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Greetings from bonnie Scotland! By Irené Waldman, 1st Vice President Dear Members and Friends, appy May everyone! May Husually signifies new be- ginnings following spring and certainly in Scotland, the pop- ulation has a chance at new beginnings again too. I don’t usually mention politics but Francesca McCrossan, President the scene is rather interesting May 2021 right now due to the recent Irené Waldman, 1st Vice President elections. Please note that I President’s Message do not have a personal view point on these facts but I thought it worthwhile to share what is happening here in Scotland. Dear St. Andrew’s Society, The Scottish National Party is the leading party, and won the he History of Scottish Societies in the US holds invaluable recent election with a majority. They did not however win Tdetails of the general history of the US, as well as for the specific cities, states, and regional area where they originate. The first society on record was the Scots Charitable Society of Boston founded in 1657. Their mission was focused on relieving the destitution of those Scotsmen who were stranded in the seaport town. The Society’s aim was not only to alleviate the suffering, but they knew that if left destitute, these Scot would sully the reputation of the larger Scot- tish community. This part of the goal isn’t usually noted in Miguez from Pixabay Image by Waldo Scottish Parliament Building, Edinburgh. President’s Message, continued on page 2 1st VP Message, continued on page 3 MAY 2021 ~ Vol. 158, NO. 5 President’s Message ....................................................... 1 Ultimate Scottish Quiz .................................................. 5 1st VP’s Message ............................................................. 1 Calendar of Events ....................................................... 12 Trustees’ Report ............................................................. 3 1 MAY 2021 THE SAINT ANDREW’S SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO Continued from page 1 In a reflection of their history, the Detroit So- President’s Message ciety is holding their 172nd Annual Highland Games on Friday and Saturday, August 6th and the written history of the Societies, but it’s an 7th, 2021. important one to keep in mind in the earliest days of US history. Other societies organized in later years. These included Charleston, South Carolina in 1729, Philadelphia in 1747, and New York in 1756. More recently, The St Andrew Society of quick review of current Scottish societ- Colorado was founded in Denver in 1963. A ies in the US reveals a count of 107. And They are a 501c3 who gives scholarships to this is a slight underestimate because, depend- highland dancers, pipers, and drummers to ing on what source you refer to, there are attend workshops and competitions throughout more Societies than are on this list. This count the US and across the Pond. They have an ex- includes St. Andrew’s Societies, Caledonian cellent 3-part history of their Society. I highly Societies and Scottish Societies not falling un- recommend reading at least the first of the der either of those two types of organizations. three historical papers since it provides a wider They are found in 38 out of 50 states, from history than just of the Colorado Society. Alabama to Washington State. They are also found worldwide from Abu Dhabi to Zaire. Several Societies were founded in the 1970s, such as The Scottish St. Andrew Society Here’s a sample of their histories: of St. Louis, and the St. Andrew’s Society of North Carolina, which still only admits men as members! Others were formed even later that this; The Oregon Scottish Society was formed in 1992 and grew out of a festi- val of Scottish Culture produced by a group of people who then came together to form a Some of the oldest Societies have esteemed Society. histories. The St. Andrew’s Society of Phila- delphia, may be the oldest charitable mem- Of course, our own Society was incorporated bership organization in continuous existence in 1865. What all these Societies have in com- in North America. Its early members include mon is a love of Scottish Culture and a desire five signers of the Declaration of Indepen- to do good works, such as supporting commu- dence. It was organized in 1747 by twenty-five nity members in need and awarding scholar- prominent Pennsylvanians of Scottish ancestry ships to hardworking students. The timeline of to assist the large numbers of destitute Scots these organizations is incredible, and the lon- arriving in Philadelphia at that time. gevity indicates that Scots in the US have for 100s of years been dedicated to helping other Scots and those of Scottish descent who are in need. It is members and friends like all of you that continue to make the St Andrew’s Society of San Francisco an ongoing part of this history. I am proud not only to be a member but to serve as your President. Thank you all for your dedication, support and camaraderie that make The St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit was our Society continue to be a vital part of US founded in 1849 and is the is the oldest be- history and culture. nevolent organization in the State of Michigan. They have a particularly good paper on the his- Warm regards, tory of their Society. Their preamble reads, Francesca M. McCrossan “For the relief of the indigent and unfortunate President, St. Andrew’s Society of our Countrymen, and for the promotion of of San Francisco harmony and good feeling amongst ourselves, we the undersigned Scotchmen and Descen- dants of Scotchmen, with Benevolence for our motto, do unite ourselves into a Society….” 2 MAY 2021 THE SAINT ANDREW’S SOCIETY OF SAN FRANCISCO Continued from page 2 the bill would be presented to the Supreme Court in London, 1st VP’s Message which will be forced to rule on whether the Scottish Parliament had the authority to call a referendum on its own. Data indi- enough to guarantee having another Scottish referendum which cates that the bill would be blocked, but who knows. There are was their goal. Nicola Sturgeon remains at the helm for another 4 years, while legally she does not have the right to engage in many data points that suggest Scotland would be significantly another vote for the Scottish people to determine if they want financially disadvantaged with an independence move. Not just to separate from England, in the short term, but the Wales and Northern Ireland projected financial impact is for good. The party needed 50 suggested to last for 20 year votes for that, and they got 49. or more. The question of when Scot- land will have a referendum Scotland at this time of year lies with London and Boris is very mixed in its politics Johnson (the current PM). He and its weather! We have had states that it would be incred- snow, hail, sunshine, lots of ibly reckless to host a refer- rain (as expected) and some endum now, in the middle breezy days, all in the last of a pandemic. Ms. Sturgeon week! The kids are loving the thinks differently and has change of scenery, with rolling been on point to report that it green hills, lots of flowers is “now a matter of when, not growing over the grasses, baby if.” So, watch this space. The cows, owls and rabbits! What politics are going to remain heated for a while in Scotland. is not to love about Scottish countryside?! We are basking in the open space and lush scenery. It feels very different to the USA here is long history associated with Scotland’s indepen- and the heat that the bay area is experiencing. Tdence. The country had its last independence referendum in 2014, whereby Scots voted 55% to remain as part of the As I have mentioned before, I am happy to talk to anyone about United Kingdom. The British government had agreed to hold travel and tips to Scotland, or anything else for that matter! I the referendum after the SNP won a landslide election in love receiving your conversations! the Scottish Parliament, calling it a “once in a lifetime” event. Nicola Sturgeon has been promoting a referendum ever since Best wishes and looking forward to seeing you soon! the 2016 Brexit vote, where Brexit was opposed by more than 62% of Scottish voters. Irené Waldman 1st Vice President, So, what happens next? Most likely, the Scottish National Party St. Andrew’s Society of San Francisco will bring forth their own bill to the Scottish Parliament, to call [email protected] for another referendum. And most likely that would pass. Then 650-438-0370 Trustee Resignation / Jaeame Koyil Board of Trustees Report On another note regarding Trustee Affairs—Trustee Jaeame Koyil sent email on April 19, stating his intention to resign By David Campbell, Trustee Chairperson which was confirmed on April 27. As such, we would like to acknowledge and thank Jaeame for his many years of service to Dear St. Andrew’s Society, the Society both in the capacity of a variety of officer roles and most recently as trustee...so, we wish Jaeame all the best! Re- New Trustee / Gary Ketchen cruiting for the vacancy which Jaeame's resignation leaves—will You may recall as of last month we had one trustee vacancy, commence shortly…with the consideration of suitable trustee so I'll begin our May report with a spot of good news—Gary candidates in kind. Ketchen confirmed by email on April 26 his acceptance of our proposed invitation to join the Board of Trustees. Regarding the Bookkeeping induction of a new trustee—our By-Laws (Article XIII / Sec- Thanks to Treasurer Richard Robertson working closely with tion 7) call for “...ratification by the members of the Society at Bookkeeper Jessica Whelan, and also additional coordination a monthly meeting...” provided at least 10 day advance written with our leadership team—we’ve made good progress on a noticing, so Susan sent out notice to our membership via email list of 14 questions or items selected for follow-up and further on May 6.

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