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. President Tressa Dishman 904-504-1031 Vice President Jim McDade 904-540-0940 Secretary Sheila Garbecki 904-477-1941 Treasurer Deb Dlugosz 904-945-2365 Newsletter Editor Don Dishman 904-641-4059 Newsletter Layout Tressa Dishman Happy Birthday December 2019 December Jim McDade - 5th January Jynifer Fortson - 6th Robert Roche - 21st Happy Anniversary December Robert & Susan Roche- 1st - Happy 28th! Wild Wild West Fall Florida Good Sam Rally November (13) 14-18, 2018 Southern Palms RV Resort - Eustis, Florida John and Sue met up with Tressa and Don just South of Green Cove Springs to caravan to Salt Springs where they enjoyed brunch at the Square Meal before heading o to Southern Palms RV Resort for the rally. Upon arriving, they were greeted by Bruce and Barbara who had come in a week before taking time to do some sight seeing around the area. After getting set up, Sue and Tressa headed for the hall to register (riding double on the Johnson s scooter). The McDades came in and got set up, then it was time for dinner. The eight of us headed over to Stavros and Sons Italian Restaurant, enjoying everything from a Greek salad to Ravioli. Time to go to Samgo. We got our cards, checked our daubers, and were ready to go when POOF - off went the lights. After waiting a little bit, it was decided to postpone the game until Thursday (no one knew how long the lights would be out). Everyone was told to bring their cards back on Thursday - so we headed back to the Pines side of the campground where we were parked. Not ready for bed, Tressa invited Sue, D & Jim to join Don and John (who had stayed in to watch movies) for some Jokers. Tressa and Jim tried valiantly but Sue and D were out for blood - winning two games (no need for a play off there). On Wednesday morning, John and Sue went over early to set up the VA 50/50 table; they were relieved by Don and Tressa and then D and Jim took a turn. Bruce and Barbara, who had represented the Getaways in the Holy Board games, headed out afterwards to play golf. Susan and Chris Totis, who had been in contact with Deb and were attending the rally, came over to say Hi and to get acquainted with the group. In the afternoon, while Sue was finishing up her chili and soup for dinner, Tressa represented the Getaways play-
ing Hand and Foot - scoring over 12,000 points - not enough to win but lots of fun anyway. Joe, along with Sheila and Bob, arrived late in the afternoon - in time to get set up, get registered and enjoy dinner. The rain, which had held off all day decided to show up as everyone was heading for the Johnson s - letting up enough for us to squeeze under the awning - yummy food! After we cleaned up, it was time to go to the Opening Ceremonies. Tressa and Jim carried the Getaway Sams banner, while John and Sue carried the North Florida Lifetime Sams banner in the opening parade of chapters. The evening s entertainment, Will Yancy, was great! We all enjoyed his jokes and his songs! Good choice Tommy and Lois! Thursday started cooler and slightly cloudy after a night of rain. John and Sue opened the 50/50 again, then Don relieved John so he could attend the First Timer s meeting (representing NFLS for Tressa while she covered for the Getaways). Poor Joe had left his phone outside during the night so had to go find a Verizon store. After representing the Getaways at Bean Bag Baseball, Bruce and Barbara took a turn at the VA table. Having prepared her chicken and rice early, Tressa went over to the indoor games - started at the Mexican Train table, wasn t needed there, so on to Skip-Bo - nope, not needed there either, so when they said they needed a Cribbage player, she gave it a try even though it had been YEARS since playing it... Fun but no winning there. Time to enjoy dinner - thanks to John and Sue hosting us again under their awning. We found out that those who had purchased Samgo Cards on Tuesday night would be the first to go into the hall. Once they were seated, new folks came in - thank goodness for extra room so all of the Getaways who wanted to play had a seat. Lots of fun and joking - but again, no winners. Because we all wanted to enjoy the sausage gravy and biscuits, we got a late start on the VA 50/50 table, but it wasn t long before the sales started pouring in. Sue, Sheila and Tressa went over to learn some new line-dancing moves (Tressa was late because of putting items in the Craft Fair) - lots of fun! Don and Tressa found a leak in the back of their motor home - so called on RVForce to take a look - a quick look, an easy fix and a reasonable charge - and the problem was fixed! A great company! After grabbing a quick lunch it was time to get ready for the Dog for Better Lives/Florida Dog Guides costume parade. Tressa with Maggie and Sheila with Dannica and Missy made it - but poor Sue, who had an adorable costume for Louie, couldn t find the scooter keys so missed the parade. Congratulations to Dannica and Missy for placing First in the Overall Costumes and to Maggie who placed second. Lots of barking and tail wagging - and all for a great cause. Susan and Robert were finally able to get to the Rally (she had been helping a friend who had had eye surgery). The North Florida Lifetime Sams meeting was held at 4 p.m., then time for a quick pot luck before going over to the Fairgrounds for the evening program which included John and Sue receiving their flower, followed by the Memorial Service facilitated by Sharon. A beautiful service with two of our own being remembered - Della Soloman and Buddy Williamson. Then time for the Kempers Band - a wonderful gospel band. During the night, Susan and Robert lost power - not sure where the problem was but glad to have extra blankets. Saturday morning arrived cool and clear - in time for Sue and John to set up the 50/50 table before heading over to Pine Hall to attend the Presidents Breakfast (again representing NFLS) with Tressa - for Getaways - who brought Joe as her guest, since Don had relieved John and Sue. Sheila, Susan and Robert pitched in to help cover the table. After they finished there, Susan and Robert had the RV repair folks check out their rig - there seemed to be an electrical problem but since they couldn t pin-point what was wrong, Susan and Robert headed back home. While the Getaways had decided just to support the Chapter Parade, Joe, John and Sue (with Louie in his costume) joined the Sunset Ramblers in their Wild West outfits - Sue really looked like Pocahontas! It was really neat seeing all the great floats - a lot of good imagination, folks! After resting up a bit and packing for an early departure, Sheila and Joe went to Starvo s while Sue, John, Tressa, Don, Jim, D, Bruce and Barbara attended the catered meal - the food was good and plentiful! Time to head to the Fairgrounds for the Closing Program. Donations to the charities were handed out, then the drawings for the Chapter Raffles - congratulations to Pat Blacow from the Carefree Sams, the winner of our 50/50 drawing - collecting $188! Thanks to everyone for their generosity! The Getaways were surprised when it was announced that they received second place for the Newsletter! After the evening program, John and Sue won a Step Ladder as a door prize. Time to head for our rigs, get a good night s sleep and get ready to leave on Sunday. All good things must end some time - and it was time to head for home. A special thanks to Tommy, Lois and the State Staff for a wonderful rally - See you in Okeechobee! 2
The Rally at a Glance Above: Sue gives Tressa on the scooter; Chapter of the Year Banner in front of John &Sue s; Sue & D ready for Samgo before the lights go out. Below: D, Jim & Sue - sitting & visiting; Corn Hole toss; Golf Club where Bruce & Barbara played. Above: Tressa & Jim with Getaways Banner; Sue & John with NFLS Banner; Sue & John Wanted ; Sue got a new boyfriend. Below: D tries on Joe s cowboy hat; Joe at Samgo; Tressa - sitting in line with an air conditioning vent - TOO COLD; D with a sad face - needed one number for a big win - and had waited a LONG time. 3
Above: Danni, Missy & Maggie in costumes; unexpected guest for dinner; State Staff; Left: Memorial Service; John & Sue with Flower Patches; Below: Kempers (Friday s entertainment; Bruce & Barb at Bocce Ball; John & Tressa at State Committee meeting. Above: Pocahontas Sue & Louie along with John & Joe in Parade; Sheriff D looks at Jim; Bruce cutting up with hat & Mustache; Below: Tommy pulls lucky number; Sheila, Tommy & Tressa with winner - Pat Blacow; Sue, John, Joe & Tressa receive certificate from Lois for 2nd Place Newsletter awards. 4
Dues/membership renewal - Dues in the amount of $15 are due now. Please send to Deb Dlugosz, 2249 The Woods Drive East, Jacksonville, FL 32246, if you are planning to renew your membership. VA Medical Center Visits - accolades to those who have been able to help with this project. If you haven t tried it - please consider volunteering at least once. The Chapter goes on the 1st Sunday of the month, meeting at 12:30 p.m., lunch is provided by the Medical Center. Donations of comfort items, cash, and materials will be appreciated. Please be on the look out for stuffed animals for the various holidays! Sunshine Lady Duties - Due to a change in her circumstances, Jyn has let us know that she will have to give up doing the cards for the Chapter, effective 12/31/18. If you are interested in helping with this, please notify one of the officers. Costs for cards and postage are covered by the Chapter. Vice-President Position - As we were notified, Jim McDade prefers not to renew his office of VP for the Chapter (effective 12/31/18). Susan Roche has volunteered to fill this position, based on acceptance/approval of the Chapter. If you agree with this, please let Tressa know of your vote. If you are interested in filling this position, again, please notify Tressa. Spring Good Sam Rally - while not voted as a replacement to the April camp out, those in attendance agreed to attend the Spring Rally in Okeechobee. Travel plans have not been firmed up yet - some want to drive straight down while others prefer to make a stop overnight on the way down. More information to follow. GETAWAY SAMS 2018 CAMPOUT SCHEDULE (Early Bird Dates) MONTH/DATES HOSTS LOCATION * Dec. (27) 28-31 ** Chapter Officers Kathryn Abby Hannah Park, Jacksonville, FL Dec 31-Jan. 1 (904) 249-4700 PLEASE MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, AND NOTIFY HOST OF YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND. ** Dates of camp out adjusted at a chapter meeting. Reservations can be made in person, on the phone or at the website - www.coj.net - or hannapark@coj.net. Please let the officers know if you are planning to attend so that decisions can be made as to how much food is needed. Looking Ahead - Campout Dates for 2019 MONTH/DATES HOSTS LOCATION * Jan. (24) 25-27, 2019 Sue/John Johnson Lake City RV Resort, Lake City Feb. (21) 22-24 Sheila/Bob Garbecki (386) 752-0830 Deb Dlugosz Note: if State locates a place for the Winter Rally, those dates will take precedence March (21) 22-24 Tressa/Don Dishman Suwannee River Rendezvous, Mayo (386) 294-2510 April (25) 26-28 April (30) May 1-5 Spring Good Sam Rally* KOA Okeechobee, Florida Note: Change of date for Spring Rally due to Easter weekend. May (23) 24-27 Susan/Robert Roche Kelly s RV Park, White Springs, FL (Memorial Weekend) (844) 695-7527 Aug. (29) 30-Sept 2 North Florida Lifetime Sams Labor Day Campout ALL are invited to attend Ocala North RV Park, Ocala (352) 591-1723 Sept. (26) 27-28 Oct. (24) 25-27 Nov. (19) 20-25 Fall Good Sam Rally* Southern Palms RV Resort, Eustis, FL Dec. (27) 28-1/2/20 Dates will need to be adjusted to allow for weekend/new Year s celebration. Changes in dates for regular Getaway s weekends require vote of chapter - if you want to make a change, please submit it to officers for consideration. 5
GOOD SAMS OF FLORIDA, INC. 2019 SPRING RALLY Theme: Hawaiian Party May 1 thru May 5, 2019 Early Bird Tues April 30, 2019 OKEECHOBEE KOA RESORT - 4276 HWY 441 S., OKEECHOBEE FLORIDA 34974-6255 REGISTRATION FEE INCLUDES: 4 nights camping with water, electric, sewer, cable, hospitality, Samgo, door prizes, table decoration contest, flea market, seminars, rally bars, RV dealers, vendors, entertainment, and more. CANCELLATIONS There will be a processing fee for all cancellations based on cancellation date: Prior to March 1st - $10.00; March 2nd thru March 31st $15.00; April 1st and forward $25.00 **All cancellations and refund requests must be in writing from YOU and emailed to Tommy Crutchfield, State Director or Linda Voyton, treasurer, before the rally begins. We cannot have any cancellations during the rally and expect to get a refund. No deductions for early departure. WE WILL HAVE CHAPTER PARKING NOTE: REGISTRATIONS MUST BE IN 14 DAYS PRIOR TO RALLY TO PARK WITH CHAPTER Handicapped spaces will only be provided for our Handicapped members with proper credentials. Please indicate if you want to park with your chapter OR in HANDICAPPED SPACES. (NOT BOTH) Unregistered late arrivals may not be parked with their chapter. ****IMPORTANT!! ARRIVE WITH TOWED VEHICLE UNHOOKED*** MAKE ALL CHECKS PAYABLE TO: GOOD SAMS OF FLORIDA, INC. Please attach a self-addressed stamped envelope for confirmation of registration. PLEASE RETURN LOWER PORTION OF THIS FORM WITH FEES TO: Linda Voyton, P. O. Box 1604, Lutz, FL 33548 We are looking forward to seeing you at Florida State Rallies! Tommy & Lois Crutchfield, State Directors (850) 723-0119 Email: crutchfieldt01@bellsouth.net NAME (please print) Last First Chapter Name OR Handicapped ADDRESS Street City and State Zip Handicapped# Rig Length Rig Type # of Adults # of Children (A, B, C trailer, 5th wheel) 2019 RALLY FEE PREPAID REGISTRATION ($135.00) $ EARLY BIRD ($30.00) $ SINGLE PERSON RIG ($110.00) $ Phone # EXTRA ADULT ($30.00) $ E-Mail REGISTRATION AT GATE ($145.00) $ PRINT CLEARLY TOTAL FEES FOR 2019 Okeechobee $ (children under 12 are free) INTERESTED IN PLAYING IN A GOLF TOURNAMENT? YES IS THIS YOUR FIRST FLORIDA RALLY? YES NO NOTE: We the undersigned understand the Florida Good Sam State Staff has taken reasonable and necessary safety precautions. Therefore, we accept full responsibility for the welfare of our unit and all persons in our unit while attending the Florida Rally. DATE: SIGNATURE: We, Good Sams of Florida, Inc., Reserve the right to refuse any application. www.goodsams-florida.org 6
December Campout Plans December 27, 2018 January 2, 2019 Hanna Park RV Park As promised, this will be a very laid back and relaxing weekend. Some of the group will plan to arrive before Christmas to spend the holidays at camp. The rest of us will arrive around the 27 th of December. We are planning to put up a couple of EZ-Ups to gather under (when weather permits). We won t have use of Lee Hall, but there is a screened in room (the Laundry Room) for when weather is more of a challenge. Campfires are permitted, so, of course we will have those to sit around and enjoy each other s company. No specific plans/activities have been made but we did ask John & Sue to bring their bean-bag baseball or ring toss games. Suggested food plans are: Thursday (12/27) go out for dinner at local eatery; Friday (12/28) bring your hot dogs/burgers and sides to share; Saturday 12/29 Grilled pot-luck (bring your own meat and a side to share); Sunday 12/30 go out for dinner at local eatery; Monday 12/31 (New Year s Eve) Roast Pork bring sides to compliment, followed by Party snacks; Tuesday 1/1 left overs (Clean Out Refrigerator Night). Times will be settled when we all get together, as well as locations for meals. January (24) 25-27, 2019 Lake City RV Resort Campout 3864 North US Highway 441 Lake City, Florida 32055 386 752-0830 Hosts John & Sue Johnson/Sheila & Bob Garbecki Please let hosts know of your plans to attend - 904 744-6327 Thursday 1/24 Campers may check in starting around noon Dinner around 6 p.m. Evening cards and socializing Friday 1/25 Breakfast 9 a.m. Biscuits & Gravy, Grits, Eggs, Coffee Lunch on your own Dinner 6 p.m. at Local Restaurant (TBA) Evening group game, cards and socializing Saturday 1/26 Breakfast 9 a.m. Something good and fattening to eat SURPRISE!!! Lunch on your own Dinner 6 p.m. Pork Roast bring sides to compliment Evening cards and socializing Sunday 1/27 Following a brief Devotional, pack up and head for home. See you next month! All activities subject to change. Please bring your eating utensils and drinks to all meals. 7