The Valley Line: Bagpipers delight at Thursday Club party

It was an especially memorable and festive atmosphere at this year’s annual Thursday Club holiday party.

Cindi McInstosh-Behr, a Thursday Club member and Scottish piper, headed up the committee that planned this spectacular evening. Assisting her on the committee were Gale Caswell, Gracella Gibbs, Sheri Morton and Alice Ryan.

That evening the club members and their guests were transported to the Highlands of Scotland where they were treated to traditional Scottish Christmas and Hogmanay (New Year). Many gentlemen donned Scottish kilts while women sported traditional tartan sashes telling of their clan affiliation.

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The gathering began with a sampling of single-malt whiskeys. Scottish bagpipers and drummers accompanied guests into dinner. The dining room was aglow in candlelight, decorated in red, gold and white, with plaid accents. A decorated Christmas tree added to the ambiance.

In true Scottish tradition there was a “presentation of the haggis” and for those with an adventurous palate there was a sampling of the savory pudding. After dinner of short ribs or salmon, followed by bread pudding for dessert, Robert Burns’ Christmas poetry was read.

The reading was followed by bagpipers playing the beautiful “Pipes of Christmas.” The party concluded with a ceilidh dancer, accompanied by bagpipes and drums, entertaining guests with Scottish dances including the Highland fling. For that evening, everyone was at least an honorary Scot.

Among those in attendance were Bev Albright, Vita and Georgic Avenesian, Joani Bartoli and Carmen Porto, Louise and Bob Beggs, Len and Anita Brenner Torres, Val and Cab Burgess, Susy and Jim Burk, Gale and Tom Caswell, Varso Bilemjian, Sharon Coombs, Pat and Guss Crowe, Barbara and Jack Dawson, Pat and Otis Hutchins, Mary and Daryal Gant, Donna Demond, Elizabeth Keller, Dolly and Chris Dickie, Orchid Donnelly, Rick and Therri Donnelly-Wall, Paige and Chris Dunbar, Yvonne Elleri, Sandy and Fred Engler, Gracella Gibbs and Gene Wolcott, Cara John Green, Marcie and Ray Haug.

Others taking part in this joyful evening were Ruth and Tom Hokinson, Jacky Hollingsworth and Dave Spence, Beverly Holt, Stan Germain, Lee and Allen Shackleton, Evelyn and Bernie Kaufman, Donna Jones, Clay and Tom Kempson, Aline and Paul Kuhnlel, Lorie Mackenzie and David Moffett, Charlotte Layland, Tony Riewe, Rose and Don Manning, Robert and Cindi McIntosh-Behr, Gail and Ken Merchant, Jessie and Asa Meudell, Karen Millman, Sheri and David Morton, Barbara Marshall, Kim and Bob Ortiz, Linda and Stan Pebsworth, Jody and George Platisa, Cathy and Barry Sedlik, Julie Shaull and Tim McQuay, Betty Sheridan, Willow Healy, Devin Thor, Jacquie Townsend, Joanne Horne, Alma Tycer, Eurince and Lyn Van Valkenburgh, Lisa and Peter Whan, Susanne Whatley and David Klandrud, Shon and Frank Whipple, Patti and Paul Wickersham, Jane and Jon Workman and Jean and Ron Zink.

As I write this from a room in the historic Chateau Frontenac Fairmont Hotel in Quebec City, Canada, listening to Christmas carols sung in French, it is minus 11 degrees outside. I’m grateful for the warmth provided by the hotel.

My daughter and I are on one of our traditional pre-Christmas trips to different cities to see how they “dress up” for the season. We have seen many beautiful places on our journeys but this exquisite city has captured our hearts. Quebec City has for several years in a row been named the most “Christmasy” in all of Canada. Now I know why. For me, it is the very essence of festive — filled with displays that create wonderment.

A snowy, white landscape surrounds us. We even had a minor blizzard, when it snowed all day long, in great swirls. One thing we’ve learned on this trip is that if the day dawns bright and sunny it is colder than when it is cloudy and/or snowing.

This has been a beautiful way to start enjoying all the season has to offer and will long be remembered by both of us. Merry Christmas!

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JANE NAPIER NEELY covers the La Cañada Flintridge social scene. Email her at jnvalleysun@aol.com with news of your special event.