Single SIG Changes At The
Eastern Naturist Gathering (2003)

At the ENG we had a meeting and it was decided that the SIG would be making a number of changes. The biggest change is that this will, most likely, be our last [printed] newsletter. Mark [Cornick] has done a great job of putting together a quarterly newsletter for the SIG. It was not an easy task as there really was very little news and, I am sorry to say, not many members contributed to it. That left all the work to Mark and, again, I thank him for the great job he did for us for the past two years. As no one was willing to take Mark's place it was decided to discontinue the newsletter.

There was some discussion of having an online group (like the Singlesig list that Dennis Kirkpatrick set up) but with the restriction to only members of the SIG. I have yet to work out the details on that with the person that volunteered to moderate it. We would have to come up with a way to assure that only active members of the SIG would have access to it. [Ed note:-This list is now active. See the List and Message Board link.]

Another member is looking into getting our open list on line accessible, with password protection, only to active members of the SIG. If this develops only those that are on the open list will be listed. If you are currently on the closed list you can rest assured that the your information will remain with me as long as I am maintaining the list. Those of you that are currently on the open list and do NOT want to be listed in the on-line list should contact me any reasonable way you can (not smoke signals) and you will not be on that list.

The directory that was sent out twice a year will now only come out once a year. I plan to send out the next list in November so those of you that are not yet "hooked up" will still be able to contact people in your area or in areas you wish to visit.

One of the purposes of the SIG when it started was to make singles more acceptable at various resorts. A lot of the members felt that we had gone about as far as we could go in that direction and we should now concentrate more on the social aspects. The idea is to continue the wine & cheese (or some other such) social at the various festivals/gatherings and that is what we will be doing as long as we can get someone to volunteer to do the work to host them. As a side note AANR has formed a singles group called The Singles Naturists (TSN) with the object of making clubs more amenable to accepting singles. I met with one of their representatives last February at the MidWinter Festival and really have not heard more from them even though I requested they send us something for the newsletter. They are promoting Single weekends at some of their clubs, but have never contacted me to pass anything on.

I, for one, am sorry to lose the newsletter as, except for festivals and gatherings, that is really the only way we can keep in touch with each other. As I am unable to attend each and every festival/gathering (much as I would like to) we really need someone at each of these events to volunteer to host some kind of social activity. If you are going to attend a festival/gathering why not help us out? It does not have to be anything fancy and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Not only will you be making a much needed contribution to your SIG your membership will be extended for an additional four months. I am looking forward to hearing from YOU

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TNS Eastern Naturist Gathering Report (2002)

If you were not at The Naturist Society (TNS) Eastern Gathering at Eastover Resort in Lenox, Massachusetts, you missed a wealth of opportunities for fun, new knowledge and naturist updates. This meeting, our fifth in the beautiful Berkshire Mountains, included seminars from photography to philosophy, from creative writing to trivia challenges, plus an opera musical and the famous pudding toss. Sports fans could play volleyball, kick ball, tennis, archery and golf, swim at the Vermont ledges, or hike the Appalachian Trail.

In addition, the Singles SIG (Special Interest Group) sponsored not two or three, but four social and organizational events as well as the usual “Star Search” talent show. More on that later.

TNS has always offered numerous seminars on personal growth and gender relationships. I particularly liked the two conducted by Morley Schloss and Marion Hagans. One called “Men and Women are from Earth” allowed men, then women, to express their feelings about a variety of physical and emotional characteristics while seated back to back to encourage candor. At a later meeting called “Choices, Choices, Choices”, we each prioritized on paper the importance of fourteen various traits ranging from integrity and nudity to communication and parenting.

Another of my favorites was a pair of sessions titled “Talking with Conservative Christians.” It was led by Paul Meier, a very conservative man of the church who has also been a nudist for ten years. He and his close friend Fred Van Nest demonstrated discussion techniques we can use “to convince typical conservative Christians that social nudity is not sinful.” After years of sociological and Biblical research he’s produced a 71 page manual outlining the techniques. It also discusses conservative interpretations of the Bible, and how to deal with their objections to naturism on a non-adversarial level. If you’re interested, contact the author at paulmeier@juno.com or 315-452-4697 in North Syracuse, New York. The price is his cost, $8.00 plus shipping.

Finally I enjoyed the “Town Hall Meeting” sponsored by Nicky Hoffman and Judi Ditzler, two of the new owners of TNS. Its purpose was to provide feedback from members on policies, events, dues and other subjects. Bob Smith did an excellent job as coordinator with Marilyn Lovell and Mark Storey assisting. Members did not hesitate to voice their views and the new management team took home a bucket full of opinions and new ideas.

The Singles SIG was well represented on the program. A feedback meeting was chaired by George Winlock and our editor Mark Cornick. George also led the special meeting for new members. John Gavreau, and his lovely friend Linda, hosted a wine and cheese party to give singles a chance to get better acquainted. And Marion Hagans led enthusiastic singles in a set of hilarious party games. (When’s the last time you tried to munch a marshmallow on a toothpick held in your partner’s teeth?) And of course Bob Smith did his usual superb job of coordinating and emceeing the ever popular talent show.

In a more serious vein there were updates on Naturist Action Committee (NAC) activities, political challenges, success stories and how we can help to defend naturism on public and private lands. NAC also raffled off a gaggle of prizes donated by naturist resorts and Castaways Travel Agency. The plum was a four day all inclusive vacation at Grand Lido Braco resort in Jamaica!

The above is only a partial recap of the five day program. But I would be remiss if I failed to mention that Edin Velez, world famous photographer of naturists and their playgrounds, was a featured guest. He shared many stories about the documentaries he’s produced. But perhaps best of all he gave each and every attendee an opportunity to state in two minutes, on camera, why and what they enjoyed about being a naturist. Many of the clips will be used in an important video project sponsored by the Naturist Education Foundation to educate non-naturist audiences about the joys of naturism.

To summarize, the 2002 Eastern Gathering provided enough diversity of activity, information and thought provoking ideas to motivate and nurture us for another year. Sorry if you missed it. But do plan to attend next year.

--Jack Greeley, September 6, 2002

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Summer Time (And The Living Is Easy)

Even someone like me who spends vast amounts of time indoors has probably noticed some changes in what we computer folk call “the big room” (you know, that one with the ceiling that is blue and has white fluffy spots in it.) It’s summer, of course, and if anything in the world could convince someone to take off their clothes, the heat wave we’ve had in my area is it.

Case in point: Recently I went on a hike with some members of the Columbia Area Naturists and Potomac Rambling Bares, to a trail near Strasburg, Virginia, about an hour west of Washington, DC. The plan was to hike in about two miles from the parking lot to a reservoir, stop and enjoy some quality skinny-dipping. When we got there, we found three clothed hikers sitting around a campfire enjoying some hot dogs. They told us they didn’t mind if we were nude, so that was all the prompting I needed. There’s nothing like a mountain lake on a hot day – warm water about two and a half feet deep, with cooler water as you go deeper. (And I noticed this, being as tall as I am.) After a sweaty hike, this really hit the spot.

After a while a couple on mountain bikes came up the trail. They were headed to the top of the hill, and needed a screwdriver for some last minute repairs. After someone came up with a screwdriver, they stopped and talked with us for a while. Eventually, someone suggested that they join us. Looking at the climb they had to reach the top, they decided that was a great idea. And, all of a sudden, there were two more naturists in our group. Just as I got dressed to leave, some more hikers came by and also joined in, as if it was only natural to do so. Which, of course, it was; on a day when the temperature creeped just above ninety degrees, it’s hard to argue with an opportunity for a quick dip in the water.

Of course, this is all preaching to the choir. I’m sure everyone here knows how this time of year possesses the power to make clothing disappear. Hopefully you’ve been enjoying your summer so far, and have plans for plenty more naturist fun to come.

Speaking of which, if you’re going to be at the Eastern Naturist Gathering in August at Eastover, be sure to attend the Singles SIG events that George and I have in store. We’ll look for you there! Meanwhile, I hope you enjoy yet another issue of this newsletter. Stay cool and stay nude!

-- Mark Cornick    

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Birthday Suits

I recently celebrated a milestone - my thirtieth birthday. Some of you probably remember when you were 30; some of you may not. It also happens that this year marks, more or less, my tenth anniversary as a "serious" naturist, when I started taking those first steps towards being committed to and proud of my participation in naturism. You'll be able to read about my early days in a future issue of Nude and Natural; here's the story of what happened back in 1992 that convinced me I was a naturist for life.

In those days, I was in my first stint (of two) at James Madison University, a medium-sized school located in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia, near Charlottesville where I grew up. One of the advantages of JMU was its proximity to all sorts of wonderful outdoor opportunities, from hiking to mountain biking to... skinny dipping?

I don't think they printed this in any of the JMU brochures, but there was an old quarry several miles out of town where students were known to go swimming. I definitely know they didn't print anything about the summer night when, after seeing a band play in town, I was invited to join a group that was heading out to this quarry for a swim. I mentioned that I hadn't brought a swimsuit, and they said there was no need, as most everyone would be skinny dipping. Great, I thought; I had discovered the joys of skinny dipping at my previous college, but never found anyone to enjoy it with.

So we headed out to this quarry, and had a fantastic time. There were about 30 or so of us, all swimming and diving and enjoying ourselves with not a swimsuit in sight (or much else - it was pretty dark.) As I took my turn jumping off a 25 foot tower into the water, I knew that I never wanted to wear a swimsuit again. And that was it - aside from one or two very rare occasions, I never have.

I never saw those people again - for all I know, they went out again that summer, but our paths didn't cross. Or, maybe it was just a one-time thing, and they all remembered their suits the next time. In any case, it stands in my mind as a watershed event (pun intended) in my naturist life.

I hope your "turning point" was as memorable as mine, and I wish everyone many more memorable moments. And, for everyone celebrating a birthday this year - I think that covers all of our membership - be sure to celebrate like I did - in your birthday suit!

-- Mark Cornick    

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Have you hugged your skinny-dipper today?

On behalf of George and myself, happy New Year to you and yours. Did you make any New Year's resolutions? Why not resolve to get more involved in naturism this year? There are many ways you can become more involved and make this a happy Nude Year.

Many of you already enjoy the activities of a local club or resort. Have you been to any of the Naturist Society gatherings? There are several planned this year, and they're always a lot of fun. The schedule starts this year with the Mid-Winter Naturist Festival from February 15-19 at Sunsport Gardens in Loxahatchee, Florida. That one will be nearly upon us when this newsletter mails, but if you're already signed up to be there, I understand George will be in attendance. This is followed by the Southwest Naturist Festival, from April 26-28 at Shangri La Ranch in New River, Arizona. And then we're full steam into summer with the Southeast Naturist Gathering from June 6-9 at Hidden Valley in Dawsonville,Georgia - an event I plan to attend - followed by the Western Naturist Gathering from July 25-28 at Lupin in Los Gatos, California. And August is booked solid, with the Northwest Naturist Festival from August 2-4 at Lake Associates Recreation Club in Mt. Vernon, Washington; the Northeast Naturist Festival from August 7-11 at Empire Haven in Moravia, NY, and the grand finale, the Eastern Naturist Gathering, returning to Eastover in Lenox, Mass. from August 19-25. These events are a great way to meet fellow naturists from everywhere. I attended two gatherings last year, and ended up being recruited to write this newsletter at one of them! We'd like to have events for Singles SIG members at each of these events. Unfortunately, George and I can't make it to all of them, which presents another opportunity to get involved. How would you like to host an event for SIG members? In past years we've had wine and cheese socials hosted by several of our members. We can help you with some ideas and with reasonable catering expenses.

Finally, have you considered helping out with the legal issues that face us as naturists? Elsewhere in this issue (1) is a message from Bob Morton, chair of the Naturist Action Committee. Singles SIG members have been generous in their support for NAC, and your help with writing letters and making phone calls is always welcome. As we learn to live in a new environment, we need to make sure that our values and rights are protected.

In short, there are many ways that you can make 2002 not only a happy Nude Year, but the best Nude Year yet. Get involved and enjoy naturism!

-- Mark Cornick    

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Naturism... Now More Than Ever

First, an introduction is probably in order. My name is Mark Cornick, and I have volunteered (after some very mild arm twisting) to be the new editor of the Singles SIG newsletter. I hope I can continue the high standard raised by the previous editors. Please let me know what you think of this newsletter, and what you'd like to see here. I am open to all suggestions and especially to submissions. More about me, including my contact information is elsewhere in this newsletter.

This newsletter is coming to you a bit behind schedule after a fairly disastrous September. In addition to the events of September 11, my workplace was directly affected by a powerful tornado on September 24. Neither I, nor any of my friends or family was injured in either event, but suffice it to say, it has not been a great month, for me or for millions of other people who are coming to grips with current events.

A few days after the September 11 attacks, the organizer of a local naturist activity that I attend sent out an email asking whether the next scheduled event, in October, should be held. Without giving it much extra thought, I wrote back that it should. While naturist activities may not seem as critical or important as the other things we do in our lives, there are a few reasons why I think we need naturism now more than ever. (I know this is a singles newsletter, and this doesn't have a lot to do with singles per se, but hear me out for a few minutes... )

The first is that naturism is a highly therapeutic activity. Think how great you feel when you're nude, at your favorite naturist resort or activity. If you're at all like me, your stress and worries literally go away along with your clothes, as you reconnect with your real, original self. Naturism is good for the soul, especially in stressful and uncertain times.

The second is that, for many of us, naturism is part of who we are. There may be some who think of naturism as a fun diversion now and then, but there are others of us (including yours truly) who look at naturism as an essential part of their lives. Naturism has been so good for me in so many ways that I can't imagine life without it. As we try to return, as much as we can, to the things we used to do before the attack, we need to count naturism as one of those things.

And, finally, let's remember that the United States were attacked because the US represents freedom - freedom of speech, and of religion, and of press, and of many other things, including the freedom to live one's life as one sees fit. For us, that means the freedom to be nude, and to enjoy nudity with like-minded others. The type of people who perpetrated the attacks on America can't stand that kind of freedom - all the more reason why we should continue to enjoy our freedoms. We can't let anyone take those freedoms away from us. So, as we continue forward in these uncertain times, let's be sure that naturism continues too. Naturism is freedom, and freedom must go on!

-- Mark Cornick    

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