September 2023
Dear Members
I am honored to have been elected as the 85th Chief of the NY Caledonian Club at our Annual General Meeting on June 10, 2023 and thank our membership for their votes of confidence! My election as a first generation American of Dutch-Czech heritage is confirmation that the NY Caledonian Club is true to its motto - "Open to the World." While I cannot claim Scottish heritage, Scotland holds a big place in my heart, and I look forward to continuing the work of those who came before me.
Lorraine Bell has been a fantastic Chief for the past four years and we are so grateful for her dedication, hard work, and service to the Club. Two of her years were in the pandemic, yet we have emerged intact and stronger for it under her leadership. I am delighted that she accepted to serve as the Chieftain and a heartfelt thank you to past Chief McDevitt for being the Chieftain for four years as well. We would also like to thank our departing board member, Marti Gonzales, for her eight years of service to the NYCC. I look forward to working closely with Lorraine Bell along with Kalyn Loewer (Secretary), Kyle Dawson (Treasurer) and our wonderful board, including our newly elected board members Fraser Grier, Suzanne Holter, and Mary Ellen Scullard. We are excited to have their energy and fresh ideas added to an already engaged board as we plan our many events for the year ahead.
Congratulations to our three new honorary members of the Club who were announced at the AGM in June by Chief Bell. Katie Rule and Jeanetta Ross, who have been members of the Club for more than four decades, and past Chief John McDonald, who served as the 67th, 70th, and 80th Chief of the Club. Their contributions to our Club over the years have been invaluable.
I look forward to meeting you at the many events we are already planning for 2023-2024. Please take the time to follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter and check our website regularly to see what activities we have planned for you, including our Gaelic and Cultural Studies. If you have any ideas for events, want to volunteer at our events, or perhaps join the board, let us hear from you! Please reach out to info@nycaledonian.org or Chief@nycaledonian.org.
Sláinte Mhath,
Patricia Klecanda
85th Chief
