Getaway Sams Jacksonville, Florida Good Sam Chapter #69

Transcription

1 President Joe Mehrtens Vice President Kate Deaton Secretary D McDade Treasurer Al Richardson Newsletter Editor Don Dishman Newsletter Layout Tressa Dishman tressal1947@att.net Good Sam Winter Rally in Tallahassee, Florida - North Florida Fair Grounds and February Campout - Coastal RV Resort in Brunswick, Georgia Many of the Getaways doubled their pleasure by attending the Winter Rally in Tally early in February and then joining in on the fun at the campout held in Brunswick, Georgia at the Coastal RV Park at the end of the month. Tressa & Don elected to camp and caravan with their alternate chapter, Sunset Ramblers. Nate & Kate made a valiant effort to catch up (good job!) with them in order to qualify for the caravan patch. Getaways Al, John & Sue, and Lucy arrived to find D and Jim already there, busy setting up. While we were parked like pieces of a jig-saw puzzle, the State Staff did a great job getting us in, safe and sound, ready to hook up. Registration, held in the Vendors Hall was the first order of the day after getting set up. As usual, State Staffer Linda had everything under control and got us checked in swiftly. Most of the afternoon was spent walking the fairgrounds, visiting in Getaway Sams Jacksonville, Florida Good Sam Chapter #69 As a member of the Good Sam Club I pledge to give aid to others in need, respect nature and the environment, give back to the community and those less fortunate, treat others with dignity and respect, and to wear a smile (like Good Sam and Good Samantha s) and promote the pledge of the Good Sam Club to others. Happy Birthday March Judy Fishback, 7th; Carmin Mazza, 11th; Buddy Blauth, 12th; Sue Johnson, 13th; Carol Ring, 23rd Happy Anniversary March Bob & Deborah Barnette, 3/5 Dan & Deb Dlugosz, 3/20 March 2016 the Hospitality Hall, checking out rigs Camping World brought in, or just relaxing. After a dinner on our own, the group gathered in the Hospitality Hall for games of Samgo where Tressa won $20 in the second half. We had lots of brides maids but no other winners this night. Wednesday morning found the weather to be cool and cloudy (it eventually got cold and rainy, but that comes later); a good day for enjoying the sausage biscuits, warm oatmeal and coffee. Joe & Buddy arrived in time to join the group in visiting the different vendors booths, checking out the other chapters raffle booths, and, of course buying State 50/50 tickets. Jyn & John arrived to round out the group. Tressa participated in the afternoon card games, playing Hand and Foot. While she enjoyed the game and made new friends, her score wasn t high enough to win During the day, Jyn won $10 in door-prizes, Don won some black heavy duty duck tape, and Nate won a bathroom rug, which he gave to Joe & Buddy. The evening activities started with the presentation of out of stat representatives, followed by the Parade of Chapters where President Joe and VP Kate

2 did the honors of presenting our chapter banner, while Tressa & Don presented the North Florida Lifetime Sams banner. After the announcements and introduction of the vendors, we were entertained with some great music by the Jeff Davis and Tired Creek, a really good gospel group. Above: Dinner time at John & Sues (D, Al, Lucy, John, Kate, Nate and Joe; John & Jyn F; Kate and Joe with chapter banner; entertainment by Jeff Davis & tired Creek. As some of our chapter members are also affiliated with North Florida Lifetime Sams, when 6 AM came on Thursday morning, members pitched in to help serve donuts. After a brief glitch (by the provider), thanks to the ingenuity and tenacity for getting things done by Staff Ralph and Jane Reeves, yummy donuts, warm oatmeal and hot coffee were served. Beanbag baseball followed the donuts. While our team didn t win, at least we were able to get through to the second round. Tight scores of 5-4 beat us right at the bottom of the 5th inning. At any rate, we had lots of fun and shared our fair share of laughter. The rest of the afternoon was spent, once again, visiting vendors, spending time together and dodging the rain showers. President Joe attended his first State Committee meeting, where he learned that Tommy and Lois Crutchfield had put their names in for the position of State Director; that we would be returning (at least for the next 2 years) to the Fairgrounds for the Winter Rallies; and that the chapters voted to continue financial support for Florida Guide Dogs (after they presented information on the reformation of the charity). Soon it was time for Ziti for dinner and then Samgo again. This time we had a couple of winners (Buddy and Sue both won), and one missed opportunity by Tressa. Above: Sue, John, and Don ready to serve donuts; Tressa with Pam & Rich Frederick, Sandra Walters and Ann Amos (Sunset Ramblers) ready to serve donuts; Sue and Al working VA booth with assist from Lucy; Getaways at Samgo (l-r around the table) Al, Lucy, Joe, Buddy, D, Sue, John J., and Kate. Friday morning Joe attended the brief New Comers Meeting before digging in and enjoying the sausage gravy/biscuits, oatmeal and coffee. Lunch was Bar-b-q sandwiches followed by an ice cream social (yes, even in cold weather the ice cream lovers come out!). For dinner, Nate and Buddy grilled dogs and burgers for the group. After dinner, D presented Joe with a Chapter President s Starter Kit - providing him with all the goodies he would need to run his meetings. The evening s entertainment, Maria Rose and Danny Elswick, was enjoyed by most of the group before heading for our warm, toasty beds. Above: Buddy (and Joe - outside picture) took their turn as did all of the chapter members, selling 50/50 chances for our VA Fund; Sue & John - early mornings finally caught up with them; Nate and Buddy - burning the dogs/burgers for dinner; Joe displaying his Chapter President s Starter Kit presented to him by Secretary D, with all the needed for the meetings. Saturday morning, you could here Look - here comes the sun! as it was one of the few days we 2

3 didn t start with clouds. The day was a quiet day - with most of us choosing to enjoy the sunshine while walking through the Camping World rigs again, taking turns at the raffle table, and just visiting. Sue, John and Jyn were busy fixing up the Johnson s Happy Birthday Good Sam/Camping World Top Decorating Contest entry. Ouch, watch the hot glue, Jyn! Sue won first place with John taking third place - well done, guys! Saturday night dinner of white chili soup, compliments of Jyn was just right before heading back to the Hospitality Hall for the Closing Ceremonies. After all the announcements were made, the Century Patches & Flowers Awarded, and the game winners were announced, it was time for the Raffle Drawing. Thanks to the generosity of the attendees, Getaway Sams presented the lucky winner with $205. Besides the 50/50, the Getaways had offered cotton ball angels, Christmas ornaments, and energy bracelets for donations, which brought our collection up to $286 to help support our activities with the veterans at the Lake City VA Medical Center. The evening s entertainment, Alvarado Road Show, extended to four of the rally participants and State Director, Joe Weston, being brought on stage for an unique version of You Ain t Nothing But A Ground Hog - which everyone enjoyed the side-splitting laughter! Thanks, Joe, for being such a great sport! Above: D checking in for her turn at the table, relieving Lucy; Sue & John in their winning tops; poor Jyn s fingers - she lost the battle with the glue gun; Joe and Kate award the lucky 50/50 winner with $205 cash! Left: State staff enjoying the entertainment on Saturday night - Alvarado Road Show (featuring their fearless leader, Joe; Joe as Elvis with other attendees; Sue caught in a candid shot - nice smile! Sunday morning, and the rally is over following a brief devotional. Thanks to Joe and Debbie and all the State Staff for a wonderful first time back in Tally Rally - and a special thanks to the administration at the Fairgrounds for putting forth a great effort to be sure we were able to enjoy ourselves! GEORGIA ON MY MIND February Campout - Coastal RV Resort, Brunswick, Georgia Super Early-bird arrivals included hosts, Carol & Steve, Deb & Bob, who came in on Tuesday. Due to questionable weather, Nate & Kate delayed their arrival until Wednesday. Plans by many to meet at the Welcome Station in Georgia to enjoy a picnic lunch before heading on to Brunswick were changed, as the rest stop is STILL closed for repairs/improvements (or whatever they are doing). So folks drove in on their own. Thursday arrivals were Don & Tressa, Bob & Sheila, Carla, Brian, and Pam (Carla s Mom), John & Jyn, John & Sue, Linda & Frank, Joe & Buddy, Carmin & Peggie, Laura & Bennie, Deb, Dixie & Buddy and Russ & Robin. After being greeted by our hosts, getting set up and settled, most just enjoyed the BREEZY sunshine, visiting and walking around, exploring the facilities. Folks gathered in the Conference Room to chat and snack. 3

4 Then it was time to head to Zachry s Seafood and Steak Restaurant for dinner. While the service was a little slow, the company was great, so most folks enjoyed visiting with their table-mates and others in the group. After dinner, many of us gathered at the Pavilion where we enjoyed a blazing fire (thanks to our Above: Enjoying visiting at Zachry s while waiting on food; Carmin Anyone have leftovers? ; Marshmallows over open fire. Below: How many people does it take to light a heater? (Buddy, Deb, Nate, and Bob); Sitting and visiting - Jyn and Russ. fire starters!), more chatting and even some S' Mores - John F. decided to try his rotating sandwich toaster to make one - didn t quiet work out the way he planned, so the flame gods got a treat. We all enjoyed chuckling at the attempts to start one of the heaters (provided by the resort). The rest of the evening was spent just enjoying visiting with each other, though there was a bit of music later in the evening thanks to Russ bringing all his equipment. Friday morning broke - sunny and still a bit breezy. Don t think the drone pilots are any too happy about that. However, according to the weather folks, the wind was supposed to die down later in the day. Thanks to our hosts getting up extra early, we enjoyed a great breakfast of pancakes, ham, bacon, sausage & breakfast casseroles supplemented with hard boiled eggs, potato breakfast bites, fresh fruit, orange Jello salad, pastries, & other goodies provided by the members. Above: Breakfast in the Conference Room (l-r) John F., Frank, Bob & Sheila, Jyn, Linda, Robin & Kate; (l-r) Carla, Brian, Pam, Buddy, John & Sue, Peggie and Carmin; Carla cutting up with Don s cap. Pre-lunch tea time of Bloody Marys and Mimosa s was held at our hosts campers. Then it was lunch time and get ready to go on the Trolley Tour at 1 p.m. A few folks opted to stay at the park to relax, walk around, visit, and just generally goof off. Those who went to Tybee Island had a great time looking around, checking out the area s quaint stores and learning the history of the island. Far left: Carol up in time for breakfast! Center: Inside Chapel on island. Immediate Left: Dixie & Buddy s kitty, Shaman, who went missing for a couple of nights - Shades of Louie! 4

5 Friday evening found many of the group dressed for the Western Hoe Down, wearing their hats, jeans, shirts, and boots. The dinner, smoked bar-b-q pork on buns, potato salad, cole slaw, deviled eggs and all the goodies the group brought, was followed by fun games of Orange Bowling and Jelly Bean Pick Up. The object of the Orange Bowling was to knock an orange from one side of the hall to the other (not as easy as it sounds). In Jelly Bean Pick Up, we were challenged to pick up as many jelly beans (the SMALL ONES, thank you) with chopsticks in one minute. That, also was NOT easy. But with all the laughter, you could tell everyone was having fun! In honor of the February birthdays, Jyn brought out a birthday cake and lead everyone in singing Happy Birthday to Linda, Don, John F., and Joe. Top Left-Right: Sue & Brian passing each other in Orange Bowling ; Dan gets his groove on - making good moves!; Jyn leading group singing Happy Birthday to Linda, Joe, John F., & Don. The birthday cake! Bottom Left-Right: Deb teaching Sheila how to play Blockus (notice the concentration!); Carmin - Is it supposed to be this low? Up early on Saturday, to enjoy breakfast before setting out to tour St. Simon s Island, the pier & the lighthouse. Drone flying was on the schedule for the morning, but most pilots decided to wait until the afternoon. Those who did not to go exploring enjoyed some down time - visiting with family and friends. Visitors Dan & Tessa took their kids and pup to St. Simons, where they entered in the Puppy Crawl. Dinner was a South Georgia Fish Fry - with fish, hush puppies, cheese grits and all the fix ens. Afterward, we were off to the races, playing Jurassic Downs. To top off the evening, prizes were awarded to all in a White Elephant Gift Swap. Thanks to our hosts - Carol & Steve and Deb & Bob - for a fun filled weekend! Above: Bob, Steve & Buddy cooking up fish and hush puppies for dinner; Sue & Linda (with helper Liz) collect bets for Jurassic Downs; John J. & Russ, ready to start the races, as the runners are introduced! 5

6 GETAWAY SAMS 2016 CAMPOUT SCHEDULE SIGN UP SHEET (Early Bird Dates) MONTH/DATES HOSTS LOCATION Jan. (21) Sue/John Johnson and D/Jim McDade Ft. McCoy KOA, Ft. McCoy, FL (352) Feb. (2) 3-7 Winter Rally North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, FL Feb. (25) 26-28* Carol/Steve and Deb/Bob Coastal Georgia RV Resort, Brunswick, GA March (24) Joe/Buddy and Harriet/Larry Pecan Park, Jacksonville, FL April (5) 6-10 Spring Rally Okeechobee KOA Resort, Okeechobee, FL April (21) Tressa/Don; Carla & Brian; and Walkabout RV Park, Woodbine, GA Peggie & Carmin May (26) (30) Al Richardson and Jyn Fortson Rock Crusher Canyon, Crystal River, FL June (23) Frank/Linda Diegel, Dan/Mary Arnold, & Paradise Oaks, Bushnell, FL Sandra/Bob McKinley July (21) (Hosts needed) Aug. (25) John/Jyn Fortson and Lucy co-host Sept. (22) Kate/Nate and Robin/Russell Cedar Key RV Park, Cedar Key, FL Tentatively chosen Oct. (27) Deb Dlugouz Nov. (15) Fall Rally Southern Palms RV Resort, Eustis, FL Dec Jan. 2, 2017** Chapter Officers Lake City RV Park, Lake City, FL Phone numbers are provided to assist in making your reservations. Please remember to make your reservations with the campground AND advise the hosts of your plans to attend each camp out. All member rigs are expected to host/co-host during the year. Remember also, that as Good Sam members, we are to pitch in wherever and whenever needed. Meet Tessa & Dan, Liz, Daniel Ooley - Tessa joined us at the Lunch Bunch held at PF Chang s, bringing their two children, Liz & Daniel to meet everyone. A few of the members had visited with the Ooley s while they were on their shakedown cruise with their new rig, at Pecan Park. They, along with their pup, Liberty (better known as Libby), were with us at Coastal RV Resort this past camp out. We are looking forward to having them join us and getting to know them better. Far Left: Dan & Tessa at dealer s, picking up their new rig. Near Left: Liz, Tessa, Daniel, Dan & Libby at St. Simon s Island Pier. Congratulations to Susan Roche: Susan has continued to participate in the local runs for various charities, keeping herself healthy while helping others. Here is her picture from finishing the 8K River Day Run. Way to go, Susan! LUNCH BUNCH - Thursday, March 17, 2016 Time: 12:30 p.m. Location: Corky Bell s Seafood & Steaks, Fleming Island, 1048 Floyd Street. Please be sure to notify Tressa at tressal1947@att.net, if you plan to attend, and the number in your party, by Monday, March 14. Call (904) , if you have questions. 6

7 March 2016 Campout at Pecan Park RV Resort Early Bird-Thursday, March 24th - Campout-Friday, March 25th-Sunday, March 27th Hosts: Joe and Buddy (904) and Harriet and Larry (904) Campground Phone: (904) Rate: $36. per night PLEASE CALL TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS Thursday: Campers may arrive around noon to begin setting up. Social time and relaxing. 5:45 PM Bring your own sandwich. We will have a big pot of homemade vegetable soup to compliment. 7:00 PM Social time with board games and cards. Friday: 8:45 AM Breakfast at clubhouse- Biscuits and Gravy, coffee. 2 PM Tea-time, bring snacks and drink. 5:30 PM Out for dinner at Olive Garden. (Please let hosts know your plans to attend, whether you are camping or driving in.) 7:30 PM Social time, games and cards. Saturday: 8:45 AM Breakfast at clubhouse - Breakfast Casseroles, coffee, juice. No formal meeting is scheduled. If you have any updates or new business that must be discussed, please provide to Joe in advance. Enjoy relaxing, flea Market or games. 2 PM T-time, bring snacks and drink 5:45 PM Dinner at clubhouse. Ham, potato salad and green beans. Please bring sides to compliment. 7:30 PM Cards, games and social time Sunday: 9 AM Devotional at clubhouse Begin Packing up to travel home. Safe Driving and God Bless. See you next month at: Walkabout RV Park, Woodbine, Georgia 7