San Joaquin CA Unit

HOBO RALLY NEWS BY CHUCK

Those members who couldn’t make it to this year’s Hobo Rally certainly missed a good one.    There was some concern before the rally if we were going to be allowed to park on the lawn because of the torrential rains that fell during the previous week.  However, by Monday it had dried up enough that the Fairgrounds Manager said it was okay.    San Joaquin Unit had a good showing with John and Rosalyn Skadden, David Putnam, Roland and Beverly Young, Miriam Low, and Babs and I. Our associate members in attendance were Roberta Hogan and Richard and Judy Kleiman.

The weather cooperated very nicely and rained only on Saturday.    There were doubts about how dry the Hobo Parade might be, but it stopped long enough for the parade to proceed and not soak all the potential new kings and Queens. The new King and Queen are both very well known to us, since we share so many rallies with their Units.    Karen Walton from Golden West Unit was chosen as Queen, and Bob Elliman from Santa Clara Unit was chosen King.    They were a SIGHT!!!    Hobo King Bob must have been sleeping near some woods, as he picked up a humongous spider that was having a free ride on his back. The judging was very close, especially between Karen and Cecelia Stansbury.    Glad I didn’t have to do the selecting!

Miriam Low led a tour to see the wetlands with its waterfowl. Roberta Hogan led a tour of the dwelling place of a different kind of bird — the Jailbird.  She took a busload to visit Ironwood Prison.    Miriam also put up all the signup sheets and bulletin boards on both sides of the rally stage.

Our unit had planned on hosting the “Getting to Know You” social during the rally, but as it turned out we put on two of them.  One buffet was held on Monday afternoon, and a second one on Tuesday afternoon.  Thanks to David Putnam donating lots of beautiful navel oranges, we served them both days, and had enough left over that they were offered to the “Hobo’s” on the mornings we just had toast and coffee.  On Monday we offered trays of veggies and dip along with the oranges, iced tea, and lemonade.  Tuesday we served nachos, a smaller selection of veggies and some of John Skadden’s artistically carved oranges, and again iced tea and lemonade.  We were amazed at how many people had never before tasted jicama.    Once they did, they were hooked and came back for more. The same happened with the Mexican squash. The many non-Californians will be going home and asking their grocers for some of these “new” vegetables.

Beverly Young was Babs’ right hand man both days, and on Tuesday we had Jan Clark and Margaret Dow.  Then Tuesday afternoon when both Babs and Beverly had to leave early to get to the Sizzler for our 3 unit dinner, Margaret Sharp and a crew of elves cleared up and cleaned up all the remains from our party.    What good friends.  The    Hobo Band was very good, and was enjoyed by all.    We had a handbell concert one night, which was well received. An excellent school band of combined High school students, and two nights of professional entertainment.  After that we had door prize drawings and ice cream.

The Hobo Rally is such fun, but hard to describe if you have never been there.  No description is needed if you have attended.  I didn’t even include the two free hot dog and chili lunches put on by Toscano’s, the hobby show, the swap and sell, indoor and outdoor games, pet show, beard contest, stew can contest, the wonderful Hobo Stew and on and on.    Try to arrange your calendar so that next year YOU can be a hobo.

The Paso Robles Wine Country RV Resort Rally is approaching very quickly.    At this point we have 17 rigs registered, and the park said we can have more if we want.    Usually the cutoff is a month before the rally, but Cheryl is holding onto as many extras as she can for us, and will only cut us off if there is not place else to put people.    Since we are hosting this rally for the Central Coast California Unit, we will need all your help whenever you can give it.    We will have some visitors from another unit, as well as prospective members who are new to RVing.  Be helpful, be friendly, and socialize. Try to not stay in our own group — mix it up and mingle so we get to know everyone.    We just MIGHT spring a popquiz about other people’s names, and you want to know as many as you can.

Now a word about our Bass Lake Rally.    This is the first time that it has been a joint rally with Santa Clara and Golden West Units.    The park is now managed by the same lady who has been so kind to us at Merced River.  She is letting those who have memberships in Coast to Coast and some other parks, use that fee for parking and for rental of the little cabins.    That is a very good deal for us!    Rosalyn and John are again hosting this annual rally.  Get your coupon in as soon as possible, as it sure makes planning a lot easier.

Now, for some serious stuff.    We are trying something and hope you will take advantage of it and come to the rallies.    As mentioned before the unit will pick up the parking coasts over $25 per night.  A refund check is given to you after the rally.    This offer will be changed if not enough members make use of it.
Are you actively pursuing new members?    When you see an unnumbered Airstream, do you tell the occupants about WBCCI?    We need more active recruitment.    You can do it!!!

We hope to see you at both the Paso Robles and the Bass Lake rallies. After all, the only thing you get from staying at home is — OLDER.

Your President, Chuck.

More From the Scribe

I have been running around like a chicken with its head cut off.    I’m dizzier that usual, and that’s bad.

I read a story this summer while I was in Nebraska, and thought I should pass it along.    Some of you guys should relate to this one very well.

It seems an elderly rancher and his wife went shopping in a Wal-Mart Super Shopping Center for their monthly needs.    In order to speed up their shopping, they got separate carts and went looking for their different needs.

After an hour or so, the rancher started looking for his wife, but to no avail.    He walked all over the place, but couldn’t find her.

So, out of LONG experience, the old man approached a younger, attractive young lady and asked her if he could talk with her a bit, saying, “Excuse me, but I can’t seem to find my wife.    Can you talk to me for a couple of minutes?”

The young lady was very sorry he had lost his wife and said she would be glad to help.    She asked if he knew where is wife might be.

He replied, “I have no idea, but every time I stop to talk to an attractive younger woman, she appears out of nowhere like magic.”

That’s a good one.    I think the old man has lots of good sense.    Maybe he’s a retired magician and knows how to make people appear out of nowhere.

The Hobo Rally was great as Chuck said.    Several of us also enjoyed some time at Quartzsite before the rally. We have discovered a Fish and Chips place that we go to MANY times while we are there.    It was nice, except we had to deploy the water wings the first week.    We had a lot of rain, including one storm that dropped just over 4 inches of rain in one day.    One area in Oak Canyon got more than 10 inches of rain from the same storm.

Anyway, we hope to see you at Paso Robles and Bass Lake.    With this year’s rain and snowfall, the waterfalls in Yosemite should be spectacular.

All you need to do is fill out the coupons that have been in the NL, and come join us.    The more, the merrier you know!!!

David Putnam, NL Editor

UPCOMING EVENTS
Jt. Rally at Paso Robles with Central California Coast Unit, Mar. 11-15

Bass Lake Jt. Rally w/ Santa Clara & Golden West Units.    April 15-19

49er Trailer Park, Columbia, Calif.    May 13-17 with Santa Clara and Golden West

 BETABEL RALLY HIGHLIGHTS

Our first rally of the 2010 year was a major success, thanks largely to our hosts, the Santa Clara Unit, and especially to Ed and Linda Dodge, the rally hosts. They did an abso-lutely fantastic job, and we all had a ball.

I travelled over with John and Rosalyn Skadden, and we had a good trip, especially when we crested Pacheco Pass and came out of the fog into glorious sunshine. It was 40 degrees in dear old Fresburg, but 65 degrees in San Juan Bautista where the park is located. It was so nice to see the sun.

On our arrival, there was already a couple of the Santa Clara Unit members there, so we joined in to visit. We ultimately had about 11 rigs for the first night of the rally. We went in to San Juan Bautista for a Mexican Food dinner, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The food was excellent, and the company was like-wise.

The next day more folks arrived, while some went on a special shooting expedition, and some of us went shopping at the Outlet Malls in Gilroy.

Dinner was potluck with everyone bringing something to share, and the main course was soups of various kinds. It was delicious. Afterward, we played games and visited.

Saturday, meetings were delayed due to other activities, so we met in joint session at 4:00 to discuss several mo-tions to be presented to the Mid-Winter IBT meeting. Most were basic house keeping items, but a couple were rather important and volatile.

First of all, they want to increase dues due to lower than needed income. Problem is, they want to increase it by $20 per year, which most of us thought was way too much. Many were opposed to any increase, but decided that maybe $5 –10 might be okay. There is also a proposal to change around the Region, including com-bining 11 and 12 (ours), along with doing away with the International Rally and having the Regions do the rally as a combined type of item. It might also shift the rally from the current summer timeframe, to whatever the sponsoring Region wanted to do. Region which didn’t want to do the rally could opt out. There would be a reduction of the number of Region officers, and the Current position of Interna-tional 3rd Vice President would be eliminated. Personally, I am not in favor of this. The current time schedule for the International works best for families, and having a com-bined Region 11 & 12 would make our Region over 1,000 miles wide, as we would also include Colorado as part of our Region. A Regional Rally such as we normally have would be impractical. We will have to find another way to control costs.

AN IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR ACTION

A notice in the Long Beach Unit newsletter caught my attention, and I thought you should be made aware of this threat to our access to U.S. parks and monuments.

The Department of Interior has filed a proposed regulation on the Federal Register to alter the Senior Golden Age Discount from 50% to only 10%. Apparently the concessionaires in the various parks and other federal facilities are unhappy that they aren’t making as much profit as they think they should, so they want the Senior discount reduced by a significant amount, so they can make more money for themselves.

What you need to do it to file a comment with the Dept. of Interior by February 1 to object to any change.
You can access information online at www.regulations.gov, or you can write to: U.S. Forest Service, Attn: Carolyn Holbrook; Recreation and Heritage Resources Staff; 1400 Independence Avenue SW, Stop 1124; Washington, D.C. 20260.

It would be nice to have everyone write and protest any change. Even if you are not currently eligible for the Golden Age pass, you will be, and you should be able to take advantage of the half price for camping, plus other advantages such as free entry into most Parks and Monuments.

 PRESIDENTS MESSAGE BY CHUCK STIMMEL

We had a good rally at Betabel RV Park with 20 rigs attending. The rally was put on by Santa Clara Unit. Linda and Ed Dodge did a fabulous job hosting. Teressa & Joe tenBerge and Margaret & Allen Dow came by and went to dinner with the Thursday arrivals.  This was Joe & Teressa’s first outing since Joe’s bypass surgery and he looked in great shape.

Those from our unit in attendance were David Putnam, Rosalyn and John Skadden, Bette & John Wells, Linda & Ross Bauer and Babs and I. Miriam Low drove in for the day on Saturday. This was the first rally for the Skaddens and the Wells since back surgeries that Rosalyn and John had a week apart in June. They are both doing very well. Those of us attending were the first to receive the rebate from our unit for the RV Park’s charges of over $25 per night. We hope this will get more of you San Joaquin Unit members to join in on the rallies.

Saturday we held a joint meeting of the 3 units to discuss the 26 motions to be voted on at the Mid Winter IBT meeting in Rayne, Louisiana later this month. Judy and Ken Bechthold drove in Saturday so Judy could relay our thoughts on these motions to John Boutwell, our Region 12 President. After the joint meeting, each unit held their own meetings.

Saturday afternoon, the ladies did a crafts project. Babs brought a lot of picture calendars and made some
beautiful envelopes from the pic-tures.

Sunday, several folks had to leave but we still had about 8 rigs for Sunday evening. Dinner con-sisted of delicious leftovers.

Monday morning we had a light breakfast, cleaned up the hall, and then headed for home by about 10:00 AM. It was a really great rally. Thanks Linda and Ed.

Now for some serious stuff. We have not been getting a very good turn out from you, the members of this Unit. We are trying something and hope you will take advantage of it and come to the rally. As mentioned before, the unit will pick up the parking costs over $25 per night. Hope to see you all at the next rally.

Are you actively pursuing new members? When you see an unnumbered Airstream do you tell the occupants about WBCCI? We need more active recruitment. Give it a try, you can do it!

Lastly, remember the Hobo Rally in Blythe from February 1st to February 7th. If you haven’t signed up, there is still time to do so.

Please send in your ―coupon‖ for the March Paso Robles rally as soon as possible. We are the host unit this year and we need all of you to participate.

Chuck

November 2009 President’s Report

We had a fabulous rally at Kit Fox RV, in Patterson from Thursday, November 12th to Monday, November 16th.  The rally was hosted by Golden West Unit with Judy and Ken Bechthold and Melva Anderson hosting. There was a lot of help from many others.

Saturday evening’s turkey dinner was outstanding. Babs said Karen & Jim Walton had brought 5 ice chests with things Karen had prepared. This was a joint rally with Golden West, Santa Clara and San Joaquin Units.  There were 25 rigs with Melva Anderson renting one of the park’s rentals.  There were 46 folks in attendance with 5 coming just for Saturday.  Three prospective members joined us for dinner Saturday and the movie.  Don Clark the International 3rd Vice President and his wife Jan were in attendance as ordinary Santa Clara Unit members.

Our unit included new members Linda and Ross Bauer from Clovis.  Miriam Low came over from Prunedale Saturday morning in time for our meeting and stayed for dinner.  David Putnam and Babs and I made up the rest of our unit’s presence.

Saturday evening Judy, in her capacity as Region Twelve 1st Vice President, installed  and welcomed Linda and Ross into WBCCI and the San Joaquin Unit.  After this Judy did the honors of installing the new unit officers for all 3 units.  For our Unit that consisted of myself as President, Babs as Treasurer and David as Secretary.  Our Directors were not in attendance, but those due to retire this year have agreed to serve another term.

The spouses of 2 of our directors had back surgery recently and are still recovering.  A card or phone call to Rosalyn Skadden and John Wells would be welcomed.

Are you actively pursuing new members?  When you see an unnumbered Airstream do you tell the occupants about WBCCI?  We need more active recruitment.  You can do it!

Your Pres.  Chuck

Installation of Officers

This year’s Installation Rally was at Kit Fox RV Park near Patterson, and was one of the best we’ve ever had.   Attendance was excellent, and all had a wonderful time.   San Joaquin Unit had the best time of all, as we gained new members.   We were delighted to welcome Ross and Linda Bauer to the rally, and they decided then and there to join the unit.   We also had the pleasure of having a formal installation of them as members by Region 12  1st Vice President Judy Bechthold, prior to the installation of officers.   It was a great beginning to an  enjoyable evening.

Miriam Low drove over from Salinas, and associate member Roberta Hogan drove in from Manteca, so we had a whee of a time together.

As I noted, this was one of the best Installation Rallies we have had in many years.   Between the three Units, we had 25 rigs on site, plus Miriam and Roberta.

We enjoyed some good evenings of games, and a lot of time to visit.   Also Don Clark, our International 3rd VP was present and was able to share some things going on at International, as well as to sign up some members for the upcoming International Rally in Gillette, Wyoming.   If you have a desire to go to Gillette, please sign up through Don.   The officers are having a friendly competition to see who can get the most sign ups for the rally, so go through Don and he will get credit for those numbers who register.

Christmas Luncheon

Our Christmas Luncheon is scheduled for December 17th at 11:30 at the Hometown Buffet on Shaw Avenue in Clovis.   For those coming from out of town, I suggest getting to Shaw using Freeway 168.   From the north using 99, cross on 180 eastbound to 168, then north to the Shaw exit, then go east to the Restaurant.   Coming from the south, use Freeway 41 to 180 eastbound to 168 and exit at Shaw as above.   We sure hope to see  many of you at our get-together.   We have missed you, and it would be nice if we can have a good visit.   If you would like to come, please contact John Skadden and get your name on his list for those to be coming.

Betabel Rally

Our first rally of the new year will be at Betabel RV Park near San Juan Bautista.   Everyone seems to like this location, as it is usually warm and easy to deal with.   If we do have rain, the parking area is paved, so there are no problems with access.   The dates are January 7-11, 2010.    When the schedule and coupon are available, I will send them to you.   The park is just a short distance north of San Juan Bautista at the Betabel Road exit off of US 101.   Do come join us for a good time. 

Hobo Rally

The Hobo Rally for 2010 is a special one this year – it is the 50th Anniversary of the rally.   It will start February 1 and end Feb. 7th.   Make plans to come and enjoy the celebration.   I will include a copy of the flyer so you can register for the rally.   Please send them in ASAP so the workers can plan for you better.

The Rose Parade Rally 

The Rose Parade rally is on for this year.   The Region had to extend the deadline a bit, but they now have enough people to do the rally.   If you want to go, contact Judy Bechthold to get on the list.   This is such an enjoyable time, and there is nothing like sitting right on Colorado Blvd. as the parade goes by.   That rally begins December 28th in Pasadena.   They always have some wonderful tours of the area, and you might even get to help build a float.   Check it out!

More Stuff

Our March rally will be in Paso Robles with the Central Coast Unit, and will happen at the Wine Country RV Park.   We are hosts this year, so please plan to attend and help with the hosting duties.   You will enjoy it, that’s a promise.

Also, our schedule and the new Unit Directory will be coming out soon as well.
Looking for Help

I am looking for some help from someone with creative talent (I’m hopeless) who can develop a new banner for the newsletter.   Our old one is just that,  OLD!!!   It has been in use since before I joined and started doing the NL.   I would like something which incorporates the current items but is updated.   It might be nice to take the Airstreams and the title (San Joaquin Unit Caravanner) and work them together in a more stylized format.   If anyone has some ideas, please let me know.   I would like to be able to have it in digital form to use for the emailed copies, and so I can print it for the hard copy people.   If I get more than one idea, we can have a contest to see which one we use, or maybe I can vary them on each issue.

How about it?   Anyone interested?   In case you are wondering what in the world is a “banner” it is the part at the top of the NL that says “San Joaquin Unit Caravanner,” has the images of the Airstreams, and also shows the date.   We need a new, updated one.

New Look for the Caravanner 

I am in hopes that the Unit Newsletter will soon have a new look and style.   Several meetings ago, the board voted to purchase new software for me to use in writing and developing the newsletter.   Up until now, I have been using Microsoft Word 2003 to write the copy, then using my Adobe Acrobat Pro 9 to convert the file into Adobe .pdf files to send out to all of you who get the NL by email.   It has worked well, but the NL is still the same old style.   Many of the other units use a different format that is varied and more appealing.   SO!   After talking with Nancy Harrington, who does the award winning (1st place at International in Madison) Golden West Newsletter, I made the decision to buy Microsoft Publisher 2007 to write the NL.   Once I learn how to use it better, I will begin doing the NL in that program, as it will allow me to do a varied style, yet still produce the Adobe file that sends out so much easier.   I hope you will like it better too.

Notes about the Directory  

I have been doing the Directory in the same basic style now for several years.   It seems to be functional and a good size and all.   However, I do occasionally make typo mistakes in the thing, or sometimes information about you has changed, so please, when it comes out to you, check your information and let me know of any changes or corrections that need to be made.   I would appreciate the help.   I need all I can get.

From all of us at SJU central, have a wonderful Turkey Day with friends and family, and please do have a great Christmas and New Years.   Hope to see you soon at a rally near you (or even far from you).

Your 2010 San Joaquin Unit officers.   (You are all SO in trouble.)

The Region Rally was nice, but too short.   Arriving on Thursday and departing on Monday is just too short a time, especially when you have to travel a fair distance.

One question discussed was if the members wanted to go to an every other year schedule for the Region Rally such as Region 10 does.   The general consensus was a definite NO!   Most people agreed that we get together little enough, we don’t want to go two years between visits.   We have lost several of our good members this past year, and most of us don’t want to have to have so much time pass between visits.

I personally also think we need good time for visiting when we do get together.   Region President John Boutwell noted that even with the shorter time, there was just as much to do getting ready for the rally, it was just stuffed into a shorter period of time.   I think we need more time to enjoy the preparation and the fellowship.

As Chuck noted, Morris and Irene Tracy showed up for the Flea Market to try and sell some of the items they had collected over the years. We do miss them.   We also miss others who don’t come much any more.

I noted on the Region web site that former Region President Warren Weinstock has decided to retire and sell his motor home.   I will miss him and his slightly bent sense of humor.

We have a few members who have not sent in their renewals, and I sent each of them an email about that matter.   There is one affiliate member who has not sent theirs, but don’t have email, so I will include a note with this issue to encourage them to do so.

I will also include with this issue the registration form and schedule for our November Installation rally in Patterson at the Kit Fox RV Park. This is always a good time together with our friends from Golden West and Santa Clara Units.   Come be part of the fun!   Our Region 12  1st VP Judy Bechthold will do the honors this year.

In a later issue, I will include information about the International in Gillette, Wyoming this coming summer.   There are a great many very interesting things to see in the Gillette area, such as Devil’s Tower, Mt. Rushmore and Crazy Horse, Yellowstone, and one of the largest coal mines around.   They also have just completed a large recreational complex with many things to get into, so come see what you can be involved in.   All of the registrants for the rally will have FULL HOOKUPS at this rally.   The Cam-Plex has 1,000 sites, so unless we get over 1,000 rigs registered, everyone will have a full-hookup site.   Rally fees are a bit more expensive, but you won’t have any worries about electrical service or holding tank capacity.

December Luncheon

John Skadden has  arranged for us to have a luncheon as our December Christmas meeting on the 17th at 11:00 AM at the Hometown Buffet on Shaw Avenue in Clovis.   It is very easy to find if you’ve not been there before.   From anywhere outside Fresno, use Freeway 168 to Shaw Ave. exit, then go east about half a mile.   Coming in from the south, exit from 99 onto Freeway 41, then go east on 180 to the 168 exit.   If you are coming from the north, exit 99 on the 180 exit heading east to the 168 exit.   It is not difficult to get to.   They have a good selection of items, and they are always tasty as well.    Hope to see you there.

Future Activities

Our first rally in the new year will be at Betabel RV park near San Juan Bautista, January 7-11.   It is a very nice place to hold a rally, so please do come and enjoy the company.

After Betabel, we go to the Hobo Rally in Blythe.   That rally is a National Rally, and will be held February 1-7.   You can also go over to Quartzsite, Arizona for the big rock and gem shows and the huge flea market.    I plan  to leave early and stay in Quartzsite for a couple of weeks before the Hobo Rally.

Anyway, after that we have the joint rally with Central California Unit at Wine Country RV Resort in Paso Robles, March 11-15.    And we then host a joint rally with Golden West and Santa Clara in April at Bass Lake.  Please plan on coming and helping with the hosting efforts.

You will get more details on these rallies with later issues of the Caravanner, and the list will be printed in the Unit Directory when it is published later on this year.

David Putnam, NL Editor

Babs & I just returned from the Region 12 Rally held at the fairgrounds Santa Maria.  There were 63 rigs and 3 walk-ins, so a good turn out.  Our unit was represented by David Putnam and Babs & I.  San Joaquin associate members there were Judy & Richard Kleiman, Roberta Hogan, Lucille Burrow and Ruth & Erlend Coffin.

There were several tours that everyone really enjoyed.  Those that went to Vandenberg had great things to say about their trip.  Those that went to the Santa Maria Aviation Museum were also impressed. Sweetest of all was a trip to Cal Poly’s Chocolate making class where samples and sales were available.

The Swap and Sell was pretty successful too.  We got to visit with Irene and Morris Tracy a bit while they set up for the Swap & Sell. They have sold their rig and have many items left over.  Sunday afternoon was a crafting event that some of the ladies really enjoyed and a convection oven cooking demonstration.

San Fernando Valley Unit really did good job hosting this Region Rally. For those of you who may have been considering going to the Rose Parade Rally, it is still possible.  Several more folks are needed to fill the minimum required number rigs, so the deadline to sign up has been extended to November 1st.  It is a good rally and a chance to see the Rose Parade from one of the best spots in Pasadena.  There are other good things planned, also. Contact Judy Bechthold or me if you are interested.  If  the minimum is not met, the event will be canceled again this year.

As I mentioned last Newsletter we have no one to run for the offices required to keep the Unit going.  Those of us who have held offices this year have agreed to continue in the same jobs for at least another year.  We will not have an election this year.  Anyone who disagrees may have the office of his or her choice.

The Unit Officers for 2010
Pres. ………………..Charles Stimmel
Secretary ……………..David Putnam
Treas ……………..Adelaide Stimmel
Newsletter Editor………David Putnam
1 yr Director ……………..Dick Haas
1 yr Director .…………….Bette Wells
2 yr Director .…………..John Skadden
2  yr Director ………… Roland Young

During 2010 we need to come up with a plan of how to get more of you active.  If we can’t improve, as I mentioned last month, something will have to be done. We currently have about $4000.00 in our Treasury and if the unit dissolves the money will automatically go to the WBCCI Treasury.  If we combine forces with another unit our money goes to the new combined unit.  There is something else we can do, have rallies where our Unit’s participants
are subsidized from our own Treasury.  This is money you all have an interest in, do you want to see it go to WBCCI’s Treasury, another unit’s Treasury where maybe those who also join that unit may reap some benefit, or come out and join in rallies and spend it on those rallies?  Feedback from you, the members, is needed.

Are you actively pursuing new members?  When you see an unnumbered Airstream do you tell the occupants about WBCCI?  We need more active recruitment. You can do it.

We also need to have those who are now members to pay their dues for the coming year.  They need to be sent to Babs, and she needs to then send them to Jackson Center so your name goes in the directory, and your Blue Beret  subscription will continue without a break.
Your Pres.  Chuck

We just finished the rally in Merced River, and had an enjoyable time together.    We were few in number, but mighty in effort.    Besides the Stimmels,    the Youngs    (Roland and Beverly) were there along with your humble scribe.    We also had associate members Roberta Young and the Kleimans in attendance.

I did receive a phone call from the son of our long time member George Coe telling me that George had passed away April 25th.    We had mentioned that Ida passed away last September, so we are now without both of them.

Our weather has surely been odd this year.    From a 103 in Lacey in July, we have been having some pretty hot temps here in dear old Fresburg.    We did have some surprisingly cool days too, but mostly it has been rather warm. I am writing this on the first day of Fall, and the outside temperature is 102.    That’s not very Fall like.
While at the rally, current International Membership Chair Teressa TenBerge presented me with the names of some prospective new members from here in Fresno.    I have written to them and invited them to join us, so we will hope to hear from them soon.

Our next get together is the Region 12 Fall Rally in Santa Maria starting October 15.    I hope many of you are signed up to go. After that, we have our installation rally at Kit Fox RV Park in Patterson in November. We are still thinking about a December luncheon, but haven’t confirmed that yet. The first rally in the new year will be at Betabel RV Park near San Juan Bautista in January 2010.    More on that later.

After than I have plans to escape the fog and spend a couple of weeks in Quartzsite with Roland and Beverly, who are already down there.    They headed that way after Merced River.    After that I will go to the Hobo Rally, and then see if I can remember where home is.

We are now in membership renewal time, and the response so far has been underwhelming.    I will again attach the renewal form for you to use.    Please do so at your earliest opportunity.    Next month we will list those who are still missing.    We really do need your cooperation in taking care of this matter.

We will be providing you with a schedule of future rallies soon, and I hope you will look them over and plan to attend at least one this coming year.    We realize you may not have the time to attend all of our rallies, but do try to get to at least one.

I guess I’ve rambled on long enough, so I’ll quit for now.    If anyone would like to go with me to Quartzsite, do let me know.    We generally have room for at least six other rigs.    The place isn’t fancy, but the company can’t be beat.

We had a good rally at Merced River RV from Thursday September 17th to Monday September 21tst. The rally was hosted by our Unit with Babs and Chuck Stimmel doing the hosting honors and a lot of help from David Putnam, Beverly and Roland Young of our Unit, Nancy and Dale Harrington from Golden West Unit, Dot Farinha from Santa Clara Unit and Aileen Farinha. It was a great weekend.

This was a joint Buddy Rally with Golden West, Santa Clara and San Joaquin Units. Those attending included Teressa & Joe ten Berge, Margaret & Allen Dow and Judy & Richard Kleiman from the Monterey Unit, Dot & Ernie Farinha, Helen & Bill Meaney, Aldo Pini, Lois, Dallas & Steve Stoltenberg and Patrick Nolan from Santa Clara Unit, and Nancy & Dale Harrington and Roberta Hogan from Golden West Unit. Dot & Ernie also invited Ernie’s brother and sister-in-law Aileen and Mario Farinha who were the only buddies attending.

We learned that Aileen & Mario are previous Airstreamers with the Santa Clara Unit. Golden West’s Gladys Alexander with her friend Warren came in Saturday and Nellie & Burt Byam drove in Saturday and Sunday.    Thursday evening there were 11 rigs and Friday 3 more had joined us.

Friday evening most of us went to Foster Farms Chicken Restaurant for dinner. Saturday noon we went to Hilmar Cheese Factory for their Deli lunch and ice cream.
Saturday evening we enjoyed everyone’s special pot luck dish, and ended up stuffing ourselves. Lunch Sunday was to have been a hot dog grilling under the shade trees, but it was too hot so we grilled the hot dogs outside and had lunch in the air conditioned hall. Judy & Richard Kleiman brought a great fire pit and a lot of fire wood but it was way too warm for a camp fire. Thanks Judy & Richard for all the trouble you went to, to bring everything.

Saturday morning the ladies did a crafting project. Babs brought a lot of empty plastic Lay’s potato chip containers and several patterns of contact paper and Nancy brought a lot of pictures. Armed with these, the gals made silverware carriers to carry back and forth to the rigs. They also made two extra, one for Aldo and one for Patrick.    David brought in his drill and made holes so handles can be added. Margaret Dow made a great multicolored handle on her “outdoorsy” container and added a green frog. No-one will pick up her container by mistake! It turned out to be a really fun project.

Sunday several folks had to leave but we still had 8 rigs for Sunday evening. For dinner we enjoyed leftovers, and afterwards ice cream sundaes made to each person’s own specifications.

Monday morning we were cleaned up and out of the hall by 10:00 o’clock. It was a really great rally.

Now for some serious stuff. We have not been getting a turn out from you, the members of this San Joaquin Unit. We are coming up on a new year and we haven’t had enough members at rallies to hold meetings.    As a result we have no one to run for the offices required to keep the Unit going.

For several years we have been keeping the Unit going with the few active members trading offices. This is something that is becoming physically and medically impractical.    We may need to merge with another unit if our numbers don’t improve.

Are you actively pursuing new members? When you see an unnumbered Airstream do you tell the occupants about WBCCI? We need more active recruitment. You can do it.

We also need to have those who are now members to pay their dues for the coming year. They need to be sent to Babs, and she needs to then send them to Jackson Center so your name goes in the directory, and your Blue Beret subscription will continue without a break.

Lastly remember the Region XII Rally is going to be in Santa Maria next month, October 15th thru 18th. If you haven’t signed up call Barbara Day @ (818) 716-7174 or Bobby Simkin @ (310) 838-7688 and get your reservation in. Hope to see you all there.

Your Pres. Chuck

The San Joaquin Unit Caravanner
July/August 2009

Notes from the Pres.

At our luncheon in July at Hometown Buffet in Clovis, we had a pretty good turnout considering the temperature was over 100. Those present were Bette & John Wells, Babs & Chuck Stimmel, Beverly & Roland Young, Barbara & Dick Haas, and our hosts, Rosalyn & John Skadden.
The food was delicious, of course, and it was interesting to hear what others were doing. Rosalyn, Barbara and Roland were in different stages of pre-/post-surgery.  All seems to be going well for them. Don’t know how long we can keep Roland and Beverly in this area before they get itchy feet again.
Hope everyone can turn out for the San Andreas Rally at Gold Strike RV Park — with or without grandkids. Remember the dates, August 13th to 17th.
In September our unit is hosting the Merced River RV Park Rally at Delhi. This is another favorite spot with everyone. It is a Buddy Rally so bring friends with whom you enjoy camping with. The dates are September 17th to the 21st. Hope to see you there.
Your Pres. Chuck

Notes From the Chief Scribbler

I am writing this in my trailer on the Terraport in Lacey, Washington. I came here to escape the heat in Fresno, and today it is 100 degrees here. They are having a rather incredible heat wave. I went through a cold wave in Montana, now I’m cooking. Thank goodness my A/C works good.
The trip has been mostly uneventful (thank goodness) other than the wreck after International. I had two valve stems go bad on the Excursion. Apparently the pressure sensors I put on at Salem, eventually cause the stem to fail at the base. I had one go bad on me in Nevada on the way east, and one went bad in Moses Lake on the way west.
I heard from Chuck and Babs that they are on their way to Lacey, and should get here on Thursday the 30th. Apparently they had to side track to Rocklin. They left home and got to San Lorenzo Park in King City, and found out their fridge had died. San Martin and Fairfield Camping Worlds were way behind and couldn’t do the switch for almost a week, so they wound up in Rocklin where they got a new unit in about an hour and a half.
They will be here for the Potlatch Rally, then go back for the Grandkids Rally in August. If you wish to go, be sure to get your registration sent in.
Chuck wrote a report on the luncheon, so I don’t need to say anything except that I hope you all had a good time.
Our next rally will be in September at Merced River RV park and our unit is host for this one. Please do plan to come and help with the doings. We can use your help.
Along with this issue you will find a coupon and a rally schedule for Merced River. Please get it filled out and sent in so we will know who to expect.
On other future subjects, I hope and trust you have sent in your renewal form by now. If not please do get it sent ASAP. It was in an earlier issue, so just find it and do your thing. In a more recent issue, I sent a copy of the form for the Region 12 Fall Rally. Please deal with that also. Santa Maria should be nice that time of year, and it will be nice to see as many of you as possible. Following that, our Installation rally will be in November at Kit Fox RV park in Patterson. That is always a good time for all, so plan to come join the fun.

Please contact us for a Buddy Rally itinerary and coupon.

Hi, this is Roger Smith.  I am the one in charge of the San Joaquin unit website.  I have been very remiss in keeping it going.  I will make an effort to be more vigilant.   Keep watching, use the RSS feed.

Welcome to the new home page of the San Joaquin California Unit of the WBCCI.

On this site are posted the current officers of the San Joaquin Unit and the rally schedule for the calendar year.

Direct inquiries about this wewbsite to: webmaster