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Mark Blinch, a photographer with the Reuters News Agency, contacted us in June about a project he was doing on “what it means to get back to nature,  movements on how people find alternatives to cope with big city living, and what it means to our health when we are absent from nature.”  He wanted to know if he could explore the naturist movement in that context.  We agreed and he spent a few days at Bare Oaks both as a participant and as a reporter.  The fact that he took his time and tried it himself really shows in the resulting video: http://blogs.reuters.com/photo/2011/09/19/naturism-these-images-contain-nudity/ TheseRead More →

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Mount Albert Family Fun Fest & Music Mania Saturday, September 24th It’s not a Bare Oaks event but it is an event in our community which we support.  And it’s a fun time!! The village of Mount Albert is located about 5 km southeast of Bare Oaks Family Naturist Park.  Maps are available in the office. FREE ADMISSION • FREE PARKING Downtown Mount Albert (Community Centre) FAMLY FUN FEST Starts at 10 am Bouncy Castle •  Pony Rides •  Pumpkin Decorating • Vendors •  Festival Games & Crafts • Live Performances • Free “Test Drive Your Fitness” Classes •  Story Time • Contests •  Chaotic Exotic AnimalsRead More →

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Each year, there is pressure to hold the members’ meeting as early as possible before some of our retired members head south.  That always makes it difficult to effectively evaluate the past season which has barely finished. It also makes it challenging to announce plans for the next season so the projects and ideas are usually vague. To solve this, the members’ meeting is being moved to the spring – likely in April. That way, we’ll be able to be very specific about the plans for the summer and report much more accurately on the previous year. The change in timing shouldn’t have any impactRead More →

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A recent Toronto Star article reported on a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. It confirms previous evidence that caffeine helps prevent some skin cancers. We all know by now that there is plenty of evidence that sunshine and vitamin D are very important to our health. (See the May 2010 blog post) But skin cancer remains a concern so treating the sun with respect is also important.  But now it seems, that a cup of coffee prior to getting your sun exposure might be a key part too! Other research has also linked coffee consumption to lowering the risk of colorectalRead More →

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Given the popularity of the restaurant, we’ve extended the hours into the fall. In the past, the restaurant switched to weekend-only hours after labour day. But this year, for September, the Bare Bistro will be open: Monday to Friday: 11 am to 3 pm  Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm Sunday: 8 am to 3 pm Of course, Liz is always happy to stay open a bit longer if the weather is good and there are customers around. Visit www.BareBistro.ca for hours, menu, events and announcements.Read More →

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Over the last week, several members have approached staff with disturbing rumours about the film that was shot at Bare Oaks on August 15th to 17th. We really appreciate those members who took the time to find out the facts by asking us directly. To spread such rumours without even trying to check the facts would be malicious. But in case anyone has heard the stories but hasn’t had a chance to ask us yet, here are the facts: Not porn This is the most surprising part of the rumour.  Given our clear position against pornography, it is dumbfounding that anyone would believe that we wouldRead More →

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The new mini-golf is now open! Everyone is welcome to play.  Putters and golf balls are available in the office. This was not a Bare Oaks undertaking. Rather, it is the fulfillment of 3 years of dedication and perseverance by several Bare Oaks members who wanted to create a project that would enhance their park. Paul, one of the main organizers, tells the story as follows: The idea germinated during discussions between members during the summer of 2008. Fundraising started September 2008 and ran through May 2010.  The money was raised though numerous dances and casual meals offered by members over the winter seasons.  TheRead More →

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The 2011 Naturist Festival by the FCN & FQN was a huge success!!  Fantastic weather ensured that hundreds of people attended and participated. The festival itself is over but there are still many events scheduled for August! Some of the events are organized by Bare Oaks but most of the events are done by the members either through the Bare Oaks Social Committee or the Bare Bistro. Euchre Night– August 12 Horseshoe Tournament– August 13 Country & Western Hoedown – August 13 Bare Olympics – August 20 BOSC Breakfast Reception – August 21 Lee Baxandall Memorial Volleyball Tournament – August 26 – 28 Easter inRead More →

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Twenty years ago today, on July 19, 1991, Gwen Jacob took off her shirt and walked home from the University of Guelph. She was charged with committing an indecent act. (Section 173 of the Criminal Code of Canada) It was actually the second time that she had walked top-free in the City of Guelph during 33C weather. The first stroll only generated puzzled reactions. But on the second day, she ran into more opposition when she stopped to talk on Ontario Street. A Ms. Pettifer called the police after after Gwen Jacob refused her request to cover up. Another resident of that street, Ms. Snarr,Read More →

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You want to tell your friends, family and co-workers that you are a naturist. But you don’t want to make a big announcement and you’re not sure how to bring up the subject. After all, it’s a natural thing to do and isn’t a big deal. Here’s the solution. Get yourself the Bare Oaks mug and just casually drink your morning coffee in it.  Or just leave it laying around. It’s bound to generate some questions.  The cartoon nature of the image makes it relatively inoffensive. The variety of ages, genders, and types of people shows that naturism is for everyone. Of course, make sure youRead More →