NEWS

By Karen Lowe & Mary Burzo

News from Square Wheels #128, Gypsy Squares #168 and Drift Arounds #093

          Most of our happy campers in the Northeast were closed for the summer.   This gives us a chance to travel and get an opportunity to use our rigs and see the country.

          September was a full month for us, Gypsy's and Square Wheels camped together at Pacette's Marina.  We love going there.  The Outlet Mall is close, there's great shopping, also usually many of our friends come from Jacksonville to visit us on Saturday.  Always a good time, Bill and Mary Chesnut are great.

          Drift Arounds went to Blueberry Hill wonderful time as always with Jim Cosman.  For some reason Bob Lingle was taking women into the men's room.  They were lined up waiting their turn and always came out with a big smile on their face.  Ya had to be there!

          In October Gypsy's went to Lake Oklawaha.  That's a wonderful camp ground.  It's rustic and very peaceful providing a good time to do some serious thinking or napping.  The State Camp-O-Ree was also in October and it was the event of events.  It was at Okeechobee this year with close to 100 rigs in attendance.  The weather was perfect.  As always the calling, cueing, games, pool, golf and all other events were absolutely perfect!  Did you know that Non-Camping Dancers are also invited to our Camp-O-Ree?  Mark your calendars for next year's event at Blueberry Hill RV Park, October 9-12, 2008.  Flyers will be out at all dances very soon.  On the way home from Okeechobee there was one near tragedy.  Sue and Vern Gregory had an accident on I-95 near Cocoa Beach.  Their RV and tow car was totaled but they were unhurt.  They were shaken but not broke.  Thank you to everyone of your offers of assistance and prayers. 

          Our annual O'Leno Hoedown was a great success.  Gypsy's joined with the Square Wheels on this event.  They did a great job.  They feed us, provide us with fantastic callers and cuers for round the clock dancing, all within a beautiful state park.  This years's callers were Bill Chesnut and Bob Poyner and our own Lisa Wall on rounds.  On Saturday afternoon we had the opportunity to dance to the talents of several amateur callers and an amateur cuer.  It was a good experience for everyone. 

          Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night.  See you in 2008.

News from the Limonaders #139

          Editor's Note:  We want to welcome the Linonaders to our column.  The Grapevine is interested in promoting all forms of square dancing throughout the state.  We are pleased that this camping club has included us on theri newsletter mailing lists.  The Limonader's home base is Lakeland.

          The Limonaders have returned from their busy summer schedules visitng the National in Charlotte and tehn to Amana, Iowa for the National Camp-O-Ree.  We kept busy with dances, shopping and visiting and had lots of fun, but it's good to be home ready to resume camping with Florida Wheelers #143.  In October & November we gathered at Bushnell catching up on friends and dancing with our caller Clyde Stocker.  So many dancers were generour with their gifts for our Toys for Tots and Nursing Home for Elderly & Veterans.  We look forward to a joint campout between the Limonaders, SUnshine Pioneers and Floirda Wheelers at Ocala Ranch in January 2008.  Happy New Year!

News from the Strawberry Travelers #153

          Wow!  The Camp-O-Ree was a huge success.  The fashion show went over grat and our own "Princess" and her "Frog" were a hit.  We followed up that weekend by camping in Davenport at FL Camp Inn.  We had 12 rigs and their owners in attendance along with Charlie Pergrossi calling on Friday night.  We were concerned about Rosie Snell's Health and we're thankful she's doing much better now.

          We had a fabulous visit to Fort Wilderness, Disney WOrld in November.  Pat Willis is a world class tour guide!  Our Christmas campout at Lee's Travel Park was delightful.  We all enjoyed the famous Chinese Auction.

          Our club newsletter has a name - Strawberry Dispatch and a new editor, Sandy Hagen.  Sandy, along with Bob Bishop, have volunteered to keep us all informed with all the news of our traveling group. 

          We hope to see you in the near future.  Join us February 8-10, 2008 at Lake Oklawaha, Fort McCoy as we join up with Drift Arounds for a exciting weekend.  April 11-13 will find us back at FL Camp Inn in Davenport.

          Happy New Year from the Strawberry Travelers!