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!!!!!