The 2010 AGM

Hew Hampshire Highland Games

at

Loon Mountain Resort, NH

Sept. 17-19, 2010

The AGM was hosted by Clark Mc Curdy, the New Hampshire State Commissioner

The AGM is now completed.

Fred will get out a complete report on the AGM and its work, but here is an unofficial summary from the webmaster's notes at the dinner:

Opening Welcome by Clark McCurdy.
Presentation of the gift tothe host from the previous year's host. [Craggemoor and a quaisch] All partook.
Call to Order by the President, Fred Stewart.
Reading of the minutes of the 2009 AGM and approval.
Announcements and confirmation of the elected slate of officers for the coming year. Per the CSSA By-Laws, no "election" (vote) was held since all officers ran unopposed.
A summary Treasurer's Report was provided.
Kevin Stewart reported on our now operating 501(c)3 status, effective 25 September, 2009, and the test of taking credit cards for membership and merchandise. The results were positive and it is recommended that we go forward with all regions as RHC are ableto handle it.
Fred announced a new Finalcial Oversights Committee had been formed and staffed. He also announced that at the previous day's board meeting a new Grants Committee is being formed to learn how to find and apply for grants now that we are a 501(c)3. Donors can do so now on a tax deductable basis and this should offer some new finacial sources. These committees willl be added to the website. Fred hopes his legacy will be the improved financial status of CSSA.
Fred mentioned Lisa Polk is the new genealogist and is using Family Tree to compare inputs for members.
Fred is preparing to pass the reins on after this year to Kevin Stewart.
The next (2011) AGM will be in Vancouver, WA. (That is down near Portland.) The dates are July 8-10 at the Heartman Lodge in Vancouver and the AGM will NOT be in asssociation with a games in 2011.
Robert Cormier made a motion to thank Stu Greenlaw for the tent space and cooperation at the Loon Mountain festival. Sales appear to be doing well.
Don Livingston reminded us of the Thanks to Paul Carl for his prior database work. Kathleen Stewart is now handling that.
Finally, Fred issued a challenge to all RHCs to focus on retention of members. A goal whould be to retain 50% of the region members. He also challenged members to bring a non-family-member friend to a games in the next year.
With that, the AGM was adjourned.

From the organizers, here is the plan for the 2010 AGM

Host Clark B. McCurdy, State Commissioner of New Hampshire has planned a wonderful weekend for those wishing to attend the 2010 Annual General Meeting of the Clan Stewart Society of America, Inc. The meeting is to be held in conjunction with the New Hampshire Highland Games, near Lincoln, NH on the weekend of September 17, 2010.

Daily Schedule:

1) Thursday, 16 September 2010: Arrival Day, especially for those attending the business meeting.

2) Friday, 17 September 2010: Meetings Day.

After breakfast at the Beacon Resort between 7 am and 9 am, the CSSA President will hold his Officers Meeting in his suite from 9 am to 4 pm. The evening events will commence next door at the Beacon Resort where at 6 pm to 7 pm the CSSA Presidents Reception will convene in a portion of the Lounge before going in to the formal Sponsors Dinner in the main dining area. I will arrange tickets thru Derek, the President of the NH Highland Games (www.nhscot.org), and will be picked up at the entrance to the dinner. The cost should be around $35.00. This is a formal dinner to be seen! The host pipe band, the dance band (often the Brigadoons), the dancers, the soloists, and the address to the haggis is well done! This last year we had the Royal Scots Guard Pipes, Drums, and Dancers. This upcoming year being the celebration of the 35th year in operation who know what will show to entertain us!

3) Saturday, 18 September 2010: Games Day.

After breakfast at the Beacon Resort all will walk outside to get on the free busses to the games at Loon Mountain. Parking is an issue at the games and all the parking areas are either used for the games or given exclusive use to the Patrons and Benefactors. Literally everyone else parks in town or in designated parking areas to ride the buss to the games. There at the games the members will enjoy the Parade of Clans at 1100 and the massed pipe bands at 1200 followed by opening of the games by the NH Governor. The games will be of the international Championship variety. All the contests are held all over the games area. There is a Clan Village where we will find the Clans Stewart Tent under the supervision of Stu Greenlaw. He will always welcome help and relief during the day as there will be crowds, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, 50,00 or more is usual. At 1800 - 2100 the CSSA Clan President will host the Clans Stewart AGM Reception and Dinner back at the Beacon Resort in a private room over small dining room. The cost per person will be $30.00 for a buffet dinner and will be collected at the door. Please note that there will be some small crowd at the Beacon Resort for the big dinner "Saturday Night In Scotland" in the main dining area. This is an informal dinner, but some will dress for this event as well. Certainly one can go in to enjoy the music and dancing after the Presidents Reception and Dinner.

4) Sunday, 19 September 2010: Kirk'n of the Tartans and Departure Day.

After breakfast at the Beacon Resort all will make arrangements for check out and then head for the busses to go to the Games area or depart for home. The Kirk'n is at the big concert tent due to the huge crowds who come to see the Pastor bless the Tartans and give his service to the congregation. The Rev. Turner has been doing this for 35 years and is quite a man to see. After the service there will be the finals of the heavy weight championships and awards presentations. During the day many in the crowds will fade away to go home.

So here are the significant web pages one may need to look about the area, the games, and to make contacts, etc.

As of Sept 25, 2010.