COLORADOGOODSAM.ORG - JANUARY 2022 VOLUME 48 NO. 1 - COLORADO GOOD SAM
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State Director's Corner From Your State Director, I want to wish you all a Happy New Year and pray that this coming year will be filled with Joy, Happiness, Growth and Wellness. This past year we have seen many difficult changes. We went from no camping and fellowship to limited camping, fellowship and rallies. I know many of our Chapters have gone camping, had meetings and fellowship meetings which is great. I just pray that all are still staying healthy and are following CDC guidelines. We were able to have a Rally this past year with 32 rigs and approximately 64 people in attendance. We held the Rally at the Colo- rado State Fairgrounds in Pueblo Colorado and had wonderful weather. We followed all of the CDC guidelines as well as Pueblo County guidelines. The entertainment we had was great as well as the food. We had 8 new couples join us this past year and as of this writing I believe all have a joined a chapter. The one thing I had heard numerous times was that people had more fun this past year at the rally. We brought back one of the old games of Blind-Man Obstacle with a new twist. Instead of using a tractor, we used an electric cart and was well accepted. After looking at numerous other locations and putting into the equation of bad weather, pricing, availability of location and ameni- ties, I have reserved and have a signed contract with the State Fairgrounds in Pueblo once again for the Rally this year. The enter- tainment will be slightly different this year as I have a new band coming in on Friday night that I feel will be well accepted. As of the beginning of 2022 we are now down to six Chapters for the State. We had Hammin’ Sams and Old Number 7 Sams turn in their charters at the end of 2021. In addition to this we have some other changes, we had many new members join Chapters. These individuals either saw us at the Rally and want more of what we have to offer, were referred to us by another State Director or saw us at an RV Show. Also, we have a new State Secretary Donna Janssen who has replaced Celia Smith, have reduced our As- sistant State Directors to only three with each having two Chapters under them: Lyle Hayward will be responsible for Arapahoe and San Juan Sams, Mel Trafton will be responsible for Blue Spruce and Good Luck Sams and George Ryan will be responsible for Coyote and Sweetheart Sams. We have our first RV Show coming up for 2022 at the Colorado Convention Center in Denver on January 13, 14 & 15, 2022. This RV show is the Colorado RV Adventure & Travel Show presented by Good Sam. Good Sam members can purchase tickets for $10.00 versus the regular $12.00 when presenting their Good Sam Membership Card. Colorado Good Sam will have a table that will pro- vide more information about Chapters and how to become a Good Sam Member. I pray that all of you will stay safe and healthy as we fellowship around the camp fire in 2022. Respectfully Submitted Rick Smith Colorado Good Sam State Director 1
Schindler & Bill Agnew. Cute aprons guys! BLUE SPRUCE SAMS SOUTHERN REGION FALL 2021 This year is almost over, but here we are and so is Covid with the numbers increasing. Most of us are trying to ignore it by not wearing masks. Until the end of the year we have 30 members, several still camp every month April to October. We enjoy each other’s company and it helps during this time. There were 8 of us one morning last summer at the Pueblo Zoo working in the heat to beautify the grounds by digging up weeds. Some came from as far away as Trinidad and Canon City. Here we are before sweat- ing! Everyone brought food to go with the hamburgers. No one goes hungry at our get-togethers! Once again we had games. This time it was bocce ball on Larry’s beautiful green court. Our President Dennis Murphy thinks his ball will win a point. Wonder what competi- tor Ed Oelrich is doing to win! The next bi-annual COGS began in July and July’s campout was at Royal View RV Park a few miles west of Canon City. This was the first time camping at this RV park. 18 members attended. August campout was at Oddfellows which we like be- cause we have the campground to ourselves. It does October camp-out was at Circle the Wagons in La have electric but no water at the sites. Weather was Veta for the Octoberfest. 13 attended. John and Donna nice to sit outside and just visit. 19 attended. Janssen were the hosts and their chile was oh so yum- my! We even had a fireside chat. September, of course, was the Rally. We are proud of our own John and Donna Janssen being the State On a sad note, we lost an Honorary Member, Kay Wagonmasters. Larry Hall also was in charge once Nash, in September. She has now joined her beloved again of Bean Bag Baseball and also helped with the husband Rich. They were long-time members and are Corn Hole Game. And come January 1st, Donna greatly missed. Janssen will be the State Secretary! You go girl! There was also a birthday potluck party for all 8 mem- bers celebrating September birthdays at Dee and Larry In Memory of Kay Nash Hall’s backyard. See our illustrious cooks: Gary (Continued on page 5) 3
(Continued from page 3) There are several members that are still madly in love Also, there were 8 members who attended Jr Hall’s with each other – all married over 50 years too! Memorial Service in early November including our DRUM ROLL PLEASE!!! (Jerry and I have 4 years State Wagonmasters John and Donna sitting in front of until our Silver–we’re like the chapter newlyweds!) the rest of us. RIP Junior. You were a wonderful Colorado State Di- rector. Our prayers to your sweet wife Carolyn and all who love you. In closing, we Blue Sprucers feel your pain dealing In Memory of Orbin Hall Jr. with Covid and hope for peace for you all. Submitted Val Ledbetter, Secretary November was our Thanksgiving meal and meeting at Round Table Sports Grill at Hollydot Golf Course in GOOD LUCK SAMS Colorado City. There were 27 there to eat and be mer- ry, including 2 new members! SOUTHERN REGION 2021 has been a major challenge for all of our Good Luck Sams members. Staying home, dealing with COVID-19 for those who have had the misfortune of getting COVID-19 and making it through. Our campouts started with a bang in May at Mountain- dale with 23 attendees and we were honored with the presence of the 2021 El Paso Fair Queen, Madyson Bukring. The ingenious theme of “Hobo” provided different Hobo dishes but don’t dismiss the usual dish- es, they were delicious. Needless to say there was lots of “good eating”! We even had fun playing games and even had the “Best Dressed Hobo” among our midst (Claire Brodeur). Our money-making project of operating the Beer Gar- den keeps us very busy. During the races the roar of In December we’ll be returning to Round Table Sports the engine fills our ears as we sell beer, soft drinks, Grill for our Christmas get-together, minus those who water, and, of course, the necessary ear plugs. head to warmer climate. Coming from Alaska, we think Pueblo is warm enough for winter! (Continued on page 7) 5
Orbin Hall, Jr Orbin Hall Jr. born March 05, 1947, to Orbin Hall & Zona Jameson in Lackey, KY went to his heavenly home on October 28, 2021. Orbin graduated high school in South Lyon, MI. Following high school, he spent 3 years in the Army working as a Tech Inspector repairing communication and navigation wires in helicopters. He spent two of his three years in the Army in Vietnam in the Cen- tral Highlands. He participated in and survived the Tet Offensive of 1968. Upon returning stateside from Vietnam, Orbin met the woman that he would spend his life with when she met him at the airport following his deployment. They would marry within a year on Valentine’s Day and spend their lives creating beautiful memo- ries. In 1971 Orbin and his young family moved to Colorado where he worked on a dairy farm until he started with Pepsi Cola in 1972. He was a valued and loyal employee of Pepsi Cola for 37 years. At the time of his retirement in 2009 he held the title of Key Account Manager. Orbin was never one to rest and relax, during his time with Pepsi, he taught economics for Junior Achievement and was involved with the Pikes Peak Restaurant Association. He was a member of Colorado Good Luck Sams since 1978. During his time in Colorado Good Sams he had the honor of serving as State Director for 6 years as well as being a member of the State Staff since 1987. Orbin has been on the Fair Advisory Board since 1979 and was heavily involved in the planning and running of the El Paso County Fair. In 1988, Orbin and three other members of the El Paso County Fair founded the El Paso Wagon Train. In 1989 the first train of covered wagons drove 25 miles to arrive at the El Paso County Fair. Orbin was a mem- ber of this organization until his passing. Although Orbin participated in many clubs, organizations and boards, his greatest blessing and achievement has al- ways been his family. He enjoyed 51 years of marriage with his beautiful bride, Carolyn. And up until his final day he still looked at her with love and adoration. Nothing brought him greater joy than planning big beautiful weddings for his daughters and spending time with his sons. He was blessed with eleven grandchildren and he took every chance he could to spend time with them or offer them help when they needed it. His true passion in life was cultivating the beautiful legacy he leaves behind in the strong, resilient and incredible children, grandchildren, and great grandchild he has left behind. Orbin is preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, Michael. He is survived by his wife Carolyn Hall and 4 children – Gregory Hall (Stacie), Kristie Peroni, Leslie Parsons (Zach), and Jeffrey Hall (Lisa). Along with eleven grand- children; Rachael, Alyssa, Taylor, Arthur, Kyle, Jordan, Kristopher, Xavier, Sariyah, Layla, Devin and one great grand- daughter, Adelina, and one great granddaughter on the way, Rose. He is also survived by his brother Archie Hall and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers please donate to Vietnam Veterans of America in Orbin’s memory. 6
(Continued from page 5) The El Paso County Fair provides quite a challenge of One of our special speakers was Stacie Harris from the getting volunteers and serving our customers in a time- Pueblo DA’s Office (an Economic/Elder/Scam Crime ly manner. Each volunteer has down time that can be Expert). We all came away with lots of notes for each spent visiting the vendors, seeing the 4-H exhibits of us to implement protection for ourselves and what (cooking, sewing, cows, horses, rabbits, chickens, etc.), red flags to watch out for. enjoying the rides and the special events. Or resting. And don’t forget The entertainment provided an excellent opportunity those food ven- for our members to have a good time on the dance dors. We like to floor. Those with costumes of clowns, bearded lady celebrate our and the decorations added to the feeling of a circus! members’ birth- days! Yogi Bear greet- ed the campers at JellyStone Campground in Estes Park. They even brought out a fire engine to take campers for rides. Yep it was cold and we were happy to have our heaters. The Haunted Stanley Hotel could not be resisted by some. As usual, the chance to get together and visit and partake of GOOD food was great. The only downside was that three people who attended the campout caught COVID- 19, two with minor symptoms and one still struggling with it. The Circus (Big Top) Rally kept everyone busy playing games (Bunco, SAMGO, Bean Bag Baseball, etc.) which gave us some laughs and a chance to cheer on those participating. Don’t forget our Pet Parade which showed lots of dogs, some with costumes, some res- cued but all were honored with a win because the judg- es just could not pick out a “WINNER”. SO THEY WERE ALL WINNERS! (Continued on page 8) 7
(Continued from page 7) LaVeta Oktoberfest had live music, dancing, lots of vendor booths, a Biergarten and a HUGE Car show and SWEETHEART SAMS Jeep Exhibition. I gave up halfway through the car show—there were too many for me to take in. Circle the Wagon Campground is wonderfully relaxing and so NORTHCENTRAL REGION pleasant. JUNE: For our campout in June our Wagonmasters, Our November (restaurant campout) will be held at one George and Jan Ryan, took us to the I-80 Lakeside of our favorite places, Olive Garden. It will be great Campground in North Platte, Nebraska. The weather for us all to get together. was a little warm but it didn’t keep us from doing our usual fun things, such as having a BBQ potluck dinner with George and Jan providing hamburgers and hot dogs, playing yard games, visiting the “Buffalo Bill” Cody Ranch State Historical Park and going out to din- ner on Saturday evening at Merricks Ranch House res- taurant. To end it all, George and Jan provided our breakfast on Sunday morning and after devotions sent us on our way. All in all it was a great weekend. JULY: Our midsummer campout found us at the AB Campground in Cheyenne, Wyoming. The weather was perfect (well, except for a bit windy, that is). Our Wagonmasters, Dean and Carol Mizer, headed up a weenie/brat roast for our get-together on Friday even- ing. On Friday some of the guys decided they would scout around Cheyenne in search of other campgrounds. They concluded that the campground we were in suited us just fine. Saturday was designated as a rest day but we did exert enough energy to play a few bean bag games and a We have lost JR Hall who was one of our founding couple of ladder games. You see, we had to save up members. He will be missed. enough energy to eat all those ribs and other delicious dishes which we purchased from the barbeque restau- As the year closes out, we are all looking forward to rant on the grounds. our Christmas party. Because of COVID-19 we were not able to get together last year. To end our weekend our Wagonmasters filled us up with a hearty breakfast, conducted devotions and head- Submitted by Ardith Schade ed us toward home. Now we’re all looking forward to our campout in August. AUGUST: We went to a campsite this month that was new to our group. The Pony Soldier RV Park in Lingle, WY was a nice getaway for our August campout. Most of the group went to the campground on Thursday and toured the area on Friday but returning to the campground for a fine potluck which included tasty Visit the Colorado Good Sam Org sloppy joes provided by the Wagonmasters, Marilyn and Tom Kasupke and Loretta Wilson, with all the website under the Community Tab and sides provided by the members. check out the For Sale link. On Saturday we went to Fort Laramie National Histor- ic Site. There was lots to see, including several build- ings and officers’ quarters, and on top of that there were several informative speakers, plus re-enactments. (Continued on page 9) 8
(Continued from page 8) In the evening we did our usual visit to a local restau- rant. On Sunday morning our hosts served breakfast casse- role, and after devotions everyone headed for home looking forward to the Rally next month. SEPTEMBER: And so came the day we had all been working for and looking forward to - our yearly State Rally where we can visit with the other state campers which we have so much in common with. In reviewing the events of the Rally, everyone in our group agreed One day we boarded the Royal Gorge Train for a trip up the that it was a great weekend for all of us. Arkansas River gorge and a great lunch served on board. OCTOBER: Our campout this month took us to the KOA in Fort Collins. With Norma and Roger Banzhaf as our Wagonmasters, we had a delicious potluck (as usual), played games and had a fine time just relaxing. NOVEMBER: Even though this was not a camping weekend our group still got together. This month we went to the New Freedom Church Cafe in Berthoud for lunch and to catch up on what everyone was going to do over the holidays. All of our members were present and are looking forward to our Christmas celebrations. We also drove Phantom Canyon Road from Canon City to Victor. Carol Mizer Co-Historian COYOTE SAMS NORTH CENTRAL REGION It was good to be back on the road. Coyote Sams members were anxious to get out this year and do some camping. In June we went to Ogallala, Nebraska and camped at Country There were quite a few games of cards played and lots of View, a nice quiet place. Other than the temperatures being visiting. blistering, over 100 each day, we visited the Petrified Wood September found us at the Rally in Pueblo. We truly en- Gallery and took in the dinner and show at Front Street. Sev- joyed the atmosphere this year. Although attendance was eral campers attended a “music in the park” one evening and down, it was wonderful to have time to visit. The State staff also toured the Lake McConaughy visitor center. did an outstanding job to keep things running and engaging The end of July we camped at Riverview in Loveland, did for everyone. It was very apparent they that they put a lot of some shopping and visited around the camp. We also time and effort into the event. Thank You. checked out several local restaurants. Just good to be out! We are hoping for a more active year in 2022 and look for- In August we travelled to Canon City and camped at Moun- ward to doing some camping with other smaller chapters. tain View RV Resort. We had a cookout one night and of Lastly, loving thoughts and prayers for those friends we’ve course had to have some smores. John took us for a ride over lost this year. They will all be deeply missed. Skyline Drive. Submitted by Judy Creasman He will vouch that the experience has a pretty high rating on the pucker factor scale, but the views are magnificent. (Continued on page 10) 9
(Continued from page 9) Connie stand in the rain and cook the brats while we waited inside for dinner to be served. Several members took ad- SAN JUAN SAMS vantage of the great weather and walked the short trail through the Dennis Weaver Park. With some easing of EASTERN REGION COVID-19 restrictions, members journeyed to Ridgway and indulged in a great lunch at the True Grit Café. For years, the chapter camped the fourth weekend of each month from April to September with a potluck dinner on the Linda & John, with Barbara, hosted the June campout. The 4th Saturday during the winter. However, with campgrounds campout was held at Aspen Trails RV Park above Ce- seeing higher usage, the members voted to change the cam- daredge. Two additional rigs were in attendance including pout schedule to Tuesday – Friday during the fourth week. Jean, and Mike & Sue. Guests included Verna and Pat. So, following five months of no personal contact, members Phyllis from the disbanded Three Rivers Chapter visited on got together for the first campout of the season the fourth Wednesday. Members, Chuck & Billie, joined the group on week in April. Thursday afternoon for the potluck and business meeting. Planned activities included Tuesday night ice cream at the The first get-together of the season is always held at a local restaurant; Wednesday breakfast again at the restaurant; park. This ensures rigs were successfully winterized/de- Wednesday night spaghetti dinner; and shared breakfast winterized and all appliances, holding tanks and tow vehi- Thursday and Friday. As usual there was great food and cles in good condition. It never fails that someone needs fellowship. assistance. Cimarron Campground, part of the Curecanti National Rec- This April was a trip to a park we hadn’t visited for a while, reation Area was home for the July campout. Three rigs, Valley Sunset RV Ranch LLC. Four rigs, Mike & Sue, Hosts Mike & Sue plus Connie, and John & Linda & Barba- Connie, Jean, Gus, and John & Linda with Barbara plus ra & Mom Verna braved the heat. We might have been a their Mom Verna small group but we had a fun time with seven people and camped. With group five dogs. At least we people still outnumber the dogs. restrictions still in place, activities were limited to outside or in our rigs. Since, eating, visiting, always the activities of choice, and for some of us walking the dogs, this was not a problem. Two former members of the Two Rivers Sams joined us for the potluck and meet- ing, Chuck and Charlie. Chuck became a member. We had a few new friends join us for meals including Mark and Mike from the park and fellow campers Doug and Holly. The May gathering was held at Ridgway State Park, Ridg- way, CO. Three rigs made the short hop including Mike & Sue, Connie, and John with Linda and Barba- ra and Mom Verna. Rick and Lillian brought Pat as their guest on Saturday for the meeting bringing our meeting count to eight members and two guests. Activities remained the same: eating, visiting, and In Memory of Emory Franklin Arndt walking the dogs with the addition of card games on Saturday following the (Continued on page 11) meeting. A little rain in the evening, not a problem, we let 10
The August campout was cancelled. Instead, the members met for lunch at Jimmers BBQ in Montrose that was attend- ed by 13 members and Mom Verna as guest. At the short ARAPAHOE SAMS business meeting following lunch, it was agreed the officers would retain their office for another year. A donation was EASTERN REGION made for the Emory Arndt Memorial Fund, a scholarship for Montrose Agriculture Vocational training. Arapahoe Sam’s 2021season was a huge success. We Several members made the 225 mile trip to the State Rally in had a great turnout at all of our camping trips and even Pueblo. John & Linda with Barbara plus Connie broke up the picked up a few new rigs. So, Arapahoe Sams is grow- ing! With that in mind we are planning a great summer with several camping trips starting in May. We are in the process of rebuilding our web page and soon you’ll be able to see our schedule and contact us online at Arapa- hoesams.org. Please feel free to join us if you want miles by spending a few days going and coming at Blue Me- more camping. sa Recreational Ranch. Old friends were hugged, new friends made, sloppy joes and ice cream were eaten and We all had a great time visiting and spending time with Christmas gifts were bought. all of our members and are getting together for our De- For the last campout of 2021, cember meeting soon. But in the meantime, here are a members again gathered at few photos to share from our 2021 activities Cimarron Campground. The chapter has been meeting in . September at or near this site for forty years. Five rigs and thirteen members enjoyed the gathering. Wagonmasters were Sue & Mike and Jean. We kicked off the gathering with a potluck dinner. The next morning Mike cooked pan- cakes and due to the rain, delivered them to each rig. The ladies held an afternoon Lorrain Memorial Tea while the men held an afternoon coffee also remembering the mem- bers we have lost. Because we had several rain showers through the gathering, we spent lots of time indoors but still enjoyed cards, puzzle piecing, good food and great friend- ship. We also celebrated our 40th Anniversary with a grilled steak dinner. Members hoped to camp again in October, but fearing an early winter, they decided to winterize rigs and get together for a potluck and cards. Julia hosted the afternoon at her home and five additional members took advantage of the hospitality. The annual Christmas Party is scheduled for Saturday, De- cember 11th, 12 noon. Pat was able to get the clubhouse at Cimarron Creek. Ham will be provided with members bring- ing a potluck side dish. The plan is to play cards afterwards. Ideas are firming up for the 2022 campouts. Like us on Face- book at www.facebook.com/sanjuansams and we’ll keep you Happy New Years to all of our Colorado Good posted on our plans. Sam friends everywhere. We hope to see you around a campfire in 2022! 11
2022 COLORADO GOOD SAM STATE OFFICERS DIRECTOR Rick Smith & Lisa Cannone-Smith (Good Luck Sams) (719) 339-4189 coloradogoodsams@gmail.com or Colorado Springs, CO rickhsmith2557@gmail.com TREASURER Sharla Hayward (Arapahoe Sams) (303) 913-5808 Aurora, CO seabreeze23@msn.com SECRETARY Donna Janssen (Blue Spruce Sams) (719) 289-5822 Colorado City, CO donnajj33@yahoo.com WAGONMASTER John Janssen (Blue Spruce Sams) (719) 289-5822 Colorado City, CO donnajj33@yahoo.com WEBMASTER Jeff Towne (Good Luck Sams) (719)574-8505 ColoGoodSamWebmas- Colorado Springs, CO ter@gmail.com or jeffjant@gmail.com EDITOR Linda Lowitz (San Juan Sams) H:(970) 856-4566 C:(970)234-4566 Cedaredge, CO jllowitz2@gmail.com PHOTOGRAPHER Lisa Marie Cannone-Smith (Good Luck Sams) (719)339-4159 Colorado Springs, CO Lisamariecannonesmith@gmail.com PATCHPERSON Jan Towne (Good Luck Sams) (719) 574-8505 Colorado Springs, CO jantowne44@gmail.com ASSISTANT Ed Thomas (Good Luck Sams) (719) 339-8869 PATCHPERSON Colorado Springs, CO Edthomas4230@outlook.com STATE VIP HOST Claire & Roland Brodeur (Good Luck Sams) (719) 260-9634 Peyton, CO brodeurr@comcast.net SOUND MANAGER Tim & Marilyn Cassidy (Arapahoe Sams) (303) 464-0364 Westminster, CO marilyncassidy@live.com VENDOR Carolyn Hall (Good Luck Sams) (719) 337-6100 COORDINATOR Peyton, CO chall5349@gmail.com IMMEDIATE PAST Orbin & Carolyn Hall 2014-2019 (Good Luck Sams) (719) 495-1650 STATE DIRECTOR Peyton, CO chall5349@gmail.com 2022 COLORADO GOOD SAM ASSISTANT STATE DIRECTORS NORTH CENTRAL George & Jan Ryan (Sweetheart Sams) (303) 946-5995 Coyote Sams and Sweetheart Sams Brighton, CO George.ryan@sbcglobal.net SOUTHERN Mel & Dee Trafton (Good Luck Sams) (719) 633-1852 Good Luck Sams and Blue Spruce, Sams Colorado Springs, CO melodee54@msn.com EASTERN CENTRAL Lyle Hayward (Arapahoe Sams) (303) 913-5808 Arapahoe Sams and San Juan Sams & WESTERN SLOPE Aurora, CO seabreeze23@msn.com ColoradoGoodSam.org 12
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