I am proud to be a Dane! Minnesota is full of Scandinavians more Norwegians and Swedes but, this year the Danes have the spotlight thanks to Thomas Dambo. In a relatively small town (Detroit Lakes) in the resort area of northwestern Minnesota that has 412 lakes, the “412 project” was completed in April & May. This was like the other times that Thomas Dambo designed and with the help of others built trolls. Dambo also wrote a fairy tale to go with the trolls as well as a mystery to be solved. Look for pictures and more information about “Project 412” later in the newsletter.
My husband, Don, and I have seen the trolls and talked to many people about them: It has been fun to talk about the experience of seeing the trolls, and to talk about Dambo as a Dane. Dambo’s philosophy is to take care of the environment. For the trolls he designs and builds, Thomas Dambo uses materials that would have otherwise gone into landfills. Each troll has his/her own story and it is fun to share those stories. I think we need to continue to highlight what a wonderful heritage we share.
Talking about the trolls is a great way for us to talk about our Danish heritage/interests and then also about the Danish Sisterhood. We need to continue to talk about the Sisterhood so that people know about us. Because we are so involved in it, we think everyone else knows about it. Usually this isn’t the case. The more ways we can get the word out in public about the Danish Sisterhood, the better for the growth of the Sisterhood. Share about the Sisterhood with your friends/neighbors! Be proud to be a Dane!
Your National Board met virtually in August. We finalized some last minute things for the Denmark trip, talked about agenda items for our fall in-person meeting, and got a brief update about things going on with each board member’s Sisterhood duties. We look forward to being together in Des Moines on October 17-20. If you have questions or concerns, please let us know by then; reach out to any of us. As always, we are YOUR board. Let us know what we can do for you.
~~Nealna
Danish Sisterhood News
www.danishsisterhood.com Volume 77, Number 10
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:
Submissions for articles and/or pictures/photos should be received by the 1st of every month. Submitting an article about your own personal trip to Denmark, or submitting an article about research you have done regarding events or history of Denmark, would be fabulous! Remember, our members would love to learn about Denmark’s customs and culture by reading this newsletter! Have a wonderful month!
~~Charlene Jensen, Editor
Velkommen
Charlene M. Jensen, Editor
Send articles/stories/photos to: editor@danishsisterhood.com
We are COOKING with our Sisterhood and Museum Archival Project!
By Marcia Jante
The scanning of our Sisterhood History is continuing at the museum and financial donations continue to arrive. Our goal is to wrap up the fundraising campaign by the end of this year. Also, we are planning to activate the live link to the Sisterhood Cookbook in time for holiday baking!
We compiled the Danish Sisterhood Treasures Cookbook around 1992-1994. It is full of GREAT recipes submitted by our members from across the country. Recently we had investigated a reprint of the book but found it to be cost prohibitive Much more cost effective was to include it in our Archival Project and make it available to everyone for FREE!
As I page through the book, it is like a walk down memory lane. I find names of Sisters people I met during my years on the national board that are still dear friends or treasured memories. One such special memory is of our Sister, Carol Jorgensen, from Dike, Iowa. She had a lovely Scandinavian Shop and was always willing to help someone locate that special Danish item.
Since it is apple season I wanted to include a recipe and found this one from Carol. Velbekomme!
Flaky Apple Bars
2 1/2 C. Flour
1 Tbsp. Sugar
1 C Shortening
1 egg yolk (save egg white)
2/3 C. milk
2 handfuls corn flakes
8-10 apples, sliced
1 C. Sugar
1 Tbsp. Cinnamon
Glaze
1 C. Powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. Milk
1/4 tsp. Almond flavoring
BAKING DIRECTIONS:
Mix flour, sugar and shortening. Add egg yolk and milk. Roll half into jelly roll pan. Crumble corn flakes over bottom. Add sliced apples with sugar and cinnamon. Roll other half on top. Beat egg white until stiff. Spread on top of crust. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. Turn oven to 350 and bake for 50 minutes. Put glaze on top.
Recipe by Carol Jorgensen, Lodge 176, Dike, IA.
On the cover: This is a picture of Christine Lundsberg Geiger’s Kubb Trophy. Christine Lundsberg Geiger received the trophy last December for being the most enthusiastic newbie on a Competitive -Casual League. She shares the trophy with Kimberly Hansen, one of her lodge sisters from Dagmar Lodge #4, Chicago.
Kubb (pronounced koob) is known as Vikingeskak in Denmark (VEE-king-skak) and translates to Viking Chess in English. Kubb is played on a rectangular field of 5 meters wide and 8 meters long. The objective of Kubb is to knock down your opponent's 5 wooden blocks, known as kubbers, by throwing wooden batons at them across the playing field called a pitch.
Kubb can be best described as a combination of Horseshoes and Bowling and is suitable for any age. The best part is, no skill is required or special gear.
IN MEMORIAM October 2024
Christina M Price 25283 19
Marilyn Kramme 25295 102
MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION for October 2024
Arlene Bartoe Carol Schlaud
Let’s Grow Together
BECOME A MUSEUM MEMBER BECAUSE you love our museum. you enjoy our exhibitions. you discovered yourself here. you enjoy MoDA Magazine. you want to support our programming. you want to use our genealogy resources. you support preserving Danish American culture and history, including YOUR Sisterhood Collection.
Scan the QR Code with your phone or call the museum.
Already enjoying all our wonderful benefits? Remember, the holidays are coming, and you can give the gift of membership to a friend, child or parent! Share MoDA with those you love!
CAMP GRANT WINNERS
On behalf of Cameron, I would like to thank the Sisterhood for selecting Cameron to receive a National Camp Grant. Cameron attended Q (Queen's) Camp this summer in Kingston, Ontario. The theme for her week was 'Music in Motion' where she spent time singing, bucket drumming and playing a variety of sports and games. At the end of the week there was a 'performance' put on for the parents which was a lot of fun to see.
I asked Cameron what she would like to share about her camp experience and her picture...
"My name is Cameron Curtis. I am 5 years old. I went to Q Camp this summer. It was a lot of fun because we got to sing and swim in the pool ever day! Thank you for helping me go to camp.”
PHOTO RIGHT: "We had a 'Safari Day' I was a cheetah."
Mange tak, Julie & Cameron Curtis
Dear Danish Sisterhood:
First and foremost, thank you for your generous contribution to my enrollment in Den Danske Sommerskole. It went a long way and I appreciate your organization’s support when you didn’t have to.
I’m writing this letter to assure you that your money was put to good use, as I had a wonderful time in Denmark. Summer school in Denmark was a very interesting experience. Classes were enlightening. Learning about Denmark’s history and culture was fascinating, and the time I spent with the kind teachers, activity leaders, and other students helped me in a number of ways, including helping me get through some hard personal issues.
Please consider continuing to donate to other families to encourage them to expand their horizons. Your donation helped me have a great experience in Denmark and I wish the same blessing on another kid like me.
Tusind tak,
~~Melody Rasmussen
PHOTO RIGHT: Lars Rasmussen, Melody’s Grandpa, took this picture of Melody as she was being dropped off on the 10th of July at Den Danske Sommerskole at Bernsdorffminde on Fyn, Denmark.
MEET
Hi, all Danish Sisterhood Members. I am Linda Brooks, your National Treasurer. I was elected at the Omaha National Convention in 2019 and re-elected again at the 2023 Bloomington National Convention. It was an honor to be re-elected.
I was born and raised in Colorado and truly love it! We have the best of all worlds. Skiing, golf and many outdoor activities. Sometimes you can ski and golf in the same day!
PHOTO RIGHT: Linda Brooks poses with her son, Eric, while at a family picnic.
My grandmother and grandfather were both Danish and had 6 children. My mom was the 2nd born and had 2 other sisters and 3 brothers. I have belonged to Ellen Lodge 21, Denver, for 25 years. My mom, 2 aunts and numerous cousins are, or were, members at the time I joined. We used to meet on Wednesdays at a member’s home for lunch and socialization. I truly miss all of the members that are no longer with us. Now we meet on Saturdays and have quite a few new members and a very talented and energetic group. We hosted the 2015 National Convention here in Denver.
I’ve been retired now for 8 years. Taking care of the Sisterhood financials is rewarding, but also very challenging. I most enjoy reading, supporting the Colorado Avalanche (professional ice hockey team), cooking and baking. I have a husband, one son, 2 cats and a grand-cat. Life is good!
PHOTO LEFT: This picture is of Linda Brooks with her husband, Ernie. This photo was taken at the celebration of Linda’s 70th birthday.
Congratulations to our 2 recipients of the Betty Hansen Continuing Education/Cultural Heritage Grant for the August 31, 2024 deadline. The two recipients are Sophia Olesen and Susan Hoppough.
Sophia is the daughter of Maria Olesen, a member of Lodge #4. She attended Uldum Højskole in Denmark to improve her Danish language skills with the hopes of attending a university in Denmark. We wish her the best of luck and are happy to help her along the way.
Susan is a member of Lodge #68. She attended a CNMIA master accordion class to better her accordion playing skills so she can play Danish music at events in her lodge and district. We hope to hear her some day and are happy to help her achieve this goal.
The next applications for the Betty Hansen Continuing Education/Cultural Heritage Grants must be postmarked by January 31, 2025. See the Danish Sisterhood of America website for more information or contact Nealna Gylling, National president at president@danishsisterhood.com or 612-390-1374.
Danish Sisterhood News, June 2024 Page 5
Danish Sisterhood News October 2024 Page 7
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.
MEMBER/LODGE
Viola Wilson 166
Joann Scott 168
Karin Plagens 188
Sandra Nelson 188
Carole Hodges 22
Andrea Welling Leih 15
Elizabeth Haar 12
Dorothy Petersen 126
Glenda Madrid 177
Nancy Mayland 125
Johanne Gade 171
Diann Weinman 102
Carolyn Sias 166
Kristine Huss 15
Seena Drapala 142
Janelle Willis 102
Janice Schneider 15
Vicki Bousquet 90
Bente Bob 185
Martha Nielsen 149
Ulla Pereira 300
Margaret Omodt 21
Anlaug Nielsen 177
MEMBER/LODGE
Carol Smith 149
Meredith Sorensen 187
Marie Jaeger 177
Christina Sallee 81
Melissa Sallee 81
Marie Fairbanks 165
Constance Schneider 90
Susan Fisher 102
Lou Ann Jensen 15
Hanne Skaarup 125
Else Lassiter 177
Pamela Ruben 15
Ruth Brigden 126
Margaret Wetzel 165
Verina Farrell 177
Lorraine Buchanan 86
Debra Spotz 15
Marianne Larsen 177
Linda Holz 102
Margaret Schoewe 15
Marilyn Kramme 102
PHOTO LEFT: Kronborg is a castle and stronghold in the town of Helsinør, Denmark.
Immortalized as Elsinore in William Shakespeare’s play Hamlet, Kronborg is one of the most important Renaissance castles in Northern Europe.
MEMBERSHIP CORNER — CAROL RUDISILL
Happy Fall! I am writing this on a hot summer day. I’m making cookies for my Lodge meeting tonight so the house is even hotter. That’s ok because I know it’s going to be cooling down for a long time as cool and crisp fall days are right around the corner. As you know, Susan and I have been collecting data from you, and I thought you might be interested in some of the facts we have been looking at.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR MEMBERS AND LODGES
Currently we have 1,246 members This is 6 more than last year: YIPPEE!
We have 31 Youth Members that are 14 years old or younger.
Forty-five of our Sisters have chosen to become angel members. Angel members are those that paid for an insurance policy when they joined and choose to donate that benefit back to the National Danish Sisterhood.
We have 7 National Districts:
* California District with 238 members
* Heartland District with 104 members (Iowa and Minnesota)
* Pacific Northwest (PNW) District with 114 members
* EGC (which is Eastern General Committee) District with 187 members
* MOO (Michigan, Ontario, and Ohio) District with 153 members
* Nebraska District with 45 members
* Midwest District (Illinois and Wisconsin) with 133 members
We have 4 groups that are not in a District:
* Milwaukee with 72 members
* Denver with 44 members
* Tivoli our virtual lodge with 81 members
* Individual members that are too far away from a local lodge, but don’t feel comfortable with online Lodge, 75 members.
We had 14 members pass away this year.
We had 27 members drop their membership this year.
The average age of our members is around 63 years young.
Of all these facts, the one that is most concerning is that some members have dropped their membership in our Danish Sisterhood. This could be for a variety of reasons: Some women are aging out and are not able to participate due to a myriad of reasons. Some have moved away. Some are not able to drive any longer. But some are not finding what they need from our organization. The questions we need to ask include whether we are doing everything we can to have programming that is of interest to our local organization? Are we making sure that the new member is feeling wanted, needed, and appreciated for making the effort to attend? I know that I worry when going somewhere for the first time. I think about how I will fit in? I think about my lack of history with these people. I hope we are helping any new or prospective members feel wanted. I do think there is some good news in these numbers. Even after 14 deaths and 27 lapsed members, we still have more members than last year.
We need to make sure those in our ranks know how much we appreciate their desire to learn, share, and enjoy the Danish Heritage. I know I am so glad to have a Sisterhood of those who love the Danish Heritage as much as I do.
Thank YOU! I love being a Dane!
Carol Rudisill
SAVE THE DATES
SAVE THE DATE! November 12, 2024
5:00 P.M. (Central)
ZOOM presentation by Cheyenne Jansdatter Nordquist (Museum of Danish America Archivist)
“How to Save and Preserve Your Lodge Documents” Sponsored by Lodge #15 of Milwaukee, WI.
Early this year we offered a Live Zoom Program from Copenhagen on the Flora Danica China.
You asked for more and we will deliver!
We are returning in 2025 to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of Royal Copenhagen! Lodge 15 in Milwaukee is partnering with the Museum of Danish America to host another Live ZOOM Program from Copenhagen.
Watch for more details, but for now, Save the Date—Saturday, February 1, 2025.
PHOTO LEFT: Flora Danica setting at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Photography by Thomas Quine.
AMBER LODGE CELEBRATED SANKT HANS AFTEN ON JUNE 20TH
Amber Lodge celebrated Sankt Hans Aften on June 20th at Nealna and Don Gylling's home on Gull Lake in the Brainerd area. A beautiful summer evening was enjoyed by members and guests attending. A potluck, pontoon ride, and campfire that included the burning of the witch were all highlights. Thanks Nealna and Don for hosting!
On August 10th, Amber Lodge members made and served Aebleskiver as a fundraiser at the annual Viking Festival in Brainerd. Funds raised went to local charity, "Jacob's Voice."
Amber Lodge was also in charge of the Kid's Craft area at the Festival. Volunteers helped kids paint their own shield, write their name in clay using Viking Rune letters, make fiber art, make flying Dragons, and listen to Viking stories. It was a very busy area!
We are hosting, and busy preparing for, the Heartland District Convention in October and look forward to seeing Sisterhood and Brotherhood lodge members from Iowa at the convention.
Article and photos submitted by Barb Wenschlag
PHOTO RIGHT: Nealna Gylling and Hanne Porter shared stories of witch burning traditions in Denmark as the witch awaits her fate!
PHOTO ABOVE: Jean Miller was in charge of the craft area.
PHOTO RIGHT: The Serving Crew for the æbleskive booth.
PHOTO ABOVE: “Else.Phyllis.Rick.Donna” : Else Lassiter, Phyllis Martina (delegate), and bartenders extraordinaire, Rick and Donna Andersen Ineman at the District Convention. April 2024. Solvang, CA.
PHOTO RIGHT: Donna Andersen Ineman, Karen Voorhis, and Phyllis Martina preparing æbleskiver for Nielsen Building Materials, Inc.’s Customer Appreciation Day. Yum!
PHOTO ABOVE: Before you know it, it will be time to decorate your Christmas Tree. Now is a good time to begin creating your Danish Christmas ornaments.
Danish Sisterhood News October 2024 Page 12
TROLLS BY DANISH ARTIST NAMED THOMAS DAMBO
As I mentioned in the President’s Column, in a relatively small town (Detroit Lakes) in the resort area of northwestern Minnesota, Thomas Dambo (with the help of over 400 community members) wrote a fairytale and then built five trolls, 3 portals and a “Golden Rabbit”. Each troll and portal hold a clue to the location of the “Golden Rabbit,” the villain of the fairytale, who has a challenge for all who solve the mystery and find him. News articles say these are his largest trolls yet. The trolls are all located within 20 miles of each other with two of the portals a little farther away. You can find directions to all the trolls and the portals on the internet as well as read the fairytale, but the location of the Golden Rabbit can only be found by solving the clues. My husband, Don, and I spent one day finding the trolls and portals and solved the clues and saw the location of the rabbit on the map and still didn’t find him – probably because we were tired as we already had 12,000 steps in just looking for the trolls. The next time, we had family with us and this time we found the rabbit! And accepted his challenge. Each troll has his/her own story and challenge. Below, I have shared a picture of each troll and his/her challenge.
The troll hunt started in the City Park which is accessible by everyone. Alexa’s Elixir is brewing a potion and has a wooden book and a spoon and cauldron. The book tells the fairytale of the little people and information for solving the clues to find the rabbit. Alexa’s Elixir is the troll who will help the little people if you solve the clues.
The next troll we found was Jacob Everear. He has big ears so he can listen to your story. When we were there, a family of children was telling him stories; it was good to hear them. Doesn’t he look so comfortable just enjoying himself listening. We first saw him about a week after the trolls were finished. The trail to him was a mowed path through a field of grasses. When we returned 2 months later, that path was a well worn hard packed dirt path from the thousands of feet that had walked on it in those two months.
The third troll we saw was a hike up the mountain. Long Leif is a friend of the trees. He studied them until he could grow tall like the trees. I think he is the tallest troll ever. Don and I are standing next to him. His story is worth looking up and reading. He challenges you to plant a tree.
Barefoot Frida was the fourth troll for us. The first time we saw her we walked across a small pond by stepping on rocks. The second time there was a better warn path around the pond. Her challenge to you is to walk barefoot and feel nature. We failed that challenge completely. But look at her feet!
For more information about these trolls and to read the story printed in the wooden book, go to www.project412mn.org . Tune into the next edition of Danish Sisterhood News for more information about Trolls!
Article and photos by Nealna Gylling
DANISH SISTERHOOD BUTIKKEN
Onesies 6mo 12 mo 18 mo.
Danish Flag Heart Hat
Daisy Necklace
Daisy Post Earrings
$15.00
$20.00
$7.00
$12.00
Danish Flag Heart Post Earrings $12.00
Danish Flag Round Post Earrings $12.00
DSS Messenger Bag $15.00 Vests $50.00
DSS Gold Emblem Necklace with chain $45.00
DSS Gold Emblem pendant only
$25.00 Apron
DSS Notebook
Red Scarf
$20.00
$7.00
$10.00
DSS Swedish Dishcloths, each $7.00
Aebleskiver Ornament
Wine Bottle Opener
$20.00
$5.00
Makeup Heart compact $5.00
Glass nail file
$3.00
DSS oval vinyl car sticker $2.00
Coral heart pendant $45.00
Prayer Tea Towel $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 Sisterhood
Published by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America
POSTMASTER, PLEASE RUSH TIME DATED MATERIAL!
News
REFERENCES/RESOURCES
Flora Danica setting at Christiansborg Palace in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photography by Thomas Quine. File:Christiansborg - Flora Danica setting.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Billede af flettede Julehjerter, December 27, 2006, Author: 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.
