BIG SKY FMCA Presidents Message... Covering the State of Montana July 2016 HAVE A SAFE & HAPPY 4TH OF JULY July 2016 Hello Big Sky folks; Well the warm summer temperatures tells us it s finally summer in Montana. I for one and very happy about that. It s the time of year that many of us get outside for picnics, family reunions and, of course, motorhome rallies with the Big Sky FMCA people. We recently attended the June rally that was held at Jim & Mary s RV park in Missoula. We had 15 coaches the first day and 14 for the remainder of the weekend. Without question, this park had the best appearance of any we have seen in many a year. There were beautiful flowers planted all throughout the park. And even though one coach had some water issues (that was promptly fixed), it is a park that is highly recommended. Twenty-six of us had dinner at the Buck Snort restaurant which also was excellent. Thanks again Bob & Becky Hagen and Tom & Dianne Clump for hosting. There is more information in this newsletter about up- Remembering Dorothy Evans, 2/22/1926-6/17/2016 Past President Big Sky FMCA 2000-2001 -1- coming rallies, however, I want to mention one in particular. It s the September rally that will be held at the Woodland RV park on September 8 9 10 in Libby. In addition to being a fun rally (Nordicfest), it is also the rally in which we elect several new officers of our chapter. Your attendance is greatly appreciated. The upcoming July rally, to be held in Polson during the annual cherry festival, looks like a lot of fun as well. Unfortunately Dixie and I will be unable to attend due to a family commitment in Louisiana. We ll see everyone in Joliet in August. Be sure to read the Wagon Master report concerning the summer rally schedule and other chapter news. A big Thank You to those of you who volunteered to host a rally this year. Best Regards and Safe Travels, Mike Teague Welcome to our newest members Keith & Priscilla Pippin of Missoula, Montana Keith & Priscilla are retired and full timers. Formerly from Phoenix, they now call Missoula their home base. Big Sky FMCA 2016 Chapter Officers... President: Mike Teague 406-868-6711 Vice President East: Al Baird 406-656-3606 Vice President West: Paul Bessler 406-443-3768 Secretary: Dixie Teague 406-868-6711 Treasurer: Susie Farr 406-431-9341 Wagon Master: Gene Farr 406-461-0426 National Director: Kelly Kruse 406-388-6827 Alt National Director: Mike Teague 406-868-6711 Newsletter/Membership: Susie Farr 406-431-9341
Wagon Master Message Thanks to Bretz RV for the door prize won by Tom & Dianne Clump. Polson (Diamond S RV in Ronan) is all booked up. Looks like we ll have 15 coaches for this rally. Mike & Dori have planned a dinner cruise and this is shaping up to be a great rally. I hope you have made your reservations and we ll see you there. August will be the 11th, 12th, and 13th at Will & Shirley Ketterling s place in Joliet. This will be a good one too, please make your plans. The flyer for this rally is also in this newsletter. And then Libby for the Nordicfest. Elections will be held at this rally so please plan on making it if you can. I heard a rumor that we may have a rally next year at Fort Peck either in July or August. You ll hear more on this if it comes about. That leaves us 3 open months. Please think about hosting a rally near your hometown or someplace that happens to be your favorite. As your wagon master I m here to help you through each step... if you don t think you can host but have a good idea on a location, please give me a call. 2016 Rally Schedule July 14-15 - 16, 2016: Ronan (Polson Cherry Festival). Hosted by Mike & Dori Tucker. August 11-12 - 13, 2016: Will & Shirley Ketterling will be hosting a boondocking rally at their place in Joliet along the Rock Creek. September 8-9 - 10, 2016: Libby (Nordicfest) Hosted by Gene & Susie Farr and Dan & Jinny Schoenback. Gene Farr, Wagon Master Newsletter/Membership Message Keith & Priscilla Pippin noticed our group in Missoula and approached us about joining, which they did. They may not be able to make any rallies this year due to prior commitments but plan on making them next year. Pictures of the Missoula Rally are on page 3. Flyers for July, August & September Rallies are in this newsletter. Since Will & Shirley will be hosting at their place they ask that you call them to confirm your attendance. They are planning a good time for all of us. Susie Farr, Newsletter/Membership BIG SKY FMCA MEMBERSHIP FORM Name FMCA# Address City State Zip Phone Cell# (Optional) E-Mail(s) Annual dues $15.00 plus one time new member sign up fee of $5.00. Badges (not required) $12/pair (pin); $15/pair (Magnetic) (Circle one) Make checks out to Big Sky FMCA. Multi-year memberships available. Circle: 1 yr 2 yr. 3 yr. Total amount Enclosed Mail to Susie Farr, Treasurer, 935 Isy Loop, Helena, MT 59602-2 -
Becky & Bob and Tom & Dianne Missoula June 16, 17, 18, 2016 New Members Keith & Priscilla Pippin Bretz Door Prize Winners Tom & Dianne Clump $100 Attendance Award Gene & Susie Farr Happy Hour - A little rain doesn t stop us! Anna Hagen thought it was a pretty day! Rain, rain go away! Coffee & Donuts! Dennis & Bill sharing a laugh Good conversation over a cup of coffee Settling in for a nice happy hour We love our happy hours! Okay Bob We see you Lorene & Sharon having a good time Mel, Jinny, Sue & Rocky Dinner at the Buck Snort - 3 - A good time at the Buck Snort for dinner Pot Luck Dinner on Saturday evening
July 14-15 - 16 Polson Cherry Festival 2016 46711 Old US Highway 93 Ronan, MT 59864 Under new ownership, Rick and Desiree Sinclair. Centrally located between Missoula and Kalispell in the beautiful Mission Valley, the Diamond S is the perfect place to stay for the most scenic and enjoyable experience in Northwest Montana! The Diamond S not only has spectacular views of the Mission Mountain Range, but is only a short distance from mountain lakes, valley rivers, Flathead Lake, The National Bison Range, St. Ignatius Church, the Miracle of America Museum and Glacier Park. Camping fee: $31.03/nite, 30 amp service available only. Phone: 406-676-2267 or Email: camp-diamond-s@ronan.net. Reservations must be made by June 6th. Make sure to mention you are a part of the Big Sky FMCA Group. Directions: Diamond S RV Park is located on the north edge of Ronan, Montana on Highway 93 at the intersection of Highway 93 and Old 93 Road. Rally Fee $15. Hosts: Mike and Dori Tucker. Thursday July 14th: Arrival Day 7:00pm Dinner cruise on Flathead Lake: Tickets $30 per person. Reservations (406-883-3636). Purchase tickets After June 1st but no later than June 15th Friday July 15th 8:30am Continental Breakfast 10:00am-4:00pm Free day. Enjoy golf, Miracle of America Museum, National Bison Range, amphibious duck rides to Kerr Dam, Three Dog Down, Glacier Park, and endless shopping. 4:00pm Happy Hour 6:00 pm Pot Luck Saturday July 16th 8:30am Continental Breakfast 10:00am-4:00pm Cherry Festival Downtown Polson 4:00pm Happy Hour (Heavy hours-d oeuvre and beverage) Sunday July 17th: Departure Day - Thank You for coming - safe travels 8:30am Continental Breakfast (Cherry Festival Downtown Polson) - 4 -
Join Shirley & Will Ketterling at their home in Joliet and dry camp with Rock Creek flowing near by. August 11, 12, 13 ~ Rally Fee $20 Coming from East or West on Interstate 90 take Laurel exit that goes to Red Lodge. When you get off Interstate take a left hand turn. This turn will put you on highway 212 which goes to Fort Rockvale. Stay on 212 thru Rockvale, (Do not turn at this corner.) Travel about 21/2 miles to MontAqua Road. Make a left hand turn onto MontAqua. (MontAqua is the only left hand turn onto a road between Fort Rockvale and Joliet. All others are private driveways) Continue on MontAqua across the bridge First place on right hand side is 677 MontAqua the Ketterlings. Please call Will or Shirley at 962-3506 by August 5th to confirm if you will be attending this rally. Thursday August 11th: Arrival Day We will have a fire pit if anyone 4:00pm - Happy Hour - bring your beverage would like to sit around it. If anyone plays an instrument or likes 5:30 pm - Pizza after happy hour Friday August 12th to sing come share with us. 8:30am - Continental Breakfast at hosts car port 10:00am-4:00pm - Free day to enjoy Red Lodge, golf, Beartooth Highway, the Montana Fair or Moss Mansion in Billings or even drive to Cody Wyo. 4:00pm - Happy Hour - bring your beverage and heavy hors d oeuvres. Dinner on your own. Saturday August 13th 8:30am - Continental Breakfast at hosts site 10:00am-4:00pm - Free day to enjoy Red Lodge, golf, Beartooth Highway, the Montana Fair or Moss Mansion in Billings or even drive to Cody Wyo. 4:00pm - Happy Hour - bring your beverage 5:00pm - Pot Luck - Salads & Dessert. Meat & baked potato bar will be furnished. Sunday August 14th: Departure Day 8:30am - Continental Breakfast Thanks for attending, safe travels home - 5 -
Reservation Deadline is August 6th! Libby - September 8, 9, 10 Woodland RV Park, 31480 US-2 (located west end of Libby) Phone 293-8395 to reserve. Call by August 6th & Mention you are with FMCA Group $35/night or $40 for creek side, Full Hookups. Hosted by Gene & Susie Farr & Dan & Jinny Schoenback. Nordicfest is celebration of the area s rich Scandinavian heritage with music, food & cultural events. Held each year in September. Events are held at various locations around Libby. Thursday September 8: Arrival Day Venture Inn 4:00pm - Happy Hour at hosts site - bring your beverage Libby 5:30 pm - Caravan to dinner at the Venture Inn - dinner at 6 Friday September 9 8:30am - Continental Breakfast at hosts site 10:00am-4:00pm - Free day to enjoy Nordicfest or visit Libby Dam. 4:00pm - Happy Hour - bring a heavy hours-d euvre and beverage. Dinner on your own. Saturday September 10 8:30am - Continental Breakfast at hosts site 10:00am-4:00pm - Free day to enjoy the parade, Nordicfest, Ross Creek Cedar Grove or maybe Kootenai Falls 4:00pm - Happy Hour - Happy Hour bring your beverage 5:00pm - Potluck - at hosts site - bring your favorite dish Business meeting with elections immediately following potluck Sunday September 11th: Departure Day 8:30am - Continental Breakfast Thanks for attending, safe travels home Sons of Norway Float in parade - 6 - Ross Creek Cedar Grove nearby