19th CALLERLAB Convention 
MILESTONE AWARD
Presented by Bob Howell
In 1948 a young man who was in the employ of YMCA came to realize that the program in which he was working need to rhythmic activity. He started to call square dance and found that he was able to bring a great deal of pleasure to those who were attending his events. He was most fortunate to have married a young lady who was highly supportive of his newfound interest. In fact, she became involved with him in his fast-developing hobby.
Not long after he started calling, there became a realization that some organization and leadership was needed in the movement that was spreading like wildfire across this nation. He had been calling the traditional patterns of the past that were current in those day, but thought that with the Western and Modern styles of dance entering the picture, that he would lend it some direction and like many of the traveling callers, he would use the overview that he was able to acquire in his wide travels, and share his wisdom and experience with others.
What better way could be found to accomplish his desire for educating the square dance world that publishing a periodical that would reflect the opinions of those throughout the world? With a partner who was eager to inform those interested in the field, there was developed a team who sought to find a source of sharing their knowledge and leadership. They ventured forth with a monthly publication that saw great success for 23 years.
That was just eh beginning of the involvement for this couple as they contributed much to the early panning information of Callerlab serving faithfully in many capacities, i.e., chairman of committees, member of the Board Of Governors, and the second executive secretary of the organization.
In editing their magazine, this pair, although highly competitive, realized that while competition is healthy, cooperation produces greater accomplishments. They met with the publisher of two other square dance magazines and helped pool the resources of the three publications into what we know today as Legacy. These, too, had a dream which is developed into an organization that has served as an “umbrella,” covering the entire field of our wonderful square dance activity. They served as Legacy’s first executive secretary and chair pro team. Currently they are the immediate past-chairman of Legacy. One of them is a charter member of Contralab.
They were instrumental in the organization of the Ohio Mini-Legacy program.
Much time and effort were put forth by this pair endeavoring to further the promotion of square dance world’s attempt to obtain Congressional recognition of the square dance as and American Folk Dance. They have published and distributed the Square Dance Month Promo-Kit annually since its inception and of late, the New Dancer Notes as a service of Legacy.
Now you realize I am referring to Cathie and Stan Burdick of Huron, Ohio. As a team they have been owners/publishers/editors of the American Square Dance Magazine.
With his easel and felt-tipped pen, backed by a tremendous reservoir of knowledge of our activity. Stan has given many hours of fine presentations to local groups, state conventions, and the National Square Dance Convention, developing themes and ideas for publicizing square dancing and education he is dancing and non-dance public. Cathie and Stan created and published the first P/R Manuel for Callerlab. Their leadership ability is unquestioned, and their contributed time has been in unselfish quantity. They have keynoted over 20 leadership training seminars throughout the world.
From the educational-leadership standpoint, they have published books on choreography, humor, systems for calling, and clip-art work. Stan has conducted over 50 caller schools during his calling career.
Through the creation, continuance and expansion of Legacy, Callerlab, and the published word, the influence of Cathie and Stan Burdick had been felt throughout the international square dance community, yet, as Lloyd Shaw stated, that a good caller pays as much attention to his local clubs as he does to those while on the road. Stan certainly does that. He is probably one of the most, if not the most, travelled calling today. Yet, he maintains an active program in his hometown and area.
Stan and Cathie received the coveted Silver Spur Award from the Sets In Order American Square Dance Society many years ago. They have devoted over two-thirds of their lifetimes to the advancement, betterment, and perpetuation of the square dance activity. The basic proof of the Test of Time is simply: Legacy lives, Callerlab lives, and the published word lives because of their strong influence, farsightedness, and visionary goals.
It is with great joy that, on behalf of the entire membership of Callerlab, I have been extended the privilege to present the prestigious Milestone Award, Callerlab’s highest recognition of service and dedication, to Cathie and Stan Burdick on this 14th day of April 1992. Congratulations.