Portland Swing Dance Club

As I celebrated my birthday last month, I realized I’m getting closer to my 10-year high school reunion. I’m amazed at how much—and how little—life has changed in 10 short years. I look forward to seeing old friends that I’ve lost touch with, asking them what they’re doing with their lives, how many kids they’ve had, high school sweethearts that worked out, class clowns that became structured business men, and hopefully meeting up with other computer nerds like me who did, one day, marry the girl of their dreams.

In March, the PSDC will be turning seven years old! In looking through the scrapbooks, seven years has made a big difference to our club. Clothing styles, hair styles, dance music, and dance styles—all have changed.

Our first board of directors consisted of:

• Mike McClure, President
• Manny Gonzales, Vice President
• Donna Mook, Secretary
• Monica Gruher, Treasurer
• Cindy Clark, Marketing and Promotions
• Steve Klein, Facilities
• Debie Rowe, Dances and Events
• Rhonda Shotts, Newsletter
• Shana Weeks, Decorations and Refreshments
• Velma Zonich, Membership

Here are some firsts:

• Feb 19, 1999. First PSDC dance at Abernathy Grange, Oregon City.
• First newsletter was 5 pages, containing announcements, the president’s press, calendar of events, member birthdays, lesson information, editor’s corner, etc.
• May 23, 1999. First Norse Hall dance with guest instructors Jim Minty and Nancy Goldberg (now Heaverlo) from Seattle.
• The first PSDC workshop weekend was with Kyle Redd and Sarah Vann Drake from October 23rd to 24th.

So after seven great years, we’re going to have another first—the PSDC is throwing a reunion party. We are hoping that everyone will spread the word to dance friends past and present to come celebrate the club that ties us together as a community. We’re having a reunion dance on Saturday, March 25, upstairs at the Norse Hall. The price will be $5, just like when the PSDC dances first started. Come see friends spanning seven years—all in one room.

Here’s to seven years and counting of great dancing!