Happy NEW YEAR!

     No resolutions here; as I have done at this time for many past years, I wish all a Happy New Year, coupled with the Prayer that each of us is able to experience remarkable blessings in the year to come and for many years to follow!

     I hope to see each of you NEXT YEAR - in 2012!


   Ken

Its Beginning to Look Alot Like CHRISTMAS!

     That I've only begun to get into the Christmas Spirit and it is already December 22nd is probably not unusual; in 1976, I did all of my Christmas shopping after I got off work on Christmas Eve.  But this message isn't about old Scrooge, but about the wonderful gift that is Christmas, about the warm feeling with which I am always blessed by Christmas Day.  New arrivals to the cast of my Christmas Spirit have been each of you.  Having learned to better know each of you during 2011 has in itself been a wonderful gift.  I wish each of you a warm and wonderful Christmas Season filled with blessings in the nature of the First Christmas and the promise of the miracles in your life like those that were brought to us by the One whose birthday we now celebrate!



     GOD BLESS YOU one and all!


    Ken

Not Alot But Important for Planning 2012!

     The Chickasha, Oklahoma, Festival of Lights Walk was gorgeous; the weather was unseasonably mild and the lights were like every year - gorgeous!  Thanks to the Wandergruppe Walking Club for your fine hospitality and great chili and cornbread selection - Yummmm!



     Although it had rained Sunday afternoon, it stopped for the Christmas Lights Night Volksmarch in Wichita, Kansas.  It is easy to see why the venue for that walk has been selected - plenty of Christmas lights and other decorations in clean, well-maintained neighborhoods comprised of traditional two-story homes.  Couple all of that with the Christmas celebration activities at East Heights United Methodist Church and it resultd in an event one should not miss!



     Now start planning to attend these Christmas Lights Walks in 2012.  You might take a group from your Club and make it a weekend adventure.  One thing is certain - you will enjoy the spirit of the season.  MERRY CHRISTMAS! 

  
Ken

    

December and More!

     Back in Oklahoma and have been met with a mound of work, much of it quite disturbing.  Please forgive the lapse in reading "Great SC Blog."  This weekend I will be at the Chickasha, Oklahoma, Festival of Lights on Saturday evening and the Wichita, Kansas, Christmas Lights Night Volksmarch on Sunday evening.  I hope to see as many of you as possible there! 

Seasonal and Traditional Event Stamps -  If you do not receive your Event Stamps or have other issues regarding your Events email Events@ava.org with specific details of the YR number, Club, and/or the direct mailing address to the person who needs the stamp in hand. 

TAW Deadline - The February/March issue of The American Wanderer deadline is, December 25. All articles and photographs should be submitted directly to Laurel Parrott, Editor taw@bhi.com or mail to: 3526 Humboldt Ave. N., Minneapolis, MN 55412. Be sure to include "TAW" in the subject line if emailing.

Headquarters Holiday Closings - Monday, December 26, 2011, and Monday, January 2, 2012, the AVA Headquarters will be closed. Wishing all AVA Clubs and fellow Volkssporters a Joyous and Happy Holiday Season from our AVA family to yours.

     Ken