By Pat Stien, F414917
February 2014
In 1974, in the midst of a worldwide gasoline shortage and spiraling inflation, a group of RV enthusiasts decided to organize and form FMCA’s Over The Hill chapter. Several versions circulate as to how the group decided on the name, but whatever the reasoning, the chapter has hurdled many hills and is still going strong 40 years later.
The past couple of years, though, have been challenging. Aging members, deaths, and lifestyle changes resulted in the loss of several coaches. Enrollment was approaching the minimum requirement to remain an FMCA chapter. At the June 2014 chapter rally in Galesburg, Illinois, members brainstormed and decided on a brilliant recruitment campaign. Since the chapter’s finances were strong, the group agreed to waive dues for the 2015 fiscal year for people joining between July 1 and December 1, 2014.
Everyone pitched in and approached new motorhome owners and other potential members at campgrounds, FMCA rallies, and other events. Members did an excellent job of promoting the benefits of belonging to the chapter, and as a result, Over the Hill membership has grown by 12 families. As an extra bonus, most of the new members attended at least one of the chapter’s 2014 rallies. At the last rally of the season, 14 families participated in the weekend activities, including five new coaches.
A 40th anniversary luncheon was held October 10, 2014. Realizing the value of past members’ contributions, a concerted effort was made to invite many of them to the luncheon, and the chapter picked up the tab. A total of 57 people attended — 22 of them past members, including some going back 30 years. Bob Nebel, FMCA national vice president, Midwest Area, also attended and presented the chapter with a check and a 40-year certificate on behalf of the association.
Looking ahead, the goal of current Over The Hill chapter members is to mentor those who have newly joined, since we can remain vibrant only if members stay active. We also will continue to promote the benefits of chapter membership, which we hope will result in additional enrollment. We have a very busy 2015 schedule planned, with rallies in Springfield, Illinois; Kewaunee, Wisconsin; Peoria, Illinois; Columbus, Indiana; and Utica, Illinois.
For more information about the chapter, contact chapter president Jim Conrad at jimconrad42@yahoo.com or (815) 499-1899.