FROM THE DIRECTOR'S DESK

If you have ever wondered what happened to summer, this may be the year of years.  In most of the area summer just couldn’t seem to get started this year.  When it did we had a few days above 100 degrees in the Treasure Valley and Magic Valley.  I was not able to monitor the rest of you.  But even before the middle of August, I could feel a few days that seemed like fall weather.  So we will have to put in our memory banks a few days when we can recall summer.  I was associated with agriculture most of my life and I have heard how different many of the crops fared in Idaho in 2010.  A lot of crops reacted in many unusual ways and I think most of you have seen the effect trying to visit farmers markets for your favorite produce.

FALL ROUNDUP, COUNCIL, ID, SEPT. 15-18

I like FALL!  The days are nice and it seems like we have a long time to enjoy them.  Of course, the Fall Roundup comes along and we will soon be meeting in Council.  What a great area to visit and camp in.  You should have called in your registration plan to Roberta McFadden by now so plans may be made for the number of rigs that will attend.

I am planning a President’s meeting again and hope to do more listening than talking.  We should not have a great deal to talk about at the General Meeting so we can have a good time playing games, visiting and eating.  Please come and enjoy the area with the rest of us!!

2011 DATES TO REMEMBER

SPRING FLING, JEROME, IDAHO, APRIL 27-29, 2011, JEROME COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS.  Early bird day will be April 26 and we must be gone on Saturday the 30^th because of conflicts.  As in the past most everyone will have electricity to use at a small daily fee.

2011 IDAHO GOOD SAM RALLY, GRANGEVILLE, IDAHO, JUNE 8-11, 2011, GRANGEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL. I am not sure yet on early bird parking but when it is set you will know.  The one thing I do know is there is no electricity at all.  My suggestion is that you make a reservation at the Bear Den RV Park or the other small park very near the school where you will have full hook ups if you need them for your CPAP machines or other health issues.  I believe you could make them right away before they basically close for the winter and they would honor the reservation next summer.

 

FALL ROUNDUP 2011.  Karol Grenier, Assistant Director Area 3, is busily looking for a place to hold the Fall Roundup in 2011.  As of now it looks like it may be in New Plymouth or Emmett but so far she has not been able to let me know which place will commit to her.  Perhaps we will know at the Fall Roundup and I can announce it there.

 WE WILL SEE YOU IN COUNCIL SEPT. 15.  HAVE A SAFE TRIP.  COME AND ENJOY!!!

 

AUGUST NEWSLETTER

FROM THE DIRECTORS DESK

The biggest “excitement” Susan and I have had this month was surgery for Susan.  So that has helped give us a new outlook on how much simpler life is when we are all well.  I think we all take for granted what each other does in our daily tasks.  It sure has meant that I have had more to do, and frankly, I am not too good at it!  But Susan is forgiving of my wayward ways.  She is doing very well now and will have stitches removed soon.  The biggest problem we may find is how in the world will she get in and out of the motor home with the boot???  We will soon be finding out as we will be out the week I am writing this.  SPECIAL NOTE:  We made it pretty well, thanks very much.

We heard a sermon at church this morning about the Good Samaritan’s hands.  I think it is very apropos for all of us in the Good Sam organization.

Consider that each of us has six hands.  Two of these hands may be simply left dormant; not used at all to help in any way.  They are useless to anyone, especially us.  The next two hands may be used to take away from others; to steal anything that belongs to the person needing help, leaving them totally without everything.  But the last two hands are, as we Good Sam “aritans” all know, are there to help anyone who needs it.  We help the hard of hearing through Dogs for the Deaf.  We give to Ronald McDonald house to help the families with ill children.  There are parks being cleaned, as well as highways.  There are women and children centers, homeless shelters, Hole in the Wall centers, and the list goes on.  Good Sams “hands” can never be labeled as those who don’t help anyone!!!

Pat yourselves on the back and give thanks for these great hands.

FALL ROUND UP-COUNCIL, ID SEPT. 15-18  (SEE AGENDA BELOW)

 Assistant Directors, Ron and Roberta McFadden have a registration form on line for you to use now.  It would be good if you could get Roberta or Ron called to let them know if you are coming.  You will not have any reason to send money yet.   Payment of $10 will be required at the door, and the cost of the catered meal will be in addition.  Your notice will alert the McFadden’s so they know how many rigs they may expect.  Council should offer a very nice, peaceful, restful center for the Roundup.  I hope we see you there for another great state meeting.  For instance, a motion to name our June meeting, be it Rally, Samboree, Samborally, etc.  Also, we will need to have a committee rewrite the Constitution and By-Laws before the Spring Fling.  Please be sure to write to me at least before the end of August if you, or you chapter, have something to add to new business.

I would like to have another President’s meeting at Council.  I will be there to listen to all of you better.  I need to learn to do that.   I am sure we need to discuss a couple of items that must come up at the general meeting.

Heartland Roundup
Schedule of Events

Wednesday, September 15

1:00     Early Bird Parking

1:30     Registration                            Exhibit Hall

5:00     Finger Food Social                   Veterans Park

6:00     History of Council                   Veterans Park
(Dale Fisk)

7:00     Games of Choice                     Exhibit Hall

Thursday, September 16

7:30     Hospitality                               Legion Hall
(Bring your coffee cup)

8:00     Registration                            Exhibit Hall

9:30     Presidents Round Table          Exhibit Hall

11:00   Chapter Meetings                   Exhibit Hall
(Sourdoughs, Military, etc)

12:00   Lunch on your own

1:00     Table Games Competition      Exhibit Hall

1:00     State Store Open                     Front of Hall

3:00     R McDonald Tab Weigh In      Veterans Park

4:00     Opening Ceremony Practice Exhibit Hall
Presidents, proxies, AD

5:00     Dinner on your Own

6:30     Opening Ceremonies              Exhibit Hall

7:30     Card Bingo                              Exhibit Hall

Friday, September 17

7:30     Hospitality                               Legion Hall
(Bring your coffee cup)

8:00     Registration                            Exhibit Hall

9:00     Presidents & Staff Meeting    Exhibit Hall

12:00   Samantha Red Hat Tea           Exhibit Hall
(Ladies)

12:00   Economy of Council (Men)     Veterans Park

1:00     State Store Open                     Exhibit Hall

1:30     Bean Bag Baseball                  Veterans Park

5:30     Pot Luck                                   Exhibit Hall

6:30     Awards, Announcements        Exhibit Hall

7:00     Entertainment                         Exhibit Hall

8:00     Door Prize Drawing                Exhibit Hall

8:30     Table Games of Choice           Exhibit Hall

Saturday, September 18

7:00     Hospitality                               Legion Hall
(Bring your coffee cup)

9:00     General Meeting                    Exhibit Hall

12:00   Lunch on your own

1:00     State Store Open                     Exhibit Hall

1:30     Swing Golf Competition          Veterans Park

3:30     Flag Burning Ceremony          Veterans Park                  (Bring any old flags)

5:30     Catered Dinner                       Exhibit Hall 
(Bring Table Service)

6:30     Awards, Announcements        Exhibit Hall

7:00     Entertainment                         Exhibit Hall
(Dennis Cooper)

8:00     Door Prize Drawing                Exhibit Hall

(Ron sent the menu for the catered banquet.  You will not be sorry when you purchase tickets to attend this catered dinner!!  It sounds very good to me.  Gordon)

SOUTHERN IDAHO CAMPOUT

The dates for the Southern Idaho Campout Are October 1-4, 2010 at the Emmett City Park. 
The cost is $10.00 for 4 nights there. There is limited electricity available at the park. 
The entertainment pending, but the date coincides with the Emmett Harvest festival.

LATEST IDAHO STATE PARKS INFORMATION 

Here is a bit of preliminary information about hosting with Idaho state parks:

•     All positions are non-paid

•     All park volunteers are provided with a full (or in a very few instances) a partial hook up site with water, electricity, and sewer

•     The park rangers and managers hire their own volunteers at each park location and fill positions as they have a need.

•     We ask that you stay a minimum of 30 days at a single state park and work at least 20-24 hours per week We are waiving this rule for the rest of the summer.  Experienced hosts may volunteer to commit to 2 long weekends/month (Friday-Sunday)

•     Volunteers may continue to work with us through our entire season if they desire—which is typically Memorial Day through Labor Day

•     Communicate your expectations to the park staff and find out what they expect from you before you arrive so you know exactly what job you are agreeing to do.

When I receive completed applications, I will forward the information from your application to our parks. You can get more information about our volunteer opportunities and our parks by visiting our web site at:  http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/aboutus/jobs_volunteering.aspx