St. Andrew Society Welcomes New Members for 2009

One of the annual highlights of the Tallahassee St. Andrew Society is its annual New Members’ Reception - or as it’s becoming known - the New Members’ Ceilidh. On Saturday, October 25 the weather was perfect, the setting was beautiful, the food and spirits were excellent and the temperature was just right for wool-wearin’. The exceptional venue was once again the beautiful Loch Bradfordside home of Duane Pickel and Nancy Loeffler.

Well over 80 members were on hand to welcome 32 new members. New Members included: Lee Avirett & Linda Frazier, Van & Dee Beggarly, Jane Brightbill, Tom Bull, Charles Cadwallader, Catherine Chapman, John & Margaret Ann Clark, James & Deborah Hart, Ray & Linda Hudson, Lisa Lindsey, Hugh & Brooke Lochore, Gary Mathews, Charlene McCall Reyes, Collen Strickland, George & Patricia Strickland, Susan Taylor, Bob Wray, Lynn & Joyce Damron, Avery McKnight, James Capps, Nyle & Janna Strain, and James & Hai Ti Amend.

Members enjoyed several selections of Celtic melodies played by harpist Karen Jackson as they ate and got to know the newest members. Society member, and Tallahassee Pipe Band’s Pipe Major, Joe Ashcraft, played several familiar pipe tunes and explained the differences between the big highland pipes and the smaller lowland pipes.

The Society’s Presidential Dirk was passed on to new President Dan MacDonald by out-going President Eric King and past Presidents Dr. Calvin Curry, Frances Kratt, Dr. Al McCully, Jim Urquhart, Jim Monroe, and Jack Rosenau.

New members were then each called to receive their membership pin and certificates. Membership has grown very well in the past few years including several young families who seek to learn more about their Scottish culture, ancestry, and contributions. Membership now stands at well over 250.

Long-standing member, and Society Educator, Jean Holzapfel shared the goals and missions of the Society and what 25 years of involvement has meant to her and her husband George.

The Reception also has become the time and venue for the Scottish Games Council to announce their Highland Games & Celtic Festival’s honorees. Council President Keiff Lindsey revealed that Clan Henderson was the April 10, 2010 Festival’s Honored Clan. On hand to acknowledge and accept for Clan Henderson were Society members Doris Henderson, and Kim & Nick Baldwin. The Games Council was also very pleased to surprise and name Jean & George Holzapfel as the Festival’s Honored Guests.

The Reception also marked the debut of new Events Coordinator, Mary Rixey. Also known as The Piper, the Event Coordinator position is one of the most demanding jobs in the Society. Please help Mary in any way you can. It was a great start Mary. The Society also thanks out-going Piper, Julie Harris for the tremendous job she has done over the past several years. Julie put in many many hours all to the enjoyment of our members. Thank you, Julie.

The Society also thanks Duane and Nancy for hosting this very pleasant event. Your home and your kindness make this Reception a not-to-miss event.