Summer 2009
President’s Message
Lads and Lassies,
It’s with the deepest regret that I inform the Society of the passing of Jim Anthony on October 31st. He was our friend, colleague, Board Member, Past President and only one of three founding members of our Society still active. He will be missed. We wish his family and friends peace at this time of loss. Please see Jim’s obituary below.
We had our Annual General Meeting last night at the Windsor Forest Clubhouse. A small but enthusiastic group of over 25 came out in the rain to elect our new Board members for 2010: David Lowery, Harold Maxwell, Marshall Thomas and Joyce White. Clement Brown treated us to a wine tasting with California and French selections. With Clement, it’s hard not to learn something new and interesting.
After a summer break we met at the King’s Arms Tavern in August for a luncheon hosted by Jim Anthony and Bill Monroe. Jim offered up song and amusements and everyone present had a delightful time. I’m sure it will be long remembered.
The next event to celebrate our Scottish heritage was the Williamsburg Scottish Festival on October 3rd at the Rockahock Campground in Laxana, Virginia. Jack Kane and Jamie Griffin did a wonderful job as our host and hostess. We picked up two new members on the field and are looking forward to adding a few more later this month. The Williamsburg Scottish Festival is a great way to experience our roots through song, dance, big guys throwing things and of course the skirl of the pipes and the beating of the drums. If you haven’t been, make plans for next year; it’s time well spent.
Looking ahead, we will celebrate St. Andrew’s Day with the Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans on November 27th at the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church with a luncheon to follow at “Food for Thought”. A Christmas luncheon will be held on December 19th at the Williamsburg Lodge. Last but not least is Burns’ Nicht Dinner at the Lexington – George Washington Inn in Williamsburg on January 23rd. Mark your calendars for all events. We look forward to seeing you there. Only by the active involvement of our members in these and other activities can we continue to offer these celebrations of our Scottish heritage.
Your Board has worked very hard to try and promote Scottish heritage and culture. We are all very mindful of our responsibility as a charitable organization to give back to the Scottish community when we find a need. With the help of the “Donations and Benevolence Committee” chaired by Ev Tucker, we have been able to help support a scholarship for Sarah McCaslin at the University of Edinburgh. Additional information on Sarah can be found in this issue of the Spectator.
Last night I reported to the membership the continuing need for new members. Over ten years ago our Society had almost 200 members, and we allowed it to drop to under 100. Now we are back to 125 active members and building. If we are to pass our heritage to the next generation, we need participation. At the upcoming events we will be passing out applications to all the members of the Society and asking them to invite family and friends to become members. To continue our efforts of education and scholarship we must grow our base.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
Bob Davis
Clan Donnachaidh
Clan Kennedy
Clan MacFarlane
