THE VASA STAR / Fall 2019
GRAND LODGE NEWS The Grand Master’s Message (continued from page 31)
was instituted in 1906 and purchased I know all of you the lodge hall building in 1916, one are busy preparing block from the historic New England for Lucia celebrations port. Wow, a beautiful location and in your community. I thumbs up to members of Spiran for am thankful for the maintaining their wonderful piece of Swedish heritage that history. Moving on to Berlin, CT (DL provides meaningful CT #1), instituted in 1896, and Unioncultural experiences like Lucia. dale, NY (DL NY #4) where at the Nancy and I have been busy con- banquet we were entertained by the tinuing to visit our Vasa districts. world famous Barnklubben Elsa Rix, What a wonderful time we had in the oldest children’s club in the Order, September when our travel took us to and Smörgåsbandet, the well-known Mt. Vernon, WA (DL Pacific North- North American Vasa music group. west #13) and a visit to the Seattle Many times in meetings I am asked area Vasa Park, very nice. Then on to questions, which I encourage, and one Rockport, MA (DL MA #2), hosted question that is often asked is: “Why by Lodge Spiran # 98. Spiran Lodge don’t you change (fill in the blank)?”
My reply is that the GL Executive tory Book update. Board does not make up the rules. Exciting news: We have just opened The Constitution can only be changed a new lodge! Brage No. 764 Peoria, by the MEMBERSHIP. The GL IL District No. 8 Lake Michigan. We Executive Board institutes what the have also received news From Swemembers vote to change during the den that they have had great results GL Convention. Therefore, I encour- encouraging new members! age all members who feel Vasa needs Be sure to purchase the Grand changes to please submit a motion to Lodge Viking Pin to release the inner the GL Secretary prior to March 1, Viking in you! The pins are available 2022. Your motion will then be on the from your Grand Lodge Deputy, a agenda for GL Convention Delegates member of the Grand Lodge Executo review, discuss and vote. tive Board or me. They make great I would like to emphasize that Dis- little gifts! trict Historians please send year-end Remember the Order needs a VIreports, including the name of the cur- BRANT, ENTHUSIASTIC MEMrent District Master, to Alice Iverson BERSHIP – GET THE WORD GL Historian, 285 23rd St., Astoria, OUT! TV TV TV (Talk Vasa) with OR 97103. The year-end reports help ENTHUSIASM! put together what’s happening in the in truth and unity, districts and we can pull out important art bjorkner,grand master information for the 25 Year Vasa His-
NEWS FROM THE GRAND LODGE Copies of the Constitution approved at the 2018 Grand Lodge Convention are now available to place in the Vasa Handbook, the “white book.” Lodges may order multiple copies to distribute to their officers or to all their members, and individual members may order their own copy for their “white book.” Copies are available for $3.00 each (postage included).
Send your order together with a check payable to Vasa Order of America to: Marlene Patient, Vice Grand Secretary, 337 River St., Leicester, MA 01524 Complete Vasa Handbooks (“white books”) may be ordered for $14 (postage included). Electronic copies of the updated Constitution were
sent out by email in December 2018. Many people prefer to have copies to view on computers or smartphones. If you didn’t receive a copy at that time and would like to receive an electronic copy, email Grand Secretary Joanie Graham at vasajlg@aol.com to receive a PDF copy as an email attachment.
God Jul Och Gott Nytt År VASA National Archives
Bill Lundquist, President • Bruce Elfvin, Vice President Karen Snowberg, Secretary • Keith Hanlon, Treasurer Tore Kellgren, Board Member • Art Björkner, Board Member Tom Cleveland, Board Member • Jack Hanright, Board Member Charlotte Börjesson, Board Member Sten Hult, Board Member Emeritus Kathy Cuff, Archivist
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Vasa Questions? Most questions can be answered by your district or regional officers. You’re also welcome to send your questions about anything Vasa-related to vasajlg@aol.com and then watch for the FAQ Column in The Vasa Star.
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