Multiple days of fun, friendship, and festivities.
By John & Betsy Aukema, F460879
September 2022
What can we say but a huge “thank you” to everyone who attended and helped make the New York Centrals’ 45th chapter anniversary celebration, June 9 through 12, 2022, a success. The weather and camping sites at Herkimer County Fairgrounds in Herkimer, New York, were great, as were the staff members who continually checked to make sure we had everything we needed.
By Friday of the rally, 17 RVs were parked, and the occupants were ready for good fellowship and food. A big “thank you” to our rally cohosts Dan and Sue McCoy, Jeff and Willi Lanfear, and Bob and Vera Flight. With their help, along with others, the setup and cleanup went well.
On Thursday night, everyone went to Fat Cats for a great fish fry. Felix, the owner, gave us food samples and ice cream to enjoy at the end of our meal.
On Friday morning, we had fresh doughnuts, bagels, and a hot breakfast cooked by Jeff Lanfear and me (John); breakfast was sponsored by Sky Med.
Afterward, everyone spent time sharing stories about what they did during the winter or if they visited sights in the area. Friday night dinner came from Fat Cats and was sponsored by Seven O’s RV dealership in Kirkville. The evening was full of laughter and individuals playing the Five Crowns card game.
Saturday started with fresh doughnuts and conversation. At 1:00, eight teams signed up to play cornhole. After more laughter and kidding each other, we had a winner: Todd and Rhonda Berger, who happen to be new members. It was great to welcome them to the chapter.
During the afternoon, we were joined by multiple alums, including Elaine and Bart Barton, Frances Heifferon, and Pierrette Williams. Dinner was brought and set up by Court Vue Luncheonette in Utica and sponsored by Wilkins RV.
After dinner, our anniversary program recognized our guests from FMCA’s Northeast Area, including John and Sharon Traphagen, FMCA national area vice president and area president; Jim and Pat Sennett, area treasurer; and Bill and Ros Newton, area vice president. John presented the chapter with our 45th anniversary FMCA certificate and a $300 check. The anniversary celebration was followed by an ice cream social served by the leadership team and sponsored by Burdick RV.
On Sunday morning, we enjoyed the pleasant weather and a continental breakfast before heading back home.
In addition to our co-hosts and sponsors, we’d like to thank Harry for parking, Sandy for the crafts, and Cheryl and Dolores for the welcome bags. Thanks also to Camping World, Jeff Lanfear, Jim and Dolores Wilson, Charlotte Burrell, and Passport America for door prizes.
The New York Centrals chapter was founded May 28th, 1977. This chapter covers the geographical area of central New York, from Rochester (west) to Amsterdam (east), Canada (north), and Binghamton (south). Chapter members like to camp, craft, share and eat food, visit historical sights, play cards, enjoy fellowship, and have fun. The New York Centrals hold up to six rallies from May to October.