Join an Arizona chapter that accommodates working and retired RVers alike.
By Peggy Jordan, Associate Editor
May 2017
Perhaps you’re enjoying the warmth of Arizona, and your working years are in your life’s rearview mirror. But now, you may be searching for something new to do. Or maybe you’re still in the thick of employment, and your beloved motorhome is going nowhere as a result.
The Weekenders chapter may offer the solution to both problems. At their weekend rallies you can meet new people. See new places. And take that motorhome out on the days when you can relax.
The Weekenders chapter was formed in 1993 by FMCA members who were still working. They decided that all their rallies would be held over the weekend, and they stick to this tradition, although not everyone in the chapter is in the working world now. It is a fine plan for employed and retired motorhomers alike.
The Weekenders are active around Arizona. They distributed welcome bags to attendees at FMCA’s “Rally in the Valley” convention in Chandler this past March. These nice folk also will welcome you if you visit one of their rallies. Chapter vice president and national director Doreen Sims said, “We enjoy each other; we are very friendly; we try to make everybody feel at home.”
The group has 17 member families at this writing; typically, a handful will gather at any one rally. This month, May 19-21, you’re invited to add to the number at a rally in Payson, Arizona.
Rallies involve different activities. “It depends on where we are,” Doreen said. “If we’re in county parks, we will do walks or hikes. We play games, have happy hour, and do potlucks. If we’re in an area that has museums, we will do that. Near De Anza [an RV resort in Amado, Arizona], there’s an underground missile museum; we have toured that.”
Plus, rallies can be just for socializing. “People have been busy all week and just want to rest and relax and visit,” Doreen said.
This chapter’s “small but active” theme carries on around the winter holidays, too, when they buy items for their annual “Toys for Tots” giveaway. Winter rally sites typically are in the warmer parts of the state, such as Mesa and Gila Bend. To avoid the summer heat, rallies are scheduled from September to May. Get in on this month’s rally, so you don’t have to wait until fall. Or, consider joining them in September.
For a rally schedule and more information about the Weekenders, check the chapter’s website at www.fmca-weekenders.info, or contact Doreen Sims: rahoo22002@yahoo.com; (602) 955-7857.
For general information about FMCA chapters, contact the Chapter Services Department at (513) 474-3622 or (800) 543-3622; chapters@fmca.com.
If you would like your chapter to be featured in Chapter Spotlight, contact FMC associate editor Peggy Jordan, (800) 543-3622, ext. 212; pjordan@fmca.com.