extended
German family. Its most recognizable
feature is a four-story tower easily
seen from around the lake. Notably,
the home is still owned by a fourth
generation family member and still
contains much of the original furnishings. This is the only mansion on the
lake open to public tours. The Lake
Geneva Cruise Line offers a narrated
lake tour combined with a guided tour
of the mansion.
One of the best ways to see the lake
and its resplendent estates is via one or
another of the specialty, fully-narrated
cruises offered by Lake Geneva Cruise
Line from about April to November,
depending upon the weather. In addition to the Black Point Estate Cruise
and Tour, there are full and half-lake
cruises, various meal cruises, sunset
and cocktail cruises, Dixieland and ice
cream social cruises and by far the most
popular cruise, the working run of the
U.S. mailboat Walworth.
The distance around Lake Geneva is
about 21 miles. Until the early 1900’s,
there weren’t any roads going to many
of the mansions and homes built along
the shores. All supplies and building
materials and, yes, mail came by boat,
either owned by the homeowners or
contracted.
Lakeside mail delivery has been in
existence here since 1873. By 1916,
the original Walworth took over what
is considered the oldest continuously
operated marine mail delivery route in
the United States. It is one of very few
such services still being offered to lake
residents anywhere.
Today there are over 1,000 homes
along the lakeshore, including some
of the most beautiful estates in the
country, and residents have the option
of regular delivery from town or
marine delivery in season. Some 50 to
60 homes select marine delivery. The
boat runs every day, including Sunday
when it delivers the Sunday papers. The
boat can carry about 150 passengers.
It leaves at 10 a.m. each morning, and
this tour is almost always sold out.
That is because marine mail delivery is
a sight to see. The service itself is novel
enough to be a big draw, but consider
that the boat never stops, think of the
implications of that, and you begin to
see why features about it have appeared
on the Travel Channel, ESPN, CBS News
Sunday Morning, NBC Today, CNN News
and in People Magazine and The Wall
Street Journal, among others.
We pause here to give a nod of
thanks to youth, sturdy legs, great
eye-hand coordination, youth, fearless
confidence, bounding energy—and
did I say, youth? Each year, the mail
boat service auditions and hires several
college-age youth—and interestingly
enough, almost all girls for many years
now—to do the actual delivery. They
are called the “jumpers.” You begin
to get the idea, no doubt. The name
describes exactly what they have to do
to deliver the mail at each pier. They
are also expected to be multi-talented
because they start their day early at
the local post office where they sort
and bundle the mail for their route.
Back at the boat, they help sort, clean,
straighten and wash windows, as necessary. Once the trip begins, they are
the official narrators of the two-and-ahalf-hour tour, pointing out interesting
homes and giving historical information describing the lake, the mansions
and the mail service.
Along the way, at the pier of each
customer, the captain maneuvers as
close as he can, which still leaves a
gap of as much as four or five feet. The
jumper du jour grabs her mail bundle,
exits through a window next to the captain’s chair, and balances outside the
cabin on little more than a bumper’s
width of foothold that runs the length
of the boat. As the pier nears, she jumps
www.rvingwomen.org
THE
by Kathe McCleave
onto it, races to the mailbox—which is
not by any means always close to the
end of the dock—opens it, grabs the
outgoing mail, inserts the incoming,
closes it, and races back to catch the
boat. The 75-foot long Walworth in
the meantime, which has to be under
power in order to be under control so
close to the docks, has maintained a
steady pace of approximately five miles
per hour as it slides past the pier. The
length of the boat left to aim at for the
return jump depends entirely upon
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how long each dock visit takes. Things
do get exciting from time to time.
There are many things that can slow
a jumper, such as yesterday’s mail still
in the box; slippery piers from dust or
sand, or water from dew or waves, or
fresh paint; inflatable toys left in the
wrong place; and carelessly placed
dock furniture. In fact, jumpers say the
most dangerous part of the process is
landing on the stationary pier because
of all these unknowns. Compared to
that, jumping back to a thin footfall
on a moving target is a piece of cake.
Considering that many of the jumpers do this for three or four summers,
an amazing fact is that they almost
never miss the boat. It is claimed that
almost all of them miss at least once,
and almost none of them more than
that in a career.
Once they return to the boat, landing usually somewhere astern, they
slide back up front along the side to
their window, climb back into the
cabin and find their mike to resume
their narration. Oh yes, and when
they aren’t otherwise busy, they’ll be
happy to sell you a postcard you can
fill out and leave with them. It will be
mailed for you after it is hand cancelled
with what must surely be the only U.S.
mailboat stamp in existence.
There are many good reasons to visit
Lake Geneva. It is a quaint small town
catering to tourists with boutiques and
restaurants, good shopping, historical
sites and endless water-related activities along the waterfront, beaches and
parks. But surely tops among these
attractions must be the opportunity
to cruise on one of the few remaining
mailboats in this country. An extremely
rare occurrence in the world is merely
a daily activity in Lake Geneva, and
you’d be welcomed aboard.
Kathe McCleave is a photojournalist. Her
home base is in Wisconsin.
www.rvingwomen.org
Dear Fellow RVers,
RVeRS’ GOOD NeIGhBOR POlICy
Some of the most respected RV consumer clubs have joined together to support your right to park
on private businesses’ parking lots overnight under the following code of conduct:
Industry-sanctioned Code of Conduct
(RVers’ Good Neighbor Policy)
1. Stay one night only!
2. Obtain permission from a qualified individual.
3. Obey posted regulations.
4. No awnings, chairs, or barbecue grills.
5. Do not use hydraulic jacks on soft surfaces (including asphalt).
6. Always leave an area cleaner than you found it.
7. Purchase gas, food, or supplies as a form of thank you, when feasible.
8. Be safe! Always be aware of your surroundings and leave if you feel unsafe.
If your plans include touring the area, staying for more than one night, or necessitate conduct not
within the code, please relocate to a local campground. It’s the right thing to do!
Most of the complaints lodged regarding RV parking on business parking lots have to do with
aesthetics and perceived abuse of the privilege. There are a variety of competing interests that
were balanced to arrive at this industry-sanctioned code of conduct. As you can see, the Code of
Conduct is nothing more than an RVers’ “Good Neighbor” policy.
Not following the code has serious consequences and is detrimental to the rights of all RVers.
Already, some municipalities have passed ordinances to prohibit parking on private business
property overnight.
Please do not take offense to this letter; it is only provided as a reminder that RVers must be
perceived as good neighbors, or there will be more pressure to institute state, county, and local
ordinances to prohibit parking on private business property.
We wish you safe and happy travels,
094-0810
www.rvingwomen.org
Celebrate RVW
at Convention 2011
Goshen, Indiana
October 12 to 16
Our 20th anniversary celebration in Goshen, Indiana will include
entertainment, a full program of seminars and classes, opportunities to see
a variety of products and services offered by our exhibitors, and time to get
together with friends old and new.
The Ohio River Valley Chapter and Great Lakers
Chapter are the hosts for this year's convention.
We are eagerly awaiting our chance to welcome
you to this special celebration.
Goshen is in the heart of Amish Country.
Nearby destinations include Middlebury,
Shipshewana, Nappanee, Warsaw, Winona
Lake, South Bend and Notre Dame.
This area is also known as the "RV
Capital of the World." It is home to the
RV/Motorhome Hall of Fame and the
headquarters for some of the best-known
names in the RV industry.
The Elkhart County Fairgrounds will be our
home during convention. Come a few days
early to experience all there is to offer here.
Register online at www.rvingwomen.org
or use the form on the following page.
www.rvingwomen.org
lebrating
Ce
Years
1991 - 2011
RVW CONVENTION 2011
Complete a SEPARATE form for each attendee.
Registration confirmation will be by email from RVW.
October 12-16, 2011
Goshen, Indiana
Registration for:
Last Name: __________ _______________________ First Name: _________________________________ Member ID#: ____________
Address:______________________________________________ City___________________________State_______ Zip_____________
Phone ____________________________________________ Email: ______________________________________________________
Emergency Contact Name _________________________________________ Phone Number ________________________________
Travel Partner: Last Name:____________________________First Name:___________________________Member ID #______________
o This is my first RVW convention
Rig Type: o Class A o Class B o Class C o Trailer o 5th Wheel Rig Length ______ o Tow Car o Handicap Access
Banquet Choice: o Prime Rib o Chicken Parmesan o Vegetarian Lasagna
Campsite Fees for full-hookups sites (30 or 50 amp) are $30 per night for one RV with two people. Temporary water/electric only sites
are available for $25 per night. No boondocking is allowed. Parking will be on a first come, first-served basis. Arrivals beginning Friday,
October 7 and staying through Tuesday, October 18 are welcome. There is a limited number of full-service handicapped sites available on
a first-come, first-served basis.
My Arrival Date:_______________________________ My Departure Date:_____________________________
Number of nights______ x $30/ hookups = ....................$ __________
o My Travel Partner is paying the campsite fees.
Number of nights ______ x $25/ temp. water/elec .= ....$ __________
o I will be staying at a different location.
Total Campsite Fees ..............................................$ _______
Convention Registration Fees
(includes entertainment & banquet)
RVW Member/Non-Member
$150 by Sept. 1 ...........................................................................$ _________
($175 received after Sept. 1)
Register by September 1, 2011
1) Online at www.rvingwomen.org
2) Mail to RVW, PO Box 1940, Apache Junction, AZ 85117
3) Fax form to (480) 671-6230
4) Phone (480) 671-6226 or (888) 557-8464
with credit card payment
Please keep a copy of this form for your records. Confirmation, driving
directions and additional information will be sent upon receipt of payment.
Optional Programs and Tours
o $ 57 Rollin’ on the River & Art Museum Tour, Sun. Oct. 9 ...$ __________
Convention Shirts
o $ 55 Golf Scramble, , Mon. Oct. 10 .............................................$ __________
o $ 51 Amish Country Backroads & Brown Bag Tour,
Mon. Oct. 10 ............................................................................ $ __________
Polo Shirts - with convention logo on left shoulder
Men’s Sizes: ___XS ___S
___M
___L
___ XL
$23 all sizes
___3X
___4X ___5X
o $ 25 In-Home Amish Meal, Mon. Oct 10 ..................................$ __________
o $ 31 In-Home Amish Meal w/Cinnamon Bun Demo,
Mon. Oct. 10........................................................................... $ __________
Chest
o $ 42 Made in USA RV & Furniture Tour Tues. Oct. 11 ...........$ __________
o $ 45 Basic Maintenance Workshop, Mon. Oct. 10 ................$ __________
o $ 55 Beyond the Basics Maintenance Workshop
Tues. Oct. 11 .......................................................................... $ __________
Convention Shirts ..................................................$ _______
Indicate quantites and sizes on this form
TOTAL FEES (U.S. Funds Only) ...........................$
_______
XS
32-36
S
36-38
M
38-41
L
41-44
XL
44-48
XXL
48-51
3X
51-53
___XXL
4X
53-56
Ladies Sizes ___XS ___S
___M ___L
___ XL
$23 all sizes
___Plus 1X
___Plus 2X
Comp. Size
Chest
XS
2
32-34
S
4/6
34-36
M
8/10
36-39
L
12/14
39-41
XL
16/18
41-43
XX
20/22
43-46
5X
56-59
___XXL
Plus 1X
22/24
46-52
Plus 2X
26/28
52-56
T-SHIRTS (Unisex sizes) – with large convention logo across the front
Short-Sleeve ___S($13) ___M($13) ___L($13) ___XL($13) ___XXL($14)
___3X($15) ___4X($15) ___5X($15) ___6X($15)
Long-Sleeve ___S($17) ___M($17) ___ L($17) ___XL($17)
___2X($19) ___3X($20)
Chest
S
34-36
M
38-40
L
42-44
XL
46-48
XXL
50-52
3X
54-56
4X
58-60
5X
62-64
6X
66-68
o Check or Money Order enclosed (payable to RVW)
o Charge my: o MasterCard o VISA
Card Number______________________________________V Code*____________Expiration Date:____________________
*3-digit code on the back of the card near the signature area
Signature__________________________________________
IMPORTANT: All cancellations must be requested in writing and sent to RVW, PO Box 1940, Apache Junction, AZ 85117. A $50 processing fee will be deducted from each refund payment.
No refunds will be made after September 11. Your registration for Convention 2010 indicates your knowledge and agreement that you assume all risks attendant to your participation in this
event (including optional side trips) operated by or under the control of RVing Women and hereby waive, release and forever discharge RVing Women, and any of its officers, employees, agents,
successors and assigns, from any and all claims or actions of any kind for personal injuries and/or property damage which you may cause or sustain during the event or during travel to and from
the event. This further confirms your agreement to pay any and all costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees, that may be incurred by the above entities as a result of any such claim by you or
your agents and further acknowledges your sole responsibility for your personal safety, possessions, equipment and vehicles during this event and its related activities. This waiver and release
is to be controlled by Arizona Law. In addition, by attending this event, you irrevocably and unconditionally consent to being photographed and recorded, including being videotaped, and to
having your voice, likeness, identification and actions used in any and all media without restriction. Recording and use will be made in reliance on the consent evidenced by your attendance at
this event. If for any reason you do not consent as herein provided, you are responsible for notifying the photographers and/or video recorders.
0109
www.rvingwomen.org
RVW National Convention 2011
GOSHEN, INDIANA
October 12 to 16, 2011
This is the 20th anniversary year of RVing Women,
and we expect to celebrate all week.
Our opening ceremony will take place on Tuesday
evening. This will allow for the full schedule of seminars, exhibits and activities planned by the Great Lakers
Chapter and Ohio River Valley Chapter, our host chapters
for Convention 2011.
We encourage you to come a few days early. The
pre-convention tours we have planned, offered Sunday
through Tuesday, will provide an introduction to Amish
culture and overview of the manufacturing history that
has shaped this area of our country, especially as it relates
to the RV industry.
As an additional incentive to encourage your early
arrival, we have also arranged for a leisurely Sunday cruise
on the Elkhart River. Golfers will want to rest up afterwards for our Monday morning ladies' golf scramble.
As is customary at RVW conventions, maintenance
classes will be offered on the Monday and Tuesday preceding the opening of our convention seminars. These
maintenance classes, presented in a workshop format,
will be led this year by our own Pat Setzer of Recreation
Services, LLC. Pat is a certified RV technician. She will
also be providing RV service throughout the week.
Seminars and exhibits: Seminars and exhibits will
open on Wednesday morning. You will have opportunities to learn about RV products and services that can
enhance your RV experiences and share information
about hobbies and activities of special interest to RVers.
Expect to see some favorite vendors, long-time supporters
of RVing Women, as well as some new vendors coming
for the first time to an RVW convention.
Entertainment: Several social activities are planned
for our convention week, including our Wednesday block
parties and a Friday night talent show and sock hop.
Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood, better known
as the Wishing Chair duo, will delight us with an entertaining program Saturday night following our traditional
convention banquet. Wishing Chair has performed all
over the country at venues such as the Kennedy Center,
Michigan Womyn’s Music Festival, National Women’s
Music Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival and Philadelphia
Folk Festival.
Much of their music is original. Wishing Chair has
established a reputation for delivering inspiring performances and seducing audiences with soulful confessions,
political broadside and a wicked groove. Their songs combine a passionate mix of intelligent lyrics, spellbinding
storytelling and breathtaking harmony over a full rootand-roll sound. Their recent Stand Up 8 CD was featured
on many Best of 2010 playlists.
Meals included with your registration: Our traditional Saturday evening banquet and Sunday morning
hitch-up breakfast are included in your registration. The
banquet includes a choice of prime rib, chicken Parmesan
or vegetarian lasagna. The hitch-up breakfast will offer a
choice of grab-and-go menu items for those in a hurry to
get back on the road and sit-down foods for those staying
for the closing ceremony.
Throughout the week, on-your-own breakfast and
lunch will be available at the concession in the main
building.
First-timers should plan to join us for a complimentary breakfast on Wednesday.
Everyone is invited to participate in block parties on
Wednesday night. This always popular event is a great
way to connect with friends you may not have seen for a
while and to get acquainted with new friends.
On Thursday, we will have a reception in the vendor
area. Walk around with fun finger foods, take a look at
the products our vendors are offering and find out what
they can do for you.
Fairgrounds and camping: The Elkhart County
Fairgrounds is a large, privately owned event center. RVW
used this same site for our 2002 national convention.
Many improvements have been made since then, including some newly designed campsites and a completely new
Wi-Fi system that is available throughout the grounds.
Campsites include 122 full hookup 50-amp sites and
100 full hookup 30-amp sites. Also available are temporary 30-amp/water-only sites. Amenities include picnic
tables and a park/picnic area, restrooms, showers and
dump stations. A limited number of handicapped sites
will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.
When Can We Come?
There will be another convention at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds until noon on Friday, October 7. Members
who are approved for early arrival (members of the Board of Directors and certain committee chairs) will be
camping in a remote campground at the fairgrounds and will be moved to our convention campground Friday
afternoon.
RVW convention attendees should plan to arrive no sooner that 1 p.m. Friday. A few chapters have arranged for
meetings or other activities Friday evening. If you are not involved in one of these activities, the preferred time of
arrival is Saturday, October 8 or beyond.
www.rvingwomen.org
| CONVENTION PREVIEW
Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood, the Wishing Chair duo,
will provide our Saturday night entertainment.
Location and mailing address: The mailing
address for our convention home is Elkhart County 4H
Fairgrounds, 17746-D CR 34, Goshen IN 46528. Be sure
that any mail you have sent includes your name and indicates that you are with the RVW group. Daily mail will be
collected and distributed at the communications table.
Most GPS devices do not recognize the fairgrounds
address. Elkhart County Fairgrounds suggests that you
use the address of 1810 Monroe Street instead. This is
the business directly across the street from the entrance.
When you are coming from State Road 33 in Goshen,
turn east on CR 34 (also known as Monroe Street) and
drive about two miles to Gate #2 on the right.
If you are planning to fly to this year’s convention,
check out routes going to South Bend, Indiana. The South
Bend airport is about 45 minutes from Goshen. The Fort
Wayne, Indiana airport is located about 90 minutes south
of Goshen. There is a municipal airport in Elkhart.
Alternate lodging: The Comfort Inn of Goshen is
offering discounted rooms to convention attendees for
just $75/night. Comfort Inn is located about four miles
from the fairgrounds at 2309 Lincoln Way East (SR 33),
just south of CR 34 where the fairgrounds is located. They
are holding 20 rooms until September 1 (some single
kings and some double queens) for RVW members who
come without their RVs. Availability is limited, so call
(574) 533-0200 as soon as possible to reserve a room.
CruiseAmerica of Elkhart has up to nine rental RVs
available for attendees who plan to fly in but want to stay
on site. Prices average about $129/day. For more information and to reserve a CruiseAmerica RV, call (574) 2933495. CruiseAmerca is located just south of the Elkhart
Municipal Airport on Hwy 19.
www.rvingwomen.org
Registration: In honor of our 20th Anniversary, RVW
is offering the member registration fee to all attendees. If
you know someone who used to be a member, or someone who is thinking about becoming a member, please
invite her to join us at member pricing.
A separate registration form is needed for each
attendee. You may register online at www.rvingwomen.
org with a MasterCard or Visa credit card. To register by
fax or mail, download the online form or use the form
on page 45. The fax number for RVing Women is (480)
671-6230 (remember to include your MasterCard or Visa
information). The mailing address is RVing Women,
PO Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940. If you
send a check, please make it out to RVing Women.
Convention shirts: Pre-order your convention shirts
when you register. Shirts are available in traditional polo
styling (in both men’s and ladies’ sizes) with a logo on the
left shoulder. Also available are long-sleeve and shortsleeve T-shirts (in unisex sizing) with a convention logo
printed across the front. All shirts are pale yellow. Sizing
information and prices are listed on both the online and
print registration forms.
Convention Opportunities
All RVW chapters are invited to participate with the
convention host chapters, the Ohio River Valley Chapter
and Great Lakers Chapter, in making this year's national
convention one that will stay in our memories long past
our 20th anniversary year.
Sponsorships are welcomed to help fund the first
timers breakfast, golf scramble prizes, block parties and
other events. Chapter sponsorships and contributions
from individuals will be counted as contributions to
the RVW Open Road Futures Program. For information,
contact Convention Coordinator Linda Elliott at (317)
244-8971 or elliottbear2@aol.com.
Donations of new or gently used items are needed for
our convention auctions.
Volunteers are needed to help with food services,
parking, registration, transportation, tours and to serve as
go-fers and seminar assistants. The Full-Timers Chapter is
overseeing communications and the Northeast Network is
covering security. These chapters would appreciate hearing from additional volunteers who can help with these
duties.
We are also looking for someone to help with disc
jockey and sound system duties for our Friday night sock
hop. For information, contact Nannette Whightsel at
(317) 902-7169 or nwhightsel@hotmail.com.
Finally, we are looking for talent for our Friday night
talent show. If you would like to participate, please
contact Shelly Haley at (317) 273-9792 or haleyshelly@
comcast.net. Please also let us know if you need specific
equipment, such as a keyboard or special prop.
CONVENTION TOURS |
Sunday, October 9
Rollin' on the River
Morning Cruise on the River Queen
9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Monday, October 10
Amish Country Backroads
Brown Bag Tour of Amish Country
8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Relax on the Elkhart River Queen, a 65-foot riverboat
operating on the Saint Joseph River, as you learn about the
history of this area and the influence the river has had on
development. This is a peaceful, relaxing and very scenic
ride—some of the most beautiful homes in Elkhart are
located at the river's edge. There are two decks on board—
one air-conditioned and enclosed, and the other outdoors
with a covered canopy. Light snacks (chips, cookies, etc.)
and beverages will be available for purchase.
Following the cruise, the tour will continue to South
Bend for a short stop at the art museum to view a multicounty juried art show.
Cost: $57 per person.
How to register: Check the appropriate box on your
Convention 2011 registration form (available online at
www.rvingwomen.org and on page 45) and include the $57
fee with your convention registration.
Sit back, relax and observe the Amish lifestyle as you
travel the picturesque backroads of northern Indiana. Step
back in time and learn about the fascinating lifestyle of
these quiet and modest people who live without adornments and many of the conveniences we take for granted
each day. As we travel these backroads, our knowledgeable
guide will talk about the area and the history, traditions and
customs of the Amish. We will stop at several Amish shops
so we can fill our brown bags with goodies.
After this tour, we will visit the Menno-Hof Interpretive
Center. We will learn about the religious beginnings of the
Amish, Mennonite and Hutterite people and the persecutions they suffered in Europe before arriving in America. The
center has several interactive exhibits and displays depicting
the real life experiences of these people.
Monday, October 10
Ladies' Golf Scramble
8:45 a.m carpool to golf course
9:00 a.m. tee time
This just-for-fun and prizes golf scramble will be held
at the Black Squirrel Golf Course, named in honor of the
many black squirrels that have made their homes in Elkhart
County. Our fun competition will be followed by lunch
and prizes recognizing singular achievements—for getting
closest to the pin, achieving the longest drive, achieving the
longest putt, and coming closest to the john.
Lunch will be available at the golf course restaurant.
If 25 or more golfers participate, lunch will be furnished.
Otherewise, lunch will be on your own.
Tuesday, October 11
Made in the USA
Manufacturer's Tour and RV Museum
9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
This tour includes visits to Schmidt Furniture, an RV
manufacturing facility and the RV/MH Museum and Hall of
Fame.
The Schmidt family began building cabinets 30 years ago
and quickly established a reputation for building heirloom
quality furniture. On this tour, we will have the opportunity to see all the work and talent that goes into creating an
exquisite piece furniture built to last for generations.
The Goshen/Elkhart area is informally known as the RV
capital of the world. Over 50 percent of the world's inventory of travel trailers, fifth wheels, motorhomes, truck campers and fold-downs are manufactured in this area. We will
visit one of the numerous RV manufacturing facilities in
the area; this tour will include opportunities to watch
some of the Amish handcrafted furniture and sewing
processes used in RVs.
The RV/MH Museum and Hall of Fame is a mustsee for any RVer traveling near Goshen. We will spend
some time here learning about the history of RVing and
looking at one-of-a-kind RVs and models dating back as
early as the 1920s.
www.rvingwomen.org and on page 45) and include the
$42 fee with your convention registration.
www.rvingwomen.org
| CONVENTION TOURS
Monday, October 10
In-Home Amish Dinner
Optional Cinnamon Roll Baking Demonstration
Depart at 3:00 p.m. for baking demonstration
Depart at 4:30 p.m. for dinner at Amish farm
Our Amish adventure continues with a truly wonderful culinary experience. We will sit down to a family-style
Amish dinner and enjoy a simple offering of some of the
best food found anywhere in the country. We will carpool
(directions provided) to a family farm where generous hospitality is served around large tables.
This activity also features an optional demonstration of
a time-honored recipe used by Elaine, an Amish baker, to
make cinnamon rolls. We will sample homemade cinnamon rolls, served with coffee or tea, while we watch Elaine's
demonstration.
Cost: $25 per person for Amish Dinner / $31 per person for dinner and optional baking demonstration.
www.rvingwomen.org and on page 45) and include the
appropriate fee with your convention registration.
Monday, October 10
BASIC RV MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP
9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a one-day overview workshop that will provide
participants with enough familiarity of RV systems to do
basic preventive maintenance. The focus will be on typical
RV issues and problems RVers may encounter when camping. We will include topics that were not covered, or covered
lightly, when you first bought your RV and took delivery.
We will cover the overview characteristics, best safety
practices and maintenance requirements of RV water
systems, sewer systems, electrical and power systems, LP
systems and exterior and interior maintenace.
You should attend this session if you are fairly new to
RVing or if you are interested in learning how to do basic
maintenance on your RV.
The format of the workshop will include the use of technology tools—presentations and podcasts to illustrate key
points.
When registering, you will be presented with an online
form that will ask some preliminary profiling questions
about you and your RV. We are interested in this information so we can customize our presentation to the group
attending this session.
This workshop will be led by Patricia Setser, a certified RV
technician and owner of Recreation Services, LLC.
www.rvingwomen.org
Tuesday, October 11
ADVANCED RV MAINTENANCE WORKSHOP
9:00 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This one-day workshop goes beyond basic preventive
maintenance concepts and equips attendees with essential
troubleshooting and diagnostic techniques. One of the goals
of this workshop is to help the RV owner become a better
consumer of RV repair service. You will leave this workshop
having a better sense of when to call or not to call for professional services.
During this session, you will be presented with logical
approaches and techniques to use when troubleshooting,
proper tools to use when troubleshooting, and best practices
when trying to resolve a problem safely—knowing when to
solve it yourself versus making the call for help.
There will in-depth coverage of RV water systems, sewer
systems, electrical and power systems, and LP systems.
You should attend this session if you are a seasoned RVer
who has some experience doing basic maintenance on your
own RV.
The format of this workshop will include the use of technology tools—presentations and podcasts to illustrate key
points. There will also be extensive use of case studies and
hands-on opportunities for attendees.
When registering, you will be presented with an online
form that will ask some preliminary profiling questions
about you and your RV. We are interested in this information so we can customize our presentation to the group
attending this session.
This workshop will be led by Patricia Setser, a certified RV
technician and owner of Recreation Services, LLC.
Quilt Auction Opens September 1
Bids Can Be Placed Online and by Phone
September 1, 2011 will mark the start of the first ever online/
phone auction to support RVW. A beautiful queen size quilt
has been made and is the feature item of this unique auction.
Individuals and chapters are invited to make bids on this very
special 20th anniversary quilt created
by the Ohio River Valley and Great
Lakers chapters.
Check out the pictures online by
clicking on the Goshen Convention logo
and then using the drop down menu
selecting Convention 2011 Quilt to see
pictures of this quilt.
Here’s how you can place your bids:
Online bids: Go to the RVW website at www.
rvingwomen.org and follow the directions to
make an online bid. Bids will be updated
frequently and top bids will be posted online.
Bids will close online on October 11, 2011 at
midnight (Arizona time).
Phone bids: Place your phone bid by calling the
RVW office at (888) 557-8464 or (480) 671-6226.
The office is open Monday through Friday from
9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Arizona time). The deadline for
accepting phone bids is 1 p.m. October 11.
Live bids at Convention 2011: Bidding will
continue on site at this year’s convention in
Goshen, Indiana until the auction closes. The
winning bid will be announced at the convention.
www.rvingwomen.org
Help a Friend
Discover RVW
We want women to know about this great organization operated
exclusively for women who enjoy the RVing lifestyle. Tell a
friend about RVW, and invite her to go with you to a rally. Share
information with her. Your chapter leaders have RVW brochures
and contact cards and extra copies of recent RVing Women
magazines. Help us put these materials in the hands of other
women who are interested in RVing.
To participate in the RVW membership recruitment rewards
campaign, be sure to let your friends know they should mention
your name when they submit their applications for membership
in RVing Women. The annual term of the current recruitment
campaign is July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012.
Individual Member Rewards
We are pleased to recognize
the following RVing
Women for their success in
recruiting members who
joined RVW during the
months of April and May.
For all of you who are
sharing information about
RVing Women, thank you!
Donna Arnink
Lynette Birch
Lynda Byrd
Jeanne Carter
Lois Chanslor
M. Coit
Arlene Dawson
Cheryl Edmond
Suzie Feldman
June Fortney
Julie Huggins
Gail Krentzman
Deb Medlin
Marjo Sankey
Diana Walsinger
• Membership Credit: For each new member recruited, the
recruiting member receives $5 (five dollars) credit toward the
following year’s dues. Recruit nine members in a calendar year
and receive one year fully paid membership. Recruit more than nine members in a calendar year
and receive credit toward the next year and following year's dues.
• Six-month Drawing: A recruiting member will be entered into a six-month drawing each time a
member she has recruited joins RVW. The reward will be a $50 (fifty dollar) gift certificate.
• Annual Reward: Annually the top two members recruiting the greatest number of new members
will receive gift certificates: $100 for the top recruiter and $75 for the runner-up.
Successful recruiters and prize winners will be indentified in RVing Women magazine and on the RVW
website.
Chapters will be recognized in each issue of RVing Women magazine and on the RVW website for
their members’ success in member recruitment.
Annually at the RVW convention, commencing in 2010, the chapter that was most successful in
recruiting members to RVW during the prior recruitment year (July through June) will be recognized
at an appropriate gathering of the membership. A banner identifying the chapter and the year will be
displayed. The chapter will receive the banner for use at rallies or other events.
For more information, contact Meg van Zyl, chair of the RVW PR and Marketing Committee, at
mgkrving@gmail.com or (623) 680-2085.
www.rvingwomen.org
Rachel’s Ramblings
Learning from Others What Not to Do
Over the last several years that
I have been writing articles for the
magazine, I have always tried to focus
on maintenance and care of the RV. I
know—that is what I am supposed to
do. But, honestly, it can be boring at
times. I have been working with RVW
for over 12 years, and in this article
I will talk about maintenance—but I
would like to share some of the experiences I have had in teaching. In the
process we will learn, but mostly what
not to do.
All these experiences are true. Some
are humorous, some are dangerous,
and some are just plain weird. We can
learn from others, and I hope that
these experiences of others can teach
you. Remember, do not attempt these
procedures on your own. They are only
for the inexperienced.
One of the most memorable experiences was one about battery care. I was
talking, as usual, about how to check
the water in your batteries. Well, I like
to ask how some people check the
level, and I asked a new person about
the water level and how she checked
it. She was told that you check the
level by removing the caps and putting
your finger in the well to see how far
down the water level was. So, being a
good student, that is what she did—
and apparently, according to her, with
no ill effects. You read that right! This
procedure will work if you have plastic
fingers, but if you do not, please do not
stick any body part into the battery
wells. There is sulfuric acid in the wells,
and acid reacts poorly to fingers. OMG!
As a reminder, the procedure that I use
is a flashlight to look carefully into each
cell of the battery. You should not be
wearing jewelry or metal. You should
be wearing gloves and protective eyewear and clothes that won’t matter if
they get damaged. The battery should
be topped off with distilled water to
approximately one-eighth inch from
the bottom of the fill well. Be careful
not to overfill the batteries. When in
doubt, ask!
At one of the RVW conventions, I
was teaching the cleaning procedure of
the black water holding tank. One of
my students shared another story that
I find amazing and amusing. At least
in this story no one got hurt.
She was describing the procedure
she went through to flush out the black
water tank. Everyone that knows me,
knows I love a product called a hydro
flush that is put on the outside of the
RV to help back flush the system. It is
an inexpensive add-on piece that is
clear that helps you be assured that
your dumping is complete. You can
see when you are done, and it pushes
water back up through the lines and
helps to make sure everything is rinsed
thoroughly. I was so happy to hear
that she was using one. Sounds simple
right? Well, unfortunately this person
got distracted while she was dumping
by talking to a couple of friends while
she was doing this procedure and really
forgot to pay attention to the amount
of water she was pumping into the
lines and tank. Well, when there is
too much water pumped in, it has to
go somewhere. All holding tanks have
a vent on the roof of the RV to vent
the smells and gases plumbed directly
to the black tank. This is a plumbing
vent located on the roof of the RV. You
guessed it! It filled the tank to overload
and everything shot out the top vent
on the roof like a geyser! Wouldn’t you
have loved to be the neighbor of that
campsite! Not! So, the lesson learned
here is that when you are dumping,
stay focused or you and your RV will
get a wash down of a lifetime.
One of the women at an outing
I was attending asked if I could talk
about electricity at my next class. I am
always happy to have suggestions, so
certainly I would. I asked if she had
something specific she wanted talked
about. She said that until recently she
was not aware that extension cords
could get so hot. Being the curious
person I am and looking for another
story for my class, I asked her to share
her experience. Well, it seems that
when she pulled out the cord to plug
into the box at the park, she didn’t like
the looks of the cord. I know, I know.
Well, she decided to coil the cord into
tight circles near the post and cover
the cord with a beautiful quilt. Guess
what? Electricity creates a fair amount
of heat and the blanket and cord
caught on fire. I am not kidding! No
one was hurt, and fortunately she had
the proper fire extinguisher on hand.
The reminder I will give here is to never
cover your cord and remind you that
it is recommended that you loosely
coil the cord so the flow of electricity
is not restricted. The less restriction,
the better the voltage; and the more
circulation, the less heat. Some experts
also recommend that before plugging
in, you pull the cord completely out
and then loosely coil it.
Along those same lines, I know it
can be difficult to remove the head of
the cord from the post when you are
ready to leave. The old cords do not
have handles at the head and they do
get stuck. However, never use a metal
spoon or any metal utensils to pry the
head from the post. You are thinking,
who would? Well, at one of the outings,
that is exactly what I saw someone
do. If you cannot get help to remove
the plug, please use wood, not metal!
Really, instead get an electrical lube
that can be put on the prongs to make
it easier to pull the head out or replace
the head with the new style that has a
nice handle to help remove the head
from the post.
I would like to also remind you
about the importance of a water regulator on the inlet for the city water. Not
using one can be hazardous to your RV
and well as to you. One of the RVers felt
that a water regulator was not necessary to use. Instead, she believed you
only needed to crack the faucet open,
thinking this would reduce the pressure
to a safe amount. Well, it doesn’t. Fortunately for her, the accident occurred
during the night. I say fortunately
because if it had occurred during the
day, it could have put someone’s eye
out or worse. During the night when
everyone goes to bed and the water
usage in the park drops to practically
nothing, water pressure can go up. The
www.rvingwomen.org
| ON THE ROAD
by Rachel Harp
average pressure regulator is preset for
45 psi, and at night some parks increase
to well over 150 psi. Well, due to the
excess pressure and no protection
against it, the exterior hose inflated
and actually blew up and popped like
a balloon. Imagine if you were standing
next to that when it happened. Needless to say she had to get a new hose
and water regulator and make numerous apologies to her neighbors about
the flooded area.
If it is a universal product,
it does everything
universally not well.
When getting a new water regulator, I find the inexpensive, preset units
work fine. I don’t need a gauge to monitor the pressure; I just need to know
that it works. Also, there are some new
regulations on water regulators. Some
units have been pulled off the market
due to excess lead. There are new ones
out, and you might want to check to
see if the one you have is a model with
excess lead. It may be time to upgrade.
If you find the water regulator you have
does not have excess lead, but it doesn’t
seem to work as well as it used to, soak
it for a few hours in white vinegar. That
can help.
When you check your roof for any
leaks or to patch the roof from any
damage that can occur, make sure you
use the right product. Find out the type
of roof you have and use the product
to patch or seal it with what is recommended. This next story is about an
RVer who was not so careful. There
was some leaking on the roof, and they
decided that they would save a little
money and go to the local hardware
store and get some black tar roof patch.
They applied it to a section of the roof
with a mop and got distracted and
went down to take care of some urgent
business. By the time they returned,
the mop they were using to apply the
product with welded itself to the roof.
When they arrived at our shop the mop
www.rvingwomen.org
was still attached to the roof, along
with the bucket! Well, long story short,
a large section of the rubber roof had
to be replaced. Always pay attention
to what you are doing, and make sure
that you use the recommended product
for the recommended job. I always feel
that if it is a universal product, it does
everything universally not well.
A reminder about the hydraulic
jacks on the motor homes: Please do
not lift the RV totally off its tires. At
one of the outings, I noticed that an
RV had both front tires off the ground
to make sure everyone was comfortable
inside. That is extremely dangerous.
It actually can release the brake in
the transmission and cause the motor
home to lurch forward. Tires need to
touch blocks or the ground. This coach
did roll forward, but fortunately no
one was hurt.
A couple years ago, an RVer came to
our shop to talk to us about propane.
Now I know styles are changing, but
really! This person had no eyebrows.
It wasn’t that they were born without
them; it appeared that they had been
burned off. Apparently they thought
they had a leak in the propane system
and, yes, they checked for the leak with
a match! Well, they found the leak and
fortunately survived the experience.
It should go without saying that you
should never check for leaks with a
flame of any kind. I will also remind
you that when checking for leaks, use a
soapy solution—no ammonia. Ammonia reacts with propane and causes a
toxic fume. Better yet, take the RV (or
whatever it is that needs checking) to
a professional.
It’s unbelievable, but true—I am
always amazed at the amount of times
I have been told by a customer, “I think
I have a leak, but just a small one. I will
have it checked later.” Are you kidding?
No leak is a small leak. If you suspect
a leak, have it checked immediately.
It is recommended that you have a
propane inspection and leak test of
the system, as well as a pressure test,
at least every two years, if not more
often. These highways are getting no
smoother and our RVs are literally getting bounced apart.
A customer recently had us check
a problem with a bed they had on the
slide of their RV. Each time the slide
went out, it was tearing up the bed.
It was catching on something. The
company they took it to said that the
slide would have to be removed to work
on the bed. Really? Logic tells me, if
the bed was put in after the slide, why
would you remove the slide to the fix
the bed? Make sure whenever you get
an estimate for work that seems unreasonable that you get a second opinion.
It may be a little inconvenience to take
your problem elsewhere, but never pull
a slide to repair a bed. As a matter of
fact, there are few, if any, reasons for
you to have a slide pulled to do any
work, unless the slide is collapsing.
Even than, get a second opinion. They
are doing major surgery on your RV,
and you need to feel comfortable with
what they are doing, whether it is on
the engine, the chassis or the interior.
Well, these are just a few of the
strange stories from the rocky road of
RVing. If you see someone doing something you know could be trouble, give
a helping hand or at least take good
notes and drop me a line. I might put
it into the next article. You know you
are not that bad, right! It is the other
RVer I was talking about. So, the moral
of the story is, if you don’t want to be
read about in my next article, be careful out there!
As always, if you have any questions, concerns or comments, drop me
a line. Until next time, safe journeys.
Rachel Harp has
led several classes
and workshops at
RVW rallies and
conventions. If there
are topics you would
like her to discuss in
this m
agazine, or if
you wojuld like to serve as an example,
please let her know by sending an email to
rachelharp@hotmail.com.
ON THE ROAD |
Improving Fuel Economy
There seems to be no end to products and procedures all claiming to
have the ability to increase our miles
per gallon. No matter what large RV
rally I have attended, there is always
something new that grabs our attention. In this article, we won’t be discussing magnets, additives or potions.
Instead, we will take a common sense
approach discussing what can be done
to make sure we are maximizing our
fuel economy.
Tire pressure consistency is probably the easiest way to maintain
and possibly increase our mpg. As it
turns out, our tire size will increase or
decrease as we travel down the road
due to friction. This change, although
slight, will translate in changes to fuel
economy.
What is it that causes our tires to
change size? Simple—most RV tires
use compressed air, and although it is
considered free and plentiful, it comes
with a downside. The air we breathe
and compress for our tires is made up
of 78 percent nitrogen and just under
21 percent oxygen. Those two components are no big deal, but it’s the
one percent remaining that is of issue.
That one percent contains water vapor,
and we all know what happens when
we heat up water. When the moisture
gets larger, it exerts pressure on the
remaining oxygen and nitrogen mix,
which in turn increases the size of the
tire. As stated, when tire size changes,
it changes our fuel economy because it
causes increased drag and changes our
alignment settings.
What can be done to stabilize our
tire pressure? Obviously, checking our
tire pressures before, during and after
a trip is probably something we should
do, but that alone won’t suffice.
As it turns out, there is a substitute for the air normally used in our
tires. That replacement is nitrogen.
Nitrogen is desirable because it is free
of moisture, it has a larger molecule
than normal air, and it is completely
safe. We know what moisture does to
our tire size, so eliminating it will keep
our tire size consistent, and since the
nitrogen molecule is larger than air, it
doesn’t leak out the sidewall like normal air. Also, for those of us who use
tire pressure sensors and Tyron blowout
protection, the zero moisture in nitrogen eliminates worries about corrosion
and contamination.
Most true RV service
centers today have or are
seriously considering nitrogen for use in tires.
What can we do about
our engine to maximize fuel
economy?
To d a y ’s RV h a s a n
advanced engine with a performance system designed
to provide us with enough
power to keep our RV on
the road for a long time.
Making sure our engine
is performing to its fullest
potential has never been
more important. In the old
days, we had to tune up
our engine, which included servicing
points, plugs, cap, rotor, etc., and we
had to do it on a frequent basis. Today,
our RV has coil packs and a whole
host of sensors that are designed to
communicate together to maximize
performance. It simply makes sense
to inspect and test the system that is
responsible for the management of
our engine. Our annual maintenance
by Keith Shomaker
plan should include cleaning the mass
airflow sensor, installing a new fuel
filter, and testing the entire system
to insure all is well. A dirty sensor or
restricted filter will change how the
engine performs more than we know.
An advanced method of this annual
service can include a Profession Scan
where items such as fuel pressure
and fuel trims can be inspected and
documented. We should never wait
for a check engine light to come on to
prompt us to confirm that our engine
is working at its best. There are a few
companies that can provide upgrades
to horsepower and economy to both
gas and diesels engines. Banks and
Ultrapower are two leading companies
that have proven kits.
Why is alignment important?
As it turns out, if our front or rear
axle alignment is out of specs, it will
make it more difficult for our RV or
truck to travel down the road. Front
tires can scrub while traveling, and this
resulting friction creates drag, which
has to be overcome with more gas.
Annual alignment inspection is a great
way to insure all is well and that our
suspension isn’t costing us money.
Put plain and simple, here are three
things we can do to maximize RV fuel
economy:
• Try Nitrogen for reduced issues
with tire pressure and to keep
tire diameter consistent.
• Test on-board systems regularly
and upgrade them as necessary.
• Have a quality alignment performed and tested at least once
a year.
Keith Shomaker
is co-owner of
Redlands Truck &
RV Performance
Center located
in Redlands,
California. You
may reach him at
(888) 249-0124
or at keith@redlandstruckservice.com.
www.rvingwomen.org
rT avel With Confidence.
Your all inclusive membership covers your RV and all other personal vehicles.
24/7 Unlimited
Roadside Assistance
Concierge Services –
A Personal Assistant on the Road
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BUSINESS LOCATOR SERVICES
THEATRE, MUSIC OR SPORTING EVENT TICKETS
RESEARCH REQUESTS
CALL TODAY! • 855-879- 4090
or visit www.nmca.com
RVWMN0511
www.rvingwomen.org
CALENDAR PREVIEW |
JULY 2011
8–10
8–10
14–17
14–17
15–17
21–24
21–25
22–24
Cisco Grove, California
Lincoln City, Oregon
Homosassa Springs, Florida
Mackinaw City, Michigan
Egg Harbor, New Jersey
New Paris, Ohio
Twin Lakes, Colorado
Olympia, Washington
AUGUST 2011
4–7
Ouray, Colorado
5–7
Graeagle, California
12–14
Blue River, Oregon
19–21
Chesterton, Indiana
19–21
Branson, Missouri
19–21
Urbanna, Virginia
19–21
Meredith, New Hampshire
22–26
Brownsville, Oregon
26–28
Tokeland, Washington
SEPTEMBER 2011
8–11
9–11
9–11
9–11
14–18
15–18
22–25
23–25
23–25
30–Oct. 2
Mancos, Colorado
Cedar Springs, Michigan
Gresham, Wisconsin
Lakeside, Oregon
Lakeland, Florida
Springfield, Illinois
Loogootee, Indiana
Leavenworth, Washington
Wales, Massachusetts
Winters, California
OCTOBER 2011
7–11
7–9
8–9
12–16
14–17
21–23
Goshen, Indiana
Newport, Oregon
Goshen, Indiana
Goshen, Indiana
Boulevard, California
Castle Rock, Washington
Oregon Chapter
Florida Chapter
MidAtlantic Chapter
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Cascadia Chapter
Rocky Mountain Chaapter
Oregon Chapter
Mid-America Chapter
Texas Ramblin' Roses Chapter
MidAtlantic Chapter
Northeast Network
National RVW RV Maintenance Boot Camp
Cascadia Chapter
Rocky Mountain Chapter
Lyte Hearts Chapter
Oregon Chapter
Florida Chapter
Mid-America Chapter
Cascadia Chapter
Northeast Network
Fulltimers Chapter
Oregon Chapter
Solo Travelers Chapter
RVW National Convention
Cascadia Chapter
See page 60 for contact information and descriptions of these events.
Updates to these events are posted online at www.rvingwomen.org.
www.rvingwomen.org
| CALENDAR PREVIEW
NOVEMBER 2011
4–6
10–13
11–13
18–20
San Marcos, Texas
Titusville, Florida
Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Bethel Island, California
DECEMBER 2011
1–4
1–4
2–4
TBA
Tonopah, Arizona
Lake Buena Vista, Florida
Elmendorf, Texas
Corning, California
JANUARY 2012
5–8
Sebring, Florida
13–15
Bakersfield, California
20–23
Quartzsite, Arizona
FEBRUARY 2012
3–5
TBA
Casa Grande, Arizona
Hollister, California
MARCH 2012
8–12
Sage, California
Florida Chapter
MidAtlantic Chapter
Arizona Chapter
Florida Chapter
Florida Chapter
Arizona Chapter
Arizona Chapter
APRIL 2012
30–May 7
JULY 2012
5–9
Florida Keys, Florida
Gillette, Wyoming
OCTOBER 2012
5–7
MARCH 2013
7–11
Red Bluff, California
Sage, California
Florida Chapter
RVW National Convention
As an RVW member, you are welcome to participate in chapter and national events wherever you go.
Space may be limited for some events, so please make reservations as far in advance as possible.
Please remember that RVW events are exclusively for women ages 18 and over.
www.rvingwomen.org
Registration Form for RVW National Events
Use this form or go to www.rvingwomen.org to register online for national
RVW events. Please make a copy for your files.
Fill in the information and mail this form to RVW, P.O. Box 1940, Apache
Junction AZ 85117 or fax to (480) 671-6230 with credit card information.
Include all fees that are payable to RVing Women. Please make a separate
copy of this form if you wish to sign up for more than one event.
EVENT NAME: _____________________________________________
Registation Fee
$_______ per person
TOTAL $ ____________
Non-Member Fee $_______ per person
TOTAL $ ____________
Campground Fee
TOTAL $ ____________
$_______ (if applicable)
TOTAL FEES $ ____________
Check the event description to verify amount due for registration fees.
q Charge to my credit card (VISA / MasterCard)
Card Number_________________________________________________
Expiraton Date ____________________ V Code*___________________
Signature ____________________________________________________
*3-digit number on the back of the card near the signature area
Waiver and Release: In consideration of the acceptance of my registration request and/or participation in the event noted here (including
optional side trips) operated by or under the control of RVing Women,
and knowng that there are risks in any form of travel, I assume
all risks attendant thereto and hereby waive, release, and forever
discharge RVing Women, and any of its officers, employees, agents,
successors and assigns, from any and all claims or actions of any kind
for personal injuries and/or property damage which I may cause or
sustain during the event or during travel to and from the event. I agree
to pay any and all costs, including reasonable attorney’s fees, that
may be incurred by the above entities as a result of any such claim
by me or my agents. I hereby acknowledge that I have sole responsibility for my personal safety, possessions, equipment and vehicles
during this event and its related activities. This waiver and release is
to be controlled by Arizona law. In addition, by attending this event,
I irrevocably and unconditionally consent to being photographed
and recorded, including being viodeotaped, and to having my voice,
likeness, identification and actions used in any and all media without
restriction. Recording and use will be made in reliance on the consent
evidenced by my attendance at this event. If for any reason I do not
consent as herein provided, I am responsible for notifying the photographers and/or video recorders.
Signature ____________________________ Date ______________
Signature ____________________________ Date ______________
NAME OF ATTENDEE _____________________________________________________ MEMBER NO __________________________________
NAME OF ATTENDEE _____________________________________________________ MEMBER NO __________________________________
RV TYPE:
MH
Bringing a tow car?
TRL
5W
Yes_______
VAN
CPR
No_______
TNT
LENGTH _________ # SLIDES_______ q Check here if you do not need a campsite.
Can it be used to carpool? Yes_______
q ADA accommodations required
COMMENTS: _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Name ______________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________
Name ______________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________________________
CONFIRMATION (Confirmations are emailed unless you request otherwise.)
EMAIL ______________________________________________PHONE _________________________ CELL PHONE _______________________
ADDRESS _________________________________________CITY ____________________________STATE/PROV _______ ZIP ______________
TERMS AND CANCELLATIONS: RVW has a very reasonable cancellation policy, but there are some rules to follow. If you have signed up for an
activity and must cancel, please call the event leader as soon as possible so the appropriate parties can be notified, then follow up with a letter or email
message to the RVW office to confirm your cancellation. (Note: tour provider, campground, instructor and caterer/restaurant refund policies vary. We
may not be able to refund these fees. Often, because of minimum guarantees, these providers must be paid regardless of your participation.) You must
notify the RVW office and request a refund prior to the event. No shows are non-refundable.
All fees are payable in U.S. funds. Unless otherwise stated, registration fees are fully refundable (minus a $5 fee) when cancellation is received by
the RVW office 14 days or more before the event start date. Cancellations received between 9 and 13 days prior to the event will be charged a 25%
cancellation fee. Sorry, there is no refund if you cancel 8 days or less before the event.
Please remember, RVW activities are for adult women only, ages 18 and older.
ver 1110
www.rvingwomen.org
RV Maintenance Boot Camp
BROWNSVILLE, OREGON
August 22 to 26, 2011
RVW invites you to come to
Oregon for a one-week maintenance and RV fulltiming boot
camp for owners of recreational
vehicles who want to learn more
about the vehicle safety and maintenance issues that affect their RV experiences. This camp is
for the experienced woman RVer, as well as the woman just
starting to RV.
What you will learn: Instruction will include selecting the right RV for you, deciding whether or not to tow,
and learning about weight distribution. The special needs
you must consider if you live on the road—how to handle
mail and insurance, for example—will be discussed. Classroom instruction will also include maintenance of electrical
systems, batteries, plumbing, appliances, generators, hydraulics, slides and RV exterior care. Propane safety and theory of
handling propane in a safe manner will also be discussed.
Where: Instruction will be provided at the Country
Western Festival Grounds near Brownsville, Oregon.
Class size: To keep instruction individualized and allow
for skill training exercises, enrollment in this five-day program will be limited to a maximum of 20 students. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.
Rally leader: Patricia "Beckey" Beckey. For information
call (541) 680-1935 or email rvwbeckey@gmail.com.
Camping: Boondocking will be available on the Country
Western Festival Grounds.
Just-for-fun activities: We will have potlucks and may
drive to Sweet Home for dinner one evening. Prevost and
other RV manufacturing facilities are nearby; we may be able
to arrange tours for those who can arrive a few days early
or stay after the boot camp. The Willamette Country Music
Fest will be held on the Country Western Festival Grounds
the weekend of August 19 to 21. Come early and enjoy the
music and fun. Information about this event is available at
www.willamettecountrymusicfest.com.
Registration fee: For RVW members, the fee for this fiveday program is $200 per student plus $50 for the textbook.
Include your RVW membership number on your registration
form. The fee for non-members is $250 per student plus $50
for the textbook. Please register early as class size is limited.
How to register: Use the registration form on page 58
or go to www.rvingwomen.org to download a registration
form. Mail or fax this form with payment of the registration
fee to RVW, P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117-1940.
Fax to (480) 671-6230 with credit card payment.
Please register early.
Enrollment in this five-day program is
limited to a maximum of 20 students.
www.rvingwomen.org
If we can’t find you,
we can’t deliver
your magazine.
Please log in
to our website at
www.rvingwomen.org
to update you contact
information whenever
your mailing address,
telephone number or
email address changes,
even if the change is
temporary.
RVing Women magazine
is sent via bulk mail. If
we do not have your
current address on file,
your magazine is not
forwarded. Instead, it is
destroyed at the
post office and the
label, along with a
service fee, is sent to
our office.
The RVW office is available to help you with questions
about membership or the website. You may contact
the office by email at rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org or by
phone at (480) 671-6226 or (888) 557-8464.
Calendar of Events
As an RVW member, you are welcome to participate in chapter and national events wherever you go.
Space may be limited for some events, so please make reservations as far in advance as possible.
Please remember that RVW events are exclusively for women ages 18 and over.
JULY 2011
8–10 FreeWheelers Chapter: Cisco Grove, California.
Debbie Hurrle and Margot Jordan are hosting
this event. For information, email sassys1095@
aol.com.
8–10 Oregon Chapter: Lincoln City, Oregon. Premier
RV Resort. Gayle Blek and Sandy Brown are the
rally hosts for this event.
Campsites are $34.48/night, refundable
for cancellations made three days in advance.
To reserve your campsite, call the park at (877)
871-0663 or (541) 996-2778 before May 25.
This Premier RV Resort is located at 4100
SE Hwy 101, Lincoln City OR 97367. For more
information, go to www.premierrvresorts.com
and click on the Lincoln City, Oregon button.
To register for this event, contact chapter
secretary Barb Pace at barbpace1@msn.com and
then send a deposit check payable to ORVW
to chapter treasurer June Willoughby at 1101
Fulton Avenue, Coos Bay OR 97420.
14–17 Florida Chapter: Homosassa Springs, Florida.
Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park. This park is
located five miles from the Gulf of Mexico
in the heart of citrus country. Area activities
include a variety of water sports—canoeing,
kayaking, boating, swimming with manatees—
and hiking, hunting and fishing.
Campsites are $20/night plus tax. For
reservations, call the park at (877) 722-7878;
ask for Joyce or Sandy and be sure to mention
that you are joining the Florida RVW rally. All
sites are full hookup (water, sewer, and 30/50
amp) and include free cable TV. The majority of
the heavily treed sites have stabilized dirt pads,
but some have interlocking pavers. Every single
campsite is big rig accessible. Some pull-thru
sites are available. Amenities include an outdoor screened-in pool, heated spa, new 3,000
square foot lodge with big screen TV, free Wi-Fi,
fenced-in dog run and horseshoe pits,
Rock Crusher Canyon RV Park is located at
275 S. Rock Crusher Road, Homosassa Springs
FL 34461. Information about this park and area
attractions is available at www.rockcrushercanyon.com.
MaryAnne Laviano and Marilyn Bell are
hosting this event. Email MaryAnne at malaviano42@yahoo.com or Marilyn at mrbell45@
yahoo.com.
14–17 Great Lakers Chapter: Mackinaw City,
Michigan. Tee Pee Campground. This is our Tip
of the Mitt rally. Join us as we tour historic Mill
Creek Discovery Park, take on a fun adventure
course, and travel back in time to Mackinac
Island. (Mackinac, the French spelling, is pronounced as mack-in-awe.)
Our campground is located on Lake Huron,
just one-quarter mile from downtown Mackinaw City. We will enjoy views of Mighty Mac,
the bridge connecting the upper and lower
peninsulas of Michigan and Mackinac Island.
Campsites are $100 for three (3) nights
with a $40 deposit. The Good Sam rate is $90.
Tee Pee Campground held 30 sites for us until
May 1; sites will now be booked only as available. To make reservations, call (231) 436-5391.
Be sure to mention that you are with RVing
Women. If you must cancel, contact the campground at least one week prior to arrival; there
is a $10 cancellation fee.
Tee Pee Campground is located at 11262
W. US 23, Mackinaw City MI 49701. Additional
information is available at www.teepeecampground.com.
The Mackinac Island tour will be on Friday.
The cost of this tour is $76 and includes a ferry
ride to and from the island, a morning carriage
tour and luncheon buffet. Free time will be provided in the afternoon to explore the island on
your own. Payment is needed in advance (send
a check by June 20 to Gayle Bennett, P.O. Box
351, Walled Lake MI 48390 or have cash for the
amount when you arrive at the campground).
If you have questions about this tour, email
Gayle at geebe@gmail.com.
Mackinac Island is a national historic
landmark. Cars are prohibited on the island.
Travel is by horse-drawn carriage, bicycle or
foot. There are amigo electric carts, adult strollers and carriages designed for persons who are
unable to walk or walk long distances.
Information about the island is available at
www.mackinacisland.org.
Our adventure tour and visit to historic
Mill Creek Discovery Park will be on Saturday.
The cost for admission to the park is $8. The
adventure tour is an additional $7. In the park,
we will experience nature trails and interactive
exhibits, see a sawmill demonstration, hear the
rush of water powering a reconstructed sawmill
and participate in the sawpit method of making
lumber.
The guided adventure tour includes the
Eagles Flight Zip Line, Forest Canopy Bridge,
and a 50-foot nature trail climbing wall. There
www.rvingwomen.org
| CALENDAR OF EVENTS
is a 50 to 250 pounds limit for this tour, and
you will need to wear tennis shoes or other
strapped-on type shoes.
Mill Creek Discovery Park has something
for everyone, so plan to tour the park whether
or not you feel the need for the adrenaline rush
provided by the optional adventure tour. More
information can be found at www.mackinacparks.com/historic-mill-creek-discovery-park.
There are many wonderful sightseeing
opportunities in this area. You may want to
come early and/or stay longer. If so, please book
your campsite early as this rally is during their
prime time. More information about Mackinaw
City is available at www.mackinawcity.com.
René Gray, Pat Reader, Gayle Bennett and
Karen Lentz are rally hosts for this event. After
you have made campsite reservations, please
RSVP to René at kixs42@mail.com. Also let her
know if you are planning to participate in the
Mackinac Island tour, the visit to Mill Creek
Discovery Park and/or adventure tour.
15–17 MidAtlantic Chapter: Egg Harbor, New Jersey.
Holly Acres RV Park. This is our Red, White and
Blue Weekend. We will celebrate the spirit of
Independence Day with bocce ball, card games,
mini golf, kayaking and chilling out under the
Jersey pines.
The rally registration fee for this event is
$12/person ($11 for the rally and $1 for the
chapter). For information and campsite reservations, contact Katie Head at kheadpa@aol.com
or Ruth Shiers at rshierspa@aol.com.
21–24 Ohio River Valley Chapter: New Paris, Ohio.
Natural Springs Resort. This resort offers fishing, swimming, kayaking, paddle boating and
scuba diving.
Area attractions include the Annie Oakley
center at the Garst Museum and the KitchenAid
factory in Greenville, the National Museum
of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, the Dayton
Aviation National Historic Site and the Carillon
Historical Park and Sun Watch Indian Village/
Archaeological Park.
Plan to arrive on Thursday if possible.
Friday morning activities will include a KitchenAid factory tour. The cost for the tour is $5.
All participants must wear closed toe and heel
shoes—tennis shoes are okay, but no sandals.
The KitchenAid Factory Store offers cooking
demos. Participants will have the opportunity
to make their own apple dumplings topped
with ice cream.
Friday night, we will have dinner at
Baumbach’s, an award winning barbecue rescontinued on page 62
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS |
taurant just down the street from our resort.
We will have a Mexican themed pitch-in dinner
Saturday night.
Members who have not visited RV dealers
in Ohio and Indiana can do that on Friday or
Saturday. There are dealerships about 30 minutes from the campground. They also have RV
parts. Folks may also choose to go to the Garst
Museum. Admission is free on Saturdays.
Make your own campsite reservations
online at www.naturalspringsresort.com or call
(888) 330-5771 or (937) 437-5771. Reservations
were requested by March 1. Be sure to mention
that you are joining the RVing Women rally.
Our group of 10 or more rigs will receive a 10
percent discount.
After you have made reservations, please
send an email to victoria.eident@sbcglobal.net
so the rally hosts will know you plan to attend.
21–25 Rocky Mountain Chapter: Twin Lakes, C
olorado.
This boondocking weekend at Twin Lakes
(south of Leadville) will include a Friday night
dinner, fishing, hiking, our third annual Wilderness Golf event with associated prizes, and
visits to Independence Pass, Aspen and Leadville (home of the Mount Massive golf course,
the highest in the USA). We may also visit
the nearby fourteeners for anyone inclined to
climb. We will, of course, have the infamous
“Billie’s Brother’s Boil-in-the-bag Breakfast”
along with a special Saturday night woodfire
cooked dinner.
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RV 10 2x4 HLU
For more information, contact rally hosts
Billie Abbott at babbott4054@q.com or Susan
Moore at smoore1819@hotmail.com or (303)
756-0237.
22–24 Cascadia Chapter: Olympia, Washington. Lost
Lake Resort. For information and to register, go
to the Events page at www.cascadiarvw.com.
AUGUST 2011
4–7
Rocky Mountain Chapter: Ouray, Colorado.
Ridgway State Park. Join us as we celebrate the
Olathe Sweet Corn Festival and soak in Ouray’s
famous hot springs.
Campsites are $14 to $22/night. For reservations, go online to www.parks.state.co.us or
call (303) 470-1144 or (800) 678-2267.
Joanne Mallett and Judy Hashem are rally
hosts for this event. They will be at site 165
(Loop E) in the Elk Ridge camping area. For
information, contact judyhashem@gmail.com.
5–7
FreeWheelers Chapter: Graeagle, California.
Clio’s Rivers Edge RV Park. This park is located
2.5 miles south of Graeagle within the Plumas
National Forest at the edge of Tahoe National
Forest. There are many opportunities for hiking, birding, kayaking and fishing. Several golf
courses are located nearby. Other activities
include horseback riding, mountain biking,
geocaching, gold panning, and visiting museums and antique shops.
Campsites are $38/night. This rate will also
be honored for those coming in on Thursday or
staying through Monday. We have reserved 30
campsites in sections A and B along the river.
All sites have 30-amp electric (some 50-amp
sites are available), cement pads and cable TV.
Wi-Fi is available. For reservations, call the RV
park at (530) 836-2375. Provide them with your
email address, rig type and size, number of
slide-outs and tow car information. Be sure to
mention you are joining the RVW FreeWheelers in sections A and B. Reservations must be
made by June 30. Information about this park
is available at www.riversedgervpark.net.
Celia Buckley and Marion Randall are rally
hosts for this event. For rally information,
email trysted@comcast.net.
12–14 Oregon Chapter: Blue River, Oregon. Holiday
Farm RV Resort. Dixie Evers and Joyce Pickens
are the rally hosts for this event.
Campsites are $35/night, refundable
for cancellations made at least 72 hours in
advance. This park does not accept checks. To
reserve your campsite, call the park at (542)
822-3726
Holiday Farm RV Resort is located at 54455
McKenzie River Drive, Blue River OR 97413. For
more information about this resort, go to www.
holidayfarmrvresort.com.
www.rvingwomen.org
secretary Barb Pace at barbpace1@msn.com.
The reservation deadline for this event was
June 12.
19–21 Great Lakers Chapter and Ohio River Valley
Chapter: Chesterton, Indiana. Indiana Dunes
State Park. Join our two chapters for a wonderful rally experience. Indiana Dunes State Park
offers Lake Michigan beaches and great hiking
and nature trails.
Nearby Michigan City offers several recreation and entertainment options. The annual
Lake Front Art Festival will be held Saturday
and Sunday. Other activities may include bike
riding on scenic paved trails along Lake Michigan, golf, shopping for bargains at Lighthouse
Outlet Mall, and visiting local museums or the
Blue Chip Casino.
Campsites are $25.50/night and can
accommodate rigs up to 45 feet. All have
50-amp electric service, but no water or sewer
hookups. Fresh water hydrants and a dump station are available. A gate fee of $5 for Indiana
residents and $10 for non-residents is good for
your entire stay. We will try to group our sites
together at the east end of the east loop, so try
to reserve a site toward the lower end of the
range of #121–130 or in #90–99. Reservations
can be made online at www.camp.in.gov (there
is a campground map to help you choose a site)
or by calling (866) 622-6746.
Reserve now. This campground fills up fast
every weekend in the summer. If you reserve
and later find you cannot attend, you may cancel your reservation for a $10 fee.
After you have reserved your campsite,
please RSVP to rally hosts Carole Goodwin and
Renee DeMar. Call (708) 285-5244 or (708) 3735607 or email caroleagoodwin@sbcglobal.net.
19–21 Mid-America Chapter and Texas Ramblin’ Roses
Chapter: Branson, Missouri. ABC Campground.
Everyone is invited to join us at this always fun
rally. ABC Campground is located just northwest of Branson with easy access to shows,
shopping and three beautiful Ozark lakes.
Plans include a Friday evening catered
dinner ($17.75) and a Branson show Saturday
night featuring the 12 Irish Tenors ($23.10).
We will have a potluck dinner Saturday night;
bring your own entree and a side dish to share.
Campsites are $26/night. Those who want
to come early or stay late will get the same rate
for those days. For reservations, contact Tracy
Stillwell at (800) 671-4399. Be sure to mention
that you are joining the RVing Women group.
Information about ABC Campground is
available at www.abc-branson.com.
JoBeth Griffin and Catherine Dale are
hosting this event. For rally information, visit
www.rvingwomen.org
the Mid-America Chapter website at http://
midamerica.wordpress.com, send an email to
jbgcwd@aol.com or call (813) 758-0037.
19–21 MidAtlantic Chapter: Urbanna, Virginia.
Bethpage Campground. Join us for our third
annual crabfest rally. This campground offers
a wonderful crab dinner on Saturday night—
all the crab you can eat plus other delectable
menu items.
For campsite reservations, call Bethpage
Campground at (804) 758-4349 or reserve
online at www.bethpagecamp.com. Be sure
to mention that you are joining the RVing
Women rally.
chapter). Cindy Hoernlein and Nancy Davis
are hosting. For information, contact Cindy at
(732) 233-5546 or cin1155@aol.com or Nancy
at (732) 233-5541 or nanedav@aol.com.
19–21 Northeast Network: Meredith, New Hampshire.
Harbor Hill Camping Area.
Campsites are $38/night. Please confirm
with one of our rally hosts before calling the
campground. After you have contacted a rally
host, call the campground at (603) 279-6910
to reserve your campsite; be sure to mention
that you are joining the RVW Northeast Network rally. A deposit check of $38 was required
by March 31. Contact a rally host to find out
about availability. Credit cards will be accepted
for final payment upon arrival.
Harbor Hill Camping Area is located at
89 Route 25 East, Meredith NH 03253. More
information about this campground is available
www.hhcamp.com.
Rally hosts for this event are Pat Hayes,
Dottie Bemis and Adrienne Stevens. You may
contact Pat and Dottie at kpjingles@charter.net
or (508) 885-4726 or (860) 798-8686. To reach
Adrienne, email a.stevens4@myfairpoint.net or
call (603) 284-7034.
22–26 National RVW RV Maintenance Boot Camp:
Brownsville, Oregon. See page 59.
26–28 Cascadia Chapter: Tokeland, Washington.
Bayshore RV Park. To register, go to the Events
page at www.cascadiarvw.com.
Omissions and Corrections: In the May/June issue
of this magazine, our announcement for the Florida
Chapter rally in Lake Buena Vista (December 1–4)
erroneously suggested that rally leaders might be
purchasing advance tickets for the theme parks and
attractions at Disney World. Attendees will need to
purchase their own discounted theme park tickets. The
number to call is (407) 983-4868.
SEPTEMBER 2011
8–11 Rocky Mountain Chapter: Mancos, Colorado.
A & A Mesa Verde RV Park. This 12-acre fullservice RV park is located across from Mesa
Verde National Park. National Geographic
Traveler has named Mesa Verde National Park
one of 50 “must see” places of a lifetime.
Guided tours, hiking, horseback riding and golf
are available in the area.
You can reserve your campsite online at
www.mesaverdecamping.com or call the RV
park at (970) 565-3517. This park fills up most
weekends from June to October, so make your
reservations early.
A & A Mesa Verde RV Park is located at
34979 Hwy 160, Mancos CO 81328.
Please be aware that dogs are not allowed
in the tourist area of Mesa Verde National Park
and, because of the heat, they cannot be left
in vehicles. Rangers will ticket you if you leave
a dog in your car or tied outside the car. There
are several by-the-day boarding facilities in the
area.
For rally information and to confirm your
attendance, email mnabbott@comcast.net or
paulabeavers@comcast.net.
9–11 Great Lakers Chapter: Cedar Springs, Michigan.
Lakeside Camp Park. Activities in this area
include golfing, kayaking and canoeing. There
is a five-acre private lake in the campground
stocked with trout, bass, catfish and perch. No
fishing license is required. The daily limit is
three trout and bass per campsite. Friday night
supper, on your own, just might include fish!
We have reserved the recreation hall for
both Friday and Saturday nights. On Saturday,
Shirley McMahan will lead us as we plan for the
RVW convention in Goshen. We will stop in
the afternoon so fans can watch the University
of Michigan/Notre Dame football game on the
big screen TV in the recreation hall. Sometime
during the day, we will have a chapter meeting
to discuss summer plans for 2012. If you would
like to organize a rally, come prepared to suggest the month you prefer. In the evening, we
will go out to eat supper together.
Lakeside Camp Park will serve breakfast on
Sunday. Less than $3 buys you three sausage
links and unlimited pancakes, juice and coffee.
In case you didn’t get your fill of fishing, golfing, kayaking, canoeing, or just chilling in the
campground, this will be your day to catch up.
Lakeside Camp Park has earned a four-star
Woodalls rating. More information about this
park is available at www.lakesidecamppark.com.
The regular rate for campsites at Lakeside
Camp Park is $31.50/night for water/sewer/
electric and $28.50/night for water/electric. We
have reserved several campsites, which will be
held until August 1, and have been granted a
10 percent discount. To reserve you campsite,
call the park at (616) 696-1735 and be sure to
mention RVing Women. Reservations cannot
be made online.
Reservations can be cancelled with no penalty up to one week before your arrival date.
Lakeside Camp Park is located north of
Grand Rapids. From US 131 (Exit 104) and Hwy
46 (17 Mile Road), go 1/4 mile south on White
Creek Avenue and enter on the right.
For rally information, contact Rachel Brett
Harley at rachelbrett.harley@emich.edu or (734)
945-5942. Please also RSVP to Rachel when you
make your campground reservation.
9–11 Lyte Hearts Chapter: Gresham, Wisconsin.
Captain’s Cove Camping Resort. We will have
campfires, a potluck, games and lots of activities to make everyone feel welcome. We especially hope to see some new attendees and
visitors. Information about this campground is
available at www.captaincove.com.
For rally information, contact Cindy Preuss
at bishpup@centurytel.net or (920) 867-4466.
9–11 Oregon Chapter: Lakeside, Oregon. North Lake
RV Resort and Marina. Tully Strong, Linda
Waterman and Barbara Davey are rally hosts for
this event.
Campsites are $28/night. Reservations are
refundable for cancellations made at least two
weeks in advance. To reserve your campsite, call
the park at (541) 759-3515 before August 9.
North Lake RV Park is located right on the
lake at 2090 North Lake Road, Lakeside OR
97449. More information about this park is
available at www.northlakeresort.com.
secretary Barb Pace at barbpace1@msn.com.
14–18 Florida Chapter: Lakeland, Florida. Carefree
Lakeland Resort. We have planned a Saturday
night potluck and several games for this weekend. For details, visit www.flrvw.org.
Carefree Lakeland Resort is located at 900
Old Combee Road, Lakeland FL 33805. The
phone number is (863) 687-6146. Information
is available at www.lakelandrvresort.com.
Rally hosts for this event are HJ Cougan,
Carol Welsh, Angela Clark and Sonia Cook.
15–18 Mid-America Chapter: Springfield, Illinois.
Springfield KOA. Springfield, in the heart of
Illinois wine country, is the state capitol and
home to the Abraham Lincoln Presidential
Library and Museum. Activities planned for this
fun weekend include tours of Lincoln’s home
and law offices, the old state capitol building
where he served in the legislature, and the
museum.
Campsites are $35/night. The schedules
and pricing for the tours will be announced.
www.rvingwomen.org
For information, contact rally hosts Sandy
Ferris and Cathy Allen. Call(618) 498-1721 or
email smferris@hughes.net.
22–25 Ohio River Valley Chapter: Loogootee, Indiana.
West Boggs Park. This park has been so popular
for our chapter members that we have decided
to return here again. We will be camping in the
Red Fox Campground, which is located on a
point surrounded by West Boggs Lake.
The park adjoins the West Boggs Golf
Course. Blue Springs Caverns, French Lick
Casino and Spring Mill State Park are all nearby.
However, you would not need to leave the
campground to have a great time. West Boggs
Park has a swimming beach, boat launch, fishing and hiking/biking trails. Bring your kayaks
and canoes for a paddle around the lake. Information about this park is available at www.
westboggs.com.
This rally will be our pre-convention rally
where we will meet in small groups throughout
the weekend to finalize items for the national
convention in Goshen, Indiana.
We will have a pitch-in on Friday evening
and go out to eat on Saturday evening. We
will also have some type of fun-raising event
as well. Of course, campfires and S’mores are a
chapter tradition.
Campsites are $33/night for water/electric
hookups. Most campsites are 30-amp, but a few
are 50-amp. A dump station is nearby. Pets are
welcome if kept on a leash. Reservations require
full payment and credit cards are accepted. Call
(812) 295-3421 to reserve a site in the Red Fox
Campground.
Do not register online, as they cannot guarantee that your campsite will be located with
the group.
As those who signed up last year know,
after the Red Fox campsites are gone, the only
sites available are up the hill with no possibility
of getting your rig level.
There is a $10 per person rally fee for this
event. Your rally hosts are Shelly Haley, Kathy
Isenhour, Terry Miller and Connie Alt. When
you make your reservation, please also RSVP at
k.isenhour@comcast.net.
23–25 Cascadia Chapter: Leavenworth, W
ashington.
Icicle River RV Park. To register, go to the
Events page at www.cascadiarvw.com.
23–25 Northeast Network: Wales, Massachusetts. Oak
Haven Campground. Pat Hayes and Dottie
Bemis are the rally hosts for this event. For rally
information, email kpjingles@charter.net or call
(508) 885-4726 or (860) 798-8686.
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Campsites are $36/night. A 10 percent discount will be offered if we have more than 10
rigs. Please confirm with one of our rally hosts
before calling the campground. After you have
contacted a rally host, call the campground at
(413) 245-7148 to reserve your campsite; be
sure to mention that you are joining the RVW
Northeast Network rally.
Oak Haven Campground is located at
22 Main Street, Wales MA 01081. Information
is available at www.oakhavencampground.com.
30–October 2 FreeWheelers Chapter: Winters,
California. Canyon Creek Resort. Connie
DeCoud and Joan Beason will host this event.
OCTOBER 2011
7–11 Fulltimers Chapter: Goshen, Indiana. Elkhart
County Fairgrounds. Come early and join us for
a pre-convention rally. We will have a meet and
great on Friday at 5 p.m.—bring your favorite
beverage and a snack to share. There will be a
planned activity on Saturday—check the message board for details. At 6 p.m. Saturday, we
will have a social hour and potluck.
Sunday and Monday will be unscheduled
so members can participate in the RVW preconvention tours. On Tuesday, we will host
a lunch at 11:30 a.m. Our Fulltimers annual
meeting will follow.
The opening ceremony for the convention
will be at 6 p.m.
If you plan to attend this pre-convention
rally, you can add the additional nights on the
RVW Convention 2011 registration form when
you reserve your campsite at Elkhart County
Fairgrounds. Arrivals beginning Friday afternoon, October 7 and staying through Tuesday,
October 18 are welcome.
If you have questions regarding rally information or registration, contact Flo Hurlburt at
(402) 290-2630.
7–9
Oregon Chapter: Newport, Oregon. Newport
Marina & RV Park. This fun weekend will be
hosted by our Oregon Chapter officers. Our
campground is located at 2101 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport OR 97365, close to the
Hatfield Marine Science Center and Newport
Aquarium. Campsite fees and rally information
will follow.
8–9
Solo Travelers Chapter: Goshen, Indiana. Elkhart
County Fairgrounds. Please join us on Saturday
and Sunday for a pre-convention get-together.
We will have a meet-and-greet at 4:30 p.m.
Saturday—bring you own drink and finger
food to share. Dinner will be on your own. We
will start the day Sunday with coffee and fruit
provided for breakfast. Later in the day, we will
share a potluck meal and then hold our election of chapter officers.
If you plan to attend this pre-convention
get-together, you can add the additional
nights on the RVW Convention 2011 registration form when you reserve your campsite at
Elkhart County Fairgrounds. Arrivals beginning Friday afternoon, October 7 and staying
through Tuesday, October 18 are welcome.
After you have made your campsite reservations, please also RSVP to Susan Trippet to confirm your participation. You may reach Susan at
set1946@aol.com or (812) 345-9166.
12–16 National RVW Convention: Goshen, Indiana.
Elkhart County Fairgrounds. See page 46.
14–17 SoCALjourners Chapter: Boulevard, California.
Sacred Rocks Reserve. All RVW members and
friends who are not able to attend the national
convention in Indiana are invited to join us for
this rally.
Campsites are $32/night. Located in eastern San Diego County, Sacred Rocks Reserve
has a clubhouse, pool and spa, mature trees
for shade, full hookups and California’s largest
labyrinth. Information about this campground
is available at www.sacredrocksreserve.com.
Edwina Brown and Myra Roselinsky are
the rally hosts for this event. Registration will
be available in August. For rally information,
email msmyro@aol.com.
21–23 Cascadia Chapter: Castle Rock, Washington.
Toutle River RV Park. To register, go to the
Events page at www.cascadiarvw.com.
NOVEMBER 2011
4–6
Texas Ramblin’ Roses Chapter: San Marcos,
Texas. Pecan Park Campground. Put on your
polka outfits (lederhosen encouraged) and
join the Roses for a celebration of Wurstfest in
the heart of central Texas. We are returning to
Pecan Park Campground for an autumn rally.
This is a beautiful location with many amenities and area activities. If the climate is agreeable, we will make a trip to Lost Maples State
Park near Fredericksburg to enjoy the fall colors
of the relic maple trees there.
Campsites are $28/night for standard
sites and $33/night for deluxe sites. We will
also have that rate for two additional days. To
reserve your campsite, call the park at (888)
808-7181. Be sure to mention that you are
rallying with the RVW Texas Ramblin’ Roses.
Please make your reservations early as we are
only guaranteed 25 sites. Information about
this park is available at www.pecanpark.com.
Linda Krajewski and Pat Bowen are the
rally hosts for this event. For information, call
(830) 624-9299 or email txpatrving@aol.com.
10–13 Florida Chapter: Titusville, Florida. Manatee
Hammock. This Brevard County park is located
on the Indian River and has its own 197-foot
www.rvingwomen.org
fishing pier. A tour will be offered at the Valiant
Air Command Warbird Museum with a group
rate for 10 or more of $10 each. We can also
explore nearby Merritt Island National Wildlife
Refuge (no charge), walk the Atlantic coast or
visit shops at Cocoa Beach. We also will hold
our annual meeting at this rally.
Campsites are $21.65/night (two night
minimum). We have reserved 25 campsites at
this discounted rate. The park offers full hookups, restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities, a recreation room and a pavilion near the
water.
Manatee Hammock is located at 7275 S.
US 1, Titusville, Florida. Information about this
park is available at www.campingspacecoast.
com/manateehammock.
To get the discounted rate, the campground
is requiring rally host Alice Stremick to collect
the camping fees and submit payment and
individual reservation details by September 26.
Alice has travel plans for that time, so please
note the following procedures for sending her
money and details of your reservation: First,
mail payment to Alice Stremick, 79 Stone Gate
Lane, Port Orange FL 32129. Follow up with an
email to Alice at alstrem@aol.com to advise that
payment has been mailed. Include the following information in your email message: name,
address, phone number, number of people in
rig, number of pets, rig type (MH, TT, 5th), rig
size, state/license plate number, arrival and
departure dates. Please note any special needs
for handicap site, near bathhouse, etc.
Site assignments will be made by the park
after they receive the information and money.
Cancellations require at least 72 hours notice. A
$20 processing fee will be charged for cancellations; the balance will be refunded.
Rally hosts are Alice Stremick, Ginny
McCauley and Judy Costa. For information,
contact Alice at alstrem@aol.com or call (386)
562-6011.
11–13 MidAtlantic Chapter: Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
Old Mill Stream Campground. Join us for our
annual turkey celebration.
For campsite reservations, call Old Mill
Stream Campground at (717) 299-2314 or (866)
386-2839. Make your reservations early, and
be sure to mention that you are joining the
MidAtlantic Chapter RVW rally.
Information about this campground is
available at www.oldmillstreamcampground.
com.
chapter). For rally information, contact host
Lynda Ippolito at lyppo@yahoo.com or call
(610) 657-3771.
www.rvingwomen.org
18–20 FreeWheelers Chapter: Bethel Island, California.
Sugar Barge RV Resort. This event will be hosted
by the FreeWheelers Advisory Board.
DECEMBER 2011
1–4
Arizona Chapter: Tonopah, Arizona. Saddle
Mountain RV Park. Join us for a holiday
celebration. Details will follow.
1–4
Florida Chapter: Lake Buena Vista, Florida.
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and
Campground. The Florida Chapter is going to
Disney World! Order your theme park tickets
and make plans now to join us.
We have reserved 40 campsites at Disney’s
Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, all
in one area. These sites will be held for us until
November 1.
Our group rate is $64/night plus 12.5
percent tax. If the site is available, the park will
offer that rate for additional nights. Our campsites are full hookups and pet friendly. The park
is wheelchair accessible. Table service dining is
available.
Information about this park is available
at www.disneyworld.disney.go.com/resorts.
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The website includes a map and directions.
The campground is located at 4510 North Fort
Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista FL 32830.
To reserve your campsite, call the park
at (407) 938-4868. Be sure to mention that
you are joining the RVing Women 2011 rally
(group code G0584307). Your credit card will be
charged for one night; the balance will be due
on arrival.
Call the same number at (407) 983-4868 for
information and to purchase discounted tickets
for the theme parks and attractions at Disney
World. Discounted tickets must be purchased
at least 10 days before arrival at Disney World.
Please note: the Florida Chapter will not be
arranging any group tours or tickets; all plans
should be made individually.
For rally information and to register, contact Arlene Dawson at arlenedawson@bellsouth.
net or call (386) 214-0719.
2–4
Texas Ramblin’ Roses Chapter: Elmendorf,
Texas. Braunig Lake RV Resort. For our annual
meeting we will be returning to the site of the
2009 RVW national convention, just south of
San Antonio. We will have full, exclusive use of
a large rally room from noon Friday until noon
Sunday.
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Campsites are $28/night. We have 40 sites
reserved at this special rate, which will be honored even if you arrive early or stay late.
Make your reservations by calling Braunig
Lake RV Resort at (877) 633-3170 or (210) 6333170. Be sure to mention that you are rallying
with the Texas Ramblin’ Roses.
You can also make your campsite reservations online at www.brauniglakervresort.com.
For rally information, contact Pat Bowen at
txpatrving@aol.com.
TBA FreeWheelers Chapter: Corning, California.
Heritage RV Park. Make plans now to join us for
a holiday rally. We will again be creating some
fun decorations for a charity cause.
Beverly Hiltachk and Casper Nordahl are
hosting this event. Email beverlyhiltachk@
att.net or casperghost73@yahoo.com for rally
information.
JANUARY 2012
5–8
Florida Chapter: Sebring, Florida. Highlands
Hammock State Park. We have reserved the
recreation hall at this park from 9 a.m. to 5
p.m. Saturday. Activities will include a Saturday
afternoon potluck and nightly campfires, so
bring firewood.
For campsite reservations, book online at
www.reserveamerica.com for a campsite in the
#95 to #135 area. This park accepts the Golden
Age Pass; be prepared to show your pass when
you check in. Information about this park is
available at www.floridastateparks.org/highlandshammock. The park is located at 5931
Hammock Road, Sebring FL 33872.
13–15 FreeWheelers Chapter and SoCALjourners Chapter:
Bakersfield, California. Bakersfield RV Resort.
20–23 Arizona Chapter: Quartzsite, Arizona. Boondocking rally on BLM land with no camping
fees. Arrive with full water tanks, charged batteries, empty holding tanks and firewood. This
is a very loosely scheduled rally. Come prepared
for a finger food meet and greet on Friday, a
potluck dinner on Saturday, pitch-in breakfast
gatherings Saturday, Sunday and Monday and
evening campfires.
Our schedule allows for plenty of free time
so you can join the thousands of RVers visiting
the big tent, the 69,000 square feet of vendor
space crammed with RV stuff. So much to buy!
The stuff spills over into flea markets lining the
streets that surround the big tent.
Directions: From I10 take U.S. Hwy. 95
south past mile marker 99. Turn west onto La
Paz Road and take the first dirt road on the
right. Beaver signs might be posted; go past
them to the RVW site.
Mary Hammond and Dorothy Milner are
hosting this event. Contact Mary at (480) 220www.rvingwomen.org
9019 or mayham0201@yahoo.com or Dorothy
at dorothy.milner@gmail.com.
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FEBRUARY 2012
3–5
Arizona Chapter: Casa Grande, Arizona. Pinal
County Fairgrounds. Plan to join us for the
“Running of the Gourds,” the Wuertz Farm’s
ninth annual gourd festival. Over 100 artists
and vendors will knock your socks off with
beautiful works of art created from common
gourds.
Come prepared for an appetizer meet and
greet Friday night, a Saturday evening potluck,
a continental breakfast Saturday, and omelets
for our Sunday farewell breakfast. February is
Arizona’s centennial celebration. We will have
appropriate games and contests on Saturday
afternoon.
Area amenities include golf courses, the
Casa Grande Ruins Museum, a nearby bakery
and some great restaurants.
Campsites are $20/night for water 30-amp
service. There is a dump station on site. The
campground also has a room to rent.
Mary Hammond and Bid Killorn are hosting this event and will arrive Thursday afternoon. For rally information and to register,
contact Mary at mayham0201@yahoo.com or
(480) 220-9019 or Bid at (480) 586-7336.
TBA FreeWheelers Chapter: Hollister, California.
Casa de Fruta Resort. Arleen Huffman and
Marlene Morrison are hosting this event. For
information, email huffmorr@sbcglobal.net.
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MARCH 2012
8–12 SoCALjourners Chapter: Sage, California.
Tucalota Springs RV Park and Campground.
Redlands Truck & RV Performance Center............... 11
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APRIL 2012
30–May 7 Florida Chapter: Florida Keys, Florida.
Geiger Key RV Park. This resort is only 10 miles
from downtown Key West. If you are interested
in attending, call the resort at (305) 296-3553
to make reservations now. This park has taken
some RV sites and turned them into permanent
sites, so we will have fewer spaces available.
JULY 2012
5–9
RVW National Convention: Gillette, Wyoming.
OCTOBER 2012
5–7
FreeWheelers Chapter: Red Bluff, California.
Durango RV Park. Beverly Smith and Faye Mendenhall are hosting this event.
MARCH 2013
7–11 SoCALjourners Chapter: Sage, California.
Tucalota Springs RV Park and Campground.
www.rvingwomen.org
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Brazel's RV Performance............................................ 11
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Escape Trailers........................................................... 68
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Explorer RV Inssurance............................................. 37
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RV Roofing Solutions................................................ 41
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TNT RV Tours LLC.................................................... 25
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Torklift Central.......................................................... 17
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Please let the manufacturers, retailers, mechanics and
service providers you patronize, and the campgrounds
and resorts you visit, know that you are a member of
RVing Women. Our sponsors and advertisers need to
know that our members appreciate their support.
For display advertising, contact Karlene Field
(206) 909-2607 — karly55@aol.com
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TRAVEL & RESOURCES
IF YOU MOVE during the year because of
travel or seasonal changes in your residence,
please notify the RVW office each time you
move (include your full name, membership
number, previous address and new address).
We maintain only one address for you at any
one given time and assume it is your current
address. Call (888) 557-8464 or (480) 671-6226
or email rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org.
SAME SEX MARRIAGE. Heading through
Connecticut? Get married in one day. No residency requirement—just your photo id. Top JP
in CT on Tyra Banks show May 2010 performing wedding. See testimonials www.ct-jp.com.
Have your special wedding on the beach or in
a beautiful park. Digital photos included—
receive within 24 hours. Can park smaller rigs.
Walmart allows overnight stays. Call Mary
Pugh (203) 838-1038 or email mary@ct-jp.
com. Ask for RVW discount!
Special Deals for Members
PUEBLO RENTALS, PARK MODELS,
LOTS. Reserve now for 2011/2012 season.
Contact Judy for availability, rates. Call (480)
329-6946 or email mollynme2@juno.com.
WASHINGTON PROPERTIES
DISCOVERY BAY RESORT on North
Olympic Peninsula between Sequim and Port
Townsend, Washington. Individually owned RV
lots, park models, trailers, fifth wheels for sale/
rent. Meet other RVW members, snowbirds and
year-round women residents. Jo.ruth@yahoo.
com. (360)n683-8246.
Pay for Two Classified Ads. Get the Third One FREE!
Place Your Ad Online at www.RVingWomen.org for Just 70 Cents More.
2004 40' ALFA SEEYA. Like new. Email
zoelovern@gmail.com or call (619) 987-9599
for a long, complete equipment list and pictures.
8 brand new batteries (house, chassis), 6 new
Michelins. New slideout seals, lojack, pressure pro, new roof seals, etc. New convection/
microwave, never used oven. Washer/dryer.
Blue Ray. Tow package included. All push
button. Like new. No pets/smokers. Loaded.
Must sell: disability. $89,000 obo.
2005 34' SAFARI SIMBA. $44,900 or best
offer. Class A motorhome in excellent condition. 15,866 miles, 2 slide-outs with awnings
plus patio awning, 3 skylights, AC, 2 TVs,
power entry step, shower, queen bed, rear camera, trailer hitch and ladder. North Windham,
Connecticut. Email to_me@verizon.net.
FOR SALE: 2011 ATHENS PARK MODEL
home. 11' x 35'. Never used. A/C, heat. All
electric. Extra insulation. Metal roof. $39,500.
Call Carole at (254) 223-1215.
RVING WOMEN
MAGAZINE DEADLINES
THE DEADLINE DATES for each issue of
RVing Women magazine for rally and event
announcements, chapter news, articles and
classified ads are listed below.
July 25
September 25
November 20
January 25
March 25
May 25
September/October
November/December
January/February
March/April
May/June
July/August
Our classified ad rate is just 80 cents per word. To place your classified ad in our September/
October issue, mail or email your ad to arrive by July 25. We cannot guarantee placement in the
next issue for ads received after the deadline date.
You also may place your ad online at www.rvingwomen.org for just 80 cents per word—or
maximize your exposure and place your ad in both the magazine and online for $1.50 per word.
You may include color photos online for $5 per photo. As always, if you are an RVW member,
you can buy placement for two issues and get the third issue free. That gives you a presence in the magazine and online for a full 6 months!
Mail ad copy with your payment to RVing Women, P.O. Box 1940, Apache Junction AZ 85117 or email to rvwoffice@rvingwomen.org. Be
sure to type or print clearly, include your first and last name and a contact phone number and enclose a check (or credit card authorization) made
payable to RVW. You may also place your ad online at www.rvingwomen.org for just 70 cents more.
All classified ads are set uniformly with lead words in bold caps. Type variations, abnormal capitalizations and illustrations are not included.
Counting words: Two initials are considered one word. Figures consisting of a dollar sign and numerals are considered one word. Zip code
is one word and must appear in every ad with an address. City names consisting of two or more words are considered one word (i.e., New York
or Salt Lake City). Phone number with area code is considered one word. Web and email addresses each count as one word.
RVing Women is not responsible for the products, advice or services offered in ads published in this magazine and does not endorse, warrant
or guarantee the products, advice or services offered.
All real estate advertising in this publication is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise “any preference,
limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin or any intention to make any such
preference, limitation or discrimination.”
www.rvingwomen.org
Recalls
Recall: Axle Assembly
Meritor Inc.—Meritor TL Series
Defect: On certain TL series axles that contain the Fag brand
bearing system, the bearing system has exhibited low durability life in certain vehicle applications. Prolonged use can result
in the degradation of the bearing grease, thereby potentially
resulting in a bearing failure and subsequent wheel-end fire.
These TL series axles with Fag brand bearing systems were
installed as original equipment on various RVs. Remedy:
Meritor is working with the vehicle manufacturers to identify
and repair the vehicles that contain the subject axles free of
charge. Owners may conatct their vehicle manufacturer or
Meritor at (248) 435-1725.
Recall: Electrical System Wiring
Fleetwood RV Inc.—Bounder (2011), Bounder Classic (2011),
Southwind (2011), Storm (2011), Terra (2011)
Defect: On certain class A motorhomes built on a Ford chassis, a wire harness that is routed under the motorhome near
the chassis rail can contact a heat shield located next to the
passenger side engine exhaust manifold. The close proximity
can cause the harness to melt or be otherwise damaged. A
damaged wire harness could result in an electrical short and
lead to a fire. Remedy: Dealers will inspect and re-route the
wire harness away from the heat shield. This service will be
performed free of charge. Owners may contact Fleetwood at
(800) 509-3418.
Recall: Electrical Transfer Wire
Crossroads RV—Rushmore (2011), Seville (2011)
Defect: On certain RVs, the electrical transfer switch wire was
installed incorrectly and the transfer switch could send 220
volt current instead of 110 volt current through the trailer's
electrical system. This could lead to overheating of the electrical system and could result in a fire. Remedy: Crossroads
RV will inspect and if necessary rewire the transfer switch to
the correct specification free of charge. Owners may contact
Crossroads at (888) 226-7496.
Recall: Leveling Jacks
Jayco Inc.—Eagle (2011), Eagle Super Lite (2011), Jay Flight
(2011)
Starcraft RV Inc.—Autumn Ridge (2011), Autumn Ridge
AR-One (2011), Lexion S-Lite (2011)
Defect: Certain travel trailers may have cracked bolts attaching the leveling jacks to the trailer frame. If all the bolts break,
the leveling jack could come loose from the frame. Remedy:
Dealers will replace the fasteners and attach the leveling jacks
to the frame with more robust fasteners. This service will be
performed free of charge. Owners may contact Jayco at (800)
283-8267 and Starcraft at (800) 945-4787.
Recall: Tail Lights
Thor Motor Coach—Damon Avanti (2011), Damon Outlaw
(2008–2010)
Triple E RV—Commander (2007–2010)
Winnebago Industries Inc.—Adventurer (2009–2010), J38S
(2009–2010)
Defect: On certain motorhomes on a DTNA (Dailmer Truck)
chassis, the stop lamps may be intermittent during light brake
applications and may not properly indicate that the service
brakes are being applied. Remedy: DTNA will notify owners
and repair the vehicles free of charge. Owners may contact
DTNA at (800) 547-0712.
www.rvingwomen.org
Recall: High/Low Beam Dimmer Switches
DRV Suites—Elite (2011), Mobile (2011), Select (2011)
Defect: On certain 5th wheels equipped with ITC 2-wire dimmer switches, the dimmer circuit board overheats during use
causing the circuit board and dimmer housing to melt and
deform. As the dimmer switch fails, the lights may become
inoperable and there may be a noticeable smoke or burning
smell. A fire could result. Remedy: Dealers will replace the
dimmer switches free of charge. Owners may contact DRV
at (574) 457-6472.
Recall: Fuel Valve Cap
Navistar Inc.—Holiday Rambler Trip (2011), Monaco Vesta
(2011)
Defect: On certain motorhomes equipped with a Maxxforce
7 engine, a cap on the return fuel valve may fall off allowing air to be drawn into the fuel system. This could result
in engine hard start, no start or an engine stall. Remedy:
Navistar will notify owners and dealers will replace the return
fuel valve cap free of charge. Owners may contact Navistar
at (800) 448-7825.
Recall: Norcold Refrigerators
The following have been recently added to the list of RVs
affected by the recall of Norcold refrigerators. Details were
published in our January/February issue.
Newmar Corp.—All Star ME (2009–2009), Bay Star (2007),
Canyon Star CA (2007–2011), Cypress FW (2006–2010),
Dutch Aire DP (2009–2010), Dutch Star DP (2003–2011), Essex
DP (2003–2008), Grand Star CA (2008–2009), Kountry Aire
FW (2003–2011), Kountry Star CA (2003–2007), Kountry Star
DP (2003–2008), Kountry Star FW (2005), Mountain Aire CA
(2003–2007), Mountain Aire DP (2003–2011), Mountain Aire
FW (20032005), Northern Star DP (2004–2005), Scottsdale
CA (2003–2004), Torrey Pine FW (2006–2010), Ventana DP
(2006–2011), X-Aire FW (2008–2010)
Geomarc Inc.—Prevost Le Mirage XL 2 (2007)
Watch Out for Spear Phishing!
The names and email addresses of several RVW members
have been used recently for spamming unsuspecting
friends and family with unwanted messages. The hope
is that because you think you know the sender, you
will let your guard down and do something you would
never otherwise do—send money, divulge your social
security number or credit card number, etc.
The early targets of this sport were government agencies
and senior managers of major companies, but this
form of fraud has rapidly expanded to include all the
rest of us.
Spear phishing has turned into a major problem for
everyone. By the time hacking specialists and internet
service providers pinpoint the thief's position, the
attacker has usually moved on and is using another
fraudelent identity. Taking extra care and guarding your
personal information is your best defense.
RVW NATIONAL EVENTS REPORT |
Women's Basketball NCAA Final 4
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA
April 2 to 5, 2011
The Women’s NCAA basketball final four was center
stage for our fun-filled long weekend. We had thirty-nine
RVW members join us for the weekend festivities.
Our rally began with a welcome party hosted by Tammy
Haley and Tammy Hanson, our rally leaders. The evening included a catered dinner, games and prizes. Several members
stayed to watch the men’s final four semi-finals.
Sunday began with a craft time with attendees decorating an RV picture frame and making bracelets and necklaces
promoting their favorite teams. There was face painting as
well. Then we were off to Tourney Town, where we took
part in all kinds of free basketball and sports interactive
activities. That evening we attended the semi-final games,
which pitted Stanford against Texas A & M and Connecticut
against Notre Dame. Since many of us were from Indiana,
we had a large crowd rooting for Notre Dame. Most of us
were ready to see any team other than Connecticut win.
On Monday, a group of us went to the NCAA Hall of
Champions. We competed in a few activities such as basketball shooting, kicking a soccer ball at a target, vertical
jumping and a collegiate sports trivia contest. The winning
team received NCAA prizes and small Indiana plaques that
said RVW 1st Place.
After all that work, we decided to eat at Shapiros, a wellknown Indianapolis deli. No one had to be reminded to
clean her plate!
Our afternoon ended with a tour of Butler University’s
famous Hinkle Field House and campus. Butler was to play
for the national championship that evening, so the campus was hopping. About thirty of us spent the evening at
Buffalo Wild Wings in a private reserved room and watched
the men’s championship game. Of course we all rooted for
Butler.
On Tuesday, many of our group slept in. We had been up
past midnight on three consecutive nights. We got together
for a pre-game block party before leaving for the championship game.
The championship game had Notre Dame playing
against Texas A & M. Like the two semi-final games, this
game was a nail bitter. Texas A & M prevailed. Even though
Notre Dame did not win, we all went home happy. We saw
some great games and had great fun with new and old RVW
friends.
submitted by
Tammy Haley and Tammy Hanson
www.rvingwomen.org
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Celebrating - RVing Women

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