|
Middletown Pre School  It was a snowy morning on December 20, 2010 driving to the Preschool at Middletown RI We crossed the Newport Bridge, and the wind started blowing harder, this was a costal storm and the snow started sticking to the pavement. We were ready for our correctly named Snow Man Hoe Down. There were many preschoolers and parents in the gym waiting to see our square dancing demo. The weather did not dampen their anticipation. The Square Dance caller was Jim Schell. His helpers were Ray and Pat Cooper, Ken Burton and Sally Humphrey, Paul Barnum and Concetta Williams and they were very helpful in square dancing with the students and parents As soon as the music started the gym started to fill with many students and parents. We did not have a complete set for square dancing. But some of the parents joined in the set to make a complete square. We had a good time dancing with the students, they laughed and marched along with the music and some students wanted only to dance with their parents. With that age group we did the Famous Chicken Dance and Hooky Pokies. It was fun to see the children with smiles, and they enjoyed the dancing with their parents. After dancing we enjoy lunch with the students. Concetta Williams Greenwood Rehab  On June 3rd we were invited to entertain the residents at The Greenwood Rehab. Facility on Main Ave in Warwick, RI. It was a beautiful sunny day though the temperature was climbing as well as the humidity. We arrived at 2 P.M., the room filled with residents eagerly waiting to see us dance. Our Caller and Cuer, Art and Pat Anthony were set and ready to go. Art put us through our paces and soon we and residents alike were laughing and having a great time. Pat had us up doing the round dances we had a couple of funny dancers as George and Art tried to round dance. It was comical and the residents were delighted. The hour passed quickly. Art always finishes with Kate Smith’s God Bless America. Every resident sang with us, they all know the words. It is very moving. Dancers were: Betty and George Post George and Marge Barrett John Page, Jeanne Gersdorff Sally Humphrey, Ken Burton Art and Pat Anthony Until the next Road Trip When work is done, it’s time for fun LET`S DANCE Marge Barrett
Cranston West High
It’s Friday, January 22nd, 2010, 6:30 P.M. We are at the Cranston West High School cafeteria with the Daniel Waterman Elementary School’s moms and sons for their Western Night dance. The boys are dressed in western style, bandana’s round their necks and lasso’s in hand. Bales of hay are stacked a few feet apart from one another and the “cowboys” try to lasso each other. Their aim may not be good but they are having a great time. The Square and Round Dance Foundation of R.I. dancers have arrived, after having successfully navigated through darkness and construction to the cafeteria. They take to the floor to demonstrate the square dancing moves. The mom’s and sons join in, and, with help from the dancers, form squares. There is much laughter and lots of smiles. In a few minutes everyone is moving to the music and calls from Art Anthony. It amazes us how quickly they catch on, faster than their Moms at times. They do-si-do, grand right and left, promenade and circulate with lots of enthusiasm. The break between squares is filled with lines dances “Cotton Eyed Joe” and “Throw Down Hoedown”. The Foundation dancers join in the lines to the enjoyment of the kids and their moms. It was another night of laughter and fun for everyone. It is the purpose of our Foundation to keep our National Folk Dance front and center. Hopefully the younger generation will remember the fun and square dance as adults. A special thanks to the Foundation dancers: Lisa Breault, Jim Wainwright, Norman Gorden, Daphne Farmer, Bob Keith and Denise Caniglia. Until the next Demo remember: “WHEN WORK IS DONE IT’S TIME FOR FUN” “LETS DANCE !” Pat IGO SCHOOL 
It’s that time of year for the Hoedown before the Christmas Break. We are at the Vincent Igo Elementary school in Foxboro, MA. The children range from Kindergarten to Fourth grade and have been taught basic square dance figures by the “Wellness Teachers”, Betsy Aucoin and Sue Borrows. The teachers wanted the students to dance to a certified Square Dance Caller. This is where Art and Pat Anthony take over and put them through their paces. They dance with tremendous enthusiasm. In between the squares the kids do Cotton Eyed Joe, the Macarena, Jingle Bell Rock lines and assorted other dances. They asked to have their teachers dance for them. The teachers oblige and the students cheer them on. It is fun for us and the kids are thrilled to watch their teachers dance. Art then calls for volunteers for the squares and we are amazed when between 6-8 squares get up to dance. They are definitely having fun. By 12:30 the Hoedown is finished, they have been dancing in shifts since 9:30 A.M. We came to help as necessary but the students have been very well taught. Perhaps we will be invited again. Thanks to Paul Barnum, Concetta Williams, George and Marge Barrett, and Art and Pat Anthony. “WHEN WORK IS DONE, IT’S TIME FOR FUN!” Until the next Road Trip, Keep dancing. Pat
COVENTRY SENIOR CENTER 
We are on the road again with the Square and Round Dance Foundation. October 30 th, finds us in Coventry again to entertain at the Coventry Senior Center. We are both guests and the entertainment. We start off with a square dance just to show everyone what we do. It is very basic so the next tip we gather seniors and staff to dance with us. Art Anthony our Caller for the day has them up and dancing immediately. Pat Anthony our Cuer fills in with rounds. Many of us have come in costume to add to the festivities. We are having a great time. Noon time comes and we all are invited to eat. It is a pleasure to eat and visit. At 1:00pm we are back on the dance floor for another hour. Time passes quickly, and then prizes are given for the best costumes. One of our dancers was a prize winner. What fun everyone had. This is the second time we have danced at Coventry. The seniors really enjoy dancing. Art always closes with Kate Smith’s rendition of God Bless America. These frail fragile seniors get up and sing with us. It is very moving, some tears too. Dancers for this event were, Norman, Daphne, Joan, Ernie, Concetta, Paul, Sally, Ken, Richard, John, Louise, Denise, Bob, Tammy, George, and Marge. Remember, "When Work is Done, It’s Time for Fun, Let’s Dance" Until the next Road Trip
Marge Barrett
Fall Demo's 
It has been a busy autumn for the Square and Round Dance Foundation of R.I. On Sept. 12 we began with a demo in Western Coventry to help raise money for the Paine Historical Library. Along with our dancing there were many craft booths and lots of food for sale at this fair. Sept. 15th began a series of 5, 1 hour evening sessions at the Sal Mancini Senior Center in Johnston. We had 6 to 7 seniors from the center participate in the lessons. Sept.18th we entertained at the Winslow Gardens in East Providence. Armand and Dot Lemieux former square dancers live at this center. We were able to bring Armand into a square with us and he did so enjoy this. We were even able to get him up for a Round dance. On Sept.19 we took part for the first time in a Fair at Albion Court in Lincoln for the benefit of the Alzheimer’s Association. October 8th brings us to Cumberland to St. Rita’s Assisted Living. Barbara England, a foundation member is on staff here so she danced with us. Several visitors are also willing to give it a try. It was fun for all. Our next event will be a Halloween Party at the Coventry Senior Center on Oct.30th. It has been a couple of busy months for the foundation. It would be impossible to entertain at these events without our faithful volunteers. Art and Pat Anthony were our Caller and Cuer for most events. Bob Haupt Caller and Lee Fremault Cuer also filled in when needed. Our dancers were many, Jeanne Gersdorff, John Page, Denise Caniglia, Bob Keith, Joan and Ernie Lein, Richard Lamb, Wayne Eva, Norman Gorden, Sally Humphrey, and Ken Burton, George and Marge Barrett, Elaine Votta, Concetta Williams and Paul Barnum, Betty and Mike Gardella, Lisa Breault, Jim Wainwright, Daphne Farmer, Louise Palmer, Morris Zenofsky, Ed Miracle, Diane Ames, Louise Sheldon, Don Reid, and Richard Lufkin. Many of these dancers attended all the demos. It was a good time and we look forward to the Coventry demo on Oct.30th. When work is done, it’s time for fun " Let’s Dance" Until the next Road trip Marge Barrett
Coventry Library  July 15th we are at the Coventry Library for a 2pm event. We are scheduled to work with children, and 30 to 40 children, with their moms have signed up to participate. Their ages range from 6 to 10 with some older children who volunteered to help. Art and Pat Anthony are our Caller / Cuer for the day. We start with 4 squares and the children do well, with lots of enthusiasm. The mothers join with them and that helps. In between squares we do the Chicken Dance, the Macarena, plus some line dances. The hour goes by fast. Concetta, Paul, George and Marge assisted with this event. Then it’s off to Appleby’s for supper
When work is done it’s time for fun “LETS DANCE” Until the next RoadTrip
Marge Barrett Autoparts International 
Autoparts International is the site for our latest demo in June. It is a sprawling complex in Norton Mass. We were invited to be the entertainment for the company barbeque. With Art and Pat our caller and cuer we were all set to go. Weather was an issue of course, but the staff had plenty of tents and picnic tables set up upon our arrival, as well as a canopy and chairs for us. The rain held off, but the sun did not make an appearance. Soon it was time for lunch. The employees had staggered lunch times so we were able to invite some of them to dance with us. The owner of the company was gracious enough to get into the first tip with us. He was a good sport. The organizers had dressed the part with western shirts hats and pigtails. Soon it was our turn to eat. We were well fed with hot dogs, burgers, salads soft drinks and desserts. Dancers from four clubs attended, Do Si Doers Walpole, MA. Surfside Eight Westerly, RI. Friendly Mixers Cranston, RI. , and Swinging Squares Esmond, RI. We had 15 dancers plus caller and cuer. The dancers were, Kitty, Doug, Ron, Karen, Daphne, Norman, Sally, Ken, Joan, Charlie, John, Carol, Morris, Paul, Concetta, George, Marge, and Art and Pat our caller/cuer duo. We were treated like royalty. Everyone was helpful and pleasant. It was a fun time. We were well fed so home we went. When work is done it’s time for fun. “ LET`S DANCE” Until the next Road Trip Marge Barrett Parade 
Monday May 25th finds us gathered at the North Providence High to prepare for the parade. Ed and Ruth Kdonian have offered their son’s truck and a borrowed trailer for the day. Many hands decorate the trailer in red white and blue. It’s quick, fun and very patriotic. The parade route takes us to Notte Park, a walk of a mile although it seemed a lot more than that. We passed out many flyers for Aug.29th a Learn to Square Dance Night sponsored by the Square and Round Dance Foundation to be held in conjunction with Summertime Fun in East Smithfield. We arrived at the park where our Caller and Cuer, Art and Pat Anthony set up their equipment in the tennis courts for the demo. Dancers for this event were, Lisa, Jim, Paul, Concetta, Ed, Sally, Denise, Bob, Carol, Morris, Richard, George, Marge, Ed, Ruth, Elaine, Jeannie, Daphne and Norman. Special thanks to Ed and Ruth Kdonian for use of the truck and trailer. Ed even made benches so we did not have to sit on hay bales. A good time was had by all, then off to Chicago Uno for supper. Untill the next Road Trip Remember “ When work is done, it’s time for fun “ “LET`S DANCE” Marge Barrett
Waterview Villa Tuesday May 12th we were invited to entertain at Waterview Villa in East Providence. We arrived at 1:45 for our 2 pm dance. Our dancers numbered 12 and we were scheduled to dance for 1 hour. Art Anthony our caller started with squares, and after a couple of tips we were able to bring some of the staff and a few residents up to give it a try. They loved it. Pat Anthony filled in with rounds and they watched intently as we did some easy rounds. We always enjoy entertaining the seniors, they have as much fun as we do. Art closes with Kate Smith`s version of God Bless America. All the seniors sing with us, not a dry eye in the room. Our dancers for this event were Norman, Daphne, Paul and Lorraine, Marilyn and Sam, George and Marge, Paul and Concetta, Carol and Morris. We followed with supper at Davenport`s.
Until the next RoadTrip
When work is done, it`s time for fun " LET`S DANCE" Marge Barrett
Academy Players We decided on a local theater trip this time, no bus. Our choice was "Music Man put on by the Academy Players. We had some rain but that didn’t dampen our spirits. The performance took place at the East Greenwich high school on Thursday May 7th 2009. Art and Pat had procured 40 tickets. These sold fast. the show was great and enjoyed by all. Some of us even knew some of the cast members and we all had a chance to visit with them after the show. Until the next Road Trip Marge Barrett
| | West Warwick Senior Center 
April 22 was the last of our six scheduled learn to square dance lessons. This series was in conjunction with the West Warwick Senior center and Shapeup R.I. Our many angels came faithfully to help these new people. We had as many as twenty-one experienced dancers helping out at different times. We had couples from the senior center and some people who had danced years ago, left to raise a family and came to join us. We hope they will dance with us when lessons start. We also welcomed nine members from Shapeup R.I., they are young and full of energy. We would love to have them continue. The seniors eleven in number rounded out the three squares of dancers. Art Anthony our caller put all of us through our paces, and then Pat Anthony our cuer filled in with the rounds. It was a quick hour and a half and a lot of fun for all. Special thanks to all the angels who made this happen. It was greatly appreciated, THANK YOU!!! When Work is done, It`s time for fun, LET`S DANCE Until the next Road Trip
Marge Barrett
Edward King House 
March 31st we have a demo at the Edward King House in Newport. The House is a beautiful old mansion formally used as a library. It is furnished with many antiques, and has at least three floors. We go to the third floor which has a lovely ballroom with wood dance floor. We number twenty three from all the clubs in the state. Surfside “8” Westerly, Town Howlers Portsmouth, Ruffles and Beaus Burrillville, and Swinging Squares Esmond. It is great to all be together. We had a few of the residents who danced with us. Those that did had a great time. We did some rounds as well as the squares. There were residents unable to dance but who really enjoyed watching the dancing. Dancers were: Gail and Ray, Concetta and Paul, Mary, Charlie, Sandie, Bob(caller), Lori (caller) and Dave, Art and Pat (caller/cuer), Daphne, Don, Al and Marilyn, Ron and Lynne, Don and Louise, Pauline, George and Marge. Art and Pat were the caller and cuer for this event which was arranged by Concetta and Paul. Dancing makes us hungry so after the demo, it was off to the Atlantic Beach Club for Lunch. We had fun and a great lunch as well. When work is done, it`s time for fun LET`S DANCE Until the next road trip, Marge Barrett
West Warwick Senior Center \
March 18th was our first evening of 6 planned at the West Warwick Sr. Center on Washington St.This set of lessons was in conjunction with the West Warwick Sr. Center, Shape Up and the Square and Round Dance Foundation. Twelve new people responded and came to dance with us. Our angels 12 of them filled in so everyone had a partner. We did squares and some rounds for one and a half hours between 6:30 and 8pm. everyone had a great time, we even had some former square dancers who hadn’t danced for many years. Our caller and Cuer, Art and Pat Anthony did a wonderful job so it was fun for all. Dancers were, Concetta , Paul, Norman, Richard, Don, Louise, Gerri, Tammy, George, Marge, Lisa, Jim, Ed, Ruth, Bob, Ginny, Joanne( who coordinated this event for Sr. Center), Dave, and Dave and Lori (caller for Ruffles and Beaus). We have 4 more scheduled Wed. evenings and hope to create more interest in our square dance activity. When work is done, it’s time for fun, LETS DANCE Until the next road trip Marge Barrett
West Warwick Demo On February 12, 2009, finds the Square and Round Dance Foundation joining in the Valentine Celebration at the West Warwick Senior Center. A delicious dinner consisting of Chicken, a large baked potato, salad, and vegetables, plus for dessert a large helping of strawberry ice cream with whipped cream was served. The Square Dancers in attendance are Paul Barnum, Concetta Williams, Jim Wainwright, Lisa Breault, Louise Sheldon, Don Reid, Denise Caniglia, Bob Keith, Norman Gorden, and our Caller and Cuer Art and Pat Anthony. We are all stating “How are we going to Square Dance after such a large meal,” but so soon as the music started we were all smiling and dancing to the great calling of Art Anthony and cuing of Pat Anthony . Joanne Riley and David Perrault and Dick Champagne joined in the square dancing demo. There were many people in the audience, who were ready to try to square dance. Some of them had danced many years ago, and soon they remembered what fun it is to square dance. We had many people in the audience smiling and singing to the wonderful music. They will look forward to see us again at the West Warwick Senior Center. Concetta Williams
The Sal Mancini Senior Center Tuesday Feb.20th. a demo is planned at the Sal Mancini Senior Center in Johnston.
We number 14 dancers including Art and Pat Anthony our caller and cuer for the day. The first tip is for the dancers to show how easy and fun our dancing is. We asked for volunteers to dance with us and were delighted to have enough for 3 squares. It is rare to have so many men get up to dance with us. They had fun and danced a couple of tips with us. We danced for 1hour then joined the seniors for lunch.
Dancers were, Richard Lamb, Concetta Williams, Paul Barnum, Louise Sheldon, Don Reid, Helen and John Page, Norman Gorden, Daphne Farmer, Karen Sylvester, George and, Marge Barrett, and our caller and cuer, Art and Pat Anthony.
It is always a good day when you can make someone smile.
When work is done,it`s time for fun, LET`S DANCE Till the next Road Trip
Marge Barrett
Lighting of the Christmas tree 
There were Two Square Dancers at the State House. We were all dressed up in our sail boat Square Dance outfits waiting for the Lighting of the Christmas tree. Our tree was standing in the shadow of a soldier who look fine guarding our Finely decorated Christmas tree.
Governor Carcieri and his wife presided at the Tree Lighting Ceremony.
We spoke with the Governor and Mrs. Carcieri and they remarked “Maybe we can Square Dance after our term is ended. I invited them to come to any of our Square Dances.
After Christmas, Art & Pat Anthony, Marge and George Barrett, and Concetta Williams and Paul Barnum took down the decorations from the beautiful Christmas tree. Of course, we all went out to eat a Greggs our favorite meeting place. We are looking forward to next year’s Christmas decorating party. Concetta Williams
The Taylor Elementary School It’s 9:00 A.M. on December 22nd and Art and I are at the Taylor Elementary School in Foxboro, MA. to do their “Holiday Hoedown”. The gym is full of parents and children lining walls, parents standing and children sitting quietly. Betsy Aucoin, Physical Education Teacher signals Art and the music starts. The first class of children promenades into the gym and form squares. We begin – classes from 1st grade to 4th grade are brought in separately. They each do a demo of the square dancing Betsy has taught them. They are very good and proud of what they have learned, so are their parents. We finish with the demos and each group takes turns getting up and forming squares to dance to the caller. They fly onto the floor, sit down on the floor until they have 8 people, then stand up to indicate their square is ready. During the program we have as many as 10 to 15 squares of children dancing. Betsy has done her usual wonderful job of teaching them to dance. They do the Chicken Dance, Cotton Eyed Joe, YMCA, etc. in between squares as well as a Virginia Reel. Lots of laughs, big smiles another successful Foundation sponsored event. Pat Anthony
The Coventry Senior Center  It`s off to the Coventry Senior Center on Oct.31st. for their Halloween Party where we are the entertainment. We began to dance at 11 and are able to encourage eight people from the audience to dance with us. Our dancers today John and Helen,Paul and Lorraine,Marilyn and Sam,Denise and Bob,Mittie and Richard,Joan and Ernie, Louise and Norman,George and Marge,Concetta and Paul.and of course our caller and cuer Art and Pat Anthony. Till the next road trip
Marge Barrett
John Brown Frances school in Warwick Oct.24th 08 finds us at the school for their Western Hoedown.
At 6:45PM Art Anthony our caller and Pat Anthony our cuer had the children up on the floor dancing. Our thanks go to Paul, Art and Pat for their continued dedication to preserving Square and Round dancing. 
Until the next Road trip
Marge Barrett
| |