Ducks Are Just Ducky
By Grey Vanaman
Sunsport has recently purchased ten ducklings. They were received from The Red Barn at one day old on March 27th. We're encouraging the camp children to take an active role in their care, and so far the kids here have taken complete care of them. From feeding and watering to keeping their habitat clean and socializing them, the camp kids are doing a fantastic job with minimal adult help. Also, recently a large cage was built for them. If you see a big-white PVC pipe structure around the grounds somewhere - that's their new home until they're old enough to be set free on the waterways here when they're about eight weeks old.
These ducks are called Indian Runners, and tend to walk much more upright than other varieties of ducks. They're thought to be a bit more predator-resistant due to their ability to move along the ground quicker. They are however, still very prone to invisible underwater attacks from Snapper turtles. If you see any snapper turtles around, the kids ask that you tell the snappers to go to other lakes. If that plan fails, we are in the process of researching floating duck hutches where they'll be safer.
Anyone wishing to visit, hold, feed, kiss, or play with the ducklings are welcome to stop by their temporary home at site "L", AKA: "Grey and Bridget's parade of continual children". The ducks are typically outdoors in the white PVC pen, but you might find the pen in different locations throughout the camp now that they're getting bigger. Since these are a camp project, everyone's welcome to join in the fun!
President’s Desk
by Morley Schloss
Easter weekend was very special at Sunsport.
Sunsport hosted 57 members of Young Florida Naturists, aged 18-30, including 5 Sunsport residents. Half had never visited a naturist resort before. They camped together in the campfire area. They enjoyed a drum circle with fire spinning, karaoke, a DJ dance, a “values in relationships” game, yoga, volleyball, tennis and lots of time in and around the pool. They loved Sunsport and will be back.
Twelve children hunted for hundreds of plastic eggs full of treats. They dyed eggs. Several created Easter bonnets and staged an Easter parade around the pool. Two families with children became members of Sunsport. I hope you will join with me in thanking Sunsport's resident children for their recent work in cleaning up trash and beautifying Sunsport.
“Sunsport's Principles and Objectives Statement” calls for us to increase the involvement of young adults and children. We are achieving our objectives; Sunsport probably has the highest percentage of young people of any U.S. naturist resort.
I am sad to report that Kyle Janice has resigned as manager of Sunsport's restaurant. He has operated the restaurant longer than anyone in my memory including during two Festivals. His meals were creative, delicious and healthful.
I thank Bruce Turnicliffe for managing the restaurant during the interim between Kyle's departure and the arrivals of the incoming managers. He has prepared great meals including perfect buffets for the Young Florida Naturists.
I welcome Gloria and Bob Westgate as Sunsport's new restaurant managers. I look forward to great dining with this experienced couple.
The Naturist Society (TNS) has informed us that for the second year in a row Sunsport Gardens has more Naturist Society members than any other club, even those with much larger memberships. TNS publishes the quarterly N Magazine which includes the most informative and intelligently stimulating articles of any naturist magazine in the world as well as great photos. N Magazine often has articles on Sunsport. TNS members elect the Board of the Naturist Action Committee which protects and promotes opportunities for clothesfree recreation and the Naturist Education Foundation which intervenes in court cases and informs people of the benefits of naturism. Sunsport is proud to host the Naturist Society's Midwinter Naturist Festival and its July Youth Camp. I encourage all Sunsport members to join TNS.
Morley Schloss
Board President
Duck Update
Ted Johnson worked with Grey and Morley to get the duck project underway, and has sent us this last-minute update.
Sunsport’s ducks will not have clipped wings, and will have floating platforms to increase their chances of getting established and escaping predators.
One of the ducklings has an injured leg & is at Folke Peterson Wildlife Center being fixed.
We are all grateful to Ted for conceiving and organizing this terrific project.
In This Issue...
- Ducks Are Just Ducky
- President's Desk
- Sunsport’s Community Column
- Editor’s Nudes-n-Notes
- Youth Assemble To Clean Up The Lake
- I Dunno…
- A Letter From The Florida Young Naturists
- Policy Clarification
- Kids Do Community Service
- Upcoming Special Events
- Duck Update
- Reduced Grounds Fees and Site Rental Rates
Reduced Grounds Fees and Site Rental Rates
Ground fees are being reduced to $16 per person beginning May 1. The summer rate will continue through October 31. The regular ground fee of $6 per person under 30 with a student ID will continue.
May is also the month when long term campers may opt for the year round site rental rates which are half way between the higher winter rates and the lower summer rates. Summer rates begin in May.
Sunsport’s Community Column
By Kathy Voron
Well, the big news at camp has to do with new ownership of our restaurant. Many qualified candidates responded to our ad and the final decision has been made. Bob and Gloria Westgate have had over 35 years in the food business. Next month we will do an exclusive interview with our new chefs. So, we hope to see everyone enjoying our new café.
Around the Grounds
It’s starting to look pretty empty around here. You sure can tell when the season is over. No waiting for laundry times, pool and hot tub almost empty, petanque down to 1 court at 2pm...
Volunteer help is needed!!!! Janet has done such a great job of making Sunsport a more beautiful paradise that we need your help to keep it all watered through the summer. Come and see me at lot 45 and show your appreciation by helping out. The plants need you.
Laundry sign-up made easy…sign up for washer at 9am then dryer for 10am don’t put the same time for both machines.
Kid’s Corner
Youth camp starts July 19th so be sure to sign up in the office or see Sandi Reamer at lot 39.
A few years ago, when we first moved back to Sunsport, our daughter was explaining to her youngest, Tommy, about where we live. When she was thru, he asked if Grandma and Grandpop walked around outside, all day without clothes on. When the reply was “yes” he put his hands on his hips and in a stern voice asked “Does the President know this”?
Local Recipes
Here is the first of many recipes that I received from our Sunsport family. This one sounds great for Potluck or a kid's party.
Miss A’s Lasagna Rollups
Pre-heat oven to 350º
- 12 cooked and drained lasagna noodles
- 4 cups leaf spinach or 10 oz frozen, drained
- 2 cups ricotta
- ½ cup parmesan
- 1 egg
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 jar 26 oz pasta sauce (divided)
- ½ lb cooked ground beef
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix spinach, cheeses, egg and seasonings in large bowl
Reserve ½ cup sauce. Mix remaining sauce with cooked beef and pour into greased casserole dish (at least 10 inch diameter
Spread 2-3 tbsp. on each noodle and roll-up. Place seam side down into casserole dish and drizzle with remaining sauce
Cover and bake about 30 minutes.
Add salad and garlic bread and you have a feast.
Have a recipe that you want to share? Email me kvoron@aol.com or come by lot 45.
Sporting Events
Even though the season has ended we are still playing petanque daily at 2 pm and late afternoon volleyball.
The tennis courts are pretty empty so now is the time to come out and play a few sets.
And while you are here stop and have lunch or dinner in the Café.
This may or may not be a sporting event but everyone enjoyed the DRAG QUEEN DANCE on April 18th. Who knew that Mark Turner and Don Sanborn could be so lovely?
Days Gone by or Newly Nude
Anyone remember the old softball field? Or the original “swimming pond”? How about when we had to use gallon jugs to filter our drinking water? Or when the restaurant was a nightclub? Come on, send me an email with your memories.
Personal and Member News
This month the personal column is dedicated to health news and cardiology is the topic.
Get well soon to Bob Fekete, Shelly Voron and Al (Ashley’s Dad), who have all have just had successful open heart surgery. Thankfully Helen Fekete’s tests all showed that she does not need any surgery. Bob is home, and was able to enjoy dinner with friends at the Dolphin Café’s opening night! John Bishop has also had some ticker trouble, and our thoughts and prayers are with him as well.
Our sympathies are extended to Debbie Arnold at the passing of her mother, Ginny. Ginny had spent the last months of her life here at Sunsport.
Sale, Rent, Barter, Trade or Want
1998 25-foot travel trailer for sale or rent, 5k or $350 monthly 561-596-6620.
Please submit your ads to Kathy. There is no charge for this service!
Editor’s Nudes-n-Notes
By Christiana Gaudet
Thanks for reading the second issue of the Sunsport Report. Please join me in welcoming several new contributors. We are pleased to receive press releases from Grey Vanaman about some of the exciting things our Sunsport kids are doing. Speaking of kids, we are also very pleased to publish an article written by one of our youth, junior journalist Frank “Bud” Reamer.
While our spring and summer months don’t have as many planned activities as our winter months, you can be sure that there is always something to do here at Sunsport, for the young and the “young at heart” alike.
As editor of the Sunsport Report I look forward to your article submissions, be they about Sunsport, or your travels, experiences or thoughts about your naturist lifestyle.
Our Sunsport community is always growing. In April we welcomed several new member families, as well as many first time visitors. Please remember that Sunsport Gardens has many talented members who can help make your stay here even more enjoyable. Massage, yoga, Tarot readings, astrology, music lessons, photography, computer repair and plants for your garden are just some of the many services and items available right here at Sunsport!
I am grateful to our regular contributors Kathy Voron and Don “DJ” Sanborn. Without you this project would never have gotten off the ground!
Until next month. . .
Naturally yours,
Christiana
Youth Assemble To Clean Up The Lake
By Grey Vanaman
In an effort to improve the appearance of Sunsport after a busy winter season, the kids gathered together on a fine Friday morning to practice their boating skills and remove debris from around the lake. Brandon, Gavin, Alexis, Alex, Bud, Nathan, Leslie, and Kyrie the "reincarnated Houdini" dog took out canoes and a row-boat and collected 18 tennis balls, 2 beer bottles, 12 plastic bags, one fishing bob, a tent carrying bag, and a foam rubber duck from around the outskirts of the lake. Also, we found one very old and slimy table umbrella. It was full-size, opened up, and inverted - stuck in the mud. If you would like to claim any of this material, please visit the local county landfill and fill out a "property reclamation request". I'm sure someone will gladly go dig out your cruddy tennis ball.
If you happen to see any of these kids around camp, please show them your appreciation for their hard work in cleaning up. Ice cream sandwiches are always appreciated!
I Dunno…
(An article sharing the random thoughts of Don Sanborn,
a.k.a. the Naked Man of “Nekked Man Garden & Nursery”, a.k.a. “D.J.”)
Hello… anyone out there? Last month I wrote an article for SSG’s first monthly Newsletter with some general proposals, light-hearted comments and other fluff… expecting, (hoping), to hear some feedback from others. I’m still waiting… So I’ll start this month’s article rehashing one of last month’s inquiries, (besides, even if no one is reading this, it’s good therapy for me… at a price that I can afford!) Anyway… a Poker Night anyone??
Now for a short Public Service Announcement: You’ve all heard about the Digital TV thing coming soon to a TV near you. In these tough economic times, you might consider discontinuing your cable or satellite dish and save $50+ a month. www.dtv2009.gov is the web site to go to and apply for your $40 off coupons towards the purchase of a converter box. They sell for $40 - $50 in most stores. And let me tell ya… the picture quality is awesome! And you will start receiving many new channels that you didn’t receive with your old rabbit ears. While most of them are weather, Spanish, or religious channels, some of them are OK… like old movies, older TV shows and the like. But here’s a clue… you can not use the North Road address to receive your coupons. I was denied 3 times before I was told that due to that address being shared by so many residents here, the government would not mail coupons to that address, as they had no way of identifying who has or had not applied. So… just use the address of someone you know outside the resort.
Another thang that’s becoming more popular in these economically challenging times is bartering. Scratch my back & I’ll scratch yours kind of thang. Just thinking that perhaps a larger bulletin board or corkboard could be used to list services and/or needs in the game room perhaps? Just a personal plug here, but I’m willing to trade plants and landscaping labor for a little help around the ‘ole RV. I Dunno… just a thought.
Speaking of plants… and I just was… The Caladiums are Back!! Great deals on these Beautiful and very colorful plants available @ The Nekked Man Nursery.
So. . . I Dunno…. but is typing to yourself the same as walking around and talking to yourself? OK… let’s end this on a more serious subject…. Well… maybe next month. I Dunno…
A Letter From The Florida Young Naturists
Morley and the entire staff at Sunsport Gardens,
Thank you so much for an absolutely incredible weekend! I could never imagine a first time event like this going so well. The generosity of the Sunsport community was outstanding! So many different people from our group came up to me and said Sunsport was their favorite resort they had ever been to, that they felt more comfortable and welcomed than anywhere else (I heard those two words numerous times.) Many people said this was the best weekend they have had in a long time, some said hands down it was the best weekend they have ever had. Sunsport's desire to attract and welcome young people is an awesome thing that many of us are very excited about.
THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I would love feedback. If there were any problems I was not aware of, any places we did not properly clean up, anything and everything we could do differently next time, please let me know so I can document those things. Please do not hesitate to tell me.
Peace and Love,
Robbe White
Policy Clarification
Some members have requested clarification on Sunsport’s nudity policy, and here it is.
"Nudity is required within the fenced area around the pool and hot tub. Nudity means that the area between a person's waist and knees is uncovered. Note that sarongs and towels are coverings. This does not apply to people actively walking through the area or to staff while working in the area. This policy is applicable during daylight hours when the temperature is above 65 degrees.
Nudity is required at all times in the pool, hot tub, sauna and showers. An exception is for children who are not fully toilet trained who must wear waterproof swim diapers while in the pool or hot tub."
If you have any questions about this or any other Sunsport policy, please see Morley.
Kids do Community Service
By Frank “Bud” Reamer
I am Frank Reamer 4, and I'm doing a community service project. My project is cleaning up the Sunsport Gardens kid’s area (playground). Some of the things I do include picking up the trash and looking for maintenance.
I'm also looking for volunteers to help build stuff for the kids, like a music center.
Clean up is every Sunday at 1pm. If you would like to volunteer please come to the playground at that time or see me at site 39.
Upcoming Special Events
Many of our regular weekly events continue throughout the year, such as our Friday night Drum Circle and our Saturday night Dance. We have also added some new regular events, including Tennis every Sunday morning, and many opportunities for Yoga. Please check the website or check with the Sunsport office for details.
Activities for kids are also plentiful, so be sure to bring the family when you come to visit Sunsport.
On May 3rd at 5 pm we will gather to celebrate the ancient holiday of Beltane. Beltane, traditionally celebrated on or about May First, is one of the four cross-quarter days. That is, days that fall directly between an Equinox and a Solstice. Beltane is the holiday of fertility, celebrating the energies of prosperity, abundance and romance that are so prevalent in the springtime. Traditionally, Beltane was celebrated with a Maypole dance and the jumping of the Belfire. If all goes well, we will attempt these ancient traditions right here at Sunsport. Please plan to be part of the fun!
Tarot Circle will meet on May 7th at7 pm in the Pavilion. If you are interested in Tarot, divination or psychic development, please join us!
If you are leading an event, make sure you send the information to webmaster@sunsportgardens.com so that it can be listed on the website.
Ongoing Events
- Every day Petanque 2PM
- Every Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday Yoga with Uma 5PM (Orchid Lawn, rain location Pavilion;
Donations welcomed) - Every Wednesday Pot Luck Dinner 6PM
- Every Thursday Gentle Yoga with BJ 1PM (On the Orchid Lawn)
- Every Friday Drum Circle 9PM to Midnight
- Every Saturday Tennis 9AM
- Every Saturday & Sunday Volleyball 1PM
- Every Sunday Tennis 10:30AM
May Events
| 3rd, Sun: | Maypole Celebration - 5PM - Orchard |
| 7th, Thu: | Tarot Circle - 7 to 9PM - Pavilion |
Please check our events page for ongoing events and up-to-the-minute schedule updates.
