Swingin' Tern Report

The Swingin' Tern Committee Report for February 7:

At our January 7 anniversary dance--volunteer recognition night—we recognized Joel Remde's service by roasting him on stage and giving him free admission to all future dances. We also had an all-star cast of Folk Project callers and the Contra Rebels band. We cleared $322 despite the shortage of gentlemen, such shortage due to the Broncos vs. Patriots playoff game (who's worried about the Patriots, anyway?).

Again on January 21 we had excellent performers: Ridge Kennedy and Blue Jersey. But in other respects, it was the opposite of the previous dance: a snowy night kept many dancers away. We lost $183.

On February 4, we had the best non-special dance I've seen at the Tern. Shane Knudsen and Oy Diddle Diddle wowed almost 100 dancers. We cleared $182. Our more generous 2012 bonus-buck formula netted a well-deserved extra $125 for the performers.

Other good things. We had our winter committee meeting, out of which came good stuff--the most important to the FP board follow. We have developed contacts with local college dancers. Joel Remde has drafted safety/etiquette guidelines for us. Dan Black is working to set up a special double dance this fall. Our dance managers are diligently collecting emails from new dancers, which is reflected in the burgeoning attendance. We continue adding volunteers.

On top of the financial success so far (which was in competition with Tebow, Brady, ice and snow), we are averaging more than a dozen free passes turned in per dance, i.e., more than a dozen newcomers are returning. That bodes well.

Leigh Walker

Swingin' Tern