November 2011
By Charlie Schrenkel, L140050
National President
The breezes are much cooler now in the northern part of our continent; the trees are shedding (or have already shed) their bright fall coats and jackets and are preparing to nestle down for the long winter to come. This month brings not only the cooler weather and the possibility of reduced travel in our motorhomes, but it also brings back the thoughts and memories of two holidays that most of us celebrate.
Veterans Day is a day to honor those in the United States armed forces who have served to protect their country, including those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. In Canada, it is called Remembrance Day. Our two nations are held together by much more than the ground between us. We have stood the test of time and world unrest. We have stood shoulder to shoulder and faced our common enemies with the best, brightest, and youngest of our citizens. And we have prevailed. To both nations, I say thank you for keeping all of us free.
The second holiday celebrated in the United States this month is Thanksgiving Day. Canada celebrated Thanksgiving on October 10. Much has happened in both of our countries this past year: fires, floods, tornadoes, earthquakes, hurricanes, and other natural disasters. I believe that all of us have been touched by at least one of these occurrences in one way or the other. We have lost members, friends, family, and neighbors this past year. But we still have much to be thankful for.
I, myself, am thankful for the outcome of a diagnosis I received last year at this time that led me to the decision to step down from the office of president of FMCA and concentrate on fighting what I was told was an incurable disease. I am thankful that after many hours of research and investigation by seven different doctors and four different hospitals, I was found to have been misdiagnosed. The cause of my illness was a side effect of a common medication for neuralgic pain.
I am also thankful for the ability to be able to travel to “grandma’s house” for a scrumptious Thanksgiving dinner; visit with close family and friends; and get to know the grandchildren a little better “” not that any grandparent nowadays will ever understand our grandchildren; nor, for that matter, will they ever understand us! (chuckle). Our lifestyle, motorhoming, opens the doors to many of these types of visits. The convenience of travel in our own self-contained houses “” whether just on the weekends or for more extended trips to much warmer climes “” makes it all possible. Our motorhomes allow us these special pleasures.
We also have the added benefit as members of FMCA to be able to take advantage of FMCA Stoppin’ Spots (see your January 2011 Directory/Member Benefits Guide for details); chapter get-togethers; discounts on certain motorhome-related items; and much, much more that makes these trips more enjoyable. And don’t forget, during your travels “” whether heading south in search of warmer weather or just out for the weekend football game and tailgating with close friends “” to introduce yourselves to the motorhomers next to you. They may or may not be FMCAers. If they’re not, get a member, gain a friend.
Safe and healthy travels.
FMCA National Office Holiday Closures
The FMCA National Office will be closed November 24 and 25 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
The office also will be closed December 26 through December 30 in observance of the Christmas and New Year holidays, reopening on Monday, January 2, 2012. However, FMCA’s mail forwarding operation will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on December 27 and 28 and from 8:00 a.m. until noon on December 29. Since there is no mail service on January 2, the mail forwarding operation will be closed on that date. Current mail forwarding participants will receive a holiday mail schedule to let them know of adjustments in the dates their mail is forwarded to them.