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Katie O'Connell
04-22-2004, 09:11 PM
Salutations unto my good Sisters and Greetings to the Guild Scribe

Having humbly accepted the nomination for Madam of Local 57, I herein present both myself and my Platform for your consideration.

First, allow me to introduce myself:

My given name is Tracy Selak, and I am a Wench 365 days a year.

In real life, I am married with no children (unless you count my spouse), and I live in Waterford. I will be celebrating my 36th birthday this year. My career has run the gamut of administrative related roles--from being a secretary, to human resources assistant, to health insurance administrator and trouble shooter.

A lot of what I've done is directly related to customer service, and keeping a cool head in less than ideal situations is very important. A lot of people think they have demanding customers....but they have experienced NOTHING until they are on the phone with a frustrated dues paying Union member calling from the pharmacy because the pharmacist is charging them full price for their sick kid's medication....

And then there's my 'other life'....

In the realm of the Renaissance Faire and Local 57, I am Wench #2096 (Magna Cum Laude status), better known as Mistress Katheryn O’Connell, Hollygrove’s Librarian, or more commonly, ‘the Bookwench.’ I have not been a wench long, and honestly, I haven't gotten involved in as much as I'd liked due to location or scheduling--though that will change this season, no matter who is elected to lead our merry band of ladies.

The 2004 Season of will be my 20th consecutive year working at or for the MiRF in one capacity or another. I will be returning to the Resident Cast again this season as the Bookwench, telling stories, making merry in the lanes, and co-hosting ‘The Fox Hunt.’

I love a good debate, and keep an open mind at all times. I don’t hold grudges.

I can be impartial, logical and sympathetic, but always strive to be honest and fair. I know when to hold my tongue, and when to speak up for myself.

I don’t care much for gossip, nor do I take part in spreading rumours. I think I might just hold the world record for touchy-feely-warm-n-fuzzy chain letter deleting; and I am not the least bit apologetic about it.


I hold these truths, opinions and visions dear:

I believe that every member of Local 57 have every reason to be proud of their membership in the IWG, and strive to display their pride whenever possible.

I believe that every Wench should be afforded the opportunity and endeavor to take advantage of such opportunities to display their Goddess-hood to the world, in order to do her part to change the public perception of what the word ‘WENCH’ truly means.

I believe in personal responsibility and accountability—If I screwed something up, I’ll admit it-- I won’t blame it on someone else, on society, or imagined parental failings. I expect the same of my peers. Get up, dust off, get on with living.


All that being stated, the following is my Platform for Madame-ship of Local 57.

1. VISIBILITY!! – Yes! I would love to see more Wench events at the Faires!
But let’s go a step further…I would like to see more Wench events happening throughout the year. Whether in garb or out, the Guild could make their presence known at more small festivals and fairs, charity events and the fundraisers. Several locals boast that they have raised a tidy sum of cash for their charities—let’s get our name out there so that we can be praised for the wonderful, talented, vivacious women we are by the outside world!

By nature and Faire experience, I am very performance oriented—I want to urge each of my Local members to cultivate and share them for a good cause. “All the Worlds a Stage…,” wrote one wise-arsed playwright, and every one of us, in our own way, makes it the grand spectacle that draws people in to watch. I want to help make the show that WE put on a true award winner.


2. COMMUNITY – Let’s get together! I am very committed to opening and maintaining the lines of communication and getting to know more of our local members—a lot of those reading this have no idea who I am, the Local has grown so large we can get overwhelmed in learning names and faces. I would like to institute games and functions designed so that each of us can get to know more of our Sisters, so that we can be more of a family.

3. SERVICE –My promise to you. I will strive to uphold the high standards that have guided our Local in the past, and continue our sterling reputation with the Management of the Faires where we currently perform. After so many years of working for the MiRF, I have a very good idea of the way Management functions, and how this (and nearly everything) changes from season to season (and sometimes from week to week).

4. SUPPORT – I will support each and every member of this local as best I can, from the Vice Madame, to the Dame, and everyone in between. I support the reinstatement of the Privy Council, and invite more members to step up and become Walk Leaders and other officers.

5. MERRYMENT – I will strive to plan, plot and carry out as much merriment and mayhem as I can on any given Faire Day, not to mention any event where we can sneak in a little extra frivolity to our gathering. My character is not as visible or deemed as ‘respectable’ as a Court member, and so I can usually break away if I am urgently needed and I won’t be missed. Though I cannot participate on a Walk, I can still play when one goes by and cheer it from the sidelines.

In summation…..I sincerely hope you will consider my proposals, visions and ideas as ones that would be best for the direction of Local 57.

Now, get out there and VOTE, even if you don’t vote for me. Your voice IS important—let it be heard!

Margaret
08-31-2005, 06:30 AM
Snipe will be notified about the above troll....

No Katie, not you dear :wink:

Bux
08-31-2005, 02:57 PM
'ello Wenches of all flavors..

I'm Bux (Michelle in the real world) and I'm a new wench this season (I know ONE day I won't get to say that anymore). ALL of this is new to me.. I've been a 'mundane' visiting the faire for *gulp* many years, but I've always wanted to be involved somehow .. to dress up.. to play.. get in character.
I never knew 'how' to do it (maybe I was too chicken to find out)

I read a book by Katie MacAlister earlier this year.. mentioned the IWG.. went to the website.. and the rest is..HISTORY.

I quickly read as much of the board I could. I navigated around to see what occured in Michigan. I pressed the SEND key after filling out my registration to become an offical pinned wench.

While being a WIP.. I researched garb.. what is necessary..how to do it properly... and after several skirt attempts...one chemise.. one fine Odd-bodkin bodice.. and lastly a nice wide-brimmed hat..I was ready.

So.. now I'm official #3042 and I've been visiting MIRF for the past couple of weeks and having a ball.
Now to my point (I do have one)...I absolutly agree with Tracy's statements on her platform. I so much want to be involved with a group, but being new, I'm just learning who everyone is and 'how' things are done.
As a collective group we can do some pretty amazing things (drench a wench is a fine example at Silverleaf). We just need organization.
I happen to have a wonderful hubby who is involved with the Star Wars costuming group (the Dark side for those that are curious..those men in THAT kind of armor are hot too!!) and in this past year they have done some very creative and fun fundrasing activities.
Lastly, Tracy asked to stand up and be heard.. so I accepted the offer, just to give a little more information about myself.

Thanks for reading,
BuxomBrunette (Bux)