As you read this article, 2000 will be history as will the first half session of the new square dance classes. Hopefully, everyone had a heathy and joyous holiday season and 2000 was a fulfilling year in all areas including square dancing.The future of square dancing of much concern to me, as it should be to the entire square dance community, simply because the foundation, new students, appears to be spiraling downward.

At the September 9" meeting of CCNJ we had a discussion of classes and student level dances for the 2000-2001 season and a suggestion was made to compile a list of new students for this season. Wayne Applegate volunteered to take on this task. He has contacted each caller teaching new students to forward a copy of their finalized class roster (names and addresses) to him, so he can compile it into a database.

The intent of the database is to evaluate the number and locations of student level dances, and (possibly) to contact students directly to inform them of these dances. Also, we will be ablable to identify new students who attend these dances without subjecting them to possible "embarrassment" by directly questioning them at the events. Current results indicate the number of expected new students to graduate in 2,001 is quite small. Not overly encouraging.

in the last issue of Grand Square we mentioned contacting the club presidents to set up a meeting. Dolores Gesumaria, president of Spinning Wheels, will be sending invitations for this dinner/meeting to be held the night of their Presidents Day dance in February, free to club presidents. Dolores will also be asking for items to be included in the agenda. You can e-mail her at dollyges@juno.com.

Several NNJSDA clubs have closed shop for one reason of another, some due to lack of members accepting an office, others for lack of attendance at their dances.

This is not a good trend. One possible answer may be to consolidate clubs that dance in the same geographical 'area. I understand several clubs are already doing this; I would be interested to know how it is working. Lets face it: the future of square dancing in our area rests squarely on all of our shoulders. Regardless of our dance level, we must reinforce our foundation by attending at least one different Mainstream dance each week.

We are always interested in suggestions as to what CCNJ can do to help the clubs, not only with classes but with whatever square dance related problems they may be encountering. You can contact me via e-mail at robsdclr@dandy.net. Until next issue, enjoy and support your Mainstream clubs. Sincerely,

Bob Robinson & Dolores Gesumaria, CCNJ Presidents