The April 2008 meeting of the Planning Committee in Casper, Wyoming, was likely the last comprehensive gathering prior to the convention this summer.

These sessions have had full agendas, and many members came great distances to contribute their time and energy to helping make the Casper convention a success.

Some 22 volunteer committee members attended this meeting.

As you have occasion to visit with them, you may want to let them know you appreciate their good work!

A deep discussion between Val Wangler (left) of Bismarck, North Dakota and Dennis Zitterkopf of Wichita, Kansas.

Okay, it wasn't all work -- we had to eat!

Bob Schneider of Spearfish, South Dakota admires a huge Kuchen that added a bit of "heritage" to our weekend cuisine.

Kuchen and other tasty morsels are always an important part of German-Russian gatherings. 2008 in Casper will be no different!

Muriel Kraus (AHSGR)of Riverton, Wyoming again displayed her quilt, which is being donated for a convention drawing. It is one of several items that are being contributed to support AHSGR and GRHS activities.

Debbie Eberle (GRHS) is also donating a quilt for the convention.

We hope to add photographs of other items for which there will be drawings -- and others that will be awarded as door prizes.

Vera Hoff of Rapid City, South Dakota does the cutting chores, while JoAnn Wangler of Bismarck, North Dakota helps serve the Kuchen.

I'm not certain, but I believe that's Mary Hein of Casper at left. Others (left-to-right) are Val Wangler of Bismarck, North Dakota, Barb Jones of Torrington, Wyoming, and Patti Sellenrick of Sheridan, Wyoming.

Co-chairman Al Feist makes notes on his computer during the April 2008 planning meeting.

Al and Dorothy Feist -- from Hebron, North Dakota -- are among many couples who are dedicating much time and energy to the Germans from Russia convention next summer.

A beautiful cotton quilt with polyester batting and extraordinary embroidery will be donated for raffle at the International Convention of Germans from Russia next summer in Casper.

Muriel Kraus of Riverton, Wyoming, made the quilt and has named it Faith of Our Fathers -- Iron Crosses.

This is not the first time Muriel's talents have benefitted Germans from Russia. When AHSGR met in Casper in 1999, she made two quilts for the gathering. After learning that the joint convention of GRHS and AHSGR would be held in Casper next July, she thought about making another quilt and "decided that it could be done again."

This is Muriel Kraus (at right) last September at a convention planning meeting in Casper. She's visiting with Dick Kraus of Massachusetts -- believed to be a distant cousin of Muriel's husband, Bob.

Her quilt design was inspired by photographs of iron crosses in Kansas cemeteries, taken by Laurin Leonhardt. He has also made some small jewelry with these designs.

According to Muriel, Laurin designed all of the iron crosses used for the quilt on his computer, using his own photographs and some that he found on the internet. They've been modified somewhat to be able to adapt them for fabric. The patterns have been shared with many people, including Jeanne Rupp of Hays, Kansas, whose tea towels will also be raffled in Casper.

There are many German-Russians across Wyoming, and we expect to see many of them in Casper next summer.

Convention co-chair Patti Sellenrick (left) was delighted to see Evelyn Lovell of Riverton at our September planning meeting in Casper.

Muriel Kraus says "if it weren't for Evelyn Lovell, this (quilt) probably would not have happened. Evelyn is the inspiration for Germans from Russia in our area. Both Muriel and Evelyn live in Riverton.