35th annual SOUTHEAST FLORIDA Scottish FESTIVAL AND highland GAMES
Celebrating 35 years - 1984 to 2018
March 3, 2018 Plantation Heritage Park
35th annual SOUTHEAST FLORIDA
Scottish FESTIVAL AND GAMES PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE Ceud Mile Failte (A Hundred Thousand Welcomes) Welcome ONE and ALL. On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Scottish American Society of South Florida, it gives me great pleasure to see you at the 35th Annual Southeast Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games here at Heritage Park. As you know it takes hours of work and dedication to make this event happen. So this is a very thoughtful thank you to all of our volunteers, sponsors, clans and vendors.This would never be possible without you the participants and visitors, pipe bands, athletes, and dancers. I want to wish all of you a very wonderful day!
Ed West, President
We hope you enjoy the 35th Annual Southeast Florida Scottish Festival & Highland Games sponsored by the Scottish American Society of South Florida (SASSF) ! Please be sure to fill out our exit survey and let us know how to make the Games even better https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SASSF2018 Plan to join us at next year's Festival on Saturday, March 2, 2019 back at Plantation Heritage Park. Other SASSF activities throughout the year include : membership picnic in May/June ; Fall Ceilidh ; Burns Supper [Jan. 26, 2019] To stay in touch and informed about SASSF activities sign-up for our email news and Like us on Facebook! https://www.sassf.org
Officers and Directors Nigel MacDonald, Treasurer, Ron Wier, Mary Anne Wolfson, Eddy West, President, Faye West, Vice President, Claire Will, Secretary, Cheryl Gowing, Vice President, Betty Rogers, Jim Armstrong, John Lennon, Al Will Photography: Art Campbell, Miriam Cannon Lawrence Miller, Richard Booth, Nigel MacDonald
COMMITTEES Advertising Athletics Burns' Supper Children's Games Clans and Societies Country Dancing Entertainers Food Concessions Grounds Highland Dancing Hospitality Hotel
Ron Wier Kim Baldwin Nigel MacDonald, Jim & Marla Armstrong Betty and Steve Rogers Ron Wier Rinthy Aman Renee Campbell, Cheryl Gowing Eddy West, Cheryl Gowing Eddy West Nigel MacDonald Mary Ann Wolfson Nigel MacDonald
Memberships Piping and Drumming Program Production Publicity Recording Secretary Sponsors Trophies/medals Vendors Volunteers Webmaster
Elaine MacDonald & Betty Rogers Kevin Patterson Nigel MacDonald Cheryl Gowing, Ron Wier Elaine and Nigel MacDonald, Claire Cubbin Will Betty Rogers, Bart and Alice Carlisle Nigel MacDonald Eddy West Cheryl Gowing, Shelley Beck Nigel MacDonald
We extend our warmest thanks to all our festival sponsors CARAID MOR SPONSORS Rinthy and Dave Aman Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 31 Rev. David and Karen Reeves GOLD SPONSORS Derick and Ellen Willis SILVER SPONSORS Clan MacLennan Elaine and Nigel MacDonald Danny E. Reynolds Miriam and Robert Cannon Dr. William Murphy Arthur Campbell Cliff Borden Barbara and Gerard Wach Susan and Jack Heyer
BRONZE SPONSORS Rusela Orr William B. Logie Allan Young Ken Keaton Elizabeth Geddes Ronald McKay TROPHY and MEDAL SPONSORS Athlete of the Day Art Campbell in memory of his wife, Maureen FitzGerald Campbell Grade III Pipe Band Clan Stewart Grade IV Pipe Band Drs. Allan and Doris McLeod Grade V Pipe Band Nigel and Elaine MacDonald in memory of Neville and Elizabeth MacDonald
CORPORATE SPONSORS:
Stevens & Goldwyn, PA. John Cassidy and Sons John Bono Special Thanks to:
All the Media that publicized the Games and to all those who have helped to make this Festival and Games a success. Our sincere apologies and grateful thanks go to those Sponsors whose names do not appear in the program due to our printing deadline.
Honored Scots of the Day Wanda and Steve Albritton and Isabelle Ritchie
Wanda and Steve Albritton, and Isabelle Ritchie (Wanda’s mother), were founding members of the Scottish American Society of South Florida. We are deeply appreciative of the years and years of hard work and support they have given to the Southeast Florida Scottish Festival and Highland Games. Wanda and Steve, with the help of their daughter Tracey, and sons Steve and Tony, organized and ran the Highland Dancing competition at the Festival for over thirty years. Wanda also teaches Highland Dancing classes locally in Dade and Broward counties, with several of her students competing and winning at other Scottish games. In addition to setting up the Highland Dancing stage and assisting the program, Steve, a talented singer, sang our anthems at the Opening Ceremonies. Isabelle taught Scottish Country Dancing in Miami and ran the Country Dancing pavilion at the Festival and Games for many years. Isabelle was a dedicated member of the Daughters of Scotia in Miami. Isabelle’s son, Byron Hoffman, also played the bagpipes for the Highland Dancing competition and assisted the running of the Festival in other ways.
Byron Hoffman
Our CHAPLAIN Reverend Dr. David Massey
T This is the eighteenth year that the Reverend Doctor David Massey has been invited to serve as the Chaplain of the Games. Born and raised in Springfield, Illinois, one of his favorite and earliest memories is of accompanying his Grandfather Stewart McCutcheon, as they picked-up Grandmother Margaret from her Daughters of Scotia meeting. This remains one of his favorite memories because of all the dear Scottish women. He remembers that as they patted his head and pinched his cheek they would say, “Margaret, we love your wee grandson.” Rev. David Massey has served as the Pastor of the Plantation Presbyterian Church for the past 24 years. The church is located at 901 N. W. 70th Ave., Plantation, Florida. The members and friends of the congregation are pleased to offer their continued support of SASSF by providing its facilities. Remember to enjoy our hospitality by stopping by the Church booth throughout the day to quench your thirst with a free glass of cold water.
Master of ceremonies Marc Wolfson Marc Wolfson is married to Mary Anne Wolfson, Florida Regional Commissioner for Clan Donald and a Board Member of SASSF. He has been MC at the Games for several years and has worked closely with Mary Anne over the past 15 years in many activities that the Clan produces in the Florida Region. Marc has been working for the last 10 (TEN) years as Business Manager for All Florida Tree & Landscape, Inc. AFT has become the leading Arboriculture Firm primarily serving Government Organizations in the State of Florida. Amongst other customers Marc’s responsibilities include managing the vast Canopy of Trees that serves the City of Fort Lauderdale, City of Weston and Palm Beach County all in South Eastern Florida along with hundreds of other smaller organizations. Marc says that “It is our responsibility to ensure that our Tree canopy remains not only GREEN but that it is strengthened to match Mother Nature’s threat of Tropical Storms and Hurricanes. Our Management of this natural resource proved itself successful as of all the trees we had under our care we lost less than 2% of our population while other parts of SE Florida lost more than 20% of their trees. Marc and Mary Anne enjoy the activities connected with Clan Donald. From attending many of the Highland and Celtic games in the Southern United States and traveling to Scotland to dig deep into Mary Anne’s Scottish roots. They have three daughters and four grandchildren. Jessica and Billy Ventura live in Orlando, Florida along with their children Lawton and Lily. Laurel and Chris Smith live in the beautiful Smoky Mountains of North Carolina with their boys Cale and Lausen. Their youngest daughter, Shaina Aryn, lives in the Coral Springs area and she works part time for Whole Foods while she pursues her Associates Degree and then on to her Bachelors Degree at Palm Beach State College. We recently spent a week in Exuma, Bahamas meeting some of Mary Anne’s cousins. Her ancestors relocated from the Colonies during the Revolutionary where they were granted Land by King George.
National Anthems Barbara Yatrousis Barbara has been a member of the Nova Singers since 1976 and has previously served that organization as Section Leader, and President. Barbara has also been a member of the Cathedral Choir of the First Presbyterian Church (USA) of Fort Lauderdale for over twenty five (25) years where she also serves full time on its staff. Barb has been a resident of the City of Fort Lauderdale since 1960.
Marti Aylesworth Marti was born in Boston, Massachusetts and raised in New Hampshire, before moving to Florida. She lives in Cooper City with her two daughters, Ashley, a senior at Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI, and Heather, a senior at Cooper City High School. Marti is employed by Broward County Schools, specifically at Cooper City High School, and has the passion for teaching and mentoring her students. She is also employed at Seminole Hard Rock Live in Hollywood, FL. Her favorite hobbies are reading, cooking, singing and gardening (especially orchids). Marti is a member of Davie United Methodist Church, where she is active in both the Handbell and Chancel Choirs, and also shares her love for singing with her fellow Nova Singers. Marti and her daughters are avid animal lovers and enjoy relaxing with their dog and four cats.
Entertainers SEVEN NATIONS The story of SEVEN NATIONS is that of a truly original and determined band that began in New York City, with members now hailing from California, to Toronto, to Florida. They have for years booked their own tours,and have had their own PBS and CNN specials. Throw away any preconceived notions you may have about Celtic music...this is a band that has invented its own sound and attracted a prodigious national and international following. Seven Nations is not your father’s Celtic band. With a passionate, tender, and rollicking style that winningly veers from roots and folk to dance and fusion-rock, Seven Nations has earned a growing reputation as an adventurous band with a charismatic stage presence. “Seven Nations — the name refers to the seven original Celtic nations of Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall, Galecia, Isle of Man, and Brittany — officially began in 1993 in New York City with a standard line-up of drums, guitars, and bass,” notes lead singer and guitarist Kirk McLeod. “We soon introduced bagpipes into the show, and over time the number of songs utilizing bagpipes grew until it became obvious that they were integral to our emerging sound,” says McLeod. “Most of the band members grew up playing Celtic music, and we’ve been performing original compositions since we began. Our instrumentation, and bagpipes and fiddle mostly, give us a distinctive sound and that’s what makes us different.” Seven Nations has been touring full-time since 1994 with successful stops in Europe, Canada, Puerto Rico, and virtually every state in the US. The band has recorded a number of albums with over a quarter million units in sales. The band’s latest album, Tales from the Eighth Nations, has been praised for “having the appeal of the original albums, yet a mature songwriting style. The lyrics are relatable, surprising, and the pipe/fiddle hooks stir a desire to listen to the album over and over.” Its versatile and dynamic style has stamped Seven Nations as a highly book-able band, with an ever increasing and loyal fan base. The group has performed at a variety of venues, from nightclubs and pubs to festivals and street fairs. They’ve done it all. Recently, garnering the attention of the Orchestra world by including dates with several American orchestras, most notably the multi-Grammy-winning Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, the Jacksonville Symphony, and the South Carolina Philharmonic. They also became the first Celtic rock band to bring this exhilarating collaboration to the stage at an outdoor Irish festival, when they performed an entire show with the Columbus Symphony Orchestra at the Dublin Irish Festival. In addition, Seven Nations has played the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, a New Year’s Eve performance at Scotland’s Royal Mile for some 40,000 people, and at the New York City Marathon. Seven Nations has been the subject of a multi-million dollar advertising campaign and appeared in over 20 major publications including Rolling Stone, Billboard, Playboy, Maxim, GQ, Stuff, and FHM. It’s been two decades and over a million miles logged on the road for Seven Nations since their inception and they’re just getting started. With a highly anticipated return to their roots of festivals, touring and recording, this indie band is poised for another amazing decade.
CELTIC CONUNDRUM Celtic Conundrum was formed on the idea of playing music as culturally diverse as the crew you would find on a ship, a dock, or a pub by the port. Songs and instruments that came with them from the pubs and taverns of their home countries. Music to dance, sea shanties to work by, songs to sing and share. Songs from Ireland, Scotland, and England, and the great colonies of America and Australia. More than Celtic, shanty classics, and modern songs, our original music blends influence from other parts of the world with our Celtic heritage; thus, the conundrum! Each member has performed from many years either nationally or internationally and have now created their own sound together. They have created many original songs and have added a spin to classics.
Host Band - DUNEDIN CITY PIPE BAND The City of Dunedin Pipe Band took 4th place in the World grade 2 Championships in Glasgow last summer. The Band started in 1964 as an outlet for young adults that had taken up piping and drumming while attending Dunedin schools. Dunedin has a Scottish arts program headed by Pipe Major Iain Donaldson and Drumming Director Eric MacNeill that begins at Dunedin Middle School, carries graduates over to Dunedin High School, and continues with adults in the City of Dunedin Pipe Band. The band is a 501(c)(3) public charity organization focused on education and continuing the Scottish arts. Members of the Band are all volunteers and donate their time and efforts to maintain their status as a first-class band. When they compete throughout the United States, Canada, and Great Britain, they act as ambassadors for the City of Dunedin and the State of Florida. Excellence in leadership, hard work, enthusiasm, talent, and innovative ideas are elements that have made this band one of the best in the country. The Organization is currently made up of three competitive units – a Grade 2, a Grade 4, and a Grade 5 pipe band. From January through October each year, the Bands compete in highland games’ competitions across Florida and several events throughout the United States. Every summer, the Bands travel to Canada, Scotland, England, or Ireland to compete in contests to continue improving their international status. The City Dunedin Pipe Band wears the Edgewater tartan.
THE McLANZON LASSIES - Scottish Fiddle with Florida flair. The McLanzon Lassies are a fiddle group that has been playing together for 10 years at the Scottish Festival and Highland Games. The girls’ ages range from 14 to 19. One fiddler, Liza, is in college at FAU studying neuroscience, while the other fiddler, Molly, who has been inspired to learn the bagpipes, is studying at FSU. Anna, a guitar/ ukuleleplayer is in high school. Every summer, the girls make a trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains for a Scottish/Traditional music camp to increase their repertoire and play the music they love. The McLanzons are happy to be a part of the Scottish Festival and hope you enjoy your day at this wonderful event.
HIGHLAND JACOBITE LIVING HISTORY Kyle McIntosh is a Living Historian of Scottish decent. Through historical research and study of the Scottish Highlands he strives to bring the past to life. Living History centers around an interactive presentation that seeks to give observers a sense of stepping back in time. Specifically his focus is on the Jacobite Risings in Scotland detailing the food, clothing and weapons in a historically authentic presentation
Harp and Thistle Pipe Band
Grade One Player, Pipe Major Don Goller, leads the Harp & Thistle Pipe Band with Pipe Sargent, Greg Sheridan and Drum Major Rob Shaouy. At present the band boasts over 30 pipers and drummers. Based in Naples, Florida, the band was established in 2001 to serve all of Southwest Florida. 2017 marked another award winning year for the Harp & Thistle. As student numbers continue to grow, the Harp & Thistle Pipe Band looks forward to another great year! http://www.harpandthistlepipeband.org/
Fort Lauderdale Highlanders
The Ft.. Lauderdale Highlanders, www.FtLauderdaleHighlanders.org, is under the direction of Pipe Major Bill McFarlane, Sr. Pipe Sergeant Art Gill, and Drum Sergeant Raymond Devlin. The Highlanders wear the Maitland tartan of Lord Lauderdale for which the city of Ft. Lauderdale is named. The Highlanders were formed in 1972 and have proudly competed and won at Highland Games throughout Florida and the South Eastern United States.
St. Andrew’s Pipe Band of Miami
Formed by Pipe Major Jack Sutherland and Drum Major Bob Ritchie in 1964, the band is now led by Pipe Major Nigel MacDonald, assisted by Pipe Sergeant Robert Ritchie and Drum Sergeant Betty Rogers. The Band, wearing the MacKenzie tartan, has performed from Key West to Greenport, Long Island. Beginners and experienced players are always welcome. www.standrews-pipeband.org
Dunedin High School Pipe Band
The Dunedin High School Grade 3 and 5 Pipe Bands are comprised of high school students ranging in age from 14-18 years old. As one of the few high schools in the country to use bagpipes as a part of their instrumental music program, the Dunedin High School Pipe Band has been recognized both nationally and internationally for their commitment to musical excellence. Members of the group consistently earn medals in solo piping and drumming competitions. In addition to piping and drumming, all students in the pipe band are members of high school's Scottish Highlander Marching Band, which is known for successfully incorporating bagpipes and Scottish percussion into the modern marching band. The Dunedin High School Pipe Band is under the direction of Iain Donaldson. Eric MacNeill and Tim Marchand are the Scottish drumming instructors. The Band proudly wears the Dress Stewart tartan. Their high school band motto is "Real bands wear kilts". .
Police Pipe & Drum Corps of Florida
The Fraternal Order of Police, District Five, Police Pipe & Drum Corps of Florida, was founded in 1990. The Band and Color Guard is presently comprised of 51 serving and retired police officers, fire fighters and civilians, all volunteers. In March 2001, the Band had a successful concert tour of Ireland, and performs yearly in Broward County, Key West, Washington, DC, and Tallahassee at the Police memorials. The Band has been invited to play in Savannah, Cleveland, Ohio, Houston, Texas; and Canada and performs throughout the State of Florida. The Band’s first CD, “God Bless America”, was released in February 2005. The Band returned to Savannah for the 2012 St Patrick’s Day Parade. New applicants for the Band and Color Guard are welcome and all training is provided. The Band wears the Black Watch Tartan and is led by Bandmaster David Campbell. Visit our website at www.policepipes-fl.com
clans and societies CLANS
Honored Clan – Clan Donnachaidh
House of Bruce Clan Campbell Clan Craig Clan Davidson Clan Donald Clan Donnachaidh - Honored Clan Clan Douglas Clan Ferguson House of Gordon Clan Gunn Clan Guthrie Clan MacBean Clan Maclaren Clan MacLennan Clan Maxwell Clan Montgomery Clan Stewart Clan Weir Clan Wood
SCOTTISH/CELTIC CULTURAL GROUPS S. Florida Gaelic Athletics Assoc. 42nd Highland Regiment Florida Curling Club Historic Highlanders Living History Group
Rob Gibson of Clan Donnachaidh
Robertsons are, of the Clan Donnachaidh (Sons of -Duncan / Duncanson) which descent from the Celtic Earls of Atholl - the Royal line of the Kings of Dalriada whose lineage can be traced back to Niall of the Nine Hostages who ruled Ireland about 400AD. They became the hereditary Abbots of Dunkeld who specifically claimed to descend from Saint Columba. One of these abbots married the daughter of Malcolm II (ruled 1005 1034). This long pedigree enables the Robertsons to claim to be the oldest Scottish Clan. The Duncan, from where the name Donnachaidh is derived, is 'Stout Duncan' who fought with Robert I (the Bruce) at Bannockburn in 1314. Supporters of Robert I were rewarded with land and position. The Perthshire surname Robertson derives from the descendants of Robert Donnachaidh who helped capture the assasins of James I in 1437. He found some of the traitors hiding in a remote glen in Atholl, captured them and handed them over to the loyal forces. In reward James II consolidated the family's lands into the Barony of Struan. - Castles of the Robertsons in Perthshire were Dunalastair near Kinloch Rannoch and Pitcastle SE of Pitlochry. The Robertsons remained faithful to the Royal Stewarts for over 3 centuries. Donald, Tutor of Struan, fought with Montrose for Charles I in 1644. Poet and clan chief Alexander joined Bonnie Dundee at the Battle of Killiecrankie in 1689. He was pardoned in 1703 by Anne I. However, they fought in the Jacobite rebellions of 1715 & 1745 (with Bonnie Prince Charlie). Robertson lands were lost as a result of again backing the losing Jacobite side.
Featured Athletes Petrus Sundevall, Mark Howe and Torsten Hülsemann on the podium at the World’s in Iceland, 2017
Petrus Sundevall from Sweden started competing in the Gotland Viking Games in Sweden. This is a 5 event athletic competition borrowing from traditional Gotland Island games. It includes a stone toss and a caber toss along with running, jumping and wrestling. Thus was the natural urge to try his skills upon seeing the Highland Games in Fort Lauderdale. He arrived in the US in 2001 after sailing from Europe to South America and the Caribbean. He has settled in Fort Lauderdale and is the owner of Fine Line Marine Electric and a teacher at the Ft Lauderdale Swedish School. Petrus has competed in the World Masters of Highland Games the last two years, finishing 4th in 2016 (Buffalo) and 2nd in 2017(Iceland). He loves the camaraderie of the athletes and has made many friends over the years competing. His wife, Kimberly, and daughter ,Rowan, accompany him to many of his events.
Mark Howe is a firefighter, now living in Tampa, who has won Athlete of the Day at the S. E. Florida Games several times since the year 2000. Mark started throwing in 1991 while competing in track and field in college! Fell in love with the individual challenge and being able to outdo oneself every games. He still enjoys competing but meeting new people and seeing old friends keeps him going. He has been 8 times under 190 lb. national champion and 4 times masters world champion, with multiple championships won over the years. Seeing how these games and how the lightweight division has grown over the years has been inspirational to him, so he loves to help anyone that is interested in competing whether a new thrower or veteran.
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Torsten Hülsemann, age 41, is a personal/ strength trainer, and lives in Ronnenberg/ Germany. He is in the United States for the 6th time combining Highland Games and travelling, together with his fiancé Claudia. He has competed in Highland Games since 2007and as lightweight since 2012. He was European Champion in 2014, multiple times German Champion, 2x winner of the Braemar Stone at lightweight worlds and 3rd place in Masters Worlds 2016. He is European Record Holder (and former World Record Holder) in the Braemar Stone
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PROGRAM OF EVENTS (At time of press - times and events subject to change) Children’s Games
Main Stage Seven Nations
11 AM, 2:00 PM, 5:15 PM
Celtic Conundrum
10AM, 1:00 PM, 4:00PM
City of Dunedin Pipe Band
Coloring Scottish scenes and other fun activities will be going on all day until 6 PM for the young lads and lasses. (schedule subject to changes and additions) morning
3:00 PM 9:00 10:00 to 11:00 11:00 to 11:30
Stage 2 McLanzon Lassies 10:30AM, 1:30 PM, 2:30PM, 4PM Highland Dancing Living History
10AM, 1:00PM, 3PM, 4:30PM
11:00AM, 2PM, 3:30PM
Suzuki Fiddles playing Scottish 11:30AM
Fun activities begin Caber & Sheaf Toss, & Stone Throw Foot race & Sack race & Sheaf Toss afternoon
1:00 to 1:30 1:30 to 3:00 3:00 to 4:00 4:00 to 4:30 4:30 to 6:00
Foot race & Sack race & Sheaf Toss Caber & Sheaf Toss, & Stone Throw Tug-O-War Kilted Race & Sheaf Toss Caber & Sheaf Toss, & Stone Throw
Competition Times 8-9.00 9.00 9.00
Piping and athletics registration Individual piping and drumming competition begins Athletics competitions begin
Events on Main Field 9-4 11:00 11:30
Athletics competition Drum Major Competition Sheepdog Demonstration
12 noon Parade of clans and massed bands 1:00 1:30 2:00 2:20 2:50 3:15 3:30 4:.00 4:.30 5:00
Caber toss Pipe Band Performance Pipe Band Competition, Grade 5 Pipe Band Competition, Grade 4 Sheepdog Demonstration Massed Country Dancing – Join in! Pipe Band Competition, Grade 3 Host Pipe Band – City of Dunedin Sheepdog Demonstration Closing Ceremonies: Massed Pipe Bands Presentation of Trophies
Ongoing Activities: Country Dancing, Children's Games Sale of Scottish Food and Crafts Clan Booths, Weaving
The Children’s Passport Game Children and their families may pick up a blank Children’s Game Passport at the Children’s Games area. The children and their families then take the Passport and visit the Clan area (a Clan is a Scottish family group) and stop at the different Clan booths. There the children should have their passports stamped or signed by a Clan member. This is also a great opportunity to learn about the different families of Scotland. After they have visited every Clan, the children may take their passport back to the Membership canopy where they will receive a small prize.
Scottish HEAVY ATHLETICS THROWING THE HAMMER The hammer head is a 16 or 22 pound iron ball on the end of a cane shaft, measuring 4 feet 2 inches overall. The hammer is thrown from behind a trig and the athlete is allowed to count the best of three throws.
TOSSING THE CABER, The caber is a long straight tree trunk for which there is no standard size or weight. It should, however, be too large for any athlete to toss and then be cut shorter by stages until one competitor is able to toss it end over end. To do this the athlete balances the caber on its small end and then picks it up and runs with it before heaving it end over end to land, he hopes, pointing directly away from him. This would be called a 12 o'clock throw. The competitor who tosses the caber closest to this position wins the day. Cabers generally measure between 15 and 20 feet long and between 90 to 120 lbs.
TOSSING THE SHEAF A 16 lb. sheaf of hay, enclosed in a jute sack is tossed over a bar with a pitchfork. The bar is raised in steady increments until all but one competitor is eliminated. Each athlete receives three tries at each height. TOSSING THE WEIGHT. In this event the 56lb weight is tossed for height.
STONE OF STRENGTH, The stone of strength is the Scottish shot put. It weighs about 16 or 22 pounds. Legend has it that the distance a guest of a Scottish landlord could put the stone of strength determined the sleeping accommodations he could expect to receive during his stay. The stone is put with one hand, from behind the trig.
THROWING THE WEIGHT. The weight is made from iron and is spherical or box shaped with a chain and ring attached. The total length is 18 inches and the weight is either 28 lbs. (2 stones) or 56 lbs. (half a hundredweight). The stone and the hundredweight are standard British weight measurements. The weight is thrown with one hand for distance from behind a marker or trig and the best of three throws is counted.
Athletics Judge – Kimberley Baldwin,
When not pursuing her passion for Scottish Highland Games, Kimberly may be found delivering smiles and flowers as an employee of Blossom’s on Monroe, a local florist in Tallahassee, or with one of her many clients as a caregiver/ sitter for Tallahassee’s pet population. In keeping with her pursuit of all things Scottish, Kimberly is a proud member of Clan Henderson and the Tallahassee St. Andrew’s Society.
HEAVY ATHLETICS RESULTS 2017 Go to www.NASGAWEB.COM for full statistics Amateur A
Amateur B
Women
1st
Charles Fay
2nd
Fraser Ewen Kevin Mynarski Brent Burnett Andy Welihozkiy Ken Korcak John Lawrence
Christopher Hailey Bill Duncan Jared Kingston Adam Jeffery Joe Gallaher Ian Breske
Kelly Niklason Shelley Murray Angela Walsh Rhonda Taylor
Kim with assistant judges Dick and Ching at the 2016 Games
3rd
A native Floridian, Kimberley was not only born in, but makes her home in Tallahassee, Florida, when she’s not traveling the Southeastern United States for Scottish Highland Games. Kim originally fell in love with Highland Heavy-weight Athletics during a photo-journalism shoot in 2004, at the Tallahassee Highland Games, and by 2007, she had become an athletics judge. Over the years since, she has judged Games at Jacksonville, Orlando, Sarasota, Ocala, Ft. Lauderdale, Dunedin, Zephyrhills, Panama City, Pensacola, and Tallahassee, as well as in Greenville and Columbia, South Carolina; Savannah and Blairsville, Georgia; Gulfport, Mississippi; and Marysville, Tennessee. Among her credits as CO-AD and/or AD of Athletics are the Tallahassee, Ocala, Pensacola, Zephyrhills, and Sarasota Florida Games, as well as Games in Gulfport, Mississippi, and Greenville, S. Carolina.
5th
Last year’s athletes
4th
6th 7th
Master 40-49 Tyson Trias Mark Howe Petrus Sundevall Bill Baxter William Simonitch
Men 50-59 Brian Andrews Kevin Youngberg
PIPING and DRUMMING judges Neil Lester, D. M. of the Day, Tenor, Bass Judge Ed Krintz, piping judge Ed Krintz has been a performer of the highland bagpipe for over 51 years, and has been a panel adjudicator for the E.U.S.P.B.A. for the past 23 years. He currently teaches piping in the Charlotte, NC area.
Jim Nisbet, piping judge Jim Nisbet originally hails from Kearny, New Jersey, and currently resides in Apopka, Florida. He has been playing the bagpipes for 40 years, and has competed at every level since his young teens. Jim was originally a member of the former SUSPBA judge’s panel, and has been on the EUSPBA panel since 2012. Jim has played with many many different bands at all levels over the course of his piping career, and has been a successful professional level player for the last 15 years. His most notable piping accomplishments are as a writer however, having composed “Howl At The Moon”, and “The Music Man”. Both tunes were played in concert and recorded by The Shotts and Dykhead Pipe Band, and The Simon Frasier University Pipe Band respectively. Today Jim still receives requests for these tunes from bands all over the world, including the Antwerp and District Pipe Band (Belgium) who also played The Music Man in concert (can be viewed on YouTube).
Dan Cole, piping judge Jim Dillahey, piping judge
Neil retired from the Windsor Police service as a Detective and is still the Drum major for the Windsor Police Pipe Band. Neil is married to Judith, his wife of 56 years. They have three children and 10 grandchildren During the winter months they reside in Fort Myers Florida , and summer months in Windsor Ont. 7 weeks during the summer he works at the Blackdown Cadet Training Center, Canadian Forces Base Borden as the Company Sergeant Major for the military band company. During his years of competing in the PPBSO, drum major contest, he has held the title of Champion Supreme for 8 different years. He currently is on the EUSPBA adjudicating panel as a Bass, Tenor and Drum Major Judge. He has been the Sr Drum Major at games throughout Ontario, Alberta, Michigan, Ohio, Kansas and Florida
Thomas Kee, drumming judge Thomas Kee started playing drums in 1960 under the tutelage of John Murray, later taking lessons from Kit Reynolds and Alex Duthart. He was an open player for over 15 years winning major championships in the U.S, and Canada and winning the overall Best Open Player for the EUSPBA. I started with the City of Wilmington Pipe Band, which was one of the best on the east coast, winning many awards as well as 2 consecutive Gr 2 North American Drum Corps Championships, and later played with The Ogilvy Highlanders, sweeping the Gr 3 Drumming at all events in the U.S. and Canada, culminating with winning the Grade 3 world Drumming title as well as winning or placing at all the other overseas Championshios. Then with Denny and Dunipace, winning The North American gr 2 championship and gr 2 Champion Supreme for Canada and later, Scottish and Irish Imports, which became The City of Washington Pipe Band. He moved to Scotland in 1980 to play with Shotts and Dykehead and to take lessons with Alex Duthart, and also taught a Drumming School. He played with the Grandfather Mountain Highlanders who placed 8th at the Gr3A World Championships in 2005, and was a member of the Scottish Lion 78th Frasers, from Toronto, in 2007. Thomas Kee hase been a Judge for the EUSPBA since the early 70's.
Piping and drumming COMPETITION Winners 2017 Pipe band – Grade 4 Harp and Thistle Grade 5 Harp and Thistle Fort Lauderdale Highlanders Grade 1 – Piobaireachd, March, Strathspey and Reel, Hornpipe and Jig Johnathan McGregor Grade 3 - Piobaireachd Joseph Lynch, Jason Marchand, David Lairson Don Larson Patricia Czar Mark Waymack 2/4 March – Jason Marchand, Joseph Lynch, Edmund Peliska, Patricia Czar, David Lairson, Don Larson,
Strathpey & Reel – Jason Marchand, Joseph Lynch, Edmund Peliska, David Lairson, Patricia Czar,
Grade 4 Junior Piobaireachd – Andrey Markov, Molly McQueeney, Scott Simmons, Anna Ferrier,
Grade 4 Senior Piobaireachd – Nadine MacRae, Marguerite Watson, Alessandro Giannini, Jane Tough-Noga,
2/4 March – Andrey Markov, Scott Simmons, Molly McQueeney, Stephen Mallow, Alex Watson
2/4 March Alessandro Giannini, Nadine MacRae, Marguerite Watson, Jane Tough-Noga, Linda Quanstrom, Mark Waymack,
6/8 March – Scott Simmons, Andrey Markov, Molly McQueeney, Stephen Mallow
6/8 March – Nadine MacRae, Alessandro Giannini, Marguerite Watson, Mark Waymack, Jane Tough-Noga,
Novice 2/4 March Isabella Watson, Bass Drumming - Amateur March, Strathspey, and Reel Lukas Keller, John Dempsey
Patrick Regan, piobaireachd judge For over forty years, Patrick Regan the Bagpiper has performed, competed and instructed in the ways of the Great Highland Bagpipe. He won his first professional competition at the age of 15 and has continued to entertain audiences and annoy judges to the present day. A native Texan, Patrick is the first graduate of the Bagpipe degree program at Carnegie Mellon University, the first degree of its kind in the world. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Music Performance (bagpipe), he has minors in Conducting and Drama, all of which become apparent during his lively stage performances. He has studied under numerous great piping instructors, as well as at the College of Piping in Glasgow, Scotland, where he developed a special interest and affinity for Piobaireachd, the ancient, classical music of the pipes. Patrick holds a Master of Arts degree in Adult Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and a Ph.D. in Music Education from Durham University in England. Patrick is a member of the EUSPBA Adjudicator’s Panel, and is certified to judge all aspects of Piping, but his particular affinity is Piobaireachd, the classical music of the bagpipe. He especially enjoys judging the entry level Adult Grade IV Senior Piobaireachd, because he remembers that his first teacher, his father, Jimmy Regan, started piping as an adult. To Patrick, the perfect day of judging is to be able to sit under a tree at the far side of the games field and enjoy listening to adult beginners try their hand at the ancient and noble music of Auld Caledonia.
Memories of 2017
Celtic Vibe Heather & Shawn 201-841-5177 thecelticvibe@gmail.com
Highland dancing The dances you will see today, though all loosely called Highland dances, are divided into Highland Dances and National dances. Highland Dances were originally performed only by men, often before and after battle, and require considerable stamina. Many of the National dances, however, were devised for female interpretation and are less athletic and more graceful. Authorities on dancing have said that Highland Dancing is one of the most sophisticated forms of national dancing known. The main points to look for while watching Highland Dancing are the precision and timing of the steps and the leg, body and arm positions. The dancer should appear relaxed and well in control of the movements. Since 1950 the Scottish Official Board of Highland Dancing (SOBHD) has set standards for performance and judge’s scoring. There are many accepted steps for each dance, some of which are required in competition by the SOBHD and others, which are optional. All dancers do not, therefore, dance the same steps
HIGHLAND DANCES SWORD DANCE. Warriors using their sword and scabbard in the form of a cross to mark the dancing spot traditionally performed this dance on the eve of battle. If the warrior danced without touching the sword with his feet it was believed that the clan would be successful in battle. The originator of the modern sword dance is thought to have been Malcolm Canmore, son of King Duncan, who after killing one of MacBeth's chiefs in battle in 1057, placed his sword on top of that of his opponent and triumphantly danced over them. HIGHLAND FLING. This is danced on the spot without traveling steps since the Highland warrior on his targe originally performed it after battle. SEANN TRIUBHAS. Seann triubhas is Gaelic for "old trousers" and the dance derives from the hatred of the Scots for the law enacted in 1746 forbidding the use of the kilt by the Highland clans. The dance symbolizes kicking off the trousers and the quick steps at the end of the dance suggest the freedom of movement afforded by the kilt. IRISH JIG. This dance has nothing in common with the true Irish Jig of Ireland but is rather a take off of an Irish washerwoman angry with her husband. Whereas the dance should be danced by a boy and a girl together, often the girl's part only is danced in competition. STRATHSPEY AND HIGHLAND REEL. This dance starts with the slow tempo of the strathspey and later changes to the fast tempo of a reel. It is performed by four dancers in formation.
Courtney McHale
scottish NATIONAL DANCES SAILOR'S HORNPIPE. The Hornpipe is one of the traditional solo dances of the British Isles deriving its name from the hornpipe, an English folk wind instrument made from ox horn. The dance, popularized by sailors, is now performed in nautical costume by dancers who depict daily shipboard activities such as rope hauling, climbing, and looking out to sea. SCOTTISH LILT. When girls started entering dancing competitions they had to dress in the same costume as the men. In 1952 the Aboyne games committee insisted that all female competitors wear the traditional costume of the 17th century, known as the Arisaidh Dress. FLORA MacDONALD This dance is performed in the Arisaidh dress and honors the national hero who saved Bonnie Prince Charlie from capture after Culloden. Developed primarily for female interpretation, it is less vigorous than the Highland dances and draws from classical ballet for many of the steps. TULLOCH This is a four person dance done to reel time. It begins in the shape of a square and ends in a line. The dancer finishes the dance in the position the dance begins. BARRACKS JOHNNIE
Wilt thou go to the barracks, Johnny? is a national dance in Highland Dancing, and was originally a recruitment dance for the Scottish Army. It is usually performed wearing the highland dance costume. This dance is supposed to represent the strength, agility, and determination the soldier received while going through training. It is commonly danced to the pipe march The Barren Rocks of Aden
HIGHLAND DANCING demonstration
The Isle of Skye Highland Dancers from Dunedin, Florida compete throughout the Southeastern United States. Many of the dancers performing today also perform and compete in piping and drumming with the Dunedin Middle, High School and Dunedin City Pipe Bands. Isle of Skye dancers have performed at the Sarasota Opera House and the Rialto Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia. The Isle of Skye Choreomagic team recently won Best Overall Production and Best Overall Impression at the International Gathering of Scottish Highland Dance at the Orange County Convention Center and Walt Disney World. Dancers: Kennedy Poth, Madison Poth, Elizabeth Gogola, Ashlyn Welch and Victoria Rowley. Instructor: Lindsey Dubock Mallon
sheep herding
Stuart and Lucia’s Border Collies Sheep Dog Demonstrations combine a wealth of canine and livestock knowledge, which they use daily on their farm. Stuart has worked and trained dogs for many years, both for farm use and herding competitions, while Lucia, an experienced public speaker, brings their demonstrations to life with her dialogue. Stuart was raised on a small Scottish farm comprised of two small residences – Lambdoughty Farm and Craigmalloch Farm, with the latter serving as the namesake of their Florida kennel. The farm in Scotland ran a small flock of about 2400 head of Scottish Blackface sheep, whose wool is well known for making the best Harris tweed and Axminster carpets. Foreshadowing their lives to come, one of the couple’s first dates was whelping a litter of puppies, two of which they still have and train: Dairsie and Hailes. In addition, they now have a moderate flock of Scottish Blackface sheep of their own, which they raise on the small farm where they train their six Border Collies – Rock, Crockett, Keene, Dairsie, Hailes and Tyne – to work stock and participate in herding competitions. Stuart also makes shepherds crooks from sheep horn and was recently approached to serve as the subject of a documentary about the dying art. Lucia has proved to be a natural at caring for the stock and learning the art of herding, and recently competed in her first herding event, placing a very creditable third. Lucia’s medical background and her intense love of animals empower her greatly, making her a very valuable and devoted farm partner for Stuart. Together they deliver lambs during the season and make sure their flock and all their dogs remain in superior health. It is a full time job, as anyone who has been around livestock can confirm. Craigmalloch Border Collies is grateful to the following sponsors: Malabar Farm and Feed, Taste of the Wild, Express Signs, Excel Solar, and Flint and Flame
SCOTTISH COUNTRY DANCING
Scottish Country Dancing in Southeast Florida Scottish Country Dancing (SCD) is an exciting form of group dance enjoyed around the world by old and young alike. It is social and cooperative, rather than competitive, and involves groups of mixed couples of dancers tracing progressive patterns according to predetermined choreography. Unlike Highland dancing, SCD can be enjoyed from youth to advanced years. Groups of two or more dancers can participate, although most commonly danced in “sets” of six to ten dancers. A partner is not needed, making this form of dance suitable for singles as well as couples. It is a great way to make new friends while enjoying the music and physical, as well as mental, exercise. The Royal Scottish Country Dance Society was formed to preserve and promote this traditional form of dance. RSCDS publishes old and new dances, and produces suitable recordings for many of the dances. There are branches around the world, so dancers can join a group or class wherever they may be. In addition to SCD, Ceilidh (Party) dances are also taught, especially before ceilidhs. These dances are generally simpler with less formal steps, so they can be taught quickly and enjoyed by large numbers of dancers. Many are “mixers”, where dancers change partners or groups in order to meet and greet more people, a great way to transform strangers into friends. Classes are available in the Fort Lauderdale area (Sunrise), held weekly throughout most of the year. Visitors are always welcome. Throughout the year workshop are held around the state in Sebring, Gainesville, and Cocoa Beach. In addition, country dance balls are held in Sarasota and Dunedin, and there is dancing at highland games in Orlando and here in Southeast Florida. Visit our website for more information: www.rscdsorlandobranch.org
35years of memories
Gail the weaver
Tom Smith’s CHILDREN’s Games
Gail Woodcum has been weaving for over 20 years and is a long time member of the Intracoastal Weavers Guild. She had been handweaving tartans for over half of that time. While researching tartan weaving, she learned of her own Scottish background. Gail has taught handweaving for many years both in public classes and privately. Her works have been displayed throughout the State of Florida and nationwide. She greatly enjoys demonstrating the age-old art of handweaving, but especially tartans with their beautiful colors and history.
The Children’s Games, founded by Tom Smith, and now run by Betty and Steve Rogers, are a special part of the festival with a chance for children to enjoy the caber toss, tug-of-war, sack races, and other activities
42nd highlanders
The 42nd Royal Highland Regiment is a re-enactment group that portrays the regiment as it would have appeared in the 1760s – 1780s. The actual 42nd Royal Highland Regiment (known as The Black Watch) was raised in the mid-1700s in Scotland, and fought in America during the Seven Years War (“French & Indian War”), as well as the Revolutionary War, fighting for the King. The re-enactment group just celebrated 33 years as a re-enactment regiment. One of their first events was the Southeast Florida Scottish Games in Miami 33 years ago. Signing the passport at Clan Guthrie
Scholarships Mission Fulfilling its mission to promote higher education and to showcase the Scottish culture, the Scottish American Society of South Florida annually offers scholarships in the arts (piping, drumming, highland dancing, fiddling) and academics for candidates in Monroe, Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. Applicants must be students who have graduated from high school or will graduate in the 2016-2017 school year, and will attend any accredited technical college or university program. Since the scholarship program started, the Society has awarded 130 performing arts and 58 academic scholarships at a cost of approximately $21,000 and $33,000 respectively, and has spent approximately $10,000 on piping, drumming, fiddling and dancing workshops over the years. For more information about our scholarship program and/or to download an application form, please visit: www.SASSF.org/Scholarships.
Academic Scholarships Elizabeth Lanzon
Studying the effects of music on the brain. (neuroscience) at Florida Atlantic University
Elise Anderson
DINE TO DONATE In 2011, we started a “Restaurant of the Month”. We all enjoy these evenings of conversation and piping, and SASSF receives a portion of sales. Places we went to in 2017/18 The Pub, Pembroke Pines BJs, Pembroke Pines Blue Moon Diner, Cooper City The Field, Dania Beach Pizza Loft, Davie Flanigan’s, Fort Lauderdale Beef O’Brady’s, Cooper City
All are welcome so check www.SASSF.org each month for the time and place.
SCOTTISH CULTURAL GROUPS PIPE BANDS
Piping and Drumming Scholarships Deborah Jones
St. Andrews Pipe Band, Miami: PM Nigel MacDonald, 786-205-5350
Attended the Invermark Piping and Drumming School
Police Pipe Band, Ft. Lauderdale: PM Dave Campbell, 305 481 3873
Linda Quanstrom
Ft. Lauderdale Highlanders: PM Bill McFarlane, 954-471-2540 Attended the North American Academy of Piping, North Carolina
Harp and Thistle Pipe Band Rob Shouy – 954-275-9700 Studying Liberal Arts at Florida State University.
Luis Gallardo
Palm Beach Pipes and Drums PM Allan Baird, 561-613-5846 COUNTRY DANCING Sunrise Senior Center, Broward, Rinthy Aman, 954-791-6873
Stephen Mallow
HIGHLAND DANCING Miami, Wanda Albritton, 305-490-3515
Attended the Invermark Piping and Drumming School
SOCIAL CLUBS: Scottish American Society of Palm Beach: Bill Burkett, 561-743-9129
Studying Computer Science at the University of Florida
CURLING
Gaelic football
Eve Muirhead, captain of the Scottish Ladies team “For centuries curling has been a favourite game in Scotland. In fact, during the first two thirds of the nineteenth century it can be said emphatically that it was the Scottish game�. Now with Curling becoming a popular viewing experience on the Winter Olympic programming it is experiencing a growth that has never been seen before. Only 4 years ago curling was played in only one place in Florida, now we are up to 5 locations across the state where you can play this fun team sport. Curling is easy to learn but hard to master. Please stop by our display and we will show you more about the equipment and the stones and we will educate you about the history and culture of this great Scottish export to the World. Florida Curling Club plays at the Palm Beach Ice Works arena. Located at 1590 N Florida Mango Rd, West Palm Beach, FL 33409. Call (561) 656-4046 for details and dates. The Florida Curling Club is a Not for Profit organization that is dedicated to the growth and support of the sport of Curling in all of Florida.
The South Florida Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is the dedicated organization for the counties of Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach for the Gaelic sports of Hurling and Gaelic Football. We are a passionate group that seeks to raise awareness of the Irish sports of Hurling and Gaelic Football in the sunshine state of Florida. Our club is small but rapidly growing. We have been active in the South Florida since 2011 and have swiftly evolved into the premiere GA.A. club of the tri-county area. Our members come from diverse backgrounds including Irish born, North American, Caribbean and South American. South Florida GAA is a dynamic and inclusive organization with a full calendar of events throughout the year. Currently, we field an adult (co-ed) team that competes on both a local and regional level, and presently developed a strong youth program. You can follow us on Facebook, Instagram, twitter or Visit our Website (Just look for the key words South Florida GAA)
THE SUZUKI JAMBOREE
with Tarra Guerra
The Suzuki Jamboree is a group of fiddlers, guitarists and singers who are students of Tarra Guerra, a local musician and teacher. The performers are mostly children ranging from age two on up through high school to adulthood. This long-time group of rotating students has been performing locally since 2006. Trained in classical violin and guitar in the Suzuki method, they can play in many styles. They have performed at local Scottish, Irish and Bluegrass festivals, and for various community and benefit concerts. New Zealand born singer, composer and musician Tarra Guerra is a trained classical guitarist and violinist with a recent Masters in Music. She was brought up in North Carolina where she learned to love mountain folk music, an interest which continued in New Zealand where she played traditional Celtic music at folk festivals throughout the country while obtaining degrees in chemistry. In New York City she branched out into original alternative and folk rock, performing with her band in virtually every club and coffee house in the city, and later in Nashville, Seattle and Miami, with several self-produced chick-rock, folk rock, and country solo albums to her credit. After moving to Florida, Tarra has long worked professionally as a Celtic and country fiddler and guitarist, as well as gigging in classical and rock/jazz/pop styles. Meanwhile she runs Guerra Music and the Suzuki Strings South Florida teaching studio where she teaches Suzuki violin and guitar, including plenty of fiddling.
flowers of the forest Ralph Robertson MD 59, passed away January 25, 2018. Ralph was a dedicated member of the Clan Donnachaidh Society of Florida, and served as Treasurer from 2012 to mid2017. He was always willing to help and supported the Clan at many Scottish festivals.
Edward Wallace Noga was born April 18, 1983 and passed away April 07, 2017 at the age of 33. He was involved with the Scottish Society since he was a baby. His parents, Ed and Jane Noga took him to Scottish Country Dancing for several years where he heard the highland music and watched the dancers. When he was 6 years old he learned to play the violin. He played classical and fiddle music enjoying many styles. Some of his mentors that he played with were violin stars such as Mark O'Conner, Vasser Clements, Buddy Spiker, Johnny Gimble, Claude Williams and Natalie McMasters. With his sister Julia who played in harmony with him, they enjoyed playing in several ceilidhs for the Scottish American Society of South Florida. His six year old son, Edward Andrew Noga, enjoyed riding on his father's shoulders around the games field and playing all the children's games. Edward Wallace, was a very talented young man who left us too soon and will be sorely missed.
John H. Cassidy, Jr., July 26, 1928 to February 17, 2017, was born in Buffalo, NY, and graduated in 1952 with a B.S. in Economics from Canisius College. Following his graduation, he married Kathleen Ann Mack of Buffalo, and enlisted in the U.S. Army where he served three years as a Russian translator, during the Korean War. After his honorable discharge from the Army in 1955, John joined the General Electric Company, Lamp Division. After fourteen years, he left General Electric to establish several companies in Miami, including John Cassidy International, Inc, where the palettes of Scottish Festival equipment have been stored at no cost since the first Games, 35 years ago. Without this very generous help we would probably not be operating today, due to high cost of storage.
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For information on upcoming games and festivals throughout the United States contact the Association of Scottish Games and Festivals at: http://www.asgf.org For Scottish Games go to: http://www.rspba.org