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2011 Minutes
December 17th Perkins Restaurant in Falmouth - Hosted by Bernard Smith

Back row: Margie & Bernard Smith, Bill & Cassie Parker, Frank Sollitto, Tony (B&C’s grandson), Carol Sollitto, Dave & Jane Hatcher behind Tony & Carol, Cheryl Stuckey, Jean Erving, Brenda Jones, Ed & Mary Fisher, Charles Morrison

Front: Darlene & Joe James, Richard Jones, Mario & Betty Smorto, Jim & Liz Renfro, Sallyann Morrison

December’s meeting was hosted by our Wagonmaster, Bernard Smith, and held at the Perkins Restaurant in Falmouth on December 17th. Those in attendance were Margie and Bernard Smith, Cassie and Bill Parker, Darlene and Joe James, Jane and Dave Hatcher, Sallyann and Charlie Parker, Mary and Ed Fisher,
Liz and Jim Renfro, Brenda and Richard Jones, Betty and Mario Smorto, Cheryl Stuckey, Carol and Frank
Sollitto, Betty Howard (associate member), and our Honorary Grandson, Tony, who was an absolute gentleman all afternoon.

Cheryl Stuckey reported that the Sunshine fund is approximately $40.00 We collected $31.00 during this meeting, bringing the total for yearend to $71.00.

Margie included the May Samboree registration form in the Christmas cards she gave to everyone. May’s Samboree’s theme is “Mexican Fiesta”. Be thinking of things we might do with that theme for the potential chapter parade or for a raffle and/or door prize. Darlene and Joe donated a “Virginia shaped” basket for a door prize. We can possibly fill that with Mexican food goodies, etc. Thank you, Darlene and Joe.

Margie informed us we will be starting the new year with 15 members. It was suggested that we could wear our Hill and Dale vests when attending RV shows to attract new members.

Mary Fisher won $16.00 in the 50/50 raffle and $17.00 went to the Chapter. Dave Hatcher moved and Jim Renfro seconded and it was passed that the Chapter’s earnings from the 50/50 be donated to charity.

Bernard Smith, absolutely and positively retired as wagonmaster. No ifs, ands or buts. He’s tried to retire in the past and was not successful until this year. Fortunately, Brenda Jones was strong-armed, I mean graciously, agreed to become our new Wagonmaster. THANK YOU, BRENDA!!!!!!!

Bernard presented to the Smortos their name plaque for their Hill and Dale membership.

November - No Meeting was held
October 14-16 Rockingham County Fairgrounds Harrisonburg

October was the Fall Samboree held in Harrisonburg, VA. Bill and Sharon Russ were the only attendees from our Chapter and they went as vendors.

September 24th - Amy's Place Hosted by Cheryl Stuckey

Sept meeting was held on 9/24 at AMY’s Place, a sweet local restaurant with wonderful food and service in Falmouth, VA. This meeting was hosted by Cheryl Stuckey. Those in attendance were Margie and Bernard Smith, Cheryl Stuckey, Carol & Frank Sollitto, Ed & Mary Fisher, Sallyann and Charlie Morrison. We were especially delighted to have Liz and Jim Renfro, as well as Eleanor and Jack Brown join us as they have been experiencing serious health issues. It was a relaxing afternoon with good friends and good food. There was no treasury report, Sunshine Club report nor a 50/50 drawing.

August 19-21 Hill and Dale Campout - Thousand Trails/Chesapeake Hosted by Joe and Darlene James and Bill and Cassie Parker

August campout was the weekend of August 19th and the meeting held on August 20th at the Chesapeake Thousand Trails Campground. This weekend was hosted jointly by the Parkers and James. Those in attendance were Cassie & Bill Parker, Betty Howard, Brenda & Richard Jones, Margie & Bernard Smith, Darlene & Joe James, and Carol & Frank Sollitto. There was no treasury report and no Sunshine Report. The 50/50 was a total of $10.00 with Frank winning $5.00 and the remaining $5.00 going into our treasury.

This weekend’s intent was to relax and enjoy the last, few remaining days of summer and we did just that.
Lots of time gabbing, eating, gabbing, swimming, eating, walks around the campground, gabbing, miniature golf, eating and playing cards or board games. A very restful time especially for those of who had to return to work. And did I mention we did lots of gabbing and eating?
July 8-10 Hill and Dale Campout - Candy Hill Campground Hosted by Ed and Mary
The July campout at Candy Hill at Winchester went nicely. Although there were only four of us (David and Jane Hatcher and Mary and I), we had a good time.  Candy Hill is a very nice campground/RV park.  It is beautifully landscaped with mostly flat sites, several English type flower gardens, and lots of green grass and shade.  Very much appreciated in the summer we we are having. The facilities are great with a well stocked camp store, a large game room, with not only electronic type games, but also two full size pool tables and a very large air hockey table.  A meeting/dining room was available but since there was only the four of us we decided to forgo the Saturday pot luck and try out a local restaurant a few miles down the road. The food was not outstanding but good. It was followed up with their homemade pies and cobblers. Earlier in the day we made the obligatory visit to Camping World to help add to Winchester’s coffers. We also made our way to the State Arboretum where there are both walking and driving tours throughout the grounds. The day before, Mary and I strolled the downtown mall, taking in some or the shops and looking at some of the architecture that predates the Civil War. I have attached 5 pics that somewhat show the park and arboretum. I’m also cc’ing this message to Vicky and the Hatchers.
Lates,
Ed
June 10-12 Hill and Dale Campout and Meeting - American Heritage, Williamsburg Hosted by Wayne & Trish
Guests (Jones and Smorto) welcomed.

Present: Ed & Mary Fisher (Scout), Richard & Brenda Jones, Darlene & Joe James (Sassy), Bernard & Margie Smith, Wayne & Trish Smith, Bill Smith, Mario & Betty Smorto (Barney), Frank & Carol Sollitto (Brady), Cheryl Stuckey, John & Vicki Lapointe (Pepper Girl, Shelby), Bill & Cassie Parker

Sollitto had to return to Mechanicsville for Frank’s cousin’s funeral so they were not present for dinner and meeting (during storm). The room was just big enough and it was nice to have a refrigerator and sink for leftovers and clean up. Again, a very good yummy (too much food) with no duplication potluck. Still amazes me with no preplanning.

Margie mentioned all the Samborees she knew about (all can be found on the Good Sam website):
  • Sept. 9-11 Delaware State Samboree, Delaware State Fairgrounds, Harrington DE
  • Sept. 9-11 West Virginia Good Sams Fall Samboree, Wetzel County Fairgrounds, New Martinsville WV
  • Oct. 5-9 South Carolina Fall Samboree, Ocean Lakes Family Campground, Myrtle Beach SC
    • Oct. 14-16 Annual Ward RV Rally / Music Festival /KCBS Cook-Off extravaganza, Ward SC www.wardscevents.com
  • Oct. 14-16 Virginia Fall Samboree “Hollywood Legends”, Rockingham County Fairgrounds, Harrisonburg VA
Received a thank you note from Carolyn Patterson, Food Service Coordinator, VA Good Sams, for the assistance from the Hill & Dale Sams at Saturday breakfast.

A photo of our kazoo band instruments was passed around for those that missed the VA Spring Samboree
We sang Happy Birthday to all our May and June people that we present. We should bring this back to our campouts/meetings. Thanks to our Sunshine Fund chair (Cheryl) for keeping the cards sent out to anniversary and birthday.
50/50 was drawn by Bill Smith. $26 with $13 going to Sunshine Fund and $13 to Mario Smorto (who donated $3 to Sunshine Fund)
Good Sam Enterprises sent a President’s manual and charter/chapter information for Constitution & Bylaws. Margie is reviewing to see if our C&B need revising.
Margie went next door to help the Friendly Maryland chapter with their 40th anniversary photo session. She stuck her head back in the door to remind H&Ds that our 35th anniversary is in October. We should make plans for a celebration. In the past the treasury provides the meat(s) and members bring potluck to go with it.

Respectfully submitted
Margie L. Smith, President
May 20-22, 2011 Hill and Dale Chapter - Virginia Spring Samboree
TBD
April 15 & 16, 2011 Hill and Dale Chapter Campout & Meeting - Endless Caverns Hosted by Jane and Dave
Our April campout was held at Endless Caverns off I-81. The campground has undergone a recent renovation and is very nice. The torrential rains that weekend made things a little dicey (think “flashflood”). Really we were in no danger, but the rains did create logistic problems when it came to getting from Point A to Point B.

Those attending were Jack & Eleanor Brown, Cheryl Stuckey, Mary & Ed Fisher, Margie and Bernard Smith, Jane & Dave Hatcher, Vicki & John Lapointe, Theresa & Wes Simpson (prospective members from Reedsville) and Carol & Frank Sollitto who came limping in late Saturday due to a leveler problem on Big Dawg.

On Saturday, due to the rains, some stayed in their rigs and cooled their heels. Others took advantage of the cavern discount offer to campers and saw the Endless Caverns and still others braved the weather to go gadding about to see the local sights and opportunities. I think the highlight of this weekend was the discovery of the Route 11 Chip Factory (as in potato chips) on Friday. Didn’t even know we had such a jewel in our area.

Saturday we had our community dinner with lots of good eats. Following dinner we had a brief meeting. Margie reported via Lynne that we have $1187.63 in our treasury. We also decided that we will take advantage of Jack Brown’s offer to loan us his kazoo instruments for use in the Chapter parade at the spring Samboree next month in May. The theme this year is “35th Anniversary Celebration".

We will also participate in the cakewalk. So those members planning to attend the Samboree, please bring a baked item for the cakewalk---cake, cookies, homemade candy, etc.

Following the meeting several stayed to play dominoes. In spite of incredibly heavy rains, we had a good time with good friends, as we always do.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Sollitto

March 2011 Hill and Dale Good Sam Chapter Meeting Hosted by Eleanor and Jack Brown
Our March gathering was hosted by Eleanor and Jack Brown at their home in Fredericksburg. Others in attendance were Cheryl Stuckey, Lynn Engleman, Cassie and Bill Parker, Mary and Ed Fisher, Carol and Frank Sollitto. Our guests were Brenda and Richard Jones and young Tony (Cassie and Bill’s grandson).

While we did not hold a formal meeting, we did discuss possibly creating a kazoo band for the chapter parade for the spring Samboree to be held in May at Beth Page. Jack showed us his collection of kazoo “instruments” which he has so generously agreed to loan to the chapter for that purpose.
Jack, does that come with kazoo lessons, also?

As always, we had lots of good eats, followed by shuffleboard for some of us and a few rounds of dominoes for the others.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Sollitto
Feb 12, 2011  Luncheon of Hill and Dale Good Sam Chapter at Sully's  Hosted by Cheryl Stuckey

This month’s luncheon was held at Sully’s Restaurant in Fredericksburg. This luncheon was orchestrated by Cheryl Stuckey.

Thanks, Cheryl, for finding us a new and different location. Food was great and so was the service. I think we’ll be repeating this location from time to time.

Those in attendance were Cheryl Stuckey, Lynne Engelman, Ed & Mary Fisher, Jack & Eleanor Brown, Frank & Carol Sollitto, Bill and Cassie Parker. Guests were Tony (Cassie and Bill’s grandson who grows bigger with each visit), Brenda and Richard Jones from Shortpump area, and Betty and Mario Smorto from Powhatan area.

Brenda and Richard said they will be out of town for March’s luncheon, but Betty and Mario indicated they hoped to attend.

March’s luncheon will be hosted by Jack & Eleanor Brown at their home. They will provide the main dish--spaghetti. The rest of us will bring side dishes & desserts. Date and time are March 12th at 1PM. Address: 290 Bridgewater Circle, Fredericksburg. Please RSVP: 540-373-9438. Hope to see EVERYONE there.

Cheryl reported we had $29 in the Sunshine fund and today’s collection of $11 brings that
to a new total of $40.

Lynne reported that following the donations agreed upon last December we now have $1209.84 in the treasury. Reimbursement of $7.16 was made to Carol Sollitto for providing donuts at the State meeting in January, bringing the treasury down to $1202.68.

Camping Schedule:
April 15th Endless Caverns, Hosts: Jane & Dave Hatcher Reservations: 800-544-2283

May 20th Samboree/Beth Page. See e-mail address below for application
http://www.vagoodsam.org/pdf/2011SpringSamboreeVendorApplication.pdf

June 10th American Heritage RV Park, Williamsburg, Hosts: Trish & Wayne Smith
Reservations: 1-888-530-2267

July, Aug Sept Are open and need hosts to suggest dates and location for camping

Oct 14th Samboree/Harrisonburg

There being no other business, meeting was concluded.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Sollitto