| The Official Newsletter of Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein. Published monthly, or whenever I get around to it. Any opinions contained herein are strictly my own, unless they're someone else's, as are any typographical errors. Entire contents copyright 1997 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Please keep your hands and arms inside the vehicle until the ride comes to a full and complete stop. No eating, drinking, smoking, and especially no flash photography. |
| Volume 4 | Issue 4 |
April 17, 1997 | |
Well here it is the middle of April! Where is all the time going? Jamestown and MTT have come and gone, and everyone should be proud of the work that they have done. There is not enough room for me here to list everything that everyone has done. Everyone please give themselves a pat on the back. The unit has made some great improvements since we started, and especially in the last year. We have some great members who are putting in the extra effort necessary to make this work. I have been reminded that I don't always express my thanks and gratitude enough for all the hard work that people are doing. Believe me when I say that I do notice and I do appreciate it. As a group gets larger it gets growing pains. When Drew approached me about starting a unit almost 4 years ago one of the things that we agreed on was that we would rather have a small group of people who are really dedicated and gung ho than a large group of people who were only doing things half-assed. This has caused me some problems at times. I push for the unit to improve and move forward. I am always trying to get the maximum performance out of everyone including myself. I will not apologize for wanting this group to be the best Landsknecht reenactment unit in existence. I have been accused of being too hard on people and putting too much pressure on people to participate or to perform at their maximum. I have been accused of not allowing people to have other priorities in their life besides the unit. This was never my intention! I have always recognized that people have lives and interests outside of the unit. I would be worried about anyone who did nothing socially outside of unit activities. However, part of being a leader is motivating people, inspiring people, leading by example, giving immediate reinforcement when possible, expressing sincere personal appreciation and interest, being there when I'm needed, and always putting the needs and priorities of the unit first. I believe this is part of why I was chosen to be the Hauptmann. If I am wrong about this, then please let me know. I will not apologize for delegating responsibilities and holding people accountable for them. This group is too big for me to try and do everything myself!
Why am I going into all of this? Well it is simple: over the next couple of months some complaints are going to be leveled against me in particular and the unit as a whole. All I will say at this time is to ask people to try and be objective and listen to everyone's point of view. I have seen situations like this tear groups apart before. Above everything else, remember that we all are friends and very much like family - so hang in there!
Noch Weiter!
Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion
Marching Through Time at Marietta Mansion took place on April 12 & 13, 1997. It rained lightly but steadily all day on Saturday, but by Sunday the weather was fine and the crowds came out to view the encampments. After Saturday's dreary weather, both reenactors and visitors alike were enthusiastic about Sunday. This was a timeline event, and many of the groups who were at MTA also came to MTT. Our unit fielded twenty people, our largest turnout yet! Mike Amos, Steve Denz, Michael Denz, Don Haithcock, Kellie Hendley, Anna Hoppman, Charlie Jones, Bob Kriner, Peter Langsdorf, Megan McTernan, Ray, Janice, and Elizabeth Partenheimer, Larry and Paula Peterka, Rob Spencer, Linda Taggart, Rob Taggart, Jennifer Wadford, and Lauren Wadford all came out over the weekend to help make it such a success.
It is a testament to how far the unit has progressed that, even though Larry was out of camp much of the weekend and Paula was out of the kitchen, everything ran smoothly over the course of the event, with only minor glitches. Mike and Kellie are to be congratulated for their leadership, and the rest of the unit is to be commended for all their hard work and dedication.
Everyone has learned the routine, which makes unexpected things, such as rain, much easier to handle over the course of the day, and of course, the more smoothly things run, the more fun we have, and the more time we have for fun activities. Everyone at the event did a very good job, and all their efforts are appreciated, not only by their commanders and their fellow unit members, but also by the visitors, who always seem to enjoy our encampment.
Highlight's of this year's Sunday morning Battle at the End of Time included tantalizing glimpses of the New Worlds Savages' behinds, our soldiers' pike charge into the 42nd Regiment of Highland Foots' backside, which resulted in much kilt-lifting with the pike poles, Rob Slater's untimely death at the hands of Peter Langsdorf, and the furious armored cavalry charges of the event co-ordinators, using golf carts!
In addition to the reenactments on Saturday and Sunday, Marietta also hosted local elementary school groups on the site on Friday, in order to promote the event to the community. Several members came out on Friday to talk to the children and their teachers, which was greatly appreciated.
The meal fee for this event was $10.00 per person. Those of you who have STILL not paid for this (and some of you for WINTER CAMPAIGN and JAMESTOWN!!) please turn your money into Drew as soon as possible (or I will publish a list of outstanding balances, and embarrass you in front of friends and family, and then send Drew to hunt you down!).
Dues are still due, and will be until April 30. Then they will be overdue. By May 31, the membership lists will be revised, and anyone who hasn't paid their dues will be dropped from membership, unless they have made prior arrangements. They will also be dropped from the mailing list. This will not affect anyone on the "Friends" list who receives complimentary issues (although it would be nice if you kicked a few bucks our way, to help pay for stamps), or those who pay for newsletter subscriptions only. Paying your dues keeps your membership current, supports the unit, and entitles you to all rights and privileges of membership. Dues are $20.00 for individuals, $30.00 for families, and $5.00 for newsletters..
That's right, they're back! Set aside the third Sunday of the month to commune with your fellow Landsknechts in a serene, park-like setting, to practice drill and learn new skills, and to improve your all-around well-being.
The first one of the season will be held on May 18, and will begin at 2:00 p.m. The site for this practice is King's Park, in Westminster, Maryland. We plan to drill from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., and hold a business meeting from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (See related article, below), after which we will head out to dinner.
These practices are designed to give everyone more opportunities to get together, work on characters and group interactions, and practice with the pikes and other weapons. By having these practices in costume (if possible) and in public parks, we also hope to recruit more members, and get more publicity for the group.
We will move the sites every month, so if you know of a suitable park in your area where the unit will have room to drill and attract attention, call one of the unit commanders to let them know.
The practices are not mandatory, but it will be helpful to have as many members as possible attend. Additionally, for the purposes of these practices, and to allow the unit to practice a wider variety of tactics, the campfollowers will be able to learn and practice the pike drills with the soldiers, if they wish.
The next business meeting will be held on Sunday, May 18, after the drill practice at King's Park (See related article, above). It will begin at approximately 4:00 p.m. Items to be discussed include upcoming events (such as Virginia Renaissance Faire Day, the Pennsylvania Müsterung, and the Maryland Renaissance Festival), unit trips to educational places (Philadelphia Museum of Art, Higgins Armory, etc), unit improvements and group goals for the remainder of the year, and the unit budget and upcoming purchases. This will be an important meeting, so please plan to attend.
Paul Zona and the rest of Der Sonnen von Krieg have once again invited us to join them at their third Landsknecht Müsterung, June 13-16.
The Müsterung is sponsored by the SCA Shire of Eisenthal, in their East Kingdom. It will be held at the Ukrainian Homestead in Lehighton, Pennsylvania. The site opens at 4:00 p.m. Friday and closes on 3:00 p.m. Sunday. This event will include a rattan tournament emphasizing Zweihänder and Polearms, an Archery range, an Arts & Sciences competition (including a codpiece contest), a merchant's area, and a swimming pool. Gunpowder will be allowed this year, so they are planning to give a class and demonstration on period artillery at 1:00 pm on Saturday. They have asked us to help out with this event, and teach a German Camp Cooking class at 11:00 am, a Landsknecht Clothing class at 2:00 pm, and a Battle Strategy and Tactics class at 6:00 pm on Saturday, and a Pike and Weapons class and drill at 11:00 am on Sunday.
The food plan includes a buffet breakfast and a lunch sideboard Saturday, a feast limited to 125 Saturday evening, and a hot breakfast Sunday morning. The fee for this event is $20.00 for both nights, and $15.00 for one night or a day-trip. Last year's Müsterung was a lot of fun, and included singing circles both nights, very interesting individual combats during the day, and a fabulous feast in the evening. The shopping was nice, and the chance to take a dip in the pool was even nicer!
Our unit's reservations will be sent in as a group, so if you are planning to attend, please let Paula know and give her your money by May 19. If you are interested in helping teach any of the above mentioned classes, please indicate that as well.
Sofie Says "Hi" by Heather Brown
Ed. Note: we received this letter in the P.O. Box, and since it seemed to be of interest to all the members, it is being included in this issue. Besides, when she's a big star, we can all say "We knew her when. . ."
Dear Larry & Paula - and all the Landsknechts!,
Thanks for continuing to send me the official newsletter! It's great to hear about everything that's going on (besides the fact that it seems right now that all my living is vicarious!). I haven't had the time or funds to get involved in reenactments out here on the west coast, and I miss you guys!
Like I said, not a lot is going on out here. I was on the game show "It Takes Two" with Dick Clark, but I didn't win. And I've been an extra in some things. But none of my auditions have turned into hugely lucrative roles as yet! I'll keep you posted.
I'll be back in town around the end of May/beginning of June. If there's an event going on then, I'll try to stop by and check out Das TeufelsAlpdrücken Fähnlein!
Keep in touch!
Love, Heather (You know, Sofie!)
Well, we saw everything else BUT pink Elephants at last year's Takoma Park Independence Day Parade, and they have invited us back!
The two hour parade will begin at 10:00 am on Friday, July 4. We will receive information about where to form up and at what time once we send in our registration. Trophies will be awarded in a number of categories, and this parade offers a prize of $100.00 for first place in the costumed group category. This is a very big parade, and it was a great deal of fun to march in last year, even with the fire trucks' sirens right behind us!
If you would like to march with the unit, please call Larry, Paula, Drew, Mike or Kellie, so that we can get an accurate head count. If you know of any community historic or heritage events in your area that would be good opportunities for publicity and recruiting (especially recruiting), please let the officers know about them. The unit is always in need of new members, particularly soldiers.
We have been very graciously invited by Drew Barrett, Military Guildmaster, to return to the Virginia Renaissance Festival in Fredericksburg.
We will be attending on Saturday, May 24. We need to arrive at the site around 8:30 am to check in and get to Cast Call, which is at 9:00 am. We will be allowed some space in their camp for personal possessions and an ice chest, but it is limited. We will be doing joint weapons drill and parade marching, and joining in general camp activities. This is a fairly low-key event for us, and last year it was a lot of fun. If you plan to attend, please contact Paula no later than May 18, so you can get on the gate list.
Dateline: Crownsville MD
News Flash...
German Central has moved!
Yes that's right! After all the headaches, heartaches, planning, and packing, . . . German Central is moving!. Larry and Paula will have a new address! As of May 1, it is:
Note - Private information suppressed for privacy's sake. - The Webmistress
The new phone # is:
E-mail addresses have stayed the same!
lpeterka@ids2.idsonline.com
Their new house is about 15 minutes away from the Renaissance Festival, and they have said they will open up their home for anyone who wishes to stay there. (During the festival.) The house is a 3 bedroom, two bath all brick split-foyer with a sun porch addition. It has a two-car garage and a two-car garage-sized detached workshop, and the whole thing sits on 2.466 acres, with a 829 foot driveway!
The Peterkas have hired professional movers, so as not to place too heavy a burden on all their friends. In response to the overwhelming requests to be of assistance, however, they have come up with a few things that their erstwhile confederates can do.
The Peterkas would greatly appreciate help with moving items that the movers can not or will not move (like perishables, artwork, computers) on Wednesday, April 30 or Saturday, May 3, or with unpacking items needed immediately on Saturday May 3 and Sunday, May 4. They would also appreciate any and all help in cleaning up their apartment on Saturday May 3 Sunday, May 4, or Monday, May 5, so that they can get their cleaning deposit back. In fact, any and all help would be appreciated from Wednesday night through Monday night, even if it's just keeping them company so they don't go crazy with the stress of it all. If you would like to help, please call!
Due to financial difficulties, Linda Taggart will be changing to inactive membership for a while. She has offered the following items for sale:
To King's Park, Westminster, MD: Take 95 North to 695 West to 795 West until it ends. Take the last exit (9A) towards Westminster, Route 140. Stay in the right lanes. Follow Route 140 for 11 miles, and turn Left onto Center St., across from the Cranberry Mall. Turn Right at the second light, which is Green Street, then Left on Anchor, and then Right on Chase. The park will be on your left. There are brown signs to mark the way to King's Park.