STARSHIP SUBS,
Soups, Catering, and
more...
| Chicago Scots Mark 159th
Anniversary of Illinois’ Oldest Charity An Evening of Scottish Revelry for the Illinois Saint Andrew Society CHICAGO, Nov. 24, 2004 -- Beginning with the skirl of the pipes, and closing with Auld Lang Syne, The Illinois Saint Andrew Society (ISAS) welcomed 500 kilt-clad guests on Saturday, November 20, at Navy Pier’s Grand Ballroom for their annual gala. Highlights of the evening included musical entertainment by world renowned Caledon, Scotland’s Tenors, performances by Highland dancers and the Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band and the crowning of the 2005 Heather Queen. Gala emcee Jim Johnson, afternoon news anchor for WLS radio, commenced the evening by recognizing special guests Judy Baar Topinka, Illinois State Treasurer and ISAS board member, and David Stenhouse, acclaimed Scottish journalist and broadcaster for the British Broadcasting Company (BBC). Stenhouse was later presented with the ISAS Distinguished Citizen Award. Past honorees include Johnny "Red" Kerr (1991), S. Jay Stewart (1992) Calvin "Tink" Campbell and Wayne Rethford (1996), and Rev. John Buchanan (1997). The evening’s entertainment including a silent auction, Celtic fiddling by Natchez Avenue, music by the Elmhurst College Jazz Band and Midlothian Scottish Pipe Band, and Highland dancing by Cas Dannsa and the Gillan School of Dance. Following the presentation of the "Haggis lassie," a ceremonial parade of young children and the parade of Haggis, reigning Heather Queen, Lisa M. Adams of Highland Park crowned the 2005 Heather Queen, Rosalyn Nardini, 19, of Northfield. The Society’s Heather Queen tradition dates back to 1953, when members decided to create a new way to celebrate Scottish heritage and involve young women in the Society’s activities. Keeping with tradition, the committee chose Nardini based on her exemplary involvement in Highland dance and deep appreciation for her Scottish roots. Nardini, currently a full-time student at DePaul University, will serve as an ambassador to ISAS for one year. The Illinois Saint Andrew Society is the vital force in sustaining the Scottish heritage in music, literature, history, cultural exchanges and dance. The Scots of Chicago were the first to found an organization in Illinois in 1845, to assist their fellow immigrants in adjusting to their rugged New World. Proceeds from events benefit the Society and the Scottish Home, a retirement facility in North Riverside. |
