30 years . . . and we’re just getting started!
By Judy Matthews, F421038
October 2023
June 20 through 24 marked the official 30-year anniversary celebration of the Cardinal Virginians chapter. The chapter’s scope is western Virginia along the Interstate 81 corridor, which includes some central Virginia members as well. Membership is not dependent on where someone lives, though, just a desire to have a great RVing family of friends.
Members Carol and Paul Melton, Rhoda and John Schoepf, and president Baynard and Sherree Barton provided guidance for everything to come together for the celebration, which wouldn’t have been possible without help from all those attending. We had a total of 30 members and special guests.
This is a good time to tell you that prior to our week at Misty Mountain Camp Resort in Crozet, most of Virginia was experiencing a moderate drought, and the weather report said there was not much of a chance for rain. Despite this, every day and night of the rally we experienced liquid gold falling upon us. That was our silver lining. Our celebration downgraded our drought from moderate to minimal; a little rain never has stood in our way of enjoying each other’s company and having fun.
A wine caravan was formed for members to visit local wineries and enjoy the beautiful countryside and Virginia wine at the same time.
Thursday afternoon all members were presented with a limited-edition Cardinal Virginians charcuterie board crafted by president Baynard. We then met in the clubhouse and learned how to fill our board with a variety of meats, breads, cheese, and fruit for our appetizers prior to our banquet. Carol gave us some great hints to make the appetizers appealing to sight and taste.
Our anniversary banquet topped off our celebration with a “Cardinal Virginians picnic.” Our special guests were acknowledged, and a photo celebration cake was served for dessert. We were pleased that FMCA representative Phyllis Britz and her husband, Eric, were able to join our celebration. Phyllis serves as national vice president, Eastern Area, and rally master for GEAR. Our past president, Bill Brown, and Cheryl also joined us for the banquet.
Feliza Jones and Mike and Esther Malloy have been members of the Cardinal Virginians since its charter. Mike and Esther, who are longtime members of FMCA, were able to share memories and photos of the “old days” when many of the RVs were converted buses.
We appreciate everyone who joined us for our anniversary celebration. It is the camaraderie of the members that makes our rallies enjoyable. We are looking forward to our next rally and our 35th anniversary.
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