Dennis & Judy Grossnickle
Ogden, Kansas
Dennis and Judy took lessons in 1972 with the Cloverleaf Swingers, Manhattan, and have been dancing for almost 29 years. They were members of the Cloverleaf Swingers, Manhattan (1972-1977) and the Prairie Stars, Ft. Riley (1977-1982). They took a break from square dancing to raise their family and returned to dancing in 1997. Currently, they are active, 19-year-members of the Lone Wranglers, Manhattan. In 2000, they took round dance lessons, and joined the Fun ‘N Rounds, Manhattan.
Dennis and/or Judy have served as President and Vice-President of the Lone Wranglers club. They provide articles for the club’s newsletters and published dance information for the Lone Wranglers. They have been chairman of the Lone Wranglers’ Dance Decoration and Promotion Committees. Their unique costumes, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus and dashing pirates, furnish the special touch to their decorations. With camera always in hand, Dennis provides the pictures and Judy maintains the club’s unique scrapbooks.
Dennis and Judy are committed supporters of the North Central District. They have served four years as District Chair Couple, and are always available to promote District events. Dennis and Judy have belonged to KSDA for 29 years. They have served three years as Recording Secretary, a year as 1st Vice-President, and as President for two years. After serving a year as Ex-Officio, Dennis and Judy were on the KSDA Budget Committee for eight years.
As Dancer Coordinators, Dennis and Judy led the successful 2011 Kansas State Square Dance Convention. They have served as the 2000 Sewing Clinic Director, the 2004 Parade of Clubs Director, the 2010 Ticket and Greeter Director, and three years as Secretary of the Convention Committee. Dennis and Judy were also style show models at the 2000 State Convention. They have attended 22 State Conventions and are currently the 2017 Dancer Coordinators. Dennis and Judy have attended 14 National Conventions. When Kansas announced its intention to bid to host the 57th National Square Dance Convention® in 2008, Dennis and Judy volunteered to serve as Chairman of the Social and Special Events Committee. Since this Committee was in charge of tours, the Wednesday Night Special, and other social events, they played a significant role in the success of the 57th. They served on the 57th NSDC Promenade on the Prairie, Inc., Board of Directors from 2004-2012.
Although, Dennis and Judy are not callers, they have attended six CALLERLAB Conventions. They attend the education sessions to better understand how callers view square dancing’s future, difficulties and changes, and to learn about the materials being created. They have a deep commitment to square dancing and helping others to enhance the dancing program. Over the past several years, they have encouraged new callers by volunteering their garage and helping to form squares to allow new callers space to practice their calling materials and dancers to enhance their skills.
To stay abreast with new and fresh ideas and different ways to introduce square dancing to the general public, Dennis and Judy have attended conclaves, other conventions’ educational seminars, and Nationals’ clinics and panels. They have volunteered to dance at various community events, shopping malls, nursing homes, senior centers and churches. Their effort demonstrates a desire to find ways to grow and strengthen the square dance activity. This dedicated, enthusiastic couple are definitely great ambassadors for square dancing.