Volunteer Editors?
A couple months ago someone volunteered to take over the monthly drafting and distribution of the SNIM HOWEVER I lost their e-mail. If whosoever had volunteered would contact me again I will turn over the SNIM to their custody. If I don’t receive a reply, SNIM will be discontinued with the new year. Contact lawrencewinans@ yahoo.com ASAP

Celtic Junction Events
Saturday, December 5

John Williams in Concert & Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Failte Ball Sunday, December 6 Traditional Singers Club presents Máirtín de Cógáin in Concert Saturday, December 12 Sherry Minnick and John Van Orman in concert Sunday, December 13 Brenda Buckley Memorial Ceili & Benefit— For further info, see www.thecelticjuncti on.com

MPPB
Minnesota Police Pipe Band will perform after the 1:00 p.m. tour at
Summit Brewing on December 19, 2009.  The tour is free but
reservations are needed.  Please call Summit for tour arrangements:
651 265 7800.

Royal Scottish CountryDance Association
he RSCDS Twin Cities Branch invites all Scottish country dancers to its 13th Annual Failte (Welcome) Ball on Saturday, December 5th at the Celtic Junction in St. Paul. The Failte Ball is an evening of easier and classic Scottish country dances with live music by Thistledown, plus a dessert buffet during the interval.  A $5 discount is offered to dancers attending their first ball. See http://www.rscds- twincities. org/failte. html for details, registration form, and dance instructions.

Saint Andrews Society

We are planning our annual Burns Dinner and invite everyone to attend.  The date is January 23, 2010 at 6:00 pm.  The place is the St. Paul College Club, 990 Summit Avenue, St. Paul.  Members should watch for your invitation in the mail soon.  Non-members can make reservations by downloading the invitation from our website.  The web invitation will be going up in early December so watch for it.

* * * November 30 is the Feast of Saint Andrews the Patron Saint of Scotland * * *

Tell your non-Scottish friends that St Andy puts a year’s curse of any non-Scot who denies a Scot hospitality on his day. It should get you lunch, a pint or a wee dram.

CHRISTMAS PARTY

TCSC Christmas Party

Saturday, December 5, 2009

at

Macalester Plymouth Church

1658 Lincoln Ave

St Paul, MN 55105

1:30 pm to 4:30 pm

Please come and join us for our annual Christmas celebration.

Lots of festive, fun activities for adults and children alike!

Musical entertainment provided by Ross Sutter, with a special

guest appearance by our Scottish Santa!

If coming with children, please bring a wrapped gift for your child,

with their name clearly marked on it.

Please bring a savory dish, or party food to share. Dessert will be provided.

Any questions, contact Audrey Sheridan on Tel: 651-454-8676

TWIN CITIES SCOTTISH CLUB ANNOUNCEMENT

he TCSC has obtained some discount tickets for the MN Scottish Fair and Highland Games 2010!  The event will be held on May 22, 2010 at the Dakota County Fairgrounds in Farmington, MN.   The normal price of adult admission is $15.00 per person, however, I have tickets available for your purchase at $12.00 each.  That’s a $3.00 savings per person! This ticket sale is for a “limited time”, so get your tickets today! Please make your check made payable to the “MSFHG” (Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games).   This check can be sent to me at Norma Macdonald, 14 Mission Road West, Bloomington, MN   55420.  Please include $12.00 for each ticket that you wish to receive, along with your name and address to send the tickets to.  This ticket sale is open all, so tell your family and friends!

Holidays, HolyDays, & Memorials

A Scotsman, an Aussie, a Canadian and an Englishman serving with NATO troops in Afghanistan were captured by the Taliban.

The Taliban chief said to his prisoners, “We’re not as bad as the Americans say we are. We will release you after giving you each 2o lashes on your backs. To show you mercy, you can each choose something to have on your back.

The Canadian chose to hold a deer hide between his skin and the whip.

The Australian decided he would be covered with a dried kangaroo skin.

The Englishman held himself up to his full height, stuck out his chest and declared, “I will take it like a man and be proud to bear the scars”.

The Taliban chief then turned to the Scot, “And what would you like on your back?”

“I’ll take the Englishman”, said the Scot.

A Scottish boy came home from school to boast that he had been assigned a part in the school play. His mother asked, “what part is it?”

“A Scottish husband,” he said.

His mother snarls, ” Go right back to school and tell your teacher that you want a speaking part”.

 A Scotsman walking through a field, sees a man drinking water from a pond with his hand.  The Scotsman man shouts ‘ Awa ye feel hoor thatâs full Oâ coos Sharn’ (Don’t drink the water, it’s full of cow s ** t.)

The man shouts back ‘I’m English, Speak English, I don’t understand you’.
The Scotsman man shouts back — ’Use both hands, you’ll get more !‘ 

Scottish News In Minnesota is an e-newsletter prepared for the Scottish-American community in Minnesota and the North Country. News & announcements should be sent to the editor at lawrencewinans@yahoo.com and requests for subscriptions or removals sent to macraeclan@gmail.

Fargo-Moorhead St Andrew’s Society Annual Dinner
The Fargo/Moorhead St. Andrew’s Society’s annual dinner is Saturday, November 7, 2009 at the Ramada Inn in Fargo, ND.  A social hour begins at 5:00 p.m.; dinner is at 6:00 p.m.  The program will include a singing performance of Harry Lauder songs, a performance by the Heather & Thistle Pipes and Drums and traditional Scottish dancing by members of the MN Celtic Assoc., St. Paul.

On Sunday, November 8th, Heather & Thistle Pipes and Drums and the Scottish dancers will participate in the Kirkin’ O the Tartan worship services at First Presbyterian Church, Fargo.

Children’s Class at Tapestry Folkdance Center
Hey Kids! There is going to be a class just for you! This class will see how much interest is out there to have an ongoing children’s class just like the adults.

When: Saturday November 7th, 8:30am – 9:30am
Where: Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis, 55406
What: Scottish Country Dance, sets, circles, and music!
Who: Children Aged 6-13
Cost: Free, but donations are gratefully accepted.
How: Must RSVP by Monday Nov. 2nd with children’s names, ages, and phone number to

Jamie Berg
651-367-4884
jamiebergm@yahoo. com

Agenda
10:00-11:00 Registration and Coffee
11:00-12:30 Presentation and Discussion
Branding the Scottish Community
Gus Noble, President of the St. Andrew Society of Illinois
12:30-1:45 Lunch
Lunch Provided
1:45-3:15 Presentation and Discussion
Fundraising in the Scottish Community
Nike Whitcomb, President of Nike B. Whitcomb Associates
and Chair of Fundraising for Chicago Scots
3:15-4:15 General Discussion
This event is directed towards further coordination and cooperation among the
Scots in Minnesota. Since we did not have a chance to send anyone to the Scottish
Leadership Conference this year, we felt it would be a good idea to try to bring some
of what they discussed here. We are asking you to forward this to anyone that you
feel should be invited or who would be interested in participating. We need to
expand our community and this Forum will be very beneficial as we move forward.
We are also asking that you complete the attached registration form and submit
that with a $10.00 check made out to the St. Andrew Society to cover the cost of the
lunch and the breaks. Please send this to Jennifer Peterson by Friday, October 30th,
so we can get an accurate count of the number of participants.
We would like to thank the following organizations for the financial support for this
event. In no particular order or precedence:
• Twin City Scottish Club (Morning Coffee and Breaks)
• Minnesota St. Andrew Society (Plane Tickets)
• Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans (Hosting site and AV equipment)

Memoriam

Alexander, Thomas P. Born August 13, 1939. Died September 26, 2009. After a heroic 35 year struggle with MS and recent battle with lung cancer. Though he lost his physical capabilities, he never lost his interest in people and his sense of humor. Preceded in death by parents, Berenice Ryan Alexander and Willis E. Alexander. Survived by cousin, Patrick and wife Margie and many other cousins. Friend of Bill W. Cretin High school, 1957, USMC 1957-1959, graduate of St. Thomas College 1963, career as an accountant and in sales. Special thank you to the caring Lake Ridge CC staff for their love and friendship. Funeral service 11 AM, Thursday, October 1, at O’Halloran and Murphy Funeral and Cremation services (575 S. Snelling Ave, 651-698-0796). Visitation 10-11 AM Thursday at funeral home. Interment Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials preferred.

*****

Music from Ireland, Scotland and Minnesota on an array of wooden flutes, whistles, concertina, pipes, voice and guitar

Dáithí Sproule, well-known for his pioneering guitar styles, deep knowledge of Irish song, and his place in the internationally acclaimed ensemble Altan, is a brilliant musician and a virtual font of cultural knowledge and lore. He has been a major force behind the success of traditional Irish music in today’s popular culture. Multi-instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie has received numerous honors and awards for her work in traditional music, and has performed and recorded extensively. Sproule and MacKenzie have been making music together in various ensembles for two decades, and now perform as a concert duo, featuring a rich gamut of traditional Irish and Scottish music plus Dáithí’s recent compositions.

Sproule and MacKenzie have individually been awarded Bush Foundation Artists Fellowships in Traditional and Ethnic Performing Arts, one of the nation’s most prestigious artists awards and a great honor for both.
Their record label called for a duo CD this year, and it was recently released with great celebration as “The Pinery“ on New Folk Records.

“The Pinery” is truly a duet creation, throughout the instrumentals (airs, reels, jigs, double hornpipes) and the songs. MacKenzie’s arsenal of wind-powered instruments (flutes, whistles, pipes, and concertina) are all featured, joined by Sproule’s fresh and innovative guitar accompaniments and solos. They are both esteemed singers as well, and selections from their treasure trove of traditional song are presented in beautiful arrangements.

For Dáithí Sproule:

“A seminal figure in Irish music” –The Rough Guide to Irish Music
“One of Irish music’s greatest guitar accompanists” -Steve Winick, All Music Guide

For Laura MacKenzie:

“Celtic music wizard” –Minneapolis Star Tribune
“High Priestess of Celtic music” -Minnesota Public Radio

***********************************************************************************

Additional information on Dáithí and Laura:
An award winning multi-instrumentalist and singer, Laura MacKenzie, has been recognized as a Master Folk Artist by the Minnesota State Arts Board. Her musical talents span a number of wind-powered instruments including wooden flutes, whistles, many bagpipes, concertina, gemshorn and voice. For many years Laura has been at the heart of the revival of Irish music and dance in the Upper Midwest, including her time as a founding member of the Northern Star Ceili Band. In addition to her concerts with Dáithí Sproule, Laura performs solo and with Laura and The Lads, Willow Brae, Piper’s Crow, Ross & MacKenzie and the Doon Ceili Band. As a guest artist, Laura has recorded with Peter Mayer, Ann Reed, Diane Jarvi, Chuck Suchy, Peter Ostroushko, Jeff Victor, Dean Magraw, Marty Haugen, Ann Heymann, Katie McMahon, Gary Rue, Boiled in Lead, Lorie Line and has released two of her own CDs on the New Folk Records label, “Laura and the Lads“ and “Evidence”.

Singer and guitarist Dáithí Sproule has long been internationally acclaimed in the world of Irish and Celtic music. He is most renowned as guitarist and vocalist with the Irish supergroup, Altan, arguably one of the biggest names in Irish traditional music. Along with his association with Altan, Dáithí continues to perform and record with Irish and American traditional luminaries such as Liz Carroll, Billy McComiskey, Tommy Peoples, Séamus and Mánus McGuire, Peter Ostroushko , Randal Bays and James Keane. In addition to his performing life, Dáithí is a composer of tunes and a writer of academic articles on early Irish poetry, legend and history and of short stories in the Irish language. Dáithí has released a solo CD of his guitar arrangements and compositions, “The Crow in the Sun“ on New Folk Records.

For more information, music samples, and calendar of events, please visit:
www.lauramackenzie.com

*****

Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans – Message from the President:

With the fall fast upon us and events getting on to calendars, I
wanted to get this date on everyone’s calendar.  A detailed agenda
with the location will follow soon.  We will have some new Clans as
well as some positions up for election (Vice Chair, Secretary,
Delegate at Large).  If you are interested in running for office,
please contact myself or Jack MacMillan.  Please save October 17, 2009
at 11:00am for the next meeting.

*****

Marathon this Sunday 

Just wanted to remind you that the Twin Cities Marathon is this Sunday.  We as Scots, have been asked to participate as a cheer section.  I see this as a great opportunity for us to show our “Scottish Pride”, and cheer on our fellow “Brits” as they run in the marathon.  The commitment will run from 7:45am to about 11:00am, at the North East end of the Nokomis Bridge on Cedar Avenue South.   They would like us to wear/bring as much “tartan” as possible, flags (I will bring all three TCSC flags), merriment of any kind.  They even suggested bringing poster signs with motivational sayings…Eg. “keep going, there’s haggis at the finish” etc. if you wish!  It would be great to have some dancers show up too!    The first wheel chair athletes will come through at 8:30am, followed by the Elite athlete, and then the thundering hordes will follow. About 10,000 runners will pass by and should be through our cheer zone by about 11am.    Parking is on the street in the neighborhoods next to the bridge.  It should be pretty easy, however, please do not park on Minnehaha Parkway.  They close the Parkway for the runners,  and your cars might get trapped there.  Please review the “Tips for Marathon Performers” below .   One exciting bit of news- the Twin Cities Metro Pipe and Drum Band is going to help out too!  In addition, L’Ecosse Restaurant (TCSC members Christina and David Macfarlane), have agreed to bring over breakfast sandwiches for those Scottish Community members in attendance.  For those of you that are members of other Scottish organizations, please share this final email with your membership.  All are welcome!   If you can come for the entire scheduled time on Sunday, or even an hour, please do so – Let’s show the rest of the Twin Cities what we Scots are made of!  Here’s Tae Us, Wha’s Like Us!   *****   Notices & News Send news items for the SNIM to lawrencewinans@yahoo.com by the 25th of the month preceding the month of distribution (October 25 for the November issue); send address additions & deletions to macraeclan@gmail.com   ***** This Month in Scottish History -    October 2 – Patrick Geddes, founder of modern urban planning, born 1854, in Ballater    October 7 - Birth of Charles McLaren, one of the founders of the “Scotsman” newspaper.    October 12 -First Labour Prime Minister of UK, Ramsey MacDonald born in Lossiemouth   October 29 - James Boswell, biographer of Dr Johnston, born at Blair’s Land, Parliament Square, Edinburgh, 1740

Scottish News in Minnesota – September 2009

All the news that fits, All that’s fit to be news, All the news that’s fit to print — the “Scottish News In Minnesota” is a monthly e-newsletter distributed for the Community of Scots, Scots-Americans, Canadian Scotch & Ulster-Scots as well as our Celtic kith & kin in Minnesota and the greater North Country.

    DO NOT send address changes to the Editor — Send address macraeclan@gmail.com

    SEND news & announcements to lawrencewinans@yahoo.com

    Notices sent after the 28th of the Month are unlikely tobe posted, please send prior to that date

* * * TALE of ALE * * *

Your Editor loves many fine products of Scotland and none more than the ales and whiskies of the Auld country.

Most recently I had the opportunity to sample a “Traquair Jacobite Flavored Ale” brewed by a Stewart family brewery in commemoration of the Rising of ‘45. Made with Spring water, malt, hops and yeast, it is flavored with Coriander providing a delightful spicy aftertaste.

It can be found at the Four Firkins in St Louis Park at the corner of Minnetonka Blvd & Texas, TexaTonka forthe locals.

Stop by and buy a Jacobite or any of the other fine ales of Scotland. It would be a particularly appropriate toast to the Rising, to the memory of the Bonnie Prince and to the King o’er the water.

[An uncompensated endorsement of a delightful product and an excellent purveyor of beers and ales]

* * * HISTORY * * *

  If one is looking for Just Cause to quaff a Pint

or sip a wee Dram, do so in memory

of our Dear Fathers & Mothers

in their Victories and Despair

September 1  -  Feast Day for St Giles, Patron Saint of Edinburgh

September 6, 1715  -  Beginning of the First Jacobite Rising

September 9, 1513  -  Battle of Flodden Field, the worst defeat in Scottish history, in which King James IV dies

September 9, 1543  -  Mary Queen of Scots crowned

September 11, 1297  -  William “Braveheart” Wallace defeats the English at Stirling Bridge

September 14, 1745  -  Bonnie Prince Charlie occupies Edinburgh in the Rising of ‘45

September 21, 1745  -  Jacobites defeat English at the Battle of Prestonpans

September 28, 1326  -  Battle of the Clans

September 30, 1813  -  Birth of John Rae in Orkney (Clan MacRae), the explorer of the Canadian coast

     * * * NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS* * *
 

Would you like your kids to do something energizing, aerobic and mind stimulating this fall?  Instead of watching TV?  Join us and learn Scottish Highland Dancing!

Classes are taught by World and National Champion Kitty Hart
at The Celtic Junction in St. Paul.

Classes begin Saturday, September 12th

Register online today!

Go to www.highlandkitty.com

  NEW! Scottish Repertoire

Music with Laura

MacKenzie

Wednesdays 7

‐8pm 8 weeks

Tuition: $145

Instructor: Laura MacKenzie

Laura is an acknowledged master on flute, whistle, small

‐pipes,

concertina and song, and a fine purveyor of traditional Scottish and

Irish music. In this first

‐of‐its‐kind class, Laura will share her

knowledge of Scottish repertoire, including cultural background, the

stories behind songs and tunes, and the unique musical inflections

that give Scottish music its distinctive sound. The music covered will

be from the Highlands and Islands, Lowlands and Borders, Shetland

and Orkney, The Northeast, plus harp tunes, pipe tunes, and modern

tunes. This is a class for experienced players, intermediate to

advanced, interested in applying the skills they’ve learned in the

study of traditional Irish music toward adding a new dimension to

their playing, and to their enjoyment of traditional music.

Note: Minimum of five students required for this class.  

Tales from Granny

Thursdays 5

‐6:15pm, 10 weeks

Tuition: $100

Instructor: Fern Lerwick

Why story time at a music school? Listening is one of the most

important skills for making music. Story time develops this skill in

children, and the stories themselves create cultural context and

social skills. Rhymes and games train memory, instill rhythm, and

build self

‐confidence. Crafts develop creativity and fine motor skills

to help little hands prepare to make music. Through Granny’s tales,

The CIM will help create future musicians and good citizens in our vibrant community.   The TCSC has been asked to participate as a “cheering section” for all the “Brits” running in the Twin Cities Marathon on Sunday, October 4th.  From the information I have received, it appears to be a 3 or 4 hour commitment beginning in the morning.       I think it would be fun to participate in this event, and give GREAT exposure to the Twin Cities Scottish Club and Scotland!  They would also like everyone to wear tartan/kilts/etc…which should be fine, considering it will be cooler weather in October.   If we could get enough volunteers, we could stagger shifts.  Please let me know if you would be interested in volunteering for this event by August 28th, so I can let the Marathon group know if we can commit to this or not.   I can be contacted via email at weeyin57@aol.com or by phone at 952-888-2800   1) The RSCDS Twin Cities Branch is performing at this year’s Renaissance Festival (22 Aug – 4 Oct). We are there every weekend except Sept 12-13.  We do four performances a day, and each performance has “audience participation” at the end. Come join us!

2) Curious about Scottish country dancing?  Join the RSCDS Twin Cities Branch for a fun introductory night of dancing at our BRING A FRIEND NIGHT, Monday, 21 Sept 2009, 7:30 to 9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center (3748 Minnehaha Ave in S. Minneapolis).  It’s free and features live music by Night Scotsman.  FFI:  http://www.rscds-twincities.org/events.html#21092009

3)  Ongoing:  The RSCDS Twin Cities Branch welcomes newcomers and experienced Scottish country dancers alike to our weekly classes, Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center (3748 Minnehaha Ave in S. Minneapolis) beginning September 28th and continuing through early May.  FFI:  http://www.rscds-twincities.org/classes.html   Minnesota Police Pipe Band’s schedule for August, September and
October:

Please go to the calendar page of the band website, www.mppb.org, for
additional information.       Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games Saturday May 22, 2010     More Interesting Scot Facts   George Washington had 22 generals serving under him in the War for Independence, 9 were of Scottish descent. As President, Washington had a Cabinet of 4, 2 Scots and 1 Ulster-Scot. And while Thomas Jefferson drafted the language of what was to become the Declaration of Independence, the actual scrivener who copied the Declaration for signature and proclamation was John Witherspoon, a Scot. Of the 56 signatories of the Declaration, 9 were Scots.   For More Info Check   scottishnewsinminnesota.wordpress.com

Scottish American Center and Heritage Resource -  -  – Our new phone number: (612) 721-8885

 Located within the Danish American Center, Suite 300; 3030 West River Parkway South, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Latest News:

The Scottish American Center will have its Grand Opening on Saturday, September 12^th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Come in and check us out!  We will have someone on hand to help with your questions on genealogy.  Make it a Scottish Day!  and attend the Twin Cities Scottish Club Afternoon Tea from 2:00 to 4:00.

We are now open again for visitors every Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday.  Please check our website for hours and directions:  www.scottishamericancenter.org  

●  Yes! We are open again every Wednesday and Thursday, from 6 to 8 pm, and Saturday from 1 to 4 pm.  These usual weekly hours are subject to occasional change, so Please call ahead to verify for any given day.  The Office, Library Display Gallery are not open during holidays. If you are interested in volunteering, or to help host at the Center, please contact Tommy King at (651) 231-2725, or (651) 483-0222, or leave a message at (612) 721-8885.  

●  The Scottish American Center is pleased to announce that we now have two computer workstations available at the Center specifically for your genealogy research.  If you call ahead before coming, someone can be available to help you search the internet for your family history.  Please come and take advantage of this valuable resource. Our thanks goes out to Johnny Peterson, State Commissioner of Clan Donald, for his kind donation of equipment and time to get us up and running.

●  Members of the Scottish American Center also have free access to the Minnesota Genealogy Society, located in South Saint Paul on Concord Street.  The MGS has many computers and also some fee-based research websites that you can make use of.  Join the Scottish American Center for the modest annual fee of $25.00.  Make use of our library, and get involved to support this important and valuable resource.

●  Those of you that have contributed your time and financial support in the past have done a wonderful thing! We continue to have a need for your support to help finance the set up at our new location!  At this time, we have two anonymous donors that are willing to match any new donations, and any amount up to $500.00 will qualify.  This is one Great way to help the Center live on into the future.

●  The current Board Chair of the Center is John McKeen. We also have other new members of the Operating Board and are making a major effort to pump new energy into the organization. If you would like to get involved, we welcome your interest. You can reach John at 651-228-0022.

www.scottishamericancenter.org       Call (612) 721-8885.

NEW!

Scealean Mhamo ‘e

SCOTTISH NEWS

In

Minnesota

SNIM is a monthly e-newsletter distributed to the Scottish-American community in Minnesota & the Greater North Country. News & announcements should be sent to lawrencewinans@yahoo.com by the 25th of the month preceding publication and address changes sent to macraeclan@gmail.com

Not a lot of news this month —

Scottish American Center and Heritage Resource  

Our new phone number: (612) 721-8885

 Located within the Danish American Center, Suite 300

3030 West River Parkway South, Minneapolis, MN 55406

Latest News:

The Scottish American Center will be open again for visitors on Wednesday, August 19^th, and our Grand Opening will be held in the first part of September.  Please check our website for hours and directions:  http://www.scottishamericancenter.org/

The Scots will be represented at the Irish Fair of Minnesota!!  The Irish Fair is to be held at Harriet Island in St. Paul on August 7, 8, and 9.  Please check the Irish Fair website for further details: http://www.irishfair.com/    

¡ñ  Yes! We are opening our doors again, on Wednesday, August 19^th and we will be happy to see you all again.  Our regular hours are Wednesdays ¨C  6 pm to 8 pm, Thursday ¨C 6 pm to 8 pm & Saturday ¨C 1 to 4 pm.  These usual weekly hours are subject to occasional change – Please call ahead to verify for any given day.  The Office and display room not open during holidays.  We will be holding our Grand Opening in the first part of September.  Please watch for the next newsletter for details. If you are interested in volunteering, to help host at the Center, please contact Tommy King at (651) 231-2725, or (651) 483-0222, or leave a message at (612) 721-8885.  

¡ñ  The Scottish American Center is pleased to announce that we now have two computer workstations available at the Center specifically for your genealogy research.  Someone will be available, when we are open, to help you search the internet for your family history.  Please come and take advantage of this valuable resource. Our thanks goes out to Johnny Peterson, State Commissioner of Clan Donald, for his kind donation of equipment and time to get us up and running.

¡ñ  The Scottish American Center has be given a sizable library by Clan MacThomas.  We are pleased to announce that the library of 300 + volumes will be available for use at the Center soon.  It represents a broad range of books about Scotland, its history, its people and its traditions.  Our thanks goes out to Clan MacThomas, and to Rod Mooney, the Bard of Clan MacThomas, for entrusting the Center with the care of his library. Our thanks also to Tommy King and Sandy Poole who recently made the drive out to Connecticut to retrieve the library. If you want more information about Clan MacThomas, please contact Cathy Ludemann, the National Convener for Clan MacThomas, at (651) 734-0419. ¡ñ  The Scottish American Center will represent the Scots at the 2009 Irish Fair of Minnesota.  The event is free admission and will be held August 7-9 at Harriet Island in downtown St. Paul.  The hours are Friday, August 7: 3:00 p.m. ¨C 11:00 p.m.; Saturday, August 8: 10:00 a.m. ¨C 11:00 p.m.; and Sunday, August 9: 10:30 a.m. ¨C 8:00 p.m.  Our booth will be located in the East Marketplace, and we will be happy to see all our Scottish friends there at the Fair.  Please check their website for the most recent information: http://www.irishfair.com/index.php

¡ñ  Those of you that have contributed your time and financial support in the past have done a wonderful thing! We continue to have a need for your support to help finance the set up at our new location!  At this time, we have two anonymous donors that are willing to match any new donations, and any amount up to $500.00 will qualify.  This is one Great way to help the Center live on into the future.

¡ñ  The current Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of the Center is John McKeen. We also have other new members of the Operating Board and are making a major effort to pump new energy into the organization. If you would like to get involved, we welcome your interest. You can reach John at 651-228-0022.

www.scottishamericancenter.org       Call (612) 721-8885.

* * * * *

  Here’s what Dunquin and related bands are up to this summer. All of these events are FREE!:

Saturday, August 1st 6-8 p.m. Night Scotsman at Trotter’s Caf¨¦, near corner of Cleveland and Marshall Avenues in St. Paul. Don, Sherry and Helen play their Scottish “Folk to Baroque” set during the dinner hour. Great food; no cover charge.   Sunday, August 2nd  1-2 p.m. Don, Sherry and Fergus (the Golden Retriever greeter) play for Paws On Grand at Treadle Yard Goods, corner of Grand and Hamline Avenues. The businesses of Grand Avenue sponsor this pet-friendly event each year; pets on leashes are welcome in stores, and treats and entertainment abound up and down Grand Avenue between Dale and Snelling Aves.   Saturday, August 8th at the Irish Fair, 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. in the Harriet Island Pavilion tearoom. Don and Sherry play Irish tunes to accompany your scones and tea. Admission to the Irish Fair is free, and there’s tons of great entertainment Friday night and Saturday and Sunday.   August 10th (Como Pavilion) and August 17th (Lake Harriet Band Shell): mark your calendars for The Minnesota Mandolin Orchestra’s free concerts; they will play the premiere of Sherry Ladig’s new piece for mandolin orchestra, “Gypsy Moon”. A separate e-mail will go out at the end of July.   * * * The Editor acknowledges this August marks the completion of full year as SNIM’s editor. It seems like just yesterday. If anyone would like to experience the opportunity & pleasure of making this monthly contribution to the Scottish-American community, the Editor would be pleased to step down and pass-along the office. Interested parties should contact lawrencewinans@yahoo.com

Scottish News In Minnesota is an E-newsletter published on behalf of the Tartan Day Cooperative for the Scottish-American community in Minnesota & the Greater North Country  Sends news & announcements to lawrencewinans@ yahoo.com  no later than the 25th of the month and address changes to macraeclan@gmail. com

July 4th March in Richfield

Scottish News In Minnesota *** June 11, 2009

SNIM is a E-newsletter published by members of the Clan MacRae on behalf the Tartan Day Collaborative for the Scottish-Americans, Scots, Canadian Scotch, and our Celtic kin among the Ulster, Irish, Manx, Welsh, Cornish, Breton, Galician & Minhon cousins.

News & announcements should be sent to lawrencewinans@yahoo.com

Address additions & changes should be sent to macraeclan@gmail.com

MEMORIAM

SNIM is sorry to learn that one of fellow Scots has passed away. Marjorie (Marge) Hennesy, nee Campbell, age 81, of Oakdale, died June 4. Our sympathies areextended toMarge’s husband,Bob, and to Marge’s family and friends.

Funeral service set for Monday, June 15.  Willwerscheid Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 651-228-1006

The History of the Scottish Thistle

According to legend, King Haakon of Norway, attempting to conquer the Scots landed at the Coast of Largs in darkness to surprise the sleeping Scottish fighters. So as to move as stealthly as possible the Norse removed their footwear.

As they approached the Scots, their bare feet discovered a field of thistle. Shrieking in pain, the Norse gave early warning to the Scots. With the absence of surprise, the Scots were able to defeat Haakon’s  Army and bury his dream of a colony for Greater Norway.

The Scots gave credit to saving their nation to the lowly Thistle and elevated it as the official emblem of Kingdom and people. It remains a lesson to this day that one should be what one is even if one’s mission is to be a pain to others.

Some Famous Scots & Their Achievements

John Logie Baird — Invented TV, widescreen TV & fiber optics

Alexander Graham Bell —Invented the telephone

Joseph Black — Developed the field of Quantitative Chemistry

David Brewster — Invented the Kaleidoscope

George Brown — One of the founding fathers of Canada

Andrew Carnegie — One of the pioneers of the American steel industry

James Chalmers —Invented the postage stamp with adhesive

George Cleghorn — Discovered the use of quinine for the treatment of malaria

John Douglas — Developed the Marquis of Queensbury rules for competitive boxing

Arthur Conan Doyle — Created the immortal Sherlock Holmes

John Boyd Dunlap — Invented the pneumatic tire

Patrick Ferguson — Invented the breech-loading rifle

Alexander Fleming — Discovered penicillin

Patrick Geddes — Intellectual father of city planning

Thomas Lipton — Began the World Cup for football (soccer)

Kirkpatrick Macmillan — Invented the bicycle

John Muir — Promoted the creation of National Parks

John Napier — Created logarithms & the decimal point

James Pillan — Invented the chalkboard (blackboard)

James Small — Invented the iron plough

Robert Watson-Watt — Invented radar

James Watt — Developed the steam engine & indirectly kicked off the Industrial Revolution

James Young — Developed the process of refining oil and initiated the age of oil

New  Commissioner for the Clan Donald

 John Peterson, of Lindstrom, MN has been appointed to serve as the State Commissioner of Minnesota for Clan Donald U.S.A.  Johnny will represent Clan Donald and have its full voting privileges as is the custom at the MCSC.

Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans General Meeting

SNIM has received a note that there will be a General Meeting of the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans on Saturday, June 13 , 2009. Unfortunately, SNIM does not know the time or location.

Delegates & Alternates should look to their email inboxes or mailboxes for the Official Notice with time and location

Saint Andrew’s Society Events

The most important one is the St. Andrew’s Annual General Meeting next Sunday, June 14, at 1:00 p.m. at Bob and Lori Olsson’s home.  Their address is 2758 Chisholm Avenue in North St. Paul. Directions:  Take 694 or 36 to White Bear Avenue. South off 694 or north off 36 to Radatz. Go east on Radatz one block and go right on Chisholm.

This is a very important meeting as we will be electing a new president as well as other officers.  We will also be discussing some important business items.  St. Andrew’s is considering a 3 year plan to partner with the Scottish American Center and work with them toward building both organizations.  More details are in the latest Thistle and Quill, which has already gone out by email and will go out by regular mail this week.  It should also be available to view on the St. Andrew’s website.  Please attend this meeting as we want and need member input on these important decisions.

Next event is the Celtic Solstice Celebration, sponsored by the City of Bloomington, on Thursday, June 18, 7 to 9 pm, at the Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington.  Ring of Kerry will be playing Celtic music and it should be a great time.  Come and celebrate the summer solstice, just as our Celtic ancestors did.  Twin Cities Scottish Club will have a table there with some tasty treats for sale.

Finally, Friday, June 19, 7 p.m. is our June Pub Night at McGarry’s Irish Pub in Maple Plain.  Click on this link for a map and directions.  http://www.mcgarryspub.com/hours-directions.html  We would love to see you there and have a great turnout, especially from those of you who live in the western suburbs.  This is a really nice pub and a really fun place, with great food, a nice selection of beers, ales, and whiskies, and a great place to have a pint or a wee dram.   Join us!

Ongoing

The CLANN TARTAN

hosts Scottish Country Dances on the first and third Wednesdays and on the seconds and fourth Tuesdays of every month.

    Wednesdays at the Lake Hiawatha Community Center,  2701 East 44th St., Minneapolis, 7:00-9:00PM for free;

    Tuesdays at St Christopher’ s Episcopal Church, Hamline Ave & Hwy 36, Roseville, with a $ 1.00 donation accepted to cover the church’s cost.

FFI contact brulieandjuice@ juno.com

The CLANN TARTAN also Sponsors a Music Guild in private homes

on the fourth Monday of every month to learn songs from the 17th century.  FFI contact brulieandjuice@ juno.com

Policies & Procedures Send items for inclusion in the Newsletter to lawrencewinans@yahoo.com subscription requests or requests for address changes to macraeclan@gmail.com   To assure inclusion, put “SNIM” in the subject line of your email. This will help us sort through the email received and identify SNIM items.   DO NOT send notices to the SNIM email listed on the Tartan Day Cooperative website, the SNIM editors DO NOT have access to this site and receive no emails therefrom.   If you don’t send a notice, it is unlikely your event will be listed. Do not assume that annual event “known by everybody” will be known by the editors.   The editors will NO LONGER send out notices and announcements independent of the regular distribution of the SNIM.   Please DO NOT send us an emergency order to send this or that notice to the SNIM mailing list apart from newsletter distribution.     It may always have been done a certain way, we don’t know, but this is the way we’re doing it now.   News and notices sent no later than the 25th of the month should be published in the newsletter issued on or about the 1st of the next month. * * * * * * * * * * * *   Have a Story, a tidbit of history, an anecdote about a Scot or a Scottish event? Share it with your fellow Scots   Send your BRIEF story,tidbit or anecdote to SNIM c/o its editor lawrencewinans@yahoo.com We’ll publish what we can with minimal editing and provide a byline so that you will have due recognition. And you can bask in the glow of your friends & family as a “Published Author”.