Golden Wheat Chapter Christmas Party

Today was the annual Christmas Party for the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR), Golden Wheat Chapter.

On the stage at the front of the auditorium are the raffle prizes...

And the door prizes...

Ella #2 Welcomes everyone and introduces Dan Snyder and his wife, who plays beautiful Christmas music for us, and suggests we come and go for snacks. She then offers the opening prayer.

Ella #1 Graces us with the Gospel reading in German and English

It was wonderful to see so many had joined us for this gathering.

We were honored to have Dan Snyder serenade us with Christmas songs, many sung in German. He finished with a beautiful rendition of "O Holy Night"...

Dennis called Karen to the front of the room under the guise of drawing door prize tickets, then began talking about someone being honored at the Kansas state convention revealing that the person honored was Karen!

A very pleasant surprise for Karen...

Then the drawing of tickets for door prizes began.

This was followed by Ella #2  Sharing of the origin of the song "Twelve Days of Christmas" and audience participation of "Twelve Days of Christmas" while sung by Dan Snyder. I didn't get pictures of these as I was helping Santa get ready...

We only had two young ones for Santa to bring presents for this year...

One was not so sure about the whole process...

But warmed up to Santa a bit when he needed his help to open his toy...

You're never too old to get your picture taken with Santa...

Or sit on his lap...

Last but not least was the drawing of tickets for raffle prizes.

Another wonderful Golden Wheat Christmas party!

Have a Very Merry Christmas

and

A Blessed New Year!!!

Golden Wheat Chapter Fall Meeting

Today was the annual Fall meeting of the Golden Wheat Chapter AHSGR (American Historical Society of Germans from Russia).

We were all happy to see Karen, our leader, back with us today.

Sad to get bad news concerning Ralph Engelken. Ella opened the meeting with prayer.

As always, even with a small group, there's plenty of good food.

Our meeting began with Dennis reporting on the events at the State Convention and then he led the Election of Officers.

Our program was member sharing family traditions. Ella started us off with the importance of recording family history, the stories, not just the stats. Other members then shared their memories.

Another wonderful time of fellowship.

Golden Wheat Chapter Picnic

Today was the annual meeting of the American Historical Society of Germans from Russia (AHSGR) Golden Wheat Chapter Picnic. With our aging population our Picnic is held indoors in the AC.

Dennis began the meeting with Greetings from our intrepid leader, Karen. She regrets being unable to attend as she is currently undergoing chemotherapy which drains her of all her energy. She thanks everyone for all the cards, thoughts & prayers.

Ella #2 then led us in prayer.

Lots of good food as always.

Our program today is group sharing. Ella #1 started us off with a reading of a poem she wrote.

Ella #2 quizzed us on items from the past, what we were old enough to remember. Remembering items always brings up memories of events from the past. From items we went to memories of "fast food" and or going out to eat.

Then on to Momma's apron and a reading by Ella #2. Many memories of everything made from flour and sugar sacks. Ella #2 shared her grandma's tea towels with her embroidery work. Pat shared two different styles of aprons. Memories of many aspects of lives past.

It was a small gathering but a lot of good sharing.

Meeting Adjourned.

Genealogy Meeting Golden Wheat Chapter AHSGR

Participants to the Genealogy Roadshow Workshop were greeted by Ella's welcoming smile.

Our Golden Wheat Chapter President, Karen Penner, introduced Mike Meisinger.

The workshop began with the history of Germans from Russia.

A nice size group just right for our library room.

As always there were delicious snacks to boost brainpower.

There were breaks between presentations to socialize...

...share information...

...ask question...

...and check out the displays.

Mike's second presentation was on doing the actual research, what is available online and how to access it.

After lunch Mike shared with us slides of his trip to Russia. Then Dennis gave an overview of the creation of AHSGR and the history of the Golden Wheat Chapter.

Karen, our Golden Wheat Chapter librarian shared the holdings, resources of the chapter library.

Members of the chapter can check out books at no charge. 

Non-members may contact Karen to arrange access to books at the library.

It was a very informative workshop. Lots of questions and answers.

Videos of the presentations are being made. Info TBA.