to information discussed in this newsletter including February luncheon photo gallery and the March rally site info: http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/snu/2008/08news/
If you are coming to the Unionville rally and plan to participate in the Brunch at the Old Pioneer on Saturday, you must rsvp and do so ASAP. We need to get a count to Mitzi at the Old Pioneer so she can get the shopping done and provide the SNU with another excellent brunch. This rally will be May 15 to 18, 2008 with brunch on Saturday May 17. Unionville is one of our favorite rally sites. It is in a county park in a living ghost town Mark Twain once called home. The site requires some of those excellent SNU leveling techniques so bring blocks and whatever you need to make sure your rig will be level. The park is located up a dirt road. Don't get worried if the road narrows a little and you feel like you are going to end up with no place to turn around. The park is near the end of the road. It is worth the trip. Bring some firewood for campfires.
Again, if you plan to attend the brunch let us know ASAP. Call Dyann at 775 867 2797 or email president@sierranevadaairstreams.org.
Once again, eight Airstreams at Ft Sage. Also, once again we got to indulge in a favorite SNU activity – inaugurating new Airstreams and new Airstreamers. This time it was Robert Sobsey and Yvonne De Marco and Norman Wong. For all of them it was their first rally. Robert and Yvonne in their new 16ft DWR, (their first Airstream). Norman in his new to him 1994 BVan. Robert and Yvonne and Norman are also the newest members of the SNU. Welcome to you all. I think this time, we might have overdone the initiation to Airstreaming and SNU rallies a little though. Sunny nice mornings with windy afternoons is OK but a snow storm on Saturday night and a drop in temps might be a little much. Despite this, they all seemed to enjoy the rally and we are sure we will see them again soon.
Other Rally participants included Melissa and Roman and Melissa's niece Daniella. That meant we had three generations of Melissa's family – Daniella, her father Norman, and Melissa. Melissa got to practice her towing capabilities. Norman's BVan arrived on Thursday morning and all they had time for was a preliminary check and throwing in some basic supplies before heading to Ft Sage. They didn't have time to get the wiring and other things checked out so that they could tow the Airstreram with the BVan. This meant that Melissa drove their truck pulling the Airstream and Roman drove the BVan with Norman.
Jerry and Dyann Thornburg, Wes and RoyLaine Warn, Dave Gmur, and Bryan and Diane Leipper made up the rest of the roster for the rally. We were delighted that Don and MaryLou Damoth were able to come up for the afternoon on Friday. We haven't seen them since December and it was nice to catch up. Larry Clark from Mt Family RV brought a Safari Sport to the rally for us to investigate. He also brought some donuts for our morning coffee. Thanks Larry! The weather, in particular the wind, caused us to cancel plans for meals outside. As usual, SNU members are good at adapting and last minute change of plans. Nobody starved. Saturday the weather started getting really threatening. We had what Jerry described as a “Go Around” dinner. In other words everyone took their contribution for what was supposed to be a pot luck around to everyones Airstream. Not long after the last dish was delivered to each Airstream it started to snow. Really wet heavy snow. So we all hunkered down and watched out the windows. Sunday morning though was clear, sunny and beautiful with a fresh coat of snow on everything. We built a campfire and enjoyed our usual morning coffee and conversation before heading home.
Friday night we got our only non SNU campers at Ft Sage. A big toy hauler came in around midnight and managed to shine lights in almost everyones trailer. Then as soon as they got parked they started up their generator and kept it going 24/7. It gave us all an opportunity to reflect on how much we appreciate camping with SNU members who are more respectful of each other and understand general camping courtesy.
Saturday, Bryan and Jerry headed over to Portola to check on the 42ft Airstream. For the most part the tarps we put on last fall were still in place. Several more windows had been broken out. Jerry and Bryan talked with the people at the museum and it looks like everything is still on target for the SNU to spearhead restoration of that Airstream and also for us to hold our June rally at the museum.
Mother nature was the primary entertainment at this rally. A full moon made for some spectacular evenings. Everyone had a great time regardless of the fact that we spent a little more time in our Airstreams rather than outside. I think we all are looking forward to Unionville and hopefully improved weather so we can spend more time outside and get back to pot luck meals.
Saturday morning we had a short business meeting. Jerry brought up the possibility of the MoHo issue coming up again at the Delegate Meeting in Bozeman. The SNU position hasn't changed. No to Thor brand motorhomes in WBCCI. He also provided a short overview on the SNU and the importance of understanding it's history in order to ensure we maintain those elements that have helped the Unit to grow and become what it is today. He mentioned that the SNU functions as a group with all members being involved in the decision making, the development, and the management of the Unit. Jerry gave us an update on the status of the SNU involvement with the restoration of the 42ft Airstream. Everything is progressing slowly but surely. Jerry is just about ready to begin sending letters seeking funding to support this project. Jerry also mentioned that this is his last year as President and that now is a good time to begin considering nominees for this position in 2009. Other items of business discussed were rsvp's for Unionville and the 2009 rally schedule. All Unionville rally participants who plan to go for brunch at the Old Pioneer on Saturday need to rsvp now so that Dyann can get a count to Mitzi ASAP. Some general discussion followed and then the meeting was adjourned.
In the last two years the SNU has done a lot of growing. In fact, since 2003 over 90% of the membership is new. Because of all the changes it is probably a good idea to stop and reflect on our Unit. What is it? What does it offer us? Why do we belong? What power does it provide we do not have individually? How to we keep it strong, healthy, and growing?
The SNU didn't get where it is today by accident. The way it functions, what it does, and how it does things was planned. It was based on proven association management techniques and organizational development theory. The identity of the SNU was carefully identified and reinforced over a period of years. The challenge ahead is to keep this identity and its mission focus while adapting to the needs and capabilities of the membership.
Any organization evolves but it must do so by preserving its core identity and values. It will be influenced by its membership in responding to member needs, interests, and capabilities. It is a primary responsibility of each member to contribute to the strength of the organization in order to gain those benefits they joined the organization to obtain. Members do this by constructive and responsible participation in the organization's events and processes. Members must learn about the SNU and how it works and work within that framework when acting on behalf or in support of the organization. The framework can change but it should do so in an appropriate manner as a group activity and not as an individual activity.
Members must do two things to meet their responsibilities. One is to learn about the SNU, its history, and the principles that have helped it grow. The other is to consider what they do as members and how it will help to make the organization strong and vital.
There are two key concepts that provide the basis for the current SNU identity. One is the focus on the primary mission of WBCCI – to go camping in Airstreams. The other is that the SNU is a group working together rather than a collection of individuals. These two concepts provide the referent for evaluating actions and decisions of members and of the group as a whole. These actions and decisions are recorded in the bylaws and constitution and the way the SNU does rallies, newsletters, the website, and interactions with members and potential members.
Much of what makes the SNU successful is not visible on the surface. A lot of it is in the details. It is often those details, which on their own seem insignificant can collectively make a big difference. Whether it is apparent or not everything is designed with the group as a whole in mind. Examples include:
The SNU's efforts at respecting individual preferences. This is apparent in our communications methods, our flexibility in regards to participation, as well as our management of member information.
The SNU's efforts to carry out it's business with due diligence. The SNU is cognizant of copyright laws and issues. It uses public domain maps for rally sites. In recognition of spam filters and other technologies, it sends out an email announcement to subscribers with a link to the current newsletter posted on the web rather than attaching the newsletter file to the email.
The work of the SNU is a team effort. It may be a small team working on a specific project or the entire membership carrying out the business of the Unit. By working together we can take advantage of the skills, expertise, experiences, and knowledge of each individual member.
The SNU's efforts at informing the membership and preserving the past. This is why the SNU is so well documented on it's website.
The SNU's use of open source software for the newsletter and website, and basic bookeeping methods for accounting purposes. These efforts provide for continuity and facilitate easier transition from one volunteer to another.
The SNU's preferred rally sites and rally fee structure. Preferred sites will accommodate participants whether or not they have rsvp'd. They are also accessible to any member of the group regardless of size of rig or towing experience.
Many great things have been happening in the SNU in the last five years – new rally sites, increased participation, newer members taking leadership roles, and members assisting the SNU in a variety of ways.
The SNU is a great group and by always keeping in mind our history and what makes us who we are, we will continue to thrive and to enjoy Airstreaming in the Great Basin area. Check out the SNU website. Learn more about our Unit's past. Read through the documentation that is there to help you understand the things we do and how we do them. As Jerry so aptly said “It's the Airstreams that bring us together but it's the people who keep us together”
For full text of this article check the link listed on the back of this newsletter.
Rich Luhr of Airstream Life had an interesting tale in a recent blog entry. He was talking about a fellow Airstreamer who, following GPS directions ended up on a dead end road at night trying to get to a State Park in Texas. While trying to extricate herself, she backed into a tree causing $12,000 worth of aluminum damage. As Rich mentions in his blog, GPS databases are not always complete and sometimes GPS directions indicate the quickest or shortest most direct route rather than the most accessible. This incident brings up the reason why the SNU relies on scouts to check out new rally sites. In particular, members who have been to SNU rallies and have a good understanding of what our group needs in the way of access roads and parking areas. This is why sometimes the directions to various rallies are different from what the GPS might suggest or Google maps might describe. SNU members scouting out these sites, know about narrow bridges and cattle guards. They know there is a turnaround space at the end of a one lane road. They know the grade doesn't exceed the capabilities of any rig and that the road is wide enough to accommodate any size Airstream without fear of Nevada pinstriping. Our next rally at Unionville provides an example. Driving up the canyon, a first time attendee may think they are getting into an inescapable situation. Never fear. We've been there. Keep going. You can't miss us and we know you will be able to park, to turn around, and to get back home safe and sound after the rally. Keep in mind, if you have any questions, concerns, or doubts about getting to an SNU rally, don't hesitate to contact us for clarification and additional information.
Although it is just May it isn't too early to start thinking about rally plans and SNU officers for 2009. The SNU has been very consistent over the last six years of submitting a complete annual rally and events schedule and list of officers to WBCCI by their Fall deadlines. This is due in part, to getting the word out early so that all SNU members have an opportunity to provide input and ideas. For officers, the primary position that will need filling is that of President. If you have any suggestions or are willing to put yourself up for nomination, please let us know. For rallies, there is an online survey that you can complete and give us your ideas and preferences. Check the link listed on the back of this newsletter to find the survey.
This just in from Don Williams - I just assumed the role of Deputy Chief West for Riverside County RACES (Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service). I have 8 city/region districts in western Riverside County that I help manage and will report to me; I report to the Chief RACES Officer for the County. I think I'll have to start making an attempt to check in on the Sunday morning RACES 75 Meter Net from the SNU rallies. Here is a short bio that Don prepared for RACES. Don has been an amateur radio operator for 15 years and holds a General Class license. Don has served as Assistant Emergency Coordinator for Riverside District, President of the Riverside Amateur Radio Association and Chairman of the Inland Empire Council of Amateur Radio operators. Don is retired from a long career at the city of Corona as a Civil Engineer and manager in the Department of Water and Power. As part of his duties he helped prepare the department’s emergency response plan and represented the department in Corona’s Emergency Operations Center. Congratulations Don!
Remember you can now pay your rally kitty fees on-line!
http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/snu/2007/payonline/snu-shopping.html
Thursday June 19 - Sunday 22, 2008 Portola Railroad museum. Off Hwy 70 in Portola, CA
June 28 - July 4, 2008 Bozeman, Montana 51st WBCCI International Rally
Thursday July 17 - Sunday 20, 2008 Sweetwater Summit dispersed BLM, near Yerrington
Thursday August 21 - Sunday 24, 2008 Eagle Lake BLM Campground northeast of Susanville, CA
Thursday September 18 – Sunday21, 2008 Obsidian Dome (Inyo Nat'l Forest) dispersed camping - off US 395 South between June Lakes and Mammoth Lakes
Friday October 16 – Sunday 19, 2008 Blue Lakes, PG&E campground off Hwy 88 Hope Valley back up - Pyramid Lake Indian Reservation, Pelican Point
Saturday November 22, 2008 Chuckars Fernley Exit 46 off I80 on the west end of Fernley, NV
Thursday November 13 – Sunday16, 2008 Death Valley Mesquite campground
Saturday December 13, 2008 JT's Basque restaurant, Minden, NV - on US 395 south
For more information on upcoming rallies check the website
http://sierranevadaairstreams.org/snu/2008/events/rallydocs/08-rallyschedule.html