13th CALLERLAB Convention 
Milestone Award
Presented by Bob Van Antwerp
Tonight, it is esteemed pleasure to make the presentation of our prestigious milestone award to a very deserving member of calling fraternity. This caller without any doubt has met all the criteria of this highest award given by CALLERLAB.
To begin with, he was born in the western part of Germany and his parents moved to United States when he was three months old. He was schooled in Brooklyn, New York area and attended New York University for many years. His original vocation was that of an Employment Counselor, running his own agency for several years.
While in New York he met a young lady from Oregon who had come to the East to make her fortune. She was actually attending a model school when she met him. His wife is one eighth Indian, her great-grandmother was a member of the John Jacob Astor fur expedition, which came around the Horn to get to the Great Northwest.
(So far are you still in suspense?!)
Now it becomes a little more informative as to whom our recipient happens to be…
First, they were married in 1951 and have two children, Linda and Bob. This CALLERLAB member started dancing in 1957 and within a year was teaching his beginner class. Who says we don’t start early? He is known worldwide as both a caller and teacher of callers. He has been featured in more than 15 state festivals including Hawaii, Alaska, and has called in Japan, Germany, Australia and New Zealand.
He was one of the first callers asked to be a member of CALLERLAB was formed by the original fourteen Hall of Fame Members. He was elected to be the first Board of Governors and still remains a member of the board. (Are you still in suspense?)
Now a little more information…Knowing his interest in caller training, was appointed as the Chairman of the Accreditation Committee, worked diligently on the Caller Coach Program and recently completed the first draft of caller training manual with the assistance of many including caller coaches. He has given much of his time to developing standard for caller coaches and caller training programs. He offered his first callers’ class in 1968.
(Another clue in case you still are not in the know)
Publishing material for callers has been another interest of his. In 1972 he started a newsletter and note service for callers. It was called “Choreo Breakdown” which he continued to produce until January 1985.
As those in the publishing business are well aware, he a prolific writer in his own right and in 1970 published a text called “The Other Side Of the Mike,” which covered all aspects of calling at that time.
He strongly feels that any folk art reflects the society in which it resides. Thus, as the society becomes more complex, so does folk art. He also feels that many dancers are no longer satisfied with a caller who strictly works from memory, they want to be challenged by one who is capable of putting together small building modules to form the complex patterns that are danced today.
(Here is my last clue to offer you)
This caller has recorded for Old Timer, Kalox, Longhorn, and Chinook Records during his career.
In summary, this caller and his wife have made square dancing their life. They are as active and enthusiastic with a beginner’s class as they are with a Challenge or Advanced group.
In closing, I am sure you will agree with me and the Executive Committee who selected this caller for the Milestone Award that he is very deserving of in all aspects of the calling profession. I am happy to report he has now moved into my neighborhood at Lake Tahoe and when he is nice, I allow him to call a tip or two at my local club in Lake Tahoe.
It is my pleasure and honor to present to my neighbor and now one of my club members, and friend one of the 1986 Milestone Awards to Bill Peters.