General Meeting called to order at 9:02 AM
CALL TO ORDER President, Pat (Cheri) Cox
Please turn off your cell phones
ROLL CALL Secretary, Lorri McIntosh
Absent Tami Helms, ORDTA/Round Dance Screening; David Stutzman, Blue Mountains Council; and Roger & Linda Putzler, Goodwill Ambassadors
Substitutes Dale Brabham substituted for Laura Irvan, TVC Delegate; Rikki Lobato substituted for Blake Smith, Rogue Sis Q Delegate
INVOCATION Immediate Past President, Karyn (Matt) Buchheit
FLAG SALUTE 1st Vice President, Joyce (Mike) Welton
MINUTES Secretary, Lorri McIntosh
Correction to minutes Under roll call add a “z” to Putzler. Zola Jones: on page 11, Emerald Empire events the first paragraph needs to be deleted.
Motion Brooke Davison moved to accept the minutes as corrected, Marilyn Schmit second the motion. Minutes approved as corrected.
PRESIDENT – Patrick (Cherie) Cox
We travelled to New Zealand and Australia. It was a good trip except we got sick. It was interesting square dancing down there and on the ship. We rolled a bit on the ship while dancing. We met a lot of nice people.
We are going to Louisiana for the National Convention. I went to Caller Lab and learned a lot there.
1ST VICE PRESIDENT – Joyce (Mike) Welton
As the Vice President, I’m responsible for transporting the flags and now the banner that has been recently purchased. I found an old wooden rod that, I assume, is for the banner.
The current “pole” needs to be hung on something or somewhere, and I think having a stand would be more appropriate to use at our meetings and festivals. The stand I’m recommending totally breaks down and fits into a storage case for transport.
2025 MIDWINTER FESTIVAL - Julia Buchheit
We had a lot of fun dancing to Jaden Frigo, Susie & Gert-Jan Rotschied and Oliver & Angelica Kromer. We had a few more registrations than in 2024. We did have a loss of $277 overall. Checks have been given to both Emerald Empire and the State for loan reimbursement,
2025 SUMMER FESTIVAL - Lorri McIntosh
We had a meeting yesterday. Everything is moving smoothly, but ribbon sales have been slow. If you have purchased your ribbon, thank you. Since we all have to be to the meeting on Sunday, I’d like to see everyone purchase their ribbons.
The committee has made several visitations throughout Oregon with a couple hiccups. Registrations have been coming in slowly. Hopefully we will be able to make it profitable this year. It’s been challenging, but we are getting through it. My committee has been getting the job done. We have everything in place for dancers to have a great time. The youth concession menu should be out soon and on our website. Kathy Roberts is keeping new information on Facebook, Rikki Lobato is keeping up the Summer Festival website.
We are using a QR code for program information this year. Using the QR should reduce printing of programs. We will have larger printed dance schedule/programs outside of each hall as well as a few printed schedules. I have had feedback that some dancers are excited about the QR code and some are wanting the printed copy.
Raffle basket requests are being sent out soon.
We are also encouraging everyone to come Thursday night to the Trails End Dance hosted by Charlie Brown Squares. Dean Black will be the emcee for the callers and Rikki Lobato will be the emcee for the cuers.
2026 MIDWINTER FESTIVAL - Karyn (Matthew) Buchheit
I have contracts with Ray Brendzy, featured caller; JL & Linda Pelton, featured cuer; and Andrew Perry, featured clogging cuer. The contract is signed with Fairgrounds. Hotel blocks are set up with Holiday Inn and Comfort Suites and I am working on additional room blocks at some of the other hotels.
OREGON FEDERATED NEWS - Tim (Kathy) Roberts
Things continue to run smoothly. We hover around 835 subscribers. I do find that, when clubs elect a new "club reporter", that person is often not aware of the procedures for getting their information printed. A quick reminder by the outgoing reporter might be helpful.
2ND VICE PRESIDENT – Julia Buchheit
Please remind your clubs to update their club information on the Federation website as soon as possible. I will need to know the number of state directories for each council at the July state meeting.
SECRETARY - Lorri McIntosh
All clubs and councils need to update their information on the Federation website as soon as elections and changes are made. Inform the Federation Secretary when an alternate will be attending in your position or forward any communication from the Federation to the alternate. Kathy Roberts: please refer to the training information I distributed in September. There is a handout that tells you how to update your club and council’s information on the Federation’s website.
TREASURER - Marilyn (Ron) Schmit
Since Mid-Winter, I have paid the Corporation fees and two Background check fees. The Mid-Winter loan has been repaid minus our share of the almost $280 loss. The financials are done through the end of April. The next ones will be done through the end of June for the Summer Festival meeting. Membership dues are starting to come in and will be deposited when they are received. The two Certificates of Deposit at Oregon State Credit Union renewed in February at a rate of approximately 3.9% and we are averaging $95 a month from each one. Much better than the $1 per month at Key Bank.
MEMBERSHIP CHAIRMAN – Susan Harrel
The Membership Dues will be coming due by July 1st. Each club and council pays $20.00 State Dues. Please make the check payable to OFSRDC. Send your checks to me before July 1st. A self-addressed stamped envelope will be provided at our next meeting
Susan Harrel
State Membership Chairman
29863 S Molalla Ave
Molalla, OR 97038
(503)998-2474
INSURANCE CHAIRMAN – Vicki Pounds
As things go, I had some computer down time while my main computer was in the shop for 4 weeks. Luckily my older computer was operational enough and with my back upped files, I was able to access my files and was able to function for the clubs.
A couple of months ago I asked Tim Roberts to add another field to the "Add New Dancer" form to be able to add "Alt Club" information for when a new member to their club is already a member of another club. He made the change very quickly and I appreciate having that information available. It allows me to look up the first club roster and confirm that membership. Tim, you're the best.
Since our last meeting, there have been 7 accident reports, several where the dancer fell backwards and hit their head on the floor. At this time, no follow-up has been needed.
We are growing in numbers a bit. Since my last report we have added 117 new dancers, 133 new members to clubs (15 have joined multiple clubs). That helps with the volunteer workload for our clubs. I have attached a PDF file for this quarter as well as a word document for Lorri.
| Club/Council | Total | Secondary | Primary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Mountain Council | |||
| 345 LaGrande Star Promenaders | 14 | 0 | 14 |
| Central Oregon | |||
| 440 High Desert Dancers | 68 | 11 | 57 |
| 441 Sagebrush Shufflers | 19 | 4 | 15 |
| 442 Sundown Ridge Riders RD | 16 | 15 | 1 |
| 443 Red Rock Squares | 56 | 16 | 40 |
| Emerald Empire | |||
| 349 Cascade Callers & Cuers | 14 | 1 | 13 |
| 350 Misty Valley Cloggers | 4 | 0 | 4 |
| 351 Single Trees | 49 | 5 | 44 |
| 352 Spin Cycle Squares | 13 | 5 | 8 |
| 353 Sweet Home Squarenaders | 20 | 0 | 20 |
| 354 Whirl A Ways | 43 | 6 | 37 |
| 1094 Cast A Shadow | 16 | 11 | 5 |
| Interstate Highlanders | |||
| 356 Klamath Country Squares | 8 | 0 | 8 |
| Mid Willamette Area | |||
| 343 Braids and Braves | 21 | 0 | 21 |
| 359 Capitol Caller - Cuers Asso | 16 | 9 | 7 |
| 360 Cherry City Cloggers | 47 | 0 | 47 |
| 361 Corvallis SD | 40 | 1 | 39 |
| 363 Independence Wagon Wheelers | 71 | 14 | 57 |
| 364 Lebanon Square Circlers | 96 | 16 | 80 |
| 365 ReVuNQ | 12 | 7 | 5 |
| 366 Salem Swingin' Stars | 80 | 14 | 66 |
| 367 Silver City Squares | 121 | 6 | 115 |
| 368 Albany Timber Twirlers | 18 | 10 | 8 |
| 370 Willamette Squares | 12 | 2 | 10 |
| 372 Chaps & Petticoats | 20 | 1 | 19 |
| 373 Country Cut Ups | 48 | 1 | 47 |
| 375 Heads to the Center | 14 | 1 | 13 |
| 377 River City Dancers | 35 | 1 | 34 |
| 378 Rosetown Ramblers | 45 | 7 | 38 |
| 614 Bachelors & Bachelorettes | 22 | 3 | 19 |
| Rogue Sis-Q Council | |||
| 381 Charlie Brown Squares | 47 | 0 | 47 |
| 382 Circle-n-Square | 21 | 2 | 19 |
| 562 Star Promenaders | 101 | 10 | 91 |
| 1197 Kountry Rhythm Rockin' Outlaws | 22 | 14 | 8 |
| South Coast council | |||
| 384 Beachcombers | 33 | 9 | 24 |
| 385 Saints N Aint’s | 32 | 5 | 27 |
| 386 Sets in Order | 20 | 4 | 16 |
| 444 Crook County Mavericks | 16 | 11 | 5 |
| Tualatin Valley Council | |||
| 387 Eager Beavers | 45 | 13 | 32 |
| 388 Hayshaker SD Club | 27 | 6 | 21 |
| 389 Mix 'n Mingle | 9 | 3 | 6 |
| 390 Sunset Promenaders | 48 | 8 | 40 |
| 392 Tri Squares | 54 | 0 | 54 |
| 394 Valley Squares | 12 | 1 | 11 |
| 395 Wave Steppers | 17 | 3 | 14 |
| 563 Hoedowners | 32 | 6 | 26 |
| 1130 Oak Hills Squares | 30 | 9 | 21 |
| Umpqua Area Council | |||
| 397 Buckeroo | 71 | 28 | 43 |
| 398 Dancing Friends | 28 | 19 | 9 |
| Timber 8's | 24 | 14 | 10 |
| TOTALS | 1,747 | 332 | 1,415 |
PAST PRESIDENT – Karyn (Matthew) Buchheit
Randall Award – Karyn Buchheit – Reminder, any nominations for the Randall Award need to be turned in soon. Preferably by the July meeting, July 31st at the latest.
Grant Committee: The committee received a request from the Klamath Country Squares for reimbursement for a newspaper ad that they put in the “Herald and News” advertising square dance lessons. They had a good response from the ad with about a square’s worth of people having contacted them at the time the request was submitted. This was a cost of $205.00 and they are asking for a grant to reimburse the total cost. The club also posted flyers at local businesses and utilized some free advertising opportunities. This was considered by the Grant Committee and the recommendation is that the OFSRDC approve the grant of $205.00.
Motion: Karyn Buchheit moved to give a $205 grants to Klamath County Squares for promoting square dancing in their area. Betty Chipps second the motion.
Discussion: Patrick Cox questioned what happened to previous funds that were given to all of the clubs several years ago. Cece Glidewell informed the members present that the funds were from several years ago and were used for promoting square and round dancing. Dale Brabham voiced he was in favor of providing the funds to KC Squares. Many clubs are financially stable, many are struggling, we need to help clubs that are struggling. The TVC provides grants to their clubs and it has not hurt their budget. Brooke Davison voiced that the request is < 1% of the accounts receivable for the Federation. Karyn Buchheit responded that she heard the KC Squares had their first dance in several years. Cece Glidewell responded they did have a full square from the advertising done. “We actually have 2 squares with 1 square coming faithfully every week.”
The motion to provide a $205 grant to Klamath County Squares passed.
PARLIAMENTARIAN - Tim (Kathy) Roberts
No report.
EDUCATION/PUBLICITY - Kathy (Tim) Roberts
I continue to monitor the Federation Facebook’s page. I update my various dance lists, post flyers for clubs who have requested assistance, share flyers to the Federation Facebook page that appear on my own timeline, remove spammers and post that do not follow our rules.
I have been invited to the TVC on Monday to talk briefly with the council on how to share dance flyers. I will be giving each delegate and officer a thumb drive with information that I have created including my 2025 Midwinter Basic Social Media Seminar, my Thinking Outside the Box handout, how to update club information on the Federation’s Facebook page, how to add a flyer to the OFN, and how to make a basic post to Facebook. I will also be giving them hard copies of some of the information.
During Summer Festival, I will be presenting a more in-depth seminar on how to be a Facebook Administrator for your club’s Facebook page, how to create and use a QR Code, how to post on Nextdoor and other sites if time allows. I hope you can join me Saturday, July 12th at 2:00 pm. We will be in the small classroom behind the Advanced Rowboat Hall.
Be sure to check out the OFSRDC Summer Festival 2025’s Facebook page. Please join the page so that you receive information about our activities firsthand.
HISTORIAN - Marilyn (Ron) Schmit
I have not had much time to do any further shredding of old documents. There is still quite a bit to go through and now I can probably add some old insurance files and some outdated Treasurer’s reports. Need to check and see what dates I have in the box under my living room window.
LICENSING – Brooke Davison
No Report
YOUTH ADVISOR - Julia Buchheit
I received 3 applications for the state scholarship. These are in consideration by my committee at this time. Winners of the scholarship will be announced during the opening ceremonies at Summer Festival.
ORDTA - Tami Helms (Tim Keck)
No Report Received
ROUND DANCE SCREENING - Tami Helms (Tim Keck)
No Report Received
CALLER LIAISON - Terry Halley (Betty Chipps)
CallerLab as presented (in a video) by Ted Lizotte, Chairman of the CallerLab Board, has come up with a plan they think will help resolve the declining square dancer population. The Proposal involves combining four (4) dance levels: B1, B2, MS through Plus - splitting them into two (2) divisions of 50 moves each:
One caller shared that their “good intentions” may help ‘newer Callers’ more than ‘new dancers, though I don’t see how.
From a Caller perspective, the first 50 Basic instructions would probably be OK. However, the second 50 moves, teaching MS with Plus, would be very confusing and time-consuming for the dancers. As Callers, we have always been told NOT to rush MS Dancers into Plus (as these are two distinct levels); instead give dancers at least a year’s worth of floor-time to solidify their newly learned Basic & MS skills. I concur MS should NOT be taught back-to-back with Plus and throwing in a few A1 moves would further add to the confusion.
After watching the 2024 video, many times, and speaking with several Callers throughout Oregon, the general consensus is “don’t teach MS moves with Plus moves” - what we have as lists right now works … “IF it ain’t broke - don’t fix it.”
CallerLab, at their April 2025 meeting, approved this “Proposal,” pending the vote of their members not in attendance. I’m not a CallerLab member, so I probably won't get to vote on these changes; should I be concerned about this plan? Aren’t “Caller commands merely suggestions?”
WEBMASTER - Tim (Kathy) Roberts –
No Report.
STATE FAIR - Marilyn (Ron) Schmit
The email to my Fair contact went out in April and I won’t hear back until July. I have asked for August 25, 27, 29 for the afternoon dates and times. You can start getting names of interested dancers who would like to participate in the dancing. Remember that entrance is free, dance for an hour, and enjoy the fair the rest of the day. There is a rest room nearby if you want to change clothes and unopened water bottles are OK to bring.
BACKGROUND CHECK - Tim (Kathy) Roberts.
We are caught up through Mid-Winter 2026.
USDA - Marilyn (Ron) Schmit
Since the Winter meeting in Tucson, I produced nine hours of recording into minutes and sent out in three weeks. I have been busy getting paperwork ready for the Annual meeting in Shreveport. I have a meeting on Tuesday, Wednesday, & Saturday along with my duties as Director of the Showcase of Ideas for 42 tables of displays that I have laid out on paper. I am also involved in the Organization Round Table where I have a 20-minute allotment of time to talk about Teen Competition. I am looking forward to some input from Karyn to help get across the point of how important the teens are to the activity.
DELEGATE MEETING - Rikki Lobato
I want to thank Zola Jones for helping with the meeting yesterday. We had 7 delegates present. We talked about Old Business and introduced ourselves. Brooke Davison shared the information she is presenting today during Old Business.
Motion: Request to destroy to results from the election. Karyn Buchheit moved to destroy the results from the elections. Brooke Davison second the motion. Motion passed.
File Sharing Committee – 2024-2025
Members: Brooke Davison, MWA Delegate (Chair), Garret Smith, Rogue Sis-Q Delegate, Tim Roberts, Parliamentarian & Webmaster, Lisa Kious, Summer Festival 2024 Chairwoman
Background: During the New Business portion of the September 2024, meeting of the Federation, Lisa Kious requested the Federation set up a Dropbox account with the purpose of storing and sharing files relevant to Summer Festival for use by the festival chairmen. A motion was made and passed to create a committee to research the possibilities of transferring information from one federation festival chairman to the next, specifically Summer Festival. Federation president Patrick Cox appointed the above committee members.
Action of the Committee: Members of the committee communicated via email from November through May. The committee agreed on the following definition for ‘electronic file sharing’:
“the practice of sharing digital media, such as documents, images, videos, and computer programs, over the internet”
All committee members have experience with multiple electronic file sharing software or platforms. The members researched 8 different platforms and documented the pros and cons of each platform including cost, ease of use, number of user accounts, storage size, and security. The 8 platforms we explored were:
Summary of findings: The committee agrees that a no cost issue is of high importance. Ease use is also important. We don’t anticipate needing a lot of storage space yet, but acknowledge, storing of additional documents may be useful in the future. The committee is also sensitive to the administrative burden involved in uploading and sharing files. The committee was tasked to consider file storage for Summer Festival, however, the members can also predict that document storage for Mid Winter, Federation Music Licensing, Insurance, financial records, education materials and membership information would be beneficial as well in the future.
Most of the more known document storage options do offer a limited amounts of storage for free. However, sharing file access, managing permissions, and or limited upload file size may be problematic for the Federation as a long term solution. Conversely, more flexible options with access, permissions or increased upload file size are available, but at a cost.
A few of the more known document storage companies available on the marketplace do offer options for volunteer organizations or non-profits for a reduced rate or at no cost. In order to qualify for these volunteer or non profit organization options, a vetting process would be required by a third party. It was unclear to us what the cost of the vetting by a third party would be. It is assumed that the cost to be vetted would be prohibitive to justify the immediate need of the Federation. This third party vetting also takes time, which the Federation could most likely withstand if a more thorough, broader enterprise wide solution is being sought.
Of note, Google Workspace for Nonprofits would provide much more than just document storage options. It would also offer free access to Google Drive, Gmail and other Google collaboration tools such as video meetings for up to 150 participants.
With future potential use in mind, the committee also explored the parameters of what document storage would look like from an enterprise standpoint. It was suggested a standing committee should be stood up for continued monitoring, organization and sustainability. Policies and procedures should be created to uphold the structure and purpose of the committee and be included in the P&P’s. This committee was tasked with researching options as they relate to Summer Festival documents; this enterprise wide standpoint is outside of our charge, instead it is mentioned for information only.
Recommendations: After researching and discussing options, this committee recommends the following:
Patrick Cox questioned the possibility of the webmaster handling these files and future needs. Tim Roberts stated this is low impact and easy to manage. Motion: Cece Glidewell moved to have the webmaster accept reports and documents from the committee for federation festival storage on the Federation website. Joyce Welton second the motion. Motion Passed.
Motion: Zola Jones moved to allow Joyce Welton to purchase a stand for the New Oregon Banner, not to exceed $50, Brooke Davison second the motion. Motion Passed
Motion: Julia Buchheit moved to sell the 2 speakers/amp for $100. Joyce Welton second the motion.
Discussion was to consider the fact that the Federation no longer uses the
older speaker/amps. When new, they cost approximately $400. Brooke
Davison asked if we had a buyer yet? The answer was no. Tim Roberts
recommended we sell them on a first come, first person to pay the $100
gets the speaker/amps. Motion passed.
Brooke provided a copy of the Midwinter 2026 budget for members to review
before the July meeting. She requested that the request for funds be put
on the OFSRDC’s September Agenda. The budget has already been approved by
Emerald Empire Council,
Motion: Lorri McIntosh moved to have the old Federation Banner be donated
to Beachcombers. Dave Cooper requested the old banner so it can be hung
in their hall, they will take care of it and display it proudly. Joyce
Welton second the motion. Motion Passed. The banner will be delivered to
Beachcombers by Patrick and Cherie Cox.
BLUE MOUNTAINS COUNCIL - David (Sally) Stutzman
No report received.
CENTRAL OREGON COUNCIL – Robert Swee
April 26th, Central Oregon Square Dancers both walked and danced at the 2025 Bend Multiple Sclerosis Walk. In the end, 26 dancers registered to walk and raise money for a very worthy cause. In addition, they were asked by the MS Society if they would do some dancing as entertainment for the other walkers. So, after walking the route, most of them danced for roughly an hour and a half. Overall, this seemed to be a very good demonstration of square dancing. And as a team they were the second highest fund raisers, raising a total of $4,724.
High Desert Dancers
It’s encouraging that attendance each month has increased with a high point being the Luau/Birthday dance on April 19th where we started the evening with 6 squares!! Many thanks to all our board members and others who showed up to help host and decorate.
A major change in our income stream (for all the CO clubs) was the decision by the Sisters Rodeo to discontinue the concession stands run by our square dance community. We have relied on that income to cover expenses and now it is gone. While we are fine for the near term, we are discussing other ways to replace that income.
At our most recent board meeting we decided to begin a “Blue Bag” recycling program. Any non-profit entity, like ours, can purchase these blue recycling bags and register with the local recycling center to have the proceeds from these tagged bags donated to our club. We’ll be announcing this fund-raising plan at dances and through the email lists we have. The club will have a bag available at the Pine Forest Grange at our dances and workshops as well as distributing bags to our members to use at home.
Red Rock Squares
We just concluded our lessons yesterday. It was a small class, ending with 4 students. Lessons went well and everybody had fun.
With the High Desert Dancers, we had our first Double Down/Triple Up dance of the year, and by all accounts, it was a good weekend. There will be another Double Down/Triple Up on May 16th and 17th. For those that are not familiar with this, there is a Friday night dance at Red Rocks, a workshop at either Red Rocks or High Desert Dancers on Saturday and then Saturday night, a dance at High Desert Dancers. If someone does all 3 dances, the cost is $18 per person. If they just do the evening dances, the cost is $12 per person. And if they choose to only do one or the workshop plus one, the cost is the normal $8 per dance.
Sagebrush Shufflers
Shufflers held their annual Birthday Dance in April. It was well attended with Craig Abercrombie calling and cueing, tasty root beer floats (with homemade root beer) and lots of door prizes, all making for a great evening of fun. Craig asked and was booked for our Birthday Dance in 2026.
Coming up on June 14th the Shufflers will have a western “CIRCLE THE WAGONS” dance at the Gary A. Ward Park, Prineville, featuring Debbie and Tom Klug caller and cuer. Chile and Corn Bread will be warm and tasty provided by our club.
We are looking forward to dancing in the 4th of July Parade again this year. We will be asking all the local clubs to join us for decorating and dancing on the float.
Sundown Ridge Riders
Ridge Riders Rounds have been busy finishing the Waltz Rhythm Lessons which ran from March 6th to April 24th. The Waltz lessons had an average of 28 – 30 dancers. It is so nice to see so many of them out on the floor at the local club dances.
The club is looking to start Slow Two Step as the next rhythm. The lessons will start May 15th and run until June 19th. After that lessons will suspend for the summer and start again after Labor Day. In the meantime, the regular club dances will continue through the summer on the 1st, 3rd and 5th Thursdays from 7:00 to 9:00.
EMERALD EMPIRE AREA - Zola Jones
Thank You to Rogue Sis Q Council for the nice dinner this weekend,
Emerald Empire Area Council held a Benefit Dance on March29, 2025 for the "Oregon Horse Rescue"; a local organization that rescues abused and starving horses. The Cascade Callers & Cuers Association donated their calling and cueing. There was also a 'Silent Auction' with many items donated from all area clubs; that and the door proceeds, and cash handed to the manager of the horse rescue, raised a large amount needed to help save horses. This organization was a favorite of Laurie Weidenhaft.
A large group from area clubs came on Saturday morning, May 17th to do an immaculate clean-up around the outside of the Emerald Square Dance Center hall.
All our clubs are dancing, with the exception of Misty Valley Cloggers--but they recently did visit the Oregon State Cloggers Association.
Our next Council Meeting will be on the 3rd Monday, July 21, 2025.
Four clubs in our area are helping a special Committee put on a 3-day great dancing weekend; "Life's a Dance Festival" on August 22 to 24, 2025, at Emerald Square Dance Center in Springfield. I have placed 'Flyers' with registration to everyone here at the table, and they are also on Facebook. Come and join us for these days dancing to a special caller and special cuer.
INTERSTATE HIGHLANDERS - Cece (Sarge) Glidewell
The Klamath Country Squares Spring lessons are going as well as can be expected. There is approximately one square of dancers who show up regularly for workshops. There is another square of dancers who show up randomly for workshops. We are finished with spring lessons and will be back at the dance hall in the Fall, starting September 2 for rounds and September 4 for Squares. This summer we will be doing some promotional demos with the dancers we have on hand. Also of note is that the Potato Festival is on for this year, the 3rd weekend of October.
The council has not had any activity since the COVID shutdown other than the required meetings. They will look at bringing back 5th Saturday dances if or when the club is functioning with enough dancers to support the expense of council dances.
Please also note that Glidewell’s outlook email account has been taken for ransom. Please update your records to reflect their new dance related email address as the following: scglidewelldance@gmail.com. They are sorry for any inconvenience this has caused anyone on their contact list. Please do ignore any requests for gift cards as that is the scammers attempt to get funds nefariously.
MID-WILLAMETTE AREA COUNCIL - Brooke Davison
A handful of our clubs are getting ready to go dark for the summer months. Clubs that go dark encourage their dancers to attend dances of the other area clubs that do not go dark. Some clubs are gearing up for summer activities like parades, dancing at community festivals, and club weekend events. Our clubs have been showing their creativity of late, we've had Derby Hat dance, Hippie Dance, Spring Fling, Plant Sale Dance, and a Hobo Dance! We've also celebrated a handful of birthday dances since Mid Winter; Lebanon Square Circlers celebrated their 75th birthday in February, Independence Wagon Wheelers celebrated 65 years in March and the Braids and Braves celebrated their 64th birthday in March. Salem Swingin Stars and Silver City Squares also had birthday dances in the past few months.
Clubs with lessons reported new membership after graduation and are planning for more lessons in the fall. At least one club held spring lessons and expects to graduate them in June. Two MWA clubs sponsored youth squares for the Pacific Northwest Teen Square Dance Festival, held in Salem the second weekend of May. The youth practiced and practiced from Mid-Winter to Mother's Day weekend learning to listen, repair squares, perfecting their dancing abilities, working as a team and much more. Awards were won by some and a lot of fun and laughter was had by all.
PORTLAND AREA COUNCIL - Betty Chipps (Terry Halley)
PAC Report: At PAC Meeting, Monday, MAY 19, 2025, Secretary, Eileen Petticrew retired. We expressed our appreciation for her service and welcomed Susan Stevens, with Rosetown Ramblers, as our new Secretary, effective the June 16th PAC meeting.
Reminders: PAC is DARK in July.
A list of all PAC Clubs dancing in the month can be found at: dancepac.org and the OFSRDC website.
PAC Clubs … News & Events:
PAC hosted dances:
PAC Clubs dancing through the Summer:
Kalmbach & Helms: JUNE 4 (Western Hoedown), JULY 2 (Independence Day) & AUG 6
Wheeler & Helms: JUNE 18
Kious & Helms JULY 16,
Halley & Helms AUG 20 (Hawaiian Breezes)
Their dance format has changed to: 7:00 Plus, 7:15 Rounds, 7:30-9:30 MS & announcements at 9:30pm B&Bs will try Direct Mail advertising, starting August, to promote SD Lessons.
Mike Kious & Sherry Milling JUNE 7
Scott Zinser & Julie Stiers JUNE 28, JULY 26 and AUGUST 23
Craig .Abercrombie (caller & cuer) JULY 5 and AUGUST 2
Daryl.Clendenin & Julie Stiers AUGUST 30
The Spring Fling weekend held May 9-10, 2025, had 5 squares, was a blast and made a profit.
CutUps is moving the Spring Fling to the first Saturday weekend in May, starting in 2026.
Their BINGO fundraiser, held 2nd & 4th Friday’s, is bringing them huge profits with
100+ individuals attending. This Club has an outside floor for dancing in the summer.
Kalmbach & Helms JUNE 14. JUNE 28 (35th Anniversary dance)
DARK - JULY 12 (Summer Festival weekend)
Kalmbach & Helms: JULY 26, AUG. .9 and AUG. 23
RCD will try Direct Mail advertising, starting August, to promote SD Lessons.
PAC Clubs DARK July - August:
Chaps & Petticoats - will try Direct Mail advertising, starting Aug, to promote Sept. MS Lessons
Happy Hoppers: June 7 (Anniversary dance)
Heads to Center
Rosetown Ramblers - hosts SSD 2nd SAT each month (except July-Aug.)
ROGUE SIS-Q COUNCIL – Rikki Lobato
We hope everyone has enjoyed their time in Grants Pass. We enjoyed hosting the dance on Saturday night and the meeting today. We look forward to the next time we all get together. We hope you've registered for the Summer Festival and have encouraged your dancers to do the same. We are excited to have a wonderful festival full of dancing and fun! The council now has a website: www.roguesisqcouncil.com
Charlie Brown Squares
We had an absolutely fantastic Boatnik Festival with featured staff Jet Roberts & Peter & Chama Gomez. We loved having visitors from all over the state. Start planning for next year - when we will have Hunter Keller & MaryAnn Callahan.
We had 15 new graduates from our SSD class; with many joining the club. They have been getting more floor time during our workshops. Some of the new dancers even came on Friday of Boatnik and did a fantastic job! We have a few more dances this summer before going dark for the month of August due to the County Fair taking over our hall. Dances include a Cake Walk and Bake Sale and a Good Vibrations dance in June. July we are dark the first Saturday for 4th of July weekend and then we will have our last dance until September when we have a Sock Hop at the Soda Shoppe, with ice cream. Our June 7th dance is also a Cancer Benefit dance with all donations going to the American Cancer Society.
New classes will start in September when we will offer SSD classes on Thursdays and Mainstream and Plus classes on Tuesdays.
Our 58th Birthday dance on December 6th will be a great time with Andy Allemao calling and Rikki Lobato cueing. We would love to see you back in Grants Pass if it fits into your schedule.
You can find more info on our classes and dances at our website: www.cbsquares.com
Circle n’ Squares:
The club is hoping to start new classes in September and have been actively trying to recruit dances by doing demos and community dances in various locations. In the meantime, they are dancing on Wednesday at floor level when they can get a square together.
Star Promenaders:
The Stars recently graduated their SSD class which consisted mostly of dancers under the age of 21. Workshops are continuing. New classes will start in September.
Some upcoming dances include an Alzheimer's Benefit Dance on August 16th - this is a FREE dance with callers and cuers donating their time and the Stars donating the hall.
The clubs dances on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. They will be dark on June 14th for the Buckeroo RoundUp in Roseburg.
The highlight of the summer is the Diamond Lake Festival with featured caller and cuer David and Dawn Mee from Anaheim, CA. They are a great duo and have a large following that travel to dance with them. The festival takes place July 23-26.
More info can be found on our website at www.starpromenaders.org.
Kountry Rhythm Rockin Outlaws
Country Fever (Special Event):
The Country Fever Dance/Campout Weekend pre-registration deadline for discounted pricing ended on February 1, 2025. The prices has increased from $45 to $55 per dancer. Flyers and registrations are available or you can email Jan at rockinoutlaws@gmail.com. Flyer is also on the Council website.
This event, is held at the Buckeroo Barn in Roseburg, and will feature Jim Steele and Adam Christman as callers, with Rikki Lobato as cuer. With four great meals, endless beverages, and high-energy dancing, the team aims to exceed last year’s 14-square turnout. As of May 2025, 4.25 squares are already pre-registered.
Workshops and Lessons:
Mainstream Workshops: Sundays, 2:30–4:00 pm
Advanced A-1 Lessons: Sundays, 4:00–5:30 pm (soon transitioning to Advanced Workshops)
Plus Workshops: Wednesdays, 6:00–7:30 pm
These workshops, hosted at Pleasant Ridge Community Hall in Redmond, Oregon, provide dancers with opportunities to improve skills and enjoy a vibrant square dancing
SOUTH COAST COUNCIL – Cherie (Patrick) Cox
Beachcombers graduated 26 new dancers on May 20th. Almost all couldn’t wait to join the club and were enthusiastically embracing dancing.
Mavericks started a Two Step class last week with 14 couples attending the first lesson. Things are going very well in Port Orford and we are all looking forward to our 72nd birthday dance weekend, July 3rd-5th. Come join us.
Saints-N-Aints are dancing the 1st and 3rd Saturday of each month with Roger Putzler calling in Coos Bay. Sherm Welch is taking a leave of absence. We have 5 new callers calling our dances.
Sets In Order are dancing the 2nd Saturday of every month.
TUALATIN VALLEY COUNCIL – Dale Brabham
The TVC reports that the following were elected to office on April 28 for the 2025-6 term:
President: Sally Duyck
Vice President: Judy Schnase
Secretary: Andis Garuts
Treasurer: Bonni Lesser
State Delegate: Laura Irvan (September)
Alternate State Delegate: Dale Brabham (September)
The clubs are healthy and doing well. The only issue is having volunteers for officers.
UMPQUA AREA COUNCIL – Doris (Neil) Koozer
The Buckeroos are busy preparing for our big event, The Buckeroo Round-Up. The event features Oregon talent, with Scott Zinser from Portland, and Rikki Lobato, from Grants Pass. This will be our 51st Round-Up. There will be fun and games all weekend. Friday w celebrate the Sixties with Tie-Dye & Beads; Saturday with traditional western square dance attire; and Sunday with your wildest Hawaiian Shirts.
The Timber 8’s and the Dancing Friends are winding down their regular seasons for the summer. However, the Dancing Friends have scheduled one party dance per month on June 26, July 17, and August 21 starting at 7 PM. If it is over 90 degrees at 5 PM the dance will be cancelled. The Dancing Friends will resume their classes on Tuesday and Thursday in September. Combining an intermediate waltz class and multi- rhythm on Tuesday; and introduction to Jive and easier mixed rhythms on Thursday.
The Buckeroos will generally continue their regular schedule throughout the summer, although they will be dark the first Saturday in July. They plan on continuing the workshops on Sunday as long as it maintains at least 2 squares. The Buckeroos have all new officers on their Board so many new ideas are being explored.
The UAC will be sponsoring a BBQ potluck on August 24th
Rikki Lobato
I have been busy since Midwinter traveling, cueing and dancing. I’ve been wearing my Goodwill Ambassador badge and letting dancers know about all the great events in Oregon.
In March I was in Bremerton, WA and had the honor to cue with 3 of the best callers, Tony O, Jet R and Charlie R. I believe there were 22 squares and it’s now sold out for 2026 with just a standby list. I had a wonderful turnout of dancers for the teach and had the help of Nicolas Brendzy to teach my dance Giddy Up.
More festivals and dancing coming up - so if you have any flyers you want me to share - just let me know.
Roger & Linda Putzler
February was a busy month for us. We visited six different clubs and worked with four different cuers.
We started off the month with the 4+ squares at the Sunset Promenaders in Hillsboro and the next night we worked with 2 squares in Springfield for the Buccaneers. Whirl-A-Ways in Springfield had 2 squares. Corvallis Squares Birthday dance was attended by 7+ squares and The Timber 8’s in Roseburg were dancing 2+ squares. In had the pleasure of working with Connie Clark, Christina Corelli, Sandy Harris, and Neil Koozer. I also had the opportunity to work with the teens in Silverton on 3 occasions helping the senior plus teem get ready for the upcoming competition.
March took us to 1 square at both the Charlie Browns in Grants Pass and the Buccaneers sin Springfield. We saw 5+ squares at the Independence Wagon Wheelers Birthday Dance in Salem and I enjoyed sharing the program with KC Curtis. 2 squares with the Whirl-A-Ways in Springfield. One more session with the teens in Silverton and 4 squares in Redmond with the Red Rocks. Worked with Elaine Funk, Christina Corelli, Stephanie Lozano, and Cathy Houston.
April was kind of quiet. Linda and I travelled to Greenville, South Carolina to attend the Callerlab 50TH Convention. In attendance from Oregon were, Craig Abercrombie, Patrick and Cherie Cox, Mike Kious, Tom and Debbie Klug, Shaun and Lili McKamey, and Roger and Linda Putzler. We had 2 squares in Springfield with the Whirl-A-Ways and 4 squares in Bend with the High Desert Dancers. Cuers this month were Christina Corelli and Tom Klug.
May got busy. We saw 2 squares at the Buccaneers in Springfield. The next night in Vancouver, WA, 4 squares went through their Plus paces. What was unusual, was that there was no Round Daning, but Folk Dancing instead. The club’s regular caller both calls and cues but in his absence, one of the club members leads the dancers in Folk Dancing. It was fun to watch and the dancers all joined in. We travelled to Prineville to join 3 squares of dancers with the Sagebrush Shufflers, Tom Klug cuing. Whirl-A-Ways in Springfield had 3 squares, dancing 2. Christina Corelli cuing.
Joyce Welton: Why are clubs going dark during summer months when school is out? Zola Jones and others voiced there was an issue with no air conditioning in the buildings we dance in. Joyce - I did not realize there were no air conditioners in all the halls that are used for dancing. This never occurred to me when I heard all the clubs going dark and not dancing in summertime.
Lorri McIntosh: Are clubs and councils were encouraged to go dark during State Festivals, Midwinter and Summer Festival? Several delegates and officers states they highly encourage clubs to go dark during these two festivals. There is no advertising offered from the federation (OFN, Facebook, or website) for any dances in Oregon that occur at the same time as the Oregon Festivals.
Zola Jones: Is there is any contra dancing in Oregon? Joyce Welton informed her, yes in Central Oregon.
ADJOURN: Motion: Betty Chipps moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:46am, Joyce Welton second the motion. Motion carried and meeting adjourned.
NEXT SCHEDULED MEETING
Summer Festival 2025
Sunday, July 13th, 2025, 9:00 AM
Blanchet Catholic School, Salem, Oregon