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Experience Education on
the Prairie Education Program Presents |
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KEYNOTE ADDRESS KEYNOTE SPEAKER JIM MACZKO "SQUARE DANCE SPIRIT" |
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Jim Maczko, is one of the nation’s foremost square dance leaders. Jim’s involvement within the activity covers all facets of the square dance movement. Recently honored for his 50 years of service to square dancing, Jim’s commitment and dedication were recognized by his home association, the Square Dance Association of San Diego County, California, at its annual Fiesta de la Cuadrilla, November 6, 2004. The California Square Dance Council and the Council affiliate organizations honored and recognized Jim at their quarterly meeting a week later. At the age of 7, Jim began dancing in 1954, with the Junior Levis and Laces in Lemon Grove,California, under the direction of caller Juan Franks. Beginning his leadership role at an early age, he was elected and served as President of the San Diego Junior Square Dance Association, an association of area youth clubs. |
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Jim, past president of the San Diego Square Dance Association, has been General Chairman of the “Fiesta de la Cuadrilla” twice. Serving as President of the California Square Dance Council from 1977 to 1979, he became the only four-term Council President when he was elected for a second two-year term. One of the founding fathers of the United Square Dancers of America (USDA), Jim served as its first President from 1981 to 1983. He continues to serve on the Executive Board as Parliamentarian. Jim has accepted many various appointed positions for San Diego Association, California Council and USDA, including Parliamentarian for all three. He has served on committees of several California State Square Dance Conventions. A member of the USAWest Policy Board, Jim was Co-General Chairman of the second USAWest, held in San Francisco in 1998. Attending his first National Convention in San Diego in 1956, the 57th NSDC will be his 44th National Convention. Jim’s involvement with these Nationals includes participating in 23 different panels as moderator or panelists. As Publicity Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of the 1976 National Square Dance Convention® in Anaheim, he was partially responsible for attracting the nearly 40,000 dancers in attendance, the largest National Convention. One of the founding fathers of the Alliance of Rounds, Traditional and Square Dance ARTS, Jim was elected its first Chairman of the Governing Board (2004-2006). He was instrumental in achieving 501 (c) (3) non-profit charitable status for the ARTS. Considered one of the foremost experts on the history and development of square dancing and its offshoots, Jim’s expertise and guidance are regularly sought by dancers and callers. Jim received the CALLERLAB Chairman’s Award in 2006. A prominent and supreme square dance leader, Jim is well deserving of the honors bestowed upon him. |
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