Hoosier Cruisers Gather For Christmas Fellowship

For those that couldn’t travel to Anderson there was a Northern Christmas dinner held Saturday in Napanee and it was a great event. Those of you that attended the Bremen rally a year ago might remember a great meal at Mullets Amish restaurant. Well they did it again. After Denny Filson offered the blessing we all sat down. I was at the end of the table that the family style meal began and my eyes got big when a large bowl of homemade mashed potatoes was presented followed by chicken and noodles. The green beans followed and I was happy. As I started to take my first bite a platter of roast beef appeared. Wow I thought and helped myself. Just as I was about to partake again the most wonderful fried chicken was presented. Oh I’m so weak. Add to this the best just baked yeast rolls and five different pies and I guess you could say we were in dinning heaven. Our hosts the DeCausemakers and Schumakers planned an enjoyable afternoon with a unique gift exchange which had us all spinning around and wonderful entertainment of Holiday songs and sing along by our newest Hoosier Cruiser Dane Bailey, the Singing Auctioneer. We were pleased Dane and his wife Christina were able to attend their first function and hope to see them again very soon. We had over forty members at the dinner and thankfully they have room for more. Next year is already planned for December 8th and I suspect the attendance may go up. Merry Christmas and safe travels to all.

Celebrating Christmas

Hoosier Cruisers gathered at Ryan's Restaurant to share in the celebration of Christmas before leaving for warmer climates or storing their coach for the winter season.

As usual it was great fun visiting with friends and sharing stories of what had happened since the last rally that they attended.

Members proceeded to the buffet after Bettie Wessel blessed the meal.  Everyone found something that was to their liking.  The only problem the plates were too small.  You can see in the picture to the right that the club members had a great time.

What fun to see those Hoosier Cruisers that regularly attend rallies and those members who haven't recently attended one of the club events.

As members prepared to leave, everyone wished the members a Merry Christmas and Happy Travels.

Merry Christmas!

Membership Dues Reminder and Correction

Just a reminder that Hoosier Cruiser membership dues for 2012 are now due. A previously published (blog and newsletter) application/renewal form had an incorrect zip code for our secretary Beth Bailey. The attached form is correct and please use it to renew or apply. If you believe you have sent your form to the wrong address please contact Beth at bbailey915@aol.com and she will help you. Thanks and sorry for the confusion.

Get Well

Many of you know the Berriers. Bill was a past president and he and his wife Sandy have also served as rally masters.  They both have been challenged by some health challenges.  Their daughter wrote that Bill has had his retina re-attached, and Sandy has had a slight stroke and is suffering from heart problems.  Both are on the mends and the Hoosier Cruisers wish improved health.

More Pictures from the October Rally

Enjoy the pictures below which were submitted by Dennis Schumaker the official rally photographer.





Fantastic Fall Rally

Review prepared by Doug Tilmann:

The October rally was put on by Steve and Cassie Lisle, Jim and Barb Gibson and Danny and Mary Lou Biddle at Steve and Cassie Lisle's beautiful property north of Columbia City and it was a great fall experience -- absolutely loaded with activities. The weather was drop dead gorgeous, clear sunny skies and temperatures in the low 80's. We took a tour of Silgan Plastics in Ligonier, which is one of the largest manufacturers of plastic bottles in the world and it was a very interesting operation. Then we had lunch at the "Fashion Farm Restaurant" which is located on a farm that grows all sorts of stuff – pumpkins, squash, flowers, etc. and featured the "Pumpkin Fantasy Land", a creative Halloween maze display. After lunch, back at the Lisle farm, there was a Euchre tournament and a dice tournament followed by a sloppy joe dinner with all kinds of side dishes that the rallyers brought in.  MaryLou treated us to "Stone Soup" with a big rock in it. She took big rock about four inches in diameter, heated it up real hot and dropped it into the soup. The hot stone keeps the soup from getting cold. Cassie assured us that the big rock had been scrubbed, run through the dishwasher and had been properly sanitized. After dinner there was a huge campfire with a man strolling around the campfire circle strumming a guitar and singing all manner of songs to a large circle of Hoosier Cruisers.

Saturday morning we did one of those carry-in breakfast things where everyone brings way more than they could eat by themselves resulting in a really huge table full of way too much food and everyone, therefore, eats way too much food. The Lisle’s, our rally hosts, are very well organized folks. Steve's shop is all painted up and really neat and clean – really clean! ! Some folks think a man's shop should be messy. Actually, Steve and Cassie, both, are classic "neat freaks". For the rest of the day the Lisles had organized all manner of "stuff" including a sort of "games for everyone" thing. There was a bracelet making class, fishing pole casting into a big yellow ring contest, egg toss from one guy to another with raw eggs, carry an egg in a spoon and back without dropping it, pitching bean bags into a hole, etc.

Saturday evening we had catered dinner in one of the Lisle’s barn/buildings and afterwards they gave away tons of door prizes that were wrapped up in newspaper in what is sometimes called an "Ever Changing Gift Exchange". When your name was drawn you could go and pick one of the wrapped packages – no lifting or shaking — and then you brought it back to your seat where you had to unwrap it and sit it on your table for all to see. Now when the next guy’s name was drawn he had another option. He could do the same thing that you did and pick a wrapped package from the table or he could walk over to your table and confiscate the prize that you had previously chosen. A prize could only be "confiscated" two times after which it permanently resided with its last owner. This whole process was an absolute hoot. If you selected and unwrapped a particularly attractive prize – forget it ! You were destined to get ripped off. Louise, picked a big package and unwrapped this kinda neat folding lawn chair/chaise lounge type gadget and set it in front of her on the table. She looked at it, affectionately, stroked it and beamed with pride and joy. Well, naturally, it didn’t last long. The next gal whose name was called walked away from the prize table and zeroed in on Louise’s lounge chair like a laser beam. Louise sadly watched her prized chair leave for it's new home. Not surprisingly the new owner shortly fell victim to the same process and someone ripped off the lounge from her like she had done from Louise. A while later Louise’s husband, JR’s, name was drawn and just what do you think happened? With Louise energetically coaching JR, he walked straight away towards the most recent lounge chair owner and reclaimed Louise’s treasured chaise lounge. The rub was that this represented the third rip-off of the lounge so it was now immune to rip-off forevermore. Louise and her lounge could now live "happily ever after" – sort of like the princess and the ex- frog who was now a handsome prince. Folks got very involved in protecting their treasured prizes. There was large amounts of hootin’ and hollerin’ it was great fun to watch this whole process.

Sunday morning we were treated to fresh fried "Potato Doughnuts" engineered by Danny & Mary Lou, Jim & Barb, Steve & Cassie, and Doug who assisted in the very early cooking process. It was a dynamite rally and a great way to end the season.

The Mennonite Relief Sale Gathering

Many of you will remember the September rally last year held in the conjunction with the Mennonite relief sale in Goshen. Well, Doug and Betty Tilmann organized a non-rally repeat this year and I received the following report from Doug.
The Mennonite Relief Sale "Gathering" was well attended indeed. We had originally anticipated a half dozen or less units but we ended up with thirteen coaches. Steve and Betty LeCount brought three guests. It rained a lot Friday and Saturday but it didn't bother us because the organized activities were held indoors. They auctioned off a loaf of bread for $1,200. Yikes ! Betty Tilmann's unofficial count tallied the proceeds of the quilt auction at $93,735 from the sale of 233 quilts. It was a fun and interesting weekend. Doug

Fun in Fort Wayne

Members seemed to have a great time in Fort Wayne and the weather cooperated with mostly sunny days. Friday kicked off with two special tours. Dr. Joe Smith, veterinarian at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo, gave a wonderful tour of the zoo veterinary hospital and then surprised the club with an exclusive visit to the giraffe holding area. If that wasn't enough he personally escorted interested members through the african velt exhibit. He then repeated all of this in the afternoon. The club members were able to feed the giraffes including Jelani, the 13 year old 2500lb male and get many questions answered about the caring for the 1400 species at the zoo.

While half of the attendees were at the zoo the other group was visiting Sweetwater Sound. Many thought this was going to be a visit to a "music" store but found a truly unique experience. Sweetwater started as a small instrument business and has grown to one of the largest in the world. Their facility is the first "green" business of its size in northern and is 75% self sufficient. Along with instruments Sweetwater is a complete recording studio and specializes in sound equipment of all kinds. In addition, employees and the general public can also enjoy a fine restaurant and an activities area including games, computerized realistic golf and a complete exercise and workout area. My guess is they have very little employee turnover.

Finally, I should announce that all current officers were re-elected at the business meeting except for Sandy Hahn who had completed her third year as secretary. Congratulations go to Beth Bailey our new secretary.
Remember to use the new membership renewal form with her name and address when sending in your dues.

A Request for Prayer

I've just received word that Cheryl Schmiedt's sister, Gwenda Kinser, suddenly passed away. They are requestiong prayers for her daughter Joan. Please keep Cheryl and her entire family in your prayers.

Another Hoosier Cruiser has made the final trip

Sadly, I've just received word that Joann Malinowski has past away. Visitation will be at Geisen funeral home 7905 Broadway in Merrillville, In. Please keep her entire family in your prayers at this difficlut time.

Contact me for Leonards address

The end of summer is near.

Sad to say it but below you will find the registration form for the last rally of the year. As the dry camping in Anderson was a great success the Fall event at the Lisles should be equally enjoyable. The weather promises to be cooler and we should have great Fall colors. Maybe even a campfire and marshmallows are in the cards. Hope to see you there.

The Lisles have informed me that the October rally will begin on
Thursday as usual and we will all go out for dinner Thursday evening so plan to arrive on Thursday Oct. 6th. Activities will start following breakfast on Friday
Any questions contact Steve and Cassie 260-213-1991

The Best of Anderson

The Anderson rally was free dry camping at the Hoosier Park Racing - Casino parking lot, August 18-21, 2011. As a result, we were able to have many new informative experiences. Our Rally Masters were Bob & Mable Heath assisted by Jerry & Carol Hardacre.


Thursday afternoon 16 of our attendees toured the renovated Historical Paramount Theater in downtown Anderson, followed by a tour of Good’s Candy with a very interesting history of chocolate from its origin to the present. Then supper was on our own.

Friday started off with a guided tour of the Willemsen Dairy Farm. Teo Willemsen, the owner and operator, is a native of the Netherlands and is now milking about 1500 head of cows three times a day. From there we came back to the casino for lunch then a tour of the race track. Friday night all 45 of our attendees traveled to Carmel, IN to Conner Prairie for a concert at the “Symphony on the Prairie” featuring “The Glen Miller Band.” We enjoyed a box supper on the front row of tables under beautiful skies. Our trips for the day were enhanced by traveling in the tour bus acquired and driven by Jerry Hardacre.

Saturday morning we traveled by bus to the Loyal and True Pet Crematories for another very interesting tour and learning experience. The casino was available the whole weekend 24/7 for gambling or watching the Thoroughbreds race in the afternoon. Saturday evening we all caravanned to Ross & Melanie Boyer’s house for a pitch in dinner and fellowship.

Sunday morning we had a continental breakfast under the awnings of the Heath’s and Hardacre’s, followed by a worship service with the music preformed by Nancy Ruster & Melanie Boyer and message by Carol Hardacre. Everything went well until a thunder storm scattered the congregation. A half hour later the sky opened up for a beautiful day from then on.

All in all, we had a very enjoyable informative weekend.

Submitted by Jerry Hardacre

Some Of Our Members Temporarily Off The Road

Ernie and Jane Clashman do everything together. Right now, recovery is the project of the day. Ernie had a recent repeat knee replacement which should get him back on track and Jane is now recovering from a shoulder replacement surgery. As I know both are fast healers we should see them soon. If you want to drop them a note here's their contact info. mailto:isjeec49@hotmail.com
Also on the tempory disabled list is our past president Greg Wessel. While moving their "stuff" to Columbus Ind. Greg took a fall and messed up his knee. He had surgery last Wednesday and is doing well but can't drive the coach for 10 weeks. I'm not sure the coach has ever been idle that long. They're living in it at Ceraland in Columbus while they look for a home near family. With Bettie taking care of him I know Greg will not be down long. He's probably wondering if he could drive the coach with his crutch on the gas/brake. While Greg's a bit unlucky I'm sure he will follow doctors orders but don't be surprised if he figures a way to drop in on a rally for a visit. If you want to contact them phone service is a bit "iffy" there so e-mail is best at gmwessel@gmail.com

September Fun in Fort Wayne

Sandy and I along with the Kincaids are looking forward to seeing all of you and the September. We have lots of fun planned and of course the Johnny Appleseed Festival is sure to be a great time. There will be a business meeting as well so bring your questions and help elect your club officers for the next year. You should have received the information and registration forms in your newsletter but here they are for your convience. Just click on the image and print if needed. See you all very soon.

Fun in Auburn

Many thanks go to Helen & Jene Chadwell, and Cassie & Steve Lisle for planning a rally that went off without a hitch.  The rally was held in Auburn at the Fireside Resort Park and parking was a breeze with large, level sites. The rally began on Thursday with a tour of Sechler's Pickles in St. Joe, IN.  Even though temperatures were in the 100's our harty Hoosier Cruisers toured the plant.  Those taking the tour saw the pickling process from start to finish.  At the end of the tour many sampled the wide variety of pickles and other items and almost everyone left with something they favored.  Many members elected to go to dinner at Ponderosa.  The food was good, but the fellowship was even better.  You can see from the photo everyone was having a good time.


The great attraction to the Auburn area is the vast collection of museums.  One can view antique cars, trucks, military paraphernalia, historic items and railroad memorabilia.

Friday began with an outstanding pitch-in and WOW the food was delicious.  During the day attendees choose where they wanted to shop and where they wanted to tour.  The day ended with a catered meal at the Military History Center.  It is an amazing collection of military artifacts.  You can see that our Hoosier Cruiser President was busy chauffeuring Sandy around town.


The club began Saturday with another great breakfast.  The rally masters planned this rally with the flexibility to explore the areas' attractions at a leisurely pace.  It should be noted that Doug Lockwood was a speaker at the rally.  He discussed the Economic Outlook in our country.  Numerous club members commented that they really enjoyed listening and talking to him.  Members who want addtional information can go to the Hefty Wealth website: http://www.heftywealth.com/ to read articles regarding the Economic Outlook.


Have you ever played Card BINGO?  It is a blast! Most people in attendance tried this card game which included prizes.  The prizes were to be white elephant gifts, but instead they were really nice prizes.  There was lots of hollering and everyone had an enjoyable evening.


The rally closed with devotions given by Bettie Wessel and hymns lead by Bruce Bailey.  Everyone left with great expectations for the next rally. 

More sad news to report

I've just learned that Bruce Bailey's mother Irene has passed away following a long illness. Visitation is Tuesday from 4:00 - 7:00P.M. at Genda funeral home in Frankfort with services on Wednesday at 10:30 A.M. also at Genda.
Sadly, I must also report that Marta Gerard lost her mother last Sunday the 24th. I'm sure I speak for all in extending our sympathies and prayers to Bruce and Marta and their entire families.

We will miss Wilma Brown

I received the following message from Don Pershing and wanted to pass it along to everyone.
Yesterday morning (Monday July 25, 2011) about 7:15 Wilma Brown Wife of Lowell Brown died. She had been in the Hospital for just a few days.
The obituary will probably be in the Frankfort Times tomorrow.
Visitation will be at Wesley Manor Thursday July 28 from 10 to 11 a.m. then at Genda Funeral Home from 4 to 6 p.m. The Funeral will be at St Matthew UMC in Frankfort following visitation from 10 to 11.
The thoughts and prayers of all Hoosier Cruisers are with Lowell at this difficult time.

August Rally and more

The August rally will be in Anderson and for you blog readers here is the info. Just click on the pictures and enlarge to print the forms. For those of you wishing an alternative to dry camping, Timberline Campground in Chesterfield is nearby (765-378-5909) and has 30/50 amp full hookup available.

In Sympathy

Ross Boyer has informed me that Melanie's sister Ginny McCord has passed away following a difficult battle with cancer. I know I speak for all of the club members in extending our heart felt sympathy to Melanie, Ross and Susan at this difficult time. Please keep them in your prayers.

July is in Auburn, In

The July Auburn rally is fast approaching and the Chadwells and Lisles have planned a great get together.

Click on the images for info and registration

Pre Rally and GLASS

Six coaches arrived at the Tilmann property for a pre-rallly.  The Tilman's and Schumaker's were well prepared for those attending.  Members were treated to an excellent chicken dinner prepared by Doug; it was delicious!  Attendees also had a pitch-in Italian dinner and as usual the food was excellent.

In addition to eating Doug had arranged a tech seminar at Duncan RV.  The owner provided information on a variety of topics, but the one of most interest was concerning the recalls of RV refrigerators.  Duncan offers a new fire extinguisher that goes in the refrigerator compartment to reduce the risk of a fire caused by a refrigerator failure.

The rally ended with dinner at Between the Buns which had live entertainment.  The Tilmann's and Schumakers deserve a huge Thank you for their efforts.

From the Tilmann rally members traveled to J&D Truck stop and had lunch at the cafe.  Eleven coaches traveled to Berrien Springs, Michigan, to the GLASS Rally.  The club was parked in the same location as last year and everyone got settled with no problems in spite of the rain from the previous days.

The GLASS Rally offers something for everyone including food, seminars, entertainment, coach displays, service, vendor displays, crafts and good fellowship.  On Thursday several members had lunch at Tabor Hill Winery.  This has become an annual event and diners were not disappointed.  Lunches included rasberry chicken, blue gill, and many other interesting meals.

Thanks to Harry and Connie DeCausemaker, the club has a new banner which was first displayed during the opening ceremonies parade. 

The Hoosier Cruisers also participated in the Chapter Fair. As you can see current members also stopped by including Ed Casada.  It was well attended and the club had two new families join. 

Welcome Mangans and Timmers. 

The entertainment was excellent this year.  It included T. J. Cravens who sang a variety of songs and was only 15 years old.  Friday, attendees were treated to Three Men and A Tenor, and Saturday the RedHead Express provided music from the 50's and 60's.  On Sunday morning the Bobby Bowen & Family sang and played a mixture of Christian Country music.  It was a great way to start the day.  The day ended with music Ann Stewart and the Banjo Buddies. Click on the arrow below picture above to hear part of their performance.  The list of entertainment would not be complete without the Frustrated Maestros being mentioned.  Hoosier Cruiser members,Harts and Baileys, are members of this group.

On Saturday, the Hoosier Cruisers served the meal.  Over 550 persons were served a chicken dinner.  This would not have been possible if it weren't for the volunteerism of the 34 HC members.  The GLASS committee and Bettie Wessel greatly appreciated the efforts of the members.  Thanks!!!!!

GLASS

The GLASS rally (Great Lakes Area Spring Spree) is just around the corner and many of us are excited and looking forward to this annual event in Berrien Springs, Michigan. For those unfamiliar, the rally starts May 26 and runs through May 30. Many vendors will be present as well as new and used coaches to view, seminars to attend and great food and entertainment daily. Registration forms are available in your FMCA magazine and you can also sign up on line. Just google GLASS RALLY. While everyone can arrive anytime during the rally, last year we found it great fun to enter the grounds a day early on Wednesday. While there is a $20.00 fee for the extra nite it was very relaxed and we got excellent parking. This year we plan to do the same. Those traveling from the Tilmann pre rally and all others interested in a caravan to the rally will meet at J D's truck stop on the northwest corner of US 31 and US 12 just two miles north of the Michigan state line. We will depart for the rally grounds at 12:30pm. This should put us at the fairgrounds about 20 minutes later. If you are planning to arrive at this time put are coming from a different area please let me know so we can coordinate and not get separated. Looking forward to seeing everyone - Rick Hahn

Rain Didn't Dampen Spirits at May Rally

The Corydon Rally was well attended in spite of the rain.  All coaches were parked on asphalt so no one got stuck.  Members began to roll in on Thursday and all had arrived by that evening.  Some of the members elected to travel to Leavenworth to eat at the Overlook Restaurant.   From the restaurant one can see for about 20 miles up and down the Ohio River.  Members had a great view from their tables and even were treated to a double rainbow.  On the way back a tree had fallen across the road, but all were able to navigate around the fallen branches.  That evening everyone was lulled to sleep by a drumming of raindrops on the roofs of their coaches.

Friday began with breakfast and thankfully the rain had let up.  After breakfast the members regrouped and traveled to Golf Shores.  This is an indoors miniature golf course that is lit by black lights.  The entire area has scenes painted by students ranging from nine years old to twenty years old.  If that was not enough, the artwork was in 3-D when viewed with the special glasses.  Not being able to read the path that your golf ball would take made the holes especially challenging, although several were skilled/lucky enough to make hole in ones.

After playing an exciting game of golf, members traveled to Scout Mountain Winery to sample wine that is produced locally.  As an additional treat Hoosier Cruisers could elect to participate in a cooking class that demonstrated how to incorporate wine and herbs in recipes.  Members sampled an excellent dip, basil pasta, strawberry lemonade with basil and a delicious wine cake.  Everyone left with smiles on their faces.

While it may seem that many of our activities center around eating,and it is true that the day ended with an excellent meal at Magdalena's Restaurant.  Diners had a choice of vegetable lasagna, country fried steak, vegetables, fruit, tossed salad and cobbler that was out of this world.

Saturday began with Nancy, Roberta and Bettie preparing fresh fried donuts.  Between them they made over 100 donuts.  Each was dipped in sugar, powered sugar, or cinnamon and sugar.  Hurray for Nancy's World Famous Donuts!

The day continued with a tour of the first Indiana Capitol Building.  The tour guide explained how the building was constructed and gave information about how the state government was formed.  The preservation of the capitol building is a treasure that will be enjoyed by many generations in the future.

The group walked across the street to tour Gen. Hendricks Headquarters which is furnished with furniture and articles from the 1800's.  Behind the house was a beautiful garden that was just beginning to flourish and an outhouse up on the hill.  The tour was informative and made one appreciate how the early settlers lived.

The walking tours were followed by a visit to Zimmerman's Art Glass Factory.  Kerry Zimmerman learned the art of making handmade pieces of glass as a child and today he is the third generation to continue the art of glassmaking.  He demonstrated his skill by making a glass basket which amazed those who were present.

As another day came to a close the club gathered at a small clapboard church that was built before the State Park was established.  The club furnished chicken and a wide variety of sides were brought by the great cooks in the club.  As usual all enjoyed the food and fellowship.

Sunday began with another continental breakfast and all attendees were invited to attend a worship service at the Potato Run Church.  What a friendly congregation.  They invited all of the club to a chili lunch at the church.  What a great way to end an enjoyable rally.

Don't forget the next rally is at the Tilmann Ranch south of Elkhart, on May 22 to May 24.  This pre-rally is bound to be another great time.