Newsletter Archives

8 Jan. 2011

Have a warm cuppa and enjoy the chilly weather. Always better from the inside looking out rather than the reverse. Hope 2011 is a wonderful year for you and yours.

A couple of things to note:

First, our first meeting on the new year is tomorrow, Sunday, January 9th, at 3:00 at the Akron Public Library (downtown). Free parking is available on Sundays at the adjacent parking deck. The program is a power point presentation on the Scottish Highland Clearances.

Second, our Scottish Country Dancing, which has been on hiatus for a few weeks, will begin again this coming Friday, the 14th of January. For those planning to attend a Burns Supper, we will practice Ceilidh dancing. Frances Acar is our instructor. You may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

Our Scottish Country Dance classes meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. If you are interested in joining the fun (and it is fun), we meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM, featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen. They do a grand job of keeping folks informed about all area Celtic events, including,of course,those within the Scottish Community. One HUGE THANK YOU to both of them for all their help.

You might like to check out their profiles on our web site.

on her classes, you may contact her at: 345 South Rose Blvd., Akron 44313, or by telephone at: 330-867-1030

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18 Dec. 2010

The holiday season is upon us. I think you probably have more to do than read a lengthy note from me, so I will not be sending out the Sas'y news until after New Years. Jim joins me in wishing to you and yours the very best Christmas and New Year - hoping 2011 will be joyful and rewarding.

The schedule for your new calendar is as follows, please be sure and note the dates.

CALENDAR -2011

January 9th, 2011 - Meeting - Library 2:00 p.m. Highland Clearances - Margaret Frost

January 15th, 2011 - SHANO Burns Dinner.

February 13th, 2011 - Meeting - Library, 3:00 - Donne Shepperly will present a program on Clan Donald

March 13th - Meeting - Library, 3:00- Dr. Don Bartlette, author of "Macaroni at Midnight." Native American advocate.

April 10th - Tartan Day celebration - 356th Fighter Group Restaurant - Buffet Brunch.

May 1st - Meeting, Library, 3:00. Bob McDowell will do a slide presentation on Loch Ness, Urquhart Castle and the Monster

May 21st- Celtic Beltane Festival - Maize Valley WineryJune 24th, 25th - Ohio Scottish Games - Wellington Fairgrounds. Scottish American Society handles a booth featuring Scottish Culture and does the Genealogy for the games.

July 24th - Sas'y picnic, our house.

August 8th - Purple Martin Boat Ride & dinner. (Scottish American Society members only.)

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11 Dec. 2010

The St. Andrews dinner was wonderful. I picked up a little framed saying at the Silent Auction. It said: "Some of life's finest moments are those we share with friends." So true. The evening was, indeed, a warm gathering of friends.

There were so many who contributed to the success of this event, I cannot possibly name them all or thank them enough. The good efforts of the Saulino family and 2 club golf make it the perfect venue for our family party - because it has become more and more just that - a Holiday event for our Sas'y family. I love seeing the little ones enjoying themselves and the applause of those who, like our 101 year old Agnes Bagley, don't get up to dance much any more but do like to watch the children. Loved hearing Joe Walsh and his dad, Tim, sing the Star Spangled Banner, and Bill Kennedy chiming in with great gusto.

Many thanks to the Saulinos for their attention to detail. For managing to feed a hungry crowd (unexpectedly large) rapidly, for decorating so festively and so appropriately, and for making us feel so welcome. I'm sure they were all exhausted, but we really appreciated their efforts.

Thanks to Russ Luyster for being our jovial and efficient emcee (this is not just a handsome face) - he kept things on track as much as possible - and to his brother Kenny for being his sidekick and helping in general. (And wearing those silly, silly hats which made us all laugh.)

Thanks - as always - to our Christie Walsh and her dancers. They add so much to the festivity of any occasion. What a wonderful expression of our heritage! It's an effort for the dancers, but also for the moms & others who are kind enough to drive them to the venue. They are unsung heroes.

Thanks to Brian McElhiney for always coming through for us. Especially on this occasion with his piping and participation in the Akron Ceili band - which was as terrific as always.

Thanks to Himself for being a genial host and for hauling stuff. As he said when we were first husband and wife "I know what being married is - it's carrying things." Little did he know!

Thanks to Dianne Allison for stepping in to assist with the Auction and with helping serve the cake. And to Dave who is there to lend an extra pair of hands whenever we need him.

Thanks to Betty & Gene for once more handling the Silent Auction so smoothly despite Betty's broken arm. You are both amazing and I can't imagine how we would manage without you.

Thanks to Bob Morehead for rushing from his assignment for the paper to set up the music for our dancers - and for his lovely wife, Ida, who assisted in the absence of brother Jim who got called away on an emergency.

Thanks to Donne Shepperly for helping with the planning and behind the scenes work. You voted Donne our Rose and Thistle Award winner this year. Good choice!

My thanks especially to Frances Acar. She organized it all and didn't get flustered when things didn't go quite according to her plans. She remains flexible, cheerful, and a sincerely wonderful asset to our group.

The evening progressed so quickly it was over before I knew it and we were all singing Auld Lang Syne. We made money for our Beltane, but more important, we enjoyed a special evening with some very special friends.

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Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM,

featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen. They do a grand job of keeping folks informed about all area Celtic events, including,of course,those within the Scottish Community. One HUGE THANK YOU to both of them for all their help.

Our Scottish Country Dance classes meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Not until after the holidays, though. If you are interested in joining the fun (and it is fun), we meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

If you know someone interested in learning the art of Highland Dancing, you can call Christie Walsh. Christie is a certified B.A.T.D. dance instructor and heads the Tigh na Creige highland dance group. For more information on her classes, you may contact her at: 345 South Rose Blvd., Akron 44313, or by telephone at: 330-867-1030

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4 Dec. 2010

One last chance ! The 3rd Annual St. Andrews Dinner, will take place TONIGHT! Begins at 6:00. This will be held at the Two Club Golf and Learning Center - 1511 East Aurora Rd. (Rt. 82) between Routes 8, 271, and 480, in Macedonia, where it took place last year. The donation is $27.50 per person (or more if you like), $20 under age 12, and $15 seniors (over age 90). This includes Scottish entertainment - music, dancers, and pipers, plus dinner, dessert, Silent Auction, etc. Our St.Andrews dinner raises money to pay our pipers & other entertainment for the Beltane, which in turn raises money for Pegasus, a therapeutic horseback riding program. Give Frances a call to see if she still can accommodate you. Tel. 330-673-6514.

Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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November 27th 2010

Hope your Thanksgiving was as tummy-filling as ours was. Always a joy to have a meal with family & friends. Now we look forward to Christmas and all the stuff leading up to it.

The 3rd Annual St. Andrews Dinner, will take place on Saturday December 4th, 2010. This will be held at the Two Club Golf and Learning Center - 1511 East Aurora Rd. (Rt. 82) between Routes 8, 271, and 480, in Macedonia, where it took place last year. The donation is $27.50 per person (or more if you like), $20 under age 12, and $15 seniors (over age 90). This includes Scottish entertainment - music, dancers, and pipers, plus dinner, dessert, Silent Auction, etc. We welcome donations for the Silent Auction and will acknowledge donations from corporate sponsors in the program. Our St.Andrews dinner raises money to pay our pipers & other entertainment for the Beltane, which in turn raises money for Pegasus, a therapeutic horseback riding program. Reservations to Frances Acar, 234 Lowell Drive, Kent, Ohio 44240. Make checks payable to: Celtic Beltane Festival. [Frances needs to hear from you a.s.a.p. - she has to have a head count by the 30th to give to the folks at Two Club Golf.]

The voting on our annual Rose & Thistle award took place at the meeting. The result and the award will be given at the St. Andrews.

Our Scottish Country Dance classes meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Not for the next two weeks, though.We will start again after Thanksgiving. If you are interested in joining the fun (and it is fun), we meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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November 13th 2010

Once again a delightful epistle of fun and opportunities from our area. Our next meeting is coming up rapidly. We meet tomorrow (Sunday) at the Akron Library. 3:00. Jane Patti and Jim Frost will present a program on the Celts.

Our 3rd Annual St. Andrews Dinner, will take place on Saturday December 4th, 2010. This will be held at the Two Club Golf and Learning Center - 1511 East Aurora Rd. (Rt. 82) between Routes 8, 271, and 480, in Macedonia, where it took place last year. The donation is $27.50 per person (or more if you like), $20 under age 12, and $15 seniors (over age 90). This includes Scottish entertainment - music, dancers, and pipers, plus dinner, dessert, Silent Auction, etc. We welcome donations for the Silent Auction and will acknowledge donations from corporate sponsors in the program. Our St.Andrews dinner raises money to pay our pipers & other entertainment for the Beltane, which in turn raises money for Pegasus, a therapeutic horseback riding program. Reservations to Frances Acar, 234 Lowell Drive, Kent, Ohio 44240. Make checks payable to: Celtic Beltane Festival.

Shadows: Betty Marcus took a nasty fall and has broken her humerous, right up near her shoulder. If you would like to send a card, her address is: 4958 Belden Park Dr. NW, North Canton, OH, 44720-7491. Frances and I are scrambling to put together refreshments. Betty and Gene faithfully take care of this at our meetings.

Sunshine: Donne Shepperly has agreed to present a program on Clan Donald at our February meeting. Hooray!

Rose and Thistle Award. Further nominations are welcome at any time. Voting will take place at the meeting tomorrow.

Those nominated so far (in alphabetical order) are:

Bill Kennedy

Bill is the Deputy Chief/Vice President of the Clan Kennedy Society of North America. He is on the Board of the Ohio Scottish Games and was the founder of our Celtic Beltane Festival as well and has served as the emcee of the Festival and other Sas'y events.

Bob Morehead

Bob is a member of the Council of Elders of the Clan Muirhead Society. He has received the Order of the Saltire from his clan. This is the highest honor for exceptional service in that society. He and his brother Jim are familiar figures at Sas'y events, monitoring and providing the sound system. Bob is also a popular speaker at Sas'y meetings.

Donne Shepperly

Donne is the Great Lakes Regional Commissioner of the Clan Donald Society USA. She is on the Board of the Ohio Scottish Games and active in the Scottish Heritage Association of Northeast Ohio. She is also active in Sas'y and helps with many events including the Beltane, the St. Andrews Dinner, and the recent Water Aid benefit.

Our Scottish Country Dance classes meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Not for the next two weeks, though. We will start again after Thanksgiving. If you are interested in joining the fun (and it is fun), we meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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November 6th 2010

First of all - don't forget to turn your clocks back & check your smoke detectors. An extra hour of sleep! How glorious!

Second, I'm not sure I made it clear to those of you on "Team Sas'y" who donated to the WaterAid charity, and those who collected donations from others to bring to the event, but every cent of the $450 donated is tax deductible. WaterAid is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization as designated by the IRS.

Third: Our next meeting is coming up rapidly. We meet a week from tomorrow (Sunday) at the Akron Library. Jane Patti and Jim Frost will present a program on the Celts.

Shadows: Dreama Powell's mom, Lorene, has fallen and fractured her pelvis. If you would like to send a card, her address is: 211 Washington Avenue, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221.

Sunshine: Dr. Don Bartlette, author of "Macaroni at Midnight" has agreed to speak to us at our March 13th meeting. Dr. Bartlette is an advocate for Native Americans. I know you will enjoy his presentation, so please mark it on your calendar.

Rose and Thistle Award. Further nominations are welcome at any time. Voting will take place at the next meeting.

Those nominated so far (in alphabetical order) are:

Bill Kennedy

Bill is the Deputy Chief/Vice President of the Clan Kennedy Society of North America. He is on the board of the Ohio Scottish Games and was the founder of our Celtic Beltane Festival as well as the emcee of the Festival and other Sas'y events.

Bob Morehead

Donne Shepperly

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Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM, featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen. They do a grand job of keeping folks informed about all area Celtic events, including,of course,those within the Scottish Community. One HUGE THANK YOU to both of them for all their help.

and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

***********************************

October 30th, 2010

Our 3rd Annual St. Andrews Dinner, will take place on Saturday December 4th, 2010. This will be held at the Two Club Golf and Learning Center - 1511 East Aurora Rd. (Rt. 82) between Routes 8, 271, and 480, in Macedonia, where it took place last year. The donation is $27.50 per person (or more if you like), $20 under age 12, and $15 seniors (over age 90). This includes Scottish entertainment - music, dancers, and pipers, plus dinner, dessert, Silent Auction, etc. We welcome donations for the Silent Auction and will acknowledge donations from corporate sponsors in the program. Our St.Andrews dinner raises money to pay our pipers & other entertainment for the Beltane, which in turn raises money for Pegasus, a therapeutic horseback riding program. Reservations to Frances Acar, 234 Lowell Drive, Kent, Ohio 44240. Make checks payable to: Celtic Beltane Festival.

Three nominations have been made for the Rose and Thistle Award. Further nominations are welcome at any time. Those nominated (in alphabetical order) are:

Bill Kennedy

Bob Morehead

Donne Shepperly

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23 October 2010

We made $450 to donate to WaterAid. WaterAid uses practical solutions to provide clean water, safe sanitation and hygiene education to the world's poorest people. They work in 26 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific region. For more information about this charity, check their web site at: www.wateraid.org

Please send me nominations for Rose & Thistle award. A short squib on who you are nominating and why is all that is necessary. The individual does not have to be a Scottish American Society member.

Now on to the next project which is our 3rd Annual St. Andrews Dinner, Saturday December 4th, 2010. This will take place at the Two Club Golf and Learning Center - 1511 East Aurora Rd. (Rt. 82) between Routes 8, 271, and 480, in Macedonia, where it took place last year. The donation is $27.50 per person (or more if you like), $20 under age 12, and $15 seniors (over age 90). This includes Scottish entertainment - music, dancers, and pipers, plus dinner, dessert, Silent Auction, etc. We welcome donations for the Silent Auction and will acknowledge donations from corporate sponsors in the program. Our St.Andrews dinner raises money to pay our pipers & other entertainment for the Beltane, which in turn raises money for Pegasus, a therapeutic horseback riding program. Reservations to Frances Acar, 234 Lowell Drive, Kent, Ohio 44240. Make checks payable to: Celtic Beltane Festival.

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and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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October 17th 2010

The Water Aid Ceilidh is now history. All the figures aren't in yet, but we made a substantial amount to donate to this worthy cause - roughly $200 at the door plus money made on the Silent Auction. My Scottish grammie used to say that the Scots started the rumour that they were stingy because they were so generous too many people took advantage of them. I certainly believe it. Folks came from near and far to attend and to help. The Kincaids came from Cincinnati and we even had the white-bearded gentleman from the North Pole and his lovely wife. We danced, we sang, and we had a good time. In doing so, we joined Scots all over the world.

Many, many thanks to all who helped with this worthy (and fun) event. We had lots of folks to help with set-up and many stayed to help with the cleaning afterwards. Kudos! Special thanks to Frances Acar and Donne Shepperly who did the most work - along with Christie Walsh and her girls, Mary, Kate, and Ann. Gene & Betty Marcus did their usual outstanding job on the Silent Auction. Dreama Powell gently ushered in the afternoon with her beautiful Celtic harp. Bob Morehead (who donated his time and talent with sound equipment) has an amazing collection of Scottish tunes. Thanks, too, to all those who donated such a variety of items for the Silent Auction (especially that Scottish & Irish whisky), and the munificent array of baked goods. We sure do have a lot of super cooks in this group.

The speaker who stopped by to tell us about her experiences in the Dominican Republic was so interesting that I have asked her to come back and speak to the rest of the group. We hope to work this out for a meeting next spring.

Please send me nominations for Rose & Thistle award. A short squib on who you are nominating and why is all that is necessary. The individual does not have to be a Scottish American Society member.

Dave Allison had serious surgery on Friday - otherwise I'm sure he and Dianne would have been present on Saturday. We hope all went well and he is soon on the road to recovery. If you would care to send a card, their address is: 1765 Calvert Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44223.

At the meeting last week the members voted to have theTartan Day dinner at a restaurant. Reservations have been made for us at the 356th Fighter Squadron Restaurant from 1:00 to 3:00 on Sunday April 10th. Our regular May meeting will take place on the first day of the month instead of the second, which is Mother's Day.

Glenlaurel, a beautiful Inn with a Scottish theme, has made the following offer to our members:

Glenlaurel – A Scottish Country Inn

Nestled on 140 acres in the Hocking

Hills.~A luxurious hideaway for romantic

getaways or special events. Fine dining,

hot tubs & onsite spa. Scottish American

Society Members receive 30% off.

www.glenlaurel.com • (800) 809-7595

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Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM,

and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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October 9th 2010

Our next meeting will take place TOMORROW - October 10th at the Akron Public Library, the usual meeting room, at 3:00 p.m.. Frances Acar will present a program entitled, "The Disappearing Island." It refers, of course, to the island of Barra. There will be refreshments.

Please note, next Saturday, October 16th, 2010, is our International Benefit Ceilidh (see special events page on our web site for details). We plan to have a tea, home-baked goods (donations happily accepted), a silent auction (donations happily accepted), and entertainment. At 5:00 we will join Scots all over the world in an easy circle dance. All monies raised will be donated to helping to make clean water available in third world countries. A worthy cause.

It's that time of year again, we need nominations for Rose & Thistle award. Be thinking of worthy folks who deserve this honor. They do not have to be members of our Sas'y organization, but they do have to have been active in the Scottish community. I need your nomination and a short paragraph about the individual to present to our members.

We have resumed our Scottish Country Dance classes. We meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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October 9th 2010

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18 September 2010

What a beautiful weekend! How fortunate we are to live in NE Ohio. The leaves are beginning to change and the weather is perfect.

Nanci Tindell (Martin Tindell's wife) did an outstanding job in her presentation Sunday. It was informative, colorful, well done, and left many of us longing for a trip to Nova Scotia in the near future. Well done, Nanci ! And thanks so much for all your work. It was certainly worth waiting for.

Today is the Giantfest in Seville. We hope many of you will plan to join us in placing a wreath on the grave of Anna Swann Bates, one of the Giants of Seville. We will assemble about 5:00 for the march to the cemetery. Look for us along East Main Street.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

September 18th, 2010 - Giantfest, Seville, OH Memorial Tribute to Anna Swann Bates. Please note: We would like to see a show of support for the Giantfest memorial presentation in Seville, Ohio. Please do come and enjoy a fun event in this charming town. Dianne and Dave Allison help out with this.

and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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18 September 2010

What a beautiful weekend! How fortunate we are to live in NE Ohio. The leaves are beginning to change and the weather is perfect.

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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11th September 2010

We'll hope everyone is enjoying the games at Ligonier, but will still manage to attend our meeting on Sunday (tomorrow). The time is our usual 3:00 and there will be refreshments. In this case, it will be a birthday cake for our beloved Agnes - who we hope will be there to celebrate her 101st birthday.

The International Céilidh will be held on the 16th of October. Christie Walsh has made arrangements for us to have it at the rec. center on Shatto Avenue. Our plans will include a bit of Scottish entertainment and participation in our culture and heritage. We hope to make it a yearly event to raise money for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" - hopefully to figuratively join hands with our fellow Scots worldwide. If you are interested in helping with the planning process, etc., please contact me (via reply), Frances Acar at frances.acar@gmail.com or Donne Shepperly at cragnadun@aol.com.

We will resume our Scottish Country Dance classes soon. We meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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4th September 2010

Gorgeous, gorgeous day for those of us with Celtic blood. The heck with all that warm weather. 64 degrees is perfect.

Next week, Sunday September 12th, is the first meeting back at the Library. Nancie Tindell has been working on a Power Point presentation on Nova Scotia that has been eagerly anticipated. It's 3:00 in our usual meeting room area. We'll be discussing the year ahead as well.

The International Céilidh will be held on the 16th of October. Christie Walsh has made arrangements for us to have it at the rec. center on Shatto Avenue. Our plans which will include a bit of Scottish entertainment and participation in our

culture and heritage. We hope to make it a yearly event to raise money for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" - hopefully to figuratively join hands with our fellowScots worldwide. If you are interested in helping with the planning process, etc., please contact me (via reply), Frances Acar at frances.acar@gmail.com or Donne Shepperly at cragnadun@aol.com.

and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

If you know someone interested in learning the art of Highland Dancing, you can call Christie Walsh. Christie isa certified B.A.T.D. dance instructor and heads the Tigh na Creige highland dance group. For more informationon her classes, you may contact her at: 345 South Rose Blvd., Akron 44313, or by telephone at: 330-867-1030.

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28 August 2010

Gorgeous day today!

Don't bother reading this - just go out and enjoy it.

We have our venue for the International Céilidh to be held on the 16th of October. Christie has arranged to have it at the rec. center on Shatto Avenue. Thank you, Christie!!

Now we are going ahead with our plans which will include a bit of Scottish entertainment and participation in our culture and heritage. We hope to make it a yearly event to raise money for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" - hopefully to figuratively join hands with our fellow scots worldwide. If you are interested in helping with the planning process, etc., please contact me (via reply), Frances Acar at frances.acar@gmail.com or Donne Shepperly at cragnadun@aol.com.

Please note: Our first meeting of the new season is rapidly approaching. We will be thrilled by Nancie Tindall who has spent months working on a Power Point presentation on Nova Scotia.

Note, too, the Giantfest memorial presentation in Seville, Ohio. Please do come and enjoy a fun event in this charming town. Dianne and Dave Allison help out with this. Dave is our new Membership Chairman and Corresponding Secretary. We humbly thank him for taking on these duties.

We will resume our Scottish Country Dance classes soon. We meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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22 August 2010

We will resume our Scottish Country Dance classes soon. We meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

If you know someone interested in learning the art of Highland Dancing, you can call a certified B.A.T.D. dance instructor and heads the Tigh na Creige highland dance group. For more information

We are still looking for a venue for our next charitable event. It will most likely be a Tea or something similar in conjunction with the concept of an International Céilidh to be held on the 16th of October. It is a community fundraising event for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" to unite the folk community worldwide by having as many ceilidhs taking place on the 16th of October as possible. At 10pm (5:00 PM our time) everyone will dance the Circassian Circle to Jamie Allen to unite the event. It is an easy thing to do and joins us with our fellow Scots wherever they may be.If you are interested in helping with the planning process, etc., please contact me (via reply), Frances Acar at frances.acar@gmail.com or Donne Shepperly at cragnadun@aol.com. We will resume our Scottish Country Dance classes soon. We meet most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

If you know someone interested in learning the art of Highland Dancing, you can call Christie Walsh. Christie isa certified B.A.T.D. dance instructor and heads the Tigh na Creige highland dance group. For more information contact her at: 330-867-1030.

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7th August 2010

What a gorgeous day it was today. We had a lovely lunch up at Ashtabula, at a beach on Lake Erie. It just couldn't have been more pleasant.

Some of our group got together this past week and went on the Purple Martin cruise on Lake Nimisila to see the birds in their "staging" before heading South. It is an amazing event. We will book a boat next year, but only the first eight members to sign up will be able to go.

Stan Wallace is having double knee replacement on August 13. If you'd care to send a card, his address is:3776 Greenock Drive, Uniontown, Ohio 44685. Heather MacNaughton is also in need of a little cheer. I think she can be reached via her shop at: British Pastries & More, 268 Main Street, Leetonia, OH. She is not working there, but presumably someone is who can take her mail to her.

Our next charitable endeavor is bit further reaching. We are looking for a venue, but are planning to participate in an International Céilidh on the 16th of October. It is a community fundraising event for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" to unite the folk community worldwide by having as many ceilidhs taking place on the 16th of October as possible. At 10pm (5:00 PM our time) everyone will dance the Circassian Circle to Jamie Allen to unite the event.If you are interested in helping with the planning process, etc., please contact me (via reply), Frances Acar at frances.acar@gmail.com or Donne Shepperly at cragnadun@aol.com.

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31 July 2010

Bit cloudy today, but weather gurus say it will not be a rainy day. Cloudy with a chance of showers. Except for the fact that it is quite a bit warmer than Edinburgh, it could be Scotland. Temperature here will hover in the low to mid-80's. In Scotland it's closer to 17 degrees Celsius (62.6 degrees Fahrenheit), cloudy with a chance of showers.

Now that I've given you the weather report - I must say it was absolutely lovely last Sunday for our picnic. As always, the Sas'y cooks came through with some delicious dishes. Larry Hunter did a yeoman's duty stoking the fire for hot dogs and S'mores, and some of our folks even did a bit of fishing off the dock. We did very little beyond eating, chatting, watching the boats on Turkeyfoot lake, and enjoying the gentle breeze. Our profound thanks to Larry and Judy Hunter for being such genial hosts. They very generously provided the venue, the hot dogs, beverages, S'more stuff, and even fishing poles. Thank you so very much!

For those of you who get the Hartville News, there was an article (& photo) in that paper this past week of our presentation to Pegasus (the therapeutic riding center) of $1000 raised at the Beltane Festival. We hope to make this our annual contribution to the organization. Our thanks once again to Bill & Michelle Bakan who make it all possible.

While there is no meeting in August, Amy Barrington has booked discount tickets at Cedar Point for anyone interested. On Sunday, August 15th, the family is heading up there to celebrate the wedding of Ashley & Ryan Smith. (They are renewing their vows on Saturday, the 14th.)

If you would like to take advantage of the discount, go to the group sales booth and specify "Smith Wedding tickets." Then look for our tables in the pavilion, if you wish to bring a picnic lunch. My cell phone is 330-903-4573, if you wish to contact us during the day.

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24th July 2010

Tomorrow is our Sas'y picnic. Sunday, July 25th, 3:00 ish. At the Turkeyfoot Commons, right across from Larry & Judy Hunter's house. There will be signs from the corner of Shrakes Hotel & S. Main Street - right across from the Marathon Station. But just in case, the directions follow. Come and enjoy the setting. Bring anyone you like.

Keep in mind that we are planning to participate in an International Céilidh on the 16th of October. It is a community fundraising event for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" to unite the folk community worldwide by having as many ceilidhs taking place on the 16th of October as possible. At 10pm (5:00 PM our time) everyone will dance the Circassian Circle to Jamie Allen to unite the event.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM, featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen. They do a grand job of keeping folks informed about all area Celtic events, including,of course, those within the Scottish Community. One HUGE THANK YOU to both of them for all their help.

In the fall we will resume our Scottish Country Dance classes most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow

music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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10th July 2010

Our next event is the Sas'y picnic on July 25th at Judy and Larry Hunter's house. This requires only your relaxed participation and a covered dish or sessert. No program, no tents, no Genealogy, no nagging. Just come and enjoy the lovely setting by Turkeyfoot lake. Directions are on the web site, but if you need them, let me know & I'll e-mail them directly to you. Bring friends and family. Every one is welcome. But please let us know if you plan to attend. We do need a head count.

I'll take this opportunity to highlight an international folk event we are planning to participate in on the 16th of October. It is a community fundraising event for the international charity, Water Aid. They specialize in providing access to clean water, sanitation and hygiene education to the world’s poorest communities ( www.wateraid.org ) . The event is a "Big National Céilidh" to unite the folk community worldwide by having as many ceilidhs taking place on the 16th of October as possible. At 10pm (5:00 PM our time) everyone will dance the Circassian Circle to Jamie Allen to unite the event.

If you are interested in helping with the planning process, etc., please contact me (via reply), Frances Acar at frances.acar@gmail.com or Donne Shepperly at cragnadun@aol.com.

Congratulations to Liz Belvin on her recent promotion at PPG. Good going, Liz. Congratulations, too, to the Luyster girls, Sydney, Paige, and Kelsey (granddaughters of Marlene & Jim), on their recent achievements in Highland Dancing. They are all former students of Christie Walsh but moved to North Carolina where they have continued their studies.

In the fall we will resume our Scottish Country Dance classes most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

***********************************

Happy 4th of July!

We had a grand time at the games. Team Sas'y did well with both our Genealogy and Hospitality sections. Met lots of nice folks, renewed old friendships, and hopefully helped some people trace their heritage. It went pretty smoothly. We are fortunate that we have so many willing hands to help. Thanks especially to

Dave & Dianne Allison, Dave & Liz Belvin, David McIntosh Carpenter, Nancy Haggard Davis, Jim Frost, Bill & Ann Heflin, Gene & Betty Marcus, Craig & Donne Shepperly, and the folks from Clan Claus - fresh from their duties at the North Pole.

It takes many hands and much effort to take part in this annual event. Some help before the event, some after, and some during. It would take much more space than I dare to take to thank each of you individually. But trust me, we all appreciate your contribution.

Our next event is the Sas'y picnic on July 25th at Judy and Larry Hunter's house. This requires only your relaxed participation and a covered dish or dessert. No program, no tents, no Genealogy, no nagging. Just come and

enjoy the lovely setting by Turkeyfoot lake. Directions are on the web site, but if you need them, let me know & I'll e-mail them directly to you. Bring friends and family. Every one is welcome.

and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

***************************************************

19th June 2010

NEXT WEEK AT THIS TIME WE WILL BE AT OHIO SCOTTISH GAMES !!!

Hooray! We've waited for this all year. Look for us in the barns - we're doing the Genealogy again. We'd love to have your help. But if you'd like a place to tuck your purchases while you shop at the many vendors, or a place to sit down and visit awhile - we're just the spot for you. We will have a video presentation in our Hospitality Area - some of you have seen much of it already (it's about Robert Burns), but none of you have seen it updated and augmented by Dave Belvin's expertise.

We'll be stamping "passports" for the young ones as well as helping folks discover their Scottish heritage. All those planning to attend the Ohio Scottish Games on June 26th at Wellington this year might also like to consider attending the Mod banquet at the Oberlin Inn on Saturday night. It's a fun affair, with good food and pleasant companionship. Cost is $27 per person for adults and half price for children under 9. For more information, contact Frances Acar at: frances.acar@g.mail.com

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

"Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM, featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen. They do a grand job of keeping folks informed about all area Celtic events, including,of course,those within the Scottish Community. One HUGE THANK YOU to both of them for all their help. You might like to check out their profiles elsewhere on our web site.

We have Scottish Country Dance classes most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

==========================================

12th June 2010

Our next meeting is tomorrow at the Akron Library at 3:00. We will be discussing our part in the Ohio Scottish Games and practicing our part in the Genealogy section. As previously discussed, we will also hold a business meeting and special election to replace one of our officers who now has other obligations. Liz Belvin has expressed her willingness to serve as interim Treasurer until the next regular election this coming February. Proxy votes via e-mail will be accepted.

June 26th is a big day for all those of Scottish descent. Not only are the Ohio Scottish Games being held at Wellington, but the day's activities are capped by the Mod banquet at the Oberlin Inn located in nearby Oberlin, Ohio.

All those planning to attend the Ohio Scottish Games on June 26th at Wellington this year might like to consider attending the Mod banquet at the Oberlin Inn on Saturday night. It's a fun affair, with good food and pleasant companionship. Cost is $27 per person for adults and half price for children under 9.

Make checks out to the Great Lakes Gaelic Society and mail to Frances Acar, 234 Lowell Drive, Kent, Ohio, 44240. For more information, contact Frances at: frances.acar@g.mail.com

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

all their help. You might like to check out their profiles elsewhere on our web site.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype and digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

************************************

29th May 2010

What a great festival! The weather gods were very kind to us. Most of the day was fairly dry and some sun did appear. I haven't the figures yet, but if the smiles on the spectators and the numbers of folks enjoying the event is any testimony, it was successful. I don't think we can ever adequately thank Bill Bakan and Maize Valley Winery for their sponsorship and support.

Russ Luyster did his magic as our emcee and helped out in so many other ways. Don't know what we would have done without him! (Thanks so much for taking time away from your landscaping business, Russ - we know it's a busy time of year for you.) Melinda Crawford was fantastic on her fiddle. Brandon Vance jumped in with no rehearsal whatsoever to play his fiddle for the dancers when their own music didn't work properly. The wonderful NEO Harpers, under the direction of Dreama Powell, played hauntingly, and the "Tytely Wound Stryngs" of John Whitacre and Dennis Kempthorne weren't tyte at all, but throughly casual and enjoyable. Children gathered and enjoyed their games, carefully tended with gentle humor by Tim and Christy Walsh. (Think I noticed Kate helping out there as well.) The O'Hare Irish Dancers were absolutely super, we had the Welsh Fusiliers present and accounted for as was Dennis Gressock encamped opposite them in his Revolutionary War uniform and paraphernalia. The Tigh na Creige Highland Dancers performed with great charm. Agnes Bagley was there, laughing and applauding. (She is my hero.) We had vintage cars - gamely presented by their owners, the Highland Cattle, and re-enactors from pioneer days showing us how our ancestors lived. This may be expanded next year.

The new dance floor built for our dancers by the meticulous hands of David Belvin (for which we will be thankful for many, many years) worked beautifully. All those who danced on it Saturday commented on how good it was. Bill Bakan has kindly allowed us to store it at the winery so we won't have to tote it back and forth. Our gratitude to David for building it and to all those wonderful helping hands (and strong backs) that helped set it up and take it down. And need I even mention the superwonderful job done by our two sound guys, Jim and Bob Morehead? Their able handling of all the microphones and mechanics have been there from our very first festival and certainly are part of the underlying success of this event.

The highland athletes competed throughout the day. We had intended to pipe them down the hill to their award ceremony at the end of the day, but at that point Mother Nature intervened. They got their awards inside the pavilion. There was free Walker's Shortbread to sample (and not a crumb was left), a basket auction, approximately ten clans (including Clan Claus which of course came all the way from the North Pole) represented and 14 vendors, including the Highland Cattle brought by Hyde Park Farm. British Pastries were sold by.Heather MacNaughton and her crew. and there was wine tasting at the winery. Three pipe bands performed at various times throughout the day. The Akron & District, The Gleann Mor, and the Celtic Eagle and gave a massed band performance which stirred the Scottish soul.

If you are interested in seeing the festival photos, and a couple of videos, you can find the links on our web site under the "Beltane 2010" tab, and Julie McElhiney has started a Facebook page for the festival as well.

Shadows: Our deep and sincere sympathy to Judy and Larry Hunter and their family members. Judy's mother, Helen Petrie died this week. Her funeral was Friday.

***********************************************************************

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

We have Scottish Country Dance classes most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

*******************************

22 May 2010

TODAY'S THE DAY! Cross your fingers, light a candle, run around the oak tree - whatever toots your flute. Our Celtic Beltane Festival at Maize Valley Market & Winery is today, May 22nd from 10:00 until 6:00. We need good weather! But most of the festival is under roof or under canvas, so even if it's raining, there's plenty to do.

We have the fabulous Melinda Crawford to dazzle us with her Scottish fiddle. Brandon Vance will also be there to play for us. The NEO Harpers, under the direction of Dreama Powell will play and our own Tigh na Creige dancers will perform. If the weather permits, we'll have children's games. The O'Hare Irish Dancers will perform, several re-enactors will be there and vintage cars as well.

There will be free Walker's Shortbread to taste, a basket auction (proceeds to Pegasus), many vendors and clans represented, Highland Athletes will be competing and Hyde Park Farm will bring Highland Cattle and will answer all your questions about them. The athletes will compete - who doesn't want to see a burly guy in a kilt toss a telephone pole across a field? British Pastries from Heather MacNaughton as well as wine tasting at the winery. Three pipe bands will perform: The Akron & District, The Gleann Mor, and the Celtic Eagle. All this and so much more.

Our profound thanks to all those who have helped make this possible - but especially to Dave Belvin who built our beautiful new dance floor.

FYI, Bill Bakan has featured the festival on their facebook page and elsewhere. For information and a video of last year's event:

http://www.maizevalleywinery.com/ (Main Website)

http://www.ohiowineandmore.com/ ( Blog )

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maize-Valley-Farm-Market-Winery/40966862642 (Facebook)

http://twitter.com/FunTSAR/ (Twitter) [The "FunTsar" is Bill himself.]

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

May 22nd, 2010 - Celtic Beltane Festival - Maize Valley Winery - Hartville OH. Vendors, performers, highland athletes,

vintage cars, re-enactors, demonstrations throughout the day, Walker's Shortbread samples, Scottish food,

clan representatives, performers, basket auction, and much, much more. Circle the date! It will be a great outing.

May 28th, 2010 - North Sea Gas Concert - Sullivans in Lakewood. Benefits Girls Rugby at Lakewood High School.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

"Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM, featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype, which can be sent directly to your home.

*******************

May 15th 2010

Beautiful Weather! Finally! Seems as if it's nice all week, then rainy on the weekends. Let's hope that trend stays reversed. Cross your fingers that it is nice next weekend. Our Celtic Beltane Festival at Maize Valley Market & Winery takes place on Saturday, May 22nd from 10:00 until 6:00.

Frances has booked many different performers. Some new and many returning from last year. The fabulous Melinda Crawford is returning to dazzle us with her Scottish fiddle. The NEO Harpers, under the direction of Dreama Powell will play.

The McKenney Family singers will entertain and we have a new act this year, the O'Hare Irish Dancers. The Welsh Fusiliers and other re-enactors will be present to discuss their part in history, many vintage cars will be displayed by their owners, there will be free Walker's Shortbread to taste, a basket auction (proceeds to Pegasus), our own Tigh na Creige Highland Dancers will perform, there will be many vendors and clans represented, Highland Athletes will be competing and Hyde Park Farm will bring Highland Cattle and will answer all your questions about them. There will be children's games - imitating our athletes, but more reasonably. And, of course, British Pastries from Heather MacNaughton as well as wine tasting at the winery. Three pipe bands will perform: The Akron & District, The Gleann Mor, and the Celtic Eagle. All this and so much more.

If you want to hear us discussing the event, please tune in to Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, twa braw laddies, on Sunday between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. on their program: "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM. They will

entertain me, Frances, and Himself. We thank them both for allowing us to appear on the program.

FYI, Bill Bakan has featured the festival on their facebook page and elsewhere. For information and a video of last year's event:

http://www.maizevalleywinery.com/ (Main Website)

http://www.ohiowineandmore.com/ ( Blog )

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maize-Valley-Farm-Market-Winery/40966862642 (Facebook)

http://twitter.com/FunTSAR/ (Twitter) [The "FunTsar" is Bill himself.]

***********************************************************************

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

May 22nd, 2010 - Celtic Beltane Festival - Maize Valley Winery - Hartville OH. Vendors, performers, highland athletes, vintage cars, re-enactors, demonstrations throughout the day, Walker's Shortbread samples, Scottish food,

clan representatives, performers, basket auction, and much, much more. Circle the date! It will be a great outing.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

We have Scottish Country Dance classes most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM (weather permitting).Aside from the dancing, we just njoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses Skype or digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

******************************

25 April

Okay, April showers are a given. But it might be better if they were a little at a time instead of all at once.

May 2nd, 3:00, NEXT SUNDAY - is our meeting at the Akron Library. It's earlier than usual because May 9th is Mother's Day, and many requested that we not meet on that date. This is our Annual Wm. McGonagle Poetry Contest and also a Shortbread contest. Write a (bad) poem, or bake good shortbread. Or just show up and enjoy.

Our next BIG event is the Celtic Beltane Festival at Maize Valley Market & Winery on May 22nd. FYI, Bill Bakan has featured the festival on their facebook page and elsewhere. For information and a video of last year's event:

http://www.maizevalleywinery.com/ (Main Website)

http://www.ohiowineandmore.com/ ( Blog )

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maize-Valley-Farm-Market-Winery/40966862642 (Facebook)

http://twitter.com/FunTSAR/ (Twitter) [The "FunTsar" is Bill himself.]

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please plan to spend the day with us on the 22nd. We'll gladly give you a specific assignment.

SAS'Y News: We have just heard that Bill Kennedy's dad passed away. We are so very sorry. If you would like to send a card, Bill & Julie live at 241 Everhard Road, North Canton, Ohio 44709.

Jon Belvin recently helped the Springfield Track Team shatter the school record they just set last week. By a full second!

I have photos taken by his proud dad. Want to see them? Happy to oblige. [Jon is the son of Liz & Dave Belvin and our grandson.]

Once again, please remember to support our Akron Public Library system in the upcoming election. This levy is a replacement for one you are now paying, with a miniscule addition.

With all the services offered, and with all the decreases lately in funding, they are asking less than a penny a day be added to the amount you are already paying on a regular basis. There are very few, if any, that cannot afford that slight increase for this remarkable facility.

You can find out how to endorse the library using the link under the "How Can I Help" tab on the levy web site. The direct URL is:

http://www.supportourlibrary.com/endorsement-form.aspx

***********************************************************************

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class.

********************************

17 April 2010

Needs to warm up a bit. But what the heck, this is Northern Ohio. Head out the door with a parka on and you're almost sure to shed it by evening. Okay, maybe not today.

The Tartan Day dinner was super. The Fighter Group Restaurant does a fantastic buffet. The Tigh na Creige Dancers were absolutely adorable (and talented, of course). Miss Meghan McElhiney, also adorable, stole the show with her smiles. Frances Acar was a wonderful emcee and sang both in English and Gaelic. Many commented on her lovely voice. Brian and Julie did an excellent presentation on Tartan Day and Brian, our official Sas'y piper, played outside the

restaurant and in the dining room. (For the few of you who don't know, Brian and Julie are Miss Meghan's parents.) We were able to give everyone a little discount on the dinner (courtesy the Sas'y account) and folks went home with sample packages of Walker's Shortbread (courtesy the Walker's folks) and a free issue offer from The Highlander Magazine and Scottish Life Magazine.

May 2nd, 3:00, is our next meeting at the Akron Library. It's earlier than usual because May 9th is Mother's Day, and many requested that we not meet on that date. This is our Annual Wm. McGonagle Poetry Contest and also a Shortbread contest. Write a (bad) poem, or bake good shortbread. Or just show up and enjoy.

http://www.maizevalleywinery.com/ (Main Website)

http://www.ohiowineandmore.com/ ( Blog )

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Maize-Valley-Farm-Market-Winery/40966862642 (Facebook)

http://twitter.com/FunTSAR/ (Twitter) [The "FunTsar" is Bill himself.]

WE NEED YOUR HELP! Please plan to spend the day with us on the 22nd. We'll gladly give you a specific assignment.

SAS'Y News: Our good friend, Joe Nicholls, is currently recovering from a heart attack. We're grateful he made it through this traumatic event and send all of our good wishes his way. Jon Belvin recently helped the Springfield Track Team win two relay races. The boys set a new school record with a time of 1:35.1, shattering the old record by .4 seconds This was only Jon's second track meet ever. [Okay, this is where I take grandma bragging rights. Jon is the son of Liz & Dave Belvin and our grandson.]

Once again, please remember to support our Akron Public Library system in the upcoming election. This levy is a replacement for one you are now paying, with a miniscule addition. With all the services offered, and with all the decreases lately in funding, they are asking less than a penny a day be added to the amount you are already paying on a regular basis. There are very few, if any, that cannot afford that slight increase for this remarkable facility.

You can find out how to endorse the library using the link under the "How Can I Help" tab on the levy web site. The direct URL is:

http://www.supportourlibrary.com/endorsement-form.aspx

***********************************************************************

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

April 24th, 2010 -Band Fundraiser. Great Lakes Pipe Band is bringing Bob Worrall's group, Scantily Plaid, to PJ McIntyre's on Cleveland's west side. Pipe Band members will perform. Also performing will be Michael Crawley's new band, Mary's Lane. Evening begins at 5 PM. Tickets are $15 each. To reserve your spot, make checks payable to Great Lakes Pipe Band and send to Barry Conway, 17325 Parkside Dr, North Royalton, OH 44133

May 2nd, 2010 - Our May meeting - features two contests: The annual Wm. McGonagle Poetry Contest and the Best Shortbread Contest. If you can't write a poem or bake shortbread, come and be a judge!

clan representatives, performers, basket auction, and much, much more. Circle the date! It will be a great outing.

Pipe Band Balls

May 8th - Kiltie Band Highland Ball - Broadview Hts.*

* Details elsewhere on our web site.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

************************

10th April 2010

Bit chilly, but still spring. The weather is warming up a bit even as I write. Hopefully we've seen the end of the snow. (At least for this season.)

Although the actual date is April 6th, we are celebrating Tartan Day tomorrow, April 11th, at 1:00 - 3:00 at the 356th Fighter Group Restaurant. We have a very Scottish program planned and we would love to have you join us. Cost is $14.99 per person (adults) $7.99 kids (4-10 yr.). It is a buffet brunch, with iced tea and coffee included. The Tigh na Creige dancers and Brian McElhiney will perform on the pipes. Brian and lovely wife Julie will present on Tartan Day and Frances Acar will emcee and sing a song or two.

Once again, please remember to support our Akron Public Library system in the upcoming election. Despite some recent (and irresponsible) bad publicity, the levy is really a renewal with a miniscule addition. With all the services offered, and with all the decreases lately in funding, they are asking less than a penny a day be added to the amount you are already paying on a regular basis. There are very few, if any, that cannot afford that amount to pay for this remarkable facility.

You can find out how to endorse the library using the link under the "How Can I Help" tab on the levy web site. The direct URL is:

http://www.supportourlibrary.com/endorsement-form.aspx

***********************************************************************

FOR YOUR CALENDAR

May 22nd, 2010 - Celtic Beltane Festival - Maize Valley Winery - Hartville OH. Vendors, performers, highland athletes,vintage cars, re-enactors, "back-to-back" demonstrations throughout the day, Walker's Shortbread samples, Scottish food, clan representatives, performers, basket auction, and much, much more. Circle the date! It will be a great outing.

Pipe Band Balls

April 17th - Lochaber Pipe Band Ball - Vermillion

May 8th - Kiltie Band Highland Ball - Broadview Hts.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

***********************

March 20th - The Vernal Equinox. Spring is here ! Halleluia!

It's been a long winter. Aren't we just a bit happier that the warmer weather is here? Finally?

Dave Allison's talk last week was wonderful. As expected, he was interesting and well informed on the Whisky Rebellion. There are some among us who believe that particular rebellion may still be going on - but far back in the hills of some of our Southern states.

The breads brought by Ann Heflin for our refreshments were so wonderful that everyone wanted the recipes. I've put them on the web site, but if you wish, I'll be glad to send them to you directly.

Our next get together is April 11th at the 356th Fighter Group restaurant (information below). Please let me or Frances know if you plan to attend. We have already paid a deposit, so money up front is not required, but we do need a head count.

Once again, please remember to support our Akron Public Library system in the upcoming election. There is a levy renewal on the upcoming May ballot. You can find out how to endorse the library using the link under the "How Can I Help" tab on the levy web site. The direct URL is:

http://www.supportourlibrary.com/endorsement-form.aspx

The items donated by Beth Harvey Rybus were quickly snatched up by grateful members. That was so kind of her. I know they will be enjoyed for years to come. Again, our thanks to Beth for her generosity!

Once again, a reminder. To those of you planning to make your yearly voluntary contribution to the Scottish American Society. We will soon be applying for a 501 (c) (3) status for the group, but in the meantime the Celtic Beltane Festival is already in that category. So if you would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it credited properly.

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

April 11th, 2010 - 1:00-3:00 - Tartan Day Celebration - at the 356th Fighter Group Restaurant at the Canton-Akron Airport. Cost is $14.99 per person (adults) $7.99 kids (4-10 yr.). It is a buffet brunch, with iced tea and coffee included. The Tigh na Creige dancers and Brian McElhiney will perform. Frances Acar will emcee and will present a song or two. Reservations (we need a head count) to mfrost@nls.net or frances.acar@gmail.com

Pipe Band Balls

April 10th - Red Hackle Pipe Band Ball - Parma*

April 17th - Lochaber Pipe Band Ball - Vermillion*

May 8th - Kiltie Band Highland Ball - Broadview Hts.*

* Details on our web site in Events section.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing.If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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13 March 2010

Hi All!

Remember to set your clocks ahead one hour tonight. We want to be sure you don't miss our meeting tomorrow! You really will want to attend this one. I admit to great curiosity myself. Dave Allison is speaking on the Whisky Rebellion.

Sorry, samples will not be available, but there will be refreshments.

Those of you local to this area - please keep it in mind that we must support the Akron Public Library system.They have wonderful facilities which our members use in so many ways. There is a levy rapidly approaching. It is not a new tax, it is a renewal of an existing levy. You can find out how to endorse the library using the link under the "How Can I Help" tab on the levy web site.

The direct URL is:

http://www.supportourlibrary.com/endorsement-form.aspx

Beth Harvey Rybus has donated some items to our group. I will be bringing them to the meeting and if any are of interest,you may take them home. Our thanks to Beth for her generosity!

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

March 14th, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. Meeting - Akron Public Library. Auditorium. Dave Allison will speak on the Whisky Rebellion.

head count) to mfrost@nls.net or frances.acar@gmail.com

Pipe Band Balls

April 10th - Red Hackle Pipe Band Ball - Parma*

April 17th - Lochaber Pipe Band Ball - Vermillion*

May 8th - Kiltie Band Highland Ball - Broadview Hts.*

* Details on Events page

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

We have Scottish Country Dance classes most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM (weather permitting). Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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6th March 2010

Think Spring!

Several of us braved the elements (trust me, that night spring was not in evidence) to see Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off in Freedlander Theatre at The College of Wooster. As usual with productions done there, it was excellent. Hard to describe, but the cast had worked hard to present a program that was Scottish and historically accurate. We all enjoyed it very much.

Our next meeting is on Sunday, the 14th of March. Rapidly approaching! You won't want to miss this one,Dave Allison is speaking on the Whisky Rebellion. No samples - sorry.

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

March 14th, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. Meeting - Akron Public Library. Auditorium. Dave Allison will speak on the Whisky Rebellion.

head count) to mfrost@nls.net or frances.acar@gmail.com

Pipe Band Balls

April 10th - Red Hackle Pipe Band Ball - Parma*

April 17th - Lochaber Pipe Band Ball - Vermillion*

May 8th - Kiltie Band Highland Ball - Broadview Hts.*

* Details under Events on our web site.

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

all their help.

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27th February 2010

Take heart - spring will soon be here. Honest. The great blue herons have returned to the area and are already laying eggs. A few warbler "scouts" have been seen. I hear the birds singing spring songs. It will soon be warm and sunny.

The Akron Library is a marvel. Please give it your support. We are so very fortunate to have this facility in our community. The building is superior and the personnel helpful and courteous. They kindly took the Akron Burns Society books to the Special Collections department, where they will remain for any and all to view.

Tonight we are heading over to the College of Wooster to see Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off. We'll do a quick review next week for those of you who cannot make it in person. All curtain times are at 8:15 PM in Freedlander Theatre at The College of Wooster. I don't know if there are tickets left, but you could call and check if the idea is interesting.

Once again, a reminder. To those of you planning to make your yearly voluntary contribution to the Scottish American Society. (We aren't calling them "dues" any more.) We will soon be applying for a 501 (c) (3) status for the group, but in the meantime the Celtic Beltane Festival is already in that category. So if you

would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it credited properly.

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

March 14th, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. Meeting - Akron Public Library. Auditorium. Dave Allison will speak on the Whisky Rebellion.

head count) to mfrost@nls.net or frances.acar@gmail.com

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

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20th February 2010

Building a snowman yet? Seems as if we should be having fun with all this snow.

The meeting last week went very well. Those who missed it should forever regret not hearing Himself's rendition of the "Ode to the Haggis." Inimitable! But most of all, they missed the beautiful Carol Leslie Hosticka singing "The Star O Rabbie Burns." Even the library personnel, up in the control booth, commented on her

lovely voice. Add to that Agnes Bagley's shortbread and joining hands to sing "Auld Lang Syne" at her suggestion. We felt like a family.

One mention of the library personnel. The Akron Library is a marvel. We are so very fortunate to have this facility in our community. The building is superior and the personnel helpful and courteous. They kindly took the Akron Burns Society books to the Special Collections department, where they will remain for any and all to view.

would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it credited properly.

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6 February 2010

SNOWPOCALYPSE !

There sure is a lot of snow out there, folks...

I don't know how it looks at your house, but it's absolutely gorgeous in our back yard. Hope it clears up by next week though - for all those sweethearts that are planning a special Valentine celebration and for those who will be attending our meeting at the library on Sunday.

One thing I plan to do is bring the minutes from the Akron Burns Society to that meeting. We will be turning the books over to the library (by prior arrangment), but they were kindly donated to us last summer. If you'd like to take a look, they will be with me then.

We hear from Scotland that our group will get a discount on a Ghost Walk tour in Stirling. I know it's not relevant to most of you, but if you plan a visit next year simply showing your membership card will guarantee you a 10% discount on the ticket price (£6 for adults, £4 for children, students and seniors). A 20-25% discount will be available for pre-booked group parties of ten or more.

The College of Wooster will be presenting, Mary Queen of Scots Got Her Head Chopped Off on February 24, 25, 26, and 27th. All curtain times are at 8:15 PM in Freedlander Theatre at The College of Wooster. The ticket price is $9.00 for adults. If there is enough interest, we could get a lower group rate. Let me know if you would like to attend and we'll see if we can work it out. We are thinking of attending the Saturday performance.

Once again, a reminder. To those of you planning to make your yearly voluntary contribution to the Scottish American Society. (We aren't calling them "dues" any more.) Sooner or later we will be applying for a 501 (c) (3) status for the group, but in the meantime te Celtic Beltane Festival is already in that category. So if you would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it credited properly.

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Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the

all their help.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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January 30th 2010

Enjoying the frigid weather? It's time to cuddle with a good book, or visit with a friend over a cup of hot chocolate while discussing past events. Today we have warm memories of the grand Burns Supper we enjoyed last week at SHANO. Wow, was it ever a wonderful event. As always.

This year, Lord Charles Kennedy, 8th Marquess of Ailsa, 19th Earl of Cassillis, and Chief of Clan Kennedy, was the honored guest. He spoke well, entertaining everyone with his humor and charming manner. Three pipe bands added to the exuberance, and the pretty Jenny May Caronchi dancers, the Heather Belles,

entertained with their contemporary highland dance styles. There was more. Much more. An evening to file away in the happy memory file.

One of the biggest surprises came when they announced the winner of the SHANO "Hall of Fame" award,given to the person who has contributed the most to the furtherance of Scottish Culture in our area.Imagine our surprise (and unmitigated delight) when it turned out to be our very own Frances Acar. I'm

still bursting with pride. CONGRATULATIONS FRANCES !!! Well done. Much deserved. Hooray!

Once again, a reminder. To those of you planning to make your yearly voluntary contribution to the Scottish American Society. (We aren't calling them "dues" any more.) Sooner or later we will be applying for a 501 (c) (3) status for the group, but in the meantime the Celtic Beltane Festival is already in that category. So if you would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it credited properly.

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23 January 2010

Tonight is the annual Burns supper put on by SHANO. If you have missed this dinner, then you have missed the best this area has to offer. They do an outstanding job and have for many years. We've gone for the better part of thirty five years and they have always been wonderful. Next year, make plans to attend. It's well worth the effort.

I was told yesterday by a pleasant young man with a rich Scottish accent, that our agriculture department is possibly oing to lift the restriction on the import of real haggis from Scotland. Halleluia! Maybe soon those who have never tasted the real thing will get a chance. Now that's something to really look forward to.

Once again, a reminder. To those of you planning to make your yearly voluntary contribution to the Scottish American Society. (We aren't calling them "dues" any more.) Sooner or later we will be applying for a 501 (c) (3) status for the group, but in the meantime the Celtic Beltane Festival is already in that category. So if you would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it credited properly.

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We're holding Country Dance classes again - weather permitting. Most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM you will find members of our group enjoying Scottish Country Dancing. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try. If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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9th January 2010

Tomorrow is our meeting at the library - weather permitting, of course. Looks okay so far. Bob Morehead will be there to present on Mary Queen of Scots. He promises. Meeting begins at 3:00 and there will be refreshments.Bob is our favorite raconteur. Everyone enjoys his talks, no matter what topic he chooses.

It has come to my attention that some of you are planning to make your yearly voluntary contribution to the Scottish American Society. (We aren't calling them "dues" any more.) Sooner or later we will be applying for a 501 (c) (3) status

for the group, but in the meantime the Celtic Beltane Festival is already in that category. So if you would prefer that your donation be tax deductible, please make your check out to the Celtic Beltane Festival and give it (or send it) to me so that I can make note & have it deposited accordingly.

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

January 10th, 2010 - Akron Public LIbrary - 3:00 p.m. Bob Morehead.

January 23, 2010 - SHANO Burns Night. American-Croation Lodge. Contact Craig Shepperly for reservations. (330) 463-5559.

February 14th, 2010 - Akron Public Library - Auditorium - Power Point presentation on Robert Burns.

March 14th, 2010 - 3:00 p.m. Meeting - Akron Public Library. Auditorium. Dave Allison will speak on the Whisky Rebellion.

April 11th, 2010 - Tartan Day Celebration

Tune in at 4:00 every Sunday to the "Sounds of Britain and Ireland" on WCPN, 90.3 FM, featuring Joe Nicholls and Kevin McGinty, two very charming gentlemen. They do a grand job of keeping folks informed about all area Celtic events, including,of course,those within the Scottish Community.

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January 2nd 2010

Well, the holidays are over and everything is at least approaching normal. Once we get all the decorations down, sorted, and packed away the house looks so empty, but somehow I always feel a bit relieved. It was a wonderful time to stow away in my memory.

Hope your holiday was just as nice. Tell us all about it when we get together on the 10th of January at the library. Bob Morehead has promised to make good on his speech. Wearing a hair shirt, no doubt.

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

January 10th, 2010 - Akron Public LIbrary - 3:00 p.m. Bob Morehead.

January 23, 2010 - SHANO Burns Night. American-Croation Lodge. Contact Craig Shepperly for reservations. (330) 463-5559.

If you would like more information or directions, you may contact Frances at frances.acar@gmail.com. Her telephone number is: 330-673-6514. She is one multi-talented gal. She also teaches Scottish Gaelic and singing. If you have Internet access, you do not need to physically attend class. She uses digital sound files which can be sent via e-mail to your home.

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December 26th

Next week I'll get back to normal. (Well, I'll try anyhow.) But this week I'm still basking in the glow of the wonderful Christmas we just celebrated. In the meantime, I'll wish you a Happy Boxing Day, with the following explanation for those who do not know what the heck I'm talking about. This was gleaned from Scottie, at Rampant Scotland.

Origins
The reason that the December 26th was known as 'Boxing Day' was the fact that many centuries ago, the Lord and Lady of the manor/castle/estate gathered together at the manor house, castle etc., the workers including those from the outlying fields, forests and streams, the day after Christmas Day and organised the distribution of the annual necessities, done according to the status of the worker and the size of the family. Into boxes and barrels would go supplies of cloth spun by the spinsters, the cobblers leather goods, new tools and supplies of salt and spices. Also dried goods such as meat, fish, vegetables and some fruit and cereals grown on the estate for bread making. This the giving out of such boxes became "Boxing Day".

Sweetie Scone Day
Also it was that Boxing Day was in some parts of Scotland was known as 'Sweetie Scone' Day. As part of the Festive Fayre in humble hooses, the cottage gudebread included 'sweetie-skons' (Sweetie Scones), which contained dried fruit and spices, and were the forerunner of oor modern "Currant Loaf". The ingredients more than likely given by the Lord or Lady of the estate, as there were few homes that could afford such luxury of dried fruit and spices, but friendly neighbours would make up the deficit to those that could not afford, nor had the ingredients. So it was the custom that either the Lord / Lady of the estate, to their workers, would invite them to sample or to give the 'sweetie-skon' or that neighbours would invite neighbours to sample or give the 'Sweetie Scone' to others.

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19th December 2009

We've baked and distributed tons of cookies. Okay, maybe not tons, but it surely was a lot. Himself has been wrapping presents for days. Seems so much work only to watch them quickly opened in one fell swoop. Ach weel. It's only one day a year.

Santa stops by here on Christmas Eve - I mean, really. Portage Lakes Kiwanis makes sure he gets a little extra push for his sleigh. These wonderful folks do this every year. It is absolutely awesome. Ask our Larry Hunter about it sometime.

I sincerely hope you all have wonderful holidays ahead. This is a very good time of the year for those who have someone to enjoy it with. If you know of someone who will be alone, I hope you will extend a hand to them. Hospitality is important to Scottish homes - maybe not gifts so much, but genuinely seeing to it that folks aren't forgotten or neglected - that certainly is..

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FOR YOUR CALENDAR

We don't have another meeting until January, but Bob Morehead has promised to make good on his speaking engagement by presenting the program on January 10th.

We're not dancing until after the first of the year. But then we will be at it again. Most Friday evenings at 7:30 PM you will find members of our group enjoying Scottish Country Dancing. Aside from the dancing, we just enjoy the camaraderie. We meet at the Christ Episcopal Church (follow the music to the basement) 118 S. Mantua Street, in Kent, Ohio. Frances Acar is an excellent instructor and (thank goodness) very patient. She encourages everyone to give it a try.

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