Congratulations to Mary and Bruce Nelson on receiving the Alberta Rose Award, presented at the 2023 Alberta Convention closing ceremony. The award was presented in recognition of all the years of service to the dance community. Mary & Bruce have served on the Executive of Square Dance Clubs they were members of, provided invaluable service to numerous Alberta Conventions in programming the Choreographed Ballroom Dance Halls; have taught & cued at numerous Alberta Conventions as well as several Canadian National Conventions. They have taught round dancing to many folks throughout the years in Alberta. They have also provided committee support and guidance to ROUND-A-LAB, Square & Round Dance Instructors Association of Alberta, Alberta Square & Round Dance Federation, Community Dance Capital District Association, Calgary & District Callers Association and Edmonton & District Callers & Instructors Association. Most recently they provided round dance coverage over Zoom throughout the world, which was especially valuable during the COVID crisis helping many to cope with loneliness. Mary and Bruce received a standing ovation from the audience. Congratulations Mary and Bruce on a job well done!
Barbara Rehn started square dancing in 1999 at the Country Sunshiners club in Edmonton. After years of enjoying square dancing, she saw an opportunity to do much more for the organization. She became involved in the CDCDA executive board in 2014 as Vice President. She served on the Executive for 4 years (President, Past President) and became a unifying force moving the board forward. Barbara is seen as a leader in the square dance community and continues to stand on the outside looking inside and is always ready and willing to advise the present board. With her many contacts in the dance community she is always listening to fellow dancers, club leaders, callers and cuers and ensures that the CDCDA executive is made aware of concerns and issues, both good and bad.
Although she is not on the board at this time, she has served the zone over the past several years by working on the 2020 & 2021 Alberta Conventions as treasurer. This job was made more challenging as when the 2020 & 2021 AB Conventions were cancelled due to Covid, all purchases needed to be re-distributed. She did such a great job that the Convention that “never was” actually made a profit! Barbara is a great ambassador for square dancing and has introduced square dancing to live music through the Wild Rose Fiddlers Association, a group she also belongs too. Dancing to live music is a treat and a challenge welcomed by square dancers both new and experienced.
Please help us recognize Barbara for her dedication and contribution to the executive and membership of Community Dance Capital District Association
