Square Dance Leaders
Mr. and Mrs. Friendly Mixers certainly applies to John and Helen Page. Since they started Square Dancing in 1965 and Round Dancing in 1970 their participation in our activity has been one of total commitment. As Angels for each class and part of Square Dance Demos and Fun Nites their efforts are unbounded and have been rewarded by the number of friends they have made.
John was President of the Friendly Mixers from 1966 to 1969 and’ Helen was Secretary in 1969-1970. John and Helen were elected Mr. and Mrs. Friendly Mixers by the club in 1973. John was President of the Rhode Island Federation of Square and Round Dance Clubs in 1974 – 1975 and they were Halls Chairpersons of the New England Square and Round Dance Convention held in Providence in the years 1973 – 1974 and also in 1985-1986. They have been delegates to EDSARDA for the Rhode Island Federation since 1972. For the past ten years they have been Banner Chairpersons for their club.
During the 1976 Bi-Centennial Celebration they were Chairpersons of the Rhode Island Federation-sponsored entry in the Marching and Dancing Division. Their duties included helping design and build the award winning float and coordinating the members who danced and marched in front and behind the float as well as dancing on it.
John served his country on two tours of duty with the United States Navy. One from 1941 to 1945, and again during the Korean War in 1950, receiving many medals and commendations for his outstanding military service.
John and Helen have been married for 39 years, have two children and two grandchildren and have also found time for community service. They have been active in the Washington Park Citizens Association and Helen is a volunteer for the Republican Party and an election official. She has served as President of the Parent Teachers Association of both the Broad Street School and the Roger Williams Junior High School. For ten years Helen has taught Sunday school at the Cathedral of Saint John in Providence.
After working for Drake’s Bakeries for 42 years and receiving many sales and safety awards, John retired in December 1987.
Friendly Mixers, is that not what our activity is all about? Being friendly and mixing and making friends with other dancers.
John and Helen Page are well deserving of the Yankee Clipper Award for their enthusiasm, friendliness and friendship in promoting Square and Round Dancing.
April 23, 1988, Portland, Maine.