The Northern Nevada Prospectors

By Peggy Jordan
Associate Editor, FMC

Forming a new FMCA chapter takes a little time, right? Well, yes, it usually does take awhile, but it sure didn't for the Northern Nevada Prospectors.

From the initial idea to the actual formation meeting, the entire process took a little less than two months. Add the fact that the chapter president, one of two men who thought up the idea of the chapter, had just joined FMCA, and it's even more impressive.

A few coincidences definitely smoothed out the process. Chapter president Kim Petersen, F353288, is the director of the Winnemucca, Nevada, Convention and Visitors Authority, and the Rocky Mountain Area Rally took place at the Winnemucca Events Complex September 14 through 17, 2005. Kim, a longtime motorhome owner, learned about FMCA as the rally was being planned, and joined the association along with his wife, Yvonne. The two attended the ensuing rally and enjoyed meeting so many fellow motorhomers.

Kim explained that "a lot of people who came to (the rally) expressed interest in starting a chapter. There wasn't one in our area, so a couple of us — Clyde Lippincott and myself — we decided we'd just form one. We gathered names at the event. Following the event, we got addresses from FMCA. We did a mailing and got a great response."

The mailing he referred to was a letter that FMCA's Chapter Services Department sent to FMCA members living in the northern Nevada area, inviting them to join in the formation of the new group. The letter was dated October 5, 2005 — only a few weeks after the rally had concluded. "We got on it, and wanted to do it while it was still fresh in everybody's mind," Kim said. "We got a lot of responses, so there seemed to be a need."

The chapter formation meeting was held November 12, and more than the required number of interested FMCA members were on hand to establish the new chapter. In addition to Kim, chapter officers are Clyde Lippincott, vice president; Mary Ellen Peters, secretary-treasurer; Keith Holland, national director; Patrick Riles, alternate national director; and Don Verhoef, information/newsletter. Assistance in starting the chapter came from Rocky Mountain Motorcoach Association area vice president Russel Westcott and his wife, Marilyn; and Rocky Mountain Area vice president Duane Pindell.

The group has grown since last November, too. As of late January membership was up to 38 families.

Kim is pleased and excited about the prospects of having fun and fellowship with what he calls a "great group" of folks. Many of them live in towns such as Carson City, Sparks, and Reno, among others across the northern part of the state. The chapter has a wide range of interests and ages; some members are still working, and some are retired. For many of the members, this is their first time belonging to an FMCA chapter. Kim said that they enjoy each other's company already. "The thing I noticed in working with FMCA people is they all are a great bunch — friendly — and age has no barrier here. I'm 50. I just had a great time with all these people, and they are all fun to be with.

"The people who signed up for the chapter were friendly and eager to get in and help. They came to (the chapter formation meeting), which was boring and grueling, but they stuck with it and everybody worked. Now we're talking about how we're going to have some fun. I think everybody's up to it."

And since it's so new, many possibilities exist as to the number and type of chapter rallies and activities that will take place. Kim said that several decisions still need to be made. The group's next get-together is March 11 in Sparks, and will feature a potluck dinner.

As for the next big meet, much needs to be discussed. Chapter members likely will support the Rocky Mountain Area Rally in Casa Grande, Arizona, this October by volunteering there as a group. And, chapter rallies will probably be held in different communities for a while, "to give everybody a chance not to drive so far, but also to give us a chance to see other communities," Kim said. "Hopefully we'll move around occasionally and take in the larger FMCA rallies." The weather in northern Nevada supports outdoor meets from approximately May through November.

Chapter dues are $25 per year per coach, plus a $10-per-person initiation fee that covers badges and other incidentals. FMCA members who want to get in on the "ground floor" of the Northern Nevada Prospectors should contact the Chapter Services Department at the FMCA national office at (800) 543-3622.