March 27, 2015 – Gospel Plus Square Dance, Hopkins, Caller Tom Allen, Cuer Ray Belanger, Guest Cuers Sarah Klaphake and Ken LaBau.  Seven squares representing 14 clubs enjoyed the evening.

The North West Region once again hosted a very successful North West Region Square Dance for Heart as a benefit for the American Heart Association.  The benefit, held on March 22, 2015, raised $2,735.  The suggested gate fee of $5.00 per dancer, sale of dangles, silent auction, snack table donations, donations from other organization, especially the IOOF of Detroit Lakes, MN and the dinner at Pappy’s Café after the dance raised the funds.  A HUGE thank you to the Region officers:  Charley and Wanda Huhtala, Region Presidents and emcee; Duane Olson, Secretary and main organizer; Larry Andresen, Vice President and clean-up.  A special thank you to Sherri and Tom Jones for attending the benefit.  Tom is the North Dakota/Minnesota representative for the American Heart Association.

The North West Region is a stand-alone organization whose purpose is to promote square dancing and to continue the events and projects started by the former NW Region.

SAVE THE DATE:  The first Sunday in April 2016 for the next North West Region Square Dance for Heart benefit – Waubun, MN at 2:00 pm.

Callers and Cuers!

Tom Jones line dancing!

March 23, 2015 – County Line Squares, Monticello, Caller Abe Maier.  Congratulations to all of our new dancers (some are pictured below)!

Congratulations Lisa, Kristine, Dale, Steve, Collette, and Linda! Thanks Carol & Abe!

March 21, 2015 – Dancers at the Westonka “Western Night” dance ranged from 7-93.  Some dancers were from Rochester, Braham, Fargo, Wadena, plus banner raids by South Metro Stars and Ar-Dales!  Westonka Whirlers and guests thoroughly enjoyed Roger & Bernadette McNeil and Ray Belanger.  The room was bursting with energy!  Our new queen is Debbie Quant!

Welcome to “Western Night!”

Congratulations, Debbie!

Caller Roger McNeil!

South Metro Stars retrieved their banner from Westonka Whirlers!

Ar-Dales retrieved their banner from Westonka Whirlers!

March 19, 2015 – Afternoon Squares Dance, Hopkins, Caller Mike Driscoll.  Three squares were present.  Abe is doing better everyday!

Wednesday night March 18, 2015, the members and guests of Spares and Pairs gathered with Wayne and Betty Kubicek and Ray Belanger to celebrate the “Luck of the Irish!”  We had over eight squares of dancers and there was much green to be seen!  Thank you to these people for their enthusiasm and talent that they provided!

A big thank you is also in store to Jane and Don Hanson and Cindy and Al Martin who both put up and took down the stage and table decorations for this festive Irish themed dance!  It’s always fun to be in attendance to see all the effort put forth by these volunteers in order to bring spirit and fun to the evening!

Mary Murphy our “treat table guru” does a loving job of keeping the area stocked with nutritious and enjoyable snacks to keep us energized for the pace of square and round dancing!

You never know what unplanned things might happen at a dance, and Barb Anderson certainly didn’t plan her surprise!

While in the middle of a round dance, she suddenly realized the elastic in her skirt had “given way” and stopped mid-dance to grab hold of the skirt before it “hit the ground!”  One could hear Glenn, her husband say, “I didn’t do it!”

She disappeared into the ladies room and came up with a strategy to temporarily fix the situation in order to save the rest of the night.  A more permanent fix will be applied in the future!

Many dancers who weekly join us often liven up the event, not only with unusual happenings, but also with costumed adornment!  It was certainly true this night as the following pictures will attest.

Come join us Wednesday nights in Bloomington for a guaranteed good time!

Deb Hollimon and Jan Facklam Looking Rather Green! (Check out those boots!)

Barb Gosewisch ready for dancing!

Evert Kari & Jean Boysen are cute leprechaun greeters!

Kathleen Billings and Jim Howg smiling for the I-Pad!

Jane Hanson and Rose Ekegren enjoying conversation.

Don Hanson and John Vining chatting.

Cindy Martin looking cheery and involved as usual!

Ardus Vining, Barbara Felker, and Jean Larson getting ready for the fun!

Evonne Herman and Jennifer Downs pleasant, smiling and ready for music!

Ardus taking a moment to complete the picture with Barry Downs and Clem Herman.

Orph Biel and Len resting up before the dance begins.

Marlene and Gene Larson always are ready for fun!

Ginny and Dick are blue leprechauns tonight!

Always in attendance and ready to have a great time!

Betty Kubicek, Emmillee Dennison, and Jean Garvie gearing up for an active night!

Al Martin thinking up his strategy for keeping people guessing!

Mary Murphy, the food specialist greeting Elaine Gorshe.

Glenn and Barbara Anderson… (keep an eye on her skirt!)

Wayne Kubicek looking rather slim and trim tonight! Hmmmmm

Beverly Anderson is happy to be FINALLY moving to the music.

Joan Fiorella is keeping the square in line!

Elaine Gorshe seriously thinking!

Alice Peterson-Piechowski says their line is the straightest!

Deb Hollimon, Jane Hanson, Geoff Hollimon, and Bob Piechowski feeling just fine!

Sheri Lindemann, Barb Goseweisch, Jim Howg, and Ted Blasko standing at attention!

Ray Belanger in the spirit of the evening!

Wayne and Betty Kubicek enjoying their time at Spares and Pairs!

Green!

More Green!

The Green Bunch!

March 18, 2015 – Beaux & Belles “St Patrick’s” Square Dance and Graduation, St Cloud, Caller Tom Allen, Cuer Sarah Klaphake.  Six squares with dancers from Rum River Squares, Koronis Nite Owls, County Line Squares, and Beaux & Belles were present.  County Line Squares claimed a Beaux & Belles banner!

Congratulations LuAnn, Dominic, Tammy, and David!

Earl & Willard celebrated their birthdays!

County Line Squares claimed a Beaux & Belles banner!

We had a great dance and fun at Afternnon Squares last Thursday, March 12, 2015.  Almost three squares with Caller Mike Driscoll as Abe recovers from his accident.  Abe is now home, pray he recovers fast.

Prize for best costume won by Elaine and runner up Ralph.

March 14, 2015 – Koronis Nite Owls Square Dance, Paynesville, Caller Dean Dederman.  Six squares with dancers from Westonka Whirlers, Wadena Whirlaways, Square & Twirl, Spares & Pairs, Rockin’ County Dancers, Riverbend Promenaders, Koronis Nite Owls, Jolly Twirlers, and County Line Squares were present.

County Line Squares claimed a Koronis Nite Owls banner!

March 13, 2015 – County Line Squares “Wearing o’ the Green” Dance, Monticello, Caller Larry Fruetel.  Eleven squares attended with dancers from Westonka Whirlers, Spares & Pairs, Single Circles, Riverbend Promenaders, Koronis Nite Owls, County Line Squares, Cambridge Corners, Beaux & Belles, and Afternoon Squares.  Royalty attending were Queen Ursula and King Mel from Single Circles and Queen Mavis from County Line Squares.  SDM Chair LeRoy and SDM Secretary Bob were also present.  Spares & Pairs and Beaux & Belles retrieved their banners.  We also celebrated Willard’s 90th birthday!

Banners on display!

Willard’s 90th Birthday!

Beaux & Belles retrieved their banner!

Spares & Pairs retrieved their banner!

Single Circles already had a banner!