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Roadrunner News October, 2010

I must apologize up front in the delay of this newsletter. There were a few communication gliches, and I accept full responsibility for the delay. That said, I am trying to make efficient use of my time while still keeping you in the loop of events. I will take the liberty of updating my own President's Corner.
Enjoy and I hope you find the following informative.
Sheila

Once again a successful Alfa Owners Club Annual Rally has come to a close. The South Loafers with Christine and Thomas Upton as Rally Masters hosted quite a show. Old acquaintances were re-kindled and new ones made. Out of the 28 Roadrunner coaches attending this year 11 were first timers. You are all a welcomed breathe of fresh air to all us "many" timers. If you see any of them down the road somewhere please welcome these new members into our Roadrunner Family. They are; Roger & Doris Briggs, Larry & Janet Fiel, David & Phyllis Henley, Roger & Kathy Hewlett, Donald & Jill Jacques, Michael & Lorraine Lynch, Dick & Audrey Mattern, Guy & Nancy Sheble, Randy & Debbie Sherow, Jim & Judy Bray and Rick & Jacquie Short.

There were three Roadrunners' business meetings at this year's Annual Rally. I appointed two committees. The first was a committee to review our bylaws which were no longer pertinent after the demise of Alfa Leisure. The committee consisted of Chair John Tschumper, Roger Briggs (1st. Timer) and Mary Anne Balzer. In record time they presented a draft of Bylaws to the Roadrunner Officers. Again thank you for your time and effort..

I am happy to report that the new bylaws are in place. From those who voted, the decision was unanimous. Check them out on our web site –
www.alfaroadrunners.net

The annual audit committee was the second one. Larry Fiel, Rick Short and Joe Hughes volunteered to review the 2010 annual financial statement which was subsequently submitted and approved by the members in attendance at the annual meeting. Larry, Rick and Joe a big Thank You for your time in doing this task.

The Annual Rally hosting baton was passed to the Roadrunners a year early and we accepted the challenge. That means we are responsible for the organization and production of the 2011 Alfa Owners Club Annual Rally. Those Roadrunners present at the Rally this year not only accepted the challenge but all agreed to help however they could. Lists of various potential committees were made available and provided an opportunity for those present to sign up in areas they might be interested in working. NOT to worry, there will be plenty of opportunity for the rest of you to sign up so don't panic!!

Jim and Dorthey Collard came forward to volunteer as the Rally Masters. Hurrah!!!! You will be hearing from them in the future.

After exhaustive research Jim and Dorthey have chosen the Nevada Treasure RV Resort as the site of our Alfa Annual Rally.
Thank you to all those Roadrunners who researched different venues for this event. It was nice to have a choice.

As the Alfa Owners' Club is out from under the umbrella of Alfa Leisure we have the opportunity to create a new dynamic look to our Annual Rally. One of our primary objectives is to reduce the cost of the rally and increase the numbers attending. Another objective is to offer new and unique activities. We would also like to incorporate ways to increase socialization with everyone attending from the various clubs.

I am sure you all have thoughts and ideas on how to improve/enhance the experience of those attending the Alfa Owners' Club Annual Rally. Please forward them to Jim.

Many hands create light work. Let's all put our heads together to create an event to remember.

As it now stands we do have a rally at Quartzsite to look forward to the end of January. Jean and Will Bass, Gene and Penny Ryder, and Bud and Jen Serpa you are off the hook. You know that I know who has acted as Wagon or Assistant Wagon Masters over the last few years. You are also off the hook. Let's hear from the rest of you participating members!!

For the 2nd year in a row no one came forward to host a Fall rally. Unfortunately, this is an indication of the lack of willingness of a majority of the members to volunteer to run a rally.
The sole purpose of the Owners Clubs is to socialize and share concerns and knowledge of our experiences. Many of us have enjoyed these events, especially meeting new people.
I think these rallies serve an even greater purpose for those of us who are full timers. You are our family on the road.
Without rallies, there is very little need for the Roadrunners to exist!!!!
Please check your schedules and either volunteer to host or co-host a rally!!!

I would like to encourage anyone who is interested in helping out with the Annual Owners Rally to attend the rally at Quartzsite. January 21st -30th. Committees will be struck and plans finalized. Please bring your ideas for some campfire chatter.

With my last comments, I would like to thank Dick and Norma Groves for putting on a fine spread, which included pulled pork, potatoes with onions, bread and fruit cobbler during our pre- annual rally. All prepared with their own hands. Many of us were exhausted just watching them prepare for 2 days. This meal was provided in lieu of hosting a rally which health issues prevent from happening. All who were present and partook were grateful they chose this rally to prepare a meal. It was delicious. Thank You Dick and Norma.

Until we see each other down the road, know that your Roadrunner Family is thinking of you.

Sincerely
Sheila
President
Alfa Roadrunners

Nominating Committee:

At the 2010 Annual Meeting held in Tucson, (check Web Site to read the minutes) it was passed that the present Executive could stand for up to another full year. We will no longer be able nor willing to hold office after the 2011 Annual Meeting.

Nor surprisingly, a few members have been doing most of the work. The "few" are tired and it is time for other members to step forward!

Anyone willing to either be on the nominating committee or stand for office can contact me by the use of email, phone, carrier pigeon, telegram – I will accept any mode you wish to send and be delighted with the news of your offer.
We need to fill the entire slate of officers: President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. So check your commitments to see if you might have the time to fill one of these positions.

RoadRunners Pre-Rally

RoadRunners gathered for pre-annual rally fun in the Tucson sun recently. Between April 9th and 14th, 22 rigs enjoyed the amenities of Rincon County West located in the southwest corner of the city.

Social activities, friendship and sharing, away day trips; and fitness, fun and crafts filled the five day event. Participation was high, including the 15 or so folks that joined Sheila Heath daily for a good exercise work out.

Daily we started with coffee and sweets in the gathering area. There members connected with each other for away day trips to such places as Kitt Peak Observatory, the Arizona Sonoran Desert Museum, Tohono Chul Botanic Gardens, San Xavier del Bac Spanish Mission, historic downtown Tucson, Kartchner Caverns, casino trips, craft store visits and more. Another group enjoyed an outing to a local golf course.

There is so much to see in Southern Arizona! The available 'passport' books purchased certainly came in handy as the two-for-one coupons were great admissions' savings.

Sheila and Bill Heath introduced us to "Walk Away the Pounds" an excellent work out video that provides a good fitness and cardio program. The Heath's have been using the Lesley Sansone video for a while now and highly recommend it for any fitness level.

Also daily we enjoyed line dancing classes, craft classes (such as rag rugs and card embroidery).

Happy hour each day brought new and renewed friendships. Bonding over wonderful member provided snacks was a great treat.

The club officers provided the Welcome Dinner, a hamburger and hot dog roast complete with all the trimmings. The next night the RoadRunners joined with the South Loafers (the club hosting this year's annual rally) for a sumptuous Mexican food themed pot luck. We next enjoyed an extra special treat as Dick and Norma Groves provided us a pulled pork dinner with blackberry cobbler and ice cream for dessert. Our Sheriff's Dinner was a fabulous catered event with an array of great barbeque meats. Yum!! No one went hungry that week.

Dianne Tschumper proved a very able pre-rally Sheriff as no one came close to guessing her secret identity. Good job Dianne! Fines of $25 were collected and donation made to a local charity.

The RoadRunners move to an independent social club, now that Alfa Leisure no longer operates, was the business meetings focus for this pre-rally. Much discussion and good energy to move us forward was generated. New proposed By-Laws will soon be available for viewing on line.

For those unable to attend the rally, we missed you! And certainly hope we see you down the road. Certainly at the next rally!

Alfa Owners' Club Annual Rally, Rincon Country West RV Resort, Tucson

One hundred and six Alfa owners made the trek to Tucson for the 2nd Alfa Owners' Club Annual Rally. There were 7 Clubs in attendance: The South Loafers (45 RV's)– this year's host club; The Wranglers (2); The Mavericks (5); The Alfa Ones (12); The Sun Seekers (12); The Lone Stars (2) and the Roadrunners had 28 coaches attending and eleven of which were first timers. Unfortunately; for the first time there were no 5th wheel Roadrunners in attendance.

Like the Mavericks last year, the South Loafers had a daunting task to put together the 2nd Annual Rally without the support of our founder. I am happy to report that they succeeded. Special thanks to Christine and Thomas Upton this year's Rally Masters and their supporting cast of South Loafers.

Their choice of location, Rincon Country West RV Resort was enjoyed by all. Please plan to stop there if your travels find you in the area. We found the staff friendly and accommodating.

Three catered dinners were provided in the ample comfortable halls.
Two evenings we were entertained by local talent. First were the Irish Step Dancers who danced their hearts out for us. The youngest was 8 and 3 of them had won many National Titles. They performed simple beginner jigs as well as intricate competitive dances in both soft and hard shoes. They were delightful.
At the Farewell Dinner the U of A Steel Drum Band performed. WOW!! Not only were their instruments intriguing (steel drums) but the talent they exhibited in extracting music from them was extraordinary. I for one, couldn't sit still and thoroughly enjoyed dancing to the music of the islands.

The Alfateers were a huge asset to this Rally. They ran an informative forum on the Alfa; closed the shop in Fontana CA in order to travel to Tucson to make minor repairs to our RV's; prepared and served a fabulous buffet breakfast for us all; and donated 2 generous service repair coupons for the last night raffle. Being the recipient of one of those coupons, Bill and I are grateful for their attendance. If you are going to be travelling in their area and need any work done on your RV, I would encourage you to call Jon Goldstein (909-428-6775) and make an appointment. These people understand the meaning of service.

Coil N Wrap and Pressure Pro were in attendance with their wares for sale and both ran well attended seminars.
A local Fiberglass expert, Gary Hagan shared his expertise in the repairing of the exterior of our RV's. He was very knowledgeable and humble in his presentation.
Offsite points of interest which were car pooled to; The Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Kartchner Caverns, Pima Air and Space Museum, San Xavier Mission, Kitt Peak National Observatory and The Titan Missile Museum.
Five different craft classes were offered as well as a Wine tasting opportunity, Ice Cream Social, Water Aerobics, a 7 AM walk around the park and Walk Away the Pounds.

The golf outing was attended by 28 people from a variety of clubs. Those I spoke to said their game was ^*^$#&^??>" but the course, The Pines at Marana, was beautiful and well worth the visit.

One morning many of the Alfa owners who had added interesting and innovative features to their RV's opened them to all the attendees at the rally for viewing. This was found to be quite interesting and most came away with ideas to add to their own RV's. While people were walking the park looking for the coaches opened for a tour a yard sale was held. Treasures were exchanged to the excitement of all who participated.
Once again, the Rally Masters decided to hold a used book sale. Quite a number of books were donated and the proceeds went to the local food bank.

Under the able direction of Roadrunners Patti Chastain and Kathi Duarte the Pet Parade was a huge success. There were 23 participants this year and 5 categories.; Most Look A Like, Best Trick, Best Theme Costume, Best Communicator, and Non-Pooping. The judges Patti Chastain, Sheila Heath, Dianne Tschumper had a difficult tine declaring winners. All participants were given a gift bag and had their pictures taken by the "Pet Photographers" who were Roadrunners John Tschumper and Norm Duarte. These pictures were printed and given to the pet owners. Patti and Kathi announced and Thanked the Sponsor – DogPoopBags. com Nancy Sheble was in training this year to enable her to carry on this great Roadrunner tradition next year.

The Roadrunner Officers decided to down size our club baskets this year. To provide more winners we purchased 4 $50.00 gift certificates for Walmart. The Roadrunners had not one but two "basket winners". The winners were Dorthey & Jim Collard and Jim & Judy Bray. This seemed an appropriate way to end the Rally.

Respectively submitted
Bill and Sheila Heath

It's that time again, Roadrunners………
Quartzsite Campout 2011
Friday, Jan. 21 – Sunday, Jan 30

Jean and Willard Bass are your Wagon Masters for the 2011 Quartzsite Campout and Gene and Penny Ryder are your Assistant Wagon Masters. Make plans to join us for this desert experience in the wide open spaces and starlit nights. You will be boondocking, hanging out at the campfire, rekindling friendships, eating, making new friends, eating, sharing experiences, eating, shopping at the largest flea market west of the Mississippi, and eating.

Where is it? At La Posa North – BLM

• On your way in, be sure to stop at the Host Station and pay your $40.00 fee, which will allow you 2 weeks of boondocking.
• Start looking for the ROADRUNNERS' signs as you proceed straight 7/10 miles, turn right and go another 1 &3/4 miles. You will finally see the ALFA Campsite on the left.

What do I bring?

• EMPTY black and gray waste tanks (Dump stations & Honey Wagons are available, if you should fill your tanks or want to stay longer)
• FULL water and fuel tanks (diesel, propane). Water trucks are available, if you run out of water!
• A bundle of firewood
• 2 gallons of bottled water for coffee

You will enjoy a Wagon Master's dinner the first night. Plan for a couple of old fashion Weenie Roasts and one night of Heavy Hors d'oeuvres. The Sheriff's Dinner on Saturday, Jan. 29, will be a Potluck. Don't forget to bring spirits and goodies to share around the campfire each evening. Coffee and donuts will be available each morning.

It's a bargain at $20.00 for Wagon Master fees, which will be collected upon your arrival. Please RSVP by email to jbass58@yahoo.com or call 435-590-8463 by January 1st 2011. Looking forward to seeing you!

Schedule for Roadrunners' Q-Campout 2011

Friday - Jan 21

• Arrival (take the firewood to fire-pit and the 2 gals. of water to the Wagon Master's coach)
• Happy Hour at 4:00
• Wagon Master's Dinner at 5:00 (bring yourself a chair and place setting)
  
• Campfire until bedtime

Sunday – Jan 22

• Coffee & donuts at 8:00 am
• Happy Hour at 4:00
• Campfire until bedtime

Monday – Jan 23

• Coffee & donuts at 8:00 am
• Pancake Breakfast at 9:00 (bring your own place settings and syrup)
• Happy Hour – 4:00
• Campfire until bedtime

Tuesday – Jan 24

• Coffee & donuts at 8:00 am
• Happy Hour – 4:00
• Heavy Hors d'oeuvres 5:00 (bring an Hors d'oeuvre to share)
• Campfire until bedtime

Wednesday – Jan 25

• Coffee & donuts at 8:00 am
• Breakfast in a Bag – 9:00 (you will each need an egg and goodies for the "omelet? to share)
• Happy Hour – 4:00
• Campfire until bedtime

Thursday – Jan 26

• Coffee and donuts at 8:00 am
• Happy Hour – 4:00
• Hot dogs at the campfire ( bring roasting sticks, franks, buns, and fixin's to share)
• Campfire until bedtime

Friday – Jan 27

• Coffee and donuts at 8:00 am
• Happy Hour – 4:00
• Campfire until bedtime

Saturday – Jan. 28

• Coffee and donuts at 8:00 am
• Happy Hour – 4:00
• Sheriff's Potluck Dinner – 5:00 (Bring your favorite potluck dish, chairs, place settings, and don't forget your QUARTERS)
• Campfire until bedtime

Sunday – Jan 29

• Coffee at 8:00 am
• Farewell!!
  

NOTE:

1. Be sure to write your name on your chair, if you want it back.
2. Sign up for volunteer detail at the Wagon Master's coach.
3. There will be daily activities in the afternoons. Check the white board for the schedule. Ideas are welcome.
4. Let the Wagon Masters know if your tanks need to be filled or emptied and we'll try to coordinate date and time. But please be conservative with water.
5. Run generators as needed between 7 am and 10 pm.
6. The RV Show in Quartzsite runs from Jan. 22 thru 30. (do not park on I-95 or you will be fined)
   

The Pre Alfa Annual Rally:

Alfa Roadrunners Pre-Rally to Annual
April 9th – April 14th, 2011
Nevada Treasure RV Resort
301 W. Leslie Rd.
Pahrump, NV, 89060
(800)-429-6665
http://www.nevadatreasurervresort.com

Wagon Masters are Bill and Sheila Heath
(slaves for punishment)

This is a fabulous resort!!! Check it out for yourselves!

Jim and Dorthey have been working hard with the management at this resort and have even assured us we will not have to move for the Annual!!!

At this time I am hoping the Resort will cater our Welcome (April 9th.) and Sheriff's (April 13th.) Dinners.
Of course, our mornings will begin with the usual coffee and do-nuts and we will squeeze in a pot luck or two with our daily Happy Hours.

Potential outings during the Pre-Rally – organized or not:
Day trip to Death Valley
Day Trip to Scotty's Castle
Pahrump Museum
Visit to the (Yes, there is) a Date Farm
Of course you are always free to visit one of the many Casinos
And
To enjoy all the amenities of this resort.

As the Roadrunner Club is hosting the Annual this year under Jim and Dorthey's capable direction time will be set aside to assist them anyway we, as a club, can.

Watch for Registration forms to be posted around the middle of October!

See you in the Spring! (if not before)

Bill and Sheila Heath

Alfa Owners Club Annual Rally:

Planning is picking up steam for the 2011 Alfa Annual Rally, hosted by the Roadrunners. It will be held at the Nevada Treasure Rv Resort (nevadatreasurervresort.com ) In Pahrump, Nevada, April 14-19, 2011. Rally Masters Jim and Dorthey Collard have been in contact with the resort for many weeks and recently spent several days there working with the Manager/Events Coordinator and the Chef.

Several committees are already formed with several more to be established. Registration is chaired by Norma Groves, Parking by Dick Groves, Crafts by Bell Bohn, the Golf Event by George Hall, and the Pet Parade by Nancy Sheble. Their planning is underway and they are looking for volunteers to fill their committees. The site configuration map is nearly complete, as are meal menus. The resort has its own chef and restaurant/bar operation so they will provide food and beverage service for us. They will also coordinate the Wine Tasting event with the winery in Pahrump. The Ladies Luncheon will be handled by the resort as will the Men's Breakfast. These events have tentative positions on the rally schedule at this point.

The Alfateers are planning to attend and will accept repair and upgrade requests. Their service request materials will be included with the Registration documents. The schedule for the rally is about 60% complete at this time and the Collards expect registration materials will be sent out by mid-October.

There are several more committees to be formed such as Table Decorations, Seminars and Tech talks, Bowling Tournament (the resort has a 6 lane bowling alley), Competitions (Free throws, Putting, etc.). Much of this work will be done at the Roadrunners Quartzsite Rally in January so we hope many or you will join us there for this important planning opportunity.

Jim and Dorthey
Rally Masters
Annual Owners Club Rally

Editor's Corner

Warm greetings to all fellow Alfa owners! Along with all of our organizational changes, now that we are truly becoming an independent owners club, your newsletter is changing as well.

Ours is a social club and I hope, beginning with this issue, to widen the scope of the excellent articles of the past. I want to bring you an even more enjoyable publication on a quarterly basis.

With that in mind, I would like to share some of my ideas. Along with continuing columns from the past, I am interested in adding columns for sharing our social aspect. Some of my ideas include member bios (not backgrounds, more what you are doing and how you are enjoying your Alfa), tech ideas (and how problems have been solved), kitchen wisdom (and sharing meal ideas) and travel spots (the out of the way, little known, fun don't miss variety).

I am of course open to ideas you may have. I would love to hear from you via email at balzerfreespirit@gmail.com.

Mary Anne Balzer
Happy travels everyone!

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