Greetings. Santa Dennis Simpson called the meeting to order at 12:11 PM and welcomed everyone. A total of 43 people were in attendance including Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elf Marty, and other friends of NORPAC.

Meal Blessing. Santa Dale Scott blessed the meal.

Santa Oath. Santa Trever Waltos led the group in reciting Phillip Wenz’s Santa Claus Oath.

Introductions. We welcomed guest and visitor Fae Neumann.

Minutes from Previous Meeting. Dennis S. called attention to the minutes of our previous NORPAC meeting on Apr. 4, 2015, at Billy McHale’s Restaurant in Federal Way. There being no corrections or additions, the minutes of both the Executive Committee and the General Membership meetings of Apr. 4th will be considered approved as printed.

Treasurer’s Report. Santa Dennis Gorley gave the Treasurer’s Report. As of June 1, 2015, NORPAC’s YTD Revenues are $1,205.69, and YTD Expenditures are $606.78. Our bank balance is $3,215.21 ($105.43 in Savings, $3,064.78 in Checking, and $45.00 in Cash).
Membership is currently at 43 members in good standing with background checks on file.
Most of the 50 tickets we have for the Rainiers game on July 26th have been sold. Contact Dennis if you need more tickets; price is $11.50/ticket. We’ll be sitting together in Section L, same as last year.

Reports.
Upcoming Santa Gatherings: Discover Santa 2016,
July 6-10, 2016
Branson, Missouri
(Dennis S. noted that the Simpsons, Skerlocks, & Gallands are so far planning to attend this national gathering).

Rainier’s Baseball Game
July 26, 2016
Tacoma

Santas’ Pack July 12 Beaverton, OR
Oct. 11 Vancouver, WA
Dec. 29, Vancouver, WA

Gordon Bailey’s Santa School
July 24-25, 2016
New Hope Nazarene Church in Lakewood
Lakewood, WA
(Trever noted that there’ll likely be a dinner at the Ram Restaurant in Lakewood following completion of the training on July 25th. All are welcome to attend, whether or not they took part in the Santa School).

Toys for Tots Dale reminded the group that our attendance at the Rainiers game on July 26th will be combined with a toy drive. The Executive Committee met recently with Jeff Brennan (Toys for Tots) and with Patrick Hilsabeck (Rainiers) to discuss details. Jeff has assumed responsibility for various publicity details and for having some U.S. Marines on hand to assist. NORPAC’s primary responsibility will be to help out prior to the game at the two collection points near the front entrances of the Cheney Stadium. Dale will clarify with Jeff what time we need to be there prior to the game.
Dennis S. reminded us that we’ve decided as a group to not drink beer in the stands while watching the ballgame. There’ll be lots of kids watching us and that’s not the image of NORPAC we want to project. (If anyone really wants that beer, you can get it in the tap room out of sight of the kids).

Santa Sleigh Dennis S. and Randy Cook spoke about the progress and plans for restoring the sleigh (see more detail in the Exec. Comm. notes above). The sleigh is at Randy’s home in Enumclaw and he’ll let us know when he’ll need some additional help with some aspects of this project.

Fall Conference Dennis S. shared that the conference at the Great Wolf Lodge is “on” again and will be Nov. 5-7, 2015. The Exec. Comm. will be meeting on July 11th to help plan the conference. Send an e-mail to Dennis S. or Trever if you have ideas for specific workshop topics you’d like to see included this year. A suggestion we’ve received is a session about the role of Mrs. Claus; another is to learn more about “Internet Santa,” i.e., doing Santa work via video. We strongly encourage additional input!

Old Business
NORPAC Windbreakers A number of members have ordered a lightweight windbreaker (bright red with the NORPAC logo). The cost is $35 with payment to Dennis Gorley. Dennis Simpson has sample jackets in various sizes and had planned to have these available today for sizing purposes. Unfortunately, the jackets failed to jump in the car with Dennis, so he will bring them instead to the ballgame on July 26th. Orders will be placed in batches once payment is received.

New Business
Trever asked about the possibility of our creating a window decal for our vehicles using our NORPAC logo, something similar to our banners but in decal form. It was also suggested that we might come up with a NORPAC pin for our lapel or hat. Dennis S. said he’d contact Santa Russ Long (who helped us get our NORPAC pens) to discuss possibilities.

Group Sharing
Dennis S. said he took his Santa chair to the South Kitsap Relay for Life and that there was great interest in taking photos with Santa.

Lou Murkowski reported that he recently visited the antique mall in Cashmere and found a good number of antique or old-fashioned eye glasses that would work well as part of Santa’s costume.

Dennis Simpson invited anyone who’s interested to join them on July 4th. Dennis said the grill will be hot about 6:00. Bring your own meat to grill, and a dish to share. Dinner about 6:30, visiting/fellowship, and extensive fireworks after dark. He’s also hired a band to add to this year’s festivities. Michele reminded folks to bring warm coats because it gets cold after dark, and to also bring folding chairs.

Gene Sanders reported that a youngster recently wondered aloud if he was God. Gene didn’t say if he corrected this perception or left it alone.

Kathy Nerpel shared that grandson Erich has finished his baseball season and what a great experience this has been for him.

Scott Schmittler said he’s happy to be back with us after several months’ absence and that he’s feeling good. Glad you’re here, Scott!

Dennis S. acknowledged Santa Tom and Carol Mead. Tom was instrumental with Dennis and Ron in founding NORPAC several years ago. Dennis also thanked Scott and Rhonda Skerlock of Lincoln, Montana, for their membership and support of NORPAC.

50/50 Drawing Dennis Gorley said $151.00 had been collected. Cassie Schmittler held the winning ticket and received $75.00.

Meeting adjourned at 1:25 PM, followed by some group photos.

Next meeting Aug. 1, 2015, Noon
Ernie & Ginny Walker’s home
8103 49th Ave. SW
Lakewood, WA 98499

Respectfully submitted,
Dale Scott, Secretary