The Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
PO Box 611928. San Jose, CA 95161 800-789-7486

May 23, 2023

From:		John Fulton, President of the Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.

To: 		Participants of the Society

Re: 		President’s Board Report

Greetings everyone,

Please find below my report, from the Board of Director’s meeting, held on January 22, 2033.  The Sunday meeting was online and was available live.  Information on how to view the video of the meeting, for those who are interested, can be found here: https://youtu.be/vSW2kDfNp3w

My usual disclaimer:  This report contains some highlights and information from the January 22, 2022, meeting. It has the publishable summaries and commendations, from all Society and Corporate officers, that submitted reports.  

Sanctions and other items done under Executive Session (the closed part of a Board meeting in which personnel and sensitive issues are discussed and handled) are at the end of this report.

Remember that this report does NOT replace the Minutes from the meeting.  Approved Minutes, from past meetings, can be viewed by SCA members at https://members.sca.org/apps/#SignIn.

Here are other items of interest from the meeting.

Quarterly Meeting Schedule:

1.	July 23, 2023 
2.	October 22, 2023 

The Board will continue to post the videos for those who missed the online meetings.  The Board of Directors is considering the possibility of a return to live meetings.  They would like to encourage any groups interested in sponsoring a meeting to contact the Executive Assistant, Leslie Luther-Fulton, at ea@sca.org  to obtain information on how to submit a bid. 

Tentative Conference Call Schedule:

1.  	Monday, May 22, 2023 – 5:00 p.m. PDT
2.  	Monday, June19, 2023 – 5:00 p.m. PDT

Status Changes Requiring Board Action:

The Board approved dissolution of the following groups:  Canton of Aschehyrst (Eastern Massachusetts); Northshield – Shire of Avonwood (Marshal, MN area); Northshield – Shire of Turn an dem See (Sheboygan County, WI)

Board Nominations

As of the January 22, 2023, meeting, there were forty-two (42) candidates on the list of Board nominees with fourteen (14) kingdoms represented.  A breakdown by kingdom is as follows: 

Æthelmearc	4		Ealdormere	0	
An Tir	6		East	2	
Ansteorra	0		Gleann Abhann	6	
Artemisia	1		Meridies	2	
Atenveldt	0		Middle	6	
Atlantia	4		Northshield	1	
Avacal	4		Outlands	0	
Caid	1		Trimaris	3	
Calontir	2		West	0	
Drachenwald	0				

Of particular note, is that Ansteorra, Atenveldt, Drachenwald, Ealdormere, the Outlands and the West had no representation as of that date.

New nominations and commentary on current nominees is always encouraged. Questions be directed to Gabrielle Fisher at recruiting@sca.org. 

Variances Granted by Society Seneschal 

Motion by K.T. Sheppard to uphold a variance granted to the Kingdom of An Tir by the Society Seneschal on March 23, 2023, excusing the An Tir Kingdom Seneschal from attending May 2023 Crown Tournament.  Second by Pug Bainter.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 

Motion by Gabrielle Fisher to uphold a variance granted to the Kingdom of An Tir by the Society Seneschal on March 24, 2023, to allow the second finalist of the July Champion Tournament to fill in as an emergency replacement for the An Tir Kingdom Champion.  Second by K.T. Sheppard.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried.  

Motion by Jennifer Krochmal to uphold a variance granted to the Kingdom of Northshield by the Society Seneschal on March 30, 2023, to consider the reign of the outgoing king of Northshield to be considered complete as of April 1, 2023.  Second by Pug Bainter.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried.  
Variances Not Upheld by the Board

Motion by Mark Faulcon to deny approval of the variance granted to the Kingdom of Atlantia by the Society Seneschal to allow the Baroness of Bright Hills to additionally assume the office of Kingdom Minister of Lists.  Second by Pug Bainter.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 

Town Hall Meeting

Groups wishing to have a Town Hall Panel discussion at one of their events should contact the Executive Assistant via email at ea@sca.org for more information. 

ZOOM

The use of Zoom, as opposed to GoToMeeting, was approved for future online Board meetings.  This switch provides not only a cost savings but will allow for close captioning of meetings. 

2022 Annual Report

The 2022 Annual Report created by the Communications Team was approved and should be posted on the website, in the near future.

DEI Initiatives

The following DEI Initiatives by the DEIB (formerly the DEI) Officer were accepted as presented:

•	Identify or create a specific set of training materials and record keeping processes appropriate for Board members, Corporate and Society officers, corporate office staff, Kingdom Great Officers, and other relevant positions.
•	Collaborate with the Society Seneschal and existing kingdom DEI officers to understand the current roles and responsibilities and explore the potential creation of Kingdom DEI officers.
•	Collaborate with the Society Chatelaine to identify appropriate DEI training materials to further all Chatelaine’s recruitment and retention efforts.
•	Collaborate with appropriate officers to develop through directed research and community outreach to create a site accessibility repository.
•	Form a workgroup to investigate the potential creation of a Society DEI officer and the roles and responsibilities associated with the position.

The following actions for the DEIB office were approved: 

Motion by Pug Bainter, in alignment with the January 2023 strategic DEI initiative, to direct the Corporate DEI Officer to finalize and deliver appropriate procurement documents to acquire a strategy consultant to perform a DEI assessment of the organization. Second by Jennifer Krochmal.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 

Motion by Mark Faulcon to approve changing the name of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Office to the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Office, as requested by the Corporate DEI Officer.  Second by K.T. Sheppard.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 

SCA Archives – Physical Transfer of Documents

Commendations were issued by the Board and President to CT Alderson, Travis Schenck and Laura Pate for their work on transferring the physical archives from their previous storage facility in California, to the new facility in Spanish Fork, Utah. 
	
Society Exchequer  - Financial Policy Approval:

Motion by Jennifer Krochmal to approve the Kingdom of Atlantia Financial Policy as presented by the Society Exchequer. Second by Mark Faulcon.  Opposed:  None. Motion carried.

Motion by Jennifer Krochmal to approve the Kingdom of Northshield PayPal Policy to the Society Exchequer as presented by the Society Exchequer. Second by Gabrielle Fisher.  Opposed:  None. Motion carried.

Laurel Principal Queen of Arms – Approved SENA Changes

1.	Addition of two examples to SENA PNP3C6, “Examples of Personal Name Conflict Checks,” to illustrate that the addition of an article or preposition is insufficient to clear conflict.

2.	Revision of SENA PN4D1, “Non-SCA People Protected from Presumption,” to clarify that consideration of encyclopedia entries for determining if a non-SCA person is important enough to protect under this section is not limited to English-language encyclopedias, nor to print versions of encyclopedias. 

3.	Revision of SENA NPN1C2f, “Branch Name Allowance” to allow order names with a double locative to use at Branch name based on period examples of order names. 

4.	Revision of SENA NPN4D1, “Non-SCA Entities Protected from Presumption,” to make it explicit that names of indigenous tribes and other groups of people are among the names we protect from presumption. Also, a revision to clarify that consideration of encyclopedia entries for determining if a non-SCA entity is important enough to protect under this section is not limited to English-language encyclopedias, nor to print versions of encyclopedias. 

5.	Revision to how we treat attested depictions of fantastical plants and animals. Previously they were under SENA A2B4a, “Elements which are a Step from Core Practice – Plants and Animals”, but now are handled under SENA A2B2b, “Constructed Elements – Plants and Animals” as there is a pattern of using fantastical plants and animals in period heraldry. Also, a revision to SENA A2B4a to clarify that when we say “known to period people” we mean people of any culture, not just Europeans.

6.	Revision of the example in SENA A6F2b, “Designs which Create the Appearance of Marshalling – Sections which are Subdivided,” to make it clear that checky quarters do not create the appearance of marshalling. 
7.	Added a header to Appendix C “Regional Naming Groups and Their Mixes” to clarify what regional naming groups are, to specify the maximum number of years between elements for mixing, and to add links back to the relevant sections in SENA PN2.

8.	Updated Appendix E4 “Household Names” to add the designator Sodalitas, a Latin form of “fellowship”.
9.	Updated Appendix H “Low-Contrast Complex Lines of Division” to allow fields that are divided per pale offest, per bend (sinister) bevilled, or per fess with a (left or right) step to be registered in any pair of low contrast tinctures so long as there is no charge overlaying the division, which would reduce identifiability.
10.	Updated Appendix I “Charge Group Theory” to clarify that labels may be in chief and overlie peripheral ordinaries without overlying the primary charge. This matches period practice and aligns Appendix I with Appendix J.
11.	Updated Appendix J “Documented and Forbidden Arrangements of Charge Groups on Armory” to clarify one of the disallowed patterns under the heading "Designs with One or Two Charge Groups On the Field that We Don't Allow (barring evidence that they were used in period)" applies only to charges in a single group.
12.	Changes to the Glossary of Terms - Updated Table 4 “Conventional ‘Proper’ Colorings” to include definitions for holly branch and panda.
13.	Changes to the Glossary of Terms - Updated Table 5 “Conventional S.C.A. Default Postures” for ships.

14.	Changes to the Administrative Handbook appendices Updated Appendix H “Sources That Do Not Require Photocopies to Laurel to include Diplomatarium Islandicum and articles by Gunnvorr Silfarhárr (the Viking Answer Lady). 

Director Appointment – Seat A

By consensus, the appointment of Krista Capps to Seat A for the Board of Directors of the Society for Creative Anachronism was confirmed, effective at the close of the April 23, 2023, quarterly meeting.

Chair Assignment

Motion by K.T. Sheppard to appoint Mark Faulcon as Chair of the Board of Directors of the Society for Creative Anachronism, effective at the close of the April 23, 2023, quarterly meeting.  Second by Jennifer Krochmal.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried.

Corporate Communications Office Restructuring and Stipends

By consensus, the Board agrees to approve the Corporate Communications Office Restructuring and Stipends as requested by the President.  
Ombudsman Assignments

The following ombudsman assignments were approved effective at the close of the quarterly meeting: 
Chair: Mark Faulcon (Duke Martin Lochner)
Ombudsman for: President, Society Seneschal, Corporate Office, Executive Assistant, Financial Officers, Financial Committee, Census Committee

Vice Chair: Pug Bainter (Master Phelim Gervase) 
Ombudsman for: DEI, Heralds, East, Caid, West

Director: Krista Capps (Bricca di Ghelere)
Ombudsman for Atlantia, Meridies, Middle, Ealdormere,

Director: Gabrielle Fisher (Adrielle Kerrec)
Ombudsman for: Board Recruiting, Æthelmearc, Avacal, Drachenwald, Lochac 

Director: Jennifer Krochmal (Duchess Kalisa Aleksandrovna) 
Ombudsman for: Communications Committee, Information Technology (Webminister and Webmaster), Calontir, Northshield, Outlands

Director Ross Roegner (Count Barthelemy of Illyria)
Ombudsman for: A&S, Artemisia Atenveldt, Publications (TI, CA, Chronicler),

Director: KT Sheppard (Graf Ulrich von Brandenburg)
Ombudsman for: Peerage Committee, An Tir, Ansteorra, Gleann Abhann, Trimaris, Marshal

In closing:

Remember also that the Officer’s Reports below are cut and pasted from the officer’s reports directly to this document.  There is no post editing of individual reports.

Finally, if you have suggestions, comments, or questions, about this report please contact me at president@sca.org.

In service and respect,

John

John Fulton
Duke John the Bearkiller
President, Society for Creative Anachronism, Inc.
president@sca.org

OFFICER REPORTS:

President – John Fulton (John the Bearkiller)  
Commendations:	I would like to thank Louise Du Cray and Nataalya Urosevic in their handling the tasks of working with Neon in the efforts to complete the changeover for SCA.org website to the new platform.  There have been harsh weather issues in San Jose also over the last several months that further complicated all that hard work.  In addition to keeping the SCA office running also.
Sam Davis, the SCA’s Manager of Information Technology, has been a steady and reliable source of all tech wise matters.
Carolyn Richardson’s efforts, as SCA Treasurer, have been exemplary over the last number of months.  She has frankly been wonderful.
 
Publishable Summary:	SCA, Inc. received a $2322.15 donation from the AmazonSmile program for activity between October 1 and December 31, 2022.  Amazon is discontinuing this program for not-for-profits and the last donation from Amazon will be made in May 2023.   It is unfortunate that Amazon has decided to end this offering, but the company has been generous over the years and none of the money donated to the SCA from AmazonSmile came from any customers.  This was donated by the company itself.

Charles Burk, Baron Charles de Bourbon, OL is settling into the office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion.  Those on Facebook are encouraged to go the office’s SCADiversityEquityInclusion page and see what is going on.  The Board released a proposed plan and schedule for the office in January 2023 and Charles is focusing not only on seeing the plan is properly administered but that the office continues to flourish and grow to meet the needs of the now and future of the Society and all who participate.

Katie Gilroy (Lady Margery Heron) is the new Marketing Deputy under Brigid Costello’s Communication office.  Katie has designed two shirts which are the first official SCA “Merch”.  The first shirt sold well and will be rereleased soon.  The second shirt can be ordered now at https://www.customink.com/fundraising/sca-dei-fundraiser.  This second shirt is a fundraiser for the SCA DEI office exclusively.  Charles Burk in his capacity as the SCA DEI officer is responsible for deciding the most effective use of the funds generated by the sale of the shirt.

Ray DuBose’s, Sir Rey RiBeaumont, warrant as Society Marshal is nearing the end of term and we will begin advertising the position in April to select a new Society Marshal.

Insurance costs have risen over the Covid years.  There will soon be an announcement regarding raising the price for all group insurance certificates.  It has been several years since insurance certificates have been increased.  The increase will be as minimal as possible and the announcement will carry much more detailed information on which insurance costs have increased.  Please keep in mind that these certificate costs are paid for by groups. 

Plans are finalized for the movement of the SCA Archives from their current home in California to their new home in Utah.  Shipping and housing of the approximately 150 boxes of past and current treasure should be completed by the end of April.  More information about the future of this very important historical body of material will be available once Travis Schenck (Lord Ramon De Javier) has had time to familiarize himself with the collection.  One important goal is to pursue digitization of the material once sorting and cataloging has been accomplished.

Manager for Information Technology – Sam Davis (Thomas Blackmoore)

Commendations:	Matthew Cavalletto (Mathghamhain Ua Ruadhain) – for invaluable assistance in finding issues that need to be resolved, and to Marla Lecin (Jessa) – For keeping up with all the changes required with the membership portal replacement.

Publishable Summary:	  The IT department has not been as productive as we would have liked. A couple of major projects have been stalled as non-SCA life interferes. Additionally, there was a security breach of the SCA-Comments archive which was quickly resolved. More information on that will be available soon.

The Web Master’s office has made a lot of progress on keeping our websites up to date and making the corrections needed because of the membership portal change. They have been kept busy, and are working constantly to keep the website updated and improve functionality and appearance.

The IT department is happy to announce the creation of helpdesk@sca.org. This email address should simplify reporting IT and membership portal related issues. 

We are also looking to bring on a new Linux system administrator to help with some of the back logged projects. Resumes should be sent to resumes@sca.org (please copy it@sca.org) and the application deadline is April 15, 2023. Questions about this or any other it issues should be directed to it@sca.org. 

The Web Master’s office has made a lot of progress on keeping our websites up to date and making the corrections needed because of the membership portal change. They have been kept busy, and are working constantly to keep the website updated and improve functionality and appearance.

	The IT department is happy to announce the creation of helpdesk@sca.org. This email address should simplify reporting IT and membership portal related issues. 

	We are also looking to bring on a new Linux system administrator to help with some of the back logged projects. Resumes should be sent to resumes@sca.org (please copy it@sca.org) and the application deadline is April 15, 2023. Questions about this or any other it issues should be directed to it@sca.org. 

Communications and Social Media - Brigid Costello (Anne de Tournai)

Commendations:	The TikTok team for the Barony of Forgotten Seas who had a video go viral and continue to build their audience. 

The Social Media and Communications team of the West Kingdom – this 25 person strong team across the Kingdom is focused on both internal and external marketing, supporting each other and continuing to improve these experiences for the West. 

Baron James Highgate for his successful completion of an extended term as Kingdom Social Media Officer for Trimaris.

Gleann Abhann Social Media team, in particular the team that supported Gulf Wars and Dame Dot for some outstanding TikTok content

Jessica van Hattem for her advice and support regarding the Society’s content approach for Black History Month

Charles Burk for advice and support re improving the accessibility of our communications. 

Kingdom Social Media Officers for their collegiate work and support of each other.  Our Known World is vast and it is not always possible for individual KSMOs to identify problematic images.  Working together, the team is able to rapidly address issues.  

Lady Margery Heron for taking on the Marketing Communications Deputy Role and for all her work in the Social Media role – you remain a legend. 

My thanks as always to John, Louise, Marla, Leslie, Lis, Eben, Myah and Sam and all the amazing content creators across the Known World who continue to communicate the opportunities and benefits inherent in our community. 

Publishable Summary:	Effective communication creates trust and builds understanding.  In 2023, the Communications team will continue to work with officers and participants across the Known World to build the understanding of the mechanics of our organisation, realise opportunities to improve it and continue to learn and grow.  We thank everyone who has provided feedback and assistance with the improvements that have been made so far and those we will make in the future. 

Society DEI Officer – Charles Burk (Charles de Bourbon)

Commendations:	I want to commend our Marketing and Comms officers for their work on the fundraiser for the office that was launched on March 27th, 

Publishable Summary:	The new DEI officer has been in office for 4 weeks. In this time the following have been accomplished: 

• publish M/W/F daily DEI bite-sized, asynchronous, learnings 
• launched our DEI fundraiser shirt! We have sold ~ 145 shirts to date! Thank you all for the support. This money will go to fund projects that further DEI education in the SCA: content development, training, technology, etc. 
• delivered first quarterly report which is due tomorrow. 
• Meeting Directors, Corporate, and Society Officers as part of my onboarding. We are in week four folks! 
• finalized a few details for some new DEI educational projects that this office is either spearheading or participating in. 
• met with prior DEI officer for onboarding 
• amplifying local and regional DEI events, ad-hoc. We are building an intake process to do this in a scalable way for the society so it isn’t ad-hoc emails, FB messages, FB posts, etc. 
• caught up DEI email in-box. 
• I will be at Pennsic 50 and plan to set up meet and greets and listening sessions. 

Vice President for Operations (Society Seneschal) - Lis Schraer (Elasait ingen Diarmata) 

Commendations:	I want to offer the highest praise to Leslie Luther-Fulton (Countess Jane Falada of Englewood), executive assistant to the Board. Leslie not only takes it on herself to answer emails to the Board’s Comments address, but she has helped me tremendously in composing and editing emails that were mine to answer. She is fabulous. 
 
I also want to mention my two stellar deputies, Stacy Hall (Mistress Gwenndolynn ni hAilleachain) and Becky Littlefield (Mistress Alinore Wyndover). Between the two of them they are managing to educate me on easier, clearer ways to use technology to organize my Board reports, as well as being available as listening ears for some of the inevitable frustrations that come with this job. 
 
Finally, I want to mention two citizens of Lochac who stepped up to help the kingdom when needed: Kellianne Anderson (Countess Beatrice), and Andrew Ross-Gowan (Baron Gilchrist). I know the kingdom appreciates their willingness to assist, as do I. 
 
From the kingdom seneschals I have the following commendations: 
 
Ansteorra: I would like to give thanks to Mistress Simha for serving as calendar deputy during this time of many changes. She has been astalwart officer, always staying on top of the changes and doing it with kindness. 
 
Atlantia: It has been a pleasure working with King Abran and Queen Anya. This is their first time reigning, so they have lots of questions. But their questions have forced me to keep on my toes and have made me a better KS. 
 
Caid: A big round of applause to Tiberius for the work he did in this office and his support of my tenure. His is a bedrock in the kingdom. 
 
East: I'd like to thank the local seneschals of the East for their steadfast support of their local members. They have been integral in managing a *lot* of opinions through the last quarter, and have done a stellar job communicating back to me. I owe them a debt of gratitude as I worked through a series of disabling conditions which made the use of a computer hard over the last 2 months. 
 
Northshield: I do want to commend Hraði Bjarnylr mka Reid Wooldridge, Seneschal of the Barony of Windhaven, he is stepping down after this reporting cycle and has done an excellent job in his tenure. He is a sure constant in dependability which in our position is always a great asset. He is a great asset to our Kingdom. 
 
Publishable Summary:	Several large events occurred during the first quarter of the year in various kingdoms, including the return of the Birka Market in the East, several Twelfth Night coronations, and Gulf Wars, with the Kings Arrow Ranch site under new and enthusiastic ownership. Also Atenveldt held an event, War of the Phoenix, in early February which is reported to have been a success. Attendance at such events seems to be exceeding expectations and certainly exceeding events last winter, assuming those events in early 2022 were able to be held at all. This winter happily did not see a large COVID surge such as last winter brought. All remaining variances for COVID restrictions were allowed to expire March 1; of course if that situation were to change they would be re-examined. 
 
As most of the SCA seems to have returned to near-normal after the long period of lessened activity, it’s worth mentioning that variances to kingdom laws or Society rules and policies, which were unfortunately quite common as we coped with the extraordinary circumstances of the last few years, are once again something that should be relatively rare. Variances are for unavoidable, extraordinary circumstances—the classic example is a natural disaster rendering a Crown or Coronation site unusable and requiring a last-minute change of date or venue—and should not be requested when other solutions to a problem can be found. If a kingdom law is not serving the kingdom well, the Crown and kingdom officers should consider changing the law. 
 
The new Society Chatelaine and new Society Youth Activities Officer have both geared up for activity this quarter. Kingdom chatelaines and kingdom youth officers are highly encouraged to contact these Society officers whose job is largely to network and support the kingdoms in their recruiting and familyoriented endeavors. 
 
As the warm-weather event season returns, I do feel the need to remind people that the SCA has expectations for behavior toward other participants and at events. Most of these can be found on the SCA.org website, in a section titled “Conduct and Behavior in the SCA.” While there are a large number of documents linked there, they boil down to treating your fellow SCA participants with kindness and courtesy. We’re all here to have fun and enjoy each other’s company while sharing our interest in history. Be safe out there, maybe try something new, and take advantage of all the SCA has to offer.

Society Chatelaine – Michele Hays (Jeanne-Marie la Verriere)

Report excused this quarter due to new placement in the office. 

Society Youth Activities Officer – Michelle Santy (Amytis de la Fontaine)

Commendations:	None.

Publishable Summary:	Youth Officers all over the Society are meeting and discussing the needs of SCA families. We are compiling resources and information not only for Youth Officers but for parents and teens. This information will soon be available on the SCA website.

Vice President for Corporate Operations – Louise Du Cray

Commendations:	I would like to thank the other half of the SCA Corporate Office, Nataalya. As our administrative assistant, QuickBooks whiz, and stock clerk, Taalya wears many different hats, and does a lot more behind the scenes than may be readily apparent. She has spent countless hours cross-checking and rebuilding reports and processes during our system migration, and over the past several months has collaborated with our background check processor to update and streamline our method for processing background checks. She really took the initiative on this project and it’s already proving to be a huge improvement.

Publishable Summary:	This quarter saw the SCA Corporate Office through some exciting changes, despite some remarkable challenges. All in all, we were without an online membership system for the majority of January and the first week of February, during which time we processed nearly $13k in memberships and subscription renewals manually. As many of you know, the San Francisco Bay Area, and in particular the Santa Cruz Mountains where your intrepid office staff both reside, was affected by unprecedented severe weather and widespread power outages this winter. We spent several weeks in a state of emergency and while every attempt was made to get to as many emails and inquiries as possible during this period, a number of communications and requests were regrettably delayed. 

In spite of this, the long-awaited transition to the new CRM system, Neon One, was successfully completed and the updated Member Portal went live on February 8. Since that time, we have been working through various issues to be expected from any major systems change or data migration, as well as a few unexpected ones given our unique needs as an organization. I am happy to report that nearly all issues affecting member profiles have been resolved, and more features are in the works. Please reach out to us at membership@sca.org if you have any questions, concerns, suggestions, or accolades. We thank you again for your continued patience during this transition, and thanks as well to everyone who has already offered valuable feedback, notes, and support. 

If you’ve renewed your membership during the past quarter and elected to receive a paper membership card, keep an eye on your mailbox. While in-office production of paper cards was temporarily paused during the system changeover, all cards from the past quarter through mid-April have gone out via USPS this past week and will continue to be mailed out regularly – twice a month for the time being. 

Nearly 50% of members elected not to receive a paper membership card at all, which brings me to my next exciting news: we will shortly be launching a fully digital option for your SCA membership card, which will integrate with your mobile wallet and show all of your details in one place! These proof of membership details will of course continue to be accessible through the Membership Portal. 

In February we began rolling out an updated background check process which streamlines the flow of information between members, Seneschals, and our office. Additionally, all members applying for a background check are now able to input their own information via a secure link-based system, which will reduce duplication of efforts and reduce the number of touches on personally-identifiable data as it moves through the system. 

A background check is required for Kingdom Seneschals and Youth Coordinators (or any other officer whose responsibility is the oversight of youth activities). More information is available on the SCA website, sca.org. 

I’m also happy to say we’re in the process of updating and digitizing the insurance certificate ordering process. You now have the option to pay any associated fees using a direct credit card link, and a new online form is coming. 

Looking forward to the next calendar year, the Board of Directors is considering the possibility of a return to live meetings in late 2023. Groups interested in hosting a meeting should contact the BoD Executive Assistant, Leslie Luther-Fulton (ea@sca.org) for information on meeting requirements and how to submit a bid. 

Publications Manager - Gloria Woodard (Honor of Restormel)

Commendations:	Most sincere thanks to Charles Alderson (Master Aldred von Lechsend aus Froschheim) – Archivist, and Travis Scheneck (Lord Ramon De Javier) – Archivist-Elect for their hard work and cooperation in making arrangements for the relocation of the Publication Archives.  The long anticipated move has been scheduled for the first week in April, 2023.  Additionally, I would like to thank Charles Alderson for his long and distinguished tenure as the Archivist for our Society.  He has worked tirelessly to store and maintain the considerable archives which encapsule the history of our Society.  He has served for the entirety of my time as Publications Manager and I am very grateful for how easy he has been to work with and his dependability.  He not only has taken care of the archives, but search through them to answer questions and provide information in response to inquiries and requests.  I will certainly miss having Charles on the Team.  Very best wishes to him in his “retirement.”  A warm welcome to Travis as he assumes the duties of the Archivist.  I hope that it will be a fulfilling experience.  

Commendations are always due to the Publications Team who have relatively thankless jobs which they dispatch with dedication and talent.  

Publishable Summary:	The Publications Team continues to provide a monthly newsletter for each month, Tournaments Illuminated – a magazine for the SCA which is produced quarterly, and Compleat Anachronist – a scholastic journal focusing on specific areas of interest in the scope of the SCA.  If you haven’t taken the time to explore these resources, please consider doing so.   If you are able to contribute content for any of the newsletters, TI or CA, please contact the Chronicler or Editor of the particular publication.

Tournaments Illuminated -  Dar'C O’Neal (Riordan MacGregor)

Commendations:	I’m particularly indebted this quarter to Susanne Mayer /THL Katharina Woinowich of the Kingdom of Drachenwald for her event report on Parasol War in the Shire of Ad Flumen Caerulum, her charming related article on the Stuffed Animal Bestiary, and her co-authorship of the article on the Astronomical Clock of Prague.    

Publishable Summary:	Tournaments Illuminated Issue 220 is going to press, to be followed in approximately six weeks by Issue 221.  Issues 222 and 223 are in production.

Compleat Anachronist - Ellen Rawson (Ariel of Lindisfarne)

Commendations:	Many thanks to Matthew Parker for permitting me to transform his Bluebook-cited manuscript to Chicago Style and for allowing me to split it into two Compleat Anachronists due to its length. Although I am still editing it, I must thank Elise Fleming for her copyediting. As of this writing, she is still working on it, but I know it will be top notch. Also, I recently had a new volunteer offer to help with copyediting. Trish Causey has real-world editing experience and is trying her hand with this CA. (I will be getting her snail mail/SCA membership details asap.) Sue Gilbert, whom I met in person finally earlier this month when she was visiting England, no doubt will create a fantastic layout. 

Publishable Summary:  	Current Issue:  2023 Q1 CA 199 De Commentarii Legum et Curia Angliae (Commentaries on the Laws and Courts of England) Part 1

These commentaries provide modern readers with a view on English laws and legal structures as they existed largely in and leading up to the 16th century. Civil, common, and canon law are covered, along with the education of lawyers in Tudor England, law versus equity, peerage law, the major courts of the Tudor period, and the role of Sir Thomas More, one of the most influential 16th-century English lawyers. Written by a 21st-century lawyer, this Compleat Anachronist allows anyone with an interest in law and/or history to learn about 16th-century English law and understand how it developed from foundations laid in previous centuries.

Society Chronicler – Krystal Smith (Cecilia Blythe)

Commendations:	To all the kingdom chroniclers who keep up with their emails and respond promptly!

Publishable Summary: 	Everything going well. About time to start looking for Blackfox nominations for this A.S. year.  

Corporate Treasurer – Caroline Richardson (Tetchubah of Greenlake)

Commendations:	My thanks to Sam Davis and Marla Lecin for getting our 2021 Form 990 federal tax filing posted so quickly after I realized it was missing. 

Publishable Summary:	Since it is now the beginning of the year, we are starting fresh with the budgets and accounting, particularly with the new membership system. There have been hiccups, and I’m not sure when they will be resolved but hopefully soon. I am hoping we will have the online system for event payments up and running shortly, although I do not know the timeline for that. Sooner would be better. The stock market has been better this year for us than last year, so we have recovered some of the unrealized losses we incurred last year and are nearly back to our cost basis in the account. I am hoping things will continue to improve in that area.

Society Exchequer - Bonnie Stringer (Marcel Orillion)

Commendations:	Many thanks to Judy Griffith (Mistress Judith) Judy – Gulf Wars Reservations, switched gears and moved back to PayPal for 2023. Her team invoiced over 2700 GW attendees. 

Petra Hall, Exchequer of Kingdom of Ealdormere, that has just stepped down. Petra has been helping Carolyn and more to have SCA Inc be recognized as a Not for Profit in Canada. 

Brandon Baranowski – Outgoing Exchequer Kingdom of Aethelmearc – Brandon extended through Covid and is training his replacement. 

Stacey Bieberstein – Outgoing Exchequer Kingdom of Avacal. Stacey also extended several times and is training her replacement. Keri Henderson, Meridies just stepped down – they are in good hands with Debbie Chandler. 

I would like to thank Sam Davis IT – Sam made it possible to use the NMS@SCA.org or NMR@SCA.com emails so we do not miss kingdom reports. 

I would like to welcome James Baker (THL Giacomo) to the team – James has stepped up to Society NMR Deputy – I promise he will “nag” for on time reports. 

I do not have enough thank yous for Christine Lusk (Mistress Crystyna Hyrundo). Mama Chris – as many of us call her, taught me how to be an exchequer. She was GA Kingdom Exchequer when I stepped in to be a local exchequer. She taught me how to be a kingdom exchequer. Chris has served the Kingdom of Meridies, Principality of Gleann Abhann, Kingdom of Gleann Abhann, Gulf Wars, and Society NMR more than once. She is retiring to be the exchequer of her local group Shire of Tor an Riogh. Thank you Mama Chris – Thank you for being my friend and SCA family.

Publishable Summary:	We continue to be diligent in controlling spending. We are teaching Kingdoms, and groups the importance of budgets and how to share the budgets so all are aware the cost of events and more. We want everyone to understand that Not For Profit does not mean we should not make a profit -we must make enough to keep the doors open. 

Laurel Sovereign of Arms – Jennifer Smith (Emma de Fetherstan)
Commendations	Again this quarter we’ve had a few Principal Herald. In Caid, Mary Dedwydd verch Gwallter has been succeeded by Tachibana Kitsogoro Takayoshi as Crescent Principal Herald. In Calontir, Zaneta Baseggio has been succeeded by Rhodri ap Ieuan ap Hywel as Gold Falcon Principal Herald. And finally, in the East kingdom, Yehuda ben Moshe has been succeeded by Thyra Eiriksdottir as Brigantia Principal Herald. I want to thank Mary, Zaneta, and Yehuda for their service and hard work over the past several years.
Many, many thanks to Oddr Þiálfason for his work as Wreath King of Arms. I cannot speak highly enough of Oddr’s eagerness to help us look for more ways to include non-European styles in SCA armory. I’m going to quote from his last message as Wreath: “I was taken aback by how many like-minded submitters and armorists would make themselves known, and the steady stream of opportunities they would provide. And so, to all those who've worked to change our practice -- whether through research into period armory (or equivalent), or in questioning our practice of it -- and to those proofreaders and advisors who helped firm up some of the more interesting decisions: Many heartfelt thanks. While being a Sovereign of Arms involves a great deal of time thinking and writing (so much thinking, so much writing), being able to say that we are not only able to accept a submission, but that we need not even blink at it, makes it all worthwhile. Please keep doing so.” I must echo that, and add that Oddr’s thoughtfulness and thoroughness in considering all the ramifications of a potential change to our practice has made making such changes easier. Even if it means my quarterly reports are all the longer for it! For his hard-earned service, I have conferred upon him the rank of Herald Extraordinary.

The incoming Wreath is Iago ab Adam, from the kingdom of An Tir. Iago has already distinguished himself as a prolific researcher – we named him a Herald Extraordinary in January of last year – and we expect he will continue to serve the College of Arms and the Society well.
It has been a long tradition for kingdoms and individuals to issue April 1st “Letters of Intent”, a parody of our normal submission process. In the past we’ve seen everything from a set of random “joke” names and armory (all very punny, to be sure), to entire letters proposing to register names and armory for the Marvel Universe, to a proposal to put a quotas on Gaelic and Old Norse names. This year, however, may have topped them all, with a stunning letter from “Ollivier Pour y nother, Herald Imaginary, writing on behalf of the Lochac College of Heralds on Holiday.” His letter logically and methodically dismantles our entire system of armory conflict rules, basing every one of his examples on the artistic differences between various entirely historic period attestations and depictions of the arms of King Arthur. It is, in short, a masterpiece, and the Kingdom of Lochac should be proud to have such a scoundrel in its citizenry. So everyone can enjoy this, I’ve added a shortlink at https://bit.ly/LochacApr1.
Publishable Summary:	KWHSS, for this year will be on June 23-25 hosted by Barony Caer Anterth Mawr in Northsheild, Milwaukee, WI at Marquette University.  See you there!

Marshal - Ray Dubose (Sir Rey RiBeaumont)

Commendations:	The Society Marshal would like to thank Duke Bryce (MiC) and all the Marshals who ran and helped with their perspective areas to make Gulf Wars 31 a success. Would also like to thank those on the BoD, the President and Society Seneschal who took time out of their vacation to sit down and discuss current matters with anyone looking for more clarification.  I would also like to thank Miriel du Bois, my Special Projects Deputy for making sure the paperwork for this office is handled smoothly as usual.

The DSM for Armored Combat would like to thank Sir Fergus MacArt of Atlantia for his continuing work in southern Atlantia for Armored combat.

The DSM for Armored Combat with Rebated Steel would like to thank Master Giacomo.

The DSM for Combat Archery would like to commend Brun Canutesson for stepping up to be Gulf Wars MiC with less than 2 weeks notice before war.

The DSM for Equestrian would like to commend Lancer Catherine O Boylan, AKA Madison Boylan, for her work with the Rossfecten experimental program. She has been instrumental in developing the rule in alignment with historical documents and teachings, and creating a safe container in which to engage in this activity. Under her administration of this experimental program, we have had no accidents, incidence, or injury. She has now stepped down from administering this program due to life, which again shows her strength in commitment to make sure this program get it's best chance to succeed.

The DSM for Rapier Combat would like to commend Master Donald MacDonald (C&T deputy) for working to help find definitions that will work for proposed changes being worked on.
Lochac for a detailed request on correcting terminology in Society rules to avoid potential legal issues. Their request will be acted on with interaction of the DSM-R, Lochac KRM to get wording the will benefit Lochac without causing isses elsewhere.

The DSM for Siege Weapons wishes to thank Snorrie Smedsonn for a good covering at Gulf Wars for Siege.

The DSM for Youth Combat would like to commend Baron Abelard of Northshield had high praise for Baroness Jois Corbet whose boundless enthusiasm has really built attention and activities for Youth Combat, and also for her son Javin who recently won Her Majesty's Youth Combat Champion!  In Ansteorra a brand new YC Marshal, Havarthr Knutr from Graywood is ready to begin building in the southeastern part of the Kingdom as soon as his BG Check is done, and his enthusiasm is wonderful to see.  In the Middle Kingdom Yosef Ze is doing a superb job building Youth Rapier participation there, while while Captain Dyderich Wolfhart received special praise for the all the work he's done before stepping down as their YC Marshal.  From Gleann Abhann Ivor Tootee is once again helping with YC activities at a war event, this time at Gulf Wars with some great ideas for the young fighters.  Also from Meridies, THL David Duckworth has once again stepped up to run Youth Combat at Gulf Wars to make sure the kids have plenty of action on their field.

Publishable Summary:	At this time 17 of 20 kingdoms and all Society Deputies have reported. Now that things have picked back up, injuries seem to be down, which is good. Blow calling/calibration is still an ongoing issue with some Kingdoms.  There have been several discussions centering around blow calling / calibration issue at various Crown Lists. Please remember why we fight and who you are fighting for.

Minister of Arts and Sciences – Sarah M. Nobel McGee (Hildegard Bergerin)
Commendations:	I offer commendations to the following individual artisans, and groups in some cases:

I commend all Kingdom and local Arts and Sciences officers for their hard work and adjustments as we continue into the world of increasing in-person activities, and the continued presence of hybrid and virtual activities, classes, displays, and competitions.

Commendations to Baroness Disa of Glymm Mere whose service as Liaison during An Tir’s Kingdom Arts & Sciences Championships helped make the event a success.

Commendations to the following Ansteorrans: THL Elizabetha di Picardia for her successful. Tenure as Ansteorra’s Premier Bard, and to Simha bint Yusuf, OL who is the current Middle Eastern Dance Champion, for promoting her artform throughout the kingdom.

Commendations to Signora Alessandra di Monteriggiono of Atlantia, for using her extensive video editing and graphics skills in managing and expanding the University of Atlantia YouTube channel.

Commendations to Dame Deirdre O'Siodhachain for her successful time as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences for Atlantia.

Commendations to the following gentles for their success at the Yule Arts Competition in Caid: Julianna Draper won Baronial Championship, Ragenald de Holecumb won the Brewing contest, and Magge Shaw won the Throw the Theme out the Window contest. Also to the winners of the Chivalry Tournament Arts Competition: Katherine of Hornechurch for winning the Baronial Championship. Portia Olivier la Fourniere for winning the Cooking contest, Clota of Holecumb for winning Throw the Theme Out the Window, and Fino Di Giove who won the Bardic contest.

Commendations to Mistress Elena Hyton for her successful tenure as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences for East Kingdom, which included the most difficult part of the pandemic.

Congratulations to Duchess Lailiane Ausonia won the Gleann Abhann prize basket at the Gulf Wars A&S War Point competition with her egg tempera painting of the head of Venus, based on Botticelli's "Birth of Venus".

Congratulations to Baroness Ginevra Lucia Di Namoraza for winning Lochac’s Kingdom Competition for the year by a large margin.

Congratulations to Soo Yun for winning the Meridies champion at Gulf Wars with her “Sweet Cherry and European Columbine: Reproducing the Illumination from Folio 28 of Mira Calligraphiae Monumenta” project.

Commendations to The Midrealm Court Musicians, who have been playing at numerous court events, working around shifting schedules and Royal requests.

Commendations to Duke Vladimir Radescu for his excellent service as pro tempore Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences for the Kingdom of Northshield.

Congratulations to the Outlands’ Mistress Lydia of the Pines who won Queen’s Prize for her embroidery using threads dyed by hand with Period dyes, and to Don Erich Gisler for winning King’s Choice with a Farmhouse Cheddar Cheese.

Commendations to THLady Anne-Elizabeth Morley for her service as the Barony of Unser Haden’s baronial scribe, the Kingdom of the Outlands’ back scroll deputy, and a fantastic teacher of calligraphy and illumination.

Commendations to Maestra Ambra Michelli for completing a successful tenure as Kingdom Minister of Arts and Sciences for the Kingdom of Trimaris.

Congratulations to Maitresse Melissent Jaquelinne la Chanteresse, Mistress Adeline de Britigny, Lady Isabala Vega, Ottilde Akkermann, Mistress Finnualla and HL Nishigori for your entries in the Trimaris Champion Arts and Sciences Faire.

Congratulations to the winner of West Kingdom’s Wreath of Athena Competition, Henry, whose entry was two sets of Swedish Bagpipes.

A special thank you to the Kingdom Ministers of Arts and Sciences who met with me during Gulf Wars and shared valuable ideas.

Publishable Summary:	The Society for Creative Anachronism continues to fulfill its mission to research and re-create the arts and skills of the pre-17th century world.

The 1st Quarter has seen increased in person activities, including Arts and Sciences classes, workshops, several local and Kingdom competitions. Some online and hybrid A&S activities including universities, displays, and classes have continued. Kingdom and local officers successfully continue to update the ways in which we do Arts and Sciences activities, including working toward refreshing and reformatting traditional A&S rubrics, competitions, activities, and displays. 

The Society Minister of Arts and Sciences has an official Facebook presence located at: https://www.facebook.com/SocietyMinisterArtsandSciences/ 

This page allows members to receive information about arts and sciences activities throughout the Known World and encourages them to share their own projects, promote local artisans, and connect with others who share their interests. Recently, the Populace were invited to share their Cooking, Baking and Brewing projects of all kinds. Fascinating projects ranging from “Pomegranate Syrup” to “Cormarye from the Forme of Cury” were shared. Additionally, the Populace was invited to share some of their favorite research resources and references the most popular of which were museum websites and online manuscript galleries.  Next, we will focus on Agriculture, Animal Husbandry, Forestry, and Herbal projects.

As the Society officer, I continue regular outreach through the Kingdom officers to help encourage and support officers from Kingdom-level all the way through to the branch officers. I strive to maintain an email response time to warranted officers of no more than 48 hours (except for when I am away at in-person events, during storms, or holidays when response time may be longer).

Census Committee – Chair Julia Smith (Juliana de Luna)

Commendations:	None.

The 2020 SCA Census committee want to remind everyone that Kingdom Seneschals (or individuals authorized by the Seneschal) can request data from the census by completing the online form at: https://forms.gle/DUnwThuhjqek4LUa8.  The request will be communicated to the Chair of the 2020 SCA Census committee, and tracked over time to document where the Census data/reports have been shared. Reports will include statistical and qualitative information in summary form, and will not contain any personally identifiable information.

Sanctions:

1.	Kevin Cords (NA)  
 
Motion by Gabrielle Fisher to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Kevin Cords (SCA Name Unknown) effective immediately. Second by K.T. Sheppard.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 
 
2.        Coey Lee Coulson (NA)  
 
Motion by K.T. Sheppard to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Coey Lee Coulson (SCA Name Unknown) effective immediately. Second by Gabrielle Fisher.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 
 
3.        Steven Paul Criss (Christopher dela Maison)  
 
Motion by K.T. Sheppard to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Steven Paul Criss (Christopher dela Maison) effective immediately. Second by Gabrielle Fisher.  Opposed: None. Motion carried. 

4.        Roger Dale Harris (Vlad Kegyetlen)  
 
Motion by Pug Bainter to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Roger Dale Harris (Vlad Kegyetlen) effective immediately. Second by K.T. Sheppard. Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 
 
5.         Jeffery Jordan (Godfrey Jordain)  
 
Motion by Gabrielle Fisher to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Jeffery Jordan (Godrey Jordain) effective immediately. Second by Jennifer Krochmal.  Opposed: None. Motion carried. 
 
6.         Camber Menschel (Tanaka Kamatari)  
 
Motion by Pug Bainter to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Camber Menschel (Tanaka Kamatari), for a period of eighteen (18) months, effective immediately and concluding on October 23, 2024.  Second by K.T. Sheppard.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 
 
7.        Amy Simeister (Constantina Warbler)  
 
Motion by Mark Faulcon to lift the Temporary Removal from Participation of Amy Simeister (Constantina Warbler), as issued by Maynard and Liadain, Crown of the Kingdom of AEthelmearc, and their Kingdom Seneschal on August 27, 2021, effective immediately. Second by Pug Bainter.  Opposed: None. The Chair exercised his option to vote and did so in favor of the motion. Motion carried. 
 
8.        Cameron Akiah Varner (NA)  
 
Motion by Gabrielle Fisher to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Cameron Akiah Varner (SCA Name Unknown) effective immediately. Second by K.T. Sheppard.  Opposed: None.  Motion carried. 
 
9.          Emerson Waite (Christian Bane)  
 
Motion by K.T. Sheppard to revoke the membership of, and deny participation to Emerson Waite (Christian Bane) effective immediately. Second by Pug Bainter. Opposed: None. The Chair exercised his option to vote and did so in favor of the motion.  Motion carried.