Volume XVIII, Issue 5 • September-October 2013
East, WEst or CEntral - aCa Has a rally for you! tHE amEriCan CoaCH story aCa sCHolarsHip foundation
The Official Magazine For Owners Of Heritage, Eagle, Dream, Tradition, Allegiance, Limited & Revolution Motor Coaches
nEWrolling rECipEs
americancoach.com | f leetwoodrv.com | hol idayrambler.com | monacocoach.com
Four years ago, we at Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) made what some considered a bold investment in the struggling Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry. We acquired two iconic brands, Fleetwood and American Coach. Since then, their dedicated, passionate team in the small town of Decatur, Indiana, has re-ignited those brands and inspired
a passionate owner base.
On May XX, 2013, based on our passion and belief in the RV industry, we acquired two more iconic brands: Monaco, known for its sophisticated luxury coaches since 1968, and Holiday Rambler, the long-respected value leader for over 60 years.
All told, our four brands offer the RV experience to everyone from the weekend camper to the full-time enthusiast. So today, ASV celebrates the creation of what we believe is the fi nest family of RV brands, dealers, service and owners the world has known.
We’re investing in more than brands and companies; we’re investing in the American dream.
To our hundreds of thousands of dedicated owners, we thank you for your loyalty and look forward to the great road ahead. To those who have yet to experience our brands, we invite you to visit our websites and our dealers. More choices, more dealers, more service
options and more commitment than ever to those who drive their passion, their dreams and their future.
Welcome to the ASV family of recreational and inspirational vehicles.
Four years ago, we at Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) made what some considered a bold investment in the struggling Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry. We acquired two iconic brands, Fleetwood and American Coach. Since then, their dedicated, hardworking team in the small town
of Decatur, Indiana, has re-ignited those brands and inspired a passionate owner base.
On May 16, 2013, based on our passion and belief in the RV industry, we acquired two more iconic
brands: Monaco, known for its sophisticated luxury coaches since 1968, and Holiday Rambler, the
long-respected innovator for more than 60 years.
All told, our four brands, along with Beaver and Safari, offer the RV experience to everyone from
the weekend camper to the full-time enthusiast. So today, ASV celebrates the creation of what we
believe is the fi nest family of RV brands, owners, dealers and service centers the world has known.
We’re investing in more than brands and companies; we’re investing in the American dream.
To our hundreds of thousands of dedicated owners, we thank you for your loyalty and look forward
to the great road ahead. To those who have yet to experience our brands, we invite you to visit our
websites and our dealers. More choices, more dealers, more service options and more commitment
than ever to those who drive their passion, their dreams and their future.
Welcome to the ASV family of recreational and inspirational vehicles.
W E L C O M E
f leetwoodrv.com | americancoach.com | monacocoach.com | hol idayrambler.com | a l l iedsv.com
than ever to those who drive their passion, their dreams and their future.
Welcome to the ASV family of recreational and inspirational vehicles.
americancoach.com | f leetwoodrv.com | hol idayrambler.com | monacocoach.com
Four years ago, we at Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) made what some considered a bold investment in the struggling Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry. We acquired two iconic brands, Fleetwood and American Coach. Since then, their dedicated, passionate team in the small town of Decatur, Indiana, has re-ignited those brands and inspired
a passionate owner base.
On May XX, 2013, based on our passion and belief in the RV industry, we acquired two more iconic brands: Monaco, known for its sophisticated luxury coaches since 1968, and Holiday Rambler, the long-respected value leader for over 60 years.
All told, our four brands offer the RV experience to everyone from the weekend camper to the full-time enthusiast. So today, ASV celebrates the creation of what we believe is the fi nest family of RV brands, dealers, service and owners the world has known.
We’re investing in more than brands and companies; we’re investing in the American dream.
To our hundreds of thousands of dedicated owners, we thank you for your loyalty and look forward to the great road ahead. To those who have yet to experience our brands, we invite you to visit our websites and our dealers. More choices, more dealers, more service
options and more commitment than ever to those who drive their passion, their dreams and their future.
Welcome to the ASV family of recreational and inspirational vehicles.
Four years ago, we at Allied Specialty Vehicles (ASV) made what some considered a bold investment in the struggling Recreational Vehicle (RV) industry. We acquired two iconic brands, Fleetwood and American Coach. Since then, their dedicated, hardworking team in the small town
of Decatur, Indiana, has re-ignited those brands and inspired a passionate owner base.
On May 16, 2013, based on our passion and belief in the RV industry, we acquired two more iconic
brands: Monaco, known for its sophisticated luxury coaches since 1968, and Holiday Rambler, the
long-respected innovator for more than 60 years.
All told, our four brands, along with Beaver and Safari, offer the RV experience to everyone from
the weekend camper to the full-time enthusiast. So today, ASV celebrates the creation of what we
believe is the fi nest family of RV brands, owners, dealers and service centers the world has known.
We’re investing in more than brands and companies; we’re investing in the American dream.
To our hundreds of thousands of dedicated owners, we thank you for your loyalty and look forward
to the great road ahead. To those who have yet to experience our brands, we invite you to visit our
websites and our dealers. More choices, more dealers, more service options and more commitment
than ever to those who drive their passion, their dreams and their future.
Welcome to the ASV family of recreational and inspirational vehicles.
W E L C O M E
f leetwoodrv.com | americancoach.com | monacocoach.com | hol idayrambler.com | a l l iedsv.com
than ever to those who drive their passion, their dreams and their future.
Welcome to the ASV family of recreational and inspirational vehicles.
ACA National Membership:Chairwoman - Debbie Darby1021 Pinehurst Pl., Camarillo, CA 93010805-482-6733 / 805-469-2903
Membership ServicesChairwoman - Janice ThompsonAmerican Coach Association, 1812 Latelia Ct, Trinity, FL [email protected]
ACA National Web Site:Chairman - Doug Thompson1812 Latella Ct., Trinity, FL [email protected]
ACA National Finance Committee:Chairman - Bob Downing808 Holley Lake Rd., Aiken, SC 29803803-641-6455 / 803-645-1694 [email protected]
ACA National Ambassador Club:Chairwoman - Debbie Darby1021 Pinehurst Pl., Camarillo, CA 93010805-482-6733 / [email protected]
ACA National By-Laws & Policy:Chairwoman - Wendy Holloway3619 Clearwater Dr., Lake Havasu City, AZ [email protected]
ACA Scholarship Foundation:Chairman - Bob Frank888 Grande Haven Dr., Titusville, FL [email protected]
ACA National Rally Coordinator:Chairman - Jim Graham12245 Susanne Ct., Irvington, AL 36544251-825-9876 / 251-623-4321 [email protected]
ACA National Rally Guidelines:Chairwoman - Mary Corcoran1051 Caravan Loop, Polk City, FL 33868863-984-0903 / 863-206-1418 [email protected]
ACA National Historian:Chairwoman - Ann Beadel8801 FM 45 South, Brownwood, TX 76801325-646-5104/325-998-0431 [email protected]
ACA National Legal Advisor:Chairman - Scott Rose300 South Houser Dr., Covina, CA [email protected]
ELECTED OFFICERS:President - Pat Adams23905 Clinton Keith #114-373Wildomar, CA [email protected] President - Bob Frank888 Grande Haven Dr., Titusville, FL [email protected] - Jennifer Goergen621 Rollingwood Dr., Shorewood, IL 60404815-791-0644 [email protected] - Brad Monahan15 Tayside Track, Missouri City, TX [email protected]
CHAPTER PRESIDENTS:Great Lakes - Scott Kellett2621 Westgate Crescent, Box 821Brights Grove, Ontario N0N 1C0519-869-8181 / [email protected] Wanderers - Chuck Meigs410-608-2175 Cell321-268-4180 [email protected] Pack - Judy Gallion10535 Wards Rd., Ste.B, Rustburg, VA 24588434-851-6504 / 434-907-4443 [email protected] Valley - Cindy Nitch104 Private Rd. 1311, Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455903-577-1974 / 281-782-1388 [email protected] California - Les Rodrigues3169 Fairfax Court, Fremont, CA 94536-2416510-673-0065 [email protected] - Claudia Rutherford1494 Birch Lane, Perkasie, PA 18944215-795-2427 / 267-228-6143 [email protected] - Terry Bennett (interim contact)1970 N. Leslie St., PMB 334, Pahrump, NV 89060 [email protected] California - Debbie Darby 1021 Pinehurst Pl., Camarillo, CA 93010805-482-6733 / 805-469-2903South Central - Robin Fagala103 South 68th St., Broken Arrow, OK 74014918-357-2775 / 918-521-2658 [email protected] - Raymond Shea411 Walnut St., Green Cove Springs, FL 32043601-508-0532 [email protected] - Glen Tilley2075 Doyle Drive, Berthoud, CO 80513970-532-0936 / 720-810-3350 [email protected]
ACA NATIONAL MAGAZINE:Editor - Jane Lihou9121 Atlanta Ave., #637 Huntington Beach, CA 92646714-749-7560 [email protected]
Design & Production - Print Group Inc.1440 W. Skyline Ave., Ozark, MO [email protected]
ACA Magazine - ©2013Volume XVIII, Issue 5September-October
The ACA Across America Magazine (USPS 025-025) is pub-lished bi-monthly by the American Coach Association, Publica-tion Department, ACA, 1812 Latelia Ct, New Port Richey, FL 34655 (727) 709-0218, and is funded in part by annual mem-bership dues and paid advertisements. Membership dues are $45 per year. Membership in the American Coach Association is open to owners of American Coach motor coaches only – Heritage, Eagle, Dream, Tradition, Allegiance, Limited and Revolution.
Periodicals Postage Paid at New Port Richey, FL, and at ad-ditional mailing offi ces.
POSTMASTER:Send address changes to ACA Across America Magazine, Membership Services, 1812 Latelia Ct, Trinity, FL 34655.
ACA Across America contains advertisements which may be of interest to members- the appearance of any adver-tisement for products or services in this publication shall not be deemed an endorsement by the Association or indi-vidual members. ACA reserves the right to reject or accept, including editing for reasons of space and clarity, letters to the editor, chapter news or articles. Statements of fact and opinion are the responsibility of the author(s) alone and do not imply an opinion on the part of the offi cers of the ACA, the members, the Editor, or Production Staff. Letters and photographs become property of ACA and will not be returned.
ACA Across America
2
Ancira RVAutomotion ShadeBlue OxBradd & HallCampbell Group, The
Classic Coach WorksCruising AmericaDesert Mountain Cold FireDesert VistaDiamond Shield
Fleetwood American CoachGirard SystemsRV Parts PlusRV World - YumaSilverleaf Electronics
Sullivan RVSummit ProductsWade RV
6 President’s Message
7 Vice Presidents Message
8-9 The American Coach Story
10-16 Chapter News
17 Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta
18-20 3rd Annual SE Regional Rally
21-26 National ACA Spring Rally - Marion, N.C.
27-28 Western Regional Rally
31 Rolling Recipes
32 ACA Scholarship Winners The Webmaster
33 Rally Schedule Spartan Motors Recall
34 ACA Yahoo Group
36 Tips & Tricks
37 Rally Sites
39 Membership Services
40 Chapter Directory
41 Chapter Registration Form
www.myamericancoach.comwww.facebook.com/americancoach
Other links:www.americancoach.comautos.groups.yahoo.com/group/American_Coachwww.acc-fmca.comwww.fl eetwoodrvstore.com
Cover Photo Courtesy of: McDowell Tourism Authority
September-October 2013, Volume XVIII, Issue 5 [ Contents ]
[ Advertisers ]
page 8-9page 8-9 TheAmerican Coach Story
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 3
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ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 5
Also while you travel in your American Coach, stay on the outlook for other American Coach owners who may not know about the ACA. At any time if you have questions or someone is interested in knowing more about our owners’ club, feel free to have them contact me or any member of our board. We would be happy to explain the benefits of our club.
Remember it’s all about having fun! Best travels to all of you and be safe out there!Patricia (Pat) Adams
As I write this article we are preparing to attend the Board National Rally in Branson, Missouri. We have 102 American Coaches signed up. At first Doug and I worried that wouldn’t get a good turnout – WOW – we were pleasantly surprised when we sold out! Good job everyone for spreading the word. We have entertain-ment galore right at the ABC Campground. Some of us signed up for the Showboat Branson Belle for a cruise on beautiful Table Rock Lake for a dinner and show. While there is time for servicing your coach, attend-ing seminars, or the ladies lunch, or golf; there will still be some “free time” to visit and take in some of the Branson area activities. I look forward to reporting to you the fantastic time we had at the “It’s Showtime in Branson” rally. I’m sure there will be some surprises and stories to tell after our Karaoke Party Thursday evening. We have secured several generous sponsors for every-thing from an entire day of food and activities to to a happy hour, breakfasts, afternoon meal, or ice cream social. We really appreciate these sponsorships as they assist us in the cost of our rallies, and allow them good exposure and advertisement. I’m sure it will benefit us mutually to continue this practice at future rallies.
It’s hard to believe that we will be promoting our Spring 2014 rally to be held in Marion, North Carolina. This will be a great location near the beautiful Biltmore House which is our favorite spot so far in our travels in our American Coach. The Northeast Chapter and the Happy Wanderers have reserved Tom Johnson Camping Center in Marion for us from April 28th – May 3rd, 2014, with lots of activities already in the works. While in Branson, the Southwest Chapter will present to the Board their suggestions for our Fall 2014 location. So look for more information about the plans as they are solidified.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the volunteers who have served in the various chairpersons roles and to those who have agreed to serve on the cur-rent board. It takes all of us to make our owners’ club the success it has been. No one person can make the ACA realize its goals – it takes this team!! THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!
Please remember that any ACA member in good stand-ing is welcome to attend any chapter or regional rally. Be sure to check our magazine and the website for future locations of rallies as you make your travel plans. It may work out that you can join a local chapter event while on the road. We are trying to put the dates in our magazine well in advance so you will know where and when the rallies are being held.
Pat AdamsACA National President
Pat Adams
6
[ President’s Message ]
Bob Frank
We started the RV lifestyle much later in life than most of you. We were nearing retirement and thought it might be a nice way to travel and see the country. Little did we realize that the benefits of traveling in our beau-tiful coach would far exceed the occasional frustrations and headaches of coach ownership. This has become most obvious to us this summer when our situation re-quired us to leave the coach home and travel like many do by driving our car and staying in hotels. Carrying all our belongings in and out, sleeping in different beds and not enjoying the luxuries of our coach will only be made worthwhile when we finally enjoy our first grand-child. Living in a Washington DC townhouse may be great for the younger generation but it makes parking
Bob FrankACA National Vice-President
a 42 foot RV nearby totally impossible. We will stay with our daughter, son-in-law and the new born for a few wonderful weeks before heading back to Florida where the coach is safely tucked away. Hopefully we’ll get the coach back on the road soon after that with a renewed appreciation of all that it has to offer.
By the time you read this, the fall rally in Branson will be over. I’m sure everyone who attended will have had a great experience and enjoyed the numerous activities in that the area. We’re looking forward to next April in Marion N.C. and hope everyone will try to join us there. That area affords many possibilities and you’re guaranteed to have a great time.
In the meantime, there are many local and regional rallies planned by all of the chapters. As a reminder, an ACA member can attend any rally even if you don’t be-long to the chapter. Check out the schedule in the back of this magazine and think about attending one if you’ll be in that area. It’s a great way to meet new people and you’ll always be welcomed.
Safe travels to all. Hope to see you at an upcoming rally.Bob Frank
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 7
[ Vice President’s Message ]
Just like your own, the Ameri-can Coach journey has been fi lled with exciting moments,
joyous celebrations, and even a few bittersweet goodbyes. As we grow, we continue to introduce new mod-els and cutting-edge features while waving farewell to the status quo.
In our pursuit to fulfi ll the dreams of every luxury motorcoach own-er, there is one thing that hasn’t changed. Through every chapter, we’ve never forgotten that the American Coach story begins and ends with the passion and apprecia-tion of our customers.
No matter what lies on the road ahead, we believe that the expe-rience of each American Coach owner is an integral part of what makes us who we are. At American Coach, we’re dedicated to building a beautiful legacy, one passionate customer at a time.
Timeline1987•Fleetwood builds a new manufac-turing facility, Plant 44, in Deca-tur, Ind. and uses the new factory to build an upscale version of the Fleetwood Limited, one of the fi rst forerunners in the Class A diesel RV market.
1988•The sleek, aerodynamic new Fleetwood Limited takes to the roads. The motorcoach’s luxurious interior is outfi tted with the latest technology - including power win-dow, microwave and deluxe audio electronics.
1989•The Limited Owners International Travel Club - which later becomes the American Coach Association - is formed by California couple Casey and Barbara Sturm.
1991•With luxury buyers in mind, Fleet-wood establishes a separate high-end line of diesel motorcoaches and calls the line American Coach.•Production begins on the Ameri-can Eagle, which replaces the Lim-ited. •The Limited Owners International Travel Club holds a rally in Indi-ana, and members get their fi rst look at the new American Eagle.
1994•American Coach introduces the American Dream in an effort to continue to serve customers seek-ing a premium motorcoach.
1995•Introduction of the wide-body coach. •”The American Eagle and Lim-ited” club is offi cially named the American Coach Association.
1996•The American Tradition joins the motorcoach lineup.•American Coach introduces slide rooms.
1999•American Coach introduces the American Heritage, with the goal of producing the highest-quality, most luxurious coach on the mar-ket.•American Coach attracts the at-tention of the auto racing industry, whose drivers and owners begin using the coaches as support ve-hicles.
2002•Plant 44 builds an industry-groundbreaking, large-scale paint facility to accommodate the grow-ing demand for sophisticated color schemes and full body paint.
The American Coach Story
Privacy / Disclaimers © 2013 Fleetwood RV, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
1999
2003
8
The American Coach Story
2004•The American Dream is discon-tinued from the American Coach lineup.•The entire American Coach lineup is redesigned from the ground up, featuring a new chassis, greater storage capacity, higher tow rat-ings, a range of slide-out fl oor plans and aluminum framed walls, fl oor and roof structures.•The fi rst generation of the coveted Liberty® Chassis is introduced.
2007•American Coach introduces the full wall slide.
2008•Every American Coach model un-dergoes substantial design updates, including new front and rear caps, introduction of roof-mounted aw-nings, and a new low-profi le auto-motive-style dash.•The American Coach logo is mod-ernized and an American Coach emblem is introduced.
2009•The American Allegiance is un-veiled as an introduction into the American Coach lineup. The Alle-giance lasts just two model years, as an economic recession stifl es luxury sales.
2010•The second generation of the Lib-erty® Chassis is produced, incor-porating increased storage space, taller pass-through storage and new lower-emission engines.•The Fleetwood Revolution LE is adopted into the American Coach family, evolving into the contem-porary American Revolution, and offering a new entry-point into the American Coach lineup.
2012•The third generation of the Liber-ty® Chassis is introduced, utilizing recent second-generation mass-re-ducing technology updates to opti-mize weight and balance. Freight-liner Custom Chassis Corporation (FCCC) becomes the modular chassis component supplier.
2004
2013
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 9
The Branson Rally will be over by the time you read this, so the next issue will cover the happenings of that rally. I do know however, that there was a lot of work involved in making the Branson Rally a huge success. Our Secretary, Will Triplet, beat the bushes and found some great deals and tickets for numerous venues at Branson. Will also made reservations for the Branson Bell Showboat for entertainment and dinner, at the time of this writing they were all sold. There were also sev-eral free tickets for other shows awarded during draw-ings at the Montgomery Rally. I hope all of you that attended enjoyed yourself with all the things to do and see in that great town.
As I mentioned in the last issue of the ACA magazine, the Happy Wanderers and North East Chapter are working on the ACA Spring Rally at Tom Johnson’s Ral-ly Grounds in Marion, N.C. I used the incorrect dates in that article. The Rally will be from April 28th to May 3rd, 2014. It is our desire that you make your reserva-tions soon after Branson. There are a lot of things to see and do around Marion such as the Biltmore Mansion, Blowing Rock, Black Mountain/Montreat, home to Evangelist Billy Graham, and many more.
Things are shaping up for the ACA National Spring Rally. If you have never worked on a national rally, I would suggest you try it. You learn a ton of things, including the budgeting of such an event. You find out why some of our rally’s appear to be expensive. I think a lot of people don’t stop to think about how much the camping cost are, the food costs, etc. The ACA Board of Directors does their very best to keep the costs down, but it’s not always easy.
I am writing this with mixed emotions. This will be my last article as president of one of the most friendly, fun loving family of good friends in ACA, The Happy Wanderer’s Chapter. I would like to take this opportu-nity to thank all the officers who have been part of our team. If it weren’t for you, the chapter would not be as successful as it has been. I can’t thank you enough for all the volunteering and hard work that it takes to keep this chapter running like a clock.
Happy Wanderers Chuck Meigs will be taking my place as president after the Branson Rally. I’m sure that he will continue to guide the chapter as he has had a lot of experience in this type of organization. Please give him your contin-ued support.
Roger Guthrie will serve as our new vice president. Roger comes to us with a lot of organizational skills and will be a definite asset to Chuck Meigs and the chapter.Will Triplet will remain as the secretary and guiding force to the success of the chapter, and will remain at this post. Will has an outstanding knack of finding new and interesting places to visit and the right words for our communications. He has been very successful at Power Point presentations and ideas for the chapter and has been my right hand man.
Rita Adams who is our membership chairwoman is also taking on the task of treasurer of our chapter. Rita has watched my back more than once and has been a great go-to person. Words cannot describe all that she has done for the chapter. Her skills of putting a Happy Wanderers picture guide together, along with other membership duties have been outstanding.
I would also like to recognize Nancy Crossan, our past treasurer and her husband Dave Crossan, our Member at large for all the work and support they have given to me and the Happy Wanderers. Dave was also a great help in planning chapter rallies.
To those of you who are reading this, I feel very close to the above people and all the Happy Wanderers who have gone above and beyond. We have worked together for a lot of years and they are all like family to me.
Please remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms and God Bless the USA.
Bill Makowski Past President- Happy Wanderers Chapter
10
[ Chapter News ]
It has been a quiet summer so far with many of our members traveling, some out west with the goal of end-ing up in Branson for the ACA National Rally, while we headed north and had a great, but wet, 4th of July in Maine. So many places to visit and so little time! We’d like to welcome back Barbara & Warren Stevens, and new members Art & Leslie Solnick and Stan & Leslie Mawyer. Our Northeast Chapter, along with the Hap-py Wanderers is already working on the 2014 Spring National Rally, which will be at Tom Johnson’s Rally Park in Marion, N.C. Put those dates on your calendar: April 28th to May 3rd, 2014. It will be a great time of year in the mountains of western N.C…our theme is “Git ‘Er Done In The Mountains!”
Our Northeast Fall rally is on the calendar: October 24th-28th, 2013, at Castaways RV Park, Ocean City, MD. You haven’t been to a potluck dinner until you’ve been to our Thursday night potluck, and wait till Sun-day morning for our chapter Sunday morning breakfast! We’ve got it covered! There’s plenty to do in the Ocean City area as well; we are leaving the schedule wide open, relaxing and planning as we go! All are welcome; call the campground directly to reserve a spot with the NE Chapter. This is a great area to explore along the eastern coast.
We will be packing up and heading west to Branson in two weeks, signaling the end of summer. As we all travel to and from our destinations, be safe, enjoy our beautiful country, and remember, you never know who you may pass along the way, or see in a rest stop! See you in Branson!!
Claudia RutherfordNE Chapter
Northeast
I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and have been enjoying time with family and friends. Our chapter spends the summer traveling so we don’t sched-ule anything for a summer get together. We have had members traveling all over this great country of ours. I am looking forward to hearing about their travels at the next rally. Our travels have included trips to the Bristol Dragway in Bristol, Tenn. for the NHRA event and then to Lewisburg W.V. for the Greenbrier Golf Classic. I would recommend both of those events; we have been enjoying them for years. That has been all of our travel so far this summer. We have a wedding to prepare for in September so that means getting a house ready for the event. The good thing about having an event at your home means you get rid of things you haven’t used in years.
I will not be attending the ACA Rally in Branson but I am sure it was a great success and that everyone had a wonderful time. I will enjoy reading all about it and seeing the photos in the magazine as well on the web site. I am looking forward to our chapter rally at Willow Tree RV Resort in Longs, S.C. at the end of September. It will be nice to see chapter members and to catch up on all the news of their travels.
I would also like to invite any new members of the ACA to join our chapter we would love to have you as a member of our MacPack family. The membership information is at the back of the magazine. Or feel free to email me and I will pass along your information to our membership director.
Travel safe and enjoy your adventures....Judy Gallion
Mac Pack
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 11
[ Chapter News ]
It has been a busy summer of traveling for many Southern California Members. We had a small group of members that included Pat and Gary Adams, Scott and Susan Rose, Jay and Loretta Ingle, Del and Linda Eaton, Bill and Judy McBroom and Thom and Keril Niesen, who attended the ACA National Rally in Branson. After the large group from SoCal, including Joe and I, attended the ACA National Rally in Montgomery, Texas, it was an extremely long way for many of us to go again so soon. We had family visiting us in California this summer, which shortened our travels. As we are on the road so much, we always visit family along the way, so it was a nice and rare change for them to visit us!
There has been some unusual weather all over the country this year, which affected many travel plans. I hope those of you in those areas that were affected by the extreme thunderstorms, tornados, floods, fires and whatever maladies have come your way are safe and recovered! We had to scrap a few of our stops during our summer trip and ended up in new places we had never intended to go! Some were more interesting than oth-ers, as we discovered why some stops had never been on our places to go – LOL. I won’t mention any places by name, but traveling is always a new adventure!
At the end of Sept., many of us will be attending a Rally at the Pismo Coach Village in Pismo Beach, Calif. It is a beautiful site on the Central Coast beach. At that Rally we will be firm-ing up the details for our 3rd Annual Western Regional Rally in Las Vegas, Nevada, for Super Bowl weekend 2014. There is not a better place to be for Superbowl than Vegas! If you happen to be out west on Jan 30th - Feb 3rd, we would love to have you join us.
On October 11th -14th, we are having a rally in beautiful San Diego at the Chula Vista RV Marina and Resort. Not only is this one of the premier cities in California for recreation and relaxation, it is a very special rally for SoCal. The Rally will be a party celebrating the ‘personality’ and enormous contribu-tions to American Coach of our dear friend Pete Smoot. If any of you have any ‘Pete’ stories you would like to share and are unable to attend, please share them with me so that I may pass them along at the rally.
Travel safe and remember.....not all who wander are lost!Debbie Darby
Southern California
Wow, I can’t believe how fast the summer has gone by. It seems like we were just in Montgomery, Texas at the ACA National Rally and now the ACA National Rally in Branson is here. Debbie and I were not able to at-tend the Branson rally and want to thank Tony Ford for representing the Southwest Chapter and attending all of the board meetings for me.
We did meet up with Gene and Sharon Bond at the Tiger Run Resort last month. We had a great time with them and we checked out the area for the upcoming rally that is planned there. What a beautiful part of Colorado. I am hoping that the colors of the leaves are changing when we are there for the rally this September.Is anyone looking forward to the Super Bowl this year? Not that we need a reason to party or anything like that, but join us for our third “Super Bowl Party”, at the beautiful Las Vegas Motorcoach Resort in Las Vegas. You don’t want to miss this one. The dates are January 30th through February 3rd, 2014. The Registration deadline is December 27th, 2013. You can find the reg-istration form on our web site (acasw.com/calendar).
Here’s to you until we meet again. Have a great day today and an even better tomorrow.Cheers!
Glen A. TilleyPresident, Southwest Chapter
Southwest
12
[ Chapter News ]
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Left – A recently installed hand-crafted custom cabinet com-plete with disapearing LED TV. We design to suit your lifestyle!
celebratIng 30 years as your premIer source for rv furnIture and InterIor renovatIons.
Above – This remodel features new laminate tile and carpet flooring, beautiful ultraleather furniture, MCD cockpit shades, LCD TV, computer desk and dinette.
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 13
By the time you read this, the Branson rally will be in the record books! The ACA Board of Directors has worked very hard to put together an enjoyable rally with expert direction from Rally Master, Doug Thomp-son. Thanks, Doug, for all your hard work, and for all those who helped in making it another great rally. We are expecting about ten Missouri Valley coaches for the ACA rally and our post rally, to be held right in Branson at ABC. We will be cruising on the Branson Belle to see the Labor Day fireworks, shot from the Chateau on the Lake. There are many Chapter rallies and then the Eastern Regional Rally coming up through the end of the year and in January. Feel free to attend any of these rallies, make new friends and experience new places.
After the Montgomery rally, Hans & I, along with Ray & Barbara Smith, toured west Texas, including Fort Davis, Marfa, Alpine and Big Bend National Park. It was the Smith’s first visit to that part of the country. As such, it was a wonderful experience to see the beauty of that area through their eyes! (No….sadly, we didn’t see many of the Marfa lights!) Most of our members are at their home bases for the summer, catching up on all that work that they leave behind while traveling during the winter and spring! Ronnie & Barbara Weeks have been making the rounds from Missouri to Tennessee to North Carolina. Denny & Sandy Kale are going to Ozarks RV Resort to check on their lot, then coming by to say “hello” at the rally. Keith & Izzy Hulfeld are excitedly waiting on their new coach, purchased at the Montgomery rally.
We are glad to report that Bill Soutter and Larry Moore are recovered from their illness and injury. We continue to keep our members with health issues in our thoughts and prayers. Please remember that we are a family, so if you need to reach out for support, we are just a phone call away. There are some great advantages of being a small chapter. We have become a “mobile, extended” family. We extend our sincere condolences to Eileen Smoot and family. Pete will be missed.
We are expecting some big announcements concern-ing the upcoming national rallies! Please check out the schedule and start making plans to attend our next national rally. You won’t be disappointed. Fun, food, fellowship, service, new show coaches, vendors, semi-nars, entertainment…..the rallies have it covered! We hope to see you there.
Missouri ValleyIt’s hard to believe our summer is almost over and au-tumn is almost here. When you read this my wife and I will be enjoying life in our motor home at Pismo Beach. We will be spending about two months there, and dur-ing that time we will have our fall rally from September 26th to 30th. In fact we are finishing up with some last minute touches for the rally. We are looking forward to a fun time with everyone. It will be nice to get together with the NorCal gang again.
Next year we will again co-host the Super Bowl Rally on January 30th through February 3rd in Las Vegas with the SoCal and Southwest Chapters. Plans are in the works right now and we are looking forward to another fun time.
We are also happy to welcome new members to our chapter, Dick and Millie Duffin and Scott and Linda Trudeau. It is so important to continue the growth of new members in ACA and our chapters. If you see any-one with an American Coach during your travels, invite them to join our club. Save your old magazines and give it to them, so they can see what we are all about. I will never forget our first rally in Columbia, Calif. Everyone there welcomed us like they knew us forever and we couldn’t believe that we just met them. They felt like old friends from the first day, so reach out and invite someone to ACA.
After all, we are all about having fun and I’m having a great time!
Happy Travels until we meet again,Les RodriguesNor Cal President
Northern California
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[ Chapter News ]
As always, please keep our great nation, our military men and women, and their families in your hearts, minds, and prayers. Without their sacrifice, we would not have the privilege to enjoy our RV lifestyle that we love so much. Be safe and we’ll see you on the road!
Cindy NitchPresidentMissouri Valley Chapter
Great LakesSummer is in full swing and we recently concluded our summer rally in Mackinaw City, Michigan. As I was writing the last article, my enthusiasm for this rally was on overload. It certainly didn’t disappoint and our rally hosts, Jeff & Marcia Bratsburg and Terry and Diana Wilburn went far beyond our wildest expectations. We ended up with 25 coaches at Mill Creek campground, a place many would be familiar with from our ACA National rally held there in June 2001. Mackinaw is such a special place in Michigan and it’s hard to be-lieve how much we did in four days. We scoured every inch of Mackinaw Island on our bike excursion and for anyone who wants to know, it is not easier peddling a bicycle built for two, particularly when it’s raining. We also enjoyed clanking our way through Mackinaw City on a trolley tour that not only tested our history skills but also our appreciation of heights. Our generous hosts also made sure we tested the weight limits on our front axles by the time we left as the food was outstanding and plentiful. Thank you again Jeff, Marcia, Terry and Diana for an unforgettable rally.
We also celebrated a couple of milestones at this rally as two GLC couples have eclipsed 30 chapter rallies since joining our chapter. Ron Bly and Barb Peters have attended 34 rallies and Rick and Bev DeAngelis have attended 32. What an amazing accomplishment and a testament to the fun we have in our chapter. Thank you for all your support and we all look forward to the next 30 rallies together.
As we departed Mackinaw, Sue and myself left for Mon-tana to meet up with Dave and Kathy Ehrhardt and
after a few wonderful days at Yellowstone, we wandered up to Calgary AB to meet up with Charles and Diana Schmidt and Allan and Evelyn Heath, along with some friends from Florida, for a trip to the Calgary Stam-pede and then to Vancouver, British Columbia by way of Banff, Alberta. If you’ve not had the opportunity to travel to that part of Canada, it is a wonderful trip with endless vistas that simply take your breath away. I highly recommend adding it your bucket list. Charles had co-ordinated much of this trip and his skills at organizing a rolling rally are unprecedented. Every detail was me-ticulously planned out and other than some disruptions from Mother Nature, the Stampede went off without a hitch. The city of Calgary really pulled off a miracle by recovering from the floods that consumed much of southern Alberta. We had to end our trip in Vancouver to return home but the Schmidt’s and Ehrhardt’s are continuing on and are sauntering down the California coast as I write this and if you happen to bump into Dave and Kathy, ask Dave to make one of his famous milkshakes…you’ll never forget his skills with ice cream. In three short weeks we will be off to Branson for the National Rally at ABC campground. GLC has 15 coaches registered and we are assembling for a pre rally at ABC just to get a feel of the land and lend a hand for any last minute details that the board might need some assistance with. A few coaches are caravanning together and that always adds to the enjoyment of the trip. Of the many times I have travelled with Bill De Mille, I never seem to tire of his rendition of “On the Road Again” as we start our next journey.
Lastly, but most importantly, a few of our members and friends have been battling some health issues. Our treasurer Lou Benhart is recovering from hip surgery and although he is enjoying ice cream and popcorn for his social hours, he is due for some good luck so hurry up and heal so we can see your jovial smile soon. Our former GLC president Don Johnson is undergoing treatment for cancer and I’m certain he would appreci-ate your prayers in his recovery.
To all our ACA family, travel safe and see you in Branson,Scott Kellett
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 15
[ Chapter News ]
South Central greetings across ACA land. Summer is here! We, in Oklahoma, have been blessed with rain during the month of July. Some areas have not had enough but some have had too much. We would love a perfect balance but Mother Nature has her own way of doing things.
By the time you read this in your magazine the rally in Branson will be history. I am encouraged from the reports about attendance. Hopefully everyone had a great time. I was not able to attend because of a family commitment but am looking forward to the spring rally in North Carolina.
On a personal note, I just had my motorhome checked for the recall by Spartan. My bracket was not cracked but there are reports by our members that their bracket was cracked. I encourage those included in the recall to attend to this very important steering problem as soon as practical. The new bracket is much stronger and should never be a problem. The Spartan folks have been very helpful with this issue.
Our fall rally will be held October 28th (arrival) and de-part on October 31st. We will be at the Winstar Casino in Thackerville, Okla. Rally costs are not finalized at this time. This rally will be handy for anyone travelling to Canton, Texas for Trade Days.
During this busy travel season our chapter, as well as others, have lots of members on the road. I encourage everyone to check those necessary items and watch out for the other guy, keep in touch with family and friends and take care of yourselves. Get plenty of rest so you can arrive safely at your final destination.
We have much to be thankful for, living in this great country. We should be ever mindful of those who serve us in our armed forces as well as law enforcement and fire service and keep them in our thoughts and prayers. Until we meet down the road, “GOD BLESS AMERICA”.Robin Fagala, PresidentSouth Central Chapter
South CentralGreetings from Southern, Mississippi! Pauline and I are taking care of a few things here in Pauline’s home-town area before heading to Branson. We have had an adventurous summer; we attended the FMCA rally in Gillette, Wyoming then toured several western states.The Southeast Chapter has several rallies in the works. Registration forms and other information are available at www.myamericancoach.com and www.southeastaca.net .
Bill and Phyllis Gabler will host a rally at Torrey Oaks RV and Golf Resort from October 23rd - 27th. Torrey Oaks is a highly rated facility in Central Florida, located just about thirty miles south of Lakeland.
Southeast’s Annual Christmas Rally will be held from December 5th – 8th at Sun N Fun, Sarasota, Florida. Our hosts, Larry and Margaret Carter have been work-ing on this rally since last December; they have arranged for great food, live entertainment and a tropical sight-seeing cruise.
The 3rd Annual Southeast Regional Rally will be from January 15th to 19th, 2014. The rally will be at La-zydays (Seffner) on the same dates as the Florida RV Supershow held at the nearby Florida State Fairgrounds. This annual rally promises to be bigger and better than ever. On our day of arrival we are going to have a cook-out and shrimp boil at the Lazydays American Coach display area. The rally includes four nights at Lazydays RV Campground, three dinners and two nights of great entertainment. We only have 100 full hook-up sites available and do expect a sell out! As of mid-August we have already received registrations for about a third of our allotted large full hook up sites! Registration, Service Requests and a tentative agenda are available at www.myamericancoach.com and www.southeastaca.net .
Travel Safe, Pauline and I hope to see you soon!Ray Shea, President Southeast Chapter
Southeast
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[ Chapter News ]
Registration Form
Registration Form
Southwest Chapter Presents BALLOON FIESTA and SPACE MUSEUM BACK-‐TO-‐BACK RALLIES
(register for either or both – open to all ACA members) The Balloon Fiesta Rally, Albuquerque, N.M., October 10th – 13th – We will arrive on Thursday, October 10th, and have a Mexican Buffet at a nearby restaurant. Following the dinner, a local balloonist will give us a presentation on ballooning and the Fiesta. This will give us a better understanding of ballooning and what we will experience during the next three days. On Friday morning, the Fiesta will have a Special Shapes Rodeo, which has always been a crowd pleaser. On Saturday and Sunday mornings they have scheduled Mass Ascensions in the mornings. It is always quite an experience to walk among the balloons as they inflate and ascend en masse. Friday and Saturday evenings will include balloon glows and fireworks. We will depart the campground after the Sunday morning activities. Read more about the balloon festival at www.balloonfiesta.com. The Space Museum Rally, Alamogordo, N.M., October 13th – 18th – During the rally, the museum staff will provide guided tours of the museum and provide lectures on the history and technologies of space travel, and we will build and launch our own rockets. We will also tour the Desert Vineyards, the mountain town of Cloudcroft, the Sacramento Mountain Historical Museum, the White Sands Monument and Missile Range, and more. The rally will include a welcome reception and two catered dinners. It will end on October 17th. Read more about the museum at www.nmspacemuseum.org. If you wish to stay one more day, you can tour the recently developed Spaceport America where Virgin Galactic is scheduled to provide suborbital space flights to paying customers. We only have 15 sites at the Balloon Fiesta Park and the Space Museum, and we need registrations by July 14th or we will have to turn them back in. All camping will be dry. First registered, first in! Balloon Fiesta Rally Names: _____________________________ Coach with 2 people $360 ______ Coach with 1 Person $310 ______ _____________________________ Each additional person $50 ______ Street: ______________________________ Space Museum Rally Coach with 2 people $315 ______ City, State, Zip: _______________________ Coach with 1 person $140 ______ Each additional person $175 ______ Phone: _____________________________ Spaceport Tour per person $59 ______ Email: ______________________________ Total ______ ACA #: ______________________________ Please send this form and payment to: For more information: Bill Dettmer Contact Bill at 505-‐294-‐0564 Rally Master [email protected] 1509 Tejana Mesa Pl., NE Albuquerque, NM 87112 Make checks payable to: ACA Balloon Fiesta Rally
Balloon Fiesta and Space Museum Rallies Sponsored by the Southwest Chapter
Back-‐to-‐back Rallies! In the past there were two rallies that were very popular, the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta Rally and the Alamogordo Space Museum Rally. So, we have put them together and invited all ACA members to the party! Starting with the Balloon Fiesta Rally, we will arrive on Thursday, October 10th, and have a Mexican Buffet at a nearby restaurant. Following the dinner I will ask a balloonist to give a presentation on ballooning and the Fiesta. This will give us a better understanding of ballooning and what we would experience during the next three days. On Friday morning, they will have Special Shapes Rodeo, which has always been a crowd pleaser. On Saturday and Sunday mornings they have scheduled Mass Ascensions in the mornings. It is always quite an experience to walk among the balloons as they inflate and ascend in mass. Friday and Saturday evenings will include balloon glows and fireworks. We will depart the campground after the Sunday morning activities. For those attending the Space Museum, we take a short 200-‐mile drive from Albuquerque to Alamogordo. Our coaches will be located overlooking the city of Alamogordo and the Tularosa Basin. The mission of this Space Museum is to educate the public in the history, science, and technology of space through collecting, preserving, and interpreting significant artifacts relevant to the history of space, stressing the significant role that the state of New Mexico has played in the development of the U.S. Space Program. During the rally, the museum staff will provide guided tours of the museum and provide lectures on the history and technologies of space travel, and we will build and launch our own rockets. We will also tour the Desert Vineyards, the mountain town of Cloudcroft, the Sacramento Mountain Historical Museum, the White Sands Monument and Missile Range, and more. The rally will include a Welcome Reception and two catered dinners. It will end on October 17th. Even more! If you wish to stay one more day, you can tour the recently developed Spaceport America where Virgin Galactic will provide suborbital space flights to paying customers. All camping will be dry. We will park in the VIP slots at the Balloon Fiesta Park and the parking lot of the Space Museum. There will be locations in Alamogordo to dump prior to parking at the museum. The cost for the Balloon Fiesta Rally is $360 per coach with 2 people. The cost for the Space Museum Rally is $315 per coach with 2 people. The cost for the Spaceport Tour is $59 per person. We only have 15 sites at the Balloon Fiesta Park, and we need registrations by July 14th or we will have to turn them back in.
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 17
3rd Annual Southeast Regional Rally,
Lazy Days Rally Park, Seffner, Florida
January 15th – 19th, 2014
Our annual rally at Lazydays Rally Park promises to be bigger and better than ever. The rally coincides with the 2014 Florida RV Supershow located at the nearby Florida
State Fairgrounds. On our arrival day we are going to have a cook-‐out and shrimp boil at the American Coach display area. Rally fee includes four nights at Lazydays
RV Campground, three dinners and two nights of entertainment. We only have 100 full hook up sites available and are receiving registrations already.
This popular rally occurs at the same time as the Florida
RV Supershow. This annual rally is going to be bigger and better than ever! There is going to be three dinners, one of which will be a shrimp boil/cookout at the
Lazydays American Coach display. Only 100 full hook up sites available. Registration includes four nights at Lazydays RV Campground. Great entertainment, great
food and great camaraderie! Register early! Registration and information available at www.myamericancoach.com and
www.southeastaca.net .
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Third Annual ACA Southeastern Regional Rally January 15th to 19th, 2014 (Same dates as the Florida RV Supershow) Lazydays RV Campground -‐-‐ 6210 County Road 579 -‐-‐ Seffner, FL 33584
800-‐905-‐6627 or 813-‐246-‐4777
Rally Fee Full Hook ups: $299.00 / per coach for 2 people, Singles: $239.00 Additional Person: $60.00 ea. Non ACA Coaches $319.00
Includes: Four nights at Lazydays RV Campground, Dinners on Wednesday, Thursday & Saturday,
Entertainment on Thursday and Saturday. Beer/Wine Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday Breakfast at the Front Porch Café on Thursday and Friday, Lunch at the Front Porch on Thursday, Friday, Saturday
Breakfast at the Rally Center on Saturday and Sunday
Deadline to register: December 15th, 2013 (must be received by this date)
There are only 100 Full Service sites available. First come first served.
Lazydays RV Campground will probably be booked full on Tuesday, January 14. Check Out is at 11 AM & Check In at 1 PM. If you desire to arrive early contact the campground at the above phone number. You may not be able to be parked on your rally assigned site if you arrive early and it may be necessary to change sites for the rally. Names ____________________________________________________________________________________ Mailing Address ____________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State __________Zip Code________________ E-‐mail address ___________________________________ Cell Phone _________________________________ First ACA Rally? (Y/N)_____ ACA #_________Coach Length______ Chapter_____________________________ Special Requests____________________________________________________________________________ Electric only sites may be available at a later date and at a reduced price. Please let us know if you would be willing to be assigned an electric only site at a reduced price. (Y/N) Please agree by signing below, make checks payable to “SEACA” and mail registrations to: Pauline Shea 411 Walnut Street #4708 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 Cell (601)508-‐0532; Cell (570)772-‐0640 In consideration of the American Coach Association accepting the rally reservation described above, I (we) agree to hold harmless, release and discharge the American Coach Association, its officers, directors, representatives, agents and other organizers of the rally, their insurers and all others acting in their behalf (collectively known as ACA) of and from any and all claims, debts, liabilities, actions and causes of action, whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, arising out of, or in connection with my (our) attendance at this rally, or traveling to and from this rally. I (we) agree that we will bring no claims, actions, or causes of action against the ACA, based on any of the foregoing.
Signed:_________________________________Date:____________________ Signed:_________________________________Date:____________________
Note: Limited refunds after December 15, 2013
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 19
Lazydays Service Request
3rd Annual Southeastern Regional ACA Rally January 15th to 19th, 2014
Name: __________________________________________________________________ Address: ________________________________________________________________ City________________________________________ State ______ Zip ______________ Email address: ____________________________________________________________ Cell Phone# ______________________________________________________________ Unit Serial# __________________________ Chassis VIN: _________________________ Model Year of Coach: _____________ Model/Brand: ____________________________
Please note: THE DEADLINE FOR RETURNING THIS FORM IS: DECEMBER 16th, 2013, (Must be received by this date)
I intend to arrive on: __________________ At: __________ PM (Projected arrival information is critically important for scheduling purposes!)
List functional items only -‐ no paint, tape or decals. Due to the number of coaches expected, repair items are limited to 1 per coach: 1.______________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________
Please complete and send to Pauline Shea. All efforts will be made to see that these repairs will be made, but no guarantee. Pauline Shea 411 Walnut Street #4708 Green Cove Springs, FL 32043 [email protected]
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Welcome to Marion, N.C. April 28th -‐ May 3rd, 2014
American Coach Association Spring Rally
“Git ‘Er Done In the Mountains!”
The Happy Wanderers & Northeast Chapters of the American Coach Association join together in welcoming you to our 2014 Spring Rally, “Git ‘Er Done In The Mountains!”
Our home base will be Tom Johnson’s Rally Park in beautiful Marion, N.C, located near The Biltmore Estate in Asheville, Chimney Rock, Lake Lure, and Grandfather Mountain…all within an hour! There is plenty of hiking, biking, and great food, Randy’s service crew, entertainment, Ladies luncheon, golf….Make sure you allow plenty of time before or after the rally (arrangements can made through Tom Johnson’s for pre/post rallies). We hope to see you all there!
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 21
BILTMORE ESTATE TOUR
Wednesday, April 30, 2014
Join us for a carefree day at the beautiful Biltmore, and leave the driving to our bus driver! This package includes your entrance ticket, box lunch (choice of sandwich) and round trip transportation to the estate, located
approximately an hour away in Asheville, N.C. You will be free to enjoy the mansion, gardens, massive gift shop, and gorgeous grounds. Space will be limited so sign up early along with your rally registration.
Price will range from $76 to $81/person depending on number of people that sign up.
The History of America's Largest Home
Building Biltmore was, at the time, one of the largest undertakings in the history of American residential architecture and the results were astounding. Over a six-‐year period, an entire community of craftsmen worked to build the country's premier home. The estate boasted its own brick factory, woodworking shop, and a three-‐mile railway spur for transporting materials to the site.
The basement alone would house a swimming pool, gymnasium and changing rooms, bowling alley, servants' quarters, kitchens, and more.
The grounds of the 125,000-‐acre estate were designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the creator of New York's Central Park and the father of American landscape architecture. He not only developed acres of gardens and parkland, but in his efforts to protect the environment and reclaim over-‐farmed land, Olmsted established America's first managed forest.
George Vanderbilt officially opened the home to friends and family on Christmas Eve in 1895. He had created a country retreat where he could pursue his passion for art, literature, and horticulture. After marrying the American Edith Stuyvesant Dresser (1873–1958) in Paris during the summer of 1898, George and his new bride came to live at the estate. Their only child, Cornelia (1900–1976), was born and grew up at Biltmore.
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Name(s) ________________________________________ _______________________________________
Address ____________________________________________Active E-‐Mail __________________________________ City ________________________________________________ State _______________ Zip ___________________________
Home Phone __________________________________ Cell Phone_________________________________________ Emergency Contact Name _________________________________ Phone Number __________________________________ First National Rally? ___ Yes ___ No ACA# _____________________ Chapter______________________________________ Coach Length ________ feet Chapter Parking Preference_____________________________________________________ Handicapped parking? _____ Yes (Handicap placard required and parking is not available with chapter.) Please note any dietary restrictions:_________________________________________________________________________
Fee Schedule: (Payable in USD) Item: cost quantity total
1 coach – 2 persons $298 1 coach-‐1 person $250
Extra person $70 pp Ladies Luncheon (optional) $20 pp Golf Event (optional) see flyer $ 50 pp Tour to Biltmore Estate (optional) see flyer $ 81 pp TOTAL
ACA members are responsible for their early arrival and late departure registrations. Please call Tom Johnson Campground directly at: 800-‐225-‐7802
Please agree by signing below, make checks payable to: “American Coach Association Spring Rally” and Mail registrations to: Will Triplet, ACA Marion Rally, P.O. Box 2488, Mountain Home, AR 72654
Questions/Information (989) 390-‐9444 – (267) 228-‐6143
Note: limited refunds for cancellations received after March 27, 2014 In consideration of the American Coach Association accepting this reservation for the National Rally mentioned above, I (we) agree to hold harmless, release and discharge the American Coach Association, its officers, directors, representatives, agents, servants, and employees as well as the ACA Board of Directors and other organizers of the rally, their insurers and all others acting in their behalf (collectively the “ACA”) of and from any and all claims, debts, liabilities, actions and causes of action, whether known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, arising out of, or in connection with my (our) attendance at the National Rally, or traveling to or from the National Rally. I (we) agree that we will bring no claims, actions, or causes of action against the ACA based on any of the foregoing.
Signed ________________________________________________ Date _________________
Signed ________________________________________________ Date _________________
Join in the Fun at Tom Johnson’s Rally Park
Marion, NC April 28-‐May 3, 2014
Co-‐Hosted by: Happy Wanderers and Northeast Chapters
23ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013
“Git ‘Er Done in the Mountains”
2014 ACA Spring National Rally Golf Outing Marion Lake Club, Nebo, N.C.
If you want to play Lake James golf, there is only one option. The history of Marion Lake Club dates back to 1923, when it was designed by famed golf course architect Russell Breeden. This course holds the distinction of being the only golf course located on Lake James in McDowell County in North Carolina. The golf course at Marion Lake Club is noted for spectacular views of Linville Gorge and Shortoff Mountain. The course is set among the area's scenic rolling terrain with Bermuda fairways and excellent bent grass greens. You will love the scenery surrounding the Lake James golf community. If you wish to participate, the fee is $50/person, and includes cart, greens fees, and lunch. Please reserve your spot on your rally registration form, and have the following information on hand. The tentative date for the golf outing is Thursday, 5/1/2014, subject to change. Our golf chair is Jim Justice: [email protected]
NAME______________________________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT HANDICAP:__________________CURRENT AVERAGE SCORE:_________________________ CELL PHONE:____________________________ACTIVE EMAIL:_______________________________________
24
American Coach Service Information Please Note: The deadline for returning this form is April 7, 2014
Service Guidelines
• Because we are not equipped with required fall-‐protection at rallies, no Fleetwood associate will be allowed to get on top of a motorhome roof at any time.
• No Fleetwood associate will be allowed to work under a unit at a rally. • Repairs requiring lifting/ jacking up of a motorhome will not be performed at a rally. • Awning tension adjustments must be done by the awning manufacturer.
It has been a long-‐standing policy of the Service facility that we cannot address the following items at rallies:
• Paint and Body Repairs • Installing Accessories • Cosmetic/ appearance Repairs • Water Filters and Maintenance Services
Request Deadline Please submit your list on or before April 7, 2014. This is the absolute deadline in order to have parts and transport them to the rally. Repairs will be scheduled in the order they are received. At the Rally Please check in with the Service Representative upon arrival. He may need to have someone present while service is performed. Service Requests Service work at the rally will be performed in the following order:
1. Emergency Services 2. Warranty Work 3. Six Functional Items on coaches no longer under warranty
Note: coaches not registered as part of the rally will not be worked on. Please limit problems to functional items only. Six items will be addressed. If the items are not under warranty, you will be responsibility for the special rally price of the parts. Please list items in the order of importance. Please explain each item in detail so that we can determine whether parts are needed. Items added at a later date will be added to the end of the schedule and performed only if time permits. Chassis Problems Please list only two problems. Some chassis repairs cannot be made at the rally. Some chassis repairs may be subject to charges to the customer. Only Freightliner Chassis will be serviced. Please remember that not every problem can be addressed at the rally site. Should additional work be required at a shop facility, the service department will assist you in determining your needs and scheduling your repairs. Thank you, Randy Hendricks, Rally Service Supervisor Fleetwood and American Coach Service Phone 877-‐735-‐6303
“Git ‘Er Done in the Mountains”
2014 ACA Spring National Rally Golf Outing Marion Lake Club, Nebo, N.C.
If you want to play Lake James golf, there is only one option. The history of Marion Lake Club dates back to 1923, when it was designed by famed golf course architect Russell Breeden. This course holds the distinction of being the only golf course located on Lake James in McDowell County in North Carolina. The golf course at Marion Lake Club is noted for spectacular views of Linville Gorge and Shortoff Mountain. The course is set among the area's scenic rolling terrain with Bermuda fairways and excellent bent grass greens. You will love the scenery surrounding the Lake James golf community. If you wish to participate, the fee is $50/person, and includes cart, greens fees, and lunch. Please reserve your spot on your rally registration form, and have the following information on hand. The tentative date for the golf outing is Thursday, 5/1/2014, subject to change. Our golf chair is Jim Justice: [email protected]
NAME______________________________________________________________________________________________ CURRENT HANDICAP:__________________CURRENT AVERAGE SCORE:_________________________ CELL PHONE:____________________________ACTIVE EMAIL:_______________________________________
25ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013
TO BE COMPLETED BY AMERICAN COACH SERVICE Site # ______ Group _______ Day _______ Time _______ Control #_______
American Coach Service Request
ACA National Rally Marion, North Carolina April 28-‐May 3 2014
YOUR DEADLINE IS April 7, 2014
Name: _____________________________________Email________________________
Address_________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________ State_________ Zip___________________
Home Phone: _________________________ Cell: _______________________________
Coach Serial (FIN): _________________________Chassis VIN: _____________________
Model Year: __________________ Model: ___________________Length: ___________
I will arrive at the rally on (date) ____________ (day) ___________ (time) ___________ (Your arrival information is critically important for scheduling purposes.)
Please complete and mail this form to:
American Coach Service
Attn: Randy Hendricks
1420 Patterson Street
Decatur, IN 46733
Or: Fax to: 260-‐728-‐2951
Please call 877-‐735-‐6303 Ext 247 with any questions.
List service requests from the most important to the least important. Please list functional items only (see rules). Limited to six items to be serviced. If your coach is no longer under warranty, you will be charged for parts at the special rally discounted rate.
1.______________________________________________________________________
2. ______________________________________________________________________
3. ______________________________________________________________________
4. ______________________________________________________________________
5. ______________________________________________________________________
6. ______________________________________________________________________
Chassis Problems:
1. ____________________________________________________________________
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AMERICAN COACH WESTERN REGIONAL RALLY
LAS VEGAS MOTORCOACH RESORT
JAN 30-‐FEB 3, 2014
It’s time to get on the road again and head to the city that never sleeps – Las Vegas! The
SoCal, NorCal, Southwest and Northwest Chapters are holding the 3rd Annual Western Regional Rally at the luxurious Las Vegas
Motorcoach Resort. This resort is first class all the way with 50 amp full hook up service, fully landscaped concrete sites and gorgeous
amenities. We will be having a Super Bowl Party on Sunday the 2nd. This is one rally you won’t want to miss.
Your registration fee includes four nights at
the park, entertainment, dinners, breakfasts, welcome cocktail party and Super Bowl Party. There will be golf for those wishing to hit the
little ball and plenty of free time to explore Las Vegas.
If you want to arrive early or stay late (you’ll get our rally rate – a substantial discount off
the regular rate), contact the park directly. Las Vegas Motorcoach resort is located at 8175 Arville Street, Las Vegas NV. The toll free
phone number is (866) 897-‐9300.
If you have questions contact Debbie Darby
[email protected] or (805) 482-‐6733
See you in Vegas!
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 27
AMERICAN COACH ASSOCIATION – 3rd ANNUAL WESTERN REGIONAL RALLY
JANUARY 30 – FEBRUARY 3, 2014 - “SUPERBOWL PARTY” LAS VEGAS MOTORCOACH RESORT - LAS VEGAS, NEVADA
REGISTRATION DEADLINE DECEMBER 27, 2012
PLEASE PRINT Name(s)_________________________________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________________________________ City __________________________________________State __________ Zip________________ Home Phone (_____) ___________________________ Cell (_____)________________________ Active E-Mail___________________________________________ ACA #____________________ Guest(s)_________________________________________________________________________ Coach (circle) Heritage Eagle Tradition Revolution Dream Allegiance Limited Other Length __________ #Interested in Golf________ We have a limited number of sites. To assure a reservation, please sign up early. Early Arrival / Late Departure - Contact the resort directly at 866-897-9300 - Tell them you are with ACA to receive special rate ($50 per night). They will try to park you in your rally site if it is available.
FEE SCHEDULE
1 Coach - 2 people $ 295.00 $_______________ 1 Coach - 1 person $ 265.00 $_______________ Members with no coach * $ 49.50 each number ( ) $_______________ Guests $ 49.50 each number ( ) $_______________ Trailer or Tow Dolly Parking $ 24.00 $_______________ (Trailers and Tow Dollys are not allowed on your site) *EXAMPLE – LVMC OWNERS TOTAL ENCLOSED $_______________ Make checks payable to: Debbie Darby Mail check and registration to: 1021 Pinehurst Pl Camarillo, CA 93010 Questions? SoCal = Debbie Darby [email protected] phone 805-469-2796 NorCal/NorthWest = Les Rodrigues [email protected] phone 510-793-9183 South West = Glen Tilley [email protected] phone 720-810-3350
28
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ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 29
Say goodbye to “white-knuckle”steering and put the fun back into driving.
It’s a part of RVing you can do without Forces like strong crosswinds, uneven pavement and front-tire blowout can push your motorhome off course and into harm’s way. To give you more confidence and peace of mind, Blue Ox® now offers a full line of chassis handling, comfort, and safety enhancements.
Select the TruCenter® model for your gas or diesel chassis and put control back in your hands and enjoyment back into your driving.
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See You atthe next Rally!
30
5 ears corn ½ C small dice red onionMarinade: 3 Tbsp. olive oil3 Tbsp. cider vinegar½ tsp. kosher salt½ tsp fresh ground pepper½ C chiffonade fresh basil
In large pot of boiling salted water, cook the corn for 3 minutes until starchiness is just gone. Drain and immerse corn in ice water to stop the cooking and set the color. When cool, cut the kernels off the cob, cutting close to the cob.
Toss kernels in large bowl with onion and marinade. Just before serving, toss in basil, taste for seasoning. Serve warm or cold.
Fresh Corn Salad
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter (or small amount of olive oil)1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on,2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice2 Tbsp. frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed1 Tbsp. chipotle chile in adobo sauce, mincedSalt to taste
Melt butter or heat oil in sauté pan over medium high heat. Add shrimp and sauté 1 minute.
Stir in lime juice, orange juice and chipotle. Sauté about 3 minutes until shrimp is cooked through; season with salt.
Serve with toothpicks, if desired.
Chipotle Citrus Shrimp
Rolling RecipesWe would like to welcome Susan Rose, arguably one of the best cooks at the Southern California Chapter Rallies, to our recipe page. She welcomes your contributions and will make sure the recipe page stays current and delicious. Thanks, Susan!
Chipotle Citrus Shrimp
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 31
ACA Scholarship Foundation
I would like to thank John Corcoran for his leader-ship and support of the ACA Scholarship Foun-dation for the past 2 years. Over that time the foundation has met its goal to annually distribute ten $1,000. scholarships to worthy candidates. The students all have a parent who works at the American Coach facility in Decateur and have had distinguished high school careers along with ambi-tious college plans. We always receive notes from the recipients showing their appreciation for these scholarships.
Since the last ACA magazine report, the foundation has received $250. from the American Coach Asso-ciation in memory of long time member and ACA legal counsel Pete Smoot. He was always a great supporter of the Scholarship Foundation and we appreciate ACA’s donation. Making a contribution in the name of a former ACA member is a great way to honor them.
I would continue to encourage Scholarship Founda-tion raffl es or other fundraisers at regional and local chapter rallies. As a reminder, the ACA Scholarship Foundation is a tax advantaged 501-c-3 Corpora-tion. All donations are tax deductible and 100% of the funds are given out as scholarships to the children of the associates who build and support our beautiful coaches.
Thank you for your continued support. Contributions can be sent to:ACA Scholarship Foundationc/o John Corcoran1051 Caravan LoopPolk City, FL 33868-5118
Bob FrankACA Scholarship Foundation
32
ACA WebsiteThe Webmaster’s Report
By the time you read this, the ACA National Fall Rally in Branson will be over, and we’ll all be looking forward to a trip to Marion, North Carolina and Tom Johnson’s Rally Campground and dealership. Marion is in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, not more than an hour or so from a ton of things to see and do. The online registration is open for the rally and the web site has all of the documents avail-able for download.
If you take a peek at the “rally” page on the site, you’ll notice that more chapters are posting details and registration forms to make it easy for members to download information and get signed up for all of the rallies. If your chapter is havin g an event, and you’d like for it to be listed, please let me know, and if you have any forms you’d like to see posted, we would be happy to accommodate that request. We’re here to promote having fun and sharing events.
Also, a number of photos of this years’ scholarship presentation at the plant in Decatur have been posted. Check these out when you get a chance.
All systems are running well on the site so, let me know if you have questions or suggestions…. see you out there on the road and travel safe.
Doug ThompsonThe WebGuy
[ ACA Rally Schedule ]Date Location Chapter
Oct 11 - 15 Chula Vista Southern California
Oct 10 - 17 Albequerque Baloon Fiesta, Space Museum
Southwest Chapter
Oct. 23 - 27 Torrey Oaks RV Resort, Wauchula, FL Southeast Chapter
Oct. 28 - 31 Winstar Casino, Thackerville, OK South Central Chapter
Dec 2 - 5 Sarasota, FL Southeast Chapter
Jan 15 - 19 Tampa, FL ACA Eastern Regional Rally
Jan 19 - 22 Tampa, FL Happy Wanderers Chapter
Jan 30 - Feb 3 Las Vegas ACA Western Regional Rally
April 28 - May 3 Marion, N.C. ACA National Spring Rally
Spartan Motors has recalled 2,694 motorhome chassis including certain model year 2006-2011 K2, and K3 and 2006-2010 MM motorhome chassis manufactured July 20, 2005 through Dec. 17, 2010. They have been recalled for possible cracking and detaching of the steering gear mounting brackets, leading to a loss of steering and possible crash.
Spartan will notify owners and beginning in mid-June, dealers will install a replacement bracket or reinforcement to the existing bracket. Until the remedy is available, owners may have their vehicle inspected at any Spartan service center with all repairs free of charge. The recall began May 17.
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236, or visit http://www.safecar.gov.
Important Recall !!!
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 33
ACA GROUP
Hi all :-)
Terry and Debbie here, checking in from cyberspace again.
These days, cyberspace happens to be Frederick, Colo. By the ti me you read this, we’ll probably be headed to Chula Vista for a So Cal rally, but at the ti me of writi ng, we’re spending the balance of our summer working for Transwest Truck & RV doing their walk-throughs. In other words, when somebody buys a new coach, we walk them through it and show them how everything works. It’s a great gig and it’s seasonal, so we sti ll get to head to Indio, CA when it starts getti ng cold around here. Transwest is just north of Denver on I-25, so stop in and say “hi” if you’re in the area.
The forum conti nues to grow and we now have over 2200 members. Some recent subjects are comparing the new Freightliner chassis to the Spartan chassis, and other recent changes made by American Coach.
Due to the Spartan recall, people have started having their steering boxes changed out at authorized Spartan service centers. Some people are fi nding cracks in the welds of their steering boxes, and some are fi nding no cracks. In my humble opinion, it’s an important recall, and if you haven’t gott en
ACA GROUPACA GROUP
your coach checked out, please do so ASAP. We’ve even posted photos of a cracked weld in the Photos secti on of the web site.
Speaking of the Photos secti on of the web site, I was going through it the other day looking at photos members have posted. We have a lot of members on this forum who are willing to share their talents by posti ng photos of the work they’ve done to their coach. As an example, there are photos of residenti al refrigerator upgrades, TV upgrades and basement upgrades along with photos of troubleshooti ng and repairs for common problems.
Take it from me - this forum is never boring because the informati on that’s passed from member to member is incredibly informati ve and valuable. No one should ever feel awkward about asking ANY questi on on the forum, because all members are so generous and forthcoming with work/upgrades they have done, and knowledge they have gained through their own experiences. We really have a great group where members respect each other and the advice that is off ered.
If you want to be a part of this great group AND save ti me, money and aggravati on, and you’re interested in fi nding out more of what it’s all about, we invite you to visit awhile and get to know us and get a feel for the benefi ts derived from our forum. To get to the AC Yahoo site, go to the American Coach Associati on web site at htt p://www.myamericancoach.com. Hover your mouse over “Our Community” then click on “Favorite Links.” In the fi rst box labeled “ACA Family Links” the fourth link down is “American Coach Owners Yahoo News Group.” Click on that and you’ll be at the page where you can “join this group.”
Welcome aboard and remember, the price is right – FREE – and I can just about guarantee you won’t regret it!
Terry & Debbie
‘06 Heritage
34
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 35
While traveling, one of the daily jobs that doesn’t
stop is cooking. We have wonderful rolling
kitchens with most of the amenities we enjoy in
our homes. Here are a few tips for helping you in
the kitchen:
• Take your bananas apart when you get home
from the store. If you leave them connected at
the stem, they ripen faster.
• Store your open chunks of cheese in aluminum
foil. The cheese will stay fresh much longer
and not mold! (If your cheese does mold, you
can scrape off the mold and still eat the cheese
without any change in fl avor.)
• Peppers with 3 bumps on the bottom are
sweeter and better for eating. Peppers with 4
bumps are stronger fl avored and fi rmer.
• Add a teaspoon or so of water when frying
ground beef. It will help pull the grease away
from the meat while cooking.
• To make scrambled eggs or omelets rich and
creamy, add a couple of spoonfuls of sour
cream, cream cheese, cream or even milk in
and then beat them up.
• Add garlic immediately to a recipe for a light
taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if you
want a stronger taste of garlic.
• To make easy deviled eggs put the yolks
in a ziplock bag, seal and mash. Add your
other ingredients and mash again until mixed
thoroughly. You can even do this ahead of time
and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then snip a
corner of the bag and fi ll the eggs by squeezing
the bag. Then just throw the bag away! No
cleanup!
Organizing Your Coachby Debbie Darby
• Expanding frosting: When you buy a container
of prepared frosting from the store, whip it with
your mixer for a few minutes. It will double
in size. You get to frost more cake/cupcakes
for the same price. It also cuts down on the
calories and sugar per serving.
• To warm biscuits, pancakes, muffi ns or rolls
that have been refrigerated, place them in a
microwave with a cup of water. The increased
moisture will keep the food moist and help it
reheat.
• If you place a wooden spoon over a pot of
boiling water, it won’t boil over.
I hope there is a tip here that will help you along
the way as you enjoy your beautiful American
Coach.
Debbie Darby
• Add a teaspoon or so of water when frying
ground beef. It will help pull the grease away
from the meat while cooking.
• To make scrambled eggs or omelets rich and
creamy, add a couple of spoonfuls of sour
cream, cream cheese, cream or even milk in
and then beat them up.
• Add garlic immediately to a recipe for a light
taste of garlic and at the end of the recipe if you
want a stronger taste of garlic.
• To make easy deviled eggs put the yolks
in a ziplock bag, seal and mash. Add your
other ingredients and mash again until mixed
thoroughly. You can even do this ahead of time
and refrigerate until ready to serve. Then snip a
corner of the bag and fi ll the eggs by squeezing
the bag. Then just throw the bag away! No
cleanup!
• If you place a wooden spoon over a pot of
boiling water, it won’t boil over.
I hope there is a tip here that will help you along
the way as you enjoy your beautiful American
Coach.
Debbie Darby
36
[ ACA Rally Sites ]Southwest ChapterAlbuquerque and Alamogordo, New MexicoOctober 10th – 17th Balloon Fiesta / Space History Museum It’s not too late to join the fun at the Balloon Festival and Space History Museum. See page 17.
Southern California Chapter RallyChula Vista, CaliforniaOct 11th - 14th Come join your SoCal friends for a Fall Fiesta in the beautiful San Diego area for a rally to remember at the Chula Vista RV Resort. It is a five star park located on San Diego Bay with the marina on one side and a water front park on the other. There is so much to see and do or you can do nothing and enjoy the San Diego weather from a chair by the pool with a book; the choice is yours. As most of you know, we lost one of our long time members and great friend Pete Smoot. We will have an evening to share the great memories and ‘Pete’ stories. We are working on details for tours by land and sea so those details are to follow. There will be plenty of things to explore on Saturday. We will be having great fiesta eats, fun, games, our chapter meeting, local restaurants to visit, attractions to see, and plenty of things to do while at this wonderful RV Resort.Don’t wait to sign up we only have a limited number of sites and they will go fast at this is a great location.
Southeast ChapterOct 23rd – 27th Torrey Oaks RV and Golf Resort, Bowling Green, FloridaTorrey Oaks RV and Golf Resort has been recognized by Trailer Life as one of the top 300 campgrounds. Bowling Green is located in Central Florida approximately 30 miles south of Lake-land. Registration includes four nights of camping, four conti-nental breakfasts, and three dinners including a poolside cook out. There will be lots of fun, games, and activities for all. Golf (optional) is only $20.00. Registration form available at www.myamericancoach.com and www.southeastaca.net
South Central ChapterOctober 28th – 31st, 2013Winstar Casino RV Park, Thackerville, OklahomaThis rally will be handy for anyone travelling to Canton, Texas for Trade Days. Contact Kitty Nicholson at [email protected] or Robin Fagala at [email protected] to join in the fun and to get more details.
Southeast ChapterDec 5th – 8th Southeast’s Annual Christmas Rally, Sarasota, FloridaLarry and Margaret Carter have been working on this rally since last December! This rally will be held at the Sun N Fun Resort and Campground in Sarasota, FL. There will be great meals, live entertainment, music, games, and an optional gift exchange. Registration includes three nights at Sun N Fun, three dinners, three breakfasts and a new and different tropical sightseeing cruise. Registration forms are available on line at www.myamericancoach.com and www.southeastaca.net
Southeast ChapterSeffner (Tampa), FloridaJanuary 15th – 19th, 2014 3rd Annual Southeast Regional Rally, Seffner, FLOur annual rally at Lazydays promises to be bigger and better than ever. This rally occurs on the same days as the 2014 Florida RV Supershow located at the nearby Florida State Fair-grounds. On our day of arrival we are going to have a cook-out and shrimp boil at the American Coach display area. Rally fee includes four nights at Lazydays RV Campground, three din-ners and two nights of entertainment. We only have 100 full hook up sites available and are receiving registrations already!. Registration, Service Requests and a tentative agenda are now available on line at www.myamericancoach.com and www.southeastaca.net .
Happy Wanderers ChapterRally Park –Lazy Days, Seffner, Florida January 19th – 22nd , 2014Lazy Days Rally Park is the site of our annual Happy Wander-ers January get together. The rally fee will be about $105.00 for three days. You will be responsible for making your own reservations with Lazy Days and make sure you tell them you are with the Happy Wanderers Chapter. The phone number is 800-905-6627 or 813-246-4777. We will be gathering on January 19th and departing on January 22th after a fun filled three day rally. Check in time is 1:00 pm and check out time is before 11:00 on Wednesday the 22nd. Sunday will feature a welcome party of cocktails at the coaches and a cookout to follow if weather permits, if not we’ll have pizza. A meeting will be scheduled for sometime during our stay. For more informa-tion contact Roger Guthrie at 817-805-3833, email [email protected] or contact Chuck Meigs at 321-268-4180, email Chuck_judi@ yahoo.com.Many of us will be attending the ACA Eastern Regional Rally prior to the HWC rally.Don’t forget that we are co-hosting with the N.E. Chapter the Spring National ACA Rally starting on April 28th, 2014. Plan to be there early for set up. More information to follow.
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 37
38
• Credit Card Services •You can join or pay your annual
dues with a Master Card or Visa on the ACA Web site*. We’ve taken
precautions to ensure it’s safe and no one will have access to your
credit card information.
• Membership Roster/By-Laws •Membership Roster & By-Laws can
be viewed and downloaded from the ACA Web site*. Please note we
no longer mail out either unless one is requested by mail or e-mail.
• Free Web Site Advertising •Members can place a classifi ed “coach for sale” advertisement
on the ACA Web site. Best of all, it’s FREE!
• Membership Badges •New members receive their
Membership Badge(s) - they are FREE - with their New Member
Welcome Letter. Existing members who wish replacement badges must order them directly from
McBee’s - see below.
• Change Phone or Address •Change and/or view your personal membership information on the
ACA Web site*
All ACA mailings, including the ACA Across America Magazine, are mailed to the address listed in the
ACA Roster data base.
If you don’t have a computer (or hate to use one) just call or mail us and we’ll make any necessary changes or corrections for you.
Need Swingers, Badges or Ovals?It’s easy: Mail your order along with an enclosed check (US $), including your correct ACA Membership Number, to the following:
McBee’s • 909-336-2325 • PO Box 660, Lake Arrowhead, CA 92352• Swingers @ $2.00 each • Badges @ 5.50 each • Ovals @ $16.00 each - Prices include shipping and sales tax.
Questions? send e-mail to [email protected]
* Type in www.myamericancoach.com - on the home page, click on Membership Tasks and follow prompts.
Jan Thompson, ACA Membership [email protected] (501) 858-9564(727) 364-5327
Please join with me in welcoming the following new members to the Associati on since the last magazine was published. I’d personally like to extend a hearty welcome to ev-eryone, and sincerely hope to see you at a nati onal or chapter rally soon. If there is ever anything that Membership Services can do to help, I’m as close as your phone or email.
Larry & Lynda Haynes, Elaine Gilfi llan & Conrad Menconi, Stan Mawyer & Leslie Sheldon, Art & Leslie Solnick, Benjamin Shambarger, Earl Crawford, Jim & Barbara Bullock, John & Cynthia Reinhardt, Joshua Brewer, Mike & Robbie Rampy, Roger Marti n, Ruben Tetsosh-vill, Kathy Lotz, Tim & Terri Williams, Walter & Janet Hare, Bill & Melanie Julian, William & Cheryl Watkins, James & Caterina Wallis, Stephen & Trina Talmon, Paul Enochs & Jada Caniford, John & Christa Hogan, Joe & Kellie Zapata, Albert & Stephanie Rivera, David & Judith Turner, Maurice & Frankie Menchey, Mark & Marilyn Pohly, Larry Roberts, Jim & Bett y Duncan, Jay & Inyce Lapine, David & Sara Rouner, Mike & Diane Blandina, Gerard & Christi ne Brangenberg, Randy & Connie Dupre, David & Mary Jensen, Keith & Shirley Kiner, Joseph & Joanna Klukan, Dennis & Kathi Nesselhauf
[ Membership Services ]
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 39
• NortheastMaine, New Hampshire, Vermont, New York, Massachusetts,Connecticut, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Pennsylvania,Delaware & Maryland Bob Hershman, Membership Chair2415 Continental Dr.Warrington, PA 18976215-343-2448 • cell [email protected]$8.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues-less $1.00 prorated per month after July
• Mac PackKentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina,South Carolina & TennesseeMarcia Bailey, Membership Chair18885 Tettington LaneCharles City, VA [email protected]$8.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues, due July 1
• SoutheastMississippi, Alabama, Georgia & Floridawww.southeastaca.netPauline Shea, Membership Chair411 Walnut St. #4708Green Cove Springs, FL [email protected]$8.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues
• Great LakesMinnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio,Michigan & Southern Ontario, CanadaMary Jo Benhart, Membership Chair1623 Patriot St.Shorewood, IL 60560630-553-0102 Cell: [email protected]$10.00 Annual Dues, due by July 1$5.00 after January 1
• Missouri ValleyNorth Dakota, South Dakota, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa & MissouriCindy Nitch, Membership Chair104 Private Road 1311Mt. Pleasant, TX 75455903-577-1974 Cell: [email protected]$15.00 Annual Dues due by July 1
• South Central Chapter:Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma & Texaswww.aca-scc.comDavid Parsons, Membership Chair201 Muskogee TrailMadisonville, LA 70447985-845-8476 • [email protected]$6.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues less $1.00 prorated per month after January
• SouthwestColorado, New Mexico, Arizona, Southern Nevada and Utahwww.acasw.comDebbie Tilley, Membership ChairP.O. Box 707Berthoud, CO [email protected]$8.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues less $1.00 prorated per month after July
• Southern CaliforniaSouthern Californiawww.socalaca.comBrianne Brissette, Membership Chair7534 Rock Crest LaneHighland, CA [email protected]$5.00 Initiation Fee • $15.00 Annual Dues, due June
• Northern CaliforniaNorthern California and Northern Nevadawww.norcalaca.comTerry Bennett, Membership Chair1970 N. Leslie St., PMB 334Pahrump, NV [email protected]$5.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues less $1.00 prorated per month after July • NorthwestOregon, Washington, Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Alaska,British Columbia, Alberta & SaskatchewanTerry Bennett, Membership Chair1970 N. Leslie St., PMB 334Pahrump, NV [email protected]$8.00 Initiation Fee$12.00 Annual Dues less $1.00 prorated after July
• Happy WanderersAll 50 States Plus CanadaRita Adams, Membership Chair524 Pleasant Home Ch Rd.Millers Creek, NC [email protected] $5.00 Initiation Fee$15.00 Annual DuesAnnual dues renewal date: January 1
[ Chapter Directory ]
40
New Membership Application & Dues Renewal FormPlease complete this form and mail (with check in US dollars) to the ACA Membership Services address listed below
USE For Local Chapter Membership Application ONLY *I understand that I may join as many local chapters as I please but that I must be a member in good standing in
the National American Coach Association in order to join a local chapter - my membership number is: #____________
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Owner’s name: first (if you prefer a nickname, use that) last
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Co-Owner’s name: first (if you prefer a nickname, use that) last
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing info: address & street name city state zip U.S. or Canada
(_______)_______-__________________(_______)_______-________________________________________________________
Phone: home cell E-mail address
See Directory & Dues page for a listing of chapters, states they cover, dues & initiation fees and key contacts.Indicate the chapter(s) that you wish to join by checking the appropriate box(es)
❑ Great Lakes ❑ Happy Wanderers ❑ MacPack ❑ Missouri Valley ❑ Northern California
❑ Northeast ❑ Northwest ❑ Southern California ❑ South Central ❑ Southeast ❑ Southwest
Total of the enclosed check (see chapter requirements): $_____ Check number _____ Date mailed _____
* Send this completed form, along with a check in the correct amount for initiation fees and first year’s dues(US dollar please) and mail it to the appropriate chapter contact as listed on Directory & Dues page of this Magazine.
c u t & m a i l s e p a r a t e l y
• • • American Coach Association • • •3590 Round Bottom Road, Cincinnati, OH 45244-3026
If you need to correspond with the Membership Services office directly, you can reach them at 501-858-9564 or send Email to [email protected]
When enclosing a check with this form, please fill in the following information: Select one: ❑ Current ACA member # _______ ❑ Reactivating membership/previous ACA # _______ ❑ Applying for new membership
❑ New or reactivated membership - $55 first year only ($45 annual dues plus $10 initiation fee) ❑ Annual renewal dues - $45 yearly
❑ Number or years renewal (select one): ❑ One ❑ Two
❑ Total of your enclosed check $ _______ (US dollars please) Check number _______ Date mailed _______
Please type or print clearly. NOTE: If you are a New Member, the National Directory & your ACA badge will be exactly as listed.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Owner’s name: first (if you prefer a nickname, use that) last
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Co-Owner’s name: first (if you prefer a nickname, use that) last
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Mailing info: address & street name city state zip U.S. or Canada
(_______)_______-__________________(_______)_______-________________________________________________________
Phone: home cell E-mail address
I/we own: ❑ Heritage/year _____ ❑ Eagle/year _____ ❑ Dream/year _____ ❑ Tradition/year _____
❑ Allegiance/year _____ ❑ Limited/year _____ ❑ Revolution/year _____
I/we belong to the following local chapter(s): ❑ Great Lakes ❑ Happy Wanderers ❑ MacPack ❑ Missouri Valley ❑ Northern California
❑ Northeast ❑ Northwest ❑ Southern California ❑ South Central ❑ Southeast ❑ Southwest
[ Membership Form ]
ACA ACROSS AMERICA - September-October 2013 41
ACA Across AmericaThe Official Magazine of American Coach AssociationMembership Services1812 Latelia Ct.New Port Richey, FL 34655
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