The Bulletin is an - Constant...
44
Transcript of The Bulletin is an - Constant...
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 3
HOW TO ADVERTISETo advertise in The Bulletin or request a rate card, phone 407-933-2064 or email [email protected].
EDITORIAL AND REGIONAL SUBMISSIONSEmail articles and news items (300 word limit) to:[email protected].
CLUB HAPPENINGS SUBMISSIONSAll events must be emailed in correct format.For specs, inquire at: [email protected].
February deadline is December 20.
The Bulletin is an AANR member
benefit and is not for resale.
TRAVEL SPOTLIGHT
31 Regional News | 34 Club Happenings | 39 Classifieds
THE BULLETINthe american association for nude recreation®
Vol. 65 no. 12 decemBer 2016
STANDING COLUMNS
DIVING DEEP
5 Unwrapping A New Tradition I suppose I would call it “intentional giving.”
ACROSS THE BOARD
7 Simplifying Christmas Gifts They do not yet understand the concept of
Santa Claus and the need to be good.
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
8 The Freedom Of Nudity We have the role of educating those who can’t
understand the difference between simple nudity and its wholesome aspects, and the exploitation of nudity for more prurient interests.
ART IN REVIEW
14 Family Circle Even without haloes, the Holy Family is instantly
recognizable.
UNGLOSSED
18 To See You Naked Is To Recall The Earth I feel no sense of shame at being seen naked.
NUDE SPORTING LIFE
22 Swimming: The Perfect Workout With Or Without Clothes In reality, we learned survival swimming, not actual
swimming.
16 — LABOR OF LOVE16 — LABOR OF LOVE
12 — SUCCESS UNDRESSED 19 — NUDIST PROFILE
4 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
Traveling To Greece
By John A. GAuvr
I was in Naxos, Greece on July 2 and went to a nude beach called Agia Anna. The main beach is textile, but to the left facing the ocean, there is a small nude beach. There is a church at the top of the hill that can be used as a landmark. You can climb to the church, then down to the nude beach, where a hill separates the beaches from each other.
I spent 26 days in Turkey and Greece with eight days on the small ship called MV Artemis owned by the Grand Circle Cruise Line (GCC). The ship held 50 passengers, but there were only 24 of us during this trip. We went to Santorini, Amorgos, Paros, Naxos, Delos, Mykonos, Syros, and finished at Piraeus. n
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 5
. . . thoughts from the AANR Executive Director
“Serving Social Nudism Since 1931”www.aanr.com
[email protected] | 800-TRY-NUDE
THE BULLETINPublisherAmerican Association for Nude Recreation®
Editor/Advertising CoordinatorKatie [email protected]
Club [email protected]
THE BULLETIN (ISSN 1938-8500) is published monthly by the American Association for Nude Recreation®, 1703 N. Main Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744-3313. Subscription available with membership. Periodicals postage paid at Kissimmee, Florida, and additional mailing offices.
All advertising in The Bulletin is based on data submitted to the publisher by the advertisers. The publisher shall not be liable for the accuracy or inaccuracy of any information contained in The Bulletin and shall not be liable, including but not limited to consequential or special damages, to any party for any products or services advertised or reported upon herein. The publisher shall not be responsible for typographical errors. All information contained herein is subject to change without notice by the parties providing such products and services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertising that has been submitted at his sole discretion. Upon providing a refund of any amount paid to the party whose submittal was rejected, the publisher shall not have any liability to any party for such rejection.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to THE BULLETIN, 1703 N. Main Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744-3313; 800-879-6833; 407-933-2064; FAX 407-933-7577.
© Copyright 2016 by the American Association for Nude Recreation®.
“Have you finished your holiday shopping yet?” This is one of the most common questions that I hear, during the month of December. In my experience, there are two types of holiday shoppers: Those who prepare in advance and those who rush. I confess that I have done both. Sometimes, I have Christmas on my mind very early, usually as autumn arrives. When I am in that mood, I start looking around for gift ideas and even buying things way in advance and hiding them until it’s time to wrap. Clearance sales are perfect for this strategy, and I have gotten some of my best deals by buying things to use as gifts when they are on a huge markdown.
Then, there are the seasons when I am very busy and distracted and the holidays sneak up on me, finding me quite unprepared. That’s when I join the throngs of people rushing to find the perfect gift and feeling guilty for not being able to put more thought into my purchases. “Merry Christmas!” becomes “Bah humbug!” as I fight the crowds and stress of holiday shopping madness. Most of the time, I still do pretty well, but the cost is always higher both financially and mentally.
As our children have grown, my wife and I have introduced and nurtured a type of holiday tradition that has removed much of the stress of shopping for gifts. I suppose I would call it “intentional giving.” Over the years, we would simply buy less. When they were tiny tots, our two boys would wake up on
The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed in the articles of The Bulletin are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of AANR.
DIVING DEEP
Dan Whicker
UNWRAPPING A NEW TRADITION
Christmas morning to find a mound of gifts around the Christmas tree. As they matured, we taught them to value things other than material items that lose their appeal and wear out over time. We taught them about contentment, generosity, spirituality, sharing, and about giving gifts with great meaning instead of obligatory gifts. They learned about
the problem of materialism, and how less can actually be more. Today, we buy each other only one or two really nice gifts, usually things that we would not normally buy for ourselves and
things that show that we care about the wants and needs of the receiver. We buy with intention and give with intention.
With this approach, I have also found that the unwrapping of the gift becomes filled with even more anticipation. Let’s dive deeper. As nudists, we already know that less can be more. As we unwrap the gift that is ourselves and present ourselves openly to others, the less actually becomes the all, doesn’t it? We also experience the freedom of less and the increased anticipation that comes with the unwrapping. This is an intentional gift that we can all share with others who have yet to experience these things.
During this season of giving, consider how you can experience and give less as more. Unwrap yourself and create a new tradition of intentional giving. It will change your holiday thinking, and it will reignite your passion for uncovering the real you.
Here’s hoping that your Christmas and holiday season will be richly blessed and that your New Year will be the year of the unwrapped you! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from the whole Whicker Family! n
iSto
ck.
co
m/S
he
llyPe
rry
“WE BUY WITH
INTENTION AND GIVE
WITH INTENTION.”
6 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK . . .Feel free to email your thoughts and comments to [email protected] or write to: Bulletin Editor, American Association for Nude Recreation, 1703 N. Main Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744-3313.
fRom tHe mailbag
O Winter, ruler of thy inverted year,Thy cold, thy ice, thy winter cheer.You fill our hearts with frosty glean,Our lips, our cheeks with rosy sheen.In snow of white we sing thy tunes,As we dance under thy glistening moon.
Abigail WelcherIndiana Nudist/Naturalist
Copyright © 1201200016
December
AANR wishes you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Thank you for being a valued AANR member.
Ev�
A�����
Fr�n�e�
M��i�s�
Ka��� D�����D��
S�r��
C�r����
C�r��
Ju��
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa, or whatever you may or may not celebrate
in December. This time of year creates stress for parents and grandparents looking to find the most wanted item on their kid’s wish list. It also creates trauma for children trying to be so good to get everything they put on their mile-long wish lists. I have been blessed with identical twin grandsons; you saw them on the cover of the October issue. Since they are only 3 1/2-years-old they do not understand why they are being given so many presents when it is not their birthday. They do not yet understand the concept of Santa Claus and the need to be good, though they have become quite adept at ratting each other out for being naughty. My current conundrum is what to get them for Christmas. Do I buy them identical gifts, gifts that are similar to each other, stuff that is totally different, or do I get them one large gift to share? I’m sure that this will be a question that will surface for many years to come.
They receive so many gifts from their large extended family that we may just go create some special memories; like our trip to The Willamettans for this year’s convention. I could also make a contribution to a non-profit like the AANR-Education Foundation in their names. The Foundation offers
This space in The Bulletin will carry information from the Governing Board of AANR to you. The Board values your membership and wants to make sure that it is doing what is right for the members and clubs. The first step is good two-way communication.
scholarships for students and grants for nudist-friendly events and projects.
Whatever we eventually decide to do will surely bring them and those involved some joy and good memories. To make your own good memories, visit a nudist resort or two in the coming year, contribute to the AANR-Education
Foundation or some other good cause, invite a friend to a nudist event, or volunteer with a local club to help increase positive community acceptance.
From all of us to all of you, may you enjoy a stress-free holiday
and make some plans to visit some
nudist clubs in the coming
year. n
SIMPLIFyING CHRISTMAS GIFTS
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 7
By Patty FaBer
Brand X Pictures/Stockbyte/Thinkstock
Danielle Smith and her twin boys, David and Ryan (Patty Faber’s daughter and
grandsons) at The Willamettan’sfor the AANR Convention.
8 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
Now that the election is behind us and the holiday season is in full swing, it seems like a
good time to reflect on the activities we consider important and look to the New Year with the change that is certain to come, as well as the changes that will be proposed. I was rereading my September column and a lot of the things I expressed concerns about then seem relevant as we face 2017.
Democracy is alive and well. In a republic, we live by the rules adopted by the majority and we move on. We compromise over issues that have limits. Not everything is black and white. It’s not slavery or freedom for the most part — it’s preferences and desires. We desire to have more nude use areas. We can still live healthy productive lives if we can’t get everything, but we would like it just the same. This is also true for those who don’t want to see nude use expanded.
We have the role of educating those who can’t understand the difference between simple nudity and its wholesome aspects, and the exploitation of nudity for more prurient interests. There are those who can’t be swayed
that nudity is a path to danger, and we can only point to those things that counter their belief. We can’t force them to recognize the differences. Maybe someday when
goveRNmeNt affaiRs
OFFICERSPresident
Beverly Price [email protected]
Vice PresidentSharon McLeod [email protected]
Secretary/TreasurerPaul Kuntzmann [email protected]
REGIONSAANR-East
Gloria Waryas, President [email protected] Van Nest, Member Trustee [email protected]
AANR-FloridaJim Wulchak, President [email protected] Collinson, Member Trustee [email protected]
AANR-MidwestRichard Quigley, President [email protected] Snider, Member Trustee [email protected]
AANR-NorthwestDave Smith, President [email protected] Smith, Member Trustee [email protected]
AANR-SouthwestTed Peck, President [email protected] “Slim” Heide, Member Trustee [email protected]
AANR-WestWalt Stephens, President [email protected] Mullins, Member Trustee [email protected]
AANR-Western CanadaMark Huenison, President [email protected] Campbell, Member Trustee [email protected]
CLUB TRUSTEESLewis Dreblow [email protected] Faber [email protected] Harris [email protected] Krozy [email protected] “T” Price [email protected] Watzel [email protected] Weaver [email protected]
THE FREEDOM OF NUDITy
AANR GovernmentAffairs Team
tim MullinsaaNr Government affairs [email protected] Duffield — [email protected]
Don Phillips — [email protected]
Shirley Gauthier — [email protected]
John HunterWashington, [email protected]
Bob Migliore — [email protected]
Gary Spangler — [email protected]
Gary Mussell — [email protected]
Mike Glinzak — [email protected]
about the authorTim Mullins is the AANR Government Affairs Chair.
they step into their shower naked they will have that enlightening moment when they realize their own nudity is important to washing away the dirt — not dirt itself.
We are all living here and we have likes and dislikes. We can choose
where we go from here but we need to respect each other. As we face the year ahead let’s celebrate our own holidays in our own ways, and be thankful all of us can enjoy that freedom
together as united people. Let the divisiveness of the last
few months be purged from our minds as we focus on the renewal
of life in the year ahead. n
“NOTEVErYTHING Is
BlAck AND WHITE. IT’s NOT slAVErY Or frEEDOm fOr THE mOsT pArT — IT’s prEfErENcEs
AND DEsIrEs.”
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 9
I fondly remember how my neighborhood rallied after Hurricane Wilma struck. Roads were impassable and we lost electricity for more than a week. Together, we cleared rubble and tree limbs, and helped secure each other’s homes. We cleaned out our freezers and ate communal meals, cooking over camp stoves and getting to know each other better. At night, once the streets were free of debris, our kids played manhunt with flashlights — their laughter echoing through the remaining trees. We shared our strength and resources to keep up morale.
Then the lights came back and we scattered like leaves in the wind, back to our respective homes, locked behind our comfortable air-conditioned doors, and lost in our electronic worlds.
The experience taught me how precious a sense of community can be, and I often think about ways to develop and encourage it. In fact, I originally sought out other naturists because I longed to find a community in which we joined together in support and understanding.
By Melinda Matthews
Iam writing this article hunkered down in anticipation of Hurricane Matthew, who’s bearing toward Florida’s East
Coast with increasing determination. Rain is pelting us intermittently, winds are gathering strength, and I’m being entertained by a slew of confused cardinals and blue jays dive-bombing to the ground to escape the coming storm.
Preparing for a hurricane is both necessary and ridiculous. We engage in the difficult, exhausting process of securing our homes: We install shutters, tie down gates, trim dead tree branches, and drag anything inside that could find new life as a wind-borne projectile. We shop and wait in endless lines for non-perishable food we’d never eat in everyday life. We stock up on water, gas, batteries, candles, pet supplies, or whatever is left by the time we drag ourselves to the store. We do all of this work while hoping like hell that the hurricane we’re killing ourselves to prepare for never comes to fruition.
If we’re lucky, the hurricane bypasses us. Then we undo hours of preparations and wait for the next time.
But here’s my secret: After preparation is over, I actually enjoy sitting back to savor the post-prep and pre-strike moments in between.
When the work is done, there’s nothing left but to wait out the storm and hope for the best.
Time stops. Day-to-day life is suspended: Schools and offices close, stores are shuttered, and electronics are powered down. We reach out to those who are alone to make sure they are safe. We invite hurricane-vulnerable friends into our homes to ride out the storm. People I rarely hear from contact me to make sure my family is safe, and I do the same. We become, for one small moment in time, connected to each other, and bound by impending disaster.
Interestingly enough, my foray into naturism often has been more divisive than supportive. I frequently sense we’re locked in an “us-against-them” battle with textiles that I find unsettling. Part of the problem, I believe, is that we naturists get too caught up in a singular battle cry: Textiles don’t understand or accept us.
But what are we really conveying when our message is always all about us?
When we focus on ourselves and our needs, we lose empathy and sympathy toward other points of view.
So maybe it’s time to look beyond our insular resorts and extend a welcoming hand into the textile community, offering compassion and acceptance with no strings attached. Small gestures, such as working side-by-side with textiles to clean up a beach while wearing our resort T-shirts, may spark conversation and promote genuine understanding in a way that self-pitying diatribe never will.
In this season of giving, let’s shift to what we can do for others, naturist or not. I bet the results will be surprising. n
COMMUNITy BEGINS WITH US
Thomas Northcut/DigitalVision/Thinkstock
10 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
How did you learn about nudism?When I was around 12, I heard that a family friend had stumbled
across a nude beach and it piqued my interest. An online search failed to locate a nearby nude beach, but I discovered nude beaches and nudism were real things, and I couldn’t wait for the chance to experience it for myself.
INTERVIEW WITH A
Where was the first place you went?Before I met my wife, I took frequent motorcycle trips throughout
Massachusetts and Vermont. One day, via the Internet, I discovered the Ledges in Vermont and rode there that very afternoon. It was one of my best experiences and I went almost every weekend for the rest of the summer and fall.
Tyler Clark is a member of Solair Recreation League in Woodstock, Connecticut, and just 28-years-old. He is also Solair’s youngest Membership Director...and quite possibly the
youngest director of any AANR club. Tyler is a role model for young leadership in nudism.
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 11
What was your wife’s initial reaction?When my wife Katie Clark and me started dating, I told her
about the Ledges and that nudism was something I was serious about. It took a little convincing for her to join me, but she wasn’t opposed to it. We started dating in February and in early March we had an unusual 90-degree day. Katie agreed to ride up on the motorcycle for the day. Despite ice on the reservoir, a few people were taking in the winter sun. With no pressure put upon her, she undressed within 30 minutes and we had a fun day, even with the water too freezing for swimming.
Obviously your wife and you are committed to nudism. But why did you become members and site holders of Solair?
When we initially found Solair, first-time visitors were advised to come on weekends, when both of us had to work. However, after a year of going to the Ledges, we both had a rare weekend off and decided to check out Solair. One of our now great friends was our tour guide that day, and his great welcome made us excited to return. After meeting more Solair members, we were hooked and decided we never wanted to leave.
Why did you run for Director of Membership? What are your duties and some pluses for doing this?
I ran because in my opinion, it is one of the most important jobs we have as a club. Solair is a co-op and all members have an equal share and responsibility for running a safe, beautiful place. In my role, I meet new visitors, answer questions, ask how we can do things better, and explain our rules. I also conduct final evaluations when people want to buy a site...this screening helps to make sure Solair is continuing in the right direction of family-friendly nudism.
Other duties include attending meetings concerning camp operations, and keeping track of and reporting visitor and rental data. I also handle any complaints, as rare as that is.
Solair is a 100 percent AANR club. Why do you think this is advantageous?
AANR is a great association to be affiliated with. While nudism is practiced more often than many people realize, having a national organization can help us get the word out, provide updates on happenings, offer legal protection, inform us on pressing issues, and most importantly, increase the clout we have to protect our rights. AANR affiliation validates high behavioral standards. It also makes me hopeful that someday nudism will be completely mainstream with all this positive promotion.
How else have you furthered the cause of nudism?Even before becoming a director, I would visit our camp rentals
to make sure everyone was having a good time. If, for example, a first-time visitor was alone, I would invite him/her to an ongoing activity. I think that has motivated some people to return who perhaps might not have and it is ‘payback’ for our first few visits
when we were taken under a member’s wing. It’s very rewarding when friends say we made the biggest difference in their desire to return. And I guess being a younger member has its advantages. We have had more visitors in their 20s and 30s, and have introduced more appealing sports and game activities.
Solair’s policy requests 10 hours of member volunteer work in return for credit toward dues. How have you contributed?
I have been a member of the Communications Committee, an official camp photographer (one of the few who can take consented pictures), camp property liaison, showing sites for sale, maintenance crew member, and a Membership Committee Member — having conducted about 150 interviews. I also run a Facebook page that I update regularly with camp happenings and photographs. Finally, as a certified EMT, I have created a new phone-based alert system with our camp health professionals in case of emergency.
You and your wife intend to have children and raise them at Solair. What do you feel are the benefits?
We’ll definitely bring up our children at Solair. The benefits are that kids in nudist families seem to be more comfortable and confident than others. We have friends who grew up here and they are very successful.
Being open about nudism can, unfortunately, still be problematic. How have you handled this?
My wife and I have told some of our family members, but our friends are fully informed. However, Katie and I have jobs that could be affected by being nudists and while we know there’s nothing immoral or illegal about it, at this time, we have chosen to share our way of life on a need-to-know basis. For this reason, one of my deepest hopes is that society will accept nudism as a healthy and positive way of life so that nudists can safely come out of the closet without fear of negative consequences.
What are your future goals regarding leadership and nudism?
I would like to attend the Young Nudist Leaders Summit next year to see what other young people in positions like mine are doing. I could hopefully contribute my own experience as well as help Solair with newer ideas and with the cause of nudism overall. And someday, I would even like to become President of Solair.
Finally, is there something I should have asked you and didn’t?
My overall goal as Director and Member-Owner is to keep Solair a fun, family-friendly nudist resort. I am committed to growing the membership and through my Facebook page, Tyler at Solair, increase both followers and new visitors. n
about the authorRonna E. Krozy is an AANR club trustee.
yOUNG, DyNAMIC, LEADER
12 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
Consider this column a collection of the random musings rattling around in my brain of late. There is a connection to business and success, of course, even though it
might not be obvious at first. Stay with me.Burning Man, as you probably know, is that wild
festival in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert where, according to www.BurningMan.org, each year “tens of thousands of people gather to create...a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance.” It is, as the organization notes, a “crucible of creativity” where “all are welcome.” If you are not familiar with
Burning Man, Google it (Google “Burning Man images” too) and you’ll quickly get up to speed. I’ve not been to Burning Man but would love to experience the vibe on that windswept playa.
One of the things that stands out to me about Burning Man is something that relates to the business focus of this column: The visual “branding” its participants (the so-called “Burners”) employ to make their mark during that moment in time — even as they commit to “leaving no trace” when their time in the desert is done. Look at images of the vehicles, the contraptions, and the temporary structures the Burners come up with. This is creativity at its zenith. These players in the playa are making a statement and imprinting a creative legacy on the minds and hearts of those around them. And isn’t that in large part what good branding is about?
An interesting thing I learned recently is that there are dozens of affiliated Burner groups and regional “Burns” that can bring some of the Burning Man experience closer to home. So if you want to be a Burner without trekking cross country to be swallowed up in a desert dust storm, check them out. Maybe I will see you at a Midwest burn in 2017!
Now about robots...A few months ago, I started building found-object robots.
I create assemblage art characters using flea market finds and odds-and-ends that have outlived their initial purpose. Because some look like “Bots” and some do not, I call mine
BotNotsTM. They are also called that because they are made from what-nots. To get an idea of what I’m talking about, Google “found object robots,” or better yet, visit www.BotNots.com or www.Facebook.com/BotNots.
On a smaller scale, my BotNotsTM creations are another example of visual branding. Even though other artists might work in this creative milieu, my
characters have a distinct style. Whether in art or business, differentiation is critical to success. Your products and services must stand apart from your competition. Visual style is one way to do that. As Orson Welles suggested, “Create your own visual style... let it be unique for yourself and yet identifiable for others.”
As for shameless exposure…If there’s one thing nudists universally understand,
it’s the physical, psychological, and emotional benefits of exposure. We truly “feel the freedom!” This tagline, which I introduced in an early video proposal with AANR, has become the mantra of the organization. Successful business owners know how to benefit from shameless exposure too. If you are a business owner or manager, you have to be willing to show your “goods” (your products and services) and talk about them at every reasonable opportunity. Let people know what you do, what you sell, and most importantly, how your products or services can benefit them. Ask them to buy from you or connect you with someone who will. Sometimes, a gentle reminder or request for a referral can open a door to a lucrative revenue stream.
Burning Man, robots (BotNotsTM), and shameless exposure. Three topics and lessons from a quick trip to the dusty playa that is my mind. n
BURNING MAN,ROBOTS, AND SHAMELESS EXPOSURE
sUCCess UNDResseD
About the authorBob Chenoweth is a nudist, an entrepreneur, an a w a r d - w i n n i n g business and community leader, and an artist. He owns Chenoweth Content & Design which specializes in written and visual communications, including marketing strategy, branding, graphic design and Web design. He has volunteered with AANR since 2009 in areas including marketing, public relations, and the design and development of www.AANR.com. Contact him via his website: www.ChenowethCreative.com.
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 13
back to Greek athletes in the first Olympic games. How odd that our society has forced artists into a confined view of the posed nude as an acceptable necessity. Yet, I have come to see my modeling work as a performance art, a stilled dance that senses and reacts to the artist’s needs and inspiration. At one point in the class, I am nude, preparing to take a new pose seated on a tall metal stool, with my towel spread over the seat and the cold metal back. The instructor takes an unscheduled break, calling the students over to point out a new technique. I step down from the raised wooden model stand and am engulfed by the flock of artists clustering around the teacher, and the chair where I left my robe. Unable to reach my robe, I simply stand naked, listening to the instructor rather than interrupting the flow of class by fighting my way through the group, bemused at what would not be noteworthy on a summer day at White Thorn.
Mainstream society would lead us to believe that as the only naked person in a room full of clothed artists, I am the vulnerable one. I have been asked by a student if I ever feel that I am being “used” by the artists for money. Never. I
Photo by David Bangley
Life As A Nude Model
feel that my role and my nudity makes me powerful. I am paid double the minimum wage or more for modeling, and at every class I participate in, I hear the instructor demand to the students, “You should be looking at Betsy Bangley 95 percent of the time!” At the close of the evening, I am often genuinely thanked by the students, the instructor, and a round of applause.
In my pre-nudist life, I was in a university class, drawing a nude young man whose tense shoulders and drawn face spoke clearly of his discomfort. My natural empathy for him blocked the flow of drawing. I have met models who clearly are uncomfortable with anymore nudity than is required by their work, who keep their robe at arms length, and cover up before even standing from a seated pose. When I am asked by students — usually women — “How can you do that?” I tell them about White Thorn Lodge and the community of body acceptance open to all. Ultimately, the joy of nudity that a naturist brings to the art studio radiates into the artists work. I am co-creator with the artists, and my comfort with my nudity allows the students to relax and fully immerse themselves in their artistic pursuits. n
By Betsy Bangley
I sit in an open studio nude except for a slim robe tied at my waist, and my bare feet already picking up the black charcoal dust ever present in the studio. I fill the time before class chatting with the instructor as adult students begin to bustle in, bearing oversized sketch pads under an arm, with boxes of charcoal in hand. They fill the room with an effervescent sense of expectation as they set up at easels radiating around the modeling stand. In a few minutes, after the introductory instruction, I will slip out of my robe and take the stand, holding a pose completely motionless for 30 seconds, while I listen to the furious scratchings of charcoal on rough newsprint. The instructor’s timer will beep and I will rotate, cycling into a new pose. We will fill the night with me taking a series of one, five, 10, and 40-minute poses while they focus on capturing the curved volume of my body with their lines. During the poses, I strive to remain still as a statue, but during my stretch breaks, I am expected to return to my robe. No one outlined these rules for me at the art school where I do most of my work. It is a longstanding tradition and a nod to society’s rule that we do not exchange money for sex. The fine line conventionally drawn is that a fixed, artful, and nude pose allows artists to see the human form without drapes obscuring and confusing the lines of the body.
As a nudist, you might find this odd. I spend my summers at White Thorn Lodge where nude movement fills my day. I swim, hike, jog, and play volleyball with friends. At the annual Superbowl of Nude Volleyball, I sit and admire the athletes on the sand courts hunkering, leaping, lunging, and flying through the air in pursuit of the ball. I view these nude bodies in motion as an art form, thinking
Artwork by Joel Lichtenstul
14 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
aRt iN RevieW
Tom Quinn holds degrees in fine art and art history and is an artist living in Spokane, Washington. A member of Kaniksu Ranch since 1992, he has created several murals in the Northwest, as well as book and magazine illustrations. He has been teaching art history and fine art in Spokane for 23 years. His web page is www.quinntheartist.com.
By T.C. Quinn
Painting was not Michelangelo’s forte. As he lamented in a poem to a friend while painting the Sistine Chapel, “I’m not in a good place, and I’m no painter.”
Only one easel painting entirely by his hand exists. It was done as a wedding present for Agnolo Doni, and Maddalena Strozzi, the children of powerful and wealthy Florentine families. Michelangelo treated the picture like a sculpture in paint, with diamond-hard edges and silky tones.
By any standard, the Doni Tondo is an unconventional painting. Within the circular format are the Holy Family with the Virgin Mary seated awkwardly on the ground and St. Joseph behind her, holding the Christ child over Mary’s shoulder.
Even without haloes, the Holy Family is instantly recognizable. But who are the five muscular young men behind them — and why are they naked?
One clue may lie in the semi-circular stone wall on which they loiter. Separated from the foreground figures by a gray horizontal bar, it appears to be some kind of pit with fluted walls. The consensus among art historians is that it is a baptismal font. The boys — which Frederick Hartt calls “Direct ancestors of the celebrated nudes of the Sistine Chapel,” may represent Old Testament men, soon to be baptized into the Christian world. Hartt takes the symbolism further: He says they represent the five vices referred to in Colossians 3:8: “Anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.” St. Paul urges us to put off the garments of vice and replace them with those of the five virtues — mercy, benignity, humility, modesty, and patience (in the Renaissance mind, there was no contradiction between modesty and nudity.)
The trouble with that interpretation is that the boys don’t appear to be taking anything off or putting anything on. The two on the left seem to be clutching a long piece of cloth held on the other end by a boy on the right, who is playing tug-of-war with them. They are being watched by another pair of boys who are locked in a loving embrace. It may be that Michelangelo simply added the muscular male nudes for his own pleasure, as he did later in the Sistine Chapel.
FAMILy CIRCLE
And what is Mary doing with her left hand? According to Leo Steinberg, in his 1983 book, The Sexuality of Christ in Renaissance Art and Modern Oblivion, she is undressing baby Jesus to reveal his genitalia (note her closed hand, which may hold his garment.) Steinberg’s controversial theory was that Renaissance artists emphasized Christ’s nudity to embody their credo, nudus nudum Christum sequi (“Follow naked the naked Christ.”)
Early reproductions of this painting hid the infant’s privates in shadow as if the idea that Christ had a penis was blasphemous. The Doni Tondo may abound in nudity, but it is clearly the work of a deeply religious man who believed that the nude human body was God’s greatest creation. “What spirit is so empty and blind,” he wrote, “that it cannot recognize the fact that the foot is more noble than the shoe, and skin more beautiful than the garment with which it is clothed?” n
Michelangelo, Doni Tondo, 1504.
By Cat Fenner
For many years as a young person, I wanted to grow up to be a firefighter. Perhaps my desire originated as the feminist movement did, although I was too young to act on it at the time. Or maybe it was my drive to help others, which did pan out in an alternative fashion as I grew up to direct cause-driven not-for-profits for 25 years. Or perhaps, as puberty struck coupled with the new feeling of flirtation, I was simply taken by the handsome men risking their lives.
Regardless, I have had a respectful fear of fire for as long as I can remember. Being open-minded and born on Halloween, I have often speculated that my fear stemmed from being burned at the stake in a former life. But perhaps my “witch’s clothing” was simply highly flammable — not a concern as a present-day nudist.
So what may have been a mirage for the cable guy, was real life and a dream come true for me recently. Finally, as a 56-year-old nudist, I was trained to operate one of the treasures at Rock Haven Family Nudist Park in Murfreesboro, Tennessee — a 1964 Ford fire engine we lovingly call “Theresa.”
Originally from the Jonesfield-Lakefield Fire Department in Merrill, Michigan, she
was purchased on eBay from someone trying to convert her into something she did not want to be. Rock Haven bought her circa 2001, and she was driven down to her new home by a Rock Haven member. Our long-time resident maintenance and general “go to” man, Tom Owen, served as her first chief, but sadly he passed away unexpectedly in March 2016. One training had occurred before his passing (see my article in the July 2014 Bulletin), but with Tom gone, the camp has recognized the need for more to be trained, since only a handful live at “The Rock” full-time. Having a good pool of trained part-timers is necessary to ensure adequate coverage to provide safety for Rock Haven’s members and guests year-round.
The most recent training puts the number of reserve volunteer firefighters serving under our new Chief Jim O’Neil up to 60. Chief Jim and his assistant chiefs divided the attendees into two groups, then swapped groups so that everyone was trained as both an engineer and a firefighter. With the help of a checklist, we were taken through the orderly process of
releasing clutches and pressure valves to the all-empowering workings of the hose.
While the 25-acre park has a well, city water, and the pool (as a backup), the truck is always ready to go with 500-gallons in its water tank. Over the years, “Theresa“ and her team of firefighters has contained the burn pile fires, waited on high alert during our Fourth of July fireworks display, and successfully heeded the call and extinguished numerous fires within the park.
With the added number of firefighters available, everyone can visit Rock Haven knowing they will be in good hands. Only one question continues to puzzle me like the Scottish kilts: What do nudist firefighters wear under those heavy yellow coats? I guess some things were meant to stay a mystery… n
Cat Fenner in the dream seat.
Photos by Lee Wilson
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 15The trainees working with “Theresa.”
FIGHT FIRE WITH . . .
PREPAREDNESS
16 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
tRavel sPotligHt
LABOR OF LOVEIf you have never been to White Tail Resort in Ivor, Virginia,
you may have the same inaccurate impression I had. I figured it was too far north, too cold in winter, too far from the city, too this, and too that to be a great resort. I was operating on third-hand information that was years old. Wow, was I wrong! What I expected would be a small park in the woods, turned out to be a 45-acre garden spot of beautiful facilities and wonderful people.
Tremendous good fortune has shone its light on the club in the form of Bob Roche. Over the past 29 years, he has tirelessly worked his way up through the many AANR offices, including Vice President. In the 1980s, as a member of a 100-person, non-landed travel club, he bought property with an above ground pool, and a small building to create White Tail. The members followed, and over the years this seed grew into a world-class nudist resort, which includes a full-service restaurant, large indoor and outdoor pools, a well-equipped workout room, laundry, and much more. In fact, the multi-purpose building is so large, it alone could contain the entirety of some smaller clubs, pools, and all! I asked Bob about his rumored lottery winnings and he just smiled and said, “You’re standing in it!” A $100,000 prize helped fund the main activity building. Good karma in action. Twice more, smaller lottery winnings were plowed back into the property which can now properly be called a resort.
Bob’s military background and ethic of perfectionism is evident everywhere. The high level of maintenance, the fresh paint, and the quality of construction all speak the intent of permanence.
If the lights go out, they even have a building dedicated to emergency power generation with a huge diesel generator! Every detail, even down to the web page design, is done well. After forming such a positive impression of the physical plant, I was actually surprised to see uncharacteristic corrosion on parts of the indoor pool. Something here needs paint? Then I spoke to security and the maintenance man, who told me
all new galvanized replacements were already on-site to rebuild it like new. I should have known.
My wife, Theresa Hanbury and I, live in Naples, Florida where hummingbirds are nearly as rare as unicorns. We love them, but it’s a big treat for us to find one. When we parked our motorhome, our first greeter was a beautiful hummingbird that paused right in front of my windshield and looked straight at me. This installed a big smile on my face and caused us to seek out more. We found a bonanza at the home of residents Robin Welch and Kim Winkler, who feed 250-pounds of sugar a year to the tiny creatures! The side of their home is festooned with hummingbird feeders — one sporting about two dozen individual feeding ports! I stopped by to take a picture when
only a couple dozen birds were present. “You ought to see it before it rains,” said Robin. “They really swarm then.” I could sit and watch for hours.
Everyday, White Tail offers some kind of entertainment, such as a dart tournament, “parlor volleyball” (a hilarious invention of Bob’s), and many events on the weekends. All the residents we met were convinced they had found the best nudist resort around. We are inclined to agree.
When we entered the pool, we immediately ran into a half dozen Bare Necessities Cruisers we had met on our nude cruises. It felt like old home week. Twice, in our four-night stay, we were invited to the home of Carol and Dave Tomkins to hear live music, share food and drink, and enjoy the companionship of a half
about the authorHarry and Theresa Hanbury started as casual “hot tub”
nudists in the mid 1970s and began cruising with Bare Necessities Tour and Travel 1997. They eventually became cruise staff and now tour the country by RV, promoting both AANR and Bare Necessities nude cruises. Their home park is Edun Lake in Naples, Florida.
They are currently on a mission to visit as many AANR clubs and nude beaches as possible with the goal of informing everyone they meet about the importance of an AANR membership, and the joys of a nakation on a Bare Necessities Nude Cruise. There is much misinformation out there as to what is a true, nudist cruise that offers the comfort of AANR behavior rules, and some other types of cruise products in the marketplace.Please stop and say hello if you see them at your nude beach or club and get a free Bare Necessities Koozie, temporary tattoo, brochure, or literature about AANR.
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 17
dozen new friends. This will be the highlight we remember for years to come.
A local resident hosts a meet-and-greet party in his front yard every Saturday. It’s locally known as Margaritaville. He and his “ice man” serve up the tasty Mexican drinks to virtually everyone in the resort. Everybody is invited and many bring an appetizer or chips to share.
The ever-inviting, sparkling pool at White Tail Resort.
Side Porch Hootenanny — Roger Boone entertains at the home of Dave and Carol Tompkins.
On Saturday morning, a pickup truck full of volunteers wearing high-visibility vests and carrying large plastic bags attacked any trash they found on the nearby roads. The Adopt-a-Highway signs identify White Tail as the responsible entity for the grooming. I hope the lottery gods are watching.
Not satisfied to have the best nudist resort around, Bob has his eye on expanding the property. They have already begun to
lay water and sewer pipes for the soon-to-come hotel.
If you’ve never been to White Tail Resort, they offer an extra nice bonus.
For first-time visitors, go to the website below and print yourself a free
day pass! Shy first-timers won’t find a safer, more welcoming experience anywhere.
It’s obvious after seeing Bob’s work here, and investing
his own money to bring it to life, that this is a labor of love. n
18 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
“TO SEE yOU NAKED
UNglosseD
IS TO RECALL THE EARTH”
about the authorMark N. Taylor is a college English professor and award-winning journalist.
Thus does the great Spanish poet Federico García Lorca begin his “Casida of the Recumbent Woman.” Yes, it is a love poem, but it is so much more.
I have always preferred the term naturist to nudist. A nudist is someone who simply prefers to go about without wearing clothes, or eschews the obligation to cover parts of the body marked taboo in mainstream culture. I get this. I can barely bring myself to wear a swimsuit in a pool or hot tub; I simply don’t like fussing over clothing in the morning or laundry in the evening. I feel no sense of shame at being seen naked.
A naturist is someone with an integrated philosophy of living that includes nakedness. Like the gymnosophs I wrote about a few months ago, the deliberate choice to go about naked fits into a larger understanding of one’s place in the world, one’s relationship to nature, and one’s personal integrity signaled in the body.
When Lorca says, “To see you naked is to recall the Earth,” he reflects a naturist sensibility. We are inextricably bound to the earth and all that lives on the earth. This is the wisdom that mainstream culture has lost for being enmeshed in artificial environments: comfortable housing surrounded by concrete, air-conditioned cars, and the pursuit of fashion. But I do not wish to launch into a diatribe, for I too enjoy these things.
What I do not want, however, is to become lost in the artificial comforts on the other side of the “silver boundary” with no way back. I need to stay grounded in the earth, in the non-hierarchical web of all things. I too vibrate my strand as I live, and I need to understand how it affects the entire web. I need to remember this, even when—especially when—I am in my air-conditioned car cursing the idiots around me in rush hour traffic. In my fevered pace over the face of the earth, I cannot become blind to “the light of its cheek.”
I am of the earth. I am of the sea. I realize it best when I am naked and free.
When we meet at a nudist resort, you and me, or on a clothing-optional beach, I am looking at you, your naked body, as you lie sunning yourself, as we stand and talk, as you sport and play. I am looking at your naked body not out of prurient interest or lascivious designs; I am experiencing your nakedness and my nakedness so that in solidarity we can recall the earth and our proper place in it. n
Verte desnuda es recordar la Tierra.La Tierra lisa, limpia de caballos.La Tierra sin un junco, forma puracerrada al porvenir: confín de plata.
Verte desnuda es comprender el ansiade la lluvia que busca débil talleo la fiebre del mar de inmenso rostrosin encontrar la luz de su mejilla.
[To see you naked is to recall the EarthThe Earth smoothed out, with the horses cleared offThe Earth without a reed, only pure formClosed to the future: a silver boundary.
To see you naked is to understandThe craving rain in search of a frail waistOr fever on the immense face of the seaWithout discovering the light of its cheek.]
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 19
By Jerry Germer
It started in 2000 when my son and daughter were trying to come up with a Christmas gift for my wife, Lucie Germer and me. For the past year or so our lives had been dominated by her breast cancer and subsequent recovery treatments. The kids wanted something that would take our minds off of those issues and lighten our spirits. The answer came when my son spotted an ad in a local Northampton, Massachusetts alternative newspaper for Berkshire Vista, a clothing-optional resort in western Massachusetts. A visit to a nudist resort was definitely something beyond our experience and appeared to fill the bill, so they bought us a gift certificate for a few nights stay — not certain if we would go. But come next summer, we did.
When we left our New Hampshire home to make the trip, Lucie got a bit jittery about the prospect of shedding her clothes among a bunch of strangers. As we turned off of the main road onto the two-mile side road that led up into the resort, her angst only increased. We stopped at the gate to check in. When she eyed the nude people enjoying themselves on the lawn on the other side of the gate, her mood lightened. We went up to our room in the old farmhouse that had been converted to a guest facility, took off our clothes, and went down to join the other guest’s poolside. It didn’t take long before we were in a conversation with the couple lying next to us. Everything felt so relaxing and natural. Later, we ate our dinner at the kitchen table in the farmhouse, with other guests, all enjoying each other’s company and comfortable being nude.
We were sold. The naturist way of life caught on with us. We returned to Berkshire Vista for several summers thereafter, and became regular summer visitors at Abbott’s Glen (another nudist resort in southern Vermont) and joined AANR. In the ensuing years, we went on several nakations at resorts in Florida and the Caribbean. I found living life unclad liberating and natural and yearned for the chance to continue this pattern in places other than nudist resorts. Unfortunately, our home was on a corner lot with no barriers visible from either street, so going bare in the backyard was not an option. I solved the problem by building a deck in the backyard, enclosed within a five-foot-high privacy fence, and I constructed a wood-fired sauna inside the fence. I survived the long, cold New England winters thanks largely to the sauna, where I could toast until the sweat was dripping profusely, and then step out onto the
deck to roll in the snow. In the summer, I just went out onto the deck to sunbathe au naturel.
Our new-found pleasure in social nudity included three nude cruises. The last one was the 2010 Bare Necessities cruise to Hawaii. By this time, my wife was under treatment for pancreatic cancer. It was our last nakation together. She was well enough to enjoy the cruise but died five months later. Today, I am glad we had the chance for this last good time together.
I have since moved to Tucson, Arizona where I continue to get the most out of a naturist way of life. Even without being near a lake or ocean, Tucson is an ideal location for a nudist, with an abundance of warm, sunny days. My home has a private patio out back, where I can go anytime unclad, as I do inside, as well. I became a member of Mira Vista Resort, where I go weekdays to work out in
the fitness center and weekends to play water volleyball. Who needs the ocean anyways with a pool full of naked volleyballistas having fun? n
ONE NUDE DUDE’S PATH TO NATURISM
NUDist PRofile
• 500+ Acres High Desert Setting • Luxurious Rental Units • 2 Swimming Pools• Sites With Water & Septic • Full Hookups• 7,500 Sq. Ft. . . . Clubhouse • Laundry Facilities• Spa & Fitness Center • Restaurant & Bar• Tennis & Volleyball Courts • Near San Diego• Children’s Playground • Hiking Trails• Horseshoe Pits • Nearby Casino
1951 Carrizo Gorge Rd., Jacumba, CA 91934Phone: (619) 766-4301 • Fax: (619) 766-4775
Email: [email protected] • www.deanzasprings.com
When it’s Time for a Break From the Ordinary . . .Try DeAnza Springs Resort!
Dear Dave, Helen and Kim,
I want to thank you all for making my very first visit to
a clothing-optional resort so memorable. I chose wisely
when I decided to come to DeAnza Springs! I scored so
many firsts, there’s almost too many to list! Naked Bingo,
naked billiards, naked water volleyball, naked dog-walking,
naked dining, naked dancing . . . I could go on! What an
experience! I was so taken with it, I joined AANR the
very first day!Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I was almost
immediately recruited by Angelisa for water volleyball,
so I gladly joined in, and now have the sore feet to prove
it! :) Austin, your bartender, is a great guy and a lot of
fun, and Frank and Ricky did a great job with meals. Kim
is already planning to find me a naturist girlfriend, and
Jim, Laura, Jim and Patty were very helpful with the
nuances of naked Bingo! They all showed me how the new
guy doesn’t always win! :) (I still can’t believe I played
Bingo . . . naked!) Matt, Gail, Hans and Dawn, were great
fun to play naked billiards with. Not all the balls were
on the table! LOL!I met so many wonderful people, and felt so
comfortable being nude, that I am planning to return as
soon as possible. Dave, thanks for the tip about Forrester
Road. It really saved me a good deal of travel time.
They say you never have a second chance to make a
good first impression . . . well, DeAnza Springs doesn’t
need a second chance, you certainly impressed me!
Best regards,John DiViggianoThe Kilted Italian
Jerry Germer loving the freedom of being nude.
20 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
www.aanr.com
LOOKING FOR WRITERS
Have a passion for writing?
The Bulletin is looking for talented writers like you to contribute to our monthly magazine.
Email k�[email protected] any articles you would like us to publish. Articles must be between 300-500 words, and it is always great to include pictures.
Don’t forget those photo releases!
A New Era For Laguna del SolBy SuzAnne SChell
Steven Sailors, the long-time general manager of Laguna del Sol, retired at the end of October after almost 24 years on the job. Unlike most other privately-owned clubs (not member-owned co-op clubs), Wayne Schell and I as owners have never lived or worked full-time at Laguna del Sol. This has made the role of the general manager especially critical. Being the manager is like being the mayor and city manager combined of a small city. Steven has done it longer and (we think) better than anyone at any other nudist resort in the country. He is only the third manager in our 32 years of ownership.
We have known Steven Sailors since 1980 at Glen Eden. He began going to Glen Eden in the 1970s. Wayne and I kept our membership there and visited regularly for over 10 years after buying Laguna del Sol in 2004. In the fall of 1992, manager Marilyn Smith announced her plans to retire the next year and would stay until her replacement was hired. Sitting around on the lawn at Glen Eden with Steven and then-wife Patty Sailors, we began talking about it as friends. Steven and Patty went home and
started thinking that they might apply for the job. The whole family came up for a weekend visit and after more thought,
we all agreed to it. They moved up in February 1993 and Steven started as the manager right away,
with Marilyn working during the transition. Patty also started working in the office.
Their children Jazmine and Ben were in first grade and kindergarten.
So much has happened since then. The office switched from paper to computers within a few months. Membership increased 22 percent in the first three years. Many buildings, pools, sports courts, and
site improvements were completed. Conventions, festivals, and meetings
were held, and major theme events were born and have grown, all under the direct
daily supervision of Steven Sailors. He has literally seen it all and dealt with every imaginable circumstance. He has been a fantastic spokesman
for Laguna del Sol, AANR, and all of nude recreation. He has been interviewed by newspapers, radio, many local TV stations, and also ABCs Good Morning America with Diane Sawyer.
Words can’t express the appreciation we have for how Steven has run our business so professionally. It’s extremely difficult to live where you work. Your relationships with your neighbors, friends, and acquaintances often have awkward moments where the lines are blurred between personal and business. It is very gratifying to us to get so many compliments about Steven. Whenever people tell us how great we run this place, we are always quick to tell them that we have a great staff that does most of the work and how much we value them. While we are sad and also a bit scared to see Steven leave, we are so happy for him to be retiring while he is healthy and able to enjoy it.
We are excited to announce that James Holaday is Steven’s successor as general manager of Laguna del Sol! We have known James and his wife Teresa Holaday for over 17 years. They had their first social nudist experience at Laguna del Sol in 1999. They were a young couple in their 20s with two toddlers. They joined as members that same year and had a third child in 2001. After a brief stint working in the restaurant in 2002-2003, James returned as a cook in June 2013 and was promoted to restaurant manager in February 2015. James has been the best restaurant manager we have ever had. While we hate to lose him in the position that he has been so amazing at, we have had it in the back of our minds for almost two years that he would make a great general manager when the day came that Steven decided to retire.
We think it’s vital that the general manager of a nudist resort actually be a nudist and have a passion for it. We can only hope for another successful and long career for James Holaday. He has big shoes to fill, but he’s had a good role model, and we are confident that we all have made the right choice. Steven Sailors, good luck and best wishes on your future endeavors. You will be missed! James, we are excited for your future as the new general manager of Laguna del Sol! n
The former general manager, Steven Sailors and his successor James Holaday.
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 21
By MATThew neAl
Naturism might not be the first thing that pops into our minds when we think about Christmas. However, when considering the familiar and beloved Nativity of Jesus, we can discern some profound insights that are in wholesale agreement with naturist ideals.
the First ChristmasFrom the dawn of creation, God
knew that the pinnacle of His creation — mankind — would reject His goodness and choose a path of rebellion and destruction. God also had a plan to rescue the human race from that destruction. And when the time was just right, God sent His own Son to be born as a human baby: The very first Christmas. Immanuel means “God with us” and that is what the baby was called.
Consider that for a moment. The Creator of the universe invaded time and space and entered the human race! But what was His “Grand entrance?” Wait for it. He came as a baby! Our first glimpse of the Divine was as a newborn child…and He was naked.
Yeah, that particular point isn’t emphasized much in our children’s Nativity scenes, or our pastors’ Christmas Eve sermons, is it? Nobody would deny it of course, but they sure don’t glean any truth from the observation either. Let’s not make that mistake.
God could have chosen a more conspicuous display when He entered our world: Chariots in the sky, a magnificent crown, an exquisite flowing robe — things that would be worthy of the Sovereign of the universe. But that was not the case. In God’s mind, the most glorious unveiling of His own greatness was to come in the form of naked human flesh.
And why not? If we go back to creation, we find that God very specifically made the first man and woman in His own image.
And Happy New Year!
The holidays are a perfect time of the year to donate to the AANR-Education Foundation, or donate to AANR and enable us to continue to uphold your right to be nude and have a safe place to practice it.
Your gi� will help us continue to support our seven regions and over 200 clubs in the U.S., Canada, and beyond. A�erall, it is the season of giving.
Happy Holidays!
THE INTERSECTION OF CHRISTMAS AND NATURISM
We were already — quite literally — formed to look like Him! And at that point in time, God made a point of telling us that they were naked and unashamed (What is there to be ashamed about God’s likeness in our own flesh?). As God prepared to live among us, it was only fitting that He would take the naked form that He had already designed to be a reflection of Himself.
Can there be any greater affirmation of the goodness and dignity of the human body — that human form — than the fact that He chose first to place His likeness there, and then to inhabit that naked form Himself?
For the record, that wasn’t the only time that Jesus’ naked body was seen. At the most significant moments in his life, he was naked again — at his baptism, during a Passover celebration before his arrest, during his
crucifixion, and at his resurrection.Contrary to what you may have heard or thought before,
Jesus’ Nativity — along with his life — brings a very body-friendly message to all of us. That should make for a very Merry Christmas! n
The Virgin Nursing the Christ Child,by Peter Paul Rubens, 1577-1640.
22 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
SwImmINg:
Skinny-dipping is synonymous with nude recreation. Most every landed club has a swimming pool. But swimming, whether
nude or not, is a relative term.Most people associate swimming with cooling
off and splashing around, not with exercise. That’s a shame since swimming is the perfect low-impact activity, ideal for athletes suffering from arthritis or overuse injuries. It promotes good cardiovascular health and is one form of exercise that you can do for life.
Unfortunately, most people never learn to swim properly. Most of us have vague memories of taking swimming lessons at the age of four or five. Once our parents realized we could tread water or doggie paddle, they figured that was sufficient since we now were unlikely to drown in a backyard pool or lake.
In reality, we learned survival swimming, not actual swimming. That’s what I realized in my late 30s when I began training for a sprint triathlon. I knew I could bike 10 miles and run five kilometers (3.1 miles). But there was no way I could swim one-quarter mile in open water.
How do you know if you can swim properly? For starters, do you know how to exhale with your face in the water? If you fell out of a sinking boat a half-mile from shore without a life jacket, would you survive?
I would have answered no to either question in 2007 when I began training for the triathlon. It was time for my first swim lessons since the mid-1970s. Unfortunately, private lessons are expensive. Fortunately, it’s possible to join a masters swim program; they’re everywhere and affordable.
The masters coach roams the deck — or gets in the pool — and goes from lane to lane working with athletes of all abilities, focusing more on newcomers to help them learn basic techniques. As you improve, you need less instruction, but the coach is there to correct any bad habits that develop — and they will.
Swimming, though an endurance sport, actually is more comparable to golf. In both instances, you’re mastering a series of integrated yet separate motions that collectively make up a single stroke. The key in both sports is to spend most of your time on drills to master a proper, repeatable stroke. Until that happens, you’re merely practicing poor form.
Joe Biondi, a masters swim coach in Clearwater, Florida, I trained with for more than three years, says it takes three to four times longer to become a good swimmer than it does to master any other sport.
“Most athletes, regardless of ability, expect to be a world beater in just a few weeks,” Biondi says.
THE PERFECT WORKOUT WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES
NUDe sPoRtiNg life
SwImmINg:THE PERFECT WORKOUT WITH OR WITHOUT CLOTHES
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 23
“This is (usually) not the case. Every athlete has an
ego, goals, and expectations. I have had very good athletes
come to a practice and leave because a 65-year-old lady in the next lane was kicking their butt and their old ego could not handle it. Leave your ego with your backpack when you get to the pool. If you wish to be a good swimmer, you need to be patient.”
There’s little equipment needed for swimming, just goggles and a swim cap. Unless you’re in a nudist environment, form-fitting swimwear is a must.
Once I mastered proper swim form and completed a few triathlons, I found it possible to train at nudist club swimming pools. Admittedly, nudist pools lack the dimensions and black lane lines of training pools. But they’re plenty big and the opportunity to train nude makes up for it. Of course, you’ll want to train in the non-peak hours so you won’t have to swim around dozens of skinny-dippers.
In the spring of 2010, I was training for the St. Anthony’s Triathlon near my home in the Tampa Bay area while business required me to work in Orlando during the week. Fortunately, I was able to visit Cypress Cove Resort late each afternoon to swim for an hour. I’ve also done laps in the pools at Lake Como Resort near Tampa and White Tail Resort in Virginia.
Triathletes know that to simulate open-water race conditions it’s necessary to get out of the pool to train in the ocean. I’ve trained in the nude at Haulover Beach in Miami, Little Beach in Maui, and at various Caribbean locations while on Bare Necessities nude cruises.
Since reaching middle age, I’ve realized I can’t log the running miles I once could. But I can swim forever, just like the senior ladies that kicked my butt in my masters swim program.
Most importantly I don’t have to worry about falling out of a boat a half-mile from shore. That’s the most important lesson of swimming: The life you save might be your own. n
About the authorLongtime AANR writer Pete Williams is a NASM-certified personal trainer who writes about fitness and simple living at ToLiveLean.com.
Do you have an idea for a “Sporting Life” story or does your club have an unusual sports tradition? Email [email protected].
Thin
ksto
ck/S
tock
byte
/Thi
nkst
ock
Stev
e M
ason
/Pho
todi
sc/T
hink
stoc
k
24 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
THE FEMALE VERSIONS OF TARZAN
For the whole family:Movie theaters in Germany and Australia played Liane, Jungle Goddess (1956) as a children’s matinee. In the United
States, it was labeled adults only. As a curious teenager, I would have appreciated that movie when it came out, but of course I never heard of it until decades later. It was dubbed into English in 1959.
The 15-year-old German actress and lots of young African women live authentically topfree. But no one ever removes a skimpy loincloth — even for swimming. We see a few nude children from the back. Disappointingly, much of the movie has the heroine clothed in Germany, but she returns to the freedom of Africa at the end.
It’s the typical story of a white baby orphaned in Africa and raised by a tribe who think her white skin and blond hair are something special. In the movies, such a person always grows up as the acknowledged tribal leader. And in film, such a person usually has a wealthy grandfather eager to meet the missing person.
With the movie’s financial success, its German producers the next year threw together a sequel known in English as Jungle Girl and the Slaver. By then, the actress was looking more like a woman than a girl, so they went for a burlesque look, with lots of desert scenes, writhing dances, and seashells glued over her nipples. Ouch! Though native women still go bare-breasted, the entire tribe — men and women — have suddenly switched to wearing shorts instead of loincloths. A handsome young German even showers in his underwear. A portfolio film called Liane, die Tochter des Dschungels (1961) combines some scenes from both movies. Don’t waste your time on either of these.
Paul LeValleyEarlier columns in this series can be read at www.tnsprofessor sig.org. Dr. LeValley’s big book on nude art can be ordered through www.paul levalley.com.
“TEENAGE GIrls WIll ADmIrE HEr cOmmAND Of ANY sITUATION.”
family eNteRtaiNmeNt
A return to nature — that’s what naturists dream of. Yet with over 200 Tarzan films, I am aware of only two decent movies that star a female swinging from vine to vine. That’s one percent. Hollywood has still not
caught up with the nudist movement.
For teens and older:Sheena (1984) was based on a comic book series that started in 1937.
In 1955, there was a black-and-white television series (without nudity, of course). Another late-night TV series followed in 2000-2002 — with an occasional flash of flesh.
In the movie, we again have a young blond woman swinging through the trees, the leader of a whole tribe. Though she wears slightly more clothes than Liane, they are clothes designed to look sexy — as though half ripped off. Teenage girls will admire her command of any situation. Teenage boys (and their fathers) will admire her beauty.
Twice we see the heroine nude for bathing. Twice we see bare-breasted dancers. And twice we see a nude man — though only from a long distance. They used three actresses to play the heroine as she grew — but they skipped the teen years.
Unlike the canned wildlife footage of Liane (which includes a South American toucan) Sheena was filmed entirely on location in Kenya. Still, this is definitely a grade-B movie with a bunch of bad guys, and lots of things going up in flames. The zebra the heroine rides is actually a painted horse. Horses whinny; zebras bark — and this “zebra” clearly whinnies on a couple of occasions. But oh, it’s such good fun.
Movie critics hate this production. Generations of young and old viewers love it.Both discs come with sensational cover art and slogans but are clean in content. These two movies
about young jungle women are every bit as entertaining as all the Tarzan films. n
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 25
By Carol MCneFF
My name is Ripley. I’m about 11-years-old in people years. No one knows for sure because
I was a rescue dog and about a year old when my master brought me home. That’s also the reason they don’t know what kind of dog breed I am. I don’t really understand the big deal with that question ... I always think to myself, “I’m a good dog! That’s what I am!” I came to live with my grandparents two years ago when my master moved into an apartment and wasn’t able to keep me. I love living with my grandparents! I love traveling with them and riding in their car or truck, and they take me with them everywhere they go!
My favorite place to go in the summer is to our camper at White Tail Resort in Ivor, Virginia. It’s a nudist resort! No one wears clothes! I fit right in with that way of life because I don’t like to wear clothes either!
Our routine at WTR suits me to a “T”! We have coffee on the porch every morning to start our day. Soon after coffee, grandpa takes me on the first of our many walks of the day around the resort. I consider it my very important job to check out all
the scents, sights, and sounds as we visit the dog walk, check out the perimeter of the resort, and patrol the residential streets ... just to make sure everything is okay in our little paradise!
White Tail Resort is a large community with lots of people and animal friends coming and going all the time. It’s such a fun and friendly place!
Several times a day I pull our golf cart around the community ... or that’s what people tease us that it looks like I’m doing! It’s fun because I get to stretch my legs and run like the wind! I can run a lot faster than my grandma or grandpa! My master trained me to pull him on his skateboard, but grandma and grandpa won’t even try that!
All day long people stop by our camper to talk to grandma or grandpa or they wave as they pass by. Sometimes people come over to our camper to visit. Often they bring food and everyone eats too much! We even have some friends who bring over musical instruments and sit around and play and sing and have a good time. They think it’s funny, but I love to sing! My favorite song is “Howling at the Moon,” by Hank Williams, Sr.
It’s a good life! I’m so happy I came to live with grandma and grandpa. I love being a nudist dog and living at White Tail! n
LIVING THE DREAMAT WHITE TAIL RESORT
LIVING THE DREAMAT WHITE TAIL RESORT
Shangri La RanchAn Arizona destination for more than 50 years
Hotel-Motel AccommodationsLong Term Accommodations • Pull-Thru RV Sites
Full Hookups • Tent & Dry Camping SitesWeekend Café • Clubhouse • Heated Pool
Spa • Sauna • Gym • Volleyball • TennisHorseshoe Pits • Dart Board • Ping-Pong
Pool Table & KaraokeSeasonal Membership Rates for Snowbirds
Office Hours: 9 a.m. — 5 p.m.44444 N. Shangri La Lane
New River, AZ 85087
800/465-8760623/465-5959
E-mail: [email protected]: http://www.shangrilaranch.com
26 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
As we enter the new year and start to consider New Year’s resolutions, we almost always resolve to lose
weight, exercise more, or improve our health in some fashion. Weight loss is one of the top goals set by Americans for the coming year — every year. How many of us are actually successful? Maybe this year, it’s time to try a new approach. I’d like to talk about something that many of us may not associate with weight gain and disease and that is the health of our gut bacteria — also called our gut “microbiome.” The microbiome is our own unique community of microorganisms (aka “bacteria” or “bugs”) which requires a healthy balance in order to keep us free from inflammation, weight gain, and
diseases. In fact, over 100 health conditions can be caused by an unhealthy gut, ranging from depression and anxiety to diabetes, heart disease, and cancer!
Dr. Mark Hyman M.D. put gut health into perspective by stating that:
“…there are 500 species and three pounds of bacteria in your gut. There are trillions of bacteria in your gut, and they collectively contain at least 100 times as many genes as you do. The bacterial DNA in your gut outnumbers your own DNA by 100 times. You have about 20,000 genes, but there are 2,000,000 (or more) bacterial genes!”
Considering we are primarily made up of “bugs,” so to speak, the health of our “bugs” and the balance of the friendly and unfriendly bugs is vital to the health of our bodies. In holistic medicine, when there is a disease process or pathology present, it is the balance of the gut that is fixed before any other action is taken. Not only may an imbalance be the cause, but it will be difficult for the body to absorb nutrition and supplementation if the gut bacteria is off.
yOUR GUT BACTERIA CAN SERIOUSLy AFFECT yOUR HEALTH AND yOUR WEIGHT!
HOW CAN yOU OPTIMIZE IT?An imbalance of gut bacteria is
called “dysbiosis.” Dysbiosis is caused by a disruption in the balance of bacteria, in which the harmful bacteria take over. You may have dysbiosis if you experience digestive symptoms or disorders, GERD, indigestion, acid reflux, IBS, frequent constipation, or diarrhea. Unfriendly gut bacteria can include fungus, parasites, and yeast — to name a few of the common offenders. These “bad bugs” can trigger inflammation which can lead to insulin resistance, pre-diabetes, and weight gain.
So how can you ensure your gut health stays in tip-top shape?
There are many things you can implement into your lifestyle to ensure that your “good bugs” are happy and flourishing and your “bad bugs” are being eliminated or staying dormant.
• Eat whole, unprocessed foods (if you can hunt it, or grow it — make that 90 percent of your diet. Make 50 percent of your diet vegetables.)
• Get at least 30-35 grams of fiber per day. Fiber is a “pre-biotic” which acts as food for the probiotics in your gut.
• Get enough sleep — 7-8 hours is optimal and keeps the bugs happy and inflammation low.
• Practice stress management techniques daily.
• Take a quality omega 3 supplement.
• Take a quality probiotic supplement and an enzyme with meals if you have trouble with digestion or are over the age of 50.
• Add MCT oil (Medium Chain Triglyceride oil) to decrease inflammation and promote fat burning.
• Add fermented food — the best source of probiotics and enzymes (a 24-ounce bottle of sauerkraut equals 8-10 jars of probiotic pills!) Find a good source of unpasteurized fermented foods such as sauerkraut, vegetables, and kombucha — or make your own! Making your own fermented foods is super easy and inexpensive. Include them daily in your diet for the healthiest and happiest gut microbiome! n
about the authorBridgette Ruge, M.A. is an ACE Certified Personal Trainer and Health Coach.
This column is not designed to and does not provide medical advice, professional diagnosis, opinion or treatment. It provides general information for educational purposes only. The information provided in this column, or through links to external websites, is not a substitute for medical or professional care, and you should not use the information in place of the advice of your physician or other healthcare provider.
JoURNey to HealtH
Adam Gault/DigitalVision/Thinkstock
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 27
Nude and Proud
If you would like to see groups of happy nude people enjoying themselves, indoors and outdoors, you should enjoy the 2017 Avalon calendar. For more information, call 304-947-5600 or email [email protected]. n
The Avalon calendar series features three generations of the Dodd family — Pete Dodd, Sheila Dodd, baby Rykeigh, Ashley Moyers and Ryan Dofflemyer.
By ChriS MorAleS
When I first started the Avalon calendar series, I had a few objectives. One of them was to do my part to try to help dispel what I considered one of the greatest nudist myths. How many of us have had friends and family tell us they could not join us in social nudity because their bodies were not good enough? Many non-nudists believe all the men are built like Ken, and all the women are built like Barbie.
Through the four calendars I have produced (The Women of Avalon 2014, The Men of Avalon 2015, The Couples of Avalon 2016 and 2017s Almost Heaven…Avalon), I have tried to demonstrate that we’re a slice of every walk of life. We have featured young, old, thin, heavyset, and everything in between.
We are not the Lions Club or a fire department, so Avalon’s calendar series has bared all. If you ask me, I think everyone who has been featured is body beautiful, because they are all comfortable in their own skin. I have tried to visually display that there is no reason for anyone to feel intimidated by going to any clothing-optional or nudist
resort. Hopefully, a first-timer or non-nudist looking at our calendars would see that
they would easily fit in somewhere in the range of bodies on display.
A nudist from another resort seemed shocked that we have shown private parts. Isn’t that why we’re here? Aren’t we the people
who are supposed to be okay with showing our whole being?The other big issue that I have tried
to tackle is openness. We’re nude. We’re proud to be nude. I have long been astonished by the lengths some nudists go to hoping to keep their friends and family from finding out that they get naked and sit by a pool, or play pickleball and volleyball. Personally, I believe there is nothing wrong with what we do. As long as a large portion of our nudist ranks act like our social nudity has to be shrouded in secrecy or is the likely source of eternal public shame, can we really expect non-nudists to think it’s a normal activity?
I was a U.S. Secret Service Special Agent. I was a nudist and they knew. Nobody tried to yank my clearance, transfer me to a dungeon, or fire me. My supervisor thought my hobby was a bit amusing, and once jokingly asked me to make sure to wear pants when I went out with the President.
Social nudity has also never caused me to be shunned by anyone. Some of my friends don’t seem to quite understand it, but they have never tried to cart me off to a mental institution.
“sOcIAl NUDITY HAs AlsO NEVEr
cAUsED mE TO BE sHUNNED BY
ANYONE.”
28 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
Ricotta Coffee Cake1 1/2 cup butter, softened 1/2 tsp. salt3/4 cup white sugar raspberry jam2 eggs 1/3 cup brown sugar1 cup whole milk ricotta 1/2 cup walnuts or pecans2 cups flour 1 tsp. cinnamon1 tsp. each of baking powder and soda 1 tsp. nutmegGrease a 13 x 9 cake pan. Beat butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and ricotta.Sift flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt into the wet mixture. Mix on low. Batter will be thick. Spread batter into cake pan. Place small dollops of jam on top of batter (about 15 teaspoons full), and then pull a knife through them so the top looks marbled.
Topping: Mix brown sugar, nuts, cinnamon, and nutmeg together and sprinkle over the top. Refrigerate, uncovered overnight. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Cool slightly before cutting.
Serves 18
By AMy ABBoTT
It’s that wonderful time of the year when the holidays come back-to-back and food plays a huge part of our festivities. At Abbott’s Glen Naturist Inn in Vermont, we look forward to creating holiday meals that include family favorite recipes and comforting scents of winter spices, mingled with pine and balsam and smoke from the wood-fires. Guests joining us during the holidays will be greeted with hot mulled cider, some type of sweets, and a lovely dinner served in our dining room overlooking a frozen pond, while holiday music floats in the background.
It is likely that most of us will be hosting hungry family members who will require three meals a day — nothing like starting the day with a good breakfast. Even better, if you can prepare most of it the night before and just pop it in the oven the following morning. An egg casserole, and a ricotta coffee cake are two items you will want to try. Both items come together easily and are equally delicious and special enough to serve on Christmas morning. To complete the breakfast include some fresh fruit, cut into small pieces, and drizzled with yogurt and honey.
Since one can never have enough banana bread recipes, I am including this new one, which is enhanced with eggnog and would be a great item to add to your holiday baked gifts. Happy Holidays. n
iNN tHe bUff goURmet
HOLIDAY TREATS
Banana Eggnog Bread1/2 cup butter, softened 1 3/4 cup all-purpose flour1 1/2 cup white sugar 1 tsp. baking powder1 egg 1/2 tsp. baking soda2 medium bananas, mashed 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg1/3 cup eggnog 1/2 tsp. salt1 tsp. vanilla Walnuts or pecans may be added to the batterPreheat oven to 350 degrees.In a large bowl cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in egg, bananas, eggnog, and vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt and then add to wet ingredients. Bake in a greased loaf pan 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted in middle comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes before cutting into.Serves 8-10
Egg Casserole1 large sweet onion, (cut in halves, thinly sliced) 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese1 large red pepper, diced 8 large eggs1 large Yukon gold potato, peeled and diced 2 cups whole milk2 tbsp. olive oil 1 cup heavy cream1, 8 oz. brie, rind removed 2 tbsp. Dijon mustard(2 cups of Swiss cheese may be substituted for the brie) 1 tsp. seasoned salt12 oz. sourdough bread, cubed 1 tsp. pepperSauté the sweet onion, red pepper, and potato in hot oil for 10-12 minutes until vegetables are tender and onion slices turn golden. Cut cheese into 1/2-inch cubes. Layer a lightly greased 13 x 9 baking dish with the bread cubes, onion and potato mixture, brie, and Parmesan. Whisk eggs, milk, cream, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper together and then pour over mixture. Cover and chill overnight. Bake at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes until lightly browned and set in the center.Serves 8
Read Amy’s food blog at www.Innthebuffgourmet.com for more recipes and a slice of country cooking.
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 29
live NUDe aND leaN
By PeTe williAMSAANR STAFF WRITER
When it comes to training and staying in shape, there’s no more challenging time than the holiday season. Between the parties, edible gifts, cooler weather, and bulkier clothes, it’s easy to eat and drink like a bear about to go into hibernation.
No wonder millions of people wake up New Year’s Day vowing to get in shape and lose weight — some of which they only packed on in the previous month.
But who wants to start the new year feeling behind already? Why not set a goal of entering January with a clean slate and a head start on making 2017 the best ever? Here’s how to do just that.
Pick your Poison: Holiday parties present temptation at every turn. There’s usually an open bar, tables full of dessert, and enough rich creamy food to feed an army for weeks. The natural impulse is to sample everything early and often.
The key, I’ve found, is to indulge in one area. I rarely drink, so it’s easy for me to resist the alcohol. Chocolate is another story. If there’s chocolate anywhere nearby, I will consume it. But if I enter a holiday gathering limiting myself to only a modest chocolate indulgence — no fattening food, booze, or other desserts — I don’t have to feel guilty about it.
Perhaps your kryptonite is something else. If you drink alcohol, feel free to indulge but lay off the desserts and find someone else to drive.
Drink A Gallon of water: Adults should drink a gallon of water a day, though few of us do. That’s why I try to drink a gallon of water during any holiday party I’ll be at for any length of time.
Long ago I realized that I ate and drank too much at parties, not because I was hungry but because I was bored. I’m a natural introvert, so I tend to keep moving at parties — going back and forth to the bar and food. Plus, you feel more natural at a party holding a plate or glass.
By constantly refilling my water, I keep my hands full. It gives me something to do and keeps me going to the bathroom, which can be a handy excuse when you’re trying to extricate yourself from a conversation that’s gone on too long.
Drinking alcohol lessens inhibitions, making you more likely to eat rich food. Drinking soda, even diet varieties,
STAy FIT DURING THE HOLIDAy SEASON?yOU BET!
makes you more likely to consume sweets. Water keeps you from overindulging.
Most importantly, drinking lots of water keeps you satiated. Often times when we think we’re hungry we’re just thirsty.
Stick To normal routines: Most holiday parties are not sit-down affairs. That means you don’t have to eat at all. If you eat your (presumably healthy) dinner before going to the party, you’ll be less likely to eat much of anything, especially if you drink that gallon of water.
This doesn’t mean you must bring healthy food to the party. My specialty is an éclair cake, that has graham crackers layered with a filling of vanilla pudding blended with whipped cream and topped with chocolate icing. It’s easy to make (just chill for two days in advance) and is always a hit. It usually serves as my chocolate indulgence too.
Start A new Training regimen – or work out More: You know all of those New Year’s specials that gyms and yoga studios offer? Most start after Thanksgiving. So it’s possible to embark on a new training regimen at the same special rates long before the New Year’s resolution masses arrive. Don’t worry about the January crowds. They’ll be gone by Valentine’s Day.
The holiday season is the best time to train. Gyms and fitness studios are empty. Plus you likely have more days off between Christmas and New Year’s than normal.
If you’re someone already committed to a training regimen, the holiday season is the best time to try something new or challenge a friend to join you.
Party nude: There’s a school of thought that you eat more when you’re nude because you can’t feel your clothes getting tighter.
It’s been my experience, though, that the less clothing worn at a party, the less people indulge. Most holiday parties are held in cold weather with guests dressed in heavy clothes. But when people are in swimsuits or nude, you’re more cognizant of the impact, both positive and negative, that food has on the body.
I’ve been at nude parties where the dessert table is virtually ignored.
That’s all the more reason to party in the buff this holiday season. n
Longtime AANR writer Pete Williams is a NASM-certified personal trainer who writes about fitness and simple living at www.ToLiveLean.com.
30 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
ORNERKiDs
S S B Y J S Y R H E D W G Z B T H A Y E L E P E E G N T G A A O E M L N L V C I I G I E K R L J O T O M E L K N N N S I U I J T D S M I C E G D L O N T D J U R B I O H E X E E U G N A R Y E E T R R C I V G E D I Y I R S S E B H G K N N W R M S G G K H R T H C O A A F S R P R E S E N T S F A M I L Y E A T N A S M E R R Y W E N X P F G D S N O I T A R O C E D E T E X V R I B B H A N U Y Y P S D N E I R F L M I S Q D P S K B E T Z K B X N E Z P I P
ANGELBAKINGCHIMNEYCHRISTMASDECEMBERDECORATIONSEGGNOGELVESFAMILYFRIENDSGINGERBREADHOLIDAYSJOLLY
MERRYPEPERMINTPRESENTSREINDEERRUDOLPHSANTASLEIGHSNOWMANSTARSTOCKINGTREE
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 31
Avalon — Crossing The Bridge To Help End Breast Cancer
AANR-EAST REGION
Sun Meadow Makes A BangBy MArGie CAnTlon
On October 22, Worley, Idaho’s Sun Meadow Family Nudist Resort provided an exceptional evening of dining and entertainment. The annual Black Tie and White Glove dinner was formal with pearls, ties, and an amazing five-course dinner, served by waiters who were undressed to the nines. Diners enjoyed macadamia crusted Mahi Mahi or beef Wellington, and everything that makes fine dining, “fine.”
The dinner was followed by Sun Meadow’s trademark, amazing entertainment. Fubuki Daiko, a Japanese drum group from Winnipeg, Canada, held the audience in awe. The performance was complete with spectacular drums and flute, and even
a Japanese lion dance, bringing good luck to many in attendance.
The performance follows the established tradition of unexpected p r o f e s s i o n a l entertainment at the north Idaho resort. The Skin to the Wind Festival of Fun, held annually on National Nude weekend, is a major highlight of the year. For more information and upcoming events, go to www.sunmeadow.org. n
AANR-NORTHWEST REGION
RegioNal NeWs
By lynne PArADiSe
Avalon received a very special thank you for its support and fundraising effort on behalf of the West Virginia affiliate of Susan G. Komen. This year the resort raised $1,200.00, making the total donated to the foundation over the years $12,000.00. Through research, treatment, screening, and education the foundation helps turn breast cancer patients into breast cancer survivors.
After the brisk, but refreshing walk, there was a table set up in the lodge with gifts donated from the foundation and individual Avalonians. Tickets were distributed and matching tickets were picked from a can, giving people the chance to choose a gift. It is always wonderful to have an enjoyable time while supporting a charitable cause. Avalon is proud to be a part of the effort to find a cure for breast cancer. n
Any reference to any specific commercial company,
product, process, or service, or the use of any trade,
firm, or corporation name is provided for the information
and convenience of AANR members. It does not
constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or
favorable treatment by AANR, and AANR makes no claims, promises, guarantees,
or warranties of any kind, expressed or implied, as to the goods or services providedby any commercial entity.
The appearance of hyperlinks does not constitute or imply
endorsement by AANR,AANR regions, or AANR
chartered clubs.
The Avalon members raised $1,200 during their walk.
32 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
RegioNal NeWs
Generous Friendly Folks Look Forward To The Holidays And Beyond
Tallahassee Naturally Celebrates 30 YearsBy PAul levAlley
In September, Tallahassee Naturally celebrated 30 years of natural freedom. During that time, an estimated 5,000 people in north Florida have taken advantage of the club’s first-visit-free policy. At the banquet, the club awarded certificates of appreciation to long-time members, those who have served on the board since the 25th-anniversary, and volunteers who have gone above and beyond their job descriptions to benefit the club.
Tallahassee Naturally is an all-volunteer organization who rent 40-acres of woods with a blue six-acre lake near Monticello, Florida. The club is well known for their work with college students, including their annual College Greek Athletic Meet, and Full-Moon Skinny-dips during the warm months. In fact, the 73 people (mostly young) at the September moonlight swim made it the largest event in the club’s history — surpassing even the World Record Skinny-Dip a few years ago.
The group has also been politically active, the first nudist club in America to evaluate political candidates in 1994, and frequently testifying before the state legislature. They also publish Naturists: Upholders of Strong Family Values, distributed to thousands of county commissioners and state legislators nationwide, and about to come out in its fourth edition.
Five years ago, after the 25th-anniversary, the club president asked what we would do next. The board set to brainstorming and planned the annual Trynudethon (nude triathlon). That necessitated more trails. Recent developments have included major beach expansion. Time keeps moving on. n
By niTA vAlADe
It’s that time of year when most folks begin to think of big dinners with family and friends for Thanksgiving or the other seasonal holidays. The Wildwood family for the past several years has held a food drive to support a local organization that supplies food for those in need. This year the hope is to surpass previous years, and contributions may be made until December 4. I would like to urge other clubs to start their own food, toy, or clothing drives to benefit community organizations. It’s just another way we can show that nudists are really just like everyone — caring citizens who will give the shirts off their backs.
In 2017, Wildwood will host the AANR-Southwest Region midwinter Board Meeting on January 21. On January 20 there will be a meet and greet at 7 p.m. to welcome friends from
across the region and the meeting will take place at 9 a.m. on Saturday morning. We’re looking forward to spending time with old friends and making new
ones. If cabin, RV, or tent accommodations are needed please reserve early. n
AANR-SOUTHWEST REGION
Wildwood members Karen Shue and Andy Clausen prepare a food donation box for the local food pantry.
AANR-FLORIDA REGION
By R
on
Wa
rne
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 33
RegioNal NeWs
By rAlPh CollinSon
In the past I have written articles for The Bulletin explaining the importance of nudists volunteering in their local community, so that it can be clearly seen that we are normal people like everyone else who care about the health and well-being of our local community. Recently here in Florida we had a great example of naturists giving back to the community in a very positive way which I would like to share with you. In September AANR-Florida and Treasure Coast Naturists teamed up with the Ocean Conservancy and the Wildlife Conservation Initiative to participate in the International Coastal Cleanup Day. This initiative is held annually and it is critical in ensuring that trash that threatens our coastline, as well as marine and coastal wildlife is cleaned up. We also used this opportunity to educate clothing-optional beach goers on the benefits of biotic beach wrack which beach and marine animals use for food and shelter so that it would not be disturbed. Hundreds of thousands of people turned out for this event all over the world on September 17, 2016. While beach cleanups alone cannot solve the ocean trash problem, they are an integral piece of the overall long term solution.
In Florida, teams of nudists scoured the beaches and dune lines of Blind Creek Beach, Apollo Beach, and Playalinda. Blind Creek had the biggest contingent led by AANR-Florida Director Nelson Jones and Jacqui Foshay from Treasure Coast Naturists and Sunnier Palms Nudist Resort. Jacqui is the catalyst who spearheaded this effort in Florida. She had been involved in the 2015 Coastal Cleanup at Blind Creek, she attended the AANR-Florida Summer Meeting and asked for our help in expanding the effort to other locations in 2016. Coastal cleanup is an ongoing effort at Blind Creek. Almost every weekend you will see clothing free beach users picking up trash on their daily walks up and down the beach. This has been especially important this year because of a ship accident that occurred nearby. Blind Creek is the newest clothing free beach in the Ft. Pierce, Florida area. It is the longest naturist beach in Florida with more than two miles of coastline. If you have not been there I highly recommend it. It is free, although the Treasure Coast Naturist’s may hit you up for a contribution. Please be generous these folks do great work.
Naturists Give Back To The Community
The Cape Canaveral Seashore effort, at Playalinda Beach was headed-up by AANR-Florida Director Jimmie Jones and due to scheduling conflicts they actually completed the cleanup a week early on September 10. At Apollo Beach, my wife and
I led the cleanup. What really impressed me
was how easy it was to get beach users to pitch in. As soon as we arrived at Apollo we met two female nudists in their early 20s, visiting from out of state, who asked what we were doing, and they immediately volunteered to help throughout the morning. We were also joined by first-time nudists from
my hometown of St. Augustine who had
noticed a posting I had made for the cleanup on social
media. He is a first responder in St. Augustine who had had an interest but never the opportunity to experience nude recreation. This event gave him the opportunity and the courage to make his initial visit to a nude beach. He had a fun time and will soon be an AANR member. Did I mention that this is a great way to also recruit new AANR members? People on the beach quickly realized what we were doing and began gathering up debris around where they were sitting and had it ready for us as we approached. The park employees who patrol the beach also took notice and came out on their four wheelers to help us get the trash off of the beach. The National Park employees where actually impressed that the nudists cared enough to cleanup the national seashore. We quickly pointed out that it did not seem that the textile beach users had the same dedication to the beach. Always seize the opportunity to promote nudists when it is given to you!
I would like to encourage and challenge those of you in AANR-East and across the Gulf Coast, out in AANR-West, and my Canadian friends at Wreck Beach in Canada to join with us in 2017 and let’s make the International Coastal Cleanup Day a North American AANR day of giving back to the community. If anyone is interested in getting involved in their local area, please get in touch with me at [email protected]. In closing I want to thank all of the AANR members who participated in the event. n
AANR-FLORIDA REGION
The crew posing with all of the garbage they collected at the Blind Creek Beach Cleanup.
34 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
ClUb HaPPeNiNgs
z tHe SeQUOIaNS, a CLOtHeS-Free CLUB is closed through March to all except full members. Much of this time is used to maintain and further beautify the club. For more information, visit www.sequoians.com, write to 10200 Cull Canyon Road, Castro Valley, CA 94552, or call 510-582-0194.
COLORADOz Winter brings its own beauty to
MOUNtaIN aIr raNCH. The hot tub and sauna are always available, and the clubhouse fireplace will be roaring the afternoon of December 10 for a potluck and games. Members and guests will welcome 2017 with a dinner and a dance the evening of December 31. For more information, visit www.trynude.com or call 1-877-TRY-NUDE.
FLORIDAz December 2 – 4 is
a big weekend at CyPreSS COVe NUDISt reSOrt aND SPa. The club will have WSUN Radio Show, Magician Peter Samelson, and BeatleBeat. Hey Nude N2 Volleyball tournament will be held that same weekend. December weekends offer great entertainment including DJ Xavier, Jay and the Two Tones, A Taste of Love, and Clicker. Don’t forget the streaks at Cheeks and karaoke. For more information, visit www.cypress coveresort.com or call 1-888-683-3140.
z CrOSSeD OaKS HaVeN plans for its annual cookie party in Silver Springs on December 3. Members will meet in Silver Springs on December 17 to hike in the Ocala National Forest. January 15 will be the annual January bowling in Kissimmee with a travel trip to Cypress Cove. For more information, email [email protected] or call 352-817-2987.
ARIZONAz BUFF-a-teerS in the Tucson area is a
sun, fun, and travel non-landed club. The group meets for three events monthly, including dinner on the first Thursday evening, and a lunch combined with an outing. For more information, email [email protected] or write to Buff-A-Teers, P.O. Box 42662, Tucson, Arizona 85733.
z December brings about the return of the snowbirds to SHaNGrI La raNCH. With a full park, the calendar has something to do every day from hiking and water aerobics to card games and crafts. On December 10 there is the annual gift exchange, and on December 25 a Christmas potluck. For more information, visit www.shangrilaranch.com.
CALIFORNIAz Come visit GLeN eDeN SUN CLUB, the
clubhouse is always bustling with activities. Enjoy karaoke Christmas carols, with DJ Alicia on December 16. Hot spiced cider and a cookie exchange on December 17 with Eclipse. New Year’s around the world will have a premier California caterer “A Rotisserie Affair.” There will be prime rib, chicken, and a wok chef. Tickets go on sale on October 29. For more information, call 951-277-4650.
z Bring the little ones to OLIVe DeLL raNCH for the annual JRs tree-trimming and Christmas party December 10. Come celebrate New Year’s Eve at ODR — one of the best parties of the year! There is a dance and midnight buffet included. The club offers a solar heated pool, jacuzzi, clubhouse, miles of hiking trails, and delicious food inside the café. For more information, visit www.olivedellranch.com.
z tHe OLyMPIaN CLUB will hold the annual holiday party on December 10 in Corona. The party will have hors d’oeuvres, followed by a traditional turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Soda, eggnog, and coffee will be provided by the club. After dinner will be the friendly takeaway gift exchange. For more information, visit www.olympianclub.com or email [email protected].
z LaKe COMO will host the Florida Young Naturists Winter Gathering for naturists 18-35 years-old December 8-11. Check the website for Christmas and New Year’s holiday parties and events including the annual decorated golf cart parade. For more information, visit www.lakecomonaturally.com or call 1-877-TRY-LAKE.
z Have a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all from SaNIBeL NatUrISt. Thanks to Sun Coast Club for Blind Creek weekend and to Lake Como for hosting Veteran’s weekend. There will be a dinner out on December 11, and the annual meeting on January 8, 2017. For more information,
visit www.sanibelnaturist.com.
z SUNNIer P a L M S will have a cookout with pulled chicken and sides on December 3, and another one with hotdogs and burgers on December 17. On December 25,
there will be a Christmas dinner
with a ham and turkey. Please R.S.V.P. and bring a side dish. For more information, visit www.sunnier.com or call 772-468-8512.
z SUNNy SaNDS celebrates the holiday season with a holiday dinner and gift exchange on December 10, followed by a pet parade and a golf cart parade on December 17. Everyone is welcome to attend the Christmas Day potluck on Christmas Day. Ring in the New Year on December 31 with DJ Wayne and break out the clubs for the first golf tournament of 2017 on New Year’s Day. For more information, visit www.sunnysands.com.
z SUNSPOrt GarDeNS will host another Music Medley for young adults December 9-11. Over 70 young adults who had never been to a naturist resort or a clothing-optional beach attended the last Music Medley. The event features many bands, a drum circle, body painting, yoga, and more. The holiday season brings luminaries, caroling, a holiday potluck, and presents for all the children from Santa. For more information, visit www.sunsportgardens.com.
GEORGIAz The last few days of autumn wind down,
but the fun never ends. Join SereNDIPIty ParK for a Christmas party on December 10. Don’t miss the biggest party of the year on December 31. Have a great holiday season! For more information, visit www.serendipity-park.com. OHIO — The contestants for the best costume at Alpine Resort.
OHIO — Little Red Riding Hood and the big, bad wolf. Oh my!
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 35
ClUb HaPPeNiNgs
IDAHOz Bare BaCKerS is closed for the
winter after a great summer. The club celebrated its 35th-anniversary with an epic party. Everyone enjoyed the new improvements, especially the landscaping around the two new rental cabins. With water volleyball, hiking Bare Mountain, and parties, the club has made wonderful memories. For more information, visit www.bareidaho.com.
z Thanksgiving dinner and concerts are warm memories, and SUN MeaDOW reSOrt is preparing for the Christmas party, cookie exchange, and gift exchange on December 17, plus the New Year’s Eve party and dance on December 31. Then on January 21, magician Joey Pipia! Come enjoy the warm lodge. For more information, visit www.sunmeadow.org, email [email protected], write to 30400 S. Sunray Trail, Worley, ID 83876, or call 208-686-8686.
INDIANAz Merry Christmas from the members of
FerN HILLS CLUB! The 75 wooded acres of FHC are beautiful with snow on the ground. New events are being constantly added for next season. Recent additions include a poker run, more themed pitch-ins, and a prom. Please check the website for future activities. Make plans to visit FHC next summer. For more information, call 812-824-4489.
z December brings winter at LaKe O’tHe WOODS CLUB, in the beautiful, peaceful, and natural setting. There are club parties, events, Christmas dinner, and a white elephant gift exchange on December 10. For more information, visit www.lowc.org, email [email protected], or call 219-477-6643 and leave a message.
z SUNSHOWer COUNtry CLUB rings in the season with a holiday party on December 3 with a $15, labeled male or female gift exchange followed by a pitch-in dinner. The New Year’s Eve party will be held on December 31 with pitch-in dinner. For more information, visit www.sunshower.com or email [email protected].
KANSASz PraIrIe HaVeN’S activity coordinator,
board, and members are coming together to create an exciting 2017 Season. Activities are being posted, on the calendar as soon as they are confirmed. Kentucky Derby (first weekend in May 2017), Kentucky Derby hat contest, RC racing at its finest on holiday weekends, cart rallies, pool volleyball, horseshoes, Fourth of July, and Halloween. For more information, visit www.prairiehaven.org.
z Wow! Our members had a great fall clean up weekend in October at SaNDy LaNe CLUB are getting some of the buildings resided and painted so it could open in May. Happy Holidays and the club looks forward to visitors next season from May through September 2017. For more information, visit www.sandylaneclub.com.
MARYLANDz MaryLaND area NatUrISt
aSSOCIatION had a stellar turnout for our October fall kickoff and attended three nude house parties and potlucks in Washington from September to November. See what’s in store in December for Naked Second Saturdays and a holiday party for Chanukah and Christmas as we close out the year in the BWI and Casino District of Elkridge! For more information, email [email protected] or call 443-686-8151.
z MaryLaND HeaLtH SOCIety, INC. (MAHESO) welcomes the holiday season with a potluck and gift exchange on December 10. Bid a fond farewell to 2016 and welcome 2017 at the Nude Year’s Eve party. Visitors are invited to enjoy the serenity of the winter woods. For more information, visit www.marylandhealthsociety.com or call 410-798-0269.
NEVADAz Nobody loves Christmas more than LaS
VeGaS NatUrISt. Enjoy a white elephant gift exchange and a holiday party. This will be the clubs 12th year hosting a New Year’s Eve party with a view of fireworks over the Las Vegas Strip. Members are awesome and the club is
looking forward to more great times in 2017. Happy Nude Year! For more information, call 702-658-9444.
NEW JERSEYz Happy Holidays from SKy FarM!
Although it’s chilly outside, it’s not too soon to start thinking about summer! The club is accepting applications for 2017 membership. Sky Farm is located on 35 beautiful acres in central New Jersey. In the warm season, members enjoy the heated pool, hot tub, sauna, sports, games, and weekend social events. For more information, visit www.skyfarm.com or call 908-419-5443.
NEW YORKz Season’s Greetings from members and
staff at eMPIre HaVeN NUDISt ParK in central New York state. The club wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and a Happy New Year. Big thanks to all the members, site-holders, and volunteers who helped make 2016 such a wonderful summer. For more information, visit www.empirehaven.net.
z On November 12 several NOrtHerN eXPOSUre SUN CLUB (NESC) members went to the Sunchasers annual nude bowling. In all over 70 people attended. On December 10, NESC will be teaming up with the Sunchasers again for the holiday party in West Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This will be a clothed event. For more information, email [email protected] or call 518-872-9207.
OHIO — Paradise Gardens Kids Kamp carves out a salute to AANR during their traditional Kids Halloween Party. Lots of fun, games, pizza, pumpkin carving, and candy!
36 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
OREGONz HIDDeN SPrINGS Sunday night Bare
Bowling dates are January 8, February 12, and March 26. Price and location (Portland and Vancouver area) are the same as last season. For more information, contact [email protected] .There will be potluck hors d’oeuvres, club meeting, and planned hot tubbing at another location prior to the January bowling. For more information, visit www.hiddenspringsnudist.org or call 503-841-1995.
z The club would like to thank all of the guests for helping to make the 22nd annual 2016 Music Fest one of the best ever. SQUaW MOUNtaIN raNCH is growing and
has added 14 new members since April. Join the club for a full Thanksgiving dinner on November 19, and a Christmas party on December 17. The cabin crawl will be coming up in January 2017. For more information, visit www.squawmt.com.
z Winter is coming but members at the WILLaMettaN’S will still be having fun! On December 17 the club will have a Christmas potluck and gift exchange, and December 31 is the New Year’s Eve dance with live music by Cowboy Cadillac. Please join the club anytime seven days a week. Members can enjoy cabins, swimming pool, and a café. For more information, visit www.willamettans.com.
PENNSYLVANIAz Members of BeeCHWOOD LODGe wish
everyone a Merry Christmas and are looking forward to every Friday and Saturday evening. There will be a social gathering at the hot tub area. Bring those summer stories to share, and enjoy the Christmas dinner. For more information, visit www.beechwoodnudistcamp.com or call 570-368-4449.
SOUTH CAROLINAz Temperatures have been remaining in the
clothes-free range in the Carolinas. Wear only a smile and join the club for great times with good people. traVeLIteS has a full winter schedule including a lobster bash and oyster roast, the Thanksgiving feast with deep fried turkey, winter holiday party, hot tub parties, and Italian-themed potluck supper. For more information, email [email protected] or call 803-695-1937.
OHIOz The camping season at aLPINe
reSOrt has ended with a Halloween party on Saturday and a Thanksgiving dinner on Sunday. A scant few of the costumed contestants are pictured along with about a third of the great Thanksgiving food. For more information, visit www.alpineresort.club or call 330-674-6856 from April-October. Hope to see members and guests in 2017!
z The annual Halloween party is always a popular event for CeDar traILS NUDISt retreat members. Music, costume prizes, and many special games are featured throughout the evening. The club is closed to visitors, but members enjoy many special events throughout the winter season. For more information, visit www.cedartrails nudistretreat.com, email ctretreat@ reagan.com, or call 937-764-1365.
z D a y t O N WarM BreeZeS N a t U r a L I S t CLUB’S December event is a holiday house party on December 17. The host will provide the entrée and non-alcoholic beverages. Bring a side dish or snack to share, beverages, and a towel to sit on. For more information, email contact@dayton warmbreezes.club.
z December is the traditional month for connecting with family and friends. December 3 at ParaDISe GarDeNS is the Christmas Party, and on December 31 the club will ring in the new year. There are still rooms available for overnight stay. For more information, visit www.nudelife.com or call 513-385-4189.
OKLAHOMAz Join OaKLaKe traILS NatUrISt ParK
in December for holiday fun! December 3 the club will decorate the tree, enjoy a potluck, and karaoke. December 10 is the Christmas party and gift exchange, December 17 is the dance, December 30 will be another potluck, and decorating for the Nude Year’s Eve dance on December 31 with DJ Dave. For more information, email [email protected] or call 918-324-5999.
ClUb HaPPeNiNgs@ AANr.cOm
fEEl THE frEEDOm!Our Mission: Simply put, we exist “To advocate nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings while educating and informing society of their value and enjoyment.”www.aanr.com/about-aanr
YOUr NExT VAcATIONAANR is proud to be affiliated with 220 nudist resorts and clubs across North America and beyond. Visitors will find everything from upscale amenities to back-to-nature campgrounds in AANR clubs plus everything in between.www.aanr.com/places-to-go
BE sOcIAl WITH UsLike our Facebook page.www.facebook.com/American-Association-for-Nude-recreation-241237673869/?ref= bookmarks
AANr ON YOUr sIDEYou’ll find the word “Advocacy” right at the start of AANR’s mission statement. Advocating for nudity within appropriate settings is among the greatest of reasons that AANR was founded and continues to grow.www.aanr.com/aanr-on-your-side
clUB HAppENINGsFind out what events are upcoming at your favorite club. Search by club name, state or province location, or see all events.www.aanr.com/club-happenings
THE AllTOGETHErRead AANR’s official blog and post replies.www.aanr.com/blog/
SOUTH CAROLINA — Carolina Foothills Resort Carnivale 2016 Clothes-off Sock and Hat Competition / Dance Party!
Sponsored by John and Becky Morgan. Hats-off to King and queen of Carnivale
Rene and Mike. Left to right: Renee Skeans, Michael Skeans, Becky Morgan.
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 37
z Christmas is right around the corner! Join CarOLINa FOOtHILLS reSOrt on December 10 to celebrate and trim the CFR Christmas tree, and gather for the traditional dirty Santa gift exchange! Bring a gift valued at $20 to put under the tree. For more information, visit www.carolinafoothills.com.
z There is plenty to celebrate at CeDar CreeK reSOrt in December with a “Mad Hatter” gift exchange on December 3, Christmas karaoke on December 10, and a holiday movie marathon on December 17. High Maintenance will provide a musical backdrop for New Year’s Eve. Saturday lunch and Sunday breakfast is available. For more information, visit www.cedarcreekresort.net or call 803-567-5227.
TEXASz The weather may be cooler, but the
arMaDILLO reSOrt is still going hot! Come out and soak in the hot tub, socialize, and dance the night away in the dance hall! There are dances every Saturday night! The club also has cabins for rent. For more information, call 817-599-6833.
z Share in the holiday fun at BLUeBONNet. The Christmas party will be held on December 10 and the New Year’s Eve party on December 31. Members and guests will share in a potluck dinner, Chinese gift exchange, and potluck brunch on December 11. For more information, visit www.bluebonnetnudistpark.com or call 940-627-2313.
z Holiday Greetings from NatUreS reSOrt! Once again the club is sponsoring families from Monte Alto for Christmas providing them with toys and clothes for the children plus a generous food supply to extend well beyond Christmas dinners. The club invites members to join the annual gift exchange, Christmas dinner, and New Year’s Eve dance. For more information, visit www.naturesresorttexas.com, email [email protected], or call 956-262-4014.
z The members at PONDarOSa reSOrt in Wills Point, Texas are getting the club ready for the annual sneaky Santa gift exchange party on December 10. A favorite for everyone that attends! The club will also be having a 2017 New Year’s celebration. For more information, visit www.pondarosaresort.com or call 903-865-1104.
z Everyone will socialize at the Christmas party and dance on December 3 at WILDWOOD NatUrISt’S reSOrt. On December 17 the Tournament of Champions takes place and the billiard players will crown the best of the best for 2016. Ring in the new year on December 31 with a potluck, party, and dance. For more information, email [email protected], or call 940-627-2280.
TEXAS — Wildwood members competing in the year end Tournament of Champions, decorate the game room for the holidays.
ClUb HaPPeNiNgs
38 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
VIRGINIAz In December aVaLON reSOrt will
celebrate with a holiday party December 9-11 and usher in the new year December 29-31 with the annual gala. The club wishes all a safe, happy holiday season, and thanks to everyone who the club had the privilege to serve this year. Happy Nude 2017! For more information, visit www.avalon-resort.com or call 866-527-3319.
z WHIte taIL reSOrt has winter wonderland displayed all month. December 10 is Bob’s pizza and wine exchange, caroling, and dance with DJ Nick. December 17 is Bob’s open house, followed by a Christmas dance with DJ Mike. December 31 will be the Nude Year’s Eve party with DJ Mike. For more information, email [email protected] or call 800-987-6833.
WASHINGTONz LaKe aSSOCIateS
reCreatION CLUB would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. For information, visit www.larcnudists.com or call 360-445-6833.
z LaKe BrONSON FaMILy NUDISt CLUB would like to thank all members and guests for supporting the club over the year. December 3 is the cookie making contest and the winter wonderland dance. Celebrate the coming of the new year at the New Year’s Eve dance, followed by the annual polar bear dip on January 1. For more information, visit www.lakebronson.com or call 360-793-0286.
WISCONSINz VaLLey VIeW reCreatION CLUB
will open again May 12, 2017. Come for a fun-filled nude weekend with good food and music on February 18, 2017 for the midwinter party. For more information, visit www.valleyviewrecreationclub.com or call 630-837-5279.
TEXAS—Bluebonnet Members Sam and Pat Miller wishing you a Happy Holiday.
VIRGINIA—The first site of snow is here at White Tail Resort.
Reminder . . .The February club happenings deadline is December 20. Email your submissions to [email protected].
PRESTIGIOUS MEMbERSHIPS
Prestigious memberships offered by AANR are the Elite Life and the Premier Memberships. Call AANR today at 1-800-TRY-NUDE to upgrade your membership and take advantage of the special benefits that the Elite Life and Premier Memberships offer. With permission, AANR is proud to recognize the following persons:
Premier MemberRobert Schroeder
Steve PotterSean and Annica Summers
*This list is accurate as of October 14, 2016
ClUb HaPPeNiNgs
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 39
Largest selection of PrivateRentals at Paradise.40 units to choose fromwww.ParadiseResort
Rentals.comJim Miller — 813-505-2919
TrAvEL
TROPICAL PARADISE or ROMANTIC HIDEAWAY available for rent? Advertise it in The Bulletin. Contact 800-879-6833; [email protected]. cont.
ESCAPE TO Costa Rica for a Nude Yoga Retreat! All inclusive. Great rates! Spaces limited. For information and reservations visit www.yogainthebuff.com 12/16
EmpLOYmENT
REACH YOUR target audience—AANR members and 220+ clubs and resorts. Advertise in The Bulletin. Contact 800-879-6833; email [email protected]. cont.
CARETAKERS WANTED: Valley View Rec. Club is looking for two (2) sets of couples for caretakers for the 2017 season. Mid-May until mid-Sept. Rotating shift, Four(4) days on, Four (4) days off. Duties include checking in guests, room cleaning, bathroom cleaning, laundry, testing and caring for the in-ground pool, grass cutting & trimming and general maintenance. Hourly wage and travel compensation available. Please send your resumes to: Karen at [email protected]. 03/17
BUSINESS SErvIcES
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE or business to promote? Tell your fellow AANR members with an ad in The Bulletin. Email [email protected]; 800-879-6833.
rEAL ESTATE
MOBILE HOME Lots Available in South Grove development at beautiful Lake Como in Lutz, Florida. Contact Sha Davidson phone: 813-949-1810 ext. 233; Email: [email protected]. cont.
The MOST EXCLUSIVE RV resort in the nation. Lots available for rent or purchase in THE WOODS. FINANCING available visit us @ rvnude.com or call 813-446-6312. 2/17
PARADISE LAKES seasonal from $1300. mo plus tax and long term $700. lease available. Furnished one bedroom units. Yearly lease does not include utilities. Charming 3 br 2 ba manufactured home now available for sale. Bamboo wood floors. Only $120,000. Great opportunity. Eileen Siegel, Sales Associate, Sun n Fun Realty, [email protected], 813-404-4419. cont.
rENTALS
WWW.PARADISECONDO.COM 7th Night FREE*! Doug & Mary’s Paradise Lakes Resort Phase III One Bedroom Condos #526 & #517. PAY NO DAILY GROUNDS FEES* CALL FOR DETAILS! Only 5 miles to Caliente or Lake Como nudist resorts. Close to resort’s main pool and restaurant. High Speed Internet, W/D, Full kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher, coffee maker and elevator in building. Central AC, ceramic tile floors, mirrored living room, king bed, pool towels, robes, wall-mounted hair dryer, surround sound, cable-TV, screened lanai with panoramic resort view. Non-smoking/lanai smoking only. View our condo photos and policies at our web site. Doug or Mary 1-800-808-8408 E-mail: [email protected]. *When you stay for 7 nights. cont./cc
PARADISEPINESRVPARK.COM, Buy/Rent/Lease RV lots. Lutz, Fl. 813-474-8426 [email protected]. cont.
Ad content in The Bulletin is the sole responsibility of the advertiser and does not represent an endorsement from AANR. Venues advertised may or may not be AANR affiliated.
HOUSE, CONDO, or PROPERTY you want to sell? Try a Bulletin classified—they work. Call 800-879-6833; email [email protected]. cont.
BEAUTIFUL LAKE COMO Lg 1 Bdrm w/office 2 full bath, screened porch and carport new A/C appliances incl $110,000 w/share. 12/16
NEW HAMPSHIRE HOME & ACREAGE – SECLUDED - Create your own nudist compound/resort. 16 forested acres. No zoning! Home. Two Carriage Houses, Garage, Right of way to Pond, Home is salt-box copy of a house from 1700’s. Two bedrooms, bath, open kitchen, dining, living. Large cathedral ceiling living room. Large vaulted ceiling family/master bedroom that opens onto two large decks. $249,900. Call for photos. 603-477-5203 or [email protected]. 12/16
PARADISE LAKES: FOUNTAINS 1BR & Studio Penthouse, Cathedral Ceilings, Beautifully Furnished, Covered Parking, Non-smoking, Short or Long Term. www.ParadiseFoundRentals.com; 703-801-8582. cont/cc
BEST BUILDING at Paradise Lakes. Building 5 with kitchen, LR, BR. Fully-equipped. $85 per night weekdays, $100 Fri & Sat., $550 weekly. 615-244-6438, 615-822-2469 or 615-587-7573. cont/cc
PROPERTY TO RENT? Advertise in The Bulletin. Contact 800-879-6833 for details; [email protected]. cont.
PARADISE LAKES. The Fountains, 1-BR penthouse (top floor) condo. See photos, amenities, and other details at www.vrbo.com/152695; or email [email protected]; or call 727-810-1306. cont/cc
RV SITES start at $350 a month. Park models and mobile homes furnished or not, for sale or rent. Call 623-465-5959 or [email protected]. cont.
ClassifieDs
40 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
Ad content in The Bulletin is the sole responsibility of the advertiser and does not represent an endorsement from AANR. Venues advertised may or may not be AANR affiliated.
maRKetPlaCe
Preserve Your Nudist MemoriesSecure • Safe • Responsible • Discreet
Transfer your video tapes, 35mm slides & 8mm films and photos to DVD or Blu-Ray discs.
All of our work is custom — call today!The owners are fellow AANR members.
Doing business since 1979.941-567-0127 • www.FamilytoDVD.com
3306 26th Street West, Bradenton, FL 34205
BUSINESS SErvIcES
Relax at Bed &Breakfast Style HomesSoak Up The SunshineLuxurious Guest Rooms
Gourmet BreakfastsCall For Locations:
866-268-8852ClothingOptionalHomeNetwork.com
Join Costco as a new member and receive coupons. Now in Canada too!Discover why more than 72 million members worldwide love Costco.Now you can save money on thou-sands of brand-name items every day. From fresh foods and health & beauty items to clothing and electronics, you’ll find everything you need for your home or business.
Log in to the Member Benefits page of www.aanr.com
New Bulletin photo Guidelines
The Bulletin is ready to take the next step in the ongoing transition to produce an improved quality product for our members. In preparation for this next step, we will need help from our clubs and members who submit photographs to The Bulletin. The new guidelines are necessary to give you the quality product that you deserve.
The image size must be at least 5” x 7” with a resolution of 300 DPI. Most cameras can be adjusted to a higher resolution that will meet these requirements. We also are aware that these photos will be larger files and may have to be submitted one or two at a time when attached to an email. Please remember that we will need a photo release for everyone in the photo. You may download the release from the AANR website or call the office and one will be emailed to you. Please email your photos with your articles to [email protected]. Club Happenings photos should be sent with your copy to [email protected]. The February deadline is December 20. We will no longer accept photos that do not meet the new criteria.
mIScELLANEOUS
Attorneys Needed!Expertise in . . .
family law?custody?
first Amendment?Be part of our Legal Defense Network
to assist with nudity issues in the abovecategories. May be pro bono or paid.
Email [email protected].
aanr
UPCOMING MEETING & CONvENTIONS
The Undressed Press SignupNot receiving The Undressed Press in your Inbox every month? You can sign up now without having to go online. Just scan the QR code with your smartphone to have news about AANR and nude recreation emailed directly to you.
January 20-21, 2017Midwinter Board MeetingWildwood, Decatur, TX
January 27-29, 2017AANR-Florida Midwinter Board MeetingSunnier Palms, Fort Pierce, FL
February 17-18, 2017AANR Midwinter Board MeetingCypress Cove Resort and Spa, Kissimmee, FL
April 1-2, 2017AANR-Northwest Spring Board MeetingMountaindale Sun Resort, North Plains, OR
June 22-24, 2017AANR-Southwest ConventionStar Ranch, McDade, TX
August 7-13, 2017AANR ConventionLocation TBD
December 2016 | THE BULLETIN 41
Ad content in The Bulletin is the sole responsibility of the advertiser and does not represent an endorsement from AANR. Venues advertised may or may not be AANR affiliated.
rEAL ESTATE
maRKetPlaCe
Electronic Version Of The Bulletin A Hit!If you are enjoying the electronic version and would like to discontinue your paper copy of The Bulletin call the AANR office at 800-879-6833 and request electronic Bulletin only. Or you may log in to the members’ area at https://www.aanr.com/login/logincss.php and choose member profile on the right side of the screen, then scroll down to the bottom of the page and update your mailing preferences.
rENTALSrEAL ESTATE
Facebook — www.facebook.com/pages/American-Association-for-Nude-Recreation/ 241237673869
Twitter-www.twitter.com/aanr_nudist
Get the AANR iPhone or Android App Today!
Look Us Up
2 Bed/1 Bath Suite
Located on Oahu’s North Shore
For More Information call Kwyn at808-892-4974.
In a Nudist-Friendly Home
Near a Nudist-Friendly Beach
FOR RENT
T Sun ’n Fun Realty 813-781-6888 SPECTACULAR PINES LOT AND BUILDINGS: Mancave, top of the line hot tub,
huge gazebo with superior curtains, firepit, motorcycle/bicycle garage, fabulous Bar-B-Q grill all on one of the largest corner lots backed to conservation like setting. Buy it with a new loaded 2016 Cottage Park Model for $199,950, or without the Cottage for only $160,000.LAKEFRONT! BUY THE RV GARAGE AND GET THE HOUSE FOR FREE! Of course the stunning loaded and cus-tom designed 2 bedroom house is attached to the garage. Elevator, swim pool, mini putt golf course, to die for Master suite with galley and so much more. A bargain at $675,000.
www.sunnfunrealty.com
SPRING HILL 29.35 acres MOL - 6 bedroom, 3 bath, 5,408 total SF 2 story LOG home, super Pole Barn, double wide mobile home and zoned to sub-divide into 1 acre lots. Possible options include B&B, clothing optional/nudist or naturist resort. Need to check zoning. Abundant wildlife. $490,000$144,900 — $159,900 — PARADISE LAKES2 bedroom, 2 bath, 2 balcony custom terrace condos. 1 car garage, granite counter tops, inside utility, storage, extra large master bath, spacious living room — winner of Parade of Homes Floor Plan.
SUPER CLEAN AND SIMPLE! 2 bedroom, 2 bath, No clut-ter and owner pampered.
Never rented. Furnished with owner touches, i.e. under counter lighting, mood lighting, Fire-place, soft close cabinets, new water heater, washer/dryer, large screen balcony. $157,900SAFE TO BRING YOUR NON-NUDIST FRIENDS/FAMILY HOME. Upscale, gated and very private 3 bedroom, 2 bath POOL/SPA, FIREPLACE, home w/open floor plan, granite counter top, custom cabinets, large Master Bedroom and bath. Direct access to from your private fenced backyard to small nude section of the community w/ clubhouse, tennis, pool, exercise room and much more.
Toby Caroline, Associate • 813-781-6888 • [email protected]
42 THE BULLETIN | December 2016
Ad content in The Bulletin is the sole responsibility of the advertiser and does not represent an endorsement from AANR. Venues advertised may or may not be AANR affiliated.
Family Naturist Club35 secluded acres in central NJ
Enjoying Nature Naturallysince 1932
For membership & free visit:908-419-5443
HAWAII
RETREAT & BOTANICAL GARDENS
6 tropically landscaped acres on the Big Island of Hawaii. 3 private, fully equipped cottages with unique decor, king size bed, full kitchen, bathroom, satellite TV, free wifi. Central pool, hot tub, and deck. 2 of the 3 cottages are yurts that have their own hot tub. Many attractions are nearby — Kehena Beach, Volcano National Park, Rainbow Falls, Hilo Town,
Pahoa Town and much more. Plenty of pics and info at www.hanginloose.com. Your AANR hosts, Jan and Michael are always available to assist in any way.
Call toll-free 866-543-6324, Hangin’ Loose, POB 1863, Keaau, Hawaii 96749http://www.hanginloose.com • Email: [email protected]
AD SPACEAVAILABLE
dContact
The AANR Office800-879-6833
Change of Address CouponMoving? Don’t let your Bulletin get lost in the mail!
Not all post offices will forward The Bulletin under a forwarding order.
Name: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Membership No.:________________________________________P#: __________________________________
New Address: _______________________________________________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ______________________________________________________________________________
Old City, State, Zip: __________________________________________________________________________
Email:_________________________________________________Phone _______________________________
To help verify your membership, please note your previous city, state, and zip code. Mail to: The Bulletin, 1703 N. Main Street, Suite E, Kissimmee, FL 34744 USA. Please allow 6 weeks for changes to go into effect.
We’d like to keep in touch!Has your email changed recently? Please let us know so that we may keep our files up-to-date.Just send a message to [email protected] with your updated information or mail this form to AANR, 1703 N. Main Street, Kissimmee, FL 34744 or fax to 407-933-7577.
Name __________________________________________________Membership #_____________
New Email _______________________________________________________________________
Old Email ________________________________________________________________________
Would you like to receive The Bulletin by email only? Yes No
TrAvEL
maRKetPlaCe
New expaNded MaiN pool !
Experience the premier destination for nude fun and relaxation in Northern California. Enjoy a spectacular range of facilities and
accommodations in the center of 200+ acres of unspoiled nature.
• Seven pools and spas• RV and tent camping• 2 tennis courts & 6 pickleball courts• Lounge/nightclub• Game Room
• Lake and river with sandy beach• Volleyball-water and hard court
• Full-service lakefront restaurant• Deluxe fitness center• Theme events and entertainment• Basic to luxury rooms and cottages• Day visits and annual memberships• 100% AANR club
www.lagunadelsol.com . 916-687-6550 . 8683 Rawhide Lane, Wilton, CA 95693
RELAX: romantic rooms, suites and new 1 and 2 bedroom condos.ENJOY: delicious dining and drinks in the full-service restaurant and lounge.UNWIND: soak in the desert warmth and scenery from thecomfort of 2 pools, spa, and conversation pool.GET ACTIVE: on-site pickleball, gym, water volleyball, game room - off-site hiking, biking, and more.
EXPLORE: close to Southern Arizona’s many attractions and annual events.CONVENIENCE: quiet secluded location, yet just minutes from downtown Tucson and the airport.
Now accepting sales reservation deposits for Phase 3 of the
Casas at Mira Vista. 17 new units coming soon!
100% AANR
www.miravistaresort.com . 7501 N. Wade Road, Tucson, AZ 85743 . 520-744-2355
Discover the majestic Sonoran Desert’s beauty & charm at this historic 30 acre resort - a Tucson
landmark property for over 100 years.
BARE BUCKET LIST- BEAUTIFUL PLACES TO GO BARE -
C s of the CaribbeanBIG NUDE BOAT® 2018
ARUBA BONAIRE CURACAO
AMBER COVE HALF MOON CAY 4 DAYS AT SEA* *
*
MORE INFORMATION:
CRUISENUDE.COM800.743.0405 | 512.499.0405
BA
RE N
E C E SS I TI E
S
TO
UR & T R A V
EL
*
'AB
![ProSites, Inc.c2-preview.prosites.com/214508/wy/docs/AdultFormsMay2014.pdf6]01auapqewefMMM SE6S-us (80Þ) L L6S-US (80Þ) 'asor ues 'Y awns '8 O uS .swaw03 Aq ap!qe aafe pue /0!10d](https://static.fdocuments.net/doc/165x107/604a8b80c13b62413337cf0d/prosites-incc2-601auapqewefmmm-se6s-us-80-l-l6s-us-80-asor-ues-y-awns.jpg)
