The Caledonian Society of Arizona

The Desert Highlander
Newsletter for
AUGUST 2020
is now on-line

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Newsletter Editor
Iain Lundy

Visit our Membership Page
to Join or Renew!

We have reset the membership year to start with the annual Scottish Games.

Scots Hotline
480-788-6694

Phone Booth

The Caledonian Society
of Arizona
P.O. Box 50092
Phoenix, AZ 85076

Public Relations
Don Finch
480-252-0152

Society News

With no sign of the Covid-19 situation abating, the chances of the Society getting together for our regular meetings seem remote, at least until the latter part of the year. But hopefully the situation will ease sufficiently in the coming months for us to get back together again.

Arizona has become a virus hotspot over the past month and many of us have had to cancel vacations within the US and further afield, including Scotland.

We were fortunate in being able to stage our Phoenix Games in March. One further event took place the week after that, then no more in the U.S. through July. And just as of August 1, both the Ventura CA Seaside Games and the Long's Peak (Estes Park) Games have announced cancellations.

The calendar shows fewer then 20 events still hopeful as of now. And according to Scotland Welcomes You all events in Scotland have been canceled.

President's Letter
David McBee

David McBee

At our on-line virtual Board meeting on June 8, the current Board agreed to serve for another 12 month term. There have been no objections heard so the Board will continue another year with two changes: Former Treasurer Vicki Phegley has returned to the Board in that position. And Pat Schuller, who helped direct the games this past year has agreed to serve as a Board Trustee replacing Robert Wilbanks.

Pat is also looking at some fun outings this year too, maybe raise some funds, but at least have an outing or two. For those that do not wish to venture forth into a pub when we get a chance to conduct an outing, maybe we can Zoom you in as a virtual happy hour. It will be so great to hear your voices again.

The position of Secretary is still open. If you are interested, please send your resume and a brief synopsis of your involvement with the Scottish community to David McBee at: president@arizonascots.com

Holding our next Games in 2021 is still a mystery. Even the Rose Parade next year has been cancelled. If there is not an economic recovery soon, there is little chance of financially pulling off a successful games event, with even higher expected costs. One idea is to host smaller pieces of Games events at little or no cost; and use them to gather donations towards the next Games, keeping our various participants in this venue afloat. We will see what develops.

Stay safe at your own pace and be as happy as you can be. Whisky and pastries may just be the answer. . .

SLAINTE, DAVID

Events

Due to the COVID-19 situation, no Gatherings are planned for the near future.

Support our Vendors

In support of our vendors in these difficult times, we recommend that you continue to shop with them online if you can since they cannot attend any events for who knows how long. Tell them that you are a member of the Caledonian Society of Arizona and see what special treatment they may have in store for you.

Kilt Rental USA - high-quality authentic formal kilt rental services

Four Peaks Brewing - Order from the takeout/delivery menu, or
Visit our Bodega for staple foods, cleaning supplies, and other essentials

Ring Weaver Chains - Chains, bracelets, purses

Sweet Earth Art - Jewelry, Paintings, Clothing
   Call 602-460-0710 for $5 off shirts/hats; sarong & jewelry offers

Copper and Fire Jewelry - Copper Wire, Sterling Silver and Designer Jewelry
   10% discount to CSA members

Crafty Celts - Torcs, Earrings, Pendants, Brooches, Pins, Hair itens: more

Celtic Jackalope - Celtic Art, Shirts, Badges, Jewelry, Banners, custom work
   10% coupon with Newsletter subscription

Clan Inebriated - Promoting Scottish / Irish Heriage, merchandise

Celtic Raven Studio - Mugs, ornaments
   Coupon "PHXGAMES" for 10% discount

Celtic Cure - All natural ointments, balms, lotions, and holistic products

Irish Charm - Handcrafted Celtic design sterling silver jewelry

St. Croix Weaving - Handwoven tartan creations - apparel, table linens

Sean's Celtic Creations - Original Celtic jewelry, California tartan items

Zarpara Vineyard - An Arizona Farm Winery - 7 grape varieties
   Hand-delivered wine to SE Arizona, & Willcox/Tucson/Phoenix corridor
   Enter SCOTWINE for 10% discount, free shipping until 4/30 (then too hot)

Society Membership

Membership News
We have re-aligned our membership year to coincide with the annual Phoenix Scottsh Games, thus April through March

Enjoy the many Benefits:
- help preserve Scottish culture in the Valley
- fun & camaraderie with fellow Scots (multi-generational)
- free admission to CSA Gatherings
- free monthly Desert Highlander newsletter
- free annual consultation session with Our Genealogist
- free name/clan badge
- volunteer opportunities galore!

2020-2021 Memberships
- - $30.00 single and $50 Family (at the same address)
It's easy - just jump to the Membership Page for the form.

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