March, 2014
I hope everyone is surviving the cruel cold and snow of the infamous polar vortex. An early warm spring is hopeful and the Garden committee members are anxious to start digging and planting in preparation for the President’s Tea in May.
Our annual Burns Celebration was held in the Rooms on January 18. Fifty seven members and their guests were treated to a fun evening. We were delighted to have our own Richard Powell II serenade us with the pipes during the cocktail hour and the parade of the haggis. Member Andrew Patterson gave us a very colorful Burns’ “Ode to the Haggis.” A check for $10,000 in memory of member James A. Clark, Jr., who passed away in June 2013, was presented to James Hare, Executive Director of the National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA. A big thank you to Second Vice President Dr. Richard MacDowell, and his wife Barb, for organizing the event. A great time was had by all. The Silent Auction netted over $900. Many wonderful items were displayed. Thanks to all for your generosity.
Ladies Night Thursday March 13 – All members and their lassies are cordially invited to Ladies Night. The general meeting will commence promptly at 7 pm. Following the meeting our evening’s speaker will be Will Martin, author of What if Benedict Arnold Wasn’t Actually a Traitor. Please email Dr. MacDowell with attendance reservations at Mactheknife22@verizon.net or call him at 439-4710. This will help determine the amount of food to prepare.
A Challenge for you all – After each meeting we donate money into the beaker on the wee kitchen (Gavin Younger) bar to pay for the post-meeting food and libations. On Ladies Night, Thursday, March 13, I will place a personal check for $100 in the beaker. Money left over after paying for food and drink will be donated to support the Robert Tunnicliffe Heritage Foundation. So, please donate generously! To those who have already donated to the Foundation this year, we thank you!
Annual 2014 Dues – If you have not paid your dues for 2014 that were due in November, please send your check for $250 to Treasurer Charles Brown to avoid a delinquent letter.
It’s Free – I’ve received numerous inquiries about the 2014 National Trust for Scotland Foundation USA Family Membership Cards. The usual family membership fee is $100, however, the Trust gives the Society the gift of free family membership for each of our members in appreciation for our collective support and charitable donations. Every member will get a new card each year. There are many benefits of using this card when visiting National Trust sites in Scotland. You pay no entry fees, thus saving hundreds of dollars. I sent the Trust an updated membership roster. If you did not get a card and would like one, please contact me, President Foy.
Sorry You Missed It – We had a wonderful Scotch Tasting January 21. Jim Sinkins presented his Cardhu 12 year and I introduced my Tomatin 15 year. After pouring numerous hardy drams of each single malt, the nine attendees concluded both were exceptionally tasty. I didn’t know nine thirsty Scots could do that much justice to two bottles! However, eight of the attendees are known Scottish legends in their own right, your President excluded!
Next Tasting – Peter McLetchie reports that a tasting will be held on Tuesday, March 18th at 7:30 pm. Presenters will be announced.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in the Rooms – There will be a celebration to honor the Patron Saint of Ireland at the Rooms on March 15th, the date of the annual Albany St. Patrick’s Parade. We suggest members and their guests arrive at the Rooms at 12 noon, as the parade steps off at 2 pm. Please contact Ed Lass at 598-6063 or ed@aol.com for details, reservations and what to bring.
Book Club – On Sunday, February 2 we had a wonderful meeting that included good food and a good discussion of the Thunder Bolt Kid. We all agreed that Bill Bryson helped us remember the ’50s. Thanks to everyone for contributions to the buffet, which included homemade chicken vegetable soup, sandwiches and fine desserts. It appears that we like the potluck idea and may move to that meeting format. We welcomed Andrew Patterson, who made wonderful scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam. Andrew has read all of Bryson’s books and that raises the bar for us. We hope Andrew’s wife Sarah will join us for the next meeting on Sunday, March 9 at 1 pm at the Rooms. It will be a potluck luncheon, the details of which will be worked out closer to the meeting date. The selection for March is Empty Mansions by Bill Dedman. For questions, please contact Past President Joseph Shook.
SAS Web Site – Joe Shook continues to update items on the Web site. I encourage all members to periodically check the site to that includes the members section. News Events, Roster changes etc. are posted for your benefit. If you have forgotten your password or sign on, please contact Joe.
Aye yours,
Pat
Patrick D. Foy, President
Roster Changes
New Members Received on January 9, 2014
Frank D. Alguire (Gail) – 110 Bushendorf Rd.; Ravena, NY 12143-2212; 518-756-2259
David P. Newell (Sybil) – 91 Saratoga Ave, Ballston Spa, NY 12020; 518-573-0928