Care Person Update - Donna Gruel

Donna Gruel passed away on August 31, 2025.

Donna & Carl Gruel

Hello Everyone,  

 

Sadly, we share the news of Donna's passing.

 

I received the following sad news from Sue Sohles:

 

Former Dogwood member Donna Gruel passed away peacefully on August 31, after a long illness. 

 

Donna and Carl were Dogwood members for many years.  You could count on Donna to get a Dogwood gathering going.  She was the Dogwood's Christmas Party MC for several years. From year to year, you never knew what outfit, hat, or crazy glasses Donna would wear to start out the Christmas Party festivities.

 

Thank you Sue for passing on this sad news.

 

Our condolences to Carl and the Gruel family.  Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers for strength and comfort.

 

Here is the link to his obituary:  Click Here 

Or copy & paste the URL into your browser.

https://www.northbrevardfuneralhome.com/obituaries/Donnette-F-Gruel?obId=45103691

Sincerely,

Nanette Meyer, Care Person
FRVA Dogwood Chapter  

  

Dogwood Rally at Old Mill Stream Campground

Lancaster Rally - Final Update

 

The rally is close and ready to enjoy. Rally fee is $20 per person collected on site..

 

Thursday evening - 5:30pm social. Bring snacks to share along with your favorite beverage.

 

Friday Breakfast provided by hosts.  Showtime is at 3pm so we need to leave at 2pm. Suggested we get there 45 minutes early. We are planning dinner out at a Buffet after the show if interested. We will get a head count on Thursday.

 

Saturday Breakfast provided by hosts. Dinner provided by hosts.

 

Sunday Continental Breakfast provided by hosts as we depart.

 

Please bring your plates, utensils and something to drink to all meals.

 

If you arrive early on Wednesday, you are welcome to join us for dinner out. Please let Pattie Kuiken or Terry Tenney know if you want to join.

Click Here For Previous Posts and Rally Details

 

Dogwood Luncheon in Mechanicsville, VA - Summary

Good evening Dogwood! If you weren’t there, you missed a great luncheon at the VFW Lodge in Mechanicsville this past weekend. We had 25 folks participate and it was really good seeing everyone, including some that we had missed for nearly a year. The setting was very pleasant and the lunch fare was lasagna, drinks (non-alcoholic), salad, bread, and dessert. The setup staff included one of our past Dogwood presidents – Mr. Buck Buchanan and his wife, Linda, along with the managers Cassie and Stephanie. We also had a surprise guest - one of Dogwood’s previous club members – Ms. Carol Warthan and her friend, Gene. It was good seeing Carol again.

 

Folks started arriving just after noon and we stayed together until around 2:30. Sue Sohles spoke briefly to the group about organizing a trip up to Galax in late July 2026 for the Virginia Bar-Be-Que festival “Smoke on the Mountain” – That will no doubt go on our planning schedule at the Christmas Rally in December. 

 

In summary, it was an easy get-together for the club and a great luncheon. I think we need to do this every summer…..

 

 

Ed

2025 Luncheon at the VFW (Greenwoods not pictured)

President’s Message – Jul/Aug 2025

Hello Dogwood – happy summer to all and I hope you are staying cool and enjoying the summer. The heat is on but the traveling is always cool! 

Jean and I just got back from Red Bay, AL – we have a Tiffin; where else could we go? Yes we have a working set of Atwood Levelegs on the RV now. After a year of futzing with them, we did the drive (3 days down, 3 days back) and 45 minutes of repair in the camp yard. Amazing, to say the least. Along the way, I managed to hand out three Dogwood Fliers to fellow campers; none were familiar with FRVA, so I gave them the Dogwood pitch and a flier and told them to log onto FRVA as soon as they had good internet.  At one point we were driving along the Tammy Wynette Highway, so I  just had to sing “Stand by your Man” at the top of my lungs – Jean swears I’m crazy. Now I just have to get a couple more things fixed and we will be ready for Lancaster. 

I also just saw the good news about Tom Spiezio – please keep those good prayers rolling for him. I also read the writeup on the Rally at Breaks Interstate Park – looks like they had a great time! Thanks to Lynn and Wayne for putting that together. In the meantime, enjoy the rest of the summer – stay safe.

That’s it for now – safe travels and we’ll see you down the road.

 

Ed Herbert, President

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

  

Treasurer’s Report – Jul/Aug 2025

Treasury balance is $4276.75 as of 8/20/2025.

 

 

 

 

Sonia Kuppert, Treasurer

FRVA, Dogwood Chapter

  

VP Membership Update – Jul/Aug 2025

Hello Dogwood Family,

We hope that all is well with you and your families.
 
In this article I will be discussing Family RV Association (FRVA) membership. As all of you know, you can't be a member of a chapter unless you join FRVA.
 
As many of you know, FRVA is having some major issues at this time to include a loss of membership, low turnout at national rallies, financial issues, dues increase, and other issues. At the August National Rally in WY there were less than 400 RV's. Compare that to over 7000, yes 7000, years ago when FRVA was in its prime.
 
The annual dues about doubled over the past year and no doubt, some members are considering or have dropped their membership in FRVA. If you are one of those considering dropping out, think about and consider my comments before doing so.
 

As an RV owner, you have made a considerable investment, so $100.00 a year is not going to break the bank. In addition, FRVA provides some great benefits. A few of those include: membership, magazine, discounted RV insurance, RV education, discounted campgrounds, national rallies, and one of the most important, a Medical and Travel assistance plan. This plan itself will cost you over $100.00 a year alone.  FRVA includes it in your membership dues. And most importantly, if you are not a member of FRVA, you can no longer belong to our great Dogwood Chapter and hang out with a group of wonderful friends. Think about it.

 

Our current membership stands at 53. We have made a few adjustments since our last newsletter, but for the most part, our numbers remain steady. And remember, never miss an opportunity to make a new friend and sign up a new member.

 

  

Regards and Safe travels,

 

Jim Buelow, VP Membership

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

 

VP Rallies Update – Jul/Aug 2025

2025 Breaks Interstate Park Rally

Rallies scheduled for the rest of this year:

 

August 23rd:  Dogwood Luncheon, The VFW in Mechanicsville VA;  Hosts: Herbert and Buelow

August 29-Sept 4:  Lobster Rally in Booth Bay ME; Hosts: Alexander and Bonewitz

September 11-14:  Old Mill Stream Campground in Lancaster PA;  Hosts: Tenney and Kuiken

         We have 30 seats reserved for “Noah” at Sight & Sound Theater on 9/12.  Request for tickets will be included on rally registration form.  Ticket payment will need to be paid to rally host with rally registration.

October:  Open

November 4-8:  FMCA Great Eastern Area Rally (“GEAR”); Myrtle Beach SC

December 4-7:  Dogwood Christmas Rally in Lanexa VA at Rochahock Campground;  Hosts: Kuiken, Warren, Hill

 

  

Please see all the Rallies and updated information planned for this year.

Happy Camping, 

Dell Tenney, Rally Master

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

   

VP Communications Update – Jul/Aug 2025

Hello All.  It’s been an exciting couple of months!  After being on the road for 7 weeks, Nanette & I made a quick trip to Kentucky to look at a new-to-us coach.  We went in the truck and stayed in a hotel… we are definitely not used to humping our luggage around anymore 😬.  Well, unfortunately, the coach shopping was a bust, but we made the most of our 2 days there.  Two, yes 2, trips to the Buffalo Trace Distillery and of course, a stop at Rebecca Ruth Chocolates.  If you’re not familiar with Rebecca Ruth – it is family owned & operated and has been handcrafting gourmet chocolates since 1919.  AND they are the Inventors of the Bourbon Ball.  If you go, the tour was very interesting.  Then among their other fine assortments, ask for the Boo-Boo bags!  They are all good, no matter which ones you pick!

 

On to Dogwood business.  

 

I last distributed our Membership Directory a couple months ago, so the latest version is June 19^th.  I’ve made a few updates and getting ready to send out a new version.  Please let me know if you have any updates or corrections for me to make.

 

I started making changes to the Blog and some of our documents to reflect the change from FMCA to FRVA.  It is slow going, as expected.  If you see something you think should be updated, please share with me so we can take a look at it.

 

We’ve been busy posting articles to the Blog and sending out emails to give you all the latest chapter news.  I have a couple more articles in the works for after the newsletter and we have a couple rallies coming up on the calendar, so I’m looking forward to posting the rally summaries for those!  Stay on top of all the latest information - Visit often and stay up to date here on the Blog Site!

 

As always, please share your travels and adventures – I’d love to share your stories with the chapter!  

 

Looking forward to seeing you at one of the upcoming rallies.  

Dave Meyer, VP Communications

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

  

Care Person Update – Jul/Aug 2025

Hello Dogwood Friends...

 

I am happy to say that I only have updates on a couple of our members that everyone knows about. 

 

           💟  First up is the below update from Carolyn Spiezio on 8/7/2025:

"Update on Tom. Thank you everyone for Prayers. He started 5th week of treatment today & feels good. Chemo pill & radiation every weekday, only chemo weekend. Lost a tiny bit of hair on left from, but not real noticeable. Told doc yesterday that he is going to beat this. We all pray that is true. Don't forget big party for Tom, Sept 20, Indian River Senior Center behind Wawa & Walgreens in Millsboro, De. 11-2, more details to come. Please kept praying, looks like they are working . Thank u"
 
Keep up the prayers that he will beat this awful disease.
 
 💟  Next up is Mary Lou Dudziak:

I texted her to ask how she’s doing with her recovery and she wrote:
"It's been a slow recovery, but I'm finally feeling better. My doctor said recovery from this surgery is 6 - 12 months, and I'm right on track. My back and leg pain is much better than before surgery, but I still have bending and twisting restrictions for a while, so I just have to be patient, I guess. 😉 Tell everyone I said hello, and I hope to be back to traveling soon!”
 
Good news from Mary Lou, and I know everyone is with me when I say I can’t wait to have her join us for rallies again!
 
 💟  Last up is Susan Buelow:

She is coming along nicely with her physical therapy, according to Jim. Taking it slowly and methodically so she doesn’t strain anything. Looking forward to seeing them soon and they will be at the rally in Lancaster, PA next month.

Well, I just found out that a few other folks have been under the weather. 

 

 💟  Karen Alexander had another stroke the end of July. She is recovering well but needs PT to regain her strength. Sent her a get-well card.

 

 💟  Connie Tilman has been having health issues over the summer, possibly due to medication. Sent her a get-well card.

 

 💟  Larry Sherrow has just returned home from a hospital stay for gallbladder issues. He will be having a cardiac catheterization after he gets better from the gallbladder thing. Sent him a get-well card.

 

 💟  And, Millie Lavalley had some surgeries and will be starting therapy soon. Sent her a get-well card.

 

Thank you to all who reached out to keep me informed of these events. Please continue to let me know whenever you hear of our members being ill, having surgery, losing a loved one (even a pet) or just not doing well for whatever reason at ndmeyer3@icloud.com or text me at 757-813-0828.

  

Sincerely,

Nanette Meyer, Care Person
FRVA Dogwood Chapter 

  

Care Person Update - Thank You from the Buelows

Jim & Susan

 Hello Dogwood Family,

 

We hope that all is well and that you are having a great summer.

 

As most of you know, Susan fell in the coach on June 4th on our way to the North Landing Beach rally. A trip to the emergency room in VA Beach revealed a fractured shoulder. We saw a surgeon the next day, and on June 12th, she had a total left shoulder replacement.

 

The surgery went well and Susan has been in physical therapy (PT) since early July, which is also going very well. We had a follow-up appointment with the surgeon on August 13th and he was very impressed with her recovery and progress. She will continue PT for a least another month, but she is a trooper and works hard at the PT. One day at a time.

 

During the past two months, we have received many calls, emails, texts, and cards from our Dogwood family sending caring and positive thoughts, prayers, flowers and goodies. It brought tears to Susan's eyes.

 

Our heartfelt and huge thank you for being there for us. We are very grateful for your love and friendship and Blessed to be part of the Dogwood family.  

 

We hope to be at the Dogwood luncheon at the VFW along with the PA rally and look forward to seeing you there.

 

Thank you again, safe travels and regards,

 

Susan and Jim

Safety Article – Jul/Aug 2025

Safety article for this session:  Lighting.  I’ll start with the exterior of our rigs, and then wrap up with the interior illumination.

Many of us have experienced driving at night to arrive at a campground “after hours” and therefore: In the dark.  Sometimes these campgrounds are somewhat off the beaten path, maybe down a narrow two-lane street that is lacking any form of lighting or the solid white-line at road’s edge.  Driving in such a scenario can be a bit scarry.  My personal story is as recent as the Dogwood Christmas Rally at the Rockahock Campground at Lanexa, VA.  We arrived much later than we anticipated, and the righthand turn off of Rockahock Road onto Outpost Road was a challenge on that very dark night.  Our GPS showed that we were approaching the turn, but the turn for the Outpost Road was very difficult to discern.  I observed a vehicle behind us with bright headlights, and I can only envision that the driver was perturbed at my 5mph speed for the last two blocks of travel as I strained to discover the turn.  Any thought of him passing me was dashed as I began migrating into the oncoming lane in anticipation of the upcoming hard-right turn.  Point is: My RV’s headlights, whether on low- or high- beam were no help at showing exactly where the turn was.  Since then, I’ve wished that I had one of those police-car spotlights!  Short of that, I do carry a long throw LED flashlight (powered by C-cell batteries) and I think I will make available to my copilot to help when I find myself in a similar dark-night condition.

For normal cruising, seasoned RVers make a point of a walk around before getting underway, but we might be focused on the RV’s rear brake and turn signal indicators … along with the similar indicators on the towed.  I’ve now added to my list a check of the RV headlights (or if you have a 5^th wheel or trailer, check your tow vehicle headlights) to ensure that both headlights are working.  Having noticed that my headlights were not as bright as they used to be, I replaced both with similar bulb types:  Halogen.  One of those bulbs failed after only two years of service even though I followed installation instructions (“Do Not Touch The Bulb With Your Fingers”).  For this bulb’s replacement, I chose to proceed with an LED -type bulb.  I have yet to drive at night with this combination of “one each” technology, but even in daylight, the Halogen bulb’s light throws a “warm” light (white with a tinge of yellow), and the LED has that “blue-ish” cast that is sometimes distinctly obvious with some of today’s late model cars.

As for internal lighting of our RVs, “safety” might be a harder sell.  I’ll not offer much.  But we’ve all wished for better/brighter lighting when opening a cabinet door and staring into a dark cabinet.  Or how about those times when you drop a pill on the floor and finding where it rolled requires being on hands-and-knees.  Even though they are small but none-the-less terrific LED flashlights that use AAA batteries, I have experienced that the AAA batteries fail me just when I need them the most.  “Fail” in this case can have several causes:  The dreaded acid oozing out of a battery or merely some age-related corrosion on the contacts such that the flashlight is just not working.  What I’ve now found is the small, LED flashlight that is rechargeable.  The charging source is that of the standard 5vdc transformer that has a USB port.  You know the ones:  They come with your new cell phone.  And for those retired or traded-in devices, we probably have several of these transformers in a bin somewhere.  The rechargeable LED flashlights, sometimes sold in a pack of 3, probably keep their price lower by not including the necessary transformer.  These little guys also offer adjustable lenses: Highly focusing the beam (great for finding that dropped pill) or a broader beam that illuminates that dark cabinet on your RV.

Click here for the PDF version

THINK

SAFETY

EVERYDAY!

 

Wishing everyone safe travels.

Robi Robison, Safety Chairman
FRVA Dogwood Chapter

   

  

Celebrating Dogwood Birthdays and Anniversaries – Aug/Sep 2025

 

We would like to help you celebrate your annual milestones.  Please send your dates (just the month is fine) to FMCADogwood@gmail.com so we can include you on those special months.  🥳

 

Eastern Area Nominations Committee Letter - Aug 2025

 Hello Dogwood,  

Attached is a letter from our Eastern Area VP concerning upcoming elections for the Eastern Area positions to be voted on at Myrtle Beach in November. Please read through the information and the attachment carefully. We (the Eastern Area) have several key positions to be filled and we need folks to step up to the jobs. If you are at all interested in helping to run the Eastern Area part of FRVA, this is your chance!

 

Thanks in advance - 

Ed Herbert, President

FRVA Dogwood Chapter

Click here for a PDF version of the letter

Additional information on the Regional VP Duties

                            ____________________________________________________________

FMCA is now Family RV Association — same great RV community, bold new direction!

August 18, 2025 Attention Eastern Area members, Please see below for an important message from FRVA's Eastern Area Nominations Committee.

READ NOW

You're Invited to the Penn Coachmen Pocono 2025 Rally

 

Hello Dogwood!   You are all invited to join the Penn Coachmen for our Pocono Rally at the Pocono Raceway.  It is a great rally in a beautiful area.  Please see the flyer for full details.  

 

Thanks

Sue Cipa

 

Hope to see you next month!

 

Continue Reading for all the Rally Details