The Desert Steiner’s Spring meeting on April 12, 2008 was hosted by Joe and Sandra Heater, at their lovely home in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson. Members that began arriving late that morning were quite surprised to see the Heater’s newly redecorated recreation room with dozens of Mettach and character steins now so beautifully displayed. Great job, Joe and Sandra – it’s a real show place!

A terrific catered lunch was held in 80° weather on the Heater’s patio, featuring a large chocolate cake with PROSIT nicely inscribed on the middle. Just the thing for a bunch of stein collectors. How thoughtful!

President (for life) Spencer Wessling got the business meeting under way around 1:30PM by encouraging members to attend the Convention in Bad Schussenried this summer. Having attended the previous SCI Convention in Bad Schussenried, Spencer couldn’t say enough good things about what attendees should expect. John Piet will be Desert Steiner’s representative at the SCI Trustee’s meeting in Germany.

During Show and Tell, Gus Reifenkugel described his two interesting steins from Southern Rhodesia, that he acquired while living in South Africa. Gus is most knowledgeable about Africa and has other steins in his collection from that continent. Leon Woods then talked about a German "Tall Ship" that would be arriving in San Diego this summer.

Next, Ron Heiligenstein gave a talk on European porcelain, its history and how it has evolved since the early 18^th Century. His presentation especially emphasized the importance of the Meissen factory, and he had numerous Meissen pieces for display. Other objects d’art he had on display were from Schierholz, KPM Berlin, Carlsbad, Dresden and Vienna.

After Heiligenstein’s talk, he conducted the regular Prosit quiz, which was won by Gus Reifenkugel, getting eight of the ten questions right. His prize was a book on the life of Josiah Wedgewood, that famous English potter and supposedly the world’s first true millionaire.

It was a terrific meeting, and we will have another one on October 18 in Mesa, Arizona – arrive around 11:00A – everyone, including winter visitors are always welcome. Our program for the fall meeting will be announced at a later date, as several excellent suggestions are now being considered.

Chapter Reporter,