March 2002
If you have a yearning for learning, FMCA’s winter convention in Perry, Georgia, is the place to become educated this month.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re a novice to motorhoming or have owned a coach for more than 25 years; there’s always something new to learn about the vehicle, its components, and the RV lifestyle. And an FMCA convention is the best place to become immersed in everything motorhome-related. Conventions provide a perfect opportunity for owners to interact with product representatives and industry experts in an informal, face-to-face setting. Whether you are searching for chassis information, setting up your computer for travel, wondering where your next destination might be, or thinking about how to safely traverse the highways of the world, you’re sure to find a seminar that interests you.
The seminar schedule for FMCA’s 27th annual winter international convention in Perry, Georgia, March 19, 20, and 21 will include something for everyone. The list of Perry seminars that accompany this article includes five categories: Technical; Lifestyles; Educational; Crafts; and Fun, Games & Exercise. Refer to your convention program for information about seminar times and locations.
Here’s a sampling of the educational opportunities and enjoyable activities that will be offered during the “Southern Sensation” convention. Refer to your convention program in Perry for the complete list.
Technical seminars are among the best attended during FMCA conventions, because they revolve around the one thing all motorhomers have in common: a motorhome. And as RV enthusiasts know, these vehicles always seem to need a new gadget, an old part that needs replacing, or a recently discovered problem to solve. With 32 different technical seminars offered, you are sure to find several that pique your interest.
For instance, if you have a question about your motorhome’s platform, you may find the answer during one of the numerous chassis maintenance seminars offered. Representatives from Ford, Freightliner, Spartan, and Workhorse chassis companies will be on hand to discuss preventative maintenance and offer operating tips.
Another topic that always sparks great interest is motorhome electrical systems. Presentations about RV batteries, generators, inverters, and ways to protect and monitor the motorhome’s electrical system will help keep owners out of the dark when it comes to powering up the coach.
Of course, not all seminars revolve around the nuts and bolts of motorhomes. At the “Southern Sensation” convention, attendees also can find out how to finance the nuts, bolts, tires, multiple slideouts, and satellite TV systems that make up their motorhomes, and still have enough money to get the assembled pieces out of the driveway and on the road. Doug Keipper of Morgan Stanley & Co. will lend his expertise to three finance-related seminars. In “Sensible Investment Strategies for Building Wealth,” he will discuss six proven steps for making money with minimal risk. “The Case for Asset Allocation” will demonstrate the basic principles of safe and profitable investing. Mr. Keipper’s third seminar, “Smart Women Finish Rich,” will provide women with the basic knowledge to help them maneuver through the maze of financial terms and products and make informed decisions regarding their future. Hank Nienaber, a CPA and investment adviser with FSC Securities, will provide an overview of the new federal tax laws — their advantages and pitfalls — in “The Art Of Investing After the 2001 Tax Act.”
Wealth means very little to a person if they are not in good health. So, the Perry convention seminar slate will include a number of wellness seminars. In “A Commonsense Approach To Osteoporosis,” Dr. Richard Parrino will discuss strategies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of this bone-weakening condition. Men concerned about prostate health can learn more about it from Dr. Arthur Stamler, F8100, in “Prostate Cancer & Erectile Dysfunction.” Dr. Stamler, a prostate cancer survivor himself, will provide information about this disease — the most common male cancer — and its effects. For FMCA members whose eyesight is not what it once was, William Rusin of Security Optometric Associates will present an informative hands-on demonstration of aids to improve visual acuity in “Low Vision Services.”
Wayne and Dahelia Hunt, F235156, will again present their series of “Travel Fit” seminars for back, knee, and shoulder pain. The seminars will include instruction on proper sitting and standing positions and exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and stability.
Safety and security issues are also extremely important to motorhomers. In “Identity Theft,” Jason Saliba, assistant district attorney in Cobb County, Georgia, will discuss this silent crime and how to keep one’s personal information from falling into the hands of thieves. Bill Cain and Sandi Bowen of the Crimes Against Travelers Task Force will instruct motorhomers how to protect themselves and their possessions while on the road in “Travel Safely.” And Mac McCoy, C7648, returns to present his popular seminar, “Fire & Life Safety,” sponsored by FMCA and RV Alliance America, C95. Mr. McCoy, a firefighter for 30 years, will teach the proper use of fire extinguishers, explain which detectors should be present in the motorhome, and offer advice on other fire safety topics.
Looking for a new adventure? Perhaps you’ll find your next journey at one of the five travel seminars offered. “Overseas Motorhome Travel,” by Dennis Jaffe of Overseas Motorhome Tours, C5747, and “RVing In Mexico: Hints & Tips” by Alan Filliger of Fantasy RV Tours, C5644, were hits at the Redmond convention and will be back in Perry. They will be joined by “Alaska, The Ultimate RV Adventure,” presented by Joe and Vicki Kieva, F164860; “RV Traveling Worldwide,” by Bill LaGrange of Creative World RV Rallies & Caravans, C1350; and “Travel To Canada,” by Peggi McDonald, F71504. She will provide up-to-date information about border crossings and Web site listings that can be checked before crossing into Canada.
While motorhomers are drawn to the wandering lifestyle, others in society simply desire a decent place to call home. In Perry, Habitat for Humanity International, based in Americus, Georgia, has been designated as the official charity of the “Southern Sensation” convention, and two seminars will focus on this worthy organization. “RV Travel & Habitat for Humanity — A Perfect Match” will include information about how to become involved in “building houses and renewing hope” during your RV travels. If you are interested in leading or assisting in a Habitat homebuilding project, join members of the FMCA Chapter: Habitat for Humanity at the “Habitat for Humanity Build Leadership Workshop.” Chapter president Dale Johnson, F157253, will moderate the workshop, which details the duties of leaders before, during, and after a build.
To help raise money for Habitat for Humanity and get some exercise at the same time, join the Fun & Fitness Walk Benefiting Habitat for Humanity International on Thursday morning, March 21. Proceeds from the walk will be equally distributed among the local Habitat for Humanity affiliate; the RV Care-A-Vanners; and Habitat for Humanity International. Those unable to participate can make donations at the FMCA Information Center in the McGill Exhibit Hall, or at Reaves Arena prior to Wednesday’s evening entertainment program.
If you’re interested in getting more out of your FMCA membership, join FMCA executive director Don Eversmann, F240000, for the “FMCA & Member Benefits” seminar. Mr. Eversmann will describe many of the benefits available to help members enjoy their motorhoming experience. For those involved in the chapter or area level, “FMCA National Headquarters Support For Chapters And Area Organizations,” also led by Mr. Eversmann, offers a look at how the Chapter Services Department at FMCA’s national headquarters can assist in promoting and increasing support of chapter and area events.
Those who like to keep their hands busy can choose from 14 different craft seminars. Participants can build a birdhouse feeder, create a cathedral window from cloth, and fashion other adorable coach decorations and gifts at these informative and enjoyable sessions. Registration for these seminars is required at the craft table in the Information Center, and a fee is charged to cover the cost of materials. Check the convention program for registration and fee information.
If you’re already thinking about FMCA’s next “extravaganza” at the Kansas State Fairgrounds in Hutchinson, October 1, 2, and 3, don’t miss the “Discover It All In Kansas” seminar. Representatives from the Hutchinson Convention & Visitors Bureau will reveal many of the exciting travel opportunities and attractions in the Sunflower State.
Perry Convention Seminars
The following seminars were scheduled as of press time. Last-minute changes could alter the list. Please check your convention program for dates, times, locations, and seminar descriptions.
Technical
Advanced RV Satellite For Owners
All About Diesel Buses
Aqua-Hot Heating System Operation & Maintenance
Automatic Battery Charge Loads & Genset
Basics Of Refrigeration
Caterpillar Engine
Computer Map Programs For Your PC
Cummins Engine
Detroit Diesel Engine
Diesel Engine/Allison Transmission Supplemental Braking
Diesel Talk For NEW Diesel Owners
Diesel Talk For NON-Diesel Owners
Driving With The Allison World Transmission
Electrical Systems And Integrated Battery Management
Ford Chassis Maintenance, Type A & C
Freightliner Custom Chassis Preventative Maintenance
Generac Generator Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Roundtable
Hydro Hot Heating System Operation & Maintenance
Introduction to RV Satellite 101
Inverter Roundtable
Monitoring & Protecting Your Electrical System
Power And Performance
Radial Tires
RV Batteries
Spartan Chassis Maintenance
Supplemental Towed Car Braking
Tire Talk For Women
Toilet Maintenance & RV Chemicals
Towing Roundtable
Women On Wheels
Workhorse And Chevrolet Chassis Maintenance I & II
Lifestyles
AEDs For the Lay Rescuer
Alaska, The Ultimate RV Adventure
Beautifying And Protecting Your Coach
Coach Net
Decoy Carving & Collecting
Discover It All in Kansas
Easy Microwave-Convection Cooking
Fashions For The RVer
FMCA Area Gatherings
FMCA & Member Benefits
FMCA National Headquarters Support For Chapters And Area Organizations
Full-Timing
Habitat For Humanity Build Leadership Workshop
How To Design Your Chapter’s Web Page
How To Organize Your Coach
Legislative Advisory
Legislative Volunteer Workshop
Low Vision Services
Making Money On The Road
MEDEX And Deductible & Co-Insurance Reimbursement Benefits
Medical Emergency Air Transportation
Microwave/Convection Cooking Made Easy
Motorhome Care From Roof To Road
Motorhoming: What’s It All About?
Morning Devotions
On Road Quilters
Overseas Motorhome Travel
President’s Forum
Quilts For Kids Exhibit
RVing In Mexico: Hints & Tips
RV Travel & Habitat for Humanity — A Perfect Match
RV Traveling Worldwide
Sensible Investment Strategies For Building Wealth
Smart Women Finish Rich
The Art Of Investing After The 2001 Tax Act
Travel To Canada
Travel Fit & Back Pain
Travel Fit & Knee Pain
Travel Fit & Shoulder Pain
What Is Ham Radio?
What’s New In Wireless Communication?
You, Your Wardrobe, And Your Coach
Educational
A Commonsense Approach To Osteoporosis
Alternative Medical & Nutritional Supplements
Amateur Radio Exam
Applique: Your Way, My Way, Or Their Way
Bits & Bytes Live Help Desk
Chapter Secretary Roundtable
Communicating With Your Computer On The Road
Fine Jewelry: An Investment
Fire & Life Safety
FMCA Online Community and More
FMCA’s Long Term Care Insurance
Identity Theft
Monitoring & Protecting Your RV’s Electrical System
New Electronic Diesel Engine
Non-chapter Members
Orientation for First-Time Conventioneers
Prostate Cancer & Erectile Dysfunction
RV Electrical Circuit
RV Safe Driving Course, Sessions I & II
RV Weight And Tire Safety
RVers’ Guide To The Internet
Roadway Express No-Zone Demonstration
Roadway Express Sharing the Road
The Case For Asset Allocation
Travel Safely
World Trade Center — History & Facts
Crafts
Angel & Bunny Pins
Angel Bunny Bag Holder
Cathedral Window
Crochet Rag Basket
Crochet Rag Placemat
English Paper Piecing
Georgia Cotton Crafts
No Sew Quilt Trivet
Pillow Talk
Scarecrow
Spring Candle Jar
Springtime Bunny
The Little Bucket
Tree Top Café
Fun, Games & Exercise
Fun & Fitness Walk Benefiting Habitat for Humanity
Group Fitness for RVers
Square Dancing And Line Dancing