As posted by Stephanie Borgman on our Facebook page on Feb 26, 2026.
Hello to all our Chapter 10 Friends! Sorry to be so late getting more complete info about the upcoming rally posted. We are getting ready for a long trip to California right after Rusk and have been having a lot of med and dental appointments. Three crowns done and I have one more to go!
Hope you have made your KOA reservations. I'll double check, but I believe March 23 is the last date to reserve at rally rates and ensure a space with our group. After that any unreserved spaces are released back to KOA so Chapter 10 will not be held responsible for them.
If you haven't already ordered your train tickets I advise that you do so right away. We are riding on Saturday, April 2, roundtrip from Rusk to Palestine. The train often sells out and we will be there during the last weekend of the Dogwood Festival in Palestine. I don't want anyone to be disappointed.
Here's the schedule. Please remember that sometimes things happen requiring changes to be made. Your patience and understanding is always appreciated.
Thursday, March 31
Arrive at Rusk KOA. Meet and greet in the rally room. Borgmans will have tamale pie and a pot of taco soup ready for dinner at 5:30 pm. Feel free to bring chips, veggies, cheese or whatever else you want to share to complete the meal. After dinner we will have a short meeting to get started and then have time for games, puzzles or visiting.
Friday, April 1
Leave KOA at 9:30 am to drive to Palestine for tour of Eilenberger's and Mary of Puddin' Hill bakery. After the short tour we will have an early lunch in Eilenberger's cafe. You may want to pick up some of their wonderful baked goods for later.
After lunch you have the afternoon free to explore Palestine or Rusk, drive the country roads, or whatever you enjoy. The Borgmans will be driving over to Jacksonville to the basket factory store since it is not open on the weekend.
At 5:30 pm we'll try to have the coals ready for our bring your own meat BBQ. Please sign up for a side dish or a dessert to round out the meal. After dinner we'll have a quick time out to go and attend to the furry friends before we settle down for an evening of fun and games.
Saturday, April 2
Leave KOA at 9:30 am to drive to Rusk depot of Texas State Railroad. All seats are assigned and tickets picked up at the depot. It is requested that passengers be there an hour early to facilitate a relaxed experience boarding the train. The train leaves at 11 am and returns at 3 pm. The trip is about an hour and a half each direction with an hour layover in Palestine for lunch. You may order a box lunch or bring your own.
After the train ride make your own dinner plans. There are a few restaurants in Rusk, but you may want to eat in or explore some of the neighboring towns and eat wherever you find yourself. The rally room will be available for a continuation of fun and games.
Sunday, April 3
Plan on pancakes and sausage at 8:30 am for the Men's Breakfast. Chapter 10 provides the basic meal, but the men may want to add fruit or juice, etc.
Church as a group for those that want to participate. At the Spring Rally some members attended a church in Columbus where they were greeted warmly and made very welcome. Rusk has many churches to choose from and we can make that choice on Friday or Saturday at the rally.
Lunch is on your own. Those going to church may want to eat together afterwards (or not).
This might be a great afternoon to drive down to Alto to visit Caddo Indian Mounds State Historic Site and on to Grapeland to Mission Tejas State Park.
For supper how about a LEO (Let's Eat Out)? Depending on the size of the group we may need to carpool to Palestine or Jacksonville, as I am told that there are no restaurants in Rusk that can accommodate a large group.
Monday, April 4
Donuts will be available in the rally room at 8:00 am for the hitch up breakfast continental style. Bring your own cup of coffee or other beverage as we have hugs and safe travels. Your help in making sure that the rally room is clean and neat as we will have found is welcome.
The
Fall Rally is tentatively scheduled for the last weekend in October or the first weekend in November at Red Oak Ranch in Hempstead. Borgmans have rallied here with another group. There is a nice rally hall and lots to do in the area, but no pool or other amenities to speak of. Possible excursions include Peckerwood Gardens, Newman's Castle in Bellville, VegOut! Farms or Liendo Plantation.
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
