From BabsFayth at aol.com Thu Jun 1 12:55:16 2006 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth@aol.com) Date: Thu, 1 Jun 2006 12:55:16 EDT Subject: [Scottish News] Scottish News in Minnesota! Vol. 6, No. 57, June 01, 2006 Message-ID: <3a9.364ea5b.31b075f4@aol.com> Hello Everyone, I'm back! And Scotland was, as always, wonderful. This time I was able to spend a full week on the beautiful Isle of Tiree instead of the quicky weekend of my last visit. Now I can look at photos and recognize where they were taken. It was an incredible week, to spend time meeting and visiting, not only with the residents of the island, but with those of the Diaspora who had returned for A'Bhuain. And there were upwards of one hundred of us. From Canada, New Zealand, Switzerland, South Africa, Isle of Man, England, Scotland as well as about 7 of us from the U.S.A. A web site that is being updated with photos from the event is _www.tireehomecoming.com_ (http://www.tireehomecoming.com) . There is little doubt we have made life long friends and plans for another Gathering, this time in Kincardine, Ontario, destination of many Tiree immigrants, are already underway. We had a chance to sample every kind of Scottish public transportation including city busses, trains, ferries, and of course automobiles. I will tell you, and I am sure those of you who have recently traveled to Scotland will verify, Scotland is not a bargain vacation. With the exchange rate of just about $2.00 USD to 1 GBP, an easy rule of thumb to figure cost in dollars, was 2 to 1. On Tiree the price of petrol was 1.11 GBP per LITER. Times 4 and you get 4.44 GBP per Imperial Gallon or $8.88. Almost 3 times what we pay here. WOW! We Yanks didn't have it quite as bad as some of the others, however. The Canadian dollar is at about $2.25 per 1 GBP and the New Zealand dollar is at $4.00 per 1 GBP. But other than food for conversation, nobody would have considered not coming because of the exchange rate. After the conclusion of A'Bhuain, my daughter and I went on to Edinburgh by ferry, train, and bus. It was a long, almost 12 hour day. We spent Sunday at the Edinburgh Castle and on the Royal Mile. Our visit to Holyrood House had to be postponed, again, as it was closed due to Royal guests. So we took in the Royal Yacht Britannia, and it was quite wonderful. The Queen's vessel, yes, but built in Glasgow and berthed in Scotland. In case you were wondering ? yes, it rained, everyday, the wind blew fiercely everyday, and the temps seldom got above 9 degrees C. Only the islanders groused about the weather. We didn't care. It was Scotland, after all. And now, on to the events ahead for June, news, and announcements of interest: COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. June 2, 2006, Friday, Barra Band at Swede Hollow Caf? 2. June 3, 2006, The New Pearl Button Band, aka the Night Scotsman, LeDuc Historic House in Hastings 3. June 10, 2006, Saturday, picnic quarterly meeting of the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans 4. June 10 ? 11, 2006, Clann Tartan, Olde World Renaissance Faire in Twig, MN 5. June 24, 2006, Saturday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Highland Dance Competition, Fitger's Complex, Ceilidh following in the evening. 6. June 25, 2006, Sunday, HOBGOBLIN CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 12-8 PM rain or shine AWAY GAMES NEW 1. June 3, 2006, Milwaukee Highland Games, Elm Grove WI http://www.planet99.com/milwaukee/events/155187.html 2. June 17, 2006, Illinois St. Andrew Society Chicago Highland Games, North Riverside, IL _http://www.chicago-scots.org/activities/Games/games-d.htm_ (http://www.chicago-scots.org/activities/Games/games-d.htm) 3. August 11 - 13, 2006, Minnesota Irish Fair, Harriet Island, St. Paul, MN _http://www.irishfair.com/_ (http://www.irishfair.com/) 4. August 26, 2006, Celtic Highland Games of the Quad Cities, Davenport IA _http://www.celtichighlandgames.org/_ (http://www.celtichighlandgames.org/) 5. September 1-3, 2006, Wisconsin Highland Games & Celtic Fling, West Allis, WI _http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/games.html_ (http://www.wisconsinscottish.org/games.html) 6. List of all Games and other great information from Ray Erwin _www.usscots.com_ (http://www.usscots.com/) ON GOING EVENTS ? For details scroll down the page 1. Clann Tartan, Night at the Pub is the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Well, Pub Night is roving at the moment... Best to check with Bruce Yoder at _bruceyoder at juno.com_ (mailto:bruceyoder at juno.com) . He's our appointed "taster"! 2. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing weekly. 3. Twin Cities Scottish Club ? Spring Schedule Ceilidh dancing WILL CONTINUE. Most Fridays. 4. Clann Tartan Sword Guild, meets the 3rd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center - contact Marty for information - twolodge at yahoo.com and learn how to swing that sword! 5. Wear a Kilt get a FREE PINT 6. The Twin Cities Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society classes on hiatus for the summer. (see information below) FUTURE DATES - Additional Information in Future Issues. Mark your calendars now. 1. July 15, 2006, Saturday, THIRD ANNUAL MN SCOTTISH FAIR AND HIGHLAND GAMES 2. July 22, 2005, Saturday, Festival of Cultures, Bay Front Park, Duluth, MN _http://www.duluthfestivalofcultures.com/_ (http://www.duluthfestivalofcultures.com/) 3. September 17, 2006, Sunday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Assn., Remembrance Day, 1:30 p.m. Forest Hill Cemetery, Reception following. 4. November 19, 2006, Sunday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Assn., Kirkin' o' the Tartan and High Tea, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 5:00 p.m. 5. January 27, 2007, Saturday, DSHA, Burns Night Dinner, Kitchi Gammi Club ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games NEWS! ! ! 2. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans seeks nominees for the Rod MacRae Award 3. A Song for Scotland 4. Jamestown Live, 400th Anniversary. 5. Ever wonder what time it is in Asuncion? 6. What's going on in Scotland? Find out here 7. Scotland 1851 Census is now online. 8. Scottish News Public Updates No Solution as yet 9. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links ? still the best 10. Web site links - No solution as yet. NEWS 1. Minnesota Police Pipe Band ? National Police Week 2. Minnesota Police Pipe Band Names New Pipe Major 3. Bush set to give Tartan Day official status, May 7th, 2006 4. Clan Donald Lass preparing History book needs your help. 5. Magic Carpet Ride brings home the GOLD. 6. Scottish Community launches Speakers Bureau. 7. St. Andrew's Society women meet regularly for lunch ? next date, June 5, 2006 COMING EVENTS ? DETAILS 1. June 2, 2006, Friday, 7:00 p.m. Barra Band at Swede Hollow Caf? Barra will be performing an evening of Irish music at an outdoor concert at Swede Hollow Caf? in St. Paul. The band features John McCormick (accordion and Vocals), Deborah Martin (fiddle); Paul Garding (guitar/vocals); and Amy Shaw (Irish flute). Swede Hollow Caf?, 725 East 7th Street, St .Paul. No cover charge (tips welcome) FURTHER INFO: Swede Hollow Caf? (651) 776-8810 _www.barraband.com_ (http://www.barraband.com) 2. June 3, 2006, The New Pearl Button Band, aka the Night Scotsman, LeDuc Historic House in Hastings (New Pearl Button Players doing Civil War music from 2-4pm on the grounds). For more info on that Civil War weekend, go to Dakota County Historical Society for a full lineup of events. The Pearl Buttons are only a small part of a bigger weekend. _http://www.dakotahistory.org/LeDuc/home.asp_ (http://www.dakotahistory.org/LeDuc/home.asp) 3. June 10, 2006, Saturday, picnic quarterly meeting of the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans The following information provided by Lindie Wessling, Secretary, MCSC The Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans quarterly meeting will be held on June 10, 2006. This is our Picnic meeting. It will be held at Roseville's Central Park-Lion's Shelter. This is the same spot as last year. The address is 2545 Victoria St. N, St. Paul, MN 55113. All clans will be notified and will know what their contribution should be, by separate notice. Directions to the park are as follows, or you can MapQuest it: From 694 take the Victoria St. exit and go south. Pass several county roads. Pass County Rd. CW and the park will be on the right hand side. If you come from Highway 36 going East, take Victoria St. and go North and the park will be on the left. Please call Lindie Wessling 763-521-2632 or 763-464-3333 for additional directions or clarifications. For those of you who subscribe to the MCSC newsletter, it will be mailed out by the weekend. Hope to see everyone there, as there will be entertainment and fun for all. 4. June 10 ? 11, 2006, Clann Tartan, Olde World Renaissance Faire in Twig, MN Come and visit us there! _http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com/_ (http://www.owrenaissancefaire.com/) 5. June 24, 2006, Saturday, Duluth Scottish Heritage Association, Highland Dance Competition, Fitger's Complex, Ceilidh following in the evening. Pam Moisey of Littleton Colorado, Judge; Andrew Hart, Portland Oregon, piper. Competition in Primary, Beginner, Novice, Intermediate, Premier. For additional information and registration contact Nancy Diener, 5818 Morningstar Drive, Duluth MN 55804, 218-525-2242 or email _nancymcd716 at msn.com_ (mailto:nancymcd716 at msn.com) Reservations for the Ceilidh $22 by June 1, $25 by June 17, thereafter $30. Ceilidh reservations may be sent as above. 6. June 25, 2006, Sunday, HOBGOBLIN CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL 12-8 PM rain or shine HOBGOBLIN CELTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL at: Hobgoblin Music/Stoney End Harps 920 Highway 19, Red Wing, MN 55066 Performances and workshops with Daithi Sproule, 5 Mile Chase, Laura MacKenzie, Andrea Stern,MN Scottish Celtic Dance Association, Scoil na dTri Irish Dancers, Lehto and Wright and more. Crafters, wonderful food vendors, exhibitors too! For information: 877-866-3936, website: _www.stoneyend.com_ (http://www.stoneyend.com) ON GOING EVENTS (We have checked these events and to the best of our knowledge, they are "okay." Still wouldn't hurt to check before you go.) 1. Clann Tartan, Night at the Pub is the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Well, Pub Night is roving at the moment... Best to check with Bruce Yoder at _bruceyoder at juno.com_ (mailto:bruceyoder at juno.com) . He's our appointed "taster"! 2. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing weekly. Dance regains it's normal schedule of the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at a new site - Lake Hiawatha Community Center in Minneapolis, time is still 7 PM. the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays it's still at St. Christopher's in Roseville - contact Julie at _julieyoder at juno.com_ (mailto:julieyoder at juno.com) or Mary at _Mairi2 at juno.com_ (mailto:Mairi2 at juno.com) for details. 3. Twin Cities Scottish Club ? Spring/Summer Schedule Ceilidh dancing WILL CONTINUE every other Friday. The Twin Cities Scottish Club's traditional Ceilidh Dancing on Friday nights at 7:00 p.m. at Providence Place, 23rd Avenue and 38th Street in South Minneapolis (Where the old Nile Theatre once was.) WILL CONTINUE every other Friday. If you don't get the email reminder, please let the Stewarts know you are coming by leaving a message for them at 612-824-6514. If you would like the weekly reminder emailed to you send a note to _thetcsc at hotmail.com_ (mailto:thetcsc at hotmail.com) . PLEASE NOTE: Be sure you check to determine dancing will be held before you travel to the Providence. 4. Clann Tartan Sword Guild meets the 3rd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center - contact Marty for information - _twolodge at yahoo.com_ (mailto:twolodge at yahoo.com) and learn how to swing that sword! 5. Wear a Kilt Get a FREE PINT. Our good friend Joseph Croft, he of the Celtic Croft sends this bit of information to gladden the hearts of Scots everywhere: The last Saturday of every month is Kilt Night! Keegan's Pub (_http://www.keeganspub.com/_ (http://www.keeganspub.com/) )in Minneapolis (owned and operated by our friends, Terry and Virginia Keegan). Wear your kilt and get a FREE pint of Guinness! Woo Hoo! Two of our favorite words in one sentence ? Free and pint. 6. The Twin Cities Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch Monday night general and twice-monthly basics classes will be going on hiatus until next September. We will be hosting some informal social dancing on some Monday nights in June. Keep an eye on _http://www.rscds-twincities.org/events.html_ (http://www.rscds-twincities.org/events.html) for details. You will find us at the Scottish Fair on July 15th, and the Minnesota Renaissance Festival on weekends in August and September. Contact our secretary, Janet McKernan, _jmckern at cems.umn.edu_ (mailto:jmckern at cems.umn.edu) , or call Lara Friedman-Shedlov at 612.874.8299 ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games NEWS ! ! ! Ticket news from Don Cogswell. . . Please remind everyone that General Admission Tickets for the Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games are available online - _http://www.mnscottishfair.org/_ (http://www.mnscottishfair.org/) - for $12 until June 10th. After June 10th until July 1st they are $14 online. After July 1st, tickets can only be purchased at the gate for $15. Save a buck or three, get your tickets NOW! Program advertising ? the perfect place to promote your Scottish organization be it a Clan society, dance group, etc. Contact Peggy at _peggy at uncommongatherings.com_ (mailto:peggy at uncommongatherings.com) . All MSFHG promotional ads for the 2006 program must be in possession of the Fair organizers to be included in the program no later than Monday, June 5, 2006 at noon. Piping item - The organizers of the Games are looking for volunteer stewards for solo piping and drumming as well as pipe band events. Volunteers receive a free admission to the Games, with plenty of time to enjoy the fair and the opportunity to amble around the contest carrying a clipboard! The Games survive on volunteer activity and would certainly appreciate any help you can provide. If you?re interested in volunteering please contact Mick McCoy at _mmc_1963 at comcast.net_ (mailto:mmc_1963 at comcast.net) 612 281 9539. Brochures and posters - Liz Michaelson says, "We have thousands of Scottish Fair brochures. If people are interested in mailing them to their friends, family, etc. I can mail a supply (max 100) to them. Just have them e-mail me with the quantity wanted and where they should be sent. _liz at uncommongatherings.com_ (mailto:liz at uncommongatherings.com) Posters are available as well, for those contact Don Cogswell at _dcogswell at mnscottishfair.org_ (mailto:dcogswell at mnscottishfair.org) Parade of Scots ? Complete information on the details for participating in the Parade of Scots, which will include a calling of the clans, will appear in next month's issue of the SNIM. Your clan need not be hosting a tent in order for you to march. All Scots, organizations, and unaffiliated Scots will be welcome to participate. More coming on this next month. Question? ? How many people can you bring to the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games? Answer ? GAZILLIONS! 2. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans seeks nominees for the Rod MacRae Award Eileen and Doug Stewart have sent information on the following: The Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans is proud to present the Rod MacRae Award to an individual or individuals who promote our Scottish heritage. This annual traveling award will be presented to those whose volunteer efforts have given outstanding service, dedication, and mentorship in our Scottish Community. To nominate a candidate for this award send their Name, Address, City, State, Zip, Phone, Email, and Affiliation along with a list of the nominee's efforts in the Scottish community. In addition, please comment on the level of dedication and the effects of these efforts. Why should the nominee(s) receive the Rod MacRae award? The completed nomination should be sent to MCSC, P. O. Box 40280, St. Paul MN 55104 no later than June 5, 2006. Please note the deadline has been extended five days for readers of the SNIM. 3 A Song for Scotland >From Scottie's Snippets: Recently, First Minister Jack McConnell suggested that there should be a "public debate" on a future national anthem for Scotland. The subject had come to the fore (again) at the Commonwealth Games earlier this year when the Scottish gold medal winners were marked by "Scotland the Brave". At many sporting occasions in recent years, "Flower of Scotland" has been the norm. There are other contenders - and no outright winner. The Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) has taken up the challenge and the audience at their Promenade Concerts and the orchestra will play five tunes for the audience to sing - Robert Burns's A Man's a Man for a' that and Scots Wha Hae!, the more modern Highland Cathedral, Scotland the Brave and the Corries' tune Flower of Scotland. Left off the list were two tunes which are sometimes suggested - Auld Lang Syne and Freedom Come All Ye. Between 11 and 30 June, the RSNO Web site will carry recordings of all five songs and will have an online vote on the site. The results will be announced live at the Last Night concert in Glasgow, on 1 July. See _http://rsno.org.uk/_ (http://rsno.org.uk/) 4. Jamestown Live, 400th Anniversary. Clark Scott of the National Clan Scott files this article of interest: I'm forwarding this to those who are teachers or who may know teachers and children who could benefit from participation in these activities. I hope you'll check the 400th anniversary website and go to the educational section... it's quite dynamic and hope some of your students can participate in the "Jamestown Live" teach-in on 9 Nov 06. You'll need to sign up soon. _www.americas400thanniversary.org_ (http://www.americas400thanniversary.org) Jamestown Live! Bring Education to Life through a Free Web Event for 4th ? 11th Grades. Join teachers and students throughout the nation and the world online and at Jamestown for an interactive web cast on the significance of Jamestown, our nation's birthplace. November 9, 2006 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. EST Live from Jamestown Register today to reserve your place in history. 5. Ever wonder what time it is in Asuncion? >From my fellow Tireean John Brake: >From the site below, you can set the clock to your timer and it automatically gives you the time all around the world in your time. PERSONAL TIME CLOCK _http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/_ (http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/) I checked out this site and it is fantastic. Time isn't the only information about a location the site offers. You want to know something about Asuncion besides the fact that it is the capital of Paraguay? Check out this web site. 6. What's going on in Scotland? Find out here. Rampant Scotland Newsletter - Your weekly insight into what has been happening in Scotland snipped from the Scottish media - plus some elements of Scottish culture. A Web version of this Newsletter, with some graphics and newspaper-style layout is available at _http://www.RampantScotland.com/letter.htm_ (http://www.RampantScotland.com/letter.htm) If you would like to receive your own free copy direct from Scotland, just send an email to _Scottie at RampantScotland.com_ (mailto:Scottie at RampantScotland.com) with "Subscribe" in the subject line. In addition to Scottie's Snippets you can subscribe to a daily headlines service by going to _www.Scotsman.com_ (http://www.Scotsman.com) click on members center for info on subscription. Each day your receive an email with headlines that are links to the full story. 7. Scotland 1851 Census and Canadian 1851 Census are now both online. Great News! My Tiree List Pal, Les Horn, sends the following: You will be pleased to know that the 1851 Census is now on-line on the ScotlandsPeople Site. _http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/_ (http://www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk/) The Canadian Census is also on line and I had hoped to have the info before publishing but it has not been forthcoming. Stay tuned. 8. Scottish News Public Updates - No solution as yet. 9. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links ? Still the Best Rampant Scotland - the largest directory of Scottish links! _http://www.RampantScotland.com_ (http://www.RampantScotland.com) Also with 2000+ illustrated feature articles! _http://www.RampantScotland.com/features.htm_ (http://www.RampantScotland.com/features.htm) 10. Web Site Links Directory ? No solution as yet. NEWS 1. Minnesota Police Pipe Band ? National Police Week Sally Gordon files the following report: The Minnesota Police Pipe Band?s trip to Washington DC for National Police Week was an incredible experience for all who went. PM Mick McCoy says it all, "I expected the ceremony to be special, but I wasn't ready for how powerful the event was. We were honored to be part of it." Our 34-member band was busy from Friday, 5/12 through Monday, 5/15 We began with a performance at the Minnesota State Society annual meeting and reception then played at a party hosted by the law firm of Lockridge, Grindal and Nauen. On Saturday, our performance at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial was a prelude for the candlelight vigil for the survivors of officers killed in the line of duty. On Sunday, we opened the National Conference of Law Enforcement Emerald Societies annual meeting. That evening, MPPB led the parade of over 100 units to the NCLEES service at the Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. At the service, MPPB Drum Major, Wayne Sanford, directed the massed bands and Pipe Sergeant, Pari Bailey, pastor at Shepherd of the Hills Lutheran Church led the closing prayer. At midnight on Sunday, Bill Gilchrist was responsible for Midnight Piper duty at the Memorial and was accompanied by Jeff Perry. On Monday, we performed while President Bush greeted all of the survivors. It was an honor to play for the President and when he acknowledged the band with a wave as he left the area, we couldn?t have been happier. At our final performance at the Memorial, Ben Briese played the Amazing Grace solo that has received media recognition. It was a busy playing schedule, but we managed to have some fun too and see many sights in DC. For additional information about Police Week and our participation, please check our web site news page, _www.mppb.org_ (http://www.mppb.org) , for links to various articles. Many thanks to all our sponsors for helping us get there, especially to our friends in the Scottish community: Gillie Company, Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, RSCDS, Twin Cities Scottish Club, St. Andrews Society, The Celtic Croft, and Scottish News in Minnesota. 2. Minnesota Police Pipe Band Names New Pipe Major With great reluctance, Minnesota Police Pipe Band accepted Mick McCoy?s resignation from his PM position effective May 16, 2006. Mick?s contribution to the band has been significant in every way: leadership; musical ability and knowledge; the patience of many saints; and an unflagging sense of humor. Thank you, Mick, for all your work for the band and for your ongoing individual instruction for band members on Tuesday nights. Mick appointed Chuck Timmers as interim PM. The band welcomes Chuck back to the group and looks forward to an exciting and successful competition season under his leadership 3. Bush set to give Tartan Day official status, May 7th, 2006 Tom Lucas sends this information: _http://www.sundayherald.com/55547_ (http://www.sundayherald.com/55547) By Paul Hutcheon, Scottish Political Editor Sunday Herald - Scotland's award-winning independent newspaper A SCOTTISH version of St Patrick's Day could be created under plans being considered by George Bush. Members of the Scottish-American community are in talks with White House officials to recognize Tartan Day as a national event. They are on the verge of persuading Bush to sign a proclamation making April 6 an official part of the US calendar. The project is the work of the Friends of Scotland caucus, created on Capitol Hill earlier this year. The body, made up of Republicans and Democrats in the House of Representatives, was set up to advance Scotland's interests in America. US groups, such as the Scottish Coalition and the National Capital Tartan Day Committee, had tried to get the White House to sign the agreement earlier this year, but without success. One source said: "We hoped it could have been signed ahead of this year's Tartan Day, but it got bogged down in bureaucracy." Now the caucus, which has close links to Bush, has committed itself to delivering the proclamation. A staffer for the North Carolina congressman Mike McIntyre, co-chair of the group, met White House officials last week to discuss a speedy resolution to the issue. The Sunday Herald understands the document was drafted by figures in the Scottish-American community and is awaiting the President's signature. Proclamations, along with executive orders, are a type of presidential legislation that carry the force of law. Recent examples include agreements to mark Jewish American Heritage Month, Religious Freedom Day and Greek independence. Tartan Day, marking the anniversary on the date of which the Declaration of Arbroath was signed on 1320, is fast becoming the most important date on the Scottish-American calendar. The US Senate was first to recognize the event by tabling a resolution in 1998, a move matched earlier this year by the House of Representatives. Campaigners believe a presidential proclamation will "complete the circle" and turn the events on April 6 into a national celebration of Scottish achievement in the US. James Morrison, a journalist on the Washington Times and a supporter of Tartan Day, said a proclamation would boost the event's importance. "It would elevate it. It would get Tartan Day on calendars," he said. He also said the agreement could turn the April 6 event into a Scottish version of St Patrick's Day. The annual St Patrick's Day parade is the biggest procession in New York City, attracting crowds of around 150,000. The President also hosts a White House reception for Irish politicians to mark the occasion. Michael Kellet, first secretary of the Scottish Affairs Office at the British Embassy in Washington, said he believed a proclamation would advance Scottish interests in the US. "We are continuing to work closely with the caucus and the Scottish-American societies to promote Scotland in the US - and a presidential proclamation would underline the significant progress we have made," he said. Alan Bain, president of the American Scottish Foundation in New York, hoped the agreement would be signed quickly. "I think this is an extraordinarily important initiative. Firstly, it will result in Tartan Day being recognized nationally. Also, it will hopefully make Scottish Americans in Congress aware that we are an important group," he said. 07 May 2006 Interesting links related to this article: _http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/04/05152003_ (http://www.scotland.gov.uk/News/Releases/2006/04/05152003) _http://www.scottishamericansociety.org/_ (http://www.scottishamericansociety.org/) _http://www.scottish-coalition.org/_ (http://www.scottish-coalition.org/) _http://www.tartanday.org/_ (http://www.tartanday.org/) _http://www.tartanday.org/tartandaydc/news.htm_ (http://www.tartanday.org/tartandaydc/news.htm) 4. Clan Donald Lass preparing History needs your help. Amy Hoff, now residing in Hawaii, sends this information: My book proposal, 'Scottish Duluth', was recently accepted by Arcadia Press. This would be a pictorial history of the Duluth area, and I need photos of historical and current Scottish architecture, organizations, and people. I realize that Jean MacRae's book was the definitive one on the subject; however, Arcadia is a nationwide press that will give the Duluth area Scottish community recognition. I would very much appreciate it if those in the Scottish community would help with this project by allowing me to borrow their original photographs for inclusion in the book. My co-author, Richard Thomas, is still living in Duluth; if you are interested in having your photographs included, I will put you in contact with him and he will scan the photos, after which they will be returned to you. Please help us in this endeavor, as I believe it will be wonderful for the Duluth Scottish community. Contact me at _hoff at hawaii.edu_ (mailto:hoff at hawaii.edu) if you are interested in getting involved in this exciting project! 5. Magic Carpet Ride brings home the GOLD. Judith Palmateer of Beaver Pond Press sends this great news: Congratulations to Audrey McClellen, winner of the Gold Award in the category of Romance, for her book, "Magic Carpet Ride" in the ForeWord Magazine Book of the Year Award! Audrey-- I'm so proud of you! To purchase a copy of Audrey's latest book in the Scottish Islands series, or any of her other novels, including Magic Carpet Ride, go to: _http://www.scottishislandnovels.com/_ (http://www.scottishislandnovels.com/) 6. Scottish Community launches Speakers Bureau. Tired of answering questions about your ?skirt?? Sick of defending the sound of bagpipes? Want to raise the level of Scottish awareness in your club, lodge, Scout group, or school? Here?s the solution ? send in the cavalry from the Scottish Speakers? Bureau. To our community ? if you can be available occasionally as a speaker on Scottish subjects, please register with Audrey McClellan, 612-729-7270, or _audreym at visi.com_ (mailto:audreym at visi.com) . If you have previously registered, please contact us again so that our information is correct and up-to-date. No information will be given out about a speaker until the request is cleared with the speaker. An example of the programs available: New speaker Mike McClellan presents a 45-minute talk about Scottish swords and knives in the period 1400-1450. Of interest especially to ages 10-16, Mike?s program emphasizes audience participation, encouraging his listeners to imagine themselves growing up in late medieval times, where it was vital that boys over the age of ten knew how to use weapons for self-defense in daily life. Several swords are displayed, cautiously and with respect. Mike?s emphasis is on understanding, not on violence. ?Mike is magic with kids,? said an organizer of the Celebration of Cultures, Willmar, February 25, 2006. Additionally, if you are interested in booking a speaker, getting more information the person to call is Audrey @ 612-729-720 or email _audreym at visi.com_ (mailto:audreym at visi.com) . 7. St. Andrew's Society women meet regularly for lunch ? next time, June 5, 2006 June 5 Monday at 11:30am St Andrew's Society members, past and present, meet for lunch at Patrick's Cafe in the Bachmans Lyndale location. Edna Linton, Phyllis Fraser, Margaret Beresford, Barbara Parry, Mary Jane Fisher, Marlea Warren, Sally Edstrom, Kay Berg and Dana Drazan meet for a quick lunch and chat about local Scottish news. AND IN CLOSING Some of you may have heard that I am "going away." That's true, but while I will be "out of sight" I will not be "out of mind." Well, maybe I am "out of my mind" for taking the job I have taken for the summer but I am confident it will be great. The SNIM will go on, however, as it is primarily an email event. I will be in Rock Island Illinois at the Circa 21 Dinner Theatre reprising the role of Ethel Thayer (Katharine Hepburn) in On Golden Pond. It is a role I love and I am thrilled at the opportunity to inhabit Ethel again. Check out the web site: _www.circa21.com_ (http://www.circa21.com/) . Because the show opens June 30, the July 1 edition of the SNIM may be delayed a day or two. If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us (babsfayth at aol.com) 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 (or adding it if you aren?t currently receiving it directly). 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 daoine o'n d'thainig thu" "Remember the men (or "those") from whom thou comest (or "from whom thou'rt descended")" Our sincere thanks to Kevin Myers for seeking out the proper Gaelic for this fine bit of historical challenge. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://tartandaymn.org/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20060601/6a8b0a74/attachment-0001.htm