nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 144 No. 14, July 30, 2016. Price per copy $2.50
This Week, Page 13
Swedish musicians perform in San Francisco.
“Koppla av” and “ta det lite lungnare” is what we all want to do, here in the U.S., especially in August: to relax and take it a bit easier. The Swedes do it for several weeks in July and into August, and so will the Nordstjernan staff – see you in September! More on summer / Page 4, 10, 15, 16
Photo: Lennart Månsson/Bildbyrån
Sweden, Page 2, 3
No rain on Victoriadagen this year / Technology takes a Swedish mountain peak to new heights / Tragic accident kills Swedish skier / Going to Sweden? Don’t leave home without this! / Stockholm offers taxi in every language / High-speed hyperloop between Stockholm and Helsinki.
Feature, Page 10
Skål to the 2016 Akvavit Competition!
Feature, 6 - our next AugustPage hiatus!
issue is in September
A Swede among the rednecks reflects on Sweden and being Swedish.
Borgholm, Öland’s royal capital
Page 15
Göran Rygert goran@nordstjernan.com
Continued on page 6
Dashboard, Page 8, 9
Swedish Festival in August / Swede Henrik Stenson wins British Open / Swedish in Cleveland during the RNC / Summer cuisine at SACC-Philadelphia event.
Sports, Page 13
Storgatan, the main street in Borgholm, Öland. On August 28, 2016, the only city on Sweden’s second largest island celebrates its 200th anniversary.
Late summer celebrations
Summer in Sweden is about three things: enjoying several weeks (usually four or five) of vacation; hoping the weather isn’t too rainy during vacation; and seafood. Many people are spending time at their summerhouse in the archipelago or at a woodsy lake not far from home. They are grateful for the time away, rain or shine, but what is the weather like this year? As is often the case, July was rainy and cool (and yes, it snowed in the northern mountains), though not so much as recent years, and now everyone is hoping for a typical August, too: Sweden’s one real month of summer … and the month of parties that revolve / Pages 4, 5 mostly around — you guessed it, seafood.
Public Domain
Borgholm is the only city on the island of Öland in the Baltic Sea, and this summer it is 200 years old. Not only the inhabitants and a lot of tourist will be there to celebrate, but so will the Royal family. A mile south of Borgholm is the King’s palace and summer paradise, Solliden, his favorite place to spend time. That’s why we call Borgholm “Öland’s royal capital.” I moved to Borgholm with my parents in 1944, when I was 9. I went to middle school (realskola) in Borgholm and went to Kalmar on the mainland for high school (gymnasium, with the studentexamen). Later I moved to Göteborg, Västerås, Malmö and Stockholm, but I always returned to Borgholm and Öland for vacation, music gigs and research. For several years I took
Golf pro Henrik Stenson is among the 152 Swedish athletes competing in Rio.
Perspectives, Page 11
Living between Russia and the USA...
Page 8, 16
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News Sveriges problem börjar med självbilden Gästledare
Sydsvenska Dagbladet 19 juli, 2016
Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel greet visitors at her birthday celebrations at Solliden Palace.
Happy Birthday, Crown Princess Victoria
As tradition has it, Crown Princess Victoria was spending her birthday at Solliden, the royal family’s summer home on Öland. On this day, July 14, hundreds if not thousands of visitors come to Solliden Palace, the first of them arriving as early as 7 a.m., though the gates don’t open until 11 a.m., to greet the Crown Princess who doesn’t arrive until 2 p.m. A crêperie and bread shop opens near the gate at 9 a.m. so Swedes can enjoy fika while they wait. Many people dress up, some bring flowers and children offer her drawings as she walks through the crowd, usually taking a few hours as she talks with as many people as possible. Despite the fact that it’s often raining on Victoria’s birthday, the King gives a speech and leads singing and the cheers with an equally good mood every year, and it’s a festive day, later televised. Försenat grattis på födelsedagen, Kronprinsessan!
A new Swedish mountain peak
A land survey has discovered a Swedish mountain peak that’s seven meters taller than previously thought, making it the tallest northernmost peak in the country. For at least a century, experts were convinced that Sweden had eleven mountain peaks, seven of which reach the magical 2,000-meter level. But laser scanning from airplanes has just revealed a twelfth peak: Sielmatjåkka, which stands north of Sweden’s highest peak, Kebnekaise, is 2004 meters high. “The major benefit of laser scanning is that we get a comprehensive elevation model of Sweden, with a height accuracy within half a meter,” says Björn Olander, map engineer at the National Land Survey. The survey revealed other peaks with slightly different heights, and of course the height of the country’s highest peak, Kebnekaise, changes fairly constantly because it consists of a glacier that alternately grows and melts.
Sverige har problem. I förorterna sätts bilar i brand. Uppgörelser med skjutvapen rapporteras nästan dagligen. Bara natten till tisdagen förekom i Malmö skottlossning på tre platser. I Stockholm greps samma natt fyra misstänkta för inblandning i en dödsskjutning i förorten Järvafältet. I Göteborg pågår en rättegång mot två män som åtalats för att med automatgevär ha skjutit ihjäl två personer och skadat ytterligare åtta på en restaurang. Stenkastning mot brandmän och sjukvårdare har i de så kallade utanförskapsområdena blivit närmast vardag för anställda i blåljusyrken – de som är till för att skydda och hjälpa vid brott och olyckor. Vid en brand i Uppsala i förra veckan kan en person ha avlidit i samband med en brand till följd av att räddningstjänsten fördröjdes av stenkastare. Under alliansregeringen och den moderata justitieministern Beatrice Ask genomgick polisen en omorganisation och fick kraftiga anslagshöjningar. Den länsvisa indelningen skrotades när polisen blev en enda myndighet samtidigt som 850 friska miljoner pumpades in i organisationen. Reformen fullföljdes efter regeringsskiftet 2014 och sedan några år ligger antalet anställ-
da inom polisen kring 27 000. Cirka 19 Organisationen Transparency in000 är poliser, övriga är civilanställda. ternational brukar ge Sverige högsta Trots nyanställningar och budget- betyg för låg korruption. Ändå uppger förstärkning verkar polisen ändå inte till exempel en majoritet av tillfrågade alltid kunna klara sin uppgift. Nyheter byggchefer i Sverige enligt Svenska om maffialiknande mord, brinnande Dagbladet att det förekommer både bilar och brandmän hukandes i stenregn svartjobb, mutor och anbudsfusk i deras skaver också mot självbilden av ett tryg- bransch. Att byggbranschen är utförare gt land där konflikter löses med hjälp av för det som stat, kommun och landsting kloka och effektiva myndigheter. för otaliga skattemiljarder bygger borde Men det är kanske dags att den revi- leda till eftertanke. deras. Bilden av Sverige är en sak – men Röta har visat sig finna även långt upp verkligheten verkar inte alltid motsvara i statsförvaltningen. Att chefer i landets våra föreställningar. skattemyndighet varnar höga makthaFör åttonde året toppar Sverige EU- vare att de är föremål för skatterevision kommissionens rankinglista över inno- är svårt att kalla för något annat än korvativa länder. Höga poäng för forskning, ruption. När dessutom Riksrevisionen, politik, flexibilitet och offentlig för- landets högsta granskande myndighet, valtning ligger bakom ledarpositionen. visat sig ha tillsatt chefer baserat på vänÄndå skriker företagen efter ingenjörer skapsband och politiska åsikter snarare samtidigt som unga väljer bort matema- än på oväld och duglighet krackelerar tik och naturvetenskap i skolan. bilden av ett opartiskt tjänstemannavälI internationella jämförelser kring in- de i medborgarnas tjänst. tegration och invandring från organisaTrots att det finns fler poliser än tionen Migrant integration policy index, någonsin brinner det och skjuts det i MIPEX, hamnar Sverige också i topp. utanförskapsområdena. Chefer på SkatFå länder har så ambitiös lagstiftning teverket varnar bekanta. Riksrevisorn och reglering för att flyktingar och anställer sina kompisar. Integrationsinvandrare snabbt ska kunna komma politiken anses bra och internationellt i arbete och inlemmas i samhället. På framstående trots att det tar åtskilliga pappret. I verkligheten fungerar invan- år innan ens hälften av flyktingarna dring och integration vida bättre i länder kommer i arbete. som Kanada, USA och Australien, Sverige har problem. traditionella invandringsländer som En del av det är självbilden. konsekvent brukar hamna långt ner i MIPEX:s rankning.
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
Swedish skier dies in avalanche
Swedish freeskier Matilda Rapaport has died after a tragic accident in an avalanche. She was skiing during a filming trip on July 14 in a steep area of the Farrellones ski area in Chile, which has received record amounts of snowfall this year. On her second run Rapaport, 30, was swept away and buried by an avalanche. Rescuers recovered her quickly, but she was in a coma and intensive care until her death at a Santiago hospital on July 18.
Don’t go without a debit card
A subscriber in Mississippi kindly has our backs: Just back from a trip to Scandinavia, he wants us all to know vendors in Sweden really only accept payments with debit cards anymore. Russ Tillman has been to Sweden any number of times, each recent visit bringing its surprises related to the country’s fading cash society. But this time was the most eye opening, as many vendors didn’t even accept his new chip-reading credit card. The moral of the story comes in his warning to Americans to forget the credit and even the cash but make sure to bring a debit card – with a pin number you can remember. Thank you Russ!
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
Founded in New York City in September 1872 Editor In Chief & Publisher: Ulf Barslund Mårtensson – www.nordstjernan.com Editor: Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) Managing Editor & Production: Everett Martin Sports Editor: Chipp Reid Art Direction: Petter Ringbom / Daniel Berubé-Arbello Contributors: Valorie Arrowsmith - Terry Lee Blunk - Claes Magnusson - Lisa Mikulski - 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 August. 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
Thank you Jamestown!
Don Sandy opens the festival with the help of Rick Lindstrom on näverlur (a hand made birch bark instrument).
Vasa Voices, visiting from Cleveland, OH.
Sandy Sandy, recent proud twin mormor. Daughter Amelia in background.
The annual event draws thousands to celebrate a late Swedish midsummer.
all businesses in Jamestown had been built and operated by citizens claiming Swedish ancestry. Jamestown for some time tallied the highest proportion of Swedish population anywhere in the U.S. Although many industries and shops have migrated away from the area in recent years, and ancestral traditions over time get diluted, many Jamestowners still maintain their Swedishness. Almost every corner attests to this: Ecklof’s Bakery, the Peterson
Farm, Peterson’s Candy, Davidson’s Restaurant.… The area not only has a high density of Swedish Americans but also a population intensely proud of its Swedish heritage. Jamestown’s Norden Club, the local Vasa and Viking lodges and Scandinavian American Heritage Foundation are just four of the active Swedish American organizations here. The Scandinavian Studies Program at the Jamestown Community College, established in 1986, keeps the history and traditions of the first settlers and ancestors alive; a Swedish language program by the capable and enthusiastic Jeff Kroon offers a connection to modern Sweden and the language. Jamestown, aside from being Swedish and the birthplace of Lucille Ball (which weekly attracts busloads of tourists), is also proud of the Roger Tory Petersen Institute. As a notable ornithologist, father of bird painting and author of two field guides of North American birds, Swedish American Roger Tory Petersen put Jamestown on the map. Since his death at the age of 87 in 1996, many people have written and spoken about the relevance of Petersen’s life in the context of the environmental movement of the present. A visit to the institute is a must when you tour the area. The rolling hills and beautiful hardwood trees of Chautauqua County, at this time of the year is clean, green and lush - indeed, it might as well be a summer day anywhere along the Baltic coastline in Sweden. No doubt, Jamestown is a little corner of Sweden itself, just as far west as you can get in New York state. What a great way for me to ease into Nordstjernan’s annual print hiatus during August. Thanks again; Don, Sandy, Evelyn, Gwen, Jeff, Jerry, July, Karen, Mark, Norm, Scott, Wes … Jamestown, you’re the best!
Photo: Sören Colbing
It is a rare occasion when you feel welcomed by an entire town, but I have all of Jamestown, NY to thank for making me feel welcomed, happy and, well, completely at home. Jamestown offered all this during my mid-July visit to the Scandinavian Folk Festival, where there’s a variety of activities from a Viking village, a children’s zoo and arts and crafts, to lectures about food, genealogy or learning Swedish. There’s also food served for every taste and liking, although I rarely stray from Norm’s unique “korvburgers” with lingonberries—a sure winner. The festival offers a variety of music, from traditional Swedish folk to dance band music, but as a former student of Lund University I have a soft spot for Vasa Voices of Cleveland, who took the stage and sang Sköna Maj, Välkommen. Nicely done, and as usual, it brought tears to my eyes (even in July). Hats off to every volunteer, every organizer, vendor and visitor and, of course, the event’s prime engine, Don Sandy at the successful Jamestown festival. Entertainment and activities aside, what makes this event worth the trip (it’s 7 hours by car from New York City) is its people. In Jamestown, everyone is open and friendly, meaning they make eye contact, eagerly answer questions and are curious themselves. Everything gets done but no one seems to be in a hurry to do so. There are old signs still painted on the sides of barns, stores close early and there’s a church on every corner. It’s an average small town in the United States, yet it seems everyone in Jamestown proudly carries a bit of Sweden and the town’s history with them. The Scandinavian Folk Festival is actually held at the Gerry Rodeo Grounds just north of town, but who cares—you’re about as far west as you can get in the state of New York. Don’t confuse it with any of the other Jamestowns of the U.S., because this particular Jamestown is “just like Sweden.” The small town, now with roughly 30,000 inhabitants, became the benefactor of that Scandinavian heritage of industry, intelligence and a taste for adventure far from home. The Swedish immigrants found a land so like their homeland in beauty, geography and climate that they established it and quickly grew into a blooming community. Their contributions to the furniture industry, both as workers and entrepreneurs, helped make Jamestown a major center of the furniture industry. By the 1920s, 75 percent of
Swedish News
www.scandinavianjamestown.com www.jamestownswedes.org www.ecklofbakery.com www.petersonfarmswede.com www.rtpi.org Wishing readers, contributors, writers, suppliers, friends a nice continued summer. See you in September!
Ulf Barslund Mårtensson Editor & Publisher
Life made Sweder through NORDSTJERNAN: Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10, to order.
Taxi Stockholm is offering service in 28 languages in the popular tourist city, perhaps the only one in the world to offer service in the many languages of its tourists.
Taxi in any language
As taxi companies around the world are forced to compete with Uber, the competition is felt especially in Sweden, where even among strict regulations, Stockholm became the fastest growing market for Uber in the world. But it’s forcing the competition to up its game, and now Taxi Stockholm is offering service in 28 languages. In 2014, Taxi Stockholm tried offering therapy sessions during taxi rides, and now “taxi translators” uses the cultural diversity within its organization to help tourists get drivers who speak their native languages. It is available online and at hotels that collaborate with the company. This may make the thriving tourist destination the only city in the world where one can order a taxi in Chinese, French, Spanish, German or Russian outside the countries where these languages are actually spoken.
Requirements change to recruit police
Sweden is still in need of more police officers, so an increase has been made in the number of training sites to accommodate more recruits. After January 2016 requests for some 4,100 new employees to combat terrorism, and manage border control and behavior at sporting events, the education aptitude test has now also been changed slightly; the nine-point test, on which talented applicants usually score four to six points and were previously required to score four to get in, can now be passed with a score of three points. The changes go into effect immediately. The January proposal requested an increase of 1,500 to 2,500 more officers and 1,600 new civilian employees by 2020.
Nordic hyperloop Stockholm - Helsinki
Hyperloop One, an LA-based startup, released a study early in July saying it’s feasible to build a high speed connection — creating one of the world’s longest marine tunnels — between Stockholm and Helsinki. Zooming through the 300 miles in vacuum tubes is not only possible, but also affordable, according to FS Links Ab, which is based on the Åland islands, which lie on a proposed route between Sweden and Finland. Normally a 3-hour flight or overnight ferry ride, the high speed hyperloop could take just 28 minutes. The price of building it would be just 19 billion euros ($21 billion) — that’s $16 million per kilometer less than a comparable highspeed rail project. A hyperloop between Sweden and Finland would take up to 12 years to complete, and include both tubes traveling on raised pylons and under the Baltic Sea. Get your tickets now: The ABBA cover band, ARRIVAL, is touring in the U.S. again. They began in the south earlier in July, and will go back and forth across the country through the end of October. Info, see www.themusicofabba.com
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 8.60 07.21.2016
July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 4
Celebrate the Swedish way:
late summercelebrations Sweden is known for its various fish specialties, especially in the late summer when certain crustaceans are mature and fresh. Maybe the country takes a month off because its lucky citizens are in a constant cycle of eating various delicacies … and recovering from everything that must be consumed with them. There are three main headliners in August: crayfish (kräftor), fermented herring (surströmming) and eel (ål). The crayfish season begins two weeks ahead of surströmming season and the “dark days of eel” (ålamörkret), though the crayfish season is generally shorter and more widely enjoyed.
August 8: Crayfish
At one time, the lakes of Sweden teemed with the black gold that is crayfish. It was exported to the ritzy restaurants of Paris, London and Berlin, but over-fishing threatened to annihilate them and regulations were enforced. It wasn’t until 1994 that a ban on fishing for crayfish in Swedish lakes during certain times of the year was lifted; the last day of the ban had been August 7, which made August 8 the first day to start eating them — and the date stuck. Swedes can also import crayfish from other countries, which means it can be eaten year-round, but tradition often gets the better of us and having a ritual is appealing, so most Swedes nowadays celebrate the crayfish premiere on August 8 every year, the date they can finally give in to their cravings and celebrate — with a crayfish party. The crayfish party (“kräftskivan”) has expanded into a meal surrounded by all manner of accessories, preferably with an authentic full moon thrown in. In August, shop windows display variations on the
theme with crayfish-decorated bibs, paper plates and napkins. There are special crayfish knives, crayfish songsheets, special bowls, glassware and snaps decanters, and of course, the grocery stores have deepfrozen and fresh – live - crayfish. Lanterns are strung above long picnic tables, bibs and silly hats are distributed and buckets of cold crustaceans are consumed. Eating crayfish the Swedish way is very special. It often includes side dishes such as crisp bread or toast and cheese, and a variety of equally important rituals, not the least of which includes drinking snaps (schnapps). A select few other dishes such as Västerbotten cheese pies, meatballs or Jansson’s temptation are sometimes served, either to create a full meal or to accommodate those with less love for the crustaceans. But perhaps the most important part of a crayfish party is singing. Every time one eats a crayfish, which is served cold with lots of salt and dill, a sip of snaps (a “nubbe”) must be downed and a song must be sung. Aquavit is basically spiced vodka, so drinking responsibly (or drinking water) is advised, but it is often more important to sing (loudly) than to actually drink a lot of snaps, which is also served ice cold and straight up in shot glasses.
August 18: Surströmming
Similarly – and luckily – the most important part of the surströmmingspremiären (fermented herring premier) is also singing. Many people are truly grateful for that, since this particular delicacy is sometimes said to taste even worse than it smells. It smells because a) it’s not only the number one smelliest fish in the world but b) it’s also actually fermented. Surströmmingspremiären is nonetheless very important, even if only in concept. It always premiers on the third Thursday in August, so Swedes can make their plans for the next round of parties. This year the magic date is August 18. It is unclear how many
Swedes actually enjoy this luxury, but some data suggests that half the population has it at least once a year and one percent has it on a monthly basis. Until 1998 it was illegal to sell
fermented herring before a certain date in August because the fish wasn’t likely mature enough. But there a couple theories for why Swedes eat this smelly fish in the first place. One theory dates to 16th century Swedish sailors who had only half the amount of salt needed to keep their fish fresh, and as it began to rot they sold it to unassuming Finnish islanders. A year later the Swedish sailors returned to the island and the locals asked for more rotten fish … and helped the Swedish sailors discover this “tasty” new way to prepare fish. Another more likely story is that surströmming was developed when salt was too expensive for brining. When fermentation was used, just enough salt was required to keep the fish from rotting. Today, the Baltic herring used for surströmming is caught in spring, just as it is about to spawn. The herring is then fermented in barrels for a couple months, then tinned. Half a year later, as that tin is bulging, it is ready to eat and sold in supermarkets all over the country. The Surströmmings Academy says one of the ten large producers, Oskars of Timrå, ships over 350,000 cans every year. According to the “surströmmingsklämma” tradition in northern Sweden, surströmming should be eaten with “mandelpotatis” (almond-shaped fingerling potatoes) and “tunnbröd” (thin bread). In the south, surströmming is more commonly eaten with a variety
The eels during ålamörkret - the eel darkness of the fall season - are unable to see the nets and can be trapped on their way to the Sargasso Sea. Photo by Wolfgang Kleinschmidt.
of condiments such as diced onion, “gräddfil” (sour cream) or crème fraîche, chives and sometimes even tomato and chopped dill. Have snaps with your surströmming (and don’t forget to pinch your nose)!
The End of August: The Eel Darkness
Continues on page 15
Vi har öppet måndag till fredag kl 9:30 till 15:00 Den mobila passtationen är i Fort Lauderdale den 15-17 november. Kontakta konsulatet för mera information.
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Thursday, August 18 is this year’s official premiere of “surströmming” in Sweden. Above is a “surströmmingsklämma.” This is how “surströmming” (the fermented Swedish delicacy) is eaten in northern Sweden.
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
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feature. page 5
Swedish Traditions: ‘Kräftskivan’ How to prepare your own crayfish party
suppliers and IKEA stores throughout North America. Add an aged Cheddar and a good chunk of Jarlsberg and you are all set. 4. Most parties will offer a choice other than crayfish – a quiche or cheese pie, Swedish meatballs. By our own experience, the recipe for a Västerbotten cheese based pie we run on page will even interest the serious crayfish aficionados. 5. Cold beer works well with the saltiness of the crayfish 6. Schnapps. No Swedish crayfish party is complete without the shots of aquavit, the ‘nubbe,’ which is always accompanied by singing.
As are the crustaceans themselves, boiled in dill and salt.
Crayfish, crawfish, in Swedish simply kräftor [kr’ef:tor] and, in Sweden served different from most crayfish you have had elsewhere. August 7 was for many years synonymous with the begin of the season fishing for the delicacy was strictly prohibited between November 1 and August 7 at 5 p.m.. Swedish crayfish are boiled with dill, sugar and salt and you serve them cold—guests eat with their hands. The party itself is all about having fun and socializing. (Hard not to, if you follow the checklists below… remember, if you try serving Swedish aquavit or, if hard to find, the Norwegian Linie or Danish Aalborg aquavits, which are more readily available, aquavit is hard liquor, serve and drink responsibly!)
Incidentals:
1. Paper moons (colored paper lanterns that usually wrap around regular light bulbs) 2. Bibs and napkins; in Sweden often with the crayfish motifs. 3. Funny hats (items listed here are only the beginning, in Sweden you’ll find special paper plates and table cloths with the appropriate crayfish motifs) 4. A nutcracker for the tougher parts of claws or tail of the crustaceans. 5. At least a couple of traditional Swedish songs, written up phonetically if a majority of your guests are foreign to the tradition. For the ambitious, you’ll find a collection of songs at The very best of Swedish Schnapps Songs’ In a hurry? You’ll find a couple of songs below.
Food:
LINGONBERRIES • Fresh Frozen • Dried • Preserves www.sturdiwheat.com
Life made Sweder: NORDSTJERNAN Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10 for your own subscription.
1. Crayfish; you’ll find frozen crayfish at most IKEA stores. Mail order and over the internet, you can also order from www.scandinavianbutik.com or, catch your own and get plenty of ideas on how to catch, where and with what at www.trapperarne.com 2. White toast, crisp bread (‘knäckebröd’) and butter 3. Cheeses—Several kinds of hard cheeses to accompany the bread. A typical Swedish cheese for the crayfish table would be the aged ‘Västerbotten cheese,’ which is available at most online Swedish American food The most popular Swedish “Nubbevisa” the original, in translation and transliteration: Helan går sjung hopp, faderallan lallan lej. Helan går, sjung hopp, faderallan lej. Och den som inte helan tar, han heller inte halvan får. Helan går! Sjung hopp, faderallan lej! Phonetic transliteration: Hal and Gore, shun hop, father Alan Lalan ley Hal and Gore, shun hop, father Alan ley. Oh handsome in the hell and tar
The funny, conical paper hats are part of the party ensemble and will put you in the right mood to enjoy this Swedish tradition. The hats can be quite deliberate or you can have your guests prepare their own… You find a simple template for the hats on our website (search “Crayfish”). A bib is a must and since you’ll be eating with your hands, piles of napkins or rolls of paper towels are often available on the table. If it’s your first time, make sure you are near one or grab one of them and don’t let go. Focus on the claws and tail and too avoid a visit to your dentist’s, use a nutcracker to reach the sparse meat inside the crustacean. Practice Swedish drinking songs if you are inviting Swedes or going to a party arranged by Swedish born. It doesn’t matter whether you speak Swedish. It only matters that you try hard, hum along and can say Skål [Skoal!] at the end of every song. Several of the Swedish organizations in North America, from Chambers of Commerce, to SWEA and Vasa lodges organize their own crayfish parties. You’ll find crayfish the Swedish way and much of the accessories here: Scandinavian Butik For ‘the light version,’ the North American IKEA stores are hosting crayfish parties on August 15. For more info, see http://www.ikea.com/ ms/en_US/IKEA_Food/index.html (Many IEKA stores will also have some of the paraphernalia needed for the party).
Kräftskivan -Äta kräftor
If you’ve been there before and would like to try your hand at boiling your own crayfish, below are two recipes. • 2 lbs. of crawfish (approx. 25 pcs.) • 3 quarts of cold fresh water • 5 tablespoons salt • 1 tablespoon sugar • A lot (10-15) of dill-”crowns” (when you grow fresh dill, you let it start to grow flowers, but you pick the dill before the buds evolve into flowers. The buds should have turned yellow though. This is very important, do NOT substitute for ordinary dill.) • 1 tsp of anis (optional) Make sure all of the crawfish are alive. Boil water, salt, sugar, dill-”crowns” and anis. Place the crawfish in a sifter, and lower them into the boiling water. let them cook for 10 minutes once the water starts boiling again. Let them cool off in the seasoned water, keep refrigerated until serving. The dish is served cold. Decorate with fresh dill crowns. Even Martha Stewart ran a piece on the Swedish kräftskiva or as she calls it, the Crayfish Boil, in July, 2008. Her recipe is a bit fancier. We did like the addition of stout, which adds a little bit of flavor to the creatures but anyone who’d like to try her recipe will have to go to our website (search for “Crayfish”).
The moon-shaped paper lanterns are part of every kräftskiva.
an’ Hal are in the half and four. Hal and Gore! Shun hop, father Alan ley! Translation: Now for the First! Sing hop, faderallan lallan ley. Now for the First, sing hop, faderallan ley. And those who won’t the First One take they also Number Two forsake. Now for the First! Sing hop, faderallan ley! The song and its transliteration is from the Nordstjernan book ‘The very best of Swedish Schnapps Songs’ - Göran Rygert’s popular compilation of some of the most common Swedish schnapps songs.
July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 6
Borgholm, Öland’s royal capital Continued from page 1
part in an extensive research project about Öland’s folk music, resulting in the big book “Öland’s Folkliga Visor och Melodier.” Today Borgholm has a population of about 3,200. When my family moved there, the town had fewer than 2,000 inhabitants; when it became a city on August 28, 1816 it had only 33 inhabitants. Growth was very slow for 50 years, but then the city offered new Borgholmers 10 tax-free years and free lots for building their houses. It was not until the end of the 19th century, however, that tourists started to appear. The harbor was developed, and steamboat traffic started carrying a great number of wealthy tourists to the paradise of Öland. Borgholm had gotten a reputation for its salubrious air, and the town developed into a modern health resort. In 1906 the first narrow-gauge railroad on Öland was built. It connected Borgholm with Böda on northern Öland. Four years later came the line to Ottenby in the south, but the railroads were shut down in 1961. In 1972, Öland eventually got connected with the mainland by the Öland Bridge, almost four miles long, from Färjestaden to Kalmar. The bridge immediately meant an immense increase of tourists to Öland. Today the entire Borgholm municipality (Öland is divided into two municipalities) has about 11,000 inhabitants. But in the summer that number increases to 300,000 because of all the tourists.
Early mecca for tourists
A couple iconic buildings in Borgholm were the Societetshuset (the House of the Societies) and Badrestaurangen (the Seaside or Spa Restaurant). The Societetshuset was a magnificent building, located in a park near the harbor, built in 1885. This was the gathering spot for soirées, societies and theatrical companies for almost 60 years, until it was demolished in 1944. Badrestauranten (later called “Restis”) was a spectacular building, built in 1902, unfortunately destroyed by fire in 1973. For decades it was Borgholm’s most popular place to go to eat and dance. It was only open for a few summer months and the chefs were always some of Sweden’s best. One of Restis’ great events was the election of “Ölands sommarflicka” (Öland’s Summer Girl). This went on for more than 20 years and usually drew up to 700 people. During the 1930s and 40s Borgholm was a Mecca for tourists who wanted to see King Gustaf V play tennis. He loved to play doubles, preferably with a better tennis player. Afterward he gladly signed autographs for kids who stood in line to get it. I did too, at age 10. Borgholm’s church was built in 1879. It is very unusual with its tower in the middle of the building, the sanctuary on the right and the fellowship hall on the left. Here, in about 1962, our present King was confirmed with several of his childhood friends. My
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
father, Torsten, a music director, was the church’s cantor. As a church official he was responsible for the music at the event. After the ceremony in the church all confirmands, including Crown Prince Carl Gustaf, were invited to my parent’s apartment on Badhusgatan 20 for saft och bullar (fruit juice and cinnamon buns). I was not home for the event but I found a couple photos. Borgholm has a strict north-south/east-west street system with the square in the middle where the church and the town hall are located. If you go south on one of the streets that borders the square, Västra Kyrkogatan, you’ll end up right in the front of the house where I lived, a nice house that had a classroom on the bottom floor (the main school building is right behind this house). We lived on the upper floor. For many years, after the family moved from Borgholm in the 1960s, this house was called the “Rygerska villan” (Rygert’s House). It happened that ignorant tourists stopped in front of the house asking “Is this Solliden?” Well, not really. Solliden, King Carl XIV Gustaf’s summer paradise that’s not far from Borgholm’s Castle, was built in 1906 by the same architect — Torben Grut — who in 1912 designed Stockholm Olympic Stadium. It was initiated by Queen Victoria, King Gustaf V’s wife. The building looks like an Italian villa, inspired from Queen Victoria’s many visits on Capri. Around Solliden Palace are beautiful parks and gardens with a lot of sculptures. The gardens are open to the public, as is Kaffetorpet, an open-air café. At the waterfront — at Kalmarsund — is the royal harbor and a bathing hut. Here are also two summer houses, which are built for His Majesty’s children. Borgholms Castle was built on the Alvar (the bare limestone ground that is very typical for Öland), on the “landborg,” that is a 50 feet high steep that rises above Borgholm and Kalmarsund. The building was a reconstruction starting in 1654, of a medieval fortress, destroyed in 1520. Then it was turned into a baroque palace, designed by Nicodemus Tessin the Elder. In 1806 the palace was ravaged by fire and only a ruin was left. Efforts to preserve the ruin started already in the mid of the 19th century and that work is still going on. The castle is a great place for tourists and serves as a concert arena where groups such as ABBA, Procum Harum, Count Basie, Roxette, Beach Boys and Tom Jones have performed. The most visited concert was with the Swedish singer Carola, who in 1983 drew 5,100 people.
In the background is the “Rygert’s House” on Badhusgatan 20, in the 1970s.
Öland, located on the east coast of Sweden, is Sweden’s second largest island at just under 520 square miles and the smallest of the traditional provinces.
Göran Rygert gets an autograph from King Gustav V in 1945.
Fires in Borgholm and Öland
Quite a few of Borgholm’s hotels and restaurants were destroyed by fire. As mentioned, Badrestauranten burned down in 1973. The famous Hotell Riddaregården (where I worked one summer) went up in flames in 1966. The original Strand Hotel was destroyed by fire in 1951. It was later replaced by a new and larger hotel, which became one of
The present King, then Crown Prince Carl Gustaf in my parents’ apartment, after the confirmation in 1962. He sits at the far right.
feature. page 7
The Borgholm Castle ruins.
Solliden Palace, summer residence of the Swedish royal family.
“Stadsporten” Borgholm’s town gate
“Badrestauranten” - The old Spa Restaurant.
Three-time Oscar winner Per Hallberg.
Borgholm’s great places for eating and dancing. Or singing and drinking around a grand piano in the bar. Or watching great shows. Many renowned entertainers such as Lionel Richie and Tom Jones appeared there. In 2004 the Hotell Borgholm (the former Stadshotellet) got hit by a nasty fire in which two people died. The building was restored, and Hotell Borgholm’s restaurant is now one of Sweden’s most famous restaurants. But what caused all these fires? Arson? There were few explanations. In 1957-58 many farms on Öland were also destroyed by fire. One person was arrested and prosecuted at the time. He was sentenced to five years in prison but appealed the verdict. The Court of Appeal found him not guilty and he was set free. Who is the most famous Borgholmer? If not King Karl X Gustav, who was the only Swedish king who actually lived in Borgholms Castle, in the latter half of the 17th
century, I think it must be Per Hallberg. He was born in Borgholm in 1958 and now lives in Hollywood, a sound editor whose work has been in more than 40 movies. He has won three Oscars for Best Sound Editing, for Braveheart, The Bourne Ultimatum and Skyfall. But Karin Fransson is also famous. She is Hotell Borgholm’s chef and owner and the one behind its big success; in February this year it got a Michelin star. To put this into perspective: There are only 20 restaurants in Sweden with one Michelin star, and four with two stars. Next time you come to Öland make sure to visit her restaurant! Öland is also known as “the island of the sun and the winds.” It is one of Sweden’s most beautiful and remarkable landscapes. If you have not been there yet, you are welcome to visit. You will never regret it ... just don’t come in July with everyone
else! And don’t forget to taste Öland’s most famous dish, “kroppkakor.” It is the island’s “national dish” — potato dumplings with fillings of lightly salted bacon and onion. Kroppkakor can be found in other Swedish provinces, but what makes kroppkakor on Öland very special and tasty is the way they are cooked, with fillings and the spices. There is nothing like them! They are usually served with lingonberries and melted butter. Maybe you will visit during Borgholm’s big birthday celebration, which is Saturday and Sunday, August 27 and 28, though the town started to celebrate months ago, with special concerts, theater, sports events, car rallies and exhibitions. Göran Rygert
July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
Bildbyran photos
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Scotland and Barsebäck, Sweden
Mt. Jewett, PA
Henrik Stenson is congratulated by his wife after winning his first major title on July 17. Right: Stenson photographed at his home course in Barsebäck in southern Sweden. The Swedish player, ranked No 5 in the world, brought home first-ever male golf championship win for Sweden when he won British Open.
Next Swedish festival in the east will be in Mt. Jewett in northern Pennsylvania. As tradition has it the town with a population of just under 1,000 celebrates its Swedish heritage in style with a festival in August. More info, see www. mtjewettpa.com
Henrik Stenson wins British Open
Swede Henrik Stenson won the first major men’s golf title for Sweden with a major championship record score of 264, a record 20 under par. Stenson, 40, is the Champion Golfer of the Year after shooting three ahead of American Phil Mickelson at Royal Troon British Open in Scotland on July 17. He and Mickelson were tied going into the 12th hole, and Stenson took the lead at the 14th hole, with a two-stroke lead going into the 18th and winning by three — his first, and Sweden’s first, men’s major victory
with a final-round, 8-under 63. Stenson, who was born in Gothenburg and currently lives in Orlando, played his first round of golf at age 12 and turned professional at age 23. He has spent over 250 weeks ranked in the world’s top ten, his career high ranking of second is the best by any male Swedish golfer. In 2014, Stenson invested in PGA Sweden National, his first venture in golf course ownership.
Herr & Fru | Mr. & Mrs.
Him, thinking: An evening sandwich would be ideal now. TV: “The World economy is unstable.”
Him, thinking: A crisp bread Her: “Are you thinking (knäckebröd) with cheese and a of me?” TV: “But, expect glass of milk. TV: “The threat to sunshine this weekend!” environment is disturbing...”
‘Name’s days’ of the Swedish Calendar: /Kommande två veckors namnsdagar
Nordic Foods
32nd A NN U A L
Authentic Crafts & Goods Continuous Entertainment Colorful Folkdress Special Kids' Events
Sunday, September 4, 2016 10 AM - 6 PM
Artisans Demonstrations
Sunday of Labor Day Weekend – RAIN OR SHINE
Folk & Classical Music
NJ VASA PARK
Contemporary Culture
1 Wolfe Road • Budd Lake, NJ 07828
Wife Carrying
www.ScanFest.org
Fearsome Vikings
Info, tickets, directions, & vendors at: Info@ScanFest.org / 610-417-1483
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
In New York In Stockholm In Kiruna Lund In Los Angeles
June 30: Sunrise 5.51 a.m. 4.31 a.m. 2.53 a.m. 5.11 a.m. 6.04 a.m.
Sunset 8.13 p.m. 9.16 p.m. 10.37 p.m. 9.15 p.m. 7.56 p.m.
August 01 Per August 02 Karin/Kajsa August 03 Tage August 04 Arne/Arnold August 05 Ulrik/Alrik August 06 Alfons/Inez August 07 Dennis/Denise August 08 Silvia/Sylvia August 09 Roland August 10 Lars August 11 Susanna August 12 Klara August 13 Kaj August 14 Uno August 15 Stella/Estelle August 16 Brynolf
Photo: Ingemar Svala
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Cleveland, OH
Sweden’s ambassador, Björn Lyrvall, was in Cleveland for the Republican Convention and local Swedish consul Mike Miller organized a luncheon at The Country Club for the ambassador and local Swedish American groups. L-R: Grace V. Loudenstein, former assistant to the Consul; Jim Hornyak, President SACC Ohio; Mike Miller, Swedish consul and wife Lynn; Ambassador Lyrvall; Marty and Rolf Bergman, past Grand Master of the Vasa Order; Göran Lithell, assistant to the ambassador; Joanne Damian, assistant to the Cleveland Swedish Consul.
August in Swedish history August 3, 1956: The Volvo Amazon is being launched. A mid-size car manufactured by Volvo Cars, the Amazon shares both the wheelbase as well as its tall posture from its predecessor, the PV. It is being offered in three model configurations: 2-door sedan, 4-door sedan and a wagon. A year later, Volvo provides the car with front seat belts as standard equipment on all the cars, including the export models, becoming the world’s first manufacturer to take this step. The first time it met American consumers was at the New York Auto Show in April, 1959 and then under the model name Volvo 122S. The Amazon later becomes the first car in the world to feature three-point seat belts. When introduced, the car is called the Amason (with an ‘s’), which derives from the fierce female
Scandinavian Festival Presented by Nordic Council of Wisconsin
Philadelphia, PA
On June 9, when the weather in Philadelphia had changed from the sweltering 90s to the comfortable 60s, the Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce hosted its summery cuisine event, The Benefits of Swedish Cooking and Diet, at the American Swedish Historical Museum’s beautiful outdoor space in South Philly. After eating and mingling the 50 guests assembled to listen to the panel discussion. The four panelists were (L-R in image above): Henrik Ringbom, chef at Philadelphia restaurant Brauhaus-Schmitz; Doreen Sundelin, owner and founder of Scandaffären. Swedish Embassy chef Frida Johansson, who had come up from Washington, DC; and Amy von Sydow Green, MD and nutritionist at Penn Metabolic Medicine and cookbook writer.
The Volvo Amazon... first car in the world to feature three-point seat belts.
warriors of Greek mythology. Kreidler, the German manufacturer of motorcycles, had already registered the name, and the two companies agree Volvo can only use the name domestically (within Sweden), modifying the spelling to Amazon. The car is designed by Jan Wilsgaard (born in Brooklyn in 1930), chief designer at Volvo Cars from 1950-1990. Wilsgaard was one of 25 designers nominated for Car Designer of the Century, and was followed at Volvo by the noted designer Peter Horbury.
Oct 8, 2016 10 am-6 pm New Berlin, WI $8 – child $2
At Ronald Reagan Elementary School 4225 S Calhoun Rd New Berlin WI 53151 Inviting friends and family to join in our annual arts & crafts sales booths, ethnic food, genealogy, children’s activities, entertainment and much more. Call 262.366.9152 for additional information.
You’re Cordially Invited to the
37th Annual Scandinavian Day Festival Come Celebrate 37 Years of Danish, Finnish, Icelandic, Norwegian & Swedish Culture and Heritage at Beautiful 25- Acre Vasa Park, located along the Fox River
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2016 10 AM to 6 PM
Presented by The Scandinavian Day Festival Committee at
VASA PARK, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin, Illinois 60177
7 Miles South of I-90 Northwest Tollway & 5 Miles North of IL Rt. 64 North Avenue
Enjoy a Late Summer Day with Traditional Food, Crafts, Games, Gifts & Entertainment Celebrating the Five Nordic Cultures and Heritage
FREE PARKING * Adults $10 * Children 12 & Under FREE ENJOY DELICIOUS SCANDINAVIAN FOOD PLUS SCANDINAVIAN & AMERICAN ENTERTAINMENT
RAIN OR SHINE - Park Hotline 847-695-6720
Visit our Websites to Learn About This and Other Scandinavian Park Events at www.vasaparkil.com and www.scandinaviandayil.com
Feature Entertainment throughout the day Milwaukee Festival Brass Don’t miss out!
July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
The Pacific states. page 10
Skål to Vasa’s 2016 akvavit competition by Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
On Friday, June 3, all the Golden Gate Vasa District 12 Golden Gate regulars gathered together at the Sveadal Clubhouse to set up for the next day’s Akvavit tournament, held on the weekend nearest to Sweden Day (Sweden’s national day, June 6). With tables set and signs posted, about two dozen volunteers enjoyed a delicious and plentiful potluck dinner on the Clubhouse deck. The crowds arrived the next day. To build up an appetite there were friendly games of kubb on the Poker Lawn. Everyone agreed it was fun, for in this case and with these players it was purely a matter of luck ... and at least there was some physical movement involved, as compared to throwing dice. This was followed by a filling lunch of American sandwiches, chips, soda and cookies (to make up for all the calories burned at kubb, no doubt). Of course the early birds can also spend time before the contest in many other activities: swimming and lounging at the pool, playing tennis or basketball at the courts, throwing horseshoes at the several pits behind the pool or hiking into the adjoining Uvas Canyon County Park. Some attended lectures on Swedish genealogy; others toured Sveadal to learn of its history. But everyone had to be back at the lodge by 3 p.m., when the Aquavit submissions were registered. By then more than one hundred more people had arrived, both contestants and consumers.
Akvavit competition
The contest is divided into three categories: 1) Most Traditional Akvavit; 2) Best Tasting Akvavit; and 3) Best Presentation. The first of these must have dill or caraway or anise and cannot contain any sweeteners. Each contestant may submit more than one entry in the same or multiple categories. The contestant’s name and other data is recorded separately and each submission is given a number and the categories under which it is to be judged. This year’s competition grew by half again, with some 60 entries. The entries are laid out according to their categories. No one can sample any of the beverages before the judges have sampled that category. So, in the meantime, thirsty admirers gather around a smorgåsbord of sill, gravad lax, olives and pickles, as well
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
Guests and participants at the 2016 Akvavit Competition at Sveadal. Photo Erik Schulkin
as plenty of knäckebröd. Thoughtfully, lest any of the consumers faint for lack of a sip, water and saft are provided as a temporary substitute. We were honored again to have three masters as judges: Martin Geijer, a native of Stockholm and founder of the delicious Geijer Glögg, frequently advertises in Nordstjernan. Geijer Glögg 1889 is based upon his Swedish family’s generations-old recipe. He has transformed this into the world’s first glögg liqueur, which can be taken straight, on the rocks; bar masters are now using this as a secret ingredient in many familiar drinks or special cocktails. (www.geijerglogg.com) Roberth Sundell, a native of Stockholm, is founder and owner of the exquisite Pläj Scandinavian Restaurant & Bar, located in the lively arts center of San Francisco. Featuring farm-to-table dining, it attracts a prestigious clientele and ranks among the San Francisco Chronicle’s Top 100 Bay Area Restaurants. (www.plajrestaurant.com ) Alexander (Alex) Hult, a native of Borlänge, Sweden, was a professional hockey player in Sweden. Here in the U.S., he owns Hult’s Restaurant in Los Gatos. He, too, features farm-to-table dining and is an Open Table Diner’s Choice 2015 Winner. Hult was honored this year by California’s State Legislature for being selected as the
Past winners of previous Sveadal akvavit contests beside Sveadal’s Viking trophy: (L-R) Greta Anderson, Bob Olson, Jim Melin, Sarah Lipscomb, Victoria Feodor-Thurman, and Scott Schulkin. Photo Jim Melin
Silicon Valley Small Business of the Year 2016. (www.hultsrestaurant.com)
The people’s vote
Retired Vasa District 12 Master Mikael Peterson and his wife, Corky, once again distinguished themselves not merely for helping organize this year’s festivity but also for providing all of the accoutrements: the raffle tickets, akvavit glasses for sale or the free plastic shot glasses, but most especially for their 50-page Akvavit companion booklet (for a bargain $5 — AKVAVIT, The Water of Life: World Championship Akvavit Competition Recipes, compiled and edited by Corky & Mikael Peterson, and published by Peterson Publications, 2016). In addition to providing a brief history of akvavit and this competition, it not only offers loads of akvavit recipes but also recipes for foods to
be paired with the “water of life.” It also provides several typical snapsvisor to be sung as an accompaniment to the elixir and to celebrate the good health and good times with good friends. After the judges cleared one category’s table of drinks, the consumers descended upon the bottles of akvavit. Each person had a ballot to rank his choices and there was much animated debate on the worth of each flask, as well as many recommendations among friends to try this one or that one. Though the bottles with their creative names were anonymous, some were hawked by particular contestants more than others. Just the containers and their labels alone are creative, but especially at the Best Presentation table. Scott Schulkin, the founder of the event, hollowed out a whole watermelon, filled it with ice and one of his special blends
The Pacific states. page 11
Sweden in America
apps for your smartphone that give you instant access to everything Swedish in the U.S. One for events, one for places, stores and to search for the things you long for ... anything! Available on Apple Store or Google Play or download at www.swedeninamerica.com - where Sweden meets America: Places, events and organizations. (Apps by Nordstjernan)
The winners of Sveadal’s 2016 Akvavit Contest were (L-R): Bob Olson (Most Traditional Akvavit); Carolyn Fedor-Thurman (Best Tasting Akvavit); and Jim Melin (Best Presentation). Photo Victoria Feodor-Thurman
and implanted a spigot in it. On a tray with it were huge strawberries, each scooped out to contain a delicious akvavit jelly. But if Scott thought that he would outstage his rival Jim Melin, he had another thought coming. Just as we were enjoying a strawberry and shot from Scott’s watermelon, Jim announced, “It’s a bird, it’s a
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plane, no, it’s a Super Akvavit!” On cue, a drone bearing an icy bottle of delicious akvavit appeared and gently delivered it onto the Poker Lawn. The flagon was proudly brought to its place of honor, and Jim was rightfully proud as Scott and Bob Olson tried to convince him that all entries needed to be in place before the judging. After the contest everyone gathered for pictures to commemorate the occasion, the judges and the winners. Then as bottles were retrieved, everyone retired inside the Clubhouse for a delicious dinOne of The Largest ner prepared by Selections of Sveadal chef GloScandinavian ria Nelson. Many Foods in the US a skål was hoisted.
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Life made Sweder NORDSTJERNAN
Judges for Vasa District 12’s 2016 Akvavit Competition enjoyed their task: (L-R) Roberth Sundell, Alex Hult and Martin Geijer. Photo Jim Melin
The winners
Because Scott Schulkin was a contestant, Ted Olsson was asked to step in as MC. He thanked Scott Schulkin for having created and sustained this enjoyable tradition. He also thanked Jim Melin for his promotion and creativity, the judges and all the organizers and participants. Then Jan Nordin led all Swedes in singing their national anthem, and the whole room sang a number of traditional snapsvisor. Later Ted announced this year’s new champions: Most Traditional: Bob Olson’s brews were awarded both the prize and the runner up position. This is all the more remarkable because Bob has now won this prize three years in a row. So, next year, he’s the one to beat. Best Presentation: Jim Melin, for his
creative presentation in landing his bottle precisely at ground zero and Team Odin’s tapped watermelon was runner-up. Best Tasting: Carolyn Fedor-Thurman won this title with Jim Melin as runner-up. The MC announced that next year there would be a fourth category of competition, open to all, whether contestant, consumer or observer. This will be the Skål Song Contest. The rules are simple: 1) pick any universally known American tune; 2) create a simply-rhymed lyric (typically including the word “aquavit”); 3) teach all to sing it; and 4) lead all in a communal skål with it. The night ended with many a skål, fond memories and hauntingly beautiful trumpet serenades. Some people talked long into the night; others left. The next day was a program celebrating Vasa and Sweden Day. For more info, see www.sveadal.org July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 12 perspectives.
Olle Wijkström olle.wijkstrom@nordstjernan.com
Sant generösa människor är givmilda. De är givmilda och generösa med såväl sina egna pengar som med sig själva. De bjuder frikostigt på sig själva. Det är befriande att möta generösa personer. I den värld vi lever i bor tyvärr också alltför många giriga snåljopar. Jag har haft lyckan att under min vandring på denna planet möta och komma nära många generösa personer . En av de mest generösa hette Karl Herman. Blotta namnet är i min mening generöst. Inte bara ett ensamt Karl. Och inte heller endast ett fattigt Herman. Men mer generöst Karl Herman. Karl Herman var korvhandlare. Om han så ville kunde Karl Herman också titulera sig direktör. Karl Herman drev nämligen en charkuterifabrik i Stockholm som tillverkade Stockholms mest delikata korv. “Korv gör glad” var Karl Hermans varumärke. Karl Hermans var så god och blev så populär att Karl Herman så småningom blev smått förmögen. Han fick större chans att visa prov på sin generositet. Karl Herman tyckte mycket om att se på god konst och intressant måleri. Han fann speciell glädje i att umgås med unga begåvade konstnärer och samtala med dem om deras ofta fattiga villkor och skrala förhållanden. Lolle Andersson hette en målare på frammarsch i Stockholm på den tiden. Karl Herman bjöd Lolle en sommardag i juni följa med på en tur i Karl Hermans motorbåt upp utefter den fagra Furusundskanalen. När de närmade sig Furusund fick Karl Herman en idé. Vid Furusund låg ett trevligt värdshus inbäddat i grönskan. Karl Herman hade från sitt slakteri levererat fina produkter till värdshuset. Tyvärr hade värdshusvärden aldrig betalt för de produkter han erhållit. Samtidigt visste Karl Herman att hans båtgäst Lolle Andersson aldrig haft råd att bjuda någon på middag i ett värdshus. Därför såg han sin chans att förverkliga detta förhållande nu. Karl Herman tog med sig Lolle upp till värdshuset och presenterade honom för krögaren med orden: “Om du krögare nu låter Lolle bjuda alla som finns på krogen på kokt piggvar och vitt vin så stryker vi den skuld du har till mig”. Krögaren accepterade budet som skäligt. Lolle steg in i värdshuset och blev hyllad av alla gäster
Generositet som gladdes år piggvar och vitt vin. Alla blev glada. Värdshusvärden blev tacksam över att hans skuld var avklarad och att han kunde fortsätta få leveranser från Karl Herman. Lolle blev glad över att han äntligen fått stoltsera som värd. Karl Herman förstod att han aldrig skulle fått full betalning men fröjdades åt ha gett Lolle ett minne för livet. Varje jul sände även Karl Herman från sitt charkuteri en korg fylld med korvar till sina många konstnärsvänner. Han befarade att de inte hade råd att själva inhandla produkterna. Karl Herman målade på egen hand också. Hans talang gick dock helt i den burleska stilen Den var honom inte främmande.. Därför var det helt naturligt att den tavla han ställde ut gavs namnet: “Finnig dam i motljus” Den hade tveklöst humoristiska drag. Som direktör och chef för ett företag var det vanligt att Karl Herman ibland skulle bjuda affärsbekanta på luncher. Karl Herman ogillade dylika kalas eftersom de ofta kom att handla om affärer eller konkurrens. Han trivdes bättre att umgås med människor från olika läger och med andra intresseinriktningar. För att ändock leva upp till vad som väntades av honom samlade Karl Herman konstnärsvänner, skärgårdsbor, släktingar, skådespelare, kåsörer, författare och affärsvänner till gemensamma, hejdundrande sammankomster. Vid något tillfälle hyrde han hela operahuset. Karl Herman kunde konsten att överraska. Samtidigt roades han av att chockera. Ju längre minnena kring händelser jag upplevde med och tack vare Karl Herman växer fram desto tacksammare blir jag att ha fått komma en så generös människa in på livet. De människor som av naturen fått gåvan att vara generösa skänker tillvaron glada ögonblick. Generositet behöver inte nödvändigtvis kosta pengar. Vi borde alla i vår tillvaro tillämpa den konsten.
Your newspaper. Your stories.
Submit to editor@nordstjernan.com Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
Västerbotten cheese quiche with grilled red pepper
1 pie plate, 8 inch in diameter PIE SHELL 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup graham flour 1 stick of butter 2 tbsp water 1 egg white FILLING 7 oz grated Västerbotten cheese (a hard, aged, sharp cheese) 2/3 cup milk 1 egg 1 grilled red pepper salt and white pepper PIE SHELL: Put flour, butter and water in a food processor and mix to form a pastry
• Line a greased pie plate (8 inch in diameter) with the dough and place in fridge for 30 minutes • Heat oven to 450°F • Prick and baste pie shell with egg white • Pre-bake pie shell for 10 minutes. FILLING: Cut the grilled red pepper in strips • Mix all ingredients for the filling and pour into pie shell • Reduce temperature to 350°F and bake for another 30 minutes • This quiche is at its best when served at room temperature. The perfect complement to accommodate anyone whose taste buds are not ready for crayfish yet. Works equally well for a light summer supper. (A sample recipe from God Jul—The Nordstjernan book with all the recipes you need for a Swedish traditional Christmas, translated for the American home and modified to fit our present lifestyle.)
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The Pacific states. page 13
Song and art fill a Midsummer day by Ted Olsson, San Francisco ted@nordstjernan.com
From May through October, San Francisco hosts a free festival of Thursday lunchtime concerts at Yerba Buena Gardens, “a verdant oasis in the heart of the city.” This is an artificial dell created in the heart of the downtown, beside the convention center complex and surrounded by theaters, museums and tall skyscrapers. But spread out on the huge, central-lawn amphitheater near the cascade of the MLK waterfall, one loses sight and sound of the bustling city. Even the far off wail of a siren barely interrupts the amplified concert, which frequently stops passersby in their tracks and attracts many office workers from downtown cubicles. If there ever was a time to be grateful to city fathers for their foresight in setting aside The Jenny Lind concert is held in Yerba Buena Gardens. Here the stage is L-R: Matilda Lindholm, pianist, accompanied Karin this oasis during massive construction in the in the middle and to the right is SFMOMA, just beyond the park. Photo: Ted Osbeck, mezzosoprano at San Francisco’s 2016 Jenny Lind 60s, this is such an occasion. concert. Photo: 2016, Folkhus och Parker Olsson For more than a dozen years, Consul Gense), which draws young sing- inauguration day. eral Barbro Osher has sponsored the annual The whole experience was astounding, capers from many countries. After Jenny Lind concert here as a prelude to a arduous trials from a specified tivating me for more than six hours. And right Swedish Midsummer. The event draws many repertoire of works by classic there, as you would expect, were almost half a Swedes and shares our culture with many and current Swedish composers dozen Osher galleries, by Barbro and Barney, other citizens. This year’s concert featured (including Stenhammar), the great local and national philanthropists for art mezzo-soprano Karin Osbeck, the Jenny finalists give a triumphant concert and education — a gift to the city and visitors Lind Scholarship recipient from the Royal accompanied by the Norrköpping by The Bernard Osher Foundation. Swedish Academy of Music, sponsored also The Osher galleries all featured contempoSymphony Orchestra, when the by the People’s Parks and Community Cenwinning Stenhammar laureate is rary art, but what intrigued me was an open ters in Stockholm. Osbeck is studying at the and welcoming gallery on the fifth floor, across introduced. University College of Opera in Stockholm and The Jenny Lind concert lasted from a cozy coffee bar. This Osher gallery believes opera can uniquely move audiences. just an hour but set the mood featured preliminary designs and fabrics and On this tour, Osbeck was accompanied by for art to enliven the day. So, concepts for this museum by the architects. the equally gifted pianist Matilda Lindholm, while many others had to return The shape of the new addition was itself a now in her second year at the Royal College to their offices in the towers of challenge, replacing an old firehouse abutting of Music in Stockholm. She began playing the commerce, we were able to walk the recently built museum. The classic façade piano as a young child with her grandmother, Sonja Stenhammar and Ingemar Ringqvist across the street to the newly expanded San of the SFMOMA facing Yerba Buena Gardens then studied at Vadstena Music School, where relax at SFMOMA after the concert. Photo: Francisco Museum of Modern Art (www. was now complemented by a rippling white her interest in chamber music became a pas- Ted Olsson façade rising behind and above it. On the secsfmoma.org). sion. At the Royal College, she specializes “Jeux d’eau” by Ravel. They were roundly ond floor terrace, outside the gallery of Calder in solo repertoire as well as accompanying applauded after each piece and responded with mobiles is a simply stunning vertical garden. singers and ensembles. a beloved Swedish summer song as an encore. SFMOMA After three years of construction, during The two-story living wall (29 feet high by 150 This modern concert-tour circuit of citIt was good that they included “Vid fönstret” feet wide) consists of almost 15,000 plants (21 ies in the United States commemorates a by Stenhammar, for sitting in the front row was which the closed museum loaned exhibits to of the 37 species native to California), continusimilar tour in 1850-52 by the highly regarded the accomplished opera soprano Sonja Sten- other museums in the Bay Area and Califorally watered with recycled water. Swedish soprano, Jenny Lind (“the Swedish hammar, granddaughter of the composer. Still nia, the new 10-story expansion with 45,000 And exemplifying the range of design in this Nightingale”), who sang under the auspices singing but after a career encircling the globe, square feet of free public space, designed by museum were a series of galleries devoted to and promotion of empressario P. T. Barnum; in 2006 Ms. Stenhammar founded the biennial international architect Snøhetta, nearly triples a new exhibit on “Typefaces and Interfaces.” he applied his skills from billing his circus to Wilhelm Stenhammar International Music its gallery space. Yes, the museum itself has its own new pair of As SFMOMA’s Schwab director Neal Beneother fields. While the tour was financially Competition (www.stenhammarcompetition. fonts: SFMOMA Text Book and SFMOMA zra stated, “With our goal of providing more very rewarding for both partners, the Swede Display Book, which is fully explained at the art to more people, now and for generations donated her monies to founding schools in entrance to the exhibit. The hereditary “printto come,” the new museum becomes the largSweden. But she tired of Barnum’s ceaseless ers ink” in my veins quickened to see these est collection of modern and contemporary commercial celebrity promotion and the two various fonts, logos and illustrations on printed American art in the country. Anchoring the parted amicably in 1851 as she continued her pages and posters as well as those implementcollection are 1,100 works of contemporary tour for another year, during which time she paintings and sculptures from Gap founders ed by technology (e.g., the old Remington and met and later married Otto Goldschmidt, her Donald and Doris Fisher’s personal collection. Underwood manual typewriters I grew up on, pianist and conductor. And this is complemented by 15,000 square the IBM Selectric typewriter I used at work, feet permanently devoted to photography, the and onto the type and graphics of the Mac, 2016 Jenny Lind concert the Palm Pilot with Graffiti continuous swipe most of any museum in the United States. Today’s two musicians were equally acSurrounding cultural institutions such as the letters, and the iPhone, all used by me at other complished and closely bonded. Osbeck’s Museum of the African Diaspora, the Con- high tech employers. program of songs ranged from the classics The day began with art amidst nature and temporary Jewish Museum, the Yerba Buena of Schubert, Schuman, Mozart, Berlioz, continued with a vast array of contemporary Center for the Arts, the Children’s Creativity Mendelssohn and Rossini, but also included art and architecture. It made one enjoy just beMuseum and many more throughout the Yerba pieces by A.F. Lindblad, William Stenhammar ing alive and sensitive. A day of art and nature: Buena Cultural District joined SFMOMA in and Gösta Nystroem, of her native heritage. The new extensive SFMOMA as seen from creativity in abundance. Thank you, Barbro. offering free admission and programing on its Lindholm played a spritely but dramatic song, Yerba Buena Gardens. Photo: Ted Olsson July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 14
More events and list your own, at www.nordstjernan.com-EVENTS
l Florida
Continuously The Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce of Fort Lauderdale and Palm Beach promotes trade, commerce and investment opportunities between Sweden, Fort Lauderdale - Palm Beach and members. See www.sacc-sfl.org
l Illinois
07.25.2016 09:00 AM - 07.29.2016 02:00 PM Pioneer the World Day Camp: Session I Travel the world without leaving Chicago! Come and explore the food, dance, folk arts, and cultural identities of a different country each day in our Pioneer the World Day Camp. Campers end the week with their very own World’s Fair to show off their work to the public. Pioneer
Camp is always packed with fun and adventure for children ages 6 to 10. The participation fee (per session) for 2016 is $200 members, $250 non-members; extended care is available until 4 p.m. for an additional $75 per week. To complete your registration please fill out and return to the Museum the 2016 Pioneer Camp registration form and supplement found on the Museum’s website in addition to making your payment online. Questions can be directed to our education manager, Stacey Nyman, at snyman@samac. org.. Swedish American Museum. 773-728-8111 | www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 07.28.2016 01:00 PM - 07.28.2016 02:00 PM Walking Tour of Andersonville Learn about the Swedish heritage in Andersonville with a guided tour led by the Swedish American Museum. Cost is $5 per person and includes admission to the Museum and a copy of the walking tour booklet. Members pay $1 for the booklet. Guided tours will start and end at the Museum on last Thursday June through September starting at 1 p.m. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org 09.10.2016 06:00 PM - 10:00 PM Annual Crayfish Party SACC Chicago annual crayfish party held at Sheridan Shore Yacht Club, 20 Harbor Drive, Wilmette, IL 60091.. SACC Chicago. 312.257.3002 | www.sacc-chicago.org Continuously Step back in time in historic Bishop Hill. Utopia on the Prairie, then and now. For information call 309-927-3899 or email heritage@bishophill. com. Visit our Website at: www.bishophill.com
l Massachussetts
09.24.2016 11:00 AM - 09.24.2016 03:00 PM Smårgåsbord Nordic Food Festival. The New England Smörgåsbord Nordic Food Festival celebrates Nordic flavors with tasting stations from Denmark, Iceland, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Other highlights include Nordic Vendors, live music, guest speakers, kids’ station, family friendly games, a live Viking encampment, and more “foodie” fun! Sponsors and vendors are still being accepted. Scandinavian Cultural Center. 617.795.1914|www.scandicenter.org
l Minnesota
06.02.2016 07:00 PM - 08.14.2016 06:00 PM Nordic, a photo essay Magnus Nilsson’s Nordic: A Photographic Essay of Landscapes, Food and People.. American Swedish Institute. 612.871.4907. info@asimn.org. www.asimn.org
06.18.2016 07:00 PM - 10.18.2016 06:00 PM Quilting Art Today Quilting has been transformed into a multi-faceted art form practiced worldwide. The varied works on display in this major ASI exhibition will be staged throughout the Turnblad Mansion, featuring creations by Swedish and other artists encompassing the traditional to the abstract. . American Swedish Institute. 612.871.4907. info@asimn.org. www. asimn.org 08.29.2016 04:30 PM - 07:00 PM Kubb + Mystery Monday. A music event begins with a few rounds of Kubb, the Viking lawn game, on the Grant House lawn. Connor Lestrud is the instructor, and he is a champion Kubb player from the Masse Moro Norwegian Language Camp near Eau Claire, WI. After the Kubb games guests may adjourn to the Grant House restaurant and order off the menu at 5:11 p.m., a mysterious start time. Music by Wink the Other Eye begins at 5:49 p.m. There will also be cryptograms and other puzzles to add to the mystery of the night. Please call to register: 320358-1211. A sliding scale fee is charged for Kubb, $6-$10, and a donation is recommended for the music, $3-$10. We R Able. 320-358-1210 | www. scred.k12.mn.us
l New Jersey
09.04.2016 06:00 AM - 09.04.2016 02:00 PM 32nd annual Scandinavian Fest ScanFest ‘16 Heritage festival celebrating the cultures and contributions of Denmark, Estonia, FInland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden with a full day of foods, gifts and handcrafts, entertainment on 6 stages, special kids’ activities, organizations, music, dancing, reenactors, demonstrating artisans, talks, presentations, encampments, vikings (sorry, only limited pillage & ravagging), ... and the 8th annual all-Jersey wife carry contest finals. 1 Wolfe Road, Budd Lake is near Hackettstown & Somerville -discounted early-sale tickets at www.ScanFest.org . Scandinavian Fest, Inc.. 610-417-1483. Info@ScanFest.org. www.ScanFest.org
l New York
08.06.2016 07:00 PM - 08.20.2016 08:00 PM Crimes and Crimes The August Strindberg Repertory Theatre will present a remaking of August Strindberg’s “Crimes and Crimes.” With new focus on the dark comedy, the play follows the story of Maurice, a playwright on the brink of success. Maurice’s success is put into jeopardy when his prized champion show dog dies mysteriously
Välkommen till
and he is labeled as one of the key suspects in the alleged murder. August Strindberg Repertory Theatre. 212.868.4444. jsateam@gmail.com. www.strindbergrep.com 08.06.2016 09:30 PM - 11:00 PM Elsa Nilsson and Jon Cowherd Jazz Flutist and composer Elsa Nilsson and renowned pianist Jon Cowherd will perform original music and arrangements of Swedish traditional songs and Jimi Hendrix tunes at Caffe Vivaldi on Saturday, August 6th, 9.30 pm. Swedish-born flute player Elsa Nilsson’s music is profoundly playful and widely influenced. www.elsanilssonmusic.com Caffe Vivaldi, 32 Jones St, New York, NY 10014. (212) 691-7538 | www.caffevivaldi.com
l Pennsylvania
08.06.2016 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM SmorgasBeer’d For the 6th year in a row, the American Swedish Historical Museum invites brewers and beer enthusiasts to come together for a summer evening at the Museum, sampling local Philly and Scandinavian lagers, ales, stouts and more. This year’s breweries include The Brooklyn Brewery, Yards Brewing Co.and Flying Fish Brewing Company. Admission: $25 In advance $30 At the door $10 Designated driver price. Food, beer samples and museum admission is included. Minimum age of 21 required to drink. Register by phone or online. American Swedish Historical Museum. 215.389.1776 | americanswedish.org 08.12.2016 12:00 PM - 08.14.2016 04:00 PM Mt. Jewett Swedish Festival Ethnic food, music, and entertainment with a Swedish flavor. The annual Swedish Festival celebrates the Swedish heritage of Mount Jewett with a traditional Swedish Smörgåsbord. Highlights include rides for children and adults, a maypole dance, Scandinavian folk band with Swedish dancers, a Norwegian storyteller, parade and fireworks.. Town of Mount Jewett. 814-778-5701. mjboro@ mjboro.comcastbiz.net | www.mtjewettpa.com
l South Carolina
05.21.2016 11:00 AM - 10.31.2016 12:00 PM Charleston Kubb Club Our Kubb season is is in full swing every Saturday from 11 a.m.- noon. This is a free, family event. COME AND TRY THIS GREAT SPORT! Find us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Charleston-KubbClub-1588613441460426. Charleston Kubb Club. 843.324.8076. wcui2@aol.com.
ANNUAL STEAK and LOBSTER FEST Hosted by Diana Birger Jarl # 3
Sunday, AUGUST 21, 2016
AT VASA PARK (Park opens at noon, dinner ar 2 p.m.)
Söndag 11 september kl 11.00
Menu: Lobster and/or steak, bakedpotato, cole slaw, corn on the cob, dessert, coffee, tea, soda. Special children’s menu available. Look for Vasa Park, South Meriden, CT on Facebook
16 söndagen efter Trefaldighet - Högmässa Vi välkomnar nya prästen Louise Linder med familj. Präster: Louise Linder och Staffan Eklund Sång • Kyrkkaffe
Church of Sweden at Norwegian Seamen’s Church 2454 Hyde Street, San Francisco • Tel: 415-632-8504 Mer information: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco
5 East 48th Street, New York, NY 10017 Tel: +1 (212) 832-8443
mdv xnqj Öppettider 31 jul - 13 aug SÖNDAG
Caféet öppet 12-16 31/7 Högmässa 11.00 7/8 Högmässa 11.00
MÅNDAG SOMMARSTÄNGT
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
www.svenskakyrkan.se/newyork TISDAG
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
ONSDAG
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Mässa
The park is turning 70 in September!
@sk.ny Svenska kyrkan i New York TORSDAG
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
FREDAG
Caféet öppet 12-18 12.15 Middagsbön 18.00 Aftonbön
LÖRDAG
Caféet öppet 12-16
local events. page 15
Midsummer at the museum, Philadelphia
Continued from page 4
The End of August: The Eel Darkness
The end of August, especially in the south, brings what’s called Ålagillen. “Ål” means eel and “gillen” doesn’t really translate into English, though we ought to have a word for it: It means something like “the chance to have a good time while eating and drinking.” These parties are less demanding and can last into the autumn, perhaps weaning Swedes off the crustacean-filled holiday month as they ease back into the daily life of work and school in September. It starts as “ålamörkret sätter in” (the eel darkness sets in) toward the end of August, when the moon is on the wane and the nights are a little darker; the eel can no longer see the nets and thus get trapped on their way to the sea. They move in great numbers as they pass the southeast coastline of Sweden, fattened up for their long journey. There may be less emphasis on eel parties in part because the eel population has been threatened, and fishing for them has been limited in the last decade. Since 2007, only licensed fishermen are allowed to fish for eel, and they are entirely prohibited from doing so along western shores between September 15 and April 30; the licensed fishermen in the Baltic can choose a period of 90 consecutive days throughout the year. And, depending on the habitat, an eel must be at least 25 inches (65 cm) or 18 inches (45 cm) long. At ålagillen parties, nothing but eel is served to eat, though there may be as many as 10 or 12 varieties of fried, boiled, smoked and grilled eel with various kinds of stuffing. It’s quite fatty and rich in flavor, and snaps is often the drink of choice, though it may not be quite as common as with surströmming. We have never heard of an “ålagille” in North America, nor has anyone dared host a surströmming party — if anyone has, let us know. Kräftskivor, on the other hand, are abundant in the U.S. (See our events calendar to find a party near you or visit the nearest IKEA to set up your own.) If you are planning your own party in August, find all the ingredients you need by consulting our new apps at swedeninamerica.com and nordicinamerica.com.
American Swedish Historical Museum hosted its annual Midsommarfest on Saturday, June 25 with amazing weather, maypole dancing, games, food, singalong, homemade pastries, live music from The Swedish Meatballs and more. The festivities were arranged by a museum committee called Midsommarklubben, consisting of Swedish women who now live in the U.S. See www.americanswedish.org for upcoming events, such as beer tasting at the Smorgasbeer’d event on August 6 and the Crayfish Dinner August 26. For more info, see www.americanswedish.org
Midsummer at the American Swedish Historical Museum, Philadelphia organized by the museum’s Midsommarklubben.
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A quarterly journal devoted to Swedish American biography, genealogy, and personal history. Founded in 1981.
Subscription Subscription $28 per$30 calendar year. per year Subscribers Subscribers are areinvited invited to to aa genealogical genealogical Workshop Salt Lake Lake workshop in in Salt City City each each autumn. October.
Swedish American Genealogist Swenson Center Augustana College Rock Island, IL 61201-2296 Phone 309 794-7204 www.augustana.edu/sag
July 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
sports. page 16
Photo: Hanna Teleman /Bildbyran
Photo: Mathilda Ahlberg/Bildbyrån
Sweden ready for Olympic foray
Sweden’s 2012 men’s olympic team in handball arrives back to Sweden with their silver medals.
Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
There may not be many medals in Sweden’s future at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, but those that come could be fairly high profile. A total of 152 athletes, 86 women and 66 men, are set to compete in everything from archery to wrestling, with the women playing 21 sports while the men are entered in 13. Many athletes are a team of one, such as archer Christine Bjerendal, who also competed in the 2012 Games. Indoor world record holder Susanna Kallur is looking for her first Olympic medal in what is likely to be her last Games. At age 35, Kallur remains a force in the hurdles inside but has never found the same success on outdoor tracks. Injuries the past eight years have also taken their toll on Kallur. The highest profile athlete on the men’s side is Henrik Stenson, who is coming off his firstever major win at the 2016 British Open. Stenson, a PGA veteran, held off American Phil Mickelson to win the Open and will compete in the Olympic tournament along with David Lingmerth, a European Tour pro. Pernilla Lindberg, who plays on the LPGA Tour and who attended Oklahoma State University, and Anna Nordqvist, another LPGA pro, are set to represent Sweden in the women’s tournament. The athletes with the highest expectations are the men’s and women’s football and handball teams. In men’s soccer, Sweden’s men are coming with their first-ever win at a major European tournament, claiming the 2015 Under-21 European Championship. Sweden defeated Portugal 4-3 on penalties in the final, securing a berth at Rio. Along the way, it opened global eyes to the young talent Swedish football is now producing. Among them is 21-year-old Simon Tabbling,
Nordstjernan, July 30, 2016
who left Djurgården and the Allsvenskan in 2014 for Dutch side Groningen. Tabbling scored the equalizer in Sweden’s draw with Portugal that sent the Blue and Yellow to the semis. Tabbling scored again in that match and had an assist as Sweden whipped Denmark to reach the final. As a young boy, however, Tabbling was not as interested in football as he was in Pokemon, the popular Japanese anime character. “I started playing football at the age of six for a little club called Grodinge SK, but I didn’t enjoy it at all. I wanted to quit after my first training session,” he told FIFA.com. “My mother insisted I continue, but I didn’t want to until she offered me a deal: ‘Go to training and I’ll give you two packs of Pokemon cards.’ I was collecting them and that was enough to convince me to carry on playing football.” Tabbling isn’t the only player with high expectations. A surprise pick for head coach Håkan Eriksson’s side was 19-year-old Jordan Larsson, son of former Swedish icon and current Helsingborg manager Henrik Larsson. The young Larsson has played in just one U-21 match in which he scored the game-winning goal. He has seven goals in 44 matches — league and cup — for Helsingborg. Sweden plays in Group B where it faces Japan, Nigeria and Colombia. On the women’s side, Pia Sundhage has a team that could reach the gold-medal game. Sweden won the UEFA Olympic Qualifying tournament in March and brings an internationally experienced squad to Brazil. Leading the way are stalwarts Lotta Schelin and Caroline Seger, both of whom now play professionally in France. This is likely the last Olympic tournament for both stars. Sundhage’s 18-player squad is the most international women’s team Sweden has fielded, including five players from France, two from
Sweden’s national women’s team in soccer. Trainer Pia Sundhage (front left) has a team that could reach the gold-medal game.
England and one from Germany. Midfielder Lisa Dahlkvist said the Olympic tournament was a turning point for the team, which plays China, Brazil and South Africa in Rio. “Those three games brought us together more and more,” Dahlqvist told FIFA.com. “We play very quick football and have a good defense. We work very hard together and have a good team spirit.” In men’s handball, Sweden qualified for Rio after placing second in a qualifying tournament in Malmo in April. The men’s team is to play in Group B, where it faces Poland, Germany, Slovenia, Tunisia and Egypt. The women face a tougher task. After qualifying by winning a tournament in Russia in April, the Swedes find themselves in Group D where they face powerhouses Netherlands and France as well as Russia, Argentina and
South Korea. In swimming, 39-year-old Therese Alshammar will compete in her sixth Olympic Games when she hits the pool in the 50-meter freestyle. Alshammar has won three Olympic medals, 25 World Championship medals and 43 medals in the European Championships. She is the first female athlete to compete in six Olympic Games and one of just three atthletes overall to accomplish the feat. Fellow Swedish swimmer Lars Frolander and Turkish swimmer Derya Buyukuncu are the other two. The 2016 Rio Games open on August 5.
Photo: Ludvig Thunmanl/Bildbyran
Henrik Stenson meets the press after winning the 2016 British Open. Stenson is biggest name on Sweden’s Olympic squad.