From BabsFayth at aol.com Mon Mar 1 12:52:54 2004 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Mon Mar 1 12:59:34 2004 Subject: [Scottish News] SCOTTISH NEWS IN MINNESOTA Vol. 4, No. 30, March 1, 2004 Message-ID: <1c7.15d81a2b.2d74d276@aol.com> Hello Everyone HAPPY WHUPPITY SCOORIE DAY! So, I have peaked your curiosity, have I? Well, you?ll have to read all the way to the end of the SNIM to have that curiosity satisfied. Keep reading. Lots of good stuff in between. It has been an incredibly busy February. The absolutely stunning Scottish Ramble was followed by the amazing visit of the Lord Lyon King of Arms to our shores that left us all just a little giddy and very proud of our community. Look for an article a little later on written by Jackie Johnston. We have just got the best Scottish community in the United States and don?t let anybody try to persuade you otherwise. Print this newsletter, hang it on your refrigerator, or transcribe all this good stuff into your personal calendars. Way too much to remember, at least for an old toots like me. So here goes the information for March and into April: COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. March 6 - Molly Quinn?s, our favorite pub, reopens in new location 2. March 6 - Minnesota Pipes and Drums, Concert, POSTPONED 'TIL FALL 2004 3. March 13 ? Sounds Irish: On Stage, Fitzgerald Theatre 4. March 17 ? Rebroadcast of March 13, Sounds Irish: On Stage, noon MPR Midday program 5. March 17 ? Dunquin at the Dublin Walk 49 ? Street & France Ave, Edina, 3:30 ? 6:00 p.m. 6. March 17 - Annual St. Patrick's Day Irish Ceili Dance 7. March 20 ? Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Quarterly meeting noon 8. March 20 ? Twin Cities Scottish Club, Annual General Meeting 2:00 p.m. 9. March 27 ? Scottish Heritage Dinner, Caledonia, MN 6:00 p.m. 10. March 30 ? Tartan Day Promotion on KARE 11 in the backyard with Ken Barlow at 5:00 p.m. 11. April 3 - Tartan Day Ball, 3rd Annual Ball, 6:00 P.M. Edinburgh USA 12. April 6 - Tartan Day, 6th Annual Celebration, Parade at noon, Celebration on Capitol steps 13. ON GOING - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing once a month. 14. 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. April 24 ? May 4 ? Duncan Williamson & Helen East ? Storytellers 2. April 25 ? St. Andrew?s Society Spring Luncheon at McHattie?s in Woodbury 3. April 30 May 1 and 2 - 2004 Minnesota Folk Festival 4. May 1 ? NO SCOTTISH FAIR AT MACALESTER ? TELL YOUR FRIENDS 5. May 22 ? MSCDA Scottish Evening at Macalester College, 7:00 p.m. 6. June, July, 2004 - Stirling Scottish Renaissance Faire, weekends in June and 4th of July weekend. 7. June 12 - Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Highland Dance Competition, Fitger's Complex, Ceilidh following in the evening 8. June 18, 19 & 20 ? Henry Ford Fiddle Fest 9. July 10 - THE FIRST ANNUAL MINNESOTA SCOTTISH FAIR, Dakota County Fair Grounds, Farmington, MN 10.July 23 & 25 - The National Highland Competition, Mall of America 11.August 7, 2004, International Folk Festival, Leif Erickson Park, Duluth, Minnesota 12.August 7 & 8 ? An Irish Festival ? Chief O?Neill Days 13.August 14 & 15 ? Highland Fling Weekend, Minnesota Renaissance Festival 14.January 29, 2005 ? TCSC Burns? Night Dinner ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. MOLLY QUINN?S IS BACK ? bigger and better than ever 2. DSHA has registration forms for June 12 Highland Dance competition 3. The Pipes are Calling ? MN Scottish Fair Needs YOU! 4. MSCDA wants to give you a trip to Scotland! 5. Found, or rather left behind NEWS 1. The Lord Lyon King of Arms visit to Minnesota was dazzling 2. Rod Larson, long time St. Andrew?s stalwart recovering from serious surgery 3. Six Nations Rigby Tournament ? Scotland Games, broadcast LIVE at Kieran?s 4. Minnesota Pipes and Drums declared lots of gold returning from the Winnipeg Scottish Festival. 5. Minnesota Pipes and Drums Scholarships 6. Pippin wears a kilt to pick up SAG award for LOTR 7. Transplanted Minnesota Highland Dancer takes two firsts in Montreal 8. Rally ?Round the Flag, boys (and girls)! And they did. 9. St. Andrew?s Society Secretary passes her exams. Congratulations! 10. Rock and Roll with the Minnesota Pipes and Drums FEATURE Whuppity Scoorie Day tradition lives on in Scotland ? Chuck Bushey COMING EVENTS 1. March 6 - Molly Quinn?s, our favorite pub, reopens in new location Great news from himself, Bill Watkins, our favorite keeper of the pub: Hi Babs, just a quick update on Molly Quinn's - we had our final licensing meeting last night and it passed unanimously! We are all set to go for 6th March and you will be pleased to hear that we can now hold some of your larger events, as our restaurant has seating for 98 and a capacity figure of 140. (That means 42 of you will be standing! ;-) ;-) Molly?s new location is: 3300 East Lake St., Minneapolis 2. March 6 - Minnesota Pipes and Drums, Concert, POSTPONED 'TIL FALL 2004 3. March 13 ? Sounds Irish: On Stage This month, classical music host Tom Crann brings the celebration back to the Fitzgerald Theater with "Sounds Irish: On Stage" Guests include: William Eddins, pianist and principal guest conductor of The National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland; Ann Heymann, Gaelic harpist; Erin Hart, reader and author of Haunted Ground; Bill Watkins, reader and author of Celtic Childhood; Tom Dahill, Uilleann piper; 5 Mile Chase, guitar and fiddle duo; John Patrick Fitzgibbons, Irish tenor, featuring the works of Thomas Moore; Patrick O'Donnell, Fintan Moore and Kieran Folliard, Irish natives and readers of Irish prose and poetry. WHEN: 8 p.m., Saturday, March 13 WHERE: The Fitzgerald Theater, 10 E. Exchange St., St. Paul TICKETS: Tickets are $28, $23 or $18. Minnesota Public Radio members receive a $3 discount. Tickets are available to the general public in person at the Fitzgerald Theater or through Ticketmaster. Minnesota Public Radio members may also order tickets by calling the Fitzgerald box office during regular business hours, 651-290-1221 (noon-6 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday). http://music.mpr.org/features/soundsirish/ 4. March 17 ? Rebroadcast of March 13, Sounds Irish: On Stage, noon MPR Midday program TUNE IN: "Sounds Irish: On Stage" will be recorded for broadcast on St. Patrick's Day, March 17, at noon during Minnesota Public Radio's Midday program. The broadcast can be heard on all Minnesota Public Radio news and information stations, including KNOW 91.1 FM in the Twin Cities. It can also be heard on the Web, http://www.mpr.org/ 5. March 17 ? Dunquin at the Dublin Walk 49 ? Street & France Ave, 3:30 ? 6:00 p.m. Sherry Ladig writes: The only "open to the public" gig I can report for Dunquin is that we will be at Dublin Walk, 49 1/2 Street and France, in Edina, on St Pat's (March 17th) playing Irish music from 3:30 to 6 pm., free. Come check out Dublin Walk's new location if you haven't been there, or return for some fine Irish music! 6. March 17 - Annual St. Patrick's Day Irish Ceili Dance WHAT: The Minnesota Folk Festival is sponsoring its annual Irish Ceili Dance taking place on St. Patrick's Day, Wednesday, March 17, at the historic C.S.P.S. Hall, 383 Michigan Street in St. Paul. Dances will be taught by Ann Wiberg, beginners are welcome, no experience is necessary, and you don't need to bring a partner. WHO: The music will be provided by Barra, "Minnesota's Best Loved Ceili Band," one of the most exciting Irish bands currently performing in the Twin Cities. The band features John McCormick: button accordion, vocals; Deborah Martin: fiddle; Paul Garding: guitar and vocals; and Dave Cammack: bodhran, accordion, and Karie Oberg, vocals. WHEN: March 17, 2004, Dance Instruction at 6:30 pm., Dance begins at 7:00. WHERE: CSPS Hall, 383 Michigan Street (corner of Michigan & W. 7th), St. Paul PRICE: $7.00 Advance, $9.00 at the door. Seniors and Children $3.50 advance, $4.50 at the door. Children under 6 are free. ADVANCE TICKETS: Available at Irish on Grand, St. Paul; Homestead Pickin' Parlor, Richfield; Irish Indeed, St. Paul; Irish Indeed, Mall of America, and by mail from the Minnesota Folk Festival. FURTHER INFO: Minnesota Folk Festival - (651) 292-4900 - www.minnesotafolkfestival.org 7. March 20 ? Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Quarterly meeting Cooper High School, 8320 47th Ave. N. New Hope 55428 11:00-11:30 entry, pot luck lunch thereafter starting at 12:00 ish, and meeting 1-3 or so. To vote on issues that come before the MCSC you must be a paid membe and authorized to represent your clan. If your clan is not currently represented and you would be interested in information on how to become a clan rep write to Vice President Jack Campbell jcampbell@postalbox.net If you have been a member in the past and have let your dues slip, Jack would love to hear from you as well. 8. March 20 ? Twin Cities Scottish Club Annual General Meeting 2:00 p.m. At Providence Place on 38th Street and 23rd Avenue, Minneapolis. Ask for conference room on One-South. TCSC members will meet to plan all sorts of great events to enjoy in the coming year and need everyone?s help and expertise. 9. March 27 ? Scottish Heritage Dinner, Caledonia, MN 6:00 p.m. We have long heard of the Scottish community in Caledonia but now we have information provided by our good friend Ray Ricketts in Rochester. Caledonia was founded by a Scot and is celebrating their SESQUICENTENNIAL this year. For all the information about the Scottish Heritage Dinner coming up on March 27 and the other events scheduled throughout the year go to their web site at: www.caledoniascottishheritage.com/ 10. March 30 ? Tartan Day Promotion on KARE 11 in the backyard with Ken Barlow at 5:00 p.m. Our good friends at KARE 11 have invited us to be their guests in the backyard with Ken Barlow during the 5:00 p.m. segment of the news. We hope to bring several highland dancers and a piper to entertain while Babs shares news of the Tartan Day events with the KARE 11 viewers. Mark your calendars. 11. April 3 - Tartan Day Ball, 3rd Annual Ball, 6:00 P.M. Edinburgh USA The 3rd Annual Tartan Day Ball will be held in the Sutherland Ballroom at Edinburgh USA, 8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park MN 55443. Social Hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Turnberry Room with a cash bar and the piano music of David Lohman. Dinner will follow with a menu of Sauteed Breast of Chicken with Fresh Mushroom Marsala Wine sauce, Grilled Fillet of Salmon with Tomato Arugula Salsa. Both entrees will be served with tatties and neeps, green beans almondine, and a baby Sinach and Romanine salad with fresh berries, toasted almonds and raspberry vinaigrette. Our traditional dessert of Tartan Day cake will complete the menu. A lovely vegetarian entr?e is available. Of course, there will be Haggis from Camerons in Florida with Jack Barker delivering the address accompanied by Gary Webb on the Pipes. Following dinner, the 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to a wonderful woman who has personified Highland Dance in Minnesota for nearly 40 years ? Florence Hart. We are thrilled to give this award to Florence and urge you to be present for an evening filled with surprises. And then, for all of you ladies and gents sporting new kilts or kilt skirts or if you?ve had them for a while but they?ve just not been christened, our annual Kilt Christening Ceremony will be held for the class of 2004. This is a popular and delightful event guaranteed to warm your heart and make you proud. No evening of Scottish Revelry would be complete without Scottish Ceilidh Dancing and our dear George McCracken will be there to lead us through our paces to the wonderful music provided by Thistledown. All that for only $40 per person. Make your checks payable to the MN Tartan Day Cooperative and send to Barbara F. Humphrey, 6324 Wentworth Ave So, Minneapolis MN 55423 no later than Saturday, March 27. Be sure to indicate your entr?e selection. For questions email: babsfayth@aol.com or call 612-869-7163 12. April 6 - Tartan Day, 6th Annual Celebration, Parade at noon, Celebration on Capitol steps Aye, it?s back out onto the cold windy steps of the capitol again this year. We did promise to move inside this year, but when the price tags were examined, not having $7,000 to spare to pay Mall of America, we opted to return to where we were welcomed and for free. We are Scots, after all. Gather down there by the Vets? building anytime after 11:30 a.m. and be prepared to step the Parade of Tartans off at 12:00 sharp. Our usual team of parade marshals, Shaun Hengel, Sharon Gustafson and as many of their kids as we can press into service will be directing the crowds ? volunteers welcomed ? we need you. We?ll march straight up the Mall to the capitol steps where we will present a stirring and inspiring program. We will re-present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Florence Hart; we will introduce a brand new ?calling of the clans? ceremony, as well as the dancing, piping, singing, and cheering you have come to love. As always, there will be surprises. Questions??? Call me, email me ? see above. www.tartandaymn.org 13. ON GOING - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing once a week. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week - Dancing continues on the first and third Wednesdays in Inver Grove Heights, and the 2nd and 4th Thursdays in Roseville. For dance updates, contact Mary McKinley at Mairi28@juno.com 14. ON GOING - Twin Cities Scottish Club - Fall/Winter Schedule Ceilidh dancing with George. Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing led by George McCracken is now being held EVERY 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. MOLLY QUINN?S IS BACK ? bigger and better than ever For several months, since its closing in October, many of us who had enjoyed great times at Molly?s were convinced that our great, cheery and cozy gathering place was gone forever. NOT SO! The first sign that Molly?s was on the way back came from a worker friend of mine who had heard from another friend that work was being done on a new site. When we talked with Bill Watkins, he said that Molly?s would be back but his role was uncertain. We are happy to report that cooler heads have prevailed, the owners have seen the wisdom of including Bill in their plans, so when Molly?s reopens on March 6, our favorite, scruffy, Irish storyteller will be holding down the fort telling all those good lies we love him for. So let?s get the whole gang together, all those good folks who at one time or another stopped by Molly?s for a pint and a wee bit of camaraderie, and have a grand re-opening bash on March 6 starting at about 7:30 p.m. I?ll be there, hope you will be too. We donned the kilts to say goodbye, let?s don the kilts, again, to say hello. 2. DSHA has registration forms for June 12 Highland Dance competition Ginny Johnson secretary of the Duluth Scottish Heritage Association writes: The Highland Dance Competition is scheduled for June 12 at Fitger's courtyard. Lake Superior is the backdrop for the stage. Registration forms may be obtained from Nancy Diener, 5818 Morningstar Drive, Duluth 55804. 3. The Pipes are Calling ? MN Scottish Fair Needs YOU! There are but a few that can hear the sound of the pipes drifting across the greens and not have some feelings well up. For years the sights and sounds of the massed bands playing Scotland the Brave, The Highland Laddie, Amazing Grace and so many other wonderful tunes at the Macalester Scottish Country Fair was a magical, mystical moment for many. Creating that moment of magic was not itself a feat of magic, but the result of months of hard work before the event and the efforts of many dedicated volunteers the day of the Fair. This year the Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games at the Dakota County Fairgrounds on Saturday, July 10 presents new opportunities as well as challenges. The opportunity is to make the Fair and the piping events better than ever. The challenge is to replace some of the resources no longer available to us because of the change of venue and date. For years Cadets from St. Thomas Academy served as Stewards, helping to facilitate both the solo and band piping competitions. They looked sharp and did a great job! Unfortunately, the Cadets are not available to us during the summer months. Without Stewards it would be difficult to stage the solo and band competitions. Our hope is that members of the Scottish community who love the Fair and the piping will step forward to help us this year. The only requirement is that Stewards be at least sixteen years of age. It isn?t necessary to be a piper or even to understand the ins and outs of piping competitions. The tasks of a Steward are easy learned at the short training session before the fair and there are experienced people around to answer questions during the competitions. Plenty of food and drink will be provided and you?ll hear a lot of great piping! Four Stewards are needed for the solo competition in the morning and three for the band competition in the afternoon. Those volunteering for both will not be discouraged, of course! Please call Ron McLane at (763) 546-4159. The best times to call are after 6:00 P.M. during the week and in the afternoon or evening on weekends. If I ?m not home when you call, please leave a message and I?ll return the call right away. 4. MSCDA wants to give you a trip to Scotland! Just buy a raffle ticket or two or ten ? or MORE! Kitty Hart Stoker, president of MSCDA, writes with the following announcement: We are looking for anyone interested in supporting our United States National Scottish Dance Championships this July 23-25th being held at the Mall of America. We are selling raffle tickets for: 1. 2 Round Trip tickets to Scotland on Iceland Air 2. American Girl Doll with Scottish dance costumes 3. Scottie Dog quilt and matching pillow 4. Stained glass thistle 5. 2 nights at the Holiday Inn select Tickets are $2 each To buy tickets contact Karyl Cogswell at 651-687-9666 or kkcogs@excite.com Okay kids, this is a vital organization in our community and that they have managed to bring the National Championships to Minnesota is nothing short of spectacular. So, squeeze those bucks out of your wallet and send them off to Karyl or however she wants you to do it. Let?s show these wonderful young Highland Dancers that we mean what we say when we tell them they are ?The Best!? 5. Found, or rather left behind. A beautiful scarf was left behind at the Kirkin? at House of Hope Presbyterian Church, Sunday February 23. It has a red background with 3 wide green and 3 wide blue lines and 2 narrow green and 2 sets of 3 narrow blue. Please call Mary McShannock at 651-778-0427 or macsenach@hotmail.com A green Balmoral and a large piece of Minnesota Tartan fabric (scarf or sash) were left behind at the Fort Snelling Employees? Club following the TCSC Burns Night Supper. Call Kirsty at 952-895-6163 or write THETCSC@HOTMAIL.COM NEWS 1. The Lord Lyon King of Arms visit to Minnesota was dazzling The Lord Lyon Visits Minnesota by Jackie Johnston It was an exciting two days when the Right Honorable Mr. Robin Orr Blair, Lord Lyon King of Arms visited Minnesota on February 22 and 23. The visit was sponsored by the St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota and members of all the Scottish organizations in the state were invited to meet him. The first event was a Kirkin? o? the Tartans held at The House of Hope Presbyterian Church in St. Paul. The Lord Lyon assisted in the ceremony. This is a unique American tradition for people of Scottish descent and he said he found it quite moving. After the church service, there was a reception in the Kirk Parlor where anyone who wished to meet him had the opportunity to do so. Among the guests was State Senator Ellen Anderson who was instrumental in the passage of the resolution for the Minnesota State Tartan. Another guest was a member of the Minnesota Supreme Court, Justice Paul H. Anderson. Both are Scottish Andersons. There was also a brunch at Rush Creek Golf Club in Maple Grove and it was there that we had the unique opportunity to sit at a small table to have lunch with the Lord Lyon. We talked of Scots in Minnesota and the impact they have had on our state's history from the earliest settlement, government, the arts and industry. He was very charming an asked a lot of questions. It was a very memorable experience for my husband Dennis and me. Following the lunch he spoke on Heraldry and the Scottish Clans in Modern Times. Everyone had an opportunity to ask questions. The next day, he visited the Federal Court Building, the State Capitol and the Grain Exchange. He was told by friends in Scotland that the Grain Exchange was a must see. For those of us in Minnesota, that came as a great surprise. None of us in the group had ever visited it before. He said he found it very interesting. We were able to have dinner with him and about twenty other Scottish leaders of organizations in the evening and then it was back to the church to hear him speak again on Heraldry and the Clans but this time with a slide show presentation. Following the seminar, we gave him gifts from Minnesota. He had fun going through a bag of products made in Minnesota such as Post It Notes, Scotch Tape, Nut Goodie and Salted Nut Roll candy bars, wild rice and a can of Spam. We also gave him a Minnesota Tartan Scarf with a booklet about its creation and the book Lake Wobegon Days, written by a fellow Minnesota Scot, Garrison Keillor. It was a light hearted exchange of laughter while he was revealing each item. It was a wonderful visit and he told us he was looking forward to his visit in the fall to Estes Park for the Longs Peak Highland Games. He said that with each visit, he comes home to Scotland with a new perspective of what Scottish heritage means to those who live in other countries. He said he saw more kilts at the Stone Mountain games last year than he had in his entire life before. His visits to the United States and Australia have given him new insight to the importance of the work he does as Lord Lyon. For more on the Lord Lyon, I invite you to check out his web site at http://www.lyon-court.com 2. Rod Larson, long time St. Andrew?s stalwart recovering from serious surgery Tom Parry, past president of St. Andrew?s Society and current president of the St. David?s Society (Wales) offers this report: I had a chat with Rod? s wife Max (2/19 AM) about Rod. She told me the surgery went well but after the surgery his heart started to fibrillate and they became very concerned. Apparently the medicines caused this. They have his heart under control now and are watching him closely to be sure the heart is stable. They can?t put in a pace-maker if things are not well. He starts therapy this morning (2/19) and must have at least three days of this before they'll let him come home, so at least not before this weekend. I know that cards will be greatly appreciated (often even more than flowers) so I'd like to encourage you all to spread the word. Rod's home address is: Rodney Larson, 1918 - 149th Avenue NE, Anoka, MN 55304 3. Six Nations Rugby Tournament ? Scotland Games, broadcast LIVE at Kieran?s A personal invitation has come from Peter Killen, of Kieran?s, the Local and The Liffey and John Cosgrove to join them at Kieran?s to watch the Six Nations Rugby tournament LIVE. Here is the schedule of live broadcasts as sent us by John: Saturday 6-March 7.30 am Scotland v Italy Sunday 21-March 9:00 am Scotland v France Saturday 27-March 10:00 am Scotland v Ireland These games will be shown LIVE in the Titanic Lounge at Kieran's Irish Pub, 330 2nd Ave South, Minneapolis (612) 339-4499 If you need any further details e-mail John Cosgrove: johnc@the-local.com 4. Minnesota Pipes and Drums declared lots of gold returning from the Winnipeg Scottish Festival. First place soloists include Joe Hawthorne, awarded Piper of the Day for his outstanding performance with firsts in Grade 3 Piobaireachd and Grade 2 Hornpipe & Jig and a second in Grade 2 MSR. Mark Lucas won the Grade 3 March and was second in Grade 4 Piobaireachd. Andi Dierich won best bass for Grade 4 band and was second in Professional/Open Bass MSR, Tom Hinrichsen placed first in Grade 4 March and the MPD quartet won the Grade 4 quick march medley. Other soloists who brought home medals are Ben Briese -- second in Grade 3 Piobaireachd and third in Grade 3 March. Janet Waack -- third in Grade 4 March and Klaus and Tom Hinrichsen -- third in the Piping Duet. Marcia Franklin was second place finisher in Novice Tenor MSR and Paul Savereide finished third in the Grade 4 Slow March. CONGRATULATIONS to all the outstanding pipers from Minnesota who participated in Winnipeg over the February 21/22 weekend. 5. Minnesota Pipes and Drums Scholarships The third annual Minnesota Pipes and Drums scholarships were awarded at the MPD Burns Night celebration, January 24th. 2004 winners are bass drummer Kim Darke and pipers Ben Briese, Tom Hinrichsen, Jeff Perry and Janet Waack. The band awards two types of scholarship: Musicianship and Leadership. The Musicianship award is given to applicants who show musical promise and a demonstrated commitment to the Minnesota Pipes and Drums. The Leadership scholarship is awarded to applicants whose training will help them in a leadership role in the musical organization of the Minnesota Pipes and Drums. The awards fund tuition, room and board at a week-long piping or drumming school. Congratulations Kim, Ben, Tom, Jeff and Janet!! 6. Pippin wears a kilt to pick up SAG award for LOTR As the awarding of the Academy of Arts and Science Annual Award is keenly awaited, those of us who are LOTRaphiles took great pleasure in watching the cast of LOTR Return of the King receive the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) award for the best ensemble cast acting. (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040223/482/sag22402230411 ) That alone would have made it a satisfying night, but then, to watch Billy Boyd, that rascally Glaswegian, climb up on the stage wearing his splendid kilt with all the accouterments was the cherry on top of the sundae. http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/040223/ids_photos_en/r2923237670.jpg He commented that just a few years ago he was working as a waiter in Glasgow and now he was in the same room with Clint Eastwood and Al Pacino. FRODO REIGNS! 7. Transplanted Minnesota Highland Dancer takes two firsts in Montreal My good friends Ron and Alma Kincaid, the proudest grandparents I know, pass along this news from their granddaughter now living, and dancing in Canada with her parents. From an email sent by the Kincaid?s daughter Leigh Tanquist: Elisa did well yesterday, taking 1st place in both the Highland Fling and the Sword Dance. In the middle of the Lilt, she all-of-a-sudden forgot the next step and had to wait about 5 seconds until it came back to her. It cost her a bunch of points and probably the over-all trophy. But, she has nothing to be ashamed about and we (Mark and I) think it was probably a good thing to learn all kinds of things from (why we need to practice, honoring others, being humble, showing good sportsmanship, etc.) She competes again on March 20th. It will be interesting to see if growth takes place between now and then... Congratulations from your fans in Minnesota, Elisa. You make us very proud. 8. Rally ?Round the Flag, boys (and girls)! And they did. We are very pleased to announce that several of our strong, supportive Scottish organizations have put their checkbooks where their mouths are, in a manner of speaking. Generous contributions to the 2004 Tartan Day fund have come from St. Andrew?s Society and Clann Tartan. The Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans and Twin Cities Scottish Club have both promised their financial support through sponsorships as well. The sale of Tartan Day buttons has now exceeded the cost of producing the buttons and so we are showing PROFIT. Our sincere thanks to the good folks within these organizations for showing their strong support in this way and to everyone who has bought Tartan Day buttons. Other organizations have promised dancers, pipers, and entertainment for both the ball and the capitol celebration. We thank you all very, very much. 9. St. Andrew?s Society Secretary passes her exams. Congratulations! We wish our heartiest congratulationS to Bobbi McKechnie, St. Andrew?s Society secretary, for PASSING her CPA exams. She will soon receive her license as a Certified Pubic Accountant. Husband, Dr. J. Scott McKechnie, can then cut back to part time at the Best Friends Animal Hospital, spend ALL of his time working for Clan Donald as Regional Commissioner, and taking care of their own cat. Everyone joins wishing you both the very best in your promising future. 10. Rock and Roll with the Minnesota Pipes and Drums Tune in to 101.3 KDWB on St Patrick?s Day and listen to the Minnesota Pipes and Drums as they join ?Dave Ryan in the Morning.? The popular show will be broadcasting live from O?Gara?s Bar and Grill in St Paul from 6 to 9 AM. And what better group to send but the MPD teenagers Joe Hawthorne, Mark Lucas, Ben Briese and Janet Waack. These talented musicians demonstrated their skills recently with award-winning solo performances at the Winnipeg Celtic Games. Don? t be surprised if you hear some ?non-traditional? tunes. What a way to start the day. A great start deserves a great finish and the Minnesota Pipes and Drums will cap off the day with a performance at the famous club First Avenue. In what has become an annual tradition, MPD will be opening for the legendary band ?Boiled in Lead.? The doors open at 6 pm and tickets are available at First Avenue. FEATURE Whuppity Scoorie Day lives on in Scotland ? by Chuck Bushey, Yellowstone Highland Supply yelhs@mindspring.com Spring comes officially to Lanark, Scotland on March the 1st and is when youngsters are encouraged to take part in the ancient custom of ?Whuppity Scoorie,? a Scottish ?noise? festival. This festival might be a surviving belief that making a ?great din? frightens away the fairies and evil spirits. Church bells did not ring at their normal 6 PM time from October until the last day of February. On March 1st the custom was resumed and the youngsters gathered at the local church waiting for the bells to be rung. As the bells started they would run three times against the sun (widdershins) around the church swinging balls of paper tied to a piece of string over their heads hitting one another with their projectiles until the church bells stopped. Adults would grab bells, brooms and whistles and throw open the doors and windows of the town to drive out the evil spirits. At the end the children would push, shove and scramble for coins from the Common Good Fund and thrown by members of the loc al Council which organized the event. Origins of the event are vague and there are several theories. Some say it is a remembrance of days when miscreants were whipped (?whuppin?) round the cross and then ?scoored? in the Clyde. It may also reflect the change in curfew as spring replaced the dark winter nights. There is most likely a distant pagan connection possibly connected to the end of Winter and the start of Spring and intended to either drive away the ?dark? evil spirits of winter or greet the new planting season. That the children would run ?widdershins? around the church tends to reinforce this idea as Scottish witches were said to stir their cooking pots in this direction. It has also been suggested that this might be one of the origins of ?spring cleaning.? Whatever its distant origins might have been, generation of children have taken part and made sure that this tradition survives. 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. All the Best, "Babs" Barbara Humphrey 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. "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/20040301/6a609c6a/attachment-0001.htm From BabsFayth at aol.com Tue Mar 23 00:43:22 2004 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Tue Mar 23 00:52:11 2004 Subject: [Scottish News] EXTRA! EXTRA! Tartan Day Events are fast approaching Message-ID: <1d7.1cc134aa.2d91287a@aol.com> Hello Everyone Indeed so, Tartan Day is in just two weeks and it bears reminding you about the events that are planned. First be sure to tune in KARE 11 on March 30 to see five young dancers from MSCDA dance in the Backyard with Ken Barlow: March 30 ? Tartan Day Promotion on KARE 11 in the backyard with Ken Barlow at 5:00 p.m. Our good friends at KARE 11 have invited us to be their guests in the backyard with Ken Barlow during the 5:00 p.m. segment of the news. We hope to bring several highland dancers and a piper to entertain while Babs share news of the Tartan Day events with the KARE 11 viewers. Mark your calendars. *************** Then the deadline for your reservations for the Tartan Day Ball is looming - Coming up on Saturday March 27. You don't want to miss this event, it will be wonderful. If you have made reservations but not sent us a check, please do that as soon as possible as we don't want to be collecting money at the Ball: April 3 - Tartan Day Ball, 3rd Annual Ball, 6:00 P.M. Edinburgh USA The 3rd Annual Tartan Day Ball will be held in the Sutherland Ballroom at Edinburgh USA, 8700 Edinbrook Crossing, Brooklyn Park MN 55443. Social Hour will begin at 6:00 p.m. in the Turnberry Room with a cash bar and the piano music of David Lohman. Dinner will follow with a menu of Sauteed Breast of Chicken with Fresh Mushroom Marsala Wine sauce, Grilled Fillet of Salmon with Tomato Arugula Salsa. Both entrees will be served with tatties and neeps, green beans almondine, and a baby Sinach and Romanine salad with fresh berries, toasted almonds and raspberry vinaigrette. Our traditional dessert of Tartan Day cake will complete the menu. A lovely vegetarian entr?e is available. Of course, there will be Haggis from Camerons in Florida with Jack Barker delivering the address accompanied by Gary Webb on the Pipes. Following dinner, the 2nd Annual Lifetime Achievement Award will be given to a wonderful woman who has personified Highland Dance in Minnesota for nearly 40 years ? Florence Hart. We are thrilled to give this award to Florence and urge you to be present for an evening filled with surprises. And then, for all of you ladies and gents sporting new kilts or kilt skirts or if you?ve had them for a while but they?ve just not been christened, our annual Kilt Christening Ceremony will be held for the class of 2004. This is a popular and delightful event guaranteed to warm your heart. No evening of Scottish Revelry would be complete without Scottish Ceilidh Dancing and our dear George McCracken will be there to lead us through our paces to the wonderful music provided by Thistledown. All that for only $40 per person. Make your checks payable to the MN Tartan Day Cooperative and send to Barbara F. Humphrey, 6324 Wentworth Ave So, Minneapolis MN 55423 no later than Saturday, March 27. Be sure to indicate your entr?e selection. For questions email: babsfayth@aol.com or call 612-869-7163 ****************************** And then, of course, Tartan Day. The new attraction this year is the Calling of the Clans. Bring your Tartan Banner Flags, don whatever wee bit of tartan you may have and join us at our State Capitol building in St. Paul for this wonderful celebration of our heritage. April 6 - Tartan Day, 6th Annual Celebration, Parade at noon, Celebration on Capitol steps Aye, it?s back out onto the cold windy steps of the capitol again this year. We did promise to move inside this year, but when the price tags were examined, not having $7,000 to spare to pay Mall of America, we opted to return to where we were welcomed and for free. Gather down there by the Vets? building anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. and be prepared to step the Parade of Tartans off at 12:00 sharp. Our usual team of parade marshals, Shaun Hengel, Sharon Gustafson and as many of their kids as we can press into service will be directing the crowds (They will be wearing the blue sashes to help identify them) ? volunteers welcomed ? we need you. We?ll march straight up the Mall to the capitol steps where we will present a stirring and inspiring program. (Keep your Tartan Banner Flags with you until the calling of the clans, then you will bring them forward and place them in the flag holder behind the speakers stand.) We will re-present the Lifetime Achievement Award to Florence Hart; we will introduce a brand new ? calling of the clans? ceremony, as well as the dancing, piping, singing, and cheering you have come to love. And, of course, the musket salute by Clann Tartan and the Highland Regiment to close the ceremonies. As always, there will be surprises. Questions??? Call me, email me ? see above. www.tartandaymn.org Ken Barlow's birthday is April 5 and he has been quoted as saying it is "usually" 50 degrees on that day. So we will keep our fingers crossed that holds for April 6th as well. See you all there. All the Best Barbara Humphrey Babs -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://host.dotservant.com/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20040323/1a6b1a5d/attachment.htm