Meet the first three Putnam County dancing stars

The fourth annual Dancing with the Putnam County Stars is set for Saturday, April 14 at the DePauw University Indoor Tennis and Track Center. Local celebrities will go toe to toe for dancing glory and to raise money for Putnam County Youth Development. These are the first three in a series of 11 biographies about this year's stars.

David Zeinr

David Zeiner is a licensed auctioneer and insurance adjuster, property manager for Sunfire Development and farmer.

He lives an active lifestyle and enjoys traveling, flying helicopters, scuba diving, skiing, boating, hiking and swimming. He is looking forward to participating in something he's watched from afar.

"I attended the past couple years and it looked like it would be fun and challenging," Zeiner said.

He hopes to gain new friendships, a few good dance moves and and joked that he wants to learn if he has what it takes to fulfill his lifelong dream of being the host of a cruise ship.

Zeiner is a board member for the United Way and the Putnam Friend of Youth Foundation.

Dance Experience: None

Dominque Gibson

Dominique Gibson is a member services officer at Teachers Credit Union. She is married and has two children, Leer and Addison, ages 7 and 4.

Gibson enjoys reading, spending time with family and friends, watching movies and doing Zumba.

She has seen firsthand how the YDC's programs have helped the youth of Putnam County, and while she looks forward to the event, she feels obligated to participate.

"We rely heavily on grants," Gibson said. "These grants are getting harder and harder to get.

"I can't imagine having to cut any of our programs, so if I'm able to raise money and help out, I am happy to do my part."

Gibson, who participates with PCYDC and teaches financial literacy at Greencastle Middle School and Putnamville Correctional Facility, also has a more personal reason to compete.

"My husband says I dance like the gopher in Caddyshack," she said. "I need to prove him wrong."

Dance Experience: "Does Zumba count?"

Chet Clodfelter

Chet Clodfelter works as a physical therapist at Greencastle Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Center, a personal trainer at Fit for Life Fitness Center and as a farmer at Bugle Valley Elk Farm.

He and his wife, Leslie, have two human children, four horses, eight cats and about 80 elk. He enjoys hunting, fishing, trail riding, skiing and staying active, which includes going to this event.

"Last year was the first time I had an opportunity to attend and it looked like a lot of fun," Clodfelter said. "My cousins (Becky and Jana Brothers) said I should try this, so when Patti Harmless asked, I said yes; it is for a great cause and I like to help others achieve their goals."

Clodfelter also said he has something to show his family.

"My siblings always said that I 'march to the beat of a different drummer,'" he said. "(I want to show my siblings) that I can dance as good as they can."

Dance Experience: Texas two-step, last year learned the East Coast Swing. "Counting steps and counting the beat of the music is tough."