COUNTRY UNIT The Bluebonnet - Texas Hill Country Unit #104

ISSUE
ALMOST MONTHLY
Z9
9
NEWSLETTER OF
President
August,2013
Andrea, Austin,
4834
email:
[email protected]
First Vice
President
Second Vice
President
TEXAS HILL
COUNTRY UNIT
The Bluebonnet
Joe 6168
Gayle 6168
Treasurer
Zephyr 8105
Recording
Secretary
Andi 11291
this issue
President’s Corner P.1
August Happenings P.3
Corresponding Mary Ann
2013
Officers
Secretary
5097 and
Birthdays & Anniversaries P.5
2013 Officers
Liz 4426
President Gayle
1 Year
Dan 8105
Ketchum
Director
First Vice
1 Year
President Sheryl
Jim 8761
Director
Wylie
Year
Director
Second Vice
President Shannon
2 Year
WylieRonnie 9760
Director
Treasurer Zephyr
Marek
Recording
Secretary Andi
Gilliland
Corresponding
Secretary Mary Ann
Bunke
1 Year Director Dan Marek
1 Year Director Don Croft
2 Year Director Susan
Booker
2 Year Director Lynette
Croft
Past President Joe Long
Email: [email protected]
President Gayle
Ketchum
First Vice
President’s
President Sheryl Corner
Wylie
August
Second Vice 17, 2013,
Fredericksburg,
TX at 1 PM the sky was
President Shannon
a beautiful blue, the day was
Wylie
comfortable and the crowd gathered
Treasurer Zephyr
at KBOB’s Steak House for the THCU
Marek
Fall Kick-Off luncheon.
Thank you first
Recording
to Dick and Nancy Westley for getting
theSecretary
luncheon plans going, to Marvin
and Lebby Crane for locating and
Corresponding
arranging with KBOB’s and to all of you
thatSecretary
did attend.
When
Mary
Ann I heard that
Marvin had arranged
Bunke for 25, I told him
that Director
I didn’t think
more than 10-15
1 Year
Dan Marek
would
attend.Don
How
very wrong I was.
1 Year
Director
Croft
Those in attendance were: Olajoe &
2 Year Director Susan
Henry Behrens, Marvin & Lebby Crane,
Booker
Myron & Kathryn Fischer, Ralph &
2 Year
Director
Lynette
Nancy
Fishburn,
Louis Hendricks, Dan
Croft
& Zephyr Marek & grandson Jeremy
Past
President
Long McNair, Jim &
Faulder,
BarryJoe
& Andrea
Raisin Schwerdfeger, Dick & Nancy
Westley & daughter Bonnie Westley,
Doug, Sheryl & Shannon Wylie, Joe
Long and myself.
Lebby provided a cake and
birthdays and anniversaries for June,
July and August were celebrated.
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Shannon, Raisin, and Kathryn assisted
in serving.
Sunshine Report P 6
Rallies P 9
Editor: Shannon Wylie
I recently forwarded an email
from Linda Knezek, Region 9
Ed
President, with a nominee and his
resume for the Region 2nd VP
position. If you haven’t responded,
please do so soon so I can let Linda
know our unit’s wishes.
Now that I am home and
have unearthed things I backed away
at the end of International, I would
like to share some membership
information with you. A membership
goal for each region was to have
more members as of June 1, 2013
than they had on June 1, 2012. This
could only be done by the units
increasing their membership
numbers. At the region level in 2012
only Region 11 was successful—
however; this year 8 of 12 regions
increased their numbers and Region
9 with 6.3% was #3.
The goal for each unit was to
renew all those who were new
members the previous year. Last
Year 40 of 122 units or 32.8%
achieved this. This year 43 units of
our 119 units or 36.1% were able to
Cont’d page 2
own.
President’s Corner con’t.
do this. In Region 9 there were 4 units that renewed
all their new members; Texas Hill Country, North
Texas, Oklahoma and Texas Plains deserve
congratulations. Nice going Texas Hill Country!
Adding new members is also critical to the life
blood of the units. Over the last year, according to
the WBCCI membership chairman Don McKelvay, 67
units or 56.3% of the units grew in 2013 as compared
to 30 units or 24.6% in 2012. Special congratulations
were extended to the top ten units that grew; Texas
Hill Country was #5 with a growth of 28.6%. Also, we
were the only Texas unit recognized in this top ten
category. Again “Thank You” THCU members and
let’s keep up this exceptional work.
THCU and individual members contributed
$125.00 to the International Peace Garden
Monument Project. The committee continues to
raise funds for this project; SkyMed even donated
$5000.
I know that I shared the money raised and
distributed during International, but there were also
many items donated as well: 82 Cabbage Patch dolls,
20 units of blood, 103 blankets, 194 books, 36 animal
shelter items, 78 pairs of socks, 21 pairs of gloves, 12
scarfs, 1 large box of yarn and 1254 knit hats. AirStreamers are generous individuals.
There were 35 rigs of “First Timers” in
attendance.
While catching-up with all the magazines that
accumulated while we were gone, I found the May
Blue Beret and on page 67 a picture of THCU January
Rally campsite; did you find it? With that, I need to
give credit to my personal photographer, Joe Long.
With few exceptions, Joe has taken the pictures for
me to share with you. Thank you Joe.
We will be having a business meeting during
our September Cowtown with Class Rally; we need to
elect our new officers and directors. As you view the
proposed ballot, you will notice 3 vacancies; we are
looking for someone to step-up and say “Yes”.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
REPORT:
President—Sheryl Wylie
1st VP—Shannon Wylie
2nd VP—
Recording Secretary—Doug Wylie
Treasurer—Zephyr Marek
Corresponding Secretary—
1 Year Director—Lynette Croft
1 Year Director—Susan Booker
2 Year Director—Joan Ermis
2 Year Director—
Submitted by Sheryl and Shannon Wylie
TRAVELING towards NTAC?
I have several FREE 2-night stay coupons.
They were given to me by folks who were
unable to take advantage of the
opportunity, but did not want them to go to
waste. If you can use them, let me know.
The expiration dates are 12/31/2014 and
12/31/2015.
Happy Trails,
Gayle
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AUGUST
FUN!
Waiting for the Tall Ship sailing
Yes, this is Raisin!
http://www.wbcci.org
http://region9.wbcci.net
http://thcu.wbcci.net
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COWTOWN RALLY Sept 11th - 15th
Cowtown RV Park 7000 I-20 East Aledo, TX 76008 @ Exit 418
WEDNESDAY, SEPT 11th ARRIVAL DAY: WE CAN CHECK IN AS EARLY AS 9 AM
4:30 PM HAPPY HOUR AND REVIEW DETAILS FOR THURSDAY
MORNING MINT TOUR
POTLUCK DINNER --"ANYTHING GOES" ENTREES, SIDES,
SALADS,
ALL EVENINGS DESSERTS WILL BE PROVIDED BYTHE CROFTS
GAMES OF YOUR CHOICE
THURSDAY, SEPT 12th
9:00 AM
10:30 AM
1:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
FRIDAY, SEPT 13th
8:00 AM
9:15 AM
11:30 AM
12:00 PM
1:00 PM
4:30 PM
SATURDAY, SEPT 14th
8:00 AM
9:30 AM
10:30 AM
12:30 PM
4:00 PM
4:30 PM
5:30 PM
SUNDAY, SEPT 15
BREAKFAST ON YOUR OWN
LEAVE FOR MINT TOUR & SECURITY CHECK
TOUR STARTS FOR BUREAU OF ENGRAVING & PRINTING
LUNCH OUT TOGETHER
HAPPY HOUR WITH LIGHT HORSDOEUVRE
BALLOON VOLLEY BALL FOLLOWED BY GAMES OF YOUR
CHOICE
BREAKFAST - HAM & SWISS FRITTATAS, FRUIT & TOAST
LEAVE FOR STOCKYARD STATION AREA
FORT WORTH CATTLE DRIVE
FOODPARK @ THISTLE HILL
PAY TOUR FOR THISTLE HILL HISTORIC HOME ($7.50 PP)
HAPPY HOUR WITH LIGHT HORSDOEURE FOLLOWED BY GAMES
OF YOUR CHOICE
BREAKFAST - MORNING GLORY MUFFINS W/SAUSAGE & FRUIT
LEAVE FOR BASS PERFORMANCE HALL TOUR
TOUR - ABOUT ONE HOUR
SUNDANCE SQUARE/7th STREET AREA SHOPPING
LUNCH OUT TOGETHER
BUSINESS MEETING
HAPPY HOUR
HOT DOGS 9 PROVIDED BY THE MAREK’S)
BEAN BAG BASEBALL FOLLOWED BY YOUR GAME OF CHOICE
BREAKFAST AT THE CROFTS BEFORE DEPARTING HOME
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AUGUST
ANNIVERSARIES
2
19
21
25
31
31
11
Henry & Mary Ann Bunke
22
Myron & Kathryn Fischer
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
AUGUST
Pat Durst
Zephyr Marek
Wanda Snell
Henry Bunke
Linda Knezek
Martha Butschek
With Special Thoughts of You
Have a very happy Birthday,
And remember, when it’s past,
Hope each new day,
In every way,
is nicer than the last.
Enjoy
Wishing you a year of
Joy and celebration.
TEXAS PROUD: Guadalupe Bass
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Sunshine Report and
Prayers
Thought to Carry You Down the Road:
Lebby Crane will soon be having knee
surgery.
Henry Behrens seems to be walking fine
after his knee surgery.
Olajoe was looking good and offered no
complaints; always positive.
Speaking of positive, Ralph Fishburn was
using a walker, but smiling and greeting
all.
Nancy Westley showed no signs or effects
of her recent surgery.
Prayers are requested for Gayle’s brother,
Bill Groff, who has pancreatic cancer.
If you know of a member who needs to have
prayers or congratulations extended, please
call Mary Ann Bunke or Gayle.
I did speak with Pat Dunn
back in March. Pat, who is 83
years old, still has the 1981
Airstream. She says to tell
everyone she misses them, but
enjoys hearing of the group
through the Newsletter.
Pat and Bob had been
married 62 years when Bob died a
year ago.
I also spoke with Bea Kaiser
and she states she has difficulty
reading, but enjoys getting second
hand news from the Cranes or
Bonnie Kuehn.
We had hoped to see and
visit with both Bea and Bonnie at
the luncheon. Ladies, please know
you are in our thoughts and
prayers.
There is an expression, “We had a lovely time”.
Actually mere words fall short when applied to the
luncheon meeting THCU experienced in
Fredericksburg Saturday, August 17. I personally felt
much more than a lovely time. In fact, in review of
my feelings, I realize that I along with the rest of the
crowd was enjoying the fruits of the Spirit in the
context of Paul’s message to the Galatians expressed
in Galatians 5-22. Yes, my friends, we didn’t require
trailers or motor homes, or tow vehicles to enjoy the
fruits of the Spirit. We had it all just with the
opportunity to again revel in the company of people
we hold dear. So what are these fruits of the Spirit?
There are nine of them and they are love, joy, peace,
patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
gentleness and self-control.
See you Down the Road.
Dick Westley
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6
5
Th
Mu
muddy, over-grown
GAYLE
& we
JOE’S
While
in Kansas
traveled to the Strategic Air & Space Museum in Nebraska.fence
January
Rally:
row, me in sandals,
but we
WANDERINGS:
Needless to say, Joe and
I are home after 3 ½ months on
the road! We had a wonderful
time leading up to the
International Rally in Huron,
then following on the
“Meandering Minnesota”
caravan sponsored by the
Classic Airstream Club, then free
caravanning with 5 Airstreamer
friends while waiting to attend
the Region 9 Tall Ship Rally in
Duluth, MN. I know Joe did
send photos to his vacation
group, but I cannot resist
including some in this
Newsletter as well.
Being on the Vista
Cruiser in Lake Superior and
adjacent to the 7 Tall Ships as
they arrived was not expected.
Then sailing on the Privateer
Lynx (122’ and 8 sails) on
Superior Bay with sails bellowing
was a dream come true.
While in New Ulm, a
beautiful German town, we
visited the City Park and
watched/listened to the
Glockenspiel; we also toured
Schell’s Brewing Co. and
sampled their beer—even a
grapefruit beer—ugh!! Of
course we ate German food.
In St. Paul we visited the
Cathedral of St. Paul which had
no less than 17 altars. We also
visited St. Mary’s Church in St.
Benedict, Kansas which was very
much like the painted churches
in south Texas.
Touring Sullivan’s “Jewel
Box,” a bank, originally Louis
Another great rally! Folks
started arriving around noon and
this continued to mid-afternoon.
The greeters, beside Gayle and
Sullivan’s National Farmers’ Bank
Building in Owatonna built in the
late 1800s, found us with our
mouths and eyes open. The
large hanging lights were known
as electroliers; each one
weighing 5,500 pounds and the
detail was designed to resemble
a blooming flower. The 200
colors in the Main Banking Hall,
designed as a giant treasure
chest, were referred to as a
“color-tone poem”. There were
stained glass windows and
skylights; bright, vivid murals;
gold leaf; and exterior wall’s the
color and quality of an old
Oriental rug. All this and more
adding up to the “Jewel Box”.
We also visited Clear Lake, Iowa,
specifically to see the February
3, 1959, crash site of Buddy
Holly, Richie Valens and J.P.
“The Big Bopper” Richardson.
Our directions were for
traveling north; we were going
south on unpaved roads with
“many” detours due to
construction. We finally found,
after stopping for directions, the
Buddy Holly glasses indicating
we were there; then we walked
at least a ½ mile on a wet,
muddy
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found found it. The memorial is
locate located on private
property and is still
known as “The Place the Music
Died Died”. We also visited
the
the Surf Ballroom where
they last played.
While in Kansas
we traveled to the Strategic Air
& Space Museum in Nebraska.
The highlight of touring this 2
story, huge facility was being
able to “tour” the B-36. Joe and
I both were in the cockpit and
sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats
respectively. What an
experience! One Joe will not
forget.
While in Duluth, a tour to
neighboring Superior, Michigan
to visit the Harrington Arts
Center was included. The
Concert Hall is a memorial to
Hanni Strahl an immigrant
German woman whose
contributions to American
society remain far-reaching
through her daughter Helmi
Strahl Harrington, PhD. Among
other things, Helmi has a
collection of 1200 accordions
and anything accordion. There
is music while you look, a
chronology section from
predecessor instruments to mid1800s instruments to 19301950s rare and hybrid
instruments to 1960s to the
present, synopsis displays,
organization by brand names,
walls of fame, trophies displays,
special exhibits, educational
displays, accordion people you
should know and paintingssculptures-figurines.
Helmi presented a
concert for us while at the
same time providing a lesson
on accordions—their
development, growth, cultural
history and sound. Helmi,
besides repairing accordions,
teaches comprehensive
There
courses leading to Certification
as Accordion-FamilyInstruments Repair Technician.
Joe and I toured several
mansions. The James J. Hill
House in St. Paul, MN and the
Glensheen Mansion on the
historic Congdon estate in
Duluth were two. Both built
about the same time, both had
large families raised in them
and both with amenities ahead
of their times. The Glensheen
with its 39 rooms, 7acres of
formal flower and vegetable
gardens, stone bridges and
trails, carriage house with the
Congdon’s original sleighs and
buggies also has a murder
mystery story to tell. I was so
interested that I purchased and
read the book of the trials that
followed; if anyone is
interested, I will loan you the
book.
Joe and I were in Ely,
MN which is at the Boundary
Waters. Dorothy Molter, a RN,
moved to this area when she
was 23 years old and lived
there until she died at 83.
Dorothy lived alone and
originally took care of the
cabins that hunters and
fishermen used. Times
changed and the government
Joe at the Greyhound Bus Museum
Glensheen
claimed all the lands and
restricted modes of travel.
Dorothy stayed, made root beer
for infrequent visitors and was
finally given a job by the
government. She had to report in
daily and report what was
happening. What an experience
and what a lady.
Joe and I also visited the
Mall of America in Minneapolis.
Yes, it was large and yes it did
have an amusement park inside
the mall. On the way home we
also stopped at the Galeria in
Houston and, to me, the Galeria is
larger and has a better/greater
selection of stores.
I haven’t told you of all
the exciting experiences we had,
but I should get back to THCU
business. As an aside, ask Joe
about the AR15.
Crash site memorial
Mall of America Amusement Park
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TriMotor over Owatoona, MN
REMAINING 2013 RALLY SCHEDULE
DATE
Sept. 11-15
Oct. 3-7 **
Nov. 7-10
TITLE
ADDRESS
Cowtown with
Class/Business Mtg.
Cowtown RV Park
7000 I 20 East @ Exit 418
Aledo,TX 76008
888-441-7878
Vintage Rally**Registration J.B. Wells Park & Arena
Form on Region 9 website
Gonzalez, TX
Installation Rally/Veterans
Lone Star RV Park
Day/Thanksgiving Rally
7009 S. I-35
Austin, TX 78744
512-444-6322
HOSTS
1.Don & Lynette
2.Dan & Zephyr
1.Vintage Sponsors
2.THLU
1.Joan Ermis
2.Dan & Zephyr
Texas Vintage Airstream Rally Registration
OCTOBER 3-7, 2013
(Thursday to Monday)
Gonzales, Texas
______________________________________________________________
↗ LAST NAME FIRST NAME WBCCI#
______________________________________________________________
↗ SPOUSE/FRIEND/CHILDREN - STAYING IN SAME RIG
____________________________________________________________________________
STREET, CITY, STATE, ZIP
______________________________________________________________
CELL PHONE
E-MAIL
______________________________________________________________
AIRSTREAM MODEL
YEAR BUILT
LENGTH
AGE OF RIG
Please write check to “TEXAS VINTAGE AIRSTREAM RALLY” & mail to:
FRED HAZEN, 102 SNIPE COURT, LAKEWAY, TX 78734
Phone: 512-261-0122 or 512-922-4053
Adult Rally Fee (3-4 nights) $38/Adult*
(1-2 nights) $28/Adult**
Child Rally Fee (5-15 yrs) $15 /child
Please indicate dates you will park:
PARKING @$20/NIGHT X ________NIGHTS = _______________________
*ADULT RALLY FEES ____________X $38 =_________________________
**ADULT RALLY FEES___________X $28 =_________________________
CHILD RALLY FEES_____________ X $15=__________________________
NO REFUNDS AFTER SEPT 22, 2013
TOTAL_______________
**Registration Form also on the Region 9 website
NOTE: Anyone wanting to share their travels or activities are
welcome to do so. Just send me your information and I will include;
pictures are also welcome.
9
texas
hill country unit
15251 Miller Rd
St. Hedwig, TX 78152
www.thcu.wbcci.net
[email protected]
10