I'm Happy to See You Here Because

Square Dancing is Friendship Set to Music

Lynn Nelson - Biography

We also served the Heart of America Federation as Co-Editor and Editor for 5 years.  We enjoyed the opportunity to meet and dance with people across a two state area.

In June of 1996, I decided that I would enjoy being a caller. I started by attending Kaw Valley Caller School, instructed by Dana Schirmer in Topeka, Kansas, and working with a group of dancers weekly. They were a big help in improving my calling skills. In July of 1997, I attended the Heart of America Callers School, instructed by Tony Oxendine and Jerry Junck and held in Kansas City. In September 1997, I attended the Golden Triangle Square Dance Caller College held in Woodville, Texas, by Wayne Morvent and Wade Driver. In 2000 and 2004 I again went back to the Heart of America Callers School to work with Jerry Junck and Paul Henze to  try to refine some of my skills.  There’s always more to learn and I wonder if I will ever be able to put it all to use.

I have been the Club Caller for the B-N-R Squares since May '97 and am very pleased with the support I have received from the members and area dancers. In 1999 I was asked to be the club caller for the Mustangs Square Dance Club in Overland Park, Kansas. The Mustangs have been so supportive and a joy to call for. Some of them have become more like family than friends, as have the B-N-R Squares.  Another example of how Square Dancing is Friendship Set To Music.

On May 23, 1999, we lost Jerry following open heart surgery.  It was quite a blow to all of us and square dancing became my salvation.  I found myself out either calling, dancing or teaching 5 or 6 nights a week.  I immersed myself in an activity that I loved in order to dull the pain of my loss.  I’ve always said that Square Dancing is the best stress reliever I’ve ever found, and this chapter in my life confirmed that.  The friendship, comfort and support I found among other square dancers is unequaled by anything else in my life.

Jerry and I have 2 children. Our son Tim is the father of our grandchild, Tim Jr., better known as TJ. On July 31,1997, he married Lesa Pollock and we gained another grandson, Seth. Our daughter Cindi is still unattached.  Both of our children have square danced in the past but have moved on to other interests.  While I can’t get them to a square dance any more, TJ has become Grandma’s partner when he is available.  He took lessons in 2000, graduating just before his 8^th birthday.  In the past few years he has become a favorite partner for many of the ladies in our area and particularly in our club.  Sometimes he dances with others more than he dances with me, but it makes me so proud to watch him dance.   After all, youth are the future of our activity.

In the years since I began calling, I have traveled all over the states of Kansas and Missouri and even up into Nebraska.  I’m also looking forward to future dates in Iowa and Illinois.  This is an opportunity that I am so grateful for.  I have met many wonderful people across the miles and look forward to meeting so many more.  Always remember there are no strangers in Square Dancing.  Only friends you haven’t met yet.  When you step into a square, be sure to introduce yourself to the others there.  Who knows, maybe it will be me.  I’m liable to turn up anywhere.  I love to dance as much as I love to call.  I look forward to meeting YOU in a square.

Special thanks to Dan Wheeler, maintains this site for me.  Dan’s help is greatly appreciated.  He’s a good friend, not only to me, but to all of Square Dancing.  Be sure to find the link to his main page and stop by and take a look at all the wonderful things he does.  Thanks Dan, and many yellow rocks.