John & Diane Svatek (21793)
New York State Directors
Following the Region Seven Rally in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, we attended the New England States rally in Scarborough, Maine. Both were wonderful experiences shared with friends old and new from across the region. Thanks to Steve & Joanne Wyble, Jim & Donna McAllister for hosting.
The first weekend of June brought sixteen coaches, including three first-timers, to the Villages RV Park at Turning Stone Casino in Verona, New York. It was nice to enjoy large, roomy, partially shaded sites. Not feeling cramped and crowded was a plus compared to other RV parks. Our site easily accommodated our big rally tent, and we enjoyed gathering for meals, conversations, and a business meeting. Three Newmar coaches pulled into sites near ours but weren’t part of the rally. We invited them to dinner, which they attended and shared their experiences as Newmar owners. One couple was from Texas and California, full timing for 17 years. We gave them information about joining NKK and the fulltimers chapter. It’s not difficult to find owners who are receptive to becoming members. Just start the conversation.
Our one scheduled excursion was a boat tour of the historic Erie Canal. Our guide was knowledgeable, and we enjoyed hearing about the importance of the canal to local and state history, and beyond to the Great Lakes. We experienced going through one of the locks, which was informative and exciting.
We welcomed new Hudson Aires members who brought along their young children. Having grandchildren and younger families with children attending rallies brings a fresh perspective and an awareness that planning activities needs to be more family oriented.
On our way to the Western Pennsylvania Travelers rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, we stopped for one night in Hector, New York, along Seneca Lake in the Finger Lakes. This Finger Lakes RV Resort is brand new, and we have chosen it for our 2024 New York State Rally next June 6-9. Details to follow.
Our schedule for the rest of the 2023 season includes: Hudson Aires Belden Hill Rally near Binghamton, New York, the Lakers Rally over Labor Day weekend at the Daisy Barn campground in Wilson, New York, New England Aires Normandy Farms Rally in Foxborough, Massachusetts, September 6-9, and the Pennsylvania State caravan, September 22-29, heading to Sedalia, Missouri for the International Rally.
We can be reached at: John: 518-928-6268, jdsvatek@gmail.com or Diane: 518-928-1020, svatekdc@gmail.com.
