In 1987 our present GoodTime Squares Dance Club really began with a small group of dancers and Winston Mount learning to call. This gathering was usually in the basement of the home of John and Thelma Wouters. - (Freda Moore’s parents, who also square danced.)
In the spring of 1989, Winston presented a request to the Swingin’ Saints Square and Round Dance Club of Brockville for their support in his starting a new basic \ mainstream club. The Saints agreed to the request and in the fall a new basic \ mainstream called the Swingin’ Saints Rising Stars began with Winston calling to two squares and six new dancers.
The following January (1990), this new club held their first dance in support of the V.O.N. "Alzheimer’s Outreach Program". This benefit dance was started in memory of Tom Ormerod, one of the original dancers of the club’s basement years. Winston Mount gave all dancers and spectators a fun time.
September 1990 saw our club with 31 members and again 6 new dancers. The club graduated six new dancers the following spring.
In September 1991, Ted & Freda Moore became the liaison couple for the Rising Stars with the Swingin’ Saints. Ed Nicholson was appointed as treasurer for our club and all monies collected was deposited to the Swingin’ Saints account, and they paid all the expenses.
This arrangement between the two clubs continued for almost three years with Winston Mount calling.
During the 93 \ 94 season the Rising Stars experienced monetary difficulties due to a lower membership. This resulted in the consideration and decision that the Swingin’ Saints, ( who were also facing difficulties), could no longer help with the finances.
On April 21 1994, at the Annual General Meeting, the fiveteen members of the Rising Stars voted to carry on the operation of the club. Money raising projects were suggested and a new club name was chosen.
An executive was elected, a new banner created and we became the GoodTime Squares. The former name, The Swingin’ Saints Rising Stars, was officially discontinued and the new name duly registered with the Square and Round dance Federation and the Eastern Ontario Square and Round Dance Association.
The spring and summer of 1994 busied us with a number of fund raising events. A garage sale, Loeb’s Trailer BBQ, a bake and craft sale, and, Donovan draw and hay ride. All events were fun for everyone. With these events, a generous donation from a member, plus, a donation from the Swingin’ Saints, we were able to start the 1994 \ 1995 season with confidence. We finished the 1994 \ 1995 season with a healthy bank balance, eleven new dancers, forty three members.
In subsequent years the GoodTime Squares have participated in Riverfest Floats, A Seaway Valley Parade, 2 Lyn Parades, and Demo’s in malls, schools, senior’s residences, churches and hospital’s. In the spring of 2004, we were saddened by the death of our callers wife, Gerrie Mount.
In April 2005 the GoodTime Squares held a good-bye party for Winston Mount, our esteemed caller for 12 years. He was moving to Burlington Ontario. Through an audition process, Bob Summers and his taw Marguerite agreed to be our new caller. We kept Bob busy with a July 1 demo in Athens and again in Athens for cornfest.
Each January has seen a most successful dance in support of the Lanark, Leeds and Grenville Alzheimers Outreach Program. It is important to note here that everything is donated and passed to the Outreach Program.
In January 2009, we celebrate our 20th annual benefit dance for the, now, C.P.H.C. Alzheimers outreach program and look forward to many more, “GoodTimes”
Presidents Throughout The Years
|
| 2008 - 2009 |
Murray Rule, Mary Saunders ( Retired) |
| 2006 - 2008 |
Derek & Doreen Wood |
| 2004 - 2006 |
Ted & Freda Moore |
| 2003 - 2004 |
Jim & Barbara Little |
| 2002 - 2003 |
Doris & Jim Taylor |
| 2001 - 2002 |
Ferdi & Myrtle Van den Oetelaar |
| 2000 - 2001 |
Jim & Barbara Little |
| 1999 - 2000 |
Ed & Joan Nicholson |
| 1997 - 1999 |
Sandra & Don Shepherd |
| 1996 - 1997 |
Ted & Freda Moore |
| 1995 - 1996 |
Ed & Joan Nicholson |
| 1994 - 1995 |
Ed & Doreen Donovan |
