GREAT LAKES REGION

On Saturday, September 28, 2008 the Great Lakes Region capped off a very successful and exciting games and festival season with our tent at the Midlothian Scottish fair which is located in one of the southern Chicago suburbs.  Not only did several clan members drop by, including former president Bill C. MacLeod and family, we had the opportunity to watch Jean Stein, one of our own, dance.  Not only has Jean won many highland dance awards over the years, this past year in Denver she was named the United States Inter-Regional Champion in the 12 & under 14 age group.  We are so very proud of her accomplishments.

The year started in Alma and what a great start it was.  At one of the largest games in the Midwest, Michigan commissioners Patrick and Erica McLeod did a great job by signing up 5 new members as well as winning “Best Clan Tent”.  Not only do we make a good impression on Clan Row, we proudly show our support for the arts and culture by giving piping and dancing trophies to up and coming young talent.  This year piper Tyler Tagliaferro won the Dame Flora award and dancer Makaela Johnson won the McLeod-O’Neil award.

In early June we headed over to Fort Wayne to help out Indiana commissioner, Michael MacLeod.  Pat and Bill G. MacLeod also headed over from Illinois to lend a hand.  Even though it is a rather small event, new member Patricia Harrold signed up.

The following weekend was the Illinois Saint Andrew Society games held in the Chicago area.  Attendance was down somewhat this year due to storms on Friday night and Saturday morning, but after getting off to a soggy start, we had a great time with many area members stopping by.  We put on quite a show during the Parade of Tartans.  With over 40 clans in attendance, Clan MacLeod won the “Best Pageantry” award. We also welcomed new members Marcus McLeod, Scott Bonnell, Karen McCloud, Ian MacLeod, and John McLeod.  We look forward to seeing you at many future events.

Bill G. MacLeod presented the Founders trophy to piper John Maffett during the massed bands at the conclusion of the festivities. Bill G. is the Illinois Commissioner and co-chair in the planning and organization of the Clans of the St. Andrew Society.  Bill G. is also a committee member for the Arts and Culture Club and participant planner on the Board of Governors of the St. Andrews Society.  Clan members can read about all the Clan Games and upcoming events on the MacLeod website also created, maintained and edited by Bill G. www.clanmacleodusa.org.

The next weekend found us in Lorain, Ohio to work with commissioner, Deb McQueen.  National VP John N. MacLeod and Secretary, Judy was also there.  Due to a good soaking the night before the clans were in one of the cow barns at the fairgrounds which were somewhat out of the way and limited the number of visitors.  Deb is not only our commissioner but is also one of the fair organizers.  She also had the honor of presenting the McCrimmon trophy to piper Dave Mason.

From Lorain it was up to Ottawa, Canada for the North American Gathering. What a great time that was!  Our Canadian cousins put on quite an event.  The entertainment was just great and we had a wonderful time in this beautiful and historic nation’s capital.  The Great Lakes Region had a very good turnout. The high point was when one of our own, former president Bill C. MacLeod, was presented with the “Clansperson of the Year” award during the joint American-Canadian banquet.

Back to the states and on to Livonia (Detroit).  Again Patrick, Erica and daughter Isabella did a great job.  A beautiful day with non-Scottish weather.  We saw many old friends and made new ones with Sherry DeMaire, Ross McAvoy, and Nathanial Smith joining.

Two weeks later we had a “two for” weekend.  Sandy and I went to Kalamazoo while Bill G. and Pat, John and Judy headed to the Quad Cities to lend a hand to our Missouri Valley neighbors.

With Labor Day approaching and Upper Midwest RVP, Art Nichol being under the weather, Bill G. and Pat, John and Judy, as well as Sandy and I set up our tent at the Waukesha (Milwaukee) games.

All-in-all, it has been a busy and productive season. It is certainly is a pleasure making new friends and renewing old acquaintances.  I realize that not all members attend the games.  If you haven’t been going, please consider going next year.  Our clan tent provides refreshments and a place to rest while you are enjoying all the activities. Also, if you can be there to see the look on the face of that 12 year old dancer when we present her trophy, you realize just how important your support is.

Realize that there is a whole lot more to membership than newsletters and games.  We are looking forward to December and marching again in the Alexandria, Va. Christmas walk, the largest Scottish parade in the country.  Won’t you join us? During January, Burns Suppers are held all over the country.  If you haven’t been to one you are really missing out!  To see what is going on in the Great Lakes Region visit www.macleodgreatlakes.org and check back often.  If you have any questions about any events, please contact me at rmcleod17@comcast.net  Why not share your clan experiences?  With Christmas just around the corner, consider a gift membership for family members.

Respectfully submitted;

Robert J. McLeod – Great Lakes RVP