Escapees January-February 2024

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ClubSta ff Club Founders Joe and Kay Peterson President Travis Carr Vice President Melanie Carr

Co-Chief Executive O ffi cer Travis Carr Co-Chief Executive O ffi cer Melanie Carr Chief Operations O ffi cer Teresa Moore General Manager Kelly Brown Escapees RV Parks Administrator Cindy Neilsen National Escapade Directors Rob and Laura Kernodle Chapter Director/BoF Coordinator Wendy Stanwood HOP Director Lisa Koca

TAMMY JOHNSON #39557 Editor, Escapees Magazine

Hangouts Directors Theresé Julo Convergence Director Hollie Parks Educational Director Jim Koca

It is with great sadness that the editorial de partment has learned of the passing of our previous editor, Janice Lasko, only a short time after the passing of her husband, Gabby. They were both avid RVers and lifetime Escapees, and many of you may have met them during your travels. They made many friends during their years of RVing. J anice was the managing editor of Escapees magazine from May/June 1998 to May/June 2012. I worked as Janice’s assistant from May/June 2000 until her retirement, when I moved into her position as editor. Her work ethic was unparalleled to anyone I had ever known. She loved the Escapees lifestyle and the magazine and poured her heart and soul into every issue. There was a time when she worked from the road as she traveled with Gabby. It was not as easy back then as it would be today; however, through steadfast determination, she made it work with no loss to the integrity of the publication. It wasn’t uncommon for our department to receive e-mails from her that had been composed late into the night. She didn’t require much sleep, and she said she enjoyed working when it was quiet. Gabby and Janice were married for over 50 years. They both shared a love of snow skiing and windsur fi ng. After years of full-time RVing, Janice took the position of editor of the Escapees magazine and was very excited to get started. They settled into a site at Rainbow’s End. While Janice worked on the magazine, Gabby played golf. After retiring, they bought a house in Salem, Oregon, where they would be close to Gabby’s family. Gabby continued to snow ski in the winter and golf in the nicer months. Janice did what she loved best. She belonged to a writer’s group and wrote stories. They decided they wanted warmer weather year-round so they sold their house and moved to Surprise, Arizona, where they spent their fi nal days happy and living in the sunshine. The Escapees magazine staff sends our heartfelt condo lences to all their family and friends at this dif fi cult time, and I thank all who have shared information with us. A “Final Journey” report has been included on page 87. I wish you all a Happy New Year and many safe travels throughout 2024.

Brand Director Brandon Hatcher

Marketing Director Kerensa Durr Communications Director Georgianne Austin Magazine Sta ff Managing Editor Tammy Johnson Copy Editor Carol Rice Editorial Assistant Kelly Evans-Hill Graphic Artist Krystina Evans Graphic Artist Cole Carter Advertising Director Kelly Evans-Hill Technical Advisor Mark Nemeth

• Submissions of features on all phases of RV living are welcome. Writers’ guidelines and payment schedule are available upon request: editor@escapees.com • For commercial display ads, contact advertising by calling 936-327-8873 or e-mail advertising@escapees.com. • Send address changes to Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 or clubbusiness@escapees.com. Escapees magazine (ISSN-1556-7486) is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351. Periodical postage paid at Livingston, Texas, and additional mailingo ffi ces. 936-327-8873. Fax: 936-327-4388. Website: www.escapees.com. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Escapees RV Club, 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, Texas 77351-9300. Copyright© 2024 by Escapees, Inc. All rights reserved. Escapees magazine is published bimonthly by Escapees, Inc., RoVing Press, in Livingston, Texas. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a data-retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopy, recording or any other, without the prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions expressed under individual names are not necessarily those of the Escapees RV Club, its o ffi cers or the membership in general. Escapees does not knowingly accept deceptive or misleading ads. The name Escapees and the house-in-a-wagon logo are registered trademarks of Escapees, Inc., a Texas corporation. Commercial or noncommercial use requires an annual permit. Escapees Corporate O ffi ce 100 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77351-9300 936-327-8873 • Fax: 936-327-4388, www.escapees.com Escapees Mail Service O ffi ce 101 Rainbow Drive, Livingston, TX 77399-9330 936-327-8873 • Fax: 936-327-4388 www.escapees.com/mail-service The written material within this publication is provided for educa tional or informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice. Escapees makes no e ff ort to verify the information in this publication and, therefore, Escapees does not guarantee the quality, accuracy, completeness or timeliness of the contributors’ submissions. Escapees shall not be responsible for any direct, indirect, special, incidental or consequential damages arising out of, or in connection with, the use of the materials herein.

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