KSDA Hall of fame

There are so many areas in the square dance world where we rely on dancers to donate their time and talents. These people are “worth their weight in gold”. They know there is no tangible compensation and often times their efforts go unnoticed; however, they continue making their contributions. Gene and Ann Barnett is one couple that fits this description. In so many ways, they have been a part of the success of our square dance organization.

Gene and Ann have enjoyed square dancing for 36 years. They joined the Starlighters of Concordia, Kansas in 1981 and were 29 year members when the club disbanded in 2010. They currently are members of Salina Twirlers.

Serving two terms as Starlighers’ Presidents, Gene and Ann served at least five years as Treasurer, where they had the responsibility of hiring the guest callers and cuers for the club. Continuing to take an active interest in their club, Gene and Ann have served as members on various committees, such as preparing the building for dances, cleaning up after a dance, and acting as Treasurer for the Salina Twirlers.

The North Central District has benefited from Gene and Ann’s willingness to support and promote square dancing in Kansas. They served as District Chairman from 1999-2001 and four years as District Vice President. It would be difficult to accumulate the number of hours they have spent working on the District Nominating Committee, attending dances and setting in North Central meetings representing the Starlighters.

Joining in 1986, Gene and Ann have been active members of KSDA for 31 years. Starting the progression of serving as KSDA Vice Presidents, they were elected 2nd Vice Presidents in 2001-2002 and 1st Vice Presidents in 2002-2003. Gene and Ann served as KSDA Presidents in 2003-2004. Not having “No” in their vocabulary, this couple has served nine years on the KSDA Budget Committee and four years on the Nominating Committee.

When the Kansas State Square Dance Convention Committee needed assistance, Gene and Ann stepped up and served four years as Advance Ticket Sales Director and Greeter Director for one year. The Parade of Clubs and Decoration Committees also benefited from their help for numerous years. They have attended State Conventions since the late 1980s, approximately 31 years.

Gene and Ann were serving as KSDA Presidents and had the honor of signing the contract to host the 2008 57th National Square Dance Convention® held in Wichita, Kansas. They served on the Service Committee as the Lost and Found Officials. There were very few 57th National events that this couple wasn’t present to set up, work, tear down and represent Kansas. It was dancers like Gene and Ann who helped make the Kansas National a success. They have attended 12 National Conventions.

Gene and Ann have stepped forward to fill numerous positions, some (such as holding KSDA offices) that brought them more to the public’s attention while others such as assisting on committees or working behind the scene to ensure their club had callers, kept them out of the limelight and less recognition. Even when Ann developed health problems and couldn’t dance, they continued to man tables selling tickets to KSDA sponsored functions, attending club graduations to help welcome new dancers and supporting clubs by their attendance.

Kansas is very fortunate to have Gene and Ann. They definitely are “worth their weight in gold”.

Gene passed away Friday, October 14, 2016, in rural Belleville, Kansas.