July 23, 2008

Summer Greetings to All MAB Members:     

    I hope you are all enjoying your summer thus far.  We just completed another wonderful rally in
    Baraboo , WI , thanks to our hosts John & Ruth Serio and co-hosts Bob & Jan Israelson.  Those
    attending were Jerry & Carol Hardacre, Bill & Carol Haenny, Bob & Paula Young, Tom & Judy
    Robinson, Bob & Judy Hansen, Jerry & Joyce Borkoski, Jim & Carolyn Shedenhelm, Jean & Barbara
    Zielinski.  We had great food, fun, and fellowship which started on Thursday evening with a social
    hour with the hosts providing sloppy joe sandwiches and each member bringing a snack to share.  

    Baraboo is a wonderful destination with unlimited choices of things to do.  It is close to the
    Wisconsin Dells, but Baraboo itself offers many things to do and see.  Some of us went to the
    Circus World Museum where they had live circus performances, over 170 original circus wagons at
    the Ringling Bros. historic winter headquarters.  I learned that there were five Ringling Bros. who
    started the circus.  There is the Al Ringling Theatre, a National Historic Theatre, built by the
    last living Ringling brother which still presents movies, live events and tours.  The Mid-Continent
    Railway Museum offered antique train rides and the International Crane Foundation offers guided
    and self-guided tours where you can experience the Cranes in their habitat.  There are 15 crane
    species in the world and they are among the rarest birds on earth.   Then, of course, we had
    plenty of free time to just explore the shopping, antique shops, or go to the Ho-Chunk Casino. Our
    hosts had a Fishing Derby with the winner being the greatest fisher woman, Judy Robinson; second
    place to Bob Young; and third place Carol Hardacre.  The proceeds of this derby were divided with
    St. Jude Children’s Hospital.   We also played Dime Bingo after our evening pitch-in meal on
    Friday.  We had several winners and lots of laughs and fun. This was followed by a campfire.  On
    Saturday evening dinner was at the Log Cabin Family Restaurant followed by fellowship around a
    campfire.  It was truly a wonderful way to spend time in Wisconsin.   

    There was no business meeting!  Just lots of fun!!!!

    August 21 – 24, 2008 will be at the KOA of Indianapolis and hosted by Rick & Kathy Groves and
    co-hosted by Herb & Sue Feltner which will be in conjunction of the Annual Mt. Comfort Air
    Show.  Another special event will be a Motor Home Driving School by Rick Groves on Friday.  
    Friday night will be a pitch-in dinner so please bring a covered dish, salad, or dessert.  Advance
    Discount Air Show tickets are available on line at www.indyairshow.com and click on “Buy
    Tickets.”  Advance tickets are $17.00 and $20.00 at the gate.  For more information about the
    Air show contact Kathy Groves at kgroves@mabounders.org or go to the MAB website and click on
    “calendar” then the icon for the August rally.  For reservations call KOA at 1-800-562-0531
    ASAP.

    September 18-21, 2008 Bob & Paula Young will be the hosts and Co-Hosted by Bill & Carol
    Haenny and Dan & Niecy Milner at Mark Twain Cave Campgrounds in Hannibal , MO.  For
    reservations call 1-800-527-0304 and tell them you are with MAB.

    October 16-19, 2008 will be at the beautiful Sundermeier RV Park in St. Charles, MO. hosted
    by Larry & Jolly Ann Whitener and Tom & Judy Robinson.  To make reservations call Sundermeier
    RV Park at 1-800-929-0832 then contact Jolly Ann and let her know you are coming.

    2009 RALLIES:  It is that time of year to start thinking about who, what, and where we would
    like to hold our 2009 Rallies.  We need hosts and co-hosts to volunteer.  If you have never
    hosted, it is easy to be a co-host and then you can get ideas and experience to be a host in the
    future.  If at all possible, we really do need to be getting our rallies as centrally located as
    possible in our six state areas so the driving expenses will be suitable for everyone.  Also, please
    remember that in 2004 we voted to hold our rallies on the third weekend of each month, May
    thru October.  So wherever you live or like to camp, be thinking about MAB and please think about
    hosting or co-hosting.  If you would like to host or co-host a rally, please contact Sue Feltner.  
    We need to get this done by our October meeting.  


                   IN MEMORY OF OUR DEAR FRIEND, PAUL E. FULKERSON
                                     May 16, 1931 – July 2, 2008

    Paul Fulkerson, 77, of Tolono, IL passed away on July 2, 2008 after an extended illness.  Paul
    was a long time member of BOA and a Charter Member of Mid-America Bounders in 1997.  He
    was Secretary under his late wife Anne serving as President for MAB during the late 90's. The
    Fulkerson's were also active in FMCA and volunteered much time to both organizations.  Paul was
    preceded in death by his wife Anne McNeill in 2006 two daughters, Patti Fulkerson and Margaret
    Comerford; and a granddaughter, Katerina Comerford.  Paul retired from the US Air Force, and
    then became a civilian instructor at Chanute Air Force Base, at Rantoul ,IL .   Burial was at the
    Roselawn Cemetery, in Champaign, IL on July 7, 2008.  Paul will be missed by many.  

    Paul continued to be a very active member of MAB even after Anne died.  He volunteered to host
    rallies for MAB; was a very devoted and dedicated member of the First Presbyterian Church of
    Tolono, IL., and he loved camping and traveling in his motor home.  Paul was a season ticket holder
    for Illini football and he liked to attend the Illini Women’s Basketball games.  He was also a
    member of the Illini Quarterback Club.   He was a man who really enjoyed life and lived it to its
    fullest.   MAB will certainly miss our friend, Paul.

    CONCERNS:  Joan Clay is recuperating from gout in her foot.  Sue Tabor is doing well from knee
    replacement surgery; and Phyllis Jones needs prayers for a medical problem.


                                          PRESIDENT'S CORNER
                                            By Jerry Hardacre

    This is the last year I will be serving as President of MAB.  I have served two terms and they
    have been full of very rewarding times.  The Nominating Committee has been appointed to present
    a slate of officers at the October Meeting.  There are many capable people in MAB that could
    serve as President, Vice President, and Secretary and do a good job.  Jolly Ann has agreed to run
    again for Treasurer. If you are asked to serve, please seriously consider it.   

    BOA is suffering from declining membership and we are all ambassadors for BOA and MAB. We
    have recruited two new members in the last month simply by being alert and friendly to fellow
    Bounder owners and asking if they belong to BOA.  Be prepared by carrying blank BOA and MAB
    applications with your name and BOA number on it.  Remember, for every three members you
    recruit gives you one year free BOA membership.
                                                                    
    Here is an article written by our member and BOA North Central Vice- President, Tom Robinson.  

                                     THROUGH THE WINDSHIELD
                                           By Tom Robinson

    I am fully aware that the articles I have written thus far have really been directed more to
    those who are most active in our chapter.  So, this one is purposefully aimed at some other
    members.

    I realize in today’s hurry up society, it is so easy to make excuses that we don’t have time to
    attend campouts let alone be an officer or serve on a committee.  We have all kinds of pressing
    issues that seem to take up more time than we have in a day.  If the people that are keeping our
    organization running decide that they do not have time either, there may come a day…….

    So, yes, you are as important to our group as everyone who belongs regardless of the position or
    status they have achieved.  I must tell you though that these offices and positions are earned
    and not just handed out arbitrarily.  I have heard people say they are not motivated to attend
    camp-outs because they are not involved in a committee or as an officer.  Well, you sure can’t be
    an effective committee member or officer if you haven’t been attending nearly all the camp-outs
    and have a good idea of what is going on.  

    If all families participate, then the chapter will flourish and the core group that seems to do all
    the work will have some much needed help.  If it takes four people to do something, and only two
    show up, it makes it twice as hard; but, if eight show up it can be twice as easy (and maybe even
    fun!).  We should be proud of who and what we are and strive to make our chapter as strong and
    prosperous as possible.

    If you really want to do something, you’ll find a way; if you don’t, you’ll find an excuse.

    Safe Travels,

    Carol Hardacre, Secretary