10. CLUB HISTORY

n May 1986, Jess Lunsford and his wife, Pat started a square dance class at the Bostonia Recreation Center. When the class graduated, they formed the Valley Twirlers Square Dance Club as a Called Run Club. Since there were only two squares, the Lunsforts started another class immediately. At the same time, Bud Auen, who was trying to learn to be a caller, was teaching some of the residents at his mobile home park in Spring Valley to square dance. Bud read about the Valley Twirlers' new class and asked Jess if his group join the class. Jess came to call a dance and then invited those dancers to join the class. Most of them (about two squares' worth) decided to join the new Valley Twirlers class. This second class now had five squares. For the first few years the Valley Twirlers was a caller-run club. During this time Bud served as acting president. In 1989, Jess felt that the time had come for the members to take over the management of the club, and so a board was elected with Bud Auen, who later moved to Missouri in August 1993, as its very first president. The first draft of the bylaws was prepared in 1990 and the club joined the Back Country Square Dance Association. The club held its first Anniversary Dance in February 1991.

With his Tennessee twang and way with tune, Jess Lunsford proved to be a great draw in the East County, and soon the club boasted 75 members. He continued to call and instruct classes until retiring and moving back to Tennessee in 1995. Ron Nelson, a veteran caller with over 30 years of experience, was selected as the new caller of the Valley Twirlers, bring his own electric, creative calling style to the club. Ron continued to call for us until his business schedule made it necessary for him to curtail his calling. in 2000. The Valley Twirlers were delighted (and very fortunate) to find their their next caller Dick Neumann, a full- time caller with over 20 years of experience, brought his own inimitable and danceable style to our club.

Dick Neumann called for us until May, 2004, when he underwent surgery. Ann Walker, a caller with 17 years of experience, agreed to fill in for Dick until he recovered, but due to several post-operation complications, Dick spent the next three years in hospitals and nursing homes. So Ann, who liked to introduce herself as a "Call Girl", continued to fill in for Dick. With her ability to call and cue, she kept the club going. When Dick was able, Ann returned the duties of club caller to him in June 2008. Dick continued calling for us until he passed away in April 2016. After auditioning several callers the Valley Twirlers' Board selected the fabulous Steve Moore as our new caller. Steve has been calling for over 40 years,with almost 30 years as a full-time caller. Steve was welcomed as our caller at a special dance on May 31, 2016.

Over the years the club has had several Round Dance cuers for our party nights. The following is a list of cuers we have had the fortune to have:

  • Jason Lees - May 1997 to August 1998

  • Bob Granger - September 1998 to January 1999

  • Hal Chambers - February 1999 to May 2004

  • Ann Walker - June 2004 to December 2008

  • Bill Hale - January 2010 to August 2010