Michigan Tartan News!!

**pipesndrumsnun** · 20th March 08, 08:23 AM

Hey, there...
I did not see this posted in any of the discussions on wanting a Michigan tartan, check this out (from the St. Andrew's Society of Detroit website):

"CALLING ALL CLANSMEN AND WOMEN!!! NOW IS THE TIME TO UNITE THE CLANS! The fiery cross is sent!
Members of the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit, your help is needed to push our proposed Michigan tartan through the House and Senate.
Please contact your local representative to voice your support for Senate bill #SB1208 and House bill #HB5904 to honor Michigan with an official tartan.
The proposed Michigan tartan, created by Alpena artist Katie Meek, and approved and supported by Scottish groups throughout Michigan, including the St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit, is near to becoming a reality.
Now is the time to let your state officials know just how eager Michigan Scots are to honor Michigan with this gift.
Please help us by sharing this information with ALL of your Scottish friends and relatives living in Michigan.
Time is of the essence! Thanks for your support.

To contact your Senator: http://senate.mi.gov/index.htm
To contact your Representative: http://house.michigan.gov/find_a_rep.asp

The bill was referred to the committee on Local, Urban, and State Affairs which is chaired by Senator Van Woerkom (R - Muskegon).
Senator Birkholz (co-sponsor) is Vice-Chair of this committee. Also serving on the committee, Senators Allen, Gleason, and Basham.
All mailed correspondence can be sent addressed to the specific Senator at:
P.O. Box 30036
Lansing, MI 48909
Below is a list of people on the committee that you may contact in addition to your local representative - or pass it along to someone you may know in their district.

Senator Gerald VanWoerkom (Chair)
Mason, Oceana, Newaygo, and Muskegon Counties
Email:SenPBirkholz@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: 517.373.1635

Senator Patricia L. Birkholz (Vice-Chair and co-sponsor)
Allegan, Barry, and Eaton Counties
Email:SenPBirkholz@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: 517.373.3447

Senator Jason Allen
Grand Traverse, Antrim, Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Mackinac, and Chippewa Counties
Email:SenJAllen@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: 517.373.2413

Senator John Gleason (Minority Vice-Chair and co-sponsor)
(western half of Genesee County)
Email:SenJGleason@senate.michigan.gov Phone: 517.373.0142

Senator Raymond E. Bashum
(Romulus City, Wayne City, Taylor City, Southgate, City, Riverview City, Wyandotte City, Allen Park City, Lincoln Park City, Ecorse City, Melivindale City -- all within Wayne County)
Email:SenRBasham@senate.michigan.gov
Phone: 517.373.7800"

***They also have a photo of the Michigan tartan that has been designed and is up for approval; you can see it at this web address: http://www.highlandgames.com/

**pipesndrumsnun** · 20th March 08, 08:28 AM

"From Michigan Votes:

Introduced by Sen. Glenn Anderson on March 13, 2008, to estblish [sic] that henceforth and forever more (or at least until a future legislature and governor see fit to declare otherwise), the official Scottish tartan of the great state of Michigan shall be the one described by the Scottish hand weavers and textile designers "thread count" denoted by the phrase "BG18* W2 BG8 W2 T8 DG2 T4 DG24 DR4 DG4*," where the symbol "*" denotes 1/2 the total threads at the turning points. The bill is cosponsored by Senators John Gleason, Michael Prusi, Martha Scott, Deborah Cherry, Dennis Olshove, Michael Switalski, Raymond Basham, and Patricia Birkholz.
Referred to the Senate Local, Urban, & State Affairs Committee on March 13, 2008."

**michaelbeeman** · 20th March 08, 08:28 AM

OK! Word to my mother. I mean, I'll let my mother know so that she can tell her sisters in the UP.

**auld argonian** · 20th March 08, 08:33 AM

That is one nice tartan...best of luck in the campaign from at least one Illinoisian.

Best

AA

**pipesndrumsnun** · 21st March 08, 07:13 AM

Yesterday, I sent messages to Michigan Senators to offer my support and encouragement for the measure:

Dear Friends,

I just want to send this quick message to express my support for and interest in the attempt to create an official Michigan tartan! An official state tartan is a wonderful idea, one which has been adopted by many states.

Thank you for taking up this meaningful and delightful effort; Michigan Scots and many others, I'm sure, will find an official Michigan tartan to be a bright spot in these troubled times.

Thank you for your efforts!

Sincerely,

Sister Heidi L. King, CSJ*
St. Mark Church, Goodrich, Michigan
*A proud Michigander of Scottish and Irish descent and tartan wearer!

**SexyButler** · 21st March 08, 07:15 AM

Well, you just rock Sister!

**pipesndrumsnun** · 21st March 08, 07:25 AM

Just sent the message to the Michigan Reps, too!

If I sell those drums, maybe I'll have to get a Michigan tartan kilt!!

**michaelbeeman** · 21st March 08, 08:35 AM

Sister, you do rock! Thanks from a native Michigander. I will also craft a letter of support. Tho I haven't lived in the Soo for many years, my mother has family on both penninsulas, and I'll have her give the rallying cry!

(I would SO love to be able to order a Kilt in the Michigan Tartan!)