The excitement is building for H&T’s 53rd annual Burns Supper & Ball. I look forward to this fabulous event knowing that we will all have a grand time. We should be prepared – at least to dance - thanks to the special lessons given to all of us at the November meeting. We certainly appreciated RSCDS coming to try to train our dancing toes. We had a great time and some good laughter; and hopefully we will remember what they taught! And Ladies, don’t forget to help your man gather all his necessities: the hose, garters, flashes, flypleid, sporran, belt, sgian dubh, broche, etc. Last year I had great fun with my “Reply to the Laddies.” Let us hope the kilt has not shrunk another inch or two!
The Burns Supper. The planning committee is at the finish line of their annual assignment. The good news is that we will have a full house. The bad news is that there is a waiting list and unfortunately, we may not be able to accommodate everyone who did not purchase a ticket early. If for some reason, you have tickets that will not be used, please call Joan McClure at 713-782-6707. Several people have contacted me through our web site regarding tickets. Some folks have recently moved here or just heard about the Supper and would love to attend. I hope we don’t have an empty seat at the hotel!
Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket. The money will benefit St. Thomas Episcopal School or Scottish Arts programs, and you may be a lucky winner of some very nice prizes.
Programs:
Christmas Party. Everyone was in a festive mood for our party except for Sharon & Jim Monteith who called me a couple hours before the event with the sobering news that they picked up a bad, bad bug and didn’t wish to give that as a gift to the rest of us. I pre-warned my Sergeant-At-Arms, Victor and his wife, Jeni, NOT to steal my gifts this year during our White Elephant Exchange. Everyone was merciless, however, and anyone who opened spirits was robbed immediately. Moon couldn’t hold onto a gift if she tried. We all went home happy and at least 1,000 calories were added to the holiday count.
January Program. We are delighted to have our Burns Club present The Travels of Robert Burns to us on January 23rd. We are looking forward to this annual presentation. The Burns Club has invited The English Speaking Union organization as our special guests for the evening. We welcome them and hope they will join us frequently.
Future Programs. On February 27th, Mark Monroe has made arrangements to treat us to an evening of “History of Texas Music (Steppin’ Back in Time) 1821-1865 by Jim Fox and his love wife, Margaret. They reside in San Antonio. Don’t miss this special musical performance.
Heather & Thistle Officer Nominations. I congratulate everyone who has been selected to serve H&T in 2006 and beyond. I know you will give them your generous support as they pledge to serve our organization in the near future.
Community Outreach. I want to thank everyone who brought food to our meetings after Katrina and Rita. I took 13 pounds of food to WHAM (West Houston Assistance Ministries). Each year WHAM assists over 13,000 individuals with food, clothing and financial help. WHAM is an ecumenical ministry and a coalition of 10 churches. They were extremely taxed to meet the needs of all the hurricane victims. At our Christmas party, there was a stack of gifts brought by our members to give to our deserving Veterans. It was my pleasure to take the gifts to the VA Hospital with the hopes of adding a little holiday cheer to someone’s Christmas. I appreciate your support during my leadership to contribute to these worthwhile endeavors.
Yours aye,
Cheryl Duthie May
Chieftain