June Rally Fun

The June rally was a great success thanks to Steve and Judy Kincaid and Chuck and Marci Bayman.  Thursday evening we all met at the Golden Corral for a never ending meal which could have been lethal were it not for the will power shown by most of us (dodged a bullet there).  Friday we all attended a great tour of the historic Fort Wayne courthouse.  While no pictures were allowed I'm sure most of the images are still very clear in the minds of all who attended.  We also visted a new manufacturer in the Summit City called Cinda B.  Named for the owner, a former Vera Bradley employee, Cinda B manufactures an extensive line of handbags, luggage and accessaries.  The factory was in full operation and it was amazing to see the hand work and hear how the product goes from Cinda B's idea to final production and shipping.  Of course the ladies needed to shop at the discount area but the guys patiently waited for them as the seats in the room were very comfy. 



I was pleased to see that they also support our military producing several items for use by our fighting men.  Saturday, included a visit to a personal collection of both antique and modern performance cars.  The collection belonged to Pete Keelan an engineer/architect and build manager for a local firm.  Pete also was an Air Force fighter pilot and current National Guard pilot and sometimes racecar driver.  He showed us 16 of his 110 car collection and each one had a story.  Many of his cars are in museums around the world.  I think we could have talked with Pete all day but many wanted to attend Riverfest a festival in Fort Wayne happening on Saturday.  There was also a Windmill museum visited Saturday afternoon so it was a full day.  It all ended with a wonderful catered meal Saturday night.  Sunday we met for donuts ,coffee and said our goodbyes.  Thanks rallymasters for a memorable rally.

Galloping into Gillette

What a great International Rally.  Doug Tilmann organized a caravan to Gillette, Wy.  Several members gathered at the Days End Campground in Sturgis, SD.  They arrived at the fairgrounds on Sunday and were parked near the entertainment venue, display coach
es, and seminars.  There were even some classic coaches from the past.

On Tuesday evening, the Rusters invited all HC members to a lasagna dinner at their coach.  Can you imagine seating 14 adults in a motorhome for a sit-down dinner?  Well, Steve and Nancy showed us it is possible.  It was great to see the Schmiedts who traveled from Pennsylvania and the Creels who traveled from Alabama.  We also met two new members who joined the club during the rally.

Wednesday, new officers were elected and the A & W team won.  Our new FMCA President is Charlie Adcock and our new FMCA Vice President is Jon Walker who had served as the Senior Vice President of the Great Lakes Motor Coach Area.  That evening participants were
invited to tour the new motorhomes that were on display.  Many RV brands were present.

Bright and early members had an opportunity to attend seminars that covered a wide variety of topics from motorhome maintenance to cooking in a microwave oven.  There was a good representation of vendors who offered a variety of products, information on interesting destinations, and enticing caravan opportunities.  The day concluded with an outstanding performance by the Buckinghams, a group that played and sang songs from the ‘60s.  It was great fun and many of the attendees sang along as they remembered the words from songs when they were younger.

The fun continued on Friday and three of the HC members donated quilts for the Family Services Center of Gillette.  Hoosier Cruisers spirits were not dampened even though there was rain and even a little hail.  Many of the women attended a Ladies tea which included refreshments and a humorous speaker.
Saturday ended with entertainment by Marty Stewart who entertained.

Sunday was the end of the rally and some of the HC members decided to stay an extra day because it was so muddy.  The fairgrounds personnel were accommodating and assisted the members who had become stuck by pulling them out with a 4 wheel drive tractor.  All in all it was a great rally with members leaving with fond memories of fellowship and fun experiences.

July Rally Planned for Cicero In

Bob and Mable Heath with Dale and Wilma Elliott have scheduled a July rally with some great events.  Multiple tours and a show at Connor Praire with the church bus shuttle by renowned driver Jerry Hardacre.  The registration form is located below and should also be in your newsletter.  If you click on the form you should be able to print it. 
Don't forget you must call the campground ASAP to make your camping registrations.  Contact Bob and Mable with any questions.

 

 

Hoosier Cruiser health concerns

Don Orman informs me that Lou Ann has been hospitalized with lung and heart concerns.  Apparently it was scary for awhile but she seems to be improving.  Also Tony Winebrennner's mother has been in a difficult battle with health issues.  I know I speak for all Hoosier Cruisers in wishing them both a speedy recovery.  Please keep them in your prayers.

May Rally, A Great Time In Batesville IN!

The May rally was a great success thanks to Greg and Bettie Wessel and their team of Rem Remley, Judy Hohl, and Chuck and Lois Blodgett.  Parking was a breeze and the facilities were wonderful.  After settling in on Thursday most of us headed to a great restaurant in Oldenburg for a wonderful dinner.  Friday greeted us with perfect weather and a wonderful pancake breakfast prepared by our hosts.    Next up we visited one of the first and only remaining woodcarving business in Indiana.  Weberding's Carving Shop was founded 70 years ago and remains a family owned and operated business specializing in wood carving, custom made  furniture, statue refurbishing and church furnishings.  Their pieces are prized and located all over the world and you may have seen them with out even knowing it while visiting churches around the country. 
Next we headed to the Sherman House for lunch (yes more food) and a presentation by the owner.  The Sherman House was built in 1852 by John Brinkman and was most likely called the Brinkman House.  The name was later changed to the Sherman House in honor of General Sheman and his contributions in the War Between The States.  It turns out the hotel is also haunted and has been featured on television.  His presentation was most interesting and I'm sure I'm not the only one that felt that cold blast that went through the room before we left.  The rally continued with Saturday highlited by a visit to historic Metamora In. by some and a wonderful chicken and noodle dinner prepared by Bettie Wessel, assistant rally masters.
Once again a great time in southern Indiana! 

It's Out To The Ball Game in June

The June rally is all planned and includes a great trip to Parkview field and the exciting Tin Caps baseball team.  Our rally masters have scored some great tickets and plan many other entertaining activities for our June rally.  Remember, the rally masters need some lead time on the tickets so be sure to get your registration form in soon.  The form to the right can be clicked on and printed or contact the rally masters or myself if you need help.  Rick Hahn

Oops, Correction for May Rally

After proofing the registration, missed the typographical error in the name of the campground.  The name of the campground is Indian Lakes, not Indiana Lakes Campground.  The address is correct.

Looking forward to seeing you in Batesville.

Greg Wessel

Batesville Blast

Springing Into the Camping Season

May Rally 16^th – 19^th

Indiana Lakes Campground, 7234 State Road 46 E, Batesville, IN  47006

Mark your calendars to attend the first Hoosier Cruiser Rally in Batesville.  Your Rally Masters and Assistant Rally Masters have been hard at work planning a variety of activities and events that should please the members attending.  The rally will be held at the Indian Lakes Campground and the sites include 30 amp. electricity and water nearby for $25 a night which is a bargain at today’s prices.  We will also have the use of a great lodge for meals and meetings.                                                         

Upon arriving on Thursday, you will be greeted by Rem, Judy, Chuck, Lois, Bettie and Greg.  We are anxious to see you all after winter.  After getting settled and relaxing a little bit, you may join other members in dining out. 

Friday will begin with a pancake breakfast prepared by the rally masters and assistant rally masters which will be held in the lodge.  This will be a great way to start the rally.  Also planned for Friday are a woodcarving tour and a tour of the historic Sherman House.  Sherman House is one of the oldest buildings in Batesville.  It opened its doors in 1852 as the Brinkman hotel and the name was later changed during the time of General Sherman’s contributions to the victory during the Civil War.  It has evolved gracefully from a coaching tavern to a popular hostelry.

In the afternoon a geocaching workshop will be held for those who are curious about geocaching.  Geocaching is an adult treasure hunt using handheld GPS.  We are sure that you will have fun and anyone can participate.  Friday evening we will have a potluck dinner and if you have ever attended an HC rally before you know that there is no shortage of good cooks.

Saturday, you will have an opportunity to travel to Oldenburg, the city of spires, to tour the monastery with its beautiful stained glass windows.  Following the tour you may visit Metamora where there are several craft shops and a unique canal that has locks and an aqueduct that carries the canal over Duck Creek.  

After returning to the campground members will be treated to a chicken and noodle dinner, and if all goes well we will make “pudgy pies” in the fireplace in the lodge.  There’s nothing like ending the day with some comfort food.

The rally will end with donuts and a short church service on Sunday.

Don’t miss out, come join in the FUN!  See you in May.

Directions:  Take I-74 east to Exit 156 (Sunman/Milan). Turn right at exit to Hwy 46. Turn right on Hwy 46. The campground is approximately 2 miles on the left, past the golf course.

May Rally Registration

Winter Gather in Sunny Florida

Twenty-Eight Hoosier Cruisers from all over Florida gathered at Sun N' Fun RV Resort in Sarasota on February 12.  Many of the Hoosier Cruisers were staying at the resort or very nearby while some traveled from two plus hours away.  The weather was gorgeous and those that had to travel did so safely with no worries of snow or freezing rain but our thoughts were with our friends up North and we wished them a quick and warmer winter. We all enjoyed a terrific lunch prepared by chef Joanne and the Boondocks restaurant staff while catching up with everyone and hearing about their winter activities.  We met several members that have not had an opportunity to attend an HC rally yet as well as Trudy and Jerry Landers who joined while here at the resort.   This year promises to be a great rally year and will start off with a May rally hosted by Greg and Bettie Wessel along with the Blodgetts, Judy Hohl and Rem Remley.  Watch for the newsletter out next month for more details.
While at the gather Jane Clashman informed me that Joe and Rachel Johnson of Muncie have been struggling with health issue and can no longer travel.  Check your membership list for an address or contact me if you want to send well wishes.