COMMANDER'S CORNER

I hope this finds everyone healthy and in good spirits. Only 3 more months until we start the '98 season so, it's time to check out your equipment and repair any rips, tears, or missing buttons. Don't forget that April 25th is the unit muster. WE WILL HAVE AN INSPECTION! So get those kits in order. I have requested from Clay that Marilyn Hess be assigned to us as a Peer Coach for our ladies. The request has been officially granted. Marilyn is going to be attending a seminar in Maryland on German & French ladies clothing. I asked her to pick up any books on this. So when she returns we will set a date. I was informed by Clay that our unit will not be up for inspection until 1999. So I have requested from Clay that we be inspected at Vincennes, Indiana 1999. This has given us a little breathing space. We will be ready for next year. For those of you in Milwaukee it looks as though the Stonewood Village event may be canceled. I have enclosed a copy of Clays letter for your review. I received a call last week from a Michael Dollinger who approached us at the Indianapolis event. He would like to join us. I told him that he and his family would need to come to an event and camp out with us for a weekend before any decisions could be made. So we will have guests at Vincennes. I look forward to seeing you all soon.

By Gary Weigel

LETTER FROM CLAY TOLLEFSON:

Please be informed that I will no longer be involved with the Stonewood Village event. After last year the event was taken over by the shop keepers (renters) rather than the Stonewood Village owners. I met with the shop keepers in October last. We talked about ideas for the events growth and problems we've had and not had. We closed with them stating that they would get to me by Dec. 1st. They did not and to date still have not contacted me. Now I have been informed that the shop keepers have approached another rev-war reenactor to do the event-possibly for gratis. One point I made clear in October was, "if we are to be used to draw business we at least should continue to receive something for our efforts." This we had been receiving from the owner. Their idea, which seems to be shared by more than just a couple of them who wish us to show up is, "Be glad that we're allowing you to have a place to do your thing"! I personally am tired of people who want us, having that kind of attitude. Please, if our fellow reenactor accepts to do the event or any one else of our organization, for sure do as your heart dictates. If doing Stonewood is your thing please do it. I know that after spending all the time I did to build that event and make it work I can not accept their attitude. An event is like an iceberg, most of it is under water and not seen by the public or sponsors who don't get involved and are there to just receive the pats on the back. I loved the people the event brought out and in turn it did bring a few folk out to Pioneer. A couple speaking engagements, scouts, and schools but that's all I'm aware we have gained from Stonewood. The shops I know have gained from our being there. Thank you very much for your support the past few years. For me your efforts were greatly appreciated and showed me that as a group with a common interest we stand above most.

By Clayton Tollefson