Hall of Fame Awards
Hall of Fame inductions at Bop on the Lake
by Gary Chaney, South Side Imperial Dance Club
Chairman of the ABA Hall of Fame Committee
The Bop on the Lake ABA Convention was the site of this year’s Hall of Fame inductions. Mike and Debbe Lapina of the Chicago Windy City Jitterbug Club and Tom and Edie Polzin of the Memphis Bop Club were this year’s inductees into the ABA Hall of Fame.
Mike and Debbe Lapina
This year’s induction began with the induction of Debbe and Mike Lapine of the Chicago Windy City Jitterbug Club. Debbe and Mike have been members of the CWCJC for 12 years and club dance instructors for over 10 year. They have done everything from scheduling lessons, instructing, designing flyers, handling registration and creating workshop; to name a few duties. When they attend dances, Debbe and Mike never miss an opportunity to seek out and dance with new students which encourages the student and provides them with a sense of belonging to the club. They are well know nationally and provide exhibitions and instruction throughout the A.B.A. circuit. They always have “one more dance” left in them for anyone, regardless of their dance ability. Debbe and Mike are true “Good Will Ambassadors” for CWCJC.
Tom and Edie Polzin
Next was the induction of Tom and Edie Polzin from the Memphis Bop Club. Tom and Edie love their home club and use every opportunity to promote the MBC and preserve the style of dance known as the “Bop.” Tom is one of the club’s founding fathers and has been involved with the MBC for over 18 years. Edie has been an active member for over 14 years. They have served tirelessly on numerous committees, on the Board of Directors over the years, and as DJ’s for the MBC and sister ABA clubs’ out of town events. Casino Royale was Tom’s brain child and Edie has worked beside him to make it a success. Tom, at the time of nomination, was serving his fourth year as President of the National Association of Rhythm & Blues Dee Jays. Boppin Tommy’s and Rockin’ Edie’s involvement and enthusiasm for two decades gives testimony to their dedication.
I would like to thank my Hall of Fame Committee. Myra Griemel is my right hand person. She helped me by attending meetings that I couldn’t make and helped count the Hall of Fame Ballots. Lana Bloom has been the contact person, soliciting ticket and certificates for the Hall of Fame inductees. Jim Watson wrote the captions for the inductees’ pictures on the Hall of Fame display. Tommy Roberts ordered and picked up the plaques and medallions used for the induction ceremony.
The Hall of Fame process starts at the annual A.B.A. meeting with the handing out of the nominating materials. We set a deadline for nominations, usually in the early spring. After the deadline, we advise the officers and send out ballots to the members of the Hall of Fame to vote. The ballots must be returned within an established deadline. When the selection is complete we notify the inductees and let A.B.A. officers and to the people who took the time to prepare both the successful and unsuccessful nominations. Finally, comments are prepared for the induction ceremony at the selected the A.B.A. Convention.
This year the A.B.A. had three conventions, one of which was in St Louis ( West County Swing Dance Club ) The Hall of Fame members attending the event were honored at the convention and taken to the Ozzie Smith’s restaurant for lunch by Bill White. Thanks Bill.
The next convention was in Hot Springs ( Little Rock Bop Club ) where the actual induction ceremony was held. The Little Rock Bop Club held a reception for the Hall of Fame members, with hors d’oeuvres, drinks and good conversation.
The last convention will be in Cincinnati ( Cincinnati Bop Club ) and includes a planned reception. The Cincinnati Bop Club was the first club to initiate a get together for Hall of Fame members.
As chairman of the Hall of Fame Committee, I would like to thank the following clubs for their continuous effort in honoring the members of the Hall of Fame. They accomplish this by giving tickets to their event, year after year. These clubs are the Atlanta Swing Dancers, Cincinnati Bop Club, Jacksonville Beach Bop Association, Music City Bop Club, and West County Swing Dance Club. I think by having Hall of Fame members as guests at your dance, you will have a better event. The Hall of Fame Members are the backbone of our dance community.
Hall of Fame members attending Bop on the Lake
Remember, the process of nomination and selection starts all over in January of each year when I pass out the nominating packets. So look around, there are may be deserving people in your club. You should consider taking the time to write and submit a nomination for one of these deserving people.