Clan MacLeod Societies of Canada

Congratulations, Ian and Judy. On July 1 2012 at the Clan MacLeod Gathering in Washington DC, Ian and Judy were awarded the Canadian Outstanding Clansperson award for years of activity.  As Ian wasn't able to attend, Neil McLeod presented him with his award at the AGM of the Clan MacLeod Society of Greater Vancouver in Vancouver in November.  In 23 years, only 23 have been awarded so quite an honour.  Judy attended the NAG and received her award there.

June 23rd ~ Highland Games ~

Bill and Allan

Once again Clan MacLeod members celebrated our Scottish heritage at the Highland Games. Ian, Allan and Bill answered questions from passersby and those interested in their MacLeod roots.  The rain held off this year thankfully.  Lots of activities were happening to make the day another great one with Scottish pipers, athletes, dancers, singers and vendors as well as other clans in their colourful tartans.

Ian Relays for Rick Hansen

Ian did his leg of the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary cross Canada relay this morning. Our group was the first off of the day (6:50 am!) Great honour. Some pictures in my personal album. A bunch of professional ones will be at http://www.flickr.com/photos/rickhansenfoundation/sets (May 21 - Day 272) later today.

North American Gathering and Other Upcoming Events

Hello all,

If you have an e-mail listed in the ACMS Clan MacLeod magazine you are receiving this e-mail. For many it will be a repeat from me yesterday so I'll apologize up front.

Attached is the 2012 NAG schedule of events which is posted on NAG website. I've also attached the NAG flyer and registration form previously posted on the NAG website. http://www.wix.com/sdrakem/2012-nag

Please pass onto your members and promote in your respective regions. Post elsewhere (“everywhere”) as needed. The 2012 NAG registrations received and hotel bookings are rising…but slow. Let's all get the "word" out again soonest….and often!

Please let all know that one would be hard pressed to find a more readily accessible and more entertaining location in North America during the Summer season than Alexandria, Virginia….and at a reasonable cost. The 2012 NAG program of scheduled events coupled with the Crowne Plaza Hotel accommodations is the least expensive NAG in 16-years!

Clan MacLeod Society USA mid-Atlantic region is looking forward to hosting the 2012 NAG but more importantly looking forward to seeing you…and your friends! Feel free to contact me with any questions or concerns. Thanks!

Best Regards,

Stephen MacLeod, mid-Atlantic RVP

sdrakem@aol.com

stephen.macleod@pentagon.af.mil

Cell/ (703) 725-2679

Home/(703) 260-2436

March 4, 2012 Michael Flatley is in Kamloops and dinner for those interested before his show let me know. 250-378-5115

March 10, 2012 Merritt St. Patrick’s fund raiser for Interior MacLeods at 2058 Granite Avenue $15 Merritt tickets 250-378-5115

March 18, 2012 Port Canaveral MacLeod cruise on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines meet in the library Mar 19, 2012 9:00 am phone 1-250-378-5115

June 28, 2012 North American Gathering at Alexandria near Wasington D.C. check the MacLeod website for info

August 17,2012 Chocolate and Wine Festival in Merritt for McLeods (and others of course) behind Dr. McLeod’s office in Merritt 250-378-5115

Canadian Highland Games almost all summer weekends in Canada BC games Coquitlam, Victoria, Kamloops, Glengarry, Fergus, Montreal etc

We want to bring Penny DeGraff’s Gaelic singing and music back to Merritt soon from Seattle

And much more as the clan mobilizes to keep the spirit alive of our heritage.

Sincerely, Dr. Don McLeod (Merritt Holding Fast)

Highland Games Urgently Seek Volunteers

Sent on behalf of the BC Highland Games Committee

To the Scottish Community of Greater Vancouver:

After a continuous 130-year existence, The BC Highland Games is threatened with extinction. Two key factors contribute to this distinct risk.

LACK OF VOLUNTEERS and risk to our financial backer the United Scottish Cultural Society. In order for the games to continue and provide the pre-eminent venue in Western Canada for the furthering of competitive Piping, Dancing, and Bands, WE NEED HELP.

Take your hand off your wallet! WE NEED VOLUNTEERS

In the past two years, a key group of dedicated volunteers have either retired from active participation or reduced their participation in the organization of the event. Many of these people contributed hundreds of hours individually and collectively and their donation of time is immeasurable. We thank them sincerely for their contribution.

NOW WE NEED NEW BLOOD!

In order to continue we need to fill several key positions on our Organizing Committee:

* Finance/Accounting manager
* Sponsorship/Sales
* Public & Media Relations manager
* Volunteer coordinator
* Webmaster

These key positions MUST be filled before the organizing committee will even contemplate moving towards developing a plan for 2012. Contact one of the continuing Organizing Committee Members below AS SOON AS POSSIBLE to volunteer.

The estimated time commitment for the open positions varies, however 10 hours per month is realistic for February through May and likely 15 to 20 in June depending upon the job. This amounts to about 2 1/2 hours a week and about 4 hours a week in June.

Additionally, we need volunteers to assist with less time intensive roles such as:

* Parking and traffic coordination
* Signage/program production (a printing background would be good)
* VIP coordinator
* Ticket manager

WE ALSO NEED 50 TO 75 VOLUNTEERS ON THE DAY OF THE GAMES.

If you know someone in Grade 11 or Grade 12, and if volunteer hours are still a requirement for graduation, this would be a fantastic way of earning some of those valuable volunteer hours.

We presently have a group of four Organizing Committee Members, which is insufficient to pull off this event. If you are committed to the continuation of this 130 year history, please contact Jim Bain (604-435-0764) or Glenna Urbshadt (604-224-5479).

We appreciate your serious consideration of our request and look forward to hearing from many of you.

Sincerely,
Jim Bain
Glenna Urbshadt
Joan Drabyk
Donald Ross