October 2019 Rally
Dates: October 11-13, 2019
Location: Stuarts Draft, VA
Hosts: Gene and Judy Matthews
Campground:Shenandoah Acres Campground
The October rally was hosted by Gene and Judy Matthews on October 11 – 13 at Shenandoah Acres Campground in Stuarts Draft, Virginia. There were eleven coaches in attendance. Present were: Dave and Evelyn Crabtree, John and Roberta Davis, Rick and Cindy Roberson, Feliza Jones, John and Patty Nichols, Paul and Carol Melton, Karen and Janelle Lohr, Mark and Karilyn Pittman, Dennis and Barbara Sarmento, Gary and Jane Lambert, and Gene and Judy Matthews.
Many Coaches arrived on Thursday to enjoy the fine fall weather. Thursday night most of the early arrivals gathered next door at the Acres Restaurant and took advantage of the Thursday night special. Dinner for two for $30.00! This included a choice of entrees, salad, one side and dessert. Everything was very good!
For Friday and Saturday Gene and Judy provided a list of activities in the area.
The choices were:
1. Crozet Arts & Crafts Festival. Live music, Virginia made wine and draft beer,
craft demonstrations, arts and crafts for sale.
2. Purple Wolf Vineyards, 2644 Cross Keys. Wolf stands for White Oak Lavender Farms.
3. Cross Keys Vineyards 6011 E. Timber Ridge Road, Mount Crawford.
4. Frontier Culture Museum. General Admission $12.00, Senior $11.50.
5. Waynesboro Fall Foliage Arts & Crafts Festival in the streets of Waynesboro.
Friday brought beautiful blue skies and power as the remainder of the group arrived. We had time on our own to explore the area and the damage done by the storm. After Happy Hour outside, we enjoyed great burgers and hot dogs grilled by our hosts and wonderful potluck salads from the members of the group. It was great to have Feliza's dessert again.
On Friday morning Dave Crabtree, Gene Matthews and myself went on a work party to Connie Bradley’s house. For members that did not know Connie and Don, they were founding members of the Cardinal Virginians. Don passed away seven years ago. Gene and Dave cut down trees that were up against the house while I cleared the parking court and cleaned flower beds. Connie helped and enjoyed the company. Several members enjoyed apple picking at Fitzgerald Orchards and others went wine tasting.
Friday evening we had happy hour then it was off to Silk Road Restaurant in Waynesboro. It did not turn out to be a pleasant experience for some members, who did not get their dinner until most of us were finished.
Saturday morning Gene and Judy provided a great Breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, link sausage, yogurt and fruit. Saturday was a free day so you could do as you pleased. Cindy and I drove to Covington, Virginia so I could coach my U-6 soccer team. Paul and Carol enjoyed a football game at JMU with JMU defeating Villanova 38 to 24!
Saturday evening we had an informal meeting to install new officers and to make announcements. Dinner was sort of a potluck with everyone bringing their special chili and adding it to one large pot to make a tasty concoction! Gene and Judy provided baked potatoes and all the fixings and of course Feliza provided delicious desserts.
Paul and Carol’s son Jeff and their 2 grand-daughters Lilly and Maddie joined the group for dinner
and a sleep over for Lilly and Maddie with their grand-parents. Then they joined us for Sunday
breakfast of donuts, yogurt and fruit. After morning devotions by Judy we ended a great weekend of
camping. Thanks to all, but especially to Gene and Judy, for a wonderful rally!.
Rally Report Submitted by Rick Roberson
October Rally Attendees