2007 The Western Star

8/14/2019 2007 The Western Star

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25 ANNIVERSARYCOUNTDOWN~Part

Last in a series

NNNNew class members bring a fresh energy to the dance floor and keep the club vital. It is easy to overlook theveterans at the edge of the floorthose dancing with phantoms, sitting it out until needed, or discussing board

business. These members give the club a steady foundation. There is also a cornerstone: Russ has participated inWSD functions on a weekly basis ever since he was a student in the Mainstream class of 1982.

Cowboy Steve

Construction

Worker Steve

As Russ tells it

In 1982 I was living in Berkely, working at FirstAmerican Title Company in Oakland, and going to

ballet, opera and foreign movies, when I could fit

them in. I'd been involved with the Oakland

Lesbian/Gay Rights Organization for a while, but

began phasing that out when I discovered square

dancing, which also had a political element; but was

a lot more fun.I became involved in

Scottish Country

Dancing at Noe Valley

Ministry in 1987, where I

met Mimi, and got her to

check out Western Star,

where she graduated inMay 1990

Less scratchy than crinoline

And what was Mimi up to 25

years ago?I was working in the Clerks

Office of the federal Court of

Appeals the liberal Ninth

Circuit. I had settled into my new

job long enough to start making

waves. I was the first deputy clerk

to wear boots in a court session

against the dresscode at the time.I watched in aweas my threechildren grew into interesting

adults (I helped do that?).

I had just happened into an

Israelidance class, which led toScottish Country Dancing and

eventually to Western Star.

Happy 25h

Anniversary to

Western Star Dancers, andHappy 25th to Russ!MimiFolk dance diva

HHHHave you been paying close attention to the 25th Anniversary Countdown over the past year? Testyourself by taking THE OFFICIAL COUNTDOWN QUIZ.

1. Who met his lovera priestat 21st Street Baths?

2. Who is celebrating 50 years with Jed?

3. Who was Wrestler of the Month?

4. Who had a swishy male cat named Ethel?

5. Who performed on stage with cocktail straws in his butt?

6. Who got his smarts from The Charley Brown Encyclopedia?

7. Who owned a foreign car garage in Ohio?8. Who was a radar operator in the U.S. Army?

9. Who got dangled for dancing with C & D?

10. Who spent his early youth watching The Price is Right in

Melrose, Mass.?


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Compiled by Russ King

It was just over a year ago, at the joint Western Star/Foggy Danceast January 7, that caller Dick Henschel happened to workshop the call Rockthe Boat. He didnt know who wrote it, just that it had been a popularCallerlab Quarterly Selection back in the 80s, and he thought it would be a

fun novelty item to teach. As it happened, Stewart Kramer of El CaminoReelers and I were already familiar with the call, and had known BobBellville, the man who created it. Only the old-timers among us rememberBob and his accomplishments as a gay square dancer and gay caller, but onthe occasion of our 25th Anniversary, it seems a good occasion to explain hisplace in our history, and Ive asked Bill Hanzel, his mentor, and Andy Shore,who followed in the trail Bob helped blaze as an openly gay caller, to join me.

Bob learned to square dance at Western Stars 4 th Mainstreamclass, graduating in December 1983; he was Archangel for the next class.He quickly continued on through Plus and Advanced, and was one of themost active members of both Western Star and Midnight Squares throughoutthe 80s. His interest in teaching led him to seriously study calling; he didnthave a particularly strong singing voice, choosing instead to concentrate onhis forte, the devising of creative hash choreography. He became WesternStars Mainstream and Plus instructor in the late 80s, until his declininghealth from AIDS-related causes forced him to cut back; he passed away inSpring 1990.

Bobs class was the first Western Star class to be taught by BillHanzel, the husband of Janice Hanzel, founder and choreographer of the

Barbary CoastCloggers. Billhad never calledfor a gay group

before, but waswilling to give it atry despite thetechnicaldifficulties ofsight-calling off ofsame-sexcouples, and therisk of getting flakfrom his peers(still very much areality in the early80s). Billbecame our primary liaison with the straight square dance community, analso became Bobs mentor, encouraging his interest in calling and helpinghim through the process of becoming an accredited caller. Ive asked Bil(who now lives in Denver, but is planning to fly out and join us in March) tshare some of his thoughts about Bob, and here they are, followed by

Andys:

BILL HANZEL:I met Bob when I started teaching for

WSD. He had an interest in calling, and when Iwas asked by some members to start a callers

class, Bob was a part of it. He would share withme some of the things he was working on andasked questions about making choreographyflow comfortably.

He wrote the move Rock the Boat. Itwas a good call which flowed better than Loadthe Boat. Callerlab picked up the call and it wasput on the Quarterly list of new calls. It stayedthere for at least three quarters. Many calls areon the list for one quarter and disappear.Not.Rock the Boat.

In 1985 Bob made application to theSquare Dance Callers Association of NorthernCalifornia (SDCANC) and began attendingmeetings. He learned from many top callers inthe Northern California area. He polished hispresentation by calling in front of his peers andreceiving their critiques and encouragement.

After completing his apprenticeship training hewas voted a Caller member of SDCANC. Beforehe got the news, I was able to get his badge fromthe engraver and made arrangements to presentit to him at the 1986 IAGSDC Convention in SanFrancisco. Working with his partner Chris

Anderson, we decided to give him his badge atthe convention dinner. When I called Bob to thestage there was a standing ovation. He becamethe first openly gay caller in the SDCANC.

Bob and I attended the Calleconvention in Reno in 1988. This was thetime Bob met many of the nationally kncallers. He learned much more at Reno, m

than he knew. When callers learned that ithe who wrote Rock the Boat Bob walked a taller. The acknowledgement from callers,name callers, was tremendous. I think I saw pride in Bob that weekend.

The following week Chris calledand gave me the bad news. Bob was diagnwith HIV. That was like getting a punch in thefor me. I know I shed a tear or many for BobI knew I would eventually lose a friend. I ketouch with Chris when I could, to check upBob. The news finally came that Bob passed and Chris said that Bob wanted me ta pallbearer. It was a great honor for me.

These are my memories of a goodgracious being, Bob Bellville. I will forremember him as a friend and colleaSquare dancing will miss the calls that wnever written because of his loss. Friends the presence of Bob Bellville. I miss not bable to work with him more and learn more him.

Peace BobBill HaArchangel Bob

Continued on the next


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ANDY SHORE:I learned to square dance with the El

Camino Reelers. I was in their 3rd Mainstreamclass (1986-87) and our teacher was a bigstraight guy named Bill Hanzel. I liked Bill and Ithought he was a pretty good teacher and callerbut somehow, as a beginning dancer, I had thisnotion of oh straight people call for us.

This notion was blown away one nightwhen Bill couldnt be at class and arranged for asubstitute caller. Bob Bellville, a gay caller from

San Francisco, came down with his partner Chrisand taught our class that night. I rememberbeing very intrigued with a wow we can be onTHAT side of the microphone too feeling. So Idhave to say that Bob was my earliest inspirationand roll model for being a gay square dancecaller. A few years later, when I was starting tocall, Bob held some calling workshops up in SanFrancisco. It was great having his insights andjust having the opportunity to learn and practicecalling.

Bob was an openly gay member ofCALLERLAB, the International Association of

Square Dance Callers. I believe he is the only

openly gay caller to ever achieve the status of aCALLERLAB accredited caller, a rather obscureand rare status. Few callers seem to know of orattempt this thesedays, but it was a bigdeal 20 years ago.

Bob wasalso a member of theNor Cal Callers

Association and he

wrote the call Rockthe Boat as part ofhis membershipapplication andqualification. Rockthe Boat becamepopular and earnedthe status of aquarterly selection(an experimental calliin wide use) for atime. I still hear it cued today: Ends Load theBoat while the Centers Single Circle to Wave,

Fan the Top, and Extend.

Bob was one of the first generatioopenly gay square dance callers, whcontributions to the formation and success o

IAGSDC cannot be overestimated.--Andy Shore, January 2

Western Star has been deeply involved in the history of the IAGSDC from the beginning--it is one of the five founding members of theorganization, the other four being The South Florida MustangsFlorida MustangsFlorida MustangsFlorida Mustangs, Mile High SquaresMile High SquaresMile High SquaresMile High Squares of Denver, Puddletown SquaresPuddletown SquaresPuddletown SquaresPuddletown Squares of Seattle and The NeThe NeThe NeThe NeYears ResolutionsYears ResolutionsYears ResolutionsYears Resolutions from Southern California. After moving to Seattle, Western Star co-founder Agnes Smith became active with the

Puddletown SquaresPuddletown SquaresPuddletown SquaresPuddletown Squares, and was one of the committee co-chairs for the first IAGSDC Convention, which they hosted in 1984. In additionthree of Western Star's Lifetime Members are also recipients of the IAGSDC's Golden Boot Award--Scott Carey (1987), Freeman Stampe(1989) and Anna Damiani (1993).

Several Western Star graduates have gone on to found or co-found new clubs. El Camino ReelersEl Camino ReelersEl Camino ReelersEl Camino Reelerswas co-founded by Marilyn Martinyak and Pat Dixon, who graduated from our July 1984class. Robin Alpenglow (July 1986) founded the Madcap SquaresMadcap SquaresMadcap SquaresMadcap Squares inMadison, Wisconsin after leaving the Bay Area. Ed Conley (March 1987class) was one of the four founders of Diablo DancersDiablo DancersDiablo DancersDiablo Dancers, as well as theirfirst instructor.

Freeman Stamper (WSD class of June 1983) has had a particularly

strong influence on IAGSDC activities, thinking up and steering to

reality several programs and traditions whose existence we now

take for granted: The Bradley Bell Directory, the ten-and-twenty-

year Medallion Program, and the AIDS Memorial Panels which are

displayed at each Convention. As his life continues to move in new

directions he has passed their stewardship on to others, but he

provided the creative spark, brains and heart to get them started

and securely established. Freemans identical twin sister Stephanie

is pictured on the right.

Bob & Chris


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An Interview by Dan SmithD: What is your name?E: Eloise Twining and I was born in Napa,California.D: Oh so right here. How long have your familyived around these parts?My Great-Great Grandfather, James Palache,sailed into San Francisco bay in 1849 as a 16year old cabin boy on a ship that never left. Laterhe bought a small little darling farm at the end ofthe road in the middle of nowhere, which wasacross the street from the present day Claremonthotel. My parents grew up in Berkeley andOakland. She got a degree in Botany from Cal.Dad's degree is in Zoology also from Cal. I grewup in Ukiah, attended grade school there andwas also home schooled by Mother in central

Mexico.I have two sisters the older one takes care of

my Mother who's 91. We get along fairly wellconsidering I'm Pagan and she's a Jehovah'sWitness (Eloise laughs).D: Tell me about life in Ukiah.E: We lived on a ranch. When I was eight Fathertook me out to the corral and said, "Well here's ahorse. If you can keep him alive, he's yours." Aittle scrawny colt was standing there with a badcase of worms and ribs and backbone showing.We fed him up and he was my companion for 16years. I called him Jim.

One day I went out for a ride on Jim anddecided to try and make it up a canyon I'd neverclimbed. It got narrower and narrower and thewalls steeper and steeper. I started leading himup this thing and he had to put his feet verycarefully lunging his body up to get his balance. Imyself was holding on to bushes to get up thispretty close to vertical hill. And here's Jimfollowing after me. When we finally made it up tothe top he did something that I've never seen himdo before or since; he shook his whole bodythoroughly, turned around and gave me this looksaying, "What the heck did you do that for!" Thenhe stuck his head in my arms as if saying Youknow I really love you a whole lot and I was soscarred going up that thing and I'm so glad we'reat the top."

Somehow I got hooked up with the localHorsemen's Association that did speed andagility events. The first year I competed for oneor two shows and then the next year me and myhorse Leova won the High Point trophy in everyevent for the year except the barrel race. I regularly competed at three different club's horseshows.

D: Where did you go to College and whatMajor?

E: I walked into Willamette University and threeweeks later I had my first job in theater. Nowmind you we did not have, at any point, a highschool program so I had had no experience. Iworked in the music department running lights forproductions and since that time, 1974, I havenever been out of work in the theater. I've beenTechnical since the first day, basically anElectrician.

After a year at Willamette Idid 2 years at Ukiah JuniorCollage, 2 at Sonoma Statefor a BA. Then I did 5 yearsof being married and finally 2years of Masters level workin Theater at San Francisco

State and in the process gotdivorced. I worked in theTheater Department until Igot my first job at TheaterRhinoceros. I loved it. Then Iwas on the crew for anumber of productions at theEureka Theater. I hung thelights for the first everproduction of Angels in

America. I also had a longand happy association withTheater Arto, as well as in

the Caul at Stanford.One day I worked the CowPalace for a Metallica show.They needed 15 people torun Follow Spots from thetresses. I got into my littleseat and rode up to them,pulled by chain motors.Pyrotechnics where strungbetween our follow spots. Atone point I had to move mychair so that a pieceof trusson the hydraulics could fall past me. There weremortars going off underneath my chair and Icould not see the stage, 25 feet below. That wasthe Destruction tour. Anything for a little extranoise.

Now I work at the Opera doing things likechecking the house lights. I even crawl down aladder in the ceiling into the chandelier andchange stuff once or twice a year.D: How did you come to know about squaredancing?E: Well, way back when I was married myFather-in-law was a Caller. A number of yearslater after I'd met my long-term partner, Donald,we took Scottish dancing. One day I thought

back to the 70/80's and remembered, "Sqdance is so lovely." Russ has been cleaninghouse for about 12 years and I mentioned tothat I was interested in square danceand of course there wasn't any way that I wgoing to come to Western Star. So I taDonald into coming with me, he's proving to la great deal more then he thought he would.

I find that it's interesting, having danced wvery traditional, straight club, who put a de

emphasis on dressmaybe that's wharemember because I've always been a bit dchallenged. But to come into a group where tdoes not seem to be a dress code of any kininteresting. I think I'm more comfortable wgay group then I would be with a straight gr

At a straight group you showed up with a paand danced with him all night. I'd much radance with a bunch of people who mixpartners and don't have a problem with geassignment.D: Thank you Eloise.

E: You're welcome.


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Favorite color: Magenta and Red. Thebrighter the color, the better.Favorite food: Im not much of a foodie;practically anything you set in front of me isOk, except potato salad.If you could be any animal, what would yoube? Is this one of those reincarnation

questions? What animal would I like to bereincarnated as? Ill say a house cat. Letskeep it simple.Lucky number: Cant say any number is myucky number, none of them as paid off yet.Favorite movie: Edward Scissorhands,

Afterlife. I like quirky comedies anddocumentaries.Favorite song: I am a huge fan of ElvisCostello; most of his music is on my Ipod.Your hero/idol: I have a few, Boy George(dont laugh), Dali Lama, Ruth Gordon

(actor). I like spunky & bold individuals(cause I want to be just like them, when Igrow up).Other hobbies: I have many hobbies thatkeep me busy. My main hobby is stainedglass. I have been doing it for 25 years now.I also have a podcast. I do video editing.Gardening, hiking, writing. I also have beendoing a little country dancing as well.Where born/raised: Athens, Ohio. October26, 1957. And Ill do the math for you. Thatmakes me 49.

WORST subject in high school: Well, I wentto an all boys military high school for 4years, so high schoolwasnt the best experience for me. Survivalwas the main focus, especially when youdiscover that youre gay, as well. But, Imanaged to get out alive.Education & training: Some college, but nodegree (I was studying Theatre). Im also acertified massage tech. Im also a certifiedLife Coach, which is the business Imgrowing at the moment. I help folks to focus

on what is important to them; we then setgoals and get going.Tell about your home: Why? Are you comingover? Will I be getting a home makeover??Is that why you asked me about my favoritecolors! Actually I live in small apartmentcomplex in San Rafael, where 5 out of the 7tenants are gay, very usually for Marin.Tell about your lovers: Why, will they beshowing up again! Well, ok. I say that I had 4relationships; but I believe only 2 of themwere real relationships. The first relationship

was the worst and it caused me to move to

California. It was easier to move across theU.S. then break up with him,

The last relationship was thelongest, 7 years and it ended about 4 yearsago. So, that makes me single, doesnt it!Presently I am returning to the dating field,and its a trip.

Tell about your work: Presently, I work in alocal hospital, it pays the rent and allows metime to work on my coaching business,which I have already told you about. And bythe way, if anyone would like to experiencelife coaching all they have to do is contactme and I give you a free sample session.Youll love it!

Another work detail about me is thatI am presently on a board of a coachingorganization here in Marin. My role is that of

secretary and one of the tasks that I have toperform is creating a monthly electronicnewsletter.

Along with that detail, is that for 10years I was the production manager for theonly gay newspaper in Marin County. It wascalled The Slant. This role was a volunteergig and the newspaper is a thing of history. It

died a couple of years ago. I think it tells alittle bit about the gay community in Marin:struggling!But, with both of these jobs you can see that

I have a value of community andvolunteering.What is the BEST thing about you:Interesting question! And how do I answer it.I would have to say that I have a good senseof humor and Im very approachablecombined with real interest in people. Somewhat smart and have lots of interests and

can hold a conversation. And, yes I do ha shy side to me, but I hope that folks see past that.What is the most amazing thing youve done?A few years ago I was involved wunique program where I would teach prinmates (San Quentin) how to use life- s

in their lives. It was the most satisfthings I have every done. It really wasnscary thing at all.How & why did you start square dancinaccompanied someone to the free claslast year. We both joined and then dropped out, but I hung in there. Im nquitter. And now, square dancing becmy new social group. And I always likedidea of learning something new wmeeting new people.Funniest or happiest experience squ

dancing: I think every time I step intsquare is the funniest experience. I love making mistakes and then quickly trcorrect myself. I know that might tick ofew of the more expert dancers.Favorite call: Im not going to give out amy secrets.Least favorite call: Oh, you know those schainy things.Favorite callers: What are you trying tome in trouble! Im still new to the sqdancing world and have not experience

lot of different callers.I like square dancing because its fun!Future square dancing plans: I plancontinuing thru this year to get Plus levelmy body a little better. Then from there, knows!

Advice to new dancers: Dont beat youup if/or when you make mistakes. learning from mistakes is a good thing.If you could have three wishes, what wthey be? Oh this is such a hard questioanswer. What I want for myself is: love, t

of friends and many experiences (youll hto ask to elaborate these answers at anotime).

And, if you want some otherabout me. I moved to California aboutyears ago from Indiana. Moved straighMarin County and have been there esince. Other places I have lived: MissNebraska, and Virginia. Im the younge3 boys. And, dont forget to check outwebsite: www.NidaCoach.com or podcast on Itunes. Its called Life Coac

A Go Go or do a search with my name.


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Meeting MinutesIn order to keep club members informed of the affairs of the club, the Board of Directors decided to publis

our meeting minutes. Comments may be directed to any board member. Members are always welcome to

attend board meetings.

Board Meeting -- November 20, 2006

Board members present: Brundage, Daniels, Dewsnap, King

Administrator Daryl Daniels called the meeting to order at 6:57 p.m. Theminutes of the October Board meeting were approved.

The Administrator reported the following:

We received a grant of $604 from the Peterson Fund. AA has asked us to swap places with them on

Wednesday evenings. We would reserve the right touse the auditorium space on specific Wednesdays suchas the Christmas Party. It was suggested that aninformal agreement be drafted and signed by bothorganizations.

Mark Nida has proposed that we create an alliancewith the Stompede organization for the purpose of

creating a square dancing event at/within the 2007Stompede weekend (usually run in October). TheBoard agreed to look into the alliance and Daniels willask Nida to serve as liaison.

The next Board meeting will be on Monday, December11.

The Treasurer's report was accepted. We are in good financial shapelooking forward to the Anniversary events in March 2007.

With the Dance Coordinator, we discussed the booking of callers for 2008-09. It was the consensus of the Board that we should utilize popular, well-known callers who reside on the West Coast to avoid large transportationexpenses.

The meeting adjourned early (at 7:25 p.m.) to deal with the scheduconflict at EVRC and the cancelled class.

Board Meeting -- December 11, 2006

Board members present: Brundage, Casserly, Daniels, Dewsnap, Kand Young.

Administrator Daniels called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

It was decided to make a donation to EVRC twice a year. The donation will be a Safeway gift card.

The board decided not to swap spaces with AA on Wednesday evenings

There was a discussion concerning options other than Yahoo Groups

club communications. It was decided to keep using Yahoo Groups untfind something better.

The Treasurer's report was accepted. We are in good financial shape.

The Anniversary/Events coordinator requested a 'modest' budgetincidentals for the Anniversary celebration. He was given a $100 budg

The Dance coordinator reported that callers for Club Nite have beenfor the first six months of 2007. He is working on callers for our 2008 dances.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:15 p.m.


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February 3Capital City Squares Winter DanceCapital City Squares Winter DanceCapital City Squares Winter DanceCapital City Squares Winter DanceContinuing the Silver CelebrationContinuing the Silver CelebrationContinuing the Silver CelebrationContinuing the Silver Celebration Rick Boswell caller. 2:30-5:30 pm A/C1* 7-10 pm Intro/MS/P Afternoon $7 Evening $8 Central United Methodist Church,5265 H Street, Sacramento

February 107-10 pm

Foggy City Dancers Valentines DanceFoggy City Dancers Valentines DanceFoggy City Dancers Valentines DanceFoggy City Dancers Valentines Dance Bill Eyler caller. Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 678 PortolaDrive, San Francisco

February 16-18PACEPACEPACEPACE, Ben Rubright caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday 11 am & 2:30 pm C2, Sunday 11 amC3A, 2:30 pm C3. Diablo Light Opera Co. 1948 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill

February 21

7:30-9:30 pm

Club Night Neil Heather caller. EVRC

February 24El Camino Reelers ThrouEl Camino Reelers ThrouEl Camino Reelers ThrouEl Camino Reelers Through Winter.gh Winter.gh Winter.gh Winter. St. Andrews Methodist Church, 4111 Alma Street, Palo

Alto

March 57:30-9:30 pm

25th Anniversary Kickoff Celebration. EVRC

March 9-11PACEPACEPACEPACE, Vic Ceder caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday 11 am & 2:30 pm C2, Sunday 11 am C3A,2:30 pm C3. Diablo Light Opera Co. 1948 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill

March 10 Diablo Dancers Flip the FlowersDiablo Dancers Flip the FlowersDiablo Dancers Flip the FlowersDiablo Dancers Flip the Flowers

March 207:30-9:30 pm

Club La Star & Club Night Ron Masker, caller. EVRC

March 247:30-10:30 pm

25th Anniversary Dance25th Anniversary Dance25th Anniversary Dance25th Anniversary Dance Eric Henerlau caller. Class/MS/P/A*$8/$10 Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 678 Portola Drive, San Francisco

For the latest dance information, check www.bayareadancecalendar.orgwww.bayareadancecalendar.orgwww.bayareadancecalendar.orgwww.bayareadancecalendar.orgNational & International events can be found at www.iagsdc.comwww.iagsdc.comwww.iagsdc.comwww.iagsdc.com Click on EventsEventsEventsEvents


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Western Star Dancers

584 Castro Street #480

San Francisco, CA 94114


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Thanks to everyone who worked to make our anniversary celebrat

such a success. Russ King, Joe Casserly, Todd Young, Dan Smith,

Toms Todd performed incredibly in organizing and decorating for

celebration. Russs connections and persistence provided us w

huge turnout of WSD members old and new. It was an honor a

privilege for me to represent your club as Administrator. At one p

in the evening, we had 12 squares dancing on the floor. Thank you

your support, your enthusiasm, and your energy.

And so we stride confidently forward into the next 25 years.

Yellowr

Daryl Da

WSD Administr

In an emotional ceremony at the 25th Anniversary Dance onMarch 24, Felix Fornino and Steve Scott were presented with

Lifetime Memberships, the highest honor WSD can bestowonto a member. Felix earned his award with his relentlessdrive that kept the club alive during the sparse times of the

1990s. Steves organizational and people skills and hisinitiative helped the club become the vigorous active club weare today.

Other lifetime members are Scott Carey, John Conley, AnnaDamiani, Russ King, and Freeman Stamper.

WSD recognize non-club members who made significantcontributions to the group by awarding HonoraryMemberships. Our Honorary Members are Peggy Shumway

and Bert & Rhonda Swerer.


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FELIX FORNINOaka Miss Camp Caz for All Time,Sophie WhinesteinBucks & Does, Columbus, OH, 1977WSD, Orange Class, 1990MNS, dance level: A21

stConvention, Miami 1991

Medallion Dancer, Baltimore 2000Current home: Manassas, VAWSD Service: Member at Large, 1993-94

Administrator; Newsletter Editor, 1997-2001

In 1997, Western Star had very little money and few students.To make up for this shortfall, Felix contributed from his ownpocket for printing flyers, mailings and such. Part of what I didduring those years was concentrated our recruitment efforts atthe Folsom and Castro Street Fairs. We didnt have enough

money for the flyers and the entrance fees for those eventsthen I remembered the Petersen Fund. Through that, I managedto get enough money to pay for the flyers, the entrance fees and

the money for any equipment we needed. I also wrote thecontract for the Leather and Lace Dance requiring the caller tocall on Sunday at the Folsom Street Fair. During those years, it

looked as if I was getting nowhere. Many people told me that

maybe it was time to let it die. But I guess I was a littlestubborn, and I persisted. I refused to let it die, and look where

we are now. I guess my proudest achievement would have to bethat Western Star is now celebrating its 25th Anniversary!

TWO LEFT FEET

By Brenda Line

April Foolery

WSDS FAVORITEFENSTERMACHERDAN SMITHINTERVIEWSBRENDA LINE

Dan Smith: Your name is?

Brenda Line: Brenda Line.Dan Smith: Parents?

Brenda: 2.

Dan: Born where?

Brenda: I was born in a trunkin thePrincess Theater in Pocatello, Idaho.

Dan: That sounds familiar.Brenda: I do a lot of channeling.

Dan: Have you ever wrestled with Bob?

Brenda: No, but I have given Toms asoda straw thrill.

Dan: You are very statuesque.Brenda: Nearly as tall as Caleb in heels.Dan Smith: Are all the women in your

family as glamourous as you?

Brenda Line: Oh, yes. My sister Dewa

was once one the cover ofCrack

Whore Magazine.

Pictured:Dan Smithat age 25

DOWN MEMORY LANE

WSD during the administration of FELIX

TRIBUTEFREDOur late friendof fond memory.

ABOVEIn 1982, Fredaccepted the Oscar onbehalf of Meryl Streep.

LEFTNo, notCountry/

Western.

Seeinterviewarticleabove.

CW ZINE$3 US$27 CANADA


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By Virginia & Dan SmithOne night while visiting my Mother she drove me to thequeer square dance club, the Tucson T-Squares. Shewanted to see what gay square dancing was like. At thedance she whispered into my ear, "That guy's making aplay for you." I told her I would let him down easy. Wechuckled on each other's shoulders. On the way home Iasked her if she'd ever square danced. She said she'ddanced in the 1930's in Thomas County which is in thenorthwest corner of Kansas. I asked her to write a wee bitabout that. Below are her words.

My memories of Square DancingSaturday nights in the nineteen thirties, were a

big night out for my parents, Cecil and Ethel Littell. Dad

would take out his violin and lovingly rub the surface with a soft cloth and apply rosin to the bow. Mowould dress in her best print dress and tie up oxfords, dust her face with talcum powder and put just adab of Vaseline on her lips.

They lived in Colby, but would travel to Levant, a very small town just to the north, where thedance was held in the loft of a barn. People came from all around, seeing old friends only on thesenights. The men dressed in suits, shiny with age, string ties around white collars and work shoes shinjust for the occasion. Most of the women wore print dresses, but now and then there was a butterfly inthe crowd with a silk or chiffon gown. While it was a square dance basically, they waltzed, did thefoxtrot, and the two-step. However, there was no Charleston, which was too modern.

The barn was an actual working barn with bundles of hay and gear in corners. Just for the danthey would place an assortment of chairs around, and put a layer of sand on the floor. It was supposeto make the dancing easier. There were no refreshments as such, but the men would slip out now andthen to take a sip from a secret bottle of bootleg whiskey; Kansas was a dry state at that time.

I was around ten when they took me with them a few times. I dont remember seeing any otherchildren my age, so I really dont know why I was allowed to go. But, of course, I loved it. When Dadstepped up on the stage and raised his violin (which became a fiddle) to his chin and begin to play, I wso proud. There were other musicians, but I dont recall what they played. My Grandfather, Charles,taught music and had taught Dad how to play. He could play the hoe-down type of music for a barndance, but at home he could really make the instrument wail enough to make you cry. Lucky man.

When the music began, people crowded thefloor. There were no wallflowers, every one dancedI didnt know any of the square dances, but theyincluded me any way. The caller, who could be

anyone of several men, chanted the moves andeveryone guided me around. My favorite was whethe men created a circle, lifted the women off theground and swung around and around.

As the depression gained ground and everyone was struggling just to stay alive, the barn dancceased. I think they were sorely missed by myparents.

For ten year old me it was a bit of magic I walways remember.


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Meeting MinutesMeeting MinutesMeeting MinutesMeeting MinutesThe Board of Directors meeting minutes are published In order to keep club members informed of the affairs of the clu

Oral or written comments may be directed to any board member. Members are welcome to attend board meetings

Minutes of the Board

January 22, 2007Board members present:Casserly, Daniels, Dewsnap,King, Young.The meeting was called to orderat 6:45 p.m. by AdministratorDaryl Daniels.The minutes of the Decembermeeting were approved.

The Administrator reportedthat Mark Nida's proposal toSundance Stampede about apossible co-event with WesternStar (see November '06 minutes)came to naught. He alsoreported that star shapeddangles have been ordered forthe 25th Anniversary Dance.The Treasurer's report wasaccepted. One of our CD's will

mature in earlyFebruary and there wassome discussionregarding how to re-invest the money.

The Anniversary Dancecoordinator reportedthat he was been incontact with more than70 former Western Starmembers. The dance isshaping up to be a realfamily reunion.Casserly and Youngunveiled a model oftheir plan fordecorations for the

Anniversary Dance.The date for the Spring

Yard Sale was set for

Sunday, May 5th, to capitalizeon all the Cinco de Mayo foottraffic.The meeting was adjourned at7:20 p.m.Respectfully submitted,

Jim Dewsnap, Secretary

Minutes of the BoardMinutes of the BoardMinutes of the BoardMinutes of the BoardFebruary 21, 2007February 21, 2007February 21, 2007February 21, 2007

Board members present:Brundage, Casserly, Daniels,Dewsnap, King.The meeting was called to orderat 6:40 p.m. by AdministratorDaryl Daniels.The minutes for the January

meeting were approved.The Administrator reportedthat printing fees are increasingto $0.50 a page andrecommended that annual clubdues be raised to $40. Thisraise will be voted on by theclub members at the AnnualMeeting in September.In other business, the Boardapproved a $50 donation to theorgan fund atSt. Agnes Church in memory ofFreddie Papapietro. Also, a

sympathy card has been senformer club secretary TomOphardt whose mother waskilled recently in a car accideSo far, 29 folks have renewedtheir club membership. Lettwill be sent to those who hanot renewed by February 28March 5th (a class night) wilthe actual 25th Anniversary the club and to celebrate theevent a club photo will be taand a cake will be ordered.Plans for the 25th AnniversaDance & Celebration are ontrack. Volunteers who are n

attending the dinner areneeded for the decorationcommittee. A $1000 budgetthe Dance & Celebration waapproved.The Treasurer's report wasaccepted.The next Board meeting willMarch 12.The meeting was adjourned7:15 p.m.Respectfully submitted,

Jim Dewsnap, Secretary


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April 13-15

PACE, Linda Kendall caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday11 am & 2:30 pm C2, Sunday 11 am C3A, 2:30 pm C3.Diablo Light Opera Co. 1948 Oak Park Boulevard, PleasantHill

April 147-10 pm

Foggy City Dancers Spring Dance. MS/Class LevelPlus/Plus/A* $8/$10 Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 678Portola Drive, San Francisco

April 187:30-9:30

pm

Club Night Gary Young caller. EVRC

April 21El Camino Reelers Walk & Dodge Into Spring. St. AndrewsMethodist Church, 4111 Alma Street, Palo Alto

April 27-29

Capital City Squares Stumptown StompA 25 t h AnniversaryCelebration. Anne Uebelacker & Mike Jacobs callers.MS/Plus/A/C1* Veterans Hall, Guerneville

May 510 am-3pm

Ol! Cinco de Mayo Yard Sale Hartford Street(near 18 t h Street)Donate your stuff. Buy some wonderful things. Lend ahand.

May 4-6

PACE, Barry Clasper caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday

11 am & 2:30 pm C1 7:30 pm C4, Sunday 11 am C3A, 2:30 pmC3. Diablo Light Opera Co. 1948 Oak Park Boulevard,Pleasant Hill

May 167:30-9:30pm

Club Night Ron Masker caller. EVRC

May 217:30-9:30pm

2007 Red Mainstream Class CompletionCelebration. EVRC

MMMaaayyy 222555---

222777IIIAAAGGGSSSDDDCCC CCCooonnnvvveeennntttiiiooonnn RRReeeddd RRRoooccckkksss &&& PPPuuurrrpppllleee MMMooouuunnntttaaaiiinnnsss...MMMSSS---CCC444... DDDeeennnvvveeerrr,,, CCCOOO

WSD Angel Island Picnic

July 4, 2007 You dont wantto miss it!

For the latest dance information, check www.bayareadance calendar.org National & Internationa l events can be found at www.iagsdc.com Click on

Events


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interview by dan smithD:D:D:D: What's you're name?M:M:M:M: Michael Sui [pronouncedSue]. I was born in SilverSprings, a suburb of D.C. That'swhere my Mom grew up. I haveone brother, two years younger. Iwas the first born on the Chineseside of the family. My Dad'sChinese and Mother is likeGerman-English. OurGrandfather gave us Chinesenames, mine is Wei Gong, whichmeans bright.D:D:D:D: Who was your first gayfriend?M:M:M:M: . I remember as early askindergarten making a good

friend. I still don't know if he'sgay or straight, BUTBUTBUTBUT, I do knowas kids we really bonded. Weboth had SHE-RA Dolls but couldalways tell them apart because hehad cut and colored his doll's

hair. (Michael laughs) I didn'tthink anything about it at thetime but now I think, "Umm."That was a good friendship, justkind of Kinder from the

beginning.D:D:D:D: Are there any interestingstories about high school?M:M:M:M: Freshman year I had a reallygood English teacher and gotinto writing. She took me underher wing and encouraged me. Itwas the first time I used acomputer to do design. We had areally old one that was like DOS.I used it to design the title pageof my autobiography. That'swhen I got into Design which waswhat I went to college for,Graphic Design.D:D:D:D: Where did you go to college?I choose Saint Mary's because it

was far away fromhome. The campus

was secluded, right onthe river. I learned tosail and I joined thecrew team. I had neverdone athletics butwhen college came Idecided I couldreinvent myself and dothings that I reallywanted to do likesports. So I joined the Tartans and hadstraight guy friends,

like for the first time. Itwas that kind ofcomradery; we evenshot a calendar of theteam. I loved that timebecause I lived bymyself. I'd wake up at4:30, drive to campus,

go out on the river for practiceand then the team would eatbreakfast together.

My house was by the water.Sometimes, before sunset, I'd

take a kayak out, scoop crabs offthe fish traps, come home, steamthem for dinner and eat on thedock. It felt kind of like a WaldenPond, a Thoreauin the country

by myselflots ofsolitudeand thenhaving these friends.kind of like anincubation time for me.

One of my bestfriends from highschool went toCarnegie Mellon. She

was studying GraphicDesign, which theycall CommunicationDesign now that youhave Internet, websites, Multi-MediaIsaw what she wasdoing and I thought,"Oh my God that iswhat I want to do. I'min love with that." So Itransferred toCarnegie Mellon andgot a BFA inCommunicationDesign in May of2006. Now I workFor Pottery Barn inthe Visual

Merchandising Department.D:D:D:D: How did you happen to cometo WSD?M:M:M:M: I'm Daniel and Jeff'sroommate and Daniel said to me,"We're starting our Mainstreamclass come check it out." I said,"OK. When I was in elementaryschool Mom and me tookCountry Line Dancing. Everybodyin the class was retired and intheir 60's and then there was 10 year old me. I picked it up and

danced well.D:D:D:D: So you werent totallyunprepared for square dancing?M:M:M:M: No. Also Mon, Dad, littlebrother and I took a dance classand learned the kind of dancesthat everybody knows; but youdon't actually know them,somebody has to teach them to you. Mr. Kim taught the Hustle,Discothe Electric Slide and linedances. I remember learningAchy Breaky Heart.

D:D:D:D: OK, Daniel brought you toclass. Tell me about the first night?M:M:M:M: The first class I came to wasduring Halloween. People weredressed up in Sumo outfits andSteve Scott was wearing acountry kind of frilly Fresca dress.I thought, "This is FANTASTIC. This is so cool." I thought everyweek was going to be like that.Luckily I didn't have a costume orI'd probably have worn it thenext week. (Michael laughs) Thatwould have been awkward. I was,

"Oh, it's gay, you dress up. this fun, a very spirited groEverybody was so warm friendly and it was just sucnice time. It reminded me ofdance classes with my Mom, the Community Center thing, know? I'm sold on the danthing.D:D:D:D: Tell me about another sqdancing experience.M:M:M:M: I loved going out of towsee Crossfire because I gottake a little road trip with DaGrey, Gary and Ammon. Tgoing into that house and sepeople that I recognized fsquare dancing and then sepeople that I completely direcognize. I realized there's huge network of people, community that have been dothis together since 83. It justlike Pride tapped into this whcommunity. It put the club context, the people into conand I felt like it put my own

into a context. It's a commuthat keeps going on and on there are still people who hbeen there from the beginand there are new people some people appear photographs and they're there anymore. But it felt recool to be part of something.D:D:D:D: Thank you Michael. Is thanything else you'd like to sayM:M:M:M: I'm excided for Plus.


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Meeting MinutesMeeting MinutesMeeting MinutesMeeting MinutesThe Board of Directors meeting minutes are published In order to keep club members informed of the affairs of the club.. Oral

written comments may be directed to any board member. Members are welcome to attend board meetings.

March 12, 2007Board members present: Brundage, Casserly, Daniels, Dewsnap, King. The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. by

Administrator Daryl Daniels. The minutes of the February meeting were approved.Regarding our 25th Anniversary Class Night Birthday Bash (March 5th), the Administrator stated: "Well done with the Birthday

Bash. The decorations were festive, the panels were most impressive, the cake was well selected. All of your efforts are appreciated."Russ King submitted a complete Anniversary Week schedule, and reported that all preparations for the 25th Anniversary week celebratiare on track.

The Treasurers report was accepted. The next Board meeting will be April 16. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55 p.m.Respectfully submitted,Jim Dewsnap, Secretary

April 16, 2007Members present: Brundage, Daniels, Dewsnap, King, Young. Administrator Daniels called the meeting to order at 6:40 p.m. T

minutes of the March Board meeting were approved.The Administrator praised the 'fantastic' anniversary celebration: "Bravo to all involved. It exceeded expectations!" Danielsreported that he has met with the director of EVRC about conflicts and scheduling problems. Our lockers have been moved to a lockeroom near the auditorium (from backstage). Various summer activities were discussed: picnics at Angel Island or Mt. Tamalpais and adancing tour of The City.

Daniels put out a call for storage space for club memorabilia. Both he and Russ King are storing things now but a good, morepermanent space with easy access is needed.

The Treasurer's report of was accepted. Payment to callers was discussed. In the future, we will pay $250 or half the proceedup to $450.'

The next Board meeting will be May 14. The meeting was adjourned at 7:20 p.m.Respectfully submittedJim Dewsnap, Secretary


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June 8-10PACEPACEPACEPACE Clark Baker caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday 11 am & 2:30 pm C2 7:30 C4, Sunday 11 am C3A, 2:30 pm C3. Diablo LightOpera Co. 1948 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill

June 97:30-10:30 pm

Diablo DancersDiablo DancersDiablo DancersDiablo Dancers15th Anniversary Dance. Gina Darcy caller. MS/P/A $8/$10 Jewish Community Center, 2071 Tice Valley Boulevard,Walnut Creek

June 173-6 pm

Midnight SquaresMidnight SquaresMidnight SquaresMidnight Squares Press Right Into Summer. C.J. Smith & Rob French callers. A2-C2/C3A* $8/$10 Studio 204, 3425 Cesar Chavez, SanFrancisco

June 20

7:30-9:30 pm CLUB NIGHT Fen Tamanaha caller. EVRCJune 237:30-10:30 pm

Pride Dance Bill Eyler caller. MS/P/A* $8/$10 Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 678 Portola Drive, San Francisco

July 49:20 am-4 or 5 pm

ANGEL ISLAND PICNIC Meet at The Ferry Building, in the back, by Gandhi. See next page for details.

July 187:30-9:30 pm

CLUB NIGHT Gary Young caller. EVRC

July 13-15PACEPACEPACEPACE, Betsy Gotta caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday 11 am & 2:30 pm C1, Sunday 11 am C3A, 2:30 pm C3. Diablo Light Opera Co.1948 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill

F o r t h e l a t e s t d a n c e i n f o r m a t i o n , c h e c k w w w . b a y a r e a d a n c e c a l e n d a r . o r g

N a t i o n a l & I n t e r na t i o n a l e v e n t s c a n b e fo u n d a t w w w . i a g s d c. c o m C l i c k o n E v e n t s

Augus t 18Circu la te San Franc i scoA d i f f e re n t k i n d o f Sq ua re D a n c e Ad ve n ture Wa tc h f o r De ta i l s


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Western Star Dancers584 Castro Street #480San Francisco, CA 94114


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WWWWestern Star Dancersestern Star Dancersestern Star Dancersestern Star Dancers, like mostsquare dance clubs, is a non-profit,member-run organization. Its that time ofyear, when we get ready to elect a new

Board of Directors. The Board is a group ofmembers whove decided to take their turnhelping us all enjoy square dancing foranother year, and it wouldnt happen

without them. The Board doesnt doeverything, but it has responsibility formaking sure it gets all done, everythingfrom setting up before class to hiring ourcallers, scheduling events, booking thedance spaces, you name it.

Some may see serving on theBoard as an obligation. Some see it as aduty. Some find it challenging andempowering. Some may see it as a way toexpress their creativity. Some may do it asa community service. There are so manyreasons for being on the Board, and not allof them are burdensome.

The Board consists of at least five

and up to seven members; every Clubmember is eligible to run. Years of

experience are not a requirement; in fact, we like include fresh perspectives, and weespecially encourage newer members whohave a little extra time and enthusiasm tothrow their hats in the ring. This time,

were looking for at least four to sixmembers willing to give it a try;nominations are now open, and will closein mid-August.

Three members of the current

BoardAdministrator Daryl Daniels,Treasurer Bob Brundage and Secretary JimDewsnapwill be running for re-election, sothe new members will have plenty ofguidance and support (and positions will bedecided by the new board). And althoughstepping down, Todd Young and JoeCasserly will continue to help out withdecorations, and Joe will stay on as

Webmaster. So, you may ask, if I run forthe Board, what exactly would I be gettingmyself into?

Probably the most important

consideration is if you will be able to attend Western Star Dancers activities with

regularity throughout the coming yeatwo. Someone from the Board needs toat EVRC before class starts to help openand someone needs to get everything away at the end; ditto for Club Nights. Tresponsibility rotates among the Board,

you should be there often enough to your fair share. From time to timeBoard needs to make immediate decisregarding some problems on the floor

with scheduling that cannot wait untilnext Board meeting, so regular attendais important. While youre on the Bo

you should be here frequently enougform your own independent opinion ab

whatever issues come up for discus Nuts and bolts issues will come up when theres a Club activity, the Bneeds to figure out who will be in chahow much help will be needed, who mbe interested in volunteering, etc. We ha smooth running organization, so board members will not be expected

reinvent any wheels. Board meetings held once a month, on whatever day time works best for everyone. Pizzusually served.

This year, weve revivedtradition of a formal Election Committeconsists of former WSD Board Member

Administrator Steve Scott, outgoing BMember Joe Casserly, and Russ King. of them, or Daryl, Bob, or Jim will be glaanswer whatever additional questions might have. You can nominate yoursea friend, but please dont nominate anyelse without first getting their cons

Thanks!


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Celebrating25 Years of


THE RED AND THE GOLDRed Rocks, Red Grads,Golden Anniversary

.

GOLDEN ANNIVERSARYMerle & Jed Celebrate 50-Year RelationshipThe first day of July marked a half-century milestone forWestern Star member and benefactor Merle and his partner

Jed. The an-

niversary datewas acknow-ledged by apresentationfrom StateAssemblyman

Mark Leno.

Merle & Jed

Dayincludeda photo slideshow at The Cove, and 1957 music to set the 50-year tone

Construction

Worker Steve

PICTURED--

Merle, TheHonorable Mr.Leno, Jed.

Babushka-headed trend-setterDonaldexemplifies the spirit that the Red Classhas infused into the WSD communit .

It has been a busy season with RedRocks in Denver, yellow rocks for theRed Class graduates, the WSD SilverAnniversary, and a golden moment fora special WSD member. The Red

Class wasrepresented atthe

convention byCaleb Dupree du

du Coeurand by Steve Hug-

gins (photo atleft).

HALF-SASHAYEDby Natty Box Dive-Through Featuring Michael, Steve, Marilynn, and Ammon

REDSPIRIT

WELCOMEIn addition to WSDgraduates from theRed MainstreamClass, the Plus Classincludes Rob (left)from FCD, andJamie

(right) from ECR, who are refreshing their dancingskills. Both are welcome additions to our squares.


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an interview by dan smithD:D:D:D: So, what's your name?M:M:M:M: Officially it's Miriam Muller but I've been Mimi for years.D:D:D:D: Mimi where were you born?M:M:M:M: In New York and I grew up in Queens. My Father was an Orthopedist. Motherstarted off as a school teacher and then worked in women's school organizations.I remember that when the family got together an aunt would sit at the piano andwe would sing, dance and very often do a few squares. There was enough spacefor a conservative square. It was before the days of coffee tables so the middlewas open. This is oldstylesquare dancing.

There was always square and folk dancing in the summer camps I went to inthe late 40's. Once when I was twelve or thirteen our camp went into town whichhad square dancing; that was during a big Folk revival. It was interestingbecause we were used to Allemande-Left being turn by the left hand but as faras they were concerned Allemande-Left meant turn by the left hand turn yourpartner by the right, turn your corner by the left and then you did whatever;that was Allemande-Left. I also remember one summer evening at Jones Beach,Burl Ives of all people was calling.D:D:D:D: Can you tell me about Old Style square dancing?M:M:M:M: It was more like singing calls then Caller Lab. Some common calls wereCircle FourHalf Way, Dip and Dive Across, Swing and Allemande Left. The callerwould usually call the same set of calls to each of the couples who would then,in turn, lead.D:D:D:D: Did you do any dancing after growing out of camp?M:M:M:M: Towards the end of my high school years and the first years of collage (early50's) there was folk dancing in Manhattan at the Ethical Cultural Society onSaturday mornings and I used to go to that. After dancing we'd go tosomebody's place to sing and folk dance and often even square dance. Sincewe were experienced dancers by that time we were getting a little bit boreddoing the standards all the time. So, some of the people who were familiar witha lot of the dances began varying the calls. We began to add styling to calls likeGrand Right and Left. People began playing with turning the lady under witheach Right.

It's interesting that when Russ talked me into Western Star the first time and I saw a lot of the styling it seemed like a continuationwhat groups like ours were inventing. It just seemed like such a logical extension of, "OK, we really know square dancing. It's time to splaying with it. It's time to make it possible for the caller to challenge the dancers more."

D:D:D:D: Have you been dancing ever since that or was there a long time when you didn't dance?

M:M:M:M: When I moved out here I was busy and it took me quite a few years to find any dancing. There werlistings. This was before the internet. I finally saw a notice for the Macedonian-Armenian Society and stagoing, I brought the kids along; it was a family sort of thing. From there I began to hear about other dance groups and did some of that for a while. I took an introductory Israeli folk dance class at Noe VaMinistry. One day in 86 or 87 I saw a notice for Scottish Country Dancing, and I got hooked. Russ King ahis friend were in the class and said, "Look it's our 25

thAnniversary and we're offering half price to pe

who come back for review and I said, "You're on."D:D:D:D: Tell me an experience you had while square dancing.M:M:M:M: We were with Western Star the first time it went to the Golden State Roundup. I think I had fewer crinolthen anybody else in the room. I like skirts. You know when I started square dancing women wore skirts. Ydidn't have the stiff crinolines so you used your hips to make your skirt move. One of these days I'll we

skirt and see if I can still do any of that. I remember the first time they had an introduction to contra dancing. You could spot the squdancers, cold, because they were trying to be right on the lines and finish one figure before going into the next one. They were trying to

very, very precise and contra dancing is not.You get roughly where you need to be and then you blend into the next figure.At another Roundup I was very impressed by Western Star. The minute a caller called something unconventional we were the ones wcould handle it, traditional groups tended to fall apart, especially if it was an unusual gender or orientation thing.

One year for the first time the State Square Dance Association agreed to let the gay groups come to their state wide dance weekend. Oof the reasons that we went was because since we hadn't been allowed to go we thought we aught to show up. They are vary mintostick with your own gender, so much to thatand this was years ago but stillthe women who were dancing as men had a big sthat said 'Male' on their hats.D:D:D:D: Any last thoughts?M:M:M:M: . When I first took the class years ago there was a social for the new class. It was nice to get a chance to talk to people.D:D:D:D: Russ has been talking about reviving that tradition. Thank you, Mimi.M:M:M:M: You're welcome.


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MeetingMeetingMeetingMeeting

MinutesMinutesMinutesMinutesThe Board of Directors meeting

minutes are published In order to

keep club members informed of

the affairs of the club.. Oral or

written comments may be

directed to any board member.

Members are welcome to attend

board meetings.

May 14, 2007All Board members were present.Administrator Daryl Daniels calledthe meeting to order at 6:33 p.m.The minutes of the April Boardmeeting were approved.

The Administrator gave a 'thankyou' for those who worked theyard sale and reported that we hadtaken in $191. He added that next

year we need to try to get moreclub members, especially new clubmembers, involved in the sale.Plans were finalized for the RedMainstream Class CompletionParty on May 21. Plans wereannounced for the Angel Islandpicnic (July 4), Circulate SanFrancisco (August. 18), and theannual pool party at Kip Mackey's(September 1). We are stillooking for storage space for clubmemorabilia. (Dan Smith is to

check with the SF Gay HistoricalSociety.)

The Treasurer's report wasaccepted. Brundage will getanother CD with some of themoney we have in our checkingaccount.

The Dance Coordinator announced that hehas lined up callers for the 2008 PrideDance (Darren Gallina) and Leather & Lace(Eric Henerlau). The future of Club Night

was discussed. No decision was reached.King will continue to use 'sign up' sheets todetermine whether to hold Club Night on amonth by month basis. Ways to get moremembers involved in Club activities werediscussed. We also want club members toconsider running for next year's Board.

The next Board meeting will be June 11 at6:30 p.m.

June 11, 2007

Administrator Daniels called the meeting toorder at 6:33 p.m. with all Board memberspresent. Minutes of the May meeting wereapproved. Pride Dance preparations were

firmed up and Angel Island reservations arecoming in. Drivers are needed forCirculate San Francisco on August 18.

Russ King suggested that we set up anelection committee to seek out memberswho would be willing to serve on the Board.Russ was named head of the committee.November Club Night, since it is so closeto Thanksgiving, will morph into an Orange

Class Welcome Potluck on a date yet todetermined.

Class pricing was discussed. The issue wtabled until the July Board meeting. Dan

asked the Board to review the WSD PoStatements which haven't been revisedsince 1991.

The treasurer's report was accepted. Inother business, the Castro Street Fair anour application to the Peterson Fund wediscussed. The meeting was adjourned a7:20 p.m. after scheduling the next Boardmeeting for July 16.


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August 4 l Ca mi no Ree le rs S t a r A c r os s Su m m e r De ta il s TB A. St. Andrews Methodist Church, 41 11 Alm a St ree t, Pal o Al to

August 10-12PA C EPA C EPA C EPA C E Sa n dr a B r y a n t c a l l e r . F r ida y 7 :30 pm A 2, Sa t u r da y 11 a m & 2 :30 pm C 3 , Su n da y 11 a m C 2 , 2 :30 pmC 2. D ia b lo L i g h t O pe r a Co . 1948 O a k Pa r k B ou l e va r d , P l e a s a n t H i l l

August 11 5-9 pmCross f i r e : The Next Genera t ion Cross f i r e : The Next Genera t ion Cross f i r e : The Next Genera t ion Cross f i r e : The Next Genera t ion Release Par ty & SF Premier R ich Ree l ca l le r . 3505 19th S tree t ,Apar tment 105, San Franc isco

August 11 7:30-10-30 pmMidn ig h t Squ a r e s Mid- Su m m e r Ma dn e s s Sa n dr a B r y a n t c a l l e r . A 2- C 3 , C 3A * $8/$10 Eb e n e z e r Lu t h e r a n

C h u r c h , 678 Por t o l a D r i ve , Sa n Fr a n c i s c o

August 15 7:30-9:30 pm Clu b Ni gh t Ne il He at he r ca ll er . EV RCAugust 18 C ir cu la te San Franc isco R ich Ree l ca l le r . Meet a t the Pa lace o f F ine Ar ts a t 10 am

August 18 3-7 pmO a k t own 8s Pic n i c & Pr om e n a de Loc a l c a l l e r s MS/P/A $8/$10 P i c n i c Po t l u c k Sk y l i n e C om m u n i t y C h u r c h12540 Sk y l i n e B ou l e va r d , O a k l a n d .

September 1 1-8 pm Kip Mack eys Pool Party. Pot luck. RS VP: kipma ckey@ aol.c om or 415. 479.4 759

September 8 7-10 pmFog g y C i t y D a n c e r s Ha r ve s t D a n c e A n dy Sh or e c a l l e r . MS/P/A * $8/$10 Eb e n e z e r Lu t h e r a n C h u r c h , 678Por t o l a D r i ve , Sa n Fr a n c i s c o

September 14-16PA C EPA C EPA C EPA C E A n n e Ue b e l a c k e r c a l l e r . F r ida y 7 :30 pm A 2, Sa t u r da y 11 a m & 2 :30 pm C 1 7 :30 C 4 , Su n da y 11 a mC 3A , 2 :30 pm C 3 . D ia b lo L i g h t O pe r a C o . 1948 O a k Pa r k B ou l e va r d , P l e a s a n t H i l l

September 15 7:30-10:30 pmD ia b lo D a n c e r s Sp in C h a in & Ex c h a n g e t h e Se a s on s A n n e Ue b e l a c k e r c a l l e r . MS/P/A $8/$10 J e wis h

C om m u n i t y C e n t e r , 2071 T i c e V a l l e y B ou l e va r d , W a ln u t C r e e k

September 18 7:30-9:30 pm Clu b Nig ht and Annua l Mem be rsh ip Mee ti ng Ron Mask er cal ler . EVR C

September 22 7:30-11:30 pmSt a n f o r d Q u a ds C h a l l e n g in g P lu s Hoe down J oh n Sy b l a n s k y c a l l e r . A PD P lu s /A */C * S t . A n dr e wsMe t h od i s t C h u r c h , 4111 A lm a S t r e e t , Pa lo A l t o

September 29 7:30-10:30 pm Leather & Lace Michae l Ke l logg ca l le r . MS/P/A* $8/$10 Ebenezer Lutheran Chruch, 678 Por to laDr ive , San Franc isco

F o r t h e l a t e s t d a n c e i n f o r m a t i o n , c h e c k w w w . b a y a r e a d a n c e c a l e n d a r . o r gN a t i o n a l & I n t e rn a t i o n a l e v e n t s c a n b e fo u n d a t w w w . i a g s d c. c o m C l i c k o n E v e n t s


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A superabundance of

Western Star Dancers photos online:

www.flickr.com/photos/daryldaniels


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The Orange Mainstream Class of 2008 is squaring

up for an exciting year of instruction, dancing, and goodtimes.

One of our primary recruitment events is Sunday,

October 7, at the Castro Street Fair. Again this year,our booth will be at the corner of 18th Street and

Hartford. Rich Reel will be calling several tipsthroughout the afternoon. Come and join the fun, as

you support the club.Thanks to the efforts of Grey Todd, we will host

our first Free Intro Night on Columbus Day, October 8at Magnet (4211-18th Street between the parking lot

behind Walgreens and the shoe store) from 7:30-9:30

pm. Due to the holiday, Eureka Valley Rec Center isdark, so Greys help permits us to have our first night in

a very public location.

Our second Free Intro Night will be back

EVRC on Monday, October 15 from 7:30-9:30 pm. Tofficial start date for the Orange Class is October

Rich Reel is again our caller/instructor this year,

auspicious omen of good time ahead.This year we are reviving the new stude

welcoming potluck. It will be held on MondNovember 12, Veterans Day (another day EVRC is d

at Miriam Meullers home (321 Elsie Street). elsewhere in this issue for details. There will be no C

Night in November because it would fall on the evenbefore Thanksgiving, not a good time to attract a squ

of dancers.

Angels will be needed to assist the new danceIf more than four squares of dancers show up, we

have to get creative in making space in EVRC. Twould be a good problem to have!


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Celebrating25 Years of


Ringing in the Orange YearRed Year fondly rememberedfor spirited class and WSDSilver Anniversary

.

ADVERTISEMENT

Scientific Breakthrough!

Dr. Seeds Secret Tonsorial Formula

Have you ever wished that you could have Michael Hair?With Dr. Stanley Seeds patented formula, you too canhave Michael Hair.

CELEBRITY ENDORSEMENTS

Bouffant BobWith Michael Hair, anyone canknow the joyous sound of

Todds soap bubbles as they pop

atop the pointy mane.

Michael Hair in a Bottle can change your life!Theres Something about Michael!

Construction

Worker Steve

Easing into autumn, we prepare towelcome the new Mainstream class as

we proudly watch the Plus Class

graduates transition into Angels.

Theirs was a special year full of festive

events as WSD celebrated the SilverAnniversary.

To chronicle this unique era and those

enthusiastic personalities that made it

exciting, an electronic yearbook was

commissioned to cover all of the

events with an abundance ofphotographs and video clips. At no

cost to the club, donations were made

by the Brenda Line Foundation so that

every Plus graduate would receive the

souvenir yearbook as a free gift andmemento of the anniversary year.

A special thank you to those who

worked on the yearbook: Editor Gary,and helpers Russ and Kathy.

.

HALF-SASHAYEDby Natty Box Featuring Rich and Tony

Tips from EloiseWith Michael Hair, you can get into

any twink bar or underground dance

club. No waiting in lines, no snide

remarks from burly bouncers.

Angel in the VanguardOn August 21, Dani became the first of

the first-time graduates from the Red

Class to spread her angel wings and

increase her floor time by helping out new

dancers at local clubs.

Dubious Achievement AwardSteve was invested into The Order of the

Two Left Feet, an annual recognition given

to that person who best exemplifies the

spirit of the left footprints.


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Meeting MinutesThe Boa rd o f D i r e c t o r s mee t i ng minu t e s a r e pub l i shed In o rde r to k eep c lub member s i n fo rmed o f t h e a f f a i r s o f t h e c lub . . O r a l o r wr i t

commen t s may be d i r e c t ed t o any boa rd member . Member s a r e we l come t o a t tend boa rd mee t ings .July 1 6 , 2007July 1 6 , 2007July 1 6 , 2007July 1 6 , 2007

The me e t in g wa s c a l le d t o o rd e r a t 6 :3 2 p .m. b yA d min is t ra t o r D a ryl D a n ie ls wit h a l l Bo a rd me mb e rspre s e n t . D a n ie ls pra is e d t he c lub fo r t he s uc c e s s o f b o t ht he Prid e D a n c e a n d t he A n g e l I s la n d pic n ic a n d d is c us s e dpla n s fo r t he upc o min g Circ ula t e S a n F ra n c is c o ( A ug us t 1 8) .We ha v e t e n t a t iv e pe rmis s io n t o us e M a g n e t fo r o urM a in s t re a m Cla s s ' f re e in t ro n ig ht ' o n Oc t o b e r 1 8( Co lumb us D a y) s in c e EVR C wil l b e c lo s e d .

Oc t o b e r Club N ig ht ( b e c a us e o f a c o n f l ic t wit h t hea ud it o rium a t EVR C) is s t i l l up in t he a ir . Cla s s pric in g

wa s d is c us s e d . M a in s t re a m c la s s wi l l re ma in $1 00 ( $50 fo rre - t a ke rs ) a n d Plus c la s s wi l l b e $70 ( $3 5 fo r re - t a ke rs ) .

D a n ie ls re po rt e d t ha t re pre s e n t a t iv e s o f F o g g y Cit y D a n c e rsa n d M id n ig ht S qua re s ha v e s po ke n t o him a b o ut t hepo s s ib i l i t y o f S a n F ra n c is c o s ub mit t in g a b id fo r t h e 201 3I A G S D C Co n v e n t io n . I t wi l l b e o n t he a g e n d a fo r t heG e n e ra l M e e t in g in S e pt e mb e r .

The t he me fo r t he L e a t he r a n d L a c e d a n c e wi l l b e P ira t e sa n d S a i lo rs . A po t luc k fo r n e w me mb e rs ha s b e e nt e n t a t iv e ly s c he d ule d fo r N o v . 1 2 ( in l ie u o f N o v e mb e r ClubN ig ht whic h fa l l s o n t he n ig ht b e fo r e Tha n ks g iv in g ) .

We ha v e a ppl ie d t o t he Pe t e rs e n F un d a g a in t his ye a r t o

he lp d e fra y e xpe n s e s fo r o ur b o o t h a t t he Ca s t ro S t re e t F a ir .

The Tre a s ure rs re po rt was a c c e pt e d . The me e t in g wa sa d jo urn e d a t 7 :25 p .m.

A ug us t 1 3 , 2007A ug us t 1 3 , 2007A ug us t 1 3 , 2007A ug us t 1 3 , 2007The me e t in g wa s c a l le d t o o rd e r b y A d min is t ra t o r D a rylD a n ie ls a t 6 :4 2 p .m. wit h a l l me mb e rs pre s e n t . The min uo f t he July me e t in g we re a ppro v e d . F in a l pla n s fo rCirc ula t e S a n F ra n c is c o ( 8/ 28) we re d is c us s e d .

D a n ie ls re po rt e d t ha t he wi l l po s t a n a g e n d a fo r t heS e pt e mb e r M e mb e rs hip M e e t in g prio r t o t he e v e n t s o t hame mb e rs ha v e a c ha n c e t o c o n s id e r t he t wo is s ue s t h a t w

b e b ro ug ht b e fo re t he m: ( 1 ) s ha l l a n n ua l me mb e rs hip f e eb e ra is e d fro m $3 6 t o $4 0, a n d ( 2) s h a l l WS D pa rt ic ipa t et he pla n n in g fo r s ub mit t in g a b id fo r t he 2 01 3 I A G S D Cc o n v e n t io n in S a n F ra n c is c o .

Pla n s fo r t he L e a t he r & L a c e d a n c e wit h a P ira t e s & S a i lt he me we re d is c us s e d . A ls o d is c us s e d wa s t he Ca s t roS t re e t F a ir b o o t h a n d Ora n g e Cla s s re c ruit in g . TheTre a s ure rs re po rt wa s a c c e pt e d .

The Ev e n t s Co o rd in a t o r re po rt e d t ha t t he N e w M e mb e rsPo t L uc k wil l b e he ld a t M iria m M ue l le r 's ho me o nN o v e mb e r 1 2 s in c e t he EVR C wil l b e c lo s e d fo r Ve t e ra n sD a y. The n e xt Bo a rd me e t in g is s c he d ule d fo r S e pt e mb eThe me e t in g wa s a d jo urn e d a t 7 : 1 6 p .m.


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Movies! Photos! Calendar!Everything you will ever need to know!

www.westernstardancers.org


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See an important notice aboutSee an important notice aboutSee an important notice aboutSee an important notice about The WThe WThe WThe Western Starestern Starestern Starestern Stardelivery in on Page 6delivery in on Page 6delivery in on Page 6delivery in on Page 6WSD ByWSD ByWSD ByWSD By----Laws and Policy Statements are now online: www.westernstardancers.orgLaws and Policy Statements are now online: www.westernstardancers.orgLaws and Policy Statements are now online: www.westernstardancers.orgLaws and Policy Statements are now online: www.westernstardancers.org


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7leftshoulder

15petitpants E Dan M Grey

EYE ON THE PRIZEFor our end-of-year contest, you need to build acomposite dancer from head to toe. Win a prizevalued at approximately $25 by matching up thephoto bits on this page with the correct WSDdancers. For example, if Item-7 is an epaulette,and you think it belongs to Dancer E (Dan), your

answer would be 7-E. Some of the images arefrom past WSD newsletters, and can be found inthe archived newsletter section on the WSDwebsite. Nearly all have been observedfrequently at classes or were obviously displayedat recent dances or special events. 8right tatt

16leathershorts F Dani N James

1rhinestonecowboyhat

9 left tatt17apron

G Daniel O Kevin

2blondetresses 10T-shirt

18panta-loons H Daryl P Marilynn

3eyelashes11

rhinestoneclub badge

19right

footI Davida Q Mimi

4right ear 12rugbyshirt 20left foot J Donald R Ron

5 leftearbob 13baremidriff C Ammon K Eloise S Todd

TO ENTER THE CONTEST:

Match up as many photoitems (body parts andgarments) with dancers asyou can. The contestant with

the most correct answers willwin. In the case of a tie, awinner will be randomlydrawn from the high-scorecontestants. Bring youranswer list (one entry percontestant) to any Mondayclass on or before December17 and give it to theArchangel or Holiday Elf, ore-mail your answer list (such

as 1-A, 2-B, 3-C, etc.) by thatdate to:[email protected]

Partial lists are OK. Thewinner will be announced atthe WSD Holiday Party onDecember 19. Contestantsneed not be present to win.Only current WSD membersand students are eligible towin the prize. Current Board

members and the Elf areineligible to win, but mayplay the game.

AThe B The ElfArchangel

6right shoulder 14foundationgarment

D Bob L Freeman T Willie


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by dan smith

D: What's your name?M: Mark Yee, I was born about 25miles south of here. My brother Dave is

about three years older.We had a verynormal suburban existence; RooseveltElementary, John F. Kennedy Junior and

Woodside High School, all in RedwoodCity.Father was born in Santa Rosa andMother in San Francisco. Both sides of

my family where part of the Chinesenflux in the 1920's, 1930's. There was a

Chinese Exclusion Act at that time whichprevented any Chinese other thenmerchants from coming over. Howeverthe emigration records had burned up inthe 1906 earthquake so a Chinese withegal status could claim to have a childback in China who they wanted to bringover. Those unrelated children werecalled 'paper sons" and 'paper

daughters'. That is how my maternalgrandfather came over and I believe ateast one of my grandmothers. Many

Chinese that have roots in San Franciscocame over that way.D: What's an interesting thing that happened inschool?M: The high school band I was in

performed at a Giants doubleheader andI got to see my name up on thescoreboard at Candlestick Park. Alsowhile I was a member of the CalMarching Band at Berkeley we played atthe huge Olympic Stadium in LA.Itholds 60,000 people and we werevisitors so it was extremely hostile. I lostmy shako (the fuzzy hat) on the playing

field. I played tenor sax all those years.Today I have soprano, alto, tenor andbaritone saxes.D: Do you play any other instruments?

M: Oh sure. We had a piano at homeand gosh I started taking piano lessonsprobably in kindergarten or first grade.We hated music lessons and mom

stopped forcing us to take them after afew years. I did enjoy saxophoneessons and took them up through highschool. Piano lessons definitely gave mea grounding in all things music. And itmade it easier to play other instruments.

Most of my outside interests revolvearound music. I am currently in threeand a half bands; Slippery People, Dark

Wave and the Gomer Hendrix Band. Idrum for Gomer. The half a band isvirtual (on the internet). The musicians

live in Nevada and California and arelaying down tracks for a parody rockopera based on The Who's Tommy. The

subject is the politics of Burning Man. Ialso drum for that recording endeavor.We have not yet actually played

together and thus it's a half.D: After you left Berkeley what did you do?M: I probably had 20 different tempjobs; everything from restaurantdelivery to data entry, on top of being a

Haight Street Hippy. That wasn't exactlya job but it did occupy most of my time.I'm currently a licensed Customs Brokerand have a job in Export Compliance.D: Tell me something about living inSan Francisco.M: When my brother graduated from

college and moved here to start

graduate school at UCSF, he invited meto be his roommate. In 1993 we

experienced the Loma Prietaearthquake. He was at home with his

cat and I was in the corner grocerystore. What they say about, well--agrocery store being one of the scariest

places to be in a major earthquake--breaking glass, things falling off theshelf. I remember it was an enormousdin. It was hard to think there was somuch noise. I hid underneath the vegetable binsand rode out the earthquake.

D:Tell me how you came to meet Marilynn.M: We had mutual friends looking fopeople to share ski season rent in

Tahoe. Luckily, because we were botinterested in learning to snowboard, wmet at a party and by the end of the

season we were a couple.D: I understand you go to Burning Mtell me about that.

M: I first attended in 1997. This yearwas my 10th. Burning Man is far

removed from one's existence in theanalogue world, so different that itdeifies description. It's a Rorschach teit's what an individual makes of it. Asmusician I've made playing music parof my main experience. My camp is Hof the Dog Lounge. We stage live muD: How did you find your way to Western StarM: Marilynn would go watch Joe and

Todd square dance or meet them whthe class was getting out and wasinvited to join. She joined the year

before I did. I had pretty much thesame experience. I would pick up

Marilynn after class and every one waso friendly and welcoming; particularSteve Scott who asked me, "So! Whe

are you joining the class?" So comeOctober a year ago I said, "Why not?D: You performed at the Club La S

Can you tell me about that and why ychoose the particular song you did?M: Although I do play guitar it's usuathe last instrument I choose. The oneexception is on camping trips when Ibust out my trusty guitar and play

campfire songs. It was from thatrepertoire that I chose Ghost Riders ithe Sky, one of my favorite songs tosing. I can't remember when I first

learned some of these old songs but square dancing it just seems natural,don't feel like it's a struggle.

Now I've met many gay friends

through Marilynn, Todd and Joe. Ofcourse part of that is living in theneighborhood. I really think of WesteStar Dancers as being my neighborhosquare dance club where squaredancing happens to be gay.D: Thank you Mark.M: Thank you Dan.


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Meeting MinutesThe Boa rd o f D i r e c t o r s mee t i ng minu t e s a r e pub l i shed In o rde r to k eep c lub member s i n fo rmed o f t h e a f f a i r s o f t h e c lub . . O r a l o r wr i t

commen t s may be d i r e c t ed t o any boa rd member . Member s a r e we l come t o a t tend boa rd mee t ings .

Membership Meeting,

September 19, 2007The Annual Membership Meeting wascalled to order at 8 p.m. by AdministratorDaryl Daniels. In his "State of the Club"report Daniels thanked the current Boardfor leading the club through a successfulyear which included the following:

The 25th Anniversary celebration(with special thanks to Russ King).

The 2nd Annual Yard Sale.The Pride DanceThe Angel Island Picnic.The first Circulate San Francisco

with tips at the Palace of Fine Arts,Fort Point, the Palace of the

Legion of Honor, Baker Beach, SutroPark, and the Golden Gate Park

North Windmill.Daniels also mentioned the

passing of Freddie Papapietro. AMemorial Tip' to Freddie was dancedfollowing the meeting. Two proposals werepresented to the membership: (1) shallWestern Star Dancers increase the annualdues from $36 to $40, and (2) shallWestern Star Dancers join with Foggy Cityand Midnight Squares in planning tosubmit a bid to host the 2013 IAGSDCconvention in San Francisco. Bothproposals passed. The following members

were elected to the 2007-2008 Board: BobBrundage, Daryl Daniels, Jim Dewsnap,Paul Gonyea, and Kathy Tuccio.

Minutes of the Board,

September 17, 2007The meeting was called to order at 6:42 by

Administrator Daryl Daniels with allBoard members present. Present also wasKathie Tuccio, presumptive 2008 Boardmember. Plans for the Annual Meetingand Board election scheduled for 9/19 werediscussed, as were plans for the upcomingLeather & Lace/Pirates & Sailors dance(9/27). Daniels laid out plans for OrangeClass recruiting, with emphasis on ourbooth at the Castro Street Fair (10/7). Thefirst Orange Class 'Free Night' will be held

at Magnet on 18th Street because EVRCwill be closed for Columbus Day (10/8).Daniels announced that Michael Sui willbe the Orange Class Archangel. TheDance Coordinator reported that he hadall 2008 caller contracts in hand. Themeeting was adjourned at 7:15.

Minutes of the Board, October

15, 2007The meeting was called to order by

Administrator Daryl Daniels at 6:08 p.m.

with all Board members present. Also,present was former Board member RusKing. The minutes of the SeptemberBoard meeting were approved. Danielspraised the club for the successful Leath

& Lace dance and for the Orange classrecruiting efforts. Due to the significancosts for publishing the WSD NewsletteDaniels proposed that when membersrenew their memberships for 2008 theycan opt to receive the newsletter onlinerather than get a hard copy in the mailEvery member who chooses the onlineoption will save the club about $27.00 ayear. The Board approved the proposala one-year trial. The Board decided to away with the $450 wage cap for callerThe Treasurer's report was approved.Russ King outlined the duties for the

Dance Coordinator. In other business,plans for the Orange Class WelcomePotluck at Mimi Mueller's on Novemberwere discussed. Kathy Tuccio willcoordinate the event. The Board will isan invitation to Arch Angel Michael Suattend Board meetings. The meeting wadjourned at 6:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitJim Dewsnap, Secre


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December 8PACE Caller Appreciation Saturday: 11:00 am - C1 2:30 pm - C1 Diablo Light Opera Co1948 Oak Park Blvd. Pleasant Hill

December 197:30-9:30 pm Holiday Party - Rich Reel caller. EVRC. Friends, families, partners welcome!

December 267:00 - 9:30 pm

Midnight Squares, Western Star Dancers, Foggy City Dancers, Redwood Rainbows, Oaktown 8's(and Others) GCA Caller Appreciation "Exchange The Boxes" Inter-Club Holiday Square DanceSocial--MS, Plus, A2 & "High C" * tip--Pay As You Can EVRC

January 11-13

PACEPACEPACEPACE Mike Jacobs caller. Friday 7:30 pm A2, Saturday 11 am & 2:30 pm C1, Sunday 11 am C3A,

2:30 pm C3. Diablo Light Opera Co. 1948 Oak Park Boulevard, Pleasant Hill

January 167:309-9:30 pm Club Night Surprise Guest caller. EVRC

February 27:30 - 10:00 p.m.

Capital City Squares, New Year's Ball MS/Plus/A1i*, Sacramento E-mail Capital City Squares fordetails.

For the latest dance information, check www.bayareadanceca lendar .orgNational & International events can be found at www.iagsdc.com Cl ick on Events

There will be no classes on December 24 and December 31

Orange Mainstream Class will resume on January 7


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584 Castro Street ##480


2007 The Western Star

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