President		National Director
Jerry Young		Clarence Haggart
First Vice President		Alternate National Director
Eugene Herring		Bill Neumann
Second Vice President		Chaplin
Gaye Young		Mike Lucas
Secretary		Retail Sales
Liz Wilson		Sharon Rice
Treasurer		Webmaster
Jennifer Smith	www.coastaltarheels.com	Suzanne Brannan

 

May 2008 Newsletter

Sunshine and warmer temperatures greeted us as we traveled to the KOA-Smithfield in Four Oaks, NC. Welcome to "Lost in the ‘50’s" rally! As the early birds entered the clubhouse, they were transformed back into an old soda shop with juke box and tunes playing Bill Haley and The Comets singing Rock Around the Clock. "Who are we?" stated the sign on the table of baby pictures and young sweethearts in love in the fifties. It was fun trying to guess who was in these pictures. There was even a beauty queen…Miss San Jose, California!! Do you know who she is?? Thursday night dinner consisted of White Swan BBQ & Slaw on Buns with chips, drinks and for dessert, strawberry shortcake. The evening of nostalgia continued with visiting and chatting with each other. Steve and Nancy Gardner who attended our 25^th Anniversary at Daddy Joe’s before buying their Dutch Star coach and stayed in the yurt, retired 3 years ago, going fulltime, were now back to visit! It was wonderful to have them back with us again!

Friday morning the fellows of the host team rose early to prepare the coffee and cook the bacon to accompany French toast and syrup for breakfast. Miss San Jose had distributed the rally agenda, so many were off for antique shopping in Selma, shopping in Smithfield, enjoying the Ava Gardner Museum and the Tobacco Museum. Others who lingered behind at the campground to relax had their pictures taken at their coaches for the 30^th Anniversary Album by Gaye. Guests of Tony & Katie Daughtry, Ronnie and Sarah Ennis of Newton Grove became acquainted with those relaxing in the park.

Holts Lake Seafood and Barbecue was the location of the evening dinner. As we paraded in, the attention was centered on the CTH blue jackets and shirts. There was a lot of delectable seafood enjoyed by all. Back at the clubhouse, dessert of brownies and more strawberry shortcake was served. The cards and game boards came out as we settled in for an evening of winning strategies.

Sausage and egg casseroles with buttery grits, fruit cups, coffee and juice were on the menu for sunny Saturday.

President Jerry Young called the meeting to order at 9:20 AM and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Andrews, Barkalow, Benton/Garner, Bodner, Cassingham, Daughtry, Ennis, Gardner, Haggart, Hebert, Hendrix, Herring, Howard/Rice, Hoylman, Kenny, Kerr, Marcum, Neumann, Paul, Willis/Butts, Wright & Young. The March hosts who were present were asked to stand to be presented with their 2008 Host Pins. They were Larry, Sharon, Frances, Frank, and Mary Lee. Next were the May hosts consisting of Mary Lou, Jack, Nancy, Tom, Ann, Nick, Sarah, Chip, Gaye & Jerry.

Ronnie& Sarah Ennis, guests of the Daughtrys’ as well as Steve & Nancy Gardner, guests of the Youngs’ were introduced. Our sick list consisted of Phil Rowe and Fred Pippin.

Correction to the April minutes – a motion was made, seconded, voted and passed at the April rally to pay the camping and rally fees for our VIPs. The treasurer was not present and did not send a report.

Bill Neumann, Chairperson of the Coffee & Doughnuts reported as to the actual campground conditions that we are privileged to have. There will be water and electrical hookups with the dump station being located within the compound. Please bring your coffee & doughnut hats/visors that you were given at previous GEAR rallies. There will be a meeting on Monday to update and train anyone who has not participated before.

Nick Paul announced that Otho Tew had been nominated as EAVP and Clarence Haggart had sent in our ballot.

GEAR – Gaye reminded everyone of the Block Party/Chapter Fair on Wednesday at 4 PM as well as the Race between the Chapters on Saturday at 4 PM. There will be trophies awarded for 1^st, 2^nd & 3^rd place as well as Most Creative Car. Also, after everyone arrives on Monday, we will have a CTH dinner at PM at the Herrings’ coach and hosted by them. There will be a Virginia Highway Patrolmen who will be conducting a class on licenses for RV drivers and what is required.

Eugene announced that everything is in order for the August rally in Galax VA at Deer Creek Resort for the Fiddlers Convention. Note the rally is during the 2^nd weekend. Kay Hendrix stated that the October rally will not be at Briarcliffe Resort, instead it will be at KOA-Smithfield. The Neumanns stated that the November rally held at Daddy Joes will be the 2^nd weekend. The Barkalows are in search of a campground to hold the December rally.

Under new business, Gaye had read the "Leave a Footprint" whereas we are looking for donations of books (see below).

Gaye reported on the research accomplished concerning our website. 2000 Front Page software is outdated. We could upgrade to 2003 Front Page but this software is no longer being supported by Microsoft and is difficult to find. Suzanne Brannan will no longer be our webmaster for 2009. Sherry Lucas has graciously accepted the challenge to learn and maintain our website. It is the recommendation to purchase new software "Expressions" so that Sherry will have time to install, learn and have the system ready by the end of the year to change over to our new website. Bob Barkalow moved to purchase the software and it was seconded. The floor was open for discussion. During the discussion, Evelyn Willis announced that she would like to purchase and donate the software in memory of her late husband, as he had started CTH and would be so proud of our club today and each member as well as what we are trying to achieve. "Long live our Queen", someone stated! She received a standing ovation and a hearty thank you!

Chip Wright announced that he would like to meet with anyone who is attending the International Convention in St. Paul after the meeting.

Jerry announced that Sarah had made the "Lost in the 50’s" aprons that the host team was wearing. Thank you Sarah!!

Mary Lou announced appreciation to the 3 girls who had purchased the decorations for the weekend, noting that this is not part of the rally fee.

The grand 50/50 winner was Lynn Andrews!! Happy Dollars collected were $44.00 (which is earmarked for the 30^th anniversary. Birthday folks were Bill Hoylman, Dolores Neumann and Jerry Young. Anniversaries celebrated in May are the Andrews, Neumanns and the Youngs.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:05.

Afterwards, the 30^th Anniversary committee met to discuss the upcoming rally, while many went in search of adventures.

The aroma of old fashion hamburgers and hot dogs wafted through the park as the host team prepared for the evening extravaganza. Poodle skirts & pony tails, rolled up blue jeans with letter sweaters and leather jackets sashayed into the 50’s scene with cat eyes peering at the transformation of friends. Pictures of these teenagers were snapped. Vanilla and chocolate milk shakes, cherry cokes, root beer floats and coke floats from the soda fountain cooled the taste buds. Hamburgers and hotdogs with all the fixins’ and baked beans, slaw, chips on the side were devoured by our "teenagers". Banana splits were created for the dessert of the evening.

"Where were you and what were you doing in the fifties?" each guest was asked and you should have heard some of the responses we received. It seems that one couple met at the USO where she was working and he just happened to be looking for a dance. They’re still dancing to their own tunes today! There were a few that were born during this era, and I mean just a few! One young man working in a grocery store, flipped out over sisters in short-shorts strolling into his store! His eyes still bug out when he glances at his wife today! Chasing skirts and driving hot rods seemed to be the consensus of most of the young men. Eyeing the guys driving the hot rods was the fun thing the girls like to do! Those were simpler and fun time back then!! Through out the weekend there were informational sheets on events and famous people in the fifties that Mary Lou had researched, lying on the tables. Now was the time for questions and answers on what you recall from this era and/or if you read these sheets. Thanks Mary Lou for all of these interesting facts! The Stroll, the Jitterbug, the Twist were some of the dances on the floor during the Sock Hop. You should have seen Evelyn and Charlotte. Those girls can really kick up their heels!! Calories were burned from the banana splits!

Sunday morning, after the light rain from the night before, we had awoken to a greener day. Waffles, butter & syrup, Danishes, fruit cups, juice and coffee perked us up for another beautiful day. Chip Wright delivered an inspirational devotion. After prayer of thanksgiving and safe travels, we said our good-byes and well wishes to another great rally!

June 5-8, 2008 – GEAR Richmond, VA. Register!! It is not too late! Fun things: Gonzo Golf, Bean Bag Baseball, Great Eastern Area RACE between the chapters, great entertainment and wonderful fellowship. Our very own race car driver Jack Cassingham is building our race car!! Be there and root for our team!!

Caravan: Want to caravan into Richmond with the chapter? Meet at the Virginia Welcome Center on I-95 on Sunday.

Charity: Leaving a Footprint in the Community: Donations for our veterans who have served our country. Your donations of personal articles will meet the particular needs of our men and women veterans who are requiring medical care at the McGuire Veterans Medical Center. Articles accepted for donations include lap blankets, shower shoes, toiletries (no razors or mouthwash), hair care products, stationary and blank cards, disposable cameras, new paperback books, new CDs and DVDs. Donations will be accepted in the Information area of the Exhibition Hall lobby, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday (June 4^th, 5^th, and 6^th).

As always at GEAR we have a CTH dinner. VP Eugene Herring and Irene are hosting a spaghetti dinner with salad and bread at GEAR for only $2 a coach on Monday at 6 PM. Bring your own table service and drink. Also, a dessert to share would be great.

July 14-17, 2008 – FMCA International Convention in St. Paul, Minn.

August 8-10, 2008 – Deer Creek – Fiddlers Convention Herring

September 11-14, 2008 – CTH 30^th Anniversary

October 3-5, 2008 – KOA-Smithfield (Four Oaks) Bates, Hendrix, Powers

November 14-16, 2008 – Daddy Joes in Tabor City Neumann, Haggarts

December 5-7, 2008 – Barkalows, Dukes, Francks, Manthos, Wales

March 16-19, 2009 – Perry GA FMCA International Convention

July 20-23, 2009 – Bowling Green OH FMCA International Convention

May Birthdays: Dean Ambrose 16^th, Suzanne Brannan 30^th, Bill Hoylman 28^th, Geraldine Hunt 1^st, Robert Mantho 31^st, Marilyn Murdoch 6^th, Dolores Neumann 9^th, Sylvia Thompson 11^th, James Tillman 4^th, Bob Tyrell 9^th, Kashi Wales 14^th, Frank Willis13th and Jerry Young 29^th.

May Anniversaries: Albert & Lynn Andrews 17^th, Bruce & Mabel Gore 23^rd, Sterling & Geraldine Hunt 5^th, Robert & Diane Mantho 8th, Bill & Dolores Neumann 18^th, Dale & Linda Stroud 9^th, and Jerry & Gaye Young 14^th

June Birthdays: Jack Almendarez 11^th, Frank Ambrose 1^st, Mary Carpenter 6^th, Carol Duke 17^th, Steve Gardner 30^th, Susan Hebert 13^th, Irene Herring 10^th, John Hooker 30^th, Sterling Hunt 10^th, Randy Ragan 16^th, Philip Rowe 17^th, Jennifer Smith 8^th, Pat Smith 1^st, Linda Stroud 4^th, Bud Wales 18^th, Evelyn Willis 30^th.

June Anniversaries: Frank & Dean Ambrose 12^th, Steve & Debbie Bates 25^th, Jere & Mary Carpenter 26^th, Ronnie & Sarah Ennis 30^th, Daniel & Susan Hebert 10^th, J.W. & Anne Lee 30^th, Nick & Ann Paul 20^th, Bob & Sandy Tyrell 29^th