May/June 2008

The group of Conejo Valley Cloggers that journeyed to Victorville for Possum Trot this year experienced the unexpected - it snowed!! We actually had to brush/scrape off our cars on Sunday morning. After a dance-filled weekend, it was nice that the process required arm strength, not foot strength. I must admit, the feet (and legs) were tired. However, it was a great weekend. The teachers were talented; their dances were fun; and the callers for the nightly dances led us with enthusiasm. The Apple Creek Cloggers must have a strong organization to create such a high quality workshop. This year was the silver anniversary.

Conejo Valley Cloggers need to work on the development of a stronger, larger leadership team. The activities of our club are organized by a very small number of members. We need more involvement from the membership. None of the board positions are demanding. The time requirements aren't excessive. One member even gets to shop for the club! Imagine being able to control the cookie/candy menu. The board meets quarterly on a Saturday morning. Quick mini-meetings occur during class. Our dance parties are our biggest ventures. Julie plans most of the activities at the parties. She leads the dances. The board and any members willing to assist arrive early to set up parties. Members with sore feet start the clean-up which the advanced class finishes. Occasionally, the board tweaks the bylaws to keep them in line with club needs.

The current board lacks a treasurer (Ron graciously mans the check-in table and holds the title of "Finance Committee Chair") and the vice-president has been unable to participate in this year's activities. The president is completing the second year of her tour of duty as is the secretary. In other words, Patty and I will be ineligible to hold these jobs next year. I have been on the board for 6 years. I am certain that the club would benefit from a change in board personnel, new people with fresh ideas. If you would be interested in helping with the Tap Rap, organizing hospitality, planning events, finding free publications in which to advertise our club, all of these are potential committee positions open to the willing. We need to begin planning for 2009 very soon. Please contact Ron, Patty or me if the spirit of dance whispers, "Participate!" We won't question your sanity; we will simply sign you up!

Cathy Ewbank

The Tap Rap is the official newsletter of the Conejo Valley Cloggers. It welcomes input, ideas, stories, pictures, etc, about its members and events of interest to its members. Content is determined on a space available basis as well as potential level of interest to the club members.