How long have you been a member of Times Squares?
I joined Times Squares after completing the Mainstream Class in October 2024.
Why did you join? Who convinced you?
The Parks and Recreation Department in my hometown (Westerville, OH) sponsored summer square dancing at a local school and during my elementary school years my siblings and I would dance (outdoors on the blacktop) one evening each week. I enjoyed the square dancing and when I moved back to New York and was looking for something to do I discovered Times Squares. So a perfect fit – square dancing with a LGBT+ square dancing group.
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in Westerville, OH (a suburb of Columbus) but lived in Manhattan for 2 years right after college. I then lived in New Rochelle for several years, but moved back to Ohio in 1984 to be nearer to family. I had often thought of moving back to New York. After I retired and COVID restrictions ended I moved back to Manhattan in April 2022, almost 45 years after first moving here. The city has changed a great deal in those years and not all of the changes are for the better. I still enjoy the energy of the city and the opportunity to walk or take public transportation to most places and not having to own a car.
What is something about you (a fun fact) that not many people know?
I worked on the assembly line at one of Honda’s automobile manufacturing plants in Marysville, OH for six months (this plant assembled Honda Accords). I was terrible at the job (for those old enough to remember, picture Lucy and Ethel working on the candy assembly line). The job was not a good “fit” and thankfully Honda’s reputation for making quality vehicles did not suffer due to my work, at least to my knowledge.
Who inspires you?
My late father inspires me. He was an optimist who gave selflessly of his time and energies.
What else do you enjoy beyond square dancing?
I enjoy reading, baking (mainly around the holidays), and walking both for exercise and personal enjoyment.
What advice would you give to yourself at age 15?
Don’t be concerned about what other people are thinking about you because most likely they are not. They have their own lives and concerns.
What are you reading/watching?
My favorite authors are Alice Munroe and Anne Lamott. I also enjoy Sinclair Lewis novels. I particularly enjoy reading essays and short stories and will browse the shelves at the library for books that look interesting. I subscribe only to BritBox (mainly because I am a big fan of “Are You Being Served” but will watch any of their shows and documentaries that look interesting.
Favorite quote?
“Always keep your words soft and sweet, just in case you have to eat them.”
~ Andy Rooney