Meeting Minutes April 6th 2013

[Russell Albright]

Greetings – Following lunch at noon, Dennis S. called the meeting to order at 12:43 and welcomed everyone attending. There were 28 Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and guests.

Santa Oath – Trever led us in The Santa Oath.

Introductions – Santa Grover Ramsey introduced himself and his fiancée Debra. Grover also called our attention to the Starlight Foundation through which home visits by Santa are made to disabled or disadvantaged children each year. Grover said there are presently 6 or 7 Santas in the Puget Sound area volunteering with this organization and that more are needed.

Minutes from Previous Meeting – Dennis S. asked for corrections or additions to the minutes of NORPAC’s meeting of Feb. 9, 2013. There being no changes, the minutes were approved as printed.

Treasurer’s Report – Dennis G.’s treasury report as of Apr. 6 showed a balance of $2222.59 with $105.17 of that in savings and $2117.42 in checking. NORPAC presently has 38 members in good standing.

Reports
Upcoming Santa gatherings: May 4-5, 2013 – International University of Santa Claus class by Santa Tim Connaghan, Portland, OR
Nov. 7-9, 2013 – NORPAC Conference, Great Wolf Lodge
May 15-17, 2014 – National Convention of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, Tampa, FL

Insurance – Dennis S. reported that we’re still exploring the possibility of NORPAC Santas purchasing liability insurance (through Kaercher Campbell). NORPAC would need to deposit $2000 up front but that would be refunded once that amount of individual insurance fees is collected. The same insurance is available to IBRBS members through that organization, but not all of NORPAC Santas belong to IBRBS. Dennis G. passed around a sign-up sheet to determine possible interest. No decisions were made.

NORPAC Conference (Nov. 7-9, 2013 @ the Great Wolf Lodge) – Registration materials will be sent out soon for this conference. Room costs will be the same as last year. We’re also looking into nearby RV accommodations, as well as possible accommodations at a partner hotel in Chehalis.
Dennis shared the inquiry from Robb Drake about his possibly doing professional Santa photos at the GWL. Dennis will try to get a “ballpark” figure regarding likely costs. Steve Barton offered to explore the possibility of a photographer from Nordstrom offering a similar service.
Brief discussion took place concerning the possibility of themed baskets being put together by volunteers. This would be a small fund raising raffle for NORPAC.
Santa Gene expressed interest in an ornament exchange again at this year’s conference. It was suggested that information could be included on the registration form to help generate interest.

Greatest Loser Contest – Trish Sanders reported that 12 people had signed up for this weight loss effort at our February meeting. Nine of those individuals were here today for the “weigh in” and Trish reported that Gary and Maureen Weiser were the men’s and women’s winners, respectively. They each received $60. Congratulations to everyone who participated! It was agreed to continue the contest for the next two months.

IBRBS Update – Rob Figley announced that the IBRBS elections are completed and that he has been re-elected and will be serving again as the IBRBS President. He encouraged us to begin thinking about the IBRBS “International Santa Celebration” in Tampa, FL in May, 2014. Rob expects the registration to be less than $150 and the hotel rate to be $89/night.

Old Business – Service Project. NORPAC doing some type of service project has been a tropic of previous discussion. Some possibilities that were mentioned included NORPAC’s participation in Make-a-Wish, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Starlight Foundation, The Forgotten Children, Public Broadcasting fundraiser, “Fill the Santa Bag” at a sports event, or Northwest Harvest.

Sharing — Pat Costello shared his “Santa Mailbox” that he’s recently made. It will be a prop for his Santa work.
Conversation took place around the topic of promoting NORPAC. Gene reported that a local TV network may be interested in doing a story about NORPAC Santa’s in the context of Pierce County’s “Biggest Loser” effort. Others suggested an appearance on “It’s a New Day” (a Seattle television program), or perhaps a NORPAC day at a Tacoma Rainers’ baseball game.

50/50 Drawing – Dennis G. announced that $107 had been collected. His was the winning ticket drawn and he generously contributed his winnings to the NORPAC treasury.

Adjournment – at 2:20 PM.

Next meeting — June 1, 2013, 12:00 noon
Panorama City, Lacey

Respectfully submitted,
Dale Scott, Secretary

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