50 th ANNIVERSARY YEAR Chartered in 1964 October 2014 Edition A publication of the VIRGINIA UNIT (#109), Wally Byam Caravan Club International DID YOU KNOW THAT THIS IS THE GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY YEAR OF THE VIRGINIA UNIT? At the June Farm Tour Rally held in Louisa, Douglas Powell brought a quantity of VA Unit newsletters and history books that dated back to the founding of Unit #109. They had been entrusted to his care years ago and he felt that members might be interested in browsing through the material. It was all passed on to me at the close of that weekend. After the Commonwealth Rally last month I finally found time to investigate the contents of that package and was treated to the pleasant surprise of discovering that our unit is in its 50 th year The original charter from the WBCCI was included with the documents (see it in the attachments). The masthead for this publication is copied from 1970 s vintage newsletters. In commemoration of our milestone anniversary, the December luncheon will n o w s e r v e a d u a l p u r p o s e : G O L D E N ANNIVERSARY & CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON (see notification and reservation coupon included in this document). Mark December 6th on your calendar and join us for an enjoyable afternoon. 2014 COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA RALLY Rockingham County Fairgrounds was the gathering site for this year s commonwealth rally hosted by the Northern Virginia Unit. While a total of only 15 rigs attended the event, all enjoyed a relaxing and fun weekend. Mixing with our fellow members from other units (all 4 Commonwealth WBCCI clubs were represented) was a treat enjoyed at each afternoon s Happy Hour. We also tested the load limits of the dining room chairs at Traditions seafood buffet, listened to the foot-tapping music of Sunnyside (a talented trio that specialized in old time, bluegrass, country and gospel music), savored the breakfast omelets prepared by the Landes church group, and inhaled the pork BBQ served on Saturday evening. The Powell s, Patton s and Brink s represented the Virginia Unit, along with guests Sheila and Gary Davis (Junior s niece and her husband). Ed Brownfield (a new member-atlarge from Charlottesville) also joined the group for the Saturday evening festivities. The highlight of that program occurred when Don Shafer (Past WBCCI International President and also Past President of Region 3) installed the incoming officers for all the VA units. Since #109 was the first WBCCI unit chartered in the commonwealth, Gary Brink had the honor of being the first officer installed by Don during the proceedings. At the close of the weekend s events it was announced that, contrary to past practice, next year s Commonwealth of Virginia Rally hosted by the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia Unit will be held October 9-11, 2015, at the North 340 campground in Waynesboro, VA. THE PREZ SEZ It was indeed an honor to be installed as President of the Virginia Unit at last month s Commonwealth Rally. I can assure you all that Lynn and I (with the support and assistance of fellow officers and all the membership)
will give our best efforts to guiding Unit #109 into it s 6th decade of fun and fellowship I would like to thank all those who agreed to run for positions of leadership and responsibility on the 2015 Executive Board, and also all those couples who selflessly volunteered to host rallies and events for the upcoming season. Also, we all owe our gratitude to those who held office and those who hosted luncheons and rallies during 2014 - kindly take an opportunity sometime in the near future to offer your personal thank you to each of them for their efforts. It is important to read this newsletter in its entirety as it contains important, time-sensitive information. The 2015 VA Unit Schedule is included in the attachments. As you will see, there is a diversity of activities planned - join in and have a good time with us Following are three items that must be addressed at your earliest convenience: DUES ARE DUE If you have not already done so, please forward the coupon and payment to our treasurer ASAP The Doberer s are currently on the road. Your payment must be sent immediately in order to leave enough time for it to be forwarded to Debby. Dues must be paid to the WBCCI HQ office by November 1st in order to have your name listed in the 2015 edition of the WBCCI club directory The announcement and coupon for the DECEMBER 6th LUNCHEON are contained in the attachments. Because of favorable treatment and pricing by The Babcock House, the coupon, with payment, must be received by me no later than November 26, 2014. At its September 2013 meeting, the unit agreed to host a rally at the 2015 HOUSTONFEST in Galax, VA, 4/30-5/03/2015. It was realized that the 2015 Region 3 Rally might potentially conflict with our event. Because it was n e c e s s a r y t o b o o k t h e c a m p g r o u n d immediately it was decided to schedule the rally, hoping that the Region event would not overlap ours. Unfortunately, Region 3 recently announced the dates for its upcoming event - it will be held during the same time period as HOUSTONFEST. Since the Virginia Unit is already obligated to Old Crank s Campground, our rally must proceed as planned. We will be camped right across the street from Felt s Park - you can park your rig upon arrival and not use your vehicle again until you depart. The campground we have reserved has 15 sites. In fairness to all, the rally will be limited to the first October 2014 Edition 15 rigs that forward their coupon and deposit to me (see coupon in attachments). Don t miss out on this new event - mail your reservation to me now. I think you ve read about all you care to by now (don t want to be too windy and wear out my welcome with the first issue). Hope to see you all at The Babcock House in Appomattox for the festivities in December. Gary NEWSLETTER ARTICLES Many thanks are offered to Rich Bartelt for his efforts in keeping us all informed during the previous year. It has been agreed that, because of the extensive travel schedules of both the Bartelt s and the Brink s, it would be best if the Brink s assume responsibility for editing the unit newsletter this coming year. This will eliminate much of the need to exchange information back and forth (especially while on the road). It is our goal (hopefully) to distribute a newsletter each month. This will only be possible if all our members agree to contribute articles, photos and information on a continuing basis. Please forward any material you consider to be newsworthy (jokes included) to: gbrink1776@gmail.com NEW MEMBERS We are extremely pleased to announce that our unit has two new member families. Be sure to extend a hearty Welcome when you meet them WBCCI # 9898 CASEY & ANNE-MARIE GLOSTER 898 Bentley Road Sugar Grove, NC 28679 amgloster@gmail.com WBCCI #5863 CHRIS & PAULA MILLER 35112 Bloomfield Road Round Hill, VA 20141 millernc01@hotmail.com 2
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES October: 07. Jim Johnson 07. Douglas & D. A. Powell 20. Doug & Debby Doberer 22. Jean Hutson 29. Karen Barnard 29.Sam & Karen Barnard November: 08.Douglas Powell 16.Julia Harper 24.Joe & Gladys Kolb 28.Tom & Edith Stutts GET WELL SOON GRACE LEARY is still recuperating from a nasty fall resulting in a serious injury to her ankle. She would appreciate a telephone call to help pass the time as her mobility is quite restricted. (540) 577-4005 D.A. POWELL recently missed a step on her way down the staircase from the loft in her home. In her own words, I found out real quickly that I could not fly..wish we had a security camera because my antics to stay upright must have been funny. D.A. is recovering from her injuries at home and could use some good cheer. 1074 Lakeshore Drive Halifax, VA 24558 (434) 476-2483 A NOTE FROM LONG-TIME MEMBERS 09-02-2014 Gary J. Brink, Thanks much for your letter of August 21st. Having a sales contract on condo lot and Airstream trailer in Paradise Park, FL, and being 90 years old, it s time to give up some good things for lack of energy - it s time to fade away. Minnie and I have enjoyed every moment of Airstreaming. We ve seen and enjoyed each caravan (Mexico, Alaska, Newfoundland, etc.). Thanks so much for letting us associate with such a fine club as you. With fond memories we bid you farewell, Elbert & Minnie Bishop p.s. In dry weather we do have parking room. come You all VIRGINIA UNIT OFFICERS GARY BRINK - #29944..President 434-296-1708 gbrink1776@gmail.com LINDA LEE - #16898..1st Vice President 434-525-4290 rtlh_lee@msn.com DEBBY DOBERER - #7249..Treasurer 540-631-6323 (C) ddoberer@embarqmail.com JULIA HARPER - #6215 Corresponding Secretary juliaph@lycos.com NORMA BOBBITT - #10300..Recording Secretary 517-290-6552 nbobbitt@msu.edu STEVE LAMBERT - #6095 Trustee (2-years) 434-933-8513 sandkatrockyhill@earthlink.net FRANK BOBBITT - #10300..Trustee (2-years) 517-290-6953 bobbittj@msu.edu D. A. POWELL - #9900..Trustee (1-Year) 434-476-2483 da@banisterriver.com SAM BARNARD - #5107 Trustee (1-Year) 540-248-7555 DOUG DOBERER - #7249.Past President 540-631-6322 (C) dougdoberer@yahoo.com KAY LAMBERT - #6095.Membership Chairperson 434-933-8513 sandkatrockyhill@earthlink.net Installation Ceremony at the 2014 Commonwealth Rally. G. Brink (L), D. Shafer (R) October 2014 Edition 3
ANNUAL DUES ARE NOW PAYABLE Please don t forget your dues for next year Payment must be made as soon as possible or your information will not be published in the 2015 WBCCI International Directory. Kindly complete the form and mail, along with appropriate payment, to the Unit Treasurer. Last Name: First Name: Spouse: WBCCI # Email Address: Cell Phone #: Home Phone #: Mailing Address: Street: City: State: Zip: Do you have courtesy parking for WBCCI members? Can your phones number(s)/email address be published in Unit Directory? Can your phones number(s)/email address be published in WBCCI Directory? YES / NO YES / NO YES / NO If affiliate, my WBCCI Dues are paid through the UNIT. WBCCI Dues $ 65.00 VIRGINIA UNIT DUES (Members & Affiliates) 15.00 TOTAL (For VA Unit Members) 80.00 Please make out your check to VIRGINIA UNIT, WBCCI and mail to: Debby Doberer 150 Cavalli Court Front Royal, VA 22630
50TH ANNIVERSARY / CHRISTMAS CELEBRATION LUNCHEON Saturday, December 6, 2014 - Serving at Noon The$Babcock$House$ 250$Oakleigh$Avenue$ Appomattox,$VA$$24522$ 434@351@7532$ BUFFET LUNCHEON: $24.00 per person (tax and gratuity included) Roast Turkey W/Sausage & Apple Stuffing Baked Ham Maryland Crab Cakes Mashed Potatoes W/Gravy Mashed Sweet Potatoes W/Granny Smith Apples Corn Pudding Mixed Green Salad Dinner Rolls Cornbread Muffins Non-Alcoholic Beverages Sheet Cake Dessert Cash Wine & Beer Available NAMES WBCCI # PHONE NUMBER OF ATTENDEES @ $24.00 EACH = $ (Payment Enclosed) Mail coupon and check payable to Gary Brink : DEADLINE FOR RESERVATIONS IS NOVEMBER 26, 2014 Gary Brink P.O. Box 788 Keswick, VA 22947 434-296-1708 HOUSTONFEST RALLY Thursday, April 30, 2015 - Sunday, May 3, 2015 Old$Crank s$campground$ 407$S.$Railroad$Avenue$ Galax,$VA$$$24333$ This is a new event for our unit. HOUSTONFEST is held to honor the memory of a local Galax lad who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident at age 18. HOUSTON CALDWELL was an excellent musician and active community member. The festival, held in FELT S PARK, features 3 stages with different groups playing at each all day long and into the late evening on both Friday and Saturday. Wander the grounds and enjoy all the performing artists. Major stars such as RICKY SKAGGS, DR. RALPH STANLEY, DOYLE LAWSON, RHONDA VINCENT, etc. have participated in past events (the schedule for the 2015 festival will be posted early in the new year). We will be parked directly across the street from Felt s Park with 3-point hook-ups. The special rate of $30.00 per night (tax inclusive) has been negotiated with Old Crank s. We ll be camped within walking distance to just about anything you could need in town (there is even an ice cream shop adjacent to the campground). There are only 15 sites in Old Crank s C.G. - ATTENDANCE WILL BE LIMITED TO THE FIRST 15 DEPOSITS RECEIVED. Don t be left out - mail your coupon and deposit ASAP Information about the festival can be found at www.houstonfestgalax.com (remember, the 2015 line-up won t be released until early in 2015). NAMES WBCCI # PHONE STREET CITY STATE ZIP ARRIVAL DATE DEPARTURE DATE # OF NIGHTS Mail coupon and $30.00 check (first night s camping fee) payable to Gary Brink to the following address: Gary Brink P.O. Box 788 Keswick, VA 22947 434-296-1708
2015 VIRGINIA UNIT RALLY SCHEDULE (As of 10/03/2014) DATES LOCATION HOSTS REMARKS Sat, 12/06/2014 The Babcock House 250 Oakleigh Avenue Appomattox, VA 24522 (434) 351-7532 www.babcockhouse.com Gary & Lynn Brink gbrink1776@gmail.com Christmas Luncheon. Meal service begins at Noon. Reservation and prepayment with host required. Sat, 01/24/2015 Olde Liberty Station Restaurant 515 Bedford Avenue Bedford, VA 24523 (540) 587-9377 www.oldelibertystation.com Bob & Linda Lee rtlh_lee@msn.com Post-holiday luncheon gathering. Meal service begins at noon. R.S.V.P. to host via email by Fri, 01/16/2015. D-Day Memorial Site is within.5 mile of the restaurant. Plan a visit Tues, 02/24/15- Sun, 03/01/15 Sarasota Fairgrounds 3000 Ringling Boulevard Sarasota, FL 34237-5333 Airstream Life Magazine R & B Events www.alumaflamingo.com ALUMAFLAMINGO Sun, 03/01/15-??? (Possible gathering) Paradise Park 46900 Bermont Road Punta Gorda, FL 33982 (941) 639-2680 www.paradisepark.us Junior & Betty Patton williampattonjr@comcast.net Informal RENDEZVOUS immediately following ALUMAFLAMINGO. (This is a possible activity that will be held if enough VA Unit members who will be in Florida are interested.) Thur, 04/10/15 Sun, 04/12/15 Endless Caverns (Near Massanutten) 1800 Endless Caverns Road New Market, VA 22844 (540) 896-2283 (800) 544-2283 www.endlesscaverns.com Sam & Karen Barnard 540-248-7555 Unbutton Your Rig Rally Rally details forthcoming from hosts. Thur,04/30/15- Sun, 05/03/15 Old Cranks Campground 407 S. Railroad Avenue Galax, VA 24333 (276) 236-5114 www.oldcranks.com Gary & Lynn Brink gbrink1776@gmail.com Rally registration with host is required ASAP in order to reserve the limited campground sites. HOUSTON CALDWELL FESTIVAL Felts Park - Galax, VA www.houstonfestgalax.com
Wed, 04/29/15 Sun, 05/03/15 Exchange Park Ladson, SC Matt & Beth Hackney Region 3 President REGION 3 RALLY Details forthcoming from Region 3. Wed, 06/03/15 Sun, 06/07/15 Westmoreland State Park 1650 State Park Road Montross, VA 22520 (804) 493-8821 Bob & Linda Lee rtlh_lee@msn.com Rally details forthcoming from hosts. 06/26/15 07/04/15 WBCCI International Rally Fairgrounds Farmington, NM WBCCI www.wbcci.org Annual WBCCI Convention/Rally Fri, 07/31/15- Sun, 08/02/15 VA Highland Haven 6517 Highland Haven Road, N.E. Copper Hill, VA 24079 (540) 651-9050 www.vahighlandhaven.org Tom & Edith Stutts estutts@embarqmail.com tastutts@yahoo.com VIRGINIA UNIT (#109) ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING RALLY Details forthcoming from hosts. Sun, 08/02/15 Sat, 08/08/15 Fiddler s Convention Rally Cool Breeze Campground 2330 Edmonds Road Galax, VA 24333 (866) 342-0300 www.coolbreezecampground.com REGION 3 (Make you reservation directly with the campground. Rally fees payable after arrival in Galax.) Old Fiddler s Convention www.oldfiddlersconvention.com Thur, 09/10/15 Sun, 09/13/15 Douthat State Park 14239 Douthat State Park Road Millboro, VA 24460 (540) 862-8100 Steve & Kay Lambert sandkatrockyhill@earthlink.net End of camping season rally. Details forthcoming from hosts. Fri, 10/09/2015 Sun, 10/11/2015 VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH RALLY North 340 Campground 1125 East Side Hwy Waynesboro, VA 22980 (540) 943-9573 www.waynesboron340campground.com Shenandoah Valley of Virginia Unit DEVIN BOWMAN, President devonbowman@juno.com Annual Gathering of All Four Virginia WBCCI Units. Rally details forthcoming from the Shenandoah Unit.