THE TIDINGS - TrailManor TrailBlazers

T H E T I D I N G S
Published for the Information and Enjoyment of all TrailManor™ TrailBlazer Members
Volume 24, Number 1 Winter Issue, January 2016
In This Issue
Directory 2
President’s Corner
3
Website3
2016 Rally Map 4
Rally Reports (Charter/ New England)
5-6
2015 Jubilee Roundup
7
Jubilee Chapter Photos
7-10
Rally Announcements
2017 New England Fall Foliage Tour
Jubilee Photos
Trailblazers Jubilee Meeting Minutes
Membership information
Treasurer’s Report
11-13
14-15
16-17
18
19
21
Directory
National Officers
President Ralph Sherer, rlsherer@sbcglobal.net
Membership Coordinator Ed Ruch, rooksroost2@comcast.net
Vice President Randy Samson, rjsamson@cox.net
Webmaster Rick Newcomb, rnewcomb@comcast.net
Secretary Veronica Zieminski, vhz627@hotmail.com
Tidings Editors Val Sherer, valpub@yahoo.com
Treasurer Cinthia Kopperud, ckopperud@wi.rr.com
Ralph Sherer, RLsherer@sbcglobal.net
TrailBlazer web page: http://tmtrailblazers.org
Chapters
Appalachian Chapter: Kentucky, North Carolina,
Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia
Directors, Ed & Joan Ruch, rooksroost2@comcast.net
Mile High TrailBlazers: Colorado, Wyoming
Director, Greg Zinner zinner1@msn.com
Assistant Director, John Lanpher, Lanpherjd@msn.com
Central Northeast Chapter: Delaware, Maryland,
New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania
Director, Bill Elliott, bimba1134@aol.com
Assistant Director, Gene Culman gculman@gmail.com
New England Pilgrim Chapter: Connecticut, Maine,
Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont
Director, Dick Hamel, commodor47@verizon.net
Asst. Director, Rick Newcomb rnewcomb@comcast.net
Charter Chapter: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan,
Wisconsin, Ontario Canada
Directors, Bob & Sarah Cooley, Bobmccooley@gmail.com
North Central Heartland Chapter: N & S Dakota, Iowa,
Minnesota, & Nebraska
Directors, Vicky & John Rus, jrjmom7@aol.com
Dixie Chapter: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina,
Mississippi
Director, Bob Bennett, rebcat3@gmail.com
Assistant Director, Bill Ebert, cebert9357@charter.net
South Central Heartland Chapter: Arkansas, Kansas,
Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas
Directors, Dan and Martha Thompson, mmdct@juno.com
West Coast Chapter: California
Director, Ralph Sherer, RLsherer@sbcglobal.net
From the Editors:
We welcome rally reports, announcements, recipes, repair hints, anything that would be of general interest to
our membership. The Tidings is published three times a year: January, May, and September. The deadlines for
submitting articles for publication are December 1, April 1, and August 1. Please send all articles for publication
to Val Sherer, valpub@yahoo.com, or mail to Tidings Editor, 17 Angela Ave, San Anselmo CA 94960. When
sending rally announcements, also send a copy to our webmaster, Rick Newcomb (rnewcomb@comcast.net) so he
can put them on the TrailBlazer web page (http://tmtrailblazers.org).
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR PRIVACY
There have been concerns about publishing member information on websites. In particular, the concern was that listing the names
and other address information of rally contacts, directors, etc. might expose those people to harassment or other unwanted contact.
The member information published in The Tidings is in a ‘controlled’ distribution. That is, The Tidings is only sent to members.
Many times the rally announcements in The Tidings are copied to Internet web sites as a means of getting broader coverage for
our events. However, when the rally information is published on the Internet, everyone can read it. So, if you don’t want your
personal information (name, address, phone or email address) to be published on the Internet, indicate your desire with your rally
announcements or other items you send for publication and we’ll put the notice (not to be published on the Internet) with your
personal information.
January 2016 The Tidings Page 2 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
President’s Corner
I wish everyone a Happy
New Year. This is my second
term as your President. Let us
welcome our new and returning
officers for the next three years.
Thank you Cindy ­
Kopperud
Watson for continuing as our
Treasurer. I have enjoyed working with you and look forward
to the next three years. Welcome Randy Samson, our
new Vice President and Veronica Zieminski, our new
Secretary.
Let’s take our hats off to the great work that Gary
Lewis, our past Membership Coordinator has done
over the years. Gary took over the Membership Coordinator from Mike Numerick during the Branson Jubilee in 2009 after his resignation as of December 2009.
Gary gave his resignation as of June 30, 2015 but stayed
on to December 31, 2015, to help the transition to our
new Membership Coordinator, Ed Ruch, effective January 2016. Thank you Gary for the work you have done
for the club. Thank you Ed for stepping in as our new
Membership Coordinator.
Our Tidings Editors, Joe and Ann Wetherbee gave
their resignation during 2015 with their last publication
of the September issue. Joe and Ann have been our Editors since May 2002. Thank you for the great work and
devotion both of you have done over these past thirteen plus years. Our new Editor is my wife, Val Sherer.
Thank you Val for stepping up and volunteering to be
our new Editor.
Our Past Vice President, Bob Bennett has been
a great help with many small and not so small issues
that came up over the past three years. Due to Bob’s
work, he could not continue as an officer. However, Bob
has agreed to be our auditor for the next three years.
Thanks, Bob for doing this for us.
Talking about our auditors, during the 2015 Jubilee,
Richard Council stepped up and audited the past two
years of our books. Thank you Richard for taking the
time during the Jubilee to do this important job.
Our Past Secretary, Mary Grant, did a good job of recording the minutes of the Board and General meeting
at the Jubilee. In addition, Mary and her husband Jim
spent a great deal of time putting together the history
of the club from 1993 to 2015. Thank you Jim and Mary
for this great historical book.
Where would we be without our Webmaster, Rick
Newcomb? Rick has been a great person to work with.
He was also a great resource for me putting together the
2015 Jubilee. Thank you, Rick.
I understand that it has been a practice for two Chapters to work together to do a Jubilee. The West Coast
Chapter planned and put together the 2015 Jubilee here
in California. Thank you for all of the West Coast volunteers and also for those attendees who helped us.
Lastly, I’d like to acknowledge Cleo Eickhof, Vice
President Marketing, TrailManor for all the help she
gave us. In difficult times, Trailmanor came through
and gave us the wonderful t-shirts, and also the bright
flashlights and great magnifying glasses. Thank you,
Cleo, and your staff for your help.
By the way, the next Jubilee will be planned and hosted by Ed Ruch of the Appalachian Chapter and Bob
Bennett of the Dixie Chapter. It will most likely be in
Tennessee.
Ralph Sherer, President
What’s New on the Website
In October the TraiManor TrailBlazers webpage was
moved to a new server. If you are having problems connecting to the webpage from your browser’s “­ Favorites”
or “Bookmarks” then update it to this link, http://www.
tmtrailblazers.org/.
A photo album with the 2015 Jubilee photos plus past
Jubilee photos may be viewed by clicking the “Photos”
or “Jubilee” icons on the webpage and following the link
to the photo album.
January 2016 Jim and Mary Grant have put together a document
chronicling the history of the TrailManor TrailBlazers
club. Also, Rick Newcomb took a collection of photos
and created a slideshow video of the history. The document and the video may be viewed by clicking on the
“Photos” or “Tidings” icons.
The Tidings Page 3 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Upcoming Rally Dates
Rally announcements are also posted on www.tmtrailblazers.org
New England Tour
October, 2017
See page 13
West Coast
April, 2016
TBA
Don Laine Campground
Palmerton PA
June 24-26, 2016
See page 10
Jellystone Park
Caledonia Wisconsin
MAY 20-22, 2016
Atlantic Oaks
Campground
Eastham, MA
Sept. 22-26, 2016
See page 11
See page 12
Ross Hill Park
Lisbon,CT
May 13-15, 2016
See page 12
Pirateland Campground
Myrtle Beach SC
April 21-24, 2016
See page 10
Jackson Lake St.
Park
Ft. Morgan CO
April 1-2
Lakeside KOA
Ft. Morgan CO
May 6-7
Circle the
Wagons RV Park
La Veta CO
June 3-4
January 2016 Winding River RV
Resort
Grand Lake CO
Vallecito RV
Resort
Durango CO
Chalk Creek RV
Park
Nathrop CO
September 9-10
Riverview RV
Park
Loveland CO
October 7-8
Limestone Tennessee
October 14–16, 2016
See page 11
2016 Calendar Summary
April 21-24, 2016 Myrtle Beach SC
April
California (TBA)
May 13-15
Lisbon CT
May 20-22
Caledonia WI
June 24-26 2016 Palmerton PA
September 22-26
Eastham MA
September 25-27 Huntsville AL
October 14–16
Limestone TN
The Tidings Page 4 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Rally Reports
S
CHARTER CHAPTER FALL RALLY, September 24-27, 2015
o it was Sunday night
of Charter Chapter’s
2015 spring rally at Utica, Illinois, and those of
us who didn’t need to be
back at work on Monday
were sitting around having dinner and a beer (or
two) at the Starved Rock
Marina and bemoaning
the fact that we couldn’t
for various reasons make
the California Jubilee. The
idea came up of doing an impromptu fall rally, advertised only within
the Chapter, which wouldn’t interfere with anyone’s plans who could
attend the Jubilee. It was determined that irrespective of which state’s
“turn” it may have been to host, we should have the rally at a location
most convenient for the greatest number of Charter Chapter members—either northeastern Illinois, northern Indiana or southwestern
Michigan.
David and Mary Stjern contacted Shipshewana North Campground
in Shipshewana, Indiana—a charming Amish community with plenty
of activities and explained that we might have as many as a dozen campers September 24-27. It turned out we wound up having thirty attendees
including at least one family attending Jubilee. In attendance were Mike
& Cheryl Luptowski, David & Joan Rumery, Dawayne & Paulette Bowen, Ken & Mary Lou “pie lady” Oekel, Phil & Linda Austin, Bob & Sarah
Cooley, Gene & Lois Schaffner, Clara Kahle & Ed Jones, Mike & Chris
Georgia, Barb & Roger Keller (making our rally international in scope),
Brandon Monicue, Dennis Leek, Virginia Lodewyck, Jeff & Joan Byron,
John & Lynda Graham and the Stjerns. Unfortunately Karl and Mary
Domeier had to cancel out at the last minute—Karl, you need to get that
arthritis under control before our spring rally!
It turned out that our rally-that-almost-wasn’t worked out perfectly.
The folks at Shipshewana North were genial hosts. Highlights included
an Italian Beef and corn-on-the-cob early bird dinner, a great potluck,
Linda’s Hungarian Goulash and the Cooley’s omelets-in-a-bag on Saturday morning. Activities included a tour of a Jayco fifth wheel plant, a
Hudson museum, visiting the RV Hall of Fame and Museum in Elkhart
and plenty of shopping at the Amish stores. We’re looking forward to
the rallies 2016 is likely to bring. – David & Mary Stjern
January 2016 Mary Stjern's lovely painting of an Amish horse &
buggy was inspired by our rally in Shipshewana.
The Tidings Page 5 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Rally Reports
New England Pilgrim Chapter Fall Rally, September 11-13, 2015
By Rick Newcomb
Eleven TrailBlazer units arrived at Country Aire Campground in western Massachusetts, while two other New England
Trailblazer units were heading much further west for the 2015
Jubilee in Petaluma, CA. Several units arrived at the rally a daily
early, on Thursday.
On Friday those who arrived early explored the area. By Friday evening, all the units had arrived and we all gathered around
the campfire for some good conversation and laughs.
On Saturday morning, a group rode bikes on the Canalside
Rail Trail in Turner Falls. After completing the seven mile
roundtrip on the trail, we stopped at Kali B’s Wings and Things
for lunch. We dined on the patio and enjoyed the spectacular
autumn day.
January 2016 Saturday evening we gathered in recreation the hall for our
potluck supper which provided a bounty of tasty dishes. Dick
Hamel conducted the business meeting. The 2016 rally locations
were discussed. The group agreed the spring rally will be held at
Ross Hill Campground in Lisbon, CT and the fall rally will be
held at Atlantic Oaks Campground in Eastham, MA on Cape
Cod. Later in the evening, because of the rain, we all gathered
again in the recreation hall to enjoy some games and conversion.
On Sunday morning we had coffee and pastries in the recreation hall as the rain subsided. We all said our good-byes and
began packing up. We are all looking forward to the end of winter and the spring rally.
“Life is like riding a bicycle. In order to keep your balance,
you must keep moving.” – Albert Einstein
The Tidings Page 6 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
2015 JUBILEE ROUNDUP
A
fter three years of planning, the 2015 Jubilee is past.
This Jubilee was not as big as the Colorado, Missouri,
and New York Jubilees, but it was very successful. I believe
the distance to California for many may have deterred some
and maybe the fires and smoke in California deterred others. Believe it or not, we
did not have any smoke from the fires. In
fact, the weather could not have been better. Warm days and cool nights. Many of
our attendees commented how nice it was
to not have all the heat and that they enjoyed the California October weather.
Everyone received a nice canvas bag
with the Jubilee Logo on it, patches, TrailManor red LED flashlights, TrailManor 3
½ inch magnifying glasses, T-shirts with
the Jubilee Logo provided by TrailManor, flyswatters for
those pesky flies (not as many this year) and miscellaneous
items. Special thanks to Sharon Hanson for those homemade scrubbers
We managed to have something happening every evening. During the day, most of our attendees were out visiting
the area, the seashore and the wine country. We had a small
bus load that visited San Francisco and had a great time. The
evening events were planned and some developed on the
moment. For example, on the night of our ice cream social
we were going to have Bingo. My wife made brownies for the
event. Everyone was having such a good time, we moved the
Bingo to the Baked Potato night.
We decided with the number of people arriving early on
Friday evening, we would have a potluck dinner. We told
people not to worry if they didn’t have anything to contribute. I received comments that this was a great chance to
meet other members from far away instead of waiting for a
couple days to meet everyone. We decided to have another
potluck the night before the banquet.
One evening we learned about the early settlers of Petaluma and the history of the area from five volunteers of the
Petalumans of Yesteryear.
We held the Executive Meeting and the Directors Meeting together since there were only three directors there. The
General Business Meeting was great. Ahead of time, I had
met with two individuals who agreed to step-up and become
National Officers. The elections went on without any problems. After the General Business Meeting, Larry Fennern
gave us a slide show of the TrailManor factory and a report
of his visit to the factory.
That evening, Rick Newcomb gave us a slide show on the
TrailBlazers History that was prepared by Jim and Mary
Grant. Rick put together the slide show with music.
The banquet was held at the campground since it was
January 2016 almost impossible to hold it elsewhere. Ether the place was
too small for our banquet or the facility wanted liability insurance and all kinds of fees. That’s California for you. The
campground clubhouse was large enough for the banquet.
Also, there was a large tent that can host
a large group. We had the banquet catered
by someone I personally knew. The caterer
provided real plates and glassware for our
banquet. We provided two bottles of wine
for each table. No worry about DWI after
the banquet. After the banquet, we gathered in the tent for the music of the Sugar Moon Band, a four piece combo. They
played Blue Grass and Country music.
One of our members said that not everyone could play Blue Grass. I did not hear
any complaints about the music. Everyone said they were
great. Ed Ruch said it was nice to hear music not amplified
(the campground does not allow amplification). We could
not only hear the music but also the conversation around
us. The Band did not have any problem with this arrangement. In fact they enjoyed it. We had door prizes and used
the Band to make the drawing. We fed the band and made
them feel like a part of us. There so many contributions to
the door prizes, I thought it was never going to end.
Friday, a group of us car pooled to the Armstrong Redwoods State Park, stopping in Sebastopol to see some junk
art that has become very famous for the area. One of our
West Coast members, Larry Fennern, played docent for our
tour of the redwoods. On the way back, many of us stopped
at Moms Apple Pie for lunch. I brought back a large rhubarb
pie (not strawberry rhubarb).
Most campers left Saturday. For the few left, seventeen of
us decided to go out to eat. We were able to make reservations at the Washoe House, a short distance from the campground. This restaurant used to be a stagecoach stop with a
bar and dance floor with sleeping accommodations on the
second floor back in the 1850s. The current restaurant still
has a bar and original floor and wall paper. We were lucky
to get reservations the last minute as this is a popular place.
Also Friday and Saturday night, a few of us had a campfire.
One nice treat was that we had popcorn during the entire Jubilee thanks to Pat and Paul Scarlata who brought the
stand alone popcorn machine and all the popcorn.
The club house was nicely decorated with a Halloween
theme thanks to Barbara and Richard Counsil. Sharon Hansen contributed to the decorated theme.
I hope this gives you some feel of the 2015 Jubilee and we
are looking forward to the 2018 Jubilee.
Ralph Sherer, Director, West Coast Chapter
The Tidings Page 7 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
2015 JUBILEE Chapter Photos
Charter Chapter
Mile High Chapter
January 2016 The Tidings Page 8 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
2015 JUBILEE Chapter Photos
Appalachian Chapter
Northwest Group
New England
Pilgrim
January 2016 The Tidings Page 9 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
2015 JUBILEE Chapter Photos
South Central Chapter
West Coast Chapter
January 2016 The Tidings Page 10 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Rally Announcements
Please send all rally announcements to Val Sherer, Tidings Editor, valpub@yahoo.com
(17 Angela Ave, San Anselmo Ca 94960)
To make your announcement complete, include the Chapter name, the name, address, phone and email address of the
place where the rally will be held, the rally dates, the cost, the host or contact person, including the ddress, phone, and email
if available. Also include any special instructions such as bringing gifts, pot luck suppers, etc. You may include additional
information but always include as much of the above as possible.
Send copies of your emails to Rick Newcomb, rnewcomb@comcast.net so he can update the TrailManor Rally pages.
Check the TrailBlazer Rally pages at www.tmtrailblazers.org for any changes.
Dixie Chapter Spring 2016 Rally
Thursday April 21- Sunday April 24, Pirateland Campground, Myrtle Beach SC
We have reserved the block of sites At Pirateland Campground for Thursday April 21- Sunday April 24. The resort
address is Pirateland Campground 5901 South Kings Highway Myrtle Beach SC 29575 1-800-443-2267
Their website is www.pirateland.com. Our GROUP
BLOCK NUMBER is 386631
They are giving us the 2015 rates and a 25% discount, so
when you look at the site and rates you can deduct that price.
She fixed us a nice block of sites that cover all the four price
sites they have. Some are full sun with a shelter and some are
inland and have shade. All are walking distance to the ocean
and a short drive to the pavilion.
Thursday, for the early arrivals, we will have a meet and
greet; just bring your forite beverage and a snack to share.
Friday night’s group dinner will be at Mr. Fish Restaurant. (www.mrfish.com) It is a favorite with the locals and
has a fresh seafood market right next door for those who
want to take some fresh seafood back to the campground.
Saturday will be our covered dish dinner at the pavilion;
it is an open building with electricity. Sorry no kitchen.
For Sunday we will have the rec room for breakfast; it has
more available but is smaller.
Members can look on the website to see the sites but then
they will have to call to make the reservation and talk to
a manager to get the discount. Just mention the Trailblazers rally number 386631. Also since there are so many site
choices the campground people can better explain what size
each site is etc. I will be happy to try and answer questions
about sites too. We are in the section that starts with number 216-217 and goes all the way back across the lake to the
shady sites. They also have reserved some of the largest pull
thru sites in the 197-210 row. We have a total of 35 sites reserved but can add more if needed; the sooner folks book
the better; this place fills up fast and early booking will assure we are all close together. She will try not to book other
campers between us. They won't run out of sites, just ones
near the group. They ask that we book by the first of the year.
If you have any questions just let me know.
Also after you have made your reservations let Bill &
Shirley know. Their email is cebert9357@charter.net
Central Northeast Chapter 2016 Spring Rally
June 24-26, Don Laine Campground, Palmerton, PA. 18071
Don Laine Campground is located at 790 57 Drive,
Palmerton, PA 18071.
Your hosts, Bill & Marge Elliott, have reserved 10 full hookup
sites (water, 30 amp electric & sewer.) The 2015 rate was $36 per
night but this may increase by perhaps $1. Unfortunately, there
are no cabins or trailers available to rent at this campground.
The campground does offer a 10% discount if all ten reserved
sites are filled.
Early arrivals and late departures are also welcome but these
arrangements must be made directly with the campground
when registering.
Please visit the campground website at www.donelaine.com
to view reserved site locations (N-2 to N-8) “back-in” & (N-10
& N-11 opposite pull thru); additional information on rates and
facilities; links for area attractions and directions.
Additional sites may be available (if needed) should our at-
January 2016 tendance warrant. At present, other than the normal Pot Luck
which everyone loves, no additional plans have been made.
Come, join your old friends or come and meet some new friends
that have basically the same interest at heart (Camping and
Friendship). We would love to make this one of our best Rallies.
Reservations and payment for one night must be made directly with the campground by calling them at (800) 635-0152.
Remember to mention that you are with the TrailManor Trailblazers Group. After registering with the campground please
contact hosts Bill & Marge Elliott at bimba1134@aol.com. Subject: Spring Rally, or call (215) 669-5681 and tell them the dates
you have registered for and site# assigned.
DEADLINE: Reservations and first nights payment to the
campground must be made by May 1, and please don’t forget to
notify Bill so he can add you to the attendee list as well as send
you additional information.
The Tidings Page 11 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Rally Announcements
Charter Chapter Spring Rally
MAY 20-22, 2016, Jellystone Park, Caledonia WI
Karen Decker has put together a pretty nice rally for spring,
2016. “Spring!” What a nice word when it is the middle of December here in the Midwest.
Where:
Jellystone Park www.jellystone-caledonia.com
(262) 835-2565
The rate for the pull thru sites with water/electric/sewer
is $38/night plus an additional per person fee. There are a few
choices of cabins available. Your best bet is to go onto the website
to get all the needed information. Even though there is no discount rate for our group, when you call mention you will be with
the TrailManor TrailBlazer group. Karen will be talking to Amy
at the campground after the first of the year to let her know our
group would like to be near each other. We have confirmation of
the pavilion for Friday night (potluck).
Friday: potluck and get acquainted (at pavilion)
Saturday
Breakfast – continental – informal at campsites
Dinner 6pm at Reefpoint Brewhouse
www.reefpointbrewhouse.com
Sunday
Breakfast – same as Saturday
About the breakfasts. There will be a basket for contributions
to cover cost of the two breakfasts.
As soon as you make your reservations, please e-mail Karen
at kdecker2000@comcast.net to let her know when you will arrive.
There are many things to do in Racine County, Wisconsin.
Karen believes the Fred Hermes house where you can see his rare
Wurlitzer organ and 175-seat theater in his basement would be
a neat thing to do. Take a look at www.realracine.com for more
ideas.
Appalachian 2016 Fall Rally
October 14–16, Limestone Tennessee
The Appalachian Fall Rally will be held in the heart of Appalachia where the ‘Legend was Born.’
It will be held October 14–16. Come and join us as we discover that the Legend was not born on a mountain top nor was
he born in Tennessee! Make your reservations to join us at Davy
Crockett Birthplace State Park, in Limestone Tennessee! Walk
where Davy walked, camp by the rapids where his brother almost drown. http://tnstateparks.com/parks/about/davy-crockett-birthplace
Our little park has a black powder shooting range and the
Park Rangers mite do a little demo and mite let ya take a shot!
See how easy it isn’t!
If you need more to do there’s Jonesborough, the oldest town
in Tennessee, 14 miles away.
http://www.historicjonesborough.com
13 miles the other way is Greeneville. Here you can walk
where our 17th president walked, see where he worked and
tour where his family lived before and after the Civil War.
Tour where the ‘Thunderbolt’ of the Confederacy was
staying the night before he was killed, see where a cannon
ball fired that morning is still lodged in the wall of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.
Into critters, theres the Bright Zoo in Limestone http://
www.brightszoo.com
Continue on down the road and see Crockett Tavern Museum, in Morristown, TN.
http://www.crocketttavernmuseum.org
By the way the park had to raise their rates last year because of some ‘little’ upgrades they made, $27.50 a nite for
full hookups. The non- premium sites a discount can be applied, veterans, seniors, etc of up to 25%.
Did I mention they also have Wi-Fi.
Make reservation on-line at the above site asap even if
you think you mite attend, their good at refunding! The
campground office 423-257-4500 after 2.
Please let us know if you’ll be coming
Ed & Joan Ruch rooksroost2@comcast.net or call 423638-6003
Mile High Chapter 2016 Rally Schedule
Contact Gary Hackmann at gaheckmann@comcast.net for details
April 1-2, Jackson Lake State Park, near Ft. Morgan CO
August 12-13, Vallecito RV Resort, NE of Durango CO
May 6-7, Lakeside KOA, North of Ft Morgan CO
September 9-10, Chalk Creek RV Park, Nathrop CO
June 3-4, Circle the Wagons RV Park, La Veta CO
October 7-8, Riverview RV Park, Loveland CO
July 8-9, Winding River RV Resort, Grand Lake CO
January 2016 The Tidings Page 12 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Rally Announcements
New England Pilgrim Chapter 2016 Spring Rally
May 13-15, 2016, Ross Hill Park, Lisbon, Connecticut
Please come and join us for camping on the banks of the
Quinebaug River. The New England Pilgrim Chapter Spring
Rally will be held at Ross Hill Park, 170 Ross Hill Road, Lisbon,
CT.
website: http://www.rosshillpark.com
email: rosshill@rosshillpark.com, phone: 800-308-1089
(toll free for reservations) 860-376-9606
The 2015 rate is $44.00 per night for water, electric and cable hookups. The campground has four dump stations. A 10%
discount will be applied if 10 or more units attend the rally and
a 15% discount for 25 or more based on the 2016 rate. For this
rally, the group will be down by the river. The sites near the river
are very popular and will fill up fast so make your reservations
early. Some members of the group will arrive on Thursday; you
are welcome to join us.
A 50% deposit is required with your reservation. Make your
reservation by calling Ross Hill Park directly by March 31, 2016.
Be sure to tell them you are with the Trailblazers rally hosted by
the Taylors.
For those who arrive early, we will have an optional hike
around Green Falls Pond at Pachaug State Forest on Friday
morning. The hike is moderate in difficulty with uneven terrain
with rocks and roots.
On Saturday morning, we will have an optional easy hike at
nearby Hopeville Pond State Park.
The hikes will give you two opportunities to burn a few calories in preparation for our traditional potluck dinner scheduled
for Saturday evening at 5:30 pm. The campground offers breakfast for a fee on Saturday and Sunday mornings.
For information contact Ron and Nancee Taylor,
email: canoe719@aol.com.
If you do not have a TrailBlazers nametag, please email Rick
Newcomb at rnewcomb@comcast.net with the names for the
nametags. He will have nametags ready for you at the rally.
New England Pilgrim Chapter 2016 Fall Rally
September 22-26, 2016, Atlantic Oaks Campground, Eastham, MA
Please come and join us for camping on Cape Cod, just 20
miles from the first Pilgrim landing. The New England Pilgrim
Chapter Fall Rally will be held at Atlantic Oaks Campground,
3700 State Highway 6, Eastham, MA 02642.
website: https://atlanticoaks.com/ phone: (508) 255-1437
Our rallies are typically held Friday through Sunday morning which would be September 23–25, 2016. But given the traffic
encountered when traveling to and from the Cape on a Friday
and a Sunday, we have reserved Thursday through Monday
morning to make sure your site is available for an extended stay,
if you so choose. In the past, most of the group has chosen the
extended stay. The campground has reserved sites A3-A6, B3-B7,
and C2-C7 for our group.
The 2015 rate is $53.00 per night for water, electric, sewer and
cable hookups. A 10% discount based on the 2016 rate will be
applied to your reservation total, if paid by the deadline of May
26, 2016. If you decide to extend your stay even longer the same
discount would also apply. Please check the campground website
for the 2016 rates. The campground will have the addition of a
dog park installed by the start of next season, so feel free to bring
your favorite four legged friend.
To make a reservation, please contact Atlantic Oaks Campground directly. Be sure to tell them you are with the Trailblazers/Linda Barnard rally.
Reservation Deadline: May 26, 2016
January 2016 Atlantic Oaks is a popular destination in the Fall. As a result,
please note the earlier deadline to make your reservation. After
this date the campground will release the reserved sites.
Optional Activities during the Rally:
On Friday morning, we will have breakfast at Van Rensselear’s Restaurant, http://vanrensselaers.com/. You may choose to
bike or drive to the restaurant.
On Saturday morning, a group will bike the Cape Cod Rail
Trail, weather permitting. The Cape Cod Rail Trail, a 22 mile
paved bike path, borders the back of the campground.
Our traditional potluck dinner is scheduled for Saturday evening.
For information contact Rick Newcomb, email: rnewcomb@
comcast.net or phone: (978) 663-9005.
If you do not have a TrailBlazers nametag, please email Rick
Newcomb at rnewcomb@comcast.net with the names for the
nametags. He will have nametags ready for you at the rally.
Area Attractions:
Cape National Seashore: http://www.nps.gov/caco/index.htm
Cape Code Rail Trail: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/dcr/
massparks/region-south/cape-cod-rail-trail.html
Also, check out area attraction on the Atlantic Oaks website.
The Tidings Page 13 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
TrailManor TrailBlazers New England Fall Foliage Tour September 22 – October 8, 2017 Every year leaf peepers flock to New England for nature's display of brilliantly colored trees. The leaves of autumn in New England delight visitors from all around the world. The color change starts in mid‐September in Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont. Come and join us on a 17 day guided fall foliage tour through these three states, while Mother Nature paints her canvas with spectacular colors. We will stay at four different campgrounds. At each campground, we will have one day that the whole group will participate in an activity together, such as visiting a local attraction which will provide a wonderful back drop to the fall foliage. The other days we will have an optional activity such as exploring the back roads of New England on scenic drives, easy to moderate hikes or you may choose to do your own exploration. Our camping journey will begin in the farmlands and mountains of mid‐Vermont. Our next stop will be in the White Mountain National Forest area of New Hampshire. Our third stop will be the Lake Winnipesaukee region of New Hampshire and our final destination will be the seacoast region of Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in Maine. The tour will be limited to approximately 15 units. Because the fall foliage season is a popular time of year for these campgrounds, especially on the weekends, I will need to reserve the sites starting in early February to late March 2017. I will book the sites and each unit will contact the campground to pay for their site deposit. Each campground’s refund policy will apply for any cancellation. DEADLINE: By January 8, 2017, I will need to have a list of everyone who is going to join us in order to begin booking reservations in February. One campground will require a deposit by February 1st. If you wish to join this caravan tour or have questions, please email Rick Newcomb at rnewcomb@comcast.net. If I should get more than 15 units, I will use the date of your email or a lottery to determine which members will be the 15 units. Also, your TrailBlazers membership must be current. Below is information about the campgrounds, the estimated costs based on 2015 rates, and the activities for the trip. Sep 22 – 27: Lake Champagne, Randolph Center, VT Campground website: http://www.lakechampagne.com/ 2015 Camping Rate: $42.35/night WES or $31.75/night WE includes tax January 2016 The Tidings Page 14 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
NOTE: This campground will only provide 11 full hook sites for our group.
Group Activity: Shelburne Museum - website: https://shelburnemuseum.org/
Admission fee: $24.00/pp
Optional Activities: Quechee Gorge, Cornish-Windsor covered bridge, Marsh-Billing- Rockefeller National Park, Ben &
Jerry's Ice Cream Factory Tour, Sugarbush Farm
Sep 27- Oct 1: Moose Hillock Camping Resort, Warren, NH
Campground website: http://newhampshire.moosehillock.com/
2015 Camping Rate: $46.55/per night WESC Wed/Thu and $54.17 per night WESC Fri/Sat includes tax
Group Activity: Hobo Railroad - website: http://www.hoborr.com/hobonew.html
Admission fee: $28.00/pp with Hobo Picnic Lunch
Optional Activities: White Mountain National Forest, Cannon Mountain Aerial Tram, Flume Gorge, Polar Caves, Lost
River, Crawford Notch, Mt. Washington Cog Railroad, Kancamagus Scenic Highway
Oct 1 – Oct 5: Terrace Pines Campground, Ossipee, NH
Campground website: http://www.terracepines.com/
2015 Camping Rate: $50.14/night WESC waterfront site or $43.60/night WESC regular site includes tax
NOTE: 10 of the campsites will be waterfront. I will use the date of your email or a lottery to determine the waterfront
site assignments unless you prefer a regular site.
Group Activity: Castle in the Clouds - website: http://www.castleintheclouds.org/
Admission fee: $16/pp
Optional Activities: Mt Washington Cruise on Lake Winnipesaukee; scenic drive to a fire tower, covered bridge, country
store and the Loon Center; scenic drive to another covered bridge, Cathedral Ledges, and a hike to Diana’s Bath.
Oct 5 – Oct 8: Timberland Acres RV Park, Trenton, ME
Campground website: http://www.timberlandacresrvpark.com/
2015 Camping Rate: $46.43/night WES includes tax
Group Activity: Acadia Carriage Tour - website: http://www.acadiamagic.com/wildwood-stables.html
Admission fee: approx $22.00-28.00/pp
Optional Activities: Bar Harbor, Acadia National Park, Thunder Hole and hike, hike to Bar Island, Cadillac Mountain
More details:
The total campsite cost at the 2015 rate for the 17 days would be from $810.34 to $896.04, depending on the campsite
type. If we have a group of 10 or more, most of the campgrounds will offer us a discount.
I will collect a $25.00/pp fee to cover expenses such as printing supplies, firewood, misc., etc. At the end of the trip I will
give an accounting to the group; the amount I collected and the amount spent. I will refund all the unused funds.
For the group activity, I will contact each attraction to try to obtain a group discount. Two months before the trip, I will
collect the admission from each person. The other activities are optional activities we can do as group or on your own. In
addition to the group activity, I will have an optional activity planned each day, if you wish to participate. For all the
activities I would encourage carpooling. Weather conditions will be considered when determining the optional activity.
A GPS will be helpful for this trip. Some of the places we plan to visit do not have an official address and I will provide
GPS coordinates to use. If you don’t know how to use the coordinate option on your GPS, I will provide a tutorial at the
beginning of the trip.
January 2016 The Tidings Page 15 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
2015 Jubilee Photos
photos by Barbara Council and Ralph Sherer
January 2016 The Tidings Page 16 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
2015 Jubilee Photos
January 2016 The Tidings Page 17 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
TRAILBLAZERS JUBILEE Meeting Minutes
October 7, 2015, Petaluma CA
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM by President
Ralph Sherer.
Secretary Minutes – It was moved by Ed Ruch and seconded
by Randy Samson to approve the minutes since they were
published in a previous Tidings. This was approved.
Attendees of All Jubilees
Ann & Joe Wetherbee of Portsmouth VA
Lyle & Roberta Gaaskjolen of St. John IN
Old Business – NONE
New Business – Ed Ruch: the next Jubilee to be held in 2018
will be in the Nashville TN area. The Appalachian and Dixie
Chapters will organize this Jubilee. Before deciding the time
of year to hold the Jubilee, the committee will look at the
ideal weather in this area to hold a large event.
Nomination Slate of Officer:
President – Ralph Sherer
Vice President – Randy Samson
Secretary – Veronica Zieminski
Treasurer – Cynthia Kopperud
There were no additional nominations from the floor. Ed
Ruch moved, and Rick Newcomb seconded the approval of
the slate. The above slate was approved by the members.
Ralph continued with the members who have volunteered
the following positions:
Newsletter Editor – Val Sherer (effective with the January
2016 issue)
Membership Coordinator – Ed Ruch (effective Jan. 1,
2016)
Webmaster – Rick Newcomb
Appointments:
Brandon Monticue talked about “lifetime membership” in
the future. Cindy Kopperud said it needed to be researched
and will be brought up at the 2018 Jubilee. Analysis needs to
be done in the next three years as to the success of TrailManor and also the health of the TrailBlazers Club.
Val presented several “special” awards:
Special welcome to Petaluma by the BOVINE
COMMUNITY:
Mary & Grant and Rick & Dottie Newcomb
Most hazardous trip to Petaluma
Eileen & Gary Maizler of Loveland CO
Youngest children
Shelley & Brandon Monticue
Constitution Committee Chairman – not needed since
there are no amendments to the constitution needed at
this time.
Audit Committee – Richard Counsil (2014 & 2015 Books)
Bob Bennett (2016, 2017, 2018 Books)
Acknowledgments:
Gary Lewis Membership Coordinator to Dec. 31, 2015
Gary took over this at the Branson Jubilee (2009)
Joe & Ann WetherbeeTook over from Amy & Mike
Bernath. Announced in the May 2002 Tidings
Bob Bennett
Past Vice President
Mary Grant
Secretary until close of meeting
2015 Jubilee Committee – Barbara & Richard Counsil,
Larry Fennern (website for Jubilee) & Joni Page, Karis
Foster & Doug Vaughn, Karen & Noah Gomes, Sharon &
Carson Hanson, Becky & Jim Hiss, Julia Karsjens, Donna
& George Nolan, Sherry Nolder, Pat & Paul Scarlata,
Larry & Veronica Zieminski, Rick Newcomb, Cindy
Kopperud, Val & Ralph Sherer.
Star Reconnaissance Team
Joni Page & Larry Fennern
Attended every Jubilee:
1997, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2009, 2012, 2015
Ann & Joe Wetherbee of Portsmouth VA
Roberta & Lyle Gaaskjolen of St. John IN
Traveled the farthest:
Rick & Dottie Newcomb of North Billerica MA – 3,106
miles. However, they cheated by hitching a ride with
Podunk Airlines! Here’s a suggestions for a more
acceptable way to get to a Jubilee – NEXT TIME TRY
A TRAILMANOR, not a member of Star Alliance or
Mileage Plus!
Traveled the farthest in a TrailManor:
Tom & Dotty Hottenstein of Rhode Island, 3,070 miles
Star Chefs:
Barbara & Rich, Pat & Paul, Veronica & Larry,
Sharon & Carson, Randy & Sharon
Respectively submitted,
Mary J. Grant, Secretary
January 2016 The Tidings Page 18 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
Membership Information
Send any changes of your membership information to Ed Ruch, Membership Coordinator, 990 Friendship
Road N., Afton TN 37616. All future issues of The Tidings will be distributed via E-mail. Be sure to keep us
advised of any changes to your e-mail address. If you want to receive paper copies of The Tidngs, send your
request to Ed Ruch at tmtrailblazermc@yahoo.com or at the address above.
Here are some answers to Frequently Asked Questions about your membership.
Q.When do I need to pay dues and how much are they?
A.$15.00 should be paid by September 30. The address
label on The Tidings will show what year is due. If
your label shows 9/14, your membership needs to be
renewed. To continue your membership, send your
check, payable in US funds, to the Membership Coordinator. If you wish to pay for more than one year, just
include $15.00 for each year.
Q.Where do I send the check?
A.Ed Ruch, Membership Coordinator, 990 Friendship
Road N., Afton TN 37616. Checks should be made payable to TRAILMANOR TRAILBLAZERS.
Q.Why did I not get a bill?
A.Bills are not mailed. There is a notice in the May
­TIDINGS each year and a reminder in the September
TIDINGS and in the directory. In addition, email notices are sent to members with email addresses on file.
Q.What if I forget to send the check?
A. According to the constitution, reminders will be mailed
the first of January. Anyone not paying by Feb. 28 will
be dropped.
Q.Why hasn’t my check cleared my bank? I mailed it several weeks ago!
A.(Now that we have our accounts in a bank that has offices in several states, this problem will be minimized.)
Q.What if I decide to mail my check after March 1?
A. You can be reinstated by mailing a check for $15.00 to
the address above.
Q.Why am I not getting The Tidings?
A.You moved or had an address change. The postal service will not forward bulk mail. Any address changes
should be sent to the address above as soon as possible
or e‑mailed to tmtrailblazermc@yahoo.com. The Tidings mailings are in January, May, and September. If
you will be at an alternate address at these times, send
your alternate address to the Membership Coordinator
at least 30 days ahead so we can have the Tidings sent
there. Send the Membership Renewal Form with your
check.
MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL FORM
Please enclose $15.00 in US funds for each year of renewal. Checks for an improper amount will be returned to the
sender. Make checks payable to TrailManor TrailBlazers.
Mail to: Ed Ruch, Membership Coordinator, 990 Friendship Road N., Afton TN 37616
Name __________________________________________________________________________________________
Spouse/Partner Name__________________________________Phone ______________________________________
Address ________________________________________________________________________________________
City_________________________________________________State/ Zip___________________________________
E-Mail Address ___________________________________________________________________________________
TrailManor Model and Year _________________________________________________________________________
Please send all information listed on the form, so we can confirm that the information we have in our records is current.
January 2016 The Tidings Page 19 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers
EXECUTIVE BOARD AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING
Saturday, October 3, 2015
KOA, Petaluma CA
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 PM by Ralph Sherer.
Present were Ralph Sherer, Pres; Mary Gant, Sec; Cindy
Kopperud Watson, Treas. Ed Ruch (see below), Rick Newcomb, Webmaster, Val Sherer (see below), and Jim Grant
were also present.
Ralph Sherer presented the following roster for the board.
He will continue to serve as President, Randy Sampson has
agreed to serve as Vice President, Veronica Zieminski has
agreed to serve as Secretary, and Cindy Kopperud Watson
has agreed to continue as the Treasurer. Ed Ruch will take
over the responsibilities of Membership Coordinator beginning October 1st. He will work with Gary Lewis until the
final transition January 1, 2016.
Cindy advised that the club will need an auditor for both
2014 and 2015. Richard Counsil volunteered to handle the
audit for both years after this meeting. The Club currently
has a tax identification number in Florida and pays an annual fee. If the Club moves its banking to another state, it
should file for a federal tax ID number.
Ralph talked about the $5,000.00 budget approval for the Jubilee. He used the same budget as the Niagara Falls Jubilee.
Because he underestimated the cost of the banquet and had
difficulty finding a venue to accept a group our size, he decided to go with the caterer known to the West Coast Chapter who would do it at the KOA. We approved the feeding of
the band who will be entertaining us in the evening.
Classified
For Sale: 2010 TrailManor, Elkmont; one owner, sofa/sleeper, bunk
beds, 4 electric jacks, electric tongue,
full size refrigerator with freezer compartment, TV, radio/stero, outside
shower, many other features, no damages.
Bought new for over $30,000; selling
for $12,000 because my wife has cancer
and I am getting too old (now 83) and
we do not have the energy.
Call 770-536-9943 or 770-654-9482
Wayne & Mary Nelson, Gainesville
Georgia
January 2016 On Monday evening we will be entertained by five folks portraying “Petalumans of Yesteryear.” There is no charge for
this entertainment, but a donation to the Petaluma Historical Society would be appreciated. The board approved payment of $250.00.
Cindy expressed concerns that our current bank only does
business in the eastern part of the U.S. She and Ed Ruch confirmed that Ed will be able to make membership dues deposits in Greenville near his residence. If the bank is changed in
the future, the Club should consider working with a bank
that has branches located more broadly throughout the U.S.
Bob Bennett’s name will be removed from the account and
Randy Sampson’s name will be added to it. New signature
cards will need to be completed. Cindy will contact the bank
as soon as she returns from this trip.
Ralph talked about the delay in receiving the t-shirts and requested approval to have them express shipped to the campground. This was approved by the Executive Committee.
The General Meeting will be on Wednesday, October 7, at
9:30am. At that time we will nominate and vote on new officers.
The following volunteers have stepped up to assume new positions in the Club.
Newsletter Editor – Val Sherer
Membership Coordinator – Ed Ruch
Webmaster – Rick Newcomb
Respectfully submitted, Mary J. Grant, Secretary
The Tidings
990 Friendship Road N.
Afton TN 37616
The Tidings Page 20 TrailManor™ TrailBlazers