Copyright 1999 Lake Edun Foundation, Inc

Official Publication of the Lake Edun Foundation, Inc          Sep 1, 1999

Here we are at the beginning of September already!
Can you believe it? This year is just about over.
This means that it is just about time for our annual
Membership Meeting and Halloween Party. It has been
scheduled for October 30th at Myron's Place. The
Membership meeting is the time that we elect our Board
of Directors for the following year. This is a good
time for you to start thinking about being on the
Board of Directors for the Lake Edun foundation. The
Board of Directors this past year has accomplished
many things, the most notable, being a very successful
Return to Edun7. If you are interested in being on
the Board of Directors for the Lake Edun Foundation,
or know somebody who would, please be at this meeting
and get your nomination in. Being on the Board gives
you the opportunity to help make improvements to
procedures and policies of the foundation. I would
encourage anyone who has a recommendation for change
at Lake Edun to get on the board and work with the
board to get it changed. If you have any questions
about how to get involved, please feel free to e-mail
me at Dizzie28@yahoo.com. After all of that, we will
have our Halloween party! Myron always gives a great
party, so come out and show off your best costume!
More details will be forthcoming in the October issue
of the Bare Facts.

    Mark your calendars for Saturday, Sept 4, 1999. Carl & Vickie, Bobby & Sally and Cookie are sponsoring the grooviest, hippest, most far out "60's Summer Send Off At Lake Edun". What you ask your self would you do at a 60's party? The answer is simple---TYE-DYE!
    We are planning on turning the meadow into a veritable rainbow of color. You should plan to bring the article you would like to tye-dye (to start with we will only dye one item each, and after that, continue until the dye runs out!). What you may ask can I tye-dye? Again, the answer is simple---anything that is cotton, a cotton blend, rayon or silk! (We do ask that you not bring sheets or towels, they tend to just drink up the dye and we are purchasing professional dyes that are a little more costly than rit dye from the drug store.) We will have limited white t-shirts available to purchase at cost, but really recommend you bring one that has been pre-washed as it will accept the dye more easily.
    We will plan to begin tye-dying at about 1pm. We will provide everything needed to produce your own work of art. We will also have a book that will give you suggestions on how to fold and rubber band your item to get the desired effect. I have hosted several parties like this in the past and have never seen anything that didn't turn out just awesome!
    While we are tye-dying, we will have lots of great music to dance to! All from the 60's of course. We are also talking with a band to see if they would be willing to work for what we can afford to pay (nothing!), so we may even have live music.
    After we have all created our masterpieces, we want have a potluck dinner and party starting at about 6pm (Sally and I both have Birthdays around this time.....is that planning or what! Of course we are always looking for an excuse to have a party.) Bring your favorite dish, we will supply cupcakes for dessert. After dinner we will dance the night away!
    If you have any questions I can answer about what to bring to tye-dye etc., please call me at 816-966-9774 or e-mail me at carld@swbell.net.

suggested visiting nude beaches while on vacation in France as a means to improve her self-acceptance. She was somewhat dubious of this idea, and wanted Abby's advice. Abby passed the buck to readers.
The respondents in the first batch of replies in her May 13 column were horrified at the idea. For example, "Fan in Cincinnati" "just about flipped at the insensitivity of the husband who suggested that he and his wife -- a breast cancer survivor -- go to the nude beaches on the Riviera." (Yeah, Cincinnati is prude heaven, so who's surprised at this.)
But the next column, from May 14, was right on. It leads off with a reply from an avowed nudist travel agent from the Tampa area who advises the original writer that "She should enjoy the freedom and the appreciation of her husband, who sounds like a real gem." To which Abby says: "I'm pleased that by far the majority of the comments have been positive."
Sounds like progress.

Is nudity politically correct?

Not at Langara College, a community college in Vancouver, BC, that's for sure. A May 26 Reuters article reported that an unnamed instructor had been fired after he persuaded all members of an adult education class in shamanism to strip naked. The purpose of the exercise, apparently, was to help the students, many of whom were health care professionals, to better understand "energy patterns in the body". The school spokesperson even admitted that none of the 20+ students had complained, the nudity did not lead to "inappropriate activity", and there was "nothing unusual, except for them being nude." The students had even been advised in the introductory session of the class that they would be asked to strip. The instructor was fired anyway, and the class canceled. All of the students are reported to have disagreed with the school's action.

Striptease classes are OK, though

At least they are at an upscale institution like Mount Holyoke College in So. Hadley, MA, and if they aren't offered as part of the official curriculum -- according to a recent Associated Press story. Susan Scotto, a PhD instructor of Russian at the all-female school teaches the extracurricular classes in "exotic dancing" in a campus dance studio, with full approval from campus officials. Scotto worked as a stripper while obtaining her degree from the University of California at Berkeley and still dances semiprofessionally. She staunchly contends, "I don't see any way how an exchange of pleasure is something to be condemned."
Exotic dancing isn't naturism, any more than shamanism is. But isn't it interesting that nudity with a sexual message to it seems actually to be more acceptable than does non-sexual nudity?

Dear Abby: Nude beach can be good therapy...

You don't normally expect advice columnists, particularly one who's been at it as long as Abigail Van Buren, to be great fans of nude beaches. Abby's sister Ann Landers, for example, has repeatedly demonstrated she's a certifiable prude. But Abby's a different matter.
Recently she printed a letter in her column from a woman ("Survivor in San Francisco") who had undergone a mastectomy. The woman was concerned because her husband had

Senate Bill 98-113, a troublesome bill that could have had a chilling effect on those who have family pictures enjoying wholesome nude recreation, was defeated recently.

Vague standard. Nude recreation enthusiasts applaud efforts by legislators and law enforcement to protect children from exploitation. In the case of SB 98-113, however, even Colorado's District Attorneys agreed that this bill cast its net too far. As drafted, the bill would have changed the standard for what constitutes a criminal depiction of "erotic nudity" with respect to children. The standard would have changed from one that has served the state well - i.e., forbidding depictions made "for the purpose of real or simulated overt sexual gratification" - to a vague, general, and undefined prohibition on "lascivious exhibitions."

Coordination and teamwork. In this case, AANR joined with others from numerous organizations in recognizing the problems posed by this bill. Together, they identified practical, as well as constitutional, difficulties with it.

Standard rejected. In light of these limitations, even the Colorado's District Attorneys - the very prosecutors who would be responsible for enforcing SB-113 - weighed in against it. Ultimately, when a senate committee considered the bill, they rejected it by a 6-1 vote

Sep 4; "Back to the 60's" Celebration
Sep 17; 8-10 PM; Heartland Swim; Elite Aquatics
Sep 25; Noon-4 PM; Work Day
Sep 26; Noon-2 PM; Board of Directors Meeting
Sep 26; 4-6 PM; Sauna
Oct 9; Noon-4 PM; Work Day (Final One)
Oct 9; 7-9 PM; Sauna
Oct 24; 4-6 PM; Sauna
Jul 14-16, 2000; Return to Edun 8

* A subscription to our quarterly journel, Nude & Natural, the highly acclaimed publication on Naturism in the world.

* Membership card, which gains admittance and discounts at hundreds of Naturist clubs throughout the world.

* The Naturist Network. Contact information for affiliate groups, clubs & special interest groups listed in each issue of Nude & Natural.

* Discounts on most items available through The Skinny-Dipper Shop, includes books, magazines, clothing, accessories, etc.

* Regional gatherings.  Members receive advance information and discounts on admission.

* Membership dollars help support TNS' political action affiliates - Naturist Action Committee and Naturist Education Foundation.

At its last meeting, the Board of Directors set July 14-16 as the date for Return to Edun/8. Already, Nancy is beginning to work on lining up bands for the event. She brings a new perspective to the Return to Edun planning process which will insure our Return to Edun/8 celebration in the year 2000 is the best ever. For example, she has arranged for the first time ever at a Return to Edun celebration, to have a total lunar eclipse on July 16. We are excited about this addition to the Return to Edun list of events.

If you know of any bands that will be good at Return to Edun, or wish to help in the planning of next year's event, contact Nancy or any of the Board members.

Note: Dave is still working on the "Return To Edun 7" video and promises to have it ready soon.

Pay Phone - This would be mounted on the outside wall of the barn for use by members and guests.
Vending Machine -  We are looking for a soft drink vending machine that we can put on a platform next to the barn so that visitors can buy cold sodas.
Post Hole Digger - This would help us in our annual tree planting.  Each year we plant 500 trees throughout the property.  If you have a gas-powered one we can borrow next Spring, let Chuck or Webb know.
NOTE: WE WOULD LOVE NOTHING BETTER THAN TO HAVE THESE ITEMS DONATED TO US.  THAT ISN'T ALWAYS POSSIBLE.  IF YOU KNOW WHERE WE CAN PURCHASE ONE ON THESE ITEMS AT A REASONABLE PRICE, WE WOULD APPRECIATE THAT INFORMATION ALSO.

This year marks the conclusion of our first year operating as a 501c3 not-for-profit corporation. It has been a good year with the promise of better years to come.

As required by our by-laws, we will hold the annual meeting of the Lake Edun Foundation on Saturday, October 30 beginning at 6:30pm. This will be in conjunction with our Halloween Party which has always been a great time. At the Annual Meeting, we will hear reports from the various committees, consider plans for the upcoming year, and elect members to the Board of Directors. If you are interested in serving on the Board of Directors or have any proposals you would like to see presented at the annual meeting, send them to our Post Office Box or contact a member of the Board.

Be sure not to miss this meeting.  We only have one business meeting a year.  It is important that we have as many members of the Lake Edun Foundation in attendance as possible so we can hear from everyone. Watch the October issue of Bare Facts for directions.

Editor's Note: For your consideration, descriptions of the Board of Directors positions are included in this Bare Facts.

We receive information from the Trade Association for Nude Recreation about what other clubs do and the services they provide.  It is interesting to compare what other clubs provide their members and what it costs.  The results are convincing!  The Lake Edun Foundation is a clear bargain.  The last year for which information is available is 1998. At that time, membership in the average small club (which was smaller than LEF) cost a couple $321.  The range of costs was between $265 and $390. At only $200 for a one year, membership in the Lake Edun Foundation is one of the best buys in the country!

Spread the word.

    As a member benefit, anyone who is a member of the Lake Edun Foundation may obtain an internet dial-up account at www.lakeedun.com for only $120 per year.  This means, that if you are currently using aol or any other internet service provider, and are a member of the Lake Edun Foundation,  you may switch so you have a lakeedun.com e-mail address for only $10 per month.  In addition, members will have unlimited use of their account to access the internet, send messages, research information, or join chat rooms.
    This is a great price and a prestigious e-mail address.  It allows you to communicate to the world the values you hold most dear.
    Members interested in taking advantage of this opportunity should send their check for $120 and their desired e-mail name (your-name@lakeedun.com) to our PO Box or slip it through the slot in the barn.  While this offer is

not available in all areas, it should be available to most members.

The Lake Edun Foundation will have a booth at the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce annual business fair.  This will be held at the Topeka Expo Center on Tuesday, October 26 from 1:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m..  It will be a great opportunity to explain to many in the community some of the beneficial aspects of Naturism.  If any members are interested in helping man our booth, they will be able to attend the event and join the socializing that follows.  If you are interested, send a note to our P.O. Box or drop a note in the barn.

Lake Edun Foundation, Inc.
P.O. Box 1982
Topeka, KS 66601-1982
(913) 478-BARN
www.lakeedun.com

The Board of Directors sets policy and implements the program for the Lake Edun Foundation. Board members meet monthly as a group and as needed with their committee. Each member of the Board chairs a committee with specific responsibilities and makes periodic contributions to Bare Facts.

President: Preside at all meetings of the Board of Directors. Sit as an ex officio member of all committees.

Secretary:  Keep minutes of meetings of both the Board of Directors and members. Maintain membership records. Carry on correspondence with members and with others for the Foundation.
Maintain contact with all appropriate national organizations including TNS, NEC and NAC. Educate our membership on the function and importance of these organizations. Encourage support among our members for these groups.

Treasurer:  Account for all money and property owned by the Foundation. Pay all legitimate invoices in a timely manner as directed by the Board. Make regular financial reports to the Board.

Education/Outreach:  Implement the educational mission of the Foundation to the public through seminars, press releases, articles, presentations, meetings, interviews, etc.  "Bare Facts" Editor serves on this committee. Edit, write articles for, produce, print and mail our monthly newsletter. The Web Master also serves on this committee. Maintain and enhance our presence on the Internet.  Education & Outreach committee is responsible for spreading the word on the beneficial impact naturism can have on the individual, the family, and our community.

Member Relations:  The overall purpose of this committee is to improve membership retention. Screen new applicants. Make a recommendation to the Board concerning their suitability for membership. Maintain contact with members; determine problems or conflicts that may develop with their membership. Work with the Social Committee to develop meaningful activities for all members. Remind members we have not seen about upcoming activities. Keep all members active and interested in the Foundation.

Promotion/Publicity:  The promotion and publicity committee should work in concert with the Education Committee to arrange for appropriate publicity of our foundation with the objective of improving the public perception of nude recreation in general and increasing membership in the Foundation. We want to present nude recreation as a healthy alternative to other forms of family entertainment. We should strive to be featured positively in news stories twice during the year.

Social:  We realize not everyone will be comfortable with the Naturist lifestyle at first. The Social Committee must plan and coordinate special activities throughout the year that implement our educational objectives with our membership and permit members and guests to learn firsthand about the benefits of naturism. It should plan indoor events during winter months when use of our leased facility is not practical. It should make a special effort to conduct events that will attract women and families to the Foundation. Major summer activities should be limited to not more than one per month.
Return to Edun is a sub-committee. It plans the annual Return to Edun celebration including entertainment, security, and all aspects required for the safe execution of this event. Our objective for Return to Edun is to host an event to provide an enjoyable introduction to nude recreation for those who may not have tried it in the past. This committee should plan an event that is safe, enjoyable, and attracts new people to try a clothing-free lifestyle and then join the Lake Edun Foundation.

"Lake Edun Association of Kids" President:  Represent to the Board the interests of children of Foundation members. Promote events designed to involve children so they become comfortable at Foundation activities and parents recognize the benefits on their children's development. Elected by LEAK.

Facilities:  Insure we meet our obligations for maintenance and improvement as required by the terms of our lease. Organize our resources, including work days, toward achievement of these obligations. Coordinate with other committees to insure their requirements are met. The facilities committee is also responsible for insuring firewood is available for all council fires.

Conservation:  Ensure we meet our obligations for conservation as required by the terms of our lease. Organize our resources in coordination with the Facilities Committee to achieve these obligations. Our lease requires we maintain a rustic, natural setting. This committee must plan ways that will tend to encourage suitable plant and wildlife growth. This includes planting trees and shrubs and attracting compatible wildlife. This does not mean all plants and wildlife are desirable. Poison ivy and other noxious and annoying plants must be discouraged. Likewise, beaver that kill trees or muskrat that damage the dam are not desirable. Our objective is to balance the needs of desirable plants and wildlife against our lease requirements.