Following The Sun To Fun
FMCA’s president and first lady will be flocking to Florida and then Arizona for some good times with FMCA friends.
Glenda and Gary Milner
National President
Gary Milner, F409834
gmilner@fmca.com
During the month of February, Glenda and I will travel to Florida and attend the Southeast Area Rally. I’m looking forward to being in warmer weather and having some fun with fellow FMCA members. We have not lived in a cold-weather area in over six years. Has not been a good time!
The Southeast Area Rally will take place February 7-10 at the Sun ’n Fun Expo Campus in Lakeland, Florida. This venue is perfect for enjoying good times with other attendees. For 44 percent of those registered, this will be their first Southeast Area Rally. Glenda and I will be attending our third rally in Lakeland. Bill Dees, national vice president, Southeast Area, and the area’s executive board are excited to be hosting this rally.
After the Southeast Area Rally, we start the journey to Tucson, Arizona, for FMCA’s 108th International Convention & RV Expo, March 20-23. It’s a great time of year to visit the Southwest.
Tucson should have perfect weather during the convention. Suggested bucket-list locations in the area: Tucson Botanical Gardens, Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, Pima Air & Space Museum, and our favorite — Biosphere 2. Biosphere 2 was the Earth’s first self-contained ecological system. The walking tour allows attendees to see firsthand the entire facility where eight scientists lived for two years.
This issue of Family RVing includes a story about Yuma, Arizona. Glenda and I enjoy Yuma as our favorite winter location. Yuma is known as the sunniest city on Earth. The sun shines during 91 percent of the daylight hours per year. The city also has a dry climate with low humidity (you will notice it in your hair!).
By participating in area rallies and attending the international conventions each year, you will meet so many wonderful people and also help to build a stronger FMCA organization. We hope you are making plans to attend several FMCA events this year. Check out the FMCA Rallies Calendar at FMCA.com/fmca-events.
Member benefits notes. FMCA committees and staff have been working very hard to improve the discounts and benefits for members. Among the newest are a mobile Wi-Fi/hot spot program and a “bring your own device” cellphone plan from T-Mobile with great discounts for FMCA members. T-Mobile has signed a three-year contract with FMCA for these plans. As I write this, we were hoping to launch the T-Mobile program in January, and I believe it will have something for everyone.
I encourage members to utilize the many discounts and benefits your organization has to offer; you will see our organization grow at a significant rate.
Hope to see you in Tucson next month! Remember, it’s all about having fun!
Now For The Rest Of The Story By Glenda Milner
Hello, FMCA members. I’ll bet some of you are wondering what this part of the article is all about. Well, I thought you might want to know more about your FMCA national president. Those of you who know us are aware that Gary and I are very competitive and harass each other often. This has happened throughout our entire 51-year marriage.
During the first 10 years, on our birthdays, it was fair game. For instance, to help raise money for a charity, I had him arrested once, and he had to raise money in order to gain his release. Another time, I starched his clothes and woke him late for work (was comical watching him trying to get dressed).
When our two girls were growing up, they noticed this activity, and during the recent holiday season, they decided it was time to have a little fun at their dad’s expense. Of course, I was all for that! We collected four tools that were his and wrapped them and gifted one item to each daughter and to their husbands. The first two gifts they opened did not sound alarms, but with the third one, Gary raised his eyebrows. And he definitely caught on with the fourth one, as it was a tool he had been looking for. Oh, what fun they had with their father!
The moral of this story is that Glenda Milner loves to pull pranks and have fun!
Looking forward to traveling to Lakeland and then on to Tucson.
Celebrate RV Life With FMCA In Tucson
Chief Executive Officer
Chris Smith
csmith@fmca.com
Join us March 20 through 23 for “Fiesta Del Sol,” FMCA’s 108th International Convention and RV Expo.
Throughout the years, FMCA has hosted 107 International Conventions and RV Expos. These events provide an unforgettable experience that combines the joy of travel, a sense of community, and the excitement of new adventures. They bring together RV enthusiasts from across North America for an extraordinary celebration of the RV lifestyle.
FMCA’s 108th International Convention and RV Expo will take place March 20 through 23 at the Pima County Fairgrounds in Tucson, Arizona. Here are four reasons any FMCA member who loves RVing should join the fun:
Camaraderie with fellow RVers. FMCA was established on a foundation of RV enthusiasts getting together for fellowship and adventure. FMCA events allow you to connect with other members and to exchange travel stories, learn from each other’s experiences, and form lasting friendships. The sense of community and support at an FMCA event is truly unparalleled.
Educational seminars. Expand your knowledge and skills through a diverse array of workshops and seminars led by industry experts. From RV maintenance and safety tips to travel planning and lifestyle advice, these sessions cover a wide range of topics.
Explore the latest RV products. The event has a vast indoor and outdoor exhibition area featuring leading manufacturers, suppliers, and vendors. You will have the opportunity to discover the latest RV models, accessories, and technologies. Many of the vendors extend exclusive discounts and special offers to members in attendance.
Entertainment. A wide variety of exciting activities and entertainment options for attendees of all ages is offered. Enjoy live music performances and engaging social events that create an atmosphere of fun and enjoyment. Participate in outdoor activities, games, and competitions that will make your time at the event truly memorable.
Learn more about some of the planned activities in an article by FMCA events director Doug Uhlenbrock that starts on page 51 of this issue.
In addition to all the things to experience during the convention, exciting opportunities await while traveling to and from the event. In case you missed it, last month’s magazine included articles about Tucson and the surrounding area. This month, we’re featuring Yuma, located about three hours west of Tucson. In a story that begins on page 42, the author tells how this city won him over as a snowbirding spot.
Thinking about joining us in Tucson? We still have spots available. To sign up, please call the FMCA national office at (800) 543-3622 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern time; visit fmca.com/fmca-tucson-2024-learn-more; or complete the registration form on page 49 of this issue and return it via mail or fax. We look forward to seeing you in Tucson!