Swingin' Tern Report

The Swingin' Tern report for December 1: A decent month in which we made $70 on the dances, out of which $55 was spent on printing and mailing expenses. On November 7 Carl Levine called to Fingerplay, and on November 21 Sue Gola called to The Contra Rebels. All the performers are well known and liked by ST's regular dancers, except that we'd known Carl just as a dancer in recent years. Many beginners also attended these dances, which was a major contributor to their success. Every dance in December is special. First (December) 5 Linda Leslie will call to The Moving Violations at a double dance (afternoon experienced, evening for all). These performers are famous in contra circles for their excellence. Next (December 19) is the holiday dance with the after-dance party at Doug and Brian's. Finally comes the traditional New Year's Eve dance. The Swingin' Tern wrap-up report for 2015: In late 2014 the ST committee started discussing ideas to improve results. But in 2015 contra dancing in the region had another down year, and at ST attendance stayed at roughly 2014's level. Still, efforts to improve financially came to fruition. In 2014, ST's loss exceeded $1000 in 2014, while so far in 2015 there has been a gain of $469, with prospects for that gain to increase during December because every dance is expected to draw well. Our volunteers are tremendous. Joel Remde is a rock in everything good achieved by Swingin' Tern. He's volunteered at every job since the beginning of the dance thirty-two years ago. In recognition of everything he's done, a few years ago ST's committee gave him a lifetime free pass. Typically, this year Joel has spent more time volunteering than he has dancing. Sometimes he's come to help clean up at the end of the dance without having danced at all himself. Doug Heacock has done so much for so long (publicity, including Facebook; flyer printing and mailing; booking help and advice; annual party host; best facial hair), it's easy to take him for granted, so that's what I'll do here. Xander Kastan is a long-time volunteer who has been ST's booker (and has often volunteered otherwise) this year. Virginia Nordberg is another long-time volunteer, and she has finished her first full year as volunteer coordinator, and she also volunteers frequently at individual dances. Doug, Xander and Virginia are following Joel's example of spending more time volunteering than dancing themselves. Debbie Naha; Roxanne Memmelo, Cheryl Wachtel and Bob Wachtel and have been dance managers at most of our dances and also volunteered for a variety of other positions. Gary Szelc never volunteers officially, but is basically co-dance manger after the curtain comes down and only work remains. These folks are the core volunteers at the actual dances.

Suzanne Patnaude is our booker emeritus who freely offers her expertise whenever we ask. Connie Crawford is the mentor who always helps when we need but whom we don't see enough of. The people noted above comprise what Doug calls our "core committee." They are all magnificent and keys to Swingin' Tern's success in the contra community, but it should be noted that many others also volunteer regularly, particularly Tom Banwell and Don Flaherty, who set up our sound at every dance. All volunteers will be recognized at the anniversary dance. ST's committee will meet in early 2016 to discuss how to improve further. Because of our outstanding volunteers, we are confident. Leigh Walker Swingin' Tern