John & Diane Svatek (21793)
New York Hudson Aires – President and Secretary (outgoing)
As I write this, spring brings rain, green grass, flowers and leaves on the trees, ducks, and geese on the river. We appreciate the warmer weather, having returned from Florida to snow and cold.
One of our goals is to constantly reach out to new owners and members to increase chapter membership. We have been noticing an increase in Newmar owners on Long Island, so this winter we’ve focused on contacting them by phone, email and snail mail. We recently met with potential new members on Long Island to encourage their joining our eastern New York chapter. Current chapter members also attended to share their experiences. We enjoyed a delicious luncheon thanks to the generosity of Judith Grant and William Bezman. Four couples joined the Hudson Aires, and one renewed his membership. The success of this gathering leaves us more motivated to schedule additional meet and greet events around the state.
We have had a busy spring, attending the Region Seven Rally in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the New England States Rally in Scarborough, Maine, and our own New York State Rally in Verona, New York. We enjoyed learning more about the history of the Erie Canal and its importance as an inland waterway. Mid-June, we will be with the Western Pennsylvania Travelers in Erie, Pennsylvania.
The Hudson Aires Chapter Rally is scheduled for August 3-6, at Beldin Hill Campground, Harpursville, New York, northeast of Binghamton. Among the area attractions, we’ll have the option to attend the Speidie Fest and Balloon Rally in Binghamton, offering good food, music and hot air balloons. This balloon festival is one of the largest in the country. Binghamton is also known for their functioning carousels, so touring the carousel trail is an adventure.
Looking ahead to the election of chapter officers in the fall, we will be seeking a new slate of officers. As New York State Directors, we will be leaving our chapter officers’ positions. With so many wonderfully capable chapter members who can bring new energy, strengths, and skills to the leadership positions, let us know that you’re ready to step up to reinvigorate the chapter.
We are looking forward to our travels this rally season, and to meeting up with many of you in the coming months.
We can be reached at: 518-928-6268 (John) jdsvatek@gmail.com, or 518-928-1020 (Diane) svatekdc@gmail.com.