Caledonia Argus

Scot of the Year honor goes to Dennis Gavin

Posted: 3/25/03

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

Dennis Gavin was named the Scot of the Year at the 9th Annual Scottish Heritage Dinner held March 22 at Ma Cal Grove Country Club.

Gavin was presented with a caricature rendering of his countenance, an award certificate, and a key to the City of Caledonia.

In his presenting the award, Scottish Heritage Committee member Miles Miller stated, ìName recognition and community building are important ingredients in the character and life values of the individual we are honoring as the Scot of the Year. The individual being recognized has worked and served in the Caledonia community in a number of ways and (has) served in leadership roles to help promote our community to all who live and work here.î

The presentation of the award capped off an evening of fine dining and entertainment celebrating Scottish culture. 18th century poet Robert Burnsí ìOde to a Haggisî was read by Tom Murphy as the ceremonial dish was presented to the audience. Attendees nibbled on a sampling of haggis, a delicacy commonly misconceived as an undigestable entree without redeeming flavor or nutritive value. Though mothers shouldnít necessarily fill their infantsí baby bottles with the dish, it proved to be a sumptuous bounty of sausage and spice, wholly worthy of a gentlemanís palate.

The beatific blare of bagpipes resounded throughout the building when the La Crosse Pipe and Drum Band performed, and supper commenced after Father Donald Schmitzí reading of ìSelkirk Graceî by Robert Burns. The eveningís meal consisted of hearty repasts of Cornish game hen, Scottish stuffing, and typsy oranges.

A performance of traditional Gaelic music was then conducted by Ann and Charlie Heymann of Clairseach. The Heymanns played the Gaelic wire-strung harp, accordion, and cittern while their daughters Orla and Honor danced majestic Scottish jigs about the stage.

Laurel Rusert led the audience in a heartfelt rendition of Auld Lang Syne, and guests of the annual event departed the club with smiles upon their faces, haggis in their tummies, and a renewed fondness for all things Scottish.

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