Members of this Great Lakes Area chapter celebrate 20 years of adventures.
By Bob & Becky Jones, F422900
Time has a way of both flying by and standing still. It doesn’t seem that long ago that Gary and Nancy Scholl and six other families came up with the idea of creating the Roving Wolverines chapter. In reality, though, that was 20 years ago.
A lot has happened since then. The chapter has grown to 25 member families from Michigan, Indiana, and Illinois. We now hold one caravan each summer, as well as three extended weekend rallies during the year. Chapter members also volunteer at the annual Great Lakes Area Motorcoach Association rally, GLAMARAMA.
Our most recent chapter rally was held September 10 through 13, 2020, at the Silver Creek RV Resort in Mears, Michigan, which sits on the western edge of the state near the shore of Lake Michigan. We had an excellent turnout of 20 coaches. We also had three guests — friends and a daughter of members. While the weather was not the most cooperative, everyone had a great time.
But it was more than just another rally. It was also a celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Roving Wolverines.
At the close of dinner on Saturday night, the Scholls were given a 20-year award and honored as the club’s founding members. They also cut the celebratory cake and gave a presentation on how the Roving Wolverines got its start. Ken Lewis, national vice president, Great Lakes Area, presented the chapter with a 20th anniversary certificate, which was accepted by club president Lee Brink, who is a 19-year member along with his wife, Suzie.
The anniversary recognition was just part of an overall great weekend, even though not everything went as expected.
We planned on attending the Silver Lake Sand Dunes Apple & BBQ Festival, but it was canceled because of the pandemic, so we improvised by creating a Roving Wolverines version of the festival with a chili-dog dinner and apple desserts. After dinner, several members took advantage of the cold, damp weather by building a campfire at the site of Lynn and Carol Petre, who were hosts for the rally along with Bob and Becky Jones.
Friday was a free day so members could explore the area. One member, Jim Buda, taught a seminar on computers and software. Many members gathered for dinner at the Open Hearth Grille & Bar in Mears before returning for card bingo in the clubhouse, or warming themselves at another campfire held at Lynn and Carol’s site.
Saturday’s breakfast was followed by the club’s business meeting. Just so you know, there’s a new sheriff in town, John Herthel, and club members who are caught not wearing their badge are fined $1. (All money collected goes to the Wounded Warriors Project.)
Saturday night’s celebration dinner included a very tasty ham provided by the club, along with a beautiful sheet cake and ice cream. FMCA items presented by Ken Lewis and RV voltage meters donated by John Herthel were given away.
Sunday morning we all said our good-byes and headed for home, reminiscing about the last 20 years and wondering what the next 20 years might bring.
The Roving Wolverines is primarily an adult club. More information regarding schedules, past events, how to join in on the fun, as well as many photos can be seen at our website, RovingWolverines.com. Or, you can contact Lee Brink at wlbrink@att.net or (616) 402-5930.
For general information about FMCA chapters, contact the Chapter Services Department at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622; chapters@fmca.com.
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