(Updated May 1, 2012)

Past Newsletters

2011 Newsletters

JANUARY, FEBRUARY & MARCH - We did not any gatherings or meetings these months due to many of our group being south for these "cold" months and the others, who stayed here, were busy digging out from the snow we had. It wasn't as much as New England had, but it was enough to make us work. Then on top of it we had freezing rain. But we knew if we complained about it, it's wasn't going to go away. So we tried to think of spring, our campouts, seeing our friends again and the fun times we have. That always seems to get us through the winter months. Hopefully, we will get to meet new people in our camping outings and make the most of the good times coming, so let's make this year a really, enjoyable and memorable one. All those we haven’t seen in a while, come join us and have fun like we do.

April – Our first campout this year was with the Maryland Chapter at the York Fairgrounds. This was one of their Buddy Rallys. There were approximately 20 units present. The weather was fairly nice except for one day and it rained all that day. Mud was everywhere, but we weren’t worried. There were many events going on at the fairgrounds such as an auction, midway carnival, herb festival, and a big dance in one of the buildings. Besides eating good meals, our weekend was full of games played inside such as beanbag baseball, dice game, card game and ladder golf, so everyone had something to do. All in all it was a successful weekend and we look forward to attending next year.

May – For those who attended the Tri-chapter rally in Beavertown in 2011, it sure will be a memorable one. There was black skies, rain, mud puddles, ditches, ruts, tire marks, etc. – you name it, we had it. Although it was “rough”, we managed to put on our duck boots and have a good time and not worry about it. There were two units that “got stuck”, but with help from fellow campers, they got out okay.  We all went on a tour of the company that makes Apex modular homes. That was very interesting. Free time was also spent talking, joining social time, playing card or dice games and having meals together. Saturday evening we were all together for a great meal cooked by “Popeye” and his crew, and then we were entertained by a local radio announcer, who was very good with his comedy and stories.

June – This year’s state rally was quite interesting. Attendance was not as good as previous years, but all who came had fun and enjoyed seeing familiar faces once again. Of course, meals were exceptionally good since most of us made a covered dish for the occasion. Games went on as before, but Chapter 257 did NOT win the bean bag baseball this year, so we won’t be responsible for running it in 2012. Got to come out one evening and see the international space station go across the sky on a pretty clear night. It was visible to the naked eye for approximately 3-4 minutes, thanks to Bernie Schwalm informing us about it, otherwise we would have missed it. It was an incredible sight to see and one all of us will remember always. During our stay there, an electric cable shorted out causing a loss of electricity, but it was fixed temporarily so we could still continue with our rally.

Hope more of you come up to Centre Hall next year, because you sure missed a good, relaxing, enjoyable few days with people who care about camping.   

 July - Had a good turnout for this month – 14 members. Went to Hershey Conewago Campground. It was pretty full since there was a family reunion going on, but we had a great time. During our meeting, we discussed the State Rally next year and our taking charge of the Friday night hot dog roast. Many were in favor of it for at least one year, so we will definitely need some help. We received a nice letter from Ronald McDonald House, where took approximately 39 blankets to them that were made by the ladies at the state rally. They did appreciate them a lot. Our weekend, as always, was full of fun, laughter, games, eating, and most of all getting together good friends again. We miss some of you, so consider coming out in the future. Have a great summer all!

August - Talk about tree stumps! Our group of five coaches, went to Mountain Creek in Gardners, PA. We were in the shade, but there were so many huge tree stumps that you really risk your life walking if you weren’t careful. Weather cooperated most of the weekend. Had a nice Friday evening for our “doggie roast meal”. Saturday was at Cassell’s Grille and we couldn’t have had a better meal. Played our card game couple of times and spent time visiting. The weekend sure did go rather fast and what little rain we did have, made things quite damp, so when Sunday came around, many of us were ready to leave. Spoke of those, who could not join us, after our meeting. The nominating committee will now go to work selecting new officers for next year. Good Luck to them! Hope to see more of you next month at Benezett.

September - Due to area water problems/flooding from Storm “Lee”, we did not get to Benezett this year. Our hopes are we will go next September. Many folks who were planning to go were disappointed, but had we gone, some of us would have come home to severe damage to our homes, basements, etc. We look forward to a nice group for 2012 at Benezett.

October-Aloha! That is the greeting we all received at the Maryland State Rally this month. It was a nice turnout, with great weather, a lot of fun & laughter and a wonderful time to meet new folks and see the friends made last year. There was much work and long hours put into the rally, and all the volunteers deserve a “round of applause”. Like Ernie Tilmes said, this rally wouldn’t have taken place without support from the holiday rambler folks. So let’s keep up that support and even increase it in the years to come. You don’t know what you are missing. Try it one time and see if you don’t like it. The grounds were covered with dew in the mornings, but as the day wore on, the sun came out, temperatures got warm and everyone was having fun. The meals were quite good and filling – of course that is what we seem to do best. We look forward to more of you joining us for a few days of relaxation, and enjoyment.

November- Horses, Amish working with their mules in the fields, Amish buggies, etc. We got to see it all camping at Flory’s Cabins & Campground. The weekend weather cooperated for us even though we had a pavilion with heat for our games and meals. Friday was a covered dish and Saturday was a scrumptious meal at Good & Plenty served family style. We managed to get in several games of cards in the evenings since it was pretty cold after the sun went down. One night at 6:47 PM we all rushed outside to get a clear view of the ISS (International Space Station) and that was “awesome”. Even if you got to see it before, it is still amazing each and every time. We had a nice group of 10 to come out camping and our facilities were clean, close to the store & pavilion and lots of sun to keep us warm. Hope to see more of you in 2012, as we are going back to Flory’s.

December-Our annual holiday luncheon was held at Country Buffet in York with Joe & Kate as our hosts. We had a very nice turnout of 20 folks. There was much to talk about as some of the members would be heading south after this gathering. We sang some Christmas carols and Kate read us some great stories. Everyone brought a gift which we used when we played a dice game and each person went home with a nice gift. As always there was a huge amount of food available and we have a tendency to “overeat”, but we have fun while we are doing it. We hope everyone has a safe, enjoyable couple of months apart and look forward to seeing them again next year.

2010 Newsletters

JANUARY- With some of our camping folks already gone south, the balance of those who stayed here in cold Pennsylvania, had many things going on and we just couldn’t get together for a luncheon. So we will all look forward to a Valentine Luncheon in February on the 13^th at The Roadhouse Restaurant in York. Bev & Ken are hosting the luncheon and we know we will have a good time. Hopefully it won’t be canceled due to inclement weather. We hope our “snowbirds” will enjoy their time south, take care and look forward to seeing them in April or sooner. 

FEBRUARY- Well, it seems 2010 has not started out too well for our group to get together for a luncheon. There are many other things going on for all of us. But we tried and hopefully our year of camping will turn out better. Naturally weather can be a “burden” in the first 3 months of each year. So far we have been lucky. Our snowbirds have gone and are enjoying warm weather, when they have it. If some of you have parked your camping units due to the financial situation, we invite any of you who are members to join us for an evening meal or afternoon of fun, laughter, games, etc. It certainly would be great to spend some time with you.

March- Another month that Chapter 257 could not gather for a luncheon. Well, that can happen when our folks are busy or away. Of course, we still keep each other in our hearts hoping all is well for them and that they will meet us when the camping starts again in April. For some of us, it is an event to look forward to because we can catch up on all the things that went on the first three months of the year. Many went to a warmer climate for a couple months or more, the rest of us stuck around this area shoveling snow, growling because there was so much of it and looking forward to SPRING!. Well, folks let’s all keep on wishing for that season soon.

APRIL-This was a great weekend at York Fairgrounds. Not only did we have the opportunity to spend it with Chapter 111 from Maryland, but also we all had a good time. The weather was a bit chilly, so we did most things inside a building. Our meeting was inside Banzhofs’ unit, which they volunteered to us. Friday was a social hour with the whole group and of course, we did play some games inside and got to know the folks who attended. Our turnout was good with approximately 40 units there. On the fairgrounds there was a carnival and a car show taking place. Saturday we toured the Family Heirloom Weavers over in Red Lion. The Kline Family runs this business for many years. It was interesting and everyone went. Saturday evening was a covered dish dinner and then games afterwards. The weekend was a success and enjoyed by all.

MAY-This year Chapter 429 at Elizabethtown Fairground hosted our Tri-Chapter Rally. Fortunately we were by ourselves being the usual chicken BBQ meal and the BIG yard sale was held the weekend before, so we missed that. There were at least 22 units present. Friday we made hot dogs outside over an open fire – while it drizzled rain, but we didn’t let that bother us. Saturday took some to the local flea market as well as other places of their choice. In the evening we started out with square dancing, which not many were active in, then it changed to some line dancing along with “the stroll”. That was more like it for our age group. We had a great time with lots of laughter amongst all. With only two couples planning this weekend, it was a success.

JUNE-“Going Green” was the theme of the Pennsylvania State Rally. There were approximately 74 units attending. It was nice to see “old friends again” and meet new ones. Activities included bicycle rodeo, horseshoe competition, beanbag baseball, cake social, table games, crafts, seminars (one by John Powell for concerns to be heard from members about the HRRVC), vendors, RV dealers displays and entertainment. Weather was “iffy” at times, but the rally went on. Entertainment was great with laughter and memories for all. Seems like we did a lot of eating, but we also did a lot of walking. We sure missed the folks who could not come, but we hope next year will be better and you can join us for some fun and a good time.

JULY-Summer can be HOT, HUMID, and STICKY, but some of our chapter members still find it fun to camp – we just find the shady spots. This month took us to Deer Run Campground near Gardners, PA. Our campsites were nice and most of them had shade from large trees. We had use of a close-by pavilion for games, meals, socializing, etc. There were twelve members present plus two guests. One evening we all sat around in a circle and talked, laughed, told stories and more. Everyone was so relaxed. We still had our “social hour” around 4 PM with a glass of wine, beer, soda, tea, etc. and snacks. We all look forward to camping because one never knows what may happen.

AUGUST-We headed over to the Gettysburg Campground for the weekend. There were six units and WOW! what a neat time we had. The campground had an enactment going on in the field where we stayed. There was history told, a social dance taught, the firing of a cannon and musket rifle, and demonstrations going on. It was quite interesting. The campground was full with spectators. A pavilion we used was only yards away from our campsite. Weather was nice, not hot and sticky, but a mile weekend for camping. We could not have asked for a nicer time with our fellow campers. We missed the ones who could not come – hope to see you next month.

SEPTEMBER-Whoopee! Yes, this month we headed for Twin Pine Campground where they had a rodeo scheduled. It was a fun time, along with the laughter we shared and stories we told as we relaxed during our social time. Had our regular monthly meeting with some topics of concern which will be discussed in future meetings. Had a buffet dinner on Saturday at the camp ground restaurant We had a brown bag silent auction, which was fun. Next month we head for the Maryland State Rally hoping to see some more of our members join us. There were 6 coaches with us this time and two guests, Bev & Irv-Millie Kilgore’s sister & brother-in-law.

October- A great 4 days was had by all at the Maryland State Rally. Fourteen members attended from our chapter. It was great to see some old familiar faces again. Weather was sunny with a bit of wind at times, but we did not let that stop us from enjoying ourselves. Again everyone enjoyed a trip to the United Methodist church for an oyster, ham & turkey dinner. There were games available to play such as bingo, beanbag baseball, horseshoes,  Bocco ball and the golf game. This year there were more items for the silent auction and some quite nice items. It was a busy time with lots going on at the same fairgrounds including a wedding reception in the banquet hall and a band competition at the school football field. So if you were not interested in games, you had the option of watching the band competition.

November-With slightly cool temperatures and some wind, we spent our camping weekend at Flory’s Campground down in Ronks, PA. The campground was very clean and our sites were in the heart of the Amish country. Beside our sites was a working Amish farm with young men working in the fields with mules. We had a nice pavilion for our use with a propane heating unit inside, so we were toasty most of the time. Our Saturday evening meal was at Good ‘n’ Plenty Family Restaurant and did they ever have a selection of food – served family style. We did play our “nickel game” in the evenings, but during the day we went sight-seeing, shopping, watched college football or sat and read a good book listening to the wind blowing outside our coach. There were 8 coaches that joined us.  A good time was had by all.

December-What a great day we all had. Approximately 19 folks joined our group for a Christmas Luncheon at Old Country Buffet in York. We had a private room, which made it so nice for talking with our fellow campers. The food was good with a non-ending supply available and everything from salad to soup to hot dishes to dessert plus beverages. Who could ask for much more! A game involving gifts was played by all – one for the ladies and one for the men. Two of our members gave a reading and of course, before departing, we did more socializing and wishing well to all. We hope many more of you will join us next year.

 2009 Newsletters

JANUARY – a disappointment! We were to gather at Panera Bread for a light meal and a short meeting. Well, the weather decided to “butt” in and the driving in some areas was not good. Therefore there were only two people who came. They enjoyed their meal anyway, then did some shopping before going home. We need to be aware that these things can happen during the winter months. Better luck next month. Many of our group have gone south and we hope they are enjoying their time wherever they are. Yes, we do envy you, but our time will come. Next month hopefully we can gather at the Roadhouse Restaurant in York.

FEBRUARY - was celebrated with a luncheon at the Roadhouse Restaurant in York. The following members attended: Crosslands/ Ostrowsky/Hoxie, Kilgores’, Sanders’ and Caskeys’. It was a really nice, sunny day with a little bit of wind, but no SNOW! We caught up on any news, discussed upcoming rallys and events, held a short informal meeting and got caught up on what everyone was doing since the holidays. Many of our folks headed south, our snowbirds, and will be back towards the end of April.  After having a delightful lunch and some social conversation, we parted our ways until next time.

APRIL -What a fun time!  We spent a weekend with the folks from Maryland at York Fairgrounds. Area was very nice, weather was “purrrrrfect” and there was always something to do. You could just relax, talk with fellow campers, play some of the games provided, or go on the tour to John Wright Iron Works that was arranged. Saturday evening everyone pitched in for a potluck dinner. The building provided for meals, games, etc. was carpeted and very comfortable for all. This was an opportunity for people to renew friendships or make new ones. Of course many of the folks played a card game inside after dinner. It could also be a weekend away from the hustle-bustle of everyday living. Everyone was so nice and friendly, which makes a campout with Maryland folks memorable. We hope they will let us join them next year for another good time.

MAY - Another weekend to spend with Chapters 429 & 63 at our Tri-Chapter Rally. This year it was held at Elizabethtown Fairgrounds, but we had a problem. The grounds were so soft from recent rain, the units had to be parked on the macadam. It turned out OK though and the weekend was still fun. Most of it was rain-free. There were games of all kinds, times to chat with friends & new acquaintances ,and the social hours we had. Some folks went to an arts & craft show and others went  to Saturday’s Market, All in all we had a great time and everyone ate good food  prepared by our chapter. We all look forward to next year.

JUNE - This was the month of the Pennsylvania State Rally, therefore there was no chapter gathering. Approximately seven of our chapter units attended. Parking was a problem for Clarence Trego with the inclement weather they had to endure. Once all were parked, the rally began.  All events went well and there was much to do. Aside from eating, there were seminars, bingo, Ladies Tea, selection of RV’s ,trailers, etc. to look at that were on display, vendors who displayed their products. etc. Their theme was “Hawaiian” this year. A council meeting was held after the Rally to bring up points of interest and get input for next year’s rally. From the comments made, most folks enjoyed their stay with a few suggestions for next year.

JULY -Some of the group came to Pinch Pond for this month. The campground was nice, clean, and shady where we were. Most of the time was spent relaxing and taking walks. The campground had a Karaoke program on Saturday, which we were close enough to hear, but a storm came up which shortened that event. The Green Dragon was an option except the traffic was terrible and the waiting line was miles long. Took a trip to Mt. Hope Winery near the Renaissance Faire ground, which was really a nice place and the samples were good. The evenings usually were spent either playing a card game or watching the Phillies ballgame. The group went to Quentin House for dinner. The weekend was quite nice and enjoyable spending time with fellow campers.

AUGUST -There was 16 members and 4 guests that joined us at Hershey Conewago CG.  The weather was warm, bright sun and a little humid. We held our meeting on Friday after dinner and the Nominating Committee worked on a slate of officers for presentation in September. On Saturday we all made a trip to Hershey Chocolate World for a tour, shopping in their gift shop, and/or seeing a short video show in one of their theaters. Our evening meal was on the deck at T.J. Rockwells”, and it was still quite warm at 6 PM. Sunday morning we all gathered for coffee, juice, and a variety of breakfast items. After a short reading by Kathy Trego, we socialized for a while, and then started our packing to head for home. It was a fun weekend

SEPTEMBER - A dry camping weekend, but because of the “treacherous rain” that came down on Friday and Saturday, some of us did not go. Apparently Ostrowsky/Hoxie and Leipharts were the only ones who attended. Sunday, of course, was nice, clear, bright sun, etc. – the day all comes home. We were to go to #9 mine in Lansford, which would have been a first time trip for most of us. Maybe this can be arranged at another time and hopefully the weather will be better.  

 October -What a great four days we had at the Maryland State Rally. There were several of our units who attended. We saw a number of old friends and made some new ones, as we almost always do. We did the usual things/activities such as Bingo, viewing new units, wine & cheese gathering, horseshoes, bocce ball, golf game, and beanbag baseball. Several folks took their daily walks along the street providing the weather was nice. Well, it was during the day, but as we all slept at night, it rained. Hey, that wasn’t so bad! We had good meals especially the one Saturday at a local church for a sit-down family style meal. Being camped on local fire company grounds, naturally the sirens did go off a few times. This year there was a Halloween Costume Contest, which was so much fun. The folks who did not dress up had to guess who was under each costume there. It kept us a might busy, but all of them were guessed correctly. There were some pretty good outfits that showed up. It was an evening of games, costumes, guessing, fun, snacks, drinks and being with nice folks. We look forward to 2010.

November -Pine Hill RV Park near Kutztown is where we were this month Naturally one would think it should be a little cold and maybe windy, well, that wasn’t the case. We had fairly warm sunny weather for the whole weekend. Many campers were outside enjoying the sun, playing outside games, or walking for exercise. We had 9 units from our chapter join us and had a great weekend. The campground hosted an early “Thanksgiving Dinner” and everyone brought a covered dish. This is a tradition at Pine Hill every November. Wow! Did we ever have a buffet meal! Some took a ride over to Cabelo’s to look around. Oh yes, we did get to play several games of “nickels” over the weekend. All in all, it was a fun time.

December -On Saturday, December 12 our chapter gathered at the Leola Restaurant for a holiday luncheon. We invited some “former members” to join us. They are folks who were with our chapter for years and now do not camp anymore. They sure the time to  reminisce on the past years. One of the members gave updated information on some of the members who can no longer join us because of health reasons. Our prayers are with all of them. Our activities included readings by two of the active members, the installation of the 2010 officers and singing a few carols before departing.  Wishes for a safe trip were given to all those going south over the winter indicating we will miss them and hope to see them in the spring. Hope everyone has a MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR.

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