It’s good to be Chieftain. Even though the turnout for our new officer installation was poor, I enjoyed my moment in the limelight. My wife Sharon and I joined the Society 5 years ago. I guess we showed up at too many meetings because within two years I was asked to participate as the Sgt.-at-Arms. Since I had only one hobby at the time (mowing grass) I was talked into it. Now Heather and Thistle is my second hobby. It’s loads of fun to wear The Kilt. Every time I wear it I get to drink Scotch and get fed. Thank you to our new officers who have also volunteered to be elected. Sub-Chieftain Ken Sorrels could not be present at the March meeting, so he will be installed at the upcoming April meeting. I want to take time now to thank all of our volunteers that keep the Heather and Thistle Society active and running. Cheryl May has agreed to once more chair the Program Committee. Melvyn Douglas is back as Publicity Chairman. Eileen Moore heads up the Membership and Sunshine committees. Our new chairman of the Past Chieftain’s Committee is Wayne Barton. Aaron Buchanan takes over as Burns Supper Committee Chairman. Wow!! That’s a lot of volunteers helping out. More volunteers will be needed during the coming year in order for our Society to successfully put on our own events and to participate in other organizations events.
The Houston Highland Games is coming up in May over the weekend of the 12th, 13th and 14th. We will need volunteers to staff the Heather and Thistle booth on Saturday and Sunday. Let one of the officers know if you wish to assist or just show up at the booth at the Games location on State Hwy 6 at the Bear Creek Farm and Ranch Club Facility. It would be nice to have a good member turnout for the Grand Opening Parade on Saturday morning at the Games. Our Society will be sponsoring the Piping Competition and will be putting up $1000.00 for this.
At a recent Burns Supper Planning Committee meeting that I attended, several Past Chieftains Committee Members mentioned their desire to improve and clarify our Society’s Bylaws. The Bylaws have not undergone any changes since December 1992. The Heather and Thistle Society has changed over the years and many of the activities of the Society members that are required to run the organization were not defined in the original Bylaws. The Past Chieftain’s Committee has become an important guiding institution within our Society and its functions should be more clearly stated in the Bylaws. The Burns Supper Planning Committee, now an essential institution within our Society, is not even mentioned in our Bylaws. The way the Society handles its financial business is not defined within the Bylaws. A Historical Committee was established, but has not functioned in years. The roles of the officers within the Society have changed. Our Sgt.-at-Arms has many responsibilities now days due to the amount of property he must control and move, whereas the Sub-Chieftain has very little responsibility. In recent years the Sub-Chieftain has become more active in coordinating and assisting the Sgt.-at-Arms in his efforts. Perhaps this should be formally addressed in the Bylaws. The problem of having 20 members present at the monthly meetings has become an issue. 20 members in good standing are required for a quorum for the transaction of business. The Past Chieftain’s Committee desires to change this from 20 members to 15 members needed for a quorum. At the regular meeting on May 22, 2006 this proposal to change from 20 members to 15 members for a quorum will be made, discussed and voted on.
As Past Chieftain Cheryl May did during her year of service I wish to emphasize recruitment of new members during my term. I also, guess what, wish to emphasize the spirit of volunteering in our organization. The Heather and Thistle Society is in its 54th year. Let’s make it great one!!!!!!!!!!
Your Servant,
Chieftain Jim Monteith