Swingin' Tern

Our volunteers

Early this this year we lost our beloved Joel Remde. For the first time in Swingin' Tern's 33 years, Joel wasn't seen dozens of times working at our dance. Often he'd come just to clean up afterward. Even more than missing him as an always-helpful volunteer, we miss his kindness, humor and intelligence.

A month after we lost Joel, Swingin' Tern hosted a Remembrance for him. Over 100 people came to honor his memory, and people from three separate dance groups eulogized Joel.

While we miss Joel, fortunately we have many other great volunteers. Tom Banwell and Don Flaherty set up our sound at every dance, which means that they show up 90 minutes before the dance begins and are often still making adjustments 15-30 minutes into the dance. Doug Heacock does publicity, including Facebook; designs and mails our flyers; gives booking advice; and hosts the annual holiday party. Xander Kastan is our booker, and he also frequently volunteers at the dance, including being a dance manager. Virginia Nordberg is our volunteer coordinator, and she also volunteers often. Tom, Don, Doug, Xander and Virginia are following Joel's example of spending more time volunteering than dancing themselves.

Cheryl Wachtel, Debbie Naha and Roxanne Memmelo are the dance managers at most dances and also volunteer for a variety of other positions. Gary Szelc never volunteers officially, but is co-dance manager after the curtain comes down and only work remains. Jon Justin, Karen Justin (who also administers ST's Meetup site) and Bill O'Sullivan almost never volunteer officially but clean up after every dance they attend. All these folks are the core volunteers at the actual dances.

This year's dances

Swingin' Tern hosted dances on the first and third Saturdays of every month. Included were three double dances, when outstanding regional bands and callers performed.

There were four sponsored dances, in which a dancer paid all dance expenses and contributions--often substantial ones--to Swingin' Tern were made (this includes a swing dance on a second Saturday).

In November we hosted a waltz workshop led by our own Ken Crawford.

Last December we had our holiday dance (after-party at Doug and Brian's) and a New Year's dance, and this month we'll have another holiday dance and NYE dance.

Before the February 6 dance and on behalf of three dance groups, Swingin' Tern hosted the Remembrance for Joel, as noted above.

This year's financial results

Treasurer Chris Riemer's report shows that Swingin' Tern finished the year ahead by almost $2500. The past few years have had reduced attendance at ST and nearby contra dances, and we are fortunate to have had another good year.

It should be noted that the generosity of many people made this possible. Most prominent were one donation and one sponsored dance: An anonymous $1800 donation was made on ST's behalf, and then in celebration of his birthday, Bob Isaacs sponsored a double dance where dancer contributions exceeded half this year's financial gain.

The future

Prospects are at best uncertain. However, we are optimistic because of our outstanding volunteers and our past good fortune. On January 7 we are having a volunteer meeting to make plans.

Leigh Walker