HRRVC State Events

HRRVC ARIZONA MANAGERS
ARIZONA STATE MANAGER Ray and Hilda Nichols (62633)		ARIZONA ASSISTANT STATE MANAGER Mike and Mairiene Miranda (84091)

Good day Arizona Chapter Presidents, We are working on our rally schedule for 2008 and would like to ask each AZ chapter to take on some tasks. I know many of your members are out and about now, but please think about the following items for your chapter. Chapter 71 Monday - beef stew dinner - stew provided, will require some preparation of vegetables (simple recipe) and heating in roasters. Serve with salad. Tuesday - host and run Bean Bag Baseball tournement - probably requires 4-6 people Chapter 309 Wednesday - Outdoor games of Bocce Ball and Golf Ball Toss. Thursday - Sloppy Joes Dinner - heat up meat filling, serve on buns with Cole slaw, ambrosia and dessert. Dessert provided, need to add dressing to slaw and mix ambrosia. Chapter 407 Tuesday - Pancake & sausage breakfast with juice, prepare and serve. Thursday - Lunch auction - ladies will prepare, anonymously, lunch for two. Chapter will auction lunches to men who will then share with the lady who prepared the lunch. Proceeds to Make a Wish. These activities are what we now have planned. Of course, things may change somewhat, but right now this is what we have on the schedule. We will also have a catered dinner provided by the park. I will send out a preliminary schedule in the next week or so. Please let me know if you think you can do these activities for the rally. Remember, our theme is "Legends and Superstitions" and the Yuma chapter is doing decoration. Here are some of the other activities we have on the schedule: Entertainment Harry Mathews Show You may have seen him perform at the last two Western Sunshine Rallies. This will be a more informal, caberet type show. Seminars Two educational seminars so far 1 CPR and Defib. Demo and presentation - from U of A Sarver Heart Center - new CPR techniques that does NOT use mouth to mouth. 2 History and legend of the Superstition Mountains area Two Technical seminars in works. 1 RV Satellite 2 Local service center tech. 3 Will invite Cummins TBD 4 Working on a Gas Unit seminar TBD 5 Will have an roundtable exchange with members as in the past. I like these, they seem to be helpful to folks. Golf Tournement Tours, one now planned, may arrange some others TBD. We have a pretty full schedule. We also will have a dinner on your own night for chapter or group functions on Tuesday. Ray and Hilda Nichols
2007 Arizona State Rally “Tuscany in Tucson” October 24 - 28, 2007 Tucson, Arizona It's always fun seeing everyone when we first arrive this time of year, as we hadn't seen a lot of our friends since we left Arizona last Spring. There were many new members too, so there was a lot of work to do, running around trying to meet everyone. We met for the “2007 Arizona State Rally” in Tucson, at “Voyager RV Resort”. For three years, this park was voted number one in the nation, and it's easy to see why. It came complete with full hook ups and any amenity that one would want. The people were great to work with and they said the same about our HR people too. Makes one proud to be a part of that kind of organization! Ray Nichols, our Arizona State Manager, said that so many spelled Tuscan as Tucson, so he thought “Tuscany in Tucson” would be a fun name for our rally … and it was! Leave it to Ray! Pedata RV Center had five rigs on display when we arrived and sold a new rig the very first day. Ah, how many of us envied the McPhadens. Then, to top things off, would you believe Pedata presented them with a dozen red roses? What a nice gesture for them. Signing up for crafts is always the first thing on the agenda. Everyone signed up the first chance they got, so they would get their craft of choice. There was a choice of learning to stamp greeting cards, wire wrapping spoons, holiday fabric decoupage plates and even a water color paint class. And you should have seen the results. Maybe we should have a little show and tell at one of these rallies. A box dinner was provided for those going to Kitt Peak the first evening, for night viewing the Arizona skies. Kitt Peak has the worlds largest collection of research telescopes and is located high above the Sonoran Desert. Can't you just imagine all that sky from way up there? The people raved about it the following day! Another tour offered was Davis Monthan and Pima Air Museum. This place is huge and very well done. There are more than 200 restored vintage aircraft representing America's aviation history in that one location. There are five large hangars, totaling 100,000 square feet of exhibit space. An original WWII barracks shows virtually all U.S. military aircraft from pre-World War I to the present day. A seminar, “Rig Issues” was set in an open forum, where a lot was learned in a short informal discussion. Sharing ideas is always great, where new creative solutions come to mind. What one of our handy men couldn't think of, some one else could. Most questions were provided with an answer. Carol Bradley monitored a seminar on livability issues, “Ways to Better Use Your Rig”. This was provided for both men and women. Boy, I thought I had thought of everything in the past but some of these gals! Little plastic boxes seem to have been the thing that answered most of our problems, from using in refrigerators to closets! Amazing what they can be used for, both the ones we buy or the ones we make. Yes, one of the girls actually makes boxes to fit into those little places. Of course, we expect our men to provide us with answers most of the time but it was kind of scary when they started to tell us about some of their horror stories. This was a great seminar and I can't get enough of this type of thing. There is so much to learn out there isn't there, and who better can answer our questions than those who have walked in our shoes? We had an Astronomer lecture too, provided by a representative from Kitt Peak. He explained all about the mountaintop telescopes and who uses them. Imagine, the worlds largest research telescopes being explained to us and in a way that we could understand it; well, sort of! Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum came to talk to us one day, not only about the desert but also the museum. I guess I wasn't aware that most of the Sonora Desert is in Mexico but I know now. This young man shared information on the desert animals; so many of them being nocturnal as that is when the desert is cooler for them to go about their hunting. He told us that the saguaro cactus, only lives in the Sonora Desert and how the ocotillo only gets green when it gets enough to drink. I wasn't aware that there are five seasons in Arizona either, one being ”Fore Summer Draught.” He even brought a ring tail, a barn owl and a bull snake for us to see up close, and to even touch the snake … if we chose to do so. It was so interesting that I hated to have it end. If any Arizonians haven't been there, they should put it on their list of must dos. Then, one day, Kay Sullivan came to give a presentation on Art Techniques. She is becoming quite well known in the Tucson area. She has a passion for doing animal pictures and her work shows it. Anyway, after the presentation, she did a workshop on water color. It always does my heart good to see so many men involved in this sort of thing. My gosh, after we finished our paintings, she even put them in a matting, ready to frame (if we so chose to do so). One of the guys, who shall remain nameless, decided they were ready for “The Louvre”. A hush came over the crowd! Sky Med was represented by some of our own, the Roberts, Sometimes we take this kind of thing for granted but I couldn't help but think of one member who got sick on his way home from a trip. He was flown back to his hometown hospital, his friend was flown back and later they brought his RV back. Harry swore by it. Food! One thing about it, Holiday Ramblers don't go hungry! Since this was an Italian theme, we had Italian food. One evening we had a pasta bar with six different kinds of pasta. Now then, how does one keep from pigging out? Another evening we had pizza and we ate and we ate. And the final evening we had our choice of a spaghetti and meat ball dinner or Alfredo! Of course we had hospitality every morning too, except for the morning that we had pancakes and sausage. How does one keep from gaining weight when they join a club like our “Holiday Ramblers”? They don't! At 5:30 one evening Tom Chesnut provided music for our early evening entertainment. He had the dance floor filled each and every dance. If it wasn't filling, he would go find a partner and then our guys would feel more comfortable dancing too. Tom even taught us a new line dance. Would you believe the music was ended by 7:30? Not a bad idea for us seniors! I know I went home with a blister on one of my toes. Great evening! I slept good! The following evening we had Paul Elia entertaining. Well, he brought “Marilyn Monroe” along too and she really entertained! Many giggles and laughs along with some great music, reminiscent of the fifties. The closing ceremony was so emotional. One of our guys had seen a ceremony at the Black Hills and told Ray about it. They decided to go with it and we're so glad they did. All the veterans that had served in the braches of the armed forces were called up, one by one, and they formed a big horse shoe. Then, the folded flag was brought in, handed to the end member and it was passed , one to another, to the end where it was unfolded and put on the flag pole. Then it was retired with the closing ceremony. I doubt if there was a dry eye in the crowd. Ah yes, it was a wonderful rally, from beginning to end. Ray and Hilda do a great job and it's too bad that anyone missed it. It just can't get any better! Thank you Nichols. We are proud to announce that Scholarship gets $200 and Make a Wish gets $500. Way to go Ramblers! I couldn't help but think of our first rally. I hope our “first timers” had as much fun as we did. Submitted by Nancy Joy Chapter 309
October 2007 2007 Another State Rally…… Come and Gone and thanks to ALL who helped. You can’t do it without great help. It means so much to Hilda and me and, I know, to those who make sure it all gets done. It starts before the crowd even shows up. We had 71 rigs in attendance at the rally with 139 members. Additionally, we had 5 guests and 12 presenters/entertainers. So, we had quite a crowd. Chapter members: Ch 71 – 11 rigs Ch 309 – 24 rigs Ch 407 – 6 rigs New Mexico - 10 Colorado - 5 The rest, from all over the county. All the Arizona chapters should be proud of all they do, be it “out in front” of the group or “behind the curtain.” It all matters. Usually, we try to thank the chairs and coordinators at the rally (and, hopefully, DON’T leave anyone out) so those who come know who does the work. But I also wanted to take some time to thank the chapters specifically, and let you know what each group did to make it work. We even got lots of help from outside the state. It began with planning. I don’t know what I would do without the help of Jane Nelson from Ch 71 on the booklet and the awesome one-page schedule. She also designed the cover and the pin. She arranged for and made sure we got our schedules printed and to the rally in time. Thanks, Jane. Unfortunately, she became very ill and missed most of the rally this year. She is getting better and on the road to recovery. Parking. It went so smooth this year. Mike Miranda and Russ Carlson. What a job they did. If we had a problem, they got it fixed. Good work guys. When we do a rally at a park like Voyager, they ask us to register and pay them one check. Tom Simester gets the job done through the registration process but the parkers connect YOU with the park and our records. Russ chased down so many of you to be sure we got the records right. The park staff thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated the work we did with them. All this before the rally even started. Thanks, again, to Ch 71 members. The tours. We did two of them this year. The group to Kitt Peak was led by Dwain Nelson. He also took the check with him so Kitt got paid. Between him and the registration work from Tom, we got people up to the mountain and off to the boneyard. Thanks again to Ch 71 folks. Golf, as always, by Jerry Loomis. Setting up the course, getting people signed up and assigned a tee time and getting the prizes. Once again, another contribution to fun at the rally. And Jerry even has time to be Ch 309 president. Thanks, Jerry. What a nice Tuscan setting we had in the ballroom. Ch 309 continuing the tradition of great decorations from a chapter (remember the shells and beach stuff in VdO from Ch 407 and those little corrals with little cowboy hats and the Mexican hangings from Ch 71 last year) did a great job of getting us “off to Tuscany” and provided a beautiful setting for our events. And still, the rally hasn’t even started. Set-ups. And Engineering. And all those changes, ups and downs, when you move events around a park. Ch 407 with Frank Menor and his mult-chapter team. Most of the work done by Frank, Bill Casteel, Bill Vincent, Dwain Nelson, Ernie Lenthal Dick Ohms, and others you never see. But the chairs and tables are always where they are supposed to be when you get there. And gone when they need to be and put away. Maybe you only see it happen once, but I can tell you, there were tables at the lunch and root beer floats, at all meals, and just everything. Once again, all the chapters getting it done together. And even help from New Mexico, Colorado and other places. Pulling together to get the job done. Are you starting to get a feel for what it takes. And STILL the rally hasn’t even started. I could go on and on but I would like to just give you a list of how each group contributed to the fun we had. And thank them again and again and again. As always, when you start a list, you risk forgetting to mention someone. If I do, I apologize. What you did showed: Chapter 71: Pasta Bar – John Dittmar and Ch 71, figured out how to prepare and serve six (6!) different kinds of pasta with sauce and salad. They cooked most of Wednesday afternoon and cleaned up after; lots of washing dishes and pans. I can not thank you guys enough. It was superb. They had some members who could not attend the rally, come in to help. John coordinated the presentation from the Desert Museum. Bet you didn’t know that. He used to be a docent there. Sandy Simester was a runner for last minute stuff. She and her little VW were everywhere. Between her and Hilda, we didn’t run out of stuff, even when supplies were used for “unplanned events.” Chapter 309: John Tisot and his team from 309 did, once again, a masterful job on hospitality. We will miss John’s leadership in this role and wish him and Joan well. We look forward to seeing them at events in the future, I know they won’t be able to stay away. Also, I know John trained an able replacement. You’ll see. Serving the Pizza was a 309 job. The pizzas were cooked by the Voyager restaurant and delivered by special Pizza Wagon (Ray’s car) for serving by 309. Good job. And they even sold some of the leftovers. Jerry did his job again on the technical seminar. Thanks, Jerry. Carol Vincent (actually a joint 71/309 member) and Maggie Loomis were their usually crafty selves. They added to the sessions booked by the coordinators (stamps and water color art) and we thank them for that. Providing more choices for our members to enjoy. Did I mention I saw Grant Joy serving ice cream? And we are all looking forward to Nancy Joy’s Ramblings Report. Coming soon. Chapter 407 Breakfast, great pancakes and sausage and peaches, too. What a great job Mavis Ohms and her 407 crew did preparing that meal. They cooked, served and, yes, cleaned up after, that traditional morning Rambler starter. Getting you going for the day, once again. I still can’t thank Frank enough. And there were Carol Menor and Gail Casteel out there selling chances on some wonderful prizes. All to benefit Make A Wish. They raised $500!!!! Thanks, ladies. And to you guys doing the outdoor games, thanks for keeping everyone cool in the hot sun!!!! Was that Grant Joy cooking pancakes? You better get his dues, Mavis!!!! Out of Staters…… Yep, they helped, too. We got the New Mexico bunch to thank for all the tea and lemonade setups around the rally. I know I had my share. Needed to re-hydrate. JB and the gang, well done. And the Langes and friends with the cake spin. They raised $200 for the HRRVC Scholorship fund. The wild bunch from Colorado were out there scooping ice cream and handing out root beer cans. I saw them do that before and I knew they would be good at it. Mel, thanks for helping out. By the way, I don’t KNOW what is better, Mug or A&W. But when you buy out the store, you take what they got!! Thanks, WalMart. A special thanks from Hilda to the “M girls” for helping set up the Saturday night catered dinner place mats, wine glasses and wine bottles. Those ladies were: Marilyn Beery, Marlyn Beery, Mairiene Miranda and Marilyn Peake. It really made the place “Italian.” A special thank you to the Ch. 421 Military Retirees for their flag ceremonies. Again, thanks for all your contributions. I think all the chapters did a wonderful job of contributing what they could. Like I said, it can’t happen without them. Ray Nichols, AZ State Manager TOP OF PAGE
Copy of EMail to Members July 29. 2007 To Arizona Chapter 309 Holiday Ramblers......... Just an update for what is going on at our rally this year. Our theme is "Tuscany in Tucson" and we'll have some activities that go along with that including some meals and entertainment. We have a wonderful singer that will remind you of Sinatra, Martin, Bennett and others, a duo that frequently entertains at the Beaudry RV rallies and more. For seminars, we have a representative from the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, an astronamer who will explain the Arizona night sky, an artist who works in several mediums who will give demonstrations of her techniques and a technical symposium where you can ask and answer questions about your rig. And more............... The dates are October 24-28 at Voyager RV Resort in Tucson Arizona. It is in SE Tucson located at exit 270 on Interstate 10. Very easy to get to the resort. We have full hookups with large RV sites, not typical rally type parking. It is a full service resort with game rooms, pools and a small golf course. Lots to do. If you are going to stay for awhile at the Cochise Terrace RV Park in Benson (see below), you are only 35 minutes away. Cochise is exit 302, Voyager is exit 270, so all you do is get in the freeway in Benson and head toward Tucson, 32 miles. Some link info for you Arizona HRRVC website http://www.azhrrvc.org There is a signup form available and one is attached. There is a rally notice in the Ramblings as well. Please note the early parking rate in the Ramblings is incorrect. The rate is $37.82 per night. The rally fee includes the rally night parking. If you need a place to rest and relax ahead of time, we have an arrangement with Cochise Terrace RV Resort in Benson. They will give us a special rate of $16 per night for a single reservation and any group of 10 or more on one reservation will pay $15 per night. This is good for the two weeks prior to the rally. So, give them a call if it fits your plans. The park is one mile south on AZ 90 at I-10 exit 302. Cochise Terrace http://www.cochiseterrace.com/rvresort.htm Remember, if you make a reservation use code RN1 Also, make your reservations by September 1st to get the special rate of $16 per night for full hookups If you received this more than once, sorry, you are on multiple lists. Ray Nichols AZ State Manager ARIZONA STATE MANAGERS ANNUAL REPORT - 2007 It’s time again to reflect on the past year of HRRVC activities and set our sights on what is coming up. We had a full year of activities here in Arizona and it looks like we’re going to be doing more of the same as our 2007-2008 schedule heats up. Well, actually, I guess it will heat up as the temperature here in the great desert Southwest starts to cool off. And, as usual, those of us who call AZ our home will welcome back our friends from around the country. First, let’s revisit some of the great fun we had this past campout season. Hmmm. What do I remember about that. Let’s see, I seem to remember something about a “Boothill Roundup” down near Benson. 2006 ARIZONA STATE RALLY AND REGION VII RALLY – Yep, that’s what I recall. We gathered up about 61 rigs down at Cochise Terrace to celebrate our return to the desert. We had a great time dancing to the sounds of several bands, including those wandering scoundrels, the Cruz Roja Band. What a hoot. There were gatherings around the pool with a couple New Mexico gals taking a short dip, paper folding training, tours to local sights, good ole downhome cookin’, learning opportunities about Arizona people and its geology and just plain old fun and frolic around the campground. People seemed to have a great time. We thought so, too, so we’re gonna try it again this year. Read about that later. Several chapters started out their own camping activities following the state rally. The Cactus Wrens headed out to Dateland for Thanksgiving, the Valley of the Sun bunch raided Wickenburg for Christmas and the Grand Canyon guys tested out the Big Pig at Beaudry RV Resort. After all that, a huge group of Ramblers and friends circled up their rigs at Quartzsite. QUARTZSITE CAMPOUT – What started out several years ago as a group of Bob Haynie and his buddies gathering out in the middle of nowhere is now a huge RV happening. What an amazing sight it is to see over 50 rigs circled up out in the desert, putting on the feedbag, hanging around a campfire and just enjoying each other’s company. This has really become a big deal but, as such, has incurred some growing pains. The Arizona chapters are working to figure out how this event will be done in the future. It takes a lot of planning and we just need to have a plan. As time goes, you’ll hear more about what is going to happen . BEAUDRY BUDDY RALLY – The third major gathering of this winter. The Cactus Wrens brought over 50 rigs together to enjoy the good weather, great food, entertainment (this year provided by Lee Greenwood) and another opportunity for us to see our friends. We had a great time in South Tucson and, guess what, looks like we’re going to do it again next year. PUERTO PENASCO beckoned the Arizona Ramblers once again. Several groups headed back to the Sea of Cortez to enjoy the views, the food and the camaraderie in Mexico. I like that place, too. Hilda and I did not get a chance to go with the chapter groups due to family visitors but we did get down for a few days with two couples we took on last year’s Getaway. We had a good time as I know all who went down there did. Ahhhh, I need some huevos rancheros at Rosy’s. When do we go back???????? THE WESTERN SUNSHINE RALLY – The WSR was held in March at the Pinal County Fairgrounds. This year’s rally was, I think, a great improvement over last year. Paul and Claire Lankes really put a lot of hard work and, I know, heart and soul into making this year’s rally a success. We don’t know yet if it was financially a success, but the entertainment, food and fun certainly was. Harry Mathews is awesome. We all know that this rally is iffy each year. It is going to take some real work to try and keep it going. I know the coordinators are looking for a location that is suitable and affordable for us. These days, that is not easy. We do not get the kind of support from Monaco and the local dealers that we’ve had in the past. Everybody has to tighten their belts a little. But, as time goes and we know more about what is going to happen with this event, we’ll pass that on to you. THE 2007 ARIZONA STATE RALLY – Yes, this rally is right around the corner. We’re getting all the plans together and it’s looking good. We’ll be at Voyager RV Resort in South Tucson (I-10 exit 270 at Kolb, then south ? mile to the entrance) which is a full service RV resort. We’ve got tours to Kitt Peak and Davis Monthan in store, two nights of professional entertainment (Tom Chesnett & Cathy Sea from Beaudry and a wonderful Italian crooner that we KNOW you will enjoy) good food, seminars (an astronomer, Desert Museum staff bringing and animal AND a local artist who will describe her painting techniques and give us a chance to try some). There will be the usual morning, daytime and afternoon activities and some surprises. New rig displays from Pedata RV, will be on hand. So, be sure and sign up. There is a form at www.azhrrvc.org for your convenience. REGION VII RALLY AND BALLOON FIESTA – Actually, this will occur just before our Arizona Rally. It is going to be a wonderful time in Albuquerque and, those of you lucky to be on the list will really enjoy it. It is space limited and right now there is a waiting list, but if you want to go, contact J.B.Hamlet jbhamlet@earthlink.net ASAP, and you might just get lucky and get to go. Well, that about sums up the year. We had some great times here in the desert. But, we also lost some good friends. That’s the way things are so we’ll keep them in our hearts and thoughts. Hilda and I are off to Alaska this summer so we’re gone for awhile. We are heading up in May and will spend several months on this trip. But we look forward to seeing you all this October at the 2007 Arizona State Rally. Maybe we’ll have a slide show. Oh, goodie. Have a great summer, safe travels and we’ll see you back in the desert this fall. Ray and Hilda Nichols HRRVC Arizona State Manager chelanview@earthlink.net www.azhrrvc.org ARIZONA HRRVC 2007 STATE RALLY Posted March 3. 2007 Tuscany in Tucson That’s the theme for the 2007 Arizona State Rally. Take that Ferrari down to Voyager RV Resort in Tucson for a wonderful time in sunny southern Arizona. We’re going to have an Italian celebration for four days amid great food, song and festive activities. Thatsa my story an a Ima gonna sticka to it. We’ve got several dinners, a free lunch (you don’t see that often) some fine entertainment (we’ve got Tom Chesnut and Cathy Sea from Beaudry RV Parties, and a great crooner of song that will make you think of Sinatra, Martin, Bennett and others) as well as some folks that will teach us about the Sonora Desert, its vegetation and the critters who live there. And lots more, too. You’ll take away some fun, and knowledge from this rally. There are two tours available before the rally: The airplane “boneyard” at Davis-Monthan AFB, you can ride a tour bus through the stored aircraft and learn which ones can be flown again and which ones can’t. There is also a “Night Viewing” tour to Kitt Peak, the National Optical Astronomical Observatory. We’ll car caravan up to the mountain for a short walk around the place (beautiful views of the surrounding desert area) and short talk about heavenly bodies (in space) a nice box dinner and a couple of hours of looking through the Kitt Peak telescopes. WOW. So, get yourself signed up for this big party. You are going to like the place (Voyager, voted “Best in the Nation”) the area (voted “Best in the Sun”), the fun (voted “Best in Arizona”) and the Holiday Rambler people (voted “Best in the World!”). See you there. Ray Nichols 62633 For a printable rally application click this link. WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON WITH HRRVC IN AND AROUND ARIZONA THIS LAST YEAR............. I thought I would write a "newsletter" just to recap some of what's happened here the last year. First, Hilda and I would like to thank everyone for their support this past year. We've had fun working with you and having fun at our rallies and campouts the last year. We've had a good time and look forward to more in the coming months. We've been working with the Mirandas, the Simesters and the Peakes to put the final touches on the 2006 Region VII / Arizona State Rally in November and look forward to having a great time at Coshise Terrace in Benson. We hope to see you ALL there. 2005 Arizona Rally.... We greeted 101 rigs at Valle del Oro last October for our "Beach Party in the Desert" rally. We had lots of good food, entertainment and some fun getting to know you all while hanging around the pool area. Hilda enjoyed putting on the Chico's Fashion Show and the Cruz Roja Band had a great time playing for everyone. We were pleased to have the Chapter 500 members join us and they really put on a lot of informative seminars for us. Thanks to Robert Crist and Company RV for rally support and a neat rig display. 2006 Quartzsite Campout - Bob Haynie Memorial Campout What can you say about a desert happening. Almost 60 rigs joined in for a week-long campout in the middle of nowhere. Mike and Mairience Miranda really pulled together a great time with a LOT of help from friends from all over the Southwest. We had groups from all the Arizona chapters, guests from other states and even a group that came in together from New Mexico. Once again, lots of "pitch in" to provide meals (let's see, as I remember we had burritos, big salads, chili, fish, bags of omelets and much more) to keep us going. After all, it is winter, you know. Gotta keep those fires stoked!!! And speaking of stoked fires, how about that campfire, eh?????? Makes you excited about going back for next year. Puerto Penasco trips..... How many groups went down there, anyway? To tell you the truth, I'm not sure if it was three or four but I know they all had a good time. Members from all of the Arizona chapters went there and a new HRRVC sponsored event as well. The Simesters and the Nichols put that one together and took 20 rigs down for five days after spending three days wandering around Tucson. We had a great time and I know the rest of you did, too. What a special opportunity we have here to go down and spend some time in Mexico. Western Sunshine Rally..... The return of this event to Arizona was a great success. We had over 180 rigs in attendance at the Pinal County Fairgrounds near Casa Grande this past March. We celebrated St. Patrick's Day in great style with Irish food, wonderful entertainment (some of the most varied and best I have seen at a national rally), interesting tours and good fun together. The rally coordinators, the Lankes and the Spanglers, put on a great show for us. Again, we had support from our local dealer, Robert Crist and Company RV, and others that helped make this rally work. We look forward to next year's WSR!!!!!!!! HRRVC Member Retention Contest....... The March/April issue of the Ramblings describes a new program to retain HRRVC members and keep our club going and growing. The focus is on people who have let their memberships be cancelled and to encourage them to stay in the club and participate in our chapter, region and national events. This contest is open to all HRRVC members. Our Arizona chapters do not meet during the summer months so, if you would like to participate in this contest, please contact your chapter membership chair to obtain the monthly list of members who cancel. Remember, a personal contact is always the best way to discuss our activities with HR owners. Invite them to a chapter outing and offer to be their "host" for that event. Good luck to you. Let me know how things go. Arizona has a lot to offer club members. 2006 Region VII/Arizona State Rally....."Boothill Roundup" is just around the corner. We'll be at Cochise Terrace RV Resort in Benson this year and it looks like we're going to have a great time. There's some great entertainment scheduled, some tasty meals and lots of fun. Get your outfits together for the Western Dress-up Contest. There is information posted on the Arizona Website and a signup sheet you can download. We haven't figured out yet how we can do on-line registering but maybe in the future, we'll see. But til then, please fill out the form and send the bottom part with your check to Tom Simester, our state treasurer. He's waiting. He'll send you a confirmation by email, if you tell us your email address, or by post if you prefer. Emailing saves us a little money and allows us to keep you informed of what's going on with the rally plans. Be sure to sign up for the Kartchner Cavern tours and the Bisbee Mine tour. Also, we're limited to the first 120 units so get your registration in early. We look forward to seeing you there. http://www.amug.org/~alcoir/azhrrvc/ State Manager Stuff................ Hilda and I thank all the chapters for their great events this year. We were able to visit each of you at least once and hope to get out to more of your events in the coming months. A Big Thank You....................... The support from Robert Crist and Company RV to our Arizona rallies this past year has been superb. They provided new rig displays at both the 2005 Arizona State Rally and the 2006 Western Sunshine Rally and also sponsored events at both rallies by providing financial contributions. The events were fun, provided an opportunity for us all to get together and enabled the coordinators to reduce the rally fees. When we tour the displays, especially those of us in the market for a new rig, we need to remember that support and give the salespeople an opportunity to tell us what they can do for us on a purchase. We've been fortunate to have salesmen who do not "high pressure" us and try to push us into a transaction. But on the other hand, they are there to answer our questions and to sit down and bargain for that new dream Holiday Rambler!!!! They provide us with some information to start that process by including brochures and the MSRP sticker so we know what's on the rig and what Holiday Rambler recommends for a selling price. Of course, we can sit down and negotiate and have some fun working toward that goal of a new RV. When they sell a new rig to a club member, it reinforces that support they give us for our rallies and makes them want to help us out. If you were interested in a new rig at the Arizona State Rally or at the Western Sunshine Rally and just didn't get that chance to talk to the Crist folks, stop by and see them at their Mesa location on 2025 E. Main Street at Gilbert Rd. They're waiting to show you what that have on hand or tell you what can be ordered. When you're done, stop in and thank Rob Crist for his support to our club. He really is a good friend to HRRVC in Arizona. Thanks again for a super year............................. Ray and Hilda Nichols Arizona State Manager
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Updated - Thu, Jul 24, 2008