Local Hero: Tom Siess

True North Music and Dance in London, Ontario, Canada would like to nominate Tom Siess – dancer, musician, singer and organizer – as a "Local Hero." This is a significant year for Tom reaching a milestone birthday and this recognition would be the icing on the cake!

Tom has spearheaded and participated in so many dance and music activities, the list of quite dizzying. From the early days in the 1970s of the Cuckoo's Nest Folk Club and the Forest City Morris and Sword Team (both still going strong), band leader for "New Rigged Ship," performer with the London Playford Dancers, lead organizer of the London Playford Weekends for 25 years to being the driving force behind our annual "Wassail" Christmas show, Tom has enthusiastically thrown his hat into the ring.

He has served locally as Chair on the Boards of the Home County Folk Festival, True North Music and Dance, and the Aeolian Hall – a much cherished premier performance venue.

Wearing his CDSS hat, he and his wife, Anne, have enlivened many weeks at Pinewoods, some on staff, over the years. Beginning in 1996, Tom served on the CDSS Board for 12 years, six of them as President.

Tom and Anne are currently involved as volunteers with the youth music program "El Sistema," so yet another adventure.

Finally, if you have enjoyed dancing "Randolph Farewell," choreographed by Fried de Metz Herman – the lovely tune was composed by Tom.

     - submitted by Sheila Scott