My husband and I are immersed in watching the Summer Olympics. We love seeing the determination and perseverance and hard work of the Olympians. There are successes and disappointments, but they keep striving to do the best they can do. They speak of their vision of success as an important part of what helped them get to the place they are. Those words determination, perseverance, hard work and vision are worth thinking about.
As I was watching last night, I thought about how these words for success apply to the Sisterhood. Our vision statement:
“The National Danish Sisterhood organization will address changing times. We will build commitment to preserve our organization and heritage with interest, enthusiasm and concern for each other.”
Are we working hard with perseverance and determination to reach this vision? What is your lodge doing to address the changing times? Some lodges are having meetings virtually as well as in person. Does the time of your meetings make it easy or difficult for younger members? Do you include interesting programs? Are you involved in community activities that promote the Danish Sisterhood? Do you try new things?
For many of us (probably most of us), the social aspect of the Sisterhood is one of the most important parts. However, if you are new to a group, the social aspect of a well-established group may be intimidating as you aren’t part of their long history of socializing.
What do you do to include that new prospective member? And, how do you find that new prospective member? Do people in your community even know about the Sisterhood? I had an eye opening experience a couple of years ago.
Continued on page – 4 –
Copyright 1946-2024 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America, All Rights Reserved. President’s Corner
Danish Sisterhood News
www.danishsisterhood.com Volume 77, Number 9
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
Dear Sisters and Mister Sisters:
The year seems to be quickly flying by. It won’t be long and we will be celebrating holidays!
I would love to print your articles and photographs. The readers of Danish Sisterhood News would love to see, and read about, the various events taking place at your lodge, especially as holidays approach.
Velkommen
Charlene M. Jensen, Editor
Also, if you are traveling to Denmark soon, or have recently returned from a trip to Denmark, feel free to submit an article and/or photos to me for print in Danish Sisterhood News.
Reach out to me with any questions you have about a story/article that you would like to submit. You are valuable and so are the things that you can share with Sisterhood members!
I just returned from a week in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, fondly referred to as the “UP” by Michiganders. I had every intention of visiting Christine Lodge #1 in Negaunee/Ispheming but logistically, the visit did not work out. And a good thing since I tested positive for COVID at the end of our vacation. So, I’m on the road to recovery and grateful for the wonderful healthcare system. Christine Lodge #1 and I are planning a ZOOM meeting in the fall, which just reminds me how quickly summer is passing.
PHOTO ABOVE: This photo is of the sunset from Silver City, MI overlooking Lake Superior. Photography by Susan Hoppough.
As the President of the MOO District, I plan to meet with each of the Lodges in the MOO District during 2024. I still need to visit Enighed Lodge #49 in Ludington and Danske Damer #185 in Cleveland. I love getting to know how the Danes settled in these communities and what the Lodges are doing to gather and celebrate their Danish heritage. This made me think that each of us should try to visit other Lodges across the US as we travel and experience local communities on our vacations.
The Danish Sisterhood of America Webpage is a great resource to locate other Lodges and to contact the Secretaries in those lodges, go to: https://www.danishsisterhood.org. Just go to the Home page and click on the tab “Find a Lodge” to explore the location and contact information for other lodges. We have a great opportunity to meet each other between national meetings and visiting each other when we travel. Visit each other in your hometowns, it’s a good thing to do! Until next time!
Mange Tak, Susan Hoppough, National Trustee
On the cover: Man Meets the Sea, also known as Mennesket ved Havet in Danish, is a striking 9-meter (30-foot) tall white monument located west of Esbjerg, Denmark. The sculpture features four seated male figures and stands next to Sædding Beach on the southwest coast.
The sculpture is opposite the Fisheries and Maritime Museum, and it’s a significant tourist attraction and a landmark in Esbjerg. The artist behind this impressive work is Svend Wiig Hansen, and it was installed on October 28, 1995, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the municipality of Esbjerg. Originally, the artist envisioned placing the sculpture at Grenen, north of Skagen, but it ultimately found its home overlooking the sea, visible to ships entering and leaving Esbjerg harbor.
Photography by Erika Lambert.
WE HAVE MET OUR GOAL!
Success! Thanks to individuals and lodges all across the United States, we have met our goal of $30,000 for the Sisterhood Digital Library Project! Mange tak! In fact, we have exceeded our $30,000 goal and can lay a foundation of longterm support for the Sisterhood Archive at the Museum of Danish America.
Your support for this project has paid for:
• Rented specialized scanning equipment to digitize unique materials,
• Uploading and hosting fees for the online platform for the digital library,
• Staff time for archivist Cheyenne Jansdatter Nordquist to dedicate her expertise to this project,
• Digital intern to accomplish the day-to-day handling and scanning of archival materials.
All of the goals for the Digital Library project will be accomplished by this fall, including making hand-written ledgers, Sisterhood News, and the famous Sisterhood Cookbook available for free online access. As we continue to care for the Sisterhood collections into the future, we welcome your ongoing support.
Any additional contributions made to the Sisterhood Archives will be dedicated to the $5,800.00 annual direct costs of hosting the online library and preserving the original materials for years to come. This would include:
• ·Annual costs for hosting the digital library online,
• ·Supporting Cheyenne’s time working on the archives,
• ·Maintaining climate-controlled storage for the archival collection,
• ·Implementing new training for Lodges to learn how to access information,
• Addressing long-term storage for digital files and future digital formats.
If you wish, you can support the Museum of Danish America more generally with annual memberships and unrestricted donations; these gifts support the overall operation of the museum and ensure that our mission reaches a national audience.
Again, mange tak!
Tova Brandt — Executive Director of the Museum of Danish America
On behalf of the Danish Sisterhood and Museum of Danish America 40th Anniversary Partnership Committee
PRESIDENT’S CORNER (continued…)
We received a call from a Sons of Norway member, that she had met a woman at their bake sale who was from Denmark. This Dane might be interested in our organization. We called and Hanne was very interested and joined immediately. She had lived in the Brainerd area for 15 years and had never heard of us. Here all along I thought we were well known, apparently, I was wrong. We need to get out there and try to be more visible.
I know all of this isn’t easy. Working toward our vision must be continuous. It takes hard work, determination and perseverance. Sisters, we can do it!
Please let your National Board know how we can help you reach out in your community.
~~Nealna Gylling, DSS President
FACTS ABOUT AKVAVIT/AQUAVIT
Akvavit/Aquavit: Information gathered by Carol Rudisill
History: Akvavit has been around for centuries. Some historians believe that the Vikings drank akvavit during the years 800-1200 A.D. In fact, some say that the Danish toast “Skaal!” comes from the Vikings drinking the spirit from the skulls of their conquered enemies. I like the more gentle skaal meaning:
S for togetherness
K for love
A for many talents
A for longevity
L for luck
Some historians say that German traders brought Akvavit to Scandinavia in the1400’s, where it was used in medicine and gunpowder. The oldest written reference about akvavit is when Lord Eske Bille, who resided at Bergenshus Castle in Bergen Norway, wrote a letter to the Archbishop of Norway on April 13, 1531 and talked about this “medicinal drink that helps with all sorts of illnesses-both internal and external.” He included a bottle of this “most amazing liquid”.
At one time akvavit was distilled on nearly every farm, in every town. In the 1600’s social drinking became more and more common. It also became a major problem. During this time King Christian IV was ruling what is now both Norway and Denmark. The drinking became such a problem for Parliament that King Christian IV had to hold his Parliament meetings at 7:00 a.m. because much after that and the representatives would be too drunk to function. During this time alchemists used Akvavit to try to make gold as well as using it in the search for eternal life. It was soon made by regular people and used as medicine, a love potion, and as protection against evil spirits.
In the 1600’s Princess Anna of Sachsen (Saxony) became a prominent producer of Akvavit. She was interested in herbs and plants infused with herbs. She sent these mixtures that she made all over Europe. During the 1600’s most Akvavit was used as medicine. The akvavit made people sweat and was therefore thought to be a good medicine.
By the early 1900’s, after WWI, Norway made all alcohol illegal. However, because Akvavit was “medicine” a person could go to the doctor and get a prescription for one half liter of this medicine per doctor consultation. Even farm animals could get a prescription and were allowed 2 gallons per prescription. Many farm animals were taken for the prescription as a reason to have more akvavit at home. A good reason to have many animals!
Production of Akvavit: Denmark is the oldest consumer of Akvavit, but not the biggest producer. Aalborg Akvavit is the best known Danish Akvavit. It was produced on the northern coast of Jutland. This is the ONLY akvavit that can be legally exported. Aalborg Akvavit was established in 1881 as Danish Distilleries. Aalborg Akvavit was purchased by the Swedish company V & S. It was then sold to Pernod Ricard in 2008. This purchase was so the company could own Absolut vodka…not for the akvavit.
In 2012 the Norwegian company Arcus bought Aalborg Akvavit and dedicated itself to improving the declining company. It has since improved and began exporting the product again. The factory in Aalborg closed in 2015 and moved production to Norway. Arcus merged with Altia in 2021 and is now called Anora Group.
In Denmark, many micro-distilleries have been created and the revitalization of the akvavit industry has begun. These mini-distilleries are now similar to the microbreweries we are used to seeing in the USA. They are springing up all over the place and trying to become unique. They are now adding unique and exotic flavors.
YOU ARE INVITED
You are Invited to the Heartland District Convention October 4-5, 2024 Brainerd, Minnesota
Schedule:
Friday, October 4 –
Visit Skovsøen Language Camp
Aebleskiver Supper
Hardanger Fiddle Concert
Saturday, October 5 –
Sisterhood & Brotherhood Meetings
Activities in the area
Dinner Cruise on Beautiful Gull Lake
Initiation of officers and conclusion of convention
All the above for only $110. It’s a great deal! We hope to see you!
For more information contact:
Nealna Gylling at 612-390-1374 or Nealna.gylling@gmail.com
Dottie Bisted at 218-851-8764 or dottie.bisted@gmail.com
. CAMP GRANT WINNERS
Dear Danish Sisterhood of America,
Thank you for the camp grant this year! I used the award towards Drake Women’s Basketball Camp in June! My favorite part of camp was meeting all the players and getting autographs on my shirt! I had so much fun! Thank you so much!❤️
Danish Sisterhood of America,
Thank you for the camp grant. I went to the Drake Women’s Basketball Camp and I had a great time. My favorite part was playing basketball with the Drake players.
Thank you, Phoebe Volious
Brynlee Anderson
PHOTO LEFT: As the holidays begin to approach, don’t forget about Nisser! Danish folklore tells of Nisser in the barn with animals and gifts. One noticeable decorative difference was the numerous Nisser gnome-like spirits who dwell in barns, helping the farm on which they live. But, the Nisse, or groups of Nisser, can be mischievous if they feel mistreated or don’t get what they want. It is then that they may cause trouble!
Youth Birthdays — September 2024
In Memoriam—For September 2024
MEMBERSHIP EXPANSION for September 2024
We need your help!
We are still looking for someone from the eastern part of the US and someone from the West Coast to help select the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement.
If you are willing to help, please contact Nealna at: president@danishsisterhood.com or 612-390-1347. Thanks!
—Nealna Gylling
PHOTO ABOVE: “Smorrebrod Crew” —Flora Danica Lodge #177 (Solvang) Sisterhood Lodge members preparing smørrebrød for Solvang and Santa Barbara Brotherhood/Sisterhood Installation. January 2024.
Left to right: Harriett Madsen, Mindi Christian, Glenda Madrid, Denise Johnson, Raelynn Pedersen, Else Lassiter, Karen
Pictured
Haugse, Lisa Pedersen.
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
Carol Smith
Joann Scott
Meredith Sorensen
Karin Plagens
Marie Jaeger
Sandra Nelson
Christina Sallee
Carole Hodges
Melissa Sallee
Andrea Welling Leih
Marie Fairbanks
Elizabeth Haar
Constance Schneider
Dorothy Petersen
Susan Fisher
Glenda Madrid
Lou Ann Jensen
Nancy Mayland
Hanne Skaarup
Johanne Gade
Else Lassiter
Diann Weinman
Pamela Ruben
Carolyn Sias
Ruth Brigden
Kristine Huss
Margaret Wetzel
Seena Drapala
Verina Farrell
Janelle Willis
Lorraine Buchanan
Janice Schneider
Debra Spotz
Vicki Bousquet
Marianne Larsen
Bente Bob
Linda Holz
Martha Nielsen
Margaret Schoewe
Ulla Pereira
Jacque Wagstaffe
Margaret Omodt
Marilyn Kramme
FLORA DANICA LODGE #177 IN SOLVANG HAS HAD A BUSY AND FUN 2024 SO FAR.
In January the Solvang and Santa Barbara Brotherhood/Sisterhood Lodges joined together for our Installation of Officers followed by a fantastic Danish Smørrebrød dinner, complete with Akvavit for toasting the new Officers and the Solvang Sisterhood members who prepared and served the wonderful meal.
Our February meeting was held at the beautiful Elverhøj Museum in Solvang, hosted by Glenda Madrid and Mindi Christian. Final preparations for the District Convention to be held in Solvang once again were discussed. We also presented several members with their anniversary pins, including one 10-year pin, one 50-year pin, and six (!) 25-year pins. How wonderful to see so many long-time members being honored.
March 2024 was Flora Danica Lodge’s 59th Anniversary. We gathered at the Santa Ynez Mobile Home Estate’s Clubhouse for a “Two-Bit-ADip” potluck dinner. Inflation prompted the increase to “Two Bits” rather than the usual “Dime-A-Dip” that we all know. Still, a very good deal for dinner. And, our members were more than generous with their payments, and brought some amazingly delicious food. Dinner was followed by what has become a tradition during the Anniversary Dinner, which is a rousing and competitive game of Danish Jeopardy. Re-match challenges were made for 2025! Also in March, we gathered with other members of the community for an evening of singing tunes out of the World of Song songbook. This happened to be the same weekend that the National Sisterhood Board members met in Solvang and it was fun to have several of them join us for the sing-along.
We also celebrated the 100th birthday of long-time Sisterhood member, Kate Nielsen, in March. Kate has been a member of the Sisterhood since 1951: That’s 73 years, WOW! Several members were able to attend her birthday gathering at her home at Atterdag Village, and enjoy a delicious cake from Olsen’s Bakery. Of course, we sang Hun Skal Leve and toasted with some Akvavit, much to the delight of Kate.
April included the District Convention with an opening reception at the Elverhøj Museum on Friday evening and a BBQ dinner at Bethania Lutheran Church Parish Hall on Saturday following the meetings. Our Lodge is proud to have its President, Lori McConnell, serving as the District Sisterhood President for a second year.
Continued on page –9–
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Danish Sisterhood of America wishes to recognize members who have faithfully contributed time and energy in the support of their Sisterhood Lodge, or the Danish Sisterhood of America, on a scale that is exceptional and long sustained. If you would like to nominate a member for this Lifetime Achievement Award, refer to the nomination form in the August 2024 issue of Danish Sisterhood News, or please contact Glenda Madrid at: secretary@danishsisterhood.com or 805.448.7631.
One nomination per lodge per year. Nomination must be post-marked on or before 10/01/2024.
Flora
Danica Lodge #177 in Solvang — Continued from page 8
Some of our Sisters were able to help bake aebleskiver for the Customer Appreciation Day at Nielsen Building Materials, Inc. It was Phyllis Martina’s first time making aebleskiver and she mastered it with instructions from Donna Andersen Ineman. She even went out and purchased some knitting needles afterward so that she can make aebleskiver at home. The May meeting included information on our High School Scholarship applications. Our Lodge is honored to be able to fund this Scholarship every year to a well-deserving applicant.
Flora Danica Lodge does not meet in June or July. However, several of our Sisters have gathered together for craft nights, Danish language class, and meeting up at various events. We are all looking forward to starting up our monthly meetings in August and preparing for Solvang’s annual Danish Days to be held September 20-22, 2024.
—Lisa Larsen Pedersen, Secretary
PHOTO RIGHT: “Jeopardy” —Danish Jeopardy Board categories, Flora Danica Lodge #177 (Solvang), 59th Anniversary Dinner. Always a fun time. March 2024.
PHOTO ABOVE: “Sing Along” —Flora Danica Lodge #177 (Solvang), National Sisterhood Board Members, and community members, gathered in March 2024 at Bethania’s Parish Hall for a Sing-Along using the World of Song songbooks. Friend Emily Abello on the piano.
PHOTOS RIGHT: “Kate Nielsen 2024 – Skal” 73-year Sisterhood member, Kate Nielsen, celebrated her 100th birthday in March 2024 with several Flora Danica Lodge #177 (Solvang) members in attendance. “Skål, Kate!”
“Kate Nielsen 2024” A beautiful and delicious cake from Olsen’s Bakery in Solvang, to help celebrate Kate Nielsen’s 100th birthday in March 2024.
PHOTOS FROM DENMARK
PHOTO RIGHT: The Sand Covered Church is in Skagen, Denmark. Photography by Erika Lambert.
The Sand-Covered Church, also known as Den Tilsandede Kirke, is a historical site located in Skagen, Denmark. It was originally a brick church dedicated to Saint Lawrence of Rome, built in the late 14th century. Over time, the church was partially buried by sand from nearby dunes. The congregation had to dig out the entrance for each service. The struggle to keep the church free of sand lasted until 1795; it was finally abandoned and demolished, leaving only the tower standing. Today, the remaining tower stands and reflects the power of nature. This is a popular tourist attraction. It can be entered on certain days of the year. Visitors can obtain a glimpse into the history that lies beneath the sands The site reminds people of the church’s past and the battle of the encroaching dunes
PHOTO BELOW: Nyholm Naval Base is located in the Copenhagen Harbor. It is important in the Danish Navy’s infrastructure. It provides facilities for naval operations and training. The base is crucial in Denmark’s maritime defense strategy. Photography by Erika Lambert.
LEFT: Nyhavn is a 17thcentury waterfront, canal and entertainment district in Copenhagen, Denmark. Photography by Erika Lambert.
Photography by Erika Lambert from Danish Sisterhood Katherine Lodge # 20, Kenosha
PHOTO ABOVE: The Gefion Fountain (Danish: Gefionspringvandet) is a large fountain on the harbor front in Copenhagen, Denmark. It features a large-scale group of oxen pulling a plow and being driven by the Norse goddess Gefjon. Photography by Erika Lambert.
PHOTO
MEET YOUR NATIONAL BOARD—Glenda Jaeger Madrid, National Secretary
My name is Glenda Jaeger Madrid and I am the National Secretary. I’d like to share a little bit about my background.
My grandfather, Viggo Tarnow, came to America in 1914 from Copenhagen. He was a physical education teacher and gymnast, teaching at Grand View in Des Moines, as well as other colleges and folk schools across the country. In 1938, my grandparents, Viggo and Cora, and my mother Marie, moved to California where they taught summer school at Solvang’s Atterdag Folk School.
My father, Johannes Jaeger, was a carpenter who immigrated to this country in 1948, from Tindbæk, Denmark. He built three of our beautiful Solvang windmills. Fun Fact: My grandparents were part of the welcoming committee for Queen Margrethe II and Prince Henrik when they came to visit Solvang in 1976. My Farmor was visiting at that time and was cleared (as most had to be) to be part of the reception, something which would not have occurred for her at home in Denmark.
I am the oldest child of Marie and Johannes four children. I was born and raised in Solvang, CA. As you might imagine, it’s been wonderful to grow up and live in a community immersed in the Danish culture. Growing up, we kept many of the Danish traditions alive in our meals, crafts, holidays, etc. Christmas was especially memorable with all the Danish food and décor. Over the past several years, we’ve met with other Sisterhood members to share recipes and make LOTS of Danish Christmas cookies. YUM!
I’ve been very involved in the community, particularly during our annual Danish Days celebration. From the time I was 7 months old, I was in costume and enjoying the festivities. Later I participated in folk dancing, gymnastics, baking aebleskiver, making costumes, polka band and the parades. From 1995 – 2015, our family volunteered to prepare and serve hundreds of Danish openfaced sandwiches (smørrebrød) for lunch, for approximately 180 Danish Days volunteers. Lunch included lots of blue cheese, herring, beer and Akavavit! Skal!
In 1971, I was honored to be selected as the Danish Maid. I was followed by my daughter, Ashlee, who was selected as the Danish Maid in 1999. Again, our family was honored when my granddaughter, Aleena, was selected as the Danish Maid in 2022.
We are 6 generations of Sisterhood members, from my great-grandmother to my granddaughters. I joined the Sisterhood in 1999. Soon after joining, I found myself on the 1999 National Convention planning committee and have often been our lodge delegate for national and district conventions since. I’ve held all officer positions in my lodge and CA District for several terms, except treasurer, and have continued to put together our lodge newsletter for approximately 20+ years.
Besides my membership in the Sisterhood, I’ve been a member of the Elverhoj Museum Board and Solvang Rebild. I’ve recently retired after 40 years in banking and 10 years in the medical field. I have been enjoying the extra time to take several online courses and make various crafts for our Sisterhood Danish Days Booth; woodcarving, needlework, sewing, etc. It’s been fun to recreate the traditional ornaments and decór as well as come up with our own ‘Danish’ inspired crafts. Making more time for travel is also high on my list!
In 2014, I accepted the position of National Secretary. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being involved at the national level with the opportunity to meet and be in touch with all of you. As Secretary, I’m the keeper of the organization’s database and records, updating membership records, processing death benefits, beneficiary changes, meeting minutes, and other reporting. If you have any questions regarding your membership, or if you need to make any changes, please contact me at any time: secretary@danishsisterhood.com or 805-448-7631.
PHOTO LEFT: Pictured left to right is Clayton, Glenda, Aleena, Addie, Ashlee; all of the Madrid family. The sashes are for Danish Days Maid.
Danish Sisterhood News, September 2024
CONGRATULATIONS BENTE AND LARS RASMUSSEN
PHOTO LEFT: Thank you to Karen Keathley for contributing this photo. Congratulations to Bente and Lars Rasmussen of Libertyville, IL (Bente and Lars are in the middle of the photo). These individual’s were the 2024 Top Karen’s Prize recipients from Rebild National Park Society at the Rebild Picnic on July 2, 2024.
RESOLUTION FOR M. ARLENE MORROW
IMPORTANT NEWS
MARGE ORTH IS THE TREASURER OF LODGE #20. Her contact information is: margejorth@gmail.com,
LODGE #6 HAS A NEW SECRETARY: Congratulations on your secretary position, CAROL KATTAR! Her contact information is: taskshiba2@cox.net, 402-250-9821.
Myrtle Arlene Mathisen, age 91, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2024.
Arlene was born to parents George and Myrtle Elaine (Jensen) Mathisen on November 24, 1932. She was raised on a farm west of Ft. Lupton, Colorado along with her 3 brothers and two sisters. Arlene attended school in Ft. Lupton graduating in 1950.
Arlene worked numerous jobs including bookkeeper for a lumber company and her husband’s welding and repair business, a waitress and as the lead telephone operator for Mountain Bell Telephone Company. She worked there until 1962 when Mountain Bell converted over to newer technology communications.
Arlene married Bill Dale Morrow on May 20, 1955, and had celebrated 67 anniversaries together. They had 3 boys: Steve, Scott and Stuart. After leaving Mountain Bell, she became a fulltime housewife and mom to the three boys which kept her pretty busy. She loved to work in her garden and raise flowers and vegetables. She liked decorating with artificial flowers and loved playing cards and other games with her granddaughters (Paige, Alyssa and Shayne) and other members of the family. When she had time, she enjoyed doing crewel needlework.
Arlene joined Ellen Lodge 21 February 28, 2001. It was a family affair. Her aunt, two sisters, niece, two cousins and 1 second cousin were also members of Ellen Lodge. Arlene had a lot of responsibilities with her family (which always came first), but she did try to make as many meetings and functions as possible. She had been trustee and a member of the Artifact committee.
Arlene was always loving, giving and nurturing to her family, friends and community. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Submitted
by Chris
Jensen Hix (cousin of Arlene)
NEWS FROM DAGMAR LODGE #4—
Written by Christine Lundsberg Geiger
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. After all your opponent's kubbers are down you must knock down the King in the middle of the pitch to win the game. 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.
Legend has it Kubb was started more than 1,000 years ago by Vikings using the skulls and femurs of their defeated enemies as game pieces. This has not been officially verified, but can you picture it?
A few years ago, I unsuccessfully tried to organize a friendly Kubb Tournament as an activity during a special event picnic at Scandinavian Park, Inc., NFP in South Elgin, Illinois. No one signed up in advance, mostly because so many didn't know what Kubb was. I was determined to get this fun game played and getting folks up to participate was the key. So I went around to the head of every picnic table creating teams just by choosing whoever was sitting on each side of the table. Team A on the right bench and Team B on the left bench. It didn't matter how many were sitting on each bench since a team can be made up of 1 to 6 players. It worked! A great time was had by all.
The inspiration of that friendly event lead to so much interest in Kubb. The following year all the different Nordic Clubs and Lodges had teams come out to play along with local league teams. Many had t-shirts made with their team's name and other swag.
Dagmar Lodge #4's team name is 'Dagmar Danes'. Our Lodge sponsors our Sisters team's $60 entry fee that helps raise funds for Scandinavian Park, Inc., NFP. There is now a yearly Kubb Tournament special event for league players and beginners at Scandinavian Park, along with a picnic.
The finest part of Kubb is it's social aspect and the people that play. The camaraderie among the Kubb players is what keeps me going back week after week in the rain, wind, snow and ice. Every player I have met shows the best qualities a human being can have: kindness, integrity, good sportsmanship, empathy. I could go on with the nouns but this article needs to end at some point.
Kubb has swept through the nation over the last 20 years with tournaments being held across the country in many cities, including one in San Diego recently. Kubb really exploded during the COVID lock-down since it can be played outdoors during any season and on nearly any surface. We can only play on water if it is frozen. Yes, there are ice games. Depending on where you live, you will need snowpants!
The U.S. National Championship Kubb Tournament has been held in Eau Claire, Wisconsin for the past 17 years during the month of July. Eau Claire officially became the Kubb Capital of North America on December 13, 2011. Players and spectators are always welcome at any tournament.
If you don't already play Kubb, the rules for playing can be found on the internet. Youtube has some great visuals on how to play or find a Kubb Club and learn from the most welcoming group of people, fellow kubbsters. It's a hands-on experience that's hard to explain unless you're actually playing. Go to https://kubbon.com/kubb-clubs/ to find something near you. I encourage you to use my impromptu method to get others up and playing at your next social event. Game on!
PHOTO ABOVE: This photo shows members of the Dagmar Lodge #4 team playing in a Tournament on July 28th, at Scandinavian Park, Inc. in South Elgin,
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Flickr user: Cameron Nordholm Washington, DC, United States http:// cameron.nordholm.us/
A small glass of akvavit served as a snaps at the start of an academic sittning in Helsinki, Finland
Date: 10 November 2023
Source: Own work, Author: JIP
File:Snaps at a sittning.jpg - Wikimedia Commons
Published by: Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of American National Secretary: Glenda Madrid 1557 Oak St., Solvang, CA 93463
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