Balloon Fiesta Caravan and Rally was Awesome!

Transcription

1 November 2014 Balloon Fiesta Caravan and Rally was Awesome! Inside this issue: Rally updates 2,10 11 Birthdays/Anniversaries 3 Caravan pictures 4-9 Camper Clinic ad 13 Presidents Message 14 Unit Luncheon Next luncheon: November 4, Mimi s, Bee Cave, TX Meet between 12:30 to 12:45; eat around 1:00pm Call Marty if you need more information at Unit Caravan U-410, better known as the THLU Balloon Fiesta Caravan, rolled through West Texas and New Mexico September 28 to October 12, 2014 in route to the 43rd annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta, Spirit of the Winds. 26 rigs were led by our energetic and informative leaders Harvey and Gail Craig. Participants included Ed and Chere Addicks, Jim and B. Bailey, Wendy Barber and Tammy Patterson, Tom and Jean Beebe, Marty and Cindy Berdan, Stanley and Cinda Brooks, Ken and Julie Callahan, Myron and Kathryn Fischer, Windy and Shirley Fleming, C.C. and Carla Gartman, Paul and Cecilia Gulick, John and Kay Irwin, Julie Jordan and Stephanie Sobotik, Mike Lovell and Colin Melton, Gary and Marilyn McClanahan, H.V. and Pat Martin, Jimmy and Marque Mooney, John and Sherry Parten, Luther, Alice, Jeremy Price and Claire Vestal, Robert and Diane Richards, Richard Roucloux and Bill Booker, Ed and Shirley Sherwood, Rick and Debbie Trimble, Richard and Janet Turner and Jim and Melinda Wasson. We met at South Llano River State Park in Junction and then went on to Balmorhea State Park in Toyahvale where many of us enjoyed the clear, cool waters of the largest spring-fed swimming pool in the world. Next stop was Carlsbad, NM for visits to Carlsbad Caverns and The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens State Park. We arrived at Balloon Fiesta Park on Thursday. Harvey had secured prime parking spots for us in close proximity to the launch field. On Friday we were joined by about 175 other Airstreams while we were out and about touring Old Town, The Balloon Museum, Sandia Peak Tram and various restaurants. Harvey and Gail Craig Caravan Leaders Saturday morning the real fun began with Dawn Patrol at 6am and Mass Ascension at 7am. We were literally right on the launch field or under more than 500 balloons flying overhead. What a sight! After our usual happy hour we closed the day with a balloon glow and fireworks. Sunday morning s launch was cancelled due to the wind, but the evening s balloon glow was spectacular. Monday and Tuesday mornings we were surprised by two more mass ascensions. Ed and Chere Addicks even took a flight on Monday morning and took some great pictures. Tuesday we moved up I-25 to Santa Fe. (Continued on page 3)

2 2 RALLY UPDATES Hello, Goodbye Installation Rally, November 13-16, Victoria, TX Join the fun at our Installation Rally to be held this year at one of our sponsor s, the Victoria Coleto Creek Lake KOA in Victoria, TX. Come support our next President Grady Ferry and his team! This will be a no-host rally with one catered meal on Saturday night, one pot luck dinner, and a dutch treat dinner. The installation ceremony dress will be business casual. The following people are signed up for this rally: Addicks, Beebe, Berdan, Dowdy, Ferry, M. Fischer, Fleming, Haddox, Hazen, Heinold, Irwin, Kachilla, Lovelace, McClanahan, Mooney, Parten, Selking, Spruell, Steele/Page, Turner, Trimble, Wasson, Wetterschneider, Zeringue. Two spots are open for this rally-call Marty if interested in attending. The rally schedule is included on page 10. Christmas Rally, December 4-7, Montgomery, TX All 37 slots are reserved for the Christmas Rally, but contact Marty to be on the standby list, as we usually have last minute cancellations. Hosts Willard and Linda Fischer, Robert and Diane Richards, Janet and Richard Turner and Steve and Ginger Zeringue are planning a great rally. CONTACT: Marty Berdan, or martin.berdan@gmail.com The following people are signed up for this rally: Addicks, Arneson, Beebe, Berdan, Blanchards, Booker/Roucloux, Brooks, Capps, Craig, Ferry, M Fischer, W Fischer, Fleming, Gartman, Haddaway, Harkey, Hazen, Irwin, Jordan/Sobotik, Kachilla, Latham, Lovelace, Lovell/Melton, Mayton, McClanahan, McGill, Mitchell, Mooney, Parten, Richards, Roper, Shepard, Spruel, Stephens, Turner, Wetterschneider, Zeringue. PARTICIPANTS PLEASE NOTE: Call the KOA to pay your deposit no later than November 4th. Phone: The rally schedule and reminders are included on pages 11 and 12.

3 3 NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES Birthdays 11-2 Vickie Courtney 11-2 Glen Hieshima 11-3 Dave Sharbo 11-4 Ken Callahan 11-4 Frank Rising 11-6 Gail Craig 11-6 Julie Jordan 11-8 Rosemary Leach Miranda Lambert Marty Berdan Raisin Schwerdfeger Cynthia Hempel Mary Herrold Wendi Prater Byron Wright Howard Duff Karen Sharbo Jim Schwerdfeger Kathy Blanchard John Tetzlaff Ron Harner Jim Riggio Ed Sherwood Johnny Shelly John Sheridan Myrtle Bell Pati Mayton Billy Myers Anniversaries 11-1 Tommy and Treasea Morris 11-4 Johnny and Erlene Shelly 11-5 Steve and Ginger Zeringue 11-6 Humberto and Mickey Reyes Andy Trumble and Wendi Prater Billy and Lynn Walker Jim and Melinda Wasson John and Sherry Parten Caravan cont d We explored the Santa Fe Plaza, Loretto Chapel, Cathedral Basilica, artists studios, shops, Falls colors of the Aspens near Santa Fe Ski area, and the ambiance of this majestic region. We toured El Santuario de Chimayo, ate at the famous Rancho De Chimayo, and shopped at Ortega Weavers. Our scrumptious farewell dinner was held at Vanessie of Santa Fe. We enjoyed outstanding food and service followed by the piano bar entertainment of Esther Hana. Our final stop was Bottomless Lake State Park and Roswell, NM. We toured the UFO museum, Anderson Museum of Contemporary Art and the Roswell Museum and Art Center. All of us who were on the caravan want to thank Harvey and Gail for a superb two weeks! The Balloon Fiesta was truly an unforgettable, spectacular event made even more enjoyable by our parking spot. It was definitely a bucket list item for Cindy and me, and we want to do it again in the near future! Harvey and Gail, thanks so much for a job well done!

4 4 Thanks for the memories. Julie and Ken Callahan Marilyn and Gary McClanahan All member photos by Marque Mooney Cecilia and Paul Gulick Stanley, Cinda and Buddy Brooks Carla and CC Gartman Kathryn and Myron Fischer Windy and Shirley Fleming John and Kay Irwin

5 5...and more memories Marque and Jimmy Mooney Richard Roucloux and Bill Booker Tammy Patterson and Wendy Barber Alice and Luther Price with grand daughter Claire Vestal Diane and Robert Richards Stephanie Sobotik and Julie Jordan

6 6 Debbie and Rick Trimble Janet and Richard Turner Pat and H.V. Martin Melinda and Jim Wasson Shirley and Ed Sherwood Jean and Tom Beebe Colin Melton presented to Harvey a special thank you gift

7 7 Colin Melton Mike Lovell B. Bailey entertained us for happy hour Ed and Chere Addicks Marty and Cindy Berdan John and Sherry Parten Jim and B. Bailey

8 8 Up, Up and Away First morning a landing by the Berdan trailer Balloons for Young and old alike With almost six hundred balloons everyone had their favorites and it was hard to choose just one. You get the scale of how enormous they are with Shirley Fleming and Marilyn McClanahan posing by Beagle Maximus. There were balloons from all over the world since this is the best and largest festival of its kind. If you haven t been, put it on your bucket list. Of course the best way to go is in your Airstream and be parked close to all the action. You will not be disappointed.

9 9 A perfect morning watching launches with Harvey and Gail Craig Spectacular shows in the evening with music and lights dancing in the balloons.

10 10 Hello, Goodbye Installation Rally- November 13-16, 2014 at Victoria Coleto Creek Lake KOA, 500 Coleto Park Rd, Victoria, TX This is a NO-HOST RALLY. All campers must pre-register with the RV park at or All site fees will be paid directly to the RV park at check-in. Contact: Marty Berdan, or martin.berdan@gmail.com Wed 11/12: All Day Early arrivals welcome. Notify KOA ahead of time. Thu 11/13: All Day Arrival and parking. Park office will assign spaces. 4:30 pm Happy Hour in clubhouse. A-H bring snacks. BYO beverage Plan your Friday and Saturday adventures. 5:45 pm Dutch treat dinner on your own or eat in trailer 7:00 pm Bonfire and s mores, weather permitting Fri 11/14: 7:30 am Coffee ready in clubhouse 8-9am All Day Breakfast snacks: bread, muffins, etc EXPLORE VICTORIA-TX Information regarding things to do in the area will be provided. 4:30 pm Happy Hour in clubhouse. J-Z bring snacks. BYO beverage 5:45 pm Pot luck. Bring your favorite entrée, salad, veggies, or desserts 7:00 pm BINGO with Marque Mooney 8:00 pm Bonfire and s mores, weather permitting Sat 11/15: 7:30 am Coffee ready 8-9am 9:00am All Day Breakfast snacks Pay rally fee to Jean Beebe Explore the area 5:45 pm Catered Dinner- pork tenderloin, German potatoes, green beans, Salad, rolls, tea 7:00 pm Installation of Officers Ceremony followed by Reception Sun 11-16: 9:00 am Devotional Have a safe trip home. See you at the Christmas Rally! Poster by Marque

11 11 THLU Christmas Rally and Charity Auction December 4-7, 2014 Lake Conroe/Houston North KOA Highway 105 West, Montgomery, TX / *BRING TABLE SERVICE & BEVERAGE TO ALL MEALS (except Sat. dinner)* Wed, Dec. 3 Thur, Dec. 4 Hosts arrive: Diane & Robert Richards, Ginger & Steve Zeringue, Linda & Willard Fischer, Janet & Richard Turner 12:00p Parking upon arrival please check-in at the park front office & pay for your parking ($28.00/ night, check-in after 12:00p) 4:30-5:30p 5:30-6:30p Happy hour, bring beverage and snack of your choice Potluck Dinner - German theme, bring a dish to share (hosts to provide bratwurst & buns) 7:00p Chinese gift exchange-coordinated by Peggy & Phil Spruell Fri, Dec. 5 7:30 a Coffee in rally room 8:00-9:00a Breakfast eggs, sausage, toast & juice 10:00a-4:00p 4:30-5:30p 5:30-6:30p Lunch on your own - decorate your RV for judging Saturday Skeet/Pistol Range trip (see reminder/things to bring to rally headcount needed by Nov. 15, Steven Zeringue at zeringue3@msn.com Happy hour, bring beverage and snack of your choice Dutch treat dinner carpool to Ransom s Steakhouse & Saloon with entertainment (hosts will provide directions) 7:00p Local entertainment/theater play house - Dutch treat (The Best Christmas Pageant Ever at the Crighton Theater in Conroe, order your tickets at Sat, Dec. 6 7:30 a Coffee in rally room 8:00-9:30a Pancake breakfast (sausage, juice, coffee and all the pancakes you can eat) hosted by the RV Park - $5 per person (Dutch treat, to be collected by the unit treasurer) there is a 20 person minimum & 15 day advance notice so call or Marty Berdan by Nov 15 for reservations 10:00a-10:30a 10:30a-4:00p Pay RV Park breakfast & any rally fees to treasurer Lunch on your own - on your own sightseeing, RV decorations judged

12 2:00p Auction set-up, bring your items to the rally room 4:00-5:00p Happy hour, bring beverage and snack of your choice 5:00-6:00p Dinner Catered by The Black Walnut restaurant 6:30-9:30p Christmas Auction auctioneer Jim Latham Sun, Dec. 7 8:30a Devotions / bring your own coffee (check-out 11:00a) 12 ***Please RSVP with the number of people/airstreams including any guests attending the rally & number of people wanting to attend the Saturday RV Park breakfast by Nov. 15 to: Marty Berdan (512) or martin.berdan@gmail.com ***Please RSVP for the target shooting range trip by Nov. 15 to: Steven Zeringue (936) or zeringue3@msn.com Reminder of Things to Bring to the Christmas Rally: 1. Chinese Gift Exchange, bring one wrapped gift ($5 - $10 suggested) per person for Thursday evening. This is an annual event at the THLU Christmas Rally that always ensures a lot of laughs and stealing of gifts. Numbers will be drawn and the friendly exchange of gifts will begin. More details will be provided upon arrival at the Rally. 2. Bring auction items to donate for our annual auction Saturday evening. Sixty percent from this auction will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the other forty percent will go into the operation funds of THLU. 3. Christmas decorations for your RV, judging will be done on Saturday afternoon. 4. Christmas card exchange with those attending the Rally. Hosts will provide bags with names attending the rally 5. Set-ups and drinks for all meals except our Christmas catered dinner Saturday night before the auction. 6. For Dutch treat target shooting trip bring your own guns or rent a shotgun for $ The cost for skeet is about $10 plus shells, sporting clay $26 plus shells, and the pistol range is $10/hour. 7. Wednesday, December 3 rd If you are coming to the Rally early, you must call the RV Park for availability.

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14 14 PRESIDENT S MESSAGE As the saying goes time flies when you are having fun and this year has certainly gone by quickly. On November 15th my year as THLU President will come to a close. As I reflect back on this year I am very proud about what our club has accomplished. We continue to be a dynamic, active, diverse and fun loving group which truly embodies what the Wally Byam Caravan Club International (WBCCI) stands for. We held six unit rallies, attended the Balloon Fiesta Rally, and actively supported the Region 9 and International Rallies. We held six unit luncheons in the Austin area and one at the Region rally. We sponsored a very successful unit caravan to the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. We supported local charities at our unit rallies. We continued to support the Wounded Warrior project with proceeds from our Christmas auction. We published 10 newsletters. Membership continues to be strong with 114 regular and 15 affiliate members. I use the word we because all of this is a team effort and I have been supported by an outstanding team. I thank all of the unit officers for their hard work: Grady Ferry, Cindy Berdan, Lin Brinkman, Jean Beebe, Jimmy Mooney, Tom Beebe, Marque Mooney, Harvey Craig and Ilene Wetterschneider. The committee chairs have made my job a lot easier and I thank all of them: Myron Fischer, Mike Lovell, Janet Latham, Ardell Mayton, Kathy Kachilla, Kay Fisher-Irwin, Jim Haddaway, Fred Hazen, Harvey Craig, Pati Mayton, Judy Hazen, Stuart Wetterschneider, John Irwin, Kathryn Fischer, and Darrell Kachilla. Another huge thank you goes out to everyone who has hosted a rally this year. I really appreciate you facilitating the fun and fellowship of our rallies. I owe a special thanks to my wife Cindy for her total support and commitment to helping me plan the year. The Beatle s based theme Here, There and Everywhere was her idea and she is the reason that the newsletters look so good. Thank you all for the honor and privilege of serving as your President this past year! I look forward to seeing all of you down the road.