Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, August 4, 1994 TAG: 9408180065
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: E-9 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: By NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Clouds and a scattering of rain drops occasionally interrupt sunshine so bright it scorches the skin. The woods are damp but cool from a rain the previous night. Dappled light spills in through a canopy of trees onto a group of campers. Several men maneuver around a pair of motorized ice cream paddles, adding ingredients, sampling strawberry and peach. The women sit nearby in a circle of folding chairs, talking and watching.
Camping and the desire to help others are the threads that bind the Star Valley Good Sams.
The 18 couples, also known as Samaritans, recently gathered at the Wildwood Camp Ground for a weekend retreat to celebrate 15 years of service. It was a time of fellowship, but also a time to get down to business.
In a few months, the group will be host to Samaritan clubs from across the United States. The "samboree" is expected to draw at least 350 members to Thousand Trails Camp Ground near Rustburg. It's an undertaking that involves quite a bit of planning.
"We're a very close-knit group," says Star Valley Good Sams co-president George Estes, adding "Hugging's cheap."
Jerry Estes, his wife, also presides over the group.
In addition to monthly campouts during the spring, summer and fall, club members often invite each other to trail along on regular vacations. Each of the 18 couples in the Star Valley group owns a motor home or camper. Together, the Star Valley Sams have traveled to many states for campouts.
Along the way, the Sams raise money selling homemade ice cream at camp grounds. They play bingo, hold raffles, make and sell crafts. Through the national organization, the Sams contribute money to Dogs for the Deaf. They also provide money for local children to attend 4-H camp.
Last Christmas, instead of exchanging gifts among themselves, they bought new underclothing for all the residents of Shawsville Nursing Home. They also provide food on a monthly basis for single parents struggling to make ends meet.
"We like the fun if it," Jerry Estes says from the cozy living room of the couple's Pace Arrow motor home. "As a club, our mission is to help others, but we enjoy making the ice cream and participating in the campouts."
Oakey and Charlotte Parker are the newest members of the Star Valley Club. Oakey Parker says he is impressed that most outings draw 100 percent participation by the members. The Parkers wanted to join a close-knit group with an honorable mission.
Effie Clemmer, one of the original members of the Star Valley group, says many couples have come and gone in the past 15 years. Several have passed away.
"There's been a lot of changes," she recalls. "About six years ago, the chapter was real small, but it picked back up again."
Most Good Sams are between the ages of 40 and 60, and clubs are limited to 20 couples. But that doesn't stop the Star Valley Sams from recruiting new members.
Last year they helped establish two new chapters in the New River Valley area.
Jerry Estes says when it comes to recruiting members, the Sams do not discriminate. "The retirees have more time to spend on club functions. That's why we have so many members who are retired."
by CNB