Winter 2007/2008
President’s Message – and Challenge!
Lads and Lassies,
We are now in our anniversary year, recognizing that our society was founded forty years ago. It is difficult for me to realize that much time has passed since the day in the spring of 1968 that we met in the board room of the old Peninsula Bank to formally found the society. It certainly couldn’t have been that long ago … Why, it just seems like yesterday! In the years that have followed we have grown in size, but more importantly in being recognized as the voice of the Scottish community in our area.
Two thousand seven was a defining moment for the society. We welcomed the largest group of new members in decades, admitting twenty–two new members and greeted the return of two former members. This significantly revitalized the society as new members immediately began to be involved in society activities and participating in the planning of events. These new members give impetus to increased involvement and determination to develop different methods for the society to promote the appreciation of Scottish heritage and culture in the greater community. They are helping all of us to reinvigorate and reenergize our beloved society.
We have openings on a number of our committees and I urge you to help by becoming a committee member. Here are brief descriptions of the committees and subcommittees needing participants:
The “Membership Committee” recommends actions concerning membership solicitation and policies to the board. The “Constitution & Bylaws Committee” is concerned with developing possible revisions to the society’s current 2007 by-laws. The “Newsletter, Website, and Publications Committee” addresses issues pertaining to the society’s information and public relations efforts. The “Family Picnic & Ceilidh Committee “organizes the annual summer event that brings in everyone from seniors to the wee bairns for an afternoon of food and fun. The “Quarterly Luncheons Committee” schedules and organizes our quarterly lunchtime programs. The “Scottish Festivals & Highland Games Committee” is primarily concerned with SAS-W participation at the Williamsburg Scottish Festival.
If you feel led to volunteer for one of the vacant positions, have questions about committee participation, or wish to seek additional information or clarification, please just e-mail (topp072972@cox.net) or call me at (757) 565-2738.
Let me close with a challenge to each of you. Adding twenty two new members in 2007 was wonderful, but let’s endeavor to recruit double that number this year! Our motto for the fortieth anniversary should be “Forty for the Fortieth!” Let’s recruit forty dedicated Scots to join and become actively involved with our Society.
Yours Aye,
Howard S. Topp
Clan Sutherland
Taylor Fraser’s Funeral
The Society’s heavy attendance at former President Taylor Fraser’s funeral attested to the high regard that members held for Mr. Fraser as well as recognition for his long and valued service to the Society. Taylor Fraser will be missed by all who knew him.
Taylor Fraser Jr.
