Heiland Lads & Lassies

Christina “Chris” Swan also known as Rena to her Scottish clan, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, auld toon (old town) during World War II. She has one brother, David who visits Sierra Vista every year.

 

 

 

 

 

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She left Scotland to work in Germany in 1965, where she met and married her husband of 57 years, Earl, who was in the U.S. Army.
 

 

 

 

 

 

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They have two exceptional daughters, Arlene and Regina, and later were graced with three wonderful grandchildren,

Morgan, Cameron, and Mark.

 

While in the Army, Rena, Earl

and the girls, were in

Oklahoma, Germany (three times),

England, Colorado, and Georgia.

They retired from the Army in 1982,

and moved to Sierra Vista.
 

 

 

 

As the Recreation/Leisure Coordinator, Christina “Chris” Swan is still recognized as the heart of the Ethel H. Berger Community Center. Chris spent 30 incredible years working for the City of Sierra Vista, organizing community events and coordinating leisure activities for active adults. A true energizer bunny(c) with a tireless work ethic, Chris epitomizes extraordinary customer service with a selfless passion for helping others, and is frequently consulted for her expertise in event planning and communication skills.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In 2000, Chris created and teaches a

Scottish Country Dancing Group that

performs throughout the county.

She decided performing the simple

but fun Scottish dancing that she

learned in elementary and high school,

was something everyone could enjoy

regardless of age. A small group joined,

all volunteers which eventually turned

into a dance group. Some of the dances

had to be done a bit slower as a few of the members were seniors, but everyone had lots of fun. The volunteer group performed at Buena High School, the Knights of Columbus, Mountain View Gardens retirement home, and five years attending Bisbee’s Kirking of the Tartan.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since retiring in 2018, Chris has slowed down slightly, but is still engaged giving back to the community. She is a member of the Bisbee, Arizona Chapter T, Philanthropic Educational Organization (P.E.O.) and was elected as the event coordinator.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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She went back to her roots, creating a Burns Night event, which is in its 19th year. Burns Night is celebrated in honor of the famous Scottish poet, Rabbie “Robert” Burns, with as many as 100 people attending for the entertainment, dancing and food. A good time is had by all and the dancers are friends that help make it a special night. The next Burn’s Night is January 27, 2024.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Chris and the group lost two of their members to COVID-19. A wonderful lady and friend forever, Rosemary Middleton and a gentle-mans gentleman, Sam Sorich. The group as well as Ben and Opal are coping with the loss of their presence. Chris proud of her newest members of the dance group who are doing well. “We look forward to carrying on and enjoying every moment of dancing. We may not be perfect, but we have fun!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chris on her downtime continues to organizes gatherings and activities for her friends and family.

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