Hello, we are Beth & Jamie Smith, Newmar Kountry Klub Member #25515.
We are honored and humbled to be selected by the Newmar Kountry Klub Board of Directors to serve as the next International Directors. As we step into this role, we have great respect for the 40-year legacy of the Klub, and we have big plans for our future.
Before we get too far into introducing ourselves, we want to express our gratitude to the Klub’s Members at Large and Interim International Directors, Evan & Debbie Hughes. When the Klub needed them, they stepped up to make sure the Klub stayed on track and the plans for upcoming International Rally were fully developed.
Of course, none of the Klub’s activities could be done without the hundreds of volunteers, Chapter Officers, and Directors who are the heart of the Klub. Thank you to all our volunteers! If you have not had the opportunity to volunteer yet, you should consider stepping up to be an officer in a chapter, hosting a local rally, or even driving people around in a golf cart, which is where we got our start. There are plenty of fellow members who will help you get things done. Volunteering is truly rewarding. Let us not forget Linda and Whitney in the Klub office who keep things running smoothly.
Because we are leading the Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland Caravan, we cannot attend this year’s International Rally, so please know that we and our fellow caravanners will be having a great time in Canada but also wish we could be with everyone at the International Rally.
To continue our introduction, we started our fulltime RV journey in 2021 when we purchased our London Aire. We have used and abused our coach as we have visited 49 US states, 2 Mexican states, and 12 Canadian provinces and territories.
We are proud members of the Fulltimers Chapter where we have made many friends and even hosted a rally last year. We are also members of AIM, FRVA (formerly FMCA), and have attended events with the Newmar Hoots, and Fantasy RV Tours. By far, our favorite organization is the Newmar Kountry Klub, which is home to us.
Beth & I both grew up in the Dallas area and spent our working careers in Houston, Texas, and for a couple of years, Poughkeepsie, New York. Jamie worked for 30 years in the finance departments of Texaco and Chevron. Beth worked that same time as an elementary school teacher while also raising our three beautiful daughters. We have one granddaughter and another one due in July. Our children live in three different states, so the RV life is ideal for visiting them.
Our focus for the coming year is clear: we will grow our Klub by bringing more value to our members through fun and exciting activities and enhanced benefits. The Klub will continue to promote and support rallies, meetings and special events that foster fellowship among our members. We support online forums for the exchange of useful information related to the RV lifestyle. And we welcome any input you, the Klub Members, on improving the Klub.
Thank you for your membership in the Newmar Kountry Klub. When we cross paths with you this year, please come and say hello and if we are not in the same place at the same time, drop us a note and we will be in touch.
Safe Travels,
Jamie & Beth Smith
