| NOVEMBER - DECEMBER 2007 |
| BAY AREA SAMS Our November campout was held at Traveler’s Rest in Dade City with 19 member and two guests rigs in attendance. Weather was great and final preparations were done on our parade entry for Orlando. We had fun as a group at the parade and placed third. Thanks to all who supported our sandwich sales Friday and Saturday at the Samboree. We were all kept busy and enjoyed seeing old friends and making new ones. Our chapter has donated $1000.00 to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Tampa due to YOUR support of our sandwich and bake sales and our 50/50's at the Samborees. December’s campout was held at Sanlan Rank in Lakeland where we had 21 member and one guest rig in attendance. A representative from the local Salvation Army was presented with a Holiday Food Basket for a needy family. Our monthly food drive for the needy continues and over 400 items have been collected in 2007; these were given to various organizations throughout the Tampa Bay Area. New officers were installed by ASDs Dave and Dee Robb. Saturday our group went to a local restaurant for dinner, then returned to the campground for fellowship and gift exchange. Have a safe and happy 2008. FLORIDA EAGLE SAMS Had a great outing at the Encore Daytona at Ormond Beach with seven member rigs and one visitor. Alan and Susan were our hosts for the weekend. Good potluck supper on Friday night, then we played card bingo and got $5.50 for the dogs. Saturday afternoon we played another fun, hair-raising and close game of beanbag baseball. That evening our hosts had a cookout – they fixed barbeque chicken, potato salad, macaroni salad, baked beans and other fixins. The weather was absolutely gorgeous – cool nights and warm days. The campground was very nice, the clubhouse was nice and spacious. This place will be booked again for future campouts. Our December get together was at KOA Mims with 11 rigs present plus visitors and driveins. Our usual good potluck dinner Friday and Card Bingo brought in $7.50 for the dogs. The rest of the evening was card playing. Saturday we had our Christmas dinner and gift exchange. We held a raffle for the beautiful table arrangements and made $34.00 which Gleni graciously donated to the chapter. GATEWAY SAMS Once again we kept our Thanksgiving tradition by having our meeting at the Okeefenokee Campground in Homeland, GA, with 12 rigs. The campgrounds did not look dried out. Often the southern end of Georgia has rain as the weather fronts stall at Waycross and Savannah. Those who wanted fish went to St Johns Sea Food in Hilliard, FL; others ate in their rigs. We held a brown bag auction raising money for the dogs. Maybe we should have left our RV’c parked at the Okeefenokee RV Campground at Homeland, GA. But we came in one by one to arrive for the December campout that starts on November 30th. The hosts for this meeting are our staff and they are helped by the loyal members who always help to make each campout a success. Again we have bright sunshine in Georgia altho we departed Jacksonville under cloudy skies with scattered showers. After a ham dinner, ASD Sharon Bundy installed our new officers GETAWAY SAMS A busy, busy October campout at Lazy Days Rally Park, Seffner for our eight member rigs and one guest rig. The weather was great, with a little rain that came at times that did not interfere with our activities. A lot of our gamblers went to the nearby Hard Rock Casino, It was rumored that John, Ann and Sue were winners; at least they had very happy faces upon their return. Besides the morning newspapers furnished by Lazy Days, they provided breakfast and lunch every day and a Tram was convenient to cart us back and forth. That along with food-a-plenty tea times no one went hungry. More than once our group at breakfast was kiddingly reprimanded for laughing too much. We could say we had a small November campout; but, as usual, we managed to have a wonderful time and add $50 to our treasury. We won 1st place in the rig decoration and honorable mention in the parade. As this was a Samboree, we enjoyed all the festivities that were offered; i.e., free hot dogs and drinks, ice cream, coffee and donuts and a sausage and biscuit breakfast. The entertainment was outstanding as usual. Sounds like a good time was had by all who attended the November Samboree in Orlando. We may be a small Chapter but we have some very hard working, dedicated members. GOLDEN TRIANGLE SAMS Our November campout was held at Olde Mill Stream RV Resort in Umatilla. We had a wonderful time and enjoyed the cooler weather immensely! Hosts, Norm and Florence Soule and Ed and Wanda Creamer, did a wonderful job of coordinating the activities. Friday began with Happy Hour and dinner on your own with a number of folks enjoying local restaurants around the Umatilla area. Seven drive-ins joined the eight rigs for the meeting. Howard and June had a mini-garage sale with items from their rig which they have sold. After lunch we played holey board. We relaxed again with happy hour before enjoying the wonderful potluck dinner. We enjoyed a wonderful Christmas campout at the Olde Mill Stream RV Resort in Umatilla. There were 19 rigs including guests and two drive-ins. Many of the rigs were 'decked' for the holidays with trees, lights and even a dancing Santa! The officers accompanied President Dale and Phyllis Horn on their boat in the first ever Lake Eustis Boat Parade. Sunday morning the chapter officers served a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast. At our meeting we donated to the Leesburg Food Bank and the St. Jude Children’s Hospital. We also installed our 2008 officers. Afternoon games centered on Holey Board. Saturday evening we had a delicious catered dinner. GO-SEE-UM SAMS It looked a lot like Halloween as we gathered at Sunshine RV Resort for our October campout. Even the weather was overcast and rainy for most of the weekend but that could not dampen our spirits. We welcomed a new member couple into our chapter. There were 14 rigs and 28 folks in attendance; nice group of happy campers. Welcome to Orlando and the Good Sams of Florida Fall Samboree. For all of the seasoned Samboree attendees, please be sure to take any newcomers under your wing and guide them through the events of the weekend. There is much to see and do; as a once “first timer” I can testify to the fact that it is very helpful to get some guidance. Our Christmas celebration was held at Little Willies Campground. Wish all of you a Very Merry Christmas and the best for a Healthy and Happy and Prosperous New Year. JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE November campout was held at Treasure Coast RV Resort in Port Pierce with the Gass’s and Schwengers as hosts. We had one of our largest turnouts for this chapter’s history – 26 rigs. We all enjoyed a wonderful thanksgiving dinner. What a feast!! On Thursday some of the ladies went swimming and some guys went fishing in the catch and release lake on the site; others went shopping. In the evening we played card games in the clubhouse. Friday was cool but the temps rose to mid 70s during the day. People played dominoes, put together jigsaw puzzles, shopped at the outlet mall, rode their bikes, sang karaoke. Twenty of us went to Boomers for dinner. The owner rode up on his big Harley and sat down at the keyboard and entertained us. December campout was held at John Prince Park with Martins and Murrells as hosts. There were 17 rigs plus others for a visit and for dinner. Thursday we met for happy hour where Jay Nelson showed pictures of the Christmas boat parade which he had taken from his dock. Some went to a local Tex-Mex restaurant that evening. Since there is no club house or meeting room, we were all glad to get back to our rigs. George Wartzok brought some firewood and started a fire in the fire pit. Many folks gathered there after dinner to enjoy the fire and converse. Saturday we enjoyed some games while some went to the local flea market and some to the Expo Center. We enjoyed a barbecue dinner of pork and chicken outside. LAKE EOLA SAMS We had a total of six rigs with five of them being earlybirds at Orlando Fairgrounds. There were 377 rigs at the Samboree (last count that I heard). At our meeting we discussed the changes that the president’s meeting had proposed. Several members participated in the different games but president-elect Earl Howe was the only winner with a first place in Wizard. We had a total of 13 rigs at Ole Mill Stream with Durrances and Catrons hosting. Thursday most everyone went out to eat supper at The Crazy Gator. Some former members joined us for most of the day. On Friday we celebrated our 25th Anniversary. Saturday we had our Christmas potluck dinner. Our new officers were sworn in by our ASDs Rae & Merle Schimke. We donated over 150 cans and dry goods, some toys, coloring books and other items to The Astatula Worship Center’s food bank. OCALA CENTRAL SAMS There were 14 people camping this month at the Samboree in Orlando. The Samboree attracted 377 rigs; and, while smaller than some, this was an upbeat crowd of dedicated campers. Weather was cool at night but very pleasant during the day. Thursday evening there was an impromptu cookout with plenty of food to go around. At our cookout we met two new couples who may be interested in joining with us. Friday most of us ate out either at Mr. Quick;s or the Golden Corral; Saturday it was the catered meal for the Samboree. (With eight serving lines, the efficiency with which 700 or so people are served is impressive.) The days were filled with seminars, checking the vendor’s wares and viewing the latest and greatest in motor homes. (We all went home in the same units we arrived in.) The organizers did a good job in selecting entertainment. There was a very funny musician who seemed able to coax a tune out of the most unlikely objects – two banjos at once, a saw, bones, an accordion, a kitchen baster, etc. Another night there was a lovely young lady singing a wide variety of oldie but goodies. And finally, there were the Rivoli’s, Ron and Kay, who never fail to entertain. In December we camped at Olde Mill Stream. Several rigs arrived on Monday to take advantage of the perfect weather and were on hand to welcome the rest on Tuesday. After a casual visiting time, our hosts were busy doing a wonderful job of decorating for our Christmas dinner. As usual, we found ourselves with good food and good company. Later there was some card playing while a few of the guys dueled at the pool table. Thursday some of us dove over to the Deland flea market. Where do we go out to eat when we are in Umatilla: The Mason Jar, of course, Following dinner we gathered for a reading of “The Night before Christmas,” followed by an exchange of gifts and Christmas cards. PASCO LOAFERS Twenty-five members and guests were at the May meeting. This included Bill & Dianne Maxwell and Bob & Reba Ward. Our chapter received a letter from the head of Good Sams in California because we had the largest growth in membership in the State of Florida; we were awarded $50. Twenty-three members and two guests were present at our October meeting. Bob and Reba Ward gave notice of the “Ward’s Fun Rally” to be held May 20-25 at Blueberry Hill Campground. PINE TREE SAMS In the middle of September several couples took off and went to the Georgia Fall Samboree. We had gorgeous weather, good parking places and took part in most of the games. We were especially delighted with our results at the flea market in Georgia. From Georgia we went on to the Alabama Samboree which none of us had ever had the opportunity to attend before. We had a ball. We played games with them – even though they were a bit different than our usual – and also several of us took part in their Jackass Club and Good Moon Club which brought a lot of laughter. They also had a flea market which we sold at and did very well. Upon our return in October, we had our normal monthly get together at Sun ‘N’ Fun in Sarasota. The weather there wasn’t quite as good but we made do and found one loverly day to take a boat ride at Myakka State Park. We also managed dinner out one night and had our monthly meeting with election of officers for the coming year. Our chapter also voted to donate $200 to the Real Life Children’s Ranch in Okeechobee and another $200 to the Salvation Army Children’s Village in St. Petersburg. ROLLING SAMS Seven rigs and two guest couples enjoyed a really nice weekend planned by hosts Bud and Frieda Crossan and Don and Lorraine Smith in Malabar. We shared the rec hall with another Space Coast club and decided that next year we’ll plan to merge activities. We enjoyed beanbag baseball but decided that we’re out of practice. Friday we enjoyed the food and fun at Bob Evans. Hand and Foot rounded out the rainy night. After Saturday’s business meeting, the order was given; costumes made up of things in your rig! What a variety of outfits showed up at dinner! Creativity came to the fore making it hard for the judges. SALTY SAMS A great get together was held for our Thanksgiving meeting at North Lake Estates. The place is clean, quiet, has a nice pool and whirlpool baths. The only complaint we had was there was very poor reception for computer internet connections and cell phone use. We had a good turnout; the weather was ideal for the 12 rigs. SILVER SAMS II Our campout was at the Fall Samboree in Orlando. We had 13 rigs present with one visitor from Maine. Nine rigs met at the rest area East of Tampa and caravanned from there. What a great time the chapter had making the decorations for the stage in a Sam & Samantha on Safari theme. We had the privilege of decorating the stage for Bill & Dianne Maxwell who are members of our chapter. We did good. We also participated in the parade and we came in second and received a $25.00 check. What a surprise that was. We enjoyed every minute of the Samboree. We participated in the bake sale and sewing on patches for fellow campers. We volunteered for security and did the door but it was too cold for the night security If you are looking for a chapter that has a lot of fun and a attitude adjustment instead of happy hour give our president a call or email and we will get right back to you. She is listed on the web. We held our December meeting at Lazy Days Rally park. We had hot dogs and hamburgers at attitude adjustment on Tuesday (supplied by our officers). We had Helen from the Children’s Baptist Home in Lakeland come for the potluck dinner Wednesday and she picked up the items that were brought for the home. We had a BIG table full. We also had 50 filled Christmas bags for the children along with 50 McDonald’s gift cards. We hope the children have a Merry Christmas. After dinner we had a white elephant gift exchange. FUN, FUN, FUN! Thursday we went to the C. Williams home where we had a great lunch prepared by Marilyn; then Craig took us out on his boat. We did crafts; played games, went to a local restaurant; after dinner we went to the Henderson’s to see their Christmas lights. They were beautiful! SOUTH FLORIDA GOOD SAMS The November Samboree was great and enjoyed by all who attended. The big news is that our chapter won first place in the Samboree parade. For this we received $50 and a certificate. We were all dressed in safari outfits complete with hats, scarves, boots, shirts, jackets, etc. We had binoculars, spears, rifles, a lion hung from a pole and June Fuller was in her wheelchair with a sign that read “57 died, I survived.” We also played African safari music concealed in boxes covered with camoflage material. We all had much fun planning all the details and getting our outfits together. The entertainment at the Samboree was outstanding as was the turkey dinner on Saturday night. We participated in games, attended seminars and enjoyed other events. Some of us camped at Tropical Palms Campground in Kissimmee for a few days prior to entering the Samboree on earlybird day. SUNSET RAMBLERS On the Monday before leaving for the Florida Samboree, the members were very pleased to present to Marian Nadeau a beautiful prayer quilt made with many hours of love and prayers and special messages from everyone. Leo and Marian are greatly missed and everyone continues to pray for them. The November campout was held at the Florida State Samboree in Orlando with 10 rigs. We prepared a bucket for the raffle tickets for the money hat; enjoyed sitting and getting caught up, worked security at the front gate, played Bingo, took turns walking around wearing the money hat, had an impromptu potluck supper, went to the opening ceremonies with Roy and Rich carrying the flag. We helped set up the tables and serve the hotdogs on Thursday, played Mexican Train Dominoes. Friday morning was cold so everyone enjoyed walking around the vendors and, of course, came home with a few goodies. Everyone enjoyed the parade watching the Sams and Samanthas walk down the main strip dressed for a safari. It was a lot of fun watching everything from exotic birds to animals and photographers to cavemen and women. The December campout was held at the Ocala North RV Park in Reddick with 10 rigs. We had visitors both Friday and Saturday. We went for a walk around the park to enjoy the many Christmas lights. Some of the women worked on crafts; the guys hung out, visited and did the usual “stuff” around their rigs. Several, including Bob and Reba Ward, went out for a seafood dinner. We enjoyed our special visitors, Santa and Mrs. Claus, exchanged presents, played Wizard and Skip-Bo. SUNSTATE SAMS The October rally was held at the Okeechobee KOA during the Florida Board meeting with Latulips as hosts and eight rigs present. Everyone had a good time. SUWANNEE RIVER GOOD SAMS Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and didn’t eat (HA HA) too much. Three rigs caravanned to Orlando for the Fall Samboree. It was a nice trip down and back. We had a good time; but had to walk to all the events since there was no trolley service. We all enjoyed shopping with the vendors this year. We enjoyed the Healthy Gourmet cooking shows and all the free samples of the food cooked. Our December campout was held at Casey Jones Campground; the park was really decorated beautifully for the holidays. It was great to see all the members back together again. We had nine of our twelve members at the Christmas dinner and eight rigs camping for the weekend. The Waltons brought their big basket of games and had us all playing everything from Phase 10, Skip-Bo. Chicken Foot, Rummikub; the Lembkes had us going with Hand and Foot. All in all, it was a fun time. The Christmas dinner was very good Friday night and even better the next day for leftovers. After playing games all day Saturday, we were still up for a Christmas party in the evening exchanging gifts and, of course, eating again. SUWANNEE VALLEY SAMS At our last campout we welcomed two new members. We look forward to having them with us at the Samborees and monthly campouts. Four families attended the Orlando Samboree where we helped serve the Thursday hotdogs. Another family were vendors. We made our annual donation to the Florida Dog Guides and raised additional money at the dog walk. WUN WUN WUN Neither wind nor rain will stop us Good Sam’rs from getting together. A hurricane yes, but fortunately we’ve been lucky this year. Friday night Cici’s is a favorite especially for us gals – no cooking. Saturday afternoon Cal brought out his horse race game of which most of us participated. Bill Sides celebrated his 89th birthday with us – and a big birthday cake. In November the hot dogs were very much enjoyed. And for the Turkey Shoot, Mary and Joe won first prize with Eleanor and Reed second. |