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On September 8, 2010 the Cast Off 8's are giving a demonstration between 7:00-9:00 PM at the Vermont State Fair. Dancers should meet at the Sugar House Stage around 6:30 PM. Parking is available on the street south of the fairgrounds. We look forward to a good turn out, as it is great exposure for the club and square dancing in general. Remember - it is a free night at the fair - no admission.
On Saturday September 25, Cast Off 8’s will have our 32th Anniversary Dance with Red Bates calling Advance between 6:30 & 7:30 followed by Mainstream/Plus until 10:30. The Anniversary Dance will be at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, VT. If you would like a dance flyer to share with a friend and /or directions to the dance, please go to the "Club Dances" Page.
On June 12, 2010 sixteen members of the Cast Off 8’s met at Pauline’s for an early dinner
before making a banner raid on the Lake Champlain Squares dance and ice cream social at the Faith Methodist Church in
South Burlington, VT. Don Moger was the caller and Dolley Seymour was a guest cuer. The dance was well attended with
sixty two square dancers. Besides the Cast Off 8’s there were eleven Green Mountain Steppers, twenty five Lake Champlain
Squares, nine Lamoille River Swingers, and one Central VT Squares in attendance. The evening passed very quickly and
was too soon over. Pictured with Don Moger are the club members Frank & Maureen Kane, Lausanne Allen, Brian
Anderson, Frank & Audrey Giannini, Tobe Tobin, Joanne Brown, Butch & Linda Atwood, Peter & Debra Tobin,
Don & Audrey LaFlam, and Roy & Lois Jackson. Thank you, Don and Dolley! To view the pictures, click here for a
Slide Show.
The Twin State Squares hosted a potluck supper and a farewell dance on June 5, 2010
for their club caller and cuer – Dona and Vera Prudhomme. The event was held at the White River Elementary School in
White River Junction, VT. Ten members of the Cast Off 8’s attended the event and received a banner from the Twin
State Squares. We enjoyed dancing to Dona & Vera. They will be missed by the square dancing community. We wish
them much happiness in their retirement. In the picture are club members Arnie Williams, Helen Willis, Roy & Lois
Jackson Peter & Debra Tobin, Don & Audrey LaFlam, Joanne Brown, and Tobe Tobin.
On Wednesday, May 19 the club held our Annual Meeting to elect Committee Members for the upcoming year and to conduct any other business brought before the meeting. Aproximately thirty five members attended the meeting. For a copy the annual meeting minutes, contact John Hale our club Secretary (John@SuDoKuVt.com). The meeting was the last workshop for the club at the Lothrop School. The next scheduled workshop at the Lothrop School Gym will on September 15.
The 34nd Vermont Square & Round Dance Convention in Barre, VT Saturday, May 15 was
a state square dance featuring area callers and cuers. Twenty members of the Cast Off8's attended dance; Joan Judge, Al
Boudreau, Leslie & Steven Brenner, Arnie Williams, Helen Willis, Trudy & Ed Dias, Jim & Jean Perry, Lois &
Roy Jackson, Ginny & Don Prescott, Joanne Brown, Tobe Tobin, Peter Tobin, Bonnie Cohen, and Butch & Linda
Attwood. Joan and Peter called several times at the convention.
There was a Trail-in Dance hosted by the Central Vermont Squares on Friday night at the same location with Al Monte calling. Eight members of the Cast Off 8's attended the dance and received a banner.
The dancing and workshops began Saturday at 10:00 AM in four dance halls. Dancing continued in the afternoon after a lunch break. The afternoon dancing ended with a fast track and take no prisoners with Al Monte & Darrell Sprague calling. Evening dancing began at 7 PM and continued until 10:00 when announcements followed by open mike completed the convention. The convention attendence was up this year with 188 dancers attending. Everyone had a good time. Butch & Linda Atwood took the convention pictures this year. To view the pictures, click here for a Slide Show. Thank you, Butch and Linda.
On Saturday, May 1 Cast Off 8's held their Graduation Dance at the Trinity Episcopal Church
in Rutland, VT with Darrell Spraque calling. The dance began with A1 between 6:30 and 7:30 followed by Mainstream & Plus
until 10:30. As usual Darrell called an excellent dance which everyone enjoyed. The snack table was plentiful as usual and once
again upheld our reputation of having the best snack table in Vermont. We had thirty six dancers on the floor: 30 members of
the Cast Off 8’s, 4 members from the Merry Mohicans, and 2 members of the MontShire Campin’ Squares. Thank you, Peter
and Debra Tobin for being our host and hostess. Thank you, Darrell for calling an excellent dance. To view a few pictures,
click here for a Slide Show.
On Wednesday, April 28 the Cast Off 8’s held the Graduation Ceremony for the September
and January Classes. The ceremony started at 6:30 with a potluck supper put on by some of the best cooks in Vermont.
After everyone was stuffed and cleanup was completed, we adjourned upstairs to the gym for the ceremony and dancing to Ken
Ritucci. After a few dance sets, the fun began. First there was the balloon dance. With balloons between their legs, Ken called
a few moves resulting in a lot of laughter. In the next dance, the class had the opportunity to dance with Ken as a partner. Ken’s
picture was placed on several 5 foot sticks and with Ken as a partner the dance began. After the fun, the graduation ceremony
was held. We graduated 9 class members into our club: Lausanne Allen, Brian Anderson, Bonnie Cohen, Jackie Gauthier, Amy
Greene, Chelsey Keyes, Lynne Keyes, Steve Yaskell, and Ulla Yaskell. Unfortuniately Steve and Ulla Yaskell were unable to
attend the graduation. Lausanne Allen, who calls contra dances, called a contra dance for the club which everyone enjoyed.
We concluded the evening dancing to Ken Ritucci. I would like to thank Arnie Williams, Debra Tobin, and last years graduates
for putting together an excellent graduation ceremony. To view a few pictures, click here for a
Slide Show.
The 52th New England Square and Round Dance Convention in Biddeford, ME, April 23 & 24, at the Biddeford Middle, Intermediate, and Primary Schools. A great group of callers and a well run convention, thanks to Bud & Judy Clifford, made the weekend a joy for the square dancers. A good time was had by the 27 members of our club who attended. Those attending were Mike & Elaine Newton, David & Gale Quenneville, Peter & Debra Tobin, Don & Audrey LaFlam, Randy & Suzanne Denis, Arnie Williams, Helen Willis, Bill & Helen Thomas, Frank & Audrey Giannini, Leslie & Steven Brenner, Linda & Butch Atwood, Linda Barcomb, Lois & Roy Jackson, Ed & Trudy Dias, and Lynne & Chelsey Keyes. Lynne and Chelsey were the only class members able to attend the convention and had a great time. Ken Ritucci did not attend this convention, so we could not dance to him. Peter Tobin called three different times – in the Basic, Mainstream, and Plus Halls.
Dancing started Friday afternoon in the Mainstream and Plus Halls. In the evening there was Mainstream Fast Track with Jay Silva & Chris Pinkham and Don Bachelder & Bob Butler calling. Club member spent the evening in the Mainstream, Plus, and A1 dance halls.
On Saturday morning, a group of the CO8’s joined in on a workshop featuring Hexagon Dancing with Bill Fulton. Some of us have danced in formations of six couples with two head couples and two couples on each side. But this was different, the dance started with a six sided formation (a couple on each side) which became triangles and three “Y”s depending on the call. I have isolated the pictures that were taken for your enjoyment (Click Here). Talk to the dancers, I’m sure they will be happy to fill in some details. Other highlights of the day were: “Take No Prisoners” with Ted Lizotte, Jim DeNigris, and Dave Hass; “Fast Track Plus” with Paul Cote, Ted Lizotte, and Lenny Stratton; and “Progressive Squares” with Dave Hess. The rest of the day was spent in the Mainstream, Plus, and A1 Halls. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Of course, there were the “after” parties Friday and Saturday nights. Frank and Audrey had the largest room, so guess what, they spent some late nights. Although Friday night was a short affair, Saturday made up for it. Jokes and a lot of stories were told. Arnie was presented a birthday cake Saturday night by Leslie and Steven, which the club members enjoyed. Darrell Spraque joined the party for a few laughs. Of course we had Buttery Nipples, our traditional club drink. Thank you, Frank and Audrey for hosting the parties. Thanks to Elaine and Mike for researching possible accommodations and making it possible for us to stay together at the Wagon Wheel Motel. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
A special A1/A2 Blitz Sunday, April 11 with Ken Ritucci was a workshop designed for dancers who dance Advance and wanted a refresher course. The workshop was between 1 & 8 PM with a supper break and was at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland. There was a good turnout with 39 dancers. We covered the A1 list and most of the A2 list. Thank you Ken for a great review! To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
On Saturday April 10 the Cast Off 8's had their April Showers Dance with Todd Fellegy calling. The dance began at 6:30 PM with A1/A2 and continued at 7:30 with Mainstream & Plus. Arnie Williams & Helen Willis were the host and hostess for the dance. It was a good dance, and a good time was had by all. The class dancers, who joined us, enjoyed a full evening of dancing for the first time. Thank you, Arnie and Helen, for hosting the affair. Thank you Todd for calling an excellent dance! To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Before the dance Arnie Williams invited club members and Todd to his home for a potluck supper. The event began with a social hour with much merriment. Arnie cooked a stuffed pork roast (with some help from Helen) for the entre. The ladies brought salads and casseroles to complete the potluck. Everyone enjoyed the food and their favorite beverage. Thank you, Arnie, for inviting us into your home and thank you, ladies, for the other dishes! To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
The Maple Sugar Festival in South Burlington, March 12 & 13, was a regional dance hosted by the Lake Champlain Squares. The weekend began Friday evening and continued thru Saturday. This year's festival had an outstanding group of callers: Ray Brendzy from Burnaby, British Columbia; Don Moger from Montreal, Quebec; Steve Kopman from Knoxville, Tennessee; and Tom Miller from Chest Springs, Pennsylvania. The cuers were Rick & Rosina Wagenhoffer from Valhalla, New York. Cindy Hawley, Ray Moskewich, and Darrell Sprague joined the group as guest callers. This weekend dance has been favorite with the Cast Off 8's and was well attended. Eighteen members stayed over night and spent the weekend dancing. Other club members joined them for the Saturday night dance.
On Sunday, March 7 Cast Off 8's will hosted our St Patty's Dance at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, VT with Kevin Bersing calling. The dance began at 1 PM with A1/A2 and was followed at 2 PM by Mainstream & Plus. Twenty two members of the Cast Off 8’s attended the dance. Our dancers were joined by members from the Green Mountain Steppers (6), Twin State Squares (1), Lake Champlain Squares (2), Acey Deucey (2), and one dancer without a club affiliation bring the dance attendance to 34 dancers. As usual the refreshment table was well stocked with many dishes supplied by members of the Cast Off 8's. Everyone enjoyed the dance, thank you Kevin for calling a great dance. Pictures are not available because the photographer was enjoying snorkeling and the sun on a reef 32 miles off the coast of Blize – poor guy.
The Green Mountain Steppers had a dance at the Faith Methodist Church on Saturday February 13 with Don Moger calling. The Cast Off 8's attended the evening dance after enjoying a potluck dinner at Elaine & Mike Newton's home before traveling to South Burlington. After a few drinks, appetizers, and a some great potluck dishes provided by some great cooks, sixteen club members made the trip to the dance. This weekend was also David Q's birthday - so everyone wished him a happy birthday (Wow, look at those candles!). Thank you Elaine & Mike for hosting the potluck and supplying the entree and some of the appetizers. Thanks to club members for the delicious accompaniments.
This dance was an all day afair beginning in the afternoon with A1/A2 & C1 Star Tips and continuing until 10:30 with Mainstream and Plus. The dance was very successful with 65 dancers attending the dance. As usual Don Moger called a great dance, which was enjoyed by everyone. Thank you Green Mountain Steppers for hosting a great dance. There were 16 members from the Lake Champlain Squares as well as the Cast Off 8's, so each club retrived their banner and received a Green Mountain Stepper banner. By the way, the Green Mountain Steppers are planning on repeating the dance next year. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
On Sunday, February 7 Cast Off 8's held our Sweetheart Dance with Matt McGovern calling
Mainstream & Plus and Maureen (Mo) Wall cueing Rounds. Frank and Audrey Giannini were the dance host and hostess.
As usual the refreshment table was well stocked with many dishes supplied by members of the Cast Off 8's. There were 56 square
dancers in attendence: 26 members of the Cast Off 8's; 15 from the Green Mountain Steppers; 1 from the Lake Champlain Squares;
2 from the Monadnock Squares; 11 from the Merry Mohicans; and 1 member of the Twin State Squares. All the dancers had a
wonderful time with Matt and Mo calling their usual outstanding dance.
To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Cast Off 8's conducted a banner raid on the Merry Mohicans on Friday, February 5. after enjoying a potluck dinner hosted by Audrey and Frank Giannini. The dance was at the Queensbury Senior Center with Ken Ritucci calling Mainstream & Plus and Maureen (Mo) Wall cueing the Round dancing. Twenty one Cast Off 8's Members attended the potluck dinner. After a few drinks, appetizers, and a some great potluck dishes, nineteen club members made the trip to the dance. Linda A. had a skiing accident on Wednesday and was unable to dance. Thank you Frank & Audrey for hosting the potluck and supplying the entree and appetizers. Thanks to club members for the delicious accompaniments.
Lynne K. joined the nineteen club members at the dance, bring the total attending to twenty. We had the most club members of any of the clubs attending. We are particularly happy that two of our class members attended (Bonnie C. and Lynne K.). We all had a fun evening of dancing. Thank you Ken and Mo for a great evening. Thank you Frank & Audrey for letting me borrow your camera for the pictures, my camera was home sitting on my desk. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Twenty seven members of the Cast Off 8's gathered Saturday evening , December 12, at the home of Elaine and Mike Newton for a potluck dinner and a banner raid on the Green Mountain Steppers Christmas Dance at the Mater Christi School in Burlington. It was a festive occassion starting at 3:30 with drinks and appetizers followed by Elaine's luscious prime rib and the delicious accompaniments contributed by club members. A total of 23 members were able to attend and enjoy a great dance called by Al Monty. We retrieved our banner and brought home a Green Mountain Stepper Banner. We were particularly glad to have some of our newer members join in on the fun. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
On Sunday, December 6, 2009 Cast Off 8's hosted our Holiday Dance with Don Moger calling. The dance was held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, VT. As usual the refreshment table was well stocked with many dishes supplied by some of the great cooks in VT. There were 47 square dancers in attendence: 32 members of the Cast Off 8's; 6 from the Green Mountain Steppers; 1 from the Lake Champlain Squares; 2 from the Scoharie Haymakers; 4 from the Merry Mohicans; and 2 members of the Connecticut Valley Squares. Maureen (Mo) Wall of the Merry Mohicans cued a round dance and a mixer. A great time was had by all. Thank you Don for calling a great dance and thank you Mo for being a guest cuer. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Wednesday night, December 2, 2009 Cast Off 8's had our Christmas Party
for the club and class members at the Lothrop School Gym. We began eating at 6:30 and ate until we were stuffed.
As usual the food was great - thanks to some of the best cooks in VT. After we cleaned up, we went upstairs and danced
to Ken Ritucci. We had more than five squares and everyone enjoyed the evening.
To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
On Wednesday, November 11, 2009, the Cast Off 8's Steering Committee met to discuss upcoming events and other Club business. If you want a copy of the meeting minutes, please contact the Club Secretary John Hale (273-2293).
On October 28 the Cast Off 8's held our traditional Wednesday night Halloween workshop. A costume was not required but a lot of the dancers came all dressed up. Shortly after 8 PM we held our Halloween Parade and the costumes were judged by Mike, Lois and Aldo. The competion was fierce, because the winner of each category received a home baked apple pie - bake by Elaine Newton. The winners were:
Everyone had a great time and a lot of laughs. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show. I would like to thank, Linda & Butch Atwood, for contributing some pictures to the slide show.
On Sunday, November 1st, Ken Ritucci held an A1/A2 workshop at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, VT. The workshop was designed for dancers who knew the Advance calls and wanted a refresher course. It was well attended by 26 dancers; 19 members of the Cast Off 8's, 4 members of the North Country Squares, 2 members of the Moose Alley Squares, and 1 dancer from the Lake Champlain Squares. The Cast Off 8's stocked the snack table with usual delectable morsals that we have become famous for. Pizza was brought in for dinner for those who didn't want to go out.
The dancing was brisk and a lot of fun. Ken reviewed all of the A1 calls and most of the A2 calls over the course of the afternoon and evening. Everyone felt they had learned alot and look forward to a repeat performance.
The Tumbling Leaves Festival in Bennington, VT has been a favorite of the Cast Off 8's, and once again we were not disappointed. Red Bates, Don Moger, John Marshall, Bill Harrison, Tim Marriner, and Ken Ritucci were the square dance callers. Ralph & Joan Collipi, and Steve & Irene Bradt were the cuers. This was the second year for a Mainstream hall which was well attended. The Plus hall was also well attended with an increase in the number of dancers. One of highlights of the weekend was the quality of the Saturday workshops which allowed you to brush up on any level. This was particularly helpful for the Cast Off 8's dancers as it allowed them to polish the A1 calls and get ready for Ken Ritucci's A1/A2 Blitz on Sunday, November 1.
Eighteen members of the Cast Off 8’s attended the festival. The members all agreed that this year’s festival was a great deal of fun. The callers and cuers were an outstanding group, and all but Tim Marriner will be returning next year. Tim is being replaced by Randy Dougherty. So don’t miss out, get your reservations in early. The members pictured are Jim & Jean Perry, Ron & Claire Stevens, Mike & Elaine Newton, David & Gale Quenneville, Don & Audrey LaFlam, Joanne Brown, "Tobe" Tobin, and Roy & Lois Jackson. As usual, it’s difficult to gather together all of the members in one place at same time for a picture. Those attending and not in the picture are Joan Judge, Al Boudreau, and Ed & Trudy Dias. Below are two pictures. I must apologize for not taking more, but I was to busy having fun dancing.
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On Sunday, September 20, 2009, Cast Off 8’s held our 31th Anniversary Dance with Red Bates calling Advance between1-2 PM and Mainstream/Plus between 2 - 5 PM. This year, the Anniversary Dance was held at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Rutland, VT. This was the first dance where we had an Advance hour before the regular dance. The Cast Off 8’s have been putting forth a lot of effort to learn Advance, many attending several weekend blitzes put on by Ken Ritucci. The hour was a success with 3 squares dancing, thanks partly to the Green Mountain Steppers. In total we had 61 square dancers: Cast Off 8’s with 30 dancers; Green Mountain Steppers with 23 dancers; Lake Champlain with 3 dancers; Country Corners Squares with 2 dancers; Hilton Head Squares, NC with 2 dancers; and Clinton Squares, Ontario with 2 dancers. All the dancers had a wonderful time with Red calling his usual outstanding dance. Our own Peter Tobin also called a set. Thank you Peter for a great set. Adding to the festivities was a silent auction run by Joan Judge which was a success. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Friday,September 18, 2009, eight Cast Off 8’s went to Queensbury Senior Center for a dance put on by the Merry Mohican’s Square Dance Club. Frank & Audrey G., Roy & Lois J., Peter & Debra T., and Don & Audrey L. joined in on the raid. Four of us had a nice dinner at the Cherry Tomato Restaurant on RT 149 before going to the dance. The dance was great with Bob LaBounty calling and Dennis Viscanti cueing. There were more than 50 square dancers at what turned out to be the 30th anniversary for their caller Bob LaBounty. Happy anniversary Bob, I hope you do another 30 years. It was a fun dance with outstanding calling, thank you Bob.
Wednesday September 16, 2009 the Cast Off 8’s had our first workshop of the square dance season. Fifteen new dancers joined us and everyone had a great time. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Saturday, September 12, 2009, Frank and Audrey Giannini joined Lois and Roy Jackson for dinner at their home in Brandon. After dinner we traveled to South Burlington for a dance being held by Lake Champlain Squares with Cindy Hawley calling plus and mainstream. Twenty five square dancers were at the dance: 17 from Lake Champlain Squares, 4 from Green Mountain Steppers, and 4 from Cast Off 8’s. We all had good time. Thank you Cindy for calling a great dance. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
On September 9, 2009 the Cast Off 8's demonstrated the Western Style of Square Dancing at the Vermont State Fair in Rutland, VT. Dancers met at the Sugar House Stage for the demonstration which began at 7 PM and lasted until 8:45. We had a good turn out with some of the fair goers joining the dancing and the fun. It is great exposure for the club and square dancing in general. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
Six members of the Cast Off 8's spent a rainy weekend dancing to Don Bachelder at the Horseshoe Areas Campground on August 21, 22, and 23, 2009. Arnie Williams, Helen Willis, Ed & Trudy Dias, and Don & Ginny Prescott braved a rainy weekend to dance Mainstream and Plus with one of the best callers of the Northeast. The cueing was provided by the Connelly Clan. In spite of the weather a good time was had by all. Thank you Don for a great weekend of dancing.
Four Cast Off 8’s attended the Summer Magic 2009 in Cornwall, Ontario, Canada August 21, 22, and 23, 2009. Jim & Jean Perry and Roy & Lois Jackson went to the dance orchestrated by Don Moger and Avena Smolkin. Danceing ranged from Mainstream to C1 level. The unique location for the weekend was NAV CANADA Conference Center situated along the picturesque St. Lawrence Seaway. It was a great location. There were a lot of sitting areas both inside and outside, and good floors for dancing. The callers were Brian Crawford, Bill Harrison, Jerry Jestin, Tom Miller, and Don Moger. Each has his unique style which made for a wide variety of dancing. Round Dancing was cued by Jean and Don Clingin. All the center was air-conditioned which was a good thing because outside it was hot and humid. We had a great time. The plus dancing was a different format in the sense that the callers called for 45 minutes and the cuers called two dances while the callers were changing halls. Needless to say we danced until our feet hurt and then danced some more. The dance had 425-450 dancers of which about 300 signed up for next year before leaving the center. This says a lot about the success of the dance and the great time everyone had. I hope we can encourage more Cast Off 8’s to participate next year because they certainly would enjoy it. I would recommend this dance to anyone because I know they would have a great time. Thank you, Don and Avena, for a great weekend. By the way, the four of us signed up for next year. For information about next year (August 27, 28, & 29, 2010) go to the Special Dances Page and print a flyer. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.
In spite of the weather 31 club members gathered at Roy & Lois Jackson’s home for the club picnic. Unfortunately most of the games were wiped out by the weather, but a few did pitch horseshoes through the mist. As promised, 8 whole chickens were roasted on 2 spits over an open fire. There were some doubts about the process, but after about 90 minutes the birds were ready for Roy & Frank to remove from the fire. The timing was just right because it stopped misting and started raining. Everyone departed for the house to enjoy the chicken and all the dishes brought by our great cooks. To view a few pictures, click here for a Slide Show.