Dear Friends,
The St. Andrew’s Society has had several recent events which many of you attended: a Fall cruise on the Naples Princess on September 19 and our first seasonal Kirkin’ at Naples First Presbyterian Kirk Sunday October 25. Chairs David Webster (cruise) and Dave Wallace (Kirkin’) report enthusiastic participation by you and your fellow Scots.
THIS n’ THAT:
Our first “Study in Scotland” scholarship recipient has returned to her FGCU studies after an illustrative three weeks of intensive study and touring of the Edinburgh area. Her studies were at the University of Edinburgh. Andrea McCrary is highly appreciative of the $1,500 assistance she received from the St. Andrew’s fund. Andrea will be present to informally interact with us during the cocktail hour of the St. Andrew’s Ball and to make a short talk for us during the annual meeting that night.
Our society has experienced a series of member deaths this past year. Many of the beloved departed provided significant leadership impetus in the forming and sustaining of our St. Andrews Society. In addition to those previously mentioned, in the past month Dr. Charles Webster, one of our ‘originals’, died. He was our Honorary Chaplain until his death. Recently Director Roger Wedgewood succumbed to pancreatic cancer. In both instances, many from the Society attended their memorial services. We especially remember with condolences Joan Webster and Judy Wedgewood.
The years 2007-2009 have been eventful and productive ones. We initiated an end of season “anchor”, Tartan Day Observance and New Member Recognition. We drafted a revised by-laws, while bringing our Study in Scotland Scholarship hopes and dreams into being through an alignment with FGCU’s foreign studies department. We began the Bell Ringing event as a recognition of the philanthropy so many of our St. Andrews groups have as their primary purpose, and we enthusiastically supported the Patriotic Moment series at Sugden Plaza . Directors and members assumed leadership roles far beyond what was asked or expected to the degree that in March 2009 we reached a high water mark in membership, 126.
I leave as your president on November 15. While the challenges have been many, the cooperation has been intense. Your Board of Directors have been both patient, enterprising and, above all, responsible through their “hands on” directing of your Society. The MANY of us owe the FEW of them much gratitude. I thank the Board of Directors and the General Membership for the opportunity to serve you these past two years. I commend to you your new officers: David Webster, President; David Wallace, Vice President; John Green, Secretary; Carol Stuart, Treasurer as well as your Board of Directors including one new Director, Sandy Teller.
Yours aye,
Don McGee |
