News: Florida

Florida Sunshine Winnies
Local Chapter
By Janice Underwood

Our September campout was held at Rolling Ridge RV Park in Clermont, FL and hosted by Joan and Vince Janowich. There were ten coaches in attendance. Kathleen and Richard Bock, Vangie and Bruce Cinader, Peggy and Jack Collins, Janis and Ted Fumia, Joan and Vince Janowich, Ann and Joe Loudenslager, Fran and Al Schultz, and Janice and Ed Underwood arrived Thursday. Friday Barb and Bill Stewart, Sandi and Dave Stowell and their son, Austin, joined them. The Stowells joined the FL Sunshine Winnies as members at this campout and we welcome them to the group.

Thursday afternoon during happy hour, we enjoyed catching up on everyone's travels over the summer and then played games. After breakfast Friday, hosted by Joan and Vince, we went to the Citrus Tower in Clermont for a panoramic view of the surrounding area. Afterwards, we went on to Lakeridge Winery for a tour and winetasting. Everyone agreed this was a very enjoyable morning.

Friday afternoon the ladies learned how to make cute Christmas ornaments using painted spoons provided by the Janowichs. After happy hour, we went to a delicious fish dinner at the Honey Pot restaurant nearby and then spent the evening playing games and cards.

Our business meeting was held Saturday and a list of who would be hosting campouts in 2010 was established during the meeting. After lunch, the ladies spent the afternoon making greeting cards under the direction of Joan Janowich and her daughter, Jen. There were some really nice examples to choose from and everyone was pleased with their own finished handiwork.

Saturday we had a potluck cookout. After dinner, Richard Bock called bingo and this was followed by an evening of cards and games.
Al Schultz 407-699-0228

Mid Florida Winnies
Local Chapter
By Ginny Wilson

Our September campout, the first of the season, was held at Sanlan RV Park in Lakeland with 14 coaches attending. We were especially pleased to welcome three new members to our club—Art and Nancy Lee Burch, Bob Conklin and Mary Ethel Swing, and Ron and Peggy Pomeroy.

Our hosts (the Fays, McTeers, and Williamses) did a wonderful job of keeping us well fed and happy during the campout. Friday after happy hour and a fun dinner, we played a game entitled "Know Your Fellow Club Members." We were asked to take a paper and complete the following sentence: "When I was in grade school…" The responses were then read aloud and we had to guess which member had written which statement. Not many of us got the names right, but we certainly did learn some fun things about our fellow members!

Saturday the campground had promised us a wagon ride through their wildlife sanctuary. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate, so we'll have to go back for another campout in the future to take advantage of that ride.

If you plan on being in the central FL area, please consider joining us at one of our campouts…we'd love to see you.

Mary Ellen and Tom Banks 724-699-2333

South Florida Winnie Gators
Local Chapter
By Marlene Sholtes

Along with the football season, South FL Winnie Gators "kicked" off our campouts after a summer recess. We were at Tropical Palms, Kissimmee, which is very close to Disney and all the area has to offer. We had 23 member coaches and one guest rig in attendance. A few members arrived a few days early to enjoy the many area attractions. We welcomed many guests this weekend which included: Rick and Becky Bunn's grandson, Cole, their daughter, Kelly, and her friend, Bryan; Bob and Estelle Armstrong's son, Bob, and his wife, Barbara Armstrong; John and Louise Maenner, second-time visitors; and George and Marge Shaughnessy's friends, Jeff and Valerie Hastings and Brenda Storie.

We spent the weekend visiting and sharing our adventures during the summer months. Many of us went to GNR and had a great time. Friday there were a few balloons sighted overhead and again throughout the weekend. At our happy hour, Marijo Bierie and Mo Shaughnessy (our Raffle Babes in Training), sold tickets for the 50/50 Raffle. Pete and Virgie Vandervlugt brought a cake to celebrate their 42nd Wedding Anniversary/Welcome Back/and 9/11.

At Saturday's happy hour, we were visited by the "Mickey Babes," Becky Bunn and Damaris Travers, working their magic selling tickets for the many raffle prizes. We then had our first annual vacation picture show coordinated by Pete Vandervlugt. We enjoyed seeing pictures of the families and places visited by our friends. Hopefully, more people will take part in this next year. It was very pleasant.

Sunday after breakfast, we had our monthly meeting, voted in, and welcomed second-time visitors, John and Louise Maenner. Plans were made for our next outing in Upriver RV Resort in North Fort Myers. Hope to see you there!

Rick Bunn 954-781-1746

We welcome new members, John & Louise Maenner.

Winnebago-Itasca Travelers