From babsfayth at aol.com Wed Nov 28 13:33:33 2007 From: babsfayth at aol.com (Barbara Humphrey) Date: Wed, 28 Nov 2007 12:33:33 -0600 Subject: [Scottish News] Scottish News in Minnesota Vol. 7, No. 75, December 1, 2007 Message-ID: <000301c831ed$2f44d730$6601a8c0@APFS1> Hello Everyone, First out-of-the-gate I want to extend a very sincere apology to our subscribers for the deluge of mail that filled your boxes following the publication of the November 1 issue. Two long-time members of our community, wishing to advise me about email address changes, inadvertently sent that information to the wrong email address and so made its way into your box. To continue the problem, well meaning and helpful subscribers, realizing the information was not intended for them, forwarded it on to ? yup, you guessed it, the same wrong email address and thereby the entire subscription list ? again. . Regardless of what it says in the header of your copy of the SNIM, should you wish to communicate with the editor ? that?s me ? please send all emails to babsfayth at aol.com ONLY and to no other email address. My apologies if information previously conveyed confused the issue. Safeguards have been put in place with our assurance that we hope it won?t happen again. As a sidebar ? several Comcast customers have taken our advice and have set up accounts with other providers, Yahoo, Gmail, Hotmail, etc., for their SNIM subscription to circumvent the SPAMing efforts of Comcast against the SNIM. Thank you thank you. And so on to an incredibly fun filled and busy holiday season with Scottish events to fill almost every day. You will notice the detailed events spill into January a wee bit as January is a very big month for our community. Check it out. In an effort to abate some confusion about our format, we are adding, a Table of Contents. You are not reading the same items over and over, first you read the title in the Table of Contents, and then you scroll down, down, down for the details. Voila: TABLE OF CONTENTS A. COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page 1. TODAY! ! ! November 28, 2007, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., St. Andrew?s Society of MN, Kirkin' o' the Tartan, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Plymouth 2. November 30, 2007, Friday, Barra In Concert 8:00 p.m. Ginkgo Coffeehouse 3. November 30, 2007, Friday, St. Andrew?s Night Bash at Merlin?s Rest. 4. December 1, 2006, St. Andrew?s Society of Minnesota, St. Andrew?s Day Formal Event, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul 5. December 1, 2007, Saturday, (Note Change of DATE) time 2 ? 4:30 p.m., Children's Christmas Party, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN, TCSC 6. December 1, 2007, Saturday, RSCDS-TCBranch, Failte Ball 7. December 1, 2007, Saturday, Dakota Dave Hull in Concert, 8:00 p.m. Patrick?s Caberet 8. December 2, 2007, Sunday, Audrey McClellan Book Launch Party. 9. December 8, 2007, Saturday, John Williams and Dean Magraw Cedar Cultural Center 10. December 10 & 11, 2007, Monday and Tuesday, "A Charladies Christmas" Celtic Holiday Music and Dance, With Laura MacKenzie & troupe of musicians and dancers, at the Lowry Theater, downtown St. Paul. 11. January 1, 2008, St. Andrew?s Society of Minnesota, First Footing 12. January 12, 2008, Saturday, MCSC Quarterly Meeting, 1:00 ? 2:15 p.m 13. January 12, 2008, Saturday, Scottish Genealogy ? Basic Principles and Internet Research Seminar, 2:30 p.m. Maplewood Public Library 14. January 12, 2008, Saturday, TCSC January AGM, Time TBA, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN 15. January 19, 2008, Winter Jig Dance Competition, DSHA, See details under DSHA NEWS 16. January 19, 2008, St. Andrew?s Society of Minnesota, Burns Night 17. January 26, 2008, Saturday, Burns Dinner, DSHA 18. January 26, 2008, Saturday, Burns Supper, Sheraton, Bloomington, TCSC PRINT THE FOREGOING SECTION AND POST IT ON YOUR REFRIGERATOR DOOR. B. AWAY GAMES 1. List of all Games and other great information from Ray Erwin www.usscots.com C. 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. New Location 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/Winter! They're dancing! D. FUTURE DATES - Additional Information in Future Issues. Mark your calendars now. 1. February 1, 2008, Friday, Sixth annual Eilean Dubh concert at Olivet Congregational, St. Paul, with the usual suspects---and Audrey McClellan will read from her new book, Rosie's Ceilidh! This year's theme is "From Scotland to the Far-Flung Islands", and the music features tunes and songs from the Shetlands, Cape Breton, America, etc ---places the Scots emigrated to and left a musical legacy. We have the lovely Laura MacKenzie as well as a stellar new fiddler for Dunquin, Nathan Gourley; they are both stars on the local and international scene, and not to be missed! (Editor?s note: This Eilean girl will be there ? Mark you calendar now!) 2. February 16 - 17, 2008, A Scottish Ramble, Landmark Center, Saint Paul MN 3. April 5, 2008, Tartan Day celebration, State Capitol with Ceilidh in the evening. Big plans coming ? stay tuned. 4. April 2008, DSHA Annual Meeting, date and location TBA 5. May 17, 2008, 5th Annual Minnesota Scottish Fair & Highland Games 6. June 28, 2008, Summer Dance Competition, DSHA, Fitger's Complex, Duluth MN E. ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below 1. 2009 ? Scotland is calling us home 2. Celebrate St. Andrew?s Day ? Scotland?s National Day 3. Help with your Holiday Shopping 4. Scottish Research Web Sites 5. The SNIM is NOT SPAM! 6. TARTAN DAY BUTTON COLLECTORS Take note 7. Rampant Scotland, the largest directory of Scottish Links - still the best F. NEWS - Details below 1. Alzheimer Story By KARE 11 photog Jim Douglas on the web 2. The Rollicking Adventures of Tam O'Hare available in hard cover in November 3. News of the Scottish American Center 4. Opt In for a Scottish American Center Mailing List 5. News from A Scottish Ramble 6. News from Duluth Scottish Heritage Association 7. News from Clann Tartan 8. Mad for Plaid 9. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band 10. St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota News 11. Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games will have a Canadian Band this time 12. News from Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Twin Cities Branch 13. News from the Minnesota Scottish and Celtic Dance Association 14. News from the 42nd Highland Regiment 15. Merlin's Rest update A. COMING EVENTS ? DETAILS 1. TODAY! ! ! November 28, 2007, Wednesday, 6:00 p.m., St. Andrew?s Society of MN, Kirkin' o' the Tartan, Episcopal Church of the Epiphany, Plymouth St. Andrew's Society will celebrate St. Andrew's Day with their annual Kirkin' o' the Tartans at the Episcopal Church of the Epiphany in Plymouth at 4900 Nathan Lane, just off Hwy 169 at 49th (SW corner). Members of St. Andrew's, Bob MacOlsson, Neil Johnson, Steve Kincaid will provide the reading, Bill Gilchrist the piping, Tom King, the tray bearer and Fr. Don Nesheim, SAS chaplain will offer the blessing of the tartans. All members of SAS as well as members of the Scottish Community are invited to attend, bring a swatch of your tartan, and participate in this stirring ceremony. A lovely tea is offered by the dear ladies of the church following the service. For directions and a map, please go to http://www.epiphany-episcopal.org/index.html 2. November 30, 2007, Friday, Barra In Concert 8:00 p.m. Ginkgo Coffeehouse 721 N. Snelling Avenue, St. Paul, MN 55104 (651) 645-2647 No Cover Charge Barra will be performing a concert of Irish songs and tunes on Friday, November 30th at 8 pm at the Ginkgo Coffeehouse, 721 No. Snelling, St. Paul. Often described as "Minnesota's Best- Loved Ceili Band," they have been performing throughout the Midwest for almost ten years at festivals and concert halls, including the Fitzgerald Theater, Guthrie Theater and O'Shaughnessy Auditorium as well as many well known establishments, events and festivals. They focus on the harder to find and authentic traditional songs and tunes of Ireland as well as Scotland and Shetland. More information about Barra: www.barraband.com (Press and Media questions: Deborah at 651-357-0400.) 3. November 30, 2007, Friday, St. Andrew?s Night Bash at Merlin?s Rest. We are having our St. Andrew's Night on the Friday 30th Nov. 6pm - close. It's our regular kilt night and we have a bagpiper coming. We will also feature a night of Scottish traditional tunes at our weekly session and we believe Fiona MacNeil, our whisky expert will be holding a mini tasting of blended brands. Lake Street and 36th Avenue in Minneapolis 4. December 1, 2006, St. Andrew?s Society of Minnesota, St. Andrew?s Day Formal Event, Science Museum of Minnesota, St. Paul. We look forward to seeing all who reserved a spot at the St. Andrew?s Day event at the Science Museum of Minnesota on December 1. We think it will be a great time, with some outstanding exhibition-viewing, followed by sumptuous food and tea. 5. December 1, 2007, Saturday, (Note Change of DATE) time 2 ? 4:30 p.m., Children's Christmas Party, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN, TCSC Twin Cities Scottish Club invites you to our Annual Children?s Christmas Party!! Saturday, December 1st, 2007 2:00pm to 4:30pm Where: Macalester Plymouth Church, 1658 Lincoln Avenue, St. Paul, MN. 55105 (Located 1 block south of Grand Ave, 1 block west of Snelling Ave and adjacent to the Macalester College campus) Who: All members, all ages! Members are encouraged to invite guests with the only request that guests also contribute to the potluck food table and bring a gift for their child. Potluck: Please bring a savory dish or a sweet. It?s your choice! Why not try a Scottish recipe to share this year?!! Gifts: Please bring a wrapped gift for your child/children and have their name clearly marked on it. Please consider only spending $10-$15 to keep the gifts equal. We will have a gift drop-off located outside the building if you want to avoid your weeone seeing their gift. Registration: Please call to register! Call Lindsay Lee at 952-873-4695 before Wednesday 28th November with names of adults and children planning to be in attendance. Questions? Please call Lindsay at the number above or Jennifer at 763-473-9049. We look forward to seeing you there! 6. December 1, 2007, Saturday, RSCDS-TCBranch Failte Ball. The RSCDS Twin Cities Branch's 11th Annual Failte Ball is on Saturday, December 1st. This is one of our major events of the year. We would like mention that tickets for non-dancers (which include the legendary dessert buffet by Jim and Joy Gullikson, as well as the opportunity to listen to music by Thistledown), are just $6/person. The ball begins at 7pm at Barton Open School in South Minneapolis. Full details on our web site at: http://www.rscds-twincities.org/failte.html 7. December 1, 2007, Saturday, Dakota Dave Hull in Concert, 8:00 p.m. Patrick?s Caberet Arabica Records and Zephyr Acoustic Productions are pleased to announce that Dakota Dave Hull will be in concert on Saturday, December 1st, 2007 at Patrick's Cabaret to celebrate and mark the release of his new CD Time Machine. $12 advance/$15 day of show Patrick?s Cabaret, 3010 Minnehaha Avenue South, Minneapolis MN (612) 724-6273 Dubbed ?one of the best guitarists in the world? by the late great folk icon Dave Van Ronk, Dakota Dave Hull?s eclectic palette includes jazz, ragtime, blues, folk, western swing and vintage pop. His original compositions and deftly arranged versions of timeless tunes showcase his virtuosity and establish him as a classic American guitarist. ?Hull is something of a guitar god in his native Midwest, where he's been dazzling audiences for over 30 years with his lush finger-picking and quicksilver flat-picking. He is also a sly raconteur with an encyclopedic knowledge of vintage American music.? --Scott Alarik, Boston Globe For more information about Dakota Dave Hull, please visit www.dakotadavehull.com or contact David Alderson at 612-781-1595 or david at zapmusic.org . For more information about the venue, visit www.patrickscabaret.org For tickets, contact dave at dakotadavehull.com or david at zapmusic.org , or 612-781-1595. 8. December 2, 2007, Sunday, Audrey McClellan Book Launch Party at Merlin?s Rest. Audrey McClellan invites the Scottish community to a Book Launch Party for Rosie?s C?ilidh, her newest Scottish Island Novel, on Sunday, December 2, at Merlin's Rest, 3601 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis, from 2 to 5 P.M. The event will include music by Sherry and Don Ladig. (From Sherry Ladig: Don and Sherry Ladig from Dunquin play music for Audrey McClellan's book launch Sunday Dec. 2nd, 2-5 p.m. at Merlin's Rest. Spontaneous outbreaks of dancing may occur.) Rosie?s C?ilidh is a dog story, featuring a nine-year-old girl, a corgi, and a Dandie Dinmont terrier, that uniquely Scottish dog. It's a tale of courage, perseverance and patience, with characters and settings from Audrey's earlier three Eilean Dubh books and her trademark blend of Gaelic, music, and humor. Audrey calls Rosie?s C?ilidh a book for the "inner child," suitable for ages 11 and up, and a charming choice for parents, grandparents and teachers to read aloud with children. The Book Launch marks the debut of a special item for holiday gift-giving, a "Rosie?s Dream Basket." It includes a copy of Rosie?s C?ilidh and a collectable porcelain "half doll" in a numbered and limited edition, both packed in a white pine basket especially hand-made for Scottish Island Novels by Kountry Craft Baskets of Somerville, Tennessee. A drawing to benefit the Scottish American Center will be held, with prizes including a "Rosie?s Dream Basket," books and a single malt whisky. Merlin's kitchen and bar will be open during the Book Launch. 9. December 8, 2007, Saturday, John Williams and Dean Magraw Cedar Cultural Center 8:00 p.m. $15 advance, $18 day of show www.thecedar.org http://www.thecedar.org/john_williams_and_dean_magraw_2 Tel: 612-338-2674 10. December 10 & 11, 2007, Monday and Tuesday, "A Charladies Christmas" Celtic Holiday Music and Dance. As you can imagine, this show is based on traditional Christmas music plus traditional Irish, Scottish and even Central French (French pipes - Says Laura, ?I am personally renting the theater, so need to fill it!!!!!!! People loved the show last year.?) "A Charladies Christmas" Celtic Holiday Music and Dance Monday Dec 10th & Tuesday Dec 11th 7:30 PM (doors open at 6:45) The Lowry Theater,16 West 5th Street (between Wabasha & St. Peter),Downtown St. Paul Tickets: $15 ($12 for 12 and under) Available at: www.lauramackenzie.com , Irish on Grand, 1124 Grand Ave, St. Paul (651-222-5151) and at the door....... THIS SHOW SOLD OUT IN 2006 !! Come to the Lowry Theater for a unique holiday experience - an evening of Christmas and Celtic music, featuring a troupe of fine musicians plus the creatively light hearted Irish dancers, "Biddies Galore". From the warmth of the Christmas kitchen to the gaiety of the holiday ball, the ensemble celebrates the season with a rich tapestry of traditional carols, music and dance. Come for the music of joy, wonder and hope, a bit of pantomime, and the festive ambience of the Lowry. Featuring: Laura MacKenzie (flutes, pipes, concertina, voice), Daithi Sproule (guitar, voice), Tom Schaefer (fiddle), Michael Bissonnette (percussion), Dec Barry (bodhran) BIDDIES GALORE (feet) (Sheila Jordan, Amy Hokanson, Lindsay Blattner) Jeannette Bach (narration) 11. January 1, 2008, St. Andrew?s Society of Minnesota, First Footing This year?s celebration will be held at member Sally Edstrom?s home from 1 to 5 p.m. on New Year?s Day. Sally?s home is at 1755 Black Oaks Lane in Plymouth. Her phone number is 763-473-6137. Please bring a dish to share, a liquid refreshment, or a donation for the hostess. Directions: take the County Road 6 exit off I-494 (exit 21) and go west on CR 6; go app.1.5 miles on CR6, turn right on Dunkirk Lane; then go right on 18th Ave. N.; then right on Black Oaks Lane to 1755. (or get a map from www.mapquest.com ) Let?s bring good luck to Sally?s home by making sure a dark-haired male is the first foot across her threshold. Blondes, redheads, and females, be sure to wait your turn! Let?s have a big turnout to thank Sally for hosting this fun event this year!!! 12. January 12, 2008, Saturday, MCSC Quarterly Meeting, 1:00 ? 2:15 p.m. MCSC general meeting January 12, 2008, 1:00 ? 2:15 p.m. Maplewood Public Library, Community Meeting Room 3025 Southlawn Drive Maplewood MN 55109 For information please contact Ellen Long at secretary at mncsc.org . We will not be having our usual pot-luck before this meeting, but the community room is reserved for the MCSC starting at noon. Anyone wishing to get a bit to eat at the library?s caf? (full menu) is welcome to bringing it into the community room to eat and socialize prior to the start of the meeting. 13. January 12, 2008, Saturday, Scottish Genealogy ? Basic Principles and Internet Research Seminar, 2:30 p.m. Maplewood Public Library Scottish Genealogy ? Basic Principles and Internet Research Seminar Saturday, January 12, 2007 at 2:30 ? Maplewood Public Library Sponsored by the Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans (MCSC) Tom Rice, CGSM ? Speaker This seminar is open to everyone in the Scottish community who may be interested. Learn how to make significant progress with researching your Scottish genealogy by combining resources on the Internet with those at the Family History Library. This seminar will start with an overview of the principles of Scottish genealogical research. Then Mr. Rice will present in-depth look at the most important resources for doing that research, here in Minnesota and online. Mr. Rice will show how a thorough research job here, can make a future research trip to Scotland that much more productive. Tom Rice, CGSM, is a Certified Genealogist whose professional genealogy activities include lecturing, client research and writing. He is a past Director of the Minnesota Genealogy Society and past officer of the Irish Genealogy Society International (IGSI). He is the managing editor of IGSI?s quarterly publication, The Septs, and chair of their publication committee. He is a winner of the Board for Certification of Genealogist?s scholarship to attend the 2003 Institute of Genealogy and Historical Research at Samford University. Mr. Rice will speak for about an hour with a brief question and answer session following the presentation. There will be hand-outs to take home. Those that attend the seminar will also receive access to Mr. Rice's presentation slides. Coffee, tea and cookies will be provided. The seminar will be hosted at the new Maplewood Public Library. The library has wi-fi access for those of you who may want to surf the websites Mr. Rice discusses while you are hearing about them. There is limited space for this event. If you would like to attend, please let us know. You can contact Ellen Long (MCSC Secretary) at secretary at mncsc.org or call 612-345-5923. Please indicate your name and how many people you intend to bring. Feel free to contact any friends or family that may not get this notice and let them know they are welcome to attend as well.. In order to cover expenses, we are asking for a donation of $5.00 per person. This is not required, but will help greatly to ensure future events such as this can occur. Again, coffee, tea and cookies, as well as seminar materials and access to the seminar presentation slides will be available to attendees. Tartan is encouraged! Please wear your kilts and Tartan to show off our Scottish Pride. Seminar location details: Saturday, January 12, 2008, Start time 2:30 p.m., Ramsey County Library ? Maplewood, Community Meeting Room, 3025 Southlawn Drive, Maplewood, MN www.mapquest.com for directions. 14. January 12, 2008, Saturday, TCSC January AGM, Time TBA, Macalester Plymouth United Church, St. Paul, MN More coming in January 1 SNIM. 15 January 19, 2008, Winter Jig Dance Competition, DSHA, See details under DSHA NEWS 16. January 19, 2008, St. Andrew?s Society of Minnesota, Burns Night Please attend this gala, formal Scottish commemoration of the immortal memory of the great bard. The event will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to midnight. This year, it is being held at a fabulous new venue, the Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake. The Executive Committee is confident that this will be a Burns Supper to remember. An outdoor bonfire will greet you as you arrive. Enjoy a wee dram or your favorite beverage outside at the bonfire or inside at the fireplace. Bid on items at the Silent Auction. Enjoy a gourmet dinner, toasts, and dessert, along with informal Scottish style entertainment. Get your reservations in early so that you assure yourself and your group a spot at this wonderful annual favorite of an event!!! Members, watch for the December Thistle and Quill for your personal invitation and reservation form. Non-members will soon be able to check out the details and obtain a reservation form online at www.standrewsmn.org . 17. January 26, 2008, Saturday, Burns Dinner, DSHA, Kitchi Gammi Club, for members only. 18. January 26, 2008, Saturday, Burns Supper, , Sheraton TCSC has finalised a location for their Burns Supper. It will be at the Sheraton in Bloomington from 6pm to midnight. Registrations go out this week to members. Non member registrations will be mailed next week. Space is limited this year; please register as soon as you can. Corporate tables are available. Call Jennifer if interested in hosting a Corporate Table at 763-473-9049. Voice Box Ceilidh Band will be back! Yay! C. 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, Merlin?s Rest - where else? Lake Street and 36th Ave South, Minneapolis. Contact Bruce Yodor 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 now back at the Hiawatha Community Center with construction 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 or Mary at Mairi2 at juno.com for details. 3. Clann Tartan Sword Guild meets the 3rd Thursday at Corcoran Community Center ?outside now since we are still some weeks away from winter - contact Marty for information 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/ ) 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/Winter! They're Dancing! The RSCDS Twin Cities branch holds Scottish country dance classes from 7:30-9:30pm on Monday nights at Tapestry Folkdance Center, 3748 Minnehaha Ave in south Minneapolis. All experience-levels are welcome, and the first six weeks are free! See http://www.rscds-twincities.org/classes.html or contact Lara Friedman-Shedlov: ldfs at bigfoot.com , 612.874.8299 E. ANNOUNCEMENTS ? Details 1. 2009 ? Scotland is calling us home We have known for some time that Scotland was planning a big to do ? now called The Gathering. Those whose roots lead back to Scotland from all over the world are being called home ? Home to Scotland. I invite you to visit the web site: www.thegathering2009.com and learn about the plans for this massive undertaking first hand. In addition to this event planned for Edinburgh, many clans are planning events around the same time, July 25 and 26, 2009. It seems a long way off today, but those months will fly by and we will all be boarding planes, trains, and automobiles to take us to Edinburgh for what promises to be the largest gathering of Scots anywhere on the planet. (Laddies, if you have been thinking about a kilt, now is the time.) Thanks to Doug and Eileen Stewart for tipping us off about the web site. 2. Celebrate St. Andrew?s Day ? Scotland?s National Day Newer members of our Scottish community here in Minnesota and the border Scots in Wisconsin may be a little uncertain about why we make such a big deal about St. Andrew?s Day. Scotsman.com offers a great web site telling us how the day is celebrated in Scotland that brings greater understanding to neophyte and old hand as well. I especially like the part where it says, ?begins the 100 days that stretch towards spring.? Give it a look: http://www.scotland.org/standrewsday / 3. Help with your Holiday Shopping We can make your Holiday Shopping a piece of cake. Here are some suggestions, not in ANY particular order: The Rollicking Adventures of Tam O'Hare ? Delightful book written and illustrated by Scotty Roberts. Now available in Hard Cover at Barnes and Noble. www.tamohare.com Rosie?s Ceilidh ? Pick up an autograph copy at the Book Launch on Sunday December 2 starting at 2:00 p.m. at Merlin?s Rest. Buy two copies, one to give one to keep. I am counting on Audrey having copies of her Scottish Island series at the Launch as well as the new book ? Get them all. One stop shopping. For info http://www.scottishislandnovels.com/ Where Rivers Meet ? Barbara MacKinnon?s first novel. A great romantic story that will have you calling your travel agent to book your tickets to Scotland. Amazon.com has the book, but drop Barbara a note at bmaceltictales at yahoo.com for other purchase options, or http://www.bookhousefulfillment.com/index.cfm?criteria=detail &id=1-59298-141-0 Spirit of the Glen ? Newly released CD ? November 7 ? piping by the The Royal Scots Dragoon Guard. Available only on line at the present time: http://www.amazon.com/Spirit-RoyalScotsDragoonGuards/dp/B000WSRPOO/ref=pd_bb s_sr_1?ie=UTF8 &s=music&qid=1196001421&sr=8-1 Thanks to my friend David Lohman who heard about this disc on NPR. Scottish Pictorial Calendar on Rampant Scotland web site - This year, there are again four possible pictures for every month of the year. There is also a choice of two "cover" pages, if you want to print copies as an extra present for someone. And the only cost is paper and printer ink...(That means FREE ? our favorite word.) While the pages look better if you print them on glossy paper, any good quality paper should produce a reasonable result. The link for the index page of the 2008 Scottish Pictorial Calendar is http://www.RampantScotland.com/cal2008/ And of course, even if you don't want to print a calendar, there are 48 pictures from Scotland to look at or download as desktop graphics. To make that easier, there is a slideshow version with all the pictures at http://www.rampantscotland.com/slideshow2008/index.htm Memberships ? Lots of choices here. A membership in anyone of our Scottish organizations is a thoughtful and personal gift that supports our entire community. For St. Andrew?s Society contact Don Bruce - bruce1051 at comcast.net For Twin Cities Scottish Club contact Jennifer Peterson - jenip1971 at hotmail.com An Ancestry.com membership would thrill a friend or relative working diligently on their genealogy ? www.ancestry.com for a 14 day free trial. A contribution to a growing organization such as the Scottish American Center is always welcomed both by the gift recipient and by the SAC. Contact Treasurer Jack MacMillan jacmacm at aol.com for additional information. Magazine Subscriptions ? This is easy. There is Scottish Life a magazine I love (http://www.scottishlife.org/Subscribe.htm ), and of course the Highlander. (https://sfsdata.com/SLHL/HLGIFT.aspx ) And then of course, there is membership in Scottish Heritage USA (SHUSA). Membership includes a subscription to The Highlander Magazine and membership in the National Trust for Scotland, which entitles the member to entrance to all NTS properties in Scotland. (http://www.scottishheritageusa.org/index.shtml ) And there are many others, Scottish Banner among them. Google Scottish Magazines and see what comes up. Scottish Goods - Of course our friends Joseph and Lori Croft have tons of cool Scottish stuff in their catalog and on their web site. What you don?t have a catalog? Give them a call, it?s be in the mail quickly or visit their web site at: http://www.kilts-n-stuff.com/ And up the road a piece there is Mark Wright at the Frugal Corner. Web site is http://www.thefrugalcorner.com/ Lots of good stuff. Now hopefully these suggestions will help you with your Holiday Shopping. ?Tis the season to be giving. Happy Holidays, Everyone, and Happy Shopping. 4. Scottish Research Web Sites We are indebted to our good friend, our favorite retired Marine Corps Colonel, Ray Erwin, faithful contributor to these pages, for the following list of sites you will find useful in your Genealogy Research: SCOTLANDS PEOPLE www.scotlandspeople.gov.uk SCOTS ORIGINS www.scotsorigins.com FAMILY SEARCH LDS www.familysearch.org ARCHON www.hmc.gov.uk/archon/archon.htm NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF SCOTLAND www.nas.gov.uk SCOTTISH ARCHIVES NETWORK - SCAN www.scottishdocuments.com/content/default.asp STATISTICAL ACCOUNTS OF SCOTLAND www.edina.ac.uk/StatAcc/ GLASGOW CITY ARCHIVES www.glasgowlibraries.org/archives.htm COMMONWEALTH WAR GRAVES COMMISSION www.cwgc.org GENUKI www.genuki.org.uk www.Ancestry.com often offers a free trial but otherwise a good subscription investment. I have subscribed for many years and gotten a lot of good stuff. Only problem is that they will perpetuate an error that familysearch.org originates. Semper Fidelis, RE 5. 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 , info at tartandaymn.org and 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 subject. 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. Help us get the SNIM into your mailbox each month. Please notify us when you get a new email address. It is helpful to have both your NEW address and your OLD address. Be sure all of our addresses are in your address book to help keep the SNIM out of the SPAM folder. 6. 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. 7. 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 F. NEWS - DETAILS 1. Alzheimer Story By KARE 11 photog Jim Douglas on the web. If you missed Jim Douglas? poignant and personal story about his Aunt June?s struggle with Alzheimer?s Disease, we are happy to report that the entire story is available on the KARE 11 web. There is also a back story available that you will find interesting. Jim and his wife Suellen are valued members of our community. Jim is often found behind the camera. Congratulations, Jim, and thank you on a powerful story. Part One: http://www.kare11.com/news/investigative/extras/extras_article.aspx?storyid= 269598 &GID=1kgL7NoOtnrGvCdHWXszm3LOdO+IPBsQKfNBy/O1TQQ%3D Part Two: http://www.kare11.com/news/investigative/extras/extras_article.aspx?storyid= 269651 Well worth your time to view this important story, one that can/will touch all of us. 2. The Rollicking Adventures of Tam O'Hare available in hard cover in November Scotty Roberts' new book, The Rollicking Adventures of Tam O'Hare, made it's local "Artist's Edition" debut in soft cover at the Scottish Fair this last May. Scotty's publisher, Morgan-James, is now releasing an updated HARD COVER first edition this NOVEMBER - including eight NEW/additional illustrations and some updated text!! The book goes into distribution through Ingram, and will be available is bookstores all around the world over the next few months. Scotty will be doing some in-store book signings - one with Garrison Keillor at Common Good Books sometime in January. Keep watching here for details. And if that isn't enough good news for Tam O'Hare, Morgan-James Publishing has just signed Scotty for BOOK TWO - Tam O'Hare and the Banshee of BallGlenMorrow, to be released late next year!! You can contact Scotty, and keep updated on Tam by going to the official website: www.tamohare.com , or at Tam's colorful MySpace: www.myspace.com/tamohare . 3. News of the Scottish American Center Open Hours The Scottish American Center (SAC) went to Winter Hours on Monday, October 29, 2008. New Hours are: Wednesdays between 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Thursdays between 6:00 ? 8:00 p.m. Fridays between 3:00 - 6:00 p.m Saturday between noon and 3:00 p.m. The SAC is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays during the Winter Season. The Scottish American Center will be closed for the Holidays beginning Wednesday, December 26, 2007 and reopening on Wednesday, January 2, 2008. Please call ahead to be sure a Guest Host is on duty. 651-636-1558 or 612-869-7163 or check the web site: www.scottishamericancenter.org New Volunteer Guest Hosts are always welcomed. Guest Hosting at the Scottish American Center is a great opportunity to not only serve the Scottish Community but to plunge into the great books, videos, DVDs, and CDs that have been collected. As a Guest Host, all of this great material is at your fingertips. How about calling Babs Humphrey at 612-869-7163 or email babsfayth at aol.com and offer to spend one evening (or more) or one Saturday afternoon a month at the Scottish American Center? You will be so glad you did, and so will we. Founding Donors. Still time to send your gift to the Scottish American Center to be on the Founding Donors Roll of Honor. AND get it in before December 31 to count as a deduction on your 2007 taxable year. Make your checks payable to St. Andrew?s Society of MN with SAC on the memo line and send to Scottish American Center, 151 Silver Bell Road, Suited 13, New Brighton, MN 55112. 4. Opt In for a Scottish American Center Mailing List The staff of the Scottish American Center is well aware that they may often have news they want to pass on to those members of the community who have been participating either as visitors, guest hosts, and generous donors and other interested Scots. Often times there is news for that group that may (or may not) be of interest or pertinent to the entire Minnesota wide community. (And our good border Scots there in Wisconsin.) So, that having been said, we want to develop an email data base specific to the Scottish American Center and issue this invitation to everyone interested in participating to send us their email address along with a simple message ? sign me up for the SAC news list. Send your request to Barbara Humphrey at babsfayth at aol.com . News of general interest to the entire community will continue to appear in the SNIM on a monthly basis. 5. News from A Scottish Ramble Last call for adverts for the Scottish Ramble program. Email Peggy at peg at uncommongatherings.com and if you talk sweetly, cross your fingers, you may still be able to squeak your advert into the program. 6. News from Duluth Scottish Heritage Association The DSHA Kirkin O' the Tartans was held on Sunday November 18 at First Presbyterian Church, 3rd Avenue East and 2nd Street, Duluth, a new location after 29 years at St. Paul?s Episcopal Church. The First Pres congregation was very welcoming and provided a very warm environment for this traditional event. Certainly, for this editor, the rendering of Highland Cathedral by Pipe Major David Sinclair Bouschor and organist Louis Lincoln was a highlight. Also a delightful surprise was the Deep Peace Benediction from Iona set to music by John Ritter and sung by Mondie Kruse with Louis Lincoln on the piano. Following the Tea entertainment was provided by the DHSA pipe band with several new members including former Minneapolitans and now Duluthians, Doug and Eileen Stewart on the pipes and Darrel Tapa on the snare drum. Darrel appeared later as an enthusiastic Highland Dancer. Always wonderful to see young gentlemen take up the Highland Dancing. Darrel is 13 years old and attends Edison Washburn School in Duluth. He has two 8 year old twin sisters, Leah and Maya who are also Highland Dancers. Well done, Darrel. The Winter Jig Competition will be held on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 2310 East 4th Street, Duluth. The registration will begin at 9:00AM with the primary dancers starting at 9:30. Lunch break will be from 12:00 noon to 1:30 PM . This will be a catered lunch with reservations necessary for the price of $4.00. The Registration for Intermediate and Premier Dancers will start at 1:00PM with the dancing starting at 1:30PM. Registration before Dec.23rd is $18.00. Late entries at $25 must be postmarked by Jan. 5, 2008. After Jan 5th call Teresa Peterson, 218-525-6833 for availability including field entries. Send entries to DSHA Winter Dance Competition, c/o Teresa Peterson, 3045 Troy Brett Trail, Duluth, MN 55803. Teresa's e-mail is Tpduluth at aol.com The DSHA web site is www.duluthscots.com News from DSHA president Lois Craig-Johnson: Lois and husband, Karl, snare drummer with the DSHA pipe band, now retired, departed Duluth at the end of September in their RV and send this report: November 22: KARL AND I ARE ENJOYING THE FULL TIME LIFESTYLE. YESTERDAY IT WAS 96 AND WE WENT TO A FLEA MARKET TO BUY TIE DOWN FOR OUR AWNING. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO PASS OUT. WE LEFT AND WENT TO EAT PIZZA WHERE IT WAS COOL. I SAT UNDER THE AIR. I LOVE THE SWEET TEA THEY HAVE DOWN HERE I DRINK IT BY THE GALLONS. LAST NIGHT IT WAS 84 AND WE WENT SWIMMING AT 10PM FOR AN HOUR. THE POOL IS HEATED AND AFTER THE SHOWERS WE CAME HOME AND FELL OUT. TODAY IT HAS DROPPED DOWN TO 72 AND MOST DOG WALKERS HAVE JACKETS ON. WE ARE EATING TURKEY AT THE COMMUNITY CENTER WITH 7 OTHER COUPLES. THERE ARE ABOUT 15 TABLES WITH 16 AT EACH. THE RESORT SUPPLIES THE TURKEY AND THE WOMEN MAKE ALL THE SIDES FOR THEIR TABLE. I MISSED THE KIRKIN AND HEARD FROM KATHY PETERSON AND JOAN BARRET IT WAS ONE OF THE MOST RELAXED AND BEST. I AM SORRY I MISSED IT. WE ARE GOING OVER TO MEXICO AGAIN. WE PARK ON OUR SIDE AND WALK ACROSS THE BRIDGE OVER THE RIO GRANDE. NOTHING TO WALK OVER, BUT THE USA REQUIRES YOU TO STOP FOR BORDER CHECK AND CLAIM YOUR BIRTH STATE AND SHOW A PICTURE ID. STARTING IN JANUARY IT WILL BE PICTURE ID AND BIRTH CERT. OF COURSE IT WILL BE SIMPLE IF YOU HAVE A PASSPORT. GOD BLESS YOU ALL LOVE KARL AND LOIS 7. News from Clann Tartan From Mary McKinley, President No news for Clann except the election results: Captain: Maeve Kane for 1 year Head Campfollower: Lisa Gillstrom McCanna for 2 years Contracts Rep: Lisa Gillstrom McCanna Also - dance is back at the newly remodeled Hiawatha Community Center on Wednesdays! For additional information check their web site at www.clanntartan.org 8. Mad for Plaid Viewers of CBS Sunday Morning with Charles Osgood had a treat last Sunday morning. A wonderful story on a passionate collector of plaid/tartan who isn?t one bit Scottish. Unfortunately the video isn?t available on the web site, but you can read the story. It?s great! And there is a book. Go to: http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/25/sunday/main3537971.shtml?source=se arch_story 9. News from Minnesota Police Pipe Band Sally Gordon files this report about MPPB activities and events: MPPB thanks the Emerald Society of Minnesota for their very generous operating funds grant. In the time-honored tradition of Police Pipe Bands around the world, MPPB was privledged to play at the funeral of Minneapolis Park Police Officer Mark Bedard in November. Many thanks to the Emerald Society for their support of our work. The band performs at Summit Brewing Company on December 15th for the last brewery tour of the year. Contact Summit, 651 265 7800, for reservations. New chanter classes will begin on January 8th. Please contact Sally Gordon, mgr at mppb.org , to register. Everyone is welcome, details about the classes are provided on the Instruction page of our website: www.mppb.org . NEWS RELEASE POLICE PIPE BAND PROMOTED TO GRADE 3 November 26, 2007, Minneapolis/St. Paul ? Minnesota Police Pipe Band has been promoted to Grade 3 by the Midwest Pipe Band Association. The promotion is a significant milestone in the group?s work to compete at the 2009 World Pipe Band Championships. In 2006, the Minnesota Police Pipe Band began a four-year project to raise the level of the band?s musical expertise and performance quality to Grade 3. Recognized as an advanced level of play, Grade 3 is a highly respected achievement for pipe bands. The ultimate test of the project will be competing at the 2009 World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow Scotland. When notified of the band promotion, Pipe Major, Charles Timmers said, ?We were honored to represent Minnesota as National Police Pipe Band at the 2006 National Police Week ceremonies. We want our trip to the World Pipe Band Championships to continue to bring credit to Minnesota.? Minnesota Police Pipe Band (MPPB), founded in 1963, is active throughout the year in professionally sanctioned contests as well as averaging 30 or more public performances in the metro area and around the State The all-volunteer group donates over 400 hours of performance time each year to provide the drama of pipes and drums to charitable organizations. Minnesota Police Pipe Band is the duty band at the funerals of Minnesota law enforcement officers and firefighters who have died in the line of duty. The band sponsors an instruction program which provides free lessons for the bass, snare and tenor drums, and for the Great Highland bagpipes. Instruction is available to all, no police or firefighter affiliation is required. Beginning classes are scheduled quarterly and continue through a two-year instruction sequence. CONGRATULATIONS! ! 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 www.mppb.org 10. News from St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota Don Bruce, 2nd Veep of St. Andrew's sends this months SAS news: Mark the date! Saturday, January 19, 2008 is the St. Andrew's Society Annual Burns Supper and Celebration at the Horse and Hunt Club in Prior Lake. Watch this space and the Thistle and Quill for details. Executive Board meetings are scheduled for December 12, and January 9. Contact President Bob Olsson (macolsson at macdougallmn.org ) if you have anything you would like brought up at a meeting. 11. Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games will have a Canadian Band this time A really big scoop for the SNIM. A Pipe and Drum band from Winnipeg will be participating in the 5th Annual Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games in Farmington this coming May 17, 2008. Get the Games on your Schedule now, you don?t want to miss ANYTHING. 12 News from Royal Scottish Country Dance Society - Twin Cities Branch From the RSCDS ? Lara Friedman-Shedlov One of our biggest events of the year is coming up on Saturday, December 1st, 2007: Our 11th Annual Failte Ball. "F?ilte" means welcome in Gaelic, and all Scottish country dancers, beginners and experienced, are most welcome! The F?ilte Ball is intended to be a gentle introduction to the ball scene for newer dancers, and a fun night for all. Enjoy a scrumptious dessert buffet, live music, and dancing in a semi-formal setting. Grab your ghillies and join us on the dance floor at Barton Open School in South Minneapolis. Here are the most important details: What: RSCDS Twin Cities Branch Failte Ball, with live music by Thistledown and a scrumptious dessert buffet by Jim and Joy Gullikson When: Saturday, 1 December 2007 Doors open at 6:30pm, grand march at 7pm Where: Barton Open School, 4237 Colfax Ave S, Minneapolis Cost: $18, with a $5 discount available for first time ball-goers. You can come and just watch, listen to the music and partake of the dessert buffet for $6. The rest, including registration info, the dance program and instructions, and information about ball practices is on the RSCDS Twin Cities Branch web site at: http://www.rscds-twincities.org/failte.html 13. News from the Minnesota Scottish Celtic Dance Association From Kristy Van Hoven, President We are doing our annual Butter Braid fundraiser for our scholarship fund, which helps send dancers all over the US, Canada and Scotland to compete. The scholarships also help promote teaching and continuing education for our older dancers. If you are interested in helping MSCDA and are looking for a tasty holiday treat contact Kristy (dancingthistle at mail.com ), or any MSCDA member for ordering information. Happy Holidays!!! 14. News from the 42nd Highland Regiment Great News from Bill Lochen The news I have from the 42nd is that I have been asked to command the Highland Battalion at the 250th Anniversary of the Battle of Ft. Carrilon (now Fort Ticonderoga) in upstate New York. Our local company of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment reenactors will be participating as well. During the French and Indian War (1755-1763) the 42nd Regiment, The Highlanders, participated in an ill-fated attack against the French forces at the heights at Ticonderoga. Though decimated during the attack the Highlanders fought with great ferocity and bravery drawing tremendous acclaim from not only the British commanders, but the French as well. This battle is one of the cornerstones of the 42nd Royal Highland Regiment's glorious history and we are thrilled to participate. Editor?s Note: Congratulation to the 42nd and their commander, Bill Lochen. You make us proud! 15. Merlin's Rest update: An actual report from Himself, Bill Watkins: Merlins Rest, Now open for traditional British Isles style breakfast at weekends, 9:00 a.m. ? 2:00 p.m. John Dingley's surgery was a great success, he is still in a wee bit of pain and on "light" duty, but managing most days to pop in to the pub and see his well-wishers. We are having our St. Andrew's Night on the Friday 30th Nov. 6pm - close. It's our regular kilt night and I have a bagpiper coming. We will also feature a night of Scottish traditional tunes at our weekly session and I believe Fiona MacNeil, our whisky expert will be holding a mini tasting of blended brands. So, you?ve been wanting to stop by, check out Merlin?s Rest, find out for yourself if everything you?ve heard was true, but. . . ? What? Shy, Scared, Nervous? Fear No More! Two great events, Bill?s St. Andrew?s Day gig and Audrey?s Book Launch coming up. Get on over there and have some fun! Here's the website: www.merlinsrest.com Stop by ? "where everybody knows your name." Cheers! FYI New email address for Bill: wbillwatkins at msn.com AND IN CLOSING Ray Erwin asks: When was this first written? The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, Moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit Shall lure it back to cancel half a Line, Nor all thy Tears wash out a Word of it. Anybody? 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 we send 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 publishes 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. Each current issue of Scottish News in Minnesota is posted on our web site www.tartandaymn.org soon after publication. -------------- next part -------------- An HTML attachment was scrubbed... URL: http://tartandaymn.org/pipermail/news_tartandaymn.org/attachments/20071128/1ca9f725/attachment-0001.html