December 2021

FCRV Hank Nathan Scholarship Eligibility: 2022

Who Can Apply: Any FCRV Member or their dependent* children planning to enroll or currently enrolled in an undergraduate program may apply for an FCRV Scholarship. An applicant must be a member for at least one year before application.

* Dependent children of members: Applicants applying under their parent/guardian’s membership must be a dependent thereof for the year of the Scholarship award, meaning they are eligible as an income tax deduction.

Applications for 2022 will be sent out starting December 2021 through April 1 2022.  All completed applications must be returned to Scholarship America by April 15th of the year of the award.

How to Apply: Requests for an FCRV Scholarship application MUST be made to the FCRV National Scholarship Directors. This can be done by email, as only digital copies are being sent.

Donations and memorials should be sent to:

Jan Cushing,
2102 88th St., Kenosha, WI 53143

E-mail your application request to
[email protected] with Subject FCRV Scholarship.

Requests MUST include the FCRV membership number, the postal mailing address and most importantly, an email address at which the applicant can be contacted. All applications are sent electronically.

Stipend: Annual Scholarships are awarded carrying a stipend ranging from $500 to $2000. Part-time students will receive one-half of the granted amount. Scholarships are for one year. Recipients may reapply for a scholarship each year they meet the eligibility requirements.

Selection of Scholarship Recipients: Applicants are scored and ranked by Scholarship America, who then recommends these scores and ranking to the FCRV Scholarship Board, who then confirms the ranking and the award. The Board of Directors present the awards at or after the annual AGM held at that years Campvention.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Parents or guardians must be member of FCRV for one year or longer.
2. Applicants must be enrolled or accepted into an undergraduate course of study in an accredited two-to-four-year college or university. Part-time students must carry a minimum of six credits and full-time a minimum of twelve.
3. Applicants currently enrolled in college are given equal consideration with incoming freshman students.

Scholarship Considerations:

1. High school graduates should be in the upper 40% of their class.
2. College students should have a cumulative B average (2.7 Grade Point Average on a 4.0 scale)
3. General considerations are taken for maturity, leadership, related activities, and goals of the candidate as related to the objectives of FCRV.
4. Special consideration will be given to applicants majoring in fields related to conservation, ecology, or outdoor activities, although all other fields are considered.
5. This is a competitive Scholarship therefore the lowest ranked applicant may not receive an award.

From Our FCRV Retiree Directors.

By Ron & Reba Ray

Make your plans early.  Everyone is to have full hook-ups, and most will be on concrete pads.

The building is a little more compact than what we are used to, but I think everything will work out great there.

The people at Mineola Civic Center are looking forward to us coming.  I have talked with the lady there, and everything is set and ready. 

 We will not have a breakfast vendor there, but there is a McDonalds right as you come into the Civic Center.   Also, there is many restaurants around.

Kip and Jan are working with all the committee to make this a memorable rally.  Bring past pictures and other items you would like to share about past Retiree Rallies.  This is our 50th year, so let’s bring lots of memories with us.  

I know a lot of you are waiting until after the first of year to send in reservations, in order to see what the situation is right then.  We understand.  But after the first of year, then we will need to know how many will be there so we can make our plans accordingly.

We are looking forward to seeing you all there, and if you have never been then we look forward to meeting you.

Happy Holidays 

See you March in Mineola!

“FISHIN’ FOR ‘50”

by Kip & Jan Cushing, Rally Coordinators

For those of us in the north, the camping season has come to an end.  Keeping that in mind, we are turning our attention to the Retiree Rally in Mineola, TX, March 29-April 3, 2022.  Early bird days start on March 25, giving you plenty of opportunity to explore the area as Barb Turner’s articles have pointed out.

The theme is “Fishin’ For 50”.  We are planning special games involving fishing and the number 50.   During these games we encourage you to wear something with fish or fishing related.

While we have chairman for the committees, we are still in need of co-chairman for several of them.  Can we lure you in to fill one of these positions?  Contact us at [email protected] if you are willing to take the bait.

FCRV INTERNATIONAL KING & QUEEN CANDIDATES

by Ronald & Jo Hersom, King & Queen Coordinators

Reminder: couples who are King & Queen of their state or province should consider now if they would like to compete for International King & Queen at the Retiree Rally in March 2021.

First, you don’t need to be selected by a separate retiree chapter – it can be just your province or state organization that selects you.  

Next, contact us [ [email protected] ] for an application form and information about conducting your campaign. Prepare a write-up about yourselves that we can use to introduce you to the attendees at the Rally.   We need all applications by the end of January.

Next, prepare a bio (300 words or less) to publish in Camping Today, (a picture to DeWayne Johnston would be good). [email protected] (need an underline sign “_” between D and j). You can send it any time.

Then decide on campaign handouts & plan your hospitality at the Rally.

You get to meet many new people and make new friends.  Other friends will help you prepare for your Hospitality (yum-yum).

The couple selected as K & Q are expected to represent FCRV for the year and attend the next Retiree Rally to pass on the crowns to the next K & Q.

Enjoy yourselves, have fun, and be part of the FCRV Retiree Rally.  Looking forward to hearing from you. 

Ronald & Jo Hersom, King & Queen Coordinators  [email protected]

Flea Market Vendors Wanted

March is just around the corner. It’s time to consider preparing for the annual Retirees Flea Market. Bring crafts you have created or white elephant items you have on hand. Join us with your items to sell or come look around for some great buys. Vendor spaces are free!

FCRV Retiree Rally Variety Show

by George Walters

As always, we are looking forward to new talent.  If you can sing, play an instrument, tell a funny (clean!) story, please consider sharing our talent with your fellow campers 

So, let’s get busy, find a new song, dust off that instrument, and join us for a night of fun!  If you can, bring a cd for your background vocals or to play your instrument to a track.  Lawrence Phillips does a great job putting the sound together, so don’t forget to get your CD ready!  Sign up at the registration area!

Food Bank & Lap Robes

by Ashley & Gloria Taylor, Food Bank/Lap robes Chairs

We are coming to you asking for aid and support of the local food bank in Mineola, Texas in March, 2021.  It would help them to be able to purchase more food with cash, but we will take all gifts.  Our FCRV family has always had an open heart to give to the area where we enjoy your rallies.

Are you sewing, knitting, or crocheting?  We are also asking for lap robes.  We’ve been sharing lap robes with local nursing home/hospitals for several years at the Retiree Rally.  We look forward to receiving many this year in Mineola.  Your efforts are so appreciated.

Photo credits…..

Athens sign – By Hot Furnace – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62034446

Black-eyed peas – The County Line Magazine – Black-Eyed Peas: An Athens Original    Dec 21, 2016 Updated Feb 27, 2020

Athens Brewery – https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g30193-Activities-Athens_Texas.html

Athens, Texas‘ Black-Eyed Pea Capital’ Home of the Hamburger

by Barb Turner, PR Chair

Intrigued?  About 50 miles from Mineola, Texas, site of the 50th FCRV International Retiree Rally to be held in March, 2021, is the city of Athens.  As noted in the title, Athens is known as the ‘Black-Eyed Pea Capital’ and is the official Home of the Hamburger!  

According to the article “Black-Eyed Peas: An Athens Original”, update in The County Line Magazine on Feb 27, 2020, “Everyone knows the tradition that eating black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day brings good luck, but few may know that they originated in Athens. As the story goes, in 1909 an Athens businessman named J.B. Henry sought a way to help farmers rid the area’s legume crops of weevils by drying them in ovens. Next came the discovery that what was considered livestock feed also appealed to human tastes. Henry was soon dubbed the ‘Black-Eyed Pea King of East Texas.  News traveled fast and before too long; Athens was busily supplying black-eyed peas far beyond East Texas. Canning plants opened in the 1930s and ‘40s to meet the demand.  By the 1970s, Athens had gained the title of ‘Black-Eyed Pea Capital of the World.’  The city hosted a pea festival that continued for many years until demand and production lessened. Area farmers and backyard gardeners still grow the peas and Athenians (and millions of others) still pass the bowl of yummy vegetables at mealtimes — all efforts that harken back to the humble legume’s glory years in Athens.”

Official ‘Home of the Hamburger’? Athens history claims that a man known as Uncle Fletcher Davis created the first hamburger in the late 1880’s at a small café on the town square.  Who knew?

Athens was established in 1850 as the county seat and was officially incorporated in 1902. “Athens was named by a step-daughter of one of the founding fathers, Dullcette Averiette, who had a vision that Athens would become the cultural center of the county and named Athens in honor of Athens, Greece.”

With this intriguing history, what attractions await you in Athens?

First, the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center (5550 FM2495, Athens) combines outdoor education with a production fish hatchery.  The center houses a hatchery, laboratory, aquarium, and education center focusing on underwater wildlife in the state’s freshwater streams, ponds and lakes. It serves as home base for the ShareLunker program, which invites anglers to donate trophy-sized largemouth bass for research and breeding purposes. Take a virtual tour by visiting this link – https://tpwd.texas.gov/spdest/visitorcenters/tffc/visit/virtualtour/ 

The East Texas Arboretum, 1601 Patterson Rd, Athens, comprises 100 acres of natural East Texas with nearly 2 miles of trails through the woodlands.  “Camouflaged frogs, insects, and even deer often scurry away as you pass. Make your way along winding, spring-fed streams connected by a 115-foot suspension bridge.”  Visit the Wofford House Museum on the grounds.  The house is the oldest home in Henderson County being built in 1850.  It was moved to the arboretum and is now restored and fully furnished, complete with culinary and medicinal gardens.  Experience early East Texas when you visit the museum.    https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g30193-d3361441-Reviews-East_Texas_Arboretum-Athens_Texas.html

The area is apparently conducive to the growing of grapes.  Check out https://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=wineries&find_loc=Athens%2C+TX which lists the 10 best wineries in Athens.  Check them out and plan your visit.

Do craft breweries interest you?  Be sure to visit the Athens Brewing Co. in the heart of downtown Athens at 01 E Tyler St., in an old historic building on the town square.  The info says they have 8 brews on-tap.  https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g30193-d10587482-Reviews-Athens_Brewing_Co-Athens_Texas.html 

Add Athens to your ‘to-do’ list when you are East Texas for the 50th Retiree Rally in March.  Visit the attractions listed above, or just wander downtown historic Athens.  Hopefully, we’ll see you in March in Texas!

[Click Here For Full Event Calendar]

BIZYY BEAVER MAKES A COMEBACK FOR CONSERVATION

Chris Fullerton recently posted a picture on Facebook that reminded FCRV members of the FCRV Conservation Program. Since it’d beginning NCHA/ FCRV has promoted many forms of conservation with the mascot, Bizzy Beaver. Bizzy hasn’t been seen much lately and his ranger hat now says FCRV, not NCHA. This doesn’t mean that FCRV has forgotten about its Conservation Program. States, provinces, and chapters continue to volunteer to promote and do projects connected with Recycling, Highway & Park Beautification, Forestry, Water, Soil, and Air, as well as Construction and Restoration, and Conservation Education. Many such projects  have been recognized with awards from both the beneficiary and FCRV. For more information, go to www.fcrv.org, select membership, then programs. If you have participated in a conservation project recently, please send a report  with pictures attached separately to FCRV Conservation Director, Mary Lehnerd –[email protected]. You may earn an award. Also send it to Camping Today editor, [email protected].

UTAH CONSERVATION PROJECT

 By Bill Bacon, Utah

     In August 2020, Utah members began a conservation project in Ashley National Forest, at Yellow Pine Campground. They worked with the National Forest Service and helped to build about a quarter mile of fence to keep free range cattle out of the campground. They did so while complying with covid restrictions, social distancing, masks, etc. 

     The gentleman in the foreground of the work picture with purple shirt and blue jean shorts leaning on the fence  post had just lost his spouse. The person he is talking to across the fence hd also just lost his. The fact that they attended this fubction leads me to hope that even with some of our losses, our membership will dwindle very little.

Bee Scared Plants the Seed of Environmentalism in Young Minds

OSWEGO, NY, Oct. 20, 2021 — “Your Majesty,” said the Scout Bee to the Queen of the Bees, “The Honeybees are in trouble. They are disappearing in great numbers!” 

 What will the queen do? Who will she turn to? How will she keep her hive safe from harm? Without bees there will be no fruit, no vegetables and no flowers. 

 Bee Scared, an Old Doc Turtle adventure from author Richard Faith, follows the Queen and her community of family and friends as they try to find a solution to this scary problem. They use music. They call on Auntie Bee. Even Old Doc Turtle becomes concerned! Can your young reader think of any ways to help Auntie Bee save the honeybees?

 This delightful children’s tale delivers a simple lesson about the challenges of climate change and global warming — and the impact on nature’s tiniest but mightiest of creatures — in a way that young audiences can understand. Bee Scared can help you open a dialogue with the curious young people in your life about the importance of conservationism and protecting the future of our planet. 

 Author Richard Faith is passionate about raising awareness regarding the impacts of global warming and climate change. He is also the author of the science fiction series, Megamerse, which features a superhero who fights for Mother Earth. Megamerse has been turned into a screenplay and talks are ongoing with a movie studio. Faith’s other book titles include “I Can Barely See” Said Mandy Manatee, Barkley & Silvia, Crocodilly Lilly: Not so Toothy A Grin and The Owl that Said What.

 Faith is also the executive director of Mother Nature Festival Live Incorporated (http://mothernaturefestival.live), a 501(c)3 nonprofit that works to educate, inform and inspire everyone to get involved in helping Mother Nature. 

 Bee Scared
Publisher: Jongleur Publishing
ISBN-13: ‎ 979-8652428013
Available from Amazon.com

STORING YOUR RV FOR THE WINTER

By Jim Lewis

Putting that RV away for the winter ?  A couple of items that may be overlooked. Cover the inside cover of the water heater with a plastic garbage bag, and then put the cover back in place. This will keep insects, spiders and mice out. 

Speaking of mice, remove ALL of your food, and non-perishables. Set snap traps, or eco friendly traps and check them every few weeks. 

Make sure your LP tanks are turned off. Make sure you wipe out the refrigerator and leave the door open to ensure you have no mold in the spring.

Check the water level and charge your batteries and remove/disconnect them from your RV. They can freeze if they lose their charge.

Cover your skylights if you park under any trees.

Remove all can food, liquid soap, shampoo, glass cleaner, etc that will freeze and break it’s container and make a mess.

Spring will be just around the corner.

CUBE SERIES DEBUTS LIGHTWEIGHT FOLDABLE CAMPER

The new unit fits on any standard small or mid-sized pickup and all the tiedowns are on the inside of the bed. The towable will come in at 16 feet in length and weigh less than 1,600 pounds. “It can be pulled by a Prius, or by a Subaru Forester, or a Jeep Wrangler,” Wise said. Both employ a patent-pending folding technology that allows the units to collapse to roughly a third of their “open” size for ease of towing.

“Power actuators put the two sides up – the load-bearing walls – and then the two inside walls are just pushed up manually and lock into place,” Wise said.

Made in Oregon, it will be available at dealerships in 2022.

RV BUSINESS

Skyroam Launches Solis X, the World’s First Global Smartspot for Travelers

Skyroam announces the launch of its newest product, the Skyroam Solis X WiFi Smartspot, the first premium portable hotspot with WiFi, remote camera, power bank, and smart assistant

SAN FRANCISCO — July 2019 — Skyroam, the global WiFi company that helps travelers stay connected around the world, announces today the launch of the Skyroam Solis X WiFi Smartspot. The device’s unique combination of global 4G LTE WiFi, remote camera, power bank, and integrated smart assistant now gives consumers the ability to simultaneously see, listen, speak, and connect from down the street or across the globe. 

One thing that all people “on the go” have in common is the fact that WiFi has become like water: they need it to survive. Now, users can do even more, from anywhere! Sharing, browsing, photographing, emailing, tracking, downloading, live streaming- you name it. Whether you’re on a roadshow in Europe and need to find your next meeting or want to let your social media followers in on the best brunch in your hood, the pocket-sized Skyroam Solis X can connect you on the spot. Power bank keeps your devices charged, remote camera captures more candid moments, smart assistant helps keep the itinerary on track, and 16+ hours of battery life ensures you can do it all, all day.

The Skyroam Solis X is the portable digital hub that lets international business travelers, globetrotting families, and everyday social explorers:

• Connect instantly: Skyroam’s patented Virtual SIM technology connects in over 130+ countries and is shareable on 10 different devices. Fast, 4G LTE speeds, wide range global frequency bands offer a more reliable connection

• Be your own charging station: The Solis X has a 4700 mAh battery that works as a portable power bank to charge smartphones mid-day and avoid the dreaded 1%

• Share moments that matter: The Solis X remote camera is 8MP with flash, wide angle view, and self-timer to capture, record, monitor and live stream on-the-go. Control through the Solis WiFi app
• Do it all from anywhere: Using the Solis X smart assistant, powered by built-in GPS and IFTTT, users can control or automate thousands of apps and services from the Solis WiFi App and Smartspot with a single tap

The Skyroam Solis X comes with the Solis WiFi App, which enables the use of the remote camera, smart assistant feature, and allows users to buy WiFi and manage their hotspot. The combination of Solis X Smartspot and Solis WiFi App provides digitally enthusiastic users with a unique solution to engage in all their favorite connected activities and services. 

“The Solis X was designed to enhance social, family, and travel experiences for anyone who wishes to do more from anywhere,” says Skyroam Founder and CEO, Jing Liu. “By expanding upon what Skyroam does best, we are enabling so many more consumers to stay connected with loved ones, stay powered on, stay socially engaged and stay integrated into their “smart” lifestyle with no geographic limits. We see Solis X as a platform and are excited to see how our customers will use their imagination to bring its possibilities to life in hundreds of new ways.”

Customers can purchase the Skyroam Solis X WiFi Smartspot at $179.99 USD. It’s an easy set-up via the Solis WiFi Mobile App, no SIMs are needed, and customers can simply register, choose their WiFi (pay-as-you-go or subscribe). Finally, activate and share on up to 10 connected devices at once. The original Skyroam Solis product is available for sale on skyroam.com/solis at $149.99 USD. 

About:

Skyroam was founded in Silicon Valley by technology innovators who identified a common pain-point among fellow travelers: getting fast, secure, and reliable mobile internet connection on the road. To solve this problem, Skyroam developed and patented its virtual SIM (vSIM) technology, which delivers on-demand local wireless data through local carrier partnerships around the world. Enjoyed by over 15 million users worldwide, Skyroam’s global hotspots, embedded with a vSIM, enable unlimited mobile WiFi in 130+ countries. Skyroam’s vSIM technology also provides global mobile data access to IoT, M2M, and wearables applications. Visit www.skyroam.com for more information and stay in touch at @MySkyroam on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Skyroam is backed by over $50 million in funding, led by Lenovo Group and worldwide VCs, and is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with additional offices in China, Germany, and the Philippines. Skyroam’s global hotspots are available across the US, Europe, and around the world at retail and airport shops including Lufthansa Worldshop, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, Philippine Airlines, BluWire, InMotion Entertainment, Expansys, and vending machines at select airports.

Longtime member Joe Dwigans hit a major milestone of 50 years of NCHA/FCRV membership in October 2020. Unfortunately, we were not able to deliver his certificate until June 2021. Prior to delivering the certificate I received the following note from Mr. Dwigans. “Betty and I were active campers for over 35 years. We wore out 3 pickup truck campers. Raised 4 kids in them. But now I’ll be 100 in October, my wife 94. We’re retired!”

In October I received the following photo from Mr. Dwigans’ son, Dean. It shows Mr. Dwigans celebrating his 100^th birthday. Note that the sign reads “WW2 Navy Pilot Joe Dwigans is 100 Today. The second photo was received from Joe’s wife, Betty.

Ernie Karch [pictured above] joined NCHA/FCRV in July of 1966. It was my pleasure to present Mr. Karch with his 55 year certificate in October, 2021. Mr. Karch is also a WW2 Navy veteran. He will be 96 in February 2022.

Grace Trimble celebrated her 88^th Birthday  November 24^th. She and husband, Jack have been members of NCHA/FCRV for many years and have been very active in PA and National activities, attending Many Campventions and working on committees for those in the Northeast Region and all the ones in PA. Long time residents of Manheim, they rececently relocated in Cloumbia, PA.

Ray and Jewell Shields celebrated their 70^th Wedding Anniversary November 23^rd. Formerly from Colorado, they now live in Missouri. Ray Shields was President of NCHA / FCRV 1980 – 1982. Jewell Served on the trustees as National director for several years.

Aaron John Siehl, 49, 11-6-21, Union, Ohio. He was the son-in-law of Dave and Linda Hennie. Dave is the Ohio State Director and Linda is FCRV’s Parliamentarian.  Aaron played hockey and was active with the Megacity Hockey Club and enjoyed attending his son’s sporting events. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Cherie (Hennie) Siehl and sons, Brandon and twins, Jack and Eli, also several nieces and nephews. Linda Hennie  said, “ Many of our FCRV friends will remember Brendon, Jack and Eli attending several Campventions with us,” Condloences to [email protected].

Diana Tull, 79, 11-3-31 Wichita, Kansas. Active in KS, FCRV With husband Bill. Kay-O-Tees Chapter. Known for her laugh and outgoing personality. Condolences to [email protected]

Barbara Sherry, 11-11-21, Punxsutawney, PA. Past Field Director with husband, James.

Bob Reese, 81, 11-16-21, Ontario, Canada, Past Ontario Teen Director with wife, Joan, Kingston Road Runners.

Peter ‘Pete’ Brown. 12-1-21, St. Cloud, Florida. Peter and late wife, Jane were a fixture in  NCHA/FCRV for many years and were very active in the Retiree Program and rallies in leadership positions. The Browns were elected as International Retire King & Queen at the 1997 rally at Palm Beach.

Jennifer Servant, 47, 10-28-21, Colorado Springs, CO, due to Covid. Daughter of Heddy and Ron Servant, CO FCRV. Both Parents survived covid, earlier. Condolences to [email protected]

Francis WALKER, 75, 10-25-21, Fostoria, Ohio. Navy Veteran, Active in Ohio Teen program with wife, Dawn and daughters, Lisa and Angie.

Richard Ludington, 10-24-21, Westhaven Connecticut. Camped with his sister, Cindy Mainoff and her husband, Robert, Happy Wanderers Chapter CT.

Loraine Young, 11-2021, Ontario. Wandering Canadian Chapter with husband, Bill. Known for her drawings.

Bob Deshone, 84, 12-22-21, Saginaw, Michigan.Active in communit Organizations, Timber Town Travelers Chapter, Elected International Retiree King & Queen in 2017 at the Canton Texas Rally.

Kathleen ‘Kathy’ Keeven, 78, Chesaning, Michigan. Showboat Wheelers Chapter, Mother of Kaylene VanWagner.