RVing History Revealed In New Book
Home Away From Home: The World of Camper Vans and MotorhomesHome Away From Home: The World of Camper Vans and Motorhomes ($29.95, Black Dog Publishing) chronicles the earliest days of automobile travel all the way to present-day RVing. Editor and coauthor Kate Trant and fellow authors Malcom Bobbitt and Lars Eriksen capture the spirit of automotive travel during the past 100 years both in the United States and abroad.
The book features a general overview detailing the evolution of RVing along with in-depth commentary from RVers themselves and those in the industry. Interviews with owners, club members, and collectors offer a quirky narrative of adventures, mishaps, and triumphs. Home Away From Home explains the cultural and social history of RVing and presents a range of vehicles from recent decades within the context of their technical development as well as the design strategies that dictated their appearance.
The final chapter looks at the future of RVing and what possibilities exist for the next generation of motorhome travel. The book can be purchased at bookstores, through online booksellers, and at the publisher’s Web site, www.bdpworld.com.
Onan Names New Director Of RV Business
Cummins Power Generation (CPG) recently announced that Garry Enyart has been selected as the director of RV business operations for Onan Corporation, C87. In this role, Mr. Enyart, 51, will be responsible for the company’s RV generator business, including worldwide sales and marketing, strategic planning, product development, application engineering, and customer relations. He replaces Richard Coon, who left CPG earlier this year upon being selected as the new president of Recreation Vehicle Industry Association.
Mr. Enyart most recently served as director of consumer products and channel development and managed the sales activities for consumer products sold through the Cummins distribution system, as well as the service parts and accessories business. Mr. Enyart is a graduate of Metropolitan State University in St. Paul, Minnesota.
Book Touts Stress Relief Through Crafts
Craft to Heal: Soothing Your Soul with Sewing, Painting, and Other PastimesNancy Monson’s book Craft to Heal: Soothing Your Soul with Sewing, Painting, and Other Pastimes ($12.95, Hats Off Publishing) reveals how crafts and hobbies can be both fun and therapeutic. The manner in which a person deals with stress can make the difference between feeling mentally and physically well or anxious and irritable. For millions of folks, taking up craft activities, such as knitting, scrapbooking, woodworking, or quilting, have become the stress-buster of choice.
Crafting is a multibillion-dollar business in America, and more than three-quarters of American households have at least one family member who spends an average of 7.5 hours per week engaged in crafts or hobbies. What’s more, researchers are finding that pursuing a hobby can relieve stress as much as meditation, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques. According to the book, repetitive and rhythmic crafts such as knitting and sewing may even evoke what is known as the “relaxation response” — a feeling of bodily and mental calm that has been scientifically proven to enhance health and reduce the risk of heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Crafts also may help stave off the effects of aging; research shows that older people who engage in creative activities grow new dendrites (connections) in the brain that keep it healthy.
Craft to Heal offers the latest research on the benefits of crafting, as well as stories of crafters who have healed themselves by pursuing their hobbies. It also shows readers how to harness the healing powers of crafts by finding their craft “personality”; learning to love the creative process (rather than focusing only on the product); overcoming the fear that they lack artistic talent; ditching comparisons of their work to that of others; and appreciating where they are on the creativity trajectory.
For more information about Ms. Monson and the book, visit www.nancymonson.com. Craft to Heal is available at bookstores or through online booksellers.
Construction Of Georgetown Waterfront Park Set To Begin
Construction of Georgetown Waterfront Park, a 10-acre parcel of land along the Potomac River that has been in the planning stages for more than 25 years, appears to be close to beginning. The urban park will complete the necklace of green space that surrounds Washington, D.C., from Great Falls, Maryland, to the Anacostia River.
A partnership between the National Park Service, the National Park Foundation, and community leaders has raised $11 million of the $15 million needed to complete the park. A groundbreaking is expected to take place in 2005. In a push to raise interest and the remaining funds, park partners have launched a campaign Web site, www.georgetownwaterfrontpark.org, where those interested can find out more about the park and help beautify Washington.
Photo Contest
If you enjoy taking pictures while visiting America’s national parks, put your interest and photography skills to good use by entering the 2005 National Parks Pass Experience Your America Photo Contest, sponsored by Kodak, the National Park Service, and the National Park Foundation.
The grand prize winner will receive a four-day, three-night trip for four to any national park; $1,000 spending money; a Kodak Easyshare-One digital camera package; a personalized National Parks Pass; and their winning picture featured on the 2007 National Parks Pass. Second- through fourth-place prizes and 10 honorable mentions also will be awarded.
For more information about the contest, including how to enter; rules; and eligibility, visit www.nationalparks.org/planyourparktrip/photocontest-home.shtml.
RVIA Honors Industry Leaders
Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) honored several well-respected industry leaders with awards during its annual membership meeting on September 24, 2005, in Williamsburg, Virginia. The awards celebrate outstanding contributions to the recreation vehicle industry and RVIA.
The Distinguished Service to the RV Industry Award was presented to Claire Skinner of Coachmen Industries Inc., parent company of Sportscoach, Coachmen RV, and Georgie Boy. The Distinguished Service Award is given annually to an individual within the RV industry who has performed outstanding service over an extensive period of time.
Ms. Skinner has been the chairman of the board, CEO, and president of Coachmen Industries since 1999 and has been a member of RVIA’s Board of Directors since 1995. As chairman of RVIA from 2002 to 2004, she was a driving force in creating the industry’s first RV-specific franchise law; testifying at legislative hearings; and persuading Florida to adopt the first motorhome-specific lemon law. She previously served as chairman of RVIA’s Public & Legislative Affairs Committee, providing strategic leadership during a critical timeframe when legislative initiatives were challenging the industry’s unity. Ms. Skinner has been a member of the RVIA Strategic Planning Committee and the Go RVing Coalition for nearly 10 years. Ms. Skinner also has served on the Board of Directors for the Florida RV Trade Association since 1993.
RVIA’s Special Award, which is presented to an individual who has made extraordinary contributions to the industry’s overall success, went to Don Walter, president and CEO of Starcraft RV Inc. of Topeka, Indiana. With more than 30 years in the RV industry, Mr. Walter has earned a reputation as a champion of RV market expansion. He serves on RVIA’s Board of Directors and its Public Relations Committee, and is the current co-chairman of the Go RVing Coalition. He was one of the original members of the Go RVing Coalition and previously chaired the Go RVing Measurement and Goals Subcommittee. Before becoming president and CEO of Starcraft RV in 1991, Mr. Walter served as president of Holiday Rambler Corporation’s RV Division.
The National Service Award, presented to an individual, company, or organization outside the manufacturing segment making outstanding contributions to the industry, was presented to Mitch Shatzen, director of marketing for E*Trade Consumer Finance Corporation, C4076, of Irvine, California. Mr. Shatzen has been a longtime participant in several high-profile association communication and finance programs. Throughout his career with major RV lending institutions, he has been successful in building support of RVIA programs that promote RV market growth and industry unity. He is also one of the biggest supporters of the Go RVing program and is an enthusiastic voice for encouraging others to support the effort.
The National Legislative Award, which honors individuals who have distinguished themselves in developing sound legislation governing matters pertaining to the RV industry, was presented to United States Representative Peter DeFazio of Oregon. A long-standing friend of the RV industry, Rep. DeFazio has consistently worked to promote state and federal initiatives to strengthen the industry, such as excluding awnings from maximum RV width measurements, securing passage of an “RV Transporter” provision, and inserting language supporting the RV Friendly logo program in the historic 2005 transportation authorization legislation. Congressman DeFazio also has been an active supporter of the National Scenic Byways Program and has provided invaluable support on use of Transportation Enhancement funds for recreational trails.
Monaco Turns Over Service Center To Local Dealer
Monaco Coach Corporation, C2111, based in Coburg, Oregon, announced that it will turn over control of its Beaver Coach service and warranty center to its Bend dealer, Beaver Coach Sales of Oregon, C3360, on January 1, 2006.
The 20-year-old facility has 12 full-size service bays and 40 employees, including 12 RVIA master technicians and seven RVIA certified technicians. According to Monaco officials, the service center employees have been given the opportunity to relocate to the company’s Harrisburg, Oregon, service center or to stay with the new business.
Monaco recently shifted its Beaver Coach production from Bend to Coburg, but the company continues to maintain its Electronic Design and Assembly plant in Bend and Composite Technologies Inc. in Burns, Oregon. Both are subassembly plants.
RV/MH Heritage Foundation Acquires Major Collection
The RV/MH Heritage Foundation, located in Elkhart, Indiana, has acquired RV historian David Woodworth’s collection of antique RVs and related materials. The collection purchase, which was made possible through a major contribution to the foundation by Robert “Boots” Ingram and his wife, Betty, includes 35 antique RVs all dating from before World War II. It also features artifacts and volumes of literature that Mr. Woodworth has collected during the past 25 years.
The collection is scheduled to be fully displayed to the public in a separate wing of the new RV/MH Hall of Fame, which is now under construction in Elkhart.
Florida RV SuperShow Dates Announced
The 2006 RV SuperShow and Super Rally will take place from January 18 through January 22 at the Florida State Fairgrounds in Tampa.
The 21st annual SuperShow, presented by the Florida RV Trade Association, will include more than 1,300 RVs on display from nearly every major manufacturer. In addition, hundreds of indoor and outdoor exhibitors will offer RV-related products and services. The show also will include seminars and nonstop entertainment.
The show will run from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $8 (two-day pass) for adults; children under 12 are admitted free. Seniors receive $1 off admission on the opening day.
RVers who participate in the Super Rally, also at the fairgrounds, receive four nights of camping for two people; 30-amp electrical service; coffee and doughnuts each morning; three nights of entertainment and refreshments; daily door prizes and giveaways; and unlimited admission to the SuperShow. The cost is $110 per campsite for those who preregister; $10 more for on-site registration.
To register for the rally or to find out more information about the event, call (813) 741-0488 or visit www.frvta.org.
Book Highlights Interstate Stopping Spots
Rest Areas & Welcome CentersRVers can quickly and easily locate popular services that are available along America’s interstate highways with the latest edition of Rest Areas & Welcome Centers (Roundabout Publications). The book lists the location of rest areas, welcome centers, roadside turnouts, and scenic vistas and indicates what amenities can be found at these sites.
The book also includes the locations of Cracker Barrel restaurants and mass-merchandise stores such as Wal-Mart, Kmart, Target, and Sam’s Club. Plus, information is included about Flying J, Love’s, Petro, Pilot, AmBest, and Travel Centers of America locations. This new edition also provides an extensive list of public RV dump stations along the interstates.
The 240-page book is available from the publisher for $14.95, which includes shipping and handling. To order, contact Roundabout Publications, P.O. Box 569, LaCygne, KS 66040; or call (800) 455-2207. It also can be purchased online at www.travelbooksusa.com.
American Hiking Society Announces Early Spring Service Projects
The American Hiking Society, the country’s leading advocate for the promotion and protection of foot trails and the hiking experience, is now accepting 2006 registrations for its popular Volunteer Vacations program, a series of weeklong trail maintenance projects that improve the condition and enhance the beauty of hiking trails on public lands. Now in its 28th season, this unique eco-travel program offers outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers of all skill levels the opportunity to explore America’s wild places, give something back to the trails they love, and rejuvenate their own mind, body, and spirit.
The 2006 season kicks off in early January with four back-to-back projects in Saguaro National Park near Tucson, Arizona. Volunteers will harvest and replant cacti and perform general trail maintenance in the Tucson Mountain District of the park. Other projects include blazing a new 2-mile trail to a recently discovered 360-foot waterfall in Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in northern California and constructing a footbridge along the scenic Palmetto Trail in South Carolina.
A typical day on a Volunteer Vacation consists of six to seven hours of trail work followed by free time to explore the local surroundings. Evenings are spent dining and getting to know new friends around a campfire. There are currently 20 confirmed trips in 10 states to kick off the 2006 Volunteer Vacation season.
Volunteer Vacations are rated by difficulty level, ranging from “easy” to “extremely strenuous”; however, no previous trail work experience is required. Each crew consists of six to 15 volunteers accompanied by a crew leader. Accommodations also vary, from front-country campgrounds or cabins to backcountry primitive campsites. The cost to participate is $130, which includes a one-year membership in American Hiking Society and meals. Travel-related expenses are tax-deductible.
For a complete list of the winter and spring 2006 projects, visit www.americanhiking.org. For more information about Volunteer Vacations and to register for a trip, contact Shirley Hearn, volunteer programs manager, at (800) 972-8608, extension 206; or visit the society’s Web site.
Nominations Accepted For America’s Most Endangered Historic Places List
The National Trust for Historic Preservation — a private, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to saving historic places and revitalizing America’s communities — is accepting nominations for the “2006 America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list until January 18, 2006.
Each year the National Trust issues this list to identify and raise awareness of historic sites at risk from neglect, deterioration, lack of maintenance, insufficient funds, inappropriate development, or insensitive public policy. Since 1988, the list has been one of the most successful tools in the fight to save America’s irreplaceable architectural, cultural, and natural heritage. The 2006 list will be announced in early June.
The list has brought national attention to 168 significant buildings, sites, and landscapes. At times, that attention has garnered public support to quickly rescue a treasured landmark, while in other instances, it has been the impetus of a long battle to save an important piece of our history. The “America’s 11 Most Endangered Historic Places” list has been so successful in educating the public about the importance of preserving our nation’s history that more than 20 states and many communities now publish their own lists of endangered historic places.
Among the many sites that have been listed are Vieux Carré in New Orleans; Ellis Island in New York harbor; the Kennecott Copper Mines in Alaska; the Bethlehem Steel Plant in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania; Ennis House in Los Angeles; and “The Journey Through Hallowed Ground” corridor in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. Each represents preservation challenges facing thousands of communities.
To ensure that the most threatened sites are chosen, the National Trust uses three primary criteria to determine the 11 finalists: significance, urgency, and potential solutions. For more information about the application process and to download the application, visit www.nationaltrust.org/11Most/nomination.html or call (202) 588-6141.