Summer is quickly coming to an end and my favorite time of the year is approaching.  For me, there’s just nothing like the beauty of fall here in the Midwest.  We’ve had one of the wettest summers on record and in August, we had record-breaking heat, so we’re hoping for a cool and colorful fall.

In July, GLCers enjoyed a chapter rally in Springfield, Illinois.  While the attendance was lower than normal, I think everyone would agree that this was a fun-filled, memorable rally.  Former GLCers, Bill and Mary Riggs, provided us with a suggested agenda which ensured that we were able to see all the major sights and local activities.   Since Bill is a docent at the Lincoln Museum and Library, we started our journey there (probably one of the most interesting and well designed museums I’ve ever visited).  We toured the home the Lincolns raised their children in and we visited President Lincoln’s tomb.  We especially enjoyed our tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed Dana Thomas home.  Fascinating!  Of course, with GLC, there’s always food.  We had lunch at Obed & Isaccs downtown, lunch at Charlie Parkers Diner, and two diners at the Lake Point Grill, very near our campground.  A great chapter rally.  If you ever get a chance to visit Springfield, I promise you won’t be disappointed.

By the time you read this issue, the Great Lakes Chapter will have descended on Frankenmuth, Michigan for our fall chapter rally.  We’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time.  A beautiful area of Michigan (of course, what area of Michigan isn’t beautiful….), some delicious fried chicken and a visit to Bronner’s Christmas Store, the size of one-and-one-half football fields and open all year.  Just can’t wait…

Have an enjoyable and safe fall.  In the meantime, on behalf of the Great Lakes Chapter, we wish all of you many miles of good health, good friendships, peace and love.

Bev DeAngelis, President