Oregon Unit #090 Vol. 53, Issue 9 Sept., 2013 Terri Warren, editor

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1 The Oregon Streamer Oregon Unit #090 Vol. 53, Issue 9 Sept., 2013 Terri Warren, editor We are a diverse and welcoming group of Airstream owners who enjoy camping and sharing adventures. I ve been sitting here staring at a blank screen, trying to reconcile the fact that this is my last newsletter article as President of the Oregon Unit. The reality of moving into the Region 10 2nd VP position is a little bittersweet in that I m now part of the Region, not just the Oregon Unit (shhhh...but just between us my heart and membership will always belong to the beautiful state of Orygun!) Oh what a year it s been - as I explore my new professional career opportunity it s been so heartwarming to know that there are many, many people around the country who enjoy the same spirit of comraderie that Doug and I love within the Oregon Unit, and to know how much you care about us. I attended my second International Rally, this time with a trailer and, in no particular order: loved seeing so many of the friends we ve made throughout our Airstream journeys; loved loved loved the Vintage Airstream Club caravan through town; was honored to be the voice of our Club at the Delegates Meeting and pleased that the voting results kept this a single-branded Airstream club; was proud to be installed as our Region 2nd VP and learned a lot about the opportunities necessary to evolve the WBCCI to connect with all of the demographics of our membership from long-time to new Airstream owners and everyone in between. I m proud to be part of a group of active members of our national club responsible for initiating a movement titled Moving WBCCI Forward, with our statement of purpose included in this newsletter and on our website. This effort was developed, and is led by, myself and other club members, not the International Board of Trustees (IBT) nor International Officers, and we hope that after you review our statement of purpose that you consider becoming involved with us as well. This is my commitment to you: to carry forward the spirit of fun, friendship and adventure that is the heart and soul of the Oregon Unit. I would like to personally thank Patricia, Terri, Dave, Mike, Lisa, Judy, Susan, Rebecca, Janet, Walt, Jo Ann, Teresa & Ray for their support, leadership and, most importantly, friendship. It s a great feeling to know that there are so many members who care about our Club and choose to donate their time to keep this very special group thriving. We can t wait to see everyone at the Champoeg Rally...to hug old friends and to meet those of you who ve joined the Oregon Unit over the last several months. In closing, I can t say it any better than my introductory article: This is a very special collection of individuals who rejoice in each other s accomplishments, who selflessly offer their time and support, who show kindness and compassion in times of personal loss and who truly love the Airstream lifestyle. I think Wally would approve. Safe travels - Mona, Doug & Mellie

2 2013 Oregon Airstream Club Rallies and Availability Sept Tumalo State Park Rally Bend, Oregon several dry camping spaces available, none with hookups Oct Fall Rally at Champoeg State Park Butteville, Oregon 6 spaces left December 6-8 Holiday Rally at NW Airstream Adventures Gladstone, OR about 20 spaces available About Champoeg from Linda Starbird: We are excited and looking forward to the Champoeg Fall Rally! As of today, there are 57 Airstreams registered; we have 6 sites left. We booked all the sites available in the A and B loops way back in April. There will be some cancellations and new registrants before the rally begins. Site placement will begin next week and consideration will be primarily for the length of Airstreams. All meals will be in the Meeting Hall located between the A and B loops. All sites have electricity and water. There is a RV dump station, flush toilets and hot showers and firewood is available from the camp hosts. Friday October 18 th 4:00 p.m. Check-in (your site may be available sooner) 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Hour - If possible, bring an appetizer to welcome our participants 6:00 p.m. Potluck dinner, bring your favorite dish, along with utensils, plates and glasses. Saturday October 19 th 7:30 a.m. Breakfast provided; bring your own utensils, plates and glasses 9:00 a.m. (Optional) Leave for auto museum tour (6.9 miles in Newberg) 9:30 a.m. Tour of auto museum 11:30 a.m. Lunch on your own 3:00 p.m. Visit open Airstreams 5:00 p.m. Hospitality Hour 6:00 p.m. Chili Cook-off (optional) and Dinner, bring your own utensils, plates and glasses 8:00 p.m. Annual Meeting and Election of Officers in the Meeting Hall Sunday October 20 th - 7:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast 1:00 p.m. Check-out

3 Auto Museum Tour Jan Prokop had arranged to have us visit a large private vintage automobile collection located in an unmarked warehouse 7 miles away in Newberg. The owner will guide us through the history of the museum and his collection. There will be room for about 60+ people. After the two hour tour it is recommended that we have lunch at the Jory restaurant in the Allison Hotel ( one block from the warehouse. If desired, reservations at the Jory restaurant should be made by you for noon 10/19/13 ( ). To ensure a reservation, call well before 10/19/13. Maps to the warehouse will be provided by Jan. Chili Cook-Off - Susan and Brad Taylor are organizing the cook-off. Sampling cups and voting ballots will be available to all rally participants. If you would like to enter a chili, please plan to bring a hot crock pot full of your favorite recipe and check in with Brad and Susan sometime prior to Saturday evening. Prizes will be determined later. Those that will not be entering a chili, please bring cornbread. Also being served will be hot dogs/bratwurst, garden burgers, salads and more. Walk/Bike to Butteville It is just 1.5 flat paved trail miles along the river to the Butteville Store. There are many gifts for sale, lemonade, Italian sodas and ice cream! Friends of Historic Champoeg operate the store. Hours are 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 pm Friday and Sunday, 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Saturday. They are celebrating their 150 th birthday in Visit Open Airstreams If you would like to host visitors to your Airstream on Saturday afternoon at 3 pm, please keep your door open. This has always been a very popular part of our rally. Meeting Hall While is impossible to outdo the wonderful Thanksgiving decorations provided by Scott McCollister and Cyle Frutchey last year, we will do our best. The hall can host 50 people so we will need canopies to erect next to the hall. Walt and Lyn Weber will be the fireplace tenders. Dog Park Here is a map to the dog park at Champoeg: mapsolo.htm?id=17 Many thanks to the following Champoeg Rally volunteers! Co-Hosts Tony & Linda Starbird, Mike and Judy Rogers, Patricia and Julius Scoggins, Duane and Diane Zollo, Teri Warren and Hal Hendrix, Susan and Brad Taylor, Walt and Lyn Weber, Mike and Lisa Rogers Calendar of events September 27-29!! Tumalo Rally, contact Terri Warren at twestover@mac.com October 5!! Breakfast at the Mark Restaurant, Beaverton, contact Bill@leppo.com 18-20!! Champoeg Rally, contact! Starbirds at starbirdfarm@helvetia.us 19!! Breakfast at the Black Bear Diner, 9 am, Bend, contact richard_ashton@msn.com November 2!! Breakfast at the Mark Restaurant, Beaverton, contact Bill@leppo.com December 7!! Breakfast at the Mark Restaurant, Beaverton, contact Bill@leppo.com 6-8!! Holiday Rally, NW Airstream Adventures. contact Brad Taylor or Douglas Heath

4 Mt. St. Helen s Rally Seaquest State Park, WA The Mt St Helen's Rally at Seaquest State Park was marked by good weather (mostly), good food, and great Airstream friends. Several people arrived early and were greeted by an Airstream couple (not part of our group) camping in the same loop where we were. Of course we welcomed them to our group and invited them to become part of the Oregon unit. The campground was beautiful and peaceful. There were multiple visitor centers and hiking opportunities. Almost everyone took the trip to the Johnson Ridge observatory for the views of Mt St Helens and the chance to learn about volcanic eruptions. For happy hour, Rob brought "volcano beer" (over carbonated homebrew) which seemed like the appropriate beverage. We had a little rain at night after we were safely tucked away in our trailers, but the weather during the days was nearly perfect. As usual, many people offered to help at mealtime making light work for the hosts. All in all, it was relaxing, fun, and a beautiful place. Thank you Paul Buescher, for your gorgeous photos, of our event.

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8 Kayak Rally Scappoose, Oregon This past July 22 Airstreams christened the new RV park operated by the Port of St Helens at Scappoose Bay. The park was not quite finished but the Oregon Unit is a flexible bunch and we didn't mind at all. We had power, water and lots of shiny neighbors. Our club was first invited to camp at the bay by the owners of the Scappoose Bay Kayaking Company who are long Airstreams themselves. This location turned out to be a fantastic place for paddling and many in the group either kayaked or went out in a canoe throughout the weekend. As always, it was a time of great food and even better socializing. We look forward to rallying at this location again and seeing it completed.

9 Thanks once again to Paul Buescher for the terrific photos of the Kayak Rally

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12 The Mystery Rally Waterloo County Park July 31-August 4 Sweet Home, OR As many of you know, Waterloo County Park was NOT the answer to where they Mystery Rally was to be held this year. It was scheduled for Griffin Park near Grants Pass, OR. But as the date approached for the rally, the forest fires in the Grants Pass area got worse and worse. The rally was set to begin on a Wednesday, and on Monday night, the park called us and said it was so smoky down there, we should cancel. Since the call came around 7 pm, I extended the cocktail hour for another 60 minutes for sure and then moved into problem solving mode. Hal and I started calling every campground we could think of that might have space, but everyone was either full or closed. Sometimes, they sounded incredulous that we would ask if they had 15 camping spots at the height of the camping season one day ahead of time. Yea, yea, yea, we know. Then it occurred to me that Waterloo County Park has a completely non-reservable loop with about 60 sites in it. At 6 am the next morning, Hal and I took off for Sweet Home. We had been there before, and had seen this board where people register and cover up the space number when they are occupied. All the way there, I thought about that board, and would there be spaces not covered up. When we pulled in at 7:15, I immediately noted that there were 19 spaces not covered! Whew! Now we just had to sort out which ones were best, how many we could get in the same area of the loop, and start writing checks for spots and putting them in envelopes to complete the registration process. Most people were still sleeping, so we crept around the campsites, whispering to each other about which ones would work the best for us. Pretty soon the park ranger came up, I m sure wondering what the heck we were doing, and after we explained, he helped us. Turned out he is Dusty s distant relative. What a small world. Anyway, other new campers started coming also! So we raced around like crazy people, writing checks, posting reserved signs on as many sites as we possibly could. There was a big country music festival coming on Thursday, so we knew we had to pay for an extra night when most people would not actually be there yet in order to hold the spots, but the ranger said that was OK, as long as we paid. Our co-hosts Patricia and Julius were up in Vancouver and from there, they started calling the 15 rally participants to let them know of the change. Some people were already in southern Oregon, waiting for the Griffin Park event to begin so they had to travel back. Others came down a day early and joined the festivities. All in all, it was a great rally I think. Lots of good food and companionship. Thanks to all who helped with cooking and clean up. You re the best! Patricia, Julius, Hal and I stayed an extra night, just to wind down. It was pretty quiet around there that night with all our friends gone but nice to relax a bit. Until next time.

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15 Thanks to the Starbirds and the Zollos for your photos of the Mystery Rally

16 The Airstreams and Silver Screens Rally Hi-Way Haven RV Park August Sutherlin, OR The Airstreams and Silver Screens Rally was held from August 23 rd 25 th at Hi-Way Haven RV Park in Sutherlin, Oregon. Members in twenty-five airstreams in all (including two motorhomes) were in attendance. Eleven airstreams arrived a day early to experience an extra day of fun! Thanks to Nancy Lewis great idea, members who arrived early brought ingredients that were made into a delicious stone soup, which we all enjoyed with fresh bread and hor d oeuvres. Thank you, Nancy! Friday night we enjoyed a potluck dinner with delicious entrees, salads and desserts. Our evening entertainment included viewing some Wally Byam historical shorts followed by the hilarious movie RV, starring Robin Williams. Dixie and Mark McNamara supplied us with popcorn and frosty libations much to our delight! The rest of the evening was spent enjoying each others company, sitting around the campfire and checking out each others airstreams. Saturday morning we enjoyed a breakfast of eggs, sausages, stuffed French toast and potato casserole and fruit along with plenty of coffee! We had our annual business meeting after breakfast. We were glad to be joined by Carol Ortiz, Region 10 President, who outlined plans for the Region Rally to be held at the beautiful Oregon coast in Fresh from the International Rally, Glenn and Teresa Taylor did a presentation about how to run a successful rally and caravan. Afterwards some of us enjoyed hikes into town, bike rides and winery tours. Lunch was on your own and we gathered for hor d oeuvres at five, followed by a cook out dinner including burgers, brats and all the fixin s. Dale Hoosier and Mike Rogers joined Dave in BBQing, while acquiring a mild case of smoke inhalation in order to get all the goodies out to the group. Once the sun went down it was time to enjoy another movie. Saturday night s selection was The Princess Bride. The movie was once again enjoyed along with Mark and Dixie s popcorn and a lot of candy! After the movie people continued to visit and enjoy each others company. Sunday morning was a grab and go breakfast with everyone packing up and saying their fond farewells looking forward to the next rally! Our thanks to everyone who pitched in with all of the cooking and cleaning! It made our job really easy. What a great group of people! Many thanks to Paul Buescher for his photos of the Sutherlin Rally

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21 Pendleton Rally September 9-15 Pendleton, Oregon What a great time everyone had at the 103 rd Pendleton round-up and the 48 th Oregon Unit National Rally. We had 40 Airstreamers enjoying a week of Western Hospitality in one of the Top Western Towns in America, this rally is more than a Rodeo, it s visiting with real cowboys sitting next to you in the stands that remember the Airstreams in the field next to I-84 when they were kids. It s also sitting under the big Oak tree as the day gets hotter and enjoying the camaraderie of the group. Many said the highlight of the rally was the back stage tour of the Rodeo grounds and Native American Village, others said the breakfast with the Rodeo Court and Happy Canyon Princess. The Happy Canyon Indian Princess s regalia was amazing, Princess Carina s regalia is from her great-great- great grandmother and great Aunts. Princess Anna is making history with her regalia, her older sister Katie (both a Happy Canyon Princess 2011 and part of the Rodeo Court 2012) and her younger sister along with Anna are making the Harris family regalia. The beautifully beaded leggings were finished this year. Items not yet finished are on loan from family and friends. As part of our history of giving back to the communities we visit the Oregon Unit gave donations to the Blue Mountain Wildlife Rescue in the name of the Happy Canyon Princess and to the Pendleton Early Childhood Center in the name of the Pendleton Round-up 2013 Court. My favorite had to be the Happy Canyon Night Show, from tears to cheers as Princess Carina Vasquez-Minthorn sang the National Anthem in the Umatilla language. We had new Oregon members Shaun and Randy, Bob and Janice and guests McDowell/Francis family in their wonderful work in progress Airstream. Sam & Marcie from Pendleton stopped by and joined us for dinner. We had WB members from the Washington, British Columbia, Arizona, and the Nor Cal unit along with our Oregon members. We added new Oregon Affiliates Dennis and Liz from California. This is the third year we have hosted the Pendleton Middle School cross country team (they practice in the Park) with the famous WBCCI breakfast of Oatmeal and Ice Cream with all the toppings. Everyone had a great time visiting with the kids and the kids look forward to the treat. And of course the Rodeo, some of the best, both cowboys /girls and I do think the bulls won in the bull riding, exciting Native American horse racing and cowgirls flying in the barrel racing. We are already starting to plan for the 49 th Pendleton Round-up National Rally, plan on joining us, it s not just Rodeo, it s Pendleton, Oregon, Voted Best True Western town of the year 2011 and still is.

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25 Moving WBCCI Forward From President Mona Heath As members of the WBCCI, we take great pride in the fact that our club is the longest running, single-branded RV club in the United States. From its humble beginnings in the home of Helen Byam-Schwamborn in 1955, thousands of members have participated in unit, regional and international activities. Countless caravans have logged millions of miles and life-long friendships have developed based solely on our affection for Airstreams and the lifestyle it offers us. Membership in the WBCCI hit its peak of approximately 25,000 members in the late 1970s. Since that time, club membership has declined to well under 6,000 members today. There are uncontrollable factors that include the nation s economy and attrition, but there are also controllable factors that could be addressed and implemented to turn the tide and begin to grow our club. An effort has begun within the WBCCI to identify, address and resolve issues with an emphasis placed on a member-focused club. If you had the opportunity to attend this year s International in Huron, South Dakota, you undoubtedly saw our buttons, Moving WBCCI Forward. We, the undersigned, who have taken on various leadership roles in our units and regions, are proponents of this effort to make positive improvements within our club. We feel addressing and resolving the controllable factors is vital to retain our club s viability, heritage and standing in the RV community. Ultimately, we would seek club growth in line with the historically high sales of Airstream products that have been outlined over the past few years by Bob Wheeler, President, Airstream Company, Inc. and Justin Humphreys, Vice President of Sales. What is Moving WBCCI Forward? It is an effort to work within units, regions and our International organization to move forward yet still preserve our heritage and to recreate a member-focused club in which Airstream owners want to participate. It is an all-inclusive effort where club practices and policies serve to unite members, where all members are treated with respect, their views are valued and their voices heard. What Moving WBCCI Forward is not is a set of changes or direction being given by the IBT or the International President. What will Moving WBCCI Forward look like when implemented? A long-term strategy in place with focus on members and membership growth. Member input sought and valued. Members treated like valued customers who in turn step up to lead their club. Club remains fluid, realigning priorities with the interests of members. Communications improved and timely on all levels within units, regions, and International, with a strategic focus on utilizing electronic communication when possible. (Unit and Region websites, International Rally website, member surveys).

26 Unit rallies, caravans, Regional and International rallies that focus on fun, friendship and adventure. Less protocol required, positive attitudes, good value received for dues paid. Club leaders, who inspire and represent members interests, work to alleviate Them vs. Us, and conduct club business with efficiency, minimizing structure. Efficient use of technology available to process information in the most cost-effective means possible offering members the option to interact online and via website. Moving WBCCI Forward Vision Statement To work proactively within our Units, Regions and International entity to bring about positive change that moves the WBCCI forward creating a member-focused club in which all Airstream Owners wish to participate. Moving WBCCI Forward Mission Statement To share our vision of Moving WBCCI Forward with all Airstream owners using various communication tools including the Blue Beret, websites and social media. Select high priority items that will move our club forward. Foster continued and improved communications and work within our units and regions to involve and grow our membership. In order to continue our effort, we need your assistance. Step up when needed in your unit and your region. Work to bring about a positive change in the WBCCI. Provide guidance to new members. Each and every member has something to offer our club. For more information, join the discussion on Facebook: Respectfully submitted, Carolyn Beardshear!! Region 5 Jim and Lynda Polk!! Region 12 Matt and Beth Hackney! Region 3 Steve Rosenthal!! Region 3 Mona and Doug Heath! Region 10 Tom and Hedda Smithson! Region 12 Steve Piotrowski!! Region 7

27 Is your membership up to date? Hard to believe, but it s that time of the year again, time to renew your membership. If you want to be included in the national directory, dues need to be received by Susan Taylor, membership chair, no later than October 25th. Dues can be paid online at using PayPal or your credit card. Its really easy and quick, too. You re gonna love it. Or if you prefer, you can send a check to Susan. Sad news to report Doris Kellis, one of our lifetime members from Woodburn, passed away May 21, Her husband Don just sent in his renewal and will continue to be a member of our unit. He sent a copy of the program from her services, they were married 71 years! Don is a past president of our unit (1985) and in her program Don wrote her a letter and part of it said "I was so proud of you being First Lady of the WBCCI Airstream Trailer Club" Newsletter Editor Needed As I move into the position of 1st Vice President in October, it is probably time to find a new newsletter editor. It s not too hard a job - we do a minimum of six newsletters per year and it takes about one full day to do the newsletter. The main tasks are tracking down rally reports and photos, keeping track of all the rallies and the calendar and filling in with some interest tidbits here and there. I m sure someone with more skills on the computer than I have could do it in less time than it takes me. All but six members receive their newsletter via the internet so there is little mailing involved. Plus, you get to find stuff out first in the unit! Please think about it and let me know if you are interested: twestover@mac.com Warmly, Terri Warren Region 10 Newsletter Interested in what s going on in our entire region? You can read and/or download the Region 10 newsletter at this website: Check out our new website This is a work in progress, but it is definitely coming along. If you ve not been to the website, you should check it out. A huge thanks to Janet Humphrey for being our webmaster for ten long years. You deserve an extra gold star, Janet. We are looking for a new webmaster. The website is done in Word Press and the team at the Electronics Communications Committee is there to help.