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Chapter of the

12648 170th

Street, Linwood, Kansas 66052

President’s & National Director’s Report December 22, 2019 I would like to take this opportunity to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and to thank all of you for all you did for the Kansas Twisters in 2019. Ruth Ann Wedel is feverishly working on the chapter’s camping schedule for 2020. Standby as we will send it out as soon as it is ready. I do have a surprise for most of you. The 2020 FMCA Summer Convention scheduled for Syracuse, New York had to be cancelled for several reasons that we do not need to go into here. Then we tried to negotiate with Winnebago Industries to use their Grand National Rally grounds for our convention. Although their site in Forest City, Iowa could have accommodated our coaches, there wasn’t any facilities that could have been used for seminars, meetings and vendors. Next we turned to the fairgrounds in Lincoln, Nebraska and struck a deal for our summer 2020 rally. Many of you may not realize this, but this is the first FMCA rally to be held in Lincoln and also the first for the entire state of Nebraska. This is great news for the Kansas Twisters. For the first time since 2002, most Kansas Twisters will have a less than 4 hour drive to an FMCA Summer Convention. I hope that we can make this a great opportunity for all of the Twisters to attend this rally. More information will follow when available. If you do not have the 2020 Kansas Twisters Directory yet, they are available for $1.00 each postpaid. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.

UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS Winter 2020 – March 26-29 – Tucson, Arizona Summer 2020 – August 26-29 – Lincoln, Nebraska Summer 2021 – Gillette, Wyoming Summer 2022 – TBA

UPCOMING SOUTH-CENTRAL AREA RALLIES September 16-19, 2020 - Shawnee, Oklahoma October 6-9, 2021 - Hutchinson, Kansas Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe

Kansas Twisters President & National Director [email protected]

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President’s Report October 19, 2019

Another RVing season has come to an end. Our final rally was a joint venture with the Kansas Prairie Winnies Chapter of WIT. To say the least, a good time was had by all as the Twister’s Wanda Ryel and the Prairie Winnie’s Gerhard Neufeld came up with the right balance of tours, doings, and of course eating to meet everyone’s satisfaction. The 2020 RV season must be better than 2019 with all the rainouts and flooding we had to endure this year. We had a last minute flurry of renewals and new members so we were able to surpass that magical number of 15 families to remain a fully accredited chapter of FMCA. But we remain right on the edge so let’s make a goal for each of us to bring in at least one new family in 2020 so that we can go through next year’s certification process without any concerns about not having enough members to qualify. On that note I would like to welcome Chris & Justine Foster, Francis & Wendy Shafer, and Calvin & Vivian Wing to our chapter. We elected officers for 2020-2021. They are: President: David Marlowe Vice-President: Calvin Wing Secretary: Loretta Marlowe Treasurer: Wanda Ryel The Kansas Twisters decided to change standing rule #2 by eliminating the need for the vice-president to also be the wagon master. It was then voted to make a new committee position for wagon master. After some discussion, Ruth Wedel volunteered to be our first Wagon Master Chairperson. Ruth has a lot of great ideas for 2020 so please try to support her next year by attending her rallies and trying to help in any way she might request. She will need hosts for every rally – please volunteer!! Please check your entry in the 2019 Kansas Directory for correctness and let Loretta know of any changes and/or updates. Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe

Kansas Twisters President & National Director

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President’s Report September 01, 2019 You all should have received Jon Walker’s email on Thursday, August 29th. As you read the $25 per year dues increase went into effect as of that date. No grace period and no opportunity to purchase additional years of membership under the old rates. As I wrote in my August Report, the Kansas Twisters were vehemently opposed to this dues increase. The agenda for the Governing Board Meeting had a line item for a $2 per year dues increase and we did not see the need for that amount either. What is done is done! We are now entering the final days of the 2019 rving season for the Kansas Twisters. To say that the fates have not been kind to us would be an understatement, but it affected everyone equally. We will be talking about the rving season of 2019 for years to come. It is now time to pay your dues for the 2020 Kansas Twisters rv season. 2020 cannot be worse than 2019 under any circumstances. I would ask that everyone pay their dues to Wanda before September 30th. If you decide not to rejoin us for 2020, please send a simple email advising us of such decision. I promise that we will not ask you for your reason for not rejoining the Kansas Twisters and we will not try to twist your arm. If, per chance, we do not receive the required number of renewals by the end of September your dues payment will be refunded in full. To comply with our Bylaws, I am announcing that we will hold a business meeting at the October Rally in Halstead. One agenda item, if needed, will be a discussion of the future of the Kansas Twisters Chapter. Please keep trying to recruit new members from your friends, relatives, and acquaintances. Note that to join the FMCA it is now $85 for the first year of membership and $75 per year thereafter. Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


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President’s & National Director’s Report August 19, 2019 The FMCA’s Summer Convention in Minot, North Dakota is now history. The Governing Board made at least one decision that will have far reaching effects on the future of the FMCA. The most important change is that the Governing Board voted to raise the dues by 50% effective September 1, 2019. Note: The Kansas Twisters Chapter voted against this change. So, what does that mean? Starting September 1st anyone joining the FMCA will pay $85 which encompasses the $75 dues and a $10 initiation fee. All current members, in good standing, have until September 16 to purchase additional years of membership at the current $50 after that, as I wrote, the annual dues will be $75. The balance of the proposals covered operations of the FMCA and its chapters. I will have the Governing Board Book and (hopefully the minutes of the meeting) at our October Rally at Spring Lake. Officers for the FMCA were elected for a two-year term as follows: President – John Walker Senior Vice President – Rett Porter Secretary – Kathie Balogh Treasurer – John Reynolds 2019 has not been pleasant to Wanda and her proposed rally schedule. Several of our outings had to be cancelled due to flooding. We are going to end the year with a very special rally at Spring Lake RV Resort in Halstead, Kansas. It will be the weekend of October 10 -13. Actually, it will be a joint rally with the Prairie Winnies Chapter of the Winnebago International Travelers. Each group will have their own business meetings, but we will combine meals and Wanda is planning to outdo herself with tours and other special activities in the area. If you have not committed to the October rally yet, please contact Wanda immediately so that she can ensure that we have enough parking spaces for all. Now, on a serious note we must address the issue of our membership. I would be foolish not to believe that raising the dues to $75 a year will not have an impact on recruiting new members and retaining some we already have. As most of you know the chapter came close to failing last Fall as we had to have a minimum of fifteen families to continue as an active FMCA Chapter. This year will be even more of a challenge, so it behooves all of us to talk with our friends, relatives and passing strangers to help grow

our membership. I do not want to go thru another December where we do not know if we will continue until the very last day of the year. 2019 is an election year and we will have our election at the October Rally. Richard Vester, Wanda Ryel and Loretta Marlowe comprise our nominating committee, please let them know if you care to run for an office or know someone you would like to nominate. NOTE: You must have the potential nominee’s permission before giving their name to the committee!!

UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS Winter 2020 – March 26-29 – Tucson, Arizona Summer 2020 – July 29 – August 2 – Syracuse, New York Winter 2021 – TBA – Perry, Georgia Summer 2021 – TBA – Gillette, Wyoming Winter 2022 – TBA – Tucson, Arizona Summer 2022 – TBA – Lincoln, Nebraska Winter 2023 – TBA – Perry, Georgia Summer 2023 – TBA – Sedalia, Missouri

UPCOMING SOUTH-CENTRAL AREA RALLIES September 18-21, 2019 – Shreveport, Louisiana September 16-19, 2020 - Shawnee, Oklahoma October 6-9, 2021 - Hutchinson, Kansas Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


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President’s & National Director’s Report April 7, 2019 The Kansas Twisters camping season will be here before you know it. May will be here in just under 4 weeks so now is the time to get your reservations in to Wanda and Riverside RV Park, Bartlesville, Oklahoma and the rest of the schedule if, like me, you make your campout plans for the entire season. Just a reminder, here is the schedule that was adopted at our winter meeting in Hutchinson. As always, you can find details on the Kansas Twisters website. May 2–5 — Bartlesville, Oklahoma June 13-16 – Cottonwood Falls, Kansas July 18-21 – Leavenworth, Kansas August 14-17 – Minot, North Dakota (FMCA) August 29-September 1 – Benton, Kansas September 18-21 – Shreveport, Louisiana (SCA) October 10-13 – Newton, Kansas

I am in receipt of the ballot for the vice-president’s position for the South-Central Area (SCA). The person elected also serves as the president of the Six-State Rally Association (SRA). The only person nominated is Joe Wright. Please let me know by April 21st if you have any alternate nominees that you would like for me to vote for. The National Convention in Minot this summer appears to be very interesting. Captain Sullenberg, the pilot who is famous for the safe landing of a passenger jet in the Hudson river, will be the keynote speaker and Loretta is feverishly working to have the plains Indians of North Dakota set up a camp with entertainment and educational stuff. There will be much more info regarding Minot in the upcoming months, but now is the time to make your plans for the trip north! The Governing Board Meeting also is shaping up to be very interesting. As you know, the members cast their vote for the National Officers thru the chapters National Director (me)! In most years there is only one candidate for each office, but this year, two of the four positions are being contested so I need your input on who to vote for. The Positions and candidates are:

President — John Walker (Incumbent) Vice-President — Percy Bell (Past Treasurer) Jack Mayberry Rett Porter (Incumbent)

KKAANNSSAASS

TTWWIISSTTEERRSS

FFMMCCAA

Secretary — Kathie Balogh (Past Western Area VP) Ken Carpenter Connie Jones Treasurer — John Reynolds (Past Eastern Area VP) The June issue of Family RVing will have the biographical information for each of the candidates. Also, you may not realize it, but over the past few years more than 200 chapters in the FMCA have closed. There have been no new chapters formed in the past four years which is sort of unexpected as we thought that opening our rolls to towables would entice some of them to form a chapter. Anyhow, to make forming a chapter easier there are two proposals that I will need to vote on. They are:

1. Lower the number of FMCA members required to form a “Chapter” from 20 to 15.

2. Lower the number of FMCA members required to form an “Associate Chapter” from 10 to 7.

The other proposal regards chapter officers. In most cases it is getting harder and harder to find chapter members to stand up to be an officer. Under the current rules a chapter must have a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, National Director and Alternate National Director. The current thinking is that due to the electronic age we live in, the secretary and treasurer do not have as much work to do as in the past. Thus, the proposal is to give a chapter the option of having a Secretary-Treasurer office in lieu of separate secretary and treasurer. I am sure that there will be more proposals forth coming, but this is where we are now.

Remember that the Kansas Twisters is an open club so invite all your friends with towables to check us out as Wanda has worked very hard to develop this year’s schedule. If you do not have the 2019 Kansas Twisters Directory yet, they are available for $1.00 each postpaid. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.

UPCOMING FMCA NATIONAL CONVENTIONS Summer 2019 – August 14–17 — Minot, North Dakota Winter 2020 – March 26-29 — Tucson, Arizona Summer 2020 – TBA — Rock Springs, Wyoming Winter 2021 – TBA — Perry, Georgia Summer 2021 – TBA — Gillette, Wyoming or Saint Paul, Minnesota Winter 2022 – TBA — Tucson, Arizona

Summer 2022 – TBA — Rock Springs, Wyoming Winter 2023 – TBA — Perry, Georgia Summer 2023 – TBA — Gillette, Wyoming or Sedalia, Missouri Summer 2024 – TBA — Syracuse, New York

UPCOMING SOUTH-CENTRAL AREA RALLIES September 18-21, 2019 – Shreveport, Louisiana September 16-19, 2020 - Shawnee, Oklahoma October 6-9, 2021 - Hutchinson, Kansas Text me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


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President’s & National Director’s Report February 03, 2019 For those of you who were not able to attend our Winter Dinner in Hutchinson, you missed a great time. I didn’t realize it at the time, but our steaks were being cooked on an open fire by a chef standing out in a very cold parking lot. Talk about dedication! The main feature of the night was Wanda introducing the 2019 camping schedule. Here is a short list of where we are going. As always, you can find details on the Kansas Twisters website. March 13-16 – Perry, Georgia May 2-5 – Bartlesville, Oklahoma June 13-16 – Cottonwood Falls, Kansas July 18-21 – Leavenworth, Kansas August 14-17 – Minot, North Dakota (FMCA) August 29-September 1 – Benton, Kansas September 18-21 – Shreveport, Louisiana (SCA) October 10-13 – Newton, Kansas

Wanda has tours and other things to see and do in the planning stages so look at our website often! Now, on a serious note we must address the issue of our membership. As most of you know already the chapter came close to failing this Fall as we had to have a minimum of fifteen families to continue as an active FMCA Chapter. There is really no excuse as to why we have only fifteen members out of the entire state of Kansas. Therefore, it behooves all of us to talk with our friends, relatives and passing strangers to help grow our membership. I do not want to go thru another December where we do not know if we will continue until the very last day of the year. Wanda and Loretta are designing a poster to place in an RV dealership in the Wichita area to help attract members. Please do whatever you think can be of help!! National Conventions – One of my goals during my term as your President is to start having the Kansas Twisters make a showing at the Summer FMCA Conventions and the South-Central Area Conventions. Back in the days when Richard Vester was your President the Kansas Twisters caravanned, with 20-30 coaches, to the Summer FMCA Conventions. We would take several days to get there stopping at local attractions and restaurants along the way. Then we entered the convention grounds and parked as our own group. In the evening, when we didn’t go out to eat, we would eat together at the convention grounds. We usually used the Presidents parking space as our gathering

point for “Happy Hour” and snacks. In the Fall we would do the same, albeit on a small scale for the South-Central Area Rally. This year our Summer FMCA Convention is in Minot, North Dakota and our Fall SCA Convention is in Shreveport, Louisiana. I would like to see as many of you as possible step up and revive these treasured outings that the Kansas Twisters were once famous for. All is not quiet on the South-Central Area either. First, we need to elect a President to lead us for the next two years. I will share with you the names of the nominees as soon as they become available and I will take recommendations as to who you think I should vote for. Are you a crafty person? The SCA is in need of craft presenters for the Fall Convention. Also, there is an opening on the cadre (SCA’s name for staff) to be the Craft Captain. I have attached a letter from Diana Huff, SCA Secretary, that explains, in detail, what the openings entail. Remember that the Kansas Twisters is an open club so invite all your friends with towables to check us out as Wanda has worked very hard to develop this year’s schedule. If you do not have the 2019 Kansas Twisters Directory yet, they are available for $1.00 plus postage. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.

UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS Winter 2019 – March 13-16 Perry, Georgia Summer 2019 – August 14-17 Minot, North Dakota Winter 2020 – March 26-29 Tucson, Arizona Summer 2020 – TBA Rock Springs, Wyoming Summer 2021 – To Be Determined Summer 2022 – TBA Rock Springs, Wyoming

UPCOMING SOUTH-CENTRAL AREA RALLIES September 18-21, 2019 – Shreveport, Louisiana September 16-19, 2020 - Shawnee, Oklahoma October 6-9, 2021 - Hutchinson, Kansas Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


President’s & National Director’s

Report

January 23, 2019

Make plans now to attend the convention in Perry, Georgia and then Minot, North Dakota.

Since we approved allowing towables to join the FMCA, over 2,000 non-motorhome owners have joined our ranks as of August 2018. We are confident that more will be joining our ranks as time goes by. Please invite your friends and neighbors to join the Kansas Twisters so we can show them how much fun they are missing by not belonging to our group. The more—the merrier!!

This is an even numbered year so in January the Kansas Twisters elected a nominating committee for 2019/2020.

I do not know about you, but this has been the hottest RV camping season that I can remember and Loretta and I have been doing this since 1979. Let us hope that a major cool front settles for next summer so we can all enjoy the great outdoors.

Remember that the Kansas Twisters is an open club so invite all your friends with towables to check us out as Wanda has worked very hard to develop the rally schedule for our enjoyment.

The 2019 Kansas Twisters Directory is available for $1.00 each plus postage. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.

UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS

Summer 2019 – August 14 – 17 Minot, North Dakota

Summer 2020 – TBA Rock Springs, Wyoming

Summer 2021 – To Be Determined

Summer 2022 – TBA Rock Springs, Wyoming

UPCOMING SIX-STATE RALLY

September 2019 – TBA Shreveport, Louisiana

Email me at any time—[email protected]

David Marlowe, Kansas Twisters President & National Director

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President’s & National Director’s Report August 05, 2018 Another National Convention has come and gone, Five members of the Kansas Twisters made the long trek to Gillette, Wyoming and, if I do say so myself, it was well worth the trip. I have now had the pleasure of attending both the longest and shortest (this year) Governing Board Meeting. A lot happened in a short time so let me bring you up to date as to what is happening in no particular order of importance. National Conventions – The Governing Board decided that all future conventions must at least break even if not make a small profit. Therefore Redmond, amongst others have been stricken from our rotation. When I first joined FMCA we dry camped at the National Conventions using our generators when we needed power. Then people decided that they needed fulltime electricity so FMCA started renting generators to supply the power and you just hoped that you did not get parked next to one of those “roaring” monsters. Today’s generation of FMCA members do not want to dry camp or be limited to just electricity; they want full hookups! The Governing Board has heard from the membership and has enacted the following:

We will no longer rent generators. All future FMCA National Conventions will have full hookups for most, if not all of the convention attendees. Obviously, there are not that many “Camplex’s” out there so we will be having our conventions in fewer places and we will frequent.those places that we go to more often.

Based on the above, the Governing Board voted that the summer conventions for both 2020 and 2022 will be held at the Sweetwater Convention Center in Rock Springs, Wyoming. This facility currently has 1,200 full hookups, with 50 amp service, and more to be built by 2020. We were told that each coach will be parked on a concrete pad and that there will be a minimum of 25 feet separating each coach.

So that we can make a profit and provide full hookups, the winter conventions will remain in Perry, Georgia until further notice.

Obviously our Northeast and Western area members are not happy about these changes as the old West-Central-East convention rotation has been abandoned until such time as there are facilities to meet our needs on both coasts.

Our membership decline has been halted and we are actually seeing an increase. Since we approved allowing towables to join the FMCA over 2,000 non-motorhome owners have joined our ranks. Although we had hoped for more by this time we are confident that they will be joining our ranks as time goes by. These are just a few of the many changes we will be seeing over the next year. We actually passed a balanced budget for the first time in almost a decade. Of course next year’s Governing Board Meeting will show if we are realistic with our numbers as a budget is just a best guess and not cast in stone. This is an even numbered year so it is time for the Kansa Twisters to elect a new nominating committee for the 2019 officers. We will need three members to step forward for this important role. Per the bylaws, the members of the nominating committee will be elected in October.

I do not know about you, but this has been the hottest RV camping season that I can remember and Loretta and I have been doing this since 1979. Let us hope that a major cool front settles over Concordia in 2 weeks so we can all enjoy the great outdoors. Remember that the Kansas Twisters is an open club so invite all your friends with towables to check us out as Wanda has worked very hard to develop this year’s schedule. If you do not have the 2018 Kansas Twisters Directory yet, they are available for $1.00 each postpaid. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.

UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS Summer 2019 – August 14 – 17 Minot, North Dakota Summer 2020 – TBA Rock Springs, Wyoming Summer 2021 – To Be Determined Summer 2022 – TBA Rock Springs, Wyoming

UPCOMING SIX-STATE RALLY September 19 – 22 Shawnee, Oklahoma September 2019 – TBA Shreveport, Louisiana Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


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President’s & National Director’s Report April 21, 2018 In 1964 Bob Dylan recorded a very famous song entitled “For the Times They Are Changin”. For those of you who have been around the FMCA for any length of time can embrace these words. Here are just a few of the changes that are occurring at this time:

The intercity bus emblem, as shown at the top right of this report is no longer used. Instead, the new emblem is FMCA in block letters. If you look at the clothing in the FMCA’s online store, everything has the block letters. Anything with the bus emblem is on closeout.

FMCA Motor Coaching magazine ended its run with the April issue. Starting in May we will be receiving Family RVing magazine which will cover all aspects of the RV lifestyle.

The Kansas Twisters will now be welcoming any FMCA member to its ranks as long as they own a “qualifying” RV according to the national Bylaws.

These are just a few of the many changes we will be seeing over the next year. It is almost time for our first rally of the year. Wanda has three fun filled days planned for us. Please see the details on the Kansas Twisters website. At our business meeting on Saturday we will have two “housekeeping” issues. Neither one is earthshaking or should have any impact on you as a member. The first issue is a change to the Bylaws incorporating an FMCA mandate that when we vote on a proposed matter we can vote by mail, email, or other electronic means but may not also vote on the proposed matter at a meeting. The second issue is that our vice president has gone thru the Standing Rules and cleaned up the wording and order of importance. Wanda will explain her rational at the meeting. Both the updated Bylaws and Standing Rules are attached to this mailing. If you do not have the 2018 Kansas Twisters Directory yet, they are available for $1.00 each postpaid. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.

UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS Summer 2018 – July 18 – 21 Gillette, Wyoming

UPCOMING SIX-STATE RALLY September 19 – 22 Shawnee, Oklahoma Email me at any time.

David Marlowe


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President’s & National Director’s Report January 21, 2018 Welcome to 2018. On Saturday, January 20th, the Kansas Twisters had their winter luncheon at the “Barn” in Burrton, Kansas. The food was good and the companionship was even better. I would like to thank our hosts, Rod and Wanda Ryel, for choosing such a great place for a luncheon that included a very quiet private room. Following the luncheon we held our first business meeting of the year. The main topic was the recent change in FMCA’s structure to become an all recreation vehicle organization rather than just be exclusively a motorhome organization. We had a good discussion and everyone expressed their feelings on what this change means to the Kansas Twisters. It was unanimously agreed that for the Kansas Twisters to continue to not only survive but to grow, we must admit owners of recreational vehicles to join our chapter. The motto, if you want to call it that, is that we will judge all potential members by “The people in the recreational vehicle NOT the recreational vehicle the people are in” as long as it meets the FMCA’s definition of a recreational vehicle. The group realized that if we do not change our By-Laws we will be in the minority as most of the FMCA chapters in our area have, or are already in the process, of updating their By-Laws. A motion was made and adopted to update the Kansas Twisters By-Laws to mirror the FMCA’s recent By-Laws changes. Simply, this means everywhere “motorhome (coach) appears in the By-Laws it will be removed and replaced by the words “recreational vehicle”. All other wording will remain unchanged. In approximately one week you will receive an email with the revised By-Laws. The changes will be highlighted in “RED”. Please vote by return email to either accept or reject the new By-Laws by March 1, 2018. Return your vote to the chapter secretary ([email protected]). Remember a “Yes” vote means that we will open the membership in the Kansas Twisters to all qualified recreational vehicle owners and a “No” vote means we will remain as we are. Our first rally of the year will be May 10 -13 at Wellington, Kansas and will be hosted by the Ryels. In the meantime many of our members will have celebrated birthdays and anniversaries. Not wanting to leave them out, I will listed these happy events now. Birthdays:

1/5 – Jan Erickson 1/16 – Carol Vester 1/25 – Bob Wedel 1/30 – Kathy Chesnut 1/30 – Judy Mann 2/4 - Ruth Ann Wedel 2/24 - Bea Hadsall 4/3 – Bill Speer 4/16 – Dennis Chesnut

Anniversaries: 3/17 – Lea and Larry Schwart 3/22 – Pearl and Bill Speer 4/6 – Bea and Dick Hadsall 4/11 – Juanita and Leroy Ketchum 4/12 – Marlin/Cheryl Youngquist 4/14 – Dennis/Kathy Chesnut

The third week of January was very good to the Kansas Twisters as we had two new families join us. They are Dennis and Kathy Chesnut & Marlin and Cheryl Youngquist. On behalf of all the members of the Kansas Twisters I would like to welcome them to our chapter. You can find the details of our newest members in the 2018 Kansas Twisters Directory. If you do not have your new directory yet, they are available for $1.00 each postpaid. Please contact the chapter secretary to place your order.


Winter 2018 – March 15 – 18 Perry, Georgia Summer 2018 – July 18 – 21 Gillette, Wyoming

UPCOMING SIX-STATE RALLY

September 19 – 22 Shawnee, Oklahoma Text me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


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National Directors Report November 2017 We are still in a holding pattern regarding the vote to allow towables into the FMCA. We should know whether this issue was approved or not on December 7th. I will issue a special email to all Kansas Twisters members once I am informed of the vote tally. In the meantime FMCA has added a couple of new programs to their Member Benefits. They are as follows:

1. Roadside Assistance and Towing – The new package is supposed to offer more options than the current Roadside Assistance Program which sells for $100 per year. The new program sells for $69 per year and you can purchase up to three years at this price. Note that this is NOT an introductory price. FMCA plans to hold the price as near to $69 as the can for many years to come. Please see the FMCA Website for complete details.

2. WiFi Hot Spot – FMCA has made an agreement with Verizon to offer a WiFi Hot Spot on a nationwide basis. The cost will be $49.99 a month for unlimited data usage. This offer is not available from Verizon; you must go to the FMCA website to sign up for this package. Your Hot Spot will be sent to you by Second Day Air and will contain complete instructions on how to set it up.

There is some confusion as to how to use the FMCA Medical Assistance Program. You or your designated care giver must call Seven Corners (The number is on your FMCAAssist Card) before making any plans to move you from the emergency care center or your coach to another location. You will NOT be reimbursed for any costs associated with your transportation that Seven Corners did not set up. One person recently found out that over $48,000 worth of transportation they contracted for would come out of their pocket. Remember, Seven Corners will not provide any reimbursement for anything that they did not directly contract for.

SIX STATE RALLY ASSOCIATION

Another Six State Rally has come and gone. It was held the last week of October and was smaller than my recent Six State Rallies but it was better than many held in the past few years The following were elected for a two year term as Six State Rally Association officers;

Senior Vice President – Herman Mullins

Northern Area Vice President – L.B. Butts

Southern Area Vice President – Herman Alsup

Secretary – Dianna Huff

Treasurer – Connie Poole Four years ago the directors of Six State voted NOT to allow towables at any Six State Rally. This year they voted to reverse that vote and towables are now allowed.

Now I know that you are thinking that the vote to allow towables into the FMCA has not yet been completed. You are correct, but this is a different class of towables. You have to own a motorhome when you join FMCA, but if you change to a towable while still an active FMCA member you are allowed to attend the Summer and Winter National Conventions and those Area and Chapter events that allow towables. Currently a towable owner is considered an “Associate Member” and cannot participate in any elections or hold an office on any level. If the Towable issue is approved then the towable owners will be “Family” and not “Associate” so then they can participate in all FMCA events on any level.


Winter 2018 – March 15 – 18 Perry, Georgia Summer 2018 – July 18 – 21 Gillette, Wyoming

Future Six State Rally Sites:

2018 – September 19 – 22 Shawnee, Oklahoma Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe

Kansas Twisters National Director [email protected]

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National Directors Report July 2017 Well, the FMCA’s Summer Convention has come and gone. Due to the very serious issue we had to discuss, I thought the Governing Board Meeting would run late into the night or maybe even the next day. I was wrong. Our president Charlie Adcock called for a “Workshop” the day before the Governing Board Meeting so we resolved most issues before the Governing Board Meeting convened. Yes, we did meet for 6 hours more than scheduled, but it was before the Governing Board Meeting, not after. We made some major changes which I will outline here to help you understand what you will be asked to do in the September issue of Motor Coaching Magazine. Our first hurdle was to define what is a “recreational vehicle (RV). You wouldn’t believe some of the ideas that were thrown out for consideration. One was what if someone landed their airplane in the designated parking area, would this be considered an RV? Another was what if someone trailered a boat to a rally, would this be an RV. So here is the final definition of a “recreational vehicle” to be considered acceptable to the FMCA. A “recreational vehicle” must be totally self contained consisting of: Permanent sleeping area, food storage & preparation area, and permanent sanitation facilities. Therefore, all motor coaches, fifth wheels, and travel trailers should meet the definition. Pop-Up style campers in general will NOT, but there are a few high end Pop-Ups that do have a permanent sanitation area that would qualify. Once we had the definition of a ‘recreational vehicle” we were able to move on to our deliberations over the future of the FMCA. Here are the five steps that need to be worked thru to change the FMCA from a motor coach only association to an all encompassing recreational vehicle association. Step 1 – Completed in July 2016 at West Springfield, MA. The Governing Board voted to change the FMCA’s “Articles of Incorporation” to allow the FMCA to broaden its scope rather than to be strictly a motor coach organization. Step 2 – Completed in November 2016 by a mail in ballot. A ballot was published in the September issue of Motor Coaching Magazine. All 72,000+ members were urged to vote to approve or disapprove changing of the “Articles of Incorporation.” Only 600 ballots were returned for a dismal turnout of only 0.008 percent of the voting members. Step 3 – Completed in July 2017 at Indianapolis, IN. The Governing Board adopted the definition of a “Recreational Vehicle (RV)” by a vote of 274 to 3. Step 4 – Completed in July 2017 at Indianapolis, IN. The Governing Board voted to change the FMCA from a motor coach association to a recreational vehicle association. A secret ballot was held and the measure was adopted by 84% of the National Directors.

Step 5 – September 2017. There will be a ballot in the September Issue of Motor Caching Magazine. A “YES” vote means that you approve of the Governing Board actions to modernize the FMCA. A “NO” votes means that you want the FMCA to remain as a motor coach association only. Let us assume for the moment that the vote is “YES”. What changes will we see? Effective date to allow all types of RV’s into the FMCA: January 01, 2018 Name of the new organization: FMCA (not Family Motor Coach Association) Magazine: They are looking into having; a. an all inclusive RV magazine, b. Separate magazines for motor homes and RV’s. Obviously, there are a myriad of changes to be made that conservatively could take several years to accomplish. At this time we are in a holding pattern and nothing will be started until the results of the voting are made known to the Governing Board on December 6.

FMCA NATIONAL ELECTIONS

The election took place at the end of the Governing Board Meeting without any real surprises. President – Jon Walker was elected as the next president. Jon had no opponents Senior Vice President – Rett Porter was elected. There was a nomination from the floor, but he received very few votes. Treasurer – John Reynolds defeated Frank Taber. The difference was 2 votes! South Central Area Vice President – Joe Wright was elected without any opposition.


Compared to our parent FMCA, things at Six State are relatively quiet. This is an election year so all offices in Six State are open so if you would like to step up and be a Six State Officer, let me know to put your name in for nomination. The Six State Rally this October will only have room for 360 recreational vehicles so send in your registration as soon as you can.


Winter 2018 – Perry, Georgia Summer 2018 – Gillette, Wyoming


2017 – Texarkana, Arkansas – Oct 26-29 2018 – Shawnee, Oklahoma Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


Chapter of the

12648 170th


National Directors Report April 2017 As everyone is aware by now, many major changes are being proposed to help keep the FMCA viable and return to a growth and prosperity track. The changes necessary to make this happen will take understanding and sacrifice from everyone. I know that some say that the FMCA is the premier motorhome association and we should leave it alone. The fact is that we are not generating enough income to continue on our current path. Yes, we could raise the dues high enough to cover the costs, but then we would loose more members putting us right back in the same, financial, hole. Others say that by allowing towables into the FMCA will cause us to be nothing more than another Good Sam organization. You need to trust in the leadership of FMCA to know that the plan us for a strong and beneficial organization which will be nothing like the Good Sam organization. The body of this report is a reproduction of the “Frequently Asked Questions” report that should answer most, if not, all of your questions. In the last report I whimsically suggested that we change are name to the “Family Recreational Vehicle Association”. Rod Sartwell did me one better by throwing out “Family Motorhome & Camping Association. For the record, unless things change (!) the everyday name will be just “FMCA”. The only question I have any problem with is number one. If the FMCA is going to allow towables to be full fledged members then those owners should have access to all FMCA chapters. Now I can see that chapters like “Winnebago” which is a brand specific chapter or “Amateur Radio” which is a hobby based chapter can limit their members to those who meet the requirements such as owning a Winnebago (which now makes towables by the way) or those who hold a valid FCC Amateur Radio license. Those chapters who are strictly social, like the Kansas Twisters, should be open to all FMCA members regardless of the type of RV they own. Why you ask? If we start saying that motorhome owners are superior to towable owners, why will they want to join the FMCA. Is the FMCA so great that a towable owner would not care that they are considered a second class member? I encourage your feed back and guidance in how I should vote in this year’s Governing Board Meeting.

Frequently Asked Questions

About FMCA Welcoming All RV Owners

With the proposal that will be presented to the Governing Board in Indianapolis,

Indiana in July 2017 related to opening membership in FMCA to owners of all

types of RVs – lifting the motorhome-only requirement – members have already

asked a number of questions. Realizing that other members may have the same

questions, we are sharing key questions about this “remodel” and our responses.

1. Will FMCA chapters be required to allow owners of towable RVs to join

their chapter? No. Chapters will still control their own bylaws. Your

chapter will not be required to allow owners of towable RVs to join the

chapter if your chapter members do not wish to do so. The scope of the

chapter will continue to be the chapter members’ decision, and bylaws can

be amended at any time (to include – or exclude – based on non-

discriminatory factors). Many chapters already have restrictions in terms of

the brand of vehicle, etc.

2. Are we going to change the name of the association? Why would someone

join an organization called Family Motor Coach Association if they own a

fifth wheel travel trailer? “FMCA” is how most of us refer to the organization

today, so our recommendation is to keep the name but move to using only the

acronym, much like AARP did when it opened its doors to pre-retirees. The

association would still legally be known as Family Motor Coach Association, but

we would just refer to it as FMCA. After all, “FMCA” could stand for “Fun

Member Camping Association!” or “Family Motorhome & Camping Association!”

3. How will the rallies be affected? Our goal is to keep delivering a great

experience to current members while also appealing to the younger crowd.

We will re-evaluate our convention structure to provide new and different

activities. For example, we may have multiple entertainment options

presented at different times of the day to accommodate various ages and

interests.

4. Will FMCA be parking all vehicle types together at events? Yes. FMCA

leaders have consulted with our layout and staging experts to achieve an

optimum experience for everyone.

5. Will we need to retrain our parkers? It’s just a different type of vehicle,

driven by equally skilled drivers. The same parking method will be used.

6. What parking differences are there in terms of parking towables next to

motorhomes? Power cords will not be damaged if they are driven over during

parking. The parkers are laying out 25-foot wide spots. They can zipper park

towables, too. Other RV organizations successfully park different types of vehicles

together at their events.

7. What about generator usage at conventions? On-board generators tend to

be quieter than portable generators. FMCA will continue to offer various

parking options as we do now, including “full generator” areas where generators

can be run 24 hours a day and “no generator” areas where they can’t be operated.

Owners of all RVs will have the option to purchase electricity.

8. Would all RV owner members have full benefits? Yes.

9. Would all members be able to hold national office? Yes. All members will

have equal standing in the association.

10. What is the willingness of our current members to accept all vehicle types?

Most current members are very much in favor of this change. We know many

members that started out with towable RVs before purchasing a motorhome. Our

hope is that current members will welcome all new members, regardless of the

equipment they drive.

11. Towable owners’ educational needs may differ. Will FMCA focus on their

needs? We don’t anticipate dropping any of our motorhome educational programs

and will continue in our historic role as the authoritative resource for motorhome

information. However, over time our content and seminars will naturally expand

to include helpful and educational information about all RVs, as members with

other equipment join us.

12. Does FMCA offer seminars regarding starting new chapters? We don’t

have such a seminar currently but we certainly can, if members are interested!

13. Will we keep the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance

Program? Yes. Opening FMCA to more RV owners would help the organization

and spread out the cost of this expensive benefit over a larger pool of members.

14. Some people look at FMCA as an elitist organization. Will opening up the

membership to all RV owners help with that? It’s easy for people to think that

way based on our motorhome requirement today, but we know that FMCA

members are warm, wonderful people. The remodel is a way to welcome all

RVers so they can experience our exclusive benefits without feeling “excluded”

because they don’t own a motorhome! Many of us started with an RV other than a

motorhome and we strongly believe it’s not about the equipment; it’s about the

people who choose the RV lifestyle.

15. How do we keep younger kids active in FMCA? This presents an

opportunity to revisit our Youth Program. We don’t want to just have an on-site

babysitting service. Our goal is to provide meaningful activities for the children,

too. With an infusion of new and perhaps younger members, we’ll have new ideas

and new energy for our “family” members with families!

16. Why should I continue to be a member if this change takes place? FMCA

is unique. It is a not-for-profit RV association, the largest in the world. Our

mission is education (and fun) and, with that in mind, we continue to develop the

offerings of the FMCA Academy. FMCA also provides great benefits, such as the

tire buying program and the FMCAssist Medical Emergency and Travel Assistance

Program. We’ll never be “just another Good Sam” – we don’t offer the same

benefits or experience today, and we absolutely won’t do that in the future.

17. How will FMCA fulfill the promise that the founders made to the

members: that FMCA would be an exclusive club for motorized RVs? We

recognize your concern about this issue. However, to continue to exist as an

association, we also recognize that we need to avoid stagnation. The RV

marketplace has changed and evolved over time. We’ve looked around and seen

that our families and friends—those we want to attract as new FMCA members—

have many choices of RVs that are not motorized. So if we want to remain a

healthy association, it is important for all of us to consider whether it’s time for a

change in FMCA, too.

18. What has happened to cause us to change our minds about non-motorized

RVs? This isn’t the first time this idea has come up. Members have

increasingly been asking FMCA leadership why the association doesn’t welcome

all RV owners. After all, it’s not about the equipment; it’s about the people who

choose the RV lifestyle. The goal is to make sure FMCA is around for the next

generation.

19. Is FMCA just doing this because of the money? No. It’s about the family!

Motorhomes don’t go to conventions; people do. We want dues to stay affordable

for everyone while providing top-notch benefits. With more members over whom

to spread the cost of the member benefits, FMCA can serve more RV owners.

20. Younger people are known for not being interested in joining

organizations, and they may not want to volunteer. How will we handle that? It’s true that younger people with families may be busy working, raising their

children, and have other day-to-day demands that can make time for volunteering

difficult. But we won’t know until we ask. By talking with them, welcoming them

and inviting their participation as volunteers, we may find they bring a higher level

of energy to our volunteer efforts, even if they can’t participate as often as current

members. Extend a greeting the next time you see a younger RVer, and you may

find those who would be interested in FMCA membership aren’t so different from

you!

21. How would we adjust our methods of communication if we welcome

owners of towables, many of whom are likely to be younger than today’s

FMCA members? We don’t have any plans in place to eliminate publications or

current communications tools. We are already using email and social media

effectively, and this will continue to evolve as we gain experience with these

methods.

22. Will our benefits change? They may – but only for the better! Even today,

benefits evolve to serve our members. In the future, we’ll just have a wider

audience of member needs and interests. FMCA will never stop delivering value

(and fun) to motorhome owners.

23. Why don’t we just grow the organization by getting more motorhome

owners to join? FMCA has an active new member program, and we sign up

thousands of new members every year. The challenge is that we are also losing

thousands of members every year due to age-related factors. The new members

who are joining today aren’t new to RVing – they have built friendships and

memories with other RVers. We don’t want them to think they have to turn their

backs on those friendships – we’d rather they just bring their friends along for the

fun with FMCA!

Please keep in mind this change won’t happen overnight. We’ll always be the

FMCA family. The people who choose to join us after the remodel will be just like

us: friendly, welcoming, helpful – and FUN. The only difference is they might

pull up in a different kind of RV.

Note: The above article is also available in pdf format =

Frequently_Asked_Questions_-_FInal_3_30_17.2.pdf


Compared to our parent FMCA, things at Six State are relatively quiet. This is an election year so all offices in Six State are open so if you would like to step up and be a Six State Officer, let me know to put your name in for nomination.

The Six State Rally this October will only have room for 360 recreational vehicles so send in your registration as soon as you can.


Summer 2017 – Indianapolis, Indiana – July 12th thru 15th



David Marlowe


Chapter of the

12648 170th


National Directors Report February 2017 Remember that back in November I wrote: There is a ballot in the October Issue of FMC Motor Coaching. It is very important that you vote. Why you ask? When the FMCA was organized, the RV industry didn’t exist. Motor homes were converted busses and the FMCA’s “Articles of Incorporation” were written to support and preserve this way of life. No one could have foreseen the growth of the RV industry as it is today. The way the “Articles” are written the FMCA is stymied from investigating any new endeavors. A “Yes” vote allows the FMCA to update the “Articles of Incorporation” to look at new business opportunities. It does NOT allow the FMCA to start any new businesses. Instead, if the FMCA wishes to start any new business activity, they will have to bring this proposed opportunity to the entire general membership and have them vote to approve it before the Governing Board can proceed with voting on the new opportunity. So a “Yes” vote only gives the FMCA permission to look, but NOT touch! Guess what! Everything is about to change!!

FAMILY RECREATIONAL VEHICLE ASSOCIATION

Is this the new name for the FMCA? No, at least not yet. 10 AM on Saturday, February 11th, I received a communiqué from headquarters informing me of all the proposed changes to the FMCA to take place in July 2017. For those of you who attended our luncheon that day, you will remember that I went into some detail explaining what those changes would be. By 5 PM on Sunday, February 12th, everything had changed so please forget what I told you and read the following, PLEASE. Following the Governing Board Meeting in July, the FMCA will no longer be an association for motor home owners. Instead we will be restructured to be a recreational vehicle association, in many cases; identical to Good Sam (of course the FMCA always does it bigger and better). Under the new structure, anyone owning at least 1/3 interest in a recreational vehicle, whether it be a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or even a pop-up travel trailer will be allowed to join the “FMCA”. These recreational vehicle owners will be equal to the owners of motor homes, to wit they can join a chapter, vote at all meetings and even hold all chapter offices. So how does this affect the Kansas Twisters? Of most importance we can increase our membership by adding all the non motor home, recreational vehicle owners. It will increase and diversify our pool of talent to hold a chapter office. The hard thing will be to stop thinking that us motor home owners are superior to the little pop-up trailer owner. Under the new “FMCA” everyone will be equal. So what happens to the new Bylaws and Standing Rules that we adopted last Saturday? Actually, we were aware that changes were coming, so all we will need to do is amend these

documents by striking out the words motor coach and replacing them with the word recreational vehicle. I know that this will be a bitter pill for some motor home owners to swallow, but the future existence of the FMCA depends on these changes being made. On our Kansas Twisters website you will find a President’s Letter from Charlie Adcock explaining in detail why the FMCA is changing to an all recreational vehicle organization. You will also see the complete Constitution and Bylaws of the new FMCA highlighting all the changes from motor coach to recreational vehicle. So what will the new name of Family Motor Coach Association be? Standby is all I can say for now. I know that you will have a lot of questions. Please send me any questions you have to [email protected] and I will answer them if I can, the same day they are received.


Compared to our parent FMCA, things at Six State are relatively quiet. This is an election year so all offices in Six State are open so if you would like to step up and be a Six State Officer, let me know to put your name in for nomination. The Six State Rally this October will only have room for 360 recreational vehicles so send in your registration as soon as you can.


Winter 2017 – Wild Horse Casino, Chandler, Arizona – March 7th thru 10th Summer 2017 – Indianapolis, Indiana – July 12th thru 15th



David Marlowe


mailto:[email protected]

Prior to 2017 National Director Reports

Chapter of the

12648 170th


National Directors Report November 2016

Well, another camping season has come to an end and I am glad to see that the Kansas Twisters Chapter is thriving. You will not be seeing Loretta and me at the 2017 campouts in our Class “C” Minnie Winnie. We finally sold it! Loretta was getting worried as it took five days from when we first advertized it until it was gone. It wasn’t until the second person looked at it before we could make a deal that everyone was comfortable with, so from now on we will just have to get by with our bigger and newer Itasca Class A. 2016 was an interesting year for the FMCA. The South Central Area vice president suddenly resigned and we had to have an election for a replacement. An election which I lost by the way. We had a great Summer Convention in Massachusetts. The only downside was that the attendance barely exceeded 1,000 coaches of family members. As an aside, those of you who have been in the FMCA for a while remember that we used to have Summer and Winter Conventions. Then “Convention” was dropped and we started having Summer and Winter Rallies. The wordy “Rally” became unpopular so we changed to “Reunions”. This year at the Governing Board Meeting a motion was made to change from “Reunion” to “Convention”. You guessed it; starting in 2017 we will have Summer and Winter Conventions. It is a fact of life that everything is becoming more expensive. The Governing Board was forced to increase the dues by ten dollars a year, thus a new member to FMCA pays $60 and every year thereafter the dues are $50. Loretta doesn’t like to hear it, but the dues increase works out to be 20 cents per week which is small change. There is a ballot in the October Issue of FMC Motor Coaching. It is very important that you vote. Why you ask? When the FMCA was organized, the RV industry didn’t exist. Motor homes were converted busses and the FMCA’s “Articles of Incorporation” were written to support and preserve this way of life. No one could have foreseen the growth of the RV industry as it is today. The way the “Articles” are written the FMCA is stymied from investigating any new endeavors. A “Yes” vote allows the FMCA to update the “Articles of Incorporation” to look at new business opportunities. It does NOT allow the FMCA to start any new businesses. Instead, if the FMCA wishes to start any new business activity, they will have to bring this proposed opportunity to the entire general membership and have them vote to approve it before the Governing Board can proceed with voting on the new opportunity. So a “Yes” vote only gives the FMCA permission to look, but NOT touch! UPCOMING FMCA CONVENTIONS

Winter 2017 – Wild Horse Casino, Chandler, Arizona – February 7th thru 10th Summer 2017 – Indianapolis, Indiana Future Six State Rally Sites:

2018 – Texarkana, Arkansas 2018 – Shawnee, Oklahoma Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe

Kansas Twisters National Director

National Directors Report

October 2015

This report will be short as there is not much going on at the governing level during this time of

the year with the exception of the special election to fill Jim McCabe’s position of South Central

Area vice president.

FMCA has hired Membership Corporation of America (MCA) to develop new programs to gain

new members, retain current members, and to “Win-Back” members who have dropped out of

FMCA. MCA will be paid a portion of the dues collected for each member they get to join, or

rejoin, FMCA.

FMCA is now down to 404 active chapters. This represents a loss of over 100 chapters in only

five years which equates with the FMCA’s drop in membership over the past decade. It appears

that the loss of membership is not due to a dislike of FMCA, but more to the fact of an aging

motor home owner population and the fact that the motor home life style is not that popular with

the younger generation.

FMCA ELECTION

The National Directors of the South Central Area need to nominate candidates to fill the position

of South Central Area vice president who also serves as the president of the Six-State Rally

Association (SRA). I will be calling for suggestions for a nominee at the chapter meeting at

Crossroads RV Park. Several of the Kansas Twisters chapter members have asked that I

nominate myself. I appreciate the suggestion, but the nominee must be the person selected by

the chapter, whether it be me or any other qualified member of the South Central Area.

UPCOMING FMCA REUNIONS

Summer 2016 – West Springfield, Massachusetts – August 3rd thru 6th

Winter 2017 – Wild Horse Casino, Chandler, Arizona – February 7th thru 10th


Summer 2017 – Indianapolis, Indiana


The Six-State Rally Association Rally in Conroe, Texas is going on as I write this. Details of

what happened at Conroe will be in my next report.


2016 – Shawnee, Oklahoma – September 7th thru 10th.

Call me or email me at any time.

David Marlowe


[email protected]


August 2015

Another Governing Board Meeting has come and gone and by all standards it was a relatively

short and noncontroversial meeting. Of most importance to the membership we voted to

continue NOT raising the dues to cover the shortfall in the budget. Instead we are relying on the

interest earned from FMCA’s investments to fill the shortfall and to cover the cost of

FMCAAssist.

FMCA ELECTIONS

It wasn’t a surprise to anyone that Charlie Adcock was reelected President along with Jon

Walker as Senior Vice-President and Percy Bell as Treasurer. The battle for Secretary is

another story as it was a close battle between Jon Ferrari and Gaye Young. Gaye won by 12

votes out of 281 cast.

Jim McCabe was reelected in April as the South Central Area Vice-President who also serves

as the President of the Six-State Rally Association.

GOVERNING BOARD ACTIONS

Two changes to the Bylaws were voted on and passed:

1. Proposal #1 – Voting rights by individual or by member number (other than constitutional matters) shall be determined by the chapter. This passed 270 -1. Yours truly was the dissenting vote!

2. Proposal #2 - A temporary voting delegate can be appointed by the chapter president seven (7) days prior to the Governing Board Meeting, under certain circumstances. This was the most controversial issue of the day. We took over an hour trying to determine what an “emergency” is. This passed by a rising vote.


Six changes to the Policy and Procedures Manual were presented:

1. Proposal #1 - Associate (A) members will also receive member benefits. Passed 2. Proposal #2 – Make sure that the Governing Board Members (National Directors) are

well informed in a timely manner on any issue requiring a vote prior to the voting process. Failed.

3. Clarifies that the area national vice president arranges the staffing for booths at the RV show and is not required to staff the booth. Passed.

4. Proposal #4 – The P&P was changed to match the wording in Bylaw Proposal #1 that was passed earlier in the day.

5. Proposal #5 – The P&P 3022 was changed to match the wording in Bylaw Proposal #2 that was passed earlier in the day.

6. Proposal #6 – The P&P 3024 was changed to match the wording in Bylaw Proposal #2 that was passed earlier in the day.

By all standards, the Reunion in Madison was small. We had a total attendance of 1,434

member coaches. Those who were there had a great time.

To help lower the costs of a Reunion there are now only three nights of entertainment. The first

night will be a presentation by the Frustrated Maestros and the other two nights are filled by

local and/or regional entertainment. We are no longer going to pay a high premium for older,

high dollar, entertainers.

As you are aware, Rod and Wanda Ryel were appointed to the FMCA’s Youth Program back in

January. Madison was their first Reunion in that position and they both did a fabulous job. We

look forward to them being active members of the Youth Program for many years to come.

Finally, we made two changes to the upcoming Reunion schedule. The State of New York had

to cancel our 2016 Reunion in Syracuse due to a major construction project. The convention

committee recommended and it was approved to go to the Eastern States Exhibition Grounds in

West Springfield, Massachusetts in August. FNCA cancelled the contract with Pomona,

California for the winter of 2017 Reunion. The new site for the 2017 Winter Reunion will be in

Chandler, Arizona in early February.


Summer 2016 – West Springfield, Massachusetts – August 3rd thru 6th

Winter 2017 – Chandler, Arizona – February 7th thru 10th


The Six-State Rally Association Rally will be in Conroe, Texas. The theme this year is the

“Eyes of Texas”. Please see page 86 in the August 2015 FMC Motor Coaching magazine for

complete details.


2016 – To be advised.


David Marlowe


[email protected]


April 2015

FMCA ELECTIONS

Now that spring is here things are heating up at National. First on the list this year is the

election (reelection) of the South-Central Area Vice-President of the FMCA.

I will be voting the afternoon of May 3nd for Jim McCabe for a second term as the South Central

Area Vice-President who is also the President of the Six-State Area Rally Association (SRA) I

have known Jim for a number of years and he has always worked as hard as he can for the

FMCA/SRA. That being said, however, the membership of the Kansas Twisters has the last say

on who I vote for. Attached to this mailing is Jim McCabe’s resume. If you feel that I should not

vote for Jim, please make your feelings known no later than the end of the business meeting at

the Kansas Twister’s Rally in Westmoreland on May 2nd. You can express yourself in an e-mail,

at the meeting or by mail, whatever is best for you.

Also the FMCA’s nominating committee has released their slate of officers to be elected at the

Governing Board Meeting in Madison. All of the incumbents, with the exception of Vicky Ferrari

(secretary) have been renominated. Vicky has reached the end of her four year term in office

so the nominating committee has nominated her husband, John, to run for secretary.

Once nominations from the general membership are received I will make a report on the full

slate of candidates for National office along with my recommendations as to who the best

candidates are.


Summer 2015 – Madison, Wisconsin – July 29 thru August 1

Summer 2016 – Indianapolis, Indiana – Dates to be advised

Winter 2017 – Pomona, California – Dates to be advised


The Six-State Rally Association will be holding a planning meeting in Conroe, Texas the last

week of March. Details regarding the Six-State Rally in Conroe should be available shortly after

that meeting concludes.


2015 – Conroe, Texas – October 7 thru 11


David Marlowe, Kansas Twisters National Director

[email protected]


March 2015

FMCA NATIONAL

Spring is almost here and I still haven’t had any measurable snow! In any case things are

heating up on the national level as the new RV season is upon us.

First, the spring 2015 Reunion in Pomona is in two weeks. Attendance appears to be down this

year. I don’t know if it is the economy or just that southern California is too far to go for a motor

home rally for a lot of us. You may remember that the Governing Board voted to eliminate the

winter Reunion five years ago, but it was revived last year to see if there was enough interest to

bring it back, Time will tell as we cannot afford to have multiple, money losing, reunions.

Second, the registration form has been released for the summer Reunion in Madison,

Wisconsin. There will be details both in the FMCA magazine and in my reports as to the plans

and attractions. If possible, take advantage of the “Early Bird” registration rates. The Reunion

with parking and 30 amp electricity is only $370 (add $120) if you require 50 amp service.

Third, besides being your National Director I, along with Loretta, plan the FMCA’s youth

activities. This year we have been charged with scrapping the Youth Program as it has existed

for the past 35 years, and having an entirely new plan ready to be implemented at Madison in

July. Our committee has members from the four corners of the country and now I would like to

announce that Rod and Wanda Ryel of the Kansas Twisters have also joined the committee. If

you have grandchildren or know anyone who has grandchildren we are open to hearing all

suggestions as to what the children might like to see and do at a national Reunion.

FMCA ELECTIONS

2015 is election year for the FMCA. The Nominating Committee will meet in Pomona and

release their slate of candidates. Charlie Adcock will be running for a second term as president

as well as Jon Walker for senior vice-president, Vick Ferrari for secretary and Percy Bell for

treasurer. I am assuming, like past elections, there will be several challengers for each office.

Please read their biographies, when published, in the FMCA magazine and let me know your

preferences for the election. As your National Director, I am bound to vote as the chapter

directs unless you give me your approval to use my best judgment at the Governing Board

meeting.

There will be to two FMCA By-Law amendments to be voted on. They are:

1. Article III - Membership. Currently each member of the household (usually husband and wife) each has a vote on all issues. The proposed change would allow the chapters to determine whether each member or only one member from each family can vote. I am opposed to this amendment. I believe that every member should have a vote as every opinion is welcome. I plan to vote NO on this Bylaw amendment.

2. Article VIII – Governing Board. The chapter is represented on the national level by the National Director (or Alternate National Director). Currently, if neither the National Director nor the Alternate National Director can attend a Governing Board Meeting then the chapter is supposed to elect a Temporary Delegate for that meeting only. This works fine if you know months in advance that neither director can attend, but leaves the chapter without a representative at the meeting if the inability to attend the meeting occurs shortly before the meeting takes place. This amendment will allow the Chapter President to appoint a Temporary Delegate to attend the meeting. The Temporary Delegate can be named up to 3 business days before the Governing Board meeting takes place. I plan to vote YES on this amendment as we trust out president’s judgment.

3. For those of you new to the FMCA, the election meetings have a tendency to run twelve or more hours. The convention committee now finds the hardest chairs they can so that we conduct our business in a timely fashion!






The Six-State Rally Association will be holding a planning meeting in Conroe, Texas the last

week of March. Details regarding the Six-State Rally in Conroe should be available shortly after

that meeting concludes.



Call me or email meat any time.

David Marlowe


[email protected]


October 2014

FMCA NATIONAL

FMCA annual reunion in Redmond has come and gone! Now it is time to starting making plans for

Madison, Wisconsin July 29 thru August 1, 2015.

Compared to many of the Governing Board Meeting held in the past decade, the meeting in Redmond

was short and sweet. There were two pieces of business approved that will have a positive affect for

you:

1. FMCA Assist was approved to be funded once more by FMCA. If you have a medical event while travelling, the FMCA will pay to have you taken to the nearest medical facility and to have your family and motor coach returned to your home. Unfortunately if you have already purchased the previous FMCA Assist benefits at $114 per year, there will be no refunds. You will remain under the old program until your contract expires.

2. The Michelin Tire Discount Program has been expanded to include both light truck and passenger car tires. Previously it had provided discounts only on motor coach tires. Discounts can be as high as 50% from the list price (not the sales price). See your local Michelin dealer for any quotes and then contact FMCA for the discount.

Cincinnati is in the process of launching a new membership management and customer relations

software package. As with most software packages, there have been delays and problems in

implementing the new programs. If you have not received some membership information you’ve been

waiting for, it’s most likely due to their computer delays. If you need to call the national office, be

prepared for a slower than usual response to handling your inquiry.

Speaking of the Governing Board meeting, this Bylaw Amendment was defeated by a vote of 110 “For”

and 111 “Against”. It read as follows:

PROPOSAL #1

Article IX – Executive Board

Amend the article to read:

(2) The national officers of the FMCA are the President, Senior Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, and

the Area Vice Presidents.

(3) The Executive Board is comprised of the national officers of FMCA and FMCA’s Immediate Past

President (non-voting advisor).

(17) The voting members of the Executive Board shall serve as the Board of Directors of the Family

Motor Coaching, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of FMCA, in accordance with the Code of Regulations of

Family Motor Coaching, Inc. FMCA’s Immediate Past President shall serve as a non-voting advisor to the

Board of Directors.


Winter 2015 – Pomona, California – March 26 thru 29





The Six-State Rally in Shreveport, Louisiana was a rather quiet affair. At the Annual Meeting it was voted

to change the name of the “Red Hat Luncheon” to the “Ladies Social (Red Hats Welcome)”. There was

confusion in the past that if you didn’t belong to the Red Hat Society then you could not attend the

luncheon. The name change should clear up any questions on that. And yes, the red hats and purple

dresses will most likely dominate the event.



This is my final report as National Director. I appreciate all the support you have given me this year.

David Marlowe has been elected to take over the position, so you’ll be receiving reports from him from

now on. I wish him the best in his new “job”!

Loretta Marlowe


David Marlowe


[email protected]



The next Six-State Rally will be in Shreveport, Louisiana in October. I hope all can attend. I will have

more information for you as it becomes available.

Future Six State Rally Sites: 2014 – Shreveport, Louisiana – October 1 – 4 2015 – North Little Rock, Arkansas – Dates to be TBA

Call me or email me! Let’s talk!

Loretta Marlowe



January 2014

FMCA NATIONAL

The Executive Board Meeting was held the Week of October 23rd in Cincinnati. Many exciting and new

issues were addressed at this meeting. I would like to share just a few of these with you.

It is a consistent comment that chapters are not actively seeking new members. We all need to invite

any prospective member to join us for a weekend rally. By now the Twisters should have appointed a

representative to receive the monthly mailing of new FMCA members from National and make contact

with everyone on the list who resides in Kansas.

The FMCA appears to have finally turned the corner on its quest to restore financial stability. We

showed a profit of $369,894 over 2012

FMCA is looking to partner with an insurance company to offer coverage for automobiles and RVs.

More about this in the coming months.

The “I” membership and G.R.O.W. recruitment programs have been cancelled effective immediately.

The programs had lofty goals but never caught on with the chapters.

FMCA is exploring the advantages to rewrite the Constitution and Bylaws into a single document. This

will take several years to accomplish. More to follow.

Not that we are getting old, but National has established a committee called “Members Under 60”. This

is an ongoing task force to ascertain what the younger generation wants out of the FMCA and how our

International Rallies can be tailored to better fit their wants and needs! .

FMCA YOUTH COMMITTEE

The FMCA’s Youth Activities Committee has been abolished. Dave and I have been appointed by the

Executive Board to establish a new FMCA Youth Program. This is more than just a name change. The

“old” committee was a glorified babysitting service whereas the new group will be built to provide travel

and activities to make the children’s visit to an FMCA Rally a memorable experience. Page 77 of the

January 2014 Motor Coaching magazine has the first of a six part series that explains what we plan to

achieve at the International Rally in Redmond, Oregon this summer.

I hope that as many members of the Kansas Twisters as possible will make the trip to Redmond this

year. While there, please stop by the Youth Center and see how things are progressing for yourselves.


Winter 2014 – Perry, Georgia – March 17th thru March 20th

Summer 2014 – Redmond, Oregon – August 13th thru August 16th

Winter 2015 – Pomona, California – March 26 thru 29th

Summer 2015 – Madison, Wisconsin – Dates to be advised



The Governing Board meeting in Sedalia was short and uneventful. Rod Sartwell and Keith Jerome were

re-elected. Herman Mullins was elected Southern VP and Dan Couch was elected treasurer. In the only

contested election, Connie Farrar was elected secretary.

The only business that was conducted was to modify the ban on fifth wheels from Six-State Rallies.

Although FMCA allows members who were motor home owners, but now own fifth wheels, to attend

International Rallies, the directors of the Six-State Rally Association voted to ban all fifth wheels and

travel trailers from Six-State Rallies. Because some of the vendors travel with fifth wheels, or travel

trailers, the ban was modified to exempt vendors who are displaying at a Six-State Rally.


2014 – Shreveport, Louisiana – October 1 – 4

2015 – North Little Rock, Arkansas – Dates to be TBA

The FMCA is going to publish a special 50th anniversary edition of the North American Road Atlas and

Travel Guide. You can order your copy now at the FMCA’s website.

Call me or email me! Let’s talk!

Loretta Marlowe


NOTICE:

Please see the Minutes files for FMCA updates, if any, from the National Director.

The following are Reports submitted by the National Director for this web site.

KANSAS TWISTERS

Family Motor Coach Association

April 19, 2008

This is another report to the Kansas Twisters as National Director. The reports are as short as possible covering those items that should be of interest to our Chapter. All National reports are kept on file and will be shared with anybody at any time.

FMCA NATIONAL CONVENTION

FMCA has a great convention scheduled in St Paul in July of this year. All information as well as registrations are in the current issue of the FMCA magazine. Great entertainment, outstanding tours and visits to local attractions, such as the “Mall of America” are schedu led. Even though fuel is expensive – this will be a convention located fairly close to us and less

expensive to attend than conventions on the coast. Register soon to save money.

SIX STATE RALLY ASSOCIATION (SOUTH CENTRAL AREA)

Our 6 State Association will be holding a rally (Rally at the Rock) in North Little Rock, September 24-28, this year. I attended a meeting this week to bring us up to date on the

activities and plans for the rally. Some of the activities follow:

Early Parking as early as the 22nd (Mon) with electricity & water

Taste of the Town where 30 restaurants will set up stands to sample their

food ($10.00 each pre-registered, $20.00 each at the door) Red Hat Cruise with luncheon & entertainment for the ladies

Golf Scramble for those pre-registered

Two (2) Ice Cream Socials

Arkansas State Motorhome show on the riverfront

Special – Great Entertainment each evening at the ball field.

Most of the activities require you to pre-register as they may be sold out soon. There are only 240 slots for the ladies at the Red Hat Social/Cruise and there are 82 confirmed registrations as of last Wednesday. You can register by phone: (Call 1-800-543-3622 and ask to speak with Carol

Shields or Tina Henry during business hours, and they will confirm your registration on line – be sure to

register for any extra nights or activities) Remember – you have to arrive together to park together. We will talk about a possible caravan at one of our upcoming scheduled meetings.

Respectively submitted,

Joe & Nancy Wright National Director

KANSAS TWISTERS National Directors Report

Family Motor Coach Association

February 27, 2008

The FMCA 79th International Convention at Pomona, California has been completed (with plenty of

good sunshine), and almost everyone seemed to have a great time. There were 3,283 coaches on the grounds and plenty of coach displays and vendors selling their wares. The Twisters were well represented with 5 Rigs (Hogoboom, Hadsell, Schwartz, Gay @ J. Wright). The weather turned out nice for the rally even though there was rain and cold the weekend before. Still

better than the cold and ice in Kansas even though I have to leave tomorrow and start back.

One of the things I found interesting at the Convention is that Dealers are displaying and selling 2009 coaches in February of 2008. Time is sure flying by even faster than I thought. Nancy is pushing me to trade for a new coach – but I put in a new windshield this time so I am buying her

a new coach - 1 piece at a time.

I for one sure am looking forward to the start of camping season. Our president and other

Officers have been working hard to help us have a good time in Abilene in April.

NATIONAL NEWS;

Connie Poole – our new National president, has made several changes she feels is important. She reminded the Staff that the F in FMCA stands for family. Staff only receives reserved seating on Monday nights to be recognized. The rest of the time the front row seating is first come – first seated. She wants the owners of FMCA – the members, to have the privileges they deserve. The Conventions are all about fun and member service. If you have not been to a convention lately – the upcoming 80th Convention (FMCA 45th Birthday) is close and a great

place to attend a convention.

Future International Conventions:

80th Convention – July 14 – 17, 2008, Minnesota State Fairgrounds – St Paul, Minnesota 81st Convention – March 16 – 19, 2009, Georgia State Fairgrounds – Perry, Georgia

82nd Convention – July 20 – 23, 2009, Bowling Green Fairgrounds – Bowling Green, Ohio

The Kansas Twister web site: (http://www.kansastwisters.net) has a copy of all rallies and information on the rallies.

See you at Abilene – Drive Safe,

Sincerely,

Joe & Nancy Wright

Twister National Director

KANSAS TWISTERS Family Motor Coach Association August 2007

Kansas Twisters,

After an 8 1/2 hour meeting - business was conducted and a new

Executive Board was Elected. The following officers will serve

for 2 years.

FMCA National President Connie Poole

Senior Vice President Nelson Stubbs

Treasurer Doug Key

Secretary Joanne Durbin

Both the secretary and treasurer are new members to the board.

Weather is great (54 - 81 degrees) and the entertainment is

excellent. I wis each Twister could have been present as there

were over 3600 coaches present with hundreds of new coaches and

products on display.

I now have a 1500 mile drive to return to Kansas in the 100+

degree weather. What a joy.

See you in Sedalia in September.

Joe Wright Twister National Director.

October 9, 2006

This is my third report to the Kansas Twisters as National Director. I am keeping the reports as short as possible and will only cover those items that should be of interest to our Chapter. All

National reports are kept on file and I will gladly share them with anybody at any time.

The 6 State Executive Board of FMCA met on September 26 th of 2006 at the Ford auditorium in Beaumont Texas. It was announced that all 6 officers of the association will be up for election in 2007. The nominating committee was announced and I have nomination forms as well as the addresses where you would send your nominations.

Position #1 National Area Vice President, South Central Area President

Position #2 Senior Vice President/Rally Master

Position #3 Northern Regional Vice President/Commercial & Seminar Chairman

Position #4 Southern Regional Vice President/Facilities Chairman

Position #5 Secretary/Rally Services Chairman

Position #6 Treasurer/Registration & Information Chairman

During the meeting, past minutes were discussed, as well as the treasurers report and reports from each of the vice-presidents. There were not any discrepancies noted. I will discuss these with anyone wanting to take the time to read the information and discuss it with me as I will keep all information on file. Also there were discussions about next years Six State Rally at Sedalia,

MO.

The following International rally’s are planned:

FMCA’s 77th International Convention 19-22 March 2007 Perry, Georgia

FMCA’s 78th International Convention 13-16 August 2007 Redmond, Oregon

FMCA’s 79th International Convention 25-28 February 2008 Pomona, California

FMCA’s 80th International Convention 14-17 July 2008 St. Paul, Minnesota

There will also be a meeting of the Six State Rally Association at Sedalia, Missouri in April of 2007 with the host chapters selected personnel to discuss plans and job assignments. I will

provide more information as I receive it.


Joe & Nancy Wright

National Director

KANSAS TWISTERS Family Motor Coach Association

July 7, 2006

This is my second report to the Kansas Twisters as National Director. I am keeping the reports as short as possible and will only cover those items that should be of interest to our Chapter. All National reports are kept on file and I will gladly share them with anyone.

The Executive Board of FMCA met on May 22nd and May 23rd of 2006. After the meetings there were 87 pages of documentation, 6 attachments, 7 Committee reports and 2 letters of instructions to digest. The following (112 pages) will be voted on at the Governing Board meeting in Charlotte, August 14th 2006. I will give a brief summary and my voting preference and will discuss my reasoning with anyone wanting further information. I WILL change my voting preference based on input from the chapter or discussions/motions from the meeting that

impacts my reason for voting the way I am stating.

Proposal #1 Executive Board – Clarify terms of board to two 2 year terms. Yes

Proposal #2 Executive Board – Clarify voting for Area Vice Presidents. Yes

Proposal #3 Executive Board – Immediate Past President dropped from board. Yes

Proposal #4 Executive Board – Authority for special meetings clarified. Yes

Proposal #5 Committees – Clarify nominating committee’s term of service. Yes

Proposal #6 Nominations & Elections – Defines when reports are given. Yes

Proposal #7 Chapters - Elimination of Alternate National Director

(1/1/07) Yes

Proposal #8 Chapters - Term limits for the National Director – limited to 6 years in a lifetime (effective 1 Jan 2007 & includes Temporary Delegates also) NO

Proposal #9 Executive Board – Member must have eligibility to be nominated. Yes

In addition there will be 2 new policies and 10 amendments to policies discussed and voted on

at the Governing Board Meeting. I will discuss these with anyone wanting to take the time to read the information and discuss it with me.





There will also be an annual meeting of the Six State Rally Association at Beaumont, Texas on

the 29th September 2006. I will provide more information as I receive it.


Joe & Nancy Wright

National Director

January 13, 2006

This is my first report to the Kansas Twisters as National Director. I will try to keep the reports short and concise and cover those items that should be of interest to our Chapter. All National reports will be kept on file and I will gladly furnish the complete report to anyone requesting them.

The Executive Board of FMCA met on November 8th and November 17th & 18th of 2005. After the meetings there were 119 pages of documentation, 87 motions with 19 amendments and 7

Committee reports to report on. The ones with the most effect on our Chapter are:

Elimination of the office of Alternate National Director (effective January 1, 2007)

Term limits for the National Director – limited to 6 years in a lifetime (effective 1 Jan 2007 & includes Temporary Delegates also)

Establishment of a Board of Area Representatives to vote and approve Governing Board actions established in each Area. (effective July 2008)

A “Uniformed Police Officer” at International Conventions for traffic control

of golf carts and pedestrians.

In addition to the Executive Board meeting there were also reports from 7 Committees, an Executive Board report and a Board of Directors report. The following was cleared for

“Immediate Release”:






Joe & Nancy Wright

National Director

July 20, 2005

To: Kansas Twister’s

From: Larry Schwart, National Director

I The Executive Board has approved the renewing of the Medex for 2007 at the $4.00 rate with payment due the end of July 2005, based on membership numbers as of July 1, 2005. To establish a background for negotiating future rate changes, the renewal proposal includes an experience rating as well as market pricing.

II The Executive Board has voted to authorize staff to move forward with the agreement for a long-term-care program. This will proceed with the advice of FMCA’s attorney.

III HIPAA ( Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act.) As we already know, reporting the health information of others can be risky from a liability stand point.

Provided we receive the information regarding illness, hospitalization, etc, from our members, there is no violation of HIPAA if this information is published in our newsletter. Getting the consent of the party we are writing about is the best way to avoid any potential liability.

Crime / Fidelity Coverage

This coverage is provided for any non-compensated person while performing services as a

volunteer worker for the chapter, area, association or cooperative. This acts the same as a

bonding for chapter or area officers who handle money. A $5000.00 deductible applies to each

claim.

Directors & Officers Liability

This policy covers all FMCA area association & Cooperative directors and officers. It covers insured for wrongful acts, which means any actual or alleged error, misstatement, misleading statement act or omission, & neglect or breach of duty by the entity or individual insured in the discharge of their duties.

Fraudulent & criminal acts by any of the directors & officers are not covered under this

policy, as they would be individually liable.

IV Winter Convention 2007, Perry, GA.

At this time the Executive Board has approved this convention date to be April 3-6, 07.

V Due to the cost of the 2006 convention in Pomona, CA and Charlotte, N>C> the family registration fees will be increased to $119.00.

VI South Central Area

The S.C.A. nominating committee presents the following members for Six State Rally Association officers.

Sr. Vice President Ben Loganbill South Region V.P. David Davies Northern Region V. P. Charles Adcock Treasurer Tom Drennon Secretary Irene Renfro

The election will take place during the annual meeting of the Six State Rally in Hutchinson, KS. September 27-30, 2005.

Tony Innocenti has been re-elected as South Central Area Vice President.

Respectively yours,

Larry R. Schwart

National Director

May 1, 2005

To: Kansas Twister Members

From: Larry R. Schwart, National Director

Following are some items for your consumption.

Proposal #1 – Article VIII, Paragraphs (5)

and (6) – Executive Board

Currently reads:

(5) The President, Senior vice President, secretary and Treasurer of FMCA shall be elected

(annually for a one-year term). These officers, together with the area vice Presidents, shall take

office immediately following the Annual Membership Meeting.

(6) The President, Senior Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer may serve 2 additional one-

year terms for a maximum of 3 years in each position during his or her lifetime.

Amend the wording:

Number (5) above in parenthesis: (shall be elected for a two-year term).

Number (6) above: An individual shall not serve more than 1 two-year term in each of the

positions of President and senior vice President, respectively, in a lifetime. An individual

may serve no more than 2 two-year terms in each of the positions of Secretary or

Treasurer, respectively, in a lifetime. A term of service of less than 50% in any Officer

position shall not be counted as part of the term limit requirement.

I voted against this proposal.

Proposal #2 – article VIII, Paragraph (7) -

Executive Board

Currently reads:

(7) Each of the Area Vice Presidents shall be limited to a maximum of 4 one-year terms during

the member’s lifetime.

Amend this article to read:

(7) Each of the Area Vice Presidents shall be elected for a two-year term. An individual may

serve no more than 2 two-year terms in the position of area vice president, respectively, in a

lifetime.


Proposal #3 – article XI, Paragraph (2) – Committees – was withdrawn. No vote.

Proposal #4 – Article XII, Paragraph (3) – Nominations and Elections

Currently reads:

(3) During the annual Meeting of the Governing Board, when the nominating Committee

Report is given, nominations may be made from the floor for any and all offices.


(3) During the annual Meeting of the Governing Board, when the Nominating Committee

Report is given, nominations may not be made from the floor.


Proposal #5 – Article XIII, Paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) – President’s Council – was

withdrawn.

Proposal #6 – Article XIII, paragraphs (2) and (3) – President’s Council – was postponed.

Proposal #7 – Article XX, Paragraph (2) – Amendments and Interpretations.

Currently reads:

(2) Proposed amendments, with rationale, to the bylaws shall be received in writing no later than

May 1 preceding the Governing Board meeting at which they are to be discussed. All proposed

amendments shall be voted on my mail ballot in accordance with the policies and procedures in

the Member and Volunteer handbook.


(2) Proposed amendments, with rationale, to the Bylaws shall be received in writing no later

than January 1 preceding the Governing Board meeting at which they are to be discussed. All

proposed changes, additions, revisions, or amendments shall be voted on immediately

following the presentation and discussion during the Governing Board meeting by those

Governing Board members in attendance. Governing Board members shall receive

proposed Bylaws amendments no less than 120 days prior to the governing board meeting.

I voted in favor of the amendment.

President Wilson named 10 candidates for the 2005-2006 nominating committee of which 5 were

to be elected by the National Directors by mail ballots. My vote went to the following:

*1 Tom Ainsley, F182814

*2 Jay Blumenthal, F230605

**3 Gerine Reagen, F101008

*4 Allen Rein, F214273

*5 Suzanne Tase, F51240

* Denotes those elected plus, Don Crawford, F11012

** Nominating Committee Elect, Chairperson

DATES TO REMEMBER for 2005 – 2006

74th

International Convention, Minot, North Dakota, August 15 – 18, 2005

32nd

Six-state Rally, Hutchinson, Kansas, September 27 – 30, 2005

755th

International Convention, Pomona, California, March 20 – 23, 2006

76th

International Convention, Charlotte, North Carolina, August 14 – 17, 2006

33rd

Six-State Rally, Beaumont, Texas, September 26 – 29, 2006

Kansas Twister Members

My first National Director report to you since my election is as follows:

Item #1: 2004 FMCA Nominating Committee Elect is:

* Bob Haught, F82522

* Norman Holly, F21819

* Fred Kenndy, F44281

* Gary Smith, F155557

** Bill Walker, F56746

* Nominating Committee Elect

**Nominating Committee Elect, Chairman

Item #2: Regarding September 30, 2003 FMCA financial statement:

The financial statement reflects a negative net income from operations of ($93,532.00) through September 30, 2003.

The 2003 annual budget includes a net surplus income of only $122,03l.00 resulting in very little flexibility in our

operations. With a $10.00 dues increase, which has passed in the governing board vote, effective January 1, 2004;

the 2004 budget will only have a net surplus of $123,428.00. On the brighter side, the unrealized gain on the

investments is improving significantly due to the rise in the US economy. We cannot however rely on the

improvement in the economy to keep FMCA with a positive bottom line.

Item #3: Proposed Dues Increases:

There were a possible 460 votes in the governing board of which 412 ballots were tabulated. The vote was 270 in

favor, and 142 against the dues increases.

Item #4: Permanent Convention Site Surveys:

As of December 11, 2003, 55% of respondents to date are voting; Yes. Surveys from members are still coming in as

a result of the survey being published in the November issue of the magazine. The initial survey went only to the

governing board. The Long-Range Development Committee will be reviewing these results. a feasibility study will be done with volunteers and staff. We are told “this will be a long-range project and we will move cautiously as we

explore propositions that come before us for consideration.”

Item #5: From FMCA Current Nomination Committee:

They are requesting our assistance in developing the slate of candidates for the 2004-2005 term, which will be voted on at the Board meeting on August 16, 2004 in Redmond, Oregon. If you would like to be considered for

nomination or would like to recommend someone for consideration; please let me know and I will send you the

Nomination and Nominee Consent Form. These forms and resume from prospective candidates must be received at

FMCA office by February 2, 2004.

The current nominating committee for this election is:

* Leonard Davis, F158928

* Billie Blythe, F70340

* William (Bill) Hohmann, F221258

* Bruce Holcomb, F54442 **Verne Roland, F73154

* Nominating Committee

**Nominating Committee, Chairman

Item #6: THE VALUE OF YOUR FMCA MEMBERSHIP

Current Dues:

New Member $35.00/ Initial Year

Renewing Member $25.00/Per Year

With Your FMCA Membership You Automatically Receive:

FMCA Member Directory (January) $ 34.99

Family Motor Coaching Magazine (February through December) $ 43.89

Emergency Medical Evacuation Coverage $ 99.00

Travel Accident/Medical Insurance Reimbursement Coverage $149.00

24 Hour Accidental Death & Dismemberment Coverage $ 20.00

Membership Identification Emblems – One time only $14.00

FMCA Membership Value $360.88

FREE OPITIONAL MEMBER BENEFITS

Free Mail Forwarding Service Free Trip Routing

Free Classified Advertising

Free Emergency Driver Availability

Free Stop-in Spots - Stay Overnight on Another Member’s Property

Free Mechanics Helper – Volunteer Roadside Assistance Advice

Free Anti-Theft Program

Free Access to Useful Online Information & Links – www.fmca.com

Free Lost Key Return (with purchase of special key ring)

BENEFITS WITH DISCOUNTED GROUP RATES

Educational Programs Member Business Cards Traveler’s Message Service Emergency Road Service

Long – Distance Calling Card Rental Car Discounts

Internet Access Fuel Discounts

Campground Discounts Motorhome Financing Programs

15% off Outdoor Resorts of America Motorhome Insurance Programs

Credit Card Special Offer From Passport America

SOCIAL OPPORTUNITIES Two Annual International Conventions, 430 Chapters to Join, Chapter & Area Rallies & Youth Activities

AND LAST BUT NOT LEAST-----GREAT AND LASTING FRIENDSHIPS!

http://www.fmca.com/

EFFECTIVE January 1, 2004 FMCA New Member Rate $45.00

FMCA Renewal Rate $35.00 per year

FMCA will offer the 2003 discounted dues rate until March 31, 2004.

Members may take advantage of this offer only one time before March 31, 2004

Discounted Schedule

2 Years $47.50

3 Years $67.50

5 Years $100.00

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Larry Schwart

National Director

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