August 2014 - Family Campers and RVers

August 2014—Volume 48 Number 3
Chartered August 23, 1965 S/PA6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Past President
Ralph & Linda Deline
8628 English Line
Chatham ON N7M4H7
519-354-0958
rdeline@mnsi.net
President
Sylvia Powers
716 The W Mall, #1101
Etobicoke, ON
M9C 4X6
416-626-3911
sybbiepowers60@gmail.com
Vice President
Terry & Faye Swanburg
16 Perkins St
Cambridge ON N1R7V8
519-621-2049
fswanburg@rogers.com
Recording Secretary
Lyn Davie-Sparling
Box 24013 Cherryhill
London ON N6H-5C4
519-845-1976
kandlsparling@gmail.com
Corresponding Secretary
Darlene Wiltsie
6 Chase Ave
Guelph ON N1H2N2
519-822-8175
darw19@rogers.com
Treasurer
Jim & Jean Keenleyside
420 Tuck Drive
Burlington ON L7L2R3
905-632-8080
jkeenleyside@sympatico.ca
Voting Delegates Rep.
Dave & Marilyn Webster
27 Windale Cres
Kitchener ON N2E3E6
519-576-0326
dcwebster@sympatico.ca
Provincial Directors
Ralph & Linda Deline
8628 English Line
Chatham ON N7M4H7
519-354-0958
rdeline@mnsi.net
NATIONAL PLAQUE
Faye and Terry Swanburg, vice presidents of the Ontario Provincial Association, were awarded a national plaque for their outstanding service to campers
in FCRV at the recent Campvention in Vermont.
Faye and Terry have been members of FCRV for thirty years. They were
Field Directors in Quebec and New Brunswick for four years and have been
Disaster Awareness Training/Disaster And Safety Awareness Training Directors in Ontario since 2002. They were on the steering committee for the Blyth
Campvention 2012 and seminar chairpersons for this Campvention.
Continued on page 2.
REPRESENTATIVES
Regional Directors
Hugh & Camy Hicks
17 Halliday Dr., Tavistock
N0B-2R0
519-572-8617
fcrvpd@gmail.com
Unaffiliated Reps
Lorne & Mabel Douglas
437 Albany St. PO BOX 1451
Petrolia ON N0N 1R0
malord@hotmail.ca
Chaplain
Jim Stobbart
297 Colonial
Rd Belleville ON K8R1C3
613-962-5663
richard.stobbart@hotmail.com
SYBBIE'S SYNOPTIC
I hope you have had a wonderful summer - Campvention in Vermont,
ECHO campout, Regional at Niagara and your own campouts! The weather
has been very cooperative.
The Fall OPA is at Fergus and we will have a teen queen pageant with at
least two candidates. Our hosts are the Meandering Mohawks and they
have a fun filled programme set up. We hope to see many of you there. Remember, there will be an OPA meeting on Sunday and it would be wonderful to have a good representation present.
See you at Fall OPA.
O.P.A. STANDING COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSONS
Camy Hicks &
Sylvia Powers
CAMP
Charlotte Daly
20 Carolina Way,
RR #1 Port Rowan, ON
N0E 1M0
cadaly@execulink.com
Campout Coordinator
Earl Swan
56 McNaughton St
Cambridge ON N1R1Z3
519-623-2978
meswan@rogers.com
Conservation
Carl & Lynda Wood
261 Mcintyre Rd,
RR #1 Ameliasburgh, ON
K0K 1A0
capwood@xplornet.ca
Decals & National Insignia
Jim Stobbart
297 Colonial
Rd Belleville ON K8R1C3
613-962-5663
richard.stobbart@hotmail.com
Provincial DASAT
Terry & Faye Swanburg
16 Perkins St
Cambridge ON N1R7V8
519-621-2049
fswanburg@rogers.com
Historian
Vacant
Hospitality
Vacant
Legislation Ontario and
For CANADA
Sylvia Powers
See page 1 under President.
Continued from page 1.
Faye and Terry have received National recognition over the years: FCRV
Citation 2008, Disaster and Safety Awareness National Directors Award
2007 and 2012, Disaster and Safety Awareness National Directors Program Award 2007 and Ambassadors Award 2013.
Faye and Terry have also been involved in their community. Terry was a
hockey coach for twelve years. Faye was a Girl Guide leader for two years,
a Scouts Canada Beaver and Cub Leader for twelve years, a canvasser for
Canadian Kidney Foundation and Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, a
volunteer for church choirs, and a volunteer for City of Cambridge events.
Faye was an executive for Essa Minor Hockey Association and Borden Minor Hockey Association for seven years.
Terry served 25 years in the Canadian Armed Forces. In 1985, Faye received the Base Commander’s Commendation CFB Lahr, Germany when
they lived there for four years.
Faye and Terry are presidents-elect for Ontario Provincial Association and
will be taking office in September 2014.
Membership
Marilyn & Wayne Rosenberger
3500 Chilligo Road, RR2, Breslau,
Ontario N0B 1M0
519-648-2017
rosenberger44@gmail.com
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PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
O.P.Action Editors
Lee and Celia Steels
1288 Hart Cres.,
Oakville ON L6H 2M5
905-844-3059
4opaction@gmail.com
O.P.Action Mailing
Windsor Hobos
Parliamentarian
Dave & Marilyn Webster
27 Windale Cres
Kitchener ON N2E3E6
519-576-0326
dcwebster@sympatico.ca
Photography
Vacant
Property
Vacant
Scholarship
Jean Bedford
3 Canberra Crt
Brantford ON N3S7H7
519-756-3845
ke-sjb@rogers.com
Sound
Vacant
Teen Advisors
Jason & Kim Welburn
184 Temperance Lake Rd
Athens ON K0E1B0
613-924-2868
kim.welburn@sunlife.com
Web Site
Diane Proper
diane@opa-fcrv.ca
Youth Vacant
Here we are coming up to September already. Where has the summer
gone?
Unfortunately we could not go to Campvention as Ralph was not well. We
really missed going, and the people that we see there. It made for a lonely
July.
We did make Echo on the Civic Day weekend, at Rideau Acres Campground in Kingston, Ontario, and visited with many friends from the Eastern
end of the province. This was an excellent campout put on by the Ontario
Fireflies. The theme was “40+ years of Echo”. We were treated to a good
number of “Memories from the Past” and it was a very enjoyable weekend
indeed. A big Thank You shout out to the committee for their great job.
Next up was Regional at N.E.T. Campground in Vineland, Ontario. This
was a new place for us all to camp and only 30 minutes from Niagara Falls.
We were the Chair of this campout, and we had an extremely great committee who all did an excellent job! We had a good turnout with lots to do.
With the end of camping season coming up soon, there is no need to stop
thinking of camping. There are meetings and socials to hold over the winter
months. Some chapters place an ad in the social columns of the local
newspapers (some are free) inviting people to come meet with them,
whether as a social night or a supper at either a hall or a restaurant. This
gives you a chance to meet the people. Our first meeting with the chapter
we joined was over the winter so we knew the people as friends when
camping season rolled around.
If a nearby dealer is having an open house, think about helping them by
providing information to be handed out by the dealer. We have handouts
for prospects interested in become members, as well as information on cadet membership (which is ongoing), so this would also be good to use. We
receive about 24 extra ‘Camping Today’ with each printing and can receive
more if needed. Also ‘OPAction’ also delivers extra copies. Here in Ontario
we are looking at reviving the ‘yellow bags’ idea that National previously
handed out. We gave out 20 packages at Echo, to people who were interested. We also could hand out the Camping Today, OPAction along with a
local and national contact name and phone number with this information.
Then there is both the National and OPA web sites along with twitter and
facebook information to pass on as well.
Don’t forget to register for Fall Ontario Provincial Association Campout on
Labour Day weekend. It is in Fergus, Ontario and hosted by the Meandering Mohawks. We’ve heard a few tidbits of information about the program
and it promises to be a good weekend with a few surprises.
See you there. God bless.
Ralph and Linda Deline
Ontario Provincial Directors
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CANADIAN REGIONAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
Well the Canadian Regional Campout has just wrapped up at Vineland Ontario. The 50+ families
who attended enjoyed 5 days of activities both on and off the site. As a result of an unfortunate fall
and my subsequent broken wrist, we were unable to attend the campout due to numerous doctors
appointments and visits to the hospital fracture clinic scheduled during the campout week. We have
heard that Ralph and Linda and their teams did a great job staging an excellent campout. Sorry we
missed it. We were very happy to have the Martins from Quebec at our Regional campout, as they
were the only members from outside of Ontario in attendance.
We were however able to visit the campout on Tuesday and take advantage of the group attendance
at the “Oh Canada Eh” dinner theatre in Niagara Falls with over 50 other members. The program
and the food were excellent and a good time was had by all. The performers were excellent and we
all learned a little more about Canadian history, geography and music. Thanks to Dave and Connie
for all their work to organize the visit and the bus transportation to and from the show.
The other major off site activities included visits to a few wineries organized by Dave and Connie,
and an afternoon at the beach which was organized by Terry and Faye. Unfortunately the weather
was a little too cool for swimming at the beach, but many of the members had a ride on the Old Carousel located in the adjacent park.
We have heard that the two nights of professional entertainment were enjoyed by all and we will
have a return visit from one group at our upcoming Fall OPA campout. Thanks to Jack and Sonya
and Lee and Celia for organizing the entertainment.
We want to thank all of the volunteers who came forward to help stage the campout and hope all the
attendees had a great week.
We were very pleased to attend Campvention in Essex Junction Vermont with over 65 families from
Ontario, and it was great to see that Ontario had the largest number of members on site compared
to all the other states/provinces. It was also great to hear that Ontario again collected more pop tabs
than any other state/province. Ontario collected 3 times the weight of tabs as all the other states/
provinces combined. Congrats to our pop tab team. In general, the weather was fine and the surrounding scenery was beautiful.
Hugh and Camy Hicks
New Region 7 Regional Directors
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BEST
CHAPTER
FLOAT
For the second time,
the Meandering Mohawks won the best
chapter float at the
Campvention in Essex
Junction,
Vermont.
They had twelve units
attend the Campvention.
REGION 7 HOSPITALITY
People enjoyed the famous maple
cookies and a cool drink served
with a Canadian smile.
Lake Champlain Boat Ride
Good electrical & water hook-ups.
Nap Time
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Although Jack and Sonya Smye could not be at
Campvention this year, they delivered a pie. Lee
Steels was asked to see that it was received by
the right person - FCRV / NCHA President
Dave Ludwig!
Always a willing helper, our Dave Skilling was
busy cooking. I think he has had lots of practice!
Love the blue gloves!
Both pictures were taken at Family Fun Day.
Our Teen Queen
Ashley Skilling
Our Teen King
Jack Skilling
Another busy Ontario member was Herb Lewis,
who was the stage manager. He also found time
to perform on stage with the band—what a talented fellow!
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E.C.H.O. stands for Eastern Campers and Hikers of Ontario. This year, 40+ units celebrated 40+
years of E.C.H.O.
The first formal E.C.H.O. campout occurred August 4-7, 1972. It was to be held at Lavalee Park,
near Coe Hill but was changed to Lower Beverly Lake Park, Delta Ontario. The executive involved
members from the Kingston Roadrunners, Scarborough Campers, Moira Gypsies, Wheeling Golden
Squares and Oshawa Mugups, Canadian Rebels and the York Pioneers.
Memorabilia: “Memories of ECHO 1972-2014”
by the Brockville Eager Beavers
E.g.
Yellow Crocheted Vests
Memorabilia: “Memories of ECHO 1972-2014”
by the Kingston Roadrunners
E.g. Women’s Nail Driving Champion
40 Year certificate
FIRE FLIES Award for TEN Years
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Lise and Rolly Boisvenue
The 11th Canadian Regional Campout was hosted by Region 7 at N.E.T Camping in Vineland Ontario. We experienced almost every kind of weather (NO snow) but this did not dampen the fun.
Sunday evening, a representative
spoke about the Hobbitstee Wildlife
Refuge. Their primary goal is to
connect people who have found
injured or orphaned wild animals
with those who can look after them
and get them back into the wilds.
Through a network of rehabilitators
and wildlife centres across Ontario
we try to save as may wild animals
as possible.
Entertainment was wonderful. You knew everyone was enjoying
it—no one left! People even got up and danced — a great way to
get the old blood flowing!
People took advantage of the activities
in the area, from wine sipping to ship
watching at the Welland Canal. The
gardens around were amazing.
The Century Old Carousel in Port Dalhousie: Only 5 Cents a Ride! This lovingly
hand carved and restored carousel is a must see.
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The games were able to proceed as scheduled
and there was lots of competition.
Earl at Work
Very
Official
A group went to “Oh Canada Eh”
- a dinner show featuring all
Canadian music and a Canadian
menu.
Perhaps you recognize this head
from the audience—seems he
attracted a young lady’s eye.
A young fisherman caught this
right at the campground!
Our teens enjoyed a great afternoon at a nearby stable and participated in a 45 minute horseback
ride and lived to tell the tale. It was wonderful seeing them have so much fun!
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JOIN YOUR CIRCLE OF FRIENDS ON SAFARI IN FERGUS
Our SAFARI will be a JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY. We are not going to Africa, obviously, but we
are putting together a busy and interesting weekend for you. Come and take a tour, find out what
Fergus has to offer. Enjoy the camaraderie with your old and new friends as you play games, try
some crafts, attend the campfire etc.
At the opening ceremonies on the Friday evening, we ask that each club bring their banner and
designate one or two people to parade in with it.– a splash of colour and a chance to promote
your club.
We would love to hear from you if your club is willing to host Hospitality one evening. Roy and
Marilyn Williamson ( 905-385-1866 ) are looking after this and will provide the coffee, tea etc., if you
wish to provide the food. Let us know! Another chance to be involved and promote your club.
We have activities planned for the children, so make sure they come on safari with you! The teen
program and Teen Queen Pageant will be organized by Kim Welbourn the teen advisor.
As a part of our safari journey, we are planning to provide porketta on a bun (think of it as wild boar)
for everyone to enjoy. Please bring salad or dessert to share with others, more details to follow.
We will be having the usual favourite activities such as Pop-tab weigh in, Sunday Service, Entertainment, Awards and presentations, Projects, OPA meeting, door prizes and a few more surprises.
We have arranged a tour of an alpaca farm and the Fergus museum.
We do have a new game called “IT’S A JUNGLE OUT THERE” for teams to play. You will have an
opportunity to use the community swimming pool and ice rink.
Sign up at Projects or mail in your registration to Jim and Jean Keenleyside.
Come on Safari, see what you can discover!
A BIG THANK YOU
I wish to thank everyone who helped me unload, set up, take
down and reload all the sound equipment at campouts over the
years.
Your help was much appreciated!
Sincerely,
Ralph Deline
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CHAPTER NEWS
TRI-COUNTY TRAVELLERS CELEBRATE 45 YEARS
This year, the Tri-County Travellers celebrate 45 years as a chapter of National Campers and Hikers
Association—later named Family Campers and RVer’s. Their first camping weekend was at Turkey
Point Provincial Park. It was a conservation campout in April 1969 with a total of 92 camping units.
the Tri-County Travellers received their charter that weekend with 27 charter family members. There
was great excitement that weekend with a fire breaking out in the park! They all helped to put it out.
The chapter name was determined by the fact that their area outlined on the map would cover Oxford, Norfolk and Elgin counties: 3 counties and thus Tri-County. The chapter vests were red with
gold trim and the crest displayed green lettering with an otter in the centre on a yellow background.
The otter is the Tillsonburg logo. The purpose of the chapter was to render outdoor education and to
stimulate interest in the sport of camping and hiking.
Their first year of camping was a busy one. Spring OPA was held in Freelton with 600 units. The
campout must go down as the muddiest ever held! Most of the units had to be pulled out. Western
Ontario campout was held in Tillsonburg with 430 units, Midwestern campout at Wildwood, Fall OPA
in Beamsville with 1040 units– the greatest of all. In September, their chapter headed to the Finger
Lakes District to meet their sister chapter. Their first Christmas party was held December 14 at the
Orange Hall with 19 families which included 24 children here they all sat down to a delicious meal.
As you can see, National Campers & Hikers was growing quickly at this time.
The Tri-County Travellers soon became involved in planning for Campvention 1971 at Brant Conservation Area. This area was soon transformed into a camping area with the widening of roads and
making out the grounds for their first Campvention. They were one of the many chapters who
camped many weekends ahead of time. This was one of the largest Campventions with 7200 units!
Tri-County were soon to befriend the Oxford Rovers from Woodstock and over 45 years have made
many wonderful friends. In 1972, the Tri-County Travellers and the Oxford Rovers co-chaired an
OPA campout in Simcoe and at this time the Norfolk Drifters received their charter.
Back then many chapters developed Teen chapters. There were teen weekends where teens went
to other teen chapters for weekend activities. They were billeted with other teens in their homes—a
fun time for all!
In 1971,the Tri-County Travellers discussed hosting a campout and chose a Hallowe’en campout
called Spooky Wooky. They held the first two at the Ponderosa Park in Thamesford then moved to
the Tillsonburg Fairgrounds where they continued to host Spooky Wooky for 25 years. This campout
became very popular and every year got bigger and bigger. The parking crew parked up to 300 units
at this campout, when units were smaller. On Friday evening, their Spooky Wooky campout had a
witch’s brew at the marquee; on Saturday there was pumpkin carving, games, costume judging and
trick or treating from trailer to trailer and a dance in the evening. Often the Stover Stompers played.
The teens had their own dance. Of course, on Sunday morning there was a church service before
heading home. They experienced ALL kinds of weather: sun, rain, snow, wind but that did not spoil
the fun of Spooky Wooky. Today a group of campers, who went to Spooky Wooky, continue to host
the Hallowe’en Blowout—still lots of fun.
Continued on page 12.
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CHAPTER NEWS
Tri-County Travellers continued from page 11.
Every spring, the Tri-County Travellers camped at Port Burwell and worked with the Conservation
and park people. They helped clean the park and the beach area. One year, they helped to plant
800 trees in the provincial park.
The Tri-County Travellers have become known as bag rollers. For three Campventions: Ontario is
Fine in 79, Come & Mix in 86, and in 1999 they did the goody bags, packed them and handed them
out. They rolled 15 000 bags at one time and 20 000 the next. In preparation, they had bag rolling
campouts. Campers came from far and wide, camped at Loveable Valley and met at a garage to
pack.
In 1989, the Tri-County Travellers and the Oxford Rovers hosted Spring OPA at Norwich, parking
300 units. The chapters were celebrating their 20th anniversary. In later years, both chapters worked
together hosting Fall OPA in Fergus and Spring OPA in Dorchester.
Today, the Tri-County Travellers has grown with seven new families in the past two years. They
were eager to host Spring OPA in Tavistock for everyone to enjoy.
Submitted by Carol Anderson
AUSABLE RIVER NOMADS NEW EXECUTIVE FOR 2014-2015
Donna Broadfoot (Secretary), Elvey & Edythe Rock (President), Willie Yule (Treasurer), Walt
Robson (Past President) & Darlene Wiltsie (Field Director) - Absent Eric & Thelma Finkbeiner (Vice
President). The executive was installed June 19, 2014.
Darlene Wiltsie, Field Director
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HEAR YE … HEAR YE
Registration forms are available on OPA FCRV website.
August 29, 2014 - September 1, 2014
September, 2014 - September 7, 2014
FALL OPA Circle of Friends on Safari
hosted by Meandering Mohawks, at Fergus;
skating, swimming, entertainment, pork on a
bun, optional tours; pre-registration $30 Aug 1,
($35 at gate), activity fee $105, cheques payable to 2014 Fall OPA & sent to J Keenleyside,
420 Tuck Dr., Burlington ON, L7L 2R3
FALL HARVEST
Hosted by Seaway Valley Kamping Kangaroos ;
Island Park in Alexandria, Ontario; $10 Preregistration before August 25 sent to Ann Vachon, Box 585, North Lancaster, ON. KOC 1Z0
613-347-2837 e-mail: jpavachon@sympatico.ca
($15 at gate), weekend cost $50; dress like a
farmer
Highlights: Pea Soup 6 p.m. on Friday, Contest
for best Scarecrow, Saturday supper (Beef Stew
served with sides of vegetables, potatoes & salads, Tea, Coffee, dessert, $ 15/adults, $ 30
max./families) & dance; Hot Dog Lunch, Sunday
September 12, 2014 - September 14, 2014
CORN COBB hosted by Ontario Fire Flies
at Rideau Acres, 1014 Cunningham Rd., Kingston, ON Pre-registration $10 ($15 at gate);
camping fee $70; cheque payable to Ontario
Fire Flies & send to Roy Kemsley, 68 Hwy 33,
Trenton, ON K8V 5P6
Next year’s Ontario Retiree Rally will be held at Norwich, Ontario, June 8-12, 2015 with Sunday
June 9th an early day. Guidance is being asked for new topics for the seminar. What do YOU
want to know? Email Bob and Pat Nelson with your ideas at nelsonr00@rogers.com
UNIQUE CAMPERS
Lots of head room for the TALL camper. Just
watch your speed in the blue motorhome. Also,
it may be difficult to maneuver in some campgrounds.
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FOR KIDS OF ALL AGES - ESPECIALLY THE BIG KIDS
LABOUR DAY QUIZ
1. In Canada and the United States, Labour Day is celebrated on the first Monday in September.
Which country marks Labour Day on May 23?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Australia
Jamaica
Trinidad and Tobago
New Zealand
T
2. Canadian labour groups have held parades and celebrations since 1872, but Parliament officially
recognized Labour Day as a holiday in what year?
1.
2.
3.
4.
1875
1894
1963
1982
3. A long-held piece of sartorial wisdom states that people should avoid doing this after Labour Day:
1.
2.
3.
4.
Wearing sandles
Wearing white
Wearing shorts
Wearing t-shirts
4.This country allowed its regions to set their own Labour Day dates until 1910, when it ruled that the
whole nation would have one Labour Day. This was the result of sailors taking a Labour Day holiday
in one region, then moving to another port and taking that region's holiday off as well. What is the
country?
1. Jamaica
2. New Zealand
3. Canada
4. United States
5. The nine-hour workday movement that sparked the Toronto Printer's Union protest began in what
Canadian city?
1.
2.
3.
4.
Hamilton
Winnipeg
Windsor, ON
Quebec City
(See page 15 for the answers.)
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READING OPActions
Thought of the DAY
Some OPA members have opted to receive
their OPActions electronically. If you are on
dialup or slow connection for the internet,
you may still wish to receive your newsletter
by mail. Choose the method that works
best for your situation. Only YOU can decide that.
If you wish to view this newsletter online
OR wish to CHANGE your method of receiving your newsletter, please email
Wayne & Marilyn Rosenberger at
rosenberger44@gmail.com
to inform
them.
“The test of our progress is not whether we
add more to the abundance of those who
have much; it is whether we provide enough
for those who have too little.”
(Franklin D. Roosevelt)
O.P.A. WEBSITE
We have a new, easy to use website. Just
google opa fcrv or fcrv opa and it will appear as OPA-FCRV .
Please make sure that membership has
your correct address and correct email
address.
Marilyn & Wayne Rosenberger
3500 Chilligo Road, RR2, Breslau, Ontario
N0B 1M0
519-648-2017
It’s also a great place for YOU to let others
know what campouts you are organizing and
how they may join you. Registration forms
are also available through the website.
If for ANY REASON you do not wish to receive the OPAction, please let the Rosenbergers know.
If mistakes are made or changes are made
regarding dates, it’s a great place to let others know. Check the section: BULLETINS.
Please note that Diane Proper has a NEW
email address for the website only.
Please use it in future.
Contact Diane Proper at
diane@opa-fcrv.ca
LABOUR DAY QUIZ ANSWERS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Jamaica
1894
Wear white
New Zealand
Hamilton
CHAPTER NEWS
We welcome chapter news, and hope
you will send pictures and
descriptions of your camping
experiences to share with others.
Please email written material as WORD
documents.
Upcoming Meeting
DEADLINES FOR PUBLICATION ARE:
March 4, June 14, August 14, November 10
O.P.A. VOTING DELEGATES MEETING
Sunday August 31, 2014
Spring OPA, Fergus ON
Meeting to start at 1:00 PM.
4opaction@gmail.com
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