Almost Heaven subscribers

[Almost Heaven Dance Weekend 2012] Registration is now open

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:49:00 GMT

<strong></strong><br> <table style="width: 634px; height: 493px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <center> <table style="width: 580px; height: 159px;" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="161"> <h1><img src="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/images/flamingos.pink.gif" naturalsizeflag="3" align="middle" height="136" width="220"></h1> </td> <td style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 96, 96); vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold;"> <center><big><big><big><big><span class="style5">Almost Heaven... 25<sup>th</sup> anniversary celebration</span></big></big> </big></big></center> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div style="text-align: center;"><br> <div style="text-align: left;"> Dear friends of Almost Heaven Dance Camp,<br> <br> Memorial Day weekend is now just 17 weeks away, the main dance hall has <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;">8 new roof ventilators</span>, and registration for Almost Heaven is now open.  The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society invites you to the 25<sup>th</sup> consecutive year of an exciting weekend that is always enjoyable for families and adults.   To celebrate, we are planning giveaways, games, historical slide shows, and other fun surprises.<br> <br> As usual, we will convene at Timber Ridge Camp near High View, WV, just across the VA state line.  We are featuring vigorous, New England-style contra dance music from <span style="font-weight: bold;">Swallowtail</span>; plus the <span style="font-weight: bold;">Morrison Brothers Band</span> and Alexander Mitchell's <span style="font-weight: bold;">Bold Weevils</span>... with callers galore!... <span style="font-weight: bold;">Shawn Brenneman, Greg Frock, Jim Morrison, George Marshall, Tim VanEgmond</span>. Dance instructors <span style="font-weight: bold;">Marc Shepanek, Ellen Engle, Steve Gester, and Peggy Leiby</span> will conduct workshops to help you fine-tune your waltzes, tangos, swing, and other styles, including the Salty-Dog. Dancing starts Friday night and continues through Monday afternoon, with a few breaks for hearty meals, late-night parties, Play with Swallowtail gatherings, and perhaps a little sleep.   The weekend also features an engaging family program, with family dance, lifeguard monitored swimming pool, scavenger hunt, fossil dig, crafts, games, and more.<br> <br> </div> <div id="yiv289297735"> <div style="text-align: left;">Timber Ridge is on several hundred acres and is situated on a peninsula of the Cacapon River in wild and wonderful West Virginia. There is a large dance hall with a 5-year-young sprung-wood floor. The camp also features a dining hall that can handle 400 people, a large swimming pool, sporting fields, and a fossil pit. Other halls provide space for additional dancing and get togethers. The cabins are all enclosed and have bathrooms and showers.<br> </div> <br> <div id="doc3" class="yui-t1"> <div id="bd"> <div style="text-align: left;" id="archived_message_body">Handy links:<br> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/index.html">Homepage</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/eFlier.pdf">2012 flier with registration info & form</a>  (printed copies to be mailed soon)</li> <li><a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/register.html">Online registration</a>  (more registration and payment options than flier)</li> </ul> Please contact us if you can't find what you need.<br> We hope to see you in May for another great Almost Heaven, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">long</span> weekend.<br> <br> Sincerely,<br> Cindy Rury, registrar, committee chair<br> Email:  A.H.DanceCamp@gmail.com<br> Phone:  <span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">240-304-9468</span> (10 am to 10 pm)<br> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </center> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

[Almost Heaven Dance Weekend 2011] CORRECTION

Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:08:00 GMT

[Almost Heaven Dance Weekend 2011] Registration is now open

Sat, 29 Jan 2011 01:35:00 GMT

<strong></strong><br> <table style="width: 634px; height: 493px;" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="2"> <tbody> <tr> <td> <center> <table style="width: 580px; height: 159px;" border="0"> <tbody> <tr> <td width="161"> <h1><img src="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/images/flamingos.pink.gif" naturalsizeflag="3" align="middle" height="136" width="220"></h1> </td> <td style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 96, 96); vertical-align: middle; font-weight: bold;"> <center><big><big><big><big><span class="style5">Almost Heaven 2011</span></big></big> </big></big></center> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table> <div style="text-align: center;"><br> <div style="text-align: left;">Dear friends of Almost Heaven Dance Camp,<br> <br> It's time to plan your Memorial Day weekend... be sure to reserve May-27-30 on your 2011 calendar.  The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society invites you to another exciting weekend that is always enjoyable for families and adults. As usual, we will convene at Timber Ridge Camp near High View, WV, just across the VA state line.  We are featuring vigorous, New England-style contra dance music from Swallowtail; The Syncopaths, a popular west coast band; and The Avant Gardeners, providing energetic swing and more. Diane Silver, Seth Tepfer,  George Marshall, and Timm VanEgmond will call contras and more. Gaye Fifer and Wayne Albright as well as Ellen Engle and Marc Shepanek will mix it up a bit with workshops to help you fine-tune your waltzes, tangos, swing, and other dancing styles. Dancing starts Friday night and continues through Monday afternoon, with a few breaks for hearty meals and perhaps a little sleep. The weekend also features childrens' and family activities, late-night parties, and our Play with Swallowtail gatherings.<br> <br> </div> <div id="yiv289297735"> <div style="text-align: left;">Timber Ridge is on several hundred acres and is situated on a peninsula of the Cacapon River in wild and wonderful West Virginia. There is a large dance hall with a recently installed, sprung-wood floor. The camp also features a dining hall that can handle 400 people, a large swimming pool, sporting fields, and a fossil pit. Other halls provide space for additional dancing and get togethers. The cabins are all enclosed and have bathrooms and showers.<br> </div> <br> <div id="doc3" class="yui-t1"> <div id="bd"> <div style="text-align: left;" id="archived_message_body">Our 2011 flyer (including <span style="text-decoration: underline;">registration form</span>) is attached to this Email.  Printed copies are not yet available.  But the website at <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/"><span style="font-weight: bold;">www.contradancers.com/heaven</span></a> provides other registration and payment options.  Please contact me if you can't find what you need.<br> <br> I hope to see you in May for another great Almost Heaven, <span style="text-decoration: underline;">long</span> weekend.<br> <br> Sincerely,<br> Cindy Rury, registrar<br> Email:  A.H.DanceCamp@gmail.com<br> Phone:  204-304-9468 (10 am to 10 pm)<br> <br> <br> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </center> </td> </tr> </tbody> </table>

Almost Heaven Message

Sun, 19 Apr 2009 17:52:00 GMT

<p>If your taxes are done, then you are ready for the next step in your lifeï¿½s journey. You are ready to register for Almost Heaven Dance Camp 2009. You are ready to have a great Memorial Day Weekend in the hills of West Virginia with 264 of your best friends. </p><p>How do we know? We know because you may have been there before to share the good times with us. We know because we are also relieved to have finished the taxes and now itï¿½s time to think ahead to the start of the summer season. We know because we have planned such a great holiday weekend event and we want to share it with you. </p><p>Swallowtail, the Groovemongers, Fiddlestyx, Robert Cromartie, George Marshall and Timm Van Egmond, Gaye Fifer and Wayne Albright, Ellen Engle and Marc Shepanek, Camp Timber Ridge and West Virginia. All are beckoning you. Why resist? </p><p>Register Soon! We remain on track to sell out again this year. We are currently gender balanced, but that could change any time. And, remember, prices go up for registrations sent after April 24. Thatï¿½s this week! </p><p>Go ahead. The taxes are done. Write the check now. Begin to dream! </p><p>See you there; May 22-26, 2009; Itï¿½s Almost Heaven; Itï¿½s Almost Here. </p><p>Check it all out on <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven.">www.contradancers.com/heaven.</a> </p><p>Regards from the Almost Heaven Dance Committee </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Sun, 01 Mar 2009 20:52:00 GMT

<p>Friends of Almost Heaven Dance Camp: </p><p>We thought it important to let you know that, despite the downturn in the world economy, dance camps are still running strong. We have done everything we could to arrange for the type of weekend where you will forget any of your woes. Our three musically rich bands are prepared to give you your moneyï¿½s worth. Join in our favorite type of recovery act: contra dancing and more. </p><p>By the way, registrations are running ahead of last year, when we sold out the Almost Heaven Weekend by early May. Not only that, but a true sign of the times is obvious this year: The men are registering early. Itï¿½s true!! We have seen more single men than single women sending in their requests for a piece of this incentive package. </p><p>So, if you need a break from the stresses of your life, and if you hope to attend this fun filled, family-friendly, community boosting, relaxing weekend, we suggest you get those registration documents organized NOW. </p><p>The fees remain the same until April 24. The bands you just have to hear are Swallowtail, The Groovemongers, and Fiddlestyx. The wonderful leaders and callers include some of your favorites: Robert Cromartie, George Marshall, Ellen Engle, Marc Shepanek, Wayne Albright and Gaye Fifer. </p><p>We still have some scholarship opportunities available for those whose wallets donï¿½t stretch quite this far. And we are organizing ride sharing to keep our emissions down as well as your mileage costs down. </p><p>Join the party (of your choice) and make the trek to wild and wonderful West Virginia for the Memorial Day weekend. See our website for more details and for registration forms: <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven.">www.contradancers.com/heaven.</a> </p><p>Regards from the AH organizing committee </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 15:47:00 GMT

<p><strong>READY, SET, GO . . . .</strong> </p><p>Registration is now open for Almost Heaven Dance Camp 2009. Once again you will find us at Timber Ridge Camp in High View, West Virginia on the Memorial Day Weekend, May 22-25. </p><p>If you are unfamiliar with this great family-friendly event, Almost Heaven features contra, swing, waltz, and tango dancing. Dancing starts Friday night and continues through Monday afternoon, with a few breaks for hearty meals and perhaps a little sleep. The complete fun package includes our Play with Swallowtail gatherings, other workshops, and a wide variety of family activities. An Olympic-size swimming pool, sporting fields, and a fossil pit provide other diversions. </p><p>This year we are featuring Swallowtail, The Groovemongers, and Fiddlestyx. George Marshall and Tim Van Egmond will be joined in calling by Robert Cromartie and Gaye Fifer. Ellen Engle, Marc Shepanek, Wayne Albright, Gaye Fifer will all be there to sharpen your dancing skills, as well. </p><p>If you are interested, look us up at <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/">http://www.contradancers.com/</a> or find our pink registration forms at many local dances. If you donï¿½t find what you need you can always contact Marti Schweitzer, Registrar, at <a href="mailto:almostmarti@gmail.com">almostmarti@gmail.com</a>. </p><p>Hope to see you in May! </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:06:00 GMT

<p><strong>LAST CALL FOR ALMOST HEAVEN AT CURRENT RATES!</strong> </p><p>With gasoline prices on the rise, saving pennies is important for all of us, we know. Here are several suggestions from the Almost Heaven Dance Committee and the Annapolis Traditional Dance Society for ways to save money: </p><p>**A postmark of April 28 (THIS MONDAY) will assure you of the discounted rate for registration for the Almost Heaven Dance Camp to be held on Memorial Day weekend in High View, West Virginia. We suggest that you printout our web-based registration form TODAY. If you are planning to join this annual celebration of all things dance, then save $20 by registering NOW. </p><p>**We have many first-time campers and many from out of our region coming to join in the fun. We are excited about this influx of new faces. Some of these dancers are finding that transportation to camp from the metro DC/Baltimore area is another challenge, financially and logistically. When you share a ride to the camp with a new or old friend you can also save more dollars. We are about to release our ride-sharing list so both riders and drivers can participate. Don't miss the chance to help out fellow dancers and the environment and save some more money yourself. </p><p>Our dance weekend, with featured bands, Wild Asparagus, the Avant Gardeners, and the OpporTunists; featured callers Becky Hill and George Marshall; and featured workshop leaders Wayne Albright, Ellen Engle, Gaye Fifer, and Marc Schepanek; is a "don't miss it" kind of event. </p><p>We look forward to seeing everyone in wild and wonderful West Virginia, May 23-26, just four short weeks from now. </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 21:15:00 GMT

<p>Hello Fellow Dancer! </p><p>Here it is, mid-April already! Almost Heaven Dance Camp is being held for the 21st time on Memorial Day weekend. As mentioned in earlier messages, we have moved the event to Timber Ridge Camp, which has proven to be a delightful place for a dance weekend. Almost Heaven was a big success last year in this new-found location. </p><p>If you have not already signed up for Almost Heaven, now is a good time. If you get your registration in the mail by April 28, you can save $20. You can download a registration form from our website or find a flyer at many dance halls across the country. We are especially encouraging those single men who hope to join us. Why keep the women waiting any longer? </p><p>If you've never been to Timber Ridge, then you might want to know, it is on several hundred acres in an area of West Virginia that we have all come to love. It is situated on a bend of the Cacapon River. And, as if that is not enough, all the cabins at this camp are fully enclosed and have inside bathrooms and showers. There's plenty of space for camping, if you prefer. </p><p>There is a large hall with a sprung wood floor that was installed for us to dance on. Also the camp features an Olympic-sized swimming pool, a variety of other sports facilities, and a dining hall that can handle 400 people. Other halls provide space for additional dancing and get-togethers. Go to our website to see photos of the camp. </p><p>For performers this year, we are fortunate to have Wild Asparagus for the entire weekend, including the Friday night opening dance. They will continue our tradition of Play with the Band workshops. Yes, after attending these workshops you can say you played with one of the greatest contra dance bands of all time! </p><p>We are also excited to introduce you to the sound of the OpporTunists, a group hailing from San Jose, California. Our weekend will be filled out by our homegrown, East Coast favs, the Avant Gardeners. Also, on hand for first rate workshops and dance sets will be Marc Shepanek, Ellen Engle, Wayne Albright, and Gaye Fifer. If the pool is not enough, there will be children's programs to keep the little ones entertained. And family outings including nature walks and fossil digs. </p><p>For more information, camp photos, or to access a registration form, go to: <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/">http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/</a> </p><p>You may also contact Marti Schweitzer, camp registrar. Best is by email: <a href="mailto:ALMOSTMARTI@GMAIL.COM">ALMOSTMARTI@GMAIL.COM</a>, but you can also call 703 437-0766. Please do not call before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. EDT. </p><p>Come on out and join in the fun! </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:26:00 GMT

<p>Calling All Dancers: </p><p>It might be wintry, cold, and gray outside your homes, like it is outside ours, but if you turn your thoughts to spring and light, you might see it is a good time to register for Almost Heaven Dance Camp, Memorial Day weekend, May 23-26, 2008. Our wonderful new location at Timber Ridge Camp in High View, West Virginia will be warm and inviting, but now is the time to plan. </p><p>You may already know that we are featuring some of the nationï¿½s finest: </p><ol> <li>Wild Asparagus; well-known beyond their home territory on the East Coast. </li><li>The West Coast phenoms, the OpporTunists, who will make you wish you lived in California. </li><li>And letï¿½s not forget the Washington metro area favorites and always reliables, the Avant Gardeners. </li><li>With a teaching and calling line-up that includes Wayne Albright, Ellen Engle, Gaye Fifer, Becky Hill, George Marshall, and Marc Shepanek, how can you miss?</li></ol> <p>The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society invites you to another exciting weekend that is always enjoyable for families and adults. The weekend features the best in contra dancing along with many other dance styles that you have been meaning to try. We have childrenï¿½s and family activities each day. The pool is a big draw for anyone who cannot wait for the official start to summer. You can count on evening parties, impromptu music, new friends, and so much more. </p><p>Timber Ridge is located in wild and wonderful West Virginia. There we use a large dance hall with a wonderful sprung wood floor. The camp also features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a dining hall that can handle 400 people. Other facilities provide space for additional dancing and all kinds of get-togethers. The cabins are all enclosed and have bathrooms and showers. </p><p>Further information, including camp photos and access to registration materials can be found at our website: <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/">http://www.contradancers.com/heaven/</a>. Or contact Marti Schweitzer, registrar, at <a href="mailto:almostmarti@gmail.com">almostmarti@gmail.com</a> or 703-437-0766 with questions. </p><p>We hope to see you all on the dance floor in May in West Virginia. Itï¿½s Almost Heaven! </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Sun, 20 Jan 2008 20:04:00 GMT

<p>Friends of Almost Heaven Dance Camp, itï¿½s time to plan your 2008 Memorial Day weekend. Our wonderful new location at Timber Ridge Camp in High View, West Virginia is beckoning us to return. Be sure to mark May 23-26, 2008 on your calendar now. Letï¿½s continue to create new traditions at this idyllic location. </p><p>The Annapolis Traditional Dance Society invites you to another exciting weekend that is always enjoyable for families and adults. This year we are featuring vigorous, New England-style contra dance music from Wild Asparagus; the OpporTunists, a versatile band of musicians, providing a California slant for our weekend; and the Avant Gardeners, providing energetic contra dance and a wide variety of couple dance music. Becky Hill and George Marshall will call contras and more. Gaye Fifer and Wayne Albright as well as Ellen Engle and Marc Shepanek will mix it up a bit with workshops to help you fine-tune your waltzes, tangos, swing, and other dancing styles. The weekend also features childrenï¿½s and family activities, daytime and evening swims in the pool, late-night parties and so much more. </p><p>Timber Ridge is on several hundred acres and is situated on a peninsula of the Cacapon River in wild and wonderful West Virginia. There is a large dance hall with a recently installed, sprung-wood floor. Also the camp features an Olympic-sized swimming pool and a dining hall that can handle 400 people. Other halls provide space for additional dancing and get togethers. The cabins are all enclosed and have bathrooms and showers. </p><p>Further information, including registration materials, can be found at our website <a href="http://www.contradancers.com/">http://www.contradancers.com/</a>. </p><p>Or contact Marti Schweitzer, registrar, at <a href="mailto:almostmarti@gmail.com">almostmarti@gmail.com</a> or 703-437-0766 with questions. Please, no calls before 10 a.m. or after 10 p.m. </p><p>Come on out and share the fun! See you on the dance floor. </p>

Almost Heaven Message

Tue, 10 Jul 2007 02:39:00 GMT

<p>Hello Almost Heaven Attendee. </p><p>Thanks again for joining us for our Memorial Weekend bash. </p><p>We now have photos posted. </p><p>Jean Frye has her photos at <a href="http://www.spittinimages.com/DanceAlmostHeaven2007/index.html">http://www.spittinimages.com/DanceAlmostHeaven2007/index.html</a> Thanks Jean! </p><p>Jim Hoyt has posted photos to <a href="http://data.widgetworks.com:591/ahphotos/">http://data.widgetworks.com:591/ahphotos/</a> </p><p>Also remember to drop Marc Shepanek a line at mailto:<a href="mailto:flyingfeet@mac.com">flyingfeet@mac.com</a>. </p><p>We are formulating plans for next year and we are looking forward to another fun weekend. Hope you can make it again! </p>