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October 2013
... in a NEW Airstream
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floorplans available.
See our new Live Riveted
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Blue Beret / October 2013 3 2 Blue Beret / October 2013
Presidents Corner
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 adver-tising. 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.
Address corrections, suggestions, stories, art, photos,
ad-vertising 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.
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except December and July. Periodical mail postage paid at Jackson
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Mississauga, ON L4T 1G8. Notification of address change is the
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Re-mailing of back issues is at recipient expense.
I am pleased that the Florida Unit is sponsoring the New Florida
State Rally, which is scheduled for April 2-7, 2014 in the Florida
Keys. The Directors are Tom Maciejczyk and Dan Maciejczyk. A rally
fee of $260.00 includes parking and 5 point hook-up. Tom and Dan
plan to move the rally from South Florida to North Florida every
other year. Sandy and I are looking forward to attending this rally
next April. There is much to see and do in the Florida Keys. One of
our fondest memories of the Keys is riding in an air boat in the
Everglades.
I hope that many of you will attend our 57th International Rally
next year in Gillette, Wyoming. We will honor all veterans,
American and Canadian, who attend this rally. Every attending
veteran will receive a special ribbon to attach to his or her badge
with Veteran on it. This is our way of thanking each veteran for
their service to these great coun-tries America and Canada. Norm
Beu will present a special program on MIAs at Gillette. June 27th
will be Wounded Warrior night with Janie Haddaway as Chairman.
We have some great entertainment lined up for your enjoyment.
The Scott Woods Band will perform as the featured entertainment on
July 1st, Canada Day.
The city of Gillette and Campbell County residents are looking
forward to our return to their area.
Wishing you safe travels and many blessings,
John & Sandy Stumpf
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Blue Beret / October 2013 3 2 Blue Beret / October 2013
Copy Deadline for the February issue is December 15.
Whats Inside... Vol. 49 October 2013 Issue No. 9
Presidents Corner ....................................2Club News
..................................................6
Welcome New Members
........................................................................................6Membership
............................................................................................................8Region
7 Tall Ships Rally - A Cooool Time!
....................................................10Inspiration
101
......................................................................................................13Headquarters
Notes
..............................................................................................15Oregon
Unit WBCCI Airstream Club in 1859 Magazine
....................................17Airstream Tech Help Group
.................................................................................22Helpful
Ideas for ALL Airstreamers
....................................................................26WBCCI
Kids Page
...............................................................................................27In
Memoriam
........................................................................................................50
International Rally
...................................29Caravans
..................................................30
Lets Talk About Short Caravans
..........................................................................30
National Rallies ........................................3233rd
Hobo Rally
...................................................................................................32
Intra Clubs
................................................33Classic Airstream
Club
.........................................................................................33Vintage
Airstream Club
........................................................................................33
Region News
............................................34Airstream
937-596-6111 ........................38
Schus News
.........................................................................................................38
Event Schedule
........................................44Classifieds................................................51Coupons
...................................................52
803 E. Pike StreetJackson Center, OH 45334-0612
Phone 937-596-5211FAX 937-596-5542
www.wbcci.org
Wally ByamCaravan Club
International, Inc.
INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President .........................................John
Stumpf1st Vice President ......................... Joe Perryman2nd
Vice President .................Jim Schwerdfeger3rd Vice President
....................... Richard GirardRecording Secretary
....................Louise HumbleTreasurer
........................................... Ron GordyPast President
.............................. John Boutwell
REGION PRESIDENTSRegion 1
..........................................Ray RichardRegion 2
...................................... Pat McFaddenRegion 3
...................................... Jay ThompsonRegion 4
.........................................Marjorie LotzRegion 5
.............................................. Barry BellRegion 6
....................................... Lonnie CarverRegion 7
.............................................Linda AgreRegion 8
...................................Leonard SullivanRegion 9
........................................Linda KnezekRegion 10
...........................................Carol OrtizRegion 11
....................................... Roger PruterRegion 12
................................Robert StansburyParliamentarian
..............................Dona Garner
COMMITTEESBlue Beret ...............................Cecelia
StansburyBudget
................................................June RyanCaravan
............................................Chuck KipleCommunity
Service ........................Janet KendigConstitution &
Bylaws ........................Don ShaferElectronic Communications
........... Damon BealsEthics & Grievance
....................Karin KurkowskiFamily & Youth
.................................Linda AmmeHistorian
.......................................... Marla BradyIntl.
Relations ................................ Jim ElmlingerLegislative
.......................................Richard JirusLifetime
Membership ................... Richard GirardMarketing
.................................. Fred RichardsonMembership
.............................. Helen BourgeoisNational/Special
Events ........... Carolyn FlorenceNominating
................................... John BoutwellPlanning
Guides/Merit Awards .. Roy MacDonaldPublic Relations
.......................Rhonda ColemanRally Promotions
.....................Rhonda ColemanTechnical
................................. Howard Lefkowitz
WBCCI STAFFCorporate Manager andBlue Beret Managing Editor
..............Cindy Reed [email protected] Beret Copy Editor
.......................Deb Sailor [email protected]
Director .......................... Deb Mann [email protected]
Services .........................Julie Rethman
[email protected]
CONTRIBUTING EDITORSRegion 1
..........................................J. Rick CipotRegion 2
...........................................Kathy BlakeRegion 3
......................................Joan AndersonRegion 4
...........................................Nancy BrettRegion 5
.......................................Patsy MarstonRegion 6
....................................... Lonnie CarverRegion 7
............................... Region 7 MembersRegion 8
...................... Betty & Leonard SullivanRegion 9
.........................................Andy SelkingRegion 10
........................................ Mona HeathRegion 11
........................................... L. LawsonRegion 12
.............................Kia Kelley-Johnson
on the cover...Cover provided by Airstream, Inc.
Explore the Live Riveted lifestyle & get inspired by the
Airstream community!Visit www.liveriveted.com and find out how.
AIRSTREAM is a registered trademark used under license.
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Blue Beret / October 2013 5 4 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 5 Blue Beret / October 2013 5 4 Blue
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Blue Beret / October 2013 9
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10 Blue Beret / October 2013
Airstream RVs arrived at Buffalo Valley Resort on Wednesday,
July 24th, and opening ceremonies were held that evening, following
a potluck supper. At the ceremonies, a check from SkyMed, in the
amount of $5,000, was presented to the Hands of Peace project.
Thursday was the first of several fantastic days. Following a
breakfast of egg, cheese and ham on an English muffin, we boarded
shuttle buses for the 30-minute ride to the Duluth harbor area.
This was the day we boarded an excursion boat to sail out onto Lake
Superior to meet the tall ships as they sailed in. After all 110
caravaners were there, we boarded the Vista Star for our cruise out
onto the lake, where we spent nearly 2 hours watching the tall
ships sail past and into the harbor. There was a lift bridge that
the ships had to pass under and, since pedestrians and vehicular
traffic needed some time to transit the bridge, the tall ships had
to enter in groups of three to allow the occasional lowering of the
bridge to accommodate the land lubbers. This permitted everyone on
the Vista Star to get some really nice photos of the ships as they
sailed past. There were nine tall ships, ranging from rather small
ones (58 feet long) to some very large ones (210 feet long). One
ship was missing,
REGION 7
- A COOOOL TIME!Chuck Cabalka #6464
however. It seems that a couple of days previous, lightning had
struck a mast on that ship, starting a fire. It was quickly put
out, without loss of life or major damage, but there was sufficient
loss to prevent it from joining the rest in the parade and the
festival. Rain had been forecast but, fortunately, it held off
until we were nearly back to the campground, when it really broke
loose. While we were indoors enjoying our picnic supper of hotdogs,
potato or macaroni salad, baked beans and watermelon, the skies
simply opened up. Nonetheless, we had a wonderful day to enjoy
seeing the tall ships sail into port. What a sight!!
It was cloudy and foggy on Friday, as we were again transported
via shuttle to the festival site at the harbor area in Duluth. The
community was expecting a third of a million visitors due to the
Tall Ships Festival and the crowds reflected that. Not even
inclement weather (it rained three times during the day) pre-vented
long lines to board and walk the decks of several of the moored
ships. The four most popular ships were the 157 schooner Pride of
Baltimore, the 150 barquentine Peacemaker, the brig Niagara and the
210 full-rigged ship Sorlandet. The Peacemaker was ac-companied by
a greatly modified bus, both of which are owned and manned by a
religious group that promotes commune-style living. The Sorlandet
was a Norwegian training ship that has now been converted to a
sailing classroom for high school juniors and seniors. The
Sorlandet was part of the Norwegian venue at the 1933 Worlds Fair
in Chicago and hadnt been back to the US since. That made it a
really special attraction at the festival. There were three of the
sailing ships that were taking passengers out for a short sail (for
money, of course) and they were fully booked. After visiting one
ship each and in light of the long waiting lines, many
in our group decided one was enough, so, it was on to find
something to kill time until the shuttles returned to pick us up at
3:30 PM.
One place to spend some very inter-esting time was a self-guided
tour of the retired iron ore carrier SS William A. Irvin, which has
been converted into a museum in the harbor area. It was retired in
1978 since, even at 611 feet long, it had become too small to
continue in use. The tour through the ship covered the engine room,
crew quarters, galleys, captains quarters and the lodgings for
eight passengers. US Steel, owners of the ship when in operation,
would invite moneyed people to travel (free of charge) on the 7-day
round trip, with an eye to securing their financial support.
Need-less to say, those guest facilities were pretty plush. Check
out the website SS William A. Irvin for more interesting
information about the ship. Back at the campground, nearly everyone
enjoyed an all you can eat fish fry supper at the Buffalo House
Restaurant, bringing
Pride of Baltimore Approaching HarborNorwegian Ship Sorlandet
Approaching Duluth
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Blue Beret / October 2013 11
to an end another tiring, but very enjoy-able day at the Tall
Ships Festival Rally.
Mother Nature sent us clouds, rain and winds that caused many
plans for Saturday to be modified. There were a few hearty souls
who ventured back to the festival area in Duluth to tour more ships
and visit shops, but many of the rally attendees either remained in
their rigs and rested up, drove into town to do some shopping or
visited a nearby casino for lunch and some fun. Rain and a days
high temperature of 56 degrees caused cancellation of a planned
social hour and campfire, but no one seemed to mind that too
much.
Following a continental breakfast and informal worship service
on Sunday morning, the rally attendees boarded two very nice
Prevost buses for a tour of Duluth. After stopping in downtown
Duluth to pick up tour guides, the buses made their way around the
city, with stops at Enger and Leif Erikson Parks before crossing
the St. Louis River into Supe-rior, WI, to visit an accordion
museum. As we traveled, our guides informed us of the history of
the city, as well as explained the areas and buildings we passed.
Enger City Park was atop the bluffs overlooking Duluth and Lake
Superior. Although it was cloudy, it was not raining and the view
looking down on the city and the lake was great. There was also a
stone tower atop the hill in the park and many caravaners climbed
the 82 steps to the top of the tower for an even more elevated
view. The stop at Leif Erikson City Park provided a walk through a
beautiful rose garden, with over 1,300 rose bushes and trees. The
fragrance from the blossoms made the stop even more enjoyable. In
addition to the beautiful flowers, we were also able to look out
over Lake Superior. By that time the sun had come out and we saw
two of the tall masted sailing ships out on the lake with paying
passengers, as well as an empty iron ore carrier returning to port
for another load. Our final stop for the day was at the Harrington
Arts Center in Superior, WI, where a very ac-complished accordion
and piano player (Helmi Strahl Harrington) explained the
developmental progression of ac-cordions, while playing various
models to demonstrate their sound qualities. Ms.
Harrington had established the museum nearly 25 years ago and
had collected over 1,300 accordions in her ex-church museum. After
arriving back at the campground about 4:00 PM, we barely had time
to organize carpools to drive to the Spirit Mountain Chalet, where
many caravaners rode the chairlift to the top of Spirit Mountain
and back down. Follow-ing supper, an auction of donated items was
held with the more than $1,300 in proceeds going to the Hands of
Peace Project. Drawing the highest price and most spirited bidding
was a beautiful matching quilt, pillow shams and table cover that
fetched $300 to the fund. All in all, it was another great day and,
to top it off, the blue skies had returned by the time we got back
to the campground. Hallelujah!!!
Sunshine and cool weather greeted us on the final day of the
Tall Ships Region 7 Rally. The first stop on this day of touring
was at the Glensheen Mansion in Duluth. This 27,000 sq. ft.,
3-story mansion was built by Chester and Clara Congdon in the early
1900s and donated to the University of Minnesota in 1968. The tour
showed how wealthy people lived about 75-100 years ago. Congdon
made his money in the buy-ing and selling of land containing low
grade iron ore deposits, as well as other endeavors in Arizona and
Washington states. Our tour guide informed us that nearly
everything in the mansion was original, since the last surviving
Con-gdon daughter willed everything to the university before she
died. A beautiful formal garden was located between the structure
and Lake Superior, providing a fantastic view of ships passing on
the lake. After touring Glensheen, our buses took us about 45 miles
northeast to Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. There we toured the
last operational lighthouse on Lake Superior. We visited the
light-house, one of the three residences and the maintenance shop.
The lighthouse, although standing only 54 feet in height, was atop
a 90-foot cliff, so its light was visible from 22 miles away. It
was not only built of materials hoisted to the top of the cliff
from barges, but was also supplied from the water for many years.
It only functioned during the ship-ping season (April through
November)
and was closed during the winter. The rallys final evening was
highlighted by a catered dinner featuring prime rib and BBQd short
ribs. A 4-piece combo provided music for listening and dancing and
drawings were held for door prizes.
As the saying goes, All good things must come to an end. So it
was for the Region 7 Tall Ships Rally as the attendees gathered for
the last time on Tuesday morning, July 30, to enjoy an excellent
breakfast served by the region officers. Amid the wishes for safe
trips, there were numerous THANK YOUs to Linda Agre and her team
for organiz-ing and hosting a GREAT rally! If you were there, you
know what that means. If you were not there, you have no idea what
you missed. Thank you, Linda and team. YOU DONE GREAT!!
Split Rock Lighthouse
Glensheen Mansion
Part of Rose Garden at Leif Erikson Park
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12 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 13
Dr. Harold Kingdon, WBCCI #14383 International Chaplain
What would you do if life dealt you a hand like this? You are
born into a well-to-do family and grow up as a
normal young person, completing your grade schooling and
graduating from college. Following your heart and your love of the
arts, you decide to become a poet. Life is good. Soon, the magic
happens and you find the love of your life. You take the next
logical step and propose. She accepts; now you are engaged to be
married. But then, disaster strikes. The very night before the
wedding, your fiance tragically dies in a drowning accident.
Determined to escape from the sad memories of heartbreak and
grief, and leave them as far behind as possible, you decide to
begin a new life in a totally new location. Abandoning your native
country of Ireland, you cross the Atlantic and settle in Canada. It
works. The future is bright. Romance blossoms as, once again, you
find a young woman with whom to spend the rest of your life.
However, just before the wedding is scheduled to take place, your
bride-to-be suddenly contracts pneumonia and dies.
Then, to add insult to injury, you receive word that the only
other important woman in your life is terribly ill, but you are
totally helpless to be of any assistance because your mother is
thousands of miles away, back home in Ireland. What to do?
That is the tragic, but true, life-story of one Joseph M.
Scriven. And, here is how he played the hand he was dealt. He never
married. Who could blame him? He served God wholeheartedly, by
sharing his faith through preaching and by devoting himself to a
life of service to others. He gave his
time, money, and even the clothes off his back, to help the less
fortunate.
It was the year 1855 when he received the news from Ireland that
his mother was desperately ill. His immediate response was to write
a poem to comfort and encourage her. The poem he composed and sent
to her was titled, Pray Without Ceasing.
This brief biographical account of the unfortunate
circum-stances in the life of Joseph Scriven could end right here,
and we would come away inspired by his courage, commitment, and
determination. He did not become bitter; he did not turn his back
on God; he did not squander his wealth in self-indulgence. Instead,
he left us a role model worth emulating. However, the story does
not end there, because Joseph Scriven left us with much, much more
than that.
His poem, Pray Without Ceasing which he penned for his ailing
mother, was subsequently published in a newspaper. A musician by
the name of Charles C. Converse composed music to accompany the
lyrics and re-named the finished work, What a Friend We Have in
Jesus. It was not long until it was picked up by internationally
known song leader musician Ira D. Sankey and included in one of his
books of hymns.
Today, Joseph Scrivens hymn, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, can
be found in virtually every hymnbook, and its words have become a
source of comfort and hope for millions around the world, including
many Airstreamers. Here are words, not only worth singing and
remembering, but worth acting upon: Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere? We should never be discouraged: Take it
to the Lord in prayer.
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14 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 15
Cindy Reed, Corporate Manager
h qHeadQuarters Notes...Have you paid your 2014 dues?The
deadline for payment of dues to your Unit is November 1st in order
to be listed in the 2014 Membership Directory. If you have not
received a dues renewal notice from your Unit, contact your
Treasurer immediately. Members at Large must send payment to
Headquarters.
...Courtesy ParkingDo you have Courtesy Parking? If so, please
make sure the Courtesy Park-ing box is checked on your dues receipt
in order to be listed in the 2014 Membership Directory.
...Email AddressEmail addresses on file at headquarters on
December 1, 2013, will be pub-lished in the 2014 Membership
Directory. Any member who does NOT wish their email address to be
published must notify headquarters.
...Unit TreasurersPlease send new mem-
ber applications and dues to headquarters immediately upon
receipt. This will enable headquarters to process their membership
quickly.
...Unit 1st Vice PresidentsThe New Officer Reporting Forms are
due at headquar-ters for inclusion in the 2014 Directory.
2014 Membership Directory Mailing
The 2014 Membership Directory will be sent by periodical mail,
the same as the monthly Blue Berets. If you prefer the directory be
sent first class, please fill out the coupon below and send the
payment and coupon to headquarters by December 1st.
2014 Membership Directory
Name____________________________________________________________
WBCCI #_______________
Street_________________________________________________________________________________
City____________________________________________
St/Prov._______________Zip__________________ 1st Class Mail Service
for the 2014 Membership Directory: $3.50 $__________
Mail coupon and check to: WBCCI Headquarters(must be received by
December 1) P.O. Box 612 Jackson Center, OH 45334
Please welcome our newest Dealer Sponsor! Chilhowee RV
Center
Alcoa, TN
Note their full page ad on page 9. When you are in their area,
be sure to stop in and welcome them to the WBCCI family.
-
16 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 17
Oregon Unit WBCCI Airstream Club in 1859 Magazineby Rhonda
Coleman
Early this spring I reached out to 1859 (the magazine named for
the year Oregon became a state) and pitched the WBCCI Oregon Unit
as the subject for an article.
In an intelligent and beautiful format, 1859 explores the
landscapes, the personalities, the movers and shakers, the his-tory
and the architecture that is the jewel of the Pacific Northwest,
states their website. We were thrilled (I think, mostly) to learn
that the Oregon Wally Club would be featured in the July/August
2013 issue.
For those of you who ended up on the cutting room floor,
following is the complete story. (As a fellow 16-footer, I can
relate to one of Bambi-owner Boomers priceless quotes: The closet
has room for ten Hawaiian shirts and a sweatshirt.)
Airstream Style.......When you knock on someones
Airstream door and say Hey, can I look inside your trailer?,
people not only open their door and say Sure, come on in, they say
Were cooking breakfast, how do you like your eggs?
Thats Brad Taylor, Airstream owner and one of a group of friends
- Oregonians of all ages and backgrounds - who might never have met
without their common love of aluminum. Specifically, their aluminum
Airstream trailers.
Trailer people just are friendly, Taylor said. Welcoming and
inviting. Particularly in the Airstream club.
The friends are all members of the Oregon Wally Club, the Oregon
Unit of the Wally Byam Caravan Club Interna-tional (WBCCI), the
official association for owners of the worlds finest RV and named
for Wally Byam, inventor of the Airstream, who introduced glamour
to trailer travel nearly sixty years ago.
Members gallivant about the state, playing hard and glamping in
their gleaming rolling homes, and attend theme weekend club rallies
surrounding seafood, sandcastles and kayaking at the Coast, dark
sky stargazing in Sum-mer Lake, watching old movies at the defunct
drive-in theater in Sutherlin, and celebrating the fall colors (and
Oregon wines) near Champoeg State Park. The annual Let er Buck
Rally at the Pendle-ton Roundup is an Oregon Unit tradition that
has attracted Airstreamers across the country and Canada for nearly
fifty years.
In April, photographer Dave Bassett spent a sunny afternoon with
the Oregon Unit and their silver streams at a rally in Harrisburg,
where he discovered that the trailers cared for by club members are
as varied as their owners.
The Oregon Airstreams range from squeeworthy, award winning
vintage trailers to sleek high tech models fresh from the
dealerships. All are welcome and the camaraderie is contagious.
When new members come to an event, they soak up stories and
knowledge from the others; super-secret tricks on how to fix this
or protect that, said club president Mona Heath, an Airstream
serial-owner.
She and her husband Doug own five - count em - five Airstreams.
The flag-ship of their fleet, rescued several years ago from the
Vernonia flood, is a 25-foot 1969 Tradewind that recently bagged
the Peoples Choice award at Modernism Week in Palm Springs after an
extensive two-plus year remodel.
The Mid Century Modern decor - an extension of the Heaths home
aesthetic - includes a kidney shaped couch and long countertop bar
for meals and enter-
taining. Weve had eight, ten people in there, said Heath. It
works.
Outside, the Heath trailer proudly wears her Big Red Numbers,
the designation affixed to the front and rear shells of the
Airstreams owned by more than 12,000 members of the WBCCI. A
practice adopted by Wally Byam himself during the early Airstream
caravans of the 1950s, WBCCI members continue to use the numbers -
cross referenced in the annual directory - to identify one
another.
Ive never belonged to a club in my life, said Heath, but
belonging to the WBCCI and having the big red numbers are
synonymous to me with the heritage of the Airstream. I think you
need to continue to show that.
So, why an Airstream? I always thought they were hip, explained
one member. My husband said, I only want an Airstream, it cant be
anything but
continued on page 18
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18 Blue Beret / October 2013
an Airstream, said another. Its the cool factor, say
Airstreamers across the nation.
Airstream is but a tiny, shiny star in the RV universe, and RV
choice is an interesting phenomenon. Those whose primary desire is
to camp or see America shop for something to do that with, and, for
a variety of reasons, will likely choose a White Box trailer or an
S.O.B. (some other brand in silver trailer-speak). Airstream owners
want an Airstream. People love them, said Oregon WBCCI past
president Teresa Taylor. Its not just a travel trailer for them to
go camping somewhere. They want an Airstream. And now they can go
camping.
After eighty years, more than sixty percent of all the
Airstreams manufac-tured are still on the road, and the 2013 models
roll out of the factory in Ohio every day. The binary decision
becomes, vintage or new?
The vintage life is a different life, its not always as simple,
said Heath, whose trailers date from 1958 to 2011. We learned a lot
having a vintage first. I love having the shower, she said of her
newer models, I love having plumbing, and I love the sinks and the
storage. But even with the oldest vintage model youre certainly not
sleeping on the ground. Thats a huge thing for me. Ive only camped
in a tent once in my life. Heath is a self-identified glamper -
glamour camper - and her 2011 Inter-national bears the license
plate Glampr. Doug says it sucks the manhood out of him every time
he pulls it, she laughed.
Brad and Susan Taylor work around the lack of indoor plumbing in
their popular park model 19-foot 1953 Fly-ing Cloud. Its very
primitive compared to newer Airstreams, said Brad Taylor. What
makes owning a vintage wonder-ful is everyone sees you coming, and
they come up and talk to you. The Taylors have appointed their
trailer with period collectibles unearthed at the estate sales, old
barns, and storage units that Taylor scours as part of his work as
a horse trader - I buy and sell things. And I never retail shop,
ever, he said. Outside, amid the pink flamingos, the Taylors
display pink vintage parking meters (that once
lined the streets in Eugene), mid-century Schwinn bikes, and a
rare pink Coleman cooler.
Every Airstream owner, even those towing the lat-est models,
faces a common challenge: space management. Tom Griffin and Katy
Hurley recently upgraded to a luxu-rious 27-foot 2012 Serenity
International and replaced the shabby-chic cowgirl kitsch in their
former trailer with colorful Southwest decor that suits their
relaxed lifestyle.
Though the new trailer is actually larger than what we had,
storage is always a challenge, said Hurley. I always take more than
I should. There are lessons to be learned about thinking small,
think-ing simple.
Mona Heath agrees. The living space is definitely a challenge,
she said. What it makes you do is make choices of what you bring
with you. I overloaded our first trailer, and then started editing.
I learned to get things that collapse so they are space saving, and
things that are multipurpose.
Living in an aluminum pod poses other problems. Doug sleeps next
to the wall and when he snores it kind of bounces off the wall,
Heath said. Its like this acoustical amplification. And Mellie, our
hound dog snores! I cant just get up and sleep on the couch because
its only two feet away.
The key to living in a Bambi is plas-tic tubs, said Greg Boomer
Boam, a former surfer living fulltime in his 16-foot 2006 trailer
surrounded by tie-dye, peace signs and lava lamps. The closet has
room for ten Hawaiian shirts and a sweatshirt, he said of the tiny
floorplan, the smallest offered by Airstream.
I look at it like I got an east wing and a west wing and I open
the door and thats my living room, Boam said dur-ing breakfast in
the large meeting room overlooking the river, where the Oregon Unit
assembled during the spring rally at Riverbend Resort.
Look at us, Boam said, gesturing to the gathering. Its a buzz in
here. And the community is so diverse. I mean you see people twice
my age and
half my age. Its really opened up to the younger generation and
the enthusiasm that group has brought really reflects in the Oregon
club.
Everybody is so very outgoing, said Panamerica owner Steve
Prokop. Its that brotherhood of Airstream. You flash your brights
at each other and wave when you see another on the road, and you
always talk to each other at the ral-lies and see if each other
needs help. You dont see the other types of trailer people out
visiting with each other.
When you go into a campground, you drive around and look for
other Airstreams, agrees Brad Taylor. Ob-viously this club has
given us a wealth of friends. Probably the best part of the WBCCI
Oregon Unit is its a very socio-economically diverse group. We have
people from all sorts of spectrums of society. The common thread is
people like to get out and experience things.
This club has become family to me, said Mona Heath. Without
having an Airstream, I would never have had an opportunity to meet
all these people I cant imagine not knowing now. It has completely
changed our life.
You have a whole different circle of friends, said Teresa
Taylor, a former interior designer who owns an award-winning
vintage model with her husband Glenn, a former city planner. You
have your Airstream friends, and then you have your other friends.
We seem to do more with our Airstream friends! We have so much in
common, because they are looking for something more aesthetic, more
artistic. Or like Glenn, they are people who are interested more in
quality of workmanship and engineer-ing. People who are thinking
outside the box. Literally, outside the White Box.
Airstream Style continued from page 17
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Blue Beret / October 2013 19
OPEN HOUSE INVITATION October 20-22, 2013, enjoy 3 nights FREE
parking, FREE Wi-Fi, four FREE meals, FREE tours of our available
lots, metal villas, & full brick homes. Deep discounts on
Park-owned lots during Open House. See what Texas casual living is
all about at the newest, most modern, year-round Airstream Park,
just off I-35 in historic Hillsboro, near Dallas-Ft. Worth, &
Waco. Directions & more: www.ntaci.org
Reserve a full hookup Terraport site email:
[email protected]
or call Pat at: 254-582-5566
New WBCCI Dutch Oven Site
(http://dutchoven.wbcci.net)
Weve noticed a growing number of our members talking about,
shar-ing pictures, and exchanging recipes based on dutch oven
cooking. Along with the non-Airstream world, the love and
fascination of cast iron cooking has returned in full force. Your
Electronic Communications Committee (ECC) thought itd be fun to
launch a place to collect and share our favorite recipes and
resources. Check out (and contribute!) member recipes at
http://dutchoven.wbcci.net
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20 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 21
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22 Blue Beret / October 2013
Howard Lefkowitz, #6077 ChairmanChuck Helwig, #2868 Safety
OfficerPhil Broomall, #2654Jim Cooper, #1967Jamie King, #804
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: [email protected] or by mail: Howard Lefkowitz, 11508
Colt Terrace, Silver Spring, MD 20902
20998
Problem: When my 2001, 350 XL motorhome is in a campground for
an extended period, I usually have to use my Aux switch to get the
engine started. As I understand it, this combines the coach and
engine batteries together for more starting power. I usually have
shore power plugged in all of the time, which should be keeping all
of my batteries charged. What is wrong?
Answer: The early gas motorhomes (both 350 and Land Yacht
models) did not provide any charging capability for the engine
battery. I believe this was for 2001 and earlier RVs. The early
diesel units incorporated a special module, which provided the
circuits necessary to charge both battery systems regardless of the
power source. I believe in the 2002 models all of the Airstream
motorhomes included a similar electronic module which provided this
dual battery system charging capability. Your unit will also not
provide a charge for the engine battery when the generator is
running. The only, built in, available charge capability for this
battery is the engine alternator. This is not a problem for your
automobile, which can sometimes sit for months while you are on
vacation and then start right up when you come home. In the
motorhome, there can be high current draws from the engine battery
when parked with the engine off. For example, the electric steps
are hooked to the engine battery through a 25-amp circuit breaker.
Therefore, if the steps are set to pull in every time you close the
door you can run down the engine battery.
Your RV uses a 130-amp isolator to hook the alternator to both
battery systems for charging. When you are using the 12-volt
appliances, lights and other equipment, the engine battery must be
isolated from the coach batteries. This is ac-complished, inside
the isolator, by using two high capacity diodes from the alternator
terminal to each battery system which prevents coach loads from
discharging the engine start battery.
To test your charging system and confirm that this is the
problem follow these steps:1. Hook up 110 VAC shore power2. Measure
the DC voltage on both battery systems3. The battery is being
charged if the voltage measurement is over 13 volts 4. The battery
is not being charged if the voltage measurement is around 12.6
volts.
Figure (1) is a schematic of your 12-volt system. You can see
the isolator in the lower right hand side. The 55-amp converter
near the top center is the battery charger, which is only connected
to the coach batteries. The converter (converts 110 VAC to 12 volts
DC) and is powered by 110 VAC, which comes from either shore power
or the generator. The connection from the coach batteries to the
generator, on the far lower left, provides the power to start the
generator and operate the circuit boards.
When you press the momentary Aux Start Switch, you are powering
on the AUX Start Solenoid (to the left of the isola-tor) and
effectively connecting both battery systems together. This gives
you three batteries for starting the engine as long as you hold on
the AUX start switch. If we held this momentary switch on, with the
RV connected to shore power, we would be charging the engine
battery as well as the coach batteries.
One possible solution to this problem is to obtain a second
charger and hook it up to the engine battery whenever you are on
shore power or are running the generator. A trickle charger is not
very effective for a low engine battery, which has to supply
hundreds of amps for a short time, so you will need at least a 10
or 15 amp charger. A much better solution is to
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Blue Beret / October 2013 23
convert the charging system so that it will operate, just like
the diesel and later model gas motorhomes, and automatically charge
both battery systems regardless of how the RV is powered.
Figure (2) illustrates an Intellitec 53-00362-100 Bi-Directional
Isolator Relay (BIRD) that provides a signal for a solenoid
(isolator relay Intellitec 77-90000-110) that can hook the two
battery systems together. The BIRD monitors both battery systems
and if either one is higher than 13.1 volts, for more than 2.5
minutes, it sends a signal to the isolator relay which will stay on
until the voltage drops below 12.6 volts. When this relay is on
both battery systems are connected together and being charged by
the 55 amp converter.
Reference (1) provides the following description of the BIRD
operation.
Engine Alternator Charging the Batteries
When the ignition switch is turned on and the engine is running,
the system senses the level of voltage on the chassis 12-volt
system. When this voltage goes above 13.1 volts for approximately
2.5 minutes, as happens when the engine is run-ning normally
(normal alternator output voltage of a cold engine is approximately
14.4 volts), it will close the isolator relay providing charging
current to the coach battery. This delay allows a cold engine an
opportunity to start and warm up before having the heavy load of a
discharged coach battery placed on it.
If the voltage should fall below 12 volts for more than about 1
minute, the relay will drop out to feed all the alternators
available output to the chassis (engine) battery to keep the engine
running. This might happen when the alternator is not able to
supply sufficient current to all of the loads and charge the coach
battery at the same time. When the chassis voltage goes to 13.1
volts again, the relay will again close in about 2.5 minutes to
retry to charge the chassis battery. The resultant flickering of
lights would alert the driver of the system overload.
Converter Charging the Batteries
When the coach is plugged into shore power and the ignition is
off, the unit senses the voltage on the coach batteries. When this
voltage goes above 13.1 volts for approximately 2.5 minutes, as
happens when the converter is not heavily loaded, it will close the
isolator relay providing charging current to the engine battery. If
the voltage should fall below 12.6 volts for more than about 1
minute, the relay will drop out to prevent the coach loads from
discharging the chassis battery. This might happen when coach loads
heavily load the converter. When the coach battery voltage goes
above 13.1 volts again, the relay will again close in about 2.5
minutes to retry to charge the engine battery.
The isolator relay, Figure (3) is designed for continuous
operation at 100 amps. It will handle a short-term load of 500
amps. While operating it draws less than one amp. This relay is
used as a replacement for the AUX. Start Solenoid that came with
your Airstream and does not have the capability of handling the
duty cycle or current requirements. It will also serve as the AUX
start relay to parallel all the battery systems and can be operated
with the existing switch and wiring.
Figure (4) illustrates the typical installation diagram for the
BIRD and isolator relay. The 350 XL and gas Land Yachts usually did
not have a chassis battery disconnect relay although the Classic
gas motorhomes did have both coach and chassis disconnect relays.
The disconnect relays are retained with their existing wiring.
Figure (5) illustrates the new 12-volt wiring schematic with the
dual battery charging system installed. This system will work with
your Generator as well as shore power to keep both of your battery
systems fully charged. It is completely automatic and will easily
operate with your 55-amp converter. Another advantage is that in an
emergency, if both of your battery systems get low, on an extended
camping trip, you will have the generator output voltage as a
back-up source to help run the engine.
Installation1. Before you do any work on the 12-volt system, you
must disconnect the battery ground terminal wires on each
battery.
Be sure to remove all of the wires and dress them back so they
connect make contact with the terminals.2. Locate the 130A isolator
and the AUX Start Solenoid. The isolator is usually mounted on the
firewall under the
front hood. The start solenoid is usually located close to the
battery compartment.3. On the 130A isolator disconnect the center
terminal wire (alternator) and hook it to the engine battery
terminal (on the
350 XL this wire is red). Verify that you have the correct
battery terminal. You can leave the (black) coach battery wire
hooked up since the 130A isolator is no longer functional.
4. Replace the AUX Start Solenoid with the new isolator relay.
Wiring is the same with the large heavy-duty wires go-ing to the
large terminal screws.
continued on page 24
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24 Blue Beret / October 2013
5. Mount the BIRD on the firewall or near the new relay in a
position protected from the weather. The wires do not have to be
heavy duty since they are for the electronic voltage sensors in the
BIRD. You are monitoring the coach battery voltage and the engine
battery voltage (through the ignition switch). Be sure and provide
a good ground for the BIRD and a wire to the isolator relay coil
circuit.
6. Find a 12-volt source from the ignition circuit to connect to
the BIRD Ignition terminal that will be used to monitor the engine
battery voltage when you start the engine.
Check out your wiring and installation before reconnecting the
battery ground wires. Both batteries should be charging and have
the same voltage regardless of which power source you are using
(engine, generator or shore power). Reference (1) has a Trouble
Shooting section which can help in finding any problems.
I frequently get questions about whether an installed solar
system is actually working. With the engine and generator off and
no shore power simply measure the voltage across the coach
batteries. If it is above 13 volts then the solar panels are
charging the batteries. Always make sure there is no surface charge
before making these measurements. Simply turn on a bunch of lights
for a minute or two, turn them off and then make the
measurement.
The Intellitec BIRD and isolator relay (solenoid) cost about
$125 for both. Reference (2) lists several companies that sell both
components. They may also be available on ebay.
Reference (1), Bi-directional Isolator Relay Delay Service
Manual:http://www.docstoc.com/docs/98477976/BI-DIRECTIONAL-ISOLATOR-RELAY-DELAY
Reference (2), Sources for purchase of the BIRD and isolator
relay:http://rvpowerpartsplus.net/index.php?main_page=index&manufacturers_id=6http://www.randkproducts.com/product_info.php?pName=intellitec-0000839000-bidirectional-isolator-relay-delay-dies
http://www.mccampingsupplies.com/index.php?cPath=549_613_624&main_page=product_info&products_id=8232
http://www.rvparts.com/product-31-0000362100
http://www.ecovantageenergy.com/catalog/items/item3434.htm
Howard
Figure (1)
continued from page 23
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Blue Beret / October 2013 25
Figure (2)
Figure (3)
Figure (4)
Figure (5)
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26 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 27
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28 Blue Beret / October 2013
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Blue Beret / October 2013 29
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30 Blue Beret / October 2013
Some of you are going to say I have written about this before
and am rehash-ing old stuff. Some of you are going to say why write
about short caravans when we dont have any. And I am going to say I
will write about them until we get them then I will report on them.
I have written some about short caravans before, and
Marion Pember, Chairman, WBCCI Caravan Promotions
is especially true for people who are still employed. I am
concerned because Airstreamers want more short caravans. I am
concerned because unit caravans are sometimes cancelled when not
enough people sign up.
Caravanning is the heart of WBCCI and short caravans are a part
of what
Sit around and do nothing.
Sign them up, line them up and go!
keeps that heart beating. The powers that be recognized short
caravans need to be encouraged. That was part of what drove the
change in number of rigs and number of nights necessary to qualify
for a number. That was a valiant effort and I hope it pays results.
Of course, you all know my feelings about that. If getting a number
is the only reason for having a unit caravan something is missing.
Just as a reminder, if your caravan has been approved, you are
covered by insurance and are eligible for merit points.
Have you ever taken off with two or three other Airstreamers for
some impromptu camping? I know a lot of people do that. You
probably did at least some advance planning about when and where.
Did you know if you bring it before your unit and get it approved,
you have just set up a short unit caravan? You dont need seven
rigs. And you get merit points.
What I want to get across is that al-though there is not much in
the way of short national caravans there are many short caravans
available nationally. Ev-
Lets Talk About Short Carvavans
have even written some up as articles for the Blue Beret. I also
believe that out of sight is out of mind. How many of you can tell
me what I have written before about short caravans? I am hoping to
have a reminder about short caravans in each issue of the Blue
Beret.
Sometimes it becomes an issue of defining a short caravan. Much
of my task is to promote national caravans and quite frankly, we
are in short supply of short national caravans. If my task is to
promote national caravans and we dont have short ones, why am I
concerned with promoting short caravans that dont ex-ist? I am
concerned because more people have time to go on short caravans
than have time to go on long caravans. This
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Blue Beret / October 2013 31
Is your unit or region planning a short caravan?
Would you be willing to open it up for others outside your
unit/region to attend?
We are constantly asked about the availability of short
caravans. The WBCCI website even has a section with information on
available short caravans. We will help publicize your short
caravan, numbered or unnumbered. The only requirement is for it to
be authorized by your unit/region.
Send information, including when, where, and a contact persons
name with phone, and/or email address to Marion Pember,
[email protected], phone 913-268-5938.
It will be posted on the WBCCI website.
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ery unit or region caravan could be con-sidered a short caravan
and considered available nationally. Certainly unit or region
members would have first chance at signing up. I would venture a
guess that most of these short caravans would have room for a few
more. A few more might even fill the unit or region caravan out to
a better size. Presently I think the most prevalent manner of
attracting some more to sign up is to sit and wish for them. From
what I hear that isnt too successful. What is needed is a way of
publicizing what is available.
There is actually in place right now a method of publicizing
your short unit or region caravan. I have written before about the
web site wbcci.org. It is con-tinually being improved. Something
over a year ago, a Short Caravans section was added. Last year I
received input for several short caravans being offered. This year
not so many were available. It is an educational process to get
members tuned to checking out the web site. If you still havent
looked at it closely, go there and check it out. It is fantastic
the amount of information available.
It would be great if every caravan planner at unit or region
level would send in information on their caravan once it is
planned. Send it to me at [email protected] and I will get it on
the site. Will you get dozens of people swarming
you to go on your short caravan? In all honesty probably not. I
know some of the short caravans offered last year did pick up some
from outside their unit or region. Someone will probably not go
from New York to California for a short caravan. Too much travel
for a short time. Someone from Montana might attend. What we would
be doing is increasing the number of short caravans available
nationally even if it is not a national
caravan. Does it make sense? I shouldnt ask that but I think it
does or I wouldnt be writing about it.
Getting the short caravans listed is only half the task. The
second half is educating our members to check wbcci.org for short
caravans they might like to attend. Maybe someday it will happen.
Progress is often slow. I also know if nothing is ventured nothing
is gained.
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32 Blue Beret / October 2013
By Tom SmithsonYoure invited
to the 54th Hobo Rally, sponsored by Region 12 (California &
Ne-vada). This annual event will be held at the Colorado River
Fairgrounds lo-cated in Blythe, California. This year is the last
Hobo rally at this location; it is time for the Hobos to move on.
Join us for the Memorial Rally for this location.
Quartzite, AZ, the largest flea mar-ket in the U.S., is only 20
miles east of the rally. Other area attractions are Joshua Tree
National Monument, Salton Sea, London Bridge and Gen-eral Patton
Museum. Within 100-200 miles are the Organ Pipe Cactus Na-tional
Monument and Laughlin, NV.
Six days of rally events include seminars, photo contest, games,
tours, food and entertainment. Other activi-ties include a Pet Show
and Swap-N-Sell. Golf is also nearby. Bring your most fashionable
hobo attire and parade your stuff. Guys grow a beard beginning
January 1st and you might win the best beard contest. The
high-lights of the rally occur on Saturday with the Hobo parade
followed by the crowning of the 2014 Hobo King and Queen, and then
the famous Hobo Stew will be served.
The Rally fee includes six nights of parking, 3 amp power,
water, an arrival night dinner, 2 breakfasts, the famous Hobo Stew,
and all the fun and fellowship you can handle. The weather is
usually very pleasant, with temperatures in the 60s and 70s.
To register for this Memorial rally, use the coupon in this
issue of the Blue Beret, go to www.region12.wbcci.net or contact
the rally chairman, Tom Smithson at 916-802-0443 or email him at
[email protected].
33rd Hobo Rally Hosted by Region 12
Blythe, California February 3 - 9, 2014
Florida State Rally- New Location -
Sunshine Key Resort,
South Florida (Route 1, Mile Marker 39)
April 2 - 7, 2014By Daniel Maciejczyk
Welcome to the resurrected and all new Florida State Rally. This
year starts a new era for Floridas longest running Rally. Florida
has always been the Riviera of America. This years location of the
Florida State Rally will be held in the Florida Keys in South
Florida and next year in St. Augustine in North Florida,
representing the oldest cities of Floridas Riviera (alternating
every other year from North & South Florida). We will be
starting fresh and everything will be new.
The Florida State Rally attendees will enjoy the historic sites
and old charm of Key West. A trolley tour will get you around the
most southern city of Key West. Airstreaming seminars, flea market,
dinner and entertainment await your return back to camp at mile
marker 39. Sunshine Key Resort (an Encore park) has 360 views of
tropical island life. There are amenities such as a swimming pool,
tennis court, game room, fishing pier and a caf on the grounds.
Boat slips at the marina await your fishing adventure, also
kayaking and canoe tours are a great way to see what island birds
and sea creatures inhabit the Florida Keys (charters and tours are
available at extra cost).
The cost for this rally will be $260.00 based on 2 people per
unit (one person $221.00, no extras). Included in the Rally Fee: 5
nights in the Florida Keys, parking with 5 point hook up (water, 50
amp electric, sewer, cable and Wi-Fi), use of trolley, seminars, a
dinner and entertainment. We will be limited this year to 120 full
service sites, so this will be first come, first serve. For those
wishing to come early or wishing to stay later, an extra days fee
at Sunshine Key Resort will be $30.00 per night. Also note that
those traveling from a distance will get reduced parking at Land
Yacht Harbor by showing their receipt. Land Yacht Harbor (Pass-port
America Park) located in Melbourne, FL, has lowered the rate for
attendees to $20.00 a night, naturally less for Passport America
(reservations required).
The FSR will be held one year in the Keys - South Florida, and
one year in St. Augustine - North Florida. This gives Airstreamers
all the opportunity to explore and see the whole state of Florida
by participating in the Florida State Rally.
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Blue Beret / October 2013 33
Vintage Airstream Club
Bob Herman
Contributing EditorVINTAGE RALLY: National Texas Vintage Rally,
October 3-7, 2013, Gonza-
les, TX, contact Fred or Judy Hazen, [email protected] or
512-261-0122
Bob Herman, 407-810-5579 or email: [email protected]
LET US GIVE YOURAIRSTREAM A FACE LIFT
DRAPES, FLOORING, UPHOLSTERYBEDSPREADS, BLINDS, CABINETS
DETAIL CLEANING
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www.fowlerRVinteriors.com
Classic Airstream Club
Bettie Jones, President
Here we are off to another year of meeting friends along the way
in our travels. While you are out there, be on the lookout for your
new officers:
1st Vice President: Joel Ware #7727, sort of a Santa Claus
looking fellow - beard included - very tech-savvy, eager to get
going with club activities.
Recording Secretary: Vicki Buttleman #9691, seasoned caravaner
and a volunteer for the secretarys job. Love those volunteers.
Treasurer: Myron Fischer #345, and a genuine SAINT in the
treasurers job - untold hours dealing with dues past and present.
His wife Kathryn deserves a STAR also. She and I spent a lot of
registration table time together.
Webmaster and Newsletter: David McCall #5382, has taken on this
challenge with enthusiasm and knowledge. Hell be looking for your
article and a picture - should you feel inclined - telling of your
travels and post it to the website or newsletter.
Ed Efira did the Website and Marie Efira did the newsletter for
about 7 years - there was a lot of information disbursed -
and thank goodness we had that DYNAMIC DUO - MANY THANKS and a
tip of the hat for their efforts.
Kay Corder has been a really right hand gal and I do appreciate
all her help.
Lastly I should tell you that I will be your President - again
for the 2013-2014 year. If there is something on your mind - wed
like to know - contact us.
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34 Blue Beret / October 2013
REGION 1 J. Rick Cipot, Contributing Editor
http://region1.wbcci.netHappy Halloween and falling leaves to all
Region One
members. What a great time of year to be up here in New England
and the Canadian Provinces. The leaves are falling and the nights
getting chilly as we get ready for our special fall holidays. I am
happy to report that there has been a flurry of activity for the
regions Special Event Rally, Columbus Day Canadian Thanksgiving out
in Provincetown, MA. Another large crowd is expected and a special
job well done to the hosts and all their helpers.
For the rest of us, some are heading south to meet up with their
winter friends, some of us may be winterizing and then there are
the hearty folks who just wont stop camping. There are a few
campgrounds in the area that do stay open year round but if you are
like Sandi and I, we like finding new places and doing different
things. That usually brings us down south a bit to Pennsylvania or
a little further to Delaware or the Carolinas. There is just
something special about waking up in your Airstream some late fall
morning and finding snow on the ground.
By now you have all had your fall business meetings and are
aware of the issues we are having with our region rally. We really
do need every member to pitch in and offer just a little help. What
makes region rallies so much fun? Its all about the members.
Working up front organizing, working in the background making sure
the little details are not overlooked and just pitching in when
needed. With so many options for the region rally, I feel that we
need to gather the troops, save the date and come one, come all.
Take a look at the schedule and take note of the dates and please
do try to join your fel-low Airstreamers for four days of good
food, good times and great folks.
Enjoy the rest of the season, join your fellow unit members at
your annual holiday party and please keep safe.
REGION 2 Kathy Blake, Contributing Editor
http://region2.wbcci.netIts hard to believe that I am writing this
in August for the
October issue of the Blue Beret while caravanning around Lake
Superior with the Ontario Canada Unit. We have run across quite a
few members from other Units as well as a number of baldies. One of
the special times ahead on this Caravan will be meeting up with the
Wisconsin Unit during one of their Unit rallies. Caravans
rock!!
Here and now in Northern Minnesota, it certainly feels like
autumn and I am reminded that good fall camping is coming up soon.
Truly, in most of Region 2, fall is the best time to be travelling
and camping. No bugs, less competition for great sites, gorgeous
colours, crisp mornings, and perfect campfire evenings!
The Canadian Thanksgiving holiday - the second Monday of October
- will soon be upon us. At that time some of us will start to put
our rigs to bed for the winter, while the rest of us start packing
them for a winter in the south. But, dur-ing October, therell be a
lot of WBCCI action throughout
our Region with end-of-season gatherings, including officer
installation ceremonies. President Pat hopes that, in the next
issue of the Blue Beret, hell be able to report that all 17 Units
comprising Region 2 have a full slate of officers. For the mo-ment
recruitment for vacancies continues, including for a 2nd
Vice-President of Region 2.
Looking ahead to 2014 when two of our Units - Delmarva and
Ontario - celebrate their 50th anniversaries, there is a whole lot
of party-planning going on. Our whole Region is excited about these
celebrations and look forward to hearing about these momentous
occasions!
As a reminder to us all, we get a lot more out of something when
we put in, and there are many ways to participate. Think about what
you can offer and say, Ill do it!
REGION 3 Joan Anderson, Contributing Editor
http://region3.wbcci.netDemographics of recreational vehicle sales
have changed
over the last few years. Fifty-one percent of the folks
purchas-ing new Airstreams are between 40 and 59 years old and 67
percent of the new RV owners are still employed with both spouses
working. That makes caravans, long rallies and join-ing a camping
club a real juggle of time for these younger working people.
Jay Thompson and Matt Hackney have exciting news about Region 3s
answer to the problem of getting and sustaining new members. A new
unit is being formed - the Southeastern Camping Unit. Region 3 has
provided it with a provisional charter!
Jay says that this unit was organized to try to fill the wishes
of many folks still working, those buying Airstreams for the first
time and those who enjoy camping out in their Air-streams on an
informal basis. This new WBCCI unit would hold rallies and other
activities, primarily during weekends, in national, state and local
parks in South Carolina, Georgia and Florida.
The Units founding members have already met the re-quirements in
the WBCCI International Constitution of a minimum of ten members
and provisional officers. Beth Hackney is serving as treasurer and
membership chairman for the provisional unit.
Matt said that a group of fourteen members from different units
in Region 3 decided to explore new venues - rallies will feature
outdoor activities and planned potluck meals. He also said that
communications will be primarily electronic and you can inquire
about joining electronically, as well. One person new to WBCCI has
already joined and several have requested information. Please
contact Beth for more information at [email protected].
Congratulations to the new Southeastern Camping Unit and its
members who are out-of-the box thinkers and the future of
WBCCI!
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Blue Beret / October 2013 35
REGION 4 Nancy Brett, Contributing Editor
http://region4.wbcci.netGreetings from Region 4! As the 51st Swiss
Festival National Rally winds down, it
is time to thank the Land-O-Lakes Unit, the Akron Unit and all
the affiliates, who have worked so hard to make this rally a
success. Thanks are also in order for Larry Kurkowski, who
spearheaded the completion of the new shelter in July while Tom
Losasso and Ron Swan made sure that supplies were on hand for the
working crew. If you didnt attend this year, make sure you save the
last week in September in 2014 - it is a fun filled week. The 52nd
Swiss National Rally Chairmen will be Larry & Karin
Kurkowski.
With a blink of an eye, another summer season has passed. Did
you travel far and wide? Did you stay close to home? Will you head
south for the winter? Or will you begin to plan for the 2014
season? Our Region President reminds us to support our Units by
planning to attend the Unit Installation Luncheon or Rally. This is
also the time for Past Presidents to fill out the Unit Merit Award
Program Application. The form is online and can be filled out and
saved.
Community Service Chairman, Janet Kendig, reports that in
addition to collecting personal sized items for the womens abuse
shelter, knit hats, scarves and gloves, yarn, gently used childrens
books and stuffed animals, used eye glasses will also be collected
for the Lions Club in Gillette, Wyoming.
Dates to Remember:January 5-11, 2014 - IBT Rally, Rayne,
LouisianaMay 19-25, 2014 - Region 4 Rally, Allen County Fair-
grounds, Lima, OhioJune 28-July 4, 2014 International
Rally/Convention,
Gillette, WyomingAugust 20-24, 2014 Michigan State Rally, St.
Louis, MISafe travels see you down the road!
REGION 5 Patsy Marston, Contributing Editor
http://region5.wbcci.netOctober in Region 5 means cool mornings,
sunny days, and
glorious color in the trees. This is the perfect time of year
for camping adventures in our Airstreams. The bugs are gone, and
even a little rain and cool weather cant dampen our spirits. Region
President Barry Bell and First Lady Karen want to thank all the
members who volunteered hours of their time to help make our Region
5 Rally at General Butler State Park in Kentucky such a great
success. It cant be done without lots of help from dedicated
members. The Region Rally is over, but units have planned
fun-filled outings to cap the season. Six of the seven Region 5
units have rallies or caravans planned for October. Unit caravans
and rallies are really the heart of WBCCI. This is where life-long
friendships are forged, and those memories are made that remain
long after camping days are over. Please check out the scheduled
activities listed elsewhere in this issue. Youll have a good time
visiting at any one of this regions unit functions. Its fun to see
what other units are doing at their rallies, and youll get great
ideas for your home unit. Central Indiana and Southern Indiana
Units are both planning caravans. Central Indianas will be the
Banks of the Wabash Caravan which will run from October 4
through October 13 and follow the Wabash from Lafayette to
Vincennes. You can join it for part or all; just notify Ann Newman
at 317-850-6402. Southern Indianas caravan will be to the Old Time
Fiddlers Rally at Athens, AL. Notify John Hays at 270-877-6298.
This caravan runs from September 30 through October 6. Its always
good to remember that we are the Wally Byam CARAVAN Club. If you
havent been on a unit caravan, youre missing a great time.
Congratulations to our new Region 1st Vice-President Monte
Barksdale. Monte is the president of the Illinois Lincolnland Unit.
He has accepted the task of guiding Region 5 following the term of
President Barry Bell. Im sure he will have the sup-port and help of
all our members. The best way to enjoy and get the full benefit
from your membership is to get involved.
Volunteer, or if youre asked, accept. Our club only survives
with the volunteer spirit.
Point to Ponder: Household (or Airstream) HintBest way to get
rid of kitchen odors. Eat Out.
..................................................................Phyllis
Diller
.....................................................................Phyllis
Diller REGION 7 Linda Agre, Contributing Editor
http://region7.wbcci.netThe following are highlights from the
thoughts of a First
Timer who attended the International Rally in Huron, SD, and who
are also brand-spanking new members. This was their very first
rally.
I quote: Please accept this in the spirit intended, i.e., honest
feedback to hard-working, committed leaders. We suffer from past
experience, as consultants and volunteers to national
organizations. The challenge we see is adapting to a younger owner
base while respecting our WBCCI history and the needs/expectations
of long-term members.
Here are some of their suggestions:Invite all members to
participate in a Parade of Homes to
showcase their remodeling, decorating, restorations. Not just
VAC rigs. Award prizes, ribbons. Make it a social, fun event.
Refreshments during the day. Friendship Center should have some
of these to foster camaraderie, draw folks together, feed vendor
displays.
Sponsor get-togethers among owner groups (similar to VAC). Bambi
owners, B-van owners, Classics, to share info, solve common
problems, and build friendships.
Reception/Mixer. Appetizers/beverages/meet and greet as opposed
to chair-based entertainment. Great way to meet/mingle. How about
new member/first timer mixer/ breakfast/coffee?
First timers ribbons. Everyone greeted us and made us feel very
welcome. What a great reception from members.
Rally dates. Timing, aka 4th of July. The schedule was a near
deal beaker for us. This is a traditional family holiday and we are
unlikely to attend in the future due to this single fact. Most of
our unit is leaving early to rejoin family at home. Please make it
easier to attend in the future.
Wi-Fi is essential. Buyer demographics suggest many are still
employed and just need connectivity to be able to lever-age their
time.
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36 Blue Beret / October 2013
Great ideas from new members. Do we need to change the
International Rally dates? Maybe? This has been mentioned for
years. Can we? Are we willing to change?
REGION 8 Leonard & Betty Sullivan, Contributing Editors,
http://region8.wbcci.net
This October column is being written during the rainy season of
August. Holy Moly, who would have thought that it could rain so
much in portions of Region 8 in August - it certainly puts a damper
on camping. We sure hope no one has had to live in their Airstream
because of the flooding and no one has experienced a significant
loss.
This is installation time and your Region Officers are enjoying
their visits to your units and the installation of your new
officers. The officers are there to assist you with issues so
please take advantage of this opportunity. This is a good time for
the Unit officers to use the Planning Guide for ideas for the next
year. Also a good time for the current officers to review and
record the past years accomplishments, such as member awards won at
recent Region and International Rallies, caravans, joint rallies,
special items published in the Blue Beret, and unusual activities
worthy of additional points.
The Planning Guide has the total list and is easier done when
the memories are fresh. This was a proud year as all units in 2012
received their Superior Merit Award ribbons at the Region 8 Rally
in Hutchinson.
We are currently in Kirksville, MO, arranging details for the
Region 8 Rally April 29-May 4, 2014. I have discovered for those
who have a license and wish to fish for trout, they can do this
within the city limits at Spur Pond stocked in Oc-tober for fishing
the following spring. We are planning enough time for this activity
along with many interesting tours in the area. For the arrowhead
aficionado, we found The Wooden Nickel Restaurant has a wall
dedicated to collections of ar-rowheads and tomahawk heads dating
back a few thousand years. Just imagine trying to stop a mastodon
with a six inch stone spearhead. This will not be on the tour list
but on the eating out list!
We are delighted that the Region has added a number of new
members. The Region Officers look forward to meeting you at the
fall rallies. Do place a note on your calendar for the Region 8
Rally next April 29-May 4, 2014. We plan to see you all Streamin to
Missouris North Star Kirksville, MO.
REGION 9 Andy Selking, 1st Vice President
http://www.region9.wbcci.netAs I write this, I can tell it is
autumn by the beautiful color
of the leaves on the trees in Texas and Oklahoma. The weather
has cooled down and its a perfect time to get out and travel. There
are many great places to go and see in an Airstream. I am also
reminded that it is football season. We will be taking our
Airstream to the OU home football games again this year as we have
done in the past. Tailgating in an Airstream is lots of fun. Many
people come by just to see an Airstream and
look inside. They always ask, Do they still make these and what
year is yours? Our answer always is, Yes, they still make them and
ours is almost new. It is an opportunity to tell others about the
great WBCCI club we belong to and the fun that we have caravanning
and going to club gatherings.
Unit installations have started and will continue through
December. Thanks to all who have stepped up to fill a Unit
position. We could not do it without you! Barb and I love visiting
with all the various units and look forward to being at several
installations.
We have two Airstream Parks in Region 9, TAHI in Zavalla, TX,
and NTAC in Hillsboro, TX. We would love for you to visit both of
them. You have a great opportunity to visit North Texas Airstream
Community in late October during their Open House. See the
following information about this event.
Cmon Down, Yall! Welcome! Bring your Airstream to our Second
Annual Open
House Celebration at the North Texas Airstream Community,
October 20-22, 2013.
Enjoy three nights FREE parking, FREE Wi-Fi, four FREE meals,
FREE guided tours of our available lots, metal villas, and full
brick homes. Prices deeply discounted on park-owned lots during
Open House.
Come see what Texas casual living is all about at the most
modern, open-all-year Airstream Park, easily reached just off I-35
in historic Hillsboro, the county seat of Hill County, near
Dallas-Ft. Worth, & Waco. See directions & more at:
www.ntaci.org
For reservations in our modern 24 site terraport, email:
[email protected] or call Office Manager Pat at 254-582-5566.
See you down the road!
REGION 10 Mona Heath, Contributing Editor
http://region10.wbcci.org
To encourage clubs and rallies that provide an endless source of
friendships, travel fun and personal expressions.
excerpt from Wallys Creed
As the newly-installed Unit leadership teams settled into their
roles, plenty of focus will be on the development of a robust,
creative and fun list of rallies for 2014. Plenty of work has
already gone into planning the Region 10 rally on the Oregon Coast
from July 1620. From sandcastles to shipwrecks, saltwater taffy and
fresh seafood, theres plenty to explore. Plan on packing your
bikes, kayaks, hiking shoes and cameras and mark these dates on
your calendars - we look forward to seeing you there.
Safe travels
-
Blue Beret / October 2013 37
REGION 11 L. Lawson, Contributing Editor
http://region11.wbcci.net
October iswhen night guzzles up
the orange sherbet sunsetand sends the day
to bedbefore supper . . .
~ Bobbi Katz
Arizona Unit Caravan to International Balloon Fiesta
Albuquerque, NM, September 29 - October 3
Leaders: Pat & Babs Cahalan [email protected]
4CU, Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta Rally,Albuquerque,
NM, October 4 - 8
Previous registration required.Contact Host: Ken Johansen,
[email protected]
Region 11 Rally, Camp Verde, AZ, October 10 - 13Held at the
Distant Drums RV Resort www.distantdrums-
rvresort.com, right off of I-17.The Arizona Unit annual meeting
to be held at this rally!Contact Hosts: Roger Pruter & Barbara
Vaughn, 719-475-
8899 or 719-332-9051, [email protected]
New Mexico Unit, Thanksgiving Warm-Up RallyCaballo Lake SP, NM,
October 24 - 27
NM Unit Annual Meeting & Installation to be held at this
rally!
Contact Hosts: Bob & Anne Werth, 505-331-7226,
[email protected]
If you are hosting an upcoming Airstream rally or event in
Region 11 that you would like to promote in this section of the
Blue Beret, please send details to [email protected] 55 days
before the first of that months issue!
REGION 12 Kia Kelley-Johnson, Contributing Editor
http://region12.wbcci.netBy the time you read this, our Region
Rally Silver Among
the Vines will be a sweet memory of fall colors reflected on
aluminum. Everyone did their best to make this an enjoyable rally
for you to attend. Im a big believer in feedback loops that can
provide useful information on what works and what didnt work. Send
your comments to Region President Bob Stansbury
[[email protected]]. We want to make the next rally even better.
Tell him what was great; good, bad and ugly and lets make the next
Region Rally one great affair. Of course, any profuse and flowery
accolades are gladly accepted.
Everyone in our Region is a tremendous source of skills and
talents - please consider helping out at the 2014 Rally.
Plan to attend these events in 2014 - all information is on the
Region 12s website:
125th Rose Parade is on December 28, 2013 to January 1, 2014.
This years theme is Dreams Come True.
33rd National Hobo Rally February 3-9, 2014. There will be lots
of events and activities to experience.
Region 12 Rally October 14-20, 2014. Checkout the website for a
list of what the area has to offer. Bet there is something for
everyone.
I want to add my flowery gratitude to the rally workers - Job
well done!
Fourth of July Parade at Huron, SDEuna Ridenour #4064
Mardi Gras is one of the best times of the year in Loui-siana,
but it never fails that the Greater New Orleans Unit has a
wonderful time at the International Rally when they do their
sashaying into the parade each 4th of July!! This year was no
exception. We handed out many beads, boas, masks and small
umbrellas. There were two adorable grand-daughters at the parade
this year. Hugh Ridenour gave Alicia Ruef, the granddaughter of
Cecil Hoosier, a beautiful foil umbrella. She enjoyed twirling it
as much as the rest of the group! Lonnie Carver then gave Alicias
friend at the International Rally, Jordyn Nuss, the granddaughter
of Tom Richardson, an umbrella so she could join in on the fun too,
and they continued to enjoy the parade, even af-ter it was over,
with their boas, beads and umbrellas. We hope to see them back next
year to get in on the fun!!
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Blue Beret / October 2013 39 38 Blue Beret / October 2013
Dave Schumann, General Manager Customer Relations Group
October is here and if you are living in the northern parts of
the country you are probably squeezing in a few more trips before
the cold weather sets in, enjoy. With the colder weather, you start
thinking about storing your Airstream for the winter and with that
comes questions to Customer Support.
Here are some questions and reminders for winter storage.
Should I remove my batteries from my Airstream for the
winter?Batteries will last longer if kept charged, and having the
battery stored in a garage or workshop makes monitoring and
charging the battery/batteries easier. Removing the battery also
gives you the opportunity to have your battery tested (load tested
at battery supplier) and inspected for any damage to the battery
case (leaking fluid or bulging sides).You will also want to check
fluid levels and fill as necessary with distilled water so top of
plates are covered.
It is also a good time to inspect battery terminals and cable
ends for corrosion. Clean them with a wire brush and apply a
protective coating to battery posts and cable ends.
You can leave the batteries in your Airstream when storing if
you keep them charged; this will require plugging unit in or
hooking up to a charger at least monthly. Batteries should be fully
charged when placed in storage and maintained to keep batteries
from freezing.
Airstream does not recommend leaving unit plugged in when in
storage.
Some quick winter storage remindersShut off the propane at the
tank/tanks. Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, clean
and covered to protect from UV rays. Sun and air pollutants can
also
cause deterioration of the rubber compound, causing dry-rot in
your tires.Apply dielectric grease to 7 way cord connections to
prevent corrosion while in storage.Remove any water filters before
winterizing and install filter plug or by-pass line. You will not
be able to remove all of
the water from the filter when using air to winterize and you do
not want them full of RV antifreeze if you are using it to fill and
protect water lines.
If your water heater is gas and electric, make sure the electric
heating element is turned off. This will protect the element if the
unit is plugged in while being stored or before water is put back
into system next spring.
Leave the fridge and freezer doors open. To help dry out the
refrigerator and freezer compartments prior to storage, crumple up
newspaper and put in freezer and lower refrigerator compartment for
24 to 48 hours to absorb moisture and then remove papers.
Remove all food items, paper and cardboard from closets and
cabinets. We dont want to encourage winter guests (rodents).Leave
cabinet, closet and cabinet doors open when storing for better
circulation and humidity control.Wash your Airstream before
storing, especially the roof. Washing the roof will let you inspect
for any water leaks, loose
or cracked sealants or any damage to AC covers or vents. If you
see anything damaged or looks questionable, get it corrected before
putting in storage.
Lubricate all joints, pivot points and gears on your steps and
stabilizer jacks.
Flo-Jet macerator Model series 18550-300CWinterization of the
Flo-Jet macerator pump and flexible drain hose used in our
Airstream NCV3 Interstate van.Winterization: It will take an
approximate 2 gallons of RV antifreeze for the winterization of
your plumbing drain lines,
your macerator and the flexible discharge line.Step one: Pour 1
gallon of antifreeze into the sinks in bath and galley of your
Interstate. This will provide protection for
any water left in drain lines as well as the dump valve.Step
two: Pour 1 gallon of antifreeze into the black tank through the
toilet bowl.
-
Blue Beret / October 2013 39 38 Blue Beret / October 2013
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 Schus News
t-shirt!
Step three: Pull the flexible dump hose out and open the valve
to allow the antifreeze to come out when pump is activated.Step
four: Open the black dump valve, then turn on the macerator pump
and let run until you have a flow of antifreeze
coming out the drain hose. Turn off macerator pump, then close
the black tank drain valve and the valve at end of the flex-ible
drain hose.
Step five: Open grey tank dump valve to verify you have
antifreeze in the valve then close again.By using the two gallons
of antifreeze, you are assuring that the drain lines and valves
have been protected.
Reminder: do you have your membership number handy?Coach-Net
Membership Plan
Airstream offers free 24/7 assistance on all 2012 and newer
model year trailers provided by Coach-Net Membership Plans. This
two-year service covers both your Airstream van or travel trailer
and tow vehicle that is attached to the trailer. Not only does this
service provide emergency roadside service should you have a
breakdown, but Coach-Net Membership Plans also provide technical
service for your Airstream after hours should you have any
questions.
Contact Coach-Net at www.nmca.com or 855-879-4091.
RV lifestyle remains as strong as everResearch, conducted by Dr.
Richard Curtin, RV industry analyst and director of consumer
surveys at the University of
Michigan, reveals the number of RV-owning households has grown
to a new peak of 8.9 million households, up from 7.9 million in
2005. According to the report, 8.5% of U.S. households now own RVs,
up from 8.0% in 2005.
At the pearly gates, St. Peter greeted a minister and
congressman and gave them their room assignments. Pastor, here are
the keys to one of our nicest efficiency units. And for you, Mr.
Congressman, the keys to our finest penthouse suite. This is
unfair! cried the minister. Listen, St. Peter said, ministers are a
dime a dozen up here, but this is the first con-gressman weve ever
seen.
Have a great month and we will see you on down the road!
Schus News
-
Blue Beret / October 2013 41 40 Blue Beret / October 2013
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