This is my last letter to you as Chieftain. Although sad to relinquish this special time as head of H&T, I am happily turning over the gavel to my friend, Jim Monteith. I know he will do an outstanding job as your Chieftain. I had fun taking a few last minute photos of myself as Chieftain, and gave Jim two to publish in February and March.
The calendar is full. We are looking forward to the Scottish Festival tomorrow night. It is always spectacular. This evening, Walter and I had a wonderful Burns Supper with The Burns Club. We enjoyed all the formalities of a Supper, but concluded with the singing of many a favorite song. The camaraderie was great. We also celebrated the countdown to Arthur’s Down’s 90th birthday and James Haggerty’s 60th. Ted Hirtz and I got honorable mention as we both celebrated significant birthdays on March 6th. Ted turned 70 and I … well, as a woman, I can tattle on the men, but am excused from telling my age. Pity the poor person who publishes the truth about mine! However, I will relate that my family went overboard to dress me in purple and red, and then presented me with a beautiful DVD capturing my childhood forward in music and photos. I cannot fully express my appreciation for all their effort and the special gift. What a way to end my Chieftainship and start a new decade! I feel so blessed. It has been a wonderful year.
Programs:
February Program. If you missed the performance of Jim and Margaret Fox, you missed one of the best programs we have had. Everyone was raving about the program: “The History of Texas Music (Steppin’ Back in Time) 1821-1865. Thanks again to Mark Monroe for sponsoring this program.
March – Officer Installation. Please join us as we install our new officers in March. Steve McIntyre will entertain us with his bagpipe…and naturally, we will celebrate afterwards…place TBD.
April Program. My good friend Scott Bumgardner will be entertaining you in April with Cowboy Poetry. You have enjoyed Scott once before as the “Hero” in the melodrama that my Speaker’s Committee of the Houston Livestock show performed a few years back. Scott is a lively critter and I know you will enjoy his Tall Tales.
Alastair Campbell. February 16, 1931 – March 4, 2006. I was very saddened to have to announce the passing of our friend and piper, Al Campbell. The Heather & Thistle Society sent a beautiful “Red Rose” spray to his services. Al was an integral part of our organization for so many years. He always piped in the newly elected officers. I am privileged to have the memory of Al piping me before you last March. We send our deepest condolences to Betsy and family. Al will always be remembered in our hearts.
Yours aye,
Cheryl Duthie May
Chieftain