July, 2011

In this Issue:

 President's Message  Coming Events
 Celebrating The 4th of July  July Celebrations
 Your Scottish Granny's Favourite Sayings  Know the Clans
 Scottish Recipes  Caledonian Society Officers
 Dalriada—The Old Kingdom  General Meeting Minutes
 Shepherd's Pie Contest Winner  Important Dates in July
 News About Alex Beaton  


President's Message

Is it just me, or has the first half of this year gone by like a Mazda? ZOOM, ZOOM! We have been busy with lots of activities and had another successful Sheppard’s Pie Contest. Sorry if you missed it, those who were there had a great time. Our winner this year was Margaret Brewer, and you will hear more about that on the web site. We are not closing down this summer, as we have much work to get done in the slower season, so come on out and visit with other Scots and hear about the changes being made for the good of the Society.

July brings the Flagstaff Festival on the 16th and 17th and we would love to see many of you there to enjoy a day in the high country. We have several of our young folks going up on Friday to help Jude with the set up. That is the sort of cooperation we like to see. I am very proud of the new generation of Scots that are participating in growing our very strong heritage. If YOU are interested in joining our young volunteers, please contact Margaret Brewer, Area Chair—Volunteers, at maggiejean33@aol.com

Jason has had his first Games Committee meeting and they are working on the budget and the layout of the field. We need flyers regarding the date change of our games to hand out a Flagstaff and we have paid the $2,000 fee for the Event Application to the City. So the wheels are turning toward the 2012 Games.

We have been given advanced information about a new movie on the Hallmark Movie Channel, on July 30 at 8:00pm EDT (or 5:00pm PDT}. It is called “The Cabin” and stars Lea Thompson and Steven Brand, two divorcees and strangers, with families who arrive in Scotland to learn that there is a bit of a scheduling problem with “The Cabin”. Check your channel guide as we get closer to the date.



Sincerely,
Jean Latimer, President





Celebrating The 4th of July

“An American Emblem”

The bald eagle was chosen June 20, 1782 as the emblem of the United States, because of its long life, great strength and majestic looks, and also because it was then believed to exist only on this continent. The eagle, with wings outspread can be found on the backs of some of our coins and on The Great Seal of the United States.

The eagle represents freedom. Living as he does on the tops of lofty mountains, amid the solitary grandeur of Nature, he has unlimited freedom. It is said the eagle was used as a national emblem because, at one of the first battles of the Revolution (which occurred early in the morning) the noise of the struggle awoke the sleeping eagles on the heights and they flew from their nests and circled about over the heads of the fighting men, all the while giving vent to their raucous cries. “They are full of the spirit of freedom,” said the patriots. Thus the eagle, full of the spirit of freedom, has become the national emblem of a country that offers freedom in word and thought and opportunity for the future.

At the Second Continental Congress, after the thirteen colonies voted to declare independence from Great Britain, the colonies determined they needed an official seal. So B. Franklin, J. Adams and T. Jefferson, as a committee, prepared a device for a Seal of the United States of America. However, the only portion of the design accepted by the congress was the statement “E pluribus unum”, attributed to Jefferson.

Six years and two committees later, in May of 1782, a drawing showing an eagle displayed as the symbol of “supreme power and authority” was presented to Congress. They liked it and before the end of 1782, an eagle holding a bundle of arrows in one talon and an olive branch in the other was accepted as the seal. The image was completed with a shield of red and white stripes covering the breast of the bird; a crest above the eagle’s head with a cluster of thirteen stars surrounded by bright rays going out in a ring of clouds, and a banner, held by the eagle in its bill, bearing the words “E pluribus unum”. Yet it was not until 1787 that the bald eagle was officially adopted as the emblem of the U.S. Though the seal has undergone some modifications in the last 200 years, the basic design is still the same.





Your Scottish Granny's Favourite Sayings

Blethers say nought.
(People who say too much say nothing.)

Ye canna sell the cow and sup the milk too.
(You cannot have it both ways.)

A scabbit sheep will smit a hail herself
(One evil person can infect the whole.)

A’ mithers go to work.
(All mothers are working mothers.)

Dinna be a hoose deil and a causey saint.
(Don’t be a devil at home and a saint elsewhere.)

Stoke up wi’ the porridge.
(Without a hearty start to the day, you’ll soon tire.)

Hae freens and hae life.
(Good friends result in a full life.)

Comfort comes in auld clothes.
(Familiar friends are the best comfort.)




Scottish Recipes

Many recipes that come from Scotland or the UK sometimes have cooking terms that differ from those in the US. Here are a few that may be helpful.

Bacon rasher—Bacon slices
Bicarbonate of soda—Baking soda
Caster sugar—Granulated sugar
Cornflour—Cornstarch
Chips—French fried potatoes
Crisps—Potato chips
Demerara sugar—Light brown sugar
Digestive biscuits—Graham crackers
Double cream—Whipping cream
Fats—Shortening
Frosting sugar—Powdered sugar

LEEK & POTATO SOUP—(A hearty, popular Scottish soup)

6 potatoes diced
3 leeks chopped
3 cups chicken stock
¼ stick butter
Salt & pepper to taste
½ cup grated cheddar cheese

Gently boil potatoes and leeks in chicken stock—about 15 minutes or until potatoes start to disintegrate. Add butter and seasonings. Serve with cheese sprinkled on top.





Dalriada—The Old Kingdom
By Steve McGrail


Look at a map of Scotland’s west coast, left and slightly down from Glasgow, and you will see a scattering of islands around the Firth of Clyde. These islands are beloved destinations of Scots and visitors alike. Kintyre, The Isle of Arran, Jura and Islay—famous for their malt whiskies and Bute. Looking at the map, you’ll note something else too. Ireland is very close at hand.

The water between Ireland and Scotland is technically called The North Channel, but it has another more intimate title, the Moyle. This is the old name familiar to the Scots and Irish who live near its shores. The intimacy reflects not only the physical closeness of their two countries (barely 16 miles separate Kintyre from Fair Head in County Antrim, Ireland), but also their cultural closeness.

Eons ago, Ireland was connected to western Scotland by a land bridge, but as this highway submerged, the Moyle took its place. For thousands of years people sailed back and forth across it; raiders, merchants, scholars and farmers. Over time links developed.

These links reached their zenith at the time of the joint Scottish-Irish kingdom called Dalriada. Established in Ireland in the 2nd century AD, by the 5th century Dalriada had extended eastward across the Moyle into Scotland. This was under King Fergus Mor MacEire, from whom most Scottish kings and queens have claimed descent. The 6th century was Dalriada’s Golden Age; the great Argyllshire fortress of Dunadd was its probable capital. To this day, a boar and the imprint of a foot, signs of kingship, can be seen where they were carved into the fortress’s stones. By 1000AD, however, Scotland and Ireland had gone their separate political ways. Dalriada was no more.

Now, if all that sounds like ancient history, it is, except that Dalriada still endures in hearts and minds—and also in place names—in both countries. Gradually the link is being refashioned through a host of community initiatives on both sides of the Moyle, born of much more than mere nostalgia. In short, a new Dalriada is being born.

The times are right for it. Enmity between Britain and Ireland is generally lessening. There is growing inter-governmental contact; indeed, Scotland now has its first Irish Consul. This link is not only about governments however. Much is being done at local levels by people who simply feel an affinity with those across the sea. The two Celtic languages, Gaidhlig and Irish are clearly crucial, as is a shared love of music and story. A new Dalriada is emerging.

An illustrated map of the old kingdom has been produced, a new Dalriada tartan has been created and a small magazine now covers stories from both sides of the Moyle. Most significant of all are the activities and numerous project of the Dalriada Celtic Heritage Trust.

The Trust’s beginnings were in the 1980s. Originally it was basically a heritage society, a group on both sides of the Moyle who were interested in the Celts. Little had be taught of Dalriada’s history. In 1995 the society became a Charitable Trust, a proper legal body, its goal being to advance the education of the public in Celtic language, heritage and culture.

Promoting Gaelic is a major part of the Trust’s work. Gaidhlig is weak on Arran though reviving. Classes are now being offered in Gaidhlig on a weekly basis to children in a few places. Parents are fully backing this. Even though few speak the language themselves, they want it for their children.

Another group, the North Antrim Dalriada Group (NADG) is interested in the role of Scots in the North of Ireland; their legacy lives today in surnames, words, religious practices and the like. It is this group that produced the map of the old kingdom and the new Dalriada tartan. The tartan is a grand thing, showing the shared Ulster-Scotland heritage. Because of the Troubles there between Catholics and Protestants the colors chosen represented both traditions. Hopefully, both could wear the kilt with pride.

In the past, people wouldn’t always have wanted to meet Celts from the Moyle who could be feared as “the long-armed ones” because their weapons allegedly stretched further in battle. Now-a-days, however, there is a lot of meeting and greeting among 21st century Dalriadans. For now the “long arms” are simply those of welcome.





The 2nd Annual Shepherd's Pie Contest Winner
Congratulations to Margaret Brewer! See Margaret's recipe here


News About Alex Beaton

Today’s Date: July 12, 2011
NEWS FROM NASHVILLE ABOUT ALEX BEATON
WORLD RENOWNED RECORDING ARTIST * SCOTTISH BALLADEER

Phoenix, AZ ~ By now each of you may have heard about a spinal cord injury that our dear friend Alex Beaton sustained on July 2.

Here is the latest news about Alex and the progress he is making, from the Beaton family:

“Thanks to everyone for continuing your prayers and concerns for Alex and Linda during this challenging time. They both are drawing strength from the outpouring of love shown to them. Having been at GMHG this weekend and getting the chance to speak with some of you, we wanted to clarify some details because there was incorrect information floating around. Alex has a serious spinal cord injury. He did NOT have a stroke or heart attack. He is still in Baptist Hospital in Nashville in the Medical ICU. When I returned on Monday, I quickly saw how much better he looked!

He had a busy weekend. In Physical Therapy he sat up in a chair for 2 hours on Friday and for another 30 minutes on Saturday. Also he had some localized sensations in his extremities but he still has significant edema. Fighting pneumonia continues to be his main battle and we pray that he gets past that very soon as that limits his rehabilitation efforts. He's getting stronger each day and the medical team is working towards moving him to a rehabilitation facility at the end of the week.

Linda is now looking for the best rehab centers for his long term recovery. Please pray that she will have wisdom to make the best choices for their family. His prognosis remains strong; however, he will have a long (and probably slow) recovery. So please keep praying - it's working!

Cards can be sent to:
Alex & Linda Beaton
P O BOX 681707 *
Franklin TN 37067

Thank you again for all of your expressions of love. God bless you all.”

Let’s hold Alex and his family up in prayer for a successful and speedy recovery.

Jean Latimer, President
~ The Caledonian Society of Arizona


Coming Events

Jul 14 Membership Meeting
Jul 16-17 Highland Games
Flagstaff, AZ
Jul 30 (Date in question-
check local listigs)
Hallmark Channel Movie The Cabin    (About this Movie)
Aug 5-7 Highland Games
Monterey, CA
Aug 11 Membership Meeting
Aug 13-15 Highland Games
Denver, CO
Sep 3-4 Highland Games
Pleasanton,CA
Sep 8 Membership Meeting
Sep 8-11 Highland Games
Estes Park, CO




July Celebrations

July 1 Tressa Holt-Berkowitz—Birthday
July 2 Robert C. Burns—Birthday
July 4 Bill & Sada O’Brien—Anniversary
July 7 Donna Wisely—Birthday
July 7 James & Beverly Burns—Anniversary
July 7 Dennis Howerton—Birthday
July 10 Penny McKinley—Birthday
July 10 Johnny & Vivienne Trimble—Anniversary
July 10 Sydney Reid—Birthday
July 10 Bobbie Landeck—Birthday
July 10 Randy Naughton—Birthday
July 11 Terry LaVar—Birthday
July 12 Jill Gossett—Birthday
July 13 Joseph Beatty—Birthday
July 14 Ken Stewart—Birthday
July 14 Kathy Beatty—Birthday
July 15 Greta Thompson—Birthday
July 17 Greg Duprest—Birthday
July 17 King Clapperton—Birthday
July 19 Patsy Stewart—Birthday
July 19 Kathy LaVar—Birthday
July 20 Jerry Lou Patterson—Birthday
July 21 Jean Whyman—Birthday
July 21 Foster Burton—Birthday
July 22 Glenn Bell & Paige Macmillan—Anniversary
July 23 Karen Ahearne—Birthday
July 23 Mike Wonyetye—Birthday
July 23 David & Elizabeth McNabb—Anniversary
July 24 Suzanne Lynd—Birthday
July 24 Richard & Anne Thornton—Anniversary
July 25 Barbara Cory—Birthday
July 25 Bill & Patricia Redpath—Anniversary
July 26 Charles & Nelsa Mullen—Anniversary
July 27 Jennifer MacFarlane—Birthday
July 29 Robert Bayne—Birthday
July 30 Dee McClimans—Birthday
July 31 Mary Carroll—Birthday



Know the Clans
What's in a Name
By Ron Dempsey

Here are some names that have some commonality both in Scotland and Ireland. These are names that are exactly the same in these two nations, but have developed independently of each other. They are Gaelic names and why they are so similar is that Scottish Gaelic evolved from Irish Gaelic.

KENNEDY

Kennedy in Ireland is from O’Kennedy and anglicized from O’Cinneide. This clan originated in East Clare and northern Tepperary counties. In Scotland the name has the same etymology. The oldest record of the name is one Gilbert Mackenedi at Carrick in the 12th century.

MacCORMACK

Similarly MacCormack is another name that is found in both countries. Cormack was a common forename and thus, MacCormacks are found all over Ireland, Usually spelled MacCormick in Ulster. MacCormacks in Scotland evolved the same way, and the name would be found included in many clans, although MacCormack and McCormick are both listed as septs of Buchanan and MacLean.

MacDERMOTT

MacDermott in all its myriad of spellings, MacDairmid, MacDermit, etc. means son of the freeman. It originated in county Roscommon in Ireland, while in Sotland they are a sept of Clan Campbell.

GILLANDERS

Gillanders, mostly found in County Monaghan, Ireland where it sometimes became Landers, was originally a personal name which is from Gaelic MacGiolla Andreis (son of the devotee of St. Andrew). In Scotland this often became Anderson.

There was so much travel between the countries that a person with one of these names could think themselves Irish and find out that their ancestors came to Ireland from Scotland or vice versa.






Caledonian Society Officers

President: Jean Latimer—602-867-6507
1st Vice Pres:
Tim Wallace—480-821-6163
Treasurer: Joanne Gilreath
Games Chair: Jason Temple—602-920-5445
Recording Sec: Jean Whyman—602-956-6424
Corresp. Sec: Kay Morneau—480-503-0341
Trustee: Alan Ramsdell—480-969-8400
Trustee: William Wallace—480-838-7055
Past President: Elizabeth Grant—602-509-1146
Newsletter Editor: Jo Ramsdell—480-969-8400


Society Meetings

Regular membership meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at 6:45 pm at the Irish Cultural Center located at 1106 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix. Come join us, or log on to www.arizonascots.com or call 602-431-0095



The Caledonian Society of Arizona
General Meeting Minutes

June 9, 2011



The Meeting was called order at 6:50pm at the Irish Cultural Center, with the Pledge of Allegiance and a moment of silence for the Flowers of the Forest. A motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting, as written in the Desert Highlander, was made by Alan Ramsdell and seconded by Jacquelyn Sinclair. Motion passed. The current bank balance is $16,414.98. A check for $2,000 has to be issued for the Event Application to the city of Phoenix.

OLD BUSINESS

Items the Board discussed at their meeting are as follows: 1) We are moving the membership roster over to the Treasurer's computer in order to track the dues and have these records in just one place. Also discussed was making a change on the telephone answering service and the current Web Master. 2) The Games Committee will meet next week to start the budget process and possible changes to the park layout. 3) We would like to see an extended effort made to contact the membership, by telephone, and encourage them to come out and check out the facilities at the ICC, hear about the work being done for the Games and to meet the wonderful young people who are doing this work. They have lots of ideas and the energy to make them work, but it would be nice if they knew that we support them in their efforts.

NEW BUSINESS

We have been given advance notice of a new movie on the Hallmark Movie Channel on Saturday, July 30 at 8:00pm EDT (5:00pm PDT). It is called “The Cabin” and is a story of two single parents—strangers, who arrive in Scotland with their families, only to find that there has been a scheduling problem with “The Cabin”. It stars Lea Thompson and Steven Brand. Please share this information with everyone, especially other Scots.

We did not have a program for this meeting, so we spent some time getting to know our new members better. Each of them helped us with the games and we were delighted to see them. We adjourned at 7:30pm for refreshments.

Respectfully submitted by
Jean Whyman, Acting Recording Secretary




Important Dates in July
Jul 1 Canada Day
Jul 4 Independence Day
Jul 14 Bastille Day (France)