[SCA-AE] Pennsic Silent Herald All Call

[Jennifer Bastian]

Forwarded per Lady Sara's request.  Please do not reply to this message and
direct all queries to her at jfencer at hotmail.com

Thank You,

Baroness Marguerite de la Marche
Seneschale Æthelmearc


All Call to Silent Heralds and Signers

	Greetings to the populace of Aethelmearc and the Known World!

It is time to begin preparing for Pennsic XXXV.  The Chirurgeons have asked
me to be in charge of the Chirurgeon/Silent Herald program this year.  This
will be a continuation of the pilot program that began at Pennsic XXXIV.  In
this program, the Silent Heralds and Chirurgeons work side by side during
four hour shifts at Chirurgeon’s Point.  The purpose of this program is to
allow the Chirurgeons and Silent Heralds to become accustomed to working
with each other and following the proper procedures.  This process allows
everything to go smoothly if an individual who is deaf or hearing impaired
needs treatment and Silent Heraldry services.

The Silent Heraldry Program will also be continuing at Pennsic XXXV.  Last
year, Aethelmearc not only provided services for our own Kingdom, but
assisted three other kingdoms as well.  While it brings me great joy to know
that many people in the SCA are able to better understand and enjoy events,
I also need to ask for your help.

Pennsic is a very large event for just two Silent Heralds.  If you are a
warranted Silent Herald or are interested in becoming a Silent Herald,
please contact me prior to Pennsic. We will be happy to have your
assistance, even if all you can do is fingerspell.  One can obtain a vast
amount of knowledge and satisfaction from working with experienced Silent
Heralds and helping individuals in need.

There are also many ways that both signers and non-signers can make Pennsic
and other events enjoyable for everyone.  First, please remember that
deafness and hearing impairments are medical conditions.  Silent Heralds and
Chirurgeons are bound by a code of ethics and confidentiality.  We cannot
discuss who we are serving and their specific disability with anyone unless
we are given permission by that individual.  Second, understand that Silent
Heralds are also bound to serve even if there is only one individual who is
deaf or hearing impaired present.  This practice insures that everyone has
the opportunity to enjoy the event and participate to the fullest extent
possible.  Finally, please help the Silent Heralds by making sure they are
visible at all times.  If we are blocked by barriers (i.e. banners, bows,
bards, other bodies), those who need our services have little or no idea
what is being said and/or done during a court, battle, etc.

February marks the third year of existence for the Aethelmearc Silent Herald
Program.  I would like to thank all of you who have helped us get this far.
To all of the out-of-Kingdom signers who have assisted at Pennsic and other
events, you have my deepest thanks and appreciation.  To all of the people
who have offered the Silent Heralds food, water, shelter, and more during
our travels and hard work at events, I thank you from the bottom of my
heart.  We could not have served individuals in need without you.
       
In Service and Friendship,
Lady Sara de Lindley
Aethelmearc Chief Silent Herald
Silver Buccle Deputy
jfencer at hotmail.com