By Jim Koenig, F406483
September 2015
How do you make GLAMARAMA 2015 better than GLAMARAMA 2014? Start with a great base of volunteer leaders. Add a mix of new and returning volunteers. And then, demonstrate the importance of saying “thank you” to each rally attendee.
Jane Roush, the rally master and president of the Great Lakes Area Motorcoach Association (GLAMA), exudes that attitude of gratitude. In fact, that attitude is emphasized throughout the area association, and it was on display at the third GLAMARAMA rally, held June 3 to 7, 2015, at the Elkhart County 4-H Fairgrounds in Goshen, Indiana.
The number of motorhomes attending GLAMA area rallies has increased each year. During GLAMARAMA 2015, the coach count was highest, at 396. The number of rally volunteers has increased, too. In 2015, 250 people — including some from other FMCA areas — staffed the numerous stations, carts, and other services. Many volunteers expressed how much they enjoyed meeting and serving the rally’s attendees.
Wednesday, June 3, the official start of the rally, began with introductions, an honor guard, a recognition of chapters, and the convocation. Sarah Getto beautifully sang the national anthems of Canada and the United States. The evening’s featured entertainment, the Frustrated Maestros, performed songs that brought back many memories.
On Thursday, a breakfast replaced the usual coffee and doughnuts. Later that day, the ice cream social was a hit. Five national vice presidents scooped the sweet stuff along with Percy Bell, national treasurer, and John Ferrari, husband of national secretary Vicky Ferrari. Attendees were welcomed by FMCA national president Charlie Adcock, national senior vice president Jon Walker, and Jane Roush. Cake was served to celebrate the 50th anniversary of two Great Lakes Area chapters: Michigan Knights of the Highway and Midwest Coachmen. The Roving Wolverines chapter also was honored for its 15 years in FMCA. Genny Jennings, L26, a charter member of FMCA, helped to serve ice cream and enjoyed talking with people about their FMCA experiences.
Also on Thursday, free tours were offered of the local Dometic refrigeration plant. That was a special treat, because the plant is not open to the public. That evening, chapters conducted meetings and organized potlucks or other dining arrangements. Charlie Adcock, Jon Walker, Jane Roush, and FMCA executive director Jerry Yeatts visited nearly all the chapter gatherings. Their message: Have fun and enjoy the motorhome life.
Other activities included card bingo and a visit to the RV/MH Hall of Fame and Museum in nearby Elkhart. GLAMA arranged for late hours and free admission to the museum for rally attendees; 170 people took part.
Friday began with coffee and doughnuts, followed by the President’s Forum and a presentation that highlighted the many advantages of the FMCAssist medical evacuation and travel assistance program. A picnic lunch was served afterward.
Also on Friday, free tours of the Jayco Entegra motorhome plant were offered; a reception was held for chapter officers and vendors; and the Marlins, a band of four brothers, provided the evening’s entertainment.
Before evening entertainment on Friday and Saturday, fundraising drawings were held on behalf of the Goshen Middle School Food Pantry, a local nonprofit that provides nutritious meals to needy children. In addition, donated food was collected at designated vendor stations during the rally. Those efforts resulted in the pantry receiving $1,234 and about 60 pounds of nonperishable food.
Saturday morning featured the traditional all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage breakfast, followed by the GLAMA annual meeting and election of officers.
Also on Saturday was the Ladies Tea, sponsored by Kiley Mold Company. Genny Jennings spoke about her experience during D-Day, which occurred on June 6, 1944, while she was in training to become a U.S. Marine. That evening, Das Dutchman Essenhaus catered a meal that was held to thank the volunteers for their help in making the rally a success. Evening entertainment featured singer Sarah Getto. A grand prize valued at $3,595 was awarded, courtesy of Adventure Caravans.
Before everyone departed on Sunday, Coaches For Christ hosted a nondenominational service.
Other rally activities included two new roof installations; tours of classic converted buses; a Friday morning golf outing; a Saturday morning bike ride; a class on mahjong; a seminar about creating an RV wardrobe for women; and a class on making a miniature garden.
Assistant rally master Pat Lintner arranged for tours of the converted buses, a 1948 Spartan and a 1958 Flxible Starliner. The latter is owned by FMCA members John and Paulette Lingafelter and was originally owned by Peter Pan Bus Lines in Massachusetts.
The 1948 Spartan, owned by FMCA members Don and Sandy Moyer, was incomplete when Spartan Coach went out of business in 1949. The rare bus was purchased by a factory employee and made into a motorhome. The all-aluminum vehicle has no frame and was built using parts from B-24 bombers.
The rally’s success is reflected in the many photos of attendees enjoying themselves. The photos, provided by historians Michael and Michelle Bozeman, can be seen on the GLAMARAMA website, www.glamaramarally.blogspot.com. The link to the images is on the right side of the page.
GLAMARAMA 2016, which will be held June 8 through 12 in Goshen, promises to again delight those attending. We hope we see you there.