Date: Fri 15-Aug-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Labor-Day-Parade-Lathrop

Full Text:

Ginny Lathrop Named Parade Grand Marshal

(with photo)

BY ANDREA ZIMMERMANN

If ever there were a Pied Piper of Newtown, it would be Ginny Lathrop.

Generations of children have tried to keep step with her as they blossomed

into adulthood, and now all of Newtown is invited to follow her down Main

Street as she presides over the Labor Day parade as grand marshal.

It has been a particularly noteworthy year for the founder of the Lathrop

School of Dance because she has received public recognition for her many

contributions to the community. In June, Mrs Lathrop received Newtown Youth

Services' Gail Smith Award, an honor presented to those in the community who

have worked to improve the quality of life for the youth of Newtown. Now, less

than two months later, she has been named grand marshal of the parade.

"It's the culmination of my whole life," said Mrs Lathrop. "I can't believe

these wonderful accolades. I'm just the average person - but I do have a lot

of friends, especially in dancing."

There are many who can attest to Mrs Lathrop's contributions. Kym Stendahl, a

former Lathrop student and chair of the Labor Day Parade Committee, said she

learned much more than dance in her classes. "She has been a wonderful figure

in my life. She taught me persistance in her insistence that you practice and

become well-versed in your dance," said Mrs Stendahl, who now sends her two

daughters to Lathrop School of Dance. "I have applied what I have learned

through college and in my job. Mrs Lathrop is such an inspiration."

When considering nominations for grand marshal, the parade committee looks for

someone who offers something beyond the normal parameters of business, said

Mrs Stendahl. "To me, Ginny is the perfect grand marshal. She exemplifies what

a townsperson and business owner should do for the community."

Mae Schmidle remembers the day she was introduced to Ginny and Mack Lathrop

through a mutual friend; that was about 35 years ago when the Schmidles moved

to town. The Lathrops made certain the new residents "immediately knew

everybody else in town." And Mrs Lathrop was always the first to offer a

donation of money, time, or costumes to any town endeavor, said Mrs Schmidle.

"I just think it's very appropriate that Ginny be parade marshal. I think

she's one of the most exciting ladies in town," said Mrs Schmidle. "She,

perhaps more than anybody else, exemplifies the I-Love-A-Parade attitude. Her

driveway is right where the parade begins; she's the biggest cheerleader the

parade has."

This year, in keeping with tradition, Mrs Lathrop will hold a big barbecue for

the parade-watching friends who gather each year in her driveway. She's

expecting that quite a crowd will be there to cheer her on. Although it is the

first time she will appear as grand marshal, she and her late husband

participated in many other Newtown parades.

"For many, many years, ... they drove a very handsome convertible in the

parade. At a time when convertables were not as popular and hard to come by,

she could get her hands on some very sleek cars," said Mrs Schmidle.

One year, Sylvia Llewelyn created a parade float for the Lathrop School of

Dance. Dancers wore black and white leotards, bow ties and top hats; the float

was decorated with black and white paper. "Black and white because it's sharp,

it's the sophistication we like to impart," said Mrs Lathrop.

The popularity of Lathrop School of Dance has increased ever since it was

founded by the couple in 1952. Four hundred students are currently enrolled at

the school, located in the gymnasium of Edmond Town Hall. Mrs Lathrop and

Diane Wardenburg operate the school with the assistance of two other teachers

and two student teachers.

"We had 60 students the first year and charged $1 a lesson," said Mrs Lathrop.

"We didn't make any money; we lived off of our own money."

Teaching has provided Mrs Lathrop with the satisfaction of watching students

develop - creatively, personally, and physically. This year she is encouraging

the students to really let their personality show through, to express their

enjoyment of dance. "If you look like you're enjoying it, the audience will

enjoy it," she said.

Daniel Del Vecchio, now a grandfather, well remembers being in the Stardust

Review audience as his four daughters performed. "We were part of the dance

class, and we became part of each other's lives. She is just phenomenal; it's

her outgoing personality," said Mr Del Vecchio. "She radiates life."

"Ginny has been so much a part of the community for so many years," said Betty

Lou Osborne, a longtime friend who also sent her children to the Lathrop

School. "And it's not just all the children she's taught, or all the things

that are so obvious and wonderful - I think her spirit is indomitable. She is

somebody we're all very proud of."

In spite of the widespread and continuous praise showered on Mrs Lathrop, she

said was surprised to be selected as grand marshal for the parade. Her first

reaction was, "There must be someone more worthy." It is this attitude - that

she is so lucky in life - that draws people close to her.

"I just love Newtown; I can't imagine living anywhere else. I love my home,

and the town hall - my home away from home; and I love The Newtown Bee . There

are very few places you go in town that aren't beautiful," said Mrs Lathrop.

"When I go to the post office I must know half the people there - everyone is

so friendly. This is a part of my life, right here. And I do patronize all the

local people."

Mr Del Vecchio describes Ginny Lathrop as "ageless, a woman of stature." He is

pleased that young people in the community have such a wonderful example to

follow, someone with high standards.

"It looks like she could always dance off the cover of any great magazine, and

she just comes into your life," said Mr Del Vecchio. "And she is the best

hugger in the world."