Spring in Croton Update... 

Jerry Parker and Mo have been able to arrange for our use of the pavilion for the Rally!  Good Work Guys! 
We now have shelter from the nice spring weather?  Give me shelter!

April 2013 Newsletter

Metropolitan Newsletter April2013 Issue #71

Hi members,

I am sorry to say that this newsletter is not a happy one due to the fact that we’ve lost three wonderful members and friends this past winter season. Carmela Colbert, Danny Bennett and Donald Daniels have all passed away. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families. (Also Peggy Lux recently passed away)

Well, another RV season is upon us. Please support our rallies, come out and have some fun. Life is shorter then you think.

Some of our members are having medical issues and our thoughts and prayers are h them.

Carol and I wish you all healthy and safe travels.

GOD BLESS AMERICA Roger Whitford




Carmela


When I first went to Myrtle Beach for Easter in 1979 Carmella was the treasurer of the Metropolitan Chapter. She held that position for 17 years. Jean Pryor was the President and Joe Monteleone was the Wagonmaster. Bill Colbert followed Jean as President.

Something happened one rally. I wrote the check wrong for the campground and the check had to be voided. She was a little upset with me because this was the first time she had to void a check. She was not happy with me. We had a lot of laughs over that.

We always had great times and all the kids from that time showed up for her Memorial Service which I think was a wonderful tribute to her. She must have done something right. She would have been so happy to see all the kids. I did notice that not one of them acted as if any time had passed since they saw each other.

She collected Coca-Cola Memorabilia along with Precious Moments and Emmett Kelly statues. She had Glass cabinets full of all her treasures.

She and Bill loved being with their children and grandchildren. They really had a wonderful bond with each other. I know that I among many others will miss her greatly.

Evelyn Gravino

Saying Goodbye

Life’s greatest mystery, in my opinion, is why we eventually have to say goodbye to those that are closest to us. It is the ultimate test of our faith. The hope that one day we will all be together again in the Promised Land.

We first met Bill and Carmela Colbert sometime back in the nineties, probably at one of the Rhinebeck or Croton rallies. Carmela was the Metropolitan treasurer at the time. I remember teasing her all the time about making sure all the cash got in the account. I always got a quick response from her and if I wasn’t careful, a smack to boot.

I also used to needle her, every time I saw her light up a cigarette, which also got me a smack, but sometime during the rally, I would also get a great big hug, and that let me know that it was OK to tease.

Eventually, we got to meet her wonderful family and enjoy spending time with them. This usually happened at West Point. Truly good times to remember and times that no one can take away from us all.

So, the next beautiful day that comes along, and you look up and see the big white puffy clouds, check out the little tiny ones. That would be Carmela, puffing away and sending us all a big hello and a hug to go along with it. (I hope they have a smoking section in heaven).

We all miss you. Mo Magliocchino






Danny


MO MAGLIOCCHINO

As I write this, I am sitting in Florida enjoying the sunshine. Today just happens to be St Patrick’s Day and everyone is wearing green of course. Tonight, Pat and I will be going to a big party at the club house, and most assuredly, sometime during the evening, Danny Boy will be sung. (I just hope the singer is sober)

I remember how playing that song would really bother Danny Bennett. He said that he probably heard it a million times, and it got to the point where it annoyed him each time he heard it.

My first recollection of Danny was at a rally in Ulster County where he and Linda and Leroy Thomas and his wife Dot, were the rally hosts. I can still picture Dan and Leroy cooking big pots of spaghetti. For those of you that remember Leroy, he was one big nerve ending, and the sight of both of them cooking will always remain in my mind.

As I got to know Danny better, I realized we had a lot in common. We enjoyed fixing things for others and solving problems. Danny’s forte was electronics, and of course, what is a motor home, but electronics with four wheels.

Danny helped me numerous times, and really solved a lot of mysteries in my coach, as he did for many Metropolitan members.

You never got instant gratification with Dan, but he would never forget you, and sooner or later he would show up with his meter and tool box. He always did things first class, using only the best of materials and when he was done, you could count on the repair lasting forever. I guess he learned that from working on airplanes, where you don’t get a second chance.

As time went by, Dan and I developed the same heart related issues, we shared the same doctors, had our stents put in at the same hospitals and compared notes constantly about our progress, or lack thereof. Together, we were responsible for our cardiologist buying a new Porsche.

I guess God needed someone to install a braking system in his chariot, and Dan was his choice.

Thanks Dan, for all you did for me. We all have lost a great person and friend and I will miss you as I am sure all our other members will. Mo

 
Spring in Croton



Friday, May 17 to Sunday May 19, 2013

Our first rally of 2013 will be hosted by Roger and Carol Whitford

$80.00 per coach


Electric, Water and Sewer provided

ACTIVITIES

Friday night 6:00 PM... Pizza night....Cheeses and Wine

Saturday Morning Coffee and Bagels

Saturday night – Roger and Carol are working on something…

Sunday Morning Coffee and Bagels

RSVP... BY MAY 2, 2013...

Please make checks payable to Metropolitan FMCA

and mail to:

Roger Whitford

17181 Minos Conaway Road

Lewes, DE 19958


NAME_____________________________________FMCA#_____________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________

PHONE__________________________# OF ADULTS_____________CHILREN____











38TH ANNIVERSARY

RHINEBECK, NY JUNE 7 - 9, 2013



www.interlakervpark.com/


FRIDAY NIGHT: 6:00 PM WELCOME HAPPY HOUR; bring your favorite snack to share.

HOT DOGS & FIXING'S WILL BE PROVIDED

SATURDAY: 8:30 AM COFFEE & DONUTS

10:00 AM BUSINESS MEETING

CULINARY LUNCH 11:30 AM (optional)

4:00 PM HAPPY HOUR, BYOB & YOUR FAVORITE HEAVY SNACK

8:00 PM ANNIVERSARY CAKE & RAFFLE

SUNDAY: 8:30 AM COFFEE & DONUTS

COUNTRY LIVING SHOW AT RHINEBECK FAIR GROUNDS SATURDAY AND SUNDAY http://stellashows.com/

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NAME_____________________________________FMCA#_____________________

ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________

PHONE__________________________# OF ADULTS_____________CHILREN____

Rally reservations @$110.00 per coach (full hook ups). Culinary lunch @ $33.28 per person (includes tax & gratitutues.

RESERVATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY APRIL 30, 2013 (Campground requirements).

RALLY AMOUNT ENCLOSED______CHECKS MADE OUT TO METROPOLITAN CHAPTER/FMCA.

*CULINARY LUNCH____# OF TICKETS ($33.28 per person) AMT. ENCLOSED____

*CHECKS FOR CULINARY ARE TO BE MADE OUT TO MAURO MAGLIOCCHINO

MAIL TO: MAURO MAGLIOCCHINO, 347 FT. WASHINGTON AVE. HAWTHORNE, NY 10532

DRIVING INSTRUCTIONS TO INTERLAKE CAMPGROUND

| 428 Lake Dr., Rhinebeck, NY 12572-3213| | Phone: 845-266-5387 |

From NY Thruway Exit 19

at Kingston, take RT. 209 to Rhinecliff Bridge (Rt. 199). Take RT 199 east to Rt. 9G. Go South 5 mi. on 9G to County Road 19 and follow signs. From The South Take RT 9 to Poughkeepsie towards Hyde Park. Turn right on County RT 40 (West Dorsey Lane) Turn Left on RT 9G Drive 12.4 miles Turn Right on County Route 19 and follow signs.

(Drive slow on 9G when you are close to the mileages indicated since a u turn is difficult)

Daniel Bennett

I am sad to report the passing of one of our Members.

Daniel Bennett

Died: Mar 12, 2013

Daniel F. Bennett of Shrub Oak, died Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at Westchester Medical Center.  He was 66.  Daniel is survived by his cherished partner and companion of 35 years, Linda Pendergast, his  children, Scott Bennett and Laurie Hamilton, his grandson Anthony Bennett, and his parents Lloyd and Frances Bennett.  Daniel is also survived by Jamie Pendergast, Kevin Stroke and Michael Dehm.  Daniel was a Vietnam Era Veteran of the Air Force and he worked for Empire Avionics at the Westchester County Airport.  He was a member of the Family Motor Coach Association.  Visiting hours will be on Friday from 4 to 8 PM at the HERITAGE FUNERAL HOME, Morrissey Drive, Putnam Valley followed by private cremation.

Carmella Colbert (1940 - 2013)

Obituary

Colbert, Carmella

Carmella Colbert, 72 of Mohegan Lake, was born in Peekskill NY on October 18, 1940. She passed away peacefully at home after a short battle with a rare form of cancer (Cholangiocarcinoma) on February 18, 2013. Carmella worked in the cafeteria at Walter Panas High School for 25 years.
She is survived by her husband William D. Colbert of 51 years, her children and their spouses: Liz and Brian Boryk, Dawn and Stephen Sanders, Patty and Bill Hackett, Billy and Kelly Colbert, 6 grandchildren, her brother John Soricelli, her sister Eleanor Jordan, and a large family that will miss her dearly.

The family will be receiving friends at the Edward F. Carter Funeral Home, 170 Kings Ferry Rd., Montrose NY, from 4-8pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013. A private Catholic burial will be at Bethel Cemetery in Croton. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/carmella. To express your condolences online please visit www.efcarter.com.
Published in the The Journal News on February 20, 2013

I am sad to report this news to our group.

For all of you who may not have heard, Carmella passed away Sunday the 17th.

 

Services for Carmella Colbert will be held at the following:

 

Carters Funeral Home    170 KIngs Ferry Road, Montrose, NY   914 737 0900

 

Thursday February 21, 2013   From 4 to 8 pm

 

From what I understand, the funeral will be private. 

 

Our prayers go out to Bill and his entire family.   Mo

January 2013 Newsletter

January 2013 Issue #70

 

Hi guys,

Hope you have all enjoyed a safe holiday season. For our members who travel to Florida, I wish you safe and warm travels.  I hope everyone is set for a new RV season.

At the Croton Rally last October, Mal Ford stepped up to take over for the Metropolitan Wagonmaster position. He has been working hard to research and book new rally locations. Please give Mal as much input and support as you can.

Our new website is www.metrofmca.blogspot.com. It is very useful for all chapter information. 

Carol and I have been busy setting up our new home. We have 5 bedrooms and 3 full baths and welcome anyone who wants to come down. We are 10 minutes from 190 Tanger outlet stores plus many fine fish restaurants. No problem if you bring your coach because we have ample parking in the yard. Our Delaware telephone number is 302-703-6091.

Everyone, please have safe and healthy winter months.

Roger Whitford

 

                                                                    God Bless America

 

2013 Metropolitan Rally Schedule Check for updates and Campout Reservations on www.metrofmca.blogspot.com

Month

Campground

Host

Date

Apr- 2013

Myrtle Beach Travel Park,  10108 Kings Rd., MB, SC 29572

TBD

Myrtle Beach SC

May-2013

Mohegan Sun                 $40.00 per rig.

Roger & Carol Whitford

5/17-5/19

Mohegan Sun

Croton Point Campground

NEED VOLUNTEERS

TBD

Croton-on-Hudson, NY

Jun-2013

Interlake RV Park  http://www.interlakervpark.com/

Mo & Pat Magliocchino

6/21 -6/23/13

Culinary Institute of America Luncheon

Jul-2013

Deer Park KOA  Cuddebackville, NY  http://koa.com/campgrounds/deerpark/

NEED VOLUNTEERS

TBD

Port Jervis, NY

Aug-2013

Waubeeka at Copake, NY  www.campwaubeeka.com

Joint Campout with Empire FMCA

Bainbridge Invitational

Labor Day

Sep-2013

Saugerties KOA  http://koa.com/campgrounds/saugerties/

Mal & Elsie Ford

9/27-9/29/13

Catskill - Garlic Festival last weekend in Sept

West Point Military Academy

NEED VOLUNTEERS

TBD

Army Football and Camping on North Dock (hopefully)

Oct-2013

Brook-n-Wood  Elizaville, NY http://www.brooknwood.com/

NEED VOLUNTEERS

TBD

Columbia County

Nov-2013

Flory's Campground

TBD

Lancaster PA

Dec-2013

Holiday Party

TBD

Holiday Party

From our Wagonmaster  Mal Ford

Hi, I’m Mal Ford the new Wagonmaster for the Metropolitan Club. We need volunteers to help run each of the Rallies.  Please email malford27@hotmail.com to host a rally or to offer your help in any way in order to make these rallies a reality! You can also friend us on Facebook-FMCA Metropolitan Chapter. Thank you.

Also for your consideration are the following rallies in 2013

Feb 6^th to 10^th   The Southeast Area Rally located at Hernando County Airport in Brooksville, Florida.

June 19^th to 22^nd  FMCA’s 88^th Family Reunion and Motorhome Showcase CAM-PLEX in Gillette, Wyoming

Oct 10^th to 13^th  Eastern Area Rally in York, Pa.

 

 

From our !st Vice President  Jim Kelly

Hi Everyone, I hope your winter is going well.

We had a great holiday party again this year. It was great to see so many of you enjoying each other in a setting other than our motorhomes.  The dinner at Casa Rina was excellent, as usual, and all 44 of us were in the holiday spirit. Next year our party will be on December 1^st at the same location.

Please take a moment and check if you are up to date with your club dues which were due last June.

We all want to extend a warm welcome to our newest member of the Metropolitans, Mr. Martin Steenbock from Morristown, N.J.  Welcome aboard, Martin.

 

 

From our National Director  Bill Colbert

The Governing Board meeting was called to order at 9AM on 8/27/12 by President Charlie Schrenkel. Of 473 possible members of the board we had 315 (67%) in the morning and 312 (66%) in attendance in the afternoon.

The Executive Board has approved the appointment of Jerry Yates as Executive Director.

Will Young gave the Treasurer’s report and the discussion of the budget for 2013 was rescheduled until the afternoon. A marketing firm has been hired to assist in securing new members. The economy has had an impact on our investments and we have seen a substantial decline in membership (about 82,000 members at present) and advertizing in the past few years. Our investments continue to see a modest improvement.

There were 3 bylaw proposals and 2 were approved. Most notable was the proposal that permits a member to serve as an officer in 2 chapters except as National or Alternate Director (may serve as ND in only 1 chapter but can assume another office). The other notable proposal was the possible admission of towables as associate members of FMCA without voting rights. This was defeated but chapters may invite towables if they wish. Of the 14 Policy & Procedure proposal the most notable was the Member Staff proposal that defined the monetary stipends paid to some of the advance crew. The end result was that the whole P&P was deleted so that all will be VOLUNTEERS and not receive any remuneration. There were other minor changes and corrections.

Our medical evacuation coverage with On Call will end on 10/1/12. The Evac Benefit special committee presented proposals from taking funds from reserves, self insuring member purchase to dropping completely. After a very effective and complete presentation the Governing Board approved a plan for member purchase that will be less expensive than those currently available and it will be a member benefit. The cost will be $85 for an individual and $105 for a family per year.

The Accidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance coverage has been cancelled.

As a special program for the 50^th Anniversary of FMCA there will be a life membership (with no benefits other than not having to pay dues). It will be offered to those who contribute $1050 to FMCA.

Judy Czarsty was approved to receive a Life Membership (as all retiring presidents do) and will have her photo hung in the gallery in FMCA headquarters. Judy’s contributions to FMCA are very long and have been very beneficial.

The budget was discussed at length. Items were deleted and some added. It is anticipated there will be a small surplus. A motion was made and passed providing that the Governing Board will not receive a reimbursement of their convention registration in 2013 and going forward indefinitely as in 2012.

The meeting was adjourned at about 4:45 PM.

 

 

Natural Disaster Bring Out the Best and Worst in Us                                                  

Mo Magliocchino

No denying that Sandy is rated as the worst storm in modern history.  What bothers me is how we act in these situations.  We have the media who seem to thrive on bad news, dire predictions and the creation of overall panic.  Unfortunately, this time the media was spot on.  The first thing that happens is people flocking to the grocery stores and cleaning the shelves of every imaginable item, whether they need it or not.  More disturbingly is the manner in which they go about it.  They cut you off in the parking lots; they run their shopping carts up against your Achilles tendons, they cut in the express lane with 50 items, and then back to the parking lot for more rudeness.  Mind you, these are the same people who were sitting in church with you last Sunday.   The storm hits, devastation occurs, people are hurting, confused, in need of help.  Here comes the Politicians making all kinds of promises that even Jesus would have a problem fulfilling.  Then comes all the helpful organizations, some of them excellent and well organized, and then you have the government- sponsored groups who usually get their act together 6 months down the road.

It gets worse.  Other states send convoys of trucks to help with downed trees and electrical repairs, except most of them end up parked in some shopping center or side streets due to lack of leadership on the part of the local utility companies.  So they ventured many miles, wasted lots of workers time and consumed thousands of gallons of fuel for naught.  Fuel, which we now have to line up for, for hours,  not because there is a shortage, but because there is no emergency delivery plan in effect.

Then come the evil doers, the scammers who prey on the people in need of genuine help, the looters who seize the opportunity to steal whatever earthly possessions these unfortunate people have left!  We really don’t have to fear terrorism as much as we do, we have ourselves, the most advanced nation in the world, without a game plan on how to deal with natural disasters. 

We were without power for 7 days, which is tame compared to what many others have experienced. Thank God for the motor home, the generator, the wood stove and the strength to keep them all going. We survived another one.  Thank you Lord.

Metropolitan Chapter Application

No person may be a member of the Metropolitan Chapter of FMCA unless he/she is a member in good standing of FMCA (Family Motor Coach Association). Application for membership in FMCA may be made simultaneously with application for Metropolitan Chapter.

 

Name: ______________________________________ FMCA #: ___________    Expiration date:______

Address: ________________________________ City: _____________________________ State: _________ Zip:_________

Telephone number: (___)_________________Cell phone (optional): ( ) ______________

E-Mail address: ________________________________ Coach Length: _______ Coach Make: ____________________________ Coach Model: _______________________

 

Dues are $10.00 annually. Please make check payable to Metropolitan Chapter of FMCA and mail to:

Jim Kelly, 56 Stuart Rd., Cortland Manor, NY 10567

New application? ____ Renewal? ____

 

Signature: _______________________________________

 

 

_________________________________________________________________________________

 

 

BADGE ORDER FORM

 

Pilot ___________________________ Co-Pilot__________________________

 

FMCA# ----------------------------

Address-----------------------------------------------------------------------------

City-------------------------------------State-------------------------------

Zip Code____________________

 

Badges are finished with pin, clip and bolo tie @$10.00 each and includes 1st class mail

shipping.

 

Mail Orders to:

SPECIALTY ENGRAVING COMPANY

134 BATEMAN LANE

LOUDIN, TN 37774-7323

 

CALL 865/986-4147 FAX 865/986-7920 E-MAIL SpecialtyEngraving@juno.com

 

 

 

 

 

2013 Chapter Officers

 

President - Roger Whitford, 68 Winant Place, Staten Island, NY 1030

Mrwiff@verizon.net  Home # 718-356-2524 Cell 917-886-4756 Delaware Home 302-703-6091

 

1st Vice President - Jim Kelly, 56 Stuart Road, Cortland Manor, NY 10567

 JFK31447@aol.com 914-739-8055

 

Secretary - Barbara Amabile, 13 Mandy Lane, Mahopac, NY 10541

bamabile727@yahoo.com  914-628-4376

 

Treasurer - Elaine DiGilio, 107 Drisler Ave., White Plains, NY 10607,

elainedee316@optonline.net  914-592-3859

 

Wagonmaster – Mal Ford, 2694 Ridge Street Yorktown Heights, N.Y.

malford27@hotmail.com  914-245-2119

 

National Director Bill Colbert 2993 Lexington Ave., Lake Mohegan, NY 10547

wdcbus@juno.com  914-528-6148

 

Newsletter Editor –Marisa Hicks 264 East 240th Street Bronx, N.Y. 10470

marisahicks@gmail.com  718-324-3408 Cell: 914-821-7421

 

Sunshine Chairman - Carolann Brown, 212 Collabar Rd., Montgomery, NY 12549

 Bunky66@aol.com  845-361-4464

 

*If you have any questions or concerns, please contact one of the above. This is your chapter and we encourage you to communicate your wishes.