Greg & Margie Harrop (20694)
Florida State Directors
Well, we sure hope that y’all north of the Great State of Florida have begun to thaw out. The weather sure has been one crazy day after another. We keep on saying “Come on Down” and y’all keep saying “Maybe Next Year.”
We are still feeling the effects of COVID and Omicron throughout the United States, Canada, and all over the world. We hope and pray that our Newmar family and families are staying healthy, taking care, and staying safe. This COVID stuff is still trying to do its best to stop us from rallying but, we, the Newmar family, are still rearing to go and get out and about safely. All our chapter and state rallies have been coming together on schedule with lots of fun, fellowship, tours, games and of course plenty of good food.
The Newmar Kountry Klub Tampa Super Show was held in January, and we had 211 coaches. Region Five Directors Gary and Wanda Smith were the Hosts of the event and Margie and I were Co-Hosts. We could not have had a successful event without the help of International Directors Ron and Wanda Llewellyn, Region Seven Directors Bob & Jane Hadley, and Carolina State Directors Carl & Gail Webber. Also, a big shout out to our Parking Crew of Chuck Steenwyk, Brad Steenwyk, and me, along with Ron Llewellyn and Dick Williams. We also want to thank the many Volunteers that made this a successful event. And to the Lady Volunteers a “BIG THANK YOU” from the guys because without you guiding us along the way we would have been lost for sure.
Upon arrival the Newmar Techs (and there were a bunch of them) provided by Newmar hit the road running. They completed over 150 service calls and did an outstanding job. We are so glad the weather was good for them, but I will say that for this South Florida boy, the flannel jeans, sweatshirts and my one winter coat were all worn a few days. Even Margie brought out her winter coat, hat, and gloves. Of course, there were a few of those Northerners that wore their bermuda shorts and t-shirts, because as they said this is nice compared to where we live.
For some fun and fellowship, the CEO/Commissioner/Head Official of Fun (that’s me) held the 2022 Cornhole Tournament, and all the participants had a great time. First Place was taken by Gary Smith (Region Five Director) who also brought back his cornhole ringer by the name of Elmer Yoder (Elmer, I’m sure most of y’all know him; he’s one of the best Newmar Service Techs around). Tommy Rygiel and Cory Christensen came in with the mindset to beat the reigning Tampa Super Show Champions. They held on at first and then Smith and Yoder pulled it out in the end for the Championship. There was also a Ladies Team of Becky Rygiel and Margee Mangus. These Ladies gave the men a run for the money. They played tough but were beaten only by a thread in the end, and they came in 3rd Place.
Most of the attendees traveled over to Parkesdale Farmers Market, 3702 W Baker St, Plant City, Florida (just a few miles down from Tampa Super Show) to partake in the Strawberry Shortcakes, Sundaes, or Milk Shakes. If y’all have not partaken in this special strawberry event, you need to put it on your schedule for next year.
At the Tampa Super Show we held a Florida Social, and we had over 100 people in attendance, a great showing, and of those we had over 30 first time members sign up for the Florida Manatees, Pelicans, and Sea Turtles. Each chapter was well represented by their respective Chapter Presidents, VPs, Secretaries, and Treasurers. Margie and I can’t say enough about our chapters; they are “The Greatest” and make our job that much easier.
To our new 2022 Newmar Kountry Klub and chapter members, we want to “Welcome” y’all to our family. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give us a call or send us an email. We look forward to meeting y’all at our chapter rallies in our travels.
Well until we see y’all down the road; Remember, “The best part of any journey is the people we meet along the way.”
We can be reached at gmh4369@gmail.com Greg’s cell: 954-914-8335.
