Richard & Donna Ritchie (16254)
Illinois State Directors

We hope you got to see more of your family this year during the holidays. We visited family on our way to the valley in Texas, our winter home. We got a late start leaving town this year, but the cold weather reminded us why we leave. We did manage to get settled before the holidays and went out to eat for our big meal.

Another fond member of our Southern group the IKKs passed away this fall. Cookie Dierker, an avid reader, and one of our members that always enjoyed a good rally. She is survived by her husband, Ed Dierker, and son and daughter. Candace Marquis, her daughter followed her parents in becoming a full timer of a Newmar. Ed & Cookie lived in our sister RV park in Texas, and enjoyed many luncheons, and trips around the valley. She will be missed by many.

Our Illinois/Iowa State Rally will be in Whittington, Illinois coming up on June 8th and a farewell breakfast on the 12th of June. It is located near Rend Lake, and one of our favorite places to camp off I-57. Reservations can be made 618-435-3401 by June 1st. They will be accepting payment when you arrive of cash or check. If you prefer to use a credit card, there is an additional charge. Be sure to tell them when making your reservations that you are with the Newmar Rally. Many of their sites are pull through, but some will be back ins so we can be close to the outdoor pavilion. The price is $42.90 daily and back ins are $37.00 with your group discount. Their website is whittingtonwoodscampground.com.

We hope your calendars are set for the International Rally in Rock Springs, Wyoming July 16-23, with an early boondocking date of July 15th. We have never been to this campground before, so we are looking forward to exploring a new area. All the sites are 50 amps, so that will be nice.

They recently announced the 2023 International Rally in Sedalia, Missouri at the Missouri State Fairgrounds. These dates are September 30-October 7, 2023.

Our Newmar monthly luncheons have started, and it’s great to see our extended Newmar Family. Be sure to check your area this winter. Travel safely and enjoy the ride. We are looking forward to seeing you this year.

We can be reached at reritchie@comcast.net or 847-804-4272.