| 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 5 |
June 20, 1997 | |
Maryland Renaissance Festival: The Past Gets Past-er (?)
Last year, the Festival portrayed 1547: the death of Henry VIII and the coronation of Edward VI. This year, Bill becomes a resurrected monarch as the festival falls back to 1520, and the Field of the Cloth of Gold. And, once again, our Fähnlein will be guarding the King and his court. There were not enough members at our last scheduled meeting to form a quorum, so, in accordance with our by-laws, a special phone ballot was held. Seventy-eight percent of the unit members eligible to vote were reached, and the decision was made to accept the contract for the festival. Due to budgetary constraints, this years' contract is different from last years'. The unit must provide only two guards at any given time, with a commensurate cut in pay. Carolyn Spedden, the entertainment director at the festival, stressed that this was solely due to decreased funding, and was in no way a reflection of the caliber of work we have been providing for the past three years. She invited us to perform a field show again, and said that we could set up a living history encampment area if we wish. The unit is, in effect, being given free reign to perform as it wishes during the day, provided that it supplies two guards for the court. The unit voted to set up an encampment, to be staffed and run like Jamestown and Marietta, and to provide lunch and snacks to members who work during the day. Non-members, or members with individual contracts, may buy into the food plan as they did last year. Soldiers and campfollowers will be able to rotate from guard shifts to camp shifts, and a schedule will be set up, much like it was done during our first year at the festival. Camping will be available for members who live more than 45 miles from the site. Camping passes will be $10.00 for the run, plus a campsite deposit fee of probably $70.00. Larry and Paula, who now live fifteen minutes from the site, will allow german camping at their house as well (although they may ask for contributions towards food, sodas, and hot water!). If you wish to camp in either place, please contact one of the unit officers.
This year's festival begins August 23, and runs through October 19. Paula will be contacting members soon for scheduling, either by phone or by postcard. Even though we only have to provide two guards, it would be good for the camp and the unit if everyone would commit to as many days as they can. Please be realistic, and sign up only for the days you know you can work. Since this year's storyline steps back into Revel Grove's past, the writers are taking the opportunity to develop many of the character's "back stories". Visitors to the festival will discover how Jack and Zach Rackham came to the village in the first place, and why they parted company; how seafaring Samuel Miller became the richest miller in Revel Grove; and what deal Viscount Bletchley made during the last war with France that has François claiming the village as French soil, much to Henry's consternation!
Parade and Pool Party: A Busy 4th!
Come celebrate our Independence Day by spending the morning marching in Takoma Park, and the afternoon swimming in Point-of-Rocks!
The two hour Takoma Park Independence Day Parade will step off at 10:00 am on Friday, July 4. We must report to the Division Three form-up area on Carroll Avenue between Lee and Sherman Avenues by 9:00 am (see map). Free cold drinks will be provided at the end of the parade, and, of course, the campfollowers will carry water. This is a rather large parade, and the unit had a lot of fun participating in it last year. We did have a problem with unit identification last year, so we will be trying to make a large Banner with our name on it for this year's parade. Anyone interested in helping should call Paula. 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. In August, we were informed that we had in fact won a trophy. We'll try to pick it up this year!
After the parade, come cool down at the Point-of-Rocks 4-H camp with Bob and Barbara! They are hosting their annual 4th of July Pool party, and have invited the unit to join them. There is a Barbecue and a Volleyball net at the camp, and well as a swimming pool with changing rooms. Please bring you own meat for the barbecue, a dish to share, some sodas, and a couple of bucks for Bob and Barbara to help with the site fee. Bring your swimsuits, towels, and Super Soaker Squirt guns, this always proves to be a fun party!
If you would like to march with the unit, please call one of the officers 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. See you on the 4th!
Open House Thursdays and Landsknecht Sundays
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 was small, but successful, and the second one was marked not only by three rows of ten soldiers each, but with artillery and handgonne fire! (It was held at the Pennsylvania Müsterung). The next drill will be held on Sunday, July 20, beginning at 1:00 p.m. The site for this practice is undetermined as yet, but it will be in the Annapolis area, possibly at the Festival site or the Peterka's house, if nothing else becomes available.
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.
In addition to the Sunday drills, Larry and Paula have declared Thursdays as Landsknechts-at-Home days. Their house will be open from 6:00-ish pm until they throw you out, for working on costumes, characterization, language, watching movies, or just playing Darts, Magic the Addiction, or Battletech. Dinner will usually be provided, because, hey, they've gotta eat, but contributions of food, beverages, munchies or even pizza are always welcome.
Dues are overdue! WAY overdue! So overdue, in fact, that if you haven't paid them, or get you money into Drew mucho pronto, this will be your last newsletter. (And-yes-we-really-mean-it-this-time!). This will not affect anyone on the "Friends" list, or people who receive complimentary issues (and big "Thank Yous" to the people who kicked a few bucks our way to help pay for stamps), or those who pay for newsletter subscriptions only (unless, of course, they've run out!). Dues are $20.00 for individuals, $30.00 for families, and $5.00 for newsletters.
To the Takoma Park Parade: See attached flyer
To the Point-of-Rocks 4-H camp: Come to the Parade and then follow everyone else!
The following letter was sent to the P.O. Box with the request that it be read at the next meeting, and printed in the Landskonnections. It was read at the May meeting, but since there was no quorum, it will be read again at the next meeting.
Note - This was truncated in the file I received. - The Webmistress