By Jerry Yeatts, F390000
January 2012
Happy New Year! Thoughts this time of year ordinarily involve reflecting on what occurred during the past year and making resolutions that seem to last for, maybe, a few hours. I am reminded of good-luck traditions we observed when I was growing up of eating pork, sauerkraut, and dumplings to welcome the New Year. New Year’s Day parades and football bowl games were the norm at the Yeatts household. Although, according to the calendar, winter has just begun, mentally it seems as though spring is right around the corner. That means it is time to begin making plans for all the exciting events for the upcoming year.
Let’s take a look at some of the “must do’s” for 2012 and some thoughts about what this new year may bring.
Area gatherings and chapter rallies. FMCA was built upon a foundation of fun, fellowship, and camaraderie. What better way to begin 2012 than to consider attending a rally close to your home? A list of area rallies appears on page 94 of this issue. These are great opportunities to attend midsized events that provide seminars, displays, entertainment, and tours.
Chapter involvement also affords great opportunities to meet others with similar interests. You may enjoy golf, visiting the casinos, fine dining, geocaching, or many other hobbies and interests. FMCA has a chapter for you, and a local chapter event might just be the medicine to cure those wintertime blues.
Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase. Indianapolis, Indiana, will be the epicenter of good times as we meet for the “Formula For Fun” event “” FMCA’s 87th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase, August 27-30. Indianapolis has so much to offer visitors. For the race enthusiast, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum are must-see places. Bring your children and grandchildren and spend a day visiting the Indianapolis Children’s Museum and the Indianapolis Zoo. You may even wish to consider taking a tour of the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art. If you like to take a chance on the one-armed bandits, nearby Indiana Live Casino may provide the perfect formula for an afternoon or evening of fun.
Another destination while traveling to or from Indianapolis is FMCA’s national headquarters, a mere 100 miles away in Cincinnati. As an FMCA member, you may wish to take advantage of your two free nights at the FMCA campground. Please note, however, that individual reservations are not accepted at this campground, and a limited number of sites are available.
More benefits. Chapters, area rallies, and Family Reunions represent just a few of the benefits available to FMCA members. Family Motor Coaching magazine consistently has been rated by our members and among others throughout the industry as a quality publication chock-full of technical tips, travel stories, and other information pertinent to the motorhome enthusiast. Other benefits too numerous to mention in this column are described in the member benefits section of this magazine, beginning on page 99. I encourage you to review and take advantage of these benefits. If you have ideas for benefits or discounts you would like the national office staff to research and consider so as to make your membership with FMCA more meaningful, please contact me (jyeatts@fmca.com) or the Member Services Department staff.
Resolve to join a revolution! New Year’s is also a time to make important resolutions. Personally, I resolve to work to the best of my ability to promote FMCA to every person who owns a motorhome. More FMCA members mean more long and lasting friendships and a stronger organization for years to come. I invite you to join me in this endeavor to continue the revolutionary thoughts of a handful of families back in 1963 who realized the true benefits of this wonderful lifestyle.
Looking forward. In the February issue, I will be talking about plans to celebrate FMCA’s 50th anniversary in 2013. Just as Groundhog Day has its “representative,” we will be announcing details of a contest to design an FMCA mascot. You, as members, will be able to design and vote for a mascot “” an FMCA goodwill ambassador “” which will be introduced as we prepare for our 2013 event.
On behalf of your national office staff, I wish you a happy and healthy new year!