We hope you had a chance to check out our Square-Dancing Display at the Webster Public Library. Diane & Richard Cundra arranged for the square dance display in the Webster Museum & Historical Society display case during the months of March and April.

The display was located in the center of the library. It included write ups of Copy Cats Club history (the club originated as a Xerox square dancing club) along with several square-dancing articles, sample dancing attire, and several pictures. A poster listing all the WNYF member clubs with dance locations and contact information was prepared by Anne Granger and Debbie Blood. Special thanks to all those dancers who helped or contributed to the display.

To help promote our square-dancing classes in the Fall, we are in the process of contacting several other libraries and community organizations in the area to set up similar displays this summer. If you are interested in helping with this project, please contact Debbie Blood at dfbjvbhome@aol.com or 585-880-9161.

We are always looking for wonderful ways to promote square dancing… please don’t hesitate to share your ideas!

Submitted by Jeff and Debbie Blood

Cloverleaf Squares graduated thirteen dancers this past April. Our new dancers are John Anderson, Chuck Cordaro, Emily Cordaro, Laurie Cordaro, Pete Flynn, Barb Jackson, Liz Marr, Phil Marr, Walter Meisenzahl, Carol Pietrzykowski, Marilyn Stalker, Bonnie Swanson, and Paul Sutton. Many were from the previous class which was interrupted by the recent pandemic. Some had previous square dancing experience like Paul Sutton. Paul was a founding member of the Cloverleaf square dance club and was a past treasurer and director. We also had Sue Eddy complete the class but as a “left side” dancer this time around. Cloverleaf members, Jim Gotta, Becky Sabin, Jerry Barker, Henry Capron, and Marie Gorse officiated the ceremony.

After a brief graduation ceremony, our new dancers demonstrated their skills by dancing as twosome couples. Each dancer paired with another dancer and danced as if they were one dancer. That couple danced with another couple as their partner. As a twosome, one person used her left outside hand and the other dancer used her right outside hand.

Submitted by Carl Webster, Corresponding Secretary, Cloverleaf Squares

Photo credit: Carl Webster

This Daphne-Norma Leadership Award was established 45 years ago. Since 1977, this award is given to a person or couple who have made significant contributions toward fostering square dancing activities in Western New York. It is the highest honor awarded in our square-dancing community.

Jeff and Debbie Blood, recipients of the 2020 award, were very honored to present this year’s award to Donna and Rick LaDonna. Donna and Rick are a very special couple—always ready, willing and able to assist our square-dancing community in any endeavor. Over the years you have seen them at everything, always helping: dances, demos, DOR, MS fundraisers, Jerry Carmen walks, picnics, serving as Federation officers and as officers for more than one club.

Here are quotes taken from several of the nomination sheets the committee received for Donna and Rick:

“Whenever they are asked to help with a task, the response is always: We would be happy to help in any capacity, just let us know where you need us.”

“They do whatever is needed to keep the clubs and square dancing going”

“They consistently go above and beyond for all of square dancing.”

Donna and Rick began square dancing in the Fall of 2012.

Currently, they are Co-Presidents of the Copy Cats. They recently returned to this leadership role due to unplanned officer vacancies. In the past they served terms as the Copy Cats Vice Presidents, Presidents, and Past Presidents. They keep members well informed of upcoming square dance activities, fundraisers and the health of club members. Even when they are out of town, they stay connected with the club. They also serve as Co-Secretaries on the Village Squares Board.

In addition to their club activities, this couple also has been very actively supporting the Federation. They have been co-treasurers of the Federation since July, 2019.

Award Citation given at DOR by WNYF Presidents, Jeff and Debbie Blood

Last Spring, the Grand Squares joined a rather elite group of Square Dance Clubs which have danced for 60 years. As a spinoff of the old barn dances of Americana, a new form of social gathering—casual but programmed dancing called Western Square Dancing was born in the 1950’s. Formed in 1957, Genesee Dancers was the first Square Dance club in Rochester. Following their lead, a group of four couples from the Lima area decided to form a club in Lima. They held their first dance in March of 1961 in the basement of the Lima Town Hall and consequently named themselves the Lima Grand Squares. Members came not only from the Avon and Lima areas but from as far away as Victor, Geneseo, Batavia and Wellsville. Their dance schedule included dinners, barbecues, socials, themed dances and costumed parties as well as the square dancing, and Lima Grand Squares soon became known as the friendliest club around. Their history even records chartering a bus to take members to visit other local dancing clubs. (maybe Cayuga Cut-Ups, which has also been dancing for over 60 years). Many clubs are no longer in existence, but over the years, of the dedication of our members and officers, and also our faithful guests, has enabled us to survive and celebrate this momentous occasion.

Since Grand Squares’ initial dance location was in the basement of the Town Hall, without air conditioning, it proved too warm for summer dancing. Seeking an alternate site, it was decided to hold dances from June to September at a barn in East Bloomfield. When seeking a design for the club badge and banner, members affectionately chose a picture of this structure for the club’s identifying symbol and it remains so today. It’s not the original location, but we get a chance to occasionally have that real barn feeling when Alan and Ellen host a dance fund raiser at their barn in Bloomfield.

Don Stumbo was Lima Grand Squares first caller and called for 14 years. It is interesting to note that our present caller, Mike Callahan, made his first appearance at Grand Squares on New Year’s Eve 1968 to fill in for Don who was down with the flu. After a few short-term callers (Dick Casper, Gary Brandt, Jerry Carmen and Will Herzog among others), Gary Bubel began calling in the late 70’s for the class, and a few years later took over duties for both class and club dances. Due to gradual decline of local membership, the club first changed its name to the Grand Squares of Lima and then to just the Grand Squares. They continued to use the Lima Town Hall as their primary dance site for many years. In the 1990’s they danced for a few years at the Lima Elementary School.

Another change was on the horizon as the club welcomed in the new century. Several reasons prompted the search for a different dance location and in the Fall of 2001, Roth Middle School (now known as Roth Junior High) in Henrietta became the club’s new home. Our next change occurred in 2005 when Gary announced he was cutting back on regular dance commitments and we needed to secure another caller. Luckily, Mike Callahan had Thursday evenings free and agreed to be our regular caller. We used the smaller cafeteria for many years and, after surviving the remodeling projects, have been lucky to be granted use of their present cafeteria location. The school staff has been very good in accommodating us, and we appreciate the tireless efforts of the custodial staff in setting up and taking down our dancing and visiting areas.

We can’t claim to have any of the original members still dancing but we do have several dancers present who have memories of the way it was many years ago. I’ll bet Barb Miller, Matt and Gail Berger, Jerry and Helen Bischoping and Terry Irvine could tell you many a story. Here’s a hair-raising story from Gary Bubel:

Years ago, one of the more gregarious and flamboyant members, Bob LaBore, who danced at the club with his wife, Jean, got the idea to take the whole club to a distant dance. He borrowed the bus from his church’s youth ministry and drove the group to Canada, where they danced with the Rainbow Squares in Niagara Falls. As he drove, he talked and laughed all the way, so somebody had to sit behind him and remind him to stay in lane on the Thruway. Everyone had a great time at the dance, but the bus wouldn’t start for the trip home. The fix was a group effort with a lot of advice given and sleeves rolled up, ending in successful repair of the battery connection. Somehow, all got home safe and sound…and repeated the trip again the following year. The Rainbow Squares reciprocated, bringing a busload to the Grand Squares—fun for all, and great memories.

Surviving 60 years of most anything is certainly an accomplishment. A lot of factors have to align. On May 20th, members of the Grand Squares, along with visitors from neighboring clubs and even a couple from not-so-near—the Dalton Gang—joined to celebrate the survival of the Grand Squares. As can be seen from our history, many changes have occurred in 60 years, but the resilience and dedication of officers and dancers, past and present, have made this evening possible.

Our regular caller, Mike Callahan, drew from songs and calls of the past and was joined for a special tip by our past (and still active) caller Gary Bubel. And our member, Terry Irvine, added to the special evening by leading one of her variety of line dances—a unique but regular feature at Grand Squares dances.

We shared cake and snacks, but also a renewal of friendship with those present. The ever-present COVID virus, I’m sure, diminished attendance, but we are grateful to all who braved the threat and joined us in making this an evening to remember.

Submitted by Carol Ann Stahl

Just a quick note to thank everyone for participating in DOR 2022.

Whether you helped set up, made a basket to be raffled, greeted dancers at the door, registered dancers, called or cued, sold 50/50 tickets, sold basket raffle tickets, helped with the graduates, took pictures or videos, or stayed after to clean-up, we appreciated everyone’s efforts and support.

It was so nice to have a full dance floor again on Saturday afternoon. It has been a long 3 years since our last DOR. We were pleased so many dancers were able to attend.

This year’s basket raffle was a huge success. We appreciated the overwhelming generosity from both individual dancers and our clubs. We raffled 13 gift baskets. When planning for the basket raffle earlier this year, we had only anticipated a few baskets.

We were glad so many of our graduates attended DOR. We were able to recognize our 33 graduates from the classes of 2020–2022 at DOR with Eileen Webster’s help. It has been a challenging time to learn square dancing and they are doing great.

Special Thanks to the members of the DOR 2022 Committee, we appreciate all you do:

Linda & Glynn English Lorraine & Gary Granath

Anne Granger Jane & Stu Jones

Donna & Rick LaDonna Sharon & Chuck Meyer

Mary Jo & David Webster

Submitted by Debbie & Jeff Blood, DOR 2022 Co-Chairs

At the WNYF meeting on April 11, a Promotions Task Force and budget were approved. The focus of this group is to help our member clubs promote square dancing from now until October through the following avenues:

Print promotions—Contact local newspapers, Penny savers, free community radio & TV

Live square dance demonstrations—at local community events

Displays at local libraries and community organizations—This started with the Webster library display (see Promenader article) but we are currently in contact with 3–4 other libraries. Also, the Greece Historical Society has already approved us setting up a square dance display there.

Lawn signs—Determine needs and order signs.

Several excellent volunteers have joined the PTF. If you would be interested in working on any of the four above mentioned action items, please let us know, we definitely need more help.

Our dancer population has been severely reduced in the past two years due to COVID and the shut downs. Hopefully, with the efforts of this task force we will assist our member clubs with restarting and rebuilding by encouraging people to try the square dance classes being planned at many clubs for September.

Submitted by Jeff & Debbie Blood

This Summer the WNYF is sponsoring three Saturday Afternoon Summer Dances in open-air pavilions. Last year’s pavilion summer dances were so much fun, we hope you will save the dates for these dances in 2022 listed below, and check the flyer posted in the Promenader “Ads and Flyers” section.

1. Saturday June 18, 2022 Dance

1–3:30 pm at: Post 8495 VFW Pavilion
300 Macedon Center Rd., Fairport NY 14450
Squares & Rounds 2x2 $7 per person
Caller: Mike Callahan Cuer: Eileen Webster

2. Saturday July 16, 2022 Dance & Buffet Dinner

at Barnard Restaurant Pavilion
360 Maiden Lane., Rochester NY 14616

Dance—1–5:00 pm with Buffet Dinner to follow
Advanced, Mainstream, Plus & Rounds
Callers: Ron Brown & Dave Eno Cuer: Chuck Meyer
Prepaid Dance Tickets $8 per person ($10 at the door)

Buffet Dinner—must reserve by Wednesday July 6th 2022
$17 per person (need at least 50 dinners)
Hots, Hamburgers, BBQ Chicken, Salt Potatoes, Baked Ziti, Baked Beans
& Toss Green Salad. Bottled Water will be provided

3. Saturday August 27, 2022

1–3:30 pm at the Post 8495 VFW Pavilion
300 Macedon Center Rd., Fairport NY 14450
Squares & Rounds 2x2 $7 per person
Caller: Gary Bubel Cuer: Alice Bubel

Submitted by Jeff & Debbie Blood

On Monday 6/20/22 the WNYF will hold a square dance demonstration at the Greece Town Hall Pavilion—next to their Senior Center—at 3 Vince Tofany Blvd.

The event runs from 4pm to 7 pm and is a fund raiser for the historical society.

We have been told there will be several desserts to choose from, along with food trucks selling hots and hamburgers. What a wonderful way to start the summer sharing our square dancing at this public event. Mike Callahan will be calling for this demonstration.

We hope you will join us!

We must provide a list of volunteer square dancers for the demo by Saturday, 6/18, so let us know if you plan to attend.

We are hoping to have two squares & few additional dancers to help with the square dance info booth.

There will be two demo sessions: 15 to 20 minutes each, one at 5 pm and one at 6 pm.

Dancers will be admitted free. If they want to enjoy the dessert tastings they need to pay $8 admission fee.

Submitted by Jeff & Debbie Blood

Lise Rosenfield sent us the following update on the Finger Lakes Area Council of clubs, whose website and newsletter she manages:

FLAC clubs are still recovering from COVID. One club has announced its demise, several others are still waiting to find out if they can start again (mostly because of lack of able dancers, some because of lack of venue, one because it also lost its caller, Keith Harter).

The FLAC website has been updated and is the go-to source of information for Finger Lakes dancers. The “Coordinator” (FLAC Newsletter) will no longer be published, unless there is an uptick of dancers instead of COVID cases.

The Ithaca Sunday Squares (a caller-run club) is doing well, in a new wonderful venue, and getting new dancers—their dances are free for all vaccinated dancers.

Happy dancing! Lise

FLAC’s website is found at https://squaredancefingerlakes.com

Submitted by Lise Rosenfield

One of the many Dance-O-Rama highlights is the annual parade of graduates. These are our new dancing friends who have completed the past season of Mainstream Square-Dancing classes at clubs in our Federation.

Many established dancers already know our new dancers—from serving as class angels or from the season’s many “class/club” dances. But the annual parade is their official welcome into the Rochester-area dancing community.

The June Promenader issue is our opportunity to congratulate this year’s graduates by name.

2022 Square Dance Graduates:

Cayuga Cut-Ups

Bertollini, Shane (2021)
Kinne, Colleen (2021)
Potter, Dave (2022)
Rathburn, BJ (2022)
Rathburn, Samali (2022)
Whitmore, Jean (2021)
Witchey, Carol (2022)

Cloverleaf Squares

Anderson, John (2022)
Cordaro, Chuck (2022)
Cordaro, Emily (2022)
Cordaro, Laurie (2022)
Flynn, Pete (2022)
Jackson, Barb (2022)
Marr, Liz (2022)
Marr, Phil (2022)
Meisenzahl, Walter (2022)
Pietrzykowski, Carol (2022)
Stalker, Marilyn (2022)
Sutton, Paul (2022)
Swanson, Bonnie (2022)

Copy Cats

Allis, Frances (2020)
Ankrom, Dennis (2020)
Barnett, Robin (2020)
Goodell, Mary Ellen (2020)
Theurer, Hank (2020)
Theurer, Lea (2020)
Vangraafeiland, Debbie (2020)
Vangraafeiland, Paul (2020)

Dalton Gang

Holly, Jeff (2022)
Holly, Melissa (2022)
Kawalewski, Toni (2021)
Kemp, Lynette (2020)
Milroy, Adrian (2022)