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2019 Officers

Committee Chairman

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

Membership: Linda Smith SEMACmembership@gmail.com (248) 284-3627

Vice President: Chip DeLeeuw

Webmaster: Joe Peplinski

Treasurer: Linda Smith

Newsletter: Rachel Bates

Corresponding Secretary: Rachel Bates

Historian: Robert Smith

Recording Secretary: Chip DeLeeuw Member News: Chip DeLeeuw

Newstream Volume 44 Issue 6 June 2019

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

President’s Scoop Pages 2-4 Member Spotlight Pages 10-11 Business Meeting Page 5 Support our Troops Page 11 Region 4 Rally Fun Pages 6-8 Did You Know? Page 12 Member News Page 8 My Favorite Things Page 12 New Member Page 9 Classifieds Page 12 SEMAC Reports Page 9 SEMAC Activities Pages 13-17

Shakedown Rally & Member Spotlight pictures contributed by Lori DeLeeuw. Region 4 Rally Pictures contributed by Barbara Derian. Region 4 Rally drone video contributed by Ralph Volk. Rachel Bates, Newsletter Chairman

https://southeasternmichigan.airstreamclub.net

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PRESIDENT’S SCOOP

Greetings Airstream Family

Welcome to the wonderful month of June! There is so much to enjoy. June contains the first day of

summer, the day with the most daylight (summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere) and is

probably the favorite month of foodies. What’s not to like? But wait, there’s more. Here is some

fun June Trivia:

• June 1st is National Donut Day

• June 2nd is National Trails Day

• June 5th is National Gingerbread Day

• June 6th is National Applesauce Cake Day

• Ice Cream was first sold in the US on June 8, 1786

• June 16 is National Fudge Day

• June 18th is Father’s Day

• The Statue of Liberty arrived in the US on June 19, 1885

• June 20 is Ice Cream Soda Day

• June 21 is the first day of summer

• June 26 is Chocolate Pudding Day

• The “Happy Birthday to You” song was published on June 27, 1924

• The fourth week of June is National Camping Week

Speaking of camping, it’s official! The first SEMAC Rally of 2019 is in the books. The Shakedown Rally was held at the Bay County Pinconning Park, on Saginaw Bay, during the last weekend of April. It was a beautiful setting, billed as the “Gateway to the North.” Our new SEMAC flag was hoisted for the first time and proudly flew in the gusty winds. Four families participated in the “Shakedown Rally,” which was shaken-up when snow was forecast for Sunday morning.

The Shakedown Rally was the perfect opportunity to make sure everything was working well with our trailers before the first long road trip of the season. We prefer to make repairs early in the season and close to home to avoid any “surprises.”

Rally participants received handouts with emergency contact information, local activities, and area restaurants. For the evening meals, some chose to eat in their trailers, while others gathered around the campfire talking, telling stories, and cooking their own meals.

Rally participants enjoyed the park’s 206-acre nature preserve, where we observed a wide variety of bird species. Three observation towers, two observation decks, five miles of trails, boardwalks, and a floating fishing dock are all located within the park and nature preserve. The campground was a beautiful place to watch birds from the elevated towers on the shoreline.

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On a clear day, you can see Pt. AuGres, across the bay to "Michigan's Thumb" and the mouth of the Saginaw River at Bay City. It’s such a beautiful view!

On Saturday, April 27, we had a Luncheon and Special Business Meeting, at Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe, to conclude voting on the new SEMAC Constitution. SEMAC has 47 regular members. Fourteen members voted. The vote passed unanimously. The Constitution and Bylaws (C&BL) Standing Committee approved our Constitution and Bylaws and issued a letter of approval. Our next review date, for both, is 2024. SEMAC has a new Constitution! All regular members were sent electronic copies of both documents. Thank you to everyone who voted! Now that the club’s business was completed, it was time to enjoy some home style cooking! Purtell’s Restaurant was established in 1925 and is home of the giant burrito, “kitchen sink,” and a huge selection of dessert items and ice cream choices! If you’re wondering what the kitchen sink is, I’ve attached a picture below. Enjoy! After lunch some visited the Northwoods Wholesale Outlet to stock up on camping supplies and others went to the Bittersweet Quilt Shop, which is housed inside a beautiful, restored, historic church building featuring beautiful stain glass windows and woodwork common to the era in which it was originally built, 1922. We look forward to camping with you at an upcoming SEMAC Rally.

Lori DeLeeuw, SEMAC President

Bay County Pinconning Park

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Purtell’s Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe

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Luncheon and Business Meeting Purtell's Restaurant and Ice Cream Shoppe

Pinconning, Michigan

On April 27, 2019 at 12:30 p.m. The Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club gathered for lunch and a short business meeting. Those in attendance were Lori and Chip DeLeeuw, Linda and Robert Smith along with Robert's mom Gail Smith, Peggy and Mark Stevenson, Rudolf and Rahel Naegele, Criss Mapley, and Shirley and David Brendel.

The meeting was opened by Lori DeLeeuw (President) and the invocation was given by Chip DeLeeuw (Vice President). Lori asked that those who had not submitted their vote on the club's constitution to vote then. A vote was taken and the meeting was then closed for lunch.

We all enjoyed visiting with those who were not camping this weekend and a lot of catching up was done. After lunch everyone went to various points of interest. I know some of the ladies went to a quilt shop, some went to Northwoods Outlet, and others to the cheese shops. (Pinconning is noted for their wonderful cheeses).

Those of you who were not able to attend I just wanted to say you were missed and we do hope you will be able to attend our next event. Shirley Brendel

Purtell’s Famous

Kitchen Sink !

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Region 4 Rally Fun!!!!!!!!

2019 Region 4 Rally

Five Airstreams participated in this year’s caravan to the Region 4 (R4) Rally, including Tom & Donna Cobb, who had just picked up their new Airstream, from the dealership, two weeks earlier. The caravanners experienced smooth travel and light traffic in route to this year’s R4 Rally in Oak Harbor, OH.

Following our preplanned script and just minutes after we arrived, we were joined by Ralph Volk and Barb Derian who came from Jackson Center. FedEx would be proud of the logistics we pulled-off with the timing of this rendezvous.

The parking crew had its work cut out for them in trying to find dry spots for attendees to park as there had been extensive rainfall, in the days leading up to the rally, making many sites unusable.

The Oak Harbor area has an abundance of exceptional things to see and do. Our group took advantage of several of them: Kelleys Island Glacial Grooves, Put-In Bay, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums. This is only a partial list of the sites and activities our group participated in/visited.

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We found time to gather around campfires to enjoy one another’s company and listen to Ralph Volk play his guitar. AWESOME isn’t adequate for describing Ralph’s abilities with a guitar! He’s spent his entire life playing the guitar. We felt blessed by the experience of listening to him play. Ralph & Barb used their “Solo Stove” for our campfire. These stoves are incredible. They don’t smoke and the remaining ashes are nothing more than white powder.

We see a Solo Stove in the future for the DeLeeuw household. Update: We have one on order. It should arrive any day!!

Three of the meals, provided at the rally, were made in Dutch Ovens. The food was fantastic! We would recommend that you keep on full alert for updates to Richard and Cheryl’s October 4-6 “Pumpkin Fest” Rally. It just could be that “Chef Richard,” who always makes something incredible, will be using his newly learned cooking techniques at this year’s Pumpkin Fest Rally.

Donations were gathered for Jacob Carmichael, Fire Controlman Aegis 3. Additional information on donations is outlined in Ralph & Barb’s article. This is a wonderful cause and we hope to see this practice of supporting our troops continue.

The R4 leadership team put in a lot of work organizing and carrying out a great rally for R4 members. A well-deserved, Thank You, is due to each of them. This was Don Hetzler’s final Rally as the R4 President. He reflected on the last six years in office and provided a glimpse into the future of our region. An EXTRA thank you to Don and Marian Hetzler for all their efforts and assistance to SEMAC and to R4. Our next SEMAC activity is the June “Birthday Bash” Rally. It is full/sold out. For specifics, see the write-up on our June “Birthday Bash” rally in this newsletter. We look forward to seeing those who will be attending. We would encourage everyone to sign-up for our other SEMAC rallies, beginning with our “Christmas in July” rally near Frankenmuth, MI. We can’t think of a better venue for a “Christmas in July” rally. We expect this event to fill up. PLEASE DON’T GET SHUT OUT! Get your spot reserved now.

To view a drone video of the Region 4 Rally, click here: https://youtu.be/48q3eL4HZ6Q

What is in the Dutch Oven for dinner?

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It is with a sad and heavy heart that we inform you of the passing of Diane Barker, Mary Ann

Chellman, and Mike Jamieson.

On April 9, 2019, Diane Barker passed away. David & Diane have been affiliate members of SEMAC

for many years. Diane is remembered for how much she cherished their 64 Globe Trotter.

On May 6, 2019 Mary Ann Chellman passed away. Jim and Mary Ann have been members of the

SEMAC for 25 years. They have been very active over the years, including as National Caravan

Leaders on four National Caravans. For many years Jim and Mary Ann spent their winters at

Travelers Rest in Dade City, FL. Mary Ann is also remembered for her passion and long-time

dedication to the Girl Scouts of America.

On May 12, 2019 Mike Jamieson, 2003 Metro-Detroit Past President, passed away.

David & Jim, you’re in our thoughts and prayers. We hope to see you at a Rally, soon, so we can give

you a hug and support.

Your SEMAC friends.

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June Birthday’s

Lisa Sessa 6-06 Lorrie Robertson 6-08 David Tuck 6-08 Ralph Volk 6-08 Margaret Skells 6-09 Karen Fisher 6-10 Ed Polsdofer 6-15 Elyse White 6-15

June Anniversaries

Doug & Ellen Jozwiak 6-05

Ed & Ethel Polsdofer 6-17 Angus Stinson & Kelli Ray-Fry 6-30

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New Members: Steve and Susan Beasley

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SEMAC Membership

Members Affiliates Total

48 8 56

SEMAC Treasury

Beginning Balance Credits Debits Ending Balance

Date 04/13/19 05/17/19

Checking 1,575.74 139.93 23.45 1,459.26

Savings 65.01 10.00 75.01

Total 1,640.75 139.93 33.45 1,534.27

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Tell us about your family. (Including pets) We have four children and nine grandchildren. Sherry (who is a widow) and has three, twin girls and a son, they are the next to the youngest grandchildren, Laurie and her husband Joe are the parents of our oldest two grandchildren, Curtis and his wife Debi are the parents of two children who are the next to the oldest grandchildren and Doug and his wife Jennifer are the parents of the two youngest grandchildren.

After no pets for twenty years we rescued a kitten last July and told her that she now had a forever home. Her name is Cricket and she is a real delightful, beautiful cat who will probably never touch the grass again as we are keeping her as an inside cat. It’s safer for her that way.

Tell us how you two met. David and I met at a Square dance in April of 1962 and were married on May 26, 1962. That was six weeks later, and it was thought by a lot of people that it wouldn’t last but we sure did fool them because here we are still married after 57 years. How long have you been WBCCI members? We have been members for twenty-two years.

What kind of Airstream do you have? Any other trailers? We are on our second Airstream which is a 2006 31 ft. Classic. Prior to that we owned a 25-foot Safari. Before our first Airstream we had a 17-foot Burro. Why did you join the Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club? How did you hear about us? We joined the club in October of 1997 when it was called Metro Detroit Airstream Club and Walt Kowalewski was President. However, our first contact was a phone call from Don Stafford, who was third Vice President at the time. He invited us to join and invited us to our first rally (their installation rally) held at Sauder Village in Archbold, Ohio. Where have you gone that you would recommend to others? That is a hard question to answer. We have traveled in every state in the union plus Canada, Mexico and Central America. We have also been to Europe, and Russia.

MEMBER-SPOTLIGHT

David & Shirley Brendel

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As for recommending places to others to go wherever those wheels will take you. We were very lucky to be able to RV to Alaska, which can be done yet today, Mexico three times, once as far as the Panama Canal, another time on the Copper Canyon train with, Airstream Company caravan, which no longer available, and down the Baha with WBBCI. Besides traveling in your Airstream, what are your hobbies / interests? David likes going to the gun range and I like sewing, and stitching cards when I have time. We really enjoy going to horse shows and watching our two youngest grandchildren compete. Other than that, hanging out with whole family is awesome because with one son living in the UP, we don’t get a chance to get together as much as we would like. One year all of us got together at Two Heart River in the UP for a week of camping! Linda Smith

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Let’s support our Troops!

Recently, Barb and Ralph Volk learned of a fellow Airstream Addict who is deployed through the US Navy on the USS Nietze. The ship is currently deployed to the Gulf area. Jacob Carmichael FCA3(SW) has been actively deployed for a couple years. Aegis Fire Controlmen are technicians responsible for the operation, maintenance, testing, troubleshooting and repair of RADAR, computers, networks, data display systems and integrated weapons system components. The Aegis Weapon System provides theater, air and sea missile defense. The USS Nietze is an Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer.

Because Jacob is active in the military, he does not currently own an airstream but is hoping to realize his dream when he returns to civilian life. He follows Airstreamers on the social media Facebook group AirAddicts.

Jacob says that there are quite a few “new recruits” on board during this Gulf deployment and they have requested the following:

Water bottles & replacement filters (apparently the ship’s water tastes “pretty bad”). Teriyaki beef jerky Crystal lite lemonade packets Ramen noodles (a top request as the ship’s store runs out of noodles for the crew all the time). Toothpaste Deodorant Sticks

Contact Barb and Ralph Volk (stella10826@gmail.com) if you would like to contribute any supplies or would like to send directly to Jacob via FPO address for distribution.

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Once Jackson Center receives notification of the Southeastern Michigan Airstream Club’s Activity Schedule, the Wally Byam Airstream Club’s liability insurance is

activated, and our events are covered.

Source: Don Hetzler, Region 4 President

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

Let’s build a database of favorites and “ah ha” finds.

Use this space to tell us about a hobby, a favorite outing, or a great discovery. It could be about a campground, restaurant, activity, travel tips, maintenance to-dos, space-saving, storage solutions, or other fixes or trailer modifications that

are worth their weight in gold.

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This is the golden opportunity that you have been waiting for!

Do you have a favorite campground, activity, or restaurant that you would like to share with your fellow Airstreamers? If the answer is “yes,” how about hosting an August SEMAC event? The format is simple. Select your favorite campground and an activity/outing in close proximity. That’s it. Campers will make their own campground reservations and bring their own meat to cook over a shared campfire. If you have other ideas…go for it! If you are interested in taking advantage of this opportunity, please contact Chip or Lori DeLeeuw.

2019 Unit Activities

June 14-16: Birthday Bash Rally and Gilmore Museum Tour, Kalamazoo Chip & Lori DeLeeuw

July 12-14: Christmas in July Rally, Birch Run Robert & Linda Smith

July 20-27: International Rally, Doswell, VA

Aug 16-18: Rally OPEN

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

Calling all SEMAC members!

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June 14-16, 2019 (SOLD OUT)

“Birthday Bash Rally” Markin Glen County Park Campground

5300 N. Westnedge Ave. Kalamazoo, MI

(269) 383-8778 (Reservations)

Markin Glen County Park Campground is a rare find. There are only 38 sites in the whole campground. Each site has full hookups, a large cement porch and parking areas, firepit, and picnic table. There is also a beautiful bathhouse. The campgrounds are on a gorgeous fishing lake with a wonderful sandy beach. Paved trails go around the lake, along the river and through the woods, further than you can walk, and are perfect for bicycling.

There will be a group outing, leaving at 9:00 am on Saturday, June 15, 2019 to the Gilmore car & Midwest Miniatures Museums. Gilmore Car Museum is the largest auto museum in North America.

This is our “Birthday Bash” Rally. We will be celebrating EVERYONE’s birthday at this Rally. Each person in attendance should bring a wrapped, camping related, gift valued at $5-10. This celebration activity will be led by Linda Smith.

After you’ve made your reservations, email us and we’ll email you handouts that include, emergency contact information, along with lists that contain more activities and restaurants than you could visit in a week! Go to as many activities as you like, enjoy as many meals out as you like, or, spend your time around the fire with friends talking and cooking our own meals. The Club will be providing the firewood and charcoal for grilling. This should be a great time. We hope to see you there. Chip & Lori DeLeeuw cdeleeuw@comcast.net

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July 12-14, 2019

“Christmas in July Rally “ Pine Ridge RV Campground

11700 Gera Road (M-83) Birch Run, MI 48415

(989) 624-9029 http://www.pineridgerv.com

Please remember to bring a Christmas wrapped $5.00 camping themed gift – one per person. We will be having a Christmas Party. PLUS – There will be a gift for best Christmas decorated trailer!

Pine Ridge RV Campground has blocked off the following sites for us, but your reservation must be completed prior to April 21st. You may make a reservation after April 21st, but they cannot save the block after that date. All sites have 3-point hookup. Sites 115, 117, 119 & 121 are drive through sites. Sites 114, 116, 118, 120, 122, 123 are back in sites. We are on #123. Each person is to bring a camping related Christmas wrapped gift to pass - $5.00 - $10.00 per person. Plan to decorate your campsite for Christmas – winner announced Saturday evening. We will arrive Friday night – Supper at our campsite (#123) – the grill will be hot! Bring your own meat to cook – hot dog to steak – your choice. Friday night bring a dish to pass – keep it simple – we are camping. (chips, cookies, veggie tray) Saturday you have options: Head to Historic Frankenmuth (3.9 miles) Perhaps you would prefer to visit Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland (3.5 miles). Also, nearby are Antique Stores, Gold Courses, Military and Historical Museums, St Julian Winery, Woolen Mill and the list goes on. Check out the campsite at http://www.pineridgerv.com/ Saturday night we will again gather at our campsite for some Christmas fun! Sunday morning: Coffee and doughnuts at our campsite prior to departure. Linda Smith SEMACmembership@gmail.com (248) 284-3627

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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

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October 4-6, 2019

“PUMPKIN FEST RALLY” Clearwater Campground

1140 South Ortonville Road (M15) Ortonville, MI 48462

Clearwater is in North Oakland county, about 60 miles North of Detroit and about 20 miles South of Flint, situated on the outskirts of the Village of Ortonville, with easy access to the I-75.

The Clearwater Campground has an “Up North” ambiance and is clean and well maintained. There are also 2 comfortable and fully-equipped cabins on site.

Our rally coincides with Clearwater's annual Halloween Weekend so please feel free to decorate your trailer with ghoulies and ghosties and don't forget to pack your best pumpkin carving knife!

This will be a “COOK YOUR OWN MEALS” camp but Chef Richard will have a cauldron of something hubbling and bubbling on Saturday night… taste testers needed! On Saturday and Sunday mornings, coffee and erudite conversation / sleepy mumbles will be on tap at our trailer.

The rate is $40/night (full hook ups). If you missed the deadline stated in the previous Newstream...don't worry!... just call the campground directly (248 627 3820) to make your reservation. The sites which they were holding for us might no longer be available but ask to be put as close to the Airstream group as possible. It is not a very large campground, so you won't have to be doing the Marathon to join the group.

If you can't make the whole weekend, we would love to have you round for a visit. Who knows you might even get offered tea and crumpets!

Driving directions, activity details, and information on local amenities and essential services will be forthcoming.

Should you have any questions or require further information please feel free to contact me at cherylsands@comcast.net. Richard & Cheryl Sands

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Happy Father’s Day to all the Father’s