News

TCSC Christmas Party Enjoyed by All!

The TCSC Christmas Party was enjoyed by all this year! We had approximately 40 children and adults participate in the festivities!

Corral Johns coordinated the craft portion of the program, which allowed the children to make Christmas tree ornaments to take home. Thanks to all of Corral's "helpers" that assisted her with this project!

We then enjoyed lots of "tasty bits" of sweet and savory items, which also including many traditional Scottish delights, such as sausage rolls, cluttie dumpling, and trifle. No one left with a empty stomach, that is for sure...include the very important, "Man in Red"!

Linden Peterson provided musical entertainment to the young, and young at heart, with a variety of Christmas carols that everyone sang along with. Mr. Peterson also distributed some musical instruments such as drums, triangles, bells, and tambourines, so the children could enhance each song with their own musical abilities.

"Scottish Santa Claus" Joe McNee, then amazingly appeared, and sang many more Christmas Carols with the group. After the songs, "Scottish Santa Joe" and his "Chief of Elves, Kyle Sheridan" handled out presents to all the children. Santa Claus then posed for group and individual pictures with all the children, including a new born baby, before heading back to the Minnesota North Pole (St. Cloud!) (Thanks Joe and Kyle!)

The day ended with the presentation of a gift certificate, and a beautiful, personally inscribed paper weight (courtesy of R and J Laserworks) to Herb Schmitz from the TCSC. Herb has been the TCSC Treasurer for the last 25 years, and will be retiring from that position in January, 2009. Thank you Herb for all your years of service to the TCSC-it is so much appreciated by all of us!

Thanks to Jennifer Peterson, Lindsay Lee, and all the others that helped to coordinate the much enjoyed event!

Allie Schmitz Honored as KARE-11 Academic All Star!

Oor ain wee, Allie Schmitz, has been awarded the KARE-11 Academic All Star Award! Allie is valedictorian of her class at Johnson High School in St. Paul, Class President, Vice President of the National Honor Society, and is carrying a 4.5 GPA, to name a few! WOW!

Please view the video at:

http://www.kare11.com/video/player.aspx?sid=531445&aid=90161

which also includes a clip of Allie Highland Dancing!

Allie has been Highland Dancing with the Hart School of Highland Dance for 11 years. You have probably seen her dance, as she always volunteers to perform at TCSC events!

Congratulations to Allie, her proud parents Lucy and Paul Schmitz, and, we're sure, her BEAMING grandparents, Florence and Herb Schmitz!

Jennifer Peterson and Lindsay Lee Resign as Officers of the TCSC

Jennifer Peterson (TCSC President) and Lindsay Lee (TCSC Entertainment Committee Chairperson) both turned in their resignations for their respective Officer positions, which will be effective at the AGM, 2009. Both felt that they could not continue to do their jobs fully, due to other commitments in their personal lives at this time.
 
Jennifer Peterson will be sending out a separate letter to members regarding the resignations. The TCSC is forever grateful for the dedication, hard work, and Scottish values that both of these ladies have shown in representing the TCSC, and providing quality events over the years. We are blessed to have them as members of our Club. We know that both of them, along with their families, will continue to be an active part of our Club for years to come!

According to the TCSC By-Laws, the Executive Committee is to vote in a replacement for the remainder of their two (2) years terms. A motion was made, seconded, and passed that Norma Macdonald (TCSC Vice President) will succeed Jennifer Peterson as President for the remainder of Jennifer's term (one (1) year). We are still in search of a replacement for Lindsay as Entertainment Committee Chairperson for her remaining term of one (1) year.

Grace Yanke will succeed Carolyn Jackson as the TCSC Newsletter Editor in January, 2009. Special "thanks" goes to Carolyn for her outstanding job as the TCSC Newsletter Editor all these years! Grace will have some pretty BIG shoes to fill!

Annual TCSC McCracken Ceilidh

Thanks to all who attended the Annual TCSC McCracken Ceilidh held in October at Kieran's in downtown Minneapolis.

Kieran's provided us with wonderful traditional meals from home (Sheppard's Pie, Fish and Chips, etc..) straight from their menu, which were enjoyed by all.

The wee yins learned and performed a dance or two, and the adults kicked up their heels as well! We had some talented people step up to the microphone to recite a verse, and fiddle a tune. Andy McCracken called the dances once again this year, and we were happy to see such a wonderful turnout of TCSC members and Royal Scottish Country Dance Association members alike.

We sold raffle tickets for a drawing for the two (2) tickets to "The Gathering 2009" in Edinburgh in July, 2009. Chandi McCracken drew Norma Macdonald's name out of the box as the winner, who was thrilled!

A special "thank you" goes out to Andy, Chandi, and Tiffany McCracken for taking on the task of planning the Ceilidh. Nice job everyone! If you could not make the event this year, keep it in mind for next year!

Congrats to TCSC Member Thomas King!

Our congratulations goes out to TCSC member Tom King for being awarded the MacDougall McCallum Heritage Foundation's John S. Carasik Scholarship for 2008.

This scholarship is offered to one U.S. Citizen, who travels to Oban, Scotland to assist museum staff with the MacDougall Collection at Dunollie Castle or to the new Lismore Museum on the Isle of Lismore. Tom is quoted, "I have a deep emotional pride in my Highland ancestry and this first trip to Scotland will be a very moving experience for me".

In addition to being a TCSC member, Tom is also a life member of the Clan MacDougall, a State Representative for Clan MacDougall her in Minnesota, Treasurer for the St. Andrew's Society of Minnesota, and active in the Scottish American Center. Way to go Tom!

2nd Annual TCSC Afternoon Tea

We had a wonderful turnout for the 2nd Annual Afternoon Tea held on September 13, 2008. Although the weather outside was typical of Scotland, a wee bit rainy, inside our Tea Room we enjoyed the warmth of good friends and new acquaintances. And of course, lots of tasty goodies prepared under the direction of Florence Schmitz. This year we served well over 93 guests! If you missed it, be sure to plan to attend next year.

Nancy Ramer, one of our long time members, registered herself and three guests, and was so looking forward to the Afternoon Tea. Unfortunately, she was a bit under the weather and could not attend. Her guests stopped by and explained the circumstances and our kitchen crew readily rolled up their sleeves. They expertly prepared all kinds of "goodies to go" so that Nancy could enjoy the sandwiches and desserts at her home!

In a wee note received from Nancy she stated "Dear Florence and Norma, I was so disappointed to take a "sudden turn" on Saturday (I had my tartan suit on!), but you graciously allowed my daughters to bring the wonderful treats home for us to have a Scottish Tea! These "Scottish Tea's" are such a wonderful treat for we Seniors, remembering the "old days". All of you ladies take such pains to cook , organize, lay tables with china, and so graciously serve us all. The above words "Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully" Zig Ziglar, expresses the love you have each given to make us "feel special:". These services are indeed a ministry of loving blessing to us all. Thank you..Nancy Ramer"

Once again, our event was chaired by both Florence Schmitz and Norma Macdonald. They always do a wonderful job planning down to the very last detail. Nothing is missed! We want to thank them for all their time and hard work. We also would like to thank the following people: Daphne McNee for making and donating the Millionaire shortbread; Edna Winkelman for making and donating the mints, and working very hard in setting up the tables; Florence Hart and the Hart School of Dance (dancers Katie Elise, and Katie) for providing our dance entertainment; our tea servers, Emily, Heather, Jacqueline and Victoria Schmitz; our pianist, Marnie Gubash; our tea brewers Robin Sinclair and Herb Schmitz; our servers, Audrey Sheridan Carolyn Jackson, and Norma Macdonald; our kitchen assistants, Laura Moncrieff, Lindsay Lee and her hard working daughter, Myrren, Suzanne Schmitz, Jennifer Peterson, Kay LaRue, Jean Sinclair...and last but not least, Florence Schmitz, our "Chief Cook and Bottle Washer"!

International Fair: A Note from Linsday Lee

Back in April 11th 2008 my School district held its first International Fair and I was approached by the Parent Advisory Council if I would be willing to represent Scotland. I jumped on it right away. With the help of Jennifer Peterson and Norma Macdonald I was able to put together a table of information, we even shared some Cadbury's crunchy bars.

Not only did we have a table full of facts and information about Scotland, I was very touched when we were represented by Mick McCoy from the Minnesota Police Pipe Band and two exceptional young girls from the Hart School of Dance who offered their time voluntarily.

I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I felt to have had the opportunity to show off Scottish heritage to my school district not only through literature and food but also live Highland dancing to the pipes. I also would like to say if anyone within the Scottish community ever comes across an International Fair or something like that in their own School District please feel free to ask the club for help, as we are all more than willing to support Scottish heritage.

Thanks again to the dancers and to Mick McCoy.
Lindsay Lee
Entertainment Chair

TCSC Empire Biscuits: The Talk of the Town 

Lindsay Lee, Entertainment Chair has a great story to share with everyone...   Lindsay says: 

"A couple of weeks ago, I was working a full day at the bank here in Belle Plaine.  I had a lunch break and decided to go to the little coffee store in Belle Plaine.  I was in the middle of placing my order when I overheard this conversation:   'Oh, the cakes look good.  Shall we order some?'  The other lady replied, 'Not half as good as the little cookies you can get at the Scottish Ramble.  Yes, the ones with the little cherry on the top.'  Well, my ears turn into Mr. Spock ears (like in Star Trek)!!!  I immediately went over to their table and apologized for overhearing their conversation, but I explained to them that I was an officer of the Club, and I thought that it was so funny to hear that in a little town like Belle Plaine.  They were extremely nice ladies.  I then had to rush off.   It made my day, I had tears in my eyes.  A little community like Belle Plaine, and the topic of conversation was 'our' Empire Biscuits!  This proves that we are probably the topic of a lot of conversations all over the State!  Our Empire Biscuits are that good!" 

Minnesota Scottish Fair and Highland Games 2008

Hope you were able to make it to the Fair. What a "wonderful" day! Great weather and tons of things to do!

The TCSC Taste of Scotland Tea Room was a success again this year. We passed our Health Department inspection with flying colors and more importantly, made a profit! These funds go directly into the TCSC account to help sponsor our future events. Norma Macdonald and Deb Cygnar (booth co-chairs), would like to send a "BIG thank you" to the following volunteers that assisted in some way with our Tea Room. They are: Florence and Herb Schmitz, Bruce Cygnar, Edna and Jeff Winkelman, Jean and Robin Sinclair, Gibson Batch, Suzy Schmitz, Monique McCracken, Grace Yanke, Annette Williams, JoAnne Wahl, Mary Davis, David Zook, Brian Teresi, Lindsay and Andy Lee, and Barbara Hodges. We couldn't have done it without all of you.

We also had a super time again this year hosting the Family Tent. The children passing through had the opportunity to make a shield, flag or simply spend some time coloring, playing games, and listening to story tellers, and even country dance! The fair can be a long day for the kids, so it's nice for some downtime while doing something fun. It was great to see so many wee ones at the fair learning about our Scottish culture. Thanks goes out to the following volunteers that made our Family Tent a great success...Jennifer Peterson for heading up the festivities in the tent, Corral Johns, Grace Yanke, Annette Williams, JoAnne Wahl, Francine Zook and her daughters Beth and Tori, Suzanna Muir, Jill Ravensborg and her daughters Addie and Nadia. Thanks to all.

TARTAN DAY 2008!

What a glorious day in Minnesota to celebrate our 10th Anniversary of Tartan Day! We had quite a large turnout of local Club members and friends. We started out at the Veterans Memorial near the Capitol in St. Paul, where all groups were lined up and ready to march up the mall to the State Capitol steps. Many local Scottish organizations were in attendance, as well as a variety of clans, all bearing their flags and banners. Also attending were two pipe bands who took turns piping us along. All in all it was quite a beautiful sight! Oh, and a special surprise this year was the appearance of "Nessie"! Yes, the Loch Ness monster marched along with us.

Once on the steps of the State Capitol, we listened to speakers, sang a few tunes, and were entertained by pipe bands and highland dancers. The Declaration of Arbroath was recited by Leah McLean of KSTP Five Eyewitness News. The 6th Annual Lifetime Achievement Award was given to non other than Liz Michaelson. Liz has been very involved in so many events here in the Twin Cities, and her expertise and hard work was duly commended. Thank you Liz for all that you do from all of us in the Twin Cities Scottish Community.

Thank you to all TCSC Members who marched with our Club. We had another great turnout!

Whist, Pie and Chips!

TCSC members had a wonderful time at our annual Whist, Pie and Chips event on March 8th!

The afternoon started out with everyone playing the card game "whist", with a break for a cup of tea in the middle. After a very competitive game, all adjourned to a wonderful meal of pies or bridies and chips. There were lots of wee tasty bits to try after the meal was finished.

Kay LaRue, who organized the event for the TCSC, then announced the "winners" of the prizes. Kay's husband Guy won first place, and her sister Carolyn Jackson won second place! (Seemed a bit "fishy" to some??) In all the excitement of the day, we forgot to start the traveling prizes at the beginning of the whist competition. So, it was decided to give a prize to the "oldest and youngest player" present. That honor went to Ina Johanson who is 91, and her great-granddaughter Kaylene Kambeitz, who is 9.

Thanks to Kay and Guy LaRue, Carolyn and Randy Jackson and Laura Moncrieff for all their hard work in putting the event together. It was a WONDERFUL event and a GREAT way to spend a snowy Minnesota afternoon!

As the saying goes, “Nothing’s Cooler than Kilts in February”!

The Scottish Ramble was a two-day Scottish Festival held on January 16th and 17th, 2008, at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. For over 20 years, the Ramble has included music, dance, food, vendors, and cultural information about Scotland and those of Scottish heritage.

The Saturday schedule included a Highland Dance competition for Primary, Beginner and Notice dancers in the morning, and Intermediate and Premier dancers in the afternoon. The Minnesota Police Pipe Band and the Twin Cities Metro Pipe Band also performed. Andy McCracken, of the TCSC, led free Scottish Country Dance lessons. We can see that he is following in his Father George’s footsteps, to be sure.

On Sunday, there was a “Parade of the Tartans” and a “Kirkin’ of the Tartans”. Carolyn Jackson, Kay LaRue, Grace Yanke and Jennifer Peterson participated in that. As always, Ross Sutter provided some beautiful music for the event. TCSC Members Laura and Scott Moncrieff also had a stall displaying Scott’s beautiful photography’s of “Bonnie Scotland”.

The TCSC has participated each year in this event, by having an informational stall. This year, we did something a little different. We opened the TCSC “Taste of Scotland Tea Room”.

Our Tea Room sold scones, empire biscuits, shortbread, Tunnocks wafers and Cadbury’s Crunchie bars. We also had an “endless cup” of tea and coffee, hot chocolate, water and juice boxes for the children. Our booth was hosted by many TCSC Club members during various shifts during the event. The event was very successful indeed for the TCSC, as we made a profit of $433, which will help us to fund our other events throughout the year. In addition, we also added some new members to our roster!

A special “thank you” goes to TCSC members Deb Cygnar, Jennifer Peterson, Carolyn Jackson, Kay LaRue, Norma Macdonald, Johan Hart, Marna Pringle, Maureen Pringle McDonald, Joanne Wahl, Audrey Sheridan, Gibson Batch, Tom King, Corral Johns, Grace Yanke and her friend Annette, Barbara Hodges, Kim Grehler, and Lindsay Lee for their countless hours of hard work. Also to Kyle and Frank Sheridan for their “brawn” at the end of the event, in helping us to pack up. We couldn’t have done it without all of you!

TCSC Members Reelect Jennifer Peterson, President, and Lindsay Lee, Entertainment Committee Chairperson!

Our AGM was held on January 12, and both Jennifer Peterson and Lindsay Lee were reelected into their positions of President and Entertainment Committee Chairperson, respectively. We are thankful to have both Jennifer and Lindsay remain in their current positions on the Executive Committee. Seventeen Club members came to the AGM, where they voted in both Jennifer and Lindsay, and also approved our Club's new "By Laws" that were updated from the "1969 version" by Florence Schmitz and Norma Macdonald, and the rest of the Executive Committee. All Members enjoyed tea and scones after the voting had subsided! Thanks to all that attended.

TCSC Burns Night 2008 - A BIG Success!

If you missed this year's TCSC Burns Night , you missed a FABULOUS night of entertainment and socializing with fellow Scots!

The event was held on January 26, 2008 at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel. The night started off with a Silent Auction. There were no "tight" Scot person's that night, everyone generously donated, which helped raise over $2,000, that benefited the TCSC and Macalister Pipe Band. Thanks to the Macalister Pipe Band for hosting the event this year.

During the program, Florence Schmitz and Andy McCracken were honored by the TCSC for their outstanding commitment to the TCSC over the years. They were both given flowers and a plaque in honor of the accomplishment.

The night ended with the "Voice Box Ceilidh Band" bring us all together in dance and celebration.

A special "Thank You" goes to Kirsty McCracken who was the chairperson of the Burns Night 2008, and her committee members Carolyn Jackson, Laura Moncrieff and many others that brought over 300 people to our event.

Our president Jennifer Peterson said it most eloquently, "It was a wonderful night and a great time for us to get together and enjoy the traditions we hold so dearly!"

TCSC Ceilidh

We had a great time at our Ceilidh on October 26th.

A huge "thank you" to Andy McCracken who taught the children and directed our guests in a variety of dances. Also, to Jennifer Peterson, who took a turn at leading a few dances as well.

Everyone enjoyed the wonderful music by "Night Scotsman"! We are sure to continue this as an annual event...see you next year!

Summer Picnic

If you didn't make it to the picnic in August, you missed a lot of fun! Yes, it rained, but many hardy souls met at Minnehaha Park for a piping demonstration by Mike Breidenbach, good food, and a nice visit with Club members and members of other Scottish organizations.

We also held a successful raffle, with the proceeds given to the Scottish American Center, to assist with operating costs.

Hope to see you next year!

1st Annual Afternoon Tea a BIG Success!

This was a traditional Afternoon Tea, just like they serve in "Bonnie Scotland"!

We had 76 people sign up for the big event on September 22nd, which was a lot more that we originally anticipated would come.  

Each table contained centerpieces of flowers and heather, with votive candles to set the mood.  The tables were also adorned with various bone china from a variety of members personal sets.  All of these items, added to the elegance of the event. The menu included: 4 different kinds of finger sandwiches, a scone with jam and cream, a sausage roll, and then the deserts....empire biscuits, millionaire shortbread, lemon curd tarts, chocolate éclairs, cream puffs, cherry cake, sultana cake, and of course shortbread.  In addition, we served Red Rose and Prince of Wales teas, and of course lemonade and milk for the wee ones. 

Florence Schmitz also gave a very interesting overview on the history of the "Afternoon Tea" or "Low Tea", and the difference between that and "High Tea".

As the courses were being served, we all enjoyed beautiful classical piano music, and ended with some Scottish Highland Dancers, from the Hart School of Dance. It was a wonderful to see a lot of the original TCSC Members participate in this event, along with our newer members.

Thanks to Florence Schmitz for coordinating this event, and baking a lot of the items that we enjoyed. Thanks also to Daphne McNee for baking the "millionaire shortbread", and Thistle Rose Tea Shop for the scones and empire biscuits. A big round of applause (and thanks) to the all the Club members that volunteered in the kitchen and served the food. Also, a "well done" to the dancers and piano player.

Based on all the positive feedback we've been receiving, this more than likely will become a yearly event.