Page 25 - 2017-Fall Vintage RVing

Celebrated! September 15-21, 2017Elkhart Campground, Elkhart, INGMCMI Anniversary “Social Page”Margie McLaughlin | Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada | 1976 Palm BeachNOTE FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR: For many years, the ladies of GMCMI have been an active part of the Conventions. In order to highlight their activities, in 1997 Margie McLaughlin started composinga Ladies’ Page as a recap of all the events. These informative, creative, and sometimes amusing accounts reminded those who attended (and those who did not) that it was not always about the men and their technical seminars! So, we thought we would ask her to write such a recap for the 35th Anniversary.In closing, many thanks to all her contributions and to all who participated over the years.I am thrilled that Kim has asked me to do a write-up on the Convention social section of the magazine, so here goes...This Convention was our 35th Anniversary...a time to celebrate for sure! We had 199 registrations and 154 GMC Motorhomes on-site. Of this group, there were 31 first timers. Now that is something to be proud of.We were at the Elkhart Campground, and Elkhart is a beautiful area with lots of history.Coffee hour each morning brought everyone out. We enjoyed coffee, lots of goodies, especially Ken Frey’s special omelets. What a wonderfulway to start the day! While on thesubject of food, we also had two catered meals – the first one being our 35th Anniversary Dinner, three ice cream socials, and a ladies’ social hosted by the ladies of the Greater Midwest Classics.There were many interesting sessions forthe ladies. To start with, we had the Let’s Get Acquainted get-together. What a great way to meet one another and see what we have in common. The Strength & Balance class put on by Diane Dugger was very informative. At our “average” age, we all could benefit from this one. Also the Tai Chi class by Mary Colie was well attended, as was the Essential Oils by Peggy Colf. Karen Lill gave a very informative talkon one’s weight and blood pressure. The Genealogy session by Sara Halley and Nina Lee Hampton is always a very interesting seminar. Margie Van Winkle once again had the Geocaching Outing which always brings the gals out. An interesting craft given by Cathy Boyd showed us how to make a Christmas tree with hangers. The Bookworms and their Diet is alwaysa very popular one, and it is interesting to see howmany of us still enjoy ‘holding books‘ in our handsto read. (As one lady said....Can’t do that with a computer.) The She-Shed had many crafts to do, card playing, postcards to color...just a great social time.Lucy Weidner was one busy lady. Not only was she “working” on the breakfasts and other meals, but she had a special lady helping her, Lori Ferrara. Now this gal knows how to organize a luncheon or a dinner.Lucy also gave a talk on cooking and storing articles in the GMC. She also gave a talk and slide presentation of her trip to Omaha Beach in Normandy. Her dad was one of the soldiers who landed there 70 years ago,and now 70 years later, Lucy visited the area.Teresa Dall did a super job of looking after the blankets which many ladies worked on. To date, there have been 1,022 blankets completed and donated to a local charities.Our worship service on Sunday morning had a large turn-out. Dave Stuckey and DaleRopp’s guidance and prayers were really well received and appreciated.This area is a very interesting historical area, and many of us enjoyed tours to the RV museum and the musical instrument factory. We were also honoredto have the FMCA President, Jon Walker, attendour Convention. He brought us up-to-date on the happenings of FMCA.In closing, we owe many thanks to all who volunteered to make this Convention such a successful one, and especially to Kim Weeks,who worked tirelessly making it the success it was. THANK YOU ALL!Margie McLaughlin & (Larry too)FALL 2017GMC MOTORHOMES INTERNATIONAL 25ConventionNumbers199Is the number of registrations; 24 were partial attendees, 22 without motorhomes, 31 first timers plus28 additional day passes!154 GMC Motorhomes!23.25Is the number of hoursof technical sessions, plus theWeighing of the Coaches,a Windshield Clinic, Headlight Alignment Clinic and Correcting Your Steering with Alex Ferrera26Blankets were made, making our total 1,022 blankets that have been donated to local shelters and charities.4Regional GMC Chapters utilized the Convention as their fall rally. They were the Eastern States, Great Lakers, Greater Midwest Classics, and Heritage Cruisers.GMC PINEBLOCK DERBYMen’s DivisionEelko Byker – 1st Dale Ropp – 2nd Fred Perkins – 3rdLadies’ DivisionLaurie Burton – 1stMary Ellen Smyrski – 2nd Diane Dugger – 3rdYouth DivisionLyla Santorine – 1stOverall Fastest TimeLaurie BurtonPeople’s ChoicePaul Falce