The Virginia Beach Junior Shaggers held their regularly scheduled lesson on August 11th at the YMCA. While several newcomers were mastering the basic step others were picking up new steps like the “sugarfoot.” Thanks to instructors Karen Garmon, Billy White, George & Shirley Giles, Jan Weakley and Fran Harris who worked with our kids this day. Our juniors continued the wave of summer fun after the session when many of them took the party to Brewers East Inn Restaurant where they relaxed with some good food and had a great time together shagging to the music of DJ Hampton Wolfe. The fun-filled evening provided lots of shagging highlighted by Billy White’s dance with juniors Sara Hemmings and April Roberts who clung to each other as he spun them in unison. Mark Horton attempted to better Billy dancing with no less than four girls including Samantha Slade and Meredith Bell. Grant Garmon showed off some newly acquired steps picked up during Jr. S.O.S. in North Myrtle Beach while his mother Karen joined Fran Harris, Mary Littman, and Susan Hemmings who led the whole group dancing “The Charleston.” Sharing in the good times also were Fred Hemmings, Curt & Carol Roberts and Liz Bell. We all had a fantastic time! All shaggers are invited to come out and enjoy the great atmosphere of great food, music, and dancing at Brewers East Inn every Sunday 5-8 p.m.
Junior Shaggers have also been on a couple boat outings on local waters hosted by Fran Harris, Junior Shag Committee Chairperson, onboard the Elegance, captained by Peter Jones. Finally, VBJr Grant Garmon has been keeping busy! First he teamed up with Sara Hemmings in a “dance-off” held August 24th on the shores of Lake Gaston where they won first place honors. Then Grant and his mother, Karen,, performed a shag demonstration on-stage in front of a gathering of all Virginia Beach School Faculty on August 29th at the new Amphitheater.
We really have some great kids who appreciate the support many parents and shag club members have given them! Our efforts, as always, focus on building on past successes with heartfelt optimism!
On a special note: It is an honor and a privilege to announce that 3 time Jr. Champion, MICHAEL NORRIS (age 16) is planning a special trip to work with our Juniors during their Oct. 13th YMCA session (3:30-5:30). Thanks to Fran Harris for arranging Michael’s visit. It was her persistence that led Michael to Virginia Beach! We are looking forward to his visit!
Curt Roberts
VBJr Shaggers - Publicity