We hope that you have made your reservations and registrations, to spend June 21- 29 with us, Rambling the Rockies.  If you were unable to pre-register for the convention, you can still participate by registering on-site for the Full Convention Registration, or for any of the volkssport events and convention activities you choose.  Awards will still be available for on-site registrants, and the AVA Specialty Shop will offer convention souvenirs along with other coveted merchandise.  Elsewhere in this issue, you can read the workshop schedule, and pick the sessions that seem most appealing.  An article containing reminders about high altitude health issues, and appropriate clothing also appears in this issue.  You will be more comfortable if you heed the advice.  Donations for the Community Service Project, to restore the Hayman Fire Burn Area of the National Forest, are still needed.  You can mail contributions to the Committee, or make your donation at the convention.  More information is available on the convention website.  The contracts for all of the social entertainment have been signed, the nametags and bus tickets have been printed, and final preparations are underway in all aspects of the convention.    Committee members will complete the scheduled worker’s walks, accompanied by many volunteers, by the first weekend of June.  Volunteers are still needed to help with events and at the convention site.  You can apply on-line at www.2003avaconvention.org.  We have anticipated this convention since March 1998, and view the culmination of our efforts with mixed emotions.  We are convinced, however, that the volkssport participants will enjoy a unique and satisfying nine days of exercise, fun, food, western hospitality, beautiful scenery, friends old and new, education, and donations to some good causes.  We want YOU to join US for the 13th AVA Biennial Convention, in Colorado Springs.  Hope to see you there!