| 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 1998 by Paula Peterka, unless otherwise noted or authored. Yeah, like you'd WANT to steal anything out of here! Didja ever notice the Festival hiatus gets longer & longer every year? |
| Volume 5 | Issue 6 |
November 19, 1998 | |
The unit has once again survived a long but very successful run at the Maryland Renaissance Festival. The patrons, performers, and administration remarked on our professionalism, friendliness, and flexibility as we went about our duties as guards for King Henry VIII and his court. Our living history encampment was once again a hit, and our willingness to help out with other tasks when asked was much appreciated by the directorial staff.
This year saw a change in unit leadership during the day. With Larry and Paula being much less available than in years past, Ray Partenheimer, Kim White and Kellie Hendley stepped into the roles of day-to-day directors, doing a very good job at making sure things ran smoothly and that problems were resolved quickly.
Enclosed with this newsletter are Festival evaluation sheets. Please fill them out and return them to Carolyn, even if the Dec. 1 date has passed. They are an important way of giving her feedback. Please be honest and open about any issues or concerns, she is the only one who reads them.
The final calculations have not been made, but it appears that a little over half of our salary went to the Unit Treasury, which will be very helpful when the time comes to make decisions on our major purchases for next year. Performing at the Festival has enabled the Unit to buy a cook's tent, a set of matched halberds, miscellaneous camping equipment and supplies, and will allow us to seriously look at a trailer with which to carry all our things to events.
Get set for more Thursday night mayhem as the Peterkas once again open their home for free-form Landsknechting. Now that everyone has had a chance to decompress after this season's hectic run, Larry and Paula will again host an Open House every Thursday for costuming, character work, history discussions, and general socializing. Landsknechting will begin at 6:30 pm (or so), and end around 10:00 pm. Dinner may or may not be served, depending on whether the Peterkas have eaten by the time everyone gets there. Contributions of food, drink, or munchies are always appreciated, but not required.
You are all cordially invited to bring a friend and come to the Peterka's house for a Twelfth Night Celebration. The last-of-the-holiday-season-Festivities will begin at 6:00 pm on Saturday, January 9, and end whenever the last person leaves or falls asleep. If you arrive any earlier than 6:00, you will probably be put to work. This annual party, filled with food, festivities, food, ferrets (not to be confused with food, please), and fun, is the Peterka's way of saying "Thanks" to the members and friends of the unit for their hard work and support during the year. A buffet dinner, desserts, munchies and both regular and diet soft drinks will be provided. Small trinkets will be exchanged, games will be played, character promotions will be announced, and great silliness will ensue. Dress is whatever-you-care-to-wear. Crash space will be provided for those wishing to stay over for the Annual Business Meeting, conveniently scheduled for the next day. (See related article) Please bring yourself, a friend, your own alcohol, and RSVP by Jan 1.
The Official Annual Unit Business meeting will be held on January 10, at 1:00 pm at the home of the Peterka's. Leftovers will be provided. There will be a very full agenda for this meeting, including acceptance of new members, promotion of existing members, and election of new field Officers and Corporate Officers, so please plan to attend, even if you can not attend the preceding night's party (see related article).
The next round of unit workshops will kick off on Sunday, December 13, at 1:00 pm with the New Member's Orientation. This is not a full fledged sewing workshop, but rather a planning meeting, where prospective, newly joined, and newly participating members can plan their costumes, develop their basic character, and learn how the unit operates. Seasoned members who want to plan new clothes are also welcome, as well as anyone who wants to help out. Costume sketches and swatches will be approved.
The actual Weekend Sewing Workshops will usually start at 7:00 pm Friday night, and end after "X-files" on Sunday. Members may come to sew for as few or as many hours as they wish, and crash space is provided. Priority help will be given to new members, bodices, and pants. Experienced members with nothing to sew are encouraged to come and help others. Please bring portable sewing machines if you have them.
Due to this year's holiday schedule, Weekend Sewing Workshops will be held on January 22, 23 & 24, January 29, 30, & 31, February 26, 27, & 28, and March 5, 6, &7. This does not leave as many sewing hours available as in years past, but the Peterka home is open on Landsknecht Thursdays (including Christmas Eve, if you want to come and be social). If you find that you need help, but can't make enough of the workshops, special arrangements can be made.
Plan Ahead!!! The Fifth Annual Landsknecht Invitational Winter Campaign will be held on February 13 & 14, 1999, at Marietta Mansion Historical Site in Glen Dale, Maryland. We will invite several other reenactment units to participate with us again at this event. Everyone should start acquiring/assembling their own camping gear, personal dishes and other accouterment. Members who have joined since the spring should also think about making some cold weather gear over the winter (see related article on workshops). February weather can unpredictable, but this event will take place rain, snow, or shine. The event will be postponed if the weather forecast calls for temperatures below 25? F, or for more than 6" of snow.
We have all been invited to attend a New Year's Day Open House, hosted by Anne Frates (Queen Margaret of Scotland) at her home in Frederick, MD on January 1, starting at 2:00 pm. We have also been invited to attend a Hogmanay Celebration (Scottish New Year) by Greg Davis (Archibald Douglas, Earl of Angus - Mr. Queen of Scotland) at his house in Tracey's Landing, MD, on December 31, starting at 8:00 pm. Flyers for both are included in this month's mailing.
Schedule of Upcoming Events (at least the ones we know about already)
| Every Thursday | Landsknecht Open House, Peterka's |
| Dec. 13, 1998 | New Members' Workshop, Peterka's - 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm |
| Dec. 31, 1998 | No Open House - Go Party! |
| Jan. 9, 1999 | Twelfth Night Party, Peterka's - 6:00 pm - ???? |
| Jan. 10 | nnual Business Meeting, Peterka's - 1:00 pm |
| Jan. 22-24 | Sewing Workshop - 7:00 pm Fri - 10:00 pm Sun |
| Jan. 29 - 31 | Sewing Workshop - 7:00 pm Fri - 10:00 pm Sun |
| Feb. 12 - 14 | Winter Campaign, Marietta - Noon Fri - 3:00 pm Sun |
| Feb. 26 - 28 | Sewing Workshop - 7:00 pm Fri - 10:00 pm Sun |
| March 5 - 7 | Sewing Workshop - 7:00 pm Fri - 10:00 pm Sun |
| March 19 - 21 | Military Through the Ages, Jamestown |
| April | Marching Through Time, Marietta |
| June 19 - 20 | Musterung, Lehighton, PA |
| July | Takoma Park Parade |
| Aug. 28 - Oct. 25 | Maryland Renaissance Festival |
If you need directions to one of our events please e-mail us.