Lost In The 50’s Rally “It’s a Wrap Folks”

 

Well another rally is in the books and duly recorded in photos. What a great time we all had! Bev and Dennis worked tirelessly to prepare fun, on theme decorations and great activities. Between music bingo, kazoo singalongs, 7 little girls skit, great costumes and everything music, Bev and Dennis had us laughing, dancing and at times very animated! Thank you both for the time and energy that you put into our Rally. Bev and Dennis always step up to help and that makes our chapter a better place. Unfortunately due to the cooler weather and wind we weren’t able to do our sock hop. Hopefully we can postpone that for when we either have more cooperative weather or an inside room. Your ideas about cars on the tables and soda floats were a big hit; so yummy!

 

Cathy, Sue, Irene, myself and our long suffering husbands (Todd, Rick, Ralph and Gary) had a great time with the games. So fun to have new chapter members like Cathy and Irene who have such great ideas and take our fun levels very seriously. Thank you for finding such crazy games like the Oreo cookie challenge, pig, water ball toss, cheerios on pipe cleaners, trivia and of course “Would You Rather?”

 

The outdoor movies were a well enjoyed event. Although it was cooler, many of us brought out our blankets and enjoyed the popcorn and show. We had a glitch with the end of the movie Grease but most of us have already seen it many times, so that was fine. On the Sunday night we had a bonus movie “RV” with Robin Williams. It was exciting to be able to watch on such a big screen and a lot of laughs to see Todd and Ralph trying to hold down the 16 foot screen when the winds came up. So many fun memories. Thank you to Todd and Ralph for organizing the movies, the screen, the projector and the manly muscle to keep the screen on the ground.

 

Unfortunately due to covid we are still not sharing a lot of our meals. We always love our joint Happy Hour times and it was fun to eat together but with our own food. The food highlight for me was the delicious pizza that I didn’t have to cook. It made us smile to see how many of us older folks love candy so much; candy bags were a big hit and not just for me.

 

Thank you to all of you who came to the rally and especially to all of those who continually step up to help make our FMCA chapter stronger, more fun and inclusive. To our executive and their spouses who are always helping at events and in the background thank you as well. Audrey, Matt, Cathy, Kathy, Andy; please tell me that I haven’t forgotten anyone! Thank you also to Jaden for always helping out.

 

A big thank you to the wonderful folks at Cowichan Terminals who enable us to have our annual rally on their beautiful waterfront site. They go to a lot of effort each year to cheerfully clear a large area and get it super clean and swept of nails and screws before we get there. They also take extra time to move large lifts of lumber so that we can keep our community tents well anchored down in the inevitable winds.

 

We are looking forward to many more great events next year. Remember, each one of us is “The Vancouver Islanders FMCA Chapter” so come out and support events, tell your friends and nice strangers about what we are doing, the fun we are having and bring them and their rigs to check it out for themselves. Remember to hand out your FMCA magazines to folks who might be interested in learning more about RV’ing and the great benefits of becoming an FMCA member.

 

Travel safe and remember to pack your smile,

Cheers,

MaryAnn & Gary Tennent

778-966-1048

Cowichan Exhibition Grounds Rally -27 – 30 May, 2022

 The first Rally of the season was a basic, intimate rally with eight coaches in attendance. Some were

parked in the open lot around the light pole, whilst the others sought some shelter between the barns.

Little did we know, the wind would come from the west and funnel right down between the barns,

Mother Nature foiled us again!

Mary-Ann had appealed to the attendees to “bring a sewing machine if you have one”. No doubt Mary-

Ann had something neat planned out. So Friday night, rope baskets were being assembled and sewn.

When I showed up Saturday, I thought everyone was making a toque! They were neat baskets for sure!

Verne had brought his infamous fire pit, but it didn’t come up on the back of the coach, he stuffed that

thing in the back of Audrey’s car! What was he thinking?!

As usual, we huddled around the fire, trying to keep warm from that westerly. Audrey had asked me if I

could bring some firewood with me, it’s a good thing she asked, as we had burned every last scrap of

wood we had. So much so, on Monday morning, Verne had to use his portable compressor to finish

burning the ashes in the fire pit (before it went back into Audrey’s car).

Saturday night, Bev and Dennis put on a fun game of music bingo, I think it was 50’s and 60’s music?

Being as young as I am, I only recognized 3 or 4 songs! I bet you can’t guess who had a handicap in this

game?!

The first round cost 25 cents and we needed two full lines in any direction, Jody won that round. The

second round cost 50 cents and this time we needed to make an “X” and this was won by Verne. Which

brought us to our final round and cost us a dollar. This round was to be complete by getting the 4

corners and wouldn’t you know it, Verne won this round, too! I wonder if he had horseshoes in his

pockets?

Sunday was another cloudy chilly day, I made two pots of coffee on Sunday (thanks to the handy outlet

on the barn). The crafters were in the barn finishing the last bits and pieces of their baskets and Verne

had his fire lit first thing in the afternoon. People would come and go for the chit chat and warmth,

stubbornly sitting in the wind. It wasn’t until Happy Hour that we figured out, if we move the fire to the

lee side of the barn, the wind couldn’t get to us. So, Happy Hour was much warmer and with everyone in

attendance, patiently waiting for the pizza to arrive, looking at Mary-Ann’s collection of photos from the

pirate rally from Sept. we had some good chuckles and stories, reminiscing of times past. We had pizza

Sunday night from Ali Baba in Duncan. We all sat in the barn at our own tables and enjoyed the pizza,

we even had enough for some folk to take left-overs home. This was followed by a rousing game of

Jenga, courtesy of Mary-Ann and Gary.

Monday was the mass exodus, remembering the fun we had over the weekend and looking forward to

the next get together (July at the Living Forest), I headed for home, stopping for fuel and almost fainting

at what a ½ tank of fuel cost me! However, anytime in the RV is a good time, so I shan’t worry much

about the cost of fuel, I have two legs and two arms so surely I can do without one of them??

Matt

FMCA Pirate Extravaganza

 September 3-6,2021

The invitation read:

Avast ye!

FLOSS THE BILGES

SWAB THE DECKS

SHARPEN YOUR SWORDS

AND THEN, WHAT THE HECK…

PUT ON YOUR PIRATE GEAR

GRAB A BOTTLE OF GROG

COME HAVE A GREAT TIME

AND CREATE MEMORIES FOR OUR “BLOG”

Ahhhhhhr!

SHIVER ME TIMBERS!

And so it began…

Cowichan Terminal occupants were surprised to see that they were recently taken over by FMCA Vancouver Islander pirates, lots of pirates. Old pirates, young pirates, and a lot of “want to be young pirates.” The wenches and barmaids were of course there too.

A flotilla of rigs started arriving after the sun was over the yardarm. The tent and decorator crew slaved to get the tents up, decorations hung and rigs looking like 11 pirate ships at anchor. Captain Hook sat and drank a grog of rum, no whip needed, since everyone was pulling their weight.

No sooner had the sails been set when a mighty wind and rainstorm lashed the decks, but the awning held true, and everyone stayed dry. No ships were lost, or injuries reported.

Happy Hour was slightly delayed as everyone had a chance to make and decorate their own pirate hats. “NO DRINK FOR YOU UNTIL YOU MAKE A HAT!” roared Captain Hook. It was fun to

see everyone’s creativity levels and extra fun to have the pirates working hard to impress the barmaids. And impressed they were!

After tummies were full of provisions and grog (for some this was tea or soda) the rowdy bunch played a game of Giant Pirate Jenga to sharpen their skill for the next day. Captain Hook learned the hard way that hooks don’t work well for removing blocks of wood

Saturday started with the usual band of pirates, barmaids and wenches heading into town to pillage the local market. While no gold or silver was discovered, many interesting treasures were returned to the pirate ships. With so many treasures captured, it was decided that treasure chests were to be made and filled with necklaces, rings, and other jewels. Who knew that swashbucklers could be so creative?

A special tattoo artist was brought in to add more ink to all those brave enough to participate. All crews were proudly showing off their new “tats”. A rousing Happy Hour followed with singing, dancing, and sword fights. Ok that didn’t really happen, but there was grog and laughter. After filling their bellies, a band of pirates gathered for more Pirate Jenga and to watch the sun go down.

Sunday was the Pirate Extravaganza with everyone in their finest pirate/wench garments. The youngest and the most enthusiastic pirate was dressed and ready at 7 am, with most of the scraggly pirates arriving much later. The day was filled with walking the plank, grog tasting (rum varieties and root beer varieties), the rousing relay and the best event, the giant pirate ship battle. Each pirate/wench was part of one of two teams, with one team on each side of plastic pools (ships) full of water. The pools were full of ammunition. (splat balls that fill with water before you throw them) and were about 20 feet apart. Teams were to throw the ammunition at the opposing ship to try to sink it. The ship with the most ammunition on it at the end was the ship that sank. Of course, with pirates being pirates, the battle turned into a giant water fight with ammunition flying at players, soaking them, and one wild pirate even using a paddle to fend off the ammunition flying towards his team.

After a boisterous day, even the pirates had to take some quiet time and watch a pirate movie on the large outdoor screen. Did you know that pirates will pillage other pirates popcorn bowls when theirs are empty?

All pirates, wenches and barmaids were instructed by Captain Hook to raise their anchors and sail away from the bay before the sun was over the yardarm. The band of pirates and even Captain Hook slaved together to swab the deck, tear down the tents, carefully fold the pirate flags and store them in the provision ship for next time.

Special thank you goes to our swashbuckling team of Cathy & Todd, Rick & Sue and Gary. You were an awesome team to work with and your creative ideas, including organizing decorations was second to none. Thank you to our executive for their continual support of our crazy ideas and thank you to all the pirates, barmaids and wenches who participated and helped wherever

and whenever was needed. Special thanks to our youngest pirate for his hard work on building model ships, researching and naming the teams Dutchmann and Minerva and always being ready to help.

Looking forward to our next wonderful adventure with FMCA Vancouver Islanders!

Mary-Ann

 Hi Vancouver Islanders and all FMCA members!

 

The Cowichan Bay Rally is less than a month away.  Here is the information with the map attached for your arrival.

 

This rally will be similar to last year.  Meals will not be included and we ask that you bring your own table and chairs to the tent.

 

Please do not arrive before 1:00 pm on Friday, September 3, 2021.  Remember this is an active working area and if we would like to continue enjoying this site in the future, we need to respect the wishes of the management.  If you plan to arrive after 4 pm, please call me at 250 589-1445 or Audrey at 250 418-0578 as the gate will be locked.

 

Since there are no meals, the rally fee is $45.00.  Please send your cheque, made out to Vancouver Islanders, to our Treasurer, Audrey Hauge before August 27, 2021.

Audrey’s address is  3286 Jacklin Road, Victoria, BC, V9C 3H5.

 

Upon arrival, please follow the posted speed limits.  On arrival at the jetty, please pull between the two double wide trailers, we will have a sign posted.  Someone will be there to advise you where to park.

 

Departure is Monday, September 6, 2021 before noon. 

 

Looking forward to another great rally!  Travel safe!

 

Andy

 

PS.  We have an entertainment committee headed by Mary Anne Tennent.  More information to follow from Mary Anne.   I understand we will have a Pirate theme.  Sounds like a fun get together!!!

 Good Morning Vancouver Islanders!

 

I hope this email finds you and your family in good health! 

 

With the future Covid 19 restrictions for British Columbia still unknown, it is very difficult to set up rallies. I will be checking frequently with the BC CDC regarding the limitations in numbers.  However, we have the following set up at this time:

 

May 28 – 31, 2021   Cowichan Expo Center  This rally would be a no host rally; handled like the Labour Day rally last year at the Cowichan Bay Pier....we will have the barn and camping spots. All meals done by attendees; we can eat and socialize in the barn and outside. We will not be able to put on this rally unless we have a minimum of 25 coaches because of the cost of the facility. At this time the Provincial restriction on outdoor gatherings is still limited to 10 people.

 

June or July rally was to be at Southern Vancouver Island Ranger Facility.  They have cancelled all events for the 2021 summer season; even their own events.   ANY SUGGESTIONS???????

 

September 3 – 6, 2021 Labour Day at Cowichan Bay Pier  This rally is still scheduled.

 

If any of you have suggestions for rallies or “get togethers”, please let me know.

 

Below, please read the news from Northwest Area Vice President Don Schleuse regarding a temporary reduction in your FMCA dues.

 

Stay safe!

 

Andy

 

President

Vancouver Islanders- FMCA

Vancouver Islanders and FMCA Rallies 2020

Hi Vancouver Islanders!    April 4, 2020

With the ever-changing events taking place so quickly regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the most important thing is to keep you and your family safe from this virus. Please be sure to follow all necessary guidelines and precautions to keep well and healthy. Due to the uncertainty relating to this pandemic, your understanding is greatly appreciated regarding the status of our 2020 scheduled rallies – some rallies may happen, some may not. We will do our best to relay information to you in a timely manner in order to help you with your planning and preparation. So… please stay tuned….the next scheduled rally is May 21 –24, 2020.  I have contacted the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds and at the present time, they are closed.  I will be in contact with them later in April to reassess the situation and will immediately get the word out to all Vancouver Islanders.

Until the BC Government removes the mandate regarding socializing in groups, we will abide by their rules.

I, also, need to announce the cancellation of 2020 Northwest Area Rally, scheduled for June 24-27, 2020, in Roseburg, Oregon.  All other Area Rallies have also been cancelled for the rest of 2020.  As you know, the Tucson FMCA National Convention was cancelled.  The Board of Directors have also cancelled the FMCA Summer Convention that was scheduled for August 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has put all of us at risk, and the safety and well-being of our members was first and foremost when the FMCA and the NWA Board were asked to give their opinions about the continuation of the rallies.

Thank you for your support in these decisions.

Stay safe!

Andy Balogh President – Vancouver Islanders

Vancouver Islanders IMPORTANT information

January 2020

Happy New Year!

We have just returned from the Western Area Rally in Indio, the Big Tent RV Show in Quartzsite and the Beaver Ambassador Chapter Rally in the desert of Quartzsite.  We have a tentative rally schedule for 2020.  Contracts are not signed as of today but will be in the next couple of weeks.

May  21 – 24, 2020  Cowichan Exhibition , Duncan

June 03 – 06, 2020  Seal Bay RV Resort, Comox Valley  We are invited to join the Newmar Chapter for this rally.

July 20 – 23, 2020   Southern Vancouver Islanders Ranger Station, Langford

September 03 – 07, 2020 Cowichan Bay Jetty

Please remember the FMCA Northwest Area rally is in Roseburg, OR from June 24 – 28, 2020.  This is a new venue and should be lots of fun.

The National Conventions are :  101st Convention – Tucson, Arizona from March 26 –30, 2020 and the 102nd Convention – Lincoln, Nebraska from August 26 – 30, 2020.

I will be sending more information and asking for hosts for the rallies in the very near future.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

While we were attending the Indio rally, FMCA President Jon Walker made an announcement at his Meet the President Seminar that I would like to pass on to you.  Effective February 1, 2020, this next Saturday, the FMCA Roadside Rescue prices will increase.   The current price of $74.00 per year for a maximum of 3 years can be obtained by calling FMCA at 1-800-543-3622 before 2pm on Friday, January 31, 2020.  The one stipulation is that your membership must be in effect for the same time period as the Roadside Rescue is in effect.

On February 1st, 2020, the rate per year for a motorhome will be $159 per year and for other RVs, the price is $129 per year.

Safe travels!

Andy

September Rally report.

The Long weekend rally is in the history books!  As they say, “a good time was had by all”!

Most attendees arrived on Thursday and what a great heavy appetizer meal we had.  More arrivals on Friday and then off to the Rock Cod Cafe for dinner.

Saturday and Sunday were filled with more food and games.  Jenga being the most popular, followed by the bean bag baseball and ladder golf.  The fix your own meat dinner on Saturday was wonderful. Sunday’s dinner was Costco Dogs and fresh picked (Sunday morning) corn on the cob.  Both nights, ice cream with various toppings were dessert.

 

Now for the breakfasts....WOW!  Friday, it was pancakes and sausage with yogurt and juice.  Pancakes had various toppings and of course, whipped cream.  Saturday, the breakfast was the chapter’s famous surprise, oatmeal with toppings and ice cream, hosted by the Woodrow’s and Campbell’s.  Sunday’s breakfast was hosted by Joe & Stella and Matt & Jody.  A meal of french toast and bacon with all the trimmings.  I am sure that there was no weight lost at this rally.

 

We did not have an official meeting but did take time to discuss rally sites and hosting.

Clarence Zimmerman and Gary Giles have been approached by the mainland Newmar group to have a joint rally.  This was discussed and I will be contacting their President once we have our rally dates and sites confirmed.

Several members have agreed to host rallies for 2020.  Thank you if you have agreed to host; if anyone else would like to host, please email me at the address below or give me a call.

 

The following sites have been suggested and the Executive Board will be contacting each one.

Cowichan Expo Center May 28 or 29 – 31, 2020

Buttle Lake, Kin Beach, Kitty Coleman, Luxton Fairgrounds, Ranger Station in Langford, Lighthouse RV Park near Fanny Bay, Qualicum Bay First Nations Campground, Providence Farms, and

Cowichan Bay Jetty    September 3 – 7, 2020   This has been requested.

 

If you have any additional suggestions, please let me know. We did not draw for the Ken Williams award but will do so at the May rally and award the $60.00 rally fee at that time. Please check out the Vancouver Islanders Blogspot at    vifmca.blogspot.com

Thanks for all your help and input at the rally!

 

Andy Balogh

President, Vancouver Islanders

akcbalogh@gmail.com

778-265-2493

MINOT National Convention Governing Board Report August 14, 2019

I attended the annual meeting of the FMCA Governing Board at the FMCA 100th convention in Minot, ND.  Each FMCA chapter has the right to be represented by a single voting delegate.  I represented the Vancouver Islanders as your National Director. 253 of 358 FMCA chapters were represented.  The meeting lasted from 9:00 AM until 6:30 PM. At the meeting, the following actions were taken by the Governing Board that may be of interest:
1. New FMCA chapters now only require 15 members, rather than 20; new FMCA associate chapters (non-voting) now only require 7 members, rather than 10.
2. Chapters may now combine the offices of secretary and treasurer and it will be considered holding one office.  This is only significant because people can only hold two offices in FMCA chapters at the same time, either two in the same office or one in each of two chapters.
3. Next year’s winter convention will be held in Tucson, AZ from March 26-29, 2020.
4. Next year’s summer convention will be held in Syracuse, NY from July 29-August 2, 2020.
5. The 2021 winter convention will be in Perry, GA and the summer convention will be in Gillette, Wyoming.
6. FMCA will implement a new administrative computer system that will cost $285,000.  The Governing Board authorized funding this with a loan.  FMCA reserves are down to $7.3 million which is short of the $9 million that is prudent to retain to cover one year of operating expenses.  At this time, FMCA is debt free.
7. The 2020 annual operating budget of approximately $9 million was passed, which includes a $25/year membership fee increase for new members and renewals effective September 1, 2019.  This was considered necessary to fund FMCAssist (emergency medical evacuation), which will cost in excess of $1 million for fiscal year 2020.  Other options were to take the necessary money out of reserves or discontinue FMCAssist.
   
Election of National Officers concluded the meeting.  The FMCA National Officers for 2019-2021 are: John Walker - President (incumbent, ran unopposed)
       Rett Porter - National Senior Vice President (incumbent, defeated Jack Mayberry; Percy Bell withdrew right before the election)
       Kathie Balogh - National Secretary (defeated Ken Carpenter and Connie Jones)
       John Reynolds - Treasurer (incumbent, ran unopposed) 
 
Attendance was budgeted at 2,000 RVs.  I believe there are approximately 1,600 RVs attending. 

Respectfully,   Andy Balogh NATIONAL DIRECTOR Vancouver Islanders

Rallys, Rallys, Rallys

July 26, 2019

Hi to all the Vancouver Islanders!

We are in the planning stages of this rally but would like information from you before we send
out the rally schedule.

Rally Update – SEPTEMBER LONG WEEKEND

Will you be attending?

What day will you arrive?

What day will you depart the rally site?

PLEASE send the above information to me at akcbalogh@gmail.com  ASAP but before August
10, 2019.

TENTATIVE PLANS:

Where:  Cowichan Bay Jetty

When:    ARRIVALS:        August 29, 2019   -- AFTER 5 PM   OR   August 30, 2019  AFTER 10 AM

              DEPARTURES:   September 02, 2019  BEFORE 3 PM

RALLY SCHEDULE:

Thursday:   Heavy Snacks Potluck

Friday:        Dinner - Rock Cod Cafe – reservations have been made for the group

Saturday:    Breakfast – Provided -  Menu to be advised

                   Dinner -  You bring and cook your own meat on the grills in the tent ---- the balance
of meal provided.

Sunday:     Breakfast – Menu to be advised

Monday:  Departure Day
MORE INFORMATION AND PRICE WILL BE SENT SOON

Hope to see you at the rally! Andy

Annual General Meeting

Vancouver Islanders Chapter FMCA Annual General Meeting May 26, 2019 Duncan, BC 

The Annual General Meeting was called to order at 10:00 a.m. by President Sandy Quesnel. 

Election of Chapter Officers was held: The newly elected Executive Board members are: 

President Andy Balogh 

Vice President Barbara Lucas 

Treasurer Kathie Balogh 

These positions are for a two year term. To complete the Vancouver Island Executive Board, the following member’s terms will up for election in May 2020. 

Vice President Gary Tennant 

Vice President Cathie Woodrow 

Secretary:  Linda Schwagly 

National Director:  Andy Balogh 

Alternate National Director:  Joe Blogg 

The Past President and Past Treasurer will be removed from the bank account and Newly elected President and Newly elected Treasure will be put on as signers of the account. 

Minutes of the meeting were previously distributed, President Sandy Quesnel asked for acceptance. 

Motion to accept 1st - Rita Roy, 2nd - Judy Fedirchuk, the motion carried. 

OLD BUSINESS: Treasurer’s Report was given by treasurer Audrey Hauge. Bank Balance $3665.81 

The Treasurer’s Report will be filed with the minutes. 

NEW BUSINESS: It was agreed that a membership roster would be sent via email to everyone. 

Sandy announced that this year, two members, Lynda Bowden and Lynn Barber, passed away.  It was also mentioned that John Van Schaik is very ill. 

The next rally will be held at the Lighthouse Resort from July 8th to July 13th in Qualicum Bay. No Host. Please notify Roy or Judy Fedirchuk if you are planning to attend. 

Gary and Maryann Tennent said they would try to organize a rally at Sooke Flats. 

Other Rally Sites that we should investigate are:    Buckley Bay, Bowser Legion, Meadowood General Store, Pine Ridge Market, Kin Beach, Miller Creek, Hardy Boys-Port Hardy, Country Rib Fest and the jetty at Cowichan Bay.  Andy will check on Labor Day weekend availability at Cowichan Bay. 

Sandy brought up the fact that we need volunteers who are trained to use the AED machine; if we do not have volunteers, we should return it.  The training cost is 75.00 per person for the course.  Gary Giles said he thinks the other club he belongs to will be having a course in September and it would be free.  Rita Roy, Henry Schwagly, Linda Schwagly, Gary Giles, Barbara Lucas, and Jim Barber that they would like to take the course with Gary.  Gary will let us know when the course will be held. 

Plaques for Past President, Past Secretary and New Secretary were handed out. 

Meeting Adjourned at 10:34 a.m.

Lighthouse Rally Pics

Lighthouse Rally Pics

Sandys Scribbles...the end

Hiya everyone!  This is my last Scribble, as I have finally been replaced with a newer, but old model.  I have truly enjoyed my terms with the Vancouver Islanders, but it is time to make way for more enthusiastic people. 
I am sorry if you missed at great weekend at Nellies Pond.  As you will see from the pictures that will straggle in, it was an idyllic setting and almost too peaceful for sleeping. 
We had 11 coaches attending, one of our smallest groups yet.  Needless to say, there was too much food, and too much eating!  To accompany the Hillbilly theme, we had an assortment of dishes named with reference to Roadkill.
We had a bonfire and B.S. Evening on Thursday, which was very relaxing after the hustle and bustle to get there. 
Friday afternoon, we all went hunting for animals to cook for Saturdays dinner.  It was very productive!  Jim Barber bagged the most kills and managed about 5 game hens. Other kills included bear, bunny, and fawn.  Everyone received Hillbilly gifts, for participating.
Saturday morning after a hearty breakfast we called the annual General Meeting to order. The results were that we will get some members better trained to operate our A.E.D. and that there will be a rally July 8-13 at the Lighthouse RV Park in Qualicum Bay.  The easy stuff was followed by elections.
Welcome to:    President - Andy Balogh
                         Treasurer- Kathie Balogh
                         Vice President - Barb Lucas
                         Alternate National Director - Joe Blogg
Elected 2018:  Secretary - Linda Schwagley
                          Vice President - Cathie Woodrow
                          Vice President - Gary Tennant
                           National Director - Andy Balogh
Saturday evening a guest, Kerry Levine, came in to cook us an "almost" perfect roast of beast and we whipped up all the fixings.  Much appreciated and enjoyed! Following the "BEAST FEAST" we all cosied up to the Hillbilly musicale.  Unfortunately, the response was poor, but Clarence and Darlene Zimmerman performed nicely, with Darlene on Tamborine and Clarence playing a waste can drum, pot lid cymbals etc all on his one man band contraption!  Well done!  Followed by double fires and jokes!
Packed up and pulled out Sunday morning.
Please come back to the site when all the photos are in!



Sandy Quesnel
Sent from my iPad

Hillbilly Holler.

Rally Pictures

SANDYS SCRIBBLES

For anyone interested we have an "almost free" rally August 14, 15 and 16 at Meadowood General Store in Qualicum.  Buy your dinner at the store one night and get 2 nights free stay!  This venue was one of the stops on our Roving Rally and we all enjoyed our time there.  It is a great base camp for touring in the area.  Please get your name on the list by emailing me at     smkew67@yahoo.com

Once again, we are able to enjoy a weekend at Westcan Terminals on Cowichan Bay.  The site will be available for the Labor Day weekend, going in on the Thursday evening, and leaving on Monday, September 3rd.  Because the site is shrinking, we may need to establish a "second" row.  This is a no host Rally, dry camping, NO UTILITIES!  The cost is $12 per coach, per night, to camp on some of Vancouver Islands most beautiful waterfront.  One evening will be Pot Luck and I will be making reservations for the waterside room at the Rock Cod Cafe for dinner one evening.  Please book early to get your name on my list!  Any other joint meals will be decided on site, otherwise YOU must provide for yourself for all other meals.  Please drop me a note if you plan on attending to.  smkew67@yahoo.com

Our sympathies to those unable to attend the Derby Rally in Comox on July 5,6 &7th. Everyone attending had a great time, were well fed and enjoyed the interaction of The "Derby". The venue is quiet, beautiful, close to the Framers Market and not too far from town.  The placement of electrical and water made it possible for everyone to hook up if they chose. It was so nice to see the Club tent up again...it has been a long while since it was used! 

As usual our Pot Luck dinner the first evening was delicious.  Nice to meet and greet new members Garry & Lucy Brown and visitors Gordon and Helene Berkey.  Hopefully, we didn't scare them off on their first visit.  A few rounds of Pass the Ace and off to bed.

Friday morning, the Breakfast crew provided coffee and Ham & Egg bunwiches from 7-9 AM. Most of the ladies and a few of the guys gathered in the afternoon to work on Derby hats and Hobby Horses.  So many thanks to MaryAnn Tennent for the assistance she gave and her donation of lights for the hats.  As quoted by one of the male onlookers..a dizzy tizzy ensued!  Dinner was a hearty Derby Burgoo and tiny new nugget potatoes followed by Berry Shortcake.  We were joined by the talented Darren GEDDES who later performed for us.  His knowledge of so many different songs and collection of music is impressive!  And he can sing! A very entertaining evening provided by Clarence & Darlene Zimmerman.

Saturday morning was a change of plans, so we had Laurel Macauleys recipe for "Teddy Bear" porridge for breakfast.  That Maple Walnut ice cream sure dresses up the porridge!  Off to visit the local Farmers Market next door for shopping and some lunches and back for the judging of the Hats and Horses. Hopefully, we have some pictures available so everyone can see some of the creations.  The talent in this Club is unlimited!  There were some beautiful hats and some beautiful Hobby Horses.  There were also some very "manly" Hobby Horses which created quite a scene when the frilly fillies were approached.  Congratulations to Rita Roy for her absolutely astounding Derby hat!  All of the hats were winners, but Rita went all the way, even dressing for the occasion.  MaryAnn Tennant and I were next best.  Wayne Quesnel, Dennis Ross and Gary Tennent got prizes for horses.  Again, many thanks to MaryAnn Tennant for her contribution of prizes for the Hat and Horse winners.  Great job!

Clarence & Darlene Zimmerman made arrangements for Pizza Hut to deliver our dinner, which was delicious!  At Maryann's suggestion, we all reverted to teens again, while enjoying our Root Beer floats for dessert!  Lots of fun!  So very nice to just sit back and enjoy without worrying about anything.  After eating our fill of Pizza, it was "Off to the Races".  All Hobby Horse participants lined up and after several heats were finished there were very clear winners.  Wayne Quesnel won the "Race for the Roses" by a good two lengths, followed by Marg Hazelwood and then Darlene Zimmerman.  Wayne won a free rally and the blanket of roses while the ladies each won a trophy and ribbon.  Lots of laughs, participation and noise!

A Continental breakfast was put out Sunday morning and the majority stayed to dismantle the tent.  Lucky for us, we were able to put everything away dry.

Many thanks to those who pitched in! 

Sandy Quesnel

VIFMCA Derby Rally July 5, 6 and 7.

The Vancouver Islanders are extending their very gracious invitation to our "Derby Rally" to be held at the Comox Fairgrounds, on July 5, 6 and 7th.  Every coach will be provided with 20 amp electric and water hookups.

We will start this exciting weekend with a Meet and Greet Happy Hour, followed by a Pot Luck dinner.  Entertainment will be provided for the evening.

Friday morning breakfast Egg Bunwiches.  Later on, MaryAnn Tennent will be helping everyone with their Derby Hats and Hobby Horses.  Bring your own hat or hair band, and a glue gun if you have one.   Some decorations will be  provided. Dinner will be traditional Kentucky Derby Burgoo followed by Derby Pie.

Friday evening, once again Darren Geddes will be joining us with live music/trivia.

Saturday breakfast will be Derby "Hot Browns" another traditional Derby food.  Once again an opportunity to work on your hat or horse or if you prefer, the usual lawn games.  We will also need a "crew" to assemble the Racetrack.

Saturday evening, Clarence and Darlene Zimmerman will be providing a Pizza Party. Following dinner the Derby Races, Hat and Hobby Horse judging.

Sunday morning will be an easy Continental breakfast, and quick clean up and departure by 11 AM.

The cost of this rally is $150.00. This includes the actual camping fee of $30 per day per coach ($90) which also includes a portion of the fee for the venue.  The rest of the fee covers payment of some hat and horse decorations, entertainment, meals and prizes.  This will be the last organized rally this year.  There will be more rallies, but they will be "no host" with no planned activities. Please try to join us!

Please forward your payment to:            Sandra Quesnel, 

                                                          3819 Cavin Road, 

                                                          Duncan, BC.  V9L 6T2

Payment must be received before June 26.

Sandy Quesnel President

Vancouver Islanders Chapter FMCA

Days 3 & 4 Pics

Days 1 & 2 Pics