Dogwood Rally at Devil's Backbone

Update with Registration Form

Hello Dogwood Family, 

 

Hope all is well with all of you and that you have had a great spring. 

 

The Dogwood Devil's Backbone Rally is coming up, so we wanted to send you the latest information on the rally.  The Dogwood Devil's Backbone Rally will be held May 16-19, 2022.   

 

Location:   Devil’s Backbone Base Camp

200 Mosbys Run  

Roseland, VA. 22967  

540-817-9708

 

It is recommended that you approach the camp via Rt. 151 and then turn onto Rt. 664. Please enter the campground at the entrance WITHOUT THE OVERHANG. There are two entrances to Devil’s Backbone with overhangs – do not use either. Rather, continue a short ways up on Rt. 664. The campground has its own entrance on the left. 

 

We have 10 sites blocked out for Dogwood, and we currently have 8 confirmed reservations that we know of; they are: 

 

·       Ed & Jean Herbert 

·       Jim & Susan Buelow 

·       Wilt & Barbara Greenwood 

·       Gary Hamm 

·       Mary Lou Dudziak 

·       Clint & Pat Allen 

·       Dave & Marla McFarlane 

·       Patty & Henry Kuiken 

 

If you want to join us, please make your own reservations with the campground; their phone number is listed above and tell them you are with Dogwood.  The rate is $65.00 per night plus tax. Cutoff  date for reservations is May 9.

 

Your Hosts: 

Jean & Ed Herbert                   (540-760-4181) 

 

Rally Fees:   Rally fees will be $15.00 per adult and $10.00 per child under 12. Note, the Swannanoa Palace tour will cost $20/person, cash, plus optional gratuity, and we will have a personal guided tour by a Docent. 

 

Schedule of Events:

Monday 16, 2022:  6:00 p.m.  Dinner, served by Jean and Ed, followed by a campfire 

 

Tuesday 17, 2022: 9:30 a.m. Brunch served by Jean & Ed 

Tour the local wineries, breweries, cideries, or go antiquing with Jean 

Tuesday night 5:30 p.m.  Dinner at the Devil’s Backbone Brewery Restaurant, followed by a campfire. 

 

Wednesday, 18: 9:30 a.m. Brunch served by Jean & Ed 

Tour Swannanoa Palace & Grounds from 2-4 p.pm. We will leave the campground at 1:15 p.m. for the ride up to Afton Mtn. & Swannanoa 

Wednesday night early Dinner at either Heritage Restaurant or New Ming Garden (both in downtown Waynesboro). We will vote on this. And, yes, another campfire. 

 

Thursday, 19: Pack up and depart. Maybe have coffee together in the morning? 

 

Note: Please bring your own plates, silverware (plasticware), napkins, and drinks to Monday’s dinner and both brunches. We will have coffee and juice; beyond that, BYOB. 

 

Registration pdf version

Registration Form for the Devil's Backbone Rally:

 

Cutoff Date For Registration is November 9, 2022.

 

Name(s) of attendees:                               _________

  

Number of adults times   $15.00        =       _________  

 

Number of children times $10.00       =       _________ 

 

Total enclosed      =       _________ 

  

Please make checks payable to:  Jean Herbert  (not Dogwood) 

 

Please mail registration forms to:       

Jean Herbert 

3216 Cavalry Ridge Ct. 

Fredericksburg VA  22408 

 

 

Please join us for “FUN, FOOD, and FRIENDSHIP at this rally!

 

_____________________________

April Update (Posted 4/8/2022)

Hello Dogwood! Here is the latest news we have on the May 16–19 Rally at Devil’s Backbone Base Camp and Brewery in Nelson County, VA.  We arrive on Monday, May 16, and leave on Thursday, May 19. Hosts are Jean & Ed Herbert. 

 

Bookings so far are: 

·       Herberts, Kuikens, Hamm, Buelows, Greenwoods, Dudziack, & Allens 

 

I talked with Taylor at the campground yesterday and there are still several campsites available; sites 7-9 still belong to us, but several others are also available. The phone number is 540-817-9708. Please consider joining us! Our plans for now are: 

• Monday night (late afternoon) - supper around 6:00 pm, served by Jean and Ed 
• Tuesday Brunch with Jean and Ed at 9:30 am
• Tour the local wineries, breweries, or cideries (and there’s a lot of them) OR go Antiquing with Jean
• Tuesday dinner – Devil’s Backbone Restaurant 
• Wednesday Brunch with Jean and Ed at 9:30 am
• Wednesday – 2-4pm tour at Swannanoa (check this out!) 
• Wednesday dinner - Heritage Restaurant , downtown Waynesboro, on Main St.; or Chinese Buffet at the New Ming Garden Restaurant. (We can vote on this at Brunch)

Event Options: 

• Swannanoa, 2-4 pm guided tour on Wednesday, 18 May. $20/person, minimum 10 people. Please check it out at: http://skyline-swannanoa-inc.square.site/  Swannanoa is also on Facebook and Instagram
• In Staunton, Woodrow Wilson Museum, and Frontier Culture Museum
• Monticello
• Breweries, wineries, cideries along Nelson County Rt 151
• Antiquing with Jean

Fees: 

• Camping at Devil’s Backbone – everyone pays their own 
• Swannanoa - $20/person as long as there are 10 people. Pay your own way; a tip for the Docent is optional, but appreciated
• Rally fees- TBD; Jean and I are still working that.
• Restaurants - everyone pays their own 

Other Notes: 

·       There is no rally room; we will have to make our own space with canopies and pray it doesn’t rain.

 

Ed & Jean Herbert

_____________________________

February Update (Posted 2/7/2022)

An Update on the May Rally at Devil’s Backbone – Friday, 2/4/2022 

 

I just talked with Taylor, the campground manager, at the Devil's Backbone Campground. We have seven sites now booked and four remaining still reserved for us! Yes, he is still holding four for us.  I encourage you to call them today or this weekend if you are interested. The list so far is: 

 

·       Herbert 

·       Kuiken 

·       Robison 

·       Dudziak 

·       Hamm 

·       Greenwood 

·       Buelow

 

Taylor set aside 10 slots for us, right together; but it is such a small campground that if you do get a slot outside the original ten, you won’t have any trouble finding us – the campground is pretty small. I have been to the campground, and it is nice, flat, cleared out and well maintained. Again, Jean and I are arriving on Monday, the 16th, and leaving on Thursday, the 19th. So, if you are still interested in joining us, I believe there is still time to make your reservation but suspect that between now and May there will probably be a few more openings in that little campground.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

 

Ed & Jean Herbert

_____________________________

January Posting (1/29/2022)

Jean and I have started the Rally process for Devil’s Backbone Campground in May. Specifically, the dates are May 16-19; yes, that is a Monday through Thursday, but it was the ONLY time available that I could reserve 10 slots – every weekend through October was already booked. And we figured that most of us are retired anyway, so a weekday rally event might just work!  

 

The campground is pretty small, only 24 sites have full hookups and I reserved ten (10) of them for us; site #’s 4,5,6,7,8, and 20,21,22,23,24. If more are needed, we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Anyway, there are another 24 sites that are dry camping – sorry, nothing in between. 

 

This is the Devil’s Backbone Base Camp in Nelson County, Virginia. The web site is www.dbbrewingcompany.com/camp-at-basecamp .  The phone number is 540-817-9708, and our point-of-contact is “Taylor” - tell him that you are a Dogwood Club member and want to book in at one of the sites listed above. 

 

They will hold these sites for us until 30 January (this Sunday) at 3:00 pm and they want payment up front. The cost is $65/night for three nights (Mon, Tues, Wed) or $208.25 including taxes.  

 

The campground is adjacent to the Devil’s Backbone Brewery/distillery/restaurant which is a great place to eat. Jean and I are looking at a variety of day trips out to places like Staunton, Waynesboro, the Blue Ridge Parkway and Wintergreen. 

 

More details to follow. For now, please consider joining us, as May is lovely in the mountains, and we look forward to seeing you all.

 

Ed and Jean Herbert,  Rally Hosts

Dogwood Rally at Old Mill Stream

April Update:

 We are sorry to report this Rally has been cancelled.   

________________________

January Posting (1/29/2022) Still in Lancaster, we moved the Rally to Old Mill Stream Campground. They were more than happy to accommodate us. They are setting aside 10 sites for us to use. People can arrive as early as April 20th and leave as late as April 25. The actual rally is scheduled from April 22 to 24. This will give those who like to come in early and/or stay longer, freedom to do what they wish.

 Detailed plans will follow later.

 

People should go ahead and make their reservations as soon as they know they want to attend.  When making reservations, mention they are with the Dogwood Chapter and use my name:  Mary Hunter.

 

Old Mill Steam Campground

2249 Lincoln Highway East

Lancaster PA

 

717-299-2314

 

Warm wishes!

Mary & Jim Hunter,  Rally Hosts

Final call to join the 2022 Dogwood Rally at TGO in Titusville, Florida.

Last chance to join in the Florida Rally at TGO, 2 nights 2/21 and 22. Spaces in the Rally Lot are still available. 

 

Or just come visit for a day and join in our Monday Potluck or Tuesday early restaurant dinner...or both. 

 

Please call Steve or Sue Sohles at 804.824.8525 to register.

 

If you already mailed in your forms and are not on this list, please call us. 

 

Registrations received as of 1/26/22 are:  

 

Rally Lot: 

Fairleigh & Cil Schoolar

Jim & Susan Buelow

Mann & Carolyn Duff

Gary & Carol Chadwick

 

2/21 Potluck: Rally Lot attendees plus Ed & Connie Tillman, Clint & Pat Allen, Jim & Bonnie Spain and Steve & Sue Sohles

 

2/22 early Dinner: Rally Lot attendees plus Rob & Donna Hill, Steve & Mary Hall, Jim & Bonnie Spain, and Steve & Sue Sohles

 

If you have questions, please call us or email ssohles@gmail.com

 

We'll have a Rally Update for attendees early next month.  

 

Steve and Sue Sohles

 

Dogwood Lunch in Titusville, FL

When:   Thursday, January 27, 2022

Where:  Pier 220 Seafood and Grill

              2 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway

              Titusville, FL

Meet at 11:30.

I've been looking for a nice location with plenty of outdoor seating and have decided on this pretty spot. It is located under the bridge. Turn left before you cross the bridge and then take the quick first right. You can find the menu online or by clicking here.

Let me know if you plan to attend. 804 513-7274.  

Bad weather might cause a cancellation.  

Connie Tilman  

Dogwood Rally at TGO

Sue and Steve Sohles are hosting our 3rd Florida Dogwood Rally, a 3-day, 2-night rally at The Great Outdoors RV, Nature and Golf Resort in Titusville FL beginning Monday 2/21 and ending Wednesday morning 2/23.  A potluck is anticipated, and a dinner also at a local restaurant. We have been advised that Rally lot bookings have picked up significantly this year, but we'll try to accommodate both early arrival and late departures.  There will be no Rally Fee. 

 

The Resort offers a paved Rally Lot ($40 per night) with 30AMP and water hookups. A dump station is available. Resort amenities (swimming pool, tennis, shuffleboard, etc.) are included, Golf is available (extra fees apply). Resort details are available at http://www.tgoresort.com.

 

This Rally offers Dogwood members both with and without coaches, along with interested previous members and friends, opportunities to gather together for meals and social time. Come for the Rally or just to join in a meal, a happy hour, or visit with friends. 

 

The Rally Registration Form is attached. The cutoff date is 1/24/22. 

 

Please join us for a FUN time. 

 

Sue and Steve Sohles

804-824-8525 

Click here for the Rally Registration Form

Click here for the FMCA Covid-19 Waiver Form

2021 Dogwood Christmas Rally

2019

Yes, it is almost time for our annual Dogwood Christmas Rally and here’s the latest information on the rally. More to come so stay tuned to your favorite Blogspot!

 

Your Hosts: 

         Jean & Ed Herbert                  (540-760-4181)

         Patty & Henry Kuiken              (540 424 8134)

         Nanette & Dave Meyer            (757-813-0828)

 

Rally Dates: December 3-5, 2021.

 

Although the rally doesn’t officially begin until the 3rd, several members will arrive on the 2nd. For those that do, we plan an informal gathering for Social hour with heavy hors d’oeuvres.

 

Location: Americamps Campground

                  11322 Air Park Road

                  Ashland, VA 23005

                  804 798-5298 

 

We have 30 sites blocked out for Dogwood.  We currently have 12 confirmed reservations.  Please make your own reservations with the campground. Tell them you are with Dogwood.  Our group rate is $50.00 per night plus tax. Cutoff date for reservations is November 19, 2020.  Then, please complete the Registration Form below and send to Jean. 

 

Rally Fees: Rally fees will be $25.00 per adult and $15.00 per child.

Food Drive: We plan on doing a food drive at the rally for the local food bank. More to come later on this.

 

Note: All of our activities will be in the Rally Room.  Please bring your own drinks, plates, and utensils to all meals.

 

 

Schedule of Events:

Thursday, Dec 2 (pre-Rally)

5:00 p.m.  Informal get together in the Rally Room – Social hour, please bring a heavy hors d’oeuvre to share.

 

Friday, Dec 3

 

5:00 p.m.  Social hour in the Rally Room with light hors d’oeuvres. 

 

6:00 p.m.  Dinner provided by your hosts in the Rally Room.    

 

Games are planned for after dinner.  We will also have a Raffle with lots of fun and prizes!  

 

Saturday, Dec 5

10:00 a.m. Covered dish breakfast – Bring a prepared breakfast dish to share.

 

After breakfast, we will gather for a group photo, so please wear your favorite Dogwood apparel.

   

We will also have our Business Meeting and our Rally Planning for 2022. Please bring your thoughts on rally locations, rally activities and a willingness to host a rally for 2022. Let’s make 2022 a great year for rallies!

 

 

5:00 p.m.  Social hour in the Rally Room with light hors d’oeuvres. 

 

6:00 p.m. Dinner provided by your hosts.  

 

After dinner we’ll have the 50/25/25 Raffle sales and drawing as well as the crowd favorite Yankee Swap.  Please bring one wrapped gift per coach, valued at $25.00 to participate, and be prepared to laugh and have fun.

 

 

Sunday, Dec 6

 

9:00 a.m. Continental breakfast and rally wrap up.

Registration Form:

(Click here for a pdf version for easier printing)

Cutoff date for registration is November 19, 2021.

 

Name(s) of attendees:

 

 

Number of adults times   $25.00       =       _________     

 

Number of children times $15.00       =       _________

                                  

Total enclosed      =       _________

 

Please make checks payable to:  Jean Herbert   (not Dogwood)

 

Please mail registration forms to:       Jean Herbert

3216 Cavalry Ridge Ct.

Fredericksburg VA  22408

 

 

*** and please send her an e-mail at Jherbert125@aol.com, just in case the regular mail gets delayed!

 

 

 

Please join us for “FUN, FOOD, and FRIENDSHIP at the last rally of 2021.

 

 

CANCELLED - GEAR Rally in Lewisburg

Dogwood - we received the following email from Gaye Young.

9/14/2021

Hello all,

 

After having a meeting with Dr. Bridget Morrison of the Greenbrier Health Department and Kelly Collins of WV State Fairgrounds, along with Gary Milner, Phyllis Britz, Northern Regional VP, Garnetta Mallory WRVP, and Dennis Ducharme, Senior VP, the outlook in Lewisburg WV is devastating as they are at max capacity at the hospital with emergency ventilators being shipped to them. There have been too many breakthrough covid cases along with deaths. Afterwards, I had a conference call with my executive board and we decided to cancel GEAR until next year.

 

The health and welfare of our members are of utmost importance to me, as most of you know I dealt with this last summer.    It is with a heavy heart that we had to make this decision to postpone.  You all have worked so hard and have been so excited that we were finally getting to enjoy our area rally after not having one for 3 years.

 

I appreciate each of you and your dedication to our Eastern Area and FMCA.  A notice will be emailed out to all of our attendees by FMCA and refunds will be given.

 

Be safe as you travel and take care of yourselves by getting the vaccine, booster, and wearing masks.

 

Gaye

FINAL 25th Anniversary Rally Update - September 17-19, Americamps, Ashland, VA

Hello Dogwood,  Here is the final update for the Anniversary Rally.  Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

For all rally events please bring your own utensils, plates and drinks.

 

For those arriving early (Thursday) we'll gather for our usual Dogwood Happy Hour.  Please bring an appetizer to share.  Location is TBD based on most shaded and convenient.  

 

 

Friday, September 17

4 pm Social Hour by Hosts.  This evening will include our special invited guests. 

5 pm Dinner by Hosts.

 

Following the meal, there will be group photos, introduction of special guests, videos, door prizes, and reminiscing as well as cake and ice cream.

 

Saturday, September 18

10 am (as the rally room becomes available to us) we will have a covered dish brunch. Each coach will be asked to bring prepared breakfast foods. 

 

Lunch on your own.

 

Afternoon cornhole tournament led by Roger & Andrea Monaghan.  (If you have a cornhole set - please call or text the Monaghan's at 703-981-0123).

 

5 pm Social Hour by Hosts.

6 pm Dinner by the Hosts.

 

Following dinner, we will play the Yankee Swap game. Each coach is asked to bring a $25 new, nice gift that is wrapped. Most of us like playing the Yankee Swap game. Before Covid hit, we have included it in every year's events.

 

Sunday, September 19

9 am Continental Farewell breakfast, location to be announced.

 

Be well,

 

Andrea & Roger Monaghan

Cells:A:703-981-0123 R:703-723-1733

August Update - 25th Anniversary Rally at Americamps, September 17-19, 2021

We will be celebrating Dogwood's 25th Anniversary at Americamps in Ashland September 16 through September 19!  We look forward to seeing you there.

 

---

The committee has met several times and plans are coming together nicely.

 

Here's the list I got from Americamps of those who reserved camping spots:  Czarsty, Tilman, Alexander, Sohles, Vreeland, Schoolar, Meyer, Greenwood, Dudziak, Kuiken, Monaghan, Hunter, Semster, Fisher, Mimms, Buelow, Herbert*, Cummings*, Allen*, Bonewitz*, Thorpe*, Saul*. If your name has an * after it, as I  write on August 27, I have not received your registration form or $25 rally fee.  Please make check to me and send to Connie Tilman, 3566 Old River Trail, Powhatan, VA 23139.  The application form was included in last newsletter (click here) and in a recent newsletter blast about the rally.  If you are planning to camp and are not on my list, please let me know at 804-513-7274.

 

Andrea Monaghan will be leading a cornhole tournament at the rally on Saturday afternoon. She needs more cornhole boards.  If you have one you could bring, please let me know.  Phone number above. Let me know too if your board is regulation or tailgaters style--not that I know what that means but it's important!

 

If you need ideas for Saturday's covered dish breakfast or $25 gift for Saturday night's Yankee Swap game, call or text me.  I can help you.

 

As you are packing for the rally, please bring along any pictures you have from past Dogwood rallies.

 

The committee (Andrea. Patty, Karen, and I) have invited new member Mary Lou Dudziak to join the committee at the rally. We're looking forward to her help and the opportunity to introduce her to everyone else.

 

Connie Tilman