bird tracks april 2015 - blue bird chapter of fmca, inc....
TRANSCRIPT
Bird Tracks April 2015
From the President:
A Great Big Hello to all our Blue Bird Family of Friends. The days
are getting warmer ~ well, in the South. Some of our northern friends are
still getting snow today on Tuesday, March 31, 2015. It has been a rough
winter for most of us.
It's time to get those birds out and ready for flight/trip. Easter
is springing out most everywhere so that brings on spring fever, cleaning,
coughing and sneezing.
We have made inquiries about rallies for this year. We have looked
in Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Also made calls to
several other states and made calls to many of our members. It really
makes us long for the old days in Perry, Georgia. Some of our greatest
memories were made at "Rally in the Valley". As time marches on, and we
grow older, we learn things change and we must change with them. With all
this said, we have set the Rally for the last week of October 25-30, 2015
at Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort in Webster, Florida. We are still
working on details but will give you a few things in the planning stages ~
we have a hilarious comedian for Sunday evening, Monday will be Flea
Market Day, and let us tell you, this is not your usual flea market. It is
the largest and longest running flea market in the state of Florida. It
begins at 5 AM and closes at 3 PM. It encompasses 35 acres. This is only
the beginning. Start now by calling Florida Grande to make your
reservations. We were able to secure a rate of $30.00 per night. This rate
will also be honored 3 days before and 3 days after the rally. Management
invited anyone to stay on Friday night for their campground get-together
and Saturday for the Halloween celebration. Phone 352-569-1169. We
encourage you to go to the website and look at the exclusive Class A motor
coach resort located amongst the scenic farmlands of Central Florida.
Enjoy 275 acres of pristine land with magnificent 100 year old oak trees
and a peaceful, quiet setting. We have spoken with some of the dealers and
they have expressed an interest in helping sponsor the rally and also
bring coaches.
We also want to encourage you to call some of our Blue Bird members
and former members to come to the rally. Many of our friends that may have
owned a Bird in the past but now have another brand of coach may not
realize they are welcome to come and be a part of our Family of Friends.
We want to see our club grow and want to extend an invitation to any
Class A coach owners to be a member. Come and bring a friend!
We need some of you to step forward and host a rally. We have spoken
with Jim Miller, President of Vintage Birds and are discussing a joint
rally soon in Shipshewana, Indiana. It doesn't have to be a large
planning, or numerous coaches. We can have 5, 10 or whatever. Let's renew
old friendships and spend time together. We would like to slow down the
pace and focus on our friendships.
Most of you have probably heard about our blow out on the 06 coach
in January when we were driving to Quartzite. Our original email is
located elsewhere in the newsletter but wanted o give you an update. We
are very fortunate to be alive and well. God truly shined his blessings
upon us. We had no physical injuries (at least visible injuries). The
coach felt like a twisted pretzel and so did we! One slide would not open,
it was jammed and required almost 8 hours of labor to get it to budge!
Entrance step was broken and had to be completely replaced, ball joints
were broken and have been ordered, corrugated exhaust pipe was cracked and
leaking exhaust fumes, both shocks on the front had to be replaced, we
even found 2 cracked mirrors in the coach. The coach was at Coachcraft by
MacDonald for 3 weeks for the inside, underside work. At present it is at
the body shop for body repairs, loose panels (duck tape worked well to
hold them in place while
) and fiberglass repairs.
We felt very privileged to meet with Mrs. Blue Bird herself, our
very own Brenda Rodgers last week. We enjoyed supper at the Swanson House
in Perry and discussed bringing back some of our "rally traditions". We
all know that no one knows Blue Bird better than Brenda, our great friend
and Sunshine reporter. On that note, please call or email Brenda to let
her know about birthdays, anniversaries, hospital stays and information so
she can keep us all up to date.
We look forward to seeing everyone soon. Please don't hesitate to
call if we may be of help to you. We may not be able to please everyone
but we are working hard to find places and things to bring our Blue Bird
Family together.
All of you are very special to us!
Leroy Wilson
To God Be
The Glory!
Great Things He Hath Done
National Directors Report by Greg Peterson March 24, 2015
FMCA's condition is improving. After a period of declining membership and deteriorating finances FMCA has stopped the decline and begun healing. Membership is growing, all be it at a slow pace, and its finances are improving. It has established a new benefit, the FMCAssist, a medical evacuation and travel assistance program. FMCA considers this to be a key membership and recruitment tool. They have taken the investment approach for this benefit by using Association reserves to help fund this benefit in anticipation of its impact on membership recruitment and retention. Lets all hope that FMCA can continue to rebuild. Charlie Adcock has worked hard as President and I think that he has made a positive impact on FMCA. Greg Peterson, National Director
SUNSHINE ARTICLE – APRIL 2015 Special greetings to each of you from Fort Valley, Georgia, and best wishes for a wonderful
Spring! The Cherry Blossom Festival in Macon, which many of you attended in years past, has just come
to a close for this year. The trees were so beautiful this year for the 33rd
festival.
Tim Scully had open heart surgery (four bypasses) February 4 and was in the hospital again a
week after going home with blood clots in his lungs. He is home now and doing much better and reports
that his nurse, Barbara, has done an outstanding job.
Sandi Bay recently had gall bladder surgery and is doing well. Her nurse, Tom, has done a great
job also.
Sam Houchin needs our prayers has he continues his battle with cancer.
Bob Coates and Bob Shepherd have both recently undergone chemo. Please remember them in
your prayers.
We extend deepest sympathy to Jean McKenzie in the recent loss of her husband, Norris. He did a
great job giving tours at the Wanderlodge factory for many years.
Our sympathy to George and Debra East on the loss of Debra's Mother, Peggy West, in early
March in Columbus, Georgia.
It was a real pleasure to visit with the Chapter President and First Lady, Leroy and Glenda
Wilson, as they came through Perry, Georgia, on March 26. They are very excited about plans they are
working on for a rally in the Fall. I sure plan to be there and hope you will too!
Congratulations I want to express my sincere appreciation to you for the many ways you showed your love during my
recent surgery. I know I had many, many prayers on my behalf from the “Family of Friends”. God has
really blessed me! I am happy to report that I am doing well.
Congratulations and best wishes to Tommy and Shirley Vance who celebrate their 62nd
Wedding
Anniversary on April 10.
Please remember that we need your input on news that we can share with the Chapter Membership.
Best wishes to all of you for safe and fun travels!
Warmest regards, Brenda
Cooking is for the Birds by Rozanne DeShazer
~~Parmesan Meatloaf ~~
2lbs Lean Ground Beef 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese
1/4 cup Dijon Mustard 1/2 cup Ketchup 2 tbs Majoram
1 tbs dried basil 1 tbs dried parsley
1 tbs oregano 1 tbs thyme
2 teaspoon pepper 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese 4 cloves garlic, chopped 1/4 cup green bell pepper
1 small onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup spaghetti sauce of your choice
1 tbs olive oil
In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, seasonings, and dressings in a bowl. Put mixed beef, into a sprayed loaf pan. Top the meatloaf with pasta sauce and mozzarella cheese.
Place filled loaf pan on bottom rack of oven and bake in the preheated oven at 375 degrees for 45 minutes - 1 hour. Remove the meatloaf from the oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving/slicing.
Recipe is for those who are following a Low Carb meal plan Serves 8 Calories 317 Calories from fat 111 Cholesterol 115mg Sodium 560mg Fiber 1.4g Carbohydrates 8.6g Sugars 4.8g
Locked by Martha Rowe Vaughn
Charlie and I were parked in beautiful RiverBend Resort for the month of February escaping the
winter in North Carolina. So far we had had a delightful vacation visiting with Ron and Dorinda in St.
Petersburg for the previous week. Now we were reacquainting ourselves with friends at RiverBend.
I had gone bicycling while Charlie went swimming. I got back to the coach before he did and punched
in the code to open the door. I heard it click but it didn’t open. I waited for him to return. Fortunately, he
had the key to the lower lock and managed to get the door open when he got back. As soon as he changed
clothes, he began to work on the lock. Out came the can of WD-40 and he proceeded to squirt it
everywhere. Still the lock was not right. Next came the tools and he took the lock off the door.
I don’t know if any of you have ever attempted to take the lock off the door. Taking it off is the easy
part. Putting it back on is, well, damn near impossible. Everything has to line up just so and any movement
will undo whatever is lined up, it takes four hands, cool heads, and several tools. We had done it once
before and nearly lost our minds and marriage.
Of course this time was no different except we did not succeed. After working for hours, we gave up
and taped over the hole. The next day we tried again with no success. If the definition of insanity is doing
the same thing over and over and expecting different results—we were insane. Charlie decided that longer
screws would help because you can’t see where the screws need to be to get them into the holes. No place
in LaBelle had the right size screws so he ordered them on line. Meanwhile, one more attempt and the
thumb lock came off the plate that holds it in place. Now we had another problem. Charlie decided that
rather than tape up the hole again he would put the lock back on the door minus the thumb lock and to
tape up the bolt so it wouldn’t engage. That worked. That is, until I forgot and hit the lock button on the
dash that night. I didn’t think a thing about it until the next morning.
Next morning, here I go cigarettes and lighter in my pocket and a cup of tea in my hand. The door
wouldn’t open. Panic! I’m locked in the steel box with wheels and I can’t get out!!! Claustrophobia Big Time,
and a nicotine fit! I start to sweat. Think, I tell myself. Call somebody to hand us the tools from the outside. I
call Mike and Judy and no answer! I leave a message, “Please call me back!” Think! I could get out the
window. It’s a long drop onto concrete from the window. On the slide side is grass. OK, slide side it is. I open
the window and put one leg out then realize the window is too small for this fat body. How to get out! The
phone rings. It’s Mike. “Help!” I explain the situation. In a few minutes he is there. He hands me the
screwdriver and I dismantle the lock and escape! Not a dry stitch on me!
Two days later, new screws in hand and the thumb lock repaired, we put the lock on in a few
minutes.
Rallies:
Panhandle Pioneer Rally – Blountstown Florida. April 9-12, 2015. Contact Richard Ramsey at 850-
447-1700 or [email protected]. Dry camping at Sam Atkins Park. $100.00 fee includes three days dry camp,
3 meals, and entrance to Folk Life Days Festival on Saturday April 11.
Kaibab Lake Rally in Williams, Arizona. May 22-26. Contact Mike Putz at [email protected]
Vintage Bird Rally: October 13-17 Palmetto Cove RV Resort in Cleveland, South Carolina. Contact
Ross or Carolyn Dover at 864-979-0870 or [email protected]
WOG Rally: Pine Mountain , Ga. Oct. 21 – 25, 2015. Contact Pine Mountain Campground for reservations 706-663-
4329.
Family of Friends Annual Rally: Florida Grand RV Resort, Webster, Florida, October 24 to
October30, 2015.
Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort, nestled in the heart of Central Florida, is your luxury
Class A coach resort destination.
Beautifully landscaped with first class amenities, Florida Grande Motor Coach Resort is surrounded by beautiful 100-year-old oak trees in pristine nature preserves. Relax by our heated pool, visit with friends in the clubhouse, take a stroll through our wetland preserve, or explore the many activities in the area.
Our guests enjoy a wealth of amenities including the Florida Grande Club House that houses our fitness center, library, billiards lounge, and a fully-equipped catering-style kitchen. Our friendly and helpful staff is able to assist with your on-site needs.
Accepting only Class A motor coaches, each 2,000 sq ft concrete RV pad has a 50 amp pedestal, underground utilities, and irrigation.
Florida Grande is conveniently located just a short drive from cultural events, major attractions, sporting events, shopping, and anything else you can think of. Come see what Florida has to offer! More rally information will soon be available.
Vintage Bird Rally: October 13-18 Palmetto Cove RV Resort in Cleveland, South Carolina. Contact
Ross or Carolyn Dover at 864-979-0870 or [email protected]
Beautiful Mountains of South Carolina
Dates October 13, 2015 to October 18, 2015
Arrive on the 13th and leave on the 18th
Fee: $ Includes: 4 Breakfasts
Arrive on Tuesday with free afternoon to renew friendships and get to know the area.
Wednesday we will leave early around 8 O’clock to go to the Flea Market.
Thursday we will tour the BMW Plant, in Greer, SC.
Friday is a free day
This will be a relaxed weekend with time to visit, exchange ideas, look at our coaches and tell old stories that
we have heard many times.
A tranquil and scenic place to get away, get together and get outdoors.
You will need to make you own reservations. They DO NOT accept Credit Cards. All sites are grassy and
equipped with full hook ups which include water, electric and sewer.
I will need: your name and mates name, email address, phone number, mailing address, your money, and your
arrival date by Oct. 1, 2015, Send all this to:
Ross Dover
PO Box 711
Marietta, SC 29661
Name___________________________ Spouse _____________
Address________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Phone Number__________________________________
E-Mail____________________________________________
Arrival Date_____________________
Money enclosed ___________________ Palmetto cove is in a volunteer -run RV Park located in upstate South Carolina . It's a quiet and family-friendly spot nestled at the very edge of the Blue Ridge escarpment on a river, and near the intersection of two famously scenic roads. ( SC11 and US 276). You'll love the many attractions in and around Palmetto Cove. No matter what your interests, you'll love the beautiful scenery and easy parking. Rates are only $22.00 a night, and all sites have full hooks up . Most sites are open, with lots of lush, green grass underfoot. Wi-fi access is also available at most sites. You can make reservations at (864) 836-6221 Looking forward to seeing you at the South Carolina Rally in October 2015, Have safe travels and hope to see you out there. Ross and Carolyn Dover
Stock Quote ($) $9.91 BLBD : NASDAQ
Blue Bird is now a Public Company! Stock: BLBD.
Blue Bird offers a complete line of Type A, C and D school buses in a variety of options and configurations. Since
1927, Blue Bird Corporation has continued to set industry standards with its innovative design and manufacturing
capabilities. Additionally, Blue Bird provides comprehensive financial solutions through Blue Bird Capital Services.
Today, Blue Bird has more than 1,600 employees, Georgia-based manufacturing facilities and an extensive network
of Dealers and Parts & Service.
Wreck! By Glenda Wilson
This year we will celebrate our 50th Wedding Anniversary. We decided we would celebrate
every month - even if we just hold hands and walk to the mailbox together. We left home
Wednesday headed to Quartzite and made it to the first Meridian, Mississippi exit when the
front drivers tire blew out. The cruise was set at 65. We headed across I20 toward oncoming
traffic. The median was very muddy due to recent rain and stopped the coach. The same
coach that is still overweight in the front and has been responsible for accidents like this is
also the same coach with a great safety record that saved our lives!
We were not injured but have damage to the coach. Panels knocked loose at both rear tires,
air bags damaged, busted shock on drivers front, rod on leveling valve bent, fiberglass busted
across the front, had to remove generator "door" in front. We have at least 10 to 12 inches
deep in mud from front to rear under the coach. Not sure what we will find when we remove
the mud. We were towing our trailer but so far, no damage apparent to it.
The tire blew out on the inside, was less than 2 years old and had less than 7,000 miles. We
are still in Meridian waiting for front shock to come from Blue Bird in Ohio. We will then limp
back to Georgia.
To our friends at Quartzite, we are sorry we won't be with you but hope to see you at a rally
very soon.
Leroy & Glenda Wilson
To God be the Glory!
Great Things He Hath Done
Leroy mobile 423-593-0779
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