Well here we are again? We know you all are wondering why we are doing the newsletter; it seems our “fearless leader” is enjoying himself in Hawaii. What a shame that he missed such a good rally. Boy what a time we had. The weather was wonderful as was the attendance. There were fourteen units; three drive ins; and four visitors. Those attending: Broughton, Fleeharty, Humble, Hutchens, Jenkins, Lockin, Meier, Schaette, Schwartz J, Schwartz T, Schwartz R, Stalling, Wagner, Wheat; driving in for the day: Hangsleben, Koen, White D; visiting with us: Keith and Isaac Foreman, friends of Phil and Linda Stalling; Romaine Broughton’s grandchildren Seth, Jackson and Andrew. Okay, we hope we did not forget anyone.

Friday night we all went to the Leaky Bucket on the lake and had fish. We think the Bucket overflowed instead of leaking as we think we were a little overwhelming. Most enjoyed the fish, it was stated they were out of fish and some really believed it. Yes you are right he is a stinker sometimes. Some in attendance was really pleased to learn the Leaky Bucket served breakfast. We then went back and enjoyed visiting around the campfire. Some of the ladies were told to go ahead and go on back to the trailer as the men would put out the fire. Wonder what that meant?

Saturday dawned cool and bright; the fire was brought to life and the day began; some went to breakfast and the rest did their thing. Although it wasn’t as cold as it has been in the past we enclosed the shelter with tarps. The women had a Golf game going; Linda Hangsleben true to form had a new game to share. Golf Also!! You had to be there. Around 3:00 P.M. the tripod and kettle was set up and you would not believe the different types of chili going in that pot. As you can imagine there was lots of tasting going on. Some like it hot and some didn’t. We saw one guy put almost a whole bottle of chili powder in and we thought Oh’boy here we go. Well with a little more tasting; no double dipping; consensus was to add some of J and L’s Texas Spice and it was just what it needed. I got the job of stirring the pot and I am sure it would not have been as good if I hadn’t been the one stirring. But do you know how long you have to cook a pot that someone added water to; I won’t mention any names but keep the water away from RB and JL. Rumor was there was some other kind of meat in the chili other than beef?? Come to think of it there were a lot of deer hunters in the park!!! hmmmmm But that didn’t seem to make a difference as most of the chili was eaten. We sure have a lot of good cooks. After completing his meal what “handsome hunk” said “my name is DW and my trailer Rocks”!!; must be true because she went around all day laughing and giggling; come to think of it, was that the trailer the buzz was talking about last newsletter??

Sunday seemed cooler and nippy because of the wind. Church was at 9:00 A.M., Art Meier provided the music and Betty Hutchens gave the devotional service. Guess what, it was then time to eat again. More chili and it seemed we had even more food than the night before.

We were glad Jack and Ada Fleeharty was able to make the rally. Congratulations to Jack and Ada for Jack’s completion of the Nursing Program. We know it has been a tough two years as it isn’t easy going back to school. If you get a chance, congratulate them on a job well done. Congrats Jack!!

Two of John and Rose Ann Schwartz‘’s children were able to be at the rally. Tim who is a member of our unit and Robert, Wendy, Jackson and McKenzie are Members at Large. Robert and family are from Brownsburg, IN. Now let me tell you a story about these two boys; there was Tim who came driving in with a wheel grinding on his trailer and we think the answer to that problem is: do not lend trailer to Dad; on the other hand Robert came with his trailer and was asked how did he learn to do such excellent woodworking and his reply was, “I had a great teacher, my Dad.” So the long and short of it is some people are better at some things than they are at others.

Once again thanks to all who attended and helped make it a great rally.

Man what a rally. We had wonderful weather and a great crowd. Those of you who could not attend missed out on a great rally. The shoe escapade brought lots of laughs and gave us an idea of what was ahead for the weekend. The Glitter and Shine Collection will have us reminiscing for sometime to come.

The models and their ESCORTS were unlike anything I had seen. Why I didn’t know we had such a diversified lot. The models wore varied and unusual attire; there was fashions for every type of event such as; golf wear, spring wear, and dinner jackets; bridal attire, Fancy Pants, a double breasted suit, pin stripe suit and we even had snow a tire. I’m telling you the designers did an outstanding job and should be commended on their creations. Although I’m not sure just how the city of Salem would feel about the escorts! As we had flappers, floozies (both high and low). Some glittered and shined and some were the devilish kind.

Hats off to Stella Thompson for thinking of this and for all the hard work she put into being master of ceremonies and creating such a production. Those modeling the designer wear were; Dick Thompson, Dennis White, Jerry Humble, Bob Zoeller, Jim Wagner, Art Meier, Karl Schaette and Roland Keim. Roland, I hope you weren’t too embarrassed as I just can’t control her! Floozies for the evenings entertainment were; Stella Thompson , EdnaWhite, Louise Humbel, Linda Zoeller, Jo Ann Wagner, Doris Meier, Erika Schaette and Betty Hutchens. I played the old man writing the letter, I sure enjoyed it and hope you all did too. I think the models and floozies in back getting ready for their walk on the runway had as much fun as the audience did watching them. Also thanks to Roger Hoffman for introducing Ms. Stella. The committee consisted of Dick and Stella Thompson, Bob and Linda Zoeller and Jim and Betty Hutchens. I had to wear a lot of different hats during the weekend and the committee continued on, so thanks guys for all you did to make the rally a success.

We had a very impressive installation ceremony with our own Louise Humbel, 2^nd Vice President of Region 5 and her Mate Jerry presiding over the proceedings. It was formal and impressive and it really brings home what it means to be a leader and an officer in the unit. Thanks Louise and Jerry for a job well done. Our incoming President Gordon White and Treasurer Rose Ann Schwartz were unable to attend the installation ceremony; therefore they will be sworn in at the Christmas Party which will be held at the Holiday Inn, Mt. Vernon, IL. Come and support your new president.

Also Dick and Stella Thompson was recognized as mentors for Phil and Linda Stalling. Marilyn Groh is now a member of our unit, give her a big welcome.We were very pleased with the Marion County Fairgrounds. We hope all enjoyed it as much as we did. There were 23 units in attendance; the Gogollek’s drove in on Friday and Saturday, also Marilyn Groh had a visitor on Sunday. Those in attendance were; Broughton, Daniel, Groner, Hoffman, Howell, Humble, Hutchens, Jenkins, Keeser, Keim, Koen, Mayfield, Meier, Pittman, Schaette, Stalling, Thompson, Wagner, Wheat, White D, Zoeller, Ryan and Groh.

See ya down the road

Well a lot has been happening since we last met here. We attended the September Rally and had a great time. Officers were voted on for the coming year and they are: President, Gordon White, 1st Vice President, Art Meier, 2nd Vice President, Elmer Koen, Secretary, Dennis White, Treasurer, Rose Ann Schwartz, Corresponding Secretary Carol White, Trustee, Dick Thompson and Trustee, Edna White. Thanks to each of you for agreeing to lead our unit in the coming year.

Also thanks to the committee of Gordon and Carol White, Karl and Erika Schaette and Walter and Linda Hangsleben, it was a relaxed atmosphere with games, visiting and lots of laughter which in turn prepared us for what was to come at Region 5. We had 17 units in attendance with most of them caravaning on to Rantoul on Sunday. Driving in on Friday night to visit with us were Dick and Stella Thompson and Bob and Linda Zoeller. On Saturday we had a new experience, well for me anyway, was eggs in a bag which was very tasty. We had early church on Saturday evening which is always a blessing. Sunday morning we were provided with bagged donuts so everyone could get an early start for Rantoul. It was good to see David and Barbara Daniel back as well as Leroy and Vera Pittman; it was the first outing with us for both David and Vera. Also we would like to make welcome new members Jim and Kay Ryan.

The 32nd Region 5 Rally held in Rantoul, Illinois was a success due in part to the Southern Illinois Unit 039. Our unit had 23 trailers in attendance which was 46% of our membership. Those in attendance were; George and Grace Britt, Max and Sarah Doerr, Brian, Erin, Paige and Jamie Gogollek, Howard Groner, Walter and Linda Hangsleben, Roger and Marian Hoffman, Jerry and Louise Humble, Jim and Betty Hutchens, Conrad Jenkins, Frank and Mary Jo Keeser, Roy and Meryl Kerley, Elmer and Norma Koen, Bill and Wanda Lockin, Art and Doris Meier, Leroy and Vera Pittman, Jim and Kay Ryan and Karl and Erika Schaette, Al and Violet Scheibe, Dick and Stella Thompson, Jeff and Gail Vale, Jim and JoAnn Wagner, Dennis and Edna White, Gordon and Carol White and Bob and Linda Zoeller.

Our unit was honored for their attendance at the dinner on Saturday evening. Also there were coordinators and workers at various jobs during the week of festivities; Greeters, Community Services, Ushers, Sound, Region Officer, Church, Devotions, The Britt’s helped with Hospitality, Computer Rally, Quilt Tickets, Master of Ceremonies, Flags and Entertainment (both at the beginning and end), need I say more!!!! I apologize if I have left off a job description. I, as a member and as your President, am so very proud of each of you for all that you contribute to this unit. Past President John W. Schwartz and First Mate Rose Ann were honored for their year with the SUPERIOR MERIT AWARD. Hooray! Hooray! Good job!!

It was good to see Jim and Joann Wagner at Region 5. Jim it was good to see you are doing better.

We hope you all enjoyed our little “nesting” dinner on Friday evening. We feel honored that each of you chose to attend as well as our International 2nd Vice President Tom Collier and his First Mate Norma, Region 5 Officers 1st V. President Bob Moyer and his First Mate Lee, 2nd V President Louise Humble and her First Mate Jerry, Treasurer Ron Gordy and his First Mate, Region 5 Past President Bill Schrader and Past First Mate Barbara. Thank you for all your support.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the 2nd VP of Region 5 Louise Humble and First Mate Jerry for representing us as a Region 5 Officer. It takes a lot of time and commitment to do this job and do it well. The paperwork alone is a nightmare. They not only try to attend our rallies but they are on the road going to other regions and rallies. So if you get the chance to say job well done, please do so, I am sure they will appreciate it.

Well again that’s a wrap! Oh, by the way just ONE more.