Due to a large amount of items to be printed for the upcoming US
Election Day on Tuesday, November 3, 2020...printing of the November,
2020 issue of "The Modern Square", the monthly publication of the
Arkansas State Square Dance Federation, was DELAYED. I talked to
Mark Pearce of Arkansas Printing on Oct. 30, 2020...and he apologized
for the delay...but said the December, 2020 issue should go out on
time.

Speaking of which, work on the December, 2020 issue (e-Edition and
print edition) is in progress. The deadline for items for it will be
November 14, 2020. I will send out the e-Edition on Nov. 15, 2020,
and the print edition to Arkansas Printing the same day. Items can
be emailed to assdfmodernsquare at gmail dot com or mailed to Daryl
Stout, P.O. Box 55655, Little Rock, AR 72215 -- please do NOT wait
until the last minute to send the items...because if they aren't in
that email or the Post Office Box by November 14, 2020...they will
NOT run. Without things like club reports...or photos with the
e-Edition extras, the issues are awfully small.

If you submit an ad, payment for such should go to Treasurer Sheila
Gesing, 9760 Grant 7, Sheridan, AR 72150 -- ad copy should come to
the Editor, as noted above. Note that if ad payment was not sent in,
the ad will NOT run. Be sure the check is made to ASSDF for the
proper amount, and signed...as if the check is not made out right, or
if it's not signed, the bank won't take it...and you've basically
wasted tand the ASSDF, plus money for extra envelopes and postage.

Please do NOT send payments to the Editor, or any other ASSDF
officer. Otherwise, it will likely be sent back to you by ASSDF
President Ted Hofmeister. Only the ASSDF Treasurer has any business
handling money for the ASSDF.

There are still at least a dozen print subscriptions which expired
with the November, 2020 issue...and unless I get word from Treasurer
Sheila Gesing that these have renewed by Nov. 14, 2020...they will NOT
receive any further copies of the print edition, unless they renew.
Also, nearly 30 print subscriptions expire with January and February combined...and if only 10% of that total renew, combined with no new
renewals from November expirations, we will have under 2 dozen print subscriptions, about what we had in October, 2019.

Effective with the January, 2021 issue, the following items will
no longer be in the print edition...but they will be in the e-Edition:

1) Club Directory.

2) Caller and Cuer Directory.

3) Information and Registration forms for the National Square Dance
Convention (these were removed as of the November, 2020 issue, due
to page issues...and for it being hard to read).

4) Social Media Sites (Facebook) for callers, cuers, and clubs.

5) Websites for callers, cuers, clubs, and organizations.

6) Information on the e-Edition.

The print edition is already in black and white, printed two pages
per piece of paper, on both sides, and folded in half. As an example,
at present, the "work copy" for the January, 2021 issue will have only
12 pages...the equivalent of 3 sheets of paper per subscriber. That
saves on the cost of postage and printing...which means that the ASSDF
isn't forced to end the print edition sooner more than later, due to a
lack of funds.

As a side note, having worked in silkscreen printing from 1986 to
2004 (when declining health forced my resignation), with "political
season", every print shop (silkscreen and otherwise), broadcast media
station (radio and TV), print publication (newspaper, etc.) would be
slammed with political ads...but those were also very profitable and
busy times for the businesses. Aside from the candidates who lose on
Election Day, these will be the only ones mourning the end of the ads.

Daryl Stout, Editor, Circulation Chairman, Webmaster
Arkansas State Square Dance Federation
https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
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þ Synchronet þ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net

For those planning to take the Post Convention Cruise following the
70th National Square Dance Convention in Jackson, Mississippi...there
has been a price increase, due to the cruise line increasing the taxes.
The PDF fliter on the ASSDF website has been updated for it.

Also, after the first of the year, while the long registration form
will not change in regards to pricing or hotels/housing, the room
blocks will likely be adjusted in size. One must be registered for the
National Square Dance Convention before they can request housing. In
short, if you wait too long to register, you may end up getting a
different hotel than the one you wanted. With some hotels, there is
a parking fee, and a one night deposit required in advance.

Purchase of both a Program Book and a Bus Pass are strongly
recommended...as the Daily Schedules are available ONLY to those
purchasing a Program Book in advance.

Note that costs for registration, bus passes, and other items, WILL
INCREASE on May 1, 2021...and as of that date, there is NO REFUND
FOR CANCELLATIONS.

Several PDF files are on the ASSDF website under the link INFO ON
70TH NSDC -- including:

1) Long Registration Form

2) Welcome To Mississippi

3) Wednesday Night Special Event (cost for show only, or for dinner
and show)

4) Tour Information

5) Friday Keynote Speech

6) Saturday Fashion Show

7) Post Convention Cruise

8) Available issues of National Squares Online

I will be traveling there by Amtrak Passenger Train. However, due
to scheduling, I won't get there in time for the Wednesday night
Special Event.

I am planning to work the table of the Arkansas State Square Dance
Federation (ASSDF) in the Showcase Of Ideas on Thursday, Friday, and
Saturday. Note that the Showcase Of Ideas CLOSES at 5pm on Saturday.

At this time, I don't know how much dancing I will do. But, this
will be my last big trip outside of Arkansas.

Daryl Stout, Editor, Circulation Chairman, Webmaster
Arkansas State Square Dance Federation
https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
--- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
þ Synchronet þ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net

The December, 2020 issue of The Modern Square, the monthly publication
of the Arkansas State Square Dance Federation (ASSDF) is released today,
Nov. 16, 2020. The e-Edition was sent to subscribers emails earlier
today, and Arkansas Printing in Pine Bluff has received the print
edition copy. It should be in subscribers mailboxes by Thanksgiving.

I've begun preliminary work on the January, 2021 issue, with these
changes:

1) In the print edition, MOVING of the following information to the
e-Edition (the majority of these items did not change each month; and
the items had to be moved to cut costs):

A) Club, caller, and cuer websites, plus Facebook pages.

B) Dance and Contact Information on clubs, callers, and cuers..

C) Information on the National Square Dance Convention (except for a
website link in the Special Dances section).

These REMAIN in the e-Edition, and are available on the website
(noted at the bottom of this message, at the appropriate link). Folks
can also contact one of the ASSDF Officers for the information, if need
be.

2) Addition of fliers for the 2021 ASSDF Fall Festival...for the
registration for Friday and Saturday and camping/lodging info...
plus info on the Trail-End Dance Thursday night. These will be
placed on the website just after the first of the year, in PDF
format. I am waiting on approval on the artwork from the ASSDF
Board, and from the Fall Festival Chairpersons.

3) Since this is the last year for the Single Square Dancers USA
(SSDUSA) organization, as a former member, I'm paying the ad cost
for their fliers for the January through August 2021 issues. The
final Dance-A-Rama will be in Des Moines, Iowa September 3-5, 2021.

It would cost me far more to travel there, and for both food and lodging...than it'd be for the ad...plus, it'd be very hard on me
physically, travel wise...especially with COVID-19 issues. With a
lack of support and members lately, the organization will DISBAND
after their 50th Dance-A-Rama.

4) Depending on the outcome of a vote by the ASSDF Executive Board
in a planned Zoom Meeting in early December, lower prices for ads
in the publication, and possibly a nominal yearly fee for the
e-Edition and related expenses.

Yet, there is opposition to any kind of fee (no matter how small)...
but it seems that "folks want something for nothing". I am working
on a column for these new rates, but can do nothing on that until
after the Board Meeting.

The truth is that the number of print edition subscribers continues
to decrease, as well as a lack of new/renewal subscriptions and ads.
Had ASSDF President Ted Hofmeister, and yours truly not been taking
out ads in the previous months this year, the print edition would
likely be "on its last legs" right now.

Costs of postage and printing continue to increase, plus the fees
for webhosting and the website come due in August (all websites have
to pay these fees...plus web design fees, if applicable, and these can
be rather expensive). In time, that will drain the treasury, where the
ASSDF may have to consider:

A) An increase in the cost, or reduction in frequency, of the print subscription. That would likely turn away subscribers from either
subscribing or renewing.

B) Eliminate the print subscription entirely...especially if it's
costing substantially more to print and mail it, and little or no
new money is coming in for subscriptions (new or renewal) or ads.

That would be unfair to those who either want a hard copy...or who
can't get, don't have, or don't want, a computer or internet access.
Portions of Arkansas have little or no internet or cellphone coverage.

The only benefits of discontinuing the print edition would be no
more postage or printing costs....and the e-Edition could have its
deadline as "the last Friday of the month".

While it was voted on at a Delegates Meeting a few years ago that
"fees for The Modern Square were non-refundable", the ASSDF Board
would have to approve a change in that.

C) Charging a nominal fee for the e-Edition. But, if we can't pay
the fees for the website or webhosting, the e-Edition and websites
will disappear as well.

D) Lack of new revenue could mean we could not pay for a hall for
a place to hold the Fall Festival or the Spring Dance.

This would result in the worst case scenario for the organization...as
with no print or e-Edition or website, that means no way to communicate
with members...and to those outside of the state who may be looking to
move to Arkansas, or are passing through on the way to another dance or
event. And, with no money for festivals, it means no more dances...and
would mean the end of the organization.

We do NOT want it to get to this point...but with any organization,
if members aren't going to support it, the officers are just wasting
their time. I know folks don't want to hear this, and will likely accuse
me of being "overly negative". But, as Robert Heinlein noted, TANSTAFFL;
"there ain't no such thing as a free lunch".

It's basically a matter of mathematics...and I'll use the illustration
things like restaurant or store items. If someone isn't there to replace
and replenish things that are purchased or removed (like a food buffet);
sooner or later, they will run out of those things, and the entity will
be shut down.

Daryl Stout, Editor, Circulation Chairman, Webmaster, ASSDF https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
--- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
þ Synchronet þ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net

I received the print copy of the December, 2020 issue of The Modern
Square today, Nov. 19, 2020. The e-Edition was released earlier this
week on Nov. 16, 2020.

The Modern Square is the monthly publication of the Arkansas State
Square Dance Federation (ASSDF).

As noted in a previous message, I've begun preliminary work on the
January, 2021 issue, with these changes:

1) In the print edition, MOVING of the following information to the
e-Edition (the majority of these items did not change each month; and
the items had to be moved to cut costs):

A) Club, caller, and cuer websites, plus Facebook pages.

B) Dance and Contact Information on clubs, callers, and cuers..

C) Information on the National Square Dance Convention (except for a
website link in the Special Dances section).

These REMAIN in the e-Edition, and are available on the website
(noted at the bottom of this message, at the appropriate link). Folks
can also contact one of the ASSDF Officers for the information, if
need be.

2) Addition of fliers for the 2021 ASSDF Fall Festival...for the
registration for Friday and Saturday and camping/lodging info...
plus info on the Trail-End Dance Thursday night. These will be
placed on the website just after the first of the year, in PDF
format. I am waiting on approval on the artwork from the ASSDF
Board, and from the Fall Festival Chairpersons.

3) Since this is the last year for the Single Square Dancers USA
(SSDUSA) organization, as a former member, I'm paying the ad cost
for their fliers for the January through August 2021 issues. The
final Dance-A-Rama will be in Des Moines, Iowa September 3-5, 2021.

It would cost me far more to travel there, and for both food and lodging...than it'd be for the ad...plus, it'd be very hard on me
physically, travel wise...especially with COVID-19 issues. With a
lack of support and members lately, the organization will DISBAND
after their 50th Dance-A-Rama.

4) Depending on the outcome of a vote by the ASSDF Executive Board
in a planned Zoom Meeting in early December, lower prices for ads
in the publication, and possibly a nominal yearly fee for the
e-Edition and related expenses.

Yet, there is opposition to any kind of fee (no matter how small)...
but it seems that "folks want something for nothing". I am working
on a column for these new rates, but can do nothing on that until
after the Board Meeting.

The truth is that the number of print edition subscribers continues
to decrease, as well as a lack of new/renewal subscriptions and ads.
Had ASSDF President Ted Hofmeister, and yours truly not been taking
out ads in the previous months this year, the print edition would
likely be "on its last legs" right now.

Costs of postage and printing continue to increase, plus the fees
for webhosting and the website come due in August (all websites have
to pay these fees...plus web design fees, if applicable, and these can
be rather expensive). In time, that will drain the treasury, where the
ASSDF may have to consider:

A) An increase in the cost, or reduction in frequency, of the print subscription. That would likely turn away subscribers from either
subscribing or renewing.

B) Eliminate the print subscription entirely...especially if it's
costing substantially more to print and mail it, and little or no
new money is coming in for subscriptions (new or renewal) or ads.
This is especially true if proposed reduced ad prices don't generate
any new ads.

Discontinuing the print edition would be unfair to those who either
want a hard copy...or who can't get, don't have, or don't want, a
computer or internet access. Portions of Arkansas have little or no
internet or cellphone coverage...and if one doesn't have a landline
analog phone, or amateur radio, they're not going to be able to
communicate with their fellow Arkansan. These folks are truly, "in
the boonies".

The only benefits of discontinuing the print edition would be no
more postage or printing costs....and the e-Edition could have its
deadline as "the last Friday of the month"...as long as I'm the
Editor...but we'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

While it was voted on at a Delegates Meeting a few years ago that
"fees for The Modern Square were non-refundable", the ASSDF Board
would have to approve a change in that.

C) Charging a nominal fee for the e-Edition. But, if we can't pay
the fees for the website or webhosting, the e-Edition and website
will disappear as well. However, I can maintain the original "low
graphics site", as I have more space to store PDF files (including
back issues of the e-Edition of The Modern Square) there.

D) Lack of new revenue could mean we could not pay for a hall for
a place to hold the Fall Festival or the Spring Dance.

This would result in the worst case scenario for the organization...as
with no print or e-Edition or website, that means no way to communicate
with members...and to those outside of the state who may be looking to
move to Arkansas, or are passing through on the way to another dance or
event. And, with no money for festivals, it means no more dances...and
would mean the end of the organization.

We do NOT want it to get to this point...but with any organization,
if members aren't going to support it, the officers are just wasting
their time. I know folks don't want to hear this, and will likely accuse
me of being "overly negative". But, as Robert Heinlein noted, TANSTAFFL;
"there ain't no such thing as a free lunch".

It's basically a matter of mathematics...and I'll use the illustration
things like restaurant or store items. If someone isn't there to replace
and replenish things that are purchased or removed (like a food buffet);
sooner or later, they will run out of those things, and the entity will
be shut down.

Daryl Stout, Editor, Circulation Chairman, Webmaster, ASSDF https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
--- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
þ Synchronet þ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net

The print edition and e-Edition of the February, 2021 issue of
The Modern Square, the monthly publication of the Arkansas State
Square Dance Federation (ASSDF), are released today, Jan. 17, 2021.

You may go to https://www.arkansassquaredance.com -- then click on
MORE -- and look for the link that notes "The Modern Square". Scroll
down the page, then click on "February 2021 e-Edition" to download it.
You will need an appropriate PDF viewer to view/print the file.

Due to some receipients bouncing the email back due to the URL in
the message or the attached file, I had to spell it out in the email
blast, as these subscribers ISP spam filters were flagging the message
as such. If their ISP spam filters still flag it, I don't know what
can be done.

My apologies for the December, 2020 issue being sent out recently,
instead of the January, 2021 issue...it was due to a file error at
my end. I have combined club reports for January and February into
this issue.

I will confirm with Arkansas Printing on Monday that they received
the file, and that it is the right one. I hope it'll be in mailboxes
by the first of February.

We are down to 48 print subscriptions for The Modern Square, and
ASSDF President Ted Hofmeister has said that if we drop below 40
print subscriptions, the print edition will be discontinued. As of
Jan. 17, 2021, there are still 13 print subscriptions that expire
with the February, 2021 issue...and if these do not renew by Feb. 14,
2021, then the March, 2021 issue will be the last one for the print
edition.

If that occurs, shortly after that point, refunds will be sent out
by ASSDF Treasurer Sheila Gesing to those print edition subscribers
who had remaining print subscription issues from April, 2021 on. Any
issues from March, 2021 or before will NOT receive refunds. The amount
of the refund will be pro-rated per issue, based on the number of issues remaining on their subscription.

Because of print edition costs, the size of the print edition has
been capped at 16 pages. If we have to go over that, it costs the
ASSDF extra money. Also, to cover the cost of webhosting, the domain
fee, and for security features to protect the site from malware, there
are smaller costs by comparison for the e-Edition ads. At the present
time, there is no charge for an e-Edition subscription. You can get
one free of charge by sending an email with your name and email address
to the email address at the bottom of this message.

As for ads, effective immediately, the ad prices for The Modern
Square, no matter the size of the ad, are as follows:

Print Edition: $35
E-Edition: $ 5

If you want an ad in BOTH the print and e-Edition, the cost is $40
per ad insertion. ADVANCE PAYMENT IS REQUIRED, with a check payable
to ASSSDF for the proper amount (be sure that it is signed), and then
mail it to Sheila Gesing, 9760 Grant 7, Sheridan, AR 72150

Copy (text) and photos for ads should be sent to the Editor via
email to assdfmodernsquare at gmail dot com -- this is the same
address for club reports or other items. The deadline is the 14th
of the month, preceding the month of issue.

If we end up going to e-Edition ONLY, as Editor, I am considering
changing the deadline to something like the 26th of the month. This
would mean that it'd be released on the 28th of the month, prior to
the month of issue...as all months have 28 days.

Contact information for the ASSDF Officers is in The Modern Square,
and on the website, noted below.

Please notify the Editor if your mailing address changes for the
print edition, or if your email address changes for the e-Edition.
If either bounce back as undeliverable, your subscription(s) will be
suspended, until you contact me with the updated information. Also,
please notify the Editor if any information for you as a caller or
a cuer...or for your club...is wrong...so that it can be corrected.

Note that with COVID-19 still being widespread, many clubs remain
dark. If I remember right, only 6 ASSDF clubs are dancing at this time.
Some do require masks, while others leave it up to individual dancers
to decide on that. Temperatures are taken at the door...if you have a
fever, you will NOT be allowed to dance.

Note that if weather is an issue...whether snow and ice, or severe thunderstorms with tornadoes, flooding rain, large hail, and damaging winds...you may wish to stay home.

Snowy and icy roads are extremely dangerous...and flooded roads could
be washed out. NEVER drive through or walk across flooded areas. It only
takes 6 inches of moving water to sweep a person off their feet, and
only 1 foot of water to sweep a vehicle off the road. Your fate will
likely be death by drowning. If you end up being rescued, you may end
up being billed by the emergency services personnel, especially if
there were signs noting "Road Unsafe When Under Water".

Road conditions (including construction zones and traffic flow), for
Arkansas can be found at https://www.idrivearkansas.com -- an app is
also available for the smartphone.

Lastly, PLEASE CALL BEFORE YOU TRAVEL...to verify that the club is
still dancing that night, and for any COVID-19 precautions. If weather
is an issue...or if you don't feel well, or are leery of getting out
among other people, please stay home!!

Currently in Arkansas, those who are front line healthcare workers
(medical personnel, etc.), those living or working in nursing homes
or those 70 years of age or older, are eligible to get the COVID-19
shots (likely available in 2 doses, taken a month apart). If you live
in central Arkansas, and meet the above 3 requirements, you can call
CHI St. Vincent ta 501-552-6843, to get on the schedule. Several area pharmacies are offering the injections as well.

Those who don't meet these requirements will have to wait until later
in the year, when their respective "age group" opens up to receive the
shots. Hopefully, that will get us back to some sort of normalcy, for
what it's worth.

Daryl Stout, Editor, Circulation Chairman, Webmaster, ASSDF https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
assdfmodernsquare@gmail.com
--- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
þ Synchronet þ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net

The NEW redesigned website and logo for the Arkansas State Square
Dance Federation (ASSDF)...designed by Ben Schoenkase, is now ONLINE
at https://www.arkansassquaredance.com -- it's easier to navigate
and get information for. The one thing I have not yet been able to
get working is the Google Events Calendar.

An ice storm affected much of Arkansas Feb. 10-11, with freezing
rain causing icy roads and power outages. Many clubs have decided
to CANCEL upcoming dances because of the weather...including my home
club, the Maverick Mixers, in Little Rock...who will NOT be dancing
this Saturday, Feb. 13.

Please call before you travel to be sure the club is dancing, and
to check for any COVID-19 requirements. Also, for weather issues,
there are 2 sites to check:

1) https://www.idrivearkansas.com -- provided by the Arkansas
Department Of Transportation (ARDOT), you can get indications
of traffic flows, construction zones, road conditions, closed
roads, incidents (wrecks), and more.

2) https://www.weather.gov/lzk -- the website for the National
Weather Service in Little Rock. At a glance, you can see all
current watches, warnings, and advisories for Arkansas. If you
click on the map, you'll get a point forecast for that area,
with links to any watches, warnings, and advisories.

Some forecast models are showing 2 consecutive snow storms
the week of Feb. 14-20...and accumulations could be moderate
to heavy. On top of icy roads, that'll make travel conditions
even worse. A bit milder weather (I use the term loosely) may
not arrive until the week of Feb. 21 -- Severe Weather Awareness
Week, prior to the start of the spring tornado season, which can
be just as bad.

Daryl Stout, Editor, Circulation Chairman, Webmaster, ASSDF https://www.arkansassquaredance.com
assdfmodernsquare@gmail.com
--- SBBSecho 3.11-Win32
* Origin: The Thunderbolt BBS - tbolt.synchro.net (57:57/10)
þ Synchronet þ Eye of The Hurricane BBS - hurrican.synchro.net