Skogen Lodge #700 Redding, CA A joyful Lucia led a procession of 18 young adults and children, including 4 Starboys, into our IOOF meeting hall, with accompaniment by sister Gail Nemy, who traveled from Sacramento Monitor Lodge to assist. We had special Swedish melodies, sung in Swedish as well as in English by dear friend Celina Young. The program was introduced by Celeste Spencer, daughter of recently deceased sister Dorinda Nyland of Tegner Lodge #149 in our District. Our Lucia, Aud Malene Halånd, is Norwegian, born in Naustdal and recently engaged to be married. Aud Malene is a graduate of Stavanger University. The guitarist was Robin Eklind, from Sweden. He helped with the Starboy hats, while also wearing one. We also had a young Danish lady participate, Karoline Mia Jessen. All sang several American Yuletide songs and Swedish variations. Robin Eklind was the leader to inspire “tomtes” to dance around the Yule tree. We had several Linneas and Christinas. Celine Young and her daughter, Linnea, sang a lovely song, Celina in Swedish and Linnea in English. When the excellent Lucia celebration was over, the little children met Santa Claus, played convincingly by our own Fred Erickson. Everyone was invited to enjoy our well-planned refreshments that Nanci Cortemarche arranged, and glögg was served by our keepers of the beverage, Bob Wallenberg and Mike Courtemarche. This was a delightful and informative presentation, helping to keep our dedication to Vasa traditions alive.
around the Christmas tree. Four of Lena’s great-grandchildren participated in the procession. Anne Swanson, in her Swedish costume, read the poem. For years the baker boys had sung for us. We lost another of the baker boys, George Lundquist to illness this fall also. Sorrow and joy were intermingled for our members and families. It is through participating in our traditions and reviewing our culture that we have formed a special group to support one another in difficult times and to rejoice and celebrate together creating happy times. Submitted by: Dorothy Ann-Ellner Kean
Lucia Grace Sohoel-Goldberg
Nordic Lodge #708 Atlanta, GA
Lucia, Aud Malene Halånd with attendants and starboys, with Gail Nemy at the piano.
Vinland Lodge of Cape Cod #703 Dennis, MA The holiday season begins early for us Soon the members and guests filled the with so many details and chores to plan room. George played traditional Swedish and prepare for our Lucia Fest. Marilyn tunes. The Lucia bride, Grace Sohoeland Eivind Sohoel with daughter Goldberg who is Debbie Goldberg’s Debbie’s assistance had been orchestrat- daughter and Marilyn and Eivind’s ing this day each year. We lost Eivind to granddaughter, led the procession in the illness this September and yet Marilyn darkened room attended by one starboy organized everything. Just like a small and 10 maids. Grace served coffee and family everyone set about the many tasks Lucia buns to her mother and grandas George Hedlund practiced on his mother in a poignant setting. For many accordion. There was a special cama- years, Lena Anderson read “Twas the raderie as we worked together to trans- Night Before Christmas” poem to the children and handed out small gifts to the form the room. On Saturday, December 10, the chil- children. We lost Lena to illness this fall, dren for the procession arrived early to yet her granddaughters, Kajsa Brimdyr dress and practice. The holiday desserts and Trapin Hughes dressed the children were set out and the coffee prepared. and led everyone in traditional dances Vasa Star Winter 2012
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Nordic Lodge #708 presented its Third Annual Scandinavian Show on October 23rd, 2011. The show is designed to feature talents and music from the Scandinavian countries. A record many – 85 people – attended this 2011 version of the Show, held at St. Luke Lutheran Church in Atlanta. After a short business meeting everyone was treated to a variety of delicious pancakes, coffee, beer and wine. Thus provided with food and drinks the audience was ready to enjoy the show of the evening. The first item on the program was Swedish folk-music, performed by Alla Melnik and Gabe Granitz on accordions, Lynn McConnell on alto balalaika (!) and Göran Rygert on bass – a great success. Then Erik Kind from Norway presented “Alle man hadde fota,” illustrated by an arm- and legless doll, who throughout the song got new legs from dangling Continued on page 18 Page 17