By Alice Tew, F152425
November 2013
On June 20, 1978, a group of friends met at Rex’s Restaurant in Morehead City, North Carolina. The purpose of this gathering was to organize a new chapter of Family Motor Coach Association. The required paperwork was submitted, and FMCA approved and chartered the new chapter to be known as the Coastal Tarheels, effective July 25, 1978.
On August 1 through 4, 2013, members of the Coastal Tarheels gathered at Tom Johnson Camping Center in Marion, North Carolina, to celebrate the chapter’s 35th anniversary. The theme of the rally was “Remember When … ?”
Since the chapter began, it has seen many changes in membership from the original 17 charter members to the current 76 member families. Two charter members are still alive and have been bestowed honorary memberships. The chapter has added eight new members this year. We welcome visitors and are greatly enriched by their presence.
Attendees began arriving at Tom Johnson Camping Center early in the week for the anniversary celebration. Local restaurants were glad to see the Coastal Tarheels take advantage of their fine cuisine. Once the rally officially began on Thursday, most events were scheduled to take place at the camping center’s pavilion, although many attendees also took time to see the nearby Blue Ridge Parkway and other local attractions.
Meals were planned, prepared, and served by members of the anniversary committee, except for the Saturday morning breakfast at T.J.’s Café and the Saturday night dinner catered by Countryside Barbecue. Delicious! Other committee members took care of the decorations and entertainment. There were too many volunteers to mention everyone by name. The Coastal Tarheels are sincerely grateful for their hard work to make this event a special time for all.
For entertainment, Leland and Judy Strother from Raeford, North Carolina, provided a wonderful program of great hits from the 1970s. Judy’s beautiful voice brought the Coastal Tarheels to their feet to dance away the hours. Leland, who controlled the soundboard, joined Judy on some of the songs. The couple also provided music for the Sunday morning devotions. What a great time was had by all in attendance!
We were honored to have FMCA national vice president, Eastern Area, John Reynolds and his wife, Jayne, join us for the festivities. John presented chapter president Otho Tew with a certificate of congratulations and a check from FMCA for our 35th anniversary.
The Coastal Tarheels are known to be a fun-loving, caring group for those in the chapter as well as for those less fortunate in our communities. For the second year, the recipient of our Christmas Fund will be the Wounded Warrior Project.
Rallies are always filled with fellowship, food, and fun. Some of the past rally hosts have planned Cinco de Mayo parties, Hawaiian luaus, pig pickin’s (pig roasts), chili contests, Red Hat contests, parades, and more. Some of the best times have been sitting around a campfire and exchanging tips and tales about roads traveled and sights seen. After the evening meals, the games appear — dominoes and Cards and Marbles (also known as Pegs and Jokers) are chapter favorites.
We’ve also visited the Fiddlers Convention in Galax, Virginia; enjoyed shows in Renfro Valley, Kentucky; and gazed at Christmas lights at James Island County Park in Charleston, South Carolina.
Since 1999, the Coastal Tarheels chapter has been in charge of coffee and doughnuts at the Great Eastern Area Rally (GEAR). If you have been to GEAR, you probably have seen our bright blue shirts and welcome smiles at this early-morning gathering.
The Coastal Tarheels invite you to stop by one of our rallies for a visit any time you are in the area.