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.

Grape Salad Recipe

Cassie Lisle submitted the following recipe that was a real hit with the members. Enjoy!

Grape Salad (from Barb LeCount)

2# Green Grapes
2# Red Grapes
1 – 8 oz. Cream Cheese
1 C. Sour Cream
½ C. Sugar
1 t. Vanilla

Topping:
1 C. Brown Sugar
1 C. Chopped Walnuts or Pecans

Remove grapes from stems, rinse, drain, and pat dry. Cream together cream cheese, sour cream, sugar, and vanilla. Add grapes and stir to coat. Pour into large bowl. Mix topping and pour over grapes mixture. Chill.

Having a Blast at the June Rally

The June Rally was began at the Howard County Fairgrounds and was planned and run by Dave and Carolyn Griffey, and their assistants Bob and Rose Gollner. The Hoosier Cruisers appreciate all their work in hosting a rally that went off without a hitch. Members were treated to a wide variety of activities and tours.

The women began their tours at the
Greentown Glass Museum. The Indiana Tumbler and Goblet Company of Greentown produced holly amber glass and chocolate glass for only nine years (during the gas boom era), until 1903 when fire destroyed the factory. The members had an opportunity to view over 1,700 pieces highly prized glass.

You can see that they enjoyed the tour.

A second tour include a visit to the Opalescent Glass Factory. It was a fascinating tour where you watched hot glass being rolled into colorful sheets of designer glass, which are sent all over the world for use by stained glass artists. In has been in business since 1888, this is Kokomo's only gas boom era factory still in existence today.

Dave Griffey and Bob Gollner were both instrumental in the establishment of the Kokomo Automotive Museum. Dave and Bob provided a narative of the development of the auto industry in Kokomo which began in 1894. The museum's historic facades feature a 1930's gas station, the Haynes home, and a 1950's diner. Auto industry related displays and around 100 antique and classic cars are all located in the museum.


At the Grissom Air Museum, Bettie tried her had at flying a model of one of the first airplanes that was build by the Wright brothers.

After climbing the tower members got a birds eye view of airplanes from WW II to present day aircraft.

Lloyd, a Hoosier Cruiser member and pilot, was explaining the working of a F-4 Phantom II jet fighter.

As one can see, the June Rally was chock full of things to do.

Caravan to Bowling Green, OH

Hoosier Cruiser members have expressed an interest in parking together at the Bowling Green International Rally. For those who would like to join the caravan contact:
Alan Schmiedt
Phone: 574-202-3796
Email: cschmiedt@bnin.net

Members have asked about the procedure to be followed for registration and parking together. Margie Bruwinkel, FMCA staff, has been most helpful. She has scheduled a time for Hoosier Cruiser members to arrive in a caravan. You need to be registered before arriving on Sunday. Alan Schmiedt will have caravan cards to be placed in your windshield and you will be allowed to park together no matter when you sent in your reservation. Alan will distribute the cards at the rendezvous point. Please contact Alan to make sure that he has enough cards for everyone and to create an accurate list of those planning to caravan to the rally.

The caravan will rendezvous at the Petro2 Truck stop on Sunday, July 19th. at the Petro2 Truck stop. Take US 24 east from Ft. Wayne to Exit 38 in Ohio near Napoleon, OH. Turn on Industrial Drive to the truck stop. The Petro2 and Pilot truck stops are located at the same exit. Plan to arrive before 1 p.m. We will depart after 1 p.m. and travel the remaining 27 miles to Bowling Green in a caravan. Members are traveling in a caravan to be parked together. You are welcome to travel to the rally on your own and locate other members after you have been parked.
Come join your friends and enjoy the fun!

Get Well Soon

Joann Malinowski suffered a stroke in March. She is recovering in the rehab facility at Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village. The Hoosier Cruisers wish Joann a speedy recovery.

For those members who would want to send Joann and Leonard a card the address is:
Oak Grove Christian Retirement Village
221 W. Division Road
DeMotte, IN 46310

GLASS Rally Fun

The club was well represented by its members. Seventeen coaches arrived on Thursday and caravanned into the Fairgrounds. Other Hoosier Cruisers had already arrived which brought the total to over 25 coaches.

Several Hoosier Cruisers went to lunch at the Tabor Hill Winery. They had an excellent lunch and enjoyed the view of the vineyards.

After lunched some of the members traveled to see the round barn which had been moved to its location in Berrien Springs, MI.

Friday, Greg Wessel accepted a certificate that recognized the Hoosier Cruisers' 35th Anniversary.

Jane and Ernie Clashman were recognized as Outstanding Members for their many years of service as recruitment ambassadors for the club. They will no longer be manning the Chapter Fairs at the many FMCA rallies, but will continue as members of the club.


Can you imagine, over 45 Hoosier Cruiser showed their FMCA spirit and served the Saturday evening dinner to over 800 attendees at the rally. The food was great, but the fellowship was even better.

The rally was a success. There were a wide variety of seminars to attend, fantastic entertainment, a car show that exhibited cars from the 1920's to a Smart car that was fitted to be towed.

If you enjoy having fun with friends, super entertainment, and learning more about your coach, plan to attend the rally in Bowling Green, OH.