September "Konnection" Article:
The time has come, ending of one era and the beginning of a new one. We are very appreciative of Barney & Barbara’s dedication and hard work given these past 7 years as our International Directors. Thanks for leaving the Klub in excellent shape for us. Also, a big thanks for your thorough training and for allowing us to be in your back pocket these past couple of months. Our very best wishes are with you; and, remember you did tell us you are only a phone call away.

For those of you who do not know us, we will take this means of introducing ourselves. Jim grew up in North Platte, NE. After graduation from the University of Nebraska (yes, we will forever be NE fans) he began working for Travelers Insurance, spending a few years in Omaha, NE and the remainder of his years with them in Sioux City, IA. He accepted the “Golden Handshake” from Travelers at the age of 52, then worked for Great West Casualty Insurance Company for a few years until he felt old enough to retire.

Wilma grew up in Stromsburg, NE, the Swede Capitol of NE. She took numerous college classes, while working, to improve her chances of promotion. After spending a few years in hospital work as a Medical Records Technician and Administrative Secretary she began a career in banking. For the last 26 years she was Executive Secretary and later Correspondent Bank Officer at the Security National Bank in Sioux City, IA.

Over the years we have both enjoyed volunteering for numerous organizations and as Board Members. We are presently members of Eastern Star and Morningside Lutheran Church in Sioux City, IA. Jim is also a Master Mason and a Shriner.

WE ARE BLESSED with the awesome family we have. Our oldest son Kevin & Sarah live in Mendota, IL and they have 2 boys, Adam and Jacob. Doug & his wife, Kris, live in Sergeant Bluff, IA. They have a daughter, Emily and a son, Riley. We started out camping when our boys were 6 months and 2 ½ years old. We did a lot of camping while the boys were growing up and are glad they are still enjoying camping with their families. Both of our sons love God and love their kids – FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL.

WE ARE BLESSED with wonderful Christian friends that we spend our winters with at Trophy Gardens in Alamo, TX – FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL.

WE ARE BLESSED with our Newmar Family that has continued to grow these past 11 years. We have been in the Klub since 1999 serving as President of the IA Hawkeye Kountry Travelers Chapter, and later as Region 4 Directors. We have attended several “Special Events”, twice hosted the Grand Circle Caravan, and haven’t missed an International Rally since we joined the Klub. We find our Newmar Family to be very wonderful, caring and good fun loving folks – FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL.
WE ARE BLESSED, honored and proud to accept the position as your new NKK International Directors. The success of the Klub is directly related to the hard work, dedication and participation of all its officers and members. We all know that rallies are more enjoyable when you get involved and volunteer. We couldn’t ask for a more wonderful group of folks to work with than those at the Newmar Corporation and the NKK staff. We have attended 2 employee meetings; and, following the business at hand, the meeting ended with a spiritual message and a prayer – FOR THIS WE ARE THANKFUL.

In this issue you will find information on the Florida RV Super Show to be held in Tampa, Florida from January 11 – 16, 2011, and we are ready to start taking reservations. We will be attending this Rally for the first time and we would love to see you there. It is a “Buddy” Rally so we encourage you to bring along a friend. Please watch the November issue for a recap of our 2010 International Rally.

Please, oh please do send Vicky your favorite recipe, as she is plum out, and we would like to see her column continue. Is this a sign of the times, we use restaurants more and recipes less? Just for sending a recipe you will receive a coffee cup, compliments of “Vicky’s Kountry Korner”. I could use more recipes as my cook books were left in TX.

Since the Barnett’s have done such an excellent job of running the Klub, we don’t foresee making any big changes in the near future. We are approachable and we hope you will do so as we want to meet you. We will do our very best for the Klub and for all members. We do ask for your help and support and we certainly would appreciate hearing any comments and suggestions you may have to help us in our effort to keep the Newmar Kountry Klub the best Klub ever.