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Frankenmuth Octoberfest Rally 2022
Our last rally for 2022 was held in Frankenmuth, Michigan and what a great time we had with eighteen coaches present! In attendance were Ron and Pat Korloch, Tom and Marcia Bird, Jack and Arlene Martin, Paul and Aneita Zoutendam, Bill and Sue Hodder, Jim and Barb Miller, Rick and Eleanor Payne, Bob and Bev Garcia, Ken and Alice Hamlin, Bob and Shirley Dingman, Rod and Maggie Chubb, Mike and Kay Cichon, Leslie Driesenga, Dick and Carole Beauchamp, and Ed and Anne Bearse. Teri Cline stopped by but couldn’t stay due to vision problems. Also, first time attendees: Mike and Marcia Black and Cef and Debra Suarez. We welcome them to our Northern Lights family! Jack and Arlene Martin and Jim and Barb Miller were the rally masters this time. It was Jack and Arlene's first time organizing a rally, and with the support of Jim and Barb, put on a great rally! Before the rally, many of us met early and went to dinner at the Slo Bones BBQ in Frankenmuth. Highly recommend it! The next morning, some of us got together at Tony's in Birch Run for their famous 1 pound Bacon and 4 eggs breakfast and some had the 9 egg omelet! This is not for the weak of heart! On Thursday, our Rally started with a happy hour at 4 followed by a great pizza party from Tiffany's in Frankenmuth in the club room. It was fun meeting the new members and sharing stories with our members. The next morning, we all met for coffee, juice, yogurt, muffins, and donuts before heading to downtown Frankenmuth and Octoberfest. Of the many events going on for the three days were the Arts & Craft Fair, Wiener dog races, Beer tents, Dancing, Games and Music. Many also went to the world famous Bronner’s Christmas store, which is the largest in the world. That evening we met at the Nationally famous Zehnder’s Restaurant for the all you could eat German style chicken dinner and all the fix‘ins. We again stuffed ourselves well and waddled out satisfied! Friday, after coffee hour, was our annual Northern Lights business meeting. The secretary’s minutes and treasurer’s reports were read and approved. The election of officers resulted in few changes for 2023 with Ed Bearse, President, Anne Bearse, Secretary, Marcia Bird, Treasurer, Tom Bird, Communications, Bob Garcia, National Director, Ken Hamlin, Alternate National Director, Leslie Driesenga the new Chaplin and Doris Price, the new Fine Master! Bob Garcia gave his director’s report on the FMCA happenings at the National Convention in August which drew 650 coaches. We followed that with Maggie Chubb’s ice cream and apple pie desert funded by her efforts to have everyone wear their name badges during the rallies! Thanks Maggie and to all those who offered their “fine” money during the year! Also, our annual business meeting is where we select a local charity and we collected $385 for the “I Support the 1% Veteran Food Pantry”. After that, our day was open to enjoy the area festivities and shopping. That afternoon seventeen of us went on the Wine and Chocolate Electric boat tour on the river in Frankenmuth where we got to sample many different wines and chocolates. This brought a new meaning to the term "Wide and High"! A fun ride enjoyed by all! Saturday morning, everyone met to add a few more calories and say our goodbyes until next year. We will all miss our Northern Lights friends and family over the winter and look forward to our 2023 summer rallies! A special thanks to Arlene and Jack, Barb and Jim for hosting a great rally! Be safe all! |
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