Heartland District Convention Report The Heartland District Sisterhood held its first convention in over two and a half years on April 1st and 2nd. Meeting at a Des Moines, Iowa Holiday Inn, Lodge 186 from Brainerd, Minnesota and Lodge 3 from Davenport, Iowa joined with Lodge 102 from Des Moines, Iowa for a wonderful time of reconnecting and Hygge. Friday night's traditional frikadeller and fixings dinner was delicious! Entertainment of Danish folk dancing and singing was enjoyed by all. Saturday morning meetings held the election of the new officers, other business matters, and the memorial service for dear members who had passed since the last convention. Our special guest, National Secretary Glenda Madrid, was introduced and welcomed. We were also pleased to recognize two other members of the National Board who were in attendance as members of our district: Linda Holz (National Trustee and Butikken Chairman); and Nealna Gylling (National Trustee and Scholarship Chairman). Our Saturday evening banquet was once again decorated beautifully in a Danish theme. It was the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, and appropriately, each table held 2 beautiful commorative plates showing scenes from his
fairy tales, as well as one of his famous quotations. The meal of Danish pork roast with prunes and apples along with many extras, was delightful. Lisa Kramme, a very talented storyteller, shared several of his fairy tales, even paper cutting, as she talked. What a special way to complete our salute to one of Denmark's most famous authors! A standing ovation was given to our Heartland District President Carol Rudisill when she received the award for "Outstanding District Sister." Carol led us through "unprecedented" territory for over 2 years as we dealt with the loss of our dear long time Secretary/Treasurer Jane Paulsen early in 2020, then the pandemic that started 2 months later. She found ways to keep us afloat and organize our group effectively to be able to hold the long delayed convention. Carol has been very active in her own lodge 102 and the convention's theme "Keeping the Danish Spirit Alive" was really a reflection of her personal philosophy as well. One of her favorite sayings when she has been thanked for "going the extra mile" in helping others is "That's what Sisters are for!" It was a memorable convention to all in attendance.
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Danish Sisterhood News, April 2022
