PROUD MOMENTS - Prevost Prouds

PROUD MOMENTS
The Periodical Newsletter for members of the
Prevost Prouds, Inc.
The President’s “Jazzy” Message
New Orleans 2012 Spring Rally
May 3-6, 2012
The Prevost Prouds 2012 Spring
Rally will be held in New Orleans at
the French Quarter RV Resort, right
in the heart of New Orleans Historic
French Quarter. The resort entrance
is only a block from the interstate
making it very easy to arrive and leave.
New Orleans has so many things to
do and see this rally has a little different schedule than the normal Prevost
Prouds Rallies. May 2 is an “optional
day” we have scheduled “on your
own” tours. We also have a sponsor
for a Cajun party that evening with
cocktails, dinner, and music. May 2
will be handled as early arrival and
you will have to pay for that night of
camping. We also will have optional
tours on official arrival day May 3.
Departure will be Monday May 7.
The Rally will be centered around
attending the famous “New Orleans
Jazz and Heritage Festival”. The Festival not only has New Orleans style jazz
but all kinds of Louisiana style music,
blues, R & B, gospel, Cajon, zydeco,
Afro Caribbean, folk, Latin, rock, rap,
country, bluegrass and everything inbetween. Even the non-music person
will be able to find something they
like.
Not only is there a full lineup of music, there is all kinds of food to tickle
your taste buds. Good old stand-byes
like crawfish, jambalaya, etouffee,
shrimp, and red beans and rice with
Antoine’s sausage, (my favorite). The
list of food at the Festival goes on and
on, you can even find more common
foods like BBQ chicken and Po-Boy
sandwiches. Makes my mouth water
just writing about the Cajun food.
For the shopper in your coach the
Festival has diverse works of hundreds
of artists and craftsmen. You can find
anything from jewelry to woven baskets.
Stroll through the craft booths watching
the artisans crafting their wares.
The rally committee is hard at work
on other activities for the rally and we
will publicize the schedule as soon as
the activity schedule is finalized.
October 2011
Volume 26, Issue 2
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
1
Message from Prevost
2
Travel Safe
3
Michigan Rally Photos
4-5
Parliament Ad
6
Rally By George
7
Sunshine Report
7
NewCoast Financial
7
Rally Photos
8
Rally By George cont.
9
Hearthside Grove
10-11
Heritage Motor Coach 12
& Marina
Prevost App
12
Commercial Members
13
First Timers
Business Meeting
Minutes
14-15
16
Classifieds
17
Skip Evans
Prevost App
17
President, Prevost Prouds
Rally By George cont.
17
Pelican Lake
18
Travel Destinations
Mystic, CT
18
Future Rallies
19
New Members
19
Executive Roster
20
Come join myself, Marilyn, and the
Prevost Prouds for a fun and exciting
rally in New Orleans.
* Prevost Prouds, Inc. * P O Box 607 * Searcy, AR 72145 *
* 501-268-9539 * prevostprouds.com * [email protected] *
* [email protected] *
Dear Prevost Prouds Members and Friends,
I hope all of you and your loved ones are doing well and in good health. So many people are now facing enormous
challenges: earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, drought, tornados, wildfires, the economic downturn and so on. And like all of
you, I feel helpless as I rely on experts to try to predict when these events will hit and how to react. If there is one hardship that we should have some control over, it is the economic downturn. Yet history tells us that we fall short at predicting or managing it.
Although segments of the Commercial Vehicle industry are well into recovery (such as Construction Equipment and
Trucks), some others like the RV industry are still facing a very modest recovery. This industry has seen a good increase
since 2009-2010, but is still far from 2006-2007 volumes. The same holds true for Prevost in the high end of the market.
The strongest converters are joining our efforts and working hard at providing to the industry strong support and the best
quality.
As you know, technology evolves and EPA regulations have brought challenges in 2010 with the introduction of the
EPA 2010 emissions standards. These 2010 standards have proven to be successful. For the first time in a long time, engines are more energy efficient and give better fuel economy and reliability. Any concerns about the Urea or DEF (Diesel
Exhaust Fluid) required for EPA 2010 engines have disappeared, as DEF is available everywhere in the U.S. and Canada.
On a more personal note, I am happy to introduce to you a new member of our team, Ron Rogers. Ron is joining the
Prevost Sales and Marketing team as Vice President of Conversion Coach Sales. He will
report to Andy Kankula, our Senior Vice-President of Sales and Marketing, and is succeeding Dann Wiltgen. Dann will concentrate on corporate accounts on the seated
coach side of the business, as our growth on this side of the business is now requiring his
full attention. Ron will therefore join forces with Robert Jones and Steve Zeigler. Do not
hesitate to get in touch with Ron and welcome him at the next Rally.
Until we see each other, drive safely and enjoy the fabulous Prevost lifestyle.
Gaetan Bolduc
President & CEO
Prevost
Be sure to attend the rally in New Orleans, Louisiana May 3 through 6, 2012 for a chance to win
1) the following Rally completely FREE or 2) a free
year’s membership to Prevost Prouds.
It was unfortunate Louie Bob Davis was unable to attend the rally in
Monroe/Detroit, Michigan and we miss his wonderful pictures. As
Editors, Peter and I, along with Skip, have tried to capture the full
effects that he has always provided for us. I also appreciate the photos from other attendees and hope they captured the spirit of the
Dream Cruise.
Page 2
* Prevost Prouds, Inc. * P O Box 607 * Searcy, AR 72145 * 501-268-9539 *
PROUD MOMENTS
TRAVEL SAFE, TRAVEL SMART
As summer drifts into fall, the weather and temperatures begin to become more moderate. So what do we need to do
to get your motor home ready for winter? This applies no matter whether you will be going to the colder northern
climate or not.
Check your engine coolant for proper concentration. The coolant protects the engine both from very cold weather
and very hot weather. The type you need is determined by the engine. Pre-EGR engines used a green coolant. Then
the engine manufacturers required a newer coolant for EGR engines. Then a change was necessary when the engines
required a DPF (diesel particulate filter). Each change was to prevent some portion of the coolant from dropping out
of the solution and reducing the heat dissipation characteristic or the freeze point.
If you check you owner’s manual it will give you the recommended specification for the coolant in the engine of your
conversion. In addition, most engine manufacturers state that the coolant needs to be replaced every 2 years. Whether you do this or not, you need to verify the concentration (usually 60/40 or 50/50 mixture level). You also need to
use only coolants made for “heavy duty diesel engines”. This is generally available at truck stops and from larger auto
parts stores (NAPA). It is not usually available at the large chain stores (Wal Mart, Target, etc.). The best rule is if you
need to add coolant and are not sure if you can acquire the correct type, add water only. You will dilute the coolant
in the system but you can get that corrected at a later date when the proper coolant is available. This will prevent clogging up the coolant system with improper types of coolant. It can be a large job to remove drop-out materials from the
system.
The proper care of your chassis batteries will prevent an untimely event such as not starting when you are ready to
head out. We use what is called a “high cycle” commercial plate battery for the chassis. This means that we can add
and remove large amperage loads. If batteries are left to discharge or are repeatedly overcharged they will become unusable and you will not be able to correctly charge them. The length of time you can use the chassis batteries is dependent on many factors and there is no set time frame. If you seem to have start issues that relate to the batteries
and they have been in the vehicle for some time, even if you do not use the vehicle a great deal, you may need to look
at replacing them and verifying that the charging system is working properly. The only true way to check a battery is to
remove it from the system and charge it and perform a load test on it. There is no fool proof way to checkthe batteries
when they are hooked up in the motor home.
If you use an a/c charger to keep them up during the time you are parked or the vehicle is stored, you must have a
charger that will charge up to full charge and then “float”. This means that the charging stops and the charger watches
the batteries. When it senses that the batteries have gone down to a set value it turns back on and charges them back
up. That way they are not overcharged. Small chargers that continually charge, even at very low levels, will eventually
damage the batteries.
Check with our service centers and your converters if you have questions in this regard.
As always, TRAVEL SAFE, TRAVEL SMART!!!!!
William Jensen | Service Manager, Shell Division
Prevost
3384 DeForest Circle
Mira Loma, CA 91752
Cell.: +1 800 997-7386 | Fax: +1 801 795-6003
[email protected]
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 3
Page 4 * Prevost Prouds, Inc. * P O Box 607 * Searcy, AR 72145 * 501-268-9539 * prevostprouds.com *
PROUD MOMENTS
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 5
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Page 6
PROUD MOMENTS
Dream Cruise 2011 Rally Write-Up * By George Lanegraff
“Torque, thrust, power, drag, speed . . . The “Dream
Cruise” rally linked these auto-descriptive terms to the
past via an endless stream of pristine-polished cars cruising a ten mile stretch of Detroit’s historic Woodward
Avenue. Loud and low, in all styles, colors, and adornments; these cars, the music, the environs rekindled a
time back in the 50’s and 60’s when Ford, GM, and
Chrysler ruled the roadways; a time when girls, or at least
some, had their hair in beehives or “DA’s” and guys were
“coming of age” at the drive-ins, driving ranges, and with
their drill instructor.
It’s August and the Prouds are in the Detroit area and
“cars” are on display nightly at mall showings; muscle,
classic, hot rods, legends, it doesn’t matter, this region
abounds with gleaming, sparkling metal and glass! Every
night of the week during summer and within a 25-mile
radius of the club’s home base for the rally – Monroe,
Michigan – car clubs, independents, brokers and dealers
parade their vehicles before the public.
During the rally’s 5-days in this Midwest location the
club experienced sun, clouds, moisture, moderate temp’s,
mixed with exhaust fumes, the rumble of glass infused
mufflers, a few hoots and hollers along with the jovial
laughter that comes from people enjoying what they’re
doing; having a great time . . . on the street, in the parking lots, curbside, standing on the grass . . . viewing, jawing, and watching cars-of-old. It was especially neat that a
half dozen rally attendees – Eddie and Sharon Chandler,
Richard and Karen Lueders, Wendell and Shirley Mathis,
and Kent and Jerri Ritter – brought their personal
“legend autos” to the rally.
The club parked at Harbortown RV Resort in Monroe, Michigan. Harbortown was a relatively short drive
via Interstate 75 to the club’s various activity sites in the
greater Detroit area. Eight first-timers, along with the
converter display coaches and club members were carefully parked on Captain’s Cove Loop under the coordination of co-parking chairs, Tim Thompson and Tim Lopez.
Not unsurprising, the display coaches became a routine
rendezvous for socials. Thereafter, club members went
east to the abutting property – the Links at Lake Erie
Golf Club – where everyone gathered for meals and meetings.
A volunteer rally registration corps under the eye of
Patty Urban facilitated attendees picking-up their rally
packet in the resorts poolside clubhouse. Rally functions
started with club’s traditional afternoon first-timer’s and
guests “meet and greet” under the wise stewardship of
Susan Ball along with the club management team and
hosts. At 4:30 pm the Converter’s Social commenced
under sunny skies. Libations flowed with Wendell
Volume 26, Issue 2
Mathis, that “Cruising Lincoln Margarita Guy”, serving his
world famous drink-of-choice, and Maria Pizzio, General Manager of Woodbury Vineyards in Fredonia, New York, (and niece
to rally attendees Irene Giarmo and John Truszkowski) was
providing delicious samples of her vineyards award winning
vino.
By 6 o’clock everyone assembled at the Links Clubhouse for
(Continued on page 9)
SUNSHINE REPORT
Bob Mixon died on June 18, 2011. He had been diagnosed
with cancer several months earlier and had received treatment
from MD Anderson but did not make it.
Kay Strickland had 2 stints put in this past June and is going
great and was at the Woodward Cruise Rally.
Please let Barbara Kent know of any one that is sick or hurt
and she will send a card. Her e-mail address is
[email protected] and phone # is 501-268-9539
The Motor Coach Lending Experts
- New Purchases
- Pre-owned purchases
- Refinancing
CONTACT - MIKE LYNCH
Newcoast Financial Services
18167 U.S. 19 North, Suite 300
Clearwater, FL 33764
866-639-2627 (Tollfree)
813-956-3009 (cell)
E-mail: [email protected]
Page 7
*
Page 8
Prevost Prouds, Inc. * P O Box 607 * Searcy, AR 72145 * 501-268-9539 *
prevostprouds.com * [email protected]
* [email protected] *
PROUD MOMENTS
(Continued from page 7) Dream Cruise 2011
an official, if not prodigious, greeting from Skip Evans, the Prouds President. Susan Ball asked the first-timers to introduce
themselves, which they did in a very informative, cordial manner. Thereafter, Monroe County Tourism & Convention Bureau President, John Patterson, extended a warm welcome to everyone. John also brought local Monroe County artist, Jim
Tidwell, with him and offered Jim’s services to “paint a Prevost” – after a quick drawing Steve and Mary Gabrielson were the
first (but not the last) recipients of an oil painting of their Prevost coach! After dinner music was provided by a regional band,
Soul Kitchen . . . “At Last” by Etta James and “O’Darling” were the band’s two most popular dance tunes this evening.
Following breakfast in the Links Clubhouse the rally’s second day engine kicked-off at 9 o’clock with “enthused and
charged up” auto enthusiasts boarding buses and departing Harbortown for the Ford Rouge Truck Factory Tour. “It was cool”
remarked more than one visitor to the Rouge. “Seeing the assembly line, the past to the present, was really interesting,” several commented . . . trucks are for sure cool too! (note: more than a few trucks were seen driving Woodward Avenue on Saturday).
By 12noon everyone had left the Rouge and were at The Henry Ford sitting in the Anderson Theatre for a welcome and
briefing by Angela Pelc, one of the staffers. After Angela’s overview on “what to see and do” at both locations, an almost equal
number of folks were drawn to visit the Museum and Greenfield Village (many in the latter group headed for the historic
1800’s Tavern for lunch). The indoor Museum offered a host of special exhibits to see – from the Kennedy Limousine to
Buckminster Fuller’s Dymaxion House. Greenfield Village, an outdoor venue, has attractions from Henry Ford’s Model T to
Working Farms.
By mid-afternoon everyone had returned to the resort. Soon, the Converter’s Social was underway followed by a free night.
It was sunny and warm on day three and breakfast preceded the club’s official business meeting under the auspices of club
president, Skip Evans. Skip and the management team went through reports, updates, along with asking those in attendance
for input about possible rally locations in 2012 and 2013.
By 9 o’clock all “enthused and charged up” auto enthusiasts were again boarding the buses for a Friday most won’t forget
for a time because of our last afternoon stop. Buses, equally filled, departed the resort for three stops: one, a Detroit Historical
Tour featuring the city’s Renaissance Center, Greektown and overall “look-see” at a city devastated by a host of problems including economic malaise; two, an interesting, if not fun time at the Motown Museum especially viewing, through one-way
glass, club members, first the ladies and then the gents, singing “Stop In The Name of Love” (Note: Do the initials “PU” conjure up memories for anyone?); and three, a visit, and for many a “I’ve never been in a place like this before”, to TruTV’s popular ‘not reality, actuality’ Hardcore Pawn TV Show locale – American Jewelry and Loan on Greenfield and 8 Mile Road in Detroit. Les Gold, the owner and Detroit’s “King of Pawn”, his son, Seth, and daughter Ashley, warmly welcomed the Prouds
and provided behind-the-scene tours of the 50,000 square foot facility (jammed with itemized goods) and explained the interworkings of the pawn world. A TV crew was on-site filming during our visit which added a bit of intrigue. It was rumored
that a member, in looking over the vast collection of jewelry, actually purchased a stunning new diamond ring . . . Upon departing Les, Seth, and Ashley boarded the buses and thanked everyone for coming. This last stop was “real” and no doubt, an
occurrence some may still be sharing with others or watching on TV Tuesday nights.
It was late afternoon. Libations were served at the display coaches and then it was time to stroll over to the Links and the
President’s Dinner. After a greeting and housekeeping announcements pertaining to tomorrow’s Dream Cruise day, dinner
commenced followed by a smooth sounding jazz band, Jesse Coleman & the Jamm! Nice listening music; “My Girl” filled the
dance floor. It should be noted that an image of the Evan’s Colorado Corvette covered the front of the dessert cake . . . it
looked good!
It’s Saturday, Dream Cruise on Woodward Avenue in Ferndale, Michigan, is here! Rain clouds are forecast for later in the
day but right now, its look’n good. Everyone is making preparations of one kind or another; more than a few are driving to
Ferndale and parking in the Methodist Church parking lot on Saratoga and Woodward. However the majority of people are
getting ready to board the first bus departing at 10:15 am and a few are waiting until the 1:15 pm bus. Unexpectedly, some are
coming via a Liberty display coach driven by Gary Patterson.
By 12 noon the club had taken over Anita’s Kitchen, a Lebanese eatery right on Woodward Avenue and just a few feet
south of 9 Mile Road where hordes of new and pre-owned Fords, of the mustang style, were proudly displayed on thousands of
feet of pavement (lot and curbside); it was jamming with cars, on-lookers, displays, stages, and vendors! Mustang Alley was fun.
Chairs were put out in front of Anita’s Kitchen, on the lawn next door, and across on the grassy median allowing club
members to literally sit curbside watching an endless stream, 4 lanes wide, of cruising car’s . . . like a 1953 red Singer Ro adster,
or the red 1964 Ford Falcon, what about the silver grey 1941 Lincoln Continental, or the numerous Shelby Cobra’s and the
corvette’s that numbered in the hundreds, if not thousands! Did we all see the replica of the 1966 Batmobile used in the TV
show?
(Continued on page 17)
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 9
Prevost introduces Service Locator Mobile App
Sainte-Claire, QC, June 30, 2011 – Finding a Prevost Service Provider just became much easier with the release of the
Prevost Service Locator Mobile App. The mobile app allows users to find the nearest Prevost Service Provider in North
America with a simple touch of their smart phone or other mobile device. The app features detailed information about the
7 Prevost Service Centers and 133 Prevost-certified Service Providers throughout North America. No matter where they
are on the road, drivers can find the nearest service provider to their current location, or they can search for a provider by
state or province. When they select a service provider, users can view the service provider’s address, phone number, e-mail,
list of services and written directions. They can then tap to automatically dial the phone number, send an e-mail, open the
website or view a map showing the service provider’s location and turn by turn directions from their current location. The
app is available in English, French and Spanish versions. Mobile device users can download the app for free at Apple’s
App Store or Android Market.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/id443371117?mt=8&ls=1
https://market.android.com/details?id=com.volvo.prevost.mobile.locator or go to App Store and type in Prevost.
This effort is part of a company wide program to provide easy access to important tools for operators and drivers. Michael Power, Prevost Director of Marketing, says, “Prevost recognizes that the technologies which are readily available to
customers can be used to make their business more productive and efficient. So we have taken advantage of these tools
and turned them into a valuable, cost-effective, any-time, any-where resource, which makes our customer’s business more
valuable. This opens the opportunity for operators to provide better quality service and a safer customer experience.”
As part of their Mobile Application program, Prevost also is introducing the use of QR codes, which offer users quick
access to important information, documents and videos through their mobile device. Using their phone or other mobile
device, drivers will simply scan the code located in the driver’s area, giving them access to the vehicle Driver’s Guide, the
vehicle Driver’s Manual, and an instructional video on using the Wheelchair Lift. In addition, passengers will scan a code
(Continued on page 17)
Page 12
PROUD MOMENTS
Gaeton Bolduc
Andy Kankula
Ron Rogers
Robert Jones
Steve Zeigler
Evelyn & Nelson Figueroa
Frank Konigseder
Vonna Yates
Dave Wall
Chris Stroup
Ed Schumtz
Gary Patterson
Many Thanks to our Commercial friends
and Thanks for attending the rally.
I better get
new running
shoes!
That’s
Amazing
We could do
that and double
production .
Getting new ideas from the Ford assembly line.
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 13
First Timers at Detroit, MI
Welcome
Vi & LJ Verderber * Conroe, Texas
Vi & LJ have been motor homing for four years. They travel with an adorable tabby cat called Ziggy in their Prevost (Royal
conversion). They have enjoyed traveling in a motor home for 4 years. They like the social aspects of travel as well as seeing
this great Country we call America. Both Vi & LJ are retired so we hope they can come to lots more of the Prevost Prouds
rallys! LJ enjoys collectible cars and Lionel trains and they both enjoy spending time with their children, Elizabeth and Joe.
Brenda & Ricky Brady * Selma, North Carolina
Brenda & Ricky have been motor homing for 35 years. They started in a tent and worked their way up to a 45 foot Vantare
Featherlight. They are both currently retired but Ricky was self employed in the carpet and video rental business and Brenda
worked as a VP Assistant at Major AG Chemical Company. They travel with three dogs, aYorki (Kodi), a poodle (Rocky),
and a Lab/German Shepherd mix (Dixie). They enjoy traveling and Ricky loves to fish while Brenda enjoys curling up with a
good book. Sadly, their 25 year old son, Brannon, his wife, Crystal, and their 7 day old grandson, Skylar, lost their lives in a
tragic accident in 2008. Brenda and Ricky; we can only imagine the depths of your sorrow and, on behalf of all the Prevost
Proud members, we offer you our deepest sympathy.
Jerri & Kent Ritter * Wellsville, New York
Jerri & Kent have owned their Prevost (Royal Conversion) since it was new in 2002. They have two grown children, Amber
and Kyle, a cat they call "Nipper", and two blonde Cocker spaniels, Odie & Trixie. Kent has had a love affair with cars,
car racing, and engines his whole life. He raced cars for 26 years, 14 for Chrysler Corporation. No wonder he decided to
come to the Woodward Dream Cruise Rally! His training is in Mechanical Engineering and he is the director of technical
support operations for Alston Power, a supplier of large equipment for fossil fuel fired power plants. Jerri is very energetic
and enjoys reading, education, jewelry and art. She is a Psychiatriac Nurse but also has degrees in Business Leadership and
the Culinary Arts and she is close to completion of her MSN degree. She is one busy and talented lady and we are so glad
that both Kent and Jerri decided to join the Prevost Prouds.
* Prevost Prouds, Inc. * P O Box 607 * Searcy, AR 72145 * * 501-268-9539 *
Page 14
PROUD MOMENTS
Ruth & LD Arrington * Rocky Mountain, North Carolina
Ruth and LD have been involved in motor homing for 30 years
and have owned their Country Coach Magna for 9 years. They
are involved in the fast food business - Dairy Queen (one of my
personal favorites) and Bojangles restaurants. They have three
children, four grandchildren, four great grandchildren , and five,
I repeat, five, cats! They enjoy old cars and traveling in their motor home. Thanks so much to you both for joining us for this
rally!
Karen & Dick Lueders * Wayzata, Minnesota
Dick & Karen have owned their Featherlight Vantare Prevost for
15 months and have been involved in motor homing for six
years. They reside in the Motorcoach Country Club for six
months each year. In their "other life" , before retirement, Dick
was a Caterpillar manager and Karen was an elementary school
teacher. They both enjoy bicycling and walking. Dick loves classic cars and street rods while Karen has fun crocheting and knitting when she is not reading a good book or playing golf. Their
two toy poodles love traveling around the country with them.
Donna & Tommy Fitzgerald * Selma, North Carolina
Donna & Tommy own and operate convenience stores. They
have owned their beautiful Country Coach Prevost for a year
and a half and have been motor homing for fifteen years. They
have four children and four grandchildren. If they don't keep
them busy enough, then they spend their time enjoying golf,
cooking, music and old cars. We hope you both enjoyed the
Dreamcruise Rally!
Susan Ball is dedicated to welcoming everyone who is attending a rally for their first time. She has such a warm and friendly
personality that it makes her, and her husband Eric the perfect
people to be in charge of this task. She asks each new person/couple to give a bit of information about them selves that
they would like to share. We can only hope they cooperate
so she can introduce them to the rest of the Prevost family.
Everyone is always happy to have newcomers attend the rallies
and join Prevost Prouds. We are a friendly bunch always looking to have fun and enjoy other “Bus Dwellers.”
Woodward Dream Cruise August 17 - 20, 2011
There were ten new First Timers
We were all happy to see.
We offered them wine
And Wendell's fine "Texas Tea".
This helped set the mood,
For a fun Rally ahead;
And that night the convertors
Made sure we were fed!
We toured the Rouge Factory
So clean and precise;
Then the Ford Museum,
Which was equally nice.
Prevost busses arrived
To drive us to town
For a tour of Detroit
With a stop at MoTown.
We all had a blast
Going down "memory lane".
Singing "My Girl" and dancing;
We were feeling no pain!
The Hardcore Pawn
Was a sight to behold,
Filled with TV's and furs
And, yes, diamonds and gold.
We learned of the business
From Les and his son,
Going "behind the scenes"
Was a whole lot of fun.
The Woodward Dream Cruise
Has National fame;
And this great car event,
Was the reason we came.
We camped out at Anita’s
We were feeling just fine.
Watching cars cruise on by;
Sharing good food and wine.
That's really what Rallies
Are still all about;
Meeting new friends and old
And just "chilling out".
We thank the First Timers
For joining us here;
And we hope we will see you
In New Orleans next year.
By Susan Ball
prevostprouds.com * [email protected] * [email protected]
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 15
Monroe, MI Prevost Prouds Business Meeting
The Monroe, Michigan business meeting of the Prevost Prouds motor coach club was called
to order at 8:30 a.m. on August 19, 2011 by President Skip Evans. Officers at the head table
were introduced as follows:
1st Vice President:
Tim Thompson
2nd Vice President:
Tom Romano
Secretary:
Bren Jackson
Treasurer:
Rick Kent
President Evans recognized past president in attendance; Ken Urban, Wendell Mathis and Rick Kent.
Officer Reports:
President Evans asked for reading of the minutes from previous meeting. Ken Urban moved to forego the reading. Susan Ball seconded. Motion carried.
Treasurer Rick Kent gave the treasury report. John Strickland moved to accept the report as read. Laurel Volberding
seconded. Motion carried.
Old Business:
None
New Business:
Ken Urban, of the nominating committee, recommended reinstating the existing slate of officers for another year. Wendell Mathis made a motion to except. Tim Lopez seconded. Motion carried.
President Evans asked for volunteers to form an advertising/promotion and a newsletter advertising committee. He stated that Peter and Susan are doing an excellent job on the newsletter, and selling ads will help off-set the cost to the club.
The next rally will be in the spring 2012 in New Orleans (exact date to be determined later). A $100 discount was offered if signed up during this rally.
Susan Ball thanked the “first timers” again for coming. (They had been recognized previously).
Barbara Kent gave the sunshine report.
Rick Kent reminded everyone about the Prevost yahoo group, http://groups.yahoo.com/group/prevostprouds
With no other business, Bob Makin moved to adjourn. John Jackson seconded. The meeting was adjourned.
Side note: Parking and registration volunteers were introduced in a later announcement.
The Prevost Service Locator Mobile App should be a handy app to have. It works with Android or Apple tablets and phones. I just
went to the Apple App Store and typed in Prevost. The app came up and it is free. It finds the closest service location, shows the address, phone numbers, service capabilities, map & turn by turn GPS directions. See link to article below and Press Release on next page.
BUSRide Magazine did a feature article on it in their July issue (see link) http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/d42f87ee#/d42f87ee/1
Page 16
PROUD MOMENTS
Classifieds
RV Lots for Sale.
With a change in our traveling plans we have decided to sell 3 of our RV Lots.
One is in the beautiful resort of Vacation Inn of the Palm Beaches in West Palm Beach, Florida. This is a 5 star rated,
luxury park, meticulously landscaped and maintained a short distance from downtown West Palm Beach, Palm Beach Island, and the beaches. Hundreds of the finest restaurants and shopping areas are located within a few minutes drive. This
is a gated community with 2 large pools, tennis courts, huge owners lounge and pavilion, laundry, with all paved sites and
roads. Many golf courses (including Trumps) are a few minutes drive from the resort. Our site, lot 59, is away from the
entry traffic and has no site directly across (just a grassy area) which makes backing in much easier. It is close to the 2nd
pool and has parking for visitors very close. The main pad is 60’ deep with 6’ of overhang behind that and a large concrete
patio area surrounded by hedges and landscaping. Many other Prevost owners call this home in the winter. We are asking
$80,000.00 for this lot.
In addition, we have 2 side by side lots (#4 and 5) in Destin Village RV Resort in Destin, Florida. This is a small, gated
resort one block from the beautiful white sugar sand public beaches and Pompano Joe’s Restaurant, a fixture in the Destin
area. A paved bike trail runs many miles along the beach. The area is full of shopping, restaurants, entertainment, fishing,
and golf. Our lots are in a prime spot across from a small, heated, pool, restrooms, laundry, and owner’s clubhouse. All
sites and streets are concrete. This area is called the Emerald Coast and earns its reputation. We are asking $99,000.00 for
each of these lots.
Could be interested in partial trade if you have something that interests us!
Please contact Bill or Debby Hicks at 517 290 6290 (Bill) or 517 230 6525 (Debby) or email
[email protected]
(Continued from page 12) Prevost App
next to their seat and their device will give them one touch access to a vehicle Safety Video and a video highlighting the
Prevost vehicles.
Andy Kankula, Prevost Sr. Vice President of Marketing and Sales, remarks, “The Prevost Mobile Application initiative
continues the delivery of what the Prevost team finds valuable: Providing customers with resources to increase the value of
their business; providing innovative ways for operators to run their business more efficiently; and assuring our customers
that our products and services will exemplify premium quality in the industry.”
For more information - Alan Dvoskin | Marketing Communications Prevost—7900 National Service Rd. Mailstop ALB-63—
Greensboro, NC 27409—Tel.: +1 336 393-3077 | Fax: +1 336 393-2955
(Continued from page 9) Dream Cruise 2011
By mid-afternoon over a dozen had taken the bus north to 13 Mile and “Chevy Land” – a destination site for endless numbers of Corvettes and other Chevy products cramped everywhere.
oon over a dozen had taken the bus north to 13 Mile and “Chevy Land” – a destination site for endless numbers of Corvettes
and other Chevy products cramped everywhere.
Dream Cruise is a lot of things: a rainbow of muscle cars, a yearly nostalgic parade, a time to be a classic car owner and
preen, a salute to the City and its car culture, and undoubtedly a tribute to “Motown – Motor Town.”
At 4 o’clock the first bus departed for Harbortown and not unexpected heavy rains came soon thereafter – smack dab at
5:00 pm. The rain slowed the party a bit but the sun was out within 60-minutes and the Cruise continued on into the night.
At 6:30 pm everyone enjoyed dinner and by 7:45 pm the bus was ready to take people back to the resort and those who
drove were heading towards the Methodist Church parking lot. The smiles and resolve were evident. In hindsight, the Woodward Dream Cruise is a reflection of people and their integration and enthusiasm with vintage cars; a lifestyle that once did or
continues currently to enjoy this uniquely American institution. It was friendly, fun, and a special summer happening.
By George
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 17
TRAVEL DESTINATIONS By Tom Romano
We all have a favorite travel destination let me share one of mine. I frequently go to Mystic Connecticut it’s just off I 95 in the north
eastern half of the state. The town was made popular by the movie Mystic Pizza in the 80’s starring Julia Roberts but its history goes
back to the Pequot Indians and later as a colonial seafaring town. The Mystic Seaport Museum is a living history recreation of the
village with houses, businesses and ships related to fishing industries. Sometimes you may stumble upon a docent telling a story or
singing an old sailor song as you wonder the seaport. In Historic Downtown Mystic there are many boutique, art and glass shops
that you should venture into but they could help empty your wallet. Outside of town there is the Olde Mystick Village which is a
complex of stores and restaurants made to look like an 18th century village. On the same campus is the Maritime Museum another
attraction worth a look. There is a wine trail in the area where wineries feature taste testing. Be sure to stop at B.F. Clyde’s cider
mill, only open in the fall, featuring the last steam powered cider mill in New England. Haven’t spent enough money yet? Come on
follow me we’re on our way to the the Foxwoods Casino just about 7 miles North West from Mystic. They just went through a major
expansion, it’s a clean nice place and doesn’t seem so crowded because it’s huge. If you opt to take your motor coach no problem as
they have a parking lot to accommodate you and a shuttle bus to take you to the front door.
If you’re looking for a day trip, take route One north( The Old Post Road) from Mystic about 40 minutes to Point Judith Rhode
Island and catch a people ferry to Block Island. They have high speed ferries that take about 30 minutes or the big ferry taking
around 55 minutes. Once there roam around the stores and restaurants, rent bikes or mopeds and ride the island or maybe just enjoy the 17 miles of beaches. You can also take taxi tours narrated by the driver. If you hit the island at the right time of year check
out the spectacular hydrangeas in bloom. Allow about two or three hours for your visit.
Another day tour is a trip to Newport Rhode Island. Take I 95 North to Rt138 East and mind the speed limits on 138. The trip
is about 35 to 40 minutes to the visitor’s center in downtown. Leave the
motor coach at the campground as
the streets are narrow some even cobblestone. You’ll find parking at the
visitor center’s lot or meters on the
street. Newport was the playground
of the rich at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th
until the age of the dreaded income
tax. The summer cottages as they were
called are unbelievably large gilt age
mansions and many are open for
tours. You can purchase tickets and
catch buses at the visitor center, be
sure to see the exhibits on view that
put the island in perspective. I recommend that you forgo the bus and
take the Ocean Drive around the
island the views are breathtaking and
you will end up end up on Bellevue
Avenue the showcase for the mansions. Each house has its own parking . Let me suggest a stop at the Astors Beechwood house where they
have actors portraying the family and
as soon as you enter you become part
of the show. The Elms my particular
favorite offers a behind the scenes
tour were you see the house as the
staff would have. There is also a cliff
walk that meanders between the man(Continued on page 19)
Page 18
PROUD MOMENTS
Hope
New Members
To
LUEDERS, RICHARD & KAREN 481 PEAVEY LANE
WAYZATA, MN
WEINSTEIN, JEFF & CHRISTI
518 EAST TYLER
ATHENS, TX
GRAY, STEVE & JOANNE
P.O. BOX 580
RALLS, TX
BRAXTON, CALVIN & PEGGY
7501 HWY 1 SOUTH BYPASS
NATCHITOCHES, LA
ROGERS, RON & JOANNE
6865 GALLOWAY BAY DR
TROY, MI
ADAMS, WALTER & KATIE
6478 NW 103 LANE
PARKLAND, FL
RITTER, KENT & JERRI
2444 HALLSPORT RD
WELLSVILLE, NY
See
You
All
In
LA
(Continued from page 18) Travel Destinations
sions and the ocean, a great place for a stroll. The Newport Art Museum on Bellevue Ave and Museum of Newport History on
Themes Street could be of interest. Sailing tours of the harbor are available aboard Tall ships as well as vintage wood racing
yachts. There is shopping and restaurants on Themes Street along the wharves in the old part of the city.
There are two campgrounds that can handle our sized coaches. The Mystic K.O.A in North Stonington, Ct. ask for the
premium pull through sites. They have paved patios, patio furniture and gas grills. The Seaport Campground in Old Mystic, a very tired campground with water and electric. Skip the pull trough's, very close together, and ask for a back in, they
have good electric and are very wide.
Well there you have it; I hope this gives you the travel itch. It’s time to fire up the Prevost and head east.
By Tom Romano
Note From Editor:
Peter and I attended a rally with Fantasy &Creative Tours at the Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico, September 29 through October
6, 2011 and it was fabulous. The Balloon Fiesta is a “Must Attend” for
everyone. We look forward to attending the Prevost Prouds rally in 2013.
Susan
Prevost Prouds Future Tentative Rallies
May 3-6, 2012—New Orleans, Louisiana
Fall 2012—
Winter 2013—Las Vegas, NV
October 2013—Balloon Festival Albuquerque, NM
Summer 2014—Biloxi, MI
Volume 26, Issue 2
Page 19
Prevost Prouds Executive Roster
President
Skip Evans
Wife—Marilyn
923 Anaconda Drive
Castle Rock, CO 80108
Home: 303-663-9886
[email protected]
First Vice President
Tim Thompson
Wife - Linda
710 NE 30th Avenue
Ocala, FL 34470
Home: 352-685-3625
[email protected]
Second Vice President
Tom Romano
1065 Belvoir Road
Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462
Home: 610-277-5876
[email protected]
National Rallymaster
George Lanegraff
14000 S.E. 44th Place
Bellevue, WA 98006
Phone: 425-922-0714
[email protected]
Secretary
Bren Jackson
Husband—John
P O Box 656
Quanah, TX 79252
Cell: 940-839-7403
[email protected]
Treasurer
Directory Changes & Dues
Rick Kent
Wife—Barbara
P O Box 607
Searcy, AR 72145
Office:501-268-9539
Cell: 501-827-4444
[email protected]
National Director
Naomi Theisz
74 Salem Road
TSP of Washington, NJ 07676
Home : 201-445-1217
[email protected]
First Timers
Susan Ball (husband Eric)
[email protected]
Newsletter Editors:
Susan Landes Cell 914-548-1215
Peter Grimm Cell 518-365-2335
[email protected]
Sunshine
Barbara Kent
[email protected]
* Prevost Prouds, Inc. * P O Box 607 * Searcy, AR 72145 * 501-268-9539 * prevostprouds.com *