Canadian Square & Round Dance Society
Friendship from coast to coast - "Square Dance With Pride Worldwide"
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News Release

Lorne & Connie Bowerman, Ottawa, ON                Fran & Bon Dunham, Riverview, New Brunswick 
Chester MacKay, Spruce Grove, AB                        Bob & Ruth Periera, Carp, ON 
Charlie & Rolla Ross, New Brunswick & now Point Prim, PEI
Olive & Art Waker, Swift Current, SK                     Arthur & Margaret Zeigler, Vegreville, AB 

Nominations for the Society’s Merit or Long Service Awards may be made anytime by any group of five couples or ten members from anywhere in Canada to any federation, or, in the case where no federation exists, to the territorial or provincial contact.  Nominations must provide full substantiation as outlined under "Criteria".  Federations shall forward nominations with recommendations to the President of the Society, in narrative form.

The following are summaries of the contributions made by these recipients:

Lorne and Connie Bowerman, Ottawa, Ontario
    Lorne and Connie started square dancing in 1971 with the Meri Squares Square Dance Club in Ottawa, added round dancing to their repertoire in 1972 and continue actively dancing today.
    Beginning with serving on the executive of Ottawa’s Meri Squares, moving to President couple in 1974, it was a logical progression to the Ottawa Square and Round Dance Association (OSARDA), later to expand into eastern Ontario and Western Quebec to become the Eastern Ontario Square and Round Dance Association (EOSARDA).  In 1974-75 they were Vice President couple, becoming President Couple in 1975-76 and Past Presidents in 1976-77.
    As members of the exploratory committee to hold a national convention in Ottawa, Lorne and Connie became Vice Chairman and Overall Coordinator of Convention 1980. 
    Lorne and Connie were elected as Directors of the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society and served as Vice President from 1980-82 and Presidents for two terms from 1982-86. 
During their tenure on the Board of the Society, they prepared the first drafts and supervised the revision of the national Convention guidelines, coordinated the application for, and sanctioning of, the 1982 and 1984 National Convention for the Board of Directors, and provided guidance for these conventions.  They also helped organize, conduct and analyse the results of the first national census of the square and round dance movement in Canada, including dancing levels, dancing times per week, number of clubs, years dancing, age and method of introduction to dancing.  In addition, from 1981 to 1986 they coordinated, prepared, and submitted a complete rewrite of the founding set of by-laws for the Society, which were adopted unanimously at the Annual General Meeting in Calgary in 1986.
   The Bowermans next took on the establishment and maintenance of an on-going computer inventory of all Canadian clubs, organizations, callers, leaders, and executive officers of the various organizations in Canada.  The result was a computerized Canadian Dancers News Directory. 
    Lorne and Connie initiated the Society’s involvement in National Physical Activity Week (later called Fitweek).  They developed the theme, flyers, ribbons, press releases, and all information letters associated with square and round dancing for Fitweek.  As a committee member of the Coordination Committee for Fitness Canada during this period they were able to provide suggestions on methods, procedures, and controls for the program.
    On the local scene in Ottawa, they moved from the Meri Squares to the Stardusters and then the Ottawa Valley Reelers, where they served as President couple in 1983, 1984 and 1986.  From 1984 to 1989 they were the prime organizers of the Annual Grey Cup Dance for the benefit of the Rideau Regional Centre in Smiths Falls, Ontario. Part of this event included the innovation of a sale of used square and round dance clothing with the all proceeds going to charity.
    Compared to the Grey Cup dance, their successful revival of the annual Canadian Dancers News Subscription Dance in Ottawa resulted in significant subscriptions to CDN, assuring a subscription base for the magazine and promoting awareness of the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society in the area of Eastern Ontario. Part of this event included the innovation of a sale of used square and round dance clothing to help pay the rent. They still run the boutique at the Annual Heart & Stroke dance with the proceeds going to Heart & Stroke. In 1992 Lorne and Connie prepared a 17-page CDN Subscription Dance Guidebook. The Guide continues to be useful to anyone planning to organize a major dance.
    In May 1990 the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation presented Lorne and Connie Bowerman with The Trillium Merit Award.  The Trillium Merit Award is the highest award of merit given by the Ontario Federation to callers, leaders and dancers who have contributed significantly to the promotion and welfare of Square and Round Dancing in the province.
    The Bowermans were Directors and later Presidents of the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation in 1993-94. Lorne and Connie undertook to be Editors of the Ontario Square and Round Dance Newsletter and in 1992 initiated the production of the Ontario Federation Directory.  This Directory was maintained and printed until 2000 (now on the Federation’s web site).  A Director’s Manual was produced by Lorne and Connie for the Ontario Federation.  This included a wide variety of useful aids for Directors.  This continues to be useful and can be shared with other Associations and Federations. 
    In the late 1990's Lorne developed web sites for the Eastern Ontario Square and Round Dance Association and the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation. These led the way for other Associations and Clubs to begin to use this communication tool.  Lorne was the inspiration for the initiation and development of the Society’s web site.
    Lorne and Connie convinced the Eastern Ontario Square and Round Dance Association and the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation to bid for the national Convention in Ottawa in 1998.  They were Convention Chairs for this major and successful event.
    In 2000 Lorne and Connie were appointed Secretary to the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society’s National Convention Coordinator to assist the National Convention Coordinator and Convention Committees in planning, organizing and hosting successful Conventions. 
    This active, innovative and energized couple has over the past 30 years made a significant and continuing contribution to the square and round dance activity across this grand country.  Lorne and Connie are popular, well-known and recognized everywhere. 

Fran & Bon Dunham, Riverview, New Brunswick
    Fran and Bob Dunham started their Square dancing careers with the Village Squares from Orleans, Ottawa, ON in 1981, serving as president couple of the club in 1983-84 and continued to help with new classes.  In 1983, Bob and Fran commenced round dance classes with the Roundaliers Round Dance Club in Ottawa.  On moving east, they joined the Codiac Square Dance Club in Moncton, NB and served as its president couple in 1985 until the club ceased operations and in 1985 joined the newly formed Club, Hoban’s Heroes Square Dance Club in Riverview and Charlie’s Angels Round Dance Club. They continue to be active in both these Clubs.
    In addition to club activities, Bob and Fran have been involved with South Eastern New Brunswick Square and Round Dance Association.  In 1986-87, they were vice-president of the Association and for the following 5 years they were President couple (1997-1992).  For 3 years, they were also presidents of the Federation of Dance Clubs of NB (1992-95).  For 2 years they were the New Brunswick representatives as Directors on the Board of the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society.  They had extensive involvement with the Federation publication, " The Journal."  For several years, they held the position of editor and printer/or distributor. 
    This couple’s contribution to the dance world has been outstanding. They have remained involved and never hesitate to take on an executive position or other dance related tasks.  In addition to their regular dancing participation over the past 16 years, they organize and assist with the class and generally help to keep Hoban’s Heroes operational. 
    Bob & Fran strongly support the South East Association and have worked diligently to ensure that it remained active and viable.
    In 1998, the Federation of Dance Clubs of New Brunswick presented Bob & Fran Dunham with the Distinguished Service Award.  This Award was established to officially recognize Excellence, Dedication and Outstanding Achievement in the advancement of the Square Dance, Round Dance and/or Clogging activity by Dancers, Callers, Cuers and Leaders. 
    Even though this couple no longer hold an executive position, they are still participating at regular and special dances are always willing to take on a job, help the caller and/or new dancers and have made an outstanding contribution over the years to dance activity in New Brunswick.

Chester and Irene Mackay, Spruce Grove, Alberta
    Chester has spent the last 40 years dedicated to the promotion, growth, fun and friendship of modern  Square Dance.
    Ches and Irene started dancing in 1945 dancing the traditional style of square dancing.  In 1959 Chester learned to call and they moved on to modern square dancing.  Chester has called for 3 clubs in Germany - where they were a military family.  On his return to Canada he called for 5 clubs in the Cold Lake area and 6 clubs in Moncton N.B.  He now resides in Spruce Grove and is calling, for 3 clubs in the Edmonton and Spruce Grove area.
    This couple has shown us what the love of square dancing is all about.  They have started numerous new clubs and called full time since 1974. They have taken the time to attend seminars, conventions, Callerlab as well as taking their turn leadership and directorship positions. Ches and Irene were among the group who organized the 1st Canadian Square and Round Dance Convention that was held in the Edmonton Northlands Coliseum (now known as the Skyreach Center).  They attended the Ottawa Convention in 1980 and danced "On The Hill".
    The Mackay’s were among the founding members, of the Southeastern New Brunswick Association of Square and Round Dance Clubs as well as The New Brunswick Square Dance Federation.
    Since moving to Spruce Grove in 1988 they have the respect and friendship of our square dance community.  Chester has served as President of the Edmonton and District Callers and Instructors Association on two occasions (1990 - 1991 and is the present President 1999-2000).
    In September 1996 Irene passed away due to cancer. 
    Chester continues to call Calling for the Spruce Grove Grovy Grovers, Edmonton 
Single Squares, and the Edmonton Swinging Stars.  Once a month on a Friday night you will find him Plus dancing.
    Chester is also very humble about his contribution to square dancing saying that he hopes he has given to square dancing what square dancing has given to him.  His Motto always is  “Friendship is Square Dancing’s Greatest Rewards”.

Bob and Ruth Pereira, Carp, Ontario
    Bob’s love of Square Dancing began between 1945-46 and during this same period Ruth had also learned to love Square Dancing in “Cottage Country” north of Montreal.  During 1947 - 1972 Bob and Ruth married (1947) and moved to Arvida, Quebec where Bob worked for Alcan.  They joined the Arvida “College of Square Dancing”, and learned “Pappy Shaw” cowboy dances which were the predecessors of Modern Square Dancing.  In the late 60's Bruce Wright of B.C. was transferred to nearby CFB Bagotville, started the Saguenay Swingers and introduced them to Modern Square Dancing.
    They moved to Ottawa in 1973, met Mike Turner and joined the “Spinchainers” family.  They filled the Vice President position and became the President couple the following year.  During the time frame 1973 - 79 they also joined the Ottawa Square and Round Dance Association (OSARDA) Board of Directors, as the Vice President couple.  It was during this time that they led an Initiating Committee to examine the feasibility of Ottawa hosting the 2nd Canadian National Convention at the Civic Centre in 1980.  Bob researched and negotiated improved OSARDA liability insurance, which created a model for other Associations across Canada.  As President couple (1977 – 78) Bob incorporated the organization as a limited liability non-profit corporation with a Council of Dancers acting as shareholders in the corporation, and thus the first third party liability insurance was procured.  Also during this period they were instrumental in the professional rewriting of the Constitution and By-Laws and also of the name change to the Eastern Ontario Square and Round Dance Association (EOSARDA).
    As EOSARDA Past President couple (1978 – 79) Bob chaired the Finance Committee of the 1980 2nd Canadian National Convention, August 1980.  They obtained permission for Square Dancing on Parliament Hill, which turned out to be a major highlight of the Convention.  During the same period Bob and Ruth were also elected  Directors of the Canadian Square and Round Dance Society, and were directly instrument in the procuring of liability insurance on a National scale.  They were also responsible for developing financial and Initial Planning Concepts for the Society. 
    Bob and Ruth were Editors of Square Time from 1980 - 83.  They produced a new format of Square Time and the high standard, which is still in use today.  Many devoted hours of research went into the “Squares and Circles Through the Centuries” which Bob and Ruth produced to stimulate interest and awareness of the evolution and rich heritage of Square and Round Dancing.  The Canadian Geographic Magazine received tremendous support and information from Bob and Ruth for their 1982 article “Thousands are Square Dancing All over Canada”, complete with photos of the Halifax Convention.  With EOSARDA nearing its 30th Anniversary, the Periera’s once again took on another task - organizing and editing the 30th Anniversary Special Edition in 1984.  In 1986 Ruth took on a dedicated and painstaking task of writing Capital Steppers 25 years of “Capital” dancing featuring highlights of the Capital Steppers since its inception in 1961.
    In 1983 Bob Pereira from Ottawa with Art Jackson and Bob Darrell and Ray Hutchinson from Toronto and District (T&D) assisted in investigating the possibility for the concept of a Federation, which were being set up in other provinces.  They were successful and our Ontario Federation became a functioning body. As a T & D delegate to the Ontario Federation, Bob was now elected President serving two 2 year terms.  They initiated the Trillium Merit Award to recognize outstanding contributions to the advancement of Square and Round Dancing in Ontario.  He assisted and encouraged T&D in its successful bid to host the 6th Canadian National Convention in Hamilton (1988).
    In 1988 Bob and Ruth received recognition for their contribution to the Square and Round Dance Movement, they were awarded the Trillium Award, the highest award of merit given out by the Ontario Federation to callers, leaders and dancers who have contributed significantly to the promotion and welfare of Square and Round Dancing in the province.
    In May 1989 Bob and Ruth became LEGACY IX Trustees in Reno Nevada. LEGACY is defined as “a leadership and communication centre”.  It is a non-profit international assembly of “Trustees” representing all facets of Heritage American Dancing including all forms of square dancing. They attended International Legacy Conventions in Reno (1989), Milwaukee (1991), and were Co-Chairs of Legacy Convention in Toronto (1993). 
    Bob and Ruth’s interest in promoting Square and Round Dancing has been unlimited, they have the background, dedication, leadership, organizational abilities, responsibilities and a wealth of knowledge that they have shared with us.  Sadly Bob can no longer dance with us due to health problems.  Their “pilgrimage or long journey” throughout their dancing years has been an enlightening and profound experience. 

Charlie & Rolla Ross, New Brunswick and now Point Prim, PEI 
    Charlie & Rolla started square & round dancing in 1958 in British Columbia.  In 1964, they moved from BC to Fort Smith, NWT, where they organized a Square & Round Dance Club. They taught dancing by using records to teach the moves.  They were the president couple for 6 years.   They were the only couple from NWT who travelled on the “Coast-to-Coast” Centennial Square Dance Train in 1967.  In 1970 they were President Couple of NWT SD Association.  In 1970, they moved to Whitehorse, Yukon where they formed a Round Dance Club and were presidents of the Square Dance Club.   They cued at many of the area festivals.
     They moved to Ottawa. ON in 1973 and continued to dance and upgrade their skills.  In 1975, they moved to Moncton where they danced in several area clubs.  They also organized Charlie’s Angels, a Round Dance Club.  They continued as the club’s leader couple for 20 years. 
     Other accomplishments: 

• They were members of Roundalab and were instrumental in forming the NB Round Dancers Leaders Association; 
• They were involved in the formation of South Eastern New Brunswick Square and Round Dance Association and supported the work of the Federation of Dance Clubs of NB;
• They were leaders at several Canadian National conventions from Halifax to BC; 
• They actively supported festivals all over the Maritimes;
• They supported local Party dances, often cueing on the spot and free of charge; 
• Along with the dancers, entertained at fairs, nursing homes, hospitals, seniors residences, and malls;
• For several years, regularly travelled to clubs in Hampton, Charlottetown, Summerside to help establish viable Round Dance Clubs;
• They always supported & encouraged new cuers.  They inspired by example & suggestion several of their own club dancers to become cuers.

Olive and Art Waker, Swift Current, Saskatchewan
    They have danced together since 1955.  In 1962, Olive and Art were asked to teach and to cue round dancing for the Swift Current Dance Club. Soon people from surrounding communities wanted to learn round dancing. The local schools have asked them to demonstrate and teach basic dancing. Olive and Art have willing provided the learning opportunity to all age groups and continue to teach people. 
    They have taught new dances at provincial, national and international conventions. They have taught and cued at the Cypress Funstitute at Cypress Hills Provincial Park, Swift Current Harvest Festival for 16 years, Damsite conventions near Glasgow, Montana, Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance conventions most years.  Likewise they have attended all of the National Conventions between l977 and 2001, and many of the International Conventions. 
    In 1970 they were instrumental in starting the Swift Current Westwind Singles Club where Olive taught and cued rounds.  In 1997 when about six couples wanted to dance at a more advanced level, Olive and Art were instrumental in forming a Phase III to IV Round Dance club. They have enthusiastically taken on the challenge of teaching and cueing at this more advanced level. Since then the club has grown to 27 members and 13 guests. In 2001 they took on cuing for the new Twisty Vines Dance Club (phase I to III) which evolved from the Swift Current Square and Round Dance club.
    From 1962 Olive and Art were active members of the South Saskatchewan Round Dance Council. This organization of dance teacher's co-ordinated and standardized their programs so that members could visit and dance in various clubs.  As representatives of the South Saskatchewan Round Dance Council, Olive and Art helped organize the provincial Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance Federation where they held the position of secretary for two years and treasurer for two years.  Art was the Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance Federation, Zone 6, newsletter editor for five years, the Vice-president of Swift Current Square and Round Dance Club for two years, treasurer for two years, and club reporter for several years.  During 1977-78 Art took on the onerous task of writing a weekly column titled "Square Dance Album" for the regional paper, Swift Current Sun, emphasizing the social, physical and mental advantages of dancing for people of all ages. 
    To improve their skills as teachers and cuer they drive the 480 km round trip to the National Carousels#177 club at Davidson, SK on alternate Sundays during the winter, a major commitment of time, energy and personal resources. 
    A typical bi-weekly schedule was until about 1999: Monday, teach and cue at Westwind Singles club, Tuesday, teach and cue at Swift Current Round Dance Club or Swift Current Rhythm Dancers, Thursday, teach beginners, Friday, support the Shaunavon Circle Rounds, Saturday, teach and cue at the Swift Current Square and Round Dance Club, and Sunday, travel to Davidson to receive instruction.
    Olive and Art have been recognized for their dedication, generosity, and enthusiastic endorsement, promotion and instruction of round dancing. In 1987, Roundalab honoured them with a trophy recognizing their 25 years of teaching and cueing. In 1999, the Saskatchewan Square and Round Dance Federation presented them with its "Lily Award", given to outstanding service rendered to round dancing. The Southwest Square and Round Dance Council, the Swift Current Square and Round Dance Club and the Westwind Singles Club have all recognized them for their long-term, high quality, and selfless instruction and cueing. The Swift Current Mall Merchants' Association has recognized their contribution to the area by placing their picture on its "Wall of Fame".
    Art & Olive have enhanced the lives of others, locally, provincially, nationally and internationally by giving generously of their time, energy, and knowledge for the past 40 years without thought of remuneration to teach dancing, to cue dances, and to build infrastructure for dancers.

Arthur and Margaret Ziegler, Vegreville, Alberta
    For nearly 50 years Arthur and Margaret Ziegler have dedicated themselves to developing and promoting square dancing in Western Canada.  Based in Vegreville Alberta, Arthur and Margaret started dancing in 1952, and Arthur started calling in 1953.  The couple's involvement in square dancing quickly became a way of life, as 1954 found them attending a National Convention in Dallas, Texas where Arthur was a guest caller.  Within just a few years they were calling dances over an extensive area of Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.
    Arthur and Margaret would often travel l,000 miles a week calling 75 to I00 dances a year in the early years.  They would work together on the calls, with Margaret giving Arthur her feedback on what had worked and what hadn’t worked so well at the dance.  Arthur's easy-going style, his friendliness and humour and his patient teaching kept him always in demand.  He reached even more dancers through his weekly radio show (1957-64) and even a stint on television out of Lloydminster.
    From 1954 till 2000, the couple hosted many Barn Dances, which saw hundreds of dancers enjoying the hospitality of their family ranch each year.  In the 1960’s and 1970’s Arthur often called at the Penticton Square Dance Jamboree in BC and at least once served as master of ceremonies there.  Having already taught thousands of people to square dance, in 1961 Arthur began teaching Round Dancing as well.   Eventually building up a repertoire of over 200 singing calls, Arthur calculated he had called 2,400 dances by 1992.  In addition, he gave invaluable encouragement and support to any new caller or prospective caller he met - many of whom are still calling.
    Arthur and Margaret (who both will be 90 this year) continue to serve as enthusiastic ambassadors for square dancing.  Arthur keeps the local dancers in the public eye dancing for Seniors residences, fairs, parades and exhibitions of all kinds.  If there is a square dancer in Alberta that hasn’t danced to Arthur Zeigler, they probably just got here!
    Through their personal and direct contact, the couple has shared their love of square dancing with incalculable numbers of people in Western Canada.  Their longstanding dedication to this “grassroots” movement has already earned them the Alberta Rose Award.