I would like to take a moment to recognize my wife, Elizabeth. She has not "Leathered Up", and I doubt she ever will.
She accepts the members of KAG Kanada as my extended family. In 2009, when we hosted the KAG Kanada Twentieth Anniversary in Vulcan, AB, Elizabeth acted as hostess for seven members of KAG Kanada, in our home prior to and after the con.
Literally, wall - to - wall Klingons. All strangers for her. She accepts my extended family, KAG Kanada.
Elizabeth is a teacher, and works with children, primarily K-3. She also lives with the oldest Juvenile Delinquent - ever, me.
I love you Liz!
Showing posts with label sonchiy; star trek; kag kanada; kag; klingon; Paul Carreau; Qel Iv. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sonchiy; star trek; kag kanada; kag; klingon; Paul Carreau; Qel Iv. Show all posts
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Friday, 15 April 2011
Klingon Face Painting
In 1998, the IKV SonchIy took community involvement to a new level. We were involved in many different venues. We were involved with the children and for the children. We did adult themed events as well. No, not that kind of Adult event.
It was at this event that I realized that we had a potential conflict. When the Klingon ladies were face painting, they tended to lean into the children. They were showing a fair bit of cleavage, and Father's Day was taking on a whole new meaning.
We agreed that a little modesty at Face Painting events would go a long way.
Natal Day was another learning experience. We had been asked to provide Face Painting for the Natal Day Festivities. The city of Halifax provided us with tables, chairs and face paints. It was a hot day, and the costumes and headpieces made for a very warm day for the Klingons. We did not know what to expect, and we certainly did not expect the crowds. When the local television news showed up, that was an unexpected thrill.
We learned about crowd control that day; because we did not have any. People were lined up for hours. We were supposed to be there until three in the afternoon.
At three P.M., the city crews showed up and started dismantling the tables. It was a Klingon Kluster Fudge. Some of the Klingons were trying to get the paints and water off the tables, while those face paining were now off the chairs and just trying to finish up.
The people left in the line up were complaining that they had waited for hours to get to the front just to be turned away. We were put out by the complaints because no one had paid for any of this. We were not being compensated, other than the warm fuzzy feeling for participating, and no one had paid for getting their faces painted. That and the fact we were overheated in our costumes.
As a result of this, we started stationing Klingons in the lines when we knew we would be shutting down. Klingon Marines turning away children. Ohhh, the Humanity!
We face painted anywhere and everywhere. I think we even pioneered Klingon Kombat Face Painting.
These are three events from a list of ten that we were involved in between June and August of 1998. This is just a snapshot of what I wanted to showcase the different venues we participated in as Face Painters. So many events and so many pictures.
We estimate that in 1999, we helped raise over twelve thousand dollars for the Children's Wish alone.
 | |
| 21 June 1998, Father's Day CFB Halifax |
 |
| 21 June, 1998 Father's Day, CFB Halifax |
We agreed that a little modesty at Face Painting events would go a long way.
 |
| 01 August 1998, Natal Day In Halifax |
 |
| 01 August 1998, Natal Day in Halifax |
 |
| 01 August 1998, Natal Day in Halifax |
 |
| 01 August 1998, Natal Day in Halifax |
Natal Day was another learning experience. We had been asked to provide Face Painting for the Natal Day Festivities. The city of Halifax provided us with tables, chairs and face paints. It was a hot day, and the costumes and headpieces made for a very warm day for the Klingons. We did not know what to expect, and we certainly did not expect the crowds. When the local television news showed up, that was an unexpected thrill.
We learned about crowd control that day; because we did not have any. People were lined up for hours. We were supposed to be there until three in the afternoon.
At three P.M., the city crews showed up and started dismantling the tables. It was a Klingon Kluster Fudge. Some of the Klingons were trying to get the paints and water off the tables, while those face paining were now off the chairs and just trying to finish up.
The people left in the line up were complaining that they had waited for hours to get to the front just to be turned away. We were put out by the complaints because no one had paid for any of this. We were not being compensated, other than the warm fuzzy feeling for participating, and no one had paid for getting their faces painted. That and the fact we were overheated in our costumes.
As a result of this, we started stationing Klingons in the lines when we knew we would be shutting down. Klingon Marines turning away children. Ohhh, the Humanity!
 |
| 14 August 1998 |
 | |||
| Not just for kids. |
We face painted anywhere and everywhere. I think we even pioneered Klingon Kombat Face Painting.
These are three events from a list of ten that we were involved in between June and August of 1998. This is just a snapshot of what I wanted to showcase the different venues we participated in as Face Painters. So many events and so many pictures.
We estimate that in 1999, we helped raise over twelve thousand dollars for the Children's Wish alone.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Bring On The Clowns
When we started Face Painting as a group, there were not that many who were any good. Myself included. What we lacked in artistic flair, we more than made up for in enthusiasm. We had a few designs, some paints and a lot of good intentions.
The chief motivator with the brush was Sue. She really liked working with the children. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Pretty soon we had a core group of painters. We would go out and do events. We would not take any money for ourselves, however if growlies, hamburgers and hotdogs, were laid on, we were more than happy to indulge.
On one occasion, we were approached by a clown - a real clown; big red nose, bigger shoes and white and red paint on his face. His name was Milo the Clown. I also knew him as Miles. He was one of the Transport Drivers who worked at CFB Halifax.
Miles would drop into my office once in a while for a pick up or a delivery. When he would drop by we would schmooze, talk about events we did or events coming up.
One afternoon the conversation deviated slightly. Miles asked if my group would be interested in learning how to Face Paint professionally. My guard went up, as I thought I was going to be asked to compensate Miles for his time. I did not want to pass on any more expenses to the group, as everything we did was out of pocket.
I asked Miles what he had in mind. Miles stated that he wanted to teach a "small group of Klingons" how to effectively and efficiently Face Paint. From that core group, we could in turn teach other Klingons how to Face Paint.
This sounded good, but why?
Miles told me that he was a clown to make extra money on the side. He considered himself a Busker. He went on to state that he was conflicted when he was asked to donate his time for charitable events. He did not like to say no. He saw in us, the Klingons, a way of not saying no, when he said no.
"I can't make it, however I know a group of people who would love the opportunity to come out and support your event."
As Miles explained it, it was a win/win for him. Because we did not charge, we were not in competition with him. He did not want to be in the position of saying "no" to a charity because at some point in time he would love to help, but saying "no" could mean he would not be invited back.
Six of the SonchIy went to Miles home and were taught the finer points of Face Painting.
As a result of that, Sue and I were asked to join the Metro City Funsters in Halifax. That was a group of local Clowns and Buskers who got together to network and share tips and experiences.
In my opinion, we were being recognized by our peers for what we had accomplished and the standard we had set. We weren't just clowns in Klingon costumes.
The chief motivator with the brush was Sue. She really liked working with the children. Her enthusiasm was infectious. Pretty soon we had a core group of painters. We would go out and do events. We would not take any money for ourselves, however if growlies, hamburgers and hotdogs, were laid on, we were more than happy to indulge.
On one occasion, we were approached by a clown - a real clown; big red nose, bigger shoes and white and red paint on his face. His name was Milo the Clown. I also knew him as Miles. He was one of the Transport Drivers who worked at CFB Halifax.
Miles would drop into my office once in a while for a pick up or a delivery. When he would drop by we would schmooze, talk about events we did or events coming up.
One afternoon the conversation deviated slightly. Miles asked if my group would be interested in learning how to Face Paint professionally. My guard went up, as I thought I was going to be asked to compensate Miles for his time. I did not want to pass on any more expenses to the group, as everything we did was out of pocket.
I asked Miles what he had in mind. Miles stated that he wanted to teach a "small group of Klingons" how to effectively and efficiently Face Paint. From that core group, we could in turn teach other Klingons how to Face Paint.
This sounded good, but why?
 |
| Qel Iv/Paul Carreau & Milo (Miles Lahey) The Clown |
"I can't make it, however I know a group of people who would love the opportunity to come out and support your event."
As Miles explained it, it was a win/win for him. Because we did not charge, we were not in competition with him. He did not want to be in the position of saying "no" to a charity because at some point in time he would love to help, but saying "no" could mean he would not be invited back.
Six of the SonchIy went to Miles home and were taught the finer points of Face Painting.
As a result of that, Sue and I were asked to join the Metro City Funsters in Halifax. That was a group of local Clowns and Buskers who got together to network and share tips and experiences.
In my opinion, we were being recognized by our peers for what we had accomplished and the standard we had set. We weren't just clowns in Klingon costumes.
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Q'Oneqo/Sue
If I am going to tell the story of the IKV SonchIy, then I have to tell the story of Q'Oneqo. Q'Oneqo was Sue's Klingon name. She claimed it was Japanese for kitten.
As I have written, we met at MarFest 96. She was posted to Halifax in September of 96.
We worked on the same base, Canadian Forces Base Halifax, we started having coffee together, we went to Happy Hour in the Mess together, we were involved in MarFest 97 on the committee together and eventually we lived together.
I think it is safe to say that we adored each other.
This is the beginning of our story.
When Sue was posted to Halifax in September, she joined the IKV SonchIy. I think it is fair to say that her support group was the membership of the SonchIy. Sue was coming up to her twenty year mark in the Military, and she just wanted to complete her contract and get her pension.
Sue joined the MarFest 97 Con Com.
Lloyd was also on the committee. The line had been already been drawn with our Klingon clubs.
As I stated, Sue and I were spending a lot of time together. When we would go to the MarFest Con Com meetings, our routine was to go for a coffee at Tim Horton's after the meeting and compare notes on what had been discussed.
I lived in Shearwater at the time, and Sue lived in Bedford. After our coffee we would go in separate directions.
Over time, it became a routine between Lloyd and myself. Any suggestion or contribution I tried to make to the committee discussion, were shot down by Lloyd. It was frustrating and tiring constantly explaining and justifying suggestions and contributions I had made.
At our coffee, after a Con Com meeting, I was venting my frustration about my lack of 'traction' in the meetings. I was questioning my involvement and generally bitching about Lloyd. Sue, who was sitting across from me, looked at me with a thoughtful expression and said, "Well, I didn't fall in love with Lloyd."
The thoughtful look went to one of wide eyed surprise, and her attention immeadiately went to the crumbs on the table.
The majority of Sue's income went to her apartment. She lived in an executive suite in Bedford. Her home was her "Sanctuary". Few people knew where she lived, and it was very bad form to show up uninvited.
We were doing something together one day, we were not in costume so I think it may have been for MarFest. Sue needed to get something from her apartment. I knew how protective she was of her privacy, so I suggested that I stay in the car. She invited me to accompany her to her home.
When we entered the apartment, I stayed by the door. There was a closet to my left, the kitchen to my right with the dining room at the end of the kitchen area. The bedroom and living room were on the other side of the kitchen. I stayed by the door not wanting to intrude any further than I had too.
While she was looking for the item, I was introducing myself to her cat. I later found out that was a test of sorts. Sue judged her friends on how they treated pets. I passed the "pet test".
Sue was looking for something in the bedroom. I could hear her rummaging. When she had what she was looking for, she returned. She walked up to and kissed me. Square on the lips. Sue then snapped back, her eyes wide; her right hand came up, forefinger extended and she exclaimed, "Don't you ever expect that again!".
I have to admit that I was extremely flattered. However, I was not interested or prepared to pursue it. I did not want to change the dynamic of our friendship. I was more than content to just spend time with her.
At a happy hour one night at the Mess, we found a quiet place and talked and talked for over five hours. We closed the mess. Sue's friends kept checking on us while we talked.
On the 19th of October, after the Children's Wish Parade, I asked Sue if she wanted to take Pot Luck with us. It was getting late, and I knew dinner would be ready. I had my daughter with me. Sue said sure, and we made our way back to the house. When I walked in the house, I said to my wife, "look what followed me home, can I keep her!".
Sue had been in the house before, and knew my wife and daughter.
In October of 1996, my wife and I decided it was finally time to get the divorce. We both agreed that we did not want me to leave the house over the Christmas season. We did not want to ruin that for Angela.
One evening as I was getting ready to go to a movie, my wife asked who I was going to the movie with. I said I was going by myself. She looked at me and said, "why don't you ask Sue?"
I called Sue, and asked if she would like to go to a movie with me. She said yes.
Sue could be very direct and very blunt. When I arrived at her apartment, she asked me why I had asked her to a movie. I told her it was my wife's idea. The only way I can describe this is that her face looked like it became unplugged. We went to the movie, however I have no recollection of what was playing.
Sue had to go to St Jean, Quebec for an indoctrination prior to her deployment to Haiti in 1997. She asked me to look after her cat, Guppy. I had no problem with that. I picked up Sue at her apartment and drove her to the airport.
The question of when I would be moving out was looming. Christmas was over. I was making enquiries about space being available in the Barracks in CFB Halifax. This was a different situation because I was still using my entitlement for a PMQ (Private Married Quarter) in CFB Shearwater.
On the twenty third of January Sue was returning from her Haiti indoctrination. I was getting ready to pick Sue up, when my wife stated, "when you pick Sue up, don't come home."
I met Sue at the airport, and told her what the new plan was. We had discussed this, but it was in the 'fuzzy-future', and now we were faced with it. At this time, what I did not know were the fears that Sue had. She had been hurt by men in her past relationships. The longest she had been with anyone was six months. She had been emotionally hurt, and blamed herself.
When I had met her, she had promised herself not to get involved with anyone, ever again. And here she was; or more accurately, here I was.
That night as I made myself comfortable in her sanctuary, with Guppy on my lap, Sue emphatically told me that I was on six months probation. If she was not happy at the end of six months, I was gone. Sue was taking control of the relationship, and she was determined that she would end it, not me.
Through out our relationship, I would tease her by asking how long I had to go when the probation would be over.
We were both very concerned about how the members of the IKV SonchIy would react when we announced that we were now living together. We talked about this for hours. At what point in the meeting we should bring it up, What objections could be raised and how we would answer them. Worst case scenario, we would step away from the club.
As I recall, by this time we had moved our meetings to the Nova Scotia Hospital. We had access to a board room. A very professional setting.
At the meeting, after I had gone around the table getting reports, I told the group that I had an announcement to make. I stated that Sue and I were now living together. The response was a collective, "It's about time". It was a matter of Ship's business, tabled and actioned. Next....
We spent so much time together with the SonchIy, MarFest and work. Neither of us tired of being with the other. One of the nicest testaments that was said to me when Sue passed, was "if the two of you were at opposite ends of a room, everyone knew you belonged to each other."
In uniform, the Canadian Military, it is not allowed to show affection.
Sue was French Canadian background, though she tried very hard to hide her accent. In French, "I love you" in French is "Je t'aime". I would receive inter office envelopes with a drawing of a jet as part of the address. I questioned her about this, and she told me it was her way of saying "Je t'aime" to me. From then on, all I had to do to make her smile, was mention the jet.
When she was finally deployed to Haiti, we made plans to be at the airport well in advance of her flight. We had planned on having a leisurely coffee, prior to her having to go through Security. We get to the airport, go to the check in counter and Sue realizes that she has forgotten her purse. Her passport and travel documentation were in her purse.
I had gone from a leisurely coffee to panic. I told Sue that I would get her purse, and ran to the car. I drove to the apartment in Bedford and back to the airport breaking every speed and traffic law I could. when I pulled up to the Departure door at the airport, I stopped the car. I don't claim to have parked it, I just hit the break and put it in park. I jumped out of the car, and headed for the main doors. A stewardess was at the door, and asked if I was "Paul". I said I was. She took the purse, and told me the plane was waiting.
The Stewardess asked if I had any message for Sue. I told her to tell Sue, "Jet". Sue later told me that when the Stewardess gave her my message, she broke down and cried, which of course confused the Stewardess.
Three years later, January 24, 2000 we were married at the Nova Scotia Hospital. We had one of our Pot-Lucks. Originally we were going to go in front of a JP and exchange vows privately and quietly. The question of who was to be our witnesses became our sticking point. We knew the people we did not invite would be hurt.
We had amalgamated two households, so we did not need another blender or toaster. We did not want our friends to feel obligated. We arranged for the potluck, arranged for the JP, and surprised those in attendance.
I used the Pot-Lucks to promote and recognize those in the club. We would share food and stories. It was my goal for those in attendance to feel good about themselves and what they were doing.
I told the JP that I was going to make the announcement that Sue and I had decided to get married. Someone would say, "It's about time!" At that point, I would introduce the JP and we would exchange vows. Sure enough, Denise was the one who made the statement.
Sue loved to tell the story that when the JP was introduced, the people in the room looked like deer caught in the headlights.
 |
| This photo was taken at MarFest 97, this is also how she introduced me to her mother. (Another story) |
If I am going to tell the story of the IKV SonchIy, then I have to tell the story of Q'Oneqo. Q'Oneqo was Sue's Klingon name. She claimed it was Japanese for kitten.
As I have written, we met at MarFest 96. She was posted to Halifax in September of 96.
We worked on the same base, Canadian Forces Base Halifax, we started having coffee together, we went to Happy Hour in the Mess together, we were involved in MarFest 97 on the committee together and eventually we lived together.
I think it is safe to say that we adored each other.
This is the beginning of our story.
When Sue was posted to Halifax in September, she joined the IKV SonchIy. I think it is fair to say that her support group was the membership of the SonchIy. Sue was coming up to her twenty year mark in the Military, and she just wanted to complete her contract and get her pension.
Sue joined the MarFest 97 Con Com.
Lloyd was also on the committee. The line had been already been drawn with our Klingon clubs.
As I stated, Sue and I were spending a lot of time together. When we would go to the MarFest Con Com meetings, our routine was to go for a coffee at Tim Horton's after the meeting and compare notes on what had been discussed.
I lived in Shearwater at the time, and Sue lived in Bedford. After our coffee we would go in separate directions.
Over time, it became a routine between Lloyd and myself. Any suggestion or contribution I tried to make to the committee discussion, were shot down by Lloyd. It was frustrating and tiring constantly explaining and justifying suggestions and contributions I had made.
At our coffee, after a Con Com meeting, I was venting my frustration about my lack of 'traction' in the meetings. I was questioning my involvement and generally bitching about Lloyd. Sue, who was sitting across from me, looked at me with a thoughtful expression and said, "Well, I didn't fall in love with Lloyd."
The thoughtful look went to one of wide eyed surprise, and her attention immeadiately went to the crumbs on the table.
The majority of Sue's income went to her apartment. She lived in an executive suite in Bedford. Her home was her "Sanctuary". Few people knew where she lived, and it was very bad form to show up uninvited.
We were doing something together one day, we were not in costume so I think it may have been for MarFest. Sue needed to get something from her apartment. I knew how protective she was of her privacy, so I suggested that I stay in the car. She invited me to accompany her to her home.
When we entered the apartment, I stayed by the door. There was a closet to my left, the kitchen to my right with the dining room at the end of the kitchen area. The bedroom and living room were on the other side of the kitchen. I stayed by the door not wanting to intrude any further than I had too.
While she was looking for the item, I was introducing myself to her cat. I later found out that was a test of sorts. Sue judged her friends on how they treated pets. I passed the "pet test".
Sue was looking for something in the bedroom. I could hear her rummaging. When she had what she was looking for, she returned. She walked up to and kissed me. Square on the lips. Sue then snapped back, her eyes wide; her right hand came up, forefinger extended and she exclaimed, "Don't you ever expect that again!".
I have to admit that I was extremely flattered. However, I was not interested or prepared to pursue it. I did not want to change the dynamic of our friendship. I was more than content to just spend time with her.
At a happy hour one night at the Mess, we found a quiet place and talked and talked for over five hours. We closed the mess. Sue's friends kept checking on us while we talked.
On the 19th of October, after the Children's Wish Parade, I asked Sue if she wanted to take Pot Luck with us. It was getting late, and I knew dinner would be ready. I had my daughter with me. Sue said sure, and we made our way back to the house. When I walked in the house, I said to my wife, "look what followed me home, can I keep her!".
Sue had been in the house before, and knew my wife and daughter.
In October of 1996, my wife and I decided it was finally time to get the divorce. We both agreed that we did not want me to leave the house over the Christmas season. We did not want to ruin that for Angela.
One evening as I was getting ready to go to a movie, my wife asked who I was going to the movie with. I said I was going by myself. She looked at me and said, "why don't you ask Sue?"
I called Sue, and asked if she would like to go to a movie with me. She said yes.
Sue could be very direct and very blunt. When I arrived at her apartment, she asked me why I had asked her to a movie. I told her it was my wife's idea. The only way I can describe this is that her face looked like it became unplugged. We went to the movie, however I have no recollection of what was playing.
Sue had to go to St Jean, Quebec for an indoctrination prior to her deployment to Haiti in 1997. She asked me to look after her cat, Guppy. I had no problem with that. I picked up Sue at her apartment and drove her to the airport.
The question of when I would be moving out was looming. Christmas was over. I was making enquiries about space being available in the Barracks in CFB Halifax. This was a different situation because I was still using my entitlement for a PMQ (Private Married Quarter) in CFB Shearwater.
On the twenty third of January Sue was returning from her Haiti indoctrination. I was getting ready to pick Sue up, when my wife stated, "when you pick Sue up, don't come home."
I met Sue at the airport, and told her what the new plan was. We had discussed this, but it was in the 'fuzzy-future', and now we were faced with it. At this time, what I did not know were the fears that Sue had. She had been hurt by men in her past relationships. The longest she had been with anyone was six months. She had been emotionally hurt, and blamed herself.
When I had met her, she had promised herself not to get involved with anyone, ever again. And here she was; or more accurately, here I was.
That night as I made myself comfortable in her sanctuary, with Guppy on my lap, Sue emphatically told me that I was on six months probation. If she was not happy at the end of six months, I was gone. Sue was taking control of the relationship, and she was determined that she would end it, not me.
Through out our relationship, I would tease her by asking how long I had to go when the probation would be over.
We were both very concerned about how the members of the IKV SonchIy would react when we announced that we were now living together. We talked about this for hours. At what point in the meeting we should bring it up, What objections could be raised and how we would answer them. Worst case scenario, we would step away from the club.
As I recall, by this time we had moved our meetings to the Nova Scotia Hospital. We had access to a board room. A very professional setting.
At the meeting, after I had gone around the table getting reports, I told the group that I had an announcement to make. I stated that Sue and I were now living together. The response was a collective, "It's about time". It was a matter of Ship's business, tabled and actioned. Next....
We spent so much time together with the SonchIy, MarFest and work. Neither of us tired of being with the other. One of the nicest testaments that was said to me when Sue passed, was "if the two of you were at opposite ends of a room, everyone knew you belonged to each other."
In uniform, the Canadian Military, it is not allowed to show affection.
Sue was French Canadian background, though she tried very hard to hide her accent. In French, "I love you" in French is "Je t'aime". I would receive inter office envelopes with a drawing of a jet as part of the address. I questioned her about this, and she told me it was her way of saying "Je t'aime" to me. From then on, all I had to do to make her smile, was mention the jet.
When she was finally deployed to Haiti, we made plans to be at the airport well in advance of her flight. We had planned on having a leisurely coffee, prior to her having to go through Security. We get to the airport, go to the check in counter and Sue realizes that she has forgotten her purse. Her passport and travel documentation were in her purse.
I had gone from a leisurely coffee to panic. I told Sue that I would get her purse, and ran to the car. I drove to the apartment in Bedford and back to the airport breaking every speed and traffic law I could. when I pulled up to the Departure door at the airport, I stopped the car. I don't claim to have parked it, I just hit the break and put it in park. I jumped out of the car, and headed for the main doors. A stewardess was at the door, and asked if I was "Paul". I said I was. She took the purse, and told me the plane was waiting.
The Stewardess asked if I had any message for Sue. I told her to tell Sue, "Jet". Sue later told me that when the Stewardess gave her my message, she broke down and cried, which of course confused the Stewardess.
Three years later, January 24, 2000 we were married at the Nova Scotia Hospital. We had one of our Pot-Lucks. Originally we were going to go in front of a JP and exchange vows privately and quietly. The question of who was to be our witnesses became our sticking point. We knew the people we did not invite would be hurt.
We had amalgamated two households, so we did not need another blender or toaster. We did not want our friends to feel obligated. We arranged for the potluck, arranged for the JP, and surprised those in attendance.
I used the Pot-Lucks to promote and recognize those in the club. We would share food and stories. It was my goal for those in attendance to feel good about themselves and what they were doing.
I told the JP that I was going to make the announcement that Sue and I had decided to get married. Someone would say, "It's about time!" At that point, I would introduce the JP and we would exchange vows. Sure enough, Denise was the one who made the statement.
Sue loved to tell the story that when the JP was introduced, the people in the room looked like deer caught in the headlights.
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
KAG Atlantik
The founding of KAG AtlantiK late in January 1997 was in fact a defining moment for the IKV SonchIy.
In the Independence Declaration, a list of this ships and the names of the crews had been posted. We were to find out later that in some cases, the individuals had not been consulted prior to the release of the document, nor did they approve of their names being used.
The reasons given for the exodus were:
The Command Staff of KAG Kanada were not listening to the voices and concerns of Eastern Canada;
Promotions were too slow for the work that was being done in Eastern Canada; and
There was too much politics in KAG Kanada
I was singled out. I was accused of Elitism, of stealing members from ships in the Halifax area and making a statement at a Squadron meeting that I found Floyd amusing. There was a rumor that I was bribing the members of the IKV SonchIy with the SonchIy jackets; I was plotting to take the Squadron away from Floyd
I took this very personally. Some members of the SonchIy had been approached to see if they wanted to jump ship. I felt that if Floyd and Lloyd were going to justify themselves by discrediting me, then I could do the same. I approached Rob and Jason. I laid out my plan and asked if they would support this as a course of action. Emotions and resolve were definitely there.
I then phoned Alan, the Ice Dragon Fleet Commander, and presented my plan. Alan was cool about my proposed course of action and suggested we talk with the Commanding Officer, KAG Kanada, John Gannon. We made a conference call to John. I again explained what was happening, and John's response was to do nothing. The best course of action would be to take the high road and prove why KAG Kanada was the better club.
I went back to Rob and Jason and told them to stand down. We would just have to prove why we were the better club through our actions. We would focus more on the SonchIy's membership, and the events we were doing.
Some time later, Jason called me at home and told me there was someone I should talk with. His name is Sean. I knew Sean by reputation, but I would have been hard pressed to pick him out of a crowd.
I went to Jason's house for a clandestine meeting with his friend Sean. Sean is a big man, powerful in build and powerful in personality. In Sean's world there are three classes of people. Friends, strangers and targets. I am not a stranger and I think on occasion I have been a target.
Sean was up on charges. Floyd was the judge. His Cha'DIch was Doug, and I was playing catch up trying to figure this out and why I was talking to Sean. According to the Klingon Legal system the accused is denied combat privileges and the Cha'DIch must physically defend him.
Sean was not happy with the current situation, and while talking to Jason, had his facts about the injustices turned upside down. I asked Sean to tell me what he had been told.
Sean had been told that KAG Kanada had been plotting to take the Black Ice Squadron away from Floyd. Floyd was to have been tossed out of the club. This is in addition to what I had already heard. There was a plan in place, because of the activity in Halifax, the Fleet Commander, Alan, was considering forming a new squadron in Nova Scotia. Alan was being groomed for the position of Commanding Officer KAG Kanada, and Kevin would have been promoted to Deputy Fleet Commander under Joe in St John NB.
Sean also brought up the story about how I was buying jackets for the members of my crew. I asked him if he wanted one. I told Sean that if he wanted a jacket, he would have to buy it himself. I had made the crest available. The retailer had the graphic in their computer, and for twelve dollars more, they would put it on the jacket or any item of clothing.
As a result of this discussion, I phoned Alan. The people who had left, could be victims of misinformation. We decided to offer an "amnesty" to those who wanted to return to KAG Kanada with full reinstatement to the ranks and honorifics they had left with. I also wanted the accomplishments while members of KAG Atlantik to be recognized. I wanted a policy of reconciliation.
To that end, I encouraged members of KAG Atlantik to participated in KAG Kanada events. Officially, we were not to have any interaction with KAG Atlantik. The reality of this was the membership of KAG Atlantik were friends of the membership of KAG Kanada. The line that was drawn was by Lloyd and Floyd.
The last direct involvement we had with KAG Atlantik was in March 1998. The SonchIy had been doing Jail 'N Bails with Dooley's, a chain of billiard clubs in the Halifax area. I received a phone call one night from the manager of the Halifax branch. We had just completed Jail 'N Bails at the Bedford and Sackville locations. Two people had walked in to the Halifax location and claimed ownership of the two Jail 'N Bails in Sackville and Bedford and wanted to set one up in Halifax. When the manager asked specific questions, they were unable to give answers or first hand experience of what had happened at the Jail N' Bails. The other issue the manager had was he was already working with me.
By July 1998, KAG Atlantik was defunct. This was also the genesis of the transformation of the IKV SonchIy into the SonchIy Squadron.
In the Independence Declaration, a list of this ships and the names of the crews had been posted. We were to find out later that in some cases, the individuals had not been consulted prior to the release of the document, nor did they approve of their names being used.
The reasons given for the exodus were:
The Command Staff of KAG Kanada were not listening to the voices and concerns of Eastern Canada;
Promotions were too slow for the work that was being done in Eastern Canada; and
There was too much politics in KAG Kanada
I was singled out. I was accused of Elitism, of stealing members from ships in the Halifax area and making a statement at a Squadron meeting that I found Floyd amusing. There was a rumor that I was bribing the members of the IKV SonchIy with the SonchIy jackets; I was plotting to take the Squadron away from Floyd
I took this very personally. Some members of the SonchIy had been approached to see if they wanted to jump ship. I felt that if Floyd and Lloyd were going to justify themselves by discrediting me, then I could do the same. I approached Rob and Jason. I laid out my plan and asked if they would support this as a course of action. Emotions and resolve were definitely there.
I then phoned Alan, the Ice Dragon Fleet Commander, and presented my plan. Alan was cool about my proposed course of action and suggested we talk with the Commanding Officer, KAG Kanada, John Gannon. We made a conference call to John. I again explained what was happening, and John's response was to do nothing. The best course of action would be to take the high road and prove why KAG Kanada was the better club.
I went back to Rob and Jason and told them to stand down. We would just have to prove why we were the better club through our actions. We would focus more on the SonchIy's membership, and the events we were doing.
Some time later, Jason called me at home and told me there was someone I should talk with. His name is Sean. I knew Sean by reputation, but I would have been hard pressed to pick him out of a crowd.
I went to Jason's house for a clandestine meeting with his friend Sean. Sean is a big man, powerful in build and powerful in personality. In Sean's world there are three classes of people. Friends, strangers and targets. I am not a stranger and I think on occasion I have been a target.
Sean was up on charges. Floyd was the judge. His Cha'DIch was Doug, and I was playing catch up trying to figure this out and why I was talking to Sean. According to the Klingon Legal system the accused is denied combat privileges and the Cha'DIch must physically defend him.
Sean was not happy with the current situation, and while talking to Jason, had his facts about the injustices turned upside down. I asked Sean to tell me what he had been told.
Sean had been told that KAG Kanada had been plotting to take the Black Ice Squadron away from Floyd. Floyd was to have been tossed out of the club. This is in addition to what I had already heard. There was a plan in place, because of the activity in Halifax, the Fleet Commander, Alan, was considering forming a new squadron in Nova Scotia. Alan was being groomed for the position of Commanding Officer KAG Kanada, and Kevin would have been promoted to Deputy Fleet Commander under Joe in St John NB.
Sean also brought up the story about how I was buying jackets for the members of my crew. I asked him if he wanted one. I told Sean that if he wanted a jacket, he would have to buy it himself. I had made the crest available. The retailer had the graphic in their computer, and for twelve dollars more, they would put it on the jacket or any item of clothing.
As a result of this discussion, I phoned Alan. The people who had left, could be victims of misinformation. We decided to offer an "amnesty" to those who wanted to return to KAG Kanada with full reinstatement to the ranks and honorifics they had left with. I also wanted the accomplishments while members of KAG Atlantik to be recognized. I wanted a policy of reconciliation.
To that end, I encouraged members of KAG Atlantik to participated in KAG Kanada events. Officially, we were not to have any interaction with KAG Atlantik. The reality of this was the membership of KAG Atlantik were friends of the membership of KAG Kanada. The line that was drawn was by Lloyd and Floyd.
The last direct involvement we had with KAG Atlantik was in March 1998. The SonchIy had been doing Jail 'N Bails with Dooley's, a chain of billiard clubs in the Halifax area. I received a phone call one night from the manager of the Halifax branch. We had just completed Jail 'N Bails at the Bedford and Sackville locations. Two people had walked in to the Halifax location and claimed ownership of the two Jail 'N Bails in Sackville and Bedford and wanted to set one up in Halifax. When the manager asked specific questions, they were unable to give answers or first hand experience of what had happened at the Jail N' Bails. The other issue the manager had was he was already working with me.
By July 1998, KAG Atlantik was defunct. This was also the genesis of the transformation of the IKV SonchIy into the SonchIy Squadron.
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Branding
Klingons like their symbols. The KAG Kanada emblem is the Trefoil in front of a maple leaf.
The Ice Dragon Fleet is a blue stylized dragon.
Most of what I have done has been influenced by the Canadian Military. Most Cap Badges, the badge that identifies the wearers trade, are framed by maple leafs. I wanted to frame the crest of the IKV SonchIy with something similiar. This is how the Bat'leths came to be on the emblem of the IKV SonchIy.
I wanted something that reflected strength. A fist seemed appropriate, the forearm protected by a gauntlet. It had to incorporate the Trefoil and I wanted something extra. Rick and I discussed this at length. I did not want maple leafs because it was not Klingon enough or too Canadian. Rick suggested the Bat'leths and I thought it was brilliant. We had our emblem.
The colors were solid, and the image was striking.
Flags and banners in KAG Kanada, wether squadron or ship, are usually made by hand. I wanted something that looked professional, and I am not the one to do this. I went to The Flag Shop in Dartmouth and asked about having a flag made. I did not want a silk screened flag, rather one that was stitched together.
The colors of the IKV SonchIy were black and red. I had found a custom clothing store that did embroidery. We had coats black sleeves and red torso. Red shirts with black collars and trim, red nylon carry on bags. These were embroidered with the name and crest.
They would also embroider any item of clothing we could provide.
What I did not realize was that we had branded the IKV SonchIy. The emblem, the flag and the name stood out.
It was at MarFest 97 when we first started wearing the crest. One of the people from Montreal asked me if I slept with the crest.
I even had vanity plates for the van. The plate was SONCHIY. On one occasion when Sue and I were coming out of a store, a couple were standing by the van. They asked us if we were the Klingons. They knew that they would not recognize us out of our costumes, however they did recognize the name of SONCHIY on the license plate. They wanted to schedule an event with us.
The Ice Dragon Fleet is a blue stylized dragon.
The Black Ice Squadron was a beer bottle. Not really, I don't remember what the emblem for the Black Ice Squadron was.
Most of what I have done has been influenced by the Canadian Military. Most Cap Badges, the badge that identifies the wearers trade, are framed by maple leafs. I wanted to frame the crest of the IKV SonchIy with something similiar. This is how the Bat'leths came to be on the emblem of the IKV SonchIy.
I wanted something that reflected strength. A fist seemed appropriate, the forearm protected by a gauntlet. It had to incorporate the Trefoil and I wanted something extra. Rick and I discussed this at length. I did not want maple leafs because it was not Klingon enough or too Canadian. Rick suggested the Bat'leths and I thought it was brilliant. We had our emblem.
The colors were solid, and the image was striking.
Flags and banners in KAG Kanada, wether squadron or ship, are usually made by hand. I wanted something that looked professional, and I am not the one to do this. I went to The Flag Shop in Dartmouth and asked about having a flag made. I did not want a silk screened flag, rather one that was stitched together.
The colors of the IKV SonchIy were black and red. I had found a custom clothing store that did embroidery. We had coats black sleeves and red torso. Red shirts with black collars and trim, red nylon carry on bags. These were embroidered with the name and crest.
They would also embroider any item of clothing we could provide.
What I did not realize was that we had branded the IKV SonchIy. The emblem, the flag and the name stood out.
It was at MarFest 97 when we first started wearing the crest. One of the people from Montreal asked me if I slept with the crest.
 |
| Toronto Trek 1999. Notice the Flag and the emblem on the left side of my "underwear". |
I even had vanity plates for the van. The plate was SONCHIY. On one occasion when Sue and I were coming out of a store, a couple were standing by the van. They asked us if we were the Klingons. They knew that they would not recognize us out of our costumes, however they did recognize the name of SONCHIY on the license plate. They wanted to schedule an event with us.
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
MarFest 96 Part 2
I started working the phones. I was drawing from my Amway experience. Promote - Promote - Promote.
"Our first road trip!"
"This is going to be so much fun!"
"Can you imagine the look on their faces when they see us!"
I was still very concerned about the actual transportation and who we were going to pay for the gas.
I had talked with Henry by phone, asking if anyone from the IKV Praksis would be interested in "going for the ride". I was actually looking for another vehicle. He was not interested in members of the Praksis being involved.
Two days before we were scheduled to go to Sydney, I attended another committee meeting. Henry brought up my little road trip and offered me a voucher for a fifteen passenger van and gas coupons. I felt a huge relief. I was driving a Firebird at the time, and I had only the one car to commit. I could have asked my wife for hers, but that wouldn't have been much better. Her car was a Chevette.
There was a new member of the MarFest committee in attendance, Karen. This was the first time I had met Karen. When Karen heard that I was going on a "Road Trip" to Sydney to do a "Klingon Space Kamp", she asked if she could go too.
I have to admit, at first I was hesitant. We were going to Sydney to; to what? I wasn't sure. I had seven people in the van so far. Costumes and gear would take up most of the other available space. I had to wonder why Karen would want to spend ten hours in a vehicle out of curiosity.
I asked Karen why she wanted to come along and she told me that she had made a Klingon costume, and had not had the opportunity to wear it.
Talk about two birds with one stone. I had: another 'body' for the road trip; and a new member for the SonchIy. I had also hit the jackpot. Karen, as it turned out worked with amateur theater, and her contribution was costuming.
Henry was obviously affected by this revelation as well. There was an unofficial competition for members on the various ships in the area. By the end of September 1996, the SonchIy had sixteen members. To qualify as a ship, a minimum of five members was the requirement.
The night before we left, Henry phoned me saying he now wanted members of his ship, the IKV Praksis in the van for our trip to Sydney. I was not happy with this request. I asked him, who in my crew I should tell is not going to Sydney? I had built this up to get maximum participation, and I was not going to disappoint anyone who had committed to going.
Besides Karen and myself, Jason, Rick, Jane and three others were in the van in the early hours of Saturday March 30 1996.
When we arrived in Sydney I can remember the comments as we drove up. The store was about a third the size, maybe, of an IGA store in Halifax. When we walked into the store there was a feeling of awkwardness. It wasn't until we got into costume that the staff - and us started to relax. We were joined by two Sydney locals who also had costumes. This was their first time in costume, and for most of us it was the second time.
Oh, and Karen. Karen's costume was by far the best. I believe she set the tone for what was to follow. We went for a walk outside of the store to a McDonald's. Karen, literally, stopped traffic.
I also believe that this event was the most significant for the IKV SonchIy.
"Our first road trip!"
"This is going to be so much fun!"
"Can you imagine the look on their faces when they see us!"
I was still very concerned about the actual transportation and who we were going to pay for the gas.
I had talked with Henry by phone, asking if anyone from the IKV Praksis would be interested in "going for the ride". I was actually looking for another vehicle. He was not interested in members of the Praksis being involved.
Two days before we were scheduled to go to Sydney, I attended another committee meeting. Henry brought up my little road trip and offered me a voucher for a fifteen passenger van and gas coupons. I felt a huge relief. I was driving a Firebird at the time, and I had only the one car to commit. I could have asked my wife for hers, but that wouldn't have been much better. Her car was a Chevette.
There was a new member of the MarFest committee in attendance, Karen. This was the first time I had met Karen. When Karen heard that I was going on a "Road Trip" to Sydney to do a "Klingon Space Kamp", she asked if she could go too.
I have to admit, at first I was hesitant. We were going to Sydney to; to what? I wasn't sure. I had seven people in the van so far. Costumes and gear would take up most of the other available space. I had to wonder why Karen would want to spend ten hours in a vehicle out of curiosity.
I asked Karen why she wanted to come along and she told me that she had made a Klingon costume, and had not had the opportunity to wear it.
Talk about two birds with one stone. I had: another 'body' for the road trip; and a new member for the SonchIy. I had also hit the jackpot. Karen, as it turned out worked with amateur theater, and her contribution was costuming.
Henry was obviously affected by this revelation as well. There was an unofficial competition for members on the various ships in the area. By the end of September 1996, the SonchIy had sixteen members. To qualify as a ship, a minimum of five members was the requirement.
The night before we left, Henry phoned me saying he now wanted members of his ship, the IKV Praksis in the van for our trip to Sydney. I was not happy with this request. I asked him, who in my crew I should tell is not going to Sydney? I had built this up to get maximum participation, and I was not going to disappoint anyone who had committed to going.
Besides Karen and myself, Jason, Rick, Jane and three others were in the van in the early hours of Saturday March 30 1996.
When we arrived in Sydney I can remember the comments as we drove up. The store was about a third the size, maybe, of an IGA store in Halifax. When we walked into the store there was a feeling of awkwardness. It wasn't until we got into costume that the staff - and us started to relax. We were joined by two Sydney locals who also had costumes. This was their first time in costume, and for most of us it was the second time.
Oh, and Karen. Karen's costume was by far the best. I believe she set the tone for what was to follow. We went for a walk outside of the store to a McDonald's. Karen, literally, stopped traffic.
Monday, 28 March 2011
MarFest 96 Part 1
The closest I had been to a convention was in British Columbia. I had gotten myself involved in Amway in the early 80's. Any expectations I may have had about a Science Fiction Convention were colored by my experiences at Amway conventions.
I had made travel arrangements for members of the Military to attend various conferences. I had also been involved in scheduling various conferences at the base level.
When Henry approached me to help on the Maritime Science Fiction Festival Convention Committee, I thought, "I can do this". Henry started his indoctrination by sharing his vision of a Science Fiction Convention. What I didn't fully comprehend was that the majority of the Convention Committee had no prior experience with the organization or running of a Convention.
Henry cautioned me that my involvement on the Maritime Science Fiction Festival Convention Committee and my involvement in KAG Kanada were two separate activities. The only time a joint involvement would be KAG Kanada's participation as a Society at MarFest. I was not to involve or commit KAG Kanada's resources to MarFest.
Henry had been to a few Toronto Treks, and a friend of his, Bill had also gone with him. Other than that there was no experience. When Henry would be questioned, his response was in essence, "Trust me, I know what I am doing."
The first meeting of the MarFest Con-Com was held at the Ramada Inn in Burnside. I had a previous commitment and it required me to wear a suit and tie. When I arrived, everyone was dressed very casually and I was semi-formal.
We took chairs at a conference table, Henry at the head of the table as Chairman, and he proceeded to dispense titles. Dealer Room, Operations, Security, Concessions; when his finger was pointing at me, he said Corporate Sponsor Coordinator. I am convinced it was the Double Windsor knot in my tie.
While I was carrying out my duties as the Sponsorship Coordinator MarFest ConCom, I was also in the process of building my fledgling ship, the IKV SonchIy. I had kidnapped Rick from the IKV Praksis. Our first ship meetings were a date. There were the two of us making plans for the future glory of the SonchIy.
At a birthday party my daughter was attending, I met Jane. I was wearing a jacket I had won from TV Guide four years earlier, that made me a Deep Space Nine walking bill board. Jane was a fan of Star Trek, and the conversation gravitated to all things Trek. When I mentioned that I was starting a Klingon club in the Dartmouth area, she told me that she wanted to be a part of it.
Jane then started thinking of who would be interested. In Trek terms it took less than a nano second. She wanted me to talk with her friend Barry, who would be very interested. He was also a huge Trek fan. The ship was starting to grow.
The plans that Rick and I had made were about to be put into motion. At a Ship's meeting, I proposed that we approach various charities and ask if we could help with our costumes. Jason was the first to offer his services. We brainstormed on who we thought could use our costumes to promote their organizations. I remember there being a short list of three charities. At our next meeting, which I believe was two weeks later, Jason came back with not only a name, he came back with a representative of the Children's Wish Foundation.
MarFest was scheduled for April 13 and 14, 1996. My free time was divided between the MarFest Con Com and building the IKV SonchIy. One of the potential sponsors I had made contact with was the IGA chain. They offered me a full page on one of their monthly fliers. This flier was delivered to every home in the Maritmes. I was told that this was a twenty eight thousand dollar value.
The IGA wanted costumed characters on their flier. The only costumed characters I knew were the members of KAG Kanada. I justified this by asking those people with costumes to participate on their own and not as members of KAG Kanada. There would be no recognition club wise for their participation.
What I wasn't expecting was Henry's involvement after I announced this at the Committee meeting. Henry questioned me at length, and left me with the impression that I had somehow overstepped my authority. What I did not know was that Henry, in his day job, knew the people I had made the arrangements with.
I received a phone call from Henry a couple of days later asking if I could meet him at the regional office of the IGA. We met at the agreed time, and were ushered into the office of the IGA Event Coordinator. We went over the arrangements I had already agreed upon. In the course of our discussion, the IGA representative asked what value IGA would get in return.
Henry was very excited. It was evident that the IGA wanted to have something different on their flier and Henry told her that he was the Black Ice Squadron Commander, and he could put Klingons in any store in the Maritimes. Henry had just committed resources he had no control over.
On March 23, 1996, we did the photo shoot in the IGA store at Bedford NS.
Within a couple of days, I received a phone call asking if an appearance could be arranged in Sydney NS for March 30, 1996. Sydney is a five hour drive from Halifax. We did not have a ship in the Sydney area. I had been in contact with some people who were interested in forming a club, however we did not have any structure in place.
I explained that we did not have the resources to make this happen, and their comment was, "you promised".
The logistics were daunting. I had to sell a ten hour return road trip, with a three to four hour appearance. How many people; how much gas and how many cars could I muster? I was also asking for a fifteen hour commitment.
I had made travel arrangements for members of the Military to attend various conferences. I had also been involved in scheduling various conferences at the base level.
When Henry approached me to help on the Maritime Science Fiction Festival Convention Committee, I thought, "I can do this". Henry started his indoctrination by sharing his vision of a Science Fiction Convention. What I didn't fully comprehend was that the majority of the Convention Committee had no prior experience with the organization or running of a Convention.
Henry cautioned me that my involvement on the Maritime Science Fiction Festival Convention Committee and my involvement in KAG Kanada were two separate activities. The only time a joint involvement would be KAG Kanada's participation as a Society at MarFest. I was not to involve or commit KAG Kanada's resources to MarFest.
Henry had been to a few Toronto Treks, and a friend of his, Bill had also gone with him. Other than that there was no experience. When Henry would be questioned, his response was in essence, "Trust me, I know what I am doing."
The first meeting of the MarFest Con-Com was held at the Ramada Inn in Burnside. I had a previous commitment and it required me to wear a suit and tie. When I arrived, everyone was dressed very casually and I was semi-formal.
We took chairs at a conference table, Henry at the head of the table as Chairman, and he proceeded to dispense titles. Dealer Room, Operations, Security, Concessions; when his finger was pointing at me, he said Corporate Sponsor Coordinator. I am convinced it was the Double Windsor knot in my tie.
While I was carrying out my duties as the Sponsorship Coordinator MarFest ConCom, I was also in the process of building my fledgling ship, the IKV SonchIy. I had kidnapped Rick from the IKV Praksis. Our first ship meetings were a date. There were the two of us making plans for the future glory of the SonchIy.
At a birthday party my daughter was attending, I met Jane. I was wearing a jacket I had won from TV Guide four years earlier, that made me a Deep Space Nine walking bill board. Jane was a fan of Star Trek, and the conversation gravitated to all things Trek. When I mentioned that I was starting a Klingon club in the Dartmouth area, she told me that she wanted to be a part of it.
Jane then started thinking of who would be interested. In Trek terms it took less than a nano second. She wanted me to talk with her friend Barry, who would be very interested. He was also a huge Trek fan. The ship was starting to grow.
The plans that Rick and I had made were about to be put into motion. At a Ship's meeting, I proposed that we approach various charities and ask if we could help with our costumes. Jason was the first to offer his services. We brainstormed on who we thought could use our costumes to promote their organizations. I remember there being a short list of three charities. At our next meeting, which I believe was two weeks later, Jason came back with not only a name, he came back with a representative of the Children's Wish Foundation.
MarFest was scheduled for April 13 and 14, 1996. My free time was divided between the MarFest Con Com and building the IKV SonchIy. One of the potential sponsors I had made contact with was the IGA chain. They offered me a full page on one of their monthly fliers. This flier was delivered to every home in the Maritmes. I was told that this was a twenty eight thousand dollar value.
The IGA wanted costumed characters on their flier. The only costumed characters I knew were the members of KAG Kanada. I justified this by asking those people with costumes to participate on their own and not as members of KAG Kanada. There would be no recognition club wise for their participation.
What I wasn't expecting was Henry's involvement after I announced this at the Committee meeting. Henry questioned me at length, and left me with the impression that I had somehow overstepped my authority. What I did not know was that Henry, in his day job, knew the people I had made the arrangements with.
I received a phone call from Henry a couple of days later asking if I could meet him at the regional office of the IGA. We met at the agreed time, and were ushered into the office of the IGA Event Coordinator. We went over the arrangements I had already agreed upon. In the course of our discussion, the IGA representative asked what value IGA would get in return.
Henry was very excited. It was evident that the IGA wanted to have something different on their flier and Henry told her that he was the Black Ice Squadron Commander, and he could put Klingons in any store in the Maritimes. Henry had just committed resources he had no control over.
 |
| Left to Right Rick, Angela, Allison, Paul Carreau Unknown |
Within a couple of days, I received a phone call asking if an appearance could be arranged in Sydney NS for March 30, 1996. Sydney is a five hour drive from Halifax. We did not have a ship in the Sydney area. I had been in contact with some people who were interested in forming a club, however we did not have any structure in place.
I explained that we did not have the resources to make this happen, and their comment was, "you promised".
The logistics were daunting. I had to sell a ten hour return road trip, with a three to four hour appearance. How many people; how much gas and how many cars could I muster? I was also asking for a fifteen hour commitment.
Thursday, 24 March 2011
In The Beginning...
In November there will be a Science Fiction/Fantasy convention in Halifax. Its name is Hal-Con. A part of the agenda is the SonchIy Squadron 15 Year Reunion. I am going to be in attendance for the reunion, as well as the KAG Kanada Grand Assembly. J.G. Hertzler has been invited to be one of the Guest Stars at this year's convention because of our involvement with Hal-Con.
While involved with KAG Kanada I have had some wonderful experiences; made strong and lasting friendships; and I met my late wife, Sue. I don't know how many times over the years I have been chided to "Get A Life". I have one and I am very happy with the one I have, thank you.
I have been told many times that it is all about the story. I am not a writer. I have met a few. My 'literary' background is Military. Facts - Figures- no Emotion. My hope is that what follows will not be too dry. I just hope that I can tell my story with the wonder and fun that has been my journey in Fandom.
In 1995, I was involved in the preparation and planning for another Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention called MarFest. At the same time I was also getting involved in a Star Trek Costume Club, The Klingon Assault Group or KAG Kanada. MarFest was also my very first Con and it was the first appearance of the branch or ship I had founded, the Imperial Klingon Vessel (IKV) SonchIy.
My involvement began because my marriage was failing. At the time I was in the Canadian Military. I was looking for an excuse, any excuse, to get out of the house. There were many reasons, and they went back a number of years. Failing; no more accurately, it was imploding. I had started to investigate and initiate divorce proceedings. The choice to get out of the house, that I had was the Mess, or the Military bar.
I chose not to go to the Mess because that would probably 'mess' me up even more. A conclusion that was arrived at through years of observation. Too many of my friends and co-workers had compounded their problems at the Mess.
I decided to go to movies. At the 1994 screening of Star Trek Generations in Halifax, people dressed as "Original Series" Klingon's were in attendance, most of them were at an information table in the lobby handing out paper, while others walked among those who had entered the lobby of the theatre. I was looking, more accurately looking down, at them. My level of curiosity was along the lines of, "who would do that?". I was aware enough that I didn't want any of them to get too close, and they were certainly not going to get close enough to give me any of their paper.
Before my pilgrimage to the Concession area, I decided to visit the theatre's 'comfort' station. My mother would have told you that, I want to powder my nose; my father would tell you he was going to drain his potatoes. In any event, I was about to get comfortable...or so I thought.
While I was hosing down the urinal, I noticed the guy at the next stall. He was dressed as a Klingon. At least he wasn't holding any paper in his hands.
Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "nice costume", as he stepped away from the porcelain. I watched in horror as his hand went behind his back. Was he reaching for a Klingon knife; a disruptor??? Worse, it was paper! An application to join KAG Kanada. He growled something very guttural that also involved his ejecting of a fair amount of spittle, and proudly told me that he had just spoken in Klingon. My reaction was simply - "That's nice".
However, the seed had been planted. I was about to be: turned, assimilated, coerced, or sent in a direction that would change my life (dramatic pause) forever.
I would stare at that application for about six months. It was perched on my dresser and I would look at the application and tell myself that I did not want to be involved with pimply-faced teenagers telling forty year old Star Trek jokes. I was too mature and much too responsible for that. In six months, it didn't occur to me that I could simply throw it out.
The situation in my home won out and I attended my very first Klingon meeting of the IKV Praksis with the completed KAG Kanada application. It was far from the spit-and-polish that I was accustomed to. There were no aggressive Klingons in evidence. One guy sat in a corner, looking more like a cross between a beatnik and Rasputin; shoulder length black hair full black beard, a laptop and copies of Shakesphere and Mark Okrand's Klingon Dictionary. When I questioned him later, he told me that he was translating Hamlet into Klingon. He could not find it anywhere in print or online, so he decided to translate it himself.
The Ship's Captain was Henry. (Not his real name.) He welcomed me and made introductions. I learned Rasputin's name is Rick Zhukow, and to this day I do believe they are related. When it would come time to 'launch' the IKV SonchIy, Rick would be the First Mate, Second In Command and Cabin Boy.
During most of 1995, I went to meetings, talked about costuming and make up. The Klingon costume was intimidating. I had enough trouble sewing a button, let alone trying to make sense of a pattern. Henry suggested that I get my wife involved in helping me sew a costume.
I had the good fortune to meet a costumer who worked for one of the drama departments at one of the universities in Halifax. He was intrigued with the idea of making a Klingon Uniform. I contracted with him to make the Battle Dress and Command Cloak.
As it turned out, Henry and I did not get along that well. Henry's idea of being a leader was, "I am the boss and you are not". One of life's little pleasures was to verbally spar with Henry and use my wit to pop his bombastic balloon. It wasn't long before I had my walking papers, and was told to start a ship on the other side of the Halifax Harbour, in Dartmouth, the IKV SonchIy.
While involved with KAG Kanada I have had some wonderful experiences; made strong and lasting friendships; and I met my late wife, Sue. I don't know how many times over the years I have been chided to "Get A Life". I have one and I am very happy with the one I have, thank you.
I have been told many times that it is all about the story. I am not a writer. I have met a few. My 'literary' background is Military. Facts - Figures- no Emotion. My hope is that what follows will not be too dry. I just hope that I can tell my story with the wonder and fun that has been my journey in Fandom.
In 1995, I was involved in the preparation and planning for another Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention called MarFest. At the same time I was also getting involved in a Star Trek Costume Club, The Klingon Assault Group or KAG Kanada. MarFest was also my very first Con and it was the first appearance of the branch or ship I had founded, the Imperial Klingon Vessel (IKV) SonchIy.
My involvement began because my marriage was failing. At the time I was in the Canadian Military. I was looking for an excuse, any excuse, to get out of the house. There were many reasons, and they went back a number of years. Failing; no more accurately, it was imploding. I had started to investigate and initiate divorce proceedings. The choice to get out of the house, that I had was the Mess, or the Military bar.
I chose not to go to the Mess because that would probably 'mess' me up even more. A conclusion that was arrived at through years of observation. Too many of my friends and co-workers had compounded their problems at the Mess.
I decided to go to movies. At the 1994 screening of Star Trek Generations in Halifax, people dressed as "Original Series" Klingon's were in attendance, most of them were at an information table in the lobby handing out paper, while others walked among those who had entered the lobby of the theatre. I was looking, more accurately looking down, at them. My level of curiosity was along the lines of, "who would do that?". I was aware enough that I didn't want any of them to get too close, and they were certainly not going to get close enough to give me any of their paper.
Before my pilgrimage to the Concession area, I decided to visit the theatre's 'comfort' station. My mother would have told you that, I want to powder my nose; my father would tell you he was going to drain his potatoes. In any event, I was about to get comfortable...or so I thought.
While I was hosing down the urinal, I noticed the guy at the next stall. He was dressed as a Klingon. At least he wasn't holding any paper in his hands.
Before I could stop myself, I blurted, "nice costume", as he stepped away from the porcelain. I watched in horror as his hand went behind his back. Was he reaching for a Klingon knife; a disruptor??? Worse, it was paper! An application to join KAG Kanada. He growled something very guttural that also involved his ejecting of a fair amount of spittle, and proudly told me that he had just spoken in Klingon. My reaction was simply - "That's nice".
However, the seed had been planted. I was about to be: turned, assimilated, coerced, or sent in a direction that would change my life (dramatic pause) forever.
I would stare at that application for about six months. It was perched on my dresser and I would look at the application and tell myself that I did not want to be involved with pimply-faced teenagers telling forty year old Star Trek jokes. I was too mature and much too responsible for that. In six months, it didn't occur to me that I could simply throw it out.
The situation in my home won out and I attended my very first Klingon meeting of the IKV Praksis with the completed KAG Kanada application. It was far from the spit-and-polish that I was accustomed to. There were no aggressive Klingons in evidence. One guy sat in a corner, looking more like a cross between a beatnik and Rasputin; shoulder length black hair full black beard, a laptop and copies of Shakesphere and Mark Okrand's Klingon Dictionary. When I questioned him later, he told me that he was translating Hamlet into Klingon. He could not find it anywhere in print or online, so he decided to translate it himself.
The Ship's Captain was Henry. (Not his real name.) He welcomed me and made introductions. I learned Rasputin's name is Rick Zhukow, and to this day I do believe they are related. When it would come time to 'launch' the IKV SonchIy, Rick would be the First Mate, Second In Command and Cabin Boy.
During most of 1995, I went to meetings, talked about costuming and make up. The Klingon costume was intimidating. I had enough trouble sewing a button, let alone trying to make sense of a pattern. Henry suggested that I get my wife involved in helping me sew a costume.
I had the good fortune to meet a costumer who worked for one of the drama departments at one of the universities in Halifax. He was intrigued with the idea of making a Klingon Uniform. I contracted with him to make the Battle Dress and Command Cloak.
As it turned out, Henry and I did not get along that well. Henry's idea of being a leader was, "I am the boss and you are not". One of life's little pleasures was to verbally spar with Henry and use my wit to pop his bombastic balloon. It wasn't long before I had my walking papers, and was told to start a ship on the other side of the Halifax Harbour, in Dartmouth, the IKV SonchIy.
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