Fellow Members:
An awful lot has transpired since the last newsletter was posted. The fall Samboree has happened and with a very good turn-out of 182 rigs. A new director has been officially been appointed by International Good Sams. The new Director is Ron Masterson and wife Loretta. Loretta will serve as the State Secretary. Our Chapter is well represented on the State Staff. Ed has agreed to be our new State Webmaster with Lena serving as State Photographer. They are planning a new look to the State Web Site. I'm sure it will be great. CONGRATULATIONS to both for attempting to make the Samborees better than ever.
We send our BEST WISHES to retiring State Director, Terry Minger and State Secretary Betty Minger. It takes special people to make the Samboree Run as we expect it to. Best of luck and safe journeys as you travel around the country.
At the recent Fall Samboree, I really had my eyes opened as to how much work was involved in getting the site ready for each camper. Water hoses must be placed; electric boxes must be placed; spaces have to be marked off; an endless number of errands must be run. WHAT FUN!...especially in the rain and drizzle that we encountered all week long; not to mention the 40 - 50 degree weather. We'll do better next Spring. As they say on TV: "Come on Down" and see for your self.
The camping season is now over. Rigs can now be winterized or taken to a warmer climate. To those who do travel - Drive safely and think of us poor folks up here in the wintery blasts. We'll come visit. Don't be shy with your address or phone numbers.
We've enjoyed three really good campouts:
- Lakeview RV Park (Bluff City, TN) is close to home and really a neat Campground.
- Rutledge Lake RV Park (Fletcher, NC) is a nice park and close to a lot of good places to visit. The reservation system needs a major overhaul, but it still has great facilities.
- Caney Creek RV Resort (Harriman, TN), I really believe is the MOST beautiful campground I've been in.
The pictures that Lena & Ed took tell the story better than I can.
The Chapter GREATLY exceeded our expectations with your generosity for the Ronald McDonald House: $1025.00 WOW! Pat yourselves on the back. I guess when we get older, yard sales are really a lot of work. Thanks to Chuck Johnson for delivering our donation over to the House. Anybody that has not turned the pull-tabs you've saved, bring them to the Christmas Dinner.
The Christmas Dinner is December 12, 2009 at 6:00 PM at the House of Ribs in Johnson City. Please let Lena know if you're planning to attend. She will need a count by Monday, December 7. I'm sure the dinner will be great and the gift exchange will also be fun. Remember no more than $5.00. The last number will have the choice of any person's gift, so it should be fun.
I plan on inviting three couples (prospective members) to our Dinner: one from Sullivan Gardens, one from Morristown and one from Jefferson City. I am also hoping that the new State Director can attend.
We had four rigs join our Chapter this year: Gayle & Gentry; Doris & Fred; Shirley & Jack; Joan & Danny. We welcome them into our Chapter and hope they enjoy sharing adventures with us (in both fact and fiction).
Remember our two rules:
See you all on December 12, 2009 at the Christmas Party...
Joe
