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Special to Pasco Naturally

Special to Pasco Naturally

BREAKING NEWS - Caliente resigns from American Association for Nude Recreation
on July 14 2008
By Marcia Stone
Pasco Naturally Editor

KISSIMMEE – The end of Caliente Resort’s membership in a nationally recognized association came with a brief e-mail from Caliente’s Steve Dorsey: “Please accept this as the official resignation of our charter.”

The $50 million resort had been temporarily suspended during an investigation about its participation or association with swingers’ parties and recreation, including SwingFest 2008.

The American Association for Nude Recreation, the oldest, largest and most credible organization supporting social family nude recreation, has removed Caliente Resort of Land O’ Lakes, from its organization.

This action was taken following the temporary suspension of the club’s charter because of marketing practices inconsistent with AANR’s principles and standards. In a letter to its clubs dated July 11, AANR reaffirmed its expectations of clubs holding an AANR charter. And Caliente responded by relinquishing their affiliation.

The break-off is a troubling one for hundreds of Caliente homeowners, property owners and thousands members and visitors who look to AANR as a seal of approval of established business standards in the nudist world.

Doug Butler, president of the Caliente Homeowners Association, wrote a straightforward President’s Letter that outlined what legal options property owners had to oppose swingers or sexually oriented events that Caliente management might endorse or participate in.

“Your board has been using for the past year and a half: quiet diplomacy. The board does not want litigation nor was that ever the intent when we met with our attorney, nor is it in any of our plans and wishes. We went for advice on how to best handle the ‘lifestyle’ situation at Caliente.”

“We regret that it was necessary to issue the suspension that led to where we are today,” said John Kinman, AANR President. “Caliente is a beautiful resort, and AANR was a strong force behind its initial development and growth. However, no club is more important than the principles we have advocated for over three quarters of a century.”

The Caliente charter came under investigation when the club registered to have a booth at an adult trade show, Swingfest 2008.

“This is entirely counter to AANR’s advocacy of social family nude recreation and its rejection of any attempt to associate its good name and reputation with sexually exploitive purposes. Club management offered some concessions, but their PR Director is still scheduled to lead a workshop advocating co-existence between swingers and nudists,” said an AANR statement.

“As a husband, father of four and an employee of the Association, this is not a message I could accept,” said Erich Schuttauf, AANR’s Executive Director. “AANR clubs represent the best in healthy clothes-free living and recreation, for all ages.”

Response to the removal of Caliente Resort from AANR membership has surprised local nudists:

--Doug Lynch, a Caliente homeowner, said, “Caliente, a jewel of a resort, is unlike anywhere else on earth. Caliente has AANR values in its filings at Pasco County. It’s not about whether the behavior is appropriate or even about sexuality. Residents and Caliente signed papers to this effect. The By Laws of Caliente Master Association Board of Directors filed with Pasco County say, ‘Caliente is a nudist resort and a nudist residential community, wholesome, (with a) friendly atmosphere conducive to nude recreation. We distinguish between nudity and sex and keep the two in their proper perspectives. The nudist aspect shall not be subject to amendment, change or modification,’” he said.

--Paul Brenot, President, PANDAbare.org, says, “I’m sure that such a decision was made after much deliberation by the principals of Caliente, LLC.”

“PANDAbare.org believes in the ideals of AANR. Our mission is to promote our culture and build a responsible network and partnership with the non-naturist residential, business and governmental segments of our beautiful Pasco,” he said.

“Caliente’s decision to leave AANR was made with what Caliente felt was in their best interest. PANDA will not knee-jerk react to this, but we will see what directions Caliente decides to pursue. Caliente’s future actions will speak louder then any rumor or gossip.

“By letting the dust settle, PANDA will then be able to act with clarity. Like I stated before, this was an issue between the national organization and one of its members. Caliente has now decided to go it alone. We wish them well,” he said.

“The residential naturists who own and/or live in Caliente and those naturist members of Caliente Resort who believe in the ideals of AANR and PANDA are welcome to join and participate in PANDA,” he said.

The Pasco Area Nudist Development Association is a grassroots, all volunteer non-profit group to promote nudism for residents and visitors in a wholesome way in Pasco. It was formed early this year.

AANR has been an aggressive advocate for nude recreation rights and a strong promoter of public education. “When we speak to legislators or contribute to positive mainstream media recognition including the New York Times, Today Show, Time Magazine, and others, they know AANR has earned the reputation as the credible voice for nude recreation,” said Schuttauf.

AANR’s mission is to advocate nudity and nude recreation in appropriate settings, and educate and inform society of the value and enjoyment of such through on-going member growth. It is the credible voice of reason, representing the millions of people who enjoy clothes-free recreation and ‘nakationing’ throughout North America.

You can find more information in next week’s Pasco Naturally, delivered by Wednesday, July 23 to all nudist communities and Land O’ Lakes-Lutz area businesses.

For further information on nude recreation and the associations affiliated clubs, contact AANR at 1-800-TRY-NUDE or visit the association’s website at www.aanr.com.