The annual Robert Burns celebration is only a few weeks away. That’s the night when we over-indulge in haggis, neeps, tatties, Scotch whisky, and listen to much speechifying extoling the virtues of Scotland’s National Bard.

The 2019 Burns Dinner – to be hosted jointly by the Caledonian Society and the Daughters of Scotia, Lady Claire Lodge – will be held on 26 January in the American Legion Mathew B Juan Post 35, at 2240 West Chandler Blvd, in Chandler (NW corner of Chandler Blvd and Dobson).

Expect a traditional Burns dinner with haggis and all the trimmings, Highland dancers, pipers, speakers, and other great entertainment, including dance music from disc jockey Paul Bell. The planning committee is still looking for items for the silent auction and raffle.

Tickets will soon be on sale and anyone who wants to volunteer should contact Linda Currie McGuire on lindacurriemc@gmail.com.

Watch for updates here at the web site, and in the January Newsletter.

Yep, we’re counting down the clock and there are only 90 days to go. And we don’t mean shopping days till Christmas, we’re talking about something far more important – the 55th Anniversary Phoenix Scottish Games at Steele Indian School Park.

The Games Committee has been hard at work planning and preparing for the event, and is pleased to announce that permission has again been given by the Park Central Mall management to use their lot for FREE parking with shuttle service to the Games. There were some minor logistical issues last year with the lot location, but steps are being taken to ensure there is no confusion at the 2019 event.

Our entertainment lineup is in place with some new faces. Rod Stewart impersonator Jay Gates is certain to be one of the big draws of the weekend. He will be performing on Saturday evening. On Sunday morning the Sonoran Foothills Jazz Band will be playing in the Learners Arms.

We also will be launching the PhoenixScottishGames.com web site that will contain information, schedules and a link to purchase tickets.

Games Committee Chairman Paul Bell said, “We are hoping to use our social media to reach a larger audience for the Games. Look for us on Facebook and Instagram. It’s shaping up to be a great year for the 55th Annual Phoenix Scottish Games. Be sure to join us on 2 and 3 March.

The next Games planning meeting will be in January

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holidays as well as several other special times this month.

Our participation in the APS Light Parade has run into problems beyond our control. We will not be in attendance there. I do hope to see you at Christmas at the Castle on the evening of December 8th which will serve as our meeting this month. The castle (Irish Cultural Center) is a unique location for Christmas socializing. The lights and trees as well as the entertainment will be quite special but even more so with seeing you all there.

As our year comes to a close, I hope it has been a good year for all. We have lost some members this year but their smiles carry on and even more memories are to be built among this Society. Pitch in, come out and get involved in the Society events, that is how the friendships build and the memories are made. We all gain and grow from the time together and that is what makes the Society grow.

It is also that time of year to renew your membership in the Society. The subscription is increasing next year (Family $50, Individual $30) as our costs keep rising. Beat the rush and the increase by renewing by December 31 at the 2018 prices (Family $40, Individual $25)

The final preparations for the annual Burns Dinner are underway. There will be several improvements made this year as we learn to run a bigger event with more organizations involved. There will be changes to the menu structure, entertainment, and facilities layout. Please mark your calendars for the evening of January 26th and get your tickets early as we expect a sellout.

We are gearing up for our 55th Games event this next March. Plans are coming together and the excitement is building. It is building not just among us but among our vendors, athletes, and performers both new and old. It should be quite an event this next year. Please volunteer where you can and be a part of this momentous occasion.

As the year comes to a close, we also have to face giving unto Caesar that which is Caesar’s. Remember that we are a 501c3 nonprofit that accepts donations. They go towards our mission of supporting Scottish arts, artists, athletes, history and the preservation of our great heritage.

A toast to the new year and each and every one of you.

Slainte. DAVID