Officer Reports

January 2026 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of January 15, 2026.

Coronet – Baron Mikael melrakki 

So, I’ve made it through my first year as Baron.  There were a few hiccups along the way, but for the most part, I believe it went rather smoothly.  I’ve learned a lot and now have a better picture of what to expect in the future.

And speaking of the future, I have 2 major things I want to work on during the year.

The first is starting a monthly craft session where we work on projects to better the barony.  Some ideas that I have are decorations, largess, favors, targets, list polls, etc. The day, time and location may change from month to month depending on what works best for the activity.

I am planning the first to be held on Sunday January 25th at 2pm at my house.  For the most part, I want the first one to be a planning session for later sessions, but I also have a large wooden salamander that needs to be painted in Bhakail colors so that it could be used as decor or carried in processions and similar uses.

The second thing I want to do is to hold discussions to review the Bhakail awards.  Some of the things I would like to talk about:

1. a) The service awards (Horse and Salamander) require that I “consult with the order” before giving out these awards.  These are the only awards that have this requirement and since we don’t have a good system for discussions outside of events; this can delay giving an award by several months. For example, if someone recommends a person to me just after Champions and Commons, I could hold a meeting at Yule, but since I need to give the scribes time to produce a scroll, I wouldn’t be able to give it out until Waking of the Salamander (if the person attends).  Meanwhile, in the same situation, I could give a Pasguarde out at Yule.
2. b) Each of our orders has a badge registered with the College of Heralds.  Traditionally, we have been giving out tokens with the awards.  In most cases, the token and the badge are not the same.  For example: the token for the Order of the Pasguarde is “Salamander shield on a gray ribbon” while the registered badge is “Gules, an armored arm fesswise embowed argent sustaining a sword bendwise sinister proper, the arm issuant from a demi-sun issuant from sinister Or.”
3. c) A general review of the existing awards to see if we need to update any descriptions.  Are there any things that the awards don’t cover, but should?  I’ve had people suggest updating the names of some orders.
4. d) Creating a process for making recommendations

I will plan an online session to discuss this in the coming months, but I want people to start thinking about it.

Chancellor of the Exchequer – Lady Ellyn Grene

I’m currently working on the end of year 2025 financial report that is due to the EK Exchequer by January 31. We are waiting to receive the paypal registration check for Yule, then this event report can be finished.

A baronial budget for 2026 has been compiled from the requests submitted by officers and marshals and has been approved by the Council of the Exchequer. This budget has total projected expenses of $2,006.80, and projected income from events of $2,025. I’ll present some details at the January business meeting.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Practice continued to be held at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media, PA. Due to X-Mas and New Year’s Eve being on Wednesdays the last two weeks of practice were cancelled. We resumed practice on 1/7/26.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Nothing to report.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – Kennari Mikael melrakki 

Practices on hiatus until weather improves.

Webminister –  Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

Some updates to Champions on the website following Yule and might have a deputy in the works. Also working on getting the weekly ‘Weekly upcoming activities’ service working again.

December 2025 Bhakail Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of December 18, 2025.

Chancellor of the Exchequer – Lady Ellyn Grene

A reminder to all officers to please submit any requests you have for the 2026 baronial annual budget.

There is a new Society Financial Policy that was approved by the Board of Directors in November and that goes into effect January 1, 2026. The new policy can be found at: https://www.sca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/SCA-FinPol-2025-Revised.pdf. The East Kingdom will be updating its Financial Policy in the new year to reflect the changes in the Society Financial Policy, and Bhakail will also need to update our financial policy to reflect these Society and Kingdom changes.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Bhakail’s weekly archery and thrown weapons practices are now on hold until the spring, whenever the weather gets nice enough to resume practices. Thank you to all who attended practices in 2025, and looking forward to seeing you in 2026.

November 2025 Bhakail Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of November 20, 2025.

Coronet – Baron Mikael melrakki 

You know when in school, you would get a huge project in school and you would have tons of ideas. But then time passes and suddenly the deadline is approaching and you realize that you don’t have the time to do all of the great ideas that you had.  

Well, the same thing applies for events.  The more time that you have the more that you can plan to have for an event.  When you are rushed, we don’t have time to look at the little details that can add color to an event. Small details can make or break an event.

Lately, the bids for events have been coming in at the last minute.  That doesn’t give time to organize extra activities for an event.  

Event stewards have been starting the process with the financial bid.  That doesn’t have to be the case.  Coming to a meeting and just saying, “I was thinking of running XYZ event” can be extremely helpful.  It allows us to help supply information that could be helpful in preparing both a financial bid as well as planning the general event proposal.

Six months is really a minimum time to run an event.  Larger events like Yule should be closer to a year.  For some of the last few events, we have only had 2 – 3 months.  

One thing to note, to hold an official event, the deadline for materials to be published in Pikestaff is the 1st of the month, one month prior to the issue in which the item is to be printed. For example, a submission received on or before January 1 will appear in the February issue.  So, there are times that we would have to have an event announcement submitted nearly 2 months in advance.   Add in the time it takes for the officers and financial committee to approve, we really need more time than we have been using.

Social Media (Deputy to the Seneschal) – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Social Media is active with no issues to report. I have asked for some folks who are going to be at PAX if they want to take some photos/videos while there to show off. If you would like to volunteer, or send me material to post please contact me.

If anyone has something they would like posted on our Instagram please let me know.

Chancellor of the Exchequer – Lady Ellyn Grene

Financial Report: The third quarter financial report was submitted to the Kingdom Exchequer on October 26. Here is a summary of the barony’s finances as of 9/30/2025:

2026 Annual Budget: All SCA branches are required to establish annual budgets that are authorized by the branch’s financial committee, which for Bhakail of the Council of the Exchequer. It appears that Bhakail has not had an annual budget for several years, and I have a goal of making sure we do have one in place for 2026! Having this budget will ensure we have a plan for how to allocate funds towards the activities of the barony. It will also streamline administration so officers or marshals don’t have to go through the process of receiving the required authorization from the CoE for every purchase that might come up. I will be contacting the baronial officers and asking them to fill out a budget request form by the December business meeting for compilation and review by the CoE.

Chronicler – Beck of Copeland 

Nothing to report.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Fencing continued to be held at the Reform Lutheran Church in Media, PA. Attendance has been medium to heavy.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

We will plan on having at least a few more weeks of archery practice this year, as long as the weather cooperates. Since thrown weapons practices have ended for the year, archery practices will move up an hour and begin at 1 pm so we have more daylight.

Thrown Weapons Marshal –  Baron Mikael melrakki 

Practices have ended for the year and will restart in the spring.

Minister of Arts & Sciences – Lady Dillena o’r Gwyrddol

Yule is fast approaching, and with it is our baronial A&S competition. We look forward to seeing what our amazing populace will be presenting! 

If you are interested in pursuing local A&S opportunities (such as hosting an A&S night or teaching a class) please feel free to reach out to me by email at MOAS@bhakail.eastkingdom.org

October 2025 Bhakail Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of October 16, 2025.

Coronet – Baron Mikael melrakki 

There are many events coming up in the next few months.  Everything from the coronation of the first Rapier Crowns to 100 Minutes War to Yule and a bunch in between.  And don’t forget our biggest Demo at Pax Unplugged is coming up in November (early this year).  

Look through the calendar and see what you may want to go to. Check out something new.  Bring back new ideas and spread the word to the Barony.  

Hope to see you soon.

Social Media (Deputy to the Seneschal) – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Social Media is active and there are no current issues to report. Facebook continues to be our most active platform. I created an instagram reel of photos from Commons and it was reposted by the official SCA Platform. I would like to get some photos together and a social media posting calendar for advertising for Pax this November. Please let me know if you have good photos/video we can use to advertise for our booth at Pax.

Chancellor of the Exchequer – Lady Ellyn Grene

I’m currently working to finalize the third quarter financial report that is due at the end of the month.

Chronicler – Beck of Copeland 

Nothing to report.

Salamander Pursuivant – Lord Finnólfr Hrafnsson

I have completed research and given all appropriate paperwork and documentation to Bryan Deemer for registration of his new name and device.  I am also in the early stages of preparing court for Bhakail Yule.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Baronial practice continued to be held at the Reformation Lutheran Church on Wednesdays at 7PM. Attendance has been moderate.

Commons was also held along with the Baronial Rapier Championship. Your reporting marshal won the tournament.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

There has been a small but regular attendance, including a few newcomers at the last few practices. Weekly practices will continue on Sunday afternoons as long as the weather cooperates. We should be able to get in at least a few more weeks of practice before we go on hiatus for the winter.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – Kenarri Mikael melrakki 

Thrown Weapons practices will be canceled on 10/12 and 10/19 due to the marshal being out of town.  Archery will be on as normal.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

It has been my absolute pleasure to be the Barony’s chatelaine for the last *mumbledy* years, but alas my time is up.  Thank you all for the support towards our newcomers!

September 2025 Bhakail Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of September 18, 2025.

Social Media (Deputy to the Seneschal) – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

Social media is active and no issues to report. I would love to share more pictures of Bhakailis doing cool things on our instagram. Please forward pictures when you have them. Also, if there are any announcements that need to be made, graphics perform better than stand alone posts, so please forward me the information or create your own graphic that I can post online.

Chancellor of the Exchequer – Lady Ellyn Grene

I’m happy to report that Bhakail is all up to date on reporting to the East Kingdom Exchequer’s office. I’m currently working on the event report for Champions and Commons.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

The first week of Bhakail’s rapier practice was cancelled due to Pennsic happening. Practice resumed the week after and attendance was moderate. There were no incidents.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Thank you to all who participated in the Bhakail archery championship this year! Former champion Sabine de Kerbriant designed an a-peel-ingly fun William Tell based tournament. Congratulations to the new archery champion of Bhakail, Ragnall Cennétig.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Not too much to report this month.  I spent some time at the Bucks County Renaissance Faire with the Barony of Buckland Cross and talked to people about the SCA.  One of them came to Bhakail’s fencing practice later that week!  Coming up, I will host the Gold Key Rummage Sale at Commons to raise more money for newcomer things – bring your cash and your sense of adventure!  Looking ahead, PAX Unplugged is November 21-23, please let me know if you’re able to help out at the booth, and especially if you’re a heavy fighter not going to 100 Minutes War (which is that Saturday) and would like to fight at PAX!

August 2025 Bhakail Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of 08/21/2025.

Coronet – Baron Mikael melrakki 

Another Pennsic has come and gone and our Barony has again shown why the Salamander is so mighty.  Many Bhakailis were seen supporting the War effort in all disciplines: Heavy, Combat Archery, Rapier, Archery, Thrown Weapons and A&S.

Baronial Champions; Eva, Sabine, Cailleach, and Thaddeus; all made the Baron proud at the prowess and comportment when they competed in their respective Baronial Champions tournaments.  

Ian Douglas competed on the Thrown Weapons Champions Team.  And Margarette la Gantiere was inducted into the Order of the Maunche.

And speaking of Champions...  We will be having our Baronial tournaments for Thrown Weapons and Archery (Sun Sep 7) and Heavy Weapons and Rapier (Sun Sep 14).  For those that may not know what these roles entail, here are my expectations of a baronial champion:

• Attend Bhakail events whenever possible,
• Attend the Baron during courts,
• Represent their discipline on behalf of the barony,
• Plan the next baronial tournament.

If you attend Pennsic, compete in any baronial champions tournaments and march with the barony during Opening Ceremonies.

Champions and Commons:

• Plans are moving forward.  We still need a few positions filled. 
• This year we will be setting up an A&S area where artisans can display their crafts and can talk to newcomers about why their craft is the best in the SCA 🙂 
• We could use some pop ups on site for a variety of purposes (like keeping artisans dry in case some weather happens).  

If you are willing to help out, contact the Baron.

Chancellor of the Exchequer – Lady Ellyn Grene

Exchequer:

Eva von Kölln is a new at-large member of the Council of the Exchequer, bringing the council to the full complement of four at-large members per the new Bhakail financial policies that were approved earlier this year. The other at-large members are Motte Nachfalter, Gisela Szabo, and

Bryan mac Dhughaill an Boghadair. Thank you all for your service!

With the recent changes in officers, the signatories on the Bhakail bank account need to be updated. We will be requesting the necessary approvals to add as signers Ellyn Grene (Exchequer), Margarette la Gantière (Seneschal), Mikael melrakki (Baron), and Arlyana van Wyck (Kingdom Exchequer). Philadelphia Brown and Ysmay de Lynn will remain as signers, and several previous baronial and kingdom officers will be removed.

Salamander Pursuivant – Lord Finnólfr Hrafnsson

I have been working with two individuals to register names and arms.

I have provided the paperwork and documentation for Luke Farrell to submit and register the name Lucas Ua Fearghail.

I have done the research and conflict checking on arms for Bryan Deemer and have the paperwork together to register them. I am finalizing research documentation for the name he wishes to register, and should be providing that to him to submit by this weekend.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Fencing practice continued to be held at the Reform Lutheran Church in Media, PA. Attendance was light. 

The final practice of the month was cancelled due to Pennsic taking place.

-Don Melchior Kriebel

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Weekly archery practice has resumed after the Pennsic hiatus. 

Thrown Weapons Marshal – Baron Mikael melrakki 

Practices continue on Sundays and all are welcome.  Sep 7 will be the baronial championship and Sep 14 will be cancelled so that people can attend Champions and Commons.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Chatelaine report – Pennsic was a great time to welcome a couple newcomers to both Bhakail and the SCA as a whole!  We had several newcomers camp with us and our camp mates were more than willing to show them the ropes.  Hopefully they continue to participate outside of Pennsic!  We also partnered with Kindred to offer a gold key box at our gates, which many people used to add to their garb collections.  Looking forward, I’ll host the gold key rummage sale at Commons again this year – bring cash along with you!

Lady Chana Freidl the Maker (she/her)

Barony of Bhakail

Webminister –  Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

Greetings,

The website is still under development and we’ll need some feedback from folks on style/etc. before making it live. I am currently setting up a test site where it can be reviewed before making it live on the main site. As soon as that’s successful, I’ll post a link, likely this weekend.

In Service,

Mael Eoin

July 2025 Business Meeting Notes

Officers in Attendance: Mikael melrakki, Margarette la Gantiere, Philadelphia Brown (emergency Exchequer), Ellyn Grene, Bryan mac Dhughaill an Boghadair, Dillena o’r Gwyrddol, Chana Freidl the Maker, Finnólfr Hrafnsson

Other populace in attendance: Beck of Copeland

Events

Champions and Commons

A bid has been approved by the financial committee. The date will be Sunday, September 14, and pavilion 17 at Ridley Creek State Park has been reserved. A vote was held and the event was approved by the barony.

Baronial archery and thrown weapons championships

Note that there was a typo in the notes from the last business meeting, and the target date is actually August 24. Stay tuned for more information from the current champions.

Bhakail Yule

A bid has not yet been submitted. The date planned is December 13.

Tavern 2026

A bid is still sought. 

Old Business

Officer Position, Exchequer

One letter of intent had been received from Ellyn Grene

Officer Position, Chronicler

One letter of intent had been submitted by Beck of Copeland. A vote was held and she was approved.

Offer Position, Chatelaine

Chana’s term as Chatelaine ends in October and the position will be open at that time. Letters of intent are sought from individuals interested in the position. 

Bhakail Sheet Wall for East Kingdom Royal Encampment at Pennsic

The sheet wall has been completed. Thank you to everyone who contributed to the project!

New Business

No new business was discussed.

Additional Officer Reports

Coronet’s Report – Baron Mikael melrakki 

Pennsic is upon us.  I wish everyone going to have safe travels and to have a good time.

While you are there, show your Bhakail pride. I will have some Bhakail favors that people can have to show how great we are.  

You can join me as we process in with the kingdom during opening ceremonies.  If you can, wear Bhakail colors, but I will also have some baldrics people can borrow.

We have several champions who will be competing in Known World Baronial Championships.  I would love to have people join me in cheering them on to victory.

Let’s show the known world the best that Bhakail can be.  Make your Baron proud!

Salamander Pursuivant’s Report – Lord Finnólfr Hrafnsson

I have been working with two individuals to register names and arms.

I have provided the paperwork and documentation for Luke Farrell to submit and register the name Lucas Ua Fearghail.

I have done the research and conflict checking on arms for Bryan Deemer and have the paperwork together to register them.  I am finalizing research documentation for the name he wishes to register, and should be providing that to him to submit by this weekend.

Minister of the List – Honorable Lord Bryan mac Dhughaill an Boghadair

Nothing to report.

Webminister –  Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

My quarterly report was submitted to Kingdom this week and a completely revamped Baronial website will be demoed soon.  It focuses more on the Barony’s activities – being more immediately appealing to those looking for what we do – so we’ll be looking for regularly-updated photos, write-ups of activities, etc. and if anyone’s interested in showcasing in-progress projects or the like, write something up and we’ll get things posted 🙂

Minute notes recorded by Ellyn Grene 

July 2025 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of July 17, 2025

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Practice continued to be held at the Reform Lutheran Church in Media. Attendance was light this month.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Archery and thrown weapons practices will be held at the regularly scheduled times on Sunday, July 20, and will be cancelled for the three weeks after that for Pennsic. Practice will resume on Sunday, August 17. If anyone going to Pennsic wants to borrow anything from the baronial archery loaner gear, please let me know and we can arrange a time for you to pick it up.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

Nothing to report.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Nothing to report.

June 2025 Officer Reports

The following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of June 19, 2025.

Social Media Deputy – Honorable Lady Scolastica Capellaria

My quarterly report was submitted to the regional Social Media Officer. Bhakail has a healthy email list, Facebook Group, Discord and Instagram. There are no issues to report at this time. 

I am looking for photos of Bhakailis doing good things to put on the instagram to show how cool we are. Contact me via Email at SocialMedia@bhakail.eastkingdom.org with any post you would like to see. 

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Practice continued to be held at the Reformation Lutheran Church in Media, PA.

Attendance was moderate, although I was unable to be present for practice for much of the month due to surgery.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Bhakail practices continue on Sunday afternoons, weather permitting. There is loaner gear available for new folks who want to give archery a try! 

Bhakail had a good showing at the East Kingdom Archery Championship held at Southern Region Warcamp. Congratulations to Ian Douglas, who made it to the final four.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

Nothing to report.

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

I had several interested people approach me at the New Jersey Renaissance Faire to ask about the SCA and I spend time talking to them, though none have reached back out to me yet.  One newcomer contacted me asking to get in touch with a herald, and we have a few newcomers camping with us at Pennsic who I’ve encouraged to come to social before then to meet everyone.  I plan on using some of the rummage sale money from Commons to purchase more pants for Gold Key while at Pennsic, and I’m always up for ideas on how to support our newcomers!

May 2025 Officer Reports

Following are the monthly officer reports that have been submitted prior to the Bhakail monthly business meeting of May 15, 2025.

Coronet’s Report – Baron Mikael melrakki 

Many things have happened around the Barony and the Kingdom in the past few weeks.

1) First, it is with a sad heart that I pass on that Arnulf Adler, 3rd Baron of Bhakail, passed away in April.  Although he had not been active in the Barony in the recent past, it was my pleasure to get to know him when I first joined the Society.  My condolences go out to his wife, Baroness Laura della Francesca, the first Baroness of Bhakail.

2) I want to remind people that bigotry, racism, intolerance, bullying and harassment are not acceptable in the SCA and will not be tolerated.  If you experience any of this, please let our seneschal or myself know, and we, as well as the Kingdom, will back you.  As is often said, in the East, we are many stripes, but one Tyger.  

3) On an amazing day of many firsts, Crown Tournament was held on May 3rd.  First, we have new heirs, Donovan and Megha, the first royals in the SCA to ever be chosen by rapier combat in one of the largest crown lists in Eastern history.  During court, Their Majesties showed off new crowns for the East that are the first in the Society to be based on a medieval African design.  Also, at the end of court, Their Majesties gave out the Writs to three gentles to be the first 3 members of the new peerage for ranged activities, the Order of the Mark.

I applaud all of the Bhakailis and friends of Bhakail who participated in the tournament as either a combatant or consort.  You all did Bhakail proud.

Rapier Marshal – Don Melchior Kriebel

Practice continued to be held at the Reform Lutheran Church in Media, PA. Attendance was heavy in anticipation of Crown with Rapiers.

Speaking of, although it was held in May, Crown with Rapiers did happen and went off very well despite the rainy weather. Several fencers in the region participated as entrants or helped marshal the event. Congrats to Master Donovan and Countess Meggie for becoming the new heirs to the crown of the East. 

As a further note, I will be undergoing surgery for my shoulder in mid-May and will likely miss practices during my recovery. Eva will be running practice while I am healing up.

Archery Marshal – Lady Ellyn Grene

Practices continue on Sundays at 2pm in Secane, PA.  All are welcome, no experience necessary and loaner equipment is available.Note that archery practice on Sunday May 18 is tentative; I’m not able to attend and haven’t yet secured another marshal.

Thrown Weapons Marshal – Kennari Mikael melrakki 

Practices continue on Sundays at 11 in Secane, PA.  All are welcome, no experience necessary and loaner equipment is available.

Chamberlain – Dame Ysmay de Lynn

We have stuff.

Chronicler – Lady Ellyn Grene 

Nothing new to report

Chatelaine – Lady Chana Freidl the Maker

Not much to report.  We had a few newcomers come to Waking of the Salamander, including a couple people not associated with the SCA at all who showed a great interest in all the activities we held there.  I have gotten a couple emails from people interested in joining, so hopefully we’ll see a few incoming people soon!  I will have business cards at NJ Ren Faire for the next four weekends as well. 

Webminister –  Máistir Mael Eoin mac Echuidh

Having some issues developing the new website but plugging away at it. 

We’d love to have regular photos (at least) if not also brief write-ups of regularly-scheduled activities now and then to keep things looking fresh on the website, so if anyone has anything to submit, let me know.