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 Supper – 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.

Ticket Sales for Burns Supper has ended

The biggest date in the Society calendar, the annual Scottish Games, is now only two months away, and organizers are finalizing plans for what promises to be another highly successful event. This year’s celebration of all things Scottish at Steele Indian School Park is the 55th anniversary games and takes on extra special significance for the Society.

Games Committee Chairman Paul Bell is holding a planning meeting on Thursday 24 January at Rosie McCaffrey's Irish Pub, 906 E. Camelback in Phoenix. at 6.30pm. Everyone with an interest in contributing to the event in any way is welcome to come along.

Watch for the new Games website phoenixscottishgames.com soon.

Special pin badges to mark the event have been struck and can be bought from Paul at $5 each. The pins depict a phoenix and an Arizona state flag on a blue and white Scottish saltire. Around the edge of the design is a belt with a buckle at the bottom and the inscription ’55 years’ at the top.

Welcome to the New Year. I hope this coming year will treat you well, find you healthy and happy.  Now to shed those holiday pounds……

Christmas at the Castle was a lot of fun. The tree we presented with Daughters of Scotia took third prize and Nessie was a lighted hit as well. 

She seems to be very photogenic. The music was good, there were lots of smiles and I think the children decorated a record number of cookies. Nessie hung around for the Winter Solstice event.  I had to drag her out of there after that.  She’s such a party animal.

It is also that time of year to renew your membership in the Society.  We look forward to seeing you at the events and hope you can get involved and enjoy the society.

The final preparations for the annual Burns Dinner are about done.  Please mark your calendars for the evening of January 26th and get your tickets early as we expect a sellout.  This will be our big social event for the month and will take the place of the regular meeting.  There will be music, food, whisky, toasting and boasting, what could be better?

We are only 2 months away from our 55th Games event this March 2nd and 3rd.  Please volunteer where you can and be a part of this momentous occasion.

On an operational note, I am putting together the annual Audit Committee and would like to hear from those interested in reviewing the books and getting the finer details of the bookkeeping in order.  Please contact me if you can help.

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

Slainte. DAVID