Exert from:
"Good Sam's Hi-Way Herald"
By Allen F. Dusing - Region 2 Editor
Retired Singles Service Plays Matchmaker
For Lone RV'ers
| Many long time RV'ers face abrupt changes in their lives when they lose
their mate. Women especially are afraid to go out on the open road alone
in their RV and often sell their rig even though they love the RV lifestyle.
Men also withdraw from RV'ing, not wanting to travel the highways in
loneliness and spend the camping hours without the companionship
of someone who makes life worthwhile. When Good Samer Cindy Weldon's mother died in 1984, her father drifted into a mild depression, and his social life suddenly curtailed. Concerned about her father's emotional and physical well being, Weldon wondered what she could do to help him overcome his depression and once more lead an active social life. She remembered an article she had read in an issue of Trailer Life magazine, "Wanted, traveling companions," and the germ of an idea was formed. "Not one to sit by idly," said Weldon, "I studied the situation and decided something had to be done, not only for my father but countless of others caught up in a similar dilemma in which he found himself." Although there were many introduction services, none were designed for the older person. Weldon wanted something different, a program that would work with mature people, not as a dating service, but one in which they could participate with dignity and sincerity. Weldon contacted her sister, Woneta Carnes [the original owners], and together, they founded Retired Singles in 1985, matching service of older single people but tailored more toward elders who have lost their partners. Due to health problems Retired Singles was sold to James and Brenda Wilmoth in June 2000. We have taken a good thing and made it better. We still receive many letters from satisfied members who are dating or have even married. We continue to offer a unique service to the RVer 55+. Advertisements were placed in Hi-Way Herald and Single Living magazines as well as other publications, bringing almost instant responses. Today, membership, more than half Good Sam members, is nationwide. Membership in the Retired Singles is restricted to single people 55 years and older. Each new member pays a initial fee of $80.00 for the first six month membership. After the first six months, renewals are $70.00 for an additional six months. Although James and Brenda of Retired Singles,
are Good Sam members, Retired Singles is an independent organization that
has no connection
or affiliation with the Good Sam Club. Good Samers
interested in receiving
information about the Retired Singles can contact them directly
at |