FEDERATION SUMMER BROCHURE          This is also the final reminder that the deadline for summer brochure submissions is 15 March. See BT #127.

UPCOMING MAJOR EVENTS
          48th New England Convention - 28/29 April - Springfield, MA
                    www.nesrdc.org

          55th US National Convention - 21/24 June - San Antonio, Texas
                    www.55thnsdc.org

          15th Canadian National Convention - 13/15 July - Montreal, QE
                    www.geocities.com/convention2006
"Let's All Mix in 2006" - Pink Registration Forms are available at all NS clubs. If not at yours contact the Editor.
This is the closest National Convention before we Nova Scotians will be hosting Halifax National Festival 2010!

          Wayne and Dianne Burns saw a square dance demo and decided they would like to try out this activity. So in1998, they joined the Scotia Dancers and graduated in 1999, when they became the club historians. They joined theOcean Waves in 2001 and served as club Presidents from 2002 to 2003. They also began a one year term with theMetro Association in 2002, as Treasurer, and Ocean Waves club Reps. to the Association until 2005.
          While serving as Past Presidents of the Ocean Waves, they took up the duties of Vice-Presidents of the Squareand Round Dance Federation of NS from 2003 to 2004. They are current members of the Stardusters & Sail Sets inDartmouth and the Charlottee Promenaders of Port Charlotte, Florida.
          The Burns offered to serve as Federation Presidents in 2004 and continue in that position this year. In 2005,they decided that they would see if the province could host a National Convention in 2010. After surveying theprovincial dancers, they found sufficient interest to proceed with a bid to the Canadian Society. They offered tobecome Chaircouple for Convention 2010 and submitted the successful Federation bid to host the Convention. Theirshort career of dancing has been marked by a dedication to serving the activity in a very effective way. They arelooking forward to a busy time for the next four years as they work to produce another successful Canadian NationalSquare Dance Convention in Halifax, July 29, 30, 31, 2010.

          Laurence and Alice began square dancing in 1976, when they graduated from Cumberland Twirlers. Theyimmediately took an active interest in the club and have held every position in the club, some more than once. Theiractivity in Cumberland Twirlers continues to this day.
          They worked on a committee to update the club's constitution and spearheaded and hosted Al & Norma Mill'sretirement party. They are always eager to recruit and help new dancers and to welcome any visitors. They alsobelieve in attending other clubs and encourage their fellow club dancers to do the same. They have also belonged andsupported other clubs such as; Family Swingers, Breezy Swingers, Hub Trackers and Charlie's Angels. Through theiraffiliation with the CACL, they encouraged two local callers to teach simple square dance moves to the mentallychallenged . In addition to the Cumberland Twirlers, they belong to the Bluenose RV Squares where they enjoycamping, travel, and socializing.
          Laurence and Alice were also instrumental in bringing the round dance activity back to the Amherst area whenthey persuaded John & Beth Dickenson to teach and organize a local round dance club called the Border Rounders.
          The Harrison's have also taken an active role in the NS Federation. In 1984, they were Cumberland Twirlersfirst representatives to the NS Federation and in that same year they were appointed as Fundy Region Reps to theFederation. From 1986 to 1988 they held the office of secretary/treasurer. They were Publicity Chairpersons from1988 to 1992. While publicity chairpersons, their tenure included a publicity blitz, a TV ad, helping to plan the '94 NSConvention presentation held in Winnipeg, chairing the '94 border greeter committee and many other committees. In1992 they became NS representatives to the National Society and for 8 years they chaired the bursary committee,updating the criteria, the application forms, and lobbying for an increase in the bursary budget. They also establishedthe leader school grant program so that provincial organizations could hold leader schools. It is their firm belief that agood leader instructor base helps keep the dance activity alive. In 2000 they became the NS Federation AwardsCommittee Chairpersons and have been responsible for setting up longevity, service and the Mayflower Awards andthe criteria to go with them. They have also been responsible for advertising and organizing awards presentationceremonies at various dances.
          In 2005, the Harrison's retired from the NS Federation and now just enjoy dancing with their own and otherclubs and I am sure, still continue to promote square dancing.
          Laurence & Alice - the Federation would like to thank you for your dedication and all the hard work andtimeless hours that you have given and continue to give to square and round dancing.
          It is people like you that helps keep this activity together.

Marion Lever (1930 - 2006)

Marion Lever passed away in Dartmouth on February 8, 2006. Marion and Mel Lever danced briefly with the MetroMerry Makers before joining the Scotia Dancers in 1988. They also joined the Coordinators in 1992 and the Sail Setsin 1996. Marion and Mel served the dance activity for many years both within their clubs and for various otherorganizations. Marion was a staunch supporter of Scotia Dancers throughout their dancing career. She and Mel servedas club Presidents in 1990-91. They worked on the New Dancer Committee for the 1994 National, and were Treasurersof Metro Association. Marion served on the DANS Board for several years. In spite of Mel's failing health, theyfaithfully completed their tasks as both Treasurer and Registration volunteers for Festival 99 held in Halifax.Marion was an excellent and creative seamstress making several elegant outfits for herself and Mel. She also sharedher expertise at various sewing clinics. She was always a pleasant lady who enjoyed the social benefits of squaredancing on all occasions. Her happy smile and positive outlook always delighted those in her square. She will be sadlymissed by Mel, her family, and her many square dance friends in Nova Scotia.

We Remember Chesley and Ferne Knowlton
By Dottie Welch

In November and December,2005, we lost a beloved dancing couple who have been part of the Halifax andDartmouth dance scene for over 40 years. They danced with the Gralorne Squares before being founding members ofTartan Twirlers in 1964. They were the first Chaircouple of Metro Association in 1967 and 1968. After Tartans foldedthey joined Lake City Swingers and were founding members of Coordinators in 1989. In addition they were long timemembers of Corte. As honourary life members of Lake City Swingers they continued to dance and join us for specialdinners as long as their health allowed. Perhaps the highlight of their dancing adventures was the Centennial TrainTrip described in this issue by Obee Benjamin. Many dancers have fond memories of social events in their fascinatinghome on Connaught Avenue with its cages of exotic song birds, thriving house plants in their huge picture windows, aburbling fountain and walls covered with their collection of plates and needlework. With their experience as schoolprincipal and teacher and later owner of Knowlton Supply Company (school equipment) they contributed leadershipand competence to all of the groups they joined. We will greatly miss their special qualities of genuine enthusiasm andfriendliness.