CHARTERED JUNE 26, 1965 BC UNIT “the news”

“the news”

UNIT OFFICERS

2015-2016 President Tom Akam, 604.538.4149 [email protected] 1st VP Paul Wheeler, 604.209.7970 [email protected] 2nd VP Joyce Wensley, 604.809.9321 [email protected] 3rd VP Dave Wood, 778.839.1673 [email protected] Recording & Corresponding Secretary Arlene Matches, 604.535.4237 [email protected] Treasurer Jay Tuason, 604.583.5875 [email protected] Past President Doug McGill, 250.338.6813 [email protected] Directors - One Year (Term 2015-2016) Ralph Vanderheide, 250.851.8520 [email protected] Alex Matches, 604.535.4237 [email protected] Directors - Two Year (Term 2015-2017) John Millard, 604.536.6372 [email protected] Shelby Brennan, 604.290.8778 [email protected]

British Columbia Unit #121 CHARTERED JUNE 26, 1965

www.airstreambc.com

BC UNIT

Editor: Arlene Matches Home Phone: 604.535.4237

Cell Phone: 604.202.7229

Email: [email protected]

TOM’S TABLOID After two terms as President, this will be my final tabloid. However, it won’t

be the last time you hear from me. I would like to begin by thanking my executive for

their support during the past two years ― in particular, newsletter editor Arlene

Matches and Treasurer Jay Tuason. Both positions involve a substantial commitment

of time. I must also thank those who have hosted our rallies and ‘eating meetings’ as

well as the membership who showed their support by attending these functions.

Speaking of the Treasury, it’s that time of year again. Jay will soon be send-

ing out renewal notices and she would appreciate your early response so that she can

get the renewals to Jackson Center in time for inclusion in the annual Membership Di-

rectory. Again, we will be making it easier for you to renew by accepting one cheque

in Canadian dollars that covers both your International and Unit dues.

It has been a good year for the British Columbia Unit. Our total membership

stands at 92 (68 regular members and 26 affiliates), an increase of twelve over last

year. So we must be doing something right.

Now, to bring you up to date on my ‘Big Circle Caravan’. Travelling with me

so far are Gerry & Judy Greth, Barry Hook, Jim Kolhoff (President of the North Cas-

cade Unit), John & Chris Millard and Castel & Jay Tuason. Our first stop was

Leavenworth, WA where we were joined at ‘Happy Hour’ by long-time affiliate mem-

bers Don & Susie Jenson who live in Leavenworth. We then moved on to Hayden, ID

(just north of Coeur d’Alene) where we were again joined for ‘Happy Hour’ by Fred &

Janet Bourque, long-time members who live in the area. Then the next day Fred took

John and me out on Lake Pend Oreille in their pontoon boat for a few hours. Both

John and Fred had a couple of swims (I didn’t bring a swim suit) and we had our lunch

at the wharf at Farragut State Park. It was nice to renew old acquaintances. These are

just two examples of the friends one can make in the Wally Byam Caravan Club when

travelling in Canada or the United States. See page 9 for photos.

We are now two days into the Region 10 Rally where we were joined by Brian

& Lynn Jackson, Dick & Sharon Moffat and Cory & Violeta Paige. With business

matters out of the way, tomorrow we have a Flathead Lake boat tour (courtesy of

Bretz RV & Marine, the local Airstream dealer) and the next day Barry and I are tak-

ing the ‘Red Bus’ Tour into Glacier National Park. Two days later the Greths, Jack-

sons, Moffats, Tuasons and myself together with three members of the Alberta-

Saskatchewan Unit and two members of the Montana Unit are off to Hillspring, AB

for a rally at the Great Canadian Barn Dance. Meeting us there are

Ralph & Judy Goddard, Ken & Debbie Kitura, Randy & Lorena Man-

gel, Ron & Kay McQuarrie, Moe Storoshenko, Ralph Vanderheide

and ‘buddies’ Del & Eileen Ferguson. I will cover the rest of the

caravan in the next newsletter.

Tom’s column continued on page 2...

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1-2 Tom’s Tabloid

2 Community Corner

3 New Members, Roster

Changes

4 Traveland, Committee

Chairs & International

Rally

5 Quotes and website

request

6 Photos from caravan

7 Installation Rally Agenda

8 2016 Activity Schedule

9 More caravan photos

10 For Sale

AUGUST 2016

THE COMMUNITY CORNER Murray Clarke is celebrating his 80th birthday on August 31st. Have a wonderful day, Murray. Not everyone gets to celebrate this number and it’s great you are doing so in good health and with a positive attitude! Gene Van Iderstine continues to make strong headway in his recovery from his stroke. So strong in fact that they have bought a new mo-torhome that Marilyn can drive to ensure they are able to lead the Small Towns BC Caravan. If anyone has news to share, please advise Arlene Matches for an insertion into this column. Births, anniversaries, health issues, good news or bad...anything you wish to share with the mem-bership is welcome. Everyone please continue to collect pop and beer can tabs and bring them to the next luncheon or rally you attend and we will, in turn, give them to Sharon, our coordinator, who donates them to the Children’s Hospital charity. The collecting of Campbell Soup labels has now ended. We didn’t realize that Canadian labels are not viable for the USA collection. They (the NCW Unit) are great at collecting pull tabs for us (another four pounds received recently!!) and when they ask us to reciprocate and start saving anything else, we were and will be there for them. For your generosity we…

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU

PAGE 2

Tom’s Tabloid (cont’d)

Note: In keeping with the Club’s custom of support-

ing charities in cities where International and Region Rallies

are held, all units in Region 10 have been asked to raise funds

on behalf of two Kalispell charities: the Flathead Food Bank

and the Ray of Hope shelter. While the purpose of the former

is obvious, the services offered by the latter are too many to

list here. In response, your executive has decided to redirect

the Unit’s half of our 50/50 draws to these charities along

with additional donations from our members. As a result, the

British Columbia Unit has issued cheques for $125.00 U.S. to

both charities.

Coming up is the Installation Rally in Merritt August

25 to 28. This is the time of year when we have a change in

executive. With the rally being earlier in the year (before

members start to winterize their rigs) and in a more central

area (Merritt), we are hoping for a great turnout. And, of

course, the Neilsons are hosting a rally in Port Alberni Sep-

tember 9 to 11 and the Wills are hosting a luncheon in

Nanaimo October 5th.

Your incoming President, Paul Wheeler, has already

lined up his programme for the remainder of 2016 ― in fact

he has a tentative schedule for the rest of his term. His plans

include a September rally at the Maple Ridge RV Park; an

October rally at the Othello tunnels near Hope; and, our an-

nual Christmas brunch at the Delta Town & Country Inn in

early December. See page 8 for details.

Reminder ― A group of us meet weekly for break-

fast at Ricky’s Country Restaurant, 2160 King George Boule-

vard in South Surrey every Tuesday at 9:00 AM. If you too

would like to join us, please let me know the day before or

early that morning so that I can be sure that there will be a

seat for you.

Tom

Happy British Columbia Day

MEMBER, WEBSITE, and ROSTER CHANGESMEMBER, WEBSITE, and ROSTER CHANGESMEMBER, WEBSITE, and ROSTER CHANGES

PLEASE WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:

ARMSTRONG, Patrick & Brenda WBCCI #3087 3259 Telescope Terrace

Nanaimo, BC, V9T 3V4

Phone: 250-729-9642

Cell: 250-758-8434

Email: [email protected]

[email protected]

Airstream: 2013 30-foot International Signature

BOWMAN, Larry & Linda WBCCI #3903 #505, 154 Promenade Drive

Nanaimo, BC, V9R 6Y3

Phone: 250-753-3297

Email: [email protected]

Airstream: 2016 30-foot Flying Cloud

CLEFSTAD, Lloyd WBCCI #3301 23230 Billy Brown Road, Unit #4

Langley, BC, V1M 4G1

Cell: 604-202-9000

Email: [email protected]

Airstream: 1977 31-foot Land Yacht Excella 500

ALSO, WELCOME NEW AFFILIATE MEMBERS:

HOWELL, Patrick & Janet WBCCI #6035 6035 172B Street Members of Oregon Unit

Surrey, BC, V3S 6G6

Patrick’s Cell: 604-996-2082

Janet’s Cell: 604-996-0953

Email: [email protected]

Airstream: 2016 30-foot Classic

FIKKERT, John & Deb WBCCI #7393 53 Jumping Pound Rise Members of Alberta/Saskatchewan

Cochrane, AB, T4C 0K6

Cell: 780-710-6216

Email: [email protected]

Airstream: 1995 34-foot Excella

AND, LASTLY, MAKE THIS ROSTER CHANGE:

As if July 31st, change Joyce Wensley’s email address should read

[email protected] (please don’t use her gmail address any more)

PAGE 3

COMMITTEE CHAIRS:

Audit Committee Not necessary at this time Budget Committee Tom Akam & the 2 VPs Caravan Committee Tom Akam Nominating Committee Doug McGill with Paul Wheeler and one other to be named Community Service Alex & Arlene Matches Equipment Chairman Ron McQuarrie Hospitality & Sunshine Arlene Matches Membership & Mentoring Alex Matches Newsletter Editor Arlene Matches Roster & Handbook Tom Akam Safety Chairman Barry Hook Telephone Committee Paul Wheeler & Janet Soucy Unit Historian Alex Matches Webmaster Monty Sheldan

PAGE 4

FOR FUTURE PLANNING

The 60th WBCCI International Rally is be-ing held on different dates next year and is almost fully booked…!! Add July 22nd-29th to your 2017 Calendars. Why not get a group together for a caravan; then plan to visit lovely Escanaba, Michigan

where the 60th International Rally is being held.

However, if you miss the 2017 rally, we just learned that the 2018 rally is once

again going to be held in Salem, Oregon so keep July 2018 available to attend

THAT one.

Details can be found in all upcoming Blue Berets.

President, Tom Akam, requests new and affiliate members to please

forward their info (photo and bio) for inclusion on the BC Unit web-

site. We also encourage our regular and affiliate members who have-

n’t done so to add a picture and update their biographies as well.

There is a printable roster available from the website. Please contact

our Web Master, Monty Sheldan with regard to accessing the website

(if you haven’t already done so). The email address for Monty is:

[email protected]. Tom also has a printable and up-to-date ver-

sion of our Mini Roster in Word format which he will email upon re-

quest. Tom’s email address is: [email protected].

PAGE 5

!!...SMILE…!!!!...SMILE…!!

HAPPY B.C. DAY

“Summer afternoon - sum-mer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language.” - Henry James

"Nothing is more memorable than a

smell. One scent can be unexpected,

momentary and fleeting, yet conjure

up a childhood summer beside a lake

in the mountains..." - Diane Ackerman

“Bees do have a smell, you know, and if they don't they should, for their feet are dusted with spices from a mil-lion flowers.” ― Ray Bradbury, Dandelion Wine

WISHES FOR A FRIEND

May the early morning sun Shine on you today.

A gentle breeze caress you, As you go along life’s way.

I wish you health and happiness

As the day comes into view, And may each hour be blessed With friendships fond and true.

May your dreams all be fulfilled;

You achieve your every goal; And at the ending of the day,

May peace touch your heart and soul.

PAGE 6

The Tuason’s new

outdoor oven that

cooked the cake

shown on right for

Tom Akam’s

birthday

celebration during

the caravan

to Kalispell

Jay Tuason helping Tom with the candles

Chris Millard, Judy Greth, Jim Kolhoff,

Barry Hook, Castel & Jay Tuason and

Tom Akam

PAGE 7

INSTALLATION RALLYINSTALLATION RALLY CLAYBANKS RV PARK

1304 Voght Street, Merritt, BC August 25-28, 2016

Thursday, August 25th All Day Arrive, register with RV park, get set up, then meet and greet others 4:00 pm Happy Hour (outside if nice; in hall if inclement) 6:00 pm On own for dinner or get a group together and try out local eateries Evening Games, visiting and puzzles in the hall Friday, August 26th 8:00-9:30 am Continental Breakfast and coffee in the hall (pay Jay your rally fees) All Day Sight-see and check out Merritt’s shops or drive up to Quilchena Lodge for golf or to shop in the hotel’s gift shop Lunch On own 4:00 pm Happy Hour (outside if nice; in hall if inclement) 6:00 pm Pot Luck dinner in the hall: —Last name begins with A-G bring salad or starter —Last name begins with H-S bring entrée —Last name begins with T-Z bring dessert Evening Games, visiting and puzzles in the hall Saturday, August 27th 8:00-10:00 am Continental Breakfast and coffee in the hall (if not done already, pay your rally fees to Jay Tuason) 10:00 am BC Unit Annual General Meeting at the hall Lunch On own 3:00 pm Installation and Swearing-In Ceremony officiated by Region 10 officer 4:00 pm Wine & Cheese Celebration followed by... 6:00 pm Hosted Pizza in the Hall (paper plates and utensils provided ) Evening Games, visiting and puzzles in the hall Sunday, August 28th 8:00 am Bob’s famous ‘Bun On The Run’ 9:00 am Paul Wheeler’s 2017 Executive Meeting 4:00 pm Happy Hour for those staying (perhaps another dinner outing?)

For those leaving today — Farewell and Please Drive Safely! For those who are remaining and leaving on the ‘Small Towns BC’ caravan on Tuesday; you

are on your own to book the extra nights; for meals; and for entertainment. How about getting together for tours? Restaurant/bar explorations? Shop for the caravan?

OR, just relax and have fun!

2016 ACTIVITY UPDATE

Joint Rally at “The Great Canadian Barn Dance’ in Hillspring, AB [August 1 to 4 / four nights, five days]. This event

(which follows the Region 10 Rally) brings together for the first time the Alberta-Saskatchewan, British Columbia and

Montana Units. So far, twenty-two have signed up. Almost too late BUT you could still contact Tom Akam (604-319-

6021) to register or if you require more information.

Merritt Installation Rally [August 25 to 28 / three nights, four days] ― This rally is being hosted by Arlene Matches and

Joyce Wensley, Contact Bob Halliwell (1-604-870-4850) if you plan on attending this rally. He will require a deposit of

$40.00 CDN.

REMAINING 2016 ACTIVITIES

Late Summer Rally [September 23 to 25 / two nights, three days] — The proposed location is the Maple Ridge RV Park.

Paul Wheeler will confirm the location and provide details in due course. Be sure to keep this weekend free.

Othello Tunnels Rally [October 14 to 17 / three nights, four days] ― If you have never seen the ‘Othello Tunnels’, you won’t

want to miss this rally. And, if you have, you will likely enjoy visiting them again. Never heard of them? Then this is

your opportunity to explore these relatively unknown local attractions. Again, Paul Wheeler will be organizing this rally

and will provide details as the date draws nearer. In the meantime, be sure to keep this weekend free as well. Being the

last rally of the year, this will also be an opportunity to learn how to winterize your rig if you have never done it before.

Christmas Lunch [Sunday, December 4] ― Save the date. This is our final event for 2016. As usual, it will be in the Lower

Mainland at the Delta Town & Country Inn Restaurant.

VANCOUVER ISLAND EVENTS

Port Alberni Rally [September 9 to 11 / three days, two nights] ― John Neilson has tentatively reserved 8 sites at Arrowvale

Campground & Cottages. The Alberni District Fall Fair is on the same weekend. So there should be lots to do and see in

the area, namely: ride the Alberni Pacific Railway and tour the historic McLean Mill; take a cruise down the Alberni Canal

to Bamfield on the M.V Francis Barkley; visit the Chase & Warren Estate Winery; explore the falls in the Stamp Falls

River Provincial Park; or visit the Rollin Art Centre. This is a great opportunity for those on the Islands to meet fellow

club members and to make new friends. The rally is open to those on the mainland as well. If this weekend is of interest

to you, please contact John at 1-250-744-6760 as soon as possible so that he can firm up his reservations.

Lunch in Nanaimo ― October 5. Hosted by Carolyn & Ron Wills. Details to be advised.

What else? That’s up to those of you living on the Islands. There are 17 of you … so why not get together and plan another

event or two (there is a listing at the back of your roster and new members listed in the recent newsletters).

Your Executive will gladly support you any way it can.

INTERIOR ACTIVITIES AND EVENTS

Opportunities already available to our Interior members:

Lunch at Midtown R.V. in Penticton ― Tuesday, August 9

Installation Rally in Merritt ― August 25 to 28

‘Small Towns of Central BC’ Caravan ― August 30 to September 18 (standby only)

What else? Plan your own rally in a central area. How about a lunch and/or a dinner as well? Of the 12 members who live in

the Interior, 10 are listed at the back of your roster. The other two are Biggan/Mason (incorrectly classified) and Goddard.

That said, nothing is likely to happen if you wait for someone else to take the lead. So, why not contact another couple in

your area and organize an activity together. Again, your Executive will gladly support you any way it can.

British Columbia Unit #121British Columbia Unit #121British Columbia Unit #121 2016 Activity Schedule2016 Activity Schedule2016 Activity Schedule

PAGE 8

PAGE 9

Fred Bourque and Tom

Akam on Fred’s boat

John Millard out for a swim

Tom & John enjoying

the sunshine and quiet

of Lake Pend Oreille

I got a phone call from Don Reimer (a reader of RVTimes who got our number from the Airstream Club ad). Don wanted us to put

a notice into this newsletter about a friend who is looking to sell a 28-foot Land Yacht that needs total restoration. He didn’t have

details about age of unit or anything else. The owner, Orest Pyrch, is asking $5,000 or best offer for it

and can be reached at 604-888-3240. He is the person to contact if you want any other information.

Arlene Matches , Editor

PAGE 10

Here is another one. In a recent email I received information on this rig that is also for sale… Type Airstream Excella 1000 Length 34 feet Year 1989 Location Cloverdale Condition Excellent Price $24,900 For further information and to view contact: Owner Adam Scriver Cell 604.818.3400 email [email protected]

AIRSTREAMS FOR SALE

Ex-BC Unit member, John Walker from West Vancouver, is selling his 2003 25-foot Safari

for $30,000 . It is in beautiful shape although with a small amount of floor rot that John

has dealt with and I have attached a couple of photos he sent me. If you are interested in

this rig or want more information on it, please give John a call at 604-290-5572.