Dancers of all ages danced to the music by the Slayden family, Adin Kloetzel, and couple Rachel and Pete Feigley at the Ovando Square Dance Sept. 23 in the Ovando School.
School Board Chair Jim Stone showing off one of the dessert baskets that was auctioned off at the event.
Mark Matthews (middle) was the caller for the event. First he taught everyone the dance then called the steps as the band played.
The Slayden Family from Bonner, Mont. led the music with the help of Ovando musician Adin Kloetzel and Seeley Lake couple Rachel and Pete Feigley. Pictured (L-R): Grace on violin, Jennifer on cello, Cade on guitar and Riley on guitar.
OVANDO – Smiles and laughter filled the Ovando School gymnasium as the community and students swung their partners and do-si-doed Friday, Sept. 23. The square dance was the first fundraiser hosted by the Ovando Community Education Endowment (OCEE) in an effort to raise funds for the school and celebrate the community.
In order to continue to provide a high-quality education for the Ovando's children, and maintain the school as a community center, a group of Ovando citizens started the OCEE. The purpose of OCEE is to first help supplement teachers' salaries and benefits because they feel teachers are the most important ingredient of a good education. Secondly they support educational activities and maintenance of the school as a community center.
OCEE member and organizer for the event Sandra Roe said the idea developed when they were trying to come up with a fundraiser that could be done at the school and would be fun for all ages.
"This is the first time we have ever done a community dance [that I can remember in the 20 plus years I've lived in Ovando]," said Roe. "It was a great success with all different ages. The caller made it all work."
Mark Matthews with Humanities Montana was the caller for the event. Matthews has been a caller and instructing dance for more than 20 years. His favorite part is the smiles that come from teaching and calling social dancing. Matthews worked with the students during the day and then taught the dance steps to everyone before the band started.
The Slayden family band (Jen, Riley, Grace and Cade), joined by Ovando musician Adin Kloetzel, and Seeley Lake couple Rachel and Pete Feigley provided the live music. Once they started playing, the dancers' rhythm and memory were put to the test.
In addition to the dance, there was a dessert auction that raised more than $500.
"We are just thrilled with the participation and everyone's support," said Roe. "Everyone was in good spirits and it was so nice to have something uplifting for the community. We are so thankful for all the work the volunteers did."
OCEE member Elaine Caton added, "We are delighted to see so many people here. It's been a lot of fun."
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