Seeing Green

In this month’s GREEN edition of FMCA’s Mile Marker, we are going to touch on everything green. Green as in St. Patrick’s Day, and celebrating your Irish heritage. Green as in living green, aka ecofriendly. Green as in FMCA’s 106th International Convention & RV Expo, LUCKY 13. Green as in FMCA benefits and discounts that not only can save you some green but can help you conserve energy to continue to run/RV green.

So, before you dive in to enjoy our latest publication, in the GREEN spirit of things, we want to pass along one of our favorite Irish blessings to you, our RVing family:

For each petal on the shamrock

This brings a wish your way;

Good health, good luck, and happiness

For today and every day.

Safe travels!

The FMCA Team

GFI Notify System

I have been using the GFI Notify System for two months, and I am completely satisfied with the product and service. If you follow the enclosed instructions, the system is easy to set up. For those who may need help, the instructions also provide contact info for assistance. My wife and I travel in our motorhome. We may be away from home for long periods of time. GFI Notify provides a peace of mind, knowing we will be notified if our home should lose power. We also use one in our motorhome for the same reason. We have two pugs we leave in the motorhome on occasion. Again, it is important for their well-being for us to know if we lose power and/or air-conditioning during hot weather. We purchased our GFI Notify System using a discount code through Family Motor Coach Association (FMCA). Thank you, FMCA, for introducing us to GFI Notify. 

Steve & Jody Stewart, F510820

The GFI Notify system will alert you within 5 to 6 minutes of a power outage in your home or RV. And FMCA members can receive a discount on their purchase. Visit here for more details.

Live Green In An RV 

RVers enjoy going outside and immersing themselves in everything nature has to offer, and we also can play an important role in protecting the environment we love so much. While it may seem daunting, there are easy ways to live green in an RV. 

Being strategic about your travel plans by spending more time at each destination and planning fuel-efficient routes can not only maximize your miles per gallon but also prevent burnout from constant travel. You can also help Mother Earth by following proper boondocking etiquette. Follow local rules and leave no trace behind while camping off the grid.

Simple adjustments to your RV routine can also help you be more environmentally conscious. Next time you camp, conserve energy by using LED lights. Consider shopping at farmers markets and local grocery stores around your campsite. Or conserve water by installing low-flow faucets and showerheads. RVers also add solar panels to their vehicles, and even choose an RV that matches their eco-friendly lifestyle.

For more tips and inspiration on how you can live green in your RV, visit Togo RV, RVshare, and The General RV Blog!

Everyone's Irish — At Least For A Day!

Whether you’re full-blooded Irish or don’t have a lick in you, St. Patrick’s Day gives you a reason to celebrate. Aside from consuming traditional Irish food and beverages — corned beef and cabbage and green beer, for starters — you can observe the day in many other ways.

Puttin’ on the swag. How about a cool “Camper Leprechaun” T-shirt, tank top, or hoodie? This design is also available on iPhone 11 cases, pillows, tote bags, and more. Or look leprechaun-cool in a pair of shamrock sunglasses sold online or at party and dollar stores.

Set a leprechaun trap. Here’s a fun craft to do with the youngsters. According to Irish folklore, leprechauns are drawn to shiny gold coins, rainbows, and anything green. The “trap” is set up the night before with bait to lure these tiny elves. Come St. Patrick’s Day morn, the kids probably won’t find a leprechaun but will discover the treats they’ve left behind. Happiness Is Homemade offers ideas for making a leprechaun trap. And for some added whimsy, read about the five things to remember if you do catch a leprechaun!

Movies galore. You might be surprised how many Irish-themed movies have been made over the years. Good Housekeeping created its own top 45 list. Among them: a new one, The Banshees of Inisherin, released in 2022; films featuring notable Irish figures such as revolutionary Michael Collins; others starring Irish actors, including Liam Neeson. And don’t forget family-friendly flicks — The Secret Of Kells received an Academy Award nomination for best animated feature film.

Do you love a parade? If so, search online to find a St. Patrick’s Day-themed parade along your travel route. Many of the big ones take place earlier in the month; however, Indianapolis, Indiana, and Savannah, Georgia, will hold theirs on March 17, and South Boston’s parade gets marching on March 19.

Diggin’ up your Irish roots. If you’re of Irish descent and would like to learn more about your ancestors, the Irish Family History Centre suggests a few resources. They include the National Library of Ireland; the Irish Genealogy website; and RootsIreland, an online genealogy database.

"LUCKY 13" Convention — Information Central

If you are making your way to FMCA’s 106th International Convention & RV Expo in Perry, Georgia, March 15-18, you may have some questions. Well, rest assured; we have your answers. Check out our Information Central page, which lists everything from what to do upon arrival to services on the grounds and in the local area, on-grounds transportation, weather alerts, and more! Not registered, but interested in joining us? Click here to learn more.

Save Green with Newcoast

Whether you’re looking to buy a new RV or refinance your current one, Newcoast can help you out. The company offers FMCA members an array of exclusive RV financing and refinancing options. Its retail financial experts have comprehensive experience offering multiple lending solutions. Check Newcoast out today!

Better Performance With SoftStartRV

A high-performance "soft starter" from SoftStartRV temporarily reduces the load and torque in the electric current rush of an air conditioner motor during startup. This reduces the mechanical stress of the motor and on the attached power cables and the electrical delivery network, extending the life of the system. Learn more about SoftStartRV units, and FMCA-member savings, here. 

Health Care Options Tailored To Your Needs

LIG Solutions offers exclusive programs for you, your family, and business owners/employees. As these are individual health plans, they are tailored to your unique health and finacial needs. This will allow you to find affordable coverage from major carriers throughout the USA. Options include major medical, short-term health care, and a national pharmacy program, among others. Learn more here.

Americus KOA Journey, C10443

Americus, Georgia

Americus KOA at Brickyard Plantation has so much green to offer — or should we say "greens" — we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to spotlight it this month. The campground has its own regulation golf course that is free to guests, so you can play a round or play all week! Disc golf and foot golf are offered also. But if golf is not your thing, check out the paved bike trail or dog park, or go fishing in one of the many ponds. Or explore nearby attractions, such as the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site. Campsite amenities include pull-through RV sites equipped with 30/50-amp electric, full hookups, and Wi-Fi.

All new FMCA members receive the gift of a one-year participation in the KOA Rewards program. With KOA Rewards, you receive 10% off your daily registration rate at any of KOA’s 500+ campgrounds in North America. In addition, you’ll earn points that are redeemable toward dollars off future stays, and you’ll have access to exclusive KOA loyalty program offers! Join FMCA to take advantage of this great partnership.

Van Life In Ireland

Have you ever thought about RVing full-time in a camper van? What about overseas? Check out Mathers On The Map’s video on Van Life in Ireland. They share their tips and everything they wish they knew before taking on van life in the Emerald Isle.

Green Thumb, RV-Style

Exercising a green thumb while RVing may seem challenging, but it is doable! If you are looking for a way to incorporate gardening while on the road, check out RV Share’s blog on how to grow a garden in your RV. From creative ways to use shoe organizers and Mason jars to turning an entire RV into a greenhouse, RVers have found a way to participate in this fun and fulfilling hobby.

All About Green

When you think of the color green, what comes to mind? For many people, green is associated with nature, money, luck, or even envy. Research in color psychology suggests that colors can evoke psychological reactions, which affect moods and emotions. You can learn more about green’s color psychology here.

Who Says Legos Are Just For Kids?

If you are unable to tend to live plants while on the road, check out Lego’s Botanical Collection! Build your own bouquets, succulents, or even a bonsai tree with different Lego elements. Enjoy spending time by yourself or with your travel companions creating the perfect arrangement to have in your RV — with no watering or sunlight required! You can even get the kids or grandkids interested in RV life with this Lego Holiday Camper Van.

Planning A St. Paddy's Day Bash

For one day a year, everyone is Irish! Whether you indeed have Irish heritage or just want to join the fun and host a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, you’ll want to make sure the menu includes some traditional dishes.

Why not start with some Irish soda bread? This simple, quick bread does not incorporate yeast; instead, its leavening comes from baking soda and buttermilk.  The bread was introduced in Ireland during the late 1830s out of necessity, given the country’s financial hardships and lack of access to ingredients. Cookbook author and baker Sally McKenney makes bread just like her grandma used to. Try her Grandma’s Irish Soda Bread.

For the main dish, you might want to consider the classic Bangers and Mash – sausages served with mashed potatoes and onion gravy. Some folks mix cabbage with the potatoes, creating a tasty dish called colcannon.

For dessert, what about Guinness Stout Chocolate Brownies? The not-so-secret ingredient is 1 cup of room-temperature Guinness Extra Stout beer. The malt in the beer is said to intensify the flavor of the chocolate, but when you bite into the yummy goodness, you cannot taste the beer.

As they say in Ireland, “Sláinte!” – Cheers!

FMCA Area Rally Schedule

June 2023

Great Lakes Area Rally — June 7-11 — Greenville, Ohio

Northwest Area Rally — June 7-11 — Albany, Oregon

Midwest Area Rally — June 13-16 — Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin

July 2023

INTO (International) Area Rally — July 6-11 and/or July 12-17 — Calgary, Alberta

August 2023

Northeast Area Rally — August 3-5 — Herkimer, New York

September 2023

South Central Area Rally — September 13-16 — Shawnee, Oklahoma

October 2023

Eastern Area Rally — October 4-8 — Lewisburg, West Virginia

Rocky Mountain Area Rally — October 24-28 — Tucson, Arizona

Click here for more information about FMCA’s upcoming 2023 event schedule.

Are you looking to meet other RVers? Look no further. FMCA has nearly 300 chapters across the United States and Canada. FMCA chapters are made up of RV enthusiasts who have a zest for travel, as well as hobbies and interests off the highway. Find a chapter that best suits your interests here.

Manage your preferences | Opt Out using TrueRemove™
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

Family Motor Coach Association 8291 Clough Pike | Cincinnati, OH 45244 US

This email was sent to .
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.