10th Annual Northwest Santa Workshop Oct. 4-5, 2019

[Russell Albright]

Minutes

The following notes are intended not as formal “minutes” but rather as a record of some the highlights of the NORPAC sponsored 10 th Annual Northwest Santa Workshop which took place at the Great Wolf Lodge in Grand Mound, WA, on Oct. 4-5, 2019. Total registration was 70 individuals. This included 39 Santas, 21 couples, 1 Grinch, and other guests, family members, and friends of NORPAC.
Oct. 3 . People began arriving and checking in to at Great Wolf Lodge on Thurs. afternoon/evening, Oct. 3, 2019. Approx. 40 people gathered that evening in the ballroom for informal visiting and fellowship. Hors d’oeuvres were provided and served by GWL staff.
Oct. 4 . Morning devotional was provided by Jim Beidle. About 20 people attended. Welcome . At 9:00 AM, Trever Waltos welcomed everyone to the workshop. Attending the workshop for the first time were Jess Zahir (Olympia), Wayne Beresford (Milton), and Jon Manning (Burien). Trever shared copies of a letter from Phillip Wenz congratulating NORPAC for sponsoring our 10th Annual Santa Workshop and for our ongoing use of The Santa Claus Oath and The Mrs. Claus Pledge at our workshops and other meetings. Phillip is the author of the oaths. Eddie Hayes and Karen Hayes then led us in the reading of both. Workshop Sessions Five different 50 min. training sessions were then presented, three before lunch and two in the afternoon. These were: Connecting with Kids ~ by Dale Scott
Santa Resume & Marketing ~ by Trever Waltos
A Story You Can Use ~ by Jim Beidle
A Story to Tell ~ by Jim Beidle
The Anatomy of a Home Visit ~ by Jerry Nebel
Tom Carmody, a Board member of the International Brotherhood of Real Bearded Santas, joined us in the afternoon and brought greetings and congratulations to NORPAC from IBRBS. NORPAC is a local chapter of IBRBS. Tom also shared that NORPAC’s Jim Lunn is IBRBS’s regional rep. and that Jim is a good resource and contact should any of us have questions about IBRBS and its programs.
Dinner ~ Celebration ~ Gala. Following a break in the late afternoon, about 55 people reconvened in the ballroom for dinner and festivities. Following a wonderful meal, NORPAC’s three founders were recognized and congratulated: Ron Kearns, Dennis Simpson, and Trever Waltos. Trever and Ron were presented with plaques. Dennis will receive his when he returns from New York. Visiting,
music, and dancing followed.

Oct. 5 . Morning devotional again provided by Jim Beidle.​
Workshop Sessions . Two more sessions were provided. These were: Creating Magic with Santa—How to be Efficient During Your Photo Session ~ by Brigette Schaffarzick (Professional Photographer)
Santa Frustrations: Panel Discussion ~ Randy Cook and Jerry Nebel
Auction, Ornament Exchange, 50/50 Raffle Prior to lunch, bidding closed on the silent auction of 20 gift baskets (or other items) that had been donated. Dennis Gorley announced that a total of $825 was bid by those who won these items (compared with $547 in 2018 and $700 in 2016 when raffle tickets were sold instead of a silent auction). Ornament Exchange – Gene Sanders facilitated an ornament exchange of Christmas ornaments that many had brought for that purpose. 50/50 Raffle . Dennis G. announced that $570 had been collected for the 50/50 raffle. Cameron Stewart held the winning raffle ticket and collected $285. The other $285 dollars goes to the NORPAC treasury. Keynote Speaker Following lunch, Ed Taylor joined us (via Skype) for a 90-minute presentation titled: 18 Tips for Your Best Season Ed’s was a lively, interactive presentation during which several workshop attendees were able to ask specific questions of him. Parade . Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elves, and the Grinch donned their costumes and sang as they paraded down the hall and throughout the main lobby of the Great Wolf Lodge, interacting with many children and families. The 10th Annual Northwest Santa Workshop concluded following the parade.

THANKS! THANKS! THANKS!
Preparing and presenting this workshop was a big undertaking with many “moving parts.” NORPAC wants to thank everyone who attended, contributed, and participated in any way. Special thanks to thefollowing:

NORPAC Founders: Ron Kearns, Dennis Simpson, & Trever Waltos.
Planning Committee: Jim Beidle, Randy Cook, Dennis Gorley, Jerry Nebel, Dale Scott, Kirby Taylor, & Trever Waltos.
NORPAC Board Members: Trever W.-Chair, Gene S.-Vice Chair, Dennis G.-Treasurer, Dale S.-Secretary, Dennis S.-Past Chair, & Randy C.-Member At-large.
Workshop Presenters: Jim B., Randy C., Jerry N., Brigette Schaffarzick, Dale S. & Trever W.
Keynote Speaker: Ed Taylor
Sponsor: The Geoghagan Family
AV: Jim B. and Trever W.
Facilities: Emily Martin, Sales Manager, and the entire staff of the Great Wolf Lodge who take such good
care of us year after year.
Respectfully submitted,
Dale Scott, NORPAC Secretary

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