To all of our members, officers and conveners I want to wish you all a very happy Holiday Season.
2024 was a very good year for SDFA. Our conveners have worked very hard at over 20 games this year and our membership numbers have increased. Thank you to all that joined and thanks to all of our incredible conveners.
On a personal note, our current Vice President Dennis Fowler has decided not to run again for a second term due to family obligations. I cannot say enough good things about Dennis and Paulette’s help and expertise over his term. Thank you for your commitment to SDFA. As no one was nominated for the VP position during our recent elections of officers, your Executive Committee will be appointing a member to fill the role for the coming term. That will take place during the first few days of 2025. We will post the results when concluded.
On a very positive note, Robert Heston is allowing SDFA to become the resource venue for his latest SURNAME DATABASE. Robert is an expert on all things Scottish surnames and we are so thankful for Robert allowing us to be the caretaker of this database. With the valuable information Robert has amassed and our Genealogy Committee chaired by Diane Strout, our members will be able to continue their ancestral search. It is Robert’s and our desire to make this database available to all. SDFA is uniquely positioned to become one of the finest research vehicle for our members and beyond. Thank you Robert.
Our Webmaster Ben Kuhns along with Jennifer Fowler, continue to grow our website into a resource for our members by means of the database (coming soon!), forums, current events etc.. Thank you Ben and Jennifer. If any member has any questions, feel free to contact our Membership Chairman, Bill Boyd billboyd27@gmail.com. Bill is a whiz at all things membership related. Bill is a great resource and he works closely with Ben and Jennifer. Bill is happy to assist you.
Our new Media Chairperson, Catherine Lieberman has been updating our Newsletter. I hope you enjoy the new layout and information. We are always looking for your input and stories which Catherine would be able to include in the newsletter. Please contact her at Catherinelhome@gmail.com. Past news letters are also available for download in our forum. Note: you must be logged in to view.
Our new Treasurer, Jeannie Minchak is always available to respond to your questions. You can contact Jeannie at j.minchak@verizon.net. Speaking of the Treasurer position – the 2025 DUES ARE DUE. ($15 single $25 family). You can renew on our website or you can mail your check to:
Jeannie Minchak
13 Ruby Lane
Topsham, ME. 04086.
PLEASE RENEW YOUR MEMBERSHIP!
UPCOMING GAMES
On August 16-17, 2025 the Maine Highland Games and Scottish Festival in Windsor, Maine will be holding the WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP HEAVY GAMES! SDFA will be hosting a tent at this event. Come for this once in a lifetime event. Professional heavy athletes will be coming from all over the world to compete. SEE YOU THERE!
Jan 11 – Florida Keys Celtic Festival
Jan 18 – Central Florida Scottish Highland Games
Feb 1 – Suncoast Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Feb 8 – Tallahassee Highland Games
Feb 14 – Mount Dora Scottish Highland Festival
Feb 28 – Panama City Beach Scottish Festival
Mar 1 – SE Florida Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Mar 8 – St. Augustine Celtic Music and Heritage Festival
Mar 22 – Sherman Celtic Festival & Highland Games
Mar 29 – 2025 Washington Tattoo
Apr 5 – Hawaiian Scottish Festival & Highland Games
Apr 5 – Dunedin Highland Games
Apr 12 – Ormond Beach Celtic Festival
Apr 12 – Las Vegas Celtic Festival and Highland Games
Apr 24 – Virginia International Tattoo
Apr 26 – Stonehenge Celtic Festival and Highland Games
More to follow.
As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, complaints, or information you would like to express feel free to contact me. If you want to become more involved in SDFA, we would love to have you. We always need conveners, committee volunteers etc. Let me know how I can help you help the SDFA.
Dennis Blythe, President
Scottish District Families Association