President's Message
June, 2010
Greetings All,
I have heard from our Vice President, Chuck Lawson that the AGM in Victoria British Columbia was a great success and I extend my many thanks to Chuck for presiding over events in my place and to the organizers and hosts for the AGM, Doug McLaren and Bill McFadden for all of their hard work and seeing to it everyone had a marvelous time. Thank you very much Doug and Georgina and Bill and Ruth!
I was unable to attend the meeting since I had a long scheduled meeting for work in New Orleans at exactly the same time. This was the first AGM I have missed in eleven years and I am definitely feeling the loss of my usual annual visit with MacLaren friends from all over the country. I do hope everyone will make it out next year and for the AGMs many years after!
The next two AGMs are Pleasanton California September 2,3,4 in 2011 and Loon Mt New Hampshire the third weekend of September in 2012. 2011 will be the thirtieth anniversary for CMSNA and we need to celebrate accordingly. We are hopeful that Chief Donald and Maida and others of the leadership in Scotland will be able to join us. It is important that we turn out in force to welcome and honor them.
Any ideas for special ways to celebrate this 30th milestone will be gratefully considered so please send them to me.
Pleasanton is within 20 to 30 minutes of three major airports, San Francisco, Oakland, and San Jose and Super Shuttle service to the Pleasanton Hilton headquarters hotel is available at all three. The Hilton has a shuttle that will provide transportation to the games so a car is not necessary.
The San Francisco Caledonian Club Games are among the largest in the world and are one of the three oldest games in the United States. This year is their 145th games. The athletic events are by invitation only and there are always more than 30 pipe bands in attendance and more than 100 clan tents.
We are working on several tours for groups on Friday and will have a ceilidh at the hotel Friday night so bring your instruments and dancing shoes. The banquet will be at the hotel Saturday night. The hotel is just a few blocks from the BART station for those who want to go into San Francisco and the hotel shuttle will take you to the station. If there is enough interest we will organize a trip to Golden Gate Park, designed by John McLaren.
I certainly plan on seeing you there and if you have ideas for things to do or are willing to help please let me know.
Games are occurring all over the country and MacLarens are out there! Again my many thanks to everyone who is participating in any way! Please let the webmaster and the newsletter editors know what, when, and where and send photos.
We have many members who are piping, dancing, competing in heavy events, fiddling, harping and singing. I thought it would be interesting to know about all of you who are involved in these Scottish Heritage activities and asked the Council to approve a new section of the web site for members to write up what they are doing to continue and promote our cultural heritage. Nancy and I are still working on what to call this section and name suggestions are welcome. Please send a brief description of what you are doing in the world of Scottish activities and a photo or two to the webmaster, nnorland@earthlink.net and we will get started on this.
Many of you have special expertise in certain fields of interest to Scots and MacLarens in particular and articles on various subjects suitable for the newsletter would be appreciated. Send your article and any accompanying photos to debi_mclaurin@charter.net.
We continue to be a busy and thriving group due to the hard work of so many of you.
My many thanks to all and I will see you in Pleasanton in 2011 if not before.
Creag an Tuirc,
Barbara
