Southern California Chapter News
July/August-
‘08
We are having our practice rally at Beaudry’s, in Tucson , AZ
September 11-14, 2008 . We would love to have anyone willing to work
on our big rally to show up and join in. It will be lots of fun!
When I wrote last, Charlie had back surgery and I am happy to say he
is recovering quite well. He had to have his pacemaker changed out
last week, but it seems all is going well now and someday soon we
may get more than a day away from the doctors. Good thing I'm
healthy, because if I'm not at the doctors with Charlie, I seem to
be there with one of our daughters.
We are really looking forward to our working rally at Beaudry’s on
September 11-14, 2008 and to the National rally in November. We plan
to stay in the area for the full two months. There is some really
beautiful country there. It’s not far from the Grand Canyon and I've
never been there. Also, Sedona, Arizona is a beautiful place to
visit. I might even talk Charlie into dropping down into Mexico.
Enough about us. Our really big thing now is the national rally. The
entire SoCal Chapter is working very hard on it. Anyone who has ever
done one knows how much pre-work there really is. Everything is
coming together nicely however; thanks to our great Chairman John
Thomas. He keeps us all in line, (or at least tries). We are hoping
to have something for everyone, of course the BIG DRAW, RANDY AND
HIS GREAT CREW; NEW COACHES TO BUY, (including the new Allegiance);
a ladies luncheon; golfing, tours; vendors; seminars and last but
certainly not least, at pet parade (so make new and great costumes
and get all your pets groomed and join us for a great show). Our
agenda looks great, the weather will be great please God (I'm not
too humble to beg.) Actually, November is a great time to be in
Tucson.
As you may already know “Celebrating Freedom “is our theme. We had
several suggestions to consider like ‘autumn’ or ‘Thanksgiving’,
etc., but what American could not acknowledge the biggest National
event of 2008 and it is going occur in November. That is OUR
NATIONAL PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION of course. Plus, we will celebrate
National Veterans day while we are there. So let’s all vote and
salute our veterans. Let’s show them how proud we are of them and
our men and women out there fighting for us now,
We had a great SoCal. rally in Hemet, Ca. hosted by Ken & Betty
Tilley and Ron & Marianne Thomas on April 24, 2008 with 31 coaches
attending. The theme was “Back to the Beginning”. In May of 1990,
the very first American Coach Association (known then as Limited
Owners International) rally was held at that very same RV Park in
Hemet. Our rally hosts did a great job of keeping that theme from
gifts to historic documents and to early pictures on display.
In preparation for the first night, the rally hosts cooked pork ribs
for 7 hours, which were served as a major part of a great potluck
dinner. They were better than great.
On Friday, thirty-two members joined in to play indoor shuffleboard.
The winners were Lanny Wilson and Bob Daniels, followed in second
place by Ben Rhodes and Betty Kloss (one of our new members).
Following the shuffleboard, we had a pool tournament, which was won
by Dave Warburton and Gary Adams (another newbee). Ken Tilley and
Don Ferderer were surprisingly left empty handed in defeat.
Talk about a rally with everything. That evening, we had a catered
meal of Texas brisket, with special desert of cobbler and ice cream.
We then had the Great American Coach race, with all models
represented (in miniature) and jockeyed by volunteers. The Eagle,
jockeyed by Kim Daniels, was just too much for the competition and
took first place honors. After that we enjoyed a ”free” demo
performance by the Wild Rose Road Show featuring Larry & Rosemary
Cox, who are full timers and have recently joined the ACA and the
SoCal. Chapter. They are a great audience participation group and if
you don’t believe me, just ask Jim Hinsley and Ben Rhodes. WE HAVE
BOOKED THEM FOR THE NATIONAL RALLY IN TUCSON. DON'T MISS THEM.
Then it was off in a bus to the Ramona Bowl for the 85th annual
outdoor play. It was a great day and play, if you could stand the
heat. Pizza and appetizers were enjoyed on our return. Mr. Ed Graves
of Camping World brought out an Eagle and Allegiance as well as door
prizes for the evening. Thanks a lot to Ed and Camping World of San
Marcos. Thanks to Myrna for getting them for us.
Sunday was doughnuts and coffee and our hugs and kisses until next
time. If you missed this rally, you missed a great one. Thanks to
Ken, Betty, Ron, and Marianne. When do you want to do your next one?
During the rally, the chapter held our bi-annual election of
officers, so now I can legally sign this column as SoCal. Chapter
President. Needless to say I am looking forward to working with the
SoCal Board of Directors, the Committee Chairs, our volunteers and
all of our members.
Speaking of rallies, we have 3 lined up for next year 2009. Our
first one will be on January 15th to 18th, 2009 at Emerald Desert in
Palm Desert, hosted by Willy Morris, Marilyn Taft, Bob and Marge
Hughes and Gary & Pat Adams. On April 16th to 19th it will be at
River Run RV Park in Bakersfield, hosted by Myrna and Al Gray, along
with Lanny and Mary Wilson. In October, 2009, Terry Farber and
Debbie Hanson are hosting a fall rally at Outdoor Resorts in Indio,
Calif. Thanks to all for stepping up. If there is anyone interested
in setting up a caravan to Texarkana, Ar. and organizing a pre-rally
before the May 18-23, 2009 national rally, please let me know.
So much to write about, so little time. Ben and Bev Petty went to
ACA National rally in Mobile, AL, where Bev sat in for me at the
meetings. Thank you Bev, your help was appreciated. Bev reports that
the rally had good food, outstanding entertainment and was overall a
great rally. Among those attending from So.Cal. were the Pettys, Sal
& Leslie Speziale, Del & Linda Eaton, George and Nancy Borecky, Bob
and Becky Clapper, C.J. & Mary King and Anthony Steller, (from Nor
Cal.). Oh, by the way, Speziale’s were there with their new 45’
Eagle. Congratulations, can’t wait to see it. Next party is at their
place. Bev says that she “got a positive and enthusiastic response
of people coming to Tucson”.
The ACA Northwest chapter is planning a rally at Seven Feathers in
Canyonville, OR. on August 12 – 17, 2008. They have made a lot of
plans and have 75 spaces reserved. Hopefully a lot of NorCal and So
Cal members are planning on attending what promises to be a super
rally. Some So Cal.members have volunteered to help, if needed. Hope
to see you there. If you need more info, contact Cheryl Donahoo at
541-672-5039.
I mentioned at our rally in Hemet, that this magazine was for all of
us. I would like for you all to email me any news you have, good or
bad. Any pictures you might like to get in and any other info. I
can't promise that it will all get thru the editing, but we'll sure
give it a try. After all, this is for the whole club.
We have several new members we would like to welcome. Kevin & Maria
Mallory, Dan & Mary Jo Starr, Alick & Trudy Muxlow, Gary & Pat
Adams, Larry & Rosemary Cox, William & Shirley Chisholm, Ken & Cheri
Rhodes, Joe & Betty Kloss. There are quite a few and I hope I
haven’t missed anyone, or I may have listed you a second time,
(that’s what happens when your new). If I have, let me know on my
email. WE REALLY WELCOME YOU ALL AND HOPE TO SEE YOU AT OUR
SEPTEMBER AND NOVEMBER RALLIES IN ARIZ. If not we’ll see you in Palm
Desert in January, ‘09. WELCOME ABOARD looking forward to meeting
you all.
SHARON MILLER, CHAPTER PRESIDENT
