Slate of Candidates for Election of Officers for 2009

Many thanks go to the Nominating Committee: Bob Kern, Judy Asbury and Dick Schumaker. They have contacted qualified members of our chapter who are willing to assume the leadership responsibilities that are required for another great season of rallies.

Many thanks also go to those individuals who are willing to serve and give of their time to assure that the Hoosier Cruisers will have a smooth running year. THANKS!

The slate of candidates will be presented at the September Rally and ballots will be mailed to members in the October Newsletter. Ballots are to be mailed to Judy Asbury for tabulation and the results will be announced at the October Rally.

SLATE OF CANDIDATES FOR ELECTION OF OFFICERS ‘09

PRESIDENT ------------------------------GREG WESSEL
EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT---------RICHARD HAHN
SECRETARY-------------------------------SANDY HAHN
TREASURER-------------------------NORMA WAMSLEY
NAT’L. DIRECTOR--------------------JERRY HARDACRE
ALT. NAT’L DIRECTOR---------------MELANIE BOYER
NORTH V. PRES.------------------ROSEANNE GARDNER
CENTRAL V. PRES.-------------------------GARY HAND
SOUTHERN V. PRES------JUDY HOHL & MARY REMLEY

*NEWSLETTER EDITOR ----------CHERYL SCHMIEDT

Valpo Rally Great Fun!

The August Rally was held at the Porter County Fairgrounds and was well attended. Bill and Sandy Berrier, Rally Masters; and George Laurel Dodrill, Assistant Rally Masters planned a rally that was packed full of tours. All camping sites were full service and provided sewer and 50 amp electricity. The fairgrounds provided first class accommodations and were appreciated by those who attended. Those participants want to thank the efforts of the volunteers who made this another successful event.

The Taltree Arboretum contains a diverse array of plants from around the world. It also hosts a collection of living plants that are native to the area as seen in the summer prairie. In 2010 it will also house a miniature railroad display with landscaped gardens and include a new railroad depot that will be a visitors center.

Task Force Tips is a world renowned manufacturer of the best fire nozzles on earth. The fire nozzles are tested in a water booth as seen in the picture. The plant is highly computerized and even the parts and tools that are in bins are selected by machine. The flags in the factory are an indication of the world wide distribution by this company.

Everyone who had dinner on Friday were treated to half a chicken that was prepared by Wayne Brandy. The chicken and fresh sweet corn complemented an already outstanding day.





As you can see we visited the jail in Valparaiso and a couple of our members got caught. Luckily we all were given "Get Out of Jail Free" cards. The sheriff said that the cards were as good in any of the states as they were in Indiana.

The Hoosier Bat factory makes bats that are used by the Major Leagues, colleges, high schools, and children learning the sport. You can recognize a Hoosier Bat by the three rings that are at the top of the grip. If you look closely you can see that some of their bats are made from three different types of wood. The grip is ash, the middle is hickory, and the top is maple. The factory makes custom bats for major league players and is able to produce 200 bats a day.

During the evening meals members celebrated Ed Casada and Chuck Swickard's birthdays.

Saturday, the club took a tour of the Illiana Garden Railroad Society Bull Moose Line. It included several G scale model railroad layouts that were displayed in a well kept garden. A miniature town and countryside made the whole setting seem real.



The Ox Cart Ramblers provided Bluegrass music for the attendees enjoyment. They played a great music that made you want to stomp your feet. If you would like to see and hear a clip of their music click on the picture below.

Correction: Detour to Valparaiso Rally

INDOT has decided to work on the bridges crossing U S 30 on state road 49 so we will go with the following detours. Signs will be posted so keep an eye open. North and South bound on IN 49 there will be no changes.
East bound on U S 30 continue past the closed highway ramps approximatly 2 miles to C R 325 East passing 2 stop lights after GOING UNDER state road 49. Turn right on 325 and cross 2 sets of RR tracks going to the 1st 4 way stop, Division Rd, and turn right. Go to West end of fairgrounds and enter on right and go straight to the welcome tent near the North end of the driveway.
West bound on U S 30 go 5.7 miles past stop light at 30 & 421 turn left on C R 325 east then go to Division Rd turn right go to end of fairgrounds enter on right.
IN 2 is under reconstruction in Hebron, IN so those planning on using that route should go East on IN 8 to Kouts then North on IN 49 to the first stop light, about 7.9 miles from IN 8
Thank you and again we will post signs. Bill Berrier

Great Times in Dayton

For those Hoosier Cruisers who attended the rally in Dayton, they experienced a great weekend due to the efforts of the Rally Masters - Carol and Gary Sweet, and the Assistant Rally Masters - Jackie and Frank Anderson. Although we didn't have a campfire, we still enjoyed gathering near a shade tree to swap tall tales.



The Wright Patterson Air Force Museum is one of the best collections of aircraft in the nation. It houses planes from the beginning of aviation to present day jets.



During the tour we were able to walk through several airplanes that had been used by past presidents. You quickly realized how they had changed from prop driven aircraft to larger jet propelled planes. It was also noted that the electronics have become much more sophisticated.


The club welcomed new members and enjoyed the catered and pitch-in dinners.

The Packard museum was another high point of the weekend. It contained some of the earliest Packards as well at cars that were the last to be produced by Packard. It was interesting to know that some of the limosines are still used today. You can hire a chaufer and car for a special event. The proceeds are used to support the museum. I was surprised that we were given permission to actually sit in some of the cars.

The Carillon Park was a stop that should not be missed. During the walking tour we saw the 1905 Wright Flier III, a Cadillac that had one of the first electric starters, pioneer buildings, and other exhibits that displayed historic firsts in Dayton.

Congratulations go to Carol and Richard Swenke who were our first 50/50 Raffle winners. Although it looks like Carol was the real winner.

Make sure that you are planning to attend the next rally in Valparaiso, Indiana. The good time just keep rolling.

Rem and Judy's Green Chili Bake

For those members who attended the last rally you may have gotten a taste of this delicious treat. Rem and Judy have shared this recipe for you to try.

Beat 10 eggs

Fold/stir in 4 cups shredded Jack cheese, 2 cups cottage cheese, 1/2 cup margarine, 1/2 cup flour, 1t baking powder, 1/2 t salt and 8 oz. drained chopped chilis.

Pour into lightly greased 9x13 pan. Bake 350 for 35 minutes or until set. (in 1000 watt microwave cook on low-mix for 35 minutes also). Cool 10 minutes.

Hoosier Cruisers Will Miss Jim Frederick

The Hoosiser Cruisers wish to extend their sincere sympathies to the family of Jim Frederick of Valparaiso. Jim and his wife were assisting with the August Rally.

Long Time Members Celebrate 50th Wedding Anniversary

Ron and Sharion Matheny celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on June 14th. The picture shows Hoosier Cruiser or past Hoosier Cruiser members.

Front Row-Jackie Joyner, Mary Belle Myers, and Marcia Read

Back Row-Russ Myers, Sharion and Ron Metheny.

Submitted by Mary Belle Myers

Shipshewana Recipes

Plum Sausage Bites

Heidi Fisher, Victoria Britsh Columbia

Submitted by Cheryl Schmiedt

Packed with perky flavor, these links are a must at brunches and potlucks. Plumb jelly, soy sauce, and Dijon mustard create the thick, tangy sauce that clings to the sliced sausages.

2 to 2-1/2 pounds uncooked pork sausage links cut into 1-inch pieces

1 cup plum, apple, or grape jelly

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

In a large skillet, cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink; drain and set sausage aside. In the same skillet, combine the jelly, soy sauce, and mustard; mix well. Simmer, uncovered, for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Return sausage to the pan and heat through. Refridgerate any leftovers.

Yield: 18-22 servings.

Shipshewana Wrap-up

Members had an opportunity to meet new members and renew friendships with old members in the shelter which had been decorated with quilts. Every night a campfire became the gathering place.




What do you do if you lock your keys in your coach. No problem, Dick got out his ladder and crawled through the window of his coach. Good thinking.

Members were treated to great burgers prepared by Doug and Carl at the carry-in. The food was great!




Attendees visited a bison ranch where they got to see several bison. The little one, Bentley, had been raised from birth by employees at the ranch.



Jack got into character at the dinner where we all wore bandanas and chowed down on a a delicious bison dinner.




We visited the Yoder Popcorn store where we sampled popcorn that was grown in Indiana. They had several varieties including black popcorn.




Betty, Doug, and Susie share what else to expect at the next tour, dinner, or social gathering.


Alan gave the message for the Sunday service. He was assisted with the singing of hymns by these able volunteers.

What a great rally. Fun activities, great fellowship, and super food. If you are a member of the Hoosier Cruisers, make sure that you join in the fun in Dayton.

Doug Tilmann has submitted a photoshow of the events. Click on the following address: http://www.photoshow.com/watch/rW7JD9YB

More GLASS Photos

Many thanks to Ernie for sharing his photos. Enjoy!