Tom called full time for about 15 years starting in 1984.  He traveled extensively from California to Florida doing dances, weekend and festivals.  Tom has called in approximately 40 states, including Hawaii.  His travels have also taken him to Canada and Mexico.  He now tries to stay closer to home as his family has become his number one priority.  He calls for a SSD club, the Circle Square B Promenaders in Wever, Iowa, has an advanced workshop group in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa and has an advanced workshop group in Davenport, Iowa.

 

Although Tom has limited his travels, he will call specials and festivals on weekends a little farther from home.  Tom owns and produces Solid Gold Records and is partner with Bob Asp in Solid Gold Sound, providing sound for State Conventions and area festivals.  He has also recorded on Cross Country, Chicago Country, and Yellow Rose records.  He is a member of CALLERLAB serving on the Mainstream and Plus committees and the Applications Review Committee.  He is also a member of the Southeast Iowa Callers Association having held every office.

 

Tom is currently president of the Iowa State Caller, Cuer, and Instructors Association.  In 2002 Tom was inducted into the Iowa Square Dance Callers Hall of Fame and in 2010; he and Ella were inducted into the Illinois Square Dance Hall of Fame.

 

Tom graduated from Western Illinois University in 1984 with a Bachelor in Business and has received his Masters in Education from Ashford University.  Tom is now teaching at Burlington High School in the business department.  He hopes to use his influence to help get modern square dancing back in the schools.

 

Tom married his high school sweetheart, Ella in 1983.  Their dates consisted of going to Tom’s dances and lessons.  That is how Ella learned to square dance.

 

They have three lovely daughters.  Sara, married to Jordon Bright and lives in Paris, Missouri.  She is the Youth Pastor at the First Christian Church in Mexico, Mo while Jordon farms.  They are the proud parents of Tom & Ella’s granddaughter and grandson.

 

Amanda is married to Robert Butterworth living in Iwakuni, Japan. Robert works on base as a Military Police trainer and Amanda is a stay at home mother raising our other granddaughter, Katelyn.

 

Ashley is married to Breck Dunne and lives in Myrtle Beach South Carolina.  She works at a day care center while Breck is employed by Myrtle Beach International airport.