President’s Newsletter – W.S. Burke

The stated quarterly meeting was held 11/9/19. A quorum was present and new officers and committee members were elected.

For complete details see the minutes of the meeting.

Our St. Andrew’s Nicht was on. 12/3, a day late due to heavy snow the previous 24 hours. This reduced attendance but did not interfere with the spirit and good will present as we celebrated with the traditional toasts and presentation of the haggis. As usual, the Fort Orange Club was gracious in allowing us some date flexibility and presented their excellent dinner menu. Thanks to Andy Patterson, poet; Charles Poltensen, piper; master of ceremonies President MacDowell, and all participants on the program. Frank Alguire did his usual outstanding job in preparing the printed program.

We will celebrate our annual Burns Supper on 1/24/2020 at the Century House. Cocktails at 6:00 PM with dinner to follow. Details to follow separately. Please come with your Burns poems, stories and witty comments. It is hoped that this will be a well-attended function. So. save the date and get those reservations in ASAP.

The Society hosted a very successful Christmas party on 12/17 at the Rooms. Fifty to sixty members and guests took part during the course of the afternoon. It was great to see so many children there too. Thanks to all who brought food and refreshment. Also, thanks go to Rich Hixon, Bill Bruce, Chris Ahl and Cathy McCarty for making the occasion so festive

I have recently learned of an Open University course on the Scots language which is offered free to those who are interested.  It does not really entail learning a new language per se but incorporates vocabulary, style and cultural aspects of the language.

https://www.open.edu/openlearncreate/course/view.php?id=2705

I will reserve the rest of my comments for the next stated meeting as I have several items for the agenda. Please inform me should you have any items you would like included on the agenda.

With my best wishes for a Happy Christmas and Hogmanay.

W.S. Burke, President