By Rocky Ybarra, F31950
December 2017
The Northwestern chapter celebrated its 50th anniversary in the beautiful Yakima Valley of central Washington over the 2017 Labor Day weekend. A ring of forest fires in the mountains above the valley, along with eerie skies and unusual sunsets, did not hinder the festivities. Twenty-eight members and guests, along with 14 motorhomes, convened for the event, held at the Yakima Elks RV park in Selah, Washington. Kathie Balogh, FMCA national vice president, Northwest Area, presented the 50th anniversary award and certificate from FMCA.
The Labor Day rally in the Yakima Valley has been a Northwestern chapter tradition for many years. We look forward to the summer harvest of the area’s many farms, which produce apples, pears, peaches, berries, and vegetables. Members purchase fruits and vegetables for canning and for making their favorite fruit preserves. The lower Yakima Valley also is known for its fine vineyards and wine production. For those who are not wine connoisseurs, microbreweries offer an alternative. Some members spent time at the Yakima Elks golf course. Others used their metal detectors to search for artifacts in the hills above the Yakama Indian Reservation.
The gathering started on Thursday with the greeting of early arrivals. The next day, during and after the pizza feast provided by hosts Sandy and Ray Baker, members enjoyed catching up and remembering times past. On Saturday, attendees ventured into the Yakima Valley searching for their own treasures, and then gathered for a buffet dinner at the Elks lodge. Sunday’s farmers breakfast, hosted by Ed and Vickie Page, was followed by another day of venturing into the valley for fruits, vegetables, and treasures. The day ended with a mouthwatering pulled pork dinner courtesy of outgoing president Bud Fouts and his family.
Bud’s announcement during Sunday’s chapter meeting that he would not be a candidate for president was followed by the election of new officers and other business. Then, the chapter honored Bud and his wife, Marje, for their years of service as president and secretary. They have long been the lifeblood of our chapter and they are proud to have helped bring the first chapter in the Northwest Area to its 50th year.