By Byron Songer, F393135
May 2014
The Tri-State Traveliers, a chapter made up of FMCA members who live within an 80-mile radius of Cincinnati, Ohio, held its final rally for the 2013 season at the FMCA campground on Round Bottom Road in Cincinnati.
The first night of our October gathering was Halloween. This particular evening wasn’t spooky; rather, it was cold, windy, and rainy. As is often the case in the Ohio Valley, the next day turned out to be bright and sunny, and a perfect time for visiting, which is exactly what we did, but with a bit of a twist.
First, we toured FMCA’s headquarters on Clough Pike. We were warmly greeted and shown around the facility. Of course, we stopped at different points to have staff members explain their function within the organization. One of the longest pauses came when we held a Q&A session discussing the various challenges involved in selecting a convention location. We also met some of the personnel responsible for assembling Family Motor Coaching, our monthly magazine. Before exiting the building we shopped in the FMCA Store and looked at the wall of photos of previous Family Reunions. It was an impressive visit.
From there, we headed back to the FMCA mail-forwarding facility on Round Bottom Road, next to the campground. The staff responsible for sorting and sending mail spoke with us, and chapter members were impressed by how well-organized and efficient the operation is.
On Saturday the Tri-State Traveliers enjoyed doing what we typically do: playing table games and having a good time based on some theme. This time the theme was “The Wild, Wild West.” We even had our own “Missy Kitty” lead the evening’s activities, accompanied by her good friend, the Marshall. What a way to celebrate 39 years as an FMCA chapter.
For 2014, our 40th anniversary year, the Tri-State Traveliers have two special events scheduled. One is an anniversary dinner April 12 at Miami Valley Gaming in Lebanon, Ohio. The other is a destination rally planned for August 6-9 at Bear Creek RV Park in Asheville, North Carolina. This special rally follows the Tri-State Traveliers tradition of going out of our immediate area for an anniversary rally every five years.
For more information about us and upcoming rallies, check our chapter’s Web site at www.tri-statetraveliers.com or send an e-mail to chapters@fmca.com.