French Lick Here We Come!

It's never too early to plan ahead. Bettie and I have scoped out southern Indiana for interesting and fun places to visit. The May Rally is planned for April 29th through May 2nd. These dates were selected to avoid conflicts with Mother's Day and the GLASS Rally. We hope that the weather will cooperate with this decision.

So where are we going......How about the French Lick area? Have you ever visited West Baden, the hotel and casino, since it was renovated? This is a beautiful area that contains unique architecture. During the rally members will have an opportunity to take a guided walking tour and ride on a train of restored train cars.

So you want more? We also will be visiting Jasper, IN. What's in Jasper? There is the Jasper engine plant where engines are rebuilt, and we will be touring the plant. What else? For the history buffs, the Dubois County Museum can be toured for a donation to the museum. Bettie and I were fascinated in the displays. For example they have a saw mill exhibit from the early 1900's. They also had this unique tricycle for two.

Arrangements have also been made to visit Dr. Ted's Musical Marvels. This attraction houses an eclectic collection of mechanical musical intruments that includes nickelodeons, music boxes, and player pianos. Great Fun!

Okay, so where are we going to stay? Plans have been made to stay at the West Boggs County Campground. This is a lovely campground with many of the sites located right on the lake. Yes, you will be able to say that you stayed on lake front property.

Oh, one last thing. For those of you who come for the food, we will be eating at Stoll's Lakeview Restaurant where we will enjoy a buffet of amish food. We have a private room and will have a business meeting following dinner.

So, mark you calendars for a rally that you won't want to miss.

Bettie and Greg Wessel, Rally Masters

Mable and Bob Heath, Assistant Rally Masters

Winter Gathering in Florida

For all members who find themselves in Florida in February, the Hoosier Cruisers are planning a winter gathering at Sun N Fun RV park in Sarasota. The park has graciously agreed to make available a room for a four hour lunch and social time. The date will be Thursday, February 18, 2010, and lunch will begin at 12:00 noon. Ernie or Jane Clashman, Rick or Sandy Hahn will contact those that have already given or can provide their Florida contact info with further details. The Clashmans can be contacted at jeec49@hotmail.com and the Hahns can be contacted at sportclaydoc@msn.com.

Need a New Name Badge?

If you need a new name badge or you need to replace your old badge, Mr. Ken Badges will make one just for you.

Click on the form to the right and print out the order form. Mail to Mr. Ken and your badge will soon be mailed to you.

39 Members Attended Christmas Dinner in Anderson

The Hoosier Cruisers met at Ryan's in Anderson, IN, for a Christmas dinner. The best part of the evening was the fellowship. The longer we were there the louder we became. I'm sure that the other people in the restaurant wondered what was going on with all the laughter.

The food was great, but all would agree that sharing our plans for future trips and plans for the holidays was the best part.

Our thanks go to Jane and Ernie Clashman for arranging for the dinner. According to Ernie's offical count, 39 members were in attendance.

Happy Holidays!

Don't Miss Albuquerque

Christmas Dinner December 1st

Don't forget the annual Christmas dinner at Ryan's Steakhouse in Anderson, Indiana. Our thanks go to Jane and Ernie Clashman who reserved a room for the Hoosier Cruisers. Plan to gather at the restaurant a little before 6:00 p.m.

This will be a great time to catch up of the adventures of other members and to share plans for the winter months.

Bettie and I want to wish all members a Merry Christmas and for those traveling safe travels.

Keep Jack Stevens in Your Thoughts

Jack Stevens had an additional heart procedure. He was admitted to the hospital in Sacramento and had a heart cath that went well. Keep Jack and Mae in your prayers.

Northwest Indiana Hoosier Cruisers Christmas Party

Roseanne and Joe Gardner submitted the following invitation for a Christmas Party for Northwest Indiana Hoosier Cruisers.

When: Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Where: Andorra's Restaurant, Rte. 41 just 3 traffic lights N. of Rte. 30
Schererville, IN
Time: 6:30 cash bar, 7:00 p.m. dinner

R.S.V.P. by Dec. 2, 2009
708-672-8469
jwg98@netzero.net

Merry Christmas!

Rio Grande Valley of Texas Winter Gatherings

Joe and Pat Horak would like to remind past and present Hoosier Cruisers to keep the 3rd Wednesday of the month open for a gathering. This will start in December and continue through Jan., Feb., and Mar. Rv'er going to Texas should contact the Horak's at pjhorak@juno.com or phone 956-782-6884 (Texas phone after November 9th) to get more information.

Fall Fun in Winchester

What a great rally. Frank and Jackie Anderson planned a rally that entertained all who attended. They organized a variety of activities and tours. Thursday, the coaches arrived at the Randolph County Fairgrounds and set up camp on the level campsites. Although it began to sprinkle, the weather didn't dampen the campers spirits during "happy hour".

That evening many of the members gathered at the Chicken Shack for dinner. The buffet included the restaurant's famous fried chicken which was delicious.

On Friday, attendees traveled to Ghyslain Chocolatier where artisians create one-of-a-kind hand painted masterpieces. Ghyslain has served as a pastry and executive chef in first class restaurants. Many of the members came back to camp with a variety of chocolates and pastries.


Hoosier Cruisers also had a chance to tour the Workhorse factory. This factory has made chassis for many of the motorhomes that are owned by members. It was amazing to see all the components that are necessary for a motorhome. At one point the guide showed where the partially assembled framed was flipped over for completion. The two tour leaders patiently answered all the questions that were asked.


Jackie and Frank had arranged a dinner at the Randolph Grille. The menu included a choice of steak, tilapia, salad, vegetable, and dessert. The service was excellent and all enjoyed their meals.


The next day Hoosier Cruisers traveled to the Cardinal Ethanol Plant which converts corn into ethanol and other products. Wearing hard hats and safety glasses the tour began. Jim Seifert explained the complex process and summarized some of the facts about the plant. The Cardinal Ethanol began production at its ethanol plant in East Central Indiana, near Union City on November 1, 2008. The plant is expected to use 36 million bushels of corn and produce 100 million gallons of ethanol, along with 320,000 tons of dried distillers grains. That's a lot of ethanol from corn.

The Winchester Speedway was highlight of the rally. This weekend was Old Timers Weekend at Winchester Speedway which featured six different divisions racing on Saturday and Sunday. Hank Lower became one of the oldest people to ever win a race at Winchester when the 72 year old won a heat race for the HOSS Winged Sprints, and the Vore’s Welding and Steel New Stars 20 was won by a person, Steve Vore that had never won a race in any type of car before.
The weekend also featured many vintage racecars that were displayed and most driven on the track to show them off to the fans. The cars featured many different types of cars including sprint cars, midgets and old stock cars. As you can see the Hoosier Cruisers had some die hard fans and braved the cold.



This was the last rally for the 2009 season, but rally masters are already working on next years rallies. Watch for your newsletter the beginning of May or follow the blog for the schedule of dates and places for next years rallies.

Recipes - Toffee Bars & Peanut Butter Fudge

Two recipes from Jane Clashman

TOFFEE BARS

1 pkg soda crackers
1 cup light brown sugar
1 cup margarine
1 pkg choc chips
nuts, any variety

Place crackers on buttered foil on cookie sheet.
Bring brown sugar and margarine ( I used I Can't Believe Its Butter sticks)
to boil on stove, boil 3 to 4 minutes. Pour over crackers and place
crackers in 400 degree oven for 5 minutes or until bubbly.
Remove from oven and sprinkle choc. chips over hot cracker mixture.
When soft, spread over cracker mixture and sprinkle with nuts.
Cool and cut into pieces.


PEANUT BUTTER FUDGE

1 package creamy cream cheese frosting mix.
1 cup peanut butter, crunchy or plain.

Place in micro wave bowl and micro wave minute
or so. Long enough than you can stir them together.
Place in 8 x 8 pan, cool, cut and enjoy.

I have used more than a cup of peanut butter.
Try it and see.

Join Today!

Hoosier Cruisers Want YOU!
Send in your dues, $15.00, to renew or to join the Hoosier Cruisers.
The benefits are many:

Great friendship

Travel to unique places

Fantastic resource for maintenance and repair information

Extensive network of places on interest

Informative newsletters

Internet Blog of past rallies

Dues may be sent to:

Sandy Hahn, Hoosier Cruisers Secretary

9329 Blue Ash Court

Ft. Wayne, IN 46804

Don't miss out, mail your dues today.

35th Anniversary Rally, Sept. 2009

Thursday, the coaches began to roll in to the Delaware County Fairgrounds for the Hoosier Cruisers Rally that was celebrating 35 years as a chapter. The rally masters Bob and Pat Kern, and the assistant rally masters Van and Sandi Ewing planned a rally full of interesting tours and exciting activities. Those who arrived on Thursday were invited to tour the Academy of Model Aeronautics. It was amazing! Model aircraft from the 1900's up to present day models were displayed. It was fascinating to see the development of aircraft and to view the intricacies of the remote controlled planes and helicopters.

On Friday, members were treated to a tour of Minnetrista homes and gardens. It was a beautiful day to stroll through the lush flowers and native woodland plants.

Later in the day, members got to visit with Garfield and chuckled as they viewed some of the gags used in the Garfield comic strips.

Senor Van was the chef who prepared over 100 soft shell tacos to be enjoyed by those attending. They were delicious.

Following the dinner a business meeting was held where each family unit received a Hoosier Cruisers CD Photo Album. CD's are still available and can be received at any rally. Each person, also, received a commemorative pin celebrating the chapter's anniversary. Pins will also be available at future rallies. To end the evening a slide show was shared with members illustrating the fun times from the past, the humorous and sometimes silly happenings at rallies, and recent trips to locations in the great state of Indiana. The walk down memory lane was a pleasant remembrance of past times.

Saturday morning bright and early several members traveled north to Carollees' Herb Garden. A large variety of thematic gardens were toured. Carollee explained the uses and benefits of many of the plants and herbs.

For lunch Boy Scout Troop 22 had a pork roast where many Hoosier Cruisers enjoyed BBQ, vegetables and desert. It was a great meal.

Saturday evening all were treated to a catered dinner from Pete's Duck Inn and for desert the cake was cut for those who have a sweet tooth. It was an excellent meal topped off with some mystifying entertainment.

Wayne Hinkle fascinated the audience with several magic tricks that seemed impossible. He received several standing ovations following his illusions. Members agreed that what they observed was simply not possible.

At the conclusion of a super day packed with enjoyable activities, the Chadwells were the winners of the 50/50 drawing which was a cash prize of $100. All earnings from the 50/50 drawings will go to the Riley Childrens Hospital at the end of the year.

Attendees agreed that this rally was one to be remembered for many years.

Upcoming Events This Winter

Central Indiana Christmas Dinner

Jane and Ernie Clasman have made arrangements for the Hoosier Cruisers of meet for a Christmas Dinner. All Hoosier Cruisers welcome. It will be held on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. at Ryan's Restaurant, Anderson, IN.

Exit 26, I - 69. Turn south restaurant is on the on right.

All Hoosier Cruisers that will be in Florida this winter. (Including past members) Please send Ernie and Jane you e-mail address and phone number. Please include the city or area where you are staying. We want to continue Charlie Snow's luncheon. If you know of a Hoosier Cruiser, past or present, that will be in Florida during the time we have the luncheon let us know or have them e-mail us. jeec49@hotmail.com

Ernie's cell phone: 765-607-4067

Jane's cell phone: 765-617-6708

Note of Thanks

Dear fellow members,

Sandy and I want to extend our thanks for your thoughts and well wishes during my father's recent illness. While his passing was a very difficult time for us, knowing we were in your prayers was very comforting. We look forward to seeing you all very soon.

Sandy and Rick Hahn

Winchester Rally Registration

Click on the image to print out the Winchester Rally Registration.

Carmel Corn Recipe

CARAMEL CORN
Submitted by Ernie Clashman

1 8 oz pkg. puff corn (Mikesels or Seyfert)
2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white karo
1 tsp baking soda

In sauce pan, heat butter, brown sugar and Karo.Cook at a rolling boil for 2 minutes. Add baking soda. It WILL foam. Pour over puffed corn. Mix well. Put on a bakingsheet and bake at 250 degrees for 30 - 40 minutes. Stir every 10- 12 minutes. Spread on wax paper to cool.

A Note of Thanks

The newsletter editor received this note of thanks from one of our new members, and it is worth printing. Take a look.

Al,
George and I want to thank the larger H.C. group, but unsure whether to use the H.C. address given in the newsletter, I am starting here. We had such a nice time, meeting so many warm and welcoming people at this past weekend's rally! We just wanted to write to thank all of you for extending that hand of welcome to us! The food was wonderful, the planning top notch, the tent the best, and the opportunities to participate in the fun, delightful! Ed Creighton put it best when he said that he came in part to see the things he had never visited; in spite of living here all of his life. The work that was done to produce such a smoothly run weekend must have been enormous, so we thank you and Cheryl, and all who made it happen.

Karleen

Nominations for 2010 Officers

The following slate of officers was accepted at the August business meeting. Voting for the 2010 officers will take place at the Muncie Rally. The club thanks Dave Griffey, Dick Schumaker, and Mae Stevens who served on the 2009 Nominating Committee.

Slate of Nominations

Pres.- Greg Wessel

Exec. Vice. Pres. - Rick Hahn

Sec. - Sandy Hahn

Treas. - Cassie Lisle

N. Vice. Pres. - Roseanne Gardner

Cent. Vice. Pres. - Duane Stoner

S. Vice. Pres. - Lloyd Harding

Nat. Dir. - Bettie Wessel

Alt. Nat. Dir. - Jerry Hardacre

2010 Nomination Committee

Carl Wilt

Steve Lisle

Betty Tilmann

The club appreciates those person who are willing to serve in the needed leadership roles. Thank you!

Having Fun in Warsaw

Alan and Cheryl Schmiedt along with their assistants, Carl and Suze Wilt, and Denny and Linda Filson organized a fun filled rally. The afternoon "Happy Hours", were well attended with excellent food prepared by the attendees.



One of the first tours was to Splendor Boats. At this plant members were shown the advantages of a twin hull design in fiberglass boats. The grandfather who had founded the company worked with his grandchildren who today run the daily operations.






As you can see the robots spray the materials needed to make the hull of a boat.






The Hoosier Cruisers caravanned to the little town of Silver Lake. They visited a carpenter shop where wooden utensils are made. Whetstone Woodenware is shipped all over the world. It was facinating to watch the items actually being made.




The members made another stop at the Lawrence Bell Museum which contained many items associated with the development of the helicopter and other aviation items.



On Saturday, rally goers participated in a scavenger hunt in the antique shops of Pierceton. What fun discovering treasures from the past. After returning to camp prizes were awarded with Pat Kerns winning a hardwood cutting board in the shape of the state of Indiana.




One of the first timers pitched right-in and scooped ice cream for those members with a "sweet tooth".








Not that it was rigged, but one of the Hardacres' granddaughters drew the winning ticket for the 50/50 drawing and guess who won? Jerry Hardacre.






The day ended with a storyteller sharing stories about people in Kosciusko County. Her tales kept the audience captivated.


If you missed this rally, don't miss another. The September rally will be held in Muncie beginning September 17th, and the club will be celebrating 35 years as an FMCA Chapter.

Ernie Clashman submitted this picture of men attending the seminar on slideout maintenance.

National Director Report 2009

Hoosier Cruisers
2009
Governing Board Report

The meeting started at 9:00 AM with 422 out of 501 Chapters represented making up 84% of the voting members present, thus establishing a quorum.
After the minutes were approved, Treasurer Doug Key took the floor to give his report.
Last year FMCA has lost $907,000.00.
Commercial Revenues have been $5.7 million between 2005 and projected 2010.
In 2009 there has been a reduction of $6 million. It will take an increase of 160,000 new members to replace that revenue.
We have gone from 128,800 members in 2004 to the present membership as of July 30, 101,823 members. We have suffered a loss of 21% membership since 2004.
There are 3 major revenues:
1. FMC magazine advertising
2. Membership dues
3. Conventions

The magazine advertising has dropped $4.8 million over the last 4 years.
The Membership has dropped considerably, therefore creating a drop in revenue.
The convention attendance has dropped making it harder to cover the cost of fixed expenses for conventions.
Since June 30 of this year the bills have been paid out of our investment reserves.
There were 3 basic Budget Goals:
1. Protect FMCA Core Values (Family Fun)
2. Protect FMCA Core Benefits
3. Temporarily suspend costs/programs until FMCA’s financial condition recovers.
The Executive Board made several budget cut proposals for the governing board to vote on.
After much discussion, several proposals past, and several others were defeated.
The biggest item and most discussion involved Medex.

Medex has gone from $1.50 per member in 2004 to $4.75 per member in 2009. The Executive board felt this is too expensive for today’s economy. The total cost is $518,000.00 per year. The executive board gave Medex a notice of intent to terminate as of January 1, 2010. This would give the board a chance to re-negotiate the contract or search for another company. Medex is not an insurance company and is not under federal regulation to give financial reports to its customers.
Because Medex is the biggest new member recruiting benefit tool, the governing board voted 227 to 187 to keep Medex in the budget, therefore the payment will have to come from the reserve funds.
We ended up with a deficit of $900,000.00 which will have to come from the reserves.
It was moved that a committee of 5 (no more than 2 Executive Board members) and such committee shall present its findings to the Executive board meeting in November 2009 and those be brought to the Governing Board meeting in Redmond – August, 2010. Motion passed.
There was a proposal made to raise the Dues $5.00 from the present $35.00 to $40.00 per year. The motion past by a vote of 198 “for” and 175 “against.” Members need to be notified 120 days before the voting letter come to the National Directors for a vote. Please notify me as to your vote on this matter before October 15, 2009. JHard1138@Gmail.com or 1905 Winding Way, Anderson, In 46011 or 765-644-2166.

Personal Note: This puts even more emphases on each member to bring in new members. 65% of the new members are recruited by the membership. We need to increase our efforts and bring in more members.

The elections of National Officers were then held and the results were.
President-----------Charles Schrenkel F140050
Sr. Vice President-Judy Czarsty F79148
Secretary ----------Joanne Durbin F76454
Treasurer----------Will Young F207019

Meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.
This was one of the longest Governing Board meetings in the history of FMCA.

Submitted by
Jerry L. Hardacre
National Director

Celebrating 35 Years - September Rally

The Hoosier Cruisers will be celebrating 35 years as an FMCA Chapter. This event will take place in Muncie, Indiana, at the fairgrounds. The September Rally is scheduled for September 17th through September 20th. Complete the rally form below or the form in your newsletter and send to:

Bob Kern

2108 E. CR 700 N.

Muncie, IN 47303

Cheese Dip

The Lou Ann Orman's cheese dip recipe was requested at the International Rally in Bowling Green, OH.

Cheese Dip

submitted by Lou Ann Orman

2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese (softened)

1/3 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer

1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese

Small pretzels

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, beer and dressing, mix until smooth. Stir in cheese. Serve with pretzels. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield 3 1/2 cups.

(This makes a thick dip)

Bowling Green Bash

What a great time! The Hoosier Cruiser volunteers met at the Petro2 truck stop and caravanned to the rally. The eight coaches were quickly parked and the adventure began.

The next day volunteers had time to explore the area. A Happy Hour was held at the Wessel's and over 40 Hoosier Cruisers attended. Members shared food and swapped stories. One could tell from the laughter that they were having a good time. In fact they had such a good time that a second Happy Hour was held on Monday and again over 40 persons came and partied.

Sunday, many members traveled to the historic downtown area for a welcome sponsored by the city. The main street was blocked off and live entertainment was provided. Bowling Green citizens went all out to make the rally attendees feel welcome.

Those Hoosier Cruisers who volunteered to work at the FMCA store were treated to a dinner in Anderson Arena. There were over 900 volunteers who were assigned a variety of responsibilities.

On Monday, members walked the grounds and had a meeting to discuss their responsibilities at the FMCA store.

Also on Monday, the National Officer Elections were held, and the following persons elected:

President: Charlie Schrenkel

Senior Vice Pres.: Judy Czarsty

Secretary: Joanne Durbin

Treasurer: Wil Young

All elected officers appeared enthusiastic. Although there are challenges ahead all were excited about the opportunities for FMCA in the future.

When Tuesday arrived the seminars were well attended. Members learned about their holding tanks, electrical systems, new places to visit, engine maintenance, technology advances, and a host of other interesting topics. There was something for everyone including the youth.

The entertainment was kicked off on Tuesday by the musical group 42Five. It was a quintet that performed a wide variety of music including funk, rock, jazz, and blues. The audience was amazed that no instruments were used, yet it sounded like their vocal renditions were backed up by a band. The members of the musical group made the sounds that were usually made by instruments. It was amazing!

The FMCA members enjoyed the musical renditions presented by Phil Dirt & the Dozers. Their music included songs from the 50's, 60's, and 70's. And many attending remembered hearing the Beach Boys, Roy Orbison, the Platters, and Righteous Brothers to name a few. They got the audience involved by clapping their hands and singing along with the songs. Those attending will not forget the group's song AARP which brought chuckles from the audience. As those attending left they left with smiles on their faces, fond memories in their hearts, and a song on their lips.

The Bowling Green Bash was a huge success with over 2400 coaches attending the rally. Well organized seminars, great entertainment, and FUN made this a rally to be remembered.