Branch Committee News Reported by Tom Ward, Recording Secretary

December, 2007 Events Asilomar Workshop: Patti Cobb provided a comprehensive wrapup of the 2007 Asilomar Workshop. The Evaluations filled out by the attendees gave an overall score of 4.6 on a scale of 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent). The overall quality of the food was the focus of a good many negative comments, while on the positive side, attendees liked the strong sense of inclu-siveness offered to those coming from outside the Branch, and liked the new, briefer format for the post-Ball ceilidh. On the financial side, the Workshop generated a modest of about $1,000 on a gross expense budget of $62,738. Actual expendi-tures were $1,349 below the expense budget and gross reve-nues were $449 above budget. The Branch Committee ex-pressed its strong appreciation for Patti’s hard work and dili-gence in running such a tight financial ship, and for producing such an enjoyable event. The Committee voted to approve Patti as chairman for the next Asilomar Workshop on October 31st-November 2nd, 2008, which will be our 40th rendition of this Fall Classic.

Reports Stage Finances: The total 2007 costs associated with the new low stage, including construction and operating expenses, were $18,637. Gross revenues, including many very generous con-tributions and operating revenues, were $15,649, leaving a first-year deficit of $2,988 to be recouped through operating profits. The budget for 2008 projects net revenues of $720 for the year, menaing it will take about four years to fully recoup the first-year investments in the new low stage. Old Low Stage: Larry reported that the trailer for the Old Low Stage has been Miraculously Recovered! It had been found, sans license plate, by the side of a road in Antioch. The An-tioch police, having Better Things to Do, didn’t spend much effort tracking down the owners (us), and sold it at auction. One of our members sighted the trailer by chance, and alerted the new owner of its Colorful Past and Tragic Downfall. The new owner, a carpenter by craft, was much chagrined to learn of the trailer’s Provenance, and immediately returned it to us. The trailer is still useable, but less so its contents. The Old Low Stage was, alas, treated as mere Raw Material for carpen-try. The trailer has no valid registration, and it is not clear

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In this issue

Branch Committee News ................................................ page 1 The Scroll of Honour ...................................................... page 1 Monthly Parties ............................................................... page 2 Branch Events for Bay Area National Dance Week ....... page 3 Branch Calendar.............................................................. page 5 RSCDS Events Elsewhere .............................................. page 6 Thoughts from the Chair ................................................. page 8 Beginner’s Ball ............................................................. page 11 Asilomar Logo Design Contest ..................................... page 11 Volunteers ..................................................................... page 12 Class List....................................................................... page 13

v o l u m e 4 4 n u m b e r 4 m a r c h / a p r i l 2 0 0 8

THE SCROLL OF HONOUR by Kathleen McAdam How can I put into words what it means to me. My first thought was how delighted I was that it was my own Branch that put my name forward, that vote of confidence says it all, THANK YOU. The paperwork protocol with the Society is another aspect of it that deserves special thanks to Fred DeMarse and Linda Hender-son for following through with that. Then my own daughter Cathy Bertics who had been out of the initial loop, due to the surprise aspect, came through with helping me fulfil a dream of dancing at a Ball in Scotland. Thanks to Cathy and her husband Matt for producing the two air tickets and planning the whole week in Perth and my hometown of Falkirk. Matt looked after Scott and An-drew while we were away. The Ball on the Friday night attended by 650 dancers with the David Cunningham Band playing for us was really special – I think I only missed two dances. Cathy and I greeted and danced with many old friends from all parts of the U.K. Having Fred De-Marse there too was great. Meeting the other honorees and sitting nervously in the front row as each of the Scroll recipients stood and listened to the nomina-tion that put forward the reasons why we should be granted this honour was quite fascinating. Then we walked to the table where the Earl of Mansfield was seated, he handed the Scroll, we had out picture taken with him, then at the end they assembled the six re-cipients who were in attendance, and more pictures. Family and friend then crowded round and more pictures. Angela and Fred anxiously trying the get theirs off to Asilomar where our annual week-end was well underway. Thanks to Linda and Julee Montes who had the photo display and laptop set up. Even though we were missing Asilomar it was nice to know that you were all up to date with our happenings in Scotland.

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Save the Date Asilomar 2008:

October 31 - November 2

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Monthly Parties March Monthly Party

7:30 p.m., Saturday, March 1, 2008 San Rafael Masonic, Lootens Place at 4th Street, San Rafael

Hosts: Dunsmuir/Santa Rosa

Dance Source Type Level The Happy Meeting+ 29/9 32 J 2 B/I The Silver Tassie+ RSCDS Leaflet 30 32 S 3 I Crom Allt Goldring/Graded & Social 1 32 R 3 B/I Gang the Same Gate 36/4 32 S 3 A/I The Merry Lads of Ayr+ 1/12 32 R 3 B/I Kendall’s Hornpipe Graded 22 32 J 2 B Bill Little’s Strathspey Goldring/Graded &Social 2 32 S 4 I Alan J Smith 45/3 32 J 3 I From Scotia’s Shores We’re Noo Awa’+ RSCDS Leaflet 31 32 S 3 A Thornycroft Goldring/Graded & Social 2 32 R 2 B/I Tribute to the Borders RSCDS Leaflet 31 32 J 3 I Seann Truibhas Willichan+ 27/9 32 S 2 B Polharrow Burn+ RSCDS 2007/Glend. 18 32 R 5 A/I Cherrybank Gardens+ Drewry/Bankhead 1 32 S 3 I General Stuart’s Reel+ 10/3 32 R 3 I + new this month

April Monthly Party 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 5, 2008

Mountain View Masonic Hall, 840 Church Street , Mountain View Host: San Jose

Dance Source Type Level The Happy Meeting 29/9 32 J 2 B/I Rakes of Glasgow+ 11/11 32 S 3 B Open the Door to Three+ 34/8 48 J 3 I From Scotia’s Shores We’re Noo Awa’ RSCDS Lflt 8 32 S 3 A General Stuart’s Reel 10/3 32 R 3 I Alan J Smith 45/3 32 J 3 I Seann Truibhas Willichan 27/9 32 S 2 B Polharrow Burn RSCDS 2007/Glend. 18 32 R 5 A/I The Silver Tassie RSCDS Lflt 30 32 S 3 I Kingussie Flower+ 21/6 40 R 2 I The Wild Geese+ 24/3 32 J 3 B/I Cherrybank Gardens Drewry / Bankhead 1 32 S 2 I The Merry Lads of Ayr 1/12 32 R 5 B/I Gang the Same Gate 36/4 32 S 3 A/I Mrs. MacPherson of Inveran+ Drwry / Bon Accord 32 R 3 I + new this month

How To Get There:

SAN RAFAEL MASONIC FROM 101 N: take the “Central San Rafael” exit. Continue straight on Irwin St. and turn left onto 4th St. Turn right onto Lootens Place

FROM 101 S: take the “Central San Rafael” exit. Stay straight on Hetherton St. and turn right onto 4th St. Turn right onto Lootens Place.

The Masonic is in the middle of the block on your right. Parking is plenti-ful. MOUNTAIN VIEW MASONIC FROM 280: exit at S. El Monte Ave-nue, to Foothill Expressway. Right on Foothill Expressway, left on Miramonte Avenue, across El Camino Real W., to S. Shoreline Blvd. Turn right onto Church Street.

FROM 101: Exit at Moffett Blvd. Fol-low Moffett Blvd. south to Central Ex-pressway. Cross Central Expressway to Castro Street. Turn right onto Church Street (5 blocks).

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In the early days of dancing in San Francisco, at the mother club of our Branch, The Reel and Strathspey Club, the friendly atmos-phere created by Phil Aldrich, Director of the group, and his dear wife Juanita made me want to take up Scottish Country Dancing in earnest. Needless to say I eventually ended up helping with teaching beginners even though I had no qualifications whatso-ever. Of course Fred Macondray was urging me to take my Pre-liminary exam, which I did in 1961. We had no formal classes, people just arrived and we worked them in. When a few arrived at the same time it was - “Kathleen take them into the kitchen and teach them the steps.” We have come a long way since then. The celebrations were not over yet! On December 29th the Branch Committee and the Lafayette Class put on a joint affair, combining a lovely dinner with our “Tween Party”. Cathy, Linda and Witsie planned and plotted, rounded up sub-committees, etc. The dinner was attended by approximately 180 friends many of them from the neighborhood, church and dancers I had not seen for a long time. The music was really great, thanks to Andy Imbrie, he had assem-bled a great group of musicians including Janet Kurnick, Susan Worland, Margo Leslie, Sherryl Foxx, David Mostardi and Mi-chael Bentley. The children entertained, Lafayette, Livermore and Berkeley young people. Livermore even made up a great little dance and named it The Whirlwind. Church friends produced a great Scottish dinner, with help from dancers and family. A highlight during the dance that followed was when a team of four adults and four youth danced, this included my daughter Cathy and my grandsons Scott and Andrew. Kathleen McAdam’s Scroll devised by Tim Wilson. The music written by Andy Imbrie, Kathleen McAdam’s Jig. That was so special. Linda Hendersen then got everyone up and taught them the dance. Jimmy Lomath had come up from Los Angeles and he presented me with a lovely silver necklace specially designed by a jeweler in New York, it was a gift from Celtic Spirit. I would like to thank all the people who sent notes and gifts, your generosity was overwhelming. Again thanks to San Francisco Branch for the nomination and the work that went into all of this. Sincerely Kathleen

(Continued from page 1) BRANCH EVENTS FOR BAY AREA NATIONAL DANCE WEEK 2008 by Elizabeth Wright During BAY AREA NATIONAL DANCE WEEK 2008, FRI-DAY APRIL 25 – SUNDAY MAY 4, the San Francisco Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society will present FREE introductory classes, workshops, and parties for youth and adults, plus an open rehearsal by Dunsmuir Scottish Dancers. Attend and invite your friends, family, neighbors, and coworkers to see and experience what Scottish country dancing is all about! For more details, use the contact information for each event, or go to the BANDW website: http://www.bayareandw.org/ FRIDAY APRIL 25, 6:30 - 7:30 PM INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING FOR YOUTH, All Soul’s Episcopal Parish, 2220 Cedar St @ Spruce, Berkeley. Teacher: Mary McQuilliams. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE FOR ANYONE NEW TO SCOTTISH DANCING - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Minimum age 7 years. Mary McQuilliams, 415-716-7999, boldmary@aol.com, http://www.reeljig.com/Berkeley FRIDAY APRIL 25, 7:45 – 10 PM INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING FOR ADULTS, Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St @ Walnut, Berkeley. Teacher: Fred DeMarse. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE FOR ANYONE NEW TO SCOTTISH DANC-ING - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! David Newitt, 510-653-7507, Berkeley@reeljig.com http://www.reeljig.com/Berkeley TUESDAY APRIL 29, 7:30 – 9:30 PM DUNSMUIR SCOT-TISH DANCERS OPEN REHEARSAL, San Pablo Sports-man’s Hall, 5220 Glenn Ave@Ventura St, San Pablo/Richmond. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE ADMISSION! Shari Salis, 510-558-8644, ssalis@bael.com http://www.dunsmuirscottishdancers.org/upcoming_events.htm THURSDAY MAY 1, 8 – 10 PM SCOTTISH CEILIDH – MU-SIC AND DANCE PARTY, Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 San-chez @ 23rd St, San Francisco. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE FOR ANYONE NEW TO SCOTTISH DANCING - NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Elizabeth Wright, 415-647-5871, ewright@sfsu.edu, http://www.sf-scottishdancers.org/

SATURDAY MAY 3, 6 – 7 PM INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING, A FREE WORKSHOP FOR NEW DANCERS, Alameda Masonic Hall, 2312 Alameda Ave @ Oak St, Alameda. Teacher: David Newitt. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE ADMISSION -

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whether re-registering the trailer is financially worthwhile given its age and condition. Treasurer: Louise will soon be sending our Society dues to Scotland for our 352 current Branch members. The continuing slide in the US greenback will make the bill for the dues a bit higher than expected, but still tolerable within the current Branch budget. Louise has noted that two classes are selling Class Booklets, and is working with Witsie to remind Class Managers to be sure to pay attention to the taxes on sales made outside the regular bookstore mechanism. Corresponding Secretary: Robert MacKay sends a big “Happy Holidays!” from Scotland, to all of us in the San Francisco Branch. Donna also reported some news from our friends North of the Border: the TAC in Toronto next summer is expected to be a Big Event and is expected to book-up early; and the To-ronto Branch will be hosting a 50th Anniversary “Tartan Ball” on February 16th, 2008. Donna and Dotty are going to work out a way to produce and publish a Calendar of out-of-Branch Ex-ternal Events of interest to the membership, and work with Larry to get it on the new website for easy Member access and refer-ence. Insurance: The Branch Committee voted to appoint Kathy Al-len to continue as Insurance Coordinator for 2008. The Branch policy premiums will be paid soon so we can continue to pro-vide effective insurance coverage to our classes. Teachers: The Branch Committee is continuing to discuss the evolving relationship between introductory/beginner dancing and the overall annual schedule. The BANDW event in 2007 generated a number of interested new dancers last spring, but our normal schedule of teaching introductory dancing in the autumn is not well-suited to building on interest that is devel-oped in ths spring. We will continue to work on this as Eliza-beth Wright begins preparations in support of BANDW 2008. Some new options for structuring the fall monthly party dance lists are being considered, in order to maximize attractiveness to beginning dancers while retaining a high level of interest for more advanced dancers.

Other Items Web Site: The Ultra New, Ultra Modern Branch Website has been up and running for a few weeks now, and Larry reports that it seems to be getting a good deal more traffic than the old web-site, possibly reflecting the expanded resources now available to Branch members. If you haven’t done so yet, please take a few moments and log in, stroll around the new features, and update your membership profile with a flattering picture of yourself. Santa RosaVintage Class: Gary Thomas has begun teaching the “Santa Rosa Vintage Class”, on alternate Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Monroe Hall. The class is focusing on ballroom dances that would have been danced in Scotland, in conjunction with our usual Country Dances, in the mid-19th century. The Branch Committee has given provisional approval for this to be a Branch Class, pending review by the Class Managers’ Com-mittee. This looks like an interesting opportunity to gain a bet-ter appreciation of Scottish Country Dancing in the context in

(Continued from page 1) which it was originally developed. January, 2008 Events Spring Workshop: Greg Reznick, who has been in charge of getting the Spring Workshop organized, has determined that there is not sufficient interest to make the Workshop viable, so we’ve decided to “give it a miss” in 2008. We’ll take a fresh look next year, and if there appears to be renewed interest from both the teacher and attendee side, we’ll schedule a Spring Workshop for 2009.

Reports Treasurer: Annual dues for 356 regular members of the San Francisco Branch have been sent to Scotland to be converted into valuable resources and support for us and the entire global Scottish Dancing community. Louise reports that the Branch finances are in reasonably good shape for the coming year. Insurance: Our liability insurance has been renewed and, by the time this is published, our dues will have been paid. Class Managers: The next regular Class Managers’ meeting is scheduled for March 1, in conjunction with the regular Monthly Party. In order to increase the level of active participation in the meeting, we are researching adjusting the schedule and/or venue to allow for a more social, give-and-take format for this meet-ing. Our hope is to increase the exchange of “lessons learned” among the Class Managers, and to take advantage of “best prac-tices” across the breadth of the Branch. Nominating: It is time once again to seek nominees for serving on the Branch Committee. We have at least two current mem-bers whose terms are up, and who will not be seeking another term. We have decided to form a “committee of the whole” for our search under Dotty’s leadership. As a new member on the committee this year, I can say that it has been a good experi-ence. I’ve learned a good deal about the Branch and its activi-ties, and we’ve had a fairly crisp, business-like approach to both processing routine matters and to organizing responses to new opportunities and issues. If you’re interested in helping the Branch, please don’t be shy: talk to one of the current Commit-tee members about putting your name up for consideration.

Other Items Medical: Mark Caplin presented detailed research into the costs and issues surrounding the use of an Automatic Electronic Defi-brillator (AED) for Branch Events. The AED is for re-starting or re-regulating heartbeat in the event of a heart attack, and their use has been shown to substantially reduce the risk of death and to reduce long-term damage from heart attacks. The AED is designed to be used by ordinary folks with no special training, and state law specifically shields AED users and owners from any liability that might arise from use, mis-use, or failure to use an AED. The Branch Committee has authorized the purchase of an AED, to be included with the First Aid equipment deployed for Branch Events. We have also decided to actively encourage Branch Members in getting AED+CPR training with a goal of

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RSCDS-SF CALENDAR OF EVENTS • 2007-08 Revised 12/1/07 • Compiled by Dotty Lieber: dottyl@cruzio.com

FEBRUARY 2008 2, Sa: VALENTINE’S BALL REHEARSAL with live music.

At Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez at 23rd St., San Francisco. Info: 415-841-9456 or linneaj@spursuits.com

8, Fr: FINAL REGISTRATION AND ADVERTISEMENT DISCOUNT DEADLINE for Bay Area National Dance Week, 2008. Contact Elizabeth Wright: ewright@sfsu.edu or 415-647-5871

www.bayareandw.org/ 415-568-7726 9, Sa: 7 PM Social, 7:30 PM Grand March: ANNUAL

VALENTINE’S BALL, “A HIGHLAND BALL” followed by Midnight Buffet, at Scottish Rite Center, Oakland. Info, registration: julm-hcs@pacbell.net or 650-722-0473 or Susan at 650-799-9001 susan@celtic-lass.com

MARCH 2008 1, Sa, 1:30 PM . BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETING, in

Sausalito. Info: 831-423-6165 or dottyl@cruzio.com 1 Sa: 6 PM ANNUAL CLASS MANAGERS MEETING, San

Rafael Masonic Hall. Witsie: 925-676-3637 or witken@astound.net

1, Sa:7:30 PM MONTHLY PARTY at San Rafael Masonic Hall, Lootens Place at 4th St., San Rafael, Dunsmuir and Santa Rosa Classes hosting. dancingsands@hotmail.com

8, Sa: SACRAMENTO BRANCH SPRING BALL AND WORKSHOP, sponsored by Sacramento Branch, RSCDS, at Micke Grove Ballroom in Lodi, CA. Workshops taught by Sarah Harr iman. Contact: Peggy Hamilton peggyh@earthlink.net or www.rscds-sacramento.org

APRIL 2008 5, Sa, 1 PM . BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETING, place TBD.

Info: 831-423-6165 or dottyl@cruzio.com 5, Sa:7:30 PM MONTHLY PARTY at Mountain View Masonic

Hall, 840 Church St., Mountain View, San Jose Class hosting. dancingsands@hotmail.com

19, Sa: 1:30 Video, 2 PM start: TEACHERS COMMITTEE MEETING at Pat O’Brien’s, South San Francisco. Kathy Allen: Kathy_allien@gmail.com

25, Fr, 6:30 – 7:30 PM INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING FOR YOUTH at All Soul’s Episcopal Parish, 2220 Cedar St. at Spruce, Berkeley. Teacher: Mary McQuilliams. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE FOR ANYONE NEW TO SCOTTISH DANCING – No Experience Necessary! Minimum age 7 years. Mary McQuilliams, 415-716-7999 or boldmary@aol.com http://www.reeljig.com/Berkeley

25, Fr: 7:45 – 10 PM INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING, at Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar St. at Walnut, Berkeley. Teacher: Fred DeMarse. . A

Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE FOR ANYONE NEW TO SCOTTISH DANCING – No Experience Necessary!

http://www.reeljig.com/Berkeley David Newitt: 510-653-7507

29, Tu 7:30 - 9:30 PM DUNSMUIR SCOTTISH DANCERS OPEN REHEARSAL, San Pablo Sportsman’s Hall, 5220 Glenn Ave, San Pablo. . A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE ADMISSION! www.dunsmuirscottishdancers.org/upcomingevents/htm

MAY 2008 1, Th: 8 – 10 PM SCOTTISH CEILIDH – MUSIC AND

DANCE PARTY at Noe Valley Ministry, 1021 Sanchez at 23rd St., San Francisco. . A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE FOR ANYONE NEW TO SCOTTISH DANCING – No Experience Necessary! Elizabeth Wright, 415-647-5871.

ewright@sfsu.edu , www.sf-scottishdancers.org/ 3, Sa, 1 PM . BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETING, place

TBD. Info: 831-423-6165 or dottyl@cruzio.com 3, Sa, 6 – 7 PM INTRODUCTION TO SCOTTISH

COUNTRY DANCING, A FREE WORKSHOP FOR NEW DANCERS, Alameda Masonic Hall, 2312 Alameda Ave @ Oak St., Alameda. Teacher: David Newitt. A Bay Area National Dance Week (BANDW) Event – FREE ADMISSION – NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Experienced dancers also welcome.

The Monthly Party for experienced Scottish Country Dancers starts at 7:30 PM in the same hall. Workshop participants will be ADMITTED FREE AS SPECTATORS to enjoy watching the dancing, listening to the wonderful music by a great band, and perhaps joining in for one or two dances. Elizabeth Wright, 415-647-5871. ewright@sfsu.edu www.rscds-sf.org

3, Sa: 7:30 PM MONTHLY PARTY AND AGM at Alameda Masonic Hall, 2312 Alameda Ave., Alameda. Berkeley Classes hosting. dancingsands@hotmail.com

31, Sa: CHILDRENS’ BALL, by invitation only. Details to follow.

JUNE 2008 7, Sa, 1 PM . BRANCH COMMITTEE MEETING, place

TBD. Info: 831-423-6165 or dottyl@cruzio.com 7, Sa: 6:30 PM – Note early start time! MONTHLY PARTY

at First Congregational Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz,. Santa Cruz and Monterey Classes hosting. dancingsands@hotmail.com

19, Th: 7:45 PM SAN FRANCISCO CLASS SUMMER SOLSTICE PARTY, with live music. At Noe Valley

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RSCDS EVENTS ELSEWHERE • 2007 - 08 Revised 1/18/08

Compiled by Dotty Lieber: dottyl@cruzio.com

For more information on these and other events, try the Inter-City Scot: www.intercityscot.org/eventList.php

FEBRUARY 2008 8, Fr – 10, Su: EDMONTON, ALBERTA BALL AND WORK-

SHOPS, sponsored by Edmonton Caledonian Country Dance Society. Teachers: Fred DeMarse and Rebecca Blackhall-Peters, with music by Muriel Johnstone and Jim Lindsay.

www.geocities.com/eccds 15, Fr- 17, Su: HONOLULU ALOHA WINTER WEEKEND,

sponsored by RSCDS Hawaii Branch. Workshops taught by Bruce Herbold and David Newitt, music by Humuhu-munukunukuapua’a and Strathspey Society Band. Bruce McEwan, 808-538-7707

bemac@hawaii.IT.com or www.rscdshawaii.org 16, Sa: 45TH ANNUAL TARTAN BALL celebrating the 50th

anniversary of the founding of the RSCDS Toronto Asso-ciation, at the Fairmount Royal York Hotel. Music by Bobby Brown and the Scottish Accent.. Information at www.rscdstoronto.org

21, Th – 26, Tu: WINTER SCHOOL, sponsored by RSCDS, in Pitlochry, Scotland. Information, contact Jill Henderson: jillhenderson@rscds.org

MARCH 2008 8, Sa: SACRAMENTO BRANCH SPRING BALL AND

WORKSHOP, sponsored by Sacramento Branch, RSCDS, at Micke Grove Ballroom in Lodi, CA. Workshops taught by Sarah Harriman. Contact: Peggy Hamilton peg-gyh@earthlink.net or www.rscds-sacramento.org

28, Fr – 30, Su: VISCDS 32ND WORKSHOP & BALL WEEK-END in Victoria, BC, sponsored by Van Isle Dancers. Alan Twhigg, Gail Michener and Rosemary Coupe teaching, music by Ken Nattrass and Ron Krug. Jill Leslie, Registrar, 250-391-3908 or jleslie@uoguelph.ca or www.viscds.ca

APRIL 2008 19, Sa: SEATTLE BRANCH SPRING WORKSHOP &

DANCE, sponsored by Seattle Branch, RSCDS. Work-shops taught by Sara Gratiot. Information: www.rscds-seattle.org

MAY 2008 3, Sa: A GRAND BALL, Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of

the Orange County Branch, at the Womens Club of Orange. Music by Muriel Johnson and Keith Smith. More info at: www.rscds-oc.org

9, Sa & 10, Su: PEARL HOLMBERG WORKSHOP FOR TEACHERS AND MUSICIANS in Vancouver, BC www.rscdsvancouver.org AND THISTLE BALL IN Van-couver BC. Contact Sandy Caruth at 604-929-6884

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getting two Branch members in each Class certified. The Branch will reimburse up to two trainees in each Class for up to $30 or half the certification cost up on proof of certification. If you’re interested, please contact Mark Caplin for more informa-tion on what is involved. BANDW: Elizabeth Wright has prepared a summary packet for those of us interested in hosting events for the 2008 Bay Area National Dance Week, and is actively reaching out to the mem-bership to encourage participation. One possibility is to modify the May 2008 Monthly Party in Alameda to be a BANDW event, and to use it to draw in new dancers to our community. There has been a good deal of spirited and productive discussion among the various parties involved, and it would appear that we have consensus that a brief beginner’s workshop can be given before the party, that the hall can be adjusted a bit to encourage attendees to watch us dance, and that the dance program can be adjusted to include an audience participation dance in the first set. There are, of course, always more details to be worked out! Monthly Party Coordinator: Sandra Fritts has let us know that she wants to begin mentoring a new volunteer in this role, so that she can leave it behind after the 2008 party season. If you would like to volunteer for this important role within the Branch, please let the Committee or Sandra know of your inter-est. Santa RosaVintage Class: The Committee has given its final formal approval for Gary Thomas’s new “Santa Rosa Vintage Class”, on alternate Sundays from 1:30 to 3:30 pm at Monroe Hall. The class is focusing on ballroom dances that would have been danced in Scotland, in conjunction with our usual Country Dances, in the mid-19th century. Next Meeting: The next Branch Committee Meeting will be on at 12:30 PM March 1st, at a location still to be finalized. If you’d like to attend, we would be most pleased to have you at-tend to see the Committee in Action. Please let one of us know if you would like to join in, so that we can make sure there are enough chairs and nibblements.

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Teacher Training by Alan Twhigg The Branch Teachers' Committee would like to hear from anyone who is interested in learning to teach Scottish Coun-try Dancing. Periodically the RSCDS runs an examination process for candidates who want to become certificated teachers, and the Branch has offered training to prepare for these exams. The RSCDS Education and Training Commit-tee has recently restructured the process to create a modular system. You can learn more by visiting the RSCDS website, www.rscds.org, or talking to those who teach your own class. If you have additional questions or would like to indi-cate interest in starting the process, please contact Alan Twhigg, keltech@earthlink.net or 650-962-1939, who is the Branch liaison for teacher training. We would like to hear from you by April 15 if you want to start the process this year.

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JUNE 2008 28 Sa: TRUCKEE WORKSHOP AND DANCE in Truckee,

CA., sponsored by Silver State Scottish Country Dancers. Workshops taught by Elaine Brunken, music by Thistle Glen. Info: Dave at 775-825-6867 or al-lenortep@gmail.com

JULY 2008 7, Mo – 11, Fr: ENGLISH-SCOTTISH SESSION at Pinewoods Camp , sponsored by Country Dance and Song Society. www.cdsboston.org/ess 11, Fr – 14, Mo: SCOTTISH SESSION I at Pinewoods Camp, sponsored by Boston Branch, RSCDS. www.rscdsboston.org 14, Mo – 19, Sa: SCOTTISH SESSION II at Pinewoods Camp, sponsored by Boston Branch, RSCDS. www.rscdsboston.org AUGUST 2008 10, Su – 17, Su: TAC SUMMER SCHOOL in Waterloo, On-

tario, Canada, sponsored by Teachers Association of Can-ada. Teachers: Janet Johnston, Geoffrey Selling, Val Mitchell http://tac-rscds.org

SEPTEMBER 2008 12, Fr – 14, Su: FORT WORDEN WEEKEND in Port Town-

send, WA, sponsored by Seattle Branch, RSCDS. Teach-ers are: Eric Finley, Ruth Jappy, Marjorie McLaughlin, Geoffrey Selling. Musicians are: Brian Crissafulli, Ralph Gordon, Deby Benton Grosjean, Muriel Johnstone, and Calum MacKinnon. Information: www.rscds-seattle.org

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NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY! Experienced dancers also welcome.

The Monthly Party for experienced Scottish County Dancers starts at 7:30 pm in the same hall. Workshop participants will be ADMITTED FREE AS SPECTATORS to enjoy watching the dancing, listening to the wonderful music by a great band, and perhaps joining in for one or two dances. Elizabeth Wright, 415-647-5871, ewright@sfsu.edu, http://www.rscds-sf.org/

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Ministry, 1021 Sanchez at 23rd St., San Francisco. Info: 415-841-9456 or linneaj@spursuits.com

21, Sa: 7:00 PM NEW TIME! BEGINNERS BALL, at Hermann Sons Hall, 860 Western Ave., Petaluma. Info: Sandra Craig 707-575-8328 sandracraig47@yahoo.com

28 Sa: TRUCKEE WORKSHOP AND DANCE in Truckee, CA., sponsored by Silver State Scottish Country Dancers. Workshops taught by Elaine Brunken, music by Thistle G l e n . I n f o : D av e a t 7 7 5 - 8 2 5 - 6 8 6 7 o r allenortep@gmail.com

JULY 2008 19, Sa: 1:30 Video, 2 PM start: TEACHERS COMMITTEE MEETING at Allen home, San Jose. Kathy Allen: Kathy_allien@gmail.com AUGUST 2008 16, Sa: SUMMER BY THE SEA DANCE, time, place TBD

sponsored by Santa Cruz Class. Info: Karen at 831-247-0544, Dotty at 831-423-6165 or dottyl@cruzio.com

SEPTEMBER 2008 19, Sa: 1:30 Video, 2 PM start: TEACHERS COMMITTEE

MEETING at Kathleen McAdam’s, Lafayette. Kathy Allen: Kathy_allien@gmail.com

OCTOBER 2008 31, Fr. to 2 Nov. Su: 40TH ANNIVERSARY ASILOMAR

WORKSHOPS AND BALL Information: julm-hcs@pacbell.net

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Thoughts from the Chair Larry Wakeman (lcwakeman@sbcglobal.net) The end of the Branch Dancing Year is rapidly coming to a close. I will be retiring as a member of the Branch Commit-tee. We will have two openings for the Branch Committee this year and need members to volunteer to run for those positions. It would be nice if we had more than two candi-dates in order to give the members a choice. If you are inter-ested, contact Dotty Lieber at dottyl@cruzio.com or myself. The committee meets seven times a year on the day of the Monthly Party. Gene Bissell will be retiring from position of Branch Regis-trar this summer. I will be taking over that position. The database on the Branch Web Site will become the official membership roster and Gene and I won’t have to worry about coordinating the changes between his database and the web database. Please continue to update your member pro-files on the web site. If you are not receiving emails from the branch such as the R&S notifications, send me an email

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R E E L & S T R A T H S P E Y P E R • R S C D S • S A N F R A N C I S C O B R A N C H

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at info@rscds-sf.org and I will get a password back to you. Please include your name as many email addresses are rather cryptic and I can’t always match it to a member. Also, let me know if you want your email address published in the Branch Directory. If you don’t have an email address, there are many places on the Internet where you can get a free one. Sandra Fritts is retiring from the position of Monthly Party Scheduling Coordinator. If you would be interested in that posi-tion, please contact Sandra at dancingsands@hotmail.com or myself.

Not many thoughts this month, guess my brain is too full of Valentine’s Ball dances.

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Design Contest Design Contest

for for 2008 Asilomar Logo2008 Asilomar Logo

Creative? Artistic? We’d like to hear from you! We invite you to submit a logo design for the 2008 Asilomar weekend. There will be a cash prize of $100 for the winning entry! The logo must be suitable for embroidering on the pocket area of a shirt, or to fit across the front of a shirt and should incorporate at least one of the fol-lowing elements: San Francisco Branch Asilomar Scottish dancing We’d like the option of either having the anniver-sary year (50th) as an integral part of the design or have it separated out, to be added as a text line un-derneath the logo artwork. The winning design will be chosen by the 2008 Asi-lomar Committee. Please submit your entry to Patti Cobb no later than April 1.

Beginners’ Ball 2008 This year the Santa Rosa Class will once again present the Be-ginners’ Ball to welcome and celebrate the new dancers of 2008. The date is June 21, 2008, with an earlier starting time of 7:00 p.m. The Ball retains its usual structure of a Grand March, a program designed to be beginner friendly but fun for all, and a buffet at the end of the evening. There will also be the now tra-ditional champagne toast to the beginners with sparkling grape juice for those who don’t drink or are too young for champagne. Our band this year is the wonderful Wild Rose and the hall will be beautifully decorated with flowers and Charles Rennie Mac-intosh inspired creations. The hall is the charming Hermann Sons Hall in Petaluma CA. It’s located at 860 Western Avenue. This is a lively annual event enjoyed by all who have attended over the years. Please come and please encourage the new dancers in your class to come also. Join us for a delightful eve-ning of Scottish dancing and maybe stay over to enjoy some of the wonderful things Sonoma County has to offer. Look for flyers in this issue of the R&S, at the next monthly party, your local dance class or on the branch Web site. For more information or additional flyers contact Sandra Craig at 707-575-8328 or sandracraig47@yahoo.com.

The Reel & Strathspeyper is a bi-monthly publication of the San Francisco Branch of the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, a nonprofit educational organization. Annual subscription is $10.00, first class only. For change of address, please contact Gene Bissell, 101 Via Lucia, Alamo, CA 94507 The editor reserves the right to reject, alter or edit any material submitted for publication for reasons of taste, space, style, or clarity. All materials for publication should be submitted on CD-R in a work processing format, or sent by e-mail prior to the deadline (the 1st of even-numbered months). Exceptions may be made for last-minute notices, or on a space-available basis, when the editor is notified prior to the deadline. Editors of other newsletters may use or adapt any materials in the Reel & Strathspeyper unless a specific copyright notice is included. Please credit author and original source.

Editor ............................................................Greg Reznick

Design....................................... Mary Margaret McMurtry

Production, Layout, Typesetting...................Greg Reznick

Printing ................................................... via Greg Reznick

Distribution..................... Eugene Bissell, Marjorie Henry, Larry Wakeman

All articles should be on CD-R in a word processing format or sent by e-mail. Please send contributions to: Greg Reznick 4725 First St., Suite 220 Pleasanton, CA 94566 Phone: 925.417.2074 E-mail: randsnewsletter@rscds-sf.org

Dated material - please do not delay