SNIM Policies & Procedures

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.

— Published February 1, 2009

 

SNIM – June 2009

Scottish News In Minnesota

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.

Scottish Fair — Big Success!

by Norma R Macdonald

The weather was “a bit like Scotland”, which made our TCSC Taste of Scotland Tea Room products; shortbread, empire biscuits, lemon and strawberry tarts, Walkers Chocolate Cookies, scones, tea and coffee products “fly off the shelf”, so to speak. We also offered some new item’s this year, TCSC exclusive buttons (5 different kinds) created and donated by TCSC member Brian Jesness, with two of the button photograph’s donated by TCSC member Scott Moncrieff (Moncrieff Photography), Red Rose Tea in packs of 100, and Tartan Lanyards. It was hard to keep up with the crowds that extended out of our booth most of the day!  Next year we will need even MORE volunteers to help in the Tea Room.   The Family Tent hosted by the TCSC was also a very popular spot!  We enjoyed “Mousy The Clown” (sponsored by the TCSC, MSCDA, and SAS) , and her balloon animals, for children of all ages, Scottish coloring books, and Scottish craft products.  The children also participated in the “Wee Heavy Games”, in addition to the “Soccer Clinic” which was conducted by TCSC member Gordon Ferguson (Fergie’s Soccer Academy).   Special “Thanks” goes to two special ladies, Deb Cygnar who coordinated the TCSC Taste of Scotland Tea Room with me, and without whom, the Tea Room would not be as well organized, or look at “beautiful” as it always does, and to Jennifer Peterson who coordinated the Family Tent activities.  WELL DONE to both of you!   Don’t forget to check out the pictures of the Fair on our web site www.twincitiesscottishclub.org.    In addition, I just wanted to take this opportunity to thank all of our members, family, and friends, who volunteered yesterday in the Taste of Scotland Tea Room and the Children’s Tent.  We could NOT have done it without you!       South Dakota Celtic Faire & Games The second annual Northeast South Dakota Celtic Faire and Games to be held in Aberdeen, SD on September 19 and 20, 2009. This is a Saturday and Sunday with Saturday being the main activity day, and Sunday having a golf tournament, some vending and other sports (Irish Road Bowling Championship and Tug-o-War for example). The Scottish Heavy Games will be on Saturday. Our website is www.nesdcelticfaire.com .    

 

Letter from Robin O’Neill:

The Northeast South Dakota Celtic Faire and Games planning committee would like to thank all who came to and helped with our first annual event. We had lots of help in advertising and “word of mouth” from many sources in the Twin Cities area, including the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans and the SNIM. This help was extremely beneficial, and we are eternally grateful for it.

                Entertainment was provided by the Irish Ceili band Barra, The Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band, Guthrie School of Scottish Dance, the ARCC cloggers (local) and Rince na Chroi Irish Dancers.  There were piping, traditional Irish music, a jam session, Highland dancing and workshops, Irish soft and hard shoe dancing and workshops, clogging, medieval sword demonstrations, writing workshops,Scottish Heavy Games, kids’ activities,  sheep herding demonstrations and Scottish livestock.  The night was ended with a great Ceili with Barra and ceili caller Amy Wiberg. Clan Row consisted of representatives of Family Bruce, Clan Keith, Clan Donald with the Scottish American Society, Clan McMillan with the St. Andrews Society, Clan McBean, Clan Crawford, and Clan Stewart.

                We are already in the planning stages for this year’s event. We have decided to move to two buildings and two days, September 19^th and 20^th. Sunday will consist of outdoor events only, such as a golf tournament, the Irish Road Bowling Championship and a few other non-Heavy Games types of sporting events.  We hope to build this into a lasting and substantial event in our area. Please mark your calendars now for next fall and plan on coming out! Our website will be updated as we get new information and scheduling completed.  We are also building a scrapbook page with a summary and pictures from 2008. You can see it at www.nesdcelticfaire.com . Thanks again, and we hope to see you there.

                                                                Robin O’Neill, President

                                                                Northeast South Dakota Celtic Faire Committee

 

    Celtic Solstice in Bloomington MN

On June 18th, the Twin Cities Scottish Club will be participating in “A Celtic Solstice” sponsored by the City of Bloomington:   The event is FREE, and will begin at 7:00 pm and run until 9pm.  The location is the Normandale Lake Bandshell, 5901 West 84th Street, Bloomington, MN   It is an absolutely beautiful site, overlooking Normandale Lake!  This event is usually attended by 450 to 500 people.  Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets to sit on!   The featured band this year is ”Ring of Kerry”.  The TCSC will have our ”Taste of Scotland” food booth at this event. The Hart School of Highland Dance will perform during the Band’s break, and Michael McCoy will be piping during the evening.   Originally, the City of Bloomington was going to invite other food vendors, but because the program is starting at 7pm, they are only going to have us selling after dinner food and drinks (as of last week) -which means- WE NEED YOUR HELP!  We plan on having pretty much the same food and drink that we did at the Scottish Fair (scones, shortbread, empire biscuits, tarts, Walker’s Choc. cookies, tea/coffee and LOTS of water!)   Deb and I will be there in the early afternoon setting up the tables, etc…and we could use some help from 4pm to 10pm with setting up, breaking down the booth after the event, preparing our items for sale, and serving our guest!  If you plan to attend the event and can volunteer any of your time, it would be much appreciated!  Please contact Jennifer Peterson at jenip1971@hotmail.com or 763-473-9049 to let her know your availability for the evening to volunteer.       

Highland Heartbeat

Wednesday, Sep 2 7:30p at State Theatre, Minneapolis, MN Opening with the emotive wails of the distinctive Scottish bagpipe, the music performed in Highland Heartbeat embodies the pride and passion of a country rich with history, offering a concert that spans genres and generations from traditional Scottish compositions like “Loch Lomond” and “Down in the Glen” to pop hits originally sung by Carly Sim  

 

Curious about Scottish Country Dancing?The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch is
offering two great opportunities this summer to give it a try:

 

– 1 JUNE 2009:  Bring A Friend Night, June Edition
Join us for a FREE evening of fun and easy Scottish country dances
that will give you a taste of what it’s all about.

– 15, 22, 29 JUNE 2009:  3-Week Mini-Course on Scottish Country Dancing Basics
Just $10 ($9 for members of Tapestry Folkdance Center, free for RSCDS
Twin Cities Branch Members) for all three weeks!

All events are on Mondays, 7:30 to 9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance
Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S. in Minneapolis.  No need to bring a
partner! Please wear clean soft-soled shoes and comfortable clothing.

For questions or to sign up for the 3-week class, send email to
info@rscds-twincities.org or call Lara at 612-874-8299

FFI: www.rscds-twincities.org
 

Scottish American Center and Heritage Resource

  151 Silver Lake Road NW, Suite 13 (Lower Level), New Brighton MN 55112

The Center is staffed by volunteers on Wednesdays & Thursdays 6-8PM

Saturdays 1-4PM

 

Grand News! New Location! We are moving to a new location, and hope to be visited by YOU soon.

The Scottish American Center will be located at 3030 West River Parkway South, Minneapolis; just at the west end of the Lake Street Bridge.  We will be spending part of the month of June making the move, and will have a Grand Opening sometime in the month of July.  Stay tuned!! 

 

Meanwhile, we STILL have need for folks to help volunteer for a time to help meet and greet. Call Tommy King (651-776-4316) to find out how and when you can help out at the SAC. Volunteer to take a shift now and then by calling Tom or email info@scottishamericancenter.org.

 

New Management: The Scottish American Center is under “new management”.  The Board of Directors has elected Dr. J Scott McKechnie, FSA Scot, to the position of Chairman Emeritus.  Scott will be available for advice and consultation, so he is not lost to the organization.  The new and current Executive Director and Chairman of the Board of SAC is John McKeen. We also have some new members of the Operating Board and we are making a major effort to pump some new energy into the organization. If you would like to get involved, we welcome your interest. You can reach John at 651-228-0022.

 

Donors:  Those of you that have contributed your time and financial support in the past have done a wonderful thing! And we wish to acknowledge your help!  Soon you will be receiving a letter of appreciation.  We are making a major effort to clarify donations that have come in over the past 12 months and will be contacting you soon! We continue to have a need for support to help finance the move to our new location!  At this time, we have two anonymous donors that are willing to match any new donations, up to $500.00, will qualify.  This is one Great way to help the SAC.

 

Volunteer at the RenFest for the SAC:  We have a major fundraiser planned at the Renaissance Fair and need people to help staff a booth for the sale of Mead.  People are asked to come for a half day, or a whole day, to help us at the Mead Booth.  To get on the schedule, please call Phil Sutherland @ (651) 241-8026, or Stacey @ (612) 859-5119.

 

Volunteer at the Irish Fair for the SAC:  We have a major outreach effort planned at the Irish Fair, scheduled for August 7, 8, and 9.  We are getting the word out to all those Scots, especially those who think they are Irish, and we need your HELP.  We need people to help staff a booth to greet the public. Come for a half day, or a whole day, to help us at the Marketplace Tent  To get on the schedule, please call John McKeen @ (651) 228-0022, if not there, please, please leave a message.

www.scottishamericancenter.org       Call (651) 636-1558.

 

SNIM – May 2009

A Loss to the Scots Community

 SNIM is grieved to learn that Mary Hill, wife of Peter, both of whom have been involved in the Scots community in Minnesota, has passed away. Mary and Peter were at the Ramble and were looking forward to the Fair in May. Our condolences to the family and friends..

 

Volunteers Needed!!

We need helpers for the Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games on Saturday 9th May, 2009 from as early as 7am to 6pm in the Tea Room and from 9am to 5:30pm in the Family Tent helping the kiddies with a craft and monitoring outdoor games.

We will need minimum of 5 people serving in the Tea Room and 4 people in the Family Tent throughout the day. Sign up as an individual, a couple or a family.

You can sign up to help out for as little as one hour or all day if you like!! We are able to offer you free admission to the Fair for a 4 hour commitment.

It’s a lot of fun helping out. It’s a great way to meet lots of people and you have the satisfaction of knowing that you contributed to a great Scottish event.

If you are interested in either station please email Jennifer with your preference and desired time at GlasgowGirl@q.com

 

HIGHLAND HEARTBEAT

HIGHLAND HEARTBEAT

Centuries-old Tradition Meets Modern Music to Capture the Heart and Soul of Scotland in Song in New TV Special Starring Fiona Kennedy

 

Airs Thursday, May 14 at 8:30pm on tptLife

(Repeats on Friday, May 15 at 2:30am)

 

Preview video and more at wliw.org/highlandheartbeat

 

Singer/actress Fiona Kennedy, a member of Scotland’s leading theatrical family and well-known in North America as the host of “Tartan TV,” leads a group of singers brought together from a country-wide audition to represent a range of musical styles.  Singers Jim Malcolm, Jillian Isbister, Maureen McMullan, Daisy Chute and Darren Maclean perform at the historic Theatre Royal in Glasgow backed by the Scottish Festival Orchestra.  The men wear the traditional Scottish kilt, and the women wear modern designs that riff on traditional Scottish themes.  Emmy Award-winning Scottish actor Brian Cox (“The Bourne Supremacy”) reads the works of Scotland’s national bard, Robert Burns, with stunning footage of Scotland interspersed between songs.  The concert was shot in high definition in August 2008.

 

HARP Competition

On May 9, 2009, the Scottish Harp Society of America (SHSA) will present the first annual Scottish harp competition at Minnesota Scottish Fair. Ann Heymann, master harper and SHSA ‘Distinguished Judge’, will judge the competition. 

The goals of the Minnesota competition are to foster confidence in harp students and players of all levels, from early beginners to masters, in a friendly environment, as well as to encourage harpers to include Scottish music in their repertoire. 

Every competitor will receive judge’s comments and a certificate of participation. We also plan to provide some awards for the winners. In order to encourage participation in the competition by as many harpers as possible, registration for the competition is free. This means we are completely dependent on sponsors for prizes and awards.  

We would very much appreciate your support in this endeavor through your sponsorship or donation. Would your Clan be able to contribute an award for the first place winner in one of the competition categories? SHSA competitions offer five graded solo harp categories by skill level: Beginner, Novice, Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master; as well as five graded special categories:  Early Scottish Music, Harp & Vocal, Harp & Spoken Word, Harp in Ensemble, and Emerging Forms. For more information on the requirements for these categories, please see the SHSA website.  

Other, more general, awards are also possible. For example, one local clan has arranged to present a prize for Most Promising Harper. Other possibilities for general awards include Harper of the Day, or even Never Before Played the Harp!

We have arranged with one of the Fair vendors, Cindy Stephens, to design and create handmade framed awards for the first-place winners in the SHSA regular categories, at a cost of $50 each. If your Clan could sponsor the prize for an entire category, or even a portion of a prize, we would much appreciate it.       

We hope to make the SHSA Scottish Harp Competition an annual feature of the Minnesota Scottish Fair, so this year, there is a unique opportunity to establish such a prize as an annual gift from your Clan, if you wish. As a sponsor, you will be recognized at the awards presentation for your generous contribution. In addition, a representative of your Clan will be invited to present the award at the awards ceremony.     

If you are able to support the efforts of our competitors, please contact me by Wednesday, April 22 to make arrangements for your donation. Thank you!

Best regards,

Cindy Schaufenbuel, Chair

SHSA Harp Competition at Minnesota Scottish Fair 2009

18320 Cascade Drive

Eden Prairie, MN 55347

(952) 693-3755

cindy@schaufenbuel.com

www.shsa.org

www.mnscottishfair.com

 

 

HAGGIS – IT’S NOT JUST FOR JANUARY!

I can’t claim to be an authority on haggis. But for three years while we lived in the Highlands, Barb and I enjoyed haggis almost every week; and not just any haggis, but Cockburn of Dingwall’s All-Scotland Champion Haggis. So last week, when we spotted “fresh haggis” in the meat case at the new Seward Co-Op at Franklin and Riverside in Minneapolis, well – we had to give it a go.

That first batch of haggis out of the Co-Op was pretty good, It was made with the right parts, but they used beef instead of lamb, and rolled oats, too, and it was packed like bratwurst in natural sausage casing. After Barb and I tried it, we consulted with Bill, the Seward Sausagemaster, and made a few modest suggestions. Bill is now making his haggis with lamb and steel-cut oats, and searching for a more appropriate casing. And – having sampled it on this lovely April evening – we can attest that the Seward Co-Op haggis is as close to Cockburn’s classic as we’ve had this side of the water.

We also brought home a nice small rutabaga from the Co-Op’s produce section. Diced, boiled and served with butter, salt and pepper, the rutabaga made a credible imitation of the ‘neeps we always enjoyed with tatties and haggis. Being tradition-bound, I was forced to have a wee dram with the meal as well, along with a nice pint of ale. All we lacked to complete the Highland scene was gale force winds and slashing rain.

So here’s a tip for those poor souls whose exposure to Scotland’s national dish has been limited to that obligatory dollop from parts unknown (literally) appearing on the plate at a Burns Night Supper: haggis is not just for January. And it deserves to be more than an ethnic icon, a Celtic equivalent of Norway’s notorious lutefisk. Well made, haggis is a tasty dish deserving of Robert Burns’ lavish praise and delicious at any time of the year. Now that we have a source for good, fresh haggis, it will be gracing our table often. With a wee dram, of course!

—– Jack Maloney

 

 

Scottish Fair & Highland Games

May 9

 

 

9:00 am – 5:30 pm (Gates open at 8:00 am)
Ceilidh 5:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the McCracken Pub

Dakota County Fair Grounds
4008 220th Street West, Farmington MN 55024

General admission tickets $15
Seniors 65+ $10
Children 6 – 15 $5
Children 5 & under FREE
On site parking is FREE

 

Tartan Day – April 4, 2009

APRIL 2^ND FESTIVITIES

We begin with a program at the Minneapolis Central Library at 6:30 pm on April 2nd to celebrate the 250^th anniversary of the birth of Robert Burns, the Scottish Bard.  We will feature the Minnesota Police Pipe Band, a display about Robert Burns and program full of Scottish flavor. Representatives from many of the local Scottish clubs and clans will be on hand.

BURNS DAY at the LIBRARY

IT’S THE 250TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE BIRTH OF ROBERT BURNS; CELEBRATE WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY. At the CENTRAL LIBRARY, DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS, 300 NICOLLET MALL; APRIL 2nd, 2009 6:30 PM TO 8 PM 

SCOTTISH MUSIC, DANCE AND POETRY FEATURING: Ross Sutter, Premier Interpreter of Burns’ Vocal Music; The Night Scotsman; Jack Barker Addressing the Haggis; Scottish Country and Highland Dancing; The Minnesota Police Pipe Band will ROCK the Library! 

ADDMISSION IS FREE~ SCOTTISH ATTIRE ENCOURAGED!

 

APRIL 4^TH FESTIVITIES

1.  Saturday, April 4th offers three schedules events. The afternoon Event will begin at 2:30 pm with the parade from the Vietnam Memorial up to the front of the Capitol, the same as previous years. On the Capitol steps (or inside at the rotunda in case of rain) the Macalester College Pipe Band will be receiving the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative. Mayor Chris Coleman will proclaim a call has been put out to all of Macalester’s College’s Pipe Band alumni to join us on that day.

 

2.  The film of Sean Connery tour of Edinburgh, filmed in 1983, will be shown at 5:00 p.m. at Merlin’s Rest at 3601 East Lake Street.

3.  Highland Reign is playing a concert on the night of April 4th at O’Gara’s Garage to benefit the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative. The event begins at 7:30 pm. (Doors open at 6:00) @ 164 N. Snelling Avenue.  The program including the Macalester College Pipe Band will play at 8:00. Highland Reign starts at 8:30.  The program that April 4th, 2009 will be Macalester College Pipe Band Day in St. Paul, Minnesota. O’Gara’s will have a special menu available from 6-8pm. All drinks will be cash only in the Garage & there is an ATM inside O’Gara’s Bar. Tickets are $10.

 

Please consult the web-page for further information:  www.mntartanday.org/25501.html

 

 

Details:

Here is the Schedule of Events 

7:30    Emcee Babs Humphrey
7:40    Tombola
7:50    Dancers
8:00    Macalester College Pipe Band
8:15    Presentation of engraved Lifetime Achievement Award by Norma Macdonald
          & Tombola winners
8:30    Highland Reign
9:15    Tombola winners 
9:30    Great Kilt demonstration
9:45    Highland Reign
10:30   “Bessie’s Boil” by Robert Service to be read by Jack Mahoney
10:45   Highland Reign

Scottish News In Minnesota

Scottish News in Minnesota (SNIM) is an electronic newsletter prepared by members of the Clan MacRae on behalf of the TARTAN DAY COOPERATIVE as a service to Scots, Scot-Americans, Ulster-Scots, the Canadian Scotch and our Celtic kin in the North Country.

 

APRIL in MARCH

The April SNIM is being published in March so as to give adequate notice of the upcoming TARTAN DAY on April 4. Who knows, perhaps it will be a harbinger of an early Spring?

 

BURNS DAY at the LIBRARY

IT’S THE 250TH ANNIVERARY

OF THE BIRTH OF ROBERT BURNS

CELEBRATE WITH HENNEPIN COUNTY LIBRARY

 

CENTRAL LIBRARY, DOWNTOWN MINNEAPOLIS

300 NICOLLET MALL

 

APRIL 2nd, 2009

6:30 PM TO 8 PM

 

SCOTTISH MUSIC, DANCE AND POETRY

 

FEATURING: 

Ross Sutter, Premier Interpreter of Burns’ Vocal Music

The Night Scotsman

Jack BARKER Addressing the Haggis

Scottish Country and Highland Dancing

 

The Minnesota Police Pipe Band will ROCK the Library!

 

ADDMISSION IS FREE~ SCOTTISH ATTIRE ENCOURAGED!

 

TURN OUT FOR THE TARTAN!

 

GAELIC LANGUAGE

My name is Nancy Antenucci of the Clan Donald in St Paul.  My friend Stacey Peacock and I are interested forming a group to learn a strong Scottish Gaelic language foundation. A small group of us, mostly from Clan Donald, have been trying to teach ourselves which has proved quite difficult without a fluent Scottish Gaelic speaker as a guide or mentor. We would really like to find someone locally who could meet with us regularly or periodically to help us move along a little faster and with better understanding. At the very least, we would love suggestions for resources for those who managed to teach themselves. Is there any chance of posting this inquiry in the next newsletter? You can contact me at 651-644-7440 or nucc40@yahoo.com.

 

ST ANDREWS‘ KILT KRASH

Hey everybody!Wanted to get the word out on our first Kilt Krash of the season.We are planning on having it at Merlin’s Rest and also at O’Gara’s.This event is to promote our Tartan Day events on April 4th.We would also like to encourage anyone who would prefer their own local pub to get out there and spread the word.We will have fliers available to anyone that wishes to visit their own pub.You can contact Jack MacMillan,and he can assist you with fliers.We are planning on having the Krash on March 27th(Friday),beginning at 7pm.To get a hold of Jack email him at: jacmacm@aol.com or phone him at 612-798-5092.Any questions for me,Tommy King you can reach me at doulltommy@yahoo.com or call=2 0me at 651-776-4316.Thanks abunch for your time and hope to see you on the 27th!

 

FAERIES & FRIENDS

Fern Lerwick will be presenting a class at the Center for Irish Music spring semester Fairies and Friends.  This class will explore Celtic culture through stories and crafts. We will meet the magical creatures and heroes of Celtic legends. Learn the tales and rhymes of Ireland and create treasures to take home.  Be prepared to make a mess.
    Fun for ages 2-5 Yrs.  2year olds can bring an adult friend.
Saturdays 11:00-11:45 10 weeks March 28-May 30
($50.00 tuition) Special introductory offer, buy 2 get one free!
    CIM @ The Paul & Sheila Wellstone Center/ Neighborhood House
197 Robie Street East St Paul, MN 55107   www.centerforirishmusic.org

 

 

TARTAN DAY – APRIL 4, 2009

Since 1999, Minnesotans of Scottish heritage have gathered on Tartan Day at the State Capitol in St. Paul to publicly recognize the contributions of Minnesotans of Scottish Heritage and to celebrate Scottish culture with music, dancing, and song. The date for Tartan Day was selected because it was on April 6  in 1320 that the Declaration of Arbroath was signed, a document often regarded as the Scottish Declaration of Independence. 

We encourage all Minnesotans, whether Scots or not, to join us as we proudly celebrate our heritage. And if you can’t attend in person, be sure to wear your tartan and a Tartan Day Button!

 

The Macalester College Pipe Band will be honored with a lifetime achievement award from the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative for providing 60 years of Scottish music and culture to Minnesota.  

 

Saturday, April 4 3 p.m.  Tartan Day Parade starts    Minnesota State Capitol 75 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., St. Paul Find it here     6 p.m. Continue the Scottish festivities O’Gara’s Garage 164 Snelling Ave., St. Paul 8 p.m. Macalester Pipe Band 9:15 p.m. Highland Reign Cover: $10 at the door

The day will be proclaimed Macalester College Pipe Band day in St. Paul by Mayor Chris Coleman.  All are encouraged to come and watch the parade of pipe bands, dancers and other Scottish types.

All alumni of the pipe band are invited to step in with the current roster of 30 to play a special Tartan Day set of Scotland the Brave, Murdo’s Wedding, and Wings.  So, bust out your pipes and cinch up your kilt!  The songs can be downloaded from the Macalester Pipe Band website. 

 

Alumni pipers who wish to perform with the group for the parade are asked to meet at 2:30 p.m. on the Capitol Mall at the west end of the Veterans Services Building which is near 12th Street and John Ireland Boulevard.  (#8 on this map of the Mall)

 

Continue the Scottish festivities, and join members of the Macalester Pipe Band performing at O’Gara’s.  People will gather at 6 p.m. to eat, socialize and participate in the tambola (a UK form of bingo).  There will also be poetry readings and a reintroduction of the Macalester Pipe Band as the honorees between shows. 

 

 

DANCE … DANCE … DANCE

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

Scottish News In Minnesota – March 2009

Scottish News In Minnesota (SNIM) – March 2009

SNIM is an electronic newsletter published by members of the MacRae Clan on behalf of the Tartan Day Collaborative for Scots, Scot-Americans, Ulster Scots & the Scotch-Canadians in the North Country.

 

Announcements

 * The Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans has revised and updated its website at www.mncsc.org, take a look.

 * The Minnesota Police Pipe Band has won “Champion Supreme” status from the Midwest Pipe Band Assn. for 2008 Grade 5.

The Minnesota band was led by Pipe Major Wayne Sanford, Center City; Pipe Sergeant Trevor Bailey, Belview; Drum Sergeant Nate Kerr and MidSection leader Erin Lerwick both from Minneapolis.  In addition toband honors, MPPB soloists who achieved Champion Supreme status are Erin Lerwick for Group Tenor and piper Tom Hinrichsen.

 

Calendar

 - March 14 – The Twin Cities Scottish Club is holding its Whist & Pies event, 1 – 5 pm at Macalester-Plymouth United Church adjacent to Macalester campus. Cost is: $7.00 per person for Members,  $9.00 per person for Guests   $5.00 for children 12 years & under; Deadline March 8 Register with Check by March 8th, 2009 to: TCSC c/o Carolyn Jackson, 12212 Goldenrod Circle NW , Coon Rapids , MN . 55448

- April 4 – TARTAN DAY in MINNESOTA  – We will march on the Capitol, listen to a few speeches, take a group photo and then party down at O’Gara’s Garage at Snelling & Selby in honor of the Declaration of Arbroath. Further details will follow

    

 May 9 -  MINNESOTA SCOTTISH FAIR & HIGHLAND GAMES    – Dakota County Fairgrounds, Farmington MN

   A daylong celebration of family, friends and culture complete with clan exhibits, vendors, games, potables, edibles, displays, entertainment and a pub tent all capped off with a celidh for the grown ups in the evening.

SNIM – A Scottish Ramble – Special Issue

Scottish News In Minnesota * * * SPECIAL ISSUE

 

A Scottish Ramble is scheduled for the upcoming weekend, Saturday and Sunday, February 14 – 15, 2009, at the Landmark Center, 75 West Fifth Street, across from Rice Park, in downtown Saint Paul.

   Saturday hours 10 am to 5 pm, Sunday hours Noon to 5 pm

   Admission: $ 5 for Adults and $ 3 for Seniors and Kids 12 & under

 

Performance & Presentation
Schedule

Saturday
Cortile ~ Mainstage

            9:00 Highland Dance Competition ~
                       Primary, Beginner & Novice Levels

            12:00 Scottish Country Dance Lesson ~
                         Lead by Andy McCracken & RSCDS Dancers

            1:00 Highland Dance Competition
                      Intermediate & Premier Levels

            3:45 Ross Sutter ~ Traditional Songs of Scotland

            4:40 Minnesota Police Pipe Band

Courtroom 317

            11:15 Scotty Roberts, local author / illustrator reads
                      excerpts from his soon to be published sequel to Tam O’Hare ~ A Story of Scotland

            12:15 Ross Sutter ~ Songs for Children, audience participation

            1:15 Becoming A Scottish Swordfighter ~
                    Michael McClellan  * This presentation is especially for young people

            2:15 Sir Gustav Doc’tain ~Interactive storytelling
                     Come in and be a part of the story

            4:00 Minnesota Police Pipe Band ~ Open Rehearsal

Courtroom 326

        11:00 Engaging the Public and Answering Their Questions at Scottish events ~ This presentation is designed especially
                      for Clan representatives but also of interest to others. William Bruce, President Family of Bruce International

            12:00 Scottish Weapons, An Overview
                        Terry Wessling, MN Coalition of Scottish Clans

            2:00 The Wee Mad Road ~ Come meet Jack Maloney, author of a memoir of two years in an isolated village in the wilds of the West Highlands

            3:00 Tartan ~ Q & A on the history & allure of Scotland’s checkered cloth ~Mark Osweiler, Scottish Tartans Authority

Sunday
Cortile ~Main Stage

            12:15 Minnesota Police Pipe Band

            12:35 Parade of Tartans and Kirkin’ of the Tartans
                        Join in singing Amazing Grace and Flower of Scotland

            1:00 Thistledown & the Dancers of the
                     Royal Scottish Country Dance Society & Fligmagaerie

            2:20 Ross Sutter & Laura MacKenzie
                        A musical tribute for the 250th anniversary of Robert Burns birth

            3:30 Highland Dancing
                        Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association

            4:00 Country Dance Lesson ~ Learn a traditional dance or two
                        from Andy McCracken & the dancers of RSCDS

            4:40 Macalester College Pipe Band

Courtroom 317
            1:00 Ross Sutter – Songs for Children

            2:00 Scotty Roberts, local author / illustrator reads
                        excerpts from his soon to be published sequel to Tam O’Hare ~ A Story of Scotland

            3:00 Celtic Folk Tales ~ Sir Gustav Doc’tain
                       Stop in and become part of the story

            4:10 Macalester College Pipe Band~ Open Rehearsal

Courtroom 326
            1:15 The Tartan – Q & A on the history & allure of  Scotland’s checkered cloth
                    Mark Osweiler, Scottish Tartans Authority USA

            2:15 Becoming A Scottish Swordfighter ~ Michael McClellan This presentation is designed especially for young people

 

Vendors:

Bent Needle Designs, Bramblewood Cottage, Celtic Croft,  Celtique Creations, Clearwater Etching, Gilday’s Tea Shoppe & Boutique, Frugal Corner, Kathleen’s Dream, MacGregor Games, Moncrieff Photograpy, Notting Hill Books, Patty’s Pottery, Scottish Island Novels, St Croix Weaving, T. R. Hawinson Ltd.

 

Participating Clans & Organizations:

Clann Tartan, Macalester College Pipeband, Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Minnesota Police Pipe Band, Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games, Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Assn., Minnesota Tartan Day, St Andrew’s Society, Scottish American Center, Scottish American Military Society, Scottish Tartans Authority, Twin Cities Scottish Club

AND

Clans Armstrong, Cameron, Donald & Stewart

 

Scottish News In Minnesota – February 2009

Scottish News In Minnesota

is an electronic newsletter prepared by members of the Clan MacRae for the Tartan Day Cooperative and  the Scots-American community in Minnesota and the North Country including Scots, Ulster-Scots, Canadian Scotch and our Celtic kin.

    

New Subscribers

Are there Scots-Americans or Scots you know who should be receiving the newsletter?

Someone in the auld country?

Your Irish brother-in-law who is always harping about his heritage?

The kids who are off to college?

Send their email addresses to macraeclan@gmail.com or have them join via the YahooGroup at  groups.yahoo.com/groupScottishNewsInMinnesota

 

News & Notes for Scots Blog

The newsletter, a calendar of events and all sorts of interesting notes and comments relative to the Scots-American community is available at the “News & Notes for Scots in the North Country” Blog.  Check the Blog for updates and for superfluous trivia and significa. See  –

scottishnewsinminnesota.wordpress.com

 

Looking for the website of a

Minnesota Scot organization?

You can find it on the blog.

 

If your website is not listed under the “Links” send us an email.

 

Calendar

 

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

 

Ongoing

The CLANN TARTAN

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

  

Feb 6 

7th ANNUAL

SCOTTISH ISLAND CONCERT Conducted by THE DUNQUIN

7:30PM – 7:30PM – 7:30PM

Olivet Congregational Church

1850 Iglehart, St Paul,

$12 per person

THE DUNQUIN will host

Laura Mackenzie and Audrey McClellan

Tea with Sweets will also be provided

 

Feb 7

Irish Music

Our Irish kin folk are raising a hullabaloo and throwing a shindig to celebrate 5 years of traditional Irish music in the Twin Cities

Sponsored by the

Center for Irish Music

Silent Auction at 6:00PM

Concert at 7:30PM

Titanic Room of Kieran’s Pub

330 2d Ave So in Mpls.

$25 per person

FFI call Kate at 612-669-3013

or email irish.music@comcast.net

  

Feb 13

The Celtic Woman

Excel Center

 

Tickets available from Ticketmaster

 

Feb 14 – 15 

THE SCOTTISH RAMBLE

Saturday 10AM to 5PM

Sunday Noon to 5PM

Landmark Center

75 West 5th Street, St Paul

 

The CLANN TARTAN will perform at the Ramble and demonstrate Highlands life and culture circa 1630

 

Minnesota Police Pipe Band will be performing at A Scottish Ramble on Saturday, February 14th at 4:30PM

Sunday, February 15th at 12:15PM

before the Kirkin’ of the Tartan.  
 

Feb 23

RSCDS Dance Night

The  Royal  Scottish  Country  Dance  Society

holds its “Bring a Friend” Night

7:30PM

Tapestry Folk Dance Center

3748 Minnehaha Ave So ,Minneapolis

Its free! Bring comfortable shoes.

FFI www.rscds-twincities.org

 

 

April

Annual Meeting of the

DULUTH SCOTTISH

HERITAGE ASSOCIATION

Time/Date/Location TBA

 

April 4

TARTAN DAY in MINNESOTA 

We will march on the Capitol, listen to a few speeches, take a group photo and then party down at

O’Gara’s Garage at Snelling & Selby

which I understand will be MacGara’s for the day.

Further details will follow

Tartan Day is the Scots-American holiday commemorated for two reasons: (1)

It was about time we Scots had a day   

(2)

It is on or about the day on which the Scots duly declared their independence and sovereignty in the

Declaration of Arbroath (April 6)

 

May 9

MINNESOTA SCOTTISH FAIR & HIGHLAND GAMES   

Dakota County Fairgrounds, FARMINGTON

A daylong celebration of family, friends and culture complete with clan exhibits, vendors, games, potables, edibles, displays, entertainment and a pub tent all capped off with a celidh for the grown ups in the evening.

 

June 27

DSHA

SUMMER DANCE  COMPETITION

will be held at Fitger’s Courtyard beginning at 9AM with a Celidh to follow

 

July 9 – 12 

GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN HIGHLAND GAMES &

Gathering of the Clans at MacRae Meadows, Grandfather Mountain near Linville NC – Check their website FFI

 

September 20

HIGH TEA held by DSHA

Caledonian Grounds,

Forest Lawn in Duluth

check the DSHA website for FFI

 

“High Tea”, as contrasted with the common run of teas, is a treasured event appropriate for all ages and genders but  especially suitable for the Scottish princess in your life, daughters or granddaughters, mothers or grannies, or main squeeze, all of whom enjoy the extra pampering involved in the service and consumption of finger sandwiches, dainties, muffins, marmalade, sweets and cream & tea (remember, guys, elevate the pinky)

 

November 22

DSHA’s KIRKIN O’ the TARTANS

5:30PM

First Presbyterian, Duluth

at following Evensong,

more info to follow

 

One of the greater experiences in the editors’ lives was attendance at the Kirkin’ O the Tartans at the National Cathedral in Washington, it is a beautiful and moving service which may be recommended to all

[There should be a metro Twin Cities Kirkin' in 2009. If you know of the church and date drop us a note]

 

Scottish-American Center

We Scots in Minnesota are privileged to have the Scottish-American Center gathering and maintaining our collective heritage for our community and for generations yet to come.

If you haven’t visited, do so, you can find them at

 

151 Silver Lake Road NW

Suite 13 (Lower Level)

New Brighton MN

 

The Center is staffed by volunteers on Wednesdays & Thursdays 6-8PM

Saturdays 1-4PM

Volunteer to take a shift now and then by calling Tom King at 651-776-4316

or email info@scottishamericancenter.org 

 

Donate a spare bob or two,

US dollars or Scottish pounds

are both appreciated

Check the website 

www.scottishamericancenter.org 

Tell them Bubba MacRae sent you

 

Winter Dance Competition

The Duluth Winter Jig Competition was held on Jan 17.

The Judge was Anne Donlan, Saratoga Springs, NY, Vice President of Fusta.  The winners are posted on the

Scottish News Blog scottishnewsinminnesotawordpress.com

 

Who Discovered America?

Why a Scot, Of Course

Christopher Columbus is usually accorded the honor as the first person from the Eastern Hemisphere to have arrived in the Americas. Norwegians, Basques, Irish, Welsh and the Chinese have contested this achievement however.

But if one really searches the documentary history in the archives of the Auld Country one finds that it was REALLY a Scot who arrived in the Americas before Columbus. Henry Sinclair, Prince of the Orkneys & the Shetlands, had made voyages to Iceland and Greenland where he learned that there was a land farther west. Setting sail in 1399, Sinclair’s flotilla reached the shores of Nova Scotia which was then named

Escociland – land of the Scots.

Planning to return in the future, Sinclair sailed back to the Orkneys only to be assaulted by Henry IV of England. The Prince died soon after in battle against the bloody English.

Proof, besides Sinclair’s own documents and the diary of a Venetian sailing with him, was found in 1849 when a 14th century cannon was dredged up in the harbor of Louisburg on Cape Breton Island.

 

Blog Project

We would like to assemble a Directory of Blogs maintained by Scots in Minnesota and throughout the U.S. on behalf of clans or as individuals. If you know of one send its address along to the editor lawrencewinans@yahoo.com

 

Technical Matters

Although I am sure most would be uninterested in the technical details of

newsletter production, I know I’d be uninterested if not involved, we thought it would be a good idea to update all on the just what we’re doing. The previous newsletter server-host was not working, so we transferred the newsletter to YahooGroups. Yahoo is easy to use and costs nothing so it appears to be a good fit.

 

We loaded 300 members from our newsletter list to Yahoo in time to send out the Mid-January Special Burns issue. The Yahoo protocols dictated that we could not add more than 10 members daily thereafter. So we sent the newsletter to remaining members via regular e-mail. We have since been adding 10 members daily and most of you will get this newsletter via the YahooGroups. Some will still have to be sent via my e-mail account.

And that’s probably way more than anyone wants to know.

 

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.

 

The Blog at

scottishnewsinminnesota.wordpress.com which complements this newsletter can be updated with minimal inconvenience and time, therefore, any notices not submitted in time for the newsletter may be placed on the Blog.

 

ALL SNIM communications will be sent via the Newsletter. If anyone purports to represent SNIM and the return address is NOT the

SNIM YahooGroup, lawrencewinans@yahoo.com macraeclan@gmail.com

please contact the editors immediately. 

 

The emails of all SNIM subscribers will be kept private.

 

Don’t Forget

Feb 6 

7th ANNUAL

SCOTTISH ISLAND CONCERT conducted by THE DUNQUIN

7:30PM – 7:30PM - 7:30PM

Olivet Congregational Church

1850 Iglehart, St Paul

THE DUNQUIN will host

Laura Mackenzie and Audrey McClellan

 

Results of the Winter Jig Highland Dance Competition in Duluth on Jan. 17, 2009

 

Dul-Duluth; Mpls-Minneapolis; TB-Thunder Bay,Ont; Supr-Superior, WI; TH-Two Harbors, MN; St.P-StPaul;; Carl-Carlton,MN: KOnt-Kamnishquia, Ont.

16 Pas de basques,                      Sophie Munson, Dul           Felicity Pederson,Dul

6 PdB and High Cuts(4 X)          Sophie Munson                   Felicity Pederson

Highland Fling-4 step                  Sophie Munson                   Felicity Pederson

 

Beginners-10 & Under

Scottish Lilt                                   Kathryn Byzewski, Mpls.;Jessica Bertoldo, TB     

Highland Fling-4 step                  Kathryn Byzewski                Ellen DeAgazio,TB          Jessica Bertoldo               Marta Iverson, Supr        Sonja Iverson,Supr.

Sword Dance-2&1                        Ellen DeAgazio                     Jessica Bertoldo

Seann Triubhas-3&1                   Kathryn Byzewski                Ellen DeAgazio

Trophy—Clan Hunter   Kathryn Byzewski

 

Beginners- 11 & Over

Scottish Lilt-4 step                    Jasmine Foley,TB                   Lydia Lehman,TH            Victoria Richard, TB        Paige Helget-TB

Highland Fling-4 step                  Jasmine Foley                       Victoria Richard                Lydia Lehman

Sword Dance-2&1                        Paige Helget                          Jasmine Foley                   Lydia Lehman                   Victoria Richard                Juliet McLellan,Carl

Seann Triubhas 3&1                    Paige Helget                          Jasmine Foley                   Lydia Lehman

Trophy—Clan Hunter    Jasmine Foley

 

Novice-10 & Under

Flora-4 step                                   Lauren Chorkawy,TB          Courtney Cameron, TB   Alexis Vance, TB              Maggie Wilberforce, TB

Highland Fling-4 step                  Courtney Cameron               Olivia Sellner,TB              Alexis Vance                     Maggie Wilberforce        Brynn Monteith,TB                                 Lauren Chorkawy Sword Dance-2&1                           Courtney Cameron           Elise Parsons,Mpls          Brynn Monteith                                       Alexis Vance                         Olivia Sellner                     Maggie Wilberforce

Seann Triubhas-3&1                   Courtney Cameron               Alexis Vance                     Olivia Sellner                     Maggie Wilberforce        Brynn Monteith

Trophy—Clan Mackenzie   Courtney Cameron

 

Novice-11 & Over

Flora-4 step                                   Alina Walters,Kont     Allessandra Albanese-TB      Elizabeth Garofalo,TB      Caitlin Smith,TB        Brianne Smith, TB           Maaddie Chorkawy,TB

Highland Fling-4 step                  Alessandra Albanese          Airen Belleau                    Maddie Chorkawy           Carolyn Lucca-Dul           Alina Walters                                          Elizabeth Garofalo

Sword Dance – 2&1                     Allessandra Albanese         Brianne Smith                   Elizabeth Garofalo            Alina Walters                   Airen Belleau                                           Caitlin Smith

Seann Triubhas- 3&1                  Allessandra Albanese         Airen Belleau                    Alina Walters                   Maddie Chorkawy           Caitlin Smith                                              Claire Keller-St.P

Trophy—Clan Mackenzie    Allessandra  Albanese

 

MOST PROMISING BEGINNER/NOVICE DANCER         COURTNEY  CAMERON    TROPHY given by Lucca Family and Clan Hunter

 

Intermediate

Sailor’s Hornpipe-4 step             Samantha Mehta,Wood      Katie Michalak, St.P        Erin Zysko, TB                 Miranda Peterson,Dul     Raina Belleau,Mpls

Highland Fling –6 step                Samantha Mehta                  Katie Michalak                 Hannah Peterson, Dul     Miranda Peterson

Sword Dance 3&1                        Samantha Mehta                  Katie Michalak                 Miranda Peterson            Hannah Peterson

Seann Triubhas 4&2                    Samantha Mehta                  Katie Michalak                 Raina Belleau                    Miranda Peterson            Erin Zysko                                             Hannah Peterson

Trophy—Clan MacLean of Duart     Samantha Mehta

 

Premier 15 & Under

Irish Jig-6 step (2 finishing)        Kelly Brush, St.P                  Summer Getty,Ply             Kayla Gomes,TB              Victoria Schmitz,St.P                                                        Jacquelyn Schmitz,St.P

Highland Fling-  6 step                Kelly Brush                           Summer Getty                   Victoria Schmitz                Jacquelyn Schmitz           Kayla Gomes               Alison Matthews-Rose

Sword Dance 3&1                        Kelly Brush                           Summer Getty                   Victoria Schmitz                Jacquelyn Schmitz

Seann Triubhas-  4&2                 Kelly Brush                           Victoria Schmitz                Jacquelyn Schmitz           Kayla Gomes

Trophy—Clan Sinclair     Kelly Brush

 

Premier 16 & Over                   

Irish Jig-6 step (2 finishing)        Alexandra Schmitz, St.P      Erin Brush, St.P

Highland Fling –6 step                Alexandra Schmitz               Erin Brush

Sword Dance- 3&1                       Alexandra Schmitz               Erin Brush

Seann Triubhas- 4&2                  Alexandra Schmitz               Erin Brush

Trophy—Clan Macpherson   Alexandra Schmitz

 

MOST PROMISING INTERMEDIATE/PREMIER DANCER    SAMANTHA  MEHTA      TROPHY given by Teresa & Jim Peterson and Clan MacKinnon

Minnesota Tartan