A Message from Bruce Karstadt ASI President & CEO One of my first projects at ASI after arriving in 1990 was a major effort to re-tuckpoint the Turnblad mansion and carriage house. It was made possible by ASI’s first successful capital campaign. Workers spent several months scaling the limestone walls with special tools that first removed the old mortar between the stones and then filled the gaps with a new mixture. When we think of a majestic stone mansion, our eyes first focus on the limestone blocks, which are impres sive in their size, and embellished with decorative carvings and small embedded fossils. What can be overlooked, but shouldn’t, is the mortar which joins the stones into a stable whole.
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As I write these words, scaffolding again surrounds our mansion and carriage house. Workers are now addressing certain structural issues that have de veloped and are also replacing every inch of mortar in both buildings. This will assure the integrity of our historic structures for many years to come.
Our metaphorical mortar has continued to hold us together quite well as we emerge from the chal lenges of twin pandemics of a virus and civil unrest. The summary of activities found in this report are testimony to a vibrant organization that continues to serve long-standing members and an increasingly diverse array of neighbors and new visitors who seek us out as one of our community’s most interesting gathering places for all people.
Mortar is a useful metaphor when reecting upon the American Swedish Institute. The mortar being applied today is composed of sand, a binder (like cement) and water. But what are the ingredients of the metaphorical mortar that holds ASI together and gives it stability and strength? I’d suggest that it is the alchemy of good governance, creative staff, dedicated volunteers, generous members and do nors, and a compelling mission in service to com munity fueled by great food and nurtured by warm hospitality.
On behalf of all who care deeply about the Ameri can Swedish Institute, I’d like to thank everyone who has come together this past year to create and support the activities summarized in this annual re port. Your contributions will be even more important in the year ahead as we prepare for new leadership who will, I’m sure, invest their energies with equal measures of passion and creative insight to assure a continuation of ASI’s unique qualities. I look forward to this coming year with gratitude for the privilege of being a part of this special place. Tack s hemskt mycket till alla!
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The American Swedish Institute
