By Afton Larson, F272784
March 2015
The Oregon River Ramblers chapter celebrated its 15th anniversary during a rally held September 12-14, 2014, at Port of Newport Marina RV Park in Newport, Oregon.
We were honored to have Arvin Spofford, senior vice president of the Northwest Motor Home Association, and his wife, Pat, attend and present the chapter with its 15th anniversary certificate. At a potluck dinner on Saturday evening, we enjoyed Arvin’s presentation and a specially decorated cake to celebrate the occasion. Then we gathered outside for pictures, hoping to capture the beautiful sunset. The weather cooperated so that the entire weekend was delightful.
Rally-goers often arrive a day or two early or stay an extra day. We enjoy socializing; eating host-prepared meals, potlucks, or restaurant food; playing games; and visiting area sites. We depart following a traditional continental breakfast on Sunday morning.
We always have a chapter-prepared Thanksgiving dinner and a catered Christmas dinner with a gift exchange. To help pay for the catered dinner, we have 50-50 drawings at many rallies, as well as fundraising activities such as bingo and auctions.
The chapter’s name came about because the rivers in Oregon ramble around the state, just as we do for our rallies. Rallies were held every month until members began heading south for the winter, or weather forced cancellations; now, rallies are held from March through December. Everyone stays informed via a flier before each rally and a monthly newsletter after each rally.
We currently have 41 member families in the chapter. Many everlasting friendships have formed through the years, and new ones continue to form as other members join. We like to believe we have one of the best chapters in FMCA.