San Jose Blackjacks

Greetings, this is my first official submission on behalf of the San Jose Black Jacks, so here goes...

First, who are we? Well, we are a great bunch of fun and caring folks who share the love of RVing. We come from all over really, most from San Jose and the surrounding cities but as far south as Gilroy. We have several couples from Modesto area and south, the Tri-Valley, and even one couple from Shell Knob, Mo. We currently boast 28 rigs and enjoy about 75% attendance each month. People have asked if we are called the Black Jacks because we like to gamble. The answer is yes and no! Yes, most of us like to gamble but, the name was chosen way back 30+ years ago. Because we were the 21st club to join the NorCal Chapter of Good Sam, the founding campers choose the name Black Jacks (I am just glad they didn’t pick Craps or Slots, those are terrible names for a club).

We meet the first weekend of each month and even if we tend to visit the same parks, the adventure is always new. From our Friday “finger food frenzy” to Saturday’s potluck brunch and dinner, we have so much fun and fellowship. It seems like Sunday’s breakfast comes way too fast and bam! The weekend is over. With full bellies and fond memories, we look forward to our next outing.

We were lucky to have Pat and Doug Kreitz host “Christmas in Hawaii” in December at Betabel RV Park. They went all out on decorations plus a Luau Dinner, Mai Tai’s, and even a white elephant gift exchange. Saturday we all gathered to wrap gifts we had purchased through donations for a family in need. What a blessing to be able to give back when possible.

January brought out the cowboys and cowgirls in all of us. Kathy and Ron Cockrum hosted a western themed weekend at Flag City RV. It was complete with a Chuck Wagon Dinner where we all dressed the part, what a hoot it was!

February had the Black Jacks seeing Hearts. Marie Lindberg and Roger Fellows hosted a sweeeet weekend at Jackson Rancheria. With beautiful decorations including candy and flowers on every table and pink everywhere it was a sweetheart of a weekend. I am not sure anyone won any money, but fun was had by all and the weather was gorgeous.

March will find us in Chowchilla hosted by Rose and Rudy Lago. We are all looking forward to a beautiful weekend and even some good golf for some.

This year will see many happy couples celebrating anniversaries. This group can brag about 50+ years: Joe and Beverly Vierra - 51 years, Paul and Elaine Jae - 53 years, Bill and Sandie Hersh - 55 years, Jim and Kathy Smith - 57 years, Rudy and Rose Lago - 58 years, Joe and Stella Passarello - 58 years and Ron and Pat Gerard - 60 years. That’s a whopping 392 years from just 7 families. This proves that couples who play together, stay together!

Happy and safe traveling to all! Sherri Simoni, Secretary