14th century scholars, image from Grandes Chronique de France. Don’t worry, Schola students will NOT be required to wear robes and tonsures, unless they really want to do so. There will also be no need to sit on the floor, unless the spirit moves you.
Let the word go forth that the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle will be hosting The Sterlynge Schola on January 16, 2016 At the Trinity Memorial Church at 44 Main St., Binghamton NY 13904.
The newly minted Baroness Nest ferch Rhys, Dean of Classes, has announced the following interesting line up, from sausages to skewering enemies. Read on to find something you’d love to learn:
Baroness Nest wrote: “At long last – the class schedule!”
10:00AM:
-The Roma in the SCA Time Period
-Just a Simple Sling (Donations for materials accepted, limit 15)
-I’m allergic to x, can you accommodate me?
11:00 AM
-The Pavee or Irish Travelers
-So you want to Throw WHAT??!!
-Advanced Retaining for Everyone
-Of Charcoal and Lye
12:00 – LUNCH
Baroness Nest, photo courtesy of The Lady Jinx
1:00PM
-Early Byzantium
-SCA Sign Language
-Samurai Chef
-Don Po’s Guide to Fencing
2:00 PM
-Byzantium in its Heyday
-Reinventing Events: A Round Table Discussion
-Beginning Embroidery
-The Wurst Workshop ($5 fee, limit 12)
3:00 PM
-Seeds in the Heart: Writing Japanese Poetry ($1 for handout)
-SCA Photography
-Care and Feeding of Edged Weapons
-Here’s a Sword, now Kill!
4:00 PM
-Schtick 101
-But that’s not Period!
Image courtesy of the Medieval and Renaissance Graduate Student Association of Ohio State University. See how happy you’ll be, just like these students, learning about historical topics at Sterlynge Schola?
Bardic insanity will happen as well. – time(s) and place(s) to be determined!”
The event listing can be found here. The forecast for the day is looking clear. Shake off that temporary winter blahs, because Sterlynge Schola promises to be an event to rival those fabulous old-time SCA celebrations. We look forward to seeing you there!
Merchant’s Row near the Mid-East pavilion. Photo credit, Aoife.
Hello, readers! Here in Æthelmearc, we have been attending Pennsic so long that for Pennsic veterans, attending it is a matter of routine. After all, Pennsic was born here, on our home turf, before the Kingdom of Æthelmearc was a twinkle in the eye of Mamma East Kingdom. If someone travels from a great distance or is attending for the first time, or even is hearing about the event for the first time however, Pennsic is a huge and mysterious event fraught with pitfalls, conundrums, and unanticipated needs. If you ever listened to the CB radio chatter off I-79 during Pennsic, you’d understand just how confusing the event is for the uninitiated. Every year, about 10,000 guests from around the world visit our kingdom in search of the ultimate Pennsic War experience, be it martial activities, classes, parties, visiting friends, people watching, pageantry, or the perfect combination of all of these. From the outside, it must look mighty strange.
There is no reason to fret about this odd thing we medieval history buffs do, which we call the Great Pennsic War. Even if you simply need to explain the SCA’s largest event to your friends and family, this Links List is for you. Today’s article will deal with what it is, when it is, what to do to get ready, and what to do while there. As always, we SCAdians are so well documented that all you need for a perfect Pennsic can be found in handy links on the Internet.
Read on, enjoy, and drive safe. I will see you there!
Cheers
Aoife
Dame Aoife Finn
Barony of the Endless Hills, Kingdom of Æthelmearc.
Modernly known as Lisbeth Gelatt
Terrific Gypsy Vardo wagon with beautiful tromp l’oiel horses and dogs, is always a favorite of children. The arrangement is changed every day to make a story of animal life, as Pennsic unfolds. Photo credit, Aoife.
What is this Pennsic thing?
For Glory and Honor: Medieval Reenactors go to Battle (NBC News) This article that appeared on American national news neatly sums up what it is that we do at Pennsic. With terrific footage and picturesque scenes, you mint want to see if you appear in the background before you show it to your friends. You might be (almost) famous!
In It’s Own Light, a Night-Owl’s view of Pennsic War 33, a photographic essay by Rowan. This gorgeous photo essay of Pennsic was caught at the perfect intersection of wispy fog and moonlight, and is incredibly beautiful. If you happen to catch just a moment of such a night at any Pennsic you attend, you are one lucky gentleperson.
This photo appears as the wallpaper to the Facebook Pennsic page, sadly uncredited since it is a great shot. Do you recognize anyone in this picture?
Pennsic Facebook Page This is the place to go to ask general questions about Pennsic. Folks from all over the globe will happily answer. While not an official forum, it is a good resource to have when you need to know if there is a pediatrician onsite or what merchants sell the best raw material, or where to find the coffee houses.
Newcomer’s Pennsic Guide (unofficial) The title says it all. What can you expect if you’ve never been to Pennsic before? Find out here.
Atlas Obscura: Largest Medieval War of Modern Times Includes the Voice of America footage at this link. A couple of years ago, Voice of America did a world-audience piece on Pennsic. It is truly well done, and is a great place to point your mom, when she wants to know what, exactly, you will be doing on your vacation.
Pennsic, explained on Wikipedia. What did Wiki get wrong? I can spot one or two boo-boos, but it is generally a good resource for the uninitiated Pennsic-curious.
Pennsic, the unofficial popular website. Self-billed as an interactive “All things Pennsic,” this site is older than you think, but chock full of good advice, interesting commentary, and terrific photos.
Æthelmearc Royal encampment, a few years past. Photo credit, Aoife
Paying for Pennsic: The Registration Office. If you are reading this article, it is already past deadline for your registration to count towards allocation of land for your group or household. You can still attend Pennsic, but your location will be surprise until you arrive and pick out a space from the areas allocated to individual campers. However, there are other benefits to pre-registration besides knowing your neighborhood in advance. Chief amongst them is the shorter time spent checking in.
The Pennsic War Street Map. This map provides bus-stop locations, and streets are labeled. It is a good idea to print a copy before you leave, so that you can hit the ground running (or bus riding) once your tent is up.
A Pennsic Newcomer’s Packing Guide from Hartshorndale. No guide will have everything you need listed, but this packing list is a great jumping-off point. It covers all the basics.
Once You Are On Site:
Where to go for answers? Information Point! The folks at information point are there to answer questions. No question is too big or too small for their attention. Find them near the Cooper store, in the small grassy island created by the road in front of the old barn. Nearby will also be the post office, the previously mentioned store, and many, many merchants and food vendors. I like to call this area the heart of Pennsic.
First Aid onsite. There are usually trained medical folks right onsite, who can evaluate your condition and take appropriate action, be it writing a prescription, referring you to a specialist (many local doctors such as dentists agree to take emergency visits during Pennsic), or calling the med-evac helicopter unit to life-flight severe cases to the appropriate facility. There is no reason to tough it out if you have a health issue at Pennsic. Please do not expect that your normal doctor visits can be covered here, though. This is strictly a first aid station.
Classes: Pennsic University. If you want to know about historical anything, chances are that someone at Pennsic is teaching a class on the subject. A special area with its own tent classrooms is set aside specifically for these classes, and a master schedule is provided. In addition, there are special classes taught in individual encampments, and a last-minute additions and schedule changes board each day. Learn everything from culture-specific dance to historic cooking to metal smelting to fighting techniques, all neatly arranged and supported by the Pennsic University master schedule and the University Staff.
Youth Activities Schedule. If you attend Pennsic with children, this schedule is your best friend. Seriously. There is no reason for bored children at Pennsic. Your biggest trouble will be deciding what to do, and when. Trust me, a veteran Pennsic Parent whose children thrived, when I tell you to bring rain ponchos and wellies for your kids, because they will still want to go to play practice when it is raining.
Battlefield Schedule. You will need this schedule if you fight or fence, and if you do not, it will help you decide when the best combat photo opportunities will happen. It will also tell you when to witness the many other martial activities, specialty tournaments, fencing activities, and battlefield meetings, and when to get your kit inspected.
Performing Arts Schedule, and Cultural arts by type. There are hundreds of cultural arts activities to attend at Pennsic. Want to see live theatre? Hear the Known World Choir? Watch a display of foolery? A belly-dance exhibition? Find excellent suggestions here, and reap the benefits of the year-round planning and practice of the talented folks of Pennsic.
Known World A&S Display. Our medieval modern world relies on artists to function, because there is almost nothing mass-produced about the history we are trying to emulate. This display, open to everyone from any area of the world, is a showcase for artists and craftsmen of all kinds to show and tell about their works, meet like-minded artist, and to see what aspects of medieval and renaissance life others have chosen to honor. Anyone can enter, and anyone can come see what’s new in the world of re-creation. Pre-registration is strongly suggested for those wishing to show their artwork. Such show and tell activities are widely believed to be the most inspiring and encouraging aspect for hands-on craftspeople in the SCA.
The Legendary Pennsic Parties (A Schedule). While this schedule is unofficial, it is a handy guide to which group is hosting a party, and when. For some folks, Pennsic means parties, so here’s your guide to the colorful Pennsic nightlife. Please note that ID will be required for everyone attending many of these parties to prove you’re over 21, for those parties that serve alcohol.
One of the most important areas at the annual Pennsic War is the Pennsic University. The University is a place where teachers and students from across the Known World come together to share knowledge and inspiration, to teach and learn, to share their passions for all things medieval and Scadian.
You don’t have to be a Laurel or a Pelican, a Knight or a Master, to teach at Pennsic. ANYONE can teach, from the newest beginner to the most experienced veteran. All volunteers are welcomed with open arms (and a nifty gift).
This year, as in years past, the registration for classes in on-line at the Pennsic War website. As Kingdom Ministers of Arts and Sciences, Baroness Orianna and I strongly encourage you – yes, you – to teach at the Pennsic University.
You can sign up your class by going to Pennsic War any time prior to the week or so before the War.
However, if you want your class to appear in the Pennsic booklet, which greatly increases the possibility of having many students and much word-fame, you must register your class by MAY FIRST!
So, come along and teach at Pennsic. You won’t be sorry you did so.
In service,
Fridrikr Tomasson, Kingdom Minister of Arts & Sciences.
If you teach a class — or want to take a class — that is icky, sticky, smelly, noisy, and/or messy, do we have the Æcademy for you!
At this year’s Spring Æthelmearc Æcademy, we’re moving classes OUTSIDE! Classes will be held under covered picnic pavilions or in rented tents, so you can make it loud … make it dirty … make it FUN!
Teacher registration is now open; please register your class here.
The event will be held on Saturday, JULY 4th, and will be hosted by the Shire of Stormsport in conjunction with their Annual Army Muster and TRM’s Equestrian Championship Tournament. (Which means that in addition to classes a-plenty, there will also be as much heavy fighting, archery, fencing, thrown weapons, youth combat and equestrian activities as one might wish!)
Additional information can be found on the Kingdom website as well as on the Æcademy website here.
War Practice will be here in less than two monthes, and one of our best activities is we have to offer to the people of Æthelmearc and our guests is an excellent roster ot classes.
There are many talented teachers and artisans in the kingdom who have a great deal to share. If you’ve ever wanted to teach a class, or if you’d like to do a trial run before Pennsic or the next Æcademy, here’s your chance.
If you would like to teach a class, please send me the following information for the website and site booklet:
Name of Teacher
Title of Class
Description of Class (brief, please, 75 words or less)
Class Length
Maximum Number of Students
Age Limit of Students
Fee, if any
Students learning Book Binding from Master Michael Alewright
photo by Mistress Rowena ni Dhonnchaidh
Please include your legal name and e-mail address, and your preferred time for your class, as well as any special requirements you may have. The schedule will be filled on a first-come, first- served basis, so the earlier you volunteer, the more likely it will be that I can accomodate you.
Space is available from 9am-8pm on Friday and 9am-6pm on Saturday in one of three large tents (with tables and chairs), the upper bathhouse (also with tables and chairs, plus electricity and access to water), and the Great Hall.
From Lady Moniczka Poznanska, the Class Co-ordinator:
We still have space open for teachers at our Pen vs Sword event on 4/25/15. If you are interested in teaching classes in Rapier, Calligraphy, Illumination or related topics, please consider signing up. (It’s a great way to polish up the class you plan to teach at Pennsic!)
Please contact me by email, moniczkap@verizon.net, or on Facebook at Moniczka Poznanska or Shire of Angels Keep.
If cabin fever has gotten you down lately, consider heading up to the College of 3 Ravens this weekend. While there, be sure to take a class or two or five! There is a wide variety of classes, something is sure to tickle your fancy!
The Æthelmearc Gazette is pleased to pass along this missive from the Chancellor of Classes for the College of 3 Ravens regarding the finalized list of classes for the day!
Unto the good gentles of the Sylvan Kingdom of Æthlemearc does Lady Kadlin Sigvaldakona, Chancellor of Classes for the College of 3 Ravens, send greetings!
I am pleased to say that the class listings and schedule are finalized and can be found online at: http://1drv.ms/1EVGE5g
In order to reduce waste, we are going to post a large-print version of class descriptions on-site, and only print 50 copies for distribution at the event. Gentles may wish to print out their own copies of class descriptions before the event.
Also remember that things may change between now and Saturday, so please make sure to check against the posted schedule after you arrive on-site.
Many, many thanks to the gentles who have volunteered to share their time, skills, and knowledge with us. Without you, there would be no C3R.
In humble service,
Kadlin Sigvaldakona
The College of 3 Ravens, which is hosted by the Barony of Thescorre, will be held on February 21, 2015 at the Western Presbyterian Church, located at 101 E. Main St, Palmyra, NY 14622. Event information can be found at http://www.aethelmearc.org/eventinfo.php?event=1001
Is the winter getting you down? Are you looking for a new skill to acquire or to learn something new about medieval history and life? The College of 3 Ravens has an interesting offering of classes to help cast off those winter blues. If your interests run towards Dance, Scribal Arts, Teaching, Culture, or Fiber Arts, you will find something to pique your interest. And that is just a sampling of the classes being taught at this year’s event. If you are interested in sharing your own knowledge, there is still room on the schedule.
The Æthelmearc Gazette is pleased to pass along this missive from the Chancellor of Classes for the College of 3 Ravens regarding the tentative list of classes.
To the populace of Sylvan Æthelmearc does Lady Kadlin Sigvaldakona, Chancellor of Classes for the College of 3 Ravens, send Greetings!
While this will fill the schedule quite a bit, there is still space for a few more classes if you wish to teach. For those who have already signed up to teach, please let me know if I need to make any corrections. My hope is to have a tentative time/room schedule posted by the weekend.
YIS,
Kadlin
The College of 3 Ravens, which is hosted by the Barony of Threscore, will be held on February 21, 2015 at the Western Presbyterian Church, located at 101 E. Main St, Palmyra, NY 14622. Event information can be found at http://www.aethelmearc.org/eventinfo.php?event=1001
For further information about the classes being offered, to teach or update class information, the Chancellor of Classes, Lady Kadlin Sigvaldakona can be contacted at kadlin@thescorre.org – please include“C3R” in the subject line.
Let the word go forth that the Shire of Sterlynge Vayle will be hosting The Sterlynge Schola on January 17, 2015 at the Trinity Memorial Church, 44 Main St., Binghamton NY. 13905.
The Site opens to the populace at 9:00am and closes at 6:00pm. We are planning classes from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m., with a one-hour break for lunch at noon. Anyone found still lingering in the halls or classrooms after 5:30 p.m. may be pressed into service for site clean up.
Baron Malcolm Fitz Willelm has agreed to serve as Dean of the Schola. We have plenty of classrooms and would encourage all interested teachers to come and share their knowledge and all eager students to attend. We are hoping to have scribal, sewing, brewing, dancing, martial, heraldry and other classes. Please contact Baron Malcolm Fitz Willelm, MKA Gerry Hough, 4 ½ Minden Avenue, Binghamton, NY 13905 phone: 607-771-0534; e-mail: gerryhough AT yahoo.com, if you would like to teach a class, or if you have any questions regarding the classes being offered.
A hearty lunch will be available so that no one should go away hungry or miss an essential class. We are also hosting a travelers breakfast (muffins, hard boiled eggs, coffee, tea and juice) till 10:15am, and in the afternoon we would like to offer a challenge to the all the cooks attending – a subtlety competition with a winter theme. All subtleties will be displayed at 4:00pm with the competition being at 5:00pm, Tasting and devouring of the subtleties will be at 5:05pm. For dietary concerns you may contact Mariana MKA Michelle Yurko @ mmyurko AT AOL DOT com.
Fees for this day of learning and sharing will be as follows: Adults: $10.00; Youth (13-17): $8.00; Children (5-12): $6.00; and free for babes under 5. As a gesture of our thanks, instructors will be offered a discount of $2.00 off the day fee. We will collect the $5.00 non-member fee at the gate from those not carrying proof of current membership. Reservations must be sent to, Baroness Kayley , MKA Michele Greenmun, 65 Baldwin St, Binghamton, NY 13903. Checks shall be made payable to SCA, Inc. – Shire of Sterlynge Vayle.
The Autocrat for this event is Baroness Mariana Maria Pietrosanti, MKA Michelle Yurko, 917 Springview Dr. Endicott NY 13760, who may be contacted by cell phone at 607-725-9680 or e-mail mmyurko AT aol.com with any questions.
Directions: Find your best route to Binghamton, New York (we are fortunate to be directly on route 81 and route 17/I-86.) Use Exit 5 off I-81 North or South via NYS 17/I-86 or I-81. Exit 5 serves Broome Community College and downtown Binghamton and empties into Front Street/US Rte 11. Turn left (south) onto Front Street. Drive south to the intersection of Front Street and Main Street. Turn right onto Main Street and drive one block. Trinity Episcopal Church will be on the corner on your right, turn right onto Oak Street. Parking is available in the parking lots on your right beyond the church.
The official event announcement can be found in the Kingdom Newsletter, The Æstel. This unofficial event announcement is being printed as a courtesy to the autocrat, and the Gazette is not liable for any changes to the event or event listing.
Illumination by Lady Mairghread Stiobhard Inghean uí Choinn
The Avian and Industrious Barony of Thescorre is pleased to again announce that the College of Three Ravens will be in held on February 21st, 2015. The College will take place at the Western Presbyterian Church, located at 101 E. Main St, Palmyra, NY 14622. The site will open at 9:00am and close at 9:00pm. Those present after 9:00 pm may be pressed into clean-up duties! Classes will begin at 10:00am and continue until at least 4:00pm. The site is handicapped accessible and has ample parking.
We are anticipating a pleasing variety of classes. If you have a class that you would like to teach, please contact the Chancellor of Classes, Lady Kadlin Sigvaldakona kadlin@thescorre.org. Please see her call for classes, below.
With your paid reservation, please include “C3R” in the subject line.
The adult site fee of $7 includes a sideboard lunch (children under eighteen – $4, children under 5 – free). A family cap of $22 for the *site fees only* will be in effect. A $5 non-member surcharge must be collected at the door for adults without proof of membership. The site is dry, no alcohol permitted. No flames – open or enclosed are allowed.
Lady Elen Woderose speaks with Lady Mairghread Stiobhard Inghean uí Choinn, the autocrat of College of Three Ravens 2014. Photo credit, Lord Simon Peregrin (Bob Wheeler).
A sideboard lunch will be prepared by Baroness Mistress Sadira bint Saleem-(315-524-9823) pchakalis@yahoo.com. A Tour Across Europe feast will be prepared by Baroness Nuzah bint Saleem-(585 615 0398 mins469@yahoo.com) with assistance from Lady Elzbieta and Lord Andrew. Please contact Baroness Nuzah by 1/31/15 with dietary restrictions. Adult feast is $9 (children under eighteen – $5, children under 5 – free). Feast seating is limited to 85. Feast reservation cannot be guaranteed unless reserved by 2/15/15.
Pre-reservation for this event is always appreciated for planning both the sideboard & feast. Please send reservations to the reservationist/tollner THL Otelia d’Alsace ( Esther Heller, 1355 Walworth-Penfield Rd, Walworth NY 14568 galoot@localnet.com). Checks are to be made payable to SCA NY Inc – Barony of Thescorre. Please do include modern name, SCAdian name & membership number (where appropriate) for each person to be covered by your payment. Also, indicate if any are minors, and for whom feast reservations are desired. Inclusion of contact info will be invaluable in clarifications. Please remember that the only good reservation is a paid reservation.
For further information or questions, please contact the autocrat: Lady Mairghread Stiobhard Inghean uí Choinn (Margaret Wilcox) at wilcox.margaret@gmail.com or 585-414-3748 before 8:30 pm.
At the 2013 College of Three Ravens, the feast featured this delicious dessert sideboard. Photo Credit, Lady Mairghread Stiobhard Inghean uí Choinn.
Call for Classes
Unto the Good Gentles of Aethelmearc does Lady Kaðlin Sigvaldakona send Greetings!
As Chancellor of Classes for the upcoming College of Three Ravens event in the Industrious Barony of Thescorre, I am humbly requesting for gentles to share their knowledge and skills by signing up to teach a class (or two)! This day of teaching and learning will be on February 21, 2015 at the Western Presbyterian Church, located at 101 E. Main St, Palmyra, NY 14622.
Please use the following format when supplying information:
SCA Name: (as you wish it to appear in the class listings)
E-mail address: Class Name: Class Description:
Class Format: (lecture, round-table, hands-on, etc) Length of Class: (one 50 min block or two 50 min blocks)
Handouts provided: (yes/no)
Participant Fees: (if any)
Class Limits/Restrictions: (# of participants, no children, children with supervision, etc.) Room/equipment requirements: (table space, access to sink, use of projector, etc )
Preferred teaching time: (am, pm, either)
Please send emails to kadlin@thescorre.org with ‘C3R’ in the subject line.
