NVSC History - 1994

1ST GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING AND KICK-OFF

REELIN’ AND ROCKIN’ (Chuck Berry)

Eight months later, on Saturday, February 27, 1994, the first official club meeting took place at Dee Bassett’s home.

• Dee Bassett, President
• Debbie Nichols, Vice President
• Liz Kestler, Secretary
• Dave Rapson, Treasurer

After discussing several options, the group voted to name the club THE NORTHERN VIRGINIA SHAG CLUB. They adopted Rick Hendrix’s suggestion that the name of the club’s newsletter be called the “Shag Rag,” and Janis Grimes agreed to serve as publisher/editor. Donna Harrington and Pauline Easby-Smith said they would chair the Events Committee. Charlie Price agreed to write proposed By-laws for the club similar to the format of the Richmond Shag Club, and to look into procedures for incorporating the club. After the meeting, they rolled up the living room carpet, turned on the music, and shared dance, music, food and lively conversation.

• Dee Bassett
• Larry Boyer
• Larry Camp
• Pauline Easby-Smith
• Dickie Gee
• Janis Grimes
• Dotty Hale
• Frank Hale
• Donna Harrington
• Rick Hendrix
• Liz Kestler
• Tom Lufkin
• Bert Nelbach
• Debbie Nichols
• Nick Nichols
• Patricia Parrott
• Charlie Price
• Dave Rapson
• Ruth Rapson
• Sharon Salpini
• Gary Salpini

In July 1994, at the first General Membership meeting held at the Juke Box Café, Janis Grimes, Larry Camp and Gary Salpini were elected by the members to serve as Board Members-at-Large. Sharon Salpini was asked to chair the Membership Committee.

Dee and other NVSC Board and committee members enthusiastically embraced the challenge of meeting all requirements for admission into the Association of Carolina Shag Clubs (ACSC). The club’s logo, designed by Rick Hendrix and Liz Kestler (who received a $25 winner’s prize), was voted on and accepted. Logo colors were determined to be black, gold and aqua blue. Required ACSC meetings were attended. Club By-laws were finalized and approved. Dee asked The Virginia Beach Shag Club to sponsor the club and, on September 17th, 1994, Roger Elling of the Virginia Beach Shag Club placed the Northern Virginia Shag Club before the ACSC. By unanimous vote NVSC became an associate member for a period of one year, after which it would be fully recognized and able to vote as an active member of the ACSC. It was said that we had the distinction, then, but not any longer, of being the northernmost shag club in the Association. Many thanks to Dee, Gary and others who worked so hard for so long to bring the club to this point in its evolution.

At that time, club members danced every Wednesday night at the Juke Box Café in Springfield. Debbie Nichols taught the basic step with diligence and devotion to all who wanted to learn this new and fascinating dance. In August, Larry Boyer joined her, teaching beginner turns and intermediate steps.

LOVE COME KNOCKIN’ (Percy Sledge)