In this Issue - Clan MacLellan

Volume 37, Issue 2
Quarterly Newsletter of the Clan MacLellan
Think On!
Spring, 2016
In this Issue
Could Scotland Seek Independence
Again if Britain Leaves EU?
Scotland could press for another referendum on independence from the United Kingdom if Britain
votes to quit the European Union this summer, analysts say. A renewed bid for self-rule would
deepen the constitutional quandary in the event of a British exit from the EU — a "Brexit" — and
add another wrinkle to America's strategic transatlantic alliances. The issue is seen as important in
 Notes from the President (2)
Washington — and not just due to the historic "special relationship" with the U.K. Scotland is
 A Word from Jill Burt, Meet Mary currently home to 58 U.S. Trident II D-5 missiles, a key plank of NATO's nuclear deterrent.
Scotland's nationalist government wants to ban nuclear weapons on moral grounds within four
McClelland (3)
years of gaining independence. This would force London to relocate the weapons to alternative bases
 Céad Míle Fáilte (4)
in England or return the weapons to the U.S., costing billions of dollars and creating upheaval
precisely at a time of heightened regional security concern.
 Could Scotland Seek
Independence Again? (1)
 Flowers of the Forest,
Kirkcudbright's Sheriff Court
Building to be Redeveloped (5)
 Archives Chairman George G.
McClellan, Sally Pearson
McLellan (6)
 Stuart McLellan Captures
Canadian 154-Pound Title,
Carmen McClelland - 100 Years
Young (7)
 2016 Player of the Year Kolby
McClelland (8)
 2016 Robert Burns Dinner Ellijay Georgia, Upcoming
Events (9)
Scots rejected independence in
September 2014, voting to remain
in the U.K. by 55 percent to 45
percent. Hours after that
referendum result, British Prime
Minister David Cameron declared
that the issue of Scottish
separation had been "settled for a
generation … perhaps for a
lifetime." Only 18 months later,
his prediction appears optimistic. Britain is voting June 23 on whether it should leave the EU, and
the predicted outcome is close enough that financial markets have taken fright, sending the British
Pound to its lowest level against the dollar since 2010.
A poll tracker by the Financial Times puts the "Leave" campaign, backed by London's buffoonish
Conservative Mayor Boris Johnson, at 41 percent — five points behind the "Remain" camp led by
Cameron. With as many as 16 percent of voters undecided, victory is within the grasp of either side.
 James McLellan, Cancer Survivor
But polls also show that voters in Scotland (population 5.3 million) are consistently more pro-EU
& Wheelin' Warrior (10)
than in other parts of the U.K., especially England (population 53 million). A realistic scenario is
emerging in which Britain narrowly votes for a "Brexit" despite a clear majority of Scots voting to
 Clan MacLellan Board of
Directors, Regional Directors,
remain in the EU. That could boost support for Scotland's nationalist government, giving it the
Standing Committees (11)
backing necessary to demand — and potentially win — another independence vote. "If Scotland is
unwillingly dragged out of the EU, there is no doubt in my mind it would galvanize support for a
'Yes' vote [for Scottish independence]," said Gordon Macintyre-Kemp, a marketing CEO and
founder of the pro-independence campaign group Business for Scotland. "A 'Leave' vote would
create mean a wider constitutional crisis because Scotland's continued membership of the EU was
one of the key selling points by the 'No' campaign [in 2014] for voting against independence. If
Britain was no longer in the EU, Scotland should be given the chance to consider independence
again on new terms." Scotland's nationalist First Minister Nicola Sturgeon agrees that splitting
from the EU would "materially and fundamentally change the circumstances in which people
voted" to reject independence.
"If you try to take Scotland out of the EU against our democratic wishes, you will be breaching the
terms of last year's vote," she said in an October speech. "And, in those circumstances, you may
well find that the demand for a second independence referendum is
unstoppable." (www.nbcnews.com)
Think On/
Notes from the President
Dear MacLellan Cousins,
Clan MacLellan had two tables at the Scottish Society of Louisville's
Burns Night Gala. It was a fun night, sharing our Scottish Heritage.
In fact, we had a Clan MacLellan ad in the program, and appreciate
Gary and Barbara Knupp purchasing the MacLellan shield pictured
behind us. Other MacLellans enjoyed Burns Night celebrations
around the country. For instance, our Archives Chairman, George
McClellan, is a U.S. Director of the Robert Burns Society.
It’s always fun to meet MacLellans while traveling around the
country. In April, I was in Washington D.C. for the National
Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Annual Conference, where I
met John Bryk for dinner at Founding Farmers. Clan MacLellan
thanks him for his service to our country. I hope to see him and his
wife, Rebecca, at Stone Mountain as well.
Gary & Barbara Knupp, President Kathy Kessinger
We’re still working out the details for the 2016 AGM, but make plans to
join us at the Stone Mountain Highland Games and Scottish Festival
October 14th – 16th, 2016 at Stone Mountain, Georgia. We’ve reserved
rooms at the Country Inn & Suites By Carlson, 1852 Rockbridge Rd SW,
Stone Mountain, GA 30087, (770) 465-6515. The hotel is only two miles
from Stone Mountain and our special rate is $90.00 plus tax. It includes a
hot breakfast. So, make sure you mention Clan MacLellan when you make
your reservation. Of course, you’ll want to make reservations as soon as
possible, and please let me know if you’re planning on attending, so we
can add additional rooms if necessary.
Also, when David McLellan sends in the Stone Mountain Highland
Games registration, he can get Friday - Sunday gate passes for $10.00
each. So, let us know, before July 15th, if you need tickets. The AGM
dinner will be Saturday night but we’ll be planning group dinners on
Thursday and Friday night too. The board meeting will be Friday, October
President Kathy Kessinger & John Bryk
14th, at 1:00 pm. Since the meeting rooms have already been booked, we’ve
booked a suite and can use the living room of the suite for the board
meeting. We can also use it to gather and visit during the AGM. This is clearly a change from our original plan, and we
appreciate Jill Burt, David McLellan, and Amanda McClellan's willingness to change for the good of the Clan. We’re
still planning on going to the Smoky Mountain Scottish Festival & Games in 2017.
Please note that we haven't closed out the tartan order yet, but hope to very soon. Clan MacLellan Ancient Tartan
in Polyester/Wool (55/45) 60" wide twill weave, approximately 12 oz./yard about $39.00 per yard, and Clan MacLellan
Ancient Tartan in Lightweight Polyester/Cotton 60" wide plain weave approximately 4 oz./yard about $27.00 per yard.
If you need tartan or have any questions, please email
[email protected] or call (812) 987-2132 with the type
Kathy Stoess Kessinger
of tartan and the number of yards that you would like to order.
President, Clan MacLellan
Blessings & Think On!
2/Think On
[email protected]
(812) 987-2132
A Word from Southwest Regional Director, Jill Burt
The southwest region members were very busy in March and April. We attended the North Texas Irish Festival in
Dallas, Texas and the Permian Basin Celtic Festival in Midland, Texas on back to back weekends. We had many
MacLellans come by to visit, and also help host the tents at both events.
In fact, we were awestruck at the North Texas Irish Festival, with a record-breaking year of more than 64,000 people
attending the three-day event in Dallas. On Friday, during setup, we had a picnic for all the participants in the Scottish
Village. Later that evening, everyone was energized to greet the public and have some fun. We were delighted to see so
many members turn out for this event.
The next weekend, I hosted the Clan MacLellan tent at the Celtic Festival in Midland. It’s a smaller festival in west
Texas, but the people out there are so kind. I met with a few members and some MacLellans who came to visit. Clan
MacLellan was chosen as the honored clan for 2016! The MacLellans and MacDuffs hosted tents at the Scarborough
Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas on April 16th. Scarborough has several themed weekends, and they have
requested our presence to help people find their Scots-Irish roots. Several MacLellan and MacDuff members spent the
day talking to people about their surnames, family history, and other related information. Actually, we met several
MacLellan families.
Regarding future events, the Texas Scottish Festival & Highland Games, in Arlington, Texas will take place May 13th
– 15th. We’ll also hold a Southwest Regional meeting there. Of course, everyone is invited. We’re planning on having a
picnic at the tent. Colorado State Conveners, Blair McClellan and Kim McClellan, will be hosting a tent at the Pikes
Peak Celtic Festival in Colorado Springs, June 17th – 19th. The McClellans invite you to come to the festival, get to
know them, and enjoy the weekend.
Longs Peak Scottish-Irish Highland Festival in Estes Park, Colorado, September 8th – 11th. This event will also be a
Southwest Regional meeting, and all MacLellans are invited to come join us. We have many events planned for our
members throughout the week. Our home base will be Brynwood on the River, Estes Park Cabins (www.brynwood.com).
Be sure to reserve early if you plan to come to Estes Park. The hotels, motels, and cabins sell out quickly for this event.
We’re planning picnics in the Rocky Mountain National Park; cookouts at Brynwood; dining at family-friendly
restaurants; a visit to Estes Park Memorial Observatory, and sightseeing in other nearby places of interest.
Undoubtedly, some wonderful memories will be made in Estes Park.
As always, feel free to contact me for more information.
Thank you,
Jill Burt, Clan MacLellan
Southwest Regional Director
[email protected]
(817) 429-6038
Meet Mary McClelland of Town & Country Magazine
Mary McClelland is a reality TV and pop culture blogger from WV. She spent years working in
the entertainment industry until suddenly finding herself stranded with two "adoring"
childlettes. Now she's pondering how to merge motherhood with preserving her career and
sense of self. In heels. She is not interested in your advice. She has profiled several celebrities.
Her personal essays and other writings have been featured on several blogs, magazines, and
news sites; she has been interviewed by Time Magazine and NPR about the ramifications of
Mary McClelland reality television on modern culture, and has appeared on Anderson Cooper Live. Recently she
launched a podcast, The Puff Piece, which spills behind-the-scenes dirt on the entertainment
industry. Mary also occasionally writes a minor celebrity's bio, but only if she likes the person. She is also working
on her first book, a romance novel of love and corruption in West Virginia. (www.townandcountrymag.com)
Think On/3
Clan MacLellan Extends One Hundred Thousand Welcomes
To the Following New Members
M1842 - Jerry Glenn Thomas, Jr., Midland, Texas,
whose earliest known McClellan ancestor is William T. McClellan born 1718 in Ulster, Ireland
M1843 - William M. Stokes, III of Lynchburg, Virginia
whose earliest known McLellan ancestor is David McLellan, born abt. 1801, Dumfriesshire, Scotland
F1844 - Ruthann Mary Haluschak of Seymour, Connecticut
whose earliest known McClellan ancestors are Robert & Nicholas (Gordon) McClellan of Buittle Parish, Kirkcudbright,
Scotland. Robert, born 1716, died 1789 in Salem, New York.
M1845 - Laurie-Jo Cardea of Bowie, Maryland
whose earliest known McClelland ancestor is John McClelland, born July 1754, Ulster, Ireland
M1846 - Erin Kyle Cardea of Bowie, Maryland; daughter of Laurie-Jo Cardea (above)
whose earliest known McClelland ancestor is John McClelland, born July 1754, Ulster, Ireland
F1847 - Thomas Clifford Cardea of Hampstead, North Carolina; son of Laurie-Joe Cardea (above)
whose earliest known McClelland ancestor is John McClelland, born July 1754, Ulster, Ireland
We Also Welcome Back to Active Membership
M1715 - Jack McCleland of Jackson Heights, New York
whose earliest known McCleland ancestor is John Solomon McCleland
born 1879 in Tifton, Georgia, died 1964, in Williston, Florida
A Reminder to All Members
Unless you include genealogy information with your application, our archivist has insufficient information to search the
Clan MacLellan database, in order to determine whether or not any other members match your lineage. If you need
a membership application, you can download the form from Clan MacLellan’s official website (clanmaclellan.net). You
may also obtain forms by contacting Nancy MacClellan Sears ([email protected]). All members are
encouraged to submit updated genealogy as they find additional information.
Do you have a seasonal address? If you would like your copy of “Think On” to be sent to multiple addresses, please let
Nancy MacClellan Sears know when your residence changes.
4/Think On
Flowers of the Forest
Janet McClellan of Plainfield, New Hampshire
Mary Ann McClellan of Quincy, Massachusetts
Esther McClelland of Richmond, Ohio
Bette McClelland of Springfield, Missouri
Russell McClelland Shepherd of Elkins, West Virginia
Viola Mae McLellan of Champlin, Minnesota
James Cleo Webb of Yorba Linda, California
Lorna McClelland of Kogarah Bay, Australia
Alan Eugene McClellan of Moundsville, West Virginia
John MacLellan of Port Askaig, Scotland
Cloyd E McClellan of Reedsville, Pennsylvania
Jack P McLellan of Mukilteo, Washington
Gelene McClellan of Ozark, Arkansas
Robert J McClelland of Weirton, West Virginia
Carmen Cardea of Bowie, Maryland
Kirkcudbright's Sheriff Court Building to be Redeveloped
The former court house in Kirkcudbright has
been sold. Redstone Estate Ltd., run by
Oliver and Amanda Ansbro, bought the
building with the intention of creating flats
and office space. And the town’s library is set
to remain there as part of the deal. The
developers have already turned St John’s RC
Church in Castle Douglas into a venue for
events and the Kirkcudbright court building
is their next project. Mr Ansbro, pictured,
said: “The library is staying, I’ve signed a
lease for it to stay. I have plans for three
apartments in the building. The one on the
top floor will offer panoramic views of
Kirkcudbright.” The rest of the building will
New owner, Oliver Ansbro, outside Kirkcudbright Court
be leased out as space for individual offices.
“Two of those three things can be offered now and the apartments will go through the planning process.”
The building was opened in 1814 to act as the town’s prison, the court being added towards the end of the
19th century. It has been empty since the sheriff court was moved to Dumfries at the end of 2013.
Kirkcudbright Provost Lesley Garbutt said: “It’s good it has been sold, the last thing we wanted was a
building of this standing in this situation falling into disrepair. It is being put to good use and I believe the
new owner has experience in this field and will handle it sensitively. I am interested to see how it develops.”
The town’s library occupies part of the building and the sale, which council officials have claimed for 12
months has been imminent, meant an alternative home had to be found. The possibility of leasing the space
was on the table at December’s community and customer services committee at a cost of £25,000. Instead,
members opted to move the library in Daar Road at a cost of £157,000. The move is temporary while plans
are developed to transform the old Johnston School building. However, members of Kirkcudbright
Community Trust and local councilor Colin Wyper set up a position calling for the library to be moved
straight to the school. And despite Mr Ansbro saying a lease has been signed, the local authority claim the
library is still moving.
A spokesman said: “The library in Kirkcudbright will remain in its current location until such times as the
capital works to the ground floor of the Daar Road offices are complete. Once the remedial work has been
carried out, the integration of facilities and services, including the library, will be housed in Daar Road.” Mrs
Garbutt, who works in the library, said she was unaware of any decision for the library to remain where it is.
(www.dailyrecord.co.uk)
Think On/5
Archives Chairman, George G. McClellan
As Archives Chairman, George G. McClellan has made several trips to our
Archives in Georgia, including taking a first edition of the Complete Works
Robert Burns to add to our archives (www.mccls.org/genealogy/repository/
clan_maclellan.htm).
He describes himself as a restless man of adventure, and is an army veteran
and a retired Special Agent of the NCIS. He has a long background in law
enforcement, including five years with the California Highway Patrol, and one
year with the International Police Task Force in the former Yugoslavia. George
is also a writer, amateur historian, bag piper, motorcyclist, and world traveler.
George G. McClellan
George G. McClellan is a member of a number of organizations. Among them,
the Robert Burns Club of Atlanta, and the Robert Burns World Federation. As a
writer, McClellan currently has a biography on Robert Burns in the works. George and his family, although
natives of California, have lived in the Philippines, Florida, Hawaii, and the United Kingdom. He and his
wife have resided in Ellijay, Georgia since 1999. (www.rbana.com)
George, we thank you for your service to our country and to Clan MacLellan!
Sally Pearson McLellan
A fall on the track in Rome in June 2015 saw Pearson needing surgery on her wrist and an early end to the 2015
season. The wrist injury has meant she has had to change her start technique and an Achilles injury ruled her out
of the Australian domestic season ahead of her Olympic title defense. Forty years after an Australian had won a
hurdles Olympic medal, the 21-year-old Sally Pearson (then McLellan) won Australia's next medal at the 2008
Beijing Games. Dawn Harper of the United States took out gold and Pearson won silver in a photo finish, where
places second to sixth were separated by 0.02 seconds. Having won gold at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in
Delhi, Pearson began to really dominate her event as she became the first Australian to be named the IAAF Female
World Athlete of the Year in 2011, after she claimed 15 of the 16 100m hurdles races she competed in throughout
the year, including the 2011 World Championships. She qualified fastest for the 2012 London Games 100m hurdles
final in a season's best time of 12.39. Pearson went quicker again in the final as she broke the Olympic record to
win the gold medal in a time of 12.35, 0.02 ahead of Harper in a dramatic finish. She became the tenth female
Australian track athlete in history to win a gold medal. Two hamstring injuries during 2013 saw Pearson struggle
through the European season, however she still came away with silver at the World Championships in Russia. A
strong 2014 season had Pearson win silver in the 60m hurdles at the World Indoors and claim gold at the Glasgow
Commonwealth Games. In 2014 she was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her contribution to sport as a
London gold medalist. (rio2016.olympics.com.au)
6/Think On
Stuart McLellan Captures Canadian 154-Pound Title
Stuart McLellan can now add the title of
Canadian champion to his boxing resumé. The
Williams Lake pugilist captured the Canadian
Professional Boxing Council 154-pound title in
a split decision following a 10-round war with
Janks Trotter in his home town at the Deerfoot
Inn and Casino in Calgary. Judges scored the
bout 99-91 Trotter, 99-91 McLellan and a more
reasonable 96-94 McLellan during the event,
Teofista Boxing Series 18. “It wasn’t easy,”
McLellan told the Tribune. “I stuck to exactly
what my game plan was — to move for four
or five rounds until he started slowing down a
bit then start picking up the pace.” McLellan
avoided Trotter’s power early in the fight,
Stuart McLellan celebrates after winning the Canadian Professional
before
settling in with a quick and precise
Boxing Council 154-pound title in Calgary after a 10-round split decision
over Calgary’s Janks Trotter (Ace Freeman)
counterpunching strategy in the later rounds
to tilt the bout in his favor. “He was very
predictable,” McLellan said, noting he was able to take advantage of his opponent charging forward the
entire fight. “I think the difference was he’s never been 10 rounds and assumes he’s going to knock everyone
out and usually does.” With the win McLellan improves to a professional record of 13 wins, two losses and
three draws. Trotter, meanwhile, slips to nine wins, three losses and one draw. McLellan also ascends to a
top-20 world ranking in the 154-pound division, a weight class he moved up to for the fight. “This is a really
good weight for me,” he said. “One-hundred-fifty-four is where I feel comfortable.” Considered a large
underdog by many heading into the fight, McLellan said he was confident. He attributed some of his success
to former Commonwealth Games boxing champion, Edmonton’s Tony Badea, who McLellan worked with
two weeks prior to the fight. “That really paid off,” he said. “I had faith and knew I was going to win the
whole time. I think the biggest upset was it went the distance.” He also thanked his corner for their work
during the fight: Eric De Guzman, Williams Lake Boxing Club coach Gary McLellan and Chris Cousineau.
“They laid it down perfectly,” he said. Asked what it means to him to become a Canadian champion,
McLellan said it’s a good feeling. “When you’re young you’re always thinking about world titles,” he said.
“But after it [a Canadian championship] evaded me all this time it means a lot to get it on the third try. It
means a lot because I didn’t fight a nobody for it.” (www.wltribune.com)
Carmen McClelland - 100 Years Young!
Approaching Carmen McClelland’s home, one can hear the raucous melodies of piano music
wafting on the spring air, “La Cucaracha.” “We sang that all the time growing up,” the
Brookings, Oregon woman said. McClelland’s eyes might not be as sharp as they used to be.
Nor is her hearing. Her memory can be a bit fuzzy, and sometimes, she’s repeats things.
That’s merely a side-effect of having lived 100 years. But she walks without a walker. She
learned how to use the computer at 86, to email and Skype, and didn’t give up her driver’s
license until she was 95. In a quirk of fate, she didn’t even know her exact birthdate until
family members were going through her deceased sister’s effects about 20 years ago and
found a baby book listing the birthdates of her eight other siblings. She always thought she
was born in 1917. McClelland was born on March 1, 1916, in Hermosillo, the capital city of the Carmen McClelland
state of Sonora, Mexico. She was the next-to-last of nine children of an English and Spanish
couple, and when they relocated to Tucson, Arizona; McClelland was about 4, she recalls — her father couldn’t
keep track of all the dates when asked at the border, and said she was born in 1917. “(www.currypilot.com)
Think On/7
2016 Player of the Year Kolby McClelland
Augusta, Illinois — Kolby McClelland,
a junior, led C-SE to a 28-6 record and
victories in 21 of its final 22 games.
The Lady Panthers finished third in
the Class 2A state tournament, the best
finish in the history of the co-op
program between Central and
Southeastern. She averaged 13.6 points
and 10.2 rebounds while shooting 51.6
percent from the field and the
emergence of freshman guard Laney
Lantz along with junior forward
Brianna Hildebrand gave the Lady
Panthers a lethal scoring trio. The 2016
Herald-Whig Player of the Year
received Class 2A second team allstate honors from the Associated
Press. "It was a great season,"
Kolby McClelland of Southeastern High School in Augusta, is the Player of the Year in girls
McClelland said. "I'm not upset about
basketball, but her love is volleyball. She plans on going to Murray State. (Steve Bohnstedt)
it at all. We didn't make it to the
championship game, but I couldn't be more proud of my teammates. I couldn't have asked for more." McClelland
helped Southeastern's volleyball team to a third-straight 30-win season and a second consecutive Class 1A
regional championship. She also received all-state second team honors and was named first-team all-area by The
Herald-Whig. She already has committed to play volleyball at Murray State University, an NCAA Division I
school, in the fall of 2017. McClelland, however, is excited that she gets one more season to try to finish better in
both sports. "Now I know what we can be like in my senior year," she said. "It's really exciting knowing that. I
think it can be another great season."
McClelland's first love was basketball. "It was always what I wanted to do," she said. "I wanted to be in the WNBA
when I was younger." But as she entered middle school, volleyball slowly started becoming her main sport. Her
athletic frame -- she's listed at 6 feet on roster -- was noticed by veteran Southeastern coach Tim Kerr. While
playing for Kerr's middle school teams, McClelland helped Southeastern win Illinois Elementary School
Association state championships in seventh and eighth grade. "I watched her grow up playing basketball, and she
was the tall point guard on the team," Kerr said. "She's always been a standout at everything, so it depended on
what she liked the most, but she obviously really blossomed as a volleyball player." While she was playing
volleyball in middle school, she caught the attention of veteran C-SE coach Matt Long. "I was walking through at
Southeastern and saw her on the volleyball floor," Long said. "I went to Coach Kerr and said, 'Who's that? I want
that girl on my basketball team.'" McClelland joined C-SE as a freshman but had to balance between playing for
the Lady Panthers and the Jacksonville Network travel volleyball team she plays with during the winter. Her
dedication, much like when she shows cattle, allowed her to play both and succeed in the classroom, where she
has a 4.0 GPA. "We always have tournaments on Sundays," McClelland said. "I haven't had much problem
balancing it. I just have to make sure I'm using my time wisely. Lots of times on the way to volleyball
tournaments, I'll be doing homework and the same before basketball games." The hard work and long hours has
never bothered her. "She understands it takes hard work to be successful," Mike McClelland said. "She's got a
good personality and is easy to talk to, but she hates to lose, so she understands it takes work to win -- and doesn't
mind that." Though she's going to play volleyball in college, she still has a passion for basketball. "A big reason I
play is for Coach Long, and I enjoy playing for him," McClelland said. "It helps keep me in shape. I still enjoy it
and we had a great year this season. "I'm definitely going to miss it after high school." (www.whig.com)
8/Think On
2016 Robert Burns Dinner—Ellijay, Georgia
The Gilmer (County, Georgia) Scotch Whisky Society (GSWS) held its third annual public Robert Burns dinner on
Sunday, 25th January, 2016. Originally scheduled for Friday, 22nd, the event was necessarily rescheduled to
Sunday evening, the 25th, due to a rare weather event, a snow storm accompanied by below freezing
temperatures. The Southern Appalachian mountains, here in North Georgia, usually always enjoy snowfalls a
couple times most winters, but rarely also accompanied by below freezing temperatures. The one item missing
from most residents tool sheds are snow shovels simply because invariably, the worst of the snow fall is gone
within a day and certainly within two. The very rare storm that leaves a foot or more, understandably, takes a bit
longer. That was not the case here because by Sunday, the sky was blue, the sun did its job, the ice was gone and
the temperatures rose into the comfortable 60s. A good time was had by all. • The date change also found me
looking for another piper, not too difficult a task for North Georgia filled as it is with exponents of Celtic music.
He was Mr. Richard Smith, PM of the Appalachian, St. Andrews, P&D, formerly PM of the John Mhor Mackintosh
P&D’s, who resides in Blairsville, Georgia, site of an annual Scottish Festival and Games every June. This year too,
we included a Scottish Fiddler, Mr. Keith Dunn, a close friend and a member of the Burns Club of Atlanta,
Georgia. Noting a few dropouts because of the changes we entertained 45 guests at the dinner. The venue, as it
has for the past two years, took place in the upstairs event room of the 1907 Restaurant and Bar, located in
downtown Ellijay, Georgia, Mr. Wayne Sloop, proprietor. Mr. Sloop is also a member of the GSWS and had been
outfitted with a Black Watch tartan kilt, hose w/flashes, sporran and vest for the occasion. He looked grand
indeed. GSWS co-sponsor, Mr. John Rathbone, a very talented musician in his own right, acted as Master of
Ceremonies and has become sufficiently knowledgeable about the why’s and how come’s of Robert Burns as to do
a very great job at this task of carrying the program along. • It was my pleasure to give both the “Address to the
Haggis” and the Toast to the Immortal Memory. Other GSWS members gallantly presented the toasts to Queen,
country, missing friends and our guests, leaving the rousing Toast to the Lassies to Mr. John Mahan, esq., and the
Toast to the Laddies robustly given by his wife Sidney Mahan. One GSWS member, of German descent has even
gone so far as to have purchased himself a Black Watch kilt, hose and a bonnet believing he must be Scotch
because that’s what it say’s on the label. An excellent,
traditional dinner of cock-a-leekie soup, roast beef, glazed
carrots, tatties and neeps was served by the Restaurants new
French Chef. who had some initial reservations about the
plainness of Scottish fare, relegating all Scots to the level of
barbarians of cuisine. Still, he did not disappoint. The haggis
was prepared by my wife, Mrs. Edna McClellan, who possess a
handed down recipe long used by haggis makers to the
Scottish community in North Georgia. It was wonderful. The
evening ended with the group assembled singing Auld Lang
Syne followed by talking and enjoyment of adult beverages
(George G. McClellan, Clan MacLellan Archives Chairman)
Upcoming Events
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
Waxahachie, Texas
April 9th - May 30th, 2016
www.srfestival.com
Texas Scottish Festival
Maverick Stadium
Arlington, Texas
May 13th - 15th, 2016
www.texasscottishfestival.com
Smoky Mountain Highland Games
Maryville, Tennessee
May 21st & 22nd, 2016
smokymountaingames.org
Alma Highland Festival & Games
Alma, Michigan
May 28th & 29th, 2016
www.almahighlandfestival.com
Pikes Peak Celtic Festival
Memorial Park
Colorado Springs, Colorado
June 17th - 19th, 2016
pikespeakcelticfestival.com
Ohio Scottish Games
Wellington, Ohio
June 24th & 25th, 2016
www.ohioscottishgames.com
Think On/9
James McLellan, Cancer Survivor & Wheelin' Warrior
[Prince George, British Columbia, Canada] - For James
McLellan, long-distance cycling is not only a way to raise money
to fight cancer, it's a form of salvation. McLellan is a member of
the Wheelin' Warriors, a group of more than 50 riders whose
aim is to participate in the Ride to Conquer Cancer, a more-than
200-kilometer trip from Vancouver to Seattle this August. But a
mere five years ago, cycling was the furthest thing from his
mind. Now 52 years old, he was diagnosed with stage four
colon cancer that also involved his liver. The rate of survival for
that kind of ailment is just six per cent. He was given the option
of dying with dignity or go through treatment. "I chose to fight
with everything I had," McLellan said this week. That McLellan
makes a living as a dosimetrist - a member of the radiation
James McLellan with Wheelin’ Warriors of the North
oncology team responsible for the planning side of the
treatments - played into his decision. He was also living in Doha, Qatar at the time. "I was part of the system
there so I was kind of an insider and at a very wealthy clinic so I did have all the care that you would expect
from any westernized country, so I was very lucky," McLellan said. Part of his liver and ascending colon
were removed and he endured six months of chemotherapy. As he was going through the sessions, he read a
book about champion cyclist Lance Armstrong's well-known battle with advanced testicular cancer.
McLellan recognized Armstrong as a "fellow patient" and started sending messages to him. Armstrong
responded.
"I got some urging from him, let's put it that way," McLellan said. "And when I could finally walk again, I
bought a bicycle and my goal was just to ride my bike between lamp posts in the street." He's now up to a
level where he once rode from Ottawa to Montreal in a day. He averaged about 30 km/h over the 265kilometer trip. "It bloomed and I fell in love with the bike and with everything that went around it, all the
causes," McLellan said. "I rode with the Livestrong people for a while, trying to get the word out there that
cancer's not a death sentence, you can beat it." Armstrong's Livestrong Foundation has raised over $500
million to aid cancer survivors, McLellan noted. "He did what he felt he had to do to give to that cause as
well as winning in his own right. I'm giving him a pass on all the things that happened after that," McLellan
said with a laugh. McLellan now rides for at least an hour a day and often as many as four, traveling as much
as 120 kilometers at a time. He's convinced the activity, combined with a healthy diet and a good frame of
mind, have helped him ward off a return of the cancer.
"The unfortunate thing is I have a genetic predisposition for cancer," McLellan said. "And that generally
doesn't manifest unless some of the risk factors are applied to that. "So maybe eating the wrong foods, sitting
on the couch and watching TV, bad psychology, all to the things around that could help the cancer to
re-manifest." When he finished treatment, McLellan was a vegan for a year and continues to be a vegetarian.
"I'm trying to keep all the poisons out of my body," he said.
McLellan personifies almost everything the ride stands for in the opinion of Wheelin' Warriors team captain
Karin Piche. "He puts a face to what we're doing because most of us riders are not cancer survivors," Piche
said. "We've been affected by cancer through our loved ones and family members." Either way, McLellan is
now enjoying a second lease on life. "It sounds funny but the flowers smell better and I stop at night and I
look up and I see the stars and I appreciate it," McLellan said. "I'm so happy with my life and the little things
make a big difference." To participate in the ride each Wheelin' Warriors must raise $2,500. Their main
fundraising event is a dinner, dance, silent auction and 50-50 draw set for Sat., April 30 at the Prince George
Golf and Curling Club. (www.princegeorgecitizen.com)
10/Think On
Clan MacLellan Board of Directors
President
Senior Vice-President
Recording Secretary
Kathy Stoess Kessinger
1204 Stonelilly Drive
Jeffersonville, IN 47130
(812) 987-2132
[email protected]
Kathy Ann McClelland
PO Box 394
Cleburne, TX 76033
(817) 517-6383
[email protected]
Amanda L. McClellan
1040 Spring Ives Drive
Lawrenceville, GA 30043
(770) 229-2637
[email protected]
Treasurer
Editor
Immediate Past President
Nancy MacClellan Sears
P.O. Box 150
Simpsonville, KY 40067
(502) 722-5067
[email protected]
John A. McClellan
30217 Gebhart Place
Willowick, OH 44095
(440) 585-1764
[email protected]
Nancy MacClellan Sears
P.O. Box 150
Simpsonville, KY 40067
(502) 722-5067
[email protected]
Dues and address changes should be mailed to Nancy MacClellan Sears (see address above)
Dues are: US $20/individual; $25/family. International dues are equivalent of U.S. Dollars.
Clan MacLellan Regional Directors
East-Central Region
Mid-Atlantic Region
Northeast/New England
(IN, KY, OH, TN, WV)
Jonathan C. McClellan
3605 Woodland Drive
Cleveland, TN 37312
(423) 599-1705
[email protected]
(DC, DE, MD, NC, VA)
Dick McClellan
8189 Ships Curve Lane
Springfield, VA 22153
(703) 455-4321
[email protected]
(NJ, NY, PA) &
(CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT)
Daniel J. MacLellan
2 Riley’s Run
Berwick, ME 03901-2759
(207) 384-8332
[email protected]
Southeast Region
Southwest Region
(AL, FL, GA, MS, SC)
David McLellan
2508 Dunn St.
Pensacola, FL 32526
(850) 525-3683
[email protected]
(AR, CO, KS, LA, NE, NM, ND,
OK, SD, TX, WY)
Jill Burt
5901 Walden Trail
Arlington, TX 76016
(817) 429-6038
[email protected]
West Region
(AZ, CA, HI, NV, UT)
Andrew C. McClelland
2384 Lakeview Drive
San Leandro, CA 94577
(510) 352-1878
[email protected]
Northwest Region
(AK, ID, MT, OR, WA)
Phil McClelland
5615 213th Street, SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
(425) 778-4474
[email protected]
International Region
Canada, Scotland, England,
Switzerland, et al.
Andy McClellan
2210 Hwy 537
Sudbury, ON P3E 4N1, Canada
(705) 694-9939
[email protected]
West-Central Region
(IA, IL, MI, MO, MN, WI)
Eva McClellan
1277 James Avenue
St. Paul, MN 55105-2947
(651) 695-9303
[email protected]
Genealogy Archivist &
Genealogy Committee Chair
Dr. Kathy McClelland
1094 Amber Lane
Auburn, AL 36830
(334) 821-5280
[email protected]
Chairmen of Standing Committees
Scholarship (Awarded Annually)
Archives (Odom Gen. Library)
Sally Jagoe
[email protected]
George McClellan
[email protected]
This newsletter is intended for members of Clan MacLellan. It is for educational purposes only and is not for sale.
Think On/11
Think On!
Quarterly Newsletter of the
Clan MacLellan
P.O. Box 150
Simpsonville, KY 40067
Editor
John A. McClellan
30217 Gebhart Place
Willowick, OH 44095
Panoramic view of Kirkcudbright, taken from the old sheriff court building (www.dailyrecord.co.uk)
12/Think On