From BabsFayth at aol.com Fri Dec 29 16:26:25 2006 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth at aol.com) Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2006 16:26:25 EST Subject: [Scottish News] Scottish News in Minnesota Vol. 7, No. 64, January 1, 2007 Message-ID: <463.7813a0ed.32c6e201@aol.com> Hello Everyone The weather outside is frightful ? NOT! Where oh where is that Minnesota winter we all loathe and despise (except for the skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing enthusiasts). Never fear, when it gets tired of dumping on Denver, it will make it's way to Minnesota. Keep the snow blowers at the ready. My first order of business is to admit that I am becoming dafter with each passing day. I must offer my sincere and abject apologies to St. Andrew's piper Bill Gilchrist for omitting him in last month's issue from the list of those who participated in the Kirkin' o' the Tartans at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany on November 29. Good Grief! Bill was an original member (first fifty) of the St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota, first Society piper of such and most deserving of our thanks and appreciation. He not only piped us in and out, but also together with the church organist offered a spur of the moment rendition of Amazing Grace that was wonderful. Thanks, Bill. You are a treasure. Here's where it the fun starts for the new year: COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. December 31, 2006, New Year's Eve Party, Minnesota Folk Arts Alliance 2. January 1, 2007, Clann Tartan, noon, Airing the Tartans 3. January 1, 2007, St. Andrew's Society First Footing at the home of Bob and Lori MacOlsson 4. January 6, 2007, Saturday, MN Tartan Day Cooperative ? Tartan Day Planning 5. January 13, 2007 DSHA will host a winter dance competition in Younker's Department Store in Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. 6. January 13, 2007, Saturday, TCSC annual general meeting, Macalester Plymouth Church in St. Paul 7. January 13, 2007, Saturday, Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, quarterly meeting 8. January 13, 2007, Saturday, Calvary Episcopal Church, Rochester, Kirkin' o'the Tartans and Burns Dinner. 9. January 19, 2007, Friday, Piper's Crow in concert, Cedar Cultural Center Minneapolis, 8 pm _www.piperscrow.com_ (http://www.piperscrow.com/) 10. January 20, 2007, Saturday, St. Andrew's Society, Burns Night Dinner Ft. Snelling Club, 6:00 p.m. - midnight 11. January 20, 2007, Saturday, DSHA, Burns Night Dinner (members only), Kitchi Gammi Club PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE 12. January 20, 2007, Saturday, Piper's Crow in concert, Orpheum Theater, Sioux Falls, SD, hosted by Dakota District Pipes and Drums 13. January 27, 2007, Saturday, Twin Cities Scottish Club, Burns Supper 14. February 2, 2007, Friday, 7:30 P.M. 5th Annual Eilean Dubh Concert, Olivet Congregational Church is one block WEST, of Fairview Ave and one block north of Marshall Avenue, at 1850 Iglehart . AWAY GAMES 1. List of all Games and other great information from Ray Erwin www.usscots.com ON GOING EVENTS ? As always, check with the contact before you go. 1. Clann Tartan, Night at the Pub is the 3rd Friday of every month, 7 p.m. ? 10 p.m. 2. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing weekly. 3. Twin Cities Scottish Club ? Winter Schedule Ceilidh dancing WILL CONTINUE, Most Fridays 4. Clann Tartan Sword Guild meets inside the 2nd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center 5. Wear a Kilt get a FREE PINT 6. The Twin Cities Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society classes begin in September. FUTURE DATES - Additional Information in Future Issues. Mark your calendars now. 1. February 4, 2007, Sunday, St. Andrew's Society Kirkin' ceremony, House of Hope Presbyterian Church, 9 & 11 a.m. services, 797 Summit Avenue, St. Paul 2. February 10 ? 11, 2007, Saturday and Sunday, Scottish Ramble 3. March 31, 2007, Tartan Day Celebration, State Capitol and Scottish Supper 4. April 6, 2007, Traditional Tartan Day (Wear Your Tartan Day) 5. May 19, 2007, 4th Annual Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games 6. June 23, 2007, Saturday, DSHA June Dance Competition at Fitger's, 7. November 28, 2007, Wednesday, Kirkin' o' the Tartan, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Plymouth, 6:00 p.m. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Presidential Proclamation of Tartan Day ? We Need Your Help! 2. Haggis Hunt ? Try it. Fun for the whole family and there are prizes. 3. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links ? still the best NEWS ? Details below 1. Twin Cities Scottish Club has a NEW web site. 2. News from Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans 3. Flowers of the Forest: Joel Stadtler and Robert E. Robson 4. Scottish Ramble News 5. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band 6. Merlin's Rest update 7. Great Scot!! A Shortage of kilts for Scotland's Regiments 8. An Amazing story about special heroes 9. Are you from Tiry, Tyree, or Tiree?? 10. Tartan Day Web Site SONGS AND POEMS OF SCOTLAND ? See end of NEWS COMING EVENTS ? DETAILS 1. December 31, 2006, Sunday, New Year's Eve Party, MN Folk Arts Alliance NEW YEAR'S EVE PARTY!!!! Sunday, December 31. A fun event that has become a tradition. The event will take place from 7:00 until after midnight with lots of music, food, and fun at 935 Hudson Road, St Paul. Tickets are $25 at the door. What better way to bring in a new year than with old and new friends, camaraderie, great music and a wonderful evening all while supporting a charitable event? Ticket price includes all food, drink, music, and party favors and there will be a lot of great music, such as Michael Johnson, nationally recognized singer, songwriter & guitarist; Spider John Koerner, legendary blues singer & guitarist; Ron Miles, singer and guitarist; Barra - Minnesota's Best Loved Ceili Band, plus often-special guests arrive unexpected! You can check out the website at _http://www.mnfolkarts.org/_ (http://www.mnfolkarts.org/) . We are taking reservations, so to guarantee a spot send us an email with your name, phone number, and number of tickets to reserve. Please help us get the word out about the upcoming events by sharing this information with your friends, and we look forward to seeing you at the New Year's Eve Party! Thank you for supporting the traditional arts! 2. January 1, 2007, Clann Tartan, noon, Airing the Tartans, Augsburg Park in Richfield, Nicollet and 70th Street, park next to the community building, followed by First Footing at members private homes. This is a somewhat 21st century version of the ancient task of cleaning the tartans. Once upon a time, in the days before Laundromats, dry cleaners and the like, they were dipped in the freezing waters of a river or loch, allowed to freeze solid and then shaken to free the ice and with it the soil and vermin that had accumulated. Clann Tartan has simplified the procedure by laying them out on the ground, giving them a good shake, and deeming them ready for another season. Might not pass Martha Stewart's test, but it serves the purpose. And it's fun. 3. January 1, 2007, St. Andrew's Society First Footing at the home of Bob and Lori MacOlsson Begins at 1:00 p.m., 2758 Chisholm Avenue North St. Paul, MN 55109 (Go to _www.mapquest.com_ (http://www.mapquest.com/) for a map and directions.) Phone 651-770-5820. Hosted by St. Andrew's President Bob and Lori (Mac) Olsson; A Tithe, A Toast, and a Treat most gratefully appreciated. (In other words, drop a coin or two into the bowl, bring a nice goodie to share, and help us bring in the New Year and a traditional Scottish manner.) (Please note: Red headed ladies please do not be first through the door. Good looking, dark haired gentlemen will lead the way and we will all have a good year.) Everyone Welcomed! For more information, e-mail Bob at _olssonr at katewwdb.com_ (mailto:olssonr at katewwdb.com) 4. January 6, 2007, Saturday, MN Tartan Day Cooperative ? Tartan Day Planning Reminder to the participating members of the MN Tartan Day Cooperative, the next meeting will happen at 10:00 a.m. to continue making plans for the 2007 celebration of Tartan Day in Minnesota. For additional information, contact Tom Lucas at _t.r.lucas at comcast.net_ (mailto:t.r.lucas at comcast.net) or Bob Mac Olsson at _olssonr at katewwdb.com_ (mailto:olssonr at katewwdb.com) 5. January 13, 2007 DSHA will host a winter dance competition in Younker's Department Store in Miller Hill Mall, Duluth. The DSHA is sponsoring a Winter Jig Dance competition on January 13th at Younker's in the Miller Hill Mall. (Central Entrance - Highway 53 going north from downtown Duluth). The registration will start at 9:00 AM. the cost is $25.00 up to January 3rd. After Jan. 3rd please call Competition Chair Teresa Peterson at (218) 525-6833 for the availability of field entries. There will be a workshop on Sunday 8:30 to 10:00 for Beginners and Novice, cost is $15.00; Sunday 10:30 to noon for Intermediate and Premier dancers, cost is $20.00. Dancers from Illinois, Twin Cities, and Thunder Bay are already registered. 6. January 13, 2007, Saturday, TCSC annual general meeting, Macalester Plymouth Church in St. Paul ? across the way from Janet Wallace Fine Arts Building (one block south of Grand Ave, one block west of Snelling) Potluck luncheon starting at 1:00 p.m., followed by the meeting from 2:00 ? 4:00 p.m. Please plan to bring a dish to share. Discussing officers, committees, budget, and events among other topics. Memberships must be paid for 2007 to have a voice. Questions, contact Kirsty McCracken, club president, at 952-707-0477. 7. January 13, 2007, Saturday, Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, quarterly meeting. From Jack MacKinnon, Secretary, MCSC: The location for the January Quarterly meeting of MCSC has been confirmed. We will hold our January 13th meeting at Christ Community Church, 13250 93rd Ave. No., Maple Grove. We will eat lunch potluck style at 11:00 a.m. and have our meeting at 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. The word from Liz Michaelson is that she will tentatively have the Scottish Fair Clan Row materials to pass out. Members will receive a meeting notice in the mail with potluck food assignments. If you are interested in becoming a member of MCSC by representing your clan, contact Ron Kincaid, Vice President, at _RandAKincaid at usfamily.net_ (mailto:RandAKincaid at usfamily.net) 8. January 13, 2007, Saturday, Calvary Episcopal Church, Rochester, Kirkin' o' the Tartans and Burns Dinner. Calvary Episcopal Church will celebrate a Kirkin o' the Tartans and Burns Dinner in Rochester on January 13, 2007. Calvary is located in downtown Rochester next to the Mayo Clinic on 2nd Ave and 3rd Street NW. The evening will begin at 6pm with a Kirkin o' the Tartans and Evensong, followed by our second annual Burns Dinner. Cost for the evening will be $25.00 per person. Persons planning to attend the event should contact Ray Ricketts at _wudcanu at yahoo.com_ (mip://0310e6c8/wudcanu at yahoo.com) by January 6, in order to ensure we have enough 'Scottish meatloaf' for everyone. (I think here Ray is saying "Scottish meatloaf" is an euphemism for HAGGIS. Ed.) 9. January 19, 2007, Friday, Piper's Crow in concert, Cedar Cultural Center, Minneapolis, 8 pm _www.piperscrow.com_ (http://www.piperscrow.com/) 10. January 20, 2007, Saturday, St. Andrew's Society, Burns Night Dinner Ft. Snelling Club, 6:00 p.m.- midnight The St. Andrews Society would be pleased to have you join us as we celebrate our annual, traditional Robert Burns supper on January 20th, 2007. An evening of poetry and bagpipes with dinner and dancing from 6:00 PM until midnight at the Fort Snelling Employee's Club for only $38.00 per person. Plan on attending this year's annual St. Andrew's Burns Supper. Our committee is working hard on it and it will be a lovely, special evening with a lot of entertainment for you to enjoy. When our calling committee volunteer contacts SAS members please let them know if you need transportation and we'll arrange that for you. We hope to see as many as possible this year. Also, please look around your house now to see if you have something to donate to the silent auction. Call Eileen Stewart to arrange pick up or delivery at 612-824-6514. January 20th from 6:00 P. M. to Midnight at the Fort Snelling Employees Club just 100 yards South of the Henry Whipple Federal Building on the grounds of Fort Snelling, near the light rail stop. Cost is $38.00 per person. If you have not attended a St. Andrew's event in a while, come join us this year and visit with your good, long-time friends. Night Scotsman playing for dancing. Deadline for reservations is January 5. Invitations have been sent to SAS members or call 612-824-6514 for reservation forms. 11. January 20, 2007, Saturday, DSHA, Burns Night Dinner (members only), Kitchi Gammi Club PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE 12. January 20, 2007, Saturday, Piper's Crow in concert, Orpheum Theater, Sioux Falls, SD, hosted by Dakota District Pipes and Drums _www.piperscrow.com_ (http://www.piperscrow.com/) 13. January 27, 2007, Saturday, Twin Cities Scottish Club, Burns Supper The Twin Cities Scottish Club is proud to present the 37th annual 2007 Robert Burns Supper. The Burns Supper will be held on January 27 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel, 5:30 ? Midnight, Go to the new TCSC web site for a registration form. Any further questions, please contact Jennifer Peterson at _thetcsc at comcast.net_ (mailto:thetcsc at comcast.net) . Cost is $35 for reservations made before January 9, 2007, $40 thereafter. A silent auction with Minnesota Police Pipe Band will be held, Highland Dancing, great fun for one an all. Check out _www.twincitiesscottishclub.org_ (http://www.twincitiesscottishclub.org/) for all the details. 14. February 2, 2007, Friday, 7:30 P.M. 5th Annual Eilean Dubh Concert Olivet Congregational Church is one block WEST, of Fairview Ave and one block north of Marshall Avenue, at 1850 Iglehart. It's that time of the year again to imagine yourself on the small Scottish island of Eilean Dubh, gathering in the social hall on a long winter's night to be regaled with wonderful Scottish music, stories, dances and food. This concert comes only once a year (more reliable than Brigadoon) and is not to be missed if you love Scottish traditional music and culture. (All other Celts and wish-you-were Celts welcome too). Welcome all ! The FIFTH annual Eilean Dubh Concert, presented by Sherry Ladig and Dunquin Trio, Guest artist singer and multi-instrumentalist Laura MacKenzie, readings by Scottish Islands author Audrey McClellan, dance performance by RSCDS dancers, AND a fabulous complimentary Scottish Tea at intermission Friday, February 2nd, 2007 *** 7:30 p.m. $10 admission at the door, Olivet Congregational Church Social Hall 1850 Iglehart Ave. Saint Paul (one block west of Fairview Ave. and one block north of Marshall Ave.) 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. Pub Night has a new location, The Lake Street Garage on ? where else? ? Lake Street. Contact Bruce Yodor _bruceyoder at juno.com_ (mailto:bruceyoder at juno.com) for additional information. 2. Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country Dancing weekly. Dance regains it's normal schedule of the 1st and 3rd Wednesday at a new site - moving temporarily to MCTC until reconstruction on Hiawatha Community Center is completed - 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 ? Winter 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 we ekly reminder emailed to you send a note to 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 ? moving inside for the winter - 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 The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch will hold classes on Monday nights, 7:30 to 9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (3738 Minnehaha Ave South) starting September 25th. Adults (16 and up) of all ages are welcome! No need to bring a partner! For more information see _http://www.rscds-twincities.org/classes.html_ (http://www.rscds-twincities.org/classes.html) or contact Lara Friedman-Shedlov: _ldfs at bigfoot.com_ (mailto:ldfs at bigfoot.com) , 612.874.8299 ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Presidential Proclamation of Tartan Day ? We Need Your Help! Please give the following your closest attention! The following letter was received from Alan L. Bain, President, The Scottish Coalition USA. Dear American-Scottish Community Member: Since the passing of Senate Resolution 155 in 1998 and House Resolution 41 in 2005, The Scottish Coalition and others have been actively asking the American Scottish community to request the President of the United State to sign a Presidential Proclamation proclaiming April 5, in perpetuity, as National Tartan Day. In order to establish to the President's office the appropriateness of this action, the community, as a group, must demonstrate itself toa be national in scope, sizeable in number and a significant contributor to the country's well being, today as well as yesterday. A Presidential Proclamation would make National Tartan Day a National Holiday Observance on ever April 6th, similar to Flag Day, thus placing National Tartan Day on the official United States of America calendar. To convince the President of the community's national character and significance, starting with a grassroots support, The Scottish Coalition, originator of the National Tartan Day initiative, is asking each organization within the American-Scottish community to write a letter, similar to the one enclosed, stating the organization's support for The Scottish Coalition's request for the Presidential Proclamation. In the event the organization you represent agrees to write, as we very much hope it will, most importantly, please make reference to the name of your organization and its membership numbers in your supporting letter. If your organization is an umbrella organization, also indicate the approximate number of members that each organization within your membership group has. Once you have completed these letters, please mail them to the address below: National Tartan Day Presidential Proclamation P. O. Box 802 Stevensville, MD 21666 In addition, if the State or City in which your organization is registered has a state and/or Local National Tartan Day Proclamation, please enclose a copy with your letter. The Scottish Coalition's intention is to present the letters in a package to the White House Proclamation Office in January 2007. Your support in helping to recognize those Americans of Scottish ancestry for their past and current contributions to this great nation is greatly appreciated. Please also inform your colleagues of this initiative. We want to be sure that all relevant organizations have an opportunity to participate. We will be sending periodic reports to update you on how the project is going. Yours Aye, Alan L. Bain (Editor's note: Don't worry if you aren't an organization, just write a letter stating your reasons why you think a Presidential Proclamation of National Tartan Day is essential and send it off. There can't be too many letters. Let me know if you have questions. Babs) 2. Haggis Hunt ? Try it. Fun for the whole family and there are prizes. Virginia Bradley sends us this link to the Scottish Haggis Hunt and lots of Web Cams all over the countryside. _http://haggishunt.scotsman.com/_ (http://haggishunt.scotsman.com/) Remember the change of time. They are six hours behind us over there, so if you are getting dark pictures, try early in the morning until late morning. It's great fun. 3. 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) NEWS 1. Twin Cities Scottish Club has a NEW web site. Kirsty McCracken, president, TCSC sends the following great news: Please visit the new website for the TCSC. _www.twincitiesscottishclub.org_ (http://www.twincitiesscottishclub.org/) You can learn about the upcoming Burns Supper and download a registration form. Membership applications are also available on the site. 1. News from the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans From Tom Lucas, President Although our discounted dues renewal period ended on October 31st, we continue to welcome renewing and new members throughout the year. Dues are $30 per Clan organization. Checks can be made payable to MCSC and mailed to our PO Box 40280, St. Paul, MN 55104. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact any board member. Contact information is listed on our web page _www.mncsc.org_ (http://www.mncsc.org) . Our 2007 meetings are scheduled as follows: January 13th, March 10th, June 9th and October 13th Details about the meeting on January 13 can be found under Calendar listed above. 2. Flowers of the Forest From Bill Lochen, the 42nd Highland Regiment: Joel Stadtler - It is with great regret that the Highland Regiment announces the loss of a soldier of the line. Joel Stadtler passed away from a massive stroke on Wednesday, December 6, 2006. He was a member of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment, a re-enacting group, and will be greatly missed. Services have been held with musket salute and two joyful and tearful wakes were held in his honor. From the LaCrosse Tribune (with corrections): Joel LeRoy Stadtler, 49, of La Crosse passed away at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 6, 2006, at the Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 14, 1957, in La Crosse. Joel was a 1975 graduate of Central High School and a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse. He had worked as a chef and dental technician in Minneapolis and La Crosse. Joel was a member of The Highland Regiment, aka The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment-1759, an organization that performed battle re-enactments and taught history from the French and Indian War era. He had worked at the Renaissance Festival in Minneapolis for 14 years. He was also a Dungeon Master in the Dungeons and Dragons game and loved to trout fish, pan fish and hunt. He is survived by his mother, Norma Sauerbier; a sister, Cathy; a brother, Monte; two nephews, Jaime and Mike; and his black cat Buddy, all of La Crosse; and many other family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Henry Sauerbier Jr. In accordance with Joel?s wishes, his body will be cremated. A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Saturday, Dec. 9, from 1 to 3 p.m. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. Casual, camouflage, historical or Renaissance attire is requested. From Barbara Humphrey It is with deep regret that I announce the death of a special person in my life. Robbie Robson, the husband of my cousin, Joanne Cameron Robson was like a brother to me. He was a man of special gifts, a sparkling personality, who succumbed to the rigors of congestive heart failure, diabetes, and amputation. Robbie was very proud of his Scottish heritage and wore his Robertson Tartan tie with pride. His favorite cap was one I brought him from Scotland with the Robertson Tartan on the bill. Below is his obituary from the Duluth News Tribune. Robert E. Robson 'Robbie,' 73, of Duluth, passed away peacefully in his home on Dec. 20, 2006. He was born in Johnstown, Pa., on Oct. 1, 1933, to Edward and Mary Robson. Robert was united in marriage to his wife Joanne Cameron on May 3, 1958 at Zion Lutheran Church in Duluth. Robert worked for the DM & IR Railroad for 36 years before retiring in 1995. He then worked part time until 2005 for the UMD Parking Services. He was known as 'Mr. Wonderful' to many people. An avid fan of all sports, Robert was a YMCA noon basketball player for many years. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church and volunteered many hours to the Vietnamese Resettlement Project. He is preceded in death by his parents; and sister Debbie. Robert is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Joanne; sons, Mark (Diana) and David; granddaughter Heather (the apple of his eye); sister Betty Ann Kingston, and many other relatives and friends. VISITATION: will be from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006, in the First Memorial Funeral Chapel, 4100 Grand Ave., and again one hour prior to the service at the church. Funeral service will be at 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2006 in the Trinity Lutheran Church, 1108 E. 8th St. with Reverend Jerome Evavold officiating. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Vermilion or Trinity Lutheran Church. 3. Scottish Ramble News From Liz Michaelson and Peggy Lushine Scottish Ramble 2007: "Nothing's Cooler than Kilts in February!" Saturday, February 10th & Sunday February 11th A reminder to those who wish to advertise in the Scottish Ramble program, deadline is January 5th, so, please get them emailed right away! If you have questions, please email Peggy Lushine: _peggy at uncommongatherings.com_ (mailto:peggy at uncommongatherings.com) The performance & presentation schedule will be posted on line soon. Check it out to see what time your favorites will be on stage. _www.scottishramble.org_ (http://www.scottishramble.org/) Special favorites Ross Sutter, Clairseach and Minnesota Police Pipe Band are returning and we're excited to add the Tartan Fashion Show on both Saturday & Sunday! 4. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band Sally Gordon files this report about MPPD activities and events: Free Lessons The Minnesota Police Pipe Band offers free piping and drumming instruction to any interested individual. We want to introduce a broad range of people to instruments boasting a rich cultural heritage. Instruction is provided for the bass, snare and tenor drums and for the Great Highland bagpipe. These are the instruments played in modern competition pipe bands. Instruction in the art of the Drum Major is also available. More details about the program are available on our web site, _www.mppb.org_ (http://www.mppb.org/) and by contacting _instruction at mppb.org_ (mailto:instruction at mppb.org) . A law enforcement affiliation is not required to participate in the instruction program. A new session began December 12, 2006. Scotland 2009 Minnesota Police Pipe Band will be taking a trip across the pond in August 2009 to compete in the World Pipe Band Championships. Preparations are underway for this huge endeavor and our first fund raising event is the silent auction at the Twin Cities Scottish Club. Hope to see you there. Upcoming Calendar: January 27, 2007 ? Silent auction with Twin Cities Scottish Club at the Burns Dinner and performance by the band February 10 ? 11, 2007 ? Scottish Ramble, performance in the afternoon both days. Minnesota Police Pipe Band, PO Box 19067, Minneapolis MN 55419 _www.mppb.org_ (http://www.mppb.org/) 6. Merlin's Rest update: We are all set to go with our new pub but, alas, the mills of local government grind exceeding slow. By current estimation, we should have all of the necessary paperwork passed and permits in our hands by mid-to-late January 2007. We are looking forward to being open for a braw bash on Rabbie Burns Night. Scot's Wha' Hae ... Bill Watkins STAY TUNED! 6. Great Scot!! A Shortage of kilts for Scotland's Regiments Jackie Johnston and Andrew McCracken both sent this alarming story: LONDON - Great Scot! A shortage of ceremonial kilts could leave thousands of soldiers without a stitch of plaid to wear as they parade to the skirl of the bagpipes. Military officials said Monday that more than 5,000 Scottish soldiers are having to share their kilts because defense chiefs have not finalized a contract to buy enough of the garments to go around. For the rest of the story go to _http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/kilt_shortage_ (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/kilt_shortage) 7. An Amazing story about special heroes. >From my friend Ray Erwin, who can always be counted on to come up with the most extraordinary information, comes this link to a story about the rescue of horses in The Netherlands last November. We find heroes in many different places on our planet. This is a very special video story. _http://www.urth.tv/content/view/4137/_ (http://www.urth.tv/content/view/4137/) Scroll down the first page just a bit. Thanks, Ray. 7. Are you from Tiry, Tyree, or Tiree?? From Babs, editor, SNIM I am very happy to announce that Phase 3 1826 ? 1854 of the Tiree OPR birth records has been uploaded to the Tiree Genealogy web site, and is now available in both searchable Excel files and .pdf files for printing. In addition to the genealogy web site Keith Dash maintains at www.keithdash.net, to learn more about the Isle of Tiree check out: _www.isleoftiree.com_ (http://www.isleoftiree.com/) or _www.isleoftiree.net_ (http://www.isleoftiree.net/) or _http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/gshaw/tiree.htm_ (http://www.users.zetnet.co.uk/gshaw/tiree.htm) 8. Tartan Day Web Site The Tartan day Web Site _www.tartandaymn.org_ (http://www.tartandaymn.org/) is up, running, and functioning. At the moment if you click on NEWS you will get the recent edition of the SNIM serving as a placeholder for more news to come. Check in from time to time. As plans are made, they will appear here. SONGS and POEMS of SCOTLAND The Best by the Worst Those of you who receive Scotties Snippets on a weekly basis may remember this little item. In a Newsletter some weeks back there was an item about the "world's worst poet" - as William Topaz McGonagall (1830-1902) is often described, despite him having a large, loyal fan base for his unintentional humour. Since it is Robert Burns month, we thought we would repeat that offering here in the hopes it will bring a chuckle or two. Here is McGonagall's take on Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. While he is full of praise, he does manage to get a dig at what he thinks is Burn's own view of himself. Not unlike McGonagall's own opinion of himself - a genius. Robert Burns Immortal Robert Burns of Ayr, There's but few poets can with you compare; Some of your poems and songs are very fine: To "Mary in Heaven" is most sublime; And then again in your "Cottar's Saturday Night," Your genius there does shine most bright, As pure as the dewdrops of the night. Your "Tam O'Shanter" is very fine, Both funny, racy, and divine, From John O'Groats to Dumfries All critics consider it to be a masterpiece, And, also, you have said the same, Therefore they are not to blame. And in my own opinion both you and they are right, For your genius there does sparkle bright, Which I most solemnly declare To thee, Immortal Bard of Ayr! Your "Banks and Braes of Bonnie Doon" Is sweet and melodious in its tune, And the poetry is moral and sublime, And in my opinion nothing can be more fine. Your "Scots wha hae wi' Wallace bled" Is most beautiful to hear sung or read; For your genius there does shine as bright, Like unto the stars of night Immortal Bard of Ayr! I must conclude my muse To speak in praise of thee does not refuse, For you were a mighty poet, few could with you compare, And also an honour to Scotland, for your genius it is rare AND IN CLOSING While it may seem immodest, I want to share these gracious words, received recently from Sherry Ladig, the musical genius behind Dunquin, Thistledown, Night Scotsman, the music from Eilean Dubh and so many others: I just wanted to say a big Thank You at the close of this year for all you have done to promote Scottish culture and community generally in the Twin Cities over this past year, and specifically, all you've done to help promote Eilean Dubh and other concerts my bands have done in 2006 and past years. It is folks like you who are the glue that holds us all together and makes us feel proud to be part of the Scottish world here. I really appreciate what you do. Strength to your sword arm in 2007! Cheers, Sherry And it is kind words like those from Sherry and others who have written that gives us the wherewithal to keep on keeping on. Moran Taing. 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: /pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20061229/15351058/attachment-0001.html