By Phyllis Avella, F424750
November 2014
On April 1, 2014, the South Texas Renegades chapter of FMCA marked its 35th year of bringing together members who enjoy the camaraderie of living the motorhome lifestyle.
Twelve couples enthusiastically laid the groundwork for the chapter when they met September 19, 1978, at Palo Alto RV Park in Rockport, Texas. Bob Humphreys was elected the first president. The chapter’s official start came in April 1979, and since then, South Texas Renegades has been one of the most active chapters in Texas.
Our anniversary celebration started at the February 2014 rally held at Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA in Montgomery, Texas, where Jim McCabe, national vice president, South Central Area, presented the chapter with a congratulatory letter, anniversary certificate, and a check from FMCA. The festivities continued each month during regular rallies and culminated at our October 9-11 rally at Hill Country Cottage and RV Resort in New Braunfels, Texas.
The anniversary celebration committee worked hard for the past year preparing for this final party. We enjoyed American country food, as well as German and Mexican cuisine. Activities included washer toss and card games, stick horse races, and group outings in and around the New Braunfels area.
Saturday evening’s big celebration included a very nice dinner and a delicious 35th anniversary cake from Naegelin’s Bakery, followed by dancing to music provided by the group Thursday Night Noise. Door prizes were awarded, and each member received a 35th anniversary pin. We send a big thank-you to those members and companies (including All Pro Water-Flow, Outback Steakhouse, and Camping World) that provided the door prizes, as well as committee members who worked so hard on a wonderful event.
Bob and Mary Louise Smith, Gary and Sindy Smith, and Duncan and Shirley Rowland were recognized for more than 20 years of membership, and we still celebrate four past presidents (Sonny Hall; Brad Mudgett; Suzette Sherwood; and Doni Gordon) as active members.
Our members enjoy getting out and doing things. Over the years they have driven thousands of miles and visited hundreds of places in 49 of our 50 states. We look forward to many more years of travel, and we invite anyone to join us. Come for a weekend rally, have a great time, and join our very outgoing group. Our 2015 rallies will take us to Durant, Oklahoma; Rockport and Galveston, Texas; and various places in between. Rally information is listed on FMCA.com and in Family Motor Coaching magazine’s “Association Calendar.” Rally and other chapter information can also be found on our Web site, www.southtexasrenegades.com or by contacting membership chairperson Bob Avella at ravellasgmret@satx.rr.com or (210) 787-6316.