Greetings Members
As 2017 draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on our Rallies and experiences this year. The first one was the Pahrump, NV Rally at the Lakeside Casino and RV Park in late March. This was our last visit to Pahrump, but maybe someone in the club might come up with another location near there to host a future rally.

The Quincy, CA Rally was the next one at the Pioneer RV Park in May. Quincy is always great with the mountain atmosphere, and easy to just “do nothing.” For those who like Dirt Track Car Races, the Saw Mill and historic downtown Quincy, these are worthwhile things to do.

Then came the Branson East/West Rally in Branson, MO in late September. The Branson Lakeside RV Park was terrific; Branson is an incredible destination for a rally, with Riverboat Shows, Dinner Shows galore - the list is endless. It was a pleasure meeting so many of the East Club members too!

On the way home (for us) was the Lake Pleasant Rally, at the Hank Raymond Lodge, in Peoria, AZ. This was a great private lodge. It was a very relaxing and laid back rally. 

Debbie and I were excited to host our 14th Annual Rally at the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA. The last time we were there was about 10 years ago, when we camped with our two grandsons, Nathan and Joshua and their parents, Rob and Jen. It was our first Annual Rally as hosts, and we believe it turned out really well, as you will read below!

Our 2018 Rallies are listed in the “Upcoming Rallies Snapshot,” but we still need one more to round out the year. Perhaps some of you new and current members would consider hosting a rally? We certainly hope so, as it’s the reason the club exists! Please volunteer, and we will help you every step of the way.

We were excited to meet the following new members to the Chinook RV Club in Watsonville: Marc and Diana Boswell, Steve and Judy Coll, Susi Cronk (AKA Susi Moon), Roger Davies, and Rich and Judy Scollay.

Welcome New Members
It’s my privilege to welcome the following new members. Thank you so very much for joining our club, and we hope to see you at future rallies. Feel free to send us an email or call with any ideas you may have about possibly hosting a rally. We really appreciate the support!!

  • Roger and Linda Davies - Yuba City, CA
  • Charles and Nancy Sawyer - Ukiah, CA
  • Robert Wilburn and Gloria De Silva - Vista, CA

In closing, both Debbie and I wish everyone in the club a joyous holiday season. We have much to be thankful for this year with our two new granddaughters, Kaylee and Chloe!

Here’s to a successful and wonderful new year in 2018, and we hope to see many of you at our future rallies!
~ Bob Shetland, President

Upcoming Rallies Snapshot
  • Yuma, AZ - In February 7, Out February 11, 2018 - Blue Sky RV Ranch, hosted by Jenelle and Don Alastra. (see article)
  • McMinnville, OR - In May 17, Out May 20, 2018 - Olde Stone Village, hosted by Darlene and Dean Warrick. (see article)
  • Las Vegas, NV (15th Annual) - In October 17, Out October 21, 2018 - Las Vegas KOA at Sam's Town, www.koa.com/lasvegas, hosted by Debbie & Bob Shetland.

  • Need One More in 2018 - contact Debbie Shetland (debbieshetland@gmail.com) if you would like to host a rally. We need one more rally for the year, preferably in July or August. And it's not too early to plan one for 2019 either!

  • Quincy, CA - In May 16, Out May 19, 2019 - Pioneer RV Park, hosted by Debbie & Bob Shetland and Marta & Bert Wall.
WATSONVILLE, CA - 14th Annual Rally Recap
  Held November 8 - 12, 2017
At the Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA - Hosted by Bob & Debbie Shetland
Wait a minute . . . that's not everyone!
Oh yeah, some people had to leave early. Don't worry, check out all the pix below!
We had a great turnout for our 14th Annual Rally - 20 coaches plus a rented Airstream with 38 Chinookers plus a new member who stopped by to visit for a couple of dinners without her coach. Since our Annual Rallies are the most important events of the year, Bob and I were thrilled to have so many turn out for it! It didn't matter that some people had to come a day or two late and some leave a day or two early. They showed up - and that's what really matters.

There was something going on every day. But whether visiting the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Natural Bridges State Beach, Monterey Bay Aquarium/Cannery Row, Annie's Glass, Capitola Village, Manresa State Beach; participating in our Book Exchange and Tech Talk; learning basket weaving; taking a walk along the beach; or just taking it easy during the day - we got together for dinner at the Sand Shack Hall every evening.

On the last night we also held our business meeting with elections, and afterward a few people lingered around a fire ring as if not wanting the rally to end. It's always hard to say good-bye to our friends, whether new ones attending their first rally or those we've known for years.

Thanks for the help!
Since I didn't take as many pictures as I intended, many thanks to everyone who snapped away and helped complete the photographic story of our Watsonville rally: Anne Dare, Jane & Jerry Earley, Vera Raudman, Dave Shehane and, of course, my hubby Bob.

Thanks also to everyone who helped clean up after dinner every night. An extra thanks to Margie Froess who hung around the park with me every day, helping tote things to the Sand Shack, cleaning and getting things set up. And last by not least, a big thanks to Dave & Patsy Shehane and Bill and Anne Dare who helped us thoroughly clean the Sand Shack on Sunday - the park said they should hire Bill, as they'd never seen the floor that clean!!
Okay, so here are our attendees - and you shouldn't even have to squint!
Susi Cronk (AKA Susi Moon) & George
Jim & Juliana Geleszinski (front)
Pat & Terri Runyon (back)
Kit Poppelreiter & Gary Adamson
Margie Froess & Thu-Lan Delestrez, Linda Davis (Front)
Jean-Yves Delestrez, Neal Rosenthal (Back)
Rich & Judy Scollay (Left), Steve & Judy Coll (Right)
Roger Davies (Left), Mary Esther Chavarela (Center), Doug Askerman (Right)
Barbara & Ole Jensen
Stan & Kit Oliveira
Bill & Anne Dare
Bob & Vera Raudman
Jerry & Jane Earley
Bert & Marta Wall
Marc & Diana Boswell
Walter (Skip) & Patty White
Patsy & Dave Shehane
Debbie & Bob Shetland
WEDNESDAY: On the first night of the rally we had our usual Meet & Greet, where we enjoyed wine, sandwiches, etc. We talked about the upcoming elections and rallies - asking members to think about running for a board position and hosting a rally, then we figured out where the majority of people wanted to go on Thursday.
THURSDAY: With a rented van on hand, Bob shuttled people to the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park in the morning and Natural Bridges State Beach in the afternoon, with a short trip to drop off a group at Annie's Glass in between - unfortunately Annie's Glass hadn't received their wine delivery, so no wine tasting. It's a good thing we had plenty of wine on hand for dinner!
A few hearty souls ventured over to Manresa State Beach, a short walk from the KOA.


Thursday night we enjoyed a great potluck. We never plan a menu for our potlucks, so I am always amazed at the great variety of food. There are always appetizers, salads, entrees, side dishes, desserts, and wine - lots of wine. Thanks everyone for putting on a fabulous spread!
FRIDAY: We had three vans to take people who wanted to go to Monterey Bay Cannery Row. We parked at Fisherman's Wharf and had a long walk to Cannery Row - there were numerous sites to see and great photo opportunities along the way. Some went to the aquarium, many just had a nice lunch and enjoyed the ambience of the area. On the way back to the KOA one of the vans stopped at a roadside produce stand for a little fun and shopping.

That night we had a pizza party delivered by Strawhat Pizza, plus two salads that Thu-Lan Delestrez put together for us (thanks Thu-Lan!) . . . and, of course, wine.
SATURDAY: This was mostly a free day for people to relax and visit. We did have our traditional Book Exchange and Tech Talk in the morning. Then people just did their own thing. See Anne Dare's account and pictures from a basket weaving class:

"The basket weaving class was 2 hours, free, and at the Henry Cowell Redwoods S.P. We rounded up a van load of interested parties, which consisted of Bill & Anne Dare (the instigators), Bob and Vera Raudman (who supplied the van), Terri Runyon and Juliana Geleszinski. We didn’t get whole baskets made, but got the foundation and the name of the book (also pictured) that our instructor recommended. It was great fun and we got lost going over there and coming back, but Bob made several U-turns on that windy mountain road that were truly skillful! Thanks Bob for being such a good sport!" ~ Anne Dare
That night we had a catered dinner from Jalisco's - yay fajitas and enchiladas!

At dinner we asked our Veterans to stand to be honored and to tell us about their service.

After dinner we held our annual business meeting and held elections (see the annual meeting minutes after Upcoming Rallies).
First Class Sonarman Bill Dare
Lieutenant Junior Grade Rich Scollay
Leading Wireless Telegrapher
Bob Raudman
(Just a kid in the Royal Canadian Navy)
Staff Sergeant Pat Runyon
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Jerry Earley
First Sergeant Doug Askerman
Airman First Class E-3 Jim Geleszinski
Mary Esther spoke for Sergeant E5
Mike Chavarela who was not at the rally.
SUNDAY: Besides cleaning the Sand Shack and bidding a fond farewell to our many friends, a few found time to channel their inner child and do a little bouncing.
<<< UPCOMING RALLIES  >>>
<<< WINTER GETAWAY >>>
YUMA, ARIZONA Mini Rally
In February 7 - Out February 11, 2018
Spaces Are Filling Up ~ Reserve Your Spot Today!

Escape the Cold Weather and Enjoy the True Southwest
in Yuma, Arizona
Come immerse yourself in a rich culture and heritage, rooted in centuries of history. Soak in blue skies and sun that shines 310 days a year -- perfect for outdoor activities. Breathe in the desert air and you'll understand why Yuma, AZ is a destination like no other.
Blue Sky Ranch RV ~ Yuma’s Premier Boutique RV Resort
 Under new ownership and management. Completely renovated. Newly paved roads. All new recreational facilities including swimming pool & spa, pickle ball court, bocce ball court, curling lanes, shuffleboard courts, a putting green and an enclosed dog park.
LOCATION: Blue Sky Ranch RV Resort, 5510 E 32nd St ( Hwy 8), Yuma, AZ 85365
HOSTS: Jenelle and Don Alastra
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT: Jenelle Alastra at (541) 604-4035, or email both Jenelle and Debbie Shetland: alastradoublea@ymail.com and debbieshetland@gmail.com.
SITES RESERVED: 15  
COST: Single $195.00, Double $245.00
Send check made out and payable to: Jenelle Alastra, 5707 East 32nd Street, Lot 529, Yuma, AZ 85365
DEADLINE: Please send in your check as soon as possible because Jenelle and Don have to pay for the Field to Feast Farm Tour in advance. Absolute deadline is January 6, 2018.
Don't miss out - call or email today!
Jenelle and Don have put together a great rally for us. We come in on Wednesday; take a day trip to Los Algodones, Mexico on Thursday; do the Field to Feast farm tour on Friday; and go to a dance on Saturday night. This is going to be a lot of fun, so make sure you reserve a spot!

  • Los Algondones (Make sure you have a current passport or passport card!) - visitors cross the border as much for bargain dental care and eyeglasses as for local color. Los Algondones has a heavy concentration of dentists, opticians and pharmacies, along with lots of souvenir vendors, restaurants and bars. Since tourists are the focus in border communities, the currency of choice is the American dollar and English is almost universally spoken. Most tourist-oriented business are within an easy stroll of the border. We will be parking at a nice lot and walking across the border.
  • Field to Feast farm tour - we will pick veggies from fields grown by the University of Arizona, then enjoy a narrated tour from a Yuma grower while Arizona Western College culinary students are hard at work turning our fresh veggies into a delicious and healthy lunch. Added bonus: once we've filled the chefs' order of veggies for our lunch, we can pick some fresh Yuma produce to take home. All-in-all, it will be a fun morning that will give us a new appreciation of food from farm to fork, fresh veggies we picked with our own hands, and a full stomach!
  • Saturday Night Dance - Jenelle and Don live across the street from Blue Sky RV Ranch at the Country Roads RV Village, where they have weekly Saturday night dances with great live music. BYOB, buy some popcorn, cut a rug, or just sit and enjoy. What a perfect way to spend the last night of the rally!
<<< SPRING GETAWAY >>>
McMINNVILLE, OR Mini Rally
In May 17 - Out May 20, 2018
Olde Stone Village ~ Located in the Heart of Oregon Wine Country
Tree-lined streets and soft grassy knolls are just part of the appeal of Olde Stone Village, McMinnville Oregon’s premier recreational vehicle park and community. Tucked into the rolling landscape of Yamhill County , the park offers easy access to highways, as well as McMinnville’s shops, restaurants, scenic vineyards, historic attractions, and roadside produce stands stocked with your seasonal favorites.
LOCATION: Olde Stone Village, 4155 NE Three Mile Lane, McMinnville, OR 97128
>>> Important be sure to set any navigational devices to avoid ferries!<<<
HOSTS: Darlene and Dean Warrick
RESERVATIONS & CONTACT: Call Olde Stone Village at (877) 472-4315, 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM, 7 Days a Week. Let them know you're part of the Chinook RV Club. Reserve with credit card. ( Please email both Darlene and Dean Warrick and Debbie Shetland when you've made your reservation: dndwar@gmail.com and debbieshetland@gmail.com .
SITES RESERVED: 15  
COST: $138.00 includes 3 nights ($46.00/night), less 10% Good Sam Discount
DEADLINE: April 1, 2018
Olde Stone Village is immediately adjacent to the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, home of the world famous “Spruce Goose” and Evergreen’s aviation-themed IMAX Theater. It is located within easy distance of golf courses, Spirit Mountain Casino, wineries and tasting rooms, Mt. Hood, the Columbia Gorge, The Oregon Garden and the spectacular Oregon Coast. Olde Stone Village is also conveniently located close to Willamette Valley Medical Center.
Evergreen Aviation Space Museum
Home of the famous "Spruce Goose"
Adjacent to Olde Stone Village
Bayou Golf Course
5.3 miles from Olde Stone Village
Spirit Mountain Casino
29.1 miles from Olde Stone Village
Chinook RV Club 14th Annual Meeting
Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay KOA
1186 San Andreas Rd, Watsonville, CA 95076
November 11, 2017
I. Call to Order:
The meeting was called to order by President Bob Shetland at 7:50 pm at the KOA Santa Cruz/Monterey Bay in Watsonville, CA.

II. Attendance/Quorum: 
President Shetland declared that we could proceed with the business of the club since there were enough members to establish a quorum. (17 Chinooks)

Pat & Terri Runyon, Dave & Patsy Shehane, Doug Askerman, Jerry & Jane Earley, Skip & Patty White, Neal Rosenthal & Linda Davis, Jean-Yves & Thu-Lan Delestrez, Bill & Anne Dare, Steve & Judy Coll, Mary Esther Chavarela, Marta & Bert Wall, Bob & Debbie Shetland, Margie Froess, Jim & Juliana Geleszinski, Rich & Judy Scollay, Bob & Vera Raudman, Susi Cronk (AKA Susi Moon)

III. Minutes:
The minutes from the 13th Annual Meeting at West Bay Marine Village Victoria BC on July 26, 2016 were published on-line. Marta Wall made the motion to accept the minutes as published. Jerry Earley seconded. Motion passed. 

IV. Treasurer's Report:
Treasurer Mary Coleman (unable to attend rally) submitted a written Annual treasurer's report for fiscal year ending September 30, 2017. Beginning balance (7-18-16) was $4149.41. Income for year totaled $4515.00. Expenses for rallies, bank charges, printing, postage and supplies totaled $2,267.70, leaving an ending balance of $6,396.71.  Mary Ester Chavarela made the motion to accept the treasurer's report. Jim Geleszinski seconded. Members approved the report. 

V. Vice President of Membership Report:
Vice President of Membership, Dave Shehane reported that we have 95 members who have indicated they want to continue membership. As of November 11, 2017, 78 have paid and 16 have not paid. We have 9 new members, 8-9 former members have indicated they are dropping (1/2 of these stated selling of their Chinooks was the reason for termination of membership).

VI. Vice President of Rallies Report:
Vice President of Rallies, Debbie Shetland reported on the next scheduled rallies will be:

  • February –7-11, 2018 at Blue Sky Ranch, Yuma Arizona. Hosted by Jenelle and Don Alastra and that attending club member should bring passports for trips into Mexico.

  • May –17-20, 2018 at McMinnville, Oregon. Hosted by Darlene and Dean Warrick.

  • May –16-19, 2019 at Quincy, California. 

VII. Nominations:
Nomination Chairman, Dave Shehane asked for nominations from the floor for the position of Secretary. As no one wished to take the position, the temporary Secretary, Patsy Shehane agreed to continue in the position. Jim Geleszinski made the motion to accept the nomination and Jerry Earley seconded. Motion carried.

Mary Coleman, by phone, agreed to continue as Treasurer for another term. No nominations were submitted from the floor. Jim Geleszinski moved to accept Mary Coleman for Treasurer. Jerry Earley seconded. Motion carried.

Dave discussed the need for a second Member at Large. A motion was made to change the bylaws to two members at large. Jane Early made the motion to change the bylaws to two members at large. Doug Askerman seconded. Motion carried.

The bylaw change will be e-mailed to current members for their approval. 
 
Dave Shehane asked for volunteers from the floor. Jim Geleszinski and Bill Dare offered their services. The members present submitted their written vote which when tallied showed that Jim and Bill tied. Dave declared them Provisional Co-Members at Large until the change to the bylaws has been approved by the membership.

VIII. Old/Unfinished Business:
No old business was discussed

IX. New Business:
No new business was discussed

X. Adjournment: 
Mary Esther moved that the 14th Annual meeting be adjourned. Doug Askerman seconded. Motion carried at 8:43 p.m. 

Respectfully submitted
Patricia A. Shehane
Bylaws Amendment Passed
December 7, 2017
I'm happy to announce that we have already obtained more than the required 65% affirmative vote of the members to pass the Bylaws Amendment to increase the number of Members at Large to two. Many thanks to everyone who took the time to vote!

Use this link to view the BYLAWS OF THE CHINOOK RV CLUB, revised 12-7-17.
Chinook History Since 1938
Check out the complete history of Chinooks from the beginning in 1938 and see how they evolved over the years. It's a great story! https://www.tincantourists.com/wiki/doku.php?id=chinook
Chinook RV Club
Vehicle Name Plaques Available
    Available to Members for Just $35.00  
These plaques are durable engraved plastic, so they will not fade or wear out, and come with a chain to hang on your Chinook. Club members proudly display them at rallies to identify their coaches.

To order send your check for $35 directly to Barbara Jensen, 1255 S. Sandy Hill Drive, West Covina, CA 91791. Include the names as you would like them displayed on the plaque, including your city, state. 
  Club Officers 2016
President:
    Bob Shetland  bshetland2@gmail.com
V. P. Membership:
    Dave Shehane   dshehane@gmail.com
V. P. Rallies:
    Debbie Shetland  debbieshetland@gmail.com
Secretary:
    Patsy Shehane  pashehane@gmail.com 
Treasurer:
    Mary Coleman  maryccoleman@hotmail.com
Co-Members-at-Large:
    Bill Dare  erad44@gmail.com and Jim Geleszinski jimn138@aol.com
Immediate Past President:
    Dave Shehane  dshehane@gmail.com
Other Club Positions
Webmaster:
    Dave Shehane   webmaster@chinookrvclub.com
Editor:
    Debbie Shetland   debbieshetland@gmail.com
Club Historian:
    TBD
 
   PURPOSE: This Club (Chinook RV Club) exists to promote social, recreational & informational exchange activities that provide for the enjoyment and pleasurable use of all its members. Our club functions primarily in the western and central US, although it is open to qualified members from the Eastern club (Chinook Camping Club).
   DUES : Our dues are $35.00/year. Our fiscal and membership year is October 1 through September 30. Prompt payment not only helps Treasurer in budgeting expenses, but also helps the V.P. Membership to produce our Membership Directory. Please advise V.P. Membership of any changes in e-mail and mailing addresses.