Inspiring FMCA Members
We are writing to recognize Ernie and Mary Holtsberry, longtime life members of FMCA and parents of Nancy. Ernie and Mary, L5675, joined FMCA in 1971. They enjoyed attending several FMCA conventions and rallies and touring the United States in their motorhomes. Because of them, we were inspired to purchase our own motorhome and start RVing.
Mary celebrated her 100th birthday on June 22, 2022. The couple also commemorated their 82nd wedding anniversary that day. Ernie will celebrate his 100th birthday on December 7, 2022. He is a proud World War II Navy veteran.
Ernie and Mary are in good health and living on their own. They enjoy spending their winters in Florida and summers in Ohio.
― Jim & Nancy Schatz, F5675D
Defiance, Ohio
More About St. Augustine
Reading the article “New Fun In America’s Oldest City” (November 2022), I was struck by how many dates were listed, but nowhere did the article state the year St. Augustine was founded. Elvis Presley’s Cadillac (1957), Potter’s Wax Museum (1940s), Ice Plant Bar (1905) . . . all interesting, and the article does state the city is “more than 455 years old.” It also mentions that the St. Augustine Amphitheatre commemorated the 400th birthday of the town.
For the record, St. Augustine was founded on September 8, 1565, by Spanish explorers.
While St. Augustine can lay claim to being the oldest city in the contiguous U.S. founded by Europeans, Native Americans were living at Cahokia (Illinois) more than a thousand years earlier.
― David Bilan, F529204
Clarksville, Tennessee
RV Navigation Tip
The “Navigating The Roads: RV GPS Options” article in the November 2022 issue was an excellent read and good information. As an executive and engineer in the high-tech industry (software), I am a sucker for anything tech!
In the past 10 years and especially during COVID-19, the RV was my main means of transportation to see my direct relatives in the Northeast as I live in San Diego County. Typical run is 2,700 miles cross-country.
I am not a fan of stand-alone GPS for many reasons:
*They still need internet access to be updated.
*They are an extra piece of equipment to try and place in the RV.
*Most do not have real-time traffic or road closures.
*They do not have crowd-sourced information as they happen, such as stopped cars, accidents, potholes, or dangerous debris on the road.
*You cannot select the application or method of navigation.
I have replaced the radio head unit with a device that provides Android Auto/Apple CarPlay (based on your cellphone of choice). They will display all the phone’s functions on the large screen of the radio and provide access to many, many more useful apps, such as weather, find somewhere/something with voice commands, etc.
So, when purchasing a new motorhome, ask for cellphone-compatible devices! This will force the vendor to ensure the feature. If not available, look for a third-party unit like Pioneer or others to upgrade to the wonderful world of technology. This has saved me so many times — late-night places to stop, places to find fuel, and road closures that the old, dedicated unit could not simply provide easily!
Keep up the great work!
― Gary Paquette, F475418
Alpine, California
Rose Parade Clarification
The “RVers Celebrate The Holidays” article in the November 2022 issue mentions the “Rose Bowl Parade.” There is no such thing. There is the Rose Parade (Tournament of Roses Parade) and the Rose Bowl, located elsewhere. I am 82 and went to the Rose Parade as a child. My departed mother worked on the Rose Parade floats and the Rose Bowl signs.
― Larry Turner, F163595
San Antonio, Texas
We want to hear from you! Family RVing welcomes comments about articles published in the magazine or topics of interest to RV owners. Email readerswrite@fmca.com; mail to Readers Write, FMCA, 8291 Clough Pike, Cincinnati, OH 45244. Please include your name, city, and state/province. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.