2008 Mid-East Christmas Dinner

Many thanks to the Clan members who sent in photographs
Click on photo for larger view:

Flag lined up behind podium display of items piper with Christmas hat table with five guests
The flags of Clan Donald USA are on display
Clan members and local businesses were generous in their donation of items for fundraising
The MacDonald pipe band joined in the festive occasion
As did many members (ME newsletter editor Alan McDonald on left)
photo of attendees two people talking five people in a row standing facing each other
A member from New York joins us (on left next to Mid-East member Dave McConnell)
Virginia State Commissioner Stan Darroch chats with Kate Donohue
Mid-East members Margaret and Lloyd Craighill pose with Char and Jim McDaniel and Marilyn Weary
The Macdonald Pipe Band pipe major chats with Jim, a pipe major of a local pipe band
band lined up procession lined up at the front of the room The Ode being recited
The Macdonald Pipe Band gets us off to a rousing start
After a wonderful dinner it is time to pipe in the haggis
Our NY guest is ably assisted by members of the Mid-East Youth Group
Before the cutting comes the Burns poem "Ode to a Haggis"
Ode being recited continued drinking a dram holding the cup upside down over his head procession moving out
With the ode concluded
the haggis escorts are treated to a wee dram,
with the proper display of an empty cup.
The group is piped out, its service well done.
the dias from a distance speaking and gesturing at the podium at the podium
Mid-East Commissioner David MacDonald Rankin introduces the dinner program
Leading off is Past High Commissioner John F. MacDonald (1986-89) providing a rousing history of the Clan in the U.S.
Another honored guest is Past High Commssioner Al Manning (2005-07),
with current High Commissioner Ron Coutts topping off the distinguished guest list.
at the podium with John F to the left and Ron to the right band pipers band drummers solo piper
David introduces the next item on the agenda
A re-visit from the Macdonald Pipe Band of Pittsburgh
to serenade us.
Concluding with a beautiful tribute to their original benefactor, the late C.K. Macdonald.
standing at the podium walking away from the podium sitting watching the festivities in a line at the front of the room
Time for announcements and introductions, David introduces the new Mid-East Chaplain, the Rev. Ernest McDaniel
New West Virginia Deputy Commissioner Jacob Purcell is acknowledged
as is new Virginia Deputy Commissioner Jeff Davis
The Clan Donald Mid-East Youth group is presented and recognized for the service they provided to the evening and throughout the year.
Walt being handed the plaque Dakota receiving his recognition Walt shaking hands with David David laughing with Stan and Walt
The High Commssioner formally presents Maryland State Commissioner Walt Isaacs with his State Commssioner of the Year plaque.
Clan Donald USA Youth member of the Year, Dakota Isaacs also is honored.
Region awards are then presented, including new honors for Walt who oversaw three "Best of Games" Clan tents.
Mid-East Commssioner David Rankin publicly thanks two of his State Commssioners, Stan Darroch of Virginia (with daughter Tracy) and Walt .
David leaniong over Forrest Lee Fiona reaching into a bag held by David audience watching Al talking with Lloyd
and also gives a nod to the help of Past Mid-East Commissioner Forrest Lee Piver and his wife Lynda.
Last business - Fiona assists David with drawings for yet more donated Scottish goodies
as we all wait to have or number called ......
With business done, it is time for more socializing
Walt, David, and John F sharing a laugh, Dakota in foreground group performing group performing repeat of plags behind dias
and humor
As we are treated to "A Rose between Two Thorns"
Members with true talent and a lovely sound.

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