PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

“Are you going south this winter” I said to my cousin from Montreal. “Why would I ?” he said. “We have everything here that we like to do…skiing, curling, out walking in the snow….We are winter people” “ Well it takes both” I said. “We like golfing, going to the beach, flea marketing and walking in no snow. I guess the main thing is to enjoy life to the fullest wherever you are.”

By the time you read this, we along with others from the Perfect Circle will be down south. We will have the pleasure of 3 Christmas celebrations this year. One in October with the Perfect Circle at the last rally, our own November at home with family and all the decorations, turkey & presents. And one to come on Christmas day with friends in Florida. Wherever and whenever it happens, the blessing is to be with friends or family in this special season.

Wishing you all the best for Christmas and the coming New Year and look forward to seeing you in the spring.

Jack & Carol

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

Here we are in December and getting ready for Christmas once again. It only seems like yesterday that we were doing this, and it was a year ago. Time does pass by quickly. I hope that you all had a very good RV season this year with lots of trips and rallies, and that you made some new friends along the way. May you all be richly blessed with good health and good fortune, this Christmas season, and in the New Year ahead.

Liz & Don

NATIONAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT

Here we are once again into the Holiday Season, with the usual hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations. This is also a good time to look back over the year, take stock, reconcile with any misfortunes that may have come our way, and give thanks for our blessings. Leah and I have so much to be thankful for, and high on our list are the good times and the many friendships we have made since we joined Perfect Circle in 1988.

I want to take this chance to congratulate those members who created our Perfect Circle website, an excellent effort! If you are on the Internet and have not already done so, be sure to log on periodically to the FMCA website at www.fmca.com and explore it, and of course toggle on to our chapter website. I recently checked and found that 14 (including our chapter) of the 41 chapters in our Northeast Area have websites, so we continue to one of the most active and leading chapters in FMCA, thanks to all of you.

As I write this we are en route to our little place at Tanglewood RV Resort in Sebring, Florida where we expect to spend the winter. Should you be in the area be sure to drop by and see us.

National News

The FMCA International Rally took place at Redmond, Oregon August 16 –19. Bill and Ellie Skolfield (Maine Wheels and Perfect Circle) attended, and Ellie represented us at the Governing Board Meeting there. Ellie reported that the convention was very successful with over 4000 coaches in spite of the price of fuel. Highlights included the financial situation and the 2005 budget, election of officers, proposed bylaw amendments, area meetings, exhibits, and excellent nightly entertainment. Since these are reported in detail in the FMCA magazine I will not expand on them here, except to note that Bill Conway was re-elected as our Northeast Area Vice President.

Recently, all chapters were asked to vote by mail ballot on four proposed FMCA Bylaw amendments, all relating to the terms of office for national officers. If approved, the changes will result in national officers being elected for 2-year terms, with elections staggered so that certain offices change each year. This will avoid mass executive board turnover, and improve continuity and experience, while ensuring continuing turnover and new blood in leadership positions. Our chapter voted in support of 3 of 4 of these changes, which conforms with the expressed consensus of the sitting Governing Board present at the meeting.

The FMCA MEDEX Emergency Medical Evacuation Program has been continued in spite of increased costs. Unfortunately the Accident and Dental Deductible and Coinsurance Reimbursement Insurance Plan will be discontinued Dec. 31, 2004 due to costs. There are many of these FMCA benefits that we do not tend to learn much about unless and until we have occasion to use them. It occurs to me that perhaps some of you who have used the various FMCA benefits might be willing to do little write-ups for our Perfect Circle Traveler, and thereby pass on some valuable information. If so, please contact me and I will see if we can get this going.

Northeast Area News

The Northeast Area Rally will be held in West Springfield, Mass. on July 13-16, 2005. Should you plan to attend please let me know so that I can help to coordinate things as a chapter. It is always more fun to park together, enjoy some chapter social hours, etc.

Other News 

The FMCA Southeast Area Rally will take place at Brooksville, Florida again this year, February 2 to 6, 2005. Perfect Circle Chapter is usually well represented at this rally. If you are planning to attend, don’t forget your Perfect Circle shirts and hats – it’s always nice to show off our colors.

The FMCA winter International Rally will be held March 21-24 /05 at Perry, Georgia. Leah and I hope to attend. It’s a great site for a rally – just hope it doesn’t rain J.

Happy and safe travels, John and Leah Devlin

Membership Report

Welcome new members Gary & Carol Adams of Lewiston Maine.

Your Friendship is a Special Gift

Christmas is made of things like these:
Hidden presents, sparkling trees,
Holly wreaths and candle glow,
Jingle bells and falling snow.
But the best part of Christmas,
And all year too...
Is having special friends,
Like you!

SUNSHINE REPORT

The following notices were not included in the September newsletter. My apologies.

Sympathy is extended to the following:

Glenna & Derek Cornford on the death of her mother.

Irene & Norman Ferguson on the death of her mother.

Ludivine & Ulysse Hache on the death of her brother.

Reg & Dorothy Redden on the death of Reg’s brother

November 2004

A message was received from Chet Irving that he was recuperating well.

Mae Irving is back home and recuperating from surgery.

Tim Colbath from Maine is also on the road to recovery after a prolonged illness.

Laurie Beatty is recovering from surgery.

We’re glad to report that Albert Rose has been well and able to go to Florida soon.

Sympathies go out to:

Don Kay’s family as he passed away recently. He was a long - standing member of Perfect Circle.

Roger & Bernie Santerre lost a son this Fall.

Sandra & Raymond Coughlin receive condolences on the death of her father.

Carol & Randall MacIntee – on the loss of her brother.

Les & Joyce Ritcey – lost their son Todd on November 27. Our thoughts and prayers are with them as well

Reg & Dorothy Redden - on the recent death of Dorothy’s mother.

Shirley & Don Nauss

CORRESPONDENCE 

The following “Thank You” card was received from the Santerres:

Thanks for the expression of sympathy.

We appreciate every act of kindness. The 3 F's - Faith, Family & Friends has helped carry us along on this journey of sorrow.

To everyone a Blessed Winter & Christmas Season.

Hopefully we see you all in the Spring.

Roger & Bernadette Santerre

Christmas in October Rally

Campers City in Moncton came alive October 1 to 3 with a Christmas scene that would make anyone believe it was indeed Christmas. Candles and wreaths decorated the Quonset Hut Rec Hall as we drove up to the gate. A huge lit up tree welcomed us as we made our way to our assigned site – on Fifth Avenue no less! A total of 53 coaches gathered; special thanks to those who decorated so beautifully and created such a really festive scene. Claude Bannister provided the trees, while Blake and Connie Ross, Laurie Beatty and Carolyn Beers did the setting up and decorating – special thanks folks!

For ‘hug collectors’, this was the place to be. Perfect Circle members truly enjoy a warm family feeling, and know no limits when it comes to willingness to work and make a rally run smoothly.

After the Meet and Greet Friday evening and catching up on each others news, a Wine Swap was held – a unique idea which was enjoyed by a good turnout of wine lovers. Hot coffee was served every morning, along with many other goodies. Thank you John Nutter, Brenda Sullivan, Gary and Pat Kennedy, Jack and Loretta Hill, Don Laurie and Shirley Coleman for getting up so early to perk those big pots and set up the breakfasts.

Saturday noon gave the ladies a chance to strut their stuff as we gathered and took off to a Red Hat luncheon. There was a great turnout and lots of picture taking – could it have been a moment to remember, or were we a sight to see??

Saturday evening got off to a fine start with pizza and pop. Roy Mannette, Don Swain, and Tom McLeod kept the crowd under control and fed the hungry mob. A skit followed which will forever put a new meaning to ‘shingles’ – thanks to all who made us laugh so hard – one of those situations where you had to be there to really appreciate the goings on. It make us old timers recall the many great skits we saw at chapter variety shows in past years. And what a beautiful Christmas tree with brightly decorated packages all around the base. Then sure enough, Santa arrived and did a great job handing out gifts while his capable helper elves Marie and Carol kept him in line!

Lots of beautifully wrapped prizes were drawn at various time throughout the weekend, and won by some lucky members – a nice special effort on the part of the organizers!

Sunday noon we were again treated to lunch thanks to Mac and Linda Morton, and Ed and Marilyn Prosser. Hot dogs and all the fixings never tasted so good! As things wrapped up we drove off to home with the fall colors at their peak – we couldn’t help but be grateful for all that we have been blessed with in our corner of the world. Thanks again Don and Shirley Nauss and all your helpers – a super rally.

May you all have a Happy Christmas and enjoy the winter – see you in the spring if not down south!

Leah Devlin

Women on Wheels, The Red Hat Society

Well we had another great outing in Moncton at the Christmas in October rally. 26 ladies joined together for lunch at the Creek Seafood Restaurant and the food was delicious. Thanks to Shirley Nauss, who organized this for us in the midst of all the planning for their rally. Thank you Shirley.

REMINDERS:

Christmas Luncheon:

Thursday, Dec 9/04 Loretta Hill and Shirley Nauss have organized a Christmas luncheon for Women On Wheels in Sussex at the Timberland Motel. The luncheon will start at 11;30 am and we are to bring an exchange gift, under $10.00 , to do a gift exchange. Please advice Loretta or Shirley if you are planning to attend so they can reserve for the necessary numbers.

May 28/05: a Red Hat NB Rally will be taking place in Woodstock, NB. Some of our gals have already booked a room at the Howard Johnson’s Motel for the night of Friday, May 27/05. This will have to be done by individuals, so if planning to use the motel, call now. Others are planning to bring their motorhomes. I have checked out a small campground in Woodstock which would have water, electric and sewer but we were more impressed with dry camping at the arena if the Town of Woodstock will permit us to stay there. The area at the Connell Park arena/ exhibition grounds is flat, clean and graveled. If planning to bring your coach or are thinking of bringing your coach, please let me know so I can make the necessary arrangements with the Town of Woodstock. The Connell Park campground has closed it’s doors, so unless the Town up-grades it, that will not be available—at this time.

This should really be a fun time so I hope you will seriously think about this. I would like to know the numbers of coaches coming by January 5/05 so I can start writing letters to Woodstock Town Office in time for them to discuss this at their town meeting. I would think that the organizing committee will want to know how many gals are planning to come to their Saturday lunch /tea. I am unsure at this time what their final plans will be. They did mention a $ 10.00-$15.00 charge per person for whatever they may be planning. I will keep you up-dated as I hear from the gals in Woodstock.

We hope to have a Women On Wheels breakfast in Woodstock, so start looking for purple pajamas. Put that on your Christmas list.

Some of our Gals have already left for a warmer climate, so we hope they have a good and safe trip, and hopefully, they have their red and purple outfits with them as I’m sure we will get together down south. For those gals who we may not see before Christmas, have a wonderful Christmas holiday, and remember, just because Santa has a red hat, and he’s over 50, and he’s jolly and plump---he is not a woman, so, he is not-- “one of us”.

Merry Christmas.

Queen Mommy,Marie

Christmas Traditions at the Colpitts

Christmas at the Colpitts house has always been full of love, laughter and just plain living. One funny thing that comes to mind is a visit from 2 Santas on Christmas eve. It was a custom in our neighbourhood for our neighbour to dress as Santa and deliver a gift on Christmas eve. Our two little girls were all eyes as Santa number 1 came in with a big ho ho ho and a gift for each. We were enjoying the excitement when we saw another Santa arriving by car and heading for the back door. Another friend decided to dress up and pay us a visit. We made a mad dash for the back door to cut off the competition. All ended up well and the two girls didn’t see two Santas. It now has become a tradition to open one gift on Christmas eve.

Christmas is a wonderful family time with parents, children and now grandchildren arriving for that great turkey dinner and lots of sweets. It is a day full of excitement, exhaustion and appreciating each other. Here is a recipe to try:

Peanut Butter Balls

2/3 c. peanut butter

1 c. icing sugar

4 tbsp. butter

½ c. cherries (cut up)

½ c. nuts (cut up)

Roll into balls and dip into chocolate mixture of:

1 bag chocolate chips melted with ¼ block of wax.

Merry Christmas to all and may you always Live, Love, Laugh.

Bonnie and Clint.

A four year old was at the pediatrician for a check up. As the doctor looked down her ears with an otoscope, he asked, "Do you think I'll find Big Bird in here?"
The little girl stayed silent.
Next, the doctor took a tongue depressor and looked down her throat.
He asked, "Do you think I'll find the Cookie Monster down there"
Again, the little girl was silent. Then the doctor put a stethoscope to her chest. As he listened to her heart beat, he asked, "Do you think I'll hear Barney in there?"
"Oh, no!" the little girl replied. "Jesus is in my heart. Barney's on my underpants."

Christmas Traditions at the Devlins

Our Christmas traditions over the years have always centered on the family, starting with the Advent Wreath, and the Santa Claus Parade, soon to be followed by the Christmas tree. Decorations for the tree have been collected year by year – many homemade by our four kids; each being a source of a special memory.

It wouldn’t be Christmas without the traditional music. Children’s’ school concerts could not be missed, and I can’t recall a Christmas when I have not belonged to a choir – singing at midnight Mass being the highlight!

Christmas eve was always hardest for the children – the waiting had just gone on too long, so we would often bundle them up in their pajamas and coats and pack them all into the car for a drive around town to see the lights. Sure enough, one year as we were doing this, here comes Santa himself out of a house on Montgomery Street. We stopped the car, and over he comes, digging into his bag with candy canes for each. Then he asked them where their house was, and said that he would be there shortly, but they had to be asleep when he came. No trouble that evening in getting them all off to bed! Cookies, milk and carrots were always put out as treats for Santa and his reindeer.

As the children grew, some of our traditions were adapted to suit their ages. Playing hockey on the outdoor rink that John built every year kept our three boys, and several neighbor kids, well occupied. Mary Ellen was always on the piano for Christmas singsongs, cookies were made and decorated, parcels wrapped and mailed. One tradition that many now forgo is the sending of Christmas cards. We still send some, usually accompanied by recent photos of the grandchildren (now seven) – grandparents bragging rights we say J.

Some new traditions have evolved since we became empty nesters. In recent years John and I fly from Florida to Ottawa for Christmas, since ten of the immediate family live there. Our children’s traditions continue much the same as we had – one nice difference now is that someone else is in charge of the 22-pound turkey. Last year we were wakened at 4:00 am by bouncing grandchildren shouting, “Grammy and Grampie – get up, get up, Santa has been here!” The more things change, the more they stay the same!

One Christmas recipe used by my Dad was for making fudge. I used it for years, including making extra for friends and neighbors. Now our son Paul carries on the tradition. It’s really simple, but sinfully good! The molasses cookie recipe is explained below.

Brown Sugar Fudge

1 ½ c. white sugar ¾ c. canned milk or cream

1 c. brown sugar 1 tbsp. Butter

Stir constantly. Cook until drop hardens in water. Set pan in cold water and beat until creamy. Add walnuts and vanilla. Pour into greased dish.

Thick Molasses Cookies

1 cup shortening 1 cup white sugar 1 cup molasses 2 eggs 2 tsp. soda

1 tsp. cream tarter 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. ginger

9 tbs. hot coffee (put a tablespoon of coffee in about ½ cup hot water; this makes about 9 tbs. coffee)

5 cups flour.

Mix in order given. Roll in very little flour and cut them about ½ inch thick. Bake in a hot oven

This recipe came from my mother (who lived to 97) - we grew up with these served with a glass of milk after school. It may have come from her mother. Ovens had no thermostats in those days of course, so the recipe calls for a ‘hot oven’. Santa must have liked them, since they were always gone in the morning!

With so many treasured memories, we have so much to be thankful for. Good health tops the list, and as we age, this seems to become more and more of a challenge.

It is now November 28, and the temperature here in Sebring, Florida is 80 F! We don’t miss the cold and snow one bit.

John and I wish you all a Very Happy Christmas, and look forward to seeing you, if not through the winter here, at the Spring Rally in Fredericton. Take care,

Leah Devlin

Wagonmaster’s Message

The last rally of the year in Moncton was a booming success; over 50 coaches. Don and Shirley sure know how to “do it up right”. As we pass from rally season some of us go into snowbird season. We often have 20 or more coaches together in one park for several weeks, so you might say we have extended rallies in the south.

Following is the updated copy of the Rallymasters guide. I would like to thank all of those who helped by providing input for the update. The guide will be included in the update to the standing rules, posted on the web site, and available from the Wagonmaster for use by future Rallymasters.

We hope that all of you have a safe winter wherever you are and have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. If you are interested in hosting a rally, please call or e-mail us at 506-847-4789 or cnbccolpitts@aol.com.

AN EARLY WELCOME TO FREDERICTON FOR OUR

SPRING RALLY….JUNE 17-19/05

We hope we are advising you about the 2005 Spring Rally in Fredericton ,NB ,in lots of time to make plans to join us in the capital city of NB on June 17-19.

Fredericton, as the capital city of NB, has many fascinating sights to see and lots of interesting things to do. Because you may only be here for the week-end ,we can only give you a taste of what this city has to offer .We will be parked in the down town area, so you will be able to walk to ,and see many interesting areas in the downtown core.

Boyce Farmer’s is one of those very interesting places to visit .It is located on George St and it is open ONLY on Saturdays .It has a host of amazing things to purchase or just a great place to browse .There is fresh farmers produce, baked goods, ethnic foods, crafts, plants, wooden crafts, and even breakfast .Get up early and head down to the market ,you will not be disappointed.

We have a wonderful Art gallery on Queen St.—The Beaverbrook Art Gallery. This is a large and very interesting gallery with a wide range of famous artists, well worth a visit.

City Hall has a great display of tapestries that were done by a local Fredericton craftsman You should try to squeeze that in as well. Across the street from the Art Gallery is our Provincial Buildings where government issues are discussed ,planned and set in motion.

Old Government House , located on Woodstock Rd., is right around the corner from where we are parked. It was built in 1828 and served as the official residence for 14 of NB’s Lieutenant- Governors, until closing in 1894.It was restored a few years ago and our Lieutenant –Governors once again reside there.Truly well worth visiting and visitors are welcome.

Kings Landing Historical settlement, which is located 37 km west of Fredericton, is another interesting area to visit .This is a restored 19^th century historic village .A great place to visit ,but plan on a half day visit in order to see everything it has to offer. It is open daily from 10;00 am – 5;00 pm .Take some friends and enjoy the trip out to Kings Landing.

We have four shopping malls that will keep the ladies totally occupied .Lots of little food places and shops in the downtown core as well .Ladies there are all kinds of places for hubby to visit so don’t worry about him being bored .We have awesome walking trails, golf courses, two universities, live theatre, lots and lots of things to keep you busy doing whatever you want to do.

We have a great group of Perfect Circle Members who have agreed to entertain you here in Fredericton over the June 17,18 & 19 th weekend in the year 2005 at our Spring Rally. Watch for more details and our rally registration forms in a later bulletin.

Rallymasters, Glynn and Marie Salter

We are planning a Member’s (table) craft sale/yard sale on Saturday, June 18/05.This will be held inside the building and we will supply the tables at no cost to you .All proceeds from your sale are yours, but please no oversized items. If participating, please be sure to mark this on your registration form so a table/half table will be saved for you. We will also be having a “Book Sale” as a Spring Rally fundraiser, so we would really appreciate your donations of paperback books (in good condition) for this endeavour. Books to be turned in at the rally on Friday or Saturday am and a book credit will be issued to you towards the purchase of a book/books.

Come Share The Bird

Christmas dinner! Festive food, with roasted turkey, longed-for food.

And ours was huge, a very prize of what they label “family size”.

A steaming mound, a taste delight of dressing and of dark and light,

Of breast and drumstick. What a plate! The clock ticked on and still we ate.

We nibbled till “goodnights” were said, and stomachs filled crawled into bed.

We slept like fattened, wint’ring bears; ‘twas noon before we came downstairs.

“So there you are” exclaimed our host. “Come have some turkey creamed on toast”.

We ate, perforce, what else to do? But then came dinner – turkey stew.

Next day my eyes began to glaze, for there at lunch, what met my gaze

But sandwiches – huzzah, huzzah – all filled with turkey pale and blah.

I bit my lip, tried not to cry at sight of dinner – turkey pie.

Next day we played at nouveau riche and mangling French, tried dindon quiche.

That night into my dreams there came a turkey calling out my name.

Then out from every nook and cranny came gobblers gobbling – oh so many!

I jumped straight up! I fled outside and found my trembling Cousin Clyde,

Who said he’d had an awful fright – been chased by turkeys half the night.

Lunch came. I looked and tried to run. Host pulled me back to “join the fun”.

“Enjoy!” he urged. “Come on and eat. Cook’s fixed us all a special treat.

She’s fried up something really yummy. Her turkey hash will thrill your tummy.”

I tried to answer with a joke. But all I managed was a croak.

All week that’s how the dishes came; the names were new, the meat the same.

Ours was one sorry, woeful plight, when Cook announced “No fowl tonight!”

“What’s that?” we cried. “D’you really mean”--–“The bones” she smiled “are all picked clean”.

Free at last, we let fly a whoop! But then she served us turkey soup.

--Florence Weeks

You are wished a Christmas
That's as merry as can be.
One as cheery, warm, and bright
As lights upon the tree.

You're also wished the very best
Of Happy New Years, too.
Because the special things in life
Should always come to you.

Familiar as the words may be,
The message still rings true...
So "Merry Christmas" once again
And "Happy New Year," too!

Perfect Circle Executive