NATIONAL ASSOCIATION TO AID FAT AMERICANS, INC.

P.O. BOX 43 • BELLEROSE, NEW YORK 11426 212 776-8120

VOLUME VIII September-December 1980 Issue No. 4 Edita~: Rosalie I. Radcliffe THEY CAME TO CHICAGO!

After months of planning, preparation, and anticipation, NAAFA members from across the continental , the Virgin Islands and the West Indies found a warm welcome in Chicago. Among the nu­ merous and varied greetings and accommo­ dations awaiting weary travelers was a Proclamation from the local deputy mayor.

"I, Anthony D. Esposito, Deputy Mayor, Village of Rosemont [suburb of Chicago], hereby declare the Labor Day Weekend of August 29 to September 1 as Fat Americans Weekend.

"WHEREAS, eating is required; and WHEREAS, fatness happens; and WHEREAS, being flat and skinny is not virtue and goodness and beauty embodied; and WHEREAS, beauty lies only in the eyes and hearts of the beholder; and WHEREAS, the National Association to one beauti ful, long weekend you are part Aid Fat Americans has contributed might­ of a happy, loving family. The [important] ily to the contentment of vast numbers of word i s part. . you are not alone, Americans; and you are not different; going to a [NAAFA] conventi on is like going home. You know WHEREAS, the association has given dig­ that no matter what else happens you will nity and stature to an oft-maligned seg­ always be welcomed there, cared for and ment of our population; and loved for yourself." WHEREAS, girth bespeaks happiness and enjoyment; The following pages will help tell the story of the 1980 Convention. For many, Therefore, The Village Board of Trustees this pictorial essay and the accompanying and I, . . do proclaim Fat Americans text will convey happy memories; for many Weekend and shout the following from the others perhaps it will provide the resolve rooftops: 'Enjoy.'" to begin planning now to attend the next Annual NAAFA Convention. And enjoy they did! The greatest num­ ber of members in NAAFA's eleven-year ************ history converged on the "Windy City." For the first time since the beginning of our organization, the Annual Convention WINNERS OF 1980 RAFFLE ANNOUNCED was held in the Midwest and, perhaps, was the reason that the 1980 event was noted Winners of the 1980 fund-raising raffle for the many first-time attendees. Both were chosen and announced on Sunday after­ novices and veterans enjoyed four event­ noon at the Convention. Nearly $700 was filled days of sharing and learning, play­ raised for NAAFA's treasury and a variety ing and celebrating. of prizes were awarded. For the second year, Sheila Goodman (New York) sold the "Attending a NAAFA Convention is like most tickets (110!) and received a $25 nothing else you will ever do," claims prize for this achievement. A big, fat Audrey Smith, Chairperson of the Chicago­ thank you, also, to everyone else who land Chapter of NAAFA and Vice Chairper­ sold tickets. son of the Convention Cammi ttee. "For (Continued on Page 2) CONVENTION PICTURE COMMENTARY EDITORIAL FAREWELL 1. After months of preparation, the 1981 This issue of the Newsletter is the NAAFA Convention opened in Chicago with last with my name on the masthead. I am Joyce Maloney, Chairperson of the Conven­ resigning from the position of Editor to tions Committee ready to answer questions concentrate on North Carolina Chapter re­ as she greeted members at registration. sponsibilities, schooling, and other ar~as of my life. Some facets of the work will 2. Many people pitched in to help where be missed very much; other parts are being needed including first-time attenders, surrendered quite willingly. It has been Michael and Margaret Thomas from Chicago a tremendous task for someone with little who helped with registration. training for this kind of work. 3. With name tags in place and packets in During the two years since my appoint­ hand, members gathered in the Hospitality ment as Editor, I have learned a great Suite to catch up on news, meet new ac­ deal about NAAFA, its operation, and our quaintances, and renew old friendships. membership. I also have gained valued knowledge of the many, many steps neces­ 4. Lisbeth Fisher, NAAFA's Executive Sec­ sary before sketchy ideas and/or hand­ retary, wearing a tee-shirt supporting written drafts become printed pages. It her favorite candidate, sold items at the is with deep regret, however, that I ad­ Bountiful Boutique and Book Baazar. mit defeat in being able to learn enough to produce a regular Newsletter. Certain­ 5. To help raise funds for their activi­ ly no one has complained louder than I ties, local chapters were invited to have about this long-overdue need. tables with items to sell. Sanda Kielbon and other Chicago members sold coffee For their endurance and encouragement, mugs as convention souvenirs. I thank Bill Fabrey; Liz Fisher; Publica­ tions Committee members, Rhea Bardin, 6. Activities in the Hospitality Suite Sheila Goodman, and Marvin Grosswirth; overflowed into the adjoining room for the as well as friends scattered throughout evening Cocktail Party -- where Gail Gold NAAFAland. At this time my successor has and Janet Judson joined Bob Arons at the not been appointed. When a decision is piano for an informal songfest. made, I hope members will support the new editor, also. S/he will be assuming a 7. Smiles like Linda Avery's indicated rewarding, but awesome, responsibility. the happy mood of the first evening as conversation and music mingled until mid­ --RIR night.

********** 8. On Saturday morning, Christina Kaye and Lynne Royster were among the many per­ RAFFLE WINNERS (Continued from Page 1) sons who discovered that Chicago was a great place to visit while on the bus tour Winners of the many prizes are: by the On The Scene travel agency.

GRAND PRIZE; $691.00 (one-half raffle. 9. Before the buses left, however, Gari proceeds) won by member Joan Bardy (Mich­ Ford and other members visited the Hospi­ igan), ticket sold by member P~t Kent tality Suite to see the Fatabilia Display. (Michigan) who received $25 prize. 10. But the buses finally departed, with FIRST PRIZE: NAAFA Life Membership won by Sherry Kessler and a majority of the other member Cynthia Shuford (Illinois). members aboard, to see the sights Chicago had to offer. SECOND PRIZE: $300 Lane Bryant gift cer­ tificate won by member Arleen Bambach 11. From the Sears Tower to a shopping (Illinois). spree at Sizes Unlimited, members including Janet Judson, Suzy Folsom, Ira Cohen, Mari­ THIRD PRIZES: Watches donated by Dianne anne Gluck, Louise Wolfe & Annette Paffen, Rubinstein (New York) won by member Han­ wound their way through Chicago in spite nah Tonkel (North Carolina) and Pearl of threatening rain. Derman (ticket sold by member Elyse Der­ man, New York). 12. A long day of touring did not daunt members' spirits, however, as they pre­ ADDITIONAL PRIZES: pared for the dinner-dance that evening. Latch hook wall hanging made and do­ Laughter and conversation continued as nated by Lisbeth Fisher won by Howie Zim­ Wilma Kuns, Barbara Novack, Gari Ford, an berg (ticket sold by member Diane Raphael, unidentified member, and JoAnne Callahan New York). gathered in the lobby.

Original oil painting donated by Dianne Due to production delays, this is­ Rubinstein won by member Donna Ryan (Il­ sue is not being mailed until early linois). April, 1981. (Continued on Page 4) 2 I 3 1

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PICTURE CREDITS - We thank Nancy Bierlin, Ira Cohen, Fred Frey, Rosalie Radcliffe, and Dianne Rubinstein for a pictorial 11 record of the events of the Conventiori. I RAFFLE WINNERS (Continued from Page 2) CONVENTION PICTURE COMMENTARY

$25 Women's World gift Certificate won 13. When the doors opened, Karl Niedershuh by member Patricia Herrick (). and Nancy Bierlin were among the guests who enjoyed the roast beef dinner in the $25 Lovely Large Lady gift certificate elegant Hall of Kings. won by member Mary Beth Fuehrer (New York) 14. Following dinner, members took to the Wind chimes,handmade by William Burns, dance floor for a long evening of tripping won by Joe Reilly (ticket sold by member the light fantastic. Sara Kerber, New York). 15. As the music of the six-piece Contin­ Cuddles Bath Products won by members entals band played on, members danced and Carol Metz (Virginia), Marcia Koslo (Il­ danced and danced. linois), Peg Murphy (New Jersey), Olaf Jorgensen (West Indies), Frances Graves 16. And no one enjoyed themselves more (Washington), Julia Schaltenbrand (West than Russell Williams and Wilma Kuns as Virginia), Louise Wolfe (California), and they swung into the mood of the evening. Barbara Ryan (ticket sold by member Gloria Kohlhauf (Missouri). 17. For a Sunday morning panel discussion, "Is Dieting Hazardous to Your Health?", $10 Nortan's Men's Wear gift certifi­ Karl Niedershuh, Chairperson of the Health cates won by members Donna Ryan and Committee, and Drs. Wayne & Susan Wooley, BuWayna Daniels (Ohio). NAAFA Advisors, shared information and answered questions from the floor concern­ Books: SUCH A PRETTY FACE won by mem­ ing the emotional and physical effects of ber Arnold Greenberg (New York), FAT AND dieting. THIN won by member Cynthia Shuford, ALIVE AND FAT AND THINNING IN AMERICA won by 18. Ira Cohen, Linda and Bernie Sherman, member Patricia Herrick, FIRST FAT LIBER­ Bill and Elise Lowe, and most other mem­ ATOR won by Patricia Blue (ticket sold by bers appreciated the breaks between ses­ member Douglas Corwin, New York), GARFIELD sions to get better acquainted with new AT LARGE won by member Lola Doe (Wiscon­ friends. sin), BRONX DIET won by member Suzy Fol­ som (California). 19. Members donned their dress-up clothes for Sunday's Luncheon and Annual Meeting. NAAFA wishes to express sincere appre­ Linda Blackmon was among the group that ciation to Lane Bryant, Lovely Large Lady, enjoyed the baked chicken and conversation Nortan' s Men's Wear, and Women's World for in the Kings Court. their gift certificates, and to Indalo In­ ternational Industries (manufacturers of 20. By this time everyone was feeling re­ Cuddles Bath Products) for donations to laxed with each other. Even first-time­ the 1980 Raffle. ~ttenders like Bruce McElney were finding it easy to participate in both group dis­ ********** cussions and informal conversations. 21. Much of the activity Sunday afternoon ATTENTION CONVENTIONEERS And Other In­ centered around the head table and Lisbeth terested Persons: NAAFA just received an Fisher, Executive Secretary; Monique Cles­ additional shipment of STERN Magazine ca, guest speaker; William Fabrey, Presi­ covering the 1980 Convention. Will send a dent; and Joyce Maloney, Chairperson of copy, postpaid, with an English transla­ the Conventions Committee. tion, in return for tax deductible $5 donation to NAAFA. Send request and do­ 22. The Membership Report and President's nation to NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, Message helped make everyone aware that, NY 11426. in reality, it is the individual members from throughout the United States and Can­ FAT ada, such as Andrea and Mary Beth Fuehrer, CAN BE that make NAAFA's continued existence pos­ BEAUTIFUL sible. 23. Karl Niedershuh was among the twenty ELECTION NOTICE persons who received one of the handsome Fletcher Pence Service Awards for outstand­ The 1981 Election Committee reports that the following NAAFA.ns have accepted the nomination to run in the upcoming ing service to the organization. annual election to fill five seats on the Board: Barbara Dona­ hue, William Fabrey, Sheila Goodman, Sherry Kessler, Joyce Maloney, Karl Niedershuh, Nancy Swnmer, Elizabeth Williams. 24. Another item on the agenda of the An­

NAAFA members wishing to run as "petition candidates" must nual Meeting was the installation of Flor­ present to the Chairperson of the Election Committee a petition ane Sclar as a member of NAAFA's Board of for his or her candidacy signed by at least twenty-five (25) members of NAAFA; and the petition, together with all of the Directors. items listed in III.B. of the Election Rules and Manual, must be postmarked no later than~- A copy of the rules are avail­ able from the office on request. 4 I 16

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I FLETCHER PENCE SERVICE AWARDS CONVENTION PICTURE COMMENTARY Fletcher Pence is founder and project director of the St. Croix LEAP (Life and 25. Bridal gowns by Alfred Angelo were a Environmental Arts Project), Inc. in the lovely addition to this year's fashion Virgin Islands. He is also a woodworker show. Donna Ryan, co-ordinator for the who shapes St. Croix mahogany into marvel­ show, and the other members who modeled ous things. This is the second year that performed like oros. Fletcher has used his skills to create a number of awards for outstanding NAAFA 26. Beautiful evening wear worn by Elaine members. Wine and Sharlene Smilow commanded every­ one's attention. In honor of their service to the organ­ ization, the following persons received 27. Fred Ihrt, photographer for STERN Mag­ awards at the 1980 Convention: Diane azine, kept his camera clicking all week­ Bagchi (Ohio), Ira Cohen (New York), end. Sharlene Smilow, on her way down the Betty Cordell (Maryland), Judy Forlines runway in a swingy cape for cold, win ter (New York), Wayne Gehres (Ohio), Sheila days, wa s one of the many persons caught by his lens. Goodman (New York), Ernest Harff & Mike Simpson (New York), Mark Jablonski (Wis­ consin), Marcia Koslo (Illinois), Wilma 28. To hel p ease tension, models Hannah Kuns (California), Karl Niedershuh (Vir­ Tonkel, Ann Walker, and Sharlene Smilow g inia), Diane Raphael (New York), Dianne hammed it up in the hallway before show­ Rubinstein (New York), Donna Ry an (Illi­ ing some of the lingerie available for nois), Audrey Smith (Illinois ) , Davea full figures. Wa llis (New Jersey), Louise Wo lfe (Cali­ fornia), Peggy & Russell Willia ms (Mary­ 29. Sunday evening's Splash Party brought land). out a parade of gorgeous bathing suits as members relaxed in and o ut of the pool On behalf of both 1979 and 1980 recipi­ during one of the weeken 's favorite ac­ ents, NAAFA thanks you, Fletcher Pence! tivities.

********** 30. Officers of local chapters shared prob­ lems and successes with each other Monday morning in a rap session led by Michael NOTE OF APPRECIATION Simpson and Ernest Harff, Co-Chairpersons of the Local Chapters Committee. My Dear Friends of NAAFA: 31. Wayne Gehres, Cliff Folsom, Eile e n Please allow me to take this opportun­ Lemke-Meconi and other chapter o ff i cers ity to thank you more fully for the award discovered that problems didn't seem as I received at the NAAFA Convention. At large when shared and that no group was the time I received it, I was so aston­ hassle-free. ished that it gave the photographers an opportunity to take a rare documentation 32. All too soon the weekend was s uddenly for the NAAFA files . a picture of me coming to an end. But Donald and Cynthia with my mouth shut. Shuford and other members were too busy reassuring each other that they would see Please thank all those who had anything everyone again at next year's convention to do with my receiving the award for to be very sad. their kindness and thoughts of me. The clock occupies a prominent place in my 33. At the Farewell Luncheon hugs and t ears quarters, where it is a constant reminder and promises to keep in touch with new and of the happy hours I have spent in the old friends completely upstaged the food company of NAAFAns. and formal farewells. For Donna Ryan, Au­ drey Smith, and Marcia Koslo, Chicago mem­ Wayne Gehres bers of the 198 0 Convention Committee, how­ ever, it was the first chance in many days ********** to sit down and relax for a few minutes. 34. Although some members remain ed in Chi­ cago for extended vacations, there was a PRODUCTS AND SERVICES MENTIONED IN continual exodus to parking lots and the THE NAAFA NEWSLETTER APPEAR FOR PUR­ airport on Monday afternoon. Karl Nieder­ POSES OF INFORMATION ONLY. STATE­ shuh and Russell Williams were among the MENTS MADE BY ADVERTISERS DO NOT crowd of weary, but happy persons who left NECESSARILY REFLECT OR AGREE WITH for home with renewed enthusiasm for re­ OFFICIAL NAAFA POLICY OR PURPOSES. sponsibilities in local chapters--and plans NOR DOES NAAFA ENDORSE ANY PRODUCT already begun for attending next year's OR SERVICE. convention in Atlantic City over Columbus Day weekend. 6 I 28

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I PERSONAL ADS NAAFA Convention in exchange for donation to NAAFA National, your local chapter, or Young male, good looking, active, ener­ best offer. Wilma Kuns, 1112 Larkin, g etic, 170 lbs., 6', muscular. Homestead­ Apt. 503, San Francisco, CA 91109. ing 1400 wooded acres, longing for kind, unde~standing open-hearted, sensuous, giv­ ing/:aking voluptuously fat young lady to share it with. Please write and send pic­ Single, attractive woman would like to tures to Neal, Rt. 3, Box 191B, Natchez, meet a nice guy for a serious relation­ MS 39120. ship. I live in N.J. Reply to Dept. 131, NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426.

Big, beautiful woman wishes to meet g entleman from Michigan or nearby area. Attractive, Illinois female, 40, 5'5", P.O. Box 05229, Detroit, MI 48205. would like to meet a white male NAAFAn who is warm and affectionate, enjoys movies, TV and theatre. Reply to Jose­ phine Tierney, P.O. Box 1975, Bridgeview, Tall, lean, gentleman, 27, seeks corre­ IL 60454. spondence from large, compassionate la­ dies, 18-30. Reply to Dept. 124, NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426. Unemployed woman needs clothing (espe­ cially for church/social events). Sizes: pantsuits/dresses 28½ (sometimes 26½); sweaters/tops 48, 50, XL; pants/jeans 44; Chubby, Black, female executive secre­ coat 50-52; bras 42-B; panties (cotton, tary, 45, well-read, college grad, career elastic legband) 48; shoes (low heels or minded, seeks ambitious Black gentleman, flats) 9-B. Mail postage paid to: J. L. 42-52, talkative, good-natured and wants Smith, 156 Brehl Ave., Columbus OH 43222. someone to appreciate these qualities. Additional information: (614) 279-7940. , Long Island area. Call Janice (212) 599-2550. *********

CLASSIFIED ADS Caucasian, 41-year-old, fat and foxy female says: Good things don't always WANTED: Artists' drawings for possible come in small packages. I enjoy singing, NAAFA notecards and Christmas cards. Send writing poetry, good conversation. Would to NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426. like to meet gentleman between 35-49 for Your reward? The satisfaction of helping sincere relationship. Reply to Dept. 126, NAAFA raise needed funds. A free set of NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426. cards to person submitting selected draw­ ing (s).

Large model-pretty lady, 30, S'S½", CLASSIFIED AD RATES intelligent, creative, seeking big, good­ natured, single Southern California guy, Commercial Ads: 50 cents/word, 10-word 28-35, over 5' 10", 250-350 lbs., nonsmoker, minimum. Department number available at social drinker, educated, imaginative, $10/issue. (Contact NAAFA for display varying interests, family oriented. Reply rates.) Dept. 127, NAA.FA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426. Non-Commercial Ads: 25 cents/word, 10- word minimum. Department number avail­ able at $5/issue.

Attractive, white, Pa. female, 27, 5'1", Non-members must pay commercial rates 105 lbs. would enjoy correspondence with for personal ads. an intelligent, honest, attractive, fat, male NAAFAn (250 lbs. and up) 27-35, Re­ All ads are accepted for publication ply to Dept. 128, NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, provided they are not against NAAFA's Bellerose, NY 11426. purpose. They may include personals, wanted to sell or buy, employment noti­ ces, meeting announcements, and many other items. Warm, intelligent, 25-year-old female would like to correspond with nice, warm, Copyright© 1981 National Associa­ intelligent male. Reply to Dept. 129, tion to Aid Fat Americans, Inc., NAAFA, P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426. P.O. Box 43, Bellerose, NY 11426. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part with­ out permission from NAAFA, Inc. Need to be met at deplaning for next 8 I