VALTHORNET DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8
July 2010
District Master’s Message To all District 8 Lake Michigan Members, Wow, what a convention! The excitement is back in Vasa! I would like to thank Nordik Folk Lodge # 761 and Nordikids for putting together an outstanding convention in Michigan City, Indiana! Many first time delegates and numerous children or grand children of members attended and had a wonderful time learning about Nordic culture. Mr. Dave Nordin, our resident District 8 Viking, taught the children about Viking ways. The Nordikids were also a huge inspiration by supporting Dave by creating their own Nordic games for the kids all weekend. Many new friendships were made and Mr. Sten Hult even learned a few new dance steps from the kids at the banquet! Amid all of the fun, we had business to attend to. One of the main focal points was to create a funding stream for the Vasa National Archives in Bishop Hill, Illinois. A motion was made and passed to take a portion of the total allocated Old Age and Benefit fund (OA&B), for District 8 and use it to fund the National Archives. This percentage of the OA&B would not in any way derogate the OA&B fund and would not impact the ability of Vasa members to access the funds if they are in need. Sten Hult and I are the District 8 delegates to the Grand Lodge Convention in Washington, D.C. on July 2 – 9, 2010. We will be discussing the legalities and specifics for passage of this motion at the Grand Lodge level and securing funding for the Vasa National Archives in Bishop Hill, Illinois. We are cautiously optimistic. I have to say that I am very impressed with the children and young adults I met from Nordikids. I can tell you, if we can keep children like these involved, Vasa will have a bright future. I would like to thank the membership for electing me to the position of District Master. I will do my best to grow the organization and continue to be fiscally responsible to the membership. We all have to work together to grow membership. Please contact the other lodges in the District to see what cultural topics they have presented or are presenting this year. Maybe you will come up with a new idea for your lodge. Communicate with each other. You never know what you will find out. I think a District Master facebook page may be coming in the near future so I can get information from everyone! I would like to ask all lodges in District 8 to put me on your mailing list. I would love to attend your meetings or events when I can. I hope to see all of you very soon! In Truth and Unity, Tom Cleveland District Master District 8 Lake Michigan ****************************************************************************************** The Valthornet is available on the VOA web site. To access the quarterly Valthornet newsletters on the web, go to: www.vasaorder.org; click on "Lodge Directory" (left side); click on "DL Lake Michigan No. 8" (left column); click on "Lake Michigan No. 8"; click on "Newsletters"; then click on the date of the Valthornet desired. At times, the Newsletter on the web site may contain one or more additional pages than the USPS mailed version, because there is more news to report.
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DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2010 - 2011 District Master: Tom Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102 Cell: (815) 739 - 3100 Email: tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com
Executive Board Member: Steve Westlund 55 West Joliet Street Schererville, Indiana 46375 (219) 322 – 5190; Cell: (219) 682 - 6932 Email: plncrazy@sbcglobal.net
Vice District Master: Edward L. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com
Supervisor Of Children’s / Youth Clubs: Lynda Smith 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: lamsmith@hotmail.com
District Secretary: Nancy Hult 14951 South Kenton Avenue Midlothian, Illinois 60445 (708) 687 – 8943 Email: stenanhult@ameritech.net Email: fruhult93@hotmail.com
District Cultural Leader: Andrea Wilczynski 4332 Maple Street Brookfield, Illinois 60513 Home: (708) 485 - 1516 Cell: (630) 750 - 8828 Email: andreawil@sbcglobal.net
Assistant District Secretary: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com
Past District Master: Sheila Lundquist 1456 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 3248 (810) 845 - 5065 Email: wmlund1@aol.com
District Treasurer: Brent Erickson 4876 North Sheffield Avenue Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin 53217 - 5962 Home: (414) 962 - 8920 Email: berickson73@gmail.com
District Chaplain: Inez Törnblom 1301 Providence Circle Elgin, Illinois 60120 - 5076 (847) 695 – 9890 Email: eskilstuna@wowway.com
Hospital Fund Secretary: Linda S. Tylk 1960 West Richton Road Steger, Illinois 60475 - 1394 (708) 747 – 4717 Cell: (708) 805 - 3040 Email: Lstitcher1@sbcglobal.net
Master of Ceremonies: Lars Jenner Archivist, Vasa National Archives, Incorporated 109 South Bishop Hill Street P. O. Box # 101 Bishop Hill, Illinois 61419 - 0101 Voice / Fax: (309) 927 – 3898 Cell: (309) 883 - 0322 Email: vasaarchives@winco.net
Executive Board Member: Susan Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102; Cell: (815) 546 - 1097 Email: mrandmrsc92@comcast.net
" " by Lillemor Horngren
MEDELPAD Up until the 14th century Medelpad was part of Hälsingland, but sources listed that the province probably became independent in 1237. About 70 %
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District Historian: Iva Lynn 627 Conner Creek Drive Fishers, Indiana 46038 (317) 596 – 1496 FAX: (317) 596 - 1937 Email: ivalynn30@aol.com; lraylynn@aol.com Inner Guard: Gene M. Kiesel 1426 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 2563 Email: dgkiesel1@att.net Outer Guard: Timothy Ogrentz 12849 South Manistee Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60633 (773) 646 - 0279 Email: timothy.ogrentz@gmail.com Auditor: Herb Smith – 3 years 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: hwsmith3@hotmail.com Auditor: Paula Stopka – 2 years 115 Crissey Avenue Geneva, Illinois 60134 (630) 208 - 9850 Email: plundberg1066@aol.com Auditor: Eric Swanson – 1 year 8433 North McKinley Road Flushing, Michigan 48433 (810) 639 – 6705 Email: ceswan@centurytel.net VALTHORNET Editor: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com
of the province is forest, mostly spruce, and the coastline to the east borders the Gulf of Bothnia. Its coastline has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The name Medelpad, meaning the middle, was given because of being situated between the rivers Ljungan and Indalsälven. The largest city is Sundsvall and the largest lake is Holmsjön. Medelpad’s flora and fauna are: Flower gran - spruce Animal skogshare - mountain hare Fish abborre - perch Mushroom fårticka - pore fungus / sheep polyporus Bird korsnäbb - crossbill Insect mnemosynefjäril -black Apollo butterfly
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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER THE STORY OF CHARLOTTA
Women, mothers, are essential when we build a family, a community or a nation. But in the history books they disappear. We are all familiar with Bishop Hill. Many books have been written about the Swedish religious colony on the Illinois prairie. There was a woman, among many, many women, who, during a time, was the central figure in the colony´s history. Charlotta Lovisa Jansson. I read the story of her life eleven years ago. The biography was a thin and worn small book, which no longer exists. I found it then at the Bettendorf, Iowa, public library. It is not included in the USA library catalog. I´m going to puzzle together her story from what I remember and from what I have read in the Illinois State Historical Society´s Journal. It was Midsummer 1840. Lotta was fourteen and sat in the cozy kitchen in the home of her elder cousin Erik´s family. The cottage was small and painted red with white trim and it looked like hundreds of cottages in middle Sweden. It was called Bishop Hill. It was humble; yes, that´s true. But it sat on a hill with a beautiful view of miles of Uppland countryside. "Listen, girls!" said the mother of the house. "We can’t just sit here and worry. Let’s make Midsummer pancakes!" And the teen girls, who of course were going to pick the seven kinds of flowers to stuff under the pillow at night, knew that an even surer way to get to dream about their future love, was to eat salty pancakes before bedtime. That night Lotta saw a lean and dusty stranger. Her cousin, Erik Jansson, was fleeing northward. He was hunted by the Crown´s police for demagoguery and false preaching. He had himself knocked out his two upper front teeth, so as not to be so easily recognized by his sharply protruding buckteeth. Lotta missed her cousin, for she was devoutly religious and one of his followers. Some years had passed. Lotta and her sisters had traveled with a large crowd of Erik’s believers, who had put all their money into a communal chest, endured many hardships, finally reached the Edwards River in Western Illinois, labored hard, suffered through that first cold winter, when so many of their small children had died. They owned everything together: Farm, dairy, shoe and broom workshop, mill, common dining hall and church. Erik had named the village Bishop Hill after his home in Sweden. Now all was starting to go smoothly. One day Charlotta was on her way from the dairy to the dining hall carrying two heavy rippling pails of milk, and when she glanced down the road to the South, she saw a man coming. He rode proudly on his tired horse. He was lean and dusty after a long journey. Charlotta recognized him. (Forgive me. I cannot keep my writing to just one column. Part II follows in next VALTHORNET. Inez) Inez Törnblom, Viljan No. 349 Chaplain, District No. 8
KAPLANENS HÖRNA
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CHARLOTTAS HISTORIA
Kvinnor, mödrar, är oumbärliga när vi bildar en familj, ett samhälle eller en nation. Men i historieböckerna försvinner de. Vi känner alla till Bishop Hill. Flera böcker har skrivits om den svenska religiösa kolonien på illinoisprärien. Det fanns en kvinna, bland många, många kvinnor, som under en tid var den centrala figuren i koloniens dramatiska historia. Charlotta Lovisa Jansson. Jag läste hennes livs historia för elva år sedan. Biografien var en tunn och sliten liten volym, som nu inte längre finns. Den fanns då på Bettendorf, Iowa, bibliotek. Den finns inte med i USAs bibliotekkatalog. Jag ska pussla ihop hennes historia från det jag minns och det jag har läst i Illinois State Historical Society tidskrift. Det var Midsommar 1840. Lotta var fjorton år och satt i det hemtrevliga köket hos hennes äldre kusin Eriks familj. Stugan var liten och rödmålad med vita knutar och den såg ut som hundratals stugor i mellansverige. Den hette Biskopskulla. Den var oansenlig; det är sannt. Men den låg på en kulle med milsvid, vacker utsikt över den uppländska landsbygden. "Hör Ni, flickor!" sa mamman i huset. "Vi kan inte bara sitta här och oroa oss. Vi gör midsommarpannkakor!" Och tonårsflickorna, som naturligtvis skulle plocka de sju olika arterna av blommor att stoppa under huvudkudden på natten, visste att ett ändå säkrare sätt att få drömma om ens framtida käresta, var att äta salta pannkakor före sängdags. Den natten såg Lotta en mager och dammig främling. Hennes kusin, Erik Jansson, var på flykt norrut. Han var jagad av kronans polis för uppvigling av folket och falsk predikan. Han hade själv slagit ut sina två övre framtänder, så att han inte skulle vara så lätt att känna igen på de skarpt utstickande tänderna. Lotta saknade sin kusin, för hon var varmt religiös och en av hans efterföljare. Några år förflöt. Lotta och hennes systrar hade rest med en stor hop av Eriks troende, som hade slagit ihop sina pengar, utstått många strapatser, äntligen nått Edwardsfloden i västra Illinois, arbetat hårt, lidit genom den där första kalla vintern, då så många av deras små barn hade dött. De ägde allt tillsammans: Jordbruk, mejeri, sko- och kvastverkstad, kvarn, allmänn matsal och kyrka. Erik hade döpt samhället till Bishop Hill efter sitt hem i Sverige. Nu började allt gå bra. En dag var Charlotta på väg från mejeriet till matsalen med två tunga skvalpande mjölkhinkar och när hon sneglade nedåt vägen söderut, såg hon en man komma ridande. Han satt stolt på sin trötta häst. Han var mager och dammig efter en lång resa. Charlotta kände igen honom. (Förlåt mig, som vanligt har jag skrivit för långt. Den här gången kan jag inte stryka ut över hälften, så fortsätningen följer i nästa Valthornet. Inez) Inez Törnblom, Viljan No. 349 Kaplan, District No. 8
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ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ >ŽĚŐĞ >ĂŬĞ DŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ EŽ͘ ϴ ϮϬϭϬ ŽŶǀĞŶƚŝŽŶ ŝŶ DŝĐŚŝŐĂŶ ŝƚLJ͕ /ŶĚŝĂŶĂ
The 102nd Annual Convention of District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 was held May 14th - 16th in Michigan City, Indiana, along the beautiful shores and dunes of Lake Michigan. The event, hosted by Nordik Folk Lodge No. 761, emphasized “Nordic Folk Art” and also hosted a “Nordikids Camp” for children 4 - 13 years old that took place Saturday. Friday morning saw about 14 golfers at the Michigan City Municipal Golf course tee-ing off in somewhat soggy conditions but with the sun shining. On their return, they were treated by Nordik Folk members, under the direction of Herb Smith, in the pool-side “Hospitality Room.” Registration was under way by 3 pm with District Secretary Marge Gruel and Nordik Folk Secretary Linnea Ogrentz. The cultural Room was in full swing by 5 pm and featured a full - sized Nordik Folk Arts timeline showcasing Scandinavian authors, film makers, and artists. Local Lodges displayed their folk art under the coordination of our District Cultural Leader, Andrea Wilczynski. Displays included furniture, photographs, engravings, embroidery, paintings, pottery, copper work, and much more! The room also included a silent auction, District raffle, Grand Lodge raffle, jewelry and greeting card sales, as well as the newly constructed Nordik Affär Gift Shop. The real treat came Friday evening when Nordikids No. 208 took the stage under the direction of Mrs. Lynnea Sinwelski to perform their cultural program “Swedish Music In America….through the years”. Nordikids sang and danced their way into our hearts to the accompaniment of pianist Valerie Cook. They ended their program to a very up-beat rendition of Abba’s “Dancing Queen”. After the program, the convention attendees gathered once again at the pool-side hospitality area and enjoyed appetizers, sandwiches, cake, and beverages until 11 pm. On Saturday morning, Nordik Folk Chairman, Steven Westlund, opened the 102nd Annual District Convention by welcoming delegates and officials, and introducing the Nordikids Teens who performed the Opening Flag Ceremony. It was a moving ceremony, with the waving flags of all the Nordik countries displayed on screen while the anthems played. The Opening Ceremony was presented by members of Nordikids # 208 and Nordik Folk # 761. The colors were carried by the following flag bearers: United States Of America: Michael Pearson, Jr.; Sweden, Jennifer Pearson; Canada, Katie Westlund; Denmark, Lisa Raddatz; Finland, Harry Ogrentz; Iceland, Sofia Nelson; Norway, Emily Pearson; and the Vasa Flag, Abigail Ogrentz. The Nordik Teens were honored to be a part of the opening ceremonies. Of the eight teens who participated, five are Nordik Folk Lodge Members including Nordik Folk Vice Chairman, Michael Pearson, Jr. (age 20).
During Saturday District business proceedings, a different kind of meeting was taking place down the hall. “Nordikids Camp”, sponsored by Nordik Folk, was held for children 4 – 13 years old. Nordik Folk members Phyllis Kalajian and Barbara Hannigan coordinated a day of activities with the help of the Nordik Teen Group. Seventeen children signed up to enjoy Scandinavian stories,
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5 crafts, songs, and a very special program by Viking Re-enactor David Nordin of Naperville, Illinois, who treated the children to a Viking program they will never forget! They sailed a Viking ship through stormy waters, traded with distant villagers, and battled with foam swords. Among the business covered during Saturday’s convention proceedings were the nomination and election of the following District Officers: Past District Master - Sheila Lundquist (Viking No. 730); District Master - Tom Cleveland (Viljan No. 349); Vice District Master - Ed Hultgren (Svea No. 253); District Secretary - Nancy Hult (Siljan-Mora-Tuna No. 134); District Treasurer - Brent Erickson (Linde No. 492); Assistant District Secretary - Joella Hultgren (Svea No. 253); Hospital Fund Secretary - Linda Tylk (Bessemer No. 203); District Supervisor Of Children’s And Youth Clubs - Lynda Smith (Nordik Folk No. 761); District Cultural Leader - Andrea Wilczynski (Siljan-Mora-Tuna No. 134); Executive Board Members - Sue Cleveland (Viljan No. 349) and Steven Westlund (Nordik Folk No. 761); Inner Guard - Gene Kiesel (Viking No. 730); Outer Guard - Timothy Ogrentz (Nordik Folk No. 761); District Historian - Iva Lynn (Svea No. 253); District Chaplain - Inez Törnblom (Viljan No. 349); District Master of Ceremonies - Lars Jenner (Bishop Hill No. 683); Auditors - Eric Swanson - 1 year (Viking No. 730), Paula Lundberg-Stopka - 2 years (Viljan No. 349), and Herb Smith - 3years (Nordik Folk No. 761), and Valthornet Editor - Joella Hultgren (Svea No. 253). The festivities continued Saturday evening with a social hour in the banquet hall and a delicious sit - down dinner of sole meunier, herb - roasted chicken, and prime rib. Master of Ceremonies, Timothy Ogrentz, kept the evening moving as awards were presented. Golf awards were presented by Rachel Hannigan, who planned the golf outing for our lodge. College Scholarship awards were presented by Lynda Smith, Supervisor Of Children’s And Youth Clubs, to Chelsea Stolar of Viljan No. 349, Michael Pearson, Jr., and Rachel Hannigan, both of Nordik Folk No. 761. The District Membership Awards, presented by Membership Committee Chairman Sue Cleveland of Viljan No. 349, were: 1st Place Viking Lodge No. 730, $300.00; 2nd Place Bishop Hill Lodge No. 683, $200.00; and 3rd Place Kronan Lodge No. 179, $100.00. Convention Raffle winners were: 1st Prize of $300.00 - Judith Seifert of Viking No. 730; 2nd Prize of $100.00 - Patricia Hoffmann of Svea No. 253; 3rd Prize of $50.00 - Lee Grandin of Viljan No. 349; and 4th Prize of $50.00 - Les Touve of Linde No. 492. The big honor of the evening went to Grand Lodge Deputy / Past District Master Sten Hult of Siljan-Mora-Tuna No. 134, who was awarded 2010’s Distinguished Service Award by upcoming District Master Tom Cleveland of Viljan No. 349. After Sten Hult’s heartfelt thank – you and a short history of the award, all enjoyed the music of Sound Sonic DJ, who played an entertaining mixture of traditional Swedish music which got many of us on the dance floor! The Sunday Memorial Service was led by Marvin Anderson of Svea No. 253 and Inez Törnblom of Viljan No. 349. Wesley Hanson of Svea No. 253 led the Vasa Choir in the anthem “Day by Day”. Departed members of the district were memorialized in a lovely candle ceremony led by Inez Törnblom, who also read The Lord’s Prayer in Swedish and English. After the Memorial service, the meeting commenced. Newly elected officials were installed.
District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Officers for 2010 – 2011 are pictured at right. Seated: District Treasurer - Brent Erickson; Past District Master - Sheila Lundquist; District Secretary - Nancy Hult; District Master - Tom Cleveland; Vice District Master - Ed Hultgren; Executive Board Member - Sue Cleveland; and Executive Board Member - Steven Westlund. Standing: Outer Guard - Timothy Ogrentz; Hospital Fund Secretary - Linda Tylk; Assistant District Secretary and Valthornet Editor - Joella Hultgren; Inner Guard - Gene Kiesel; Auditor (3 years) - Herb Smith; Auditor (1 year) - Eric Swanson; Auditor (2 years) - Paula Lundberg-Stopka; District Supervisor Of Children’s And Youth Clubs - Lynda Smith; District Cultural Leader - Andrea Wilczynski; District Master of Ceremonies Lars Jenner; and District Historian - Iva Lynn. Absent: District Chaplain - Inez Törnblom.
A lovely Sunday - send off of sandwiches and chips was offered by Nordik Folk members before everyone said their good-byes. submitted by Linnea Ogrentz Secretary, Nordik Folk No. 761 2010 Convention Chairman
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NEWS FROM LOCAL LODGES LINNÉ # 153 6 June 2010: Chairman, Judi Parmley installed 6 new members into the lodge. Congratulations and WELCOME to our new members.
From left to right: Chairman Judi Parmley installed new members Ken Huggett, Gordan Westergren, Karen and Lowell Peterson, Carol Hawley, and Harry Ofverstedt, and Mistress Of Ceremonies Pauline Anderson (seated). submitted by Lorraine Cooper
KRONAN # 179 March 2010: The monthly meeting included an enjoyable roast beef sandwich meal and concluded with a few fun rounds of bunco. We also were happy to receive a new applicant for membership, Marjorie Johnson. April 2010: The theme for this month was “Crazy Hats”, and the refreshments were trays of sandwiches for lunch and cupcakes. Eight of our attending members partook in the festivities, donning a “crazy hat”. Bernice Baake, who came in a shower cap, and Joan Asplund, who came wearing an Easter bonnet, were voted as the best crazy hats of the afternoon. Marjorie Johnson was initiated and welcomed to the lodge. UPCOMING ON 26 SEPTEMBER 2010: Our lodge is pleased to announce its 100th year Anniversary, celebrating “Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”. Our celebration will be held on Sunday, 26 September 2010 at the Holiday Inn in Skokie, Illinois, beginning at 2:00 pm. We will have a delicious catered meal while reflecting on the past 100 years in existence through photographs, documents, and speeches. If you would like to attend, please contact Chairman John Nygard at (847) 677 – 5181. submitted by Kim Bojarski
SVEA # 253 20 March 2010: Our heartfelt thanks to Michelle, Josh, and Christina Escalante for showing the movie “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” / “Man Som Hatar Kvinnor”, from Swedish writer Stieg Larsson. In their spacious theatre room, there were nearly 20 lodge members on hand, and it appeared that all found the movie fantastic, as well as the dessert and beverages smörgåsbord. A survey before the movie started revealed that nearly all had read the book, and some of us have read it three times. 11 April 2010: “Stockholm, the Venice of the North”, a very entertaining program on Stockholm, Sweden was presented by Annette Johansson. She shared her memories and observations with us. Annette Johansson spent 14 summers and a sabbatical year in Stockholm, where she studied the “romans” (Swedish art songs) and also phonetics and pronunciation. Her edition of
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“Thirty Songs of Wilhelm Stenhammar with International Phonetic Alphabet Transcriptions and Word-for-Word Translations and Commentary” was published in 1999. Opera singer and opera teacher Annette Johansson is very well versed in the musical opportunities in Stockholm, Sweden. Helping with the multimedia presentation were Carin and David Young. Guests included Scott Clarkson, Grace Elizabeth Hedeen, Barbara Bowman Klewitt, Kathleen Bowman Parker, Judy Olson Silence, and Bradley Strand. Our sincere thanks to the hostesses and hosts for this meeting’s refreshments: Barbro and David Jarrell, Jean and John Keith, Judy Spencer, and Charlotte Swenson. Tack Så Mycket to Eva Berglund for the Gevalia coffee. (above) Annette Johansson 24 April 2010 and 1 May 2010: The second movie of the new Scandinavian Film Club was shown at the home of Michelle and Josh Escalante. The featured film was the 2004 movie “As It Is In Heaven” starring Michael Nyqvist as an internationally known musician and conductor. Michael Nyqvist also stars as Mikael Blomkvist in the three Stieg Larsson movies based on the Millennium trilogy books. 27 April 2010: The Fourth Tuesday Luncheon group met at Hellas Café, a Greek restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tack Så Mycket to Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, and Patricia Hoffmann for making the arrangements for this popular monthly outing. 2 May 2010: We welcomed Scott Clarkson as a new member of the lodge as he was initiated at this meeting. Svea member Carol Atherton and Scott Clarkson have recently announced their engagement. Congratulations to them! “Swedish Cooking With Tina Nordström” was the delicious and tasty program presented by Joella and Edward Hultgren. Chef Tina Nordström is a popular chef on Swedish television and the PBS networks in the USA. Her television show is called “New Scandinavian Cooking”, and she has also appeared and danced in the Swedish version of “Dancing With The Stars”. Her programs are part cooking demonstration, part travelogue, and part cultural experience. Following a viewing of one of Tina Nordström’s programs, and an exhibit of one of her cookbooks and DVD, there was a real-time preparation of one of her recipes, “Swedish Honey Melon And Chili Salad”, that became part of the smörgåsbord table. [See the recipe on page # 13.] Our grateful thanks to the hostesses and hosts for this meeting’s refreshments: Katherine Gagné, Barbro and David Jarrell, Rosanne and Swan Swanson, Sarah Swanson, and Susan Swanson. Tack Så Mycket to Eva Berglund for the Gevalia coffee. 14 - 16 May 2010: The District 8 annual convention was held at Michigan City, Indiana, and hosted by Nordik Folk # 761. Our delegates were: Marvin Anderson, Dennis Danielson, Michelle Escalante, and Charlotte Swenson. Also attending were Swan Swanson, Past District Master; Joella Hultgren, Assistant District Secretary; Edward Hultgren, District Executive Board Member; Iva Lynn, District Historian; Lou Anderson; Josh Escalante; Ann and Wesley Hanson; Rosanna Swanson; and Jean and Jim Tygum. Our lodge participated in “Nordik Folk Arts, the cultural exhibit on display during the Convention. We exhibited
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7 examples of Nordik ceramic tiles, cooking, figurines, flags, jewelry, knick - knacks, music, painting, photography, print media, rosemaling, textiles, trolls, Vikings, and wood working. Items were contributed by Lou and Marvin Anderson, David Duff, John Gundersen, LaVonne Heighway, Joella and Edward Hultgren, and Charlotte Swenson. Congratulations to Patricia Hoffmann who won one of the raffle prizes at the banquet on Saturday evening. Marvin Anderson presided over the Memorial Service on Sunday morning. The District # 8 Singers, directed by Wesley Hanson, who participated in the Memorial Service included Michelle and Josh Escalante, Ann Hanson, and Iva Lynn. Edward Hultgren was elected as the new Vice District Master, Joella Hultgren was re-elected as Assistant District Secretary and will continue as Valthornet Editor, and Iva Lynn will continue as District Historian. 25 May 2010: The Tuesday Luncheon group met at The Legend restaurant in the historic Irvington area of Indianapolis, Indiana. Fifteen members attended a lively and delicious lunch. Tack Så Mycket to Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, and Patricia Hoffmann for coordinating this special monthly event. 6 June 2010: The meeting featured a popular group of Viking Re-enactors organized by Jim and Mandy Schutte of Indianapolis, Indiana. (right) Children grind rye into flour to make flat bread.
This family event was held on the grounds of the Latvian Center, and members invited children, grandchildren, and friends to this outdoors activity. (left) A Viking Reenactor makes pewter spoons.
We participated in typical Viking living conditions, and watched demonstrations of wood carving, coin making, spoon making, weaving, knitting, cooking, individual craftsmen, hand–to-hand combat, and war games. (right) Viking Re-enactors demonstrate war games.
The delicious smörgåsbord refreshments were provided by Lou and Marvin Anderson, Sophia and Daniel Anderson, Katherine Gagné, Joella and Edward Hultgren, Barbro and David Jarrell, Janet Jegen, and Jean and Jim Tygum. Eva Berglund contributed the Gevalia coffee. 20 June 2010: A joint Midsommar and Father’s Day celebration was held at the Latvian Center. The day began with a pot-luck picnic with dozens of delicious Scandinavian and other nationality dishes. Activities included games for children and adults, decorating the Majstång, parading with the Majstång, and
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traditional dancing around the Majstång, directed by Iva Lynn. 26 June 2010: The multinational Saint John’s Festival was held at the Latvian Center. Member groups included Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Scottish, and Swedish nationality organizations. The Swedish lodge led the Midsommar parade with the decorated Majstång and dancing around the Majstång, coordinated by John Seest, director of Dans Norden. Each nationality group presented a cultural program, and there were intra-national contests, a delicious Latvian picnic buffet, and a bonfire.
VILJAN # 349 25 February 2010: Thank you to Paula Stopka for an entertaining evening filled with interesting Scandinavian Trivia! Everyone had fun and learned some unique and unusual facts about Scandinavia. Thank you also to Barb Olson and Paula Stopka for the refreshments, including blueberry soup in honor of the Olympics. 25 March 2010: The meeting was held at the Bethany Lutheran Church of Batavia, Illinois. Our own Ken Johnson presented an interesting program on the trip he and his father took to Sweden recently. They journeyed back to the area of their family’s ancestry for a genealogical study as part of a larger group. It was a great opportunity to hear about their experience and how Sweden is today. Thank you to Ken Johnson and his Dad for sharing the genealogical aspects of this wonderful opportunity and their trip. The refreshments were coordinated and provided by Ruth Beck and Dorothy Thorsen. 22 April 2010: The Viking Ship from the World’s Colombian Exposition of 1893 was the featured highlight of the meeting at Bethany Lutheran Church, Batavia, Illinois. This was an interesting and entertaining evening about a piece of history right in our own backyard. A special thank you to Dave Nordin who presented a wonderful program on the ship’s history and her current status. Additional thanks for the delicious refreshments coordinated by Dee Radtke and Inez Törnblom. 24 April 2010: The Viking Ship was a program in two parts because on Saturday, Dave Nordin provided a guided tour of the Viking Ship, in Good Templar Park, Eastside Drive, Geneva, Illinois, and one could see her beauty and craftsmanship firsthand. The Viking Ship is open to the public, so others will have the opportunity to view this treasure. It is a terrific historical gem right here in the Fox Valley. 24 April 2010: Vasa Park is getting ready for the upcoming season. Valborg Day was an important annual spring clean-up day to help ready and prepare the park for the summer. All were welcome, and helpers stayed for an hour, or two hours, or spent the whole day. Even an hour’s work made a big difference. There were projects for a variety of skill levels and something to suit everyone. This was a great way to show appreciation for this wonderful park that we enjoy for our fish boil and many other events. Lunch was service to volunteers. 27 May 2010: The annual Memorial Service and Convention Report were held at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Batavia, Illinois. Members joined together to remember and celebrate the lives of those members that have preceded us. They are both our past and the reason for our future. We also had a short business meeting and a report by our lodge delegates about the recent District Convention. Congratulations to our newly elected District Officers: Tom Cleveland, District Master; Inez Törnblom, District Chaplain; Paul Stopka, Auditor; and Susan Cleveland, Executive Board Member. Kudos to all! Refreshment coordinators were Florence Olsen and Dorothy Patzer. 19 June 2010: Lodge members celebrated Midsommar at Vasa Park with the annual decorating of the Maypole before the start of
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8 the Midsommar Program. Many members stayed to enjoy the festivities at beautiful Vasa Park. 22 – 27 June 2010: Several members participated in Swedish Days in Geneva, Illinois. submitted by Susan Cleveland
LINDE # 492 6 March 2010: Following a delicious potluck breakfast, we initiated new member Karen Schneble. After the meeting, Birgit and Jim Moxon gave a lovely presentation on their trip to Sweden last summer. They had the opportunity to be there for six weeks, and with all the wonderful pictures of landmarks, common friends, their family friends, and a map to show the way, it was almost like being there. Birgit and Jim Moxon were there for Midsommar, and it doesn’t get more Swedish than that, unless of course you figure in all the rainy days. However, it looked like the rain didn’t stop them. There were nice memories of Öland, Dalarna, Stockholm, Bengtfors, and even Norway, and all the places in between. Thank you to Birgit and Jim Moxon for this very nice and entertaining program. 13 March 2010: The Peasoup and Pancake Dinner was held at the Norway House, with 132 adults and 12 children in attendance. (below) Rolf Ekstrand watched six kettles of peasoup.
with the water and soda booth. 14 - 16 May 2010: The District Convention was held at Michigan City, Indiana, hosted by Nordik Folk No. 761. Our delegates were Brent Erickson, Les Touve, Liza Ekstrand, Ashley LeBlanc, and Sonia Stephenson. Also attending were Past District Master Jake Gruel, District Secretary Marge Gruel, and Anne Marie Hummel as an alternate. Brent Erickson was elected to serve as the District Treasurer for the coming year. Thanks to all the delegates who gave up the weekend for the good of the Order. 15 May 2010: Marge Jothen reported on the Swedish - American Historical Society’s bus trip to Rockford, Illinois, that included a church and museum tour. 5 June 2010: A meeting was held at Christ the Victor Lutheran Church, New Berlin, Wisconsin, followed by a goodies and coffee social. We celebrated Swedish Flag Day and members brought flags to wave. We had two “ham radio” operators Rolf Ekstrand and Jake Gruel, who brought some of their equipment and showed us how to connect with other operators around the world. 27 June 2010: Midsommar at Old World Wisconsin was a full day arrangement with the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin. It began with decorating the Majstång and included a show by the Skansen Children’s group, who led with ringlekar and then a dance performance, and other entertainment. Members brought flowers, greenery, singing voices, smiles, a picnic basket, or purchased lunch at the Clausing Barn.
BISHOP HILL BUS TRIP (above) Magnus Ekstrand and Brent Erickson flipped hundreds of Swedish pancakes. (below) The Skansen Children’s Club sold raffle tickets
(above) Anne – Marie Hummel and Kay Nickolett managed the bake sale table.
In addition to the meal sales, sales of leftover soup, raffle sales, bake sale, and contributions, we also earned revenue to benefit Skansen children’s group. The Linde Dancers and wonderful music by Lekspel were appreciated entertainment (see the back page for photographs). 10 April 2010: A short business meeting was held at Christ the Victor Lutheran Church in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The day included a secret lunch coordinated by Liza Ekstrand, who gave participants their “secret” ingredients. The result was a super delicious salad with all the toppings and dressings, and some yummy pizzas. We all had a very nice time socializing and reminiscing. Our Swedish members Elisabeth Agge and Kalle Axelsson reported that their other lodge, Enköping No. 646 celebrated their 50th anniversary on 10 April 2010. 1 May 2010: Our annual fundraiser at the All Day Scandinavian Festival in Hales Corners Lutheran Church. It was a typically busy and exciting event; thank you to Liza and Rolf Ekstrand who coordinated the fundraiser. Members volunteered to help with making and serving pancakes, preparing and serving meatball platters, selling souvenir items, and helping the Skansen group
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DATE CHANGE! 25 – 26 September 2010: Make plans now for a September weekend in Bishop Hill, Illinois. This outing was originally scheduled for June, but has been postponed to September. Members of Brahe Lodge # 245 in Rockford, Illinois are joining us on this weekend trip. We will leave Christ The Victor Lutheran Church at 7:30 am on Saturday, will stop in Rockford, Illinois for the members from Brahe Lodge # 245 by 9:00 am, and will have lunch in Bishop Hill, Illinois near noontime. There are numerous restaurants to consider, (Red Oak, PL Johnson’s, The Filling Station, and The Bakery) offering assortments of Swedish fare, soups, sandwiches, hamburgers, baked goods, and pie. Lunch will be followed by touring the town, shopping at the stores, and visiting museums. At 5:30 pm, we will gather at the Vasa National Archives District Gallery for a free sit down dinner and program. After the program, the bus will take everyone to the AmericInn in Kewanee, Illinois for a much needed rest. Breakfast is included with your room rental. The bus will depart Kewanee at 9:30 am for Bishop Hill, where we will tour the Vasa National Archives, meet with the resident archivist Lars Jenner, enjoy coffee, and have some time to tour the town again. Lunch will be on your own, followed by a tour of the Kranz Museum. We will board the bus at the Vasa National Archives at 3 pm, should arrive in Rockford, Illinois by 5:30 pm, and then continue to New Berlin, Wisconsin. The cost per person is $40.00 for the bus. The room rate is $79.95 plus tax. If you want to share a room, you will save a little more money on the lodging. Reservations and bus fare are required by 10 August 2010. You should make your own reservations at the AmericInn by 25 August 2010 [1-309-856-7200, ask for Silvia, and use the VASA-Bishop Hill password to register]. Contact Liza Ekstrand at (262) 782-2238 / lekstrand@wi.rr.com or Marge Gruel at (262) 782-4522 or (262) 894-5302 if you would like to participate. This September weekend is Ag-Days (Jordbruksdagarna) in Bishop Hill, Illinois. There will be lots of activities and celebrations. Let’s join in the Festivities! This outing is open to everyone! Contributors Liza Ekstrand and Marge Gruel
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JOE HARBOR # 534 April 2010: Members enjoyed Swedish Pancakes at the Swedish Bakery in Harbert, Michigan, our favorite place to eat. Our new member Janet Snyder was initiated. Janet Snyder lives in Colama, Michigan. May 2010: Marybeth Culverhouse, Linda Tjernlund, and Chris Petzke attended the District # 8 Convention in Michigan City, Indiana. A wonderful report was given. Joe Harbor’s 81st Anniversary was celebrated at Papa Vinos Restaurant in Saint Joe, Michigan. One guest was from Sweden. June 2010: Joe Harbor’s Midsommar Picnic was held at Grand Mere Park, in Stevensville, Michigan. Members enjoyed being near Lake Michigan. A lot of good food and Bingo were enjoyed. In Truth And Unity Eleanor Anderson, Chairman
SATELLITE # 661 13 March 2010: Our lodge was represented in the Kalamazoo Saint Patrick’s Day parade held at the Kalamazoo Mall. There were signs and flags on the side of a Viking ship, and a large Swedish flag carried by a Tomten who also handed out candies. While on the subject of Saint Patrick, a cousin sent me a poem “The Ode To Saint Urho”. This was the creation of a Finn who thought that Scandinavians also deserved recognition with a day of celebration and parades. See the “Ode To Saint Urho” and an explanation of its creation later in this issue (page # 14). 11 April 2010: This meeting was a joint meeting with the Sons of Norway, Askeladden Lodge, and was held at the Portage Senior Center, part of the Library Complex, in Portage, Michigan. Following the Vasa Lodge business meeting, the program with the Sons of Norway lodge was the presentation on “Swedish Textiles”, by Carol Hassemer, a member of Vasa Jubileum Lodge # 755. Carol Hassemer lives in Madison, Wisconsin, and is also a member of the Sons of Norway. Her program of two hours included a history of Swedish textiles; the influences of the Swedish nobility and foreign influences on the variety and quality of textiles over the years; and colorful slides of the Flemish weaving techniques of rolakan and flamskvavnad brought to Sweden by Gustav Vasa in the 16th century. Also included were slides showing the creative ways that the peasant people decorated their homes on festive occasions with white ceiling cloths and wall hangings. A potluck meal was served at the end of the presentation, and members brought an egg dish to share. The hostess was Carol Olson. 25 April 2010: Henning Mankell’s Swedish police detective Kurt Wallender is portrayed in made – for – television presentations. Kurt Wallander is a senior police investigator. There was a show on Sunday, 28 March 2010 on Worldview MHZ network, and another show about a bank heist, “The Village Idiot”, was broadcast on this date. The programs are in Swedish with English subtitles. 30 April 2010: Valborgsmässoafton is a major holiday in Scandinavia to celebrate the beginning of spring when the days start to get warm. In Finland, it is a day for graduating students to celebrate. It is a day of speeches for politicians from the right and center parties to counter speeches from the left on May Day. It is also the day when animals are let out into the fields to graze. The proper celebration is to build a bonfire in the evening to scare away the wolves and witches. 2 May 2010: A meeting was held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The business meeting included planning for the Midsommar Festival and the summer Crayfish Party. There was also discussion of the lodge’s participation in a new activity, “Spring Into Life Arts And Crafts Fair”, which will
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be held on 22 May 2010. The program “Swedes In Texas” was presented by Charles Nelson. In honor of Mother’s Day on the following Sunday, the lodge men prepared the refreshments of Norwegian open faced sandwiches. Female members were encouraged to bring something to give the table a “civilized” look. Karin Forsblad coordinated the hosts and hostesses. 14 - 16 May 2010: Karin Forsblad attended the District 8 Convention in Michigan City, Indiana, and reported on the events to the lodge membership. 19 June 2010: Midsommar Fest was held at Cadwallader Park, Hickory Corners, Michigan. Attendees brought flowers, greens, and vines to decorate the Midsommarstång, which was then raised as the first item on the program. Everyone participated by contributing to a delicious pot luck meal with berry desserts. The wedding of Crown Princess Victoria and Mr. Daniel Westling was held on this date. If you have an interest in the Swedish Royals, more information is available at their website www.royalcourt.se. The website has an English version. 27 - 29 June 2010: Another program of Henning Mankell’s detective Kurt Wallender was scheduled on Channel 35.3. This episode was “The Overdose”. submitted by Bruce C. Muller Newsletter Editor
BISHOP HILL # 683 26 March 2010: The lodge held its Swedish Pancakes / Pea Soup Supper. Members enjoyed food and fellowship. Pictured (left to right), Karl Johnson and Randy Anderson are seen in the kitchen with other helpers.
The Pea Soup was made by committee chair Karl Johnson and the Pancakes were made by Randy Anderson. Helping that evening were Sue Anderson, Cathy Johnson, Patty and David Christianson, and the Pride Of The Family Youth Club. Lars Jenner gave the program, “Nordik Myth And Folk Tales”. Members were given Membership Awards, and the Bishop Hill Lodge celebrated its 42nd Anniversary. One Charter member remains, Helen Anderson. 24 April 2010: We held a Valborg Celebration at the VASA National Archives; see report on page # 12. 14 - 16 May 2010: Vasa District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 held its annual meeting and convention this weekend in Michigan City, Indiana. Bishop Hill Vasa Lodge is part of the district made from four states: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Delegates elected by the lodge were: Judy and Roger Anderson, Lars Jenner, and Jeff Anderson. Pictured at the convention are (from left to right): Jeff Anderson, Lars Jenner, Roger Anderson, and Judy Anderson.
21 May 2010: A Memorial Service was held.
A Cultural Report and a
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10 Convention Report were presented. The refreshments committee included Nan and Russ Swanson, Chairmen; Helen Anderson; Pat and Joel Bjorling; Kathryn Carlson; Gloria Hepner; and Shirley Nall. 26 June 2010: There was a Midsommar Celebration at the park and The Colony School. The refreshments committee included Donna and Lloyd Anderson, Chairmen; Melody and Chuck Anderson; Margaret and Mitch Esken; Robin Gentle; and Carol and Rollie Krause. submitted by Jeff Anderson
JUBILEUM # 755 14 March 2010: Our program, “News from Sweden,” was one of storytelling and commentary on current events gleaned from Swedish newspapers by Sven-Olof Petersson, SAS employee and Lecturer in Conversational Swedish at North Park University. Sven-Olof Petersson warned us that we could only believe half of what he said. So I summarize, and leave it up to you. Swedes are the most newspaper - reading people in the world. Many subscribe to a national newspaper, either Dagens Nyheter or Svenska Dagbladet, for the morning, and then pick up a copy of Aftonbladet or Expressen on the way home in the evening. Then there’s the daily or weekly local newspaper, and Dagens Industri, the “Swedish Wall Street Journal,” for the businessminded. Sven-Olof Petersson The Winter Olympics were still a top story back in March. We learned that the primary objective of Swedes in the Olympics, and much else besides, is “to beat the Norwegians,” and that they had won the Gold Medal in Curling. We also learned that Sweden had just experienced a winter of record cold and snow, and Swedish relief efforts in Haiti are still regularly in the news (a reminder to us all, don’t forget the Haitians despite more recent tragedies). But the really big news, even back in March, was the marriage of Princess Victoria. Like her parents, King Karl Gustav XVI and Queen Silvia, Victoria’s wedding day is June 19th. The Swedish perspective on American news was also interesting. Hillary Clinton was the most popular American Presidential candidate among Swedes, but President Obama was also viewed favorably. The health - care debate was at its climax, and SvenOlof Petersson said that the Swedes were completely baffled that we were arguing about euthanasia and abortion. The Church of Sweden will marry same - sex couples; free churches that refuse to do so may lose their right to marry anyone. Audience questions focused on taxes in Sweden. “You live on your deductions,” replied Sven-Olof Petersson. One such deduction, for hired domestic help, had led to a bit of a scandal, with the newspapers reporting that several politicians who publicly opposed the deduction as widening class distinctions had nonetheless claimed the deduction on their own taxes. Even the newspaper that generally favors the party of the politicians involved was headlining the story. Party loyalty is one thing, but selling newspapers is another. Sven-Olof Petersson mentioned Tiger Woods’ trouble only by pointing out that we hadn’t asked. But now knowing Sven-Olof Petersson a little bit, I’m sure that had he wanted to talk about Tiger Woods, he would have worked it in. We all left the meeting somewhat enlightened, thoroughly
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entertained, and comfortably full of dessert provided by Maud Karlsson and Trudy Nordling. 11 April 2010: We began coming to grips with our past, literally. Though our lodge is only 14 years old, our Historians, Kajsa Burling (1998 – 2005), Carol Hassemer (2005 – 2006), Janet Peterson (2006 – 2007), and Robert Merrill (2008 to present) have taken about 1500 pictures, about 500 of them digital, but the rest prints kept in four photograph albums: green, blue, red, and white. (I think I was asked to stand for the office of Historian because I brought my trusty Canon PowerShot to a meeting one time!) As in a family, Local Lodge members photograph people at events we swear we’ll never forget, but time has a way of robbing us. Before we know it, we’re looking at a photograph and asking, “Who’s that standing next to Maggie?” Members are moving away and passing on. So we decided to spend one meeting in 2009 - 2010 going through the albums and filling in some of the names that were missing. In a moment of weakness, I suggested that it would be “easy” to scan the photographs so we could project them with our new computer projector and all see them at the same time. (I highly suggest that your Lodge purchase a computer projector if you don’t have one available and if you have the funds). You know how it goes. The presentation was scheduled for April, so I started scanning sometime in February. I scanned about a half dozen pages and kept track of how long that took. Then I counted the number of pages in each album. “This is going to take a long time. An hour here and an hour there isn’t going to cut it.” I spent several days in a hotel room on a family vacation, scanning. And our Lodge Chairman, Gunnard Swanson, came to my aid and took on the blue book (the second largest of the four, I think). “That was a lot of work,” he said, in a typically Swedish understatement. We had them all scanned with a week to go. Then I had to face a problem I had been ignoring. “How am I going to organize and show 1475 photographs and chunks of album pages at a Lodge meeting?” A business client came to the rescue. “Use Picasa. It’s free from Google. And the latest version has this cool face - recognition feature; it will actually try to match faces across all of the pictures!” So I poured them all into Picasa 3.6, put names to the faces I knew (or were already in captions) to get us started, and let Picasa make a slide show for me. Picasa 3.6 Software Example— Top panel shows all tagged occurrences of a person, while bottom panel shows the photograph in which a person was tagged.
The meeting itself was a delight. I could flip back and forth between whole pictures and faces on the computer, while people spoke out, “I remember that!”, “Who’s that?”, “That’s Frances!”, “No it isn’t!”, “Let’s see the other pictures of Frances!”, and “I guess it is Frances!” We ran over our allotted time, and still only looked at a few hundred of the older pictures, but we had a lot of fun and recovered and wrote down a lot of memories. And isn’t that the idea? We’ve decided that in 2010 – 2011, we’re going to look at pictures for a portion of each meeting, and gradually improve the completeness and accuracy of the tagging of people and places. If this sounds like something your Lodge would like to do, I’ll be happy to explain what we did, in more detail, to one of your
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11 computer - savvy members. But you’re going to have to scan your albums yourself! May 2010: Vasa is about traditions old and new, and one of Jubileum’s favorite annual traditions is our “Pea Soup, Pancakes, and Proverbs” meeting, held on a Thursday evening at Arbor Covenant Church instead of our usual Sunday afternoon at Good Shepherd Lutheran. One thing I’ve learned over the last few years is that Swedes, even small older Swedes, can eat a lot of pea soup and pancakes. We had three big pots of pea soup, and only a little bit survived. And Gunnard Swanson and Gloria Waity, our traditional pancake-makers, fell behind. At one point there was a little knot of somehow - still - hungry Lodge members, waiting for pancakes. I was wondering what a Vasa Lodge Three Pots of Pea Soup riot would be like, but more pancakes were forthcoming. So I guess I’ll have to wait until the day there’s no coffee. As always, we ended the evening by the sharing of “proverbs” (and a few jokes). But first, Hans Fride, our Cultural Leader, shared a few interesting pea - soup facts. Why Thursday? This probably began in the 15th century, when Sweden was still Catholic, and pea soup was a filling preparation for the Friday fast day. Then, during Sweden’s militaristic era (16th - 18th centuries), pea soup was a staple of the Swedish army, since dried peas were nutritious and easily carried and prepared in the field. But pea soup suppers don’t always end well. King Erik XIV had his pea soup and died, possibly poisoned. A recent chemical analysis of the King’s remains (the pea soup is long gone!) showed traces of arsenic, but not enough to be fatal. It’s still a mystery. And during World War Two, the national government of Per Albin Hansson and his advisors met every Thursday night for pea soup, punch, and a game of bridge. From Lodge members, we learned, “That which is loved is always beautiful,” “Success creates friends; misfortune tests them,” and “To be away is good, but home is best.” Indeed. 14 - 16 2010: Jubileum Lodge #755 sent four delegates to the Lake Michigan District Lodge #8 Convention in Michigan City, Indiana. They were Lodge Chairman Gunnard Swanson, Gunnard’s wife and Lodge Treasurer Ulla Swanson, Lodge Membership Chairman and first - time District Lodge delegate Gunilla Swanson, and Lodge Historian Robert Merrill. Gunilla was accompanied by her husband Rick Rubasch and their three children, Emily, Hanna, and Ian Rubasch. We would like to thank Nordik Folk Lodge #761 for hosting the convention. Special thanks go to Lynda and Herb Smith for their work with the Nordikids Children’s Club (which began before Nordik Folk Lodge itself). The participation of the Nordikids throughout the Convention, including the singing and dancing on Friday night, the flag ceremony to open the meeting on Saturday morning, and additional entertainment at the banquet on Saturday night, warmed our hearts. We would also like to thank Linnea Ogrentz for chairing the organizing committee for the convention. Swedish Stuga birdhouse, a gift from Nordik Folk Lodge # 761 to banquet attendees at the 2010 District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Convention.
we were especially touched by the Swedish Stuga birdhouses by Phyllis Peterson Kalajian, given as gifts to banquet attendees. You have set the bar high, Nordik Folk #761, as we knew you would. Congratulations on a job well done, and thank you for your hospitality! submitted by Robert Merrill Historian
IN MEMORIAM Helge Sven Erik Swanson – Linné No. 153 Helge Sven Erik Swanson, of South Bend, Indiana, passed away on April 8, 2010. He was born November 21, 1905, in Balaryd, Sweden, and came to this country at the age of 22 years old. He spent most of his life in South Bend, Indiana, except for several years in Booneville, Arkansas. His parents, Sven and Maria Svenson, his sister and brother – in - law, Ingeborg and Torston Brage, and a nephew, Sven Eric Brage, preceded him in death. In 1928 after serving in the Swedish Cavalry, he immigrated to the United States Of America. On September 21, 1940, he married Agnes Baldoni. After 66 years of marriage, she preceded him in death on April 18, 2007. Helge Swanson is survived by three daughters and their families: Karen Swanson and Sylvia Long of South Bend, Indiana, and Lori (Michael) Mroczek of Edwardsburg, Michigan; four grandchildren: Michelle (Stephen) Megyese of Mishawaka, Indiana, Dylan Long of Portland, Oregon, Shawn (Leah) Miller of South Bend, Indiana, and Kassidy (Robert) Zylka of Toledo, Ohio; five great grandchildren: Matthew and Amanda Megyese, Austin Abbott of Walkerton, Indiana, Gabriel Walta of South Bend, Indiana, and Kaylie Zylka of Toledo, Ohio. Also surviving is his family residing in Sweden: his nephew Sven (Rose Marie) Brage and their daughters Anna (Thomas) Bjorklund and Marie (Mathias) Bertilssen. Other surviving family members include his sister – in – law Phyllis Baldoni, nieces and nephews Ideal (Judith Ann) Baldoni, Jeanne Houghland, Nat (Nancy) Baldoni, Sue (Jim) Shyman, Sam (Sharon) Baldoni, Beth Ann Baldoni, Mary Jo (Curtis) Blankenship, Debby (Randy) Foster, LuAnn Baldoni, and their families. Helge Swanson was a member of Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, Vasa Order Of American (a Scandinavian organization) and Howard Park Retirement Center. He used his lifetime membership to the Fitness USA Health Spa regularly. He was also a member of the Swedish American Historical Society and Allied Industrial Workers of America. He graduated from Acme School Of Die Design in South Bend, Indiana, and was employed by Bendix Corporation, South Bend Tool And Die, Mishawaka Tool And Die (Eberhart Steel), and retired from Wolverine Toy Company, Booneville, Arkansas, in 1980. Helge Swanson spent many relaxing hours in his home feeding and watching the squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits, and birds in his backyard. Hs also enjoyed watching tennis and golf, especially if the participants were of Scandinavian descent. The family wants to thank the staff at Southfield Village for the loving care and attention they gave their father while he was there.
There are many others who no doubt worked very hard, and whose names we do not know, but
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VALBORG CELEBRATION The Valborg celebration at the Vasa Archives this year was very fun, but a little unusual. Fierce spring weather was battering the prairie and tornado warnings were on the news for our region April 30th. Heavy winds and downpours signaled that there was no way we were going to light the bonfire. It was unpleasant even to be outside, let alone wrestle with fire? What were we to do? Yes, well, down to the District’s Gallery we went and set up in the lower level of the Archives. We arranged the tables and chairs for a larger crowd and hoped for the best. And come they did, about 45 people showed up that evening. We enjoyed every part of our program accept lighting the bonfire and roasting hot dogs over an open flame. Pride of the Family, our children’s club, hosted a rune-deciphering contest, and they also performed a medieval jousting match between Winter and Summer. Winter, played by my 14-year-old son Jesper Jenner, was clothed in soda-can-tab chainmail, and Summer was portrayed by 9-yearold Claire Mannon. An unfair contest, you might say, but even so, Summer was victorious and we all rejoiced. A local wise man and Vasa member, Morris Nelson, gave a wonderful spring speech, which had us go back in time to a simpler, bucolic past. He reflected on the Swedish American experience that binds all of us in blood or in spirit, and the wonders of childhood discoveries that may inform the rest of our lives and beyond. Our spring choir, made up of students in my Swedish class, sang several traditional spring songs, and ended with the Swedish and American national anthems. We were accompanied on the piano by another Bishop Hill man, Steve Holden, who is a very talented musician. His skill enabled even our modest efforts, singing 19th century Swedish choral music, to come to life. The Archives provided most of the food, assisted in part by a donation from our local IGA store in Galva, but many people also brought dishes to pass.
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Huge favorites among the kids were delicious cocoa, donated by the Colony Store in Bishop Hill, and s’mores made in the microwave (very exciting). I want to thank everyone who participated for making our “plan B” such an unexpected success and District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 for supporting the renovations in the District’s Gallery. The Lower Level has indeed become a very cozy and functional space to use. What about the unburned bonfire pile? It will go up in flames Midsummer Night, June 26th. Come by if you are in the area. We would love to share it with you. Lars Jenner, Archivist Vasa National Archives
CULTURAL CORNER
/ ǁŽƵůĚ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ƚŚŝƐ ŽƉƉŽƌƚƵŶŝƚLJ ƚŽ ƚŚĂŶŬ EŽƌĚŝŬ &ŽůŬ ĨŽƌ Ă ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ĐŽŶǀĞŶƚŝŽŶ͘ / ǁŽƵůĚ ĂůƐŽ ůŝŬĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĂŶŬ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ůŽĚŐĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƉƵƚ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ ƐƵĐŚ ƐƉĞĐƚĂĐƵůĂƌ ĚŝƐƉůĂLJƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƵůƚƵƌĂů ZŽŽŵ͘ (left) Svea # 253’s display and Nordik Folk # 761’s Nordik Arts Timeline.
/ƚ ǁĂƐ ǁŽŶĚĞƌĨƵů ƚŽ ƐĞĞ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ǀĂƌŝŽƵƐ ĐŽůůĞĐƚŝŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞƌĞ ƉƵƚ ƚŽŐĞƚŚĞƌ͘ ǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ĞŶũŽLJĞĚ ǁĂůŬŝŶŐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞ ƌŽŽŵ ƚŽ ǀŝĞǁ Ăůů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐƉůĂLJƐ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ǁĂƐ ƐŽ ŵƵĐŚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ĂŶĚ / ĐĂŶ͛ƚ ƚŚĂŶŬ LJŽƵ ĞŶŽƵŐŚ ĨŽƌ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ Ăůů ŽĨ LJŽƵƌ ƚƌĞĂƐƵƌĞƐ͘ / Ăŵ ǀĞƌLJ ŚĂƉƉLJ ƚŽ ďĞ ƚŚĞ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ϴ ƵůƚƵƌĂů >ĞĂĚĞƌ ĨŽƌ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ LJĞĂƌ͘ (right) Nordik Folk # 761’s display.
dŚĞƌĞ ǁĞƌĞ ŵĂŶLJ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŝĚĞĂƐ ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞƌĞ ƐŚĂƌĞĚ Ăƚ ĐŽŶǀĞŶƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ / ŚŽƉĞ ǁĞ ǁŝůů ƉƵƚ ƚŚĞŵ Ăůů ƚŽ ƵƐĞ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĐŽŵŝŶŐ LJĞĂƌ͘ / Ăŵ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ ĨŽƌǁĂƌĚ ƚŽ ĂŶŽƚŚĞƌ ƐƉĞĐƚĂĐƵůĂƌ LJĞĂƌ͘ /Ŷ dƌƵƚŚ ĂŶĚ hŶŝƚLJ͕ ŶĚƌĞĂ DĂŐŶƵƐŽŶ tŝůĐnjLJŶƐŬŝ ŝƐƚƌŝĐƚ ϴ ƵůƚƵƌĂů >ĞĂĚĞƌ
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YOUTH CORNER
District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Children's Clubs are: Vårblomman #54 - North side of Chicago, Illinois: (773) 282-9423 Förgät Mig Ej #64 - Far Northwestern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois: (847) 516-3103 Skansen #113 – Milwaukee, Wisconsin and suburban areas: (262) 782-2238 Nordikids #208 - Northwest Indiana and southern suburban Chicago, Illinois: (219) 923-8777 Pride of the Family #209 - Bishop Hill area of Illinois: (309) 375-6844 In Truth and Unity, Lynda Ann Smith District Lodge # 8 Youth Supervisor / Grand Lodge Youth Director
NORDIKIDS # 208 Nordikids Musiklubb is a not-for-profit educational group supported in part by Vasa Order Of America, and in part by fund-raising. We strive to promote the culture of Scandinavia and all funds received are used to pay for educational opportunities for the children and to afford them materials and experiences that will increase their knowledge of their rich cultural heritage. submitted by Lynda Smith
SWEDISH HONEY MELON AND CHILI SALAD by Tina Nordström This salad is one of the easiest salads to make. The sweet and succulent melon is combined with arugula. There are also tiny bits of chilies that give the salad some fine sharpness. 1 honey melon 1 red chili ½ package arugula Juice and zest of 1 lime Salt and pepper Seed and peel the melon. Cut it into large chunks. Finely chop the chili. Be careful to take away the seeds inside which contain the strongest flavor. Mix the melon, chili, arugula, and lime juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper.
SONS OF NORWAY TORSK DINNERS The Sons of Norway Fosselyngen Lodge # 82 invites the public to their Torsk (Boiled Cod) and Meatball Dinners at the Norway House, 7507 West Oklahoma Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin, from 4 pm to 7 pm. The buffet includes: Boiled Cod Fish, Norwegian Meat Balls, Boiled Potatoes, Vegetables, Pickled Beets, Cranberry Sauce, Flat Bread, Dessert, and Coffee. The cost is: $13.00 for Adults ($12.28 plus $0.72 tax), and $5.00 for Children ($4.72 plus $0.28 tax). Prices are subject to change, but the Fosselyngen Norsk Butikk is open at all Torsk Suppers. The Saturday dinners in 2010 have been held on 23 January, 27 February, 27 March, and 24 April 2010. They now gladly accept Torsk Dinner reservations for parties of eight or larger for dinner seating at 4:30 pm or 6:00 pm (reserved space is limited). Please call (414) 321-2637 Mondays or Thursdays between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm, or on the morning of the Torsk Dinner between 8:00 am and 11:00 am. Open seating is on a first come first serve basis. Tusen Takk! Fosselyngen Lodge welcomed speaker John Gurda on 23 April 2010, who spoke on Norwegian churches.
THE CENTRAL SWEDISH COMMITTEE OF CHICAGO Central Swedish Committee of Chicagoland (CSCofC) Irene Strom Spejcher at 847-394-1108 Scandinavian.Pioneer@comcast.net http://centralswedishcommittee.com/
UPCOMING EVENTS Saturday, 24 July 2010, 4:00 pm – Jupiter’s IOGT Camp summer program in A I, the IOGT Community House. At 4:00 pm, a Ritual Meeting to honor Toby Hillervik of Norrona Lodge No. 11, an 84 years member of IOGT; Arlene Melton of Forget-Me-Not Lodge, our able Editor of the “National Good Templar”; Major Cai Rubin; and others to be determined. Potluck Supper at 5:00 pm, and at 7:00 pm, “Magnificent Good Templar Park” with Pam and Carl Gustafson’s, Linda and Gary Schweikhofer’s, and other cottages featured, and “Beautiful Sweden” on the sunny side of our globe. Bring all your friends for this big event in our own beautiful Good Templar Park. For additional information, call (847) 825 - 8408. Sunday, 12 September 2010 – Scandinavian Day in Vasa Park, South Elgin, Illinois. Check out the website for the most up-to-date information.
UPDATE YOUR MAILING LIST! Local lodges should update their mailing list regularly. Membership lists change frequently because of initiations, moves, and deaths, and there may be errors from previous lists. Misdirected mail results in added expense for the Grand Lodge, the District Lodge, and your Local Lodge. You may request a current list of who receives the VALTHORNET and the VASA STAR by contacting Cathy Anderson, Circulation Manager, 13194 North Woosnam Way, Oro Valley, Arizona 85755; e-mail: circulationvasastar@gmail.com. Cathy Anderson will update your mailing list with your help. Please keep the list current and correct.
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14
ODE TO SAINT URHO By Gene McCavic and Richard Mattson Virginia, Minnesota
several Finnish names suggested, but Saint Ero or Saint Jussi, or even Toivo or Eino, just didn’t have the correct right of a saintly name.
Urho Kekkonen became
president of Finland in 1956, and some believe that is
Ooksi Kooksi coolama vee
where the name came from. Others say that Kekkonen
Santia Yrho is ta poy for me!
was called “Saint Urho” by the citizens of Finland, and the
He sase out ta hoppers as pig as pirds. Neffer peefor haff I hurd tose words! He reely tolt tose pugs of kreen
name was attached to Mattson’s legend. Gene McCavic took the Saint Urho legend and, with help from Mattson, wrote an “Ode To Saint Urho”. It told of a boy (“poika”, Finnish for “boy”) named Urho who got
Braffest Finn I effer seen
strong on sour whole milk (“feelia sour”) and fish soup
Some celebrate for Saint Pat unt his nakes
(“kala mojakka”). In the original, Urho chases out “tose
Putt Urho poyka kot what it takes.
‘Rogs” (those frogs) with his loud voice. The original Ode
He kot tall and trong from feelia sour
also celebrates saint Urho’s Tay as “twenty – fourth of
Unt ate kala moyakka effery hour.
May”.
Tat’s why tat kuy could sase toes peeties
wrapping paper, and is on display at Ironworld Discovery
What krew as thick as chack bine neetles. So let’s give a cheer in hower pest vay On Sixteenth of March, Saint Urho’s Tay.
The original poem was written on a piece of
Center in Chisolm, Minnesota. [Brief note on the Finnish language: Finnish has several fewer consonants than English. Missing are B, C, D, and G. Consequently there are no sounds for those letters,
Translation from Finglish:
and B becomes P, C becomes S or K, D becomes T, and G
One two three four
becomes K.
Saint Urho is the boy for me.
transmission problems with their cards, they refer to it as
He chased out the [grass]hoppers as big as birds. Never before have I heard those words. He really told those bugs of green,
When Finnish rally drivers talk about
a “kearpox”.
There are also no articles in Finnish
sentence structure: the, a, or an are not part of Finnish grammar.] Also credited as the originator of the Saint Urho legend is
Bravest Finn I’ve ever seen.
Dr. Sulo Havumäki, a psychology professor at Bemidji
Some celebrate for Saint Pat and his snakes,
State College in Bemidji, Minnesota. He is credited with
But Urho boy got what it takes.
changing the plague to grasshoppers, who were consuing
He got tall and strong from viilia sour (homemade
the grape crop that would become wine in ancient
yogurt)
Finland.
And ate kala mojakka (fish stew) every hour.
warmer place than it is today.) Saint Urho’s triumph was
That’s why that guy could chase those beetles, What grew as think as jack pine needles. So let’s give a cheer in our best way On Sixteenth March, Saint Urho’s Day.
(Pre-historic Finland was allegedly a much
saving the vineyards and the jobs for those who picked the grapes. That is how Saint Urho became the patron Saint of Finnish Vineyard Workers. The legend spread, originally across Minnesota to Finnish settlements on the Mesabi Iron Range, and to Menahga, New York Mills, Wolf Lake, and of course, Finland. Saint
The Origin of Saint Urho The legend of Saint Urho is not the product of one person, but of many.
The original character is usually
traced to Virginia, Minnesota, but like most good legends, there have been many voices in creating the history of Saint Urho. Saint Urho was created by Richard Mattson, who worked at Ketola’s Department Store in Virginia, Minnesota. Mattson is generally credited with conjuring up a Finnish counterpart to Saint Patrick in the spring of 1956. Just as Patrick had driven the snakes from Ireland, Mattson’s
Urho’s Day is now celebrated in towns with Finnish heritage across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula; Thunder Bay, Ontario; Burlington, Vermont; Butte, Montana; and Hood River, Oregon. Today, the Saint Urho’s tradition is carried on in many Finnish communities, sometimes as an excuse to add an extra day of rowdy celebration to the Saint Patrick’s Day festivities.
In many Finnish – American communities,
however, Saint Urho’s Day is the celebration, and Saint Patrick’s feast day is merely an afterthought, a day to sleep off the hangover. Timo Winkenen
saint drove a plague of frogs from Finland. There were
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UPCOMING EVENTS IN 2010 / 2011 Grand Lodge Convention
LOCAL LODGE CONTACTS Siljan-Mora-Tuna # 134
2 – 8 July 2010 – Washington, D. C., hosted by District Lodge Pennsylvania No. 9
LaGrange Park, Illinois
District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Annual Convention 2011
Lisa Cianci
20-22 May 2011 -
Thor # 147
Siljan-Mora-Tuna #134
Braidwood, Illinois
18 July 2010 – Picnic at the home of Nancy and Sten Hult
Sandra Fletcher
15 August 2010 – Regular meeting
Linné # 153
lcianci@inlandbank.com 3 October 1908 (815) 458 – 0974 sandyfletcher2001@yahoo.com
Judi Parmley
17 October 2010 – Soup Supper and Hallowe’en Party
4 February 1908 (708) 352 – 0042
Granger, Indiana
19 September 2010 – Pizza Party and White Elephant Sale
15
Kronan # 179
20 September 1909 (574) 272 - 4625 judiparm@peoplepc.com 6 September 1910
28 November 2010 – Election of Officers and Holiday Party
Skokie, Illinois
19 December 2010 – No meeting
John Nygard
16 January 2011 – Regular meeting
Bessemer # 203
16 October 1911
Kronan #179
Chicago, Illinois
(773) 239 – 1855
26 September 2010 – 100th Anniversary Celebration, Skokie, Illinois
Britt Nilsson
BNils18878@aol.com
Svea #253
Brahe # 245
30 January 1913
Rockford, Illinois
7 August 2010 – Kraftskiva at the home of Charlotte Swenson
Scott Johnson
12 September 2010 – Gustavia, Saint Barts; a Swedish Caribbean Island
Svea # 253
3 October 2010 – Andris Berzins of the Latvian Association presents “Latvia”
(847) 877 – 5181 jenygard@comcast.net
(815) 601-3922 Anderson.Joyce@comcast.net 29 May 1913
Indianapolis, Indiana
(317) 733 – 3493
7 November 2010 – Iva Lynn, Jenne Swain, Rosanna Swanson present Svea history
Edward Hultgren
nodjehult@att.net
17 – 21 November 2010 – International Festival at Indiana State Fairgrounds
Nobel # 288
19 February 1914
5 December 2010 – Lucia Fest: Smörgåsbord, Processional, Tomte, and Dancing
Moline, Illinois
(309) 797 – 6914
Linde #492
Linda Lootens
linloots@mchsi.com
25 July 2010 – Planning meeting for 2011 at the home of Marge and Jake Gruel.
Viljan # 349
28 August 2010 – Kräftskiva Crayfish party at the home of Liza and Rolf Ekstrand.
Sycamore, Illinois
11 September 2010 – Annual Picnic and White Elephant Event 25 – 26 September 2010 – Trip to Bishop Hill; lunch, shopping, dinner, and tour.
Thomas Cleveland Austin # 466 Chicago, Illinois
Satellite #661
Robert Oberg
August 2010 – Crayfish Party
Linde # 492
12 September 2010 – Planning for Fish Boil and Lucia; Smörgåsbord
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin
3 October 2010 – Annual Fish Boil; Nyckelharpa and Hardanger Fiddle
Brent Erickson
7 November 2010 – National Parks In Sweden; Election of 2011 Officers; Wild Food
Joe Harbor # 534
11 December 2010 – Luciafest Pageant & Christmas Celebration; Glögg & cookies
Saint Joe, Michigan
Bishop Hill #683
Eleanor Anderson Satellite # 661
23 July 2010 – Picnic and Potluck at Galva Park; Cultural Report
Kalamazoo, Michigan
7 October 1916 (815) 895 – 2102 tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com 6 April 1925 (773) 477 – 0875
6 June 1927 (414) 962 – 8920 berickson73@gmail.com 27 April 1929 (269) 926 – 6303 pianoladyijg@yahoo.com 22 April 1961 (269) 544 - 0865
August 2010 – Crayfish Party
Robert Groesbeck
24 September 2010 – Weiner Roast and Potluck; Musical Entertainment
Bishop Hill # 683
22 October 2010 – Hallowe’en Gotcha and Costume Party
Galva, Illinois
(309) 932-2068
19 November 2010 – Election of Officers; Antique Toys by Harlan Nelson
Jeff Anderson
rj3640@verizon.net
4 December 2010 – Christmas Party and Smörgåsbord; Lucia Program
Hagar # 721
12 November 1977
Des Plaines, Illinois Keith Emrikson
VASA BRIDAL CROWN
Viking # 730 Flushing, Michigan
Our District has a beautiful gold bridal crown available to members and their children and grandchildren. This crown carries the tradition of Sweden where many churches provide such a crown for the use of their congregations.
An
Eric Swanson Lindgren # 754 Green Bay, Wisconsin
rgroesbe@dkschools.org 25 March 1968
(847) 297-4645 kemrikson@comcast.net 15 May 1981 (810) 639 – 6705 ceswan@centurytel.net 14 October 1995 (920) 662 – 1088
Ray Suennen
application to use it must be completed, and after the wedding, we ask that the
Jubileum # 755
crown be returned along with a photograph or two of the bride wearing it on her
Oregon, Wisconsin
wedding day. If you or someone in your family is planning a wedding, consider
Gunnard Swanson
gunnardswanson@gmail.com
taking advantage of this special opportunity.
Nordik Folk # 761
29 January 2006
Call me at 877–923–8777 (toll
Schererville, Indiana
free) or email at lamsmith@hotmail.com. Lynda Smith District Supervisor of Children’s / Youth Clubs
214544 newsletter.indd 15
Steven Westlund
17 November 1996 (608) 835 – 5152
(219) 322-5190 plncrazy@sbcglobal.net
The list includes a name, location, telephone number, and/or e-mail address for each of the 19 local lodges in District #8. Please send contact information to Joella Hultgren (editor) at: nodehult@juno.com or nodjehult@att.net; (317) 733 – 3493; or 13650 Amblewind Place, Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227.
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16 District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Vasa Order Of America VALTHORNET Joella Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 - 8227
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 5677
Pea Soup and Pancake Dinner
Linde Lodge # 492 held its annual Fundraiser Pea Soup and Pancake Dinner on 13 March 2010, at the Norway House in West Allis, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In addition to the delicious dinner, bread, cheese, and desserts, attendees were entertained by the Linde Dancers (left) and the musical group Lekspel (right). VALTHORNET is the official publication of the District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8, Vasa Order of America, and is published in Indianapolis, Indiana. The VALTHORNET is published quarterly in the months of January, April, July, and October. All news items, photographs, and regular articles should reach the editor by the 15th day of the month before the month of publication, i.e. 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December. All address changes should be sent to: The VASA STAR, Cathy Anderson, Circulation Manager, 13194 North Woosnam Way, Oro Valley, Arizona 85755; Email: circulationvasastar@gmail.com.
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