OPAction AUGUST 2012 working copy

August 2012—Volume 46 Number 3
Chartered August 23, 1965 S/PA6
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Past President
Carl & Elsie Johnston
MISS FCRV 2012 RECEIVES A GIFT
Presidents
Ralph & Linda Deline
519-354-0958
rdeline@mnsi.net
Vice Presidents
Terry & Faye Swanburg
519-621-2049
fswanburg@rogers.com
Recording Secretary
Vacant
Corresponding Secretary
Darlene Wiltsie
519-822-8175
darw19@rogers.com
Treasurer
Jim & Jean Keenleyside
905-632-8080
jkeenleyside@sympatico.ca
Voting Delegates Rep.
Marilyn & Dave Webster
dcwebster@sympatico.ca
Provincial Director
Hugh & Camy Hicks
519-747-5125
fcrvpd@gmail.com
REPRESENTATIVES
Regional Directors
Jim & Marilyn Stobbart
613-962-5663
richard.stobbart@hotmail.com
Unaffiliated Reps
Vacant
Chaplain
Jim Stobbart
Miss FCRV for 2012, Alyssa Robb, was given a hand made quilt created by
independent member Bob Lewis. Alyssa is the daughter of Kimberly & Chris
Lile, Louisville, KY. Alyssa has been a member of FCRV for 6 years. She will
be starting Bellamine University in the fall to become a physical therapist.
(L-R) 1st Runner-up
Meghan Lawler, TX,
2nd Runner-up, Rebecca Martone, MS,
Miss FCRV Alyssa
Robb, KY, 4th Runnerup and Miss Congeniality, Keitha Quigley,
ON,3rd Runner-up,
Emily Kuburski, MI
O.P.A. STANDING COMMITTEE
CHAIRPERSONS
Campout Coordinators
Earl & Marilyn Swan
519-623-2978
meswan@rogers.com
Conservation
Lisette Kemp
613-394-5537
lisettekemp@sympatico.ca
Dave & Connie Skillings
519-485-4209
dcskillings@sympatico.ca
Crest & Decals
West Bill & Charlotte Daly
519-586-9374
cadaly@execulink.com
East Mort & Louise Amell
613-342-5025
Provincial DASAT
Terry & Faye Swanburg
519-621-2049
swanburg@rogers.com
Historian
Earl & Marilyn Swan
Hospitality
Erik & Anne Christensen
Legislation Ontario and
For CANADA
Sylvia Powers
416-626-3911
Membership
Rudy & Sharon Sandau
519-862-2152
rsandau@ebtech.net
DELINE’S DEN
Well, Campvention may have been small, but it was a success! A big thank
you to all who worked on this. Now that Campvention is over we just have
the reports left to do, so please get yours done and into your Chair. The
sooner we get them, the sooner we will know the final tally.
Next is Fall OPA campout at Fergus. This campout will be very relaxed with
as much as possible done outside.
There are changes in some committees and we still need chair people in
others. A Chairperson makes the job a lot easier for all...things get missed
otherwise.
This is also our last message as Presidents of OPA. We have enjoyed our
terms of office and learned a lot. We thank each of you for your support and
friendship, and look forward to camping still. We hope you support the new
OPA Board as you have supported us.
God bless and safe travels.
Ralph & Linda Deline,
O.P.A. Presidents,
Family Campers & RVers
Come Camp With Us
O.P.Action Editors
Lee and Celia Steels
905-844-3059
4opaction@gmail.com
O.P.Action Mailing
Bill Henderson
519-439-0988
bill.henderson@sympatico.ca
Parliamentarian
Dave & Marilyn Webster
519-576-0326
dcwebster@sympatico.ca
Photography
Donna Dykun
dykun@sympatico.ca
Property
Erik & Anne Christensen
Scholarship
Jean Bedford
519-756-3845
ke-sjb@rogers.com
S. P. C.
Charlotte Daly
cadalt@execulink.com
Sound & Prod.
Ralph & Linda Deline
Teen Advisors
vacant
Web Site
Fred Ticknor
905-880-7185
fjticknor@gmail.com
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PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR’S REPORT
necessary at other Campventions, but we did
manage to have a couple Steering committee
meetings to straighten out a few items.
We, as Chairmen of the Campvention, want to
thank all of the volunteers and we are hesitant
to start naming everyone in case we would miss
one. We were very proud to have all of you volunteers working with us, so there was almost no
stress left for us. It’s a case that when every volunteer does their job, there is nothing for us to
worry about.
We also want to especially thank the program
chairs from outside our region, who came forward when we could not find volunteers from
our region. Special thanks to these volunteers
from Michigan, Indiana, Kansas and New York.
We could not have done it without you.
Our region also wanted to recognize the contribution that Jack and Sonya Smye have made to
our organization and we presented them with a
gift after they officially handed over the position
to the new President. Jack and Sonya were the
first ever Canadian Presidents of FCRV and
they deserved that special recognition.
There still are lots of campouts scheduled for
the rest of the year and we hope that all our
members will participate and support the local
chapters and the OPA Campout scheduled for
Fergus on the Labour Day Weekend. The
“Come Camp With Us” banners have been a
very welcomed addition to our advertising when
we are in Campgrounds, either as a group or as
family camping. Camy and I spent a very enjoyable weekend camping at a local private campground this past weekend and our banner attracted a lot of attention and we spent some
time discussing our organization with other
camping families. Every FCRV member received a copy of the banner from the cover of
the last “Camping Today” magazine and we
hope that all of our members will use these to
advertise our great organization. We are all ambassadors for our organization and we must all
try to get new members to join.
Well Campvention has
come and gone and on
behalf of all the Steering Committee, we
want to thank the
countless volunteers
who came forward to
ensure that Campvention 2012 would be a
big success. We were
disappointed that our numbers were lower than
we had expected, but everyone that was there
seemed to have a great week.
The highlights of the week included great
weather with no rain to stop any activities, but it
did seem to make the arena a bit warm at night.
Thank goodness for full 30 Amp power so that
all the air conditioners in our RV’s were able to
work without any problems. The two local noise
parades, both the Saturday in-town one and the
return one on-site on Sunday were enjoyed by
all. Well maybe a couple of local residents were
not too happy, but you can never please everyone.
This year for the first time, we were requested to
take a noise parade to Goderich and it too was
a big success with over 50 vehicles involved!
We hoped that we could circle the downtown
square, but when we were in the city center
there was not enough room for all the vehicles
in one line. The Teen Queens were present and
after a trip down to the beach on Lake Huron,
we all finished up at the City Hall where we presented the ceremonial cheque to the mayor.
Dave Ludwig, our incoming National President,
our Teen Queen Alyssa Robb from Kentucky
and yours truly were there to pass the money on
to the mayor. The mayor seemed to enjoy the
opportunity to have his picture taken with all our
Teen Queens.
The commercial area at Campvention was a big
success this year and having our own Tim Hortons on site was a big plus for all us coffee
drinkers. We want to thank Les and Audrey
Oliver and Herb and Gerry Wilson for all the
hours they put in behind the booth for Tim Hortons.
We again found out that we did not need to sit
through the nightly meetings that seem to be
Hugh & Camy Hicks
3
CAMPVENTION 2012—A HIT !
Region 7 hosted the 52nd annual Campvention
in Blyth, Ontario July 13 to 20. 314 families (292
on grounds, 14 camp passes, 8 day passes) enjoyed the busy week.
STAGE DECORATIONS
The setting for the stage was simple but effective. Designed and executed by Dave & Maureen Walker and Bud & Jean Bedford, it took six
weeks to complete.
On Thursday evening, July 12, a benefit concert
was held. FCRV partnered with the “Historical
Barn Dance Society” to stage a benefit for the
Town of Goderich. The proceeds will go to the
planting of trees this fall. Many trees were destroyed during the tornado last August. A
cheque for $2 500 was presented to the mayor
on Wednesday afternoon, following a noise parade through Goderich.
There was a LARGE inukshuk, lovingly named
Big Shuki and a smaller version, Little Shuki.
Live trees, loaned by Don Blake of Blyth, completed the setting. A large banner was donated
by Beck’s Printing of Brantford Ontario.
Big Shuki has found a new home in Blyth in the
“Maple and Moose” store on Queen Street in
Blyth—lucky fellow!
4
CAMPVENTION 2012 - WINNERS
FIRST TIMERS
PULL TAB WEIGH IN
Sixty families were welcomed over the three
days of registration. Some were guests who had
never camped with FCRV before and others
were already members who had never attended
a Campvention but otherwise were active with
their clubs. They were given a name badge and
ribbon to identify them as First Timers and
asked to wear them.
80 people attended the First Timers meeting on
Saturday morning along with the Trustees and
some volunteers. Everyone was welcomed and
Jack Smye, National President, introduced the
Trustees. Each had an opportunity to explain his
or her role in the organization. Shari Weber
added some fun by asking the first timers to say
Woe No every time they heard the word
Campvention. They did and it was quite funny
when Jack was speaking, as he was interrupted
many times.
There were some questions from the floor handled primarily by Jack Smye and Hugh Hicks,
the Campvention Chair.
After the serious side of the meeting, a short
pantomime called Cinderella was presented.
Paul Devereux was Cinderella, Jack Smye was
the Ugly Sister, Bill Taylor was the Narrator, Bill
Henderson was the Fairy Godmother and Don
Harris was Prince Charming. It was funny and
well received. 10 door prizes were given away.
Ronald McDonald House, Hamilton Ontario,
was the recipient this year for the pull tab funds.
719 pounds were collected at Campvention:
Ontario
225 1/4 pounds
Maryland 178 pounds
Michigan 112 1/2 pounds
New York 106 1/2 pounds
Total tabs collected
towards this year’s
project were 3082
pounds.
Wednesday evening, Frank Ruzik, manager of
McDonald’s restaurant in Goderich received a
cheque for $2399.18 on behalf of Ronald
McDonald House in Hamilton.
Wayne & Marilyn Rosenberger
Ed & Joan Hyde
People enjoyed
their wake up fix
every morning
from Tim Hortons.
Volunteers helped to
man the booth.
TWO RINGS have been found among the
pop tabs. Please read page 18 of this newsletter for more information.
Happy customers!
5
CAMPVENTION 2012 - EVENTS
BUSKERFEST
RED HAT LADIES’
LUNCHEON
The community of Blyth held its first ever Buskerfest with street entertainers, musicians and
vendors on Saturday. It was a short walk from
the campground.
Wednesday was the well attended Red Hat
Luncheon. Peggy Lins of MD was chosen as
“Queen Mum.”
Photo by Barb Turner
Horses and wagons were supplied by Twin
View Farms to transport campers from the
grounds.
SEMINARS
Many interesting seminars were held throughout
the week including Adventure Caravans, Epicure Selections, Presidential Active Lifestyle
Challenge, Computer Skills, Niagara Tunnel,
Going Green, Digital Storybooks, Stories and
Images of Blyth’s past, National Service Dogs,
Printed T-shirts, Publishing Your Memoirs, High
Impact Weather, Green RVing, Fuel Economy,
Component Systems, and RV Maintenance.
Terry & Faye Swanburg
6
CAMPVENTION 2012 - TEENS & YOUTH
TEEN SOFTBALL
CONSERVATION POSTER
Thirty teens participated. The WOBBLES (from
Michigan, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky) won
against the WOLF PACK (from New York,
Texas, Illinois, Pennsylvania, Ontario, Missouri).
It was an exciting game - score 10 to 9.
Fourteen gold metals and fourteen silver metals
were given out.
First place winners in a state or province go on
to compete in the contest held at Campvention.
There are six age based categories. There is
also an essay contest.
The purpose of both contests is to educate and
bring awareness of the value and necessity of
conservation.
CAMPING IS POSTER WINNER
AGES
7-8
Julia Kemp
Ontario
CONSERVATION POSTER WINNERS
AGES
6-8
Claire Rosenberger Ontario
9-11 Natalie Rosenberger Ontario
12-14 Ashley Skillings
Ontario
TEEN VOLLEYBALL
Twenty-eight teens participated. FUN UNDER
THE SUN STUFF (from Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Texas, Indiana, Kansas) won
the best three out of five games against WANNABEES (Kansas, Colorado, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Michigan, Missouri, Illinois,
Ontario). Fourteen gold metals and fourteen silver metals were given out.
Youth sing at Teen Queen Pageant
Ed McClelland, Ed Shaneyfelt
SCRAPBOOKS
Congratulations to all who participated. Look
for information on next year’s contest in the
winter issue of Camping Today.
WINNERS
1st Star Gazers, Colorado
2nd Camping Colonels, Kentucky
3rd Wandering Canadians, Ontario
Honorable Mention
Top of the Hill, retirees, New York
Shirley & Don MacKenzie
Earl & Marilyn Swan
7
CAMPVENTION 2012 - PET PARADE
Many pets guided their owners to the pet parade on a sunny and hot Tuesday morning.
PETS WITHOUT COSTUMES
1st Radar, Jerry Kinkbeiner
2nd Shele, Carol Sumbler
3rd Scooby Doo, Drew Hennie
COSTUMED DOGS
1st Sadie, Brian & Karen Chatfield
2nd Princess, Karen Snodgrass
3rd Bandit, Marie & Jim Maetta
DOGS WITHOUT COSTUMES
1st Viscon, Carol Sumbler
2nd Summer, Jerry Kinkbeiner
3rd Gypsy, Jane Hanson
Watchers
PET WITH LONGEST EARS
1st Randy, Jean Leith
2nd Kellie, Janet Kanya
3rd Cricke, Gilles Dore
PET WITH BEST TRICK
1st Carlie, Kathy Kanya
2nd Matisse, Monlque
White
3rd Kellie, Janet Kanya
Eric & Thelma Finkbeiner
Claire & Jeanene Hayter
8
CAMPVENTION 2012 - PARADE
The people parade was a rousing success with
many colourful floats.
WALKING GROUP - Region 3
TEEN QUEEN FLOAT - Pennsylvania
PRESIDENT’S AWARD - Illinois
CHAPTER FLOAT - Meandering Mohawks
THEME FLOAT - Ontario
9
CAMPVENTION 2012 - INUKSHUKS
This year's Campvention theme was Path to
Friendship. Sites were decorated with various
illustrations or hand made inukshuks, some with
plants and other garden decor.
2nd Sue Lewis Independent, Ontario
Winners of the contest were awarded an inukshuk statue, provided by Genesco Campground
owned by Shari & Craig Weber.
3rd Dunc & Neva McVittie Wandering
Canadians, Ontario
1st “Tinukshuk” Meandering Mohawks, Ontario
(Food donated to local foodbank.)
John & Rita Morris, chair
10
CAMPVENTION 2012 - AWARDS
SWANBURGS RECEIVE
DASAT DIRECTOR’S AWARD
PLAQUES
Plaques are the highest award given by the organization. Plaques are awarded only to member individuals or families who have contributed
outstanding service to FCRV.
Each year one State/Provincial Captain for the
Disaster and Safety Awareness Training Program of Family Campers and RVers is recognized for the efforts that they make in promoting
safety and wellness among the members in
their respective state or province.
Jack & Sonya Smye have been members
since 1980. Most recently Jack has been on the
Board of Trustees for the past twelve years, four
as President.
This year the award went to Terry and Faye
Swanburg, DASAT Captains for the Province of
Ontario, Canada. Given the responsibility of developing the DASAT program for the 2012
Campvention, Terry and Faye arranged for a
wide variety of seminars that included the topics
of nutrition, RV Safety (including safe maintenance as well as such topics as fire escape and
weather awareness), a Service Dog presentation, and a presentation from a representative of
Environment Canada on extreme weather
safety. The offerings included the kickoff for the
FCRV participation in the President’s Active
Lifestyle Award (PALA).
NATIONAL CONSERVATION
DIRECTOR’S AWARDS
BEST CHAPTER CONSERVATION CHAIR
Joan Hyde, Ontario, Region 7
BEST STATE/PROVINCE CONSERVATION
CHAIR
Howard Oppegard, North Dakota, Region 3
BEST CHAPTER PROJECT
Silver Riders, Colorado, region 1
- trail monitoring project
BEST STATE/PROVINCE PROJECT
Dakotas, Region 3
- energy conservation educational program
Congratulations to Terry and Faye, and thank
you for all the work that you do for the members
of Family Campers and RVers.
LITTER SURVEY
Hub Campers, Nova Scotia, Region 7
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
WILD LIFE GRANT
NCHA (FCRV) Scholarship, Inc. awarded
eleven scholarships, up from eight last year.
The total amount of awards is $12,000.
Dave Walker, an Independent, Ontario, received
a wild life grant of $250 for Operation Migration,
Port Perry.
Kaitlyn Sedore of Newburgh, Ontario received
an award of $1,000.
11
CAMPVENTION 2012 - ENTERTAINMENT
The 52nd annual Campvention began on Friday, July 13.
George Quinn acted as MC
throughout the Campvention
evening programs, keeping us
informed and entertained.
T
A music show by the Stone
Ridge Bluegrass Band from
Hamilton followed.
(photo: Barb Turner)
Formal opening ceremonies were held Saturday
evening, starting with a stirring video presentation by Fred Ticknor featuring a dual song of
“God Bless the USA and Canada.” Entertainment was by the vocal chorus, The Hamilton
Harbourtown Sound. The Great Lakes Region
FCRV Band
Wednesday evening was the FCRV annual general meeting. Prior to the meeting videos were
shown, “Goderich Before and After (tornado)”
and “U. S. Northern Friend.” Also a new radio
ad for FCRV was played. Miss FCRV 2012 and
her court were introduced and they were given
J. C. Penney gift cards. Glenda Sellers invited
everyone to the 2013 FCRV Campvention, next
July at Amana Colonies, Iowa.
Jack Smye gave his farewell address, thanking everyone for their support during his term as President
before striking his final
gavel. Shari Weber gave
his rubber signature stamp
to his wife, Sonya to “use
as she wanted.” The
Smyes were presented with some gifts from Ontario as he was the first Canadian President of
FCRV. Blazing Fiddles provided the evening’s
entertainment with a variety of music—country,
jazz and classical.
put on a hospitality immediately after the program and many campers joined in a noise parade into Blyth escorted by police.
The town of Blyth provided the evening’s entertainment. There were twelve talented acts. The
audience gave the performers a well deserved
standing ovation. After the program, the town
also returned
the favor of a
noise parade
with
sirens
blaring
and
lights flashing.
On
Monday
evening, the
Barn Dance Show, with its variety of entertainers, provided perfect entertainment for a hot
summer night.
Tuesday evening began with a concert by the
FCRV Band which was made up of volunteer
players who had come to Campvention. Next
came the much anticipated Miss FCRV Pageant.
12
Thursday evening, the entertainment was by
George Sanford who presented the history of
country music. After the flags were retired and
the official closing, the audience formed a huge
circle around the perimeter of the arena, joined
hands and sang “The Friendship Ring.”
DeWayne Johnston
CAMPVENTION 2012
HOSPITALITY
Marilyn
Rosenberger
Hospitality was enjoyed by all throughout the
week. Not to be out done, region 7 provided a
delicious lunch of soup, crackers, chips and apple juice.
Registration
Table
Winners
TINukshuk makers—Meandering Mohawks,
Burlington, Ontario
Project Sales
New Trustees Installed
Crazy Golf
13
CAMPVENTION 2012 - SPORTS
GOLF RESULTS
ADULT OPEN & NATIONAL
COMPETITIONS
Thirty golfers showed up on a sunny hot day for
eighteen holes of golf in Clinton. Teams were
formed for the “scramble”.
WASHER TOSS
MEN’S SINGLES - 18 players
1st Robert “Bob” Wolf”, New York
2nd John Stewart, Ontario
1st
Jim Turner FL
Tommy Garner GA
Connie Skillings ONT
Duane Osbourn MI
WOMEN’S SINGLES - 5 players
1st Gerry Wilson, Ontario
2nd Carolyn Heckman, New York
2nd
Paul Parsley SC
Nyhl Austin NY
Lloyd Humphrey NY
MEN’S DOUBLES - 6 players
1st Jerry Zimmerman, Connecticut
Sid Walker, Colorado
2nd Howard Heckman, New York
Robert “Bob” Wolf, New York
3rd Tie
Mike Hennie OH
Dave Hennie OH
Scott Serbousek MO
Orv Bond ONT
WOMEN’S DOUBLES - 4 players
1st Carolyn Heckman, New York
Willi Walker, Colorado
3rd Tie
Robert Snodgrass OH
Don Blenkinsop ONT
Sid Walker CO
Lowell Konkler TX
Closest to Pin Nyhl Austin NY
Longest Drive Robert Wolf NY
2nd Gerry Wilson, Ontario
Rhonda O’Neal, Minnesota
MIXED DOUBLES - 8 players
1st Sid & Willi Walker, Colorado
2nd Herb & Gerry Wilson, Ontario
HORSESHOES
By Jim Turner
MEN’S SINGLES - 8 players
1st Les Oliver, Nova Scotia
2nd Gerry Finkbeiner, Ontario
WOMEN’S SINGLES - 1 player
Pat Wittmeyer, New York
MEN’S DOUBLES - 10 players
1st Duane Keegan, Ontario
Ernie Gillespie, Ontario
2nd Les Oliver, Nova Scotia
Giles Dore, Nova Scotia
MIXED DOUBLES - 2 players
Nyhl Austin & Pat Wittmeyer, New York
Gilles & Barb Dore
Ed & Darlene Hingley
14
CAMPVENTION 2012
The Door Prize Committee would like to acknowledge the donors for this year’s Campvention Door
Prizes. There were a total of 275 door prizes. $300.00 in chapter and members donations were
received with the money spent buying door prizes in Blyth. Thank you to all who donated. I
hope I didn’t miss any donors!
Ken & Lyn Sparling, Door Prizes Chair
Darlene Wiltsie, Door Prizes Co-chair
Mort & Louise Amell
Anonymous
Jim & Pat Armstrong
Auburn River Retreat
Ausable River Nomads
Away-We-Go-Tribe
Bainton Old Mill (Blyth)
Blyth Corner Café
The Blyth Inn Inc.
Blyth Printing Inc.
Blyth Festival Theatre
Bob & Donna Broadfoot
Peter Brown
Bruce County Campers
Camping Today
Erik & Anne Christensen
The Citizen/North Huron Publishing
Company (Blyth)
Melvin Coy
Culberts Bakery (Commercial)
Dan Brothers RV Sales
David Davara Studio (Blyth)
Ralph & Linda Deline
Gil & Barb Doré
Eager Beavers
Ruth Eckhardt
Elliott Nixon Insurance Brokers
Inc. (Blyth)
Ross & Elaine Errington
Fiddler’s Green
Gerry & Helen Finkbeiner
The Gift Cupboard (Blyth)
Glowing Embers
Mike & Agnes Hallahan
Hamilton Loadluggers
Happy Gang
Harper Pottery (Commercial)
Harry & Emily Hepbourn
Ron & Janice Hewitt
Hiemstra Trailers (London)
Kingston Road Runners
Leisure Days RV Centre (Kingston)
Jean Leitha
Julie Leitha
Bob & Susanah Lewis
Lloyd Humphrey
Huron Tractor Ltd. (Blyth)
Ed & Joan Hyde
Frances & Louise Idelwine
Independents
Carl & Elsie Johnston
Jim & Jean Keenyleside
Lifes Precious Moments
Mantoulin Transport
Maple & Moose (Blyth)
Meandering Mohawks
Mount Clements Stinkers
My Epicure (Commercial)
Bob & Pat Nelson
New Brunswick Provincial Association
Norfolk Drifters
The Old Mill (Blyth)
Ontario Fire Flies
Gail Osbourne
Oxford Rovers
Peter Pallace
Part II Bistro (Blyth)
Jim & Joan Peart
Pianovations (Blyth)
Pro Hardware/Castle Building Supplies (Blyth)
Marilyn Rausch
Rocky Mountain Revellers
Larry & Vicki Roop
Ruf’-N-Redi
Ruston RV Centre (Burlington)
RV Parts (Commercial)
Rudy & Sharon Sandau
Sarnia 4 T’s
Scrimgeour’s Food Market (Blyth)
Sharon’s Cars in Miniature (Blyth)
Door Prize
Ladies - Lyn
and Darlene
15
Noreen Smith
Jack & Sonya Smye
Spa Essentials (Blyth)
Ken & Lyn Sparling
Sparling’s Propane Co. Ltd. (Blyth)
Lorne & Lola Speers
Spring Breeze Greenhouse (Blyth)
Spring OPA’12 Campout Committee
State of Delware
Jim & Marilyn Stobbart
Arthur & Judi Stokes
Earl & Marilyn Swan
Terry & Faye Swanburg
Lisa Thompson M.P.P. (Blyth)
Timber Art (Commerical)
Town of Goderich
Tree City Campers
Tri County Travellers
TST Overland Express
Rita Tullis
B & L Vandewyverz
The Village Barber (Blyth)
Dave & Maureen Walker
Wallaceburg Pullkats
Wayne & Vi Wardrop
Marilyn D. L. Washington
Craig & Sherri Weber
Dave & Marilyn Webster
Westburne Ruddy Electric
Don & Beinta Willock
Herb Wilson
Windsor Hobos
Darlene Wiltsie
Bill & Lorraine Young
Your Proper Electrician
CAMPVENTION 2013
Amana Colonies, Iowa - July 14 - 18, 2013
As you look back on Campvention 2012, now just pleasant memories, Region 3 Family Campers &
RVers invite you to look ahead to Campvention 2013, to be held July 14 - 18, 2013, at Amana RV
Park & Event Center, Amana, IA.
In response to members' comments, the 53rd annual Campvention has been planned as a five day
event, with Thursday and Friday being "early bird" days, at $25.00 per night, payable at the gate.
The gates open at 9:00 a.m. CDT on Thursday, July 11. Activities will begin Sunday, July 14.
Preregistration fees are $250.00 (which includes Saturday night camping) per family, $200.00 for the
weekly camp pass, and $40.00 for the daily camp pass. If two families share an RV unit, each family
must submit a separate registration form; the additional family must purchase a weekly camp pass.
Campsites offer 30- or 50-amp electrical service, with water available. Parking will be hobo style, by
state or province.
The deadline for preregistration is June 15, 2013; e-mailed preregistrations will be accepted through
July 1. The cost of registration at the gate will be $280.00, while the weekly camp pass will increase
to $230.00 at the gate.
The theme of the 2013 Campvention is "Heart of the Heartland." This year's parade theme is identical to the Campvention theme, "Heart of the Heartland." The theme of the site decorating contest,
once again sponsored by Geneseo Campground, Geneseo, IL, is "Heart of Camping."
Just 20 miles southwest of Cedar Rapids and 17 miles west of Iowa City, Amana RV Park is located
in the heart of Iowa's historic Amana Colonies, five miles north of I-80 on highways 220, 6, and 151
in east central Iowa. Featuring seven historic villages situated adjacent to one another, the area is
famous for its Old World charm and hospitality. While attending Campvention 2013, you'll have opportunities to discover the restaurants, historic architecture, unique shops and museums in the
Amana Colonies and surrounding area.
For more details on the 2013 Campvention, as well as what to see and do in the Amana Colonies,
watch future issues of Camping Today and check out the FCRV website at www.fcrv.org.
By JeAnne Selby, Publicity Chair
16
QUOTE OF THE DAY
POP TAB TREASURERS
Found: 2 rings when cleaning pop tabs.
One
ring was found in the tabs collected at Spring
OPA at Kingston and the other one in the tabs
collected at Campvention. If you think this may
be your ring, please call Wayne or Marilyn
at 519-648-2017 or email us
at rosenberger44@gmail.com. If you can describe either of them, we will see that you receive your ring.
“The first week of August hangs at the very top
of the summer, the top of the live-long year, like
the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it
pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and
those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn,
but the first week of August is motionless, and
hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white
dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared
with too much color. Often at night there is lightning, but it quivers all alone. There is no thunder, no relieving rain. These are strange and
breathless daysR”
Upcoming Meeting
O.P.A. VOTING DELEGATES MEETING
Sunday September 2 1:00 PM
(Natalie Babbitt, Tuck Everlasting)
Fergus, Ontario
O.P.A. WEBSITE
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 if possible.
The OPA website can keep you up to date on
what’s going on: list of campouts with registration forms, newsletters (current & past) and
news bulletins (upcoming meetings for OPA,
rules & forms for awards and contests).
To access forms, for example Chapter History
Scrapbook Contest or list of rules, for example
award giving, plus many more:
DEADLINES FOR PUBLICATION ARE:
February 1, June 1, August 14, October 15
search for FCRV OPA website
select BULLETIN at the top of page
scroll to the bottom of the page
click on Documents & Forms Library
4opaction@gmail.com
FREE
RV- AC cover, fibreglass for a DUO-Therm by
Dometic. Screws to bottom of unit.
Contact Ralph & Linda Deline
rdeline@mnsi.net or phone 519 354 0958
Fred & Joan Tichnor fjticknor@gmail.com
MORE BLYTH CAMPVENTION
To see pictures and read more R..
search - FCRV;
choose Campvention and scroll down to Past
Campvention;
highlight Campvention 2012.
Enjoy!!!
MOTORHOME FOR SALED
2001 Shasta Sprite 22.6ft. motorhome, with
many extras, for sale. Having only one
owner, it has been well maintained and has
only 75,000 km.
VIEWING ON-LINE
Some OPA members have opted to receive
their OPActions electronically. If you wish to
view this newsletter online rather than having
it mailed, please email Rudy and Sharon Sandau at
The motorhome will be for sale after
Campvention. Asking.$20,000 or best offer.
(Ivy) Flewwelling, Guelph, Ontario
Phone 519-824-9573 or e-mail flewwelling2@aol.com
rsandau@ebtech.net
17
HEAR YE … HEAR YE
See Registration forms on the OPA-FCRV website by clicking on the box “Campouts”.
August 31, 2012 - Sept 3, 2012
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012
'OPA Fall Campout' - 'Come Camp With Us - HOBO
STYLE'
'Corn Cobb' Campout
Fergus, Ontario - Hosted by: OPA Board and Friends Hydro & Water Available - Pancake & Sausage Breakfast
Provided - Gates open at noon Friday August 31st .
Cobourg East Campground, Cobourg, Ont. - Hosted by
the Ontario Fire Flies - Corn on the cobb - Campfires Card Bingo - Casino Night - Sunday Breakfast - Grocery
Roll - Hospitality - Games - Church Service.
September 7, 2012 - September 9, 2012
Pre-Registration $10.00 or $15.00 at the gate - Camp
Fee: 2 way Hookup $70.00 - 3 way Hookup $70.00 plus
sewer fee $3.00 per night.
'Theme - 'Proud To Be Canadian'
Alexandria Park, Alexandria, Ont. - Hosted by the Kamping Kangaroos Saturday night meal, music, games and a
Project Sale.
September 21, 2012 - September 23, 2012
Pre-Registration $10.00 or $15.00 at the gate, weekend
$50.00
Rockwood Conservation Area, 161 Fall St., Rockwood,
Ont. Join the Leisure Company for a weekend of Fun, Pie
Irons, Pizza, Church Service and of course the Car Rally.
Pre Registration: $10. in advance or $12. at the gate.
Camping fee: Park rate with no extra charges for additional vehicles or people. Includes Hydro and Water on
20 sites. (First to Register) Additional sites are available.
'Leisure Company Car Rally 2012'
Send pre-registrations to: Ann Vachon, Box 585, North
Lancaster, ONT, K0C 1Z0
CAMPVENTION NUMBERS
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1 1/2 wallpaper glue packages used for Little Shuki
2 rings FOUND with the pull tabs
6 gallons of wood glue mix used to create Big Shuki
$14 - the cost of a complete delicious roast beef dinner at the Legion in Blyth
16 1/2 % increase in attendance by Maryland at Campvention
50 % of Alberta membership attended Campvention = one family
80 new timers attended the first meeting held for them on Saturday
314 families attended Campvention
830 km / 9 hours from Windsor, Ontario to 2013
Campvention in Amana, Iowa
$2 399.18 raised for Ronald McDonald House, Hamilton
$2 500 raised for Goderich’s tree fund
3081 pounds of pull tabs collected this year
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NATIONAL PARKS
Even in a time of elephantine vanity and greed, one never has to look far to see the campfires of
gentle people. Garrison Keillor
How hard to realize that every camp of men or beast has this glorious starry firmament for a roof! In
such places standing alone on the mountain-top it is easy to realize that whatever special nests we
make A leaves and moss like the marmots and birds, or tents or piled stone A we all dwell in a
house of one room. John Muir
Yosemite Valley, to me, is always a sunrise, a glitter of green and golden wonder in a vast edifice of
stone and space. Ansel Adams
The national park is the best idea America ever had.
James Bryce
In 1971, we took a camping trip across America in which we tried to visit as many National Parks as
possible. At that time, there were no reservations. Campsites were allotted on a first come basis. We
camped within an hour or two of the park and arrived by mid-morning. We spent glorious moments in
many breath-taking vistas only found in the national parks.
In the July 13 reflection, we described four parks. Here are the highlights of three more national
parks.
Yosemite in California: there were waterfalls over a thousand feet high. One waterfall could actually
be climbed to a safe height, and loads of folks climbed up the slippery rock to prove they could climb
higher than others.
Sequoia in California: there was a huge tree, General Sherman. Its trunk was so large that it took
thirty-five people to stretch around its trunk. They estimated that 40 houses could have been built
from the wood from this thousand-year-old giant Sequoia.
Yellowstone in Wyoming: This was our favorite. There was a huge variety of sights — beautiful
meadows, bubbling cauldrons, Grand Canyon with waterfall, and bison, bears and moose. “Old
Faithful” is a spectacular old geyser. We have returned several times to Yellowstone and hope to return again.
Lee Steels, Meandering Mohawks
From his book: Magic Apples
Reflections to Mull
Published: November 2011
Lee Steels receiving inukshuk statue
on behalf of Meandering Mohawks
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2012 FALL OPA CAMPOUT
FERGUS COMMUNITY CENTER
FERGUS, ONTARIO
AUG 31- SEPT 3, 2012
“Come Camp With US”
‘HOBO STYLE CAMPING’
HOSTED BY OPA BOARD AND FRIENDS
HYDRO AND WATER AVAILABLE
Pancake and Sausage Breakfast Provided
PRE-REGISTRATION: $15.00
AT GATE $ 20.00
ACTIVITY FEE $95.00 (Includes $ 10.86 of HST )
Gates open at NOON, Friday, Aug 31
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Make cheques payable to: “OPA”
Send registrations to: Jim and Jean Keenleyside
420 Tuck Drive
Burlington, Ontario, L7L 2R3
Name:__________________________________________
Address_______________________________________ City______________________________
Prov/State________________ Postal / Zip Code_______________
Chapter you wish to park with:_____________________________
Handicapped: Y____N______ Project Table_______________
# Adults______ # Teens______ # Youth______
Motorhome_____Tralier- 5th Wheel______ Tent________
For office use only – Rec’d chq/cash in the amt of $__________
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
For office use only – Rec’d chq/cash in the amt of $__________
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