Hello All,

Our NEA rally in Essex this year totaled 325 registered coaches and proved to be successful. As you may know this was a rebuilding year for the NEA and things needed to re-organize. Phone conferences, meetings, and trips up North to the Expo took place all through the winter and spring. On several occasions our NEA President Tom Z and I attended RV shows to solicit vendors and other support for our Area. I’m happy to report that for the most part the future of the NEA seems to be on track for success and your new Board of Officers, headed up by Tom Z, are working hard to keep it moving forward with Chapter support and involvement. On the National level organization and support strongly indicates that our 2016 National Rally will be held in Syracuse, NY and the NEA will be the host Area. I will update you on this as the information becomes available.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of my Mass Minutemen family members that helped out during the NEA rally in Essex. “Thanks”, Charlie and Anne for getting everyone organized, informed and lined up in Essex, “Thanks”, Leo and Barbara for the outstanding effort and work in the publication of our daily newsletter, “Thanks”, Rick and Martha for your efforts in working with the Youth program, “Thanks”, Dave E, our hard working safety director, a very special “Thank You” from Lucille to Dave and Murielle, Neil and Sandy, Bill and Jean, Mark and Janice, John and Cathy, Leo and Barbara, Anne and Charlie, Dave and Diane for all of the help in organizing the very successful Ladies Tea that took place on Sunday afternoon. And how about the great job that Bob and Nancy Heck did in organizing the Maestros for their performances all during the rally period, they did a “HECK” of a job, “Thanks” Bob and Nancy! Also included in our Volunteer efforts was our most important Blood drive organized and supported by our members. It was an early morning arrival that had our guys unloading a big box truck at dawn followed by the ladies that handled the administrative work later on in the morning. I have received another “Letter of Appreciation” from the Red Cross for the 33 units of blood collected during this drive. Again, “Thank you” everyone for your help and support.

As I mentioned previously we will be holding elections during our September rally in Mystic, CT hosted by Charlie and Anne. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the fact that Anne has decided not to continue on as our Chapter Secretary, nominations are open. Anne has worked with me and has been a very valuable asset for the past 12 years. Her efforts to make our Chapter one of the best in the NEA included our Incorporation, by-laws updates, business meeting criteria and accurate minutes of the meeting along with being our contact person with Cincinnati.

On behalf of all our Chapter members, “Thank You Anne” for your years of dedicated service.

In October please plan on joining us in Tunbridge, VT Columbus Day weekend with the Green Mountain Chapter. Registration form will be our shortly.