May 7^th though May 10^th found eighteen coaches at the Blackhawk Valley Resort in Rockford, Illinois.  The attendees were Lou & Mary Jo Benhart, John & Linda Ellsworth, Don & Barb Harden, Jack & Kathy Holecek, Bill & Nadine Koehne, Ed & Darlene Kriz, Bill & Mary Ann Leeder, Vern & Linda Long, Richard & Mary Ann Matkovich, Dennis & Karen Morris, Ron & Loraine Olsen, Dick & Flo Purcell, Don Russell & his sister Lois,  Chuck & Jeaneen Schlie, Bill & Marie Semitekol, Jim & Linda Vitte, Mike & Bev Zigler and Ray & Marge Nehmzow (guests of Ellsworths).  Stopping by on Saturday were Judy Williams (Craig was in Minnesota fishing) and Bob Nilsson (Bob and Donna were guests of Ellsworths twice in 2008).  Bob Nilsson was given a Cruisin Chariot application which he completed and submitted.  Without objection they will be welcomed as new members of the Cruisin Chariots at the next campout.  Bob and his wife Donna were unable to be with us for the weekend because of two wakes they had to attend.

The weather was very good.  It rained a little one morning.  The temperatures were in the high 60’s.
A large number of members arrive on Thursday.  Most of us cooked at our camp sites and then ate inside the pavilion.  Some went to a local restaurant.  Later in the evening, Nadine Koehne served cake and ice cream celebrating her husband Bill’s birthday.

Friday morning most of the members went to the Machine Shed for breakfast.  If you mention to the waitress that you love eggs they add an egg to your order.  After breakfast some went shopping into Rockford.  For dinner Friday evening we had chili.  Each coach brought some chili which was then placed in two big pots.  For dessert, a cake celebrating the Cruisin Chariots tenth anniversary and Lou Benhart’s birthday was served.  The weather was cool so we had a campfire.  Thanks to the campground for the firewood.

Saturday morning we served coffee and sweets.  For Saturday dinner every coach brought a passing dish to go with the chicken that the club purchased at a local market.  It was a great spread.  After dinner the Benharts, Holeceks and Olsens brought out their Wii electronic games.  Most played bowling although there were a few games of golf and tennis.  Great fun was had by all.

After breakfast on Saturday we had the first of our two 2009 business meetings.  At this meeting a nomination committee was formed consisting of John Ellsworth, Ron Olsen and Jim Vitte.  In September of this year all officers will be elected.  The Cruisin Chariots are in a good financial position.

June’s campout will be June 12, 13 & 14 at Timber Lakes Resort in Mt. Carroll Illinois.  Timber Lakes has a playhouse across the street and they serve a dinner the evening of the play.  If you have any questions or wish to make reservations call Timber Lakes at 1/800-485-0145.  Mention the Cruisin Chariots.  Also let Bill & Marie Semitekol (bsemitekol@yahoo.com) know that you have made a reservation.

The Midwest Area Cooperative Rally is June 17 – 21 in Albert Lea, Minnesota.  If you are interested in attending a registration form and information is available in the magazine or through the WEB site fmca.com.  If you have any questions you may contact our representive to MAC, Jim Vitte.  An advertisement appears below.

July 20-223 will be the FMCA Convention at Bowling Green University in Bowling Green, Ohio.  The University is just south of Toledo.  Reservations should be made through the fmca.com WEB site or by sending in the registration form that may be found in the FMCA Magazine.  Please let me know when you have registered.

The August Campout has been changed to Kentuckiana Kampground in Mackinaw, Illinois.  Their phone number is 309-449-3274. Kentuckiana does not take credit cards or debt cards. The rate is $25.00 per night with a $2.00 add-on for using air.   It should be updated on the cruisinchariots.com WEB site shortly
This year’s campout schedule is on the web site calendar.  Cruisinchariots.com. Please let Bill Semitekol and I know if there are any updates to be added to the calendar.  The web site is cruisinchariots.com.

Kathy Holecek is planning on having a knee replaced on June 17^th.  Therefore we will not be at the June campout and may also have to miss the FMCA Convention in July.

CLOSING REMARK:
When the smog lifts in Los Angeles. UCLA

Your President