SWINGIN' TERN

The Swingin' Tern report for December 2:

ST is in a Good Position

Swingin' Tern's strength in 2014 is our volunteers.

Suzanne Patnaude has been our booker for the last few years and had led the success in making Swingin' Tern a bigger attraction to a wider area. Under her, ST had its first double dance, which is now a regular feature several times a year. Many big bands and top callers have come to ST because of her. She has also served many times as dance manager and done many other volunteer jobs. Some thieves in Greenfield, MA took her from us.

Doug Heacock has his hands in everything we do. He promotes every dance on Facebook and with his puns; updates our FP webpage; recommends good bands and callers; and hosts an annual holiday party (this year's is after the December 20 dance).

Joel Remde does our mailings and email announcements; serves as dance manager; often helps clean up even when he doesn't dance; and takes charge of any volunteer job when no one else is available who has the skill to handle that job (e.g., sound setup).

Xander Kastan started the year as volunteer coordinator. More than once he's filled a sudden vacancy at 6:30 dance on night, even as he was heading out to another non-contra engagement. Recently Xander has become our booker.

After dancing at ST for dozens of nanoseconds, Debbie Naha asked how she could volunteer. She's now a long-term volunteer, often as dance manager, as well as other positions. Debbie's also helped land last-minute performers when an emergency arose.

Over many years Roxanne Memmelo has volunteered for every position and now has become a frequent dance manager. She has also worked well in encouraging and training new volunteers.

Virginia Nordberg has become our new volunteer coordinator, after volunteering the last few years. She immediately stepped forward when she knew ST could use the help

Cheryl and Bob Wachtel have volunteered regularly for years. They are our newest dance managers, and along with Roxanne, will manage the New Year's Eve dance.

Connie Crawford is our mentor. She has valuable advice on every issue. I wish we'd see her more often.

Finally about our volunteers: Many valued ones are not mentioned here but will be recognized at our anniversary dance January 3.

November

Two more good dances in November. On November 1, Dan Black called a Techno contra to dJ Improper, and on November 15, Joe De Paolo called to Oy Diddle Diddle. We lost $183 for the month.

2014

After finishing more than $1000 to the good in 2013, Swingin' Tern will have at best a slightly positive 2014. This will happen if December's results are commensurate with the excellence of the performers Suzanne booked this month.

The future

We plan to have volunteer meeting early in 2015. The primary topics will be the promotion of the dance and improving ST's financial results.

Thank you

Swingin' Tern thanks The Folk Project for its continued support.

Leigh Walker

Swingin' Tern