This year brought significant changes to the leadership structure of the Caledonian Association.
Long-time president Sue Friese, whose association with Caledonian dates back to 1978, chose to retire from her role as president and concentrate on writing grants to help fund the Games. Now filling the position as Association president is Nick Seltmann, who was involved many years in helping set up fences, dance platforms and other equipment in and around the festival grounds with his father Mark. Nick served as vice president under Sue for the past several years and will soon complete his first year as president.
The community was made aware of this leadership change in several ways, culminating during this year's festival. Sue (as retiring president) and Nick (as incoming president) rode in the parade with Bob Fairchild, our Chieftain of the Day (and Athena's 2023 Citizen of the Year). Then, at the Opening Ceremony of the Games, each member of the Association honored Sue by presenting her with a lovely rose to signify their respect and appreciation for the countless hours she has worked to keep the Games alive and thriving for the past 30+ years.
Sue's contributions to the community at large have been so significant that the Main Street Association created a new award named in her honor -- the Sue Friese Lifetime Achievement Award. This award will be given annually to recognize and honor someone who has devoted many years of personal time and effort to enhance our community.
Thank you, Sue Friese, for preserving the dream of Athena's immigrant families -- the dream of an annual gathering that will perpetuate Scottish customs and hospitality so we all may enjoy a wee bit of Scottish fun in community and goodwill.
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