Executive Director’s Commentary: The Id’s Of March

 

By Jerry Yeatts, F390000

FMCA Executive Director

March 2016

 

Happy New Year! Wait . . . didn’t I just say that a couple of months ago? Truth of the matter is that as I write this March column in mid-January, we only recently celebrated the beginning of a new year and are anticipating a major snowstorm. I can’t believe that on the first day of the year in Cincinnati, the temperature was a comfortable 50 degrees, and now we are lucky to hit 20 degrees. Oh, I certainly hope March provides plenty of warm and sunny days!

 

It may seem a little odd that I would offer a new year greeting to you at this time; however, the oldest Roman calendar listed March as the first month of the year. Just as in modern times, in ancient Rome the arrival of the new year was cause for celebration with wine, food, and music.

 

The Roman calendar marked time by way of the lunar phases rather than the sequential dates we use today. The “Ides” were based upon the rising of a full moon, typically in the middle of the month. Thus, March 15 would have marked the first full moon of the year. It wasn’t until 46 B.C. that Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar by adding 10 additional days to the year, instituting January 1 as the first day of the new year, and introducing a leap day every four years. The change took effect in 45 B.C.

 

The idea that the Ides of March might be considered unlucky started with the death of Julius Caesar one year later. A group of Roman senators became concerned with the ruler’s increasing power and assassinated him on March 15, 44 B.C.

 

Fast-forward a couple thousand years, and March 2016 actually could turn out to be pretty lucky for you as you embark on a new season of adventures in your motorhome. FMCA continues to provide you with a variety of benefits to keep you safe as you travel, and to put money back in your pocket through special offerings that aren’t widely available through other associations. So, for you, the “Ides of March” could become “I’ds,” as you find yourself saying things such as, “I’d really like to do this”; or, “I’d save a lot of money if I’d take advantage of [a certain FMCA benefit]”; or, I’d make some new and lasting friendships if I’d register for an FMCA Family Reunion or an area rally, or join a chapter.” Get the picture?

 

Word is spreading about one of FMCA’s premier association-paid benefits, FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance Program. FMCA is the only RV club to provide such a valuable benefit, worth more than twice the annual FMCA dues you pay. If you travel more than 100 miles from your permanent residence, whether by motorhome, personal vehicle, plane, train, or cruise ship, and it becomes medically necessary to return you to your home, the FMCAssist program may be able to provide that peace of mind for you and for your loved ones. If you are a full-time RVer, you are always considered 100 miles from home. 

 

Highlights of the FMCAssist program include:

 

 

FMCAssist coverage is provided by Seven Corners and is underwritten by Lloyd’s of London. Certain exclusions and limitation amounts pertain to this benefit.

 

What do you need to do to enroll in this program? Absolutely nothing! As long as you continue to keep your FMCA dues current, you will be covered. For details, visit FMCA.SevenCorners.com.

 

Everybody needs tires, and FMCA’s Michelin Advantage Program is intended to provide competitive prices on Michelin and BFGoodrich tires, including RV tires, light truck tires, and passenger vehicle tires, at all authorized commercial Michelin tire dealers that handle the Michelin Advantage Program. Get on the road to savings with Michelin Advantage pricing available through your FMCA membership.

 

I should note that the Michelin Advantage Program does not necessarily guarantee the lowest price, as local dealers may be able to provide customers with better prices. However, this special FMCA program will allow members to buy new tires at the program price at any authorized commercial Michelin RV Tire dealer across the United States. This could come in especially handy when a tire emergency occurs while a member is traveling.

 

Members should visit Michelinrvtires.com or call (800) 847-3435 to locate an authorized Michelin RV commercial tire dealer.

 

With FMCA RV Insurance, members can select from the industry’s top RV underwriters and receive the best available rates. Coverage is offered for RVs, homes, and autos in the United States and in Alberta, Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. (Coverage may not be available in all states and provinces.)

 

FMCA RV Insurance is powered by the FMCA Coalition, a group of RV specialists with decades of combined experience in the RV industry. No longer will motorhome owners be locked in to one carrier option. FMCA RV Insurance can provide eligible FMCA members who purchase new motorhomes multiple total loss replacement methods to fit their lifestyle. FMCA RV Insurance picks up where ordinary auto policies stop, knowing what it takes to maintain and repair RVs and offer the types of coverage options that RV owners need.

 

As an FMCA member, you’ll receive:

 

 

For more information about standard coverage, available specialty coverages, and to obtain a quote, visit FMCARVinsurance.com or call (877) 589-3599.

 

The FMCA Roadside Assistance Program, powered by Vehicle Administrative Services (VAS), is available to FMCA members in the United States and Canada for only $109 per year.

 

This program was designed after receiving feedback from more than 2,000 FMCA members regarding what they considered important in a roadside assistance program.

 

Some of the features of the FMCA Roadside Assistance Program include: 

 

For prompt service in the United States and Canada, simply visit www.FMCA.com/roadassist or call VAS toll-free at (877) 581-8581 to receive the aforementioned services.
 

FMCA’s mail forwarding service — Mail Forwarding Powered by DakotaPost — offers an exclusive discount off of the company’s regular mail forwarding rates, and also offers enhanced services.

 

DakotaPost, located in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has been in the mail forwarding business since 1989 and provides a safe and secure service. Options for receiving your mail include monthly, twice a month, weekly, or on demand. The company’s secure Client Portal gives you direct access to request your mail, change your mailing address, or update your account information.

 

Whether you are hitting the road for a brief getaway or an extended stay, simply call, email, or use the Client Portal to request your mail, update your shipping address, or provide specific mailing instructions (One Time Only, Until Further Notice, Hold My Mail) no matter where your travels take you.

 

One of DakotaPost’s newest features is Virtual Mailbox. An email notification will be sent when your mail arrives, notifying you to log in and view an image of the exterior of your mail pieces. Then, with a simple click of the button, you choose whether you want each piece of mail to be shredded, sent, or opened and the inside scanned for your viewing.

 

For more information regarding FMCA Mail Forwarding Powered by DakotaPost, contact the company at (800) 477-2664 or online at Dakotapost.net/fmca.

 

So, what are you waiting for? “Caesar” the day and take advantage of the many benefits FMCA offers you! More details about these benefits, as well as other valuable benefits and discounts, can be found at FMCA.com.

 

Safe travels.