Welcome to the Online Clann Tartan Newsletter for May 2004


Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Board Minutes

There will be a Board Meeting Before the General Meeting This coming Staurday, at Corcoran Park in Minneapolis. For a Map, please check the Map section.

Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Board & Staff

If you need to contact someone associated with Clann Tartan, here is where you find out how. If you are unsure who to contact, you can always email us at: info@clanntartan.org

Board Members

President Mary McKinley 651-699-6853 mairi2@juno.com
Vice President Bruce Yoder 651-698-8375 bruceyoder@juno.com
Secretary Glenn McDavid 651-490-1842 gmcdavid@comcast.net
Treasurer Rob Portinga 651-486-6200 rob@portinga.org
Quarter Master Herb Lindorff 612-827-4440 deeptinker@hotmail.com
Camp Rep. Diana Steben 651-489-2881  
Company Rep. Brenda Bartel 651-335-5097 socks142@aol.com

Staff

Captain David Vavreck 612.378.1973 baethan1630@yahoo.com
Lieutenant Eric Ferguson 612.726.6364 eric@celticfringe.net
Head Campfollower Marty Byers 651.483.1173  
Assistant Head Campfollower Heidi Johnson 612.702.4269  
Corporal Rob Johnson 612.702.4274 roguerpj@mn.rr.com
Corporal Annie Breese 507.280.8679  
Corporal Hellen Ferguson 612.726.6364 hellen@sparkyferguson.net
Goodwife Julie Yoder 651.698.8375 julieyoder@juno.com
Goodwife Maeve Kane 952.461.4666  
Goodwife Judy Byers 651.483.1173  

Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
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Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Guilds

Gaffney's Fife and Drum

 Fifers will henceforth be meeting at Maeve's house every 2nd & 4th Monday of each month from 7pm to 9pm. Contact David for directions.

Drummers continue to meet at 11am the third Saturday of each month at Eric and Hellen's, followed by Regimental Drill at Noon. The Regiment owns two drums, but drummers are requested to get their own drumsticks.

Interest is high; I am well pleased.

A note for soldiers - according to the articles of war, it is a crime punishable by death not to learn the drum calls. Be forewarned.

We have set up a yahoo group for the Corps at http://launch.groups.yahoo.com/group/clannfifeanddrum/ so we can communicate without clogging up non corps folks' e-mail.

Again, drummers will work primarily on period military music for the time being, and fifers will be working on that as well as dance music.

All are welcome - no experience neccessary.

Anyone interested in joining up contact Clann's Music Chair at:

David Vavreck
baethan1630@yahoo.com
612-378-1973

Dance

 1st & 3rd Wednesdays
One Grenoble Ave, Inver Grove Heights, MN 55076

The community center for Skyline Village, on the east side of Concord St. at 75th St in Inver Grove Heights. About 2.5 miles south of I494

2nd & 4th Tuesdays
Saint Christopher's Episcopal Church, 2300 N Hamline Ave. in St. Paul.

It is at the northeast corner of Highway 36 and Hamline Avenue (Hamline is between Snelling and Lexington). The church is actually encircled by the highway entrance ramp.
The Dance Guild gathers weekly from 7PM-9PM to learn and practice historic Scottish country dances.
For more information call:

Mary at 651-699-6853 or Julie at 651-698-8375

It's a great place to meet people !

Other Guilds

 Want to learn about wool spinning, weaving, or dying? Diana Steben (651-489-2881) Kali Pederson (651-730-5437 ) and Sandy Borrmann (651-489-2881) organize the Fiber Guild.

Clann Tartan has our own historic site near Duluth MN. Dun Gowan is an ongoing project, which is the site of Gaffneyis Annual Tactical in July. We are finishing the fort and beginning the construction of a village this year. Contact David Vavreck at 612-378-1973 or baethan1630@yahoo.com for further information, or to volunteer to help.

Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Captains Corner

 Good People

First off, I thank those fine folks who went to perform for the Civil Air Patrol in Red Wing. I understand that the event went well.

Next, we have some upcoming events of which to take note.

Gaffneyis Annual Muster is to be held the weekend of May 21-23 at Hellen's parent's property in Princeton, MN. See maps in this newsletter.

Muster is our annual training event where we provide opportunity for members to learn not only the basic requirements for mustering (of which, see your Manual), but also to take part in workshops, take in other members' demonstrations, and ask questions without the pressure of the public being there.

It is crucial for new members, as it is the best opportunity to learn what it is that our group does.

It is also important for more seasoned members, as it allows us to brush up on what we already know, to take in new research in our field, and to try out new stuff.

Attendance is strongly encouraged. If you cannot make the whole weekend, please try to be there for part of it.

In June, we have the Siouxland Renaissance Festival in Sioux Falls, SD on the 5th and 6th. Unlike most such festivals, this one is actually concerned about history. It is a fun event, too.

In July, the coolest, funnest event we have occurs at Dun Gowan the weekend of the 16th - 18th.

Dun Gowan is a 17th century garrison fort built by members of Clann Tartan on the property of Don Chesney near Duluth. The fort itself is an ongoing project; this year we are finishing the fort and beginning construction of the village that the fort was built to protect (if this makes sense, you must be a reenactor).

Every Summer, we host a Tactical. For you newer members, a Tactical is an unscripted battle. Unlike most battle reenactments we do, which follow a script based on documentation of a specific fight (so you know who is going to win before you start), a tactical is a wargame which allows an unpredetermined outcome based upon skill of the commanders, soldiers' cohesiveness, and luck - just like real war.

As anyone who has attended our Tacticals in the past will tell you, it is not only an absolute blast, but also an invaluable opportunity to experience what we as living historians are trying to represent.

You don't have to portray a soldier to get involved, as there are opportunities for civilian involvement as well.

We have a record amount of interest from other reenactment groups and individuals this year, so we can expect to have the best turnout and the best time ever.

Mark your calendars!

If you are interested in helping with the construction of the fort and village, please contact either Don Chesney at 218-721-4501 or DLChsny@aol.com or your Captain at 612-378-1973 or baethan1630@yahoo.com

To view the fort, see Don's website at http://www.dungowan.com/DunGowanFort.html

That is all.

See you soon!

David Vavreck Captain
Gaffneyis Regiment

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Announcements

 The following notice is from Don Chesney, host of Dun Gowan, our very own 17th century fort and village (to be). Come on up after thge quarterly meeting ! D

The next work weekend at Dun Gowan will be held the weekend of May 7 - 9. At this time we will be putting the new roof onto the blockhouse. If I can be allowed to get a burning permit it would be a good time to char the main support posts for the portion of the palisade that needs repairing. This would also be a good time to char logs for the bridge. If there's still time, then we can either start to cut up lengths for the first croft, or we can start digging out the hole for the perma-potties.

It should be warm enough that we can tent it (though we can cook the meals in the house so that we won't have to tend a fire in order to cook - we can concentrate on working).

David Vavreck
Captain,
Gaffneyis Regiment

Drill

Clann's monthly drill will be held on the third Saturday of the month at Bossen Field by Lievtenant Eric and Hellen's home (5732 Bossen Terrace Apt#2), unless there is a scheduled Clann Event that weekend.
The time is NOON.
For directions, Lievtenant Eric can be contacted at: 612-726-6364 or eric@celticfringe.net

Wanted!

Submissions for the Newsletter!
Items you can submit include research articles, character sketches, and other items pertaining to living history and Scottish Culture. Email your items in either plain text, or MS Word format to newsletter@clanntartan.org or snail mail to our postal address.
Items must be received by the 15th of each month to be considered for inclusion for the upcoming months issue. Mailed submissions will not be returned unless requested. All pertinent submissions will be considered as space permits. All research articles must reference at least three sources. Submissions are NOT edited for spelling or grammar, but may be broken in multiple parts.

Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Special

 WANTED: ISO Nice small family or couple for outgrown 4 year old "Panther" Wall Tent. Babies, playpens, dogs and teenagers are busting the seams of a 10' x 14', 13 oz sunforger wall tent with 4' walls, double doors, 5 in stove pipe hole, 8''sod cloth. Have found new means to restrain teenagers so we will include tent poles and ropes, the 2 patches are included for free! $ 450.00.
Kali Pederson 651-730-5437

Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Calendar of Events

Be sure to contact your staff
if you plan on attending a show event. Try to give at least a seven day notice when possible. This allows proper planning for the feeding of our members, and in some cases is required by event organizers to allow entry as a participant.
You can call any of the staff members listed, or send an email to staff@clanntartan.org.

May 2004

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
   
 
 
 
 
 1
 
2
 
 3
 
 4
 
 5
Dance
 6
 
 7
 
 8
Board Meeting
11 AM
Quartery Meeting
12 NOON
Corcoran Hall
Minneapolis
9
 
 10
Fife
Maeve's home		 11
Dance
 12
 
 13
 
 14
 
 15
Drill
16
 
 17
 
 18
Night at the Pub
 19
Dance
 20
 
 21
 
 22
Muster!
Home of Bernie
& Sharon Kriesel
23
Muster!
Home of Bernie
& Sharon Kriesel		 24
Fife
Maeve's home		 25
Dance
 26
 
 27
 
 28
 
 29
 
30
 
 31
 
  


June 2004

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY
 
 
 1 
 2
Dance
 3 
 4  5
Siouxland Renaissance Festival
Sioux Falls, SD
10am-6pm
6
Siouxland Renaissance Festival
Sioux Falls, SD
10am-6pm		 7
Clann Tartan
Board Meeting
Boltt Corporation
Conference Room, 7PM		 8
Dance
 9

 10
 
 11
Caledonia Sesqincentenial
Caledonia, MN		 12
Caledonia Sesqincentenial
Caledonia, MN
13
Caledonia Sesqincentenial
Caledonia, MN		 14
Fife
Maeve's home
 15
 

 16
Dance
 17
 
 18
 
 19
Drill
20
 
 21
 
 22
Dance
 23
 
 24
 
 25
 
 26
 
27
 
 28
Fife
Maeve's home
 29
 
 30
 
  


 

 
 
Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Maps
Map to Inver Grove Heights location- Dance Map to St. Paul location St. Christopher's- Dance
Map to Board Meetings
Boltt Corporation, 509 Sibley Street Suite 200
Saint Paul, MN 55101 		Map to Board/Quarterly/Annual Meetings
Corcoran Park, Minneapolis

Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
Announcements Captain's Corner Special
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Event Maps and Notification

MUSTER May 22nd & 23rd, 2004 Princeton, MN


North of Cantlain Lake Please call for further directions (612)726-6364 Fergusons
(763)633-4637 Rodney and Donna Kriesel
(763)633-2511 Raeburn and Sharon Kriesel
Call (612) 245-5540 for Hellens Cell phone

Take 35W North, to The WHITE 10, not the Blue 10-(the signs one is blue, and one is WHITE they come in that order. If you miss the WHITE 10, you're headed to Duluth :-P )
Follow 10 to 169 NORTH
Take 169 North all the Way to County Road 9 This will be an overpass, which is a safe way to cross the highway.
Take the exit to County Road 9, and turn WEST or Left, to Cross over 169.
Take the Next Left to go on 169 SOUTH, (like a U Turn) and head back down the highway.
It is the FIRST DRIVEWAY ON YOUR RIGHT, as you come down from the Highway 9 overpass.

Or, If traffic is a pain, which it can be on Fridays...
Take 35W North all the way to Highway 95 West-I think this is in North Branch-
Take Highway 95 to Highway 169 SOUTH (this will take awhile, but is usually sane)
Head down till you reach the FIRST DRIVEAY ON THE RIGHT after going UNDER the County Road 9 Overpass.
Turn Right into the driveway.

Or Take Highway 94 WEST To Highway 101 NORTH (by the Truck stop in Rogers)
Take 101 NORTH to Highway 169 (101 turns into 169 at the Bridge over the White 10 in Elk RIver)
Keep going NORTH on Highway 169, and go till you reach the overpass on County Road 9
Take the exit to County Road 9, and turn WEST or Left, to Cross over 169.
Take the Next Left to go on 169 SOUTH, (like a U Turn) and head back down the highway.
It is the FIRST DRIVEWAY ON YOUR RIGHT, as you come down from the Highway 9 overpass.

Or, If traffic is a pain, which it can be on Fridays...
 

Siouxland Renaissance Festival (Sioux Falls, SD) June 5th & 6th 2004

Location
Sioux Falls, SD is located near the SD/MN border, approximately 270 miles from Minneapolis, MN.
Drive Time
Allow about 7 hours from the Twin Cities.
Directions
  • From the Twin Cities head South on I-35 to I-90.
  • Take I-90 West Sioux Falls, SD.
  • Go South on I-29 about 6.5 miles to 41st Street.
  • Turn right on 41st Street and go West about 5 miles to HWY 17
  • Go south on HWY 17 about 1/4 mile to Exit 77 - look for signs for Wild Water West - the festival is on the grounds behind the water park.
    Alternate directions - This route can save about 40 miles.
  • From the Twin Cities, Take US-169 South about 72 miles to where it becomes MN-60 West.
  • Follow MN-60 about 87 miles to I-90 West.
  • Take I-90 West to Sioux Falls, SD.
  • Go South on I-29 about 6.5 miles to 41st Street.
  • Turn right on 41st Street and go West about 5 miles to HWY 17
  • Go south on HWY 17 about 1/4 mile to Exit 77 - look for signs for Wild Water West - the festival is on the grounds behind the water park.
    Board Minutes Staff & Board Directory Guilds
    Calendar of Events Maps Event Maps and Notification
    Announcements Captain's Corner Special
    top