The FMCA convention at Brunswick, ME is over... It surely was an impressive sight, those thousands of people and their thousands of coaches diagonally parked in four rows on each of the two runways (which are probably 2 miles long), as well as on the infield grass, taxiways, and apron areas.

Let’s give Stet Hunt a great big thank-you for his long days and hard work coordinating our security volunteers. At FMCA conventions, it is customary for chapters in the hosting region to volunteer for one of several vital tasks. The Granite Staters, under Stet’s able leadership, shared the security duties with the Jersey Gems.

Most of the security volunteers arrived in a caravan on Monday, and were given prime, close-to-the-activities parking spaces. I spent Monday night in the "holding area" to lead our second caravan on Tuesday. Regrettably, but not unexpectedly, we were parked over a mile from our first group. There was a shuttle bus service, and yes, Amy, Mara, Sam and I put a lot of mileage on our bicycles that week.

I brought my kids along for my security assignment on Wednesday, "guarding" a seldom-used door to the indoor exhibits building. Amy said "that was the most boring afternoon of my life!", but yet she understands it was important. One can’t expect the glamour assignments all the time.

On Friday and Saturday there were numerous activities for the kids, so I wasn’t able to socialize as much as I would otherwise have liked. It was a pleasure to meet so many of you for the first time. Big events like Brunswick are fun, but I like the smaller chapter rallies even better.

Dave Bovee

Brunswick was a success. Entrance and exit was smooth and uneventful, thanks to the local police and FMCA’s advance planning. We left Thomas Point about 7:45am and were all set up at the airbase by 8:45 am. The weather cooperated and made the convention very pleasant. We also were able to meet quite a few new Granite Staters who parked with David Bovee’s caravan.

One of the nicest things that happened at the convention was the Granite Staters and the Jersey Gems finally meeting face to face. We have been in touch by e-mail for most of this year. We sure enjoyed visiting with them and their congenial president and first lady, Paul and Marilyn Densten. We plan to have a joint meet next year.

Louise Parsons

A special thank you to all the Security Volunteers at Brunswick.

It was a very difficult duty for everyone, not knowing where they were going to work or how many hours, but everyone came forward to volunteer when asked.

It sure was a great week. Are we ready to do it again???

Thanks again for a job well done.

Stet and Edie

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