WBCCI San Joaquin CA Unit

June - July 2010 Newsletter

May Presidents Report

Hi all! Our May rally at 49er RV Ranch in Columbia was fun for all who attended.  There were 21 rigs in all. In attendance from our Unit were John and Rosalyn Skadden, Bob and Donna Hooper, and Babs and I.  David Putnam came for the day on Saturday. Santa Clara Unit’s Ed and Linda Dodge and Golden West’s Jim and Shari Gonjg also came for Saturday only.

We thank Patrick Nolan for hosting and Debbie Sode for cohosting this rally and for all the work they put into making this rally a great success. The decorations were something we don’t often have, but Patrick really got us in the mood with an 8 foot inflatable Polynesian totem, coconut monkeys, leis and sparkle bracelets.

The food, as usual, was excellent. The baked egg and sausage casserole on Saturday was delicious.  Friday night after the pot luck we hosted Jim Johnson’s 60th birthday with cake and ice cream. Patrick and Bill Dash did a great job grilling all the delicious chicken for Saturday evening. Ernie and Dot Farinha put on a pancake breakfast Sunday. Danny Freitas set up his fire ring each evening, and everyone gathered around.

We had some time for games, but the weather was so great that most of the time we were outside, just shooting the breeze and having fun.

Some of the ladies went shopping in Twain Harte at the most fabulous drug store. It is really a variety store, with fabrics, housewares, crafts, toys, and it even had Alfred Dunner clothing.  What a store! Sunday afternoon some went to see “Stand By Your Man” at the playhouse outside Sonora, and were very impressed with the performance. Many just explored the area. Everyone did his or her own thing during the rally, but I think all had a great time.

After our meetings on Saturday Morning, we got together and finished putting together the rally schedule for 2011. Almost all places are new venues. . .Bass Lake and San Andreas remaining the same. SJU hosts both those rallies next year. This year the San Andreas is the Grandkids Rally on August 12-16. Bring all the grandkids, they will have a blast! (So do we Adults!) Last year a bunch of us stopped at the San Andreas rally on our way home from the Potlatch Rally7 in Lacey, Washington. It was GREAT!!!  Debbie and Mark Sode did Mexican food, Doris supervised the piñatas and the Bechthold’s brought the Marguerita Wagon. Make plans NOW to attend.

Since we are usually late for a rally, arriving about 5 or 6 PM, we decided to be on time for a change. To make sure, we left Paso Robles the evening before and stayed overnight at the Elks Lodge in Coalinga. We will probably do the same thing going to the next one at Kit Fox.

At Kit Fox we will be having an Open House on Saturday, June 5 from about 4-6 PM for those in the community who might be interested in seeing the inside of an Airstream. A small ad will be in the local newspaper. We hope to show people what a good thing Airstreaming is. If you would like to show your rig, call me. We are looking forward to having a great time with great people. Hope you will be with us. . . . .

Your Pres, Chuck

Thought: The only difference between a rut and a grave is the depth.

Notes from the Chief Scribe

I was not able to attend the Columbia Rally the full time, but did drive up on Saturday to visit with those who were there. It was a great time, although I had some concerns on my mind at the time.

When I go to Gillette, I will be taking my 16 year old nephew with me. He is not actually related to me, but I adopted him as he is the son of my nephew Joel’s ladyfriend. However, he got out of pocket and disappeared for three days starting Mother’s Day, which left his mother in a panic. Needless to say, I was concerned too after planning a lot of good activities for him for the summer, then seeing it wave bye-bye to me. However, things have settled down, he is back and doing much better. I drove down to see him the 18th and we had a good talk about several things, and he now really does want to go with me. I plan to take him a lot of places, including mom’s family’s cattle ranch in Nebraska, Custer Battlefield, Yellowstone, and even the Seattle Space Needle. We will have a ball, and he may not want to come back home before this is over with.

I leave home June 6 for Gillette, and will arrive June 11 to park the next day. Not many people get there earlier than Band people.

I had a lot of comments on my Travel Advisory from last month. Not many people know about Parley’s Canyon Grade unless you’ve gone that way before. I always go around. It’s only 12 miles further, and you save time and fuel by doing it.

Anyway, I hope to see a goodly number of you all up there. Be sure you come by and meet my nephew Dillon. He’s a neat kid, and I think a lot of him. You will too.

If you can’t come, please try to attend Kit Fox or the luncheon. They always have a good time at those get togethers.

Our unit will host the September rally. August is in Gold Country and is the grandkids rally. September is in Salinas on the Monterey County Fairgrounds. This will be a no hookups camp and we will NOT have a building, but we will have some outdoor activities. I will print more information later when I get it.

You should already have the information for Kit Fox, as I sent it out early. Do plan to come! It is very nice out there, good spaces and a nice building for us to use. It is also fairly close to the Delta, so it usually isn’t as warm there as some other places in the valley.

If I don’t see you before hand or at Gillette, have a wonderful summer, and we’ll see each other in September or maybe October at the Region Rally in Hemet. That is a beautiful park we are going to, so plan to come and have a good time.

David Putnam, Editor

Presidents Report

Hi, all. Our April rally at Bass Lake was fun for all who attended.  There were 17 rigs with 33 people in attendance. Judy and Ken Bechthold didn’t bring their rig, so they stayed in one of the park’s rentals since Ken could only stay one day.  It was a busy weekend for the park, so we weren’t able to all park in one area, but it worked out all right.

We had with us Donna and Bob Hooper from Clovis who attended to see if the WBCCI life style is for them. We are happy to say that Donna and Bob joined our Unit. We welcome them and July, our Region12 1st VP gave them an official welcome from the Region during our meeting Sunday. We are pleased to have them as members of the San Joaquin Unit. Others in attendance from our Unit were David Putnam, Ross and Linda Bauer, John and Rosalyn Skadden, John & Betty Wells, Dick and Barbara Haas, Larry & Marny Oelze, Roland & Beverly Young, and Babs & I.

Santa Clara Unit was represented by Ed & Linda Dodge, Ed Lundgren, Carter & Connie Squires, Rev. Peter & Linda Heylin, and Bob & Maureen Elliman. Golden West members attending were Ken & Judy Bechthold and Roberta Hogan. Additionally, we had Gary and Christa Mellinger from Central Coast Unit and Van & Diana Riley from No. California Unit.

I want to thank Barbara and Dick Haas and John and Rosalyn Skadden for all the work they put in to making this rally a great success. Barbara made a wonderful soup supper for us Thursday evening.  Dick BBQed the TriTip for the Sunday sandwiches and Barbara made sure all the fixings were out for customized sandwiches. John made all the arrangements for the park and negotiated a very good low cost breakfast every morning.  John also made sure the coffee was always ready.  It was a nice laidback rally which didn’t require anyone to be at a specific place at any time. Some went into Yosemite, others went to the local Indian Museum in North Fork, and some scouted around Bass Lake and Oakhurst.  Regarding our current system of reimbursing unit members camping fees over $25 per night, we are happy with the results, but find we must make some changes. During the Units’ meeting Sunday our Treasurer reported that our current bank balance is $2,947.18.  At least month’s meeting in Paso Robles it was voted on and approved that we would not deplete our treasury below $2,500. After this rally and the May rally in Columbia we will reach that limit. It was voted on and approved that the Columbia rally will be the last rally we will compensate camping fees. At some future date we may look into reactivating this policy at a different rate.

Babs brought up the subject of again hosting a social gathering at next years Hobo Rally. It was agreed that our unit would host one social hour with the provision that the Region would cover the expenses.

Judy Bechthold gave us some updates on Region activities. Those going to the International Rally in Gillette, Wyoming are advised to be sure to check the Region 12 table during registration. The Region 12 breakfast will be on Thursday. She also reminded us to make plans for the Region 12 Fall Rally in Hemet and that the Rose Parade Rally is definitely on for the coming New Year. Babs and I attended this year’s Rose Parade and really did enjoy the whole event.

Hope to see you at the next rally in Columbia. Travel safely and enjoy Airstreaming.
Your Pres., Chuck Stimmel

Musings from the Chief Scribe

Or just more drivel from the head nutcase.

I have recently found some fun in chasing around the desert with my nephew and his boy. They like dirt bikes, but that’s more challenge than I like with my not so great balance. I managed to locate a very nice quad from friends of theirs, so now I can give chase, but at a slower pace.

This is Seth and I on my quad.  It’s loads of fun to ride. In fact, everyone else enjoyed it too.

One thing this brings to mind is the subject of maintaining the bearings on our trailers. WHAT, do you wonder, has a quad to do with trailer bearings.

One of the projects I had it mind while we were out there, was to check out the bearings on my trailer. It had been some time since I last checked them and I had decided it should be done before I head out for Gillette. GOOD THING I DID THAT!!!!! If you haven’t checked yours in a while, DO SO!!! I had two inner bearings and three outer bearings that were bad. I also had one brake magnet that had broken loose from its’ anchor and was wearing unevenly and may have been causing some uneven wear on the tire on that hub.  The outer bearing in the rear, road-side hub was so bad, when I got it off and cleaned out the old grease, the rollers fell out of the cage holding them in. My nephew and I went through all six wheels and cleaned and repacked all of the bearings. It was well worth the effort, although the wind wreaked some havoc with our efforts. Fortunately, we were able to find replacement bearings and a useable brake arm in Ridgecrest. We found Motion Tire and Wheel were very helpful with the brake part, and Car Quest Auto Parts had the bearings. I’m out about $90 for parts, but that’s a lot better than losing a bearing or wheel on the road in the middle of Nevada or the Great Salt Lake Desert.

I read an article just recently that mentioned keeping your car keys close to your bed at night. Apparently it is a good source of nighttime security. If you hear a strange noise or need to summon help all you have to do is push the alarm button on the key pad and you create a lot of noise to scare off intruders, or summon help if you need it in an emergency.
Advisory to Travelers

If you are going to Gillette this summer and plan to go east on I-80, be advised to NOT go east on 80 from Salt Lake City!!!! The road goes up Parley’s Canyon Grade, which is rated the steepest section of Interstate highway in the entire country.  Semi trucks going up that grade move so slowly you can see the spokes in their wheels. You could WALK up the grade faster than they travel. Instead of using I- 80, go north on I-215 from 80, and then use I-15 north to U.S. 89. Go north on US 89 to I-84, then go east to the 80/84 junction to head on east to Evanston, Wyoming. I have figured the difference in distance, and it is only 12 miles. HOWEVER!!! The grading is MUCH easier, and you will use less fuel and actually make better time. You will only do maybe 25 mph up 80, while you can easily cruise at 55 on 84. Do yourself a favor and avoid I-80 from Salt Lake City to Park City in Utah. Unless, of course, you want to put your tow vehicle to a major test.

WBCCI
49er RV Ranch
May 13 – 17, 2010
Host: Santa Clara Unit
Patrick Nolan
Co Host: Debbie Sode

THURSDAY, MAY 13th
Arrive and set up camp
4:00 pm Happy Hour - BYOB and snacks
6:00 pm Dinner - on your own; there are local restaurants nearby
7:00 pm Socializing, games

FRIDAY, MAY 14th
8:30 am Breakfast; Toast, Jam, Peanut Butter, coffee, tea
Spend the day doing what pleases you. See suggestions.
4:00 pm Happy Hour
6:30 pm Dinner - Bring “One Pot Meal”. Bread and dessert will be provided.
7:00 pm Socializing, games

SATURDAY, May 15th
8:30 am Egg Casserole, fruit, juice, coffee, tea
10:00 am Unit Meetings
Spend the day doing what pleases you. See suggestions.
4:00 pm Happy Hour
6:00 pm Dinner – BBQ Chicken, Baked Beans, Potato & Macaroni Salad, Rolls, & Dessert
7:00 pm Socializing, games

SUNDAY, May 16th
8:30 am Breakfast; Pancakes, sausage, juice, coffee, tea
Spend the day doing what pleases you. See suggestions.
4:00 pm Happy Hour
6:00 pm Dinner - Chicken, Salads, Rolls & Dessert
7:00 pm Socializing, games

MONDAY, May 17th
Have a safe trip home.

Directions to 49er RV Ranch:
From Jct. Hwy 49 and CR E18 go north on Parrotts Ferry Road 1.7 miles,
right on Columbia Street .4 miles, left on Pacific Street one block, then right on
Italian Bar Road for .5 miles.

Things to see and do while you are at
49er RV Ranch

Historical Columbia State Historic Park

Jamestown Rail Town 1897 State Historic Park and downtown Historic
Sonora and walking tour

Scenic day trip to Yosemite National Park

Visit Calaveras Big Trees State Park

Underground Caverns: Tours and Exploration

Quench your thirst at the Columbia Brewery and Spring House

Walk the Columbia School and College Nature Trails

See a Sierra Repertory Theatre Show
Call (209) 532-3120 for advance tickets or website
www.sierrarep.org

East Sonora Theatre at 13891 Mono Way in Sonora:
“Shipwrecked”
(The amazing adventures of Louis de Rougemont as told by himself)
Times; 5/13 at 7pm, 5/14 at 7pm, 5/15 at 2pm & 8pm, 5/16 at 2pm

Columbia’s Fallon House Theater stage show:
“Stand By Your Man”
The Tammy Wynette Story
Times; 5/14 at 7pm, 5/15 at 2pm & 8pm, 5/16 at 2pm

Paso Robles Rally Summary

This joint rally with the Central Coast California Unit was most pleasurable. Unfortunately, it may be the last, as the Central Coast members decided to not continue the rally for next year. They would like to try something different, so we will have to find another rally for next year. We may come back to Wine Country RV Park, but on another basis.

I just received a notice from the Escapees club that the proposal from the Interior (inferior) Department to charge seniors for entry and use of national parks and monuments has apparently been scuttled. The Department wanted to change the discount to only 10%, rather than free entry. They also wanted to change all other discounts to just 10%, including the camping fee in National facilities. This is good news, as we can still use our Senior Card for entry and discounts.

I want to apologize to some of you for getting out the last issue so late. I had a bunch of things going on, and just plain lost track of time. I spent the weekend before the rally down in Anaheim with my nephew and niece, having a remembrance birthday for mom. It was great! My nephew, Joel and I had a time together remembering my mom and his mom (my sister). We must have hugged each other for at least 20 minutes, even including his boy, Seth. It was great, except Carrie his lady friend called us both a couple of crybabies.  I don’t care, I still miss mom and probably will for the rest of my life. I also still miss Elaine.  My niece is going to have her third baby, and it just might be born on the same day as my sister was. It would be such a neat memory for this little girl to have her grandmother’s birthday too. We are sure hoping that will be the case.

I also got some great news while I was down for the party. I asked Joel’s lady friend if I could take her older son, Dillon, with me for the summer. She thought that would be a nice idea and said “yes.” So, I’m going to have the company of this neat young man (16 yrs. old) for the summer. He’s excited to be going, and I’m excited to have him with me.

By the way, there is something I should mention at this point. As you know, the young people collect the pull tabs from cans to turn in to support the Ronald McDonald House places.  If you have any pull tabs, or can gather some, please get them to me so they can be turned in.  If you can’t get them to me, Miriam Low is also going, as is Ross and Linda Bauer, and our newest members, Larry and Mandy Oelze. Get your tabs to one of us, and we will take them to Gillette and get them turned in for credit to help RMcD House.

Thanks for all you do, and I hope you get to a rally soon. You are really missing out if you don’t make it to at least one a year. Besides, we miss you, and that’s the worst part of it. We enjoy your company, so come share yourselves with the rest of us. We need you.

Your chief scribbler,

David Putnam

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.