Larry & Patsy Wood (12255-L)
Region Three Directors
We want to thank everyone who helped make the 2023 International Rally a success! Almost 70 volunteers from several different regions worked with us in Parking and Registration this year. Some were first timers and some had years of experience, but everyone worked well as a team and enjoyed meeting new friends. Our State Directors served as team leaders. We have been so fortunate to have such capable, fun, friendly people in Region Three. Thank you!
We want to thank Ron & Wanda Lewellyn for their dedication to the Newmar Kountry Klub through the years and for their leadership during the tumultuous last four years, which included Covid and a change of ownership when Newmar was bought out by Winnebago. We have been fortunate to know Ron & Wanda and work with them since 2009. We wish them well in their retirement. Our good friends, Glen & Marg Bassindale are also retiring from their jobs as Region Directors after 13 years. We share lots of wonderful memories with them, including the trip to Newfoundland in 2015. Speaking of retirement…you may have heard that we are stepping down as Region Directors at the end of the year. We still plan to travel—just without the leadership responsibilities.
It has been a tradition for a long time to have a potluck dinner during the International Rally. This year, Marty Lown of Coachlight RV, once again provided chicken for everyone in Region Three and some of their special guests. Thank you to everyone who fixed a dish or helped with setup or cleanup.
After the International Rally was over, we headed home for a couple of days before getting back on the road. Kerrville, Texas, was our next destination. State Directors, Mike & Kathy Hutchens planned a wonderful rally which included the “ring of fire” eclipse. It was so much fun gathering as a group as the eclipse took place. The moment the ring of fire appeared at its peak, you could hear cell phones everywhere playing Johnny Cash’s song, “Ring of Fire.” Because Kerrville was directly in the path of the eclipse, the town was inundated with tourists. Obtaining a caterer during this time was challenging, but Mike & Kathy didn’t disappoint us. In fact, the food was great—even if they did have to drive 30 miles to pick it up!
We were soon on the road again after the Texas rally. The Missouri State Rally was held in Carthage, Missouri, which is only a 2-hour drive from our home. The weather was absolutely beautiful. A hint of fall was in the air, and the leaves on the trees were starting to change colors. Ample free time was given so that we could explore any of the many local attractions. One morning we toured the George Washington Carver Museum. One afternoon was spent at the Precious Moments Chapel. The Maple Leaf Festival was in full swing. Two nights before the parade, we put chairs out along the parade route to save our spot. It reminded us so much of parades from our childhood days. Lots of people lined the streets! Children scrambled for candy thrown from floats! The parade lasted a full two hours. Our State Directors, Dave & Barbara Burtrum, are also retiring this year. We want to thank them for their great service for the last four years.
On a sad note, Jannette Wehmeier, our beloved Kansas State Director passed away on October 7. She and her husband Darrell were loved by everyone who knew them. Our heart and prayers go out to Darrell. Darrell will be passing the duties of State Director on to Randy & Anna Landerville, and we want to thank them for stepping up. Please read the Kansas article to learn more about Jeannette.
This will be our last article for the Legacy magazine. We sincerely want to thank everyone who has helped us during our tenure as directors and wish the new incoming directors the best of luck. We will be of any assistance to them that we can.
Safe travels! We can be reached at Larry 918-630-7470 lwood630@gmail.com or Patsy: 918-640-9024 pwood299@gmail.com.
UPCOMING REGION THREE EVENTS
January 22 25, 2024 – Bayou Kruisers, Poche’s RV Park, Breaux Bridge, LA
March 7-10, 2024 – Kountry Lone Stars South, Mineola Civic Center, Mineola, TX
April 21-25, 2024 – Oklahoma State Rally, Monkey Island RV Resort, Grove, OK
April 25-28, 2024 – Kountry Lone Stars South, Lagoon RV Park, Rockport, TX
May 2-5, 2024 – Kansas Kountry Sunflowers Milford Lake, Milford, KA
May 16-19, 2024 – Mid-MO Wanderlusts & Arkansas Razorback Joint Chapter Rally, Road Hog RV Park, Fayetteville, AR
August 22- 25, 2024 – Kansas State Rally, Abilene, KS
October 26, 2024 – Kansas Kountry Sunflowers, Drive-in Luncheon. TBD
November 7-10, 2024 – Kountry Lone Stars South, Skyline RV Park, Banders, TX
See the Klub Calendar Online for Complete Details and Contact Information.
