Airstream introduces their latest concept – The Sterling.
Transcription
Airstream introduces their latest concept – The Sterling.
May 2012 Airstream introduces their latest concept – The Sterling. May is the month of flowers after the month of showers. Well that is what usually happens but this year we saw flowers in late March and by April everything was blooming. Well if Mother Nature can change I think we as WBCCI members can also give it a try. We all say, “If we could only change, we could get new members and retain the ones we have.” Well what is stopping us? All we need to do is try; we have nothing to lose and everything to gain. “If you keep on saying things are going to be bad, you have good chance of being a Prophet.” When you see an Airstream without numbers start a conversation or leave one of our new postcards at their door. Retention takes a little more effort but as we are all for change, help that new rig feel welcome, sometimes that is all it takes. If you want to keep them you have to care about them. Isaac Bashevis Singer We are all about friends. Once we reach our destination we renew old friendships, exchange months of memories and all in a few days time. As we take a walk we look up at those rigs to see how many stars are displayed. We wonder at some with 7 or 8 stars and all the great places they have gone. The rigs with 2 or 3 are just getting started but what a great adventure they will have. Now if we could just impart this feeling to new members and ones who haven’t become members yet. The Delegates meeting will be challenging this year, but we are all friends and we can do anything. I hope by now your Unit representative has received instruction from your Unit. This year is a very important meeting so make an extra effort to have representation. It would be wonderful to see 100% of the Units with a Delegate. I was going to put the first few days of the International schedule on this page but with some thought decided that it would not work very well. We all like to know what will be happening when we get to Sedalia. The best way is to go to WBCCI.org and take a look at the first few pages of the rally program. This will give you an idea of what to expect when you finally arrive. The program changes frequently and you can get the latest and greatest event schedule on the web. Caravan participants from the U-391 “Out to See” Caravan led by Percy & Dee Veile and Darlene Leslie. BLUE BERET is the official publication of the Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc. (WBCCI), the recreational vehicle club of Airstream owners. BLUE BERET welcomes contributions of articles, photographs, news items and advertising. However, their publication in the BLUE BERET does not constitute endorsement. The opinions of the authors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of either the BLUE BERET or WBCCI. The products and claims of advertisers are their own and, too, do not necessarily represent endorsement by either BLUE BERET or WBCCI. BLUE BERET (USPS 669-270; ISSN 0744-5601) is published monthly except December and July. Periodical mail postage paid at Jackson Center, OH and additional mailing offices. Canada Publications Mail Agreement #41295545. Canada Post Returns: 2 Blue Beret/May 2012 The Sedalia Chamber of Commerce has been working hard to promote our rally. I know they will have coupons for a variety of stores. We all like to save a little but unless you join us you won’t be able to enjoy their hospitality. Barry Heckenswiler 7289 Torbram Road, Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8. Notification of address change is the responsibility of the member or recipient and should be received at least two months in advance to avoid delays in forwarding. Remailing of back issues is at recipient expense. Address corrections, suggestions, stories, art, photos, advertising and paid mail subscriptions ($25/year, included in members’ dues) may be mailed to: BLUE BERET/WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, 803 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334, Phone 937/596-5211, Fax 937-596-5542, email: [email protected] POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: BLUE BERET/WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, 803 E. Pike Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334. Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc. 803 E. Pike Street • Jackson Center, OH 45334-0612 Phone 937-596-5211 • FAX 937-596-5542 Web address: www.wbcci.org www.blueberetonline.com INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE President........................................... Barry Heckenswiler 1st Vice President.............................................Don Clark 2nd Vice President.................................... John Boutwell 3rd Vice President........................................John Stumpf Recording Secretary........................................... Jo Jugel Treasurer.......................................................... June Ryan Past President.................................................. Norm Beu REGION PRESIDENTS Region 1.......................................................Russ Melocik Region 2................................................... Kathy Forsythe Region 3.............................................................. Rick Bell Region 4................................................. Karin Kurkowski Region 5....................................................Louise Humble Region 6...........................................Kathleen Hedgepeth Region 7............................................................ Joan Lahr Region 8........................................................ Fred Steurer Region 9.......................................................C.C. Gartman Region 10...................................................... Adolf Knopp Region 11................................................. Dan Neumarkel Region 12.................................................Judy Bechthold Parliamentarian............................................Dona Garner Committees Blue Beret...................................................... Anne Werth Budget......................................................Ralph Forrester Caravan..........................................................Chuck Kiple Community Service.................................... Janet Kendig Constitution & Bylaws................................... Don Shafer Electronic Communications......................Damon Beals Ethics & Grievance....................................Betty Sullivan Family & Youth............................................. Linda Amme Historian...................................................... Loretta Moss Int’l. Relations............................................ Jim Elmlinger Legislative...................................................Richard Jirus Lifetime Membership...................................John Stumpf Marketing............................................... Fred Richardson Membership............................................... Don McKelvay National/Special Events...................... Carolyn Florence Nominating....................................................... Norm Beu Planning Guides & Merit Awards.............Jim Haddaway Public Relations................................................................. Rally Promotions........................................... Floy Winter RV Parks........................................................ Jean Helker Safety............................................................. Herb Quade Technical.............................................. Howard Lefkowitz WBCCI STAFF Corporate Manager and Blue Beret Managing Editor Cindy [email protected] Blue Beret Copy Editor Dot [email protected] Membership Director Deb Mann..................................... [email protected] Member Services Deb [email protected] CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Region 1........................................................J. Rick Cipot Region 2........................................................ Steve Nehlig Region 3.............................................................Carol Bell Region 4......................................................... Nancy Brett Region 5....................................................... Nancy Green Region 6..................................................... Lonnie Carver Region 7............................................................ Joan Lahr Region 8................................................ Pat & Dave Shaw Region 9...............................................Jim Schwerdfeger Region 10.............................................. Kathy Ciokiewicz Region 11................................................ Barbara Vaughn Region 12................................................. Connie Squires Copy Deadline for the August issue is June 15. What’s Inside... Vol. 48 May 2012 Issue No. 5 President’s Corner............... 2 Club News............................. 6 Welcome New Members.........................................6 MEMBERSHIP......................................................9 Inspiration 101......................................................10 Airstream Tech Help Group................................13 Headquarters Notes..............................................14 WBCCI Kids Page................................................15 Merit Awards........................................................16 Hitching & Towing...............................................17 Letters to the Editor.............................................19 Safety Note From Herb........................................21 In Memoriam........................................................57 International Rally.............. 22 Rally Exhibitors Section......................................25 Caravans............................. 35 Oregon/California Caravan.................................35 Short Caravans Are The Heart Of WBCCI.......36 Special Event Rallies......... 37 Galax Fiddlers’ Convention Rally ......................37 Old Thresher Days Rally.....................................37 Storytelling Special Event Rally..........................37 Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree Rally.........................38 Region News....................... 39 Intra Clubs........................... 43 Airstream • 937-596-6111... 44 Event Schedule................... 50 Classifieds.......................... 58 Coupons.............................. 59 on the cover... Airstream and designer Christopher Deam partner to create the Sterling concept unit. The Sterling features anodized aluminum interior surfaces, bright yellow woven vinyl flooring, and white Ultraleather upholstery. ...cover provided by Airstream, Inc. “AIRSTREAM” is a registered trademark used under license. Blue Beret/May 2012 3 SPECIAL OFFER For WBCCI Members ES UCTIBL D E D NO RMS IM FO NO CLA PAYS NO CO ULTIMATE TRAVELING PEACE-OF-MIND - FOR WBCCI MEMBERS *$39 *There is a one time $60 application fee 24-SEVEN-365 Per month, per family 17 SkyMed Services Why travel without SkyMed, the only air evacuation service that guarantees to take you home • Hospital-to-hospital medically equipped jet flights, cost $30,000 and up, cash in advance - no cost for SkyMed members • RV and tow vehicles returned home • Physical remains returned • And 14 more services vital to every traveler • The gold standard in emergency air evacuation memberships SKYMED IS THE SERVICE OF CHOICE OF MORE RV TRAVEL CLUBS THAN ALL OTHER SERVICES COMBINED Monthly Plans For Families Starting At $39 Call one of our Certified SkyMed Ambassadors and Airstream owners 5 Year Plans For Families Starting At $1995 Bill Johnjulio (216) 533-1752 or Jim Moss (877) 667-4968 www.SkyMed.com 4 Blue Beret/May 2012 Blue Beret/May 2012 5 AIRSTREAM LOS ANGELES 1212 E. LAS TUNAS DR. SAN GABRIEL, CA. 91776 626-285-2222 PHONE 626-285-2223 FAX www.airstreamlosangeles.com AIRSTREAM NEWEST EXCLUSIVE DEALER COMPLETE DEALERSHIP SALES, PARTS, SERVICE, COLLISION SHOP GRAND OPENING MAY 1ST THRU 7TH This is your chance to see the new Airstream Sterling Concept Trailer! NEW AIRSTREAMS ON ORDER 26 TRAVEL TRAILERS - ALL MODELS 6 INTERSTATE CLASS B MOTORHOMES USED AIRSTREAM INVENTORY NEEDED - WILL TRADE, BUY, CONSIGN HELP US BECOME THE #1 AIRSTREAM DEALER! Blue Beret/May 2012 7 Family Owned and Operated Since 1964 America’s Most Experienced Airstream Dealer We Pay Top Dollar for Used Airstreams Bill Thomas Camper Sales is First in Airstream Service! As an Airstream Certified Service Center, our mission is to provide the absolute best customer service before, during and after the sale! We Pick-Up & Deliver Anywhere in the USA Bill Thomas Camper Sales Inc. 101 Thomas RV Way Wentzville, MO 63385 Interstate 70 Exit 208—Just West of St. Louis 636.327.5900 800.367.5767 For Pictures or Information of our Entire Inventory visit www.btcamper.com or e-mail [email protected] 8 Blue Beret/May 2012 Club News MEMBERSHIP ....CHANGES ARE HAPPENING This month I would like to tell you about four of the changes that have/are happening, all of which are membership issues. The first involves using an Internet survey to reach out to all those who did not renew their membership for 2012 and have emails. The second is a big change whereby prospective members will eventually be able to join a Unit online and pay for their first year’s dues online. This, of course, is in addition to them being able to join at the Unit level through the membership chairman, treasurer or others. The third is the latest press release by Fred Richardson, Chairman of our Marketing Committee. And the fourth is a new initiative by the Airstream Company regarding roadside assistance. NON-RENEWALS. If you know of someone who has not renewed for 2012 please talk with them and see if you can help them in some manner. For information, in past years, Headquarters sent a snail mail letter in January to all those who had not renewed for the current year to remind them of this and requested they let the Club know why they had not renewed. Unfortunately, about 18% of the letters sent to the non-renewals were returned as ‘undeliverable’ and the number who usually replied was about 20%. The reasons past members reported for not renewing, or then said they would renew, were then reported to the Club. In 2011, 13% of those sent a letter renewed and the majority of those who did not renew gave reasons of death of spouse, health, unhappy with the Club and no notice given by their Unit. In an effort to use modern technology, especially for those with email addresses, make it easier for them to reply, and hopefully to get a higher percentage of replies as well as the bonus of saving mailing costs for both the member and Club Headquarters, I arranged for the survey to be sent by email to those who have email addresses and Cindy Reed, our Club Corporate Manager, would continue to send the survey to those without emails. I would like to recognize the wonderful work by Carolyn Beardshear of the Electronic Communications Committee helping me regarding this survey. The results of this year’s survey were almost the same as what members had reported in the January 2011 snail mail survey. Interestingly, the responses were essentially the same from both the snail mail and email surveys, and almost identical to previous year’s surveys with the main reasons being they had Sold their Airstream - 29%, Left Because of Age or Health – 18%, were Unhappy with the Club/Leadership -16%, Lifestyle/Economy/Time – 12% and Death of Spouse – 7%. There were a few positives – 13% said they would renew (almost all have now) plus another 12% said they might renew later. Even better news is only 7 members said they had not received notice from their Unit, whereas last year there were 28. This year we had fewer members who did not renew – 1,010 whereas last year the figure was 1,231. One major difference in the way this year’s surveys were conducted was we have been able to track much more information including when they joined our Club. Not surprisingly, our greatest losses are Don McKelvay in the new member’s first and second Chairman year – the figure for those who did not renew at the end of their first year was 22% and 11% after their first two years. Numbers really mean nothing unless we do something about it and especially with new members it is up to each one of us to help ensure they are welcomed into our groups and see all the advantages of remaining as a member. Remember, I said one of my aims for conducting the email survey was “hopefully to get a higher percentage of replies”? Well, unfortunately such was not the case and from that aspect, in my view, it was a failure with only 9% replying whereas the snail mail responses were 23%. Was this because I did not announce this would be happening, or that members didn’t bother to open the survey (actually 40%), or that most of those with emails have less time and thus ties to our Club. If they don’t even open an email from the Club then they clearly have little sense of connection to it. That’s telling in itself. We don’t have any way of knowing how many snail mail messages went into the trash unread. There are several initiatives afoot to attract and keep younger members, i.e. Airstreaming for Kids, Short Caravans (all on new website), better use of technology for membership and registrations. The comments submitted during both of the surveys were VERY telling in that respect and very much appreciated. Based on these comments what do we need to change to make the Club more attractive, more fun, less formal, more inviting, less hierarchical, more flexible, etc.? Is the Executive Committee going to support and encourage these initiatives? JOINING ONLINE. Once our new Club website is up and running, we will be incorporating the capability for prospective members to join a Unit and pay for their first year’s dues online. They will be able to pay by credit card/PayPal and each transaction fee of about $2.86 will be borne at the Headquarters level and not at the Unit. This only applies to the payment of first year’s International and Unit dues and does not include renewal fees for either new Unit or MAL members. Headquarters will then ensure a timely dissemination of the information of new members joining and forwarding the applicable Unit dues to the Units. Prospective members will still be able to join at the Unit as has been the policy in the past. MARKETING PRESS RELEASE. On March 23rd, our Marketing Chairman, Fred Richardson sent an announcement via Constant Contact to all members who have an email address. It advised he had released a new ad campaign to encourage new and old Airstream owners alike to join the WBCCI and sent them the press release and the Blue Beret/May 2012 9 Club News first two ads in the series. This had also been sent to the RV magazines- Camping Life and Trailer Life. Fred asked everyone to consider contacting their local newspapers, radio or television stations, etc., that might give us a bit of “press” and to forward it along with your personal note asking them if they will run the press release in your market/area. All the necessary contact information is there if any of the news sources would like additional information they can contact Fred at [email protected]. That Press Release and the two ads are published on the following two pages. Please HELP the Club and send this to any of the media outlets in your area. ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE. hours, we want to give our owners Carefree Travels! Starting with model year 2012, Airstream has begun to offer 24/7 two-year, roadside assistance programs throughout Canada and the United States provided by Coach-Net that includes RV technical assistance. Justin Humphreys, Airstream Vice President of Sales stated “We believe the addition of Coach-Net is a great way to round out our service offering and add support to our valued owners,” said Humphreys. “Whether they are on the side of the road, in a campground, or just have a technical question after peace of mind knowing that they have a respected, knowledgeable RV industry leader available to help.” Realizing that not everyone has a new trailer or touring coach, they have negotiated a rate for owners who have older Airstreams, but would like to take advantage of this great service. Call Coach-Net direct at 855-879-4091 for more information. Regular Gold price- 1 yr-$109.50 3 years-$298.50 but note only the Platinum Plus Plan covers tow dollies, etc. Airstream Special Price-1 yr-$99.50 3 years-$288.50 Inspiration 101 Dr. Harold Kingdon, WBCCI #14383 International Chaplain It’s graduation time! The months of May and June will see celebrations for high school and college seniors in thousands of graduation ceremonies. How many will you attend this year? How many graduations in total have you attended in your lifetime; including those for yourself, spouse, children, grandchildren, friends, etc.? I have not kept an exact count, but I have personally witnessed somewhere north of fifty of them. This number would include the classes from my forty years of college teaching, plus attending, or speaking for, miscellaneous other graduation exercises. Let me tell you about one of my college students who graduated in 1989. His name is Jeff. Following college graduation, he continued his education in graduate school and became pastor of a church. By then, he had a wife, three daughters, a house payment, and a huge pile of debt in student loans. Though 10 Blue Beret/May 2012 feeling overwhelmed, Jeff’s strong faith led him to believe that God would help him meet his family’s needs. However, he also realized that – as the old saying goes – “God helps those who help themselves.” Having a sharp mind, he tried out for the TV quiz show, “Jeopardy” and passed the test successfully, but was not called on to participate in the program. Then an opportunity came to try out for the syndicated version of “Who Wants to be a Millionaire?” He was accepted, and in 2002 he was invited to take “the hot seat.” One by one, he correctly answered the multiple-choice questions, until he reached the $125,000 mark. At that point he was stumped when asked for a pen name used by Agatha Christie. But, he took a shot at it, and got it right; “Mary Westmacott.” Next came the $250,000 question: “Nineveh was the capital of what ancient empire?” Now, remember, Jeff was a student of the Bible, and because of that, he immediately knew the correct answer; “The Assyrian Empire.” He was onequarter of the way to the million dollars. Jeff was at a fork in the road. He could try for $500,000 and risk losing his winnings if he answered incorrectly. Or, he could quit and take home what he had won. Jeff’s choice? He stopped with the $250,000; because that was the amount he needed to pay the student loans, the house mortgage, as well as the taxes and a tithe. Jeff and his family were debt-free! Now they could focus all their energy on their ministry. In his own words, explains Jeff, “I felt like that was God’s signature, the fulfillment of a promise he made to me ten years ago. Never give up on a promise God gives you.” CONTACT: Fred Richardson EMAIL: [email protected] wbcci.org AL WALLY IN TE CLUB AN AM CARAV BY R N AT I O N FOR IMMEDIATE RE L E A S E AIRSTREAM CLuB uNVEILS NEW “FRIENDSHIP” CAMPAIgN FOR 2012 A new ad campaign for the Wally Byam Caravan Club, International (WBCCI) is being unveiled, beginning with the “Capture the SPIRIT” print ad, just released in the Spring issue of Airstream Life magazine. The colorful new ad series is expected to attract new members and reinvigorate current, and former members of the WBCCI, through compelling messaging and beautiful photography of members at rallies and Airstream trailer details. “Having an Airstream trailer or motorhome is a much desired thing in the RV world,” said Fred Richardson, Airstream owner and member of the WBCCI Marketing Committee. “From vintage units—the oldest one still on the road is a 1935 Torpedo—to the latest shiny beauties just rolling off the assembly line, the Airstream trailer is a symbol of modern and stylish travel, and camping, and is highly recognizable when seen going down the road.” The ads, built around simple phrases like “Capture the SPIRIT” and “A Friend is a FRIEND,” encourage Airstream owners to seek out like-minded travel friends and share their interests in Airstreaming. The campaign highlights themed rallies, abundant caravans, trailer restorations and renovations, special events, trailer details and interior design, and the distinctive “Big Red Numbers” of membership. “In this series of ads we’ve touched the surface of what we believe is at the heart of these beautiful aluminum trailers—the owners and their Big Red Numbers,” said Kimber Moore, of Kimber Moore Design, the firm that conceived and designed the ads. “The Big Red Numbers appear on the front and back of WBCCI member’s rigs, and harkens back to the beginning of the club, as identification of units during caravans like the Around The World Caravan of 1962. They signal an already proven history of lifelong friendships.” “Vintage units sometimes have what we call “ghosted” images of these numbers,” continued Moore. “New owners of these collectable rigs are often eager to find out their history, while buyers of the new Airstreams are eager to begin their histories.” About the Wally Byam Caravan Club, International (WBCCI). The WBCCI is the oldest and largest caravan and travel club in the world, founded in 1955. Membership is open to owners of trailers and motorhomes manufactured by Airstream, Inc. WBCCI offers fun and exciting opportunities to enjoy your Airstream and the RV Lifestyle. if you would like more information about the wbcci, or the new ad campaign contact Fred richardson, Marketing chairman at: [email protected] Blue Beret/May 2012 11 12 Blue Beret/May 2012 Airstream Tech Help Group Howard Lefkowitz, #6077 Phil Broomall, #2654 Jim Cooper, #3056 Jamie King, #804 Chuck Helwig, #2868 This group, part of the WBCCI Technical Standing Committee, has been established to help the membership with any of their technical RV problems. Examples of questions that might be of interest to many members will be published in the Blue Beret. We will respond directly to you, in response to your email or letter describing a problem you are having. We hope you will find this new service of value in the care and feeding of your RV. You may contact us as follows: techhelp@wbcci. org or by mail: Howard Lefkowitz, 11508 Colt Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20902 Danger of Propane Leaks One of our members recently had a serious explosion which caused his trailer to blow out the bottom panels and generate a fire ball that surged through the RV. The result was serious burns that will take him at least two years to fully recover from. The trailer was totally destroyed. The member attached a Catalytic heater to a quick-release fitting, went outside and turned on the gas tank valve. He waited some time before re-entering the trailer and attempting to light the heater. Evidently, the fitting was not making a good connection and gas leaked out filling up the basement area. It appears that when the heater start button was pressed the spark ignited the leaking propane, went down into the basement and ignited the cloud of gas causing the explosion. I am not sure why the propane detector installed by the factory near the door did not function. These are usually powered by the Coach Batteries. Were the batteries removed and taken in doors for the winter? Fire, Propane and Carbon Monoxide Detectors do go bad with age. Dirt, grease, etc. deposits build up on the sensors and reduce the sensitivity. New fire detectors have a 10 year life guarantee. How old are your life protecting sensors? The Quick release fittings can easily get corroded and not seal correctly. My water supply and external air supply quick release connections need cleaning and lubrication every year or they sometimes leak. It is best to use a shut off valve at the gas supply to the heater hose input and a proper screw in POL connector similar to the type used on the propane tanks. If you are going to use a Quick Release use the Hansen One-Way shut-off Quick Hose Coupling, which will not let the gas flow unless it is properly sealed. This is an AGA approved coupling for both high and low pressure gas. Never use any coupling, fitting or hose that is not AGA certified for gas use. Always use screw type or flared fittings on gas connections. Do not use compression fittings. If you have never worked with gas lines and appliances then take your rig to a professional and let them install the T-connection and proper hookups. Do not assume all dealers can handle propane and know the proper safety precautions that must be used. If you are not comfortable working on your Home Gas Heater system then your best bet are the propane dealers who have all of the proper fittings and hoses in stock. The RV environment is much worse than any home application and requires the best fittings and workmanship. Testing your RV for propane gas leaks is one of the most important safety checks that should be done on a regular basis. The three most popular ways to test for a gas leak are by smell, a hand held leak detector and a leak down test. You should check your rig at least every spring before use and before and during every long trip. Rough roads and any vibration can cause a gas leak, from loose fittings to copper lines rubbing and wearing through. It is a good idea to pay attention every time you enter your RV for the smell of propane gas. This is not the most reliable way but might alert you to a leak between other checks. If you know that you cannot easily smell a propane leak be extra thorough in the following tests. There are low priced hand held leak detectors available through Amazon.com, Camping World and other retailers. One of them is the General Tools NGD100 Natural Gas Detector, Figure (1). Despite its name it will check for propane and other flammable gasses. It cost about thirty dollars. To use this device follow the instructions that come with it, turn on your gas bottle valve and starting at your stove have the burner lid raised and test all of the connections, then test all of the other connections that you can access from the inside. The reason I suggest starting this way is that finding a leak on the inside would not let the gas Figure (1) Portable Gas Detector Blue Beret/May 2012 13 Club News build up while you were checking the outside connections. With both tanks turned on check all the connection and lines in the tank area and work your way along the gas line checking the entire line and fittings along the underside of your RV. This way the only lines that will not be checked will be those hidden in the enclosed structural area of your rig. Don’t forget the connections to the hot water heater, refrigerator and furnace. This would be a good test to do every week to make sure you stay as safe as possible. Also, check at any openings in the floor that are accessible through which pipes or electrical wires are run. Propane is significantly heavier than air and will sink to the lowest level in the RV. Another way to check for gas Figure (2) leaks is a leak down test. You Gas Gauge Leak Detector install a gauge in series with the line at one of your tanks, turn on your tank and make sure all gas appliances are turned off. Note the reading on the gauge and turn off all of the gas supplies. Wait three or four hours and recheck the gauge. Slight variations are normal because of temperature change. Any large change could indicate a leak in an area that is not easily accessible. Figure (2) is an illustration of a propane gas gauge leak detectors. It sells in the $25 to $35 range. Professional leak testers are available in the $200 range and these are used by the Safety Group at International Convention/Rallies. Chuck and Howard Ai r D r a p e s Since 2003 Certified Designer & Drapery Specialist Airstream and Argosy •Draperies •Blinds •Pillows •Bedspreads Visa/MasterCard/check www.airdrapes.com 610-905-0537 14 Blue Beret/May 2012 Headquarters Notes Cindy Reed, Corporate Manager Check out the International Rally Exhibitors Section on page 26 for a listing of those who will be attending the International Rally in Sedalia, Missouri... and Don’t forget to pre-register! (coupon on page 32) Please note that the April issue article entitled Iowa Unit “Home for the Holidays” Rally was writtten by Chuck Cabalka, #6464 Club News WBCCI Kids Page Blue Beret/May 2012 15 Club News 78 UNITS RECEIVE MERIT AWARDS By Jim Haddaway Chairman, Unit Merit Award Program Congratulations to the following Units who qualified for a 2011 Unit Merit Award! Additional congratulations go to Regions 5, 7, 8 and 10 who qualified 100% of their Units. The objective of the annual recognition program is to recognize and reward excellence in Unit programs. Unit Presidents voluntarily score themselves on a 25 category scale using the Unit Planning Guide. Categories range from setting annual goals to how well the Unit provided recreational opportunities for its members. The Merit Award Application is then sent to the Region President who reviews the information and approves the Merit Award level. A blue flag streamer is awarded to Units receiving a Merit Award (MA) and a gold flag streamer is awarded to Units receiving a Superior Merit Award (SMA). Each Unit President receives a “Certificate of Appreciation” from the International President. REGION 1 Cape Cod Massachusetts SMA REGION 2 AL-MON-O Pennsylvania Delmarva Keystone Pennsylvania New Jersey New York Finger Lakes Ontario Canada Watchung New Jersey MA SMA SMA SMA MA SMA SMA REGION 3 Big Bend Florida SMA Carolinas of North Carolina SMA Eastern North Carolina SMA FloridaMA SMA Florida Springs Florida Treasure Coast SMA GeorgiaSMA Northern Virginia SMA SMA Palmetto State South Carolina Shenandoah Valley Virginia SMA South Carolina Coastal Unit SMA Tidewater Virginia MA Western North Carolina SMA REGION 4 Appalachian West Virginia SMA Cincinnati Ohio SMA Land-O-Lakes of Ohio SMA Mohican Valley Ohio SMA Mahoning Valley Ohio SMA Miami Valley Unit of Ohio SMA MichiganSMA 16 Blue Beret/May 2012 REGION 5 – 100% Central Indiana SMA Illinois Lincolnland SMA IndianaMA KentuckySMA Northern Illinois MA Southern Indiana SMA Southern Illinois SMA REGION 9 OklahomaMA North Texas SMA Texas Alamo SMA Texas Coastal Plains SMA Texas Gulf Coast SMA Texas Highland Lakes SMA Texas Hill Country SMA Texas Plains SMA REGION 6 REGION 10 – 100% AlabamaMA Alberta/Saskatchewan Canada MA East Tennessee SMA British Columbia SMA Greater New Orleans Louisiana SMA Idaho SMA LouisianaSMA Montana MA Louisiana Acadiana SMA North Cascade Washington MA MemphisSMA Oregon SMA MississippiSMA Washington SMA Nashville Music City Tennessee MA Pensacola Florida SMA REGION 11 ArizonaSMA REGION 7 – 100% Denver Colorado SMA MinnesotaMA North Dakota Peace Garden MA REGION 12 WisconsinMA Golden West California SMA Long Beach California SMA REGION 8 – 100% Nevada MA Greater Kansas SMA Northern California SMA Greater St. Louis Missouri SMA San Diego California SMA Iowa SMA Santa Clara California SMA Kansas City Missouri SMA Missouri Delta SMA Missouri Greater Ozark SMA NebraskaSMA North Iowa SMA Club News MAY, 2012 INSTALLMENT 3: CONTINUED FROM APRIL ISSUE… HITCHING AND TOWING TIPS For Solo Travelers Developed and Presented by Patti Reed, #1953 A Free Resource from Changin’ Gears On your search engine, go to RV Camping & RV Life Style – Changin’ Gears Checklist Page will pop up. All are very useful for all RV owners, regardless of level of experience. A few are shown below. These checklists are intended for RV’s such as fifth wheel and travel trailers, includes steps necessary before, during and setup of the RV. Please use as a guide and customize for your RV. Review the Owner’s Manuel to ensure that you complete all steps necessary for the safe operation of your RV. Many items on this list may be completed out of sequence. Some items may not apply to you. DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE Print this checklist Print the RV Arrival & Setup Checklist: Trailers Confirm reservations at destination Change postal mail forwarding instructions (hold or start sending to new location) Pay RV bills for current location (ask about deposit refund) Prepare maps and directions Wash laundry (if facilities will not be available during trip) Buy groceries and supplies for trip Check propane bottle levels, fill if needed Check generator fuel levels, fill if needed (keep in mind fuel weight) Check RV battery charge (required for trailer breaks in case of breakaway) Check two-way radio batteries (for communicating with spotter) Check flashlight battery Check tow vehicle fluid levels (oil, transmission, break, coolant, power steering) Apply grease to hitch mechanism, where needed (FW only) Inspect hitch to make sure it is attached securely to tow vehicle (nuts, bolts, welding, etc.) Close gray tank valves to collect water for flushing sewer hose after dumping black tank Fill fresh water tank to desired level (keep in mind water weight) DAY OF DEPARTURE Check tow vehicle AND RV tire pressure Check RV wheel lug nut torque Fuel up the tow vehicle Lower roof-mounted TV antenna, satellite dish (TV & Internet) Clean tow vehicle windows and mirrors If using an engine tuner (chip, Superchips, etc.) in the tow vehicle only while not towing, then return engine to "stock" programming Pick up postal mail Arrange breakable items in fridge to prevent breakage Fill drinking water containers Close roof vents and windows (except those left open for ventilation) Stow and secure awnings Collect and store all items from outside the RV Secure items inside cabinets and storage compartments Secure items on kitchen sink and counter Secure TV's and sliding TV trays Secure computer and accessories (laptop, monitor, printer) Secure all other loose items Latch shower, closet and cabinet doors (use heavy Velcro strips, rope, or elastic cords. Secure other entertainment electronics (stereo, DVD, VCR, etc.) Confirm that refrigerator is running on 12 volt DC or is turned off. Latch refrigerator doors Close and latch stove top and oven door Lock tabs on external range hood vent Turn off air conditioning units Disconnect sewer hose, and store hose and relating accessories Turn off all other propane appliances (water heater, furnace); Shut Off all Propane bottle valves Turn off water pump Blue Beret/May 2012 17 Club News DenCO Unit # 24 May Maintenance Rally 2011 If Only I’d Thought To Bring… The more stuff you leave in the Trailer, the less there is to pack or forget! PERMANENT ITEMS FOR YOUR TRAILER 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 O Electrical tester (no point pulling into a spot if the power isn't working) 25' 30A extension cord 50' 15A extension cord 30A female to 15A male electrical plug adapter 25' freshwater drinking hose (at least 2) Water pressure regulator if trailer doesn’t have one. 10'-15' Sewer hose (at least 2) Trailer to hose coupler Hose to campground coupler Hose to hose coupler. Water thief adapter (for putting hose on Holding Tank Chemicals non-threaded spigots) Hose "Y" for daisy chained water supply Leveling Blocks & Stabilizing Jacks Chocks 2' 2X12 board for jack foot Lock for coupler Bubble Level (for parking) Fire extinguisher LP Leak detector Weather alert radio 2 good flashlights w/spare bulbs & batteries Spares for all trailer bulbs and fuses Basic set of tools Bow saw Ax and Shovel Roll of duct tape Roll of electrical tape Bundle of long cable ties Assortment of different bungee cords Sewing kit (pins, safety pins, needles/thread, & spare buttons of different sizes) Tweezers Nail clippers & file Scissors Portable vacuum Clothes hamper Pots, Pans & Cooking Utensils Cast iron skillet or griddle Mini crock pot Hand Mixer Coffee maker or French Press Tablecloth, Apron, Oven Mitts and/or Potholders 4 each: large plates, small plates, bowls, glasses, coffee mugs, sets of flatware Bath towels, hand towels, washcloths Pillows. fitted sheets, top sheets, pillow cases or sleeping bags Comforter or Blankets TV, Satellite Receiver, dish and cable, Water pressure regulator if the trailer doesn't have one O ____________________________________ O ____________________________________ 18… Blue Beret/May 2012 CONSUMABLES (CHECK BEFORE DEPARTING) oy I'd th ou gh t to bri ng ... O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O O Paper Towels Paper Plates and Napkins Garbage Bags Dishwashing Liquid Sponges/ Scrubber Pads Carpet/Upholstery Cleaner Furniture/Dusting Polish Laundry Detergent Rolls of quarters for laundry Bleach &/or Oxy-Clean General Purpose Cleaner ( 409, etc) Windex Disposable butane grill lighters for lighting Stove/oven, water heater, frig Baking Soda Matches Bottle of Distilled Water for Battery Maintenance Insect Spray (for YOU & around wheels and jacks) Surgical gloves for Dumping Hand cleaner or Sanitizer Bath Soap Shampoo and Hair Care Products Tooth brushes, paste, floss mouthwash Makeup & Sunscreen Deodorant and/or Feminine Products Insect Repellent Medicines, vitamins, etc. First Aid Kit Bottles Drinking Water Patio Rug Folding Table and Chairs Outdoor Tablecloth Step Ladder or Stool Pet Food, Bowls, Litter, & Toys Pet Carrier (for emergency trip to Vet) 50’ Garden Hose w/ nozzle Wash Bucket, Clothes/Brushes Portable Gas BBQ Generator and Gas Cans Lantern (fuel and/or Batteries) Books, Magazines, Games, Cards, Crafts, etc. Electronics, Cell phone, Garmin, IPod, Camera, Walkie Talkie, CB Radio, PC, etc. __________________________________________ __________________________________________ ____________________________________ __________________________________________ Also, Food and Clothes… W h e w ! Th at’ s qu ite a lis t… no w onde r w e always tend to forget Something!!!! Letters to the Editor Dear Editor: I would like to relate a recent incident which happened to us in Macon, GA returning home from the IBT, the Florida State rally and other activities. We stopped to visit with club members Frank and Joan Anderson (WBCCI # 2056) at their residence. Because of recent road reconstruction detours, it was decided that Frank would meet us at a predetermined location. After our meet, we were on our way to their residence when I noticed that my vehicle was trying to pass the motorhome via the rear view camera. Finding a safe location to move off on the berm I stopped the vehicles and went to inspect the damage. To my amazement neither the motorhome or the car suffered any damage, but one side of the control arm had separated from its housing and was scraping the pavement. Unhooking the car from the MH we continued on to the Anderson residence without further incident. The next day Frank and I visited several locations even Camping World without success, but a comment from one of their staff had us check out one more location. Relating the problem to the parts department specialist she discussed the issue with her manager and pictures and an e-mail were sent to Blue Ox. Having returned to the Anderson home approximately 20 minutes later, I received a phone call from Blue Ox. Providing them with all answers requested, I was pleasantly told they would ship me an entire replacement that very day if I would send them the old one for inspection. Five days later I received a call from RV dealer and was told that the new tow bar had arrived, so with great haste we arrived at the dealership to pick up the replacement and ship out the damaged tow bar. No additional charges were required for the shipping and no gift would be accepted by the dealership. So a big thank for Campers Barn of Byron, GA and if you are passing through Georgia on I-75 and have a Blue Ox incident or other needs, stop in and check it out. Also, a big thanks to Frank & Joan Anderson for their truly wonderful Southern Hospitality and friendship. Respectfully submitted Gene & Kathy Forsythe (WBCCI #201) Region 2 President and First Mate Dear Editor: Around the campfire at our election rally last year, we spent considerable time brainstorming the subject of membership and how to best retain new members. One of the discussion points was the “members at large (MAL)” subject, also known as Unit #000. No one could come up with why this option was given to NEW members. We could understand why some members who have been around for a while could have a reason to no longer be a member of a WBCCI chapter, but we couldn’t come up with an explanation for why WBCCI National would assign a NEW member with no previous relationship with the organization or our structure to be a MAL. We’re not even sure the MAL function has any relevance anymore; we’re a much larger organization now than when WBCCI was started and a good portion of our members live within a reasonable distance of a chapter. We all agreed that we probably had a better chance of retaining a member if he was defaulted to our chapter based on his zip code. Clearly we have a better chance of renewing him/her if we had a chance to know him. We have been asked by our chapter to request that Cindy Reed assign NEW members to the Nashville Music City Tennessee WBCCI chapter, by default, if they are within a 100 mile radius of Nashville, or in zip codes 370xx, 371xx, 384xx, or 385xx. Also, if our website presently allows a potential member to sign up as Unit # 000 that the website be modified to take this option away from him and to use his zip code as the method of club assignment. Renewing members could choose to be MAL’s if they so chose as is done now. This process should only apply to new members so it doesn’t infringe or disagree with any verbiage in the WBCCI Constitution or Bylaws. We are hoping that the officers of WBCCI consider these options seriously to help us have a better chance of retaining members. Gerry Goffinet, WBCCI #6948 Response to Mr. Goffinet’s Letter: My first reaction upon reading Gerry’s letter was he has good ideas but some of his stated facts are incorrect and someone should correct the facts and respond to his letter. Then, without realizing his letter had been published in the Unit newsletter and that I had a copy he walked up, introduced himself and said we needed to talk. And talk we did several times over the period of the National Mardi Gras Rally we were attending. What I found in rereading the letter carefully and talking with Blue Beret/May 2012 19 Letters to the Editor Gerry is that he loves what we have as members of WBCCI and wants the Club to continue providing that experience for an increasing number of individuals. Continuation of WBCCI as a viable organization able to provide services for our members is absolutely dependent upon growth in membership that entails both retaining existing members and enlisting new ones. I see in Gerry’s letter the recognition that building family like mutually supportive relationships within Units is fundamental to Unit and Club growth. If individuals have a sense of acceptance and belonging to a Unit, they will be eager participants with growing relationships. Building these relationships among Unit members will go a long way toward improving Unit membership retention. Individuals who join WBCCI without some specific reason for selecting the Member at Large (MAL) category are not likely to be developing close relationships with any Unit even though they may attend a Unit function from time to time. Recognizing this, Gerry is seeking to assure that prospective new members be directed to a Unit first and only if no suitable Unit can be identified should they join within the MAL category unless there is an underlying reason such as full-timers who travel extensively. Failure to assimilate new MAL members is likely a significant cause for their dropping out after a couple of years. Allow me to address a couple of specifics regarding processing new members into WBCCI. Currently individuals joining a Unit file their application and dues with the Unit treasurer who forwards them to headquarters for assignment of a number and other registration actions with membership materials returned to the member. However, individuals who seek MAL status can only do that through headquarters directly either online, by mail or personal visit to the office. While headquarters staff do not assign anyone to a particular membership category, our current website takes a prospective member through an extensive exposure to Units before they arrive at the MAL category, which is the only one they can join online presently. However, efforts are currently underway to offer new Unit members the opportunity to submit their application and dues online as the MAL members do currently. I want to personally thank Gerry for his effort in collecting the thoughts and suggestions of his Unit members and providing them to the Blue Beret editor for sharing with the membership at large. John W. Boutwell, WBCCI #142 Intl. 2nd VP Please keep the Letters coming to [email protected] This is your opportunity to have your voice heard. The Letters to the Editor Committee will respond as needed. Be sure to include your full name and WBCCI number. DISCLAIMER: The Letters to the Editor Committee reserves the right to edit or withhold any letter received and will only publish those that are considered beneficial to the club as a whole and as space is available. Letters may be addressed to [email protected] and must include writer’s full name and WBCCI number to be considered noteworthy for publication. The Four Corners Unit Gains Its 100th Member! by Louis Hall Congratulations, 4CU! We have just welcomed our 100th Full Member for 2012 setting a 4CU membership record! All of our members are responsible for attaining this milestone — it's because of YOU that the 4CU has gained its reputation for excellent rallies, good times, happy campers — and of course, its relaxed, welcoming attitude. Each of you has played a role in creating that atmosphere...so congratulations to you all! Camp on! 20 Blue Beret/May 2012 LET US GIVE YOUR AIRSTREAM A FACE LIFT DRAPES, CARPET, UPHOLSTERY BEDSPREADS, BLINDS, CABINETS DETAIL CLEANING Since 1981 Fowler Interiors PO Box 91 Symsonia, KY 42082 (270) 851-3257 www.fowlerRVinteriors.com Club News Safety Note From Herb Herb Quade, WBCCI #3575 B ack in the February issue of the Blue Beret I talked about our 12 volt electrical system, now we would like to add a little note to something I said. We know the negative terminal of the battery – or batteries are connected to the body of the unit, however there should be a fuse in that negative line. If the positive line should be accidently grounded the fuse will blow and avoid a catastrophe. In my almost fifty years of Airstreaming I’ve had that fuse give up a couple of times due to corrosion, with the result – no power – no lights. The first time I was puzzled and someone said, “Check the ground fuse,” and I did and that solved the problem. The fuse looked good but it would not conduct – bought a new one at Radio Shack and fixed the problem, so now we carry a spare. As long as we’re talking about 12 volt systems – how about cleaning the corrosion off the battery terminals – they may look clean “By George,” but they are not if it’s been a while since they’ve been cleaned. Disconnect them – side terminal batteries are the worst offenders. A wire brush or that special terminal cleaner won’t do the job! Use a sharp penknife and scrape down to bright metal, both surfaces – post and inside the clamps. Reassemble and relax. A thin, hard coating of black oxidation forms between the posts and clamps, and this is a good insulator leading to all kinds of “no power” complaints. ...Let me tell you a story – A man was driving along a freeway when he noticed a chicken running along the side of the road. He was amazed to see that the chicken was keeping up with him. Glancing at his speedometer, the man saw that he was going 50 MPH. He accelerated to 60, then 75 MPH, but the chicken stayed right with him. Then the man saw that the chicken had three legs. Even more curious, he dropped back and followed the chicken down a side road and onto a farm. He got out of his car, and looking around, saw that all the chickens had three legs. “What’s up with these threelegged chickens?” he asked a farmer standing outside. “Well,” the farmer replied, “Whenever we have a chicken for dinner, everyone fights over the legs, but there are only two. I have bred a threelegged bird; it’s going to make me a millionaire.” “How do they taste?” the man asked. “I don’t know,” the farmer replied, “I haven’t been able to catch one yet!” I think that comes under the law of unintended consequences. ...Here are some reminders – Chrysler is recalling 242,780 Ram Pickups because a flaw in the steering system can cause drivers to lose control of their truck. The recall covers Ram 1500, 2500 and 3500 Pickups from the 2008 through 2011 models C & G TRAILER SERVICE AIRSTREAM CERTIFIED SERVICE CENTER •Plasticoating and Painting •Drop Ship from Airstream •Electrical Work SIN •Plumbing •Grey Tanks CE 1 964 9241 Sonrisa Street •Metal Damage Bellflower, CA 90706 •Carpet, Drapes, Upholstery (562) 634-6286 •Factory Warranty Work •Insurance Claim Specialists •Previously Owned Airstreams •Free Overnight Parking While Your Airstream is Repaired TOLL FREE (800) 662-3790 – check with a dealer if you haven’t been notified. Remember the Dometic recall a while back – I heard of a recent fire in Florida. Check with a dealer to see if your reefer is covered. I also heard of a propane explosion in someone’s unit. I think it was in Pennsylvania and someone was burned. You must have respect for that useful stuff called propane – if you smell it in your unit, get out and leave the door and windows open while you turn off the gas. The other day I was in Papa John’s waiting for my pizza and I heard the proprietor ask the fellow in front of me if he wanted his pizza cut in 8 or 12 slices. The man said, “Better make it 8, I could never eat 12!” I’ll leave you with that. We’ll see you down the road – and buckle up! ...One more thing – For me composing is no fun, The hardest work I’ve ever done, Then why by writing, am I smitten? The rich reward of having written. Thank you Rockin’ Red – whoever you are. Herb Quade WBCCI #3575, Ph. 757-583-1405, Cell 757-535-1084. P.S. I would like to thank those of you who have called or spoken to me in person about enjoying these articles. SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ONE STOP SERVICE CENTER Blue Beret/May 2012 21 International Convention/Rally Entertainment at Sedalia.. The Jeff Little Trio July 2nd Jeff Little Steve Lewis With few exceptions, the piano does not play a prominent part in Appalachian music, and is rarely the lead instrument. But Jeff Little is an exception – and a remarkable one. His distinctive two-handed style, much influenced by the mountain flatpicked guitar tradition, is breathtaking in its speed, precision and clarity. National Public Radio stated: “Jeff Little is a remarkable musician, steeped in the tradition of his native Blue Ridge, yet also a virtuosic and eclectic innovator.” The Boston Globe also said: “Jeff Little tore the place apart with his wondrously quick and articulate piano style. He is tricky and playful, yet always intelligent and richly melodic.” Jeff has been featured on National Public Radio, “ Folk Masters,” National Council for Traditional Arts “American Piano Masters,” The Smithsonian Folklife Festival, and The American Folk Festival just to name a few. Steve Lewis from Todd, NC is one of the most respected acoustic musicians in the country. Steve is well known for his flat picking on guitar and his mastery of the five string banjo. Steve has won many championships for his guitar and banjo playing. Some of the prestigious events include the Walnut Valley Nationals, Merlefest, the Galax Old Time Fiddlers Convention, Renofest and the Wayne Henderson Guitar Competition. Steve is also a two time national champion on the banjo as well. 22 Blue Beret/May 2012 Josh Scott Rounding out the trio is upright bass master Josh Scott from Fleetwood, NC. Josh has been playing professionally for over ten years and has been featured on stage and in the studio with many critically acclaimed bluegrass bands as well as other genres of acoustic music. International Convention/Rally Wayne Henderson Wayne Henderson is the Appalachian guitarist the Nashville pickers all talk about, the one who lives in a very remote area of the Blue Ridge and makes those acoustic guitars with the amazing tone, the ones that are so hard to get. Sometimes Wayne’s playing is mistaken for flatpicking but actually he uses a thumbpick and fingerpicks to achieve amazing speed and fluidity, transforming fiddle and banjo pieces and even the occasional jazz standard into stunning guitar solos. Wayne was awarded the country’s highest honor for a traditional artist, the National Heritage Fellowship in 1995 in honor of both his fine playing and his exquisitely fashioned steel-string guitars. Henderson was born, raised and still lives in tiny Rugby, Virginia, in the White Top Mountain area of Grayson County near the North Carolina border. An accomplished guitarist, Wayne has won over 300 ribbons at various fiddlers’ conventions including first place at the venerable Galax (VA) event 12 times. He has toured internationally with the United States Information Agency and performed at Carnegie Hall. July 1st The Scott Woods Show: “Stay Tuned” features music from the days when the live variety shows ruled the airways. Starting on the radio and then continuing on the television, the variety shows had various styles of music: vocals, instrumentals and comedy. This fast-paced program will keep your toes tapping and you’ll be singing along with all the familiar tunes. You will hear everything from the Tennessee Waltz to the Orange Blossom Special. Of course, there will be plenty of the fancy fiddling that helped Scott capture the Canadian Open and Canadian Grand Master’s Fiddle Championships. And his wit and family-friendly humor is sure to make you chuckle. Scott will be doing his trick fiddling, which includes a front running-somersault. Scott’s sister Kendra Norris - also a champion fiddler and fellow Airstreamer will be there to add harmonies on fiddle, accordion and vocals as well as being the real “card” on stage. Scott’s mom, Carolyn, is always present at the piano - She is also an Airstreamer! Scott’s nephew, Ben Norris, will be playing drums and singing. Joining the Woods family this year in Sedalia is Linsey Beckett. This 24-year-old champion fiddler has been touring with the world-renowned fiddle show ‘Bowfire’. She is also a sensational step-dancer and is sure to light up the stage. Be sure to pick up a CD at the show as they are not available in stores. Scott has 15 albums and the band will be available after the show to autograph CDs if you wish. The band tours throughout North America and although they travel in a 45’ Prevost bus now, Scott has been (and still is) an avid Airstreamer and WBCCI member since the fall of 2000. It has been 9 years since the Scott Woods Band performed at a WBCCI International Convention/ Rally, so don’t miss this opportunity to catch a truly entertaining show. Canada Day - July 1 in Sedalia. Blue Beret/May 2012 23 International Convention/Rally Sedalia Floy Winter #5576 Highway 36, sometimes called the Way of American Genius because of influential people who lived there, crosses northern Missouri from Hannibal on the Mississippi River to St. Joseph on the Missouri River. The road traverses through soybean and corn fields along with charming small towns and stories of inspiration. Samuel Longhorne Clemens was born in 1835. He spent his humble boyhood living and working in the small river town of Hannibal. As Mark Twain he became America’s first worldwide celebrity. His books were translated around the globe, and lecture tours packed auditoriums from England to Africa. Some of his other professions included newspaper reporter, silver miner, and river pilot, a rather diverse adult life. A statue of Mark Twain looks out on the Mighty Mississippi, the river he loved so much. He called the river ‘The True Sunset Land’ because of its extraordinary sunsets. Each year 350,000 tourists travel to Hannibal to sample a slice of life from the famous author‘s life and writings. He introduced us to Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher, Huckleberry Finn, and many other characters. He transformed this sleepy river town into an American icon. You can explore the caves, take a riverboat cruise, visit the museums and galleries, and visit Twain sites to experience the excitement and magic of Tom and Huck. Mark Twain Lake is nearby for those in need of a place to rest and enjoy the peace and natural beauty. See www. visithannibal.com or call 1-tom-and-huck for additional information. Molly Brown was on her way back to her birthplace in Hannibal when the Titanic sunk. Her courage and conduct during the sinking of the Titanic earned her the admiration of the world and the title “Unsinkable Molly Brown.” Her ragsto-riches story is told at the small cottage where she lived in the 1870s and 1880s. West of Hannibal in the town of Marceline is the Walt Disney Hometown Museum. Walt Disney became passionate about drawing at the young age of five, at the encouragement of a neighbor. Though he only lived in Marceline for four years, it was a pivotal point in his life. He would sit at his ‘dreaming tree’ or at a nearby barn on summer afternoons and come up with ideas to entertain his friends. His genius still lives on and grows in Disney vacation spots around the world. Just a ways from Marceline in the town of Laclede, you will find the General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site. There is a nine room house and the Prairie Mound School where Pershing taught prior to West Point. Exhibits commemorate this World War II hero’s life and accomplishments. Twenty miles west of Laclede in Chillicothe, Otto Frederick Rohwedder invented and patented the bread-slicing machine. His first one was sold to the Chillicothe Baking Company in 1928. There are approximately 20 murals around the downtown area picturing his invention. He probably had no idea how indispensable his invention would become…or that it would warrant such a moniker as ‘genius.’ If you will be traveling this way en route to Sedalia, you can get an audio driving tour CD for purchase through the Missouri Highway 36 Heritage Alliance. I might also mention that Highway 36 is now four lane nearly all the way. Visit www. americangeniushighway.com for details. “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” --Mark Twain. Until next time… MAIL IN SEDALIA All mail for members attending the International Convention/Rally should be addressed as follows: Standard mail WBCCI Name, WBCCI # P. O. Box 81651 Sedalia, MO 65301 24 Blue Beret/May 2012 FedEx or UPS Packages WBCCI Property Room Name, WBCCI # Missouri State Fairgrounds 2503 West 16th Street Sedalia, MO 65301 International Convention/Rally Rally Exhibitors Section Come and visit our displays at the 55th International Convention/Rally! A & W Designs Allison Hurner Custom embroidery, Laser Art engraving and direct garment printing Aunt Betty’s Handy Crafts Betty Dunn Handmade dish carriers, pot holders, potato bakers, appliqued shirt sets, clutch purses, & more Coastal Reflections Mary Butler Fashion Jewelry Farm & City Insurance (Corporate Sponsor) Monica Solberg Customized policies such as Replacement Cost Coverage, Purchase Price Guarantee, and Agreed Value Fifth Avenue Collection Mary Tyrrell Fifth Avenue Jewelry G & S Jewelry Glen and Sharon Clark Handcrafted sterling silver jewelry Mary Kay Sondra Nelson Mary Kay make-up Sarge Enterprise Mike and Polly Flatt All natural health/pain/beauty products made in the USA Sky Med (Corporate Sponsor) Will Klein Emergency Travel Insurance SkyMed returns the patient - and their vehicles, pets, dependents and companions to the only place that really matters...home FOR BUSINESS OR LEISURE STAYING AT THE BEST WESTERN IS MORE REWARDING THAN EVER · Free exclusive loyalty program · AAA/CAA Preferred Hotel · Complimentary hot breakfast · Heated Pool · Hot Tub · MO State Fairgrounds 1/2 mile ͼDĞĞƟŶŐƌŽŽŵƐĂǀĂŝůĂďůĞĨŽƌϭϬ-275 · High Speed Internet Access Free · For info dial 877-826-6101 or email [email protected] WBCCI Member Rate: $89.00 BEST WESTERN State Fair Inn 3120 South Limit Avenue Sedalia, MO 65301 877.826.6101 The World’s Biggest Hotel FamilySM Each Best Western® branded hotel is independently owned and operated. Blue Beret/May 2012 25 International Convention/Rally Amateur Radio Club Prepares for International Richard Paschall (WBCCI # 1504) 2nd Vice President WBCCI Amateur Radio Club The WBCCI Amateur Radio Club will operate the Club station WB8RC at the 2012 International Convention/Rally in Sedalia, MO getting on the air approximately June 23 until station disassembly on July 1. All licensed “hams” in WBCCI are invited to participate in the operation of the station and are encouraged to bring potential “hams” to the station to view operations. Arriving hams can call in on the Sedalia repeater on 2 meters (147.030 MHz, minus offset, 179.9 Hz tone). While at the rally, we will hold a net each morning at 7:30 am on 146.56 MHz simplex. [We usually use 146.43 MHz simplex but cannot use that frequency because we will interfere with the Sedalia repeater.] We have a new piece of equipment this year, a FLEX 3000 software defined transceiver. Bob Simms W7IRY will be training operators on this exciting new radio. Using the FLEX 3000 and our other equipment, we plan to operate many of the HF bands. The ARRL Field Day is June 23-24 and we can participate in this exciting test of emergency operations. Operators are needed to keep the station on the air as long as possible each day. If you have a valid license (technician, general, or extra classes), we need you to help us demonstrate the fun and adventure of amateur radio. Please contact Richard Paschall AJ4UX (email: [email protected]; cell: 919-614-7415) to volunteer. The Quilting Experience Carol White #3855, Chairman Quilters, plan to join with others at the Quilting Experience during, and several days before, the International Convention/ Rally in Sedalia this summer. We will be in the Family Center building, 8:00 – 5:00, beginning a few days before the rally officially starts and continuing through the four scheduled quilting days. There will be lots of table space and electrical hookups. The space will be locked at night. In addition to the projects you plan to work on, bring a project/technique to share with others. We will have several demonstration times each day and a “show and tell” on the last day. And remember your items for the Hobby Show, too. There are several quilt shops in the area (think within 30 miles) and I plan to collect information to give you on your arrival. Pre-register by email to: [email protected] or call me at 618-319-0524. Verification Committee Workers needed-If you are going to be at International in June and you are interested in helping and visiting with individuals as they arrive, give me a call-Gayle Ketchum 210-865-8136 or [email protected] The 2013 International Convention/Rally “What you Need to Know” Since this article was written, Don became aware of a medical issue resulting in his decision to resign as International 1st Vice President. Therefore; as International 2nd Vice President, and now acting 1st, I am executing the plans Don and Jan carefully designed for the 2013 International Convention/Rally. Thus, the following information continues to be appropriate. I am looking forward to working with everyone involved in and attending a successful rally in Huron, SD. John Boutwell Jan and I are working very hard to bring to the members a fun and exciting International Convention/Rally at the South Dakota State Fairgrounds in Huron, SD in 2013. We hope you will register for the Rally while you are at the Sedalia Rally as we have only ordered 300 Rally Bags. The first 300 members who register for the 2013 Rally will receive the rally bag. When the bags are gone, they are gone. In order to try to keep costs down, there will be no additional bags ordered. Further, to assist in lowering costs, I have made the decision to eliminate the order for rally shirts. I know my approach may not be what has been the norm, but we must begin to cut 26 Blue Beret/May 2012 back on spending. Almost every expense item for the 2013 rally has shown a price increase. Jan and I are doing all we can to curtail cost and keep the rally fee as low as we can. For you ladies involved in the Installation Ceremony, there was an error listed in the Protocol Book. Ladies ARE permitted to wear pants or pants suits if they will be on stage. Dressy calf-length dress or suit is also acceptable with no badge. Hope to see you “all” in Sedalia! Don and Jan Clark International Convention/Rally Artists! Sedalia, Missouri Dottie Steurer #4025, Chairman Artists, get out your palettes, your paints, and your brushes. Paint those landscapes. Draw those still life pictures. Design some graphics. Use some computer tools. Then bring your creations to the International Convention/Rally in Sedalia. We had a wonderful show last year. There were lots of participants with a variety of subjects and medium used. We are anticipating this year’s show to be even better. We have your suggestions that were posted after the show last year, and we will incorporate them into this year’s display. We will designate categories according to what you bring. Here are some suggestions: oil, acrylic, drawing, graphic, digital, watercolor, mixed media, collage, and sculpture. We can subdivide them further if necessary. Encourage your youngsters to participate. We will divide the youth into age groups. Ribbons will be awarded and a “Best of Show” trophy given. This will be fun. If you have any questions contact Dottie Steurer #4025 at: [email protected]. Community Service in Sedalia Janet Kendig #23640 Community Service Chairman The date for the Airstream Annual Blood Drive has been set for June 29, 2012. I hope you will be able to give. This is a life saver. If you have stuffed animals to donate, please toss them in the washer before bringing to the rally. Make sure they do not have music boxes or any such thing inside them. Thank you. Check with your grandchildren for gently used books to be given to the Women’s Services League for distribution. It will help many children. CASA - “Citizens Against Spouse Abuse” is looking forward to the personal size bags of items, such as: toothpaste, brushes, hand cream, soap, small wash clothes, anything to help these people who come to CASA with nothing. Abuse is a growing problem and this is one small way to help out. Please don’t forget the animal shelter. The numbers of our furry friends, cats, dogs, bunnies etc. many times overwhelm these shelters. Old towels, clorox, canned & boxed food would be greatly appreciated. Pull tabs, yarn from a previous project and food for the Salvation Army & Open Door Benevolent Ministries will be most welcome. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Golf Carts Available Would you like to have the use of a golf cart during your stay at the International Convention/Rally? Cost: $250.00/week OR $500.00/month Interested members please contact: Gary Rush, Vehicle Procurement Chairman 573-280-0021 “Want to Have Fun?” GET INVOLVED Join Traffic Control, we need a few good volunteers for the International Convention/Rally. Contact: Bill Crowson 355 Beech Hollow Rd. Killen, AL 35645 Ph. 256-757-5883 Email: [email protected] Volunteers Needed Photography Committee You must have your own digital camera and experience/ interest in photography. Please contact by May 1, 2012: Jane Elgin Bartlett #4544 P.O. Box 859 Rolla, MO 65402 Cell Ph. 573-578-0435 Email: [email protected] ` Fashion Show in Sedalia Annette Hooker #259, Chairman It is that time when I am looking for models for the Fashion Show. This year we have only a short distance to the shop where we will select our outfits. Since it takes very little time and is a lot of fun to participate, I hope to hear from those interested soon. Let’s have a really big show. To contact me send me an email: [email protected]. Blue Beret/May 2012 27 International Convention/Rally JEAN FAUST TOURS, LLC Jean Faust Gallagher, P.O. Box 1756, Sedalia, MO 65302 Phone: (660) 827-4016 Email: [email protected] Cell: (660) 287-2756 Fax: (660) 829-2374Cell: (660) 287-3812 Dale Hofstetter, Bus Tours Chairman for the Sedalia International Convention/Rally Tuesday, June 26 (this can be moved to Tuesday, July 3). JEFFERSON CITY, MO: Note that the governor’s mansion is only open for tours on Tuesdays & Thursdays, and is always subject to being closed to the public due to special events taking place in the mansion. This far out I do not have that specific information. If it would happen to close I can substitute something else. We’ll tour the 1836 Missouri State Penitentiary, decommissioned in 2004. You’ll see the Upper Yard, Cell Blocks, the Dungeon Cells and the Gas Chamber (optional). Our former prison guard guide will share many fascinating stories. We’ll tour the beautiful Governor’s Mansion, the Missouri State Capitol and museum (elevators are available), the Missouri State Highway Patrol Museum and enjoy a delicious, included luncheon. (All guests to the prison will be asked to sign a waiver and release of liability.) Leave Sedalia at 8 a.m. $83 per person includes everything. Wednesday, June 27: YACHT LUNCHEON CRUISE ON THE LAKE OF THE OZARKS, MO Your delicious, “picnic style” luncheon cruise on a beautifully exquisite private yacht will be a highlight of the day! Your narrated cruise on the famous Lake of the Ozarks will be delightful and fun with its very hospitable owners. We will also tour Wilmore Lodge to learn the history of the Lake and Bagnell Dam and more. Leave Sedalia at 8 a.m. $84 per person includes everything. Thursday, June 28: THE NEW CLYDESDALE RANCH & ARROW ROCK, MO Enjoy a private tour of the new, beautiful ranch and breeding farm for the Budweiser Clydesdales where over 100 magnificent horses live. Included lunch will follow in the historic Huston Tavern and Museum, located along the old Santa Fe Trail. The outstanding Visitor’s Center, a narrated tram tour of historic Arrow Rock and more will follow. Leave Sedalia at 8 a.m. $89 per person includes everything. Friday, June 29: HERMANN, MO Hermann was settled by Germans in the mid-1800s and this is still very evident. Today we’ll enjoy an included, private luncheon at the nationally acclaimed Stone Hill Winery followed by wine tasting. Delightful musical entertainment on your driving tour of Hermann and a stop at two 1840s German homes will complete the day. Leave Sedalia at 7:30 a.m. $91 per person includes everything. Saturday, June 30: LEAVENWORTH, KANSAS Included is a narrated, driving tour of 1827 Ft. Leavenworth (bring a govt. photo ID along such as your driver’s license), tour the chapel, the largest museum in the world of horse-drawn military equipment, the famous Buffalo Soldier’s Monument plus meet some real Buffalo Soldiers and much more with our Ft. Leavenworth retired army guide! Also included is a stop at the Parker Carousel Museum, lunch at the 1888 Union Depot and served by “Harvey Girls” in costume, your souvenir picture taken behind bars, and much more! Leave Sedalia at 7:30 a.m. $93 per person includes everything. Sunday, July 1: FULTON, MO Included will be a tour of the internationally famous Winston Churchill Memorial and circa 1100 church plus a brief, private organ concert on the British Mander organ. A narrated tour of the beautiful St. Mary’s Aldermanbury church sanctuary, your included lunch and a delightful driving tour of Fulton with our excellent local historian completes your day. We will also stop at the large Firemen’s Memorial. Leave Sedalia at 8 a.m. $85 per person includes everything. Monday, July 2: INDEPENDENCE, MO We’ll begin with a visit to the outstanding Harry S. Truman Library and Museum. An included lunch will follow after which we’ll tour the new National Frontier Trails Museum which preserves the history of the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails which all passed through Independence. Our last stop will be at the 26 room Bingham-Waggoner mansion, built during the Civil War. Leave Sedalia at 8 a.m. $94 per person includes everything. 28 Blue Beret/May 2012 International Convention/Rally First Time to International??? Beth McCall #5382, Chairman Well, it’s that time of the year again. We all have our calendars out and are planning our summer vacations. For many of us, that summer vacation includes the International Convention/Rally at Sedalia, Missouri. This year, it’s right in my backyard or at least in the “south 40” right here in the heartland of America. Yeah, I know what you’re thinking... just what is there to do in Missouri? Well, our own Unit’s Floy Winter has been writing amazing articles for the Blue Beret about what there is to see and do in this area. I hope you will make the decision to come see not only what this area has to offer, but also to see what the International Convention/ Rally can offer you. I am sure by now that your Unit officers have discussed a possible caravan to the rally, and if so, I encourage you to participate in that. My husband and I enjoy caravanning a great deal. It’s exciting to have an Airstream in front and one in back as you go down the road. And, of course, you get all those looks from the “regular folk” as you head down the highways and byways. Unless you are a volunteer who has to arrive earlier, general parking starts on the 25th. There is no parking on Sunday, 24th. When you get to the Sedalia fairgrounds, many volunteers will be there to help direct you to your parking space. You will be advised of utility hookups at that time. If a Unit caravan comes in, they are normally all parked together. It’s great to have your friends parked around you at any rally, but especially at International. The Units have impromptu happy hours and potlucks and there’s always a time for going somewhere for ice cream or just shopping with your friends. If you own a vintage trailer, you have the option of parking in the vintage area. Vintage owners have a great time talking about the repairs and improvements they have made to their rigs; and you can almost always find a couple guys lying on the ground under an Airstream comparing notes. The Vintage Airstream Club always puts on great seminars about repairs and I encourage you to attend. After you have parked and hooked up to utilities, you will need to register at the Exhibition Center, so that you can get your schedule and register for special activities throughout the week. (Much of this information is in the information sheet that was sent with your receipt of payment.) If you have any questions after you have registered, there will be several volunteers to assist you; and I, myself, will be at a table in the Friendship Center during registration hours to answer any and all questions that you may have. The rest of the week will be full of seminars, entertainment, food, fun, fellowship and adventure. One of the first seminars that you will want to attend is my “First Timers Seminar” that will be scheduled sometime on Wednesday. That will get into the nitty gritty of International. On Wednesday evening, the official opening of the rally is always a special time and then there will be entertainment every evening after that. The week’s festivities ends with a BBQ and fireworks. Sometime during the week, you will also have the opportunity to shop at a variety of vendors who will have set up shop on the property, to judge photos, celebrate Canada Day by wearing red and white, watch a fashion show, walk in the 4th of July parade, and shop at the members’ flea market one day. But most of all, you will want to just enjoy being around people who love the Airstream lifestyle, just like you. See you in Sedalia. WHAT EVERY WBCCI MEMBER SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CARAVANNING R. B. Bernd, Seminar Leader WALLY BYAM WAS A CARAVANNER! More than that he was a great caravan leader! People caravanning with Wally Byam wanted others to experience the FUN, FELLOWSHIP and ADVENTURE that comes with caravanning. This led to the founding of WBCCI! CARAVANS DON’T HAPPEN WITHOUT LEADERS and leaders use all the tips they can get to help provide the best caravan experience possible. Potential caravanners also can use the information in knowing what to expect. To meet the needs of both leaders and caravanners a 12-hour Caravan Training Seminar will be conducted at our International Convention/Rally in Sedalia on Friday and Saturday, June 29 & 30 with the last session probably on Tuesday July 3. This seminar will accomplish two things: It begins by providing general information, not only for potential leaders, but to anyone interested in going on a caravan. It will answer your questions about the types of caravans available. More important it will provide tips on how you can get the most out of a caravan and contribute to a caravan’s success. Then, as the seminar progresses, it will concentrate on topics more leader oriented, such as developing a Kitty Fee, preparing a Driver’s Manual, various parking schemes, etc. A lot of information is provided, and you don’t have to be a leader to participate in this also. The amount of information to be covered is spread over three days in a four hour block each day. The advantage of attending all three sessions is you will receive a Certificate upon completion. Although not a prerequisite, completion of this training is taken into consideration when approving leaders for National Caravans - - and don’t forget, it is definitely a plus for anyone who is considering joining or leading any type of caravan. ATTEND THIS SEMINAR AND YOU WILL KNOW MORE ABOUT CARAVANNING – THE VERY HEART OF WBCCI – THAN MOST MEMBERS! Blue Beret/May 2012 29 International Convention/Rally 4th of July Parade Contest Cecil Grisham #6295, Chairman RALLY THEME: “Where Friends Meet!” Colors: Red, White & Blue Well, here we go again!! It’s time to begin thinking about our parade in Sedalia for this year. This year, Barry has selected “Where Friends Meet” as our theme. So, Units put on your thinking caps and organize your entry for this year’s parade. Your entry can be super simple or simply fantastic, it’s your call. Remember, our Parade is just about the last event of the Rally, so you will have plenty of time to “get it together.” Our Parade will be an “inside” event, so weather will not be a problem. The bottom line is to remember that parades are a fun time so be innovative and let us all know that Rally time is “Where Friends Meet.” Your Unit entry will be judged as Float (anything with wheels) or Walking, big or little, it’s your call. Remember to check in the events booklet and have your parade representative(s) attend the Parade Chairman’s meeting, where we will discuss the format, line-up location, and any questions you may have. Pet Show Linda Agre #5628 & Jan Girard #7513, Co-Chairs Your participation and support makes the Pet Show a winner every year. This year we are adding something new. Two members of the Sedalia Kennel Club, and a member of the Poodle Club of America will act as judges. They will also be giving demonstrations in ‘What to look for in a good used dog,’ obedience training, rescue, and will also take questions from the audience. Your pet can “strut its stuff” at this fun event on Sunday, July 1, 2012, 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. There will be several categories, including Best dog, cat, and any other pet, as well as Obedience, Tricks, and Costume, so start preparing for the big day now. All types of pets are welcome. The audience will have a great time watching and will be able to vote for “People’s Choice” during the Pet Parade. We will also have a microchip clinic available for dogs only. This is the first year this service is being offered and it will be on a trial basis. Cost will be $20.00 per dog and you will need to contact Linda Agre to pre-register. 30 Blue Beret/May 2012 The Pet Show entries will be invited to be part of the 4th of July parade. Come help us make this a day to remember. All information and sign up will be during Registration. Questions - Contact Linda Agre by phone or email. Phone 320-295-1117, Email address, [email protected] Classic Airstream Intra Club Kay Corder, Treasurer of Classic Airstream Club Members who are coming to International Convention/Rally in Sedalia, please note that our luncheon/business meeting will be later in the rally and not conflicting with your Region luncheons. It will be at noon on July 3rd in the MEC building on the rally site. It will be a buffet catered by Country Bumpkins. Your cost will be $6 per person (we pay half as a benefit of being a member). Please make checks payable to Classic Airstream Club, WBCCI and mail to Kay Corder, Treasurer, 1002 SW Allendale Blvd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 no later than June 10! We will also have tickets available at our table at registration. A Free Ice Cream Social will also be arranged so watch the Bulletin Board or get the information at the registration table. Dues will also be collected. We are in need of officers for the coming year. Are you willing to donate some of your time? Please send a resume for any of the following positions: President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer or Council Member. We also have Standing Committees: Arrangements, Constitution and Bylaws, Caravan Coordinator and Public Relations. We also elect members for a Nominating Committee so please volunteer! Send resume to Ben Corder, 1002 SW Allendale Blvd., Lee’s Summit, MO 64081 no later than June 10, 2012 or by email to [email protected]. See you in Sedalia! Hobby Show Entrants Nova Fleming #3256, Chairman People entering the hobby show MUST be registered. There will be a “sign up” table during registration which is located in the line with all of the other things that you have to register to enter. A person will always be at the table during the hours of registration. In the event that you didn’t get to register, there will be instructions left on the table telling you how to get in touch with me. It is necessary to have the correct number of articles that will be shown so that the proper tables can be arranged. Bring all of your hobbies to enter if there isn’t a category we will try to accommodate you. If further information is needed, please contact: Nova Fleming #3256, Ph. 940-704-6555. International Convention/Rally Rally Host Seminar Unit Publication Contest John Bergen #321, Chairman Carolyn Florence #264, Chairman WALLY BYAM CARAVAN CLUB Email: [email protected] INC. How was the last rally you conducted? Was itINTERNATIONAL, fun? Did There will be a Unit Publications Contest at the International TH everyone have a good time? Were a nervous wreck by Convention/Rally in Sedalia. In the Unit Newsletter contest 55 you INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION/RALLY the time it ended and with a deficit, too? Alternatively, do you there are two categories, a color category and a black & white just want to know more about how to plan and administer a category. June 27 – July(1) 4, Newsletters 2012 --- Sedalia, Missouri successful rally? containing one or more items printed in Regardless of the rally location or size, be it a Unit,REGISTRATION State, color must be entered in the Color Category. Region, Special Event or National rally, they are all basically (2) Newsletters that do not use color and the entire newsFees for registrations received prior to January 2012 will be $475.00 for couples, $375.00 singles, theConvention/Rally same structure. Everyone is invited to attend the “Rally letter is1,printed in black and white are in the Blackfor & White and fortoeach additional during adult. Rally feesSedalia includeMis3 pointCategory. hook-up,Contestants 30 amp electric, Host$120.00 Seminar” be conducted the 2012 shall water submitand anysewer. three consecutive issouri International Yousection will be exposed to all sues of their newsletter that were published since the previous (Note: NO 3 amp. Convention/Rally. electric or generator available). facets of aFees rallyreceived includingafter “HowJanuary to establish rally fees,” Rally 1, 2012 will beWBCCI $500.00 for couples, $400.00 for singles and $130.00 for each additional International Convention/Rally. insurance policy,the “Advertising rally,” “Ideas to members make your adult. Through courtesy ofyour Airstream, Inc, all pre-registering on or before January 1, 2012 will be eligible to rally more fun” tips from andofpast Rally Directors For awards Unit Directories there areatalso categories, boundor participate in a and drawing for upcurrent to a total $2000.00 in awards, These may be redeemed anytwo Airstream Dealership who many Center years conducted highly rallies. and loose leaf. at thefor Jackson Service Center forsuccessful parts and service. The International four hour “RALLY for one (1) Directories have theparking cover date and only. all pages perFree2012 parking in the BullConvention/Rally Pen, with no services, is permitted night beforewhich your assigned For arrival HOST SEMINAR” will be held on two consecutive days, two manently bound together into a single unit are in the Bound before your parking date and parking with services, the parking fee is $20.00 per day. hours each day. ThePOLICY: first session All will be on Thursday afternoon, Category. FEE REFUND convention/rally fee refund requests must be postmarked by May 15, 2012 and must include June 28, and continues Friday afternoon, June 29. Plan now (2)cancellations Directories which consist of aaseries of administrative individual sheets the complete pass receipt, and FREE picnic tickets if applicable. All will be assessed $30.00 fee to attend this informative and helpful seminar. A sign-up table bound together in a loose leaf or single style and price of FREE picnic tickets if not returned. There will be NO refunds if postmarked after May 15, 2012binder exceptare as in the will be available during Rally Rally Registration. EVERYONE IS Loose Leaf Category. approved by the International Committee. INVITED. Come and share some of your ideas! For registrars only There will be a sign-up table in the Registration area for Convention/Rally Parking Pass Receipts will be mailed beginning January 20, 2012 ___________Check#__________________ those wanting to enter Amt: these contests. Make Checks payable to: WBCCI Mail to: WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 Canadian Checks must be stamped “US Funds” Date: ____________Recd. By: _______________ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 55th International Convention/Rally Sedalia, Missouri June 27 - July 4, 2012 LAST NAME ____________________________________________ FIRST_________________________________________WBCCI # ______________ SPOUSE____________________________________ E-mail __________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY__________________________________________________________ST/PROV ________________________________ZIP__________________ RALLY FEES INCLUDE 3 point hook-up (30amp ELECTRICITY, WATER AND SEWER) Number Fees Airstream w/2 adults Airstream w/1 adult Additional adult in Airstream _____ Youth (Ages 4 - 19) Youth after two full youth payments: @ $500.00 @ $400.00 @ $130.00 @ $ 60.00 _________ _________ _________ _________ @ FREE DEDUCT $200.00 DEDUCT $5.00 _________ _________ _____Youth (Ages 4 - 19) Not bringing Airstream WBCCI Life Members TOTAL FEES INCLUDED Amount $ _________ Mark boxes that apply: . Vintage Parking First International Staying off Site Prefer to park in Dog Section Handicapped Parking Applications on file at Headquaters For registrars only: Amt: __________ Check#____________ FEE REFUND POLICY All rally fee refund requests must be postmarked by May 15, 2012, and must include the complete pass receipt. All cancellations will be assessed Date:___________Recd. By: __________ a $30.00 administrative fee & price of free picnic tickets if not returned. There will be No refunds if postmarked after May 15 except as approved by the International Rally Committee. Make checks payable to: WBCCI Canadian checks must be stamped US FUNDS Mail to: WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 Blue Beret/May 2012 31 International Convention/Rally VOLUNTEER COUPON 55th WBCCI INTERNATIONAL RALLY The International Rally Committees need volunteers. Early parking is available for most persons who are accepted for service. Please mark your preference (1,2,3) in the first column. Enter “M” for man and “W” for woman in the second column. The Committee Chairman will contact you later if selected. Choice ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ ______ Man/Woman Name of Committee ______ Bands, Concert & Stage Instrument____________________________ ______ Building Security ______ Bulletin Boards ______ Cargo ______ Carpenter ______ Community Service ______ Electric Installation ______ Grounds after Rally ______ Information/Lost & Found ______ Medical Information ______ Message Center/Scooters ______ Parade ______ Parking ______ Registration ______ Sanitation ______ Tables and Chairs ______ Traffic Control ______ Transportation, Buses ______ Wally Byam Control ______ Water Name___________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_______________________ State/Prov______Zip_____________ APPLICATION FOR HANDICAPPED PARKING 55th WBCCI INTERNATIONAL RALLY Last Name_______________________ WBCCI No._______________ First_____________________________ Age_____________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_______________________ State/Prov______Zip_____________ .............................................................................................................. TO BE COMPLETED BY PHYSICIAN: Diagnosis:________________________________________________ Degree of Disability:_______________________________________ ___________________________________________ _____________ Check if applicable: Permanent Disability? Wheelchair? Mechanical Assists Utilized:________________________________ It is my opinion that the above named should be provided special parking privileges. __________________________________________________M.D. Address_________________________________________________ City_______________________ State/Prov______Zip_____________ Mail to: WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 WBCCI #___________________ Phone_________________________ E-mail___________________________________________________ Mail to: WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 Club Store Help Wanted Contact: John Green #4432 Ph. 309-657-3102 or Email: [email protected] Address: 1466 Church Rd. Eureka, IL 61530-9440 32 Blue Beret/May 2012 Jam Session Joe Long, President THCU Looking for musicians and singers to take part in an old fashion musical jam session during the International Convention/Rally in Sedalia. It is open for all levels of musical ability. You do not have to read music. This is for fun and fellowship. I am in need of a rhythm section such as bass and guitar to back the vocalist. No rehearsals required. If interested please contact me at gaylejoe@ hotmail.com or call me at 210-860-6006. International Convention/Rally 2012 International Convention/Rally Missouri State Fairgrounds Sedalia, Missouri Blue Beret/May 2012 33 International Convention/Rally Severe Weather and Emergency Procedures for Sedalia, MO (Pettis County) 2012 1. Severe weather in Sedalia can consist of Severe Thunderstorm Watch/Warning, which could involve large hail, rain and winds in excess of 58 MPH. 2. Tornado Watch which means conditions are right for a tornado. 3. Tornado Warning which means a tornado has been spotted or has been indicated by radar. Tornado warning sirens on the East and Northwest of the fairgrounds will sound and you should take cover immediately in the ground level of the Exhibition Center. The East side doors will be open for your use. 4. Sources for Severe Weather Information: NOAA WEATHER RADIO Channel 5 SAME 029159, LOCAL RADIO STATIONS ON 1050 and 1490 AM, TV Stations 4,5,9 and 41. NIXLE: http://www.nixle.com. enter zip code 65301 and you will receive emergency alerts through text to your cell phone and email, or text 65301 to 888777, to activate text messaging only. This is a free service provided by the Pettis County Sheriff’s Office but text messaging charges may apply depending on your phone service. Wally Byam Control will also announce severe weather on Channel 14. 5. It is recommended that you secure awnings, flags, and all loose items AROUND your RV anytime there is a chance of bad weather and before you leave your RV. 6. If the warning occurs after hours, then you should proceed to beneath the Exhibition Center. If the warning has not occurred and you feel unsafe, then proceed to the Exhibition Center. 7. Pets may be taken to the building but you must be prepared to accommodate their needs. 8. You will be given an all clear by Traffic Control Personnel and Wally Byam Control on Channel 14 when the severe weather has passed. EMERGENCY PROCEDURES: 1.In case of an emergency, please call 911 and Wally Byam Control on Channel 14 and do the following: a. Give your name, location (fairgrounds, lot number, e.g., West R-52) and your WBCCI Number. b. Turn on your vehicle lights, emergency flashers and have a neighbor stand by to direct the emergency personnel to your location. 2. The Emergency Personnel will have a fairgrounds camping map and a Locator Map which will show them your location. 3. YOUR RV NUMBER MUST BE PROMINENTLY DISPLAYED ON THE FRONT AND REAR OF YOUR RV SO EMERGENCY PERSONNEL CAN LOCATE YOUR RV AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. 34 Blue Beret/May 2012 SECURITY 1. The local Police provides officers to patrol the fairgrounds to assure compliance with all laws of the State. 2. It is still recommended that you keep all your RV compartments and vehicles locked when not in use. 3. Additionally, keep all bicycles, scooters, and other items of value locked when not in use. 4. Compliance with the above guidance will be most critical during the 4th of July fireworks display as thousands of persons will be on the grounds to observe the fireworks. EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS: 1. FAIRGROUNDS OFFICE during business hours: 660827-8150. FAIRGROUNDS SECURITY after hours: 660-2816336/660-620-1719. FAIRGROUNDS MAINTENANCE: 660-281-6335. 2. POLICE 660-826-8100 3. EMA 660-827-4800 4. BOTHWELL REGIONAL HEALTH CENTER 660-8268833 Craft Seminars These seminars will be held on the 27th and 29th of June lasting 1 1/2 hours each day. The first day will consist of the whole Tee shirt and on the second day we will be making Tee shirt scarves. ITEMS YOU NEED TO BRING TO THE SEMINAR 2 or 3 Tee shirts, no side seams (1 shirt is needed for the 1st session; 1 or 2 shirts needed for the 2nd seminar) Tee shirts may be obtained from Michaels or Hobby Lobby (2 for $5.00 on sale) Also check dollar stores or thrift shops Needle and thread Sharp scissors Chalk or marking pen Straight pins Sew on items for embellishments. (Buttons, old jewelry, ribbon and beads). Jan Pruter 719-475-8899 [email protected] Caravans Oregon/California Caravan - September 2011 Marion Pember, Chairman WBCCI Caravan Promotions FUN, FELLOWHIP, ADVENTURE! We have all heard those words many times. Unfortunately, hearing them doesn’t always mean living them. From what I have read and heard, Wally’s way of achieving this was through caravans. Enough of that, but give it some thought. If you aren’t having the fun you think you should, put caravanning back in your schedule. I have used this venue to point out different types of caravans available. Most people will never go on a National or International caravan. For many they are too costly and time consuming. There is a constant clamor for shorter caravans...if someone else does them. What I’m finding out is that there are short caravans happening all over and people are experiencing fun, fellowship and adventure. These caravans are planned by people who know that hope is not a method (hoping someone else will lead one). A caravan doesn’t have to be perfect to be fun. In fact, if it’s too perfect it might take the fun out of it. The caravan highlighted is the OR.CA Caravan, a small, short caravan. Yes, I know, you don’t have the Oregon and California coasts in your area. I would guarantee you that within your travel area are places that would make a great caravan. Look for those places and plan your caravan. Now let’s go for a ride with the OR.CA Caravan! The OR.CA Caravan - September 2011 (Pictures and text submitted by Darrell Ostyn, WBCCI #5478) Nothing excites the Idaho Unit more than an opportunity for a new caravan adventure, especially when it’s a continuation of an incredible, recent tour. The 2009 Northern Oregon Coast Caravan, led by the Campbells and the Nelsons was such a resounding success that it was decided to complete the tour down the coast into California, by way of another caravan. Yielding to some nudging, my wife and I, with the help of Jerry and Linda Settle, agreed to host a southern coast caravan in the fall of 2011. With eleven RVs signed up and an assigned Unit number, 394, the OR.CA Caravan (an acronym for the Oregon and Californian adventure} rendezvoused in Bend, Oregon, where the Barbara Brace and Linda Settle holding up 2009 North Oregon their end in Stout Grove Coast Caravan bid their farewell. Newport, Oregon, just a scenic 165 mile drive away was the next destination and the starting point for the southern coastal adventure. The leaves were beginning to turn to fall colors, and we were all looking forward to gathering at South Beach State Park for a Dutch-Oven supper, complete with cake and ice cream, to celebrate five September birthdays. We enjoyed leisurely drives with sunny skies and mild temperatures all the way down the coast. Some of us parked along vista overlooks and enjoyed lunch while others took short walks down to the beach to watch the surf crash over the huge monoliths lining the shore. When we arrived in Florence, Oregon, we could hear sea lions barking in the bay and sand dune buggies roaring in the distance. There was ice cream and fudge available in Old Town Florence along with shops and vintage cars on their way to the annual car show. What OR.CA caravan members under the ox at Trees of Mystery in the California Redwoods a great place to enjoy the day. We choose RV parks to serve as base camps that would provide opportunities to become familiar with the surrounding areas and enable us to visit specific places of interest. From these, we toured the Sea Lion Caves, outside of Yachats, the Umpqua Light House near Reedsport, watched myrtle wood being fashioned into works of art at Coos Bay, and took a jet boat trip up the Rogue River from Gold Beach where a bear sighting ignited cheers from us all. Along with the excitement, we took time to sample great meals in star rated seafood restaurants overlooking the spectacular coast. The coastal shores offered an opportunity to marvel at Jerry Settle at the Sea Lion Caves Blue Beret/May 2012 35 Caravans the beautiful colors of the ever changing seascapes, turning the occasion into a photographer’s delight. One especially memorable evening was at Harris Beach State Park, near the southern border of Oregon. We had all gathered at a campsite overlooking the ocean, and were just finishing a Dutch-oven supper of au gratin potatoes, pulled pork, and cherry crisp dessert, when one of our chefs realized he was locked out of his new trailer. His keys were lying in a paper cup on the counter INSIDE the trailer. After trying all the keys in the group with no success, someone suggested accessing the trailer keys through one of the outside compartments. Another resourceful member suggested a fishing pole, and one of our HP retirees produced a strong magnet to use as a “hook.” With some expertise, the owner was able to thread the end of the pole through an outside access compartment and over the keys inside the paper cup. WaLa! The keys were saved and the rest of the evening was spent laughing and enjoying the after dinner campfire. Our final destination was Hiouchi R.V. Resort outside of Crescent City, California. Hiouchi is located in the heart of Jededia Redwood State Park, which has some of the oldest and tallest trees in the world. We gathered at the visitor’s center for an informational video and met with the Ranger who explained some of the mysteries of this most unique part of the country. We then took a six-mile auto tour to Stout Grove and a walking trail that led us through the most fascinating growth of trees on earth! Of all the experiences offered on the caravan, this may have been the most enjoyable. We ended our two week caravan with a farewell dinner in Crescent City, California. Some of us continued the journey south down the California coast, some went east to Crater Lake in Oregon, others returned north to appreciate parts of the experience once more. Caravanning with our friends was truly a “want to do again” experience and one we will remember for a long time, at least until the next great Idaho Caravan! Earl Brace’s trailer along the Oregon Coast 36 Blue Beret/May 2012 Members of the OR.CA Caravan surround a tree in Jedediah State Park SHORT CARAVANS ARE THE HEART OF WBCCI Marion Pember, Chairman WBCCI Caravan Promotions We already know short caravans are able to cater to the needs of more people. Those happen regularly at the Region and Unit level, but we don’t hear a lot about them. We would like to change that. The new demo website www.wbcci.org is a big help. If you are leading a Unit or Region caravan we would like for you to consider opening up your short caravan to others. This would be after members of the respective Region or Unit had first chance to sign up. Once posted, we would encourage others to consider signing up for one being hosted by someone else. I don’t want to give all the details here, as I would like for you to visit the site and see the information there. Doing is the best teacher and the website is where it will happen anyway. Go to the website listed above and click on “Short Caravans.” We constantly hear about the need for short caravans. We want to help make that happen and you are the key! If you have questions or need more information contact Marion Pember at [email protected]. Special Event Rallies Galax Fiddlers’ Convention Special Event Rally Galax,Virginia August 6 - 12, 2012 Betty Patton, Chairman Old Thresher Days Special Event Rally Yuma County Fairgrounds Yuma, Colorado September 6 - 9, 2012 Joanne Jefferies The Region 3 Virginia and NORVA Units of WBCCI welcomes everyone to follow The Crooked Road (VA Music Heritage Trail) to their 11th Special Event Rally in Galax, Virginia. The Rally features the oldest, largest, and best in Old Time and Blue Grass Music. This is the 77th year the Galax Moose Lodge #733 has sponsored this event. A popular feature is the youth competition on Monday night. Anyone can be a contestant by registering with the Moose Lodge or anyone can join the many jam sessions on the grounds. You will enjoy six days and six nights of entertainment in Galax, which is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Galax divides the counties of Grayson and Carroll, which have many historic and scenic sites. The Blue Ridge Parkway, Grayson Highlands State Park, New River Trail State Park, and I-77 have parks and vistas that are unforgettable. These natural areas provide biking, hiking, golfing, and canoeing. You can rent or bring your own recreational equipment. The nearby towns of Independence, Hillsville, Wytheville, and Mt. Airy (Andy Griffith’s Mayberry) offer great day tours with festivals, antiques, shops, and markets. The famous Barter Theater is only two hours away. A week of family fun for all ages. The Rally Opening Ceremony is at the Blue Ridge Music Center and Museum followed by special music of the area. Parking is at the Fairview Ruritan Building with water and limited electricity. The Rally fee includes one dinner, one country breakfast, watermelon feast-get acquainted social, special entertainment and Sunday A.M. continental. Early parking is August 5. Cut-off registration is July 30. Cancellation fee is $5.00. No refunds after August 1 (or discretion of Chairman). Rally Fee is $50.00 per person, $30.00 for children 6 - 14, (pay in advance). Parking is $15.00 per night (pay on arrival). Coupon in April, May, and June Blue Beret. Checks to Joe Kolb, Registrar, 1789 Peacock Drive, Hillsville, VA 24343, email: [email protected], telephone 276-766-3121. For info Betty Patton, Ch. 276-233-1109, email: bj_patton@comcast. net. The Rally is limited to 50 RVs, early registration is advised. Colorado Old Threshers Special Event Rally is held in Yuma, a small town on the eastern plains of Colorado. Yuma is a town mostly supported by farming and ranching and OLD THRESHER DAYS celebrates this heritage. The celebration is a window into how people lived and farmed in the days of horse and oxen driven equipment and the very first power equipment. Exhibits include buildings from late 1800s and early 1900s constructed and furnished as they would have been when they were in use. Old Thresher’s Committee members work hard to make Airstreamers attending feel welcome. A large tent with tables and chairs is furnished to use for gatherings. Admission to the grounds is free. A parade of Airstreams escorted by Yuma police and the Colorado State Patrol on Thursday noon through Yuma from the Airport is the beginning of the rally. Come and enjoy a weekend in a quiet, small town and experience life when it was far more simple! Rally fee is $40. See the coupon in this Blue Beret. Electricity and water are furnished. Food is available on the grounds. Storytelling Special Event Rally Jonesborough,Tennessee October 4 - 8, 2012 Sandy Hughes People have been telling stories since the beginning of time. They are the vessels in which we share and pass along our adventures and memories. They span centuries and connect generations. The National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, TN, is seen around the world as the premier storytelling event in America, and the event that ignited the storytelling revival in this country. October 2012, will be the 40th year for the Jonesborough National Storytelling Festival. For this event Main Street is blocked off and large circus-type tents are erected throughout town. Regular programming is scheduled throughout the day in each tent and each session is an hour long. The tents are all located within easy walking distance of each other. Festival programming is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Sunday. You can also purchase extra tickets for midnight Blue Beret/May 2012 37 Special Event Rallies cabarets, which are late night storytelling concerts for adults (cabarets begin at 10:30 p.m. and go until midnight Friday and Saturday nights) and ghost stories that are offered on Friday and Saturday nights from 8 until 10 p.m. Storytellers come from all over the world to Jonesborough for the Festival. You will not be able to hear a more diverse group of world renown storytellers anywhere. It is considered a real honor for a storyteller to be invited to this festival. You will have the opportunity to hear the best storytellers the world has to offer. It is something that has to be experienced to really be appreciated. To quote Eric and Norma Colby (4916) who attended last year: “When we first saw ‘storytelling’ as a rally, we thought it is for kids. But it kept being offered until finally, we signed up. You have introduced us to something new and wonderful. Any words on this card will not convey sufficient appreciation. Already we’ve told others of this rally, and of the experience and to look for other opportunities to hear storytelling.” Jonesborough was founded in 1779 and is the oldest town in Tennessee. It was also the first capital of the state of Franklin. You can enjoy the many shops and businesses that fill the quaint historic district and reflect a reverence for the ‘good ole days’. The East TN Unit makes it easy for you to bring your Airstream and enjoy this event, as camping spaces are difficult or impossible to find during the Festival. We hope you will plan to come for early parking and take time to visit the many wonderful sites this area has to offer. Check out the details on the coupon in the back section and come join us. un Valley Jazz S Jamboree Rally River Run Ski Lodge Parking Lot Ketchum, Idaho October 13 - 21, 2012 Swing on over to the Sun Valley Jazz Jamboree National Special Events Rally. This happens during a glorious Indian Summer week in fabled Sun Valley, Idaho, nestled in the heart of the Sawtooth Mountains during the peak of autumn colors. Over forty of the best Swing, Dixieland and Traditional Jazz groups from around the world take the stages daily at fourteen action packed venues from Wednesday, October 17 through Sunday, October 21. (By popular demand, the Rally this year starts on Saturday the 13th.) The music groups rotate 38 Blue Beret/May 2012 through the venues. They play about 40 minutes at a venue, there is 20 minute break and a new group then performs. All this for your listening and dancing enjoyment to the sounds of ragtime, jazz, big band, and swing music and even Cajun from the streets of New Orleans, the Roaring ‘20s and the Big Band Era. Special events include a Pianorama, Tuba Tirade (that’s 6 or 7 Tubas -- in concert (?), Marching Band Salute, a traditional Big Band Bash, a jazz worship service Sunday, impromptu jazz sessions, plus new events, all provided by jazz legends of today. The jamboree offers free shuttle bus service from our RV site to all music venues and downtown Ketchum. Most venues provide dance floors, food and drink. (See the website at: sunvalleyjazz.com). Sun Valley and the surrounding Sawtooth Mountains comprise some of America’s premiere destinations, with a wealth of entertaining, educational, exciting activities in which to partake away from the music venues all accessible and guaranteed to make your Rally stay most enjoyable and memorable. RV parking (dry) is available beginning at noon Saturday, October 13, through Monday, October 22th. Parking is adjacent to the magnificent River Run Lodge at the base of Baldy Mountain and overlooks the Big Wood River and the Wood River Valley biking and hiking trails system. RVs must be selfcontained, however free use of luxurious bathroom and shower facilities at the lodge (a short 3-minute walk) are available. Generators are allowed with quiet hour restrictions from 10 pm to 7am. The parking fee for the entire week is only $30. The Rally fee of $125 per person includes your Sun Valley Jazz Festival All-Events pass, Rally admin. fee, use of River Run accommodations, free Shuttle bus service. Parking, $30 for the week, is not included in the Rally Fee but paid separately. (See coupon) Volunteer opportunities are also available. All Events Pass and parking fee costs will be refunded for volunteers who contribute about 12 hours of work. Ask us for details if interested. (The Jamboree organizers look forward to and plan on our help.) We are starting the rally this year on Saturday afternoon (13th) to be there to watch the Trailing of the Sheep through Ketchum on Sunday and take in some of the Trailing of the Sheep Festival that weekend. Visit trailingofthesheep.org for more details. If you are not interested in these activities and just want the music, you can wait until Tuesday the 16th to come in. The price is the same. Contact hosts R.B. or Zelma Bernd, WBCCI #306, at 360459-4342, e-mail: [email protected], with any questions. Balloon Fiesta Rally Albuquerque, New Mexico October 5 - 8, 2012 The Rally has been CANCELLED for 2012. Region News Region 1 J. Rick Cipot, Contributing Editor http://region1.wbcci.net/ April showers bring May flowers? If only that were true this year. We could have started our camping season here in New England much earlier this year if only our campgrounds were open. I always find this time of year exciting, reviewing our calendar with all the great rallies each Unit has scheduled. There is always so much to see and do it’s no wonder we find ourselves camping every weekend. A very special note in Region One is the 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Quebec Canada Unit this July. They are hosting a wonderful Buddy Rally with special events and meals and promises of a wonderful time. For those of you who have traveled north to our friends in Canada you already know what a wonderful trip it is. If you have not yet traveled that far north this is the perfect opportunity. Please do not believe those stories of the dreaded Canadian Mounties stationed at every crossing into Canada. No they do not pull aside Airstreams and raid your pantry or steal your wine. Yes, they do admire your beautiful travel RV and they speak English and always share a smile. In fact, I personally believe that crossing the boarder into Canada is much more pleasant than crossing over the Massachusetts boarder. When crossing over the MA line, we are almost always affronted with mean State Troopers armed with lasers and pulling over almost everyone for speeding. The Canadian experience is always a positive one with many benefits; very friendly people, a nice change of scenery, and extremely easy to get around. No need to stop at your bank for currency exchanges and they have wonderful food. The Quebec Canada Unit has put together a wonderful event just a tad NW of Montreal. Starting Friday, July 20, you will have three days and two nights of camping in the Canadian country side. Local to the area for your enjoyment you will find wineries, sugar houses, an ostrich farm and so much more. Not to mention your WBCCI friends. For more information please contact Paul Fuller, [email protected]. The other major event for this year is the Region One Rally being held at Goose Hollow Campground in Thornton, New Hampshire. At this time there are still spots open and if needed, we can set you up in a rally field or buddy sites. Full hookups will be available for Vintage Units on a first come basis. So no matter where you travel with your Airstream this season I look forward to seeing you. Region 2 Steve Nehlig, Contributing Editor http://www.wbcci2.org Hopefully, April showers have brought you an abundance of May flowers. Most of Region 2 members are back from the search of warmer climes to enjoy the rest of spring here in our Region. For those of us that stayed home this winter, most of the Region 2 area had a particularly mild winter. May is our big month, our yearly Region 2 Rally this year coming just after Memorial Day. This is a chance to get together with old friends from other Units and to make new friendships, which can last for a lifetime. If you live in New York state or Ontario, the Region 2 Rally at Herkimer, NY is a proverbial “Cakewalk.” President Kathy says she can hardly wait to see everybody. The coupon for this rally is in this (May) issue of the Blue Beret as well as your Unit’s Newsletter. Once out on the road why not stay out a little longer and enjoy your favorite pastime, you can spend extra days at the Herkimer Fairgrounds for bargain camping rates. If you have any questions or concerns about the rally, Kathy wants you to call her directly at 570-759-0127. Professional entertainment and a catered evening dinner have been planned for you. Indicate any vegetarian needs on your coupon. Remember to check “The Big Three Safety Items,” tires, brakes and hitch. We look forward to seeing you at Herkimer and then on to Sedalia and your Unit rallies for the rest of the year. Until then Happy Trails to all! Region 3 Carol Bell, Contributing Editor http://www.region3.wbcci.net What can you say about May? The weather is getting warmer even though we have had a pretty warm winter and early spring. The grass is greener and probably needs to be mowed. The flowers and trees are blooming and lots of folks are sneezing due to the pollen. The winter hibernation of our Airstreams is over so time to clean, de-winterize, and get on the road. In May our thoughts turn to getting ready to travel to the International Convention/Rally. This year many Airstreams will head to Sedalia, Missouri. Our International President and First Lady, Barry and Leslie Heckenswiler, are very busy getting everything in order so we can enjoy our time together. Region First Vice President, Jay Thompson, and his wife, Elna, are in charge of the Region luncheon to be held during the International Convention/Rally. The date is June 29, 2012, at noon. They are asking that each Unit bring a centerpiece to be used on the tables at this luncheon; the tables are round. This year the rally colors are red, white, and blue (denim), and bling. You can use these colors or your Unit colors or whatever you prefer. We did this last year and it was quite a success. We have some very creative folks in our Club and it was fun to see what they presented. The centerpieces were also donated to be used as door prizes and that always becomes an interesting time. Jay and Elna ask the Unit presidents to let them know if you will be bringing a centerpiece. Keep a check in the Blue Beret and our Region website so you will know what rallies are coming up in the future. Take care and see you down the road. Blue Beret/May 2012 39 Region News Region 4 Nancy Brett, Contributing Editor http://region4.wbcci.net Greetings from Region 4! Future Computer Geeks and Garage Sale Aficionados it is not too late to sign up for the Computer Rally May 14-19 at Van Wert. For reservations email - [email protected] Whether you are leaving from the Computer Rally or from home, we know that from the time your caravan begins to the closing ceremonies of the 36th Annual Region 4 Rally in Coldwater, MI the air will be filled with “Fun, Fellowship and Adventure.” The hard working parking committee will be ready to greet you Monday, the 21st of May. There will be time set aside to discuss the important Constitutional Revision Amendments and the Motorhome issue. Lots of good food, great entertainment, the hobby show and the flea market are also on the schedule. You won’t want to miss the tour of “Follow the Girls - 100 Years of Girl Scouting” a 2,000 square foot gallery exhibit in the Michigan Historical Museum, Lansing, MI and don’t forget to bring your camera for the “Photography Scavenger Hunt.” See the Region 4 Newsletter for more information. Region 4 Officers and staff hope to see you there! email: [email protected] The Region 4 Luncheon at the 55th International Convention/ Rally– June 27– July 4, Sedalia, MO, “Where Friends Meet” is on Thursday, June 28. This well-attended luncheon will be held on the fairgrounds in the Women’s Building, catered by the Big Little Horn Cattle Company. First Vice-President Marjorie Lotz will have tickets at the Region 4 Rally. It is not too late to sign up for the Spirit of Cleveland National Rally, June 6-10 at the Burke Lakefront Airport. For reservations, please call “Sammy” at 440-953-9559. Save the date: Cincinnati Ohio Unit Youth Buddy Rally - May 31-June 3, Brookville, IN [email protected] 55th International Convention/Rally – June 27-July 4, Sedalia, MO, “Where Friends Meet” The Michigan All-State Rally – August 8-12, Frankenmuth, MI, Rhonda, email: [email protected] 50th Swiss Festival National Rally – September 22-30, Sugarcreek, email: [email protected] FILLED There are plenty of those to plan on. Fun will be showing up at the Unit rallies, in Sedalia this summer and, of course, those Region events. One coming up is the luncheon at the International Convention/Rally. It will be held on June 29 at noon at the Best Western Hotel located at 3120 South Limit in Sedalia. Be sure to come and see your new Region president installed and share your good times with others from our area. You can register for the Region Rally and the Computer Rally anytime. It’s at Tipton, Indiana, and Computer Rally starts September 9-11, Region Rally runs Sept. 12-16th. There are weekend rates and a special discount for first timers. Check all this out and don’t forget to sign up for tours on Thursday, September 13th. Morning tours include the Kelley Agricultural and Historical Farm (donations accepted). The museum develops the understanding of early pioneering, educational and agricultural systems of central Indiana. The site includes a pioneer home, a unique round barn and early farm equipment. A trip to the Summer Place is also available. It explores the simpler life of the 1950s and includes a standard gas station, the Iris movie theater and a barber shop. Cost of the tour is $12 and includes lunch consisting of a cheeseburger, fries and a soft drink at Angel’s Diner. You can add a banana split for an additional $3. The free movie will be shown in the afternoon “The Long, Long Trailer” with Lucille Ball. Also in the morning, a trip will take you to the Kokomo Opalescent Glass. Glass blowers at work and the fascinating technique of making art glass in sheet form will be shown, as well as a visit to the gift store. Tour cost is $5. In the afternoon, you can tour the tomato canning factory for free. The House of Glass in Elwood tour is also free and you can watch stunning, professionally crafted art glass being created for the serious collector and hobbyist. Also, the movie at Summer Place is free. So this month is the time you May start your plans for all the WBCCI events. Register for Sedalia, MO and the Region rallies early. Watch your local Unit newsletters for summer fun on the Unit level. Region 6 Kathleen Hedgepeth, Region President Region 5 Region 6 Rally “Rally at the Rock” Downtown Riverside RV Park North Little Rock, Arkansas October 17 - 21, 2012 May Day, May Day!! Sounds serious but we can just think of it as a call out to get those Airstream RVs out, inspected, cleaned and ready to go. Where? --To the next WBCCI event. North Little Rock has everything Airstreamers are looking for: a river, trolleys, arena, dinner theaters, submarine, walking and riding trail, museums, golf courses, parks, and many other attractions. Airstreams will be parked on the north bank of the Arkansas River where you can see the Clinton Library and the city of If your Unit is having a joint rally, it would be great to share the information in the Blue Beret – please email: region4@ wbcci.net Safe travels! Nancy Green, Contributing Editor http://www.region5wbcci.net 40 Blue Beret/May 2012 Region News Little Rock. Just a short distance from the RV Park is the USS Razorback Submarine and the Arkansas Queen Riverboat. Also, near the RV Park is the parking area for the trolleys. Here you will board the trolleys for 15 interesting stops after receiving your complimentary passes. Leading from the RV Park is the Arkansas River Trail, a 17 mile loop between the Big Dam Bridge and the downtown of Little Rock and North Little Rock. The Big Dam Bridge is only for pedestrians and bicycles. There is a Walking Arkansas River Bridge from the RV Park to the Clinton Library. The library, 20,000 square feet, houses the most extensive largest archival collection in American Presidential History. A must for you to see. North Little Rock has roots beginning with the railroads, riverboats, and silver mines. The Verizon Arena, located near the RV Park, is “The Entertainment Capital of Arkansas.” Burns Park, 1,575 acres, is one of the largest municipal parks in the country. It has amusement park rides, picnic areas, baseball fields, soccer complex, two 18-hole golf courses, tennis complex, trails, and so much more. There are 19 other parks to enjoy. IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 18, 2012. Commitments have to be made. Rally fee includes 3 breakfasts, 1 catered meal, Arkansas Queen River Dinner Cruise, Murry’s Dinner Theater, 1 night entertainment, and 4 nights parking with full hookups. All spaces are 50 amps, so you will need an adaptor for 30 amps. Contact Kathleen Hedgepeth, email: [email protected] or 60l-695-0196. A coupon is in this Blue Beret. Region 7 Joan Lahr, Region President http://region7.wbcci.net I hope most of you were able to participate in some of the Unit winter lunches. It’s always fun to keep in touch with our friends. The 2012 rally season “kicks off” in May in Region 7. How about reconnecting with fellow Airstreamers to discover new sights and great places by attending a rally? Your Unit officers have planned interesting and exciting rallies. They need and would appreciate your support. Set your sights on our nation’s heartland, Sedalia, Missouri, and attend the International Convention/Rally, scheduled for June 27-July 4. From canoe rides on the Missouri River to wineries, there is plenty to see and do in Sedalia and the surrounding area. At Warm Springs Ranch, 42 miles northeast of Sedalia in Boonville, guided tours take guests through the world headquarters for the Budweiser Clydesdale breeding operation. This state-of-the-art facility features 300-plus acres of land and more than 100 Clydesdales. Just a short drive south of Sedalia on Highway 65 is Cole Camp. The Camp is located along what was once known as The Military Road. It was the site of one of the first battles of the Civil War. Visit the Camp Cole Museum where exhibits and artifacts provide a walk through history beginning with the earth history of the area and leading to a large display of Indian artifacts from the tribes that inhabited the area before the coming of the white man. Whiteman Air Force Base, 19 miles west of Sedalia in Knob Noster, is where periodical Air Shows and public tours offer a unique opportunity to see the home of the B-2 Stealth Bomber. The Maclay Home, east of Sedalia in Tipton, is one of the oldest structures still standing in the Mid-Missouri area. Built in 1858 as a young ladies seminary, it was closed with the advent of the Civil War. This 3 story, 17 room brick home was a permanent residence until about 1920. Bothwell Lodge (a state historic site) is an architectural treasure built strategically into a bluff over a period of 30 years. Tours provide a glimpse into the life of one of Sedalia’s greatest benefactor, John Homer Bothwell. Located just north of Sedalia, the area offers great opportunities for picnicking, hiking, and mountain biking. The Region 7 luncheon will be held off site at the Ivory Grille Restaurant, 317 S. Ohio Avenue in downtown Sedalia, on June 29, 2012, at 11:30 a.m. The restaurant is located in the Hotel Bothwell. Tickets for the luncheon will be available for purchase at the Region 7 table at the International Convention/Rally in Sedalia for $13.00 per person. Safe and healthy travels! Region 8 Dave & Pat Shaw, Contributing Editors http://region8.wbcci.net For those of us who weathered out the winter through cold temps, snowstorms, and twisters let me say, “Yippee!” Those days are now behind us. However, that is not quite true because high winds, tornadoes, and hurricanes are always a possible threat depending upon where you are located. As many of you know, articles for the Blue Beret must be received two months in advance. Today is March 3rd, and this is being written right at the time of the tragic twisters that caused horrific destruction throughout the Midwest and Eastern United States. We are currently waiting to hear news from Airstream friends who are on their way home from their winter travels. Did they get caught in a storm? If a severe weather warning were to occur and you were in your RV, would you know what to do? For example, if you are camping in an unfamiliar area and are watching TV weather reports, do you know your exact location---surrounding towns, county names? Is there shelter located nearby? Perhaps this would be a good time to review your emergency plan. Leaving this serious thought, it is time to offer our congratulations to President Fred and First Lady Dottie Steurer for a fantastic Region 8 Rally. Yes, it is true that this is being written before the rally, but we are so confident that it will be (or was) a great event of Fun, Fellowship, and Adventure. By the way…the murder mystery that happened at the Slippery Slope Campground was a success. Our thanks to the Region 8 thespians and others who participated and made this mystery theater such an enjoyable evening. Blue Beret/May 2012 41 Region News We had a good time playing bean bag baseball, interesting seminars, tours in the Springfield area, great food, a ragtime piano player, an interesting talk about the Battle at Wilson’s Creek, geocaching, and some really nice prizes. With our Regional rally behind us, it is time to focus our anticipation and excitement on Unit rallies, caravans, and the upcoming International Convention/Rally to be held in Sedalia, Missouri. Looking forward to seeing you down the road…. Region 9 Jim Schwerdfeger, 1st Vice President http://www.wbregion9.org Forget your troubles...Come on, get happy! Laugh all your cares away! Why? Because this is the “MERRY” month of MAY and because you CAN! Raisin and I enjoyed the Region 9 Rally at Mineola, we had great fun at Fiesta San Antonio, and now I’m happily looking forward to a lazy summer kicked back doing nothing. WRONG! Raisin, along with the surgeon general, has determined that doing nothing can be detrimental to my health! She says “Time to gear up”...saddle up....pack up the old RV... head’em up...and get ready to hit the trail to Sedalia, Missouri, for Airstream’s 55th International Convention/Rally. It will be a time filled with fun, fellowship, food and friends...June 27-July 4th...and there’s the excitement and adventure of the trip there, and all the places to explore on the way home! Well, so much for my lazy do-nothing summer! But you know, to tell the truth, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Activity in our Club keeps us young...sitting around the house doing nothing CAN and MAY be detrimental to your health. So, forget your troubles...Come on, get happy! Join us in Sedalia! For more information on activities, things to do, places to go, people to see...go to Region 9 website wbregion9.org. When I was in high school in Detroit, Michigan...Western High...I had an English teacher named Miss Sanborn. Miss Sanborn was tough. She was so tough, she could eat nails and spit tacks. I think in another life she was a travel agent, because she was very good at sending me to the principal’s office. But Miss Sanborn was a great teacher.. she taught me when to use CAN and when to use MAY. So I wouldn’t forget, she wrote it on the top of my head with the edge of a 12 inch wood ruler. That tends to stick with you. Anyway, CAN denotes the ability to do something, and MAY denotes the possibility of doing it. “Can I have a cookie?” is a whole lot different than “May I have a cookie?” Either way, too many cookies CAN and MAY be detrimental to your health. To summarize...CAN you come to Sedalia? That’s up to you. MAY you come to Sedalia? You certainly MAY and I certainly hope so...I’m looking forward to seeing you there...let’s forget our troubles.. get happy and laugh all our cares away. 42 Blue Beret/May 2012 Region 10 Kathy Ciokiewicz, Contributing Editor http://wbcci10.org It is near mid March in Olympia, as I begin writing this article. Neighbors all around us here at the Washington Land Yacht Harbor are preparing to attend the first away rally of the year, the St. Patrick’s Day Rally in Centralia, WA. Having just come through three weeks of bronchitis with my husband, we will be sitting this one out. That’s the bad news. The good news is that as you read this article in early May, we will be packed and ready to leave for the Washington Unit Fishing Caravan to the eastern part of the state. Looking at the Region 10 Rally schedule, May is the month for break out rallies all across the Region. If you haven’t signed up for one in your Unit, do so soon. There is still time to register and attend the International Convention/Rally. Don’t let that Airstream just sit in storage. Support your local Units rallies. Get out and enjoy travel in our beautiful Region, especially the Region 10 Rally, July 16-20th in Hill Spring, AB. Coupons can be found in this issue or in the Region 10 Newsletter. (Website listed above) Here are a couple of items of interest from the Region 10 newsletter. The first is that the Washington Unit’s own Joe Perryman, Region 10 1st V.P., was nominated as a Candidate to International Office at the Winter IBT. Congratulations, Joe! He says he will serve until July 1st or until a new 2nd V.P. has been identified. Region 10 was one of five Regions to be presented with a “Region Award of Excellence.” It was also noted that Region 10 was one of two Regions to increase membership during this past year. Excuse me! I have to finish packing my fishing gear. See you down the road. Region 11 Barbara Vaughn, Contributing Editor http://region11.wbcci.net Congratulations to Region 11! In the past two years Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Denver Colorado Units have celebrated their 50th year in WBCCI. That is quite an accomplishment. We should all be proud of our part and give thanks to those who came before us in making our Units and Region successful. Way to go Region 11 Airstreamers in keeping Wally’s dream alive. It is time to pack your trailer, fill up the fuel tanks and start your trek to Sedalia and the International Convention/Rally. Make your trip more interesting and do it with friends by joining one of the caravans leaving Region 11 heading to Sedalia. The Arizona Unit will rendezvous May 25th and caravan to New Mexico’s Palo Duro Canyon Rally starting May 31st in Canyon, TX. Following the rally those heading to the International Convention/Rally will caravan together to Sedalia. This caravan is designed to arrive in Sedalia June 9th. If you are Region News not scheduled to arrive early come along anyway and spend time before your parking date enjoying the many places to visit in and around Sedalia. The Denver Colorado Unit is gearing up for the season with a Maintenance Rally May 3-6th on the Walker Ranch in Fleming, CO. This is a golden opportunity to make certain your rig is ready for a summer of adventure. Check with your Unit (or any other Unit) and see if you can’t make a WBCCI rally or event part of your summer plans. As Wally’s Creed tells us ...open a whole world of new experiences...a new dimension in enjoyment where travel adventure and good fellowship are your constant companions. A word from our Region President Dan and First Lady Emily - “Now is the time to say Good-bye. Emily and I have come to the time to pass the gavel to the next Region 11 President. We would like to share with this great Region that we have enjoyed all the friendship, which has been given to us as we have visited our Units this past few years. We have always been greeted warmly and graciously. This does not mean that we will hole up in Arizona, but we will be around the Region as our travels are always going a different direction. We have wheels on our Airstream travel trailer and will seek to make the most of the tire life that exists. These tires will not grow flat on one side due to sitting. We have come to realize that the whole WBCCI is a great club. Please greet and share your friendship with the new Region 11 President and First Lady, Richard and Jan Girard.” Region 12 Connie Squires, Contributing Editor http://region12.wbcci.net Bakersfield, location of the Region 12 Rally in October 2012, is within reach. Accessible by Interstate 5 and Highway 99, Bakersfield is less than a five hour drive from many cities in California and Nevada. As mentioned in last month’s article, Bakersfield has much to explore, including historic music venues. Universally recognized as ‘The Country Music Capital of the West Coast’ and ‘Nashville West’, Bakersfield is the birthplace for the Bakersfield Sound. Many musicians were involved in making the Bakersfield Sound a global phenomenon, but none were more well-known than Country Hall of Fame members and hometown heroes, Buck Owens and Merle Haggard. Buck Owen’s Crystal Palace is a must see for visitors to Bakersfield. The all-in-one restaurant, museum, and music venue spotlights the rich history of the Bakersfield Sound and career of Buck Owens. Regular visitors to the Crystal Palace stage are top country stars like Brad Paisley and Dwight Yoakum. So, “round up your silver bullets and hit the trail for a rootin’ tootin’ good time” at the Region 12 Rally in Bakersfield, October 17-22, 2012. Alert! The popular Rose Parade Rally, 12/28/12 - 01/01/13, has nearly reached the maximum number of registrations, however, sign ups with a $100 deposit, are still being accepted. After registration closes, names of people interested in attending the rally will be taken in case there are cancellations. Intra Clubs Free Wheelers Intra Club for Single Member of WBCCI Barbara Carney, Rally Chairman Greetings from the Free Wheelers. It’s been quiet a year for Free Wheelers. Our annual WBCCI International Convention/Rally will be in Sedalia, MO starting June 27, as you probably know. That’s the time when we usually see each other, at happy hours, potlucks and day adventure trips. As Free Wheelers Rally Chairman, I especially want you to know that plans are underway for our Pre-Rally this June to be at Bennett Springs in the Ozarks. Some of us have begun researching that area. If you have visited there, please share your knowledge with me, [email protected] or phone 407-506-3761. We usually begin our pre-rally about 5 or 6 days before the start of the International. More details will be coming to you via our Free Wheelers Newsletter. If you are single, but haven’t yet joined the Free Wheelers, here is your invitation. You can contact me at the above email or phone number, or you can reach our treasurer, Carolyn Hoglin, at [email protected], or home phone 407-678-3384, or cell: 407-376-3727. Carolyn is the one who processes new member applications. Either of us can provide you with an application. Please consider joining as soon as possible, so you will receive our newsletters about our summer plans. Last but not least, we wish our president, Mary Rowland, a speedy recovery so she can be with us this summer. Vintage Airstream Club Bob Herman, Contributing Editor 55TH WBCCI INTERNATIONAL RALLY, June 27-July 4, 2012, Sedalia, Missouri. VAC caravan into rally, VAC gathering night before going in with caravan. See Blue Beret for WBCCI rally info. VAC website for VAC events. WBCCI VAC RALLIES Rocky Mountain Vintage Rally, Gunnison, Colorado, July 26-30, 2012. www.rmvac.org registration after March 2012. Vintage Restoration Rally, Albuquerque, New Mexico, June 7-11, 2012, contact Kenneth, email: johnsen@frontier. net for details. For info on last year’s event, go to: http:// airforums.com/forums/f289/4th-annual-vintage-restorationrally-73858.hmtl WBCCI RALLIES WITH VINTAGE PARKING: 50th Anniversary Swiss Festival National Rally, September 22-30, 2012, Sugarcreek, Ohio. 2012 will be the 50th Anniversary of this National Rally and they would like to highlight Airstream trailers 50 years or older in 2012 at the festival. There will be group vintage parking. Also, there is a Swiss Festival Parade and they would like to have 4 or 5 - 50 years or older trailers to enter into the parade. Contact Jim Moss at: 304-281-2736. (Filled) Bob Herman, Email: [email protected] or 407-810-5579. Blue Beret/May 2012 43 Airstream • 937-596-6111 Airstream News Greetings from your extended family here in Jackson Center, OH! I hope the Blue Beret finds you out and about enjoying this great country of ours in your Airstream! I had the pleasure of attending the Region 9 rally recently in Mineola, TX. I enjoyed meeting so many WBCCI members and getting to speak to the group on the latest with Airstream. I want to personally thank C.C. Gartman for his hospitality during the rally and introducing me to so many wonderful people. Airstream has been very busy lately as the selling season quickly approaches. We recently signed a new dealer in Los Angeles and we are looking forward to their grand opening at the beginning May. The dealer will be called “Airstream Los Angeles” and is located in San Gabriel, CA. They will be an exclusive Airstream dealer and we are looking forward to a long partnership with this new dealer. For those of you who may not have heard, we have also signed some other dealers in the past year as well. In Little Rock, Arkansas, we signed a dealer named Crain RV last summer. At the beginning of the New Year, RV Solutions in San Diego, California, took on our travel trailer lines after having been a van dealer for Airstream. In Mississippi, we are excited about our new dealer Turan Foley Motors out of Gulfport. Finally, we also have a new dealer partner in Detroit, Michigan, called National RV. If you happen to live in any of these markets, please make sure you visit one of our new dealer partners and see what they have to offer! Our international business is still showing quite a bit of activity these days. In fact, on Saturday, I am heading to Brazil along with other Ohio businesses as we look to see what type of market there may be for Airstream. Brazil’s economy has been on a steady increase and we have had several inquiries over the past year from this country. With the help of the Ohio Department of Development, we were able to utilize resources with both Ohio and Brazil officials to get introduced to companies inside the country. It should be a very interesting trip! Before you know it, summer will be here and we will see everyone at the International Convention/Rally in Sedalia, Missouri. I am looking forward to the rally and hope that many of you will attend. Bill Thomas RV will once again be supporting the rally with new units and we look forward to showing everyone our latest models. On behalf of everyone here at Airstream, I would like to thank each of you for the passion you have for our company and products. It is great to have such wonderful ambassadors on the road promoting the Airstream lifestyle. I hope to see many of you on the road in the coming months and wish everyone a safe and fun-filled summer! Safe travelsJustin Humphreys VP of Sales- Airstream Replace Your Generator Today and Convert to the New Solar Way! Portable Solar Charging Systems 44 Blue Beret/May 2012 Airstream • 937-596-6111 Schu’s News Dave Schumann, General Manager Customer Relations Group I hope everyone has made plans and are out enjoying the spring weather. There are many great destinations and Rallies to choose from for your travels. We have the Alumapalooza that starts May 28th here in Jackson Center and the International Convention/Rally in Sedalia is just around the corner, so let’s get out there and have some fun! The following are some questions and answers along with some tips that I hope you can use with your Airstream. Question: What type of plywood does Airstream use for the trailer floors? Plywood Flooring is used on all current models of Airstream Travel Trailers The flooring is Sturd-I-Floor (APA), Exposure 1, with WPB (weather and boil proof) type bonding adhesive. The flooring is 19/32” (5/8”), tongue and groove. . Bond Classification Exposure 1 panels have a fully waterproof bond, WPB (water and boil proof), and are designed for applications where long construction delays may be expected prior to providing protection, or where high moisture conditions may be encountered in building applications. Exposure 1 panels are made with the same exterior adhesives used in exterior panels. However, because other compositional factors may affect bond performance, only exterior panels should be used for permanent exposure to the weather. Blue Beret/May 2012 45 Airstream • 937-596-6111 Plywood Glue Bond: Durability Classification All APA trademarked plywood has a 100% fully waterproof glue line. American Plywood Panel Bond Durability Classification Exposure 1 Plywood manufactured with the same fully waterproof glue as used in Exterior plywood, these panels should only be used in applications where their ability to resist moisture and weather during long construction delays is required prior to them being protected. Summary— Exposure 1 rated plywood uses the same bonding adhesive as exterior plywood. Exposure 1plywood is designed to use in humid conditions and will tolerate getting wet for prolonged periods of time. 12” band of antiwicking Airstream also applies additional moisture protection around the perimeter and edges of the flooring using a 12” band of anti-wicking material. It is manufactured by Dolphin adhesives. Question: Our Airstream Interstate van comes with the Winegard RS3460B Roadstar Antenna, is this antenna digital ready? Answer: The Roadstar is digital ready. The difference is that where the analog signal starts perfect and slowly gets worse until it becomes more snow than picture. Digital starts perfect and stays perfect until you no longer have enough signal to work with and then you get a blue or black screen. You will get something further with Analog but you will get great picture further with Digital. Mercedes Interstate Van TV antenna Airstream Parts Number 511735-01 Your Interstate van comes equipped with a Winegard RoadStar RS-3460/RS3460B Omni-directional antenna. The RoadStar antenna features a built-in, solid-state amplifier that boosts signals an average of 15 dB on VHF, 20 dB on UHF. Winegard's RoadStar TM omni-directional antenna provides excellent reception of VHF/UHF TV channels. The RoadStar compact modern styling is unobtrusive and blends well with the designs of recreational vehicles. The UV stabilized copolymer housing makes the antenna virtually impervious to weathering and color change. The omni-directional characteristics provide excellent reception in areas where stations are in different directions without the need for a complex rotor system. 46 Blue Beret/May 2012 Airstream • 937-596-6111 A built-in amplifier provides up to 6 times the received signal on VHF and 9 times the UHF signal insuring the best possible reception in color and black and white. HOW YOUR SYSTEM WORKS Turning power supply on sends 12 + VDC up cable to antenna. Voltage energizes transistors on amplifier in antenna head. TV signal travels back down cable to outlets. TV Antenna Amplifier Switch TO TEST SYSTEM 1. Make sure TV set is working properly. 2. Switch power supply ON and OFF to see if there is a difference in the picture quality while watching TV. If there is NO difference, proceed to the next step. CLEANING ANTENNA HOUSING The surface of the antenna is a tough laminated ultraviolet shield. Clean only with mild soap and water. Use no solvents, alcohol, or cleaning fluids. Frequently asked Question - Where can I get Tri-Mark Key Replacements for my Airstream? Customers can call Tri-Mark at 1-800-431-8616 .Ask for Service and replacement parts. Tri-Mark will take orders directly from retail customers; just give them the key number and they will cut and send you the key. Key number information can be obtained from your CPC information sheet that comes with your owner’s packet or call Airstream Blue Beret/May 2012 47 Airstream • 937-596-6111 Customer Service at 937-596-6111 ext. 7411. Key blanks can also be purchased thru our Airstream online store at www.airstream.com . Tis’ the season for touring the Mother ship Factory Tours: I saw somewhere that you give tours of your Jackson Center facility on Tuesdays at 2pm. Is that correct? Do we make reservations? How does that work? Airstream offers tours Monday through Friday at 2pm. On Fridays there is no production during the tour. You should come to the Factory Service Center a half hour prior to the start of the Tour to sign in Service Department Lobby. It is always a good idea to call ahead and verify tour before setting out on a long trip (You can call 937-596-6111 ext. 7400 or 7418). The tour lasts approximately an hour and involves a lot of walking so wear some comfortable shoes. Safety glasses and hearing protection are provided. International Convention/Rally Part Ordering Anyone wanting to order Airstream parts and pick them up at the International Convention/Rally in Sedalia, please call Kim Britt at 937-596-6111 ext.7429. It works out Stacy: “I am not just looking to get involved with one particular guy right now.” Mike: “Well, luckily for you, Stacy. I’m not exactly known for being particular.” Have a great month and we will see you on down the road! If you have a topic for this column, please send your suggestions to: Dave Schumann, Airstream, Inc., 419 W. Pike Street, Jackson Center, OH 45334 If your topic is published, you will receive a “Schu’s News” t-shirt! LEFT RIGHT 48 Blue Beret/May 2012 Airstream • 937-596-6111 Alumafandango 2012 Held at Lakeside Amusement Park from August 21-26, 2012 Sign up for 3, 4, or 5 days of fun in Denver, Colorado! Complete the registration form below and return it with payment to: R&B Events LLC 3959 Van Dyke Road #295 at Register on line ngo.com www.alumafanda Lutz, FL 33558 Trailer space (3 nights) $130.00 _____________ Arriving August 23, 2012 Adult admission (all week) $70.00 _____________ First attendee name _____________________________ Adult admission (all week) $70.00 _____________ Second attendee name ___________________________ Kids under 15 years old $10.00 X# of Kids_____ Kids Names _____________________________________ ADDITIONAL NIGHTS (see the whole event!) 4 Nights (arrival on August 22) $33.00 ______________ 5 Nights (arrival on August 21) $66.00 ______________ Pick one of these optional items for extra nights! EXTRAS Alumafandango T-Shirt S M L XL XXL $19.95 ______________ Want more than one? Just note it here and do the math! TOTAL DUE ______________ You can pay by check payable to ALUMAFANDANGO, or Credit Card Cardholder Name ______________________________________ Card Number ___________________________________ Expiration Date ________________ Security Code __________ If Billing address is different that below, please note it here: Address______________________________________________ City/State/ZIP __________________________________ Home Phone _________________________________________ Cell Phone _____________________________________ Email Address________________________________________ Trailer or Motorhome Model _______________________ Vegetarian meal? YES ❏ NO ❏ Generator Section? YES ❏ NO ❏ Alumafandango is a production of R&B Events LLC. There are restrictions on refunds and our liability. Please go to www.alumafandango.com for details. Blue Beret/May 2012 49 Event Schedule Region 1 Activities Region 1 Website: www.region1.wbcci.org Aug 9-12 (Arrive on 8th) Region 1 “Streamin’ the Region” Rally, Goose Hollow CG, 35 Burbank Hill Rd., Thornton, NH, Rick Cipot 203-241-4801, website for registration form http://region1.wbcci.net/files/2011/09/r1r-2012-registration. pdf Canadian Atlantic Unit - www.canadianatlantic.wbcci.net Jun 29-Jul 2 Royal NS Intl. Tattoo Rally, Wayside CG, 10295 Hwy. #333 Peggy’s Cove Rd., Glen Margaret, NS, CG reservations must be made early Ph. (902-823-2547 / 902-823-2271), Tony Grange 902-685-2885, email: [email protected] Cape Cod Massachusetts Unit - www.capecod.wbcci.net/ Charter Oak Connecticut Unit - www.connecticut.wbcci.net New England Unit - http://newengland.wbcci.net/ May 4-6 Rally/Business Meeting, Salisbury Beach State Park, MA, Per Hamnqvist 603-866-6440, email: hamnqvist@ earthlink.net May 30-Jun 3 Joint Rally w/Charter Oak CT Unit, Liberty Park Marina & CG, Jersey City, NJ, Per Hamnqvist 603-866-6440, email: [email protected], Rich Kushman, email: Rich. [email protected] Jun 22-24 Great American Cookout III Rally, Circle CG Farm CG, Bellingham, MA, Earl Duesel 508-485-2087, email: [email protected] / Mark Hickman 508-771-1309, email: [email protected] Jun 29 Region 1 Luncheon Noon, tickets available at International Convention/Rally site, Sedalia, MO, Russ Melocik 352874-7213, email: [email protected] Quebec Canada Unit - http://pages.infinit.net/wbcci May 26 Jun 14-17 Luncheon Noon, La Casa Grecque, 1565 Daniel-Johnson, Laval, QC, intersection boul. St-Martin (BYOB) (Apportez votre vin), Claude Boucher & Jocelyne Morand 450-6696601, email: [email protected] Rally TBA, within eastern township Magog, Per Hamnqvist 603-866-6440, email: [email protected], Bob Heneault 514-895-4333, Daniel Bergeron 819-868-2383, email: [email protected] White Mountains New Hampshire Unit - wmu0065.wbcci.net May 12 Jun 22-24 Jun 29 Business Meeting Noon, home of Franklin & Jane Sanders, 540 N. Hollow Rd., Rochester, VT, Franklin Sanders 802-767-3611, email: franklinsanders@earthlink. net Adirondack “Canoe Crusin” Weekend Rally, Thornbush Acres RV Park, Big Brook Rd., Indian Lake, NY, Jerry Carruba 802-485-3792, email: [email protected] Region 1 Luncheon Noon, tickets available at Intl. Convention/Rally, Sedalia, MO Region 2 Activities Region 2 Website: www.wbcci2.org May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer Cty FG, Frankfort, NY, Kathy Forsythe 570-759-0127/570-594-3871 Sep 12-16 PA State Rally, Grange FG, Centre Hall, PA, Mary Ann McMurtrie 724-832-8338 Sep 20-23 NJ State Rally Sep None in 2012 NY State Rally Oct None in 2012, will resume in 2013 Victorian Days Rally, Cape May, NJ Al-Mon-O Pennsylvania Unit – http://al-mon-o.wbcci.net/ May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer FG, Frankfort, NY (SE of Utica), Kathy Forsythe, email: [email protected] Berkshire New York Unit May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer FG, Frankfort, NY, Kathy Forsythe 570-759-0127/570-594-3871 Central Maryland Unit May 18-20 Jun TBA Rally TBA, Tom Potter 301-997-0423 Caravan to International Convention/Rally, Lee Baltzell 410-848-2466 Central Pennsylvania Unit http://centralpennunitwbcci.blogspot.com/ May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer Cty FG, Frankfort, NY Delaware Valley New Jersey Unit – http://dvnju.wbcci.net/ May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer Cty FG, Frankfort, NY Jun 8-10 Rally, Jersey Shore Haven, S. Seaville, NJ, Pat Berkey 856-816-5469 Delmarva Unit - http://rehobothboardwalk.com/wbdelmarva/ May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer FG, Frankfort, NY, Caravan to Region Rally TBA, Susan Comstock 302-359-2309, email: [email protected] Jun TBA Caravan route & leader TBA, Sedalia, MO, Susan Comstock 302-359-2309, email: suzcomstock@hotmail. com Hudson-Mohawk New York Unit - http://hudmo.wbcci.net May TBA TBA May 31-Jun 3 Whittle Rally, Lake George Trailer Park, Geoff Whittle 518783-1606 Keystone Pennsylvania Unit - http://keystone.wbcci.net May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer FG, Frankfort, NY, Kathy Forsythe, email: [email protected] Unit Picnic Noon, Blue Marsh Lake, Leesport, PA, Rt. Jun 9 422/222 NE of Reading, W on Rt. 183 to Blue Marsh Lake, Caryle Brayton 610-678-6751, email: [email protected] Caravan to Intl. Convention/Rally, Will Kushto 215-677Jun 20 5079, email: [email protected] Metropolitan New York Unit - http://metrony.covvo.com Jun 7-10 TBD, Bob Novak, email: [email protected] Mid Atlantic Unit - http://wbcci2.org/mau/ May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer Cty FG, Frankfort, NY, Kathy Forsythe 570-759-0127/570-594-3871 New Jersey Unit http://sites.google.com/site/theoriginalnjunit/ May 18-20 “Open Up Your Rig” Rally, Jersey Shore Haven, 728 Dennisville Rd., South Seaville, NJ, Ph. 609-861-2293, Fred Yochum 908-309-0982, email: [email protected] May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer FG, Frankfort, NY, Kathy Forsythe, email: [email protected] Jun 15-17 Rally, Jersey Shore Haven, 728 Dennisville Rd., South Seaville, NJ, Ph. 609-861-2293, Fred Yochum 908-3090982, email: [email protected] Jun 27-Jul 4 Check Notice Board in Meeting Hall for further info, Sedalia, MO, Fred Yochum 908-309-0982, email: [email protected] New York Finger Lakes Unit - http://nyfingerlakes.wbcci.net/ May 4-6 Rally, Sugar Creek Glen CG, Dansville, NY, Ray Hoxie 315-727-3900, email: [email protected] Ontario Canada Unit - www.ontarioairstream.org May 18-20 Rally, Ancaster, ON, John Flokstra 905-679-4719 Penn Lehigh Unit – http://penn-lehigh.wbcci.net/ May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer Cty FG, Frankfort, NY Jun TBA TBA Blue Beret/May 2012 51 Event Schedule Pennsylvania Unit - www.pennwood.org Palmetto State South Carolina Unit May 4-6 http://palmettostate.wbcci.net Jun 1-3 Rally, Penn Wood CG, 4 mi. S on SR 66 from exit 64 I-80, Jan Senka 724-776-2815, email: laurelmeadows@hotmail. com Rally, Penn Wood CG, 4 mi. S on SR 66 from exit 64 I-80, Jan Maple 814-764-5973, email: [email protected] May 4-6 Jun 8-10 Washington DC Unit - http://wdcu.wbcci.net Jun 21-24 Airplanes & Airstreams Rally, Maryland, Sonia McConnell, email: [email protected] Watchung New Jersey Unit - www.watchungunit.org May 30-Jun 3 Region 2 Rally, Herkimer Cty FG, Frankfort, NY Jun TBA Unit Caravan to International Convention/Rally, Fred Brugmans 908-647-3215, email: mollybrugmans@gmail. com Region 3 Activities Region 3 Website: http://region3.wbcci.net/ Aug 6-11 Galax Fiddlers Convention, Galax, VA Big Bend Florida Unit - http://bigbendfl.wbcci.net May 18-20 Jun 20-27 Rally, Rocky Bayou State Park, Niceville, FL, Jim Hentz 850-385-3538, email: [email protected] Caravan to International Convention/Rally, Sedalia, MO, Jim Weilhammer 850-894-4416, email: jweilhammer@ gmail.com Piedmont North Carolina Unit - http://piedmontunit.wbcci.net May 10-13 May 17-20 Jun 7-10 Rally, Mayberry CG, 114 Bunker Rd., Mt. Airy, NC, Ph. 336-789-6199, Charles Fishel 336-922-6862, email: [email protected] Buddy Rally, Tom Johnson Camping Center, 1885 US 70 W., Marion, NC, Ph. 828-724-4105, Charles Fishel 336922-6862, email: [email protected] Coastal Georgia - http://coastalgeorgia.wbcci.net/ http://shenandoahvalleyofva.wbcci.net May 17-20 May 4-6 Jun 1-3 Jun TBA Virginia Unit - http://virginia.wbcci.net Jun 6-12 Rally, Cedar Key, FL, Larry Scovotto, email: wbcci3451@ me.com Unit Meeting, Cedar Key, FL, Phil Drugge, email: [email protected] Florida Springs Unit - http://floridasprings.wbcci.net Rally TBA, Al Scott 352-489-6315, email: alfran1780@att. net Florida Suncoast Unit - http://suncoast.wbcci.net/ Florida Treasure Coast Unit - http://ftcu.wbcci.net Georgia Unit - www.topofgeorgia.net May 23-28 Memorial/Buddy Rally, Top of Georgia Airstream Park, 14255 Hwy. 75N, Helen, GA, Al Holcomb 706-348-6060, email: [email protected] Northern Virginia Unit - http://northva.wbcci.net/ May 27-Jun 9 “In the Footsteps of Robert E. Lee” Caravan, Lew Brodsky 703-451-0122, email: [email protected] 52 Rally, First Landing State Park, 2500 Shore Dr., VA Beach, VA, Info: www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/index.shtml, Robert T. Lee, Jr. 434-525-4290, email: [email protected] Western North Carolina Unit - http://wnc.wbcci.net May TBA Rally, Creekwood Farm CG, Waynesville, NC, Dan McIntyre 828-298-3298, email: [email protected] Region 4 Activities Region 4 Website: www.region4.wbcci.net www.airstream-adventures.com/FU/Florida_Unit.html May 10-13 Unit Picnic or Luncheon TBA, Intl. Convention/Rally, Sedalia, MO, Max Joseph 954-481-3413, email: [email protected] Tidewater Virginia Unit - www.tidewaterwbcci.com Rally, Tranters Creek Resort, Washington, NC, Eric Nelson 910-754-7527, Email: [email protected] Florida Unit May 12 Rally, Colleton State Park (canoe down Edisto River), Hwy. 15, Canadys, SC, 800-538-8206 or reserve 1-866345-7275 or www.reserveamerica.com, Tommy Peeples 843-476-1521, email: [email protected] Grandparents’ Rally, Yogi Bear Park at River Bottom Farms Park, Ph. 800-568-4182 or 803-568-4182 or www. riverbottomfarms.com, Swansea, SC, Tommy Peeples 843476-1521, email: [email protected] South Florida Unit Everglades Florida Unit - http://everglades.wbcci.net/ May 10-14 Rally Dry Camping near Grottoes, VA, Jean Harmon South Carolina Coastal Unit - www.sccoastalunit.com Eastern North Carolina Unit - http://encu.wbcci.net/ May 18-20 Historic Eastern NC Rally, Rocky Hock CG, near Edenton, NC, Bob Bennett 919-467-3681, email: reb701@attglobal. net Shenandoah Valley of Virginia Unit Carolinas Unit of North Carolina http://carolinasnc.wbcci.net Buddy Rally, Palmetto Cove RV Park, 521 Table Rock Rd., Cleveland, SC, Sarah Brandt 864-346-9115, email: [email protected] Grandchildren’s Rally, Palmetto Cove RV Park, 521 Table Rock Rd., Cleveland, SC, Sarah Brandt 364-346-9115, email: [email protected] Blue Beret/May 2012 May 14-18 May 21-27 Jun 6-10 Aug 8-12 Sep 22-30 Region 4 Computer Rally, Van Wert, OH, Email: [email protected] Region 4 Rally, Coldwater, MI Spirit of Cleveland National Rally, Burke Lakefront, Email: [email protected] All MI State Rally, Frankenmuth, MI, Email: raa3846@aol. com FILLED - 50th Swiss Festival National Rally, Sugarcreek, OH, Email: [email protected] Akron Ohio Unit - www.akronwbcci.com May 21-27 Jun 14-17 Region 4 Rally, Coldwater, MI, Karin Kurkowski 586-2141777, email: [email protected] Anniversary Rally, Penn Wood Airstream Park, Limestone, PA, Tom Losasso 330-321-9712, email: [email protected] Appalachian Unit of West Virginia May 2-6 May 21-27 Rally, Millennium Theatre, Stratsburg, PA, Wayne Barth Region 4 Rally, FG, Coldwater, MI, Karin Kurkowski 586214-1777, email: [email protected] Auglaize Valley Ohio Unit May 21-27 Region 4 Rally, Coldwater, MI, Karin Kurkowski 586-2141777, email: [email protected] Event Schedule Cincinnati Ohio Unit May 21-27 Luncheon TBA at Region 4 Rally, Coldwater, MI, William Grawe 513-641-8930, email: [email protected] May 31-Jun 3 Youth/Buddy Rally, Franklin Cty 4-H FG, Brookville, IN, on S side of Brookville, from US 52 turn W on Blue Creek Rd. to Franklin Cty Park & FG on R, John Turner 586-7390225, email: [email protected] Jun TBA Unit Meal TBA, sign on the Unit Bulletin Board & look for announcements, Intl. Convention/Rally, Sedalia, MO, William Grawe 513-641-8930, email: wgrawesr@hotmail. com Mid Eastern Michigan Unit May 17-20 May 21-27 Mohican Valley Ohio Unit May 10 May 21-27 Jun 21 Cleveland Ohio Unit - www.cleveland.wbcci.net May 11-13 May 25-28 Jun 6-10 Shakeout/Buddy Rally, Mohican State Park, Loudonville, OH, RSVP: [email protected] or 440-953-9559 Memorial Day Kickoff Rally, East Harbor State Park, Marblehead, OH, RSVP: [email protected] or 440-9539559 Spirit of Cleveland National Rally, Burke Lakefront Airport, Cleveland, OH, RSVP: [email protected] or 440-9539559 Columbus Ohio Unit - email: [email protected] Rally, McCurdy’s Orchard, Metamora, MI, Mary Lou Earl 989-673-4572 Region 4 Rally, FG, Coldwater, MI Luncheon 11:30 AM, Warehouse Rest., 320 W Center St., Marion, OH, Norma Gantt 740-389-1810, email: rdgnmg@ aol.com Region 4 Rally, Coldwater, MI Luncheon 11:30 AM, Pizza Hut Buffet, 820 Harding Way W., Galion, OH, Marty Weithman 419-468-5004, email: [email protected] Northern Ohio Virtual Airstream Unit - www.campnova.com May 29-Jun 3 NOVA visits Alumapalooza, Jackson Center, OH, Terrance Baughman 614-889-7911/614-499-2107, email: [email protected] Jun 10-17 Unit Circumnavigation of Lake Erie Caravan West Virginia Unit Jun 14-16 Rally, Jackson Cty FG, Cottageville, WV, Ralph Nuckles 304-532-2523/304-372-4671 Land-O-Lakes of Ohio Unit May 21-27 Jun TBA Region 4 Rally, Coldwater, MI TBA Mahoning Valley Ohio Unit - www.mvou.wbcci.net Region 5 Activities Region 4 Computer Rally, Van Wert FG, Van Wert, OH, 1055 S Washington St., I-76 W to I-71 S, exit 176, travel US 30 W for 121.3 mi., then turn L onto US 27 (US 224) for 2.2 mi. arrive at FG May 21-27 Region 4 Rally, Branch Cty FG, 262 S Sprague St., Colwater, MI, take I-80 W (Ohio) to I-69 N (Indiana) exit 144, toward Lansing, MI, at exit 13 follow Bus. I-69 (US12) to S Sprague St., Dave Brett 330-757-8751, nmbrett@ ampteks.net May 29-Jun 3 Alumapalooza 2012 (Airstream Factory), 419 W Pike St., Jackson Center, OH, I-76 to I-71 S, travel I-71 S to Exit 131, Sunbury (US 36/OH 37), turn R follow US 36 W, merge onto US 33 W/US 36W follow US 33 W (32 mi.), turn L on OH 274, travel about 11.8 mi. Jun 6-10 Spirit of Cleveland National Rally, Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Rd., Cleveland, OH, I-90 exit 174B, merge on OH-2 W toward Lakewood, follow E 9th St. Exit, turn onto E 9th St., take first R on to Marginal Rd. Picnic 2 PM, Don & Betty Burkholder’s home, 2677 Rt. Jun 10 46 S., Jefferson, OH, from N, travel Rt. 11 S to Rt. 46 (Jefferson), go about 9 mi. S on State Rt. 46, house is on R (W side of road), Betty Burkholder 440-576-6560, email: [email protected] Region 5 Website: www.region5wbcci.net Metro Detroit Michigan Unit 1st Thur ea mo May 14-18 Jun 8-10 Rally, Wayne Cty FG, 10871 Quirk Rd., Belleville, MI, 734697-7002, www.waynecountyfairgrounds.net, Don Bates 313-538-0755, email: [email protected] Jun 29 Sep 9-11 Sep 12-16 Central Indiana Unit - www.centralind.wbcci.net Jun 7-10 Jun 7-10 Breakfast 9 AM, Roush’s Rest., 405 W Main St., Fairborn, OH, Ann Reboulet 937-433-0632 Joint Grandparents’ Rally w/Central IN Unit, Greenville, OH, Don Botkins 937-687-3718 Michigan Unit Nov-Apr 1st Thur ea mo Jan-Dec May 21-27 Jun 5-10 Youth/Buddy Joint Rally w/Miami Valley Unit of OH, Natural Springs Resort, 500 S. Washington St., New Paris, OH, Mike Brown 317-877-1745, email: [email protected] and Don Botkin 937-687-3718, email: botkinco@verizon. net Illinois Lincolnland Unit - http://Lincolnland.wbcci.net Jun 1-4 Amish Rally, Arcola Camper Stop, 472 Davis St., Arcola, IL, Dick Revell 217-260-2033, email: [email protected] Indiana Unit - http://indiana.wbcci.net/ 1st Mon ea mo May 10-12 Miami Valley Unit of Ohio 1st Wed ea mo Region 5 Luncheon Noon, MO State FG, Sedalia, MO Region 5 Computer Rally, Tipton Cty FG, Tipton, IN Region 5 Rally “Harvest Time,” Tipton Cty FG, Tipton, IN Dinner 5 PM, Ryan’s Rest., Anderson, IN, Exit 26 from I-69, ¼ mile S on the R, Bob Zufall 317-213-7288, email: [email protected] Luncheon 11:30 AM, Golden Corral, Lima Rd., Ft. Wayne, IN, Fred Bennett 260-244-4507 Election Rally, Walnut Ridge CG, 408 N Cty 300 W, New Castle, IN, Ph. 765-533-6611 for reservations, Bob Zufall 317-213-7288, email: [email protected] Kentucky Unit - http://kentucky.wbcci.net 1st Tues ea mo May 3-6 Dinner, 6 PM, Louisville Diners, TBA, Jane Miller 502-9356440, email: [email protected] KY Derby Reunion Rally, Elkhorn CG, Frankfort, KY, just off US 460 at 165 N. Scruggs Lane, Ph. 502-695-9154, Clarence Jones 502-267-6604, email: jones7107@ earthlink.net Buddy Rally, Grandma’s CG, Shepherdsville, KY, approx. 20 mi. S of Metro Louisville, I-65 at exit 116, turn W, Clarence Jones 502-267-6604, email: jones7107@ earthlink.net Luncheon 1:15 PM, Old Country Buffet, 5220 W. Main St., Kalamazoo, MI, Alice Taylor 269-344-4888 Luncheon Noon, Call for location, Geraldine Craig 517321-3468 Jun 6-10 Region 4 Rally, FG, Coldwater, MI, Karin Kurkowski 586214-1777, email: [email protected] Rally, Eaton Cty FG, Charlotte, MI, Ken Briggs 517-5430626, email: [email protected] Northern Illinois Unit - http://northernillinois.wbcci.net May 18-20 Rally, Lee Cty 4-H FG, 1196 Franklin Rd., Amboy, IL, Brian McFarland 773-248-3735, email: brianmcfarland@msn. com Blue Beret/May 2012 53 Event Schedule Jun 22-27 Caravan to Intl. Convention/Rally, Sedalia, Brian McFarland 773-248-3735, email: [email protected] Memphis Tennessee Unit - http://memphis.wbcci.net/ May 18-20 Southern Illinois Unit - http://southernillinois.wbcci.net May 18-20 Jun 8-10 Buddy Rally, Double J CG & RV Park, 9683 Palm Rd., Chatham, IL, from I-55 take exit 88 & drive SW 2 mi. on frontage rd., Danny Nugteren 618-531-6698, email: [email protected] Rally, Du Quoin State FG, Du Quoin, IL, from US 51 (S side of Du Quoin), go E at gate 3 (Traci Lane, by Du Quoin Family Rest., Art Meier 618-322-8246, email: doartmir@ frontiernet.net Jun 8-10 Southern Indiana Unit - http://southind.wbcci.net May 8-11 Jun 7-10 Rally, John & Carrie Hays, 2023 Deckard School Rd., Radcliff, KY, Gary Hostetter 812-834-6506 Rally, Free Spirit CG, 4140 Erie Church Rd., Bedford, IN, Hwy. 50, 8 mi., E of Bedford to 446, N. 1 mi. to Erie Church Rd., Gary Hostetter 812-834-6506 Region 6 Activities Oct 4-8 Oct 17-21 Storytelling Festival, Gray, TN, Harold & Sandy Hughes Region 6 Rally, North Little Rock, AR 1st Sat ea mo 2nd Sat ea mo 2nd Mon ea mo Luncheon 1 PM, TBA, Birmingham, AL, call for directions, Maxine Fikes 205-798-1735 Luncheon 11:30 AM, TBA, Tuscaloosa, AL, call for directions, Ruth Hollingsworth 205-345-6077, email: [email protected] 1st Tue of ea mo (some exceptions) Luncheon 11:30 AM, Sal and Phil’s, 6600 Old Canton Rd., Jackson, MS, Evelyn Hitt 601-214-8824, email: [email protected] May 1-6 Jun 20-27 May 17-20 Jun 14-17 May 31-Jun 2 Rally, Holiday Mountain Resort, Mountain View, AR, 473 Swinging Bridge Rd., Mt. View, AR (make own reservation 1-880-395-7108 - mention Airstream Rally, Carole Barton 479-890-6116, email: [email protected] May 11-13 Jun 22-24 Rally, Grandview Ranch RV Park, 5050 Horseshoe Dr., Unicoi, TN, Bruce Darby 423-926-7175, email: [email protected] Rally, Tellico Plains KOA, 7310 Hwy. 360, Tellico Plains, TN, Matt Frere 865-898-9644, email: kfrere@gfelderlaw. com Greater New Orleans Louisiana Unit May 17-20 Rally, Buccaneer State Park, Bay St. Louis, MS, Lonnie Carver 504-957-9362, email: [email protected] Luncheon TBA, call for date, time and place, Dale Spillman 225-753-9546, email: [email protected] May 10-12 Election Rally, Abita Springs Resort & RV Park, at traffic circle in downtown Abita Springs, go E on Level St. .06 mi. to Talisheek Hwy. (Hwy. 435). turn L & go 2.7 mi. to resort on R, Judy Erb 225-921-4032, email: ronnierecycle@aol. com, Ph. Abita RV Park 985-590-3926 for reservations Louisiana Acadiana Unit May 24-27 54 Rally, Lagneaux’s CG, Lafayette, LA from I-10 exit 97 at KOA, go S on LA 93 (doglegs to R 3/4 mi.) at caution light, L (S) on LA 724 (Feildspan Rd.) 4 mi. to sign on L, Ralph Bernard 318-346-4692, email: [email protected] Blue Beret/May 2012 Hawaiian Luau Rally, 591 Mystic Springs Rd., McDavid, FL, GPS coordinates: 30 degrees 51.14N, 87 degrees 18.784W, located approx. 27 mi. N of Pensacola off Hwy. 29, Wayne Donaldson 850-449-2715, email: [email protected] Farm Tour Rally, 591 Mystic Springs Rd., McDavid, FL, GPS coordinates: 30 degrees 51.14N, 87 degrees 18.784W, located approx. 27 mi. N of Pensacola off Hwy. 29, Wayne Donaldson 850-449-2715, email: [email protected] Region 7 Activities Region 7 Website: http://region7.wbcci.net Jun 29 Aug 8-12 Region 7 Luncheon 11:30 AM, Ivory Grille, 317 S. Ohio Ave., Sedalia, MO, Joan Lahr 262-327-4336, Email: lahr@ wbcci.net Region 7 Rally, “Antique Car Run,” Spicer, MN, Linda Agre 320-295-1117, Email: [email protected] Minnesota Unit - http://minnesota.wbcci.net Jun 1-4 Jun 4-7 Louisiana Unit ea mo Tour Beechcraft Aircraft Museum, Jack Daniels & Miss Boboes, Tims Ford State Park, Winchester, TN, Jim Johnson / Fred Lieb 615-876-5927, email: candflieb@ comcast.net Caravan to Intl. Convention/Rally Pensacola Florida Unit Starting Feb-Luncheon 11:30 AM, David Gulley 501-8681859, email: [email protected] East Tennessee Unit Seafood Rally, TLC Wolf River Resort, Pass Christian, MS, off I-10, Burnell Hitt 601-214-8824, email: hittman1955@ bellsouth.net Nashville Music City Tennessee Unit Dinner 6 PM, TBA, Montgomery, AL, call for directions, Paul Aehnlich 334-277-9647, email: [email protected] Arkansas Razorback Unit 1st Thurs bi-mo Mississippi Unit May 18-20 Alabama Unit General Business Meeting Rally, Pickwick Dam Tailwater CG, Pickwick, TN, from Memphis take Hwy. 64 E to Hwy. 45 S (Selmer), take Hwy. 57 E (Eastview), take Hwy. 128 N at 1.5 mi., cross the dam, then first road to L leads to CG, from Memphis take Poplar Ave./Hwy. 57 to Counce, just before the bridge in Counce, take Hwy. 128 N at 1.5 mi. cross the dam, then first road to L leads to CG, Jessie Vest 662-667-5683, email: [email protected] Rally, Hernando Point, Hernando, MS, take I-55 (MS) to exit 271/MS 306 W, turn R onto Hwy. 51 N--go about 3 mi., turn L at Wheeler Rd., go about 5 mi. & follow signs to CG (Unit tries to reserve along Sites #1-8), Brian Atchley 901682-9698, email: [email protected] Jun TBA Rally, Ely, MN, meet at Airstream Park, Lorie Costello 651483-6989, email: [email protected] Woods & Walleye Buddy Rally, Sportsmen’s Lodge, Baudette, MN, Lorie Costello 651-483-6989, email: loriee@ hotmail.com Slow Caravan to Intl. Convention/Rally, Sedalia, MO North Dakota Peace Garden Unit - www.nodak.wbcci.net May 19 Jun 7-10 Luncheon 12:30 PM, Jamestown, ND, Bev Zink 701-2553169, email: [email protected] Rally, Aberdeen, SD, Bev Zink 701-255-3169, email: Vern. [email protected] Wisconsin Unit - http://wisc.wbcci.net May 10-13 May 26-29 Rally, Walworth Cty FG, Elkhorn, WI, Arlene Redell 262248-6108, email: [email protected] Caravan to Alumapalooza, Caralumavan II, Brussels, WI to Jackson Center, OH, Ed Emerick 920-475-7893, email: [email protected] Event Schedule Region 8 Activities Region 8 Website: http://region8.wbcci.net Jun 27 Region 8 Breakfast 7:30 AM, MEC Bldg. on FG, Fred Steurer, email: [email protected], contact: Len or Betty Sullivan, email: [email protected] for breakfast tickets - $10 ea. Greater Kansas Unit - http://greaterkansasunit.wbcci.net May 18-20 Jun 25-26 Big Bluestem Rally, Council Grove Reservoir, Frank Solomon 316-788-0167, email: [email protected] Chugging to Sedalia Caravan TBA, Lee Cantrell 785-4683579, Email: [email protected] Greater St. Louis Missouri Unit - http://gslunit.wbcci.net Apr 29-May 3 Post Region 8 Rally, Branson, MO, Ed Knernshield 573480-5441, email: [email protected] May 17-20 Buddy Rally, Mark Twain Cave CG, Hannibal, MO, Julie Hunt 636-230-5810, email: [email protected], JoAnn Kolley 314-576-4185, email: [email protected] Jun 2 50th Anniversary Luncheon Noon, TBA, Ed Knernshield 573-480-5441, email: [email protected] Iowa Unit - http://iowaunit.wbcci.net May 17-20 Rally, Decorah, IA, check Iowa Newsletter for more details, Ben Woolley 319-334-2104 or 319-230-8368 Kansas City Missouri Unit - http://kansascityunit.wbcci.net Apr 29-May 3 R & R Rally, Bennett Springs, MO, Beth McCall 913-7276624, email: [email protected] May 3-6 Rally, Cozy Corners RV Park, Clinton, MO, Beth McCall 913-727-6624, email: [email protected] May 17-20 Campout/Luncheon, Wallace State Park, Cameron, MO, Neil Crain 816-761-6290, email: [email protected] Jun 2 Luncheon TBA Missouri Delta Unit - http://modeltaunit.wbcci.net/ May 18-20 Buddy Rally, Clearwater Lake, Piedmont, MO Heart of Texas Camping Unit http://sites.google.com/site/hotc99club TBA North Texas Unit - http://ntxu.wbcci.net/ 2nd Sat ea mo May 17-20 May 17-20 Fishing Rally, Paradise Valley Resort, 6 mi. S of Cassville, MO, on Hwy. 112, next door to Roaring River State Park, Lloyd Bruce 417-833-9412, email: [email protected] Nebraska Unit - http://nebraskaunit.wbcci.net 2nd Mon ea mo Jun 20-22 May Fest Rally, Ray Roberts Lake State Park, Pilot Point, TX, FM 455, 10 mi. E of I-35, Joe Gravley 817-793-0943, email: [email protected] May 11-13 Jun 23-26 TBA, Tom Caton 405-640-6967, email: [email protected] Presidents Caravan to Intl. Convention/Rally, Sedalia, MO, Tom Caton 405-640-6967, email: [email protected] Texas Alamo Unit - http://texasalamo.wbcci.net 1st Sat ea mo May 17-20 Dinner 5 PM, Las Carretas Rest., 3975 Perrin Central, San Antonio, TX, call for directions, Steve Huebinger 830-9805202, email: [email protected] Rio Frio/Buddy Rally, Parkview Riverside RV Park, Rio Frio, TX, call for directions, Steve Huebinger 830-980-5202, email: [email protected] Texas Coastal Plains Unit - http://tcpu155.wbcci.net May 24-28 Memorial Day Rally, Serendipty RV Resort, 1001 Main St. Palacios, TX (LAT: 28.70081, LONG: -96.22452, from Jct. Hwy. 35 & Bus. 35 (N of town), SW 1.7 mi. on Bus. 35, Ronn Gilbert 281-259-6729, email: [email protected] Texas Gulf Coast Unit - www.texasairstreamharbor.com May 17-20 Jun 7-10 Joint Rally w/TX Hill Country Unit, TX Airstream Harbor, 5 mi. N of Zavalla, TX on Hwy. 147, Gordon Babbitt 409-9606669, email: [email protected] Rally, TX Airstream Harbor, 5 mi. N of Zavalla, TX on Hwy. 147, Gordon Babbitt 409-960-6669, email: gbabbittg@aol. com Texas Highland Lakes Unit - http://thlu.org May 1 May 11-14 Luncheon, Luby’s, 13817 US Hwy. 183 N., Austin, TX, Marque Mooney 254-592-5245, email: marquemooney@ gmail.com Ice Cream Cone Rally, Lake Falling Star RV Resort, 655 FM 713, McMahan, TX, Marque Mooney 254-592-5245, email: [email protected] Luncheon, Luby’s, 13817 US Hwy. 183 N., Austin, TX, Marque Mooney 254-592-5245, email: marquemooney@ gmail.com Luncheon Noon, Old Country Buffet, 144th & West Center Rd., Omaha, NE, Dan Hoyt 712-642-2927, email: Psf3dh@ loganet.net Jun 5 Unit Caravan to Intl. Convention/Rally, Nebraska to Sedalia, MO, Bert Sherwin 402-639-3337, email: [email protected] Texas Hill Country Unit - http://thcu.wbcci.net/ North Iowa Unit - http://northiowaunit.wbcci.net Jun 7-10 Luncheon 11:30 AM, Spring Creek BBQ, 13125 South I-35 W, Burleson, TX, Larry Schultze 254-266-2857, email: [email protected] Oklahoma Unit Missouri Greater Ozark Unit http://mogreaterozarkunit.wbcci.net Monthly Activities TBA, please visit our website Rally, New Ulm, MN, Fritz Stuneck 651-653-0231, email: [email protected] Region 9 Activities May 17-20 Joint Rally w/TAHI Airstream Park, Zavalla, TX, Joe Long 210-860-6006 Texas Plains Unit - http://www.txplainsrv.com 1st Sat ea mo Luncheon 11:30 AM, Furr’s Family Dining, 6001 Slide Rd., Lubbock, TX, Myrna Coffman 806-799-4887, email: [email protected] ea Thur Balloon Volleyball 1 PM, (meal follows at various locations) 2001 19th St., Lubbock, TX, Sam Spence 806-785-7785 East Texas Lakes Unit except Thanksgiving & Christmas ea Thur Dinner 5 PM, Home Plate Diner, 5600 S. Bell, Amarillo, TX, Don Goforth 806-356-0077, email: [email protected] Jun 2 May 16-20 Region 9 Website: www.wbregion9.org Luncheon 11:30 AM, Fat Catz Rest., 501 E. Moore Ave, Terrell, TX, Alonzo Sosa 214-949-3850, email: ash75422@ yahoo.com Rally, Palo Duro Canyon State Park, 11450 Park Rd. 5, Canyon, TX, David Thompson 806-355-4914, email: [email protected] Blue Beret/May 2012 55 Event Schedule Northern California Unit - http://norcal.wbcci.net/ May 2-6 Jun 2-6 Rally, Pomo RV Park, Ft. Bragg, CA, Lee Klare 707-3374434, email: [email protected] Rally, Sparks Marina RV Park, Sparks, NV, Larry Larson 510-506-2819, email: [email protected] San Diego California Unit - www.airstreamsandiego.com May 18-20 Jun 16 Rally, Sweetwater Summit CG, Bonita, CA, directions: www.sdparks.org, Dan Smith 858-699-7803, email: [email protected] Annual Picnic Noon-3 PM, Dos Picos Cty Park, Dos Picos Park Rd., Ramona, CA, Dan Nixon 760-789-6452, email: [email protected] San Fernando Valley California Unit http://sanfernandovalley.wbcci.net/ May TBA Luncheon, Freeman’s home, Jackie Freeman 818-3482425, email: [email protected] San Joaquin California Unit - http://sanjoaquin.wbcci.net May 3-7 Jun 7-11 Joint Rally w/Santa Clara CA & Golden West CA Units, Calistoga FG, Calistoga, CA Joint Rally w/Santa Clara CA & Golden West CA Units, Gold Strike Village, San Andreas, CA, 209-754-3180 Santa Clara California Unit - www.wbcci12.org/scu/ Jun 7-11 Joint Rally w/San Joaquin CA & Golden West CA Units, Gold Strike Village, San Andreas, CA, 209-754-3180 Sierra Nevada Unit - http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/snu/ May 17-21 Jun 21-24 Rally, Eagle Lake, Rocky Point, BLM dispersed area off Hwy. 139 N of Susanville, CA, Diane Leipper, 775-9725011, email: [email protected] Rally, Crocker CG, near Beckworth, CA, off Hwy. 70, Diane Leipper, 775-972-5011, email: hq@ SierraNevadaAirstreams.org South Coast California Unit - http://southcoastcal.wbcci.net May 4-6 Jun 1-3 Rally, Emerald Desert Rally, East Shore RV Park In Memoriam The officers and members of Wally Byam Caravan Club International, Inc. express their sympathy to the families and friends of these departed members. Britt, George (039-IL)....................................#1015 PP Southern IL Unit Brown, Rolland (112-WA).............................#5615 Carriker, Sandy (021-NC).............................#3679 Champion, William (028-FL)........................#5682 PP Everglades FL Unit Cole, Bessie (063-AZ)...................................#6453 PFL Nevada Unit Davis, Loren (069-TX).....................................#250 Past Int’l Treasurer Farley, Anita M. (174-FL)..................................#51 PFL Florida Springs Unit Hall, R.C. (106-TX)......................................#28709 Isaacs, Kenneth L. (088-OK)........................#4547 PP Oklahoma Unit Jenkins, Conrad (039-IL)............................#24072 PP Southern IL Unit Johnson, Jerri (005-AR)...............................#5568 Nauta, Peter (068-NC)...................................#2584 Past First Mate Watchung NJ Unit Steimle, Elliott J. (091-OH).........................#15702 Wheeler, Lee (090-OR)...............................#27006 Airstream Dealer Update 937-596-6111 New Dealer St. Louis RV Sales 1080 W. Terra Lane O’Fallon, MO 63366 Ph. 314-743-3939 Midtown RV LTD. 310 Industrial Ave. W Penticton, BC, CAN V2A 9B3 Ph. 250-492-5705 Blue Beret/May 2012 57 Classifieds Notice ADVERTISEMENTS SHOULD BE TYPEWRITTEN. THE “BLUE BERET” IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR THE ACCURACY OF HANDWRITTEN SUBMISSIONS. Miscellaneous FLAG POLE HOLDER All aluminum with 2 beautifully made brackets for easy, no fuss two minute installation. Fits standard 2 1/4” jack post and comes with 4 adapters for 2” posts. Designed so the holder nor your poles will interfere with jack head, light, or coupler latch. 3 pole holder $150, 5 pole holder $175. Includes shipping in U.S. Contact: John@ leakesantiques.com or call 803-684-5651 for more information. WBCCI #3892 Airstream Parks RETIRED? FULL TIMER? SNOW BIRD? RALLY PLANNER? CARAVAN LEADER? The North Texas Airstream Community can meet all your needs. We are located on I-35 exit 368A, in the heart of the Dallas/Ft. Worth/ Waco triangle in historic Hillsboro, Texas. Stay “For a Night or a Lifetime.” Our clubhouse seats 200 for dinner, new laundry facilities, free WiFi, mail forwarding service. 100% Airstream community. Call 254-582-5566 or visit www.ntaci.org. SHOOTING STAR DRIVE-IN - What a destination! Located in Southern Utah Canyon Country, we’re just a day trip away from four National Parks and right next to Grand Staircase - Escalante National Monument and the Escalante River. The Shooting Star Drive-In is an Airstream-only resort with 18 sites, a big pavilion, resort store and a classic 1960s drive-in movie theater. Visit www. shootingstardrive-in.com to learn more and see the stunning vistas. Ph. 435-826-4440. TAHI, TEXAS AIRSTREAM HARBOR, INC. Is located in NE Texas on beautiful Lake Sam Rayburn is known for Bass fishing. A haven for bird watchers. Daily $15. Come visit or stay with us. 5 miles NE Zavalla on Hwy. 147. Contact: TAHI, 714 Angelina, Zavalla, TX 75980, Ph. 936-897-3686. www. texasairstreamharbor.com PENN WOOD AIRSTREAM PARK - Traveling I-80 thru western Pennsylvania or looking for a quiet, all Airstream, summer home for a few weeks or all season? We’re the perfect stop! Full hookups with cable TV & WI-FI. Reasonable rates, area attractions and site of Autumn Leaf National Rally. Near Clarion, PA - four miles south of I-80, Exit 64 on SR 66; Ph. 814-764-8963; www.pennwood.org Open 5/1 to 10/15. 58 Blue Beret/May 2012 MYSTIC SPRINGS COVE is an Airstream only park located 25 mi. N of Pensacola, FL, on US 29, between I-10 and I-65 on the banks of the Escambia River. Just 30 minutes to white sand beaches, shopping, museums and a casino. Owned and operated by Unit 29. Open all year with full hookups at $11per day 30 amp/$13 per day 50 amp. Pets welcome and washer/dryer are available. Host opportunities. Ph. 850-256-3280. LAND YACHT HARBOR: Florida’s Best Kept Secret!!! Located off I-95 between Exits 183 & 180, miles to Disney 65, beach 10, Cape 30, leases available to Airstreams, overnight rentals available. Visit us at www. landyachtharbormelbourne.com or phone 321-254-6398. NO PETS. TOP OF GEORGIA, 7 miles north of Helen, GA on State Road 75 in beautiful North Georgia mountains. Full hookups, cable TV. Free Limited Wi-Fi. $7.00/night, $180.00 monthly. During Rally weeks Rally fees will be an additional charge. Open year around. No reservations. WBCCI members only. No dry camping. Ph. 706-878-3590. www. topofgeorgia.net STAY IN THE BEAUTIFUL PACIFIC NORTHWEST AT WASHINGTON LAND YACHT HARBOR. Home of Washington Unit. Open year round. All WBCCI members and guests welcome. Ideal for rallies/ caravans. 163 FHU sites. Large meeting hall with kitchen. Free WiFi. Reservations accepted. Visit Seattle, Pacific Ocean, 4 National Parks, Canada, Alaska. Residential mobile homes for sale to WBCCI members. 9101 Steilacoom Rd. SE, Olympia (Lacey), Washington 98513; phone 360-491-3750. website: www.washingtonlandyachtharbor. com ENJOY THE SOUNDS OF NATURE AT JERSEY SHORE HAVEN. Located midway between Atlantic City and Cape May, JSH is a quaint Airstream park with wooded sites, 4-point hookups, and more. Convenient to beautiful beaches, casinos with shows, amusements, boardwalks, shopping, etc. Lots to do and see in this area. Jersey Shore Haven, 728 Dennisville Rd., P.O. Box 99, S. Seaville, NJ 08246. Ph. 609-861-2293, website: http://www.jerseyshorehaven.org For Sale Trailers/ Motorhomes 1973 - 31' AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT SOVEREIGN INTERNATIONAL TRAILER, inside extrusion construction, light tan, center bath, rear twin, stove-fridge, air original, need water system repair. $8,000. OBO, Ph. 864965-8366, (Florida). 1974 - 29' VINTAGE INTERNATIONAL LAND YACHT - AMBASSADOR. Rear twin, beds, center bath. Beautifully refurbished throughout. Great Skin. Email for pictures/ details: [email protected], $10,000. OBO, (Black Mountain, NC). 1992 - 34' AIRSTREAM EXCELLA, kept covered, excellent condition, rear queen, center bath, dinette, awnings, no smoking/pets, $19,000. Ph. 918-446-6262, (Tulsa, OK). 1996 - 36' AIRSTREAM CLASSIC MOTORHOME - GAS, 53,000 mi., Onan generator, hydraulic jacks, new brakes, rear camera, two 2' x 4' solar panels, dual rear tag axle, spot light, automatic locks, alarm system, awnings, Queen walk around, 2 - TVs, full shower, 2 A/C units, furnace, air bags, air horns, Immaculate, no smoking or pets, heated bldg., Ph. 313-886-1530, (Grosse Pte Shores, MI). 2001 - 30' AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT, 43k mi. Workhorse P32 chassis 8.1 Vortec. Fully loaded, leather upholstery, 5 awnings, new dual tires, 5 KW Onan, no slides, no accidents, no smoking. $22,900. Ph. 517281-1600, (Lansing, Michigan). 2001 - 34' TRI AXEL CLASSIC LIMITED TRAILER, rear Queen, couch slide out. Well maintained, 6 new Maxi radial tires load range E, alloy rims, pressure pro tire monitor, wheels and bearings good, LED taillights, new batteries, no skin issues 50/30 amp service, two A/C heat pumps, 2 Fantastic rain sensor fans, front cabinets, bar, Corian counter tops, cedar lined closet, microwave/convection oven, oak flooring, oak raised panel cabinets, new carpet, new flat screen digital TV, satellite wired. Extra 110 power outlet on tongue, 2-40 lb. aluminum propane bottles, electric stabilizer jacks, smoked Lexan rock guards. Second owner-has had WBCCI numbers from the day it was first titled. Nonsmokers, no pets, LED taillights, awnings all windows. Contact: Rick, Ph. 757-377-3725, email: 3485rwbell@ embarqmail.com 2004 - 30' AIRSTREAM LAND YACHT MOTORHOME, GMC Vortec 8.12 litre gas engine, Mint condition, 33,355 mi., meets Canadian and USA specks. Many extras including: power awning, laminate flooring in galley area, beige interior, dual skylights, dual air, 5.5KW Onan gas generator, non-smoking. Asking $60,000. Also, 2003 SATURN STATION WAGON WITH FULL TOWING PACKAGE. Selling because of poor health. Ph. 519-825-9308 or 313-703-7437, email: [email protected] 2005 - 30' AIRSTREAM MOTORHOME, GMC Vortec 8.1 engine. 30,000 mi., mint condition. Pictures and info, Ph. 352-637-3867, email:[email protected], (Florida). 2012 WBCCI National Caravans 2012 N-41-A Landmarks West Following - filled 7/5-8/24/2012 the Lewis & Clark Trail Start: St. Louis, MO Stop: Warrenton, OR This is a new caravan that combines the first half of the Landmarks West Caravan with the Lewis & Clark Trail. This 50-day caravan will rendezvous at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers (where Lewis & Clark did). We will follow their route up the Missouri River, across mountain passes to the Snake and Columbia Rivers and on to Warrenton, OR (Fort Clatsop), the western terminus of their journey. The Corps of Discovery spent the very wet winter of 1805-1806 here. We, however, will enjoy seafood and great weather on the Pacific Ocean. Our route will take us from St. Louis across Missouri, up through Iowa, the Dakotas, across Montana (including Glacier National Park), then drop down into Yellowstone National Park for a few days; cross into Idaho and over Lolo Pass to the Snake and Columbia Rivers down to the Pacific Ocean. Besides Glacier and Yellowstone National Parks, you will have the opportunity to explore and visit many, many interesting, informative and beautiful locations. Our focus will be on the adventures of Lewis & Clark, but we will also take in several other landmarks as we experience the West. Entertainment, excursions, cookouts, picnics, meals and, of course, campgrounds are included in the Co-leaders: R.B. & Zelma Bernd #306, Ph. 360-459-4342 and Phil & Margie Glassey #5328, Ph. 206-605-2986 Email: [email protected]. Send your registration and deposit of $250 to Phil Glassey, 9101-69 Steilacoom Road SE, Olympia, WA 98513-6127. Kitty Fee Estimated: Kitty Fee w/2: $3,900; w/1: $3,200; Guest: $700; Deposit: $250 Refund in full, less $50, prior to January 1, 2012, at leaders discretion thereafter. Limit: 25 RVs N-41-B The Great River Road 9/12-10/12/2012 Start: Bemidji, MN Stop: W. Memphis, AR The longest National Scenic Byway in the United States is the Great River Road, which starts in Minnesota and begins at the headwaters of the great Mississippi River in Itasca State Park. Come with us for an opportunity to explore the many scenic, historic and recreational attractions along the mighty Mississippi as it winds 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico. The Great River Road is the backbone for our journey from Bemidji, MN to West Memphis, AR. Enjoy the sights and sounds as North America’s largest river turns from a babbling brook in the tall pines to a mighty highway of commerce. We will crisscross the states of Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas and Tennessee as we enjoy the old river towns and the modern cities that have played such an important part in the history of our great country. There will be boat trips, bus & trolley tours, dinners and entertainment including an evening with Mark Twain Himself. Join us for this great 30 day trek as we meander through countryside that provided Tom Sawyer and his friends their boyhood adventures. Leaders: Dave & Linda Andrzejewski WBCCI #811, Ph: 603-770-1609, E-Mail: mrsa811@gmail. com, Address: 196 Rainbow Drive # 9616, Livingston, TX 77399-1096, Limit: 25 RVs, Kitty Fee w/2: $2,400; Kitty Fee w/1: $1,850; Guest: $600; Deposit: $250, Cancellation: $100 plus non-refundable deposits before 4/1/12, Leaders discretion after. N-41-E The WILDER WEST Start: Rio Vista, CA 9/3-10/2/2012 Stop: Las Vegas, NV Fall is an ideal time to travel the back roads of eastern California and western Nevada. The caravan will begin by exploring historic California delta towns dating back to the gold rush, Old Town Sacramento and a tour of the California Railroad Museum. We will follow the gold rush into the heart of the Mother Lode, a series of towns that extends along the western slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. We will cross the Sierras over a scenic mountain pass. Then, on to a South Lake Tahoe where we will experience the 21st century “gold rush” and enjoy a boat tour on the lake. Later, we will take a steam train ride on the Virginia and Truckee Railroad; explore the old ghost town of Bodie and the geologically rich area of Mammoth Lakes. We will see the living ghost towns of Tonopah and tour Goldfield. We’ll venture into Death Valley and tour Scotty’s Castle. Then, we will wind up our adventure in Las Vegas with a motorized “smooth water” rafting trip through the scenic Black Canyon on the Colorado River, below Hoover Dam. Join us for a rip roaring good time. Leaders: Bruce & Enid Paulk WBCCI #2175, Ph. 925-864-1683, Email: bruceandenidpaulk@ yahoo.com, Address: 108 Rainbow Dr. #843, Livingston, TX 77399-1008. Limit: 20 RVs, Kitty Fee w/2: $2,525, Kitty Fee w/1: $1,950, Guest: TBD, Deposit: $200, Cancellation: $100 before 4-01-12. Leaders discretion after. N-41-G SW Adventure Caravan - FILLED 8/31-10/17/2012 Start: Durango, CO Stop: Santa Fe, NM The 2012 Southwest Adventure Caravan will be in September and October capturing the awesome beauty of the fall landscapes. Beginning in Durango, you will visit the higher vistas first, before traveling on to lower altitudes hoping to escape early snow. You will discover regions of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado that the casual tourist doesn’t see. Taking the roads less traveled you will visit Indian pueblos, festivals, cultural centers and museums. Native American guides will help you to understand their language, customs, and ancient rituals. You will enjoy touring Albuquerque and Santa Fe by trolley or Segway finding wonderful shopping and dining in both. A half-day boat trip on Lake Powell takes you to Rainbow Bridge while a narrow gauge railway delivers you to Silverton from Durango. In Arizona, splash through Canyon de Chelly, then stroll through Antelope Canyon. Keep that camera handy for around every bend there is a new picture opportunity. Raft down the Colorado River and tour Monument Valley, then proceed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Come prepared for all kinds of weather as you travel at high and lower altitudes – cold to warmer temperatures. America the Beautiful passes – formerly called Golden Age Pass will save you money for entrances into the many parks we explore including Zion, Bryce, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. Plans are to attend the Balloon Festival near Albuquerque. We conclude with a final banquet in Santa Fe. Come prepared to have fun with your fellow caravanners and leaders. NOTE: Only standby status is available - the caravan is filled. Co-Leaders: Jay & Elna Thompson WBCCI #7293, Ph. 850-766-0036, Email: [email protected], Address: 9163 McDougal Ct., Tallahassee, FL 32312; Co-Leaders: Winston & Carol Montague WBCCI #5274, Ph. 850- 212-3726, Email: [email protected], Address: 2062 Hill N Dale North, Tallahassee, FL 32317, Kitty Fee w/2 $3850, Kitty Fee w/1 $2600; Guests: $1200; Deposit: $200; Payments due: 2/1/12 (50%), 4/1/12 (50%), Cancellation fee: At the discretion of the leaders N-41-H SOUTHEAST COAST SPECTACULAR 10/2-11/10/2012 Start: Rehoboth Beach, DE Stop: Jekyll Island, GA If you love seafood and want to explore the historic southeast coast of the United States, this is the caravan for you. We’ll visit a historic US Lifesaving Service Station (predecessor to the Coast Guard) in Delaware, eat seafood, spend a day at the Chincoteague Oyster Festival in Virginia, visit countless museums, lighthouses and beaches, eat seafood and see the sights in the historic southeast. Did we mention that we’re going to eat seafood? We’ll also attend Morning Colors and graduation ceremonies at the US Marine Corps Recruit Depot at Parris Island. The caravan will travel about six weeks starting at the Delaware Seashore State Park, (south of Rehoboth Beach) and traveling (eating) through coastal Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and ending at the Georgia Sea Islands. The kitty fee includes campgrounds with full hookups, many meals, boat, carriage and bus tours, museums admissions and much more! Leaders: Ron & Cyndi Carnein WBCCI #9424, Ph. 623-974-4762, Email: [email protected], Address: 3700 S Westport Ave. #1704, Sioux Falls, SD 57106-6360, Limit: 20 RVs, Kitty Fee w/2: $3,725.00; Kitty Fee w/1: $2,950.00; Guest: Contact leaders, Deposit: $250, Cancellation: $50 before 4-1-12, leaders discretion after N-41-I TASTE OF THE BLUE RIDGE - FILLED 6/4-23/2012 Start: Cherokee, NC Stop: Staunton, VA Come with us as we travel the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end. It will be a 500 mile adventure as we explore the history of the area enjoy the scenery, listen to the mountain music, and soak up the beauty of this unique roadway and the surrounding area. The driving route will cover the entire Parkway and our stops will allow us to experience things like train excursions, Early American history, the biggest private home in the USA, some Civil War history, a Winery or two, mountain crafts, and much, much more. A word of Caution: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding 2 lane scenic road with a speed limit of 45 mph (you should drive slower than that to take maximum advantage of the scenery). It extends for about 500 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The road goes up and down and around the mountains -often- and the elevation varies from 650 to 4900 ft. Our longest travel day will be about 140 miles. If this kind of travel bothers you, you should not consider this adventure. If you think this adventure is for you, your equipment should Blue Beret/May 2012 59 2012-2013 WBCCI National Caravans be in top shape. Registrar: Jamie King, P.O. Box 268, Oriental, NC 28571home telephone 252-249-1549- cell 252-514-7497 - email KJ4JK@ARRL. NET. Contact the Registrar for more information if you wish to register for this caravan. NOTE: Only standby status is available - the caravan is filled. Co-Leaders: Jamie & Susan King WBCCI #804 and Ph. Home 252249-1549, Cell 252-514-7497; Email: [email protected], Address: P. O. Box 268, Oriental, NC 28571; Co-Leaders: Bob & Marge Bennett WBCCI #701, Limit:20 RVs, Kitty Fee w/2: TBD; Kitty Fee w/1: TBD; Guest: TBD; Deposit: $250, Cancellation: $100 before January 4, 2012. Leaders discretion after 1/4/12 quired on some events. Leaders: Lyle & Peggy Snow WBCCI #7358, Ph. 281-251-7566, Cell 832-217-4508, Email: [email protected], Address: 20935 Jessica Rose Ln., Spring, TX 77379, Co-Leader: Bill & Dorma Kindle WBCCI # 4126, Ph. 713-907-4624, Email: Airstream4126@gmail. com, Address: 319 Mariachi, Crosby, TX 77532, Kitty Fee w/2: $2000.00; Kitty Fee w/1: $1600.00; Guest: $400.00; Deposit: $250.00, Cancellation: $50.00 prior to 5/1/12, Leaders discretion after 5/1/12, Final Payment due: 5/1/12 N-41-K ALYESKA, THE GREAT LAND - FILLED 7/12-9/12/2012 N-42-A THE CIVIL WAR PART III “WAR IN virginia” Start: Dawson Creek, YT Stop: Prince George, B.C. “The Land of the Midnight Sun” - The Alaska Caravan will start in Dawson Creek, B.C., where the Alaska Highway begins at Mile Post 0 and travel for 1500 miles to Fairbanks, AK. We will be travelling through Yukon Territory, to Whitehorse where we will turn North and travel up to Dawson City, YT where we will ferry across the Yukon River and drive the famous “Top Of The World Highway,” to the town of Chicken, AK and then visit Eagle. (pop. 15) As we continue we will experience many activities such as “Klondike Kate’s,” Laird River Hot Springs, take the River Boat Discovery in Fairbanks, and experience a real Alaska Salmon Bake and Dinner Show. We will see many glaciers, visit Denali Park, Mount McKinley, Juneau, pan for gold, travel along the famous Alaska Pipeline, and visit the North Pole, (home of the real Santa Claus). On our return south we will drive the Cassiar Highway into British Columbia and end the caravan at Prince George. You will enjoy unprecedented wildlife viewing opportunities, world class fishing, and astonishing scenery on this “Once in a Lifetime Adventure!” Leaders: Bill (JJ) & Sandy Johnjulio WBCCI #242, Ph. 814-484-7221 Cell 216-533-1752, Email: [email protected], Address: 6193 Althom Road, Tidioute, PA 16351, Limit: 35 RVs, Kitty Fee: w/2 $6,000; Kitty Fee: w/1 $4,400; Guest: TBD; Deposit: $500, Cancellation: $50 before 1/1/2012, leaders discretion after that date N-41-L Ghosts on the East Coast 9/23-11/3/2012 Start: Salem, MA Stop: St. Augustine, FL Ghosts on the East Coast will start in Salem, MA and end in St. Augustine, FL. It will be a typical WBCCI National Caravan with cookouts, campfires, dinners, and the fun, fellowship, and adventure of the Airstream Caravan. The overall theme of this caravan is “Halloween” and the stories, hitory, and festivities that make up this holiday. Such as, “Halloween” is celebrated the entire month of October in Salem, MA and we will join some of those festivities. And, while in Salem, MA we will investigate the history surrounding the burning of the witches and visit the site and memorial to those individuals that were accused of witchcraft. As we make our way south along the East Coast we will stop in Williamsburg, VA; Savannah, GA; Charleston, SC; and more... where we will find pumpkin festivals, hear ghost stories with a Halloween theme and visit the grave site of Edgar Allen Poe. You can expect trick or treat GAMS, pumpkin carvings, and the final banquet will be in your finest Halloween attire. Overall, we are trying to have fun. We think it will be a little spooky. And,... we don’t really want to actually find any ghosts. Please join us if this sounds fun and interesting. Leaders: George and Sharon Hilton WBCCI #7009, Ph. 352205-9928, Fax: 866-205-0599, Email: [email protected], Address: 214 Rainbow Dr. #11436, Livingston, TX 77399, Co-Leader: TBD, Limit: 25 Airstream RVs, Kitty Fee w/2: $3,900.00; Kitty Fee w/1: TBD; Guest: TBD N-41-M GONE TO TEXAS Start: NTAC, Hillsboro, Tx 9/17-10/20/2012 Stop: Kerrville, Tx The letters GTT were familiar in the United States during the early 1800s. They meant GONE TO TEXAS. Come with us and see why it was the place to be as we travel from Hillsboro just south of Fort Worth, “Where The West Begins,” to the beautiful Texas Hill Country west of San Antonio. Along the way we will visit Buffalo country, Indian Country, Oil Patches, Carlsbad Caverns, Texas Salt Flats, Old Missions, Cavalry Forts, travel along the United States Mexico border, A PASSPORT WILL BE REQUIRED FOR ANY TRAVEL INTO MEXICO. A World Famous Observatory, Mystery Lights at Marfa, Big Bend National Park, The “Hanging Judge” The Alamo, an exotic game ranch, a dude ranch, and much more. Leave a message for your friends—GTT. Moderate hiking may be re- 60 Blue Beret/May 2012 2013 TBA The third and last part of our American Civil War series focuses primarily on, and thus assumes the title of, the “War in Virginia,” as nearly 50% of the war’s battles were fought and often re-fought in Virginia. We’ll tour the battlefields and/or National Military Parks at Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Spotsylvania, Chancellorsville, Bull Run/Manassas, Gettysburg, Antietam and New Market. Among other things, we’ll enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride around Lexington and see the Cadet Parade at VMI. Appomattox Courthouse where Lee surrendered and Fort Monroe where Jefferson Davis was imprisoned are also on our itinerary. Prominent throughout the caravan are tours of beautiful plantations and historic homes, fascinating museums, and lovely cemeteries and churches including Old Blandford Church in Petersburg that houses 15 priceless Tiffany windows. Our caravanners will also savor delectable cookouts, lunches and dinners – some in historic sites. No hard tack for us! Join us as we honor the sesquicentennial of the Civil War by revisiting the places memorialized during this perpetually intriguing chapter of our history known as the Civil War, or The War Between the States, or The War of Northern Aggression, or The Late Unpleasantness, etc. Total Number of Nights: TBD; Number of Stops: TBD, Leaders: Ed and Beth Jones WBCCI #1515, Ph. 703-7806597, Email: [email protected]. Address: 4200 Ferry Landing Road, Alexandria, VA 22309-3063; Kitty Fee w/2: TBD; Kitty Fee w/1: TBD; Guest: TBD; Deposit: $350; Balance due: TBD; Cancellation: Full refund before 10/1/12, $50 until 1/1/13. Leaders discretion after. Limit RVs w/ Leader: 26 N-42-B THE VIKING TRAIL 7/11-9/6/2013 START: ST. ANDREW BY THE SEA, NB sTOP: N. SYDNEY, nS The 2013 “Viking Trail Caravan” will travel quickly through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia to Newfoundland/Labrador spending 51 of the 57 days in the Province of Newfoundland/Labrador. This caravan highlights the history of the Province and provides an opportunity to meet and experience the warm hospitality of the wonderful people who live on Newfoundland. We will spend overnight at the Woody Island Resort, so bring an overnight bag. Here we will experience the way of living in Newfoundland prior to 1960 when the Canadian government transported all Newfoundlanders to the mainland, so they could provide medical and educational service. While visiting Newfoundland/Labrador, we will enjoy many activities, such as whale watching in the north sea, attend a playhouse in Stephenville, visit Saint Johns, the oldest city in North America (bus tour), and travel throughout the many peninsulas of Newfoundland. Included in the kitty fee are more than 30 paid activities, more campsites with electric than ever before, boat tours, bus tours, cookouts, dinners, entertainment and all ferry costs to and from Newfoundland. Leaders: Ron & Cyndi Carnein WBCCI #9424, Ph. 623974-4762, Cell Ph. 614-519-0054, Email: [email protected]. Address: 3700 S Westport Ave. #1704, Sioux Falls, SD 57106. Limit 30 RVs N–42-C THE NORTHERN EXPERIENCE 7/10-8/10/2013 START: SIOUX FALLS, SD STOP: WINNIPEG, MB, CAN Rendezvous in South Dakota and travel North above the 53rd parallel in Manitoba, Canada, to enjoy Up North in the summer blooming season. See and hear Beluga Whales with calves in their summer range of the Churchill River at Hudson Bay in Churchill, MB. The Beluga Whales, often called the “White Whale” or the “Sea Canary,” are part of the bountiful Western Hudson Bay population, which are both healthy and approachable. Your visit Up North will give you the opportunity to experience the tundra in full spring bloom, view several unique species of birds and who knows, we may also see a polar bear. The entire journey 2013 WBCCI National Caravans from rendezvous to Churchill permits us to transition from midsummer back to spring and then to very early spring Up North shortly after the ice leaves the lakes and Hudson Bay. Join us to enjoy Manitoba and the Up North culture above the 53rd parallel for a Northern Experience. Leaders: Dave & Linda Andrzejewski WBCCI #811, Ph. 603-770-1609, Email: [email protected]. Address: 196 Rainbow Drive #9616, Livingston, TX 77399-1096; Kitty Fee w/2: TBD; Kitty Fee w/1: TBD; Guest: TBD; Deposit: $500, Cancellation: $100 plus non-refundable deposits before 2/1/13, Leaders discretion after. Limit 20 RVs N-42-E 1 SW ADVENTURE CARAVAN 8/27-10/16/2013 START: DURANGO, CO STOP: SANTA FE, NM N-42-E 2 TBA The 2013 Southwest Adventure Caravan will be in September and October capturing the awesome beauty of the fall landscapes. Beginning in Durango, you will visit the higher vistas first, before traveling on to lower altitudes hoping to escape early snow. You will discover regions of New Mexico, Arizona, Utah and Colorado that the casual tourist doesn’t see. Taking the roads less traveled you will visit Indian pueblos, festivals, cultural centers and museums. Native American guides will help you to understand their language, customs, and ancient rituals. You will enjoy touring Albuquerque and Santa Fe by trolley or Segway finding wonderful shopping and dining in both. A half-day boat trip on Lake Powell takes you to Rainbow Bridge while a narrow gauge railway delivers you to Silverton from Durango. In Arizona, splash through Canyon de Chelly, then stroll through Antelope Canyon. Keep that camera handy for around every bend there is a new picture opportunity. Raft down the Colorado River and tour Monument Valley, then proceed to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Come prepared for all kinds of weather as you travel at high and lower altitudes – cold to warmer temperatures. America the Beautiful passes – formerly called Golden Age Pass will save you money for entrances into the many parks we explore including Zion, Bryce, North Rim of the Grand Canyon, Arches, Canyonlands and Capitol Reef. Plans are to attend the Balloon Festival near Albuquerque. We conclude with a final banquet in Santa Fe. Come prepared to have fun with your fellow caravanners and leaders. Co-Leaders: Jay & Elna Thompson WBCCI #7293, Ph. 850766-0036, Email: [email protected], Address: 9163 McDougal Ct, Tallahassee, FL 32312. Co-Leaders: Winston & Carol Montague WBCCI #5274, Ph. 850- 212-3726, Email: [email protected] Address: 3958 Meandering Lane,Tallahassee, FL 32308. Kitty Fee w/2 $3850, Kitty Fee w/1 $2600, Guests: $1200, Deposit: $200, Payments due: 2/1/13 (50%), 4/1/13 (50%), Cancellation fee: At the discretion of the leaders N-42-F THE MAPLE LEAF TRAIL - FILLED 7/8-8/23/2013 START: COCHRANE, AB, CAN STOP: WHISTLER, BC, CAN Come experience the majestic Canadian Rockies, Alberta prairies, and the Canadian playground British Columbia. On this caravan you will experience the world famous Calgary Stampede and Rodeo, discover million year old dinosaur bones, tour coal mines, and visit a buffalo ranch. Traveling the back country there will be secluded camping, cookouts, and Indian lore. Over 100 glaciers line the spectacular Icefields Parkway where you will ride a snow coach at Athabasca Glacier, hike trails at Jasper National Park, dine at the Banff Springs Hotel, and tour Lake Louise, Lake Moraine, and Johnson Canyon Falls. Western heritage lives on at Bar U Ranch, Canadian Barn Dance, and Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump- all included in your itinerary. You will cruise the waterway, cross the border, and create memories in Waterton Lake Nat’l. Park and be aboard the Red Jammer buses in Glacier National Park for a sunset photo opportunity. Taking the Crow’s Nest Pass will deliver you into British Columbia for rafting, biking, golfing, fishing, horseback riding, and bird watching. Tribal tours with the First Nations People, voyageur canoe trips through fur trapping country, and hot springs enhance the journey. While in the wine country of Kelowna, you will visit orchards and vineyards, wine and dine, bike and swim. There are trolley, ferry, and train tours of Vancouver. Whistler provides us with lasting memories of fresh mountain air and the lush tropical rain forest. Your camera, your adventurous spirit and your love for laughter are a must for this caravan! Total Number of Nights: 47, Number of Stops: 18. Leaders: Carlos and Rosemary Leach WBCCI #7712, Maximum RVs w/ Leader: 21 RVs, Kitty Fee w/2: $5650, Kitty Fee w/1: $4100, Guest: $1500, Deposit: $500, Cancellation: $50 before April 1, 2012, Leaders discretion after 4/1/12. Only standby is available- the caravan is currently filled. N-42-H NOR’ X NOR’ EAST START: RICHMOND, RI 7/7-8/27/2013 STOP: CORNWALL, PEI, CAN Come travel with us as we spend 52 days exploring the beauty of New England and the Maritime Provinces of Canada. Stops are scheduled in Rhode Island, and the Boston area. Then it is on to Boothbay and Ellsworth, Maine near Acadia National Park. We then cross into Canada. The first stop is Campobello Island, summer home of President Roosevelt. We will then travel to St. John, NB, home of the 40ft. tides. Experience Moncton, NB’s tidal bore and the Flower Pots. While in Windsor, NS, you will have an opportunity to visit Kentville, birth place of WBCCI, and Hall’s Harbour. We will visit the Annapolis Royal, NS, area famous for their scallops. Other destinations include Lunenburg, Halifax, Antigonish, Louisbourg, Baddeck, and Cape Breton, where you will have an opportunity to drive the Cabot Trail. Lastly, it is on to Prince Edward Island, home of Anne of Green Gables, and the Anne of Green Gables musical. This trip offers many “Kodak moments” and several great golfing opportunities. Kitty fee includes camping, many tours, 4 bus tours, 5 boat trips, 4 theatre performances, several meals, ice cream socials, and a final banquet. Most stops are in campgrounds or fairgrounds with hookups, but there is one stop with limited electricity. You might also have to spend one night on the PEI ferry dock with no hookups. Any unused kitty fee expenses are refunded. Leader: David Levinson WBCCI #802, Address: 35 Stony Run Rd., Newburgh, NY 12550, Ph.: 845-562-0091, Cell 914-213-5333, Email: dlevin35@aol. com, Co-Leader: Gary Levinson WBCCI #803. Total Nights: 52, Number of Stops:15, Kitty Fee w/2 Est. $4600, Kitty Fee w/1 Est. $3750, Guest: Est. $1100, Deposit: $200, Cancellation: $50 before 4/1/2012, Leaders discretion after. Min RVs 15, Max RVs 20 N-42-I WHERE DA HECK IS CHOKOLOSKEE? 10/20-11/15/2013 START: McDAVID, FL STOP: EVERGLADES CITY/CHOKOLOSKEE, FL We begin in McDavid, Florida, where we will visit the Battleship Alabama in Mobile, Alabama, and the Naval Museum in Pensacola, Florida. We will start our travels by visiting the white sand beaches of Panama City Beach. Then travel the”Forgotten Coast” of Old Florida to Apalachicola and Carrabelle where we will camp just a few yards from the beach. We will see how oysters are harvested--plus eat a few--cruise scenic rivers; kayak & hike. We will take a walking tour of historic Apalachicola. You will see manatees in the wild and maybe an optional horseback ride on the beach. On we will go to Cedar Key for clams and eat the Two-Year-InA-Row-International-Award-Winning- Champion Clam Chowder. When we get to Homosassa Spring/Tarpon Springs there will be more wildlife, great meals, sponge harvesting tour and some of the best shrimp ever. Moving on to Ft. Myers Beach for the Edison/Ford Tour and a high speed catamaran boat trip to KEY WEST for the day. While in Key West, you will be able to visit Hemingway’s favorite spot for beverage at Sloppy Joes. We will take a guided Conch Train tour of the island with some time left for you to explore the island on your own. We’ll move to Bonita Springs and explore Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary a gentle pristine wilderness that dates back more than 500 years. Here we will walk a 2.25 mile boardwalk meandering through pine flatwoods, open prairie, and into the largest forest of ancient bald cypress in North America. Nearly 200 bird species are permanent or temporary residents and Corkscrew is world renowned for supporting the largest colony of nesting Woodstorks in the U.S. We will travel on to Everglades City and Chokoloksee seeing lots of alligators, a boat trip through the 10,000 islands, kayak the Everglades, eat stone crab. How about an airboat ride? Ok! You got it. There will be more boardwalks with incredible views and wildlife in Shark Valley. Of course, our final banquet that will be followed by a sunset cruise to the 10,000 islands in Everglades National Park. We hope you will join us for this action packed caravan. How else could you see the World’s Smallest Police Station and the World’s Smallest Post office in one trip; or get to the southern most point in the continental US and the southern most point of paved road on the west coast of Florida? This caravan is active and has some long days away from your rig. Leaders: Jim & Vickie Courtney WBCCI #2804, Ph. 513-325-0219, Email: [email protected], Address: 200 Walnut Hill Avenue #62, Hillsboro,TX 76645, Limit 20 RVs, Kitty Fee w/2 $3600; Kitty fee w/1 $2650; Guest $950. Due to vendor payment requirements, we must receive your $500 deposit no later than October 2012. Cancellation: Leaders discretion. Total Number of Nights: 26, Number of Stops: 9. Maximum RVs W/Leaders: 21, Balance Due: $3100. Blue Beret/May 2012 61 2013 WBCCI National Caravans N-42-J TASTE OF THE BLUE RIDGE - FILLED 6/3-6/22/2013 START: CHEROKEE, NC STOP: STAUNTON, VA Come with us as we travel the Blue Ridge Parkway from end to end. It will be a 500 mile adventure as we explore the history of the area enjoy the scenery, listen to the mountain music, and soak up the beauty of this unique roadway and the surrounding area. The driving route will cover the entire Parkway and our stops will allow us to experience things like train excursions, Early American history, the biggest private home in the USA, some Civil War history, a Winery or two, mountain crafts, and much, much more. A word of Caution: The Blue Ridge Parkway is a winding 2 lane scenic road with a speed limit of 45 mph (you should drive slower than that to take maximum advantage of the scenery). It extends for about 500 miles through the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina and Virginia. The road goes up and down and around the mountains -often- and the elevation varies from 650 to 4900ft. Our longest travel day will be about 140 miles. If this kind of travel bothers you, you should not consider this adventure. If you think this adventure is for you, your equipment should be in top shape. Registrar: Jamie King, P.O. Box 268, Oriental, NC 28571, Home Ph. 252-249-1549, cell 252-514-7497, Email: [email protected]. Contact the Registrar for more information or if you wish to register for this caravan. NOTE: Only standby status is available - the caravan is filled. Co-Leaders: Jamie & Susan King WBCCI #804, Bob & Marge Bennett WBCCI #701, Limit: 20, Kitty Fee w/2:TBD; Kitty Fee w/1: TBD; Guest: TBD; Deposit: $250, Cancellation: $100 before January 4, 2013. Leaders discretion after 1/4/13 N-42-K FLY, DRIVE ALASKA Start: ANCHORAGE, AK AUGUST TBA Stop: ANCHORAGE, AK Fly to Anchorage, AK. Come a few days early and tour Anchorage on your own. Come and Fly to Alaska, and then drive it with us, Jim & Bobbie Matkovich. Alaska is the last Frontier State. Nothing can fully describe the beauty of the Alaskan landscape. Visiting this beautiful state by RV is the best way to do it. I have traveled there twice with my RV. And there is no other way to see Alaska. And you would be traveling in a Class “C” motorhome. You won’t have to drive for days getting to the heart of Alaska with your own rig. There are approximately 586,000 square miles to travel in Alaska. We are just giving you a nice touch of that 586,000 miles in some of the Alaskan wilderness. It is better than any zoo for viewing wildlife. You can view sea life such as humpback whales, blue whales, and orcas on a day cruise or kayaking. On land, you can view grizzly bears, wolves, lynx, moose, and bald eagles in their natural habitats. Alaska also offers the best fishing in the world! You can’t ask for better fly-fishing & saltwater fishing. You can charter a boat, seaplane, helicopter, or pull off the side of the road and cast your line! There are 3 million lakes, 3,000 rivers and 627 species of fish in the Alaskan waters. Mount McKinley is the highest mountain in North America. Denali National Park offers day hiking, mountain biking, and much more. This is an experience of a lifetime. You will have memories forever that you will never forget. You will also have the fun and fellowship with many WBCCI members. Traveling with the WBCCI club has been one of my greatest life experiences. We will do dinners together, trips together and we will all be in the same campgrounds together every night, unless you take a side trip on your own. We will go to Seward, Homer, Palmer, Denali Park, Talkeetna, and back to Anchorage. Your kitty fee will include campsites, boat trips, musk oxen farm, Iditarod sled teams, bus ride into Denali park, several meals, plus our final a banquet. You are encouraged to come early and tour Anchorage. You will be on your own and it is not part of the caravan. There is a lot to see and do in Anchorage. KITTY FEE DOES NOT INCLUDE AIR FARE OR MOTORHOME RENTAL. This caravan will take place August 2013, dates and kitty fee to be announced later. Leaders: Jim & Bobbie Matkovich WBCCI #1790, those interested please Email: [email protected] or call, Cell 708-567-4686, Ph. 708-246-8329. Address: 5823 Harvey Ave., LaGrange, IL 60525. Total Number of Nights: 14, Number of Stops: 6, Maximum RV Units W/Leaders: 20, Deposit: $500, Balance Due: 5/15/2013 NATIONAL CARAVAN APPLICATION (please type or print clearly - every blank must be filled in) Caravan #__________________ Caravan Name__________________________________________________________________________ Last Name_______________________ First______________________Spouse_____________________WBCCI#____________________ Summer Address__________________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________ Phone # _______________________________EMail___________________________________________ Winter Address: From:___________________________ To:________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Phone #________________________________EMail_____________________________________________________________________ # of Adults__________Children_________Pets_________Ham #___________________MH/T_________ft. Handicapped? Amount Enclosed: (US$)______________________Check #________________ Make checks payable to: WBCCI National Caravan Mail to: Caravan Leader 62 Blue Beret/May 2012 REGION 6 RALLY “Rally at the Rock” Downtown Riverside RV Park North Little Rock, Arkansas October 17 - 21, 2012 SUN VALLEY SWING-N-DIXIE JAZZ JAMBOREE RALLY River Run Ski Lodge Parking Lot Ketchum, Idaho October 9 - 14, 2012 WBCCI # __________________ Unit___________________________ Name___________________________Spouse__________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ WBCCI # __________ TP:_________Cell:______________________ Phone_________________E-mail____________________________ Email:___________________________________________________ Handicapped________Circle Type of RV: MH TR Vintage Volunteer to work a shift: Yes____No_____ (# volunteers)_______ 5th Wheel Slide Outs Length________ Rally Fee: Per person Parking Rally Fee: Airstream w/2 adults $200.00 Airstream w/1 adult $150.00 $100.00 Guest TOTAL $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________ IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT YOU REGISTER BY SEPTEMBER 18, 2012. Rally Fee will include three breakfasts, one catered meal, Arkansas Queen River Cruise, Murry’s Dinner Theater, one night entertainment, and four nights parking with full hookups. All spaces are 50 amps, so you will need an adapter. Make checks payable to: Region 6 WBCCI Mail to: Selma Evans, 2265 Hwy. 39 Braithwaite, LA 70040 REGION 4 COMPUTER RALLY Van Wert County Fairgrounds 1005 S. Washington St. Van Wert, Ohio 45891 May 14 - 19, 2012 WBCCI # _____________ Unit_______________________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ $125.00 x_____= $__________ $ 30.00 Total $__________ $__________ Rally Fee: $125 Fee includes: Sun Valley Jazz Festival “All Events” pass ($120 per person (include tax) before July 31); admin. fees $5, access to River Run and all Sun Valley facilities (no charge). Parking is $30. Cancellation Fee: Before Oct. 5th - $25; after Oct. 5th - no refund. Make checks payable to: WBCCI Caravan (that’s the acct. we are using) Mail check to: R.B. Bernd 9101-39 Steilacoom Rd. SE Olympia, WA 98513-6118 REGION 4 RALLY Branch County 4-H Fairgrounds Coldwater, Michigan May 21 - 27, 2012 WBCCI # __________________ Unit___________________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ Phone_________________ E-mail____________________________ Motorhome___________Trailer_________Vintage_______________ Phone_________________ E-mail____________________________ Rally Fee: Airstream w/2 adults $100.00 $__________ Airstream w/1 adult $ 90.00 $__________ Add’l. Adult (16 & older) 25.00 $__________ Children (16 & under) FREE $ FREE____ TOTAL $__________ The rally is hosted by George & Rosa Lee Greenway. Come join us and learn what your computer can do. For more information contact: George “Dick” Greenway 419-358-8211 or Email: [email protected] Make checks payable to: Region 4 Mail to: Dick Greenway, 5625 Rockport Rd. Columbus Grove, OH 45830 Handicapped Pkg___________ Total # in Party________________ Rally Fee: Airstream w/2 $185.00 $__________ Airstream w/1 $140.00 $__________ Extra Adult no RV $ 65.00 $__________ Children 6-12 $ 35.00 $__________ Children 6 & under FREE $ FREE___ TOTAL $__________ Come enjoy tours, food, officer training and entertainment. Early Parking will begin May 21st. The fairground address is: 262 Sprague St., Coldwater, Michigan. For more information call Karin & Larry Kurkowski 586-2101777, Email: [email protected] Make checks payable to: Region 4 WBCCI Mail to: Maury Runyan, Treasurer Region 4 1469 Trackwood Dr., Lapeer, MI 48446 Blue Beret/May 2012 63 PERMANENT ADDRESS CHANGE PLEASE NOTE: Address on file 12/1 will be printed in Directory. WBCCI NUMBERS & DECALS $9.50 per set, includes front and back; $10.25 for Ohio residents. Make check payable to: WBCCI Address change as of______________ (date) WBCCI#____________ Name____________________________________________________ WBCCI#___________________ Address_________________________________________________ Name____________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_______________________ Check if officer State/Prov.__________________________________Zip___________ Mail to: WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 E-Mail: Deb Sailor, Member Services, [email protected] City_____________________________________________________ State/Prov._______________________ Zip_____________________ FIRST CLASS MAIL WBCCI#_________________________ STARS Name____________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________ I Need a: five year additional set or complete replacement set . I Joined in _______(year). Life Member?_____ Enclosed is an addressed envelope for stars only. State/Prov.__________________________________Zip___________ Enclose $20.00 for one year. Make check payable to: WBCCI Mail to: WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 MAIL TO: WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334 E-MAIL: Deb Sailor, Member Services, [email protected] IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE IN THE BLUE BERET ! “Two for the Price of One” Payment for a classified ad in the “Blue Beret” includes an ad on the WBCCI website www.wbcci.org. FOR INFORMATION, CALL 937/596-5211 or email [email protected]. Rates for Classified Advertising are $50 up to 35 words, $60 for 36-65 words. Payment in full must be received with the ad copy. BLUE BERET reserves the right to reject advertising not suitable for inclusion. The publisher reserves the right of approval of all advertising. BLUE BERET is not responsible for advertiser’s representations or performance. For more information on display ad costs, contact WBCCI. For your convenience, you may use the coupon below. Please type ad. Count words and determine cost as indicated above. Make check payable to “WBCCI” and mail with completed coupon to: WBCCI, P.O. Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334. Name___________________________________________________Address______________________________________________________ City_____________________________________________________St/Prov.____________________________________Zip________________ Classified Ad: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Location of trailer/motorhome:___________________________________________________________________________________________ Deadline: Classified Ads for August must be received with payment no later than July 1. NOTICE: Advertisement should be typewritten. The Blue Beret is not responsible for the accuracy of handwritten submissions. Refund Policy: No refund after the 7th of month prior to publication. 64 Blue Beret/May 2012 MICHIGAN STATE RALLY “Streaming in Michigan’s Little Bavaria” St. Lorenz Campground Frankenmuth, Michigan August 8 - 12, 2012 WBCCI #____________ Unit________________________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ Phone_________________ E-mail____________________________ Handicapped (State ID required)______________RV lg.__________ Rally Fee: Airstream w/2 adults (Wed. - Sun.) $165.00 $__________ Airstream adults $100.00 ea. $__________ Children $ 15.00 ea. $__________ Optional Tues. Parking (after 1 PM) $ 20.00 $__________ Tues. dinner (non workers) $ 3.00 ea. $__________ TOTAL $__________ Join all the Michigan Units as we gather in Frankenmuth to celebrate the unique heritage of the area. Tours are planned to major attractions in the area. A Ladies Luncheon, Past Presidents’ Luncheon, evening entertainment, golf tournament and youth activities are all part of the fun as well. Further information please email Rhonda Asselin at: [email protected] Make checks payable to: WBCCI Michigan State Rally Mail to: Don Bates 19952 Indian, Redford, MI 48240-1634 REGION 7 RALLY “Antique Car Run” Spicer, Minnesota August 8 - 12, 2012 WBCCI # __________________ Unit___________________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ Phone_________________ Email:____________________________ Rally Fee: Due before July 25, 2012 (Does not include camping) Airstream w/2 adults $180.00 $________ Airstream w/1 adult $ 90.00 $________ Children #______ x $ 50.00 $________ Total Enclosed$________ Camping Reservations: Not included in rally fee/make your own. WestRich RV Park, 720 Agnes St., Spicer, MN 56288, Ph. 320-796-0161. The RV Park DOES NOT accept credit cards. Send deposit check for $60 (two nights camping) before July 29, 2012. Come see the world of beautiful restored antique pre-1916 automobiles in Spicer, MN this August. Can you imagine that all these cars are still running and will be opening their restored units for an afternoon of fun as we take a stroll back in time. So drag out your vintage clothes (remember your poodle skirt) and join us for a walk back into the ‘Good Old Days’. Remember to make your camping reservation directly with WestRich Campground and send your deposit check ($60.00) directly to them. Questions: Linda Agre, Cell 320-295-1117, email: [email protected] DIG’IN FOR DIAMONDS WITH REGION 2 Herkimer County FG, 133 Cemetery St., Frankfort, New York 13340 May 30 – June 3, 2012 WBCCI# ______________ Unit______________________________ Name _________________________ Spouse __________________ Guest’s Name ___________________________________________ Children’s Names & Ages _________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City _________________ Prov/State _______ Code____________ Region Officer_________Intl. Officer_______Hdcp Prkg?________ Email:_____________________ Vintage Prkg __________________ 1st Region Rally _____ Friday Golf _____Officer: Int’l ______ Region ______ Unit Pres. ______Trailer ______ MH ______ Length ________ Slide Out: Yes/No Rally Fee: PP (include Sat. dinner) $56.00 x _____ = $_________ PP Wkd rate (pkg Fri. & Sat. only) $45.00 x _____ = $_________ Children: 0 - 12 FREE x_____ = $_________ (parking 5/29 for early workers only) Arrival Date __________ Parking (each night) $20.00 x _____ = $_________ No RV or staying off site - pay Rally fee only as above per person Invited Guests or members not parking: Saturday night dinner only $15.00 x _____ = $_________ Total Enclosed (American or Canadian) $_________ Rally Fee includes: Electric, water and dump station, two nights of professional entertainment, continental breakfasts, one catered dinner, evening hospitality and door prizes, craft and flea market, hassle tassel, seminars and church. Herkimer County is in central New York State, northwest of Albany, and east of Utica and Syracuse, Some of the local attractions include: diamond mining, the Remington Gun Museum, tours and many other activities. Last date for mailing registration May 10, 2012. Refunds for cancellation at discretion of Rally Organizers. Make checks payable to: Region 2 WBCCI Mail to: Bill Kent, Region Treasurer 11220 Craft, Detroit, MI 48224-2436 or 1011 Talbot Trail, RR #1, Wheatley, ON, Canada NOP 2P0 Ph. 519-825-9308 • Email: [email protected] Make checks payable to: Region 7, WBCCI Mail to: Carolyn Grandstrand 1862 N. Budd Ave., Maple Plain, MN 55359 Blue Beret/May 2012 65 GALAX FIDDLERS CONVENTION SPECIAL EVENT RALLY Galax, Virginia August 6 - 12, 2012 REGION 10 RALLY Rally in the Rockies Hill Spring, Alberta, Canada July 16 - 20, 2012 WBCCI # __________________ Unit___________________________ WBCCI # __________________ Unit___________________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ Address_________________________________________________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ Phone_________________ E-mail____________________________ Phone_________________ E-mail____________________________ Date of Arrival_____________Trailer_______ft. MH_________ft. Handicap Parking (check) Yes______No_______ Rally Fee: Rally Fee Adult #______ x $195.00 $__________ Rally Fee Child #______ x $ 95.00 $__________ (12 & under) TOTAL $__________ Parking is $23.00 + tax per night - power & water with dump on site. Parking to be paid on arrival - we will make reservation on receipt of registration. Rally Fee includes: 3 breakfasts, welcome picnic, dinner in Waterton Lake Park, dinner and barn dance, dinner and show, entertainment and tours.To assist with planning, please register by June 1, 2012. Questions to: Adolf Knopp 403-242-7469, email: [email protected] Early parking Aug. 5th; water & limited electricity-LIMITED to 50 RVs. Rally fee - pay in advance Parking: _______nights x $15 per night (PAY ON ARRIVAL) Rally Fee: Airstream w/2 adults $100.00 Airstream w/1 adult $ 50.00 Guest $ 50.00 Children 6-14 $ 30.00 TOTAL $_________ $__________Conven. Fee Extra $__________ $__________ $__________ $__________ Rally includes: 1 dinner, country breakfast, watermelon feast get acquainted social, morning coffee and Sunday continental breakfast. The convention begins with youth talent on Monday night and ends Saturday night. Continuous entertainment and downtown activities all week. SASE #10 envelope for receipt and brochures. Cut off for registration is July 30th. Cancellation fee $5.00. No refunds after August 1st (or discretion of chairman). For more information call Betty Patton 276-233-1109, Email: [email protected]. Hosted by the Virginia and NORVA Units. Make checks payable to: Joe Kolb, Galax Fiddlers Convention Mail to: Joe Kolb, 1789 Peacock Dr., Hillsville, VA 24343 Email: [email protected] Ph. 276-766-3121 Make checks payable to: Region 10 WBCCI (US Funds) Mail to: Joe & Sandy Perryman 9101-155 Steilacoom Rd. SE, Olympia, WA USA 98513-6144 STORYTELLING SPECIAL EVENT RALLY Camping at Appalachian Fairgrounds, Gray, Tennessee for the National Storytelling Festival Jonesborough, Tennessee October 4 - 8, 2012 WBCCI # __________________ Unit___________________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Address_________________________________________________ OLD THRESHERS RALLY Yuma County Fairgrounds Yuma, Colorado September 6 - 9, 2012 City_________________State/Prov_________Code_______________ Phone_________________ Cell ______________________________ WBCCI #__________Unit___________________________________ E-mail___________________ Emergency Ph.__________________ Name____________________________ Spouse__________________ Handicapped?______________Amount enclosed_______________ Address_________________________________________________ Please circle type: City_________________State/Prov_________Code______________ Phone_________________ E-mail____________________________ Rally Fee: $40 per RV $__________ Check #__________ Make checks payable to: WBCCI Denver Colorado Unit Mail to: Ross & Bev Bohm, 46999 County Road E, Yuma, CO 80759 66 Blue Beret/May 2012 MH TR Slideouts Length________ Fee: $90 for 4 nights parking w/full hookups for first 35 trailers. (This year we offer only parking.) Early parking begins Sunday, Sept. 30 at $20 per night, so come visit the area. Each person is responsible for obtaining their own tickets to the Storytelling Festival. Brochures and directions will be mailed when you register. (Refund minus $5 cancellation fee.) For further info you can contact: Sandy Hughes, Ph. 423-239-9297, Cell 423-612-3465 or email: [email protected] Make checks payable to: Sandy Hughes Mail to: Sandy Hughes 122 Countryshire Ct., Kingsport, TN 37663-2810 If you have pictures depicting WBCCI caravans and rallies, please share them with us. These pictures may be used for promotional material, the Membership Directory, “Blue Beret” cover, or published in “Club Scenes”. Pictures should be of rally/caravan activities. When choosing a photo, consider the potential member and what would entice him/her to join the club. Please include a description of the picture, member names, specific rally/caravan, dates, etc. and send to [email protected] or WBCCI, PO Box 612, Jackson Center, OH 45334. NOTE: Original photos or .jpg file formats are preferred. The Vintage Parade at Du Quoin, IL -submitted by Bill Grawe, #9017 Lots of elbow grease went into polishing Bob Duggan’s trailer and he keeps it up! L-R: David & Mary Jo Choates, Walter Culley, Judy Martiny, Jim Weilhammer & Dick Martiny. -submitted by Elna Thompson, #7293; photo by Bob Duggan, #10172 The Florida Fantasy Caravan participants enjoyed the shuttle launch while on their caravan to Cape Canaveral. -submitted by Bob Vasser, #26071 The Northern Virginia Unit’s “Breakout Rally” at Fredericksburg, VA. - submitted by Della Hoosier, #6814 The Louisiana Acadiana members at the Unit’s “Mardi Gras Rally,” Claude and Joyce Porter, King and Queen -submitted by Patty Fontenot, #7557 The Louisiana Acadiana Unit members at their “Rolling Rally” in Bogue Chitto State Park and Abita Springs Resort -submitted by Nettie Simoneaux, #1695 Blue Beret/May 2012 67 Welcome to the Airstream RV Association J o i n To d a y ! To join, contact Deb Mann, Membership Director, or go to www.wbcci.org and join online! Affordable Adventure is now yours! 2012 International Dues - $65.00 plus unit dues 68 Blue Beret/May 2012