Volume 36, No. 4 September 2015
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Greetings Gentlemen of the Society:
This has truly been an enjoyable sunny summer. We can all hope it continues into the fall season.
On May 29 we held the dinner of the St. Andrew’s Society of Albany to honor the Society’s Past Presidents at the Albany Country Club. Maeghan Bielski was presented the Robert Tunnicliffe Heritage Foundation’s 2014 award. Maeghan gave a wonderful performance on the pipes, accompanied by her brother on the snare drum.
I received an email recently from Scottish soprano Lesley Craigie. She announced her marriage in July at Dunkeld, Scotland. She expressed a desire to perform again for the Society.
We had two fine malt tastings this summer. Thanks to the presenters: Andrew Patterson, Richard Hixon, Charles Brown and Matt Parker; and all who attended despite busy summer schedules.
For those who have not noticed, our website has taken on a whole new look. Reverend Joseph Shook will give us a talking tour of the website at the September meeting. If you have not received your new password, please contact Joe.
On May 21, several Society members and guests toured the Albany Distilling Co. located at 78 Montgomery Street in Albany (next to the Albany Pump Station). We were treated to a wonderful tour by owner Richard Sicari. Rick took us through the distilling process starting with raw ingredients, all the way through oak barrel aging. The distillery specializes in rye and bourbon, believing what differentiates their spirits from others is sourcing the raw ingredients of corn and rye grown exclusively in New York State. Of course, a tasting capped off the evening and a grand time was had by all.
On June 25 the Society was a host for the annual Albany House and Garden Tour sponsored by the Historic Albany Foundation. The Rooms were opened to the public by admission ticket. Visitors were greeted with a historic perspective by Frank Alguire. Rev. Joseph Shook greeted guests in the front parlor. Peter Ford manned the meeting room. Bill and Sally Bruce gave a lecture about the Library, and Pat and Cheryl Foy were hosts in the Wee Kitchen. We had approximately 320 people tour the Rooms. A post-tour gathering was hosted at local resident’s garden.
Aye yours,
Pat
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Annual Scottish Games Clan Dinner, Friday, September 4. An invitation to attend was sent via email to members. Frank Alguire went last year and said, “This is a great get together of the clans”.
The Capital District Scottish Games at the Altamont Fairgrounds, Saturday, September 5 and Sunday, September 6. This is an annual gala event with parades, competitions, and wonderful food. Please join us at our St. Andrew’s Society tent. For info, please contact Frank Alguire, Chairman of Scottish events at frank.alguire@gmail.com or 518-526-2161. A schedule of events is located at this web page: http://scotgames.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/CDSG-2015-Sat-Sun-Schedule-Bill-Munro.pdf
Stated Meeting, Thursday, September 10. This is the annual BBQ sponsored by the officers of the Society. The BBQ commences at 6:00 pm and the meeting at 7:00 pm. The Board of Managers will introduce its recommendation to the membership on my proposed amendments to the Constitution to allow the admission of women as members of the Society. This will be discussed and then a vote will be taken. The amendments have already been shared with the membership. This is a very important meeting for all members to attend.
The annual Kirkin’ o’ the Tartan will be held on Sunday, September 13 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church Scottish, 262 State Street, Albany beginning at 9:45 am. The guest preacher will be Rev. Dr. J. Barrie Shepherd of Philadelphia. This wonderful event will include music by the Capital Region Celtic Pipe Band.
On Saturday September 26, the St. Andrew’s Society of the Adirondacks is hosting a social event on Lake George on the Mohican touring boat. We did something similar a couple of years ago and everyone had a good time. At this time of year, the autumn colors should be beautiful! They plan to meet at noon at the State Park in Lake George Village near the Million Dollar Beach for a picnic before the cruise. The entrance to the park is on Fort George Rd. Bill Burke will be there early to direct members to a particularly good picnic site he has staked out. (Bill will be at the entrance with a saltire! You can’t miss him.) Bring a dish to pass and BYOB. There are picnic tables and grills available. Gas grills are permitted as well if you have a portable. You can tailgate, bring your own lawn chairs or a blanket for the ground. Parking is on your own, or you can park in the beach lot for $7.00 if you are going on the boat. Be sure to ask for the senior discount if it’s applicable!
The boat ride is a little longer than 2 hours cruising up and down Lake George. The group rate is $20.50 per adult and $7.00 for children 3-11. Children 3 and under board for free. Guests are welcome and encouraged. Please contact Bill Burke at liamsb46@gmail.com to let him know how many from your family will be attending and if you have any little ones three or under that may be joining you on the boat. Bill can also answer questions regarding driving directions or any other details you might need. Plan to spend the day in the crisp autumn air cruising Lake George with good company and maybe even a bagpipe or two. Who knows!
The next malt tasting at the Rooms will be held on Tuesday, September 29 starting at 7 pm. Set aside this date; details to be announced.
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 Board of Managers member Bill Bruce. We will gather for refreshments afterward in the chapel. The time and details will be forthcoming. Wear your walking shoes.
ROSTER CHANGES
Robert L. Creighton – Remove; resignation submitted — to be acted on at the September meeting.
Lynne A. Graburn II – New address and phone
Beverwyck
40 Autumn Drive, Apt. 105 South,
Slingerlands, NY 12159
H: 518-269-4477
James J. Kiepper – New address and phone
Wynwood Niskayuna
1786 Union Street, Room 214
Schenectady, NY 12309
C: 518-439-5715
Keith H. Laurie – New address and phone
594 Monroe Mill Dr.
Ballwin, MO 63011
C: 973-271-7212
E: khlaurie@yahoo.com (no change)
Norman S. Rice – New address and phone
The Terrace at Beverwyck, Apartment 221
41 Beverwyck Lane
Slingerlands, NY 12159
E: normansrice@yahoo.com (no change)
H: 518-446-1225
Gavin J. Younger – Delete Scotland address; new phone and email
C: 518-530-7805 (new)
E: pipergav@yahoo.co.uk (new)
E: hudsonriver@btinternet.com (no change)