Thought I would highlight a few things from the latest issue of RVing Women magazine:
1. 20th Anniversary Quilt: All chapters are invited to send a “fat quarter” (a 18″ x 22″ piece of fabric that is 100% cotton) that will become part of a RVW 20th anniversary quilt. The quilt will be auctioned off at the 2011 National Convention in Goshen. Chapters need to decide on a design and submit design and fat quarter by January 1, 2011, to Convention Chair Linda Elliott in Indianapolis. RVW members Libbi Jacoby or Vicki Eident will turn the fabrics into a finished quilt. What we need to clarify is if we are to draw the design on the fabric, sketch it on a piece or paper, or just send description. They ask that the design represent our chapter’s “location, activities, or name”. Might be good thing to add to our luncheon discussions at Sindbad’s on December 4th.
2. Solar Power: Dee Johnson wrote an in-depth technical, practical, and readable article on “Taking Advantage of Solar”. Helped me better understand the role of RV solar panels.
3. First Experiences RVing: Lovern King, who co-founded RVW with Zoe Swanagon, wrote an engaging article entitled, “Vancouver Island in December” for RVW Magazine’s, “My First RVing Experience” column. Hope you get a chance to read it, and all RVW members are invited to submit their own first experiences.
4. Money, Money, Money: RVW has launched the “Open Road Program” for individuals and chapters to donate beyond basic membership fees. It’s a tiered system from $100 to over $25,000. You will get your choice of several items per tier such as RVW tote or t-shirt (at $100-$499 tier), $50 gift card or denim shirt ($500 to $999), or even a one-time convention package complete with (at $5,000-$9.999). See magazine for details (pp. 12-13). So send money if you are able and help keep RVW healthy and strong! You can gift someone with a RVW membership to get them started, too.
It looks like a very good organization. Being a new rver, it appears that many of the places that you camp at are a little pricey. Not knowing what my budget will need to be, can you give me any suggestion how to get started with your group?
Thank You, Lois
Welcome, Lois. I’ll forward your comment to our secretary Shirley McMahan so she can touch base with you and answer all your questions.
I’m not sure what you mean about the places we camp being pricey. They’re probably about average at around $20 to 25/night.
FYI, the Great Lakers chapter of RVing Women holds one rally or outing a month from May through September. The rallys are usually Friday through Sunday with many people coming a day or two early and staying to Monday or even longer.
The cost to join the national organization of RVing Women (RVW) is $55 for the first year then $45 a year (see http://www.rvingwomen.org/default.asp?page=mem_info_intro). Once a member of RVW, you can join as many regional chapters–like ours, the Great Lakers–or national subgroups–like the Solos or Fulltimers–you want. Our chapter doesn’t charge any dues and we welcome women new to RVing to check us out. Note we also try to get together for a Saturday lunch once a month in the off-season somewhere in southeast Michigan, and sometimes an impromptu weekend RV gathering.
Look forward to meeting you soon!
How do I access the article “Taking Advantage of Solar Power”?
Hi Jo-Anne. To read a current issue, you need to be a member of RVing Women. Past issues can be viewed by anyone. I looked up this issue for you so go to http://www.rvingwomen.org/?magazines_archive and find the Nov/Dec 2010 issue. You will be a PDF of the entire issue. The article starts on page 20. Enjoy!
Thank you so very much. I was off on a music camping trip and just got to my e-mails. Do you know of any past article about what to use for the best equipment to connect to the internet and cell phone on the road?
Thank You-safe driving!
Lois B
Hi Lois. Glad you’re back. Music camp sounds interesting.
I’m sorry I don’t (yet) know much about best equipment. I’ve looked in to it now and then, but the technology keeps changing and I’m not yet on the road enough. Plus I have almost everything I need on my iPhone and AT&T 3G service such as email, monitor finances, pay bills, address book, calendar, use apps with GPS, compass, level, and find RV campsites. If I really really need Internet, currently I just wait for wifi access or do without.
You might search to see what bloggers and full-timers Howard and Linda have found that works for them: http://rv-dreams.typepad.com/rvdreams_journal/
The husband and wife team “Geeks on Tour” have a PDF that explains the big picture and that might get you started: geeksontour.com/files/internet.pdf
Oh, yes. The cost of camping that I mentioned. I have been camping at fairgrounds with fees about $17.00. But then I usually pay membership dues on top of that. Just wondered what the ranges are. Also with just joining the Great Lakes chapter,and not traveling more than 100 miles away from home before, could someone give me an idea how much to budget for next year’s trips?
If I drove down to the rally in Goshen,In,would I still be able to take part in some of the activities? I have a daughter I could stay with.
I like to talk too.
Lois
I’ll see if a few of us can huddle and come up with a budget for our rallies. I’ll have Rachel contact you.
Meantime, if you drive to rally in Goshen you can take part in ALL activities because a RV is not required. We’d love to have you join us and do seek out Great Lakers. The dates are Oct 12-16. You’ll have to register for the conference and pay for any of the extra events like golf or Amish meals that start before the conference on Monday and Tuesday (Oct 9 & 10). But all the seminars are free as is the First-Timers Breakfast on I believe Weds. morning. The conference rate is $175 and that includes all seminars, entertainment, and a banquet. Not sure if there is a day rate or whether membership is required. Why don’t you call the RVing Women office and talk to someone directly? The toll-free telephone number in Arizona is (888) 557-8464 and the website is http://www.rvingwomen.org