Local Hero: Lonna Whipple

Lonna Whipple brought dance to the area 19 years ago, and she continues to organize the Newcastle/Auburn Contra dance. Her incredibly sweet, can-do attitude echoes in her local music community, as well: she plays fiddle in a fine "contra-band" called Star Thistle and is actively involved in her local music jams.

She's a bright spot whose energies are a vital contribution to the western Sierra Foothills area of California.

    - Submitted by Celia Ramsay