 | The Newest Unit of the WBCCI!Welcome to the virtual campground of NOVA! |
July 21, 2010 Update:
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This unit is dedicated to respecting the traditions of the WBCCI, along with using the latest technologies to allow for Airstreamers to have fun!
As required, this unit is based geographically in Northern Ohio. In practice, membership in this virtual unit will be boundless. The intended purpose for this arrangement is to provide a solid “home” to non-traditional members.
NOVA came to be to fill a need. I tend to have a desire to be a part of special groups. Throughout my life, I have participated in many unique activities and with many unusual clubs. I started one of the first Boy Scout Venturing units in my area. I’ve belonged to the National Rocketry Association. For the last twenty years, I’ve been progressing through the ranks of the Lions club. My wife and I are members of the oldest literary club in Lorain. We’ve been meeting for over 104 years!
The WBCCI is a unique, well-established, historical group. It just so happens to represent my latest passion, Airstreams. So what makes the WBCCI special? To me, the group represents the adventure of travel. The fellowship and cooperation demonstrated and created by the group are well defined. The traditions are grand. The history is proud.
In different forms, the question of the need for NOVA has been called. The WBCCI has a few hundred units. The WBCCI has a couple of well known “progressive” units. NOVA will aim to take the “progression” another step. It will be the intention of NOVA to offer camaraderie daily if desired. A goal will be for a NOVA member to be able to log into a forum, and see a fellow NOVA member online.
NOVA will embrace all technologies available to simplify and improve all facets of communication and camping. Our members are encouraged to employ forums for discussion. Camping, rallies, and other events will be organized online. Newsletters, directories, and announcements will be electronic.
We welcome the support of Gander Mountain! I've personally found this company to be a welcome and inviting shop. Plus, they sell all kinds of really cool toys! They provided all of our members with some "gander bucks" so lets go shopping!
Perhaps NOVA could be considered a “Concept Club” of the WBCCI? A proposed motto may be “respecting traditions while embracing the present”. A comparison could be drawn much like vintage versus new airstreams. Nothing beats a shiny 1950 trailer, but a great sound system and tankless water heater are great amenities to have!
Under consideration for NOVA will be an overall reduction in restrictions and requirements. We will strive to concentrate on having fun and less on politics and protocol. This seems to be the desire of many Airstreamers in this day. Specifically, it will be proposed that the club leadership will be reduced to only what is required by law for our incorporated status. This may include the positions of: President, Immediate Past President, Treasurer, and Secretary. Proposed will also be removal of the exclusionary policies seen in conventional units. These policies may have had a place in the past, but they may no longer serve a purpose. The unit bylaws may strike any membership requirements to camp with NOVA. Again, the desire of Airstreamers today is to camp with who we want, where we want, and when we want. NOVA will stand on its own merits.
Perhaps I’m describing a utopian unit? Maybe we won’t be able to accomplish everything. Maybe our attitude will be what shines in NOVA? Much like auto manufacturers display cars of the future at trade shows for public viewing, perhaps the leadership will treat NOVA like a concept unit? Maybe we will be allowed to show off what the future of the WBCCI can become. Let us demonstrate some features that other units can adopt.
But most importantly, let the members do what they want. That is to have fun. Let NOVA members enjoy the outdoors. Let’s enjoy each other. Let’s eat, drink, and tell stories and bad jokes around the campfire.
So what’s my personal feelings about NOVA? I think it could be a great unit. It’s not going to change the way I camp, or my life. I’m hoping it will become an additional method for me to camp and travel with friends. If it permits more adventure, that would be great also!
I welcome you to join me to discover the possibilities!
-Dan Bihary
The Officers of NOVA are:
President ~ Dan Bihary
First Vice President ~ Richard Kesel
Second Vice President ~ Michael Grove
Corresponding / Recording Secretary ~ Dawn Bihary
Treasurer ~ Lou Woodruff
Trustee ~ Gary Anglin
Trustee ~ Larry Woodruff