2007 Annual Rally & Business Meeting
Scroller Updates
- Note from the President 9/26/2007
- Note from the President 8/18/2007
- Note from the President 7/3/2007
- Note from the President 6/3/2007
- Note from the President 5/1/2007
- Note from the President 4/1/2007
- Note from the President 3/12/2007
- Note from the President 2/28/2007
- Note from the President 1/27/2007
- Note from the President Fall 2006
9/26/2007 Note from the President
From all of the comments I have received it seems that those attending overwhelmingly feel that this year's rally was again a success! Cecil and I had a wonderful time and enjoyed seeing good friends and meeting so many new friends.
Well, it is time again for us to start on next year's rally planning. Your Board is already at work. After a lengthy discussion at the General Meeting it was determined that we needed to investigate a different location for the 2008 Rally. It was thought that Harpers Ferry, WV would be a good location, however, due to the weather conditions, the distance required for travel for most members and the fact that only approximately 30 families have responded to the on-line survey that they would attend, it was decided that a new location should be found. Several optional locations were suggested and the Board is in the process of investigating each of them to identify possible RV parks that can accommodate us regarding sites, required facilities and that can meet our costs and time tables. I believe this investigation will take the Board approximately a month to complete. As soon as we determine the place and date for the 2008 rally I will inform you all via a new Scroller update!
As we did last year, I plan to post a new Scroller memo during approximately the first week of each month. The intent will be to keep you posted on the progress being made by the Board and to pass along information regarding the 2008 rally. We will be reformatting the BOCI Website to add a new '2008 Rally Info' section and all prior Scroller items will be maintained in the 'Scroller Updates' sub-section.
Please do not hesitate to contact me jromero@bigfootowners.com if I can answer any question you may have....
RV There Yet?
Jan Romero
8/18/2007 Note from the President
This is the last Scroller update prior to the big rally. I can't believe that a year has past since our last fantastic rally...but it has! I think each attendee has received the information you will need for the trip so this time I will just say that both Cecil and I cannot wait to see you all! Our wishes go out to you to have a safe trip to the Rally, trouble free travel, that you have lots and lots of fun at the Rally and that you meet many new friends!!! We will see you there!!!!
RV There Yet? (Oh my gosh....yes almost!)
Your President, Jan
7/3/2007 - Note from the President:
In this month's Scroller we are providing a few key reminders regarding the 2007 Membership Rally to be held in British Columbia:
When:
Welcome Day begins on Sunday, September 9th
Departure Day is Friday, September 14th
Where:
NK'MIP RV Resort
8000 45th Street
Osoyoos, British Columbia
Website: www.campingosoyoos.com
Reservations: As you know, we are sold out... however, don't give up if you would still like to attend. Just fill out a registration form and we will add you to the 'Wait List'. We will notify you immediately if an opening becomes available.
Additional Reminder: All Rally reservations and additional days must be booked through BOCI at rally@bigfootowners.com.
Traveling in Canada: The following URL will provide you with additional 'Tips for Traveling in Canada'. You will find helpful information regarding both people traveling as well as for pets traveling to Canada. http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1170.html
Photographers: A huge thank you goes out to Gayle George-Sackett and Ernst Westphal for volunteering to coordinate our photography efforts this year!!!
Small Gifts: As we did last year, attendees are requested to bring a small prize to be used during the Games and Raffle Events. Everyone enjoyed having an opportunity to share and win items representing our individual locations or interests!
Caravaning to the Rally: If you are interested in arranging a caravan to the Rally, please use the '2007 Rally Info' tab and go to the '2007 Rally Forum' section to list your suggestions. This way anyone interested can respond directly through the web. It is a lot of fun to travel in a caravan and you may find many people in your area interested in goin' together!
As in the past, I will be posting new Scroller items each month, so please keep checking to find out the latest activities for the September 2007 Rally! Also, remember if you want to look back on past Scroller announcements they are in the ‘2007 Rally Info’ section under the ‘Scroller Update’ section. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have suggestions or questions!!! wolftracks2@sbcglobal.net
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
6/3/2007 - Note from the President:
As you know our September 2007 Membership Rally to be held in British Columbia is sold out!....but, we are taking names for the 'Wait List'. Don't give up...there is a good chance we may get you in if you are interested in attending. If you would like to be on the 'Wait List', just submit the on-line application and your name will be added in the order you applied. (Please do not make any payments or deposits until we notify you that you are cleared from the wait list.)
Reminder: In order to qualify for the free 'Train Ride and Lunch' your final payment must be received by July 1! Don't miss out on this opportunity!!!
Other News:
Raffle Prizes: We have an impressive list of prizes for our Raffles. They include a very special custom hand made silver necklace designed specifically for our event, a wonderful wool blanket valued at greater than $200, two outstanding folding camping recliner chairs, various jackets, sweaters, shirts, fleece vests, first aid kits and much, much more! John Orton, with the assistance of Ron Edwards, have done an outstanding job gathering these prizes from Canada for our 2007 Rally. A specialTHANK YOU goes to both of you!!!
Photographer: We would like to THANK Al Enger for his tremendous contribution to the Club over the last several years. He has done an outstanding job creating our photography work! Al has earned a well deserved vacation from this task this year and we are looking for a volunteer to take over this role. Of course it would be very difficult to match the work done by Al in the past, so we are looking for someone that would like to volunteer to take candid pictures throughout the event and submit them to our Board of Directors for inclusion on our BOCI website. If you are interested, please contact me at wolftracks2@sbcglobal.net.
Attendee Participation: We have had a number of people planning to attend the 2007 Membership Rally indicate that they would like to participate in a "Kitchen Party". For those of you unaware of what a 'Kitchen Party' is; it is a gathering where anyone interested in bringing their musical instruments can join in whenever the mood hits them. It seems that this promises a lively and fun evening for all. So please bring your instruments and join in on this evening of fun!
Small Gifts: As we did last year, attendees are requested to bring a small prize to be used during the Games and Raffle Events. Everyone enjoyed having an opportunity to share and win items representing our individual locations or interests!
Caravaning to the Rally: If you are interested in arranging a caravan to the Rally, please use the '2007 Rally Info' tab and go to the '2007 Rally Forum' section to list your suggestions. This way anyone interested can respond directly through the web. It is a lot of fun to travel in a caravan and you may find many people in your area interested in goin' together!
As in the past, I will be posting new Scroller items each month, so please keep checking to find out the latest activities for the September 2007 Rally! Also, remember if you want to look back on past Scroller announcements they are in the ‘2007 Rally Info’ section under the ‘Scroller Update’ section. Please feel free to contact me at anytime if you have suggestions or questions!!! wolftracks2@sbcglobal.net
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
5/1/2007 Note from the President
Exciting news... the 2007 Membership Rally is sold out! All 80 sites have been reserved, however, we will now begin creating a 'Wait List' for anyone interested in attending that has not already signed up. If you would like to be added to the 'Wait List', just submit the on-line application and your name will be added in the order you applied. (Please do not make any payments or deposits until we notify you that you are cleared from the wait list.)
Other news:
Here is a quick update on the planning activities for the 2007 Rally:
Technical Seminars: Using your input from the last Rally, we have a great selection of volunteer businesses that have generously committed to holding seminars for us during the Rally. Here is a quick list. Further information can be found in the '2007 Rally Info' section under 'Rally Itinerary'.
1. Representatives from Mike Rosman RV in Vernon, BC will be giving a broad spectrum discussion of available services and will be answering any Q & A's you may have.
2. Carmanah Industries will be discussing 'Solar Systems' for your RV
3. Atwood Industries will be discussing issues involving 'Furnaces and Hot Water Heaters'
4. Torklift Systems will provide information on Camper and Trailer hitches and tie down systems
5. And, last but not least, Bigfoot Industries will have expert representatives to discuss future plans / product orientation / open discussions / Q&A's!!!
Attendee Participation: We are still looking for anyone interested in either participating in the Talent Evening or sharing their hobbies such as Crafts, Cooking, Art, Scrapbooking, Greeting Cards, etc, etc. Of course, the intent is to offer a time for people to share their hobbies in a very relaxed, simple, informal atmosphere. If you are interested, please contact Doug Sarbach (SARBACH@EVCOHS.COM) or MIKE RAOUL at (mraoul@russelmetals.com).
In the next SCROLLER update I will provide further information on the fantastic 'Prizes' our team has accumulated for the Raffles! WOW, they are great! Also, just a note to remind everyone that as we did last year, attendees are requested to bring a small prize to be used during the Games and Raffle Events. It seems that everyone enjoyed having an opportunity to share items from their individual locations or interests!
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
4/1/2007 Note from the President
Heads Up...we are filling up fast! This is an unprecedented year for sign-ups. If you haven't registered yet for the 2007 Membership Rally, please don't delay. Also, please pass the word to your friends that our 80 spots are going quickly! Currently we have 76 of the 80 spots already taken. Once these fill up we will start a waiting list....don't delay!!
Other News: The following ideas are in the works to have various seminars lead by our attending BOCI members. Please contact the individuals below if you are interested in participating in any of the following:
Doug Sarbach (SARBACH@EVCOHS.COM) is leading a team to put together events that include members of the club. We are looking for members that have talents in areas such as Crafts, Cooking, Art, Scrapbooking, Greeting Cards,...etc., etc.! We already have volunteers for Rock Polishing and Beading!!! Please contact Doug if you have any interest in possibly leading a seminar.
We are also planning to have a Talent Evening. We are looking for attendees that would be interested in participating. If you have a talent such as singing, playing an instrument, dancing or whatever please let us know! Please send your information to MIKE RAOUL at mraoul@russelmetals.com. This sounds like a lot of fun! I hope we have lots of talent out there!!!
Another idea is to hold a Poetry sharing event. RON EDWARDS has volunteered to lead this activity and he would love to hear from any of our members that would be interested in participating. Please contact Ron at ron.edwards@shaw.ca.
If you volunteer for any of these areas you will have lots of help from the Board and the many volunteers we have that are interested in helping out! Our intent is to make them simple and very informal.
All of these activities sound like they will be fun for all!!! Please sign up!!!
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
3/12/2007 Note from the President:
OH MY GOSH!
Did you see the number of attendees we already have registered for this year's rally? 65% of our sites are taken as of this morning....that is phenomenal! I don't want to see anyone miss out on this one. We have just 80 sites allocated, so that means that we already have less than 25 sites still available! Please take a moment to sign on and submit your registration as soon as possible!
We are continuing on with some exciting ideas for this years rally. We have many volunteers from the attendees of prior rallies that are helping your Board with suggestions, making decisions and finding ways to make this year's Rally fantastic. I can't bear to think that anyone will be left out.
It is quite unusual to have so many people sign up so quickly and as so many of you know from personal experience, this is an event that every Bigfoot Owner wants to attend. Don't hesitate....can't wait to see you all!!!!
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
2/28/2007 Note from the President:
Lots of great things are happening regarding the September Membership Rally in British Columbia!
We have made several changes to the website that we think will be helpful to you regarding the Rally.
First of all, we have added a link on the home page that will take you directly to the sign-up application. We are already getting sign-ups so don’t wait too long to get in on the fun!
We have also made several changes to the ‘2007 Rally Info’ tab found under the ‘Members Only Section’ on the left side of the screen. It is our intention to file everything related to the 2007 Rally in this area. Check it out...we believe that the addition of this expanded section will make it easier and faster to find the information you may need while making your plans for attending this year!
Now for a little further info regarding the planning for the rally. We have some fantastic prizes being donated to us for use during the Raffles. A special thanks goes to our member, John Orton for the tremendous work he has done in finding these contributors! Soon we will be adding a listing of contributors so you can see the types of prizes coming in.
In addition to the link we provided in an earlier scroller, you may want to visit http://www.nkmip.com/sonora.htm. You will find expanded information here regarding the park and surrounding activities.
One more exciting item before I close this scroller update: We have found a caterer for the rally that comes with outstanding references and they have agreed to add a cooking class to this years agenda! We are in the preliminary stages of working out the details. More info to come regarding fees (if any), signups etc, but this should add a fun seminar for those that don’t necessarily want to attend one of the technical RV seminars planned.
Keep watching the scroller…more to come!
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
Note from the President 1/27/2007
Update on the 2007 Annual Rally Plans!!
As you know the 2007 Annual Rally has been set for September 9-14, 2007.
Now for even further information: Your board has selected Osoyoos, British Columbia as our 2007 location and the rally will be held at the Nk'Mip campground. This site meets our criteria of having sufficient indoor facilities for our meals, games, seminars and business meeting. Their website is www.campingosoyoos.com. In addition, your board of directors has done a fantastic job identifying the excursions we will go on during the rally, as well as, several excursions that attendees may want to participate in during free time at the rally or before or after the rally.
One of the interesting activities being proposed is to utilize charter buses to go to the Kettle Valley Steam Railway. This excursion would include a two hour journey on one of British Columbias’s few remaining fully operational steam railways. This ride promises to bring beautiful vistas, quilted patchworks of lush orchards, vineyards, and fields of green. Check out the KVR website (www.kettlevalleyrail.org) to learn more about the surprises that may occur along the way! We may conclude the train ride with an authentic western Barbeque. There are several items to be resolved before we know for certain that our group can be accommodated, but this is an excursion that you may want to keep in mind to take on your own even if we cannot do it as a group.
We are not yet prepared to take reservations for the 2007 Rally, however, once we do, we will be offering an incentive for early signups. More info to come on this. (Also, for your planning purposes we are making every attempt to keep the costs as they have been in the past, just under $400US per two person rig (slightly less of course for one person rigs.)
The agenda will include many of the suggestions that our 2006 attendees had requested during our post 2006 rally survey. Several technical seminars are being planned. We received numerous suggestions that we utilize the talents of the club and schedule breakout sessions to learn a new skill. We will be looking for attendees that would like to bring their talents to the group by participating in entertainment and craft seminars. If you have a craft or hobby that you would like to share during a breakout session, please contact Doug Sarbach (dsarbach@evcohs.com). THIS SOUNDS LIKE A GREAT ADDITION TO THE NORMAL ACTIVITIES!!! We will are planning the ever popular Dog Show and Raffles as well.
Check the '2007 Rally Info' tab on the left for further information as we proceed. We will be posting items such as a list of optional activities that you may want to plan to attend before, during or after the rally and ‘Do’s and Don’ts’ for traveling in Canada.
I’ll keep you posted as we continue with the planning for the fantastic 2007 Annual Rally!!!
RV There Yet?
Your President, Jan
YOUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS HAS BEEN HARD AT WORK.
I RECEIVED A LARGE VOLUME OF INPUT FROM THE SURVEY QUESTIONS ASKED OF THOSE THAT HAD ATTENDED THE 2006 RALLY AT MT. RUSHMORE. THE INPUT WAS OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE! IT SEEMS THAT THE RALLY WAS A RESOUNDING SUCCESS AND THAT WE ALL HAD A GREAT TIME! I RECEIVED MANY GREAT IDEAS FOR NEXT YEAR'S RALLY. THESE IDEAS HAVE BEEN COMPILED AND WE WILL BE USING THEM DURING THE PROCESS OF PLANNING THE 2007 RALLY.
THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR INPUT!
MUCH INTEREST WAS ALSO SHOWN TO THE ON-LINE SURVEY REGARDING THE LOCATION AND DATE PREFERENCES FOR THE 2007 RALLY. THERE WAS A HIGH LEVEL OF INTEREST IN HAVING OUR 2007 ANNUAL BOCI RALLY IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA AND I AM VERY HAPPY TO TELL YOU THAT AFTER EXHAUSTIVE RESEARCH IT HAS BEEN DECIDED THAT WE WILL HOLD THE 2007 BOCI RALLY AND BUSINESS MEETING IN OSOYOOS, BC. IT WILL BE HELD FROM SEPTEMBER 9TH THROUGH 14TH, 2007.
WE ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR THE PARK AND FOR OUR SITE SEEING TOURS, SEMINARS, CATERING AND OTHER RALLY ACTIVITIES. WE HAVE FOUND AN EXCELLENT PARK THAT OFFERS THE AMENITIES WE HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR, SUCH AS INDOOR SEATING TO ACCOMMODATE ALL OF US FOR MEALS, GAMES, SEMINARS, ETC! I WILL KEEP YOU POSTED AS WE CLOSE ON THESE PLANS. PLEASE KEEP AN EYE ON THE SCROLLER FOR FURTHER INFORMATION REGARDING MAKING RESERVATIONS, WHAT ACTIVITIES WE ARE PLANNING, VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, ETC. THIS IS GOING TO BE ANOTHER GREAT RALLY!!!
Are We There Yet?
Your President,
Jan
A GREAT BIG THANKS GOES TO BIG AL FOR THE FANTASTIC WORK HE DID ON THE 2006 RALLY CD!!! I KNOW THAT ALL OF US THAT PURCHASED A COPY HAVE ENJOYED IT AS A BEAUTIFUL, FUNNY AND A WONDERFUL MEMORY OF OUR FANTASTIC TRIP! OUR CLUB IS VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE HIM VOLUNTEER TO DO THIS WORK FOR US!!! THANK YOU AL!!!!