By Linda Fougere, F315972
December 2016
Scotian Roamers members celebrated the chapter’s 20th anniversary with a rally that drew 32 motorhomes to Elm River RV Park in Glenholme, Nova Scotia, from June 9-12, 2016. One could sense this rally was special, starting with the Thursday meet and greet. Everyone was glad to see each other; they enjoyed catching up on the past year and looked forward to sharing the weekend.
Gary and Priscilla Crowther and Dave and Linda Fougere hosted the gathering. The campground was the perfect location. We had exclusive use of the hall, which had a wood-burning fireplace that was kept lit the entire time, giving us a wonderful, warm atmosphere. It was a good thing, because the weather was a bit challenging. The hall was decorated with flags and banners, and Priscilla set up a display of chapter memorabilia that everyone enjoyed.
Gary, Scotian Roamers president, welcomed everyone at Thursday’s supper. Attendees from the three Maritime provinces included a large group from New Brunswick. After supper, representatives from the Colchester-East Hants Public Library demonstrated a 3-D printer. The new technology generated lots of questions.
Volunteers were a big part of the rally’s success. In fact, most everyone helped in one way or another. At Friday’s breakfast, even first-timers Bill and Mary Ann Forsyth were involved in preparing and serving the meal. Highlights of the day were tours of Kohltech Windows & Entrance Systems; the agricultural campus of Dalhousie University; and garment manufacturer Stanfield’s Limited. Everyone offered rave reviews.
After Friday’s supper, our 20th anniversary cake was cut by Rod Emeneau, our oldest active and founding member, who turned 89 the next day. Rod also gave hand-carved cutouts to each family in attendance. Friday evening featured musical entertainment by Gene Antle and Friends, jamming buddies of Len Reteff.
Saturday’s breakfast was followed by a flea market and the chapter meeting. That afternoon, Michael Goode led a workshop on building an RV generator stack, which diverts fumes when the generator is used in dry-camping situations.
On Saturday evening, Priscilla and Gary Crowther reviewed photo contest pictures submitted by members, and Gary presented special tags to past executive members, thanking them for their contribution to the success of the Scotian Roamers over the last 20 years. For the meal, tables were dressed with white tablecloths and decorated with a coastal theme of candles and shells on a blue square. An impressive musical performance by Tim Bowers and Gordon Tucker followed the meal.
Sunday morning brought hugs and good-byes until we all meet again.