Minutes                

WHIRL AND TWIRL BOARD MEETING

January 14, 2008

 

The January 14, 2008, Board meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. at Whirl and Twirl by Presidents Ian and Sandy Ogilvie.  The following officers, committee chairmen and members were present:

 

            Presidents                                                         Ian and Sandy Ogilvie

            Vice Presidents                                                 Jack and Mel Frye       

            Secretaries                                                       Bob and Ginny Osborne

            Treasurers                                                        Duke and Pat Torbert

            Tenderfoot Vice Presidents                               Paul and Carolyn Milhan

            Tenderfoot Directors                                        Ray and Joyce Helmuth

            Building Directors                                             Dick and Rowena Wilson

            Ways and Means                                              Dick and Helen Baltzell

 

Absent:  Wayne and Dianne Bishop, Special Events.

Also present were Bruce and Debbie Popson, Newsletter, and members Lou Blanchard, Jean Marani, Nancylayne Wolking, Robert and Judy Walker, Jim and Lili-Ann Gallahger, George and Shirley Knapp, Gary Good, Jenell Wright, Bob and Nancy Blasburg, Evelyn Mahler, Les Bereck, Dave and Jan Tucker, Bill and Georgia Scott, Bob and Elaine Hanky, Allen and Rhoda Moree, Wayne and Lola Norwood, Michael and Alice Craft, Frank and Jackie Adams, Jim Ellerbe, Duane Young, Van and Dee VanHeusen, Leo Orr, Bill Moore and Tom McElroy.

 

Directors and Committee Reports

Presidents’ Reports

The presidents had no report at this time.

 

Minutes

The reading of the minutes was waived and the minutes will be filed with no additions or corrections.

 

Treasurers’ Report

Duke Torbert presented the treasurers’ report.  He reported current assets of $48,643.20 with a cash balance of $52,500.80.  A discrepancy in these amounts was questioned and will be investigated.  George Knapp suggested an audit committee be appointed to do a change-over audit from the old accounting system to Quick Books.  Duke is working on reconciling the balances before setting up the new system.  Debbie Popson and George Knapp agreed to be on the audit committee.  Other suggestions included Clayton and Joe Tanner.  They will be contacted.

 

Vice Presidents Report

The vice presidents had no report.

  

Building Directors

Rowena Wilson reported that the floor was refinished during the Christmas break.  The contractors said no extra cleaning was required since the floor was very clean due to the Wilsons cleaning the floor every week. Only one fine sanding was needed so that one coat of sealer was able to be done the first day.  Two additional coats were applied on the second day.  If the current type of renters continues and the correct cleaner is used on the floor, it may be possible to only need two coats next year or perhaps skip a year.  Dick Wilson installed a new chair rail in the ladies rest room.  Dick also varnished Danny’s sign outside the front door.  Bobby Becker repaired the soda machine at a cost of approximately $80.00.    Jim and Lili-Ann Gallagher continue to do an excellent job repairing  the club chairs.  They have completed four to date. 

The annual Spring Clean Up Day will be scheduled on March 15 at 9 a.m.  Sign up sheets will be available shortly.

 

Tenderfoot Vice Presidents

Carolyn Milhan reported very good attendance at Wednesday night dances.  Everyone is looking forward to Kenny Reese calling on January 23.

 

Tenderfoot Directors

The tenderfoot directors had no report.

 

Ways and Means

Dick Baltzell reported that the book drive was over and extra books have been returned.  This year we sold two different books, the Entertainment Book and the Orlando book, and need to consider what should be done next year.

 

Special Events

Debbie Popson reported that we need 12 squares to break even on the Red Hot Saturday Night,

Feb. 2,  and that more ribbons need to be sold.  Ideally, 16-20 squares are wanted.  She suggested dancers wear their ribbons to encourage participation and reminded everyone there will be door prizes.  Dianne Bishop has volunteered to handle the kitchen and Wayne will be the Marshall to make sure there is a substitute for a square when a couple drops out.

 

Travel Committee

Ginny Osborne reported there are several cabins still available on the Whirl and Twirl fund raising cruise.  She encourages everyone interested to sign up as soon as possible.

 

Newsletter

Debbie Popson would like articles by January 20.  She thanked Lili-Ann Gallagher for the recap of 2007 in the newsletter.  There was discussion on the number of pages needed for the newsletter and it was decided that the current format was sufficient.

 

Publicity

Ray Helmuth reported he has written articles for  the January newsletter and the January “Bow and Swing”.  There are also notices in the “Orlando Sentinel” in the What’s Happening and the Calendar two times a month.  Debbie suggested that we try to get on Jim Phillips’ show Phillips File on 104.1 to try to erase his negativity to Square Dancing.  It was suggested we invite his wife to show her how much fun it is to square dance.  Bill Moore suggested we answer phones for the WMFE fund raising promotion.  Those who answer phones are shown on TV and if we go in costume, it would be good publicity for the club.  He also mentioned that Orange County has a senior day at the Fairgrounds in May and that the City of Orlando has a senior day at Lake Eola in May.     Both of these venues could be good publicity.

Long Range Planning

Bob Osborne had no report.

 

Blue Bandits

Jack Frye again appealed for Blue Bandit leaders.  There are five banners out at various clubs and no raids are being planned.  He has done an excellent job covering this position during the fall but new leaders are needed to take over if raids are to continue.

 

Calendar Review

January 23 is the Kenny Reese dance and the guest fees plus what Paul pays him will constitute his fee.

Lili-Ann Gallagher brought up a request to march in the Winter Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 2 at 2 p.m.  The board agreed to do this again this year.  The Gallaghers will decorate Jim’s truck again and Paul Place will also take part as he did last year.

Michael and Alice Craft invited the club to attend his birthday party on March 2 from 7-10 p.m. at Whirl and Twirl.  This will be a square dance with Paul Place, Whit Brown, Gene McCullough and Jim Louder as callers.

March 9 will be TAW Appreciation and the time will go back to 5 p.m.

 

Old Business

Club Survey

President Ian Ogilvie reported on the results of the survey.  There were 74 signed surveys returned.  He compiled the results and has posted them on the website.  It was pointed out how to read the results. Although many results did not elicit comments, the following extensive discussions took place:

 

Numbers dance:  The basic purpose of the numbers dance is to promote friendships by  mixing the dancers during one dance per night.  It was brought up that about half of the people dig through the numbers to pick a particular number rather than take pot luck.  It was also emphasized that this defeats the purpose of the mixer if not everyone mixes.  It was suggested that the caller mix up the dancers in squares.  The basis of the square dance creed to mix and mingle should be an integral part of any dance and that if this were followed then there would be no need for numbers.  The consensus was that a mixer was needed and until there is another solution,  numbers will be utilized.

 

Pace of dance:  The pace of dance was a consideration in the surveys.  In general, the pace of dance seemed to be somewhat fast for many of the dancers due to health and general slowing down.  Trifectas seemed to be an issue and it was suggested that Paul announce them ahead of time and to limit the number when possible.  Trifectas are usually used to even out the timing of the evening.  In that case, it was suggested that perhaps he could use a quick ½ tip instead.  It was also suggested that the pace of dances be varied during the evening to  provide variety   Hot hash is one means of picking up the pace.  The consensus was for Ian to speak to Paul to see what can be done.

 

Plus classes:  Eveyone was reminded that rusty plus dancers can either take the entire course or come just on the nights that emphasize specific calls in which they might be weak.

 

Hands up/Hands down:  The majority of the responses supported dancing hands down although some dancers said they were willing to dance either way and a few preferred hands up.  There was lengthy discussion on the use of both.  Paul teaches hands up based on the recommendation of Caller Lab.    Caller Lab does indicate that there is room for variation based on regional differences.  In the Southest and Central Florida hands down is the preferred method of dance.  Some people advocated letting people dance however they pleased although this can lead to confusion.  It was requested that Paul teach both methods so that when the new dancers come to Wednesday dances they will be able to adapt more easily.  The consensus was to have Ian speak to Paul about this particular situation.

 

A1/A2 Classes:  The club constitution states that Whirl and Twirl is a Mainstream/Plus Club and based on this the club cannot support advanced classes.  Quite a few of the club’s dancers would like to learn advanced calls, however, and it was requested that a proposal be sent to the board for discussion.  Based on the precedent of providing free rental for the round dance classes and dances which are held on the same night, it may be possible to provide the same for advanced classes and dances. The remainder of the costs must be borne by the advanced dancers not the club.  Paul Place, Ron Libby and Bob Stern are willing to teach advanced classes.  It was pointed out that a caller must be skilled in calling advanced.  The consensus is that someone needs to step up and take the lead in persuing this.

 

DBD:  It was suggested that a DBD class be scheduled again.  It was pointed out that Paul inserts DBD as well as some advanced calls in the Friday dances.

New Business

Central Florida Fair

Wayne Norwood said that the club has been asked to do a free demo dance again this year on April 19.  Paul Place is willing to donate his time between either the hours of 2-3 p.m. or 3-4 p.m.  A total of 8-10 couples would be needed to perform.  The club would be able to hand out flyers, determine the dress and would be the only square dance club.  There was discussion on whether the club was interested due to some unhappiness with the way it was managed last year.  Carolyn Milhan moved and Rowena Wilson seconded a motion to participate in the demonstration at the Central Florida Fairground on April 19 with Paul Place handling the program.  The motion carried.

New Member Applications

The following applications were received for regular membership:  Max and Lona Love and Serle and Rosemarie Reome.

The following applications were received for Life membership:  Leo Orr and Geneva Edge, and Dale Eckelbarger and Patti Thompson.

Duke Torbert moved and Jack Frye seconded a motion to accept these respective applications as members or Life members.  The motion carried.

 

Additional Business

Open Discussion

Evelyn Mahler thanked the Board for their work and dedication to the club.

Judy Walker spoke to the dress or lack of at the club.  Since there is no specific code,. she suggested that the club stress the type of dress square dancers usually wear perhaps through the classes.  Although casual dress is accepted in classes and on specific nights, it is preferable to have the more usual forms of dress on dance nights.

Several spoke about the recycle sale and encouraged sales to club members only until during the evening on Friday to allow all members to have equal opportunity to purchase clothes.

Bob Osborne thanked the many club members who attended the board meeting for coming and expressing their opinions.  This is one of the best ways to obtain club involvement.

This was reiterated by Ian Ogilvie.

 

Dick Baltzell moved and Ray Helmuth seconded a motion to adjourn.  The motion carried.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Bob and Ginny Osborne

Secretaries