Microsoft Word - May Newsletter 2010

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Escapees Mid-Atlantic Chapter 20 Vol. XXVI No. 2May 2010

President Rudy Mager - [email protected] Vice President Ann Hanks

Secretary Monica Behum [email protected] 3816 Schroeder AvenueTreasurer Phil Devonshire [email protected] Perry Hall MD 21128Newsletter Cindy Devonshire [email protected] 410-248-3178

From the Prez

Its nice to be home after along winter. Texas was like everywhere else in the south---COLD..I could not be more proud of Chapter 20 for the participation [ 15 rigs ] at the multi-chapter rally inMarion NC. Everyone on the parking team from Chapter 20 and those from other chapters whovolunteered did a great job. The parking came off without a hitch,parking 85 rigs. Thank you one and allfor your help. We also had a great Pot-Luck on Friday and invited all the chapters to come. I don't knowthe exact number but a lot of SKPS from other chapters joined us. The weather did not let us down sunnyand warm every day. Some rain on Monday morning at hitch-up, all in all great weather. A committee wasformed to continue to have Eastern rallies. Tom Johnson Rally Park was chosen again for next years rally.One of the highlights of our experience was a 25 mile ride thru the Smokies from Cabe's Cove along theriver to Gatlinburg twisting and turning all the way. What a beautiful ride!! Also exploring the backmountain roads was exciting.See you all in July in Leesport.

SKP Huggs Safe Travels

RudyRudyRudyRudy

From the Vice PresidentHi Folks,The weather was great at the Multi Chapter Rally and it was nice to see so many friends after the coldwinter in Maryland. The campground was beautiful and we had a wonderful rally. Wish you all couldhave been there.Hope to see you all at our next Rally in July. Until then, be safe.

Love & Lots of Hugs,

AnnAnnAnnAnnFrom Phil

Dues for 2010 are now due. I send thanks to everyone who has paid. We even got a check for $50 fromone member, paying ten years ahead! Wow, that is just super. If you have not sent your dues check of $5for 2010, please consider doing it soon. Feel free to pay for more than one year at a time, if you wouldlike. Please mail checks to: Phil Devonshire

Mid Atlantic Chapter 20RR#3 Box 206

Wyalusing PA 18853


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Minutes to Mid Atlantic Chapter 20

May 1, 2010

Multi Chapter Rally

Tom Johnson Rally Park, Marion NC

The meeting was called to order at 10:00 AM by President Rudy Mager. Officers present were President-Rudy Mager, Vice President- Ann Hanks, Treasurer- Phil Devonshire and Acting Secretary- Cindy

Devonshire. Members stood for the Pledge of Allegiance and a silent remembrance of our troops. Therewere 15 rigs in attendance with a total of 30 members present at the rally. VCRs present were John andJoan Sloane, Bob and Betty Bear, Tom OBryant and Chapter Director Susie Orr. Cindy read the minutesof the September meeting. Motion to accept the minutes was made by Harry Bellerby and seconded byKeith Murphy. Phil Devonshire reported a bank balance of $1659.27. The treasurers report will be filedfor audit. We were pleased to have Patricio Vasquez and Bob and Molly Pinner, as first time rallyattendees and Larry Koppenhaver and Jay Casey as new members.

The VCR report was given by Susie Orr. She wanted to thank Bryan and Jane Rose for all of their effortsin organizing the Multi Chapter Rally. Susie then updated members on the value of joining a SKP HOPprogram. She also encouraged members to think about being a Host or Co Host for a rally, it can be fun!

She closed by saying that the Multi Chapter Rally was a good idea.

Old BusinessCindy Devonshire asked for feedback on the Google Map of Chapter 20 Winter travels. She stated that itwas fun to know where everyone was and that she and Phil were able to meet some fellow membersbecause they knew of their location. Cindy also said to watch your inbox for a new form about currentmember news.

New Business-Barry and Mary Moien agreed to again be the nominating committee. This year the Vice President andTreasurer are up for election. If you are interested please notify them at 301-474-4713, or e-mail them at

[email protected] or [email protected]. Susie Orr gave Mary the job description of each job to help herexplain the duties to interested individuals.- Rudy stated that he and Fran would like to represent Chapter 20 on the Row at the Escapade.- Rudy also reported that the latest SKP # was 105959.- If you are in Florida Chapter 27 is moving their monthly meeting to the Golden Corral, check the detailsin the Escapee Magazine. Everyone is welcome to attend.- The July Rally will be held at Blue Falls Grove Campground in Reading PA, south of Leesport. Cindywill provide directions in the newsletter. Hosts are Monica and Joe Behum and Co Hosts are Ann and IrakHanks. Please call Monica or Ann with your reservation, as well as making your own reservation with thecampground.- Sunshine report- Cathy Strashaugh reported that she and John had seen and talked with JM and Ruth

Thompson. Ruth is coming along. JM has added on to the house and as soon as possible he hopes to bringRuth home. Ann reported that John and Barb McDonnell are both feeling better and are hoping to makethe July rally.

Meeting was adjourned at 10:23 AM.Cindy Devonshire, Acting Secretary


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Badge InformationSeveral members were asking where to get Escapee's badges. One vendor for badges is Too Crazy

Ladies. You can look over their selection and order on line at toocrazyladies.com. If you would care tocontact them by mail or telephone their address is:

Too Crazy Ladies154 Rainbow Dr. #5452

Livingston, TX 77399-1054

email: [email protected] or call 1-575-525-0141Newsletter Information

It occurred to me one day that members might want to locate past information, jokes,pictures, addresses (or whatever) in a past newsletter. I am also asked frequently to printoff a copy of our last newsletter for new members or potential new members. Therefore, Iused Google Sites and created a site where such information can be found. I have postedthe 2008-10 newsletters, the chapter roster and links to helpful Escapees pages. To accessthis web site go to: https://sites.google.com/site/midatlanticchapter20

I am adding slideshows of the rallies. Check it out!

Some Information about Chapter Rallies*Early Bird arrivals are always welcome. Some of us arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday prior to the rally.*We often go out to eat at a local restaurant on Thursday evening.*The host couple may provide a light dinner on Friday evening. This is optional and up to the hosts.*Breakfast on Saturday morning is provided.*Chapter business meeting is later Saturday morning.*Saturday afternoon is often open for sightseeing, crafts, shopping or visiting, your choice.*Saturday night is usually a pot luck dinner*Friday and Saturday afternoons we have a Happy Hour, so plan on a snack to share if you would like.*Donated items are auctioned on Saturday evening, if enough have been gathered. Clean out those

closets for new or gently used items you dont want in your rig or home closet any more!!

*Plan on bringing your own place setting and beverage to meals. Coffee and tea are provided.*A $10 rally fee is collected. Phil is willing to take dues payment at any time.*A light hitch-up breakfast is provided on Sunday morning.*****A FUN TIME IS HAD BY ALL!!!!

Chapter InformationIf you need to check on Chapter 20 Activities, please check the Escapee's Website at:

http://www.escapees.com/chapter20 or check the voice mail at:Chapter Voice Mail Information: 888-757-7701 ext. 8020.

Be sure to check out the new Web Album.

Ithas Multi Chapter Rally PicturesCheck outhttp://picasaweb.google.com/phdevon

I have uploaded several albums to this site. There are photos from all three 2008 rallies, three 2009

rallies and the Multi Chapter Rally in 2010. Check it out and watch the slideshows. I will be addingmore pictures in the future.

Voice mail by Jerry Hopman

Webmaster is Tom McIlwain

Thanks Guys!!


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Come on, come all!!!Blue Falls, Reading PA ~~ Near Leesport PA

Hosts: Joe and Monica Behun Co Hosts are Ann and Ira HanksThe Mid Atlantic Chapter 20 Rally and business meeting will be at Blue Falls Grove Campground inReading PA. Dates are July 16-17-18 with early arrivals always welcome. You can check out thecampground web page at Blue Falls Grove Campground and see everything that is offered. Sites withwater and electric are $26 a night, rally fee is $5.00 per couple. Please make your reservations by July 1

with Joe and Monica [email protected] or call them at 610-698-5810. If you cannot reach them,please call Ann Hanks at 410-248-3178.

Please call the campground at 610) 926-4017 to make your camping reservation!!

Blue Falls Grove is "The Perfect Place" for so many things! Whether it's a banquet or reception, a cateredevent for your company, a small picnic, or just a day of fun in the sun at our pool, we think you'll agree.Please take a look through our site to see all that we have to offer. We hope to see you soon! Blue Falls

Grove is centrally located near many wonderful attractions in the Reading area. These are just a few:

Daniel Boone Homestead400 Daniel Boone Road, Birdsboro, PA 19508 Phone610-582-4900. Daniel Boone's birthplace.

Boyertown Area Historical Society43 South Chestnut Street, Boyertown, PA 19512.Phone 610-367-5255.

Boyertown Museum of Historic Vehicles28 Warwick Street, Boyertown, PA 19512. Phone

610-367-2090. Learn about Pennsylvania'sTransportation Heritage.

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary1700 Hawk Mountain Road, Kempton, PA 19529.Phone 610-756-6961. Hiking, visitor center. Yearround and registered National Landmark

Crystal Cave Enjoy an underground tourRD#3 Kutztown, PA 19530. Phone 610-683-6765.

Pinnacle Ridge Winery407 Old Rt 22, Kutztown, PA 19530. Phone 610-756-4481. Complimentary tours and tasting.

Blue Marsh Lake1268 Palisades Drive, Leesport, PA 19533. Phone610-372-8939.

Cabella'sRoute 61 & 78. Tour the sportsman's paradise.

Vanity Fair Outlet CenterWest Reading, PA. Discount stores.

Rodale Institute Experimental Farm611 Siegfriedale Road, Kutztown, PA 19530.Phone 610-683-1400. Organic farm. Tours,workshops, exhibits, demonstration.


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Join us for the 50th EscapadeGoshen, IndianaSeptember 12-17, 2010

Honor the Past, Embrace the Future. This powerful theme along with thesunrise logo represents the very essence of the 50th Escapade.

Escapees golden anniversary event dawns September 12, 2010, inGoshen, Indiana, where beautiful horse-drawn buggies signify a slowerside to life. We promise attendees will have time to enjoy and reflect asthey come and go from the Elkhart County Fairgrounds, but they will alsohave the hustle-bustle curriculum full of educational choices, from hobbiesto lifestyle to technical training, at their doorstep. Attendees will find athoughtful blend of things familiar and things brand new.

Chapter 20 business meeting will be held in Goshen at the Escapade.

From Denny and Susie Orr:

Hi Folks --- We know everyone would like Escapade in their backyard however seasons, facilities, classrooms, hookups, and costs all

come into play in choosing a location and a date. It is not an easy task. With only one Escapade a year there are ways to share Escapees closer to home and enjoy the fun of being with Escapees friends oldand new. So if Escapade is in the East, why not plan a group rally with a neighboring chapter(s) in theWest. Likewise, if Escapade is in the West, why not plan a group activity in the East.

There are a number of chapters that have had very successful, enjoyable and terrific joint rallies. Floridachapters are now sharing their Nov rally. MI/OH/IN have a tri rally each summer. 37/47 share severalrallies each summer in Northern Ca/Southern OR. Last summer the NW chapter 34 hosted /5/35/33 at agrand joint rally. This past winter 32/45 shared a terrific rally. The All Eastern Rally in NC was a

success. And this fall there will again be an All Texas Rally. By joining together chapters/c-bofs canhave neat rallies, share ideas, hosts and enjoy great camaraderie.

There are a number of ways to plan such events.

Rotating hosts from one year to another by group. Eg: #6 host this year, #36 next year and #51 thefollowing year. Rotating hosts by the day. Eg: #10 host Monday, #11 host Tuesday, #19 host Wednesday, #30 hostThursday Rotating hosts by event. Eg: #34 does meals, #5 does games, #33 does Happy Hour, #35 does tours Review and use the Rally Host Manual to get started with ideas. Easy download at

http://www.escapees.com/chapters/OfficerManuals.asp Share ideas and success stories with us at [email protected]

It is never too early to dream some dreams, make some plans or get started with some new ideas. It takesjust one enthusiastic person to get things started. Dont be afraid, there are always folks there to help ifyou just ask. Others are just waiting for someone to take charge and then they are then there to help.

Hope this tickles your interest!SKP Hugs ~~~~Susie & Denny OrrSKP Hugs ~~~~Susie & Denny OrrSKP Hugs ~~~~Susie & Denny OrrSKP Hugs ~~~~Susie & Denny Orr


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Multi Chapter Rally ReportEveryone seemed to be in agreement that the first Multi Chapter Rally was a huge success. Bryan

and Jane Rose and Larry and Marilyn Forbes did a fine job of organizing the rally, arranging tours,gathering door prizes, and setting up catered dinners. We are all thankful for their many, many hours ofwork. Final tally was 85 rigs in attendance with 156 Escapees attending. Some members drove in whiletheir rigs were being serviced, a few just drove in, some members bought NEW rigs, many shopped atTom Johnsons RV store with a 10% Skp discount, while others just browsed through the many RVs ondisplay. Chapters 3, 6, 15, 16, 20, 26, 27, 29, 36, 41, 42, and 51 were represented. Many members fromthe Solos and the Boomers were also there.

We had some new Escapees sign up as well as new members to local chapters. Chapter 20 had 15rigs and 30 members present! Way to go! Chapter Directors Denny and Susie Orr attended the rally andwe were also fortunate to have many club VCRs in attendance. The VCRs present were: Bryan and JaneRose, Larry and Marilyn Forbes, Bob and Betty Bear, Stan and Betty Bober, Tom and Mary AnnOBryant, Bob and Molly Pinner, Keith and Shirley Murphy, and John and Janie Sloane.

The Rally Park at Tom Johnsons Camping Center was more than adequate for our needs. We allenjoyed having a full hook up, a very nice pavilion, super clean rest rooms, and a great little restaurantnearby. The Tom Johnson Caf served many of us a great breakfast and at lunch time the onion rings weresaid to be legendary. The prices were very reasonable.

Chapter 20 was responsible for the parking. Phil Devonshire was in charge and he wants to thank

Rudy Mager, Bob Iles, Ira Hanks, John Strasbaugh and Jack Mulhall for their assistance.The weather for most of the week was outstanding, Sunrise over the campground was beautiful

to see, if you were awake to view it!Early arrivals had a good time catching up on news and going out to eat. Is that a surprise? The

Biltmore Estate in Ashville was toured by a large group on Friday. The azalea and other flowers in bloomthis time of year really added to the beauty of this day.

A Behind the Scenes tour was also available at the Biltmore Estate and got great reports by all. Thespectacular Blue Ridge Parkway was visited by many as well. Friday evening Chapter 20 hosted a PotLuck Dinner. There was a total of over 50 hungry Skps that attended. Saturday and Sunday evenings werehighlighted with catered dinners and Tom Johnson supplied wonderful bon fires for us on both eveningsas well. Happy Hours were well attended every evening. A 50/50 drawing for CARE was held during

Saturdays Happy Hour. Paul Reed won the 50/50 and donated his winnings back to CARE. CAREsshare of the 50/50 was $164, so the total sent to CARE from the 50/50 was $328. A couple of sun catcherswere sold for $8, so the total check sent to CARE was $336.

Crafters were not to be denied. A small group of quilters managed to find each other and work onsome cutting and stitching. Sue Spahn taught a class on One Stroke Painting and everyone left with acompleted project, either a wine holder or a visor. Patty Mulhall instructed an eager group on pin prickcard making while Phil Devonshire shared his knowledge of making aluminum can spinners. A fun timewas had by all.

There was also a presentation on Thursday evening about the Blue Ridge Parkway. Dan Brown, aformer top executive of the National Park Service, supplied us with driving tips, places of interest, andsome wonderful history of the parkway. Vendors from MASA, Magna Shade and Fantasy Tours were on

site as well.Monday arrived with some VERY HEAVY rain, our only bad weather day. Most everyone was

able to find an umbrella or two in their rig and make it to the pavilion for coffee, doughnuts and hitch uphugs. Many people left as scheduled but there was a fair number that decided that departure could waitfor a sunnier day.

On Sunday afternoon anyone interested in continuing the Multi Chapter Rally next year had apreliminary meeting. It was decided that there was enough interest to continue planning for next year. Soon Sunday evening committees were formed, officers were elected and serious planning began. JanieSloane coined the acronym ofSkip ACRE (All Chapter Rally East). So, the Tom Johnson Rally park,


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Marion, NC. has been reserved for next year 2011. The same time frame too, being April 28 - May 2,2011. Rumor has it that the Bear's (Betty and Bob) are going to do their famous Sausage Gravy andBiscuits next year at this Rally.....Oh boy, we can't wait!!! BEAR GRAVY!!! Should be a great time forsure!!! Stan Bober, webmaster has already been busy updating the Rally Info Site and adding pictures ofthis years rally. There will be more to come I am sure, so keep checking the website at:http://sites.google.com/site/rallyinfosite/.

As with all Escapee events, it was the fellowship, the caring and sharing, the willing volunteers,and the Skip hugs that made this a special event. Every Skp that attended made the rally special in some

way. Thanks to all that planned, contributed and attended. See you next year!Member Blogs

Do you like to read about where fellow members have been and look at some of their pictures? Then youneed to start reading blogs. Some people post daily, while others post monthly or seasonally. Give them alook. If you have a blog that is not listed, please let me know and I will post it in the next newsletter.http://www.moonriverandwe.blogspot.com/ Molly and Bob Pinnerhttp://ouradventureswithemily.blogspot.com/ Tom and Paula Nankivellhttp://gordon-rv-travel.blogspot.com/ Cliff and Pam Gordonhttp://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/special_sections/the_joneses Ralph and Gisella Joneshttp://devonshirervtravels.blogspot.com/ Phil and Cindy Devonshire

Member NewsBirth Announcement!

When: Monday, March 8, 2010 at 3:50 pmWhere: Near Stillwater Avenue in Cheyenne, WyomingSex: These things are more difficult to sex than a turtle (Jay has since decided it is a robot)

Name: See above. For the moment we are callingit/him/her Cheyenne. (Edited~~R2V2)Weight: approx. 8 tonsLength: 25 feet 1 inchMake: Earth Roamer

Model: XV-LT (Expedition Vehicle / Light Truck, anexpedition camper)SSN: (Just kidding; it's XV-LT number is) #102Midwives: Xpedition Vehicle Service, LLC and PhilLong Ford of Denver

Proud Owner:Proud Owner:Proud Owner:Proud Owner:Jay O. Casey, PhD

Debbie Abernathy is now retired and she and Tom are on their way to Alaskain their RV.Tom has promised to let me know when he has a blog on line. Ill keep you posted. Bob

and Betty Bear are now the proud parents of a beautiful Golden Retriever named Oscar.He is quite a handful for Betty, but she is making gains in his training. Tom and PaulaNankivel have finished their volunteer stint are CARE for this year. They will be returningto PA soon. Denny and Susie Orr had engine trouble upon leaving the rally and had to betowed to the garage. They have traveled back to Kentucky while repairs are made. Susie

had surgery on her wrist again and we are all praying that this time it takes for good! Barb and JohnMcDonnell made good use of their time at home this winter, they remodeled their kitchen. Keith andShirley Murphy waited too long to head south and ended up being snowed in all winter in West Virginia.A big WELCOME to new members Jay Casey, Larry Koppenhaver and Adilee Parks.


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Flying J Dump Stations - Change in Policy05/06/2010

We have heard from some traveling Escapees that a few Flying J truck stops with RV dump stations arebeginning to charge a use fee. We contacted Flying J and received the following statement from theircustomer loyalty department:To continue providing waste dump station services at Flying J, we are instituting a $10fee to customers using this service. This has become necessary to cover the increasing

costs of offering this amenity. These additional fees include: Escalating expenses associated with normal usage and the misuse and abuse of wastedump stations Rising costs from local sewer treatment service providers Increasing expenditures linked to stringent corporate responsibilitiesFor our best customers, those that are members of Flying Js Frequent Fueler and RVReal Value clubs, a $5.00 dump station coupon will be added to their card based on fuelpurchases. The club member must present their card to cashier at point of purchase toreceive the discount.We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to offer the best servicesand facilities in the industry.

Flying J also stated that the program is being implemented at all Flying J locations in the next week. Somewill be monitored by a device that will allow you to pay at the dump, others will require the customer tocome inside to pay for the service. Be aware that you will soon be required to pay a fee to use the RVdump at Flying J. From Escapees e-news.

1937 Ford HousecarOne of only six said to have been made per year in the mid-'30s at the Ford plant in St.Paul, Minnesota,according to an article on this car in a 1993 "Old Cars" magazine article. Very few others--perhaps none--remain on the road, and certainly not in such amazing original condition. (The only other known examplethat I heard of was supposedly housed in the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan. But that turnedout to be an early 1920s Model T conversion, the curator told me. He said he'd never seen anything likethis '37!)

When discovered in a garage (under a heavy cover) in Northern Minnesota in August 2001, she had only19,000 miles, and the owner's manual was actually still the glove box in like-new condition! She hadalways been garaged and treated with much TLC as a collector vehicle. Want to trade in your rig for this?


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5 National Parks to see before you die:Our national parks exert a primal pull on visitors from around the world who come by the millions todrink in the natural wonders. The astounding beauty of these wild places, preserved for the benefit offuture generations, is almost spiritual for many. In addition, the parks offer limitless possibilities foroutdoor adventures such as hiking, rafting, kayaking, fishing, camping, rock climbing, horseback ridingand wildlife spotting.There are 58 national parks in the United States. Each offers a unique experience, and a visit to any isworthy. But some are worthier than others. Here are my picks for five essential national parks that youmust see before you die.-- Debbie K. Hardin, Travel Muse, distributed by Tribune Media Services

With 4.4 million visitors at Yellowstone(MCT photo / August 15, 2009)This geological hot spot that stretches across the western portion of northern Wyoming and southernMontana is the best place in the world to check out the spewing geysers, bubbling mud pots and gentlystewing hot springs. In addition to the park's superstar, Old Faithful, geyser gazers will find hundreds ofthermal features in the surrounding Upper Geyser Basin and nearby Midway Geyser Basin, site of thegloriously colorful, nearly 370-foot-wide Grand Prismatic Spring.

Yellowstone (nps.gov/yell) also is one of the best places in the lower 48 to spot wildlife. Bring binocularsor telescopes to look for massive buffalo herds moving slowly across the grasslands, lone grizzly bearsgalumphing along mountain ranges, stealthy wolves hunting beside waterways, and rival elk buckscrashing their massive antlers. Park #4 next issue.

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