Square Dance Leaders
Joe and Jean Hartka have been in the first rank of dancer-leaders on the local, regional and national levels for nearly 25 years. Since they began dancing in 1974, they have served as Presidents as well as other officers of their local club, Skirts ‘N’ Flirts; the North Shore Square and Round Dance Association; and the Eastern District Square and Round Dance Association; and were clerks for the Square Dance Foundation for 14 years. On the national level, they have been active with the Baltimore National Convention, Dance-A-Rama, United Square Dancers of America, and as Vice Chairman of Legacy. They remain active as Association News Chairman of EDSARDA, Delegates to CO-OP, Printing Coordinator for the New England Square and Round Dance Convention, and By-Laws Chairman of Legacy. Joe and Jean have always been willing to answer the call to share of their knowledge and expertise as presenters at conferences on local, regional and national levels. They have been recognized for their distinguished service to the Square and Round Dance activity by their selection for the Yankee Clipper Award in 1992. This incredibly busy’ couple has somehow found the time to raise 5 children along the way, and to be active in church as well as community life, where they have been members and officers on town boards, the Women’s and Garden Clubs, an_ in both the Boy and Girl Scouts. They have worked untiringly and ceaselessly on behalf of the activity they love, giving generously of time, talents and thoughtful responses to dance issues. Their _exemplary efforts have made the square and round dance activity nationwide both better and more enjoyable. It is in grateful recognition for all they have done, and in grateful anticipation of all they will continue to do, that the Square Dance Foundation proudly inducts Joe and Jean Hartka into New England‘s Hall of Fame.
