"Dakota Expedition" Seminars

Boost your motorhoming knowledge by attending some of the educational sessions to be offered in Minot, North Dakota, next month.

By Doug Uhlenbrock
Associate Editor

One of the many reasons for attending FMCA international conventions is that they provide so many opportunities to learn more about the motorhoming lifestyle. And the seminars offered by FMCA at its 74th International Convention, August 15 through 18 at the North Dakota State Fairgrounds in Minot, certainly will be no exception.

Whether you're interested in the mechanical aspects of the motorhome, are curious about the newest technological advances in coach accessories, want to discover new travel ideas, or simply enjoy finding new ways to live happily on wheels, the more than 100 topics covered in FMCA's seminar lineup are sure to include something to satisfy your interests. Here's a sampling.

Learn About FMCA
If you have never attended an FMCA convention before, don't miss the "Orientation For First-Time Attendees." FMCA executive director Don Eversmann, F240000, and FMCA commercial services supervisor Maureen Mullarkey will introduce convention neophytes to all of the activities and opportunities scheduled during the event. Mr. Eversmann also will be at the podium for two other FMCA-related seminars: "FMCA National Headquarters Support For Chapters And Area Organizations" and "FMCA & Member Benefits."

Technically Speaking
Representatives from the major chassis manufacturers — both gasoline and diesel — will be on hand to answer questions and provide guidelines about maintaining their chassis. Owners of diesel-powered motorhomes also can attend separate seminars presented by representatives of Caterpillar, Cummins, and Detroit Diesel, who will discuss operating and maintenance issues for their power plants. And new or would-be diesel coach owners will want to join Jim Brightly, F358406, technical editor of Family Motor Coaching magazine, and officials from the three diesel engine manufacturers mentioned above for a presentation of "Basic Diesel 101."

Another major topic of interest among motorhomers will be addressed in the "Towing Roundtable." A panel of experts will explain how to tow a vehicle safely behind a motorhome. The discussion will include information about towing equipment; which vehicles can be towed four wheels down; and related accessories. In "Supplemental Towed Car Braking," manufacturers of towed vehicle braking systems will explain the technical aspects of their products. Both seminars will be moderated by Jim Brightly.

Additional technical seminars will focus on RV electrical systems; batteries; generators; alignment and steering; tires; satellite TV; and more.

Safety First
To make sure that members have all of the information and tools they need to remain secure while traveling, FMCA presents several safety-related seminars at each convention.

The "RV Weight & Tire Safety" seminar presented by the RV Safety Education Foundation, C5999, focuses on how to properly load and operate a motorhome; how to decipher the various coach weights and ratings; and factors that affect the life of radial tires. FMCA members can have their coaches weighed as they leave the convention by signing up during the seminar or at the RVSEF booth (#35) at the Magic Place in the North Dakota State Fair Center. FMCA provides a subsidy to the program so the cost to members is only $25.

The "RV Safe Driving Course," cosponsored by Aon Recreation Insurance, C95 (formerly RV Alliance America), an FMCA Super Star sponsor, and FMCA, is designed to help operators sharpen their existing driving skills and learn new defensive driving techniques. Those who complete this two-part seminar may be eligible for a discount on their insurance premiums, depending on their state of residence and insurance carrier. A $10 fee is charged for the course, and sign-up is required. Convention attendees can register beginning Monday, August 15, at 7:00 a.m. in the Livestock Expo. Space is limited, so sign up early.

In "Fire & Life Safety In Your RV," also cosponsored by Aon Recreation Insurance and FMCA, veteran firefighter Mac McCoy, C7648, will explain the causes of most RV fires and how to prevent them. Attendees will learn how to use different types of fire extinguishers and participate in a live fire demonstration. The discussion also will touch on the gauges and detectors that should be operating in a motorhome; engine and transmission overheating; and other topics.

Dave and Sandy Baleria of Personal Safety First, C9296, will present a trio of seminars dedicated to personal safety for motorhomers, both in and out of the coach. "Personal Safety For RVers" covers how to recognize dangerous situations and threats, and how to avoid being selected as a victim by criminals. The Balerias also will discuss "Personal Defense: Pepper Spray" and "Guns & RVs."

The Lifestyle
FMCA offers seminars on dozens of diverse topics to help members get the most out of their motorhoming experience.

For example, learn some high-tech options for sharing your motorhoming memories with family and friends in the "Digital Photography" seminar. And to glean tips on capturing great images in the first place, turn to photographer Carol Goldberg, F352081, for an explanation of "Photography and Photo Composition — Taking Your Best Shot."

Do you enjoy writing about your travels and experiences? Have other people told you that you have a way with words? Whether you're interested in writing for pleasure or profit, freelance writer Jane Kenny, F326051, will provide insight in "Writing On The Road."

Have you ever considered RVing outside Canada and the United States? Plan to attend "RVing In Europe," "Touring Mexico By RV," and "Visiting Mexico's Copper Canyon By Piggyback Train" to help make a dream trip to one of these destinations come true. In addition, John and Harriet Halkyard, F357638, will draw from their own personal experience to guide RVers through Central America in "99 Days To Panama."

As rally planners know, organizing a successful rally takes much time and effort. Jim Cooley, F212090, associate general manager at Beaudry RV Resort & Rally Park, will explain the ins and outs of "Rally Planning." Seminar attendees will receive a rally planning guide to help organizers cover all the bases.

Money and health issues are a part of life that must not be ignored, especially when you're on the road. Richard Gray, an adviser with Barnhard-Donegan Insurance, C10454, will present a two-part session titled "Safe Money — Estate & Retirement Planning." Dan Mitchell, F270356, of Credo Mortgage, will explain how folks age 62 and older can use the equity in their home as a source of money in "Reverse Mortgage — What Is It And What Can I Use It For?"

In "Medicare Today . . . More Choices, Better Benefits," Dennis DelPizzo from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will discuss the new Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage Program, which goes into effect on January 1, 2006.

FMCA recently partnered with AFLAC to offer members an association-discounted rate on supplemental insurance policies to cover accidents, incidents of cancer, and dental. Discover how one or more of these policies might fit into your overall health care plan in "Understanding AFLAC."

Fit And Fun
Wayne and Dahelia Hunt, F235156, will help attendees wake their bodies each morning with an "Integrated Stretch & Strength Workout." The Hunts also will offer presentations that focus on alleviating back, knee, and shoulder pain. Other health-related seminars will discuss nutrition, diabetes and heart disease, and how to use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

For some dance fun, join veteran square-dance caller Howard Cowles, L18517, for "Square Dancing And Line Dancing."

Convention-goers interested in taking home a keepsake from Minot can choose from 14 different craft seminars. Participants can learn how to make beaded bracelets, a lace and silk flower shirt, or a hanging CD creature, among other projects. Since space is limited, be sure to sign up for these seminars beginning Monday, August 15, at the crafts table in the Information Center, located in the lower atrium of the North Dakota State Fair Center.

Minot Convention Seminars
The following seminars were scheduled as of press time. Last-minute changes could alter the list. Please check your convention program for dates, times, locations, and seminar descriptions.

Technical

Advanced RV Satellite For Owners
All About Diesel Buses
Aqua-Hot And Hydro-Hot Heating Systems
Automatic Battery Charge Loads & Gen Set Starting System
Basic Diesel 101
Basics Of Refrigeration
Caterpillar Engine
Cummins Engine
Detroit Diesel Engine
Driving With The Allison World Transmission
Ford Type A & Type C Chassis Maintenance
Freightliner Custom Chassis Preventive Maintenance
Generator Maintenance Roundtable
Introduction To RV Satellite 101
Radial Tires Roundtable
RV Batteries
RV Inverter/Charger Systems
RV Weight & Tire Safety
Spartan Chassis Maintenance
Supplemental Towed Car Braking
Toilet Maintenance & RV Chemicals
Towing Roundtable
Understanding Steering & Alignment Problems
Workhorse & Late-Model Chevrolet Chassis Maintenance, Part 1
Workhorse & Late-Model Chevrolet Chassis Maintenance, Part 2

Educational

99 Days To Panama
Back Health
Beautifying & Protecting Your Coach
Candidates' Forum
Care And Purchasing Fine Jewelry
Chapter Presidents and Vice Presidents Roundtable
Coach-Net Emergency Road Service
Computer Map Progams For Your PC
Diesel Air Filter Maintenance
Digital Photography
Easy Quilts To Leave Behind
Fire & Life Safety In Your RV
FMCA & Member Benefits
FMCA National Headquarters Support For Chapters And Area Organizations
Full-Timing
Get Away, Stay Connected
Getting The Most Out Of Your Laptop
Governmental & Legislative Affairs And RV Friendly Signage
Guns & RVs
How To Maximize Your RV Travel Wardrobe
How To Organize Your Coach
Informational Seminar For Chapter Secretaries
Insurance & Risk Management Seminar For FMCA Leaders
Insurance Roundtable
Is Someone Running Away With Your Identity?
Knee & Shoulder Health
Long-Term Care
Making A Difference Through Habitat For Humanity
Managing Diabetes And Heart Health Through Education & Activity
MEDEX — The Travel Program That Provides Travel Assistance, Emergency Evacuation, And Repatriation
Medicare Today . . . More Choices, Better Benefits
Microwave-Convection Cooking — Beginner ABCs For GE (Including Advantium) Oven Owners
Microwave-Convection Cooking — Beginner ABCs For Sharp Oven Owners
Microwave-Convection Cooking Made Easy
Microwave-Convection Cooking On-The-Go
On-Road Quilters
Orientation For First-Time Attendees
Personal Defense: Pepper Spray
Personal Safety For RVers
Photography And Photo Composition — Take Your Best Shot
Quicken Workshop For Chapter Treasurers
Quilt Trunk Show
Rally Planning
Reverse Mortgage: What Is It And What Can I Use It For
RV Safe Driving Course, Session 1
RV Safe Driving Course, Session 2
RVing In Europe
"Safe Money" — Estate & Retirement Planning
Selecting The Right Motorhome For YOUR Needs
Sudden Cardiac Arrest And The Use Of The AED
Take Pride In America — It's Your Land, Lend A Hand
Touring Mexico By RV: Opportunities And Rules
Treasurer's Forum
Understanding AFLAC
Visiting Mexico's Copper Canyon By Piggyback Train
What Is Ham Radio? An Introduction To Amateur Radio Operation From The Motorhome
Women On Wheels
Writing On The Road

Crafts

Afghan Loom Knitting
Beaded Bracelet
Crocheted Beaded Socks
Embossed Note Cards
Fabric Coasters
Hanging CD Creatures
Lace And Silk Flowered Shirt
Lariat Necklace
Night-light/Candleholder
Plastic Bag Crocheting
Plate Decoupage
Rake Knitting
Snowman
Spice Pumpkins

Fun, Games & Exercise

Integrated Stretch And Strength Workout
Square Dancing And Line Dancing