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UNITED SQUARE DANCERS OF AMERICA

INFORMATION NEEDED FOR

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETING

January 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

We have received most of the USDA Executive Committee Winter Meeting reports and compiled them into one document. Those members that did not send a report please bring copies with you for all members attending the Winter Meeting.

Please print the following and bring with you to the Winter Meeting on January 18 & 19, 2008:

2008 Winter Meeting Compiled ReportsAnnual Pre Meeting USDA Minutes 2007Annual Meeting USDA Minutes 2007Annual Post Meeting USDA Minutes 2007

We will bring a couple extra reports with us to the meeting.

Sincerely,

Monica and Ray Landry USDA Secretary

UNITED SQUARE DANCERS OF AMERICAAGENDA

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

DATE January 18-19, 2008

TIME 9:00 A. M.

PLACE Hilton Garden Inn, 2631 Highwood Blvd., Smyrna, TN 37167

PHONE 615-355-6262

HOST Central Region – Bill and Bobbie Shepard

1. Call to Order Kittle

2. Invocation

3. Pledge of Allegiance Kittle

4. Welcome Shepard & Kittle

5. Administrative Announcements/Activities Shepard

6. Minutes of Previous MeetingsPre Annual June 26, 2007

Annual June 27, 2007Post Annual June 30, 2007

7. Treasurer’s Report Edythe Weber

8. Officers ReportsPresident KittleVice President Eastern Region WhiteVice President Central Region ShepardVice President Plains Region StrubVice President Western Region RogersSecretary LandryHistorian BruningInformation Officer BeckPast President HolleyParliamentarian Maczko


9. Committee Chair Reports

Insurance Coordinator InglisDiscount Prescription FlickLong Term Care Insurance FlickBudget for 2009 Edythe WeberYouth BeckerEducation/Publications HouleUSDA News Jim WeberARTS – Dance KittleHandicapable Dancers BruningBadges VaccariFacilities/Sound HerndonWays & Means HouleNSDC After Party ShepardNSDC Showcase of Ideas FlickDress & Jacket Edythe WeberUSA Traveler VaccariStationeryUSDA Web Master/Shopping Mall Jim Weber

9. Unfinished Business

Status of Application for 501 (c)(3) Maczko & Ave’ HerndonExecutive Committee Job DescriptionsFinalization of the Square Dance Hall of FameAmerican Callers Association Presentation

11. New Business

Representatives to other meetingsNominees needed for elected offices at Annual Meeting

12. Announcements

13. Next Meeting Date/Location/Time

14. Adjournment


Table of Contents

Officers’ Reports: PRESIDENT REPORT.........................................................................................................2EASTERN REGION, VICE PRESIDENT REPORT..............................................................3CENTRAL REGION, VICE PRESIDENT REPORT..............................................................4WESTERN REGION, VICE PRESIDENT REPORT.............................................................5SECRETARY REPORT........................................................................................................6HISTORIAN REPORT..........................................................................................................7INFORMATION OFFICER REPORT....................................................................................8PAST PRESIDENT REPORT...............................................................................................9PARLIAMENTARIAN REPORT..........................................................................................10

Committee Chair Reports: DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION REPORT.............................................................................11LONG TERM CARE REPORT...........................................................................................12YOUTH REPORT...............................................................................................................13EDUCATION AND PUBLICATION REPORT.....................................................................14USDA NEWS REPORT......................................................................................................15ARTS REPORT..................................................................................................................16HANDICAPABLE REPORT................................................................................................17ADDENDUM HANDICAPABLE REPORT..........................................................................19BADGES REPORT.............................................................................................................20FACILITIES REPORT........................................................................................................21SOUND REPORT...............................................................................................................22NSDC SHOWCASE OF IDEAS REPORT..........................................................................23DRESS AND JACKET REPORT........................................................................................24USA TRAVELER REPORT................................................................................................25ADDENDUM TRAVELER BADGE REPORT.....................................................................26USDA WEBMASTER REPORT.........................................................................................27USDA ONLINE SHOPPING MALL REPORT.....................................................................28

USDA Winter Meeting Page 1


PRESIDENT REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Our second year continues to be very busy and interesting as President of United Square Dancers of America.

We believe that Pat Inglis, our new Insurance Coordinator, has settled into her position quite well and we are willing to help her in any way possible in the future.

We were very happy to be able to attend the dinner in Little Rock, Arkansas on Labor Day Weekend, honoring Loraine Backus for her long term with USDA, and I do believe we did surprise her.

We attended the ARTS Meeting held in Orlando, FL in October 2007. Elections were held at this meeting and the following officers were elected:

Chairman – Mike Jacobs; Vice Chairman – Scott Phillips; Treasurer – Edythe Weber; Secretary – Jerry Reed.

The next meeting will be held Sunday, February 24, 2008 in Long Beach, CA and we will not be able to attend that meeting.

Since our annual meeting in June 2007 we have attended state conventions in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and attended the NSDCA International Camporee held in Amana, Iowa.

Respectfully submitted by,

Si and Marilyn KittlePresident



EASTERN REGION, VICE PRESIDENT REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

We had hardly settled down, having just retuned from the National Convention when we received the first problem we needed to deal with. On July 5, 2007 we received a question re an insurance issue. The problem was sent by the Insurance Coordinator of the Federation of Delaware Valley Square and Round Dancers. We acknowledged the receipt of the problem to the representative of the Federation and immediately referred the issue to Pat Inglis. The problem was swiftly resolved on July 18, 2007.

We met with Len and Connie Houle, August 2, 2007. They turned over the VP material including pamphlets and stand, and wooden box.

On October 1, 2007, we sent an article to the Presidents of USDA. The article told about the new IRS requirements re tax exempt organizations.

The annual meeting of the Vermont Association of Western Style Square Dance Clubs was held in White River Junction on Saturday October 12, 2007. We asked for permission to attend their meeting to give a talk on who USDA is and what the mission of USDA is. At this meeting we set up the pamphlet display. Our talk and question and answer period was well received. There were 21 delegates in attendance who were representing 12 of the Vermont clubs. Most questions we received centered on insurance and the shopping mall. The representatives helped themselves to some of the other pamphlets in the rack after the meeting as well.

Later in October we responded to an email that we received. The email was from a dancer who was looking to find places to dance on Long Island, NY.

We will be pleased to report our findings regarding the wooden boxes used for the Showcase of Ideas. We assume that this will come up under Old Business.


Dick and Shirley WhiteEastern Region VP



CENTRAL REGION, VICE PRESIDENT REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Since the last meeting, we have attended the Tennessee State Convention, the Singles Convention and the presentation of Howard and Lorraine Backus in Little Rock, Arkansas. Bobbie ha hip replacement surgery on October 8, 2007 so she has been in rehab since. She is doing well but not dancing yet. She is scheduled for the other hip on March 11 th. Hopefully she will be dancing again before or at the National Square Dance Convention. We are sorry we have not been able to do more this year, but the hip replacement had to be done. We are waiting for information about the After Party, but have not heard anything yet.


Bill and Bobbie ShepardCentral Region VP



WESTERN REGION, VICE PRESIDENT REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

We are sorry to miss yet another meeting. The situation with Jim's health is improving, but very slowly. We hope to see all of you in Wichita this summer.

Our plans include a trip to Sacramento in April for the 2008 California State Convention. We are looking forward to revisiting that fantastic facility and shopping at some of their unique vendors. The 7th annual Youth Square Dance Competition is of special interest to us. They will also be presenting the 2008 California Youth Square Dancer Scholarship. We will ask for a more complete report on these functions that we can pass on to you.

We have been working on the 2009 summer festival in Washington, as we are the registration chairman for that festival. Washington is also bidding in Wichita this summer for the National Square Dance Convention in 2012 in Spokane, Washington. Wear red and white to help support their bid.

As Chairman of the 9th USA West Square Dance Convention in Pendleton, Oregon, August 14-16, 2008, we have been in close contact with most of the Western States in regard to their participation in our convention. We are inviting callers and cuers from all over to perform at our convention. We have booked the Ghost Riders to play at our evening dances. The youth of Oregon are sponsoring an after party at our convention that will include some very good youth callers. The Single Square Dancers USA are sponsoring an after party also.


Jim and Kay RogersWestern Region VP



SECRETARY REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

The year 2007 was a fast and ferocious year for us. For those Executive Committee members with large families, more than full-time work loads, plus members of various civic organizations, our hats are off to you. Since the Annual Meeting in Charlotte, NC, we have spent our time between our local square dance group and organizing our annual two day festival in August and our state square dance organization. Time for square dancing since July was very slim due to family related items. But 2008 is looking promising and should be a better year.

Minutes for the Annual 2007 were completed and sent on for review, corrections made and then uploaded to the executive committee web site. Hope all were able to retrieve the information.

The proposed layout for the signatures along with address verification at our meetings was designed. If the item can be printed and transported before the Winter Meeting, it will be presented as a test format to the Executive Committee members.

Email and supportive phone calls were very helpful and appreciated.


Monica and Ray LandrySecretary



HISTORIAN REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

According to the Chronology of USDA on May 10, 1991, during a discussion of retaining USDA records, it was determined that it was not feasible to microfiche the records. A motion was made and approved that the Historian should be the final repository for all USDA records, reports, etc. The Historian will determine which records should be retained for future archive collection. As of this date, there is no record of that ever being done. Therefore, our goal for this year is attempt to rectify that situation.

We believe that the Historical Records should include:A. Chronology of USDA 1978 to present

Currently we are working to compile a Chronology of USDA from 1978 to 2007 in electronic form. We have this task competed from 1978 through 2001. Our goal is to have it completed through 2007 by the Annual meeting in June. Because it is in electronic form, the Historian will be able to add to it easily each year as events occur and the year progresses.

B. An archival Record of the Executive Board and Appointed CommitteeWe have put this data in electronic form and it is current through 2007. New Officers and Committee Chairman can be added as appointed.

C. Minutes of the Pre, Annual, and Post Annual meetingsCurrently, most of the meeting minutes are in hard copy. We have however converted 2006 and 2007 to electronic form. In the future, the Historian should download the minutes of these meetings into the Minutes File from USDA’s web page.

D. Committee ReportsIf the Executive Board wishes to archive the Committee Reports, it is our recommendation that all Committee Reports be in electronic form. When they are submitted to the Secretary for duplication/distribution, an electronic copy of each report should be forwarded to the Historian. The Historian can then create or update a file folder for each Committee and archive them by year. (This would however require everyone to submit their reports to the Secretary in electronic form and on time).

E. USDA NewsCurrently, most of the issues are in hard copy. We have however created an electronic file and have downloaded a number of issues. We recommend that in the future, each issue be downloaded as soon as it is posted on USDA’s web page.

F. PublicationsWe feel that a yearly “snap shot” of the publications available on USDA’s website would be adequate for archival purposes. We do not plan on pursuing this until we receive further direction from the Executive Board.

G. Scrap book/Memory BookDuring meetings and events hosted by USDA, pictures deemed appropriate for archival purposes by the Historian, should be taken. These should be compiled by year into a scrap/memory book.

H. Presidents Note BookThese should be kept in hard copy and archived by the Historian according to the wishes of the Executive Board.

Respectfully submitted by, Alan and Portia BruningHistorians



INFORMATION OFFICER REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

During the time between the Annual Meeting in 2007 and December 31, 2007, only one News Release has been prepared:

2007-10.1 Loraine Backus honored by USDA

NO ONE on the Executive Committee has submitted information to be used in a News Release during this period of time. I am certain some, and I hope much, USDA business has been transacted since June that merits a News Release and distribution to the dancers and other people in our activity. But if no one tells the Information Officer about it, we cannot prepare a release on it. Please look at your area of responsibility and consider what is newsworthy that you want to share with square dancers. Then contact us with either your proposed News Release copy or contact us and give us some ideas. We will work with you to prepare a News Release and distribute it.

USDA will again be advertising on the National Square Dance Directory web site, and USDA is listed as one of the major organizations listed on the web site.

Plans have been made to again advertise in the Program Book for the National Convention in Wichita. As of December 22, 2007, neither the After Party Chairman nor the Youth Chairman have been advised whether USDA will be allowed to host a party, so the copy for the ad is waiting until we know what information can be placed in the ad.

As usual, we have received some inquiries related to square dancing, and these requests have been answered. But the numbers of inquiries are much fewer than in previous years.

We were privileged to plan and organize the recognition party honoring the retirement of Loraine Backus from the USDA insurance program. Mark and Bessie Grumbine were very cooperative and helpful in this effort, and we thank them for their help. It was a very successful recognition party for Loraine to thank her for her many years of service to USDA. Several members of the USDA Executive Committee attended, along with Loraine’s two sons and their wives, a local square dance couple that has been close friends of Loraine, plus Mark and Bessie Grumbine, former Executive Committee members, and good friends of Loraine.

We again want to thank the Executive Committee for their cooperation and assistance this past year. By all working together, great things can be accomplished.


Lyle and Jean BeckInformation Officer



PAST PRESIDENT REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

The current President has done such an outstanding job that they have not needed to call on us as advisers. This makes us both glad as we asked them to serve in this position. We have made comments to them as needed both over the phone and e-mail and also at the annual meeting in Charlotte.


Kitty and Charlie HolleyPast President



PARLIAMENTARIAN REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Again this year we reviewed the United Square Dancers of America’s Governing Documents – Bylaws and Standing Rules – to assess the need for updating these documents. While we have not identified any issues that are in need of revising, we would welcome the input of the other Executive Committee members.

We are evaluating the need to draft Resolutions for presentation to the Board of Directors during the Annual Board of Directors meeting in Wichita, Kansas – June 25, 2008.


Jim MaczkoParliamentarianPost Office Box 712918San Diego, California 92171-2918619-295-2635



DISCOUNT PRESCRIPTION REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Prescription cards have been distributed throughout my travels. At this point the Executive Committee of USDA must have enough cards for their areas because no one has requested more cards. Several clubs have been sent some cards upon their request. I will be bringing cards with me to the Winter Meeting. Make sure you take many home for distribution in your areas. It would not hurt to include several cards in each mailing of correspondence to affiliates and others.

In each USDA News there has been copies of the cards. For the showcase this year a special effort will be made to promote the use of the Prescription Cards.


Bill FlickCommittee Chairman



LONG TERM CARE REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

I have been in contact with Laura Rossman, Chief Marketing Officer, for Longevity Alliance located in Washington, DC. She has sent me cards that I will be distributing to the Executive Committee at the Winter Meeting. We need to flood our membership with these cards. Here again we should place these in all correspondence. She has submitted one article for the USDA NEWS and will be sending me another to include in the next issue.

A new booklet, "Uncover a Hidden Cost of Moving: Healthcare" was created by Longevity Alliance to help people ask the right questions about healthcare costs before they move. I will be bringing these booklets with me to the Winter Meeting.

In our conversations, Laura and I, have agreed that a link should be established on our website to Longevity Alliance. I will bring this to the committee at our meeting.


Bill FlickCommittee Chairman



YOUTH REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

SCHOLARSHIP 2008In an effort to encourage more participation in the USDA Founders Memorial Youth Fund Scholarship we put a reminder of the date of the DEADLINE for applications in the USDA Newsletter. This reminder was in the form of a cartoon depicting the parents of Graduates having to wear barrels to illustrate and remind them to take part in the scholarship offered by the USDA.

YOUTH COMPETITIVE DANCINGThe areas across the United States that have competitive Youth Square Dancing have a “well kept secret.” At this time all the areas have different rules to decide their winners. However, they have one important factor in common. This common factor is that all of these areas have a large successful Youth Square Dance participation. We will give a report on our investigation and recommendation at the Winter Meeting.

ANGEL OF THE YEAR 2007We wrote letters of Thanks to the callers who participated in the 2007 Youth After Party. Our ”Angel of the Year” contest was a big hit although most of our awards went to one family. There was no doubt they were strong participants in the business of their club and helpful with new dancers. Perhaps next year we will have a Prairie Dog howling about the things they do in their clubs.

YOUTH AFTER PARTY 2008We came home excited and ready to start working on a 2008 Youth Party in Wichita, Kansas. We have written letters requesting permission to host a party or after party at the National Square Dance Convention®. So far we have not received this because of the necessity to give the up coming convention hosts an opportunity to have their youth parties. As soon as they have satisfied this obligation they will let us know when or if we can host a youth party. At that time we will begin sending invitations to callers around the United States.

YOUTH PANEL 2008We were asked to be the moderators of the Youth Panel at the 2008 National Square Dance Convention® in Wichita, Kansas. We were given the task of acquiring panelist that we thought would make interesting and valuable comments for this panel. We immediately got in touch with Justin Russell (an excellent Youth caller) and Ashley Parker (the winner of the 2007 USDA Founders Memorial Youth Fund Scholarship). Both Ashley and Justin immediately accepted the invitation to be on the Youth Panel.


John and Alitia Becker Youth Committee Chairman



EDUCATION AND PUBLICATION REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

With a car loaded to the roof with bags and boxes with all the Educational and Publications material plus 4 people, I think my gas dwindled to 15 mi per gal. We were headed home from Charlotte loaded and a new adventure doing this new job. We remodeled our front room to accommodate all the info needed to fill the orders that came in. It was not long when we received orders and filled and mailed out the orders. They came from all over the US and a few from abroad that did not have any address of club affiliation. We found that there were some tri-folds and pamphlets and booklets more requested than others. We also found that the orders were for ten at least. That was fine on the tri-folds, but the pamphlets and booklets which we were low on, cost a lot to mail. We feel that there should be a charge for these materials as the printing and mailing is getting out of site. We do not have the resources that we have had in the pat in order to recoup this money. We are enjoying this very interesting job. We have gotten three different quotes on printing our material; we will have some printed because we are out of some of the material. We set up our display at the N.E. Convention and the dancers were taking the info. So, not so much to pack up to take back home. Respectfully submitted by,

Len & Connie HouleEducation & Publications Committee Chairman



USDA NEWS REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Since the last report at the Annual meeting in June we have published, printed and mailed two issues of USDA News.

The October – December 2007 issue was mailed the third week of September with a mailing of 570 in the U.S. and 17 foreign.

The January – March 2008 issue was mailed December 14, 2007 with 549 mailed to U.S. addresses and 15 foreign.

USDA News current mailing list contains 564 mailing address that include:

57 Affiliate Presidents 42 Affiliate Delegates 36 Other Organizations Presidents or Reps 86 Other Officers of Affiliate Presidents156 Publication Editors 69 Insurance Chairman 15 Foreign 51 Paid Subscriptions 94 Other Comp issues (USDA Officers, NEC, ARTS, CALLERLAB,

ROUNDALAB, ACA, NSDCA, COUNTRALAB, National ConventionsGC & Publicity Committee, and others)

We are receiving some paid advertising. Advertising helps defray the cost of publishing the USDA News. We are asking each USDA executive committee member to encourage your dance organization to advertise their state and featured dances in USDA News.

If USDA EC members would like extra copies of USDA News to take to State or local Conventions/Festivals you must let us know by the issue deadline. We only print a small amount of extra copies to save USDA funds.

Respectfully submitted

Jim and Edythe WeberUSDA NEWS Editor



ARTS REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

We attended the ARTS Meeting in Orlando, Florida in October. It was well attended.

The main concern is how ARTS can publicize the existence, goals, accomplishments and other information about The ARTS to the dancing community. Their goal is to establish an Electronic “Mailing Tree” to help spread the word. The ARTS would maintain an e-mail list for each state or region representative; these representatives would send the message to a distribution under them; the people on this list would send the message to a list under them and the process would continue until the message is delivered to individual people. This plan is being worked on and will be reported on at the next meeting.

Discussion was held on providing Grants for Mini-ARTS meetings in different regions/states and a motion was submitted that ARTS establish a Grant Program to provide financial assistance to sponsor “Mini-ARTS” meetings. Guidelines will be drafted by an AD-HOC Committee to be submitted to the Board for approval.

Elections were held and the following officers were elected:

Chairman – Mike JacobsVice Chairman – Scott Phillips

Treasurer – Edythe WeberSecretary – Jerry Reed

The next meeting will be held Sunday, February 24, 2008 in Long Beach, CA.


Si and Marilyn KittleUSDA Representative for ARTS



HANDICAPABLE REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Since July, we’ve focused upon three areas: 1) the solicitation of applications for the registration fee reimbursement program, 2) the development of a Handicapable club directory, and 3) the promotion of Handicapable square dancing.

1. The solicitation of applications for the registration fee reimbursement program

We were pleased to reimburse the full registration fee for 18 Handicapable square dancers who attended the National Convention in Charlotte, NC. To increase the awareness of the reimbursement program, we wrote a news story explaining the program which was included in the first Handicapable newsletter. The “Handicapable News” was developed through the cooperative efforts of CALLERLAB, the US Handicapable Square Dance Association (USH) and the United Square Dancers of America (USDA). The first issue of the “Handicapable News” was posted on CALLERLABs website. Apparently the newsletter story produced results because there are already a number of Handicapable dancers registered for the Wichita National Convention.

In addition to the news article in “Handicapable News”, in January we mailed the reimbursement program tri-fold along with a cover letter to about fifty Handicapable clubs requesting their participation in the program. We are hopeful that the participation in this program will continue to grow because Handicapable halls have been requested for both the Long Beach, CA and the Louisville, KY National Conventions.

2. The development of a Handicapable club directory

As we reported in the last annual report, we’ve shared USDA’s Handicapable club list with Michelle McCarty, Chairman of CALLERLAB’s Handicapable Committee. As a result of our cooperative efforts, there is now a National Directory of Handicapable Square Dance clubs. It was developed through the cooperative efforts of CALLERLAB, USH and USDA. The Directory not only lists the Handicapable clubs but also includes tips on how to start a club and how to become an effective teacher/caller. There are sixty clubs in the directory: fifty in the United States, four in Canada, two in Australia, one in Denmark, one in Germany, and two in the Republic of China. If you would like to obtain a copy of the directory, contact CALLERLAB (the directory is free, but there is a nominal mailing charge). If you review it and discover that a Handicapable club has been omitted, contact CALLERLAB’s Handicapable Committee Chairman, Michelle McCarty at [email protected].

3. The promotion of Handicapable square dancing

In addition to the Handicapable dancing panel we served on at the Charlotte National Convention, the development of the National Handicapable Directory, the article in the “Handicapable News”, we’ve written two articles for the USDA News. The last of which will be in the Jan-March issue. All of which have contributed to our receiving requests for information regarding Handicapable dancing from California, Pennsylvania, Florida, South Carolina, Louisiana, and Denmark. We are pleased to announce that two additional Handicapable clubs have been formed in Pennsylvania, one in California and one in Denmark.



At present we are undecided about requesting a donation for the next National (USH) Handicapable Convention to be held in Mobile, AL on July 24-26, 2008. The very first Handicapable Convention was held in Mobile, AL twenty years ago, and now it is returning to the city where it all started. It would be appropriate but we are concerned about finding a continuing source of income to fund the Handicapable program.


Alan and Portia BruningHandicapable Committee Chairman



ADDENDUM HANDICAPABLE REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

In the Mid-Year Handicapable Report, we indicated that we felt that it would be appropriate to make a donation to the11th USH National Convention. However we were undecided about the recommendation because of our concerned about the programs funding due to the termination of the Credit Card program. That is still one of our concerns.

In updating USDA’s History, we were reminded that last June during the Annual meeting, $8,076.26 was divided between the Youth and the Handicapable programs. Excited about that information, we emailed the Treasurer regarding the escrow balance in Handicapable account. We’ve received no reply.

USDA has donated to US Handicapable Conventions since 2002. As an overview, USDA has donated $750 for each of the following conventions: 8 th National Convention 2002 (Louisville, KY), the 1st USH West Square Dance Convention 2003 (Reno, NV), the 9 th

USH Convention 2004 (St. Petersburg, FL), and the 10 th USH Convention 2006 (Baton Rouge, LA). The 11th USH National Convention will be held in Mobile, AL in July. We feel confident that with the funds in the Escrow account, (whatever that may be) and the $4,038.13 influx as a result of the final distribution of the credit card account, there should be enough money to support the program for the next several years. As a result, we recommend and make the motion that USDA donates $750 to the 11 th USH National Convention that will be held in Mobile, AL in July 2008.


Alan and Portia BruningHandicapable Committee Chairman


UNITED SQUARE DANCERS OF AMERICABADGES REPORT

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

1. Orders for Badges, Name bars, replacement badges have been filled as needed, and mailed to Directors and Officers and/or Committee chairmen.

2. On hand we have 9 Officer badges, a full set of Officer bars, 30 Director badges, and numerous Affiliate bars.

3. Our Badge supplier is The Badge Hut, 311 Monterrey Trail, Valley View, TX 76272. Phone & FAX: 940-726-3312. Email: [email protected]

4. Directors are asked to pass on Badges when a new Director is appointed from an Affiliate.

5. Please use the order form provided below to order Badges, Name Bars, Committee Chairman Bars, and/or Affiliate Bars as needed. Please write or print legibly.

6. Expenses submitted and paid since the Annual Meeting were $109.67.


Joy and Joe VaccariBadge Committee Chairman


UNITED SQUARE DANCERS OF AMERICAFACILITIES REPORT

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

At the 56th National Square Dance Convention (NSDC) in Charlotte this past June, we met with the Housing Chairman for the 57 th NSDC to discuss our housing needs in Wichita. Since Jim Weber is a member of the 57th NSDC Committee, he has been coordinating our meeting room needs with the Convention. It was determined that our best option for housing was the headquarters hotel, the Hyatt Regency. We collected up the registration forms from the USDA Executive Committee members and turned them in to Wichita’s Registration and Housing Committee. At this time, we have a total of 112 room nights for our block, with a maximum of 19 rooms per night. Our block includes one suite, which will be occupied by the Becks, and an adjoining room which will be occupied by the Kittles. This will be our hospitality room.

Jim Weber has indicated that our Executive Committee Meetings will be in one of the Education seminar rooms in the Convention Center, and that the General Meeting would be held in the Mary Jane Teall Theater. We attended the 57 th NSDC Pre-convention in Wichita last March and were able to view both facilities and determined that they will be suitable venues for our meetings. We will be working out the details with the appropriate Convention personnel this spring.

We have discussed the USDA housing and facilities at the 58 th NSDC in Long Beach with the General Chairman on several occasions, and have been assured that USDA’s meeting needs will be accommodated. The fact that we are Program Chairman for the Convention helps us to keep USDA on their minds. The most likely hotel for our housing block will be the Westin. It is across the street from the Convention Center, and should have adequate meeting room space. The headquarters Hotel will be the Renaissance, which is where the NEC will be housed, but it may not be available. All of the major hotels are priced at $155 per night.

Respectfully submitted,

Pat & Ave’ HerndonFacilities Committee Chairman



SOUND REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

The sound equipment was transported to Charlotte by the Houles, who held onto it after the Winter Meeting in Massachusetts. This saved USDA any shipping expense to get the equipment to Charlotte. After the Convention, the equipment was taken by the Kittles, who plan to transport it to Nashville.

One of the speakers was damaged in Charlotte, and Si Kittle and I discussed how to repair it and Si indicated that he had the capability to accomplish that repair.

I had indicated to President Kittle that we did not wish to be re-appointed as Sound Committee Chairman as our convention obligations prevented us from attending all of the meetings or being able to do all of the equipment setups and created a great deal of stress because of that. He indicated that the Kittles would transport the equipment from place to place, and other Executive Committee members would assist with equipment setup to relieve us of that responsibility. We agreed to continue on in the position under those conditions.

I had been given a box of audio tapes to be recycled, in hopes that this would eliminate the tape expense for the foreseeable future. However, due to the age of the tapes, they did not produce satisfactory recordings, so permission was requested and granted to destroy the old tapes. The Secretary will provide the tapes for each meeting.

The insurance policy on the sound equipment is up for renewal, and is due by February 24. The cost is $75.00 per year. I will be turning the bill over to the Treasurer as soon as I receive it.


Pat & Ave’ HerndonSound Committee Chairman



NSDC SHOWCASE OF IDEAS REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

The eight tables have been ordered for Wichita. My contact person has been Jim Marron. Instructions, etc, for the showcase will be sent to me closer to convention time.


Bill FlickNSDC Showcase of Ideas Committee Chairman



DRESS AND JACKET REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Kimberlee Streby continues to be the contact for the embroidery of the USDA logo on shirts and dress panels.

Kimberlee Streby Phone: (951) 676-623245572 Masters Dr E-Mail: [email protected], CA 92592

HOW TO HAVE DRESS AND SHIRT LOGOS EMBROIDERED

1. The logo can be embroidered in the center of the back yoke as well as on the two front yokes, if desired. If you are making the shirt or making just the yoke for the shirt you can send just that piece, or send the whole shirt if using a purchased shirt.

2. Ladies will send four pre-cut panels for their skirts. VERY IMPORTANT: Mark on the panels with pencil where you want the center of the design. We recommend that you use white Tee Shot material. It has a nice weight and it stays white better than some material. The logo usually appears approximately 2” above the ruffle line.

3. The cost is as follows (logo size):a. $7.50 – 3 7/8” X 2 5/8” (small)b. $15.00 – 4 7/8” X 3 1/5” (medium, one for a circle, non-gored skirt)c. $25.00 – 9” X 8” (large)

The normal outfit would have 4 small logos on four panels of the skirt. Men’s shirts would have 1 small logo on the back yoke (nothing on the front.) Total cost for this choice of embroidery would be $37.50.On the men’s shirt you could have 3 small logos (1 on the back yoke and 2 on the front yokes), if you choose. Total cost for this choice of embroidery would be $52.50.

4. Furnish Kimberlee your name(s), complete mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Give specific instructions on the size and number of logos for the men’s shirt and/or panels. Let her know an approximate date when you need the shirt and/or panels back.

5. If possible, turn-around time will be no longer than two weeks. If there is a problem, Kimberlee will contact you to let you know.

MEN’S BLUE PANTS

Men’s blue pants can be purchased from the Promenade Shop in West Columbia, SC . The color is called Carolina Royal and the cost for sizes up to 42 waist is $54.95. Larger sizes of 44 waist and up are $59.95. These pants are not hemmed to length. They can do credit card purchases over the phone, or will tell you how much the cost is with postage and you can mail them a check and then they will send you the pants. The Promenade Shop address is 680 Cherokee Lane, West Columbia, SC 29169. Their telephone is (803) 794-6671.


Edythe WeberDress & Jacket



USA TRAVELER REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

1. Numerous requests for Traveler Badge Forms continue to be received, and filled. Requests have been received by Phone, Snail Mail, and Email. Several dancers have downloaded forms off the USDA website.

2. Since the Annual Meeting in June of 2007 10 individuals have received Badges or updated Bars. Another couple has completed dancing in 50 States and were provided ribbons to the Wichita, Kansas National Convention. They are Floyd and Judy Engelhardt from Minnesota. An updated Addendum is attached.

3. The USDA USA Traveler Program continues to be well received.

4. Presently, we have 15 badges and a variety of bars on hand. Supplies are reordered as needed.

5. Delaware is the only State that has not been visited in 2006, or 2007.

6. Expenses submitted and paid since the Annual Meeting in June were $166.21. This amount includes the ribbons purchased for the Engelhardts.

Respectfully submitted,

Joy & Joe VaccariUSA Traveler Committee Chairman

Attch (1) Addendum



ADDENDUM TRAVELER BADGE REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

Date Name State Number6-20-05 Mike & Judy Downey Nebraska 36 States6-20-05 Charlie & Kitty Holley Alabama 36 States6-22-05 Bill & Bobbie Shepard Tennessee 48 States7-23-05 Doc & Peg Tirrell Vermont 12 States7-23-05 Mack & Cleo Hunter Missouri 12 States7-5-05 Richard Delgado New Jersey 12 States7-16-05 Arnold Schneider Iowa 24 States8-16-05 Steve & Beth Reverri New York 12 States8-27-05 Tom & Miriam James Florida 36 States9-16-05 Ed & Marge Egolf Florida 24 States9-19-05 Jack & Betty Davis Florida 12 States11-2-05 Tom & Miriam James Florida 48 States11-12-05 Teddy & Lila Reiser Missouri 12 States12-14-05 Dolly & Merlin Yarnell California 12 States2-11-06 Bill & Bobbie Shepard Tennessee 50 States6-1-06 Tom & Dot Doherty Colorado 12 States6-1-06 Pierre & Judy Hoover Arkansas 24 States6-3-06 Charles Parker Iowa 24 States7-18-06 Barbara & Jim Connelly Vermont 12 States7-18-06 Crystal Connelly Vermont 12 States9-18-06 Tom & Miriam James Florida 50 States10-3-06 Allan & Mary Zaebst Ohio 12 States10-14-06 Floyd & Judy Englehardt Minnesota 48 States11-21-06 Steve Ocskasy New York 12 States11-21-06 Ruth Ann Ebbing Ohio 12 States11-21-06 Talmage Henry Ohio 12 States4-12-07 Mike & Mary Strub Wisconsin 36 States4-12-07 Billy Ray & Sinda Daugherty Tennessee 12 States4-12-07 Michael & Nancy Dukes North Carolina 12 States4-16-07 Barry & Anita Johnson Illinois 12 States5-20-07 Carol Ann & Ron Mc Murdy New York 12 States7-21-07 Pierre & Judy Hoover Arkansas 36 States7-21-07 Floyd & Judy Engelhardt Minnesota 50 States9-24-07 Sir Chappie & Lady Betty Jackson, Esq. Kansas 12 States12-17-07 Allan & Mary Zaebst Ohio 24 States



USDA WEBMASTER REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE

45,124 Visits to USDA On Line between April 30, 2007 and December 27, 2007.

PROGRAM VISITS PROGRAM VISITSWhat is USDA 1145 621

1244 538

68 1262

1332 148

1412 361

USDA Dancers shopping Mall

569 1069

1871 5146

4162 4987

245 3721

1086 1876

691 1583

443 1836

1128

Each Executive Committee member needs to review the USDA web page that is related to your position and let me know of changes or update that is needed.

Respectfully Submitted

Jim WeberWeb Master Committee Chair



USDA ONLINE SHOPPING MALL REPORTEXECUTIVE COMMITTEE WINTER MEETINGJanuary 18-19, 2008 – SMYRNA, TENNESSEE


Search: Welcome to the United Square Dancers Mall-

Where your purchases support United Square Dancers of America.All transactions made on this site are handled directly by the merchants, not USDA. Each merchant is responsible for the delivery of the goods and services purchased or ordered. No personal information of the shopper is shared by any of the merchants with USDA

Bookmark this page

The Dancers Travel Web Site

Dance ApparelDot's Western Duds

ElectronicsApple StoreBoseEpson StoreFujitsu Computer SystemsGateway ComputersHP Home & Home OfficeiTunes, AppleLenovo (IBM)PalmPanasonic DirectPhilipsSONY Computers & ElectronicsTech Depot - An Office Depot Co.Toshiba - ToshibaDirectHome, GardenBarbecues.comCHEFSFoodSaver.comGurney's Seed and NurseryPark SeedPetco.comRooms To GoWaterford

Sports, Outdoors, RecreationBackcountry.comBart's Water SportsBoaters WorldBrigade QuartermastersCamping WorldConverse ShoesDanskin Women's ApparelDeckers OutdooreHobbiesESPN ShopLacrosse.com - Sports Endeavors, Inc.MilitaryClothing.comMountain GearNASCAR SuperstoreNBAStore.comNFL.Shop.comNHL InteractiveSoccer.com - Sports Endeavors, Inc.US Olympic ShopWest Marine

FeaturedCabelasCallaway Golf Pre-OwnedCutter & BuckGevaliaGNC /General NutritionHallmarkHickory FarmsHighlights For ChildrenJ&R Computer/Music WorldLillian VernonOffice MaxOmaha Steaks (alazing.com)Oregon ScientificRochester Big and TallSIRIUS Satellite RadioTassimoThe Bombay CompanyWorld Book Encyclopedia

TravelAccor HotelsAmerican ExpressBest Western InternationalBritish AirwaysCendant Hotel GroupCheapTicketsChoice Hotels International BrandsClarion HotelsCrowne PlazaDelta Air LinesDollar Rent A CarEnterprise Rent A CarExpediaFairfield Inn & SuitesFairmont HotelsHoliday InnHotwireInterContinental Hotels Group BrandsLa Quinta CorporationMarriott International BrandsOrbitzPricelineRadisson Hotels & Resorts Regent International HotelsSheratonThrifty Rent-A-Car System, nc.Travelocity

http://usda.fundlinkllc.com When you shop at the

USDA Dancer Shopping MallYou are supporting your dance activity

http://usda.fundlinkllc.com/

http://usda.fundlinkllc.com/shop.php?mercid=889










































http://www.dotswesternduds.com/

http://usda.fundlinkllc.com/www.

http://www.arts-dancetravel.com/

http://usda.fundlinkllc.com/?action=bookmark

















































The USDA Dancers Online Shopping Mall is active. You can access it from the USDA Web page at http://www.usda.org or directly at http://usda.fundlinkllc.com.

The shopping mall works like any other online shopping vehicle except now United Square Dancers of America benefits from the experience. After entering the shopping mall and selecting an online retailer to visit, you will be asked to designate USDA or one of its Affiliate organizations. This is for tracking purposes to show who is using the shopping mall. Once the designation is made, you will be sent directly to the retailer of your choice to start shopping. It takes just one extra step when shopping online for United Square Dancers of America to earn contributions that support your dance activity.

All USDA affiliates needs to help support and advertise the new Dancers Online Shopping Mall. It would be great if you would add a link from each affiliates web page to the Dancers Online Shopping Mall.

Tell your non-dancing friends to check it out and use it, too! No matter who is shopping at the Dancers Online Shopping Mall it helps support our dance activities.

Like any other program its success depends on how well we market it to the dancers. If the dancers don’t know about it they cannot use it or tell their friends about it.

This program has the potential to generate large revenues for USDA if we all promote and support it. We must sell it to the dancers through advertising and word of mouth, if we want the shopping mall to be a success.

Since last report in June 2007, the USDA Online Shopping Mall has been used only 20 times by the following USDA Affiliates.

Missouri Federation of Sq & Rd Dance Clubs IncFlorida Federation of Square DancersFederation of Sq & Rd Dancers of South CarolinaLouisiana Square Dance AssociationAlaska Federation of Sq & Rd Dance Clubs

These affiliates have generated $34.11 in revenue for USDA.

The total revenue earned to date from the shopping mall is only $49.90. Fundlink LLC will only issue a check when revenues reach $50.00 or more. We should receive our first check shortly.


Jim WeberMall Administrator Committee Chairman
