Sept 12, 1999

Chairman’s Notes:

These minutes and my notes are published to share information with all State dancers.  Please post them prominently and encourage discussion on the issues and topics.  I welcome your comments and feedback on Federation and Club activities.

The September 22^nd Tenderfoot Hoe-down on Oahu was judged a success by virtue of the many favorable comments I received from the visitors and dancers who attended (47 total).  The successful introduction to Squares, Rounds, and Line Dancing were enjoyed by our guests but, must notable were the comments about the warm welcome, and friendly people that they had met.  One of our most marketable assets in “selling” square dancing to the public is our people to people skills.  There is no doubt in my mind that the square dancing community is the friendliest group of people in the world.  My compliments to those of you who take the time to welcome newcomers, introduce yourself and your friends, and ensure that the guest have a hand to hold as they venture into the unknown depths of our squares.  Keep up the good work!

Please take note of the emerging national debate on “proper square dance attire”.  The National Council has recommended approving slacks & dress jeans for men & women and short sleeved dress shirts for men.  American Square Dance Magazine has been publishing a series on the subject, devoting several pages each month to dancer’s views on attire.  There are pros and cons on both sides of the equation but ultimately, it’s your club’s democratic process that should govern the “rules’ and establish the “standards” of dress desired by the majority of your members.  As leaders, I hope you’ll at least ask the question.

SEPTEMBER ’99 FEDERATION MEETING MINUTES

The September ’99 Federation Meeting was convened at 3:05 p.m., on September 12, 1999, at the Kahala Recreation Center

1.     Attendance:  Federation Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer.  The following clubs were represented: Hayseeds, Pali Twirlers, and Square Wheelers.

2.     Minutes:  The minutes of the July 1999 Meeting were reviewed.  No corrections were noted and the minutes were accepted as presented.

3.     Treasurer’s Report: The Treasurer’s report for July was distributed for review.  The balance was $608.69 in checking and $1,817.94 in savings for a total of $2,381.54.  The Chairman noted that all major Festival expenses have been paid except for caller/cuer costs.  The Treasurer’s Report was accepted as submitted. 

4.     Committee Reports: Committee chairpersons presented a brief outline of their progress since the last meeting:

        a.  Advertising and Recruiting: David announced that in the absence of volunteers willing to chair this committee, he would be heading up the Advertising and Recruiting Committee.  Anyone willing to help is urged to contact David Lemon.

        b.  Social Calendar: Henry reported that corrections have been made to the Social Calendar and new calendars listing activities through 2001 will go out with the September minutes.  Please send your updates and corrections to Henry Staehle at henrys@inix.com, or telephone 672-3646.

        c.  HI-2K Festival: 28 paid registrations have been received, with 22 locals contributing to the early festival expenses.   85 dancers from Stockton, California have placed deposits with a Travel Agent and plan to attend the HI-2K Festival.  All have signed up for the Tuesday Square Dance on the Bay Luau.  Hawaii dancers are asked to register early to help fund the event and minimize the last minute paperwork.  Full refunds will be given up to January 1^st 2000.

       d.  Housing Committee: Doug Warne, Festival Housing Committee Chairman, reported that he plans to match a roster of available Oahu rooms with the names of dancers from the neighbor islands who need housing.  Please contact Doug of the Pali Twirlers (e-mail: dwarne4@hotmail.com, or telephone (808) 261-8222) if you expect to have a room available during the convention (January 24-30).  Hosts will not be obligated to provide transportation for their guests.  Further details will be presented in November at the Hotfoot Stomp on the Big Island.

5.     Correspondence:  No significant correspondence reported since the last meeting.

6.     Old Business:

        a.     Revised Bylaws: Still pending.

        b.        Tenderfoot Hoedown, September 22: David reported that he has heard of no special events being planned by any club for Square Dance Recruiting Month. He urged those present to alert their club members to attend the September 22nd dance at the Palladium and bring a potential new dancer if possible.

        c.     USA West Convention: 1,600 dancers attended, with 13 attending from Hawaii.  The Federation hosted a display table stocked with Festival flyers and registration forms.  The table featured a dancing hula doll donated by Kim.  All those who attended had a good time.

        d.     All Oahu Dance: The second Sunday of the month from 7:00-9:30 has been set aside for an All-Oahu Dance at the Palladium. On September 12, the Square Wheelers are hosting the dance which will also celebrate their 25^th Anniversary.  October will be hosted by the Tsunamis, and it is hoped that the Pali Twirlers will host the November dance. 

        e.     Badges:  250 Festival badges were ordered @ $1.54 each and have been received.

7.   New Business:

      a.       Square Dance Attire: The National Council of Square Dance Organizations has formally recommended to their membership that the definition of proper Square Dance attire be changed to include dress slacks or jeans for men and women, and short sleeved dress shirts for men.  The Federation does not set dress standards for square dance clubs, but we will encourage common standards within the state to minimize confusion.  It is suggested that clubs consider their position and adopt those standards desired by the club majority.  Clubs are encouraged to bring your member’s position to the Federation for discussion and review by other clubs.  American Square Dance Magazine issues for July and August have some interesting editorials.

        b.     The Bandstand is no more. The Square Wheelers will be dancing at the McCoy Pavilion in Ala Moana Park beginning Sept. 20 from 7-9, and the Hayseeds will be dancing at the Ala Wai Community Center, except for the second Saturday of each month when they will be dark.  The new bandstand should be available in approximately 12-14 months.

8.     Club Reports/Events: Future events are listed on the Hot Line and shown on the Social Calendar (Remember, written notes are requested to ensure accuracy).

        a.     Pali Twirlers: The Pali Twirlers held their annual demonstration dance at the State Mental Hospital on Wednesday, Sept. 15.  There were four squares of participants from the hospital.  The club will hold its annual Halloween dance on Sunday, October 31, at the Ala Wai Clubhouse from 7:00 – 9:15 p.m.  

        b.     Square Wheelers: John Zapotocky reported that the Square Wheelers Anniversary Dance in conjunction with the first Federation All-Oahu dance, would be held Sunday, Sept. 12.  The Christmas Sunday brunch will be held at the Hale Koa, and Toys for Tots dance will be at the Palladium on December 12.

        c.    Hayseeds:  Turkey Trot will be held on November 6^th at the Ala Wai Community Rec Center.  Full Thanksgiving style dinner 6 p.m. and dance at 7:30 p.m.  $5 admission.

        d.    Memorial Service for Marion Walsh: The service will be held on Saturday, September 25, at 4:00 p.m. at the Waiokeola Congregational Church.

        e.     Slew Foot Promenaders: The club has recently graduated three new dancers with six more to be graduated in October.

9.     Next Meeting: Federation meetings will be moved to the first Sunday of each month to avoid a conflict with the All-Oahu Dances scheduled for the second Sunday of the month.  The next meeting will be held on Sunday, October 3rd, at the Kahala Recreation Center at 3:00 p.m.

10.        Adjournment:  The meeting was adjourned at 3:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Janet Granich, Secretary