The December 13^th Christmas Dinner at Venuti’s Restaurant had a total of 38 people in attendance.  Present were Monte Barksdale, the Benhart’s, Ellsworth’s, Holecek’s, Koehne’s, Leeder’s, Long’s, Matkovich’s, Morris’,  Nehmzow’s, Nilsson’s, Olsen’s, Purcell’s, Don Russell, Schlie’s, Semitekol’s, and Vitte’s.  We greeted three new members; the Bott’s, Schori’s and Thoma’s

Venuti’s has a buffet dinner every Sunday and we enjoyed it to the fullest.  We had our own room next door to the buffet.  Venuti’s opened the bar that was in our room making it much easier to obtain liquid refreshment.

We held an informational meeting and our National Director, Kathy Holecek, led a discussion of the possible raising of FMCA’s yearly dues by $5.00.  Later we also discussed the possibility of next year holding the Christmas Dinner at Q’s Restaurant in Hillside, Illinois.  The officers will be looking into this possibility.

A great big thanks to Flo Purcell for her fantastic job in running the dinner.  Also, thanks to Bill Koehne for saying the dinner prayer.

FMCA WINTER CONVENTION
FMCA’s winter convention will be held in March at the Albuquerque, New Mexico fairground.  Please let me know if anyone plans to make the trip.

If you haven’t paid your 2010 dues please do so by sending $10 to Linda Ellsworth

FIRST 2010 CAMPOUT
Our first 2010 campout will be at Blackhawk Valley Campground in Rockford on May 7, 8 & 9.  I have reserved 20 sites.  Please make your reservations by sending a check in the amount of $33.00 ($10 plus the special rate of $23 per night) to Linda Ellsworth.  Linda will send the deposit to Blackhawk on April 21^st.  After that date we will release the unused sites and you will have to make your own reservations.  If you wish to arrive Thursday or stay Sunday night please call Blackhawk at 815-874-9767 to make that reservation.  Please mention that you will be camping with the Cruisin Chariots for the entire weekend and you will receive a special rate of $14 for those nights.  Check in and check out time will be noon.  Cancellations must be made 7 days in advance.
Blackhawk is located at 6540 Valley Trail Road, Rockford, IL 61109.

Watch your step.
While driving in Pennsylvania, a family caught up to an Amish Carriage.  The owner of the carriage obviously had a sense of humor, because attached to the back of the carriage was a hand printed sign
“Energy efficient vehicle; Runs on oats and grass.  Do not step on exhaust.”

Your President