Tim Buchholz (12344)
Florida Pelicans – President
I’m writing this February/March 2022 article while at our first “Ghost Host” Rally. That’s a rally where no one has stepped up to put on an event. So, we just pick a date and location to see what kind of attention it will draw. Well, we ended up having a grand turnout of 35 folks and 17 coaches on hand for the 3 days. I have been camping/traveling, starting with pickup campers and now Newmar for 56 years and if you were to ask my input, which they didn’t, this RV Resort is the best design and layout of a campsite that I have ever encountered. This place is 5 Star and nothing less and they are still growing it. I was able to convince Connie B. and Carol Hussey to plan some activities. We visited the Bok Tower in Lake Wales one day and Celebration City with their “Now Snowing in Celebration” event on Tuesday.
We added the following members to our roster at this rally, they are Jim & Nancy Lucas. Prior to this event we signed on Edward & Tari Collins; Dan & Joy Cutting; Joe & Lane Wachy and Carl & Jan Bethmann. Please reach out to them at our events and make them feel part of the flock.
The Pelicans held their January 2022 rally again at the Tampa Super Show. There will probably be 20 coaches attending and we will have a chapter sponsored ribs and chicken evening planned. Several folks will probably come by car as they live in the area. Our daughter, Lori and husband Pat, will be joining us from Minnesota as they have heard so much from me about the Super Show. They are flying down to see all that’s available in 5th wheels and trucks. They will be stepping into retirement soon and can’t wait to get out on the road.
The chapter finalized their slate of officers at a short meeting during our Christmas gathering. The 2022 Pelican Officers will be: Tim Buchholz, President; Pat Hartman, Vice President; Susan Duchesneau, 2nd Vice President and Gerry Smith, Secretary/Treasurer. I had hoped to step aside after 3 years, but we recently lost our VP, Roger Mercier, so another year to go. I feel our slate of officers coming on board are solid and will keep the Pelicans soaring.
We have no rally planned for February as sites are almost impossible to book during prime season. We are looking at possibly doing a “Mystery Train” excursion out of Fort Myers. In March we again are heading to the Strawberry Festival in Plant City, Florida. Our membership Chair and now VP Pat Hartman has been hosting the event for several years. Pat, thanks for continuing to head it up for our folks.
If you’re spending your winters in SW Florida, we would love to have you join us. We Pelicans have a luncheon each 4th Monday of the month at roving locations from Punta Gorda to Naples. Call me at 239-464-0219 if you’re interested. We would love your company and get to know you. We also co-host the winter NKK luncheon held at the Golden Corral on Colonial St. in Fort Myers on the 3rd Tuesday of the month at 11:30 AM. It is headed up by your International Directors, Ron & Wanda Llewellyn, who winter right here in N. Fort Myers, Florida. They will always get you up to date as to what is happening in the Newmar Stable.
Till then happy trails to all by Newmar. We can be reached at Tim.buchholz80@gmail.com Cell: 239-464-0219.
