August, 2013
It hardly seems possible that we are standing at the beginning of the fall season with the anticipation of the many activities that will demand our time. Though we have not met as a Society for business since May, the summer months have been full of Society activities.
Past Presidents’ Dinner – The Society gathered on June 7 at Albany Country Club for its annual dinner to honor its past presidents. The entertainment was presented by Maureen McMullan from the National Trust. Our Vice Presidents Patrick Foy and Bruce Newell rose to the occasion and arranged for the many details that made for a very special evening. Check out the pictures of the event on the News page of the Society’s website.
The President’s Tea – A very big thank-you is extended to Peter and Elma McLetchie for opening their home on July 14 for the President’s Tea and to Elma and Claudia for planning and providing the refreshments. There was a special celebration at the tea when we surprised Roger Creighton with a birthday cake to honor his birthday.
Executive Committee and Board of Managers – The Officers and Managers met on June 13 to conduct routine Society business. We thank our leaders for giving their time to the Society during the summer months.
Work Day – The House Committee held a work day on July 13. Good progress was made on several maintenance projects. Thanks to chairperson Ed Lass for making this happen.
Malt Tasting – We took some time to share a wee dram on August 6. Thanks to Peter McLetchie and Charles Brown for arranging for us to meet in the Fort Orange Club and for presenting two interesting malts. We anticipated that the evening would be hot and humid and we would need the comfort of the FOC. Though that was not the case, we do appreciate the Club opening its doors to its neighbor.
We were saddened to note the death of two of our members during the summer. James A. Clark, Jr., a member of the Society since 1957, died on June 18. Charles MacCulloch, father of Past President John MacCulloch, died on July 21. Charles joined the Society in 1996. Mary MacCulloch, John’s daughter and Charles’ granddaughter, will be married in a private ceremony in the Rooms in the fall. The obituaries of both of our friends are posted on the News page of the Society’s website.
Let me be the first to remind you that Christmas is coming. In the mailed newsletter you will find an order form for a Christmas ornament designed for the National Trust and being sold through the Trust. Because of our relationship with the Trust, our Society will receive $25 for every ornament ordered on our order form. The deadline for orders is September 15 so don’t put off making that Christmas decision!
Architect’s Progress – We are expecting to see a more complete report by the architect in the next month. Along with Peter McKee and Roger Creighton, I met with John Myers in July to discuss the preliminary report. We are in the process of fine-tuning the report and the recommendations for the ground-floor that will be submitted to the membership. Stay tuned.
Our Budget – I think it is important that we know our financial condition. Our Treasurer does a great job in managing our financial resources but he can only manage what he has. I am including a financial statement in the mailed newsletter that gives a general overview of how our money is spent and the source of our funds.
COMING EVENTS
Highland Games Aug. 31-Sept. 1 – The Games will be held on August 31 and Sept. 1. Please contact Jay Higle if you are able to assist at our tent.
Kirkin’ of the Tartan – The annual service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, September 8 at 10:00 a.m. It is always an inspiring service with music of the pipes.
Book Club – A very special event is coming in October. Members and guests are invited by our Book Club to attend a meeting of our club and three other book clubs to hear a presentation by local author Joseph Persico on October 14 at 7:00 in The Rooms. Mr. Persico, who is well-known for his books on FDR, will discuss his newest book, published in May, Roosevelt’s Centurions: FDR and the Commanders He Led to Victory in World War II. If you have purchased the book, you may bring it to be signed. Refreshments will be served, therefore, reservations are needed so please contact me either by email or telephone. With many non-members in attendance, Highland dress is encouraged.
Remembrance Day at Albany Rural Cemetery – The Executive Committee voted to reinstitute the tradition of the fall Remembrance Day. It will be held on October 20 beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Andrew’s monument in Albany Rural Cemetery. Following the brief service led by our chaplain, the Rev. Nixon McMillan, our member Willard Bruce will conduct a tour of Scottish grave sites in the cemetery then we will repair to the chapel for a reception. Families and guests are invited. Highland dress is encouraged
NEXT MEETING – Our next meeting on Thursday, September 12 will be preceded by the traditional Officers BBQ beginning at 6:00 p.m. The stated meeting will follow at about 7:00 p.m. We will vote on proposed Constitutional amendments that are included in this mailing.
Aye yours,
Joe
Joseph W. Shook, President