Past Newsletters
July 2008 August 2008 September 2008 October 2008
April 2009 May 2009 June 2009 July 2009 August 2009 Sept 2009 October 2009 December 2009
Our Current Newsletter
December 20, 2010
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my camping friends!!
Our last camping gathering was held December 18th at the Women’s Clubhouse in Wabash (if you ever need an “event center” for a meeting and/or a meal, check it out!). Bill and Nancy Plummer did an awesome job coordinating all of it (for those of you unable to attend you missed a wonderful evening and good food). Thank you very much!! Those attending were: Bill and Nancy Plummer (of, course!), Ron and Carol Koenes, Ken and Sharon Dickman, Beryl and Karen Geer, Steve and Iris Lewis, Eric and Teresa Cohee, Allen and Carolyn Crist, and Gary and Carolyn Rexroad. (So nice that Steve made the trip from Tennessee again to join us!). As we all arrived, we did visit time in the cozy parlor enjoying friends and punch made by Nancy..yummy! Eventually it was time to retire to the dining room. The Plummers very creatively decorated the table. We enjoyed a sit down meal starting with a delicious cranberry salad, followed by the entrée—ham loaf, twice baked potatoes, corn casserole and a roll. Dinner was wrapped up with luscious carrot cake or tasty pineapple sherbet. The entire meal was scrumptious. To cap off dinner, there were drawings to win several of the adorable decorations on the table. Also, each woman received a holiday bracelet to commemorate the event and the men each received a Circus City Sams Christmas ornament (all made by Nancy!).
In time, we went back to the parlor for the “infamous” gift exchange. Men’s names were drawn first and minimal “swapping” was done. They enjoyed unwrapping their “treasures” and had many chuckles. With the women’s turn next, it got “brutal”!!! Poor Sharon had a hard time holding on to ANY package she chose!! There were many swaps then FINALLY the dust settled and unwrapping began. All found “treasures” in their packages, especially Ron and Carol (check the website to see the photos of what “else” their packages included!!!)! What a fun time with a lot of laughs!! Ron passed out the “trial” version of the 2011 handbook; updates will be added and he will e-mail that one to each of us. Thanks again for handling this task. (NOTE: we still need someone to “host” the March dinner. Please contact Wagonmaster Allen Crist if you are interested in doing this.) After visiting for a while longer, it was soon time to part company and head home. Safe travel wishes are extended to all who are traveling over the holidays or who are heading somewhere south for the winter.
Additional info:
Again the Plummers, Rexroads, Dickmans and Agnesses spent time in Eureka Springs,
With this being the last newsletter until April 2011, here is the schedule until then:
Dinners at
US31/Bus.31, Peru 765-395-6139
February 19th Pitch in at Thompsons’ Hosts: Thompsons
March 19th ??? ???
April campout: April 15-17 Bozarth’s Recreational Resort NO HOSTS
7309 E 400S, Lagro 765-981-4522
Make your own reservations!
Remember, there is a snack bar/restaurant available if you don’t want to cook; also they have a fun store in which to shop. Pitch in dinner on Saturday evening.
As always, for dinner and campouts PLEASE notify your hosts as early as possible that you are coming so accurate plans can be made!!!
BIRTHDAYS AND ANNIVERSARIES!! Best wishes to all the following:
Birthdays: Anniversaries:
January 5 Allen Crist 9 Beryl and Karen Geer
9 Jeep Langer
19 Eric Cohee
`
February none none
March none 31 Paul and Tonya Berg
April 14 Karen Geer 10 Ron and Melodie Thompson
15 Iris Lewis 29 Al and Addie Goletz
19 Ethan Agness *
20 Shelley Agness
23 Wilbur Haggerty
* Denotes child
Just a couple final notes before closing – donations for the phone cards for the military are still being accepted. If you have not already donated and still want to do so, just mail your donation to the Rexroads. They will get the cards. Also, please keep in your prayers Steve and Iris Lewis as they are facing many challenges; seems if it is not 1 thing it is 6!!
Well, folks, this is my last newsletter. I’ve had a ball doing them for 5 of the last 6 years; now it is time to turn this activity over to someone else to put their spin on it. Very ably, Karen Geer has agreed to handle this. Best wishes to all of you for a blessed Christmas and a healthy 2011!!
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
(Yea!! Got it done in 2 pages!!)
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October 18, 2010
Greetings all my camping friends!!!
First and foremost, I need to thank Melodie Thompson for covering for me last month and doing an outstanding job taking notes and putting together the newsletter. I understand she had her notepad “joined at her hip” the entire weekend trying not to miss a thing!! Also, a little birdie tells me she used her job to “her advantage” and did not share with all the “coffee spills” she had over the weekend. I understand a dog on a leash and a coffee mug in the same hand just does not work!!! Thanks again, Melodie.
First, I’d like to share with you the fun time several had at the Fall Samboree in Greentown. Attending were Ron and Carol Koenes, Beryl and Karen Geer, George and Sherry Gehring, Lee and Betty Wilkinson, Ken and Sharon Dickman, Allen and Carolyn Crist, and Gary and Carolyn Rexroad. The Samboree provided nightly entertainment, a chili dinner, breakfast sandwiches, vendors and games. We visited Greentown for dinners also supporting a local fundraising event. Some of us volunteered to work in Hospitality and drive the People Mover. Ron and the Geers attended the Presidents’ and First Timers’ meeting; Ron also attended the BAR meeting. Some did garage sales in the local community. A couple of our members won prizes – Betty and Carolyn Crist. Both Carolyns had a good time dancing. Greentown facilities were great and we all enjoyed ourselves.
Now on to our LAST campout of the season and it was spectacular!!!! The weekend was absolutely gorgeous and we got to wrap up the season at our favorite “campgrounds” – Camp Givens AKA Camp Paradise!!! Several got an early head start arriving Thursday –Our Hosts: Guy and Jan Givens (of course), Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty, with George and Sherry Gehring; Dick and Marsha Helm, Bill and Nancy Plummer, Eric and Teresa Cohee, Ken and Sharon Dickman, and Gary and Carolyn Rexroad. We were treated to an early warming Fall meal of potato soup with lots of fixins’ plus hot apple cider. The weekend was quite brisk which made the campfire even more enjoyable.
Friday, Ron and Carol Koenes arrived and with them were Carol’s sisters – Betty Webb and Mary Ann Harshman. Great seeing them again!! Beryl and Karen Geer also arrived. Activity for the weekend was making apple butter. By noon 2 containers piled with apples were cooking away. Some enjoyed the day taking walks, fishing, using the paddle boat or just sitting around the fire visiting. Eventually, Lance and Shelley Agness arrived as did Ethan. Iris Lewis (with Tess) also made it and updated us a bit on Steve (doing well; having written tests this week and orals next week – one more year of school to go!) and Stephen (their son is awaiting a biopsy on a tumor found in his head – please continue prayers for him). Before you know it we had tons of visitors- some for the evening, some just briefly!!! Hope I don’t miss any: Ann Howe with doggy Benji, Sandy Schumacher with doggy Happy, members of Givens’ family – Rick, Paula, Graydon, Hannah, and Cody plus little friends Abby and Dylan Ross, Larry Holmes, Jerry and Connie Holmes, Erin Cohee and Jacob Harrell, members of Cohees’ family – Jim and Linda Feldman, Stephanie with children Luke and Aaron. Whew!! Sorry if I missed anyone! We were all treated to a variety of pizzas for dinner and tons of desserts from which to choose. It was great seeing everyone and visiting. Some of us even got taken on a hayride around nearby property. That was fun! The kids enjoyed a “treasure hunt” in an enormous sand pile!!! It was soon time to warm up and enjoy the campfire. And by now, Tim and Terry Finster have arrived; glad they could make it. Was fun watching Heidi run around the property with a light on her collar; looked “strange”!! :o) We all headed in for the night to rest up for the next day and more stirring of the apple butter (it is coming right along!).
Saturday morning we enjoyed Belgian waffles with assorted toppings, sausage links, juice, milk and coffee. Yum!!! It was again another gorgeous day. Some got in more walking; some went to town to shop and yes, we are still cooking and stirring apple butter (it is at the “sauce” stage now). Dick Helm has been on the ball with stirring-thanks. Alicia (Gwen) was able to join us as were Larry and Ruth Yoder. And, to no surprise, the Club Phantom strikes again----gee, who knows what will happen when you put your RV rug out????? You have to guard everything!!! That afternoon Carol K. gave some “crocheting lessons” while many others decided to go on yet another hayride in the “back 40” of Givens’ property!! Boy, did they have a surprise in store for them!!! At the farthest most point, the tractor got a flat tire!! Hey, Tireman!!! :o) Thank goodness for cell phones and being able to call for golf carts and gators to the rescue!!! Hilarious! We did all get back in time for dinner (never a doubt about that!!). Good walking exercise and good laugh. Kevin and Kelly Ross (Abby and Dylan’s parents) came to join us for a while, too. Time for the pitch in and, as usual, there were tons of delicious food (all calorie-free, of course,….yeh, right!!) And yes, we are still stirring the apple butter. After dinner it was time for our meeting.
Ron presided and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the prayer. The minutes were read and approved with one small correction. The treasurer’s report was read and approved – current combined balance is $904.93. October birthdays were announced (no honorees were in attendance so no hat or song time); we had one October anniversary – Agnesses. Bill Plummer reported on the Christmas Party:
Date: Saturday, December 18th
Time: 6PM
Place: The Women’s Clubhouse in Wabash
Price: exact amount not determined just yet but comparable to previous years
Activity: Bring a $5 FUNNY gift – one each for a man and for a woman
NOTE: RESERVATIONS NEED TO BE MADE WITH BILL AND NANCY PLUMMER WITH PAYMENT BY NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, December 8TH (THIS IS A CATERED EVENT AND THE CATERER NEEDS PAYMENT IN ADVANCE.)
Additional details, exact cost, etc. will come a bit later.
Bill also announce that there will be a group traveling again to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue in Eureka Springs, Arkansas on Monday, October 25th. Contact Bill if you are interested in going, too.
A check was given to Jan for Meals on Wheels in the amount of $67 which was collected at the September campout. She thanked the club. Carolyn R. is collecting donations to this month’s charity – Carol’s Closet – and will deliver the items donated. November’s charity will be to raise money for phone cards for the military. Bring your donations to the dinner and Carolyn R. will take care of them. Haggertys offered to host the November dinner. The April campout will be a
“no host” campout at Bozarth’s Campground near Lagro (you can buy meals there and shop)-note: you will need to make your own reservations. We still need dinner hosts for January, February, and March – if you can take one of these, please let Ron Koenes know so he can put the information in the 2011 handbook. Also, co-hosts are needed in June with Koeneses and in September with Helms – please sign up for this as well.
DUES ARE DUE NOW!! If you have not paid yet, please mail $10 to Melodie Thompson at 960 E. Olson Road, Rochester, IN 46975. She has to turn in the dues and the roster to the State before November 9th. If you have not already checked your roster information for accuracy, she will be contacting you about that after she returns from vacation.
Rexroads recently camped with our Australian friends, Marty and Karen Crouch, near Windsor, Ontario. They sent their “hellos” to all. Rexroads also camped with their Canadian Sams club – the Banana Belt Sams. Some things they do are: at their potluck, you bring a side dish or dessert but cook your own meat (grills provided); they also have a nice wooden sign and individual attachments for each couple to hang when they attend the campout. They use a dry erase board to indicate the times and events of the campout and they have their meetings in the morning. Some different things to maybe consider???
On Labor Day weekend next year there will be an Ontario Samboree being held in Drayton, Ontario. Rexroads are planning on attending. It would be fun if a group of us would go and camp with the Banana Belt Sams. Think about it!!! Remember to be sure you have the proper identification for crossing the border.
Karen Geer and Jan Givens agreed to serve on the Audit Committee and Carol Koenes was the lucky 50/50 winner of $17.
A BIG thank you was given to Guy and Jan for letting us enjoy their wonderful residence again.
After the meeting several participated in the Cohees’ “Scavenger Hunt in the Woods”; was fun again. It was time to relax around the campfire. Little by little though, some headed back to their RVs for the night. But as luck would have it, sometime after 10PM with few diehards still around the campfire we noticed that the APPLE BUTTER WAS READY!!!! So scrambled to get the jars and get all this canned!! We decided that Dick Helm should receive the “Stirring Award”!! All done and finally to our RVs around midnight!
Sunday was another gorgeous day and no one was in a hurry to leave. We enjoyed our apple butter (2 different recipes) and even got some to take home. Spent our last moments visiting some more. Terry Finster treated us to “craft time” where several of us made and decorated foam visors, jack-o-lantern magnets and sunflower pins. Thanks, Terry. TRIED to finish up leftovers for lunch but didn’t quite make it. As usual, our campouts seem like one “ongoing” meal!!! :o) Did our best to help Guy and Jan clean up and put everything away; then it was time to head out. Here’s to a GREAT camping season in 2011. Safe travels to all who have already or will be heading south for the winter. See the rest at the dinners and Christmas Party.
November dinner information:
Hosts: Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty
Date: November 20th, 2010
Time: 5:30PM
Place: Ugalde’s in Wabash
Bring games for after
PLEASE LET WILBUR AND GINNY KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING BY NO LATER THAN MONDAY, November 15TH!!!! 765-981-4187 OR haggertyw@hotmail.com
Birthdays Anniversaries
11-02 Addie Goletz 11-03 Eric and Teresa Cohee
11-26 Carolyn Crist 11-12 Wilbur and Virginia Haggerty
11-29 Nick Berg *
12-02 Gary Rexroad 12-09 Lee and Betty Wilkinson
12-03 Teresa Cohee 12-30 Gary and Carolyn Rexroad
12-12 Marsha Helm
12-21 Samantha Berg*
12-24 Lance Agness
12-29 Daniel Wilson
12-30 Ken Dickman
* Indicates children
(Data for the weekend: 50 (!!!) humans camping or just visiting sometime over the weekend, 15 dogs and 1 cat!!! What a group! :o) )
Thanks to ALL the hosts for a wonderful weekend!!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
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August 22, 2010
Hello Circus City Sams Members!!
Well, we “survived” and enjoyed another warm and humid camping weekend that also had a “dash” of drizzle here and there to make it interesting. We were at Old Mill Run Campground near Thorntown, IN. Hosts for the weekend were Allen and Carolyn Crist with Ken and Sharon Dickman. They were “early birds” for the weekend along with Al and Addie Goletz, Dick and Marsha Helm as well as guests Beryl and Karen Geer (and their “canine camper” – Pebbles). Arriving Friday were Lee and Betty Wilkinson, George and Sherry Gehring, Gary and Carolyn Rexroad, Larry and Ruth Yoder, Guy and Jan Givens, and Bill and Nancy Plummer. After getting set up and spending some time visiting, we went to the Clarks Hill Steak and Fish Restaurant in Clarks Hill. All found something yummy with which to fill their tummy! After dinner, the Rexroads took the Wilkinsons on a “side trip” to Witham Hospital in Lebanon. Seems Lee had some lab work needing checked and it all worked out well. He is fine. The rest of the group couldn’t resist a stop at Dairy Queen for dessert on the way back. Some “attempted” to work off some calories by playing the washer game; the rest of us just visited. We were treated to a “tour” of Crists’ new Cedar Creek 5th Wheel. As expected, it is lovely. And we are all jealous that nightly they get to “sleep with Donald Trump”!! (Guess you just had to be there!) A shock to all of us – Marsha shared that “she was too WARM so was going in to the air conditioning”. Gee, thought it might snow after that comment!!! Eventually, it was time for all of us to head in for the night.
Saturday morning was a bit gloomy at first with some “drops” here and there but it did clear up. We were TREATED to the “never ending breakfast buffet” by our hosts. Wow! There were assorted casseroles, sausage gravy and biscuits, caramel rolls, strawberry coffee cake, oatmeal bars, juice, etc. They really worked hard on all this. Again we had game time and visit time. Yoders have changed rigs and we got to check out their Aerolite trailer; very nice home on wheels for them! Some enjoyed the challenge of the washer game some more, while others played Quinto and Euchre. Believe it or not, it was time to indulge again. Our hosts provided us with an ice cream social with several flavors from which to choose. Yum! After this, some of the men ran into town to run errands. We had alarming news from the Lewises. Their son Stephen has been diagnosed with a brain tumor; we remembered him and them in all our prayers this weekend. Please continue to do so. Hopefully we will hear some good news before too long from them.
Guess what??? Time to eat again!!! (seems that’s all we do on our weekends!). We had the usual pitch in with many wonderful assorted dishes – glad they are all “calorie free”!!! Right!!! This was followed by our meeting. In the absence of our President, Vice President Bill Plummer led the meeting starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and having Ken lead us in a prayer. Guests Beryl and Karen Geer were introduced and welcomed. The hosts were thanked for a wonderful weekend. In the absence of our Secretary/Treasurer, Carolyn Rexroad read the minutes and the treasurer’s report which were both approved. The balance in our account is $884.90. August birthdays and anniversaries were announced. Lee was the only “birthday attendee” so he got to wear the Circus City birthday hat while we sang to him. We received a thank you from the Domestic Violence Safe House for our donation. Carolyn R. passed around a sign up sheet for hosting the 2010-2011 dinners and campouts. Carolyn also stated that she would collect the donations for the August charity – Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue – and announced the September charity would be Meals on Wheels in Wabash (who provided over 17,000 meals last year). Monetary donations would be best for that cause. Under new business we were reminded of the upcoming Fall Samboree – Fall into Winter, Sept. 24-26 at Howard County Fair Grounds, Greentown,
We actually gathered around the campfire tonight though not tooooo close! We always enjoy a campfire even when it is warm. And here comes Sharon with more food!!! She passed out a yummy Chex Mix to ”munch on”. Having been well fed again and relaxed, it was soon time to go in for the night.
Sunday morning some attended church services at either the campgrounds or in town then met at Flapjack’s in Lebanon for breakfast. Back at the campsites we got in a bit more visiting then little by little we realized it was time for another wonderful camping weekend to come to an end. We had 22 humans, 7 canines and 1 feline camping with us. Thanks again, hosts, for a great time!
September campout information:
When: September 17, 18. 19
Where: Elkhart Campground, Elkhart,
Hosts: Ron and Carol Koenes krocal2330@yahoo.com 765-472-7743
Tim and Terry Finster bzmom727@aol.com 765-689-8792
Dick and Marsha Helm mapahelm@yahoo.com 765-689-0002
Plans: ASAP contact your hosts to let them know you are coming! They
intend to take some tours in the local area. Please remember your donations to Meals on Wheels!
CONTINUING THE CAMPOUT-------immediately following the campout several are going to caravan to Shipshewana that Sunday and camp until Wednesday or Thursday; then they will head to the Samboree. Please keep this in mind and join them.
September Birthdays September Anniversaries
5 Ron Thompson none
6 Sherry Gehring
7 Guy Givens
15 Dick Helm
19 Carol Koenes
22 Beryl Geer
26 Ginny Haggerty
27 Nancy Plummer
28 Terry Wilson
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
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July 18, 2010
Hello all my HOT camping buddies!!
Sure was a HOT humid weekend but that will never stop us from gathering and having a good
time. We enjoyed ourselves at our favorite campground – Camp Givens near Wabash. Hosts for the weekend were Gary and Carolyn Rexroad with Paul and Tonya Berg and their children Samantha and Nick. Ken and Sharon Dickman were the “Thursday Early Birds”; arriving Friday were Ron and Carol Koenes, Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty, Dick and Marsha Helm, Eric and Teresa Cohee, District #3 Directors Tom and Ladonna Nicklaus from the Sycamore Sams and, of course, the residents and owners Guy and Jan Givens. (Good thing the campout was at the Givens’ residence as they were having RV problems and had to “rough it” actually staying in their home! All solved by Saturday morning, however.) Some “canine news” to report: our hearts go out to Al and Addie Goletz with the loss of their puppy Chance. We all can relate. Brighter news is we have another new “canine” member – Catalina Chewbacca Berg (now Maria Chewbacca has a little sister and a cutie!). Nicki Nicklaus (a Yorkie) was a new “canine camper” for the weekend and Eric and Teresa brought 2 of their Bishons to visit – Skeeter and Buddy. Also visiting were Jerry and Connie Holmes with their BIG and “little” dogs – Mac (Mastiff-Rottweiler mix weighing in at 157 lbs.) and Zeke (Mastiff-Great Dane mix weighing in at 185 lbs.) and Teddy (Yorkie weighing in at 5 lbs.)!! Picture this – they arrived in a HHR!!! GORGEUS dogs and so glad they brought them to visit. Enough about dogs - on to the weekend: Bill and Nancy Plummer popped in and out over the weekend. Dinner time arrived and we had hot dogs with all the fixins’ including coney sauce, coleslaw, a couple varieties of baked beans, chips and assorted brownies. Later that evening Lance Agness, Gwen and Ethan paid us a visit. Soon it came to that favorite time – gathering around the campfire (yes, we have them even when it is too hot to have them; love the atmosphere). Marsha made us feel like it had cooled off some as she soon donned a jacket and snuggled near the campfire. Must have dropped a degree or two as Ginny showed up with her jacket and long pants! Guess we are getting too accustomed to HOT temps and anything below 90 is cool!! Got me convinced!
Saturday morning we all enjoyed the Breakfast in a Bag meal along with a big fruit salad, juice and coffee. It was another hot and humid day so most of us enjoyed just sitting and visiting by the pond getting to know Tom and Ladonna better. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and so glad they could make it. A “situation” did occur with “someone” who “needed their knob fixed”!!! And he used a big tool to fix it! :o) Hmm?? Some enjoyed using the paddle boat on the pond, fishing, swimming, going to a “man” sale, exploring the sales at Big R and checking out the Wabash Library. Sherry Gehring paid us a visit, too. Givens’ grandchildren Graydon and Hannah came and spent the rest of the weekend with us; Larry and Ruth Yoder were also able to join us later Saturday. Also, joining us was an approaching storm! So----Plan B: take down the Easy Ups; secure the chairs and all else and head to the “Givens’ Rec Hall” for the pitch in. Ron and Melody Thompson were able to be there, too. Our group is nicely growing! Of course, lots of people means lots of yummy dishes brought to dinner (all calorie-free and sugar-free!! Ha! Ha!).
The meeting immediately followed dinner. Ron led us in a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Our special guests – Tom and Ladonna Nicklaus – were formally introduced. Minutes and the treasurer’s report were read and approved. Account balance is $701.32. July birthdays and anniversaries were announced. Jan was the “lucky” birthday attendee and got to wear the Circus City Sams Birthday Hat; all birthday attendees posed for a picture. We had the following correspondence: Thank you from Helping Hands for the donations collected last month; thank you from Bill and Nancy Plummer for the donation made to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue benefit in May; information re a gathering of districts for a campout from Ladonna Nicklaus (info to follow); Sharon had an e-mail from our Australian friends – Marty and Karen Crouch; and Melodie shared a letter from Dogs for the Deaf enclosing our patches for our members for having sent a donation to them (if you weren’t at the July dinner/meeting please see Melodie to get your patch!). Ron suggested you start thinking about which month you would like to sign up to host for 2011 and which winter dinner you’d like to arrange. Please let him know your choices soon. Carolyn R. announced that she would be taking any donations for this month’s charity – Domestic Violence Safe House – and would get them delivered. Charity for the August campout is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (“wish list” is attached; $$ always works). Carol Koenes was the lucky winner of the 50/50 drawing - $21.
Well, the “approaching storm” was a false alarm so we cleaned up the “hall” and headed back to the pond and a campfire. Joining us for a little while were Givens’ daughter-in-law Paula and her new baby Cody (what a cutie!). Well, most of us relaxed around the campfire but Paul and Tonya got a work out making popcorn, kettle corn and caramel corn. Nick and Sam helped, too. WOW!! Good stuff! We got more visitors before the evening was over – Erin Cohee and “significant other” Jacob. Gee, I think we had visiting or camping 36 humans and 15 dogs!! Good turnout!
Sunday morning gave us a little more time to visit before packing up. Marsha sported her adorable “Go to Hell” hat!! :o) Sharon is realizing she has become a “pee attraction”! Poor, Sharon! And Tom Nicklaus really enjoyed the “belly scratch” from Carolyn R. (You have to check the website and photos when available!!). It was a wonderful weekend and sadly had to come to an end. We were thrilled to have Tom and Ladonna as part of our group and hope they will join us again sometime. Thank you, Berg Family, for being great co-hosts. Again, thanks to Guy and Jan for sharing their wonderful “resort” with us. Wrapping up I will say the fundraiser we had “donating” in lieu of paying to camp raised $180!! That’s super!
Upcoming information to note:
August campout information
When: August 20, 21, 22
Where: Old Mill Run, Thorntown
Hosts: Ken and Sharon Dickman dickmansk@wmconnect.com
Allen and Carolyn Crist
Plans: ASAP contact Sharon or Carolyn to let them know you are coming!!
Friday dinner – Clarks Hill Fish & Steak
Saturday – hosts will provide breakfast; evening the pitch in. Please remember your donations for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue
(wish list attached) NOTE: Rt. 18 between 31 and 29 is under construction – keep that in mind when making travel plans)
From Ladonna: Campout Districts #1, #2, #3 and #4
When: June 24, 25 & 26, 2011 (early birds June 23)
Where: Elkhart County Campground (where Chapter #89 is going this September)
Plans: Nightly entertainment, church, & request: please pitch in 3 dozen cookies
Please let your District Director know before first week of June if you are coming so they can put all Chapters attending together.
NOTE: This is OUR regular campout weekend. Ron and Carol Koenes will be hosting this weekend and plan on our camping there. So keep this in mind.
August Birthdays August Anniversaries
14 Tim Finster 3 Tim and Terry Finster
28 Paul Berg 8 Ken and Sharon Dickman
30 Lee Wilkinson 11 Ron and Carol Koenes
19 Steve and Iris Lewis
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
October 18, 2010
Greetings all my camping friends!!!
First and foremost, I need to thank Melodie Thompson for covering for me last month and doing an outstanding job taking notes and putting together the newsletter. I understand she had her notepad “joined at her hip” the entire weekend trying not to miss a thing!! Also, a little birdie tells me she used her job to “her advantage” and did not share with all the “coffee spills” she had over the weekend. I understand a dog on a leash and a coffee mug in the same hand just does not work!!! Thanks again, Melodie.
First, I’d like to share with you the fun time several had at the Fall Samboree in Greentown. Attending were Ron and Carol Koenes, Beryl and Karen Geer, George and Sherry Gehring, Lee and Betty Wilkinson, Ken and Sharon Dickman, Allen and Carolyn Crist, and Gary and Carolyn Rexroad. The Samboree provided nightly entertainment, a chili dinner, breakfast sandwiches, vendors and games. We visited Greentown for dinners also supporting a local fundraising event. Some of us volunteered to work in Hospitality and drive the People Mover. Ron and the Geers attended the Presidents’ and First Timers’ meeting; Ron also attended the BAR meeting. Some did garage sales in the local community. A couple of our members won prizes – Betty and Carolyn Crist. Both Carolyns had a good time dancing. Greentown facilities were great and we all enjoyed ourselves.
Now on to our LAST campout of the season and it was spectacular!!!! The weekend was absolutely gorgeous and we got to wrap up the season at our favorite “campgrounds” – Camp Givens AKA Camp Paradise!!! Several got an early head start arriving Thursday –Our Hosts: Guy and Jan Givens (of course), Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty, with George and Sherry Gehring; Dick and Marsha Helm, Bill and Nancy Plummer, Eric and Teresa Cohee, Ken and Sharon Dickman, and Gary and Carolyn Rexroad. We were treated to an early warming Fall meal of potato soup with lots of fixins’ plus hot apple cider. The weekend was quite brisk which made the campfire even more enjoyable.
Friday, Ron and Carol Koenes arrived and with them were Carol’s sisters – Betty Webb and Mary Ann Harshman. Great seeing them again!! Beryl and Karen Geer also arrived. Activity for the weekend was making apple butter. By noon 2 containers piled with apples were cooking away. Some enjoyed the day taking walks, fishing, using the paddle boat or just sitting around the fire visiting. Eventually, Lance and Shelley Agness arrived as did Ethan. Iris Lewis (with Tess) also made it and updated us a bit on Steve (doing well; having written tests this week and orals next week – one more year of school to go!) and Stephen (their son is awaiting a biopsy on a tumor found in his head – please continue prayers for him). Before you know it we had tons of visitors- some for the evening, some just briefly!!! Hope I don’t miss any: Ann Howe with doggy Benji, Sandy Schumacher with doggy Happy, members of Givens’ family – Rick, Paula, Graydon, Hannah, and Cody plus little friends Abby and Dylan Ross, Larry Holmes, Jerry and Connie Holmes, Erin Cohee and Jacob Harrell, members of Cohees’ family – Jim and Linda Feldman, Stephanie with children Luke and Aaron. Whew!! Sorry if I missed anyone! We were all treated to a variety of pizzas for dinner and tons of desserts from which to choose. It was great seeing everyone and visiting. Some of us even got taken on a hayride around nearby property. That was fun! The kids enjoyed a “treasure hunt” in an enormous sand pile!!! It was soon time to warm up and enjoy the campfire. And by now, Tim and Terry Finster have arrived; glad they could make it. Was fun watching Heidi run around the property with a light on her collar; looked “strange”!! :o) We all headed in for the night to rest up for the next day and more stirring of the apple butter (it is coming right along!).
Saturday morning we enjoyed Belgian waffles with assorted toppings, sausage links, juice, milk and coffee. Yum!!! It was again another gorgeous day. Some got in more walking; some went to town to shop and yes, we are still cooking and stirring apple butter (it is at the “sauce” stage now). Dick Helm has been on the ball with stirring-thanks. Alicia (Gwen) was able to join us as were Larry and Ruth Yoder. And, to no surprise, the Club Phantom strikes again----gee, who knows what will happen when you put your RV rug out????? You have to guard everything!!! That afternoon Carol K. gave some “crocheting lessons” while many others decided to go on yet another hayride in the “back 40” of Givens’ property!! Boy, did they have a surprise in store for them!!! At the farthest most point, the tractor got a flat tire!! Hey, Tireman!!! :o) Thank goodness for cell phones and being able to call for golf carts and gators to the rescue!!! Hilarious! We did all get back in time for dinner (never a doubt about that!!). Good walking exercise and good laugh. Kevin and Kelly Ross (Abby and Dylan’s parents) came to join us for a while, too. Time for the pitch in and, as usual, there were tons of delicious food (all calorie-free, of course,….yeh, right!!) And yes, we are still stirring the apple butter. After dinner it was time for our meeting.
Ron presided and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance and the prayer. The minutes were read and approved with one small correction. The treasurer’s report was read and approved – current combined balance is $904.93. October birthdays were announced (no honorees were in attendance so no hat or song time); we had one October anniversary – Agnesses. Bill Plummer reported on the Christmas Party:
Date: Saturday, December 18th
Time: 6PM
Place: The Women’s Clubhouse in Wabash
Price: exact amount not determined just yet but comparable to previous years
Activity: Bring a $5 FUNNY gift – one each for a man and for a woman
NOTE: RESERVATIONS NEED TO BE MADE WITH BILL AND NANCY PLUMMER WITH PAYMENT BY NO LATER THAN WEDNESDAY, December 8TH (THIS IS A CATERED EVENT AND THE CATERER NEEDS PAYMENT IN ADVANCE.)
Additional details, exact cost, etc. will come a bit later.
Bill also announce that there will be a group traveling again to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue in Eureka Springs, Arkansas on Monday, October 25th. Contact Bill if you are interested in going, too.
A check was given to Jan for Meals on Wheels in the amount of $67 which was collected at the September campout. She thanked the club. Carolyn R. is collecting donations to this month’s charity – Carol’s Closet – and will deliver the items donated. November’s charity will be to raise money for phone cards for the military. Bring your donations to the dinner and Carolyn R. will take care of them. Haggertys offered to host the November dinner. The April campout will be a
“no host” campout at Bozarth’s Campground near Lagro (you can buy meals there and shop)-note: you will need to make your own reservations. We still need dinner hosts for January, February, and March – if you can take one of these, please let Ron Koenes know so he can put the information in the 2011 handbook. Also, co-hosts are needed in June with Koeneses and in September with Helms – please sign up for this as well.
DUES ARE DUE NOW!! If you have not paid yet, please mail $10 to Melodie Thompson at 960 E. Olson Road, Rochester, IN 46975. She has to turn in the dues and the roster to the State before November 9th. If you have not already checked your roster information for accuracy, she will be contacting you about that after she returns from vacation.
Rexroads recently camped with our Australian friends, Marty and Karen Crouch, near Windsor, Ontario. They sent their “hellos” to all. Rexroads also camped with their Canadian Sams club – the Banana Belt Sams. Some things they do are: at their potluck, you bring a side dish or dessert but cook your own meat (grills provided); they also have a nice wooden sign and individual attachments for each couple to hang when they attend the campout. They use a dry erase board to indicate the times and events of the campout and they have their meetings in the morning. Some different things to maybe consider???
On Labor Day weekend next year there will be an Ontario Samboree being held in Drayton, Ontario. Rexroads are planning on attending. It would be fun if a group of us would go and camp with the Banana Belt Sams. Think about it!!! Remember to be sure you have the proper identification for crossing the border.
Karen Geer and Jan Givens agreed to serve on the Audit Committee and Carol Koenes was the lucky 50/50 winner of $17.
A BIG thank you was given to Guy and Jan for letting us enjoy their wonderful residence again.
After the meeting several participated in the Cohees’ “Scavenger Hunt in the Woods”; was fun again. It was time to relax around the campfire. Little by little though, some headed back to their RVs for the night. But as luck would have it, sometime after 10PM with few diehards still around the campfire we noticed that the APPLE BUTTER WAS READY!!!! So scrambled to get the jars and get all this canned!! We decided that Dick Helm should receive the “Stirring Award”!! All done and finally to our RVs around midnight!
Sunday was another gorgeous day and no one was in a hurry to leave. We enjoyed our apple butter (2 different recipes) and even got some to take home. Spent our last moments visiting some more. Terry Finster treated us to “craft time” where several of us made and decorated foam visors, jack-o-lantern magnets and sunflower pins. Thanks, Terry. TRIED to finish up leftovers for lunch but didn’t quite make it. As usual, our campouts seem like one “ongoing” meal!!! :o) Did our best to help Guy and Jan clean up and put everything away; then it was time to head out. Here’s to a GREAT camping season in 2011. Safe travels to all who have already or will be heading south for the winter. See the rest at the dinners and Christmas Party.
November dinner information:
Hosts: Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty
Date: November 20th, 2010
Time: 5:30PM
Place: Ugalde’s in Wabash
Bring games for after
PLEASE LET WILBUR AND GINNY KNOW IF YOU ARE COMING BY NO LATER THAN MONDAY, November 15TH!!!! 765-981-4187 OR haggertyw@hotmail.com
Birthdays Anniversaries
11-02 Addie Goletz 11-03 Eric and Teresa Cohee
11-26 Carolyn Crist 11-12 Wilbur and Virginia Haggerty
11-29 Nick Berg *
12-02 Gary Rexroad 12-09 Lee and Betty Wilkinson
12-03 Teresa Cohee 12-30 Gary and Carolyn Rexroad
12-12 Marsha Helm
12-21 Samantha Berg*
12-24 Lance Agness
12-29 Daniel Wilson
12-30 Ken Dickman
* Indicates children
(Data for the weekend: 50 (!!!) humans camping or just visiting sometime over the weekend, 15 dogs and 1 cat!!! What a group! :o) )
Thanks to ALL the hosts for a wonderful weekend!!
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
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September 19, 2010
Hello Fellow Circus City Sams Members (friends),
As you can tell right off of the bat - - yes - - Carolyn Rexroad actually has a campout that she has been excused from. Gary and Carolyn’s daughter was getting married this weekend, we are all anxious to hear how it turned out, and to see pictures. In her absence I -- (Mel Thompson) will be giving the newsletter a try. I have to give Carolyn Rexroad my upmost praise as this is not as easy of a job as it may appear, and she does such a great job. Thanks Carolyn!!
The September campout was at the Elkhart Campground in Elkhart Indiana. Hosts for this weekend were Ron and Carol Koenes, Tim and Terry Finster, and Dick and Marsha Helm. We were a small crowd this weekend with some members traveling out east, and others having prior obligations. The term “small, but mighty” comes to mind explaining the weekend. We sure can have a great time no matter how many there are of us. Friday night saw Ron and Carol Koenes, Dick and Marsha Helm, Betty and Lee Wilkinson, Ken and Sharon Dickman, Allan and Carolyn Crist, and Ron and Melodie Thompson finishing setting up in time for our supper, so graciously cooked by Carol and Ron, and Dick and Marsha. The weather was absolutely BEAUTUFUL for camping. We all sat down at the picnic tables and enjoyed- goulash, salad, bread, cookies, yum-yum-yummy bars and can we say Betty Wilkinson’s’ favorite - -carrot cake. Boy does she love her carrot cake. Speaking of favorites - - what is that smell that all the women are loving? Could it be Dick Helm’s new fragrance?? He should bottle it and sell it - could be a fortune maker. J Just to add more fun to the night we sent a picture of our feast to the Cohee’s & Givens’ ,who are traveling ,to let them know what they were missing.
After we had our tummies stuffed full and the tables cleaned up and cleared, we adjourned to our fun story sharing camp circle. A person could laugh themselves to death listening to all of us. What fun we have! Marsha Helm bought up a question that she was wanting some feedback on “what are the ideal requirements for a great campground” a hearty discussion followed. With so many experienced campers present we had many great ideas to share with her. Allen Crist and Dick Helm brought over a fire ring and proceeded to make us a beautiful campfire. We continued to share fun stories- watch a beautiful sunset, and discuss just how Ron Koenes’ new solar light bulb on his flag pole works. The bulb changes several different colors, and who wants to bet how long it will be before Ron and Mel Thompson have one for their yard at home. We were joined by Tim and Terry Finster making the long drive from Bunker Hill to join us. As the night cooled down and Marsha was wrapped up to keep warm, we began to slowly all head in for the night. Oops - - I almost forgot to mention that Ron Koenes also showed us his new “headlights:” for his hat. Guess nothing can hide from him now.
Saturday morning brought us all eagerly awaiting our breakfast provided by Terry and Tim, Carol and Ron, and Dick and Marsha. We were making “omelets in a bag” and we sure did have everything our hearts could desire present to put in them. We also had fruit cookies, toast and juice. We will not say any names, but let it be said that we ran a little short on cheese - due to one person who eats an “eggless” omelet. Breakfast did bring one special moment when in normal Good Sam “more the merrier” nature, we invited our neighbors to join us for breakfast. Ken and Karen Snyder from Georgia soon became friends to all of us. We shared food, stories, names and adventures with them, and before they had to leave we left them with our club information and an invitation to join us any time. After breakfast we all broke up to go different directions, some to the Shipshewana bulk store and donut shop, some to the R.V. Hall of Fame, and some to the Nappanee Apple Festival. We all agreed that we would meet back at the campground for our nightly pot-luck supper at 6:00 p.m. . . . Mother Nature had other ideas for us. Due to excessive rain, excessive shopping, and excessive touring it was decided we would forgo the pot-luck and go to Cracker Barrel for supper. Fourteen of us piled in our vehicles and proceeded into town for supper. It is a wonder the girls that went to Shipshewana were even going to supper due to all of the samples of cheese and donuts they had. The food was great (although Terry, Mel, Betty and Carolyn almost missed it because they were shopping) Clean up was even better since someone else was doing it. We enjoyed a little more shopping on the way out and all headed back to the campground to set up for the monthly meeting. Seems that back at the campground Dick Helm had a little trouble with his truck door -- can bungee cords really hold a door closed? Now who could have thought that up?
The rain had stopped and we all gathered together in our camp circle to commence with the meeting. The meeting was brought to order by president Ron Koenes. Ron also opened with prayer, and led our Pledge of Allegiance. Fourteen members were present for the meeting. The Treasurers report of a combined checking and savings balance of $919.55 was read and approved. The August meeting minutes were read and approved as well. The September birthdays were announced, and the three birthday attendees present (Carol Koenes, Dick Helm, and Ron Thompson) had to stand center stage while we sang “Happy Birthday” to them. We then drew one of their names from a hat to see who would be the lucky person to wear the Circus City Sams birthday hat. Carol Koenes was the lucky winner and proudly wore the hat the remainder of the meeting. There were no September anniversaries. Ron K. then read a thank you note from the American Cancer Society for our donation. Discussion was initiated in regard to the club picking up the $1.75 dues for 2010 for Berl and Karen Geer since Karen has agreed to hold a club position in 2011. This was approved and seconded by club. Betty Wilkinson then gave a standing committee report in regard to the slate of officers for the 2011 camping season. Running for president would be Ron Koenes and Bill Plummer, Vice President - - Guy Givens- Secretary/Treasurer- Melodie Thompson, Corresponding Secretary- Karen Geer- and Allan Crist as Wagon Master. Voting was held for president and Ron Koenes was elected . A motion was made to accept the slate of officers for next year and seconded. The motion carried and the positions passed as stated. We also have an appointed position of “Greeting Cards” that Sherry Gehring holds. Ken Dickman then gave a report on his recent walk for Turpentine Creek. Ken recently walked 25.6 miles in one day raising $237.25 to date in donations. Ken stated that this amount may change due to monies that had not come in yet, he also stated that one check would be made to Turpentine Creek Refuge as a donation from our club. Mel reminded everyone that this months’ charitable donation is for Meals on Wheels in Wabash, and if you want to give your donation to her she will see that they are forwarded on to them. A reminder was stated that next month’s charitable organization is Carols Closet. A list of items needed as well as monetary donations, will be sent with monthly newsletter. Mel and Ron K. reminded everyone that the signup sheet for hosting next year needs to be filled out as soon as possible due to needing this completed so printing can be completed in time for the December meeting. Please if you have not filled out let Ron K or Mel T know, and they will get your name added on to the list. It was also stated that dues are now due and can be paid anytime. Please pay your $10.00 to Melodie Thompson as soon as possible. A discussion was initiated regarding the use of club coffee pots and the problems that come from transporting all the items. It was suggested that we not do this any longer since most of us all have our own coffee pots and it would be less trouble to just use our own. It was voted on approved that we not use club coffee pots any longer. The 50/50 drawing was then held with Tim Finster being the lucky winner of $11.50, which he generously donated back to the club. The meeting was then adjourned. One note to add, that will be also noted at next month’s meeting - - I missed stating how much was made in August for our Charity of Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge - - $105.00 and a 3pk of paper. We have been doing so well this year with our monthly charities. We should all be proud that we are in a club with such a generous heart.
Allen Crist then made another beautiful campfire and we shared some great fun stories. It was so fun to hear everyone’s “pop-up” owner stories. They made me feel almost normal with some of Ron T’s and mine. I finally had Ken show us what a “Willie- Lump-Lump was, snow angel stories, and who is awake at 5 am in our camping club. What fun we definitely have. Carolyn C. called Iris Lewis letting her know that we were thinking of her and Steve, and wondering how their son was doing. Iris stated that Steven has had an MRI and they are waiting on the results to determine the next step. Our prayers continue to be them. Carol Koenes treated us with popcorn and Carolyn C. had Allen roast of some delicious marshmallows. The night cooled down and some of us turned in earlier than others, while some continued to share campfire stories.
Sunday morning brought a little cool air, and some beautiful sunshine. We all met at Koenes’ rig and enjoyed some of the fabulous Amish donuts that Terry and Marsha had brought back the day before. They also brought some Amish cinnamon bread back for toast that was very good especially with the Amish apple butter they had to put on it. Oops - -did I forget to mention that prior to breakfast someone’s’ dog (whom we will not mention) had a little misbehavior problem thinking that she could be the center of attention on the top of a picnic table. Whose dog was that???? Some then attended the church service there at the campground. Once again as it always happens it was time to pack up to move on. A few of us were going home, several were moving on to Shipshewana, with plans to leave later this week for the Samboree in Greentown. Our goodbyes were said and we all slowly one by one left for our next stop. It’s hard to leave but at the same time - - all the hugs make a person feel so good.
Reminder for October Campout-
When: October 15, 16, & 17th
Where: Givens’ Campground
Wabash, In
Hosts – Wilber and Ginny Haggerty- haggertyw@hotmail.com
George and Sherry Gehring- gehring626@comcast.net
Guy and Jan Givens- tirmananjan@yahoo.com-
October Birthdays:
02-Stephen Lewis
14-Mel Thompson
18-Bob Eoff
31-Tonya Berg
Anniversaries:
10- Lance and Shelly Agness
Sincerely -
Melodie Thompson
Secretary-Treasurer
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
August 22, 2010
Hello Circus City Sams Members!!
Well, we “survived” and enjoyed another warm and humid camping weekend that also had a “dash” of drizzle here and there to make it interesting. We were at Old Mill Run Campground near Thorntown, IN. Hosts for the weekend were Allen and Carolyn Crist with Ken and Sharon Dickman. They were “early birds” for the weekend along with Al and Addie Goletz, Dick and Marsha Helm as well as guests Beryl and Karen Geer (and their “canine camper” – Pebbles). Arriving Friday were Lee and Betty Wilkinson, George and Sherry Gehring, Gary and Carolyn Rexroad, Larry and Ruth Yoder, Guy and Jan Givens, and Bill and Nancy Plummer. After getting set up and spending some time visiting, we went to the Clarks Hill Steak and Fish Restaurant in Clarks Hill. All found something yummy with which to fill their tummy! After dinner, the Rexroads took the Wilkinsons on a “side trip” to Witham Hospital in Lebanon. Seems Lee had some lab work needing checked and it all worked out well. He is fine. The rest of the group couldn’t resist a stop at Dairy Queen for dessert on the way back. Some “attempted” to work off some calories by playing the washer game; the rest of us just visited. We were treated to a “tour” of Crists’ new Cedar Creek 5th Wheel. As expected, it is lovely. And we are all jealous that nightly they get to “sleep with Donald Trump”!! (Guess you just had to be there!) A shock to all of us – Marsha shared that “she was too WARM so was going in to the air conditioning”. Gee, thought it might snow after that comment!!! Eventually, it was time for all of us to head in for the night.
Saturday morning was a bit gloomy at first with some “drops” here and there but it did clear up. We were TREATED to the “never ending breakfast buffet” by our hosts. Wow! There were assorted casseroles, sausage gravy and biscuits, caramel rolls, strawberry coffee cake, oatmeal bars, juice, etc. They really worked hard on all this. Again we had game time and visit time. Yoders have changed rigs and we got to check out their Aerolite trailer; very nice home on wheels for them! Some enjoyed the challenge of the washer game some more, while others played Quinto and Euchre. Believe it or not, it was time to indulge again. Our hosts provided us with an ice cream social with several flavors from which to choose. Yum! After this, some of the men ran into town to run errands. We had alarming news from the Lewises. Their son Stephen has been diagnosed with a brain tumor; we remembered him and them in all our prayers this weekend. Please continue to do so. Hopefully we will hear some good news before too long from them.
Guess what??? Time to eat again!!! (seems that’s all we do on our weekends!). We had the usual pitch in with many wonderful assorted dishes – glad they are all “calorie free”!!! Right!!! This was followed by our meeting. In the absence of our President, Vice President Bill Plummer led the meeting starting with the Pledge of Allegiance and having Ken lead us in a prayer. Guests Beryl and Karen Geer were introduced and welcomed. The hosts were thanked for a wonderful weekend. In the absence of our Secretary/Treasurer, Carolyn Rexroad read the minutes and the treasurer’s report which were both approved. The balance in our account is $884.90. August birthdays and anniversaries were announced. Lee was the only “birthday attendee” so he got to wear the Circus City birthday hat while we sang to him. We received a thank you from the Domestic Violence Safe House for our donation. Carolyn R. passed around a sign up sheet for hosting the 2010-2011 dinners and campouts. Carolyn also stated that she would collect the donations for the August charity – Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue – and announced the September charity would be Meals on Wheels in Wabash (who provided over 17,000 meals last year). Monetary donations would be best for that cause. Under new business we were reminded of the upcoming Fall Samboree – Fall into Winter, Sept. 24-26 at Howard County Fair Grounds, Greentown, IN. Deadline for making reservations is September 6th. When sending in your reservations, be sure to indicate that you request block parking with Chapter 89. (Going so far are Dickmans, Crists, Geers, Gehrings, Wilkinsons and Rexroads.) Also, it is that time of year again to form a nominating committee to obtain candidates for office for the 2011 camping year. This committee is comprised of Betty Wilkinson, Carolyn Crist and Marsha Helm. They will be contacting you to see if you would be interested in running for an office or nominating someone. Under announcements, we welcome Beryl and Karen Geer (with Pebbles) as our newest members!!! Also, Carolyn R. shared that she has heard via phone and e-mail from our Australian friends – Marty and Karen Crouch. They have now moved to Ontario, Canada and had hoped to camp with us at Elkhart and the Samboree. Ontario has a rule for new residents that they must stay in Ontario the first 3 months so they can’t join us. If all works out, they will come for Thanksgiving and I’m sure the November dinner in order to see all their Circus City Sams friends again. Until then they send to all their love and hugs. Ken made an announcement that sometime before the next campout he is going to walk “25 miles” to raise money for the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge. Please contact him re pledging “something” per mile before Sept. 6th. Go, Ken!! We also voted to have Carolyn Crist reimbursed the $25 rental fee for the hall this weekend. Betty suggested that we clarify the length of time we have halls when we rent them. Bill suggested that we might consider making it a policy that the club pays for renting a hall when that becomes a factor. Think about that for the next meeting. Bill also announced that on Oct. 25th the Plummers and the Rexroads will be heading back to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge for the Halloween festivities and volunteer work. At this point, Dickmans and Agnesses are coming, too, but at a later date. All are welcome to come; please be sure to let Bill know if you are interested so he can reserve you a spot at the campgrounds. Guy Givens was the lucky winner of the 50/50 of $14 which he graciously donated to Back Roads Dog Rescue. Meeting adjourned.
We actually gathered around the campfire tonight though not tooooo close! We always enjoy a campfire even when it is warm. And here comes Sharon with more food!!! She passed out a yummy Chex Mix to ”munch on”. Having been well fed again and relaxed, it was soon time to go in for the night.
Sunday morning some attended church services at either the campgrounds or in town then met at Flapjack’s in Lebanon for breakfast. Back at the campsites we got in a bit more visiting then little by little we realized it was time for another wonderful camping weekend to come to an end. We had 22 humans, 7 canines and 1 feline camping with us. Thanks again, hosts, for a great time!
September campout information:
When: September 17, 18. 19
Where: Elkhart Campground, Elkhart, IN
Hosts: Ron and Carol Koenes krocal2330@yahoo.com 765-472-7743
Tim and Terry Finster (personal information removed)
Dick and Marsha Helm (personal information removed)
Plans: ASAP contact your hosts to let them know you are coming! They
intend to take some tours in the local area. Please remember your donations to Meals on Wheels!
CONTINUING THE CAMPOUT-------immediately following the campout several are going to caravan to Shipshewana that Sunday and camp until Wednesday or Thursday; then they will head to the Samboree. Please keep this in mind and join them.
September Birthdays September Anniversaries
5 Ron Thompson none
6 Sherry Gehring
7 Guy Givens
15 Dick Helm
19 Carol Koenes
22 Beryl Geer
26 Ginny Haggerty
27 Nancy Plummer
28 Terry Wilson
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
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July 18, 2010
Hello all my HOT camping buddies!!
Sure was a HOT humid weekend but that will never stop us from gathering and having a good
time. We enjoyed ourselves at our favorite campground – Camp Givens near Wabash. Hosts for the weekend were Gary and Carolyn Rexroad with Paul and Tonya Berg and their children Samantha and Nick. Ken and Sharon Dickman were the “Thursday Early Birds”; arriving Friday were Ron and Carol Koenes, Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty, Dick and Marsha Helm, Eric and Teresa Cohee, District #3 Directors Tom and Ladonna Nicklaus from the Sycamore Sams and, of course, the residents and owners Guy and Jan Givens. (Good thing the campout was at the Givens’ residence as they were having RV problems and had to “rough it” actually staying in their home! All solved by Saturday morning, however.) Some “canine news” to report: our hearts go out to Al and Addie Goletz with the loss of their puppy Chance. We all can relate. Brighter news is we have another new “canine” member – Catalina Chewbacca Berg (now Maria Chewbacca has a little sister and a cutie!). Nicki Nicklaus (a Yorkie) was a new “canine camper” for the weekend and Eric and Teresa brought 2 of their Bishons to visit – Skeeter and Buddy. Also visiting were Jerry and Connie Holmes with their BIG and “little” dogs – Mac (Mastiff-Rottweiler mix weighing in at 157 lbs.) and Zeke (Mastiff-Great Dane mix weighing in at 185 lbs.) and Teddy (Yorkie weighing in at 5 lbs.)!! Picture this – they arrived in a HHR!!! GORGEUS dogs and so glad they brought them to visit. Enough about dogs - on to the weekend: Bill and Nancy Plummer popped in and out over the weekend. Dinner time arrived and we had hot dogs with all the fixins’ including coney sauce, coleslaw, a couple varieties of baked beans, chips and assorted brownies. Later that evening Lance Agness, Gwen and Ethan paid us a visit. Soon it came to that favorite time – gathering around the campfire (yes, we have them even when it is too hot to have them; love the atmosphere). Marsha made us feel like it had cooled off some as she soon donned a jacket and snuggled near the campfire. Must have dropped a degree or two as Ginny showed up with her jacket and long pants! Guess we are getting too accustomed to HOT temps and anything below 90 is cool!! Got me convinced!
Saturday morning we all enjoyed the Breakfast in a Bag meal along with a big fruit salad, juice and coffee. It was another hot and humid day so most of us enjoyed just sitting and visiting by the pond getting to know Tom and Ladonna better. We thoroughly enjoyed their company and so glad they could make it. A “situation” did occur with “someone” who “needed their knob fixed”!!! And he used a big tool to fix it! :o) Hmm?? Some enjoyed using the paddle boat on the pond, fishing, swimming, going to a “man” sale, exploring the sales at Big R and checking out the Wabash Library. Sherry Gehring paid us a visit, too. Givens’ grandchildren Graydon and Hannah came and spent the rest of the weekend with us; Larry and Ruth Yoder were also able to join us later Saturday. Also, joining us was an approaching storm! So----Plan B: take down the Easy Ups; secure the chairs and all else and head to the “Givens’ Rec Hall” for the pitch in. Ron and Melody Thompson were able to be there, too. Our group is nicely growing! Of course, lots of people means lots of yummy dishes brought to dinner (all calorie-free and sugar-free!! Ha! Ha!).
The meeting immediately followed dinner. Ron led us in a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Our special guests – Tom and Ladonna Nicklaus – were formally introduced. Minutes and the treasurer’s report were read and approved. Account balance is $701.32. July birthdays and anniversaries were announced. Jan was the “lucky” birthday attendee and got to wear the Circus City Sams Birthday Hat; all birthday attendees posed for a picture. We had the following correspondence: Thank you from Helping Hands for the donations collected last month; thank you from Bill and Nancy Plummer for the donation made to the Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue benefit in May; information re a gathering of districts for a campout from Ladonna Nicklaus (info to follow); Sharon had an e-mail from our Australian friends – Marty and Karen Crouch; and Melodie shared a letter from Dogs for the Deaf enclosing our patches for our members for having sent a donation to them (if you weren’t at the July dinner/meeting please see Melodie to get your patch!). Ron suggested you start thinking about which month you would like to sign up to host for 2011 and which winter dinner you’d like to arrange. Please let him know your choices soon. Carolyn R. announced that she would be taking any donations for this month’s charity – Domestic Violence Safe House – and would get them delivered. Charity for the August campout is Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge (“wish list” is attached; $$ always works). Carol Koenes was the lucky winner of the 50/50 drawing - $21.
Well, the “approaching storm” was a false alarm so we cleaned up the “hall” and headed back to the pond and a campfire. Joining us for a little while were Givens’ daughter-in-law Paula and her new baby Cody (what a cutie!). Well, most of us relaxed around the campfire but Paul and Tonya got a work out making popcorn, kettle corn and caramel corn. Nick and Sam helped, too. WOW!! Good stuff! We got more visitors before the evening was over – Erin Cohee and “significant other” Jacob. Gee, I think we had visiting or camping 36 humans and 15 dogs!! Good turnout!
Sunday morning gave us a little more time to visit before packing up. Marsha sported her adorable “Go to Hell” hat!! :o) Sharon is realizing she has become a “pee attraction”! Poor, Sharon! And Tom Nicklaus really enjoyed the “belly scratch” from Carolyn R. (You have to check the website and photos when available!!). It was a wonderful weekend and sadly had to come to an end. We were thrilled to have Tom and Ladonna as part of our group and hope they will join us again sometime. Thank you, Berg Family, for being great co-hosts. Again, thanks to Guy and Jan for sharing their wonderful “resort” with us. Wrapping up I will say the fundraiser we had “donating” in lieu of paying to camp raised $180!! That’s super!
Upcoming information to note:
August campout information
When: August 20, 21, 22
Where: Old Mill Run, Thorntown
Hosts: Ken and Sharon Dickman
Allen and Carolyn Crist
Plans: ASAP contact Sharon or Carolyn to let them know you are coming!!
Friday dinner – Clarks Hill Fish & Steak
Saturday – hosts will provide breakfast; evening the pitch in. Please remember your donations for Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue
(wish list attached) NOTE: Rt. 18 between 31 and 29 is under construction – keep that in mind when making travel plans)
From Ladonna: Campout Districts #1, #2, #3 and #4
When: June 24, 25 & 26, 2011 (early birds June 23)
Where: Elkhart County Campground (where Chapter #89 is going this September)
Plans: Nightly entertainment, church, & request: please pitch in 3 dozen cookies
Please let your District Director know before first week of June if you are coming so they can put all Chapters attending together.
NOTE: This is OUR regular campout weekend. Ron and Carol Koenes will be hosting this weekend and plan on our camping there. So keep this in mind.
August Birthdays August Anniversaries
14 Tim Finster 3 Tim and Terry Finster
28 Paul Berg 8 Ken and Sharon Dickman
30 Lee Wilkinson 11 Ron and Carol Koenes
19 Steve and Iris Lewis
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad Corresponding Secretary
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 27, 2010
Well, we had “the good, the bad and the ugly” of weather this weekend. Good - it was sunny most of the weekend and we were with many of our camping buddies; the “Bad” – it was HOT and HUMID!!!; the “Ugly” – it was stormy with downpours and lightning. But, as true diehard campers, we “weathered” (pun intended) it all. We had gathered at Tall Sycamores Campground near Logansport. Our hosts for the weekend were George and Sherry Gehring, Al and Addie Goletz, and Larry and Ruth Yoder with assistance from Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty. They all did a great job. Early birds were Gehrings, Ron and Carol Koenes and Lee and Betty Wilkinson; showing up Friday were Gary and Carolyn Rexroad, Guy and Jan Givens, Allen and Carolyn Crist, Al and Addie Goletz, and Ron and Melodie Thompson. We also had a couple guests camping with us: Jill Montgomery (Wilkinsons’ great granddaughter) and Tori Craig (Givens’ granddaughter). It was great having them join us. Others got to meet our newest “canine member” – Chance Goletz. He left an “indelible” mark on many! Ha! Ha! :o) Welcome to the club!
Friday afternoon was spent playing games and relaxing in the pool. Arriving to join us for dinner were Larry and Ruth Yoder as well as Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty. Speaking of dinner, we enjoyed wonderful food at the West End Diner. After dinner, we enjoyed “unusual” entertainment. Much to Ron and Carol’s dismay, they were completely locked out of their rig!! (Maybe Ron needs the “long red ribbon” too??) :o) Jill to the rescue!! They did have some unlocked windows so via a ladder, Jill was able to climb in, unlock their RV and let them in. Thanks for the chuckle of the evening! With full tummies, several played games while others visited. Eventually we had a little campfire and the girls toasted marshmallows.
Saturday morning Carolyn R and Allen decided to be ambitious and take an early morning walk intending to cover about 2 miles. Mother Nature had other ideas. On the “backtrack” back to the campgrounds (but still a little way from it) the “heavens” opened and Carolyn and Allen got drenched!!! (Let’s talk Wet T-Shirt Contest – wonder who won???) And you know Allen was fretting all the way because his “hairdo” was ruined!! :o) Once lightning struck, Gary thought it might be a good idea to rescue them; found them and gave them a lift back to the campgrounds. Recovered and dry again, it was now time for breakfast. Larry and Ruth were able to be there, too. The meal was awesome having sausage gravy and biscuits, breakfast casseroles, fruit, juice, pecan bars and cupcakes! Wow! Haggertys contributed to this awesome menu, too. The weather cleared up and we had a nice sunny, hot day! Some refreshed by heading to the pool; some ran errands; and some had 3rd time bad luck!! This would be Ron and Melodie. If you recall, at the April campout they had their pop up and struggled on the cold nights without heat and limited “potty access”; then lost their crank for the pop up. May campout they solved the “crank, heat and potty” problems by arriving in a wonderful new motor home. Only this month the truck got a flat tire. Well, 3rd time’s a charm! On this really hot and humid weekend both of their air conditioners quit on them. Several tried to help them out but no one could solve the problem. They are real troopers! Since things normally happen in three’s let’s hope their string of bad camping luck is over!!! Jan led our auction this weekend and it went well (even George bought something!). :o) A few more guests joined us for a little while – Charlie Hays and his little dogs Lady and Corky! Glad to have them. Guess what?? It is meal time again!! We had our pitch in with the usual – lots and lots of wonderful food!! As if that wasn’t bad enough, the campground also had an ice cream social. Where do we put it all???
Time for the meeting: Ron led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved – current balance is $560.12. June birthdays and anniversaries were announced-no June birthday members were present. (Since Al Goletz’ birthday is so early in July {the 2nd} and they can’t make the July campout {they are our long distance members living in eastern Ohio} we had him wear the “camping club birthday hat” and we sang to him!!) We had a thank you note from Birthright of Peru for last month’s donations. They really appreciated it. The auction yielded $143.75 – good job! We agreed to continue having our website via Godaddy.com which is now about $15 a year. We are realizing several now check our camping club out via the website; that is how our Australian friends connected with us and we have heard from Bob and Nancy Eoff that they keep up with us by checking it out. Samboree info - Carolyn R reported that we had submitted an entry for Chapter of the Year but we were not chosen. It seems that the clubs that get selected not only do a lot of volunteer work and/or donations in their community but they also, as a club, do a lot of work at the Samborees. We met our new director – Ladonna Nicklaus – and sent her our remaining camping schedule inviting them to join us if possible. Carolyn C attended the Presidents and Newcomers’ Meeting with Carolyn R who shared info about our club inviting any who were interested to join us. Gary and Carolyn R. presented our Chapter’s Flag at the Opening Ceremony. Carolyn C. reported that our corporate sign and luminaries were on display at the Relay for Life; thank you, again, for the support. Several items and cash were collected for Helping Hands Food Pantry. Thank you! Rexroads will deliver this. July’s agency will be Domestic Violence Safe House. Winner of the 50/50 was Carol Koenes - $12.
The rest of the evening was spent visiting around the campfire (but at a distance; using it only as “atmosphere”). Thompsons soon pulled out and headed for “cooler” living conditions. Good luck! Hope the solution is a simple, inexpensive one!
After a rainy night, we got up to a warm and humid Sunday. Some went to town to church while others went to the campground services. This was followed by coffee and donuts. We hung around for a while enjoying each other’s company but all good things must come to an end. Thanks for a wonderful weekend, hosts!! Little by little we packed up and left awaiting the next campout. Speaking of which:
July campout information:
When: July 16, 17, 18
Where: Camp Givens, Wabash
Hosts: Gary and Carolyn Rexroad
Paul and Tonya Berg
Plans: ASAP contact Carolyn to let her know you are coming! Hosts will provide dinner Friday evening and breakfast Saturday morning. Saturday evening will be the usual pitch in dinner. Please remember your donations to this month’s agency – Domestic Violence Safe House (wish list is attached or $$). Also, since our “campground owners” won’t let us pay for the weekend, it was suggested to make a donation instead to our camping club as a fundraiser. So please keep this in mind!
Changes for September campout!!
Please make the following note in your handbook:
Hosts: Koeneses, Finsters, and Helms
Place: Elkhart Campground off 19 north of the turnpike on CR 4
Plans: Do some touring in the area
July Birthdays July Anniversaries
2 Al Goletz 7 Guy and Jan Givens
3 Carolyn Rexroad 8 Allen and Carolyn Crist
5 George Gehring 12 Daniel and Terry Wilson
9 Ron Koenes 21 George and Sherry Gehring
11 Sharon Dickman
13 Bobbie Cole
22 Jan Givens
27 Terry Finster
Data for the weekend: 23 human members or guests camping or visiting; 13 canines
Sincerely,
Carolyn Rexroad
Corresponding Secretary
May 2010
Greetings my camping buddies! Our second campout of the season has come and gone and was “a little wet around the edges”---and then some!!! A few of our camping couples arrived on Thursday with the rest of us coming in on Friday. We were at Lakeview Campgrounds near Rochester. Our hosts for the weekend were Ron and Melodie Thompson with Bill and Nancy Plummer (unfortunately the Plummers were unable to be there for the weekend as they were keeping vigil with Nancy’s mom at her assisted care facility; time was drawing nigh for her to be in a better place. Our hearts go out to Nancy and Bill keeping all of them in our prayers). In their stead, Eric and Teresa Cohee stepped up to the plate and helped out (as did everyone else, as needed). Along with the hosts (and “helpers”) also camping were Dick and Marsha Helm, Guy and Jan Givens, Gary and Carolyn Rexroad, Ken and Sharon Dickman and Allen and Carolyn Crist.. Exciting news!!! Ron and Melodie arrived in their new Class A motor home – a Windsport!! So this was their “maiden voyage” in their beautiful new rig. Keep in mind that now they no longer need to keep track of their crank for the pop up BUT they still need to keep track of the keys to the RV!!! As true to form, weather at the campground was “not perfect”!! Thursday was a drizzly, rainy day. Friday afternoon it poured!!! It did finally let up later Friday evening and we even got a campfire going as we “waddled around in the mud and muck” (oh, well…we are washable). Nicely timed, while it was pouring most of us were at the Elks for dinner. Able to join us there were Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty and George and Sherry Gehring. After dinner it was time to gather around the campfire; or shall I say “most” of us did-----there were a couple who “disappeared”?? Wonder who and what they were up to?? :o) As usual, stories and laughs abounded around the fire. Time to turn in and for Ron and Melodie to find out what it is like to actually have heat overnight and not need to worry if the bathhouse is locked
Saturday morning was a clearer day. We enjoyed a wonderful breakfast prepared by the Thompsons and Cohees (with contributions from the Plummers). Available to us were Dutch oven casseroles – ham and/or sausage - fruit cups and assorted muffins. YUM!!! The sun tried often to peek through the clouds and as the day progressed it did warm up. After eating we enjoyed visiting; some walked (burn off all those delicious calories!!); some to town; some paid a visit to the cemetery; others off to a wedding and some helped Ron with his flat tire on the truck. Speaking of Ron, we do like to help him out. To lessen the possibilities of his losing his keys to the motor home, Gary made a presentation to him…..HIS keys attached to a LONGGGG red ribbon labeled “Remove Before Flight”. MAYBE with that on, he won’t lose his keys! Time for lunch which was hotdogs with coney sauce – yum! Some of us tried a new game provided by Jan – Dice Squence. It is a quicker version and great fun. Somewhere along the way Guy found out the muck and mud was a bit slippery; unfortunately the jeans he was wearing were the only ones he brought – fortunately, he didn’t have any injuries. Before long it was time to get our dishes ready for the pitch in. Carolyn R. actually initiated the stove, convection oven and microwave in their new RV!!! Worked fine! :o) George and Sherry were able to join us for dinner. As usual, there was a vast array of delicious items in which to indulge (shame they aren’t all calorie free!!). Oh, well.
We soon gathered for our meeting. In the absence of President Ron Koenes and Vice President Bill Plummer, Past President Carolyn Crist led the meeting. Dick Helms graciously led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. The minutes and treasurer’s report were read and approved – current balance is $526.64. Birthdays and anniversaries for May were announced. Correspondence was passed around for all to check out. We thanked Sherry for the great job she does in sending out all the cards for birthdays, get well, etc. It was announced that the agency designated for donations for the June campout will be Helping Hands Food Pantry. Several items and cash were collected at this campout for Birthright of Peru. Thank you! Rexroads will deliver this. The auction fundraiser for our club has been postponed until the June campout; so bring your “treasures” then. Following up on a suggestion, we will be submitting our request to be considered for Chapter of the Year at the Spring Samboree. You don’t know if you don’t try!! It was announced that the Dutch Café on US 31 (across from the base) has a room that can be closed off for a dinner and will hold up to 35 people. They will even open for just us if that is necessary. Keep that in mind for our winter dinners. Sharon Dickman made a “tempting” fresh raspberry pie which was auctioned off. The lucky winner was Guy donating $23 for the pie….ENJOY!! Winner of the 50/50 was Eric - $13.50. Carolyn C. closed the meeting with a prayer remembering Nancy Plummer’s mother
Spring Samboree – May 28-31 at Lebanon at the Boone County Fairground
Attending will be Steve and Iris Lewis, Al and Addie Goletz, Allen and Carolyn Crist, Gary and Carolyn Rexroad (and Dickmans with Roving Sams).
June campout information!!
When: June 25, 26, 27
Where: Tall Sycamores Campground near Logansport Hosts: George and Sherry Gehring sherry_geh@yahoo.com
Addie and Al Goletz
Larry and Ruth Yoder
Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty (assisting)
Plans: ASAP contact Sherry to let her know you are coming! Plans are dinner out
Friday evening at about 6PM. Hosts will provide breakfast Saturday morning;
Saturday evening will be the usual pitch in dinner. Please bring items to be
auctioned for fundraising for the club. Please also remember to bring
donations for Helping Hands Food Pantry (any shelf item, i.e. peanut
butter, canned meats, paper products, cleaning items, etc. or $$)
June Birthdays June Anniversaries
5 Wendy Langer
14 Andrea Langer * 9 Jeep and Wendy Langer
23 Larry Yoder 12 Larry and Ruth Yoder
27 Alicia “Gwen” Agness * 18 Bill and Nancy Plumme
* indicates child
After the meeting, it was campfire time again. With it cooling off, Marsha enjoyed her new down filled vest – kept her toasty warm. Melodie and Eric’s dad and mom (Phil and Melinda Cohee) and their little 4 legged friend (Peaches) joined us, too. Even more hilarious stories were told including several talking about going to “see Alice” (???) this weekend. :o) (Guess you just had to be there!!
Sunday blessed us with being warm and sunny. It was a morning of gathering for breakfast, going to church and unfortunately breaking down camp to eventually leave. We all stayed around to cheer on Ron with his first try of “getting out without getting stuck” and “dumping” (I’m sure we’ve all seen that segment in the movie “RV”!!). He did very well but did get the new nickname “Wrong Way Ron”!! Hmmm?? We sat around for a little while longer; a couple of the men thought it was time to torment Beaner – oh, well. Eventually we pulled out; some heading to Alejandro’s in Rochester to eat. Thanks again to the hosts and all that helped out for a wonderful weekend. We were a small group – 18 humans, 5 dogs and 1 cat – but a great group.
Sincerely
Carolyn Rexroad, Corresponding Secretary
April 18, 2010,
Welcome to the 2010 Camping Season!!!
Hope everyone survived winter okay whether you were here in Indiana dealing with assorted weather or down south dealing with assorted weather!! And welcome back north to our “snowbirds”!! Sure was great seeing so many this weekend at Bozarth’s Recreational Resort near Lagro. Some were “early birds” arriving on Thursday: Wilbur and Ginny Haggerty (first there; can you believe it??), Guy and Jan Givens (hosts), Bill and Nancy Plummer, Gary and Carolyn Rexroad (in their new rig – 2010 Gulf Stream Independence), Lee and Betty Wilkinson (so great to have you both camping again – it’s been too long!), and Eric Cohee (host). Spent some time catching up then off to the snack bar to grab a bite to eat. Beautiful day and great visiting; also it was great fun checking out the “Givens’ Tag-a-Long” basement!!! It is really cool and carries “everything”!!! It is such fun to be back to camping again.
Friday officially started the camping season. Late morning found Ken and Sharon Dickman arriving, soon followed by Ron and Carol Koenes. On the rainy dreary afternoon George and Sherry Gehring arrived. They were followed by Allen and Carolyn Crist as well as Jeep and Wendy Langer with daughter Andrea. Before long Teresa Cohee (host) arrived along with Ron and Melodie Thompson. Even had some guests pay us a visit – Charlie Hays and his doggies Lady and Corkie. It cleared up and cooled down so a HUGE campfire was in the making. We were then treated to a wonderful dinner at the BRR Snack Bar – thank you so much. Then we enjoyed the infamous cast iron cooked desserts! Yum! It was cool and windy but we still enjoyed a BIG campfire – thanks, Allen! Gradually all turned in for the night.
Saturday started as a beautiful sunny morning and quite chilly (just ask Thompsons HOW chilly it was – especially without propane for the heater!!! Brrrr!!!) We enjoyed watching the hosts prepare breakfast and enjoyed even more eating it. It was an outstanding meal of peach French toast casserole Dutch Oven style (of, course) with pancakes, bacon and all the trimmings. Some tried to work a little of this off walking while others did some RV shopping. To try to provide us with some shelter out of the wind, they tried to erect another dining canopy with windbreak but the wind was just too much for it; we just toughed it out. In the midst of all of this Dick and Marsha Helm arrived for the day and later so did Larry and Ruth Yoder; great they could make it. Popping in to say HI was Jan’s friend Ann. Soon it became craft time so we went to the hall to make our own greeting cards. This was great fun; guidance and supplies were provided by Betty, Jan and Teresa. Thanks for teaching us something new. Also, during this time Bill did a slide show about Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue; very interesting. Ken checked out mushroom hunting and found a snake “checking HIM” out. We commented that Sharon’s Dutch Oven dish must be “Snake Pot Pie”!! Hurry up dinner as it is torture sitting around the campfire smelling all these cast iron cooked dishes. Had an interesting effect on one of us who felt the need go to their RV to visit the restroom only to realize “they hadn’t brought their RV”!!! (Gee, I wonder who that was??) It was finally time to take our masterpieces to the hall and have dinner. Friends of Givens’ arrived to join us – Jerry and Connie Holmes and puppy Teddy. Paul, Tonya and children Samantha and Nick Berg also made it. As always, there was a lot of delicious food (and all “calorie-free”!!! I wish!). Time for our meeting:
President Ron Koenes led the meeting and the prayer. Minutes and the treasurer’s report were read and approved. Between both accounts our balance is $795.17. Birthdays and anniversaries for April were announced. Wilbur was the only April birthday attendee so he got to wear the “birthday hat”. Literature from Dogs for the Deaf was received and shared among those present. A report on donations to Back Roads Dog Rescue was given. A big welcome back to the camping group was given to Lee and Betty; so glad to seen them healthy again and back with us. We agreed to donate $120 to Relay for Life – corporate sign and luminaries ‘in memory” or “in honor” of members taken by or surviving cancer. It was suggested that we need to do some fundraising so we have money on hand for donations. It was also suggested to do a fundraiser at the Samboree but not many seem to be going at this time. As always, the chapters are requested to donate 5 items for the Samboree. The Rexroads have taken care of this and are donating the items. We agreed to donate $50 to Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue (Bill Plummer is on the board and several of us have gotten involved with this wonderful group). We received an anonymous donation of $100 earmarked to be used as a donation to Dogs for the Deaf. We also agreed to make a $50 donation to the Little Red Door. Over some time now, we have been gathering things for the Back Roads Dog Rescue. It was suggested that we choose different organizations monthly for which to collect and spread around our “philanthropic” gestures. Other organizations that were suggested, in addition to the dog rescue, were Birthright of Peru, Helping Hands, Domestic Violence Safe House and Turpentine Creek Wildlife Rescue. Some changes in the campout information were made:
July campout will be at Camp Givens hosted by Rexroads and Bergs (NOTE-since Givens will not let us pay to camp there, it was agreed upon to make a donation to the club as a fundraiser for camping there); September campout is now hosted by Koeneses and Finsters. Please note the changes. The winner of the 50/50 drawing was Eric and he donated the $23 to Back Roads Dog Rescue. Thank you, Eric, and thank you hosts for an awesome camping weekend and a great start to the season!!
May campout plans!!!
When: May 21, 22, 23
Where: Lakeview Campground near Rochester
Hosts: Ron and Melodie Thompson melodiethompson@ymail.com
Hosts: Bill and Nancy Plummer bplummer@kconline.com
Email us at ccsams89@circuscitysams.org
