Monday (July 21st) - The 2008 Chapter 400 Pre-Rally commenced today at the 4 o'clock in the Hidden Ridge RV Community in Hopkins, MI.  Our president, Pete, welcomed everyone and introduced our rally co-hosts Pete & Nancy Armitage and Dean & Winnie Murphy.  There are 16 rigs on site with 2 first-time couples.  Ernie & Judy Finch are angels for Mitch & Renae Butler and Ray & Karen Nellis are angels for Bob & Mary Ireland.  Rally attendee list:  Pete & Nancy Armitage, Mitch & Renae Butler, Gerald & Marilyn Cherry, Jim & Marge Eckles, Ernie & Judy Finch, Bob & Mary Ireland, Bill & Peg Jones, Jerry & Rose Kuchinski, Glen & Flower MacMillen, Dean & Winnie Murphy, Ray & Karen Nellis, George & Osa Ramberg, Chuck & Jackie Rogers, Bob & Marie Smith, Everett & Donna Stine, and Doug & Judy Trumbull.

Winnie read some announcements regarding the schedule and also the "Scavenger Hunt."  Then Pete introduced the first timer couples and their ribbons were presented by their angels.  This was followed by a delicious chili and salad dinner prepared by Nancy & Winnie.  Of course, they also included deserts.

This has to be the most elaborate recreation room ever seen in an RV resort!  It was the home of the previous owners and the current owners allow it to be used as a recreation room.  See the pictures.  TOP

 

Tuesday (July 22nd) - We gathered at 8:45AM to depart for a tour of the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, MI.  Frederik and Lena Meijer are the owners of the Meijer store chain and are the principal benefactors of the gardens.  When we arrived we were divided into three groups, each with a volunteer, for an excellent guided tour of the inside conservatories and sculpture gallery.  Then we regrouped for a tram tour of the outside grounds with a detailed explanation of the various sculpture pieces.  After the tours, we had a very good and reasonably priced lunch in their cafeteria; and then continued touring on our own.  Back at Hidden Ridge, we had our 4 o'clock in the luxurious recreation building, which ended just in time to get back to our rigs before it started pouring.  The rain was short lived though.  TOP

 

Wednesday (July 23rd) - Today the ladies enjoyed a delicious luncheon, prepared by Nancy & Winnie, in the luxurious recreation building.  Since this was a ladies only function, the guys had to find something else to do.  Fortunately, Pete came through with a suitable library for us to visit.  A great time was had by both groups.  Since the weather was so nice, the 4 o'clock was held outdoors.  We were joined by representatives from Camping World, who came bearing gifts.  Later on, many of us drove south to the small town of Plainwell for a free concert in the park - but not before a stop at the local ice cream shop.  The performance was a Tribute to Johnny Cash and we learned much about his life along with enjoying the music.  TOP

 

Thursday (July 24th) - The event for the day was a boat tour on the paddle-wheel, "Star of Saugatuck."  The cruise took us up the Kalamazoo River and out into Lake Michigan.  This was a great boat tour and was narrated by the captain.  He talked about the history of the area and pointed out many points of interest along the shoreline - not the least of which were the "cottages", which would have made mansions for many of us.  At one point in the tour, while we were well out into Lake Michigan, the captain announced that any children wishing to steer the boat should come up to the wheelhouse.  Not to be undone, our illustrious President-to-be took her turn at the wheel.  In all fairness, she did allow some of the younger children to go first.  We also had the pleasure of being entertained by Glenn MacMillen on his harmonica.  Once back on shore, we wandered the quaint little town, having lunch and visiting some of the shops.  At the 4 o'clock, Bob Ireland gave a presentation on the operations of Habitat for Humanity - a lot of good information.  Another great day with great friends.  TOP

 

Friday (July 25th) - The Chapter 400 board held their meeting at 10:30 AM in the recreation building.  This meeting was held in preparation for the Chapter 400 annual business meeting to be held on Sunday, July 27th.

Following the 4 o'clock in the recreation mansion, Nancy and Winnie treated everyone to a "Christmas in July" dinner.  They did a truly fantastic job of decorating and then preparing a ham and turkey dinner with all the trimmings - including cranberry sauce!  The chapter ladies prepared pot luck dishes to complete the meal.  Following dessert, they presented everyone with Christmas gifts appropriate for the holiday season.  As an added surprise, Ben & Betsy Brock were able to join us for the meal.  TOP

 

Saturday (July 26th) - Today we took a drive to Kalamazoo to visit the Air Zoo museum.  It was named a zoo because many of the military aircraft were adorned with images of various animals.  When we arrived, we were divided into two groups, each with our own tour guide.  The guided tour was fantastic and the guides were extremely knowledgeable about the various aircraft in the museum.  After the first tour, we viewed an animated video which simulated a bombing raid over Germany in World War II.  Then, after a quick lunch, we drove over to the second building where we were again divided into two groups for guided tours.  These gentlemen were every bit as knowledgeable as the first two, and once again we were treated to a most interesting and informative tour.  A definite highlight of the day was when our own Chuck Rodgers booked a ride on a restored World War II vintage bomber.  He said it was quite a thrill.  Once again, our rally host outdid themselves!  TOP

 

Sunday (July 27th) - At 3:30 PM, the Chapter 400 annual business meeting was conducted in the recreation building.  The minutes from last year's annual meeting were read and approved, the financial report was read and approved, the newsletter report was read and approved, and the Audit Committee's report was read.  Bob Smith stated that the hr400.org domain name has moved companies - from CSS to enomcentral.  Following the business meeting, the officers for coming year were sworn in by Past SC State Manager, Doug Trumbull: Judy Finch - President; Bob Smith - Vice-President; and Bill Jones - Treasurer.  Bob Bragg was elected as Director, but was not present at the rally and will be sworn in at a later date.  After some snacks, Winnie & Nancy started checking the items submitted for the scavenger hunt.  There were some really creative ideas submitted, but many did not pass the critical eyes of the judges.  The winner was Flower MacMillen, who won a stay in a luxury resort here in Michigan.  Winnie thanked all of us for attending the rally; and our newly installed President, Judy, took this opportunity to award certificates to Winnie & Dean and Pete and Nancy for their efforts in hosting this fantastic rally.  She also awarded a certificate to Pete and Nancy for their years of service as Vice-President and President.  One final certificate was tearfully awarded to Flower for her service to the chapter as treasurer - and all she has done over and above her duties as treasurer.  TOP

 

Monday (July 28th) - Today was the last schedule day of the 2008 Chapter 400 Pre-Rally, which was due to officially close at the 4 o'clock and followed by a dinner.  Taking a clue from our dear friend, Marj Newell, many of the rally attendees left at approximately 1:00 PM for an ice cream run -  they ate dessert before dinner.  The 4 o'clock started at 3:30 o'clock and once most of the folks were settled, Pete announced the rally officially closed.  Prior to departing for dinner, all gathered for the traditional rally group picture.  Dinner was held at "Sam's Joint", a real nice restaurant noted for their ribs.  Flower was happy to see that her last dinner as treasurer was paid individually.  Prior to departing the restaurant, Judy arose and once again thanked the rally hosts for their efforts in organizing this great rally.  Of course most of the group stopped by the ice cream shop again.  I sure hope this place didn't hire extra staff since we will be leaving in a couple of days.  Most gathered at the camp fire to share life stories - way too much information for many of us!!!  Wednesday, most of us will caravan down to Indiana for the HRRVC International Rally.  TOP