First Saturday Square Dance and Social

Dancing and the Quimper Grange Hall have been linked together for many years. From swing, to Cajun, to Scandinavian, the hall has provided a venue for folks of all ages to come together through kinaesthetic expression. Indeed, more than any other group, dancers, and the musicians that play for them, have generated laughs, joy, and community in our hall. The Quimper Grange hall is considered an essential part of our regional dance community.

This year, 2011-2012, Quimper Grange is sponsoring a Square Dance and Social every First Saturday, starting in October and continuing through May. These events will feature mostly local dance callers and local bands. The October 1 dance musicians include Quimper Grange members Jeanie Murphy and Scott Marckx along with caller Gabe Strand from Seattle.

The Quimper Grange First Saturday Square Dance and Social is intended for experienced dancers as well as those who have never danced. Sets will include traditional and contemporary American squares, circles, mixers, waltzes and an occasional contra dance. All dances are taught during the evening. Novice dancers will find the experienced dancers to be relaxed, enthusiastic and welcoming. During the evening there will be a short social interlude (with snacks). And of course, you can always just come and listen to the music.
The schedule for 2011-2012 includes the following First Saturday dates:

October 1, 2011
November 5, 2011
December 3, 2011
January 7, 2011
February 4, 2012
March 3, 2012
April 7, 2012
May 5, 2012

Saturday Dance!
October 1, 7:30pm
Quimper Grange
1219 Corona Street
(end of Sheridan)

 Dancing will begin at 7:30. Beginners welcome; all dances are taught. $6.00 for adults; $3.00 for youth; 6 or younger are free; show your your Grange membership card and admission is free! For further information contact David Thielk at 360-301-6005.


 Message from the President:

Enjoy your Labor Day holiday! We normally meet on the first Monday of the month, but it didn’t seem right to include a Grange meeting during your holiday. So we will see you on Monday, October 3rd.

Election of officers for 2012 will be November 7th. We are looking for candidates for President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. If you are interested in serving the Grange, this is a good opportunity to help. We will be accepting nominations at the October meeting as well as the November 7th meeting. I have had the privilege to serve as your president for the past three years. It is time to pass the torch to someone else.

It has been a fun challenge to bring the Grange back from the brink of extinction. A lot of folks stepped in to help with money as well as with their sweat. We have reached our goals for phase one renovation. There are more projects in the wings.

We also need your ideas on how the Grange can better serve our community. We will be sending out a survey that will help us focus on our mission. It is vital you share your views with us. Please take a few moments and return the survey. All surveys are limited in scope so I would encourage you to expand your thoughts and comments in an e-mail to me. George Yount, gyount@olypen.com