The National Board just met for their fall meeting in Des Moines, Iowa. I want to share one of the things we talked about. You can find the minutes to the entire board meeting in the “members only” part of the website. If you haven’t found that part of the website, you should look it up – it contains all the board minutes (both in person and virtual) as well as the constitution and other important documents for members only. To access this information go to the Sisterhood website (www.danishsisterhood.org); click on member only area (in the top red band) and follow the instructions for first time user. You may have to wait a few days for Vice President Anna to give you access, but be patient, she will give you access.
Now, for one of the things we talked about at the board meeting - our scholarship/grant programs. In 2024 we have given out 6 Betty Hansen Scholarships ($2,500 each), one Olga Christensen Scholarship ($1,000), one Mildred Sorensen Scholarship ($1,000), one Past National Officers scholarship ($500), two Betty Hansen Continuing Education grants ($500 each) and four camp grants ($100 each) for a total of $19,650!! The Sisterhood can be very proud of their ability to help these members and children achieve their goals.
ALL this money comes from individual and lodge donations and interest made on previous donations. Some of these scholarships/grants have a large investment and the interest easily pays for the scholarship/grant, others are dependent on the donations made by people and lodges yearly. The funding for some of these scholarships will soon run out and the scholarships will not be viable. So as Christmas approaches, and you are thinking about holiday giving, please consider the Sisterhood Scholarship or camp grant funds as part of your gifts. Contact Linda Brooks if you have any questions.
As always, let us know how we can help you. We are here for you Nealna
P.S. Note the information in this newsletter about the January round for the Continuing Education Grant: The January round application must be postmarked by 01/31/25.
Danish Sisterhood News
www.danishsisterhood.com Volume 77, Number 12
Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark
Published by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America (Dansk Søster Samfund) as its Official Publication.
DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS (USPS 148-200) is published monthly by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. Office of publication at 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463. Periodicals Postage Paid at Rochester, MN.
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to DANISH SISTERHOOD NEWS, 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463
Articles for publication in the Danish Sisterhood News must arrive to the Editor no later than the 1st day of each month previous to publication.
Subscription: Members $12 (US) Non-Members $20 (US)
Officers of the Supreme Lodge
National President: Nealna Gylling, Lodge #186 1474 Floan Point Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 612-390-1374 | president@danishsisterhood.com
National Vice President & Technology Chair: Anna Nielsen #20 (262) 412-4482 | vicepresident@danishsisterhood.com
National Secretary: Glenda Madrid, Lodge #177 1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463 (805) 448-7631 | secretary@danishsisterhood.com glenda_madrid@hotmail.com
National Treasurer: Linda Brooks, Lodge #21 8402 Winter Berry Dr., Castle Rock, CO 80108 303-905-9934 | treasurer@danishsisterhood.com
National Trustee: Carol Rudisill, Lodge #102 4131 E 9th St., Des Moines, IA 50313 515-971-5997 | trustee1@danishsisterhood.com
National Trustee: Susan Hoppough, Lodge #65 834 E. Baldwin Lake Dr., Greenville, MI 48838 616-302-1330 | trustee2@danishsisterhood.com
National Trustee & Butikken Chair: Karen Vig-Keathley, Lodge #4 109 South First Street, Itasca, IL 60143 708-715-0071 | trustee3@danishsisterhood.com
National Past President: Christina Sallee, Lodge #81 16116 SW Deline Ct, Beaverton, OR 97007-3425 (503) 928 4494
National Historian: Donna Christensen Thomas, historian@danishsisterhood.com Copyright 1946-2024 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America, All Rights Reserved.
Dear Sisters and Mister Sisters:
Merry Christmas to each of you! I hope this holiday season is wonderful for you and your family!
Please make sure to submit articles to me that are written about your lodge activities! People love to read about what other lodges/lodge members are up to.
Charlene M. Jensen, Editor
Has your lodge created special crafts for the holidays? If so, an article about the craft(s) that was/were made by your lodge members along with photos would be something that Sisters and Mister Sisters would love to read about.
One question comes to my mind: How is Christmas different in Denmark than what I am familiar with in the USA? One difference is Santa: Father Christmas is a little different in Denmark compared to elsewhere in the world. Santa Clause in Danish is Julemanden, otherwise known as the “Christmas Man”. This unique character is often assisted by a group of elves known as “Nisser”. The Nisser are slightly naughtier elves than you might associate with Christmas in most parts of the world. They have a lot in common with the “Elf on a Shelf” craze, watching kids and messing around in the home.
Typically in Denmark, presents are brought in for children on the 24th of December which have been delivered by Julemanden. There’s no chimney involved. Instead, after the Christmas lunch, a member of the family dresses up in traditional red robes to hand out the goods.
Please feel free to submit to me an article and photo(s) having to do with your lodge and Christmas 2024. It’d be wonderful to know how the various Sisterhood lodges celebrated Christmas!
~~Charlene Jensen, Editor
Send articles/stories/photos to: editor@danishsisterhood.com
NOTEWORTHY
IN MEMORIAM December 2024
Susan L. Huntley 23936 122 Junction City, OR
Ann Marie Cordero 24684 100 Marlette, MI
Fort Bragg, NC 11/3/81 8/30/24
Detroit, MI 12/6/90 125. Viola Mutchler 24481 20 Kenosha, WI 8/13/27 Kenosha, WI 6/15/88 9/26/24 250.
MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION for December 2024
YOUTH BIRTHDAYS December 2024
DSS Membership Corner December Issue
December is that time each year when we bring out treasured family decorations, ornaments and traditions. One of my favorite traditions is the Christmas stocking and filling the stocking with bits and pieces of candy and fruit and toys and trinkets. My parents used my father’s red wool hunting stockings and filled them with fresh oranges and grapefruit my grandmother sent to our home in Michigan from her home in Florida. I still have one of the fruit shipping boxes that takes me back to those Christmas mornings and the citrus smell of that fresh fruit. Traditionally in our family, everyone has a stocking for Christmas morning. My favorite stocking stuffer given to the grandchildren is a matryoshka nesting doll. The nesting doll represents family legacy and the unity of body, soul, mind, heart and spirit. You can imagine the oldest grandchildren have quite a collection! So, as you celebrate the holidays with your wonderful family traditions, I wish you all a Glædelig Jul and Godt Nytår and a year filled with memory making.
~~Susan Hoppough, DSS Board Trustee
DSS Angel Status Members
This status belongs to those members that wish to gift their funeral benefit back to the Sisterhood. We believe this is a generous and significant gift and wish to honor them. If you are interested in becoming an Angel member, please request a beneficiary change form from your lodge secretary or the National Secretary.
From Jan 1, 2024
MEMBER and Lodge #
MEMBER and Lodge #
Ulla Pereira 300 Jacque Wagstaffe 177
Margaret Omodt 21
Marilyn Kramme 102
Anlaug Nielsen 177 Vibeke Petersen-Jensen 24
Kristie Hansen-Mendez 4
Did you attend the Denmark trip in October 2024?
If so, please share your pictures of Denmark with Vice President Anna; she will use your photos to update our website. Send your photos to: vicepresident@danishsisterhood.com .
PHOTO RIGHT: Matryoshka Dolls, a Hoppough Family Tradition.
NOTEWORTHY
Assessment Notice
Members: Assessment #1430 for the month of January is due and payable to your local Treasurers before January 31, 2025. Lodge Treasurers: Assessment #1430 for the month of January 2025, is due and payable to the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood immediately following your January meeting. Assessments for the year 2025 will follow in order with December 2025 assessment # being #1441. Lodges can pay either monthly, quarterly or all at once.
Resolution A Life Remembered, Marianne Kovacs
The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 are saddened by the loss of our Sister Marianne Kovacs who passed away on October 28, 2024 at her home in Piscataway, New Jersey. Marianne was born on July 25, 1940 in New Brunswick, New Jersey to William and Mary Kerns Farkas. She spent her younger years in New Brunswick until she married her husband Bruce Kovacs in 1966.
Marianne worked at the Triangle Cable Company in New Brunswick and with Piscataway Township Bus Company. At the end of her working career she worked in the tax office of Piscataway Township where she retired in 2003. Marianne is survived by her loving husband Bruce Kovacs and her two daughters, Suzanne Kovacs, and Christine Eldridge (Robert) and four Grandchildren, Heather Franc (Alex), Tyler Calderone (Alison), and Nick and Rachel Eldridge, and a Great Granddaughter Ava Grace Franc. She is also survived by her Sister-in-law, three nephews and several cousins.
Marianne was a member of Freja Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. She was initiated on January 19, 2007. Marianne was an active member of Freja Lodge. She served as an officer in the position of Marshall, and kept in touch with members through our Sunshine Club by sending birthday and sympathy cards. Marianne helped in the kitchen during our Jule Sale in December, and at many events at the Danish Home in Edison. She was often a hostess for our meetings. Marianne also attended many EGC conventions with her husband, Bruce.
Marianne was a member of Our Lady of Fatima Roman Catholic Church. She was a member of the North Stelton Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. Marianne loved camping, cooking and going to the casino, most of all she loved her family.
The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 will greatly miss our Sister, Marianne Kovacs. We will drape our Charter at the next meeting and will conduct a memorial service.
Written by Carole E. Pierorazio, President Freja Lodge #36
EMMA TOFT—A DANISH-AMERICAN CONSERVATIONIST
Article by Annette Lind, continued from Danish Sisterhood News issue November 2024
The Toft family fought a 20-year battle over property lines to keep their land. They felt the early death of their father from a stroke in 1919 was due to the constant need to fight for his land. In 1926 the Wisconsin Supreme Court finally settled the dispute in the Toft’s favor
Upon the death of her father the family needed an income. Emma and her mother and a sister opened a resort. The area was renamed Toft Point in honor of her father. The resort was and remained “rustic” during the fifty years in which it was open to the public. There were 3 original cabins on the property . Even the chicken coop was turned into a guest cottage. It was rustic in every sense of the word no running water, no electricity and no flush toilets. Despite the primitive nature of the resort or maybe because of it they never seemed to lack for customers. (Continued on Page -6-)
EMMA TOFT A Danish-American Conservationist
Continued from Page –5– /Article by Annette Lind, continued from Danish Sisterhood News issue November 2024.
Over the years many attempts were made to purchase the property for use as a golf course, or a resort for the wealthy, but even when they most needed money, there was never any doubt Emma and her family would not sell the land.
In 1937, Emma and some others interested in preserving natural spaces in Door County, including Jens Jensen the famous Danish landscape architect, established The Ridges in Bailey’s Harbor. The Ridges Sanctuary, as described on its website, is “One of the most diverse natural areas in Wisconsin. Five miles of hiking trails wind through over 1400 acres of boreal forest and provide access to the unique ridge and swale complex formed by the steady rise and fall of the waters of Lake Michigan.” It is home to 500 species of plants, 60 species of birds and 12 threatened or endangered species.
Emma was, as my mother used to say, “A tough old Dane.” She was a very independent and outspoken woman, not an admirable trait in those days. It was not unusual for her to enforce her concern for the safety of her land at gun point. There are lots of stories of Emma confronting those who wanted to hunt or even pick flowers on her land. Yes, tough, independent, and perseverant all describe Emma, but all contributed to part of Door County remaining as it was before first the settlers and, eventually the tourists, arrived.
Emma, who had loved to be outdoors and in nature, sadly spent her last years in a nursing home in Sturgeon Bay. She died on Valentine’s Day in 1982 at the age of 91.
To protect Toft Point, the Toft children and grandchildren sold the land to the Nature Conservancy in 1967. Emma was allowed to remain living on the land. It is now owned by the Wisconsin Chapter of the Nature Conservancy and University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. It has been designated a National Nature Landmark and State Natural Area.
Toft Point is open to visitors, but the Friend’s of Toft Point ask the following, “This is a pristine and fragile area with rare plants and biota. Because of this, please do not bring dogs or other pets, drive beyond the designated parking area, wander outside the trail, camp/picnic, smoke or build a campfire, or bike. Parking is very limited.”
Thank you to Susan Jensen and several articles in the Door County Advocate tor the information contained in this article. A great video program on Emma Toft is available online: https://www.pbs.org/video/wpt-documentaries1-emma-toft-one-nature/.
WISHING
MERRY CHRISTMAS!
PHOTO BELOW: Pleated Christmas hearts (Danish: Julehjerte) are Danish, Norwegian, and north German crafts, often used as Christmas ornaments.
AMBER LODGE #186, BRAINERD MN—BY LeANN PLINSKE
Goddag! An Adventure ‘abroad’ that is Close to Home.
Nestled among 800 acres of northern Minnesota woodlands on Turtle River Lake are architecturally authentic buildings that comprise the Concordia Language Villages, founded in 1961. Learners of all ages come to CLV to be immersed in the culture and languages of the world―fifteen languages are taught and spoken here―including Danish. The Danish camp is called Skovsøen, which translates loosely to ‘the forest lake’. Nine Danish Sisters attending the Heartland District Convention in Brainerd, October 4-5, took the opportunity to ‘road trip’ to Bemidji for the day for a tour by Sara Williams, Concordia Language Villages Enrollment and Program Coordinator.
We were inspired immediately upon entering the property by the variety of towering trees and sparkling lake. The villages are separate in building style and activities, yet are still walkable from one to the next on formed trails. Each site, with comfortable dorms, dining hall, and outdoor spaces are beautifully situated to help students immerse themselves within their chosen language. They feel, speak, eat and learn like they are in another country. Skovsøen alternates with the Swedish and Norwegian programming sharing a village site. From their brochure: “At Skovsøen we combine traditional Danish games, sports, songs, woodworking, food and festivities with current trends in technology, biking, and outdoor activities. Our goal is to provide an environment in which you find the courage and confidence to explore the Danish language and culture.”
I’m sure I can speak for all who attended our tour by Sara that it was interesting, educational, enthusiastic, and inspiring! Sara drove us throughout the campus in a comfortable van for two hours. Our group finished off our Bemidji road trip with lunch at The Wild Hare Bistro and a stop at Paul Bunyan Park with its iconic statues of Minnesota’s own Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
For more information, to attend, to donate, and to sponsor programming at Skovsøen: www.danishlanguagevillage.org www.condordialanguagevillages.org
PHOTO RIGHT: In the group photo in front of the map of the Concordia Language Villages the names from left to right: Carol Rudisill, Deb Beery, Cheryl Brinkman, Janelle Willis, Carol Christiansen, Phyllis Jessen, Linda Holz, LeAnn Plinske, Claudia Holcomb, and Sara Williams (CLV Staff).
PHOTO LEFT: Sisters pictured from left to right are: LeAnn Plinske, Carol Christiansen, Janelle Willis, Linda Holz, Claudia Holcomb, Carol Rudisill, Deb Beery, Cheryl Brinkman, and Phyllis Jessen.
Article and photos by LeAnn Plinske, Amber Lodge #186.
PHOTO ABOVE LEFT, ABOVE, AND LEFT: Various photos from the ‘road trip’ to Bemidji for the day for a tour by Sara Williams. Photography by LeAnn Plinske.
PHOTO RIGHT: Carol Christiansen is pictured with the Danish library books.
PHOTO ABOVE: Minnesota’s own Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox.
NEWS FROM DANISH SISTERHOOD CHICAGO —
The fall is upon the Danish Sisterhood in Chicago. In September we participated in the annual Scandinavian Day in Scandinavian Park in South Elgin, Illinois. We had a perfect, comfortable sunny day. A dedicated group of people made 2,500 æbleskiver with strawberry jam and rhubarb pudding with cream for the benefit of our fundraising.
We also had a Danish Tent for all the organizations and clubs in Chicagoland area. Our Lodge had a new table banner and an updated poster with activities within the last year. On our table we had a display of Christmas items that will be available at the Danish Church Service in December: We had a good flow of interested people checking out opportunities.
In October we had a mini event at the Rasmussen’s Home in Libertyville, Illinois. Since pumpkins now are popular in Denmark, our activity was carving and painting of pumpkins. Everyone had fun, and the weather was like a summer day with nice fall colors. Afterwards, Bente Rasmussen had prepared a make it your own smørrebrød luncheon. The menu was herring with egg salad, fiskefileter (breaded fish) with remoulade, egg and shrimp, rullepølse (double pressed bacon), hamburgerryg (Canadian bacon) with italiensk salat (peas and carrots salad), roast beef with fried onions and cucumber salad. Dessert was a Danish æbletærte (applepie) with marzipan: A total success! The day ended with our business meeting in-person and on Zoom.
Pictures shown are from both the September and October events. Photos were taken by Lars or Bente Rasmussen.
Article by Bente Rasmussen, Event Coordinator
Dagmar Lodge #4, Chicago
WONDERFUL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Greetings!
Frankie FeetSplinters, a Dambo troll, sits outside the door of the National Nordic Museum in Seattle (Ballard), Washington to greet all who come to explore this extraordinary Museum.
On Sunday afternoon, November 10, 2024, six Hygge #188 Sisters went to see him to wish him a hyggelig holiday season. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in The Freya Café, began our Christmas shopping in the Gift Shop and viewed the unique exhibits. It was a wonderful way to begin the Season. Glædelig Jul!
Respectfully submitted Laurie Eaton of Hygge #188
WE DID IT!
We not only met our goal for the Sisterhood Archival Project, but surpassed it! Thanks to YOU we raised $47,802!
We are so grateful Sisters, Mr. Sisters, Lodges and donors for your support of our Danish Sisterhood and Museum of Danish America Archival Campaign. Our history will now LIVE forever through the online library at the Museum!
Mange Tak from the Sisterhood and MoDA Partnership Committee
Tova Brandt (MoDA) Executive Director
Cheyenne Jansdatter (MoDA) Development Associate & Archivist
Mindy Brown (Ellen Lodge 21)
Marcia Jante (Lodge 15)
John Rasmussen (Lodge 300)
Carol Rudisill (Lodge 102)
Elizabeth Steffensen (Lodge 4)
Karen Vig-Keathley (Lodge 4)
Just in time for your holiday cooking and baking! The DanIsh Sisterhood Treasures Cookbook is online and available 24/7!
Here is the link to the Danish America Digital Library: https://box2.nmtvault.com/DanishIM/ Click on the link that says Browse the Archive and in the search bar simply type Danish Sisterhood Cookbook and the cookbook will magically appear!
The rest is up to you to cook and bake to your heart’s delight. Bon Appetite!
—From the Partnership Committee
DANISH SISTERHOOD BUTIKKEN
Onesies 6mo 12 mo 18 mo.
God Jul Earrings
Daisy Necklace
Daisy Post Earrings
Danish Flag Heart Post Earrings
Danish Flag Round Post Earrings
DSS Iron On Patch, 3”x 2.25”
Vests
$15.00
$12.00
$7.00
$12.00
$12.00
$12.00
$5.00
$50.00
DSS Gold Emblem Necklace with chain $45.00
DSS Gold Emblem pendant only
Apron
Red Scarf
$25.00
$20.00
$10.00
DSS Swedish Dishcloths, each $7.00
Aebleskiver Ornament
Glass nail file
Coral heart pendant
Prayer Tea Towel
$20.00
$3.00
$45.00
$15.00
Danish Flag Heart Pin w/
standard butterfly clutch back $8.00
Gildan Soft style 60% cotton 40% polyester
Sizes medium to 2 XL
$24.00
Danish Basket Weave Heart Earrings $12.00
Danish Sisterhood
Published by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America
Dansk: Billede af flettede julehjerter Svenska: Flätade julgranshjärtan
27 December 2006, eget billed, Jens Gyldenkærne Clausen, Eget værk, PD. File:Julehjerter.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Published by: Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of American National Secretary: Glenda Madrid 1557 Oak St., Solvang, CA 93463
The Danish Sisterhood News including, but not limited to, design, text, & graphics, are Copyright 2022 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Any use of materials in this publication, including reproduction, modification, distribution, or republication without the prior written consent of DSS, is strictly prohibited by law. Copyright infringement will be punished to the maximum extent the law allows.
