Cas City Forum Hall & CAS-L
Special Interests - Groups & Societies => The Barracks => Topic started by: Pitspitr on March 21, 2020, 03:43:26 PM
-
3-21-2020
Ladies and gentlemen of the GAF,
Given that much of our membership and participants in the annual Grand Muster fit in the "high risk" categories with regard to the Chinese Virus, I felt I should make a statement about the impact of that virus on the Grand Muster.
I have reached out to several health care professionals about prudent steps that can be taken to protect Grand Muster participants. What I have been told is that most viruses dislike warm weather, sunshine and fresh air, and that projections appear to indicate that by early May we may be past the peak of infection. Limiting the size of gatherings is a best practice
We already limit the number of participants and the Grand Muster is held during warm weather in fresh air under the sun! So with all that in mind, here is what I plan; we will continue to prepare for holding the Grand Muster as usual. If it eventually becomes apparent that we must cancel the GM this year, I will make the decision by June 1. This way folks will have time to cancel any reservations they have made without penalties. If a registered participant falls ill or is just plain too concerned about the possibility of contracting COVID-19 to attend, I will refund their registration or apply it to 2021, their choice.
Removing financial concerns related to cancelations should encourage participants to just stay home if they are sick and thus keep our membership safer.
If you have any other questions relating to the Grand Muster, please do not hesitate to reach out to me.
-
Thank you for not making a knee jerk reaction and canceling but instead are evaluating the situation.
-
Eminently reasonable approach, Sir! I am sure you will keep us posted regarding any new developments.
:)
-
I'm going to add I am pretty sure I and going to be able to make it this year, will probably need help loading and unloading, but I know that is not a problem.
I am almost healed up and getting my strength back, due to the virus my rehab is canceled but looks like warmer weather this week and the granddaughter and I are going to go walking Riley this week and wife's car is fixed so she can go on a rescue mission if I walk to far, was not sure she could drive the beast do to her problems.
For those who didn't know, we lost our beloved black lab Rowdy right after the Muster last year. We had decided to find and older black rescue in the fall but somehow 3 days later had a 8 week old brown rescue lab puppy from Oklahoma set to be delivered to us in Kansas in two weeks.
The whole thing is a best left to a campfire tale and will convince you there is a God and he loves dogs. He is a sweet heart but will tell you off if need be and is the king of stink eye.
My friend who pulled him from the shelter has 2 labs and his first night with Norton he told him he didn't want to come in and go to bed.😂
-
Excellent proclamation, Sir! I realize this is still serious business but I, for one, have seen the elephant once and he isn't that scary. Of course if you have a good relationship with Jesus, it helps. I am planning to be at the Muster again this year and hopefully able to shoot. There is no healthier place in Nebraska than perched atop the hill enjoying the bright virus-killing sunshine and warm air (and some HOT air). I am praying, for us all, the promises found in Isaiah 54:17 that "...no weapon formed against you will prosper..." and Psalm 91:9-10 that "Because thou hast made the Lord...thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling." Remember, your real dwelling place is you, not some building.
See you all at the Muster.
LTC Montgomery Little , GAF Senior Chaplain and spiritual meddler.
-
walk 1/3 what ya think you can come back drink some water or iced tea maybe and go out again turning around before you are too tired.
-
I made 1/2 mile yesterday the first time, 2/3 the second and going to go for the full mile in a bit.
If I have to the wife will come with a quick call, leg muscles are the real problem right now.
Will drink a tonic water to prevent leg cramps, worked when I worked retail.
When I can do 2 miles dog and I are headed to the dog training area of a local wildlife management area.
-
Hi Del, good you're getting better. I have a friend who swears by pickle juice for cramps. It does work when we get done walking is mutts. I've commonly taken an aspirin before I walk a long way.
Later
-
Too much sodium in pickle juice and I'm on blood thinners so no aspirin.
Made my mile today, in 20 minutes, walked back in the door, BP was 148 over 81 and heart rate was 102. Gave it 5 minutes, and it was 101 over 71 and hr was 88.
Pretty good for an old phart of 63 with rebuilt plumbing.
-
Del,
My heartiest congratulations on your mile walk performance. Hoping you stick with exercise regimen in spite of having your rehab cancelled. I?m a firm believer in what the rehab folks are preaching.
I had a double bypass surgery this last September to correct a congenital heart defect. Started the therapy in late October and I was able to finish before Coronavirus became a concern. Exercise has made a tremendous difference in my physical abilities since the surgery.
Wishing you a continued strong recovery.
Duck Creek
-
I won't be able to get back to cooking if I don't, got a bird dog to train also.
-
A more interesting covid map to look at, John Hopkins, https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map
then click confirmed by population beneath it.
Locally pressure increasing, my department has been tasked for 150 hours a week for screening entrance into hospital, I have volunteered as Entrance Monitor into the Covid Clinic. I figured it is actually the safest place, head to foot in ppe, about 1 patient per hour, with a screener between me & the patient.
Dusty
-
So I see that the Health Dept. folks have extended the DHM for our county until May 31. This still doesn't change my plans for the Grand Muster. I will make a hard and fast decision June 1.
-
That seems to be a good plan. I expect if you go ahead my decision to attend will be based on my perceived threat getting there. Pretty sure none of us will make the trip it there is a better than even chance of catching the Commie Death Flu en-route. Will be watching the news and COVID maps as the time draws near.
Sadly even stopping and staying at my son's house in Grand Junction is problematic as he is working on the Covid ward and could bring the damn virus home to share while we are there.
-
General, Do we have a comprehensive list of who has already signed on for the Muster?
-
I have not sent in my form as I am waiting on a GAF member number, but if the creeks do not rise, I believe Wooly Dan and I are planning on attending.
-
Hi Mo
Go ahead and send it in. Consider yourself enlisted I'll take care of the Membership number later.
And Yes, I've received Wooly Dan's entry.
-
Thanks! Registration in mail today. Checks made to GAF?
-
Yes, that would be fine
-
Hi Jerry
Has you bank ever taken a check to you addresses to General Pitspitr? Just curious. Got the patches, thanks.
Later
-
Hi Jerry
Has you bank ever taken a check to you addresses to General Pitspitr? Just curious. Got the patches, thanks.
Later
;D The post office has delivered mail addressed that way. I don't remember ever getting a check addressed that way though
-
It has just been announced that the Canada-US border will remain closed to non-essential travel until at least June 21 ... :-\
Looks like that will pretty much preclude my attending the Grand Muster this year ... >:(
Still waiting on my Form 6NIA import permit, anyway ... although that will probably be processed well before the end of June ... provided they don't find something new wrong with the application! It got rejected once already this year, although filled it out exactly as I was told to do previously ... successfully for the past two or three applications! ::) Different examiner ... different interpretation of the rules ...
-
Mind you, every cloud has a silver lining, as they say ... or so I was thinking.
I was thinking that if I can't go to Nebraska, I should be able to once again attend the British Militaria Forums Victorian Rifleman Shoot in Alberta, which I have had to miss for a number of years now because it is held on the same weekend as the Muster ...
Just went on that forum to announce my ability to attend this year, only to discover it will likely be cancelled! :'( That was posted about a week ago, but since then they have started loosening a few rules - e.g. limit on gatherings back up to 50 people,as of now, restaurants re-opening, etc. - so I remain hopeful it may go ahead ...
For now, a link to a Video of the opening volleys at the last such event i was able to attend,in 2015. (We don't practice these things obviously ... some of these guys definitely needed instruction on the difference between 'Ready", "Present" and "Fire" ...
https://youtu.be/ErKuWTn6jJo (https://youtu.be/ErKuWTn6jJo)
-
Some of those uniforms look a little "iffy", Grant! We'll definitely miss you here if you can't come!
-
Most know I had heart by-pass in December, been talking since before it with my Drs on what I can do this summer, had the go to resume my duties this summer provided I would get someone to help me load and unload the gear, they were worried about me carrying the ovens up the basement stairs, had that covered.
A couple weeks ago I started to have trouble with a cough and congestion, no other signs of COVID-19, I let it go for a week but no improvement so last Monday I called the Dr for an appointment, they made me do a Covid-19 test which made sense to me. Went to the drive thru place and got the q tip shoved in my nose clrear to my arse-hole as required, the test came back negative so I got to go see the Dr today. I have a sinus infection and they did a chest x-ray, bad news, I have some pneumonia also, got sent home with antibiotics and steroids.
She would not tell me not to do it, but her advice was to not do the muster this year, partly due to the pneumonia and partly due to the fact that my cardio rehab has been put on hold because of this mess, I am supposed to be done by June 1st and have not completed a fourth of it. As much as I want to go, I am going to listen to the Dr this time and not come up, a very hard decision.
-
Del, thank you for letting everyone know.
Everyone else, I am working on some ideas as to how to handle the meals. If I come up with a solution I'll let everyone know (again by June 1) If not I will refund the meal fees as soon as I can after June 1
-
Hi,
Having not been before, i plan to camp there. Will there be a communal fire are where individuals can cook?
-
Hi,
Having not been before, i plan to camp there. Will there be a communal fire are where individuals can cook?
Yes, absolutely. In fact there might be several.
-
Just a reminder that, although not "cheap", the "bed and breakfast" accommodations available at the Comstock Premier Lodge are certainly top-notch - air conditioning, shower, and other such amenities welcome after a hot, sweaty day of skirmishing!
And the location is very convenient - only a mile or two "as the crow flies" from the Muster site, although maybe five miles or so down into the valley then back up, by road. Not sure if they will be offering the bag/box lunches again this year ...
Anyway, I had a room reservation there which will now have to be cancelled ... so I'm sure there will be at least one vacancy.
(Ask for any "GAF Muster Discount" they might be offering ... ;) )
-
Thank you for posting that reminder Grant
-
I am going to make a suggestion if anyone wants to have a wiener roast, send somebody down to the local locker plant and get some of those big ones they call bulldogs, would be a shame to pollute the local clean air with an Oscar Meyer hot dog. ;D
-
Now THAT is an idea!
-
That was my plan for DivMO, and it's a fine idea indeed! I got roastin' sticks!
-
Loup City has an awesome one downtown, Twin Loup Meats and Loup City has a good place on the south side of the square called Joes if anyone is coming on 92, that would add variety.
I told Jerry we may have to do a campfire Zoom meeting one night, this is gonna be hard on me not going. They called today and after more study of the X-Ray my left lung is not fully inflating, not serious either, will talk to Cardio about it next week at my appointment if it don't correct it self.
-
I'm still hoping to make it, can probably get off work for the weekend, just waiting to hear that the muster will definitely happen before I try and make the arrangements. I think there's plenty of time in the morning and evenings for us to fend for ourselves for food, if necessary, and lunch could be something simple like "make your own" sandwiches.
-
I know you guys can, but I wanted to do it.
-
Ladies and Gentlemen of the Grand Army of the Frontier;
I am pleased to be able to announce that as of Friday we have been approved by the state and local health Departments to proceed with the Grand Muster with some caveats.
1.) Delmonico will not be able to attend to our cooking needs. At this time, I have not secured a backup source for on-site meals. Since I currently haven’t got anything lined up, don’t send meal ticket money with your registration. If I am able to come up with a plan for on-site meals, you can pay as you use the option. If you have already sent payment, I will refund at the Muster.
2.) When I laid out my plans to the local health department the lady I spoke with said they all sounded good except for the banquet. We can’t use the Comstock lodge’s facility as we over fill it and can’t maintain the social distancing requirements. So I suggested holding it on the campsite as we have plenty of tables and could spread it out over about 200 acres if need be. (The last part was added with a chuckle because, after all it would give us plenty of “social distance”) Her response made absolutely no sense to me. She said that wouldn’t work, that we couldn’t have the banquet in a venue that isn’t rated for capacity. She said that we would have to find a venue with a rated capacity at least 4 times as large as the expected number of guests. The banquet is currently on hold and may not be held.
• So with that all said please plan to bring your own food and drinks.
• Apparently, SASS isn’t allowing match directors to bring a water cooler or an ice chest of bottled water. The GAF is more concerned about the heat and dehydration than I am about the chance that somebody might get the Wuhan from drinking our water. Water WILL be available
• Everyone (at all times) must try to keep the physical distance. No hugs or hand shaking. Use hand sanitizer often.
• Feel free to wear facemasks or bandanas as you see fit.
• There will be hand sanitizer at the water tables and in the out houses.
• Remember to maintain 6 feet distance between groups on the range and at lunchtime. Also, maintain 6 feet during registration
• OF COURSE, ANYONE WHO IS HAVING ANY SYMPTOMS OR WHO HAS BEEN EXPOSED TO ANYONE WITH THE VIRUS SHOULD STAY HOME! THINK OF OTHERS!
-
I shall do my very best in fighting the urge to hug you gentlemen! Hope to see you all there!
-
I shall do my very best in fighting the urge to hug you gentlemen! Hope to see you all there!
Bummer. ::)
Slim
-
It will be great to see everyone, even from 6 feet away!
Mike
-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VPIP9KXdmO0
-
UPDATE
I've had a number of folks ask about the area restaurants; To the best of my knowledge, they are all open to at least carry out and Most if not all are open for limited seating dine in.
-
I shall do my very best in fighting the urge to hug you gentlemen! Hope to see you all there!
I AM relieved!
-
I received this message from Bat Masterson:
"I spoke to Emily with the Comstock Lodge yesterday and she said she would be doing her lunch delivery to the range again this year. When I explained about Del she even sounded open to making a limited number of lunches for non CL guests. She said she thought they were about $10 Ea. last year, packed in a small cooler you gave her and delivered to the range at noon.
I also found this link on the CL webpage about restaurants in the Sargent area. You could also follow the back links to contact them about lunches. She also said she has open rooms this year with all the cancelations.
https://www.comstocklodge.com/Restaurants.html
Bat "
-
Sadly will not be making the trip this year, have been dithering final nail in the coffin as it were is son has surgery on the 19th. Preventing the 15th departure required to visit son in Grand Junction en-route
-
Bummer! Hope your son is okay, and hopefully we see you next year!
-
Another monkey wrench thrown into the gears here. Was going to try and come solo to the Muster, but now received notice of my wife's re-scheduled citizenship interview on Monday the 29th in Kansas City. Which means it'll HAVE to be an "accompanied tour" if I come. No problem getting to KC on Sunday to get a room and be ready for the 10AM interview, but will have to make arrangements for hotel and such for everyone while at the Muster. And possible activities for them while I shoot, if they don't want to stay around the range. If we stay in Burwell again, is the Calumus lake recreation area open for swimming and other activities? What about the Park and swimming pool in Sargent?
-
Gooooooolly, aren't you getting a little tired of "flumbuggets"? (those little things that get in the way of plans for a good time). I just heard from Bob aka Cactus Rope, that he will not be accompanying me to the Muster due to some leg problems (getting old must be terrible). Therefore either I come solo or if there is anyone in Iowa that needs company on the trip, let me know. I am open to either riding or driving (small pick-up) with getting together in Des Moines. Contact me at 417-359-8880. I am determined to attend if I have to walk.
Rev. Larry Little aka
LTC Montgomery Little, GAF Senior Chaplain
-
I'm sorry to hear that Larry
-
Be sure to see my latest post regarding the banquet and meals at:
https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=62739.new#new (https://www.cascity.com/forumhall/index.php?topic=62739.new#new)
-
Sorry Les, I missed your question about the swimming pool; it sounds like it isn't going to open this year
-
Crap! I am out, possibly exposed, under self quarantine. Not worried about self, worried about possibly infecting others. 3 things in my favor, minimal contact, blood type O, & one of my diabetes medicines inhibit the reproduction of the virus.
Brian
-
Oh no! I was looking forward to seeing you again! Hopefully it'll pass you by. Keep us informed
-
Crap! I am out, possibly exposed, under self quarantine. Not worried about self, worried about possibly infecting others. 3 things in my favor, minimal contact, blood type O, & one of my diabetes medicines inhibit the reproduction of the virus.
Brian
Which diabetes med? Haven't heard about such. I won't be attending the Muster. Trying to minimize exposures due to age, Type II, etc. End of July my wife and I are scheduled to make our annual pilgrimage to the Mayo Clinic for my wife's recheck (10 years okay). We usually fly from Denver to Minneapolis and take a limo to Rochester, MN, but I'm not looking forward to airplanes and airports, restaurants, etc. Five weeks to go, and who knows what will happen between now and then?
Be well, all!
-
Research indicate Januvia can inhibit the virus from reproducing.
Brian
-
Just a quick reminder that door prize donations are more than welcome.
-
RCJ, will you be coordinating again this year?
-
My coordination is all shot to hell . . .
I suppose everyone take their prizes to the banquet site. I'll help distribute the loot, for sure.
RCJ
-
Just a quick reminder that door prize donations are more than welcome.
Thank you John, One more announcement I forgot to make
-
General Pitspitr or Slim,
Will you need me to bring my big orange "construction"-sized plastic water cooler? I have a period canvas cover for it.
RCJ
-
Probably busy but I'd say yeah, never seems to be enough of them.
-
Heads up on Canadian Mounted Police book:
https://gen2.joesalter.com/category/products/Arms-and-Accoutrements-of-the-Mounted-Police-Softcover?utm_source=JoeSalter.com+New+Arrival+Updates&utm_campaign=add1a5a1a1-06%2F24%2F2020&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_147ebcfa39-add1a5a1a1-122746697&mc_cid=add1a5a1a1&mc_eid=2035532766
RCJ
-
That is the "bible" on Arms & Accoutrements ... my copy is well used, indeed!
What I need now is a copy of the out-of-print "Uniforms of the Canadian Mounted Police" ... but haven't yet brought myself to spend the money asked for a copy:
https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/uniforms-of-the-canadian-mounted-police/author/boulton/ (https://www.abebooks.com/book-search/title/uniforms-of-the-canadian-mounted-police/author/boulton/)
-
We have 5 or 6 up there
-
Then I'll skip bringing mine. Less to pack and carry.
RCJ
-
Then I'll skip bringing mine. Less to pack and carry.
RCJ
Don't you know the rule is pack till no more will fit in or the springs are sagging. ;D
-
Don't you know the rule is pack till no more will fit in or the springs are sagging. ;D
Sagging springs is just another underlying health condition . . .