Evan and Debbie Hughes (19771)
Members-At-Large
Can you believe we are into April already, and that the International Rally is quickly approaching? We know that many of you have already registered, actually over 400 have registered, and it is shaping up to be another successful and fun event. Last time we spoke a little about the town of Rock Springs. This time we want to discuss the rally. We all love to learn new things and share our experiences. But did you know that many of the seminars at the International Rally are presented by people just like you? Yes, there are the vendor seminars and they are valuable to attend. But there are so many more things to share.
This rally, as with many, runs on volunteers. It is your experience and ideas that spawn ideas that form into seminars. So it’s time to think; do you have an idea for a seminar you would like to see? Perhaps you could host a seminar on a topic you are familiar with. Or get together with another couple or person and work together to set up a seminar and then contact the Klub Office about putting on the seminar at the International this year. We all benefit from everyone’s knowledge and experience. Deadline to submit seminar topics is May 13.
Are you able to discuss how to host a rally? How about locating campgrounds, or the skills to boondock successfully? Maybe you have a hobby you can share? We have had presentations on writing a novel, Geocaching, and organization your rig. We have seminars because of our members. What can you offer? Have you learned to master the convection microwave in your motorhome? Or maybe the Instant Pot or Air Fryer. Or maybe you can teach others the hand signals for backing a rig and parking. We could all use some extra information.
We also need craft class instructors, do you crochet or knit and are you willing to teach a beginners class? Or choose a project that is simply taught. Do you rock paint? Make ornaments or wreaths? Don’t be afraid, it’s fun to teach a class.
The International Rally always struggles to get enough vendors, as we are often in competition with other events and our rally, although big for us, isn’t big enough for some vendors to make the trek. Do you know a vendor you would like to suggest or have attend? Contact the Klub office and give Linda or DeAnn their information and they can send a letter asking if the person would be interested in attending. The best suggestions come from our members.
Putting on seminars are not the only way to volunteer at the International Rally. Whether it is your first rally or you have attended many, volunteering is a great way to get involved, meet people and enhance your rally experience. There are volunteers needed for parking coaches, registration, food services, driving shuttle carts, manning the Information Desk, assisting with seminar setup and monitoring and many more valuable positions. The time needed to volunteer varies from task to task, but most are four hours or less per a shift. You can sign-up for some in advance of the rally and at the rally in the registration area after you have registered. If you wait to sign up at the rally, be sure to look at the rally schedule first to pick the times to volunteer that do not conflict with other events or seminars you want to attend. You can also sign up to volunteer to help your Regions in whichever tasks they have been assigned. Contact your Regional Director for more information.
Speaking of schedules, we use an app called Grupio to communicate with attendees during the International Rally. Grupio has schedules and other important information available to you. We recommend you download the app before the rally so you can use it to choose what you want to see or do. We make the rally information available shortly before the rally. This year we are aiming for July 1st.
We look forward to seeing you at rallies this spring and summer on the road and in Rock Springs, Wyoming this July. Registration is still open and craft classes are in this Legacy Magazine and in next The Happenings email; check them out as many fill up early. The Klub is also hosting a Quilts of Valor Block Drive, again. Look for information in The Happenings and also elsewhere in this issue of the Legacy as well.
We are always available to hear your thoughts and concerns, so don’t hesitate to contact us. We can be contacted at :Evan – 707-479-8210 | Debbie – 707-953-9888 | newmarkountryklubmal@gmail.com.
