Leading The Way To Friendship — The Pioneers Chapter

By Cherie Ilg Haas
Production Assistant

January is a month that represents a fresh year ahead, full of new travels, adventures, and beginnings for RVers. Joining or starting a chapter is a great way to do all of those. That's why it's fitting to put a spotlight on the Pioneers, one of FMCA's first chapters, which celebrated its 35^th anniversary in 2001 and is still going strong.

Linus Koopmeiners, F237917, chapter president, hopes to keep it that way. Part of the chapter's success has been that "the members are basic, down-to-earth people. They try to help other people, and are a good group," he said.

The chapter's scope is Minnesota and Wisconsin, where Pioneers rallies are held once a month, April through October. The first rally of the year is called the Icebreaker, a reference to Minnesota weather in spring. "The first rally is always interesting," Linus said. Pioneers gather around the campfire and share stories with others about what they did through the winter. "Usually in the southern part of the state, campfires feel good this time of year," he said.

One of the most popular activities at Pioneers rallies is card playing, particularly cribbage, according to Linda Phelps, F105189, former president. Members also play bingo and dominoes, and occasionally participate in sing-a-longs. They also have enjoyed area attractions together, such as taking a boat ride on a lake and visiting a candle factory.

Potlucks are part of the gatherings, too. Linus said rather than organizing who brings what dish, they always leave it open, and end up with a consistently good variety of foods.

Linus and his wife joined the Pioneers approximately five years ago when someone from the chapter contacted them to see if they were interested in becoming members. He became chapter president in September 2001.

Linus said one of his priorities as president is to expand the chapter's size, which at this writing is at 53 members. Usually about half of the members come to any given rally, he said. "It's nice to have at least 20 to 30 coaches there [at rallies]." One way he plans to do this is by contacting new FMCA members within the chapter's Midwest scope. He said another prospective way to increase membership is through word of mouth.

Many members join chapters for the camaraderie, and Linus is no different. He said one of his favorite aspects of being the Pioneers president is spending time with fellow RVers, who enjoy the same things he does. Linda said she also enjoyed her position as president because the chapter members "are such nice people; they're easy to get along with and get to know."

The Pioneers receive a monthly newsletter, which includes rally information, along with recipes, jokes, items for sale, and chapter member obituaries. Dues are $12 per year.

Chapter officers are Linus Koopmeiners, F237917, president; Lee Goodwin, F99856, vice president; Mary Henderson, F45664, secretary; Marjeane Werner, F95443, treasurer; Ron Budd, F142398, national director; Ken Berghorst, F26100, alternate national director; and Judith Goodwin, F99856, newsletter editor.

For more information about the Pioneers chapter, call FMCA's Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.