Citrus County Sams was founded in February of 2002 by six people that had decided to form a new chapter to share comradery and to serve our community.

In 2011 we had grown to over seventy members who enjoy our monthly gathering at rallys from September through August.

Campouts usually commence on Friday with some folks arriving on Thursday to get a head start on the fun. On Friday, we have a Social Hour in the afternoon followed by dinner at a local restaurant and games in the Club House.

Saturday schedule can include a potluck breakfast, our Chapter meeting at 10am and more games after lunch, (Outdoor games weather permitting). In the evening, we have a potluck dinner followed again by more games in the club house.

Sunday we disperse until next time. Happy trails.

 

 

CITRUS COUNTY SAMS CHAPTER 176 CHARITIES

DOGS FOR THE DEAF

Dogs for the Deaf (DFD) was selected by National in 1980 for support by our Chapters. This charity operates from a 40-acre ranch at 10175 Wheeler Road, Central Point, Oregon 97502, near Medford, in southwest Oregon. It was founded in 1977, and includes four programs: Hearing Dogs, Autism Assistance Dogs, Program Assistance providing dogs to professionals working with individuals with disabilities covered by these programs, and Miracle Mutts which provides companion dogs to individuals with emotional or mental issues (PTSD, depression or panic/anxiety disorders).

All of the dogs selected to be trained for one of these programs are adopted from animal shelters. Once a dog is selected from a shelter, it is never returned to the shelter, even if it is found to be unsuitable for use in one of the four programs noted above. A good home is found for any such dog. Therefore, the Dogs for the Deaf is a charity that benefits the people who received trained companion dogs, and benefits the dogs that are rescued from shelters.

The training facility is open for visits, so when touring in the area, call ahead (541-826-9200) to schedule a convenient time. The charity needs volunteers of all sorts. Since we are so far from their facility, it is not practical to get involved in fostering the dogs, but we can volunteer as people to screen applicants, or to be ambassadors/public relations assistant to promote Dogs for the Deaf in our area. They also need our financial support. On the DFD website, Good Sams is the first support group on their list. The website is www.dogsforthedeaf.org.

CAMP BOGGY CREEK

Camp Boggy Creek, 30500 Brantley Branch Rd., Eustis, FL 32736, is a year-round camp serving seriously ill children throughout Florida. The camp offers camping experiences for children in groups of children with like illnesses, as well as week-long or weekend retreats for the children with their parents and siblings. The camp offers swimming, horseback riding, campfires and all the traditional camp activities.

The camping is offered free of charge to the children and their families, so financial support is needed from groups like us. At Christmas, we collect items donated by our club members, as well as money collected. Camp Boggy Creek’s website (www.boggycreek.org) has a page listing its needs for donations, such as single use rain ponchos, Uno cards, playing cards, insect repellent, colored paper… Check the website for current needs. Visitors are welcome; just call ahead for an appointment. (352-483-4200)

As their website says, the main purpose of Boggy Creek is to forget you have what you have.

FOOD BASKET

At every rally, we collect donated dry or canned foods from all members, and distribute the food to different food banks or soup kitchens each month.

 

Officers

2012

President: Bill Brobst

Vice President: Lee Levering, Wagon Master: Bruce Mareske, Secretary: Adele Jacobson, Treasurer: Lee LaGrelius