Club News No. 11
January 9, 2003

School has begun and we are well into the winter phase of the school year, taking the kids to and from school, helping them with their schoolwork, and doing a myriad of other things to support their education.

For several years now, we and our professional weather watchers have obsessed about the unusual weather patterns in the Metropolitan Washington, D.C. Area, i.e., the lack of rain and snow. Well, obsess no more, for this winter has brought us more than our share of each. With respect to the snow, people are making plans for ski trips, playing indoor games, or just lounging around enjoying the comfort of home. But as we all know, one man's happiness can sometimes be another man's sadness. Before too long, though, both spring and summer will be upon us, ushering in days that will coax a different set of people to begin a round of play. Well, so much for small talk; let's now get down to what really interests subscribers of my newsletter.

In order to ease publishing of the newsletter and make it more accessible to more people, I am taking publishing of it to the next level, i.e., the World Wide Web (WWW). Even though the publishing method is different, I’d still appreciate being passed information of interest to the hand dance community if anyone comes across any so I can pass it on. And, if anyone wants to share their vacation plans or stories about their vacation, please do. Since we all know each other, or “know of” each other I think it would make interesting reading.

This newsletter has been published for approximately 4 years, but this is the first time it has been made available to subscribers and surfers of the WWW. This publication presents information on the below topics:

  • Past Events;

  • What's Coming Up;

  • Classes/Lessons; and

  • Services.

Past Events

2002

Friday, June 14

Friday, June 14. Lady D had “Opening Night” at Club 2K9, 2009 8th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. She’ll be appearing there Wednesday nights. Michael and I went to wish her well and to see what the club looked like. The building itself is a two-story brick building. There were two fenced-in lots next to it where we parked for $5. Upon entering the building we were greeted warmly by a woman who was giving all the ladies a long-stemmed red rose. There was no cover charge for Opening Night, but I believe there usually is a nominal cover. In the “lobby” I noticed a staircase to the right leading to the second floor, which we checked out before we left. When we first entered the dance room, Lady D was busy on the dance floor. She was definitely enjoying herself. Lady D was stunning in her white outfit, and seemed very pleased with the large turnout.

The interior of the club was very spacious and open. I noticed mostly large, round tables with a capacity to seat six were set up around three sides of the dance floor and there was a good-sized stage along the fourth side. I asked Lady D if that was where she would be set up and she said she thought there would be dancing on the stage. Then she turned and pointed to a wall in the far corner with a “cut out window” which was the DJ booth, and said that’s where she would be.

Most of the tables were either taken or being “saved” for friends not there yet. The bar was situated opposite the stage, and another smaller, cozy room with café size tables and a few divans was off the main dance room. There were two buffet tables, one just inside the entrance door and the other in the smaller room. And the food was delicious. Fried chicken (full size chicken legs, thighs, and wings seasoned just right and fried to a golden brown), green beans, macaroni and cheese, black beans and rice, sweet potatoes, and rolls were offered for the price of a drink. Since we arrived after happy hour we weren’t able to take advantage of the happy hour prices and found the price of a Budweiser and a mixed drink a bit steep -- $12. They didn’t have Mystic juices, but they had Coke, Sprite, bottled water and OJ and cranberry juice for mixed drinks. The dance floor was about the same size as the one at Andrews AFB. Maurice and others were having a great time dancing, so the floor must have been pretty good.

Michael and I didn’t stay long and left before Vee, Carlene, and Dreama arrived because we were looking forward to a full, active day at The JFB picnic on Saturday. But before we left we went upstairs for a peek. The second floor was set-up similar to downstairs. There was a DJ on the stage or platform, and a few couples hand dancing on a dance floor about the same size as the one downstairs. There also was a bar, and the tables were smaller and more intimate than downstairs, but it wasn’t as crowded. Since it was relatively early and a Friday night, we figured it would soon fill up. In sum, I think Lady D will be very happy at her new Wednesday spot and will be a valuable asset to Club 2K9. She’ll probably develop a loyal following of hand dancers at 2K9 just like she has at Hang Tyme and The VFW Post. Its nice to know that there’s a club in N.W. Washington that offers hand dancing, and is relatively easy to get to. We wish you the best in your newest club, Lady D.

Saturday, June 15

Members of The Jammin’ Fun Bunch (JFB) gathered at Breezy Point Beach and Campground in Calvert County, MD for a picnic. Michael and Lee and their guests, Mack and Nancy, were first on the scene and were joined by Lori and her two children. Wes and his two sons arrived just before a drenching downpour. It rained for about 10 minutes then moved on up the coast, then the sun came out and dried everything like it never rained. Other JFB members at the picnic include Vee, Anne, Dreama, Cynthia and Maurice. And members of Cynthia’s family include her sister Clarice, Clarice’s husband Fred, and their granddaughter Kilah, also Cynthia’s other sister June and her friend, Lillian.

It was a glorious day for a picnic. We had the perfect spot under a large shade tree away from the other picnickers. We brought lots of goodies to eat. We grilled salmon, hot dogs, and hamburgers, baked beans, deviled eggs, potato salad, macaroni salad, fried chicken, cake, cookies, chips, watermelon, and salad. Some played cards while others relaxed by the water’s edge. The ocean was very calm and was relatively warm because Wes’ oldest son stayed in the water and only came out to eat! I even found some shark’s teeth! (Must be baby sharks’ teeth because they’re so tiny!) We left around 7:00 and promised to come back real soon. As a matter of fact, we’re already planning our next outing!

Wednesday, June 19

Harold W dropped in on Club 2K9. Lady D is on vacation and will be back next week. He was in some dire need of a little relaxation and dancing after putting in those 11-hour days. DJ Nate The Skate was the DJ for the evening. Harold said folks started filing in around 8:00 and he stayed until about 9:30. He said he’ll definitely come back because Wednesday is usually an evening that he can go dancing.

Michael and I, along with Silver Shadows regulars Cheryl B, Brenda Z, Bridge, Martin, Lewis, Tebbie, Gussie, Fred, Ed, Cecil, Judy D, Kitten, Claude, Robert, and Jesse had a great time at the club last night. It was nice seeing the folks who hadn’t been in for a couple of weeks. And to all you others out there who used to dance at the Shadows, Hey, we’re missin’ ya! We’d love to see you again. Drop in and catch a dance or two. Aw, heck! Jes’ c’mon in and stay a while!

Friday, June 28

Smooth As Silk is having their “First Summer Hand Dance Affair” from 8:00 - 12:30 am at the Earleigh Heights Fire Hall (Ritchie Highway and Magothy Bridge Road), Severna Park, MD. $10 advance/$15 at the door. BYOL/ Cabaret Style/Free Set Ups - Free Parking. Dressy Casual Attire - “Straw Hat Night” DJ Siggy will be your host. Contact Douglas at (410) 974-9691 for tickets.

Friday - Sunday, June 28-30

Hampton Jazz Festival 2002 will be featuring Patti Labelle, Fourplay, The O’Jays, Oleta Adams, Dave Koz with James Ingram, Norman Brown, & Brian Culbertson, Stephanie Mills, Frankie Beverly & Maze, The Gap Band, Teena Marie, and more! For details visit the website: http://rd.bcentral.com

Saturday, June 29

There will be an ole skool hand/line dance party at Six Flags Amusement Park sponsored by sister stations MAJIC 102.3 (D.C.) and MAJIC 95.9 (Balt.). For more information visit their website:

 

What's Coming Up

2003

January 18-20

Marcia Foster - [Creative Concepts by Marcia, (CCbM)], and some other creative individuals, are making preparations for her “Second Most Creative Hand Dance Competition” expected to take place on Saturday, January 18, and Sunday, January 19, 2003. She’s advising everyone that it’ll be “an all night party” (especially since it’s a long weekend). Marcia is even making arrangements with a hotel (A-1 accommodations) for special rates ($50-75 per room). She’s looking for “Hand Dance Evaluators” (formerly called judges) to evaluate the contestants’ hand dancing. And, she’s looking for DJs. If you’re interested, and believe you qualify as an evaluator, or would like to submit a bid as a DJ, or would just like to volunteer your services and help out, please contact Marcia by e-mail at marcia1947@erols.com or by telephone: (301) 772-7877.

 
Classes/Lessons

  • TUESDAYS: Jessie B teaches Soul Line Dance at Kimble’s Health & Fitness for Women, 2090 Industrial Parkway, Silver Spring, MD (301) 622-2800 at 11:00 a.m. Fee: $5;

  • THURSDAYS: From 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. she teaches at the Howard County Office on Aging, 6600 Cradlerock Way, Columbia, MD. Fee: $5 (240) 313-7680;

  • FRIDAYS: She’s at the Sport & Health Club, 11313 Lockwood Drive, Silver Spring, MD (301) 593-7626. Fee: $5;

  • SATURDAYS: She back at Kimble’s Health & Fitness for Women, 2090 Industrial Parkway, Silver Spring, MD (301) 622-2800 at 3:00 p.m. Fee: $5.

    Jessie can be reached at aggiejb@hotmail.com;

  • “Jackie” Regina Blackmon teaches hand dance on Wednesdays at the Waterside Fitness, 901 6th Street, SW from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Classes are $5. Please contact her at fuzzy329@msn.com;

  • Cecil teaches basic hand dance and Bop classes at the Silver Shadows on Wednesdays from 6:30-7:30 p.m., and the club also offers line dance instruction. Cecil also makes and sells CDs;

  • Rico makes and sells hand dance CDs for $10. He’s also a very talented and experienced DJ and is available for hire. Rico can be reached at ricomg@aol.com;

  • Lynn Dancn Club is closed for the summer. When I get information on it’s re-opening, I’ll let everyone know;

  • Smooth As Silk teaches hand dance for beginners and intermediates every Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the Vulcan Blazer club, Baltimore City. Cost: $6 per session. For information call Douglas (410) 974-9691;

  • Al Johnson and Garrett Kellam (Sugar Foot Dance Co.) teach hand dance and Fred Astaire (Bop) lessons Tuesday and Wednesdays from 6:30 - 8:30 and Saturdays from 2:00 - 4:00, 4107 Mortimore Ave, Baltimore. For more information call Al (410) 587-4627 or Garrett (410) 922-9306;

  • Ron Fisher teaches hand dance classes at Club Elite on Monday, Tuesday evenings and Saturday afternoons;

  • Charles Wilson (W&W Productions) teaches hand dance on Wednesdays. Each course is for 9 weeks. Classes are 6:30-8:30 p.m. and are $5 an hour. Address: 5209 York Road, 2nd Floor, Baltimore. (410) 664-5740, (410) 435-8176 or (443) 310-4689. W&W Dance Academy is equipped with mirrored walls and video and TV equipment so you can monitor you own performance. Water is provided.

    Classes are also offered on Thursdays, and on Saturdays from 4-7 there’s advanced workshops for the highly advanced dancer to work at their own pace, and to practice, exchange and compare different moves and styles. Contact Charles for more information at Areteese@aol.com; and

  • Line Dancing is offered at Eagles Nest on Wednesdays from 7 to 9 and then karoake afterwards.

 
Services

  • Quentin Adams (Professa Q) has been preparing taxes for his clients for the past seven years, and has been certified since 1997. Call Quentin for an appointment at (301) 577-6356 (home office) or (202) 746-0881 (cell phone); and

  • VidaMarie (Arvida), a Senior Associate for Pre-Paid Legal Services, Inc., recently took a test and became Group Qualified. Pre-Paid Legal Services has different plans for everyone, such as the regular Family Plan, Small Business, Foster Parent, CDL Plan for CDL Drivers. She invites you to visit her website www.prepaidlegal.com/go/arvidawoods . Also, at 7:30 every Tuesday in Lanham presentations and overviews are given which explains the membership and business opportunities available. Contact Arvida for more information.

    It’s come to my attention that some of you may not be receiving your Club News or are having trouble opening the document. I apologize for this. We have changed computer programs and this may be the cause of the difficulty. I’ll continue to do what I can to make sure everyone receives the newsletter.

    Thanks for your support, and continued patronage!