1

2019 Officers

Committee Chairman

President: Lori DeLeeuw cdeleeuw@comcast.net (517) 250-5060

Membership: Lori DeLeeuw cdeleeuw@comcast.net (517) 250-5060

Vice President: Chip DeLeeuw

Webmaster: Chip DeLeeuw

Treasurer: Chip DeLeeuw

Newsletter: Rachel Bates

Corresponding Secretary: Rachel Bates

Historian: Robert Smith

Recording Secretary: Chip DeLeeuw Member News: Chip DeLeeuw

Newstream Volume 44 Issue 8 August 2019

From the Editor: In this issue of the Newstream you will find:

President’s Scoop Page 2 Article-Recruitment Page 10 Christmas in July Rally Page 3 SEMAC Activities Pages 11-14 Membership & News Page 4 For Pet’s Sake Page 15 Member Spotlight Pages 5-6 Classified Ad Page 16 My Favorite Things Page 7-8 Did You Know? Page 16 Membership Renewal Page 9

Rachel Bates, Newsletter Chairman

Photo Credits: The Best Campfire & For Pet’s Sake, Barb Derian and Ralph Volk, Christmas in July Rally, Linda Smith, Member Spotlight, Richard & Cheryl Sands.

https://southeasternmichigan.airstreamclub.net

2

President’s Scoop

By the time you are reading this, Chip and I will have returned from the International Rally, in Doswell, and will be on our way to the west side of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Adventure awaits us in the beautiful and rustic terrain of Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula. We’ll be enjoying lake vistas, hiking to majestic waterfalls, and taking in the rich history. If we’re lucky, we may even find an agate! Be on the lookout, we might return sporting new Stormy Kromers. The Western Upper Peninsula is one of North America’s great outdoor playgrounds. A friend once told me that Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is the closest that I’d ever get to Alaska, in Michigan. She was right! Stay tuned!

We want to hear from you! What have you been up to this summer? If you have a favorite camping spot, activity, or gear, we invite you to share it in the “My Favorite Things” section of the Newstream. Tell us about a hobby, a favorite outing, or a great discovery. It could be about a campground, restaurant, activity, travel tip, maintenance to-dos, space-saving, storage solutions, camping gear/equipment, or other fixes or trailer modifications that are worth their weight in gold. You get the picture. We look forward to learning from your experiences. Let’s take full advantage of this opportunity!

Do you have any camping-related items that you want to buy or sell? If yes, the Newstream has a place for you to do just that. You can place your ad in the Newstream Classifieds. Your ad will run for one month and the rates are free!

The Newstream has a new pet feature. It’s called “For Pet’s Sake.” If you would like to showcase your pet, send a picture and a brief narrative to Rachel Bates. She will publish it in an upcoming issue.

A big THANK YOU to Robert and Linda Smith for hosting the July Rally!

We’ll share our International Rally experience in next month’s Newstream.

It’s time to begin thinking about officer nominations to fill the 2020 executive positions, which will become open on October 19, 2019. Cheryl Sands will be leading the 2020 nominating committee this Fall. She will be assisted by Shirley Brendel.

If you are interested in serving in an Executive Board position or would like to nominate someone for an Executive Board office, please contact Cheryl. Check out the Recruitment Article in this issue of the Newstream for more detailed information about serving as a 2020 SEMAC leader or submitting a nomination for a leadership position. Would you consider volunteering? Many hands make light work.

Lori DeLeeuw, SEMAC President

3

Christmas in July Rally

Merry Christmas from the Pine Ridge Campground as 13

fellow Airstream lovers converged to celebrate Christmas in July.

There was another camping club there also celebrating Christmas in July.

Jack & Bonnie, Jim, Sam & Judy, Dick & Lucy, Lee & Jackie, Richard & Cheryl, Robert & Linda, met at the Smiths for Open Grill on Friday night. Many bought a dish to pass and no one went away even remotely hungry

Saturday morning, we again met at the Smith’s for coffee and Danish and some headed to Bronner’s or other points of interest in Frankenmuth area. Saturday evening, we again had Open Grill at the Smith’s but some choose to enjoy the chicken dinner at Zender’s.

After supper we again gathered around the campfire and the group voted on Best Decked Airstream.

And the winners are . . . Richard and Cheryl! They received a prize of a Christmas Airstream ornament.

Linda then read: Left / Right Twas the Night Before Christmas as we passed the gifts to the left and then to the right. Everyone opened their gifts for all to see. A great night was had by all. Sunday morning, we again convened at the Smith’s for a final coffee and Danish before saying our final goodbyes. Oh, how I love this group of people. I am looking forward to next time.

4

We received word that Irene McDaniels passed away on 7/7/19. A memorial service was held on 7/10/19. Irene was the sister of Jim McDaniels, who served as President of the Metropolitan Detroit Michigan Unit in 2006 and 2010. Irene was very active in the Unit and served as Jim’s First Lady. Condolences to the McDaniels family.

___________________________________________________________

New Members: Marc and Elena Cram

____________________________________________________________

SEMAC Membership

Members Affiliates Total

49 8 57

August Birthday’s

Dave Barker 8-24 Mazel Herrmann 8-28 Richard Martin 8-29

August Anniversaries Rudolf & Rahel Naegele 8-10 Richard & Dorothy Sills 8-15 Robert & Linda Smith 8-21 Richard & Kathleen Taylor 8-29

5

Tell us about your family (Including pets).

Our family is quite scattered. Besides the ones who live in California and Florida I have a sister in Australia and Richard's brother lives in Cape Town.

We have 3 daughters: Keri who lives with our 3 grandsons in Windsor. Our youngest, Elizabeth, also lives in Windsor. The middle daughter, Cathy lives in Victoria. So, family get-togethers are a logistical nightmare! But for many years we have had an annual FAMLY CAMP a special time where we can all just relax together. Competing in the” FAMILY OLYMPICS' has become a tradition and much fun is had doing daft things such as seeing which team can rescue the most rubber duckies from the swimming pool. Or hunting for clues to solve the mystery Rich has set up.

Pets have always been an integral part of our family. At present we have 2 cats who arrogantly claim any and all soft, sunny spots in the house and have reluctantly resigned themselves to the annual trek to Florida and the occasional camping trip...where they each have their own self-appointed nooks in the Airstream which they magnanimously share with mom and dad.

Tell us how you two met.

I was born in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Richard's family emigrated there from England in 1967. One of his colleagues at GM suggested he join Toc H, an international charity organization for youth. On my return home after a 2 year stay in Europe a friend whom I had met in London and who was also a member of Toc H invited me to one of their Sunday water skiing parties. Well waterskiing is not my forte, but I did meet this young Englishman and the rest is history....47 years of history.

We married in 1972. Our first house consisted of 4 walls and a roof. nothing else but Rich completed it just in time for the arrival of our first child in 1975. Two more little Sands’ arrived in quick succession.

We enjoyed living on our little hobby farm with an assortment of cows, sheep, pigs, donkeys and chickens but in 1986 we made the decision to emigrate to England where we stayed for 2 years before we moved to Windsor, Canada where Rich had a job with Chrysler. Later he was offered a job at CTC, Auburn Hills and it just seemed practical to move over to Michigan. So here we are AND THAT” S IT...no more immigration forms for me!

MEMBER-SPOTLIGHT

Richard & Cheryl Sands

6

How long have you been WBCCI members?

We bought our Airstream in 2005 and soon after joined what was then Metro Detroit.

What kind of Airstream do you have? Any other trailers?

For many years Richard had wanted to purchase that American Icon, an Airstream. Frankly I was not keen; I thought it looked like a tin dog kennel! But he viewed it from an engineering point of view, (as if I would have noticed-or cared- that the rivets lasted 100 years!) But at last I gave in and online found a 25-foot 1985 Sovereign. It was love at first sight and I was hooked. Being a royalist at heart I christened her Bess as befitted her status.

Why did you join the Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club? How did you hear about us?

Our initial history with SEMAC is lost in the mists of time. (In other words, our aging brains have simply forgotten) but I think Jackson Center put me in touch with someone in London, Ontario, who put me in touch with this friendly lady called Rachel Bates! And once again the rest is history.

Where have you gone that you would recommend to others?

Sadly, we have not been very adventurous with Bess, so we do not have any very exciting suggestions. But what better place to enjoy the camping life than up in the UP or any of the beautiful state parks which Michigan is so lucky to have.

Besides traveling in your Airstream, what are your hobbies / interests?

I do not have any hobbies except for playing the Mountain dulcimer and brain defying/futile attempts to master the intricacies of the French language. But Rich has enough for both of us: fishing, target shooting, black smithing, cooking -over fires or the kitchen stove - baking, gardening, kayaking, woodwork.

Reading, theater and good movies are a shared interest. We both love traveling both in the US and Europe and have enjoyed many road trips together seeing and learning new things.

In closing let me just say that our time in America be it camping, traveling, meeting people or just plain life has been and still is a wonderful experience and a move we have never regretted.

7

The best campfire you’ll ever have!

This spring we took the plunge and bought a Solo Stove Bonfire. We love having campfires but didn’t like smelling like smoke all the time and having fires that seemed to take forever to get going, if ever. We decided to get the Bonfire as our traveling fire pit. We were not interested in a propane campfire, as we wanted to produce some heat and we love the power of a wood fire. The Bonfire has a sleek stainless-steel design, burns a lot hotter than a regular pit fire, and made fire starting easier since the side walls block the wind. The Bonfire is 19.5” wide x 14” tall, weighs around 20 lbs. and comes with a sturdy storage/carry bag. We also bought the campfire tools – a long poker and a set up wood prongs. All the marketing information we reviewed said the Bonfire produces a hotter fire and less smoke – two of our “must haves.” There are holes on the bottom and inside of the stove, which allows cold air to be pulled in by the flames, then split in two directions. Part goes under the fire to feed the embers, and the other half is heated through the sidewalls and comes out the holes in the upper chamber, which is a beautiful part of the fire. They also have bottom vent holes under the logs, so oxygen is fed directly into the bottom of the wood embers, resulting in a hotter burn. And we mean HOT. The extra-long fire poker is perfect for managing the fire to avoid getting burned. Also, we found the hotter burn meant less ash - and we quickly and easily cleaned out any ash left after cooling by tilting the fire pit upside down and giving it a little shake! It’s all one piece (except for the stand and top ring), so there is not a way to clean down inside very easily. But we haven’t found a need yet. Each fire we’ve had has burned through a standard wood bundle and left very little ash. We’ve had four fires since our purchase in May. And here are the main benefits we have found: 1. Hotter Fire

Within very few minutes of setting up the standard “teepee” style wood and using twigs and other smaller starters, we have had a raging fire in each of our four campfires. The amount of heat generated from our Bonfire far exceeded what we expected. Once burning, the Bonfire burned hot and efficiently. The structure gets very hot, so don’t touch or move it until the fire is well out.

When there was a threat of rain at night, we wanted to cover the stove so that ash wouldn’t get wet and soggy. But because the structure was so hot when we went to bed, we were not able to cover it.

8

When the we are not using the bonfire, we use the cover it comes with upside down, so no unexpected rain get inside. We’re working with a friend to build a topper for the stove that would allow us to cover in case of rain when the stove is too hot for the supplied cover. Just know that when you have a Bonfire fire, you are committed for quite a while! 2. Less Smoke – No Campfire Smell! Have you ever spent the night around a fire, then smelled like smoke for the rest of night - so strong that your bedding took on the smell? Are you constantly moving your chairs around the firepit because the smoke seems to be following you? Well, welcome to an almost “no smoke” fire! We still have smoke when we first light the fire while the smaller starter twigs and logs first start burning. However, Ralph and I have found that there is significantly less starter smoke than a regular pit campfire. And once the fire is roaring, there is essentially no smoke. For the first time, I’m not playing “ring around the rosey” to avoid the smoke.

3. Stainless Construction & Lifetime Guarantee The Solo Stove Bonfire is made of stainless steel; unlike cast iron fire pits on the market. It is not as heavy which maybe makes it less durable. So, we aren’t “throwing our logs onto the fire”. This is where the campfire tools come in very handy. But, if we do somehow break it, we’re covered by a lifetime guarantee. We also have read that the guarantee covers any rust that might come about. We haven’t yet had to test whether the guarantee is truly as stated, but we felt better that it was there. What are the two potential downsides that might keep you from considering the Solo Stove Bonfire? You can’t really cook over it, except Smores, of course! If you do try, it is not going to easy to clean any food that overspills into the bottom. And, if you use the embers from a pit campfire to cook in cast iron pots, you won’t be a fan of the Bonfire, but they have other styles that can accommodate cooking. I also like to see the hot embers in a standard fire pit, and you won’t see them unless you look directly down into the terribly hot stove! Also, some are scared away by the price. Including camp tools, you can be into a fire pit for over $400. Our Opinion? The Solo Bonfire is a perfect addition to our Airstream equipment. Can’t wait to use her in Alaska.

Contributed by Barb Derian and Ralph Volk

9

It’s time to renew…

your WBAC and SEMAC memberships.

For SEMAC current member renewals or for new members to join, go to https://wbcci.org, select the blue button “Join Online Today” or “Renew Online Today” and complete the online form. Select: Region 4, Unit 137, Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club (SEMAC). SEMAC dues are $15. WBAC International dues are $65.

Affiliate Members can renew by contacting Lori DeLeeuw at cdeleeuw@comcast.net.

Linda Smith had some changes in her life, which require her direct attention elsewhere. She has resigned her SEMAC positions, of Treasurer and Membership Chairman, effective, August 1, 2019. We’re grateful for her service and wish her success in addressing the matters that necessitated this change.

Item Date Due To be listed in the WBAC National and SEMAC Directories

Nov 30, 2019

WBAC and SEMAC Membership’s expire if dues not paid

Dec 31, 2019

MEMBERSHIP RENEWAL

TIME!

10

RECRUITMENT for 2020 SEMAC Club Leaders

Our search for the new 2020 Club Leadership will soon be underway! Please help me to thank the 2020 SEMAC Nominating Committee Chairman, Cheryl Sands and committee member Shirley Brendel, who have agreed to assist in the mission of nominating one candidate for each of the Executive Officer positions; President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in serving as an Executive Board Member, or would like to submit a nomination

for any of these positions, please let Cheryl know by calling (248) 328-0536 or sending an email to

cherlysands@comcast.net.

Voting will take place via email, regular mail, or in person at the Installation Luncheon. A ballot will

be sent to all members in late September and will also appear in the October edition of the

Newstream. The new officers will be installed during the Annual Luncheon and Business Meeting,

on October 19, 2019, at the Belding’s home.

The SEMAC Bylaws, Article IV, Section 2, outlines the Nominating process:

The Nominating Chair or Committee nominates one candidate for each office to be filled by election. He/she obtains each nominee’s acceptance of office, if nominated. The Nominating Committee Chair submits a written report to the Executive Board, which includes the name of all nominees submitted for consideration, a statement of each candidate’s qualifications, and of their willingness to serve in the office, not less than 30 days prior to the Annual Business Meeting. The SEMAC President and Vice President may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. The Secretary and Treasurer positions may serve unlimited consecutive terms providing he/she is duly nominated and elected for each term.

Please consider joining the winning SEMAC team! Lori DeLeeuw, SEMAC President

11

SEMAC Treasury

2019 SEMAC Activities

Sept 13-15: Movie Night Rally, Bad Axe Robert & Linda Smith

Oct 4-6: Pumpkin Fest Rally, Ortonville Richard & Cheryl Sands

Oct 19: Annual Business Mtg & Officer Installation Luncheon, Tecumseh Jack & Bonnie Belding

Nov 9: Luncheon & Michigan Firehouse Museum Tour, Ypsilanti Chip & Lori DeLeeuw

Dec 7: Luncheon, Ann Arbor Chip & Lori DeLeeuw

Beginning Balance

Debits Credits Ending Balance

Date 06/01/19 6/30/2019

Checking 1459.26 30.00 15.00 1444.26

Savings 75.01 0.00 10.03 85.04

Total 1,534.27 30.00 25.03 1529.30

12

September 13-15, 2019

“Movie Night Rally” Camper’s Haven Family Campground

2326 S. Van Dyke Rd. Bad Axe, MI

Please join us September 13 – 15, 2019 at Campers Haven Campground in Bad Axe. Check them out here and while you are there you can make your reservations for September 13 – 15. http://campershavenonline.com/ This outdoor wonderland is a hidden treasure just off M-53, then literally over the river and through the woods. Activities and Amenities include: Swimming (indoor heated pool or lake), 5-acre Lake, Beach Area, Canoeing, Kayaks, Paddle Boards, Pedal Karts (Rental or Fun Pass) Catch & Release Fishing, Horseshoes, Nature Trails, Miniature Golf ($3/game or Fun Pass), 18-Hole “Air Rider” Disc Golf Course (free for our camping guests). Water & Electric Sites, Modern, Clean Bathrooms/Showers, Ice Cream, 9-hole Miniature Golf, FREE WIFI, FREE Cable TV. Area Activities include Antique Shops, Lighthouses and a whole lot more. On Saturday night we plan to have our own movie night on the big screen! Robert and I are on site 74. See you then! Linda Smith

13

“PUMPKIN FEST” OCTOBER 4TH-6TH

CLEARWATER CAMPGROUND

1140 S. ORTONVILLE RD (M 150)

ORTONVILLE, MI 48462

Our final camp for the 2019 season is going to be held at Clearwater Campground in Ortonville.

If you are not able to spend the whole weekend with us, we hope you will join us for the day on the

Saturday.

As Clearwater's website says: “Enjoy a bit of the UP without the 6-hour drive”!

The campground is situated in North Oakland so would not be too far a drive for a day trip. Also, it

is very easily accessible from the I 75. Just take exit 91 North, turn right and the camp is about 8

miles away on your left, in between a Mobil gas station and the Randy Wise car dealership.

There is plenty to do in the area should you want to do a bit of exploring:

• Porter's Orchard in Goodrich

• Crossroads Village just other side Flint

• The Flint Institute of Arts and Sloan museum

• Applewood Estate (worth a visit)

For the more energetic, there is hiking and boating at Holly State Park. The campground itself is in

a lovely setting with a nice trail around the lake. Clarkston is a very pretty town nearby and boasts

some good restaurants.

The highlight of the day (Sat 5th) will be when our 2 master chefs a.k.a. Chip and Richard,

demonstrate their Dutch oven cooking skills. You are cordially invited to join us for ye olde pot roast

cowboy style. The chuck wagon gong will clang at about 4:30/5:00pm. All you have to bring is your

own knife and fork or fingers. Please let me know by Oct 1st if you plan on coming.

HOPE TO SEE YOU ON THE 5TH OCTOBER

Richard and Cheryl

(cherylsands@comcast.net)

248-328-0536

14

The tradition continues. The Belding’s have graciously opened their home to us for the Annual

Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club (SEMAC) Business Meeting and Officer Installation

Luncheon. You’re not going to want to miss it!

Jack and Bonnie will be preparing their famous beef and noodles. In addition, they will be providing

chicken and the dessert. They ask that each of us bring a vegetable or salad dish to pass.

The Annual Business Meeting and Installation of SEMAC Officers will immediately follow the

luncheon. We look forward to seeing everyone there! Please RSVP to Jack and Bonnie, by calling,

517-423-5672, by October 18, 2019.

October 19, 2019 1 PM

Annual Business Meeting & Officer Installation Luncheon

Jack and Bonnie Belding’s Home

4334 Dillingham Road Tecumseh, MI 49286-0410

RSVP: 517-423-5672

Drive over to the Belding’s for a great time!

15

For Pet’s Sake!

Airstreamers pawsitively adore pets.

Tails are wagging and pets are bragging, they want to meet you. If you are a pet owner (fur,

feathers, or other) this space is fur you. Won’t you share pictures of your furry and feathery

friends?

To share a picture of your pet(s) in the Newstream, send a photo and a short introduction, to

Rachel Bates. It will be published in an upcoming issue.

Submitted by: Barb Derian

Sophie our 10-year-old kitty. She Loves the

Airstream queen bed and the panoramic

windows. She goes outside in a leash but is

mostly an indoor kitty. She is a good little

traveler.

16

Newstream Advertisement

Use this space to advertise your Airstream-related “wants” and “haves.”

Your ad will run for one month. Our rates are awesome! There is no charge.

To place an ad here, contact Chip DeLeeuw at cdeleeuw@comcast.net

Airstream founder Wally Byam originally sold plans on

how to build a trailer in your backyard in the back of

Popular Mechanics magazine. The oldest existing

Airstream trailer was built by its owner from these plans.

Tara Cox, Author “Airstream: The Silver RV”