WOW! What a weekend! Saturday and Sunday (Dec 13-14 2008) found a great bunch of dedicated Appleseeders camped out at the Pappy's homestead in Ottawa IL. Sincere thanks and appreciation from all who attended goes out to Pappy and Mrs. Pappy, who made us all feel so welcome in their home.
This IBC began 0830 Saturday, (YAWN! Way too early when you've only had 3 hours of sacktime - Don't ask!) and stretched well beyond 6 PM Sunday, although a few souls left a bit early in order to beat some winter weather and get home safely. We had Appleseeders from SEVEN states - IL, IN, MO, WI, OH, NC, and MI. That count includes Fred himself, who helped The GUY and Dinky Dao, and Colycat teach the Instructor materials to THIRTEEN IITs. (Was this IBC one of the biggest ever? That question was tossed around - I leave it to more seasoned Appleseeders to determine.)
The history was related as only Fred can. Fred also gave a little of the history of the Appleseed movement following dinner on Saturday. His expertise benefited the students as he assisted Red Hats with the course of instruction. His being there stressed the importance of this mission.
Some (like this Appleseeder) did not yet own an orange hat. Others, already wearing orange, but feeling the need of concentrated training also attended. All were intensively schooled on the basics of firing positions, safety rules, line commands, history, and lastly, the often-dreaded "Inches Minutes Clicks" presentation. The Orange Hats:
PAPPY
OLD GLORY
ERIKANDERSON
SHEEPDOG
REBELYELL
EEL
BEN1775
GARAND69
HOOTERBILLY
RESDEP
CMIDKIFF
FIREMANBILL
CHUCK STITES
ODDBALL
BROKENSLING
JOHNIIM
.5
AND ONE NEW RED HAT - AWARDED BY THEGUY TO GREGINMO
Let us not forget to mention the delicious food, (and a nice warm place to sleep) for all. (Thanks, Pappy, and Mrs. Pappy for your wonderful hospitality.) This Appleseeder hopes to work with you at an Appleseed event really soon!
FiremanBill
Historian & IIT