Highland Games 2017

34th annual SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Scottish FESTIVAL AND highland GAMES

March 4, 2017 Plantation Heritage Park

34th annual SOUTHEAST FLORIDA

Scottish FESTIVAL AND GAMES PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Ceud Mile Failte (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes) Welcome ONE and ALL. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Scottish American Society of South Florida, it gives me great pleasure to see you at the 34th Annual Southeast Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games here at Heritage Park.

As you know it takes hours of work and dedication to make this event happen. So this is a very thoughtful thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, clans and vendors.This would never be possible without you the participants and visitors, pipe bands, athletes, and dancers.

I want to wish all of you a very wonderful day!

Ed West, President

We hope you enjoy the 34th Annual Southeast Florida Scottish Festival & Highland Games sponsored by the Scottish American Society of South Florida (SASSF) !

Please be sure to fill out our exit survey and let us know how to make the Games even better https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SASSF2017 Plan to join us at next year's Festival on Saturday, March 3, 2018 back at Plantation Heritage Park.

Other SASSF activities throughout the year include : membership picnic in May/June ; Fall Ceilidh ; Burns Supper [Jan. 27, 2018] To stay in touch and informed about SASSF activities sign-up for our email newsletter and Like us on Facebook! http://www.sassf.org

Officers and Directors

COMMITTEES Advertising Athletics Burns' Supper Children's Games Clans and Societies Country Dancing Entertainers Food Concessions Grounds Highland Dancing Hospitality Hotel Memberships

Nigel MacDonald, Treasurer, Al Will, Claire Will, Secretary, Jim Armstrong, Faye West, Vice President, Eddy West, President, Cheryl Gowing, Ron Wier

Photography

Lawrence Miller, Richard Booth, Art Campbell, Nigel MacDonald, Miriam Cannon

Piping and Drumming Program Production Publicity Recording Secretary Sponsors Trophies/medals Vendors Volunteers Webmaster

Ron Wier Kim Baldwin Nigel MacDonald, Jim & Marla Armstrong Betty and Steve Rogers Ron Wier Rinthy Aman Renee Campbell, Cheryl Gowing Ed West Ed, Scotty, Jeff West Nigel MacDonald Mary Ann Wolfson Elaine and Nigel MacDonald Betty Rogers & Elaine MacDonald Kevin Patterson Nigel MacDonald Ron Wier, Elaine MacDonald Claire Cubbin Will Nigel MacDonald, Bart and Alice Carlisle Nigel MacDonald Ed West Cheryl Gowing, Shelley Beck Nigel MacDonald

We extend our warmest thanks to all our festival sponsors

GOLD SPONSORS Derick and Ellen Willis Ronald Wier Michael Stock & Cheryl Gowing Danny E. Reynolds SILVER SPONSORS Cliff Borden Elaine and Nigel MacDonald Miriam and Robert Cannon Donald MacLennan Waugh Arthur and Harriet Campbell Cathy Sheridan & Susan Hoyer BRONZE SPONSORS Rusela Orr Gerard and Barbara Wach Rinthy Aman Betsy Motisi William Logie

TROPHY and MEDAL SPONSORS Athlete of the Day Art Campbell in memory of his wife, Maureen FitzGerald Campbell Grade IV Pipe Band Drs. Allan and Doris McLeod Grade V Pipe Band Nigel and Elaine MacDonald in memory of Neville and Elizabeth MacDonald CORPORATE SPONSORS:

John Bono John Cassidy and Sons P.M. Bill McFarlane of the Fort Lauderdale Highlanders Special Thanks to: All the Media that publicized the Games and to all those who have helped to make this Festival and Games a success. Our sincere apologies and grateful thanks go to those Sponsors whose names do not appear in the program due to our printing deadline.

CLANS Clan Bruce Clan Campbell Clan Craig Clan Donald Clan Donnachaidh Clan Douglas Clan Elliott House of Gordon Clan Gunn Clan Guthrie - Honored Clan Clan Mackenzie Clan MacLennan Clan Montgomery Clan Murray Clan Weir SCOTTISH/CELTIC CULTURAL GROUPS Florida Outlander Fans S. Florida Gaelic Athletics Assoc.

42nd Highland regiment

Honored Scotsman of the Day Arthur Barlow Campbell Art is a founding member of the Scottish American Society of South Florida and has been very active in the organization ever since. He often jokes that, at the first organizational meeting for the S. E. Florida Highland Games in early 1983, he was volunteered from the get go as Chairman of the heavy athletics and the clans and societies. Since then he also took on the duties of M. C., games photographer and set up and take down coordinator. For many years his wife, Maureen, also took care of all of our publicity activities.

Art’s Scottish connection goes back to 1735 when his Scottish ancestor served in the Colonies as a soldier. His ancestor was given a land grant in Virginia for his faithful service.

Art competed in amateur Scottish Athletics, and was the Amateur Athlete of the Day at the Dunedin games in 1984, and has also competed at Grandfather Mountain Games. For over ten years he was the Clan Campbell Commissioner for The State of Florida. In 1996, he was made an Honorary Member of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment of Canada).

Professionally, Art is an independent insurance agent with Gulfstream Insurance Group, Inc. He retired as a CMSgt in the USAF with 33 years of service. He was a qualified loadmaster in C-119’s and C-124”s. Art continues to be active in the following organizations: Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club, past Skipper Propeller Club of Port Everglades, Charter Property Casualty Underwriter, Gold Coast Chapter, Past President. Flamingo Wing Association, and former member of the 435th Troop Carrier Wing American Legion Post 142.

Art is also a Recipient of the Saltire, awarded at the Kirking of the Tartans for his service to the furtherance of Scottish culture.

He recently married his childhood acquaintance, Harriet Frazier.

Our CHAPLAIN Reverend Dr. David Massey

This is the seventeenth year that the Reverend Doctor David Massey has been invited to serve as the Chaplain of the Games.

Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, one of his favorite and earliest memories is of accompanying his Grandfather Stewart McCutcheon, as they picked-up Grandmother Margaret from her Daughters of Scotia meeting. This remains his favorite because of all the dear Scottish women. He remembers that as they patted his head and pinched his cheek they would say, “Margaret, we love your wee grandson.”

Rev. David Massey has served as the Pastor of the Plantation Presbyterian Church for the past 23 years. The church is located at 901 N. W. 70th Ave., Plantation, Florida. The members and friends of the congregation are pleased to offer their continued support of SASSF by providing its facilities.

Remember to enjoy our hospitality by stopping by the Church booth throughout the day to quench your thirst with a free glass of cold water.

Flower of Scotland Molly Ryan Molly Heather Ryan has performed in many competitions and received accolades and awards for her performances.

Molly is extremely proud of her Scottish heritage.

During a trip to Scotland, Molly had the memorable opportunity to sing from the second floor of the balcony of the Glasgow City Chambers Banqueting Hall, renowned for its tremendous acoustics and historic role in receptions of dignitaries. Molly is proud to sing “O Flower of Scotland” to open the Highland Games again this year.

Master of ceremonies Marc Wolfson Marc Wolfson is married to Mary Anne Wolfson Florida Regional Commissioner for Clan Donald. Marc has been working closely with Mary Anne over the past 11 years in many activities that the Clan produces in the Florida Region and attending many of the Highland and Celtic games in the Southern United States and traveling to Scotland to dig deep into Mary Anne’s Scottish roots.

Professionally, Marc has been involved in the Software as a Service (SaaS) industry hosting Telephony and Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms with Oracle and other providers. Marc continues to offer these services to customers throughout Florida to business clients both small and large.

They have three beautiful and successful daughters and four grandchildren. Jessica and Billy Ventura live in Orlando, with their children Lawton and Lily. Laurel and Chris Smith live in the Smokies of North Carolina with their boys Cale and Lausen.

Their youngest daughter, Shaina Ayron, lives in the Coral Springs area The Clan Wolfson gathers several times a year. For the first time they plan to have the Clan Wolfson gather outside of the United States Borders in the Bahamas where many of Mary Anne’s ancestors moved during the Revolutionary War.

National Anthems Barbara Yatrousis Barbara has been a member of the Nova Singers since 1976 and has previously served that organization as Section Leader, and President. Barbara has also been a member of the Cathedral Choir of the First Presbyterian Church (USA) of Fort Lauderdale for over twenty five (25) years where she also serves full time on its staff. Barb has been a resident of the City of Fort Lauderdale since 1960.

High Commissioner of Clan Donald Diane Carey-Schmitz Diane Carey-Schmitz became the High Commissioner of Clan Donald USA on January 1, 2015. She is the first woman to be named to this position.

The High Commissioner serves as the President of the Clan Donald organization in the US and is the US representative of our High Chief, Lord Godfrey Macdonald of Macdonald.

Diane is originally from Maryland – the Washington, DC metro area – and is a proud Terrapin, and theatre geek. Professionally, her background is in Human Resources and Benefits.

She has been a member of Clan Donald since 1978 and active in the Scottish and Irish communities since that time. Since moving to Southern California in 1988, she has been very involved in the Clan Donald’s South Pacific Region, serving in various positions from Convener to Regional Commissioner. At the national level she served as National Secretary and Deputy High Commissioner before beginning her term as High Commissioner.

When not busy with Clan Donald, she has served on the Vestry of Saint Mark’s Parish and sings in the choir. Her husband, Marion Schmitz is an astronomer at Cal Tech, working on the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database. He is the National Membership Chair of Clan Donald USA. Their daughter and son-in-law, Maura Schmitz and Richard Hogue currently live and work in New Jersey.

National Anthems Marti Aylesworth Marti was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in New Hampshire, before moving to Florida. She lives in Cooper City with her two daughters, Ashley, a senior at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and Heather, a senior at Cooper City High School. Marti is employed by Broward County Schools, specifically at Cooper City High School, and has the passion for teaching and mentoring her students. She is also employed at Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL. Her favorite hobbies are reading, cooking, singing and gardening (especially orchids). Marti is a member of Davie United Methodist Church, where she is active in both the Handbell and Chancel Choirs, and also shares her love for singing with her fellow Nova Singers. Marti and her daughters are avid animal lovers and enjoy relaxing with their dog and four cats.

Entertainers ALBANNACH Founded in 2005, this Pipes & Drums band has taken the USA by storm. Their unique style, charismatic stage performance, and love for all things Scottish has drawn crowds from coast to coast.

A MUST SEE! Not just another Scottish Pipes & Drums band!

Albannach’s primal drumming and precise piping stirs the soul of anyone who hears them- young and old! These folks ARE Highlanders! Scottish Warriors to the Core!

With 5 CDs, 1 Documentary (Scotumentary), Multiple Fan Tours to Scotland, Canada and the open sea; the Nach Army is 43k and growing!

These Celtic Rock Stars are as charismatic off stage as they are on. Being charming, intelligent, funny AND Scottish make all the right ingredients for a great interview. Radio, TV, Print they are comfortable with it all!

From left to right: DidgeriDrew Reid, Raised in Philadelphia, is the only American born Scotsman of the band. As a young man backpacking in Colorado, he bought his first didgeridoo, which led him to Los Angeles, and then eventually to tour the world, with the band Brother. Taking his rhythm on the road with us, as a guest performer, DidgeriDrew’s tribal sound worked out so well we decided to make him our first “Token” American band mate.

Donnie MacNeil is our world-renowned bag piper, we (lovingly) call him bullfrog, Having played the pipes in many competitions and town halls throughout Scotland, he decided to branch off into something more unique and was soon playing places in Europe, America and Asia. He is now taking it to take it to the next level, with Albannach.

Jamesie Johnston, “the baron of bass”, was born and raised in Glasgow where he started out as an apprentice motor mechanic.

He then did some film work for various UK film production companies and the Discovery Channel, stumbling into the music scene and soon found himself playing the bass drum with another tribal drum crew. He then became part of Albannach. His musical influences are mostly rock and roll but he is also very fond of classical music.

Jacquie Holland, born in Paisley and brought up just outside Glasgow, is the bass rhythm drummer in the band and is also known for her haunting vocal skills. Over the years she has been involved in many film, television and theatre productions.

Colin Walker started playing the snare drum at 8 years old in the Neilston & District Pipe Band, where he took part in competitions throughout Scotland and Europe. Though skilled with other instruments, for the past 5 years Colin has been playing drum kit with ‘das contras’ a Latin funk band, ‘the Gus Munro band’ a blues band, and other traditional Scottish folk bands, along with artists such as Paul McKenna and Finlay MacDonald. Colin has now taken up the position as Albannach’s new lead drummer !

RATHKELTAIR Rathkeltair is a powerful Celtic musical phenomenon, based in the swampy marshlands and beaches of Jacksonville Beach, Fl .

Comprising core members Nick Watson (drums, vocals ) and Trevor Tanner (guitar, vocals ) from Belfast and London respectively . The band utilizes a large potpourri of world class Celtic musicians to deliver a heady mix of bagpipe driven foot stomping tunes, and original songs, which have been enthralling the US Celtic audiences for many years.

Unique in their musicianship and high energy performances, Rathkeltair is one of the most respected and entertaining bands in the Celtic music world today.

With a large back catalogue of original and traditional material to draw on, this band is a must see, and truly original musical experience.

MacGILLIOSSA 'MacGilliossa is a professional Celtic band who are very active in the Georgia and Florida Celtic Festivals and Highland Games.

In 2016 the band recorded their first CD 'Rebellion', available on iTunes and Spotify and in 125 countries worldwide.

The band are also currently recording their second CD 'the Road North which will be available in May 2017.

Known for their lively stage act and great Celtic music we are very pleased to have them on stage at our highland games.

For more information about the band please visit their website at macgilliossa.com.

Paul Macleish is a championship bagpipe player and has also been playing guitar, mandolin, whistles, the bodhran and Irish Bouzouki in Celtic bands for years.

Kathryn (KT) Parker is the lead fiddle player in the band. She teaches violin and music and is a classically trained musician.

Dominic Mandano is skilled in 'Blues and Rock' drumming as well as in Djembe and Bongos

THE McLANZON LASSIES - Scottish Fiddle with Florida flair.

The McLanzon Lassies are a fiddle group that has been playing together for 9 years at the Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The girls’ ages range from 13 to 18.

One fiddler, Liza, is in college studying neuroscience, while the other fiddler, Molly, who has been inspired to learn the bagpipes, is heading off to college next year. Loraine, a guitarist, is a junior in high school, and Anna, a ukulele player, will be starting high school next year. Every summer, the girls make a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a Scottish/Traditional music camp to increase their repertoire and play the music they love. The McLanzons are happy to be a part of the Scottish Festival and hope you enjoy your day at this wonderful event.

Story Teller Tricia “Trixie” Billings An avid reader and a true lover of adventure through daydreaming, Trixie will lure you in with her melodic voice, many accents, and funny faces. Her quick wit and ability to improvise will have you hanging on every word, and wondering, “is this fact or fiction?" Each time Trixie tells a story ‘tis never the same. Many of the stories come from Celtic Folklore and her own unbelievable imagination.

Enchanting and entertaining children, as well as the inner child of countless listeners, brings Trixie true delight and fulfillment.

Tricia LC Billings is of Celtic descent, and was raised in Ohio until the age of 13 when her family moved to Wilton Manors, Florida.

Her experience as a storyteller is vast and ever growing, as a new challenge or quest is always on the agenda. She has spent years telling stories to her own eight children, twelve grandchildren, and countless others, as well as sharing tales professionally through schools, churches, and private parties. Tricia has been under contract with ABC and has performed at The Southeast Scottish Games, The Florida Renaissance Festival, Camelot Days Medieval Festival, and The Mai Kai Polynesian Revue, along with other various productions.

Host Band - Fort Lauderdale Highlanders

The Ft.. Lauderdale Highlanders, www.FtLauderdaleHighlanders.org, is under the direction of Pipe Major Bill McFarlane, Sr. Pipe Sergeant Art Gill, and Drum Sergeant Raymond Devlin. The Highlanders wear the Maitland tartan of Lord Lauderdale for which the city of Ft. Lauderdale is named. The Highlanders were formed in 1972 and have proudly competed and won at Highland Games throughout Florida and the South Eastern United States.

Harp and Thistle Pipe Band

Grade One Player, Pipe Major Don Goller, leads the Harp & Thistle Pipe Band with Pipe Sargent, Greg Sheridan and Drum Major Rob Shaouy. At present the band boasts over 30 pipers and drummers. Based in Naples, Florida, the band was established in 2001 to serve all of Southwest Florida. 2016 marked another award winning year for the Harp & Thistle. As student numbers continue to grow, the Harp & Thistle Pipe Band looks forward to another great year!

St. Andrew’s Pipe Band of Miami

Formed by Pipe Major Jack Sutherland and Drum Major Bob Ritchie in 1964, the band is now led by Pipe Major Nigel MacDonald, assisted by Pipe Sergeant Robert Ritchie and Drum Sergeant Cliff Borden. The Band, wearing the MacKenzie tartan, has performed from Key West to Greenport, Long Island. Beginners and experienced players are always welcome. www.standrews-pipeband.org

Palm Beach Pipes & Drums

Palm Beach Pipes & Drums has been in existence since 1980 in West Palm Beach. The Band maintains a very active calendar with more than thirty community and private performances every year, from Ft. Lauderdale to Vero Beach. The band wears the Red MacPherson tartan and is under the leadership of Pipe Major Allan Baird. More band & lesson info on their website http://www.palmbeachpipes.com/

Police Pipe & Drum Corps of Florida

The Fraternal Order of Police, District Five, Police Pipe & Drum Corps of Florida, was founded in 1990. The Band and Color Guard is presently comprised of 51 serving and retired police officers, fire fighters and civilians, all volunteers. In March 2001, the Band had a successful concert tour of Ireland, and performs yearly in Broward County, Key West, Washington, DC, and Tallahassee at the Police memorials. The Band has been invited to play in Savannah, Cleveland, Ohio, Houston, Texas; and Canada and performs throughout the State of Florida. The Band’s first CD, “God Bless America”, was released in February 2005. The Band returned to Savannah for the 2012 St Patrick’s Day Parade.

New applicants for the Band and Color Guard are welcome and all training is provided. The Band wears the Black Watch Tartan and is led

by Bandmaster David Campbell, Pipe Major Mike Connors and Drum Major Ralph Dean. Visit our website at www.policepipes-fl.com

Clan Guthrie - Honored Clan The Guthrie name goes back as far as the 8th century in Scotland.

It is considered the oldest name in the region of Forfar and Arbroath on the NE coast. The name most likely is derived from Prince Guthrum from Sweden who settled in the region about that time. It is alternatively said to have evolved from the gaelic word for "high place", gaetheraire or possibly a form for Guthrums Aerie.

In 1299 a Squire, Will Guthrie, was sent on a secret mission by the Northern Lords of Scotland to Calais, France, to convince Sir William Wallace to return to Scotland at Montrose to resume the fight against the English. He was successful in his endeavor and returned with Wallace. The Barony was originally granted by King David II to Sir Davis Guthrie who had served as the King's Treasurer. He subsequently obtained a warrant from James III of Scotland to build a "yett" or entrance gate and the castle at Guthrie in 1468. His son Sir Alexander Guthrie and grandson David Guthrie were killed at the battle of Flodden Field in 1513.

The castle remained in the family for over 500 years. Of the four Guthrie castles, only the original one at Guthrieand Torosay near the Isle of Mull remains. The Clan claims kinship with Robert the Bruce through marriage of his daughter Margaret Lyon marrying a Guthrie heir. James (Jamie) Guthrie, born 1618, the son of the Laird at the time, became a well-known preacher and professor of Theology at St. Andrews University. He broke with the Church of Scotland and was a leader of the Covenanters, those who refused to recognize the King as head of the church. Oliver Cromwell called him "the littleman who wouldn't kneel". He was arrested and tried at Edinburgh and drawn and quartered, his head being placed on the Nether Bow port at Edinburgh Castle, thus becoming the first Covenanter Martyr. It was later removed by followers and buried with his body at St. Giles Church.

Other Guthrie notables are Sir Tyrone Guthrie, a world famous producer and founder of the Guthrie Theatre in St. Paul, Minnesota, A. B. Guthrie the writer of many western novels, Woody Guthrie, depression era singer and writer of over 10,000 songs. His son, folk singer Arlo Guthrie , of "Alice's Restaurant� fame, Savannah Guthrie, news anchor at NBC, and Janet Guthrie the first woman Indy car driver.

The present Clan Chieftain and Laird is Sir Alexander Guthrie of Guthrie the 21st of his ilk. Photo above.

Respectfully submitted, Jerry Hagan Guthrie, S. Fl. Clan Coordinator for Clan Guthrie

Woody and Arlo Guthrie and Castle Guthrie, near Forfar

For information on upcoming games and festivals throughout the United States contact the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals at: http://www.asgf.org For Scottish Games go to: http://www.rspba.org

PROGRAM OF EVENTS (At time of press - times and events subject to change)

Children’s Games

Main Stage Albannach

11 AM, 2:45 PM, 5:30 PM

Rathkelter

10AM, 1:45 PM, 4:30PM

MacGillossa

9 AM, 1 PM, 3:30 PM

Stage 2 McLanzon Lassies 10AM, 11:30 AM, 1PM, 2:30PM, 4 PM Highland Dancing 3PM,4:30PM Story Teller PM

9.00

10:30AM, 12:30 PM, 2PM, 3:30PM, 5:30

Piping and athletics registration Individual piping and drumming competition begins Athletics competitions begin

Events on Main Field 9 -4 11:00 11:15

Athletics competition Drum Major Competition Sheepdog Demonstration

12 noon Parade of clans and massed bands 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:20 2:30 3:00 4:.00 4:.30 5:00

morning 9:00 10:00 to 11:00 11:00 to 11:30

Fun activities begin Caber Toss & Stone Toss Foot race & Sack race afternoon

9:30AM, 11AM, 1:30PM,

Competition Times 8-9.00 9.00

Coloring Scottish scenes and other fun activities will be going on all day until 6 PM for the young lads and lasses ( schedule subject to changes & additions )

Caber toss Pipe Band Performance Pipe Band Competition, Grade 5 Pipe Band Competition, Grade 4 Sheepdog Demonstration Pipe Band Marching Contest Host Pipe Band Sheepdog Demonstration Closing Ceremonies: Massed Pipe Bands Presentation of Trophies

Ongoing Activities: Country Dancing, Children's Games Sale of Scottish Food and Crafts Clan Booths, Weaving

1:00 2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00

to to to to to to

2:00 3:00 3:30 4:00 5:00 6:00

Foot race & Sack race Caber Toss & Stone Toss Tug-O-War !

Kilted Race Foot race & Sack race various activities continue

The Children's Passport Game Children and their families may pick up a blank Children's Game Passport at the Children's Games area. The children and their families then take the Passport and visit the Clan area (a Clan is a Scottish family group) and stop at the different Clan booths. There the children should have their passports stamped or signed by a Clan member. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the different families of Scotland. After they have visited every Clan, the children may take their passport back to the Membership Canopy where they will receive a small prize.

Alex Beaton Help Alex with his medical expenses by buying his CDs. Go to: http://www.alexbeaton.com

Scottish HEAVY ATHLETICS THROWING THE HAMMER The hammer head is a 16 or 22 pound iron ball on the end of a cane shaft, measuring 4 feet 2 inches overall. The hammer is thrown from behind a trig and the athlete is allowed to count the best of three throws.

TOSSING THE CABER, The caber is a long straight tree trunk for which there is no standard size or weight. It should, however, be too large for any athlete to toss and then be cut shorter by stages until one competitor is able to toss it end over end. To do this the athlete balances the caber on its small end and then picks it up and runs with it before heaving it end over end to land, he hopes, pointing directly away from him. This would be called a 12 o'clock throw. The competitor who tosses the caber closest to this position wins the day.

Cabers generally measure between 15 and 20 feet long and between 90 to 120 lbs.

TOSSING THE SHEAF A 16 lb. sheaf of hay, enclosed in a jute sack is tossed over a bar with a pitchfork. The bar is raised in steady increments until all but one competitor is eliminated. Each athlete receives three tries at each height.

TOSSING THE WEIGHT. In this event the 56lb weight is tossed for height.

STONE OF STRENGTH, The stone of strength is the Scottish shot put. It weighs about 16 or 22 pounds. Legend has it that the distance a guest of a Scottish landlord could put the stone of strength determined the sleeping accommodations he could expect to receive during his stay. The stone is put with one hand, from behind the trig.

THROWING THE WEIGHT. The weight is made from iron and is spherical or box shaped with a chain and ring attached.

The total length is 18 inches and the weight is either 28 lbs. (2 stones) or 56 lbs. (half a hundredweight). The stone and the hundredweight are standard British weight measurements.

The weight is thrown with one hand for distance from behind a marker or trig and the best of three throws is counted.

Athletics Judge – Kimberley Baldwin,

When not pursuing her passion for Scottish Highland Games, Kimberly may be found delivering smiles and flowers as an employee of Blossom’s on Monroe, a local florist in Tallahassee, or with one of her many clients as a caregiver/ sitter for Tallahassee’s pet population. In keeping with her pursuit of all things Scottish, Kimberly is a proud member of Clan Henderson and the Tallahassee St. Andrew’s Society.

HEAVY ATHLETICS WINNERS 2016 Go to www.NASGAWEB.COM for full results

Kim with assistant judges Dick and Ching at the 2016 Games A native Floridian, Kimberley was not only born in, but makes her home in Tallahassee, Florida, when she’s not traveling the Southeastern United States for Scottish Highland Games.

Kim originally fell in love with Highland Heavy-weight Athletics during a photo-journalism shoot in 2004, at the Tallahassee Highland Games, and by 2007, she had become an athletics judge. Over the years since, she has judged Games at Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, Ocala, Ft. Lauderdale, Dunedin, Zephyrhills, Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee, as well as in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina; Savannah and Blairsville, Georgia; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Marysville, Tennessee.

Among her credits as CO-AD and/or AD of Athletics are the Tallahassee, Ocala, Pensacola, Zephyrhills, and Sarasota Florida Games, as well as Games in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Greenville, S. Carolina.

Last year’s athletes

Class

Amateur A

Amateur B

Master 40-49

Men 50-59

Winner

Charles Fay

John Lawrence

Mark Valenti

Brian Andrews

36' 1.5" 38' 3" 64’ 6.5” 33' 3” 112' 3" 93’ .5” 32' 16’ 3”

29’ 4” 35’ 9.5” 46’ 10” 22’ 79’ 6” 61’ 8.5” 18’ 10’ 5”

42’ 49' 74’ 50’ 119’ 92' NA 18'

26' 7.5" 31' 6" 44' 8.5" 28' 2" 77' 7.5” 58’ 11" 24’ 13'

Event Braemar 22# Stone 16# Distance 28# Distance 56# Hammer 14# Hammer 22# Sheaf over bar #56

PIPING and DRUMMING judges Al McMullin, piping judge

Neil Lester, D. M. of the Day, Tenor, Bass Judge

Al McMullin’s piping “calling” arrived when he was just shy of his eleventh birthday in 1962. Al worked his way through the piping competitive ranks reaching the professional level in 1969. He enjoyed a rewarding professional solo piping career, highlighted by becoming the very first American to qualify via the Silver Medal route for the Piobaireachd Society’s Gold Medal at the Northern Meeting in Inverness, Scotland. In 1990, he was admitted to the EUSPBA piping judges’ panel.

Al is retired and currently living in Sarasota with his wife of 34 years. He continues to teach and remains active in the affairs of the EUSPBA. In addition to performing locally and abroad, Patrick has taught hundreds of students and dozens of teachers over the years. He currently serves as the bagpiping instructor and Director of the Edinboro University of Pennsylvania Pipe Band.

Neil Lester CD, Sr. Drum Major, Bass and Tenor Judge Neil retired from the Windsor Police service as a Detective and is still the Drum major for the Windsor Police Pipe Band.

Neil is married to Judith, his wife of 55 years. They have three children and 10 grandchildren During the winter months they reside in Fort Myers Florida , and summer months in Windsor Ont. For 7 weeks during the summer he works at the Blackdown Cadet Training Center, Canadian Forces Base Borden as the Company Sergeant Major for the military band company.

During his years of competing in the PPBSO, drum major contest,he has held the title of Champion Supreme for 8 different years.

He currently is on the EUSPBA adjudicating panel as a Bass, Tenor and Drum Major Judge.

He has been the Sr Drum Major at games throughout Ontario, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Florida

Thomas Kee, drumming judge Jim Nisbet, piping judge Jim Nisbet originally hails from Kearny, New Jersey, and currently resides in Apopka, Florida. He has been playing the bagpipes for 40 years, and has competed at every level since his young teens. Jim was originally a member of the former SUSPBA judge’s panel, and has been on the EUSPBA panel since 2012. Jim has played with many many different bands at all levels over the course of his piping career, and has been a successful professional level player for the last 15 years. His most notable piping accomplishments are as a writer however, having composed “Howl At The Moon”, and “The Music Man”. Both tunes were played in concert and recorded

by The Shotts and Dykhead Pipe Band, and The Simon Frasier University Pipe Band respectively. Today Jim still receives requests for these tunes from bands all over the world, including the Antwerp and District Pipe Band (Belgium) who also played The Music Man in concert (can be viewed on YouTube).

Thomas Kee started playing drums in 1960 under the tutelage of John Murray, later taking lessons from Kit Reynolds and Alex Duthart. He was an open player for over 15 years winning major championships in the U.S, and Canada and winning the overall Best Open Player for the EUSPBA. I started with the City of Wilmington Pipe Band, which was one of the best on the east coast, winning many awards as well as 2 consecutive Gr 2 North American Drum Corps Championships, and later played with The Ogilvy Highlanders, sweeping the Gr 3 Drumming at all events in the U.S. and Canada, culminating with winning the Grade 3 world Drumming title as well as winning or placing at all the other overseas Championshios. Then with Denny and Dunipace, winning The North American gr 2 championship and gr 2 Champion Supreme for Canada and later, Scottish and Irish Imports, which became The City of Washington Pipe Band.

He moved to Scotland in 1980 to play with Shotts and Dykehead and to take lessons with Alex Duthart, whom He also taught a Drumming School with. I played with the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders who placed 8th at the Gr3A World Championships in 2005, and was a member of the Scottish Lion 78th Frasers, from Toronto, in 2007.

Thomas Kee hase been a Judge for the EUSPBA since the early 70's.

Piping and drumming COMPETITION Winners 2016 Grade 3 Piobaireachd - Patricia Czar, Joseph Lynch, Mark Waymark 2/4 March - Patricia Czar, Joseph Lynch Strathpey & Reel – Joseph Lynch , Patricia Czar Grade 4 Senior Piobaireachd - David Lairson, Marguerite Watson, Thomas Wright, Linda Quanstrom

Piobaireachd, Ground Only - Randy Crosswell

2/4 March - Stephen Mallow, Scott Simmons, Alex Watson

2/4 March David Lairson, Marguerite Watson, Jack Stobart, Randy Crosswell, Linda Quanstrom, Mark Waymark, Thomas Wright,

6/8 March - Stephen Mallow

6/8 March - Jack Stobart, David Lairson, Mark Waymark, Thomas Wright, Marguerite Watson, Grade 4 Jr Piobaireachd - Stephen Mallow,

Tenor Drumming - Amateur March, Strathspey, and Reel Deborah Houston Tenor Drumming - Novice 2/4 March - Isabella Watson Bass Drumming - Amateur Medley - John Dempsey

Patrick Regan, piobaireachd judge For over forty years, Patrick Regan the Bagpiper has performed, competed and instructed in the ways of the Great Highland Bagpipe. He first set foot on the stage at age three, but it took another eight years to convince the bagpipe to join him. He won his first professional competition at the age of 15 and has continued to entertain audiences and annoy judges to the present day.

A native Texan, Patrick is the first graduate of the Bagpipe degree program at Carnegie Mellon University, the first degree of its kind in the world. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance (bagpipe), he has minors in Conducting and Drama, all of which become apparent during his lively stage performances. He has studied under numerous great piping instructors, as well as at the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland, where he developed a special interest and affinity for Piobaireachd, the ancient, classical music of the pipes. Patrick holds a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Durham University in England.

Patrick is a member of the EUSPBA Adjudicator’s Panel, and is certified to judge all aspects of Piping, but his particular affinity is Piobaireachd, the classical music of the bagpipe. He especially enjoys judging the entry level Adult Grade IV Senior Piobaireachd, because he remembers that his first teacher, his father, Jimmy Regan, started piping as an adult. To Patrick, the perfect day of judging is to be able to sit under a tree at the far side of the games field and enjoy listening to adult beginners try their hand at the ancient and noble music of Auld Caledonia.

Memories of 2016

Celtic Vibe Heather & Shawn 201-841-5177 thecelticvibe@gmail.com

Highland dancing The dances you will see today, though all loosely called Highland dances, are divided into Highland Dances and National dances. Highland Dances were originally performed only by men, often before and after battle, and require considerable stamina. Many of the National dances, however, were devised for female interpretation and are less athletic and more graceful. Authorities on dancing have said that Highland Dancing is one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing known.

The main points to look for while watching Highland Dancing are the precision and timing of the steps and the leg, body and arm positions. The dancer should appear relaxed and well in control of the movements. Since 1950 the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) has set standards for performance and judge’s scoring. There are many accepted steps for each dance, some of which are required in competition by the SOBHD and others, which are optional. All dancers do not, therefore, dance the same steps

HIGHLAND DANCES SWORD DANCE. Warriors using their sword and scabbard in the form of a cross to mark the dancing spot traditionally performed this dance on the eve of battle. If the warrior danced without touching the sword with his feet it was believed that the clan would be successful in battle. The originator of the modern sword dance is thought to have been Malcolm Canmore, son of King Duncan, who after killing one of MacBeth's chiefs in battle in 1057, placed his sword on top of that of his opponent and triumphantly danced over them.

HIGHLAND FLING. This is danced on the spot without traveling steps since the Highland warrior on his targe originally performed it after battle.

SEANN TRIUBHAS. Seann triubhas is Gaelic for "old trousers" and the dance derives from the hatred of the Scots for the law enacted in 1746 forbidding the use of the kilt by the Highland clans.

The dance symbolizes kicking off the trousers and the quick steps at the end of the dance suggest the freedom of movement afforded by the kilt.

IRISH JIG. This dance has nothing in common with the true Irish Jig of Ireland but is rather a take off of an Irish washerwoman angry with her husband. Whereas the dance should be danced by a boy and a girl together, often the girl's part only is danced in competition.

STRATHSPEY AND HIGHLAND REEL. This dance starts with the slow tempo of the strathspey and later changes to the fast tempo of a reel. It is performed by four dancers in formation.

Courtney McHale

scottish NATIONAL DANCES SAILOR'S HORNPIPE. The Hornpipe is one of the traditional solo dances of the British Isles deriving its name from the hornpipe, an English folk wind instrument made from ox horn. The dance, popularized by sailors, is now performed in nautical costume by dancers who depict daily shipboard activities such as rope hauling, climbing, and looking out to sea.

SCOTTISH LILT. When girls started entering dancing competitions they had to dress in the same costume as the men. In 1952 the Aboyne games committee insisted that all female competitors wear the traditional costume of the 17th century, known as the Arisaidh Dress.

FLORA MacDONALD This dance is performed in the Arisaidh dress and honors the national hero who saved Bonnie Prince Charlie from capture after Culloden. Developed primarily for female interpretation, it is less vigorous than the Highland dances and draws from classical ballet for many of the steps.

TULLOCH This is a four person dance done to reel time. It begins in the shape of a square and ends in a line. The dancer finishes the dance in the position the dance begins.

BARRACKS JOHNNIE

Wilt thou go to the barracks, Johnny? is a national dance in Highland Dancing, and was originally a recruitment dance for the Scottish Army. It is usually performed wearing the highland dance costume. This dance is supposed to represent the strength, agility, and determination the soldier received while going through training. It is commonly danced to the pipe march The Barren Rocks of Aden

HIGHLAND DANCING demonstration Courtney McHale Courtney McHale began dancing at Centre for Dance and the Performing Arts, under director Dr. Katherine Austin, when she was three years old.

She is currently a tenth grader at West Orange High School in Orlando, FL. At the age of nine she decided to try Scottish Highland dancing and went on to begin competing in 2011. She has represented the Southeast Region at the United States InterRegional Championships the past three years. Courtney has been chosen to participate in the Sadie Simpson Highland Scholarships for the past three years.

Avery McHale Avery McHale began dancing at the Centre for Dance and the Performing Arts, under director Dr. Katherine Austin, as soon as she was old enough to join her sister. She is currently a seventh grader at Lakeview Middle School in Orlando, Florida.

She began competing as a Scottish Highland dancer in 2014.

She is currently a Novice dancer and is quickly working her way up to the premier category. Avery has won several dancer trophies and scholarships as a result of her hard work and dedication to the art of Scottish Highland dancing.

sheep herding

Stuart and Lucia’s Border Collies Sheep Dog Demonstrations combine a wealth of canine and livestock knowledge, which they use daily on their farm.

Stuart has worked and trained dogs for many years, both for farm use and herding competitions, while Lucia, an experienced public speaker, brings their demonstrations to life with her dialogue.

Stuart was raised on a small Scottish farm comprised of two small residences – Lambdoughty Farm and Craigmalloch Farm, with the latter serving as the namesake of their Florida kennel.

The farm in Scotland ran a small flock of about 2400 head of Scottish Blackface sheep, whose wool is well known for making the best Harris tweed and Axminster carpets.

Foreshadowing their lives to come, one of the couple’s first dates was whelping a litter of puppies, two of which they still have and train: Dairsie and Hailes. In addition, they now have a moderate flock of Scottish Blackface sheep of their own, which they raise on the small farm where they train their six Border Collies – Rock, Crockett, Keene, Dairsie, Hailes and Tyne – to work stock and participate in herding competitions.

Stuart also makes shepherds crooks from sheep horn and was recently approached to serve as the subject of a documentary about the dying art.

Lucia has proved to be a natural at caring for the stock and learning the art of herding, and recently competed in her first herding event, placing a very creditable third.

Lucia’s medical background and her intense love of animals empower her greatly, making her a very valuable and devoted farm partner for Stuart. Together they deliver lambs during the season and make sure their flock and all their dogs remain in superior health. It is a full time job, as anyone who has been around livestock can confirm.

Craigmalloch Border Collies is grateful to the following sponsors: Malabar Farm and Feed, Taste of the Wild, Express Signs, Excel Solar, and Flint and Flame

SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING

Scottish Country Dancing in Southeast Florida Scottish Country Dancing (SCD) is an exciting form of group dance enjoyed around the world by old and young alike. It is social and cooperative, rather than competitive, and involves groups of mixed couples of dancers tracing progressive patterns according to predetermined choreography. Unlike Highland dancing, SCD can be enjoyed from youth to advanced years.

Groups of two or more dancers can participate, although most commonly danced in “sets” of six to ten dancers. A partner is not needed, making this form of dance suitable for singles as well as couples. It is a great way to make new friends while enjoying the music and physical, as well as mental, exercise.

The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was formed to preserve and promote this traditional form of dance. RSCDS publishes old and new dances, and produces suitable recordings for many of the dances. There are branches around the world, so dancers can join a group or class wherever they may be.

In addition to SCD, Ceilidh (Party) dances are also taught, especially before ceilidhs. These dances are generally simpler with less formal steps, so they can be taught quickly and enjoyed by large numbers of dancers. Many are “mixers”, where dancers change partners or groups in order to meet and greet more people, a great way to transform strangers into friends.

Classes are available in the Fort Lauderdale area (Sunrise), held weekly throughout most of the year. Visitors are always welcome. In addition, weekend workshops and balls are held throughout the state.

Visit our website for more information: www.rscdsorlandobranch.org

More Memories of 2016

Gail the weaver

Tom Smith’s CHILDREN’s Games

Gail Woodcum has been weaving for over 20 years and is a long time member of the Intracoastal Weavers Guild. She had been handweaving tartans for over half of that time. While researching tartan weaving, she learned of her own Scottish background. Gail has taught handweaving for many years both in public classes and privately. Her works have been displayed throughout the State of Florida and nationwide. She greatly enjoys demonstrating the age-old art of handweaving, but especially tartans with their beautiful colors and history.

The Children’s Games, founded by Tom Smith, and now run

by Betty and Steve Rogers, are a special part of the festival with a chance for children to enjoy the caber toss, tug-of-war, sack races, and other activities

42nd highlanders

The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment is a re-enactment group that portrays the regiment as it would have appeared in the 1760s – 1780s. The actual 42nd Royal Highland Regiment (known as The Black Watch) was raised in the mid-1700s in Scotland, and fought in America during the Seven Years War (“French & Indian War”), as well as the Revolutionary War, fighting for the King. The re-enactment group just celebrated 33 years as a re-enactment regiment. One of their first events was the Southeast Florida Scottish Games in Miami 33 years ago.

Signing the passport at Clan Guthrie

Scholarships Mission Fulfilling its mission to promote higher education and to showcase the Scottish culture, the Scottish American Society of South Florida annually offers scholarships in the arts (piping, drumming, highland dancing, fiddling) and academics for candidates in Monroe, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Applicants must be students who have graduated from high school or will graduate in the 2016-2017 school year, and will attend any accredited technical college or university program. Since the scholarship program started, the Society has awarded 129 performing arts and 55 academic scholarships at a cost of approximately $20,400 and $31,500 respectively, and has spent approximately $10,000 on piping, drumming, fiddling and dancing workshops over the years.

For more information about our scholarship program and/or to download an application form, please visit: www.SASSF.org/Scholarships.

Academic Scholarships Elizabeth Lanzon

DINE TO DONATE In 2011, we started a “Restaurant of the Month”.

We all enjoy these evenings of conversation and piping, and SASSF receives a portion of sales. Places we went to in 2016/17 Blue Moon Diner, Cooper City Pizza Loft, Davie Historic Dockers, Dania Big Easy, Hollywood Beef O’Brady’s, Cooper City

Fla Atlantic University Studying the effects of music on the brain. (neuroscience)

Jamie Anderson

All are welcome so check www.SASSF.org each month for the time and place.

SCOTTISH CULTURAL GROUPS PIPE BANDS St. Andrews Pipe Band, Miami: PM Nigel MacDonald, 786-205-5350

Piping Scholarships Deborah Jones Attended the North American Academy of Piping and Drumming

Police Pipe Band, Ft. Lauderdale: PM Dave Campbell, 305 481 3873

Stephen Mallow

Ft. Lauderdale Highlanders: PM Bill McFarlane, 954-471-2540

Attended the South Florida Pipe and Drum Academy

Warner University, Lake Wales, FL Behavioral studies, sport studies and business.

Harp and Thistle Pipe Band Rob Shouy – 954-275-9700 Palm Beach Pipes and Drums PM Allan Baird, 561-613-5846 COUNTRY DANCING Sunrise Senior Center, Broward, Rinthy Aman, 954-791-6873 HIGHLAND DANCING Miami, Wanda Albritton, 305-490-3515 SOCIAL CLUBS: Scottish American Society of Palm Beach: Bill Burkett, 561-743-9129

flowers of the forest Carole D. Sheridan

Elizabeth Eileen MacDonald

1934 –2016

1919 - 2016

Carole D. Sheridan was born and raised in Scotia, New York, where she developed her lifetime love of music and German.

After graduation from Scotia High School in 1952, Carole attended Cornell University and majored in Biology, graduating in 1956. She worked as a medical technologist at Bryn Mawr Hospital near Philadelphia where she met her husband, Harry A. “Pat” Sheridan.

Carole and Pat married on April 4, 1964, first living outside of Philadelphia. Their daughters were born in 1965 and 1966.

The Sheridan family moved to Ewing, New Jersey in 1969 and lived there until 1981. While in New Jersey, the family often went to historical reenactments at the Old Barracks in Trenton, where they enjoyed many bagpipe bands and massed band concerts. Carole also sang in the church choir at Ewing Presbyterian Church and was a soloist there. In 1981 they moved to Florida.

In the mid-1980s, Pat, Carole and Cathy began attending some SASSF events and became members. Pat served on the Board of Directors as Membership Chairman and Treasurer. Pat ran the Clan MacLachlan tent with Carole’s and Cathy’s assistance. Upon Pat’s death in 2007, Carole was granted Lifetime Membership from the Board of Directors in honor of Pat’s work with the Society.

Carole also participated in Scottish Country Dancing and attended a dance workshop in Sebring. She greatly enjoyed the Ceilidhs, monthly Dine to Donates and Burns’ Suppers sponsored by the Society.

Elizabeth Henderson MacDonald, mother of Nigel, attended the S.E. Scottish Festival many times, coming over from Scotland for a long weekend. During her visit she happily joined the rest of us, taking phone messages, picking up equipment from the warehouse, setting up, taking down and cleaning up. She loved spending time with her family here, listening to her son Nigel bagpipe, helping Elaine, and watching her granddaughters Heather and Lauren compete in highland dancing.

Born in 1919, she grew up in Lockerbie at The Hermitage, a house that was narrowly missed by PanAm 103 in 1989.

Trained as a physical therapist at Glasgow Western, she spent the war in Nairobi, Kenya, caring for the wounded from the Burma campaign. She was a fast study in Swahili. While acting in a play, she met her husband, Neville, who was training the Kings African Rifles. Always adventurous, during her leaves she hitchhiked down to Durban, South Africa, and back, climbed almost to the top of Kilimanjaro in army boots and greatcoat, thwarted only by thick cloud at the summit, and went on frequent safaris and visits to the families of her local Maasai and Kikuyu orderlies, many of whom lived in remote villages. She spent most of her life in Dumfries, Scotland, continuing as a physical therapist, always active, volunteering in her local community and teaching swimming, and living there to the age of 97!

She is the dearly loved mother of 4 children: Nigel, his sister Elizabeth, and brothers Hamish and Grant, and the loving grandmother of 7 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. She is fondly remembered by many SASSF members and friends here for her generosity, untiring support, and lovely smile.

ANDREW WARREN ANDERSON Admiralty attorney and retired US Coast Guard Commander, Andy was born in Bryn Mawr, PA, son of Doris and Andrew Donald Anderson and grew up in Collingdale, PA. A graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy, he is survived by his wife of 47 years, the former Ann Tousley of Parkland, FL, daughter Kate Bogue, son-inlaw Bryan Bogue, and granddaughter Harper Bogue, all of Coral Springs, FL; brother Keith Anderson of Gibsonville, NC, and sister Lisa Baker of Milton, DE. A graduate of the US Coast Guard Academy, Andy retired after 20 years active duty serving in Honolulu and Hilo, HI, Vietnam, Miami, Seattle, and Washington DC. He served as captain of USCGC Cape Small and USCGC Dauntless, and was also assigned to CG Intelligence and Law Enforcement in Washington DC and Miami. A high point in his life was receiving the CG Commendation medal from then Vice President George H.W. Bush in 1986. He received his Juris Doctor degree Magna Cum Laude, as well as LLM, from the University of Miami Law School, where he taught for over 20 years, while also practicing admiralty and maritime law, most recently with Chartwell Law Offices in Miami and Deerfield Beach.

Andy’s love of all things Scottish led to his longtime role as Drum Major with both the St. Andrew’s Pipe Band in Miami and the US Coast Guard Pipe Band, which played for military funerals in Arlington National Cemetery and also marched in the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade. He served as President of the Fort Lauderdale Mariners Club, the Scottish American Society of South Florida, and the church council at Christ the King Lutheran Church in Miami. He also taught classes and did volunteer patrols with the Coast Guard Auxiliary and served as president of his homeowners association for 10 years.

He was proud to be an honorary member of the Black Watch (Royal Highland Regiment).

JOHN BELL Friends, colleagues and family will always remember John as a true gentleman, kind, and possessing a warm spirit and wry wit. A gifted writer, he would have closed this chapter of his journey with his typical self-deprecating humor and a deep appreciation of the ironic, with a quote from Gilda Radner’s iconic SNL character, “ Ya know, it's always somethin’ ".

Born May 10, 1951 in Wheeling, WV, and growing up in Martins Ferry, OH, John’s deep appreciation for and love of this small Ohio Valley town flourished over the years even as he happily established his home and family in Broward County, FL. John cherished his boyhood home, calling it “the one place where I can draw a deep breath and be at peace with myself”, and it was the source of inspiration for a series of essays he titled “Ferry Dust”. His nostalgia for Martins Ferry and Wheeling were well known by family and friends and he was a regular and valued contributor to the Memories of Martins Ferry Facebook group and the Memories of Wheeling West Virginia Facebook group.

John was a graduate of Stranahan High School and Florida State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in English Literature, which set his course in life. Words were important to him, and always carefully composed, whether in his role as a professional journalist or when taking a child, niece, nephew or grandchild on a neighborhood walk and turning it into a “jungle trek”.

John’s support of several South Florida non-profits, included the Scottish American Society of South Florida, which provided an annual opportunity for him to dress in authentic kilt and dine on haggis, one of his favorite treats. Always an advocate for children in need, John supported Kids at Home and was a “Secret Santa” to ensure children at Saint Mary Central School (Ohio) would not be without a gift at Christmas. John also served on the Board of Directors of Gilda’s Club of South Florida for over five years.