2005
Mike and Debbe Lapina
Mike and Debbe have been active members of the CWCJC for many years and club dance instructors for nearly all of them. They have done everything from scheduling, instructing, designing flyers, handling registration, creating workshops just to name a few things. At dances, Debbe and Mike help and promote dancing to new dancers which encourages them and provided a sense of belonging to the club.
They are well known nationally, providing workshops and exhibitions at out-of-town dance conventions. They travel extensively throughout the country attending dances all over. They are truly “Good Will Ambassadors” for CWCJC.
Tom and Edie Polzin
Tom and Edie love the Memphis Bop Club and use every opportunity to promote the MBC and preserve the style of dance known as “Bop”. Tom is one of the Clubs’ founding fathers and has been involved for many years. Edie has been involved actively for nearly as many.
They have served tirelessly on the Board in various positions and committees and as DJ’s for MBC and many out of town ABA events. The MBC’s event “Casino Royale” was Tom’s brainchild and Edie worked beside him to make it a success. Tom has also served as the President of the National Association of Rhythm and Blues DJ Association.
2006
Larry Fournier
Larry is a founding member of the Great Lakes Swing Dance Club and a member ever since. He has served as President, Vice President, Chairman and Newsletter Editor over the years. He spent 5 years as the ABA Newsletter Editor.
As Larry’s dance skills increased, he passed these skills on to new dancers teaching classes for his club. His encouragement on the dance floor was challenging, fun and always appreciated. He helped make dancers shine on the dance floor and the members have great respect for his efforts over the years.
George and Millie Wood
George and Millie have been members of the Memphis Bop Club for many years and utilized every opportunity to promote the MBC and the 50’s/60’s style of dance known as “Bop”. They are active members of the Rhythm and Blues DJ Association. They have served on many different committees in support of their club.
Millie has served as President of the Memphis Bop Club and George does the writing for the club newsletter, enjoys teaching and make MBC club members feel at home at dances.
2007
Barbara Cooley
Barbara has been a very active member of the Memphis Bop Club since 1988. She has served on the Board in nearly all positions since 1988. She served as a dance instructor without a break since 1992 and Dance Director for many years.
She was selected Memphis Bop Club “Member of the Year” in 2000 and inducted into the National Fast Dance Boppers Hall of Fame in 1998. She has been a driving force in the club bringing in new members with her dance classes.
Barbara has served tireless for years as the ABA Hall of Fame coordinator.
Jim and Georgia Watson
In January 1999, Jim and Georgia became the founding “Father and Mother” of the first ABA Club in Columbus, Ohio, the Buckeye Bop Club and for the first 3 years were the President and Vice President of the club. The first “Beat The Heat” event was held in 2000 were Jim was the key consultant, creator, and architect of the clubs’ dance floor, with Georgia as the event coordinator.
In 2001 they founded the Mid-Ohio Boogie Club in Columbus, Ohio. From 2001 to 2007, Georgia served as President of the club and Jim as Vice President. Jim also served as club Representative to the ABA.
Bill and Gingy Wallace
In the mid 1980’s Bill & Gingy and a small group of dancers had been dancing at Studebaker’s. They decided to form the Derby City Bop Association with Bill and Gingy taking a leadership role and considered the “roots and the wings” of the Derby City Bop Association. They have served the club continuously since and are co-founders of the ”Boogie In The Bluegrass” event.
Years ago, they agreed to dance the first song at a dance with each other and then “work the room” to make other dancers feel welcome. As club representatives to the ABA, Bill and Gingy have taken an active role in the coordination of the ABA Hall of Fame. They attend many ABA conventions around the country, including the cruises.