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BY NORRIS GRAHAM "What happened in Vegas...?" The Clan Graham Society had a fun time in fabulous Las Vegas, Nevada, when we gathered for our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on April 19-21, 2013. FRIDAY, APRIL 19 The 2013 AGM officially began when the Society’s council members met in the Shoal Creek room of the Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino. President Jim Nethery presided and led discussions on several important items. Secretary Michele Graham recorded detailed minutes of the meeting which are available online in the Members Only site at http://www.clangrahamnewsletter.org/. Friday was also an opportunity for Society members to explore “The Strip” (Las Vegas Boulevard). Some folks visited Boulder Dam or went shopping, while Scott Graham, Jack Graham and Norris Graham drove to the site of the games at Floyd Lamb Park at Tule Springs to set up for Saturday’s opening of the 9th annual Las Vegas Celtic Gathering and Highland Games. |
SUMMER 2013 EDITION |
Friday night gave members a chance to experience Fremont Street with its dazzling display of lights and street performers (Elvis and showgirls!). Scottish pipe bands entertained crowds on stage and some of the games athletes were on Fremont Street demonstrating their strength and abilities.
SATURDAY, APRIL 20
The Clan Graham was the honored clan at the games. Our chieftain Richard Graham opened the games after the parade of clans led by the pipe bands. Richard also had the opportunity to meet “Mary, Queen of Scots,” and her court.
Back at the tent we signed up some new members and renewed a few more. Joyce Nethery supplied us all with sandwiches and Jim Nethery and Scott Graham supplied some cold drinks. Some of us still had to have our meat pies, sausage rolls, shortbread and scones!
Clan Graham was fortunate to be represented at the games by athletes Jon Long of Fresno, California, and Stephanie Warnock of Salt Lake City, Utah. They competed in weight/stone/hammer throws and the caber toss. Jon’s 10-year-old song, Nathan, also participated in the youth games.
Later in the evening, the Clan Graham Society held its banquet in the Augusta room of the hotel. The head table was piped in to their seats. The piper then proceeded to pipe in the haggis carried by the hotel chef. Richard, with his usual flair, recited the “Ode to the Haggis.” After a delicious dinner (char-grilled steak, roasted chicken, salad, rolls and crème brûlée), the various committee members and Officers presented their reports.
A highlight of the banquet was the presentation of the Presidential Staff, made by our Canadian Vice President William (Bill) Richardson, for the first time in our leadership’s history. Although Bill was not able to attend, his beautifully-carved wood masterpiece was presented to President Jim Nethery by our Chieftain Richard Graham.
Immediately following the banquet was the Mugdock Auction. During this time, we raised $898 to help fund restoration efforts at the Mugdock Castle in Scotland. The castle was once a stronghold of the Grahams.
The evening ended with members joining hands and singing the traditional Scottish song, “Auld Lang Syne.”
SUNDAY, APRIL 21
Sunday was another beautiful day to enjoy the games, Highland dancing, music, vendors, whisky and mead tasting tent, food and friendships. Richard ended the games at the closing ceremony. Many members opted to stay over a few days after the AGM to visit the many sites of Las Vegas and the surrounding area.
The 2013 AGM committee thanks all those who helped to make this year’s event a success. Mòran taing!