<HTML><FONT FACE=arial,helvetica><FONT COLOR="#010101" SIZE=2 FAMILY="SANSSERIF" FACE="Arial" LANG="0">Hello Everyone<BR>
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We havin' a heat wave, a tropical heat wave. . . Anybody besides me remember that great old Peggy Lee song? Sure has been on my mind these last few days. Boys oh boys! It's hot, hot, hot. Okay enough said about the heat, I had to take a break from the barrage of Elvis movies on TV celebrating Dead Elvis Week, so thought I'd get this mid-month update into your email boxes so as to start your week out right.<BR>
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COMING EVENTS - For details scroll down the page<BR>
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1. Twin Cities Scottish Club, Summer Picnic, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Minnehaha Falls Park.<BR>
2. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Executive Board meeting, August 26, Location TBA<BR>
3. Hart School of Highland Dance will begin Sept. 6th.<BR>
4. Highland Fling Weekend, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, September 13 & 14, 2003<BR>
5. On Going - The Gathering, April 8th and every other Tuesday thereafter, Young Twin Ports Scots just for fun.<BR>
6. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week.<BR>
7. On Going - Clann Tartan Night at the Pub, Molly Quinn's, 3rd Tuesday of each month<BR>
8. On Going - NEW SCHEDULE - Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George! <BR>
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FUTURE DATES - Additional information in future issues. Mark your calendars NOW.<BR>
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1. RSCDS offers "Bring a Friend" Night, Monday, September 22, 2003, 7:30 p.m. (More info in next issue.)<BR>
2. 2003 Minnesota Folk Festival, September 26 - 28, 2003 <BR>
3. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Annual General Meeting, October 11, 2003, Location TBA<BR>
4. RSCDS - Failte Ball, Saturday, December 6, 2003<BR>
5. St. Andrew's Society Burns Night, January 24, 2004, Rush Creek Golf Club.<BR>
6. The Return To Eilean Dubh concert will take place Friday, February 6, 2004, with the usual suspects (Sherry Ladig, Dunquin, and friends) doing the musical honors. Additional information in future issues.<BR>
7. RSCDS - Valentine Social, Monday, February 9, 2004<BR>
8. RSCDS - Grand Ball, Saturday, February 28, 2004, afternoon, Please note the date change and mark your calendars.<BR>
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ANNOUNCEMENTS - Details below<BR>
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1. Clan is Clan Hamilton of the month for August at the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop.<BR>
2. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces web site for latest information.<BR>
3. Jackie Johnston offers mosquito solution.<BR>
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NEWS<BR>
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1. News from MSCDA.<BR>
2. New Home For the Minnesota Folk Festival<BR>
3. Scots Went to the Fair. Read John McKeen's report.<BR>
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SPECIAL SECTION <BR>
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Erwins' Report on Whirlwind Trip to Scotland.<BR>
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COMING EVENTS<BR>
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1. Twin Cities Scottish Club, Summer Picnic, Saturday, August 23, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m., Minnehaha Falls Park.<BR>
Meet near the pavilion, in pavilion if it's raining. Look for the TCSC flag. Bring a dish or dessert to share, your own beverages (alcohol not allowed in the park), lawn chairs if you would like, sunscreen or umbrella, and TCSC will supply hamburgers & hot dogs. Please RSVP so we know how many hot dogs and hamburgers to buy. Call Kirsty at 952-895- 6133.<BR>
2. Minnesota Coalition of Scottish Clans, Executive Board meeting, August 26, Location TBA<BR>
3. Hart School of Highland Dance will begin Sept. 6th.<BR>
for info call Florence Hart @ 612 789 9006 or Kitty Hart Stoker @763 521 4676.<BR>
4. Highland Fling Weekend, Minnesota Renaissance Festival, September 13 & 14, 2003<BR>
More Information on this as we get it. <BR>
5. On Going - The Gathering, every other Tuesday, Young Twin Ports Scots just for fun. Amy Hoff, Northern Minnesota convenor of Clan Donald writes from Duluth: "Our ongoing thing up here is "The Gathering" at Perkins, Superior, WI, every other Tues. night at 9 pm. Everyone shows up in Highland dress, we hang out and have a good time. We're a pretty young, rowdy, 'bawdy' crowd, though, so make sure you're not easily offended! We have a great time, and anyone is invited (though mostly it tends to be ages 18-30). Thanks again!" For more info email Amy at: athosallforone@yahoo.com<BR>
6. On Going - Clann Tartan hosts Scottish Country dancing once a week.<BR>
Dancing is now held the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at Hamline University Student Center Ballroom located off Snelling Ave in St. Paul, and the 2nd and 3rd Tuesdays at St Christopher's Episcopal Church in Roseville. For information about the Dance Guild, call Julie Yoder at 651-698-8375 or Mary McKinley at 651-699-6853 for information and directions. (It's a great place to meet people.)<BR>
7. On Going - Clann Tartan Night at the Pub is the third Tuesday of every month at Molly Quinn's in Minneapolis. Come and join us. More information can be found at their website - www.clanntartan.org.<BR>
8. On Going - NEW SCHEDULE Twin Cities Scottish Club Ceilidh dancing with George!<BR>
Twin Cities Scottish Club is again offering Ceilidh dancing led by none other than himself, George McCracken every THIRD Friday night at 7:00 p.m. at Providence Place (The Nile) 3720 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55407-3010. Due to recent health issues, George's daughter Kirsty, along with Doug and Eileen Stewart, has been helping out leading the dancing. People of all levels of dance experience are welcomed at these enjoyable evenings. For additional information email TheTCSC@hotmail.com Be sure to check with Eileen or Doug about the dancing 612-377-8680.<BR>
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ANNOUNCEMENTS<BR>
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1. Clan is Clan Hamilton of the month for August at the Scottish Tartan Museum gift shop.<BR>
This from Matthew Allan Newsombe, curator of the Scottish Tartan Museum:<BR>
Our clan of the month for August is Clan Hamilton. For the month of August, all Clan Hamilton items (non-customized) are 10% off the listed price. To read the details about our clan of the month, go to: http://www.scottishtartans.org/tartanmonth.html <BR>
"Bring Forrit the Tartan!"<BR>
2. Minnesota Scottish Fair announces web site for latest information.<BR>
Lyaman McPherson has announced the creation of a web site for the Minnesota Scottish Fair planning group. For the latest information on the wheres and whens of the Scottish Fair 2004 go to http://www.mnscottishfair.org/ As information becomes known, "Mac" will post it on the web site. There are also links there to contact MSF coordinator, Don Cogswell.<BR>
3. Jackie Johnston offers mosquito solution.<BR>
About those mosquitoes. I have found something that is the best thing of the<BR>
new millennium. It is OFF mosquito lamps and lanterns. It is a little<BR>
expensive to buy the replacement candles and repellants but the best prices<BR>
are at Wal-mart and Menards or watch for sales and stock up. <BR>
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NEWS<BR>
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1. News from MSCDAUpcoming events, MSCDA will be dancing three 1/2 hour performances at this year's Highland Fest, August 9, at 1:00, 2:00 and 3:00 pm. We will <BR>
also be selling shortbread and Irn Bru. We'll also be dancing during the Highland week-end at the Renaissance Festival, and an afternoon performance on Saturday, November 22 at the Galaxy Branch of the Dakota County Library in Apple Valley.<BR>
Don Cogswell sends this report on the MSCDA participation at the Nationals:<BR>
Just to let you know how the Minnesota dancers did at Nationals.<BR>
Kelly Brush was 3rd Runner-up in the 11 and Under.<BR>
Kira Cogswell was the Champion in the Adult Group, third time in a row.<BR>
Nationals were at Grandfather Mountain, NC. Next year they will be at<BR>
the Mall of America. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting upcoming event.<BR>
Congratulations to our fine dancers from Minnesota who represented us so proudly at the nationals. Stay tuned for more information about next year's event right here in Minnesota.<BR>
2. New Home For the Minnesota Folk Festival<BR>
The Minnesota Folk Festival which produced its first festival in Minneapolis in 1978 has found a new home just outside the Twin Cities, The Little Log House Showgrounds in Hastings, to be exact.<BR>
The 2004 Minnesota Folk Festival scheduled for April 30, May 1 & 2 will be held at this new location. Plus, the organization will be hosting 2 more festivals at this new and exciting site: The Henry Ford Fiddle Fest June 18, 19 & 20, 2004 and Chief O'Neill Days (Irish/Celtic event) August 7 & 8, 2004. The organization will continue to host the popular St. Paul Celtic Connection in the City of St. Paul. The next event is February 20 & 21 and will take place at the O'Shaugnessy Auditorium.<BR>
In addition to the above, the Minnesota Folk Festival will also be part of an annual event which has taken place the last weekend of July at the showgrounds for 13 years which is called the Antique Power Show. Beginning in July 2003, the Minnesota Folk Festival will host a stage during this popular event which draws thousands of people from around the 5 state area as well as from across the United States.<BR>
The Little Log House Showgrounds has 180 acres, will have a stage which is currently being built for the Minnesota Folk Festival, has camping, historic buildings and award winning flower gardens. A perfect new home for the nationally acclaimed Minnesota Folk Festival! Office phone: 651-292-4900<BR>
http://www.minnesotafolkfestival.org <BR>
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3. SCOTS WENT TO THE FAIR !! John McKeen, Secretary, MCSC reports<BR>
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Many of you Joined us at the Washington County Fair, Wednesday, July 30th to Sunday, August 3rd. We found many able bodied Scots who were willing to sacrifice their own private time and spend it at the fair, in hopes of connecting with the general public. In total, twenty-five participants collected 65 referral cards for various clans, & 47 names vying for the two free pairs of tickets for the Chanhassen Dinner Theater. From all reports, everyone had a great time<BR>
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Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you<BR>
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The winners of the Tickets to the Chanhassen Dinner Theater are: Sharron Durkin of Woodbury, Minnesota, and Chriss Lottsfeldt of Stillwater, Minnesota<BR>
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Attention: Each participant will be notified directly regarding the "donation" requested upfront to help cover our costs at the fair. The costs will be minimal, partly because to two thoughtful monetary donations to help in the effort. I want to thank David Gatewood, and especially Ronald and Carol Patterson for their generous gifts to help defray expenses at the event. <BR>
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One enthusiastic participant suggested that the event was soooooo successful that maybe we ought to get a troupe together to hit ALL of the county fairs. Well.......maybe that gives us something to work up to in the future.<BR>
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SPECIAL SECTION <BR>
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Erwins' Report: Just back from another trip to Scotland.<BR>
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Just returned from 9 day whirlwind tour around Scotland. Edinburgh Festival <BR>
packed Royal Mile and Princes Street. The Tattoo at the Castle was superb <BR>
although the U.S. Army entry was somewhat insipid by comparison. The Swiss <BR>
percussion exhibition was a winner. <BR>
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Must announce that Urquhart Castle facilities are much improved with more <BR>
parking and a splendid visitor centre. After many years of whizzing by but <BR>
finding parking lot closed, it was wonderful to experience this Loch Ness gem in <BR>
person. Heritage Scotland did the job. <BR>
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Anyone visiting Drum Castle 10 miles west of Aberdeen can now go to the top <BR>
of the 1290 tower due to a rather ingenious internal scaffold that mimics <BR>
ancient bed chamber floor. Safety precautions prevented top outside visits <BR>
for many years. The tower is said to be the oldest habitable tower in <BR>
Scotland. Drum is National Trust for Scotland. Irvines had it from 1323 to 1975. A gift from Robert the Bruce. Drum is now available for weddings at 430 pounds <BR>
but no more than one per day! Ray and Viv Erwin were first Americans wedded <BR>
there, 1996, in the chapel which was built in 1500s. <BR>
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With U.S. Tartan Day April 6 it should be obligatory to visit the Abbey at <BR>
Arbroath. There is a handsome visitor centre with a small museum and the <BR>
ruins are breathtaking. <BR>
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Just a few observations from my 5th trip to Scotland, 2003. The others were 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1998.<BR>
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The Scots are finally warming to tourists with improved facilities at historic centers. B&B's are proliferating like mad as well. Twice, when ordering Guinness, I got a peculiar question: "extra cold?" which was a splendid idea. <BR>
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Their road signs, in and out of cities, remain something of an enigma demanding rapid reading and interpretation, especially at roundabouts. No route signs along the way as assurance as in USA. <BR>
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Many men are shaving heads ala Jesse Ventura. Maybe these are tourists? I am not at all sure.<BR>
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Condemn America for dependence upon fossil fuels? Scotland must be gaining rapidly with all the rapid autos and the huge double decker buses and tour buses all over the place, many from other countries as well. Streets are congested, outside roadways are buzzing day and night. Don't get a B&B alongside a highway!!!<BR>
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The many B&Bs are joining rating organizations but they remain somewhat disorganized. Many rating systems. Pricing is no longer standardized and maybe per person per night or many go per room per night and some websites are not always too clear on this.<BR>
The email confirmation should make it clear. <BR>
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The Iona tour along Mull has bus drivers who are also sort of guides and philosophers. They do a very good job. <BR>
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Several restaurants in Oban now offer a Scottish floor show of pipes and dancers. One is McTavish which is on the waterfront. <BR>
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Urquhart Castle on Loch Ness is an example of really catering to tourists with a new parking lot and a visitor center (opened in 2001). Urquhart offers weddings as do many castles now. Drum charges about 430 pounds and no more than one wedding a day. It seems many castles are now allowing weddings. <BR>
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One big boost to Americans going to Scotland is Icelandair. About 5 1/2 hours to Reykjavik (sp) from Minneapolis with a 1.5 hour layover and another hour and a half to Glasgow. And at a price much less than Northwest which gives you a connection at Toronto or Amsterdam, maybe London. Icelandair fed us twice on the return trip. Icelandair has high criteria for cabin attendants, brains, too. <BR>
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The security hassle isn't too bad at terminals. Just don't take any forbidden stuff and there are lists available. Camera film bags are reasonable but they warn that they are not for luggage as the xrays there are set far higher than at the walkthroughs. <BR>
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Tiny bottles of wine on Icelandair are $3.<BR>
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One discouragement this year was the Sunday service at Drum. Bishop Darwent was ill. <BR>
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Ray Erwin<BR>
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We can also count on a fascinating report from Ray. Many thanks. Semper Fi. <BR>
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If you have coming events, news, or announcements you would like included in future issues, please send the information to us and we will publish in the next issue. Our deadline for the first of the month issue is the 27th of the previous month; the mid-month deadline is the 12th. 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.<BR>
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Please feel free to forward this on to whomever you think might enjoy receiving it. <BR>
As always, if you do not wish to continue receiving Scottish News in Minnesota and our mid-month reminders, 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.<BR>
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Barbara Humphrey<BR>
"Babs"<BR>
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Scottish News in Minnesota is a publication of the Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative and is published 12 times a year with 12 mid-month updates for total of 24 issues. 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. <BR>
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Notice: Beginning with our third year, Volume 3, No. 25 due to be published October 1, 2003, we will publish just once a month. It will add to the importance of getting your organization's information to me in a timely manner and well in advance of the dates of your events. Only a dire occurrence will justify a Special Edition. The pressures of the many activities your editor gets involved in make this change in publication frequency necessary. <BR>
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The current issue of Scottish News in Minnesota can be found on our new web site hosted by Clann Tartan: www.tartandaymn.org Click on "current issue."<BR>
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Scottish News in Minnesota is available in hard copy via USPS. Send your check in the amount of $7.50 (to cover postage and paper) for 12 issues (6 months) to Minnesota Tartan Day Cooperative, 6324 Wentworth Ave So, Minneapolis MN 55423-1541. <BR>
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"Cuimhnich air na daoine o'n d'thaining thu" Remember those from whom you are descended<BR>
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Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it's the only thing that ever has. --Margaret Mead<BR>
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