Meeting Minutes August 2, 2014

[Russell Albright]

The August meeting of NORPAC took place at the home of Santa Ernie and Ginny Walker at 8 Creekwood Ln SW, Lakewood, WA 98499. Folks gathered at noon and following a blessing given by Santa Dennis Simpson, we enjoyed visiting and a wonderful potluck picnic on a beautiful summer day.

Greetings. Following the meal, Dennis called the meeting to order at approx. 1:40 PM. In attendance were 26 people including Santas, Mrs. Clauses, and guests.

Santa Oath. Santa Trever Waltos led us in the Santa Oath.

Minutes. Santa Dale Scott called attention to the minutes from NORPAC’s previous meeting on June 7, 2014, at Panorama City and asked for additions or corrections. Hearing none, Santa Gus Hull moved for approval of the minutes as presented; Santa Gene Sanders seconded; motion approved unanimously.

Treasurer’s Report. Treasurer Dennis Gorley was unable to attend today’s meeting, but sent his report which Dennis asked Dale to share. As of Aug. 1, 2014, Dennis reported Year to Date revenues of $1747.07 and YTD expenditures of $2243.62. The number of members in good standing is currently 44, including new member Ron Highfill of Lacey, and so far 5 Santas have signed up to attend the November conference at the Great Wolf Lodge.
NORPAC’s August 1, 2014 bank balance is $105.33 in Savings and $3220.05 in checking, for a total balance of $3225.38.

Reports.
Baseball Game. Everyone who attended NORPAC’s gathering at the Tacoma Rainers game on July 27th seemed to have a great time. We appreciate Santa Lou Murkowski’s efforts in making the arrangements with the Rainiers, and he will be asked to arrange a repeat visit by NORPAC in 2015, perhaps accompanied by a toy drive for needy children.

Video Chats with Santa. Fred Lueck (“Fred the Elder”) has been in touch with several of our members who had expressed interest in possibly being involved in Santa Chat (an electronic video chat with Santa) that Fred hopes to implement in our area in December. Fred is hoping to do test connections in the next few weeks.
On a similar note, Santa Ed Taylor has done video chats for several years with a program he calls Hello Santa, and Ed has asked NORPAC to help publicize his program. NORPAC’s executive committee discussed Ed’s request and Trever will be in touch with him to see if he may be interested in being a sponsor for NORPAC’s upcoming conference at the Great Wolf Lodge.

NORPAC Conference Planning. Dennis Simpson announced that we are looking for donations of items to include in the registration welcome packet, as well as gift baskets or other items for the conference raffle. If you’re able to help in either area, Dennis would like you to send him an e-mail to that effect. The executive committee is working to identify possible speakers as well as the details for a flash mob. It was mentioned that, as an alternative to staying at the Great Wolf Lodge, we again anticipate the availability of rooms at the Holiday Inn Express as well as spaces at the local RV camp ground. Some conference attendees utilized both of these options last year.

Upcoming Santa Gatherings.
Santa Claus Academy (School) Aug. 16-17, 2014 Duluth, GA
Santa’s Pack Oct. 12, 2014, 2PM Location TBD

NORPAC Conference Nov. 6-8, 2014 Great Wolf Lodge
Grand Mound, WA
Discover Santa 2016 July 6-9, 2016 Branson, MO

Old Business.
Santa’s Pack. Trever reported that he, Dennis, and Santa Ron Kearns attended the Santa’s Pack meeting in Vancouver, WA on July 12th. Santa’s Pack is IBRBS chapter for Santas in the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area. While at the meeting, they encouraged Santa’s Pack members to participate in NORPAC’s upcoming conference at the Great Wolf Lodge. Santa’s Pack next meeting is Oct. 12th. If anyone would like to attend, let Dennis know so he can give you the specifics since Santa’s Pack meetings are held in various locations in either Vancouver or Portland.

New Business.
Background Checks through the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas (IBRBS). Dennis shared that IBRBS has announced a new background check they are making available through a company called ClearStar. The cost will be $7.95 which is better than the price many of us previously paid for a background check through IntelliCorp Records.

Resources. Dennis shared that he enjoyed a recent visit to Northwest Costume at 2315 6th Avenue in Tacoma (a good source for renting Santa or related costumes). Another store he’s discovered is called Mr. Mac Ltd. located at 1210 Martin Luther King Way in Tacoma’s Hilltop area. It’s a great source of red clothing and shoes.

Santa Training. Trever mentioned that Santa Gordon Bailey has a Santa training program that he offers in various locations. Trever will contact him about possibly bringing his school to the Seattle area. This might be a local alternative to Santa Tim Connaghan’s International University of Santa Claus which Tim will be presenting in Portland next year.

Condolences to Santa William Harvey. Santa Russ Long has sent an e-mail to those associated with Arthur and Associates letting us know that Santa William Harvey lost his wife earlier this week when she suffered a massive heart attack. William is a long time Santa who has not been able to work the past two seasons due to health issues of his own. If those who know William would like to contact him, we believe his current contact to be: William Harvey, 11721 NE 80th #C2, Kirkland, WA 98033 with telephone number — 425-774-3403 and Email: wmmaryharvey@msn.com.

Santa Jerry Galland’s Sleigh. Jerry brought his beautiful antique sleigh to share with the rest of us and it became the focal point for several photos after the meeting. Jerry would consider selling the sleigh, and also brought photos of a Santa chair which he is hoping to sell. Give Jerry a call if you may be interested. Thanks for sharing, Jerry!

Thanks to Ernie and Ginny for hosting today’s meeting!

Meeting adjourned at 2:35 PM.

Next Meeting – NORPAC’s “5th Annual Northwest Santa Workshop” – Nov. 6-8, 2014, at the Great Wolf Lodge.

Respectfully submitted,
Dale Scott, Secretary

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