August 2026 HSRDC Presidents’ Letter
JULY HIGHLIGHTS
Big Crowd at the July 1 Pre-Hoedown Kick-Off Dance with Jaden Frigo
July got off to a great start with the Pre-Hoedown Kick-Off Dance and Ice Cream Social on Wednesday, July 1. A big crowd appreciated Jaden Frigo’s enthusiastic and entertaining calling. Check out photos here: https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/pre-hoedown-kick-off-dance-and-ice-cream-social/
Caller Clinics Are a Great Success!
Thank you to everyone who has participated in the HSRDC and Houston Caller Association Caller Clinics! These outstanding sessions, led by Tim Ploch and Vernon Jones, provide valuable experience and insights for our local callers. Special thanks to Tim Tyl for stepping in to lead the July 25 clinic. The clinics continue each Saturday through August 22, and dancers are encouraged to come out to dance and show their support. Best of all, these sessions are FREE for dancers! Your participation helps strengthen our local calling community while enjoying an afternoon of great dancing. https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/19/great-turnout-for-caller-clinic/
AUGUST IS HERE!
HSRDC 3rd Quarter Meeting and Dance Sunday, August 16
Let’s have a big crowd at the 3rd Quarter Meeting and the “Summer Nights” Dance on Sunday, August 16. Highlights will be the election of 2027 officers and Steal the Banner Competition recognition! The slate for the 2027 HSRDC Officers includes Sally and Phil Henderson, Presidents; Brenda and Jerry Fabian, First Vice Presidents; Rikki and David Vaughan, Second Vice Presidents; Donna Bowen, Treasurer; and Linda Reaves, Secretary. If you are interested in a leadership role with HSRDC, individuals are needed to serve in appointed positions. Please contact one of the officers for more information.
The dance will feature Vernon Jones, Caller, and honor Jim Earles, who passed away in June. Jim was an avid dancer and member of several HSRDC clubs. This is our annual “donation” dance, so all the donations received will be used to support local activities to improve, promote, and expand square dancing in the Houston area. These initiatives include caller clinics, shared Mainstream lessons, dancer workshops, marketing, and other programs that encourage growth and participation in our local square dance community.
Please bring sweet and savory skewers and finger foods to share. Also, as a special incentive, dancers who sign up at the 3rd quarter dance for the 2026 Houston Hoedown will be entered into a prize drawing!
Jim Earles Memorial Service on August 7
A memorial service will be held for Jim Earles on Friday, August 7, 11:00 AM at the Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, 1215 Campbell Rd., Houston, TX 77055. https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/31/jim-earles-memorial-service/
Steal the Banner Competition Wraps Up on August 16!
The Steal the Banner competition wraps up on August 16. Bring your visitation certificates to the HSRDC meeting to be eligible for prizes! To see more info and print the certificate go to https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/04/27/steal-the-banner-competition/
Nominations for Dancer of the Year, Dance Leader of the Year, and Lifetime Achievement Awards due by August 31
Nominations are due by August 31 for Dancer of the Year and Dance Leader of the Year Awards which are presented each year at the Houston Hoedown. Please send the nominee’s name(s) and qualifying reasons to HSRDCpresident@gmail.com. https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/05/dancer-of-the-year-caller-cuer-of-the-year-lifetime-achievement-award-nominations-due-august-31/
2026 Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World!” October 23-25
Put on your dancing shoes and join us for the 78th Annual Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World: A Global Dance Adventure!” on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, October 23–25 at the Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, Texas! Dan Preedy from Spokane, Washington is the guest caller, and the Ski’s will be leading rounds. Wear international-themed attire on Friday night and show your club spirit on Saturday! Make plans now to attend this great event! For more information, check out https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/78th-annual-houston-hoedown-dance-around-the-world-october-23-25-2026/ and https://houstonsquaredance.com/flyers/
LESSONS
- Tim Ploch’s First Tuesday Series is a great place to learn the new calls that have been added to the Plus list. Please note new location for August 4: Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, Fellowship Hall, 116112 Memorial Drive, Houston
- Fairbees are offering a 40-minute Plus lesson workshop on Thursdays at 7pm. The workshops include the 8 new Plus Calls and Rusty Hinges from previous week, Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, Houston
- Bluebonnet Squares are hosting four workshops on the 8 Plus Calls with Pat Kotal on Monday, August 3, 10, 17, and 24, Klein United Methodist Church, Spring
- Hey Lollies “Introduction to Square Dancing” September 3, Tim Ploch, Caller, Chapelwood Methodist, Houston
- Bluebonnet Squares “Fun Night” September 14 and 21, Pat Kotal, Caller, Klein United Methodist Church, Spring
- Tomball Promenaders will begin Plus lessons on Mondays starting October 5, Dennis Ray, Caller, VFW Hall, Tomball
More information is available on the on the HSRDC calendar at https://houstonsquaredance.com/lessons/
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS AND OTHER DANCE OPPORTUNITIES
August 15, Hanger Squares Luau Dinner and Dance Fundraiser, Matt Barnes, Caller, Jones Hanger, Friendswood
August 16, HSRDC 3rd Quarter Meeting/Election of 2027 Officers and “Summer Nights” Dance in Memory of Jim Earles, Vernon Jones, Caller, Concordia Lutheran Church, Houston
August 20, Fairbees “Loving Arms Pet Rescue” Fundraiser Dance, Gary Sanders, Caller, Spring Branch Presbyterian Church, Houston
September 19, Tomball Promenaders 41st Anniversary Dance “Saturday in the Park” Brad Caldwell, Caller, Klein United Methodist Church, Spring
October 23-25, 78th Annual HSRDC Houston Hoedown “Dance Around the World” with Dan Preedy, Caller, The Ski’s, Round Dance Leaders, Pasadena Convention Center https://houstonsquaredance.com/2026/07/06/78th-annual-houston-hoedown-dance-around-the-world-october-23-25-2026/
November 15, HSRDC 4th Quarter Meeting/Installation of 2027 Officers and Dance, Mike Seastrom, Caller, Concordia Lutheran Church, Houston
See the HSRDC calendar for more information about upcoming dances, lessons, and exhibitions at https://houstonsquaredance.com/calendar/
If you know any dancers who are not receiving the HSRDC emails, please share this link for them to sign up Newsletters – Houston Square Dance or email info@houstonsquaredance.com.
Keep on dancin’! We look forward to seeing you on the dance floor!
Carol and Charles Thornburg