Dave Shank & Lynn Barley (24088)
Presidents – Fulltimers Chapter

“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets.” … Oscar Wilde

Our NKK Fulltimers Chapter members had a wonderful time in the Utah mountains this summer. We had 94 people in 50 Newmar rigs at the 2022 Fulltimers Rally and Annual Business Meeting in Heber City, Utah, July 10-15. Our five days there were jam packed with Fun and Friendship. Attendees dined well and played hard while meeting up with old friends and making new friends.

After registration, volunteer sign ups, goody bag hand outs and orientation on Sunday, we met at Daniels Summit Lodge for a delicious welcome dinner of Prime Rib, Salmon, and fruit cobbler desert.

Our business meeting was held on Monday morning at the Heber Senior Center. Tom & Roni Lehmkuhl presided over the election of new officers: Dave Shank & Lynn Barley to the President’s position and Victor & Pamela Lorentz to the Vice President’s position. Tom & Barbara Palmer remain as Secretary and David & Debbie Seale announced that they will serve one more year as Treasurer and step down in 2023. Congratulations to our new officers, and we want to thank Tom & Roni and Hal & Lynn for their service and wish them well in their future endeavors.

Following the meeting, a historical overview of the Heber Valley area was given by Alice DeFriez of the Wasatch County Library.

We toured the Heber Valley Artisan Cheese Farm in Midway where a presentation of cheese production was given including a tasting of several of their specialty products. We then visited their barn where “it all begins.” We walked through the milking parlor and watched as the cows were able to enter the computerized stanchions as they wanted. The computer recognized each cow by her I.D. tag and provided a feed supplement specifically for her as the cups automatically attached, and the milk she had available at that time was drawn out and recorded and added to her record. She then moved out to the barn to lounge and rest.

Each evening we gathered around a campfire pit generously provided by Mountain Valley RV Resort to socialize and catch up with friends from around the country. Most evenings the person assigned to put out the flame at 10:00 would come back around closer to 11:00 to give us more time together.

Tuesday we were provided breakfast and a presentation by Dennis Ryan with SkyMed. We would also like to thank our other corporate sponsors: Mt Comfort RV, Independence RV, Wood Design RV Interiors, Tire Minder Technologies, ITR Technologies, Magne Shade, Summit Products, Proteng, Blue Ox, Valterra Products, Sewer Saddle Bag, Colorful Accents, and members Debbie & David Seale for monetary as well as product contributions to support our rally and silent auction. A giant thanks to all the volunteers that helped in any way; the rally would not be a success without you!

These activities are a big part of our effort to leave a humanitarian imprint to areas of the country that we visit. This year we chose Christian Center of Park City and their Snacks in Backpack and Back 2 School Programs. A large part of our donation came from our drawing where we offered over $4,300 in merchandise. And of course, our chapter members wrote checks to help increase the donation. We were able to present a check for $6,825.00 during our farewell dinner.

Wednesday, we had a Pizza Party at the Heber County Rec Center where we socialized and enjoyed choosing items we wanted to take a chance on with our auction tickets. Watching the reactions of those whose ticket was drawn is often more fun than being picked.

Thursday, we met for a breakfast buffet followed by a Fulltimers roundtable, driver’s meeting for the caravan to International, a meeting for first time attendees and a Life on the Road presenters meeting.  We then participated in a Poker Walk in the afternoon.

Our farewell BBQ dinner was held at the Heber Historic Railroad followed by a Scenic Train Ride. Tom & Roni Lehmkuhl and Hal & Lynn Fryer gave departing remarks about their time in office followed with a gift presentation to Tom & Roni.

Most of us left our Fulltimers Rally to attend the International Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming. We had 88 Fulltimers Chapter member coaches in attendance at the Rock Springs Rally. Our Popcorn and Lemonade stand maintained a brisk business – we all know rallies make their attendees hungry and thirsty. The Fulltimers Chapter presented seminars on Monday and Wednesday attracting over 70 people each day. Thanks to our presenters John & Nancy Kelker, Dick White, Joe Symmes, Tom & Barbara Palmer, and Tom Lehmkuhl and of course, thanks to all who attended. Our chapter social was held on Thursday afternoon and had over 100 people enjoying beef sticks, trail mix and “Cow Patties” in our “Western Cowboy on the Range” get together.

Seemed like every time we turned around, we saw a familiar face as many of our members helped on golf cart shuttles, registration, manning info booths and food service. If you want something done, just ask a Fulltimer and consider it done.

Thanks to the Newmar Techs that make the journey every year to maintain our Newmars. Thanks also to the International Directors, Members-at-Large, Regional Directors, State and Local officers for their work in putting on a monumental event.

Looking ahead, we have two more rallies in the works. The Holly Jolly Rally this winter and the rally before International next summer. Our plans for a HOLLY JOLLY RALLY to be held at the beautiful Creekside RV Resort in Punta Gorda, Florida December 4th – 8th, are coming together. We have 30 sites reserved – all 50-amp Full Hookup. Preliminary plans include breakfast every morning, two (2) dinners, two (2) lunches, live entertainment, a tour of the Edison-Ford Estate, and a harbor lights sunset cruise. Only a few sites are left, so check the NKK Calendar of Events soon for availability. We will be supporting the local Shop with a Cop Program with fun activities and silent auction. There is a free day planned to explore on your own.

2022 FULLTIMERS RALLY AND ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING. The rally will be held in Hannibal, Missouri, September 24-29, before the International Rally in Sedalia, Missouri. We have reserved 60 sites and registration will take place through the NKK Website in March 2023. The rally will be held at Mark Twain Cave Campground. We are looking into venues and activities in the area. We’d love to hear your recommendations.

Join the Fulltimers Chapter by accessing the application form from the Fulltimers web page at Membership Application and Renewal Form or contact Tom & Barbara Palmer at secretary.nkkfulltimers@gmail.com