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2015 Quarter Three 1
Featured Highlights
10Quarterly Safety TipPart 1 of firearm safety while RVing, from Safety Reporter Dave Gray
16Member SpotlightChris and Gloria Whitford share the inspirational story behind their custom Cyclone graphics.
24HeartlandGives BackA letter of heartfelt thanks to Members of the Heartland Owners Club.
12New HeartlandService Center Now OpenOwner Kelly Barnett talks to Jim Fenner, Director of Dealer Services, about the new facility.
8Lowering the TopBunk on Toy HaulersOwner Ian Hubling gives step-by-step instructions to make this adjustment.
OWNERS CLUB
OWNERS CLUB
Heartland Highlights
Volume VI Number III
From the VP of Sales
Greetings from the Heartland CorporateOffice!
228 Heartland units and well over 400 people from the Heartland Owners Club came back home to Indiana in late June for the annual National “Back Home” Rally. The Owners Club spent a week at the Elkhart County 4H Fair Grounds enjoying time with their friends, great food, community service, fun and entertainment. Seminars and workshops were held and a number of local vendors were on site giving everyone knowledge about how to get the most out of their ownership experience. The highlight of the week for me was when everyone came to the factory for plant tours along with a luncheon at the RV/MH Hall of Fame. It was a pleasure getting the opportunity to speak to you and provide you an update on the exciting things happening at Heartland RV. The biggest news for all of you to see was our new 12-bay customer service center — this was definitely welcomed by all of the product owners. The management team at Heartland also appreciates all the product development feedback you provided to us while you were
at the factory — we are acting on some of your ideas so stayed tuned as we work on our product enhancements this Summer.
Coley Brady,Vice President of Sales
“The biggest news for all of you to see was
our new 12-bay customer service center — this was
definitely welcomed by all of the product
owners.”
Thanks again to all of you who attended the Rally — we really do love having you as our guest in Elkhart and look forward to this event every 2 years! If you could not make the North American Heartland Owners Rally, please consider a Regional Rally or a local Chapter Rally. I truly believe the Rallies and comradery to enhance the RV ownership experience.
Safe travels to all you and your family —Enjoy the moments that make the memories!
by Coley Brady, Vice President of Sales
Heartland Highlights
2 2015 Quarter Three
Table of Contents
Heartland Highlights
Published quarterly for the owners of Heartland products.
All Heartland RV logos and graphics are used with the expressed permission of
Heartland RVs.
Duplication and printing for personal use only and not for distribution.
All content submissions shall be sent to the editorial staff at the following address
Editor Erika Dorsey
President Jim Beletti
Manager Julie Hancock
Content Submission Deadlines
Q-1 January 1stQ-2 April 1stQ-3 July 1stQ-4 October 1st
Any comments or suggestions related to this publication should be addressed [email protected]
IN THIS ISSUE
From the VP of Sales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Coley Brady, VP of Sales, Heartland RVs
Owners Club Membership & Forum Statistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
From the Club President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Jim Beletti, Club President
Club Manager’s Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Julie Hancock, Club Manager
Lowering the Top Bunk on Toyhaulers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Ian Hubling, Owner
Quarterly Safety Tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Dave Gray, Safety Reporter
Heartland Opens New Service Center for Dealers/Owners . . 12Kelly Barnett, Owner
Prowler and Trail Runner Made for Summer Fun . . . . . . . . . . 15
Member Spotlight . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Chris and Gloria Whitford
A Bicycle Built for Two Billion Book Tour . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Jamie Bianchini
Heartland Gives Back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Upcoming Rallies at a Glance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Rally Wrap-Up . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Southeast Region Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Dave Yocum, Director
Northeast Region Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Jamie & Ginger Walker, Directors
South Central Region Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Jay & Stella Coffman, Directors
Canadian Region Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Wayne & Gayle Wilson, Directors
North Central Region Report. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28Dan & Karen Halvorsen, Directors
Rally Potluck Recipe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37Ann Mayer, Rally Recipe Reporter
North American Heartland Owners Rally Pictoral Review . . . 41Malcolm and Valerie Talley, Owners/Photographers
On the front page:Photo collage by Heartland RVs, featured
on the new Heartland website.
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 3
Owners Club and Forum Statistics
CANADA
Alberta 25
Ontario 68
Quebec 5
Saskatchewan 5
US - PACIFIC
California-Central 41
California-North 47
California-South 49
Nevada-North 9
Nevada-South 15
Oregon 49
Washington 44
US - MOUNTAIN
Arizona 44
Colorado 48
New Mexico 11
Utah 15
Wyoming 9
US - NORTH CENTRAL
Illinois 39
Indiana 29
Iowa 25
Michigan 74
Minnesota 26
Ohio 38
Wisconsin 49
US - NORTHEAST
Maryland 29
Massachusetts 24
New Jersey 25
New York 50
Pennsylvania 43
TOTAL 1505 Members
US - SOUTH CENTRAL
Arkansas 14
Louisiana 11
Missouri 35
Oklahoma 21
Texas-North 55
Texas-South 90
US - SOUTHEAST
Florida 106
Georgia 46
Kentucky 8
Alabama 33
North Carolina 40
South Carolina 15
Tennessee 46
Virginia 50
Owners Club Membership
30,364 Number
of Members
43,107 Total Threads
421,930 Total Posts
Forum Statistics
Owners Club Membership Demographics
103
226
280
127254
344
171
Heartland Highlights
4 2015 Quarter Three
From the Editor
Well, summer is upon us, and time for camping fun, as long as you stay cool!
First off, I need to appologize for the late arrival of this issue of Heartland Highlights. All of the contributors were good to get me content when asked, however, in July our lives became somewhat crazy with an excessive work schedule, as well as the fact that we had a contract to sell our house and had to move!
Before we put our home on the market, we knew we’d be moving into our Elkridge for the time being. That said, it is still a good possibility we will find a new house at some point, thus, all of our belongings had to go through a rigorus decision tree: trash it, give it to someone we know, donate it, sell it, move it to storage, or move it to the RV. It was mentally and physically quite challenging! We moved completely out of the house on July 22nd, into the RV. Then moved from one RV Park to another on July 26th. Things still aren’t settled in a place in the coach, but I am hoping life will get back to ‘normal’ soon.
As Editor, I get to decide what stories and information to bring to the reader each quarter. I try to keep my ears open for news in the RV Industry, on the Heartland Owners Forum, Heartland’s Facebook page, and other sources. I hope that you find this issue intriguing as I did! Read about the ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiative, “Heartland Baby Blesssings”, and the impact it has on the community. Also look forward to the Member Spotlight, Owners Chris & Gloria Whitford, as Chris describes the
From the Editor
Erika Dorsey,Heartland Highlights Editor
events of 9/11/01 and how they impacted his life and his current Heartland coach, a Cyclone 4200 with custom graphics.
Also be sure to check out Kelly Barnett’s interview with Jim Fenner, Director of Dealer Services, as they talk about the new 12-bay Service Center in Elkhart, IN. It’s specifically designed to help dealers and owners get their coaches repaired with factory trained technicians.
Lastly, I must say it’s been a pleasure to be the Editor of the Heartland Highlights Newsletter the past three years. However, it is time for me to “pass the torch” on to someone else. We will of course stay active members of the Forum, attend Rallies, and enjoy our Heartland rig and
our Heartland family. Thanks to all the Chapter and Region Leadership and regular contributors that provide content. And of course, thanks to Jim and Julie. They back me up with proofing and fact-checking, to make this Newsletter even better. I could not have done it without all of you!
I can’t wait to see what the new Editor has in store for this publication! They will always be looking for ideas, modifications and stories to include in the Newsletter, so please drop them a line at: [email protected]!
by Erika Dorsey, Heartland Highlights Editor (retired)
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 5
HOC President’s Message
From the Desk of...Hello Heartland Owners Club Members,
Summer camping season is in full swing. Have you been out with your Heartland yet this year? I hope you have.
Goshen Rally ReportThis past June, Julie and I and a team of amazing volunteers put on the 10th Anniversary of the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, Indiana. What a hoot! We had 468 Heartland Owners Club members in 228 Heartland rigs join us, representing 38 U.S. states and 3 Canadian provinces. The top 3 represented were Texas at 23 rigs, Michigan at 21 rigs and Ontario at 17 rigs. The top 4 brands represented were Bighorn at 82 rigs, Landmark at 65 rigs, Big Country at 34 rigs and Cyclone at 17 rigs.
Pre-rally attendees spent time catching up with their Heartland family members, touring Amish country, taking pre-rally tours, eating at Amish homes and getting all settled in for the rally.
Rally attendees had the opportunity to attend nearly 40 lifestyle and technical seminars, enjoy 5 catered meals and a catered dessert, enjoy two evenings of professional entertainment, shop from a large variety of vendors in the Heartland Marketplace, go through 10 new display coaches courtesy of Tiara RV, tour
the new Heartland service center, tour several Heartland plants, tour the RV museum, ask questions of the Heartland corporate team, receive free minor service work from Heartland RVs and more. It was an amazing time. All of our North American Rallies are fun but the Rally in Goshen is extra special due to the access we have to the supplier base, our factory and our service team.
And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiative (HGBi). This year, the HGBi was Heartland Baby Blessings (HBB). Once again, Judi Barnett coordinated the HBB activity and event. What an amazing impact Heartlanders made on Elkhart County for babies and mothers. See the article in this Newsletter for details. Thank you Judi and everyone who made or purchased baby items or donated cash to this worthy cause.
Thank you to all who made it and thank you once again to all the volunteers who helped us produce a great event.
Getting the word outMany of you know that for years now, inside the blue bag of manuals in each new coach, we’ve been inserting a double-sided flier advertising the Heartland Owners Forum on one side and the Heartland Owners Club on the other side. Now, in addition to this flier, each of our plants is placing a door hanger-style Heartland Owners Club post card on the knob of one of the kitchen cabinet doors. It’s our goal to create more awareness about the club with new owners.
Jim Beletti,Owners Club President
Looking AheadAt each North American Heartland Owners Rally, I host a meeting of all Leadership (Club, Forum and Newsletter) in attendance at the Rally. At the Goshen Rally, I hosted a meeting with 30+ Heartland Owners Club Leadership couples. The purpose of the meeting is to get feedback from Leadership about the Club and the Forum. Julie and I take that feedback and use it to make the Club and Forum better. This year, we also had something we wanted to run by Leadership and I want to share this with you too. While the Club has continued to grow each year, the net growth rate is very low and it does not track Heartland sales growth. All Leadership would like to see our Club growth rate improve. As a collective, we discussed many ideas. One of the impediments identified was “lack of awareness” (of the Club) on the part of the majority of Heartland product owners. Another impediment identified the perceived value versus the cost of Membership. In the coming months, Julie and I will be working with the entire Leadership to develop a plan to address both of the above impediments. In the mean time, I would like to ask each of you to continue to reach out to all Heartlanders you encounter in your travels at campgrounds and RV shows. Be sure to ask them if they’re Club Members and if they’re not, encourage them to learn more about it by sending them to www.heartlandowners.org and clicking on the Owners Club link, as seen below.
See CLUB PRESIDENT, continued on page 7
Heartland Highlights
6 2015 Quarter Three
Club Manager’s CornerHello to All!The 10th Anniversa-ry North American Rally in Goshen is now in the history books. If you were there I hope you had a great time and are planning to attend the next Rally in Goshen when it rolls around in 2017. For all of you first-timers: thank you so much for coming. Now that you know what it’s all about, it will be so much easier next time.
There has been much going on in the Heartland Owners Club in the last couple of months. For the first time, every Region of the Heartland Owners Club has a Region Director. We are very fortunate to have the depth of experience and enthusiasm that our Region Directors bring to the Club.Garry Gilbert, Arizona Chapter Leader, has assumed the role of Mountain Region Director. This is awesome as the Moun-tain Region has not had a Director before. Garry will be continuing as Arizona Chapter Leader through his January 2017 Chapter Rally in Havasu.
Rod and Kelly Ditrich, Washington Chapter Leaders, have taken over as Pacific Region Directors. They are actively recruiting for the Washington Chapter Leader role and an announcement may have been made by the time you read this.
Wayne and Gayle Wilson, Canadian Region Directors, have decided to retire and have
passed the baton to Bob and Christine Fournelle, now former Ontario Chapter Leaders. Mike and Donna Tinklin have volunteered as Ontario Chapter Leaders to take over from Bob and Christine. This was all accomplished at the Ontario Chapter Rally and announced at the NAHOR. My hat is off to you all. Super planning!
Mark and Linda Comer who have been the Ohio Chapter Leaders since June 2008 decided to let someone else in on the fun and retired in April 2015 so Bob and Connie Sims could enjoy the Chapter Leader role. That’s a long run guys.
I was curious to see who else who stepped up in 2008 and are still in the Chapter Leader role. There are only 3 remaining: Ken and Kathy Strong—Illinois, Bob and Patty Hartsell—California-South, Kristy and Mark Carlson—Oregon.
So what happened to the rest of our found-ing Chapter Leaders? Some moved on to the Region Director role: Wayne and Gayle Wilson—retired Ontario CLs and retired Canadian RDs, Jay and Stella Coffman— retired Texas CLs and current South Central RDs. There are also those who remain active in the club, but are low key: Tom & Geraldine Weber—retired Wisconsin CLs, Gus and Deb Funderburg—retired Virginia CLs. There are also two special people who have been Chapter Leaders off and on since 2007, stepping up whenever we needed them: Phil and Becky Smith—current South Carolina Chapter Leaders.
And the rest of the founding Chapter Leaders: Rand and Beverly Lutman—
British Columbia, Richard Jagiello and Blanca Forth—Michigan, Mike and Betty Tovar—Arkansas, Teresa and Art Mitchell—California-Central, Deb and Ray Duryee – California-North, Forrest Fetherolf and Karen Wright—Nevada, Larry and Sam Bandstra—South Carolina. Do you know these folks? Say “Thanks” when you see them because they helped the HOC through its birth and early childhood.
Thank you so much to all the HOC Chapter Leaders and Region Directors, past and present, for giving of their time and enthusi-asm to support the club and Heartland RVs. Thank you for your patience and under-standing as we strive to make this the best Club it can be for all its members.
If you feel you would like to take a shot at Chapter Leadership we would love to talk to you about it. The only requirements are enthusiasm, access to a computer, some basic computer skills and the ability to talk with people. We ask that if you volunteer that you commit to a minimum of one calendar year, essentially hosting one Chapter Rally. There are Chapters yet to be formed and Chapters with no Chapter Leader. If your Chapter already has a Chapter Leader tell them or your Region Director you would be interested someday when they retire. If you’d like to try it out, offer to Wagonmaster the next Chapter Rally. Try it, you’ll like it.
Until next time: have a great summer!
by Julie Hancock, Heartland Owners Club Manager
Julie Hancock,Owners Club Manager
Club Manager’s Corner
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 7
HOC President’s Message
2016 North American Heartland Owners RallyAt the NAHOR Rally in Goshen, we announced that our plans are firm to hold the 2016 North American Owners Rally in Las Vegas, NV. Primary camping will be at Oasis RV Resort (125 rigs) and we hope to be able to accommodate up to another 75 rigs at other area campgrounds. It is our hope to secure off-site meeting rooms to hold all-attendee events. Nancy and I will be in Las Vegas this November to nail down some of the details for this event. To keep up to date with the planning for this Rally, subscribe to the 2016 Las Vegas Rally discussion thread by clicking this link.
Future of the Heartland Highlights NewsletterAs you’ll note in Erika’s article, she is retiring from her position as the Editor of Heartland Highlights. As we consider our options for the Newsletter and a new editor — everything is on the table. If you have ideas for what you feel the Club Newsletter should be, what should be in it, how it should be published, how often etc., kindly drop me a line.
On the road againAs I write this article in late July, Nancy and I are in the Pacific Northwest. We’re here to attend Washington and Oregon Rallies. When we get back home, it’s off to a half dozen more Chapter Rallies.
Happy Trails, Heartlanders. Keep making memories with your Heartland RV and “we’ll see you down on the road!”
by Jim Beletti, Heartland Owners Club President
CLUB PRESIDENT, continued from page 5Heartland News
Contest Launches Camping World RebrandingCamping World Inc. and Good Sam Enterprises LLC announced the winners of their “Hello Camping World RV Sweepstakes,” which corresponded with a national radio sponsorship that kicked off the launch of the company’s rebranding campaign, titled “Hello Camping World.” The sweepstakes was part of Camping World’s sponsorship with Westwood One radio, and included a grand prize of a new 2015 Heartland Prowler 27LX travel trailer among other giveaways such as NASCAR tickets and gift cards.
The “Hello Camping World” campaign was created to showcase the great adven-tures that can be enjoyed in the RV lifestyle between family and friends, and how a variety of outdoor accessories such as grills, chairs, coolers and patio furniture can be integrated in a camping trip to enhance the experience. “Our goal was to create an awareness of the outdoor and RV lifestyle and give the community an opportunity to see how a camping trip can turn into a dream vacation.” said Marcus Lemonis, CEO and chairman of Camping World.
Winners for the four grand prizes and weekly gift card drawings were pulled from over 55,000 entries received during Camping World’s sweepstakes. Barbara Mutchler, of Minonk, Ill., was selected as the first grand prize winner to receive the new 2015 Heartland trailer, who has plans to travel to different state parks and campgrounds with her family in their new RV.
by Staff, RVBusiness
Get your custom Heartland gear!
http://www.companycasuals.com/hoc or call 888-729-0198.
Heartland Highlights
8 2015 Quarter Three
Toy Hauler Bunk Mod
Lowering the Top Bunk on Toy Haulers
Several people have expressed an interest in lowering to default height of the top bunk on the Heartland toy haulers that have the Happyjack system. In my case, I needed the top bunk to be at approximately 36" from the floor.
Here’s how it’s done.1. Determine the height you want the top
bunk to be when you finish (i.e., the height from the floor)
2. Lower the top and bottom bunks so that the top bunk rests on the existing stops. Note – “stops” are the metal blocks that are inside the rails. The top bunk descends and rests on the “stops”.
3. Measure the distance from the top of the metal “stop” inside the wall rail to the top of your mattress (keep this number handy).
6. Measure down from the top of the upper bunk along the vertical rail for the offset you obtained in step #2. Using a marker, mark this spot.
7. Using a tape measure, mark the same spot
on the remaining three vertical rails (i.e., measure up from the bottom of the rail, not the floor as the floor slopes downward at the back of the garage).
8. Place your stop in the rail, mark the first hole, drill a pilot hole through the metal back of the rail, then using a self-tapping bolt, screw into the wall. Note: The local hardware store had almost identical self-tapping screws to the ones that held the rails to the wall. They are No. 12 x 1½ inches.
9. Once you’ve put the first bolt in, you don’t need to remove the stop — use it to help guide the second hole. Repeat the procedure for the remaining three (3) vertical rails.
Drilling the pilot holes.
Finished install.
Marking the measurement.
Image of the stop removed.
4. Using a screwdriver, remove the four (4) stops from inside the vertical rails.
5. Lower your bunks to the point where the top bunk is at the height you want it to be (during this process the top bunk will be resting on the lower bunk).
Success! You have completed the mod to your bunk height!
Remember to retain the threaded screws that originally held the stops. When you decide to return the bunk to its original position, you’ll need these. I put the screws back into the original holes — that way I won’t be looking for them in the future.
by Ian Hubling HOC Member #2290
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 9
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Heartland Highlights
10 2015 Quarter Three
Quarterly Safety Tip
Quarterly Safety Tip
Since the creation of the “Firearms and RVing” category on our HOC Forum, there have been various discussion threads started. Popular topics have included “What’s Your Favorite Carry Weapon”, “Con-cealed Carry Permits” and “How Necessary is a Weapon?”
I’ve been a gun own-er since my dad gave me my first shotgun at the age of 15. I enjoy shooting sports and have partici-pated in competitive pistol shooting the last eight years. And some of you know I prefer to load my own ammunition. Additionally, I’m an advocate of personal protection.
I believe that every American who can legally own a firearm should have the right to do so. Although, it is important to know that just because we have that right, it does not mean that all of us should exercise it. A firearm is a dangerous weapon, and in untrained hands, it can cause far more harm than good.
Gun ownership requires a critical responsibil-ity. Each individual has to decide if they are willing and able to accept that critical respon-sibility. Before anyone makes a decision to carry a gun in their RV, they must understand the legal ramifications that come with gun ownership and use. It is important to note that the possibility of ever having to use a firearm
for self-defense is very unlikely. If you ever do, you may find yourself facing criminal prosecu-tion to prove you were justified in your actions. Additionally, you may encounter civil litigation from whoever you used the weapon against, or their heirs. You can be entirely in the right and still face years of legal battles and mountainous legal fees. Even worse, you could face a prison sentence. If you ever have to defend yourself by shooting someone, there will be an emotional impact that may stay with you the rest of your life. You have to ask yourself, “Am I willing to
See SAFETY, continued on page 11
The Armed RVer – Part 1
Dave Gray,Safety Reporter
shoulder that responsibility?” Only if you are fully aware of the consequences using, or even possessing a firearm can bring, and are abso-lutely willing to deal with those consequences, should you have a firearm in your RV.
No one should own a firearm unless they are well trained in its safe handling, as well as the circumstances where it can be legally used for defense. The laws differ in every state, and you must comply with the laws where you happen to be at the time.
In some states, gun laws are reasonably easy to understand, and many states will issue concealed carry permits to residents who meet the legal criteria, pass a background check and
training class. In other states, the mere posses-sion of any firearm, even unloaded and cased in your vehicle, can lead to stiff penalties. It is each person’s responsibility to know the laws of the state you travel in. I recommend all RVers traveling with firearms install on their mobile device an app entitled “Legal Heat.” Legal Heat is the only app featuring comprehensive con-cealed and open carry law summaries written by attorneys.
Five years ago, I learned about and joined the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). Even if you do not have a concealed carry permit, I still recommend this organiza-
“Only if you are fully aware of the consequences using, or even possessing a firearm can bring, and are
absolutely willing to deal with those consequences, should you have a firearm in your RV.”
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 11
Quarterly Safety Tip
SAFETY, continued from page 10
tion. They have lots of training material avail-able. One of the most important benefits avail-able is their Self-Defense Shield firearm liability coverage. For a reasonable annual membership fee, you could get up to $1,000,000 coverage. You can visit USCCA.com to learn more.
For me, personally, I don’t ever expect to get into a situation that will require me to exercise my right to self-defense, nor do I expect to use my fire extinguishers to put out a fire in my RV. None-the-less, I’ve chosen to keep at least one firearm and a few fire extinguishers for just in case. Having a firearm does add to a sense of security. But, if the situation ever presents itself, before I would consider using a gun against a threat, I would put some distance away from the situation if at all possible.
Having a firearm poses problems whenever
you have children present in your RV. Make sure that it is unloaded and locked away out of sight. Likewise, whenever visitors, such as service technicians or mechanics have access to your rig, store your firearms safely away.
The first rule of firearms ownership is safety, while the second is discretion. Nobody has to know you have a gun, and the fewer who do, the better. Never display your weapon except when you feel a real threat to your life or safety. If you brandish a gun to “scare away” suspicious characters, you may be asking for trouble and will more than likely get it. One of my cousins learned that the hard way. That person you find suspicious may well be a fellow RVer or truck driver out for an evening stroll to work the road kinks out of his back, or possibly even a police officer checking on the welfare of people parked in a roadside rest area. Even if someone is busily engaged in taking something from your trailer, they are not a
threat to your life. Drive away, call the police on your cell phone, honk your horn and flash your headlights, cry for help on the CB if you have one. But whatever you do, avoid getting into an armed confrontation. There is not a material thing in this world worth a human life. The only time I would consider using deadly force is when somebody is actually entering my trailer without permission or directly threaten-ing the lives of myself or someone else.
Next quarter, I will continue this two part series and discuss some safety concerns about differ-ent types of firearms and ammunition that may be utilized during RV travel. I hope everyone is having a exciting and safe summer.
Note: Dave Gray is open to suggested topics for future articles. Email Dave at [email protected]
by David Gray, Safety Reporter
Heartland Highlights
12 2015 Quarter Three
Service Center
Heartland Opens New Service Center for Dealers/Owners
While at the 2015 North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN, we had the opportunity to visit Heartland’s brand new service center before it opened for business.
Jim Fenner, Director of Dealer Services, greeted a large group of Heartland owners on Saturday, June 20th at the new facility and let us wander around and ask questions of the staff on hand. Everyone was impressed by the new facilities and excited for the new adven-ture for Jim and his team.
We had scheduled some work to be done on our Landmark Key Largo and ended up being the second coach to pull into the new service bays on Monday, June 22nd…we were right behind the Comer’s and right in front of the van Opstal’s. It was a race to see who could get there first!
I was able to take advantage of the time our coach was at the service center by taking the opportunity to sit down with Jim and ask him some more in-depth questions regarding the new Service Center. Below is that interview.
How long have you [Jim Fenner] been at Heartland and in customer service?I’ve been with Heartland for approximately 9½ years. For most of that time I was the Customer Service Manager. I was recently promoted to Director of Dealer Services, an area that covers Parts, Service, Retail, Quality and Audit.
Tell us why Heartland decided to create this service center.We wanted to be a better partner for our dealers and provide better customer service for our retail customers. In other words, “We want to be there for our customers.” The new facility was originally an old warehouse that had seen better days. Work started in the
fall of 2014 on renovating the space into the facility that took its first customers on June 22.
Tell us about the service center.• We now have twelve service bays and three
check-in bays.• There are five full hook-up sites behind the
service center for customers that may needto stay overnight.
• Guests that need to stay overnight willhave 24-hour access to the visitor’s loungeand its amenities — TV, restroom, refresh-ments, etc.
• The service center currently has nine techsand five office support personnel. Thosenumbers could potentially grow as timegoes on. We are taking things slowly toensure success.
• A ‘training room’ in the new service center
will be used to further educate our service techs, phone techs and quality team so that they are better able to service our customers.
What are the capabilities of the service center?We are able to do most work with the excep-tion of insurance claims, extended warranty work and any modifications outside the normal build, i.e. customizations.
Work as small as slide adjustments to bigger jobs like replacing entire slide rooms floors can be done at the new service center.
Any Heartland owner, regardless if they are first, second or more generation owner, can have work done at the service center.
See SERVICE, continued on page 13
Above: New facility (office and 3 check-in bays)
Right: Jim Fenner introducing the new
service center to Heartland owners
attending the North American Heartland
Owners Rally in June.
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 13
Service Center
SERVICE, continued from page 12
Heartland will continue to do work on any manufacturing defects. The only exception would be if they were planning to have the work covered by an extended warranty program. All work done at the service center will be ‘customer pay’, meaning that the customer will pay for the work to be done. What is the procedure for owners to schedule work to be done?Heartland owners can call customer service and ask for the service center to have work
scheduled. Work will be done by appoint-ment only. What is the timeframe for service to be completed?The timeframe will depend on the worked scheduled to be completed which could be a few hours for some smaller jobs to a couple of days or even a week or more for some bigger jobs. What is the most important thing that Heartland Owners need to know about the service center?Heartland is here to support our dealer base and our retail customers and we still recom-mend that customers work with their selling dealer first.
by Kelly Barnett, HOC Member #1817
Above: Customer loungeBelow: Training roomAbove Right: Full hook up sites
Heartland RVs Brand General Managers – Office Number: 574-266-8726
ROLE NAME REGION E-MAIL ADDRESS
Executive Mgmt Coley Brady V.P. of Sales [email protected]
Landmark Tom Montague LM General Manager [email protected]
Bighorn Oakmont TBD BH/SV General Manager [email protected]
Cyclone Road Warrior Torque, Edge
AJ Jones CY/RW General Manager [email protected]
Big Country Elkridge Joel Eberlein BC/ER General Manager [email protected]
Gateway Sundance Paul Craven GW/SD General Manager [email protected]
North Trail Wilderness Mallard
Mike Creech NT/WD General Manager [email protected]
Trail Runner ProwlerPioneer
Ryan Brady PR/PI/TR General Manager [email protected]
How to Reach Heartland
Heartland’s customer service is considered by many owners to be second-to-none. Here’s
how to reach the specific Brand General Managers, if you are considering a new
purchase and have specific brand-related questions. How great is that?
Heartland Highlights
14 2015 Quarter Three
Heartland News
Heartland News
Thor Industries Reports Record Revenue, Income in 3QElkhart Ind.-based Thor Industries Inc. today (June 4) announced record sales and net income from continuing opera-tions for the third quarter, ended April 30, compared with impressive results from the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
Third-quarter highlights include:• Sales from continuing operations for
the third quarter of fiscal 2015 were $1.17 billion, up 12% from $1.05 billion in the third quarter last year, as sales of both towable and motor-ized RVs posted gains from a year ago. Towable results for the third quarter of fiscal 2015 included the impact of the acquisitions of K-Z, Cruiser RV LLC and DRV LLC, which were not included in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
• Gross profit margins increased to 14.2% in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 compared to 13.6% in the prior-year period. Gross margins in the third quarter of fiscal 2015 improved largely as a result of increased fixed cost absorption and improvements in labor and warranty costs as a percent of sales in the motorized segment.
• Net income from continuing opera-tions for the third quarter was $63.6 million, up 15% from $55.1 million in the prior-year third quarter. Includ-
ing the discontinued operations of Thor’s Bus business, net income for the third quarter was $62.8 million, up 14% from $55.1 million in the third quarter of fiscal year 2014.
• Diluted earnings per share (EPS) from continuing operations for the third quarter was $1.19, up 16% from $1.03 in the third quarter last year. Including the discontinued operations of Thor’s Bus business, diluted EPS for the third quarter was $1.17, up 14% from $1.03 in the third quarter of fiscal 2014.
“We were pleased with our strong third-quarter results, which exceeded even the solid performance we achieved in the third quarter of fiscal 2014,” said Bob Martin, Thor president and CEO. “The record results for the quarter reflect the great efforts of our entire team combined with the ongoing growth of the RV market. In the near term, the market for some higher-end products remains soft, while dealers focus on inventory management as they sell through units delivered earlier in the year. We have also seen some shifting of order patterns due to the growing importance of the fall dealer Open House resulting in a shift in backlogs. Despite these factors, we see many reasons for optimism for the future of the RV industry and Thor. The continued
entrance of baby boomers into the core RV buying age group as well as the rapid growth of younger buyers entering the RV market provide a solid foundation for long-term growth,” he added.
“Our improved third-quarter revenues and profits marked a new milestone in the history of Thor, as the RV industry continued its recovery from the reces-sion,” said Peter B. Orthwein, Thor chairman. “In the third quarter, we reaped the benefit of our ongoing acquisition strategy as we saw growth from K-Z, as well as a full quarter contribution from Cruiser RV and DRV to Heartland’s results. We may see some challenges to our fourth quarter results from shifting dealer order and delivery patterns, the start-up costs of new towable expansions, and integra-tion costs of our most recent acquisition, Postle Aluminum, all of which we consider to be short-term factors that should benefit our results over the long term. When we consider the many opportunities ahead of us, as well as the ongoing strength of our markets, we have reason for confidence in the future performance of our company.”
by Staff, RV Business
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 15
Prowler & Trail Runner
Prowler and Trail Runner Made for Summer Fun
There is lots of Summer left! It’s not too late to enjoy the RV lifestyle in a new travel trailer.
Prowler and Trail Runner travel trailers by Heartland Recreational Vehicles offer more value than any other travel trailer in its class. Beyond the solid construction, great looks and residential ameni-ties Heartland travel trailers are available in over 45 unique floorplans. There is truly a Prowler or Trail Runner to fit everyones specific wants and needs! Make the most of the rest of the summer and hurry to a dealer near you to check out the best value in family recreation. Here are a couple of our most popular models to get you started!
Prowler 29P RKS• Large Rear Kitchen with Incredible Storage• Unique Bedroom Slide that Extends into the Bathroom• Residential Free Standing Table and Chairs• Large Door Side Bay Window for Optimal View
Trail Runner SLE21• True Walk Around Bed• Large U-Shape Dinette That Collapses Into a Full Bed• Mega Bay Window in the Rear for View and Sunlight
Follow this link, pick Prowler or Trail Runner and enter your zip code to find the dealer nearest you! Good Travels and Thank You!Without you we would be just another RV company!
Remember, Home is where your Heartland is!
Heartland Highlights
16 2015 Quarter Three
Member Spotlight
Some may remember the article in Q-2 of Heartland Highlights, about a Cyclone with custom paint and graphics. Here’s more about the Members behind the toy hauler. —Editor
This issue we highlight Chris and Gloria Whitford from Rock Tavern, NY who recently joined the Heartland Owners Club with a very unique Heartland product. A custom-painted and custom-wrapped Cyclone 4200. Chris is a former NYPD Detective now retired, and Gloria works as an office manager. They have a son, Marc who is attending SUNY Oswego College. How did Chris and Gloria get into RVing? Camping is something I always loved early on. Later it was known to me as Bivouacking when I joined the Army. Gloria and I would reminisce about camping at Pampalona Spain. We agreed that if we got back into it we would need a few more luxuries that tents could not provide. After 9/11/2001 we both realized the world had changed. We decided that a travel trailer would allow us to get back into camping. Additionally it would make a great “go bag” in case we had a natural disaster or man-made disaster like the one that occurred on September 11, 2001.
When and how did they decide on a Heartland product? We love our toys. So our first decision was to get a toy hauler. We conducted tons of research and put together a spread sheet containing all toy haulers we were interested in looking at. When we attended the Hershey PA RV show in September 2014 we walked through many toy haulers, made by many manufacturers. We felt that the Cyclone was
Member Spotlight
Cyclone project in the 2015 Q-2 issue of Heart-land Highlights.
But Chris has a new addition to the coach. The rear door of the Cyclone has a new graphic, a special tribute to Chris’ brother, Mark Whitford.
Tell us about the added rear graphics to the Cyclone. Mark was one of the 343 NYC firefighters who died on September 11, 2001. Along with 37 Port Authority Police Officers and 23 NYPD Officers. He was the chauffer of Engine 23 located at 215 W 58th St, New York, NY. Mark and his men from the “Lion’s Den” responded to the World Trade Center disaster. They entered the South Tower and were evacuating people around the 21st floor when the tower collapsed. Mark was my younger brother. He loved the outdoors and camping. I wanted to add a special tribute to Mark on the back of my Cyclone. I held off on getting the graphics designed because I was going to have Mark’s high school friend design and airbrush it on.
Chris and Gloria Whitford (l), and the day they put a deposit on the Cyclone 4200 (r).
the best built for our price point. Then we saw the innovative side patio of the CY4200 and we agreed it was the one we wanted. How did they get involved in the Heartland Owners Club? We had just finished placing a deposit on our Cyclone order while at the Hershey PA RV show. It was raining. Jamie and Ginger Walker were manning the Heartland Owners Club table. They had a nice canopy set up. I asked them if they minded if I stood under it so I could light my celebratory cigar. They both agreed and then I proceeded to ask Jamie what the Heartland Owners Club was all about. He informed me and I was immediately very interested in joining. We had no idea that Heartland had such a Club. Within a few days I started to explore the forum.
This summer, Chris was able to attend the North American Heartland Owners Club Rally in Goshen, Indiana, but Gloria was not able to make it. In her place, his son came instead. Immediately, their coach drew a great bit of attention. You can read about the Whitford’s See SPOTLIGHT, continued on page 17
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 17
Member Spotlight
We were not able to link up and I wanted the graphic design completed prior to the Heartland Owners Club Rally in Goshen, IN. So I reached out to Goodrich Auto Works/Goodies Graphics located in Bath, NY. They are the shop that painted and installed the custom graphics on the Cyclone, origi-nally. They dropped everything to get my rear door graphics completed.
Why decide to customize the exterior of your RV this way? Mark along with all the emergency responders that died on September 11, 2001 are in one word: HEROES! What better way to honor him and tell again of the sacrifices made on that tragic day. Unfortunately many Americans have short memories. I felt this was a great way to re-mind Americans what ensued that day. The rear graphics contains a picture of Mark in the upper left. He was 31 years old when he died. The upper middle is a picture of Mark’s fire house,
See SPOTLIGHT, continued on page 18
SPOTLIGHT, continued from page 16
Composite
<$$PAGErc> 0505
BY RICK SCAVETTAStars and Stripes
CAMP DOHA, Kuwait — ForStaff Sgt. Christopher Whitford,an Army reservist from NewYork City, the war against terror-ism remains personal.
Whitford joined other city po-lice officers in a bucket brigade atthe ruins of the World Trade Cen-ter the day after Sept. 11, haulingout bits of debris and body parts.All the time, he was praying forhis missing brother, Mark.
“He was somewhere in thatpile of rubble,” Whitford said.“We pulled a few bodies out. Atleast someone’s loved ones wereout of there.”
Whitford’s family would waituntil April 5 for recovery workersto find Mark’s remains. Whitford,who now works in the secretiverealm of the unmanned Predatorspy plane, wells with tears whenretelling his story.
“He was re-covered on hisbirthday,”Whitford said,his hand shak-ing slightly. “Iwent home forthe funeralservice.”
Whitfordonly tells ofthe horrors ofSept. 11, and
the loss of his younger brother, inhopes his story motivates fellowsoldiers.
“Don’t forget what happenedthat day. Don’t lose interest in thewar,” Whitford says, as if talkingto troops whose daily routines inKuwait often border on the mun-dane.
“Don’t ever say we’re even.We’re not even until all the terror-ists are killed or captured.”
As terrorists hijacked planesand flew them toward Manhattanearly on Sept. 11, Whitford, whohad just finished the graveyardshift at the 1st Precint, donnedhis Army uniform and headed toFort Wadsworth, Staten Island.He planned to make up a misseddrill with his Reserve unit, the331st Military Intelligence Com-pany.
There, as he finished a cup ofcoffee with his first sergeant, heheard the radio news report aplane had struck the World TradeCenter. He was already out thedoor, on his way to the Staten Is-land Ferry, when his fathercalled his cell phone saying a sec-ond plane had hit and that hisbrother Mark, a firefighter in mid-town New York, was on his way tohelp.
The ferry ride was unbearable,Whitford said. Along with otheremergency service workers, Whit-ford helplessly watched as a ballof fire spewed from the two build-ings and the smoke rose fromsouthern Manhattan.
A little earlier, Mark Whitfordhad left his fire station driving En-gine 23 south to the Twin Towerswith five fellow firefighters. Dur-
ing the rush, Mark called hiswife, Renee, telling her, “Don’tworry. If anything happens, Chriswill find me.”
The towers collapsed beforeWhitford disembarked at theferry terminal, he said, shroudingseveral city blocks in dust and de-bris that clouded visibility toabout arm’s length.
Still, he and other emergencyworkers plodded throughmounds of mangled office equip-ment, blocks of rubble, and trailsof debris looking for survivors.
“It was just chaos,” Whitfordsaid. “We could barely breathewith the dust.”
City officials pulled back res-cue workers when another build-ing began to collapse. Later thatafternoon, Whitford resumed hissearch, not knowing his brother’sfate. He found Engine 23 intact,but empty.
“As the driver, technically hewas supposed to stay with histruck,” Whitford said. “But Markwouldn’t have that. He went inwith the rest of his men.”
Mark’s team had been on the21st floor of the South Tower,which collapsed while his brotherChris was still on the ferry.
On Sept. 12, Whitford and fel-low officer Eddy Louis rejoinedworkers sifting through the moun-tain of rubble. Some told Whit-ford they saw his brother alive,giving him a false sense of hope.For hours, he spun around everyfirefighter he saw, hoping itwould be Mark.
Then, among dust-filled airthat could choke anything living,a large butterfly flew into Whit-ford’s face, causing him to instinc-tively swat the creature away.
“I think that was a messagefrom Mark,” Whitford said. “Thatwas him telling me something.”
Whitford may have been thefirst uniformed U.S. Army soldierat the scene. It was hours laterthat National Guardsmen se-cured the site. After three weeksof assisting at Ground Zero, Whit-ford volunteered to remain in hisArmy uniform and deploy over-seas.
Mark wasn’t the only personclose to Whitford to die that year.Louis, the fellow officer whohelped Whitford through weeksof agony, died Dec. 30 after beingstruck by a drunken driver just afew blocks from his Staten Islandhome.
“It hasn’t been a real good yearfor me,” Whitford said.
On Nov. 11, two days after arriv-ing in Kuwait, Whitford led a Vet-erans Day run dedicated to hisbrother. The long months awayhave helped Whitford distancehimself from the pain, but not aday goes by when he doesn’tthink of Mark, he said.
“It’s important that I’m part ofthe war on terrorism,” Whitfordsaid. “I’m here to make sure thisnever happens again.”
E-mail Rick Scavetta at:[email protected]
Army reservist motivated by personal tragedy
Mark Whitford
RICK SCAVETTA/Stars and Stripes
Staff Sgt. Christopher Whitford, an Army reservist deployed to Kuwait,lost his brother Mark in the Sept. 11 attack on the World Trade Center.
Sunday, May 5, 2002 • S T A R S A N D S T R I P E S • PAGE 11
Article describing Chris’s 9-11-2001 experience, and the inspiration for some of the graphics on his Cyclone 4200.
Heartland Highlights
18 2015 Quarter Three
Member Spotlight
AKA: the Lion’s Den. The upper right is a pic-ture of the twin towers with the American flag wrapped around them. Up high is a picture of a monarch butterfly like the one I observed on September 12, 2001 at ground zero. And on the bottom is a picture of the actual Engine 23 as I found it on September 11, 2001. What are the future plans for the Whitfords and their custom Cyclone? I have two Army buddies that will be getting 5er’s shortly. When we all have them, the three couples plan on visiting all the States within the contiguous USA. Maybe even Canada and Alaska. Thanks to Chris for his service and sharing his story. Be sure to stop by and say “hi” to the Whitfords as they travel, they will be hard to miss!
by Erika Dorsey, Heartland Highlights Editor
Above: The custom graphics on Chris and Gloria’s Cyclone 4200.
Right: Mark’s name on Engine 23 door.
Far Right: Engine 23 as Chris found it on 9/11/2001.
Below: Goody’s Graphics installing the rear door graphics, Bath NY.
SPOTLIGHT, continued from page 17
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 19
Heartland News
Heartland News
Heartland Debuts New Mid-Bunk ElkridgeLast year, Heartland Recreational Vehicles introduced the industry’s first five slideout, two full bath fifth-wheel floorplan with the Elkridge 38RSRT, and this year, they continue to add to the Elkridge lineup with a sixth floorplan, the 39MBHS – a 42-foot quad-slide with a single bath and multi-purpose bunk room located in the center of the coach.
“The Elkridge Brand has been a leader in innovative bunk room floor plans,” said Joel Eberlein, general manager of the Elkridge/Big Country lines. “The [39MBHS] continues our trend of designing floorplans that meet the various customer lifestyles and ever-changing use of fifth-wheels.”
At a base MSRP of $53,624, the Elkridge 39MBHS houses its bunk room on the driver’s side near the mid-entry door, with large sliding doors that open to the kitchen and main living area. The room houses a sleeper sofa and entertainment center with television.
The large loft above the bunk room can be used for sleep-ing or storage.
“This gives owners separate rooms without sacrificing traditional living space,” Eberlein said.
The 39MBHS has a dry weight of 13,145 pounds (GVWR of 15,500 pounds) and comes with new hydraulic front landing gear as standard with optional six-point leveling system; as well as premium suspension with Dexter EZ Lube axles, EZ Flex equalizer and Nev-R adjust brakes package.
Inside, the kitchen features an island design and the living room houses an 80-inch rear sofa and adjacent recliners or optional theater seating, with a 50-inch TV. Other notable features include a 22-inch oven with recessed three-burner
cooktop, standard king size bed, solid hardwood doors with hidden hinges, and a wardrobe closet set up for stackable washer/dryer (Eberlein notes that most similar models only accommo-date all-in-one units or separate, side-loaded units.)
Popular options include an exterior grill with bumper mount, an electric fire-place, a second air conditioner, dual pane windows, and a larger four-door refrigerator with 12 cubic-foot capacity and expanded freezer. by Joel Eberlein, Elkridge General Manager, Heartland RV
Heartland Highlights
20 2015 Quarter Three
Advertisement
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• 29ft. with an approximate 7,400 pound dry weight
• Large glass pantry doors
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Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 21
Heartland News
Owners Calendar
Order your new 2015-2016 Calendar NOW! The calendars run from July 2015 to June 2016, so they are good for a full year, even if you are just now buying one!
Anyone interested in ordering one can email Dave Yocum at [email protected] or PM him on the Heartland Owners Forum: davebennington
The cost this year is the same as last year $7.00 plus shipping (usually $1.50 o $2.00) depending on where and how many in the package.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS, and contact Dave to order your calendar(s) today!!
Heartland News
New Torque Toy Hauler Targeting Half-Ton SectorBuilding on strong sales and growing market share in the fifth-wheel toy hauler segment, Heartland Recreational Vehicles LLC has broadened its product offerings with the introduction of the Torque Extreme Lite travel trailer series targeting a rapidly growing ½-ton pickup market.
“Heartland has experienced tremendous growth over the last few years in the fifth-wheel toy hauler segment,” stated General Manager A.J. Jones, noting that Heartland owns a 22% market share in fifth-wheel toy haulers and a nearly 30% share of all triple-axle fifth-wheel toy haulers sold. “However, because of pro-duction limitations in the past, we weren’t able to expand into other areas of the market, which continues to branch into new categories.”
As part of a companywide expansion initiative, Heartland moved its toy hauler operations into a dedicated facility, effectively doubling production capacity while significantly reducing turnaround times. “Heartland has made a huge commitment to toy haulers, allowing us to compete in all-new price points and weights,” Jones reported in a press release.
Combining lightweight construction with aggressive pricing, the Torque offers Heartland’s dealer partners a full-featured toy hauler that addresses the towing needs of ½-ton pickup owners.
“The key to the Torque Extreme Lite is to keep the same high-end look and fea-tures that our fifth-wheel toy haulers provide, but doing it on a ½-ton towable platform,” noted Coley Brady, vice president of sales and marketing. “Our dealers have been begging for an affordable, ½-ton towable, and A.J. and his team delivered with the Torque Extreme Lite.”
Available in six floorplans, ranging in length from 31 to 38½ feet, the new Torque Lite series features 102-inch wide-body construction, all-aluminum framing and Equa-flex suspension with gas shocks to ensure a stable, comfortable ride. The onboard garage is equipped with 5,000-pound tie-downs, Happy-Jac powered bunks beds and can accommodate the largest side-by-sides. MSRP pricing starts at $39,450.
“The introduction of the Torque travel trailer extends Heartland’s laser focus on the toy hauler segment,” said Heartland President Chris Hermon. “By entering into the 1/2-ton pickup market, we have positioned Heartland to capture even more market share in what we see as a segment that continues to evolve and gain traction. As always we listened to our dealers, bringing to market a product that not only meets a growing demand but also stands out on the sales lot with features traditionally not offered by the competition at this price point.”
by Staff, RVBusiness
Heartland Highlights
22 2015 Quarter Three
A Bicycle Built for Two Billion
A Bicycle Built for Two Billion Book Tour
One of the features during the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN, was to hear Jamie Bianchini present his travels and experiences. Below is an overview of his adventures. We enjoyed visiting with him about his Heartland RV! —Editor
Jamie Bianchini rode a tandem bicycle through 81 countries around the world, inviting more than 1,000 total strangers to jump on and join the adventure. Of course, their Family Book Tour itself has a twist almost as exciting as Bianchini’s tandem bicycle adventure. Their family will be driving an 8-seater SUV and towing a 33-foot Heartland RV North Trail trailer that sleeps 10. Why so much space for just a family of four? The family hopes to use the spare seats and beds to keep the original expedition’s spirit alive of openness, trust and connection as they invite others they meet around the country join the tour, connect, camp and find ways to contribute along the way. Along his amazing bicycle journey, Bianchini See BOOK TOUR, continued on page 23
hustled up donations to provide 100 bikes to an impoverished township Cape Town, disperse hundreds of doses of life-saving Malaria medication to small African communities, start a school for AIDS orphans in Uganda, and bring fresh water to a community suffering from sickness and death in Bolivia. Bianchini’s worldwide expedition will soon be shared nationwide via dozens of free multimedia presentations, featuring an unforgettable cast of co-pedalers – from inspiring villagers to conniving thieves, romantic paramours to unlikely gurus, excited school kids to seniors who had never set foot on a pedal. Not surprisingly, a journey of this magnitude was sprung from humble beginnings. After a series of spectacular business flops drove him into bankruptcy and the love of his life kissed him goodbye Bianchini hatched a crazy plan that just might make everything right.
His life lacked purpose, passion, and connection with his fellow man. So he decided to go for a
bicycle ride...around the world...on a tandem...solo...inviting everyone he met to join him. “I felt inspired to make the journey mean more than simply fulfilling my own personal desires,” explained Bianchini. “By inviting strangers to ride with me I hoped to do my part in creating more peace in the world by reducing unneces-sary fears and prejudices between people. I wanted to demonstrate that language, cultural and religious barriers could easily be overcome with a genuine desire to connect, learn and explore”.
The tour got off to a great start in Japan and Korea but it was not long before he ran into his fair share of adversity. “There was a bike theft in China, a near-death bike crash in Malaysia and escaping machine gunfire Mauritania just to name a few,” reports Bianchini. “But what amazed me was how total strangers in every part of the world came out of nowhere to help keep me stay safe, fed, housed,warm and supported me in fulfilling my vision and mission of the expedition.” It was this constant stream of kindness and compassion demon-strated by total strangers on his journey that began to inspire Bianchini to take the expedi-tion to a new level.
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 23
A Bicycle Built for Two Billion
Starting by delivering hundreds of rides and gifts to orphanages throughout Asia, he continued the adventures of compassion and contribution through Africa, Europe and Latin America. Bianchini applied his remarkable business savvy to procuring donations of more than one hundred bicycles and hundreds of doses of Malaria medication for those in need. He brought fresh water to a community in Bolivia, and even started a school for AIDS orphans in Uganda. Yet, Bianchini’s humble about these astonishing feats. “I realized it was not only easy to connect deeply with people in every corner of the planet but it was also immensely rewarding to be of service in their communities,” he explains. “What I want to do now more than anything is share these stories and images with others to inspire the courage to connect in others.”
Bianchini documented his journey by taking over 17,000 stunning photos and logging over 900 hours of captivating video footage. He’s assembled the best stories, photos and videos for a nationwide Family Book Tour—a massive 12,000-mile family adventure with his wife, who just happened to be a former guest rider he picked up on his tandem bike, and their two kids Luca (4) and Candela (2).
Together they will travel through 36 states over five months to share the stories via dozens of free multimedia speaking events at bookstores, KOA Campgrounds, bike shops, Rotary Clubs and other venues that request a presentation. Signed copies of his new book A Bicycle Built for Two Billion will be available at the events but no purchase is necessary. The photos, videos and music shown at the events is a small sample of what will be available as supporting content in
the book itself. He’ll be keeping a blog and updating social media on the outcome of this unique open invitation family adventure.
Throughout the tour, Jamie will be raising awareness and funds for KOA Care Camps, a U.S. based charity that sends kids with terminal cancer to summer camp. Jamie’s goal is to send ten kids to camp by donating a portion of sales at his KOA talks to the Care Camps. You can read more about Jamie Bianchini’s book, the Family Book Tour’s live events and the charity projects the tour supports at www.aBicycleBuiltForTwoBillion.com.
Jamie Bianchini Press Release
BOOK TOUR, continued from page 22
Heartland Highlights
24 2015 Quarter Three
Heartland Gives Back
Our Purdue Extension office team members were overwhelmed and more than delighted with your generosity of over 800 baby items. Judi Barnett and her team members outdid themselves on motivating everyone through the year to create, make and donate all the items at the “Heartland Baby Blessings” lun-cheon on June 19. A summary of the items donated: quilts—49, blankets—240, caps—195, socks/booties—71, clothing—55, wipes/diapers—62, toys—5, burp cloths/bibs—51, other/misc. items—94.
On top of all these wonderful items, the Elkhart County Extension Homemakers re-ceived donations from your Heartland Rally of $510.00. This money will be used to purchase good quality flannel fabric. The flannel fabric will be used to sew self-binding blankets by the Volunteer Community Support committee of the Elkhart County Extension Homemakers. These blankets will be shared as a part of our community outreach program and your or-ganization will continue to be recognized as a part. The blankets will be given to infants and mothers through two hospitals and two birth-ing centers in Elkhart and LaGrange counties.
So you may be asking, “How do we use all of your wonderful donated items?” Our Family Nutrition Program assistants work with sever-al agencies that provide educational programs for limited income mothers-to-be, infants, toddlers and mothers. Your items are shared when there is a need, are used sometimes as incentives to attend programs, as drawings in the “Babe Store” and other ways. The clients
Heartland Gives Back
earn coupons by attending programs and use their coupons in the “Babe Store.”
Thanks seem to be inadequate for all that you have blessed our community with in shar-ing your talents, time and finances. We look forward to seeing you in 2017 and the Elkhart
Letter of Heartfelt Thanks to Members of the Heartland Owners Club
County Extension Homemakers have begun to plan something special that they would like to share with all of you when you are here. Un-til then, safe travels and many hugs of love to all of you for all your “Hugs of Love” to babies in Elkhart County.
Mary Ann Lienhart Cross County Extension Director Extension Educator, Health and Human Sciences
Excited volunteers unpack the boxes.
Mary Ann Lienhart Cross speaks at the luncheon, next to the donated items.
Mary Ann Lienhart Cross and Judi Barnett, coordinator for “Heartland Baby Blessings.”
Generous gifts of many handmade necessities for babies, presented at the luncheon.
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 25
Upcoming Rallies at a Glance
Click on the event title to see the thread and view the details on the HOC Forum!
Chapter Rally - Wisconsin 8-6 to 8-9Country Roads Motor Home and RV Park,Lake Delton, WITerri Lynn Michael, 608-253-2132
Chapter Rally - North Carolina 8-21 to 8-23The Great Outdoors RV Resort, Franklin, NCSherry or Pat, 828-349-0412
Chapter Rally - New York 8-21 to 8-23The Villages RV Park at Turning Stone Casino,Verona, NYOffice Staff 315-361-7275
Chapter Rally - Michigan 8-27 to 8-30Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping,Mackinaw City, MI231-436-5584
Chapter Rally - Ohio 8-28 to 8-30Cross Creek Resort, Delaware, OH800-988-CAMP (2267) or 740-549-2267
Chapter Rally - Minnesota 9-10 to 9-13 Burlington Bay Campground, Two Harbors, MN Odin (Campground Mgr) after May 15, 218-834-2021
Chapter Rally - Montana 9-10 to 9-13 Grizzly RV Park, West Yellowstone, MT Henny White, 406-646-4466
Chapter Rally - Missouri 9-11 to 9-13 Big Red Barn RV Park, Carthage, MO Misty 417 358-2432
Chapter Rally - Nevada 9-11 to 9-13 Sparks Marina RV Park, Sparks, NV 775-851-8888
Chapter Rally - Pennsylvania 9-11 to 9-13 Hickory Hollow Campground, Rockwood, PA Lori Houston 814-926-4636
Chapter Rally - South Carolina 9-11 to 9-13 WillowTree RV Resort, Longs, SC Tammy or Sue 866-207-2267
RV Show - Hershey, PA 9-16 to 9-20 Giant Center, Hershy, PA Jim Beletti (click to contact)
Chapter Rally - Utah 9-16 to 9-21 Mountain Valley RV Resort, Heber City, UT Cache, 855-901-6100
Chapter Rally - Illinois 9-17 to 9-20 Double J Campground, Chatham, IL Liz 888-483-9998
Chapter Rally - California Central 9-17 to 9-21 Jackson Rancheria RV Park, Jackson, CA Butch and Stacy Joyner (click to contact)
Chapter Rally - Colorado 9-24 to 9-27Denver West/Central City KOA, Central City, COChuck (owner) 303-582-3043
Chapter Rally - Massachusetts 9-25 to 9-27Country Aire Campground, Charkemont, MA413-625-2996
Chapter Rally - Indiana 9-30 to 10-5Shipshewana Campgrounds South,Shipshewana, INCindy 260-768-4669
Chapter Rally - Arizona 10-6 to 10-10Distant Drums RV Resort, Camp Verde, AZGarry Gilbert, 520-455-0237
Chapter Rally - Kentucky 10-9 to 10-11Cave City RV Campground, Cave City, KYJeff Lawson, 270-773-4678
Chapter Rally - Texas North 10-9 to 10-11KE Bushman’s Camp, Bullard, TXVonda Ross, 903-894-8221
Camp-out - Oregon 10-9 to 10-10Casey’s Riverside RV Park, Westfir, OR Randy or Lynn 541-782-1906
Chapter Rally - Oklahoma 10-15 to 10-17 Choctaw Casino RV Park (KOA), Durant, OK 800-562-6073
Chapter Rally - Nevada South 10-15 to 10-18 Lakeside Casino RV Park, Pahrump, NV 888-558-5253
Chapter Rally - Tennessee 10-16 to 10-18 Nashville KOA, Nashville, TN 800-562-7789 or 615-889-0282
Chapter Rally - California South 10-30 to 10-31Pechanga RV Resort, Temecula, CA Bob Hartsell, 951-699-0946
Chapter Rally - Louisiana 10-30 to 11-1Cajun RVera, New Iberia, LA Danielle, 337-256-8681
Chapter Rally - Texas South 11-6 to 11-8Johnson Creek RV Resort & Park, Kerrville, TX Myrna, 800-933-6578
Upcoming Rallies at a Glance
See GLANCE, continued on page 31
Heartland Highlights
26 2015 Quarter Three
Rally Wrap-up
Rally Wrap-Up
April 16–19, Southeast Region Rally was held at Ocean Lakes Campground, MyrtleBeach, South Carolina.
The Rally was well attended by 92 members of the Heartland Owners Club. The Saturday event was a guided tour of the spectacular and unusual Brookgreen Gardens. The tour guides did an excellent job explaining the many features of the statuary and the gardens, as well as how the Garden came about.
Our ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiatve recipient for the Rally was Canine Angels, a local organization that trains and provides service animals for Veterans. Their efforts in training rescue dogs to be service dogs for disabled vets is a great undertaking. Jeanne Maxon explained the details of the organization. Dave Suber, a USMC disabled vet, explained further how his trained rescued service dog saved his life. Everyone in the audience was very moved by his presentation.
The Heartlanders at the rally really stepped up with their support of the efforts of Canine Angels. Not only were many, many huge bags of food and many other needed items donated, but they also donated $1,177.80 to the Canine Angels organization; truly putting the “heart” into the ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiative. Way to go, Heartlanders! I am very proud to be a part of the Heartland Owners Club, these are giving folks. Saturday night was a blast with Magic Mike, a magician who had everyone mystified with his
Southeast Region
See SOUTHEAST, continued on page 27
Canine Angels spoke about the work they do.
Southeast Region Rally attendees.
Jeanne Maxon and Dave Suber accepting the donations.
Magic Mike recruits Ron Parrish to help him.
Magic Mike also asked Julie and Jim to assist him.
Magic Mike also asked Julie Hancock and Jim Beletti to assist him. (Jim lost a $5.00 bill with this next trick). They were good sports.
magic presentation. As you can see in the picture, Mike recruited Ron Parrish to help him find out what he may have swallowed by mistake.
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 27
Rally Wrap-up
SOUTHEAST, continued from page 26
Alabama Chapter Rally — held April 24–25, at Gulf Shores State Park, Alabama. Hosted by new Alabama Chapter Leaders Bill and Susan Mealer. Bill and Susan are the Founding Chapter Leaders for the new Alabama Chapter. From all reports it was a big success. Congratulations Bill and Susan on your first Rally.
The Virginia Chapter Rally — held May 14–18, at Tall Pines Harbor Campground, Temperanceville, Virginia. Virginia Chapter Leaders Eric and Dorothy van Opstal are old hands at hosting Rallies and they really know how to conduct a first class Heartland Rally.
Upcoming events:North Carolina Rally will be held August 21–23 in Franklin NC, at the Great Outdoors RV Resort. Hosting this rally are Rob and Betty Ford, the new Chapter Leaders for North Carolina. This will be their first Rally so let’s give them all the support them we can.
The Southeast Region has 339 members as of June 30, 2015. This is the Membership by Chapter. Thank you to the Chapter Leaders for their efforts in building the HOC.
Southeast Region Members
Chapter MembersFL 106GA 46AL 33NC 40SC 15TN 46KY 8VA 50Totals 339
Just a reminder the 2015/2016 HOC calendars are here. To order one E-mail me at [email protected]
Till next time, see you down the road.
by Dave Yocum (davebennington), Southeast Region Director
Northeast Region
Well, it has been a great start to the 2015 Rally season here in the Northeast. It all kicked off at Old Mill Stream Campground in Lancaster PA. 22 rigs were in full force showing their heartland pride. What a great way to kick off the year.
the best and we will see him down the road.
Stepping forward to fill this position is long time Maryland members, Mike and Jodi Vanderford. (JMVford on the Forum). Mike and Jodi have been HOC members since 2011 and have been frequent attendees at rallies all over the Northeast. Please join us in giving a big Heartland welcome to Mike and Jodi.
This year, the Northeast Region Rally will be held in the great state of New York from July 30–August 2 at Copake KOA. Visit www.copakekoa.com. This beautiful area has so many attractions to fill your day. From breweries and wineries, museums to amusement parks. This place has it all. So mark your calendars and join us in Copake for a great Region Rally.
There still plenty of time to sign up for the remainder of the Northeast Rallies for late summer and fall.• 8/21–8/23 Verona NY
www.turningstone.com• 9/11–9/13 Rockwood PA
www.hickoryhollowcampground.com• 9/25–9/27 Shelburne MA
www.countryairecampground.comStay tuned for a big announcement on the 2016 NE Region Rally. Sure to be a hit...
by Jamie and Ginger (& Madison) Walker, Northeast Region Directors
Pennsylvania Chapter Rally attendees.
Maryland Chapter Rally potluck.
OWNERS CLUB
OWNERS CLUB
CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS
Introductory Members! Are you ready to upgrade to
FULL-Membership?
In June, Rambling Pines Campground was again host to Maryland’s Chapter Rally. Despite a rainy weekend, 13 rigs showed and had a fantastic time.
We would like to thank Maryland Chapter Leader, Mike Walker, for his years of service to the club. Mike and his wife Ann were the founding Maryland Chapter Leaders. We appreciate all of the hard work that Mike and Ann did to help establish our Maryland chapter in the northeast region. With Ann’s passing,
Mike has decided to step down from the leadership role. We want to wish Mike all
Heartland Highlights
28 2015 Quarter Three
Rally Wrap-up
Congratulations and thank you, Bob and Christine Fournelle (rfournelle on the Forum) for volunteering to be the new Region Directors for the Canadian Region. The Canadian region includes all of Canada. Bob and Christine are taking over from us, as we are retiring.
Everyone, please join me in welcoming, your new Region Directors, Bob and Christine!
by Wayne and Gayle Wilson, Canadian Region Directors
Canadian Region North Central Region
The North American Heartland Owners Rally is winding down and soon everyone will be heading different ways. Dan and I were the Hosts for the Rally and even though we did not get to greet everyone, we did enjoy all the smiles, the waves, the hugs and wonderful comments.
Our first Chapter Rally will be in Iowa and that Rally is in a unique area with a variety of things to do if you choose. Our summer will be very busy attending most of the North Central Chapter Rallies. Looking forward to
seeing our Heartland friends. If you have a chance, we hope you will attend one of the Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Minnesota, Illinois or Indiana Rallies. All Rallies are located in unique locations. If you have any questions, please PM me on the Forum; my forum name is Herbiesrig.
Remember: “Everybody Is Somebody In The Heartland Owners Club!”
by Dan and Karen Halvorsen, North Central Region Directors
By the time this Newsletter is published, we will have had the Oregon Rally, July 24–26.
As of this writing, 29 rigs registered and the Beletti’s will be flying in to be with us.We are grateful to be sponsored by George M. Sutton RV from Eugene, OR, who will have Landmarks for us to look at. They are also buying prizes and the entre for our potluck dinner night.
The Rally includes rig weighing on the 23rd by Henderson’s Lineup when the caravan from the WA Rally arrives. Henderson will also demonstrate some other products and do suspension inspections as time permits.
Look for pics coming soon on the Forum!
by Kristy and Mark Carlson, Oregon Chapter Leaders
Oregon Chapter
Stella and I just attended the 10th Anniversary North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN, and as usual, it was a wonderful time with our Heartland friends, both old and new. Jim and his crew pulled off another great Rally.
Growth of the South Central Region is evident from the attendance of all of the 2015 spring Chapter Rallies. The fall Rallies for the South Central Region have all been posted, and the Chapter Leaders are looking forward to visiting with their Heartland friends. If the dates and
South Central Region
locations work with your schedule, please join us in the fall.
We are proud to announce that our own team is working hard to plan a Region Rally in Branson, Missouri, at the Branson KOA on April 28–May 1, 2015. Check it out and sign up HERE. We are excited about this Rally and hope to see you there.
by Jay and Stella Coffman, South Central Region Directors
Maryland Chapter
I would like to take this time to thank all of our Heartland friends for supporting Ann and I with our rallies over the years. The 2015 rally was no exception despite about 4 inches rain on Saturday a good time was had by all.
I’m sure by now most of you are aware of Ann’s passing in January. I have decided not to go on as chapter leader alone. Jodi and Mike
Vanderford are taking over the leadership. I know they will do a great job and I wish them all the best. Please give them your love and support.
Thanks for the memories
by Michael Walker, Former Maryland Chapter Leader
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 29
Rally Wrap-up
Kentucky Chapter
We just returned from the North American Heartland Rally in Goshen, IN. What a fun and informative time we had. We arrived on Tuesday, June 9; a full week before the Rally started and spent the time visiting with friends and checking out some of the many sites around the Goshen area. Lots of interest-ing places such as the Mennonite museum in Shipshewana. Learned a lot about the begin-nings of the Mennonite and the Amish faith and practices. You can’t visit Shipshewana without eating at the Blue Gate restaurant. We visited the Flea Market on Wednesday and bought some of our Christmas gifts for next year. So much to see and do and we tried to take advantage of most of it.
The Rally started on Tuesday, June 16th and this year there were a lot of interesting seminars and presentations. We heard from the folks at Lippert Components, Dometic, MORryde, Norcold and the Texas RV Profes-sor. They gave us lots of valuable information about our RV systems, including the water system, electrical system, propane system,
air conditioner, refrigerator, roof, toilet and the Level UP system. It’s really neat to have a working knowledge of these components and at least an elementary knowledge of how to maintain and service them. Great infor-mation. Faye learned about the RV Kitchen including convection ovens and induction cooking. She did some line dancing and vis-ited with several craftsmen/women. There’s a lot of talent in HOC. There were several other seminars but these are the ones we attended.
The food as always was bountiful and delicious. My only complaint was “only one dessert per person”. Can’t make yourself sick with only one dessert. We visited Ben’s Bak-
ery in Shipshewana and purchased several pastries, so we did not go hungry for sweets. Faye had brought enough food to cook every day but we brought most of it back home. Too much eating out.
I want to thank all those who worked to make this North American Heartland Owners Rally a success. I had a great time and learned a lot about my RV. Looking forward to 2017.
We had the opportunity to discuss the KY Rally with several folks and some of them have expressed plans to attend. We’ll be in Cave City, KY on October 9-11, 2015. We will fill the campground to capacity if most of those who expressed plans to attend actually make reservations. We’ll have live music of the ’50s and ’60s Saturday night plus games, seminars, door prizes and lots of food. Looking forward to a great time in Cave City in October.
by Ken and Faye Hyde, Kentucky Chapter Leaders
At the writing of this article, several Arizona Chapter Members are heading to Goshen for the North American Heartland Owners Rally. This will be our first NAHOR attended as Chapter state, and we are excited to participate in the festivities.
Our little Chapter continues to grow as well as loose a couple members along the way. We currently have 46 RV’s for a total of 89 Mem-bers and 8 Chapter children.
Since our January Rally we have completed 3 Meet-and-Greets. Our Fall Rally is scheduled for October at Camp Verde. Rally events include: Chapter sponsored wine tasting,
Arizona Chapter
Bowl-a-Thon, a seminar by the Indian Cultural Center and lots of game and prize nights.
Future posted Rallies include: February 2016 Tucson Rodeo Rally, September 2016 Fort McDowell Rally, and January 2017 Havasu Balloon Festival Rally. The Fort McDowell Rally is just prior to the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Las Vegas and we invite HOC Members heading that way to stop by and enjoy a few days along the Verde River in a wonderful setting and a first class resort. The Tucson Rodeo Rally is currently sold out; however I may still be able to obtain a couple more sites if anyone has interest in joining us. The Havasu Balloon Festival Rally has 4 open
sites and the entire State Park will be a Heartland Venue! We have two special guests attending, Jim Beletti our Club President and Julie Hancock our Club Manager! We ask you to help us sell out the final four sites!! This will be a Rally that will be hard for our Chapter to top!
Once again I would like to thank all the Heartland Members for participating in our activities. Each Rally continues to be repre-sented by a number of Heartland Chapters and everyone is always welcome to join in on whatever the Arizona Chapter is hosting. by Garry Gilbert (and Dakota), Arizona Chapter Leader
“We’ll have live music of the ’50s and ’60s Saturday night plus
games, seminars, door prizes and lots of food.”
Heartland Highlights
30 2015 Quarter Three
Advertisement
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 31
Rally Wrap-up
GLANCE, continued from page 25
Camp-out - Arizona 1-21 to 1-24, 2016G7 RV Resorts, Salome/Brenda, AZGarry Gilbert, 520-455-0237
Camp-out - Washington 2-12 to 2-14, 2016 Columbia Sun RV Resort, Kennewick, WA 509-420-4880 or 855-833-3886
Chapter Rally - Arizona 2-23 to 2-28, 2016Tucson/Lazydays KOA, Tucson, AZGarry Gilbert, 520-455-0237
Chapter Rally - Louisiana 3-18 to 3-20, 2016 Cajun Palms, Henderson, LA 337-667-7772
Chapter Rally - Texas North 4-1 to 4-3, 2016 Oak Creek RV Park, Weatherford, TX PM Chapter Leader, Nancy Anderson (nander)
Region Rally - Southeast 4-21 to 4-24, 2016River Plantation RV Resort, Sevierville, TNSylvia Brown or Alex Stallings, 865-429-5367or 866-813-0646
Region Rally - South Central 4-28 to 5-1, 2016Branson KOA, Branson, MO800-562-4177
Region Rally - North Central 6-15 to 6-19, 2016 Double J Campground, Chatham, IL Liz 888-483-9998
Chapter Rally - Ohio 8-19 to 8-21, 2016 TBA
Chapter Rally - Arizona 9-21 to 9-25Eagle View Resort, Fort McDowell, AZGarry Gilbert, 520-455-0237
Chapter Rally - Utah 9-27 to 10-2, 2016Bauers Canyon Ranch RV Park, Glendale, UTTamie, 435-648-2564
2016 North American Heartland Owners Rally - Las Vegas, NV 6-15 to 6-19, 2016 Oasis RV Resort, Las Vegas, NV Registration through Heartland Owners Club only, do not contact the venue.
Chapter Rally - Arizona 1-10 to 1-15, 2017 Lake Havasu State Park, Lake Havasu, AZ Garry Gilbert, 520-455-0237
Hello from the Saskatchewan Chapter!Hope you all are having a good camping season. Though no news really to report, we are happy that our Chapter has doubled
Saskatchewan Chapter
There’s an old myth that there’s a pot of goldat the end of every rainbow. Maybe we need to update that to say “There’s a Heartland at the end of every rainbow?”
That seemed to be the truth during our time at the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, Indiana. One day it rained frequently and near evening, the skies had somewhat cleared and we Heartland owners were treated to a spectacular rainbow spanning over our rigs and the entire fairground. In fact, it was a DOUBLE rainbow. Our kids were agog and amazed. We took advantage and managed to get this neat shot of that rainbow “ending” over our North Trail and truck. That’s certainly a Heartland at the end of THAT rainbow!
Iowa Chapter
While breaking in our new 2016 North Trail during trip, our truck broke too. It had developed a braking issue and had to be taken to the local dealership to get fixed. When a critical part didn’t arrive as expected on Friday, we were between a rock and a hard place on the last day of the Rally. We found the Club is full of Good Samaritans! A neighborly Texan loaned us his truck so we could move our trailer to an electric/water site somewhere else on the fairgrounds. A hearty “thank you!”
The food was certainly good and plentiful. So plentiful our freezers were stock full of leftover pulled pork that Jim was doling out on Sunday! The infamous “Nelly Muffins” were a big hit with the kids; the twins kept asking “Can we go to Nelly’s Bakery?” (Translation: they wanted to go to her Landmark!)
We certainly had a good time and interesting adventures on our trip. We look forward to next North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen 2017 as we plan ways to use our recent experience so we can contribute more in the future.
Our 2015 camping season is certainly not done as our Iowa Chapter Rally is coming up July 10–12 in Dubuque, Iowa. Wouldn’t it some-thing if another rainbow appeared during our Rally? Hope to see you there!
by David Lippe and Shel Greek-Lippe, Iowa Chapter Leaders
in size since last year. If you want to learn more about the Chapter, please contact us.
by Don and Janina Ewart, Saskatchewan Chapter Leaders
Heartland Highlights
32 2015 Quarter Three
Rally Wrap-up
On April 25th, Connie and I volunteered to be the new Chapter Leaders for the Ohio Chap-ter of the Heartland Owners Club.
We took over from Mark and Linda Comer who were the Founding Leaders of the Ohio Chapter and have held the position of Chapter Leader since June 2008. Thank you, Mark and Linda, for the many rallies you have hosted and everything you have done and will do in the future for the Heartland Owners Club. Our thanks go out also to Karen and Dan Halvors-en (North Central Region Directors). We’ve known them for a few years as fellow “Winter Texans” in the Coastal Bend.
We had 20 HOC owners at our two Meet-and-Greet events this past May in Lima and Fairborn. We’re hoping to announce another one in the Cleveland area for late July soon.Our Ohio Chapter of Heartland Owners Club facebook page is another of the many resources (along with emails and the Heart-land Owners Forum) our Members can use
Ohio Chapter
to find out more about upcoming events and the happenings of other Members.
The Ohio Chapter Rally will be held August 28-30 at Cross Creek RV Resort, the two
Owners at the Meet-and-Greet.
The North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN is now over. We enjoyed the seminars, vendors, food and entertainment, not necessarily in that order.
We are finalizing our Fall Chapter Rally at KE Bushman’s Camp in Bullard, TX October 9–11, 2015. Please make plans to attend! Last year we had good food, games, and visiting. KE Bushman’s is owned by the Kiepersol Winery. We are trying to setup a winery and/or distillery tour. It was great fun last year. Make your reservations to attend! See you on the road!
by Nancy Anderson and Dave Seabolt, Texas-North Chapter Leaders
Texas - North Chapter
Hallo alle (hello everyone) from Germany. As many of you know, the Mathis’ had to leave the North American Heartland Own-ers Rally (NAHOR) early to head to Europe but what a wonderful rally it was.
Many Thanks goes out to Jim Beletti and his core staff for putting on another wonderful Rally. The seminars and the leisure time activities were fantastic. A great big thanks to all of the presenters and instructors who gave their time and knowledge to help all of us other rv’rs learn new things. And a Super SUPER “Big Thanks” to the Heartland Service Technicians. They were running around in the rain like busy bees taking care of all of our coach’s needs.
A new sport activity was introduced called Pickleball. Several folks played while others came by to watch. Maybe this can become a new event for the future NAHOR in Goshen.
The Tennessee folks and some friends had a pizza party as a get-together Thursday afternoon of the Rally. For several Tennes-
Tennessee Chapter
seens this was their first time to the NAHOR but said it wasn’t going to be their last.
With half of the summertime season about over, there are still plenty of upcoming rallies to go to. Two great ones back to back are the Kentucky Rally October 9–11 and the Tennessee Rally. The Tennessee Rally is being held October 16–18, 2015 at the Nashville KOA (615-889-0282), Nashville, TN. There are still sites available so get your reservation in. Rally on and travel safely everyone. by Nathan and Byrd Mathis, Tennessee Chapter Leaders
time winner of the National Associa-tion of RV Parks & Campgrounds Park of the Year. Sites will be held through August 12th before being returned to inventory. All the details can be found at the link in this article.
Connie and I hope to see you this summer! by Bob and Connie Sims, Ohio Chapter Leaders
Pizza party get together.
Pickleball
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 33
Rally Wrap-up
Louisiana Chapter
Hello y’all! We have not hosted any Rallies since the last Newsletter but that does not mean we have not been busy. We have just gotten back from the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen. While that was not our first North American Rally, it was our first one in Goshen and let me tell you, if you have never been to a North American Heartland Owners Rally here, you really need to put this trip on your must do list. Jim, Julie, Kevin and all of their volunteers made this a great experience for us as well we the other first timers to Goshen.
From the food to the service work performed by Heartland service team members, you could not have asked for a better experience. We will be back in two years for the next one, speaking of the next North American Heartland Owners Rally, please make plans to attend the NAHOR in Las Vegas next year in October, we won’t be able to make it but if you can you will not regret going, trust me…
So as far as upcoming Rallies for the state of Louisiana and our Chapter go, we have two on the books with the first being our Halloween Rally down on the Bayou in New Iberia. There will be a pumpkin carving contest for a cash prize, tours of Avery Island (Tabasco Factory) and Konriko Rice Mill if you are interested. Also the campground will have a live band playing Saturday and kids will be going around trick or treating Saturday so plan accordingly if you will be attending. Please click here and let us know you will be attending.
We will also be hosting a spring Rally in 2016 at Cajun Palms in Breaux Bridge. Several people I have spoken to have been here or would like to camp here so we were finally able to get good dates with this campground. The dates for this Rally are the weekend of 3/18/16 (St Patrick’s Day weekend).
This will also be near the peak of crawfish season for those interested in eating some good boiled crawfish, there is a great place to get them right outside this park and they have a shuttle that will pick us up and drop us back off again. Please click here and let us know if
you will be able to make it to the Rally. The four of us hope to see you at one of them at least!
by Andy and Joanna Grimes, Rowdy & Kaydee, The Wieners Louisiana Chapter Leaders
Come and get it! Crawfish boil
Heartland Highlights
34 2015 Quarter Three
Rally Wrap-up
We are sad that Wayne & Gayle Wilson have stepped down as Canada Region Directors. As you are aware, Wayne & Gayle were the “founding” Ontario Chapter Leaders prior to accepting the challenging role as Region Directors. We would like to thank them for the time and effort they have dedicated over the past years and wish them well. From all of us “THANK YOU”!
2015 Ontario Chapter RallyThe Ontario Chapter Rally was held held June 5–7 in McGregor, Ontario, and was blessed with perfect weather. We had a great time catching up with old friends and meeting many of our new Club Members.
The Seventh annual Rally began on Thursday, June 4th with 15 rigs arriving at Wildwood Golf & RV Resort. Twenty six members attended the “Early Arrivals” dinner at the “Smoke ‘n Spice” Restaurant. The location, food and service were all excellent.
An additional 3 rigs arrived on Friday when we officially kicked off the rally with our traditional Friday night Meet-and-Greet with pizza supplied by Boston Pizza.
Ontario Chapter
Saturday morning featured an animated “Trailer Talk” with coffee and pastries for the attendees. Following our group photo at the Heartland banner, (special thanks to Solange & Neil Wolfe), many were off for a 2 ½ hour Windsor River Cruise of the Lower Detroit River. A delicious potluck followed at the Wildwood Pavilion with requests for many recipes.
Pickleball lessons were also held with many avid first timers. As you can see by their smiling face, they’re hooked!
Wayne & Gayle Wilson
Rally attendees.
extra night. Another successful Ontario Chapter Rally now in the books!
The July edition of the Ontario Chapter news for Heartland Hilites is our final one as we are stepping down as Chapter Leaders. We have had a great 3 years and believe it is now time for a change bringing with it fresh ideas.
Thanks to all for your input and for making the Ontario Chapter one of the strongest Heartland Chapters in North America.
After much consideration, we have accepted the role of Canadian Region Directors. We know the Ontario Chapter is in good hands and we hope that we can promote club memberships across other Canadian Chapters.
Mike & Donna Tinklin have accepted the position of Ontario Chapter Leaders. Having been Club Members for many years, and with their vast knowledge of Heartland, and vibrant outgoing personalities, we know the Chapter will continue to thrive.
We wish them well in their new role. Congratulations!!
by Bob and Christine Fournelle, Ontario Chapter Leaders
Mike & Donna Tinklin
Nightly campfires were held Friday and Saturday evenings. On Sunday morning, members were treated to a scrumptious breakfast prepared by our own Heartland MasterChefs Al Sherwin, Murray Caughy and Mike Tinklin. Don’t they look great in their Heartland Owners Club aprons? Our breakfast Chefs, turned BBQ’ers completed the flipping chores at the Sunday evening BBQ held for those rigs who stayed on an
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 35
Rally Wrap-up
Nevada - North Chapter
Here it is Sunday afternoon on June 28, 2015. Laura and I are loading up the Bighorn for our annual week-long camping trip to Campground by the Lake at Lake Tahoe and I’m also typing an article for the Heartland Highlights Newsletter. And we will also be celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary. Where does the time go, come on retirement, 35 months to go!
It will nice to be up at the lake, what with temperatures in Reno at 100+ it will be about 20 degrees cooler there and the nighttime lows at 50+. There will be a kid’s parade on the 4th and the nighttime fireworks display launched from a barge out on the lake. From the southern end of the lake you can see 3 other fireworks displays from Camp Richardson, Tahoe City and Incline village. The most spectacular though, is the South Lake Tahoe display.
This is our third trip of the season, with all three to the same campground. They have the nicest camp hosts and staff to make your camping enjoyable. Our Memorial weekend trip we expect either rain/snow or a nice sunny weekend. This year it was the rainy type. Hallelujah for the rain as we are so dry any and all rain or snow in the mountains is so welcome. We didn’t have downpours, just nice easy rain on and off and one day of bright warming sunshine. We received enough rain and snow melt to raise the level of the lake 5". Did I say Hallelujah?
We are in the final stages of planning to host our first Heartland Chapter Rally on September 11, 12 and 13 at the Sparks Marina RV Park. Friday night will be a mixer to get acquainted and for those that rise early on Saturday morning we can plan an excursion to the Great Reno Balloon Race with over 100 hot air balloons competing. Other day trips in the area would be to Lake Tahoe or Virginia City for the camel races. Saturday night we will have our banquet at the RV Park. Dinner will be sponsored by Happy Daze RV from Sacramento, CA. They are also planning on displaying two new Heartland RVs at the Rally.
We ask everyone to bring an unwrapped item for our raffle. The cost of the item should not exceed $15.00. Raffle items do not need to pertain to camping or RV items. They can be almost anything! After the raffle we’ll have 50/50 drawing for the cash contributed to the raffle items. 50% goes to the person whose ticket stub is drawn, and the remaining 50% goes to Rally expenses.
We still have a few campsites at the park not reserved, so please make plans to join us, we’d love to meet you. Happy camping to all,
by George and Laura Smith, Nevada-North Chapter Leaders
Members of the Colorado Chapter have been staying busy this spring and early summer with Meet-and-Greets and our Annual Shake Down Camp-out at Cherry Creek State Park. Our Camp-out was a bit wet but the rain really didn’t dampen the fun we had! Our June Meet-and-Greet was in Colorado Springs at the Hatch Cover Bar & Grill. We had a good turn-out at the Hatch Cover which also included Garry Gilbert, our new Mountain Region Director.
Many of our members keep busy over the warmer summer months going to Colorado State Parks such as Eleven Mile, Lathrop and St Vrain; there are also many city and county camping areas as well as national forest lands and BLM lands that are favorites. From the southwest corner where Mesa Verde National Park is located to the north central region where Rocky Mountain National Forest lies and on to the Great High Plains of eastern Colorado Coloradans have so much to pick from to enjoy our great outdoors! I hope all will find the time to be a part of our beautiful country and what it has to offer and to remember we are all stewards of our public lands.
Colorado’s upcoming activity for the sum-mer is a boondocking Camp-out at Camp Hale Memorial Campground in July. Our Fall Rally will be September 24–27, 2015 at the Denver West/Central City KOA.
As always, safe travels to all!
by Monica and Don Ashby, Colorado Chapter Leaders
Colorado Chapter
Heartland Highlights
36 2015 Quarter Three
Heartland News
Heartland News
10 Years of Enjoying the Heartland Family
This is the 10th North American Rally of the Heartland Owners Club. The first Rally was held here at the Elkhart County Fairgrounds in 2006. The group shown here were all present at the 2006 Rally. They are posing in front of Bill Parent and Karen Young’s 2006 Bighorn, which they took to that first Rally and parked in this same exact spot.
by Heartland RVs, photo by Malcolm Talley
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 37
Rally Recipe
Rally Recipe
Anyone wishing to submit a recipe for publication can send their detailed recipe to
Ann Mayer at [email protected]
Ingredients:1 lb sweet potatoes, cubed1 small onion, chopped2 large garlic cloves, minced1 tbsp coconut oil2 large red bell peppers, diced14 oz can black beans, drained & rinsed1 cup corn (frozen or canned)14 oz can diced tomatoes1 tbsp cumin, divided in half½ tbsp all natural taco seasoning, divided
in half1 tsp salt, divided in half½ a lime, juiced1 cup Mex cheese, shredded2 medium avocados, diced 2 green onions, chopped1/3 cup cilantro, choppedNon-Fat Greek yogurt & salsa for garnish
* For additional protein, fold in cooked, diced chicken
TEX MEX SWEET POTATO SKILLET
Directions:1. Preheat a large deep skillet on medium
heat and add coconut oil, spreading with a spatula. Add sweet potatoes, ½ tbsp cumin, ½ tsp salt. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Add black beans and corn. Cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, remaining cumin and salt, black pepper and taco sea-soning. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low and cook covered for 15 minutes or until sweet potatoes are soft.
5. Squeeze lime juice on top, sprinkle with cheese, cover and cook until cheese melts.
6. Top with avocado, green onions and cilantro.
7. Serve hot with a dollop of Greek Yogurt and salsa.
Courtesy of IFOODREAL.COM
by Ann Mayer, Heartland Highlights Recipe Reporter
Heartland News
Director of Owners Interests Honored for 10 years of Service
Jim Beletti, Director of Owners Inter-ests, was honored for his 10 years of service to Heartland RV during the 10th Anniversary of the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN.
Jim was presented the honor by Coley Brady, Director of Sales at Heartland, at the luncheon held at the RV/MH Hall of Fame in Elkhart, IN in front of more than 500 product owners that were attending the Rally. “Without Jim, this Club would not be what it is today,” said Brady.
Beletti started the first North Ameri-can Heartland Owners Rally 10 years ago, with a small handful of rigs attending. The Club has now grown to more than 1500 member-coaches, with Local and Regional Chapters all over the United States and Canada. 228 coaches were in attendance at the Rally in Goshen this year.
Owners feel very fortunate that Heartland invests and supports the owners Club as much as they do, and appreciate Jim Beletti for all his hard work for the Heartland Owners Club.
by Erika Dorsey, Heartland Highlights Editor
Heartland Highlights
38 2015 Quarter Three
Rally Wrap-up
Wisconsin Chapter
What a great time in Goshen! The seminars, tours, vendors and the Heartland and Lippert repair crews were superb. A BIG thank you goes out to Jim Beletti and his Rally staff for a very successful Rally. Las Vegas in 2016 here we come!
Wisconsin is gearing up for a very successful Rally of its own with 36 rigs already signed up and there is still a month to go. We have HOC Members from Ohio, Florida, Michigan, Illinois, Missouri, Minnesota and Tennessee attending. Please if you still want to attend call Country Roads Motor home and RV Park for reservations. They may have room for you somewhere in the park yet so please call and ask.
The Wisconsin HOC Rally will start out with a Meet-and-Greet on Thursday afternoon at 5pm. On Friday Scenic Traveler RV will be there to do minor service and repairs from 9am to 1pm. If you have something you need
serviced or repair contact our Wagonmaster Tom Weber by email and let him know. Friday will also be the day to explore the Wisconsin Dells area and we will provide discount ticket coupons for many of the area attractions.
Friday evening at 5:30 we will again have the “Great Wisconsin Brat Fest” with all the fixin’s and entertainment provided to us from Country singer “Maggie Mae” who last year was a big hit. You need to bring nothing with you Friday night except maybe your favorite drinks and your “foot stomping shoes” for the entertainment.
Saturday we will again offer those who want to hone their shooting skills at the Sheriff ’s Range in the morning and in the afternoon we are doing our “Wine, Cheese and Choco-lates” tasting with Fawn Creek Winery from 1-3pm. There will be wine to purchase at the tasting for those who wish to do so.
Saturday night at 5pm is our Potluck dinner where we ask you to bring something to share with the other members. The meat will be furnished and we are asking that you bring your own plates and eating utensils for the dinner. We may have some more entertain-ment but the plan is to have an “ Around the Camp Fire Social” with popcorn and drinks of your choosing. Bring a chair and your “gift for gab” is all we ask.
Sunday we will have a”continental breakfast” for you starting a 8am prior to your departure from the campground.
We are looking forward to a fun and rewarding Wisconsin Rally for all those in attendance.
Safe travels!
by Terry and Jackie Spencer, Wisconsin Chapter Leaders
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 39
Rally Wrap-up
Virginia Chapter
The Virginia Chapter held its Rally on Virginia’s Eastern Shore in May at Tall Pines Harbor Campground in Temperanceville, Virginia. The Rally began Thursday evening with a visit to Ray’s Shanty Restaurant for dinner. Ray’s has become a favorite place to visit for an excellent seafood meal. If you are ever in the area, Ray’s is highly recommended. A Meet-and-Greet was held Friday evening. The campground provided ice cream with toppings as a dessert. Saturday began with a breakfast provided by the Club. Everyone enjoyed fresh baked waffles, scrambled eggs, bacon and sausage as well as coffee and juice.
Free time during the day provided opportunity for visits to Chincoteague Island and Assateague Island National Park, as well as enjoying the amenities and beach area at the campground. Many spent time viewing a miniature horse show held at the campground.
A wine and cheese social preceded the day’s conclusion of a potluck dinner. The potluck consisted of delicious fried chicken that was provided by the Club, and a wide variety of scrumptious side dishes and desserts that left everyone well satisfied. Eating well is a mainstay of any Heartland Rally.
The generous nature of our Heartland family was displayed again. We collected and presented sizeable cash contribution to a local family. Violent and tragic criminal circumstance resulted in the orphaning of two small children. The deceased mother had been very active with the miniature horse club. The miniature horse show we attended was hosted and arranged by the campground owners as a benefit fund raiser for the surviving children. We were all grateful to be able to play a part in this effort as our ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiative.
Sunday rolled around way too quickly with the end of our Rally. Some of the participants had to pack-up and head for home for work and other obligations while others were able to stay another day. Those able to stay enjoyed a group lunch of leftovers and time for relaxation.
by Eric and Dorothy van Opstal, Virginia Chapter Leaders
“The generous nature of our
Heartland family was
displayed again.”
Wine and cheese social.Rally attendees.
Enjoying breakfast.
Miniature horse judging.
Enjoying meal at Ray’s.
Presenting the ‘Heartland Gives
Back’ initiative donation.
Heartland Highlights
40 2015 Quarter Three
Rally Wrap-up
Heartland News
Heartland Gateway and Sundance Plant Tour
Click to play a video tour of two great Heartland products.
Hope your summer is going well. If we can ever get a few warmer days and a little less rain here in Southern Michigan it may start feeling like summer, although I have heard they have had clearer weather in the north. Unfortunately, we have only been able to get out twice so far this year.
2015 North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, INWe just returned from the 10th Anniversary of the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN and what a great time it was. Michigan was represented by 21 rigs, second only to Texas, and we tried to see all of them. Sorry if we missed you. We did have a Meet-and-Greet at our site on Thursday, June 18th with about 30 people enjoying hot dogs and various other goodies that were brought over by our guests. Later that same day a bunch of us also went out to dinner.
Michigan Chapter
in the park. The dates are August 27–30. It looks like Friday the 28th will be a day on the Island for those that are going. Saturday we will have breakfast and a pot luck dinner in the evening and of course, coffee every AM. Some will also be doing carriage rides on the island. As time draws near we will be final-izing plans for a logger show in the area, too. Debbie and I will be there on August 22nd and as of now there are three of us golfing on the 26th. Join us, the more the merrier.
Michigan Weekend Campouts While North American and Michigan Chapter Rallies are a lot of fun, we don’t have to have just planned events in order to get together. If you have an interesting place several of us could get together, check with the campground and see if they have room for us for a weekend get-together, then let me know at [email protected]. These would work best not placed too close to our rally or the National rally although some may consider something like this en route or on the way home from one of the rallies. Spring and Summer 2016We again are going to try to have a spring Rally in May of 2016. We hope we can work it out for next year. We also have some ideas for a location of our summer Rally. Of course any ideas from all Members are greatly appreciated.
Debbie’s Corner: The ‘Heartland Gives Back’ initiative, Heart-land Baby Blessings, was a huge success at the National rally with a record number of items and money donated. Debbie is already plan-ning on doing as many (100) or more preemie crochet hats along with some other items. Join in and show that Heartland cares. by Gerry and Debbie Atkinson, Michigan Chapter Leaders
Jim Beletti and his crew kept us busy with a golf outing, daily seminars, dinners on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, entertain-ment, the factory tour and luncheon at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, and a nice breakfast on Sunday morning before we left. Many thanks to Heartland RV for all they did. Of course, the best part is always the meeting old friends and making new. The 2016 North American Heartland Owners Rally will be held in Las Vegas, NV. Find it under the Events tab on the Forum.
2015 Michigan Summer RallyPlans for the 2015 Michigan Rally at Macki-nac Mill Creek RV Park are almost complete. As of today there were still sites available
“Plans for the 2015 Michigan Rally at
Mackinac Mill Creek RV park are almost
complete.”
Texas - South Chapter
Wow how time flies. Here we are half way through 2015. Texas-South held the spring Rally in Boerne and as we noted previously it went very well. In June we took off for Goshen and there were 19 rigs repere-senting Texas as a whole. Goshen was a fantastic event that I highly recommend.
Now we are getting geared up for the 2015 Fall Texas-South Rally at Johnson Creek RV Park. This park is nesseled into a pecan tree orchard and peaceful is an understatement. I am inviting all to “try us out”.
The other Rally I want to raise a notice on is the South Central Region Rally in Bran-son Missouri April 28–May 1. I mention it because Texas-South will not have a Spring Rally due to the Regional schedule, but watch the HOC Rally schedule in the fall.
Texas-South is planning a Rally prior to the North American Heartland Owners Rally in Las Vegas, NV. Y’all keep an eye on the sched-ule for the dates. Travel safe and we’ll look forward to meeting at the next Rally.
by Tom and Marti Mangum, Texas-South Chapter Leaders
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 41
Photo Gallery
North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN
Heartland Owners Malcolm & Valerie Talley were the photographers for the NAHOR this year. For those that didn’t attend, here’s three pages of pictorial review so you can see what you missed. —Editor
Pictures include: Attendees Coaches, Catered Dinner, Nelly Muffins, Heartland Managers
Answering Owner Questions, Evening Entertainment, Line Dancing to DJ Music,
Door Prizes, Heartland Baby Blessings Luncheon, Check-in and Commemorative
Sticker Application, Rig and TruckWashing, Fire Safety Seminar
Heartland Highlights
42 2015 Quarter Three
Photo Gallery
North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN
Pictures include: Attendees Coaches,
Water System Maintenance Seminar, Dessert Meet-and-Greet,
Show Coaches, Vendor Hall, Amish Countryside Touring and Shopping,
Golf Outing, Heartland Service Technicians Working, Pickleball,
Rally Hall Meeting
Heartland Highlights
2015 Quarter Three 43
Photo Gallery
North American Heartland Owners Rally in Goshen, IN
Pictures include: Heartland Service Golf Carts, Make-n-Take Card Class, Rally Goody Bags, Hearltand
Plant Touring, Outdoor Vendors, Sneak Peak at New Products at the Heartland Factory, Craft Show and Tell, Wake-Up Workout, “Bicycle Built for Two-Billion” Presentation,
Heartland Luncheon at the RV/MH Hall of Fame, RVSEF RigWeighing,
Outdoor Seminar
Heartland Highlights
44 2015 Quarter Three
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