Another year has passed by and we can log this season as a success with a galaxy of memories to add to our history.....

This season, the Arizona Swing Kids performed their 700th show for seniors, veterans and troops throughout the metropolitan area.

A journey that began in March 1997 for me, is coming to a conclusion. But not an end.

In February 1997, I had no idea how to dance. On March 15th 1997, my life changed forever. Those of you who know me, know this is the day that inspired me to learn how to dance, then it evolved into the idea of the Arizona Swing Kids.

After this upcoming March 18th 2012, I am passing the torch to the youths....who have entertained thousands of seniors, veterans and troops year-round since 1999.

My journey has allowed me to train thousands of youths in ballroom dance, performing WWII & Doo Wop songs and last, but not least...our theme...paying tribute to those who have served our country in all branches of the military, through all eras....even meeting troops dating back to WWI.

Yes, we had WWI veterans in our audiences when we began our journey. We are losing our WWII veterans at a high rate.

Yet, the song continues....the dance continues.....the mission continues....

The kids are going to carry the mission on.....to entertain those who believe in America, support our troops and understand the value of giving back to the community.

I am asking you to get behind this program and support it in any way you can.

The kids do all facets of the show....and with the love and support of their parents, supporters and activities directors....those folks in senior homes, veterans hospitals and more....can look always forward to hearing Glenn Miller songs, watching the 'Andrews Sisters' and seeing young kids recreate bygone eras.

This is my hope for this Christmas 2011....keeping the fire burning for those in heaven...while bringing smiles, tears and enchanting memories to so many people in their twilight years.

We always need your help in funding the transport, costumes, feeding the kids after shows, equipment and their social outings. An average show day requires a 5 hour block for each kid...and we have averaged 50 plus shows a year....so this is pretty significant!

To share with you a glimpse of what this program means to the veterans, troops and their families, I wanted to share with you some memories from the 2011 Veterans Day.

The 'Swing Kids participated in the Veterans Day Parade in Phoenix. There were numerous people who sought me out, to say think you to the children and what they mean to the veterans.

Along the route, you could see and hear the joy when the parade goers saw that the 'Swing Kids leading our group, had EVERY flag for the services......spread across the parade route.

Then Rosie the Riveter was soon dancing in the parade, which symbolizes our program. As each kid assigned to dancing, showed their moves...the parade goers all cheered and showed their support.

Amongst the voices I heard yelling for the 'Swing Kids was one from the west side of 7th street, by the VA Hospital....the group of veterans who live in the assisted living at the hospital....were in their wheel chairs, yelling for the 'Swing Kids!

One of them, George, who is in his 90's, a WWII veteran, was 'thanking the 'Swing Kids' on the day we were thanking him and all of those who serve.

I hugged him, told him how much he meant to us...and promised to see him at the hospital again.

By the end of the parade, our gang was tired, but ready for more.....and we had more....a show in Sun City that started soon after the parade!

So we transported the kids to Sun City and set up the show....for an independent living community.

These folks were excited to see the 'Swing Kids for their very first time.....they cried, the cheered, they danced and they reminisced about their lives.....

During the show, I noticed 'children of the seniors' dancing with the kids and having fun. At the end of the show, two of them walked up to me to thank us for the show. The were in their 50's and there for their parent.

They had tears in their eyes and after I saw what picture they both had on their shirts....I cried too. They had the picture of their son who was killed in Iraq.....giving the ultimate sacrifice to our country.

And his parents...were here on Veterans Day 2011, thanking us? I thanked them, told them how much we appreciate the military families and soon, we both parted....

After March 2012, we are changing our scheduling format to adjust for the transition the group and myself face for the upcoming year.

The 'Swing Kids will now be available for shows on the 3rd Saturday of each school month (August through May) and the Summer tour is going to be held for 2 weeks in July, starting with July 1st and ending July 14th.

June is an off month for practice and preparation for the summer tour. August is an off month as well, as the kids get settled back into school....

During the summer tour, the 'Swing Kids will perform daily if the show schedule books up...and for 10 years...they have performed up to 28 shows alone during the summer tour....

So for all of our activity directors, look at your calendars and if you would like the 'Swing Kids out, hopefully this will help you in your planning.

A separate communication will be sent to the activities directors.

I have been blessed to say the least when it comes to the opportunity I have had in teaching the 'Swing Kids past and present....meeting so many thousands of people, so many that I became close too....who treated me like family.

Those of you who know me personally, know that the past couple of years was pretty tough. But now, as the journey has evolved, I have to change back to first shift hours and focus on raising two children who need my 100% attention.

I will still be involved with the 'Swing Kids program, just in a different capacity. I will be in the background, supporting the 'Swing Kids and hopefully able to secure sponsorship from the community.

This is the only program of it's kind in America.....and wouldn't be amazing if other cities and states had 'Swing Kids programs who traveled year-round to entertain seniors, veterans & troops like the Arizona Swing Kids?

This program is very special and that is thanks to youths and audiences who have supported them over the past 12 years....and counting.

Change is a funning thing....as while a door closes....a new one opens up.

Happy Holidays and here's hoping all of you are in good health,