The Chaparral Chapter

By Cherie Ilg Haas
Production Assistant

New Mexico's state bird, the chaparral, is the inspiration for the name of FMCA's Chaparral chapter. Before automobiles came into use, this small bird was known to run alongside horse-drawn carriages in the West. Chaparrals — more commonly known as roadrunners — can no longer keep up with travelers on the roads today, of course. However, the Chaparrals of FMCA are keeping up the tradition of "roadrunning" by exploring and enjoying northern New Mexico.

Chartered in July 1969 with 32 members, the Chaparral chapter has approximately 150 members today. Folks enjoy various activities at their rallies, including tours, and treasure the fellowship that goes hand in hand with being a chapter member. Motorhomers of all ages are encouraged to join, but members are proud of longevity, too. "We have one member that's 90 years old, and he just bought new tires for his coach," said alternate national director Bill McCabe, F34643.

Rallies used to be held within northern New Mexico, the chapter's scope, because most members had to work Monday through Friday. Today the Chaparrals can venture farther for get-togethers, because many members are now retired. "We just change with the times," said Bill's wife, Ruth. When Ruth and Bill joined the chapter in 1979, Ruth said that everyone enjoyed dry camping, but now having electricity and water is pretty popular among the group. Also, she said, everyone likes having a clubhouse for cards and crafts, and to be protected from the weather for these activities.

Chapter dues are $10 a year, and members receive a monthly newsletter to keep them up-to-date on the rally information. Fifteen to 30 coaches typically attend Chaparral rallies, which are held monthly from March through November. To bridge the gap in winter, members meet for dinner in December and February. Every other month, former chapter members are invited to a luncheon for socializing, and for generally keeping in touch. This gesture shows what a friendly chapter Chaparral is. "They're just a good group of people," Perry Key, L23527, said. Perry, a former Rocky Mountain Area vice president, has been a Chaparral member for more than 25 years.

Just as friendships have grown from participating in this chapter, so has the FMCA chapter family tree. Chaparral branched off from the Rocky Mountain chapter. In addition, the Smoky Bear and Cuatro Estados chapters branched off from the Chaparral chapter.

And so FMCA's chapters continue to connect across the highways, with friendship and camaraderie running along with them.

If you'd like to learn more about the Chaparral chapter, contact FMCA's Chapter Services Department at (800) 543-3622.