PRESIDENTS MESSAGE 
The spring rally held in Campbellton
and hosted by Alan & Shirley Dickson was a spirited gathering in beautiful
surroundings.
For those who were unable to make the rally I will give
a summary of actions taken & discussed at the annual meeting held on Sunday
morning.
Our secretary Darilyn Hill recorded the proceedings
& read the minutes from previous general meeting held at the Sussex Balloon
Fiesta rally. Treasurer Marg Dewitt submitted the
financial statement for fiscal year ending 31 May.The
bank balance was $
5,849.44.
As National Director Carolyn Beers was unable to be
here. Alternate National Director
John Devlin presented a report. He noted
that material received from FMCA had been covered by Carolyn in the newsletter.
The Northeast Area Rally is July 14-17 in Essex Junction, Vermont & he
& Leah plan to attend and carry our flag in the opening ceremony.
You might let John know if you plan to attend. John thanked Carolyn Beers who worked hard
along with Eddie for the Perfect Circle including serving 9 years as National
Director.
2nd.Vice Clint Colpitts reported on the
various rallies coming up, including Cocagne,
Bannisters, Balloon Fiesta, a Florida rally at
Clerbrook and Christmas in October in Moncton. The Spring Rally & Annual
Meeting was announced, to be held in Fredericton next year.
Reports were received from chairpersons. Bulletin
editor Liz MacFarlane was unable to be at the rally but has agreed to continue
as editor. Mary MacFadyen gave a report as Sunshine
Secretary. She is retiring from this position and we thank her for her untiring
efforts in gathering this information. Shirley Nauss has agreed to take on this
job.
Ann Barton gave a report on Membership. We are running in the 200 range. Ann has agreed to continue as chairperson for
membership. Glynn Salter gave his report
on Merchandise sales and has agreed to stay on as Merchandise Chairman. Ron Hill had given an up to date report on
Inventory and has agreed to stay as Chairman.
First Timer Chairpersons Glynn & Marie Salter are retiring from this
activity after many years and we thank them. Past president Don & Shirley
Nauss have agreed to take over the First Timer Chairs.
Norm Ferguson has retired as 1st.Vice
President. We thank him for his efforts
and wish he and Irene all the best. We know that the
Under general business we reported on meetings with
NB Tourism, discussions & letters on Fundy Park
rates, heavy vehicle inspections, part time registration of vehicles &
nursing home rules. We may consider a
committee for Technical Issues. The web site was discussed and approval given
by motion to go ahead. The point was made that the hard copy by mail would be
continued.
Albert Rose reported for the nominating committee of
Don Nauss & Dave Langille.
Nominations were called for all positions from the
floor and there being none the nominating committee was passed.
President Jack
Smith
1st.Vice Clint
Colpitts
2nd.Vice Tim
O’Connor
Secretary Darilyn
Hill
Treasurer Marg Dewitt
National Director John
Devlin
Alt National Director Dave
Beers
The present nominating committee was re-elected for
another year.
Floyd Freeman was appointed auditor for the fiscal year
books and confirmed by motion.
Rally pins were presented to rallymasters
for past year. The spring rally plaque was presented to Allan & Shirley
Dickson.
A plaque had been presented to Carolyn Beers in
recognition of her 9 years as National Director at a recent executive meeting.
I have agreed to stay on as president for a year but
would only do that with the help of Secretary Darilyn Hill and Treasurer Marg Dewitt and I thank them very much for all their work
and support.
Have a wonderful summer!
Jack
& Carol Smith
EDITOR’S MESSAGE 
It’s early July, and already we have 3 great rallies
under our belt. Great start to the
season. We have also picked up quite a
few new members, and welcome to all of them.
I think it is time that we had an official name for our Newsletter, as
we did many years ago. So I am inviting all Perfect Circle members to submit
your suggestions to me for a fitting title.
Then, at the Balloon Fiesta Rally in September, a name will be picked
from those suggested. Send your
suggestion to me by phone or email.
Liz & Don MacFarlane
NATIONAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
This is my first report to you as your new National Director. Thank you for your confidence in electing me to fill this office for a while. I know that I have very large shoes to fill in replacing Carolyn Beers. In my report at the recent Annual Meeting, I expressed my personal thanks and tribute to her. Carolyn and her late husband Eddie were prime movers in the formation of Perfect Circle Chapter, and they worked tirelessly to help to make the chapter what it is today. Her nine years as National Director is a record that will probably never be broken. I am sure we are all pleased to hear that Carolyn plans to stay involved with Perfect Circle as an Associate member and attend rallies when she can.
All I can offer is my best efforts to keep us informed of happenings at FMCA and in our Northeast Area, and to represent the chapter well on the occasions when I am called upon to do so.
National News
There is really no ‘news’ since Carolyn’s May report. My immediate focus will be on
studying and educating myself about the changes that have taken place at the national level since the major planning studies, and resulting revisions to the Constitution and FMCA Bylaws. Also, Cincinnati is in the process of preparing a major publication referred to as a “Member and Volunteer Handbook”, and I will follow this to ensure we apply whatever pertains to chapters.
These kinds of things amount to the ‘machinery’ that enables FMCA to function well and keep improving, all in order to best fulfill the members wishes. FMCA is the largest organization in North America, and perhaps the world, which is 100% owned and controlled by it’s members; you and I have the same voice as anyone else – a remarkable achievement started at Hinckley, Maine in 1963 by 26 member coaches including our own Jim Hodge, (F12)!
Northeast News
Our Northeast Area Rally is being held July 14-17 at Essex Junction, Vermont. Leah and I plan to attend, and it looks like three other Perfect Circle couples will attend as well. Area VP Bill Conway expects an excellent attendance, and reports that many good exhibits, seminars, and entertainment have been lined up. Bill and Ellie Skolfield, Maine Wheelers who are also Perfect Circle members, are rallymasters and I am sure they will have things well in hand.
Our Northeast Area has 41 chapters, of which we are one. It comprises eight US states and five Canadian provinces. There are ten of these regions or ‘Areas’ within FMCA, and about 450 chapters in all. Many FMCA members do not belong to chapters – they don’t know what they are missing, do they?
Should you at any time have questions about FMCA or Perfect Circle Chapter, please don’t hesitate to contact me or any member of the executive committee. If we don’t know the answer we will do our best to find out. Also, suggestions are always welcome – you may have a good idea that no one else has thought about.
Happy and safe travels,
John Devlin
SUNSHINE COMMITTEE 
“Get Well Wishes”
go out to Dorothy Manette
Sympathy is extended to Albert Rose who lost a sister recently.
Congratulations for upcoming “50th
Anniversary”
celebrations this summer to the
following:
Ola & Helena Melanson
Gene & Joyce Tatton
Reg and Dorothy Redden
Already
celebrated their 50th Anniversary: Les & Joyce Ritcey.
Please let Shirley Nauss know about
any illnesses, family loss or celebrations within Perfect Circle: by telephone:
506-386-8032 or email: dsnauss@aol.com
. Thank you.
Shirley & Don Nauss
Red Skeleton's “Tips for a Happy Marriage”
1. Two times a week, we go to a nice restaurant, have a little beverage, then comes good food and companionship. She goes on Tuesdays, I go on Fridays.
2. We also sleep in separate beds. Hers is in Ontario and mine is in Tucson.
3. I take my wife everywhere,
but she keeps finding her way back.
4. I asked my wife where she wanted to go for our anniversary. "Somewhere I haven't been in a long time!" she said. So I suggested the kitchen.
5.
We always hold hands. If I let go, she shops.
6. She has an electric blender,
electric toaster and electric bread maker. Then she said "There are too
many gadgets and no place to sit down!" So I bought her an electric chair.
7. My wife told me the car wasn't running well because there was water in the carburetor. I asked where the car was, she told me "In the Lake."
8.
She got a mudpack and looked great for two days. Then the mud fell off.
9. She ran after the garbage
truck, yelling "Am I too late for the garbage?" The driver said
"No, jump in!"
10. Remember. Marriage is the number one cause of divorce. Statistically, 100% of all divorces start with marriage.
11. I married Miss Right. I just didn't know her first name was Always.
12. I haven't spoken to my wife
in 18 months. I don't like to interrupt her.
13. The last fight was my
fault. My wife asked, "What's on the TV?" I said, "Dust!"
CHAPTER CHATTER 
On our way home from the St
Martins rally, we noticed Laurie & Judy Beatty pulled off to the side of
the road and sitting on the Church steps.
Anticipating they may be having a motorhome problem they slowed down to
help out, but their problem turned out to be a BIG dish of ice cream they were
both indulging in. Got caught that time, guys, with your fingers in the cookie
jar!!
If any of you have noticed the
ad on TV where this guy turns up at a bride's shower looking for an egg
sandwich, well, I think GeneTatton is watching too
much TV. He showed up at the Ladies
luncheon in St Martins looking for "an egg sandwich". Might have gotten away with this if he had
worn a ladies hat !!
After losing their kites last
year in St Martins, Glynn Salter and Jack Smith both got new kites from their
children/grand-children for this year's kite flying contest. I think next year they should request
"kite flying" instructions.
It's hard to fly a kite when it won't get off the ground. Maybe next year will be their big year.
Don Lourie
said when he went to the rally in Campbellton he was
69, but when he left, he was 70. That
rally sure aged you in a hurry Don, hope you enjoyed
the aging process.
A gold star
for Laurie Beatty. He got to a
Rally and DIDN"T get stuck
For Sale
2000 Chevrolet Malibu sedan LS
model, V-6Automatic, all options, power windows, doors, keyless entry, cruise,
Michelin tires, equipped with Blue Ox baseplate
included. 80,000 km., always wintered in Florida, asking $9,900. Interesting
trade considered, new car on order, call 506-544-7004 cell or 506-547-1789
home.
Theo Doucet
“It was Palm Sunday and, because of a sore throat, five-year-old Johnny
stayed home from church with a sitter. When the family returned home, they
were carrying several palm branches. The boy asked what they were for.
"People held them over Jesus' head as he walked by."
"Wouldn't you know it," the boy fumed, "the one Sunday I
don't go, He
shows up!"
FMCA
MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS
Membership in FMCA brings
with it a wealth of benefits that are of value to the motorhome traveler.
Some of the FMCA Travel Services may not be well known, especially to new
members so have condensed some of direct benefit to us all:
- Traveler's Message
Service - FMCA's Traveler's Message service is an
automated voice mail system that is accessible 24 hours per day, seven days a
week. For a low monthly fee ($5 US), traveling members may establish
voice message boxes in order to pick up messages from their families and friends.
The service is easy to establish and is available immediately when
needed. Leaving a message is simple and receiving messages
from family, friends and other FMCA members is a great way to keep in
touch.
- Mail Forwarding
service - FMCA members who are on the road for an extended period of time need
not worry about missing their important mail, thanks to the association's mail
forwarding service. FMCA'ers who take advantage of this useful member benefit receive their
mail on a weekly basis while they are on the road. We have used
this system for several years and it works well. All our mail is
forwarded to FMCA and we call FMCA each week to
let them know where we will be the following week and our mail is forwarded to
the address we give them. FMCA charges our credit card with an amount to
cover the postage.
- Trip Routing - In an
effort to assure its members pleasant, hassle-free travel, FMCA offers routing
assistance to destinations throughout Canada and USA. FMCA will send you
maps and a route to follow when you ask for a specific trip.
- Emergency Road
Service - FMCA has teamed up with Coach-Net, an emergency road service
provider, to offer association members a comprehensive, 24-hour-a-day
nation-wide roadside assistance program. This service includes a network
of more than 40,000 contracted service providers throughout the United States
and Canada. This plan also covers all family cars at no extra
charge. The plan has an introductory offer of $79.50 per year. .
- Emergency Medical
Evacuation Program - FMCA has signed an agreement with MEDEX Assistance
Corporation to provide active family members with coverage, and this coverage
is automatic and no sign-up is required. The program includes medical air
and ground evacuation if a member is involved in an accident or suffers a
sudden, unforeseen illness. It also covers transportation of remains in
event of a death, RV/automobile return home, transportation to visit a
hospitalized member when that member is hospitalized for seven days or more
while vacationing on a trip; and other relevant benefits. Before any
benefits will be authorized under MEDEX, FMCA members must call
1-800-527-0218 or collect (410) 453-6330 for emergency medical, travel and
personal assistance services.
Deductible Reimbursement
Insurance Plan - The Deductible Reimbursement Insurance Plan is designed to
cover the deductible and co-insurance costs you are required to pay out of your
pocket when such expenses are incurred at least 100 miles from your home base, subject
to a $100 deductible per occurrence for a sudden and unforeseen illness.
All claims must first be eligible for consideration by your primary
medical insurance, up to the usual and customary charge for such expenses.
Accidental Death and
Dismemberment Insurance - Every member of FMCA is automatically covered under
the association's accidental death and dismemberment policy as a member
benefit. FMCA members should clip the copy of the certificate that
appears in the January issue of the magazine and file it with their other
insurance papers.
Campground Discounts -
FMCA has entered into a partnership with Passport America, a 50% discount
camping club. As a Passport America cardholder, you can stay at nearly
1,000 campgrounds across the United States and Canada at 50% off the regular
rate. The membership is $44/year US. There are several Passport
America campgrounds in the Maritimes now, but some have restrictions about how
long you can stay or some do not allow the discount during weekends and busy
periods. Passport America's website is: http://www.passportamerica.com/;
or you can phone their toll-free number 1-800-283-7183.
Other Benefits - There
are many other benefits associated with your FMCA membership; ie, Long Distance Calling Cards, Stoppin'
Spot Fellowship, fuel discounts at Flying J's, Membership Identification
Emblems, Antitheft Decals, and many more. All benefits are explained
in the large January issue of Family Motor Coaching magazine.
Associate
Membership - when a former member of FMCA loses their
spouse, or no longer owns 1/3 of their motorhome; they are eligible to continue
their membership in FMCA by being an 'Associate Member'. Associate
Members must continue to pay their FMCA dues, and
chapter dues if they want to belong to a chapter, or chapters. An
Associate Member has all the benefits of other FMCA members with the exception
that they cannot hold an office in a chapter or the national association, or
they cannot vote on chapter or association decisions. But as an Associate
Member, you can continue to enjoy FMCA rallies, be on a chapter committee, act
as a Rallymaster and you receive most member benefits.
Also, a daughter or son
who becomes an FMCA member may request the same number as a parent with a “D”
or “S” after the F number.
Shirley Nauss &
Carolyn Beers
Subject:
An Attorney's Advise...
I never
thought of some of this stuff. Worthwhile knowing. An Attorney's Advice ...and it's free! Read this
and make a copy for your files in case you need to refer to it someday. Maybe
we should all take some of his advice! A
corporate attorney sent the following out to the employees in his company:
The next time
you order checks have only your initials (instead of first name) and last name
put on them. If someone takes your check book they will not know if you sign
your checks with just your initials or your first name but your bank will know
how you sign your checks.
When you are
writing checks to pay on your credit card accounts, DO NOT put the complete
account number on the "For" line. Instead, just put the last four
numbers. The credit card company knows the rest of the number and anyone who
might be handling your check as it passes through all the check processing
channels won't have access to it.
Put your work
phone # on your checks instead of your home phone.
If you have a
P.O. Box use that instead of your home address.
Never have
your SS# printed on your checks (DUH!) you can add it if it is necessary. But
if you have it printed, anyone can get it.
Place the
contents of your wallet on a photocopy machine, do both sides of each license,
credit card, etc. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the
account numbers and phone numbers to call and cancel. Keep the photocopy in a
safe place. I also carry a photocopy of my passport when I travel either here
or abroad.
We've all
heard horror stories about fraud that's committed on us in stealing a name,
address, Social Security number, credit cards, etc.
Unfortunately
I, an attorney, have first-hand knowledge because my wallet was stolen last
month. Within a week, the thieve(s) ordered an expensive monthly cell phone
package, applied for a VISA credit card, had a credit line approved to buy a
Gateway computer, received a PIN number from DMV to change my driving record
information on-line, and more.
But here's
some critical information to limit the damage in case this happens to you or
someone you know:
We have been
told we should cancel our credit cards immediately. But the key is having the
toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep
those where you can find them easily.
File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where it was
stolen, this proves to credit providers you were diligent, and is a first step
toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
But here's
what is perhaps most important: (I never even thought to do this).
Call the three national
credit-reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name
and Social Security number. I had never heard of doing that until advised by a
bank that called to tell me an application for credit was made over the
Internet in my name. The alert means any company that checks your credit knows
your information was stolen and they have to contact you by phone to authorize
new credit.
By the time I
was advised to do this, almost two weeks after the theft, all the damage had
been done. There are records of all the credit checks initiated by the thieves'
purchases, none of which I knew about before placing the alert. Since then, no
additional damage has been done, and the thieves threw my wallet away this
weekend (someone turned it in). It seems to have stopped them in their tracks.
The numbers
are:
Equifax
Experian:
(formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
Contact Trans
In
St Martins “Whallis in Funderland”
Rally
Perfect
Circle members were fortunate to fall into the “rabbit hole” called Century
Farms Campground on the weekend as the weather was beautiful, the hospitality
and organization well done and the fellowship of the first rally of the season
appreciated by those attending.
Many were found scurrying
around Friday afternoon to get the scavenger hunt accomplished. Dues got paid,
new members welcomed and rocks and mussel shells gathered. Linda in the office
was busy answering questions about the area. A few shared magazines, searched
for membership lists, etc. to complete the questionnaire.
The wind cooperated to
get kites in the air Friday night for the “Marsh Hares” kite flying contest.
Some soared to new heights, others stubbornly clung to the ground ( no, Bonnie, that’s
not the purpose ). There were funny ones, simple ones and fancy ones. Flyers
showed lots of effort and enthusiasm. Clint Colpitts, Reg
Bungay and Wayne Johnson were the experts. Jack &
Glynn lost theirs last year so kept theirs close to the ground this year.
Larry McLaughlin took his
duties as sheriff very seriously as he was decked out in proper garb and
managed to serve quite a few with citations for not wearing badges.
Saturday dawned bright
and clear and the day was spent catching up on the news with members, walking
the beach and participating in planned activities.
The “Mad Hatters” Ladies
lunch was a special treat and Marie’s creativity transformed the hall with
color and the food catered by St Martins Home and School was fresh and
delicious.
Ladies entered into the
spirit of the Spring Tea with various hats; many were of the Red Hat variety
and Fran Reid won first prize with her bridemaid’s
hat from her wedding 56 years ago.
Shirley Silliphants had a birds nest with
birds for earrings and birch bark trim, Shirley Colemans
got a prize with her singing birds in her flower garden hat and Lorranine Leverington won with
her doily covered hat decorated with teddy bears, etc.
Fran Reid and Lorraine
Pierce poured tea and coffee as they were first rallymasters
in St Martins.
Queen Mother Marie spoke
about the organizing of the “Women on Wheels” chapter of the Red Hat
association for
Margie McLaughlin spoke
about the Red Hat beginnings from the poem “Warning” by Jenny Joseph that
emphasizes dressing in red hats and purple colors as we get older and relax
about the constraints of society. She explained the rapid growth among women
who enjoy dressing up in red and purple and having fun. She displayed her
Lovett purse made from a black bra.
The men attended a
seminar on tires sponsored by Route 1 Tire Co. organized by Leon Girouard and given by Dan West and Jody Harris. They
checked motor home tires and reviewed results with owners at the seminar.
Wine was available for
Happy Hour on Friday and Saturday thanks to Reg and
Mary Lou Bungay who received the donation from the “ Vincor Winery.”
Cathy & Mike MacAuley, Anne & Paul Barton, Shirley Coleman & Don
Lourie, Loretta & Jack Hill shared
responsibilities for the “Queen of Hearts” morning coffees Saturday and Sunday
while Laurie & Judy Beatty, Margie & Larry McLaughlin, with Jim McLeod
and Bob McLaughlin assisting handled the Fiddledee
and FiddleFee hot dog lunch.
Saturday nights entertainment was a favorite with Winston Crawford
and friends lively music accompanied by Fran Reid on the spoons. Winstons stories and portrayal of Mr Dudley were enjoyed by all.
Thanks to Glynn &
Marie for a super rally and wonderful time.
Shirley Nauss
Women on Wheels, The Red Hat
Society
The first
occasion for our “Women On Wheels ” to strut our stuff
was through an invitation to attend the first NB Red Hat Society Rally
in
It was a
wonderful afternoon with each chapter participating in the entertainment. The
decorations, prizes, and the fellowship we had was
awesome. Afternoon tea, sandwiches and
sweets were prepared and served by members of the West Bay Red Hatter
Chapter. All Queen Mothers were served
tea in gold cups and saucers which was a lovely touch of recognition to all
Chapter Queen Mothers.
There were
seven ladies from our Perfect Circle Chapter of “Women on Wheels”, who attended
the tea and believe me, it was a great way to kick-start our own Chapter
activities. Next year, the NB Red Hat Society Chapters have been invited to
attend the rally in Woodstock, NB, so let’s plan to attend, think up some
entertainment, stay overnight somewhere between there and where you are, and
have a great “Women On Wheels” or “WOW”, outing.
**************************
We had our
very own official first “Women On Wheels” outing in St
Martins by attending the Ladies “Mad Hatter” Luncheon. This luncheon was a
ladies luncheon but we were invited to attend as a Red Hat Chapter. Margie Mac
Laughlin gave a short history about the formation of the Red Hat Society and
read the poem ”Warning” by Jenny Joseph. I gave an update of some of the Red Hat
functions that we have attended both here and in
Shirley Nauss, has
already started a scrapbook/photo album for our Chapter and she had it on
display in St Martins. She has a great
start on what will become the “history” of our “Women On
Wheels”. Any items that you may wish to
donate for our scrapbook, please contact Shirley.
We have two
Red Hat events planned at two future rallies. The first will be a
luncheon/shopping excursion in Shediac at the Cocagne
Rally. We will travel to Shediac to the Lobster Deck
for a 12;00
Our Second
planned “Red Hat “luncheon, will be at the Balloon
Fiesta Rally in
Our membership
has already grown to 34 members.
Members, keep your hat and your purple attire in the coach, because when
opportunity knocks for us to put our wheels in motion to go out for breakfast,
lunch, tea, or whatever, we want to be ready to go!!
Hats off to
all those who have helped in any way to “Women on Wheels”
Marie Salter,
Queen Mother
HARD HAT BROTHERHOOD
Last
week, the broadcast included contact information for a group started by a Red
Hat husband, "Andy, the Head Hard Hat." It was explained that,
although it is not formally or legally affiliated with the Red Hat Society,
this group may be the answer for those husbands who keep asking when the Red
Hat Society is going to come up with something for men.
Andy sent me an e-mail detailing the response he has gotten in the past week:
20 "crews" (chapters) forming in 14 states. Also
one in
Members in 18 states and
5,000 hits on the new web site: http://www.thehardhatbrotherhood.com
He says, "I lost count of the number of fantastic Red Hatters
who gave such nice words of praise either emailed...or through our local guest
book.. Matter of fact, I spent a good part of the week
writing back to all of them. You truly have a great group of very nice ladies
in your Society."
These guys wear hard hats of various colors, and I don't think they have a
color requirement for the rest of their ensembles. But they are seeking to
develop "red hat" style connections. Good for them!
The Bathroom Commode
A very proper lady began planning a
week's camping vacation for her and her
comfortable. Finally she decided on the abbreviation "B.C" and wrote,
"Does your campground have its own "B.C.?"
When the campground owner received the letter, he couldn't figure out what she
meant by "B.C." He showed it to several of the campers, one of whom
suggested the lady was obviously referring to a
So he sent this reply.
"Dear
Madam: The B.C. is located nine miles from the campground in a beautiful grove
of trees. I admit it is quite a distance if you are in the habit of going
regularly. No doubt you will be pleased to know that it will seat 350 people at
one time, and it is open on Tuesday,
Thursday, and Sunday of each week. Some folks like to take their lunch and make
a day of it. The acoustics are very good, so everyone can hear even the
quietest passages. It may interest you to know that my daughter met her husband
there. We are also having a fund-raiser to purchase new seats, as the old ones
have holes in them. Unfortunately my wife is ill and has not been able to
attend regularly. It's been a good six months since she last went. It pains her
very much not to be able to go more often. As we grow older, it seems to be
more of an effort, especially in cold weather. Perhaps I could accompany you
the first time you go, sit with you, and introduce you
to all the other folks who will be there. I look forward to your visit."
“The Great Outdoors” -
Spring Rally 2004
From June 18 to 20 (some
even a day or two earlier), 76 coaches gathered at
On Friday morning many of
us drove into town to visit G.P. Transmission Shop where owners Gary and Glen Perron and their highly trained technicians toured us
through the various parts of their operation. We learned a lot about the
transmissions in our motor homes, and what is involved in maintaining and
repairing them. They even treated us to
coffee and some delicious treats at the end of the tour, prepared by the
owner’s wives. At about the same time, the ladies were given tours of the area
by a bus and driver courtesy of the
Golfers took to the
fairways that afternoon at Restigouche Golf and
Country Club, chaired by Irvine Keely, former
president of the club and member of our chapter. Reports indicate they had fun, in spite of
challenging course conditions left by our harsh winter. Apparently Jack Smith
didn’t even break a club – must have had a good round _. Many
prizes were awarded, and the trophy went to Jacob Sock, presented by last
year’s winner Dolan LeBlanc.
Marie and Glynn Salter
led an Orientation Meet for new members. Several new members were in attendance
at this rally – isn’t it great to see our chapter continuing to grow in numbers
with friendly, talented people. What a great time of life, to be able to share
common interests and make new friends on a continuing basis; Leah and I have
often remarked that we have made more good friends since joining
Friday evening a Meet and
Greet was held in the main lodge, sponsored by Fraserway
R.V., a Newmar dealer from Bedford, N.S., and also Domaine D’Or Wines of Moncton,
N.B. Guests included Mayor Mark Ramsey of Campbellton,
and Mayor Raymond Legacy of Atholville who is
Canada’s longest continuous serving mayor at 34 years! A wonderful display of fancy hors d'ouevres was catered by Donna Arseneault , Shirley and
Allan Dickson’s daughter, with help from Shirley and several local ladies. The
same crew treated us to a full big breakfast on Saturday morning, courtesy of R.V. World of
Early Saturday morning we
were able to catch up on news via the newspaper delivered to each coach
courtesy of the Saint John Telegraph Journal. Unfortunately the weather man was
not in a great mood on Saturday, so the canoe trip planned for a tour of
Later on Saturday a
“bring and buy” auction was held which raised over $1,000 for the chapter, with
auctioneer Larry McLaughlin providing the usual barrel of laughs in the
process. The rally masters and their committee had obviously done a bang-up job
in soliciting articles for this auction, and for the many, many draws which
were held throughout the whole weekend. 48 prizes were given in total with a
value of over $1600, including 25
That evening we danced to
Ben Gaudet’s six-piece orchestra “Old Friends” providing the big band
sounds of the 50’s and 60’s. What a pleasure to be able to enjoy this kind of
good music, and still be able to carry on a conversation at your table.
Sunday morning coffee,
tea and muffins sponsored by Gary Steeves Insurance was followed by a Church Service led by Connie Ross. What a moving, thought-provoking time for
reflection! Connie, you have a special gift – thank you for sharing it with us.
Gladys Swan of Tide Head accompanied by Peter Delaney
directed a local “Community Coral” choir. A collection of $300 was given to Restigouche County Food Bank, accepted by director Brenda Renouf who was in attendance. After the
Annual Meeting Harold Post and Dolan LeBlanc presented a Hot Dog Social with the
help of many volunteers. This was sponsored by Atlantic Superstore,
McDonalds, Butternut Bread, and Dixie Lee Maritimes Ltd.
Our hats are off to the
Rally masters Allan and Shirley Dickson, and their committee for a super rally.
Committee captains not already mentioned above included Alice Regan on
Registration; Bun Regan, Leonard Maltais and Ken
McAllister on Parking, and Peggy Maltais on Grab
Bags. Paul Ferguson, Manager of Sugarloaf Park and his staff deserve special
mention for their fine cooperation and assistance. .
All good things come to
an end so we then prepared to depart, now convinced that “there’s no shore like
the north shore, that’s for shore”.
John Devlin
VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED
Bun & Alice Regan, and Norm & Kathy Melvin, have
agreed to keep a list of volunteers to assist with Parking and Registration at
our Rallies. Volunteers will be rotated
and will work a 2-hour shift as needed at our rallies. If you would like to help out in either of
these 2 areas, please contact them and have your name included on the list.
Regans: Phone 1-506-446-5881
Melvins:
Phone 1-506-696-3015 E-mail: norm77@nb.sympatico.ca