October 2012
Members of the Colorado Columbines celebrated their 20th anniversary as an FMCA chapter July 12-15, 2012, at the Elk Meadows Lodge & RV Resort in Estes Park, Colorado. During this gathering, FMCA national senior vice president Allen Rein and his wife, Glenda, presented chapter officers with a certificate of recognition. The current chapter officers are Al Killen, president; Carol Christensen, vice president; Pat Gonser, secretary; Patty Fray, treasurer; Rogene Killen, wagon master; Dave Gonser, national director; and Dick Greener, alternate national director.
The Colorado Columbines were founded December 5, 1992, by Dick and Beverly Greener, who were present at the anniversary festivities, and Floyd and Jane Smith, who were unable to make the trip because of health reasons. Dick read from the actual notes he took when the chapter was founded as well as some of the chapter’s early newsletters. The chapter began with approximately 30 members who were roughly from the northeastern front range of Colorado. Dick has served several years as a national director and on a couple of FMCA national committees.
Three other charter members also were present at the celebration: Donna and Perry Kellogg and Dorothy Wood, all of whom were very active members. Perry was instrumental in writing our bylaws and standing rules, while Donna was a past president and secretary. Dorothy Wood served as treasurer. Several members who no longer travel in their motorhomes also attended the event.
On this special weekend, the chapter celebrated with a catered dinner, a Western singer, games in the lodge, and tours of Rocky Mountain National Park. Plus, we had special pictures taken of the whole group. The founders and charter members received special gifts of hybrid Columbine “Remembrance” flowers from the officers, and everyone was surprised by the anniversary cake that was provided. Our wagon master, Rogene Killen, has done an outstanding job for several years, and this 20th celebration was her best effort yet.
Members of the chapter look forward to meeting in their winter homes or parks in Arizona and Texas. During February and March, these folks get together with a party for anyone in the chapter who happens to be in their area.
Some highlights of past trips we have taken include “lollygags” to Utah, caravanning to area and national rallies, and trips to Nebraska to see the historic military buildings at Fort Robison, the renowned bluffs of Gering, and the historic collection of early Americana at Pioneer Village in Minden.
The Columbines’ summer rally schedule begins in May and runs through October. The chapter meets the second weekend of the month except for October, when the rally takes place on the first weekend. Our rallies are held anywhere from Canon City, Colorado, to Cheyenne, Wyoming. The Colorado Columbines look forward to at least another 20 years.