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01-16-2007, 10:23 AM
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#41
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4 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Las Vegas
, Nevada
Join Date: Dec 2005
Posts: 371
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I stay because of the people, the Airstream and the fun and friendship that goes hand and hand.
The Nevada Unit only has 25 families and because of age or health only eleven actually turn wheels. Some of the members have been in WBCCI many years and even though they no longer trailer they hang on to that friendship by attending our monthly breakfast. These friendships last forever.
My wife and I will turn 65 this year and have been retired for four years. Members of WBCCI since July 2005. Before Airstream we did some travel and too much sitting at home in front of the tube. Now officers in the unit and very active we enjoy keeping on the go. Currently we are on the committee planning the Region 12 Fall Rally October of 2007.
Also I love the NUMBERS.
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01-16-2007, 12:03 PM
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#42
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3 Rivet Member
2005 25' Safari
West of Boston
, Massachusetts
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 217
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Why we joined…. Seemed like a good idea… An opportunity to learn a bit about camping with an Airstream from others who had already done it. We really knew nothing about the club before we sent in our dues… mainly did it to get a magazine and learn about the club. We went to our first rally and did not know one person in the club before we got there.
What we found… Our first rally we barely got out of our truck and several people greeted us as if they knew us. Everyone we met was helpful and interesting. The rallies have been relaxing with good activities.
Why we stay… Hmmmm Ask me why I continue to pay big bucks to go to my health club and I never seem to get there… No really, we are very busy both personally and professionally but it is a good opportunity to get together with friends and to make new ones. We can’t make all the rallies because we try to get out in the Airstream for 1 or 2, two week long trips a year by ourselves, and to take other vacations (Non-Airstream ). I particularly like what has happened recently with the New England Unit too, in that several people have got together in "ad hoc" get togethers… We caught up with some folks on Thanksgiving for a nice get together and hope we can do more of those. I see the New England Unit growing in a manner I really like (family friendly, relaxed) that’s why I think it is growing in numbers too. I am optimistic that this is where the club is going and I will stay a member for many years to come. And yes, I will get to that health club tonight after work
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01-17-2007, 08:27 PM
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#43
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Rivet Master
2007 23' International CCD
Lapeer
, Michigan
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 7,080
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I like the rallies on state and international levels. I get to meet so many new (to me) Airstreamers from all over the country. I figure I already know who I know, I enjoy going to different places and seeing new things and hearing different accents and phrases of our common language, and making the acquaintence of those with different interests and backgrounds.
So people, places, travel and being a member of the original Airstream club is what keeps me in.
I type this live from the IBT rally in Perry Georgia, and I have been fascinated, yes, truly fascinated at the workings of our WBCCI government. Who'd a thunk? I am having a great time. I have never been to any business meetings before and the past two days of morning and afternoon seminars have kept me riveted to my seat. I have greater respect and hopefully a better understanding of what goes on and how. The process and players are nothing less than mesmerizing. I have to give Bryan Liepper a credit here, that his belaboring the benefits of facing off, in contrast to internet relations does make a real difference. Much like the benefits of school are so much more than the sum total of what is contained in the books and on the official teaching agenda. I am getting an education and enjoying it immensely.
One comment I heard yesterday that struck me with some poignancy was when a region president mentioned the frustration of the divisive attitude about the differentiating of members in the ranks from club officers, and affirmed that they are the same members in the same ranks that have volunteered. Do we forget that some times? I have.
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01-17-2007, 08:49 PM
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#44
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Rivet Master
1993 25' Excella
Full Time
, Anywhere USA
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 2,708
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wheel interested
One comment I heard yesterday that struck me with some poignancy was when a region president mentioned the frustration of the divisive attitude about the differentiating of members in the ranks from club officers, and affirmed that they are the same members in the same ranks that have volunteered. Do we forget that some times? I have.
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Yep, sometimes I forget and I'm a unit officer and membership chairperson for a fairly large unit. These folks are like me in regards to wanting to do the right thing for our club and our club members. We are not always on the same page in regards to how to move the club forward but we are always on the same side. Every WBCCI officer I have ever met wants the club to continue, to grow and to provide enjoyment for all its members.
This folks (as Martha says) is a good thing.
__________________
Michelle & Leon
New England Unit
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01-18-2007, 05:15 AM
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#45
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Rivet Master
1962 22' Safari
2016 30' Classic
Southeast
, Michigan
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 2,987
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As younger, still working folks, Lorrie and I greatly enjoy the club. We have enjoyed all of the events we have attended and the people, too, even though we are usually the youngest ones present. We find the older members inspiring and can only hope to do as much when we are that age. We enjoy the history of a 50 year old Airstream only club, so we continue our membership. Yeah the club can be a bit rule bound, although is more often due to occasional members that seem to have a bent fo enforcing the rules. Most folks are more accomodating in our experience.
I think the recently formed Communications Liason activity is a good initiative and a sign that the club is open to change on at least some levels.
We are beginning to feel that club leadership is out of touch in many other ways, however. The name change wasn't where they should have put their efforts last year, nor possibly again this year. Why ruin history?
And we are even more troubled that Club Leadership seems to be pushing to get non-Airstream branded motorhomes allowed into the club (or get them rebadged as Airstreams), when only a small portion of club members even own a motorhome. The survey a couple of years ago clearly sent them a message that this was not acceptible to most club members, yet they persist.
I am concerned that the club has not been making it easy for the proposed Four Corners Unit to be established. This type of inovation should be encouraged, not discouraged.
In any case, we do appreciate that changes are being discussed. Perhaps eventually, Leadership will focus on the important areas, instead of where they appear to be focusing at the moment. At least we can hope. We would hate to see this club eventually go away, or lose total touch with it's roots.
__________________
Joe
Wally Byam Caravan Club International Historian
Vintage Airstream Club Historian
WBCCI/VAC #702 & #6768
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01-18-2007, 07:21 AM
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#46
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More than one rivet loose
Currently Looking...
Los Alamos
, New Mexico
Join Date: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,756
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Update the wardrobe.
Quote:
One comment I heard yesterday that struck me with some poignancy was when a region president mentioned the frustration of the divisive attitude about the differentiating of members in the ranks from club officers, and affirmed that they are the same members in the same ranks that have volunteered. Do we forget that some times? I have. Carol
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Well lets get with the times. How about a nice polo shirt of color only to be worn by officers.
The jacket and beret are way dated. This will at least show they are trying to move forard.
__________________
Michelle TAC MT-0
Sarah, Snowball
Looking for a 1962 Flying Cloud
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01-18-2007, 07:28 AM
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#47
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1 Rivet Member
2000 36' Land Yacht XC Diesel
Louisville
, Kentucky
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 13
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If we had not joined WBCCI we would not have met Don and Kathy McKelvay and 100's more during the 10 years we have been members. The membership is WBCCI, not trailers and motorhomes. I just hope that the members make a fair decision to allow motorhome owners to upgrade and stay in the club.
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01-18-2007, 08:27 AM
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#48
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2 Rivet Member
2013 30' Flying Cloud
Charleston
, South Carolina
Join Date: Jan 2006
Posts: 69
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boblee,
Welcome to the forums!
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01-18-2007, 11:39 AM
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#49
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Rivet Master
1977 27' Overlander
1954 25' Cruiser
1990 34.5' Airstream 345
VC Highlands
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,151
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Quote:
Originally Posted by boblee5244
If we had not joined WBCCI we would not have met Don and Kathy McKelvay and 100's more during the 10 years we have been members. The membership is WBCCI, not trailers and motorhomes. I just hope that the members make a fair decision to allow motorhome owners to upgrade and stay in the club.
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Nobody is saying these folks will have to leave. In fact quite the opposite. One member already suggested that folks in this position be grandfathered into the club in a way that does not dilute the club with de-facto non Airstream Motorhomes.
This is one argument that the IBT is using to tug at the heartstrings of the membership. They are trying to convince the membership that without this ridiculous solution these poor folks would be out the door into the cold. Nobody is going to be kicked out. The question is with respect to the re-badging of MOHO's... Does the end justify the means?
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01-18-2007, 03:32 PM
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#50
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4 Rivet Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Posts: 304
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Wbcci
We joined the local unit five years ago just after buying a 31 year old Safari. The reason we joined was to learn about Airstream and how to fix and maintain them. We learned a little. However, what we got most was a large number of true friends. They are the only reason we stay members. The magazine (Blue Beret) is pitiful and the rallies are not really exciting.
Traveling in our Airstream is where the fun is. Especially the back roads.
D
P.S.
This forum has been a world of help.
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01-18-2007, 04:00 PM
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#51
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Rivet Master
2004 30' Classic Slideout
2021 33FB Classic
Colleyville
, TX
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 1,540
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We just applied
As someone who only just applied for membership, and after owning our Airstream since '04, we must answer, It's the people! We've met some really cool folks who belong to WBCCI. We belong to a few sportscar clubs and it's the same there. The hardware only facilitates the intro to the really neat folks using the nuts and bolts. HAPPY TRAILS
__________________
In dog years, I'm dead!
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