Rick Fox (21684)
Buckeye Kountry Travelers – President
Well, here we are at the end of our 2021 Rally season and what a great season we have had! Our State Directors, Flash & Bev Miller, treated us to a fantastic state rally. Yes, we had some rain, (actually, a lot of rain) but it didn’t dampen our spirits.
We had great food, and we really enjoyed the Lima/Allen County Museum. Whoever would have thought that there would be such a fantastic museum in Lima, Ohio? We were simply fascinated by the displays. Of course, we had to have lunch at Kewpees, the restaurant that Wendy’s was modeled after. We were amazed at the line in the restaurant. It didn’t matter what time of day you went by the place; it was packed. And I must say, their burgers put Wendy’s to shame (in my opinion).
I want to thank my bandmates from The Thunderbay Band for making the trip to Lima, Ohio from as far away as Warsaw, Kentucky to perform for our state members, and I have to tell you, they are ready to do it again. Every one of them commented on how they loved the audience and their interaction with the band. Thanks Flash & Bev for the invitation.
Our next stop was the BKT Chapter Rally at the Camp Perry Campground in Port Clinton, Ohio hosted by Bob & Becky Kayden and co-hosts Kevin & Diane Gannon. The campground was fantastic, with paved and level spots. We welcomed first time chapter attendees Scott & Pam Benson and Kevin & Diane Gannon. Yes, the Gannon’s were the co-hosts of the rally…how cool is that! We also had guests Mark & Pat Boldenow and Dennis & Pat Fligor. Thank you for joining us at the rally.
So, from the small world department, I was talking with Bob and Kevin (I know, hard to believe I was talking with anyone) and Bob mentioned that Kevin was a dentist (the toothbrushes and toothpaste in the welcome bags were compliments of Kevin.) I mentioned that my dentist in Cincinnati had recently retired and had a really nice office overlooking the Ohio River. Kevin asked was your dentist? They were classmates in dental school and had been known to consume a few beverages together. Who would have known?
Friday afternoon we went to Twin Oast Brewing for appetizers and a viewing of their beautiful grounds. It was amazing with group fire pits, beautiful landscaping and great people. What could make for a better afternoon? From there we went to Kayden’s storage condo for dinner. There we were treated to dinner and a short impromptu concert from a neighboring Barbershop Quartet. Saturday morning, we had a presentation by SkyMed who provided us with breakfast. From there, we were on our own to see some of the area’s sights.
Our hosts provided a list of things to see and do in the area. Several of us chose to take the Jet Express to Put-In-Bay. We rented a golf cart and toured the island. What a fun place loaded with OSU fans for the game and Octoberfest goers. I have to say that the Jet Express ride back was “interesting” and fun with some of the “well lubricated” OSU fans. Sunday morning, we had a rainy breakfast and said our goodbyes for the year.
But I forgot one thing. As we were prepping for the trip, our coach steps broke. A call to Lippert determined that we needed a new motor. The campground did not accept deliveries so I gave Bob Kayden a call. He gave me his PO Box and the motor was delivered Friday morning. My thanks to Flash Miller, Gary White and Bob Peasley for weathering the rain shower that started as I slid under the coach to start the repair. As I was under the coach working on the steps, I thought, this is what this Klub is about. If one of us has a problem, there is an army of help on the way. Thanks, guys, for your help!
From there, Jeanne & I headed to our winter retreat in Port St. Lucie, Florida to get it prepped for our upcoming stay in January and February. Jeanne worked my butt off (Actually, I still have quite a bit left…lol). If you are in our area this winter give us a shout, as the Tiki Bar is always open.
As we end our year, I want to thank each and every one of our chapter members for such a successful year. Most of our members attended at least one rally. Our chapter membership has nearly doubled. I’m very blessed to have a great team of officers to lead our chapter. Our members and all of you make us what we are. Thank you so much for your efforts.
As we look forward to 2022, it looks like our Region Rally will be in May at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds. Our June rally is tentatively scheduled for the Cardinal Campground in north of Columbus, Ohio. Our August rally is still in the planning stages. Joe Swartz, President of our sister chapter The Lake Erie Drifters, has approached me about having a joint October rally at the Bob Evans Farm Festival, which is always a good time. Jeanne will keep everyone posted with updated information on next years’ rallies.
Congratulations to our sister chapter, The Lake Erie Drifters on a successful first rally. I’ve heard (and seen from the photos) that a great time was had by all of the attendees. Ohio has two great chapters…so everyone…get out and enjoy what Ohio has to offer!
I hope that you all have a Happy New Year and I look forward to seeing all of you in 2022.
I can be reached at 513-616-8914 or rgfox09@gmail.com.
