Given the fact that most of the movers & shakers in the Fraternal Order of Real Bearded Santas were also among the most active "Git-'Er-Done-ers" from our beloved AORBS (PRE-inc., of course!!!), our seemingly-astonishing growth rate is , therefore, quite understandable! We have a GREAT leadership, we have the blessing (and membership) of THE ORIGINAL FOUNDER of that misfortunate & hapless group, and WE HAVE SANTA TIM!!!

Now, I'm no Vegas bookie, but I'm willing to give odds to any casual taker that FORBS WILL HAVE 1,000 MEMBERS WITHIN FIVE YEARS!!! Full voting membership is limited only to "Those who have portrayed Santa Claus and who maintain a real beard for that purpose", and non-voting membership includes Mrs. Clauses who are either married to, or have worked WITH a member in the past. Elves are also qualified, if they have worked with a FORBS Santa.

Now, we ALL know the story of how the ORIGINAL AORBS started with 10 Santas selected to do a commercial for a German catalog company, and how they whimsically decided to rejoin one another after their busy Seasons, to swap tales and tips. We know how, through nothing more than word of mouth,

It all started with Phil Wenz who decided we needed a Santa Oath and wrote a beautiful one. It got tweaked and a few adjustments were made but the foundation was rock solid. Then Joe Moore who is the architect of Celebrate Santa read it and asked Phil if he would be so kind as to read and administer it to every Santa attending the convention next March. Phil agreed immediately.

Mr. Wenz then began receiving phone calls and emails asking him why he doesn’t sell the oath in a plaque.

Orange County Chapter of FORBS Meeting
May 17^th Come and eat and visit.

12582 Valley View
Garden Grove Ca. 92845
Back Room
10:30 am - 1pm (or until we are done)
Please RSVP as soon as possible to
(714) 828-1972
So a head count can be given to CoCo’s

'I O S' -- International Order of Santas
World Headquarters
P.O. Box 763
Panguitch, Utah. 84759
435-676-8005
tomhartsfield@hotmail.com

As the organizer and founder of this group I welcome all members of the Santa community. This includes 'all' Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elves and Helpers.
 
The I O S will be divided into two groups. The first is for 'all' Santas. The second will be an Auxiliary made up of Mrs. Clauses, Elves and Helpers.
 
The entire I O S will be made up of Chapters. With no limit as to number, size or location. (Cities, Counties or States) Each Chapter will have a Santa coordinator. Each Auxiliary Chapter will have a Mrs. Claus coordinator. The coordinators will keep a list of all members in their Chapter.

If a Chapter wishes to elect officers they may do so. Chapters are free to meet as often as they wish. (Weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annualy etc.) Chapters may charge dues if they so desire. The Chapter would set their own rates. Chapter dues would be in addition to dues charged by I O S.  Each Chapter will be numbered. Santas Chapters will be 1, 2, 3 etc. Auxiliary Chapters will be 1A, 2A, 3A etc.
 
I O S will have NO officers, NO Board of Directors and NOT be Incorporated.
 
This web site, www.iosantas.com, will have links to our chat/message room, Membership Form, membership lists and other information etc.
 
The annual dues will be $5. They will be adjusted each year on Jan. 1st. They may rise or fall. Dues will be used to pay for the web site, printing, postage etc. NO dues money will be used for ANY personal expenses. The dues will be due each Feb. 1st.
 
Everyone joining no later than March 31, 2008 are Charter members. Everyone joining, at any time, will receive a Membership Certificate.
 
There will be a Luncheon on the 2nd Sunday of January every year. The main Luncheon will be in Southern California. (Because of the great number of Santas in So. Cal.) If you are unable to travel to So. Cal., due to distance, time and/or expense. I will encourage all Chapters to arrange a Luncheon in their area. On the same day and time as the So. Cal. Luncheon. If possible, we will connect all of these Luncheons together electronically. Using phones, computers, video cams etc. This will also depend on the costs.
 
Please feel free to e-mail or call me at any time. Suggestions are always welcome.
 
Thank you,

Tom Hartsfield

Forty two years ago on May 1, 1966, the "Dean of Santa Clauses" passed away in upstate western New York. Charles W. Howard was truly an American Original. The legacy and inspiration that he left behind in the "Santa World" may not be in a class by itself, but it does not take long to take role call. Howard's professional career is that of legend. He was born in the house that he would live in his entire life. The small town boy never left Albion, New York, except to venture out to be Santa.

Howard first played Santa as a boy in a classroom play. As an adult he found himself asked to help a friend out and play Santa in a store front window in downtown Albion. This experience helped Howard's urge to perfect the role of Santa Claus as much as he could. In his early career Howard caught the train next to his farm in Albion and commuted to Rochester, New York and then Buffalo, New York to be Santa in department stores. It was about this time he started to develop the idea for a "school" for Santas.

Howard's first school was in the fall of 1937.

Santas,

We are at about LAST CALL for rooms for our Palm Tree Santas weekend
get together May 30th-June 1st at the Alhambra Inn. We have booked
29 rooms! which has exceeded the number of rooms in our room block,
however, we have secured the hotel's assurance they will honor the
same rate $59.00 per night! Just tell them you are with the Palm
Tree Santas, any problems call me!

We are having dinner in a private room Friday night at Century
Buffet, Breakfast at IHOPS Saturday morning, with a few
presentations and a couple of mini-workshops, (finished by 11:00ish)
Board the Red Train for tours of the Castillo de San Marcos and
Zoya's Old Moorish Castle, with a stop for lunch in between. Dinner
in a private dining area at the Raninbow Steakhouse, a late night
optional "Ghost Tour" aboard the Red Train for those brave souls!
Breakfast at IHOPS Sunday morning to say our goodbyes!

There is no extra cost for all this fun, just pick up your own check!
Please drop me an email or phone me if you make a reservation to
join us for a little fun, fellowhip, sharing and learning!

Collecting smiles,

Santa Bob

All Santas, Ms. Claus and Elves,

The Palm Tree Santas are planning a fun and fellowship weekend get-
together the last weekend in May, May 30th-June 1st. This is the
weekend AFTER Memorial Day Weekend and we are getting some great
prices, how about $59 per night for your Hotel Room!!

This is NOT an AORBS event, it is open to any and all gentlemen who
portray Santa and/or Ms. Claus, spouses, significant others, elves,
and friends of elves.

We will have a "kick-off" dinner Friday night,(like at a Golden
Corral) a welcome breakfast at IHOPS on Saturday morning, followed
by brief presentations, possibly a couple of brief FREE workshops,
sharing and learning sessions, for those who want to stay after
breakfast.

Sightseeing and Lunch, more sightseeing, pool, sunnin',chatting,
fellowship, fun, Dinner on Saturday night, (probably a steakhouse)
possible historic train tour, and a few other fun ideas as arranged
by our in town Santa hosts, Santa Harry and Marie.

We will plan on a "bye-bye" breakfast Sunday morning at IHOPS.

If you have a possible interest send me an email santa@...
for the filters, that is santaatsantatb.com and we will add you to
our up-date email list. We already have approximately 20 positive
email responses, that's some 40 people, so we are hoping to have 40-
60 guests, What a great time we will have! and St. Augustine is such
a beautiful city with a lot of historic sites to see and enjoy.

So, circle your calendar and come join us!! just for the FUN!

Collecting smiles,

All people who are interested in the community of Santa Claus and the Spirit of Christmas should have a central location that lists all of the local, regional, and national societies. There should be a common portal where Santa's Yellow Pages list all of the known resources for clothing, accessories, marketing materials, seminars, and training sessions. Even if some societies are disagreeing on issues, there should be a common community that builds on the positive aspects of the Santa Claus industry. To support the greater Santa community, there are 2 sites that work together: Santa's Society: A Portal for Santa Connections; and Santa's Gazette: Jingle Press Online.

Walk With Santas: Media Event

San Jose, August 16, 2008: In response to criticism from the Surgeon General about Santa being a poor role model for children, as published in the Boston Herald on November 30, 2007, the Santas of Northern California are hosting Santas from around the country in a public community ‘Walk With Santas’ from 8:00 to 9:00 AM to kick off the Healthy Santas Symposium (9:15 to 11:15 AM) being held at the Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant on Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Santa is health-oriented and cares about children and families. Perhaps those snacks for Santa can include some vegetables and fruit instead of just cookies.

In this event, Santa is modeling exercising with the morning ‘Walk With Santas’ and eating healthy at Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant for lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The public is invited to both events for free pictures with Santas all dressed in casual or workshop attire. Everyone is a winner as they cross the finish line where the cameras are clicking, right outside the entrance to Sweet Tomatoes.

The photos of the day are free with a download from the website. All of the Santas of Northern California who are hosting the event hope that dozens of other Santas from around the country will be able to participate. All who do so will receive press release packets and photos of themselves for distribution to the local media at home.

The Real Santa is Expected –

While the real Santa has agreed to come, he chooses to be incognito among all of the 20 or more Santa’s Helpers and dozens of Elves in costume. Various community organizations, Scout Troops, churches and families who will be participating in the Walk have the opportunity to raise funds for the American Heart Association. Advance reservations may be made online at Santas NorCal website http://santasnorcal.com and pledge forms downloaded. The registration form for Santas is in the works, and is expected to be online before Memorial Day.

‘Walk With Santas’ Pre-registration and Fund Raiser –

Walkers from the community have an opportunity to fund raise pledges to benefit the American Heart Association. The planning committee expects over 200 walkers from the community and is targeting $2,500 as the goal to reach or exceed. Check-in table and information tables will open at 7:45 AM on the sidewalk near Guadalupe Park and Gardens Visitors Center at Taylor and Coleman Avenues on Saturday morning, August 16, 2008. Patriotic Color Guard by a local Boy Scout Troup will start the event at 8:00 AM, when the Guadalupe Park and Gardens officially opens for the public. The ‘Walk With Santas’ can take any number of differing paths through the Gardens and Guadalupe River Park, with the Finish Line being across the street and south just a bit at the Fresh Tomatoes Restaurant entrance.

EventBrite is handling registrations
Please navigate to Eventbrite's page to register. They take care of registration payments and everything for only $0.99 per ticket. http://santasnorcal.eventbrite.com

Come for half-day or the whole day
Participating Santas, Mrs. Clauses, Elves and others may join in for any or all of the 4 segments of the Healthy Kids: Healthy Santas Symposium. The Walk With Santas is in Guadalupe River Park & Gardens, the Healthy Santas Symposium and Lunch is in Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant, and the Santa as Entertainer is tentatively at Santa Clara University. One fee covers the first 3 parts, while the 4th is optional. The 4 parts are:

1. 'Healthy Kids: Walk With Santas' encourages children, families, and friends to join in walking with Santa, Santa's Helpers, and Elves. They have an opportunity to raise funds to support the American Heart Association. Signin begins at 7:45, Park opens at 8:00 AM for the early bird walkers; cross the finish line by 9:00 AM with the photographers. The REAL Santa is incognito.
2. 'Healthy Santas Symposium' focuses on action steps to prolong a happy life (regular exercise, proper nutrition, regular sleep, regular medical checkups, appropriate activities). 9:15 AM to 11:30 AM at Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant. Keynote address by Mary Johnson, RN, MBA.
3. 'Healthy Kids: Healthy Lunch With Santas' begins at 11:30 AM, and is open to the public. Santas and Santa's Helpers will take turns circulating and visiting with the families. Free photos with families are outside in the parking lot.
4. [OPTIONAL] 'Santa as Entertainer: Singing Lessons (1:30 PM); Storytelling (3:00 PM); Santa as Entrepreneur: Marketing (1:30 PM)' are offered in the afternoon in overlapping sessions ($15.99 for one session; $25.99 for two). Participants in the singing lessons leave with practice CD and background CD soundtrack. Storytelling participants leave with at least one book, others for sale. Marketing participants start developing their own marketing plan with practical how-to examples.

Red Tie Dinner details are yet to be determined; however, separate checks. It will be somewhere between $15 and $40 per person based on where most folks want to go.

The Friday night BBQ on August 15th is optional, just let us know you are coming. For a $10 donation at the event you can join us in the park for BBQ sausages, chicken, veggies, western beans, potato salad, dessert and beverages. This get-together is put on by the Santas of NorCal.

Our new logo has arrived; however, it will take a bit to add it to the template for the website. Once it is installed, after all we are all volunteers with full-time occupations, the Premier Issue of Santa's Gazette will go out as an e-mail newsletter. We appreciate your patience. -- Santa Walter, Publisher, Santa's Gazette: Jingle Press Online.

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments:
the cab ride

-----

THE CAB  RIDE  (by anonymous)

Twenty  years ago, I drove a cab for a living.  When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a  single light in a ground floor window.  Under these  circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice,  wait a minute, and then drive away.  
 
But  I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as  their only means of transportation. Unless a situation smelled  of danger, I always went to the door.  This passenger might be someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to  myself.  
 
So  I walked to the door and knocked. 'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.   I could hear something being dragged  across the floor.  
 
After  a long pause, the door opened.  A small woman in her  80's stood before me.  She was wearing a print dress and  a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out  of a 1940's movie.  
 
By  her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if  no one had lived in it for years.  All the furniture was covered with sheets.    There  were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on  the counters.  In the corner was a cardboard box filled  with photos and glassware.  

'Would you  carry my bag out to the car?' she said.   I took the suitcase  to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.  

    
She  took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb.  
    
She  kept thanking me for my kindness. 'It's nothing', I told her. 'I just  try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother  treated'.  
    
'Oh,  you're such a good boy', she said.  When we got in the cab, she gave  me an address, and then asked, 'Could you drive through  downtown?'  
    
'It's  not the shortest way,' I answered quickly.  
    
'Oh, I  don't mind,' she said. 'I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to  a hospice'.  
    
I  looked in the rear-view mirror. Her eyes were glistening. 'I don't  have any family left,' she continued. 'The doctor says I  don't have very long.' I quietly reached over and shut off the  meter.  
    
'What route  would you like me to take?' I asked.  
    
For  the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me  the building where she had once worked as an elevator  operator.  
    
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband  had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up  in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a  ballroom where she had gone dancing as  a girl.  
    
Sometimes  she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying  nothing.  
    
As  the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she  suddenly said, 'I'm tired. Let's go now'  
    
We drove in silence to the address she had given me.  It was a low  building, like a small convalescent home, with  a driveway that passed under a portico.  
    
Two  orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up.  They  were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must  have been expecting her.  
    
I  opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The  woman was already seated in a wheelchair.  
    
'How  much do I owe you?' she asked, reaching into her  purse.  
    
'Nothing,'  I said.
  
'You  have to make a living,' she answered.  'There are other  passengers,' I responded.  Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me tightly.  
    
'You  gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she  said.  
    
'Thank  you.'  
    
I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.  Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of  a life...  
    
I  didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.   I drove aimlessly  lost in thought.   For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.  What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who  was impatient to end his shift?  
    
What  if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,  then driven away?  
    
 On a  quick review, I don't think that I have done anything  more important, in my life! 
    
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around  great moments.  
    
But  great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully wrapped  in what others may consider a small one.  

'PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID,  BUT THEY WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM  FEEL.'  
 
You  won't get any big surprise in 10 days if you send this to  10 people.  But, you  might help make the world a little kinder and  more compassionate by sending it on.  
 
Thank  you, my friend...   Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance..........     

The Last Sleigh Ride: Eulogies for our Brethren in Red

Thinking about those who have donned the white-trimmed red suit who have moved over to the other side, there are four that come to mind: Santa Floyd, Santa Milt, Santa Mike, and Santa CJ. There may be more that have not reached my attention. Sitting here now thinking about these men whom I had never met, it comes to mind that we need to celebrate the life of those who are departed.

A well-prepared eulogy always is well received, even if it is a bit behind the curve.

It's been a few months now since my friend Santa Milt Cottrell took that final sleigh ride, but in many ways it seems like only yesterday.

Santa Milt became my friend through a series of phone calls to discuss the Kool Vest that could be ordered at a very reasonable price through him and his connections. From that first talk it was apparent that we both shared a dry sense of humor and had much in common when it came to Santa Suits and accessories. I had just ordered a pair of Red Velvet Overalls and he had just received his brand new Santa Suit from the same place, so of course I was anxious to hear all about his new Suit. He was so excited about it and just loved it, although he said it was quite warm and didn't have much breathing room, it was an original and when he sent me photos of it, indeed it was an original and he looked grand wearing it.

Through the next several months, we spoke often about a host of topics. He told me of his love for his family and how much he loved being Santa and his most moving experience with a little girl named Brooke that brought him to tears. He was so excited about the best year he had had this last one, being busier than ever and in high demand from so many people. He was hoping to do as well this coming year, but was concerned because we would be falling short one entire week-end. Santa Milt's favorite events were the ones he did for free, donating 100% of his time to make a lot of kids happy that otherwise wouldn't get to see Santa. Santa Milt was the recipient of quite an honor, being the recipient in 2007 of the Hospice Volunteer of the Year. I remember the day he received that award. He told me earlier that day that he had a 'Santa thing' he had to do that evening and how much he was looking forward to it. I spoke with him again that next day and asked him how it all went, thinking it was a routine type Santa job. He told me he was humbled beyond belief and just felt overwhelmed. I kinda scratched my head on that one and pressed further. Finally, he mentioned that he just didn't feel worthy of such an honor. When I inquired as to 'what' honor that was, he told me it was the Volunteer of the Year Award. This man had spent countless hours of his own time bringing the joy, excitement and celebration of the Season to so many that needed a boost and he felt unworthy of the recognition he so richly deserved. He brought a whole new meaning to the word 'humble'. That was Santa Milt and I expect he's up in Heaven still wondering why he was chosen to receive that special award. And I'll bet he's happy that he has been able to visit with Brooke again.

My phone has gone silent for the most part and I so miss seeing my caller I.D. broadcasting in big bold letters "Milt Cottrell". It was always such a boost to hear from Santa Milt, because I knew he would be bringing a bit of joy my way too. He just had a gift that way. I don't believe there has ever been another person that brought such a positive image my way in so short a time. Rest Well my friend. I miss you.

Cindylu

May is High Blood Pressure Month

Fitness Level Versus Healthy Weight for Longevity

Which Increases Life Expectancy More?

Synopsis of a column by Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

There is hope for those of us with a Santa waistline! Being physically fit is more important than being overweight or obese based on a 12 year study. His advice is to find some sort of exercise that you can do and stick to it. Walking is very good for cardiovascular conditioning, even though it is not very effective for weight loss. The doctor's recommendation is to get started and to work on building endurance. Even watching TV from an exercise bike or treadmill beats sitting in an easy chair.

Doctor Stibich says, "Put a lean person who can’t run a mile next to an overweight person who can. Now, take your pick, who is more likely to live longer? A lot of us (myself included) would assume that the lean person will have a better life expectancy. A lot of us would be wrong." Dr. Stibich refers to the study of 2,600 men and women who did an aerobic fitness treadmill test at age 60 and tracked them for 12 years.

To read the full column by Dr. Stiibich , please go here: [http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongfitness/a/fitness_v_weigh.htm]

---------

In a related article, Doctor Mark Stibich explores:

How Much Should You Exercise?

Physical Activity Recommendations Really Do Matter

By Mark Stibich, Ph.D., About.com

Exercise is Good For You

"Bottom line, exercise is good and will help you live longer. The current recommendations seem accurate. You should try to either exercise moderately for 30 minutes most days (that means at least 5 out of 7) or vigorously for 20 minutes at least three times a week." http://longevity.about.com/od/lifelongfitness/a/activity_rec.htm

If anyone is interested in signing up for the weekly newsletter, take a look at http://longevity.about.com/gi/pages/stay.htm

[Synopsis of related articles from About dot COM <http://www.about.com/>, which is one of the New York Times companies, is offered by Santa Walter. This level of synopsis is allowed by the Fair Use Doctrine of the Copyright Law, which is for educational purposes, uses only a small part of the whole, and gives credit to the original copyright holder.]

San Jose, August 16, 2008:  In response to criticism from the Surgeon General about Santa being a poor role model for children, as published in the Boston Herald on November 30, 2007, the Santas of Northern California are hosting Santas from around the country in a public community ‘Walk With Santas’ from 8:00 to 9:00 AM to kick off the Healthy Santas Symposium (9:15 to 11:15 AM) being held at the Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant on Coleman Avenue in San Jose. Santa is health-oriented and cares about children and families. In this way, Santa is modeling exercising with the morning ‘Walk With Santas’ and eating healthy at Sweet Tomatoes Restaurant for lunch from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM. The public is invited to both events for free pictures with Santas all dressed in casual or workshop attire. Everyone is a winner as they cross the finish line where the cameras a clicking, right outside the entrance to Sweet Tomatoes.

The Real Santa is Expected –
While the real Santa has agreed to come, he chooses to be incognito among all of the 20 or more Santa’s Helpers and dozens of Elves in costume. Various community organizations, Scout Troops, churches and families who will be participating in the Walk have the opportunity to raise funds for the American Heart Association. Advance reservations may be made online at Santas NorCal website and pledge forms downloaded.

‘Walk With Santas’ Pre-registration and Fund Raiser –
Walkers from the community have an opportunity to fund raise pledges to benefit the American Heart Association. Registration table and information tables will open at 7:45 AM on the sidewalk near Guadalupe Park and Gardens Visitors Center at Taylor and Coleman Avenues on Saturday morning, August 16, 2008. Colors to be presented by a local Boy Scout Troup will start the event at 8:00 AM, when the Guadalupe Park and Gardens officially opens for the public. The ‘Walk With Santas’ can take any number of differing paths through the Gardens and Guadalupe River Park, with the Finish Line being across the street and south just a bit at the Fresh Tomatoes Restaurant entrance.

"Physical Activity and Good Nutrition Make a Difference"

Remarks as prepared; not a transcript.

-----------

In his prepared remarks, Surgeon General Rear Admiral Galson did not denigrate Santa as a poor role model for children in his speech about the rising national concern with obesity and poor health in children. Yet the Boston Herald quoted him as saying that Santa was the wrong image for children in our society today.

In the following days after the 'attack' by the Herald, several other New England publications came out in favor of Santa as he currently is. Nevertheless, there is a definite call for Santa to be seen as more active, eating healthy, and to slim down the 'cookie zone' under the wide belt.

The full content of the speech is available at http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/speeches/11292007.html

(This brief is prepared by Santa Walter, Publisher)

Bleaching At Home

Article 4

Part 2

OK Ladies and Gentlemen, lets roll up those sleeves and get started. I'll again caution those of you whose beards/hair are not in good condition to wait before attempting this process until you feel they are in good enough condition to withstand the bleaching process.

So, here we go:

I suggest you print these instructions out and take them with you to Sally's or your local Beauty Supply House, so you'll know what to purchase while you're there. If you have dark hair/beard, you'll need to go through the bleaching process about 3 times . Maybe less. Please understand that you will never get the beard a white, white by bleaching only. What we want to achieve with the bleaching is to get to a very, very, pale yellow color. Once you get there, we'll move on to getting you whitened up.

Ladies and Gentlemen of the Fur,

I need to make a clarification  to my most recent article on the Home Bleaching process.  It  should have been

included in the initial article and wasn't, so I do apologize. 

The instructions given are for virgin hair/beard and not for hair/beard that is already bleached and just needs

touching up.

For those of you that have your hair/beard bleached already and just want to start doing your own roots at

home, follow the same instructions as far as the mixing goes, but you ONLY apply the bleach solution to the roots

and DO NOT put bleach solution on the hair and beard that has been previously bleached.

At the time I wrote the article I was concentrating on the newer Santas that have consulted me about bleaching

out their hair/beards at home and it's hair that has never been bleached before.

I do hope this omission has not caused any of you any problems, and again I do apologize for my oversight.

As an aside, I need to hear from you Santas/helpers/Mrs. Clauses as to what you would like for me to

cover in my next article.  So send me an e-mail and let me know what you think.   BamaSanta@aol.com

Thanks for your patience and kindness~    

 _^Cindylu

Santa's Snacks Get a Healthy Makeover

http://www.revolutionhealth.com/healthy-living/food-nutrition/food-basics/santa-snacks 

Date updated: December 21, 2007
By Kathryn Bailey and Austin O'Connor
Content provided by Revolution Health Group

Leaving cookies and milk for Santa Claus is a time-honored tradition, but we at RevolutionHealth.com think his snacks could use a healthy upgrade. We have some suggestions to help families do their part to take good care of Santa when he visits their homes on Christmas Eve.

[this is a fascinating article which all Santa's and Mrs. Clauses should read. -- Santa Walter] 

Resolutions for AORBS Members Acting With Responsibility

Several people have expressed interest in having the membership of the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas approached with several resolutions requiring a vote to accept or to reject the each resolution. Many of those who have so requested advice on how to proceed are concerned with the current leadership of the AORBS. Apparently, all efforts to open a discussion on the current leadership issues is subject to censure and censorship. Based on reading and perusing the 704 pages of the current Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised by Walter Roach, Publisher of Jingle Press Online, the following methodology is recommended.

RESOVED: Membership Shall Decide

Properly, all resolutions for the membership to consider should properly go to the Secretary [RRONR page 118, line 26]; however, there isn't one at present. And the Board of Directors, which is mandated by the bylaws to be "at least 14 members", has fallen to perhaps only 4 members or less. In absence of the proper mechanism, a ballot of resolutions is proposed for the AORBS membership to decide. The purpose for this communication is to have the resolutions contained within this entire document communicated as a Ballot of Resolutions to all current and past members who were members in good standing as of Discover Santa 2006 Convention, using a third-party neutral firm of solid reputation such as Survey Monkey, being returned to Tellers of good character with no vested interest in any sides to process so each person's ballot is processed secretly with each respondent asserting that they are or have been AORBS members.

Office Term: "Or Until Replaced" Missing

Because the language on terms of office in the current bylaws does not have the additional phrase, "or until replaced", there is no way to remove anyone from office before their term is up (under Robert's Rules of Order) without a committee of investigation that brings back a resolution calling for a trial. There are several perceived shortcomings of the current bylaws. Another problem is that the bylaws do not reflect the membership's responsibility of accepting the bylaws, and also on voting on changing the bylaws. The apparent mind-set when the bylaws were drafted is that members pay dues; however, all decisions will be made by the leadership, who elected themselves into office, and who ratified the bylaws to restrict free speech of members, but did so without membership's approval.

Leadership Model Not In Compliance With Bylaws

In the current climate of leadership within AORBS, all decisions are apparently being made by just two people: President Nicholas Trolli, and Vice President Jeff Germann, with the support of two at-large directors. The current bylaws (which have yet to be ratified by the membership) calls for a Board of Directors "of at least 14 members." The current leadership model and the bylaws model are seriously out of alignment

Organization Structure Flawed

The structure of the organization is seriously flawed. The AORBS officers and Board of Directors are apparently assuming they are in charge of a business as the owners or representing the stock holders. That mind-set is borne out by the BoD 'adopting' the bylaws, with no regard for the rights and responsibilities of the dues-paying membership to accept the bylaws in an assembly or convention where motions, seconds, discussion, modifications and final adoption occur in seriatim [Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th Edition, page 542, line 15]. Even though those bylaws have not yet been ratified by the membership, they do call for Robert's Rules of Order [Bylaws XV, line 330]. Furthermore, "Except as the rules of a society may provide otherwise, its assembly (that is, the members attending one of its regular or properly called meetings) has full and sole power to act for the entire organization, and does so by majority vote." [RRONR p 549, line 6].

ETHICS: Failure of Due Process

At no time has the President or the Vice President followed the disciplinary action called for in the bylaws with any of the individuals who were removed from membership. [Bylaws Article III, line 27], "5. Any member may be suspended by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the BOD at a legally constituted meeting of the BOD for actions unfavorable to the general objectives and/or best interest of AORBS to include any infractions under Article III. A. 4. Prior to suspension, the member shall be notified by the First Vice President, and shall be given an opportunity to submit a written rebuttal to the pending suspension. The BOD vote on suspension shall be final." (Arguably, with 14 required BoD members, 2/3rds is 9 votes required for suspension.) [and by RRONR p 630, line 25] "Consequently, a trial must always be held in executive session; and the introduction and consideration of all resolutions leading up to the trial also should take place when nonmembers are not present." Public announcement of private disciplinary proceedings is out of order [RRONR p 630, line 21]. With the absence of due process, then there is no discipline nor exile authorized by the existing bylaws and by RRONR, ergo, all members who have been purged are in reality still members in good standing, even if the membership dues have been returned.

Resolutions for the Membership of AORBS to Decide

The following resolutions are to be distributed to all current and past members for a vote, in absence of a Convention. This constitutes Previous Notice of Motions [RRONR p 116, line 5] which "means that announcement of the the motion(s) will be introduced ..." Although Mister Trolli has apparently blocked open communication with the membership, he is required to deliver to all members these resolutions, at the expense of AORBS [RRONR page 118, line 21] The exact language in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised says, "a notice can also be sent by mail to every member with the call of the meeting at which the matter is to come up for action, except where the rules of the organization provide otherwise. In such a case, the member desiring to give the notice writes a letter to the secretary alone, requesting that the notice be sent with the call of the next meeting; and the secretary should then do this at the expense of the organization." Further, we are instructed that, "each segment of a ballot is treated as if it were a separate ballot, and the tellers must count the number of votes cast for each office or issue. [RRONR p 402, line 1]. Additionally, the Bylaws indicate willingness to accept the notification of members by written notice [Bylaws Article IX, line 237]

I. Resolved, That while adopting resolutions and voting is preferred to be in the assembly of the membership, there are some situations where voting by mail is acceptable [RRONR p 398, line 16]; however, no modifications or changes to the resolutions are allowed, just acceptance or rejection, and that these RESOLUTIONS, which should properly be brought before the assembly, are constrained by circumstances and necessarily needs a secret ballot [RRONR p 409, line 20], and shall be considered as the will of the assembly by accepting or by rejecting each on its merits [RRONR p 118, line 21]. No qualifications or modifications are allowed by members; each resolution is to stand up or be defeated by ballot.

I. YES or NO

II. Resolved, That proper 30-day notice of the required Biennial Meeting in even years [AORBS Bylaws Article IV, line 38] in order to ratify section-by-section the bylaws, decide the organizational structure of AORBS, and elect individuals to fill those positions MUST be forthcoming [RRONR p 540, line 19]. It is required by the bylaws, as well as the original Charter or Articles of Incorporation. (With the cancellation of the Discover Santa 2008 Convention, no meeting of the assembly is now scheduled.) In absence of the mandated full membership meeting, then the decisions by the membership will be handled through resolutions by ballot.

II. YES or NO

III. Resolved, That since the bylaws 'passed by BoD on 11-2-2007' have not been ratified by the membership, the restriction on free speech (Bylaws Article III, line 25) cannot legitimately be used to censure members who disagree with or question leadership with limited authority being vested until the bylaws are accepted [RRONR p 529, line 5] . "The extreme penalty that an organization or society can impose on a member is expulsion." [RRONR p 625, line 1], all individuals who have been castigated thusly are to be considered members in good standing for voting purposes, even if in arrears on dues, regardless of previous public statements to the contrary. "If a member is thus accused, he has the right to due process -- that is, to be informed of the charge and given time to prepare his defense, to appear and defend himself, and to be fairly treated." [RRONR p 631 line 18]. All members exiled unfairly are still members in good standing, and further, the restriction on freedom of speech is to be removed from the bylaws in its entirety: "4. Agree not to make unfavorable comments about a fellow member of AORBS on any public forum."

III. YES or NO

IV. Resolved, That since dues and membership conditions and effective dates are set specifically in Article X, line 283 of the existing bylaws, the decision that the rolls be purged to February 15 dues payment deadline be considered out of order; the Bylaws take precedence over BoD actions [Bylaws XV, line 321], further, in absence of language to the contrary, Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th edition, clearly states that being in arrears on dues is NOT grounds for removal from the voting process: "Before member in arrears has been finally dropped ..., his voting rights cannot be suspended unless the bylaws so provide." [RRONR p 555, line 1]. And the bylaws are silent on that issue. Further, the existing bylaws (even though not yet ratified by the membership) call for Robert's Rules of Order in Article XV, line 330, as the parliamentary authority. All members in good standing as of Discover Santa 2006 and after are to be considered eligible to vote, regardless of any out-of-order banning, exiling, or purging of the membership roll, since none of those actions taken, based on the bylaws, have been ratified by the membership.

IV. YES or NO

V. Resolved, That since a sergeant-at-arms is not listed as an officer in the bylaws, "the election of other officers not named, such as a sergeant-at-arms is prohibited" [RRONR p 571, line 33], that having Security Guards present at an assembly of members is out of order, and is to be prohibited at future meetings of the assembly unless written into the bylaws and then those bylaws to be ratified by the membership.

V. YES or NO


VI. Resolved, Bylaws sections to be rescinded: Article XI Personal Liability (Bylaws XI, line 292) be removed, since it is contrary to the original Charter and to contract law, Saying the BoD has no liability in contracts is simply not true.

VI. YES or NO

VII. Resolved, That a committee of five be elected by ballot to investigate rumors affecting the charactor of our President, Mister Nicolas Trolli, First Vice President Jeff Germann, and any other Officers and members of the Board of Directors of the Alamgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas, which, if true, casts doubt on their individual worthiness for leadership, and that the committee be guided by Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised proper procedures, and be instructed to report resolutions covering its recommendations. [RRONR page 362, line 24].

VII. YES or NO

VIII. Resolved, That the current leadership of AORBS be temporarily suspended from authority to make decisions until the questions of propriety are voted on by the membership of AORBS. In order to ensure ongoing operations, a temporary Congress be called of interested leaders of known character in the interim to take interim charge of all decisions and financial affairs of the organization. All such individuals must be ratified by vote of the membership at large. This Interim Congress shall consider the desired organization structure, simplified and revised bylaws, and put all of its recommendations before the membership for ratification by vote.

VII. YES or NO

The forgoing resoultions should be considered by all current and past members of AORBS (since the Discover Santa 2006 Convention). No modifications nor amendments are allowed, since the vote is by ballot that is not part of an assembly of the members. Each resolution must be either accepted or rejected. Additional future ballots may be needed. Since 30 days notice is expected for resolutions before action, the balloting will be allowed to span at least 30 days. Due to the serious nature of these resolutions, a simple majority shall not suffice to accept each, but rather is to be accepted at a 2/3rds of all ballots cast in order to show the will of the membership. Although initial contact will probably be by email, allowances for written ballots should be allowed, with a double-envelope method allowing secret balloting being delivered to a neutral third party. Perhaps such a person is Louis Prilaker, Esq., the attorney for Nicholas Trolli and presumably for AORBS.

Hello Nicholas,

Since you have asked that I not use your email account nor contact you by phone, this open letter attempts to tell you that the Amalgamated Order of Real Bearded Santas is listed as one of 8 or 9 National Santa's Societies in both Jingle Press Online as well as in Santa's Society: A Portal for Santa's Connections. It seems only right that any Santa who is not one of the reported 400-plus members of AORBS already needs to know that you exist. If we left you out of the list, then we could be called biased or be charged with selective censured publishing of information, as well as censoring.  Since the announcements about Discover Arkansas and Discover Kansas City are open to the public at ElfNet, I feel that you will not mind that they are listed as Santa Happenings  in our public announcements. I trust that this will meet with your satisfaction, since there is no charge for the postings. On another note, you or other members of your organization are welcome to post articles that are appropriate to the greater Santa community on Jingle Press Online as well.

Thank you,

Santa Walter

Publisher, Jingle Press Onine 

Even though I purchased the domain names for Jingle Press without thought of being reimbursed following the weekend of February 23, 2008, once Jeff German and Nicholas Trolli directed me to set up a search-able and web-friendly version of Jingle Press Volume I, Issues 1, 2, and 3, last week I offered the domain names of jinglepress.net, jinglepress.org, and jinglepress.com to AORBS at my costs. There was no effort to charge for development costs, time spent, nor Internet Service Provider fees. The fees with proxy registration for the 3 domain names for 2 years cost $101.08. The replacement logo that was necessary to move away from Jingle Press (which is copyrighted by AORBS) cost $149.00. While I have spent a great deal more that the $250.08, that is what I requested from Nicholas to sell him the domain names. I told him in our exchange of emails that the offer was open only a short while, and he has not responded to my last missive on May 14, 9 days ago. They are no longer for sale.

His efforts to have me abandon the rights to Jingle Press Online were fruitless. His condition, apparently, to buy the domain names was that I would abandon all use of Jingle Press Online. "Of course not," I replied. He did not offer to buy the domain names of jinglepressonline.org, jinglepressonline.net, nor jinglepressonline.com, but I did tell him that that would cost the full development costs that I have incurred, and that I didn't think he could afford it.

He asked me to become the de-facto Publisher of Jingle Press on February 23, 2008, at 12:45 PM PST. It is well documented in posts to ElfNet, SantaTalk, IOSForum, as well as in Jingle Press Online. Since he authorized it, he cannot force me away without paying me, in my considered opinion, even though he banned me from ElfNet and subsequently refunded my $15 dues. [The day of the banning is when Jingle Press Online began a 'Recall Nick' campaign. It is still viable, if anyone is interested. The how-to is spelled out in other articles on this site.] I didn't even ask him to apologize for his 'thief and a liar' branding that he bandied about.

The Jingle Press is defunct; the entire publishing team walked away when Nick and Jeff erased all references to Santa Tim from the Issue 3 article about the Santa Cruise that was organized by Santa Tim for his International University of Santa Claus. That entire team is now reviving their previous newsletter efforts on behalf of the Red Suit Roundtable.

As I said in the email to Nick, he should buy the domain names for $250.08, since the offer was the right thing for me to do, as I see it. I am no longer interested in Nick nor in AORBS. I did tell him also, that it was probably in my best interests if he declined, since it signals that he is no longer interested in the Jingle Press copyright. It is truly a sad state of affairs to which we have arrived.

This is a personal opinion. Nicholas or anyone else who wishes to offer a counter point of view are welcome to do so.

Santa Walter Roach, Publisher of Santa's Gazette: Jingle Press Online