News

District 5 Gathers in the Mountains of Virginia
Ed and Julia Chaplin, District 5 Reps

District 5 – We met in Misty Mountain RV Resort with many old and new friends. We enjoyed good food and fun times. The rally was to begin on Friday, but many of us arrived early to visit the local shops. It is always fun to explore new places and shop around.
By Friday evening, a joyous group of 51 people (48 adults and 3 teenagers along with a variety of pets) arrived in 24 RV units. Piping hot soup of your choice and grilled cheese sandwiches were enjoyed by our hungry caravanners. In honor of long timer Earl Spivey’s 80th birthday, we wished him a happy birthday with a song and birthday cake. Farm and City Insurance Co. furnished ice cream for the occasion. In addition, we had banana pudding and another cake all prepared by VA Chapter 206. A District 5 meeting providing the current district status and information on future events of the caravan was held. At this meeting, Ron and Rita Gehrts, TN COA, were presented the Silver Star for their support and commitment to District 5. Also Ed Chaplin, District 5 Rep, expressed sincere appreciation to Irvin and Mildred Flinn, President of VA Chapter 206 and all members of VA Chapter 206 for hosting our rally. With satisfied tummy’s, we settled down to play a game designed to introduce our campers, an alphabet game, and ended playing bingo with John Stevenson calling the numbers in a clear and commanding voice.
Bright and early Saturday, NC Chapter 386 was up preparing pancakes and sausage for our RV group. Yummy, more good food. We had a free day with NC and VA holding a chapter meeting, a flea market sale, touring or gathering around in small group sessions.
In the evening we had a catered dinner of delicious roast beef and chicken. Then, we were entertained by Lucky Bill (William Parrish) and his Guitar, performing songs from the golden days of radio, had us all singing and keeping time to familiar tunes from the 40’s and 50’s. We were clapping and yelling as instructed by Bill. Pat Hatmaker was carried away with enthusiasm and sent out her female wolf call across the room to Jim Hatmaker who promptly responded with his male wolf call. Thus ended the mating calls. Winding up the evening, we played a few more games of bingo.
Sunday morning after a continental breakfast served by SC Chapter 193/426, Phyllis Holley lead us in singing, Jim Lamkin read a beautiful song, and Ron Holley delivered an inspiring message in praise and thanksgiving for our daily blessings. Soon we were departing for our next destination with fond memories of a great rally and already looking forward to our next gathering.

Back to News Listings