Mac Pack Chapter News
July/August- ‘08
Most of us look forward to the arrival of spring for
many reasons; one of the best is that it is time for the Mac Pack
Spring Rally, and this year was a doozy!
Twenty five coaches rolled onto Kamp Ingram May 5-8, 2008.
Hosted by Kent and Phyllis Ingram and Bob and Marva Lee
Downing, the setting is exactly what we daydream about when life
gets hectic. Located on
the Ingram’s property in Wagener, SC, it is the site of a former
church camp. Several
rustic buildings surround a picturesque lake, which was our
gathering spot.
The first evening, we dined on Mexican fare and spent
the evening by the lake.
And, as you know,
we always spend the first night catching up and enjoying fellowship
with good friends.
For many of us, it was the first live polo match we had
ever seen and was it ever a challenge keeping up with that little
white ball. It was just
great fun, followed by an Argentine Barbeque that we won’t soon
forget.
The last day found us traveling to Aiken, SC and the
Aiken County museum, passing many magnificent old homes built by the
rich and famous, many in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. If you
are ever in this area, don’t miss this museum; it outshines many we
have seen in much bigger locales.
The rest of the day was spent in Aiken, a lovely town with a
village feel.
If you think nothing could top this, think aerobatics!
Our last evening was spent by the lake spellbound, as
Gary Ward, of Lincolnton, GA, friend of the Ingram’s, and his
student, Greg Connell, Trenton, SC,
flew up and down, upside down and spiraled with colored smoke
streaming. Gary came so
close; we thought he was joining us, which he later did, so we had
the additional fun of hearing flying stories born of many years of
practice and participating in air shows across the country.
We had heard tales of the last Kamp Ingram rally and we
repeat again, if they ever decide to do another, DO NOT MISS IT!
We thank Kent and Phyllis and Bob and Marva Lee for a
marvelous time to remember.
We were pleased to meet and welcome Tom and Judy Booth,
new members from Huntingtown, Maryland and Blacksville, SC,
who brought her sister and brother-in-law, Bruce and Tana Barron
from Blacksville, SC We
missed Glen and Virginia Edwards, who had to return to New Bern due
to the hospitalization of Virginia’s mother.
We took various routes moving on to our pre-rally at
Anchors Aweigh RV Resort in Foley, AL.
This park turned out to be the best park we have ever had for
a pre-rally so far. The sites were large on concrete pads surrounded
by REAL grass. The park
owners were most accommodating and gave us exclusive use of the
clubhouse during our rally.
Many of us agreed that it would be a great chapter rally
destination. Jim and Nancy Bradley and Bill and Ann Hutton were most
welcome first timers.
Wasn’t it a treat to have dinner served to us the first
night? Frankie and
Skipper Campbell, and Jerry and Millie Cohen were our hosts..
Joan Engelkemier brought a big supply of her infamous “Senior
Slushies”. Joan is
the mother of the slushies and we have played around with different
recipes, and they are always a hit no matter how they are made. Look
in the present ACA magazine
for recipes. .Jerry presented the ladies with a red rose in
honor of Mother’s Day….soo sweet! We migrated to the “patio” of Bob
and Melinda Ridge. The
evening turned cool, and Randy and Robin Brock brought over their
“fireplace,” powered by propane.
The circle just kept closing in as we warmed our toes.
Quiet time came too fast!
Very bright and very early May 13, we were placed in
line by our resident expert, Jerry Cohen.
The Foley PD helped move us out of the park and onto the main
highway. It still
catches the breath to see the sight of all those beautiful American
coaches in a line as far as the eye can see.
We rolled into the Greater Gulf State Fairgrounds
greeted by the smiles and waves of Rally Hosts, Southeast chapter.
We were escorted to the best parking area in the fairgrounds,
and by days end, 36 Mac Pack coaches arrived. We were on grass sites
with paved roads, and with several strong storms over the next
couple of days, we really, really appreciated our parking spots!
Those of us who helped with the last rally at this site remember
what it was like to be parked in the dust where our hosts were
parked. Thanks
Southeast!
A number of Packers attended the ambassadors and first
timers meetings. Bev
Petty does a fantastic job with this program, and it is so
appreciated by newcomers.
Our own VP, Skipper Campbell does some magic of her own,
reaching out to new and prospective members.
She seems to be everywhere at once and everyone knows her
name! Thanks Bev and
Skipper.
We mingled through the social hour provided by American
Coach, sipping and getting a good look at the gorgeous new American
Coaches and dreaming of the next one.
Thanks American Coach for the opportunities to tour the new
coaches and speak to the dealers on an informal basis.
Mouth watering burgers and dogs followed; those were
Dagwood size for sure!
We were entertained by Sarah Getto, a singer from Oklahoma, blind,
with a cleft palate and a lovely voice.
Most went separate ways on Wednesday; some to vendors,
some to the many sights around the Mobile area.
Those who attended the Ladies Luncheon report they loved the
show and the food was scrumptious.
Several boarded the big bus to the
Beau Rivage Casino on the Gulf Coast of Mississippi.
The participants were given $15.00 start up money.
The happiest couple returning was Bernie and Eva Beckmann,
who came home with over $100.00.
They knew to quit when they were ahead and spent two hours at
the buffet to be sure they wouldn’t spend their “good” money.
As usual, the hit of
the rally was Randy’s service crew, who were seen everywhere,
doing their best to make us glad we chose American Coach.
They had some especially challenging weather during this
rally, but did their usual first class job.
Again, they are the best asset of American Coach!
Speaking of the weather, we had to schedule our social
hour in the building and it spread us out a little more than usual.
We so enjoyed meeting so many new friends from Homestead, FL
to Ontario and everywhere in between.
Dinner followed with
Bayou LaBatre Shrimp Boil that we will remember for a long
time….a 5 star meal for sure.
The entertainers for the evening,” Tribute”, a local band,
was so good that even our chapter introverts, namely, Robin Brock,
Melinda Ridge and Jim Pearce were hopping and bopping most of the
night, sometimes in disguise. We don’t know where that black wig has
been, but none have reported any serious illness yet.
The dance floor was crammed full all evening, so guess a good
time was had by all.
Our last night in Mobile was memorable for the
wonderful prime rib dinner and the evening of fun that followed,
courtesy of the Keith Longbotham Band from Branson, MO.
There was a tune for everyone and it almost seemed like a New
Year’s Eve party.
Thanks again to Southeast for the hours and hard work
putting on the party!
Our biggest treat was meeting Roger and Shirley
Campbell, Tracy City, TN; Charlie and Kris Fritz, Homestead, FL, AJ
and Kathie Guttierrez, Kenner, LA, Scott and Susan Kellett, Brights
Grove, ONT; Ernie and Arlene Kuhnen, Manchester, TN;
John and Rita Little, Terry, MS; Lamar and Glenda
Pruitt, Southside, AL; Butch and Pat Walker, Kearneysville, WV; and
Wayne and Billie Whitaker, Denver, NC, who decided to
join us at this rally.
We also welcome Tom and Judy Booth,
Huntingtown, MD; Jim and Nancy Bradley, Fletcher, NC;
Beau and Ann Forshee, Murrell’s Inlet, SC; Brian and Elizabeth Kiker,
who joined us prior to the rally.
We also are pleased to have John and Pat Leszewski rejoining
us. We hope to see much more of you soon.
Congratulations go to Rik and Nancy Robinson, proud
owners of that gorgeous Eagle right on the front row at the entrance
to the coach area. It is so beautiful, Nancy says they want to stay
in it fulltime; what a life!
Congratulations also to Neil and Carolyn Palmer who purchased
a beautiful new Allegiance following the Lazy Days Rally.
New members, Beau and Ann Forshee went to look for a camper
and ended up with a new Eagle.
That’s moving up FAST!
We missed some of our usual regular rally attendees
at our recent rally in Mobile.
Russell Maddox is continuing his battle with cancer
throughout his body. Faye reports that Russell is not doing as well
as they would like, but the Maddox Clan never gives up.
They have a new additional challenge; their son Eric needs a
kidney transplant.
Faye was elated to recently received news that she is a
match.
Richard Cannon is making a slow recovery from his
massive stroke and is presently at Hill Side Rehab.,2747 Squire Lane
NE,
Warren, OH
44484.
Several of us have lost loved ones recently.
Jo Ann Hinkle lost her father May 21, and earlier in the
Spring, Tom Klause lost his mother and Marva Lee Downing, her
sister-in-law.
Continuing our history of bionic parts, Howard Shaffer
had knee surgery, resulting in straightening of his legs, and he has
returned to work. Linda
Davis got a new thumb joint and Gloria Adcock will get her second
new knee soon.
Joe Shamel had a second surgery to repair problems from
his first surgery for prostate cancer, and is again recovering more
slowly than he would like, but getting better and stronger.
We were happy to see Jim and Kay Forsythe at our
Foley/Mobile rallies. We
had not seen them for a couple of years and found that Jim had a 5
valve by-pass after a close call heart attack.
Kay survived cancer, but her brother did not.
They did look really good for having such recent trauma.
Remember these families as they face these challenges,
and for some, very difficult days ahead.
We have some exciting rally plans ahead, beginning in
Michigan at the Traverse Bay RV Resort for the “Days of Wine and
Cherries” Rally, Sept. 8-12, 2008, hosted by Frankie and Skipper
Campbell, Jeff and Marcia Bratsburg, Terry and Diana Wilburn, and
Bob and Melinda Ridge.
This is an area of great sights and many areas of interest.
Our hosts are planning a grand time and the limited number of
sites are filling up fast.
Contact for this rally is Skipper Campbell, 803-417-8242 ©,
skipper1126@comporium.net
Our next rally for the fall season will be on Oct. 20 –
23, 2008 and the theme is “Fall Colors in the North Carolina
Mountains” hosted by Ray and Phyllis Easter and Co-Host Joe and
Nancy Durrance. This rally will be at Tom Johnson Camping Center in
Marion, NC. There will be several different site seeing tours to
highlight the most beautiful sights in the area as well as great
meals and entertainment. Tom Johnson has teamed up with American
Coach and is offering limited service at no labor cost (You just pay
for the parts) along with factory financial incentives.
The contact for this rally is Ray Easter, 423-288-5274,
rayeaster@embarqmail.com
Move on from Marion to the ACA National Rally, Nov.
10-16, 2008, at Beaudry
RV in Tuscon, AZ, hosted by Southern California Chapter. Southern
Cal. knows about having fun, so you will probably enjoy activities
you haven’t seen before.
Check the chapter newsletter for forms and details.
We also have our tentative rally calendar through 2010 and
many wonderful places to visit.
As we already know, every time is a good time with the Mac
Pack. We invite any ACA chapter members to join in our fun..just
sign up and come on!
Mac Pack thanks Bob Downing for being willing to take
the job of National Treasurer.
We also thank Charlie, Bill, Mary and
Al for the job they have done keeping our organization
strong. ACA needs smart,
savy, businessmen, and we know Mary will keep them straight.
Jerry Cohen
President
