4CU News
4CU October 2026 Update
Greetings 4CU Members!
Wasn’t that Harvest Moon the other night the bomb?!! The Harvest Moon occurred on September 26, 2006. What is the origin of the name you may ask? Well, it is named as the full moon that falls closest to the autumnal equinox, which was September 22. Basically, It closes summer and opens autumn. At this time of year, the moon rises 25 to 30 minutes later each night in the Northern Hemisphere. At other times of year, it is 50 minutes. The additional moonlight during the Harvest Moon was an advantage to farmers to gather their summer crops. Check out this beauty over the Superstition Mountains in Arizona that I found on FB!
In This Edition
In this edition our president, Bruce Stevenson, provides our open Board of Directors positions for 2027 and a request for you to VOTE for our Region 11 Second Vice President nominee. We introduce our new members, include two obituaries, give you an update from our rally committee, testimonials about hosting, and provide our new recipe favorite!
Four Corners Unit 2027 Board and Committee Update
Bruce Stevenson, President
Dear Four Corners Unit Members,
It’s that time of year again! A nominating committee has been formed to develop a slate of candidates for our upcoming 2027 elections. In addition to a few Board openings, we also have opportunities for members to become involved at the committee level.
But I want to emphasize that getting involved with the Four Corners Unit is about much more than filling a position. It’s a great opportunity to meet new, like-minded Airstream friends, get to know more of the people who make up our Unit, and become truly “plugged in” to what’s happening throughout the 4CU.
Serving on the Board or one of our committees is a great way to contribute your time and talents, but it’s also a great way to become more connected to the people, activities, rallies, and friendships that make Airstreaming so much fun. It’s a chance to serve, to get involved, and to become part of what Airstreaming is really all about.
First, I would like to thank Barbara Engelmann and Andrea Hanson for volunteering to serve on the nominating committee and for helping us identify members who may be willing to take on these important roles.
2027 Four Corners Unit Board Openings
2nd Vice President – 2-year term
This position carries with it the understanding and hope that the person serving will move into the 1st Vice President position in the future, continuing the Unit’s leadership succession.
Two Trustee Positions – 2-year terms
Committee Opportunities
Rally Committee
Help identify and plan locations for future Four Corners Unit rallies and assist with making our rallies successful and enjoyable for everyone.
Community Outreach Committee
Work with rally hosts and the 4CU Board to identify opportunities for a community outreach event or donation in the communities where our rallies are held.
If you have questions about any of these positions—or if you think you might be interested in volunteering—please contact me at president@fourcornersunit.com. You don’t have to know everything about the position going in. We have experienced members who can help you get started.
The Four Corners Unit is successful because members are willing to step up and get involved. We need you to help keep our unit active, welcoming, and growing!
A Special Thank You
I would also like to recognize and thank the following Board and Committee members who have fulfilled their volunteer roles. Your time, effort, and support of the 4CU mean more than you know. Thank you!
- Michael Houlden – 2nd Vice President & JotForm Manager
- Chuck Hanson – Trustee
- Kathy Fahey – Trustee and, most recently, graciously taking over the Newsletter Editor role
- Jim Mizera – Treasurer
And finally, a little advance warning:
P.S. – Please don’t block my number if you don’t recognize the caller. There’s a good chance I’m calling because we need YOU!
Region 11 Second Vice President – Member Vote Requested
We have an opportunity to help shape the future leadership of Airstream Club International Region 11, which includes the Four Corners Unit.
A volunteer has stepped forward to serve as the next Region 11 Second Vice President. Flaviana Naves has agreed to serve in this position, and we are pleased to present her to our membership for consideration.
Please take a few minutes to review Flaviana’s biography and learn more about her background and experience.
Under the Airstream Club International Region 11 Constitution, the Four Corners Unit is required to obtain the direction of our membership regarding the candidate. Please send me your vote—either IN FAVOR OF or NOT IN FAVOR OF Flavia serving as Region 11 Second Vice President—by return email to president@fourcornersunit.com no later than Tuesday, October 6.
I will compile the results and report the Four Corners Unit membership’s vote at the Region 11 meeting on October 7.
Thank you for taking the time to participate. Your involvement in matters such as this is an important part of how our Airstream Club operates, and I appreciate your prompt response.
Membership
We’re excited to welcome the following new members to the 4CU. Be sure to introduce yourselves to them, when you see them at a rally or streaming down the road soon!
New Member:
Nan Leverett, Zavalla, Texas, BRN 05347
New Affiliate Members:
Stephanie Diament, Beverly Hills, California, BRN11640
Kathryn Engle, Green Valley, Arizona , BRN 04231
Charney White & Vance Rogers, Tucson, Arizona, BRN 06806
Jim & Debbie Farrell, Los Lunas, New Mexico, BRN 03959
Obituaries
It is with great sadness that we share the news of two longtime Four Corners Members who recently passed away: Howard Efner and Jim Dodds. Please hold their families close as they grieve the loss of their loved ones.
Honoring Howard F. Efner Jr.
The 4CU Airstream Club was fortunate to have Howard F. Efner serve as Treasurer for many years. Howard passed away July 11, 2026 at age 81. He is survived by his wife, Carolyn and daughter, Louisa. Howard served in the army at a missile base in Northern Michigan. His PhD in Chemistry from the University of North Dakota led to his work as a research chemist for Phillips Petroleum. Howard loved large format photography and antique photographic processes. Howard helped Carolyn with crystal glazes for ceramics, setting up a gas fired kiln, and teaching glaze development classes at Santa Fe Community College. He loved his Airstream and his active involvement in the Four Corners Unit. He also belonged to a ham radio group. Howard was known to all as a good person with a way with words and humor. Thank you Howard!
Honoring James M. Dodds
Jim was born in Santa Barbara, CA on October 24, 1934. He passed away June 8, 2026 at age 91. He was preceded in death by his wife Miriam Dodds. He is survived by his children Teresa, Larry, Kristine, Donna. seven grandchildren, and 12 great-grandchildren.
Jim joined the Air Force in 1953 and found his love of aircraft mechanics. He continued his career until age 89.
Rally Committee Update
Rally Committee Update – September 2026 by Barbara Engelmann
A Quick Reminder About Rally Reservations
To help us maintain the special arrangements we have worked out with RV Parks and Campgrounds, please do not contact a RV Park or Campground about reserving a site prior to the 4CU rally opening for registration. When each 4CU rally is ready to open, we will provide all the information you need, including when reservations begin and exactly how to reserve your site.
Several of the RV Parks and Campgrounds are working closely with the 4CU to provide special group rates, reserve site blocks, and streamline reservation procedures just for our unit. Reaching out to an RV Park or Campground before our 4CU registration opens or outside of the unit’s reservation process can create confusion for campground staff and may interfere with the arrangements they have made with 4CU.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work with the RV Parks and Campgrounds to make each 4CU rally as easy and enjoyable as possible.
Rally Registrations Coming Soon
Second Annual Artesia Air Urban Rally – November 5th-8th, 2026 – Artesia, NM
Hosts: Cathy and Scott Verhines, Pat and Gary Griffin.
Registration opened on September 5th, 2026 at 8:00 a.m.
The Second Annual Artesia Air Rally is a short 5 weeks away. Several spots are still available for this rally. It features hot air balloons on Friday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, food trucks and local brews and bands. This is a unique urban setting in Artesia at Heritage Plaza, half a block from Main Street and close to restaurants, coffee shops, pubs, a historic railroad depot, a unique public library (a must see), and historical sculptures. There are many planned events! This is a dry camp. See you there!
Catalina Unplugged – November 11th-15th 2026 – Oro Valley, AZ
Hosts: Leon and Janet Hauck
Registration opened on August 29th, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. This rally is a favorite and is just in time for perfect temperatures. Catalina State Park just north of Tucson is tucked on the back side of the mountain, so it is easy to access but outside of the city. It is wonderful for hiking, biking, horseback riding, ranger programs, and it has easy and has close access to Tucson restaurants, museums, parks, shopping, theater and all that the city has to offer. Join us!
2026 Rally Schedule
Artesia Air Urban Rally
Artesia, NM
November 6th – 8th 2026
Hosts: Scott and Cathy Verhines
Co-Hosts: Gary and Pat Griffen
Catalina Unplugged
Catalina SP, Oro Valley, AZ
November 11th-15th 2026
Hosts: Leon and Janet Hauck
New Year’s Rally, Picacho Peak State Park, AZ – Registration information and registration coming in November
December 30th, 2026 – January 3rd, 2027
Hosts: Louis Hall and Sergio Quiros
Co-hosts: Lee and Tammy Gatten
Looking Ahead to 2027
The rally committee is looking for hosts, for many of the 2027 rallies. Interested? The rally committee is here to help answer questions.
Members have commented that they would like to know as soon as a rally is booked, so that they can look ahead, and plan their travels. Take a look and see if you can join us at an upcoming rally.
Usery Mountain Regional Park, Mesa, AZ
February 25-28, 2027
Group Campground A & B, Dry Camping
Looking for a host for this new rally location
Dead Horse Ranch State Park, Cottonwood, AZ
April 1-4, 2027
Raven Group Loop, Dry Camping
Hosts: Kathy and Dan Fahey
Co-hosts: Kathy and John Lorec
Sky Mountain RV Park, Chama, NM
June 10-14, 2027
FHU Site
Looking for a host at the beautiful family-run RV park with lots of nearby amenities
Angel Fire Resort and RV Park, Angel Fire, NM
June 17–21, 2027
Hosts: Scott and Cathy Verhines
Co-Hosts: Chuck and Andrea Hanson
FHU Sites
ACI International Rally, Rock Springs, WY
June 26 – July 1, 2027
Priest Gulch Campground and RV Park, Dolores, CO
August 19 – 23, 2027
Host: Mimi and Michael Eberspacher
Co-hosts: Genie and Alan Shupe
FHU Sites
Region 11 Rally, Angel Fire, NM
Angel Fire RV Park
September 8-12 (Wed-Sun), 2027
98 reserved sites
Oktoberfest in Downtown Flagstaff
September 30 – October 3, 2027
Host: Don and Karen Conley
FHU Sites
Member-Driven Rallies:
Why did you join the Four Corners Unit. Was it to meet new friends, become more familiar with your Airstream, or join other Airstreamers when you camp?
The Four Corners Unit (4CU) has supported rallies in a variety of ways. A member-driven approach is where a member comes up with an idea for a rally and communicates with members to hold the event. A club-driven rally is where the rally committee sets up a rally, and then looks for a host for the event. The communication and registration are done via a team approach.
The rally committee has some rallies set up for 2027, (see the listing above) but we are looking to our members to help with some member- driven rallies. The rally committee is here to help with communication, registration and budgeting.
Think about your favorite camping spot. Would it make an ideal rally location? Have you wondered about hosting a rally? Rallies can be as relaxed as you’d like or as “planned” as you’d like.
Interested in hosting a rally? Contact a member of the Rally Committee. We are here to help!
Hosting Rallies – Straight Talk
From Michael and Jen Houlden
When 4CU booked McDowell regional park for a rally in February of 2025, Jen and I put our hands up to host it. The McDowell dates lined up with a quilting exhibition in Phoenix as well as the semi-annual Arts & Crafts festival in Fountain Hills. Additionally, there was plenty of mountain biking right in the park, so we leaned into all of these things and made the rally all about the art, quilts and bikes. We didn’t plan a heavy schedule, but we organized daily bike rides, a hike and a carpool to the quilt exhibition. Members had plenty of time to pop into Fountain Hills for the crafts festival, too. A couple of attendees were avid geocachers and asked if they could lead a geocaching expedition We organized a structured potluck to round out the weekend. With the rally sketched out all we needed to do was factor some costs for some fun swag bag items, happy hour treats, and some extra potluck food. We were good to go. The rally committee helped us plan costs in the planner, which set our rally fee to send to the newsletter editor along with a wee write-up. Done. Easy peasy. I was really pleased how easy it was to organize. By keeping things simple, the execution was just as easy. When we host our next rally, I’ll be eager to add some additional activities!
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
Cream Cheese Log with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto
This very quick and delicious appetizer is a winner for hosting friends on the road. Let 8 oz. cream cheese soften and add 3/4 cups of shredded parmesan cheese, 1/2 chopped green onion, 2 to 3 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsly, and a teaspoon of ground black pepper. Mix well and put it in a serving dish. Top it with purchased sun-dried tomato pesto ,and serve it with sliced and toasted baguette rounds and rubbed with garlic, or favorite crackers. Joila! Bon Apetite!
Swag!!!
Do you have your 4CU gear already? Taken any pictures? Share with your editor, and we’ll feature a couple photos in the next newsletter!
Here is Karen Conley sporting her 4CU Apron. Pretty snazzy, huh? Jeff and Barbara Engelmann are decked out in hat and shirts.
If you haven’t got yours yet, here’s all the links to browse through all the great 4CU branded swag now available from our select partners: Bonfire, Lands’ End and You Customize It.
Get yourself outfitted before you hit the road again!
Psst! Have you got a great photo or story to share? Send it in to our news desk and we’ll do the rest!
Keep on ‘streaming and we’ll see you down the road!