1. society

Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Ye know it’s the END, when they sing “Auld Lang Syne”.
To many “Cups o’ Kindness” have crossed these lips,
with far too many “guid-williw waughts” in-between.
It’s time to say, “Goode Bye, So Long; ‘Don’t let the door hit ya in the …’
(ye know the rest)”. To the ol’ Thistle-Epistle, brought to you by ADOBE,
with tartan on every page, gone; Tom MacMahon, President of the Society
(for four years) gone. Yes, it’s all gone an end of an era; history.
It’s the end of the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year.
&
The coming of the
NEW 2015-2016 Fiscal Year!
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Contents
04/2014 thru 03/2015
The Governing Board of Directors
This is the end, my friend …
And what it means for you . . . . . . . . . . . Cover Story
President
Tom MacMahon
Tom MacMahon’s, “President’s Message”
His last message to the Troops . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 3
Vice President of Events
Paul McDonough
Your Benefits & Your Board of Directors
Changes are coming! . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 4
Vice President of Publicity
Lord Scott Robertson
Hogmanay 2015
A review by our VP of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 5
Secretary
Jerri Campbell
April 1st when the “King of Fools” is crowned
Don’t be a member of his court; be a member of the
SASSNM. Why your dues need to be paid . . . Page 8
Treasurer
Amy Gorman
Robbie Burns “Spirit of Scotland” 2015
This is what you missed on Jan 24, 2015. . . . . Page 9
Directors
Douglas Cowan
Bruce Green
Tony McKenzie
Jay Vandersloot
Jacob Wilson
The Mysterious Questionnaire
The results of the questionnaire, as reported to you
by our VP of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 11
The Celtic Movie Night is this February 20th
A fine Family rated PG movie. What would you do,
how far would you go; for a share in a large sum of
money? See “Waking Ned Devine” . . . . . . . . Page 13
St Andrew Scottish Society of New Mexico
Contact Information:
Web Site: WWW.SASSNM.ORG
Email: Lord.Scott.Robertson@Gmail.Com
General Phone Number: 505.908.9495
The IAS and the GAC coming Events
With our Associate Memberships in hand, February
is truly a party across Northern Europe. . . . . Page 14
Fairies do exist or they did
Fairy coffins have been found . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 18
The information contained herein is for the
benefit of our members. No part of this
document may be used in any way without the
written permission of the board of directors of
the organization originating this information.
Last page fit to print
Membership Form
LORD S COTT ROBERTSON
Page 2
E DITOR
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Dear Readers
There is an old and long forgotten Scottish Song, written by Sir Harry Lauder, a long ago Scottish
comedian and performer, "Keep Right on to the End of the Road". Sir Harry wrote this song after learning
that his only son, John had perished in the First World War. As I sit here writing this, my final address to
my colleagues and members of the Saint Andrew Society of New Mexico, I have that tune and those words
running through my mind.
Although thankfully I do not suffer the sense of devastation and loss that Sir Harry felt, the words to this
song hold special meaning to me after 4 years as your President:
Keep right on to the end of the Road
Tho' the way be long, let your heart be strong
Keep right on to the end.....
Tho’ you're tired and weary still journey on,
Till you come to your happy abode.....
Where all you love, you've been dreaming of
Will be there, at the end of the road
As I too reach the end of my road I can look back with pride and satisfaction at all the wonderful things we
as a Society, have achieved. In every category, the Saint Andrew Society is better and more improved due,
for the most part to the hard work of both my Boards and the Society members. I accept little personal
acknowledgement for these achievements except to say that they happened during my tenure. Through
thick and thin, over many a long and weary journey, I have arrived at the end of my road and am pleased to
be able to state that the Saint Andrew Society of New Mexico is better off than ever before. If I attempted to
thank everyone who has been instrumental in this great adventure and its result, I would fill all the pages of
this Thistle Epistle. Suffice it to say that I owe all of you a personal debt of gratitude for the devotion,
tolerance and belief in both my office as well as the Society for which we all have served. May the Heavens
shine down upon you all and lead us forward to a bright new future for the Saint Andrew Society and thank
you for these wonderful years of service.
Sincerely,
Your President, Tom MacMahon
From 04/01/2011 through 03/31/2015
Page 3
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
You may ask, “What does a new Fiscal Year mean to me?”
Our Mission Statement
Since 1961, the St Andrew Society of New Mexico and its distinguished
membership has provided charitable relief, academic sponsorship and the
community identification for the natives of Scotland and their descendants.
As one of the not-for-profit organizations in the State, the St. Andrew Scottish
Society of New Mexico; aims to raise awareness of Scotland and Scottish
culture by celebrating Scottish heritage and tradition through fund-raising and
other social events; promoting good will, understanding and communication
between the people of New Mexico and the people of Scottish heritage.
This is accomplished through Events, all year long. The St Andrew Scottish
Society of New Mexico (SASSNM) starts the New Year with a traditional
"Hogmanay". Then comes the traditional Robbie Burns Dinner. During the dinner
there will of course be the many traditional moments of entertainment. And through
the year we have Celtic Movie Nights. Celtic Family Picnics. We also support
the; "Rio Grande Valley Celtic Festival and Highland Games" held in the month of
May, in Albuquerque. We also work closely with our "Celtic" neighbors; through the
IAS (Irish American Society) and the Welsh Society. The SASSNM also has and
supports "Genealogy 101", where you can learn of your Family and Clan History.
We also publish the Bi-monthly “Thistle-Epistle”, the monthly “Sennachie”
and bring to you the ever popular “CelticLife Magazine”; all on our new, easy to use
web site with your own “Members” section. We also offer scholarships to people of
New Mexico, in the Arts and culture of Scotland.
The New Fiscal Year also brings
us to the Annual General Meeting (the
AGM). This year the AGM is being
held at the German-American Club
(GAC) at 4821Menaul Blvd, NE.
The AGM is a meeting for the
entire Membership. It is the meeting
where your new Board Members are
voted in.
Continued on page 7
Page 4
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Hogmanay, Scottish celebration of New Year, was held at the Edelweiss Am Rio
Grande German American Club on January 3, 2015 staring at 5 PM.
Traditionally, this is held at someone’s home and takes place on New Year’s Eve.
Circumstances being what they were, SASSNM opted for the GAC on the first Saturday in
January.
The event had all the traditional trappings and some extras. Doug Cowan got some
of the musicians from the Thursday Night Celtic Session to attend and perform. Some, did
I say? 16 Musicians showed up and actually started playing at 5 PM. Fantastic! Attendance
was more than twice what was expected at about 60 persons, which included the
musicians.
At 6 PM (it’s 12 midnight somewhere.), the “First-footer” arrived in the form of
Jacob Wilson, webmaster for the SASSNM. He had the traditional gifts; coal for the
hearth, a new coin (penny) for good fortune, a fruitcake to not go hungry, and a bottle of
Single Malt Scotch Whisky (and we all know what that is for!)
Everyone broke for the pot-luck supper. Believe me, no one went hungry. It was a
nice social time for everyone. Just a note, Bruce Green showed up with his family and
gave us the news that he is now Cancer Free! GREAT NEWS for the New Year.
The musicians decided to play again. Michele Buchanan led us in singing “Haste
Ye Back” usually sung at Hogmanay, After another musical performance, Doug Cowan on
the bagpipes led us in singin “Auld Lang Syne”.
It was a good gathering and people who didn’t like fruitcake even took some home
to put in their freezer as “good luck” for the coming year.
HAPPY NEW YEAR -- Paul McDonough
Page 5
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Page 6
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Benefits & Board Members Continued
The AGM is where you can voice your opinions and help shape the Society for the
next year. We encourage you to attend and take an interest in your Society.
These are your Board Members at the end of this Fiscal Year:
Governing Board of Directors for 2014 to 2015
Mr. Tom MacMahon
Mr. Douglas Cowan
President
Director/Burns Night Chair/Facebook Chair
Mr. Paul McDonough
Mr. Bruce Green
Vice President of All Events
Director
Lord Scott Robertson
Mr. Tony McKenzie
Vice President of Publicity/
Publication/Communication
produces Thistle-Epistle/Sennachie
Director
Mrs. Amy Gorman
Mr. Jay Vandersloot
Treasurer
Director/Membership Chair
Ms. Brooke Fair
Director/Facebook/Volunteer Chair
Mrs. Jerri Campbell
Mr. Jacob Wilson
Secretary
Director/Web Master/Facebook
We will have one (1) vacancy for Director,
in the next Fiscal Year; any takers?
Page 7
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
On pages 4 & 7, we explained
your Benefits and joining in the
AGM, another Benefit of joining
the SASSNM. Those Benefits can
only happen if you help, by
paying your dues.
If you haven’t paid your dues for
the 2014-2015 Fiscal Year; NOW
is the time. Why lose the benefits,
noted on page 4. Your access to
the Members Section of the Web
Site will end on June 1st; no event
announcements or Thistle-Epistle
& Sennachie. Just when the Celtic
Community “Kicks Off the Celtic
Season”; all information stops. If
you paid your dues at the
beginning of 2015, around the
time we were collecting for Burns
Night, don’t worry we got you
covered.
It’s those that haven’t paid, yet.
We don’t want to lose you or see
you leave. Go to our web site:
www.sassnm.org; pay your Dues!
Page 8
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Robbie Burns “Spirit of Scotland” 2015
The 55th Annual Robert Burns Dinner was held at the Sheraton Uptown in Albuquerque. This year’s theme was “ The
Spirit of Scotland”. The goal was to have a gathering of the local talent in Albuquerque, which keeps alive the
Scottish Spirit. The audience was treated to an event that was quite captivating.
The Burns Dinner commenced with a procession led by Marshal Bruce Green and Andy Christopher of High Desert
Pipes & Drums. Doug Cowan presented the President’s Address on behalf of President Tom MacMahon. Due to the
magic of Skype, Tom has been able to complete his term as President of the Scottish Society. After this greeting,
Rev. Bill Aber led the traditional Selkirk Grace and added a few meaningful thoughts to it.
The entrance of the Haggis followed. The Marshal and piper Jim Douglas led the procession that included: High
Desert Band students, Jim Zeman as scotch bearer, Carl McBride as sword bearer and Paul McDonough as haggis
bearer and Kathy Wimmer as reciter of the Ode to the Haggis. Once the haggis was placed on a table, Kathy
Wimmer proceeded with the Ode. It was well delivered with a touch of Scottish elegance and raucous emotion. All
raised a glass to a “ toast tae th’ haggis” to conclude this ceremony. The traditional Immortal Memory to honor Robert
Burns followed. Doug Cowan delivered it. Doug and Kathy acted as joint master of ceremonies for the evening.
The dinner commenced with a very tasty meal with some Scottish accents. Board member, Amy Gorman, had put
together an entertaining slide show that all watched on a very large projection screen. Action AV managed the sound
and video for the event. Thanks to David Smith and his crew along with Tony McKenzie, owner; for their superb effort
in making this event go smoothly. At the conclusion of dinner the traditional toasts followed. Scott Robertson, VP of
Publicity, did the toast to the Office of the President. It included recognition of the debt we owe to the members of our
Armed Forces. Doug Cowan delivered the toast to the Queen. Next were toasts to honored guests: Bard Jean “Sian”
Rhoades and Professor Margaret Connell-Szasz. Jay Vandersloot and Paul McDonough, who are both on the Board
of Directors, delivered these toasts. The Toast to the Lassies and Laddies concluded the traditional toasts. This year
Bruce Green and Amy Gorman did these toasts and delivered them well, with some great humor. You had to be
there!
Entertainment commenced after desert. Kathy Wimmer delivered a very poetic “ To a Mouse”. Laura Landress then
performed a medley of Scottish songs and accompanied herself on the Celtic harp. They were well sung and played;
the audience gave both Kathy and Laura strong ovations of approval. Next came the Highland Dance Albuquerque,
under the direction of Emma Trentman; did a sequence of five traditional highland dances. These young dancers put
on a wonderful performance. Next the Enchantment Scottish Country Dancers performed traditional couple dances.
Kenneth Armstrong directed this group and you can tell they’ve been at it for quite awhile. They brought a fiddler,
guitarist, and drummer to accompany them with live music. Well done.
After announcing the winners of the silent auction, 2 Celtic Coyotes and Kathy Wimmer performed as a trio. They
played some traditional songs and then sang “ Caledonia”. The Fishback Studio of Dance then treated the guests to
a contemporary performance. Kathie Fishback Anthony, owner, introduced the dance troop. They were under the
direction of instructor Jacquie DeNee. Again the audience enjoyed their very creative take on a few of Burns’ songs.
Continued on next page
Page 9
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Burns Dinner
The evening was coming to a conclusion. The High Desert Pipe & Drum Band performed a medley of tunes and was
accompanied by Highland Dance Albuquerque on a few of them. The set concluded with Scotland the Brave. It was a
great way to end the entertainment segment with a top-notch band.
Flowers of the Forest concluded the evening as Rev. Bill Aber recognized the passing of member, John Montgomery;
and friend, Michael Wolff, in 2014. Pipe Major Bill Horn played a beautiful rendition of Flowers of the Forest. After
closing remarks, Lorraine McGinnis opened Auld Lang Syne on the pipes. Then everyone stood and joined hands as
we were led in song by Laura Landress and Stephen Miller. The pipes then struck in to play the melody a few times.
The Marshal then announced the end of the Robert Burns Dinner.
Throughout the evening Carol Cowan managed the Silent Auction. Thanks to the generosity of donors and the
people in attendance, it raised some much-appreciated funds for the St. Andrew Scottish Society of New Mexico.
Finally thanks to Amy Gorman who decorated the dinner tables and gave them a nice Scottish touch. Janelle
Campbell, Barbara Free, Jay Johnson, Brooke Fair and Ginger Delon assisted Amy in setting up the banquet room.
Thanks to Scott Robertson and Jacob Wilson for their great work on the publicity end of this endeavor. Many others
pitched in to make this event a success. Thanks to all!
Sincerely,
Doug Cowan
Page 10
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Robbie Burns Dinner 2015 Photos
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Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Robbie Burns Dinner
2015 Photos
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Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Robbie Burns Dinner
2015 Photos
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Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
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2015 Photos
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Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
Robbie Burns Dinner
2015 Photos page 5 of 5
[Type text]
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
To find out what the guests of the 55 th Robbie Burns Dinner thought of the Event, certain people
(randomly) were selected to fill out a questionnaire.
I first wanted to know about how the guests felt about the Dinner and then the entertainment. Due to the
diversity of the questionnaires’ responses; they will be gone over with a fine tooth comb by the Board.
We want to thank you for your input, as some of the attendees just mumble their complaints and the
Board never hears them. We also want to thank those that found the good in the Burns Dinner and
entertainment. Thank you, both those with praises and those with concerns and suggestions.
Our VP of Events, Paul McDonough, has done a review of the Burns Dinner, which echoes your praises,
as well as your concerns. Thank you all, again. ~ Lord Scott Robertson
REVIEW: BURNS NIGHT 2015 by Paul McDonough
It was better than 2014, but there is always room for improvement. Here are my observations.
First is the bar. Last year, they only had 1 bottle of Single Malt, which was gone before we sat down.
This year we had a variety of Single Malts, which most people liked. And the selection of beers and ales was
improved over last year. No one had to go to the lobby bar for brews. More of a Celtic bar than the “yuppie”
one from last year.
Second, we opened the hall so that everyone could find their seats. Last year, a lot of time was spent
finding the reserved tables and an open seat. Then we asked for persons wanting to be in the entrance
procession to line up in the hallway. This seemed to work better.
Next is the meal and I will start with the service. There were 5 servers instead of 3 and most spoke
English. They did a fine job serving & removing plates and keeping the beverages (hot coffee, hot tea, iced
tea, & water) flowing.
In past years, we have had canned Haggis and Haggis made from beef instead of mutton. This year
we went back to traditional Haggis, which was supplied by SASSNM Past Presidents Don Baker and Pete
McKenna. To say it was good is a vast understatement. For those who liked it, I passed out take-home ziplock baggies to them.
Again, WELL DONE, Don & Pete.
As far as I know, just about everyone enjoyed the salad and dessert.
With the entre, we went with Angus Roast Beef ( Scottish ) and Salmon Croquettes ( Great Salmon
fishing in Scotland ) . The reason for this was to vary the entre from past years of cottage pie, fish & chips,
and bangers & mash. Suggestions for the entre for 2016 can be made at the Board Monthly Meetings. Just
reminders, with roast beef, not all slices are cooked equally in the roast. Those who got a piece rarer than
they liked…maybe exchange it with your neighbor?
Continued on next page
Page 11
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
The Mysterious Questionnaire Review
This year, the vegetarian meal was what we were supposed to have in 2014. Last year, Fettuccini was served
instead. Since “no news is good news”, I am concluding that this entre was acceptable.
The veggies were supposed to be Red “New” potatoes with leeks and mashed Neeps. The supplier
for the hotel, on Thursday, informed us that turnips were not available, so we went with the broccoli. Not our
first choice.
We gave everyone a chance to get to dessert before starting the entertainment and the toasts, so that
all could get sociable with those at their table. This pushed the performances out further than was planned,
with the last performers finishing at 10 PM instead of 9 PM as was planned. Regretfully, not everyone stayed
until the end and missed part of a fine show. All the performers are to be commended for the entertainment
they provided.
Overall, 2015 was better than 2014, but, as with everything, there is always room for improvement. To
paraphrase P. T. Barnum, “You can please some of the people all of the time, all of the people some of the
time, but not all of the people all of the time.”. So I ask for your help and participation NOW in planning
BURNS NIGHT 2016 to make it even better. The invitation goes out to all to attend SASSNM Board of
Directors meetings and, especially the Annual Meeting being held on March 29 th at the GAC. Your input and
help is requested to have the SASSNM better reflect its membership.
Page 12
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
5301 Ponderosa Ave NE,
Albuquerque
RSVP Call Paul at: 505 294 - 8205
1. When best friends Jackie O'Shea (Ian Bannen) and Michael O'Sullivan (David
Kelly) discover someone in their small Irish village has won the lottery, they
immediately set off to see if the winner is in a sharing mood. Deducing that Ned
Devine is the lucky man, O'Shea and O'Sullivan pay him a visit, only to find him
dead from shock. Since Devine is the only one who can claim the prize, the
townsfolk band together to convince the claim inspector that O'Sullivan is really
Devine, and split the cash.
Rated PG 1998 ‧ Independent film/Comedy ‧ 1h 31m
Page 13
NEWS
The Irish American Society (IAS) is a private club and as such cannot solicit, by advertising or otherwise, participation in
its events and activities to the general public. The SASS is a sister society of the IAS and all SASS members and their
bonafide guests are welcome at all IAS events. // The Edelweiss Am Rio Grande German-American Club (GAC) is a
private club and as such cannot solicit, by advertising or otherwise, participation in its events and activities to the general
public. The SASS is an associate club of the GAC and all SASS members and their bonafide guests are welcome at all
GAC and IAS events.
Page 14
Onion Marinated Strip Steak
It’s party tIme
at the gac
don’t be
die Couch kartoffel
come down to
4821 menaul blvd, ne
&
partei
The Edelweiss Am Rio Grande German-American Club (GAC) is a private club and
as such cannot solicit, by advertising or otherwise, participation in its events and
activities to the general public. The SASS is an associate club of the GAC and all
SASS members and their bonafide guests are welcome at all GAC and IAS events.
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
St Patrick’s Day
And The
Page 16
Join us for a weekend of competition,
entertainment and family fun!
3rd
WEEKEND
of MAY, 2015
27th A NNUA L
Rio Grande Valley
CELTIC FESTIVAL &
HIGHLAND GAMES
May 16 & 17, 2015
Balloon Fiesta Park, Albuquerque, NM
A CELEBRATION OF
CELTIC CULTURE
from ancient tribes to
the seven Celtic nations:
Ireland, Scotland, Wales,
Cornwall, the Isle of Man,
Brittany (France) &
Galicia (Spain)
Learn more at www.celtfestabq.org
The RGVCF & HG
is an all-volunteer
501c3 organization.
Contact us at
celtfestabq @ yahoo.com.
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
This wee bit of trivia was
sent in by our own Peter
McKenna, of Clan MacKenzie.
Thank Ye, Pete.
Thought you might be interested in this for the newsletter. You often hear about the old walrus-ivory
chess pieces but not so much about these items, which are interesting. ~ Peter
The Edinburgh Fairy Coffins
In early July 1836, three boys searching for rabbits’
burrows near Edinburgh came upon some thin sheets of
slate set into the side of a cliff. On removing them, they
discovered the entrance to a little cave, where they
found 17 tiny coffins containing miniature wooden
figures.
According to the Scotsman‘s account later that month,
each of the coffins “contained a miniature figure of the
human form cut out in wood, the faces in particular
being pretty well executed. They were dressed from
head to foot in cotton clothes, and decently laid out with
a mimic representation of all the funereal trappings
which usually form the last habiliments of the dead. The
coffins are about three or four inches in length, regularly
shaped, and cut out from a single piece of wood, with
the exception of the lids, which are nailed down with
wire sprigs or common brass pins. The lid and sides of
each are profusely studded with ornaments, formed with
small pieces of tin, and inserted in the wood with great
care and regularity.”
Some accounts say that the coffins had been laid in tiers, the lower appearing decayed and the topmost quite recent, but
Edinburgh University historian Allen Simpson believes that all were placed in the niche after 1830, about five years before the boys
discovered them. Who placed them there, and why, remain mysterious. Simpson suggests that they may be an attempt to provide
a decent symbolic burial for the victims of murderers William Burke and William Hare, who had sold 17 corpses to local doctor
Robert Knox in 1828 for use in anatomy lessons. But 12 of Burke and Hare’s victims were women, and the occupants of the fairy
coffins are all dressed as men.
So investigations continue. The eight surviving coffins and their tiny occupants are on display today at the National Museum of
Scotland.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
Page 18
Thistle-Epistle
Of The
St Andrew Scottish Society
New Mexico
“March off”
Last Thoughts ‘n’ Comments
For this issue of
The Thistle-Epistle
The monthly Board Meetings have moved to the GAC at:
4821 Menaul Blvd NE, Albuquerque. For the month of
February, the meeting will be held on Tuesday the 24th of
February, starting promptly at 6:30pm.
Be sure to check for the Board Meeting Nights as they
can change. Check the Web Site Calendar at:
WWW.SASSNM.ORG
If any Members would like digital copies of the pictures on the Face
Book Page or from the Thistle Epistle Vol 2015 Sec 1of 6; please
contact Lord Robertson at: Sjt.Mjr.Robertson@gmail.com; with your
Name, Email Address and Phone Number.
The Society is changing for the better; we have new events in the future for
those that wish to attend. So now is the time to renew your membership for
the April 2015 thru the March 2016 Fiscal Year. Why would you want to
lose touch with your Society and miss Gatherings with Pipers and Scottish
food and treats? And the parties with our other associate Societies and
Clubs; experiencing the traditions of the Emerald Isle thru the IrishAmerican Club? Or miss the call of majestic Alpines thru the GermanAmerican Club? Renew your Membership NOW!
Last Page Fit To Print
REVISED
4/2014