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Just getting home from an incredible trip to Japan!
I was honored to support the first-ever Japanese CALLERLAB Mini-Lab, and I am so proud of the work our team put in. I’m incredibly grateful to Hiroshi and the entire Mini-Lab Task Team from the Japan Square Dance Association for welcoming us so warmly and for making history with us. And another shoutout to GSI for helping make this event happen. It was so special to finally put faces to names, welcome so many new members, and share the same square dance language together. We managed to squeeze in so many adventures along the way — still pinching myself that this is my life. What a phenomenal team to travel and work with. I took approximately 1,000,001 photos… but I’ll spare you and just share a few of my favorites here. Until next time, Japan… Kanpai! |
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It’s wild to think it’s already been three years since we packed up and moved CALLERLAB to our new Home Office. Every year has brought something new — projects, faces, challenges, and plenty of adventure along the way. Most of the boxes are long gone, the furniture’s been rearranged a few times, the to-do list somehow never gets shorter… but I’m so grateful for how far we’ve come and for everyone who makes this work meaningful. This is certainly more than just a job. Here’s to the journey, the people, and all the adventures still ahead.  We had a great time at the CALLERLAB Fundraising Dance! Thanks to the Hayloft Steppers in Sturbridge, MA for hosting us. The dance raised over $1,000 for CALLERLAB!  Jack Pladdys, Ted Lizotte, Teresa Berger, Shauna Kaaria, Tony Oxendine, Justin Russell
It's always a privilege to call with these incredible talented folks! We raised over $1,300 for CALLERLAB at the Fall CALLERLAB Fundraising Dance. The dance was sponsored by the Riley Wranglers Square Dance Club and the Merry Mixers Square Dance Club - thanks to all the members who helped facilitate the details of this event! Special thanks to the Executive Committee for volunteering their time and talent during this dance. Chair Ted Lizotte, Vice Chair Justin Russell, Executive Committee Members Shauna Forbush Kaaria, Tony Oxendine, and Jack Pladdys, and Executive Director, Teresa Berger. Shoutout to the other callers in attendance: Gary Hutton, Tom Davis, Janet Lewis, Doris Swain, Travis Cook, Amanda Skidmore, Avery Arnold, Keith Dishman, Phillip Peak, Doug Cline, and Bill Garrison. And last but certainly not least, thanks to our partner in crime (and all things digital media related), Ray Owens, Square Dance Tech. Photos Videos   
  It was an honor to share the stage with these talented callers at the CALLERLAB fundraising dance in Texas this weekend! These guys do great work for our organization and the square dance activity! #CALLERLAB  Just a few of the many memories from the 48th CALLERLAB Convention! I had the pleasure of chatting with so many of our members this week but I was terrible at taking pictures....can you believe that? Another huge shoutout to the CALLERLAB staff for making this week possible! #callerlab2023
Exactly one week ago, I arrived in Pittsburgh, PA for the 47th CALLERLAB Convention - my first as Executive Director. As I'm heading home today, I can't believe the week is already over. I'm inspired by the passion and energy of our membership and thrilled by the enthusiasm to "Restart, Reconnect, & Restore" the square dance activity. I couldn't have done it without the support of my amazing team: from the Home Office, Dana Schirmer & Donna Schirmer and volunteers, Frank Elisa Berger & Avery Arnold. We had lots of other folks who jumped in to help along the way too. Please know how much you are appreciated! I'm lucky to serve an incredible organization and have many folks who have given me so much support, respect and encouragement along the way. Excerpt from the CALLERLAB DIRECTION Newsletter November-December 2020: Executive Director Transition The Board of Governors have approved Teresa Berger as the new Executive Director effective December 1, 2020. Dana will remain on staff as the Assistant Executive Director to assist Teresa. Dana has served as the Executive Director of CALLERLAB since 2009. During his tenure, Dana had a tremendous impact on the organization. We are grateful for his leadership and continued expertise in the Home Office.
 Teresa presenting during the 2021 CALLERLAB Virtual Meeting
What a wonderful experience to attend the CALLERLAB Convention in Nashville, TN. There was so much to do and the workshops provided great ideas and information. Thank you CALLERLAB! Below are a few pictures.                     |
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