June 2014 - Telephone Pioneers Family Campers

June 2014
A $ign of the Times
As you can see, Hello Central is no longer in newspaper form. In the past, the
paper had been mailed to almost 2000 members. Every year, we asked for address
changes and to let us know whether you wanted to be removed from the mailing list.
We received very few responses. We also have asked for free-will donations to keep the
paper going. On the front page of the February 2013 issue was an article about an
annual $5.oo subscription to Hello Central; this because of a decision made by the
Executive Committee. In an effort to reduce our expenses, we are trying this new
format AND only sending it to those who signed up for a subscription and/or made a
large donation in the past years. You may also read it on our web site: tpfc.net
To have Hello Central mailed to you, send the $5.00 annual subscription fee
payable to ITPFC, send to: Dallas Leier, 1900 Aglen St., Roseville, MN 55113
43rd TPFC International Rally
September 9-11, 2014 Amana, Iowa
Amana . South Amana . East Amana . West Amana . High Amana . Middle Amana . Homestead
A story of the ages, religious persecution, led German immigrants to move from Buffalo, NY to an area
along the Iowa River where, in the mid 1850’s, seven villages arose. Those settlements are known as the
Amana Colonies. Each town tried to be self-sufficient in that each had its own bakery, school, post office and
general store. For over seventy years, the people in those towns lived a type of communal life. Each resident
worked for that town and shared the town’s business interests. Families lived in individual homes without a
kitchen or dining area as all meals were served at a central kitchen.
(see page 13)
Director’s Dictums
(according to the thesaurus,
that’s a fancy word for “Notes”)
Pat just reminded me that it’s high time I sat down and
wrote my article for “Hello Central” (in fact, a bit past
time, right?) Since Pat and I are not among the many
wise “snow birds” in TPFC, we’ve stuck it out in Kansas
City for most of the winter – lots of snow and way too
many frigid temperatures!!!! In fact, I understand that
we broke the previous Kansas City record for the
number of consecutive days when the temperature did
not go above freezing. I heard on the news that spring
is only about two weeks away, and we can hardly wait.
During 2013, we only took our RV on the road once
which was to travel to Tucson, Arizona for the 2013
International Rally. The Tincombes and the Copper
State Bells hosted an outstanding event. During our
“free” time, we enjoyed visiting the Desert Museum
with Joe and Jacquie Ritch, and traveling half-way up
Mount Lemmon with them and Judy and Joe Leritz
(half-way was all that Judy could endure!) Our
miniature poodle Bentley’s favorite thing about the rally
was the off-leash dog park, where he enjoyed kibitzing
with many other canine friends (including three other
Bentleys!) We did attend a lively Great Rivers Rally
hosted by the Gateway Family Campers in the fall, but
since it was in Branson, only 13 miles from our house in
Kimberling City, we just drove over for the meetings
(and food of course!)
Just because we didn’t pull out the rig, it doesn’t mean
we didn’t connect with our Heart of America friends
throughout the year. We hosted the club’s annual June
barbeque and Christmas potluck luncheon at our Kansas
City home. The group also gathered for lunch at several
Kansas City area restaurants. Our times together are
getting less frequent, but still pleasurable. You can’t
beat seeing familiar faces and sharing memories, right?
As I write these notes, we’ve been snowed in at the
bottom of the hill in our Kimberling City house for a
week. While we wait impatiently for the snow to melt
and spring to come, we’re really looking forward to
firing up the engine in the RV at least three times in
2014. First, to join the Kentucky Bluebells for “Derby
Day” in May, then to travel to the Amana Colonies in
Iowa for the 2014 International Rally, and finally to go
from there to Oklahoma for the 2014 Great Rivers Rally.
After that, turning into “snowbirds” ourselves and
heading to Tucson for a few winter weeks is sounding
better all the time!!!
Turning back to TPFC International business, I’m sorry to
report that Judy Leritz’s husband, Joe, is having health
problems. Consequently, they are putting their RV on
the market and plan to stay close to home in Kansas.
She has resigned her TPFC office as Central Region Vice
President and I would welcome volunteers to complete
her term.
In closing, I look forward to seeing ALL of you at the
Amana Colonies in September, 2014 and hearing your
stories.
Don French
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
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I T P F C Disclaimer

The statements, comments and/or opinions
expressed by the authors of any article in
Hello Central, the official publication of the
page 2
International Telephone Pioneer Family
Campers, or on its website, tpfc.net, are those
of the respective writers who are solely
responsible for them and do not necessarily
represent the views of the I T P F C
ANOTHER “REWARDING” YEAR FOR MN 10,000 LAKES FAMILY CAMPERS
By Kathy Hanson
Here in Minnesota’s TPFC group we are grateful for the vibrancy, enthusiasm and commitment of our camping
family. We embrace new members and understand how important they are to our ability to live up to the
fellowship and service ideals of the Telephone Pioneer Family Campers.
In 2013 we changed to scheduling three campouts per season and eliminated the Mystery Trip event of the
past.
10,000 Lakes Family Campers were recognized with a special “SYLVIE” award by the national MS Society at its
annual meeting February 1 in Bloomington, MN.
Pioneer Family Campers was named as Group Volunteers of the Year. Our week-long host duties at the 3rd
Rest Stop each day of the 5 day fundraiser, MS TRAM, is a themed event attracting dozens of rest stop
volunteers and delighting the hundreds of bike riders who fundraise to help discover a Multiple Sclerosis cure .
Last year, the Pioneer sponsored ride team raised close to $12,000 for the MS Society.
Several years ago 10,000 Lakes TPFC began asking members to step up and offer to host one of the three
yearly campouts. This has proven to be a successful move. No person or couple has to do all the leg work for
all three campouts.
In 2014 we have some new places to go. We invite you to join us:
May 16-18 (Hosts: Marge & Zig Carlson)
Camp S’More Campground www.campsmoremn.com 320-732-2517
***********
August 15-17 (Host: Joan & Bill, the Wagon Master, Lovegren) & (Jan and Mark Berg)
St. Cloud/Clearwater RV Park [email protected] 320-558-2876
****************
September 19-21 (Hosts: George and Kathy Carlson)
Elks Youth Camp at Nisswa, MN
***************
AND, OF COURSE, WE’LL BE AT THE AMANA, IOWA TPFC RALLY
SEPTEMBER 9 – 10 – 11
page 3
INTERNATIONAL
ADMINISTRATOR’S MESSAGE
2014
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, to all of our
TPFC members who have come to our annual rallies
each year. It is YOU who make our camping club. Let’s
keep it going.
Wagon Masters Brenda and Frank Wieman and
others are working on the 2014 rally. The rally will be
held at the Amana Colonies RV and Event Center in
Amana, Iowa on September 9th, 10th & 11th. They have
a nice camp ground with full hooks ups. There are
shower houses close by. The events center for all of our
activities is close to the camping sites. You are on your
own for site-seeing as there will be no organized tours.
Be sure to contact the Amana Iowa Chamber of
Commerce, 39 38th Ave., Ste. 100, Amana, Iowa 52203
Tel. # 319-622-7622. Plan your vacation early and come
spend some time in and around Amana. The preregistration and registration forms will be on the
TPFC.NET web site
The 42nd TPFC Rally went by way too fast. On Monday,
you were on your own to see the local attractions near
Tucson. On Tuesday morning, we had a free breakfast
by Lazydays. Opening ceremonies were at 9:00 a.m
with guest speakers from Lazydays, Century Link and
the Arizona Pioneer Chapter President. Lunch was on
your own. At 5:30 p.m. we had a Managers’ Reception
by Lazy Days. On Wednesday we had breakfast, the
craft sales, TPFC sales and pre-registration for the 2014
International Rally. Later that evening we had
entertainment by "Kids Unlimited." Thursday morning’s
breakfast was followed by the general membership
meeting at 9:00 a.m. Dinner was at 5:00 p.m. and the
closing ceremonies followed with the raffle, 50-50
drawing and entertainment by Joe Venuti playing the
guitar. The caterer did a great job of putting all of the
meals together. A BIG THANK YOU goes out to Jan and
Art Tincombe, the executive committee and all those
folks who were behind the scenes to make this event
happen. They had about 35 RV’s.
Judy Leritz was re-elected as the 2014-2017
Central Region V-P. “Thank You”, Judy and Joe, for
accepting the nomination and position.
The nominations for 2014 must be sent in 60 days
before the ITPFC rally. Please send the 2014
nominations for the WESTERN Region V-P by July10,
2014. Send to Don French, International Director, P. O.
Box 968, Kimberling City, MO 65686-0968 or e-mail
him at [email protected].
We need bids for the 2015 Rally to be held in the
Eastern Region, 2016 in the Western Region and 2017 in
the Central Region. A few years ago we had bids in
place four years out; come on members, let’s get active
again with our camping group.
THANK YOU goes to Jim and Sandy Edwards as our
Editors of the “Hello Central.” Did you know that they
make calls to our various clubs begging them to send in
articles? You can send the articles about your club
actives and pictures throughout the year. Don’t wait
until the last day, BECAUSE before you know it you will
say, “I have just got to get that article to Jim and Sandy
Edwards.”
There will be a new format for Hello Central. The
newspaper style was costing about $4500 and sending it
to less than 2000 TPFC members. We have about 230
members who want to receive the paper copy of Hello
Central, the rest choose to go on the Internet to read
our newsletter.
THANK YOU to those members who made donations.
Some of our members made donations and said “thank
you” for the past Hello Centrals and because they are
no longer camping asked that their names be taken off
the mailing list. As stated in previous Hello Centrals, the
International Working Fund that is collected at the
rallies supports Hello Central and the administrative
expenses (stamps, paper, ink, etc.) of the TPFC. We
have fewer members attending the rallies and so we
have less money coming in to support the TPFC.
For our Canadian members; if you wish to make
a donation PLEASE send cash. The banks charge us $10
to process a check from Canada.
(see page 5)
page 4
International Administrator’s
Message continued from page 4
As always, we THANK the secretaries who send us a
copy of their club roster. Would you believe we still
have members who move and don’t send us their
change of address? Every year we get on the soapbox
and say, “Send us your change of address”.
AGAIN, PLEASE SEND US YOUR CHANGE OF ADDRESS
AS WE NEED TO KEEP THE ROSTER CURRENT.
The last member number issued was in 2012. It was
#8504 to the Crosses from Mount Laurel, NJ. We have
1959 active members in our database and 6545 that are
inactive.
A lot of our members have volunteer pioneer hours. It is
important that they be reported to their local council or
state chapter. The TPFC camp outs and the other
projects that we work on should be reported on a
monthly basis.
“Thank You” to Dave Hammer for scanning the Hello
Central from 2004 -2009 to place on our TPFC.NET web
site. Since 2010 Dave has been able to use the CD’s that
Jim and Sandy Edwards sent to the printer which was a
lot easier. If you don’t have a computer you can go to
any library and go to our TPFC.NET web site and read
the Hello Central.
“Thank You” to Bruce and Chris Tracy for the fine job
and all your hard work keeping the TPFC.NET web site
up to date.
“Thank you” to the many clubs and TPFC members for
your support. Again, this is your camping club and you
can make a difference. All of our MEMBERS NEED to
step up to the plate to become officers in their club and
for the clubs to host the International Rallies and/or be
an officer at the international level. WE NEED YOU.
I am concerned that if you/we members do nothing our
Telephone Pioneer Family Campers will be history.
Yours in Pioneering,
International Administrator,
Dallas Leier
Gateway Family Campers
Like many of the other camping clubs, The
Gateway Family Campers active members have
declined. The good news is that we have a full slate
of officers, a schedule of events for the year
complete with places to go and hosts to lead. We
started this year with an Indoor-Cookout in April
where we met for dinner after most of the
snowbirds had returned to their home roosts.
In May, we caught enough trout at Bennett Spring
State Park for a nice fish fry/ pot luck.
Missouri has several, beautiful trout streams. In
June, Alex Blanc, Jerry and Judy’s grandson, caught
enough crappie and bass for another
fish fry. Can’t get much better than two in a row.
Hey, in July we’re heading to Rend Lake in Illinois.
More fish? Even without fish, our pot lucks are
fabulous which we ALWAYS
have at each campout. Another constant is our
church service with a few of us taking turns sharing
our beliefs.
This year we are planning an extended trip making
our way to the International Rally in Amana, Iowa.
In past years, our club has enjoyed the Old
Threshers Reunion in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa which is
held Labor Day weekend. That will probably be
one of our stops on the way to Amana.
A few of us plan to attend the Great Rivers Rally in
Oklahoma. In the fall, we schedule the next year’s
events with members taking turns hosting
campouts, dinners and our annual Christmas Party.
Again, there are fewer of us, but we still get
together and enjoy each other’s company as we
have for over 40 years.
Sandy Edwards
Page 5
Executive
Committee
2014 Great Rivers Rally:
Questions Answered
Int. Director
Don French
417-739-1374
816-223-9706
[email protected]
Who?
The Sooner Schooners are hosting.
What? The 26th Annual Great Rivers Rally
When? October 7-9, 2014
Where? Winstar RV Park, Thackerville, OK
Why?
It’s strictly social; all for fun, fun for all.
What’s to do? It’s a short shuttle ride to the huge
Winstar Casino. It has 500,000 square feet of
gaming which includes 8 city-themed rooms.
There are 15 restaurants including the obligatory
buffet, Toby Keith’s “I Love This Bar and Grill”
and a bakery that is open 24/7.
The beautiful Lake
Murry State Park and the Chickasaw Cultural
Center
are a half hour’s drive away. A must is a visit to
Fried Pies in nearby Gainesville, TX.
Rally events? As of this writing the hosts are
talking about a pizza night and a pot luck one
evening.
How to sign up? Send $10 to:
Int. Administrator
Dallas Leier
651-489-9437
[email protected]
Eastern Region V. P.
2012 Wagon Master
Skip Hendricks
856-678-5034
[email protected]
Central Region V. P.
Judy Leritz
785-640-5549
[email protected]
Western Region V. P.
Art Tincombe and
2013 Wagon Master
Jan Tincombe
520-822-2043
[email protected]
Roberta Holt - 15650 S. CR 205 - Blair, OK 73526-9233
Phone? 580-563-2647
580-318-102
Int. Secretary
Brenda Wieman and
2014 Wagon Master
Frank Wieman
618-540-9993
[email protected]
Int. Treasurer
Judy Hagan
502-494-6277
[email protected]
2011 Wagon Master
Jerry Blanc
636-677-4055
[email protected]
Sooner Schooners Roberta and Ken Holt
Page 6
Central Region
Western Region
Vice President’s Report
Vice President’s Report
Since retiring, Joe and I have spent our winters in
the Rio Grande Valley in Texas. We are part of a
group of telephone people who call ourselves the
Winter Texans. We meet once a year on the last
Tuesday in February. As we have for the past
several years, we hosted this year’s gathering at Mr.
Gatti’s Pizza. There were 34 people there
representing several states and Canada. We always
have a good time visiting with everyone there.
Since our rally in Tucson, AZ in May, 2013, not
much has happened out west. I would like to take
this space to thank my wife, Jan, for putting on a
super rally. She had some excellent help from
members of the Executive Committee. The
Lazydays Campground help was very supportive.
As of December, 2013, it is now a Corporate KOA.
On a personal note; Joe has been diagnosed with
Peripheral Neuropathy and Parkinson’s Disease.
His brothers helped us get back home to Kansas in
March. We have put the motorhome up for sale and
will no longer be able to travel like we used to. We
have many wonderful memories of the places we’ve
been and the great friends we’ve made over the
years in and out of the TPFC.
Joe helped me through my battle with cancer; now
it’s my turn to be there for him. I have resigned my
position as the Central Region Vice President. We
will both miss being a part of this wonderful
organization. Keep us in your thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Judy Leritz
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Central Region Vice President Needed
Nominations for the position of
Central Region Vice-President
are now being accepted.
Nominations must reach the International
Director, Don French, by July 10, 2014
P.O. Box 968, Kimberling City, MO
65686
OR e-mail to: [email protected]
The Colorado-Wyoming Club is still going with a
busy schedule. The Arizona Phone Pholks are
planning to have one last campout in December.
The Copper State Bells have a Christmas Party
scheduled also. The next International Rally will be
at the Amana Colonies Campground in Amana,
Iowa. For those of you who haven’t been there, it is
5 miles north of mile marker 225 on I-80. Jan and I
plan to be there.
Hope to see you all there.
Art Tincombe
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Western Region Vice President Needed
We are accepting nominations
to fill the position of the
Western Region Vice-President.
Nominations must reach the International
Director, Don French, by July 10, 2014
P.O. Box 968, Kimberling City, MO
65686
OR e-mail to: [email protected]
page 7
Eastern Region VP Report
Hello everyone. The 2013 camping season is long
behind us and as we come out of a long cold snowy
winter here in the north east we are looking forward to
the 2014 year. I would like to thank all of the clubs
contacts in the Eastern Region for keeping me up to
date on their campouts and schedules.
The Bell Wagoneers had a couple of campouts in 2013.
In June, the club gathered at Sea Shore Camp Sites in
Cape May, NJ. There were 6 rigs in attendance. A great
time was had by all. The second campout has held in
October in beautiful Lancaster, PA at Flory’s
Campground. We call this a give back weekend. The
weekend was paid for by the club. All of our members
were invited to attend. The campground had campsites,
cabins, trailers and rooms available, therefore all of our
members could attend even those without camping
rigs. There were 8 camping rigs, two couples in trailers
and one couple had a room. Saturday evening, the
group went to the famous Shady Maple Buffet (a must if
in the area). It was great seeing some of our campers
that we had not seen in a while.
The Bluegrass Buckeyes Club is very active. Their May,
2013 campout was held at Renfro Valley. There were 7
families in attendance. On Saturday, most went to the
Renfro Valley Restaurant and then on to the Barn Dance
at Renfro Valley. They were joined by the Hansons for
the first time; it was great having them with the group
and hope they continue to join them. Their June outing
was at 2 Rivers Campout in Carrollton, KY with 7
families attending.
The July campout was held at Grandma’s Campground,
Shepherdsville KY. On Friday, there was a tour of Mega
Caverns under the city of Louisville. Dinner was at a
Mexican restaurant and after dinner they went to
Glendale Campground to visit Joe and Judy Hagan from
the KY Bluebells.
Saturday was spent at the flea market and car show at
the local VFW.
August campout was at Lively Lady, Aberdeen, Ohio.
They were joined by Terry and Becky Luginbuhl for the
first time. On Saturday, the group went to the Maysville
Oktoberfest. Dinner was held at the campground
where wonderful pork BBQ by Alice was served.
September’s campout was at River Plantation in
Sevierville, TN. This was a long campout from Sept 7th
to the 14th; 4 families attended. Most everybody did
their own thing; shopping, sightseeing and car shows.
Dinner one night was at the Dixie Stampede. It was a
first time event for Stens and Luginbuhls.
The October campout was at the Westward HO
Campground in Nashville, TN. It was stated that it was
one of the most enjoyable weekends ever; wonderful
weather, great friends and not overly crowded. What
more could you ask for? There were visits to downtown
Nashville, the outlet mall at Edinburgh and the Brown
County Railroad Museum.
November’s Bird and Beast was hosted by the
Willoughbys at their home. Ten couples planned on
attending. The club’s Christmas Dinner was held
December 1st at the Houston Inn; 8 families attended.
A wonderful time was had by all. The club will start
their 2014 camping season in April. Contact Fred
Herrmann at 859 331-4690 or email
[email protected] for the remainder of their
schedule.
Sunshine Bells 2013 camping season started in
September. The first report I have is for their October
campout which was held at Sun-Fun-Resort in Sarasota ,
FL October 22-25th. There were 8 rigs in attendance.
The weather was great and there was a lot of good
food . The meeting was opened by President Sue
Wilson with the Pledge of Allegiance.
(see page 9)
page 8
Olympic Gold
February 20, 2014
Sochi, Russia
(Eastern V P Report continued from page 8)
The November campout was at Lazydays. Breakfast,
lunch and dinner were days provided by Lazydays. The
entertainment was good.The days Were filled with
games, seminars and activities. There was a movie
night. December they were at Wilderness RV Park in
Silver Springs, Fl. There were 9 rigs in attendance.
January was held at Red Oaks RV Park in Bushnell, FL.
Twelve rigs were in attendance. Their February outing
was held at Toby’s RV Park in Arcadia, FL.
Members of the TPFC of Virginia Club traveled to New
Jersey for their September outing at the Sea Shore
Camp Sites. A great time was had by all. Everyone
enjoyed old Cape May and all the old Victorian houses,
the boardwalk in Wildwood and the seafood was
wonderful. Linda and I joined the group for the week.
During their meeting, we discussed trying to camp with
the clubs that are left on the east coast. Since that
campout, Dee Smith has been in touch with Karen
Mathis from the Peach State Campers and Barbara
Piereth from the Palmetto Bells about sharing schedules
and possibly camping with each other groups. In
October, they camped at North River Campground in
Shawboro, NC for the Seafood Fest .
For info concerning the camping schedule for the
Palmetto Bells contact Barbara Piereth
[email protected]
Setting a record with 11 wins and 0 losses during
the Winter Olympics, Team Jennifer Jones, took
home the Gold Medal. This woman’s curling team
from Canada includes one of our very own, Dawn
Askin McEwen. Dawn was an important member
of the team as she performed an almost perfect 99
during the final match. She’s been curling since she
was 7 years old. Her team hopes to compete in the
2018 Olympics. Dawn married Mike McEwen, also
a professional curler, in July 2013. In spite of her
heavy athletic schedule, she holds a job with the
Canadian government.
Back in the ‘80s and ‘90s, Dawn and her family
were at several International Rallies. She and her
brother, Jeffry, were two of the many “kids” seen
running around the campgrounds when we had
entire families coming to the rallies. Her parents
are Wayne and Jane Askin, TPFC #1717, seen on
TV cheering in Sochi. Grandparents are Bud and
Kay Askin, TPFC # 286. Sadly, Kay passed away
in March.
We are so very proud of Dawn winning Olympic
Gold. It gives all of us who know her bragging
rights; and we intend to use them.
For info concerning the Peach State Campers schedule
contact Karen Mathis [email protected]
Yours in Pioneering,
Skip Hendricks,
Eastern Regional VP
page 9
Tucson was Terrific
The 42nd International TPFC Rally was held
in early May, 2013 in Tucson, Arizona. There was
a Camping World on site which got a lot of
business from our group. There are a variety of
things to see and do around Tucson. Besides the
Mexican and Native American influence seen; the
desert plants in the Great Southwest are beautiful in
their own way.
This rally was officially hosted by the
Executive Committee. In reality, Jan and Art
Tincombe did most of the work. Yes, a few of
helped with the raffle and collected meal tickets.
Several clubs as well as some individuals donated
baskets and/or raffle items. Jan said she expected 6
baskets from clubs; what she got was 10!
Donations for the pick-a-prize added up to more
than 40 “gifts” to choose from. Jan was
“flabbergasted” at the generosity of her fellow
campers. Art said that Jan did 85% of the work and
was involved in every aspect of the rally.
Temperatures in the low eighties made for a
beautiful week. Compared to the natural green in
Pennsylvania last year, every inch of the Lazydays
grounds is manicured. Most sites had colored
gravel and a grapefruit or orange tree; and yes,
some of us enjoyed the fruit. Each site also had a
wrought iron table and chairs; nice.
We were served a free breakfast every
morning. Tuesday evening we had a “manager’s
reception” which turned out to be appetizer type
foods which made for a good party. We had ribs
and chicken Thursday evening. All the food served
was very tasty
and there was lots of it. The cheesecake was really
yummy!
page 10
There were 37 rigs, so everyone was close to
the activities building. Nine other couples came to
the rally, but did not stay at the campground. We
were happy to see that three
couples from Texas, Homer and Sandra Garvin,
Raymond Berry, Joyce Davis and Bill and Judy
Bergstrom, all had a great time. They have
attended many five-state rallies, but this was their
first International.
The good, the bad and the ugly: Skip and
Linda Hendricks won the biggest basket and several
other raffle prizes. They had flown
to the rally; but the good news is they found
someone to haul their goodies home for them. It
only cost them the chocolate bars that were in the
baskets.
The bad news is that Dallas Leier announced
his intention to step down as Inter- national
Administrator. He has served on the Executive
Board 20 years. We can’t thank him enough for all
he has done for this club!
The ugly happened when Bill Kraetz fell off
his chair and returned from the hospital with a cast
on his arm.
More good stuff: After the Kids Unlimited
did their great show; Joe Venuti entertained us with
his fabulous guitar playing. At one point, Dallas
Leier joined him, to the surprise of many of us.
There were 91 campers who attended this
rally and it looked as if every one of them was
having fun. Great weather, good food, lots of prizes
and visiting with our fellow TPFC members are the
ingredients for a successful rally.
A bit of TPFC trivia: As Jan was this year’s
International Wagon Master and Art having been in
1985, they are the first married couple to each hold
that position.
Our thanks go out to Art and Jan Tincombe
for a job well done.
page 11
Winter Texans Continue the Tradition
They call themselves the Winter Texans because they spend their winters in the Rio Grande Valley in Texas.
Representing 8 states and one Canadian Province, they are “telephone” people who meet every February at Mr.
Gatti’s Pizza in Edinburg. Thanks to Wanda Boush and Judy Leritz who have planned the outings in the past.
The photo is from the 2013 lunch.
Name(s)
State/Province
2013
2014
Wanda Boush
Bill and Brenda Adams
Lou and Selma Homoky
Bob and Susie Bourne
Doyle and Ruth Rapp
Bruce Boeckmann/Wanda Sukovsky
Wendell and Gwen Cochran
Pat and Marty Walsh
Joe and Judy Leritz
Leonard and Nancy George
Jerry and Judy Blanc
Mike and Mary Hardesty
Charlie Rike
Dick Johnson
John and Ruth Roskam
Virgil Koechner
Wally and Dorothy Weik
Jerry and Kris Swanson
Herman and Nancy Singletary
Jim and Sandra Conner
Lou Hoehle
Ken and Shirley Knox
Illinois
New Hampshire
Missouri
Missouri
North Dakota
Missouri
Oklahoma
Missouri
Kansas
Minnesota
Missouri
Missouri
Minnesota
Minnesota
Iowa
Missouri
Missouri
Minnesota
Illinois
Missouri
Texas
Ontario
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
page 12
(43rd Rally continued from front page)
The church continued to govern the everyday lives of the people as in separating men, women and the children at meals
and at the religious services. In 1932, the residents voted to end the communal type of living. At that time, the Amana
Church Society was formed to continue the religious aspect of the community and the Amana Society was to handle the
business affairs. Yes, the Amana Refrigerator was invented there in 1934 in a workshop where beverage coolers were
made. The side-by-side was produced there in 1949.
Today, one can relive the history of the villages in several places; The General Store in High Amana has been in business
since 1857. A communal kitchen, left as it was in 1932, can be seen in Middle Amana. There is a blacksmith shop,
Community Church and the Store Museum in Homestead. Like many other tourist destinations, there are shops, factories,
wineries and restaurants to visit. Two restaurants of note in Amana: The Ox Yoke Inn is a home built in 1856 and is a
National Historic Landmark. It has been serving family-style meals since 1940 with its signature German dish being
schnitzel. The Ronneburg also serves German food. It is housed in one of the village’s central communal kitchens.
One of the reasons to attend the TPFC Rallies is to visit different parts of this wonderful country. Of course, another
reason is to visit with fellow campers who we may only see once a year. Oh yeah, it’s a social event, strictly for fun.
According to the survey on the pre-registration forms, there was not enough interest in organized tours, so you’re on your
own for site-seeing. We will be having meetings and meals together though.
Here’s what you need to do if you’d like to join us in Iowa in September.
International Wagon Master, Frank Wieman
618-632-0728
618-540-9993
[email protected]
To pre-register, send $10 payable to:
Brenda Wieman
1752 Witte Road
O’Fallon, IL 62269
Hello Central Deadline is Unknown
Hello Central is not just a newsletter for you, but it is about you. The only way we can find out about you is when you send us stories
and pictures of what you’ve been doing. We really appreciate all the articles and photos you send us because that’s what makes our
newsletter interesting to read.
Hello Central is mailed to you once a year, three months before the International Rally. We need about two months to organize and
edit all the executive reports and members’ articles. Since no club stepped up to host it, the 2015 International Rally is being
organized by the Executive Committee. As of this writing, we have no information on next year’s rally.
Therefore:
The deadline is five months
before the 2015 Rally.
For those of you using a computer, information becomes easily accessible to us when you put your article in “rich text” which is in the
“save as type” window under the file name. If you do not have computer access, you may send us articles and photos by regular mail.
Questions or comments:
Jim and Sandy Edwards
37 El Jer Drive
Cedar Hill, MO 63016
636-274-4222
[email protected]
page 13
Branson Beckoned
Branson beckoned and 68 people responded. This was the 25th annual Great Rivers Rally and was
hosted by the Gateway Family Campers. Twenty-nine rigs were on site with 12 people staying elsewhere. The
weather, that first week of October, 2013 was great during the rally.
Monday evening, guests got a welcome bag full of goodies. They were invited to play games or
participate in trivia. Sixteen opted for trivia and everyone got a gift or more. The questions were easy (What is
the capital of Mexico?) to more difficult (What is Tiger Woods given first name?) There was a lot of laughter
as some crazy answers were offered up, but Brenda Wieman had the most correct.
Tuesday, there was a welcome party. Everyone brought hors’deouvres to share. The hosts provided the
drinks including beer and wine. We had coffee and donuts Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Wednesday we
enjoyed a fried chicken dinner. Leroy New who stars in “A Tribute to Marty Robbins” did a great job of
entertaining us with a little help from our own, Janice Jackson.
Bob and Sue Kent continue to amaze us (with due respect, at their age). Thursday’s pot roast dinner was
followed by the ever popular, card bingo. Many stayed later to play other games.
It was like “old times” with Bob and June Bonn and Lou Hoehle with us again. It was certainly more
than a 5-state rally with the Tincombes from Arizona, The Todaros from Louisiana and the Wilburs from
Olympia, WA.
As you can see by the photo, these people are the reason this club is still going; they don’t just attend a
rally, they step up and take an active roll ………
IWM = International Wagon Master
Back: Jerry Blanc IWM 2011 -- Frank Wieman IWM 2014 -- Brenda Wieman current Int. Sec. Judy
Leritz current CVP -- Herman Singletary IWM 1991 -- Tony Todaro IWM 2001 & Int. Dir. 2008-2011 -Lou Hoehle IWM 1982 & Int. Dir. 1992-97 -- Mary Hardesty Int. Sec. 1992-1997
Front: Jan Tincombe IWM 2013 & Int. Sec. Sub -- Art Tincombe IWM 1985 & current WVP
Bob Kent IWM 2005 -- Don French CVP & current International Director
page 14
2013 International Rally Final Report
We had beautiful weather in May, 2013 for our International Rally in Tucson, AZ. The number of members
attending was disappointing, but I feel that is going to become the rule and not the exception. We had 37 rigs, 9
staying at other places with a total of 91 people.
Thanks to the Executive Committee and everyone else who pitched in and helped when it was needed. We had
a lot of items to raffle thanks to all who donated.
After all the bills were paid, I sent a check to the International for $1045.17. It was more than I thought it
would be. I will have all my books at the 2014 rally if anyone would like to see them.
Thanks to all who attended and I hope you enjoyed our time together.
Respectfully submitted,
Jan Tincombe,
2013 International Wagon Master 


A TOAST TO :
Fellow Campers who step up to host a campout
Campers who share their gifts of musical talent and bring fun to campouts
Campers who still believe in the magic of Santa
Campers who snap photos to share memories with others
Campers who bring loyalty and leadership to the TPFC organization
Campers who are creative thinkers and doers in service to communities
Campers who volunteer as a public face of Pioneers
as sandwich makers, sign posters, bell ringers, button sellers and tent setters
Campers who take time to share fun stories, board games, cards and cribbage;
For they make the TELEPHONE PIONEER FAMILY CAMPER experience rich in friendship!
Kathy Hanson
page 15
GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING
TELEPHONE PIONEER FAMILY CAMPERS
LAZYDAYS RV CAMPPGROUND
TUCSON, ARIZONA
THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013
International Director and Regional
Vice Presidents’ Reports
International Director: Don French stated that if you
had read Hello Central, you read his report.
Don French, International Director, opened the meeting at
9:00 a.m., Thursday, May 9, 2013 and welcomed all to the
rally. He thanked Jan Tincombe, 2013 Wagon Master, for all
the efforts she and Art had made toward a successful rally.
He also thanked them for ordering the great weather. When
he and Pat left Missouri, the forecast was for snow. That
night they had two inches of snow and when they stayed in
Oklahoma City it was 20 degrees, so he was truly thankful for
the weather in Arizona. Don then read the TPFC Purpose:
“To provide year round opportunities for employees of the
telephone industry, both active and retired, to foster and
enjoy good fellowship and pleasure of camping, whether by
themselves or at scheduled club activities. To set an example
of courtesy on the highway and a model of conduct at
meeting sites and at campgrounds. To encourage the growth
of camping facilities, to study, advise and support all acts that
perpetuate camping and that are in the interest of the
camping public.”
And what is our motto? “Leave it cleaner than you found it”.
Eastern Region: Skip Hendricks thanked all his contacts in
the Eastern Region for all their help in his first year as Eastern
Region V.P. He reported that like the other regions, the
membership is continuing to dwindle, although a few clubs
still work on getting together on a regular basis, others have
all but disbanded. His full report will be in Hello Central. He
thanked everyone which concluded his report.
Western Region: Art Tincombe wanted to thank
individuals from the Copper State Bells who helped him over
the course of the year and helped with the rally. He told
everyone that he was honored to have such a wonderful
group of people surrounding him. He has been trying to talk
to the various Western Clubs and get their feedback on the
status of each club. He will be working on getting with them
over this next year. He ended his report with, “Thank you
everyone for volunteering to help out and we’ll keep on
camping.”
Don asked if all had received Hello Central to review the
minutes of the previous TPFC Rally. As all were in agreement
that they had, he said “Then you have read the general
meeting minutes”. At that time, he gave the treasurer’s
report submitted by Judy Hagan. Money on hand, $9,684.37,
as of 12/31/2012. Money on hand, $11,752.52, as of
1/1/2012. Total income from 2012, $2,430.51. Less
expenses, leaves a total of $9,684.37.
Central Region: Judy Leritz said she didn’t have much to
The profits and losses: income $2,430.51; expenses including
Hello Central $4468.66. This leaves us with a total of minus
$2,068.15. Hello Central cost $4,263.74 and with a total of
$4,363.74 total expenses. Yearly income is $290.00, the
income from those who sent in $5.00 subscription fees. So,
the yearly income, less expenses is -$4,073.74. This
concludes the report submitted by Judy Hagan. Charlie
Robinson made a motion to accept the report as stated and
seconded by Terry Little. Report was accepted by the
membership.
Don French reported that on May 6, 2013, Jim Patterson,
former Central Region Vice-President and International
Wagon Master, passed away. Charlie Parker and Bud Clark,
TPFC #77, both from Missouri have also passed away. Don
then called for the Administrator’s report.
report as no one has sent her any information. She gave her
e-mail address and asked for news from the Central Region
Clubs. Many of the clubs meet once a month at various
restaurants. She accepted the position of Central Region V.P.
to finish Don French’s term and would like feedback from
clubs in the Central Region on what they are doing.
(see page 16)
page 16
International Administrator’s Report: Dallas Leier
opened with a couple of jokes (LOL). He thanked Jan and Art
Tincombe for their effort in having another successful rally.
He also thanked Judy Leritz for filling in for the remainder of
Don’s term as Central Region V.P. and accepting the position
full-time. On the Administrator’s side, from August 26, 2011
thru February 23, 2013 there were no new members. One
member was reinstated to active status. Records with
address active: 1953 and records with no current address or
inactive 6599. Total records in database: 8523. Full timers:
17; deceased 08/26/12 thru 02/23/2013: 13. There were 5
returns from the last mailing. There are 63 active Canadian
members and 240 inactive members for a total of 303
Canadian members. The last ITPFC number issued was 8504
to Robert and Lydia Cross, Mount Laurel, NJ who attended
the 2012 rally and this years’ rally. We have some first timers
from Texas. That concluded his report.
New Business:
The 2012 International Wagon Master, Skip Hendricks, gave
his report on the Gettysburg Rally, September 11-13, 2012.
There were 59 camping rigs; 2 couples staying in cabins; 2
couples at local motels. There were a total of 284 camping
nights. He wanted to especially thank John and Maureen
O’Brien for all their hard work and his wife, Linda, who was a
big help in all areas of planning the rally. After all the bills
were paid, there was a remainder of $1171. Two charities,
one for children and the other for families in need, were
given $500 each and the remaining $171 was given to the
ITPFC. At that, all accounts were closed out. Thank you.
International Wagon Master, Jan Tincombe, reported on this
years’ rally. She stated this was probably the smallest rally to
date. There were 37 rigs and 9 couples who were in other
parts of town. A total of 91 members were in attendance.
She told everyone that Joe Venuti would be playing guitar for
their entertainment that evening and that the drawings for
the baskets and prizes would also be that evening. She
thanked everyone for their attendance and said she hopes to
see them all again.
Frank Wieman was called on to report on the 2014
International Rally. The theme being “Continue the Dream in
2014”, he’s hoping to see everyone at the Amana Colonies,
Iowa on September 9-10-11, 2014. Information is slim at this
time but more will be coming.
Don French then asked if there were any other bids for 2014.
Being none, the motion was made to accept the Amana
Colonies bid and seconded. Motion carried. Then the
membership was asked if there were any volunteers for a
rally in 2015 or 2016. Motion tabled until further.
Election of Officers: Continuing as Administrator: Dallas
Leier; Treasurer: Judy Hagen; Secretary: Brenda
Wieman; Central V.P.: Judy Leritz. Motion made and
seconded. Motion carried. Don then thanked his wife,
Pat, for her support and love and standing beside him.
Hearty thanks were given to all who donated baskets
and hoped there would be a great turnout of donations
in 2014. Sandy Edwards was then called upon to talk about
Hello Central. The cost of Hello Central is approximately
$4,000 and less than 70 people sent in donations to continue
the printing of Hello Central. The time has come that it will
no longer be a newspaper that will be sent to the
membership. She reported that she and Jim had worked for
seven years on producing the paper and had a great time in
doing so. If you want to continue receiving the “paper”, you
will have to send in a donation or go on line at tpfc.net to
read the paper.
Don French then read a new paragraph to be inserted into
the by-laws under Article VI: Meetings. 1. Audit:
“After the conclusion of each International Rally, an audit of
funds connected with the International Rally should be
conducted in a timely manner by the Telephone Pioneer
Chapter from the state in which the rally was held. Copies of
the report should be distributed to all members of the
Executive Committee”.
A motion was made by Terry Little to accept the by-law
addition; seconded by Art Tincombe. Motion carried.
Kentucky Colonels were reminded to dress for that evening’s
closing ceremony. Don French then asked for any other
business. Being none, motion was made and seconded to
conclude the general membership meeting. Motion carried.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully Submitted,
Brenda Wieman,
International Secretary
Gateway Family Campers
page 17
Club Contacts
Western Region
State/Province Club Name
Alberta
Rambling Rose
Arizona
Phone Pholks
Copper State Bells
California
Colorado-Wyoming Campers
Idaho
Sawtooth Ramblers
Montana
Montana Mountaineers
New Mexico
Zia Drifters
Contact
John VanLeuken
Barbara Piske
Joe Venuti
Jerry Stephens
Lotus Bauer
Shirley Moss
Bill Nelson
Bill & Diane Peterson
Richard Ingram
Phone/Cell Number
408-390-1563
623-975-5430
520-299-5100
E-mail Address
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
307-331-0147
208-342-3449
208-733-3940
406-539-0226
505-822-8335
Central Region
State/Province
Alabama
Arkansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Michigan
Minnesota
Club Name
Heart of Dixie Bells
Arkie Bells
Bluebells
Cajun Campers
John Martek
10,000 Lakes
Mississippi
Missouri
Magnolia Bells
Heart of America
Missouri
Oklahoma
Tennessee
Texas
Gateway Family
Sooner Schooners
Vol. Traveling Bells
Ding-a-lings
Pioneer Ramblers
Contact
Phone/ Cell Number E-mail address
Windy Swaim
256-533-5113
Willie & Joan Maness 479-674-2665
[email protected]
Joe & Judy Hagan
502-494-6277
[email protected]
Tony Todaro
504-952-6934
[email protected]
Phyllis Ripley
989-271-9848
Bill Lovegren
612-751-9969
[email protected]
Kathy Hanson
[email protected]
Oyd Johnson
601-942-7469
[email protected]
Don & Pat French
417-739-1374
[email protected]
Bob & June Bonn
913-648-7671
[email protected]
Mary Hardesty
636-398-5663
mary.jane.hardesty@gmail
Wendell & Gwen Cochran 405-396-8224 - 405-219-2158
Juanita Rogers
615-330-7822
Dale & Louise Krone
218-534-3639
[email protected]
Raymond Berry
254-694-6628
[email protected]
Eastern Region
State/Province Club Name
Florida
Sunshine Bells
Contact
Susan Wilson
Connie Baylor
Georgia Peach State Pioneer Campers Karen Mathis
New Jersey
Bell Wagoneers
John O’Brien
Ontario
Ken & Shirley Knox
Phone/Cell Number
727-437-2177
E-mail Address
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
[email protected]
613-224-7879
Ohio / Kentucky
Blue Grass Buckeyes Fred Herrmann
859-331-4690
[email protected]
South Carolina Palmetto Bells
Bill Page
803-781-3333
Quebec
Roger & Colette Desautels 514-327-5588
[email protected]
Virginia
T P F C of VA
Dee Smith
757-424-5264
[email protected]
page 18
Arizona
Phone
Pholks
News
February 2014
WAGONMASTER
Changes are happening in the Arizona Phone Pholks
Family Campers. Before we get into the changes I would
like to give you a little history of the club. The club was
formed in 1991 and the first Wagonmaster was Bill Wilson.
The first campout was at Ben Avery shooting range on
January 18-19-20 and was "hosted" by Bill and Joanne
Wilson. (In the early campouts there were no designated
hosts".
Through the years several people stepped up to the plate
and made a six year commitment to guide the Phone
Pholks to various locations for Campouts. Your
Wagonmasters have been Bill Wilson 1991-92, Joe
Venuti 1992-93, Harold Hughes 1993-94, Jimmie
Simmons 1994-95, Jack Piske 1995-96, Bob MacCallum
1996-97, Karl Gaither 1997-98, John Van Leuken 199899, 2012-14, Gary Fasnacht 1999-2000, Bob Mead 200001,Bill Stephens 2001-02, Ron Baudino 2002-03,
Barbara Piske 2003-04,Darlene Sowell 2004-05, Hal Reis
2005-06, 2011-12, Ron Mullen 2006-07, Gary Griggs
2007-08, Lenny Veary 2009-10, John Hall 2010-11. Bob
Mead and Barbara Piske also held the position of
Region 3 International Representatives. I am sure that
the executive board members appreciated all the help that
they have received during their term in office. Working in
the background have been the Secretary, We Care,
Historian, Treasurer and the Editor.
Our last rally was held at Pioneer Park on January 12-16
with 3 rigs in attendance and our host driving in every
morning with the donuts. For our anniversary dinner we had
38 people that were well fed by Atlasta Catering. The Hosts
that made all of this possible were Ron & Joan Eastwood
and Dennis & Jan Carey. Thank you for all the work that
you did to make this rally a success. We have a tentative
campout set for December 1-2-3-4 at Wickenburg. To make
this happen we need 7 rigs to register and we will be given
a room where we can have our coffee & donuts in the
morning and use it throughout the campout. The camping
fee is $25.65per night but is subject to change.
During the past 23 years your Phone Pholks have hosted
an International Rally in 1996 at Flagstaff AZ. in the county
fairgrounds. To get ready for this rally we painted the
outside of a building on the grounds that we used for our
small social gatherings, laid out power and
water lines for all the rigs that attended, trimmed trees and
did a general cleanup of the area. We also managed to
stencil and paint a map of the U.S.A. on the playground of a
local school.. We also had a pit BBQ where we cooked two
large roasts during a rainstorm. Dan Bench was the
International Wagonmaster for the International Rally but a
heart attack took his life while we were camping in Rocky
Point Mexico. Bob MacCallum was named as the
alternative International Wagonmaster.
Over the years we have had campouts at various locations
throughout the States and Canada. There have been a
couple of rallies at Pahrump and Las Vegas, Laughlin
Nevada, Twenty Nine Palms, Protero, Cholla Vista and on
the California side of the Colorado River. We have been to
Rocky Point in Mexico, St. George in Utah, Calgary Alberta
for the Calgary Stampede and numerous locations in
Arizona.
In the formative years of the Phone Pholks the majority of
our campouts were dry camping with huge pot luck dinners.
Of course we always had coffee and donuts in the morning.
Over the years the membership has been getting older and
selling their rigs and we haven't been attracting any
younger new members (a problem in the family Campers
organization on a national basis). The campouts have been
more like motel outs with members staying in hotels/motels
or driving to the campout if it is close to home. It was
decided at the rally at Pioneer park that we would wind
down the camping portion of the camping group but we
would have occasional luncheons that we can attend to
keep up with our friends that we have made in the past
years.
As previously noted we are planning a Christmas rally in
Wickenburg December 1-2-3-4.
Barbara Piske has graciously agreed to take over the
position of Contact Person and she can be reached at 623975-5430 or at [email protected]. Audrey & I have been
truly blessed and consider the Phone Pholks as our second
family
John & Audrey
BIRTHDAYS
February-2
Jan Carey ......................... 2/13
Pat Dodd .......................... 2/13
Jim Cooper ....................... 2/15
Pat Watt ........................... 2/20
Barbara Loomis ................ 2/22
ANNIVERSARIES
February-2
John & Audrey Van Leuken .......... 2/21
Lloyd & Bonnie Burton .................. 2/29
----------------------------------------------------Wagon master John Van Leuken
Treasurer Dick Kelly
Contact Person Barbara Piske
page 19
Dallas Leier
1900 Aglen St.
Roseville, MN 55113
Leave it cleaner than you found it.