[Callers] Remembering Your Mentors

Hi all, I haven't followed the whole thread, so I apologize if I am repeating something. I can't speak for everyone here, but I know that this applies to some of us. I have been calling for over thirty years. I am now on "emeritus" status, but am still very grateful to all of the callers, dancers, and musicians who mentored me. Some of these callers are still active: Glen Morningstar, Tony Parks, Larry Edelman, Fred Parks, and my hero, Bill Alkire come to mind. Each of these callers made a huge impression on me through classes, observation, and in their willingness to discuss our craft. Some of my early influences have passed on: Ted Sannela, Gene Ward, Bud Pierce, Dean Wooden, and my dear friend, David Park Williams are some of those I remember. How many of us have shown how much we appreciate what others have shared with us? I sometimes wonder. David Park Williams was past his prime when I met him, but his enthusiasm for dancing and his willingness to share continued until his death at 86. I thought it was important for others to see how it used to be, so I had David share the microphone with me at most of my public dances. I know that he was grateful. He went out of his way to mentor a few newer callers at our Grange's monthly family dance. I know that David enjoyed the after dance discussions we had. Several new callers were thus able to learn from him and to continue to share with a new generation of dancers. I was able to pick Ted's brain at Pinewoods in the early 90s. I still am mindful of some of his tips when I call these days. Several of us often went to dance to Gene Ward's calling at the late Webberville, Michigan Square dance. This was a very different culture than the dances we were used to! I was so thrilled when Gene called his version of the "Northern Lights" square at my wedding reception. So, I guess what I'm saying is that we should be mindful that it's really important to remember that what we are doing is part of a long living tradition. Sure, some of us get left behind by change. I wouldn't recognize a "Mad Robin" if it bit me on my rear. Remember those who helped you get to where you are, and do your part to make sure that this continues for generations to come. John B. Freeman, SFTPOCTJ