Listen to The GREATER MEMPHIS SQUARE & ROUND DANCE Association , Inc. Organized December 4th, 1955 “Our Sixtieth year” Serving the Mid-South Dance Com!munity Volume 54, Number 2, February, 2015 This is a time for remembering. Square 'em up! Paw, I need a yellowrock. m Page 2 The CALLER, Memphis, TN, February, 2015 GREATER MEMPHIS SQUARE & ROUND DANCE Assn., Inc. P O Box 38081, Germantown, TN 38183, 901-628-4356 —www.memphissrd.com GMS&RDA Membership: Couples, $20.00 year; Singles, $15.00 year. (Membership includes a FREE dance each year, a subscription to the Listen to The CALLER, and liability insurance). Subscription only is $15.00 per year. Make Checks payable to GMS&RDA and mail to Membership Chairman. Report late or other irregulartities in delivery and address changes to GMS&RDA Membership Chairman, Listen to The CALLER, c/o Jeannie Russell, 5534 Oak Branch Cir. S.Memphis, TN 38135 Listen to The CALLER—USPS 0555540, is published monthly by and for the GREATER MEMPHIS SQUARE and ROUND DANCE ASSN., INC., a nonprofit organization. Periodicals postage is paid at Memphis, TN 38101-9998. POSTMASTER send address changes to: Listen to The CALLER, c/o Jeannie Russell, 5534 Oak Branch Cir. S.Memphis, TN 38135 Listen To The CALLER staff: Editor: Jim (Dorothy) Bobo, 9260 Laurel Hill South, Olive Branch, MS 38654 [email protected] Specials Coordinator: Mary Ann Walker, 662-429-9510 [email protected] Demos: Mary Ann Walker, 662-429-9510 [email protected] Web Master: Jeannie Russell, 901-604-5680 www.memphissrd.com COLUMNISTS: ROUND DANCE CIRCLES: Gloria (Tom) McMullin 662-429-1701 Staff Photographer Sharon & Ed Sharrow 901-794-9069 PUBLICATION DEADLINE: All news copy and advertisements must be in the hands of the Editor ([email protected]) no later than Saturday before the GMS&RDA meeting (the third Tuesday of each month) of desired publication. The CALLER Staff retains all editorial discretions. Any copy not considered in the best interest of the Dance Community will not be printed. Postal regulations prevent any reference to raffles or drawings GMS&RDA ELECTED OFFICERS Thru Dec. 2015 Pres: Dorothy (Jim) Bobo, 9260 Laurel Hill South, Olive Branch, MS 38654 [email protected] Vice President: Mary Ann Walker, 662-429-9510 [email protected] Treas: Betty Jo (Jay) Fortune, 899 Moss Rd., Moscow, TN 380579010-491-6524 [email protected] Sec. Merrie Jo (Al) poortvliet 7976 Susan Rd. Millington, TN 38053 901-872-2628 [email protected] APPOINTED OFFICERS: Serving thru Dec. 2015 Membership Chairman: Jeannie Russell, 5534 Oak Branch Cir. S.Memphis, TN 38135 Historian: Sally (Eddie) Ramsey 901-683-0834 Publicity Chairman: Sunshine Chairman: Peggy & Henry Vanlandingham, 4058 Cecil Ave. Memphis, TN 38108 901-454-0097 Advertising Chairman: Lou Pate 416 Ashley Lane, Brighton, TN 38011 [email protected] 901837-7211 www.memphissrd.com PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE—Dorothy (Jim) Bobo The President's Message.............thanks to all delegates and visitors who attended the January, 2015 GMS&RDA monthly meeting. Officers were elected as on the ballot with the exception of my agreeing to stay on as President for another year, as approved by the delegates. Mary Ann Walker will continue as VP, Merrie Jo Poortvliet will continue as Secretary and our new Treasurer is Betty Jo Fortune! So, what is our plan to upgrade square dancing, round dancing and line dancing in the Memphis metro area this year? We need YOUR ideas. Jim and I will be visiting as many clubs as we can in the next few weeks, but please feel free to tell the Officers and your club delegate what you want to see us do this year. Traditional publicity/advertising has not brought us new dancers, so how do we use current publicity to improve our dance numbers? People don't read newspaper ads anymore. Most people today look to the internet for what's up today. We have a GMS&RDA website as well as Top Spinners and Spur n Saddles has a facebook page. If your club did not submits its Application for club membership (to the GMS&RDA) with your check for $15 and a current list of your club members, please mail the application and attachments to Merrie Jo Poortvliet. We need the club membership list to update The CALLER list. Our next meeting is February 17, and is open to all members Dorothy Bobo, Pres. ROUND DANCE CIRCLES — Gloria (Mac) McMullin Gordon and Mary Brower’s Merry-Go-Rounds class is working on Beach Party Cha, Folsom Prison Blues and Last Cheaters Waltz. The club is dancing Four Walls (by the Bucks) and Sweet Pea Lazy Swing. Gloria and Mac McMullin’s Southern Rounds new class is working on Frenchy Brown and Baby O Mine. The club is dancing Answer Me, This Is Our Dance, Tennessee Waltz and Under The Bridges Of Paris. It is not too late to come join our new class at 6:00 on Tues. at Graceland Christian Church. Now that all the parties and running around at Christmas is over, you have time to smell the roses and DANCE. TN State Area I officers: VP. J J (Yvonne) Johnson 662-342-2714 [email protected] Senior delegate Dan (Glinda) Torvik 901-853-1317 [email protected] Junior delegate Jimmy Wallace (Phyllis) 731-676-3319. [email protected] www.memphissrd.com The CALLER, Memphis, TN, February, 2015 Page 3 CLUB SPECIALS— Deadline for listing Specials is Saturday preceding GMS&RDA meeting Specials Coordinator: Mary Ann Walker, 662-429-9510 [email protected] January 28th Sn'S Souper Bowl Supper February 12th DDD President's Dance TS CLOSED 14th P&P Valentine's Dance 17th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 26th TS 7th Annual Food Drive for Fayette Care March 14th P&P CLOSED (for MS State Dance) 17th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 20th B&B 2nd Annual March Madness Dance 26th DDD Finger Lickin' Chicken Dinner 28th P&P Easter Bonnet Dance April 4th P&P CLOSED for Easter 11th P&P Gordon Brower Birthday Dance 21st GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 22nd S'n S After Tax Dance 29th S'n S CLOSED May 14th TS 7th Annual Beach Ball Blast 19th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 23rd P&P CLOSED for Memorial Day June 16th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm July 2nd TS Let Freedom Ring Celebration 4th P&P CLOSED for 4th of July 21st GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 14th TS 7th Annual Beach Ball Blast 21st GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 22nd S'n S Christmas in July Dance 29th S'n S CLOSED Pistols & Petticoats SATURDAYS 8-10 PM Bartlett United Methodist Church 5676 Stage Road Bartlett, TN 38134 Caller: Justin Russell Cuer: Gordon (Mary) Brower Jimmy (Phyllis) Wallace , Pres. (731)635-4730 [email protected] August 6th TS CLOSED for State Convention 7th B&B CLOSED for State Convention 8th P&P CLOSED for State Convention 15th P&P Justin's Birthday LUAU Dance 18th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 27th TS 35th Anniversary & Ice Cream Social September 5th P&P CLOSED for Labor Day 15th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 17th DDD Anniversary Dance w/Tony Oxendine TS CLOSED 30th S'n S CLOSED October 14th S'n S Anniversary Dance 20th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 23rd B&B CLOSED for Mid-South Festival 24th P&P CLOSED for Mid-South Festival 29th TS "Haunted Halloween" Costume Party 31st P&P "Spook-Tacular" Halloween Dance November 14th P&P 49th Wild Wild West Anniversary Dance 17th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 25th S'n S CLOSED for Thanksgiving 26th TS CLOSED for Thanksgiving December 3rd TS Jingle Bell Rock Christmas Dance 9th S'n S CLOSED 15th GMS&RDA MEETING 7:15 pm 17th DDD Candy Cane Christmas Dance 19th P&P CLOSED 23rd S'n S CLOSED 24th TS CLOSED for Christmas Eve 25th B&B CLOSED for Christmas 26th P&P CLOSED 30th S'n S CLOSED m Page 4 The CALLER, Memphis, TN, February, 2015 www.memphissrd.com GMS&RDA Member Club News Club Reporters: Deadline for next club news is Saturday, February 14, 2015— Please limit your copy to 300 words. Send club news to: Jim Bobo, 9260 Laurel Hill South, Olive Branch, MS 38654—[email protected] Greetings from the DIXIE DUDES and DOLLS, we soon. We had 13 couples on January 17 to start our are sure everyone realizes that another year of square new round dance class, great job to Mary Ann & dancing has gone. Hope everyone attended the New Justin for getting the word out. I think everyone had Year’s Eve Dance with Spurs and Saddles. There a great time learning Left Footers One Step. Thank was good calling and dancing, good fellowship and you Gordon for teaching this class. also the food that’s what we all like. We would like February 14 will be our Valentine’s Day dance so to “Thank” everyone for attending our Christmas come on over and celebrate with your favorite Dance. Looking into 2015, our first special will be sweetie. Since I missed sending my article last month the “President’s Ball”. Don’t forget to send your I didn’t wish a Happy Birthday to Merrie Jo Poortvliet, president and come to sorry about that. Our February support them. We are birthday is Paulette Sunshine Chairman looking forward to a fun Delk (14), have a great dance and good fellowship. one. Anniversary Peggy & Henry Vanlandingham We only have one birthday 4058 Cecil Ave. Memphis, TN 38108 901-454-0097 congratulations go out to for January, Jean McFarland GetWell: Wren Walker, Hassell Smith, Rosalyn Johnson, Chuck & Ellen Martin on on the 30 th. On February 1 st Milton Anderson, JoAn Adair, Opal Dees, Inez Poague, the 28th. Signing off Virginia Weeks will have a Grant Pinkston until next month, hope to Sympathy: Henry and Peggy Vanlandingham in the death birthday. Looking forward you all around the square to seeing you across the of their daughter Yavonne. They thank everyone for the somewhere. —PW square in 2015. Oops, Bill cards and prayers during this difficult time. TOP SPINNERS and Virginia Weeks have an would like to say thankanniversary on January 30 th. —RAB you to all the great cooks that came out for our annual PISTOLS & PETTICOATS met at Bob & Mary Ann Chili & Cornbread Cook-off. We had four squares on Moats’ home for our Christmas Party on December the dance floor and a lot of options for dinner. For the 20. Thanks to them for hosting this event, we all had cornbread contest, first place went to Tammy Parks a great time eating all that good food and playing BAD followed by Glinda Torvik and Lou Pate. In the Chili Santa. We are pleased that some of our visitors on contest, first place went to James Parks followed by the sick list have returned, Roslyn Johnson was Karla David and Glinda Torvik. This is the second hospitalized for a week and is finally doing better. time James took home the top prize for chili. The Opal Dees has been out with her surgery and then has class is progressing along at a good rate and should had pneumonia so it was good to see her back. Richard have diplomas in their hands soon. Special thanks to Dieckhaus has been out for some time with a stress all of our angels who come out each and every week fracture in his foot and he is finally back dancing. to make sure they can dance. We will keep this Inez Poague is still on the sick list with pneumonia that momentum going and have our next Beginner Dance just won’t let go of her, we miss she and John a lot so Samplers starting February 19th. Like in the past, the please send up some prayers that she will get well dance sampler will last for three weeks: February Where’s the beef? www.memphissrd.com 19th, 26th, and March 5th. This is basically our openhouse and first timers will learn the basics in square and line dancing. We will start our Beginner Series after that. Our next special will be our 7 th Annual Food Drive for Fayette Cares, Inc. This has become our biggest dance of the year, and we welcome everyone to come out for a special night. The folks at Fayette Cares always seem so happy to receive our donation. Please mark your calendar for February 26th. If you bring some canned goods for this local non-profit, you dance for only $1. With gas prices under $2, this is a bargain and worth the drive. For February, the only birthday is Ridley Clifton (13th). We did however forget to include Tresa Curtiss (Jan 16th) and Merrie Jo Poortvliet (Jan 6thh) in last month’s article. As we start a new year, we would just like to add how much we appreciate the support of local dancers. We invite y’all to stop by and say “hi” any Thursday night. -JR AND THEN THERE WAS ONE —Jim Bobo The last 25 years have been dismal for the area square dance culture. The 1990 National Square Dance convention-25 years ago-held in Memphis was a high-water mark for our activity. The Convention, chaired by Carl and Jean McCarver, was attended by 23,651 dancers. There were 1,021 GMS&RDA members and many unaffiliated dancers in the Memphis area. We had 16 callers and 8 cuers. That year the sponsors of the President's Ball extended invitations to presidents of 42 clubs in the Mid-South area. It has been "down-hill" ever since. Why? Your Editor might suggest many reasons, some arguable, that have contributed to this decline. If you would like to buy my lunch sometime, I would be glad to meet for an extended face-to-face discussion of the problems. The CALLER, Memphis, TN, February, 2015 Page 5 SPURS 'n SADDLES: (SnS‘s reporter is in a funk-you may want to stop reading at this point.) SnS sponsored the New Year's Eve Ball this year. Based on the attendance, maybe local dancers should celebrate at 12 noon rather than 12 mid-night. That way we can have a couple of glasses of Merlot, our pj's on and to bed asleep before the fireworks disturb us. Who wants to welcome the Covington New Year with a bunch of old folks any of whom could Demothe departing Old Year? —So, how do you like the portray New Year so far? Still keeping your New Year's resolutions? Lost all of the weight you put on between Thanksgiving and 1-1-15? No!!! Then why aren't you dancing more? It's going to get better. Before the hard-copy of this issue is delivered the SnS Souper Bowl will be history. -January 28, eat at 7, dance at 8. Ya'll come. Please spread the word to those folks without internet. We then invite you to a cake and ice cream party the next Wednesday, February 4, to celebrate the birthdays of Ruth Powell the 6, Ed Powell 7, Sally Ramsey 7, Charles Ott 8, and Twila Guy the 14. See you soon. —jeb Whatever the reasons, since 1990, we have lost 13 callers, 5 cuers and almost 1,000 dancers. We currently have 3 active callers, 3 active cuers/ teachers and 125 GMS&RDA members of which approximately 100 still dance. (I'm unsure of the number of unaffiliated dancers.) And, we pay hall-rent for 7 (?) halls and work at least one of our callers 5 or 6 nights a week. When military units are decimated to the point of inefficiency the various units are combined and are referred to as consolidated. Is it time for us to consider consolidating club? I would like your thoughts. If there is broad interest and enough of you would like to meet for discussions let me know, we'll setup a meet. If you would like to make a written respose do so. Either should be directed to [email protected]. Please use “consolidated squares” as the subject. Thanks for your interest. Pres.Sandra Walker,901-485-0790 [email protected] m Page 6 The CALLER, Memphis, TN, February, 2015 www.memphissrd.com SECRETARY’S CORNER —Merrie Jo (Al) Poortvliet The GMS & RDA meeting was called to order January 20th, 2015 at 7:15 by Dorothy Bobo, President. In attendance were 3 officers, 12 delegates from 8 clubs, 1 state delegate and 6 visitors. The December minutes were approved. The treasurer’s report was approved. Area demos and announcements: no demos at this time Membership: to date, 104 members have renewed. Sunshine: Peggy Vanlandingham mailed 8 get well cards and 1 sympathy. Yvonne Johnson mailed a sympathy card from the association to the Vanlandinghams in the death of their daughter Yavonne. TN State Association report: There is a state dance February 21 st followed by the state meeting on Sunday. It will be in Mount Juliet so come on and dance. They are lots of fun with lots of dancers. Special Activities reports: Club specials: In the absence of Mary Ann Walker, Dorothy Bobo read the January, February dances and asked for the clubs to get their specials in for next year. 64th National Square Dance Convention Springfield, MA June 24-27, 2015 Are you receiving your own subscription to the National Square Dance Convention® email and monthly e-Magazine? If not, go to http://www.nsdcnec.com/ and sign up 53 rd Mid-South Festival: Sidney Nelson encouraged everyone to start selling ads now as these help pay for the festival expenses. Please, buy your tickets now whether you go or not to support our festival. Old Business: Clubs are to turn in their membership forms for 2015 and annual dues now. If your club has 100% GMS&RDA membership by the January meeting, notify the treasurer for reimbursement of dues. A motion was made to suspend the two year rule for the president and nominate Dorothy Bobo to serve an extended one year term. Motion passed. A motion was made to accept the ballot as voted on by the members. Motion passed. Officers are: President; Dorothy Bobo: Vice President; Mary Ann Walker: Secretary; Merrie Jo Poortvliet: Treasurer; Betty Jo Fortune: Area I Vice President; JJ Johnson: Senior State Delegate; Dan Torvik: Junior State Delegate; Jimmy Wallace. The 2015 proposed budget was discussed at length. Club delegates will present the budget to their club for approval and suggestions. Please offer any ideas to your club delegate before the February meeting. Betty Jo Fortune and Jimmy Wallace, as new officers, were welcomed to the board. There being no more business the meeting was adjourned at 7:37 pm. —Merrie Jo Poortvliet, secretary From the DEMO Coordinator: If you can participate in any Demos, please contact Mary Ann Walker 901-628-4356 [email protected] USSDUSA Single Square Dancers USA Arbell Thompson, President email: [email protected] website: www.ssdusa.org www.memphissrd.com The CALLER, Memphis, TN, February, 2015 Page 7 MID-SOUTH AREA CLUB DANCE SCHEDULES Initials lndicate: (S) Squers (R) Choreographed ball room dancing (C/W) Country Western, [(S-R) indicates the club dances Square and Ball room. MONDAY MERRY-GO-ROUNDS (R) Berclair Civic’Club, 743 Novarese. Dancing 8:00-10:00 p.m. Gordon & Mary Brower, lnstr., 901-682-8276. Richard (Alice) Dieckhaus, Pres901-872-4678 [email protected] PLEASANT HILL PROMENADERS (S) Graceland Christian Church, 2126 Stateline Rd. E. (between Tchulahoma and Getwell) Southaven, MS, Dancing 7:30 to 9:30, Caller, Robert Townsend. R-C/W, Gloria (Tom) McMullin, Rounds. Pres.Mary Ann Walker 901-628-4356 [email protected] TUESDAY BILL’S MONDAY NIGHTERS (S-advance level) 7:009:00 p.m. St Michael’s Catholic Church, 3867 Summer Ave, Caller, Bill Terrell 901-683-4675. Pres. Michael (Tricia) Deshazo, 901-624-5999 SOUTHERN ROUNDS (R-C/W) 2126 Stateline Rd. (Graceland Christian Church) Southaven, MS. Class 6:00 Lines, 7:00 Club 8 :00 p.m. 9:30 p.m. R-C/W Tom and Gloria McMullin 662-429-1701. Pres. Mary Smith 901683-7812 [email protected] WEDNESDAY Next Meeting of GMS&RDA 17 February 2015 Germantown Regional History & Genealogy Ctr., 7779 Poplar Pike, Germantown Dorothy (Jim) Bobo, President All GMS&RDA members welcome. RIVER CITY WRANGLERS (C/W) Birdsong Subdivision Clubhouse at 7438 Overcreek Lane (off Summer Ave.) in Bartlett. Class & Club 7:00-9:30 p.m. Instructors Gin Weaver, 901-867-0326 [email protected] SPURS ‘N SADDLES (S) The Pickering Ctr, 7771 Poplar Pike, Germantown, TN. Club dances 7:30-9:30 pm. (Closed every 5 th Wednesday.) Caller, Eddie(Sally) Ramsey, 901-683-0834. Cuer: Gordon(Mary) Brower, 3rd Wednesday. R-C/W Gloria (Tom) McMullin on other nights, Pres: Jim (Dorothy) Bobo, 662-890-5690 [email protected] THURSDAY DIXIE DUDES & DOLLS (S-R) Mullins United Methodist Church. 4 N. Mendenhall at Walnut Grove. Rd., 901-854-7097. Club 8:00- 10:00 p.m. Caller, Bill (Margie) Terrell, R-C/W Gloria (Tom) McMullin. Pres.Sandra Walker, 662-895-9900 or 901-485-0790 [email protected]. RIVERBOAT CLOGGERS Singleton Community Center, Bartlettt, TN 38135. Class 7:00 p.m., Club 8:30 p.m. Marie (Jimmy) Lovelace lnstr. 901-377-8772. TOP SPINNERS (S-R-C/W) Eads Civic Center, 12365 Washington Rd, Eads, TN. (Just 1/2 mile off of Hwy64, and only 8 miles from Wolfchase Mall). Club dances 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Caller Justin Russell, 901-604-5751 [email protected] R-C/W: Gin Weaver, 901-8670056. President – Betty Jo Fortune FRIDAY BACHELORS ‘n BACHELORETTES (S-R) Colonial Park United Methodist Church, 5330 Park Ave. (corner Park & Estate) club7:30 -9:30 p.m. Caller Robert (Rosalie) Townsend, 867-8722, Rounds Grant Pinkston, 382-2792. Pres. Dana Stine, 901-795-3712, [email protected] SATURDAY PISTOLS & PETTICOATS (S-R)Bartlett United Methodist Church, 5676Stage Rd, Bartlett, Caller Justin Russell, Cuer Gordon (Mary) Brower, Pres. Jimmy Wallace 731-676-3319. [email protected] UNAFFILIATED CLUBS SUNDAY T-SQUARES Plus and A's (S) Dance 1:30 - 4:00p.m., First Evangelical Church, 735 Ridge Lake Blvd. Caller Robert Townsend 901-634-8723 THURSDAY COTTON PICKIN SQUARES (S) Class 7-8:30 p.m., Dance 7:00-9:00 p.m., Caller Justin Russell, 901-6045751, Prescott Memorial Baptist Church, 961 Getwell Rd (Just south of Park Ave) For information, phone Garry Prince 901-484-2489 INACTIVE CLUBS Regan’s Ranchands (S) Celestials (R) Elaine Snowden, 870-732-5188 Dandy Promenaders (S-R) Henry & Peggy Vanlandingham, 901-454-0097 Memphis Rainbow Rounds (R) Grant Pinkston, 901382-2792 The National Executive Committee (NEC) NEC Area Advisors Carl & Jean McCarver 662-890-2445—[email protected] Future National Square Dance Conventions 64th (2015) National Square Dance Convention Springfield, MA - June 24-27, 2015 65th (2016) National Square Dance Convention Des Moines, IA - June 22-25, 2016 66th (2017) National Square Dance Convention Cincinnati, Ohio, June 21-24, 2017 67th (2018) National Square Dance Convention Kansas City, Missouri - June 27 - 30, 2018 FEBRUARY 6&7 37th Mardi GrasFestival & Ball, Woolmarket Community Center, 16320 Old Woolmarket Rd., Biloxi, MS. sqs. Hunter Keller (Billings, MT) rds. Terry& Tim Wilaby (Pensacola, FL) info:Bonnie Humphrey 228860-7523 MARCH 13 & 14`60th Mississippi State Festival (Formerly Mississippi Sweetheart Festival) Brandon Senior Center 1000 Municipal Drive. Brandon, MS. Sqs. Jerry Biggerstaff, Rds. Tim Eum and Cindy Hadley Festival Chairmen Vicki & Tommy Cagle, 601-924-8226 Sponsored by Mississippi Square & Round Dance Association, Inc 27-28 62nd Alabama Jubileee. sqs. Andy Petrere, rds. Terri Wilaby Info: Elaine Wheeler 205-629-3901 Listen to The CALLER “Our Sixtieth year” GREATER MEMPHIS SQUARE & ROUND DANCE ASSOC,, INC. c/o Membership Chairman, Jeannie Russell, 5534 Oak Branch Cir. S. Memphis, TN 38135 Periodicals POSTAGE PAID Memphis, Tennessee #USPS 555540 DIXIE DUDES & DOLLS 36TH ANNUAL PRESIDENT'S DANCE All Club Presidents will be recognized. February 12---Club 8:00- 10:00 p.m. Mullins United Methodist Church. Mendenhall at Walnut Grove. Rd. Caller, Bill (Margie) Terrell, R-C/W Gloria (Tom) McMullin. For more Information contact Sandra Walker, 901-485-0790 [email protected].
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