Greetings, Gentlemen of the Society:<\/p>\n
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful summer. The nice weather here in the 1000 Islands at our\u00a0 summer residence has helped my shoulder surgery heal much more quickly. Recently, my bonnie lass, Cheryl, presented me with a wonderful, surprise 66th birthday gift on July 29th.\u00a0 This was the coveted St. Andrew\u2019s Society of Albany 2003 Anniversary Medallion she obtained secretly from Peter McLetchie. I had only seen pictures of it.\u00a0 It is truly a beautiful medal.\u00a0 I will obtain the details of the medallion for new members and place them on our website.<\/p>\n
The late summer of 2001 was the beginning of a new life for me. I reconnected with Cheryl at my 35th high school reunion in Gouverneur on August 11th. After she invited me for dinner at her house, we decided to plan a weekend of fun to include a SPAC concert (The Who) and meeting Cheryl\u2019s closest friends. Cheryl invited me to the Capital District Scottish Games, saying, \u201cPat, I think you will love it!\u201d<\/p>\n
Upon our arrival, she took me directly to the St. Andrew\u2019s tent to have me checked out!\u00a0 She introduced me to the Graburns, McPhees, McLetchies and others. This year marks our 12th wedding anniversary and we are going back to the Games for the first time since. We are very excited! There are many wonderful memories from that August 31, 2001 weekend. I can already taste those meat pies! See you all at the games.<\/p>\n
National Trust for Scotland USA Foundation <\/b>\u2013 Helen E. R. Sayles, Chairman of the Trust, has advised that Curt DiCamillo, prior Executive Director, is back on a temporary basis as acting Executive Director, the position vacated by James Hare.<\/p>\n
Wanted <\/b>\u2013 Fellow members, please help us line up a potential speaker for the St. Andrew\u2019s Nicht, Monday, December 1st.\u00a0 Please contact Rich Beach at Richard.Beach@BeachandAssoc.com or 279-1911 with your suggestions.<\/p>\n
Malt Tasting<\/b> \u2013 A special tasting was held at the Fort Orange Club on August 5th. Many thanks to guest Daniel Nolan for hosting the evening. Charles Brown and Dan presented two very fine-tasting malts.<\/p>\n
Roger Creighton\u2019s Piano <\/b>\u2013 Gordon Peters aptly noted, the latest benefaction from Roger is “infinitely” in the spirit of Roger.\u00a0 To Past President Joe Shook and the Board of Managers, we thank you for arranging acceptance of this fine gift from Roger. Special thanks to BOM Chairman Peter McKee for arranging delivery of the piano to the Rooms. Roger told Joe Shook there is a book of Scottish songs in the piano bench.\u00a0 Joe suggested I contact Nixon McMillan, as he is an accomplished organist, and should be our “go-to” person for music and may be persuaded to play some music before, during, or after our meeting on September 11th.\u00a0 Since the program is about the vote on Scottish Independence, it might be a nice touch. I\u2019ve contacted Nixon and he said he would give it try if we can supply the music.<\/p>\n
Aye yours,<\/p>\n
Pat<\/i><\/p>\n
Patrick D. Foy, President<\/p>\n
Capital District Scottish Games, August 30 and 31 at the Altamont Fairgrounds. This is a large event filled with competitions, bands, dancers, food and more. Please contact our games committee chairman Frank Alguire at 756-2259 or Frank.alguire@gmail.com to help with setup, manning our tent both days, and take-down on Sunday. The field will be open on Friday August 29 between 1:00 and 4:00 p.m. for us to set up our tent. Members will be allowed to drive their cars into the set up area between 7:00 and 9:00 a.m. Saturday and Sunday to off-load gear. Remember to bring your folding chairs.<\/p>\n
Kirkin\u2019 of the Tartan, Sunday, September 7 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church, 262 State Street, Albany. The Reverend Doctor Joseph Shook will be the guest minister! The sound of pipes will be in the air at 9:45 am and the service commences at 10:00 am. It is always is a grand service.<\/p>\n
Stated Meeting of the Society, Thursday, September 11<\/b>. The officers\u2019 BBQ will start at 6:00 p.m., followed by the meeting at 7:00 p.m. Guests, including the ladies, are invited. The lively topic and discussion for the evening is the \u201cScottish Independence Referendum\u201d of September 18th. Moderator for the evening is our own Andrew Patterson. Members James Sinkins and James McPhee will debate. All members are encouraged to do a little homework and ask prudent questions. (I pick the side that lowers the price of malt.) We are expecting Gavin MacDonald of the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness as one of our guests. Gavin has suggested we check out the following websites to bone up on the pros and cons:<\/p>\n
No position – www.gov.uk\/government\/publications\/what-staying-in-the-united-kingdom-means-for-scotland\/ <\/a><\/p>\n