Pow Wow. Welcome to Pow Wow II. Outdoor Movie Theater. In This Issue. We are so excited to begin a new adventure at Indian Acres with the resurrection

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1 Pow Wow Volume I Issue 1 Indian Acres Club of Thornburg April 2015 Welcome to Pow Wow II Something new is happening at our beloved Indian Acres campground. Yes, it is an old idea with new life breathed into it. Years ago, Indian Acres used to publish a magazine called Pow Wow now it is back. Well it has risen much like the Phoenix out of the ashes and we proudly present to all our funsteaders Pow Wow II. We truly hope that you will enjoy this. If you have any comments, ideas - or perhaps you d like to write an article, we would love to hear from you. And remember, there is No Age Requirement so anyone, young or old, is welcome to contribute. Please use our contact info on the last page. Outdoor Movie Theater Thanks to all the property owners and other businesses who donated to help bring back family movie night! We raised funds for an Outdoor Movie Theater System for Indian Acres and it has been ordered. It will be fun this summer under the starry night sky watching a family movie at Indian Acres. Thank you Nippy Ricci for spearheading this new amenity for everyone to enjoy. Now let s go to the movies which will hopefully begin in May. See you there!! We are so excited to begin a new adventure at Indian Acres with the resurrection of the original Indian Acres Pow Wow for the enjoyment of all the funsteaders... In This Issue - Joyce Waggett Chairperson Welcome to Pow Wow II Axing the Junk Know Your Nation Tribes of the Reservation RV Show Pow Wow flashback Meet the New Director Around the Totem Pole Scouting Around Outside the Reservation Outdoor, golf cart drive-in movies 1

2 Trailer to tear down Tearing down Down to the frame We ve all seen it. We all want it gone. Well, fellow funsteaders, it is a new day and a new beginning towards ending the blight that is sprinkled around our beloved acres. It happens one trailer at a time. But it is definitely not an easy task nor for those faint of heart. And it takes a long time just to get to that point of demolishing a trailer. So what has been happening in the off season, during the cold winter days? It begins at Site Control. I spoke with Vicki Fisher, Site Control Director, about what happens first before an old trailer can be removed from a property owner s lot. Once an old abandoned, falling apart trailer has been identified, Vicki has to send a letter to the property owner about the condition of their trailer. After about 6 months, Vicki sends out a second letter. Both give the property owner 10 days to contact Site Control. If there is no reply, Vicki then sends out a Notice to Appear letter to have the property owner come before the Site Control committee. The committee makes the decision whether to give the property owner more time to fix the trailer, if it is possible, or they vote to either fine the property owner or remove the trailer. After the meeting, Vicki sends yet another letter informing the property owner of the Site Control committee s decision. Then Vicki must send out a Notice of Final Disposition to the property owner stating the dates and what other letters had been sent out. In the final letter, the property owner is given an additional 10 days to remove the trailer or IACT will have it removed. After IACT has gone through this exhaustive process, Vicki begins making a list of all the trailers by Glen and Lot number that IACT can have removed On December 13, 2014 a contract was made with Axing the Junk! By Joyce Waggett Bobby and Crystal Murray of Glen 10 to remove 68 trailers on the list that Vicki had compiled. All legal steps have now been followed. With list in hand, Bobby and Crystal and their family have been systematically removing each trailer. When I spoke with Crystal, she mentioned that they have begun with some of the smaller and easier trailers first. The Murray s haul a trailer from the lot to an IACT approved location to tear down and haul out of Indian Acres. As of February 7, 2015 when I interviewed Crystal, they had already removed 22 of the 68 trailers. They re off the lots, stripped down GONE. Every one they can get out, makes our beloved Acres look better and better. Crystal wanted me to thank the following people for volunteering their time and efforts in this endeavor: Tim Waggett, Kenny Limerick, Peggy Davis, Mike Pennock, Tom Hanger, Doug Davis, Chris Flynn, Ken from Glen 15, Brian Harrison and Brandon Mitchell. She had special thanks for Mike Earl and Jeremiah (Frogg) Lazenby. Crystal said that the IACT board has been very supportive and she gives a big shout out to Billy Stanton for buying a saw and saw blades with his own money to help with this project. So, fellow funsteaders, hopefully, little by little, trailer by trailer and maybe even with a few hours of your time, we can all work to bring back the beauty of our Reservation. Thank you Site Control, the Murray s and all the volunteers who have helped in this endeavor. NOTE: As of mid-march, there have been 37 trailers torn down. Snow hampered the efforts a bit. 2

3 By Ross Greco Most people know that the American Indian was here prior to What is little understood is that in almost every population center within the United States, there was once an Indian community. Long before Christopher Columbus laid eyes on the shores of this New World, Indian settlements blanketed all of the Americas. While a few tribes were nomadic, most Indian tribes had settled permanently. Borders between Indian Nations were put in place long before there was a Roman Empire. Some of these communities rivaled the largest cities in the world at that time, both in population and sophistication. Just as today, most of the populations were centered near the coasts and the major rivers and lakes. There were kings and prophets, artisans and architects, sculptors and poets, mathematicians and doctors. Land and water trade networks interconnected the continent, trading both commodities and ideas. Also like today, each nation had their own individual identities, existing with different traditions, environments and forms of government than that of their neighbor. With each issue of Pow Wow II we will take a look at the early history of each of the Indian Acres Tribes. This first addition will feature Glen 1: The Seneca Indians. 3

4 By Ross Greco After many generations of ugly and brutal warfare, the Seneca Indians, along with the Cayuga, Onondaga, Oneida and Mohawk Nations finally agreed to peace. Together these Five Nations became known as the Haudenosaunee or People of the Longhouse. An Indian Prophet known as The Great Peacemaker convinced the warriors to bury their weapons of war (the origins of the saying to bury the hatchet ) and planted a sacred Tree of Peace on top of the weapons. The Peacemaker established a unique code of laws and values called Kainanerekowa or The Great Law of Peace, which was something akin to a blending of the US Constitution with the Ten Commandments. The Peacemaker explained that Law, Society and Nature are equal partners and each plays an important role. The exact date of founding of the original Five Nation Confederacy was August 31, Just days earlier the Peacemaker was speaking to a chief who was the lone holdout and who so far had refused to join the confederacy. The Peacemaker had prophecies that the Five Nations, each weak on its own, would fall into darkness and die unless they all banded together. Following this warning, on August 31, 1142, there was a total solar eclipse. Before the chiefs eyes the entire sun disappeared as day turned to night. This quickly convinced the bloodthirsty Chief Tododaho of the Onondaga tribe that the Great Spirit wanted him to finally lay down his weapons and join the confederacy. So began the original Five Nation Confederacy. All leaders of the newly formed Haudenosaunee sat down to a fire and began what is now the oldest living participatory democracy on earth. The fire started that day has never been extinguished and still burns brightly today. Within the Haudenosaunee Confederacy (or Iroquois Confederacy) each nation maintains its own chief and council who handle their own internal affairs but also allows the Grand Council to deal with issues affecting the nations within the confederacy. This is very similar to the way our state and federal governments were set up. There are other similarities as well. As a matter of fact, the Haudenosaunee Confederacy s constitution is believed to be a model for our United States Constitution. In 1987, evidence was submitted as testimony before U.S. Senate hearings on the origins of the Constitution. For the first time in history, Congress officially recognized that the U.S. Government was explicitly modeled after the Iroquois Confederacy (Congressional Record, 1987). 4

5 At the time the confederacy was created, the Seneca had by far the largest population and the fiercest fighters of all five tribes. Being the tribe furthest to the west, they became known as the Keepers of the Western Door. Any emissaries wishing to enter the confederacy from the west had to first get their permission. The official language of the Seneca is Ogwehoweh, in which their name translates to O-non-dowa-gah, or the Great Hill People from where it is said they come from. They were also known as The People of Stone. French soldiers, who were trying to say A Sinnika (meaning Standing Rock ) pronounced it as Seneca and the name stuck. Settling mostly along the riverbanks, the Seneca didn t live in teepees. Instead they lived in longhouses that look very similar to military Quonset huts. These longhouses were framed using mostly elm trees. The bark of the elm was then used as shingles. They averaged twenty-five feet in width and eighty feet in length, though some exceeded two hundred feet in length. One longhouse could shelter as many as 20 families from one clan. Some villages contained up to 100 of these longhouses, which were surrounded by tall, strong stockades that protected them from potential enemies. These wooden fences were just one of the many industrious undertakings of the Seneca. Traditionally men hunted and fished, built houses and security walls, cleared fields for planting, and were responsible for trade and warfare. They also held all tribal council positions and dealt with confederacy politics. Farming was the responsibility of women, whose work also included gathering wild foods, rearing children, preparing food, making clothing, baskets and other utensils. If you think it was all work and no power for the little woman, you would be wrong. Although tribal council was always made up of men, only the clan mothers could chose who those men were. Seneca women also had the power to dehorn or recall a council member or chief if he turned corrupt or failed to represent the interests of his people. The Seneca Squaw owned everything from the fields and crops to the longhouse (after the men finished building it). Upon marriage, the man went to live with the wife s clan. If the marriage broke up, the woman was given sole custody of the children and the man went home to mother. It is said that the only possessions a man owned was a few personal effects and his weapons. Seneca Wisdom "We also have a religion which was given to our forefathers, and has been handed down to us their children. It teaches us to be thankful, to be united, and to love one another! We never quarrel about religion." Spoke the great Seneca orator, Red Jacket, in his reply to a missionary. Red Jacket 5

6 Holy Smoke Signals Do not judge your neighbor until you walk two moons in his moccasins The Indian Ten Commandments Treat the Earth and all that dwell therein with respect Remain close to the Great Spirit Show great respect for your fellow beings Work together for the benefit of all Mankind Give assistance and kindness wherever needed ~ Cheyenne proverb He [Jesus] died not for men, but for each man. If each man had been the only man made, He would have done no less. ~C. S. Lewis Prayer is not asking. It is a longing of the soul. It is daily admission of one's weakness. It is better in prayer to have a heart without words than words without a heart. ~Mahatma Gandhi Do what you know to be right Look after the well-being of Mind and Body Dedicate a share of your efforts to the greater Good Be truthful and honest at all times Please don t litter our campground Take full responsibility for your actions 6

7 A-maizing Recipes By Lois Davis Feel like having some cake at camp but you don t want to bake a whole big one? Or you need a fun activity to do with your kids on a rainy day? Try this fun Cake in a Mug. 1 Angel Food cake mix (the kind that only needs water) Fredericksburg RV Show By Joyce Waggett It might have been a snowy, cold winter, but the reservation was out in force during the Fredericksburg RV Show the last weekend in February. Spring was nearing and people were anxious to get out and enjoy and get ready to go camping. Indian Acres set up their booth and the show began on Friday and ran from 1 till 8 PM. We had people stopping by to look at our maps, watch two different slide shows and talk with our volunteer property owners. What better way to present ourselves than through the people who love Indian Acres? Saturday was the big day, starting at 10 AM and going until 7 PM. There were lots of families coming through. We were able to hand out our referral listings and also a flyer about our upcoming open house on Memorial Day weekend. Some people had heard of Indian Acres and some had no idea that we even existed. Many were interested when we spoke about all the things that we had to offer. 1 Cake mix of any other flavor Pour both in a large zip lock bag and shake to mix up For each mug cake: 3 Tablespoons of mix 2 Tablespoons of water Mix together in the cup Microwave on high for 1 minute Let cool and then add frosting, ice cream, syrup or whatever you like on it. Enjoy!! Store the leftover mixture in an airtight container for another time. Even with an ice storm in the area, the RV show continued into Sunday from 11 AM until 4 PM. The general public still wanted to get out and our volunteers continued on with great enthusiasm and dedication. We would like to thank the following people for their hard work and dedication promoting Indian Acres - the Property Owners: Kim and Tammy Pearson, Billy Stanton, Crystal Murray, Tom Hanger, Lois and Doug Davis, Steve and Debra Smith, Bobby Stoneberger, Joyce and Tim Waggett and Donna and Terry Moore, who is the chair of the Promotions group and also the Indian Acres staff: Janet Kois, Tina Garrison and Vicki Fisher. If you happen to see any of these people around Indian Acres, please tell them thank you if you appreciate what they did for us. 7

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9 Pow Wow Flashback A bit of IACT history found on the cover of the April 1972 edition of Pow Wow. The IACT security entrance. Also note the tower in the background that is still here today. What s the Rule? When becoming a IACT property owner, you signed for a package of documents that contained the following: ~ Articles of Incorporation ~ Declaration of Restrictions ~ IACT By-Laws ~Organization & System for Enforcement of Rules, Regulations & Restrictive Covenants ~ Site Control Rules & Regulations ~ IACT Police/Security Department Rules/Regulations ~ Admissions Booklet ~ Procedures for Selling/Buying an IACT Funstead ~ Letter from Spotsylvania County about taxes So when you signed for these documents, you were agreeing to abide by each and every rule contained within them. If you are not sure of any rules, or can t find the package given to you, it is suggested you go to the Admin office and ask for a new owner package. Your ignorance is no excuse when sited for a violation of any of the rules that IACT has legally put into place. Note: Site Control is working on an update to their rules. 9

10 Can you find them all? 10

11 HELP! Volunteers Needed Events: Debra Smith (on FB) Glen 10 Lot 19 Welcome to Indian Acres Debbie Sutton Meet the Director of Operations By Joyce Waggett Pow Wow II is so excited to be able to introduce the property owners to our new Director of Operations, Debbie Sutton. Debbie was born in Virginia and grew up in Prince William County. She currently lives in Caroline County with her husband James and their five children who range in age from 13 to 25 years old. Debbie confided that she is a big time animal lover who currently has 4 dogs and a cat. She has a rescue dog who is deaf and has even taught the dog sign language. What a labor of love! Debbie and her family own a boat that they love to take to Lake Anna. She also enjoys time at the beach. And being a Mom of five, she is very involved with running her kids to sports practices and games and one is even on a travel basketball team. Debbie attended Northern Virginia Community College. Behind her signature, you might notice the letters CMCA and AMS. CMCA means that through the state of Virginia she is a Certified Manager of Community Associations while AMS means she is an Association Management Specialist. Debbie has been a property manager since 1988 where she has managed residential, commercial and home owner s associations. Debbie sees a wonderful future for IACT through increasing activities for children because it will make them want to come and it also brings together a sense of family. She feels everyone needs to pull together. She understands that the Board of Directors can t do it all and more people need to step up and volunteer. We need to think outside the box. This is an investment like a home and we all need to take care of it. Debbie said that her door is always open for suggestions and she is looking forward to taking us all forward. Welcome Debbie, we re happy you re here! Pow Wow II: Joyce Waggett Glen 3 Lot 72 powwowii@yahoo.com T.j. Waggett on FB Beautification: Belva Brooks Glen 11 Lot 69 FB Page: Beautifying Indi an Acres of Thornburg Committee Promotions: Terry Moore (FB) Glen 3 Lot Remember Virginia Law until April 30th: No burning before 4 PM any day for any reason. 11

12 In Loving Memory Built By Roy Sill Native Americans thought animals watched over them that they called totems which meant brother. As they carved them into poles, they told a story of that family. Around the Totem Pole tells the story of our IACT family. We will print monthly birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, special events, graduations, awards, in memory of or you tell us. We dedicate this page in loving memory of Roy Sill (Glen 8) who built the beautiful Totem Pole seen here and is located on the IACT putt-putt course. Thanks Roy, we will never forget your kindness. We are sadden at the passing of Pop (David Lee) McAllister. Pop sold a lot of vegetables to people in front of the trading post every summer for a long time. He always wore bib overalls and a hat. Pop always had a kind word and a joke for everyone. He will be missed by all who knew him here at IACT. Back on February 8th, Donnie and Joy Harrison Oliver were celebrating 40 years of togetherness. Moving into March on the 15th, Howard and Donna Thorn were basking in the glow of 42 years of marital bliss. On April 10th, Michael and Rene Barnes of Glen 17, Lot 142 will be rejoicing over their years together. But the big tom-toms will be beating over the 49 years of marriage on April 30th for Chester and Patricia Waters. 12

13 Special Birthday Wish IACT has its own special miracle baby who has her first birthday on April 25th. Her name is Hope Aleksandra Ritchie. She is the daughter of Jonathan and Mary Weinreich-Ritchie of Glen 13 Lot 195. Hope was born 13 weeks early and only weighed in at 1 pound 5 ounces. What a blessing! Happy 1st Birthday! 2 Melanie Burner 19 Laura Kear-Meyers 3 Don Ford 22 Bobby Stoneberger 7 Joyce Waggett Carol FarmerNelson 12 Rene Barnes Douglas Davis 23 Donna Streeter 24 James Darby Shelby Savin 14 Mary Weinreich-Ritchie (33) 27 Linda Lo Tempio 18 Cindy Sobotka (50) 28 Tammy Eppard Tony Sobotka (50) 30 Nick Ball We also heard about some off-season birthdays, so if you see Reggie Sojourner (Mar 1), Kelly Sojourner (Mar 13) and Angel Ball (Mar 15) please wish them a belated birthday. 13

14 Wishing everyone a very special Easter blessing at the beginning of our camping season. For your worship: Easter Sunrise Service 7 AM April 5th IACT Clubhouse with refreshments after Sponsored by Religious Life Did you know that we have a library at IACT? Yes, we do! It is a small room downstairs in the clubhouse. Just go straight ahead after going down the stairs past the restaurant entrance and you ll be there. You can borrow any book that you like or even just read there. But please try to remember to return it so others may enjoy it. If anyone has any books to donate, please let Terry Moore know. He s in Glen 3 Lot 76. It s just IACT s small way of saying, Have a nice relaxing day reading a good book. Pow Wow II deadline for the May issue is April 15th 14

15 Win a free ice cream cone! FAMILY FUN! Pow Wow II is teaming up with our Trading Post. We will post a picture here each month. We call it Scouting Around. All you need to do is Scout Around to figure out where it is located at Indian Acres. Then go to the Trading Post, write your name, Glen and Lot number along with your guess and drop it inside the container. The Pow Wow II group will gather them up around our deadline of April 15th. One entry from all the correct guesses will be drawn by the group. The Trading Post will be given the PO s name, glen & lot. The winner will be notified and will get a free ice cream cone along with their spouse and children (sorry, no guests). Tell Sharon at the Trading Post and show your IACT ID card. Enjoy and tell your friends where to get delicious ice cream! 1) Cut out the picture below with the entry form on the back. 2) Take your family out to find where this is located. 3) Fill out the entry form with your information. 4) Head to the Trading Post and drop it in the Scouting Around container. 5) Check back here in our May 1st issue to see if you won. 6) Take that beautiful immediate family with your valid IACT ID cards to the Trading Post to claim your free ice cream in May. Can you find this at Indian Acres? Good Luck Scouting Around! WARNING: The next one may be a little more difficult. 15

16 Outside the Reservation (Other things to do in the area) The Breakout Game, Fredericksburg, VA. Fun for the whole family must book online King s Dominion open weekends Fri, Sat, Sun 10:30 am 8 pm (also Apr 6th-9th 10:30 am 6pm) Riverside Dinner Theater, 95 Riverside Parkway, Fredericksburg, VA (also have Children s Theater) www,riversidedt.com Spring Open House at Gari Melchers Home & Studio (Belmont Estate) Sunday, April 12th, 10-5PM Free 224 Washington Street, Falmouth, VA s historic house, art galleries, restored gardens, and 1 1/2 m iles of nature trails Scouting Around Entry Form (Sorry, no guests eligible) Name: Glen: Lot: Guess location of April s Scouting Around picture: Contact Us You can us with ideas, constructive criticism or even items of interest to be considered for publication by the Pow Wow II group at: powwowii@yahoo.com Deadline for May issue: April 15th Group Members: Joyce Waggett G3 L72 Lois Davis G4 L220 Maggie Estes G14B L157 Ross Greco G3 L137 16