Newest Member of Almost Heaven Sams

The newest member of Almost Heaven Sams in her new chapter vest--Darianna Atkins.


Also--Grandpa Art Chaney and Darianna out in her pink Cadillac !!

Join A Good Sam Chapter And Join The Fun!

You are surely missing out on a great Club benefit if you are not part of a local Good Sam chapter. Chapters are groups of members who like to camp together; but camping is just part of the fun. The camaraderie and friendships often grow into an extended part of your family.

Many chapters just enjoy spending time with each other at local camp outs or traveling in caravans together. The pleasure most members receive from the various get–togethers is the sense of sharing a common interest, swapping travel adventures and keeping one another posted on the best routes to their RVing destinations.

Community service is another aspect many chapter memberships offer. While having fun, chapters may participate in local civic events and fund raisers, for such organizations as Dogs for the Deaf, Ronald MacDonald House, Special Olympics, and Make a Wish Foundation, just to name a few.

You will find that joining a chapter is not only enjoyable, but another chance for you to use your Good Sam Club membership to its full extent. So join our chapter family and start enjoying more wonderful camping experiences.

Camping with your friends and family….PRICELESS!!
Join a WVGS Chapter today ...
Or start a new chapter!!

See Richard and Virginia Raikes for details.

Celebrate Camping in WV -- The Good Sams Way

Everywhere you go camping--pass out Good Sams Applications; Samboree Applications and tell folks about the WVGS and the WVGS Samboree. Place the info in the campground office and on all the bulletin boards in the camping area. We hope each of you do this whenever and wherever you camp. Its is one of the best ways to spread the good word about WVGS. We aren't the biggest and fanciest Samboree around--but we are the most fun and the friendliest. Come to the Samboree and celebrate camping in WV--the Good Sams Way.

WVGS Publicity – Benefits

•Effective and positive publicity lets people know what WVGS and your chapter is doing in their communities.
•Effective and positive publicity builds goodwill for WVGS and your chapter.
•Effective and positive publicity has a direct correlation with membership.

* Are you sending pictures and articles to your local radio, TV and radio stations at least 4 times each year and to the state directors for the WVGS website?
* Are you sending articles and picture about Samborees your local radio and TV stations after each Samboree?
* Do you pass out Samboree applications wherever you go?
* Does your chapter have chapter business cards and brochures at visibility places and local RV dealerships?
* Do you have your banner to fly whenever your chapter is camping or doing a special event?
* Do you visit your area RV dealers on a regular basis to make sure they have plenty of your chapter info and current Samboree applications?

Thank you!!
Please help the WVGS Grow!!

Dogs for the Deaf Good Sam Quarterly Email

Greetings everyone (State & Provincial Directors, Sambassadors, Chairs & Coordinators): First of all, I am happy to share that on March 31, 2009, Charity Navigator again recognized DFD for the fifth consecutive year as a “Four Star Charity” for our ability to efficiently manage and grow our finances. This “exceptional” rating differentiates DFD from our peers and demonstrates to our donors and the public we are worthy of their trust. I would also like to highlight a first ever Hearing/Autis76m Assistance Dog placement, which was sponsored by Sam’s Radio Hams of So. California.

Secondly, I would like to kindly request your feedback on two issues, as follows:
1. One of our projects is to redesign our website. One of the improvements we have in mind is giving more information and prominence to our benefactors. I would like Good Sam members to be able to download forms such as: Award Patch Flyers, The Good Sam Award & Incentive Manual, Fundraising Ideas, Samboree Demonstration Requests, and Donation Patch Order Forms. That way, information is more accessible and convenient. I would greatly appreciate any other ideas you may have to make your Good Samaritan efforts easier. Now is the time, while we are at the design stage.
2. Are these quarterly DFD email newsletters useful i.e., do you read them, would you like to see a different format, different information, etc? Please let us know if these updates are helpful.

Thirdly, I want to give you a heads-up that I will be sending Good Sam state charts that reflect your state’s donation history since the early 80’s. We thought it would be helpful to you to have this information on one sheet. I will also enclose Certificates of Appreciation to chapters and states/provinces with 2008 donations totaling a minimum of $2,000.00. This mailing will probably go out in a month or so. This is one of the ways we attempt to show our appreciation for the thousands of hours your members volunteer their precious time to fundraise.

Lastly, I would like to acknowledge recent tour visits we’ve had from some wonderful Good Sam members, as follows:
State of Oregon
Chuck & Carol of the Klamath Kampers
Lynn & Steve of Rollin’ Roamers
Norma & Don of the Rogue River Rooster Sams
Kathy of the Roseburg Sams
State of Washington
Overnight visit from Dave (president & DFD Coordinator)
Ema Jean DeWitt of the Get Along Sams
Norma & Don of Sandy Sams
State of California
Sue & Dennis of the Square Sam’ers
Ginnie & Harold of the Happy Hobo Sams
Ray & Ann of the Sierra Sams
Dennis & Jeannette Rudd, State Treasurer of Southern California
JoAnn & Vern Yett, State Director of Southern California

We also had several Good Sam “member at large” visitors from states such as California, Oregon, Washington, and South Dakota. I would also like to give recognition to the Square Sam’ers of Northern California for their Doggy (Piggy) Bank fundraiser idea. Their chapter purchased doggy banks for each member, and at the end of each day members insert their loose change and then turn the money collected into the chapter treasurer. This idea is easy, painless, and convenient!

In closing, I would like to humbly thank you for your continued support in spite of the economic downturn. Due to our faithful donors, I am glad to say that we are holding our own. I’ll be looking forward to your feedback as requested above. Best wishes to you and your loved ones for a safe and happy summer!

Sincerely,
Kimberly Miller
Information Resources Coordinator
Dogs for the Deaf, Inc.

I77 Dump Stations To Be Opened

Have just received word from state of WV that the dump stations on I77 at Mineral Wells will be repaired before the fall WVGS Samboree. Thanks to all you Good Samers (& Wood Co. Commissioners) who were pro-active and called and sent emails on the importance of this issue to RVers. These dump stations have been down for over a year and were not scheduled for repairs until the rest stop renovations in 2012. Thanks!!

Chapter Growth Awards for 2008-2009 -- Cash Awards

Congratulation to Almost Heaven Sams and Big Bend Sams for receiving Chapter Growth Awards for the 2008-2009 year from Good Sam's International. This is great news!

This is a wonderful incentive award for chapters to build their memberhsip. It is also a great incentive for WVGS chapters for making sure that when the Wises send out chapter rosters for updating, the importance of updating the rosters and sending back to us on time!

WVGS Chapter of the Year awards--please remember to fill out the application sent to you previously and bring the the fall Samboree with your chapter scrapbook.

WANTED!!

The WVGS Staff has openings for smiling faces on their staff. Contact Don Wise if you might be interested in one of these positions.

Entertainment
Purchasing Agent
Youth Director

101 Unique Places to Dine

The West Virginia Division of Tourism and the Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachia partnered to identify some of the best “can’t miss” eateries across the state. These selections are the “people’s choice” and are only a sampling of what West Virginia has to offer. You are encouraged to visit these and the other out-of-the-way unique places found around the state. We hope you enjoy your meal!

Collaborative for the 21st Century Appalachian

The Collaborative for 21st Century Appalachia is a grassroots nonprofit organization that was formed in 2005 to begin the promotion of community and economic development by encouraging a new way of Appalachian cooking with a healthier version of traditional foods emphasizing local ingredients and agritourism. For more information about The Collaborative for 21st Century Appalachia visit www.wvfarm2u.org

For a list of the 101 Unique Places to Dine and a map of locations in WV, go to 101 Unique Places to Dine.

Nation's Largest RV Rally Demonstrates Strength of the Industry and Commitment to the Lifestyle

Ventura, Calif. (May 20, 2009) - Recreational vehicle (RV) manufacturers and accessory suppliers experienced larger-than-anticipated traffic and sales at the nation's largest RV rally, held April 17-20 in Albuquerque, N.M. In drawing 3,112 RVs, 353 indoor exhibitors and 140 outdoor exhibit slots over the four-day event, this growing annual get-together - officially called The Rally - again demonstrated the ongoing commitment North American RV enthusiasts have for the RV lifestyle.

Millions of dollars in RVs and accessories were sold throughout The Rally, now in its 10th year, including a $460,000 motorcoach by Michigan-based manufacturer Silver Crown. Roadmaster, Camping World and Demco were among the exhibitors reporting "terrific" sales, while a number of companies literally sold out of product.

"Our exhibitors are very pleased with the amount of traffic and sales activity at The Rally 2009; in fact, at times, attendees were shoulder to shoulder inside the exhibit hall," said Sue Bray, executive director for the Good Sam Club, the event's organizer. "RV manufacturers and aftermarket parts and accessory suppliers alike saw many buyers in a short amount of time, which is a testament to the strength of the industry and commitment to this lifestyle. It was a huge shot in the arm to an industry that really needs it."

"The turnout was better than expected," noted Terry Thompson, vice president of sales for Ventura, Calif.-based Affinity. "Our goal was to get 3,000 family rigs to attend, and we ended up with 3,112. Both the indoor and outdoor exhibitors told us they were happy with the results. Dealers were able to get inventory moved, and the indoor guys were flooded with customers. The first two days of the show it was tough to just walk down the aisles; there were so many people inside. We delivered a bunch of buyers to exhibitors, and nothing makes us happier."

RV travelers, representing every state and province in North America, camped at Albuquerque's famous Balloon Fiesta Park, while exhibitors, seminars and daily activities took place down the road at the EXPO New Mexico fairgrounds.

The Rally has become known as the event and vacation destination of the year for an estimated eight million U.S. RV owners. Every year RV enthusiasts, newbies and veterans alike, explore the wildly popular RV lifestyle through the latest in recreational vehicles and accessories, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and educational seminars by nationally known experts.

Among the first-time events this year at The Rally 2009 were philanthropic projects, eco-friendly initiatives and pet adoptions. In an effort to give back to The Rally's host community of Albuquerque, more than 70 Rally-goers participated in a day of service at Rio Grande Community Farm, while conservation expert Brian Brawdy showed how traveling by RV can conserve resources. The Rally also hosted dog and cat adoptions, courtesy of Albuquerque Mayor Martin Chavez, which secured homes for more than half of the animals.

The Rally 2010 will be July 22-25 in Louisville, Ky; additional information and registration can be found online at www.therally.com. The Rally can also be found on Facebook (The Rally), EONS.com (TheRally), Twitter (@TheRally) and Flickr (flickr.com/photos/therally/).

For more than a decade, The Rally has been an annual event hosted by the million-member Good Sam Club, along with Camping World President's Club, Camp Club USA, Coast to Coast Resorts, Woodall's and Trailer Life and MotorHome magazines. All the organizations are either owned by or affiliated with Affinity, the nation's largest provider of outdoor recreation clubs, services, media and events, headquartered in Ventura, Calif.

Dogs For the Deaf Canine Newsletter

A new edition of the DDF Canine Listener newsletter coming out soon. Don't receive it but want to? Sign up for the e-mail version at DFD Newsletter or e-mail newsletter@dogsforthedeaf.org with your name & address to sign up for the USPS version.

WV GOOD SAMS ON FACEBOOK

The WV Good Sams Club is on Facebook. Keep up with the latest events and happenings. Start and take part in discussions on the forum, and more. If you have a Facebook account, join the group. If you don't have a Facebook account, this is your excuse to get one.

The link to the WV Facebook Group is
WV Facebook Group

GOOD SAM CLUB HONORS
TOP RV-FRIENDLY BUSINESSES

VENTURA, CALIF. (March 30, 2009) - The Good Sam Club, the world's largest RV owners' organization with nearly one million member families, today announced the recipients of its 2009 Welcome Mat awards, aimed at recognizing RV-friendly businesses for their customer service and commitment to the recreation vehicle lifestyle.

All Good Sam Club members are asked to vote for several categories of businesses they see providing RVers with superior customer service and meeting their specific needs. Awards reflect the diverse interests of RV owners, including their favorite sandwich shop, ice cream parlor, fuel and gas station, RV tow vehicle, golf course, as well as favorite sit-down restaurant.

Cracker Barrel, a casual family restaurant located throughout the U.S., has been named the winner of the sit-down restaurant category every year since the award's inception seven years ago.

"Our Welcome Mat Award winners understand the needs of RVers and consistently take the extra steps to show us that they appreciate our business," said Sue Bray, vice president and executive director of the Good Sam Club. "We congratulate all the award recipients and thank them for always making us feel so welcome."

The following is a full list of this year's honorees:
· Fuel/Gas Station: Flying J
· Propane Outlet: Flying J
· Outlet Mall: Tanger
· Casino: Hard Rock
· Fast Food Restaurant: Wendy's
· Ice Cream Parlor: Dairy Queen
· Sandwich Shop: Subway
· Sit-Down Restaurant: Cracker Barrel
· Shopping Center: Wal-Mart
· Dinghy Vehicle: Saturn
· Tourist Attractions/Amusement Parks/Museums: Disney World, Orlando, Fla.
· Golf Course: Pebble Beach, Carmel, Calif.
· NASCAR Event: Daytona 500
· RV Show: Tampa RV Supershow
· State/Province to Fish: Florida
· Good Sam Park: America's Best Campground, Branson, Mo.
· Motor Oil: Shell Rotella
· Pet Supply Store: PetSmart
· Craft Store: Michaels
· RV Accessory Store: Camping World
· State to Visit: Florida
· Province to Visit: British Columbia
· Tow Vehicle: Ford

GOOD SAM CLUB NATIONAL CLEANUP DAY

Cleanup Day will be held May 16 and 17, 2009. This year, Cleanup Day is scheduled prior to Memorial Day weekend as so many roads, parks, schools and other public recreation areas need help before the crush of summertime visitors.

We have free trash bags for everyone participating, which we will ship to you upon request. Just send an email to cleanupday@goodsamclub.com

Make sure you take pictures and send to your local papers!!

GOOD SAMS SUPPORTS
DOGS FOR THE DEAF

From Betty Jenkins of the WWS--

I have an idea so look out !!
I ordered Don & I shirts from Dogs for the Deaf. Why don't you ask the Good Sam members to order one. Then we the Samboree is supporting them, then someone could take a group picture to show how much WVGS does support them. I ordered our under Wild Wonderful Sams and our name.

Just a thought,
Betty


From Don and Kathy--

Great idea Betty!! Can you be in charge of the picture! Please forward to everyone in your chapter, your family and friends.

The link to Dogs for the deaf is Dogs for the Deaf