Archery Practice is ON again for this Sunday!

Archers of BMDL, greetings from your Captain! Last week’s practice was a great success, and so we’ve decided to do it again!

Join us this Sunday from 11am to 3pm at the home of Master Kieran and Mistress Odriana as we sharpen our skills while remaining safe and socially distanced. We will have a full range of 20, 30, and 40 yard targets.

The address of the site is 3000 Harts Run Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. To get there from the city, head north on Route 8 and make a right on Harts Run Road, then after 1 mile their house is on the right side. The driveway for the site is a small bridge. Look for the SCA sign!

Parking will be in the empty lot of Virgin Flooring (2984 Harts Run Rd on Google maps). Anyone who needs to may drive directly up to the site to drop off people or equipment before heading to the parking lot.

We want to do this as safely as possible, so the following safety and social-distancing guidelines will be put in place:

  • Masks must be properly worn at all times (covering both nose AND mouth).
  • No sharing equipment. This includes bows, arrows, gloves, armguards, etc.
  • The loaner gear will NOT be available.
  • Only the marshals can handle another person’s bow, arrows, or equipment, and only for inspections.
  • Maintain 6 ft. of separation when shooting on the line and when waiting in line to shoot. The ground will be appropriately marked with cones.
  • When retrieving arrows, only one person per target may retrieve their arrows at the same time.
  • Only one person at a time can be under the canopy at the water cooler and hand washing station.
  • Marshals will be monitoring the practice and reminding people to adhere to these guidelines.
  • This is a practice for archers only. Please do not come just to socialize.
  • DO NOT COME TO PRACTICE IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL OR ARE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO ILLNESS
  • These rules will be posted on site and will be reviewed with everyone prior to the beginning of practice. In addition to these guidelines, I will do my best to ensure there is hand sanitizer, hand wipes, a hand washing station, etc. available for staying clean. Being considerate of the health and safety of our populace is greatly appreciated!

If anyone has additional questions or concerns regarding the practice please reach out to me at archerymarshal@debatablelands.aethelmearc.org.

Stay safe out there!

Yours in service,
Rónán Ó Conaill
BMDL Captain of Archers

Forest Products Without Logging?

An environmentalist blog called “Earthbuddies” has been getting some attention for posting an article on the Japanese practice of daisugi, a method of cultivating cedar (“sugi“) trees to produce straight knot-free lumber that can be harvested without cutting down the tree.

The main trunk of the tree is pruned to create a platform (“dai“) that sends large shoots straight up into the air. These shoots can be harvested and turned into lumber, while leaving the platform tree to develop more shoots!

Read more about it in “Daisugi, The Ancient Bonsai Technique That Can Prevent Deforestation“.

(Featured image: Ryoan-ji 03.jpg by
Bernard Gagnon used under Creative Commons License)

ARCHERY PRACTICE IS BACK!

Archers of BMDL, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! This Sunday from 11am-3pm, archery practice is back on! (though not in the usual place)

Given the current state of things, we will NOT be having practice at the Washington Blvd site where we can’t control who shows up or who follows our social-distancing rules. But thanks to the generous offer of Mistress Odriana and Master Kieran, we can use the field next to their house, which has ample space for all of our stick-throwing needs!

*NOTE: At this time, we are asking that only the archers attend this practice. If you aren’t there to shoot, then please do not attend. In addition, loaner gear will not be provided.

The address of the site is 3000 Harts Run Road, Allison Park, PA 15101. To get there from the city, head north on Route 8 and make a right on Harts Run Road, then after 1 mile their house is on the right side. The driveway for the site is a small bridge. Look for the SCA sign!

Parking will be at the empty lot next door (2984 Harts Run Rd on Google maps). Anyone who needs to may drive directly up to the site to drop off people or equipment before heading to the parking lot.

We want to do this as safely as possible, so the following safety and social-distancing guidelines will be put in place:

  • Masks must be properly worn at all times (covering both nose AND mouth).
  • No sharing equipment. This includes bows, arrows, gloves, armguards, etc.
  • The loaner gear will NOT be available.
  • Only the marshals can handle another person’s bow, arrows, or equipment, and only for inspections.
  • Maintain 6 ft. of separation when shooting on the line and when waiting in line to shoot. The ground will be appropriately marked.
  • When retrieving arrows, only one person per target may retrieve their arrows at the same time.
  • Only one person at a time can be under the canopy at the water cooler and hand washing station.
  • Marshals will be monitoring the practice and reminding people to adhere to these guidelines.
  • This is a practice for archers only. Please do not come just to socialize.
  • DO NOT COME TO PRACTICE IF YOU ARE NOT FEELING WELL OR ARE ESPECIALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO ILLNESS

These rules will be posted on site and will be reviewed with everyone prior to the beginning of practice. In addition to these guidelines, I will do my best to ensure there is hand sanitizer, hand wipes, a hand washing station, etc. available for staying clean. Being considerate of the health and safety of our populace is greatly appreciated!

If anyone has additional questions or concerns regarding the practice please reach out to me at archerymarshal@debatablelands.aethelmearc.org.

Stay safe out there!

Yours in service,
Rónán Ó Conaill
BMDL Captain of Archers

Business Meeting tonight – 10/7/2020

Greetings Noble Populace,

Please find the enclosed information for the Zoom Meeting this evening. Also, find the Minutes from the August Business Meeting and the Agenda for the October Business Meeting in the following google drive location.

All future confirmed minutes & Agendas will be available by this same link.

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1hEGCojOZ4_zawYKdOqYymlYq1ne9IesP?usp=sharing

If you are unable to access or have questions, Please contact me directly.

Yours in service,
Muirgheal, Seneschal Debatable

muirgheall@gmail.com or see the Dark Pages for my contact information.

…..
BMDL Business Meeting
Time: Oct 7, 2020 08:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/99466943399?pwd=UWlBWFA5YmozY3JBcTNIaHZpMmVEZz09

Meeting ID: 994 6694 3399

One tap mobile
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+13126266799,,99466943399# US (Chicago)
Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
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+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 994 6694 3399
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/aoZFe4Ebt

Sad Tidings

We are very saddened to pass along the news that Sir Thorgrim from our neighbors to the north, has passed away.

We offer our deepest condolences and wishes for peace to Mistress Katla, his children, household, family and friends. He was a great influence on our region and the Kingdom, and he will be missed.

Information about final arrangements, including memorial donations can be found here: https://www.welchfh.com/obituary/JamesRoland-GurnseyJr

UPDATE – ARCHERY AND THROWN WEAPONS PRACTICE! EQUSTRIAN PRACTICE!

Good Gentles All, Greetings from Muirgheal ingheah Dubhghaill.

I have the express delight to tell you that we have been given permission to hold socially distant Archery, Thrown Weapons, and Equestrian Practices. These will require that everyone holds to the CDC advised masks, hand washing, 6 foot distance, and not attending if they have felt ill or taken care of anyone feeling ill. A list of requirements and scheduling will come from the marshals shortly so that we are all aware of what is expected.

In that regard, we have been gifted the use of a private site that will help us better control who comes and goes from our practices. However, Lady Jasmine had one of her oxen die and the field we would use remains unprepared for use. [Transition, her riding mower requires repair and the large field needs a good cutting. It’s about mid-calf high].

If any gentle might have the ability to tend to the field for Lady Jasmine, that enabling the Barony to have Archer and Throwing practices; please contact either her or reach out to me. Her information is in the dark pages.

If we have a gentle that might be able to assist her with repairs to her clockwork, please reach out to her directly. I understand there was something about a belt that requires maintenance.
Thank you in advance.
Muirgheal , Seneschal Debatable.

muirgheall@gmail.com
724-683-7558

Online Sewing tonight 7:30

There will be online sewing tonight, Thursday October 1st, starting at 7:30 in one of the Kingdom zoom rooms. All are welcome and there is no agenda for this session. Feel free to sew, iron, knit, braid, or just hang out. If you need the zoom information, or would like to teach a class, send email to sewing at debatablelands dot org.

Online Sewing Thurs Oct 1 7:30

There will be online sewing Thursday October 1st, starting at 7:30 in one of the Kingdom zoom rooms. All are welcome and there is no agenda for this session. Feel free to sew, iron, knit, braid, or just hang out. If you need the zoom information, or would like to teach a class, send email to sewing at debatablelands dot org.

Æthelmearc Day Meeting TODAY! 9/20/2020

Greetings unto the Populace of the DebatableLands, with apologies for the corrected notification.

Please join us for a social and Barony Meeting virtually from 1 pm – 3pm today!

Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/98496712265?pwd=UDliR3cwTHhnWGRsM0lVdUU2aTBxZz09

Meeting ID: 984 9671 2265

One tap mobile
+19292056099,,98496712265# US (New York)
+13126266799,,98496712265# US (Chicago)

Dial by your location
+1 929 205 6099 US (New York)
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)
+1 301 715 8592 US (Germantown)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma)

Meeting ID: 984 9671 2265
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/ad2ehh2Ck

Muirgheal inghean Dubhghaill, Seneschal Debatable

p.s. The party responsible for the erroneous notice has been sacked.

From the Baron & Baroness: On Core Values

Hello Debatable Lands! Salve Accolens! Hello Neighbors!

Below is a restatement from our letter appearing in the June (2nd Qtr) Althing:

We have long felt and said that the SCA and our Barony is a safe space. A place where we can leave our modern worries at the metaphorical door, and be exactly who we want to be – warriors and artists and leaders and so much more… And you know, while that is true for many of us, to varying degrees, it’s not true for everyone. We are but human. Humans who cannot leave parts of their very selves and souls at the SCA door. We acknowledge this. Now, we ask that we all acknowledge this.

So, what do we do? The SCA does not exist in a vacuum. We are not simply warriors, not simply artisans, not simply leaders, or archers, or builders, or any of the myriad paths that we have the opportunities to follow. The SCA is, at its very heart, based in chivalry and courtesy. It’s in our highest Laws, our highest expectations of ourselves. Our Core Values*.  It’s time we take a hard look at ourselves and what the true meaning of our values are. We must actively seek the ways that our systems, our processes, our words, and above all, our actions, inhibit equity in our game. Every single one of us, even we, your Baron and Baroness, have unconscious bias. We must all examine ourselves, our words, our actions, and the systems that we build and take part in. And above all, when someone tells us that something is wrong – that something in our great hobby is harming them – we must listen.

We will say this, unequivocally: in our Barony, we will no longer turn our heads away from intolerance. We are a people of compassion, reason, and acceptance. *You are welcome here*. Whatever your race, ethnicity, orientation, gender identity/expression, disability, religion, political beliefs, age, socio-economic status, or appearance, you are welcome here. The only thing that is not welcome is intolerance. 

In this self-examination, we are not perfect. Let us be patient with ourselves, let us not rush to judgment, or alienation of friends and neighbors. We say again: we are but human. And humans are flawed. We ask that we all practice kindness, and compassion, and patience, and respect –  as we navigate these current rough waters. 

We know our words this time have far more gravitas that you may be used to hearing from us, and we know that we ask of us all things that may be difficult. Know this: we will continue to hold every last one of you in our hearts, and to strive to keep our vibrant, amazing Barony a fun and welcoming place.

We are here because you believe.

In Levitate et Caritate, and Cheers
Baron Brandubh and Baroness Hilda

___________________________

*SCA Statement of Core Values 

In pursuing its mission, the SCA is committed to excellence in its programs, communications and activities and to

∙ act in accordance with the chivalric virtues of honor and service;

∙ value and respect the worth and dignity of all individuals;

∙ practice inclusiveness and respect pluralism and diversity;

∙ promote a safe and respectful environment for all SCA events;

∙ act with transparency, fairness, integrity and honesty;

∙ be a responsible steward of SCA resources; and,

∙ be committed to maintaining the trust of its members and participants.

It is the expectation of the SCA that its members and participants, in all events and activities of the SCA, will conduct themselves in accordance with these tenets.