Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation

2011 Recipients Previous Recipients

2011 Trillium Merit Awards

Nick & Dorothy Dahm (Presented January, 2011) - SWOSDA

Nick & Dorothy were introduced to Square Dancing through a church contact. They started dancing in January 2002, and made an immediate connection. They quickly realized that they had to share this wonderful activity; they founded Tri-County Squares in 2005. With lots of drive and perseverance, the club was a success. Their love of dance has them visiting other clubs, attending conventions, and doing promotion every chance they get. Nick & Dorothy think nothing of giving of their time; they do demos for promotion, they chaired the committee for the 50th SWOSDA Anniversary, they worked at the 2010 Plowing Match, and chaired the Information Desk at the 2008 National Convention.

The Dahms encourage community involvement through square dance clubs. They introduced the Trillium Dance (the camp fundraising event for kids with cancer). Tri-County Squares continues to host this annual event, which to date has raised over $14,000 for the camp.

They have held many SWOSDA Executive positions over the years, and have been Ontario Federation Representatives since 2009

Dorothy & Nick are exceptional leaders, friends and citizens. They portray energy and confidence to everyone. They are very deserving of the 2011 Trillium Award of Merit.

Tom & Linda Charlton (Presented November, 2011) - SWOSDA

Tom and Linda Charlton received the Trillium Merit Award on November 21, 2011, at a regular Swinging Duos dance in Strathroy, ON. Tom and Linda started dancing 23 years ago with School House Squares in Lambeth. Bill Balaney, a local caller, encouraged Tom to become a caller, and so in 1986 Tom decided to take on the role. Tom practiced by doing teaching in private homes, church basements, and school gymnasiums. He has called for 6 clubs over the years, and continues as regular caller for four. Tom is also a regular participant at Caller's Clinic, having held the Chairman's position for several years.

Tom has introduced many new dancers to the activity by teaching at high schools, doing demos, and through the ABC program.

His wife Linda is also an active participant by taking part in several square dance committees, as well as holding the role of Secretary for the SWOSDA Association.

Peter Courdin & Karen Remy (Presented November, 2011) - EOSARDA

Karen started dancing in 1985, while Peter started in 1989.

They have both been active members of many clubs since that time.

Not only have Peter and Karen served in numerous capacities on the Executive of Capital Steppers and the EOSARDA Board, they have also served on the Board of the Ontario Federation and on the Board of Directors for Festival 2014.

In addition they have been very active in promoting Square Dancing in their own neighborhood by giving workshops using tapes in their local community center. As a result they have recruited many new dancers.

2010 Trillium Long Service Award

Les & Jean Pitt (Presented November, 2011) - SWOSDA

Les and Jean Pitt are shown here receiving the Trillium Long Service Award. This prestigious award was presented to them by executive members of SWOSDA and the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation, at the Hanover club’s Banner Retrieval / Pie Night in November.

These dedicated dancers have served often on the executive of the Hanover Happy Twirlers, and were the club Presidents in 1974, 1985, 2001, and 2002.

Les and Jean’s influence has been strongly felt in the square dance community for over 50 years. They have gone to many district and regional conventions, and have always promoted square and round dancing as a quality exercise. They still attend dances at the Hanover club.

They have had a strong association with the district and provincial Cerebral Palsy Associations, and were instrumental in the creation of the district lodge to house cerebral palsy patients who require extensive care. Les and Jean’s passion for dancing extended into this area of their life as well. Their son Brian was in a wheelchair, and enjoyed accompanying Les and Jean to square dance evenings.

Hearty congratulations are extended to this remarkable and most deserving couple.

The Trillium Award of Merit was developed by the Ontario S&RD Federation to recognize those Ontario Dancers, Callers, and Leaders who have made outstanding contributions to the square and round dance movement.

Trillium Long Service Award was developed by the Ontario S&RD Federation to recognize those Ontario Dancers, Callers, and Leaders who have devoted years of faithful service to the dance community of Ontario.

Trillium Awards

Recipients List - Trillium Award of Merit

Trillium Long Service Awards