DOGWOOD SAMS
November 2009
Dogwood Sams returned to Florala State Park in Florala, Alabama, for the November campout. Dinner at a local
seafood restaurant was enjoyed by the group on Friday night. Following the usual delicious breakfast cooked by
our resident chefs, Pres. Bill Kranz called the monthly meeting to order. Fifteen member rigs and two visitors
were represented at the meeting. All officers were reelected for another year. We’re happy to welcome new
members Tom and Dottie Pfeiffer to our chapter. Larry Blake invited everyone to join him delivering our snacks,
water and sodas to the USO. Jackie Blake donated 45 knitted hats to the Pregnancy Resource Center in Milton.
Three rigs attended the Florida Fall Samboree. Dogwood Sams won 2nd place in the decorating contest and
brought home $50.00 for their efforts. The Blakes and Crutchfields donned clown costumes and participated in
the circus-themed parade. Blakes, Crutchfields, and Kranzes all received century patch awards.
December 2009
Florida Springs RV Park rolled out the red carpet for Dogwood Good Sams in December. Owners Andy and Alicia
Gonsalves went above and beyond to make us comfortable in their newly renovated facility. It was cold and rainy
but their warm hospitality made up for the weather. We enjoyed getting to know them and plan to return to their
park in the future.
Bill Kranz brought a sack of oysters and some of our members enjoyed eating oysters on the half shell. Other
members just said “Ewwww.” We ate hot dogs cooked over a campfire Friday night and played lots of INDOOR
games.
Jackie Blake presented our chefs, Larry Blake, Tommy Crutchfield, and Bill Kranz, with new, Christmas-themed
aprons. The fellows looked quite festive in their new attire as they prepared breakfast Saturday morning.
Following breakfast, President Bill Kranz called our monthly meeting to order. Ten member rigs and one guest rig
attended. Treasurer Lawrence Merino reported 21 rigs renewed membership for 2010.
SASSY SAMS, CHAPTER 163
November 2009
Our November campout was once again held at Travelers’ Rest Resort in Dade City. We had 17 rigs present.
Not only did our hosts out do themselves with the Thanksgiving dinner on Saturday, but on Friday night we had a
special treat. Andrea Oat provided us with a “Mystery Dinner”. We all dressed in costume and took part in the
skit. She had done this for the Chapter many years ago. The membership has changed enough over the years
that there weren’t that many of the original members present. Those that were there were our servers. Saturday
after the meeting the ladies made Christmas decorations that will be given to residents in nursing homes in Citrus
and Hernando Counties. Later in the day we had a costume fitting so Andrea could check our costumes, some of
which she made and some we made ourselves, for the “Under the Big Top Parade”. The weather was pleasant,
the snacks were abundant, and the games went well. Another good weekend for the Sassy Sams.
December 2009
Our December campout was held at Ocala RV Camp Resort in Ocala. Judy, our Wagonmaster, was lucky to get
this campground for us after a misunderstanding with Ocala Sun – where we had been scheduled to go – we
thought. We had 16 rigs present at this campout. We were still on a “high” after winning not only the theme
parade at the Fall Samboree, but achieving the great success of winning the Chapter of the Year competition.
That was a complete astonishment to us. We feel so thankful and blessed to have been recognized by others
who thought we were deserving of this award. We had a rainy weekend but our spirits were high. The ladies
made Gingerbread Houses while the men played pool or sat around and talked. There were the usual shopping
trips during the day and dinner out on Friday night too. We had an excellent ham dinner on Saturday followed by
a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus and two elves. Gifts were exchanged – some of them again and again and
again! We’re looking forward to the Winter Samboree and ideas for the rig decoration contest are already
circulating.
SUNSET RAMBLERS
November 2009
The Sunset Ramblers held their November campout at the Florida State Samboree at Wekiva Falls RV Resort in
Sorrento, FL. There were seven rigs present including our two rigs that are on the state staff. Everyone had a
wonderful time enjoying the Samboree. We had a potluck supper Friday night and enjoyed the time together.
Congratulations to our new and returning officers: Leo Nadeau as President, John Johnson as Vice President,
Rich Gavin as Treasurer and Debby Thompson as Secretary. We were very excited that the newsletter took
second place in the newsletter competition and we had two people receive a flower to accompany their century
patch. Rich and Jeannie Gavin attended the special 50th anniversary party. Bruce Moore and Roy Ravn were
remembered in the memorial service. We are looking forward to our Christmas party at the December campout at
Pecan Park RV in Jacksonville.
December 2009
The Sunset Ramblers December campout was held at Pecan Park RV in Jacksonville, FL. We had six rigs in
camp and two more families come for the day on Saturday. We had a great time talking and laughing while we
prepared the lumpia and fried rice for our Friday night supper. After supper we gather to play cards and spend
time together. Saturday morning we had our chapter meeting and installation of new officers. Congratulations to
all officers-we are looking forward to a great year. We had a wonderful holiday feast at lunchtime followed by lots
of laughing and giggling as we opened presents. The late afternoon brought naps, computer time, rest and
relaxation. Suppertime brought out those seeking a sandwich or just a nibble of the leftovers. Sunday morning
finally brought out the sun as we said Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, have a safe ride home and see you in
January.
TRAIL BLAZING SAMS
November 2009
Thirteen rigs and one guest attended the Wekiva Samboree in Sorrento, Fl.
A beautiful campground with full services tucked in the country a long way from civilization. This was the first time
Good Sams of Florida visited this campground. A great Samboree with lots of activities going on and very well
attended by over 400 rigs.
Our chapter did their usual indoor and outdoor games as well as participated in the very popular flea market. In
addition we entered the site decoration contest and were very honored to be the best in the class. We generated
$140.00 which was donated to Boggy Creek. In total we presented Boggy Creek with a check for $340.00 along
with our contributions to The Dogs for the Deaf - $270.00 and Florida Guide Dogs - $75.00.
On Friday night we were entertained by Citrus County Sams as they presented an entertaining program.
Afterwards Sharon Bundy was assisted by Reba Ward and Mary Murray as they gave a touching Memorial
Service to all those Florida Good Sam members who has passed away during the year. A real touch of class.
The entertainment on Wednesday evening was preformed by Rick Arnold, a very talented professional who kept
everyone’s interest with his act. It would be nice to see him back at some Samboree down the road.
Our Chapter is now part of Good Sams of Florida History Book. After being Chapter of the Year for five years we
were replaced by Sassy Sams. They worked very hard and deserved to earn the title and will make a great
Chapter of the Year. Congratulations to Sassy Sams.
Our next campout will be at Little Willies RV Resort, Arcadia, Fl., on December 11-13th.
December 2009
Our December Campout was held at Little Willies RV Resort in Arcadia, Florida on December 11-12th. In
attendance were 14 rigs and 1 guest rig. Our guest, Chuck and Jean Potter were attending their 3rd meeting and
were voted into the Chapter thus becoming our 25th member rig. This was our traditional Christmas
Party where we exchanged gifts, Christmas cards and sang Christmas Carols. Each member brought a gift for a
boy and girl to be delivered to the Shriners Children Hospital in Tampa, an annual event that we have done for
several years.
Our Host and Hostess, John and Cerese Henning did a great job in organizing a fun weekend. They are both
known for their culinary skills and they did not disappoint us.
Little Willies RV Resort was all decked out in beautiful Christmas Decorations. The setting and surrounding
homes were all lighted up at night making for a wonderful and colorful season. This year was especially nice
in that our past Treasurer Colin and Joanne Greseth were able to join us. Colin had suffered a major stroke at
our October 2008 campout, they are now looking forward to joining us at future campouts.
Our January campout will be at the Silver Springs RV Resort in Silver Springs, Fl., on the 22-23 of January.