Issue 9, September 2011
YOUR ONLINE NEWSLETTER
Our goal is to communicate more frequently with you and let you know about all of the new and exciting things happening at Travel Resorts of America. We hope you enjoy!
For any suggestions or comments on the E-Traveler, send us an email at: newsletter@travelresorts.com
In this edition:
Fall is Coming!
GERNERAL REMINDERS
- Want to be in the E-Traveler? Send us an email with a photo of you and your family enjoying the resort and you could be in the next Newsletter!
- Don't forget to join in on the Meet the Manager get together at your resort - Saturday Mornings at 10 AM!
EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENT!
New Sales Managers at Sycamore Lodge Resort and Wally World Riverside Resort - Keep reading for details on our new team members!
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ROSCOE REFERRAL
Help Wanted!
We need your help with Roscoe's exciting referral program. To see how you can earn an E Z $500 visit: http://www.travelresorts.com/roscoe-referral.html or Email: roscoe@travelresorts.com
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RECIPES & MORE...
Grilled Vidalia Onion - Submitted by Joe & Cindy Buck
A camping recipe from http://www.lovetheoutdoors.com/camping/side_item_recipes.htm
Cook Time: 20-30 minutes
You'll Need:
- 1 Large Piece of Foil
- Vidalia Onion
- Butter
- Italian Dressing
- Salt
- Cajun Spice
Cooking Instructions:
- Peel your Vidalia onion.
- On a large piece of foil, stand your Vidalia Onion on end and cut an X pattern ¾ of the way through it.
- In the center, put a good slab of butter.
- Pour Italian dressing over the top.
- Then sprinkle with a little salt and a good dose of Cajun spice.
- Wrap your onion in the foil and sit it on the fire or grill for 20 -30 minutes, turning often.
Servings: 2-3
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Iron Campers Activity
From: http://www.ultimatecampresource.com/site/camp-activity/iron-campers.html
This activity is similar to "Iron Chef America" but instead of a set amount of edible ingredients, campers receive a set amount of natural "ingredients" (i.e. 10 sticks, 4 rocks, 9 leaves and two pine cones).
The object of this activity is to give each camper identical amounts of natural supplies and let their imaginations go to work. Inform campers that they can make monsters, animals, sculptures, or really anything of their hearts desire. Allow them ample time to complete the activity.
Once all campers are finished, have them go around in a circle explaining the sculpture/monster/animal/etc they've created!
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GREETINGS FROM GETTYSBURG RESORT
RESORT NEWS
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- New Sites are almost completed - As of 9/19/11 we are just awaiting the electric company to energize primary lines! By the time you're reading this, they should be complete!
- Volleyball court is under renovation.
- The General Store porch expansion is still underway, with stonework along the main wall next in line.
- Don't forget, the General Store has new items for purchasing. You can now purchase meat products, such as hamburger, steaks, bacon and sausage. You can also purchase fresh, locally grown produce such as corn, tomatoes, squash, and peaches.
- We're prepping for another "Haunted House" event...DEEP in the WOODS! (A different location than previous years.)
Upcoming Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- We will be installing lights and ceiling fans in the new pavilion soon.
REMINDER: Pennsylvania is currently experiencing the devastating Emerald Ash Borer, which has caused damage to Pennsylvania's $25 billion hardwoods industry. While there is no direct ban on outside firewood, at least not yet, we urge all Pennsylvanians and visitors to help prevent the further spread of these pests by not hauling firewood from place to place.
FALL SPECIAL at Gettysburg
Pedal Cart rates have been reduced! Normally $12/hour or $8/half hour, NOW ONLY $8/hour or $5/half hour! Rent yours now and have some fun!
ACTIVITIES
There will be several events throughout the year that will require adult, volunteer assistance. The big ones are the Wine & Food Festival and OktoberFest. Help is also needed with the organizing and running of the horseshoe tournament. If you are available and able to assist with any of these projects it would be greatly appreciated, not to mention FUN! Please let Joy know via email at gbractivities@travelresorts.com.
Gettysburg is also looking for consultants with home party plans (Amway, Avon, Pampered Chef, etc) to participate in a consultant's showcase on September 17th. Please email Joy at gbractivities@travelresorts.com if you are interested in participating.
Recent Happenings!
Unfortunately two of our Events weekends were rained out! But, we made up for it during our Luau and Back to the Oldies weekends! Check them out below!
Hawaiian Luau Weekend. Aloha! What a great weekend! We had a Hoop Relay, Hula Dancing by some of the best, a Pineapple Carrying Contest, Musical Beach Towels and a delicious Pig Roast for dinner to finish the day off!
Back to the Oldies Weekend. Bubble Gum Bubble Blowing contest and more.
Upcoming Happenings!
October 1 - 3: OktoberFest
Roooll out the barrel! Join us for some German style games, food and fun for all! Entertainment: Polka Punch
October 21 - 23: Halloween Weekend # 1
Site decorating contest, costume judging contest & trick-or-treating! 7th annual Haunted House & Hayride opening!
October 28 - 30: Halloween Weekend # 2
Site decorating contest, costume judging contest & more trick-or-treating. 7th annual Haunted House & Hayride final weekend!
November 12: Holiday Feast
Holiday Feast to bring the camping season to a close & celebrate the coming holidays!
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GREETINGS FROM SYCAMORE LODGE
Sycamore Lodge would like to welcome Mr. Ken Stearns to our Sales Team!
This past July, I flew to Houston Texas to meet Ken and immediately knew he would be a good fit as the new leader of the Sycamore Lodge Sales Team. Ken is a Sales Management professional with 20 plus years in our business who instantly bonded with our sales staff. Since his arrival, our new membership sales have spiked! As you all know, without new membership sales, the resort does not move ahead. So, having Ken and the Sales Team excel is to everyone's benefit.
Ken is originally from Door County in the beautiful state of Wisconsin and has recently moved into his new house with his better half Jackie. Please join me in welcoming Ken and Jackie to the TRA and Sycamore Lodge family!
See you at the resort!
--Rick Treadway
Ken Steans & his daughter Emily
RESORT NEWS
Haunted Forest
We are gearing up for the biggest and best biggest Haunted Forest ever! We have been diligently working on planning this annual event. We have all new themes this year including Insane Inmates, Festival of Fear, House of Horrors and much more!
What else is new for the Haunted Forest? We will have a photo booth so that you can have a group picture taken if you wish. We will also be selling ‘I Survived the Haunted Forest' t-shirts. Funnel cakes, fried pickles, candy apples, hot dogs, and corn dogs, all galore will be available for you to eat.
The Haunted Forest will take place over two weekends this year because of its growing popularity. The first night is on Saturday the 22nd, followed by Friday the 28th and Saturday the 29th. This event starts at 7pm and will run until 10pm or until the last person is sent through. Come out and join us for this scary fun event!!!
Volleyball Competition
Congratulations to Team TRA! They placed 2nd in the Summer Slam 2011 Volleyball Tournament. This is an annual event where departments from the corporate offices and resorts square off to become champions of the volleyball court. Next year we hope to see some resort members out there cheering on Team TRA!
ACTIVTIES
We are having a great time every weekend and the music has been the best! Saturday night dances are by far the favorite time of the week!
As a quick reminder, we have started forming our team for the Haunted Forest, folks who really want to scare you, and are looking for more volunteers to help deliver the fright! Contact Vicki at vturner@travelresorts.com if you'd like to help or drop by her office.
Recent Happenings!
Treasure Island Weekend. This weekend was full of frolic and competition as the campers looted one another! We spruced up with fresh hens for the Hen House. The treasure hunt included cool things for the kids to put together and a race.
Wet n Wild Weekend. It was just that here at Sycamore Lodge! The famous volcano of fruit and the Big Daddy Splash are always crowd pleasers.
Fishing Tournament Weekend. This weekend brought more than magical casting talents, but a really entertaining show by Carl Michael. His Las Vegas style show gave us all gasps and cheers. Fishing Champions included longest catch, most # caught, and the heaviest fish! We topped the day off with an old fashioned Fish Fry with potluck deserts! Yum! With so much sporting going on, I love finding those using "creative means" to make difficult shots! Look what Frank had to do to get that mini golf win!
Casino Weekend. Casino Weekend was such fun! If only we had an Elvis and a cop on horseback, you would have thought it complete. Next time...???
Upcoming Happenings!
October 7 - 9: Flea Market/Chinese Auction
Flea Market! Any leftover, unwanted items may be donated to the Chinese Auction benefitting our Christmas Project!
October 14 - 16: Witches Outing
The Resort pulls together & goes out into the community & surrounding areas to promote the Haunted Forest Charity event.
October 21 - 23: Halloween Weekend
The Haunted Forest will premiere Saturday night, but while that is going on, kids can enjoy a HUGE kids' carnival full of games, prizes, & fun!
October 28 - 30: Haunted Forest Weekend
Annual Haunted Forest continues
November 4 - 6: Game Fest Weekend
Tons of games, including a pool tournament (open to all ages) & a version of the Not-so Newlywed Game!
November 11 - 13: Veterans Day
Special Veterans Day Service & Member Social!
November 18 - 20: Thanksgiving Dinner
Thanksgiving Dinner! Bring your favorite covered dish!
November 25 - 27: Tis the Season
Help decorate the resort for Christmas!
December 2 - 4: Christmas Celebration
Christmas party & pictures with Santa!
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GREETINGS FROM WALLY WORLD RESORT
Wally World would like to welcome Mr. Les Dostall as our new Sales Leader!
As you know, Wally World, located in a wonderful and beautiful location on the Mohican River recently opened as our latest and greatest resort acquisition. Ron Williams and his staff are doing a wonderful job turning the property around and making it TRA worthy with much renovation and love. Keeping this in mind, there is one very important element that makes these changes, additions and new amenities possible and that is new membership sales.
So, this summer we brought Les Dostall in as our Sales Manager and he is doing a great job for the company! Les hails from the Buckeye State and brings almost 25 years of experience in the resort business. He is building a great sales team to bring the funding to Wally World that is needed for the future. We will have new cabins on the river, updated sites with sewer, a new state of the art bathhouse, pavilion area and so much more! This is all part of our 3 year plan to turn the property into a world class resort!
Please join me in welcoming Les, his wife Tanya and their 2 children, Garrett and Starr to the TRA and Wally World family!
See you at the resort!
-- Rick Treadway
Les Dostall & Family
Meet Your Wally World Family!
When you come to Wally World you are sure to encounter a few friendly faces throughout the park. The staff here does an exceptional job providing guests with the services they need in a friendly and timely manner. Let us introduce you to the staff members that make Wally World the most welcome campground for families. When you arrive at the campground, Jessica, Eva, and Karen will greet you at check in. Our hosts, Gordon and Carl, will escort you to your site and make certain that it meets your satisfaction. During your visit you'll see Brian and Lloyd maintaining and improving the campground. The clean and tidy facilities are kept in shape throughout the day by Mary, our housekeeper. When you come up to the pavilion for activities, you'll meet another Mary (aka Mary Alice), who is now a manager in training. During the meet the manager meetings, Rod updates you on the improvements and happenings that are taking place. Let all of us and them welcome you to Wally World soon!
JESS |
EVA |
KAREN |
GORDON |
CARL |
BRIAN |
LLOYD |
MARY |
MARY (aka MARY ALICE) |
ROD |
RESORT NEWS
When Travel Resorts acquired Wally World in April our first goal was to remove several unsightly items, clean up the resort, and construct a general store and sales office. Those goals have been completed and we are setting new goals that include the substantial improvements necessary to make Wally World a first class resort. Each month we plan to share with you our progress in the transformation of Wally World.
Operations, Renovations, Refurbishing, Etc.
- The exterior of the Greeting Station at Wally World has received a makeover with a new color scheme and roof.
- Our miniature golf course received a complete renovation with new carpet, paint and some brand new challenging obstacles.
- The old caddy shack has been relocated, renovated and converted to the Wally World Snack Depot. The Snack Depot is open weekends during the summer serving snow-cones, ice cream, hot dogs, nachos, and other sweat treats.
- Seventeen new sites have been completed with 50 amp power and a new water distribution system. The first super sites with custom concrete patios along the river are now ready for use.
- Our current project is the construction of a new maintenance shop. Once complete we will be able to demolish the old shop which is located on a prime location for river front campsites.
ACTIVITIES
It's been such a great summer and there's more fun coming up this fall. Come on out for Wally's Halloween. Enjoy the costume contests, music and haunted hallway!
Contact Mary Alice at mlogue@travelresorts.com or drop by her office if you'd like to help with any activities or have any suggestions.
Recent Happenings!
Kids Summer Farewell Weekend. We packed as much fun as we cold into the last bit of summer before the kids had to return to school! The bicycle obstacle course was tougher on the grown-ups than the kids. The balloon Olympics got everyone hopping, popping, and laughing. Gordon's gold panning team struck it rich with excitement when they found the gold amongst the dirt from the mines of Dahlonega. By the end of the photo shop everyone had been transformed with googley eyes, pirate hats, bunny ears, or mustaches.
Live snakes and turtles came from the Mohican Outdoor School. For many this was the first experience to hold a ball python or a corn snake. Jeremy taught us about the differences of the box turtles and painted turtles and shared campfire stories about the lives of the animals.
Labor Day Weekend. We kicked off the football season with the Ohio State game projected on a big screen and made traditional buckeye necklaces. Flag football was a big hit. The cheerleaders on the side went wild when a six year old helped pull off a trick play. The Woods Brothers took the stage Sunday evening and astonished us with their country songs and banjo picking.
Upcoming Activities
September 2 - 4: Labor Day Weekend Tailgate Party
Lots and lots of carnival games.
October 7 - 9: Street Fair Weekend
Visit to the Loudonville Street Fair.
October 14 - 16: Murder Mystery Weekend
Investigate Wally World to solve the case
October 21 - 23: Fall Festival Weekend
Visit from the woodcarver and much more!
October 28 - 30: Wicked Wally Halloween Weekend
Haunted House, hay ride and trick-or-treating.
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NEWSLETTER CONTRIBUTIONS FROM MEMBERS
Share your recipes, news, stories about your stay with us or some photos with your Travel Resorts of America family! Just send an email to newsletter@TravelResorts.com. If submitting photos, please also include a brief description of your photos and the name of resort where your photos were taken.
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RESERVATIONS INFORMATION:
Visit www.travelresorts.com to make your reservation online.
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort Reservations:
888-568-7641
Sycamore Lodge Reservations:
800-370-1645 Ext. 1412
Wally World Riverside Resort Reservations:
1-855-925-5955
Resort Reservations Hours of Operation:
Sun-Sat, 9 AM - 5 PM EST
Visit www.travelresorts.com to make your reservation online.
Reservations System Questions:
800-843-0445 Mon - Sat 9 AM - 9 PM EST
Maintenance fees may be increased by the percentage of incresase, if any, in the Consumer Price Index (1967's 100) specified for "All Items"for "All Urban Consumers, south Region" which is published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the U.S. Department of Labor. All resorts must rely on membership fees to maintain and operate their facilities. This is the same with Travel Resorts. www.travelresorts.com or call 800-318-2945
1930 North Poplar Street
Southern Pines, NC 28374
1-888-417-0297
Visit Travel Resorts at www.TravelResorts.com
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