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Granite Staters Newsletter Archive

2004 (most recent newsletter first)
NewsletterGranite StatersNovember 2004
Fred Rhine, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE PRESIDENT, Fred Rhine

    As we approach the winter season Nancy and I would like to be the first to wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. As many of us head South and West for the winter, our next gathering will be in Brooksville, Florida and hopefully Perry, Georgia. I will be in Florida from the 2nd of January until the end of March so if anyone has something for the Sandwich Rally please send it to Linda Porazzo instead of me.
    Preparing for next year let us not forget our members who are fighting serious illness and those who have lost loved ones, please keep them in your prayers.     As we conclude the 2004 season I want to thank the Blair's and McShea's for hosting the fall rally at Newfound R V Park. With the weather being unsettled it was great to have access to a clubhouse for our activities.
    Speaking about the Salisbury Beach Rally not much good can be said about the wind, rain and cold. During the weekend it was discovered. there had been some communication problems between the two chapters, they had some new people who were thrown into the fire and did a great job. let me thank the Mc Shea's and Blair's for hosting the coffee and breakfast duties under extreme conditions.
    Next year will be a very busy year for the Granite Staters, as we will be celebrating our 10th anniversary as an FMCA Chapter. The celebration will be taking place at the Sandwich Fairgrounds in September. As we are planning this celebration we have several opportunities for you to assist us in this event, we need volunteers to work on the following committees.

    Parking - Roger Merrill Chairman
    Entertainment and tours
    Donations for Door Prizes
    Arts and Crafts
    Food
    Programs -

    If you can help your chapter in this planning please contact Fred Rhine or Linda Porazzo.
    As I close let me thank all the Chapter Members who have hosted, planned or helped make the season a great success. I think all who attended enjoyed a great season of camping.
See you soon,

Fred Rhine

E-mail fred.rhine@comcast.net
See the Rallies Pages for
2004 Reports
and the
2005 Schedule
<
Membership Chairpersons 10/20/04

    We hope you all had a great time at the Salisbury rally. We were unable to attend, but wish we could have gone with you. We've put the coach away for the winter, and are looking forward to the next camping season. For those of you heading south, drive safe, we'll think of you (especially in Jan & Feb) and those of you staying up north like us, stay warm.

    Here are the new members who have joined us since the last newsletter:

Francis & Irene Lambert    Jaffrey, NH
Norman & Susan Goulet    Nashua, NH
John & Rosaleen Zibell    Georgetown, MA

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON.
TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!!    BOBBIE & GLENN

Vice President

    After a rainy start overnight on Friday for our annual joint meet with the Yankee Travelers at Salisbury Beach, the weather turned out to be beautiful for Saturday and Sunday, windy, but with warm sunshine. That's the kind of weather we have been used to in earlier years.
    A highlight was the pickup of our can tabs. I learned some interesting facts about how our tabs are used. To begin, a pound of tabs means that 1600 soda or beer cans were opened. Tabs bring about forty two cents a pound. There were fourteen barrels filled with ours, plus a couple boxes which could not fit the fourteen barrels. Each barrel holds between ninety and one hundred pounds of tabs. Doing the math, we turned in about 2,125,000 tabs worth about $550.00 when sold to the recycler. Helma Court #64 of Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America (LOSNA) collects and recycles our tabs as part of its obligation to extend financial support and assistance to Shriners Hospitals for Children with emphasis on the hospital fund, hospital sewing and special projects. The funds raised are used to buy medical and non-medical items for the Shriners Hospitals, such as the one in Springfield, Massachusetts.*
    For more information on the LOSNA tab recycling program see
http://www.shrinershq.org/shc/springfield/tabcollect.html.
    * I admit to copying parts of the last two sentences from Internet.
Bob Burnham, VP
Bob's Corner

    The tab collection for the Shriners Hospital for Children in Springfield, Massachusetts was a great success. At Salisbury we turned in fourteen barrels of tabs. This added up to 1269 pounds or 2,030,400 tabs. The Granite Staters really did a great job and I want to thank all of you for helping to make this a record number of tabs A special thanks go to Stet Hunt for storing them for the past year and jerry Goulet for delivering them to Salisbury.
THANK YOU ALL.

Joke of the Month

    While on a long drive through South Carolina an elderly gentleman thought that he was driving his motorhome at a reasonable speed, but the flashing blue lights in his rear view mirrors made him realize that he must have been over the speed limit.
    He handed the officer his license and made small talk while his wife dug through the glove compartment for the registration. "I'm usually very careful about my speed" he told him as his wife handed him the paperwork. The officer studied it and gave it back.
    "Sir", he said gruffly, " This is not your registration, it is a warning ticket you received for speeding in the state of Virginia".

Enjoy yourself until we meet again in the spring.

BOB
Deadline for Brooksville Pre-rally
December 31st!
Wagonmaster

    After our last newsletter we had one comment about late fees, and one "complaint". The board addressed the complaint and comment, and everything voted before will remain as voted. I guess I did not explain an item right, which had to do with showing up at a rally unannounced or late application, and being assessed a late fee. This club now has over 200 members strong and has to have some order of assembly allowing a host to have an accurate count for their rallies. Of course, if a person shows up at a rally that does not have a limited space that person will not be turned away, but a late fee will be charged unless arrangements were made with a host before the final count and they can accommodate them. "No" this club won't go down hill because of a couple of rule changes. As stated this club has over 200 members and needs to have the rules viewed now and then forthe good of the chapter to function. With a group as large as ours you will never satisfy everyone. Therefore, you will like some rallies and hate others; go to the ones you like. We are all human with different emotions and won't like some things so" get over it, and get on with life".

So much for that, now on to the good stuff

    Newfound R V Park - A hearty thank you to "Hosts" Geoff and Nan Blair and their side kicks Bill and Peg McShea for planning an extra rally at Newfound RV Park in Bridgewater N. H. A good time was had by all.
    Salisbury Beach rally was wet and windy, but we had a good turnout of the Granite Staters. The Yankee Travelers had to get a volunteer host at the very last minute when the one scheduled could not keep his commitment. The new host tried so hard but the weather wouldn't co-operate and without a tent, things did not go as planned. I give him a hip, hip, hooray for trying. Our support went by the wayside too, due to the rain and we did not want the McShea's or our other team leaders plugging in coffeepots and toasters with no tent to keep the rain off. We were informed later that the Yankee Travelers do not want to do October at Salisbury anymore. So folks put on your thinking hat for next October. My only request is a place with a building that late in the season. To the Yankee Travelers, thank you for all your past Salisbury rallies.
    Winter Dinner - Steve Davis (603-736-3315) has lined up a great place to dine for those of us left behind to brave the winter. It will be at the Red Apple Buffet, 161 Loudon Road. Concord, New Hampshire on January 16, 2005 at 1 p.m. Steve must have and accurate count for the restaurant no later than January 10th. The price is $11.39 all you can eat with, tea, coffee, soda, ete. payable at the restaurant.
    Safe travels to our members, who head south for the winter, stay well. Also any couple or two couples, who host a rally for a weekend, it is free for them. So think about hosting a rally for a scheduled month or plan something in-between as the Blairs & McSheas did. Thanks again folks.

"Happy Trails"

Linda Porazzo, Wagon Master
781-826-5563 Cell 617-851-3798
Lporazzo@gis.net

Chapter News for Members
Jim Belanger attended the Rally at Bridgewater recently. At the rally, an announcement was made that a good winter project for anyone would be to make 3 ft by 4 ft lap blankets for the Veterans at the Manchester VA Hospital and the TIlton Veteran's Home. The wheelchair bound vets use these to keep their legs warm.
They can be made by crocheting, knitting, or sewing like for quilts. I was asked to convey this to you so that it might go into the next newsletter for the Granite Staters. I will collect them at the Hopkinton Rally and bring them to the Veterans.
Any Questions?
Contact Jim Belanger
603-465-2301 		Notes re the April Rally in Connecticut:
Weekend of April 22 - 24, 2005 at Highland Orchards Campground in North Stonington, CT. Old Mystic Seaport and Foxwoods are just minutes away :fTom this very nice campground with great rally facilities.
The deposit has been made to the campground and it's now set with details to be worked on over the winter. Watch the newsletter for more information about this new rally! The time should be just right for some wonderful early spring days in southern New England for those of us chomping at the bit to wake up the coach and hit the road!
Geoff Blair
Apple and Pecan Turnovers
Submitted by Linda Porazzo

Prep Time: 15 min Total Time: 35 min
Makes 9 servings

1 frozen puff pastry sheet (1/2 of 17.3-oz pkg) thawed
1/2 cup Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread
1/4 cup sugar .
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped
1/3 cup Pecan pieces, toasted
1 egg, lightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees, roll out pastry on lightly floured surface to 14-inch square into 9 equal squares.
Mix cream cheese spread and sugar in medium bowl until well blended. Add apples and pecans; mix well. Spoon evenly onto centers of pastry squares. Brush edges of pastry with egg. Fold each square diagonally in half to form triangle; press edges firmly together to completely sealed. Brush tops with remaining egg.
Bake 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 375. Continue baking 10 minutes until turnovers are slightly puffed and golden brown. Cool 5 minutes

________________
Three Cheese Dip

Saute onion and 5 garlic cloves
Add and toss lightly 2 packages of well-drained spinach and a small can of artichokes, chopped
Cream 4 ounces of cream cheese, 1 stick of butter and 8 ounces of sour cream
Put onion, garlic, spinach and artichoke on the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan
Put the cream cheese mixture over it
Mix together Monterey Jack and Parmesan cheese and spread over the top.
Heat 15 minutes at 350.

NewsletterGranite StatersLate
September 2004
Fred Rhine, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE PRESIDENT, Fred Rhine

    As I sit here at home after returning form out 9th Anniversary bash at Sandwich Fairgrounds, I've started to reflect on the weekend. I feel honored to have been elected president for the coming year. I hope we as the Granite Staters can continue to move forward this coming year and into the future.
    During the weekend it was nice to see old friends and welcome new members. As we move ahead, we need more of our members to get involved in hosting rallies and assisting rally hosts. If you feel you could help us, please contact our Wagon Master, Linda Porazzo.
    As we move towards our 10th Anniversary, we are asking all of our charter members to help us plan this event for next September. Please forward any ideas you may have to me or Linda Porazzo.
    I would be remiss if I didn't thank the Browns, the Parsons, and the Reads for their many years of service to the Granite Staters.
    In closing, let me thank Merle and Ginny Lyons for hosting the September Rally, the McSheas for coffee and Stuart Lyons for the parking. We hope to see many of you at Newfound lake and Salisbury Beach.

Granite Staters' Remaining.....
    2004 Rally Schedule
OCTOBER 15-17 Salisbury Beach, Salisbury, MA
Joint meet with Yankee Travelers
Unlimited Spaces Available!!

            Hope to see you soon,

Fred Rhine
9/13/04 From The Membership Chairpersons

We hope you all had a great time at the Sandwich rally. It was great seeing each of you and we really enjoyed the superb weather and festivities put on by the Lyons families and their helpers. Thank you all. As of this tiQ1e there will be no more dues cards sent out!!! Thank goodness. For those of you diehards like me we can finally remove them from our wallets and ease the stress on our backs. Bobbie and I won't be able to attend the next rallies but will try to stop in and visit for an afternoon if possible. They are going to be a lot of fun and we wish we could attend with you.

9/15/04 Our daughter gave birth to an 8Ib.130z. baby girl at 8:24 this morning, both are doing well.

It was great seeing Bruce and Anne Brown again. It must have been hectic coming up from Fla. what with all the hurricanes as well as traveling back in the smallest rig I have ever seen Bruce in. It also wasn't quite the same Sandwich rally without Bill & Ginny Read. These folks had a real hectic month and it was impossible for them to make it to Sandwich. Bobbie and I would like to thank both the Browns and the Reads. You have been a pleasure to work and camp with. We hope to see each of you at future rallies. Our best wishes and thanks.

Here are the new members who have joined us since the last newsletter:

Russ & Sheila Mclean            Windham, NH

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!! BOBBIE & GLENN

See the
Rallies Pages for the
2004 Schedule
2005 Schedule
Note for readers of this online Newsletter:

Because of the length of the reports contained in the printed Newsletter, those reports have been moved to separate pages to make reading of this page easier (and to reduce its size). For them, click on these links.

Minutes of Business Meeting
Wagonmaster's Report
National Director's Report

Announcements and general interest items from the reports follow. Thanks for reading. - Bob

CHAPTER NEWS FOR MEMBERS

A local chapter booth (to attract new members) will set up at the 73rd National Convention in Perry, GA beginning March 21. Anyone interested in staffing it?

We now have 249 member families at the present time in our chapter.

We express our appreciation for the years of service and support of the Granite Staters by
Bruce and Anne Brown
Bob and Louise Parsons Bill and Ginny Read
These retiring officers are Charter Members and served as charter officers.

If anyone is interested in leading the Lawn Chair Brigade, please contact Bruce Brown.

John and Elaine Green invite members traveling in the South to stop by their home in the Florida panhandle.

If anyone would like to participate in a winter dinner for those who do not go south, please contact Steve Davis (603) 736-3315. Suggested month's ends of January beginning of February, weather permitting.

We appreciate the support of area businesses, such as New Hampshire Coach & Camper of Rumney. They are providing our morning coffee, etc. at the Bridgewater rally in October. Thank you!

Double Chocolate Mocha Trifle
This is a great party dessert for the chocolate lover in all of us!
1 (19.8 ounce) package brownie mix
1 3/4 cups cold milk .
2 (3.3 ounce) packages instant white chocolate pudding mix
4 teaspoons instant coffee granules
2 tablespoons warm water
2 cups frozen whipped topping, thawed
3 (1.4 ounce) bars chocolate covered toffee bars, chopped

Directions:
1. Prep~re brownies according to package directions. Bake and cool completely. Cut into 1 inch cubes.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together milk and pudding mix until mixture begins to thicken. Dissolve coffee granules in water and stir into pudding mixture. Fold in whipped topping.
3. In a glass serving bowl, layer one-third of brownie cubes, one-third of pudding mixture and one-third of candy. Repeat layering until all ingredients are used. Chill 30 minutes in refrigerator before serving.
Optional: decorate top with canned whipped topping swirl and shaved chocolate curls. Make sure you get a little of each layer in every serving. Enjoy!
Servings: 15

NewsletterGranite StatersSeptember 2004
Bruce Brown, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE (acting) PRESIDENT, Bob Parsons, VP

    The Granite Staters have been on the move with two rallies in the last few weeks. The TOP GUN Rally in Brooklyn, Connecticut was a great success and there were about 30 Granite Staters coaches in attendance. We volunteered to run the games and everyone did a great job, many of them worked for four hours on Friday and Saturday.
    Our last rally was held at the Beach Acres Campground in Wells, Maine. Thanks to the Munroe Family and the Sherman's, we had a great time despite the fact that we had rain for three out of the four days. I think that most of us ate our way through the weekend. Forty-three motor homes were in attendance.
    Remember, our next rally will be at the Fairgrounds in Sandwich NH. This is our ninth birthday bash and it promises to be a great rally with Merle and Ginny Lyon at the helm.
    Our number of tabs for the Shiners' Hospital is now over a million, and plans are being made to have them picked up at the Salisbury rally. Please bring your tabs to the next two rallies so that we can make this pickup be a record setter. For the new members, we have donated over five million tabs to the hospital. Please become a tab saver.

JOKE OF THE MONTH:
    Mrs. Jones was getting swamped with calls from strangers. The reason? A medical billing service had launched an 800 number that was identical to hers. When she called to complain, she was told to get a new number. "I've had mine for twenty years" she pleaded. "Couldn't you change yours?" The company refused. So Mrs., Jones said, "Fine. From now on, I'm going to tell everyone that calls that their bill is .paid in fulL" The company got a new number the next day.

Sandwich time again!
    Yes, folks, that annual Granite Staters' favorite is only a few days away. Registration deadline is Sept. 3rd. I expect Merle Lyon and crew will put on a great weekend for us at this classic country fairground. For those new to the Granite Staters, the Sandwich rally is usually our biggest event of the year. We will elect our officers (3 open seats this year), share some meals and entertainment, but mostly enjoy each other's company.

            Happy Motorhoming!

Bob
From The Membership Chairpersons
8-29-2004

We hope you all had a great time at the last rally. We wish we were able to attend more but are unable to do so at the present time. FamilY just left and (2) grandchildren are to be born soon!! Bobbie and I will bring to the membership a request that membership cards be eliminated. It is very time consuming to proouce these cards and for the most part it is unnecessary.
Bobbie and I will see you at Sandwich.

Here are the new members who have joined us since the last newsletter.

Robert & Marcelle Amarosa, Hampton NH
Shae & Marie Baddour, Seabrook NH
David & Beverly Griffiths, E. Wakefield NH
Walter & Joan Dawson, Colebrook NH

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!! BOBBIE & GLENN

Thank You
Northeast Area Rally Volunteers
We wish to thank all volunteers who worked security and the day gate at Essex Junction NEAR rally. You Granite Staters should be proud of your performance. Everyone served their schedule and several did extra hours when we had additional duties requested from us. Again thank you all very much!!
Fred & Blanche Roberts
Fred & Nancy Rhine
Bob & Marilyn Smith

POST-RALLY REPORT: Top Guns III
The Samara's, Christiansen's and Mattress's, Top Guns III Rally Hosts, wish to express their gratitude to all the Volunteers from each of the nine Chapters. Every Chapter had a huge turnout of Volunteers. They did an outstanding job. Though the attendance was less than 300, we heard nothing but praise for such a great fun-filled weekend. Because of the 32 vendor participants, we will have funds left over and will forward to each Chapter in less than 30 days, for future use, with a Financial Statement.
Thank you to all our RV friends.
Bill Mattress
We appreciate the support of area businesses, such as New Hampshire Coach & Camper of Rumney. They are providing some display coaches at our Sandwich rally, and are buying our morning coffee, etc. at the Bridgewater rally in October. Thank you!
See the
Rallies Page
for the 2004 Schedule
NOTE: The following is not an official Granite Staters rally, but it sounds like fun...

Come join us September 24-26

At beautiful LAKE GEORGE. NY, Tom and Pat McPherson and friends. We'll stay at the Lake George RV Park with lots of local activities.
   1. BALLOON FESTIVAL (fri. sat. and sun) Airport
   2. Blues Festival (sat. only) downtown Lake George
   3. Crafts Festival (sat. only) downtown Lake George
   4. Octoberfest (sat and sun) at 6 Flags
   5. Taste of the North Country (sun 11 am to 4 pm) Glens Falls
   6. Biking on great paved and unpaved , trails
   7. Sightseeing to Saratoga (a must see)

  • The kids are back in school, there's no foliage crowd .
  • The deal!
    Lake George R. V. Park
    74 State Route 149
    Lake George, N.Y. 12845-3775
    Phone 518-792-3775
  • $43.001 nightl 2 adults, 50 amp, water, sewer, cable, picnic table, fire ring, indoor pool, great facilities, and great bike trails. $75 deposit required and ask to be with Group # 4292
  • Balloon launches Friday nite, Sat. mom., Sat. nite they have them downtown and light them up. Last launch Sunday a.m.
  • Oompa Band at 6 Flags sat and sun. Dancing, German food, and German beer.
  • Taste of Glens Falls, 40 restaurants put on their best for you in the park. Music, fun. Purchase tickets and it goes to a local charity.
NewsletterGranite StatersAugust 2004
Bruce Brown, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE (acting) PRESIDENT, Bob Parsons, VP

    The Granite Staters have been on the move with two rallies in the last few weeks. The TOP GUN Rally in Brooklyn, Connecticut was a great success and there were about 30 Granite Staters coaches in attendance. We volunteered to run the games and everyone did a great job, many of them worked for four hours on Friday and Saturday.
    Our last rally was held at the Beach Acres Campground in Wells, Maine. Thanks to the Munroe Family and the Sherman's, we had a great time despite the fact that we had rain for three out of the four days. I think that most of us ate our way through the weekend. Forty-three motor homes were in attendance.
    Remember, our next rally will be at the Fairgrounds in Sandwich NH. This is our ninth birthday bash and it promises to be a great rally with Merle and Ginny Lyon at the helm.
    Our number of tabs for the Shiners' Hospital is now over a million, and plans are being made to have them picked up at the Salisbury rally. Please bring your tabs to the next two rallies so that we can make this pickup be a record setter. For the new members, we have donated over five million tabs to the hospital. Please become a tab saver.

JOKE OF THE MONTH:
    Mrs. Jones was getting swamped with calls from strangers. The reason? A medical billing service had launched an 800 number that was identical to hers. When she called to complain, she was told to get a new number. "I've had mine for twenty years" she pleaded. "Couldn't you change yours?" The company refused. So Mrs., Jones said, "Fine. From now on, I'm going to tell everyone that calls that their bill is .paid in fulL" The company got a new number the next day.

Sandwich time again!
    Yes, folks, that annual Granite Staters' favorite is only a few days away. Registration deadline is Sept. 3rd. I expect Merle Lyon and crew will put on a great weekend for us at this classic country fairground. For those new to the Granite Staters, the Sandwich rally is usually our biggest event of the year. We will elect our officers (3 open seats this year), share some meals and entertainment, but mostly enjoy each other's company.

            Happy Motorhoming!

Bob
From The Membership Chairpersons
8-29-2004

We hope you all had a great time at the last rally. We wish we were able to attend more but are unable to do so at the present time. FamilY just left and (2) grandchildren are to be born soon!! Bobbie and I will bring to the membership a request that membership cards be eliminated. It is very time consuming to proouce these cards and for the most part it is unnecessary.
Bobbie and I will see you at Sandwich.

Here are the new members who have joined us since the last newsletter.

Robert & Marcelle Amarosa, Hampton NH
Shae & Marie Baddour, Seabrook NH
David & Beverly Griffiths, E. Wakefield NH
Walter & Joan Dawson, Colebrook NH

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!! BOBBIE & GLENN

Thank You
Northeast Area Rally Volunteers
We wish to thank all volunteers who worked security and the day gate at Essex Junction NEAR rally. You Granite Staters should be proud of your performance. Everyone served their schedule and several did extra hours when we had additional duties requested from us. Again thank you all very much!!
Fred & Blanche Roberts
Fred & Nancy Rhine
Bob & Marilyn Smith

POST-RALLY REPORT: Top Guns III
The Samara's, Christiansen's and Mattress's, Top Guns III Rally Hosts, wish to express their gratitude to all the Volunteers from each of the nine Chapters. Every Chapter had a huge turnout of Volunteers. They did an outstanding job. Though the attendance was less than 300, we heard nothing but praise for such a great fun-filled weekend. Because of the 32 vendor participants, we will have funds left over and will forward to each Chapter in less than 30 days, for future use, with a Financial Statement.
Thank you to all our RV friends.
Bill Mattress
We appreciate the support of area businesses, such as New Hampshire Coach & Camper of Rumney. They are providing some display coaches at our Sandwich rally, and are buying our morning coffee, etc. at the Bridgewater rally in October. Thank you!
See the
Rallies Page
for the 2004 Schedule
NOTE: The following is not an official Granite Staters rally, but it sounds like fun...

Come join us September 24-26

At beautiful LAKE GEORGE. NY, Tom and Pat McPherson and friends. We'll stay at the Lake George RV Park with lots of local activities.
   1. BALLOON FESTIVAL (fri. sat. and sun) Airport
   2. Blues Festival (sat. only) downtown Lake George
   3. Crafts Festival (sat. only) downtown Lake George
   4. Octoberfest (sat and sun) at 6 Flags
   5. Taste of the North Country (sun 11 am to 4 pm) Glens Falls
   6. Biking on great paved and unpaved , trails
   7. Sightseeing to Saratoga (a must see)

FROM THE (acting) PRESIDENT,
Bob Parsons, VP

The Northeast Area Rally was held at the Champlain Valley Exposition in Essex Junction, Vermont on July 14,15,16 & 17. The Granite Staters had 32 coaches gather at the Town Plaza Shopping Center on Monday the 12th and we managed to get into the fairgrounds together. It was a hot afternoon and the waiting in the holding area had some of us quite uncomfortable sitting in our coaches. We had several other members in attendance that were parked in general parking.

Bruce and Anne, you would have been proud of us. We started Social Hour on Monday afternoon and continued to have one every afternoon along with a coffee hour on Monday and Tuesday mornings. The gatherings were held between the Rhine's and the Parsons' coaches and were well attended.

The entertainment was great and the opening ceremony parade set up by our own Stet Hunt was preformed in a tremendous thunderstorm. Our chapter banner carriers, Sandy Percy and Louise Parsons, and the state flag bearer, Don Percy were wet to the skin. On Friday night the entertainment was an Irish tenor that held the audience in awe for two hours. No one left the stands after the SO/50.

The Day Gate volunteers were lead by Fred Rhine and the Security volunteers were lead by Fred Roberts and Bob Smith. All three received the assistance of their wives Nancy, Blanche and Marilyn.

All in all, the entire rally was a great success and Louise and I are looking forward to seeing you at the Top Gun Rally in Brooklyn, CT.

Happy Motorhoming!

Bob

See the
Rallies Page
for the 2004 Schedule

Come to the rallies, we do have fun!
A typical Rally includes:
Saturday & Sunday morning: coffee, tea, cocoa, doughnuts, bagels
(bring your own beverage cup)
Friday & Saturday 4pm Social Hour: with shared snacks
(bring a beverage and a chair and something to share)
Saturday evening dinner: This could be a potluck, a catered meal,
or a restaurant dinner.
There is usually an event or sightseeing in the area of the rally.
The most important part of the weekend is friendship and fellowship!!

7-23-04 From The Membership Chairpersons

Bobbie and I had a great trip to Alaska. It is a vast state and it is beautiful beyond words. We hear that Essex Junction was a great success and that several of you out there (and you know who you are) have or will purchase new coaches. We hope we see them soon. Bobbie and I will see you at Sandwich.

Here are the new members who have joined us since the last newsletter:
George & Cynthia Haskell
Byron & Eunice Carpenter
David & Deloris Selvis
David & Jan Kenyon 		  Portsmouth, NH
West Berlin, VT
Nashua, NH
Keene, NH

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!! BOBBIE & GLENN

CHAPTER NEWS FOR MEMBERS
 
NATIONAL DIRECTORS REPORT
JULY 16, 17, 18,2004 N.E.A. RALLY

    Like any planned function there are always a few bumps along the way. Upon arrival at the Fair Grounds on Sunday 7/11/04, there was a Dog Show and Music Festival going on. Needless to say on Monday morning there were still tents, RV's and debris everywhere to be cleaned before anyone could begin his or her job.
    The N.M.A. Meeting was called to order by N.M.A. Area Vice President Bill Conway. The following officers were voted in for next year.
Rich Tufano
Esther Rogers
Paul Dammers
Jim Bums		   1 st. Vice President
2nd. Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
    The treasurer reported total monies, as of June 30, 2004 was $174,843.81. This total is before any rally expenses have been paid.
    Recommendations were made by the Audit Committee to better identify where money is being spent and crossreference it to the budgeted items.
    A committee was appointed to investigate the purchase of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) system to have available at rallies. 30 individuals attended the CPR! ADE class offered.
    All 911 calls go into a central distribution area. You must know the State, Town and your exact location.
    EXAMPLE:   Essex Junction, Vermont
Champlain Valley Exposition
Area Parked In
Row Number Parked In.
    Also in an emergency turn on your headlights and blow your horn. When a medical emergency arose at the rally the telephone numbers given did not work.

    There were 737 families attending the rally, 19 Dealers with 160 display coaches and numerous inside and outside vendors.
    The blood drive netted 60 pints of blood donated
    The 2005 N.M.A Rally will be held at the Eastern States Exposition Grounds in West Springfield, Ma.
    The Quonset Naval Air Station in Kingston RI is being looked at for the 2006 N.M.A Rally.

Evelyn Merrill - National Director


NEW ENTERING TIMES FOR
TOP GUNS III
GRANITE STATERS:
ENTER TOGETHER - PARK TOGETHER.

THURSDAY: MEET INSIDE THE GATE AT THE HOLDING AREA BETWEEN 1-2PM, or
FRIDAY: MEET INSIDE THE GATE AT THE HOLDING AREA BETWEEN 10-11 AM

You may enter on Thursday anytime after 1 pm, or Friday after 9 am, but only those entering at the same time can be sure of parking together.

The times have changed from what I told everyone at Essex Junction.

Louise Parsons, Wagon Master

NOMINATING COMMITTEE SUBMITS
SLATE OF OFFICERS
For 2004-2005
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
National Director
Alt. Nat'l Director    		Fred Rhine
Bob Burnham
Bill McShea
Betty Robicheau
Evelyn Merrill
Jerry Goulet
Nominating Committee:
Geoff Blair 603 523 9112
Clayton Buck 603 432 5105
Bob Cote
Louise Parsons 603 648 6104
Bill Read 603 924 3077
John Sandstrom 603 485 3970

The floor will be open at the Sandwich meeting for additional nominations.

NEW HAMPSHIRE COACH & CAMPER TO SPONSOR BREAKFAST

Thanks to New Hampshire Coach and Camper (Route 25, Rumney NH) for the very generous donation to provide breakfast both Saturday and Sunday during the October Rally at Bridgewater. Thanks for the donation, and support of our chapter! -Geoff Blair

 
UPCOMING RALLIES
AUGUST AT WELLS BEACH
August 13 -15, 2004
Beach Acres Campground
Wells Beach, Maine 		9th BIRTHDAY BASH
Sept. 10, 11, 12, 2004
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Sandwich, NH
 
FALL RALLY AT NEWFOUND R V PARK
October 1 - 3, 2004
Rt 3A - Bridgewater NH 		A WEEKEND AT SALISBURY BEACH
October 15 - 17,2004
Salisbury Beach MA
 
See the rallies page for reports and details of all our rallies


****** TOP GUNS RALLY UPDATE ******
(from the July Newsletter)

Anyone who wishes to come in on Thursday after 2pm and have preferred parking can simply add 20 bucks to the application, or if they have already sent in, can send in the $20.00 with their info and they will be added to the list for early entry. Volunteers only that are already on that list with Bill Mattress are allowed to enter earlier on Thursday. (must be done before July 23rd.
  1. There is a lot going on for kids and teens, so if anyone wishes to add a person, he can simply send in a check with all the info before July 23rd. (under 12 is 12.50 and over 11 is 25 dollars. We need the age so we can plan) toddlers are free, of course.
  2. All volunteers should now know what they are doing at the event. If you don't, please contact the team captain or Bill Mattress at 508 248 9725, or e-mail him at topgunsbill@aol.com
  3. If anyone has any kids prizes or adult prizes(new items), that you would like to donate, please bring to the event.
  4. Anyone who wishes to sit on the dunk tank for 20 minutes, please report to the dunk tank, anytime after 10 am on Friday, and pick your time and sign up.
  5. You can meet your friends just inside the gate (holding area) so you can park together.
  6. Please respect your volunteers. They are working for all of us.
  7. When you arrive, let the parking crew know, what area you prefer to park in (24 hour generator, volunteer (registration, security, etc), kids area, handicap, etc. As soon as you are parked, please report to registration shack with you parking location and get your updated flyer on the event. You will be given a generous parking space.
  8. You are welcome to invite a friend who has a motorcoach to this event, even if he is not a member of FMCA. Perhaps, they may join after seeing the fun we have.
NewsletterGranite StatersJuly 2004
Bruce Brown, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE PRESIDENT, Bruce Brown

TWEET, TWEET, TWEET

    Greetings from Florida. We made the move successfully. You probably know we have bought a house in Rockledge with our daughter and her husband (Laurie & John Haines). Unfortunately, John has not found work yet so he has stayed behind and Anne & I need to look out for Laurie and the kids. This means we cannot attend the Top Guns Rally in August, and therefore, NO LAWN CHAIR BRIGADE. We hate to cancel, but it seems we have no choice.
    Thanks to VP Bob Parsons For covering for me at the June rally. I have heard really good reports about the rally. What a great bunch of people you are.
    Betty Robicheau took over the chapter clothing program. Betty, you are the greatest!
    We have a new Wagon Master beginning in September. It is Linda Porazzo. Her phone is 781-826-5563. It is time to give her ideas for rallies for next year.
    It now looks like the next time we will see you will be at Sandwich.

Bruce

See the
Rallies Page
for the 2004 Schedule

6-21-04 From The Membership Chairpersons

Bobbie and I just returned frum the rally at Lake Forest Resort. The weather was great; the atmosphere was warm and friendly. The rally was hosted by Fred & Nancy Rhine, Bill & Carol Elkins, Bobbie & Glenn McCracken, and Bucky Buck did the parking. We had a great time and a special thanks to the Rhines for finding this campground.

WE BOTH WANT TO THANK THOSE OF YOU WHO SENT IN YOUR RENEWALS SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER. THIS DEFINITELY HELPED TO ELIMINATE A LARGE INFLUX OF RENEWALS AT ONE TIME. As OF 9:00PM THIS EVENING 64 MEMBERS HAVE NOT RENEWED THEIR MEMBERSHIP.

Bobbie & I will be heading to Alaska from .June 24 to .July 7. After our return I will be heading to VA until .July 13. We will work on any applications found in the mail as soon as we can.

Here are the new members who have joined us since the last newsletter:

Henry & Nancy Naro Hudson, NH
Rita Carignan Manchester, NH
Jack & Maureen Cadieux Chester, NH

OF SPECIAL NOTE

1) GLENN AND I HAVE BEEN RECEIVING NUMEROUS CALLS REGARDING THE FOREST LAKE RALLY, APPLICATION FORMS, REGISTRATION FORMS, ETC. ALL THIS INFORMATION IS ON THE GRANITE STATERS WEBSITE, BUT MANY OF OUR MEMBERS DO NOT SEEM AWARE OF HOW MUCH INFORMATION IS THERE. FOR EXAMPLE, THE REGISTRATION FOR THE FOREST LAKE RALLY WAS AVAILABLE ON THE WEBSITE SEVERAL WEEKS BEFORE IT CAME OUT IN THE LAST NEWSLETTER.

2) WE ALSO HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL RENEWAL CHECKS WITHOUT APPLICATION FORMS.
WE MUST RECEIVE THE APPLICATION ALONG WITH THE CHECK IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN OUR RECORDS PROPERLY AND HAVE A HARD COPY OF YOUR RENEWAL. PLEASE USE THE APPLICATION FORM...YOU CAN GET IT ON THIS WEBSITE OR IN THE NEWSLETTER.

3) MEMBERS HAVE BEEN INQUIRING ABOUT MEMBERSHIP CARDS. WE DO NOT SEND OUT CARDS INDIVIDUALLY. YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR NEW CARD AS AN A IT ACHMENT TO THE NEWSLETTER FOLLOWING OUR RECEIPT OF YOUR RENEWAL CHECK AND APPLICATION.

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!! BOBBIE & GLENN

CHAPTER NEWS FOR MEMBERS
 
Business Meeting at Wakefield
SECRETARY'S REPORT

    The business meeting at Lake Forest Resort in E. Wakefield, NH was called to order by VP Bob Parsons at 10:00 AM. President Bruce Brown was unable to attend the rally as he and Anne have returned to FL.
     New members David & Anne Marie Rolando and John & Mary Lou Magee were introduced and welcomed by the members.
     A round of applause was given to our co-hosts Glenn & Bobbie McCracken, Fred & Nancy Rhine, Bill & Carol Elkins and to Bucky for parking the rigs.
     The secretary's report was read by Shirley Goulet with one correction being noted, John Sandstrom's name had been omitted from the list of nominating committee members and was added. The report then was accepted as read.
     Treasurer Bill Read reported the balance now is $6,680.01 in the treasury.
     Wagon Master Louise Parsons stated more volunteers are needed for the Top Gun rally. Due to Bruce & Anne Brown's recent move, they will not be attending the Top Gun rally, and therefore there will be no lawn chair brigade parade. She also stated they have no volunteers thus far for the ring toss & horseshoe games. We may be asked to make a salad for approximately 30 people.
     Our membership chairman Glenn McCracken reported a membership list of 287 coaches and at this time 67 memberships have expired. They will be making a new list of paid-up members & at that time those who still are in arrears will not receive the newsletter in the future.
    Under Old/New Business Bob Parsons reported that with the timing of Bruce & Anne's move to FL and the need for the nominating committee to be formed, it was necessary to have this business meeting. He asked if there were any nominations from the floor. There were none.
     Due to the move, Anne Brown will no longer be handling the Chapter's clothing so it will be necessary for a new volunteer to take over. The duties include keeping inventory & selling the clothes at the rallies.
     National Director Evelyn Merrill reported there are 697 coaches signed up as of June 18th for the North East Area rally to be held at Essex Jct., VT July 14-17, 2004. She also listed the candidates that are running for office in Redmond, OR and they are listed in the June issue of the Newsletter.
     Stet Hunt announced our chapter will be involved in the opening ceremonies at the North East Area rally and he was asked to do the opening ceremonies. He has a banner & state flag & volunteers to carry them. He is looking for volunteers who have uniforms to march in to show we're behind our armed forces. These could consist of nurses, EMT's, law enforcement, etc., as well as military. He has a color guard as well.
     Fred Roberts reported the volunteers will be meeting 7/12/04 at Town Plaza in Essex Jct. & leaving together at 2:00PM sharp to go to the fairgrounds. They will be handing out numbers for the coachs to put in their windshield & 40 spots are reserved.
     Security & Day Gate Committee consist of Fred Roberts, Fred Rhine & Bob Smith. Fred Rhine asked for the volunteers for the day gate to see him after this meeting.
     Bob Parsons asked for our members to wear our chapter's clothing & to sit together at the opening ceremonies. The volunteers are asked to wear their volunteer shirts on Friday night.
     Under new business Geoff Blair reported a rally to be held at Newfound RV Park on Oct. 1-3. There are only 45 sites available, so anyone interested should sign up soon. Geoff also read a humorous article on RVing from the Weirs Times, a Lakes Region newspaper.
     The meeting adjourned at 10:40 AM.

     Respectfully submitted,
    Shirley Goulet,
    Acting Secretary


NOMINATING COMMITTEE SUBMITS
SLATE OF OFFICERS
For 2004-2005
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
National Director
Alt. Nat'l Director    		Fred Rhine
Bob Burnham
Bill McShea
Betty Robicheau
Evelyn Merrill
Jerry Goulet
Nominating Committee:
Geoff Blair 603 523 9112
Clayton Buck 603 432 5105
Bob Cote
Louise Parsons 603 648 6104
Bill Read 603 924 3077
John Sandstrom 603 485 3970

The floor will be open at the Sandwich meeting for additional nominations.

NEW HAMPSHIRE COACH & CAMPER TO SPONSOR BREAKFAST

Thanks to New Hampshire Coach and Camper (Route 25, Rumney NH) for the very generous donation to provide breakfast both Saturday and Sunday during the October Rally at Bridgewater. Thanks for the donation, and support of our chapter! -Geoff Blair

TABS TABS TABS

I want to thank all of you that brought your tabs to the East Wakefield Rally last weekend. As you know we did not turn in any tabs to the Shriners' Hospital last year but we will be turning them in sometime after the rally in Sandwich. At the present time, I believe that we have collected over ONE MILLION tabs that is 1,000,000 tabs. This has been a great effort on the part of the members of the Granite Staters and I want to thank all of you that have contributed to this wonderful cause. I hope that the new members of the chapter will start collecting tabs. It takes very little effort to collect them and they do not take up very much space. Let's put our noses to the grindstone and see if we can get a whole lot more before we turn them in to the hospital. I want to thank Stet Hunt for storing the boxes in his barn and a thank you to Jerry Goulet for supplying the boxes to put them into. A box of tabs came in the mail this past week from Ted and Judie Fredenburgh, members of our cub that are full timing all over the country. Ted and Judie, a special thank you from the Granite Staters and the Shriners Hospital for Children. Remember everyone, TABS TABS TABS. -Bob Parsons VP

OPENING CEREMONY - NE Area Rally

    We have been asked to set up the opening ceremony for the NEA Rally. For the opening ceremony, at the Northeast Area Rally July 15, we are asking any one that is a Veteran, Police, Fire, EMT, or Nurse, retired or still serving, that have a uniform, to join us as we say THANK YOU to all who have and are now serving in our Quest for Freedom.
    Our Honor Guard is all set, but we do need ALL our members to make this a very important day.
    Our Banner and the State Flag will be there, let me know if you are going to be there in uniform so we can line this all up.
    We will have a rehearsal Thursday morning after coffee and donuts, around 9:30, in front of the Grandstand.
     - Stetson Hunt

KUDOS to the PAROLISES

In the last newsletter, we forgot to thank Bunny and Joe Parolise, co-hosts of our May rally in Hopkinton. They really worked very hard and I couldn't have done it without them. -Betty Robicheau

 
UPCOMING RALLIES
AUGUST AT WELLS BEACH
August 13 -15, 2004
Beach Acres Campground
Wells Beach, Maine 		9th BIRTHDAY BASH
Sept. 10, 11, 12, 2004
Sandwich Fairgrounds
Sandwich, NH
 
FALL RALLY AT NEWFOUND R V PARK
October 1 - 3, 2004
Rt 3A - Bridgewater NH 		A WEEKEND AT SALISBURY BEACH
October 15 - 17,2004
Salisbury Beach MA
 
See the rallies page for reports and details of all our rallies


****** TOP GUNS RALLY UPDATE ******

Anyone who wishes to come in on Thursday after 2pm and have preferred parking can simply add 20 bucks to the application, or if they have already sent in, can send in the $20.00 with their info and they will be added to the list for early entry. Volunteers only that are already on that list with Bill Mattress are allowed to enter earlier on Thursday. (must be done before July 23rd.
  1. There is a lot going on for kids and teens, so if anyone wishes to add a person, he can simply send in a check with all the info before July 23rd. (under 12 is 12.50 and over 11 is 25 dollars. We need the age so we can plan) toddlers are free, of course.
  2. All volunteers should now know what they are doing at the event. If you don't, please contact the team captain or Bill Mattress at 508 248 9725, or e-mail him at topgunsbill@aol.com
  3. If anyone has any kids prizes or adult prizes(new items), that you would like to donate, please bring to the event.
  4. Anyone who wishes to sit on the dunk tank for 20 minutes, please report to the dunk tank, anytime after 10 am on Friday, and pick your time and sign up.
  5. You can meet your friends just inside the gate (holding area) so you can park together.
  6. Please respect your volunteers. They are working for all of us.
  7. When you arrive, let the parking crew know, what area you prefer to park in (24 hour generator, volunteer (registration, security, etc), kids area, handicap, etc. As soon as you are parked, please report to registration shack with you parking location and get your updated flyer on the event. You will be given a generous parking space.
  8. You are welcome to invite a friend who has a motorcoach to this event, even if he is not a member of FMCA. Perhaps, they may join after seeing the fun we have.
NewsletterGranite StatersJune 2004
Bruce Brown, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE PRESIDENT, Bruce Brown

TWEET, TWEET, TWEET

    I guess by now many of you know that we have sold our house in New Hampshire and are moving to Florida with our daughter and her family on June 18. That means we will miss several rallies this summer. Vice President Bob Parsons has agreed to cover for me. We are still looking for someone with a heart for merchandising to take over the chapter clothing from Anne.
    We do expect to leave our coach up here for the summer and fly up twice this summer- first for the Top Gun Rally in early August, and again for the Sandwich Rally in September.

    The "Thanksgiving in May" rally at Hopkinton was a big success in spite of the raw weather. Betty Robicheau and her committee did a fantastic job. I can't remember a rally with a dinner as good as that turkey with all the fixings.

    We had an impromptu business meeting, mainly to get a nominating committee started. We have the President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Wagon Master all leaving office in September. I know, I know... we are supposed to announce meetings ahead of time, and some important members had to be at the Essex Junction planning meeting that weekend. So, here is what we will do. At the JUNE RALLY there will be an OFFICIAL BUSINESS MEETING chaired by VP Bob Parsons on Saturday at 9:00 am. That will give others a chance to be appointed to the nominating committee if needed. The people appointed are John Sandstrom, Bucky Buck, Bill Read, Geoff Blair, and Louise Parsons. I hear the committee has some great ideas already.

    Anne and I are coming to the Top Gun Rally (Aug. 6-8) so we can lead the Granite Staters LAWN CHAIR BRIGADE for an exhibition at the rally on Saturday morning. We need you to march with us! You will have a ball. We will train you at a practice at the rally. It is east to learn. If you have not marched with us before, come to practice and then decide if you want to do it. Bring loud, mismatched, even outrageous clothing, and an aluminum lawn chair. We will have a few loaner lawn chairs and some loaner clothing. We are flying up so we can honor our commitment for this exhibition so please plan to participate and help make it a success.

Bruce

See the
Rallies Page
for the 2004 Schedule

5-26-04 From The Membership Chairpersons

Bobbie and I just returned from our opening rally at Hopkinton Fair Grounds. Although the weather was cold and damp, the atmosphere was warm and friendly. We always look forward to seeing our friends again, and meeting new members. Betty did a fabulous job coordinating things, and a good time was had by all that we spoke to.

WE BOTH WANT TO THANK THOSE OF YOU WHO SENT IN YOUR RENEWALS SINCE THE LAST NEWSLETTER. THIS DEFINITELY HELPED TO ELIMINATE A LARGE INFLUX OF RENEWALS AT ONE TIME. ONCE AGAIN, BOBBIE AND I HAVE HIGHLIGHTED MEMBERS ADDRESS LABELS WITH EXPIRATION DATES OF MAY 2004. IF YOU DO NOT PAY YOUR DUES NOW, THIS WILL BE THE LAST NEWSLETTER YOU RECEIVE, AND YOU WILL BE DROPPED FROM THE MEMBERSHIP LIST. PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO FMCA IS CURRENT WHEN YOU SEND YOUR CHECK FOR RENEWAL IN THE GRANITE STATERS.

We will be away from June 24 to July 7. There are currently over 100 members who have not renewed their membership, and this means that any renewals sent in after this newsletter, may have to wait for processing. We would like to hear from you ASAP, since we will also be co-hosting the rally the week prior to our departure.

Here are the new members who have joined us since March 2004:
Carleton & Mary Jane Jones
Richard & Barbara Gagnon
Joe & Pam Caradonna
Richard & Jane Fox
Donald & Gail Metzger
Edward & Bonnie Mutney
Jack & Diane Raid
John & Mary Lou Magee
Phillip & Jone Kerkhoff
Jack WhiteV		 Richmond, NH
Manchester, NH
Salem, NH
Amherst, NH
Nashua,NH
Franklin, NH
Nashua,NH
Warren, RI
Kingston, NH
Strafford, NH

HOPE TO SEE YOU SOON, TAKE CARE OUT THERE...!! BOBBIE & GLENN

Secretary's Report
May Business Meeting

Our first meeting of 2004 was held at the Hopkinton State Fairgrounds on May 22nd at 9:00 am, President Bruce Brown presiding. Bruce announced that he and Anne have sold their home in Belmont, NH, and will be moving to Florida. Bob Parsons, Vice President, will be our interim. Another meeting is scheduled for June at our rally at Lake Forest Resort, E. Wakefield, NH.

A welcome was given to our new members. A big thank you was given to the following for making the Hopkinton Rally such a success:
    Host Couple, Tom & Betty Robicheau
    Bucky & Thelma Buck
    Bob & Barbara Cote
    Gus & Bea Swanson
    Linda & Paul Porazzo
    Joan & Arty O'Neil
    Donald & Rose Welch
My apologies if I left someone out.

Treasurer's Report: Bank balance 4/30/04 $5016.20, with approximately $2000.00 of this in escrow as advance membership dues. $750.00 is advanced out to two 2004 rallies as deposits.

Wagon Master's Report: June Rally hosts: Bobbie & Glenn McCracken; Fred & Nancy Rhine. Reservations for October rally must be made by Sept. 1st as sites are limited and the rally hosts must close their reservations by that date. Top Gun Rally: six people are needed from our chapter for various jobs. Note: someone is needed now to fill in for Bruce Brown to lead the Granite Staters Lawn Chair Brigade at the Top Gun Rally. The chapter is scheduled and committed to this. Essex Junction: 10 people still needed

Membership: 285 coaches currently listed on membership roster. 108 memberships will expire as of May 30, 2004. When you receive your newsletter, if the label is highlighted, that means your membership is expiring.

VP Bob Parsons gave info on our tab collection for new members.

Nominating Committee was formed consisting of: Bob Cote, Geoff Blair, Clayton Buck, Louise Parsons, and Bill Read We have several positions to be filled: President, Vice President, Treasurer. In addition, Wagon Master and Clothing Manager.

Essex Junction Rally: We will caravan in, no information at present.

Respectfully,
Ginny Read, acting Secretary


UPDATE:
NORTHEAST AREA RALLY
ESSEX JUNCTION, VERMONT
SECURITY & DAY GATE VOLUNTEERS

WE NEED A FEW MORE GRANITE STATERS TO FILL OUR ROSTER, AND ALTERTNATES WHO CAN FILL SPOTS AT THE LAST MINUTE if needed. We want to thank all members who have volunteered for security and day gate duty in Vermont in July. We learned at the planning meeting in VT this weekend we will need a few more people, as they have increased our duties. IF YOU HAVE NOT VOLUNTEERED AND WISH TO DO SO, PLEASE CONTACT FRED ROBERTS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. (FDR26@pocketmail.com or 603-529-1868). Also, IF YOU HAVE VOLUNTEERED LAST FALL AND YOUR PLANS HAVE CHANGED please let me know at once.

    All volunteers will receive a coffee mug (with rally logo), a $5 chit to purchase food or FMCA items, a T shirt with logo and Volunteer on it, and no charge "early arrival" parking.
     We will meet at the Town Plaza on Monday July 12th anytime before 2PM. NOTE THERE IS NO OVERNIGHT PARKING IN THIS LOT. To be able to park together we must all arrive in a convoy. We will leave the Plaza at 2PM sharp, so be on time or you will be parked on a random basis on the fairgrounds.

    All Volunteers must pre-register with FMCA and have received your packet from Cincinnati to have the parking sheet for the windshield. You will receive your volunteer card and coach number card as you leave the Plaza lot. (This is to make it easier for the parking crew.)
    To reach the Town Plaza (old Ames, now closed) and Grand Union store lot, follow DIRECTIONS below. (This is the same lot used on previous rallies.)

Follow route 89 north to exit 15 (also route 15), turn right toward Essex Junction.
Move to left lane as soon as possible and go straight thru 5 lights.
At next light turn left onto Susie Wilson Road.
Stay left to turn into Town Plaza at 1st light.
    Again, thanks for Volunteering and see you in Vermont!

    Fred Roberts, Bob Smith, Fred Rhine


****** TOP GUNS RALLY UPDATE ******

Reservations have now reached 175. When Reservations reach 350, the Fairgrounds will be full and all checks will be returned to sender. Also, there will be no "drive-ups" allowed at the Rally and only the people who have pre-paid the $20 for Thursday will be allowed into the Fairgrounds after 2 pm on Thursday. There is a $10.00 charge for any changes in your Registration/Application. The Fairgrounds has to be paid in advance for each coach per night.

Please remember to go to the Registration Booth as soon as you have parked your coach and let them know the parking area/row you are parked in and also pick up your Rally updated flyer of the weekend events.
There will be special parking areas for Handicap, 24 Hour Generator use, Registration, Security, Vendors and Volunteers. If you are a volunteer, your name must have been submitted to Bill Mattress prior to this date.
Volunteer committees are now full.
Name tags are required at all Rally Functions. Your lawn chair will be your best friend at this Rally.

Don't forget Friday is 50's, 60's and 70's attire and wear your wildest hat.....Prizes! Saturday is Country Western attire, so "Cowboy-up".......Prizes!

All Dunk Tank Volunteers please go to the Dunk Tank and pick your 20 minute timeslot for dunking......prizes for most dunked! Anyone else wanting to sit on the dunk tank for 20 minutes are welcome. Go to dunk tank and sign up. Please participate in the other games....Prizes!
There is a lot going on for kids also. Please list ages on the application.
Ladies, come join us for a Red Hat Society meeting with your Red Hats and Purple Shirts.

Preliminary indicators show the Rally's 50/50 raffle, led by Nat & Verna Gonslaves and Tony & Joan Carcieri, will probably have two BIG winners as in the last Top Guns. Hopefully, the Treasury will not need any additional funds.

Get your reservations in early, don't be left out..........

Bill Mattress

NewsletterGranite StatersMarch 2004
Bruce Brown, President Carol and Dave Bovee, Editors

FROM THE PRESIDENT, Bruce Brown

TWEET, TWEET, TWEET

    The February Southeast Area Rally in Brooksville, FL was a whole lot of fun. Bucky Buck and Larry Adams led the caravan of about forty coaches for more than 20 miles. The caravan went as smooth as grits, to use a southern expression.
     Our coach broke down on the way to the pre-rally so we missed out on it all together. Everyone says it was a success. Many thanks to Bob Burnham and Betty & Tom Robicheau for all their work...

     The high point of the Brooksville rally was drag racing electric scooters on the old airport runway after social hour. Scooters were a hot item in the vendor tent and several Granite Staters bought them. The racing started with Chuck Peahl and Bucky but expanded to include Larry & Cheryl Adams, Anne Brown, and Bill & Jane Williams. Jerry Goulet's 90cc gasoline scooter was disqualified.

     The Lawn Chair Brigade marched in the parade and, as usual, we were a big hit. The costumes werethe most colorful ever and the drills were outstanding too.

     Louise Parsons, Wagon 0Master, has put together a great season of activities for us. Betty Robicheau told me about plans for the May 21 - 23 rally at the Hopkinton Fairgrounds that they and the McPhearsons have planned and it should be great fun and fellowship. If you have not been to one of our rallies, this one would be a good start.
     PS Anne is looking for someone with a heart for merchandising to take over the chapter clothing program. If you might be interested, speak to Anne or me.

Bruce

NORTHEAST AREA RALLY
ESSEX JUNCTION, VERMONT
JULY 15 – 16 -17, 2004
(Repeated from November Newsletter)
Granite Staters will need 66 volunteers for the Day Gate and Security assignments. Rally officials expect each volunteer to spend 4 hours at the assigned post. (This may be 2-two hour shifts or 1-four hour shift.) Current plans are to meet (at a yet-to-be-determined site) and caravan into the fairgrounds on Monday, July 12th.
Volunteers will each receive a $5.00 chit to be used at selected vendors on site. Each volunteer will also receive a T-shirt with the rally logo. We will need your shirt size when you sign up, along with a means to contact you, either by phone or e-mail.
This year, we do not expect to have to shut off volunteers at our 66 quota, but expect to be able to assign them to an overflow pool, which may be called upon as the need arises. (This may be merely standing by your coach in case you are needed.) We received 64 volunteers at the Goose Hollow and Salisbury rallies. We will need a few more to fill our quota due to possible changes in plans and (heaven forbid) sickness.
Please contact Fred Roberts 33 Woodfern Rd. Weare, NH 03281 (mail will be forwarded thru the winter), or by e-mail FDR26@pocketmail.com or by phone after May 1st (603) 529-1868.

Thanks for volunteering!! Fred Roberts, Bob Smith, and Fred Rhine


From The Membership Chairpersons

Bobbie and I have been anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring so that we can fire up the motorhome and see our friends at Granite Staters rallies. We hope that all of you had a safe and enjoyable winter. There are approximately 160 memberships that will expire in the next few months. As a heads up and to eliminate a large influx of renewals at one time Bobbie and I have highlighted members address labels with soon to expire dates. Please make sure that your membership to FMCA is current when you send your check for renewal in the Granite Staters.

Here are the new members who have joined us since Salisbury newsletter 10/03 :

Sandy & Don Percy    Belmont NH
Karl & Ann Phelps    Laconia NH
Gerrard & Gisele Carignan    Manchester NH
Larry & Dottie Conroy    Nashua NH
John & Jeannine Constantine    Tyngsboro MA
Paul & Janet Landry    Burlington VT

Hope to see you soon, Take care out there...!!

Bobbie & Glenn

See the
Rallies Page
for the 2004 Schedule

FROM THE WAGON MASTER

Look at our schedule, put it on the fridge, mark the dates on your calendar and we'll be seeing you for another year of fun rallies.

VOLUNTEERS: FMCA chapters rely on volunteers and we have many. Look at the names on the back of this newsletter and you will find some. Look around at the rallies and you will find many more helping without being asked. Please remember to thank them and also join them.

Those who have been to a TOP GUN RALLY know that this terrific rally is a cooperative effort among many clubs under the direction of Bill Mattress. This year we need 6 volunteers so that we can do our share for this rally. Please call or e-mail me and tell me that you would like to volunteer. You will helping for a few hours on Saturday morning and also asked to prepare a large salad for dinner (you will be reimbursed for the cost).

2 volunteers needed to take charge of the dunk tank 2 volunteers needed to take charge of horseshoe and beanbag game 2 volunteers needed for the children's program.

Bob and Louise Parsons e-mail cozy1@parsonsworld.us Telephone (603) 648-6104
FROM THE TREASURER
Bank Balance January 31, 2003    $6079.48
Pre-Paid Dues in Escrow 2106.00
(Note: this is 100 of our member 273 membership
units paid from 1 year to 5 years in advance)
Useable dollars in Bank Account $3973.48
Of the useable bank balance, $1322.81
is income from our 2003 Rallies.

Bill Read, Treasurer