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Newsletter of the Banneker Ballroom Dance Club of Washington, DC
President’s Message
2014-2016 EXECUTIVE BOARD
By Brenda Manley
T
he Banneker Ballroom Dance Club of Washington DC is a valued ins tu on in the District of Columbia. The Club has been around for more than 60 years. It is important that the legacy of Banneker con nues for another 60 years—and yes, beyond. To remain relevant we must keep up with the rapidly changing mes. We are thrilled to report that we have joined social media outlets Facebook and Youtube and added them to our email and surface mailings. We updated our webpage as well. To see our new venues, ‘Like’ us on Facebook. Take a look at our Dance Team performances on Youtube. Both can be accessed from our webpage—bannekerballroomdance.com. The interest in Banneker con nues to swell and we are posi oning ourselves for growth. So, we are re‐organizing the way we retain records, which will encourage con nuity and allow for seamless transi ons. We have begun the process of automa ng our financials with updated accoun ng so ware, and we will have professional services assist us with reports for our 501 (c) (3) status. In January the Club suffered a setback. Our long‐ me and invaluable instructor, Stan Kelly, injured his back and is unable to con nue conduc ng our lessons. Stan readily suggested that we contact a colleague of his to teach our classes. A colleague that impressed him and whom Stan truly thought would suit Banneker well. Michael Sims debuted at Banneker by teaching the Waltz in March. He has been enthusias cally welcomed by the Banneker membership. Michael’s fresh approach to ‘up our game’ has re‐energized us. He has us asking for more! Michael will teach the Samba beginning April 7. Be on me and ready to dance! We will begin promptly at 7pm. I would like to thank the Grapevine Newsle er Commi ee, Be y Wilkins and Eddie Wi en, for their excellent work on this edi on. Coming up! Banneker T‐Shirts!
March 2015
Brenda Manley – President
Cecelia Dade-Winfield – Vice President Felix Theodore – Treasurer
Deryck Chase – Assistant Treasurer
Candace Thomas – Secretary
Anthony Curtis – Assistant Secretary Eddie Witten – Member at Large
INSIDE THIS ISSUE 2
Quilting by Design
2
From Fitness Enthusiast to Instructor
3
Is There Life After Retirement?
3
Going Home
4
Banneker Provides Encouragement in Dance, Work, and Life
4
Granddaughter Accepted by Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive Dance Program
5
For All You’ve Done
5
Club Calendar
6
Birthdays
Page 2
The Banneker Grapevine
Quil ng by Design Submi ed by Brenda Crocke
When I re red from Fannie Mae in 2001, I had no My quilt aesthe c has evolved over the years from idea where the next chapter in my life would lead. I had tradi onal quilt blocks to more modern quilts. Usually my worked on mainframe computers for 30 years as an IBM color pale e consists of bright colors but occasionally I select more muted tones to systems engineer, an create sophis cated designs. applica ons programmer, a This quilt love affair has systems programmer, a lasted for over 13 years. I manager, and a director. I sew garments (as I have couldn’t imagine doing anything else. done since I was 7 years old), but I am passionate about One day I was watching making quilts. I have made TV and tuned into a show about 70 quilts ranging in about quil ng. I became size from 24” wall hangings fascinated with the designs, to lap quilts, twin bed quilts, the colors, and the precision and queen size bed quilts. workmanship that was A collage of only a few of Designing and sewing quilts nurtures my demonstrated. I looked at that quilt show Brenda’s quilt designs every day for months. I went to G Street crea ve soul and allows me to play with Fabrics, my favorite fabric store, and found many fabric color combina ons. Nothing excites me more out that they were offering a beginning quilt class. I immediately signed up, bought a beginning quilt book and than to have someone say “I would love some quil ng fabric, and prepared for my first quilt class. to see some of your quilts” and I, I was so excited and enthusias c. By the end of this class, without hesita on, pull out my album of quilts which I carry on my phone. I was hooked on making quilts.
From Fitness Enthusiast to Instructor Submi ed by Cecelia Dade‐Winfield
Walking for miles through Sligo Creek Park, mixed with spurts of jogging, was a part of my weekly rou ne un l my sorority sister invited me to a end an aerobics class. That was about 15 years ago. Voila! A whole new voca on and a whole new me! I was bi en by the exercise bug! Once an instructor had a family emergency and asked me to lead the exercise class for one session. I was called on to subs tute teach several more mes. I was hooked! The instructor was impressed by the overwhelmingly posi ve comments from the class and suggested I consider enrolling for professional training. I signed up with Aerobics and Fitness Associa on of America. The rest is history.
Cecelia leads aerobics class for seniors
March 2015
I now teach aerobics three days a week to a class of fi y seniors. A er a warmup, I teach a combina on of standing and chair exercise, using weights and resistance bands, ending each session with a cool down that includes stretching exercises. Class members are highly mo vated and many arrive early to help set up chairs and gather at the bulle n board where I frequently post ar cles on healthy ea ng and the benefits of exercise and total fitness. Here are a few of my exercise ps ‐ first, consult a doctor before star ng a new exercise program; begin slowly and gradually increase intensity; know your body; stay hydrated; be consistent and HAVE FUN!.
The Banneker Grapevine
Page 3
Is There Life A er Re rement? Submi ed by Tamara B. Coward
Several years ago a er working for more than 40 years, I thought about life a er re rement. Once during a discussion about re rement with my husband Billy, I asked: “What will I do with my me?” He had already re red, on not one but three occasions, and at that moment looked at me, smiled and said: “You won’t have to look for things to do, they will find you.” He was absolutely right. A er re ring, I found myself chauffeuring grandchildren to and from school while also doing volunteer work at Providence Hospital. In addi on to these things, I also decided to try my hand at wri ng a novel in 2008, under my pen name Jeanne Baron. Copies of my book have been donated to the Banneker Ballroom Dance Club to be used as door prizes at each of its last two black‐ e balls. I have also found the me to travel. Last September I joined a group of parishioners from my church on a two‐week pilgrimage to Southern Europe which included ci es and sites in Spain, Portugal, France and Italy. This was a trip of a life me for me. So what does life have to offer a er re rement? My life is full and has been very rewarding in so many ways. This includes opportuni es to spend me on the dance floor at the Banneker Ballroom Dance Club with others who enjoy the art of dance.
Tamara in Burgos, Spain at the Old Castile Cathedral, path of St. James
Going Home Submi ed by Deryck S. Chase
Since I le my birthplace of Georgetown, Guyana 45 years ago, I had only returned twice. The last me was 20 years ago. My brother and I decided to throw an 80th birthday party for my aunt who s ll lives there. I was excited at the chance to express gra tude to my aunt, who had put us both in posi on to acquire university educa ons; excited to be accompanied by my wife, Sherrill, who had never been there; as well as ge ng an opportunity so see Guyana again. On November 6, five of us flew from Reagan Na onal Airport and seven others flew out of JFK Airport to Miami where we connected with Surinam Airlines, the flight which would take us to Guyana. We spent the first day checking out the city of Stabroek Market, where I grew up helping my grandmother sell her wares. Saturday was the day of the party. One of my cousins brought my aunt to the Georgetown Club under the Sherrill and Deryck at pretense of buying her dinner. My aunt had no idea that so many had come Kaiteur Falls in Guyana from New York and Washington DC to her country to celebrate her birthday. We spent the rest of the day showering her with the love and kindness she so deserved. You cannot go to Guyana without checking out the Kaiteur Falls, so on Tuesday Sherrill and I braved the bumpy ride over the jungle, in a 14‐ seat Cessna, and the trek up the mountain, to see the falls for the first me. A few days later we flew out to the Island resort of Baganara, on the Essequibo River where we had the resort to ourselves for the en re day and Sherrill made good use of the hammock. Overall, we enjoyed the visit. The first two mes I went back, people would call out to me on the street. This me, nobody knew me. March 2015
Page 4
The Banneker Grapevine
Banneker Provides Encouragement in Dance, Work, and Life Submi ed by Emma Coleman Jordan
Banneker Ballroom Dance Club has been a restora ve connec on through every year of my par cipa on. In 2010, Judge Mary Terrell introduced me to Gwen Ingraham and to Stan and Norma Kelly. My hugs go to Stan and Norma for their smiling encouragement Professor Emma through my many dance missteps. Coleman Jordan Georgetown Law Center celebrated my selec on as a 2015 recipient of the American Bar Associa on’s Margaret Brent Women Lawyers of Achievement Award. “This is an extraordinary honor, and Emma well deserves this recogni on. She is a great leader in legal educa on, a scholar whose contribu ons have been profound, and a powerful voice for social jus ce," said Georgetown Law Dean William M. Treanor. The ABA’s Brent Award “recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of women lawyers who have excelled in their field and have paved the way to success
for other women lawyers.” Previous recipients include Jus ces Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sandra Day O’Connor, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, Georgetown Law Professor and D.C. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton (exuberant Banneker Gala dancer) and Lore a Argre , of Banneker. With encouragement from mentors and colleagues, I established economic jus ce in legal theory and brought racial iden ty to financial services and economic equality analysis. In 2011, the second edi on of my casebook about economic jus ce based on race, gender, iden ty and economics was released. I presently teach courses on banking, commercial law, and economic jus ce. I’ve had a passion for mentoring young people in financial services throughout my career, serving as founder of the Associa on of American Law Schools Sec on on Financial Ins tu ons and Consumer Financial Services, chair of the Financial Ins tu ons Commi ee of the California State Bar, and co‐counsel in class ac ons challenging bank stop payment fee charges.
Granddaughter Accepted by Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive Dance Program Submi ed by Francis "Bob" Yates, Sr.
The joy of dance has always been an important part of my family tradi ons. I enjoyed dancing with my beloved wife of 58 years, and we raised our 6 children to dance. Our children were enrolled in formal dance classes and they enjoyed dancing at family events. My oldest daughter, Mitzi Lizarraga, who received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in dance from New York University, con nues to enjoy her love for dance, educa on and the performing arts as the principal of the Los Angeles County High School of Performing Arts. She was formerly the principal of three other performing arts high schools, including the Duke Ellington School Scholarship recipient Morgan of the Arts here in Washington, D.C. Hobson in perfect form As a grandparent, I'm proud of the dance accomplishments of my daughter, Jacy Yates Hobson no ced youngest grandchild, Morgan her daughter's gi of dance at an Hobson. Her mother, my youngest early age when dancing together in March 2015
their family room. Morgan began her formal ballet classes at age 7. When I a ended her first recital I never imagined that she would become the talented dancer that she is today. This year, she audi oned and was accepted and offered scholarships into two pres gious dance programs, one from the Alvin Ailey Summer Intensive Dance Program and the other from the Joffrey Ballet Summer Intensive Dance Program. Morgan decided to a end the Alvin Ailey program for 6‐weeks this summer. At age 16, she will live in Manha an, immerse herself with daily training from industry experts in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary jazz, hip‐hop and West African dance. Her summer will culminate in a dance concert. I'm so excited for the opportunity presented to my granddaughter as I reminisce on a ending her first recital.
The Banneker Grapevine
Page 5
For All You’ve Done! From the Banneker Ballroom Club
S
tan Kelly, an ar s c and accomplished instructor, joined Banneker as its new instructor in September, 2006. For nine years Stan has dedicated himself to teaching dance lessons, never missing a class. Those of us with two le feet will miss his endless pa ence. Those of us whose dance skills con nued to improve will miss his absolute knowledge of dance. Stan is a Master Instructor, beau fully gi ed dancer and most importantly, a wonderful, amazing and generous person. We look forward to the upcoming June Gala where we can really show him our apprecia on! Thank you Stan and Norma for all the years!
Club Calendar April
May
7, 14, 21 Class: Samba 28 Theme Social: Days of Wine and Roses
Class Times 7:00 pm – Introduc on 8:00 pm – Intermediate
5 Class: Peabody 12 Class: Quick Step 19 Class: Line of Dance and Dance E que e 26 Theme Social: Roaring Twen es
June 2 Class: Swing 9 Class: Review 14 June Gala (@Mar n’s Crosswinds)
Class Loca on 6310 Chillum Place NW Washington, DC 20011 Na onal Associa on of Le er Carriers (NALC) Union Hall Second Floor
(Check our online calendar for updates at www.bannekerballroomdance.com)
March 2015
Page 6
The Banneker Grapevine
January
February
March
Cindy Brewer
Fran Alves
Drexel Agee
Carl Carlton
Robert Bowles
Valerie Brooks
Genie Chisholm
Claude Correll
Lovie Carolina
Nobuko Contee
Elaine Gunter
Constance Creasey
Lori Dendy
Reginald Handon
Eve Dickey
Robert Jones
Glenca Kande
Margaret Green
Bonnie McCoy
Roland Kave
Michael Gunn
Elaine Powell
Yvonne Rogers
David Nelson
Saundra Rogers
Timothy Smith
Peter Taylor
Bruce Romano
Sharon Walton
William L Woods
Be y Smalls
Jerry Whi ield
Eleanor Stewart
John Wolf
Reggie Wingfield Eddie Wi en
April
May
June
Diane Blount
William Banks
Gwellnar Banks
Reginald Boone
Joyce Bowles
Albert Lee Brock
Plater Campbell
Deryck Chase
Frances Brock
Constance Hinds
Ronald Crocke
Stewart Fitzgerald
Angela O'Davies
Anthony Cur s
Jeanne Fox Alston
Shern Stewart
JoAnne Joyner‐McNear
Judith Fykes
Paula Waters
Lawrence Lanier
James Jackson
Anita Williams
Cindy Price
Robert Robinson
Gumbs Roma
Mary Terrell
Candace Thomas
Felix Theodore Loren Walker Be y Wilkins Marilyn Williams
Newsle er Commi ee Be y Wilkins, Eddie Wi en
Contact Us Banneker Ballroom Dance Club of Washington, DC Post Office Box 91901 Washington DC, 20090 202‐256‐7218 Website: Bannekerballroomdance.com Email: Banneker_info@bannekerballroomdance.com March 2015