Breaking News: Which State Legislator Allows A Nudist Party At Their Business?

Delaware Spa Party

A Delaware state legislator runs a company.  As part of that company, certain events can be held at various locations.  One of those events is a Nudist Party, held once a month.  Which legislator is this?

If you guessed State Rep. Mike Ramone, you would be absolutely correct.  Mike Ramone and his wife own a chain of swimming pools in New Castle County.  One of them, Delaware Swim & Fitness Club in New Castle, hosts “Delaware Spa Party” each month.

  • This is not a “clothing optional” event. The party is sponsored as a “nude” event and all attendees are expected to dress (or undress) accordingly.
  • By applying for membership and paying the fees, members represent that they are not offended by nudity or displays of affection between consenting adults.

Holy cow!  What goes on at these nudist parties?  When I think of Mike Ramone I think of him handing out lollipops to kids at Legislative Hall!  Certainly not someone who allows parties like this at his place of business.  But we all have to pay the bills!  I have no idea if Ramone attends these parties or if his role is just that of someone who said okay to this type of activity.  For some reason, recent parties have been no alcohol allowed.  I wonder if something happened to cause this rule?

Now I’m all for transparency but this party seems to have FULL transparency if you get what I’m saying.  And before you ask, no, I have not attended any of these parties.

A big thanks to “Velcro Dancer” for sending me this tip!  If I were you, I would check out the website before it miraculously disappears!  There is no doubt Ramone owns this business because he includes it in every single legislator email he sends out!

Yes, this is the same State Representative that sponsored a bill to make “Maypole Dancing” the state dance…

Updated, 8:59pm: Apparently this issue is now moot.  The party appears to be over.  Not my intent to tick off the nudists who felt this was a safe haven for their activities.  The Delaware Spa Party website just posted the following message on their website:

 

64 thoughts on “Breaking News: Which State Legislator Allows A Nudist Party At Their Business?”

  1. So, a business person rents out a private space to a private group for a private function that isn’t illegal in the State of DE? Sounds like a non-starter. But let’s ignore the legal conflict of interests of some other elected officials that has been going on for decades. Or the pizza parties that school districts hold and only send out invites to parents along with “please vote for this tax increase, we need the $$$”, and wait until the chilly days of Jan, Feb, Mar, when the retired folks have flown south for the winter. Yawn, nothing to see there, but certainly ‘lots to see’ at this venue for hire nudist event! I’m all for ‘full disclosure’ but won’t be attending any of these events (ever) until I’ve gotten back my twenty-something jock bod! LOL! 🙂

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      1. Well Kevin, the manner in which you presented the story, made it seem like it was certainly immoral or highly questionable, or maybe something else terrible happens at these events, Quote from your posting; “…Holy cow! What goes on at these nudist parties? When I think of Mike Ramone I think of him handing out lollipops to kids at Legislative Hall! Certainly not someone who allows parties like this at his place of business.” That sure sounds like you’re questioning the legality of what happens at these events. (just saying what it read like). No ill intent here.

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        1. Most of my slant on this piece had to do with the way things were worded on the Delaware Spa Party website as well as their Twitter account. Those things insinuated something and I reacted to them. Could be a matter of opinion or perspective. Not sure how pizza parties at schools can compare to nudist parties. You jumped into that ring Mark.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I think it’s abundantly clear you positioned it as if something illegal/immoral was occurring. The fact is that it was after normal hours and there was nothing wrong occurring. You took it upon yourself to create news where there really wasn’t any and come across like a jerk. Why? Seems like you have an axe to grind.

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          2. I think it’s abundantly clear you positioned it as if something illegal/immoral was occurring. The fact is that it was after normal hours and there was nothing wrong occurring. You took it upon yourself to create news where there really wasn’t any and come across like a jerk. Why? Seems like you have an axe to grind.

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    1. Interesting interview. My intention wasn’t to shut down a 25 year nudist event. Sounds like that was Ramone’s decision. I did find their Twitter account and if this party tends to be elderly people and a naturalist type of event, why do they have pictures of naked and what some may perceive as “beautiful” and younger women to advertise this?

      Liked by 1 person

      2. If it was “fabricated”, why did Ramone 1) admit it, 2) insist it was innocent, 3) tell the people who ran it to shut it down? While he saw my article as potentially drawing the “wrong” crowd to an event like this, it could have been a very good thing for the cause he supported for 25 years. It could have gained more folks to this event. But no, he hastily shut it down because he didn’t want the stigma attached to himself.

        Liked by 1 person

  6. Good God. In case anyone didn’t notice, Adam and Eve were nudists until they ate the apple of shame and pain during child birth. What we have here is a group of people comfortable enough in the human body, and just the human body, to display that comfort in the seclusion of a private event. Shame on the shamers! Now, if Ramone was renting his facility to the Amish Mafia, I might find the issue concerning. However, nudist are probably the furthest one can get from any mafia.

    All that said, it appears from Ramone’s interview that he actually has a shield between himself and his businesses where there could be a conflict of interest with his legislator role. There’s a name for that, I just can’t put my finger on it right now. But, he clearly relied heavily on his manager to make prudent decisions.

    If I remember correctly, there is a former School Board member who was a nude model in his/her college days. No one went digging into that snake pit, nor did the member’s history have any impact on the person’s decision making skills in the capacity of school board member.

    Nudist. Can’t live with ’em, we say, yet, we can’t live without their non-nude contributions to society.

    Put Ramone to bed. The Amish mafia is calling.

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  7. Kevin, this was nothing more than a poorly researched hatchet job by you. Just like many of your other articles (case in point Newark Charter’s active shooter drills) you didn’t do your homework and instead painted the picture YOU wanted. How about just reporting the facts instead of your opinion? Frankly, I think you owe Mike Ramone an apology.

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      1. And? The only reason I even found out about you is because of the WDEL article….so we’re even on being aware of each other. You still have yet to address that you put your own personal slant on this issue which drew unnecessary/unwarranted attention. That’s not fact-based reporting, it’s an opinion piece.

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        1. This is a blog!!!!! I understand you are new to this blog, but I am NOT the News Journal. Something I’ve said a gazillion times which many people understand. Let me enlighten you. The things I write about involve kids. I am surrounded by liars at the highest levels. The News Journal and media like that have a certain journalistic code they must follow. With the work I do, I wade in the muck and dig.
          With this story about the Delaware Spa Party, I inserted a little bit of humor into it. My goal was never to get the thing shut down. I thought it was something that was actually interesting. We are surrounded by school shootings and crime and violence and corruption. I know Mike Ramone. I’ve met him several times at Legislative Hall. He gave my son a lollipop one time during a Tourette Syndrome Awareness resolution the House passed. I’ve liked some bills he’s sponsored or co-sponsored and disagreed with other bills he has been involved in. I even joked with him in January about an article another Delaware blog put up about him regarding his bill about making Maypole dancing the state dance. He told me he doesn’t put much weight to this kind of stuff and he has thick skin. I don’t have any personal resentment against Ramone. While he may see this as some personal attack, I honestly would have written the same post no matter what legislator owned the business, Democrat or Republican. This blog is filled with opinion and I have been known to be sarcastic at times in articles. Many blogs do this all the time, especially in Delaware.

          Liked by 1 person

          1. I certainly understand that it’s a blog and doesn’t have to adhere to journalistic standards, but when it is written in the vein of “reporting” it can do damage.

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  9. Sad, very sad. Kevin, you have always focused, on trying to make education better in Delaware. You have focused on EDUCATION & you wrote about the funding, teachings and the miss direction of educators and our elected officials. And their hands in, letting the teachers teach. By this reporting, you took money, out of someone’s pocket. No issues in 25 years and now this!
    You got your, 15 minutes of fame http://www.phillyvoice.com/delaware-republican-mike-ramone-naked-pool-parties/

    Liked by 1 person

  10. Good grief people, Kevin does a great service to the people of Delaware by publishing many articles regarding what’s going on in the state and local governments. He’s provided people with insight our “transparent” (NOT) politicians are planning and don’t talk about. I do not agree with Kevin on some issues but I appreciate his assessments and opposing positions and arguments. At least he puts himself out there, which is more than many people do.
    Those that argue against Kevin’s posting State Rep. Ramone’s spa business and sponsorship of nude parties is of interest to parent’s who worry about their children who visit his aquatic centers – where the parties are/were held. Mr. Ramone has been appointed and serves on several child related activities and state committees. I don’t know Mr Ramone so I won’t comment on his personal ethics and/or business acumen in deciding these parties were a good idea, but this article would make me think twice about sending a child to any business or function Mr. Ramone is connected with.
    It’s concerning to me that Mr. Ramone found the idea of nude parties held at his businesses was wise as he’s very active with numerous youth groups (swimming and coaching at various community clubs and nonprofit organizations, at public and private high schools in New Castle County, supported the Boy Scouts of America, Special Olympics, Yes U Can Foundation, serves on the board of trustees of Yes U Can USA Foundation and the Make-a-Splash Foundation Delaware, an active member of the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, the Delaware PTA, a member of the General Assembly Kids’ Caucus, the Family Law Commission, the Governor’s Mentoring Council for Children and Youth and the Governor’s Council on Health, Promotion and Disease Prevention). As with most businesses, video cameras are an integral part of security – my question would be how many cameras are monitoring Mr. Ramone’s properties that film the nude/naturalist parties and what is done with the video tapes. Is law enforcement ensuring that video’s of children using his facilities are not being filmed in their “natural” state and tapes kept on file or disseminated to others, which is a violation of Federal law 18 U.S.C. 2251 & 2252.
    Evidently, the commenters here are pro-nude spa parties and don’t want their “fun” parties to be stopped.

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    1. I just read your comments again and you are seriously off your rocker. Filming children in their “natural” state? How the hell would this even occur. The group that rented the club are adults, not children. The only way for what you are suggesting is for video taping to be occurring in locker rooms and bathrooms which isn’t permitted. As for anyone posting being pro-nudist…. Nope it’s not my thing but that doesn’t mean that you or anyone else has the right to judge them. And if you would refuse to rent to them after hours based upon them being a nudist /clothing optional group you’d be opening yourself up to a discrimination lawsuit.

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      1. Pleeeaaasse Mr. Patman, tell me your “given name” so I can make sure I don’t consult you for any mental health issues. I would hate to waste my time visiting a psychologist that’s already diagnosed me – before seeing me as you clearly have determined I’m “off my (your) rocker”.
        You are evidently are not up-to-snuff about security of facilities, its true there are no cameras in locker rooms or bath rooms (usually) but the surrounding areas normally do, so your nudist friends will be on film if they wandered out of the locker room in their birthday suit.
        Mr. Patman, you need to speak your own truth – you, and I quote, “…you or anyone else has the right to judge them.” You certainly “judged me” by telling me I was “off my rocker” and you have thrown several negative comments about Kevin. You clearly speak out both sides of your mouth, and I’m pretty certain you also have 2 faces.

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        1. Well bless your little heart. I’m terribly sorry that you are having such a difficult time understanding why you are wrong (i.e. Off your rocker). You compared Rep Ramone allowing a naturalist group (a legal group) to rent his facility after hours for their function to him renting to the KKK or a white supremacist group (designated legally as hate groups). Do you see where the difference is? One is legal, harming noone… The others are HATE GROUPS! Please explain how that naturalists (nudists) are harming ANYONE? You inferred them (and their after hours/closed to the general public event) as being a danger to children. How? How does this make Rep Ramone a danger? The answer is that it doesn’t. You are making a massive issue out of a non story, which is precisely what Kevin wanted.

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          1. Patman, I actually read your old blog and some of that really resonates with what is going on today. In all seriousness, you should write more. I know we will never agree on the topic that brought you here, but I really like your writing.

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          3. If, as you state, this is “…a non story,” why are you so defensive about Mr. Ramone allowing nudist to party at his facility being made public? Why are you asking me questions and answering them yourself? Why are you using southern colloquialisms (bless your little heart) used to bless someone, but you’ve used the term to demean and criticize. You are accusing me of saying things I never said – I did not say Mr. Ramone was a danger. Those are your words not mine. Why do you feel the need to put words in other people’s mouths to justify your position. You are correct in stating the KKK and White Supremacist are considered hate groups but the point is they are “legal” and hold meetings and parties. So in essence your saying its not OK for hate groups to meet but non hate groups can – isn’t that discrimination. As you noted in your previous response, “…you’d be opening yourself up to a discrimination lawsuit.”
            I’m not going to be rude and tell you what you to said to me in a previous comment as I realize these discussion items are usually commented on quickly with little spell checking but you shouldn’t throw stones at others when you have done the same (sp. noone instead of no one). As you said, there are “mean spirited” people who just can’t help themselves and bully others. They feel the need to degrade others to make themselves look superior, I hear bully in your comments and wish you could argue your position w/o calling people names.

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          1. Guess you never heard of fake ID’s.
            Your comment is the usual one heard by people who are pro-nudity, not that you actually get naked yourself, you just like to look at naked people. Everyone’s a pervert because they don’t think like you. Get over it and stop labeling people you disagree with you.
            Parties like these should be held in private settings. A neighbor holds theirs this way and there’s been no negative issues.
            If people like you are so proud of nudity why do you hide your secret parties and use fake names to discuss the issue?

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          2. Ginny, it so difficult to take you seriously. Fake IDs for a nudist party? Do you really think that teens want to look at old sagging… Your assent that your neighbor’s naturalist parties held in the privacy of her own home is the more appropriate and discreet venue than a private club after hours? Well, she certainly doesn’t keep them private. You just advertised for her. Does the health department inspect her home? Would it pass the PH test? Yes, I’ve read the update. Ramone must accept liability for failing to maintain proper chemicals in his pool. That’s his hurt. But, it is not a result of renting to the same harmless organization for 25 years.

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    2. Are you serious? These are private parties held after business hours. How the hell does that affect kids? Answer? IT DOESN’T! All Kevin did here was smear Mike Ramone’s name and cost him business. Who is Kevin (or you) to judge Mike?

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  11. Very serious Mr.Patman/Anono.

    Mr. Ramone knew that these were nude/naturalist parties because…it’s his facility and he gets the money for rentals. Customers sign a contract to use the facility so he sets the rules. I have to wonder, would he allow the KKK or White Supremacist to party at his facility because they “paid”?

    Makes difference does it make what time of day the party is conducted. Yes, it does affect kids if they are exposed to an environment that’s not what their parents approve of.

    Kevin did not smear Mr. Ramone’s name he just published an article issued by the party organizer who put it in the “public domain”. It’s surprising these parties have been going as long as they have and no one’s reported them before now. Surprised that Kevin got a copy of the invite, he doesn’t run with this type of crowd. If Mr. Ramone wants to hide what his partner or staff are doing then don’t publish it or put it on the web. The Delaware government is good at hiding and not being up-front about information so it’s not surprising Mr. Ramone, who is a member of the Delaware political scene, didn’t advertise his association with the “naturalist”.

    Who are you anyway, Mr. Ramone’s big brother, naturalist partner, attorney?

    Oh yes, I forgot paying customers … Well, maybe the customers should “pay” for something a little more beneficial that’s not so “biological” like “paying” for upgrades to Delaware’s schools or scholarships or paying for kids to participate in tutoring programs or memberships in the Y.

    Your comments are ridiculous and would be funny if they weren’t so nasty and directed at a person who’s just trying to inform the public.

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  12. Ginny, I’m insulted. We’re all pro-nude party? Trust me honey when I tell you that this gilded effervescence body would blind you with its glory. For your safety, I’ll stay clothed, thank you.
    And I like Ramone, though I haven’t visited any of his businesses nor spoken to the man in the last three years. But, I have no problems visiting his facilities even though I now know one was the site of a living Michelangelo, Adonis. I refuse to fall for the “think about the children” Simpsonian reference. And if you think a nude party is a frightening temptation to the dark side, stay away from the Crab House just over the MD line on 40 where the group sex parties are the norm. I believe they call it swinging. Imagine dinner there the day after. Yum.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. #1 – I AM NOT YOUR “HONEY”. DO NOT USE THAT TERM WITH ME AGAIN.
      #2 – I AM HAPPY YOU HOLD MR. RAMONE IN SUCH HIGH REGARD. BUT THERE MAY BE OTHERS WHO DO NOT – RESPECT THEIR OPINION JUST AS YOU WANT RESPECT.
      #3 – CLEARLY YOU FREQUENT PLACES THAT HAVE A SEXUAL ORIENTATION, MANY OF USE DO NOT.

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      1. Ginny, You might benefit from some anger management classes.
        1. “Honey” is a colloquialism. Seriously? It’s a feature of a distinct dialect. I’m disappointed that you have no tolerance for those who are different from you.
        2. Mr. Ramone owns his reputation. If you expect to find a politician who makes everyone happy all of the time, you are foolish. But, I respect that you want to be fool. So go ahead, con yourself. I won’t judge.
        3. You are a trip. Because I happen to know that in the off season D.C. elites and powerful local politicians and business folks frequent a swingers club does not mean I do so as well.
        4. And I am not a swinger nor anything close. I am, however, tolerant of others choices and those establishments that support certain unalienable rights. Nudity is an expression of free speech. Should you take that right away from nudist, you will need to start subtracting rights away from all fringe-yet-legal groups. The dominos will keep falling and one day, your own free speech will be eliminated. It that what you really want?

        Liked by 1 person

        1. Sweetie, we’re having a discussion not a love fest so don’t pretend you are trying to have a friendly discourse when you call people names and insult them. Clearly, your incapable of having a conversation without “labeling” people as being “off their rocker,” a “fool” and “intolerant”.
          You don’t know me and don’t know my life experiences so don’t tell me that I’m intolerant of those who are different. I have to laugh at your statement about “judgement” as you’ve already judged me. Stay with the program Ellie, either your judgmental to all those who oppose your comments or not, make up your mind.
          Your correct that Mr. Ramone owns his reputation and if he’s so proud of his activities he should include them in his bio – like he does all the other work he does to promote community activities. Why would this particular activity be such secret, except to those participating in the parties. If this activity is so wholesome as you have indicated, advertise it in the open don’t sneak around trying to hide it.
          If you know so much about DC elites you should spill the beans I’m sure WAPO and FOX news services would love to investigate the swingers you’ve indicated are in DC. In fact, let’s forward all this information to them and let the “politicians” explain their nocturnal activities that you’ve indicated you “know” occurs. We might see more resignations on Capitol Hill by our elected officials which might not be a bad thing.
          I’m not sure why you would include yourself in this conversation stating your not a swinger, but my assessment is, “I think you protest too much.” Please do all of us a favor and argue your points without calling people names, try to be a little more professional.

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          1. Ginny,first off I stated you were off your rocker, not Ellie. Secondly, why would Rep Ramone need to advertise parties for a private entity? If you rented it for a birthday party would you expect him to advertise that? No, you wouldn’t… Nor would anyone else.

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          3. Ginny, you’ve made some strong accusations about Mr. Ramone. About cameras and filming. Which is disgusting, you should be ashamed of yourself. As well as Kevin, for even bringing this to the fore front, instead of sticking to educational/political type articles, that he is known for.
            You can truly see that someone had an axe to grind or a liberal agenda, against Mr. Ramone! The Delaware Way wants Delaware to be completely blue!

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          7. Kevin, had this information been part of the original article I would have reacted differently, especially in light of the health inspection information. With that being said, I’m man enough to apologize for publicly ripping you. The one thing I do wish is that both blogs had been combined into one and published once all that information was available. Hopefully there will be more clarification to follow.

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          9. Ginny, Lovey, you write, “Clearly, your incapable of having a conversation without “labeling” people as being “off their rocker,” a “fool” and “intolerant”.”
            Off their Rocker – Nope.
            Foolish – Yep, personally and metaphorically.
            Intolerant – Can’t find where I wrote that word. So, I think I get to check no in that box. I’m tolerant of everyone. Even you. Even when he/she/it/QRS is erroneous.
            Judgement? I specifically said I wasn’t judging YOU. Although, I am starting to rethink that policy. I may be a much better human being for not having to know the real YOU. Thank goodness bloggers respect the code of anonymity among commenters that allows readers to slough off society-pressured-conformity to facilitate more authentic conversations.

            I would, however, prefer that you keep your insults (and those who hurl them) straight.

            Let’s deconstruct. You ask, Why would this particular activity be such secret, except to those participating in the parties? I don’t believe Ramone either took credit for these gatherings, nor organized, nor participated in them. These weren’t his contributions to the community. That would be akin to me going off into the wild blue yonder pretending to be you. That’s rather disconcerting.
            You ask why he didn’t advertise it? Because the parties were NOT his. He owned and leased a piece of property in conformity with is its zoning. That the property was available to be leased was widely assumed, known, and advertised.

            Dear, you have a poker tell. I never mentioned anything nocturnal. You did. I also have no reason to forward information to any news source b/c I don’t think that partying in the nude or swinging, even if you are financially-endowed or politically-connected, is newsworthy or news breaking. I invoked it comparatively. More simply stated, If you think Ramone’s pool is a danger to kids because naked people swam in it, you better not take the kids out for crabs either. BTW, under all your clothes, you’re naked too.

            In closing, and I’ll be brief, please stop butchering Shakespeare.

            Liked by 1 person

          10. I just heard about a nearby MD swingers club from a totally different conversation yesterday. If it isn’t the same one as mentioned here then there may be a lot more swinging around here that I would have guessed. The club as described to me is off of Rte 40 in a building that looks like a barn. Was also told it has a variety of rooms with their own themes including bondage. So interesting that this has been noted as an “off season stop” for DC elites.

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  13. “A big thanks to “Velcro Dancer” for sending me this tip!”
    Kevin, sounds like you got used, someone wanted this info out there, after 25 years…….for their own agenda. And they used Exceptional Delaware, a predominately educational blog, to do that. Why is that?

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    1. First off, I know when I’m being used and when I’m not. And I thought about that possibility when I received this tip. I also made a big-boy choice to publish the post. This wasn’t the first time I’ve written a non-education post and I’m sure it won’t be the last. I’ve written about legislators a lot on here and not just about education matters. Is this the most-outside-of-the-box article I’ve ever written? Probably. But to say I was used would indicate I’m just someone’s pawn. And that would be a falsehood.

      Liked by 1 person

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