By Ollie Mae Carroll RN, BSN, MSN

Approximately 300 guests attended the 1st Annual Line Dance Anniversary Gala at the Salisbury Civic Center on Saturday, September 29th. Presiding: Ollie Mae Carroll, founder and creator of the Dancing Queens and Kings of Salisbury.

The welcome was give by Melody Moorhead, Instructor followed by prayer and grace by Robbin McEntire. Special acknowledgements and souvenirs were given by Ella Woods – assisted by Earle Smith and Sandra Smith to Alyssa Smith, Director of Healthy Rowan, Nick Aceves – Director of Salisbury Parks and Recreation, Jason Walser, Executive Director-The Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation, Inc., Steve Clark, Recreation Coordinator, Lakia Brice, Recreation Assistant and Curtis Miller, Jr. Photographer/Videographer.

The History and Mission was given by Ollie Mae Carroll: Last September, as Commander of the J.C. Price Post 107, I was enrolled in an organization called Healthy Rowan Coalition- Ms. Alyssa Smith, Director cited a current study from the 2017 collaboration between Robert Wood Johnson and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute which cited some shocking statistics which revealed that Rowan County ranked 73 out of the 100 counties here in North Carolina in health outcomes – which means laymans terminology we were 27 from the bottom. The surrounding Counties like Stanley, Cabarrus, Davidson and Davie were way ahead of us 40-14-61 and 12 respectfully. Based on the finding that “Regular physical activity helps improve the overall health and fitness of individuals and reduce the risk of chronic disease.” A proposal was written to Nick Aceves, Director of City Park and Recreation Department to start a line-dance exercise group for seniors located at the West End Hall’s Gym for 55 years and Older at Hall’s Gym exercising on Tuesday and Thursday for 2 hours per day.

The talented Ms. Melody Moorhead was hired as the Instructor who has taught the group over 20 line-dances and the group has performed at over 15 local and out of town events in gold or purple attire. Ms. La Kia Brice, Recreation Assistant-for the City served as our assistant instructor.

On our rolls, we have 51 Queens and 2 Kings. Unfortunately some of the charter members were unable to remain in the program due to various reasons, but some were here tonight to celebrate our anniversary.” Queen Phronice gave each one a souvenir. “Please remember all of you will remain in or hearts as we continue our journey:” said Queen Mae. Presentees were Queen Iris, Queen Gloria, Queen Crystal, Queen Henrietta and King Timmy. “Please keep the family of Queen Jean Partee in your prayers, a charter member, who passed away last October.” Cited Queen Mae.

Three shout outs: Souvenirs were given: First to Queens Dionne and Queen Ann who are currently compiling on our scrapbook. Secondly to Queen Sylvia – our Hydration Coordinator – who has provided water to us during our events – nobody fainted and thirdly to our one King, King Lionel who has felt alone by being the only male. However to our surprise he recently married one of our Queens, Queen Jeano – Congratulations on behalf of the Queens.

Last but no least, Carroll presented the members of the Planning Committee a small token of appreciation. Assisted by Phronice. “They are the ones who served as our motivators. They had the vision and the foresight to make tonight, our first anniversary a reality. Queen Melody was the catalyst of the group and was accompanied by Queen Cynthia – Our Chaplain, Queen Diane – Our Secretary, Queen Ella, (Who make the programs), Queen Fannie, (Executive Assistant), Queen Earle who handmade all our corsages and Queen Beverly (Who co-ordinated the door prizes.)

The Hall was roally decorated in purple and silver and Dinner was catered and served by “Queen Knight and Crew “of Granite Quarry, NC.

A video presentation of various performances by King and Queens was played by Curtis Miller who has traveled with the group since its inception. He is the son of Queen, Jean Rippy.

The Program included a skit called “Do you remember the Time? By Michael Jackson.   The King, Lionel Rippy and the Queen Mae Carroll requested that the King relieve her of her boredom. Portrayed by Mae Carroll the king summoned the following: Beverly Ellis portrayed Tina Turner, Marlene Jones surrounded by the following portrayed a dance and Edith Trueblood a clarinet player. All were gonged and taken to the Lions Cage. Moorhead and her group – The Kings and Queens won the Queens approval by performing 2 dances – “Book of Love and Work It Out” by Tucka and they exited on Ascension by Maxwell.

Special Recognitions by Dinette Dooly, assisted by Dianne Alexander, Tanny Reddick, Amanda Griffin and Sylvia Barber were given to Carroll and Moorhead for their creative leadership and dance instruction, respectfully,

Each member received a certificate of appreciation by Cynthia Pharr. Members of the Planning Committee received a souvenir of appreciation from Carroll, Melanie Moorhead as the catalyst for the program. Other members of the Planning Committee were : Cynthia Pharr, Dianne Alexander, Ella Woods (programs), Fannie Butler(media coordinator), Beverly Ellis (door prizes), Earle Smith (Handmade Corsages) and Scrapbook Coodinators were: Dianne Rhames and Ann Simpson.

DJ Nelson Geralds was recognized as the new deejay of the group.

Sylvia Barber won a special prize as the hydration coordinator for the group where she provided water at every performance for the group. “Nobody ever fainted”.

A tribute to Aretha Franklin – “I’m Every Woman” after which 2 dances were performed “If I Back It Up” and “Best Of Me”

The audience was asked to participate in a dance called “Same Old Two Step” Instructed by Moorhead. The audience enjoyed a cash bar and music to dance the night away by DJ “Neak”.

Other Members of the Group include: Marilyn Bowman, Doreece Brown, Sharon Brown, Betty Clark, Moor Cooper- Parliamentarian, Helen Corpening CD Coordinator, Lenovia Corry Sick/Shut in Coordinator, Sylvia Fosha, Montina Fox Birthday Coordinator, Alberta Glymph, Josie Giffey (Regristration Co-Ordinator, Rachael Hart, Carolyn Holt, Naomi Jones, Vanessa Lawler, Laura Litrrean, Jean Rippy, Ervenia Stockton and Deborah Neely; Officers include: Secretaries Dianne Alexander/Robin McEntire. Chaplains are Cynthia Pharr, Robbin McEntire and Phronice Johnson. Birthday Coordinator – Montina Fox. Tanny Reddick – Community Liaison; Jean Rippy and Beverly Ellis serve as Parade Coordinators, Dinnette Dooly and

Amanda Griffin serve as Attendance Coordinators. Ms. Valeria Levey voter registration, Fanny Butler serves as Executive Assistant. Comrade Vergil Lattimore and Comrade Ralph Johnson represented J.C. Price Post 107.

The Queens and Kings will participate in Livingstone Homecoming Parade on October 6th and will perform for the Eastern Star on October 27. FYI: 704-640-8077 or Oomaecarroll@aol.com

The group plans on collecting water an other necessities for Hurican Florence victums. This will be done under protocols for “Operation Air Drop.” Ms. Louise Klaver is the contact person.

Long range plans include conduting class for Fireman and Police on Healty Foods. The snacks and foods are to be provided by the Kings and Queens.