the news FEBRUARY 2014 British Columbia Unit #121 CHARTERED JUNE 26, Doug UPCOMING EVENTS THE PRESIDENT S RAMBLINGS

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1 BC UNIT British Columbia Unit #121 CHARTERED JUNE 26, the news Editor: Arlene Matches Home Phone: Cell Phone: UPCOMING EVENTS St. Valentine s Day Luncheon 11:30 am, Saturday, February 8, 2014 Beach Grove Golf Club (see page 7 for details) Hosted by Larry & Shannon Leslie St Patrick s Day Dinner at the Reimer s 5:00 pm, Friday, March 14, Pandora Avenue, Abbotsford, BC Hosted by Paul & Toni Reimer (details on page 8) PLEASE REMEMBER TO WEAR YOUR BADGE TO ALL UNIT, REGIONAL AND NATIONAL FUNCTIONS (you may know who you are but others may not) UNIT OFFICERS President Doug McGill, dddmc@shaw.ca 1st VP Tom Akam, light.house@telus.net 2nd VP Shannon Leslie, sbl@dccnet.com 3rd VP Vacant Treasurers Paul & Toni Reimer, revolutionsound@shaw.ca Recording Secretary Joyce Wensley, tba joycec355@gmail.com Corresponding Secretary Debra McGill, dddmc@shaw.ca Past President Bob Halliwell, halliwell4840@telus.net Directors - One Year Alex Matches, matches7403@gmail.com Norm Finley, (no computer) Directors - Two Year Castel Tuason, innotu@yahoo.com Ron Wills, (summer) (winter) rcwills66@gmail.com FEBRUARY 2014 Hello Fellow Airstreamers: THE PRESIDENT S RAMBLINGS What a grand time of the year? Recently, Debra and I were doing our garden walk-a-bout and counted nine different floral species in bloom along with many other bushes in bud a sure indication that spring and summer are coming. My mind soon transitioned to Airstreaming this summer. I also wondered how I could promote as much involvement as possible from our club members in caravanning. The purpose or mission statement for WBCCI, as stated in many of their publications, is: to allow folks, of common interest, to travel in their Airstream trailers enjoying each others fellowship. Is that not why we are members? The Caravan Chairperson, Debra, has put together a great programme, starting in April and ending in October, that will accomplish the mission. It appears here in the Newsletter and on our Website. All that is required of our members is to get their trailer on the road and have some fun! However, for maximum enjoyment, the organizers of any particular event need some sort of commitment to make arrangements in advance. Shannon s St. Valentines Day luncheon on the 8th of February will provide an opportunity for us to discuss the upcoming programme. Now, with the Website, last minute changes can be made in order to make any event even more enjoyable. Check your inner Wally and let s make our Club a true caravan club or dddmc@shaw.ca Doug PAGE 1

2 THE COMMUNITY CORNER An from Marilyn Van Iderstine dated Jan.23rd reads: Hi, Arlene. Gene has now had the second surgery, for a hernia. Today they have finally removed the tube from his nose and he has had his first taste of food since Dec.16th. The scan yesterday showed that the surgeries were healing well. I am hoping that he will be home from hospital within a few days. We appreciate all the cards, s and phone calls from our friends. We are now looking forward to the camping season. The Van Iderstines should be well represented at the fishing rally, Vince and family, Steve and Annette have booked a cabin and Lee and Jenn are on a waiting list for a cabin and, of course, we are planning to be there, too. We are having spring-like weather here and the bulbs are starting to bloom. Cheers, Marilyn A subsequent dated January 24th reads Tom Akam and I have just returned from visiting with Gene. He is not having a great day today. They had to put the nose tube back in and the IVs had gone interstitial, so he has had a little set back. They will try him on some food again in a couple of days. He is getting weary of the whole process. Tomorrow will be a better day. I was just talking to Marilyn Hook. She has just completed her next week of chemo. This is double the strength of the first batch. She, too, was having a bad day today. Hopefully tomorrow will be better for her, too. Hugs, Marilyn HAPPY FEBRUARY BIRTHDAY TO: 03 Darlene Caldwell 05 Elain White 07 Peter Walde 18 Debra McGill 27 Karen Gilliam COMMUNITY SERVICE We are always impressed by the number of aluminum pull tabs we receive from our members, affiliates and friends!!!! Remember to keep saving those tabs and bring them to the next rally as this is a great way to raise money for charity (in the case of BC Unit, proceeds go to sending children with severe or chronic illnesses and disabilities to summer camp at the Zajak Ranch for Children). We coordinate our donations with Sharon Pentecost who, for more than 25 years, has been collecting aluminum for charitable organizations. Marilyn & Gene Van Iderstine are pleased to accept old towels and blankets for the SPCA. Community Service Coordinators, Alex and Arlene Matches will also ensure any donation of warm women s or children s clothing collected at rallies, luncheons or dinners goes to the Shelter for Abused Women and that donated foodstuffs are given to the Food Bank. Thank you for your generosity!!! HAPPY FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARY TO: 07 Scott Kennedy & Sandra McKellar 07 Kirt Smith & Shelley Alexander 10 Bob & Susan Martin SAINT VALENTINE S DAY QUOTES I claim there ain't Another Saint As great as Valentine. ~ Ogden Nash There is no surprise more magical than the surprise of being loved. It is God s finger on man s shoulder. ~ Charles Morgan There is no remedy for love but to love more. ~ Thoreau The only abnormality is the incapacity to love. ~ Anais Nin You don't marry someone you can live with - you marry the person who you cannot live without. PAGE 2

3 NEW MEMBERS & WEBSITE/ROSTER CHANGES Please make this change to your roster: Patrick & Janet Howell have a new phone number President Doug McGill requests new and affiliate members to please forward their info (photo and bio) for inclusion in the BC Unit website. We also encourage our regular members to add a picture and update their biographies as well. Also, newsletter editor, Arlene, needs birthdays and anniversaries for the newsletter. The affiliate names will be on the website shortly. Soon there will be a printable list of the membership available off the website. Please contact new Web Master, Monty Sheldan with regard to accessing the website (if you haven t already done so the address for Monty is: msheldan@mac.com). PAGE 3

4 UPDATED ACTIVITY SCHEDULE 2014 FOR RESERVATION & PLANNING PURPOSES, TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE ORGANIZERS AND HOSTS. IDENTIFY YOUR INNER WALLY TRAVEL PLANS. OR PHONE CARAVAN CHAIRPERSON, DEB McGILL, WITH YOUR INTENDED PARTICIPATION, PLANS OR ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING ACTIVITIES WBCCI B.C. Unit 121 February 8 Valentine s Day Get-Together - Hosts: Larry & Shannon Leslie - Beach Grove Golf Club (see page 7) March 14 St. Patrick s Day at the Reimer s (details on page 8) April April 28 May 22. May 1 4 May 5 14 May June 5 23 June June 28 July 4 July 6 16 July August September 3 7 September 8 14 September Whidbey Island Tri-Unit Rally BC, North Cascades and Washington Units. BC Host is Tom Akam Tidal Pools to Fishing Pools - Part A hosts are Doug & Debra McGill. This is a mini-caravan via Highway #2 through Leavenworth to Palmer Lake, WA Palmer Lake Rally - Hosts: Ralph & Lalani Vanderheide - location Palmer Lake, (a lovely campground on the lake) Tidal Pools to Fishing Pools - Part B host is Debra McGill. This is a tag-a-long caravan from Osoyoos to Sheridan Lake. A fun run up the Okanagan includes mini wine tasting tour, BBQ lunch at Midtown RV in Penticton and a pub feast at the Noble Pig in Kamloops. Buddy Fishing Rally - Loon Bay Resort at Sheridan Lake - - Hosts: Ron & Carolyn Wills, Tom Akam, Toni Reimer, Bob Halliwell and Doug & Debra McGill. Reservations to Bob Halliwell NO LATER THAN APRIL 15th with $40 to secure spot. Campfires, fishing and frolicking fun. Heritage BC Caravan Hosts Doug & Debra McGill and Gene & Marilyn Van Iderstine. Starting in Hope, BC and ending in Cranbrook, BC, we will visit old mines, railways, towns and drink in fabulous scenery. Costs to be determined. Tag-a-Long caravan to Gillette, Wyoming for the International Rally. Hosts: Doug & Debra McGill. 57th WBCCI International Rally in Gillette, WY (separate coupon in the Blue Beret). Tag-a-long Caravan return from Gillette to Astoria for the Region #10 Rally. Possible joint effort for part or all with other units. Please liaise with Deb McGill. Astoria, OR. Region #10 Rally (separate coupon in the Blue Beret). Circle the Wagon Rally in Parksville on beautiful Vancouver Island - Hosts Ron & Carolyn Wills and Doug & Debra McGill. Camp at the beach for the Parksville Sandcastle Festival. Tag-a-long caravan from Lower Mainland to Pendleton, Oregon. Hosts, Patrick & Janet Howell. Pendleton National Rally. Joint effort with the Oregon Unit. Our leaders are Patrick & Janet Howell. (separate coupon in the Blue Beret). Joint Installation Rally - Washington State Fairground in Lynden, WA - Hosts Dick Sherwood and Doug McGill. This schedule can be added to, amended, or activities deleted, depending upon participation and enthusiasm. PAGE 4

5 REPORT ON JANUARY 18TH TRAVELAND MEETING AND LUNCHEON A pre-lunch meeting was held in the upstairs lunch room at Traveland. There was a good attendance. Those present were Tom Akam, Peter & Wendy Barbera, Norm Finley, Barry & Marilyn Hook, Wayne & Jeannie Jeffrey, Larry & Shannon Leslie, Ron & Kay McQuarrie, Leon & Aliza Motola, Wally & Judy Peper, Paul & Toni Reimer with son Luke, David & Marilynn Sams, Bill Smith, Ruth Stahl, Castel & Jay Tuason, Marilyn Van Iderstine and Joyce Wensley (who was back on a temporary break from her sojourn across the country and down the east coast of the United States). Host Tom Akam welcomed everyone, particularly the Pepers and Sams who had joined us from the North Cascade Unit. Marilynn Sams took the opportunity to mention that their affiliate dues were $15 U.S. Tom then explained that for many years the two Units have supported each other through affiliate memberships and that together we have had many good times. Next, Tom gave an update on Gene Van Iderstine s successful operation and Marilyn reported that he is expected to be home within the week. Tom then mentioned that he had bought a Get Well card for everyone to sign, but to his dismay had left it behind. Not one to give up, Tom then circulated a note pad for everyone to express their wishes for a speedy recovery. Marilyn will take both the card and the notes to Gene when she visits him on Sunday. As Doug and Debra McGill were unable to attend, Tom reviewed their program for the rest of the year. Reminders were made of two upcoming events: the Valentine s Day luncheon on Feb 8 th at the Beach Grove Golf Course in Tsawwassen and the St. Patrick s Day celebration at the home of Paul and Toni Reimer, March 14th at 5:00 pm. Then the rallies and caravans start. There is a tri-unit rally on Whidbey Island followed by a caravan to Palmer Lake after which the caravan tours the Okanagan wine country on its way to Sheridan Lake for our ninth annual fishing rally. Along the way there are many stops of interest. The year ends with four important rallies: the International Rally in Gillette WY; the Region 10 Rally in Astoria; the Pendleton National Rally co-hosted by our very own Patrick & Janet Howell; and last, but not least and by far the most important our own Joint Installation Rally where everyone will volunteer to fill our fun positions on the board! Ya! Nominations now accepted. For details of the foregoing activities see elsewhere in this newsletter. Tom then introduced our Traveland hosts. The speaker today was sales manager, Milfred Abrams, accompanied by Bill Verhagen, service manager, who answered maintenance questions from the floor. Milfred reported that Airstream continues to improve its manufacturing processes with minor changes in design (many not visible to the eye) and that delivery time for factory orders is now 6 months. The meeting concluded with draws for four door prizes: a Traveland gift certificate and three bottles of wine with cheese. Marilyn Van Iderstine was asked to start the draw and picked her own number! She chose the $50 Traveland gift certificate. Being the winner, Marilyn was asked to draw another number and this time she picked the Sams who declined because they could not take the wine across the border. The Sams then drew Ruth Stahl s name. This is the second year in a row that Ruth has won while waiting downstairs for us to join her! Luke Reimer was then asked to draw a name and he picked the McQuarries who had prepared the draw tickets. Lastly Joyce Wensley offered to pick the last name and then someone pointed out that the remaining bottle of wine was for Ruth. And guess whose name Joyce had already picked Tom Akam! What a strange draw it was today! The meeting was then adjourned to the showroom where we were treated to lunch. Submitted by Tom Akam and Joyce Wensley PAGE 5

6 Standing are Traveland Sales Manager, Milfred Abrams, accompanied by Bill Verhagen, Service Manager, both of whom spoke at the meeting prior to the luncheon. Luncheon host, 1st VP Tom Akam, flanked by 2nd VP Shannon Leslie, and Unit Recording Secretary Joyce Wensley Some of the attendees at the Traveland luncheon. Shannon Leslie with Leon & Aliza Motola behind her. Bill Smith with Castel Tuason just behind. Wendy Barbera in front of Jay Tuason. David Sams with wife, Marilynn, hiding from the camera. Lady standing in back is a Traveland employee (I believe ) All photos courtesy Marilyn Van Iderstine PAGE 6

7 Valentine s Day luncheon Hosted by: Larry & Shannon Leslie 11:30 am, Saturday, February 8th Address of the Beach Grove Golf Club is th Ave, Tsawwassen, I have provided a link below for the driving instructions. Large parking lot there. Location of luncheon is UPSTAIRS in the Clubhouse with exact location TBA on sign board at entry. Lunch cost is approximately $6 to $17 per person with bar service available. After lunch, dessert and coffee will be served at the Leslie s home at 1219 Pacific Drive in Tsawwassen. Guest should please RSVP to our home phone at by February 3rd as numbers will determine exact location for eating. Please leave a message if no one answers. PAGE 7

8 Celebrate St. Paddy s Day at the Reimer s Plan to come to their home at 5:00 pm on March 14th and bring your own drinks (if you don t want to drink beer, wine or Paul s special recipe cocktails), Also Toni is asking you to bring along a small dessert to share. Paul & Toni and their sons will provide appetizers galore and the Reimer s eldest son, Adam, will make his special, secret sauce BBQ ribs. There should be enough appetizers to fill you up and the desserts will round out the menu perfectly. Please RSVP to Toni at rivergirl@shaw.ca or to Paul at revolutionsound@shaw.ca. You can also call Toni at Paul & Toni s address is: Pandora Avenue in Abbotsford Don t miss this fun event BUT be sure to let them know you are coming!!!! REPORT FROM GOLDEN VILLAGE PALMS RV RESORT IN HEMET, CALIFORNIA Alex and I (along with our Airstream wannabe friend, Don Rosie) are having happy hours and visits with BC Unit members Dick & Sharon Moffat from Osoyoos (shown in front of their trailer at the resort). At the weekly Special Tasting and Live Music event last Friday, we were pleased to meet and talk to Sheila Tourond, owner and publisher of RV Times, a free publication we read from cover to cover every issue. Sheila has carried advertising for Golden Village Palms for as long as we can remember. GVP usually has an incentive to stay there and we try annually to take advantage of that incentive!! We are anticipating other Canadian Airstreamers will soon arrive to enjoy the record heat and dry, sunny weather that we are currently experiencing. Arlene PAGE 8