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Roadrunner News June 2009

Dear Roadrunner Friends,

Summer is around the corner for most of you (here in Canmore, Alberta we are anxiously hoping that spring will arrive soon!) and you are readily making plans for where you might head to next. Before your calendars fill up, mark April 14th – April 21st. 2010, Tucson, AZ. Yes, we are having an Annual Rally next year. Most people attending the Alfa National Rally in Bakersfield agreed they would like to gather once a year. The South Loafers were scheduled to host the next one and they are ready to produce with Thomas and Christine Upton as the Rally Masters.

As a reminder, if all runs according to the present plan, The Roadrunners will be hosting the 2012 Annual Rally. As you travel the country please keep your eyes and ears open to any Park that might hold around 200 RV’s, a clubhouse which will seat 400 and some or all of the services. Let your executive know if you find anything.

Many changes needed to happen with the demise of alfa Leisure. At a meeting called by Bruce and Corrine Mitchell, Presidents of the Board of Directors, it was decided that we no longer needed the structure of a board but we did need some leadership and representation of all the chapters to assist the Rally Masters of any future Rallies. I asked Jim Collard if he would continue his tenure as our representative to this committee. He agreed. As it happens, Jim was appointed chair of this newly formed oversight committee. Congratulations Jim and a hearty Thank You for taking this on. I will let him give you the details of what transpired at the future meetings. (please see his report)

At the Business meeting held at National, the present officers agreed to stand for one more year of office. Their election was unanimous.

President: Sheila Heath
Vice President: Jim Collard
Treasurer: Bill Heath
Secretary/Membership: Dorthey Collard

We will need a nominating committee for the above offices for the 2010 – 2011 year. The time for some fresh blood will be upon us soon so don’t be shy. If you are interested in running for an office PLEASE contact one of us. This will NOT be your only reminder!!

I am very pleased with the efforts of Melinda Raucher in updating our Roadrunner Web Site. There are still a few tweaks that need to be made but over all I think we have met our objectives; Make it more user friendly, more informative and interesting. Thank You Melinda. www.alfaroadrunners.net

In an effort to increase or stabilize our membership size, your executive will be producing a promotional hand out for Roadrunner members to distribute to potential members. Our hope is to have it posted on our website to give you the opportunity to download, as needed.

Several ideas were discussed at The Alfa National Rally regarding future gatherings and camp outs. However; the only gathering/campout we have scheduled is Quartzsite in January. This means NO gathering/campout has been scheduled for the Fall, nor a Pre-rally at National next year. The Voyager Resort in Tucson or the Rincon West, the site of next year’s National, would be good choices for the pre-rally, we just need someone to host it. Please talk/email amongst yourselves and let’s put together something for the fall. It doesn’t need to be elaborate, but will give us the opportunity to meet again. Contact me with any ideas or for help needed. While I am on this subject, do not restrict your thinking to host future campouts/gatherings for just this year. Let’s plan for the years to come as well.

In closing, I would like to thank Bill, Dorthey, Jim and Dianne for their support over the last two years and their willingness to work together for the Roadrunners for another term.

Sincerely
Sheila
Sheila Heath
President
Alfa Roadrunners

PS I have just received this note from Dale Werner and Maxine is not doing well. A number of us met them at our fall gathering held in Kansas, then at Alfa National a year ago in Montgomery TX. Because of this I am including his note. Patti Chastain has sent a card from the Roadrunners.

“Friends and Family,

My step daughter, TerryAnna, has composed a letter to update you about Maxine's status. Maxine and I depend more and more each day on TerryAnna and my other step daughter, Sherri, for support during this crisis. They both are a gift to me and Maxine.

Love,
Dale”

Dear Friends,

Thanks you so much for the cards and emails. They have brought GREAT joy to my mom. If you email I will be glad to read her your thoughts.

My sister and I are here daily. Each day is more sad than the one before. It is heartbreaking to see the life of this wonderful vibrant woman come to a close.

My mom's longtime friend Sue just visited for the weekend. They had not seen each other for 5 years. It drained my mom as we all knew it would. Her pain meds were increased dramatically yesterday which she waited to do until her friend visited. She wanted to be as clear minded as she could. We will see how much she bounces back. It really does not matter as she wants so much to be gone. We talk often about the joys of heaven.

I have treasured my moments and talks with my mom. She has been an inspirational role model. I am blessed to be her daughter.

I will keep you up to date. She requests that friends pray that God will take her to heaven soon and bless her many friends.

Love, TerryAnna

The new Alfa Annual Rally Oversight Committee met in Bakersfield at the conclusion of the Alfa National Rally. The Committee established a treasurer, Bruce Mitchel, to oversee the funds currently in the account held by the former Alfa Owners Club National Board and now the responsibility of the Committee. The funds will be used in support of the Annual Rally for up-front expenses that are expected to be reimbursed by Rally registration income.

The Committee also agreed that its purpose and mission this coming year is to provide support and assistance to the Annual Rally Wagon Masters, as they require it, to insure the best possible Rally organization, development, and execution.

The Committee confirmed that Chapters continue to have broad latitude in their own operations, organization, and membership. However, the Committee agreed that the 2010 Annual Rally will be open to Alfa Owners only. It was agreed that individual chapters can continue to enlist SOB members but that those members would not be allowed to attend the Annual Rally.

The Committee also agreed that provisions may be made by the Wagon Masters to accept a limited number of Alfa Owners who do not have Chapter affiliations at the Annual Rally. Chapter representatives will have the opportunity to meet and discuss prospect membership with them during the rally.

Going forward, the Committee will discuss issues electronically and share decisions, news, updates, or other items of interest that may arise with the Chapters. The next face-to-face meeting of the Committee will be at next year's Alfa Annual Rally in Tucson.

Also, I would like to make our Alfa owners aware of RV America Insurance. The Alfa Owners club just received a referral check from them in the amount of $105.00. If you get a quote from RV America Insurance and tell the agent that you were referred by the Alf Owners club, the club will receive a $15.00 referral fee. You can contact: Hall Williams at 800-400-0186 Ext. 226 or email hal@RVAinsurance.com,

Jim Collard
Chair

Request for member input

In an attempt to improve the value of your Newsletter, we need your input.  Chapter members are encouraged to share their experiences, maintenance tips, product evaluations, etc. with the Chapter.  Please consider writing down your thoughts and sending them to the editor.  Any and all ideas well be considered. 

Alfa Roadrunners 2009 Pre-Rally - April 24 – April 28

The Pre-Rally started a couple of days early for the Wagon Masters, Bill & Sheila Heath & Assistant Wagon Masters, Cal & Patti Chastain. Arriving early ensured that everything was set up and ready for Roadrunners to arrive on the 24th.

Arrival of members for the Pre-Rally went smoothly and 17 coaches were parked and ready to enjoy some social time with the usual Happy Hour followed by the Welcome Dinner provided by the Heath’s & Chastain’s. The dinner was “Walking Taco’s” which went over well. It consisted of a bag of Doritos crushed up and cut open lengthwise. You then fill the bag with taco meat and all the goodies, i.e.; tomatoes, onions, lettuce, cheese, sour cream, guacamole. A fork and a napkin and your set, it does not get much easier. This now can be added to the RVer’s cookbook and ranks up there with “Omelet in the Bag” as far as being easy to make and feed people in an outdoor setting!

At the Pre-Rally we were able to welcome new members, Gary & Dottie Petersen. Gary is a hot air balloonist & just happened to have his balloon with him. Gary offered to take those interested in a ride in the balloon if they helped with the setup and followed in the chase vehicles.

The next two mornings, Saturday and Sunday, at 6 am Gary was there and was able to take the balloon up. The balloon rides were great and the final landing on the second day was in a cul-de-sac in a residential area. While the landing was safely made and the balloon was being packed up, Bakersfield Fire Department, Police Department, ambulance and 4 local news vehicles responded to the location. Someone had called in a 9-1-1 call reporting a balloon crash with injuries. The story even made it out on the Internet and local news. At least we provided a little excitement for the locals!

After the balloon rides, Gary even provided a traditional Champagne toast for a soft landing and included a ceremony for first time balloonist. This was an unplanned event that was great and those that participated thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

During the Pre-Rally in addition to the daily Happy Hour social times, a Pampered Chief Party was held in the Clubhouse with demonstrations and food. This was not just for the gals as a couple of guys showed up for the party. Also included in our activities were a golf day and a trip for 6 of the gals that went and got pedicures! Craftiness hit a new high at this rally. What started out as a simple lesson in crocheting “scrubbies” turned into a morning and afternoon ritual where the ladies learned how to make crochet dish cloths and toothbrush stitching rugs, Even sewing machines were dragged out for some to make sewing kits. A few of the attendees needed some “special” instructions (you know who you are) but they did keep us amused with their attempts. Thanks to Belle Bohn and Sande Bass for sharing you special talents.

A special thanks was given by those present to John Bohn who made CD’s for everyone that included a video and slides of the Pre-Rally. John says it’s a hobby for him; however the quality sure looked professional.

The Sheriff Dinner was held at Woolgrowers, a well known local restaurant on the last night of the Pre-Rally and the Sheriff was identified as Dick Groves. Well, Dick had a lengthy list of violations and the violators were fined appropriately taking into consideration the gravity of their misdeeds.

The money collected was donated by the Roadrunners to the Palm Desert VNAA Hospice in memory of one of our members, Leon B. Martin, who had recently passed away. His wife Betty was at the Pre-rally and subsequently wrote a nice “Thank You” note to the Roadrunner’s for their generous donation. At the conclusion of the dinner, The Heath’s and Chastain’s were recognized for an excellent Pre-Rally and given Wal-Mart gift certificates in appreciation for their efforts.

Pre-Rally report submitted by: Norm Duarte

2009 Alfa National – Bakersfield

Arnie and Emily Burr – Rally Masters and their Maverick Chapter have successfully completed the first “National” Rally without the Alfa Leisure sponsorship. The number of Roadrunners attending The National was down from years past for whatever reason(s) but all 34 who did attend agreed that they had a great time. They were: Sande & Ken Baas (Lucky), Kit & Ron Cressler, Kathie & Norm Duarte (Sugar & Maggie), Patti & Cal Chastain (Happy, Joy and Shadow), Dorthey & Jim Collard, Don & Patti Rowe, Dick & Norma Groves, Bob & Mary Kermode, Carol & Dick Rappel (Sarah & Mandy), Paul Smith, John & Belle Bohn, Larry & Lorna Emmons (Duke), Bill & Sheila Heath (MacKenzie), Diane & John Tschumper, Mike & Linda Ress (sorry, I have forgotten the name of your dog?) and Chris Sawyer & Monica Smith. Betty Martin was also invited to all of our activities. As it happened Betty and Leon had returned to Bakersfield for his last days. His short battle with cancer ended just before our pre-rally started. The only Lone Stars attending were Elouise and Ike Boling from Rockport, Texas. They were parked within the fold of the Roadrunners and felt so welcomed and overwhelmed by all the cajoling and kibitzing to join the Roadrunner Chapter that they finally became our newest members.

The site of the Alfa National Rally was the Bakersfield RV Resort a new, family owned enterprise. The owners and staff welcomed us into their fold. Nothing was impossible. Everything, including changes was handled with efficiency and friendliness. I would encourage you to stay there whenever you are in the area. www.bakersfieldrvresort.com

To all those who said, “Why would anyone want to go to Bakersfield”, and didn’t come, you missed a real treat. Although the park was within the city limits it was relatively quiet, and very conveniently located within reach of everything you might need. Campers World was within walking distance, malls, craft stores, grocery stores, Wal-Mart, Costco, Lowes’s etc were minutes away. The weather, although a little warm sometimes, was very pleasant and we even had the luxury of experiencing one of the few “showers” that never fall in Bakersfield.

We were welcomed to Bakersfield by Arnie and Emily Burr, the Rally Masters, Bruce and Corrine Mitchell, Presidents of the Alfa National Board of Directors and a very enthusiastic welcome was given by the Mayor of Bakersfield.

A delicious chicken Welcome Dinner was prepared by the on-site Crest Bar & Grill. All 234 attendees enjoyed the meal. Entertainment was provided by a local musician.

After coffee the next day, with a full house, Bruce Mitchell, President of the National Board of Directors led a discussion regarding the future of the Alfa Annual National Rallies and the National Board of Directors and the. The majority of those present agreed that they wanted some kind of an annual rally. It was decided that a ballot would be created, circulated to all attending the National Rally and the results tabulated in an effort to qualify the feeling of all the attendees on a desire for an Alfa National Rally and the need for a group of chapter representatives to help organize the rally. See Jim Collard’s report on the results.

Seminars scheduled for the week were well attended and informative. These included; Mobile RV Care, Redlands Truck and Service, Drainmaster, Pressure Pro, Fire Safety and FBI, Homeland Security. Also Martin Miranda from Alfateers gave a tech seminar and answered questions.

The ladies especially enjoyed the cooking classes which were provided by a local business, “Urners”, a craft class sponsored by the Wranglers where they learned to crochet necklaces and a delicious Ladies Luncheon.

A Used Book Sale was well received judging from the amount of books which exchanged hands. The proceeds, which were around $150. were donated to the local chapter of the US Red Cross.

There was no lack of eating. The Roadrunners met every day at 4 PM at the happy hour site behind our coach and discussed whatever came to mind. On Friday morning the Alfateers and those family members present prepared a delicious breakfast for all those who rose to enjoy it. I assure you the Roadrunners were there in full force.

Another morning the Park’s Crest Grill sponsored and prepared a delicious pancake breakfast.

Our Chapter night dinner was held on the Patio of the Crest Grill. It was a beautiful evening to sit outside and enjoy each others company while eating a lovely dinner.

There were two offsite entertainment activities. The first was at Buck Owens Crystal Palace. What a treasure this is! Other than meal serving issues, some received their main dish after everyone else was finished; the night was a huge success. Buddy Alan, Buck’s son led the Buckeroo’s with many different genre’s of music. Some of us even made good use of the dance floor.

The second activity was a visit to the Kern County Museum and Black Gold Exhibit which seemed to offer a little bit of something for everyone.

Those of us who didn’t partake in the visit to the Kern County Museum enjoyed a Happy Hour and potluck at our “party” site. We all then trundled off or snagged a ride on the little cars/golf carts provided for our transportation to and fro activities, to the clubhouse for the Ice Cream Social. As I said before there was no lack of eating options. Following the Ice Cream Social, most of us stayed to play Bingo and try our hand at winning some of the $750 pot. All the Roadrunners failed.

Of course, there were the usual golf and bowling outings. Those who participated enjoyed themselves but alas not one Roadrunner brought home a prize.

On Monday, we decided to meet at our “Party Place” for drinks before moving onto the Wine and Cheese with HEAVY hors d’oeuvres with everyone else at the clubhouse. Once again we proved that we do know how to cook and enjoy eating it. It took many glasses of wine for some of us to decide which one we liked. There was a little of something for everyone to enjoy the evening.

This year the Roadrunners offered to host the Pet Parade. The Roadrunners put on a fine event thanks to the efforts of Patti Chastain and Kathie Duarte. The audience of 60 plus enjoyed the prancing, strutting, strolling and slithering of the 24 entrants. All were well behaved and respectful of each other. Owners too. Gift certificate’s of $10.00 from the local Pet’s Smart along with a bag of “goodies” were handed out for Best Costume, Best Trick, Best Theme Costume (Cinco de Mayo) and Best Look a Like. All participants received a “goodie” bag and a picture Certificate of Participation. Thanks to Norm Duarte for the pictures of the participants and Kathie for doing the certificates. Patti and Kathie had such a great time that they offered to do it next year.

On Tuesday afternoon the Roadrunners held a business meeting during Happy Hour (see minutes posted on our Web Site), after which we moved onto the clubhouse for the Closing Dinner. Arnie, on our behalf, thanked the Bakersfield RV Resort staff for their patience, and their able helpfulness in making this a successful rally. Many draw prizes were handed out, finishing with the drawing for The Chapter Baskets! We donated 2 baskets this year. The Roadrunner Chapter baskets consisted of 2 rolling coolers which were stuffed with wine, glasses etc and a $50.00 gift certificate from Campers World. Great job Kit Cressler and your committee.

The 2010 Annual Rally will be held at Rincon West, Tucson, Arizona from April 14th – 21st. The South Loafers are the host chapter and Thomas and Christine Upton are the Rally Masters. Mark it on your calendar now, so you won’t miss out.

Submitted by Bill and Sheila Heath. Roadrunner Wagon Masters during The Alfa National.

Quartzsite Campout

Calling All Roadrunners!

The yearly Quartzsite Campout is just a few months away! Jan 16th – 24th 2010

Ok it’s more than just a few months, but WE RVer’s don’t like to miss out on a good time! Your wagon masters for the January 2010 campout will be George & Robin Minder with Ron & Kit Cressler by their side. Make your plans now to join in the fun, frolic and of course SHOPPING at the biggest flea market this side of the Mississippi.

It’s boon-docking at its best! Lots of open space, skies full of stars and more rekindling of friendships than any one person can endure!!

Location: La Posa North- BLM
Be sure and stop at the Host Station and pay your $40.00 fee which will allow you 2 weeks of dry camping. Start looking for the ROADRUNNERS signs as you proceed straight 7/10 miles, turn right and go another 1 & 3/10 miles. You should see the ALFA area now on the left.

Things you’ll need to bring:

• Totally EMPTY waste tanks
• FULL water and fuel tanks (diesel, propane)
• 2 Bundles of firewood (we need lots)
• 2 Gallons of bottled water for coffee every morning
  

The first night there will be a Wagon Master’s dinner. Plan for a couple of old fashion Weenie Roasts and one night of Heavy Hors d’oeuvres. The Sheriff’s dinner will be a Potluck on Saturday Jan 24th. AND of course don’t forget to bring goodies and spirits to share around the campfire each and every evening around 4ish. Coffee and donuts will be available each morning.

All this for a meager $20.00 for Wagon Master fees, to be collected upon your arrival.

Please RSVP by email to rmminder@hughes.net or call 916-425-3639, preferably by Jan 1st 2010

Hope to See Ya!

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