We are here today to present the Local Legend Award to Brian and Linda Phelps who have given many years of dedicated service to this dance community. Brian has dedicated his life, not only to the Square Dance Community, but to his home community as well. Serving the local Boy Scouts since 1982, member of the Congregational Church for over 50 years serving as a Deacon and as a Choir member, he is also a member of the Grange. Linda has equally served the community, working in the Grange, membership in the Calvary Bible Church and a member of the Voice Ministry blessing us all with her voice in song and participating in dramatic biblical stories. Linda also serves the community as a Registered Nurse.
The LOCAL LEGEND AWARD was established to honor those individuals and couples who have advanced the goals of the SQUARE DANCE FOUNDATION OF NEW ENGLAND by their actions within their local areas. These goals are the promotion, preservation and perpetuation of the square and round dance activity. Brian and Linda, by their spirit and dedication have exemplified the true meaning of leadership in the Square and Round Dance Community. Brian started Square Dancing at the Lakeside Swingers in 1985, learning from Art T-Bow. Linda started dancing in 1998 learning from Patty Greene. In the early 1990’s,the Lakeside Swingers changed their name to the Winnipesaukee Squares. Brian stepped in in 1993 and served continuously until 2010 as President, 17 years! Linda also served during this time as Secretary and Vice-President. Brian and Linda contributed countless hours of time and resources, often their own personal resources, supporting and organizing activities for the Winnipesaukee Squares to aid, promote and revive a struggling club. They organized Banner Raids and Retrievals, organized the summer dance program at the Weirs Beach Boardwalk, they even convinced local business owners to support the dance activity.
Brian and Linda continue to support the New England Square and Round Dance Conventions. The Square Dance Community is extremely fortunate to have couples and individuals, like Brian and Linda, who give so generously of their time and talents to support and perpetuate the legacy of square and round dancing in New England. So, it is with great pleasure that we give this year’s Local Legend Award to Brian and Linda Phelps, of the Winnipesaukee Squares of Laconia, New Hampshire.