Nordstjernan 02/2019 for S.A.M. Chicago

The Swedish Newspaper of America The Swedish North Star, continuously published since 1872. Volume 147 No. 02, February 1, 2019. Price per copy $3.50.

Page 23

dashboard | february 1, 2019 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ

How many years ago did the Sami settle with their reindeer herds in the arctic regions of northern Europe? A) 9,000 B) 3,000 C) 1,993 D) 900

2 What Norse god has a magic hammer? a) Odin b) Thor c) Baldr d) Frej 3 Which Nordic country promoted the celebration of name days over birthdays, thus making them even more popular today (than in other countries)? A) Sweden B) Denmark C) Norway D) Finland

Celebrating the Sami Sámi National Day is February 6, the date in 1917 when the first Sámi congress brought together Norwegian and Swedish Sámi to work on finding solutions for common problems. The Sami culture is the oldest in large areas of Northern Europe and is today experiencing something of a renaissance - in spite of the latest battles with limits on reindeer herds - and celebrating their national day has become increasingly important and popular.

Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i januari

February 1 February 2 February 3 February 4 February 5 February 6 February 7 February 8 February 9 February 10 February 11 February 12 February 13 February 14 February 15 February 16 February 17 February 18 February 19 February 20 February 21 February 22 February 23 February 24 February 25 February 26 February 27 February 28

Max/Maximilian Kyndelsmässodagen Disa/Hjördis Ansgar/Anselm Agata/Agda Dorotea/Doris Rikard/Dick Berta/Bert Fanny/Franciska Iris Yngve/Inge Evelina/Evy Agne/Ove Valentin Sigfrid Julia/Julius Alexandra/Sandra Frida/Fritiof Gabriella/Ella Vivianne Hilding Pia Torsten/Torun Mattias/Mats Sigvard/Sivert Torgny/Torkel Lage Maria

February 1

|

New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN

Sunrise & Sunset

7.06 am 7.03 am 7.58 am 8.56 am 8.01 am 6.50 am

5.13 pm 5.05 pm 4.04 pm 2.50 pm 4.40 pm 5.23 pm

4 Which of these languages is not one of the five in the Nordic branch of the Germanic languages? A) Finnish B) Swedish C) Faroese D) Icelandic 5 What is the name of the Danish candy maker, famous for his chocolate liquors? a) Anton Berg b) Anton Fazer c) Anton Marabou d) Anton Cloetta

CULTURE

Namnsdagar

6 The first university in Scandinavia was established in 1477 in what city? A) Lund B) Roskilde C) Uppsala D) Copenhagen

7 Who was the first Christian king in Scandinavia? A) Harald Bluetooth B) Eric the Saint C) Harald Fairhair D) Sweyn Forkbeard 8 What is the name of the river that creates a natural border between Finland and Sweden in the north? a) Karajohka b) Torne Älv c) Tanavattnet d) Klarälven 9 What are the official languages in Finland? a) Finnish and Russian b) Finnish and North Sámi c) Finnish and Swedish d) Finnish and Norwegian

10 Which of the Scandinavian countries are monarchies? a) Finland, Sweden and Norway b) Denmark, Finland and Sweden c) Sweden, Norway and Denmark d) Norway and Sweden Answers: 1:A, 2:B, 3:A, 4:A, 5:A, 6:C, 7:A, 8:B, 9:C, 10:C

1

Februari

Yngve - February 11 Yngve is an Old Norse name, most probably the name of an unidentified god or an alternative name of the god Frej. According to Snorre Sturlason, the Icelandic author of the Prose Edda, Yngve was the first king of Sweden and his dynasty was named Ynglingaätten after him. Today the name is most common among men over 50, more often as a middle name. The name Yngve had its glory days when all things Viking were popular. There are 14,555 Yngves in Sweden.

Sigvard – February 25 The name Sigvard has been in use in Sweden since the 12th century, although Sigur was often more common. The name is a combination of two words meaning “victory” and “watchman.” Thanks to Prince Sigvard Bernadotte (born in 1907), the name became popular again, though today few men are christened Sigvard. There are 11,174 Sigvards in Sweden.

founded in new york city in september 1872 Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. www.nordstjernan.com, Nordstjernan is published semimonthly, except for the months of January, February, July when it is monthly and Augustwith no issue.

POST MASTER: Please send address changes to Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Subscription rates: 1 yr. = $55, Two yr. = $99, outside US 1 yr. = $167.

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this week…

February TO DO 02.01 FEBRUARY: FEBRUARI / Called Göjemånad in the old calendar (AKA Gamelnordiska kalendern), used on the countryside into the 19th century. The word göj could be related to the old Icelandic/Norse word gói, thus possibly referring to snow. Snowmonth it is.

02.06 RAISE THE SAMI FLAG: SÁMI NATIONAL DAY / Sámi everywhere celebrate by flying the flag, wearing the national costume, attending cultural events, eating national foods, and singing the national anthem in their local languages.

“Swedish” grapes aren’t just in Sweden—they’re at the Sjoeblom Winery in Napa Valley, at Linde in Sonoma, Swedish Hill in New York and now the Pinot Noir of Oregon. / P14, 18

Dashboard, p4-5

02.06 BE THANKFUL FOR COMPUTER KEYS: SEMIKOLONETS DAG / Semicolon Day reminds us that during the 1980s, Swedish typewriters required three keystrokes to create a semicolon and many therefore refused to use it; this could be why the semicolon is no longer used much in Swedish....

Crystal, wood carving and ... tattoos? / How are those New Year’s resolutions going? / Most popular on Instagram 2018 / Moving to Stockholm ... / 10 years of Scandinavian theater in New York

02.14 SPREAD LOVE, BUY FLOWERS*: ALLA HJÄRTANS DAG / Valentine’s Day. Show appreciation and love; buy flowers, chocolate or, of course, a subscription to Nordstjernan.

Events calendar, p6-8

What’s going on in Swedish America

02.28 SHROVE TUESDAY IS COMING UP: Fettisdagen (Fat Tuesday) is not until March 5 this year, but in case you were able to wait this long it would be a good idea to start preparing for a semla.

*Saint Valentine’s Day has been observed by the Catholic Church since the fifth century but exactly who the saint was is unclear. Sweden didn’t pick up the tradition until the 1960s, and it was for commercial reasons—the Stockholm department store NK wanted to import the American tradition which was not unexpectedly supported by, among others, the florists. It took off during the years around 1990 when the theme day got its place in the calendar as well as a lot of attention in schools and businesses serving the public.

NORDSTJERNAN MAIL TO: P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 or CALL 1.800.827.9333 - ext 10

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So Swedish ... not what you’d think! /P4

Art and Culture, p12

The King of Tabor: A true story of a Swedish “king” who inspired both fact and fiction

Food, p23

Winter wishes granted: Favorite recipes for semlor and soup

Swedish News, p26

The most expensive houses in Sweden 2018/ Russia provokes Sweden / Increased defense spending / Drug deficiency threatens Sweden after Brexit / BSB to Sweden / Vegans like Sweden

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On Feb. 23 HRH Princess Estelle, the future queen of Sweden, will celebrate her 7th birthday. Grattis Prinsess Estelle!

The Exchange Rate:

$1.00 = SEK 9.03 (01.18.2019)

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 3

dashboard | february 1, 2019

Learn Swedish Read every Nordstjernan cover to cover

Crystal, wood carving and ... tattoos?

So Swedish ... Midsummer, strawberries and, well, tattoos. Sweden and the Scandinavian countries are the most tattooed countries in the world, followed by the UK, Australia and China. And in April 2018 Sweden became the first country in the world to recognize tattoo artists as craftsmen. Those who have been in the industry for a long time can now apply for letters and master letters.

The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872 executive editor

& publisher:

Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:

Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com) contributors:

Chipp Reid - Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist - Kitty Hughes Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith - Olle Wijkström Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director:

Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)

nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America.

Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN

Exercise more!

STOP G! SMOKIN

Spend more time with family & friends ier, Eat health ish cook Swed

If you formulated your resolution as an achievement goal in the form of a new habit that replaces what you wanted to stop doing, you are more likely to be successful.

How are those New Year’s resolutions going?

The new Swedish book “Tio i Tolv” (Ten to Twelve) When it gets closer to the twelve-stroke published by Natur & Kultur explains why New on New Year’s Eve, many of us promise to Year’s resolutions are a smart means for getting change things in the new year. Often, howstarted on new habits. With the help of studies and ever, our new behaviors do not last very long; surveys on goals, routines and procrastination, the there is for instance usually plenty of space reader learns how to more easily succeed with a again at the gym already in February. It is change. The book is based on the world’s largest common to go too hard at the beginning while scientific study on people’s New Year’s resolutions, it is easy to fall back into old habits. After a co-authored by Per Carlbring, Alexander Rozental setback or two it is easy to give up. and Martin Oscarsson of Stockholm University.

Despite this, psychology research shows “New Year’s resolutions as a basis for behavioral New Year’s resolutions are surprisingly good changes are clearly underestimated,” says psycholo- at creating lasting behavioral changes. It is gist Martin Oscarsson, who carried out the study on all about being a bit more prepared for the this often slightly looked down upon tradition. The twelve-stroke—having realistic expectations type of goal can determine whether the New Year’s and emphasizing the achievement is not promise will be a success or a disappointment. about a short sprint but rather a marathon The study behind the book is the largest so far in race in combination with an obstacle course. the field and internationally, and it is unique with its long follow-up period. In total, 1,066 people were included in the internet-based study, and participants were regularly monitored for 12 months.

Swedes, however, seem to be disillusioned in their willingness to make New Year’s resolutions.

Surveys have shown that between 12 and 18 percent of Swedes make them, while the figure here in the U.S., for example, is between 40 and 50 percent. Regardless of nationality, fewer than half manage to keep their resolutions after six months. But wishes and promises of behavioral changes that are given in connection with “milestones,” such as birthdays, holidays, etc., are nevertheless relatively viable, research shows. And in the Western world there are few, if any, more obvious collective milestones than a New Year’s Eve. Perhaps the single most important factor for succeeding in keeping the New Year’s resolution is the goal of the promise, according to results from Oscarsson’s study.

“We found a significant difference in success between participants who had an achievement goal and participants with an avoidance goal,” according to Oscarsson. An achievement goal is something you want to start doing or do more of— like starting to exercise or eating healthier food—while avoidance goals can be to quit smoking, stop stressing and the like.

“If the purpose is to avoid something, you should formulate it as an achievement goal in the form of a new habit that replaces what you want to end with.

In our study, 59 percent of the participants with achievement goals managed to stick to their New Year’s resolutions even after 12 months. Among those with avoidance goals, the number was 47 percent,” says Oscarsson.

Tio i Tolv 181 pages, perfect bound Published by Natur & Kultur ISBN: 9789127823761 (print) ISBN: 9789127823778 (electronic)

Photography: Karsten Staiger

dashboard | february 1, 2019

Most popular on Instagram 2018 Medieakademien (the Media Academy) has released a list of the year’s most engaging instagram posts in Sweden. The number of approvals and comments were measured among posts that were at least partially written in Swedish. At the top is Zlatan Ibrahimovic, seen in a clip where he acts like a cheerleader during the World Cup—it reached close to 800,000 likes and 6,500 comments.

Moving to Stockholm ...

Unless you arrive with a thick wallet and are prepared to shell out millions for a co-op (Bostadsrätt), prepare to be patient. The waiting time for an apartment in metropolitan areas are growing ever longer. To get a lease in Stockholm’s inner city will take almost 17 years. The waiting line in Stockholm is long: the number of people on the list increased to 636,000 people in 2018, according to daily Svenska Dagbladet.

Right now it takes 11.3 years to get a rental through Bostadsförmedlingen (The Housing Agency) in the greater Stockholm area. To get an apartment in the inner city will take even longer: 16.8 years.

... if you go, don’t bring your car

You must pay for street parking in almost every part of downtown Stockholm. You also have to pay for parking more hours of the day in Stockholm’s inner city and its environs. Those are probably two reasons why more cars were ticketed in 2018 than ever before—increasing almost 20 percent over the previous year to 565,000 ticketed cars.

Nordic awardees: Above, actor, producer and screenwriter Nikolaj Coster-Waldau addressing SATC founder Albert Bendix and an enthusiastic crowd at the 10th anniversary luncheon at Papillon.

Left: Actor and director Lena Endre whose work in film, television and theater was recognized.

Ten years of Scandinavian theater in New York Last year marked the 10th anniversary of New York City’s Scandinavian American Theater Company, SATC. It began in 2008 with a series of staged readings at Scandinavia House and a highly acclaimed production of August Strindberg’s “Miss Julie,” also performed at Scandinavia House.

Since its creation 10 years ago by a group of seven talented and driven performing artists and directors, the company has produced readings and plays from every corner of Scandinavia. Two of the original members, Albert Bendix and Henning Hegland, remain active while the rest of the group has changed and expanded, mirroring life in and of the city itself.

To celebrate 10 years, an anniversary benefit luncheon was held at Manhattan’s Midtown Papillon Bistro & Bar on December 8. The event also recognized two Scandinavian artists who through exceptional work made significant contributions to strengthen the cultural

relationship among the Nordic countries: The inaugural Nordic Award 2018 recipients were Danish actor, producer, screenwriter and playwright Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Game of Thrones) for his contribution to film and television, and Sweden’s Lena Endre (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) for her work as an actor and director in film, television and theater.

The non-profit theater company SATC was founded in 2008 to provide Scandinavian perspectives through the new generation of Nordic playwrights and theater artists. The company presents contemporary plays and inventive takes on the classics from Sweden, Norway, Finland, Iceland, Denmark, Greenland and the Faroe Islands. For more info, see www.satcnyc.org

The SATC team FEBRUARY 1, 2019 5

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local events

Local Events Florida

Clearwater 02.01, Noon- 3 PM Suncoast Scandinavian Club: February luncheon meeting at Banquet Masters.

This month’s entertainment: Tampa Bay Sax Quartet presentation on Viking Women.

RSVP required to sunscanclub1965@ gmail.com / 732.546.7756 02.9-02.10, 10 AM-5 PM Viking Festival: Come join the Vikings in a day of celebration! The Suncoast Scandinavian Club of Clearwater has a booth with many Scandinavian items at Viking Fest. 732.546.7756 / sunscanclub1965@gmail.com

California

San Diego 02.26-02.28 Mobile Passport Station: The Embassy of Sweden in Washington, DC travels to bring the mobile pass station to areas throughout the U.S. Make your appointment ahead of time with the Swedish consulate in San Diego to secure a time: 619.209.6170 / sandiego@consulateofsweden.org

Illinois

Chicago 02.03, 11 AM-4 PM Hyggefest & carrot cake day: Hygge is a Danish word used to acknowledge a feeling or moment as cozy, charming or special. It requires consciousness, a certain slowness, and the ability to not just be present – but recognize and enjoy the present. It’s especially helpful in coping with the cold and dark months of the year. Experience some hygge with some traditional Swedish baked goods and

carrot cake at the pop-up café. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 02.17, 11 AM Guided Tour for Families: New guided tours of the permanent exhibit are the same great tours that children who come on school visits get to experience. This gives families the opportunity to more meaningfully tour the exhibit. The tour is free with admissions. Reservations are appreciated by emailing snyman@samac.org. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org SAVE THE DATE 03.05, 11 AM-4 PM Fettisdag (Fat Tuesday): Semlor (Lenten buns) were originally consumed on Fettisdagen as a celebration before the Christian fasting period of Lent which starts the next day, Ash Wednesday. In modern Sweden semlor make their appearance in bakeries from January through Easter.

Indulgence is encouraged on Fettisdagen, come and get your semla for $5. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org

Iowa

Decorah 02.02, 10 AM Barneløpet: The 20th annual noncompetitive ski or walk event for ages 3-13 of all skill levels. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.Win a medal and warm up with hot chocolate and cookies near the fire with your family. 563.382.9681 / info@ vesterheim.org / www.vesterheim.org/ program/barnelopet

Quintessetial symbols of Scandinavia

In a series of felting workshops at Nordic Northwest in Portland, Oregon, you can make your own felted item, a charming symbol of Scandinavia: the mushroom, a Viking, gnome or provincial costume purse. On February 9 at 2-5 p.m., work with Smart Felt creator Sabrina Mauer to make a realistic or whimsical needle felted Amanita mushroom wool sculpture. Learn how to use wool roving, curly locks and a barbed needle to create this classic mushroom shape. Hear more about the mythology behind this little mycelium and its influence on our culture today. $54, finished project stands 4-5 inches tall with wood base. Vikings and gnomes workshop is earlier the same day; the cross-body provincail purse is Feb. 10. For more info and to register contact lailas@nordicnorthwest. org, 503.977.0275 / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Massachusetts

SAN FRANCISCO Söndag 10 februari kl 11.00

HÖGMÄSSA

i Norska Sjömanskyrkan på Hyde St. Präst Mariann Shae Nygren predikar.

Organist Ragnar Bohlin. Kyrkkaffe och saft

Lördag 16 februari kl 15.00

HÖGMÄSSA

i Los Altos. Präst Mariann Shae Nygren och prästpraktikant Brandon Peck.

Kyrkkaffe och saft.

Torsdag 28 februari kl 18.00

HÖGMÄSSA

i Norska Sjömanskyrkan tillsammans med biskop för Svenska kyrkan i utlandet Thomas Petersson. Efteråt serveras en enklare måltid.

Fredag 1, 8 och 15 februari kl 10.30

BARNGRUPP

med sånger, gemenskap och fika för barn och vuxna i Norska Sjömanskyrkan.

Se Facebook för mer info!

SVENSKA KYRKAN SAN FRANCISCO Norska Sjömanskyrkan, 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco Tel: 415-632-8504 Epost: sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco

8 NORDSTJERNAN

West Newton 02.09, 6 PM Meatball Battle: Sweden vs Italy. Two great countries, two beloved meatballs - you decide which is better. Come for an evening of food, fun and friendly competition as our Italian executive director and our Swedish board presidents banter about which country has better meatballs. $10-$25 includes sampling of meatballs from each country, beverages, dessert and a vote.

Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 02.16, 1:30 PM Lapland Odyssey 2: It’s been three years since we last met Janne and Inari. Since then they’ve had a daughter named Lumi.

Janne and his friends experience a new adventure on an autumn night but Lumi has disappeared. 87 minutes. In Finnish with English subtitles. Free; $5 suggested donation Refreshments served at 1 p.m. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914

Michigan

Lake Orion 02.03, 1-2:30 PM Duo-lingo Swedish Practice: Come for a casual social gathering at Panera to practice your Swedish conversation skills,

meet your local community and enjoy fika (get yourself a coffee or tea and a pastry before you sit down)! Look for the Swedish flags - this group is open to all ages, but participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Visit www. events.duolingo.com for more information and RSVP. clarkstonswedish@gmail.com / https://events.duolingo.com/clarkstonswedish

Minnesota

Minneapolis 02.06, 6:30-8:30 PM Nordic Craft Workshop - Paper Quilling: Paper quilling uses long, thin strips of paper coiled tightly to create intricate designs.

You’ll be led through the basic process, then set free to create designs to hang in a window or add to a Valentine’s Day card.

Tools, sources for supplies and reusing paper to make your own strips will all be covered. This craft is perfect for a relaxing evening of conversation, so grab a friend and come coil away! $45/ASI members, $55/non-members. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / info@ASImn.org 02.13, 6:30-8:30 PM Craft and Cocktails Series: Enjoy an evening with a friend, a glass of wine, and maybe a little chocolate to make a set of Alla

local events / www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@ amscan.org 02.13, 7 PM & 02.15, 6:30 PM “Jordgubbslandet” (Strawberry Days): In this award winning 2017 coming-of-age film

by Swedish screenwriter and film director Wiktor Ericsson, 15-year-old Wojtek travels to Sweden from Poland with his parents to work on a farm picking strawberries.

He meets the farmer’s daughter and an unexpected connection develops. 93 min.

In Polish, Swedish and English with English subtitles. Scandinavia House, 212.779.3587 / www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@ amscan.org

by Grieg, Peterson-Berger, a rendition of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons played simultaneously on violin and piano, and much more by this Swedish-American pianist, who accidentally turned into a piano playing comedian. Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / lailas@nordicnorthwest. org / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Oregon

Last sun on a winter path in Sweden. Photo by Geert Weggen

Portland 02.08, 6-8 PM Hygge Movie Night: In collaboration with the Hygge exhibit, see “Finding Hygge,” a documentary that follows 12 Danes as they explore the presence of hygge in their daily lives. Come and get cozy. Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / lailas@nordicnorthwest. org / www.nordicnorthwest.org 02.10, 10 AM - 3 PM Felting Workshop - cross-body bag: Join Smart Felt creator Sabrina Mauer to make this stylish, Pendleton wool bag that is just big enough for your essentials. Learn traditional floral techniques as you needle felt the flaps and trim. $64, finished bag measures approximately 4 x 8 inches with long, adjustable strap. Nordic Northwest, 503.977.0275 / lailas@nordicnorthwest. org / www.nordicnorthwest.org

Svenska i skogen / Learn Swedish in the Woods on February 24, 1-3 p.m.

There is “inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder” (no bad weather, only bad clothes – one of our favorite Swedish sayings), so embrace your inner Scandinavian/Minnesotan and come learn some Swedish on a winter promenad in the woods! This American Swedish Institute class meets offsite (check online or call for location) and is suitable for beginners and families, so feel free to bring the kids. Learn some basic vocabulary and phrases, play some games and sing a song. $15/members, $18/non-members, $25/member family (2+ individuals), $28/non-member families. 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org Hjärtens Dag (Valentine’s Day) cards.

From stamps and punchers, to ribbon and stencils, a pile of supplies and tools will be at your disposal. Instructor Kayla McDaniels will offer plenty of inspiration, tips and tricks to creating a professional finish on cards for all your friends and loved ones. $35/ASI members, $45/non-members.

American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www.asimn.org 02.20, 6-8 PM Myskväll / Cozy Night at the Castle: Winter in Sweden is even longer and darker than it is here (if you can imagine that). Swedes survive it by making it mysigt (cozy)! Come find out how to make your own winter a little more mysigt in this family-friendly workshop at ASI. Participants will take part in different mysiga activities such as crafts,

story time, fika and more! $5/members, $10/non-members, free/kids. American Swedish Institute, 612.871.4907 / www. asimn.org

New York

02.09, 11 AM Hans Christian Andersen Storytelling: Some of New York’s most famous storytellers present exciting fairy and folk tales and adventures from Scandinavia and the far north. In “Lore From the Fjords: A Program of Scandinavian Tales,” Bill Gordh returns to Scandinavia House for his annual family concert of folk tales from Scandinavia. He’ll accompany the tales with a performance of banjo music and will also bring along his cantele, a 5-string Finnish instrument, to spice up a Finnish tale. Ages 5+ with their families. Scandinavia House, 212.779.3587

02.23, 2 PM & 6 PM Excuse Me, Does My Piano Count as a Carry On? A night of family friendly musical comedy with a Swedish flair brings Magnus Mårtensson, the world’s only blond pianist to have performed at Caroline’s on Broadway, Carnegie Hall and the United Nations AND has the same initials as Marilyn Monroe! Expect laugh out loud comedy and exquisite piano music

National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street Rock Island, IL | 61201-2296 309-794-7204

www.augustana.edu/ swenson

ROBERTA SWEDIEN

Solo piano and spoken word Soirées, private and public concerts, CDs: Swedish Rhapsody CDs. Nordic Miniatures: Now and Then 352.226.9232 www.RobertaSwedien.com

e g a t i r e h r u o y r e cov s i D American Festival Back to the roots

visit the

in Kinda and Ydre in southeastern Sweden

July 19-26, 2019

A homecoming week focusing on emigrants from Sweden to North America and their descendants. Concerts, geneaology, theater plays, cruises, exhibits, food, lectures, guided tours and much more.

We will be happy to arrange a package deal for you.

A detailed program and more information available at www.amerikaveckan.se Kinda Tourist Office, Phone: +46 494 194 10 or turistbyran@kinda.se FEBRUARY 1, 2019 9

local events Pennsylvania

Philadelphia 02.09, 11 AM Semlor and a Movie: Treat yourself to a cream and almond filled Swedish pastry (semla), along with a cup of hot coffee and a Swedish film. $13/advance, $15/door, $6/additional semla. Walk-ins welcome or pre-register by Feb. 7, 215.389.1776 / www. americanswedish.org

Washington

Seattle 02.07-0.21, 7:30 PM Bergman Film Series: The centennial celebration of Swedish writer-director Ingmar Bergman continues on Thursday evenings - Feb 7: The Passion Of Anna / Feb 14: Cries and Whispers / Feb 21: The Magic Flute. Seattle Art Museum, 206.654.3210 / www.seattleartmuseum.org 02.07, 10 AM Nordic Stories: 2019 marks the 12th year of Nordic Stories! Geared toward preschoolers and their grown-ups, Nordic Stories is held the first Thursday of each month.

Come listen to a Nordic-themed story and make a fun craft project: Today’s theme is based on The Piano by Marika Maijala. Free, Nordic Museum, 206.789.5707 / www. nordicmuseum.org 02.11, 7 PM Viking Scholars: Cracking the Runic Code: A leading runologist and professor of Scandinavian languages, Henrik Williams from Uppsala University in Sweden, presents research that combines established traditions of scholarship with modern linguistic science. Nordic Museum, 206.789.5707 / devonk@nordicmuseum. o r g / w w w. n o r d i c m u s e u m . o r g / events/168691 02.12, noon - 2 PM Soup & Cinema - Stella i orlofi (Iceland).

In Stella on Holiday, Stella’s husband breaks his arm and she is forced to go in his place with his Swedish colleague on a fishing trip. Unbeknownst to her, she picks up the wrong man on the airport: a man coming to Iceland to attend a rehab facility. She, along with her children, go to a cabin with the strange man, where comedy ensues. Café Freya will serve hot soup with fresh bread, coffee and cookies.

Nordic Museum, 206.789.5707 / devonk@ nordicmuseum.org / www.eventbrite. com/e/soup-cinema-stella-on-holidayiceland-tickets-53200878259 02.14, 7-8:30 PM Scandi30 - For the Love of Swedish Cinema: Join professor Amanda Doxtater for a look at Swedish cinema history through scenes from its greatest love stories, silent era to present. Bring your sweetheart or meet one in the museum! Free, donations welcome.

Afterward continue the conversation over a drink and Nordic bites. Nordic Museum, 206.789.5707 / devonk@nordicmuseum. org / www.nordicmuseum.org/events

10 NORDSTJERNAN

Swedish Taste on the High Seas

A new exhibit, opening in Philadelphia on February 2, is shaping up to become a permanent exhibit at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Swedish Taste on the High Seas explores the history of the MS Kungsholm and her glorious interiors, which inspired many of the museum’s own signature galleries. The passenger liner was owned and operated by the Swedish American Line and served transatlantic travelers between Gothenburg, Sweden and New York

City, starting in 1928, the same year construction of the ASHM was completed. The Kungsholm was one of the earliest vessels decorated in the Art Deco style—her fashionable passenger spaces made her a popular ship, even during the Great Depression. Featured in the exhibit are the museum’s large ship model, ephemera from the collection, archival photographs and excerpts from passenger travel diaries. 215.389.1776 / www.americanswedish.org

For more local events in Swedish America see our online calendar at www.nordstjernan.com/ calendar or download the free app Nordic in America-Events from the App Store or nordicinamerica.com

readers forum

InBox

Not happy?

King Gustav Vasa (1496 - 1560) crowned in 1523.

Dear Editor, In reference to May-Lis Andrus, Michigan letter about more Swedish News: I do hope that most Americans, if they wish, can read Swedish News on the internet. Such as: Dagens Nyheter, Aftonbladet, Expressen etc., even lokala tidningar. I am from Österbymo, Östergötland and I read Östgöta Korrespondenten and Smålandstidningen every day! Plus I read Nordstjernan too, a very good newspaper.

Kind regards, P.S. Thank you for the write-up about our restaurant & butik, Al Johnson’s - now in our 70th year. DS. Ingert Johnson, WI Dear Ingert, Many do read Swedish News on the internet but many don’t read Swedish and online translating can be unreliable. Others prefer to rely on Nordstjernan to offer the most important or relevant pieces of information. That said, however, kudos for reading Korren and Smålandstidningen every day—few things keep the Swedish language up to date in a better way! P.S. Wishing we can all here visit Al Johnson’s in Sister Bay, WI one of these days, www.aljohnsons.com DS. /Ed.

Life made Sweder:

NORDSTJERNAN Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 for your own subscription.

Hälsning, I am a new subscriber and would like to offer some thoughts.

First, I really enjoyed the December edition and especially liked the articles on Lappland, the julbord, julbock, julhög, anything about our traditions, including the Christmas Stalks. So much of this can become lost if we are not gently reminded through your pages.

I got a lot out of just reading. Please continue this!

The political news was interesting and necessary since the so-called media rarely mentions anything going on over there.

The news about the “Greater Copenhagen” was very startling, considering our history. How do you think Gustav Vasa would feel about this? That was my very first thought! I think it’s dangerous to cede political control to another country, with the added caveat that we fought to expel them and establish our own country. Will they even celebrate June 6 or try to be “politically correct?”

I don’t know if it’s a regular feature, but it would be nice to read about the royal family when there is news about them. So little press is ever written about them.

Thanks for taking the time to read this letter.

Dear Jeff, Thank you, you’re right, Gustav Vasa would surely not have been pleased. Then again, a lot has happened since the Kalmar Union was dissolved a little under 500 years ago (1523 when Gustav Vasa was elected King of Sweden). This part of Sweden, Halland along with Skåne—while still being part of Sweden—does have a lot more in common with Copenhagen than Stockholm; geographically and politically as well as economically. As for cooperating more among the traditional Nordic countries, all of them, including Finland and Norway, only good can come from this. More about today’s Nordic cooperation can be found at Nordiska Rådet (Nordic Co-operation), www.norden.org /Ed.

Gott Nytt År, Jeff Vawter, OH

We’ll keep this in mind as we continue to develop our Swedish content. /Ed.

Dear Editor, The Royal Swedish Navy Cadet Band performing on Jan. 2, 2019 at John F. Kennedy High School, La Palma, CA. For several years “The Green Band” from Japan has played in the JFK auditorium before returning home; a “thank you” concert for the host families in our small city. This year our young Swedish Cadets asked to be allowed to participate, although they had stayed at a hotel. The pride of seeing the five yellow and blue flags on stage was overwhelming to me … from my place in the audience, this was my best shot.

Ulla A-M Herman, CA Dear Ulla, Thanks for contributing. The abundance of flowers in your area this time of the year while “in New York, people are buried in snow” (though not this year!) is what created the Tournament of Roses and the Rose Parade in 1890. We were happy to hear the Swedish band joined the floats and other international bands for the 5-1/2 mile route of

Dear Editor, I would love to see more of current events in Sweden.

Up and coming stars—music, art, literature— even social media, acting etc. Otherwise: great job!

Marianne Emblad, CA

the parade and later performed at your local high school near LA. Some of our readers may have seen this band during the changing of the guards at Stockholm Royal Palace, above. /Ed. We did ask for comments from readers — wanting to hear what else we could do in terms of content and we all (editors as well as readers that is!) appreciate every comment and every contribution from you.

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 11

readers forum We received a page from the December 23, 2018 issue of USA Today from Sandra K. Knoell of Michigan.

It introduces the many guises Santa comes in around the world. On Scandinavia, the article has this to say:

The Yule Goat, Dec. 24-25, Scandinavia:

In Nordic countries such as Sweden and Norway, the original Christmas gift bringer was Joulupukki [Finnish], the Yule Goat, a malevolent spirit who knocked on doors and demanded gifts and leftovers from Yuletide feasts. Later a reformed Joulupukki went around to each house, looking for well-behaved children, who received gifts. Today, the popularity of the Yule goat has fallen, but is still a popular Christmas ornament.

TRUE. Thank you Sandra, Joulupukki, meaning Yule goat, is Finnish for Santa but there are ample examples of both the malevolent and the benevolent goat in Swedish and Norse tradition (some of this covered on p2 in Nordstjernan issue 18/2018). Looking back to the early 20th century, the composer Alice Tegnér published a song called “En Jul när mor var liten” (A Christmas when mother was young) in 1913: En jul när mor var liten / A Christmas when mother was young hörde hon hur någon en kväll / she heard one evening how someone stod där ut och stampa och gav dörr’n en smäll / stood outside stomping, bumping the door with a bang in där klev en julebock / in there stepped a Yule goat skäggig och med luden rock han tog ur sin påse små paketer opp / he pulled from his bag small packages of gifts Another later example is from the beloved children’s author Elsa Beskow’s book “Petter och Lottas jul” (Peter and Lotta’s Christmas) from 1947. The author wrote ”... på den tiden var det inte jultomten, som kom med julklappar, det var en stor julbock som kom in och stötte med käppen i golvet och frågade ’Finns det några snälla barn här?’” [ … in those days Santa was not the provider of Christmas gifts, it was a big Yule goat who entered and bumped the floor with his cane, asking ‘Are there any well-behaved children here?’”]

A crossword in Swedish created by Tom Luning 12 NORDSTJERNAN

For crossword puzzle answers , see key on p27

art and culture

Movie review:

Becoming Astrid The film “Becoming Astrid“ opens with scenes of the beloved author late in life, but this is a story about her stormy teens in the 1920s that so intensely shaped her body of work. It’s an unknown chapter of her life.

While plenty of biopics unexcitingly cover the whole life of a famous person, “Becoming Astrid” focuses on a short character-defining period many years before the author’s breakthrough.

In rural Vimmery, deep down in Sweden’s Småland, the restless 16-year-old Astrid (Alba August) lives a carefree life like one of Lindgren’s characters in “The Children of Noisy Village.” She tells stories at the kitchen table to her siblings and religious parents, dances the Charleston by herself and warms her hands on cow’s bodies. Eager to break free from her conservative upbringing and looking like Pippi Longstocking with long ponytails, she gets an internship at the tiny local paper.

Soon the sexually awakening teenager attracts the attention of the married, middle-aged editor (Henrik Rafaelsen). Astrid gets pregnant and feels forced to go to Copenhagen to secretly give birth to a son whom she leaves in the care of a foster mother. But with a newfound courage Astrid just won’t accept how things are.

It’s a compelling story but told in an uneven way.

The Danish director Pernille Fischer Christensen, who spent a lot of her childhood in the forest of Småland, chooses to play it safe with an utterly straightforward narrative. Despite a lack of depth and artistic courage, the film somehow engages, but only if you are familiar with Astrid Lindgren. If not, it would just be another conventional comingof-age tale.

Alba August, the daughter of the Swedish actress/director Pernilla and Danish director Bille, is stunning as the curious, rebellious and caring young Astrid. Her body language and expressions are beautiful - she carries light and energy, sadness and pain on her tiny shoulders. Trine Dyrholm as the foster mother is wonderful, and the little Lasse child unexpectedly steals scenes. But many of the supporting characters are caricatures, and several actors, like Maria Bonnevie, who plays the mother, are painfully theatrical.

Lesser known chapter of an icon’s life Astrid Lindgren sits by a table reading letters from adoring children.

It’s her birthday. The camera slowly captures her silhouette and we only see a glimpse of her face.

The film “Becoming Astrid“ opens with scenes of the beloved author late in life.

The fact that Astrid doesn’t have a “småländsk” dialect, which her parents have, is only one reason why the film’s credibility is thin. The manipulating soundtrack and the simply emotional tricks are others - the film feels self-aware and stiff.

Perhaps there was a reason the author’s only living child Karin Nyman strongly criticized the making of the film. The late Astrid Lindgren deserves a film that comes to life.

By Niclas Goldberg

Life made Sweder: NORDSTJERNAN Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 for your own subscription

Becoming Astrid will be released on DVD in March. Preorder your own copy from Nordstjernan beginning March 1 to be among the first to see it.

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 13

art and culture

Kung Kalle av Kurrekurreduttön—the Swedish sailor who became king of Tabar Island

Long live the King of Tabar!

It’s difficult to separate fact from fiction when it comes to the incredible life and adventures of Swedish seaman Karl Emil Pettersson. Or shall we call him Captain Longstocking?

According to press accounts from the 1920s and 1930s, Pettersson survived a shipwreck near Papua New Guinea and became “King of Tabar” after marrying the daughter of a tribal chieftain.

But the story doesn’t end there. Pettersson also discovered gold in the South Seas and became fabulously wealthy.

The strange but wonderful life of Karl Emil Pettersson (1875-1937) was the subject of a book in 2002 by entertainer Joachim Langer and anthropologist Helena Regius, Kung Kalle av Kurrekurreduttön (“King Kalle of the Kurrekurredut Island”), published by Forum. In it, the authors claim that the life of the Swedish adventurer likely gave Astrid Lindgren the idea for the character of fictional sea captain Longstocking (Efraim Långstrump), father of Pippi.

In Lindgren’s children’s book “Pippi Longstocking in the South Seas,” Pippi’s supernaturally strong sea-captain father gives his daughter knapsacks filled with gold coins.

Insomnia inspiration

Langer thanks insomnia for his inspiration. “I couldn’t sleep on the night of December 4, 2000, so instead of drinking warm milk, a beer or whiskey, I went up and looked for a really boring book to read,” he said. The volume he selected, called “Gustaf V and His Time” (which belonged to his father, well-known radio personality Pekka Langer), seemed boring enough. But on one dog-eared page, Langer found a brief story from 1935 about “King Pettersson of Tabar.”

“I realized right away that this must be Pippi’s father,” Langer told over a cup of coffee after the book had been published.

Pettersson, who was born in the Stockholm suburb of Sollentuna, was a seaman aboard a steamer called Herzog Johan Albrecht, which on Christmas morning 1904 went aground off the coast of Big Tabar Island, part of New Guinea’s northern archipelago.

According to the legend—which bears a striking resemblance to any number of Laurel and Hardy films—Pettersson faced execution by spear-toting natives. But his life was spared when SingdoMisses, the comely daughter of tribal chieftain Lamy, took pity upon him.

Of course, that is almost certainly not what actually happened. What is known is that Pettersson chose to remain on Tabar after the shipwreck, went to work managing a plantation, and married the 14 NORDSTJERNAN

art and culture Carl Emil Pettersson (October 4 or 23, 1875 - May 12, 1937) circa 1890, the Swedish sailor who became king of Tabar Island in Papua New Guinea after he was shipwrecked in 1904.

Often regarded as the inspiration for Ephraim Longstocking, Pippi’s father inAstrid Lindgren’s children’s series, Pippi Longstocking.

teenage Singdo, who gave birth to nine children, of whom eight survived.

It goes without saying that the interracial marriage of a white Swedish man and a black princess from New Guinea was unheard of in 1907. But there is no doubt that Pettersson truly loved his “princess.”

Contemporary accounts attest to his devotion and affection for Singdo, whom he regarded as “the perfect wife and mother.”

Island riches

Pettersson was highly successful in the copra business between 1920-25 and used his profits to buy boats and large tracts of land. However, the King of Tabar also had the bad luck of investing heavily in the companies of Swedish match-king Kreuger, whose enterprise imploded in the Great Depression.

After several decades on Tabar (also known as Fisher Island) and the death of Singdo, Pettersson returned to Stockholm to find a new bride.

According to descendants of Pettersson, he took out a full-page advertisement in a Stockholm daily newspaper in an effort to find a “Queen” to return with him to his mini-kingdom in the South Seas.

“Kung Kalle av Kurrekurreduttön, en resa i Efraim Långstrumps fotspår” Bokförlaget Forum AB, 2002 ISBN: 9789137120256. ISBN-10: 9137120255 189 pages, in Swedish Helena Regius, Joakim Langer www.bokborsen.se Pettersson, like the father of Pippi Longstocking, made a fortune from gold. In 1935, Karl had arranged for an Australian engineering firm to start explorations on the island of Tatu, in the Tabar group. Pettersson selected that location when a schooner owned by a friend found flecks of gold in some mud attached to a ship’s anchor. A company founded by Pettersson and some partners discovered a commercial gold vein and established a mine on the nearby island of Lihir, where Pettersson had a plantation.

Multimedia king

Pettersson, who suffered from heart trouble due to malaria, left Papua New Guinea for the last time in 1935, with the intention of returning to Sweden. But he never made it back to his homeland; after a remarkable life, he died two years later in Sydney, Australia.

Along with social anthropologist Helena Regius, who lived in Papua New Guinea for over four years, Joakim Langer made a series of trips to Tabar to meet the descendants of Pettersson, who was also known locally as “Strong Charley.”

In addition to “King Kalle of Kurrekurredut Island,” Langer also wrote a children’s book inspired by Pettersson’s life called “Captain Kalle on the Seven Seas.”

Since the non-fiction book about King Karl of Tabar was finally published, there is little chance that he will fade from public consciousness again soon.

not my time to die Titanic and the Swedes on Board

by Lilly Setterdahl The 123 Swedes on board made up the third largest ethnic group on the Titanic after the American and the British.

The book profiles each of the Swedish passengers; including the 34 survivors...

Perfect bound, large size paperback, 296 pages. Richly illustrated.

Please send me

book(s) x $19.95 =

S&H (in the continental U.S.) + $4.95 Total: Name Address City, State, Zip

Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10

Tel. Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan Please charge my credit card:

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feature

boutique wine maker Oregon winemakers with Swedish-Danish heritage specialize in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes.

Leif Rosqvist

The state of Oregon is the number four producer of wine in the U.S. after California, Washington and New York, but it demonstrates a more advanced diversity that is absolute magic. Although there are more than 700 wineries in Oregon — harvesting over 60 tons of grapes per year and producing three million cases of wine — there’s also a vast number of private and medium boutique style winemakers, each producing from 100 to several thousand cases of excellent wine each year. In 2016 the top five grape varieties produced in Oregon were Pinot Noir (17,744 acres), Pinot Gris (3,705 acres), Chardonnay (1,482 acres), Riesling (713 acres) and Cabernet Sauvignon (626 acres).

We took a tour around the Willamette Valley area to learn about the two most fundamental ingredients for growing good wine grapes: weather and soil.

Willamette Valley weather

The Cascade Range is fundamental to creating the microclimate that makes Willamette a suitable wine region. On the western ridge, the Oregon Coast Range protects the region from the rather 16 NORDSTJERNAN

cold Pacific Ocean and creates a rain shadow that keeps the vineyards healthy and dry. While the cold waters are ideal for fishing, the maritime climate is too extreme for viticulture.

The coastal hills buffer the harsher maritime conditions but they also allow the cool ocean breezes to pass through wide crevices into the valley. The most significant one in Willamette is the Van Duzer corridor — a channel which allows the ocean breeze to cool off the majority of the valley every evening around 5 p.m. and into the night. The AVA (American Viticultural Area) currently closest to the Van Duzer corridor is Eola-Amity Hills, renowned for its wines with firm acidity and tight tannins. While it affects the entire valley, we tend to feel the wind the most acutely in the afternoon.

We can have an almost 35 degree diurnal shift.

The cooling impact of the ocean across the entire valley is a fundamental element for keeping the nuance of varieties like Pinot Noir. Without it they would struggle in the heat of the Oregon summers. And where does the summer heat come from? On the other side of the Cascades is the

Owyhee Desert — an extreme continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. They protect Willamette from the intense heat of central Oregon.

Its location between these two mountain ranges gives the Willamette Valley a unique climate with the best of both worlds: warm and sunny enough to ripen the grapes, but cool enough to retain the trademark acidity.

Dirt matters

All Oregonians actually care about dirt, and that attitude is part of the Willamette Valley terroir.

The monumental Missoula floods thousands of years ago were a starting point, but even before that was an important chunk of history when Willamette was effectively a seabed. There was also an important volcanic period in the Willamette Valley, when rich lava flows created new land.

The combination of old volcanic soil and the sedimentary soil from its life under water give the valley its base “terroir.� Then when the great Missoula floods came from Montana and Washington, the waters washed through Oregon and deposited a complex mixture of soils and rich marshland which provided the fertile valley floor. The flood deposit soil, however, is generally too rich for vineyards; it is used for other crops where vigor is a good thing.

The fundamentals

We need to develop an understanding of the ingredients for making good wine, and Fullerton Wine is a good example with the three major soils of the Willamette Valley: 1) sedimentary soils in Willakenzie, Bellpine, Chuhulpin, Hazelair, Melbourne and Dupee. The Willakenzie soils are the oldest in Willamette Valley; and eroded rock material, deposited in layers to form sedimentary rocks, such as sandstone, limestone and mudstone and metamorphic rocks, such as marble, quartzite and slate; 2) volcanic soils in Jory, Nekia and Saum. They

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 17

feature are often very rich in nutrients and hold water well because of their volcanic ash content. These soils are called andisols, and they are usually young and acidic, depending on which type of volcano they come from; 3) loess soils in Laurelwood and Cornelius. Loess is an aeolian sediment formed by the accumulation of wind-blown silt, typically in the 20–50 micrometer size range, 20 percent or less clay and the balance equal parts sand and silt loosely cemented by calcium carbonate.

Taking all these variables into account, Susanne and Eric Fullerton and their winemaker son Alex, who are of Swedish-Danish descent, concentrated their efforts on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes and wines because they were in their minds the best chance for success. Overall, it can also be said that the Oregon winemakers make among the best Pinot Noirs in America.

There are, of course, several notable California bottlings well worth savoring, but the terroir of Oregon, particularly the Willamette Valley, seems to possess the perfect aspects of soil and climate to produce Pinot Noirs that rival the better Burgundies.

Measuring quality

Wine quality is very much dependent on the quality of the grapes. First you select the vineyards with the best grapes meeting the quality test of the Willamette’s climate and terroir. Judgments, competitions, ratings and price tags seem to be the most common ways to define quality ... but isn’t one person’s assessment different from an another person’s, or do we blindly go on one judgment and ratings by others for our choice of wine?

Most of the Fullerton wines have quality ratings in the 90s, which satisfies most peoples’ guidance for purchase, positioning Fullerton Wine very well in the market. To increase my ability to present the information given in this article, I attended a Fullerton Wine course: Winemaking in the Winery,

18 NORDSTJERNAN

given by the winemaker Alex Fullerton at the Belle Vallee Cellars in Corvallis. It was an unforgettable tour and taste of wine making and production.

I learned that after crushing and de-stemming the grapes they will pass the wine pressing stage, where they enter the juice extraction and then go into the fermentation process. Fullerton is a strong believer in and prefers “spontaneous fermentation,” which occurs naturally when the wild yeast and microorganisms that the grapes bring with them from the vineyard are encouraged to propagate. Sometimes wild yeast is referred to as “natural” yeast, though there is no such thing as artificial or fabricated yeast. All yeast — even cultured — is natural. The difference is whether the fermentation is from “wild” or “inoculated” yeast.

Cultured yeasts have only been in the winemaking business within the last century. For thousands of years previously, all wine was fermented on wild (indigenous) yeast. The question is, if wine ferments on its own, why do some feel the need to inoculate and some don’t?

“We at Fullerton want you to taste our place, and by using native yeast from our vineyard you get the fullest expression of that site,” say the Fullertons.

So, raise a glass to science … and all that we don’t fully understand.

A melding of art and science

to bottle.” Winemaker Alex and proprietor Eric Fullerton taste through several blends to finalize the blend to be bottled. They take many notes during blending trials thus assuring the best database and history for best stability in final product.

In the maturing process oak barrels will be used to add subtle flavor to a wine. New oak will give it a strong woody, vanilla taste and smell. In order to build a complex and layered Willamette Valley blend, Fullerton uses French oak barrels for fermentation. For the open-top tanks, they favor punch-down, whereas the closed-top tanks received pump-over exclusively (see photo). The unique rotator barrel spun on schedule yields a gentle extraction. All methods also receive a minimum of two rack-and-returns during rotation at precise times during the fermentation process.

Nearly all lots are cold-soaked for up to 10 days, and ambient yeasts carry out the fermentation.

In total they use 15 percent whole clusters, and the wine is aged for 11 months in 29 percent new French oaks barrels.

Next time you open a bottle of wine crafted by an independent producer, you can sip it knowing you’re tasting the result of great care and attention to detail, and the artful use of taste buds.

For more info, see www.fullertonwines.com

Blending, a vital step in the winemaking process, assures the final product will be balanced and layered with flavorful, aromatic, and textural complexities, controlling the many steps “from barrel In 2010, Alex Fullerton graduated from the University of Oregon with an economics degree.

After a while he started as an intern at Penner-Ash Winery followed by a trip to New Zealand to work at Drylands Winery in Marlborough. Although the experience didn’t align with handcrafted winemaking in Oregon, he came back determined to learn more about growth and production. He continued working for Penner-Ash for the 2011 harvest, and he worked the following harvest at Bergström Wines under winemaker Josh Bergström.

Fullerton Wines began in 2011 when Alex and Eric partnered with their good friend Roger Wallberg (see earlier article Big Wines—in smaller scale) and made some barrels of Pinot Noir. Today, Fullerton Wines crafts treasured Willamette Valley wines, focused purely on the Burgundian varietals of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 19

feature

From fishing and lumber to fruit A couple hours east of Portland, Orgon is Mount Hood, the second most climbed mountain in the world. Mt. Hood is crowned by 11 glaciers and is home to the only year-round ski resort in North America. Apple trees are blooming in the foreground.

The official state fruit of Oregon is the pear, not the grape, which according to the botanical system, isn’t even a fruit; it’s a berry.

Apples, sweet and sour cherries, chestnuts, figs, hazelnuts, peaches and pears.… It was supposedly a Missouri farmer in the 1840s who brought the first fruit trees and saplings to Oregon. Today, approximately 26 percent of Oregon is farmland and the majority of farms are relatively small (73 percent are fewer than 99 acres in size) and individually or family owned. The state’s population is largely concentrated in the fertile Willamette Valley, which stretches from Eugene in central Oregon to Portland, the state’s largest city.

Although the first known Swede to have settled in Oregon was Carl Magnus Wiberg, born in Norrköping, Sweden in 1820, it was salmon fishing and opportunities in lumbering that brought most of the early Swedish settlers to the area. Wiberg, a shoemaker, who arrived to Portland in 1852 via London and Panama, became known as Charles M. Wiberg.

According to Allan Kastrup’s The Swedish Heritage in America, “the Swedish-born population in 20 NORDSTJERNAN

Oregon increased sharply first in the 1880s, from less than 1,000 to nearly 4,000, and then during the years 1900-1910 when it rose from about 4,500 to over 10,000. In the early 1900s, the Lewis and Clark Exposition of 1905 and the activities of the Oregon State Commission of Immigration helped attract Swedish immigrants in growing numbers.”

He concludes that the promotional efforts by the commission may have been beamed primarily to Scandinavian and German peoples.

churches with Swedish roots, Immanuel Lutheran Church on NW Irving and NW 19th Avenue in Portland, and was also instrumental in creating the Emanuel Hospital and Health Center (www. legacyhealth.org), one of the largest health facilities in the Pacific Northwest. The 20th century Gothic style Immanuel Lutheran Church features the original stained glass windows which include numerous Swedish inscriptions that commemorate early members of the congregation.

First settlement

Pillars of heritage

According to Kastrup, the first important settlement in Oregon was by N. F. Palmquist in 1875, who settled in Gresham and Powell Valley, north of Portland. Southeast of Portland is Colton, settled by a Swedish land company that intended to call the area Carlsborg — the spirit behind this was Carl J. Renhard from Höreda in Småland who was a Lutheran minister in Portland. The Rev. Renhard held the pastorate at the largest of three still active

When the Swedish immigrants came to America, whether to Oregon or elsewhere, they searched for support from what could be called “Pillars of Heritage.” This support system of churches, societies and clubs helped make the adjustment to the new country easier. A couple blocks west of Immanuel Lutheran Church, at 2066 NW Irving Street is Linnea Hall, which has played an important role in Portland’s Swedish history.

the pacific states

Oregon wine ... from California

Linnea Society Undoubtedly, the Linnea Society has meant much for many immigrants. Society charter member Charles W. Swenson said, “Linnea is like expanding your family to include hundreds of good friends — and they are good friends. If something should happen to me and I should need help, friends would come to me from everywhere through the society — and it is the same for all others.”

An elderly woman spoke in glowing praise of the organization. She was lonely when she came from Sweden, but when she learned that Linnea was admitting women, she joined.

by Leif Rosqvist

The woman said, “At the time, we were all ignorant greenhorns. Most of us could not use English, and no one outside of our own people would have anything to do with us socially. I experienced many disappointments here — nothing was as good as I imagined it would be. But, good old Linnea was just like a mother, a sister and a brother to all of us young girls.”

Similar are the stories you will find in the well-known Swedish-American journalist Ernst Skarstedt’s trilogy of “Swedes in the Far West,” Continues on next page

Drawing from the 1920s: The docks of Portland by the Columbia River were based on the Swedish engineer G.B. Hegardt’s plans and drawings. In 1926 Hegardt moved to the San Francisco Bay Area when the Port of Oakland hired him as its first general manager.

“The coastal hills of Oregon are an ideal region to grow this resonant style of Pinot Noir.

Along with cool summers and short growing season, the soil and long days of sun rays are the foundation of this Pinot Noir’s northern character, Elouan means good light, and acidity, depth of flavor, and vibrant mouthfeel.

Enjoy!” - Elouan Wines The successful winemaker Joe Wagner, creator of wines like Meiomi and Belle Glos, created the Elouan Oregon Pinot Noir from California. When I read about this, I bought a bottle to confirm the Oregon style Pinot Noir. Not surprisingly the wine is an excellent Pinot, but is it worth $28?

The wines, which are made with Oregon grapes from coastal hills in the Rogue Valley region but produced in California, have been mired in controversy over their use of Oregon’s appellations, or American Viticultural Areas (AVA), on their labels and packaging.

So, Elouan vintner Joe Wagner can no longer reference specific Oregon appellations on his Oregon wine labels. That’s according to the Federal Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB), which has pulled its earlier label approval for Wagner’s Elouan and Willametter Journal Pinot Noirs.

Many in the Oregon wine industry insist this isn’t an attack on out-ofstate producers, pointing to the growing number of French and California wineries investing in the state. (Those producers make their wine instate.)

“We certainly aren’t trying to put anyone out of business,” said Tom Danowski, CEO of the Oregon Wine Association. “We just want everyone to follow the same rules.”

In spite of this ruling Wagner doesn’t plan to change how he makes his wines, preferring to oversee production at a single facility. Pinot Noir drinkers and supporters hope he is not changing how he is making his Pinot as it is very good. But he acknowledges his critics may not back down. “I don’t think they will ever stop until we bring production up to Oregon,” he said. “That’s not something we are thinking of doing.”

Leif Rosqvist

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 21

the pacific states

Linnea Hall, 2066 NW Irving Street in Portland, today.

Continued from previous page published 1911, where in the third volume “Oregon och dess svenska befolkning” [Oregon and its Swedish population] was a part. The book covered the period from 1880 to 1910, and it was organized in the same way as its two predecessors about California and Washington: It began with a general history of the state, moved on to the various activities of the Swedes and concluded with a substantial biographical section of prominent Swedish immigrants.

Today, these stories have become a gold mine of information for both genealogists and readers interested in ethnography, immigration and history in the state of Oregon. Many of the biographies you will find at the Swedish Roots In Oregon (SRIO) website, www.swedishrootsinoregon.org

Building a community

In a nation of immigrants, Oregonians’ relationship with immigrant newcomers was always ambivalent — just like across America. Many immigrants have thrived, but at times laws and prejudice limited rights or banned certain ethnicities altogether.

Immigrants of Swedish origin did not in general face this problem.

Swedish immigration to Oregon during the period 1880-1990 peaked in the 1910-30s, after which immigration gradually slowed. According to the U.S. Census, more than 125,000 Oregonians identify themselves as Swedish-Americans, which is a significant base for Swedish interest.

22 NORDSTJERNAN

SRIO has translated about 100 biographies compiled and edited by Ernst Skarstedt, covering Swedish immigration into Portland and Oregon during the late 1800s and early 1900s. In all these biographies, there is a common thread: “The Swedish Society of Linnea,” one of the oldest Swedish societies in Oregon.

Linnea was organized October 29, 1888 as “Svenska Bröderna” (The Swedish Brothers), and was founded by Philip W. Liljeson, the driving force behind the formation of a sick benefit and funeral organization for Swedish immigrants.

After four years, on November 30, 1892, the organization changed its name to “Svenska Sällskapet Linnea” (Swedish Society of Linnea). At this time they started to admit women, and after some time there were almost equal numbers of men and women in the organization.

This is well in line with the old Swedish saying, “för mannen är det ej godt att vara allena” (“it is not good for the man to be alone”).

The charter

The main charter of The Swedish Society of Linnea was to help and steady the weak and faltering, to aid its members to grow both intellectually and morally, to nourish a consciousness of our national heritage, and to protect our treasured Swedish language.

Key benefits that Swedish Society of Linnea provided the immigrant community included help with benefits during unemployment, funds to cover the sick and funeral costs. This was extraordinary

for an immigration-based society in the early 1900s; it was very generous with the Swedish population in general.

The society played a very important role in the cultural and historical development of Swedish heritage in Portland as documented by SRIO and others. The society sponsored a variety of programs to make it easy for new immigrants to fit in the new foreign environment and to develop contacts for employment and relationships. This was done through activities such as picnics and parties, very much as we do today. At all occasions Swedish was spoken, Swedish food was prepared and music played, and the Swedish folk tradition was observed.

The meeting place

A new Scandinavian Baroque Revival style building was planned and constructed by E. J. Grahs.

Built of stucco, weatherboards, metal and wood, the building at 2066 NW Irving St., Portland was completed in 1910. On the lower floor was a banquet hall as well as spaces for a caretaker, furnace, etc. A meeting hall and reception rooms were located on the second floor, and the actual club rooms were located on the third floor.

The cornerstone of Linnea Hall was placed in the foundation on September 5, 1910. Though the membership reached an estimated 500 in the early 1920s, it declined in the 1930s. By 1946 it had shrunk to 125, and in 1979 the Linnea Hall was sold. In 1980 Linnea Hall was named a Portland historical landmark.

Linnea is still serving the immigrant community together with several other Swedish organizations such as the Vasa lodges, New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society and the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation. The membership is today stable at about 40 members, several being long-time members. Judy Rust, Linnea president, is indicating that current changes in American society are reshaping the Linnea Society to become more of a social club and charity organization, servicing the current Swedish immigrant population.

the pacific states

Oregon’s Northwest, Astoria

O

The Astoria cityscape with Astoria-Megler Bridge.

ne of the first Swedes to reach high public office in the Northwest was Albin Walter Norblad of Astoria, originally from Malmö in southern Sweden; he became the 19th governor of Oregon by succession when the incumbent died in 1929. A graduate of the University of Chicago Law School, he returned to practice law in Astoria. His son, A. Walter Norblad, followed in his father’s footsteps and was a member of the U.S. House of Representatives for Oregon’s 1st Congressional District in the state’s northwest corner from 1946 until his death in 1964.

Nordic through and through

Several of the historic buildings of Astoria have Swedish or Nordic connections. Last year Astorians of Scandinavian descent were celebrating the approval of an agreement with the City of Astoria that will allow them to build Scandinavian Heritage Park at the entrance to downtown Astoria near the Astoria Riverwalk. The park, and a new monument, will make locals and visitors alike aware of the ethnic heritage that contributed immensely to the fabric of the community on the north coast of Oregon. The monument will honor families that left Scandinavia and moved to Astoria to become Americans.

Parade at the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival in Astoria, Oregon

The non-profit Astoria Scandinavian Heritage Association is the leading group to build Scandinavian Heritage Park and supports the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival.

The annual Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, held the third weekend of June at the Clatsop County Fairgrounds, is a major activity for local Scandinavians, lodges and descendants, and attracts visitors from all corners of the Pacific Northwest.

At the 50th annual Midsummer Festival in 2017, the event was recognized as an Oregon Heritage Tradition by the Oregon Historical Commission.

For more information on Scandinavian Heritage Park, see www.astoriascanpark.org and on the Midsummer Festival (June 21-23, 2019), see www. astoriascanfest.com Continues on next page

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 23

the pacific states Continued from previous page No ethnic community should be without its store.

Finn Ware of Astoria opened at 1116 Commercial Street (503.325.5720) in 1987 to supply local Scandinavians with design and specialty products from all the Nordic countries. As of December 2018 Finn Ware also opened Nordic Finn Ware, a store at Portland’s Nordia House to offer Nordic products such as Iittala, Marimekko, Ekelund, Royal Copenhagen, Fazer, Marabou and more.

Portland’s Nordic Finn Ware is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Man of vision

Gustav Bernhard Hegardt, born in Domö, Västergötland in 1859 and educated at the Borås Technical School in Sweden, immigrated to the U.S. in 1880. He arrived in Oregon after some years in Chicago and worked for the government in Astoria at the mouth of the Columbia River from 1888 through 1905 and on the fortifications at Fort Stevens (now a state park). Hegardt moved to Portland in 1905 and founded the consulting firm Hegardt & Clarke, which specialized in land surveys, irrigation systems and reclamation projects. In 1911, he was appointed chief engineer of the newly established Portland Commission of Public Docks, which later merged with the Port of Portland. The new port was created based on Hegardt’s drawings and the supervision by his consulting firm.

Nordia House

The cultural center Nordia House has fast become a focal point for programs, classes and exhibitions geared to the Nordic community. Inspired by the sights and sounds of Swedish cafes and new Nordic cuisine, its in-house café, Broder Söder, offers a brunch and lunch menu consistently ranked among Portland’s top ten. Nordia House is run by the nonprofit organization Nordic Northwest (www.nordicnorthwest.org / NNW, originally the Scandinavian Heritage Foundation) which is located next to Fogelbo, the historic home of the Fogelquist family on Olesen Road.

Hegardt (far right) with aviator and fellow Swede Charles Lindbergh (center) in an undated photo.

Hegardt was instrumental in the creation of a municipal airport in Oakland, completed in 1929.

It was northern California’s largest and best-equipped airport at the time.

In case you’re sightseeing in Portland with a Swedish eye for the first time, don’t miss a visit to the Pittock Mansion (www.pittockmansion.org).

The 22-room mansion built by the newspaper man behind “The Oregonian” showcases examples of work by local Swedish craftsmen of the early 20th century.

Sources: The Swedish Heritage in America, Allan Kastrup Oregon och dess Svenska Befolkning, Ernst Skarstedt Swedish Oregon, edited by Lars Nordström The Swedish Society of Linnea, E. J, Grahs

Swedes of Oregon, William Carlson Smith.

Oregon Historical Society Port of Oakland, Oakland Aviation

Nordic Spirit presents

Vikings, Sagas and Runestones: New Findings Change History

Including two distinguished speakers from the University of Uppsala, Sweden February 8 & 9, 2019 Thousand Oaks, California On the campus of California Lutheran University Information: scandinaviancenter.org Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation 24 NORDSTJERNAN

art and culture

Semlan

This recipe by the 2010 Swedish Pastry Chef of the Year, Roy Fares, has been unanimously voted best ever (so far) by Nordstjernan. Make no mistake: the deluxe almond paste is what makes this particular recipe special. Fares has published three bestselling cookbooks with the most recent being “United States of Cakes.” The former model-turned-pastry chef of Lebanese origin has become well known in Sweden, and this particular recipe for the seasonal - currently omnipresent - semla, is from his guest appearance on the daily TV show Go’kväll (Good evening).

Ingredients Dough, step 1 7 oz whole milk (2dl or 200 grams) 1-3/4 cup whole wheat all-purpose flour

(10 oz / 260 grams) 25 g fresh yeast

with parchment paper. Cover the buns and let them sit and rise for 1.5 - 2 hours until they have doubled in size.

- Bake them in the oven (410°F) for 8 - 10 minutes until they are golden.

- Deluxe almond paste: Mix all the ingredients except the milk in a mixer. Add milk little by little (= lite i taget) and mix until you have a smooth paste on low speed.

- When the buns have cooled, use scissors to cut out a triangle and lift the top off. Fill with the almond paste. The easiest way to fill the buns is by folding the paste into a bag and spritzing it into the buns.

Before serving - Whip the heavy cream. Use a plastic bag or a piping bag to spritz on the heavy cream. Add the top. Use a sieve to decorate with the powdered sugar. Enjoy!

Dough, step 2 1-1/4 cup (160 grams) whole wheat all-purpose flour 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon ground cardamom 100 g butter (1 stick of butter is 113 grams),

room temperature 3 oz sugar (85 g)

Mom’s chicken soup with tortellini

Deluxe almond paste 15 oz almond paste (500 grams) - we prefer the Danish Odense, available through Scandina

vian stores 1-1/2 oz ground almond or almond flour

(50 grams) 1-1/2 oz finely chopped almonds 1 tablespoon ground cardamom (5 grams) 2-1/2 tablespoons vanilla sugar (20 grams) 3 oz confectioners sugar (90 grams) 5 oz whole milk (1.5 dl / 150 grams)

When the weather gets cold, few things are as warm and comforting as a good soup. And at this time of the year, having a lighter meal before indulging in a semla isn’t a bad thing either.…

The first time I ate hot chicken stock with tortellini and freshly grated parmesan was in Italy. That such simple ingredients could taste so good together! When I came home I experimented in the kitchen and found how I wanted my very own chicken stock. The recipe is really simple. Chicken hulls and root vegetables. And TIME! If you find it difficult to find the time to cook your own, there are ample varieties of store bought fresh chicken stock. For the soup below I always add more root vegetable but that’s up to taste. I serve the soup with ciabatta rolls, butter and cheese, and sometimes I put leak and/ or celery in the soup to create a different taste.

Decoration 34 oz heavy cream confectioners sugar Instructions - Dough, step 1 Heat the milk to lukewarm (110-115°F). Dissolve the yeast with the milk, add flour and pour into mixer. Put mixer on half speed to mix the dough.

Let rest for 15 minutes.

- Dough, step 2 Mix all the remaining ingredients with the rested step 1 dough in the mixer and mix on low speed for two minutes. Increase the speed and mix for 7 minutes until the dough is glossy and feels elastic.

- Divide the dough into 14 equal pieces, weighing approximately 60 grams each. Roll the buns with your hand and place on a baking sheet covered

PS. We understand many of you enjoy following the recipes we carry in Nordstjernan. For the future, and especially for baking, our test kitchen recommends you invest in a weight scale that measures both ounces and grams since gram weights are more exact and are often used by chefs. DS. Recipe, text and photo: Gunilla Blixt www.gunillablixt.se

Ingredients 5-1/4 cup (1-1/4 liter) chicken stock 1 yellow onion 1 large carrot (3/4 cup - 150 g) 1 celeriac (1/4 cup - 30 g) 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 package tortellini (9 oz - 250 g) 1 cup (9 oz - 200–250 g) pulled chicken meat grated parmesan for serving Instructions - Pour the chicken stock into a saucepan. Clean and finely chop the onion. Peel the carrot and celeriac, and finely dice them.

- Heat the oil in a frying pan and fry the onion, carrot and celery on high heat. Add to the stock and heat it to a boil. Add tortellini and boil again.

- Lower the heat and let simmer under the lid for about 10 minutes, or until the carrot and tortellini are soft. (If you use fresh tortellini, follow instructions on the package to avoid overcooking time.)

- Pour the soup into preheated bowls and serve immediately, smoking hot. Sprinkle with grated parmesan.

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 25

local events

It’s good to be noticed

The Vasa Order of America’s Tegnér Lodge #149 received an award from the Oakland Heritage Alliance (OHA), a local nonprofit that promotes the preservation of the city’s historic, cultural and natural resources. The award recognized Tegnér’s founding and presence in Oakland, and coincided with Tegnér’s 110th anniversary.

The award was presented in November as part of OHA’s Partners in Preservation celebration, an annual event honoring noteworthy individuals and organizations. The award to Tegnér recognized its contribution to the rich cultural diversity of Oakland, as well as for modeling community participation and involvement.

Tegnér Lodge #149 is the oldest Swedish American lodge in the East Bay. It was formed in 1908 and met in Jenny Lind Hall until World War II. The lodge has its original signed charter from 1908 as well as its record book. Named for the revered Swedish writer Esaias Tegnér (1782- 1846) who was also a Greek language professor, the Bishop of Lund, and regarded as the father of modern Swedish poetry, Tegnér began as a focal point for reconsolidating the Bay Area Swedish-American community following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake and fire. The lodge was up and running in November 1908. It offered much needed socializing and support to the dispersed Swedish arrivals, as well as sick and death benefits.

Tegnér members still meet monthly for a potluck dinner and cultural program at the Bjornson Hall Sons of Norway lodge in Oakland. The cultural programs foster awareness of Swedish and Swedish American history and cultural impacts, and celebrate time-honored Swedish traditions.

organizations to survive. Many have lost members or disappeared completely, taking with them a rich cultural legacy that helped shape the Bay Area as we know it today. By helping preserve the unique traditions that came from Sweden, including Midsommar and Santa Lucia celebrations, Tegnér contributes to make the Bay Area an interesting and culturally rich environment.

The lodge’s history also sheds light on the larger history of the city. From its early days, Swedish Americans have played a major role in the shipping and boat repair industries, the rail services, and in the building trades as architects and construction workers. The persistence of Tegnér Lodge is a reminder of and link to this past.

In 2012, Tegnér received a $15,000 grant from the Barbro Osher Foundation for a research project, “the Swedish History of the East Bay.” Focusing on Oakland, the center of the early Swedish American community, the project researched immigration and settlement patterns from the late 1800s, cultural events, and the role of churches, businesses and organizations, community leaders, architects and builders. The project produced a final report, oral histories, numerous presentations to Swedish cultural groups, and articles in Nordstjernan. Although the project is officially completed, continued research is turning up new information about Swedish and Swedish American influences on our city.

A cultural legacy

The special award recognized the umbrella organization, the Vasa Order of America, established in 1896 in New Haven, Connecticut at the height of Swedish immigration to the United States.

Originally a safety net for Swedish immigrants, Vasa has evolved over the years; today it welcomes anyone with an interest in Scandinavian culture and heritage.

Tegnér continues to model community participation and teamwork. As ethnic communities have dispersed throughout the Bay Area, it has become increasingly difficult for their original community 26 NORDSTJERNAN

Tegnér is pleased to be part of the city’s ongoing story and is seeking new ways to make itself better known to East Bay residents. We have all been shaped by events, both known and unknown to us, that occurred in our collective past. With any luck, a lot of concerted effort, and more tooting of our own horns, the lodges will continue to participate in and shape our united histories.

For more info on our lodge, see www.tegnerlodge.org and on Vasa Order of America, see www. vasaorder.com Kitty Hughes

Tegnér Lodge #149 meets monthly at the Bjørnson Hall of Sons of Norway in Oakland.

Key for the crossword puzzle on p10

Statue of Swedish writer, professor of Greek language, and bishop Esaias Tegnér; during the 19th century regarded as the father of modern poetry in Sweden.

local events

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A humorous collection of essays about growing up, reaching adulthood and maturity on two continents and in two separate cultures.

Loved by Rednecks, Bluenecks, Swedes and Americans: “… something any Swedish American will enjoy” … “A humorous look at Swedes and Swedishness” … “[written with] the gift of clarity, humor, pathos, and joy” A book from Nordstjernan, also available on Amazon.

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news in brief

Swedish News Russia provokes Sweden

This was claimed by Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist at the defense conference Folk och Försvar (People and Defense) in Sälen on January 13-15. He said Russia invests heavily in conventional military and nuclear weapons and has been increasingly aggressive in its behavior, including in the vicinity of Sweden. Among other things, he also pointed out the poisoning attack in British Salisbury and increased spy activities. “What we have to consider is a wide range of activities,” he said. Hultqvist stressed how it takes time to build up military capacity, but Sweden is better prepared today than it was in 2014 with the reintroduction of conscription and basic military training for Sweden’s youth..

Increased defense spending

In the next three years, the Swedish Armed Forces can expect an increase in funding and conscripts, regardless of government. Defense is one area of the agreement entered into by the Social Democrats, the Green Party, the Liberals and the Center Party to form a new government. The agreement stipulates that the funding level will increase by SEK 3 billion this year, SEK 5 billion in 2020 and SEK 10 billion in 2021. That’s a total increase of SEK 18 billion during the three-year period. The agreement on defense is based on the budget by the Moderates and the Christian Democrats, which the Riksdag voted for in December 2018.

Drug deficiency threatens Sweden after Brexit

The European Medicines Agency issued a warning last year that a result of Brexit could be that 108 important drugs produced in the UK could no longer be sold in the EU without a solid agreement.

After examining alternative treatments and consulting with national pharmaceutical authorities and manufacturers, the number dropped to around 30, according to Läkemedelsverket (the Medical Products Agency) in Sweden. While this may be true, most indicators show the EU preparing to give England more time, with expectations for the British parliament to vote against Theresa May’s proposed Brexit agreement. Although accepted by the other 27 member countries, it has been criticized by both sides in British parliament and was rejected in the vote on Jan. 15. One side claims: “… [It] leaves us too entangled with the EU,” and the other says, “… [It] puts us far worse off than a membership and without a seat the table.” By law March 29 is the day when the UK should leave the EU—with or without an agreement. An extension can only be allowed if all other members agree.

28 NORDSTJERNAN

Kaggeholm Castle on Ekerö (island). Price tag: SEK 89 million ($10 million)

The most expensive houses in Sweden 2018

Thirty-eight of the 50 most expensive houses and farms in Sweden are located in Stockholm. A couple farms in southern Sweden reached top positions on the list, while the most expensive houses in some municipalities only cost a percentage of the luxury homes in the Stockholm area. The most expensive property sold in Sweden last year was Kaggeholm Castle on Ekerö (island) outside Stockholm, according to statistics by real estate site Booli. The seller was the Pentecostal Church in Sweden, which received SEK 89 million ($10 million) for the property. SEK

69.9 million was the price tag of the next most expensive villa sold last year. The house is located in Danderyd municipality and was owned by Swedish tennis player Robin Söderling. In third place was another villa in Danderyd: Spotify founder Daniel Ek paid just under SEK 65 million for the posh address. Danderyd, just north of Stockholm City, is one of the smallest municipalities of Sweden (population 30,000) but is also the most affluent. The four districts of the “kommun” are Danderyd, Djursholm, Stocksund and Enebyberg.

BSB to Sweden

A favorite ’90s boy band will play this spring in Sweden. On January 25, the Backstreet Boys released the new album “DNA” and in connection with the album release they started a world tour.

On May 31, the band will be in Sweden. The Backstreet Boys’ new world tour is the band’s largest arena tour in 18 years and includes two concerts in Sweden. On May 31 they play at Scandinavium in Göteborg and on June 2 at Globen in Stockholm.

It is the best-selling boy band of all time with hits like “I want it that way,” “Quit playing games with my heart” and “Everybody.” Concert tickets were released already in November so check availability if you’re in Sweden and don’t want to miss a performance there.

Never heard the band? Too young or too old? Check w w w. b a c k streetboys. com to listen to the single “Chances” from the new The debut album by American boy album. band Back Street Boys of 1996

Vegans like Sweden

Chef's Pencil released the latest study of the most popular places in the world for vegans. Sweden ranks 4th as the most popular country and Gothenburg and Stockholm rank 14th and 15th respectively in the world where veganism was most popular in 2018. Chef’s Pencil used Google Trends to analyze the search interest level for vegan trends across the world. Searches for vegan-related topics in any language were at an alltime high with the top three countries being Australia, United Kingdom and New Zealand; the U.S. ranked 7th. The full study can be accessed at www.chefspencil.com/where-veganism-is-mostpopular-around-the-world-in-2018

news in brief

Sweden gets new government After the longest political standoff in the country’s history, Sweden finally has a government. As of Friday, January 18, 2019 — four months after the general election — Social Democrat leader Stefan Löfven won parliament’s support to head a new centre-left minority government. This will be Löfven’s second four-year term as prime minister, piecing together a coalition unified in part by a determination to keep the nationalist party, the Sweden Democrats, from power.

Life Made Sweder (where it really counts)

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Stefan Löfvén starts his second four-year term as prime minister — forming a government four months after the election and weeks of political wrangling.

“All around the world we are seeing how right-wing extremism is gaining influence,” Löfven said after winning the vote. “An increasing number of governments are becoming dependent on parties with an anti-democratic agenda, but in Sweden we stand up for democracy, for equality. Sweden has chosen a different path.” The new government is from the outset one of Sweden’s weakest in recent history. The coalition will only comprise the Social Democrats and the Green Party; the Center Party and the Liberals are breaking away from their traditional partners in the center-right Alliance to join Löfven but will provide the parliamentary support the prime minister needs to stay in power. The Left Party has agreed not to topple Löfven — at least not for now.

The slow government formation has made Swedes loose confidence in politicians. According to one survey, 65 percent state that they have reduced confidence in politicians in general since the election.

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Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century?

Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.).

The sequel,

Kajsa

was just released. The story of 15-year-old Elsa-Carolina’s illegitimate daughter Kajsa,who was cast out into the world from a foster home at the age of 8.

Please send me ____ book(s) “Augusta’s Daugheter” x $24.90 = _______ Please send me ____ book(s) “Kajsa” x $24.90 =

Incl. S&H (in continental U.S.)

_______

Total: _________

Name Address City State Zip Tel. m Check enclosed payable to Nordstjernan m Please charge my credit card: Card# Signature

Exp. Date:

/

SSC Code:

Mail to: Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan CT 06840

FEBRUARY 1, 2019 29

THE EXPERIENCE BEGINS IN SWEDEN VOLVO OVERSE AS DELIVERY Personalize the Volvo of your choice and receive two round-trip plane tickets to Volvo’s hometown of Gothenburg, Sweden. Pick up your car from the country that inspired its design and then set off on an unforgettable adventure. The land of Volvo – and beyond – is yours to explore.

For more information, visit your local Volvo dealer or call (800) 631–1667. Check out volvocars.com/us/mybagsarepacked