DSS News June 2023

Danish SisterhoodNews

• Latest Lodge Updates

• 2023 Convention Details

• Museum Updates

• And more!

President’s Corner

Christina Sallee, National President

Thank you to all the Lodges, and Districts, who have been hosting District conventions this year, and thank you to all who attended. The Board has been out visiting most of the districts and we were all very happy to see that you are meeting again.

Most questions I have been asked is in regards to membership, lodges having trouble attracting new members, and retaining the current members.

Things have changed since we were established in 1883 when many people who arrived to the United States and Canada did not speak English. At that time, it was imperative for new immigrants to find a local connection who spoke English and could help navigate getting housing, a job and a sense of community.

In 2023 many new immigrants have likely spoken English since 4th grade, and already have a familiarity with the country and the people living here. There are some people who have heard, or read about Denmark and find it, and its people fascinating and want to learn more, and we have people who are 2nd or 3rd generation Danish immigrants who want to connect with their heritage and figure out what it was all about. All of these people are looking for something different, and rather than then finding you, you will have to find them.

So, what can you do? One place to start is by adding your local lodge to National Foundation of Danish America’s calendar, so people can find you. You can also place an ad on your local online forums, local newspaper or bulletin boards. People need to know you are there. Then start planning events or attend a fair or market so you are visible and active. Many are interested in our holidays and food, and so are many of the current members, so create an event around a holiday and have some traditional food or activity. Maybe you know that people in your area would appreciate craft or traditional dances, maybe

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Danish SisterhoodNews

www.danishsisterhood.com

Volume 76, Number 6

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

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

Copyright 1946-2023 by the Supreme Lodge of the Danish Sisterhood of America, All Rights Reserved.

Velkommen

C. Nielsen, Editor

Dear Sisters,

As summer approaches, so too does the opportunity for so many exciting things! Summer is filled with holidays and breaks from our everyday lives. It's filled with potential trips (maybe some of you are even headed to Denmark?) and time to spend with friends and loved ones. And it is a time where we can start looking ahead to what's coming in the fall, like the Sisterhood Convention!

I hope each of you can take a moment to think about what's coming up, whether this summer, fall or even next year, and remember to take some time to celebrate your Danish heritage, make plans with your fellow Sisterhood members, and maybe even contribute a little something to our Danish Sisterhood News.

I hope you are all well and wish you a wonderful start to summer!

Until next time,

Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor

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you focus on children’s activities. The main part is that people are aware of you and your Lodge and what experience you can offer. While we on the Board can give you suggestions and advise it is ultimately you who will have to lead the charge for your local chapter, and we are right here to cheer you on and lend a helping hand.

We are grateful for our talented members who have great ideas, and conventions are made for us to exchange these ideas and successes. So continue to go to your district conventions when they take place and do plan on coming to the national convention in October.

Christina Sallee, President

Youth Birthdays

Title: Cirkelbroen

Location: Copenhagen, DK

Photo submitted by: Laurel Covell, 2022

This bridge in Copenhagen is called "cirkelbroen" or Circle Bridge and was designed to resembe the masts of ships.

Submit A Cover Photo

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

Lauren

RESOLUTION: Doris Krogh

Doris was a 38-year member of the Danish Sisterhood. She originally joined the lodge in Emumclaw Lodge #75 and transferred to the Kenosha Lodge #20 when the family moved back to Kenosha. She enjoyed learning about the Danish customs and cooking while a member and passed this knowledge to her children and grandchildren.

Doris was a talented musician, playing organ in church for many years. Her and her husband, Harry, were active in square dancing. Doris loved to travel, visiting 40 of our 50 states and really enjoyed going to Denmark in 2001to visit family and see as much as possible.

Doris also helped her daughter and granddaughter become members of Lodge #20. Doris will be missed by her family and friends.

RESOLUTION: Kirsten McVey

Kirsten joined the Danish Sisterhood Lodge #20 when she moved to Kenosha, Wisconsin with her family. Her first contact was Lillian Andersen, one of our long-time members, and they became very close friends. Kirsten’s pride and joy was her garden and she loved to show it off to family and friends and was also active in a Garden club in Kenosha.

Kirsten served many offices in the Lodge, including President, and also held offices in the Midwest District where she also made many friends. When we had any bake sale fund raiders, she and Lillian would come in their traditional Danish outfits which were beautiful.

Lillian and Kirsten shared many activities over the years, swimming, visiting gardens and especially being able to talk in their native Danish.

Kirsten met Vita Andersen and invited her also to join the Sisterhood lodge and was her sponsor. Vita and Kirsten also did many activities together.

In addition to these particularly special friends, Kirsten welcomed and sponsored many members to Lodge #20.

Kirsten was a vital part of our Lodge and will be missed by her friends and family.

RESOLUTION: Joan Tomlinson White

Joan Tomlinson White was born to John W. J. and Merle I. (Pedersen) Tomlinson on June 14, 1947, in Superior, Nebraska. All of Joan's mother's grandparents were Danish immigrants to the Ruskin, Nuckolls County area. After attending Lincoln Southeast High School, Joan earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Nebraska in fine arts with a concentration in printmaking and graphics.

Joan married Richard L.White in 1983; they made their home in Lincoln, Nebraska. For many years, she worked in magazine printing, creating and overseeing graphic art on behalf of Quebecor Printing Co. of Lincoln. Joan's personal work was often exhibited in area art shows; she also lent her illustrating talents to the book “Nebraska Women Hall of Fame.” Joan was active in local, state, and national politics and was a leader of local and statewide women's organizations. She was president of the Norden Club of Lincoln Foundation which awards scholarships and grants to people pursuing Scandinavian studies. Joan also served as past president of the Danish Sisterhood of Nebraska and was very active at the local level with Danmarks Dotre Lodge No. 90. She was honored in Omaha in 2021 as Scandinavian of the Year. In later life, she was a retail representative at HyVee.

Joan is survived by her husband, Richard L. White; brother, Mike (Mary) Tomlinson of Lincoln; sister, Pam (Douglas) Johnson of Lincoln; sister, Linda Tomlinson of Ankeny, Iowa; and many nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Joan was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers J. David, Phillip, and George Tomlinson.

A celebration of Joan's life was held on May 11 at Westminster Presbyterian Church.

Joan will be missed by her fellow Danish Sisters at Danmarks Dotre Lodge No. 90.

Submitted by Jane Nyffeler President of Lodge #90

Danish Sisterhood Online Archival Campaign

Help make the invaluable Danish Sisterhood archive available to sister members, family researchers, genealogists, historians, academicians and more! Read the past issues to know more about the project. There are many ways for individuals and lodges to participate in this project. First and foremost, this project can only be completed with the thoughtful and generous donations of our sisters. Every contribution counts and is important to completing this project. If 50% of the goal is reached by convention, the project can start early!

Consider the following fundraising ideas.

• A sisterhood raffle at one of your lodge events

• Plant sale

• A special fundraising lunch or event

• Garage sale proceeds (or a portion of the effort)

• Pie raffle, picnic basket lunch, a coin march or box

• Dollar donation for every year your lodge has been active.

• Host a bowling tournament

• A Danish or other book sale

• Host a Christmas in July Party with sale of donated Christmas decorations

• Sell donated Danish Christmas Plates, porcelain, or other Danish Items

Donations could be made by an individual or lodge to:

• Honor of a new child, grandchild or great grandchild

• Memorialize a sister or family member

• Honor of a special person: a family member, a special member of the sisterhood lodge

• Celebrate the 4th of July and the 247 years we have been a country

• Honor the Rebild 4th of July Festival and the 111 years it has been celebrated in Denmark

• Remember the founding of the Sisterhood in 1883 with a donation of $140.

What ideas do you have? Send them to us and we’ll print them in the next newsletter. The “fundraising thermometer” will be included in the next newsletter. Commitments and actual funds received will be posted.

Use the pledge form from the May Sisterhood News to make your commitment. Questions about your donation or pledge? Contact director@danishmuseum.org. Questions about the campaign or project? Contact the Committee:

Mindy Brown, Lodge 21, mindysbrown@hotmail.com

Marcia Jante, Lodge 15, mjante@wi.rr.com

Karen Vig-Keathley, National Board DSS, trustee3@ danishdsisterhood.com

John Rassmussen, Lodge 300, johnfrasmu@gmail.com

Elizabeth Steffensen, Lodge 4, esteffensen@yahoo. com

Updates from Amber Lodge, Brainerd, MN

The April meeting of the Amber Lodge was held at the Good Shepard Lutheran Church in Brainerd, MN.

The morning started off with a presentation from one of our new members, Hanne Porter. Hanne was entertaining and engaging as she shared details about her childhood in Denmark, education, adventures living in various countries and the path that led she and her husband and daughter to MN and her eventual US citizenship.

The day then turned to wonderful shared lunch. We acknowledged Queen Margrethe’s birthday with festive balloons and Danish themed food choices. Everything was delicious and much enjoyed.

Following the business meeting, we welcomed Kathy Stanwood as the newest member of Amber Lodge. It is fun to have new faces at meetings and events. Welcome Hanne and Kathy!

The Amber Lodge hosted an Aebleskiver brunch at Trinity Lutheran Church on Saturday, May 6, in Brainerd, MN. It was a great morning. We had lots of fun working together as a group and sharing with the community. The brunch included Aebleskiver, sausage, fruit salad and beverages. Included, was an area to sell baked goods and handcrafted foods along with various craft items. This is becoming an annual event for our lodge, contributing to our community outreach and fund-raising efforts.

2023 List of Lodge Secretaries

2023 List of Lodge Treasurers

Congratulations to Iris Morrison on being awarded the Outstanding Sister Award at the California District Convention this year! I loved getting to know her and look forward to seeing everything she does with the Danish Sisterhood. Congratulations Iris!

News from the 2023 EGC Convention in Edison, New Jersey

This past April 14th through 16th, the 2023 Eastern General Committee Convention was held at The Danish Home in Edison, New Jersey. The weekend was hosted by the EGC and the local lodges. The event was attended by members from Freden Lodge #12, Freja Lodge #36. Habbets Femtid Lodge #78, Princess Marie Lodge #86, and Sunshine Lodge #181 (from Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania and Florida) and was enjoyed by all.

Registration began on Friday April 14 and in the evening, there was an informal meet and greet with refreshments and games at the Danish Home where all events were held. The Danish Home in Edison is a perfect place to meet surrounded by so many Danish treasures. The Home and grounds now serve as a museum and cultural center, meeting site and activity place for the Danish Lodges and DANE (Danish Archive North East). At the rear of the property is a Viking style burial mound, known as a Mindeboyen.

Saturday, we opened the convention for business, where we held a Memorial service for past members, reviewed the EGC By-Laws, heard lodge reports from delegates. After the convention our new officers were installed by our

Congratulations

National President, Christina Sallee. Lots of celebrating with traditional celebratory songs such as Hun Skal Leve and Hurra creating a great feeling of camaraderie. A catered dinner was enjoyed; after dinner we drew names for the EGC basket raffle. Raffle prizes were donated by Lodge 181 from Florida. We also had a silent auction. Definitely a fun filled weekend.

The 2023-2025 EGC officers are: Janet Proper (Lodge #181) is Past- President, Annette Olesen (Lodge #86) is President, Vice-President is Marilyn Dore (Lodge #78), Bente Olesen Cloud (Lodge #86) is Secretary, Eve Kramp (Lodge #86) is Treasurer and Amanda Brown (Lodge #36) is Trustee.

CELEBRATING

YOU!

Today we honor and treasure your life and wish you a very Happy Birthday!

May

Lois M. Jacobsen Ringo • Born May 26 • 102 years old • Tivoli Lodge #300 • Joined Spetember 2013

Catherine Hansen • Born May 27 • 102 years old

• Greenville Lodge #65 • Joined July 2016

June

Inge Nagata • Born June 1 • 100 years old • Ellen Lodge #21• Joined April 1985

Radisson Hotel, Mall of America

Hosted by the Danish Sisterhood National Board

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:

Danish Sisterhood of America National Convention Registration Form

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 !

Danish Sisterhood of America Disaster Relief Request__________________

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 _________________

1. Hygge T-Shirt • Red with white print • Sizes: M, L, XL, XXL • Price: $20

2. Black Baseball Cap with Logo in Sequins • Price: $20

3. Wine Bottle Opener • Black & red • Price: $5

4. Danish Car Magnets • 4.5” W x 4” H • Price: $10

5. Oven Mitt & Potholder Set • Danish Flag Pattern • Price: $20

6. Danish Flag Coasters • Set of 4 • Price: $15

7. Aebleskiver Apron • Red • Price: $20

8. Puffy Vest • Cobalt with Sisterhood Logo • Sizes L, XL, XXL • Price: $50

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DSS Angel Member Status

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

Address Changes

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 Guidelines

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.