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The Greensboro, NC Rally is over. What a great rally!
Marty and Cathy Kimball did an outstanding job. Now on to Macon, Georgia in
March 2007.
I would like to share some “behind-the-scenes” events at
the Greensboro Rally. In North Carolina, state law requires that the bartenders
must be provided by the facility. We were able to help with ice and errands,
but not serve alcohol. After some intensive negotiation, we had 20 bartenders
at the bar to pour liquor. Other bartenders passed out wine and beer in other
areas of the building. It turned out to be a no-waiting bar.
Most entertainers bring their own instruments, and for
larger instruments they would bring an electronic substitute. An example would
be an electronic keyboard instead of a piano. In Greensboro, one group required
a “backline” instrument – a Baby Grand Piano. The mission was to get a heavy
baby grand piano on a four foot high stage. Music stores in the area solve this
type of problem every day. The legs came off, the lid was strapped down,
everything was wrapped in pads, and the entire piano was placed in a canvas bag
with straps. The fork-lift picked up the piano and placed it on the stage.
Three hours later the piano tuner came in to tune the piano (we waited three
hours for the piano to get use to its environment before it could be tuned).
And, Oh Yes, the entertainment was well worth the effort!
The Rally Masters for the Greensboro rally, Marty and Cathy
Kimball, started over a year before the rally to put all the pieces together.
The display coaches and vendors were inside the same air conditioned building.
Their salute to the military was appreciated by all the veterans at the rally.
The NASCAR racing theme was evident through-out the dining area, and tables were
called by using popular racing drivers’ numbers. I may have said this before,
but if you see Marty and Cathy, please take the time to thank them for a
wonderful rally.
The Monaco International Board of Directors met, as they do
at every rally, and finalized a number of committee actions. Since we voted on,
and approved, new By-Laws; we had to review our other documents to insure they
complied with the new By-Laws. Now our Standing rules, job descriptions, and
policy and procedures are in order. We actually voted on changes to three
standing rules and added one new standing rule. There are still three Monaco
International members who are charter members, the general membership voted to
waive their dues as long as they qualify as motorhome owners. The 2006 Monaco
International Directories have been mailed, and by now, members should have
received them.
The future for Monaco International will be busy. I have
appointed several new committees to develop new services and fine tune existing
ones. In the Fall, the Monaco International dues letter is mailed to every
member. Even if a member has paid-in-advance for several years, they will
receive a letter. The dues letter has a section that will allow everyone to
update their member information. Our plan is to update our Monaco International
data base, and subsequently, we will improve our 2007 directory. Also, we are
in the process of setting up a new web site. Look for information about the web
site in the new future. On the administrative side, we are developing
standardized rules for rally accounting procedures.
Ellen and I have taken the last few months to enjoy some
well needed “down time.” We have added a new couch and recliner; applied
polyurethane to all the wood cabinets; installed a new Aqua Hot muffler;
installed an exhaust switch on the dash (to work in parallel with the pedal
switch); installed a new 10 disc CD changer, and a new VCR/DVD; and waxed the
coach. Wow! Ellen got out her sewing machine and went to work. Pajamas for
everyone!! The grandkids think it is great, but I am not sure if I will wear my
Sponge Bob, Square Pants pajamas. I think she has a plan for home made
Christmas presents.
The Macon, GA Rally starts March 13, 2007. We have planned
a few surprises and interesting twists. It will be an exciting rally. More
information to follow in my next couple of articles.
See you down the road, if not before.
Art and Ellen
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