From BabsFayth at aol.com Fri Aug 31 14:13:53 2007 From: BabsFayth at aol.com (BabsFayth at aol.com) Date: Fri, 31 Aug 2007 14:13:53 EDT Subject: [Scottish News] Scottish News in Minnesota Vol. 7, No. 72, September 1, 2007 Message-ID: Hello Everyone, Nooooooooooo! Summer can't be over yet! ! ! The calendar does not lie. In a fleeting three weeks, that most dreaded of all dates ? the first day of autumn pops up on the calendar letting us know in no uncertain terms that "summer is over." Oh yes, we can still have some lovely days, Native American summer will be around after the first frost, hopefully, and there has been the occasional All Hallow's Eve with balmy temperatures. But there is no doubt that the days are marching inexplicably towards winter. AAARRRGGGHHH! 'Til then we have loads of fun things going on to make the passage somewhat more bearable. To whit: COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. September 8, 2007, Saturday, 3:30 to 7:30 At The Mounds Park Pavilion Mounds Blvd. and Earl Street, St. Paul, Flea Market Festival 2. September 8, 2007, Saturday, 9:00 p.m. Minnesota Music Caf?, Rattle and Hum, U2 Tribute Band 3. September 15, 2007, Saturday 7:30 p.m. Macalester College Pipe Band Fall Concert 4. September 16, 2007, Sunday, Remembrance Day and High Tea, DSHA, Duluth, MN 5. September 17, 2007, Monday, 7:30 ? 9:30 p.m. RSCDS, "Bring a Friend Night" 6. September 21, 2007, Friday, 7:00 p.m. St. Andrew's Society Pub Night, Keegan's 7. September 22, 2007, Saturday, 2 ? 4 p.m. 1st Annual Afternoon Tea, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN, TCSC 8. September 22, 2007, Saturday, the All things Scottish Celtic Fest in Cedar Rapids, IA 9. September 23, 2007, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Cedar Cultural Center, Grada AWAY GAMES 1. List of all Games and other great information from Ray Erwin www.usscots.com ONGOING 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. Clann Tartan Sword Guild meets inside the 2nd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center 4. Wear a Kilt, get a FREE PINT 5. Royal Scottish Country Dance Society ? It's Fall! They're dancing! FUTURE DATES - Additional Information in Future Issues. Mark your calendars now. 1. October 13, 2007, Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, AGM, at the Christ Church Community in Maple Grove, MN. Time 11:00am to 2:00pm. Additional information will be forthcoming. 2. October 26, 2007, Friday, 6:00 p.m. ? midnight, Fish & Chip Night and Ceilidh, Fort Snelling Employees Club, TCSC 3. November 3, 2007, Saturday, Guy Fawkes, Andy and Cheri McCracken's home, time & details, TBA, TCSC 4. November 18, 2007, Sunday, Kirkin' o' the Tartans & High Tea, DSHA, Duluth, MN 5. November 28, 2007, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., Kirkin' o' the Tartan, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Plymouth 6. December 8, 2007, Saturday, time TBA, Children's Christmas Party, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN, TCSC 7. January, 2008, Winter Jig Dance Competition, DSHA, Date and Location TBA 8. January 12, 2008, Saturday, TCSC January AGM, Time TBA, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN 9. January 26, 2008, Saturday, Burns Dinner, DSHA 10. January 26, 2008, Saturday, Burns Night, Time TBA, Ramada Inn, Mall of America, Bloomington, TCSC 11. February 16 - 17, 2008, A Scottish Ramble, Landmark Center, Saint Paul MN 12. April 2008, DSHA Annual Meeting, date and location TBA 13. May 17, 2008, 5th Annual Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games 14. June 28, 2008, Summer Dance Competition, DSHA, Fitger's Complex, Duluth MN ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. Fly the Flag Campaign ? An Editorial 2. Minnesota Tartan fabric purchase opportunity 3. The SNIM is NOT SPAM! 4. TARTAN DAY BUTTON COLLECTORS Take note 5. Scotland on TV 6. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links - still the best NEWS - Details below 1. A Steve Kincaid Health Update ? by Steve Kincaid 2. A pictorial view of Clan MacMillan's gathering in Inverness and photos of the Highlands 3. Oh, Those McCrackens 4. First ever Kirkin' o' the Tartans at the Ren Fest 5. News of the Scottish American Center 6. Scotty Roberts Rollicky Book Rollicks ON! 7. Twin Cities Metro Pipe Band News 8. Twin Cities Scottish Club NEWS 9. News from Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans 10. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band 11. Clann Tartan News 12. News from Macalester Pipe Band 13. News from St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota 14. News from the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games 15. News from Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Twin Cities Branch 16. News from the Minnesota Scottish and Celtic Dance Association 17. Merlin's Rest update 18. New web site for Conference of Celtic Women ? Updated News COMING EVENTS ? DETAILS 1. September 8, 2007, Saturday, 3:30 to 7:30 At The Mounds Park Pavilion Mounds Blvd. and Earl Street, St. Paul Flea Market Festival The Minnesota Folk Arts Alliance is presenting the Flea Market Festival: concerts, a flea market, and a potluck. Music and dance will be provided by the Eddies, Barra and the General Hardware Border Morris. This will be a fun afternoon of music and dance plus checking out great flea market offerings. Bring some food and beverage to share. A great family event and there is no cover charge. Flea market & potluck 3:30, General Hardware Morris Dancers: 4:30, Barra 5 to 6, General Hardware 6:00, Eddies: 6:30 to 7:30 More about the Eddies: _www.eddiesontheriver.com_ (http://www.eddiesontheriver.com/) More about Barra: _www.barraband.com_ (http://www.barraband.com/) More about the General Hardware: General Hardware is a group of dancers and musicians performing Border Morris, a vigorous and heavy-footed dance form, the 'ugly cousin' of British folkdance. Drawing from traditions born in towns along the English-Welsh border (none of whom will now acknowledge it), they feature bone-rattling, stick-clashing numbers danced by men who are old enough to know better, accompanied by women who apparently have too much time on their hands. Sponsored by the Minnesota Folk Arts Alliance: mnfolkarts.org For more information: 651-357-0400 2. September 8, 2007, Saturday, 9:00 p.m. Minnesota Music Caf?, Rattle and Hum. U2 Tribute Band 499 Payne Avenue, St. Paul, performing with Zed Leppelin. Chris Cahoon invites everyone to come and hear the Midwest's Premier U2 Tribute Band in concert with Zed Lepplin. For more information check out the web site: http://www.u2rattleandhum.com/ (Yes, we know, U2 is Irish, but they are Celts, after all.) 3. Saturday September 15 7:30 p.m. Macalester College Pipe Band Fall Concert Outside on the lawn near the chapel or inside at Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center. It's free, wherever it is held. 4. September 16, 2007, Sunday, Remembrance Day and High Tea, DSHA, Duluth, MN The Duluth Scottish Heritage Assn. will honor our heritage with "Remembrance Day" on Sunday, September 16 in Forest Hill Cemetery at the Scottish Cairn. Time set for 1:30 PM. A reception will follow at the home of David and Gloria Bouschor. There will be directional signs in the cemetery to the cairn. Forest Hill Cemetery is located at 2516 Woodland Avenue, in Duluth. 5. September 17, 2007, Monday, 7:30 ? 9:30 p.m. RSCDS, "Bring a Friend Night" The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch will be holding classes on Monday nights, 7:30 to 9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (3738 Minnehaha Ave South). The classes for this coming season will begin again on September 17 with the traditional "Bring a Friend Night." For information, please see their web site _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 5. September 21, 2007, Friday, 7:00 p.m. St. Andrew's Society Pub Night Keegan's Irish Pub, 16 University Ave NE, MPLS, MN Always lots of fun and the Keegan's are warm, welcoming hosts. I've heard the Shepherd's pie is great. Look for the tables with the St. Andrew's Flags. 6. September 22, 2007, Saturday, 2 ? 4 p.m. 1st Annual Afternoon Tea, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN, TCSC A brand new event for Twin Cities Scottish Club. A separate mailing to member with all the necessary information will be sent during August. Ooops, we are about to run out of August. This will be a traditional afternoon tea, just like those served in Bonnie Scotland. The tea is open to TCSC members and non-members. Go to _http://www.twincitiesscottishclub.org/_ (http://www.twincitiesscottishclub.org/) to download a flyer and a reservation form with all the details. This will be a lovely event, one you won't want to miss. 7. September 22, 2007, Saturday, the All things Scottish Celtic Fest in Cedar Rapids, IA Check out the lists to be found at _www.usscots.com_ (http://www.usscots.com/) for more info 8. September 23, 2007, Sunday, 7:30 p.m. Cedar Cultural Center, Grada >From Brian Corner at The Cedar Grada in concert 7.30pm Sept 23, Cedar Cultural Center Tel: 612-338-2674 _www.thecedar.org_ (http://www.thecedar.org/) $15 advance, $18 day of show. Sensational (Irish-themed) band if you haven't heard them! _http://www.gradamusic.com/_ (http://www.gradamusic.com/) ONGOING 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. (Clann Tartan may now be "pubbing" at Merlin's Rest. They are across the street from one another, so if they aren't in one place, cross the street.) 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. Clann Tartan Sword Guild meets the 3rd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center ? probably outside now that we are some weeks away from last winter and a few weeks until "next" winter - contact Marty for information _orthodoxdruid at gmail.com_ (mailto:orthodoxdruid at gmail.com) and learn how to swing that sword! 4. Wear a Kilt Get a FREE PINT. 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. 5. Royal Scottish Country Dance Society It's Fall! They're Dancing! The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch will be Monday night classes start up again on Monday, Sept 17th with our annual Bring a Friend Night event. Classes are held 7:30 to 9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center in Minneapolis (3738 Minnehaha Ave South). We also offer advanced classes the 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month and free basics classes on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month. 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 1. Fly the Flag Campaign ? an Editorial Our good friend and frequent contributor, Clan Irwin Minnesota Commissioner and Marine Corps Colonel (ret) Ray Erwin invites all good Scots in Minnesota to take part in the Fly the Flag Campaign. Please join us in this FLY THE FLAG campaign. We have a little more than one week and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America. THE PROGRAM IS THIS: On Tuesday, September 11th, 2007, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Wouldn't it be great if every individual made it his or her responsibility to display an American flag on this sixth anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends, and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds. Action Plan: So, here's what we need you to do... (1) Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11/01 and let those sentiments guide you. (2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don't, then at least make it a priority on this day. 2. Minnesota Tartan fabric purchase opportunity Liz Michaelson tells us that an opportunity to purchase fabric in the Minnesota Tartan may be available if enough people are interested. Projected cost per yard is $50. The vendor is asking for enough interest to guarantee selling 100 yards. If you are interested, contact the Osweilers at _MNGuthrie at juno.com_ (mailto:MNGuthrie at juno.com) 3. The SNIM is NOT SPAM! Some of the mysteries of the internet and cyberspace will never be understood by we mere mortals. Certainly one of the most puzzling is: Why does the SNIM turn up in your email box as SPAM? I can't answer that and some of the best Geek minds in the community can't answer that either. Just be sure you have our addresses ? _babsfayth at aol.com_ (mailto:babsfayth at aol.com) , _info at tartandaymn.org_ (mailto:info at tartandaymn.org) and _news at tartandaymn.org_ (mailto:news at tartandaymn.org) in you address books and maybe we will pass through the SPAM filter unscathed. I realize that sometimes it leaves the mail service with the foreboding ***SPAM*** designator out in front of Scottish News in Minnesota. If you have been wondering why you don't get the SNIM anymore, check your SPAM folder. You might find us waiting for you there. 4. TARTAN DAY BUTTON COLLECTORS Take note The 2008 ? 10 year anniversary Tartan Buttons are available on line at www.tartandaybuttons.org Minnesota's own Jack A. Barker has been designing the National Authorized Tartan Day Button since 2001. We will next have them for sale locally at the Scottish Ramble in February. Babs almost always has a few stashed in her purse, so if you are looking to pick up a couple, and you happen to see her, ask. Chances are you will score a button. 5. Scotland on TV Check out this new site. Some wonderful video of things going on in Scotland ? Thank you Myth Julie. http://www.scotlandontv.tv/scotlandontv/culture.html 6. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links - Still the Best Rampant Scotland - the largest directory of Scottish links! http://www.RampantScotland.com Also with 2000+ illustrated feature articles! http://www.RampantScotland.com/features.htm NEWS - DETAILS 1. A Steve Kincaid Health Update ? by Steve Kincaid Dear Friends, Babs tells me that she has received many calls asking about what happened/my condition. So without going into a lot of gory detail here's what happened: On Aug. 2, the morning after the bridge fell, I experienced a cardiac arrest in my office at work. One of my co-workers performed necessary CPR until the paramedics arrived and I was whisked off to Hennepin County Medical Center where the staff in the cardiac ICU performed heroically to keep me alive and stabilized long enough to effect repairs(one of the cardiac nurses told Liz (Steve's wife) that not one person in a hundred would have survived what I went thru). Two operations (heart valve & bypass, pacemaker/defibrillator) later I'm home recuperating with my nifty collection of new surgical scars. There seems to have been little or no damage to the heart, so with a period of rehab, should be just about as good (or maybe better) as new. For all those who called, visited, sent cards and flowers, I can say only Moran Ta?ng! One can't help asking the question: If anyone was to be spared under such circumstances, why me, and now what to I do? I have been blessed with a new lease on life and will strive to make the most of it. I feel a bit like Scrooge the morning after his visit with the three spirits: "As giddy as a schoolboy." I'm looking forward to getting out to upcoming events and having the opportunity to visit and catch up with all of you. Yours aye, Steve 2. A pictorial view of Clan MacMillan's gathering in Inverness and photos of the Highlands In last month's issue, we reported on the visit to Scotland by Jack MacMillan, Neil Johnson, and Mike McMillen, loyal members of the Clan MacMillan and of our Scottish Community. We promised a report on their trip in this issue. Such are the daily pressures of our busy Scots, that rather than 500 words, we are falling back on the old axiom that a "picture is worth 1,000 words." That being the case, check out this link that will take you to dozens of amazing photos of Scotland and the MacMillan Gathering taken by Jack and Neil. Enjoy! _http://picasaweb.google.com/jackmacmillan5/HighlandsOfScotland_ (http://picasaweb.google.com/jackmacmillan5/HighlandsOfScotland) Click on "View Slide Show." 3. Oh those McCrackens Eva McClellan sends us this link to a very amusing bit of video about a rascally old McCracken doing something naughty. Kirsty reports, "that would be a brother from the dark side of our family." Enjoy! http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/bestoftv/2007/08/08/sot.kilt.flasher.cnn 4. First ever Kirkin' o' the Tartans at the Ren Fest What we lacked in size, we made up for in enthusiasm. Jackie Johnston, Scott McKechnie, John McKeen and Tom King served as readers, and Denny Johnston carried the platter of tartans while Audrey McClellan announced the clans, at the very first presentation of a Kirkin' at the Highland Fling weekend at the Ren Fest on Sunday, August 25. About a dozen or so clans, drawn primarily from those whose clan tents and organization tents circled the Heavy Games playing field participated in the bringing forth of the tartans. Following the blessing by Elder Tom King, Wayne Porter, Clan Gregor, led in the singing of Flower of Scotland. We were well received and our feeling is this is something that should continue each year during the Highland Fling Weekend as part of our ongoing mission to bring cherished pieces of our heritage and culture to the community at large. Thanks, again, to everyone who participated. 5. News of the Scottish American Center >From J. Scott McKechnie, FSA Scot and Executive Director Our recent fund drive was overwhelmingly successful. We sincerely thank all those who stepped up to insure our operating expenses for our first year would be guaranteed. Full details coming in the next issue. AND ? it's not too late to send your contribution. No time like the present to start on the operating budget for Year Two. Open Hours Note: The SAC will be closed Labor Day weekend, September 1 ? 3, reopening on Tuesday, September 4. The Scottish American Center (SAC) is open with EXPANDED HOURS. You can now visit the SAC during these times: *Monday evenings between 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. where you will be greeted by Guest Host Nancy Cameron Breems, past president of the Northern Lights Branch of Clan Cameron *Tuesday between 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m., September 4, David Allan *Tuesday between 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m., September 11, Jackie & Denny Johnston *Tuesday between 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m., September 25, Tom King *Wednesdays between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Scott McKechnie *Wednesday, between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. September 12 only, subbing for Scott McKechnie, Mary Libhardt *Thursday evenings between 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. where you will be greeted alternately by Tom King and Carolyn Jackson, newsletter editor for TCSC *Fridays between 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Scott McKechnie with Mary Libhardt, Clan Napier and John McKeen, Clan Donald filling in when needed. *Saturday hours are variable, currently: *Saturday, September 8, noon ? 3:00 p.m. Tom King, Host * Saturday, September 29, noon ? 3:00 p.m. Stacey Peacock, Host Please call ahead to be sure a Host is on duty. 651-636-1558 or 612-869-7163 New Volunteer Guest Hosts are always welcomed. Twin Cities Scottish Club will hold their Board meeting at the SAC on Saturday, September 15 at 10:00 a.m. We're Listed! It's official- the SAC is now listed in the new Yellowbook! (In the white pages.) History is being made- it's our first Scottish community listing in a phone book! It should also appear in the Qwest version for St. Paul when that's out. (It's a 651 number.) Hurrah! Yet another small step toward building the visibility of our community! The Scottish American Center is located on the lower level (follow the signs) of the 151 office building. The address is 151 Silver Lake Road NW, Suite 13, New Brighton, MN 55112 - just 4 long blocks south of the intersection of I-694 and Silver Lake Road on the east side. The Center phone number is 651-636-1558 and there is voice mail. _www.scottishamericancenter.org_ (http://www.scottishamericancenter.org/) YOU are at the center of the SAC's success. Be Proud! You will have helped build a future heritage for our community, our descendents, and for the citizens of Minnesota and the Midwest. 6. Scotty Roberts Rollicky Book, Rollicks ON! The Rollicking Adventures of Tam O'Hare - by Scotty Roberts I will be at Ren Fest this year with Tam O'Hare for only two weekends. Marketing has asked me to do a little stage show three times per day at the Children's Realm Stage. I don't have exact times, but it will be posted on a sign there, every day. On Irish Weekend - September 8/9: I will be doing some dramatic readings from the book, and we will be enacting one of the sword fight scenes from the reading. The book will be on sale after each show, and I will be signing them. I will also have the rest of the limited edition poster for sale until they run out. See you all there! ~Scotty 7. Twin Cities Metro Pipe Band News >From Tad Myers, Pipe Major The Twin Cities Metro took 2nd place in a field of 4 excellent bands at the Quad Cities games on a beautiful sunny 80 degree afternoon. The band had a great time and played very well. We are looking forward to our final contest of the season at the St. Louis games held on October 6th. Hopefully the weather will hold and be as nice as it has been for the past several seasons. In the meantime, the band will be performing out at the Renaissance Festival during August and September at the Irish weekend and for the closing weekend. Members of TCMetro will also be piping for the Royal Scottish Country Dancers who will be performing at the Ren Fest over most of the run. Come on out and see the band and the dancers and enjoy the Festival! 8. Twin Cities Scottish Club News >From Norma Macdonald, Vice President Hi Everyone- Our TCSC members, the Goodrich's, are the owners of the Thistle Rose Tea Shop in Dassel, MN. The Tea Shop is going out of business, and they had a "SALE" last Saturday that began at 10am in the Thistle Rose Tea Shop parking lot in Dassel. Items that were sold included collectable antiques, books, dolls, records, etc. For more information, please contact the Goodrich's at 320-223-9477 or _http://www.sarahgoodrichdesigns.com_ (http://www.sarahgoodrichdesigns.com/) 9. News from the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans >From Ellen Long, Secretary, MCSC Annual General Meeting To held on Saturday October 13 at the Christ Church Community in Maple Grove, MN. Time 11:00am to 2:00pm. More information will be sent out to the membership. >From Tom Lucas, President On behalf of the MCSC we would like to send a great THANK YOU to all those who participated at the Renaissance Festival?s Highland Fling Weekend. Although many of us were not able to be there and participate, the word on the grapevine is that it was a very good event. Congratulations! For those of you who helped man the MCSC tent and help get materials to and from the festival the MCSC board would like to extend an additional thank you as well. Your help insured that the greater Scottish community, Clan/Family organizations, and affiliated groups unable to attend or participate were represented. Once again, you all showed Minnesotans that the Scots are alive and well ? and HERE to STAY in Minnesota. Thank you, The MCSC Board (Editor's note: we can not leave the Highland Fling Weekend at the Ren Fest without a special thanks to Ardis and John Ivory (Clan MacIntyre) who were in the MCSC all day, both days. Also Jackie and Denny Johnston, Joanne Wahl and her daughter from Duluth (Clan MacMillan) and Dennis Shaw. There may have been folks there on Saturday who also deserve our sincere thanks for their loyal support of this important event.) The MCSC is always looking for new Clans/Families to join our organization. Please feel free to contact any of our board members to find out how to join. You can find our contact information at _www.mncsc.org_ (http://www.mncsc.org/) or mail us at MCSC, P.O. Box 40280, St. Paul, MN 55104. Come join our organization and promote your Scottish heritage (Clan/Family), genealogy, culture and more. _www.mncsc.org_ (http://www.mncsc.org/) 10. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band Sally Gordon files this report about MPPD activities and events: Minnesota Police Pipe Band competed successfully at the Celtic Highland Games of the Quad Cities on August 25th. Grade 4 was first in grade with prizes for Best Drum Corps and Best Bass Section. Grade 5 was second in grade and received the Best Bass Section award. Soloists who took home honors included pipers Alyssa Gregory, Trevor Bailey, Tom Hinrichsen, Brian Smith, Todd Hendrickson, Mark Lucas and tenor drummer Ana Noyola. August has flown by so fast but, don?t worry, there?s still time to see and hear Minnesota Police Pipe Band before the snow flies. Upcoming performances include: 09/09 Defeat of Jesse James Days, Northfield MN _http://parade.djjd.org/_ (http://parade.djjd.org/) 09/15 Old SOD Days, Belview MN _http://www.belview.org/OldSodDay.pdf_ (http://www.belview.org/OldSodDay.pdf) 09/16 Waconia Sesquicentennial, Waconia, MN _http://www.waconia.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={9FFA89E3-5A7A-43C7-A644-B07919BA721F}&DE={FA29D895-D058-4BF A-8160-6E423D15B44A}_ (http://www.waconia.org/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={9FFA89E3-5A7A-43C7-A644-B07919BA721F}&DE={FA29D895-D058-4BFA-8160-6E423D15B44A}) 09/28 Columbia Heights High School Homecoming September 25th is the beginning of a new piping and drumming session. If you?ve always wanted to learn to play the Great Highland bagpipes or snare, bass or tenor drum now?s your chance. Classes are on Tuesday evening from 6:00 to 6:45 p.m. The Instruction page on our website, _www.mppb.org_ (http://www.mppb.org/) , has lots of information about the group lessons. You can also ask questions and get answers by replying to this email: _news at mppb.org_ (mailto:news at mppb.org) Have a great Labor Day and thanks for all your support this year. 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. Minnesota Police Pipe Band, PO Box 19067, Minneapolis MN 55419 11. Clann Tartan News >From Mary McKinley, president: I still want to know who died and left me responsible for this... I guess it's because I'm the only one who can! Clann Tartan was out in force at the Ren Fest. It was great to see Prez Mary McKinley looking radiant and keeping her troops in line. 12. News from Macalester College Pipe Band >From Mike Breidenbach, Pipe Major Macalester College Pipe Band Fall Concert Saturday September 15 7:30 pm Hopefully it will be outdoors on the lawn by the chapel on campus, but we've run into some problems with the noise ordinance. If it is indoors in will be in the Janet Wallace Fine Arts Center Concert Hall It is FREE either way! For questions or directions email: _pipeband at macalester.edu_ (mailto:pipeband at macalester.edu) 13. News from St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota Don Bruce, 2nd Veep of St. Andrew's sends this months SAS news: The September Pub Night will be on Friday, September 21 at Keegan's Irish Pub, 16 University Ave NE, MPLS, MN. There will also be an issue of the Thistle and Quill coming in September, so members can watch for more information there too. The August Pub Night at McGarry's in Maple Plain went very well with about a dozen people attending. A good time was had by all. Join us for this month's Pub Night if you can. Also, Jack and Barb McKinnon, co-secretaries of the Society, and the McKinnon ladies, Bette and Kay, won the award at the Quad Cities Celtic Highland Games for best tent display. Congratulations to them. Other St. Andrew's news: We are planning some new and exciting events for the fall and winter. Watch this space for announcements. Better yet, if you are not a member, join St. Andrew's Society and get the Thistle and Quill newsletter to keep up on everything going on with the Society and be a part of this fun and exciting group. Memberhship forms can be downloaded from the web site. _http://www.standrewsmn.org/_ (http://www.standrewsmn.org/) 14. News from the Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games Big News actually about a really BIG NAME. None other than Alex Beaton himself will be the featured entertainer at Fair '08. Alex is a much beloved singer of Scottish songs and we are thrilled and delighted to have him appearing here at our fair for the first time. He will do three one- hour shows in the Pub tent. _http://www.alexbeaton.com/_ (http://www.alexbeaton.com/) Also signed for a returned engagement, the very popular group Highland Reign, also appearing at the pub. _http://www.highlandreign.com_ (http://www.highlandreign.com/) Other groups will be appearing in the Clan Tent area and will be announced as they are booked. 15. News from Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Twin Cities Branch >From the RSCDS ? Lara Friedman~Shedlov Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Twin Cities Branch performances at at the Minnesota Renaissance Festival continue every weekend, plus Labor Day, throughout the month of September (our 35th year!). We do 4 half-hour performances a day at the Bear stage or in front of Bad Manor. Check your printed programs and do come cheer us on. We always have an audience participation dance at each performance. Interested in giving Scottish country dancing a try? Please join us on Monday, September 17th for our FREE annual kick-off event, BRING A FRIEND NIGHT, 7:30 to 9:30pm at Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave S in Minneapolis. There will be a brief introduction to the basics and the opportunity to dance to live music by the Tallisker Collective (Sherry Ladig and friends) and socialize. You and your friends are most welcome! See _http://www.rscds-twincities.org_ (http://www.rscds-twincities.org/) for further information. 16. News from the Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association >From Kristy Van Hoven, President As our competition season ends I would like to take a moment to congratulate all the dancers who have competed this year, it is fun to see the dancers move through their dancing careers. I would also like to send out congratulations to those who competed in Scotland this summer. It was a fabulous trip and at least 5 of the dancers placed in their dances at various games around Scotland! Way to Go!!!! MSCDA will be hosting a Highland Dance Workshop later this fall. Contact MSCDA(_www.mscda.com_ (http://www.mscda.com/) ) for more information or stay tuned to SNIM for more details. 17. Merlin's Rest update: Merlin's Rest Pub is now up and running and we are looking to having our old friends join us for the craic. Here's the website: _www.merlinsrest.com_ (http://www.merlinsrest.com/) Stop by ? "where everybody knows your name." Cheers! FYI New email address for Bill: _wbillwatkins at msn.com_ (mailto:wbillwatkins at msn.com) 18. Conference of Celtic Women Update This from Jean Bills CONFERENCE UPDATE JULY ? No new information has been received so we repeat the July newsletter _www.conferenceofcelticwomen.org_ (http://www.conferenceofcelticwomen.org/) August is slipping away, as is summer; but there is still a savings for you if you register for the conference this month before September first. (The fee goes up $5 each month). This is an appeal for items you may wish to donate for the conference raffle. That is a big boost for the overall income, fun and excitement for the week-end of October 4-6. We already have promises of a week in the mountains of North Carolina, hand-knit afghan, an Irish knit wool sweater, and numerous items from our vendors. If you have something of a Celtic nature for the raffle, please let me know. Phone number and e-mail address below ***. Please look at the web site if you have not done so. Lots of pictures from past presenters, the schedule for this year?s event, hotel details, and information on all of the speakers, singers and musicians for 2007. Maggie Cronin returns after an 8-year absence. She has written a new play, which she will preview, for us. Maggie is well known in Milwaukee since her last play ?A Most Notorious Woman? was a big hit in the local small stages here in 1999. It was held over for two weeks to SRO audiences. In the meantime, she has starred in a daily soap on BBC television for several years. Betsy McGovern is another well-loved presenter who has not been able to attend for a few years. But Betsy will be with us on Saturday with her lovely voice. It will be great to have her back with Celtic Women again. The fantastic bagpiper of last year, Susan Hyams, returns for an encore, this time with one of the accomplished students in Susan?s school: ?Thistle Dancers and Pipers?, Katherine Forsyth. We told you last month about the addition of Fiona Molloy to our conference program. Fiona will (1) MC the whole conference, (2) she will have an hour to present her wonderful talent on Friday, and (3) she will highlight the Friday evening conference concert along with Sheila Stewart, each sharing half of the program. That will be one memorable evening! I hope you will be there. If you are a Fiona-Fan you should not miss this. Along those lines, let me remind any new-comers: during the conference the speakers and presenters stay on the premises and are readily available to talk with, eat lunch with, get autographs, and sit with in the audience. Many fast friends have been made at the conferences in past years. And they return each year to renew those friendships. ?Being Together? is our theme, always. Late-Breaking-News: I have just heard that Sheila Stewart is being inducted into the British Hall of Fame on December first. What a great honor to add to those she has already received, i.e. the MBE Member of the British Empire. The conference is truly an once-in-a-lifetime event to meet Sheila. 414-257-3770 _jeanbills at mac.com_ (mailto:jeanbills at mac.com) please call for your donation of raffle items. Many thanks! Jean Bills, Conference of Celtic Women Oct. 4-6, 2007 _http://www.ConferenceOfCelticWomen.org_ (http://www.conferenceofcelticwomen.org/) AND IN CLOSING 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). (Note: Jack Barker who uploads this document to the _www.tartandaymn.org_ (http://www.tartandaymn.org/) web site is out of town until Tuesday, so you won't fine the September 1 issue there until later next week.) 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. ************************************** Get a sneak peek of the all-new AOL at http://discover.aol.com/memed/aolcom30tour -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://tartandaymn.org/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20070831/fcc9094f/attachment-0001.html