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The Rose & Thistle award is given each year to the individual who has made outstanding contributions to the Scottish
American Community in our area. The rose represents the "Red, red rose" of love. Although in Robert Burns poetry,
it was a specific lover, in our tribute it represents the love of the country of our birth and our ancestry. The thistle
has long been a symbol of Scotland.
Nominations for this honor come from our membership. Voting takes place in November and the award is presented
at our December celebration.
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| Christy Urquhart Walsh |
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| Performing at Sas'y Beltane Festival in 2007 |
Christie Urquhart Walsh was our Rose & Thistle Award winner for 2007. Christie instructs
and manages the Tigh na Creige Highland Dance Group and has for many years. A top award winning dancer herself, she
and her dancers perform in many venues, including a recent performance in conjunction with the Akron Symphony Orchestra.
She uses such opportunities to convey information about the Scottish Culture to those who are not familiar with it. Christie
is a Certified B.A.T.D. Dance Instructor in Highland and National levels. Christie's father is the Chief of Clan
Urquhart and she is the head of that clan in this area. Christie and husband Tim have three daughters and a son, all
involved with the art of Highland Dance.
Rick Neidert was our Rose and Thistle Award winner, which was presented at the Sas'y Solstice Celebration.
Rick was Convener of Clan Gordon in Ohio and a very active participant in SACSO and the Ohio Scottish Games. He passed
away suddenly and unexpectedly in October of 2006. Lori Neidert accepted the posthumous award for her husband at our
Solstice celebration. Along with Rick, the following were awarded Certificates of Merit for their wonderful contributions
to Scottish Heritage and Culture: Frances Acar, Don Mellen, and Christie Walsh.
Congratulations to all. We are fortunate to have so many candidates who work so hard for the Scottish American community.
| Rose & Thistle Award Winner |
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| Agnes Bagley & Gene Marcus |
Our Rose & Thistle Award winner for 2005 was Agnes Bagley. Agnes continues to be active
in the Scottish American community despite the fact that she turned an amazing 98 years young on September 28th of this year,
2007.
Agnes volunteers throughout the area, not just for Scottish events, but at Summa Hospital, hospice, and alzheimer's care.
She once was the mainstay of the Akron & District Pipe Band, has held several offices in the Daughters of Scotia,
and even holds her own in Scottish Country Dancing. Agnes' Scottish Shortbread is legendary. She wins every contest
hands down. Born in Scotland, she is happy to tell you that her father worked on the Titanic and that she walked on
the decks of the Titanic - fortunately before it made the disastrous journey for which it is well known.
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