Submitted by: Leslie Smith, South Shore Region.

      Chairperson Goldie Fancey welcomed dancers and guests at the Anglican Church Hall in Bridgewater.The Hall was tastefully decorated in our club colours by Delma Dorey Ralph & Valerie Brown, Neil Dorey, and HazelHebb.
      Retired caller John & Marcella Medicraft were presented with corsages by Moyle & Marjorie Crouse. Jimmy& Carolyn Kaulback presented caller Neil & Kathy Dorey with corsages.
      The Square & Round Dance Federation of Nova Scotia had their banner on display, and Francis Dalziel spokeon behalf of the Federation and brought congratulations to the club. Paul and Carol Conrad Chairpersons of Festival 05and Past Presidents of LaHave River Ramblers gave a report on the Festival and extended congratulations on SunriseSquares 20th anniversary. Hazel Hebb was recognized as club historian and the dancers were invited to view the clubalbums which were on display. Burpee Meisner read the History of the club.
      Caroll Randle from The Dept. of Recreation, whoin 1984 helped to establish Sunrise Squares offered hiscongratulations. The 10 plus squares danced to the livemusic of Harold & Mary Anne Langille, and Lyle Morton,with caller Neil Dorey. The lunch committee of ValerieBrown as Chairperson consisted of Ruth Keddy, DeltaWamboldt, Margaret Nauss, did a fine job, and the ladiesof the club all brought a lovely lunch which was enjoyedby all. The anniversary cake was cut by caller Neil &Kathy Dorey, and served by Carolyn & Jimmy Kaulback,and Delma Dorey.
      Neil Dorey thanked the members of the club forhelping make our 20th anniversary a success and thefollowing was Neil's speech:

"Sunrise Squares is run by all the people who showup to support the caller in his plans. The club is run by allthe people who bring food to the weekly dances withoutbeing asked. The club is run by all the helping hands thatmade this event possible.
      Finally the club is run by those people who continue to come to the weekly dances and allow the caller to feellike things are O.K. at the home of Sunrise Squares where-ever that may be in the future where-ever the dancerschoose it to be by their love of Square Dancing. Thank-You to all who brought this dance together in such a short time.
      Thank-You to all who by your attendance show your desire to keep Square Dancing alive.Good Squares and "Happy Dancing."

Written by Hazel Hebb/Club Historian, Sunrise Squares

      In the 1950's Roger Whynot of Milton, Queens County, NS., decided to learn to call square dances. He wentthrough school at Milton, and by now was working for Mersey Paper Co. Ltd. making newsprint. As he had no teacher,he gathered music and material and some people for dancers. They met regularly and as he learned to call, he taughtthe dancers.
      He contacted the Department of Education, and an instructor, Maurice Hennigar, came to Milton from Halifaxand put on a five day seminar of square dancing for youths and adults. Following this Roger and his wife, Phyllis,formed a caller run club, which was known as the Jolly Roger Dancers. They danced what was known as the NewEngland Style Square Dance using twenty-five calls.
      A few years later Roger informed his dancers that the square dance style was changing to Modern WesternSquare Dancing with more calls for him to learn and teach, so they decided it was time for a change. In 1966 a meetingof sixty-six dancers was held and an executive run club was created with Roger as their caller.
      It was decided to call the club the Jolly Roger Squares in honour of Roger. The club was registered with theNova Scotia Federation. So, Roger Whynot was responsible for bringing square dancing to the Queens County areaand creating the Jolly Roger Squares.
      While at work at the Paper Mill Roger practised his patter calls constantly, even though you could not hear himover the sound of the paper machinery.
      In 1969 Roger decided to change jobs and further his education in Music by attending the University of Maine.Since then the callers for the club have been Arch Erickson, Ivan Doggett and John Medicraft until 2000 when theclub closed due to declining membership and those still dancing went to another club.
      Roger moved to the United States, and became the Director of Student Personnel at Landmark School in Pride'sCrossing until his retirement. He spent time in England teaching square dancing and learning as many types ofEuropean Dancing as he could. He took great pride in educating through the medium of music and dancing. Heenjoyed choreographing as well as teaching square dancing and specialized in contras. He always visited the club whenhome on vacation.
      Roger had two operations for throat cancer. The second one involved the removal of his voice box, thus endinghis calling career. He could still communicate with people using a device on his throat which allowed him to talk.
      Roger passed away January 11, 2005 at the Masconomet Healthcare. We dancers on the South Shore rememberRoger and give thanks for the fun and heritage he created.

Submitted by Leslie Smith

      Another year and another successful Harvest Moon Dance. The MMM./Ocean Waves would like to thank all thefaithful square dancers who braved the blowing snow and bad road conditions to support our annual fund raiser.
      Although mother nature showed her white coat instead of her fall colours, the dancers inside Bloomfield Centre,enjoyed a warm, fun filled Harvest Dance with their many friends. The gymnasium was filled with fall decorations.The owl kept watch and the full moon shone over the crowd.
      The square dance clubs came together for eleven squares. With a turnout in the face of a major storm and alsothe fourth weekend in a row of major dances and travel.
      We thanked the callers, Kerry Fletcher, Mark Savage, Bruce Savage, and Wade Savage for masterfully directing oursquares.
      Door prizes representing the fruits and veggies of the season were enjoyed, including homemade jams, pickles,beets, popping corn, corn on the cob, etc. Congratulations to Francis Dalziel of the LaHave River Ramblers. She wasthe grand winner of the beautiful MacAskill print.
      The dance evening also made time to congratulate many of the MMM/Ocean Waves and Fun Squares dancers andtheir callers with long service awards. These awards were presented by the Square and Round Dance Federation ofNova Scotia with all the best wishes. The MMM/Ocean Waves as a club, too, extended congratulations to each of thesecouples. We are very proud of our members and the contributions given to their club over the years.
      At the end of a vivacious, fun filled evening, the whole crowd were invited to dine on their choice of any type ofpie topped with ice cream. The host club then thanked everyone and encouraged everyone to travel with much care.Some dancers even stated in the city overnight rather than risk the weather.

Written by Reta Blades, Club Historian.

      DANS e-news is a new service to members and we ask you to bear with us while we work out the bugs. They plan it to be send it out on Thursdays. To have your event included please note the following:

1. We never forward attached files. Send the information in plain text within your message.
2. Priority is always given to DANS members. We cannot guarantee that publicity messages by non-members will beincluded. *Ed.- (All SRDFNS members are also DANS members)
3. We reserve the right to exclude material that is, in our opinion, offensive or disrespectful.
4. To be included in e-news, please send your information in by Wednesday of week that you wish it to be sent. Allitems will be repeated from the week that they are sent until the date of the opening of the event.
5. We will run a full press release once only and that will be on the week that we receive it. After that information willbe limited to the basics: who, what , when, where, how much and contact info. We will also include a one linedescription of your event.
6. Please make sure that you include a contact phone or email for further information.
7. E-news information will also be posted on our web page.
8. We have three separate e-news lists which members sign up for: concert dance (performing arts dance),social/latin/dancesport and traditional. Please indicate which list is most appropriate for your activity. Although youmight think that your message is for everyone, those who subscribe to a specific list have done so because they onlywant to read that specific information. Targeted lists mean that it is more likely that your message will actually be read.Members who have broader interests have signed up for more than one list.

• The elections at AGM 04 resulted in the following volunteers becoming officers of the Federation:
  

  President - Wayne & Diane Burns
  Vice President - Vacant*
  Secretary - Paul & Reta Blades
  Treasurer - Lionel & Janet Crowe
  * After the AGM, Ralph & Valerie Brown were persuaded to volunteer to be the Vice Presidents. The complete list of officers and Regional & other Representatives is provided elsewhere in this BT.

• The AGM attendees approved a motion to permit the Executive to hold Email meetings whenever it was determined to be appropriate. AGM's will NOT be done by Email.
  
• The increase in Society dues from $1 to $2 per club; caller/cuer/leader; and each member/person was noted. Sincethe 2004-05 Registration Forms were not amended to reflect this increase, a motion was approved to have the Federation subsidize the Society dues for this year only.
  
• It was noted that the Federation Parade Trailer had been used only 3 times during the Summer of 2004. This very expensive equipment incurs annual expenses in the hundreds of dollars. It is an investment that can only be sustained if clubs or regions are prepared to utilize the Parade Trailer regularly as part of their promotions. The Federation has approved funds for transporting the trailer around the province. Requests to use the Parade Trailer are encouraged to the Parade Trailer Scheduler: Bill & Gertie Oldford 765- 6333 or bill.oldford@ns.sympatico.ca The Request form & complete information regarding the trailer is available in the SRDFNS Handbook (Blue Cover).
  
• A number of longevity Awards were announced for presentation later in the year. The Awards Committee askedthat clubs/regions request their longevity awards at least six months before their planned presentation in order toprocess them in time. It was also confirmed that the nominations for the MAYFLOWER award must be submittedby 30 March 2005. Nominations must be submitted through the Regional Representative (when the position isfilled) or otherwise directly to the Awards Committee Chair: Laurence & Alice Harrison 667-2021landaharrison@eastlink.ca Details regarding the Federation Awards are contained in the SRDFNS Handbook (BlueCover).
  
• An Alquire Memorial Callers School will be offered 21 to 26 August 2005. The Federation provides two bursaries for NS attendees. Applications must be received by the President, by 30 March using the instructions and form in the Handbook. Interested callers and dancers should register with Alex Ritchie alexr@eastlink.ca or for more information contact Dottie Welch 435-4544 dwelch@orion.stmarys.ca
  
• Unfortunately, it was reported that the Shirley's Shipmates, Riverview Dancers and Berwick Belles and Beausclubs have closed.
  
• It was decided to hold AGM 05 on Saturday, Oct 1, 2005 at 2 pm. at a location to be decided by the Executive. Since ANSSRDT will not be hosting a dance for the Federation AGM 05, it was agreed that the Executive would make arrangements for a dance on the evening of the AGM 05.

In 1986 CALLERLAB introduced a procedure for LOST SQUARES. It was approved with some small changes in 1987 and has now beenrevised. CALLERLAB recommends that dancers use the following Patter and Singing Call Procedures to help lost squares quickly resumedancing. Callers should teach these procedures to their dancers and be alert for sets waiting to re-enter the action and for sets struggling withsinging calls.

PATTER PROCEDURE - Make Normal Lines. Wait for Entry, and Sort during Promenade
The following procedure is intended for use during Patter or Hoedown calling when longer sequences are likely and at least half the square isconfused. If only one or two dancers are lost then they should look for a helpful hand and attempt to fill the vacant spots within the stillfunctioning square.

DANCER'S RESPONSIBILITY

1. If dancers in a confused but partially functioning square hear Make Normal Lines, then lost dancers should quickly adjust to Normal Couples (Boy left, Girl right) ready to join the forming Normal (Boy -Girl-Boy-Girl) Facing Lines.
2. In the case of total breakdown each dancer should return to home position as soon as possible. Then the head ladies join hands with their corner and the head couples back out to form normal lines at the sides of the square.
3. On the caller's command, "Normal Lines, Go Forward and Back', all lost squares enter into the dance pattern. If a resolution is heard first, then dancers in lost squares should simply readjust to a squared set.
4. Dancers in a lost square must remember that re-entering from normal lines does not guarantee a correct resolution. Full recovery will probably require rapid sorting to home during the Promenade (move counterclockwise but step out at your home).

CALLER'S RESPONSIBILITY

1. Recognize that a number of sets have broken down and have formed lines.
2. Place the dancing squares into facing lines that are in a normal BGBG arrangement (#OL).
3. Give the command "NORMAL LINES, Go Forward and Back" in a bold voice, which is the command for the lost squares to enter into the dance pattern.
4. Allow enough time during the Promenade for squares that were lost to complete their Promenade and sort as necessary to get home. If an "at home" resolution is used, make sure all the sets are squared up.

SINGING CALL PROCEDURE - Swing, and Men Sort during Promenade
The following procedure is intended for use during a Singing Call where the sequences are short and closely timed to the music. The minimumneeded to avoid more confusion and resume dancing at the next sequence is each man at home with some lady for a partner.

DANCER'S RESPONSIBILITY
Since partners probably should be changing, dancers in a lost square should be ready for a quick Swing with their corner or nearest opposite sexand then expect to make adjustments during the Promenade so that the men end at home. If still lost during the Promenade, men should quicklyhead for home while ladies should join the closest un-partnered man.

CALLER'S RESPONSIBILITY
In the case of significant breakdown on the floor, adjust the choreography or provide more clues and cues to improve the success rate on thenext figure.

CALLERLAB PRESS RELEASE (January 2005)

• The past President distributed amendments and changes to the SRDFNS Handbook (Blue Cover) held by all Executive members and each club. The Handbook is meant to be available to all dancers as a reference and guide for Square & Round dance activities in NS. Clubs which have lost/misplaced their Handbooks should inform the Past President, Ron & Dot Connell 434-3023 ronconne@supercity.ns.ca

• The FESTIVAL 05 Committee Chair reported that their plans are progressing well. They stressed the need for good salesmanship on everyone's part to promote FESTIVAL 05 within regions and clubs. The Blue FESTIVAL 05 Registration forms should be available to every Nova Scotia dancer in their clubs. The form is also available on the web at www.squaredance.ns.ca
  There is a possibility of a group of square dancers from New England coming to FESTIVAL 05.

• It was exciting to receive a report on activities in the cape Breton region. The Town & Country Dancers have 24 couples registered and the Margaree Country Swingers continue dancing in the Margaree area.

• The Parade Float (Trailer) has been booked for only one event this year. See the discussion in the AGM 05 news regarding more use of this expensive investment.

• A proposal to hold a seminar on "Marketing Square & Round Dancing in NS" was presented for discussion. There were a lot of good ideas put forward and some offers to take part in the seminar. It is now planned to hold this event on Saturday, 5 March at a time and place determined to be most convenient for the attendees. If this activity is to survive over the next 3-5 years, new dancers have to be found. It is up to us dancers and callers and cuers to get out there and do the marketing! Some recent information has been received from the New Brunswick community who are pursuing similar goals. All ideas will be examined and the most effective will be offered to clubs, callers, cuers, Associations, and the Federation for implementation. As part of their work on this subject, Callerlab will be distributing a Demographic Survey, that the Federation Executive agreed to also distribute in NS.

• Efforts to find a host for FESTIVAL 07 have not yet been successful. Further campaigning will be carried out by the Federation President!

• The Executive adopted a change to the Federation Awards criteria for Longevity awards for clubs and dancers. It now reads:
  "1.   CLUBS
  A member club will be issued a certificate of 20 years of dancing and for every additional 5 years thereafter.
  2.    DANCER
  A dancer or dancing couple can be issued a certificate of 20 years or more of dancing since beginning their first class lesson."

• The Past Past President presented an analysis of the Federation budget for 2003-2004. He then presented a proposed budget for 2004-2005 which was approved by the Executive. He also pointed out a potential severe shortfall in revenues for the year 2005-06 due to the current low interest rate on investments. Some effective action will have to be proposed at AGM 05 to deal with this issue.

• Only 3 operating clubs have not paid their membership to the Federation and the Canadian Society. Members of these clubs are not eligible for NS Federation benefits nor are they covered by the very inexpensive liability insurance that accompanies Society membership.

CLUBS IN CAPE BRETON REGION

CELTIC ROUND DANCERS
Ph II-IV Rounds - Mondays & Tuesdays (Class - Sunday 6:00-7:30) - 8:00-10:00 , 21 Minwell Ave., Sydney
Contact: Wendel & Bev Carroll, 21 Minwell Ave., Sydney, NS B1M 1A7 (902) 562-4262

TOWN & COUNTRY DANCERS
Basic & Mainstream - Wednesdays 8:00-10:00 (Class 7:00-8:30), Christ Church Hall, Trinity Ave., Sydney
Contact: Babe & Allyson Cormier, 40 Maple Creek Drive, Sydney, NS B1L 1C4 (902) 562-1374

MARGAREE COUNTRY SWINGERS
Mainstream & Ph II Rounds - Mondays 8:00-10:30 pm, Belle Cote Community Center, Belle Cote
Contact: Albert & Alice LeBlanc, Belle Cote, NS B0E 1C0 (902) 235-2600 am.leblanc@ns.sympatico.ca

CLUBS IN CENTRAL REGION