Are you joining us for the Clan MacNeil AGM at PNW Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering?

We are getting excited for the upcoming Clan MacNeil Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the membership (AGM), which will be held on July 22, 2023 at 3 PM during the Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering held in Enumclaw, WA (near Seattle). We hope you'll be in attendance at this amazing event where we'll report on the work of CMAA and discuss future plans and initiatives of our esteemed clan.

Are you planning to attend?

To assist us with the planning, please kindly RSVP by responding to our short survey, located here: https://forms.gle/TgZRnC28NruMoqhL6 We'd appreciate a response by July 7, 2023 so we can finalize any arrangements. We look forward to your positive response and eagerly anticipate a memorable AGM filled with meaningful discussions and enjoyable activities.

About the PNW Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering

The 76th annual Pacific Northwest Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering are planned for July 21, 22, & 23, 2023 at the Enumclaw Expo Center (45224 284th Ave SE Enumclaw, WA 98022). The activities begin at 5 PM PT on Friday and continue according to the daily event schedule on the SSHGA site.

Clan MacNeil AGM

CMAA Annual General Meeting at the games, food will be available (will include a Haggis presentation)

Interested in Sticking Around?

In addition to the AGM, we would also like to gauge your interest in participating in a group activity during the gathering. We believe that engaging in a shared experience will further strengthen the bonds within our clan. We have a few ideas and, depending on the amount of interest we'll look into arranging or coordinating transportation. Suggestion are welcome via the "RSVP Survey".

General Schedule of Events

Thurs. (7/20/2023): 

  • Day trip into Seattle's Pike Place Market and (time permitting) Seattle Center/Space Needle (time TBD)
  • Evening at Renton Civic Center including pizza, snacks, a showing of Whisky Galore (1949), and fellowship

Fri. (7/21/2023): 

  • Friday events at the games are free to all
  • Those willing can come out to tthe games during the afternoon (starting at 2:00 pm) and help set up our space for the weekend games. 
  • 5:00 pm - Food Booths, Pubs and Vendors are allowed to open
  • 6:30 pm - Pipping Competition and other festivities begin 
  • 8:30 pm - Rising of the Clans and Flaming Saltaire 

Sat. (7/22/2023): 

  • 8:00 am - competitions, music and festivities begin.
  • 12:30 pm - opening ceremony 
  • 3:00 pm – CMAA Annual General Meeting at the games, food will be available (will include a Haggis presentation)
  • 6 pm – Cailidh on site 

Sun. (7/23/2023): 

  • 8:00 am - competitions, music and festivities continue.
  • 5:00 pm – closing ceremonies and the Massing of the Pipes and Drums

Mon. (7/24/2023): 

If those in attendance are so interested another group activity will be planned (discussion will be held over the weekend). 

Are you joining us for the Clan MacNeil AGM at PNW Scottish Highland Games & Clan Gathering? Read More »

Join the Clan MacNeil Team of Volunteers!

Calling all Clan MacNeil enthusiasts! Are you looking for a chance to support your favorite clan and make a difference? Look no further! The Clan MacNeil Association of America (CMAA) is always seeking dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers to join our team. If you're interested in supporting our mission and making an impact, we'd love to hear from you.

As a member-run organization, we rely on the dedication and support of our volunteers to help us achieve our goals. For each of the various volunteer roles available within our organization, we'd like to have a backup. Ideally, this would be someone who can help now and potentially lead for the job in the future. We understand that circumstances change, and we want to make sure we have continuity in our operations. 

State Commissioners

One of the many exciting volunteer opportunities available is that of a State Commissioner. As a State Commissioner, you'll represent CMAA at local highland games and festivals by hosting the Clan MacNeil tent. You'll have the opportunity to connect with CMAA members, meet new people, and promote the Clan MacNeil heritage and traditions.

Administrative roles

Prefer behind-the-scenes work? We've got plenty of administrative positions to help run the organization. We're always looking to expand our membership team, merchandise, and funding, among other standard admin roles. Some of these roles are filled by dedicated individuals taking on multiple responsibilities. We'd love to welcome more hands to lighten the load and not burn out our current team.

Contributing to the fun

In the Operations arena, we need content creators for our blog, social media, podcast, and magazine. If you enjoy writing or creating content, this could be the perfect volunteer role for you.

We could also use help is with arranging CMAA trips. Our president puts together clan trips every few years, and enjoys doing it. He's always open to input and would be happy to include new ideas and share the coordination of trip arrangements.

Help in a simple ways

You can support us in simple ways too. Engage with us on social media, liking, commenting, and sharing our posts. Your participation spreads awareness, promotes Scottish heritage, and connects with fellow enthusiasts. Even with limited time, your social media support greatly contributes to our cause.

No matter your interests or experience level, we have a volunteer role to fit your needs. Whether aspiring to be a full- or part-time State Commissioner, assisting with administration, or actively contributing to content creation, we enthusiastically welcome you to join our team. Reach out to President Kenny McNeil at volunteers@clanmacneilusa.us to get started and learn more about available volunteer opportunities. Together, let's preserve and celebrate Scottish heritage.

Join the Clan MacNeil Team of Volunteers! Read More »

wood, desktop, paper-3240764.jpg

Calling All CMAA Members! It’s time to send in your articles for The Galley

What is The Galley?

Published twice a year, "The Galley" is a family literary magazine by the Clan MacNeil Association of America (CMAA). It represents the international diaspora of Clan MacNeil kin, with a focus on cultural, historical, and personal accomplishments. Each issue features profiles of interesting MacNeils (of any of the related family sept names … think Neill, O’Neal, McNeill, and about 120 others), whose accomplishments run the gamut of fields of endeavor.

Our magazine highlights Scottish-related events in the US, from Highland games to Burn’s Night celebrations and reunions (including our Annual General Meeting). It includes the work of emerging poets, fiction writers, and essayists, artists, and cartoonists. There are reviews of books, films, and exhibitions, as well as CMAA officer and commissioner reports from around the country, as well as articles from kin abroad. We celebrate births, deaths, marriages, graduations, travels, public service, and other milestones. Our Clan Genealogist writes regular articles on genealogical discoveries and avenues for exploring family ties.

Significant Recognition

Do you know that the Library of Congress has accepted "The Galley"? Yes, it's true! Being accepted by the Library of Congress is a significant achievement for a publication. This is because the Library acquires only a small percentage of published items and it indicates that the publication has cultural, historical, or other significant value.

The Galley was a top-performing publication in the Family Tree Newsletter Contest, which was sponsored by the Odom Genealogy Library for ten years, from 1995 to 2004. The publication won several awards during this period, including first place in the Magazine category and the Grand Prize (for all categories) for four consecutive years. In 2002, a new category was added, the Master's Class Division, and The Galley won this category in 2002, 2003, and 2004.

Content We Love

The CMAA is always seeking contributions for its bi-annual magazine "The Galley". As a platform for bringing our family together and introducing them to interesting people/events around the country and around the globe, we share items of family interest in "The Galley". It provides a great opportunity for members to showcase their talents and share their stories with others.

We welcome contributions in a variety of forms, including:

  • Family stories and personal profiles
  • Accomplishments
  • Genealogical information
  • Scottish event details and news
  • Poetry, art, music, dance, humor, and recipes
  • Book, CD, and DVD reviews
  • Travel adventures
  • Births, graduations, weddings, and obituaries
  • Scottish cultural items
  • Tales regarding heirlooms, homes, and businesses in the family
  • Reunions
  • Community service projects (on a local or even international scale)
  • Historical documents and accounts
  • Games competitions (all areas)

We welcome your contributions, whether you enjoy writing, sharing your genealogical research, or have a talent for creating works of art. Submit your work today and help preserve the legacy of the MacNeil Clan for future generations.

Submit Your Content Now!

To submit your work for publication in "The Galley," please send your text as a Word document or email and submit the highest-quality photos via email to TheGalley@clanmacneilusa.us. The Galley team will review the submission and contact you with any questions. Another submission option for members is to log in to the website and submit through the portal. If you need to send your contribution through the mail, contact Editor Vicki Corporon to make arrangements. We look forward to hearing from you!

Deadline for contributions for the Fall/Winter edition: September 15th
Deadline for contributions for the Spring/Summer: March 15th

The Clan MacNeil Association of America is a non-profit organization with a mission to preserve and promote the heritage and culture of the MacNeil Clan. The association serves as a resource for individuals of MacNeil descent and those interested in Scottish heritage, providing opportunities for members to connect with like-minded individuals. To advance its mission, the association sponsors events, publishes "The Galley," and maintains a website.

Calling All CMAA Members! It’s time to send in your articles for The Galley Read More »

Join Us for the 2023 Annual General Meeting!

We can't wait to meet you in Seattle!

This year's Clan MacNeill Association of America's Annual General Meeting will be held in conjunction with the Seattle Scottish Highland Games. These games are held July 21-23, 2023 at the Enumclaw Expo Center.

Our hosts, Bill & Ellen Huls and Jennifer MacNeill are working with our President Kenny McNeil to plan the meeting, including the general business and entertainment. We're hoping to have some special visitors from Clan MacNeil Canada join us and make this an international reunion. The Games, of course, are part of the agenda. You won't want to miss the Clan MacNeil tent which always gets rave reviews. We've heard a rumor that Bill and Ellen, our Washington State Commissioner and Lady, are doing a tent re-model that's sure to be amazing!

Things to do

Beyond the games, there is A LOT to do in the Pacific Northwest. Beauty surrounds you on all sides, with the majestic Cascade Mountains towering in the east filled with National Parks suited to the outdoors enthusiasts. Stop by bustling Pike Street Market and take in the site of the fish mongers tossing (and catching) freshly-caught salmon to the cheers of the passers-by. The Puget Sound supports all sorts of water traffic including the U.S.'s largest ferry system. And of course, the iconic and distinctive Space Needle can be seen from many vantage points throughout the city. There's so much more than we can list here, if there is something specific you have questions about, reach out, our hosts are very proud of their home state and knowledgeable of the area.

If you're planning to stay a while, maybe come out a little bit early and take in the Skagit Valley Highland games as well. We don't have solid dates yet but Skagit is usually held two weeks prior to Seattle. Our VP of Membership, Jennifer, runs the tent there and would love to see you. Check the Littlefield Celtic Arts Foundation's webpage for updates.

We're going to be there and hope you will be too! So, go ahead and book your travel to get to Seattle, your closest major airport is SeaTac if you're flying. We'll keep sharing updates as we have them, including hotel recommendations, and event details. Keep a lookout on our social media platforms and the next edition of The Galley, Spring/Summer 2023 Galley.

Join Us for the 2023 Annual General Meeting! Read More »

Quartermaster Needed

We have volunteer position to fill with Clan Macneil of America Association. We are in need of a new Quartermaster. After many years of faithful service our current Quartermaster, Kelli Werkmeister, has to move on to fulfill new personal commitments. 

We are beginning the search for a replacement. 

Requirements include:

  • A few hours each month maintaining our inventory of Clan Macneil merchandise.
  • Skill to ship material as needed and small area for storage of current inventory. 

If interested please contact me (Kenny McNeil) via email at President@ClanMacneilUSA.us

We thank Kelli for her service to our organization and wish her all the best as she moves forward.

\

Quartermaster Needed Read More »

Reaching Out to Our Scottish Community

During this unprecedented time, we are very anxious of what is happening across the globe. With Scottish events being heavily impacted by postponements and cancellations worldwide, members of our Scottish community organisations cannot get out to attend and celebrate Scotland as we have all enjoyed in the past.

Please feel free to download the latest issue of the Scottish Banner, which I hope may play a small role in helping to keep members feeling connected to Scotland in this time of social distancing.

If your group has any general news or is doing anything specifically during this extraordinary time, please share it with us so we can share with our readers and followers as now more than ever is the time the Scottish community needs to stand together and support one another. We host the world’s leading international Scottish events listing and our site is being updated daily, if your group has an event change please let us know so the wider Scottish community can keep up to date.

I look forward to when our community can get back to normal and celebrate our great culture, in the meantime the Scottish Banner stands ready in any way we can to assist and support Scottish community organisations both now and in the future.

Best wishes,

Sean Cairney, The Scottish Banner

E: info@scottishbanner.com

Reaching Out to Our Scottish Community Read More »

Our new and refreshed website is live!

You asked for a stream-lined, modern take and we’ve delivered. The updated site includes changes to navigation by adding dropdown menus for both mobile and desktop views of the website. We’ve also improved the layout of the information, presenting it so you can read it quickly and dive in for more if you choose. One of our favorite updates is the addition of more photos of actual CMAA members throughout the site. There are a bunch of smaller but impactful changes.

Your old favorites are there – becoming a member, adding to our collective genealogy, merchandise, and clan history. Our events are now listed on our embedded Google calendar but also on the individual state page. If you can’t find something you know was there before, let us know and we’ll do our best to help!

Our Webmaster’s new favorite is the CMAA Blog which is designed to share time-sensitive information, announcements, and extend the reach of The Galley. The blog will be authored by multiple voices – look for multiple CMAA members to share articles about travel, useful websites, or even tidbits of clan history. The CMAA Blog is tightly coupled with our social media channels so you can see that information on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, or Google+.

As a CMAA member, you will also be able to sign up to access ‘member’ content – like forms, scholarship applications, and eventually our CMAA genealogy research. We are still building this section of the website so more to come in the upcoming Galley.

We hope you’ll stop by often, let us know what you like, and share your suggestions for improvements or information to add. The website is a ‘living’ site and we’re adding new stuff all the time. Let us hear from you!

Our new and refreshed website is live! Read More »

Submit Your Article for The Galley

1 Comment /

It’s that time of year again! Article submissions for the Fall/Winter 2018 Galley are due September 15th. Please send your stories and photos about Scottish games and events, family history and reunions, major accomplishments, births/deaths/graduations, travels (particularly to Scotland/Ireland), poetry/dance/art, and just fascinating tidbits that remind us of the joy of being alive and connected! Your Galley Editor, Vicki Corporon, is waiting with an anticipatory smile and a lilt in her walk on the way to the mailbox (at the road or on the computer) to see what you've sent! Contact info and submission guidelines are in the most recent issue of The Galley.

Submit Your Article for The Galley Read More »

DNA Results and Your Privacy

1 Comment /

Hello Everyone! Alissa, Clan Macneil USA Genealogist, here.

In light of the recent news that DNA led to the capture of the Golden State Killer, many have asked if that means their DNA results have been used or compromised. I'm posting to shed light on DNA results.

If you don't already know, if you test with companies such as Ancestry.com, 23andMe, or FamilyTreeDNA, your DNA is subject to privacy rights. These companies' terms of service dictate that they will not be used or sold unless a Court of Law issues a direct warrant to use a very specific DNA result.

This is NOT what happened in the case of the Golden State Killer (GSK).

Instead, police uploaded the GSK's DNA sequence to GEDmatch in the hopes of a match to someone else. GEDmatch is a voluntary service where an individual CHOOSES to upload his or her own DNA results to allow for more matches than any one company can provide. GEDmatch is designed to allow anyone from anywhere testing with any company to share and compare results. It's considered a free and public service. The terms of service to use GEDmatch warns that because it's free and public that anyone might use what's there for other-than-genealogical purposes.

If you feel that this is something you cannot support, GEDmatch recommends you remove your DNA file from their site. If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reply here or email me, Alissa, at clanmacneilusagenealogy@gmail.com.

DNA Results and Your Privacy Read More »