• Latest Lodge Updates
• 2023 Convention Details
• Museum Updates
• And more!
I hope everyone have recovered from a very busy June (Father’s Day, Constitution Day (Grundlovs Dag) and Sct. Hans).
As we enter the final stretch, less than 3 months, before National Convention. I want to apologize to anyone who may have their articles or notices bumped from the Newsletter due to space. The convention and all the information you want and we need to give you, does take priority, so when we have to ensure the information is posted, we may have to postpone other news and information. I realize that no one wants their information delayed, so we ask that you remember to use the National Foundation of Danish America’s website to post your events as well. We will get your articles and notices in the newsletter in the order received, or deemed necessary due to content or timelines.
If you are thinking of running for a position on the National Board, but are unsure, and would like more detail, please reach out to anyone of the past or present Board members to get their input, and point of view. If you already know you want to be on the Board, please submit your resume to National Secretary Glenda or myself, so we can provide the nomination committee with the resumes prior to convention. This way they have time to read them through without rushing. We, of course, do accept nominations from the floor as long as the nominee qualify as per our Bylaws article IV National Officers.
Like you, we are looking forward to seeing everyone at National Convention, and we are excited for the members who have decided to run for the Board. Best of luck to you all, and remember that time flies when you are having fun…or are really busy, so let us give it our all these last months to ensure a fantastic convention.
Christina Sallee, Presidentwww.danishsisterhood.com
Volume 76, Number 6
Honorary Member Her Majesty Queen Margrethe II of Denmark
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
EDITOR: Lauren C. Nielsen (507) 206-9099 Email: editor@danishsisterhood.com
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: Christina Sallee, Lodge #81 16116 SW Deline Ct, Beaverton, OR 97007-3425 (503) 928 4494 president@danishsisterhood.com
National Vice President & Scholarship Chairman: Nealna Gylling, Lodge #186 1474 Floan Point Rd, Brainerd, MN 56401 612-390-1374 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 & Butikken Chairman: Linda Holz #102 4400 EP True Pkwy Unit 47, West Des Moines, IA 50265-5615 (515) 225-0951 trustee1@danishsisterhood.com
National Trustee & Website Chairman: Anna Nielsen #20 (262) 412-4482 trustee2@danishsisterhood.com
National Trustee, Membership Chairman: Karen Vig-Keathley, Lodge #4 109 South First Street, Itasca, IL 60143 708-715-0071 trustee3@danishsisterhood.com
National Past President: Sindy Mikkelsen, Lodge #126 2938 Sweet Grass Lane, Santa Rosa, CA 95407 (707) 755-0260
National Historian: Donna Christensen Thomas, historian@danishsisterhood.com
It's a packed issue this month and we're looking forward to all the exciting upcoming events. A longer welcome to come next month! Until next time, Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor, editor@danishsisterhood.com
Happy July Birthday to:
Names Alexandra Galarza Lodge 4 Age 11
Title: Hvedholm Castle
Location: Near Faaborg on the Island of Fyn
Photo submitted by: John Rudisill, Des Moines
During the 2022 Sisterhood tour, the group enjoyed two nights in this 15th century landmark. The castle now houses the Hvedholm Slotshotel.
Do you have a photo that you’d like to see on the cover of the Danish Sisterhood News? Send in your submissions and yours could be featured next!
Photographs must be high resolution and should be accompanied by a short description of the photo’s content. Photos from Danish events, Sisterhood meetings, travels around Denmark, Danish culture and more are all great topics.
Send photos to: editor@danishsisterhood.com
Our new member, Hanne Porter, was our speaker at our April meeting. She presented a power point story of her life growing up in Denmark, her jobs and world travels as an adult, and settling in various places in the U.S. Thankfully she ended up in the Brainerd area and is now a member of Amber Lodge. We also celebrated Queen Margrethe's 83rd birthday with balloons and birthday cake at our potluck. Members Nealna Gylling, Hanne Porter, Judy Andersen, Linda Buck, and Barb Wenschlag attended the Heartland District Convention in Des Moines the end of April. It's always great fun to reconnect with our Danish friends at this convention. Congratulations to our own Nealna for being recognized this year as Heartland Outstanding Sister for her dedicated service to the Danish Sisterhood.
Amber Lodge hosted an Aebleskiver Brunch in May at Trinity Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN. In addition to serving Aebleskiver with a variety of toppings, we served sausages, fruit salad, juice, and coffee plus a bake and craft sale. We were fortunate to have the beautiful quilt made by Nealna Gylling for the National Convention Raffle along with the cross stitch framed deer picture and were able to sell some raffle tickets as well. Thank you to all our lodge and family member volunteers for helping make our brunch a success!! Our guests raved again about delicious Danish Aebleskiver!!
Our May outing was an anniversary celebration of our lodge with a dinner out at a local restaurant. Members and their guests had a lovely time together. Our next outing will be to Nealna's home on Gull Lake to celebrate Sankt Hans Aften in June. Always a fun time together.
We hope everyone is enjoying a lovely summer. Can't wait to see you in October at the National Convention here in our beautiful state.
Respectfully submitted by Barb WenschlagDuring a recent trip to Seattle, we visited the Danish Hall in Enumclaw which is lovingly cared for by the Danish Sisterhood Lodge #75. Thanks to the Sisterhood President, Carol Ligner, we were able to tour the hall and go through the photographs and ledgers of the Enumclaw Danish Brotherhood. We read about the early days of the Brotherhood and how they invested money to purchase hay to use as insulation around the basement of the building. The ledgers told how they gave money to members who needed assistance and offered jobs to the unemployed members. We also found old pictures of my partner, Lou Nielsen’s, grandfather Laust, who was a founding member of the Enumclaw Brotherhood. These things are not any different than what we have in the Danish Sisterhood Archives. Our archives are a treasure trove of information and a walk down memory lane of our lodges and members. Our past tells a rich story of who we have become today. The donated archive materials have been preserved for viewing at the museum. Now, we want the archives to be available for your remote viewing just like I experienced in Enumclaw. Help the Sisterhood and the museum accomplish this goal.
Our Sisterhood/Museum Committee is asking you to donate as an individual member and as a lodge. As a member you can make an outright donation to our project or schedule your pledge over the next three years. Pledges are vital for the long-term campaign planning. Let the museum know you how you can help by sending in a pledge form.
The same holds true for your lodge. My lodge in Milwaukee is considering a donation this year to help meet our goal so the project can begin in January 2024. These funds allow the museum to acquire the equipment and the staff to complete the project. Our lodge is also considering making a pledge to the project by donating money annually until December 2025.
To raise money my Sisterhood Lodge #15 hosts raffles, and silent auctions three times a year. Part of the money we raise will be donated to this archival project. We are committed to preserving our Danish Sisterhood History and believe that investing in
our past is also an investment in our future. Our joint Sisterhood and Museum Committee is hoping to raise our first installment of $15,000 by September 30, 2023 so we can begin the project in January 2024. The committee is going to share the fundraising success at the National Convention in October!
All donations and pledges should be sent to: Museum of Danish America
2212 Washington St.
Elk Horn IA. 51531
Attn: Sisterhood Online Archive Campaign Checks are payable to Museum of Danish America and are tax deductible.
Questions? Contact the Museum of Danish America Development Office at 712-764-7001.
Spring has sprung. Along with daffodils has come plenty of rain. This May did not break a record, but it is among one of the wettest Mays Colorado has experienced. The weather has not hindered Ellen Lodge Sisters gathering for meetings, crafts and special celebrations.
The 2023 National Convention is just months away, and Malinda Ringo has been selected for our delegate and Chris Hix will be the alternate. The Sisters have been busy making crafts to sell at the convention, so don’t forget to visit our booth while in Minnesota. Have you ever attempted to make a Kransekage? Mindy Brown showed a video from the Nordic Cuisine series giving step by step instructions. It looked so easy although time consuming. But, none of us believed the “easy” part. I want to know how many times it took her to make this perfect video. I for one, will let someone else make it, and I’ll enjoy eating. We all did just that a few years ago when Pia Edgar made one for our October luncheon. She brought pictures of the ones she has made for special occasions, including her son’s wedding. I will leave the making of the Kransekage to the professionas. In March the DSS National Board had their Spring meeting in Denver. They were able to have a short Thank you to the Board and thank you to Ellen Lodge 21 representatives: President Birgitte Jappe Ross, Vice President Ethel Jergensen Evans and the new NE-CO District President, Joanna Christensen
The Museum of Danish America is celebrating
their 40th anniversary. They will be celebrating throughout the year in different locations around the United States.
On May 21, MoDA hosted a luncheon in Denver, sponsored by Mindy Brown and her husband Rich. The Nissebo was a perfect location for the celebration with an attendance of 50, where song, food, spirits, and plenty of hygge was enjoyed by all
Now, for the special celebration of the year. Our dear Inge Nagata turned 100 years old on June 1. Her sash read 100 and Fabulous and that definitely describes Inge. She plays bridge, comes to all our meetings (if she’s in town) and craft sessions, is still active on the Board, goes to Central City (“up the hill”) to gamble. She is amazing and is loved by all. On May 27 she was the hostess of her 100th year celebration at Mount Vernon Country Club with members in attendance from her Bridge club, Ellen Lodge 21, Denver Danes, her wonderful family and friends. On May 31 our lodge surprised her with another birthday celebration. There were 18 in attendance, Including her daughter in-law Barbara and her granddaughter Nikki. As always, the members of our lodge put together a beautiful table and a scrumptious Danish Luncheon. A toast was made to Inge, and she in turn, toasted the Ellen Lodge Sisters.Here’s to the years to come. She has been a blessing to all, and we are all so grateful for having her in our lives.
Submitted by Chris Jensen Hix1
DSS Room Rate: $165 per night plus applicable tax, fees, single or double occupancy
Prices honored 3 days pre/post convention depending on room availability
Call 800-333-3333, M - F 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. Ask for: 2023 National Convention for our block of rooms.
Or book on their website – www.radissonblumoa.com
Use booking link: 2023 National Convention – Radisson Blu Mall of America
Promo code : DANSIS
You can also reserve using the QR Code --- >>
***Note the deadline of August 15***
Please indicate selec)ons:
October 5-8, 2023
Registra)on Deadline – August 1, 2023
Thursday, Oct 5 1: - 4:00 Twin Ci,es Highlight Tour (min 30) $ __50 _ $____________
7:00 Opening night dessert recep,on $ -0- Y_____N_____ (No host cocktail & coffee bar)
Friday, Oct 6th
9:00 – 10:30
10:30 – 11:00
11:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 1:30 pm
1:30 – 2:30
2:30 – 3:00
3:00 – 4:30
Breakfast - (on your own)
Conven,on Opening Ceremony & Business
Morning break – (included)
General Mee,ng
Lunch – (on your own)
General Mee,ng
ATernoon Break –
General Mee,ng
5:30 – 6:30 No Host Cocktail Recep,on
6:30 – 10:00
Dinner and Entertainment $__80 ___ $____________
Walleye ______ Chicken Wellington_______ Angel Hair Pesto (Veg) _______
Saturday, Oct 7th
Breakfast - (on your own)
8:30 – 9:00 am Reading of the Minutes (required of Delegates)
9:00 – 10:30
General Mee,ng
10:30 – 11:00 Morning Break – (included)
11:00 – 12:00
12:00 – 1:30 pm
1:30 – 3:00
5:30 – 6:30
6:30 – 7:00
7:00 – 11:00
General Mee,ng
Lunch - (on your own)
General Mee,ng, ATernoon Break
General Mee,ng – Workshops following
No Host Cocktail Recep,on
Installa,on of Officers
Dinner and Entertainment
$__90.__ $___________
Beef tournedo ______ Alaskan Salmon _______ Ar,choke Feta Cannoli (Veg) ______
Special dietary needs:
Registra)on Fee $_______30.00
TOTAL DUE: $______________
Name ______________________________________________________________________________
Address ____________________________________________________________________________
City______________________________________________________State_________Zip __________
Telephone/Cell _______________________ Email _________________________________________
Check one: Natl Officer ______ Delegate, Lodge #______, Alternate, Lodge # ______, Guest Lodge #_______
Guest City ___________________________
Please make checks payable to: Danish Sisterhood of America
Remit to: Linda Brooks, Na,onal Treasurer, 8402 Winter Berry Dr, Castle Rock, CO 80108
Cancella)ons must be received by September 1, 2023, No Refunds can be made aTer this date !
When disaster hits home it can be an emotionally and financially devastating event. In the spirit of why the Danish Sisterhood was started, we’re here to assist you as best we can.
Below are the criteria to be eligible for assistance.
• Fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, wildfires and civil disturbances.
• Member of the Sisterhood 1-year or more, in good standing
• Must reside in the area affected (your home, not a rental)
• Displaced from home due to the disaster
• Assistance solely on need as determined by majority of the National Board
Member Name _______________________________________ Lodge # _________________
Member yrs Referred by_____________________________________________
Please explain member’s situation and need: _______________________________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________ ____________________
Would you be willing to let us print your story in the DSS Newsle6er? We would like to let our membership know where their dona;ons have gone and that we are working towards our relief goals. Y _____ N _____ (No $ amount will be noted for contributor or recipient)
Signature of Lodge President ____________________________________________ Date ______________ ________________________
To be completed by the Na1onal Board
Contributed Amount $______________ Match Amount $ _____________ Date Issued _________________
On October 6-8, 2023, the Danish Sisterhood of America will hold its 28th National Convention in Bloomington, Minnesota. Radisson Blu MOA
We are happy to offer you space in our Merchant Mall at $125.00 for three days. There will be a 6’2” table w/ cloth available to you along with two chairs. Tablecloth plus skirting $10.00 per day. Electric $80.00 per day. Due to the size of the room, we are limited to 10 tables on a first-come basis. Deadline for return of Convention Vendor Form is August 15, 2023.
Vendor Name/Lodge _______________________________________________________________
Contact Name _____________________________________________________________________
Mailing Address ___________________________________________________________________
Email _______________________________________________ Phone ______________________
The set-up time will be available Thursday October 5th 8:00 am to 11:00 am. Please mail your check payable to Danish Sisterhood of America
Table ________
Tablecloth ________
Electrical ________
Total $125.00
Karen Vig-Keathley
109 South First Street
Itasca, IL 60143-2114
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Vig-Keathley at trustee3@danishsisterhood.com Or 708-715-0071. Tak
Thank you in advance for your interest and continued support and association with the Danish Sisterhood of America.
Renee Vaughan plays new and traditional Scandinavian music on the nyckelharpa, an instrument that has been around in one form or another for over 700 years. The sound is both rustic and ethereal. She has played for the King and Queen of Sweden, and hroughout the northern heartland area. She is a regular performer at the American Swedish Institute and Høstfest, and she recently completed Artist Fellowship through the American Scandinavian Foundation to study playing Swedish folk music for Scandinavian dancers.
Bruce Danielson is a retired math teacher who has performed as Ole for nearly 35 years, first for the school’s faculty variety show (20 years) and then at such locations as Hostfest in Minot, ND (twice) and, Lena and he, as Grand Marshalls, at the annual Norsk festival in Libby, Montana. He’s performed all over Minnesota and Wisconsin at churches, Sons of Norways, and schools. His wife, Judy, has put up with him for 52 years, saying, “Who knew that ‘Till death do us part’ would take so darn long?” Their son, Matthew (a math teacher in WBL) played Little Ole for the first 10 years of the variety show. He and his wife, Jen, have two daughters: Corinne (10) and Nora (7).
Q: Do I register for just a few events?
A: Delegates should register and submit payment for Thursday, Friday and Saturday events.
Q: Will my travel costs to convention be reimbursed?
A: Delegates will receive up to $350 reimbursement for travel costs. Please bring receipts to submit.
Q: How will I be reimbursed or compensated as a delegate?
A: As a delegate you will submit paperwork requesting a daily per diem for three days. Delegates will vote on the amount of reimbursement at the beginning of convention.
Q: The Board has reserved a block of room for convention. Must we book within that block or is outside of the block allowed?
A: By booking within the Danish Sisterhood block, you are helping to ensure we reach our room minimum required to maintain free meeting rooms. This allows us to keep our costs down.
Q: Do delegates need to write short bios for either the program or the newsletter?
A; No, delegates needed only to submit a photo for the program.
Q: Is there a dress code?
A: Comfortable, business casual is appropriate for our meetings. As the temperatures in meeting rooms can vary, it is advisable to bring a sweater or shawl. Evening events call for a bit of celebration but are not formal (or even semi-formal)
Q: Do I have to attend all events on the schedule?
A: Convention provides an opportunity for delegates to contribute to the future of the organization during meetings, attending the workshops, and participating in the social events and tour. You will be expected to share what you learn with your home lodge. As a delegate you are required to attend and represent your lodge at the meetings, and we highly encourage that you participate in the other events as well.
Q: Sunday morning, will there be a breakfast or is it eat on your own before you leave?
A: There is not a scheduled meal on Sunday. We suggest you grab your favorite Sisters and meet for a breakfast or brunch as your time allows.
Q: I’m considering running for the National Board. How do I go about applying?
A: If you are interested in a position on the National Board, and have questions regarding a particular position, please reach out to us any time.
Please submit a resume’ and letter of interest, any time, to Glenda Madrid, National Secretary at secretary@danishsisterhood.com.
Q: Can individuals and/or lodges donate raffle items?
A: Yes, raffle items are welcome! Please keep in mind that many members will be flying to and from convention, so larger items may be difficult to handle. If you wish to donate, please contact Anna Nielsen at trustee2@danishsisterhood.com
2023 Danish Sisterhood of America Convention National Fundraiser Raffle
$2 per ticket or $10 for 6 tickets
Tickets will be sent to lodges and be available to all members
Tickets will also be available at the Convention
If the winner is not present, the prize will be shipped to the winner.
A beautiful gnome quilt handmade for the 2023 DSS National Convention. This 52"x68" flannel quilt is designed and lovingly made by DSS Vice President Nealna Gylling, Amber Lodge #186, Brainerd, MN. It is a great snuggle quilt. The back is also pieced with gnome fabrics for a fun 2 sided quilt.
A 6th genderation iPad mini with 64 GB. It includes the iPad, USB-C Charging Cable and USB-C Power adapter.
A beautiful framed cross stitch embroidery picture of a peaceful deer scene designed by Eva Rosenstand and lovingly stitched by Annalisa Bhatia of Lodge #1 for the 2023 DSS National Convention Raffle. The size is approximately 19"x23" in an oak frame with glass. Actual picture is shown.
The Danish Sisterhood has a new and very special member status, the DSS Angels. This status belongs to those members that wish to gift their funeral benefit back to the Sisterhood. We have had some members in the past make the Sisterhood their beneficiary. We believe this is a generous and significant gift, and wish to honor them while we can, keeping a list of our current “Angels” posted.
On behalf of our entire membership, we wish to thank and honor as our first Angels:
Name
If you have moved please use this form to notify the Danish Sisterhood of America.
Clip and mail to:
Danish Sisterhood News
National Secretary: Glenda Madrid
1557 Oak St. Solvang, CA 93463
Viola Wilson
Joann Scott
Dorothy Petersen
Karin Plagens
Sandra Nelson
Carole Hodges
Andrea Sue
Welling Leih
Elizabeth Haar
Glenda Madrid
Nancy J. Mayland
Johanne Gade
Diann Weinman
Susan R. Fisher
Lou Ann Jensen
Hanne Skaarup
Else Lassiter
Pamela H. Ruben
Carolyn Sias
Ruth M. Brigden
Kristine Huss
Seena Drapala
Margaret Wetzel
Verina Farrell
Lorraine Buchanan
Janice L. Schneider
Debra Spotz
Vicki Bousquet
Marianne Larsen
Bente Bob
Linda Holz
Janelle Willis
Margaret Schoewe
I belong to Lodge #: Name: New Address: City: State: Zip Code:
Submissions should be received by the Editor by the 1st of the month previous to the month published. Please submit captions for pictures, including names of people in the picture. Text for submissions should be less than 600 words (one typed page).
Mail or electronic submissions are welcomed Please proofread for clarity, spelling and grammar before sending in your submissions.
