Minutes of March 1999 Populace Meeting

March 24, 1999

Shire met in room 119 in New Cabell Hall, 7:30pm.

Our new seneschale got the meeting started on time-well, within five minutes, probably a first for Isenfir. She also provided, wonder of wonders, an agenda!

We got right to work with a recap of the recent changes in officers. Dosso is again Exchequer, Alleen and Toby are splitting up Chatelaine's duties, and Landi is our brand new Web Minister, Toby and Bryan as deputies.  Landi has contacted Kevin of Thornbury to request warranting.

Debbie Jo tacked up a map of Va with Isenfir marked in green. Surprise, we cover seven counties minus Fluvanna, which we ceded to Caer Galen. Noting that there are no SCA groups in Harrisonburg, at Mary Baldwin or JMU, she suggested we make the existence of the SCA known in those parts by doing demos, and see if there be any interest. Jennifer says friends at JMU would like to attempt a group.

Along the same line, Debbie Jo is contacting the newspapers in the area to see if they will run notices that we're here and doing things. She is also designing flyers to be left at various locations trumpeting the fact that we're here, come and play.  She also as finished the notorious ZIP code list and sent it in. Huzzah!

Coronation: She says things went well, the Inn stayed fairly busy, most folks had fun, and a big thank-you to all who helped out.

The 4D Revel (Defenders, Dance, Dinner and Dessert) is solidly set for the 18th of April, the Sunday after the Caer Galen Spring Revel. Site will open at noon and we don't have to be out until midnight. At last notice Toby and Trishka are doing an entree. This is a potluck, so bring a covered dish. Toby has volunteered to coordinate the food and keep in mind any dietary concerns you may voice to him. That way there will be something everyone can eat, and not an overage of any one type of food.  Also in the food line, we hope to have nibbles to sell for Isenfir coinage at the Inn, so any who are able are encouraged to bring tidbits to sell.

Nothing but Dance is still in the works, likely sometime November-ish. The likely site will be Newcomb, and any food arrangements are still nebulous. Debbie Jo is co-autocrat, and I can't remember who is the other, so bug her if you have comments.

Not much is being done on plans for our 25th Ann, but it progresses. (This may be a "war" with Black Diamond over Afton Mountain...see below)   Our seneschale, having consulted various authorities and receiving several different opinions, has written to the Earl Marshal for a definite answer on whether we need a heavy marshal for a rapier event, and whether it must be an Isenfiri.

Last bit of old business is Pennsic. If you plan to go and haven't contacted Alleen (243-0404) or your plans have changed, contact her. This must all be taken care of by the 30th of May.

New business: College of Yarvid would like to do a series of Atlantian Community Colleges in a variety of sites, many where the SCA has no presence, sometime in the near future. These would be designed for the newcomer and be along the lines of the demo/hands-on that Caer Galen did earlier this year. We will likely be asked to help, and a worthy cause it is, possibly resulting in a number of new Scadians.

Our seneschale is urging more local townie demos and possibly some in Staunton/Waynesboro/Stanardsville, etc. We discussed possible opportunities--4th of July was one mentioned, but it is extremely hot for garb then-- and left the matter hanging for the moment.

The baron from Black Diamond, muttering of war, contacted Debbie Jo about the matter of Afton Mtn. He suggests another war to decide the matter. As we have few heavy fighters in Isenfir, running more to rapier, dancers and horse thieves, Ruadhan suggested a more wide-ranging conflict including games, rapier, etc, points being awarded for wins, the holder of the greater number of points at the close of battle being the winner. Landi pointed out that if they win this time we must insist they take the mountain with them or pay for storage. They neglected to take it last time, resulting in a good deal of inconvenience to Isenfiri travelers.

Officers reports:

• Web Minister is slowly updating our site. We also now have a link to the Monticello Ave. site, and are looking into sites outside of C'ville to publicize demos in places where there is no SCA.
  
• Chronicler reiterated that the deadline date for submissions to the 'Farings is the Monday after Populace Meeting. Feel free to e-mail on the week end before that Monday; she's never that busy. She also expressed hope that bribery will do what honeyed words and fruitless pleading have failed to do: bring submissions to the 'Farings. A dozen homemade cookies (my choice) for an article or a book review, a cookie each for every Isensaying.
  
• Dance Master & Games Teacher Extrodinare reports we are having a very good turnout for dance. He is trying for a better place for our four practices before the end of the semester, but is doubtful of any improvement. He asked permission to look into using a shelter or such in McIntire Park for summer practices as what students remain in the summer usually have transportation. The idea was well received so he will give it a try.
  
• Arts and Sciences: Bad news. She may be leaving us this summer.   Until then she will continue to do the excellent job she has done. She says the University to be held in July has put out a call for instructors. If you wish to, contact her for names and E-mail addresses. Also, if you wish to make glass beads at a handcrafter's, please contact her a day or so before. She often takes the equipment to school, and will be certain it is at handcrafters if it is needed.
  
• Exchequer reports he has added $41 in checks, but can't touch the account to pay long-deferred bills until the signature cards are at the bank so he can write checks.
  
• Chatelain reports we had one newcomer in garb at Coronation, and we welcomed four newcomers and an innocent at Populace Meeting.
  
• Herald reports nothing more yet, as expected, on Dolce and Dosso's submissions. He had two resubmissions to design and send off, and three requests for designs. He will be holding no more workshops in the near future, but Shirlings are always welcome on a one-to-one basis.  He also wishes to remind the Shire he still has checked out from Alderman books on English, Irish, and Scottish names. He will be returning them soon, so if you have inquiry to make, be prompt.

In miscellaneous matters

• If you plan to go to Reconstruction (28th) contact Toby because it will be rescheduled if more interest isn't shown.
• If you have a recommendation for AOA or other honors, contact our seneschale, who is trying to see to the honoring of folk who have not been recognized.
• From the maps Debbie Jo has seen, the Northern Principality folk seem to have decided Isenfir will not be a part of it.
• Bryan and Eowyn have what archery stuff we have: target, two bows and a few arrows. Shirlings are welcome to practice nearly anytime, but contact them first to be assured they will be home.  Black Diamond's old Archery Marshal has said she would possibly drive down and instruct if enough interest in expressed.
• Several folk are looking into the possibility of getting coin blanks stamped, and dies for coins.
• Debbie Jo brought forth the idea that it might be a good idea for Isenfiri at events to wear our badge.  Bryan reminded all that Eowyn has an embroidery sewing machine. The question was left in abeyance for further discussion.
     

Having waded through all these tasks, we adjourned. A short meeting concerning the future of the Red Mountain Inn was held after.