August 2014
Greetings, Gentlemen of the Society:
I hope everyone is enjoying this wonderful summer. The nice weather here in the 1000 Islands at our 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. This was the coveted St. Andrew’s Society of Albany 2003 Anniversary Medallion she obtained secretly from Peter McLetchie. I had only seen pictures of it. It is truly a beautiful medal. I will obtain the details of the medallion for new members and place them on our website.
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’s closest friends. Cheryl invited me to the Capital District Scottish Games, saying, “Pat, I think you will love it!”
Upon our arrival, she took me directly to the St. Andrew’s tent to have me checked out! 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.
National Trust for Scotland USA Foundation – 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.
Wanted – Fellow members, please help us line up a potential speaker for the St. Andrew’s Nicht, Monday, December 1st. Please contact Rich Beach at Richard.Beach@BeachandAssoc.com or 279-1911 with your suggestions.
Malt Tasting – 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.
Roger Creighton’s Piano – Gordon Peters aptly noted, the latest benefaction from Roger is “infinitely” in the spirit of Roger. 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. 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. Since the program is about the vote on Scottish Independence, it might be a nice touch. I’ve contacted Nixon and he said he would give it try if we can supply the music.
Aye yours,
Pat
Patrick D. Foy, President
UPCOMING EVENTS
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.
Kirkin’ 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.
Stated Meeting of the Society, Thursday, September 11. The officers’ 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 “Scottish Independence Referendum” 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:
No position – www.gov.uk/government/publications/what-staying-in-the-united-kingdom-means-for-scotland/
Yes position – http://news.scotland.gov.uk/imagelibrary/downloadmedia.ashx?MediaDetailsID=2487&SizeId=-1 (PDF)
After the debate we will vote and retire to the Wee Kitchen for malt and haggis. Keep in mind, no tar or feathers allowed on the premises!
SAS Remembrance Day, Saturday, October 4. Members and guests are invited to tour the St. Andrew’s Society plot of the Albany Rural Cemetery. Our tour guide will be BOM member Bill Bruce. We will gather for refreshments afterward in the chapel. The time and details will be forthcoming. Wear your walking shoes.
Stated Meeting of the Society, Thursday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m. The election of officers will take place and there will be a celebration to honor our fellow member veterans. Veterans are encouraged to wear their uniforms or parts thereof, bring something from their service days and talk briefly about their service. “Go Navy!”…I had to get that in!
ROSTER CHANGES
- New Member (Honorary)
James Kenneth Hare
- Roger L. Creighton – New Address & Phone
11889 Skyline Blvd., #137, Oakland, CA 94619
h: (510) 531-6976 - Richard W. Powell, II – Remove from the Roster