ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Minutes of Meeting, 9-6-07

Those present:  Jan Roblin, Ann Iaria, William Freeman, Lee Freeman, Jim Lake, John Holcomb, A. J. Mashburn, Donna Miles, Bonnie McIntyre, Aubrey Gaskins, Mary Nicely, Rick McAdams, Her Majesty Queen Ostara, Billy Warren, Leah Brewer, Susan Key, Carol Burhans, Andy Betterton, Cathy Wood

1. Billy Warren expressed sympathy from the Roundtable to Donna Miles in the recent passing of her mother, Betty Pickett Alsbrooks.  Billy stated that the Roundtable has placed the book, Renaissance: Maker of Modern Man by the National Geographic Society, in the public library in her memory.
   
    
2. Jan Roblin and Leah Brewer reported that the castle for children to decorate at the Faire continues to be developed as they share ideas and compare notes with each other.  Billy Warren reminded everyone to collect buttons, jewels, sequins, feathers, etc. for children to use in the decorating of this wonderful castle.
   
    
3. Billy Warren reminded everyone that he forwarded by email to all Roundtable members the proposed menu for the Feast from Jim Matterer.  Billy distributed hard copies of the menu, and Lee Freeman reviewed it with the group.  Lee stated that, as in the past, Jim will try out this year’s Feast dishes at an SCA event so he can alter them for us if need be.
   
    
4. These Roundtable members participated in another work session recently to create the decorations for our information tent at the Faire:  Susan Key, Bonnie McIntyre, Mary Nicely, Mandi Green, Don Green and Donna Miles.  They reported that the “slipcover” for the tent is coming together beautifully.  They will have another work session on Monday afternoon, September 10.  There was a huge round of applause for everyone involved in this very excellent project!
   
    
5. There was a lengthy discussion about the opportunity for Roundtable members to go to the Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Renaissance garb during the month of October as an advertisement for the Feast and Faire.  Billy Warren thanked Ann Iaria for making this possible.  He encouraged everyone to take advantage of this great opportunity.  A more specific schedule for such visits will be established at the next meeting of the Roundtable on September 20.
   
    
6. Billy Warren reminded everyone that there is a second Roundtable meeting this month:  Thursday, September 20, 12:00 noon.
   
    
7. Aubrey Gaskins stated that the annual Feast just for Roundtable members will be held at Stephano’s in Sheffield on Thursday evening, October 25.  More details will be shared at future meetings of the Roundtable.
   
    
8. Billy Warren reported that Annette Srygley, the lady who makes the handpainted silk flags, will return to the Faire this year.  Donna Miles, Aubrey Gaskins, William Freeman and Leah Brewer now have this lady’s email address so they may communicate with her regarding possible flag routines (similar to those displayed at the Il Palio in Sienna, Italy) at the Feast and/or the Faire.
   
    
9. Leah Brewer stated that she is working on flag routines to teach those who might participate in the Il-Palio-like activity at the Feast and/or the Faire.  She will also view the video created by Aubrey Gaskins and William Freeman of the actual Il Palio event to get other ideas.
   
    
10. There was further discussion of the possibility of our staging a modified version of the Centerbury Pilgrims at this year’s Faire.  It was decided that Lee Freeman and Billy Warren should work on the script for such an event and present it at the Roundtable meeting on September 20.
    
     
11. In a drawing, Jan Roblin won a children’s book on Venice, Italy, and Donna Miles won a book on castles.
    
     
12. The official 2007 poster has arrived!  It was unveiled for the first time today and Roundtable members were encouraged to take copies of it as a thank-you for their untiring work to make the Feast and Faire come together each year.
    
     
13. It appears that Torok the Troll will be married at the Faire this year.  Stay tuned…
    
     
14. Billy Warren stated that he will soon have the business cards ready for Rick McAdams to attach the coins of the realm so they can be given to the management at the Marriott for distribution to guests.