Texas Highland Lakes Newsletter

December
2015
Texas Highland Lakes
Newsletter
Inside this issue:
President’s Message
President’s Message
1
Party Line & Prayers/Concerns
2
Hello Everyone!
Community Service
3-4
Matagorda Bay Nature Park Rally
5
Christmas Rally Photographs
6-8
THLU Rally Schedule
9
We had a wonderful time at our annual Christmas Rally. Thank you, to our
hosts, for creating an incredible weekend! Wendy and Tammy had our entire
rally at their beautiful home Friday evening for a spectacular sunset and
fantastic party that’s sure to be talked about for years to come! Our Christmas
auction gave $1,579.66 for the Wounded Warrior Project! Thank you all who
contributed.
THLU 2016 New Mexico Balloon 10
Fiesta Caravan
Region 9 Rally
11-12
Midwinter IBT
13
Unit Luncheon
 Next luncheon: January 5,
2016
 County Line Barbecue on
the Hill 6500 Bee Cave
Road, Austin
 Meet between 12:30 to
12:45; eat around 1:00pm
 Call R. Lee Steele for more
information at 512-5655714
Our next rally will be at Matagorda Bay Nature Park Thursday, February 4 th
through Sunday February 7th. Please go to www.reserveamerica.com or call
855-392-7638 for reservations in the South Loop. Grady and Keith Ferry our
region 9 first vice president will be hosting. We need more hosts for the rally
so let us know if you would like to help. Grady is organizing a fishing trip. If
you are interested be sure to let him know.
Quick safety tip – This time of year the
temperature can very widely. For all of
you folks out there traveling be sure to
be aware of your tire
pressure. Last
year when we arrived at Matagorda Bay
Nature Park it was quite cold, however,
it warmed up substantially before we
left. I had set my tow vehicle and trailer
tire
pressure for cold weather. On the
way home our tire pressure monitoring
system alarm went off. I assumed we
had a flat. It turned out we had excessive tire pressure that could have led to
tire failure.
Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
R. Lee Steele
2
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES
Birthdays
Anniversaries
Rosario Leach
11-17
Debi Jean Harkey
1-15
Julie Jordan & Stephanie Sobotik
Kathryn Fischer
1-18
Jim Courtney
1-18
Jack & Ruth Maddux
1-3
Tom Sharpe
1-19
Lynn Capps
1-20
Carlos & Rosemary Leach
1-4
David Blakey
1-19
Luther Price
1-6
Sheila Gallagher
1-21
Janis Brown
1-7
Ginger Zeringue
1-27
Janet Latham
1-10
Lynn Perrin
1-28
Gladys Ruth (G.R.) Allen
1-13
Darel Ball
1-31
Fred Hazen
1-15
Tom Beebe
1-2
1-3
Our prayers and condolences go out to Rick & Debbie Trimble and Billy & Danna Myers, who both lost loved ones
recently. Our deepest sympathies go out to them and their families. May God give them comfort and may the souls of
their loved ones rest in peace..
Jimmy & Marque Mooney ask for healing prayers for their 15 year old grandson, Logan, who will undergo spine surgery
on December 31. Doctors will insert two steel rods to strengthen his back damaged by radiation at age 3 when he was
diagnosed with cancer. He will be hospitalized for 5-7 days and at home for two weeks following surgery.
Cindy Johnson, a member of the Heart of Texas Camping Unit, suffered a grave loss when Clay, her husband; Hannah,
her daughter; and Kade, her six year old grandson were murdered while camping near Palestine, Texas. She also lost her
daughter’s fiancé and his two sons. Cindy was the lone survivor. The community was shocked to hear of her loss especially under such circumstances. Although no words can really help to ease the pain Cindy bears, let’s hold her very close
in our thoughts and prayers over the coming months, especially during the holidays as she comprehends this profound
loss. May God help her during this difficult time and may the love of those around her help her through the days ahead.
Jim Whitworth had encouraging results from a recent bone marrow biopsy. His disease has stabilized somewhat, and
has NOT moved any further towards leukemia. He is thankful for your support and kindness as he goes through his
treatments.
A note from Elizabeth Rodgers:
THLU Members,
Thank you for the beautiful patriot spray of flowers. Your love, prayers and support mean so much.
Harry loved the Texas Highland Lakes Unit and WBCCI. He served as the President of the Unit in 1992.
God Bless all of you and keep you safe in your travels.
Elizabeth
3
“No Man Stands So Tall as When He Stoops to Help a Child”
Janie Haddaway, Region 9 Community Service Chairman,
and Jim Haddaway deliver items donated by WBCCI
members to Shriners Hospital for Children in Houston which
specializes in pediatric orthopedics, cleft lip & palate, inpatient rehabilitation and sub-acute care. They also visited
the Shriners Hospital for Children in Galveston which provides advanced burn care and treatment for children from all
over the world. All services are provided regardless of the
family’s ability to pay.
Jennifer Hughes
Donor Development—Houston and Galveston
Hello Janie,
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Thank you and Jim so much for
visiting both the Houston and Galveston hospitals. Please also send my thank you
and best regards to Keith and Grady. Below is a list of Child Life needs for the next
six months. Thank you for leading the charge to collect some of these items. These
type of items make a patient’s stay more comfortable.
Have a blessed winter holiday!
Jennifer Hughes
Donor Development ~ Houston and Galveston
4
Matchbox cars.
Large capacity 100 slot CD/DVD binders.
Soccer balls (size 3, 4, & 5)
Basketballs (junior sizes)
Find It (Contained Adventure Tubes)
Playdough
Youth basketball hoops (size shorter than the traditional hoops)
Gym ball basket for balls to be kept in on the 6 th
floor
Toys/Gifts appropriate for Teen Girls and Teen
Boys
Footballs/basketballs/nerf balls, remote control cars
Nail polish, lotion, hair accessories, lip balm,
makeup, bath sets
Youth medical kits/play sets
Individual packs of markers
Individual packs of colored pencils
Individual craft projects/activities for 1) preschool 2) school age 3)teens
(The ones that already come in a box organized
you can find them at Target, Wal-mart, Michaels,
Hobby Lobby)
Shadow Buddies
Items with Frozen (Disney movie) theme
Music CD’s-kid friendly
Window Clings/Decorations
Sharpie Markers (various sizes)
Coloring books (Spanish and English) –with
CRAYOLA crayons
Activity books (Spanish and English)
Books in Spanish (School Age through Adult)
Subscriptions to kid, teen, and family magazines
(ex. Nickelodeon, National Geographic, animals,
sports, teen, parent, --in English and Spanish)
Bubbles
Light up toys (similar to the ones you see at the
circus where you push the button and it lights up/
spins around etc.)
Stickers
Kinetic sand (Target)
Mobiles, White Noise machine, Crib music
Baby rattles and teething toys
Barbie dolls
Teen girl bath sets
Super hero capes /toys
Play Station 2 wireless controllers
(which can be found at amazon.com and Game Stop (in
store and online)
Play Station 2 controller extension cords
(to go with the existing wired remotes that we have)
PlayStation4 Games:
1.
Ultra Street Fighter
2.
AirMech Arena
3.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse
4.
Batman Arkham Knight
5.
Call of Duty Ghost
6.
Call of Duty Black Ops III
7.
Call of Duty Modern Warfare
8.
Watch Dogs
9.
Infamous Second Son
10.
Rayman Legends
11.
The Last of us: Remastered
12.
Mortal Kombat X
13.
Uncharted 4 A Thief’s End
14.
Battlefield Hardline
15.
Battlefield 4
16.
Tomb Rader: Definitive Edition
17.
The Swapper
18.
Final Fantasy 14
19.
Velocity 2X
20.
Far Cry 4
21.
Assassin’s Creed Unity
22.
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag
23.
Dead Nation Apocalypse Edition
24.
Injustice: Gods Among Us
25.
Need For Speed Rivals
26.
Metal Gear Solid V: Ground Zeroes
27.
Metro Redux
28.
The Crew
29.
MOTO GP 14
30.
Motorcycle Club
Safety is the most important consideration when
accepting toys. Please no used toys, stuffed animals
or games. Also, art materials must have the nontoxic seal (AP, CP, Health Label Non-Toxic.)
Austin Boat & Travel Trailer Show ~ January 7-10, 2016 at the Austin
Convention Center
Austin RV Expo ~ February 18-21, 2016 at the Austin Convention Center.
Your help is needed to man the Camper Clinic II exhibits at the Austin RV Expo and the Austin Boat & Travel Trailer
Show. Airstreams will be showcased at these events which attract thousands of visitors. THLU has generously offered
to provide volunteers again this year.
To volunteer or request more information, please contact Warren Capps at warren@warrencapps.com or 512-276-2223.
5
MATAGORDA BAY NATURE PARK RALLY ~ FEBRUARY 4-7, 2016
Come relax on the sandy beach! This park is located where the Colorado River meets the Gulf of Mexico.
Developed by the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) the park is host to millions of migrating birds
each winter. A short walk will reveal the beauty of the beach and the ecosystem that attracts the
birds as well as other interesting creatures.
Here are some of the exciting events planned! Please rsvp to Grady Ferry at pizzacat@sbcglobal.com to
make your event reservations.
Matagorda Bay Fishing Trip
Thursday, February 4th at daybreak
Cost: $400/boat + bait, 3 fishermen per boat
RSVP as soon as possible for space is limited
Star Party
Friday, February 5th from 6:30-8 PM
$5/person
Guided Bird Walk
Friday, February 5th from 9–11 AM
Kayak Trip into the Bay
$5/person
Saturday morning February 6th
$10-20 approximate cost/person
To make a campsite reservation go online at www.reserveamerica.com or call 855-392-7638 ASAP for
the South Loop. These sites are popular so don’t miss your opportunity to enjoy this beautiful park.
6
Caroling with Gusto!
Jim Latham, Auctioneer ,helped THLU
raise $1579.66 for the Wounded Warrior
Project
Jim Haddaway going Texas style
Rally Hosts Fred & Judy Hazen, Stephanie Sobotik, Julie Jordan, Richard
Roucloux, Bill Booker, & Wendy Barber. Not shown: Tammy Patterson
Marty Berdan & his new elf friend
Eileen Page enjoying
ornament exchange
Pati Mayton, Peter Sajovich, Keith Ferry & Carol
Sajovich in Holiday Hats
7
Peter & Carol Sajovich
Sunset Toast by Wendy Barber
Welcome to the Lucky Ranch
Where we are proud to be part of the THLU branch!
To Airstreamers near & far
Pulling our babies with our trucks & cars
Traveling from East to West
We all know Airstream IS the BEST!
Tammy Patterson & Colin Melton
Now, let’s toast to the season…that is so bright
Thanks to each of you for being here tonight!
Cheers!
Photographs courtesy of Peter Sajovich
8
Mike Lovell found the hidden medallion
Tom Beebe as the Grinch
Paul & Cecelia Gulik won 3rd Place for their psychedelic holiday decorations.
1st place went to Marty & Cindy Berdan and 2nd Place went to C.C. & Carla Gartman
Windmill at Buckhorn Lake RV Park
Grady Ferry won the putting contest.
Honorable mention went to Kathy Blanchard
Pink Poodle displayed by R. Lee Steele & Eileen Page
9
RALLY SCHEDULE 2015-2016
Date
Event/ Location
Comments
12/03-12/06
THLU Holiday Rally
Buckhorn Lake RV Resort
Call Buckhorn Lake RV resort at 800-568-6458 or
http://www.buckhornrvpark.com.
Let them know you are with THLU unit.
02/04-02/07
Matagorda Bay Nature Park
Matagorda, TX
Go to Reserve America for Sites in
South Loop
03/14-03/19
Region 9 Rally—Shawnee, OK
See Region 9 site www.region9.wbcci.net
04/07-04/10
Rally at The Flemings Ranch
Contact R. Lee Steele
Cherokee, TX
May
TBD
06/28-07/05
59th International Convention/Rally
See Blue Beret or WBCCI website
Lewisburg, WV
for registration
THLU 2016 New Mexico Balloon
Contact Harvey Craig
Fiesta WBCCI Numbered Caravan
512/633-0380 (Cell) charv@msn.com
Installation Rally
Contact R. Lee Steele
09/23-10/7
11/03-11/06
NTAC (North Texas Airstream Community)
Hillsboro, TX
December
Christmas Rally & Auction—TBD
10
THLU 2016 NEW MEXICO BALLOON FIESTA WBCCI NUMBERED CARAVAN
(Friday, September 23, 2016 – Friday, October 7, 2016)
REGISTRATION OPENS IN OCTOBER 2015
THLU will host a 15 night/15 Day (1,300+ total miles) New Mexico Balloon Fiesta WBCCI Numbered
Caravan departing from NTAC (North Texas Airstream Community), Hillsboro, Texas on Friday, September 23 and ending on Friday, October 7 at Santa Fe Skies RV Resort, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Come join us for a memorable, bucket-list caravan not only to the largest international balloon
event in the world but to the wonderful State of New Mexico with its history dating back far beyond when Columbus set foot on the continent as well as its “light”—sky, clouds, sunrises, sunsets, moon and clear stars; and Santa Fe, its capitol which is the oldest (over 400 years old) in the
United States.
The Caravan is limited to a total of 30 rigs including the caravan leader. The caravan leaders will be
Harvey & Gail Craig: 512/633-0380 (Cell); charv@msn.com (200 Walnut Hill Ave., #107, Hillsboro,
Texas. 76645) with backup leaders.
The Caravan will feature six stops which include: 1 night at NTAC (North Texas Airstream Community),
Hillsboro, TX; 2 nights at Abilene State Park; 2 nights at Palo Dura State Park, 1 night at Santa Rosa, NM,,
5 nights in Albuquerque at the New Mexico Balloon Fiesta Site (dry camping w/ pump-outs & fresh water),
and 4 nights at Santa Fe Skies RV Resort in Santa Fe, NM, with views of Santa Fe’s surrounding mountains.
The Caravan Kitty Fee will include: all parking charges, some lunches, dinners, tours, as well as prime RV
parking where one can sit outside his/her Airstream and watch the balloons ascend and fly over with unlimited access to the Balloon Fiesta Site and the Balloon Field, and a memorable farewell dinner with live entertainment at Vanessie’s of Santa Fe, a 4-star restaurant and boutique inn. Optional Dutch-Treat lunches and
dinners at some of the best restaurants as well as tours of six stops will be available. In addition, tours of
Old Town Albuquerque, New Mexico State Museums, Sandia Peak and Tramway, Santa Fe Plaza and its
historical sites, Santa Fe Canyon Road Art tour, Santa Fe Ski Area with a chance to see golden Aspens, as
well as trips to: El Santuario de Chimayo, Shrine of Santa Nino de Atioha, Ortega Weavers, and the famous
Turquoise Trail with its outstanding turquoise shops are included in the Caravan.
The deposit fee is $500 at time of booking with another $700 due before 04/01/16 for a total Kitty fee
of $1,200 per couple in a rig. Checks should be made out to: THLU Caravan. (Charge for each additional person in a rig is $300 per person. The total Kitty Fee for a single person in a rig is $970.)
Please note that the cancellation charge after 07/01/16 could be as high as $550 if no standby is
available because of cancellation charges and non-refundable deposits. A standby list will be kept after the
maximum RV’s are booked and standby members will be contacted in order if and when any cancellation/
opening occurs.
Caravan registration forms and information are available on the THLU website (www.thlu.org). This
Caravan is open to any and all WBCCI members [not only THLU members] on a first come basis. Our
2014 Balloon Fiesta Caravan filled in less than five days after registration opened in 2013 and had only 3
cancellations filled by standbys. Questions: Harvey Craig 512/633-0380 (Cell) charv@msn.com.
11
March 14-19, 2016
Heart of Oklahoma Exposition Center
1700 W. Independence, Shawnee, OK 74802
www.shawneeexpo.org
Monday
Arrival Day
Tuesday
Region & Unit Day
Wednesday Beads/Feathers Day
Thursday
Turquoise/Silver Day
Friday
USA Day
Saturday
Native American Day
Sunday
Departure Day
3 Breakfasts
3 Dinners
Door Prizes
Totem Pole Table Decoration Contest
There will be a table decoration contest during the upcoming Region 9 “Airstream PowWow” rally in Shawnee, OK. The theme will be totem poles which can be
about anything. They do not have to include an Airstream. It will be fun to see everyone’s creations. The
winners will be awarded through a peoples’ choice vote
taken throughout the rally. Awards will be presented
on Saturday, the last night of the rally.
Entertainment
Flea Market
Ice Cream
Seminars
Games
12
Registration Information
PARKING FEES
REGISTRATION COUPON
Early parking fees
Airstream PowWow!
Region 9 Rally
March 14-19, 2016
If registering by Sept. 30, 2015
parking fees will be $20/night
Monday-Saturday $120
Thursday Arrival $60
Friday Arrival $40
Last Name: _________________________________________________
First Name(s) _______________________________________________
Saturday Arrival $20
___________________________________________________________
If registering after Sept. 30, 2015
Address: ___________________________________________________
parking fees will be $23/night
Monday-Saturday $138
Thursday Arrival $69
Friday Arrival $46
Saturday Arrival $23
Rally Parking Fees include six (6) nights of
30/50 Amp Electric, Water, Sewer & WiFi
RALLY FEES
Early rally fees
If registering by Sept. 30, 2015
Monday-Saturday $75/person
Friday-Saturday $60/person
Saturday Arrival $45/person
City: ______________________________________________________
State: ____________________
Zip ____________________________
Phone #: ___________________________________________________
WBCCI #: _________________ Region # ________________________
Unit: ______________________________________________________
E-Mail: ____________________________________________________
Handicap parking Yes _______
No ________
Parking Fee:
$ ______________
Rally Fee:
($___________/Adult x ____)
$______________
($40/teen x _____)
$______________
If registering after Sept. 30, 2015
Monday-Saturday $90/person
TOTAL ENCLOSED
Friday-Saturday $75/person
Make check out to WBCCI Region 9
Saturday Arrival $60/person
Mail to: David Thompson, Treasurer
Teen $40 (Age 13-16)
Youth (12 and under) Free
2200 4th Ave. #305,
Canyon, TX 79015
$______________
13
2016 Mid-Winter IBT Rally “Because We Can”
January 10th - 14th, 2016
Rayne Civic Center 300 Frog Festival Drive
Rayne, Louisiana 70578.
___________________________________________________________________
2016 “Because We Can” Mid-Winter IBT Rally
Last Name: ________________________ First: _____________ Partner: _______________
Address: __________________________City: __________________ State: ___ Zip:______
WBCCI # __________ Phone #: __________________ Unit Name: ___________________
Handicap Parking: Yes ___ No ___ Need a receipt? Enclose a stamped, self addressed envelope
Rally Fee:
$80 per person X ____
(Includes Reception 2 Dinners, 3 Breakfasts and 2 nights of Entertainment)
$____________
Rally sites: (30 AMP, Water & Sewer)
$20 per night X ______
$ ____________
TOTAL
$ ____________
Make Check Payable to:
Mail to:
2016 Mid-Winter IBT
Marilyn Keef 834 Bourque Rd. Lafayette, LA 70506
14