February - Winter Rally and Coastal RV in GA

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
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Newsletter Editor
Joe Mehrtens
Kate Deaton
D McDade
Al Richardson
Don Dishman
dondish37@att.net
904-910-3935
904-307-2610
904-797-3320
904-264-5003
904-641-4059
February 2016
Happy Birthday
February
Joe Mehrtens - 7th; Linda Diegel - 9th;
John Fortson - 24th; Don Dishman 27th
Happy Anniversary
February
Paul & Mary Frederick - 18th (37 years!)
Apologies to Russ Langley (Birthday January 4) and Kate Deaton (Birthday January 9) whose birthday
information were either omitted or incomplete.
January (21) 24, 2016
Ft. McCoy KOA Campground
Ft. McCoy, Florida
The following are points of view from the hosts,
John & Sue Johnson, co hosts, Jim & “D” McDade and newsletter editor/layout coordinator, Don & Tressa Dishman.
The New Year’s Eve bash was a hard act to follow, but the 1st campout of the New Year, at Ft. McCoy
KOA, was just as exciting. Frank Diegel brought Linda &
their 2 hairy family members, Mattie & Sammie out on
Wednesday night to assure them a choice parking spot.
Linda stayed behind as Frank had to work on (Early Bird)
Thursday, but returned later on Thursday afternoon.
Jim & “D” drove in by car Thursday morning, as their
motor home was in the shop for repairs. Linda dove
right in & helped set up tables, chairs and food at the
club house. Thank you very much for that much welcomed assistance. Her leg problems didn’t slow her
down. Laura & Bennie Davis also arrived on Wednesday
for the festivities. Sheila & Bob came in early on Thursday; Al and Lucy broke off from the caravan coming
from the Jacksonville/Orange Park area, and arrived
next, while the others (Don & Tressa, Carla, Jyn & John,
John & Sue, Harriet & Larry, and Buddy & Joe) stopped
at the Square Meal in Salt Springs to enjoy breakfast before heading in to register and get set up. Others joining
on Thursday were Carmin & Peggy.
The aroma of a wonderful beef stew permeated
the hall, making everyone hungry and ready to eat - but,
before that, D encouraged all to participate in the fun
activities she had planned - Beautiful Baby Pictures,
Where are we?, Man’s best friend, How many rice kernels?, and Color Me Pretty. Thank you, Lucy, for handling the posting of the beautiful pictures that were
colored by the members! Once the happy campers settled in & while the sun was out, socializing began with a
few “drinks” around a picnic table & out came the lawn
chairs. All knew that cooler & perhaps rainy weather
was on the horizon. Along with the stew, for dinner we enjoyed rice, homemade cornbreads (as well as other
breads), one of Sue’s super salads and yummy desserts.
After dinner, Frank & Linda lead card Bingo, with most of those in attendance playing. To make things nice,
D had asked that all non-winners (we don’t have losers!), put their names in the hat for a special drawing on Saturday. Too keyed up to rest, Sue, Carla, Sheila and Tressa enjoyed a couple of games of Rumicube. Now how did she
make that move???? Then to bed for a good night’s rest.
Friday morning, along with a bit cooler weather, we welcomed (?) the rain. Sue provided a warm breakfast
of sausage gravy, biscuits, fruit, juices, and breakfast bread. This was supplemented by oatmeal from Jyn & John
and yogurt & granola. Carmin was a sweetie and set up his key board, playing a great variety of songs for us to either just enjoy listening to or join in singing. D had made arrangements for a fun craft project - making Valentine refrigerator magnets, and decorating them. In her absence, “D” asked Tressa to demonstrate the craft as she knew
that Tressa has always loved doing crafts of all kinds in the past. The end results were very impressive, even a few of
the men jumped in and enjoyed the craft. Deb Dlugosz arrived midmorning. She brought another game with her Krupp - a noisy (because of the tile floors) but fun game based on being able to toss sticks from one side of the hall
to the other in order to knock down wooden pins. John & Sue’s son, Eddie & wife Missy, some of their friends with
young family members also RV’d in later in the afternoon.
Bob & Sheila finally decided it was time to learn how to play Jokers. Partnering with Al & Sue, it was interesting to watch everyone get to “go bye-bye” as they bumped each other back to home. Congratulations to Bob & Al
on winning that game. Visiting around the non-functioning fire place, watching the weather on TV and just resting
took up most of the rest of the afternoon. Shortly after lunch time, Russ & Robin rolled in, greeted folks and got set
up. And they brought the sunshine (if not the heat) with them! Thank goodness the rain ended in time for some of
the men to break out the grills for our all-American hotdog and hamburger cookout. Slaw, beans, chips and other
condiments rounded out the meal, with great desserts (again) being offered. Russ set up his Karaoke equipment, so
we could enjoy some background music during dinner. Of course, those brave enough to do so got into the swing of
things by entertaining us with songs. Additional games of Hand and Foot, Jokers, followed the excitement of watching (and participating) in John’s Jurassic Downs. The wood for the campfire was too damp, so enjoyment of that activity was put off for another time.
Saturday morning’s breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, fruit, and juices was enjoyed by
folks looking for a way to get their inner engines started and warmed up. “D” and Jim drove back in to visit with us
and to participate in the chapter meeting. Our new chapter officers, Joe Mehrtens, President, Al Richardson, Treasurer, and “D” McDade, Secretary, presented an informative meeting (see Meeting Notes under Bits and Pieces for information concerning the meeting). New President, Joe, admitted to being nervous as he had never been a leader of
any kind. He did great job, well done. Kate Deaton, our new Vice President, and her hubby, Nate, had just returned
from a trip to Japan to visit with family, thus were not able to be in attendance.
After the meeting, a new member, Laura Davis, was awarded $37.50 in a 50/50 raffle. Prizes & surprises were
given to winners (randomly drawn) for their efforts in the contests. Oh yeah, a package of toilet paper & a Readers
Digest magazine was handed out as a Bonus Prize, won by Larry Haire. Boxes of Valentine chocolates were also given to participants (randomly drawn names) who created a Valentine magnet.
Because of the hearty breakfast, most people opted out when it came to lunch, choosing to wait for and enjoy the ice cream novelties - Klondike Bars and Drumsticks, in the afternoon. During the afternoon we were presented by Mother Nature with a few snow flurries - no, Russ, sorry, there isn’t enough for snow angels! Games of Farkel
and Sequence, along with Jokers were enjoyed by some, while others rested, visited, or explored Ft. McCoy.
Roasted pork and rotisserie chicken were the basis for our Saturday evening feast - and of course,
members brought a great variety of sides to compliment the meat. There were so many different types of
desserts that it was hard to choose a favorite. At dinner, we experience the Good Sam Pledge in action,
when a couple (Jason and Rachel) and their son (Ethan) who were camping in tents were invited to join us.
We even got Jason to join us - singing a couple of songs - boy did he sound like Satchmo! Much of the leftovers were donated to their ‘food pantry’ - thanks to Jyn and John for asking and Sue for welcoming them!
More songs, games of Farkel and FINALLY, the campfire were enjoyed after dinner.
Sunday morning broke cold but clear. Everyone started closing up before going back to the hall for a brief
devotional concerning compassion, gifts and service provided by Tressa for “D”. Then many of the group headed
out for the Square Meal for breakfast, while the rest finished packing up and visiting a bit before heading for home.
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Both Sue & John and D & Jim wish to express their sincere appreciation to all who pitched in with the activities, and especially Carmin (keyboard) and Russ (Karaoke) for providing our musical entertainment. “The many
hands working together made for a perfect weekend” Sue said (and we all agree!).
Weekend Photo Gallery
Above: Caravan to campground; Stopping at Square Meal - (left side) John F., Carla, Joe, Sue, Larry (right side) Harriet, John J.,
Buddy, Don and Tressa; Arriving at campground;Scenery at campground (cold but beautiful) . Below: ; Parked at last! Our
temperature on Sunday; The result of a windy night - branches blown from dead tree near Lucy’s rig.
Activities, Games and Entertainment
Above: Beautiful Baby Pictures; Carla’s picture before coloring; Carmin working on his picture; Joe working on a Valentine
magnet. Blow: Carla and Jyn working on Valentine; Jyn shows her handy work; Lucy puts on the finishing touches; The final
product! Pool players - Frank. Russ and Larry - a serious game for fun guys!
Above: Frank and Linda get ready to call Card Bingo (filling in for D and Jim); A selfie - Carla, Peggie, Carmin and Tressa - dealing cards; Jyn hopes for a winning card - other players - Laura, Bennie; Harriet, Larry, Buddy, Joe, Sheila and Jyn. Non-winners
put their names in a bowl in hopes of winning a consolation prize on Saturday, following the chapter meeting.
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Above: Jyn considers her next move in Jokers, while Al, Bob & Sue look on; The winning card - Bob is ready to play; Farkel Sheila, Tressa (with Brett helping) & Brian play their die right. Below: Brian, Carmin, Peggy & Tressa enjoying Sequence; Sheila
gets a little help from a friend; Friday night’s games of Jurassic Downs were enjoyed by all; Brian & Larry - one team playing
Holey Board!
Above: Carmin’s keyboard - ready to play; Carmin playing while John looks on; Buddy croons a country song; Jyn - singing Over
the Rainbow. Below: Jyn &Tressa - singing about “9 to 5”; Jason, sings “What a Wonderful Life”; Tressa tries “Mr. Sandman” an oldie but goody; Our music host, Russ, singing a beautiful love song.
Meals and Miscellaneous Pics
Above: Al, Deb & Linda enjoying ‘burnt dogs thanks to Bob & Larry (outside in the cold) cooking burgers & dogs! Below: Paleo
Cornbread Muffins (recipe to follow); Carla’s new BACON book; Carla on way to get food; Robin, Russ & her sister &brother-inlaw relaxing before lunch.
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Above: Our new officers presiding at their first meeting; Ye old fishing hole (a bit dried up); Laura, Linda, Carla & Frank visiting.
Below: Laura, Tressa & Don visiting; Deb (cutting up with Peggie and Carmin) “Where do you think you are going to put that
money?” Russ trying to make snow angels from our little bit of snow flurries - nice try, Russ!
Meeting Notes: At the January meeting, the following items/issues were discussed:
Rally activities in Tallahassee: President Joe reported that he had requested Dr. Sambones and Door Prizes for
the Chapter’s participation/service. Sue and John reported that the VA 50/50 Booth will be set up and folks would be
needed to assist in the ticket sales. President Joe shared that North Florida Lifetime Sams (many of the members
belong to this chapter as well) would be distributing donuts on Thursday, and if anyone was interested, additional
hands would be appreciated.
Chapter vests: D brought to our attention that many of the newer members did not have a chapter vest. Following a discussion by those present, it was voted that the chapter would purchase a bolt of the material and an appropriate amount of the piping (after comparing prices from several vendors), and that those who could would help in
putting the vests together.
Chapter shirts: Tressa announced that Sharon had provided her with order blanks and the catalog for the shirts.
A discussion was held concerning the possibility of using the Getaway Sams logo (either in white ‘relief’ or in color screen printing) in place of the Good Sam/Good Samantha currently used on the backs. President Joe and Secretary
D will check with vendors to get the costs for design and set-up prior to a final decision being made.
Campout Sign-up Sheets: The question of utilizing the Campout Sign-up Sheets was discussed. Electronic forms
will be provided to the President and Vice President for distribution to the hosts of upcoming campouts.
Name Tags: Several of the newer members have asked about the availability of name tags. Most of the members
have secured their name tags at the State (Samboree) Rally. Order sheets from the appropriate vendor will be secured and made available to anyone desiring to order the tags (for those who will not be attending the up-coming
Winter Rally).
Recipe for Carla’s Paleo Cornbread Muffins: Several folks asked about this recipe - so here it is! Besides being
very tasty, these are great for those who are gluten intolerant. Enjoy!
Ingredients: ¼ C - coconut flour; ¼ C - coconut oil or butter; 2 eggs - room temperature; 1 T raw honey; ¼
tsp. - baking soda; 1 tsp. - apple cider vinegar.
Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line 6 muffin cups with unbleached liners. Mix together the coconut flour and oil until smooth, then beat in eggs until smooth. Add the remaining ingredients and stir well.
Divide between the prepared cups and bake about 20 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean and the
top springs back when lightly pressed.
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GETAWAY SAMS 2016
CAMPOUT SCHEDULE SIGN UP SHEET
(Early Bird Dates)
MONTH/DATES
HOSTS
LOCATION
Jan. (21) 23-24
Sue/John Johnson
D/Jim McDade
Feb. (2) 3-7
Winter Rally
Feb. (25) 26-28*
Carol/Steve
Deb/Bob
Ft. McCoy KOA, Ft. McCoy, FL
(352) 546-5500
North Florida Fairgrounds, Tallahassee, FL
(NOTE: Program attached to transmittal email)
Coastal Georgia RV Resort
Brunswick, Georgia 912-264-3869
March (24) 25-27
Joe/Buddy
Harriet/Larry
Pecan Park, Jacksonville, FL
904-751-6770
April (5) 6-10
Spring Rally
Okeechobee KOA Resort , Okeechobee, FL
April (21) 22-24
Tressa/Don
Walkabout RV Park, Woodbine, GA 912-729-4110
May (26) 27-29 (30)
Al Richardson
Jyn Fortson
Rock Crusher Canyon, Crystal River, FL
352-564-9350
June (23) 24-26
Frank/Linda Diegel
Dan/Mary Arnold
Sandra/Bob McKinley
Paradise Oaks, Bushnell, FL
352-793-1823
July (21) 22-24
____________________
Aug. (25) 26-28
John/Jyn Fortson
Lucy co-host
Sept. (22) 23-25
Kate/Nate
Robin/Russell
Oct. (27) 28-30
Deb Dlugouz
Nov. (15) 16-20
Fall Rally
Dec. 30 2016 – Jan. 2, 2017**
Chapter Officers
Southern Palms RV Resort, Eustis, FL
Lake City RV Park 386-752-0830
Where possible, phone numbers for the campgrounds are included. This is so that you can make your reservations in a
timely fashion. Remember to tell the staff that you are with the Getaway Sams. THEN - make sure you notify the hosts of
your plans to attend. **Dates adjusted at a Chapter meeting in order to avoid Christmas and overlap New Year’s.
Please remember that all members are expected to host/co-host at least once a year.
Applications for Good Sam Rallies can be located on the web site - http://goodsams-florida.org. When
possible, these applications will be included in the newsletter.
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Coastal Georgia RV Resort
287 South Port Parkway
Brunswick, Georgia 31523
Thursday (EB) February 25 - Sunday, February 28, 2016
912-264-3869
Rally rates $35.70. The campground has 'back in' or 'pull thru' sites. Make a request when you book.
Exit-29 North of Florida Border ½ mile off I-95
Thursday February 25, 2016
Early bird coffee with sweet rolls in Clubhouse
5 PM Dinner in PAVILION Hosts to provide pulled Pork and Buns. Please bring side dishes and
desserts.
6 PM Assortment of Games in Pavilion (Wll Bowling, bingo and a few surprise games of luck and
skill). Prizes awarded
Friday February 26, 2016
Early bird coffee with sweets
10 AM Bloody Mary's and Mimosas at the Guittar/Barnette's. If you do not care for any refreshments, come on anyway for the fun and fellowship. We will be outdoors weather permitting.
1 PM SHARP--Depart campground in front of the Office to caravan to Jekyll Island.
Tour the Island and see Historic sights with 4 stops and many photo opportunities. Learn the
rich History of the Georgia Golden Isles. $15.00 PP and will last 90 minutes (1:30-3 PM with
restrooms along the way).
Also, plan to pack a simple picnic lunch for yourself and we will stop for a casual lunch overlooking the ocean. If too cold, there will be other places to picnic.
6 PM FISH FRY DINNER WITH 'ALL' THE FIXINS'--at the Pavilion
Just bring yourself - fish, hush puppies, French fries, coleslaw, potato salad,
cocktail sauce, cheese grits and desserts furnished.
GAMES AFTER DINNER---PLACE TO BE ANNOUNCED.
Saturday February 27, 2016
Early bird coffee--CLUBHOUSE
7:30-8 AM FULL BREAKFAST - Eggs, biscuits, meats, pancakes and assorted syrups
served in the CLUBHOUSE
Afternoon for resting, visiting or exploring the area. St. Simons Island is a neat old fishing village approximately 30 minutes away. Lots of really interesting shops there.
5:30 PM Dinner at ZACHARY'S (next door to the campground) famous for their seafood and steaks.
Games and gathering at the PAVILION for anyone interested after dinner. Awards given for
"BEST Of"... more information to follow.
Sunday February 28, 2016
Early bird coffee in club house
7:30 AM Grilled cheese At the Barnette’s ... If too cold, the Pavilion.
The Campground is less than 20 minutes from Historic downtown Brunswick and Jekyll Island. There is a
small outlet mall nearby, as well as GREAT restaurants. You can also enjoy visiting Starbucks, the Waffle
house, Denny’s, the Flying –J (full service) and Winn-Dixie (a brand new store).
Click here: Coastal GA RV Resort - Area Attractions
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