REGION 8 NEWSLETTER SEPTEMBER 2017 PRESIDENT Beth McCall bpooh49@gmail.com 1 ST VICE PRESIDENT Dwight Olson Lmodo@1@aol.com 2 ND VICE PRESIDENT Mike Sisk mescas1@hotmail.com TREASURER SECRETARY June Ryan - jpryan341@gmail.com Nancy Helle nhelle@aol.com PRESIDENT S MESSAGE I once attended at class at International about newsletters. The presenter stated that the newsletters should not include things that happened in the past, but rather concentrate on the future activities. I thought about this a while and then realized that what we learn from the past is just as great as what the future may bring. I enjoy getting all the newsletters from the various units in the region and reading about the activities they enjoyed the previous month. Our region is fantastic! Such organization and imagination goes into so many of the rallies and other activities in our area. I have learned about off the beaten track places that I would have never known where there. Keep up the good work! This newsletter is full of extremely important information regarding upcoming region and international activities. Please read it carefully and take action where needed. UNIT PRESIDENTS I especially want you to read the section about New Rally Committees and equipment. Please discuss this item with your executive board and advise me of your decision as soon as possible. Lastly, I would sincerely like to thank Gary & Linda Rush for their commitment to the club over the last 4 years. It has been great working with the two of them and they will be sorely missed working in the background. As a retirement treat, they are currently on the Southwest Caravan. Although they won t be on officer s row anymore, they will be in our hearts. Beth (and her driver, David)
1 ST VICE PRESIDENT S MESSAGE Note from Beth: Dwight and Lana are also on the Southwest Caravan. They had been on standby and right before International, they were advised that there had been a cancellation. Dwight called me first to see if it was ok if he went because it would interfere with the installation rally schedule. He offered to go next year instead. I figured that you never know what may come up in a year s time, so I told him to go and enjoy the time with Lana and see more of this beautiful country. Got this from Dwight just prior to publication: Greetings from the great Southwest and the Southwest Adventures Caravan. Olsons, Bartletts, and Gary and Linda Rush are having a great time learning about Pueblo history and culture. We are also visiting several National Parks, taking jeep and train rides and eating "occasionally". There are 35 units from US and Canada. See you in October Dwight and Lana At Mesa Verde Santa Fe
2 nd VP PRESIDENT S MESSAGE What a fantastic summer Cheryl and I had! We took our first National Caravan where visited the Canadian Rockies, walked on a glacier, saw more bears than we could count, and the scenery was unbelievable. One word describes the experience AWESOME! We met and became fast friends with our fellow caravaners and plan to keep in touch with many of them. From Canada we traveled to Escanaba for the International Rally. Now we are home and survived the Great Eclipse, and are looking forward to our next Nebraska Unit Rally in September. I know all the units soon will be involved in rallies as well as electing and installing new officers. I tip my cap and say well done to the outgoing officers. Thank each and every one of you for volunteering your time and energy this past year. I also look forward with anticipation of the coming year and being Beth and Dwight s sidekick as I learn my new duties. Enjoy your rallies, have a great fall and see you in Branson! Mike and Cheryl OUR REGION SECRETARY IS OK Most of you will remember that our newly elected Region Recording Secretary, Nancy Helle, had a heart attack right after the Spring Rally in Osceola, Iowa. Being the strong person that she is, she recovered nicely from some emergency procedures and was able to attend the International Rally in Escanaba, Michigan. She knew, however, that she was going to have additional surgery upon arriving back in Iowa the first week of August. Word has it that the surgery was a success and she is back on her feet and ready to travel again. I knew I picked the right person! SKIPPING THROUGH MICHIGAN Submitted by Joyce Allen What a fitting climax to an awesome International Rally was the caravan "Skipping Through Michigan"!! After leaving the rally Sunday morning, we traveled to Brimley, Michigan which is near Sault St. Marie. In the afternoon we took a boat tour through the Soo Locks after which we had our first dinner together. Monday we carpooled to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum on Whitefish Point. The museum
houses the bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald which sank in Lake Superior in 1975. We were also allowed to tour the lighthouse which has been refurbished after many years of disrepair. The next stop was St. Ignace, Michigan where we climbed to the top of Castle Rock and viewed Mackinac Island & bridge. Wednesday we boarded a ferry which took us to Mackinac Island where we toured the island via a horse drawn carriage. We ate lunch at the famous Grand Hotel. Who should we see there but Richard and Jan Girard who were there enjoying some well-deserved rest and relaxation! The rest of the day we were free to visit the shops and/or the fort and ride the ferry back to the campground. Holland, Michigan was our last stop which was 4 1/2 hours away. Some of us got there early enough to visit the Gerald Ford Museum in Grand Rapids which was well worth our time! Our visit to the Dutch Village the next day was dampened somewhat by rain but we enjoyed visiting the shops where they demonstrated Delft China, wooden shoe making, cheese making, and candle dipping. Our lunch there consisted of genuine Dutch fast food. In the afternoon we toured the De Zwaan Dutch Mill which is one of the few authentic working Dutch mills in the world. We were able to climb to the top and view the windmill workings and meet the woman who operates the mill. We had our last meal together at a steakhouse there and enjoy fellowship with the 30 wonderful people on the tour. Our goodbyes were said Saturday morning over pastries & coffee provided by Ed Knernschield, our fearless leader. He is an amazingly gifted organizer & leader. Attending from Region 8 were: Mike & Joyce Allen, Anna Janesko, Ray & Jo Ann Kolley, Julee Shields, Suzy Shepard, Darrell & Sharon Waters and grandsons Ethan & Isaac, Glen Waters, Jim & Jeanine Wright, and Dan Zile. Touring the Soo Locks Shipwreck Museum
THANKS, ED! We cannot begin to thank Ed Knernschield for all the hours he has worked, and miles that he has traveled to arrange all the many, many caravans for Region 8 over the years. I have no idea when he even started doing that because it seems as though he has been in that chairmanship since I can remember. Many of you have been blessed by his informative and scenic caravans, and have great memories of the times with him. He told us at spring rally that it was basically time to put the horse in the barn, but he also said that he would be happy to assist any new caravan leader, and dispense his massive amount of experience to any and all planning a caravan in the Region. Thanks Ed. You have been an inspiration to us all. MANY THANKS TO THOSE WHO SAID YES In addition to those who are listed as officers at the beginning of this newsletter, I would also like to acknowledge those who have said yes when asked to be a committee chairman. Membership Betty Sullivan Caravan Pat and Dave Shaw Parliamentarian Darrell Waters Youth and Family Sharon Waters Electronic Communications Kathy Allen Corresponding Secretary David McCall (he didn t have a choice and knows the computer better than me) And thanks to Suzy Shepherd, Chuck Calbalka and David McCall for the pictures in this issue. UPCOMING INSTALLATION RALLIES With Dwight gone until later in October, the following is the schedule for officer s visits to the units for installation rallies: Kansas City Unit at Carthage, Missouri September 21 14 President Beth Nebraska Unit at Nebraska City - October 5 8 President Beth & VP Mike North Iowa Unit at Sac City, Iowa - October 5 8 Pat Shaw (Past Region Officer) Iowa Unit at Birmingham, Iowa October 12-15 VP Mike (backed up by Treasurer June) Greater St. Louis Unit at Bowling Green, Mo. October 19-20 VP Dwight Missouri Greater Ozarks at Osceola, Mo October 19-20 President Beth
REGION 8 VINTAGE RALLY PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE LOST THE LIST OF THOSE WHO HAVE TOLD ME THEY ARE COMING. PLEASE SEND ME AN EMAIL! I NEED TO KNOW BY THE 14 TH SO I CAN ORDER THE MEAT! (YOU CAN FIRE ME AS PRESIDENT IF YOU WANT TOO) DOWN ON THE FARM Region 8 Vintage Rally September 28 October 1, 2018 Location: Home of David & Beth McCall 16421 McIntyre Road, Leavenworth, Kansas Spend a few nights in the country, where the deer and the antelopes. No, no antelopes here. where the deer and the coyotes play (And the coyotes have been really close and noisy the last few days). The nighthawks are soaring, the smell of fall is in the air, and the moon will be your only light. Activities and Meals: * We hope to be visiting a diversified fruit, vegetable and livestock farm owned by Beth s family just down the road Friday morning. Farmer s market available on Saturday morning. *Time to visit historic towns in the area; not only Leavenworth, but also Atchison & Weston, all which overlook the Missouri River. *A vintage repair on Agnes, Rachel Payne s trailer. We need assistance in repair and lubrication of the awning arms. Not something one person can do. *For the Ladies a craft or service project Still thinking on this one. For the men (and ladies) target practice and maybe some friendly competition. Bring your own side arm and ammo. *Time for games and/or puzzles. Campfire every night. *BBQ on Thursday eve Potluck on Friday eve Chili on Saturday Eve Biscuits and Gravy Sunday morning. This will be a boon docking rally. You will be parking in the hay field south of the house. Water will be available. If there is rain, a tractor is available. Our meetings and group meals will be in the barn where Moby spends his winters. If you would like to come a day or two early or stay a day late, no problem. Just let us know of your plans. Please contact Beth at bpooh49@gmail.com
REGION 8 SPRING RALLY A BIT OF BRANSON April 26-29, 2018 This rally is now 50% full. Please fill out the registration attached to this newsletter and send it to June Ryan now to insure a spot in the beautiful Ozarks. The registration form is attached at the back of this newsletter. Please be aware of these time sensitive dates. *Last day to register is March 24. After that date, you still may be able to stay at the RV Park but will not be able to attend the meals and activities that are planned. *There will be a standby list. If our reservations are full and you wish to participate, we will have a standby list if someone cancels. You will be responsible for repaying the cancelling member for all costs. The reservation name will then be changed. *There are no refunds after March 24. *Extra nights are available. However, the nights prior to the rally will be more easily obtained than the nights after, due to the fact that another rally is coming in after us. After you have registered with June, you may contact the campground directly for the extra nights ask for Michelle. CHECK IN IS OFFICIALLY NOON TO 4 P.M. ON THURSDAY For those of you who are new or have forgotten The rally fee includes 3 nights parking, with full hookups, cable TV and Wi-Fi 3 meals BBQ evening meal Thursday, restaurant lunch Friday, breakfast Saturday BBQ meal followed by welcome from local officials and games & visiting Bus Tour of the College of the Ozarks Friday a.m. Matinee Show - Sons of Britches Friday afternoon Evening Show - The Haygoods Saturday evening Sunday will be a continental breakfast & short church service
NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS Once again, I would like to remind you that if you signed the list at the Region Rally this spring, that does not mean you have an automatic reservation. We did the sign up to see what the interest would be. I would like all of those who expressed interest to be able to come to the rally. That being said, since we announced the location of our next spring rally at the International Rally, I have had inquiries from both Region 7 and Region 9. They understand that I will give priority to our own region members. But if there are not enough members to fill the last 30 slots, I will open registration to the other Regions beginning February 1 st. As always, if you have any questions, please contact me. Beth NEW SPRING RALLY COMMITTEE PROCEDURES In the process of getting all the Region 8 equipment and supplies out of Gary s garage earlier this summer, I realized that there is no way that David and I can carry all of this around with us. Having a vintage trailer means that there are no storage compartments underneath for hoses, electrical cords, blocks, etc. Due the fact that Dwight and Mike are currently traveling a great deal too and their trucks carry several items for emergencies on the road, the presidency has decided to start a new program. Each unit will volunteer to be in charge of a committee for two years. Those two years will be during the time that the president is in office and will rotate once a new president is elected. This year the unit s executive board will decide which committee they want and will contact me and their equipment will be delivered to them at an upcoming rally. The following committees have been formed and will be responsible for the equipment that goes with it. Parking & Welcome Committee WBCCI Parking Signs 2 good/2 not so good (Also responsible for Welcome Bags) Set Up & Decorating Committee 3 Region 8 Banners two felt and one heavy vinyl One roll of Table Covering (Also responsible for Decorations for the Theme) Hospitality Committee 3 Large Electric Coffee Pots One Container of Cups, Napkins, Sugar, Creamer (Also responsible for making coffee & providing cookies/snacks)
Meal Service Committee Large container of Plates, Cups, Napkins, Salt & Pepper Shakers, and A Variety of Utensils - Will also responsible for meal set up and serving, assisted by Region Officers and Spouses. The duties for this committee will vary from year to year, based on meals catered or potluck, etc. Games and Entertainment Committee Bingo Game (one box with cage &one box with cards) 4 Bean Bag Baseball games (Also responsible for bringing puzzles or other games, and assisting with any other games or entertainment that the Presidency schedules) Take Down and Clean Up Committee You have no Equipment to carry around, but must Be available to stay and take down tables and chairs and clean up the building and outside area prior to leaving. The Presidency will be responsible for carrying around the Sound System, Flags, Poles & Stands, a container of miscellaneous items such as the rally programs, different tapes, scissors, tickets, stapler, etc. and the big boxes of drawing prizes. There will be some additional directions for some of the committees as to purchase of items needed before and during the rally; and that information will be imparted to the individual units based on their committee choice. Note: In the process of going through the items, it has been noted that there are two smaller coffee pots which will be sold. If your unit is interested, let me know. There are also a variety of flag pole parts. All of the flag poles have seen better days, so we are checking into purchasing two new ones. If your unit needs a flag pole and would like of one these, please let me know. (They are extremely heavy to carry; as I have found out in the last couple years) The bases are in good shape and will just be repainted. The sound system is heavy and awkward and over the next year, I will be looking for a more easily transported system with good sound quality. NOW, ALL THIS BEING SAID Next year there are no committees, because the entire activity is handled by ABC Campground, from the Welcome Bags to the Clean Up. SO the committee that your unit picks will be for the 2019 Rally that will be held in Kansas. During that Rally, the Presidents will meet and the committees will be determined for the 2020 & 2021 Rallies. Presidents, get with your executive board and decided which committee you want. It will be a first come/first serve basis. The items will be delivered to you at one of your rallies or luncheons within the next six months.
INTERNATIONAL RALLY LIVING THE DREAM June 23-30, 2018 Salem, Oregon Just like last year, the pre-registration for the International Rally was overwhelming. If you plan to go to the Rally next year, please get your registration in now. The registration form is in the Blue Beret or you can register on line. There are already less than 100 spaces left. For those of you who like to color coordinate for the event; the colors next year are pacific blue and forest green. Once you register for the rally, then register for this: CARAVAN TO 2018 INTERNATIONAL ON THE ROAD AGAIN TO OREGON We are currently in the process of completing details for the Region 8 Caravan to the 2018 International in Salem, Oregon. Our rendezvous will be on June 6th in Nebraska. We will arrive in Salem on June 20th. We have several side trips scheduled to visit on the trip. There will be a maximum of 20 units as it is difficult to find RV sites for larger groups. It would be helpful for us to know how many might be interested in joining us. Please email by October 1st and let us know if you are interested. This is NOT a commitment, nor a reservation at this time just an idea of numbers. Thank you Dave & Pat Shaw theshaws1@gmail.com
REGION 8 RALLY A BIT OF BRANSON April 26-29, 2018 REGISTRATION FORM Name(s) Membership # Address Phones: Home Cell Email Other that those named above, will there be any additional person(s) with you? How many? Names Trailer Motorhome Length of Rig 30 amp 50 amp Number of Slides which side? Need Handicapped Parking? Are you bringing a pet? Will there be extra days added to your reservation? Special dietary needs (info needed by caterer) Cost: Couple - $313.00 Single $225.00 Extra Person: $138.00 Please send this form with a check made out to Region 8 WBCCI to June Ryan at P.O. Box 232, Birmingham, Iowa 52535 or this registration is also on the Region website, and you may pay by credit card through Pay Pal. There is an additional fee of $10.00 for using Pay Pal. After the 15th of October, paper registration forms will be sent to June at her winter address of 11313 E. BOISE # 48 APACHE JUNCTION, AZ 85120 The last date to register is March 24, 2018. After that date, the Campground will release all the camp sites on hold to the general public.
Presidency and Spouses have Board Mtg. Region Presidents A Crazy Gang A very informal passing of the President s flag. Gary & Linda s last official walk Region 8 Delegates ready for the Delegate s Meeting. Ted Holmen, Mike Sisk, Mike Bedinger, Dan Zile, and Chuck Calbalka. Missing is Joyce Allen.