From BabsFayth at aol.com Mon Dec 1 15:54:27 2003 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Mon Dec 1 15:56:24 2003 Subject: [Scottish News] SCOTTISH NEWS IN MINNESOTA Vol. 3, No. 27, December 1, 2003 Message-ID: <7e.424b8f62.2cfd0483@aol.com> Hello Everyone Some of you may notice a small change in the ?look? of the SNIM starting with this issue. One of our readers commented that she was experiencing some strange hieroglyphics within the body of her copy and thought they might be attributable to writing it first as a Word document. So this is an experiment to determine if composing it as a Plain Text document makes any difference. Feedback? Anyone? Several wonderful events were held in November. Thanks to those whose efforts made them happen. The Kirkin? in Rochester was very well attended for a first time event. Thanks to Ray and Sue Ricketts for putting that together and thanks, too, to several good folks from the Twin Cities who traveled down to take part. John McKeen, MN Commissioner of Clan Donald together with members of St. Andrew?s Society hosted a marvelous night at the St. Paul Curling Club. Lots of members of Clan Donald, Clan Cameron, Clan MacLeod, MCSC, SAS, friends and family, young and old, gathered for a wonderful evening of experiencing a grand old Scots game, many for the first time. Think there were a few converts, as well. Across town, supporters of the effort to bring Scotland?s Master Storyteller, Duncan Williams, to Minnesota next May enjoyed superb piping, dancing, shortbread and a wee spot of tea. No Haggis! Several Twin Cities Scots bound for the Kirkin? and High tea in Duluth were held back by fiercer than fierce snow storms throughout Minnesota, arriving too early to be the Thanksgiving blizzard. Am guessing that those hardy Arrowhead region Scots, who don?t let a little thing like a 12 inch snow fall slow them down, pushed on and had a grand event. Ya dinna stay home unless the snow drifts are touching the bottom of yer kilt! And just last Saturday night, members of St. Andrew?s Society gathered at the Fort Snelling Officers? Club for their annual St. Andrew?s Day Dinner. President Mary McShannock, Co-First Vice Presidents, Mike & Audrey McClellan, and Second Vice President Judith Palmateer conducted a Scotch tasting featuring four entirely different choices of vastly different complexities. Scotch aficionados at our table were enthusiastic and enjoyed every drop. A sumptuous dinner was followed by a very entertaining program by the Court Revelers whose finale was the traditional ?Auld Lang Synge? with everyone singing along. SAS piper, Gary Webb, offered several wonderful selections but raised a few eyebrows with ?When Irish Eyes are Smiling.? He quickly redeemed himself with ?Flower of Scotland? with many joining in the singing. Thanks to everyone whose brilliant efforts are keeping Scottish traditions, culture, and fun alive and well in Minnesota. And this from the Minnesota Folk Festival: First of all, many, many thank yous to so many people that helped with creating a successful fundraiser for the Minnesota Folk Festival on November 9. For additional information on their many events scheduled throughout the year, check their web site at: www.minnesotafolkfestival.org COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. December 3, 2003, 6:00 PM (TIME CHANGE) Church of the Epiphany in Plymouth the annual celebration of St. Andrew's day in this church in the western metro. 2. December 6, 2003 - RSCDS ? Failte Ball 3. December 7, 2003 ? St. David?s Society (Welsh) Christmas Carol Sing and Tea, 2:00 p.m. 4. December 13, 2003 ? Clan Donald holds their annual Holiday Party. 5. January 1, 2004 ? Clann Tartan, Airing of the Tartans, Augsburg Park, Richfield 6. January 1, 2004 ? St. Andrew?s Society, First Footing, hosted by Bob & Lori McOlsson 7. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week. 8. On Going ? NEW FALL 2003 SCHEDULE - Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! FUTURE DATES - Additional information in future issues. Mark your calendars NOW. 1. January 10, 2004 ? Saturday, Quarterly meeting of MCSC, Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Rd, New Brighton, 11:30 a.m. Pot Luck lunch, 1:00 p.m. General Meeting 2. January 24, 2004 - St. Andrew?s Society Burns Night, Rush Creek Golf Club 3. January 24, 2004 ? Minnesota Pipes & Drums Burns Night, Summit Brewery 4. January 24, 2004 ? Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Burns Night, Kitchi Gammi Club 5. January 31, 2004 ? Twin Cities Scottish Club, Burns Night Supper, Fort Snelling Club 6. February 6, 2004 ? Friday ?The Return to Eilean Dubh concert will take place with the usual suspects (Sherry Ladig, Dunquin, and friends) doing the musical honors. Olivet Congregational Church, 7:30 pm February 6th, 2004. Admission ten bucks, refreshments included. Special guest, the fabulous and talented Laura Mackenzie. Additional information in future issues. (Shhh. . . this just out ? The sequel to Westering Home will be out and available. Woo Hoo) 7. February 9, 2004, Monday - RSCDS ? Valentine Social, Monday 8. February 14, 15, 2004 ? A Scottish Ramble, Landmark Center, St. Paul. 9. February 28, 2004, Saturday afternoon - RSCDS ? Grand Ball, Please note the date change and mark your calendars. 10. March 6, 2004 ? Minnesota Pipes and Drums Concert, Minnetonka Fine Arts Center, Minnetonka High School. 11. April 3, 2004,- 3rd Annual Tartan Day Ball ? place TBA 12. April 6, 2004 - 6th Annual Tartan Day Celebration ? Place TBA 13. June 2004 ? The Stirling Scottish Renaissance Faire 14. June 12, 2004, Saturday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Association Dance Competition, Fitger?s Complex, Ceilidh following in the evening. 15. July 10, 2004 ? The First Annual Minnesota Scottish Fair, Dakota County Fair Grounds, Farmington ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Molly?s may be gone, but Liam isn?t. 2. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces opportunities for participation. 3. Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for the Discriminating Scot on your list. NEWS 1. A New, REAL, Scottish Renaissance Faire is coming to Minnesota. 2. Clan Donald announces births, marriages, and engagements. COMING EVENTS 1. December 3, 2003, 6:00 PM (TIME CHANGE) Church of the Epiphany in Plymouth the annual celebration of St. Andrew's day in this church in the western metro. A Kirkin? of the Tartans will be held starting at 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, next, at the Church of the Epiphany in Plymouth, Schmidt Lake Road & Nathan Lane, one block west of 169, Plymouth, MN 55441 763-559-3144. Try mapquest.com for directions. 2. December 6, 2003 - RSCDS ? Failte Ball The RSCDS Branch of the Twin Cities of Minnesota invites one and all to its SEVENTH ANNUAL FAILTE BALL 6:30 pm on Saturday, 6 December 2004 At the Barton Open School 4237 Colfax Avenue South, Minneapolis "Failte" means welcome in Gaelic, and all Scottish country dancers, beginners and experienced, are most welcome! The Failte Ball is intended to be a gentle introduction to the ball scene for newer dancers, and a fun night for all. Music by Thistledown (Sherry Ladig, Ken Steffenson, Anne Benson, and Pat O'Loughlin) Tickets: $17 (includes dancing and a fabulous dessert buffet) We offer a $5 discount to students and those attending their first SCD ball. To register: Contact Judith Palmateer, jpalmateer0463@comcast.net Hospitality is available to visitors from out of town. Non-dancers are welcome to come and enjoy the music and the dessert buffet for $5/person 4. December 7, 2003 ? St. David?s Society (Welsh) Christmas Carol Sing and Tea, 2:00 p.m. >From Tom Parry, FSA Scot, and President of St. David?s Society: The Annual St. David's Society Christmas Carol Sing and Tea (Te Bach) will be Sunday December 7th at Grace United Methodist Church starting at two (2) PM. Laurel Bradshaw will conduct the singing and special music will be provided by members of the Society. There will be a holiday tea break following the program so everyone can enjoy the traditional delicacies and good Welsh fellowship. A gift table will be set up providing an opportunity for some Christmas shopping. As usual there will be some new items on display. The church sanctuary has proved an excellent setting for the Christmas program in the past and we look forward to this year's celebration. The pastor?who too is Welsh?will be present for opening words appropriate to the season and will greet the St. David's Society members and guests. The church is located on Lowry Avenue at Cleveland Street in Northeast Minneapolis. You may enter the church at the Cleveland entrance where an elevator is available or from Lowry Avenue up the steps. There is no charge but a free will offering will be taken to defray the cost. All are welcome, especially if you delight in carol singing for the holidays. 5. December 13, 2003 ? Saturday, Clan Donald holds their annual Holiday Gathering. Members of Clan Donald will gather on Saturday, December 13 for fun, games, and clanspersonship celebrating the holiday season. If you are interested in becoming a member of Clan Donald contact MN Commissioner John McKeen at jemckeen@isd.net 6. January 1, 2004 ? Clann Tartan, Airing of the Tartans, Augsburg Park, Richfield This event typically takes place about noon on January 1. Meet in the parking lot on the west side of the community center building at 70th and Nicollet Avenue in Richfield. Dress warmly as there is no inside place for shelter but your automobile. Don?t forget your feet. 7. January 1, 2004 ? St. Andrew?s Society, First Footing, hosted by Bob & Lori McOlsson At their home at 2758 Chisholm Ave, North St. Paul MN 55109, phone 651-770-5820. Let mapquest.com help you find your way. Fun starts at 2:00 p.m. and continues until at least 5:00 p.m. It is traditional to bring a wee goodie for the hosts, and look for a bit of Scottish Spring Water, a glass of the grape, and a cup o? tea. Your chance to meet SAS?s new treasurer and his lovely and get 2004 off on the right foot. Red headed ladies, please arrive late. Good looking, dark haired men, be prompt. Thanks. 8. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week. Dance continues on the first and third Wednesdays in Inver Grove Heights, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in Roseville. Night at the Pub is looking for a new home since Molly's has closed, but we hope to start up soon again. For dance updates, contact Mary McKinley at Mairi2@juno.com. 9. On Going ? NEW FALL 2003 SCHEDULE Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh Dancing led by George McCracken will be held every second and fourth Friday of the month at Providence Place. Providence Place is located on 23rd Avenue and 38th Street in S. Minneapolis. For more information leave a message for George at 612-729-1785. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. Molly?s may be gone, but Liam isn?t. Comes these encouraging words from Bill Watkins: Hi Babs, perhaps you could say that Wild Bill is still running his famous Sunday Night Trivia Quiz at the Dubliner (2162 University Ave W, St. Paul, 55114, 651-646-5551) each week at 7.30pm, most of the Molly's crowd gather for a social beforehand. lr gr? Bill 2. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces opportunities for participation. This from Mac McPherson: Have I got news! "The Minnesota Fair is on track and gaining momentum. We are seeking volunteers for most anything and everything. No matter what your interests are, if you are willing to help, we can use your skills! Many hands make light work and we want those who are helping put the fair together enjoy what they do as much as those who attend the fair. If you are interested, please go to www.mnscottishfair.org and press the volunteer button. Please provide your name, and a means of contacting you, and how you might be interested in helping. This email will be routed to the appropriate person. We thank you in advance for your participation! We will be present at A Scottish Ramble on 14 February and will have more information and such for distribution. Until then, please feel free to visit the web site to see what we are doing." Groups wanting links to the site should email their requests administrator@mnscottishfair.org 3. Holiday Gift Giving Ideas for the Discriminating Scots on your list. Books ? You can never go wrong with books and there are several splendid books that any good Scot would be thrilled to add to his or her library. First pick is Westering Home by our own Audrey McClellan. If you don?t have it ? get it! Check at www.BookHouseFulfillment.com or send Audrey an email perhaps you can get an autographed copy - audreym@visi.com It is a great read ? get two copies, one for yourself and one for giving. Make two people happy. Next ? through www.amazon.com you can order both books by Duncan Bruce. I recommend both of these absolutely. Duncan was the recipient of the first ever National Tartan Day award, well deserved. Both his books, The Mark of the Scot and the Scottish 100 belong in the library of every person claiming Scottish Heritage. Less enthusiastically received, but still a good resource book, Arthur Herman?s How the Scots Invented the Modern World is worth a look. A scholarly book that perhaps gives England more credit than she deserves, this book will appeal to the devoted historians. And then for fun, there is: HOT OFF THE PRESSES ? The second printing of the Clan Donald SCOTTISH COOKBOOK, written, and produced by Clan Donald Minnesota. Priced to sell. Gift your friends with this magnificent volume. * Beautifully packaged in an artfully designed folder with hand-cut decoration. * Ideal for gift-giving for this Holiday Season; * A thoughtful gift for cooks & non-cooks alike... * Complete meal descriptions with favorite recipes... * Impressions of the Scottish Countryside by the authors... * A Fund Raiser for Clan Donald Minnesota... * Only $15.00, plus $3.00 s & h, ($1.00 for each additional gift) Order NOW!! For this Holiday Season. Call John or Cyndy @ (651) 228-0022, or email at jemckeen@isd.net Just leave a message with your request and where you would like them sent. For other Scottish items contact Joseph or Lorie Croft of The Shetland Piper (joseph@shetlandpiper.com )or visit their web site at www.shetlandpiper.com for their amazing inventory of Scottish goods. Joseph and Lorie are treasured members of our community and deserve our support. Enjoyed seeing them at the St. Andrew?s Day dinner and they brought their wee bairns to the Curling, as well. And don?t forget Jackie Johnston?s dolls, outfitted in your clan?s tartan. For additional information contact Jackie at jackiejohnston@mchsi.com NEWS 1. A New, REAL, Scottish Renaissance Faire is coming to Minnesota. This wonderful news was received recently from Scotty Robert: Last year, Lindsay and I portrayed the king and queen at a new renaissance faire in Elk River. THIS YEAR, we are shareholders in the company, and have totally revamped the faire. The new faire is called the ?Stirling Renaissance Faire,? focusing on the life and royal court of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots. It will be held the four weekends of June 2004, as well as the Fourth of July weekend. Each day of the faire represents a fictional day in May of 1567 where The Earl of Bothwell has a festival thrown in honor of his new wife, the Queen of Scotland. My sweetheart, Lindsay portrays Mary Queen of Scots, and I am James Hepburn, Earl of Bothwell. Since this faire is going to be a THOROUGHLY Scottish renaissance faire, I would like to see just how much of the Minnesota Scottish community I could get involved by way of crafters, games, dancers, pipers, competitions, clans, scotch importers ,investors, sponsors, etc. Here is the site we are just starting to build ? it should be ready to view by the public sometime during the holidays: http://www.stirlingfaire.com/test/test_index.html I would like to see what I can do to involve the Minnesota Scottish community. Editor?s note: This is a wonderful idea that I hope our community will get behind and support 100%. For those of you who have become disenchanted with the Minnesota Renaissance Festival (and I count myself among those), here is a chance to see a ?REAL? Renaissance Faire in our community, one dedicated to history in as authentic a presentation as is possible. Visit the web site ? it?s wonderful. And stay tuned. . . 2. Clan Donald announces births, marriages, and engagements. John McKeen, MN Commissioner of Clan Donald shares all this wonderful news of Clan Donald members: Patty and Larry MacDonald became grandparents of a little girl baby born to their daughter Megan on October 31, 2003. This little trick or treat is named Hannah Marie. Bruce MacDonald, former Regional and State Commissioner for Clan Donald and his wife Alice announce a granddaughter born to son James and wife Heather MacDonald on November 10, 2003. This lovely future highland dancer is named Samantha Anne. Former Northern Minnesota Convenor Amy Hoff exchanges marriage vows today, December 1, 2003 with Luke McKay-Jones on board a topsail in Pirates in Paradise, taking place in Key West Florida where Amy now makes her home. Happy nuptials to them both. Scott Henry and Stephanie McCollum announce their engagement to be married. No date for the wedding has been set, but sometime in the New Year. Parents of this wonderful young couple are Ned and Alice Henry and Jon and Diane McCollum. Jon McCollum is the national president of Malcolm/McCollum. Congratulations and best wishes to everyone. And in closing This month?s nugget from Ray Erwin is news of ticket sales protocol for the Edinburgh Tattoo held each August at Edinburgh Castle. The 2004 presentation will be held from August 6 ? 28. Mail and fax bookings will be accepted from Monday 1st December 2003. Telephone and Internet orders may be made from 10.00am (GMT) on Monday 15th December 2003. Visit http://www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk/tickets/index.html for information. (Editor?s note: we ordered our tickets for the Tattoo of 2001 via the internet and it was a dream. Had the tickets in no time at all and with the great seating charts, were able to pick terrific seats.) Now you can relive some of those magical moments from this year's record-breaking 54th Edinburgh Tattoo. An impressive 90-minute programme that captures the spectacular music and action from this August?s action-packed show is now available on BBC recorded Video and DVD. Exclusive extras carried only on the DVD include a behind-the-scenes featurette and video news release. Copies of these popular products may be obtained from The Tattoo Shop, 33-34 Market Street, Edinburgh EH1 1QB. The recordings, priced ?17.95 for DVD and ?14.00 (PAL - UK, Europe, Australia) & ?17.00 (NTSC - USA, Canada, Japan) for the video cassette, can also be purchased via the Internet at www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk/ or by simply telephoning ++44(0)8702 202 310 or faxing ++44(0)131 225 8627. Postage and packing per item is charged, where applicable, at UK ?1.50, Europe ?2.50 & World Wide ?3.50. The 2003 Tattoo is also available on Compact Disc (?13.00) and Tape Cassette (?9.00). Visit the Tattoo?s online store at www.edinburgh-tattoo.co.uk/shop for further details. Do please note that the final postal dispatch dates for Christmas delivery are: UK First Class 20 December, UK Second Class 18 December, Western Europe 15 December, Eastern Europe 12 December, USA, Canada & Japan 12 December & Rest of World 8 December. As always, Thanks, Ray. If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us and we will publish in the next issue. Our deadline for the first of the month issue is the 27th of the previous month. Please let us know if you would like to be included in the reminder email that is sent out on the 20th of the month. Please feel free to forward this on to whomever you think might enjoy receiving it. As always, if you do not wish to continue receiving Scottish News in Minnesota and our mid-month reminders, go to www.tartandaymn.org, click on Scottish News in Minnesota, click on subscriptions page, and follow the directions for removing your email address from the mailing list. Barbara Humphrey "Babs" Scottish News in Minnesota is a publication of the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative and is published 12 times a year. It is intended solely for the information, interest and enjoyment of members of the Scottish community of Minnesota and the border Scots of Wisconsin as well as others of our Celtic friends. The current issue of Scottish News in Minnesota can be found on our new web site hosted by Clann Tartan: www.tartandaymn.org Click on "current issue." "Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thaining thu" Remember those from whom you are descended Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://host.dotservant.com/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20031201/466c610b/attachment-0001.htm From BabsFayth at aol.com Mon Dec 29 15:39:44 2003 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Mon Dec 29 15:41:26 2003 Subject: [Scottish News] SCOTTISH NEWS IN MINNESOTA Vol. 4, No. 28, January 1, 2004 Message-ID: <159.2ab622f1.2d21eb10@aol.com> Hello Everyone Notice how the days are getting longer? We have reached and past the Winter Soltice, that long, bleak, mid-winter day of the short sunshine, and now march headlong towards that great Springtime equalizer, the Virnal Equinox. We'll make it! We always have and even though there are some tough days ahead, balmy days are just 80-odd days away - and counting. In case you missed it, Belinda Jensen, KARE 11 meteorologist reminded us last night that we are entering into the coldest period of the winter. Thanks, Bel. Okay, many of you know that my attempt to banish the hieroglyphics in the last issue didn't work. Sooooooo, my good computer guru chums have suggested yet another method. This time, I am composing the SNIM in Notepad, which should (operative word here is "should") strip away all those uglies that both Word, Text, and AOL tend to implant in our documents, unknown to us. As always, your feedback will let me know if we are on the right track. Thanks. (PS - Notepad does not have a Spellcheck program, sooooo a few boo boos may slip through - sorry.) Yup, it's not January 1st, but here is the SNIM in your mailbox anyway. We have a couple of wonderful events coming up on January 1 (Thursday) and we want to be sure everybody gets a reminder in time to make those plans. So here goes: COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. December 31, 2003 - Minnesota Folk Festival, New Year's Eve Party 2. January 1, 2004 (Thursday) - Clann Tartan, Airing of the Tartans, Augsburg Park, 70th & Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, NOON 3. January 1, 2004 (Thursday) - St. Andrew's Society, First footing, hosted by Bob & Lori McOlsson, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. 4. January 7 and January 21, 2004 - Scottish Country Dance lessons taught by Kirk Bachler (RSCDS teacher), at the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 E. Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis 5. January 10, 2004 - Saturday - Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Quarterly Meeting, Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton, 11:30 a.m. Pot Luck lunch, 1:00p.m. General Meeting. 6. January 24, 2004 - St. Andrew's Society, Burns Night Supper, Rush Creek Golf Club 7. January 24, 2004 - Minnesota Pipes & Drums, Burns Night, Summit Brewery 8. January 24, 2004 - Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Burns Night Dinner, Kitchi Gammi Club 9. January 31, 2004 - Twin Cities Scottish Club, Burns Night Supper, Fort Snelling Club 10. February 6, 2004 - The Return to Eilean Dubh Concert, Olivet Congregational Church, 7:30 p.m. 11. ON GOING - Westminster Presbyterian Church Celtic Service, 2nd Thursday (Next January 9) 7:00 p.m. 12. ON GOING - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing once a month. 13. ON GOING - Twin Cities Scottish Club - Fall/Winter Schedule Ceilidh dancing with George. FUTURE DATES - Additional Information in Future Issues. Mark your calendars now. 1. February 9 - Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Valentine Social 2. February 14 & 15 - A Scottish Ramble, Landmark Center, St. Paul 3. February 28 - Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Grand Ball 4. March 6 - Minnesota Pipes and Drums, Concert, Minnetonka Fine Arts Center, Minnetonka High School 5. April 3 - Tartan Day Ball, 3rd Annual Ball 6. April 6 - Tartan Day, 6th Annual Celebration 7. June, July, 2004 - Stirling Scottish Renaissance Faire, weekends in June and 4th of July weekend. 8. June 12 - Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Highland Dance Competition, Fitger's Complex, Ceilidh following in the evening 9. July 10 - THE FIRST ANNUAL MINNESOTA SCOTTISH FAIR, Dakota County Fair Grounds, Farmington, MN 10. July 24 & 25 - The National Highland Competition, Mall of America ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. St. Andrew's Society Launches web site. 2. So you want to spend a night (or a week) at Glen Bogle. NEWS 1. Flowers of the Forest - Johnny Cunningham, one of Silly Wizard and undoubtedly the finest fiddle-player to come out of Scotland in years. He was 46. 2. Minnesota Pipes and Drums to be featured at A Scottish Ramble. FEATURE 1. What is this Hogmanay anyway?? COMING EVENTS 1. December 31, 2003 - Minnesota Folk Festival, New Year's Eve Party The Minnesota Folk Festival Presents a New Year's Eve Party with music, sessions, food, drink & FUN! Appearing: Spider John Koerner, Larry Long, 5 Mile Chase, Barra and more to be announced. SUGGESTED Donation: $20 of food/beverages for party and/or donation at the door (more if you can & less if you can't). 7 pm to midnight at the home of Paul Garding, 1172 Bush Avenue (near intersection of Minnehaha & Duluth) East side, St. Paul. Reservations appreciated: call the Minnesota Folk Festival at 651-292-4900 or email Mnfolkfestival@aol.com. We hope to see you there to share music, food & bring in the new year. All best wishes to everyone from the staff of the Minnesota Folk Festival. 2. January 1, 2004 (Thursday) - Clann Tartan, Airing of the Tartans, Augsburg Park, 70th & Nicollet Avenue, Richfield, NOON This is a great event, albeit a bit bone chilling depending on the outdoor temps. Dress appropriately. Gather in the parking lot on the West Side of the Community Center building. These hardy folk have been known to do a Scottish Country Dance in the parking lot. Bring a thermos (or flask) of something to warm your innards and enjoy the fun. 3. January 1, 2004 (Thursday) - St. Andrew's Society, First footing, hosted by Bob & Lori McOlsson, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. A lovely, lovely tradition is the Scottish First Footing. Who crosses your threshold first, portends your luck for the coming year. Tall, dark haired, good looking men bring the best luck. Those red-headed wenches, the least good. They can arrive late. Traditional to bring a treat to share, a coin or two into the dish on the table, and you may enjoy a wee tot and be sent home with a lump of coal. SAS new treasurer Bob and the lovely Lori are the hosts at their home at 2758 Chisholm Avenue, North St. Paul. 651-770-5820 if you get lost. Best bet go to www.mapquest.com for directions and a map. 4. January 7 and January 21, 2004 - Scottish Country Dance lessons taught by Kirk Bachler (RSCDS teacher), at the Nokomis Community Center, 2401 E. Minnehaha Pkwy, Minneapolis Want to learn Scottish Country Dancing for the Burns' Night Dinners? Kirk will be teaching TWO nights at the Nokomis Community Center. Come join the fun. 5. January 10, 2004 - Saturday - Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Quarterly Meeting, Irondale High School, 2425 Long Lake Road, New Brighton, 11:30 a.m. Pot Luck lunch, 1:00p.m. General Meeting. MCSC will gather for their quarterly meeting and urge all certified clan reps to attend. Lots of Business on the table: Ramble, Tartan Day, MN Scottish Fair. If you are interested in representing your clan in Minnesota, contact Vice President Jack Campbell, jcampbell@postalbox.net or call 651-436-2089 (home) or 651-731-7900 ext 12 (office). Jack will explain how to go about contacting your clan's national society and requesting the right to represent it in Minnesota. Only paid authorized clan reps may vote at MCSC meetings. 6. January 24, 2004 - St. Andrew's Society, Burns Night Supper, Rush Creek Golf Club Burns' Night Dinner will be hosted at Rush Creek Golf Club on Saturday, January 24 beginning at 5:30 p.m. with social hour, seating for dinner begins at 6:15 p.m., and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. There will be piping, toasts, musical entertainment, and dancing. The cost has gone up slightly. If make your reservations and send check by January 10, the cost is $42.00 per person. After January 10 and before January 17, the cost is $47.00 per person. After January 17 until January 21, the cost is $52.00 per person. We hope for a great turnout again this year. We will also have a Silent Auction for the annual scholarship given away each year. Invitations willbe sent the 1st week of January. For additional information you can email Audrey McClellan at audreym@visi.com or Judith Palmateer at JPalmateer0463@comcast.net. 7. January 24, 2004 - Minnesota Pipes & Drums, Burns Night, Summit Brewery Minnesota Pipes and Drums is hosting its 6th annual Burns Night Celebration on Saturday, January 24 at Summit Brewery in St Paul. Social hour (open bar) begins at 6:00 p.m. There will be a traditional salute of the Haggis followed by a complete buffet dinner at 7:00 p.m. A performance by Minnesota Pipes and Drums and a ceilidh will follow dinner. Scottish Country Dancing will end the evening. Tickets are $30 per person and reservations are due by January 6, 2004. Reservations received after that date are subject to a $5 late fee. Reservation requests/payment can be sent to Minnesota Pipes and Drums, PO Box 19067, Minneapolis MN 55419. For more information please contact Jennifer Fraser, 651.489.7047. 8. January 24, 2004 - Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Burns Night Dinner, Kitchi Gammi Club This is an amazing event and sells out every year with approximately 300 guests. Rumor has it it is already sold out for this year and invitations to members have not yet been sent. If you are one of those lucky Scots who happens to be a member of DSHA, call in your reservation the day you get your reservation. At that you may be on a waiting list. The same meal is served each year: Angus Beef with the most scrumptuous sauce, tatties and neeps, and EDINBURGH FOG - to die for. 9. January 31, 2004 - Twin Cities Scottish Club, Burns Night Supper, Fort Snelling Club The Twin Cities Scottish Club, 2004 BURNS NIGHT SUPPER, Saturday, January 31, 6:00p.m. to Midnight, FORT SNELLING CLUB (Located just North of the MSP airport) Featuring: A return visit from The Voice Box Ceilidh Band From Helensburgh Scotland, The Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association Dancers, The Macalester College Pipe Band, And lots of fun!!! The evening includes: Social Hour, Dinner, Haggis, Traditional Toasts, Song, Scottish Piping, Dancing, and A traditional Ceilidh Dance. All this for only $29.00 per person. Reservations now being accepted. Reservations postmarked by January 3 will be eligible for door prize drawings. All reservations MUST be postmarked by January 17. Confirmations and maps will be sent on January 19. Questions? Call Kirsty at 952-895-6133. Seating preferences will be made on a first-come first-served basis; we will do our best to accommodate requests.Make checks payable to TCSC. Mail to: TCSC Burns Reservations, 1701 Country View Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337 Please enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope 10. February 6, 2004 - The Return to Eilean Dubh Concert, Olivet Congregational Church, 7:30 p.m. The Return to Eilean Dubh concert will take place with the usual suspects (Sherry Ladig, Dunquin and friends,) doing the musical honors. Admission ten bucks, refreshments included. Special guest, the fabulous and talented Laura Mackenzie. Look for the sequel to Westering Home. 11. ON GOING - Westminster Presbyterian Church Celtic Service, 2nd Thursday (Next January 9) 7:00 p.m. This from Charlie and Ann Heymann via Mairi McShannock: Those of you who are looking for a new Celtic experience might want to try Westminster Presbyterian Church's Celtic Service at 7pm on the second Thursday of each month. It is held in the Church's small Chapel and the service is small and intimate, inspired by practice out of Iona in Scotland. The church is located at 1200 Marquette Ave. in downtown Minneapolis, across the street from Orchestra Hall, and after 6:00pm you may park in the underground garage at Wells Fargo Bank, as well as in the surface lot on Marquette Avenue. Please note that these lots are to be used only when attending worship services or activities at Westminster.The service generally lasts about 45 minutes and is followed by a tea & scones reception in the lobby afterward. 12. ON GOING - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing once a month. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week - Dancing continues on the first and thrid Wednesdays in Inver Grove Heights, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in Roseville. Night at the Pub is still looking for a new home and hope to start up again, soon. For dance updates, contact Mary McKinley at Mairi28@juno.com 13. ON GOING - Twin Cities Scottish Club - Fall/Winter Schedule Ceilidh dancing with George. Twin cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing led by George McCracken will be held every second and fourth Friday of the month at Providence Place, located on 23rd Avenue and 38th Street in South Minneapolis. For more information leave a message for George at 612-729-1785. ANNOUNCEMENTS 1. St. Andrew's Society Launches web site. January 1, 2004 is the date that has been set for the launching of St. Andrew's Society's long awaited web site. The site name is www.standrewsmn.org. We will link to any local Scottish organizations but need website links sent to us (info@standrewsmn.org). Information on the Burns' Night Dinner for January 24 will be listed on the site along with a reservation form. 2. So you want to spend a night (or a week) at Glen Bogle. Monach of the Glen fans are regaled by the news that the property featured in the popular Scottish series is available for visits by the common folk. If you are interested in staying on the grounds of the Ardverikie Estate - "Glenbogle Castle" in the series - visit www.ardverikie.com for details. Be advised - this is no "bargain B & B." And be sure to plan ahead. It's already book for most of 2004 and into 2005. And to check out the rest of the "Monarch" story visit their web site at www.monarch-country.com Good news! There is a rumor going about that "Monarch" will soon appear on PBS stations everywhere. If it is currently being shown in Iowa, can Minnesota be far behind. Be of stout heart those of you who do not get BBC America - it's coming! NEWS 1. Flowers of the Forest - Johnny Cunningham, one of Silly Wizard and undoubtedly the finest fiddle-player to come out of Scotland in years has died. He was 46. With heavy heart our dear friend Bill Watkins sends the news that his good friend Johnny Cunningham died suddenly of a massive heart attack at his home in New Bedford, Mass. December 15. Bill will travel to Scotland for a memorial service for Johnny next month. Bill sent us a copy of an article from the Telegraph of the 19th that is, sadly, too lengthy for this missive. And we are loathe to edit the Telegraph. Let me know if you would like a copy, I'll send it on to you. Please visit Johnny's website for additional information on his life, his music, and his work. www.johnnycunningham.com 2. Minnesota Pipes and Drums to be featured at A Scottish Ramble. The Minnesota Pipes and Drums will be featured at A Scottish Ramble on Sunday, February 15. There will be an open rehearsal where the public can watch the band set up and tune at 3:30 PM. The band will perform in the main hall at 4:30 PM. The following weekend, February 21, the band will be off to Canada for the first competition of 2004, to be held in Winnepeg. FEATURE 1. What is this Hogmanay anyway?? Yes, you have asked yourself and others this question a dozen times and maybe you don't feel like you've ever been given an explanation that makes sense to you. We would not pretend that this is the definitve answer or answers, but check out these web sites and see if they help: first, http://www.hogmanay.net/faq.shtml#origins And then try: http://www.siliconglen.com/Scotland/12_16.html Hopefully between the two you'll have enough information to at least give a fairly intelligent response when somebody says, "So, what are you doing for Hagmanay this year?" AND IN CLOSING If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us and we will publish in the next issue. Our deadline for the first of the month issue is the 27th of the previous month. Please let us know if you would like to be included in the reminder email that is sent out on the 20th of the month. Please feel free to forward this on to whomever you think might enjoy receiving it. As always, if you do not wish to continue receiving Scottish News in Minnesota, go to www.tartandaymn.org, click on Scottish News in Minnesota, click on subscriptions page, and follow the directions for removing your email address from the mailing list. ?Nollaig Chridheil agus Bliadhna mhath yr!? (Merry Christmas and Happy New Year) All the Best, "Babs" Barbara Humphrey Scottish News in Minnesota is a publication of the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative and is publised 12 times a year. It is intended solely for the information, interest, and enjoyment of members of the Scottish community of Minnesota and the border Scots of Wisconsin as well as others of our Celtic friends. "Cuimhnich air na coaine o'n d'thaining thu" Remember those from whom your are descended -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://host.dotservant.com/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20031229/9020f4a7/attachment-0001.htm