By Ellen Guettler, F262300
November 2015
The Georgia Funseekers chapter of FMCA celebrated its 25th anniversary August 13-16, 2015, at the Charleston KOA in Ladson, South Carolina, a suburb of Charleston.
Hosts Bill and Ellen Guettler and Jerry and Nanci Moon were joined by 28 other Funseekers, including two charter members, Ross and Janet Payne. Jim Duncan, FMCA national vice president, Southeast Area, and his wife, Betty, also attended.
The Georgia Funseekers chapter was chartered on August 18, 1990. The chapter took its name from a radio talk-show host who signed on and off the air using the word “funseekers.”
Fun was at the forefront of the anniversary rally, which began Thursday evening, August 13, when we boarded the Carolina Queen riverboat for a two-hour dinner cruise of the picturesque and historic Charleston harbor. Several Funseekers and their guests enjoyed dancing and singing along to music performed by the boat’s band.
Members also enjoyed meals and games over the course of four days. Some meals were prepared and served by the hosts; one was at a local seafood restaurant. On Friday night, members played the quarter game, with one member winning the entire pot. At Saturday’s breakfast, we had fun with make-your-own “omelets in a bag” using a variety of ingredients. This was a first for several members.
On Friday and Saturday, members were free to pick from many area activities.
Back at the campground after Saturday’s dinner, we took group pictures, and Jim Duncan presented the chapter’s 25-year certificate on behalf of FMCA. We enjoyed an anniversary cake bearing the Georgia Funseekers emblem, along with ice cream and coffee. The chapter’s national director gave a presentation on the history of the Funseekers, and we enjoyed short stories by Russ and Janet Payne about their experiences since the chapter’s founding. Corsages and gifts were presented to the Paynes and Duncans.
On Saturday night, Steve Guettler, of Stevie G. and the Rockerz, performed a rousing concert that included some songs he wrote himself.
Sunday morning featured a short devotional on the subject of laughter and how good it is for the body and soul. That seemed totally appropriate for such a fun and rewarding weekend. The successful rally was all that we had hoped for.