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February Happenings...

Greetings and a belated HAPPY NEW YEAR !! The times and fun we have together really do “make time fly” and before we realize it another year is here. As we begin to prepare our annual reports from our State Directors and Chapter Presidents, we want to thank all of the new or returning officers who have stepped up. NKK could not exist without you and your help! Also, there are hosts that have stepped forward and rallies that are planned for your good times in 2013. Thank you Rally HOSTS !! Thank you to all the newly elected officers for our chapters..... you are invaluable to the continued good times and great fellowship of the Newmar Kountry Klub!

When this report is published, the Tampa RV Super Show will be a memory. We look forward each year to hosting this really special event. Our band of co hosts were Bob and Martha Elhman, Charlie and Dean Grebinger, and Jim and Wilma Weeks. Clyde Rosten worked to schedule volunteers at the Newmar display to introduce our Newmar Kountry Klub to prospective new members. The Tampa Show is a time when many of us travel to the warmth of our Southern most state in the Region. It is also an opportunity to visit with the Newmar Executives, appreciate the talents of our Newmar Techs on site, and visit MANY vendors. We thank North Trails RV for their tremendous sponsorship and for always bringing beautiful coaches for us to review and purchase.

It was our pleasure to attend the SC Pals / NC Tarheels joint Christmas Rally in Myrtle Beach, SC. As is stated in their reports, there was rain, great food and marvelous good times. Once again, that special Christmas Elf had a difficult time keeping all those mystery gifts safe from finger pokes and shakes. Beware of damage to any package …. the Elf will get ya !! They already have the dates picked for Christmas 2013!!

The business meetings of both Klubs concluded with new officers and rally plans and sizable donations to charities. The Pelicans made a significant donation for Hurricane Sandy relief as well as several other chapters. That giving from our membership continues, as you will note that many other Chapters have made gifting to a community or favorite charity a part of their annual business meetings.

We really want to thank Bob and Martha Ehlman for serving as the Florida state Directors for the last 2 plus years. In addition to that, they have co-hosted the Tampa RV Super Show with us three times and recently hosted the Key West Special event, as well as the information booth at Essex Junction. They have announced that they are wanting to retire as state Directors after the state rally in April. We will sorely miss your “relaxed” management style and “can do” attitude a well as your friendship – you were both a delight to work with and to be around.

Because of this pending retirement, in this issue we are announcing the opening for new Florida State Directors – come on Pelicans, Sandpipers, Manatees, and Sea Turtles – someone step forward for a few years as State Directors and meet new people, build new friendships, and keep the Newmar camaraderie going!

Jim and Wilma and Linda have been busy planning for our future International Rallies. Du Quoin, IL for 2013, Michigan for 2014, and West Virginia for 2015. There are several Special Events in the works. Keep up with the adventures planned for your enjoyment with the Konnection, the web site, The Newmar Happenings, and your chapter newsletters.

We have finished 2012 and begin 2013 in a bit of an unusual circumstance. Our coach is in for major engine repair and not in our driveway!! Goodness, we have separation anxiety and could not figure out what to bring home. There is not a day that goes by that I realize that I do not have some item of clothing or need to “borrow” some food item and realize that my coach is not in the driveway. We hope to be together soon and must figure out how the heck to HUG our coach HELLO !!

There was a delightful ending to our 2012 celebration. Our Region 5 rally musical entertainers, “Molasses Creek”, were performing at First Night in Williamsburg, Va. What a way to start our 2013.....good music and special hugs from a mighty fine group – they said to say Hello to all their Newmar Friends!

Have a Joyful New Year..... Safe Travels

Happy Trails
Bob and Bonnie Krieger, 12508
NKK Region 5 Directors
NKKregion5@verizon.net

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December Happenings...

Greetings again for the last article for the 2012 year. Life has been exciting since writing our article for October ….. surgery with 7 screws and a plate for the right ankle, Region 5 rally on a “knee Cruiser” at the Outer Banks of NC, and Hurricane Sandy !!

Surgery went well for Bob to repair the fracture of his ankle and he is now in a “walking boot” and so glad to be able to get out and about. We are anxious to be on the road again with our Newmar friends ( and throw that boot away !)

The Region 5 rally was a BIG event and special for us this fall. We had to cancel last year due to Hurricane Irene and were determined to return to one of our favorite family vacation spots. Bob did wonders working the rally with his “knee cruiser” and was up and down the ramps getting to all the events....and delicious meals ( thanks Cannon Catering !). This could not have been done with out lots of support from the Camp Hatteras RV Resort. They were so helpful and were able to get us a handicap cabin, loan us a golf cart and they were always available. We could not have done this with out the assistance of our Newmar helpers.....Jim and Annabelle Repp, Jim and Bess Linville, John and Betty Warhol, Dwayne and Pat Kittle and many, many others who just jumped in to help us decorate, serve, lift, set up, clean up, etc., etc., etc. Our Newmar family was there to help us in any way possible....THANK YOU !!! You made this gathering even more special.

We were delighted to show off this unique and historic and beautiful area. The weather was wonderful and we all had time to walk along the beach and get the sand between our toes. There were many planned activities and all local talent. We were entertained by Danny Couch, a local historian who gave us a different prospective of Blackbeard the Pirate and talked about the temporary “lego” bridge we drive over to get to our campground. That very same bridge survived Hurricane Sandy !! There was major damage to the highway, however, and a temporary ferry has been put back in service as we write this.

We had a very personal tour of the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station and Historic site that was conducted by a husband and wife team dressed in period costumes. The courage of these young men was amazing and to realize those teams were dragging boats in the sand and rowing for miles out to sea to rescue others. Linda Malloy, the lady who conducted the tour, was in the movie, “Nights of Rodanthe” and says she could talk for hours about her acting role with Richard Gere!!

Our trip to Ocracoke Island included a private tour of a Chesapeake Bay Skip Jack, the Wilma Lee. These unique sailing vessels were used in the bay to harvest oysters. His knowledge of the vessel and pirate poetry was delightful.

Our entertainers were a local Ocracoke Island group “Molasses Creek”. Their singing style was just right !! The five member band had us standing to applaud their skills. They also had a role in “Nights of Rodanthe” and shared their good times filming the musical scenes in the movie.

Our Newmar members were touched by the power of the presentation of Pastor Steve Simmons and his efforts to help the folks in the area. His Lifeboat Ministry and food bank continues to assist so many families. Our group collected cash and 2 large boxes of food. It was with great pride that Jim and Wilma Weeks presented checks and cash of over $1,100 to Pastor Steve. Thank you Newmar members for giving back to the community that you visited.

This article is being written with a very heavy heart and powerful prayers for the entire east coast of our country that has been hit by Hurricane Sandy. Now only do these folks have to deal with wind, rain, flooding and fires but this storm is now dumping tons of snow in the mountains. We are sure that our Newmar family will assist when ever and where ever possible.

We look forward to the Tampa RV Super show and adventures this winter as we travel south. Luncheons have been planned and rallies organized. Please read the calendar of events and you will see great times with great folks that you just do not want to miss. Many thanks to all the members that host rallies and serve as chapter officers.

Hope your holidays are special with family and friends.

Happy Trails ..stay warm and dry.

Bob and Bonnie Krieger, 12508
Region 5
Nkkregion5@verizon.net