The purpose of the Friends, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is to ensure the long term sustainability of the Grange building; to promote and support the development of cultural programs that encourage music and dance in the building; to facilitate cooperation among music and dance community members and the Grange organization; to maximize participation in the events scheduled at the Grange; and to conduct a public information campaign about the historical relationship of the Grange and the music and dance community.

Activities

FGSG sponsored events

Each November we hold our Fall Frolic, an all-day dance that is our big annual fundraiser. We use the proceeds to help the Grange membership maintain the hall, and to sponsor other special dance events throughout the year. Our special events have included Style-ish Contra workshops geared toward skill development with flair, challenging dances for experienced dancers, and other workshops; we are always exploring further possibilities. Look for our FGSG events on the Events calendar.

Community dialogue

Sustaining a great dancing community requires periodic self-reflection. In March 2008 we created a forum for several invited callers and dance organizers to discuss a variety of issues that occur on a typical dance floor (see meeting notes & related articles). In November 2008 we conducted an online survey to learn more about how we can best serve our dance community (see survey results summary).

Merchandise

Occasionally we produce items for sale to benefit the Grange. Our biggest endeavor has been the Waltzing for the Grange CD, released in 1999 and still available. We have also made Grange t-shirts, photo calendars, and a poster promoting dance safety.

Buy stuff we've made »

Newsletter

We publish a several-page newsletter twice a year, packed with interesting articles and interviews.

Peruse our archived newsletters »

Join us!

The FGSG Board meets on the first Saturday of the month, from 5:30–7:30, though please do check the Events calendar for any last-minute changes. Meetings are open: all members and interested friends are welcome and encouraged to attend. Feel free to email us at friends[at]guidingstargrange [dot] org with any questions, or come talk with any of our Board members at a dance.

Download our brochure (pdf) »
Download our bylaws (pdf) »
Download our membership application (pdf) »