This has been a busy summer -- and for some, it may not be over yet! -- but the Fall dance classes are about to begin, and the calendar is filling with multitudinous opportunities to dance.

Remember to sign up for the Vancouver class, which starts this Wednesday, September 8th. This term, two class levels are being offered, a Beginner class (#24156) and an Intermediate class (#24159). Both classes are listed at the same low, low rate of $59 ($54 for city residents) for 15 weeks. See the Calendar entry for Sep 8 for full info.

Some recent additions to the Calendar: on the same weekend as Ft. Worden, Kelso will host a Highland Festival; if you're not going to Ft. Worden, then check out the activities in Kelso.

There are also a couple of entries for dances in Bend, Oregon, home of the High Desert Celtic Dancers, on September 27th, and again October 16th. See the Calendar for more info.

Ah, just as the weather cools off, the dancing begins and keeps us warm.

Welcome to the Fall season of Scottish Country Dancing! Most of us have taken a break from dancing for the past two months. I have gotten some exercise from chopping firewood, a solo form of dancing.

There were three notable dancing activities during July and August.

July 9 marked Don Morrison's 80th birthday. Scottish Country Dancing was the theme of the gala at his home in Felida, with an evening of dancing and piping. Don presented our Association with a new banner that we can use at future dancing events. Thank you, Don!

Some of us joined the Portland group at the July 17 Portland Highland Games at Mt. Hood Community College. We danced "Flowers of Edinburgh" and "Mairi's Wedding", and greeted the public at an information table where we showed a photo album of past SCD events and distributed a special edition of our newsletter. I enjoyed connecting with some dancers whom I had not seen in a while.

The opening-day Clark County Fair performance on August 6 was an exhilarating evening. The preparation and performance enhanced the bonding of our SCD community. We used our new banner for the first time. Linda Mae Dennis organized and Geri Stuart narrated the dance program.

Thanks to all who participated in the summer dancing activities: Annette Allen (piper), Don Morrison, Marie Morrison, Martin Mackenzie, Katherine Mackenzie, Eunice Mackenzie, David Mackenzie, Gayle Graham, Valerie Moore, Bart Moore, Van Meter Hord, Sandy Mackenzie, Vicki Mackenzie, Donna Clark, Greg Sweeney, Janet Geddie, Linda Mae Dennis, Patrick Hogan, Geri Stuart, Robert Stuart, Alasdair Stuart, Duncan Stuart, Raminta Darguzhis, Raminta's mom and friend visiting from Chicago, Marge van Nus, Fred van Nus, Liza Halpenny, Tom Halpenny, Susan Shaw, and John Shaw.

In addition to the Fall dancing classes, we are planning or participating in three events in October.

The October 2 Pomeroy Farm Pumpkin Festival on the Lewis River is an easy day of dancing on the grass in beautiful surroundings with a free lunch provided.

Ghost Stories on Officers Row on October 16 will be our second year of participation. This year's theme is, "Steeped in mystery, a dash of history." We will be performing some "ghost" dances and providing audience participation. This is a great fundraiser for our Association. It has never rained in the ten years of the event.

The Fall Harvest Dance on October 23 will have our fantastic live musicians. Let's start thinking about a costume to wear!

I look forward to socializing with you all again, my dancing friends. See you in class on September 8, and we will have a fun Fall together!