WEBMASTER'S REQUEST

The Federation Webmaster, Alex Ritchie, asks clubs, regions, and associations to review their information on the Fed. webpage www.squaredance.ns.ca and send him updates and corrections at: alexr@eastlink.ca An incorrect/outdated entry is worse than no entry at all! There are over 3,000 visits to the NS webpage every month!

NEWS FROM THE LaHAVE RIVER RAMBLERS

South Shore Region Plus Graduation

On the 29th of May, 2006, a group of enthusiastic Square Dancers were presented their Plus Graduation Certificates by Caller John Medicraft & Taw Marcella Medicraft.
Although John Medicraft retired from calling some years ago, his talent for calling and his will to call had never left him. In 2004, dancers from Shelburne to Lunenburg came to John & Marcella’s home on alternate weeks to be instructed at the Plus level. With John at the mike, and Angels Frances Dalziel & Leslie Smith on the floor, he began leading the dancers through the Plus moves.
On Graduation night, dancers were in for another surprise treat when retired Caller Ivan Doggett stepped up to themike to do a couple of Tips. It is unfortunate these talented Callers are on the inactive list, as this leaves much of the South Shore area without the ability to attract new dancers. A hearty lunch was enjoyed by all following the presentation of certificates. Respectfully submitted by Paul & Carol Conrad.

NOTE TO ALL DANCERS:

Dancers should check with their Caller/Cuer/President/Leader to ensure the club membership has been sent tothe Nova Scotia Federation. Only clubs and dancers registered with the Federation are covered by the LiabilityInsurance policy or are eligible for Federation awards or to benefit from Federation activities and policies.

Square Dancers Support Nova Scotia Dance Troupe

On June 24th. 2006 Square Dancers from all over Nova Scotia came to the Waterville & District Fire Hall for the European Excursion Square Dance.

This dance was held to help raise funds needed to send the Mary’s Islanders Dance Troupe to Italy where they have been invited to represent Nova Scotia and Canada at the International NATO Bazaar in October of this year. Other countries being represented are: Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom, USA, Netherlands, Greece, Germany, Romania, France , Hungary, Italy, and Belgium.

This will indeed be an exceptional educational experience for these young dancers who are already proud ambassadors for Nova Scotia and Canada. While there, they will participate in five shows and will proudly display their Canadian flags and banners while performing seven different dance disciplines. Their favorite being a Maritime Step Dance to the song, "Clearly Canadian".

When not performing they will have an opportunity to sample the different cultures and lifestyles of all the Nations attending this prestigious event, Side trips will include a visit to Pompeii, Mt. Versuvio, A city tour of Naples, the Vatican City, Tomb Of The Unknown Soldier, Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps and the Coliseum.

On their trip home, they will take a two night stop over in London, England, where they will get the opportunity to visit Buckingham Palace (Changing of the Guard), Trafalgar Square, Big Ben, Westminster Abby, London Tower, St, Paul’s Cathedral, Tower Bridge and the London Eye.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who supported our fundraiser. A special thanks to Kerry Fletcher, Nelson Labor, and Pat Labor for volunteering their time to call at this dance. We would be remiss if we didn’t include the LaHave River Ramblers for their very generous donation and the personal presentation by Carol and Paul Conrad where they congratulated the dancers and wished them the best. Thank you also to those of you who couldn’t make it to the dance but sent a donation. Your support is so very much appreciated. Total money raised was $822.50. Thank you again for your support. We will keep you posted on our progress and trip.

Mary and Larry Dunlop For Mary's Islanders Dance Troupe.

DON ROBAR

     
     On March 25, 2006 we bid adieu to a well-loved Valley dancer, Don Robar. Don began his dancing career with the Fundy Squares in Nictaux. He and his wife Maud, were very active members. When Maud passed away, he took abrief break from dancing. However, one day while paying a service call to Earle Kinsman's farm in Welsford, Earle encouraged him to come to Somerset to the Rainbow Dancers and renew his dancing, which he did. (Don always said that was one of the best moves he ever made.)
     As time went by, Don met Amanda. Love blossomed and they were married. Square dancers were able to share in their joy. Over the years, Don and Amanda travelled to many Canadian destinations and such places as Hawaii and Japan, meeting new friends wherever they went. They loved to go to Five Islands to the square dance campout where Don always rushed to help other people get set up.
     Don and Amanda served as Valley Representatives with the Nova Scotia Square and Round Dance Federation for a number of years. They were the Valley Square Dance King and Queen during one Apple Blossom Festival.
     Don was a strong supporter of dancing. He made a special effort to make sure people without partners had an opportunity to dance and often joked about dancing with his "corner".
     Don Robar is missed by his many square dance friends who are comforted to know that he died outdoors doing what he enjoyed. Don will be remembered for his positive outlook on life, his humble personality and his enthusiasm for square dancing.
Submitted by: Mary Magee.