Our 1^st outing of the season is at Blackhawk Campground, 6540 Valley Trail Road, Rockford, IL 61109.  Reservations are required by April 19^th.

Blackhawk is at 6540 Valley Trail Road, Rockford, IL  61109.  The easiest way to Blackhawk is from junction of bypass US-20 & SR-251.  South 1.5 miles on SR-251 to Blackhawk Road.  East 1.3 miles to Valley Trail Road.  South 1 mile.

Blackhawk’s phone is 815-874-9767.  Check in and check out time is 12:00.  If we have more than 7 units the price should be $21.00/night.  The normal rate is $26.00/night.  Air-conditioning is an additional $3.00/night.  Also, if you come in early on Thursday or stay Sunday night the rate The first Cruisin’ Chariot campout of 2008 is Friday, May 9^th through Sunday, May 11^th at will be $13.00/night for either one or both nights, if you spend both Friday and Saturday nights.

Those wishing to make the campout should send a $31 check ($21 for one night plus the usual $10) to Linda Ellsworth at 766 Longtree Dr., Wheeling, IL 60090-5544.  Anyone wishing to arrive Thursday or earlier should call Blackhawk at 815-874-9767.

NO FIREWOOD may be brought into the campground unless it was purchased in Winnebago County.  This is because of the problem with the Ash Bore insect.

Brian Stuart’s partner Beverly Weihofen passed away in early March.  They were members of the Cruisin Chariots in 2007.  I believe they attended the June, July and August campouts.  In March, a sympathy card was sent by the Cruisin Chariots to Brian.  More information may be found on the Chicago Tribune Web site under Death Notices.  Use the search word Weihofen.  Our hearts go out to Brian’s and Beverly’s families.

June 12^th – 15^th campout is at Timber Lake Resort in Mt. Carroll, Illinois.  Bill and Marie Semitekol sent out an e-mail on March 9^th with all the information.  If you need additional information please contact the Semitekol’s

The August campout will be at the Double J Campground in Chatham, Illinois.  Chatham is just outside Springfield.  The Lincoln Museum and Lincoln’s New Salem are nearby.  Although there is a lot to see nearby, there is a concern that with the price of fuel some will not be able to attend.  Should we move the campground site?  Please let us know how you feel.  We will also discuss this at the May campout.
Thanks.  The Williams and the Hardens.

The FMCA International Convention will be held in St. Paul, Minnesota on July 14^th through the 17^th.  As in the past when an FMCA Convention is held in our area the chapters in the area become the convention hosts.  Therefore, we are being asked to volunteer our help with the convention.  The different volunteer positions include the Indoor Exhibit Area, Coffee Hour, Early Security, Security, Seminar, Tram, Information Center, Handicap & Activity Golf Cart Service and the Ice Cream Social.  Please let Jack Holecek (jackch9@att.net or 630-543-7009) know who will be going to the convention.  We will also discuss this at the May campout.

A recent study found the average American walks about 900 miles per year.
Another study found Americans drink, on average, 22 gallons of beer a year.
That means, on average, Americans get about 41 miles to the gallon.
Kind of makes you proud to be an American.