President’s Corner
Christina Sallee, National President
It is hard to believe it is September already and that the National Convention is right around the corner. We have had several Convention planning meetings, and the convention has been our main focus for a while. I want to thank all of the lodges and Districts who thought about hosting the 2027 convention, and asked lots of questions. I am happy to be able to say that a group has step forward to host the 2027 convention. It really does take a burden off the Boards shoulders not having to plan a convention while working on the betterment of our organization. That being said I hope to see many of our members at the convention being willing to put some power behind their lodge and District.
At the convention we will also announce the 2024 Danish Sisterhood trip with our new guide Sune Frederiksen. Sune is well known in our Danish community, Rebild National Park Society, Museum of Danish America and Danish American Heritage Society just to name a few, and was recommended by our longtime tour guide goddess Benedikte Ehlers, as an excellent choice for our next trip. So be ready to sign up for the tours as seats are taken quickly.
We will also have three workshops at the convention showing you how to access our data from the Museum of Danish America, our partnership with Foundation of Danish America and a workshop focusing on ideas to get your lodge kickstarted again. It is all very exciting and we hope you are able to join us for these offerings.
These last four years have been difficult to navigate, and we have had our ups and downs, but we have come out better and stronger in the end.
All of us on the National Board wish you the very best and thank you for the confidence you have placed in us. We looking forward to the convention and setting all of your ideas in motion.
Christina Sallee, PresidentDanish SisterhoodNews
www.danishsisterhood.com
Volume 76, Number 9
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
Dear Sisters,
What a busy season is upon us! Whether you're back to school, continuing working, or heading to Convention, there's no doubt that this time of year is full of things to do!
The temperatures in Minnesota are starting to finally cool off after a hot summer. We welcome the cooler temps and the ability to be outside much more with friends and family.
I recently received a text message from one of my Danish cousins sharing that fall has arrived in Denmark--at 83 degrees Fahrenheit! A very funny joke as temperatures in Denmark don't often get that warm!
No matter the temperature, Minnesota is looking forward to welcoming so many of you to the DSS Convention next month. It will be here in no time and I know that it will be full of productivitiy and bonding between sisters! Whether you're attending Convention or you're waiting for updates from your delegates, I hope you have a lovely fall.
Until next time,
Lauren C. Nielsen, Editor, editor@danishsisterhood.comTitle: Fredensborg Slot
Location: Zealand, DK
Photo from: Christina Camilleri
Fredensborg Palace is located on the shores of Lake Esrum in Fredensborg on the island of Zealand. It is the royal famiy's spring and autumn residence.
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
News from Christine Lodge #1
Greetings from Christine Lodge #1 in Negaunee, Michigan
Answering the call during the Covid shutdown from the National Board for a volunteer crafter, Annalisa Bhatia took on the challenge of finishing an Eva Rosenstand cross stitch embroidery picture which had been donated to the Sisterhood and which will be part of the National Fundraiser Raffle. It took over nine months to complete, and coincidently, Annalisa also produced her own creation during that time: Elias Grunwald Bhatia born January 10, 2022. Thank you Annalisa!
Lodge 1 recently had the pleasure of hosting Michigan, Ohio, Ontario (MOO)
Lodge President Susan Hoppough and her family for a tour of the area and dinner to exchange ideas for generating future membership interest and activities.
Haabets Fremtid Lodge #78 News
Troy, NY
It is hard to believe that summer has arrived in the northeast. The Sisters of Lodge 78 in Troy, NY met in May at the home of Gerda Neville in Scotia. There were four of us in attendance and we enjoyed looking at all of Gerda's danish decorations. We all brought our sandwiches and Gerda made us a desert of Danish Rhubarb pudding. We had such a good time of sharing we did not accomplish any business that day. We then had to hold an officer's meeting in June so we could vote on all the pages of by-law proposals that had been sent to us for the National Convention in October. Marilyn Dore will be representing our Lodge as the Delegate and I, Marjorie Wheeler, will be the alternate delegate. Judy Jensen will also be attending the Convention all to be held in Minneapolis, WI. Plans have been made and we are all looking forward to this event. We three also attended the EGC convention held in Edison NJ. This was the first convention that was held because of COVID. It was small in attendance but we loved seeing The Danish Home and having our meetings there. This will be our meeting place in two years.
Danish Sisters as well as family cannot be apart to long and so we found ourselves together in the Adirondacks this summer. I am from the Troy Lodge and my Sister Doris Burk of Holiday, Fl Lodge, found the camp of Nina Elliott of the Hartford Ct. Lodge. We had a great visit and lots of fun remembering old times while we enjoyed the mountains and lakes. (Picture 1) My sister Janet Proper also from the Holiday, FL Lodge joined Doris and I for a visit to the Butterfly House at Paul Smith's College in July. (Picture 2) Then Judy Jensen and I were off to visit our Danish Sister as well as my cousin,Mildred Shea at her new residence in Van Rensselaer Manor. We brought along some danish cookies and had a great time of fellowship with her. (Picture 3) We unexpectedly met Andy Nelson there who is from the Troy Danish Brotherhood. Please take time to enjoy your summer with family and friends. We will meet you at National Convention in October.
Sincerely,
Marjorie Wheeler Treasurer and CorrespondentAs you know we have a goal to raise $30,000 by December 2025 for our online Sisterhood and Museum of Danish America Online Archival Project. BUT we want to raise the FIRST $10,000 by September 30. This $10,000 will unlock a special Matching Grant of $5000 donated by the 40th Anniversary Partnership Committee! By securing this first $15,000 we will be able to hire an intern, rent a scanner and begin the project on January 1, 2024!
We thank four more donors who stepped up in July to give us a new campaign total of $4850.
THANK YOU
Bruce & Kristie Mendez
Sisterhood Lodge #102, Des Moines, IA
Sisterhood West Star Lodge #113, Grand Island, NE Midwest District
There are so many ways YOU and YOUR LODGE can donate to this Archival Campaign. You can pay now AND pay later!
Individuals:
• Make a donation now and/or pledge to donate in 2024 and 2025.
• Add this project to your annual end of year donations.
• Make a donation and request a match from your employer
• Donate through your Individual Retirement Account Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
• Gift through a Donor Advised Fund
• Make a monthly electronic transfer through your bank.
Lodges:
Make a donation now
Pledge to donate in 2024 and/or 2025. Plan a future fund raising event to fulfill your pledge. (We already have two lodges that have made a pledge to
the campaign.) PLEASE help us reach this goal by September 30th and unlock the $5000 grant!!
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.
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:
Tova Brandt, Museum of Danish America, Tova. Brandt@danishmuseum.org
Mindy Brown, Lodge 21, mindysbrown@hotmail.com
Cheyenne Jansdatter, Museum of Danish America, cjansddatter@danishmuseum.org
Marcia Jante, Lodge 15, mjante@wi.rr.com
Karen Vig-Keathley, National Board DSS, trustee3@ danishsisterhood.com
John Rassmussen, Lodge 300, johnfrasmu@gmail.com
Elizabeth Steffensen, Lodge 4, esteffensen@yahoo. com
Updates from Lodge #101, Florida
Greetings from sunny and very hot Florida.
Sister Janet Proper was president of the EGC which held its convention in New Jersey in May. Sister Lucie, our delegate, was unable to attend so Tim Proper very ably stepped into the roll and represented our lodge.
Sister Diane Musto received the Sister of the Year award. Diane has been a member in good standing for many years. She served as Trustee in our lodge and, along with Anni Callaghan, attended several Memorial Services for beloved members who passed away. She was also in charge of our Love Fund, sending cards to sick sisters as well as "we are thinking of you" cards. She attended several EGC conventions, New Haven, Connecticut, Philadelphia and Florida among them. She enjoys Danish Hygge with her Danish sisters. She is loved by all in our Lodge.
Our sister Jade and her twin brother Jacob recently graduated from high school and are both heading for college. We are very proud of them. Jade received the Mildred Sorensen Scholarship for 2023-24 and Jacob has been awarded the Olga Christensen Scholarship for 2023-24.
Our Lodge is unigue in the fact that we have four twins as members.
Sister Anni Callaghan has brought together women who will knit warm hoods for the people of wartorn Ukraine. So far 4 large boxes stuffed with knitted and crochet hoods and store bought large size men's socks have been sent to Poland where they are picked up by a woman from Ukraine who then makes sure the items go where needed. (Anni is looking for more knitters---so if interested please contact her. annimjc@ yahoo.com).
We are off for the summer, but plan to meet socially until we begin regular meetings in Sept. We met at the home of sister Hedvig June 7 and enjoyed the Danish hygge.
Anni Callaghan President and Co-Secretary Lodge #101 FloridaPS: It is with great sadness that I report that our brother Tim Proper passed away unexpectedly on June 19. We all loved Tim and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Membership Expansion
Danish Cake (Dansk kage)
Cake Batter Ingredients
1 c. margarine
1 ½ c. Sugar
5 eggs
½ tsp baking powder
2 c. Flour
½ tsp vanilla
Custard Filling Ingredients
½ c. Sugar
2 Tbsp cornstarch
2 eggs
1 c. Scalded milk
½ tsp vanilla
For the cake batter: Mix margarine and sugar together. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix baking powder with flour and add to mixture. Add vanilla. Bake in 3 round, greased pans in a 350 degree oven for 20 minutes.
Country Oat Loaf (Havregrynsbrød)
2 cups milk, boiling
1 cup uncooked rolled oats
2 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup molasses
1 tsp salt
1 envelope dry yeast
1/4 cup warm water
5 to 5 1/2 cups white flour
Egg glaze and rolled oat
In a large bowl, pour boiling milk over oats, stir in butter, molasses and salt. Let stand 30 minutes. In a small bowl, stir yeast into warm water, let soften for 5 minutes. Stir in oats mixture. Add flour, one cup at a time, to make a stiff dough. Turn out on lightly floured board, cover with dry cloth, let stand 5-15 minutes.
Danish Cake (cont.)
For the custard:
Beat eggs; mix sugar and cornstarch. Add to eggs. Add milk and cook in double broiler until thick and smooth, stirring constantly. Add vanilla.
Use custard as filling on one layer of cake. Add strawberry preserves on second layer. Frost with icing, whipping cream or powdered sugar.
Cut along the border for your very own recipe card! (Front of recipe card found on next page.)
Country Oat Loaf (cont.)
Grease bowl and set aside. Grease 2 round 9-inch pans and set aside. Adding flour as needed, knead dough until smooth, about 10 minutes. Place in greased bowl, cover, and let rise in warm place until doubled in bulk, about 2 hours. Punch down and divide in half. Sharp each half into round loaf. Place in pans, seam side down and let rise about 1 hour. Brush loaves with egg glaze, then sprinkle heavily with rolled oats. Bake at 375 degrees for 35 to 40 minutes. Makes 2 loaves.
Danish Sisterhood Crossword
Across
1. The place that holds our Danish heritage
2. She sits on a rock in the water
3. The mainland
4. Home of HC Andersen
5. Colorful toy blocks
6. A pretzel-shaped pastry
7. Der er et...land
8. Hamlet’s castle
9. Known as being ugly
10. Coziness
11. 2019 DSS Convention location
12. Organization symbol
13. Types of carts in the streets
Down
1. Our organization
2. A heritage or a pastry
3. Where we all come from
4. Our editor’s name
5. A trustee is in charge of this
6. A different trustee is in charge of this
7. Where to get DSS swag
8. Copenhagen in Danish
9. What we donated to the museum
10. Gardens and theme park
11. Skal!
12. Colorful row of buildings
13. Second largest city in Denmark
14. The group who leads us
15. How you elect people
16. North of Denmark
17. December holiday in Danish
10 THINGS YOU MAY NOT
Copenhagen opened a brand new elevated bicycle lane in 2014 called the Cykelslangen, or the “Cycle Snake.”
2
According to a recent study, 62% of Copenhagen residents choose to bike to work or school rather than taking other modes of transit.
In 1960, cars were threatening to take over Denmark, but due to an oil crisis, several controversial road projects, and the environmental movement, bicycles began to be a popular mode of transportation.
This summer, Sweden and Denmark and partnering to start a brand new bicycle-only ferry between Copenhagen and Malmö.
Copenhagen boasts almost 400km of bike lanes...that’s nearly 248 miles!
KNOW ABOUT BICYCLING
6 7 8 9
In central Copenhagen, there are more bicycles than inhabitants...560,000 bikes versus 520,000 people.
80% of Copenhageners bicycle throughout the winter
You can take numerous daytrips in and around Copenhagen. Some trips include Klampenborg, Bellevue Beach and Dyrehaven; Roskilde and the Viking Ship Museum; and Amager Beach.
Bicycle taxis, also known as rickshaws or pedi-cabs are another popular form of transportation in Copenhagen.
Denmark has a Cycling Embassy. They were founded in 2009 and work together to promote bicycling and communicate cycling solutions and know-how.
COPENHAGEN
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 _________________
Danish Sisterhood News, September 2023 12
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:
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
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.