Notes of Appreciation

Joe and Leona MackMom & Dad

Paula Johnson, organizer of Brandy Station Foundation's Living History Day, June 9, 2018.

"Thank you for participating in the event and bringing your dancers. I truly appreciate what you do and it brings such joy to see and to those that are dancing! The smiles and fun are so wonderful! Whenever I think of an event, I think of you, Lesley, and Robert Reedy (leader of the Shenandoah Valley Minstrels) as my go to event helpers. The dance and music make the event so fun-filled and you all are great to work with."

Joyce Hilliard, River Ridge Community, Woodbridge, VA. June 2, 2018.

"River Ridge was so fortunate to have the SVCWEDancers drive to our development. I have heard nothing but rave reviews about the dancing from attendees. We have many retired teachers in our group and we all agree that you have the patience of Job. You made everyone feel capable of becoming Civil War Dancers! It really was 'a blast from the far back past' as one person wrote to me."

Claudia Twist, 7th grade teacher at the Cambridge School, Pikesville, MD, after an evening of history and dance with 6th and 7th grade students and their parents on December 6, 2017.

I have heard nothing but praise about our gathering. The parents and students are still amazed by how much fun they had.

Col. Keith Gibson, director, VMI Museum System, after Apple Day at the Stonewall Jackson House, October 21, 2017.

You guys added so much to the event! Thank you. We need to do more dancing in the street!

Heather Denman, Executive Director of The Arc of Harrisonburg and Rockingham, after Arctoberfest, September 30, 2017.

You were such an asset to our event. We are so glad that Kara discovered you and look forward to working with you every year going forward!

Pat Baber, all-around great dancer, January 22, 2017, after the 2nd Annual Preservation Ball.

This was, without a doubt, one of the best dances ever! Every aspect from the food to the music to the dancing was wonderful. Loved the dances you picked. I was skeptical of Ninepins but danced it anyway, and that crazy square I was in made it so much fun. Thanks to all who had a part in putting this dance on.

Judy Vanderstar and Dave Russell, new dancers, January 2017.

"We are enjoying dancing from the era, and getting to know the wonderful people we've met. It's really fun, great exercise, and the people in your group are so friendly!"

Mike Bealefeld of the Cambridge School, Baltimore, MD, after an evening pot luck and history/dance session with 7th grade students and their parents on December 14, 2016.

"Thank you and Lesley again for making the trip up to Cambridge. The 7th grade parents and students loved the dance! I continue to have parents coming up to me and telling me how awesome it was."

Tamara Coffman, Front Royal Christian School after a history/dance session with 4th to 12th graders October 21, 2016.

"Thank you so much for visiting the school today and hosting a GREAT assembly for our students! We appreciate your efforts and dedication to preservation and education!"

Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation on July 20, 2016.

"I cannot even begin to thank you nearly enough for helping us with our impromptu kids camp in Winchester. The children were so excited about the dancing and having you there really added to their experience."

J. M. White, Director, Pallas Athena Ladies Aid Society (PALAS), November 2, 2015.

"PALAS members LOVE Civil War dancing and greatly appreciate SVCWED's efforts to ensure that all dancers and chaperones enjoy themselves!"

Front Royal Christian School after a history/dance session with 5th to 12th graders October 30, 2015.

"Thank you so much for a fabulous school assembly Friday!"

Bryant Henderson of the Huckelberry Brothers Band and sat in with the 2nd SC String Band at the 150th Appomattox reenactment dance April 11, 2015. "It's always a guaranteed good time when Tom and Lesley Mack call a dance, assisted by other members of the Shenandoah Valley Civil War Era Dancers."

Sam Watkins, 12th Va. Infantry, after the 150th Appomattox reenactment dance April 11, 2015.

"Thank you for a wonderful dance at Appomattox! The SVCWED were the highlight of my four-day encampment. Please extend a "job well done" from me to your group."

Keven Walker, CEO of the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation writing after our 3rd Annual Valentine Ball, February 14, 2015, a fund-raising event for the SVBF.

"I can't tell you how profoundly grateful I am for the herculean effort that you and the SVCWED have made to preserve the Valley's Civil War battlefields. Your grassroots campaign represents battlefield preservation at its best and truly shows just how committed you all are to our cause. You are keeping heritage alive in a way that makes people smile and benefits the battlefields. Thank you all so very very much. All the best, Keven"

Susan Melendez, teacher at Eastern Mennonite High School and organizer of their October 31, 2014, History Day.

"Thank you so much for your participation in making our History Day outstanding! You had a favorite station, for sure. Your knowledge of the period, attire, and ability to captivate the attention of our students brought a deeper understanding and appreciation of entertainment and expectations of the 1860's."

Joe Ewers of the 2nd South Carolina String Band, after the 150th Cedar Creek Confederate Ball, October 18, 2014.

"I was VERY pleased with the dance you conducted at Cedar Creek last October. It was the most enjoyable in many years for me both from the standpoint of playing and observing. Some of those figures were absolutely mesmerizing to watch."