Florida Callers Association
President’s Message
Wow,
May is here already. Seems like we just packed up the Pirate ship and it’s
already time for Mardi gras! Ok I’m ready!
Exciting things are happening this year. We have one of the finest lineups of Callers I’ve seen in years. Great activities planned. This year we are going to have “Welcome to our World” a hall dedicated to introducing non dancers and maybe even some dancers who have been away for a while a chance to try out the greatest activity on Earth. So bring some friends with you this year and show them how much they are missing by not Square Dancing. And let’s not forget all the after parties and the food! Getting anxious already!
I hope my Caller associates are planning to attend in high numbers, if for nothing else, to support our activity. There is so much more than dancing at the State Convention! Seeing all our friends from across the state, laughing till your side hurts and cheeks are flushed. Networking and promoting the activity! Vendors! After parties! Did I already mention that? If you have not been for a while, please come see us! If you still attend every year, Thank You for the continued support!
As President of the Florida Callers Association, I am looking forward to a great and largely attended State Convention. I am looking forward to many years of continued success of the Square Dance activity in Florida. All it needs is you!
BE THERE AND BE SQUARE!
Roland and Linda Morin, President
Florida Federation of Square Dancers
President’s Message
Well,
the “Shamrock Swing” is over and it was fabulous! Tim Marriner and Ron Libby
were in top form, and the whole floor was smiling and laughing while they
danced. We first danced with these two callers at the WASCA Festivals years ago,
and it brought back wonderful memories. The Griffins were great, and we had
three circles of round dancers at times in the mainstream/plus hall. We have
already purchased our ribbons for next year – such a great location.
In addition to being Presidents of the Florida Federation, we handle the BMI/ASCAP bills for the Federation. That’s the Broadcast Music Inc., and American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers companies. They handle the copyrights for the music we use at our dances (this is required by law). They recently sent us a letter saying they represent Faith Hill, Ray Charles, Jennifer Lopez, Miles Davis, Willie Nelson, Aretha Franklin and Carlos Santana, just to name a few of the hundreds of thousands of songwriters and composers whose craft contributes to the ‘Fun’ in our hobby!
Congratulations to the West Coast Association for the 287 dancers, 11 callers and 3 cuers who volunteered, danced, and marched at the Florida State Fair recently.
We would like to congratulate Bill Boyd on his editorial comments in the April issue of Bow & Swing. If you missed it, go back and read it! All of us, dancers included, need to step up and help our clubs to succeed! We have found that “working” to help our clubs has led to fast friendships over the years. Being on the Federation Board has done the same thing – volunteer to help – you won’t regret it! Thanks, Bill.
Remember – our website is: www.floridasquaredance.com. Use It! Don’t forget to update your club information. Also, be sure to get your ribbons for “Mardi Gras – Fun in the Sun”, our 48th Florida State Convention, May 25-27, 2012. Host hotel is the Ramada Lakeland Conference Center. 3260 US Hwy. 98 N, Lakeland, FL 33805, phone 863-688-8080. Yes, it’s coming soon! Fun in the Sun!
Don’t forget – next Federation meeting is on Sunday, May 27, 2012, 9:00 a.m. in the Lakeland Civic Center. Keep on Dancing!
Squarely yours,
Bob and Maria Spence, Presidents