Dear Members:
Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark
Did you know that last fall we added a new page to the Danish Sisterhood Website? It is for members only! Members indicated they wanted more transparency into what the National Board is doing: This is your chance to see what is going on. All the minutes from our virtual monthly meetings are posted here as well as the minutes from the National Convention and the Constitution.
If you haven’t logged in yet, follow the steps for a new log in. It will take a few days to get permission to log in as our process for checking membership is still a little cumbersome, but Vice President Anna Nielsen will get back to you within five days. Check it out – find out what we are doing!!
Time is running short to sign up for the Denmark trip. Don and I have signed up and are excited to be going with a group of fellow Sisterhood members. We have been to this part of Denmark before but are excited for the new things our tour guide, Sune, has planned. The deadline for registration is coming quickly – April 1. Be sure to get your registration in by that time.
If you have questions, don’t hesitate to contact Trustee Karen Vig-Keathley. She will be happy to help you. I hope to see many of you on this trip. We will have a great time!!!
As always, your National Board is here to serve YOU. Please let us know if we can help you in any way.
Happy Spring,
Nealna Gylling DSS PresidentOfficers 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.
Charlene M. Jensen, Editor
Dear Sisters:
It is very exciting for me to become the new Editor of the Danish Sisterhood News! I look forward to being your Editor.
If you have specific questions, and/or topics you’d like to bring forward, please feel free to reach out to me. My email address is: editor@danishsisterhood.com .
I welcome stories and pictures from your Sisterhood lodges! Articles for publication in the Danish Sisterhood News must arrive to me no later than the 1st day of each month previous to publication.
I look forward to connecting with each of you over time. Sending you wishes for a wonderful spring!
~~Charlene Jensen, Editor editor@danishsisterhood.com
Save the Date!
Join us on April 16, 2024, at 5 pm C.S.T., as Cheyenne Jansdatter Nordquist, Archives Manager, and Addison Marsengill, Digital Archives Intern, host a Zoom presentation. The session will provide updates on the progress of our scanning project and showcase interesting discoveries.
As a friendly reminder, our scanning efforts encompass the Danish Sisterhood News dating back to 1947 and the DSS ledgers that have been donated to us. Once the scanning process is complete, the images will be added to our Online Newspaper Library, offering easy access to Sisterhood members, researchers, and other interested parties alike.
We invite you to be part of this journey into the past and gain insights into the rich history of your organization. Mark your calendars and don't miss out!
• 10% Discount on purchases from the Design Store.
• Discounted Genealogy & Education Center services.
• The museum’s magazine and Design Store catalog.
• Unlimited admission to the museum, Genealogy & Education Center, Bedstemor’s House, and Jens Dixen House for up to two adults and children under the age of 18.
• Invitations to member-only events.
• Discounts on ticketed events.
• Discount on facility rental.
• Reciprocal benefits at 1,200+ museums in the North America Reciprocal Museum (NARM) Program - (Partner/Ambassador/Director's Circle members only).
• Guest passes to share - (Partner/Ambassador/Director's Circle levels only).
• Annual Double Discount shopping event - (Ambassador/Director's Circle members only).
• Thank-You gift - (Ambassador/Director's Circle members only).
• Gift membership to share - (Director's Circle members only)
For further information, go to: www.danishmuseum.org
I am an avid knitter and spend all my spare time knitting something. The project is either a blanket, or a sweater, or hat, or scarf that I give to a family member or friend, or occasionally keep for myself.
Today I joined a knitting group at one of my favorite yarn stores. I was welcomed with open arms to this band of women (and a few men) who share my love of fiber. As I listened to the laughter, stories, planning, projects, clicking of needles and sounds of joy, I was reminded that for me, the greatest benefit of “membership” is “fellowship”. Fellowship with like-minded people who share a common interest, and are willing to impart their wisdom, and gather to ensure that the art of knitting continues as part of our culture. Many of the knitters had been knitting for decades and some were new and just learning the basics. But it did not matter. The experienced were helping the novice and the novice was reminding the experienced the importance of handing down the wisdom of this craft. So, why am I sharing this story and what does it have to do with membership in the Danish Sisterhood? It is because I think there are similarities between what “feels good” in joining a knitting group and membership in the Danish Sisterhood.
One of the reasons I joined the Danish Sisterhood (Dorthea Lodge #65) was to learn about the Danish culture in my hometown of Greenville. What better way to do that than to join a group who meet regularly to celebrate their Danish heritage? Whether the meeting is for business, or to celebrate or mourn, or to host a workshop, or to have a potluck or meal, the purpose is fellowship. So, how do I respond when someone asks me what comes along with membership in the Danish Sisterhood and why should they join? I tell them one of the best things in being a member of the Danish Sisterhood is fellowship with like -minded people. It is the experience of “hygge” that makes a person feel content and comfortable, the sense of conviviality.
So, as we work together to increase membership in the Danish Sisterhood, tell people that one of the best parts of being a Sister is the fellowship they will experience with members of their local lodges. Let’s work together to ensure that membership in the Danish Sisterhood, and our lodges, continue for generations. On this quest, Carol Rudisill and I look forward to speaking with you!
Mange Tak!
~~Susan Hoppough, Dorthea Lodge #65
Danish Sisterhood News, March 2024 Page 5
Hi, Everyone! My name is Carol Rudisill and I am one of the newest members of the Danish Sisterhood National Board. I’m serving as Trustee #1 and as such, I am focusing on membership with Susan Hoppough.
I was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1951. My great-grandparents immigrated to the United States from Denmark in the mid to late 1800’s.
When I was nine years old, l moved to Muskegon, Michigan, where I was immersed in Danish traditions. I went to a Danish Lutheran Church, and I had grandparents that were members of both Danish Sisterhood and Danish Brotherhood. I still have both of their fifty-year pins. After graduating from high school, I went to Grand View College in Des Moines, Iowa, a very Danish college at that time. I met my best friend at Grand View; an exchange student from Denmark. I made my first trip to Denmark in 1976 and have been back a half dozen times.
I’ve been married to my very patient husband, John (Rudy), for almost 49 years. We have four great children, two daughters-in-law, two sons-in-law, and seven grandchildren who all believe the best party is a Danish party! I’ve been a Danish Sisterhood member since 1989, and both of my daughters and four granddaughters are all sisterhood members. I’ve LOVED being in Danish Sisterhood. I’ve served as Membership Chair, Vice President, and President of our local lodge, and Vice President and President of the Heartland District.
PHOTO ABOVE: Carol Rudisill shares her kind smile.
I enjoy cooking Danish foods; I’m pretty good at cooking many different Danish recipes. But, I cannot master the art of Danish Rye Bread. However, I keep trying! I like making different kinds of Akvavit and love a good skaal or skål!
I really enjoy learning about Danish traditions, heritage, and celebrations, but I think learning about how to be a Dane has been my greatest joy. The hospitality of a Dane who is willing and wanting to share hygge, caring for others who may need a helping hand, knowing that the whole does better when the individual does better, and experiencing joy in life are just some of the attributes I try to live every day.
I’m so happy to be on the National Board for Danish Sisterhood of America. I look forward to helping others develop and enhance their Danish-ness. Being involved in a way to share our traditions and heritage are why I’ve stayed involved. I want to be accessible if you ever have questions for me. I am looking forward to getting to know you all better.
LEARN SOMETHING NEW: Skol is written “Skål” in Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish, and “skál” in Faroese and Icelandic. “Skaal” in the translation of any of those languages is the Danish-Norwegian-Swedish word for “cheers”, or “good health”.
What Do Vikings Say When They Drink - Unpacking History
Join other Sisters and guests for a 12 day tour of East Jutland with tour guide Sune Frederiksen.
The itinerary is interesting and varied with lots of good food and fun places to see. Find the entire itinerary in your December or January DSS Newsletter. Now is the time to fill those remaining seats. The price for this wonderful tour beginning and ending in Aarhus is $3,000. Booking deadline is April 1, 2024.
To book your tour or get more information, please contact:
Karen VigKeathley, National Trustee Trustee3@danishsisterhood.com or 708-715-0071
Please complete this form and return to Karen Vig-Keathley with your deposit. Deposit deadline is April 1st , 2024.
Traveler’s name:____________________________________ vegan meal _______
Traveler’s name:____________________________________ vegan meal _______
Traveler’s name:____________________________________ vegan meal _______
Traveler’s name:____________________________________ vegan meal _______
Address: ____________________________________________________________
Mobile Phone:________________________ Home phone:_____________________
Email:_______________________________________________________________ Lodge:_______________________________________________________________
Check number: _______________________________________________________
Amount: _____________________________________________________________
Signature : ___________________________________________________________
Date:
Trip cost $3000.00, maximum 50 participants price does not include airfare. Deposit of $1000.00 is due at the time of the booking. Deadline for booking is April 1, 2024. All final payments and additional fees (for nonmembers and single room) are due by June 1, 2024. Refund policy: Refund cancellation prior to April 1 , 2024: $750.00; Between April 1, 2024 - May 31, 2024, $500.00; After June 1, 2024, NO REFUND.
Karen Vig-Keathley 109 South First Street Itasca, IL 60143-2114
trustee3@danishsisterhood.com | 708-715-0071
Summer Camps are Coming!! Camp Grant Applications Due April 30, 2024. 8 Camp grants of up to $100 each available to Danish Sisterhood members and their children and grandchildren. For applications and more information go to: www.danishsisterhood.org or Contact Nealna.Gylling at president@danishsisterhood.com 612-390-1374
PICTURE ABOVE: Margaret Hill with two of her trees.
The Amber Lodge, #186 in Brainerd has had a busy and enjoyable fall and early winter, full of gatherings and fun. In October, we met at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church for a general meeting and potluck lunch. We kicked off the holidays with a tree making craft project led by Nealna Gylling. Everyone went home with trees of their own creation. It was so much fun to see what each member came up with. Each tree was pretty and unique.
PICTURE ABOVE: Row 1- Jane Matthies Holtan, Kathee Stanwood, Nealna Gylling. Row 2-Mandi Bisted, Dottie Bisted, Sheila Brogger, Sandy Solom. Row 3-Amber Thusholt, Kristian Thusholt held by LeAnn Plinske, Linda Buck, Barb Wenschlag and Hanne Porter.
We met for our Christmas party at the home of Barb Wenschlag in December. It was a snowy day, but all of us arrived safely ready to enjoy the party. We shared a wonderful meal, songs, and a gift exchange. It is always an afternoon that goes by too quickly.
Stories and photos by Jane MatthiesHoltan, Correspondent.
In November, we met at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd for a busy morning of cookie baking. This has turned into an annual event and is another wonderful way to fully enjoy the holidays. Taking the time to celebrate and share the traditions of each of our families with one another is always a great day. We each took home a beautiful assortment of cookies. A container was also set aside for a few of our members that were unable to attend. We followed the cookie baking with a brief business meeting and a potluck lunch.
Stories and photos by
Jane Matthies-Holtan, Correspondent.
PICTURE ABOVE: Nealna Gylling, president, Jane Matthies-Holtan, correspondent, Dottie Bisted, Treasurer, Linda Buck, Secretary, Barb Wenschlag, Historian.
In January, we again met at The Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Brainerd. Along with the general meeting and potluck lunch, our meeting highlighted the installation. We look forward to a fun and productive late winter.
PICTURE ABOVE: Hanne Porter, and Jane MatthiesHoltan.There is now a King of Denmark. Frederik X is the King of Denmark. This is due to the abdication of his mother, Queen Margrethe II. King Frederik waved to the thousands who gathered in the capital Copenhagen. He looked emotional as he waved to the crowds. This was the beginning of a new era.
Many people living in Denmark have never had another monarch than Frederik’s Mother, Margrethe. Margrethe had been queen of Denmark for more than five decades. Her abdication came as a surprise to many. It led the way for her son, the former crown prince, to succeed her. Margrethe signed a declaration of her abdication at a cabinet meeting at Christiansborg Palace in the capital. She officially transferred the crown to Frederik.
It was cold weather, but regardless, large crowds gathered in the streets, occasionally singing songs as they anticipated the moment that would live in history. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen then stood on the balcony of the palace and proclaimed to the public the King’s accession. Frederik gave a brief speech to the many people crowded around the palace. Frederik’s Australian-born wife, Queen Mary, and their four children, joined him on the balcony. Frederik and Mary’s oldest son is now the Crown Prince Christian, the new successor to the throne,
“Today the throne is passed on. My hope is to become a unifying king of tomorrow,” Frederik said. He said that his mother “will be remembered forever as an extraordinary regent.”
Prime Minister Frederiksen said “a deepfelt and devoted thanks” to Queen Margrethe on behalf of the nation.
“To be queen and king is a link in a more than thousand-year-long chain. When one steps aside, the next is standing at the ready. And the crown prince that now becomes our monarch is a king that we know, a king that we like, and a king that we trust,” said Prime Minister Frederiksen.
Margrethe was Europe’s longest-reigning monarch. She was 83 years old when she abdicated. She was the world’s last reigning queen. Margrethe announced during her live address on New Year’s Eve that her reign would end after 52 years.
She said she was determining “whether now would be an appropriate time to pass on the responsibility to the next generation” following her recent back surgery. She said that she came to the decision “that now is the right time.”
(Continued on next page)
Margrethe II of Denmark at Amalienborg Palace in Copenhagen at the celebration of her 83th birthday.
There were thousands of people lining the capital. One of those people was Kasper Wiigh Larsen. “It brought tears in a joyful way to see him do so well up on the balcony, both with his speech and when Mary came out and held his hands and finishing with a kiss,” said Kasper Wiigh to a reporter.
One of the first people to congratulate Frederik, and his wife, Queen Mary, was Britain’s King Charles III. “I look forward to working with you on ensuring that the enduring bond between our countries, and our families, remains strong, and to working together with you on issues which matter so much for our countries and the wider world,” said King Charles III in his message to King Frederik.
Queen Margrethe’s decision to step down voluntarily was a very significant event. This marked the first time a Danish monarch abdicated in nearly 900 years. She officially handed over the throne to her eldest son, Crown Prince Frederik, on January 14, 2024. Her son now reigns as King Frederik X. The abdication occurred during a cabinet meeting at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen. After transferring the crown to her son, Queen Margrethe said, “God save the King,” before exiting the room.
Although she is no longer the ruling monarch, Margrethe will continue to be titled as Her Majesty. She can be installed as acting regent, according to the Danish Royal House. This means that she can perform duties as head of state when both King Frederik or Crown Prince Christian are not able to do so, such as if they are overseas. Other Danish royals who can also assume the role of acting regent, if required, include: Mary; Frederik’s brother, Prince Joachim; and his aunt, Princess Benedikte.
The Danish monarchy is one of the oldest in Europe. It stretches back over a 1,000 years. However, there was no official crowning ceremony, and world leaders and dignitaries were not in attendance when Frederik became King of Denmark. But, the streets were jam-packed with people enjoying the meaningful and joyful event.
Denmark is a constitutional monarchy. Its royals perform important but symbolic ambassadorial roles. They also sign off any new legislation. The monarch’s power is constrained by the rules of the Constitutional Act. The monarch’s role is largely ceremonial, and the country is effectively governed by a government that must have the support of a majority in Parliament. Formal power is with the elected parliament and its government which is based at Christiansborg Palace.
It’s very rare for a monarch to abdicate in Denmark. The last Danish monarch to abdicate was King Eric III when he relinquished the crown to join a monastery in 1146.
PHOTO RIGHT: These Danish Crowns are the Crown of the Absolute Monarchs (on the left), and the Queen’s Crown (on the right).
The Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark, serves as the seat of the Danish Parliament (Folketinget), the Prime Minister’s Office, and the Supreme Court. The building is historic and had been significant in Danish politics and governance.
Some interesting facts about Christiansborg Palace: There is Triple Functionality. Christiansborg Palace houses three branches of government under one roof: the legislative (Folketinget), the executive (Prime Minister’s Office), and the judicial (Supreme Court).
There is historical significance: The original palace dates back to the 18th century. However, it was rebuilt several times due to fires and reconstructions. The current building was completed in 1928.
There are royal reception rooms: The palace features opulent state rooms used for official functions, including royal receptions, banquets, and ceremonies. The Queen’s Tapestry Chamber is very remarkable.
There is a tower: The tower of Christiansborg Palace offers panoramic views of Copenhagen. Visitors are allowed to climb to the top for an incredible view of the city and its harbor.
There are ruins underneath: Beneath the palace lies the ruins of previous structures. This includes the medieval Bishop’s Palace and previous versions of Christiansborg. The public has access to these archaeological remains.
PHOTO CREDITS:
File:The Danish Royal Family at Amalienborg - Queen Margrethe II 02.jpg This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license.
File:The Danish Royal Family at Amalienborg - Queen Margrethe II 02.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Author: Eimoberg from Changwon, South Korea, Christiansborg Palace, 6.23.2005, Source 411 den 0047.JPG
His Majesty King Frederik 10. is proclaimed King of Denmark | File:2024 Proclamation of King Frederik of Denmark.jpg - Wikimedia Commons Flickr, license was verified "cc-by-sa-2.0" by the UploadWizard Extension This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license. Author: Archer10 (Dennis), 9/16/2009.
Danish Sisterhood News, March 2024 Page 13
DSS Necklace $12.00
DSS Pin $5.00
Puravida Heart Bracelet $12.00
Swedish Dish Cloths $7.00 each 2 designs
Aebleskiver pan ornament $20.00
Glass nail file $3.00
Prices do not include shipping.
Black Crew Neck Cardigan sizes small to 3XL $45.00
This extra soft Port Authority cardigan features a shallow scoop neck and an eight-button cardigan placket with dyed to match buttons for a look that’s sure to go great with your wardrobe. Cotton/modal/spandex for a comfortable sturdy wear.
Braided heart earrings $12.00
Danish flag heart post earrings $12.00
Danish flag round post earrings $12.00
Prices do not include shipping.
