SEACA Newsletter – August/September 2020
Hello Members of the Southeast Chapter,
It has been many months since we have last gathered in our “folding chairs social circle”. Am very much looking forward to our Fall rally in Pine Mountain GA where we will gather again. The dates of that rally are October 1 through 5, 2020. This will be a very low-key rally with no organized meals. Hopefully this will keep down the coronavirus concerns. Other than the cost of the camp site there will be no rally fees associated with this rally. Our musically-talented, longstanding Southeast member Larry Hornsby has agreed to entertain us with his singing and karaoke (thank you Larry). Hope to see many of you in Pine Mountain. There is much to do in the area so you will not be disappointed. Should you have to cancel for whatever reason, remember that your first-day deposit is non-refundable. Register with the Pine Mountain RV Resort 706-663-4329 and online at www.southeastaca.net.
Ray and Pauline Shea send you their heart-felt thanks for all the cards and prayers that have been sent their way. Ray was transferred to the VA Medical Center in Houston Texas just last week (Wednesday, August 16, 2020). Regrettably, this transfer prohibits Pauline from being with him so she is back in Mississippi. Ray’s new address is: Michael Debakey Hospital, VA Medical Center, 2002 Holcombe Blvd., 1B-124D, Raymond Shea, Houston, TX 77030. Please continue to keep both of these kind and generous people in your prayers.
There is a new American Coach Dealer in Florida, the General RV Center in Dover, Florida. The addition of this center makes this the largest American Coach dealership. The address is General RV Center, 13396 East US Highway 92, Dover Florida. The contact person is Trae Akien, phone 813-305-2500. This dealership was kind enough to reach out to us, so if you are looking for an American Coach and knowing Lazydays is no longer in the American Coach business, give it a try.
I mentioned in the last newsletter that SEACA bylaws require that the Nominating Committee be comprised of past officers. Past Presidents Jim Graham and Bob Franks have graciously agreed to serve on the nominating committee. Should you receive a call from either one of these members asking you to serve as an officer of this fine organization, please give their request serious consideration. The organization needs you!
On that note, Mac Pack Chapter (Trim Sawtelle, President) has announced that it will be folding because it could not get any one to step up to the offices of President or Vice President . An effort was made by a small group to other Chapter Presidents to save Mac Pack by merger but that effort was unsuccessful. This is the second ACA Chapter to fold in less than two years.
Our Christmas Rally is still moving forward. Please mark your calendars for December 3 through 7, 2020 at Creekside RV Resort in Punta Gorda FL. Rally hosts, Jerry and Kay Venlett and Michael and Dorothy Strunk are working hard to make this a fun-filled rally. Again, register online at www.southeastaca.net and with the Creekside RV resort 941-833-3334. Price for this rally is $305 which includes four nights in perimeter sites.
The National ACA Board of Directors has approved the SEACA request to hold its 10th annual Regional Rally in January, 2021. In the past, Southeast held a pre-rally with former Happy Wanderers chapter, then the Regional rally at Lazydays followed immediately by a rally at the Florida Supershow. For 2021 these three events have been combined into one 10th Annual Eastern Regional Rally. The dates for the Regional rally are January 6 through 17, 2021. Starting point will be Lazydays on January 6 through 12, 2021. The Lazydays portion will include our usual catered meals, entertainment and annual meeting. (The Happy Wanderers Alumni will gather on the first two days of the Lazydays gathering.) Should you have any questions on this aspect, please contact Ed or Susan Lightfoot, our Lazydays rally hosts. The Lazydays segment of the rally reservations should be made by calling Lazydays RV Campground (800-905-6627 or 813-246-4777). As previously stated, billing and refund policies for Lazydays has changed so be sure to ask about these changes when making your reservations. Do not forget to also register online at www.southeastaca.net. We will then move on to the Supershow aspect of the rally. Keith Landers has had discussions with the Tampa RV Supershow and learned that the show is a BIG go this year. In fact, it is expected to be the largest show ever! This aspect of the Regional rally begins on Tuesday, January 13 through Sunday, January 17, 2021. We will again have our nightly socials at a large tented roundup area. Randy and Keith are also planning a Big Seafood Boil and possibly a BBQ as well. Remember that registration for the Supershow aspect is handled by the Florida Recreational Vehicle Trade Association (FRVTA). Registration will open on October 5 on the Tampa RV Supershow site. This is a very popular event and sells out quickly so be sure to make your reservations quickly on or soon after October 5, 2020. Once you have registered with the Supershow we would ask that you let Southeast know as well (form available online at www.southeastaca.net). In the past, the Chapter has not charged any extra fees for this event. This year, as our revenue is down, we may ask for a nominal fee per coach to defray costs of seafood and BBQ. Should you have any questions regarding the Supershow aspect of the rally, please contact Keith Landers at keith@southeastaca.net.
We are still projecting a Disney Rally in February 2021 and a Spring rally at Florida Grande in April 2021. Please check your magazine for additional information on these rallies.
The National Rally is set for November 1-6, 2020 at the Paragon Casino in Marksville, Louisiana. This is the 30th Anniversary celebration and sure to be a very special event. The ACA magazine includes a registration form and address where the registration form may be sent. Further information is available at www.myamericancoach.com. National rallies are always a great way to meet fellow ACA members from across the country. You should consider attending this rally, especially if you have not before attended a national rally. Also, the National ACA will be holding elections for its officers. If anyone is interested in serving on the National Board, please let me know and I will forward your interest, along with a resume, to National.
The National ACA will be holding elections for its officers. If anyone is interested in serving on the National Board, please let me know and I will forward your interest, along with a resume, to National.
Most importantly, allow me to introduce our newest members (I have been remiss in not doing this in my last newsletter).
- Dean Eakin from Islalmorada, FL
- Chris Miskell, Senoia, GA;
- Cleve Bennett of Brunswick GA;
- Nicole and Rich Belford, Orlando FL;
- Cub and Marge Stewart Clearfield, PA.
Welcome to the Southeast Chapter of ACA. We look forward to seeing/meeting you at the chapter rallies.
As always, should you have any questions, concerns or suggestions do not hesitate to contact me. Stay healthy and safe. Look forward to seeing you in October or December.
Dorothy Strunk
President, Southeast Chapter