Happy Steppers celebrate 35th anniversary
By Joe Bachman
Multimedia Editor
STEVENS POINT — A group that long holds a tradition of square dancing will celebrate 35 years in June.
The group was started in the summer of 1984 by school teachers Steve and Mary Gonske. They were initially approached by Mildred (Millie) Medin with the idea of teaching square dancing to the seniors in Portage County.
Steve Gonske called dances during the summer months in 1984 until school was back in session. However, local dancers wanted more, so the search was on for a new caller. After naming their group the “Happy Steppers”, they would soon find a new caller in Wisconsin Rapids native David Kumm. Kumm would offer cued ballroom dancing to the events, hosted at the Lincoln Center. Kumm continues to be the caller and cuer to this day.
“Everybody is always welcome to come to all dances to just visit and watch the dancers or even try dancing if they want to ‘give it a whirl’,” said club leader Bernie Coulhurst. “One of the best features of the Happy Steppers offering is that you don’t need a partner to come and learn to square dance.”
For many years the operation had been led by Betty Lake and Millie Medin, however, Bernie and Carolyn Coulthurst are the club leaders. For 35 years, the club flourishes with dancing on Thursdays.
“The club always has a shortage of men so several of our lady dancers have learned to dance the men’s part,” said Coulthurst. “Sometimes an entire square is made up of eight ladies – four dancing the man’s part and four ladies dancing the lady’s part.”
Current dancers are: Bette Alm, Melissa Ashley, Kathy Brazaitis, Sister Susan Bunde, Bonnie Clarke, Bernie & Carolyn Coulthurst, Al & Sandie Crossley, Charlie & Ellen Dell, Shirley Drapes, Paul & Pat Hendren, Richard Hoffman, Jeff & Carol LaPoint, Donna Lothe, Jan McCloud, Sister Margaret Ann Murawski, Don & Marilyn Slusarski, Margie Thiele, Melanie Wesely and Susie Wallock.
For more information on the new dancer program starting on June 3, please call 715-824-3245, or email [email protected]. New dance sessions will run each Monday, June thru August, and the cost is $4 per person per session.