nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 143 No. 20, November 30, 2015. Price per copy $2.50
Page 23-38
Skansen’s annual “Julmarknad” (Christmas market)—laden with crafts and design, good food, sweets and mulled wine—opens on November 28. “Första Advent” this year falls on November 29: The first weekend of Advent is family time at the open air museum in Stockholm.
Photo: Marie Andersson
This Week, Page 18
Sweden begins border control
Page 9
by Lisa Mikulski lisa.mikulski@nordstjernan.com
The Swedish Migration Board sounded the alarm on Nov. 11 that the steadily increasing pressure on the authority has finally reached critical levels and that Migrationsverket is now unable to fulfill its responsibilities. “We can no longer guarantee shelter,” Mikael Hvinlund, Migrationsverket, said at Wednesday’s press conference. “We have since September registered about 80,000 asylum seekers. That is as many as we registered during the entire year of 2014. We have a situation where people are forced to sleep in tents outside our offices, and are sleeping within our reception center. We have a situation where Migrationsverket is no longer able to meet their mission which is to provide shelter to the applicants,” said Hvinlund.
Continued on page 3
Scandinavians of all ages at Hostfest.
Sweden, Page 2, 3
Swedes may have a hard winter ahead / The Royal Court puts rumors at bay about residences for refugees / The U.S. embassy in Stockholm has been without an ambassador since July / Sweden prepares to help France.
Perspectives, Page 5 No, you won’t see barbed wire in Sweden or Europe any time soon, if ever, but the Swedish government has confirmed that Sweden has introduced temporary border control.
The holiday season 2015
... is upon us, and it seems candlelight is more appropriate than ever as we remember many who have lost their lives, but also as we hope for peace and celebrate the season of Advent. In Christian communities in Sweden, the U.S. and around the world, Advent is a time with special traditions many people hold dear – often just as special in secular settings. And it all starts with light. Swedes welcome the light of candles as their northern December days gets shorter and shorter, and each Sunday before Christmas as they shine more light, and light more candles in their homes. If you don’t already observe some of these traditions, you’ll likely want to after reading about all the holiday festivals of this issue. / Pages 10-13
Startling data shows Gothenburg is a hotbed for Islamic extremist group recruitment.
Feature, Page 16, 17, 39
Making - and drinking - glögg of all sorts is an important part of the holiday celebration.
Dashboard, Page 21 It is hoped that the people who most need to see this sign will do so — and heed its message. Page 11
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News
what to expect coming up in December
The Royal Palace in Stockholm is a museum, one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations - not accommodations for refugees seeking asylum as previously rumored.
The Royal Court puts rumors at bay
After a social media campaign and misinformation circulating in the media, a spokesperson for the Swedish Royal Court confirmed that vacant royal castles and palaces will not in fact be opened as residences for refugees. Director of Information and Press for Sweden’s Royal Court Margareta Thorgren said, for example, that the Royal Palace in Stockholm is a museum, one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations. It also houses offices for many people. “It is not an empty castle that can take in refugees,” she said, adding that King Carl XVI Gustaf is open to hearing other creative suggestions for housing refugees. The Swedish government owns most of the buildings used by the royal family, and its national property board (Statens fastighetsverk) will need to play a key role in plans for how they might be used or adapted. This concern has been raised in earnest as Sweden struggles to house the record number of refugees arriving there.
A hard winter in Sweden’s forecast
Swedes are being warned to brace themselves for an “extreme winter.” Parts of northern Sweden had snow in September already, and the whole country is expecting colder-than-normal temperatures in the coming months. The first significant warning of snow came November 16: Forecasters issued a class one weather warning to western Sweden, urging people to be cautious as up to 10 centimeters (4 inches) of snow was expected with strong winds. A class one warning, the lowest of three types of warnings in extreme weather events, is a reminder to be vigilant when driving or when out walking in affected towns and cities.
After being introduced to Sustainable Santa at this time last year, we got on his “good list” and just received some news from him regarding all the others who have been good over the last year — especially when it comes to eating well. The Swedish American Santa is making a name for himself, not as a jolly old elf who brings toys to
good children at Christmas but as a jolly, healthy Santa who spends time at farmers markets advocating for “eating the rainbow” — with fresh, real food. In our next issue, among everything else, you’ll find out just how fun he makes that for kids and parents all over the U.S. — and how everyone can get on his good list.
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news — NORDSTJERNAN A tradition since 1872, covering three worlds: Sweden, America, and Swedish America order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (22 issues) at www. nordstjernan.com—choose 'subscribe' or call 1.800.827.9333 x10
U.S. ambassador’s chair remains vacant
There has been a delay in replacing Sweden’s U.S. ambassador. The U.S. embassy in Stockholm has been without an ambassador since July when Mark Brzezinski left following his very successful four-year term. His replacement, Azita Raji, was nominated in October last year, but she still needs to be designated Azita Raji and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. There are currently eight ambassadorial nominees waiting to be confirmed in what appears to be political game playing and delays; but Raji can’t start unless she’s confirmed by the Senate, and it’s possible that might not happen until the 2017 elections. “Without an ambassador, it’s more difficult for Sweden to interact with the U.S. as there is no go-between,” said Swedish foreign policy expert in Washington, Erik Brattberg. “The ambassador allows the embassy to interact with the Swedish government at the right level. It’s not only symbolic, it’s important for both Sweden and the U.S.”
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2015
Founded in New York City in September 1872 Editor & Publisher: Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) – www.nordstjernan.com Assistant Editor: Amanda Olson Robison Managing editor & Production: Everett Martin Metro Editor: Eva Stenskär Sports Editor: Chipp Reid Design: Daniel Berubé-Arbello Contributors: Valorie Arrowsmith - Terry Lee Blunk - Julie Lindahl - Claes Magnusson - Ulf Nilson Kristina Hall - Leif Rosqvist - Ulf Kirchdorfer - Ted Olsson - Jeanne Eriksson Widman - Olle Wijkström - Bo Zaunders Publications Director: Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333 x12) Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670) is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Connecticut - P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. Nordstjernan is published semi-monthly, except for the month of December. Post Master: Please send address changes to Nordstjernan, P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Subscription rates: 1 yr. - $55, - Two yr. - $99 - Outside US 1 yr. $167.
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News in brief. page 3
No, you won’t see barbed wire surrounding Sweden … but maybe a more common sight along Sweden’s borders, like this old marker along the border to Norway.
Sweden Introduces Border Control Continued from page 1
Anders Ygeman, Minister for Home Affairs, later the same day said that border controls would take place on the Öresund Bridge and ferry terminals in southern Sweden and apply for 10 days. The 10-day restriction can be extended in 20-day intervals. The government has also referred a proposal that companies operating at Swedish ports shall have identification requirements on their ferries. “The idea is that this will contribute to increased security in our ports and on our ferries. It will make it easier to identify those who come to Sweden seeking asylum,” said Ygeman. Stena Line began checking passports early this morning in Rostock. The ferry arrives in Trelleborg after noon today.
The Schengen agreement
The Schengen agreement, signed in 1985, abolished border control
between most EU countries allowing travelers to easily move about without having to show a passport. While the issue of border control has been extremely controversial in the last several months, the agreement does allow a country to reinstate border control if there is a “serious threat to its public policy or internal security.” The introduction of border control means that refugees coming to Sweden have three options: to return to their country of origin, to seek asylum in Sweden, or those refugees who are passing through Sweden en route to another destination are to choose a different route (not through Sweden) for passage. Despite border control, the number of refugees could potentially increase as those given the above three options may decide to stay in Sweden and register for asylum. According to Prime Minister Stefan Löfven, border control is not about decreasing the amount of refugees in the country as much as it is to maintain a
‘We Stand Together’
The world is once again in shock. The unfathomable tragedies that occurred in Paris in the evening of Friday Nov. 13 changed our world. In one horrible night our sense of safety, security and invulnerability once again crumbled along with the lives of hundreds of people in the City of Light. I am grateful that none of our personal nearest and dearest were among the victims at the barbaric terrorist attacks and feel a profound
sympathy for those who did lose loved ones. As people of Swedish descent, we are gladdened by the message of support from an already deeply troubled Sweden—”We stand together. I feel strongly with the victims, their families and the French people,” Swedish Prime Minister Löfvén stated after the attacks in Paris. Indeed, yet another attack on all of humanity, on all the values we have
measure of order in refugee reception. In response to Sweden’s decision, Denmark’s Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen said on Wednesday that Denmark will not follow Sweden’s example for border control. “It is a decision the Swedes have made, and tonight I have been here trying to figure out what is really going on. What is clear is that the Swedes want order,” said Rasmussen at the EU summit in Malta. “It can mean that some of those who had an ambition of traveling on to Finland or Norway will now instead give their asylum applications to Sweden,” said the Danish Prime Minister to DR Nyheder. For Sweden’s neighbor Finland, border control in Sweden is good news. “Sweden’s decision to impose border controls is expected and good news for Finland. We want to improve migration control in the Nordic region,” said Finnish Interior Minister Petteri Orpo on Wednesday evening. By Lisa Mikulski
held dear for hundreds of years. This year, the “season of light” hopefully takes on much more significance, as we look to a new, true world coalition against terrorism to be a new starting point for the world - it can happen if we make it happen! Ulf Barslund Mårtensson Editor & Publisher
NORDSTJERNAN: Alltid mer att läsa—There’s always more to read! Call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy.
“... the security situation in Sweden since 2010 has been in an elevated position, meaning an attack similar to the one that took place in France can take place in Sweden,” said Interior Minister Anders Ygeman, above.
Sweden is prepared to help France
Prime Minister Stefan Lofven has joined other EU ministers and representatives in unanimous support of France’s request for help in their war against ISIS, declared after the terrorist attacks that killed 127 and wounded hundreds more in Paris on Friday, Nov. 13. It’s not clear what Sweden’s role will be, and unlike France, Sweden is not at war. “But now we have an EU cooperation to combat terrorism in general,” said Löfven. Defense Minister Peter Hultqvist (S) has been in Brussels at the meeting of defense ministers. “France is a country with significant resources of its own. But other contributing countries will be linked into the big picture, for maximum efficiency,” he said. The notion of Sweden participating with air power isn’t off the table; many countries have a large number of aircraft. “But there may be other types of needs we can meet. We may consider it when there is a concrete request from France,” Hultqvist said. An appearance of rushing into a military conflict isn’t necessarily wanted, though an effort to continue training and expand cooperation with French police and security police is warranted.
Threat level raised
So far the acts of terrorism in France haven’t revealed any connections to Sweden, but “the security situation in Sweden since 2010 has been in an elevated position, meaning an attack similar to the one that took place in France can take place in Sweden,” said Interior Minister Anders Ygeman. It is the responsibility of the Swedish Security Service (Säpo) to assess the risk of terrorism; on Nov. 18, Säpo raised the threat level one step from elevated ( 3 ) to high ( 4 ) on their five-point scale.
Ericsson and Cisco team up
The partnership between Swedish Ericsson and U.S. networking technology leader Cisco comes amid increased competition among big tech companies on the world market. Their plan to develop nextgeneration technology in a global partnership is set to boost sales by at least a billion dollars. The new Ericsson CEO Hans strategy, announced in early No- Vestberg. vember, will allow Ericsson to offer more customers faster data and faster video for smartphones, according to Ericsson CEO Hans Vestberg. “Two world leaders are in a collaboration that is going to offer more efficient service to networks,” he told TT.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.71 11.18.2015
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
Photo: Bill Nilsson/Regeringskansliet
Image source: Public Domain
Swedish News
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perspectives. page 5
News over the weekend has alerted the residents of Gothenburg to some startling facts.
Gothenburg: Recruiting grounds for IS In the wake of Friday’s attacks in Paris, Europe finds itself under a cloud of anxiety and great concern. Trepidation is almost palpable as I walk the streets of Gothenburg under gray skies. News reports — all of them about terrorism and the possibility of local threats — are not just writing hyperbole. This is our new reality. “There is a risk of attack in Sweden,” Sirpa Franzen, press officer at Säpo (Sweden’s security service) told Göteborgs Posten on Nov. 15. “Our most important job is to ensure that something can not happen and that we soon discover if anything is going on. This is work we must never let go.” While Franzen admits it is always difficult to measure figures and statistics between EU cities and countries, “Gothenburg stands out,” she said. Gothenburg is, per capita, the European city which contributes the largest number of people to Islamic extremist groups. The largest in IS ISIS) recruitment, reported Göteborgs Posten on Sunday. According to the latest information from Säpo, more than 280 Swedes have joined the Islamic State, 115 have returned to Sweden and 40 have died. Forty percent — approximately 120 men and women — have come from the Gothenburg area, primarily Bergsjön and Angered.
Historic Challenge
“We are facing a historic challenge as far as violence-promoting Islamist extremism is concerned. It is the security service’s job to protect Sweden and keep track of those who return from fighting with terrorist groups in Syria and Iraq,” Anders Thornberg, head of Swedish Security Service, said in Saturday’s
morning news program on TV4. There has been a continued increase in the number of individuals who have traveled from Sweden to join Islamic terrorist groups. Säpo has identified the 115 people who have returned, know them by name, and consider them of the greatest interest to security as these returning recruits often enjoy a “rock star” type status which they use to inspire others to convert. The UN reports that jihadists pay families up to $10,000 per new recruit. Militant recruits are chosen from the same profile as are The statue of Poseidon created by Swedish sculptor Carl Milles at those recruited into Götaplatsen, Gothenburg. Gothenburg’s criminal such as al Qaeda and Al-Shabaab, are also gangs — namely young men and women who believe they have no represented in Sweden. “This network has strength, intellectual capacfuture in Sweden’s second largest city. And that kind of money is very tempting to the city’s ity and the ability to coordinate,” Ulf Boström told GP regarding Friday’s terror attacks in most vulnerable. Ulf Boström, integration police, is Gothen- Paris, France. “They are no fools. They know burg’s local authority on recruitment to the their opponents.” “The Caliphate is here.” “Convert or die.” Middle East and Africa. In late August, Boström spoke in front of 35,000 Muslims in London These were the threatening messages written on at the Muslim Ahmadiyya community’s an- the outside of Mark Samuelson’s Le Pain Frannual convention. Along with the Islamic State, cais restaurant in Västra Frölunda in October. It Boström revealed other terrorist organizations, was the second time that IS messages of terror
had been graffitied on the outside of Christian Assyrian businesses in Gothenburg within one week. The Arab letter N (for Nasrani or Christian) appeared on Samuelson’s walls as well as on the neighboring pizzeria, also a Christian Assyrian business. This symbol has been used by IS militants in Mosul — spray painted on Christian property to be seized. Hundreds of families were expelled from that city in 2014. Presently there is nothing which prevents these recruits from returning to Sweden, and when they return they are full fledged IS fighters with a mission. Boström is disappointed with the legislation and he believes that the State behaves naively when allowing people who have gone to fight in Syria to return without penalty or action. “My experience says the one who is allowed to return home has been approved by his superiors. Those whose loyalty is not 100 percent certain are not allowed to return,” said Boström. Endnote: According to several news reports, French police have found a Syrian passport in the vicinity of the Stade de France arena in Paris. The owner of the passport, believed to be one of the suicide bombers, is reported to be registered as a Syrian refugee. However, according to Dagens Nyheter, Interior Minister Anders Ygeman (S) sees no need to further tighten Sweden’s border controls. “It is not the first choice for anyone who is about to commit an act of terrorism,” said Ygeman. “We must remember that the aim of IS is to spread fear and increase tensions. So far, there is no known link between the (Paris) attack and Sweden,” he told the newspaper. Lisa Mikulski
Terrorn måste mötas med fasthet och ... tillsammans med övriga länder i världen Svaret är inte stängda gränser, men väl skärpt som bekämpar IS i Syrien och Irak och vill gränsbevakning och höjd beredskap. Det Sydsvenska Dagbladet gäller EU:s yttre gräns och det gäller det inre förhindra fler bestialiska attacker. 16 November, 2015 Flera länder har aviserat att de skärper säkerhetsarbetet i EU-länderna. Under söndagen hölls internationella möten säkerheten vid gränserna efter terrordåden. ... samarbete - men också eftertanke. Hela den civiliserade världen sörjer med Men vissa passar också på att med dåden som blev särskilt angelägna som en följd Frankrike. Fredagens terrorattentat är en som undanflykt smita från sina skyldigheter av dåden i Paris. USA:s president Barack mardröm. Men sorg räcker inte – svaret på att ta ansvar för flyktingströmmen till Europa. Obama landade i Antalya i Turkiet för det Från Polen, som redan innan var mycket G20-möte som var planerat sedan tidigare. terrorn måste också det vara gemensamt. Det måste präglas av fasthet, samarbete, men motvilligt, kommer nu beskedet att landets Där träffar han bland andra Tysklands tillträdande regering kräver “säkerhetsgaran- förbundskansler Angela Merkel, Kinas också is i magen. Det handlar om brott och ska hanteras tier” för att landet ska ta emot de asylsökande president Xi Jinping och Rysslands presidärefter. Att nu tala om “krig” vore att lyfta som ska omfördelas inom ramen för EU:s dent Vladimir Putin. Såväl terrorismen som Islamiska statens status och göra terrorgrup- kvotsystem. Sveriges inrikesminister Anders flyktingkrisen står på dagordningen. Frankrike har kallat EU:s justitie- och inpen till en part i en konflikt. När IS bara är Ygeman (S) kallar med rätta detta utspel för rikesministrar till ett möte den 20 november en dödsälskande våldssekt med omåttliga ett svepskäl: “Jag tycker att det är besvärande att man för att diskutera säkerheten. maktanspråk. I samband med G20-mötet sade FN-chefen Under söndagen fortsatte utredningen använder den fasansfulla terrorattacken i kring terrordåden. Franska myndigheter Paris för att legitimera sin egen politik”, sade Ban Ki-Moon att svaret på terrorattentaten samarbetar med polis i flera andra länder för Ygeman till TT. De barbariska dåden kan måste vara kraftfullt, men samtidigt inom att kunna gripa och så småningom lagföra inte tillåtas bli en ursäkt för länder som vill ramen för rättssamhället och med respekt attentatsmännens medbrottslingar. Mis- slippa sitt ansvar för unionens gemensamma för de mänskliga rättigheterna. Själva kärnan i det som har attackerats är stanken om att det rör sig om såväl franska åtaganden. Det är samma fanatiska våldsförhärligande också det som måste skyddas. medborgare som flyktingar från Syrien visar IS har också tagit på sig skulden för torsdapå komplexiteten i ett säkerhetsarbete som jihadister som vill sprida död i såväl Syrien nu måste skärpas ytterligare. I Europa – och som här. Det är dem människor flyr ifrån. gens självmordsattack i Beirut, Libanon, där Gästledare
över 40 människor dödades. IS misstänks dessutom ligga bakom att över tvåhundra ryska turister dog på hemväg från Sharm el-Sheikh i Egypten för några veckor sedan. Fredagen den 13 november 2015 blev en skräckens och sorgens dag i Paris. Terrorn slog till mot Europas hjärta och dagen går till historien som ett europeiskt 11 september – 9/11. Västs svar på detta kommer att präglas av solidaritet med Frankrike och ännu mer, inte mindre, internationellt samarbete. Nu krävs handlingskraft – men också eftertanke. Det gäller att inte rusa iväg, förhastade åtgärder är sällan rätt svar. De skyldiga ska jagas med målet att de ska ställas inför rätta. Rättssäkerheten ska gälla också nu – inte för terroristernas skull, utan för att den är en central del av det öppna demokratiska samhälle med respekt för mänskliga rättigheter som de försöker förgöra. Terrorn måste bekämpas, samfällt och målmedvetet, men aldrig till priset av att terroristerna lyckas nå sitt mål.
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
The Pacific states. page 6
Two Swedish Heroines, Part 2 Ezra Pound proclaimed artists to be “the antennae of the race.” It is interesting how film alerts us to new dilemmas or ironically shows us that dilemmas of earlier generations are not our own; we have new ones. Drama and film immerse us somewhat like a Greek chorus into an alternative situation where we can observe and learn — in this case, from a character or from an actor whose learning and life experience helped strengthen her. Whether or not grasped by her own generation, others would learn from her example. Two Swedish heroines are good examples of this; and in their confident independence and dedication to fulfill their liberal and liberating destinies, we have drama and film to see expressions of their lives and talent, and why they are as noble as any celebrated as a national hero. They are Queen Kristina and Ingrid Bergman. This year, the Mill Valley Film Festival offered such an expression through the American premiere of The Girl King, a 2015 film about Sweden’s Queen Kristina. This is a Finnish film directed by Mika Kaurismäki, with Swedish actress Malin Buska in the title role, who won the Award for Best
Photo: Betty Arnquist, 2015.
Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
The saga evening’s stars (L-R): Barbro Osher, Kristina Bünger, Ulrika Knutson, Elsebeth Welander-Berggren. Elsebeth presented elsewhere on Swedish art at PPIE 1915. Ulrika holds an “Ingrid Bergman rose” presented to her by an admirer.
Actress at the recent Toronto Film Festival. It’s also in English, Swedish and Italian.
Queen Kristina, the Girl King
The Girl King is distributed in the U.S. though Wolfe Releasing and will be available on DVD, VOD and in select theaters in December 2015.
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Most Swedes know a version of the history of Queen Kristina. Her father was King Gustav II Adolph, who fought, won and died in Lützen, Germany as champion of the Protestants during the Thirty Years War. As his only legitimate heir, he decreed that Kristina would be raised to succeed him. And so it was that she became queen as a child under the regency of Chancellor Oxenstierna, and at 18 she fully became
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queen in her own right. Like her contemporary, Elizabeth I of England, Kristina was also known as The Virgin Queen, likely more learned than the suitors she parried, fluent in a dozen languages (including Hebrew and Arabic) and amassing one of the largest libraries of the time. She was queen of both Sweden and Poland, and allowed her subjects religious tolerance. The last Swedish monarch directly descended from Gustav Vasa, Queen Kristina is particularly remembered for having resigned the crown (in favor of her appointed cousin and adopted “son”), converting to Catholicism, and thereafter flourishing in Rome. This is a modern version of the subject made famous in the 1932 film by Greta Garbo. And there the similarity ends. What was left ambiguous in the earlier film is explicit here: Queen Kristina was in love with her lady-in-waiting. Kristina’s mother, the German princess Maria Eleonora of Brandenburg, would today be considered fanatical and at least as conservative as the men of the court; the role of a regal spouse was to marry, bear children (particularly a male heir), be devoted to a husband and advocate for the glory of the state. Instead the young queen attempted to re-
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make Sweden into the Athens of the North. She sought peace and tolerance and education for all her subjects at a time when such ideas were not in favor. She is depicted as the sole woman advised by her State Council of conservative old men to whom women were mothers, domestics, ornaments at stately occasions or playthings. Women might be dismissed as willful but certainly not as educated — unless they happened to be your queen. While this is a romantic 17th century drama, it is obviously the director’s purpose to show the conflict and difficulty for this independent monarch coming of age in a world of men. Some critics have viewed it as merely historic drama; I think the director has sympathetically expressed Kristina’s struggle for freedom and the right to rule as she sees fit at great cost to her position but at ultimate triumph for her character. Kaurismäki cleverly directs several confrontations, which are resolved in the denouement, and the Girl King’s only true love is thwarted yet she remains generous in seeking her companion’s happiness. Not cowed by the theological arguments of the time, Kristina was devoted to Descartes’ philosophy, and even brought him to Sweden to learn from him. The philosopher died treacherously in Stockholm and the film interprets this as one more betrayal of her love for the intelligence and learning of another. The film ends with a renewed admiration for this woman who would not bend to the will of less learned men — as she crafted a witty and ironic solution to depart peacefully to Rome. Despite some ill will toward her, she was also adored by many and Kristina became one of Rome’s greatest patrons of Continues on next page
The Pacific states. page 7
Part 1 of this mini-series appeared in the previous issue (No. 19) of Nordstjernan. In Two Swedish Heroines, Part 1, writer Ted Olsson explains in depth his fascinating review of Ingrid Bergman’s life, family and career, and how the talented and beautiful star of 20th century cinema had such similar experiences to the distinguished if lonely Queen Kristina who lived some 300 years earlier. In case you missed it, check Premium content under Art online. with the last word, with that irony tweaking us. I’m sure both Kristina and Ingrid would delight in the premier dramatist’s quotation applied to their own circumstances and the ironic weight upon the final word.
Sarah Gadon & Malin Buska (L-R) as Countess Ebba Sparre and Queen Kristina in The Girl King. Photo: Veera Aaltonen.
the great artists and her art contributed to much of the Vatican’s wealth in the arts. She is one of only three women buried in the Vatican crypt. Ironically, the first is also a Swede, St. Birgitta, founder of the Birgittine Order or the Order of the Most Holy Savior.
Centuries apart, striking similarities
After seeing The Girl King, I saw the
similarities between Kristina and Ingrid Bergman (described in depth in part 1 in the previous issue). Both women had unusual and formative childhoods. Each was tested on multiple occasions. Each found love in relationships that were supported neither publicly nor officially. Both had a passion for understanding and furthering human intelligence and compassion. Both were nurtured by the
arts and patronized other artists. And both achieved international recognition for their accomplishments. One is almost tempted to invoke Polonius’s advice: “To thine own self be true,” until one remembers that the conclusion of the sentence is: “and it shall follow as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.” Perhaps we should leave Shakespeare
The Girl King is distributed in the U.S. though Wolfe Releasing and will be available on DVD, VOD and in select theaters in December 2015. Rialto Pictures has the North American theatrical rights to Ingrid Bergman — in her own words. The film, which had its U.S. premiere at the New York Film Festival, opened at Lincoln Plaza Cinemas on November 13 and later in select cities and theaters. For more info, see www.rialtopictures.com
‘Not my time to die’ The Titanic and the Swedes on board Perfect bound, large size paperback, 296 pages. Richly illustrated. Please send me ____ book(s) x $19.95 = _______
Shipping & Handling $ 4.95
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The 123 Swedes on board made up the third largest ethnic group on the Titanic after the American and the British. The book profiles each of the Swedish passengers; including the 34 survivors... Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
local events. page 8
Green Gala Award Dinner and Summit The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce hosted its 8th annual Green Summit.
Vasa Order of America District Lodge #12 (Northern California) wishes you
God Jul och Gott Nytt År! If you are interested in Swedish culture or heritage consider attending a Vasa meeting in your area. From interesting lectures and presentations, Julbord celebrations, midsummer celebrations to cooking classes or aquavit infusions, Vasa has something for everyone. For more information contact:
Scott S. norcalscandi@gmail.com 415-577-4075
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2015
Vice Chairman of Citi, Alan MacDonald.
From left to right: Andreas Marcetic of Deloitte Sweden; Yngve Svensson, president of the winning Swedish company Alnarp Cleanwater; Renée Lundholm, president SACC NY; Ambassador Mark Brzezinski; and, Michael Moss.
Gail Simmons and Marcus Samuelsson speak at the SACC-NY’s 8th annual Green Summit.
Emma Bengtsson and Michael Moss
On November 12, SACC-New York hosted the full-day conference, featuring many inspirational speakers and experts, including: Gail Simmons, cookbook author and television personality; Tristam Stuart, author, campaigner and expert on food waste; and, Marcus Samuelsson, awardwinning chef, restaurateur and author. Green Summit is an annual event in line with SACC-New York’s continuing efforts to bring clean technology, green vision and sustainable resources to the forefront of business thinking. The 2015 conference was guided by the summit chairman, Awwmbassador Mark Brzezinski, who addressed various perspectives and topics with water as the theme: “Water — Money Down the Drain or Revenue Stream of the Future?” With a conscious mix of entrepreneurs, inventors, professors and major corporations, the message was strong and on point throughout the day: “How do we change our habits as consumers to support the earth” and “Be conscious of the products you use, as it all eventually goes down the drain.” Preceding the Green Summit, on November 11, the Green Gala Award Dinner was hosted at Apella, where the prestigious SACC-New York-Deloitte Green Award was presented to the 2015 recipient, Alnarp Cleanwater for demonstrating a breakthrough “green” invention or technology, a proven technology or product ready to sell and ship, and a need for the help and support in entering the U.S. market that the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce
From left to right, Ambassador Mark Brzezinski, Renée Lundholm, Mattias Klum and Marcus Samuelsson
in New York can offer. beauty on earth.” The evening was highly spirited, the theme Ambassador Brzezinski taught the nondesigned around the Swedish Arctic, focus- Swedish guests the importance of the ing on the region of Norrbotten County. Mi- Swedish word “lagoon,” meaning balance. chael Moss was Master of Ceremonies, and “Swedes are people of the land, Swedes live the dinner menu was created by Michelin- in harmony with nature,” he said, meaning starred executive chef Emma Bengtsson “lagom” is defined as humankind’s balance from Restaurant Aquavit. She presented with nature. the delicate Bird’s Nest, resembling a forest, for dessert. Ebba Long Guests were also treated to a presentation www.saccny.org by Mattias Klum, world renowned National Geographic photographer, who reminded us that “We need to think about the remaining
local events. page 9
Fall festival filled with the warmth of your own hometown
The 38th annual Norsk Hostfest (fall festival) in Minot, North Dakota presented a vast array of cultural learning activities and experiences for guests of all ages.
Norsk Høstfest 2016 For 15 years, children have been attending a Scandinavian Youth Camp in September to prepare for performing at Høstfest is a place filled with colorful the November festival. They have a variety costumed performers, demonstrators, and of educational programs to choose among: teachers. The aromas of fine Nordic and Danish paper cutting, Swedish traditional home-cooked foods are part of the charm. song games, Nordic games, a Lego station, The music meets you at every corner, and making troll masks and developing apthere are plenty of opportunities to meet propriate personas, and learning about Vinew friends from far and wide. king crafts. Following the weekend camp, Thousands of people attended the event they join their teachers at the festival for and could enjoy programs at many stages performances each day. at the North Dakota State Fair Grounds. A new book hall was featured in 2015. Baltic Crossing (a group from Finland, Eric Dregni, author and educator from Denmark and England) was very popular, the Twin Cities performed readings from as was the Harald Haugaard band from his books, “Vikings in the Attic” and “In Denmark. Twin sons of the late rock and Cod We Trust.” One could buy books roll star Ricky Nelson did a show featur- about the Sami, immigrant history to ing their father’s music. Ivares Pojkarna, North America from the middle 1850s, Nordic Bees, and Ole Olsons Old Time mysteries and books that appeal to the Orkester were Minnesota groups that young at heart. performed traditional folk music. Folks who like to dance had several opFestival favorites are the many interac- portunities each day. The bands invited tive characters that mingle with guests. them to step out to try the hambo, snoa, The performers varied from a 389-year- waltz, two-step or swing. It didn’t matter old tomte to Grandma Schacht who went that the halls were full, as some dedicated around on stilts with a walker in front of dancers never sat down. her. The youngest strolling character was a member of the Stone troll family — every time someone took a photo of them, he would give the picture taker a magic rock. Valorie Arrowsmith, Minnesota valorie@nordstjernan.com
The Trolleri Players gave a variety of staged and impromptu performances as they made their way to the Hostfest in Minot at the beginning of October. They are David Braddock, Rose Arrowsmith DeCoux and Josette Antomarchi
Hnefatafl was an intriguing game for children. They learned about the strategies needed to win, and had a chance to try a couple moves.
Ivares Pojkarna performed on the elevated Troll Stage at the 38th annual Norsk Hostfest. Daniel and Paul Dahlin are father and son, and Bruce Johnson is Paul’s uncle.
Children from North Dakota rehearsed Swedish dances in preparation for performing at the Hostfest in Minot.
Vi har öppet måndag till fredag kl 9:30 till 15:00 Kontakta konsulatet för mera information. Välkommen!
Consulate of Sweden
A family of Norwegian trolls made the rounds.
Tower 101 101 NE 3rd Avenue, Suite 1700B Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301 Phone: +1 954 467 3507 Fax:+1 954 467 1731 fortlauderdale@consulateofsweden.org www.consulateofsweden-fortlauderdale.org
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local events. page 10
Swedish Christmas around America 2015 More events and list your own, at www.nordstjernan.com-EVENTS
California
Burlingame 13 Dec 2015 6:00 PM The Swedish Club of San Francisco 36th Annual Julfest/Christmas Party at Burlingame Women’s Club, 241 Park Rd, Burlingame, CA 94010. Glögg, Lucia procession, herring table, dinner and entertainment, Långdans and ring dance. For more info email lduffstiles@gmail.com or call 650344-8144
Kingsburg 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Santa Lucia Celebration. Festival of lights Parade on Draper St at 5:30 PM. For more info, see www.kingsburgchamber.com or call 559-897-1111 Los Angeles/San Pedro 6 Dec 2015 5:00 PM Luciagudstjänst. For more info www.svenskakyrkan.se or losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se or call 310-832-6800 Los Angeles/San Pedro 8 Dec 2015 6:30 PM Julbord. For more info www.svenskakyrkan.se or losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se or call 310832-6800 Los Angeles/San Pedro 25 Dec 2015 7:00 AM Julotta. For more info www.svenskakyrkan.se or losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se or call 310-8326800 Los Angeles, Torrance 13 Dec 2015 10:00 AM–5:00 PM SWEA-LA’s 36th Annual Swedish Christmas Fair at Torrance Cultural Art Center 3330 Civic Center Dr. Lucia pageant, folk dancers, Swedish food, crafts, books, jewelry, toys, Jultomte. Swedish “fika.” More info http://losangeles. swea.org/ Email ChristmasFairSweaLA@gmail. com or call 562.888.4038 Los Gatos 13 Dec 2015 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM Svea Lodge #348’s and the Swedish School in Silicon Valley’s Annual Lucia Celebration at Nordahl Hall, 580 W Parr Ave., Los Gatos. Lucia performance, dancing around the tree, visit by Santa, Zaida Singers performance, glögg, baked goods and Swedish shopping. For more info www.swedschool.org Palo Alto 16 Dec 2015 7:00 PM Christmas in the Ballroom. Scandinavian Christmas music as well as many beloved holiday
tunes, and more! More info: email aassarsson@ gmail.com or call 650-704-4211 Petaluma 13 Dec 2015 4:00 PM - 7 PM Linnea Lodge #504s Lucia Festival & Julbazaar. Lucia, smörgåsbord, ring dances and Santa. More info: Linnea Lodge on Facebook Adult members $ 20.00 Adult Non Members $ 25.00 Children 6-14 $ 8.00 Children 5 and under Free. RSVP Dec. 8 with payment to: Linnea Koagedal, 14 Steven Dr. Petaluma, CA 94952 (check payable to Linnea Lodge #504) linneak@pacbell. net San Francisco 5 Dec 2015 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM SWEA-San Francisco Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia procession, foods, crafts, gifts, Scandinavian delicacies, Swedish music and activities for children. For more info http://sanfrancisco. swea.org/ email: julmarknad@sweasanfrancisco.org or sanfrancisco@swea.org San Francisco 11 Dec 2015 12:00 PM – 3:30 PM Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Christmas Luncheon. Lucia procession, Swedish food and beverages. For more info www. sacc-sf.org or email info@sacc-org.org or call 415-781-4188 San Francisco/ Norwegian Seamen’s church 13 Dec 2015 3:00 PM Swedish Church Advent Service and Lucia Performance. Swedish Church Choir and Coffee. For more info www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco email: sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se or call 415-632 8504 San Francisco - Swedish American Hall 13 Dec 2015 4:30 PM The Young Scandinavians Club hosts Santa Lucia celebration. Lucia procession, lussekatter, glögg and Scandinavian treats. For more info www.ysc.org email: info@ysc.org or call 415.346.7450 San Diego’s Balboa Park 4 Dec 2015 & 5 Dec 2015 SWEA-San Diego’s Annual Christmas Fair. Lucia-procession, traditional music, vendors, baked goods, Swedish meatballs and glögg. For more info http://sandiego.swea.org/ or email: sandiego@swea.org Santa Cruz 5 Dec 2015 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM Lucia Festival Scandinavian Cultural Center’s Lucia fest. Lucia procession, Zaida singers, refreshments. Dancing around the Christmas tree, children’s activities. For more info: www.scc-santacruz.org or email. santacruz@gmail.com or call 831-425-9725
Tiburon 19 Dec 2015 7:00 PM Christmas in the Ballroom. Scandinavian Christmas music as well as many beloved holiday tunes, and more! More info: Email aassarsson@ gmail.com or call 650-704-4211
Connecticut
Fairfield 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Scandinavian Club Holiday Fair and Bake Sale. Nordic gifts, handmade crafts, baked goods, Scandinavian food & other vendors. Traditional Scandinavian lunch. More info www.thescandinavianclub.com or scanclubnews@hotmail. com or 203-259-3817 Fairfield 12 Dec 2015 6:00 PM Scandinavian Club’s Christmas Glögg Party. Christmas Smörgåsbord, glögg, sing-along and live music. More info www.thescandinavianclub.com or scanclubnews@hotmail.com or leena@krook.net or call 203-685-1148 Hartford - Emanuel Lutheran Church 4 Dec 2015 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM 102nd St. Lucia Festival at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hartford, Connecticut. Two performances: 5 & 8 PM. Refreshments served after each performance. Swedish crafts and cookies will be sold. Admission $5. More info steinmillerl@gmail.com or 860-563-0040 Westport – Christ & Holy Trinity Church 12 Dec 2015 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM Swedish School of Connecticut’s Lucia Celebration. More info www.svenskaskolanct.com or svenskaskolanconn@gmail.com or 203-8933518
Washington, DC
House of Sweden Washington 5 Dec 2015 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM The SWEA-Washington DC Holiday Bazaar supported by the Embassy of Sweden and House of Sweden. Lucia procession, foods, crafts, gifts, Swedish café with Swedish delicacies, glögg, activities for children. For more info www. washingtondc.swea.org email: sweapr@gmail. com or
Florida
Boca Raton 13 Dec 2015 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Svenska kyrkan in Florida’s Julkonsert/Julbord. For more info www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida email: florida@svenskakyrkan.se or call 954604-0605 Lake Worth 13 Dec 2015 2:00 PM Nordic Heritage Club of South Florida’s Annual julfest and Glögg party. Party platters, coffee
and cake, door prizes and Christmas music. For more info carolrune@aol.com or call 561-7376476 Miami 5 Dec 2015 Lucia Celebration at Svenska Kyrkan in Florida. For more info www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida email: florida@svenskakyrkan.se or call 954374-9303 Sarasota 13 Dec 2015 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM The Swedish Club of Sarasota Sankta Lucia pageant. Coffee, glögg and baked goods. For more info http://www.swedishclubsarasota. org/ email: gimshaug@mac.com or call 941705-7700
Georgia
Atlanta - Druid Hills Golf Club 4 Dec 2015 7:00 PM – 12:00 PM SACC Georgia 30th Lucia Gala 2015. Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, Lucia procession, dancing and singing, snaps. RSVP or info 770670-2480 or info@sacc-georgia.org Atlanta 13 Dec 2015 7:30 PM – 9:00 PM Nordic Lodge’s annual Lucia concert at Winters Chapel United Methodist Church 5105 Winters Chapel Rd. Coffee and sweets offered after the concert. For more info www.vasaorderatlanta.org email rygert@bellsouth.net or call: 770.361.1074
Illinois
Andersonville 5 Dec 2015 & 6 Dec 2015 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM Julmarknad handicrafts fair with traditional Swedish food and entertainment. Info: www. andersonville.org/events Andersonville 13 Dec 2015 4:45 PM – 8:00 PM St. Lucia Festival of lights. A candlelit, carol-filled procession down the sidewalks of Clark Street, followed by singing and treats at the Museum. Info: www.andersonville.org/events/ or www. swedishamericanmuseum.org or 773.728.8111 info@swedishamericanmuseum.org Bishop Hill 5 Dec 2015 & 6 Dec 2015 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM Christmas Market – Julmarknad. Music, handmade items, antiques, folk art, and other gift items. More info www.bishophill.com or email: bhha@mymctc.net or call 309-927-3899 Bishop Hill 11 Dec 2015 & 12 Dec 2015 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Lucia Nights - Festival of Lights. Coffee and sweet items are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia. Musical en-
Swedish Yuletide The SWEA Fair and Holiday Celebration
Saturday 5, 2015 a.m. to to44p.m. p.m. Saturday December December 15, 2012 ••10 10.a.m Cyclorama - Boston Center for the Arts 539 Tremont Street, Boston
Swedish Cafés Music Unique Gifts Foods Crafts Children’s Corner And much more!
Presented by:
Lucia Processions at 11.30 a.m and 2 p.m.
Boston Chapter
Admission $10. Children under 13 free. Proceeds go towards scholarships and local charities www.sweaboston.org • Tel: 1-978-598-7550 Find us on Facebook!
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2015
Hours: Sun. - Wed. 9-6; Thu. - Sat. 9-8. One Bourbon Street, Peabody, MA 978-854-6650 www.karlssausage.com
local events. page 11
tertainment. Info www.bishophill.com or call 309-927-3899 Bishop Hill 25 Dec 2015 6:00 AM Julotta - Candlelight Non-Denominational Church Service in the Colony Church. In Swedish and English. Info www.bishophill.com or call 309-927-3345 Chicago North Park University 12 Dec 2015 4:00 PM NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies Sankta Lucia Celebration. More Info www.northpark. edu/centers/center-for-scandinavian-studies/ sankta-lucia email: kmandersson@northpark. edu or call 773.244.5295 Chicago 12 Dec 2015 & 13 Dec 2015 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Breakfast with Tomten. Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree and a special visit from Tomten (Santa). Info www.swedishamericanmuseum. org Chicago Daley Plaza 11 Dec 2015 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM Swedish American Museum and Andersonville 13 Dec 2015 4:45 PM Swedish American Museum and Ebenezer Lutheran Church 13 Dec 2015 7:00 PM Lucia Celebration. Lucia celebration with holiday songs, readings, and Lucia procession. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org Chicago 4 Dec 2015 11:15 AM –1:15 PM Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Chicago will host its 33rd Annual Lucia Luncheon. Info http://sacc-chicago.org Chicago 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 6 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Swedish American Museum’s annual Julmarknad. Scandinavian handicrafts and kaffestuga. Visit the Children’s crafts, games and a visit from Santa. Lucia processions and folk dancers. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum. org or RSVP 773-728-8111 Chicago 20 Dec 2015 5:00 PM –7:00 PM Swedish American Museum’s Julmiddag-Old Fashioned Swedish Family Christmas Dinner. Traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord with entertainment. Lucia procession andSanta gives julklappar to all children. Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org. Call 773.728.8111 for reservation. Chicago - Ebenezer Lutheran Church 20 Dec 2015 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM Svensk Julgudstjänst (Swedish Christmas Service). Info www.swedishamericanmuseum.org or lnordstrom@samac.org or call 773-728-8111
Geneva 4 Dec 2015 & 5 Dec 2015 6:00 PM – 9:30 PM The Annual Christmas Walk. Sankta Lucia arrives and Santa makes his Geneva debut on horse-drawn carriage to open his Gingerbread House. Enjoy carolers, the Great Tree lighting, roasted chestnuts, Swedish cookies, an oldfashioned candy cane pull, and holiday shopping. On Friday & Saturday, five homes festively decorated by local decorators open their doors for self-guided tours. More info 630-232-6060 or www.genevachamber.com Rockford 4 Dec 2015 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Swedish Historical Society’s Lucia. A choir of children singing both Swedish and English songs will warm your heart and start off the Christmas season with joy. More info 815-9635559 email: bkhammar@comcast.net or www. swedishhistorical.org Rockford 5 Dec 2015 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Swedish Historical Society’s annual Jul Marknad. Swedish foods, vendors, meatball luncheon, Kaffee Stuga and dancing around the Christmas Tree with Lucia and Tomte. More info www.swedishhistorical.org email: bkhammar@comcast.net or 815.966.1218
Iowa
Iowa City 13 Dec 2015 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM Iowa City Swedish Club Lucia Fest - Lucia pageant, smörgåsbord and music. More info www. iowacityswedishclub.com or Jeannenelson@ mchsi.com or 319-354-1762 Swedesburg 9 Dec 2013 7:00 PM Swedish Historical Society Lucia festival at Swedish American Museum, 107 James Ave. Potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. More info www. facebook.com/SwedesburgSwedishAmericanMuseum or email: swedish@iowatelecom.net or call 319-254-2317
Kansas
Bethany College, Lindsborg 6 Dec 2015 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Jultide at Bethany, the holiday celebration of Christ’s birth featuring folk dancers and many music ensembles. For more info http://www. bethanylb.edu/ or email: goodwintm@bethanylb.edu or call 785-227-3380, x 8274 Bethany Lutheran Church, Lindsborg 12 Dec 2015 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM Lucia Fest. Music and festivities, Lucia processions and traditional folk dances. More info www.visitlindsborg.com or email: cvbdir@ lindsborgcity.org or call 888.227.2227
Massachusetts
Boston 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM Swedish Yuletie – The SWEA Boston Fair and Holiday celebration. Foods, crafts, gifts, Swedish cafés, musical entertainment, Lucia pageant and activities for children. More info www.sweaboston.org or swedishyuletide@sweaboston.org
Michigan
Grand Rapids 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM SAHS/WM 19th Annual Lucia Celebration - Music and candlelight in a beautiful setting. Crafts, saffron buns, cardamom bread, pepparkakor and coffee served. More info 616-458-0420 or www.sahswm.org or info@sahswm.org Novi 12 Dec 2015 3:00 PM The Arpi Swedish Male and Scandia Women’s Chorus of MI Christmas Concert with Lucia. More info www.swedishclub.net or call 248478-2563.
Minnesota
Bloomington 10 Dec 2015 5:00 PM – 8:30 PM SACC-MN Scandinavian Christmas Smörgårdsbord - A unique opportunity to enjoy extraordinary food and to experience Scandinavian holiday traditions. More info www.saccmn.org or email: info@saccmn.org or call 612-424-2496 Minneapolis 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 6 Dec 2015 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM ASI Christmas Market at American Swedish Institute - Outdoor Handcraft Fair with wares for sale by local artisans, musical performances, family activities and plenty of holiday cheer. More info www.asimn.org or call 612-871-4907 Minneapolis 12 Dec 2015 2:30 PM – 3:30 PM ASI Lucia Celebration at American Swedish Institute. Lucia concert featuring a seasonal choir of 75 children. More info www.asimn.org or email: info@ASImn.org or call 612-871-4907 Minneapolis 13 Dec 2015 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM ASI Lucia Celebration at American Swedish Institute for ASI members. Lucia concert featuring a seasonal choir of 75 children. Fika with Lucia Buns and coffee. More info www.asimn.org or email: info@ASImn.org or call 612-871-4907. Minneapolis 13 Dec 2015 1:00 PM 19 Dec 2015 12:00 PM 19 Dec 2015 6:00 PM 21 Dec 2015 1:00 PM ASI’s annual Julbord at American Swedish Institute. Enjoy a traditional Swedish Christmas smorgasbord with dopp i grytan, prinskorv, Jansson’s Temptation, Swedish meatballs, Swedish potato sausages, etc. More info www. asimn.org or RSVP 612-871-4907 Vining 8 Dec - 5:30 gathering, 6:15 dinner Lutfisk & Meatball Dinner with Gloria Dei Bell Choir entertaining. At 211 Soule St. in the Community Center. Sponsored by Leif Erikson, Sons of Norway - for anyone interested in the culture of Danes, Finns, Icelandics, Norwegians and Swedes. More info districtonebarbara@aol.com Scandia 13 Dec 2015 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
Gammelgården Museum’s Lucia Celebration. Swedish Prayer service, Lucia Fest Breakfast. Info www.gammelgardenmuseum.org or email: museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org or 651433-5053
Nebraska
Oakland 10 Dec 2015 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM Swedish Heritage Center’s Sankta Lucia Festival as 4th graders dance and crown this year’s Sankta Lucia. More info foodpride1@yahoo.com or call 402-685-5652. Oakland 10 Dec 2015 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Swedish Heritage Center’s Swedish hors d’oeuvres including Swedish specialties. For more info email: foodpride1@yahoo.com or call 402-685-5652. Oakland 13 Dec 2015 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM Burt County Brass Quintet Christmas Concert followed by a delicious traditional Swedish smorgasbord at the Swedish Heritage Center. For more info email: foodpride1@yahoo.com or call 402-685-5652.
New Jersey
Budd Lake 28 Nov 2015 5:00 PM Juldans - Dancing around the Christmas tree with music by Jeanne Widman Anderson and Smorgasbandet with Walter Eriksson, Jr. on nyckelharpa. Traditional Scandinavian specialties, glögg, candle-lit ceremony and pageant of Sankta Lucia. More info www.juldans.org or call 973-691-8637
New York
Jamestown 13 Dec 2015 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation and the Scandinavian Studies program’s Lucia. Lucia Pageant and traditional folk dances, coffee, juice and lussekatter. More info http:// www.scandinavianjamestown.org/events.htm or email: maria.malmstrom@me.com or call 716-708-7226 Brooklyn, New York 12 Dec 2015 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM Swedish flutist Elsa Nilsson and her quartet perform traditional Swedish songs often sung on December 13 to celebrate Lucia. More info www. elsanilssonmusic.com or email: elsanilssonmusic@gmail.com or call 206-661-7462 Manhasset - Church of Our Savior Lutheran 12 Dec 2015 6:00 PM Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1 celebrates 95th Annual Lucia Festival - Lucia pageant, folk dancing, Swedish cakes and crafts. More info: Elsarix1@ aol.com or call 917-363-9885 New York 4 Dec 2015 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM SACC-NY Annual Christmas Luncheon & Lucia Celebration at The Pierre Hotel. Swedish Smörgåsbord arranged by Restaurant Aquavit. Lucia performance. More info http://www.
Holiday Hours 2015 Museum & Museum Store Nov. 2 through Dec. 30, 2015 Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Brunk Children’s Museum of Immigration Nov. 2 through Dec. 20, 2015 Monday – Thursday, 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.
The Premier Scandinavian Marketplace in the Northwest
Christmas Gifts & Food from Sweden We ship! Open Mon – Sat. 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Sundays 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Toll Free (877) 784-7020
6719 15th Avenue NW, Seattle, WA 98117
www.scanspecialties.com
5211 North Clark Street in Andersonville 773.728.8111 museum@samac.org
Dec. 21 through Dec. 30, 2015 Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Friday & Saturday, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Julmarknad Hours Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Regular hours resume on Saturday, Jan. 2, 2016 SwedishAmericanMuseum.org
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
local events. page 12
eventbrite.com/e/annual-christmas-luncheon-lucia-celebration-tickets-15558166896 or info@saccny.org or helena.kjellberg@ saccny.org or call 212.838.5530
Ball at The Metropolitan Club. Dinner, Lucia procession, silent auction. More info www.americanscandinavian.org or info@americanscandinavian.org or call 212-751-0714
New York 4 Dec 2015 7:00 PM The American Scandinavian Society Christmas
Scandinavia House, New York 5 Dec 2015 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM Swedish Christmas Children’s Workshop children (ages 5-10) experience how Swedes prepare for Christmas and learn to make traditional holiday crafts in this julpysseldag (Christmas craft day). More info www.scandinaviahouse.org or call 212-779-3587 Glögg, kringler and lussekatter served at 4:30pm Lucia Program begins at 6 pm New York 10 Dec 2015 - 6.30 p.m. - 9.00 p.m. Swedish-American Hall SWEA-New York’s 2174 Market Street, San Francisco Glöggmingel with Lucia. More info $20 members, $30 guests, $13 children 5-16, w w w. n e w y o r k . children under 5 free. Last year Lucia swea.org completely sold out, so get your tickets early!
The Young Scandinavians Club presents
Lucia
Sunday, December 13 at 4:30 pm Time: Location: Tickets:
The Bay Area’s Young Scandinavians Club invites everyone to join us for our annual Lucia celebration. Enjoy glögg, our traditional Lucia procession, a visit from Santa (with goodie bags for the children), and finally, traditional Swedish style dancing around the Christmas tree.
Purchase your tickets online at www.ysc.org Tickets will also be sold at the door, but we strongly encourage everyone to get tickets ahead of time to speed up entry. For more information about the YSC and its events, see www.YSC.org
Svenska Kyrkan, New York 12 Dec 2015 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM The Swedish Church Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession and choirs. More info www. svenskakyrkan.se email: newyork@ swedishchurch.
net or call 212-832-8443 or 646-255-0381 Svenska Kyrkan, New York 24 Dec 2015 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM The Swedish Church Christmas Celebration. Swedish food, Kalle Anka, glögg and pepparkakor. More info www.svenskakyrkan.se email: newyork@swedishchurch.net or call 212-8328443 Svenska Kyrkan, New York 25 Dec 2015 7:00 AM Julotta at the Swedish Church. More info www. svenskakyrkan.se email: newyork@swedishchurch.net or call 212-832-8443 West Hempstead - St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 6 Dec 2015 3:30 PM Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1 celebrates 95th Annual Lucia Festivals - Lucia pageant, folk dancing, Swedish cakes & crafts. For more Info: Elsarix1@aol.com or call 917-363-9885
North Carolina
Raleigh 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Scandinavian Christmas Fair sponsored by SWEA and Vasa. Scandinavian food, glögg, Nordic folk dancing, folk music, children’s activities, Scandinavian crafts and and gifts, Lucia Procession. For more info www.scanfair.org or call 336-541-5072 (SWEA) or 919-824-2335 (Vasa)
North Dakota
Bismarck 13 Dec 2015 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM Three Crowns Swedish American Association of Bismarck-Mandan celebrates the annual Lucia Fest at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. More info dhswenson@msn.com or call Fay at 701-2555005 or Helen at 701-223-6286.
Ohio
13 Dec 2015 3:00 pm Scandinavian Club of Columbus, Ohio’s Lucia procession. For more info www.scandiclub. com, email: ScandiClubInfo@gmail.com
Oregon
Portland Memorial Coliseum 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM 6 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM 29th Annual ScanFair by New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society. Scandinavian arts and crafts, Scandinavian food, Lucia, Sankta, pickled herring eating contest. For more info www.newsweden.org or www.scanheritage.org email: info@newsweden.org or leif2845@comcast. net or call 503-977-0275 Portland Immanuel Lutheran Church 12 Dec 2015 New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society’s Lucia Fest. Lucia, tomte, ring dances, Swedish baked treats, coffee and glögg. More info www.newsweden.org or email: info@newsweden.org or leif2845@comcast.net or call 503-977-0275
Pennsylvania
Old Swedes Church, South Philadelphia 11 Dec 2015 6:00 PM & 8:00 PM 12 Dec 2015 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM & 5:00 PM 13 Dec 2015 2:00 PM & 3:30 PM & 5:00 PM Lucia Fest 2015. Sankta Lucia and St. Eric’s Fair. More info www.old-swedes.org or email info@ old-swedes.org or Marlysegl@gmail.com or call 610-476-9841 or 215-389-1513 Philadelphia 4 Dec 2015 6:00 PM ASHM’s Julbord. Cocktails and an authentic Christmas smörgåsbord dinner are followed by the Lucia procession. Info www.americanswedish.org or info@ americanswedish.org or 215-389-1776
Crown Bakery
of Worcester, Mass.
God Jul och Gott Nytt År We ship U.P.S. anywhere, now until Tuesday Dec. 15
We carry:
Old fashion vört limpa (gjort på vört, sirap, pommerans, nejlikor , råg-och vetemjöl) Swedish limpa - rye med anis och fänkål Voted Best Kardemummaflätor med mandelfyllning Bakery 53 Släta flätor, Kanelkransar, Russinkransar Kanelbullar, Kardemummabullar, Russinbullar times! Saffranbullar och flätor Vår egen inlagda sill (pickled herring), salt sill fillets, potatis korv, Göteborgskorv (Swedish medwurst), Abba sill: ansjovis, matjessill, lök och vin marinerad. Bondost, Västerbotten och Prästost. Pannkaksmix, nyponsoppa, rödbetor, slottssenap, konfektyr mm.
Crown Bakery
133 Gold Star Boulevard Worcester, MA 01606 - Tel (508) 852-0746 Open every day til Christmas www.crownbakeryandcafe.com
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2015
Lucia Fest – Julbazaar
“Natten går tunga fjät…”
Linnea Lodge #504 Petaluma invites you to its Annual Lucia Fest & Julbazaar on Sunday December 13th, 4-7 PM Petaluma Veterans Memorial Building Punch & Glögg served at 4 PM, Swedish Christmas Smörgåsbord Dinner at 5-5:30 PM Lucia Pageant Ring dances around the Christmas tree Visit by Santa Claus (bring a small, wrapped present for Santa to give to your child with child’s name clearly printed on gift)
Handcrafted items & homebaked goodies for sale
Adult members $ 20.00 Adult Non Members $ 25.00 Children 6-14 $ 8.00 Children 5 and under Free. RSVP Dec. 8 with payment to: Linnea Koagedal, 14 Steven Dr. Petaluma, CA 94952 (check payable to Linnea Lodge #504) More info at Linnea Lodge on Facebook.
Linnea Lodge, Vasa order of America
local events. page 13
Philadelphia 5 Dec 2015 11:30 AM –4:30 PM ASHM’s Family-friendly Lucia Fest, with Lucia processions at 1 pm and 3 pm. Christmas Market with holiday deli items, decorations and gifts, SWEA bakery tables and Swedish Christmas Café. Info www.americanswedish.org, info@ americanswedish.org or 215-389-1776
Hales Corners - Whitnall Park Lutheran Church 25 Dec 2015 7:00 AM – 9:00 AM Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsins Julotta. Swedish hymns and liturgy in both Swedish and English. Enjoy coffee following Julotta. More info www.sahswi.org or email: swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com or wenz113@outlook.com or call 414-352-7890.
South Dakota
Kenosha 4 Dec 2015 & 5 Dec 2015 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Linnea Bakery together with other vendors is organizing a Nordic Coral with live reindeer on Friday night and Icelandic horses on Saturday. More info call 262-484-4203.
Dalesburg 12 Dec 2015 3:00 PM 38th Annual Celebration of the St. Lucia tradition. More info www.dalesburg.org or call 605253-2575 or email: ron@dalesburg.org
Texas
Austin 6 Dec 2015 SWEA-Austin’s Annual Lucia and Julfest. Lucia procession. More info http://austin.swea.org/ or email: austin@swea.org Dallas 5 Dec 2015 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM SWEA-Dallas JulBasar and Lucia Celebration. Swedish crafts, gift items, baked goods and sweets. Lucia procession. For more info www. dallas.swea.org email: dallas@swea.org Houston 13 Dec 2015 SWEA-Houstons Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession. For more info www.houston.swea.org email: sweahouston@hotmail.com
Vermont
Landgrove 12 Dec 2015 7:00 PM Sankta Lucia at the Landgrove Inn. Julbord, choir, Lucia, glögg and more. For more info call Tom 802-824-6673 or email: vartland@comcast.net
Milwaukee 11 Dec 2015 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM A joyful afternoon with Sankta Lucia, coffee, pastries and glögg at The Swedish Consulate of Wisconsin. More info www.milwaukee@consulateofsweden.org or call 414-291-7835.
IKEA
USA 11 Dec 2015 2:00 PM– 9:00 PM Swedish Christmas Julbord Celebration at all IKEA restaurants with an all you can eat buffet! For more information: Contact your local IKEA store. No celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all the U.S., see events at www. nordstjernan.com. Also, find your local SWEA chapter by going to www.swea.org - almost every SWEA organization will have Lucia and/ or Christmas Fairs.
Välkommen till
Söndag 13 December kl 11.00
Svensk gudstjänst - “Från Advent till Jul”
Kyrkoherde Staffan, Diakon Åsa, Församlingskören, Solist Jonas Norberg Kyrkkaffe.
Söndag 13 December kl 13.00
Luciafirande med Luciakaffe Lördag 19 December kl 15.00
Julgudstjänst med julspel av barnen D¨årefter julfest med fika och dans kring granen. Luther Hall, Los Altos Lutheran Church. VÄLKOMMEN!
Church of Sweden at Norwegian Seamen’s Church 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco • Tel: 415-632-8504 Mer information: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
Washington
Seattle 21 Nov 2015 & 22 Nov 2015 10:00 AM– 5:00 PM Nordic Heritage Museum’s Yulefest. Nordicinspired wares, food in the Nordic Café, glögg, Kaffestuga, Scandinavian fiddlers, singers and folk dancers. www.nordicmuseum.org or call 206-789-5707 or email: info@nordicmuseum. org or sarak@nordicmuseum
Välkommen till årets alla julevenemang! Söndag 6 december, kl 17
Luciagudstjänst med tomtebesök & lussefika
Tacoma 12 Dec 2015 7:00 PM Swedish Sankta Lucia Fest in the Lagerquist Hall. For details see www.plu.edu/scancenter or call 253-535-7349. Nordic Christmas Fest later in December.
Wisconsin
Folklore Village Dodgerville 12 Dec 2015 5:30 PM St. Lucia Ceremony - Swedish songs, candlelight and aromatic saffron buns. Potluck and dancing. More info http://folklorevillage.com/t1/ email: staff@folklorevillage.org or call 608-924-4000 Hales Corners - Whitnall Park Lutheran Church 13 Dec 2015 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsins Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession, coffee and treats, dance around the Christmas tree. Info www.sahswi.org or email: swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com or wenz113@outlook. com or call 414-352-7890.
Söndag 8 december, kl 18.30
Julbord - föranmälan krävs Söndag 13 december, kl 10-17
Träffa oss på SWEA Los Angeles julbasar Söndag 15 december, kl 18.30
God Jul – Merry Christmas All the recipes you need for a Swedish traditional Christmas, translated for the American household and modified to fit today’s lifestyle. 72 recipes – the perfect book for Christmas!
God Jul - The bestseller — all the recipes you need for a classic Swedish Christmas today
Call 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 or see www.nordstjernan.com for a sample and easy order
Veckomässa med kyrkkaffe Fredag 25 december, kl 07
Julotta med kyrkkaffe Fredagar, kl 11-13: Öppna förskolan i kyrkan med sång, lek, samling och enkel lunch Senaste nytt om våra aktiviteter hittar du på vår Facebook- och hemsida!
Svenska kyrkan, Los Angeles 1035 South Beacon Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 Tel. 310-832-6800 • Epost: losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles På facebook heter vi “Svenska kyrkan i Los Angeles”
Hos oss kan du ta en svensk fika, läsa tidningar,
Öppettider 29 nov –12 dec
låna böcker samtala och tända ljus i kyrkan och
be för något som är angeläget
5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443
www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork
SÖNDAGAR
MÅNDAGAR
TISDAGAR
ONSDAGAR
TORSDAGAR
FREDAGAR
29 nov Högmässa Första advent 11.00
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
Caféet öppet 12-18
Ung Svensk i NYC 14-16 Caféet öppet 12-18 Ung svensk i NYC 14-16 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
JULAVSLUTNING KYRKANS BARNGRUPPER 10.00
Caféet öppet 12-16
Musik i adventstid 17.00 6 dec Högmässa 11.00
LÖRDAGAR
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 15-17 Träffpunkt 18.00 Veckomässa
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
LUCIA Church of the Incarnation
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
local events. page 14
The Sweet Swedish Phenomenon of Lördagsgodis Bilar, geléhallon, jungfrubröst, kolaand lakrits - these are just some of the many options Swedes choose among in wall-towall bins of ‘godis’ (sweets), especially on Saturdays. Lördagsgodis, a Scandinavian phenomonemon that started at a mental hospital in Lund, Sweden in the 1950s to investigate the validity of the theory that sugar may be related to dental health, has become a meaningful tradition over the past half-century. Kids (and adults alike) look forward to their weekly trip to the candy store for lördagsgodis (Saturday candy), often a reward for working hard in school, at the office or in the gym all week. It is a Yes, it’s fun to eat day to indulge! “lösgodis” (pick ‘n’ Swedish stores have bins stacked to mix) but Swedes overflowing with as many as 120 different do eat way too varieties of loose candy — hard candies, much according to chocolates, gummies, marshmallows, sweet, nutritionists. sour and especially salty licorice. In fact, black licorice of all kinds is so popular, it has its own festival; this year Lakritsfestivalen (Licorice festival) was in Stockholm in April and in Helsinki, Finland with our handon November 14-15. (www. painted buoys. lakritsfestivalen.se) Made to order with If going to a black licorice the flag of your festival isn’t your thing (though choice. it is loved by most Scandinavians, it isn’t so popular among Makes a great gift! Americans), stocking up on 207.504.4518 • www.heritagebuoy.com peppermint sticks might be. A small shop in central Sweden has been making polkagris for A quarterly journal devoted to Swedish generations of Swedes — a trip American biography, genealogy, and to their workshop in Gränna is personal history. Founded in 1981. a festival in itself. In the U.S., quite a few such Subscription Subscription $28 places have started popping up per$30 calendar year. per year for godis lovers — recently even Subscribers Subscribers are areinvited invited Swedish American Genealogist IKEA started displaying pick ‘n’ to to aa genealogical genealogical Swenson Center Workshop in Salt Lake workshop in Salt Lake mix and the first Swedish disAugustana College City City each each autumn. October. Rock Island, IL 61201-2296 tributor — appropriately named Phone 309 794-7204 Candy People — opened in the www.augustana.edu/sag U.S. in 2012 ... sega råttor, djungelvrål or lakrits. are no longer rarities for American palates. It deserves to be mentioned and much more! to all present and future godis lovers: An excess amount of sugar is not good for you. We’ll introduce you to a Swedish American that has made it his mission to teach kids about the value of proper nutrition in our next issue.
One of the things many Swedes love but Americans don’t: licorice, especially salty licorice.
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feature. page 15
Glad Första Advent – Happy First of Advent! Second only to Sankta Lucia, after Christmas itself, is the time spent in preparation for this important holiday season - during what’s known as Advent. The official season of Advent is about month long, marked by the four Sundays before Christmas. The first Sunday of Advent is Nov. 29 this year. Holiday celebrations in Sweden usually kick off with an observance of Första Advent, often with a http://tiny.cc/ caz85x|[casual party with candles, glögg and pepparkakor.] It’s also a day for decorating — with light as well gingerbread houses, little elves, tomtar (Santas) and julbockar (Christmas goats). Christianity came to Scandinavia around the 10th century, blending to some degree with the pagan yule traditions around the winter solstice. After Sweden had a Lutheran state church from the years 1500 until 2000, the Christian influences are still strongly felt in what are largely more secular holiday traditions today — starting with candlelight. The season of Advent (from the Latin word “adventus” which means “arrival”) is a time of preparation as Christians anticipate the arrival of Jesus Christ. In December, Sweden has very few hours of daylight, and the tradition of lighting a candle for each Sunday of Advent is both figuratively and literally significant for the light it brings. Swedish homes are adorned with “Adventsstjärnor” (Advent wreaths) in windows and lighted candles, signaling the start of
Advent. The lighting of the first Advent candle, often nestled in moss and lingonberry sprigs in an “Adventsljusstaken” is a solemn but happy occasion. The first candle is lit on Första Advent and allowed to burn down a little. On the Second Sunday of Advent it is time to light both the first and the second candles, and so on, until by the Fourth Sunday the first candle is burning down as the last one is lit. “Adventsljusstaken” — An Advent candle holder with four candles which mark the Sundays of Advent. A new candle is lit each Sunday before Christmas. Often deco- First of Advent, this year on November 29, means it’s time to light rated with sprigs of ling- the first candle of the Advent candlestick. onberries, the tradition of these electric candlesticks in their windows, became popular in the 1920s when Advent- especially during Advent. Just like the menosljusstaker were first sold in stores. rah, these candlesticks have seven branches. The Advent wreath came to Sweden via Oskar Andersson in Sweden made the first Denmark around 1910, gaining popularity electric candlestick in 1934. when florists began selling them during the “Adventsstjärnor” — The Advent star. German occupation in 1939-1940. It was Electrically lit stars of paper, wood, straw part of a “light-custom” that was embraced or perforated metal are also commonly seen by many Danes during the blackout. Many hanging in windows. Scandinavian households have one or more By Amanda Olson Robison
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Zacharius Topelius’s “Läsning för barn” (Reading for Children) series appeared on book shelves from 1856 – 1896. His works are now considered a treasure trove of historical significance, and their emphasis on nature, the simplicity of daily life, spirituality, and morality teaches lessons that are just as relevant and important for readers today. Judith Gustafson has painstakingly translated these classic stories into English, making them available for worldwide enjoyment. Her goal was to present them as authentically as possible, bringing out the meaning, tone, and scriptural message that Topelius originally intended. Reading for children is the perfect collection of stories to be read to or by children. Order should be made through Tate Publishing
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1.800.827.9333 - ext 10 November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
feature. page 16 perspectives.
Olle Wijkström olle.wijkstrom@nordstjernan.com
Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, även känd som Karl XIV Johan av Sverige, satt länge på sin häst vid Slussplan i Stockholm. Redan för någon vecka sedan plockade stadens myndigheter med hjälp av tunga motordrivna redskap ned såväl kungen som hans häst ner från sockeln de stod på. Där fick han inte vila länge, eftersom han störde trafiken. Han har därefter förts vidare. Vart vet jag ännu icke? Av tidningarna förstår jag dock, att tanken är, att han skall få någorlunda samma utsikt från det ställe norr om strömmen dit Jean och hans häst så småningom skall vidarebefordas, när hela Slussprojektet äntligen blir klart. Många stockholmare frågar sig dock, om det någonsin blir klart. Projektet har pågått så länge stockholmarna minns. Till att börja med blev det stoppat därför, att myndigheterna inte kunde enas om, hur mycket det skulle kosta. Det stoppades av ekonomiska skäl. Det skulle bli för dyrt. Trots att myndigheter redan ältat sig igenom allting i detalj krona för krona. Alla överklagandena måste enligt svensk sed givetvis hänföras till nya instanser. En av demokratins fallgropar, när många måste vara med och bestämma om allt, är att ingenting kan göras färdigt förrän alla grinpellar fått vara med. Kulturivrare, som vill ha sina röster hörda, måste höras. Utsikten från Söder förfulas hävdar några. Nya stopp blir följden. Dessa personer bör beredas möjligjet att utreda frågan och författa sina inlägg. Fler advokater anlitas. Stockholms kulturrotel måste i demokratins namn givetvis också höras. Nya stopp att komma igång med slussenprojektet blir följden. Åren går medan Karl XIV Johan lugnt rider på sin häst. Även grupper av esteter bör i ett demokratiskt land ges chansen att säga sitt. Nya förseningar och större kostnader blir följden. Andra bekymrar sig över, att trafiken mot Nacka kanske kollapsar, om ombyggnaden sker. Trafikexperter inkallas för att föreslå ändringar. Folk från utsocknes kommuner ges tillfälle att reagera. På detta sätt med överklagande efter överklagande och kostnadsrevisoner efter kostnadsrevisioner har det gått till så länge Jean Baptiste kan minnas. Kanske han med åren frågar síg, om inte hela systemet med överklagande efter överklagande och ständiga fördyrningar snart nått vägs ände? Det mesta blir så småningom så dyrt, att det aldrig kommer att kunna realiseras. Eller bör det kanske vara så, att vi bör lita på de beslut, som de av oss redan valda kommunalpamparna kommit fram till.
Jean Baptiste’s vidare öden. Skräck och sorg i världen.
Classic Glögg
4 oz vodka (or whiskey or cognac) 5 cinnamon sticks 20 cloves 1 piece frsh ginger 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom pods 1 piece bitter orange peel På Skeppsbron pågår emellertid ett projekt, som jag hoppas inte låter sig stoppas. Jag syftar då på, vad stockholmarna kallar ”Stenbecks gran”. Så vitt jag minns, bestämde sig Jan Stenbeck då nittonhundratalet övergick till att bli tvåtusentalet, att Stockholm skulle lysas upp av en mäktig julgran på Skeppsbron. Granen är så stor att den måste byggas upp gren för gren. Tunga grävmaskiner har varit på plats någon vecka. I skrivande stund är halva granen försedd med grenar. Den första december lär den stå färdig med ljus och lysa upp stan. Jag vill i detta sammanhang tacka Jan Stenbeck för hans initiativ. Han visste, vad han ville göra och gjorde det, utan att låta sig hindras av överklaganden. Eftersom jag inte vet, om några myndigheter ville hindra honom, inskränker sig min hyllning till hans bedrifter och mod att sätta igång verksamheter, som långt ifrån hans egen verksamhet. I morse (14 nov.) berättade svensk television, om de fruktansvärda illdåd, som ägde rum i Paris under föregående natt. Mer än hundra avrättades på de sex platser i Paris, som utsattes för terrorattacker. Informationen om, vad som låg bakom dessa dåd och vilka organisationer, som var inblandade, var först sparsamma. Efter hand påtog sig Islamiska Staten, IS, ansvaret. Eftersom liknande dåd gång på gång inträffat i olika länder under den senaste tiden, har oron stigit runt om i världen. Även i Sverige märks tecken på djup oro. Vad är det, som håller på att hända? Kan ingen människa känna sig säker, var hon än befinner sig? Det är givetvis ytterst angeläget, att de dåd, som skett i Paris utsätts för noggrann uppföljning. Om IS tagit på sig ansvaret måste givetvis de individer eller staber inom I.S, som mördat mängder av människor arresteras och ställas inför rätta. Människors oro kan endast dämpas om de ser, att de onda krafterna bekämpas.
Your newspaper. Your stories.
Submit to editor@nordstjernan.com Nordstjernan, November 30, 2015
Making Glögg
Put the alcohol and the spices in a can with a lid and let it sit in the fridge over night. Shake the can a few times. Then let the mixture pass through a coffee filter, this will give you a golden-colored liquid. Heat this liquid along with one bottle of inexpensive red wine (not too strong and definitely not too rich), 1.2 cups sugar and (if you can get it) 1 teaspoon vanilla sugar. Serve the glögg hot with blanched almonds and raisins. There are as many glögg recipes as there are glögg makers... so don’t be shy when you make your own. We included a couple of the other easy-to-make recipes we’ve collected through the years - one a regular, old-fashioned, the other an apple glögg from a chef in Sweden. Also, there’s a Swedish glögg available in select stores in the U.S.—‘1889 Geijer Glögg’ was introduced a few years ago, just the drink for the Holidays. Check www.geijerglogg.com to see if it’s available near you.
“Glögg” is of course part of every glögg party. It’s safe to say every homemade glögg tastes different. These days there’s a U.S. made glögg based on a Swedish classic recipe, through 1889 Geijer Glögg (geijerglogg.com) Then again, you can easily also make your own.
Alcohol-free blueberry glögg
4 cups blueberry juice 2 pieces bitter orange peel 1 cinnamon stick 6 cloves 0.5 Tablespoon cardamom seeds 4 oz orange juice, freshly squeezed blanched almonds and raisins Mix all ingredients except the orange juice in a pot. Bring to a simmer, remove from heat and let stand 2-3 hours. Strain away the spice. Mix in the orange juice at the time of serving. Reheat. Serve with almonds and raisins.
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feature. page 17
The quick and easy Glögg Party This time of the year any reason is a good reason to arrange an informal “glögg party”. You don’t need much, really. Lussekatter and “pepparkakor” (ginger snaps) and glögg of course. Add to that some Christmas music and candles and you’re set. Remember that less is more, so leave complicated flower arrangements and Christmas decorations for later, a glögg party doesn’t need it anyway. Culling from our favorite recipes, we found the absolute best recipes for “pepparkakor” on Ebba von Sydow’s blog (which you can find here: http:// blogg.svt.se/ebba/) and lussekatter. Below is also a quick and easy glögg recipe.
Lussekatter
Ingredients: Yields: 36 buns Prep Time: 30 minutes Raising Time 75 minutes Bake Time: 12 minutes 1/4 tsp saffron 2/3 cup butter 1 3/4 cup milk 50 grams of fresh yeast 1 egg 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 1 tsp salt 6 1/2 cup all purpose flour Raisins for decorating Egg white to brush on before baking
Instruction: Use a mortar to grind the saffron to textured powder. Melt the butter and add the milk, making sure that the mixture is a little bit warmer than lukewarm (98 F) and add to a bowl. Then crumble the fresh yeast into little pieces and add. Then add the rest of the ingredients, adding the flour a little bit at a time until the dough is loosening from the bowl. It should stick together nicely without sticking to the bowl. Let the dough rise in its bowl (cover with kitchen towel) for about 45 minutes. Add the dough to a working area (countertop, large table). Knead it lovingly and start rolling it out with a rolling pin. Cut strips of dough, about 10” long and 1/2 “ in thickness, and shape it by rolling it between your hands into a sausage. Alternatively just take a piece of dough and roll it into the above mentioned proportions. Form traditional Lussekatter by creating two opposite spirals. Let the Lussekatter rise for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 440 F. Decorate each individual spiral with a raisin in the middle and brush with beaten egg. Bake the Lussekatter in the oven for 10-12 minutes at 440F. Many are the spices that remind us of Christmas, but saffron might be our favorite. Derived from the saffron crocus flower, saffron has been traded and used for over four millennia. Iran now accounts for about 90% of the world production of the spice. Because each flower’s stigmas need to be collected by hand, and there are only a few per flower, saffron is the most expensive
Apart from glögg you need “lussekatter” (saffron buns) to throw a proper “glögg party”.
spice in the world. A Christmas without “saffran” in bread is not a Swedish Christmas. Luckily, since it is expensive, you don’t need much of the spice to get the golden glow and the particular taste of it. Here’s another saffron recipe to try for Christmas:
on making ginger snaps within the next week) or the freezer (if you want them later). Take out when you need, cut as many as you need and bake of a sheet of baking paper for around 7 minutes in 390 F. So you’ve made glögg. What to do with spices and the raisin you put in the glögg pan? Turn to page 39 for our favorite recipe; a sure winner after a long, cozy winter walk! “Skurna pepparkakor” (cut ginger snaps) the best recipe for “pepparkakor” ever? We got this recipe off Ebba von Sydow’s blog.
Skurna pepparkakor
Saffranskaka (Saffron cake) Ingredients: 200 g butter (or margarine) 0.5 g saffron 2 eggs 1.2 cups sugar 1 cup milk 1.6 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 pinch confectioner’s sugar
Instruction: Preheat oven to 347F. Butter and breadcrumb a smooth, round pan with removable sides, about 9” diameter. Melt the butter and let it cool. Pestle the saffron in a mortar (preferably with a sugar cube). Beat egg and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the saffron, the melted butter, and milk. Mix flour and baking powder and add to the batter. Pour the batter into the pan and bake in the lower part of the oven for about 45 minutes. Sift confectioner’s sugar on top before serving.
(cut ginger snaps) Ingredients: 1 cup sugar 200 g butter 0.5 cup molasses 2.5 cups flour peels of two lemons (grated) 2 Tablespoons cinnamon 1 Tablespoon cloves (ground) 1 Tablespoon ginger (ground) 1 teaspoon ground bitter orange peel 1 Tablespoon cardamom 1 Tablespoon baking soda Around 3/4 cup peeled/ blanched almonds Melt the butter in a pot along with the molasses and the sugar. Remove from heat and let cool somewhat. Stir in all the spices. In a bowl mix flour and baking soda, and add to the batter. Also stir in the almonds. Shape the dough into long “sausages” or rolls and put into the fridge (if you plan
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
feature. page 18
Santa’s Winterland in Dalarna [Tomtens Vinterland i Dalarna]
Images courtesy of www.tomteland.se
Practice your Swedish
Santa lives in Mora, and next weekend, he opens his doors to guests. The first snowflakes are falling over Santa’s Winterland and feverish activity prevails already.
“There are many fantastic experiences for those who are eager to go straight into the fairy world and meet the elves and other living fairytale beings,” says Nicklas Lind, location manager at the Fairytale Santa’s Village. In Fairytale Santa’s Village trolls lurk in the forest and forest gnomes are peering from between the stumps. The witch and good fairy are playing with the younger guests and there is also the snowman Dusty and the cozy snow monster Drivan (Snowdrift), who likes hugs both small and large. Every day offers an atmospheric outdoor theater where winter fairy Sparkle and her friends look for the Christmas Star, a mysterious, cold and magical star, whose forces are needed to save the winter queen. Anyone who is curious about what is really happening in the enchanted forest can get lessons in trollology and if you want to know more about Santa’s magic powers, you are welcome to join in learning about Santa power. Also this year Fairytale Santa’s Village presents its very fun and popular interpretation of the children’s theater Hansel and Gretel. body. mind. sole Santa is an extremely popular guy. Every year about 400,000 letters arrive for Santa Claus. Santa also speaks English. On January 2-3, Santa’s Village offers most of its daily programs in English.
Ask people in Dalarna and you learn that Santa Claus with a capital (SC or T as in Tomten in Swedish) lives in Mora and nowhere else. Already after the U.S. Thanksgiving weekend, on 28-29 November, he opens the doors for his guests. The first snowflakes fall over the fairytale land of Santa’s land and feverish activity prevails already in the main cabin. The wish lists lie in heaps, the elves are running over each other and the mischievous trolls enviously peek through the windows. But Santa is also busy trying to teach Santa power, dance around the Christmas tree, offer theater, and spend time with the trolls, the witch, the good fairy and all other friends in the fairyland. The Fairytale Santa’s Village is framed by the nature of Gesunda Mountain just outside Mora. As soon as one enters, the cold winter air becomes filled with magic and adventure. At first glance, it may seem quiet and peaceful, but not a day goes by without losing control of the trolls. Here, anything can happen - as indeed it does.
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Fråga människor i Dalarna och du får veta att Tomten med stort T bor i Mora och ingen annanstans. Redan efter den amerikanska Thanksgiving-helgen, den 28-29 november öppnar han dörrarna för sina gäster. De första snöflingorna faller över Sagolandet Tomteland och febril aktivitet råder redan nu i Storstugan. Önskelistorna ligger i högar, nissarna springer om varandra och de busiga trollen kikar avundsjukt in genom fönstren. Men tomten har också fullt upp med att lära ut tomtekraft, dansa runt granen, bjuda på teater och umgås med trollen, häxan, sagofén och alla andra vännerna i sagolandet. Sagolandet Tomteland ligger inramat i naturen på Gesundaberget strax utanför Mora. Så snart man klivit in fylls den kalla vinterluften med magi och äventyr. Vid en första anblick kan det verka lugnt och rofyllt, men det går inte en dag utan att trollen ställer till med trolltyg. Här kan vad som helst hända – vilket det också gör. – Här finns många fantastiska upplevelser för den som är sugen på att gå rakt in i
sagornas värld och möta tomtar och andra livs levande väsen, säger Nicklas Lind, anläggningschef på Sagolandet Tomteland. På Sagolandet Tomteland lurar trollen i skogen och skogstomtarna kikar fram mellan stubbarna. Häxan och sagofén busar med de yngre gästerna och här finns också snögubben Dusty och det mysiga snömonstret Drivan som gärna kramar både liten och stor. Varje dag erbjuds en stämningsfull utomhusteater där vinterälvan Gnistra och hennes vänner söker efter Julens Stjärna, en mystisk, kall och magisk stjärna vars krafter behövs för att rädda vinterns drottning. Den som är nyfiken på vad som egentligen händer i trollskogen kan få lektioner i trollogi och vill man veta mer om Tomtens magiska krafter är man välkommen att gå i lära om Tomtekraften. Även i år presenterar Sagolandet Tomteland sin mycket roliga och populära tolkning av barnteaterföreställningen Hans och Greta.. Tomten är en väldigt populär kille. Varje år kommer ca 400 000 brev till tomten. Tomten kan också prata engelska. Den 2-3 januari har Tomteland större delen av sitt dagsprogram på engelska. For more info, see Tomteland’s (literally Santa World’s) website at www.santaworld.se
sports. page 19
Sweden ready for UEFA Finals
The Swedish national team celebrates after its 4-3 aggregate win over Denmark November 17 in Copenhagen. Foto: Ludvig Thunman/Bildbyrån Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
Zlatan Ibrahimovic really can carry all of Sweden on his shoulders — or his feet. Ibrahimovic, the captain of the Swedish national soccer team, scored twice as he led the Blågult (Blue and yellow) to a 4-3 aggregate win over Scandinavian rivals Denmark on November 17 in Copenhagen. The win propelled Sweden into the final field of 24 teams in the UEFA European Champions next June in France. Ibrahimovic scored once in each half as he staked Sweden to a 2-0 in the second leg of the home-and-home playoff. Both Sweden and Denmark finished third in their qualifying groups, setting up the showdown between the Nordic neighbors. Sweden went into the match with a 2-1 overall lead after beating the Danes November 15 at Friends Arena in Solna. Denmark mounted a furious comeback in the closing minutes, finally capitalizing on their superior play in much of the game to draw level in injury time. The match ended in a 2-2 draw, giving Sweden a 4-3 aggregate win. “How much do we owe Zlatan Ibrahimovic? Of course, a lot, but we are a team and everyone works really hard,” said striker Marcus Berg, who partnered with Ibrahimovic up front. “Of course, it’s a blessing to have him up front to score these important goals. He’s really important but everyone did a massive job today. He is a big name across the world, and now he is playing in France, he has a lot of
fans there. It’s nice for everyone that we can go there — it will be my first major tournament, so I am really happy.” The match marked the 106th meeting between the two nations, and for Denmark, it was win or miss out on the second-most prestigious soccer tournament in the world. Only the World Cup draws more attention than the European Championship, and the Danes came out swinging in the second leg. The Danish team held possession for much of the first half but found themselves a goal down when Ibrahimovic struck for the first time. Källström made up for his near own-goal in the 17th minute when he struck a corner kick that found Ibrahimovic. The Paris SaintGermain striker redirected the cross with the inside of his right foot, sending the ball into the far corner of the net for a 1-0 lead. The goal changed the complexion of the match. Although Denmark entered the game trailing by a goal, the tally the Danes scored in Sweden, under international rules, it would count as two in case of a split in the series. If Denmark won the second leg 1-0, for example, the two teams would be level on goals at 2-2, but Denmark would win the tie-breaker 3-2 thanks to its away goal. Ibrahimovic’s goal put Denmark in a position where it now had to score at least twice to advance. Sweden, which outplayed Denmark in the first leg, went into the second leg fully aware of the away goals rule. Head coach Erik Hamren used Ibrahimovic almost as a lone striker while the rest of his side played defense. For
Berg, it was a somewhat new experience. “The first game we played well, I think, and today was a lot of defending. It was really tough,” he said. “Normally, I am not a striker that drops [back to defend] but today I had to do it.” Sweden went into the interval clinging to its 1-0 lead. After the break, the Swedes began to counterattack with more urgency as Denmark had to push forward in search of an equalizer. Ibrahimovic made the Danes pay at the 76-minute mark when he won a free kick just outside the penalty area. Despite facing a fiveman defensive wall, the Sweden captain hit a sizzling shot that curved around the wall and somehow squeezed past Danish goal keeper Caspar Schmeichel at the near post to give the Blågult a 2-0 lead. It should have iced the game for Sweden, but Denmark mounted a furious last-minute comeback. Poulsen rose up over the Swedish defense to head in a goal with nine minutes left to play, restoring Danish hopes. The Danes continued to pen Sweden in its own end and as regulation time ran out, Yannick Vestergaard beat Swedish goalkeeper Andreas Isaksson to pull Denmark level. It was, however, too late for the Danes to press home their attack and the Swedes managed to hang on for the win. “It means everything to qualify,” said midfielder Emil Forsberg, who was part of the Under-21 team that beat Denmark to claim the Under-21 European Championship. “It was an ambition we always had and we got a tough opponent in Denmark, but we knew that if we
played well it would be hard to beat us — and today we had a great defense.” Sweden ended a run of five games against Denmark without a win when it beat Denmark 2-1 on November 15 at Friends Arena in the first leg of the playoff. In a tight opening period, Denmark’s Schmeichel was the busier of the goalkeepers. Marcus Berg forced Schmeichel to make an acrobatic save on his 18th-minute close-range effort, and then Ibrahimovic, in the final second of the first, forced Schmeichel to make an even more impressive save as he got his left palm to a ball that was soaring toward the top corner. Seconds later, Forsberg fired Sweden in front as he beat Schmeichel for his first international goal. Jimmy Durmaz combined nicely with Mikael Lustig down the right for Sweden, and the full-back sent in a low cross that Forsberg one-timed into the goal. Five minutes after the break, Ibrahimovic put Sweden up 2-0. The Swedish captain had never scored against Denmark but was cool as ever as he beat Schmeichel from the penalty spot. Forsberg drew the penalty when Thomas Kahlenberg tripped him in the area and Ibrahimovic put the ball firmly past Schmeichel for his 60th international strike. Sweden thereafter looked in control, with Denmark able to force little but the odd corner. Yet it was from one such set piece that Nicolai Jorgensen was able to open his own nationalteam account, sliding in to make it 2-1.
November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan
dashboard. page 20
Gender equality
Since 2006, the Global Gender Equality Report has revealed different countries’ attitudes toward gender equality and where the challenge is most acute. For the first time, the 2015 report also shows changes in attitudes that reveal the economic and social progress slowly being made. Through collated public opinion data from 24 countries, it’s clear which countries have the most progressive attitudes toward gender equality — and Sweden tops the list. All the Scandinavian countries rank high each year, largely because of long-standing equality in education and health and the large proportion of women in the labor force, with small salary gaps and strong representation in high-skilled jobs. According to this year’s data, not only do Swedes have the most progressive attitude toward gender equality in the world, but there is virtually no gap between the views of men and women. That’s a stark difference from Asian or Middle Eastern countries where data for individual genders isn’t made available.
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A Swedish translation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland (Alice Äventyr i Underlandet) previously owned and signed by Alice P. Hargreaves, who was the inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice character sold for $2,000 at abebooks.com
Lifestyle
Copenhagen, Denmark
“I love you Zlatan.” Sweden’s Head Coach Erik Hamrén embracing Zlatan after the Swedish team’s win over Denmark on Nov. 17. Report in Sports, Page19. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who turned 34 in October, shows no sign of slowing down, and on Nov. 9 he claimed Sweden’s prestigious Golden Ball award at the country’s biggest annual soccer gala. The soccer star showed unusual emotion as he accepted the Golden Ball — his tenth. “You can not describe this feeling, the joy and all that I go through,” he said. “Many thanks to all who have followed me since day one.” Sweden’s all-time top striker was honored along with the ladies’ Diamond Ball award winner, Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindahl, at the gala in Stockholm.
Gas prices plummet, charging stations are on the rise
D Be Fro o a m W or uti is Co fu co u l ns nt in y, !
A Swedish Family Tradition to Remember! Swedish Julbord (Christmas Smörgåsbord) A Swedish Christmas buffet featuring traditional dishes like pickled herring, cheeses, breads, beet salad, baked ham, roast pork, potato sausage, meatballs, red cabbage, Jansson’s Temptation, rice pudding,and Swedish Glögg, the delicious Christmas drink. Adults $22.95 • Reservations Suggested Sat., Dec. 12, 5:30 & 7:00 Seatings • Sun., Dec. 13, 5:30 Seating
While gas prices are decreasing and breaking records across Sweden, Stockholm is increasing the number of charging stations for electric cars. Oil companies have been reducing fuel prices as a result of falling oil prices on the world market. As of Nov. 13, a liter of 95-octane gas costs SEK 12.79 ($1.47) and diesel is at SEK 12.45 ($1.43), amounting to nearly half the price of just one year ago. Swedes are saying there has never been a better time to drive — in part because today an average car uses significantly less fuel than years ago, requiring less payout at the gas pump. There are also more Swedes driving electric cars. And now they’ll have an easier time of it in Stockholm, since the Environmental Protection Agency has assigned funds for the installation of new charging points. The city is expanding the number of charging stations from 700 parking spaces to 1000. “This support means Stockholm Parking can continue to pursue efforts to promote
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sustainable mobility,” said Daniel Helldén of the City of Stockholm and Stockholm Parking. This step is part of the government’s June 2015 budget to reduce greenhouse gas emissions — an investment of aid in the amount of SEK 125 million ($14,363,000). Another SEK 600 million ($68,943,000)has been announced for 2016-2018.
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SWEDISH ANTIQUES & GIFTS
Stockholm, Sweden
Signs warning of a common traffic hazard recently popped up in Stockholm: two pedestrians staring at their cell phones. The idea came when Jacob Sempler fell into a bicyclist and nearly got hit by a car as he looked at his phone rather than where he was walking. “I thought that we must do something about this,” said Sempler, who created the sign with Emil Tiismann, both of whom work at an ad agency. The advertising agency set up the signs without city permission, and Erik Johansson, a spokesperson for Traffic Office, says the signs could come down anytime. “It’s illegal to post them, but we agree with the message.” People
Sweden
During Advent many windows are decorated with an “Advent star,” a custom introduced in the 1930s. Today you will often see more sophisticated versions of straw, wood shavings or metal (visit your local IKEA to get an idea). This custom originated in Germany, but has in recent years begun to be overtaken by the electric stepped candlesticks, which also shine from the windows.
Handcrafts & Gifts from Sweden — Vintage Art, Ekelund Linens, Bengt & Lotta Designs Gotland Fur Creations — all displayed in a historic Victorian farmhouse in Olney, MD near Washington D.C. Local on the Web!
Swedish doppelgänger
Leonardo DiCaprio has had many critically acclaimed roles since (and before) the 1997 film Titanic, but it’s his clean shaven look from then that is making the world do a double-take: because it could just as easily be Konrad Annerud. This 21-year-old bartender, model and musician from Linköping, Sweden could be DiCaprio’s identical twin. Their resemblance has made Annerud a social media sensation, as Annerud gets mistaken for a young DiCaprio — which Annerud appears to be taking in stride, acknowledging that the star is handsome and it’s fun looking like the famous
actor, though it can be a nuisance, too. Even though Konrad he’s nearly Leo half DiCaprio’s age, fans can’t tell the difference and “It’s much worse when I am abroad,” Annerud told daily Dagens Nyheter. “When I was in Italy last summer, I kind of felt like I wanted to shave off my hair. It was chaos. People shouted ‘Leo!’ and wanted to take pictures all the time.” The real DiCaprio has yet to comment on his look-alike.
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“Livet ger oss tillbaka det vi ger till andra” [Life returns to us what we give to others]
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‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: December 01 Oskar/Ossian /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
November 30: Sunrise 6.59 a.m. 8.16 a.m. 10.47 a.m. 8.11 a.m. 6.40 a.m.
Sunset 4.29 p.m. 2.56 p.m. 12.47 a.m. 3.40 p.m. 4.44 p.m.
December 02 Beata/Beatrice December 03 Lydia December 04 Barbara/Barbro December 05 Sven December 06 Nikolaus/Niklas December 07 Angela/Angelika December 08 Virginia December 09 Anna December 10 Malin/Malena December 11 Daniel/Daniela December 12 Alexander/Alexis December 13 Lucia December 14 Sten/Sixten December 15 Gottfrid December 16 Assar
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the vasa star vasastjärnan
fall 2015 Publication of The Vasa Order of America
Amelia having the time of her life making her own candle at the Connecticut Kronan Lodge #2 candle-making event for members and friends in late October. / page 27
the true value of membership
Dear Vasa Brothers and Sisters, We are finally back home after a busy summer and fall. Meeting so many of you personally reminds me of the true values of Vasa membership — Generosity, Truth and Unity — and what our fellowship brings us in our, often too busy, lives today. Birgitta
and I have met so many old friends but more importantly, every member we meet, whether we’ve met earlier or not, is just that; A friend. (A real friend, not just an emoji on internet.) I mean the kind of friend that always stands up and supports you. A friend that listens, questions, suggests and shares time with you and who has shared interests and values. Thank you friends for sharing time with me and Birgitta! We started in early September with a one week trip driving to Kelso WA for DL Pacific Northwest #13’s Convention. Following that, a couple days rest at home before jumping on a plane to Boston for a weekend with DL Massachusetts #2’s Convention in Leominster, MA, a nice place about an hour west of Boston. We also had time for a little sightseeing including going to the top of Mount Wachusett just 30 minutes from the hotel. The 360 degree view was quite dramatic, although it was a little hazy at the horizon. We then proceeded to drive to Cromwell, CT where we had scheduled to hold our Grand Lodge Executive Board
meeting this year. It turned out to be a pretty intense four days of work, including taking care of all the many items that were referred to the GLEB at the GL Convention last year. We also stayed over for the DL Connecticut #1 Convention, which was conveniently held at the same hotel. Actually, to be more correct, that was the reason we selected to hold our meeting there. The trip concluded with a Vasa National Archives Board Meeting on the Sunday following the Convention. In mid-October we again jumped on a plane. This time to Omaha, NE to celebrate Lodge Omaha’s 100th anniversary. We were met at the airport by Chairman Les Marks who together with Mit Grimes treated us to a ride to the hotel and later that evening to a really nice dinner. The next day we enjoyed a nice afternoon meeting many Vasa Brothers and Sisters from Lodge Omaha #330 and also members of Lodge Norrskenet #331, who had travelled from Sioux City, IA for the occasion. They had just celebrated their 100th anniversary the previous weekend. As this was our first time in Omaha we took the op-
portunity to do some travelling around and found several nice gardens that were still in full bloom this late in the year. Of course we were told that the weather (about 70 – 75 deg. F with clear blue skies) was specifically ordered just for us. Our travels are now coming to a close for the year with a trip to Lodge Harmoni #472 in Portland, OR to celebrate their 90th anniversary in November. In between the Connecticut Convention and the Omaha celebration I needed to take a trip to Cleveland, OH to represent the Grand Lodge and Vasa Archives at the trial against Rosenthal Collins Group (RCG). As you may remember, both the Grand Lodge and the Archives lost significant amounts of money to fraud in 2009 perpetrated by Enrique Villalba. He had an account with RCG and lost the money there. The trial concluded with a verdict in our favor. That does not mean we are quite done with the issue. There are some post-trial motions still to deal with, but the trial was a great suc-
National Archive News
East and West
Holiday Greetings
Youth News
Bill Lundquist, the president of the National Archives gives an update on filling the open position in Bishop Hill. / p25
District News - Golden Gate No.12 sponsors children’s group / one of the larger Swedish flags ever sighted at Pacific Northwest’s convention / p30
Reconnecting with friends: Special holiday wishes from the Vasa Order community in Sweden, the United States and Canada. / p27-29
Two gracious and happy earlier Vasa scholarship winners offer thanks and updates on what they’re doing now. / p32
The Grand Master’s Message
archive news » p25
grand lodge news » p26
district lodge news » p30
local lodge news » p32
language » p36
/ continued on p26
in memoriam » p37
swedish news » p38
the vasa star / Fall 2015
editor’s Message
issue highlights
Pepparkakor, glögg, Sankta Lucia, tomte, julbock and julbord — these are funny words only to people who aren’t familiar with the details so important in the traditions of us Swedish Americans at this time of year. (See more such words in our Swedish Christmas Glossary on p. 36) As we celebrate the season that’s especially full of the world our forefathers brought with them from Sweden a generation or two (or more) ago, we are so proud to call ourselves Swedes. In this issue of the Vasa Star, our interest – and need – in keeping present the culture of our past is clear. With so much news from recent district and grand lodge gatherings (see p. 26, 30), and many local lodges with so many reports on the important, meaningful, entertaining and downright
fun events in the Vasa community (see p. 32), our pride for and desire in keeping up these traditions is evident.
Deadlines for The Vasa Star
Where to Submit Material
Winter Deadline » January 15 Spring Deadline » April 15
MAIL TO: vasaeditor@gmail.com or Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331
• Picture and article, 200 words or less. • For Letters to the Editor column, 150 words or less. • Please send pictures of good quality in order for them to reproduce well in The Vasa Star. Electronically submitted photos should be scanned in JPEG format at a resolution of 300 dpi. • For submitted lodge articles, please add city and state. Thanks! IN MEMORIAM » Please read instructions on how to send and pay for Obituaries.
While the fall has been full of festivals and conventions and activities, plans for many holiday celebrations abound. I hope you find those that are happening near you and can attend as many as possible! And in this age of increasing technology, the holiday season still elicits a joy in sending and receiving special greetings to each other — which you can find from your brothers and sisters of the international Vasa community on page 27-29. I, too, wish you all en Glad Jul och Ett Gott Nytt År! Önskar er alla: amanda olson robison vasaeditor@gmail.com
Please send no later than January 15.
Sonja Krummrey with a taper that needs a bit more time and wax. / p27
Swedish words of Christmas A Swedish Christmas glossary and Christmas trivia. / p36
The Swedish Newspaper in America –––––––––
is proud to be of assistance in presenting The Vasa Star, Vasastjärnan in a new format, in print and digitally. Nordstjernan has been reporting on current events in Swedish America since September, 1872. Kenneth T. Jackson, Professor of History at Columbia University and Editor-in-chief, The Encyclopedia of New York City, said it best: “Over the past century and a half, more newspapers were published in New York than in any other city in the world, in large part because of the huge foreign-born community and the variety of publications that the different ethnic groups spawned. Most had a brief and almost ephemeral life, but Nordstjernan has been remarkable for its long life and high quality. It not only helped Swedish immigrants adjust to life in a new world and a giant city, but it set a standard that other newspapers worked hard to emulate.”
www.nordstjernan.com • 1.800.827.9333 ext. 12 (Call now for a special if you are a Vasa member)
Family Tree Släktutredningar
Remember the Vasa Archives
I am a member of the Vasa Order in Sweden and an expert in Swedish genealogy. Over the years I have helped many Vasa members to find their roots in Sweden. If you want my help to find your Swedish ancestors, please email me for further information: swedengen@telia.com
when you are making a memorial donation Send your donations to: Vasa National Archives PO Box 101, Bishop Hill, IL 61419
Donate to the Education & Scholarship Funds Send your donations to: Vasa Order of America, Joan Graham, Grand Secretary 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804
page 24
Caitlin and Alexa takes a breather from selling tickets at Lindbergh #494. / p35
the vasa star Fall 2015 Vol. 107, No. 4, Serial 849 Published by The Vasa Order of America www.vasaorder.com HEADQUARTERS Grand Secretary / Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 526 5512 vasajlg@aol.com Grand Master / Tore Kellgren 5971 W. Walbrook Drive San Jose, CA 95129 Phone: (408) 996 1970 | (408) 505 6623 gmtore@kellgren.org Editor / Amanda Olson Robison
Managing Editor / Liza Ekstrand Send articles, photos & memorials to: The Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331 vasaeditor@gmail.com Circulation Manager / Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 (510) 526 5512 circulationvasastar@gmail.com Send address changes and bottom section of application for new members to Joan Graham. Membership Chairman / Bruce Elfvin 3231 E. Overlook Road Cleveland Heights, OH 44118-2113 bbe@elfvinbesser.com Advertising Call 1.800.827.9333, ask for Vasa Star rates vasaeditor@gmail.com
Layout & production: Nordstjernan, Swedish News, Inc.
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Fall 2015 / the vasa star
How to submit Photos to the Vasa Star Occasionally photos are submitted to Vasa Star that are not usable, and you’re disappointed when your photo isn’t used. Here are some guidelines to follow: 1. Best photos are taken with a digital camera or a cell phone camera. These are perfect when downloaded to a computer and emailed directly to the Editor. Please don’t try to modify them, no tweaking, no changing to black and white. 2. Photographs can be scanned, but be sure they are good quality photographs, at least 4x6 in size. If you scan them, be sure they are saved as a .jpeg and 250-300 dpi. If you are not sure of the size, mail the original photograph. 3. Photos pasted into a Word document are difficult to work with, so whenever possible don’t use this method. Send the photos separately, as an email attachment or by regular mail. 4. Most importantly, be sure to include a caption naming each person (if it’s a small group.)
ARCHIVE news Message from the President of The Vasa National Archives Greetings Fellow Vasa Members, We have many new exciting opportunities to share in Bishop Hill. Should you have the opportunity to visit Bishop Hill during December you can enjoy “Julmarknad,” the Christmas Market on Dec. 5-6 with sights, sounds and aromas of Christmases past, including special music, food specialties and excellent shopping. “Lucia Nights” on Dec. 11-12 include the Festival of Lights when several Lucias serve coffee and sweets in museums and shops. “Julotta” is a candlelight non-denominational church service in Swedish and English conducted in the Colony Church on Dec.25. All these activities are sponsored by the Bishop Hill Arts Council, the Bishop Hill Heritage Association and the Bishop Hill State Historic Site, Illinois Historic Preservation Agency. The recruitment efforts for a new archivist in the Vasa National Archives have been successful and two final interviews recently took place. I’m happy to report that Kathy Cuff has accepted the position and I look forward to working with her to achieve our goals. Kathy comes to us with an advanced degree, seven years of experience as an archivist and brings a wealth of knowledge. She will be relocating from a university archives in Tennessee. Kathy understands the benefits of joining the other historic
associations in Bishop Hill and will be a relationship builder. Visiting the Archives requires a visit to the entire village with the rich history it offers. Many necessary items have been accomplished at the The Archives and the residence to correct deficiencies, and together with local lodge members and community leaders we have developed supportive working relationships. The Julgran Fundraiser is in full swing. It is important that you, the members of the Vasa Order, help us financially meet the needs both of daily operation and the Archives Endowment Fund. The Archives offers education, research and a home for the history of the Vasa Order. All donations from the Julgran campaign are directed to the Archives Endowment Fund unless you specify differently. Your gift of $20/bulb to be hung on the Julgran helps grow that fund. If you haven’t sent your contribution you still have an opportunity. The lit tree is ready for your bulb in memory or honor of someone you love. The donor list will appear in the February 28 issue of the Vasa Star. I know how busy we get at Christmastime but if you have set this important request aside, please locate it and send it along even if you think it might be late. We will gladly accept it and post your name in the list of donors. The VNA Board met in Connecticut fol-
lowing the recent Grand Lodge meeting and I’m happy to report we have an excellent spirit of cooperation and understanding. Our meeting cost was minimal as many Board members were already there for the Grand Lodge Board meeting and some members joined the meeting electronically. Over the past year, leaders of the Vasa National Archives and the Grand Lodge have been working through legal steps to restore our financial losses of 2009. Although the Ponzi scheme artist has been incarcerated it was determined there were other legal avenues for us to proceed. A jury trial was held in Cleveland a few weeks ago where members of the Grand Lodge and I represented our interests. I’m happy to report that an eight person jury granted us a positive verdict on all counts. There could be further legal follow-up so I remain guarded but hopeful we will ultimately recover significant funds and the loss of so many years ago will be behind us. The past six years have been difficult and I remain thankful for your support both as Grand Master during that time and now as President of the Archives. I’m hopeful that more specific good news regarding this can be shared soon. in truth and unity, bill lundquist, president of the vasa national archives
Editor’s email: vasaeditor@gmail.com Address: Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331
Family Tree Släktutredningar
swedengen@telia.com
Vasa Order of America Grand Lodge Executive Board Grand Master William Lundquist Vice Grand Master Tore Kellgren Grand Secretary Joanie Graham Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon Vice Grand Secretary Gail Olson MEB-Eastern Region Art Bjorkner MEB-Midwest Region Sten Hult MEB-Western Region Wayne Pierson MEB-Canada Doreen Nyroos MEB-Sweden Ulf Alderlöf WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
Executive Board Members:
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige God Jul och Gott Nytt
God Jul och Gott Nytt År
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon n
I am a member of the Vasa Order in Sweden and an expert in Swedish genealogy. Over the years I have helped many Vasa members to find their roots in Sweden. If you want my help to find your Swedish ancestors, God Jul me och please email for further information. Gott Nytt År
Executive Board Members
Olle Wickström Karl Axel Bengtsson Olle Wickström Karl Axel Be Catherine Bringselius NilssonGrand Lodge Executive Board Catherine Bringselius Nilsso Vasa Order of America Agneta Västerstjärna Bengt Åberg Agneta Västerstjärna Bengt Grand Master Tore Kellgren Vice GrandNilsson Secretary Lee-Ann Hurtibise MEB-Canada Alf Nilsson Lennart Alf NilssonFae Doty Lennart N Vice Grand Master Art Bjorkner MEB-Eastern Region Jack Hanright MEB-Sweden Ulf Alderlöf Maureen Bengtsson Anita Nilsson Maureen Bengtsson Anita N Grand MEB-Midwest Region Bruce Elfvin Secretary Joanie Graham Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon
MEB-Western Region Jeff Klein
page 25
the vasa star / Fall 2015
grand lodge news The Grand Master’s Message (continued from page XX) cess for us. For all the legal details please see article elsewhere in this issue written by Vasa’s own legal counsel and GLEB Member Bruce Elfvin. Even though the summer has now officially ended, we still don’t have any rain. Well, you may have heard about all the rain and the mud slides in California. That is true, but all of that has been in Southern California. We have not received any of it here in Northern California and are as worried about our drought as we ever were. Our mantra continues to be “Brown is the new Green”. We are all hoping that El Niño will
give us some relief later this year and into next. You have heard me say this many times: MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO BE OUR NUMBER ONE ISSUE. Are you keeping your members? Are you attracting new members? I hope you are growing as a Lodge. Many of our Lodges are working hard at keeping their members engaged and
making sure they are coming to the meet- competition for your current and prospecings. Yes, it does take a lot of work. Are tive members’ time is stiff. You have to have you keeping your members informed about food at your meetings and put on programs what is happening at the Lodge? A Lodge that engage. Put a membership drive in place Newsletter is easy to put together and is an for your Lodge to get new members! essential part in creating excitement for the ONE new member is all I ask from each Lodge. Publishing it by email removes the one of you. Remember too that it’s very financial burden of printing and mailing it to important to keep your current members. It all members. You may have some members bears repeating: Don’t be boring! who don’t have email and for them you must of course publish it in print. in truth and unity, An exciting Lodge Meeting is essential if tore kellgren,grand master you are going to attract new and keep your current members. Don’t be boring! The
Wishing all friends all the best for the holidays! New Members On behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you to membership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order, we bid you welcome. If you are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids you welcome. We hope you will enjoy your membership and will participate in all of the activities planned for you. Bruce Elfvin, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman 3231 E. Overlook Road, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 / elf4law@aol.com
Favorable verdicts in trial October 14, 2015 dear brothers and sisters,
It is with great pleasure that I am able to inform you that the Vasa Order and Vasa National Archives received favorable verdicts in the Vasa Order of America v. Rosenthal Collins Group, case pending in Cleveland, Ohio. The Order was Bruce Elfvin awarded nearly $420,000 and the VNA over $722,000 by the jury. Many of our members have lived through the painful past several years since these sums were lost through Enrique Villalba’s Ponzi scheme. Mr. Villalba did all of his trading through Rosenthal Collins Group (RCG) in Chicago. RCG is what is called a commodities and futures merchant. RCG will now challenge the verdicts in what are expected post trial motions. All of the verdicts are against RCG, which is a solvent entity. The lead trial counsel for the Vasa Plaintiffs were Joel Levin and Apu Paul of Levin & Associates in Cleveland. In retrospect I
am very pleased that I was able to find such able counsel to represent the Order and Archives. Even though I am an attorney, this is not an area of the law that I claim any specialty in, so we brought in counsel that knew Ohio securities law to pursue the case. We are not at the end of this long road quite yet, but I am convinced that winning the trial is a huge step toward recovering the money that Villalba squandered or stole from the Order and the Archives. We will try to keep all our members up to date on any major developments, as I am also one of the counsel of record and will continue to represent the Order and Archives in seeking recovery. It is my hope to bring this to a conclusion and report to my fellow members of the Order soon. In truth and unity bruce elfvin gleb midwestern region and counsel for the order
DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6 Arlington Lodge No. 62 Jeanne Andersen Joseph Bailey Sonja Jean Bensen Robert E. Bruin Ashley Kim Eevardi Diane Nordstrom Eriksson Walter Eriksson Sarah Haines William Hardy Catherine Kastning Kevin Richard Krause Marjorie McClelland Todd Alan McClelland Jonathon Joseph Melancon Allison Nething Michelle Norrman Eric Ponczek Lillian C. Spallone Barry Seifert Chad R. Widman Tara Widman Gothiod Lodge No. 486 Robert James Burek Christy Kitta Michael Louis Ferenc Three Crowns Lodge No. 704 Jance Ann Denzler Kristina Megan Denzler DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Linne Lodge No. 153 Bethany Kemble Viljan Lodge No. 349 Marilyn Kay Overgaard Wendy Lundeen Wright Thomas Lawrence Wright
Linde Lodge No. 492 Mary Hahn DL PENNSYLVANIA NO. 9 Drott Lodge No. 168 Ann N. Black Shalonda Brockington Virginia Cain Joseph R. Coelho Lydia Claire Custer Timothy R. Holland Victoria Smith Howard Marit R. Knollmueller Kristen Peterson Leedom Maxine McCarrick-Randolph Linda Olson Peter Olson Susan Remmert Lara Ring William Ring Keith Shoemaker Wendy Shoemaker DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 Svea Lodge No. 348 Birgitta Ackley Carolyn Fedor-Thurman Ean Montoya Lindbergh Lodge No. 494 Frida Maria Rebecka Willis Norden Lodge No. 684 Charla Erica Castro Dennis Donnelly Bo Gunnar Hammarling Aaron David Holt Christin E. Holt Rebecca Elisabeth Holt Kenneth O’Rand Audre J. Smith
DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 North Star Lodge No. 145 Ingrid Elisabeth Julagay DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Skandia Lodge No. 249 Jillian Marie Risigari-Gai Marie Ibsen Mayflower Lodge No. 445 Monal Ingegars Suero Erik Staffan Eklund Maj-Lena Kristina Eklund Joseph Fagin Gun Olsson Fagin Al A. Suero Oak Leaf Lodge No. 685 Jason Aaron Blohm Brian Keith Compton Eva D. Hilborn Howard B. Hilborn Bengt Johansson Gina Johansson John R. O’Leary Tal C. Ross Talese S. Shertzeh DL IOWA-NEBRASKA NO. 17 Omaha Lodge No. 330 Gerald L. Anderson Doris Elaine Kummer Eleanor Lorraine Rosenquist
Do you have a question for the Grand Lodge? Ever wonder why or how or when…? Send your questions about anything Vasa-related to vasajlg@aol.com and then watch for the FAQ Column in The Vasa Star. page 26
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Fall 2015 / the vasa star
Christmas greetings Candle making with Kronan Lodge Connecticut Kronan Lodge #2 organized colors of the new tapers are a surprise for a candle-making event for members and everyone. In this case everyone loved the friends on Oct. 31. The popular event at resulting warm autumn colors of their new the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Red- candles. Close to 40 guests turned up for ding, Connecticut, was the brainchild of the event, which included a Crockpot turkey lodge members Lilian Nordström and Britt meal with salad, bread and soda. Here are a Nordlund. few recommendations for your own candleIt is a fun event to organize since it making event: involves everyone, and with everyone While melting wax may seem relatively bringing their own stumps for the wax, the straight forward, it is perhaps one of the
Vasa Order of America Southwest Chicago suburbs Bessemer No. 203 Wishes You
God Jul och Gott Nytt År!
God Jul och Gott Nytt År to all our Vasa friends from
District Lodge Pennsylvania #9 Margaret Schueman – District Master Cheryl Brown – Vice District Master Sharen Swanson Tizzano – District Secretary Richard Erickson - District Treasurer Bo Carlsson - Member Executive Board Arne Dunhem - Member Executive Board Julie Olson – District Cultural Leader Linda J. Smith – District Historian Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 - Cleveland, OH Drott Lodge #168 - Washington, DC/Maryland Oscars Borg Lodge #172 - Philadelphia, PA Svea Lodge #296 - Erie, PA
Ann Rudolf, Sonja Krummrey and Karen Baker assisting Amelia at candlemaking.
most dangerous aspects of the activity. By observing a few safety precautions, you will avoid all hazards, however. + Always have a fire extinguisher within reach. + Do not leave melting wax unattended. + Never melt wax directly on your stove. If possible, use a douLilian Nordström, Britt Nordlund ble boiler, since it helps distribute heat and prevents too high temperatures. bottoms and continue to dip. + Use an electric heat source. When you’ve reached the desired thickOnce the wax has melted, keep the temperature at about 160-170 degrees Fahrenheit. ness simply hang the tapers and allow them Make and use a rig to hold a length of wick to cool entirely. Our group at the Kronan event walked in a (a hanger can work – just bend with pliers). The length of the wick should be about twice line around the table to allow for the wax to the length of a single taper candle, since set between dipping — it became a perfect time to renew our knowledge of traditional tapers are dipped in pairs. Each pair of tapers will initially need to be Christmas songs. “Så går vi runt om ett weighted with something (nuts or bolts work enebärsnår, enebärsnår …” (This is how well). This keeps the wick straight or taught we walk around a juniper thicket, juniper while dipping. Dip the tapers until they thicket…) reach the desired thickness, always dipping submitted by mette barslund with a smooth and continuous movement. martensson. ll diana birger jarl #3 At some point, cut the weights off the taper
God Jul & Gott Nytt År
God Jul & Gott Nytt År
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
From all of us at FRIHET LODGE No. 401 Seattle, Washington
To everyone in Sweden, Canada & USA LINDE LODGE No. 492, Milwaukee Wisconsin
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Executive Board Members: Karl Axel Bengtsson • Gunilla Broddesson Agneta Västerstjärna • Bengt Åberg Alf Nilsson • Hans-Åke Rytterdahl Olle Wickström • Maureen Bengtsson Catherine Bringselius Nilsson
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR Merry Christmas & Happy New Year Från Bishop Hill Lodge No. 683 Bishop Hill, Illinois
page 27
the vasa star / Fall 2015
Christmas greetings
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Berit och Hans Bogren LL Höganäs # 634
May the special warmth that is Christmas be with you always. God Jul och Gott Nytt År!
En Glad och Trevlig Jul MERRY CHRISTMAS Hälsningar OSCARS BORG LODGE #172 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
From Nobel Lodge #184 Portland, Oregon and to our sister lodge Mälardrottingen Nr. 563
Logen Ronneby # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Ulf och Ingegerd Alderlöf MEB Sweden LL Ronneby # 630
önskar sina Vasasyskon och vänloger En God Vasa Jul och ett Gott Nytt Vasa År
God Jul och Gott Nytt VasaÅr tillönskas alla Vasavänner Bertil och Ann-Margreth Ericsson LL Ronneby # 630
Logen Kärnan # 608, Helsingborg önskar GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR 2016
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Maureen och Göte Bengtsson SLKL-Sverige Ordförande LL Småland # 618
page 28
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Logen Höganäs nr 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Göran och Catherine Bringselius Nilsson PS LL # 678 och FDM/SLD DL # 20
God jul och Gott Nytt VasaÅr tillönskas alla Vasavänner Olle o Marie Wickström SLD 20/FDM
God Jul och Gott Nytt År Hans & Ingrid Rytterdahl MDER DL 20 S. Sverige LL Ronnevy # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År! önskar Karl-Axel & Anita Bengtsson DM DL 20 LL Höganäs # 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Gudrun Gustafsson LL Blå Jungfrun # 749
God Jul och Gott Nytt År Britt-Marie & Hans-Erik Lindeblad LL 628 Calmare Nyckel
God Jul & Gott Nytt År Members and Friends in Milwaukee in our Favorite Linde Lodge 492 and to all our Vasa Friends all over the world Liza & Rolf Ekstrand
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Gunilla & Sven Broddesson VDM & DD LL Kärnan # 608
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Alf & Ingrid Nilsson VDS LL Kärnan # 608
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
grand lodge news
Fall 2015 / the vasa star
VASA SCHOLARSHIPS TO SWEDISH LANGUAGE CAMP The Grand Lodge Executive Board will award up to five Sjölunden Scholarships to qualified applicants from the U.S. and Canada.
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Agneta och Bo Västerstjärna DS - DL Nr 20 LL Skåne #570
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Bodil & Leif Carlsson LL Höganäs # 634
Eligibility
Applicant must be between 12 and 18 years of age as of April 1, 2016. Applicant, parent/guardian or grandparent must be a member of the Vasa Order of America for at least two years prior to April 2016.
Requirements
Award winner is expected to provide: A. Evidence of health and accident insurance absolving the Vasa Order of America of any liability, B. A letter of recommendation from a current teacher and the latest records of grades, C. A brief essay on “WHY I SHOULD BE CHOSEN TO GO TO THE SJÖLUNDEN SWEDISH CAMP,” D. A letter, bearing the Local Lodge Seal, verifying that applicant, parent/guardian or grandparent will be a member for at least two years prior to April 1, 2016, E. Other comments that will assist in selecting the winners.
Awards
The Vasa Order of America will pay the basic tuition (around $2,035) for the two-week 2016 Summer Program and will reimburse travel expenses up to $600 against submitted receipts. All other costs will be borne by the recipient. Date of Camp: August 1-13, 2016 (schedule is subject to change.) Refer to: http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/youth-languages/swedish-language-village Additional information and the scholarship application is available on the Vasa web site: www.vasaorder.com. Deadline for application is a postmark date of February 10, 2016
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Bo & Heléne Ljungklint DKL DL 20 LL Carl von Linné # 678
The Grand Lodge 2016 Scholarship and Essay Contest The Grand Lodge of the Vasa Order of America offers the following to students attending or planning to attend institutions of higher education.
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Knut Rosenkvist, DHM DL 20 LL Höganäs # 634
God Jul & Gott Nytt År Merry Christmas & Happy New Year To everyone in Sweden, Canada & USA Amanda Olson Robison Bill, Ellen, Jonah
A limited number of $1,000 COLLEGE or VOCATIONAL SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIPS: awarded to students to continue education at an institution of higher learning. Applications will be available on the Vasa website (www.vasaorder.com) from September 15, 2015 to January 15, 2016. To be eligible, all the following items must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2016 to be considered. 1. Completed application. 2. Complete transcripts of grades through the first half of the senior year for high school students or fall semester of current academic year for college students. 3. Include a current, good quality, passport style photo 2”x3” or email a high-res headshot to vgm@vasaorder.org. 4. Letters of recommendation from applicant’s Local Lodge. 5. Letters of recommendation from two personal references. 6. A letter of reference from your Dean, Principal, Teacher or Counselor. 7. An original, typed essay, not to exceed 1,000 words.
Please put in one envelope if possible. Suggested Essay Subjects: 1. The role youth can and should play in Vasa. 2. My vision of the future of Vasa. 3. My local lodge and the community. 4. What Vasa means to me.
Family Tree Släktutredningar I am a member of the Vasa Order in Sweden and an expert in Swedish genealogy. Over the years I have helped many Vasa members to find their roots in Sweden. If you want my help to find your Swedish ancestors, please email me for further information.
5. My Swedish Heritage. AWARDS ARE PAYABLE TO the institution at which the student is enrolled or accepted for enrollment. The $1,000 College or Vocational School Scholarship, student needs to be enrolled in an accredited vocational school or institution of higher learning taking no less than six (6) credits per semester or eight (8) credits per quarter in the academic year immediately following the award. In extraordinary circumstances, on petition to the Grand Lodge Scholarship Committee, payment may be postponed for a period not to exceed two years.
For questions email: vgm@vasaorder.org
swedengen@telia.com
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
page 29
the vasa star / Fall 2015
DISTRICT lodge news Golden Gate No. 12 Children’s Club
Pacific Northwest No. 13 The 55th Biennial Convention
Norden Lodge #684 is pleased to an- looking forward to the group performing nounce their sponsorship of the children’s and we already have them on our program club, Svenska Kids Musik Club/Charter schedule for 2016. This year they will be #211 (August 9, 2015). This club is under dancing at our annual Lucia and Lutfisk the team leadership of Norden Lodge Dinner on December 12 at Trinity Lutheran members, Christin Holt and Kathryn Lack. Church in Fresno. Twenty-five children and teenagers are submitted by carol ann sell in the group learning traditional Swedish dances, songs and culture. Our lodge is
From solemn to silly, singing to selling, the 55th Biennial Convention of District Lodge Pacific Northwest had something for everyone. Saturday started with a meaningful presentation of colors. The Flag Ceremony was conducted by the Past District Masters of PNW #13 and assisted by Ray Nyroos, PDM District 18 and Daga-Karin Lindquist PDM District 15. The PDMs of District 13 taking part in the ceremony were: Cynthia Erickson, Peter Strandberg, John Erickson, Judy Rust, Alice Iverson and Bernice Pearson who did the narration about each flag. At the Saturday night Banquet the Convention Committee presented a skit in which they “assisted” DM Jeff Klein with a sing-a-long. VDM Jim McGinley added his musical accompaniment with his “One Man Beer Bottle Band.” Carol DeSau, Anne Shams, Linda Hovis and Carol McGinley, all dressed as a giant Swedish flag, danced and helped lead the singing. Elsie Nordby and Alice Iverson were the Vasa Quality Control Board, rendering unique comments throughout the presentation, and Bernice Pearson was the commentator. The Svensk Butik was a popular highlight of the convention - selling history books, recipes, stress kits, soft-sculpture Dala tupp
Dressed as a giant Swedish flag, Convention Committee members (from left to right) Linda Hovis, Carol DeSau, Anne Shams from Nobel Lodge #184 and Carol McGinley from Svea Lodge #469, peformed a skit for the 55th Biennial Convention of District Lodge PNW #13 held at the Red Lion Hotel in Kelso, WA.
(Dala roosters), note cards and commemorative, etched Dala rooster wine glasses. The Cultural Center offered everything from displays of Nordic needlework to a digital photo frame showing the PDMs of District #13, and, of course delicious Scandinavian treats. Elsie Nordby received a special Commendation for Outstanding Service rendered to the District. GM Tore Kellgren presented a “Vasa Telegram” to Svea Lodge #469 and other local lodges also celebrating special anniversaries. submitted by bernice pearson district lodge pacific northwest # 13
Connecticut No. 1 dear connecticut vasa members
I’m Linda Johnson Steinmiller, the newly elected District Master of Connecticut #1. I was born and raised in Hartford Ct. and attended Greater Hartford Community College. My Swedish roots run deep. My mother, PDM Harriet Clauson Johnson was born in Borås. My father, Carl Arthur Johnson was born in Jämtland. Having served as Chairman of Norden Lodge #1 I’ve seen membership decline over the years. As District Master I must work at gaining new members. My goal is to deliver a positive message with an emphasis on culture and heritage. I have appointed Gary Steinmiller as District Membership Chairman to work alongside me. We plan to seek out people with Scandinavian roots or people that want to experience Scandinavian culture. I will encourage all lodges to supply their libraries, community centers and local schools with brochures on the Vasa Order of America, which explain some of the history and benefits of membership. I also highly recommend all VASA members to introduce their children and grandchildren to our organization so they can celebrate cultural traditions and their heritage together. in truth & unity linda johnson steinmiller dm district lodge 1
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I
f you were not able to attend the recent Connecticut District Lodge Convention you missed a nice day where traditions from VASA’s past were on full display. District officers were both elected and appointed under the watchful eyes of the Grand Lodge. Following the business portion of the day was an evening of dining, conversation and dancing to the wonderful music of Ed Hendela. All of Connecticut’s new district board members will be shared with you soon at your local lodge meetings, newsletters, Vasa Star and Nordstjernan. When you get this information you will see that I (Gary Steinmiller) have been appointed your Connecticut Membership Chairman. Some might suggest that I am a new captain on a sinking ship, but I believe with a little effort “our ship” can remain afloat. (No Pun intended).
I suggest we begin close to home. If you know of a member that terminated a membership, reach out to them. If you have family nonmembers, give them a membership as a gift that will serve both the giver and receiver. If you attend a church with some Scandinavian members, inform them about VASA and the value of becoming a member during your fellowship meetings. If you shop in a store that sells Scandinavian items or food, take some time to talk to the management. Maybe something can be worked out that will benefit both the store and a Vasa member. If all four Ct. Lodges bring in just one new member a month we will have 48 new members next year. I will begin this process by purchasing a gift membership for each one of my children. And when Christmas comes along I will give it to them. When they ask me what I would
like, I will ask for nothing material. I will ask that they join me at VASA PARK for our summer events. A message from the Grand Lodge came through loud and clear. Be enthusiastic and make our meetings and events “FUN”. I agree, if we are fortunate enough to increase our membership we must have something fun for them to do. So I ask all of you what your fondest memories of VASA are. We can use your memories and make our meetings and events fun once again. Pass these memories on to your local leaders. Ct. District # 1 is where it all began for VASA and as membership chairman I’m appealing to all of you to show that Connecticut has what it takes to grow again. gary steinmiller dl ct. #1 membership mhairman
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district LODGE NEWS
Fall 2015 / the vasa star
Eastern Region
GM Tore Kellgren at Connecticut convention.
Greetings from the Eastern Region. This fall has been very busy with conventions and meetings. On the weekend of September 19, District Lodge Massachusetts No. 2 held their convention in Leominster, MA. District Master Marlene Ekstrand held an extremely well organized and productive meeting. We also had the pleasure of having our Grand Master, Vice Grand Master and some Grand Lodge Executive Board members attend the District Convention. Members from Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey are very active and have a wonderful time during annual conventions; this meeting had significant input from the respective delegates. Four new delegates were initiated into the District Lodge, all the new delegates had good ideas and suggestions. Some discussion was had regarding the possibility of a new lodge in Vermont, the future of our organization and how to keep and expand on membership. The banquet was very nice and the entertainment was an outstanding Finnish folkdance group who performed with live music. The following week was the first regularly scheduled meeting of the Grand Lodge Executive Board in Cromwell, Connecticut. Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon, who was unable to attend due to recent surgery, attended the meeting via Skype. We spent four full days working on motions and recommendations passed to us for action from the Grand Lodge Convention. I am very pleased with the work we accomplished. I have sat on many different boards over the years and some work and some don’t. This board works very well together. The following weekend was District Lodge Connecticut No. 1 convention. All the visiting Grand Lodge officers as well as Past Grand Master, George Nord, Bill Lundquist and his wife Sheila were in attendance. Many District Masters, Grand Lodge Deputies and members from Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New York and New Jersey also attended. On Thursday night the District hosted a wonderful dinner. Ulf Martensson, editor and publisher of Nordstjernan also took time to attend the meetings. Ulf is an active member in District 1 and is always a pleasure to visit with. District Master Joe O’Leary
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Finnish folk dance group at Massachusetts banquet.
ran a superb meeting; many items related to Connecticut Vasa Park were discussed and acted on. Sister Linda Steinmiller was elected to serve as the new District Master for the incoming term. The banquet was very nice and Ed Hendela entertained us with wonderful accordion music. We did have an oddly memorable situation at each convention: the fire alarm was pulled and the building had to be evacuated - at both conventions! Never a dull moment at a Vasa gathering. On Sunday, many of us traveled to Rhode Island to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Little Rhody Vasa Park and had a great time sharing in their celebration. The event was so well attended
Opening ceremony in Massachusetts.
that it actually sold out. There are many Vasa Parks, and each of us who has been part of them knows how special they are and how rewarding it is to keep them alive and well. Our most sincere congratulations to all the members that have spent so much time to keep the park going for 50 years. The following weekend of October 3 was the Annual Leif Eriksson Smorgasbord at my own home Vasa Park in New Jersey District No. 6. District Master Randy Pierson and his executive board (along with many helpers) ran a fantastic event. Smorgas Bandet entertained and GLEBM Ulf Alderlöf and wife Ingegerd (all the way from Sweden) PDM, District 1, Joe O’Leary
and wife Maryanne attended the event along with VGM Art Bjorkner and wife Nancy. In early November, District Lodge New York No. 4 will have had their convention at the Marriott Hotel in Melville, NY. I am sure we will have as much fun there as we did in New England. It has been exceptionally rewarding to attend meetings throughout the eastern region. We are blessed to have a geographic situation that allows for so many of us to meet and visit with other lodges, districts, Vasa parks and Scandinavian cultural events, and to get to know and share time with one another. It has been quite a month for Inger and I and it was especially nice to have so many members from across the country, Canada and Sweden gather together this fall. in truth and unity, john c hanright glebm eastern region
Family Tree Släktutredningar
Massachusetts banquet, seated from left is vice grand secretary Lee-Ann Hurtubise and husband Carl, vice grand master Art Bjorkner and wife Nancy and on the right is Connecticut district master Joe O’Leary and wife Maryanne. John Hanright in the bottom of the photo with his back to the camera.
I am a member of the Vasa Order in Sweden and an expert in Swedish genealogy. Over the years I have helped many Vasa members to find their roots in Sweden. If you want my help to find your Swedish ancestors, please email me for further information: swedengen@telia.com
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the vasa star / Fall 2015
local LODGE NEWS
LOCAL LODGE news
Arlington No. 62
Bruce Brattstrom, Alex Brattstrom, Laura Brattstrom, Erika Brattstrom
Alex Brattstrom reciting the Scout Oath and Scout Law before receiving the Eagle Scout Award.
New Fylgia members, Scotty and Alena
budd lake, nj / On June 20, 2015, the Mount Olive Rotary and Boy Scout Troop 312 honored Alex Brattstrom on becoming an Eagle Scout. The ceremony was held in Viking Hall at Vasa Park and was attended by many dignitaries, Alex’s friends, family and Vasa members. Alex discovered his love for the outdoors early on. His Eagle Scout Project consisted of designing and building two Emergency Life Safety Stations located at Vasa Park Pool. The stations consist of a ring buoy and protective case, a 50-foot throw rope, a 16-foot reaching pole with a life hook and a first aid kit all mounted on a 6x6 pole with a solar powered light fixture on top. In addition to his project, Alex presented his Eagle Scout Project to the Mount Olive Township Mayors Special Projects Office and the Association Dedicated to the Preservation and Protection of Beautiful Budd Lake. He hopes his design will be utilized in the future at various locations around the lake. In total, 178 hours went into the project by Alex and his team of supporters. Outside scouting, Alex was active in his high school Robotics Team and recently earned the rank of Shodan (First Degree Black Belt) in Karate. He is a member of the National Honor Society and graduated with High Honors with the Mount Olive High School Class of 2015. He now attends Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) in Massachusetts and is studying Robotics Engineering.
submitted by bruce brattstrom
Scott and Mimi, winners of most traditional and most unique lutefisk.
Fylgia No. 119 san francisco, ca / New faces, new ideas, new energy are always healthy to an organization. Fylgia has five new faces: Betty Miller, Brenda Savage, Alena Chaps, Scotty Schulkin and Eric Schulkin. Välkomna. We have been busy this fall with Crayfest 2015 – the best and most well attended yet, at Nordic House in Berkeley hosted by Pia. Runes: Magic or Mystery was the theme of the lecture by Dr. Jonas Wellendorf of UC Berkeley’s Scandinavian Studies department. The discovery of many sites in Scandinavia exhibiting runes indicates the Vikings were a literate and humorous group of people. Modern people attribute a magical quality to runes – that of divining and interpreting the past and future. The second annual Lutefisk Contest was held in September with winners in three categories: most traditional – Scott Schulkin; most unique (a casserole) – Mimi Holtermann-Docto; and best tasting (three dips to be spread on rye crisp) – Bob Olson. Last year there were lutefisk tacos, ice cream, and
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Dr. Jonas Wellendorf at Fylgia No. 119 lecture on Runes: Magic or Mystery
Tegnér No. 149 Bob and Chris Olson with their lutefisk dips.
pizza. The sky is the limit with this item! In October we celebrated our anniversary at the South Beach Yacht Club as guests of Bob and Chris Olson, and in November we are hosting a group book review of “Echoes from the Dead” by Johan Theorin. In December we will host a Julbord at Plaj in San Francisco. submitted by dianne dahlberg
oakland, ca / Our lodge did not have a meeting in Aug. However, some members attended the Crayfish Party at Nordic House in Berkeley. Our meetings resumed at Bjornson Hall in September with ViceChairman Ann Tennis chairing the business meeting in the absence of Chairman Ken Weissenborn. Nominations for next year’s officers were made; most officers will probably serve another year. Entertainment was the Greta Garbo movie “Queen Christina.” Because of time constraints and while we waited for some potluck dishes to warm up,
our speaker, Uffe Gustafsson told us a bit about his life in Sweden and America. His work brought him to America when he was 22 years old. He liked America so much that he decided to stay - he held various jobs, including chef, and he now lives in Oakland where he has a coffee shop. He also has a vineyard near Murphys and makes wine. It was an interesting account of a Swedish immigrant of today. submitted by ann tennis
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local LODGE NEWS
Fall 2015 / the vasa star
Brahe No. 245
rockford, il / We gathered in our VASA Park on Sept. 27, eleven members present. In the absence of our chairman, Auditor David Tollin conducted our meeting. Secretary Tess Anderson read the minutes of previous meeting and Park Board chairman Roy Ylitalo discussed the search for a new realtor. Dennis Eksten explained that the U.S. Postal system issued a commemorative stamp of actress Ingrid Bergman, purchasable at any U.S. post office. On Oct. 25, eleven members met on a cool but sunny afternoon in VASA Park where Cultural Leader Betty Rottman discussed an article in the October Senior Courier newspaper about how Ron Ramlow builds models of old ships and donates them to various organizations including the city hall of Loves Park and area libraries. The meeting was conducted by Gary Johnson, who is the recovering victim of a serious automobile accident!
At a recent midsummer festival, Henrik Karlsson (top row, second from left) and Anna Karlsson (bottom row, far left) share good cheer with other lodge members.
Tegner No. 109 scotia, ny / Tryckfelsnisse (printers gremlin or lost info) occurred in the last issue. Editors apologize! America is a melting pot, yes, but many of those with ties to Sweden or who have a love of Swedish culture like to ride along the rim of that pot and enjoy celebrating their Scandinavian heritage and fondness for Sverige with one another. Two of Tegner #109’s more unique members are just such a couple: Henrik and Anna Karlsson. While Henrik hails from Malmö, his wife Anna is from Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic. Anna visited Sweden for years and fell in love with the Swedish culture, finding it a “fantastic, friendly and generous country” with great food. Eventu-
Cultural Leader Betty Rottman discusses a newspaper article at the October meeting.
The November meeting on Nov. 15 was in the Cherry Valley Public Library. submitted by dennis g. eksten
Svea No. 253
indianapolis, in / In July, Catherine Swanson had two signings and poetry readings from her new book A Map In The Wind. Kräftskiva was celebrated in August with ally meeting up with Henrik, their first facebright red kräftor, an overflowing smörgåsto-face meeting was actually in Denmark. bord, beverages and Ed Hultgren’s homeSettling in the Albany area of New York, made aqvavit. Tack to Ulla Williams, Jean the two joined Vasa a number of years Bang, Faye and John Bevelhimer, Dennis ago and are now pillars of the ledarskap of Danielson, Douglas Krantz, Eija and Ole Tegner #109. Vesterqvist, and Kristina Grasso for coorIn 2014, Henrik (who gained U.S. citizenship in January that year) was elected Vice dinating this event. In September, we welcomed District Chairman and Anna (a U.S. citizen since Cultural Leader / District Deputy Timothy 1989) was elected to take on the demanding Ogrentz and his wife Linnea. The charter recording secretary role. Both attend every was draped for Wayne Johnson. Past Chairmeeting and volunteer to help at every lodge man / PDM Edward Hultgren presented function. Their youthful enthusiasm and “Viking Voyage To The Northern Isles.” joyful involvement help bring others onWe explored the North Atlantic and Arctic board to aid at the various seasonal festivals islands discovered and colonized by Viking and fundraisers. We are lucky to have them. explorers for 1,200 years, including Newsubmitted by barbara naple
Ed Hultgren presented the program “Viking Voyage To The Northern Isles”
Thule No. 127 jamestown/bemus point, ny / Our lodge continues to gather for meetings, discussions, cultural reports and food. In late August, we had our annual corn and hot dog roast. Corn was steamed by past District Master, Edwin Sandberg, who has done this for “100 years” as announced by emcee Bernice Veights. Lodge chairman Tom Eckberg cooked the hot dogs, and all who attended brought special food to add to the meal. The blessing was given in Swedish by PCL Allie Linnea Nelson Withers. Thule is now into its 108th year in the Jamestown/Bemus Point area. Susan W. Sipos is the VC, Lynne Meyers is secretary, and Loretta Smith is treasurer. A fall dinner is planned for early November and the annual Dopp i Gryta will be held in December. Our monthly meetings were moved from evenings to the third Saturday afternoon of each month. The election of officers for 2016 will take place soon. Winters have proven to be a hardship at times, so Thule will take a winter break with no meetings in January and February.
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Mystery books by Icelandic authors Yrsa Sigurdardóttir and Arnaldur Indriđason
foundland, Greenland, Iceland, Scottish Isles, Svalbard archipelago and Norway. Archaeologists and volunteers have searched through layers to reveal the settlements and the lives of their forebears. The Luncheon Group met at Rick’s Café Boatyard on Eagle Creek Lake, a very Swedish venue overlooking the water. Tack to Faye and John Bevelhimer for arranging this outing. submitted by joella hultgren
Cultural leader Sonja Pascatore getting the final touches on the table of food before all enjoyed the roast.
Our lodge is located at 4123 Pancake Hill in Bemus Point, and welcomes visitors. Everyone of Thule Lodge wishes you a wonderful Christmas season and a happy
new year. If you are in our area, stop and visit us. “God dag” to all. submitted by john sipos lodge historian
Glenn Carlstrand, Linnea Ogrentz, and District Cultural Leader Timothy Ogrentz
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local lodge news
the vasa star / Fall 2015
Svea No. 296
Nordikfolk No. 761
erie, pa / It was a perfect summer day when the Swedes from Svea Lodge 296 gathered to celebrate a crayfish party. This event features the best of our culinary and singing skills! The star is the nicely presented tray of crayfish. They are toasted to verses of Helan Går.
munster, in / Fall is here and we are anticipating a new year enjoying our heritage among our members of Nordikfolk. We are planning a Viking Dinner where we hope to entice new visitors to see what we are about and become members. This summer we had a crayfish party submitted by lucia doyle (kräftskiva). Dining is traditionally outdoors but we held it indoors after our meeting. We had crayfish, Akvavit and other kinds of snaps and beer, and we sang the traditional “Helan Går.” It was a first experience for some but they found the crayfish quite tasty. Credit goes to Linnea who did the cooking. It was a fun way to learn more about our heritage while making it real. District cultural leader Tim Ogrentz has introduced Kubb into our district lodges. Kubb has become very popular and we have had several games in various parks. Strangers usually ask what we are playing and it affords another opportunity to introduce the Star tray of crayfish. Svea lodge member Carol Kaday and her husband Dan. community to VASA. We continue hosting a Viking Series at our day, and tired but happy we ended the day with library, a genealogy class with Herb Smith, a great dinner at Bonfyre in Madison. and a craft night at Michaels where we are Now our 25th Annual Scandinavian Festival making items for our next Nordikfolk Fair. milwaukee, wi / We kicked off the season We are busy and hope to share ideas you in full force with a fabulous Kräftskiva on a is already behind us. The greatest team of sunny Saturday in August. About 40 people workers made sure everything clicked and can incorporate into your lodge. Please ate and drank, and members from SKOL gave each other breaks to go enjoy the festivi- remember to keep our leader Lynda Smith arranged a Kubb tournament as well. The ties: everything from eating and shopping, to and her husband Herb in your prayers as weather was still on our side for our field trip. genealogy and entertainment, especially the they suffer from health issues. They are real We cancelled our two-day plans to Minneapo- ABBA Salute Band. November will hold a tough Swedes and make us proud as they lis due to low attendance, but instead headed presentation of Moomin Trollen, then De- press forward. on a one-day trip to Mount Horeb, WI. With cember a Christmas luncheon, Lucia program a dozen members we scouted out everything and Julotta. Busy, busy! Contact us if you’d submitted by jean ogrentz from the incredible trolls all over town (it’s like to join us. quite Norwegian there), to the Scandinavian submitted by liza ekstrand gift store Open House Import - where they have everything, the incredible wood carving store, eatery, the county park, antique shops, the museum, etc. It was the most gorgeous fall
Linde No. 492
Open House Import with the Mt. Horeb trolls in front.
Jan Kamholtz at the wood store admiring their work.
Meatball production for the Scandinavian Festival.
Liza thanking the ABBA Salute Band for their performance.
Linnea No. 504 petaluma, ca / The lodge’s annual “BBQ on the Patio” meeting was held in August at the Veterans Memorial Building in Petaluma. It was hosted by members Linnea Koagedal and Rich Johnson with 23, including 4 guests, attending. Master Chef Rich Johnson worked his magic at BBQ on the patio with delicious tri-tip for the group. Members arrived with a varied selection of potluck dishes to share. The tables were beautifully decorated with greenery and a sunny bouquet of fresh sunflowers graced the buffet table. Ann Conger chaired an informal meeting and Oscar Carlson led us in an opening prayer and the singing of Happy Birthday, both in English and Swed-
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ish, to those who celebrated their birthdays since we last met. The Lodge announced it had awarded a $650 scholarship to Sara Brevick, granddaughter of member Thelma Jorgensen, and a past St. Lucia of our lodge. Sara is a very worthy candidate and is studying agriculture business in college. We are looking forward to Linnea Lodge’s 88th Anniversary Luncheon in November when we will celebrate and honor our members for helping keep our Lodge strong! submitted by mary wahlberg BBQ on the Patio … (L to R) Anne Marie Eskilsson, Dianne and Nick Provenzano, Master BBQ’r Rich Johnson, Ann Conger, Vagn and Saga Thovtrup.
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local lodge news
Fall 2015 / the vasa star
Lindbergh No. 494 los altos, ca / Forty members and guests enjoyed our popular annual salad supper at our August meeting. Following initiation of Marian Barlow, we were entertained by Scott Schulkin of Fylgia Lodge. Scott related the Swedish history of Kräftskiva and showed a humorous video of Swedish celebrants in action. We celebrated Membership Appreciation and the 88th Lodge Anniversary in September. Spirits were high among the 65 members and guests. With special thanks to Chef Dave Jansson, the festive dinner included a shrimp salad appetizer, entrée of fresh baked salmon and roasted stuffed loin of pork with roasted potatoes and vegetables. We finished with fresh berries with whipped cream and coffee. A tempting array of prizes sold many tickets for the drawing. Our lively dancing members enjoyed the live music of Mel’s Mood Swings. The highlight of the evening was the announcement of the annual Lindbergh Laureate, Laila Thurfjell! Laila has been an active member and officer in many capacities. The Lodge celebrated Oktoberfest with
a supper of sausages, sauerkraut, potatoes and apple strudel with ice cream. Our afterdinner speaker, Tove Norrlander, brought a beautiful array of original jewelry for our admiration and temptation. submitted by betsy nilson
Members ready to feast on Salads at our August meeting.
and “I’d Like To Feed the World Crawfish.” Everyone wondered who the winner of the vodka would be, and the audience voted. atlanta, ga / Our lodge started the contest in 2011 and for the last three years opened Most votes went to “I’m a Crawfish.” But Caitlin and Alexa with Grandpa Chuck Wallin, taking a breather from selling tickets for the drawing. it to anyone in the U.S. This year we re- haven’t we heard that title already? Sure ceived 26 entries from six states: Georgia, enough: The winner of the audience runnerCalifornia, Oregon, Illinois, New York and up prize also went to Pam Minton. She is North Carolina. For a week, the two judges, now proclaimed the Schnapps Song Queen Professor Jay Lutz and Dr. Sten Ekberg of the Year! Dear Vasa Order of America, at Sjolunden. faced the hard work of selecting winners, With Vasa’s financial assistance I also atWinner of the first prize as well as winner who were revealed at Nordic Lodge’s anMy name is Lauren Ell and I am from tended Cal State Northridge and Humboldt nual crawfish party on August 22. One $50 of the audience runner-up prize: Joshua Tree, California. I am 27 years State University. While there I experienced Pam Minton, with grand prize and three honorable mentions old and have attended Vasa events since I living in different environments, the city were selected. However, one more prize got was 8, such as Desert Viking events in the and coastal forest, and I gained interest in I’M A CRAWFISH added - a bottle of Absolut Vodka, donated Coachella Valley, Midsummer at Vasa Park subjects relating to environment and comSung to the melody of “Mr. Sandman” by George Smedberg and Tom Riley - as a in LA, and I was even a participant in the munication. I have since become an online I’m a crawfish, I swim alone, runner-up prize to a “people’s choice” winmarketing consultant as well as a blogger Svea beauty pageant one year. I call the streams and rivers my home. ner who had to be present at the crawfish Vasa has been a tremendous influence in who emphasizes environmental conservaI am so quick and I’m very clever, party. At last juror Lutz cleared his throat my life by providing me scholarships to tion and community awareness. at night I steal your Aquavit, however. and the big moment had come. “The winner For the first time in 10 years I recently Sjolunden language camp in Bemidji, MinPlastered, still want some more, of the first prize is Pam Minton, Cummings, revisited Sweden. This time I was in the nesota as well as university. don’t touch my bottle, I’ll show ya’ the GA, with ‘I’m a Crawfish!’” The first HonI attended Sjolunden four times — two northern region near Kiruna. It was very door, orable Mention went to Anita Menegay, summers for two weeks and two summers special for me to return and remember I’ve devised the perfect scheme. Marietta, GA, for “Crawfish In Traps.” The for a month. I enjoyed learning about Swedish just as well as I did when I first I’m a crawfish, living the dream. second and third were presented to Pam Sweden so much that when the counselors lived there. Minton, for the songs “Little Crawfish” I am now planning to move to Sweden in introduced foreign exchange programs, I submitted by göran rygert 2016 and I give many thanks to Vasa for decided I would live abroad in Sweden. In 2006 I moved to Älmhult, Sweden expanding my interest in the world and bewhere I lived for 10 months through the Ro- ing brave to step outside my home. tary International Youth Exchange program. Best, While there, I attended school, lived with Lauren Ell two host families and traveled in southern Sweden. I spoke Swedish at an intermediate level because of the Swedish I learned
Nordic No. 708
youth news
Vasa Order of America—Grand Lodge I would like to thank you for my scholarship. Because of it, I had the opportunity to be a Credit Student at Sjolunden Swedish Camp. I had the chance to learn so much this summer with my first credit-camper experience. This included learning more language skills but also how to build character and a lot about values. Getting the scholarship made my whole summer better, and it helped me toward becoming a well-rounded person. I plan to return next year for another 4-week session. I will apply again. Thank you, again. Emily “Emilie” Benson, age 15 Mankato, MN Guitarists Sten Ekberg and Hans Hörnfeldt accompanied the schnapps songs.
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language & culture
the vasa star / Fall 2015
Svenska Språkhörnan – The Swedish Language Corner Christmas Glossary
This list, extensive as it is, by no means contains every Christmassy Swedish word you can think of, but I am sure you will have fun learning some new words and practicing Swedish by putting together sentences. Here are a few examples: Jag bakar pepparkakor – I bake gingerbread cookies. Vad önskar du dig i julklapp – what do you wish for Christmas (present)? Snön är vit – the snow is white. Det här har vi på julbordet: (lägg till maträtter) – This is what we have on the Christmas buffet: (add food items). advent - Advent adventsstjärna – Advent Star annandag jul - Boxing Day apelsin - orange baka - bake band (tyg-) - ribbon barr, granbarr- needle/ -s choklad - chocolate (varm - hot) dadlar - dates eld - fire elektrisk ljusstake - electric candlestick familjehögtid - family celebration familjemiddag - family dinner festmåltid - banquet fikon – fig/-s finklädd - dressed up fira - celebrate fröjdas - rejoice födelse - birth föräta sig - overeat garnering – garnish, decoration gelé - jelly givmild - generous glad - happy, glad glanspapper - gloss paper glasyr - glaze glitter - glitter glädje - joy, happiness glögg - mulled wine godis, sötsaker - sweets, candy God Jul! - Merry Christmas! gravlax - pickled salmon gris - pig
grisfötter - pigs’ trotters halm - straw hantverk - handicraft hasselnöt - hazelnut hemlagad – home cooked hälsningar - greetings högtid - holiday ingefära - ginger inköp, köp/a - purchase inlagd sill - pickled herring Janssons frestelse - “Jansson´s temptation”: a gratin of anchovis, onion, sliced potato and cream jul - Christmas, Xmas, Yule, Yuletide julafton - Christmas Eve julbock - Christmas goat julbord Christmas buffet julbön - Christmas Eve church service juldagen - Christmas Day julgran - Christmas tree julgransbelysning - Christmas tree lights julgransfot Christmas-tree stand julgransglitter - tinsel julgransplundring - party on St. Knut’s Day to strip and throw out the tree julhälsning - Christmas greeting julhandla - Christmas shopping julkaktus - Christmas cactus julklapp - Christmas gift julklappspapper- Christmas wrapping paper julkorv - Christmas sausage julkärve - Christmas corn sheaf
julljus – Christmas candle/-s julmarknad - Christmas fair julmust – Christmas soda julotta - early church service on Christmas Day julpynt - Christmas decorations julsed - Christmas custom julskinka - Christmas ham julskyltning - Christmas window display in stores julstjärna (flower) - poinsettia julsång - Christmas carol jultomte - Santa Claus julöl - Christmas brew järnek - holly kaffe - coffee kalkon - turkey kanel - cinnamon knäck - hard toffee knäckebröd - hardtack kola - toffee korv - sausage krubba - crib köttbullar – meatballs lax - salmon limpa – limpa bread ljus (stearinljus) – candle/-s ljusstake - candlestick lussekatt – lucia (saffron) roll lutfisk – lutefisk, stock fish mandel - almond mandelmassa – almond paste marsipan - marzipan midvinter - midwinter mistel - mistletoe nöt – nut nötknäppare - nut cracker omslagspapper - wrapping paper ost – cheese paket - package pepparkakor - gingerbread cookies pilsner - Pilsner present – present, gift
prinskorv - link, small sausage recept – recipe ren/-ar - reindeer revbensspjäll – spare ribs rimfrost - white frost rim, rimma - rhyme risgrynsgröt - rice porridge russin – raisin/-s rödkål - red cabbage rökt – smoked saffron - saffron senap - mustard sill - herring pickled herring inlagd sill skorsten - chimney skägg - beard slå in (paket) - wrap släde - sleigh släktingar - relatives smällkaramell - cracker smör - butter snaps – shot snö - snow snöflinga - snowflake snöre - string strumpa - stocking stök - preparations tjugondag knut - St. Knut’s Day tomte - gnome tomtemask - Santa Claus face mask tomtenisse - Christmas brownie tårta - cake tändsticka - match tändsticksask- matchbox vitmossa, renlav - moss vörtbröd - malt bread äpple - apple öl - beer önskan, önska sig - wish önskelista – wish list
Christmas Trivia 1. On which date is Christmas celebrated in Sweden? December 24 December 25 December 26 December 27
4. A traditional fish dish eaten at ChristReindeer mas that lately has gone out of fashion. Sheep Pike Cod 7. If you eat Christmas buffet for lunch, Lutefisk which of these might you have for supper, Tilapia following an old tradition? Soup 2. Let’s talk about food. There is someRice Porridge thing that is very important to eat at 5. Which is the Swedish name for Santa Pancakes Christmas in Sweden. What is it? Claus? Black pudding Turkey Jultomten Ham Tandfen 8. What is the Swedish version of the Chicken Påskharen Christmas carol “Silent Night” called? Beef Spöket Laban Sankta Lucia Nu är det jul igen 3. This casserole is named after a Swed6. In many homes in Sweden around Stilla natt ish last name. Which name? Christmas time, there is a straw animal Staffan stalledräng Svensson that often sits by the Christmas tree. Andersson Which animal is it? Jansson Horse Axelsson Goat
9. Which traditional hot beverage comes both with and without alcohol and is often enjoyed in December? Hot chocolate Glögg Coffee Milk 10. Poinsettias are very popular in Sweden. What is this plant called? Jultulpan Julgran Julstjärna Julhyacint
Answers: 1 - Dec. 24; 2-Ham; 3 - Jansson; 4 - Lutefisk; 5 - Jultomten; 6 - Goat; 7 - Rice porridge; 8 - Stilla Natt; 9 - Glögg; 10 - Julstjärna page 36
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Fall 2015 / the vasa star
Swedish news Höganäs No. 634
höganäs,sweden / Loge utfärd 22–23 aug. 2015. Vädergudarna var på sitt bästa humör när vi äntrade bussen på lördagsmorgonen. Efter upphämtning i Lerberget, Viken och Helsingborg styrdes kosan norrut med 48 glada Vasasyskon. Snart var det dags för fika, vilket smakade ljuvligt i det fina sommarvädret. Stämningen var på topp och vi stannade igen vid en vacker rastplats vid en sjö för dagens lunch, pasta, kycklingsallad och drycker, som gruppen ordnat. Fantastiskt gott. Nästa stopp, Gunillabergs säteri i Bottnaryd, (Jönköping), där en guide berättade om konstnären Tage Andersen som lagt ner sin själ för att skapa denna anläggning. Lite tid att strosa runt bland växter och djur innan bussen tog oss till Scandic Hotel, Jönköping. Det blev välbehövlig vila på rummen innan vi samlades i restaurangen för att åtnjuta en god buffé. Söndag morgon startade vi färden mot färjan till Visingsö.
Vädret var fortfarande fint och Vättern låg spegelblank. På Visingsö möttes vi av en kunnig guide som lotsade oss runt på ön och berättade om Brahe-ättens historia. Turen avslutades i den gamla Brahekyrkan som uppfördes i början av 1600-talet, och farväl av den trevliga guiden. Lunch stod framdukad åt oss på restaurang Framnäs, innan färjan återvände till fastlandet. Nästa stopp var Gränna där vi fick vara med om polkagristillverkning. Söderut med allsång, lotterier och en härlig stämning i bussen. De omtänksamma hade också arrrangerat kvällsmat, så vi stannade vid Lagans Vägkrog där goda räkmackor väntade oss. Vid åtta-snåret tillbaks i Höganäs, mätta, trötta men väldigt belåtna med en otroligt välplanerad och välorganiserad resa! submitted by berit och hans bogren
MEMBERSHIP - www.vasaorder.com Membership has its privileges: First and foremost, as a member of Vasa you become an instant member of an extended family—wherever you go, where there’s a lodge, there are friends, regular meetings and a multitude of events and activities to join, share in and carry over to other members of your immediate family.
Inquire about membership and your local district through vasajlg@aol. com (Joanie Graham, GL Secretary) or membership@vasaorder.com (Bruce Elfvin, Membership Chairman) - Subject: Membership. Or, write Grand Lodge Membership Chairman Bruce Elfvin, 2924 E Overlook Rd., Cleveland Hts., OH 44118-2434 USA
in memoriam Memorial Notices should be mailed with check or money order to The Vasa Star, PO Box 13331, Milwaukee, WI 53213-0331.Email: vasaeditor@gmail. com. The fee is $8 for one column inch. Longer obituaries will be charged a flat fee of $25.00. All notices must be typed and in a format similar to what you see here. No newspaper clippings If you submitted an Obituary and it is not listed here, please resubmit to be included in the following issue..
and 12 siblings. Ivy joined Local Lodge Skandia No. 549 on April 7, 1951.
CALIFORNIA
BIRGIT LINDBERG died on September 21, 2015 at the age of LLOYD PEARSON, 90, died on 93. She was born in Los Angeles on August 26, 2015, at Leduc, Alberta. August 15, 1922, and was a member He will be dearly missed and lovingly of North Star Lodge No. 106 since remembered by his wife, Angela; 1973, where she served as Chairman his three children, Elaine (Perry) from 2000 through 2003. Birgit was Dougan, David (Yvonne) and Dan- an accomplished painter on wood, iel (Gerry); seven grandchildren; canvas and porcelain and practiced four great-grandchildren; numerous Rosemaling to some extent. Birgit nieces and nephews and friends, as will be missed by her husband Erik, ALBERTA,CANADA well as relatives in Sweden. Lloyd her grandchildren and great-grandIVY LILLIAN OGREN, 99, died was predeceased by his parents, children as well as all her brothers on July 8, 2015. Left to cherish her Andrew and Ellen, and brothers, and sisters in North Star Lodge No. memory are her two children, Roger Vernon, Clair and Ray. Lloyd was a 106. (Jennifer) and Sheila (Dale) Sigfuson; member of Local Lodge Buford No. five grandchildren and nine great- 577, Calmar, Alberta, for many years OHIO grandchildren; her sister Eileen (Pete) before joining Local Lodge Skandia Schmidt; two brothers, John (Karen) No. 549, Edmonton, Alberta, in 1998. RALPH CARTER, 91, died July 5, Bellamy and William Bellamy; and 2015 in Medina. He was born October many nieces and nephews. Ivy was 31, 1923 in Oak Park, IL. He joined predeceased by her husband, Andrew Nobel-Monitor No. 130 in 1955,
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making him a 60-year member. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Ruth Eckblom Carter, and is survived by his daughters Mary Anne Kenerson, Karen Hagans and four grandsons. Ralph proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps Pacific Fleet Forces during WWII and was interred with Military Honors at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery on July 17. Once a Marine, Always a Marine! Semper Fi. PENNSYLVANIA
ELEANOR SCHWENDEMAN (nee Lindblom), 94, died August 7, 2015 in Hackettstown, NJ. She joined Oscars Borg Lodge No. 172, Philadelphia, in 1943, and was a faithful member for 71 years. She was preceded in death by her husband Joseph, and is survived by her son David, daughter Ellen Scherr, five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
WASHINGTON
DOROTHY MAY JOHNSON of Shoreline, died August 22, 2015 at age 101. She was born in 1914 in Toppenish, WA. “Dot” was a longtime Frihet No. 401 and Swedish Club Women’s Chorus member and will be greatly missed. WISCONSIN
LILLIAN LARSON, 91, died October 14, 2015. Lillian and late husband Harold joined Linde Lodge No. 492 in 1972 and were very instrumental in the life of the lodge, always involved with Holiday Folk Fair or Peasoup and Pancake dinners. Lillian also attended many conventions. She leaves two sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren behind. She will be missed by all.
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the vasa star / Fall 2015
Swedish news Småland No. 618 jönköping , sweden / Som vanligt medverkade vår loge vid denna stora hembygdsfest. I kortegen med temat ”Mode & Bilnostalgi” tågade man in med Tranås musikkår i spetsen. Bo Ahlsgård bar Vasaflaggan. Bland bilarna som visades fanns en Chevrolet Master från 1939. Den kom till Sverige genom en Svensk-amerikan som återvände hem 1946. Kulturledare Maureen Bengtsson berättade om Vasa Orden av Amerika på både svenska och engelska och överlämnade logens diplom till Texas Lucia 2014, Sarah Archer. Hon kommer från Houston och var den 27:e Lucian som besökt Barkeryd. Hon höll tal på svenska och berättade om sin släkt som utvandrade från Jämtland. Lördagen den 26 september hölls höstens första logemöte. Vi välkomnade vår nye Distriktsdeputerade Christer Hultberg med hustru Anette och vår tidigare DD Kjell
Isberg, alla från Logen Westervik nr 679. Maureen berättade under ”Kontakt Amerika” om bl.a. Little Rody Park i Rhode Island som firat 50 år och om olika evenemang i Vasaparken i Angora, Kalifornen. Årets SvenskAmerikan, Emily Tepe, från Wilmington, Delaware presenterades och som avslutning på logemötet spelades hennes sång ”Future Love”. Logehistorikern Bo Ahlsgård gjorde nedslag i logens historia. Efter en välsmakande supé visade Joakim Svahn ett bildspel med titeln ”Längs Storgatan”. Med delvis unika bilder från förr och bilder från nutid kunde vi se hur Jönköping förändrats under mer än hundra år. Logen Småland önskar alla - God Jul och Gott Nytt År. submitted by göte and maureen bengtsson From left to right Cultural Leader Maureen Bengtsson, Texas Lucia Sarah Archer and her mother Barbara Archer
det sanna värdet av medlemskap Stormästarens meddelande Kära Vasasyskon, Vi är nu äntligen hemma efter mycket resande under sommaren och hösten. Vi har nöjet att möta så många av er personligen och det påminner mig om det sanna värdet av Vasa medlemskap — Ädelmod, Sanning och Enighet – och vad vår gemenskap betyder för oss i vårt, ofta alltför jäktiga, dagliga liv. Birgitta och jag har träffat så många gamla vänner men ännu viktigare, varje medlem vi möter, oberoende av om vi har träffats tidigare eller inte, är just det; En vän. (En riktig vän, inte bara en emoji på internet.) Jag menar den sortens vän som alltid ställer upp och stödjer dig. En vän som lyssnar, frågar, föreslår och ger av sin tid och har liknande intressen och värden. Tack vänner för att ni tar er tid med mig och Birgitta! Vi tog en vecka i början på september och körde till Kelso, WA för DL Pacific Northwest #13s distriktsmöte. Sen, efter att ha vilat upp oss ett par dagar hemma var det dags att hoppa på ett plan till Boston för en helg med DL Massachusetts #2s distriktsmöte i Leominster, MA, en trevlig stad cirka en timmas körtid väster om Boston. Vi hade också tid för lite sightseeing. Bland annat körde vi upp till toppen av Mount Wachusett som ligger ca 30 minuter med bil från hotellet. Vyn, 360 grader, var ganska dramatisk, även om det var lite disigt vid horisonten. Vi körde sedan till Cromwell, CT där vi hade Storlogens styrelsemöte. Det visade sig vara fyra intensiva dagars arbete, med bl. a. de många motioner och rekommendationer som hade remitterats till SLER på Storlogemötet förra året. Vi stannade sedan kvar för DL Connecticut #1s distriktsmöte, som bekvämt nog hölls på samma hotell. Ja, om rätt skall vara rätt så var det ju anledningen till att vi valde att hålla vårt möte där. Resan avslutas med Vasa Arkivets styrelsemöte på söndagen. I mitten av oktober
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artikel, på annan plats i detta nummer, skriven var det åter igen dags av Vasas egen advokat och MSLER Bruce Elfvin. för en flygtur. Denna Trots att sommaren nu är slut, har vi fortfargången till Omaha ande inte fått något regn. Tja, du har kanske NE för att vara med hört om mycket regn och stora jordras i Kaatt fira Loge Omahas lifornien. Det är sant, men allt det har varit i 100-årsjubileum. På södra Kalifornien. Vi har inte fått något av det flygplatsen möttes vi här i norra Kalifornien och vi är fortfarande lika av Ordförande Les oroliga för torkan. Vår mantra är och förblir Marks som tillsam“Brunt är det nya Gröna”. Vi hoppas att El Niño mans med Mit Grimes körde oss till hotellet och senare på kvällen kommer att ge oss lite lättnad senare i år och bjöd ut oss på en trevlig middag. Nästa dag förhoppningsvis också långt in på nästa år. Ni har hört mig säga detta många gånger: hade vi en härlig eftermiddag och mötte många Vasasyskon från Loge Omaha #330 och även MEDLEMSKAP FORTSÄTTER ATT VARA VÅRT medlemmar från Loge Norrskenet #331, som STÖRSTA PROBLEM. Behåller ni era medlemhade rest från Sioux City, IA för att övervara mar? Får ni in nya medlemmar? Jag hoppas din festligheterna. De hade firat sitt 100-årsju- Loge växer. Många Loger arbetar hårt med att bileum helgen innan. Eftersom detta var vårt engagera sina medlemmar och ser till att de första besök till Omaha passade vi på att göra kommer till varje möte. Ja, det är mycket arbete. lite sightseeing och hittade flera botaniska Håller du era medlemmar informerade om vad trädgårdar som fortfarande var i full blom så- som händer på Logen? Ett nyhetsbrev är lätt att pass sent på året. Naturligtvis hörde vi att vädret sätta ihop och är en viktig del i att skapa intresse (ca 23 – 25 grader C med klarblå himmel) hade för Logen. Genom att publicera det via e-post tar det bort den ekonomiska bördan att trycka beställts speciellt för oss. I november åker vi till Loge Harmoni #472 i och posta det till alla medlemmar. Ni kanske har Portland, OR för att fira deras 90-årsjubileum. några medlemmar som inte har e-post och för dem måste nyhetsbrevet naturligtvis publiceras Det blir vår sista Vasa resa i år. Mellan resorna till Cromwell och till Omaha i tryck. Ett engagerande Logemöte är nödvänbehövde jag ta en tur till Cleveland OH för att digt för att locka nya och behålla nuvarande representera Storlogen och Vasa Arkivet vid medlemmar. Var inte tråkiga! Konkurrensen rättegången mot Rosenthal Collins Grup (RCG). om nuvarande och blivande medlemmars tid Som ni kanske minns, förlorade både Storlogen är hård. Det är viktigt att ha mat på mötet och och Arkivet mycket pengar 2009 p.g.a. bed- att ha ett program som engagerar. Starta en rägeri som begåtts av Enrique Villalba. Han kampanj för att få in nya medlemmar! EN ny hade konto hos RCG och förlorade pengarna medlem är allt jag ber från var och en av er. Kom där. Rättegången avslutades med ett domslut också ihåg att det är mycket viktigt att behålla till vår fördel. Detta betyder i och för sig inte att nuvarande medlemmar. Det tål att upprepas: vi är helt färdiga med ärendet. Det är motioner Var inte tråkiga! som både RCG och vi fortfarande kommer att i sanning och enighet, behöva ta hand om, men domslutet var en stor tore kellgren, grand master framgång för oss. För mera rättsliga detaljer se
The Swedish Newspaper in America wishes all Vasa friends happy holidays— En riktigt God Jul och Gott Nytt År! Life Made Sweder ~ not missing a beat since 1872 when the original logo above was created in wood by a local New York artist. www.nordstjernan.com
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Best recipe for the re-use of ingredients from glögg making Ginger muffins with glögg-marinated raisins (yields 20)
Instruction: Let the raisins marinate in the glögg overnight. Preheat oven to 390F. Melt the butter and let cool; then add the milk and the egg. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and spices and add to the butter mixture. Lastly, carefully add raisins and the glögg. Distribute the batter into small paper muffin cups. Bake for about 15 minutes in the middle of the oven. Mix lingon and crème fraîche, and put on top of the baked muffins along with some confectioner’s sugar.
Ingredients: 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup of glögg 125 g butter 5 oz milk 1 egg 1.5 cups flour 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ginger 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon cloves 1/2 cup lingonberries 3/4 cup crème fraîche confectioner’s sugar
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‘Ett års julklapp’
The Christmas gift of a year of shared impressions, of travel ideas, inspiration, traditions...
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November 30, 2015 Nordstjernan