Erich Schuttauf, Executive Director

new NakationT destination page on aanr.com

If you visit the link above you can view an all-new page designed to reach out to those who may not consider themselves nudists or naturists yet, but would consider “Putting a little naked in their next vacation.” We are also delighted to be launching an exciting new product,the NakationT in a Box.

The details of these promotions are on the Web site. I would like to take this opportunity to thank several volunteers and staff whose extra effort made this debut possible: Pat Brown, AANR Brand Chair for her work on logo design and spearheading the program; Nancy Tiemann of Bare Necessities who graciously provided photos that adorn the page as well as a cabin on an upcoming cruise that will go to the lucky winner of a contest for those who purchase the box; and Patty Faber of Shangri La who has created incredible embroidered towels that provide a great incentive to “buy the box.” I also thank Susan Weaver’s PR team that provided creativity with the NakationT idea, YPartnership, Linda Berry and the entire publications staff, as well as Carolyn Hawkins.

AANR deeply appreciates the many clubs which have agreed to provide savings and other incentives to our Nakationers. What an incredible team effort!

A SPECIAL WORD

Last week this report announced the great news that Cherokee Lodge and Resort has been acquired by new owners with exciting plans for the property. I should have also mentioned the extra efforts of two AANR club owners who helped the new owners make an easier transition: Mark Hammond of Turtle Lake Resort and Vice President George Morrison of Chicago Sun Club conducted a “how to start a nudist club” seminar which planted a seed with the new owners.  They also helped with insight, advice, and follow-up.

We deeply appreciate Mark and George’s efforts.  They have demonstrated yet another way that AANR volunteers help expand opportunities for nude recreation for members.  Thanks guys!

CANDIDATE PROFILES ONLINE

All AANR candidate profiles are now on www.aanr.com Click on Member Benefits, log in, and then click on Ballot Box. If you’re already a subscriber to the Message Boards, you can just log in there and view the profiles. Please contact Linda Berry at editor@aanr.com if you have any questions.

IMPORTANT NEWS FROM SOUTH CAROLINA

Those from South Carolina should be sure to read Debra Sue Stevens’ government affairs report for important news on a bill which will receive a hearing in Committee next week.

NOTE FROM JUDY GRISHAM

After months of hard work on the part of many people, we are pleased to announce the “official” launch of JoinTheNudeRevolution.com as the recruitment site for NudeU/Youth Ambassadors 2008.

This Web site, which is part of NudeRevolutionTV, offers up-to-date information on NUYA as it markets the program in a new, technology-driven way to young adults.  What can you do to help??  The best way you can help spread the Revolution is to embed the new video in your Web site or MySpace profile (helpful links are below), and point people to JoinTheNudeRevolution.com for more information and to apply.

We hope you will enjoy the new video, and can help us bring new blood into the program for the future of nudism and the nudist community.  Thank you for your continued support.

Linda Berry, Director of Publications

THIS AND THAT

This week our department has worked on the Nakation project, the 2008 AANR Voter’s Guide, club news and advertisements for The Bulletin, and The E-Bulletin.

Carolyn Hawkins, Public Relations Coordinator

PUBLICITY

If you have an opportunity for a media contact, be sure to let us know so we can follow up for a story.  We do appreciate it.

FCN IN THE NEWS

Some of you may have already heard about the Federation of Canadian Naturists’ public campaign to protest the way that the PayPal service abruptly stopped handling transactions for the Federation. A number of Canadian newspapers have carried their story. You can see one by clicking here:

http://winnipegsun.com/News/Canada/2008/03/24/5089131.html

Ypartnership pitched AANR’s annual membership in the Valentine’s Day Gift Guide – Travel & Leisure listings. The Gift Guide was published in all 20 of Splash magazine’s worldwide sites.

Below is the posting (available at http://tinyurl.com/26tfed )

Annual Membership in AANR

There’s nothing like a refreshing skinny dip or playing Tennis without clothes.

There’s nothing like a refreshing skinny dip or playing Tennis without clothes.

Description: As Valentine’s Day gets closer, many people who are tired of the “standard” night out are looking for a unique and fun way to celebrate the holiday with that special someone. Believe it or not, many will shed stress and clothes and visit a nudist resort this Valentine’s Day.

Nationwide, more than 50,000 people (members of the American Association of Nude Recreation) have embraced the freedom of the nudist experience. The most relaxing get away to enjoy Valentine’s or any day together is at an American Association for Nude Recreation resort, B&B, or campground. For a directory of member clubs call 1-800-TRY-NUDE or visit www.aanr.com Price: $81.50

I spoke to the reporter with the New York Times and there is still no word on the print date.  I was told she is in the fact-checking stage and will let me know as soon as she has a scheduled date.
Debra Sue Stevens, Government Affairs

South Carolina HB 3679 – Update

SC HB 3679 is something we thought was dead since the subcommittee did not bring it into the full committee last year. It’s not the bill itself that is troublesome; it’s the definitions that should be an issue to every nudist. Bills like this one that confuse sexual oriented businesses with simple nudity could impact nude recreation as we enjoy it today.  Last year, Representative Talley said we should offer an amendment. Cheri Alexander emailed that out to each of the subcommittee members, but nothing was done, and the session was over.

t was re-introduced this year, and it was heard on Thursday morning, March 27th at 9AM in the full Judiciary Committee.  The hearing went poorly. Only one non-affiliated nudist showed up to accompany Cheri. This bill will be heard again by the full Judiciary Committee on April 1st at 2:30PM.  This bill can affect landed clubs/parks if the definitions are not amended and subsequently, could affect non-landed clubs too.  Please email Cheri Alexander at cheridonna@prodigy.net with your intentions. Cheri has your “I’m a nudist and I vote” button. Your presence will make a difference.

PLEASE, ONLY SC RESIDENTS!

Nude Recreation at Newton Wave Pool in British Columbia!

Surrey, British Columbia – March 23, 2008/ — For the past five years, Skinnydipper Recreation Club has held its nude swims at Renfrew Pool in Vancouver after being banished from the Newton Wave Pool by Surrey Council.

On Saturday night nearly 100 very happy Skinnydippers finally returned to the waters of the Newton Wave Pool in Surrey to frolic in the waves, slip down the newly renovated water slides and relax in the spa and steam room. “Last night’s ’swim without a stitch’ went off without a hitch” quipped Paul Andreassen, President of the club. “The turn out was a bit lower that what we’d hoped for as it was the Easter weekend and many of our U.S. members didn’t come because of the long waits at the border. We did have a good response from our Fraser Valley members who live in Abbotsford and Chilliwack, which was encouraging.” The group is planning on booking the pool for another nude swim very soon and is looking forward to establishing a regular schedule of monthly swims in the future.

Contact:
Paul Andreassen, paul@skinnydipper.ca
Skinnydipper Services Inc. http://www.skinnydipper.ca
Skinnydipper Recreation Club http://club.skinnydipper.ca

A copy of this and previous press releases as well as all court documents will be available on our “Save the Wave” website. Visit http://stw.skinnydipper.ca and click on “Media Information”.

Maryland Area Naturist Association – MARNA Mention by City Paper!
Clothes Free Rec! Baltimore’s City Paper, one of the USA’s most respected urban publications, recommend’s MARNA’s Swim!
See: http://www.citypaper.com/calendar/event.asp?whatID=102478