Meeting Minutes April 2, 2016

[Russell Albright]

Minutes of General Membership Mtg.

Greetings: Dennis Simpson called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM and welcomed everyone in attendance. A total of 40 people were present including Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elf Marty, Grinch Alex, and friends of NORPAC.

Meal Blessing: Dale Scott gave a blessing for the meal we were to receive.

Santa Oath & Mrs. Claus Oath: The Santa Oath was led by Trever Waltos and the Mrs. Claus Oath was led by Nancy Smith.

Guests: Two guests were introduced and welcomed. They were Rusty “Surge” Ulrich representing Camp Good Time, and Santa Pat Oster.

Minutes: Dennis asked if there were any corrections or additions to the minutes of the NORPAC meeting of Feb. 6, 2016, at the Ram Restaurant in Lakewood. The minutes were e-mailed to members several weeks ago, and are also available to members on the NORPAC website. Hearing no corrections, those minutes stand approved as printed.

Treasurer’s Report: Dennis Gorley reported that NORPAC’s bank balance as of April 1, 2016 is $3,225.48 (Savings = $430.73, Checking = $2,744.75, and Cash = $50.00). Dennis further reported that we have 37 members in good standing with Background Checks on file (he rec’d some additional during this meeting), and that 14 members have purchased Background Checks through NORPAC. Dennis noted also that tickets are available for $12.50 each for the Rainiers baseball game on July 31st. Members should contact Dennis to reserve and pay for their tickets.

Reports:

Camp Goodtimes: “Surge” (Santa Michael Dresdner’s guest) told the group about Camp Goodtimes, a special camp experience for about 130 kids that takes place on Vashon Island during two weeks each summer. All of the kids who attend the camp (at no cost to their families) have cancer, are cancer survivors, or are siblings of children with cancer. All of the staff members are volunteers, many of whom have been doing this for years. Further information is available on the Camp Goodtimes website: http://www.thegoodtimesproject.org.
Santa Michael also made an appeal for financial help with the cost of musical instruments which the kids build as one of the activities at the camp each year. Michael’s e-mail is mmdresdner@gmail.com if you’d like to contact him.

Upcoming Santa Gatherings:
7th Annual Northwest Santa Workshop: Dennis S. updated the group on plans so far relative to the agenda and activities being planned for our annual workshop at the Great Wolf Lodge on Nov. 3-5, 2016. He said that information will be sent soon with regard to making room reservations, and he encouraged anyone with additional ideas for the conference to send those to him.
Discover Santa2016 will be in Branson, Missouri on July 6-9. Dennis S. is aware of six couples planning to attend. He said that NORPAC would be well represented and that our banner will be displayed at the various activities. If you’re planning to attend and haven’t yet told Dennis, please let him know.
Nevada Conference: A question was asked about this conference and it was explained that this is for the Santas employed by Gina Bacon’s “NationwideSantas” program.

Mariners’ Game: Santa Bob Partlow reported that there has been no further information from the Mariners relative to NORPAC’s participation in Rick Rizz’s Toys for Kids event on July 19th, so we won’t be pursuing that this year.

NORPAC Sleigh: Santa Randy Cook is hoping to put together a work party to continue sanding/painting on the sleigh. Randy was hopeful that this could occur next Friday evening and Saturday, Apr. 8-9. Contact Randy if you’re able to help. Dennis S. said we’re planning to bring the sleigh to the Nov. workshop at GWL.

Old Business: None

New Business:
Thanks: Santa Jerry Nebel thanked the Exec. Board for their efforts in planning the upcoming Northwest Santa Workshop.

IBRSS Amendment Proposal: International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRSS) members have received information via e-mail regarding a proposed amendment to the IBRSS bylaws that, if approved, would extend full voting membership to Mrs. Clauses. It was moved and 2nded that NORPAC endorse the proposed change. Motion approved unanimously.

Free Christmas Cards: Gary and Maureen Weisser brought three large boxes of Christmas cards donated by Santa Al and encouraged everyone to help themselves.

Santa Rick Harden: Lou Murkowski gave a nice tribute to Santa Rick (long-time Santa at the Tacoma Mall) who passed away recently.

Working with an Agent: Discussion took place about working with booking agents in scheduling our Santa gigs, and it was strongly recommended that if you use an agent, you bring a signed copy of the contract to the particular event so there will be a record of what’s been agreed upon. Several people have had bad experiences.

Sharing: Several members shared a few comments on a variety of topics.

50/50 Drawing: Dennis G. reported that $190 was collected for the drawing. Gary & Maureen had the winning ticket and won $95.

Adjournment occurred at 1:35 PM, followed by group pictures.

Next Meeting: June 4th, 12:00 noon, Panorama City, Lacy

Upcoming Meetings: Aug. 6th, 12:00 noon, Santa Ernie & Ginny’s home, Lakewood
Nov. 3-5, Great Wolf Lodge, Grand Mound

Respectfully submitted,
Dale Scott, Secretary

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