Warmest greetings to all ABA Members
Where does the time go? It seems as if I just wrote a column for the newsletter and it’s time for another. I guess the old saying, time flies when you are having fun, must be true.
I have great news, we signed up two former ABA clubs, and I’m, looking forward to working with their new leadership. They are the Magic City Boppers from Birmingham, Al and the St Charles Imperial Dance Club from St Louis, MO. Lets make it a goal to have 30 clubs on the ABA roster by our annual meeting. To accomplish this, I’m asking everybody to look around for new clubs that meet the ABA High Standard of membership. Have them contact Paul Hennessey, Vice-president & Membership Chairman, at 1-513-697-6362. Paul will be happy to work with any new club so they can become an ABA member club.
The ABA Cruise is getting bigger. It went from 263 dancers the first year to 331 dancers the second year. This year’s cruise already has 266 dancers signed up. There is a very real possibility of 400+ dancers with this great itinerary, the Mexican Riviera. I’m asking all the ABA clubs to support the American Bop Association and your club by going on the cruise.
Call Maureen at Just Cruisin, 1-800-727-9577 and get onboard. There will be dance time, workshops and many friends from our ABA community. I encourage you to sign up early so you might be on the list for a possible cabin up grade.
I had an opportunity to go to Boogie in the Burgh in Pittsburgh and Casino Royale in Tunica this year, Great parties, great workshops, great food, great music, good friends, and both in beautiful hotels. I donated to the casino more than I wanted, but there is always next year. Each multi-day ABA parties has something to offer. This pick a new one this year to attend along with your favorites and experience something new.
We need to support our ABA Conventions, Rollin on the River in St Louis and Move across the River in Cincinnati. These clubs have supported the ABA for years and its time to show our gratitude. Why should you attend? They’re great parties with great workshop, and good time to be had by all. There will be dancers attending from throughout the country. You’ll see old friends and meet new ones. And if you sign up early, your club and the ABA will receive a rebate from these conventions.
I saved the best news for last; the results of the ABA Hall of Fame nominations and election. 
The Hall of Fame members, the heart and soul of the dance community have come though again. They elected Bill & Gingy Wallace of the Derby City Bop Association (Louisville Kentucky), Jim & Georgia Watson of the Mid-Ohio Boogie Club (Columbus, Ohio), and Barbara Cooley of the Memphis Bop Club (Memphis, Tennessee) to the ABA Hall of Fame. The formal induction will be on November 5th at Move Across the River in Cincinnati, Ohio. I would like to congratulate all the other nominees. Just being nominated by your club is an honor. By selecting you, they have given you great respect and indicated that they hold you in high regard. I hope, when you make your travel plan, you include Cincinnati and share in the induction ceremonies.
So bring your Party Attitudes, Your Biggest Smiles, your Dancing Shoes, and come Join in the Fun.
Gary Chaney
American Bop Association President
