| __________BAY AREA SAMS_________ Bay Area Sams #117 Supporting American values, friendship and camaraderie. _________________________ Eleven member rigs gathered for our first Fall campout at The Oaks in Bushnell. Our hosts, Darl and Martha Fouty, made it a fun weekend. They organized games, invited us for a Happy Hour and a hot dog roast on Friday. We were greeted by hot coffee and Danish Saturday morning before our meeting. Before we knew it, ice cream and cake were being served after lunch to celebrate all the September birthdays and anniversaries. Saturday night pot luck featured a delicious ham provided by our hosts. Bingo and a "hand and foot" card game were enjoyed in the evening. Sharing our summer adventures was an important part of our weekend! The Boner Award went to a member who just couldn't make a pot of coffee for her invited guests! The weather was glorious as 13 member rigs and one guest rig parked under the trees at Tropical Palms in Kissimmee , the weekend of October 16-19, 2003. A Happy Hour on Friday hosted by Don and Barbara Gauding featured a veggie pizza and other healthy snacks for all to enjoy. After a Continental breakfast and a chapter meeting Saturday, shirts with the Good Sam Logo were distributed to all members to wear at all Good Sam functions. Following our Pot Luck Supper we all ventured out to "OLD TOWN" for a night of "ride gazing", car watching and some good old fashion shopping! DOGWOOD SAMS The time to start camping is rapidly approaching – rallies planned for September, October, November. Tie a string around your finger – if you need to – in order to remember to save the cola pop tops. We’ve been saving for a year and now have approximately six gallons which will later be presented to Ronald McDonald House. Our May yard sale was a big success and netted us $146.73 for our charity, Dogs for the Deaf. EVERGLADES GOOD SAMS In June, July and August we camped at Encore Campground in Punta Gorda since it is such a nice place and the hosts there can’t be beat for being accommodating. Since Florida summers are so hot and humid (not to mention rainy) we usually played it cool and weren’t too active. This month we honored our chapter’s fathers and made them kings for a day – complete with glittery crowns. They all looked so regal. We also celebrated the Everglades Good Sams 400th campout. Of course there were no charter members present. Later in the afternoon, we went to the Golden Corral for a buffet dinner – leaving it in a lovely Florida monsoon. Then on Sunday after breakfast, we said good-by to Ellen and Paul Murphy, our president and first lady, as they left us for the summer for Canada and other points north. In July we celebrated Independence Day with red, white and blue decor – with flags, too, and a patriotic tee-shirt here and there. Several past members joined us for the day; we are always glad to have any past member join us. After a late-afternoon business meeting, we dined at the Golden Corral again – and almost got drowned getting to our cars – again! The August campout was back at Encore – did I mention it is a favorite? Only four rigs camped; but some of us who could not make it for the entire weekend came on Saturday for the business meeting and the day. We had our usual evening session of dominoes and cards – bid euchre being our favorite card game. FLORIDA AT-LARGE CHAPTER #161 We met after the Thursday evening potluck supper at the Fall Samboree in Orlando. We had 53 people present including our special guests, Sambassadors Ira and Rosemary Bates. They wish that everyone who can will come to the Maine Fall Samboree in Fryeburg, ME. They will be there and wish to see as many there as possible in their “Home State.” We had three first-timer couples at our potluck and meeting and had the pleasure of having them join us making a total of 13 new members. Parker, Margaret and Gene were all reelected to their respective offices. We received a $50.00 award for highest overall increase in New Members for 2003. The chapter voted to use the money to purchase a new chapter flag which will be displayed at each Samboree. We will meet again at Tallahassee in February. We hope to see a lot of you there. We will be building a website for the Florida at Large Chapter and I will e-mail you when it is up and running. In the meanwhile, you can reach Parker by mail at Parker J. Oak, PO Box 135633, Clermont, FL 34713 or parkerjoak@aol.com or Margaret at mamaoak@pocketmail. com. GATEWAY SAMS Our July campout was at Suwannee Valley RV Campground. New members were accepted. The campground catered a steak and chicken dinner. The weather was typical summer weather – hot with showers now and again. Friday evening we were on our own but most returned for the Suwannee Valley Ice Cream Social. Sunday the campground served pancakes. We played bingo and a game called “left & right” – think that’s the name of it. Some went swimming; Saturday Dot McClure showed us how to make sun catcher fish from cd rom disks and foam sheets. What fun! Eighteen campers present at Hance’s First in Florida in August. We also had some grandchildren with us. September meeting was at Kelly’s RV Park with 13 member rigs. Those interested went to Falling Creek Falls one afternoon. We had hamburgers Friday evening and pancakes Saturday morning served by the campground. We had a great dinner and cake Saturday evening and breakfast Sunday morning served by our chapter. Highlight was when Gladys Williams played the piano while those of there sang. GETAWAY SAMS June campout was at Bulow Resort with 14 rigs (arriving over several days) plus guests. Our group patronized the local eateries, the open air market, and, of course, Russell Stover Candy Shoppe. It is safe to say we helped the economy of Flagler County again. In-between good eating, we did a lot of catching up on new, jokes, and stories, some of which were true. We played cards, Ron told Rally tales, everyone got hugs. It was a fun-filled time with lots of laughter! We were blessed with beautiful weather most of the time. Sam and Ron gave the history and rules of corkball; Joe and Gene added to the background facts. Charlotte and Sam then gave a brief demonstration of this old-time Jacksonville sport. Jeanne and Velma furnished upbeat patriotic decorations that gave the tables and walls a nice festive appearance. Several members attended the Great American RV Rally in Louisville. The July campout was held at Kelly’s RV Park. Nine rigs came in on Thursday; more than enough to get the games going. Three more rigs plus several guests came on Friday. Thursday night some of our members dined in downtown White Springs while others drove into Lake City or ate in. Friday we were treated to delicious strawberry shortcake courtesy of our hosts. That evening, the campground personnel cooked wonderful hand-patted hamburgers and 1/4 pound hot dogs with all the trimmings for a modest $3.00. Saturday the hosts provided coffee and coffee cakes for everyone. The games fired up again right after the business meeting and continued until dinner time. The campground again provided us a great meal – huge grilled steak, baked potato, salad, etc. for just $8.00. Everyone enjoyed visiting Kelly’s this month; the park, clubhouse and staff were great. Fourteen rigs (arriving from Sunday to Friday) for our September campout at Salt Spring Elite Resort. Thursday some went to Corky Bells in Palatka (used to eat at Corkey Bells in Green Cove Springs when we camped there). Of course we played cards after dinner and more rain. Friday more rain, cards and bingo at the clubhouse that evening. Saturday was our continental breakfast, by our hosts, and meeting in one of the cottages. Rain by the bucket all day. That evening a covered dish with the hosts furnishing pork loin. We were very glad to have our ASD, Dave and Shirley Carlson, camp with us for the weekend. Hope they enjoyed us as much as we enjoyed their visit. Following dinner, the Rich Paulin Memorial Sweepstakes Race was held with so much excitement over the magnificent horses and their naughty names. It was an unruly crowd; but a good time was had by all. In spite of all the rain, we did not have to call Noah to bring the Ark and it did not dampen the spirits as all had fun. Lovely weather, wonderful friends, who could ask for more than what we had at our September campout at King George RV Park. Cards were the norm for the weekend; but “Tea Time” Friday afternoon was something to behold. The appetizers were simply over abundant with a shrimp platter, pin wheels, shish kabobs, mini pigs-in-a-blanket, deviled eggs, egg rolls and salmon dip; in fact, so much that many of our members did not go out for supper that evening. Saturday spaghetti and meat balls with garlic bread and salad was well appreciated. Members brought desserts – all of which were yummy. What a great campout! Members seemed to enjoy it as well as the hosts who really tried to bring a little joy to all our treasured friends. GOLDEN TRIANGLE SAMS Labor Day – I was made in America as were most of you. It’s getting harder and harder to find anything that is really made here other than people!!! I try but I admit I have to buy stuff made elsewhere. I guess what Labor Day really means to most of us is the end of the summer season; and, boy, did this summer go fast. We had 16 member rigs and five guest rigs at our September campout at Blueberry Hill RV Resort with JoAnn and Bill Cullum as hosts. They fed us and then when we all thought we could not move they got us out and had us working off the food playing games.. We were very lucky to be able to play games outside. The guys beat the ladies at Beanbag Baseball. Bud Green and Jim Shaffer won Holey Board. We also played a new game called Snake & Cactus. You throw a bolo looking thing at horizontal bars; it may be a fun game to look into. Bill & Amanda Shaffer won Swhuffle Board. Saturday evening we all played Bunko. The amount of the donation for the Florida Guide Dogs will be $1500. We all gathered at the Travelers Rest RV Resort in Dade City for four days of fun and entertainment in October. The entertainment was suppplied by Duke Huggett and John Adomitis. The weather was great, the park had full hookups, a pool. Golf course and much, muck more. There was something for everyone. We had 19 member rigs and three guest rigs plus one drive-in (our State Directors Warren & Ginny Bradley). Howard Schunk and Harriet Reeves won the holey board game. The ladies beat the men in beanbag baseball – they could have thrown the bags blindfolded and still won! We later found that the women had put a Boogooly Woogooly curse on the men. We took in three new couples as members. Warren & Ginny Bradley gave us a lot of good behind the scenes info on the workings of a Samboree including info about a day pass. We had a brown bag auction with Duke Huggett auctioneering; he did a good job including having us all laughing so much we forgot how much we were bidding. ____________________________________________________________ Why not travel to NE GA this summer and visit our little campground? LAZY RIVER CAMPGROUND is located in Cleveland, GA, right on the Chattahoochee River. Call 706-865-4707 for reservations. We honor Passport or 10% off to Good Sam. Bill and Fran Hagler, ASDs, owners. ____________________________________________________________ GOOD SAM SEAHORSES ____________________________ GOOD SAM SEAHORSES check them out at www.goodsamseahorses.org SE & Central Florida territory For camping information: Sis Hopper 863-471-2425 E-mail: sissel@strato.net __________________________ Memorial Day we camped at Oasis Campground in Zolfo Springs– what a great time we had!! The Seahorses want to thank Bill and Thelma LeBright and the sponsors of our web page, Ron and Brenda Caraballo, for their generous hospitality. There were many weekend activities abounding – beginning with 26 members dining Friday night at Nicholas’ Restaurant; our successful Saturday morning yard sale (proceeds for Dogs for the Deaf fund), Pot Luck and BBQ dinners, create your own sundaes, Bean Bag Baseball - thanks Fred Bissell, Ernie Lara’s watermelon cutting ritual, pancake breakfast, Bingo and Skip-Bo. Our fathers were honored by a poem; and a Memorial Day honoring of our servicemen members. Bill & Thelma LeBright’s daughter Cheryl Grove (also famous for her chocolate covered strawberries and cherries) and our members sang patriotic songs – we all sounded good! We had as guests some former members and some associate members - welcome to all. Summer is almost over – along with the rain, mosquitoes and heat. Let’s be ready for some cooler autumn weather. Another fun weekend was had in October at Southern Comfort in Florida City; it was perfect weather-wise, too! The weekend’s events began Thursday night for the early birds. Fran Bissell made a delicious German style meal to celebrate Oktoberfest; she made enough food for an army. Friday two couples went to Everglades National Park; others went to Biscayne National Park. Unfortunately, the glass bottom boat was not available for trips. Friday 19 of us went to dinner at the nearby Mutineer Restaurant. Saturday afternoon we met at Bissell’s motorhome where we sat in the shade and enjoyed another yummy meal. Afterwards we started on our craft project; Farada Nagel (with Mary King’s assistance) showed us how to make wreaths from plastic 6-pack rings. Oh, so cute! Saturday we held our first ever Halloween party; nine members and a poodle dressed up for the occasion. David Bale was the scariest, Farada and Rudy, most original, Fran Bissell, prettiest and Murphy, best dressed pet. He was wearing his “super dog” cape! We all had a GREAT weekend. Thanks to all who made it so much fun. __________________________________________________ visit Ken & Lois at www.kenlong.biz _______________________________________ GO-SEE-UM SAMS Hot! Hot! Hot! That was the key word for the May campout. We confined all of our activities to the Whisper Creek activity room where, although not air conditioned, we were able to turn on fans for at least a little relief. We had only eight rigs and 15 persons in attendance – a significant downturn over most other months. It seems a goodly number of our members had headed in all directions on vacation! Because of the extreme heat, we dispensed with games except Bean Bag Baseball which could be played indoors and opted not to have the heavy snack lunch or happy hour. Since the campground no longer provides the big gas grill, we had to pool our own gas grills. Despite changes, a good time was had by all! We had much improved weather the weekend of our September campout compared to the monsoon season all of Southwest Florida had been enduring and it was truly great to meet again after the summer. Several members, still finishing summer trips and excursions, were not with us and we missed them. It was wonderful, however, to welcome three potential new members. ASD Bob Louis reminded members that information that used to be in The Traveling Samaritan is now on the website as are samboree applications. GULF COAST GOOD SAMS _______________________________ New members always welcome Gulf Coast Good Sams Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda FL Contact Bill & LaVerne Ellegood 941-828-2643 or Jim & Toni Cluck 941-460-0626 _____________________________________ The Gulf Coast Good Sam Chapter meeting was held at Craigs RV Park in Arcadia, Florida. Five rigs and one drive in were in attendance. We were not too active as it was hot, hot, hot! We enjoyed hearing what everyone did during the Summer. We could not have full use of the rec hall as a "blue grass" group used it. Some of us played dominoes in the rigs and some played pegs & jokers. Our pot luck Saturday night was good as usual. Our ASD Billy & Betty Hodgin visited us while at the meeting. We were glad to have them. It rained cats & dogs on Saturday night after pot luck. After a continental breakfast everyone was ready to head home. We met on October 11 at Live Oak in Arcadia. Eleven rigs and one walk in answered roll. It was such a delightful weekend. The community room has been air conditioned which really makes it more comfortable. It was announced that we have quite a few stuffed animals for donating this year. Also, our can tabs are really accumulating for Ronald McDonald House. That's some of our favorite contributions. We have our new officers for the year 2004. Congratulations to them. They will have the support of the Chapter. We are all looking forward to Orlando. Kratzke and Cluck are planning the Thanksgiving dinner so we are sure it will be delicious as usual. HAPPY SAMS Our June campout was held at Encore RV Park in Reddick with 14 rigs plus visitors. Thursday was a beautiful day with nice weather and no rain. Our Wagonmasters made Sloppy Joes and desert for everyone. We all had as much as we wanted and it was much enjoyed. We got together later for games and fellowship in the clubhouse. Friday was another nice day; some of our members went to Ocala for shopping. Others got together in the clubhouse. That evening some went to a restaurant in Citra; then later gathered in the clubhouse for games and fellowship. Some played Sequence; a few ladies played Dominoes. Saturday our wagonmasters had sausage & biscuits along with selected cereals and toast. They served watermelon both Friday and Saturday. Our covered dish was great as always; followed by fellowship, games and fun in the clubhouse. Sunday we had rain when we got up. Made it to the clubhouse where our wagonmasters had breakfast waiting for us. The rain got heavy at times so we relaxed and waited it out. It finally eased up and we all began to get ready to go home. What a great cloudy weekend we had Encore RV Park in Reddick in September! We were expecting a big storm out of the gulf; but it never arrived (WHEW). We had a total of 18 member rigs and two guest rigs. Thursday our wagonmasters served lasagna with salad and garlic bread along with several desserts. Later we gathered in the clubhouse for fellowship and relaxing. Friday was another overcast day and was spent on your own. Our ladies played dominoes and some of the men played shuffleboard. Friday evening members went out to eat at Sam’s Seafood in Ocala and others to the Skillet in Orange Lake. Later we all gathered in the clubhouse for games and fellowship. Saturday was overcast and we had a few showers. We had a surprise visit from Howard & Julia Jones, our ASD and treasurer of Good Sams. They spent the day with us and enjoyed our covered dish dinner. Thursday was a nice day at Casey Jones RV Park in Lake City with members arriving throughout the day. We had 19 member rigs plus guests. Thursday our wagonmasters had a wonderful dinner for everyone – two types of chicken & rice along with salad and deserts. They deserve a thank you for the wonderful job they did. Friday was a nice sunny day; some of the guys played golf. Others went to Lake City to shop and those who stayed at the campground played dominoes and holey board. It was nice to see members playing outdoor games. That evening we went to Cedar River in Lake City for dinner; the food was excellent. The evening was spent chatting and relaxing. Saturday’s covered dish had many great dishes and yummy deserts. After dinner we were entertained with skits by Lester and the Group. What a weekend! Our November campout was at Okefenokee R V Park in Folkston, GA with 17 member rigs and two visitor rigs.. Some went in early to enjoy the nostalgia of the trains, the swamp and to be with families. Thursday our wagonmasters, the Hipsleys and the Rogers, prepared hotdogs, chili and desert for the early birds. After relaxing for awhile, most of the group enjoyed an ice cream social at the RV park café. Friday was craft time for all the ladies who enjoyed fellowship while making yo yo trivets. The men enjoyed outdoor games and some rode out to tour the swamp. It was off to Okefenokee Restaurant for seafood or steaks and then back to the rec hall where our wagonmasters emceed Happy Sams’ version of Family Feud. Diane’s Mexican Fruit Cake Mix by hand: 2 c flour, 2 c sugar, 2 eggs, 2 tsp baking soda. Add a 20 oz. can undrained crushed pineapple and a cup chopped walnuts - mix by hand only. Bake at 350º fir 39-35 minutes. Frost with cream cheese frosting or cool whip or cool whip while still warm. Make frosting by mixing 2 c powdered sugar, 8 oz cream cheese, a stick (½ cup) butter and 1 tsp vanilla. JUPITER LIGHTHOUSE The October campout (11 rigs) at Camelot RV Park in Malabar, hosted by the Napoli’s, was blessed with nice weather except for a sprinkle Sunday morning as we were leaving. On Friday usual games were played in the afternoon. Dinner was out at local restaurants enjoyed by all. Anne & Gene Sherrow related, on Gene’s proposal and their marriage, a wonderful story from some wonderful people about their wedding 59 years ago. Saturday morning Theresa & Joe scheduled a bus trip to the Sun Cruz casino ship near Cape Canaveral. It was a very nice trip enjoyed by all. We enjoyed a great potluck dinner. Another small group, the Lunar Rovers, shared our Saturday get-together in the rec room. They had a silent auction as a moneymaker. We participated and won some items; after which they played bingo with some of our ladies playing with them. During the following card games we turned on the large screen TV and watched the World Series game. LAKE EOLA SAMS Lake Eola Good Sams of Orlando, Fl, chapter # 68 members wish to send a big "THANK YOU" to Betty Babson for her undying efforts to get us a web site and for all the work in putting together past issues of the Traveling Samaritan. Many of us have enjoyed the magazine. But important enough is that I have fallen down on getting the news to our editor for publishing. Briefly the Lake Eola Sams camped in January at Clerbrook Resort in Clermont with 17 rigs and four drive-ins present. How about walking into the club house kitchen and hearing "How do you want your eggs"? Breakfast cooked to order was great as was the rest of our meals by the Mankamyers and the Wilsons. February 2003 only three of our members attended the Winter Samboree in Tallahassee. Several couldn't attend due to illnesses, hospitalizations too. March we had 18 member and a guest rig at Citrus Valley in Clermont. Wagonmasters (McMann's and Hilgar's) gave us a good campout. Late April we had nine rigs at the Spring Samboree. Several won games of Bingo. We hope that whoever won our quilt-- made by a member-- has been pleased with it. Members "Thank the staff for another great rally. What a campout in May at Clerbrook RV Resort in Clermont!! We had 20 member rigs there for a nice outing. Saturday PM most of us went to the Cracker Barrel. Just as some returned the heavens opened up wide with lightening, thunder, rain, hail and some very gusty winds. It was terrible and we could see awnings laid over the roofs or just torn off the rigs. It lasted nearly 40 minutes and then we noted eight members had damage to their RVs. Bill Nattress helped a lady trapped in her RV and hurt his ankle. Jim was lifted off the ground holding onto his awning. In spite of all the damage we did have a good campout and thank goodness no-one was injured. September was our first campout after the summer months;we were at Southern Palms in Eustis with a total of 12 rigs and one drive-in for Saturday. Friday evening we ate out at the Quarter Deck in Umatilla and had some very good fish. Saturday AM our hosts had some good sausage gravy and biscuit; dinner was ham with all the trimmings by potluck. We got in some good Bocci Ball and Holey Board, games and cards too. The park invited us to play Bingo games; three of us were winners. In October we camped at Ocala Ranch RV Resort. It is under new management and is west of Ocala. Again we had 12 rigs but had two drive-ins for our meeting and lunch. Friday evening we went to Cracker Barrel. Saturday we played Bocci Ball and a lot of card games. Saturday noon we had some good jambalaya and cornbread with other dishes too. The hosts gave us a nice weekend to be remembered. It was less humid and we had great temperatures making it not necessary to run the ole AC. LAKE MONROE SAMS You can sure tell that summer has arrived, as it has been hot, muggy and miserable the last few campouts. This month the group met at the Sunburst RV Park, Orange City, and the weather wasn’t much better. Seven families were present. The Thursday arrivals went out to Barnhill’s to eat; Friday the group headed towards DeLand to enjoy a meal at the Three Palms Restaurant. For the Saturday meeting, the group was enhanced by five more families and visitors – some of whom stayed around most of the day. Some of the group activities were sitting around in the shade, gabbing and trying to take advantage of a breeze. Some made it down to the pool where they cooled off some. Saturday we had an ice cream social during which Ruth and Nathan Winstead were honored for their 50th wedding anniversary. The evening meal was a little hectic as we had to share the recreation hall with locals who were coming in for their weekly bingo session. We ate at 6 and bingo started at 7 but it was hectic while they sat up. Nadine and Bob Dubay, former members, joined us for the meal as did Sarah Cleveland (Chuck and Luneta’s daughter) whom we watched grow up from a child to an adult. All in all, the group had a wonderful time; and, other than the heat, humidity and bingo players, it was just another normal monthly meeting. Eight rigs made their way to Encore at Crystal River for the August campout. Rained Thursday evening; some of the group went to a local Chinese Buffet for dinner while others atayed in their rigs. By Friday, everyone had arrived and were ready for some R&R; however, with more rain that evening sent more of us to a local restaurant to eat and enjoy company. That night, the park hosted a bluegrass band which was quite good. More rain and Saturday and Sunday hampered some of our outside activities. Saturday morning the park hosted a $3 per person breakfast which was available to anyone who wanted to partake. During the rain Saturday afternoon, some visited a local flea market and contributed to the local economy. That evening, a $10 per person seafood dinner with all the trimmings was cooked by park employees. Judging by the number of blue crabs that were consumed, the dinner appeared to be a big success. The bluegrass band played again that evening. Due to the rain, almost every rig had a lakefront site at no additional charge. Despite all the bad weather, everyone seemed to have a nice time. MIRACLE STRIP SAMS In July our campout was at Lake Stone Campground in Century with Bob and Olga Terrell and Tom Mixon as hosts. There were 11 rigs plus a guest rig. We are in the process of making a list of all members for emergency purposes. While traveling everyone will have a list of cell phone numbers as well as the CB’s. We are also in the process of finding out just what the new Veterans Home in Panama City will need; we will make a donation toward this cause. With a weekend of fun and lots of good food provided by our hosts on Thursday evening and breakfast both Saturday and Sunday, a great time was enjoyed by all. Potluck was on Saturday evening; cards, etc. were enjoyed all weekend. Leaving our group for awhile are the Bartas who are building a new home in Cantonment. They will visit with us when they can; they will be greatly missed. Our August campout was held at Seagrove Beach with hosts Ken & Maureen Stickley and Jack & Nancy DePue. There were 11 rigs present including two guests. Treasurer reminded members about their dues. Lots of food & fun were enjoyed all weekend by all. The campout for September was held at Lake Kristina, Milton, with hosts Bud & Sue Boudreaux and Ernie & Lee Juncker. There were 12 rigs present. President Ivy Sundholm presented and read a certificate from the National Sams for our clean-up participation; also had a very nice Thank You letter from them. Also received a letter from Warren Bradley, State Director, with a Thank You letter – with info enclosed about the website for those wishing more current info as to what is happening in our state. The chapter is currently preparing an emergency list of all members with their cell phone numbers, etc. for traveling purposes so that we may help each other while traveling as a group. Lee Juncker announced that we need to enter the Chapter of the Year contest and will undertake seeing that we do enter. Lots of games of 31 were played each day; also California Washers. Meals all weekend were outstanding and the potluck Saturday sure proved we have some very good cooks in our chapter. The campout for October was held at Lakepoint Resort in Eufaula, AL, with hosts Ron & Jackie Burd and Dennis & Ivy Sundholm. Nine rigs were present; a fun-filled campout time was enjoyed by all. There was a Halloween Costume contest with Herman and Betty Currie winning first and Jack and Nancy DePue second. A pumpkin carving contest also was held with Olga Terrell winner with her carving of a Good Sams Logo. Then there was a nail driving contest (using a board) which was won by Jim Sledge. Also an apple peeling contest was held and this was won by Herman Currie. Meals were all outstanding. NAPLES SMILIN’ SAMS We (see the photo of our hard working group) participated in the Good Sam National Cleanup Week event. Plastic bags were handed our and trash was collected in Collier Seminole State Park and Rookery Bay Research Reserve on May 17th. It’s hard to visualize how much trash is thrown on the side of the roads and waterways when a dumpster is only a short distance away. Following the cleanup, we all went to Perkins Restaurant for lunch and said our goodbyes until we resume camping in the fall. The last campout was held at North Lake Resort by Lake Okeechobee. It was smaller than our normal group (five rigs) but we still had a good time. Pat and Ray Morris were our hosts; they provided a German theme with delicious bratwurst and sauerkraut. We still held our fishing contest. The winner for the biggest and smallest fish was Carl and it wasn’t the same fish. Stan won best tee shirt. Sunday we ended with a nice pancake breakfast. _______________________________ TERVIS TUMBLERS Lifetime Guarantee Jim & Faith Cutshaw Gourmet Garlic, Etc. 16416 US Hwy 19 N#1616 Clearwater FL 33764-8722 727-538-4756 cell 727-420-7146 fax 727-538-0014 e-mail JimCutshaw@aol.com see us at Florida Samborees _______________________________ PINE TREE SAMS Our chapter had a week-long campout at a state park in northern Florida in October. We did a LOT of eating as we tried community cooking (10) meals. It worked very well but we decided maybe it was a bit much and may cut it down for next time we go for a long period. We played quite a few games with many partaking in cards of many sorts, as well as Holey board, bean bag baseball and the new (at least to us) game of ladder ball. We figured we would get some practice in for the Samboree. We also went out to dinner one night (25) of us to Texas Roadhouse. They were more than glad to see us come in. We had a sing along (with Gene playing guitar), reading, individual crafting, walking, biking and a lot of talking - that took up a good deal of the week. On Thursday and Friday Stephen Foster State Park had Heritage Days which some of the couples attended. On Saturday some of the ladies attended a craft show (small but nice) at the Welcome Center in town. RAINBOW GOOD SAMS Hope y’all had a great summer. We had two get togethers (for those of us who stayed put) at the PSL RV Park – one in July and one in August – and we had a super time. We also celebrated the August birthdays. We had a real nice time at Camelot RV Park, Malabar, in September. There were six rigs in attendance (a lot of our members are still away). Friday night was a bit wet but the rest of the weekend was great. Had to make a last minute change in the Saturday Night Dinner; the venison stew meat turned out to be cut for cube steak so we improvised! We had nine rigs attend our September meeting at Encore. The weather was most cooperative, Linda’s Pork Roast and Sauerkraut was excellent and Bill Thompson’s Pies were a fitting end to an outstanding meal. ROLLING SAMS The May rally was at Lazy Days and was a good one but with a few mishaps. Nineteen rigs plus guests enjoyed the weekend as Lazy Days does all the work. The Johnsons and Sharpes hosted and had several things planned – such as a special potluck Saturday, the dinner was a salad, soup and dessert meal. Prizes were awarded to the best cooks – Stan White for the best salad, Leo Reynolds for his 15 bean soup and Bill Belt for his famous Bachelor cake (the men had to cook). We had a good turnout at the June rally, a no-host at Encore Park in Sebastian. Harry and Carol Wright and Al and Sandy Malerk made the weekend a fun one. They planned breakfast outing for both days, dinner out on Friday and Saturday potluck. Friday we went to Marsh Landing. Saturday Sandy and Al made lasagna for dinner and it was great. Of course, we played beanbag baseball and cards. A fun no-host, but Al and Sand sure acted like great hosts – thanks! Also we made whirl-a-gigs, thanks to Jari Sharpe who figured out how and how many beads we needed to do them. In July a group of our women and a few men went to a nursing home in Palm Bay and held a craft class for several residents. We made small needlework bookmarks; the class was fun and very rewarding. Mel Russell and Don Wood helped the men’s table get going; they made several bookmarks. Fifteen member rigs and two guest rigs attended a weekend in Malabar at Camelot RV Park to enjoy a wonderful Hawaiian weekend. We went out to dinner on Friday to Bob Evans in Palm Bay; they served about 40 people in less than a half hour. The food and service was first-rate and it was enjoyed by all. Saturday we had sausage gravy and biscuits prepared by the hosts (Marge and Don Wood, Helene and Stan White). Saturday Hawaiian night, we were greeted by tiki torches on the way in and everyone dressed in their Hawaiian clothes – some even wore grass skirts. Camelot has a large grill/smoker; our hosts prepared barbecue ribs outside and they were delicious. All the food and desserts were very tasty; after dinner we were all truly “Rolling Sams.” Later we played card bingo; a weekend of fun, sun, some rain and, as always, good friends. Our thanks to our hosts!!! We also collected about 55 lbs of food for the Sharing Center as they are in great need for food and clothing. We had 16 member rigs and one guest rig attending our outing at Southern Palms in Eustis. Our imaginations were put to good use to figure out what to wear for our costumes on Saturday night. Friday afternoon we had a craft class learning how to make light globes; a big thank you to Frieda and Bud Crossan for teaching us what to do with cups and Christmas lights. Friday night we went to dinner at Dixie Crossroads – always a treat – and later played cards in the clubhouse. Saturday we had pancakes and sausage served by our hosts. Delicious!!! The baseball teams were active Saturday afternoon; the blue team pulled out a win but fun was had by all. Saturday, after a dinner of chili cooked by our hosts, we had a Halloween party and the costumes were judged. We had a great time and the ideas and costumes were first-rate; almost everyone dressed up – even our guests. Holiday Appetizer Pie 8 oz pkg softened cream cheese 2 tbs milk 2 ½ oz jar dried beef (tuna, salmon or chicken) finely chopped - about 3/4 c 2 tbsp instant minced onion 2 tbsp finely chopped green pepper 1/8 tsp pepper ½ c sour cream 1/4 c coarsely chopped walnuts Blend cream cheese and milk. Stir in dried beef (or whatever), onion, green pepper and pepper. Mix well. Stir in sour cream. Spoon into an 8 inch pie plate or small shallow pan. Sprinkle walnuts on top. Bake at 350º for 15 min. Serve with bugles or other small chips. ROWDY ROVERS Our every three-month cleanup was held at Sertoma Park in August. Easiest cleanup we can remember. With all the rain we’ve been having, the lake was high so probably covered a lot but even so we filled many bags and had big items like tires too. Camping weekend for August was at Happy Traveler in Tampa with Jeanne and John Bohnke as hosts. It was very hot. Most everyone went to the Flea Market across the street on Saturday. There were only five rigs as most of our members haven’t returned from the north yet. Camping weekend for September was held at Natures Resort Park in Homasassa Springs. Bea and Frank Ide had a great breakfast for us Saturday. Two guest rigs joined our five member rigs. Had a fun sing-a-long with Bea on the guitar after the meeting. Our Anniversary Party was held on October 11th. Many of our past members were there; it was so good to see them. There were quite a few who didn’t make it for various reasons; really wish they could have made it. Tom and Pat Grice were there too; they are our area ASD. The cake had our chapter logo on it – very pretty. Lots of good food as always. This was held at Alafia River Resort with Ann and Bob Baldwin as hosts for the six rigs and one guest rig. Weather was absolutely beautiful. The Baldwins had a wonderful breakfast for us Saturday. Our evening meal was hobo stew; everyone pitched in whatever they wished. It was delicious. After our meeting we had a pound auction with Judy Martin as auctioneer. Everyone had brought a pound of “something” in a bag and bids were made. Lots of fun and extra money for the treasury. SALTY SAMS Our July campout was early in the month at West Jupiter Camping Resort with six rigs and a guest rig and a drive-in whose rig had broken down on the way. Friday we sat in the shade, went swimming and shared a supper. A few drove over to Abacoa to listen to some 50's music. We also watched some great fireworks. Saturday we sat in the shade and visited and had two more drive-ins. The pool was great which everyone enjoyed. During our meeting we decided to award one free night of camping to any member who brings in a new member; this will given at the initiation of the new member. Elise brought a gift for everyone – a rock of wood from the Petrified Forest. They were really beautiful. Chuck and Sally made their ‘one-pot’ dinner of corn, potatoes and kielbasa. We also had a Red, White and Blue cake for dessert. We had a good weekend. We went to Long Point Park in Sebastian in September with seven member rigs and one guest. We hope our guests (from Melbourne) join our group in spite of the distance they travel. We had wonderful weather with a nice breeze most of the time; however the no-see-ums of sand fleas were very pesky! We all sat and visited Friday; our group supper was really good as usual – trying all the various dishes everyone brought. Later in the evening a few of us sat with Bob and Donna who put a TV outside (with some bug torches) so we watched Dr. Phil diet program. Appropriate after a big meal, RIGHT? Saturday some went fishing and caught sand perch and a nice flounder. Saturday Anita and Charlie cooked hot dogs and hamburgers with potato salad and all the trimmings – it was great! Later we played cards and Rumicube. We also had a nice campfire for awhile. Ben and Bob Sinex won a filet knife and spatula as winners of the “most fish.” SASSY SAMS May campout was held at Lazy Days RV Rally Park, Tamps, with 15 rigs and one Honorary rig attending. This was our annual co-camping with the Pasco Loafers. ASDs Reba & Bob Ward reported that you need to sign up early for Samborees. Also, the Florida Samborees hope to add more diet stuff for diabetics. The VP passed out Emergency Data Sheets for those individuals who wanted to fill them out; information will only be in the possession of the board members. The two chapters played two games of Bean Bag Baseball; we came in second in both games (object was to have fun and camaraderie). In July ASDs Reba & Bob invited chapter members from their area to join them for a “Friendship Campout” at Yogi Bear Jellystone Camp Resort, Madison. There were a total of 12 rigs, three cabins and one who slept in a hammock. Chapters represented were Sassy Sams, Citrus Sams and Skyway Sams. Guests included relatives including one with four generations represented. Activities included fishing, games, cookouts, an Italian covered dish dinner, a float your boat contest with five kid boats and six adult boats. The boats had to be made out of cardboard and duck tape only. The winner was an all girls team who floated their boat for 16 ½ minutes before having to be sunk. Some had evening campfires with “Somores” being made. The chapters also went on a great fun train ride around the park. There was a bike parade in which bikes/electric scooters were decorated – the winner being the “Butterfly Lady” (Tanya). Everyone had a great time; we are looking forward to the next campout. September’s campout had to be cancelled due to inclement weather. October’s campout was held at Oaks Campground, Bushnell, with 14 member rigs present. Friday night we played cards in the clubhouse. Saturday, after coffee and sweets, we held our meeting. It was brought up that the Traveling Samaritan magazine could be read on the Florida Good Sams website. Also, the website has applications for Florida Samborees that are available. In the afternoon, Marge and Evie held their Crafts Workshop making Scare Crow dolls using 2-liter cold drink bottles. Later in the afternoon, the hosts Tanya, Rod, Sue & Peggy held a Halloween Costume contest. That evening, after our delicious (as Usual) potluck, Tanya & Rod held bingo games with prizes. Tanya & Rod donated the bingo machine to the chapter for future use. After bingo many stayed and played cards, board games or socialized (and drank Marge’s costume prize). SOUTH FLORIDA GOOD SAMS For the September campout we stayed at the Port St. Lucie RV Resort and had a good turnout of campers; there were 12 rigs – all belonging to members – and 28 members present including one couple who are honorary members and one couple who did come in a rig. Two couples who left directly from the Spring Samboree are still working their way home from long trips. We had our wooden Good Sams holding our chapter flag and some wooden Uncle Sams holding the American flag in front of each rig. As you entered the campground you saw all those flags fluttering in the breeze; it was an impressive sight. Friday most of us dined out at restaurants. Later we took advantage of the nice club room at the park and played cards. Saturday we visited the flea market in Stuart. The most popular purchase was automatic card shufflers for six decks. That evening most of us went out to dinner. We were heading for a seafood restaurant near the beach; never admitted to getting lost, but we did have an interesting tour of some residential sections before we found the restaurant. We (11 rigs) returned to the Okeechobee KOA for our October meeting and enjoyed our visit there. Some of our members are still away on trips and are due back for the November meeting at the Samboree. Some of us played golf while we ere there and endangered some trees that “jump” in front of our golf balls each time we play that course. There is one plam tree that must have imprints of our golf balls in its trunk. We are planning a Southwest Florida Rolling Extravaganza (tour) in the spring as we leave the Samboree. SPACE COAST GOOD SAMS Don & Nancy Swickert and Dave & Martha Kirchgessner hosted a campout of 14 rigs in September at Forest Lake Village in Cocoa. Donations for our Sharing Program were accepted. It was decided to provide $100 for supplies for our photographer for the year. A clean-up on Tucker Road was done at this outing; four bags were collected. Maxine Helms turned in $56 that she made in the sale of flags. October campout was at Thousand Trails, Clermont, with 16 rigs plus guests. Committee reports were given. Jody discussed the letters that were sent to chapter members who have not attended meetings. November campout was at Seasons in the Sun, Mims, with 14 rigs plus three drive-ins for our meeting only. John Faulkner noted that we had a great collection last month for the Sharing Program. It was decided to donate $500 to the Outward Bound Program this year. We received a certificate of appreciation from the Good Sam Club for our hard work on clean-up day. Space Coast Sam's Donates $ 500.00 To the Hurricane Island Outward Bound School . In the photo From left to right are Jon Howard; lee Furis; Jody Dauphinais, President of Space Coast Sams, Ken Peeples ,Program Director of Outward Bound School accepting the check from Space Coast Sam's Committee Chair Bob Evans: and Galen Todd. __________________________________ Did you know...ASD Cheryl Clark is also award-winning author Cheryl Norman? Visit her website at www.cherylnorman.com Her healthy eating cookbook is available through her website. Or for an autographed copy, send a check for $13.50 to: Cheryl Clark, PO Box 847, Wellborn FL 32094 __________________________________ SUWANNEE RIVER SAMS Sure had a hot weekend in White springs but the fellowship was even hotter. New owners are so nice and cooperative. Nice meal cooked by the campground owners. ASDs Cheryl and Norm came by for a few minutes. We had 10 rigs including our visitors (now new members). We had a great time in Thomasville. Many of us arrived in the heavy rain; but, once we were set up, we had a beautiful weekend. Tom and Liz were host and did a great job. The clubhouse was so nice; they added rocking chairs and swings to the front porch which we all enjoyed. We had eight rigs and one visitor. What a great time we had at Kelly’s for the Friendship Rally. Cheryl and Norm did their usual great planning and executing for the fine weekend. We had nine of our chapter and two visitors. Warren and Ginny Bradley, our State Directors, were with us. They defeated our own champions Mary and Kelley Bailey. Warren won at Bingo also – so the group decided since he had won so much he could treat the group to ice cream which they did Saturday night after a nice steak dinner. What a great weekend we (six rigs and one visitor) had in Old Town. The Lee’s hosted and treated the group with hotdogs on Thursday night; then most of us went to the Old Town School for a bluegrass concert – that was fun! Friday, the weather was nice and we could sit around and visit, play holey board or visit; that night, our usual good potluck. Then playing cards in the Lembke’s screened room. Saturday, more of the same during the day; then a nice dinner at the Lighthouse Restaurant. Lee made us a campfire, which we enjoyed until dark; then more cards in the screened room. It was a nice, cool, relaxed weekend. Hope you all are doing fine and looking forward to some cooler weather. We just got home from TN and the weather was beautiful, the leaves were almost at their peek; and we wore long sleeves and jackets, all the time. We had a nice campout in Ocala last month. The Hicks were host and Mary carried out the fall theme. We had our usual good dinners and played cards and dominoes each night. Friday some of us ladies went up to Wayside Antiques to look at all their pretty things – they are going out of business. We had six rigs and one visitor from Homossassa who plan to join us. We had two of our lovely ladies die last month; the chapter will make a donation to a charity in their honor. Remember these families in your prayers. TALLAHASSEE GOOD SAMS During our summer break thirteen member rigs met at Pride RV Resort in Maggie Valley, near Waynesville, NC, for a week in August; we also had five guests join us including relatives of members who flew in from New Jersey and another who drove from Asheville, NC. We had thunderstorm warnings and watches but the weather did not dampen our spirits or our activities. Some of us shopped in Hendersonville, drove through Cades Cove, visited the town and casino in Cherokee, strolled through shops in Gatlinburg and Dillsboro, ate at the Biltmore House and went to Cataloochee to see the wildlife – especially the elk that came out in the fields in the late afternoon. We played miniature golf, games of Wizard and Chicken Foot, read books or just relaxed. In the evening we enjoyed watching the square dancers perform and Saturday evening listening to the gospel singers. We have no regular scheduled campout in June and July so we had a wonderful time visiting and catching up on news. We will always remember how much we enjoyed our week together with family, friends and guest, for the gift of laughter, the fellowship and friendship we share. A small group of our members traveling together were returning home when we noticed one of the RV’s rear tires was badly damaged. It was Sunday afternoon when we pulled off the highway just a short distance from Cornelia, GA. Our member’s roadside service was having difficulty finding anyone in the area to dispatch to change the tire. A sheriff’s deputy pulled in where we were parked to see if we needed help. When we told the deputy of our problem he contacted Webb’s Wrecker Service in Cornelia. Tim Webb shortly showed up to see if he could help. When he was unable to get someone with the proper equipment, he advised that if we could get the RV to his shop (about a mile away) , he would change the tire himself. In short order we were safely on our way again. We wish to express our sincere appreciation and warmest thanks to Tim Webb for making this day brighter and our large dilemma a whole lot smaller. Our September campout was held at Seminole State Park in Donaldsonville, GA with 10 member rigs plus several guests in attendance. We gathered in the pavilion for our meals, business meeting, crafts and games. It surely did not feel like fall was only a few days away. The weather was hot and humid and the lovebugs came as unwanted pests as they covered the fronts of the rigs. Friday we enjoyed cold salads for dinner. Saturday it was sausage gravy with biscuits and that evening Billy & Joyce Fountain and Leslie & Margaret Reese fried fish and hushpuppies. Other members furnished cole slaw, grits and desserts. We all ate well and, no matter what the weather, we together enjoy the companionship of one another. We missed all those unable to join us and hope to see them next month. TRAIL BLAZING SAMS What a great, fun, beautiful pig-out weekend we had at Bay Bayou. Cotton and Juliet put on a top notch campout for everyone. We had 17 member rigs and a guest rig plus two drive-ins off and on throughout the weekend. Friday evening started off with our hosts providing a delicious dinner for everyone. Saturday potluck breakfast turned out wonderful as usual–what a variety. Saturday afternoon kickoff was the margarita beach party and holey board competition. It was fun for everyone. In honor of Mike and Joanne’s 25th wedding anniversary, dinner for Saturday night, was catered. For the ending of a great dinner, everyone made their own sundae for dessert. Sunday Cotton and Juliet provided a pancake and bacon breakfast. Our Memorial Day picnic for Sunday evening topped off the weekend of the biggest pigout we have had in a long time. As a farewell to a great weekend, our hosts served coffee and danish on Monday morning. Many enjoyed cards in the clubhouse every night. As additional weekend entertainment, on Saturday we had a CPR class. This was very interesting and educational. Sunday morning, a lot of us went to the Oldsmar Flea Market. Sunday afternoon, we had our line dancing lessons from Caroline Johnson, who did a spectacular job. I could not believe the participation we had from both sexes. It was great fun. More conversation was had about the new banner. Frank Ciampaglia, Mike Lima and Mike Abrams have good news about the banner. You will see the results in September. Our clean up at the cemetery went as well as could be. The weather did not cooperate; but we did a lot of cleaning up and got some of the fence painted. Another group went back on August 20 to get more of the work done. Others worked at the state park. Weather washed them out also, but they were successful in getting some of the work done before that happened. Tropical Palms is always a great place to spend the weekend and September was no different. Charlie and Linda Voyton hosted this time. We had a potluck Friday night, served a french toast and sausage breakfast Saturday and had danish and coffee Sunday. Saturday night we went to Damon’s for dinner. Friday, after dinner, everyone found out how much they remembered about math; for those who knew more than others, they were rewarded with a lotto ticket. Some lucky people who knew their Good Sam number also received some scratch-off tickets. The person who was sitting in the lucky chair at each table received the centerpiece from that table. Friday and Saturday evenings most played cards; Saturday some went to Old Town to enjoy the old cars. Sunday morning, the GIRLS went to Old Town and had our pictures taken as Old West bar hussies. We had a ball and the pictures turned out great! We were honored to have our new ASDs, Bob and Margy Kuehling, join us for the weekend. John and Betty Babson also drove in to spend Friday evening with us. It was quite beautiful at Blueberry Hill for our September campout (17 rigs and one guest rig). Bob and Peggy Naylor were the greatest hosts. They fed us wonderful food Friday and Saturday night. Saturday morning was one of our delicious potluck breakfasts; Sunday morning we were treated to great donuts. Games were played in the clubhouse Friday and Saturday nights. Saturday afternoon we had a shuffleboard and bocce ball competition. Our reward was received Saturday evening before dinner. We were treated to Bob Naylor’s Super Bowl collections over many years. It was fun and everyone enjoyed it. |
