nordstjernan The Swedish Newspaper of America
Published by Swedish News. Volume 144 No. 20, November 30, 2016. Price per copy $2.50
Page 23-38
Christmas markets: The start of the Christmas season begins with the first of Advent as well as Christmas markets (julmarknader) in every community—of Sweden and Swedish America. / Page 7, 12
Santa Claus’ makeover Helen Nielsen-Eckfield guest@nordstjernan.com
Over the past couple holiday seasons we have shared conversations regarding the inspired efforts of a group of conscientious santas in California who have stepped up to the task of trying to help parents correct the unhealthy diets our American children now embrace. Everyone knows the problem: The fast and processed “food” being consumed in America has led to an explosion of preventable, chronic metabolic and other diet driven diseases in our children which were only rarely seen 30 years ago. And it’s not just Type 2 Diabetes. It’s everything from fatty liver, bleeding and leaky bowel, high blood pressure, and the bad food driven illnesses of cancer and heart disease. It’s not just limited to those who are overweight or obese (80 percent of whom will suffer from these Continued on page 16
Photo: Marie Andersson/Skansen
This Week, Page 20
Page 20
Sweden, Page 2, 3
Former Prime Minister thinks U.S. election spells trouble / Sweden may be ready for digital currency / Love letters from Astrid Lindgren / Stressed-out Swedes call in sick / Bob Dylan won’t go to the ceremony / Government extends border controls.
Page 15, 22
Local, Page 12-14
Find out what’s going on around Swedish America this Christmas.
Dashboard, Page 20, 21
This holiday season Santa is urging parents and kids to ‘eat the rainbow’ of vegetables.
Walkabout in Stockholm
Public transportation is excellent in Stockholm, but there is much to be said for the rich experiences gained by walking around the historic city. For visitors, this may be especially true on the islands that make up the interior of the city, including Gamla Stan, Djurgården and Södermalm. As in any city, each neighborhood has a personality of its own –- perhaps the foundation of the love affair many of us have with Sweden’s capital city. This is true for one of our contributors who often takes us along as he walks around Stockholm, where he has spent many years living and learning. This time, follow him to Söder, in his walkabout on page 5.
Worst dressed model is from Sweden? / Local residents light up “Little Sweden” / Swedish producer pulls off wonderful one-night event in New York / Victims of mansplaining in the workplace get help / Become an American cowboy in Sweden / The purrfect dialect.
Local, Page 3, 7
Prepare the way for Christmas during Advent.
Pages 3, 7
news in brief. page 2
Swedish News
what to expect coming up in December / January
The Trump presidency could be the end of the West as we know it, according to former Swedish PM Carl Bildt.
Carl Bildt thinks Trump spells trouble
(World) Former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt, who is now a contributing writer for The Washington Post, believes Donald Trump’s presidency brings many reasons for concern and the good relationship between Europe and the U.S. could be shaken to its foundation. Bildt states in his Nov. 15 article that this could be the end of the West as we know it. ”For more than half a century, this story of phenomenal success has been built on a commitment to freedom and democracy, free trade, solid alliances and reliable friendships. All this has been attacked or questioned by Trump,” wrote Bildt.
You’ve prepared the julskinka, the traditional Christmas ham, the Swedish way. Celebrated on Christmas Eve, had people over on Boxing Day (Annandag Jul) and still have half of the ham left over. We offer some ideas on what you can prepare next. Also, no Christmas without risgrynsgröten, grötrim and new food trends from Stockholm. Other than
that, well, we’re soon entering our 145th year of continuous publishing and will celebrate the occasion by offering you more color on better paper and more content—and a slightly different format. Nordstjernan has always been and remains the Swedish newspaper of America (since 1872). Happy Christmas preparations!
Digital currency may soon be a reality
(National) Sweden is often touted as a cashless society, and it may soon become one of the first countries in the world with electronic currency. Debit cards and apps such as Swish are well established but now Riksbank is embarking on a new system to give Sweden a leading edge when it comes to electronic payment solutions. It is still unclear which type of technology might be used but there may be a decision within two years.
Letters of unrequited love, friendship, art
(Culture) Six hundred love letters that were written during a span of 11 years, show beloved Swedish author Astrid Lindgren in a new light in biographer Jens Anderson’s new book, “Jag Har Också Levat” (“I Have Also Lived”). The letters are a correspondence between Lindgren and the German intellectual, Louise Hartung, whom she met and fell in love with in Berlin in 1953. Their relationship was to remain platonic, but the correspondence and the relationship was of great importance to Lindgren. The two often wrote of Goethe, Henry Miller, pornography, culture, politics and careers as Hartung became Lindgren’s eyes to the world.
Cleaning your home may be unnecessary
(Lifestyle) If you are planning to clean your house this weekend, put down that mop and bucket. According to Agnes Wold, professor of clinical bacteriology at the University of Gothenburg, cleaning house to fight germs and disease is not as important as the world has lead us to believe. Keeping a home hygienic and clinically clean became the responsibility of the housewife with the belief that microbes were the cause of infectious disease. “It is not,” said Wold. “The mission (of bacteria) is to spread between people.”
Swedes stressing out
(Lifestyle) More and more Swedes are calling in sick due to stress related illness, with the greatest number affected in Västra Götaland and Alingsås. In six years, the number of people taking sick leave due to stress has more than doubled — from 28,000 in 2009 to 70,000 in 2015 — with 300 of the 23,000 working age residents now claiming illness.
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
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Founded in New York City in December 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
One of the lesser known Swedish holiday traditions (in the U.S.) that hasn’t caught on as strongly as some of us Swedish Americans would have hoped — though we do our best to promulgate it — is celebrated with glögg. And pepparkakor and candles, of course — on the first Sunday of Advent, just like they do in Sweden as they usher in the holiday season. In Sweden, Advent 1 (Första Advent) unofficially marks the first day of the holiday season. And though average Swedes don’t identify themselves as devoutly Christian, if they’re Christian at all, they are certainly religious about Swedish traditions. Music plays an important part in everyone’s traditions, and Sweden is also responsible for one of Christianity’s favorite Advent carols: “Prepare the Royal Highway.” Franz Michael Franzén, who was born in Finland in 1772, became a priest in Stockholm and was ultimately consecrated as a bishop in 1841; he died in Härnösand, Sweden in 1847 after a life of prolific poetry and hymn writing. His Advent text put to the 1697 Swenska Psalmboken’s tune of “Bereden väg för herran” (Prepare the way for the king, or prepare the royal highway) created the beloved carol as we now sing it. It has been published in hymnals all over the Christian world and has been performed by countless choirs and instrumental groups of all kinds. The English text — not a direct translation of the seven Swedish verses but of the same scripture from the Gospel of Luke — was adapted by a Swedish immigrant in 1958. Augustus Nelson came to Minnesota as a 20-year-old in 1883, where he eventually attended Augustana Seminary and was ordained as a Lutheran minister in 1898. (Verse 1) Bereden väg för herran / Prepare the royal highway (or: Prepare the way, O Zion) Berg, sjunken, djup, stån opp / The King of kings is near! (or: your Christ is drawing near!) Han kommer, han som fjärran / Let ev’ry hill and valley var sedd av fädrens hopp / A level road appear! Rättfärdighetens förste / Then greet
Photo: William Claxton
Första Advent: Preparing the way
Swedish News
Bob Dylan will not be able to attend the Award Ceremony in Dec.
Dylan a no-show in Stockholm
Bob Dylan, this year’s Nobel Prize winner for literature has informed the Swedish Academy that he will not be able to attend the Nobel Prize Ceremony in Stockholm. In a written letter, Dylan said he has pre-existing commitments, but that he is “very honored indeed” to have won. According to the Academy it is quite unusual for a winner not to come to collect their prize but in the past some have not been able to attend for various reasons. The only requirement for Dylan is that he give a Nobel Lecture which must be delivered within six months from December 10, 2016.
Jobs could move to rural Sweden
(National) A committee of politicians IS set to propose that 10,000 government jobs be relocated from the cities to the countryside. Social Democrat Johan Persson said it Is important the group includes targeted measures in its policy for rural Sweden, reports Swedish Radio. The committee is scheduled to submit its final report in January 2017.
Government extends border controls
the King of Glory av Davids hus den störste / Foretold in sacred story (Refrain) Välsignad vare han / Hosanna to the Lord, (or: O blest is Christ that came) som kom i Herrens namn. / For He fulfills God’s Word! (in God’s most holy name.) The Swedes also so loved a Christmas hymn of German origin that many people think it is a Swedish carol: “When Christmas Morn is Dawning” (“När Juldagsmorgen glimmer”). It is typically sung at julotta, the pre-dawn church service that takes place on Christmas Day all over Sweden and Swedish America. Another well-known carol of Scandinavian origin, composed by Norwegians Peder Knudsen and Marie Wex-
elsen, is “I am so glad each Christmas Eve” (“Jeg er saa glad hver julekveld”), in 1859. And of course no account of familiar hymns with Swedish origins would be complete without mentioning the perennial favorites “Children of the Heavenly Father” (“Tryggare kan ingen vare”) by Lina Sandel Berg (1832-1903) and “How Great Thou Art” (“O store Gud”) by Carl Boberg (1850-1940). Many, many Swedes and Swedish Americas alike have memories of loved ones singing these, in Swedish or English, at all times of the year. Turn to page 7 for a word on Advent from the local Swedish priest in San Francisco. Amanda Olson Robison editor@nordstjernan.com
Life made Sweder through NORDSTJERNAN: Call 1.800.827.9333 ext. 10, to order.
(National) The government decided on Nov. 11 that border controls will be extended at Öresundsbron and in the ports of Trelleborg, Malmö, Helsingborg and Göteborg. Border control in Sweden was introduced last autumn in response to the overwhelming numbers of refugees seeking asylum in the country. The extension will run until February 11, 2017.
Sewing for needy children in Sri Lanka
(Lifestyle) Siri Karlsson, 98, of Åtvidaberg, has been sewing for children in need since her retirement at age 65. With a passion for sewing and helping others, she contacted the Sri Lanka Association flea market to inquire about interest in handmade dresses for the orphanage, and over the years she has sewn 2000 dresses for the children. “It’s so fun to sew cute dresses for children who have nothing,” she told SVT.
Stockholmers pay no heed to incentives to house newcomers
(Stockholm) Sweden’s capital city hoped to inspire its residents to open their homes to provide a room for one of the more than 6,000 newly arrived immigrants in Stockholm. The city’s mayor, Karin Wanngård, hoped many people would open their hearts and their homes, but few people are signing up despite the financial encouragement: The city offered to pay residents approximately SEK 4,000 ($435) per month for a room, SEK 8,000 ($870) for a flat, and SEK 12,000 ($1,305) for a home, if they shared housing with immigrants.
The Exchange Rate: $1.00 = SEK 9.24 11.17.2016
November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 4
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Handmade crafts & ornaments, textiles, ceramics, glassware. Great finds in our "antikvariat" (Swedish used book store).
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activities for kids
9.30 11.30 1.15
The popular traditional “fiskdamm” (fish pond) with lots of surprise catches and the exciting “pepparkakslandet” where children decorate their own gingerbread figure. Tomten (Santa) will be there to meet the children, musicians will play Swedish folk music, and there will be dancing around the Christmas tree.
The Lucia auditorium fills to capacity, so arrive well ahead of the performance to be sure to get a seat.
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feature. page 5
A walkabout in Stockholm south hills, about culture, art, humor and romance. Translation: Five stairs up at Urvädersgränd, where I have lived and where I live still. How are you? I feel good, how about you. You were drunk yesterday, but not me, you!
Stockholm city ‘at my feet’
Entrance to Mosebacke Terrace at Mosebacke torg (square), Stockholm.
The Kingdom of Mosebacke by Leif Rosqvist guest@nordstjernan.com
Mosebacke Torg (Mosebacke Square) is situated at Katarinaberget (Katarina hill) in the eastern part of Stockholm often called “Söders höjder” (South hills). A very common question when people meet is: “Är du från Söder?” (Are you from the south hills?), as this tells a lot about someone’s special background in Stockholm. The square is located in the area of Mosebacke one block from the very long main street Götgatan. Mosebacke Square got its name from Mosis Mill, located on the hill in the 1600s and owned by Johan Hök. Right next to the mill is Hökens Kvarn (The Hawk’s
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Mill), another windmill also owned by Hök, who named the street Hökensgata, one of the small hilly streets connecting the square with Götgatan. In the 1850s Mosebacke was a small park east of Hökensgata and was affected by a large fire in 1857 when many houses were destroyed. With this little history lesson in mind, I’m arriving at Slussen metro station (T) at Ryssgården and start my walk east along Götgata backen (the hill of Götgatan) toward Urvädersgränd. Huffing and puffing I go up the stairs that proceed in a curve toward Mosebacke Torg. The alley was named after the bourgeois Simon Uhrwäder who owned a house in the alley in the mid-1600s.
To my left in the alley I see Bellmanhuset, the “Bellman house” named after the poet Carl Michael Bellman who lived there from 1770 to 1774. Bellman’s two-bedroom loft is period furnished to this day and attended to by the Par Bricole Society, which has been caring for Swedish culture of the 1700s since 1774. Many Swedish drinking songs were sung in this building, like the following: Fem trappor upp i Urvädersgränd, där har jag bott och där bor jag än. Hur mår du? Jag mår bra, du. Du var full igår, men inte jag, du!
I continue my walk toward Mosebacke Torg and stop at a small stone wall where I sit down to admire the fantastic Stockholm city scenery. In the soft afternoon sun, fond memories come over me from a time much earlier in my life ... I and my new love sat on the stone wall ... I saw her warm smile ... the soft afternoon sun caressing her hair.... These are memories now, but the smile and the hair is still there after more than 50 years. In front of me I see what is called the “Mosebacke Establishment,” which is conventionally a theatre but also includes a sports bar and an outdoor beer garden. From its elevation I can relax and enjoy the breathtaking sights of Stockholm. I’m also considering having lunch at the restaurant Erik’s at Gondolen, which overlooks Ryssgården, but I back out as I’m sort of squishy of high heights. I stop at the beer garden and have a glass of beer, while I am reminiscing about all the fun things associated with Mosebacke Torg, especially the hilarious Swedish Radio and later television program “Mosebacke Monarki.” It was a project inspired by the British film Passport to Pimlico, proclaiming the independent republic state of Mosebacke Torg as its capital with Mr. Sune as the king. The citizens are called “mosebasker,” playing on the word “monegasker” for the citizens of Monaco. When TV started broadcasting the series, the transmission was named Mosevision. The cacophony of a national hymn was based on three songs in parallel: Fäderneslandet, Hej så lyckliga vi äro and Hell dig, all presented in awe to the King Sune of Mosebacke Monarchy. I can’t stop laughing when I think back to this totally hilarious entertainment, the brainchild of immensely popular duo Hasse Alfredsson and Tage Danielsson. I continue my walk across the Mosebacke Torg and make a short detour to Östgötagatan 9 to visit the N.P. Ringström famous glass shop. N.P. Ringström Glass was founded in 1886, in the corner property of Svartensgatan at Östgötagatan in the Häcklefjäll quarter, which is a name from the mid-1600s referring to the warm place of the Bible and supposedly somehow related to the Icelandic volcano Hekla—indeed a warm place. The name is known all the way back to the time when eight witches (“trollpackor”) were believed to have been executed at this place, in the 1670s. N.P. Ringström is operating in the same place to this day. It has become known for glass painting, stained glass and blastings as well as the manufacturing and repairing of lead settings for windows — such as those Continues on next page
November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 6
Continued from previous page
in Visby and Skara cathedrals and Katarina Church after the fire in 1900. With everything I saw and learned I feel this was a worthwhile visit I recommend anyone to make. On my return track from Mosebacke Torg, I’m choosing Hökensgata toward Götgatan and Slussen. Here I see a mix of wonderful Jugend style buildings from the early 1900s, but I am also able to keep a historic view in my mind of how it would have looked in the 1600s. As I’m getting closer to Slussen (The Lock) and its many traffic junctions at the end of Götgatan, where it reaches the cross street
Hornsgatan, I have to share something I recently learned. At Hornsgatan No. 1, there was a famous café called Feith Konsert Konditori. It was bought by my maternal grandmother in 1929, after returning from her touring with the “Four Diving Norins” (high divers of the world) in the U.S. and England. She decided to open a restaurant called the Göta Horn (Götagatan + Hornsgatan = Göta Horn). These days there’s the Göta Lejon Theater also on Götgatan near Medborgarplatsen further south and Göta Källare nightclub but alas, no longer a Göta Horn. She must have been a very enterprising lady, I must admit. Reaching Slussen, I take the underground (T for Tunnelbanan) to downtown for an early dinner.
Carl Michael Bellman 1740-1795.
Hökens gata seen from Mosebacke torg.
Feith Concert Konditori Hornsgatan 1, ca 1929.
N P Ringström Glass, since 1886.
Advent, Lucia ochJul i
Söndag 11december
11.00: Svensk Musikgudstjänst
”Från Advent till jul” Körsång med ”Zaida singers” och kyrkans kör med solist Jonas Norberg. Präst Louise Linder. Kyrkkaffe
15.00: Luciafirande med kyrkkaffe Lördag 17december kl 15.00
Julgudstjänst med julspel av barnen
Luther Hall, Los Altos Lutheran Church. Präst Louise Linder. Julkaffe.
Julafton 24 december
11.00: Julbön gudstjänst kring krubban
Katarinahissen (The Katarina Elevator) and Gondolen (ca 125’ up in the air overlooking Ryssgården (The Russian Yard)
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Bellman’s house at Urväders gränd.
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Advent, prepare the way [Advent, bered en väg] Varje år lyssnar vi på texter från gamla tider om Jesus som rider in i Jerusalem och om barnet som föds i Betlehem. Vi gör det för vi behöver påminnas om hoppet och längtan. Hoppet och längtan efter en bättre värld efter mer rättvisa, sanning och kärlek. Hur ser det ut i ditt liv, vad längtar du efter? Vad hoppas du ska hända?
Every year we listen to texts from ancient times and the child born in Bethlehem. We do it because we need to be reminded of hope and longing, the hope and desire for a better world, for more justice, truth and love. How does your life look, what do you long for? What do you hope will happen? “Prepare the Way, O Zion” (Bered en väg för Herren) is sung in churches in Sweden and in Swedish expatriate churches at the time of Advent. We light candles in the Advent wreath and prepare for Christmas to come. The word Advent comes from the Latin “Adventus” which means arrival. “Adventus Domini.” The whole society goes into this preparation with all that must be completed before Christmas, everything that needs to be shopped for and everything that should be finished. In reality this time is about completely different things than stress and exhaustion. It is the soul’s New Year’s Eve and the church celebrates a new liturgical year on the first Sunday of Advent. When Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey, the country was occupied by the Roman Empire, a world power built on violence, slavery and adding nations and kingdoms under him to make the empire even more powerful. The emperors let themselves at times be hailed as gods. But when Jesus rode into Jerusalem a different king made his entrance. When you look at it today, more than two thousand years later, it becomes clear that his kingdom and his power were of an entirely different kind. The contrast is total! Imagine you are standing there roadside, Hosanna cries filling the air, people putting out their clothes and strewing palm leaves. Then you see Him come riding on a donkey far away on the road. “Hosanna” means “save me.” He is coming to the rest of us, too — people in different situations, who are happy over the election results and others that are totally disheartened. Some who recently received a medical diagnosis, others who have just received a positive pregnancy test or a new
job. You stand with everyone else, and he is approaching. How should you prepare yourself for the meeting? What do you want to happen? What do you want to be saved from or for? Advent is about waiting, and some of us find it very difficult to wait. The children I met when we had Lucia practice at the Swedish church here in San Francisco couldn’t wait for it to be Christmas. It’s so hard to wait! But it’s also great to wait and yearn, and some things are totally without value if they go too fast. The waiting has its time. Use this Advent to prepare for a true meeting with yourself and God. Think about what you crave in your life or what you hope for. How can you contribute to get this, your desire and your hope fulfilled? During Advent as we wait for the baby to be born in Bethlehem, we are waiting for Christmas. God is to become man in the little child and that is what we are waiting for. But I feel we need not wait for something beyond but for something within. It is in you and me the light should be born. It is in you and me the warmth will flow. It is in you and me that the beauty should come through. It is in you and me that health should be given a place. It is in you and me that life should be lived without fear. “Allow every Advent candle we light shine where darkness seems to have won, and instill hope in people’s lives.” With a wish for a good Advent! Louise Linder Priest in the Church of Sweden San Francisco
Swedish Holiday Favorites
Louise Linder.
“Bered en väg för Herren” (Prepare the Way, O Zion) sjunges i kyrkorna hemma i Sverige och i de svenska utlandskyrkorna i Adventstid. Vi tänder ljus i Adventsljusstaken och förbereder oss för julen som skall komma. Ordet advent kommer från latinets ”Adventus” som betyder ankomst. ”Adventus Domini.” Adventstiden blir en förberedelse på det som ska komma. Hela samhället går in i denna förberedelse med allt som skall hinnas med innan jul, allt som ska handlas och allt som ska vara färdigt. Egentligen handlar denna tid om helt andra saker än stress och konsumtion. Det är själens nyårsafton och i kyrkan firas ett nytt kyrkoår på första söndagen i advent. När Jesus red in i Jerusalem på en åsna var landet ockuperat av Romarriket. En världsmakt som var uppbyggd på våld, slaveri och att lägga folk och riken under sig för att göra riket ännu mäktigare. Kejsarna lät sig i perioder hyllas som gudar. När Jesus red in i Jerusalem på en åsna gjorde en annorlunda kung sin entré. När man ser på det i dag dryga två tusen år senare, blir det tydligt att hans rike och hans makt var av ett helt annat slag. Kontrasten är total! Tänk dig att du står där vid vägkanten, Hosianna ropen skallar, folk lägger ut sina kläder och strör ut palmblad. Då ser du honom komma ridande på en åsna långt där borta på vägen. Ordet hosianna betyder “Rädda mig.” Du står där med alla oss andra. Människor i olika situationer; vissa som är glada över valresultatet och andra som är totalt ned-
slagna. Någon som nyss har fått ta emot ett sjukdomsbesked, en annan som precis har fått ett positivt graviditetstest, eller ett nytt jobb. Du står med alla andra och han kommer emot dig. Hur ska du förbereda dig för mötet? Vad vill du ska hända? Vad vill du bli räddad ifrån eller till? Advent handlar om väntan och vissa av oss har väldigt svårt att vänta. Barnen jag träffade häromdagen när vi hade luciaövning i Svenska kyrkan här i San Francisco trodde aldrig det skulle bli jul. Det är så jobbigt att vänta! Men det är också härligt att vänta och längta och vissa saker blir totalt utan värde om de kommer för snabbt. Väntandet har sin tid. Använd denna adventstid till att förbereda dig för ett äkta möte med dig själv och Gud. Tänk efter vad du längtar efter i ditt liv eller vad du hoppas på. Hur kan du själv bidra till att denna din längtan och ditt hopp infrias? Just nu i adventstid väntar vi på att det lilla barnet skall födas i Betlehem. Vi väntar på att det skall bli jul. Gud skall bli människa i det lilla barnet och det är det vi väntar på. Men jag tänker att vi behöver inte vänta på något bortom utan på något inom. Det är i dig och mig som ljuset skall födas. Det är i dig och mig som värmen skall strömma. Det är i dig och mig som skönheten skall bli tydlig. Det är i dig och mig som hälsan skall beredas plats. Det är i dig och mig som livet skall levas utan rädsla. “Låt alla adventsljus som vi tänder lysa där mörkret tycks ha segrat och ingjuta hopp rakt in i människors liv.” Med en önskan om en fin Adventstid! Louise Linder Präst i Svenska kyrkan, San Francisco
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perspectives. page 8
InBox Tension in my adoptive country I’m standing at the kitchen sink in my Swedish apartment. Washing dishes seems to be the only way to make sense of this morning’s news. Donald Trump has been elected president of the United States. Americans elected Donald Trump as president of the United States. Americans. America. And I, a resident of Sweden waiting for news that a permanent permit to live and work here will be approved, turn to cleaning. After spending too many hours reading Facebook posts, chatting with concerned friends and watching videos from the Portland, Oregon protest my son attended while armed guards pointed guns at the crowd, it’s a needed distraction. I guess I could join with everyone else who seems to think pointing out all the problems our world now faces falls at the feet of The Donald and his right-wing group of supporters, but we already knew that going into this election. Who he is, what he believes in, how he’ll govern aren’t secrets. So, “preparing for the end an era,” I strip my bed of its linens and wash them clean. Like the dishes, like the windows, like the wooden floors, I scrub and polish and dust and mop, trying to create order out of world chaos. When I first traveled to Sweden, I was afraid of people finding out where I came from. Having never been outside the U.S. before, all I knew was my country had much to be sorry for. Not wanting to be the stereotypical American who complained about lack of ice at restaurants or air conditioning in hotels, I would deferentially introduce myself to Swedes and admit that, yes, I was from America. What I wasn’t prepared for was the reaction I’d always receive. “We LOVE America!” they’d say. My nationality granted me access and friendship that my fellow Swedish language classmates from countries like Lebanon, Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Ethiopia didn’t automatically receive.
I was surprised every time this happened, hastening to ask, “But, do you know about America? Do you realize it’s not what you see in the movies or on reality TV?” Swedes were quick to assure me they didn’t consider those things to be a reflection on me, but they were open and eager to be my friend and would still smile whenever talk of America came up as if my country was a positive place to live in. It was something my conflicted heart would struggle over, especially as I’d read about the difficulties other immigrants were having acclimating to a new country, a new language and a new way of life. I felt being an American gave me things here in Sweden I hadn’t yet earned. At the same time, I also came to deeply appreciate Swedes’ commitment to diversity, equality and human rights, in ways my own country — the “land of the free and home of the brave” — seemed to have lost a long time ago. While I knew Americans were great at rallying together during times of tragedy, Swedes, I discovered, chose to extend solidarity toward others on an individual basis while also passionately defending the defenseless. I’ve never met people with bigger hearts than those I’ve found in Sweden.
Say little, do much
The difference between who Americans say they are and what they do was never more clear than when looking at the Swedes. They do so much for so many and yet say very, very little. In fact, the running joke between my Swedish friends and me was something to the effect that I, as a “loud American,” could talk up and promote and point attention to all the brilliant and positive things Swedes had done and were doing. That was considered okay because, after all, “bragging” was what Americans did. But, it was quickly clear that Swedes would never take the same approach toward themselves or their work. So, I would say for them the things they didn’t dare say about themselves and we’d
Lucia Fest – Julbazaar
“Natten går tunga fjät…”
Linnea Lodge #504 Petaluma invites you to its Annual Lucia Fest & Julbazaar on Sunday December 11th, 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)
Gift items from Scandinavian countries
Adult members $ 22.00 Adult Non Members $ 27.00 Children 6-14 $ 10.00 Children 5 and under Free. RSVP Dec. 5 with payment to: Saga Thovtrup, 19051 Kenleigh Dr., Sonoma, CA 94976 (check payable to Linnea Lodge #504) More info at Linnea Lodge on Facebook.
Linnea Lodge, Vasa order of America
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
both look into the mirror and smile at how great Sweden was, and is. Except I couldn’t let go of the fact that things were getting tense in Sweden. The refugee crisis. The lack of employment. The failing school system. The neglect of the elderly. The absence of money and political cohesion. The Swedish system of saying very little became to me a burying of heads in the sand. Extremist groups rose to power and people didn’t take them seriously, or if they did, they’d fight back — fiercely — in opposition to all hints of racism, and yet all eyes for the future seemed to be pointed toward America and the 2016 election. Now that’s over, and I don’t know what to think. I’m fiercely protective of my adopted country, more so than of my own. Maybe it’s because it’s so small. Maybe it’s because it’s so old and has survived things America — in its infancy as a nation — hasn’t even begun to grapple yet. Maybe it’s because when life hit hard here and everything vanished around me, Swedes, one by one, rallied around me and provided support and care in ways I knew weren’t “typically Swedish.”
here, now. On the 12th of November, the Nordic Resistance Movement will march on Stockholm. This group has just been given the global green light, along with other right-wing extremist parties in Europe, to continue their efforts to promote isolationism, protectionism and anti-immigration, in Sweden. My stomach clenches as I wait and pray and prepare to fight back with the only tools I have. My heart, my head and my voice. I empty the mop bucket and fold the laundry. With the Trump win, America has, in one fell swoop, ushered in an era that I think we need to start paying attention to here in Sweden and the rest of the world. We need to take seriously these political parties who seem so “extreme” to us, because the balance of power has shifted. Things have changed and they will continue to do so. For better or worse, it’s up to us, to me, to find a way to clean up the mess we created. For better or worse, it’s up to us, up to me, to find a way to clean up the mess we created. I’m not sure how we’re going to do that but I know ignoring opposing voices and shutting down lines of communication between the SD and any other group those of us with more liberal leanings might find disagreeable will only serve to create the same current tensions in Sweden that we increasingly see in the U.S. Look where that got us. Leanne Stewart
Equality and Jantelag
Or, maybe it’s because I see something here, something America says it believes in but has never actually embraced as a country like Sweden has: Equality is woven so completely into the Swedish DNA that thoughts of anyone being “better” than another is nationally frowned upon — to such an extent they actually have unwritten “laws” about it. Jantelagan, which came from Norway/ Denmark, is an unofficial “Ten Commandments” that Swedes adopted as a social barometer of permitted behavior. And while it’s recently been attacked as limiting and alienating to those who want more than a “lagom” life (another Swedish construct that says living with “not too little and not too much” is the right way to live), the idea of it, of “equality” and “enough,” are things I, as an American who never managed to make it up the ladder to where the rest of the 1% hangs out, find very comforting. It’s anti all things Kardashian and “supersized,” which suits me just fine. But what’s not comforting, what’s upsetting in the extreme, is what I see happening
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perspectives. page 9
Fact-based politics Thomas Jefferson once remarked that “[W] herever the people are well informed they can be trusted with their own government; that whenever things get so far wrong as to attract their notice, they may be relied on to set them to rights” (1789). In an age where the electorate is inundated with information from all sides and journalistic media sensationalized by competition within the 24-hour, sound-bitefocused news cycle, the responsibility of appropriately “noticing” seems an increasingly difficult, if not impossible, expectation of the American people. How then can trust be built within our political ecosystems to allow our country to accurately choose the right leaders? Certain candidates have profiteered from the current situation by riding waves of confusion and distracting voters from doing their political due diligence. It would be simplistic to blame social media alone as this phenomenon has many forms. For example, few things are as counterproductive within modern liberal democracies as “identity politics” – the strategy of emphasizing social characteristics to align political candidacy with a specific cultural narrative. It is incompatible to argue that gender, race, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background should no longer matter to society, while at the same time championing more “representative” candidates specifically because their narratives merely match certain social factors. Intuitively, this would lead to the conclusion that only those who embody the right type of social characteristics are suited to serve the interests of those constituencies sharing theirs background. Interesting to note, the 2016 election saw political dynasties literally trumped by brand recognition as candidates from distinguished and recognizable political families such as the Clintons, the Bushs, and the Bayhs were defeated by less-experienced yet media-savvy personalities. Who should voters trust? Traditionally, dynasty candidates benefitted from existing relationships with their constituents vetted and built upon a legacy of civil service and public record of their principles and policies. Today, such information becomes buried under accusations of scandal and media mentions unrelated to their ability to serve the people. Our media traditionally has a role to play in helping curate and inform the American public. Encouragingly, new media platforms such as Google and Facebook have begun to take measures to stem “fake news” from distorting public discourse online. In today’s media landscape, many news organizations find themselves caught between a shift to newer, more digital outlets and fiscal constraints – this can unfortunately lead to tension between journalistic integrity and sensationalization (such as catchy headlines and gossipy content) as they compete for audiences with social media platforms, which increasingly are the primary sources of news content for many Americans. Voters are similarly challenged by the fact that many political issues and candidates being discussed on television and online are also the focus of a growing business of paid advertisement. Borrell Associates, an advertising data
watchdog, estimates that over $11.38 billion will have been spent on political advertising in the 2016 election alone. Significant amounts of these ads misleadingly appear on reputable websites as an additional revenue stream for the media companies which own the online property. Additionally, it is not uncommon for major news networks to seek to increase their viewership vis-à-vis their competition by paying well-known political pundits to appear on political segments. To politicos, many of these names are easily identified as affiliated with one of the major parties, but to the average citizen tuning in to get informed during an election year, the pundits are recognizable mostly by name and appear as more impartial experts than party operatives. So what can be done to improve the current situation? Ideally, a more concerted effort would be made by serious news sources to focus greater attention and brand strategy on journalistic integrity over simple viewership numbers – distinguishing between news and entertainment media. Furthermore, leaders could better help the public understand how to analyze political candidacy for themselves. Polls and surveys often give the illusion of data-based analysis, yet it is often unclear how such metrics are supposed to appropriately help guide voter decision-making. If society were encouraged to focus on effective policymaking metrics, i.e. number of laws passed, Federal dollars earmarked to home constituen-
Perfect gift for children 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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cies in need, and bi-partisan activity etc. such information could serve to highlight the ability of effective representation and incentivize politicians to work together. In a world where elected officials are permitted to spend an extraordinary amount of work hours fundraising for campaigns without media reproach, it is difficult to see how the people can hold politicians accountable as they juggle being in the good graces of their party and being re-elected while also allegedly focusing on their constituents. Modern media and the electorate must now work together to redefine what type of news content is truly of benefit, then decide to what standard we hold
such information in order to warrant public notice and scrutiny. Ultimately, our combined goal within today’s media realities ought be to create a healthy mechanism of building trust and accountability so that the people and government can do right by one another and further the public good. Carl Lööf Carl Lööf is a former congressional staffer, political advisor, and non-fiction writer. He is a graduate of the University of Chicago, Sciences, Paris Institute of Political Studies, and the London School of Economics and Political Science.
SWEDE AMONG THE REDNECKS Loved by Rednecks, Bluenecks, Swedes and Americans: “..something any Swedish American will enjoy” … “A humorous look at Swedes and Swedishness” … “[written with] the gift of clarity, humor, pathos, and joy” A book from Nordstjernan, also available on Amazon. A humorous collection of essays about growing up, reaching adulthood and maturity on two continents and in two separate cultures. Mail order form to: NORDSTJERNAN P.O. Box 1710 New Canaan CT 06840 Or call 1.800.827.9333
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November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
sports. page 10
Photos: Ludvig Thunman/Bildbyrån
Malmö claims record-setting title
Team captain Markus Rosenberg, center, lifts the Lennart Johansson trophy as Malmö FF celebrates winning its 19th Swedish title. Chipp Reid, Sports Editor chipp@nordstjernan.com
It wasn’t always pretty and there were more than a few bumps along the way, but Malmö FF accomplished its goal: The Sky Blues celebrated their record-setting 19th Allsvenskan championship November 6 with a 3-0 win over Hammarby at Swedbank Arena. “We deserved to win,” said first-year manager Allan Kuhn. “We have scored the most goals. We conceded the fewest. We were the best away team and the best home team. Malmö FF has never scored more goals than we did this season.” Malmö entered the 2016 season tied with IFK Göteborg for the most Allsvenskan titles. Each had won the league 18 times. The 2016 title put Malmö at the top of the all-time wins list and is the third time in four years the Sky Blues have lifted the Lennart Johansson trophy. Malmö actually clinched its 19th Swedish championship on October 26 when it beat Helsingborg 2-0. Then second-place Norrköping lost the same day to Djurgården while thirdplace AIK drew with Elfsborg. The combined results handed Malmö an unassailable six-point lead with two matches remaining. Even two losses would have kept Malmö on top thanks to its goal difference. Malmö won the league with 66 points while AIK finished second with 60. Malmö also led the league in scoring with 60 goals in its 30 matches while surrendering a league best 26. It was sweet revenge of sorts after many had written them off as injuries and suspensions
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
robbed the squad of many of its top players in September. “I think a lot of teams underestimated us during the last eight-nine weeks,” said Kuhn. “We found a way to win all the matches but it was difficult. You can’t just snap your finger and make it work.” Malmö weathered the rash of injuries as several younger players developed into frontline stars. Alexander Jeremejeff, the 23-year-old striker who came from BK Hacken, scored five goals in 15 games and had three assists. Mattias Svanberg, 17, a product of the Malmö academy, scored twice in six matches and set the league on edge with his displays of skill and speed. “Svanberg can find the spaces between the wings and the wing of the opposition,” Kuhn said. “What if you had removed a Markus Rosenberg from another team, as the last six weeks. Or Anders Christiansen. Or Vidar Örn (Kjartansson), who was sold. We have been given too little credit that we fixed it anyway. Yes, we have a good squad, and that is why we won in the end.” Malmö also benefitted from having experienced players on the bench. Jo Inge Berget and Tobias Sana, neither of whom were happy in substitutes’ roles, took advantage of every opportunity to return to the starting lineup. Berger scored the opening goal in the season finale against Hammarby while Rosenberg scored twice. “I do the best with my team to win games,” he said. “I would love to play beautiful football, I want to build from the back so we that we can play in depth. I always hear that we
are uninspiring. People may say “individual performance” is how we won gold, but look at Liverpool’s success ... obviously, they are very skilled. There are different ways to do it ... it is the situation that decides.” While the winners of the Lennart Johansson trophy was a foregone conclusion over the final weeks, the battles for spots in Europe and, at the bottom of the table, for the relegation playoff spot, came down to the final match. AIK and Norrkoping each won its final match as Norrköping fell short in its bid to retain its title. Both will play in the UEFA Europa League next season along with Kalmar, which beat Malmö to claim the 2016 Swedish Cup. Helsingborg and Gefle, meanwhile, engaged in a battle to the end to see which team would avoid automatic relegation. Gefle had to win and needed Helsingborg to lose or draw to climb out of the relegation zone. Gefle did its part, beating Östersunds 4-2 in a seesaw battle. The Gävle side, however, fell short as Helsing-
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Malmö manager Allan Kuhn celebrates after the Sky Blues beat Hammarby to claim their 19th Swedish title.
borg claimed a 2-0 lead over Jönköpings Södra. After the match, Helsingborg manager Henrik Larsson vowed his club would remain in the top flight. Helsingborg faces Halmstad, which finished third in the Superettan, in a home-andhome series starting November 17. Falkenberg finished last in the league, winning just two matches. The Superettan-bound side mailed in its final match, dropping a 7-0 decision to BK Häcken. Malmö will return in April to the UEFA Champions League, where it reached the group stage in each of its last two forays into the premier club competition in Europe.
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local events. page 11
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local events. page 12
Swedish Christmas around America 2016 Arizona
Scottsdale 26 Nov 2016 10 AM–2 PM SWEA Arizona Swedish Christmas Market. Lucia pageant, jultomte, Swedish crafts and gifts, Café Swea with Swedish delicacies and activities for children. www.arizona.swea.org / Arizona@ swea.org / 469-438-4358
California
Burlingame 9 Dec 2016 6 PM The Swedish Club of San Francisco Annual Julfest/Christmas Party. Glögg, Lucia procession, herring table, dinner and entertainment, Långdans and ring dance. www.swedishclubofsfba. org / lindairiz@comcast.net / 650-368-2622 Kingsburg 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–7 PM Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Santa Lucia Celebration. Festival of Lights Parade on Draper Street at 5:30 PM. www.kingsburgchamber.com / 559-897-1111 Los Angeles/San Pedro 11 Dec 2016 5 PM Svenska Kyrkans's Lucia celebration. Lucia pageant and Lussefika. www.svenskakyrkan.se/ losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se / 310-292-7079 Los Angeles/San Pedro 13 Dec 2016 7 PM Svenska Kyrkans's Julbord. For reservation and more info: www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se / 310-292-7079 Los Angeles/San Pedro 25 Dec 2016 7 AM Svenska Kyrkans's Julotta. www.svenskakyrkan. se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se / 310-292-7079 Los Gatos 11 Dec 2016 2 PM–6 PM The Swedish School in Silicon Valley's Annual Lucia Celebration. Lucia performance, dancing around the tree, visit by Santa, Zaida Singers performance, glögg, baked goods and Swedish shopping. www.swedschool.org / swed_ school@yahoo.com Palo Alto 14 Dec 2016 7:30 PM Christmas in the Ballroom. Scandinavian Christmas music as well as hot cider, cookies and more! aassarsson@gmail.com / 650-704-4211 Petaluma 11 Dec 2016 4 PM–7 PM Linnea Lodge #504s Lucia Festival & Julbazaar. Lucia, smörgåsbord, dancing around the Christmas tree and Santa. linneak@pacbell.net / 707235-3731 San Diego - Balboa Park 2 Dec 2016 5 PM–11 PM
3 Dec 2016 5 PM–11 PM SWEA San Diego's Annual Christmas Fair. Lucia procession, traditional music, vendors, baked goods, Swedish meatballs and glögg. www. sandiego.swea.org or www.balboapark.org/decembernights / sandiego@swea.org San Francisco 3 Dec 2016 9 AM–4 PM SWEA San Francisco Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia procession, food, crafts, gifts, Scandinavian delicacies, Swedish music and children’s activities. www.sanfrancisco.swea.org/ julmarknad@sweasanfrancisco.org or sanfrancisco@swea.org San Francisco 9 Dec 2016 12 PM–3 PM Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce Christmas Luncheon. Lucia procession, Swedish food and beverages. More info: www.sacc-sf. org / events@sacc-sf.org / 415-781-4188 San Francisco/Norwegian Seamen’s Church 11 Dec 2016 11 AM & 3 PM Swedish Church Advent Service. Swedish Church choir and coffee. www.svenskakyrkan. se/sanfrancisco / sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se / 415-632 8504 San Francisco/ Norwegian Seamen’s Church 24 Dec 2016 11 AM Swedish Church Julbön. www.svenskakyrkan. se/sanfrancisco / sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se / 415-775-6566 San Francisco/ Norwegian Seamen’s Church 24 Dec 2016 6 PM Swedish Church Christmas dinner. For reservation and more info: www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco / sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se / 415-775-6566 San Francisco/ Norwegian Seamen’s Church 24 Dec 2016 11 PM Swedish Church Julnattsmässa. www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco / sanfrancisco@svenskakyrkan.se / 415-775-6566 San Francisco - Swedish American Hall 11 Dec 2016 4:30 PM The Young Scandinavians Club hosts Santa Lucia celebration. Lucia procession, lussekatter, glögg, and Scandinavian treats. More info: www. ysc.org / info@ysc.org / 415-710-0171 Santa Cruz 3 Dec 2016 4 PM–6 PM Scandinavian Cultural Center's Lucia Festival. Lucia procession, Zaida singers, refreshments, dancing around the Christmas tree, children's activities. www.scc-santacruz.org / santacruz@gmail.com / 831-425-9725 Torrance, Los Angeles 4 Dec 2016 10 AM–5 PM SWEA LA's 36th Annual Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia pageant, folk dancers, Swedish food, crafts, books, jewelry, toys, Jultomte, Swedish
"fika.” www.losangeles.swea.org / ChristmasFairSweaLA@gmail.com / 562-888-4038
Connecticut
Fairfield 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–3 PM Scandinavian Club Holiday Fair and Bake Sale. Nordic gifts, handmade crafts, baked goods, Scandinavian food and vendors. Traditional Scandinavian lunch. www.thescandinavianclub. com / scanclubnews@hotmail.com / 203-2593817 Hartford - Emanuel Lutheran Church 2 Dec 2016 5 PM–9 PM 103rd St. Lucia Festival at Emanuel Lutheran Church, Hartford, Connecticut. Two performances: at 5 & 8 PM. Refreshments served after each performance. Swedish crafts will be sold. Admission $5. steinmillerl@gmail.com or office@ emanuelhartford.org / 860-563-0040 Westport - Christ & Holy Trinity Church 10 Dec 2016 5:15 PM–7:30 PM Swedish School of Connecticut's Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession, glögg and Swedish delicacies served after the performance. www.svenskaskolanct.com / svenskaskolanconn@gmail. com / 203-893-3518
Andersonville, Chicago 13 Dec 2016 4:45 PM–7 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. www.andersonville.org/events or www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / museum@samac.org / 773-728-8111 Bishop Hill 25 Nov 2016 10 AM–5 PM 26 Nov 2016 10 AM–5 PM 27 Nov 2016 10 AM–5 PM 3 Dec 2016 11 AM–5 PM 4 Dec 2016 11 AM–5 PM Christmas Market – Julmarknad. Music, handmade items, antiques, folk art, and other gift items. www.bishophill.com / 309-927-3899 or 309-927-3345
Washington, DC - House of Sweden
Bishop Hill 9 Dec 2016 6 PM–9 PM 10 Dec 2016 6 PM–9 PM Lucia Nights - Festival of Lights. Coffee and sweet items are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia. Musical entertainment. www.bishophill.com / bhha@ mymctc.net / 309-927-3899
Florida
Chicago 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–5 PM 4 Dec 2016 10 AM –5 PM Swedish American Museum’s annual Julmarknad. Scandinavian handicrafts and kaffestuga. Children’s crafts, games and a visit from Santa. Lucia processions and folk dancers. www. swedishamericanmuseum.org / museum@samac.org / 773-728-8111
3 Dec 2016 11 AM–5 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. www.washingtondc. swea.org / sweapr@gmail.com Davie 24 Dec 2016 11 AM Svenska Kyrkan in Florida’s Julafton (Gudstjänst kring krubban). www.svenskakyrkan.se/florida / florida@svenskakyrkan.se / 954-604-0605 Boca Raton 18 Dec 2016 5 PM Svenska Kyrkan in Florida’s Musikgudstjänst och Julbord. www.svenskakyrkan.se/florida / florida@svenskakyrkan.se / 954-604-0605 Lake Worth 11 Dec 2016 2 PM–6 PM Nordic Heritage Club of South Florida's Annual Julfest. Great food, dessert and coffee. $10/person. Holiday raffles! carolrune@aol.com / 561737-6476 Miami 10 Dec 2016 7 PM–8 PM Lucia Celebration by Svenska Kyrkan in Florida. www.svenskakyrkan.se/florida / florida@svenskakyrkan.se / 954-374-9303 Sarasota 11 Dec 2016 5:30 PM–7 PM Lucia Celebration by The Swedish Club of Sarasota. Lucia pageant, coffee, glögg and baked goods. www.swedishclubsarasota.org / info@ SwedishClubSarasota.org / 941-705-7700
Georgia
Atlanta 11 Dec 2016 6 PM–7 PM Nordic Lodge's Swedish Sankta Lucia Celebration. St. Lucia choir and reception. www.vasaorderatlanta.org / rygert@bellsouth.net Atlanta 17 Dec 2016 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Nordic Lodge's traditional Julbord at St. Luke Lutheran Church. www.vasaorderatlanta.org / lfulton@co.douglas.ga.us Atlanta - Druid Hills Golf Club 17 Dec 2016 7 PM–11 PM SACC Georgia 31st Lucia Gala 2016. Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord, Lucia procession, dancing and singing, snaps. RSVP 770-670-2480. www.sacc-georgia.org / info@sacc-georgia.org
Illinois
Andersonville, Chicago 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–5 PM 4 Dec 2016 10 AM–4 PM
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
Julmarknad handicrafts fair with traditional Swedish food and entertainment. Lucia procession, folk dancers & kaffestuga. www.andersonville.org/events or www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
Chicago - North Park University 10 Dec 2016 4 PM NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies Sankta Lucia Celebration. Smörgåsbord following the pageant. www.northpark.edu/lucia / kmandersson@northpark.edu / 773-244-5615 Chicago 10 Dec 2016 9 AM–11 AM 11 Dec 2016 9 AM–11 AM Breakfast with Tomten. Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree and a special visit from Tomten (Santa). www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / museum@samac.org Chicago 13 Dec 2016 11:30 AM Chicago Cultural Center 13 Dec 2016 4:45 PM Swedish American Museum and Andersonville 13 Dec 2016 7:00 PM Ebenezer Lutheran Church Lucia Celebration. Lucia celebration with holiday songs, readings, and Lucia procession. www. swedishamericanmuseum.org Chicago 18 Dec 2016 5 PM–7 PM Swedish American Museum’s Julmiddag–old fashioned Swedish family Christmas dinner. Traditional Swedish smörgåsbord with entertainment. Lucia procession, dancing around the Christmas tree, and Santa gives julklappar to all children. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / RSVP 773-728-8111 Chicago - Ebenezer Lutheran Church 18 Dec 2016 4 PM Svensk Julgudstjänst (traditional Swedish Christmas service). www.swedishamericanmuseum.org Geneva 2 Dec 2016 6 PM–10 PM The Annual Christmas Walk. Santa Lucia and her attendants arrive by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to visitors. www.genevachamber.com / lrush@genevachamber.com / 630-232-6060
local events. page 13
Rockford - First Lutheran Church 2 Dec 2016 7 PM–8 PM Swedish Historical Society's Lucia. A choir of children singing both Swedish and English traditional songs will warm your heart and start off the Christmas season with joy. www.swedishhistorical.org Rockford 3 Dec 2016 9 AM–2 PM Swedish Historical Society's annual Jul Marknad. Swedish food, vendors, meatball luncheon, Kaffee Stuga and dancing around the Christmas tree with Lucia and Tomte. www.swedishhistorical. org
Iowa
Elk Horn 26 Nov 2016 27 Nov 2016 Danish Villages Julefest - Danish food, glögg and tasty treats. Gift shops, specialty stores and craft fairs. Christmas concert and Father Christmas. www.danishvillages.com / windmill@metc.net / 712-764-7472 or 800-451-7960 Iowa City 11 Dec 2016 6 PM–10 PM Iowa City Swedish Club Lucia Fest - Lucia pageant, smörgåsbord and music. www.iowacityswedishclub.com / Jeannenelson@mchsi. com / 319-354-1762
Michigan
Grand Rapids 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–11:30 AM SAHS/WM 17th Annual Lucia Celebration. Music and candlelight in a beautiful setting. Saffron buns, cardamom bread, pepparkakor and coffee served, crafts. www.sahswm.org / info@sahswm.org / 616-458-0420 Novi 10 Dec 2016 3 PM The Arpi Swedish Male and The Scandia Women’s Chorus of MI Christmas Concert with Lucia. www.swedishclub.net / 248-478-2563
Minnesota
Bloomington 8 Dec 2016 5 PM–9 PM SACC-MN Scandinavian Christmas Smörgåsbord - A unique opportunity to enjoy extraordinary food and experience Scandinavian holiday traditions. www.saccmn.org / info@saccmn.org
Sioux City 10 Dec 2016 12 PM–2 PM The Vasa Norrskenet Lodge in Sioux City hosts a Swedish smörgåsbord. ron@dalesburg.org / 712-276-7468 Stanton 25 Dec 2016 6 AM–9 AM Traditional julotta services with Swedish and English sung and read. Breakfast afterward with Swedish tea rings, coffee, rolls and traditional goodies. austinpquist@outlook.com / 712-6219885
Minneapolis 3 Dec 2016 6:30 PM–8 PM 11 Dec 2016 6:30 PM–8 PM 23 Dec 2016 6:30 PM–8 PM Lantern Lit Glögg Tours at American Swedish Institute. Glögg complimented with lite bite appetizers. More info: www.asimn.org / 612-871-4907
Swedesburg 12 Dec 2016 6 PM–8 PM Swedish Heritage Society Lucia Festival. Potluck dinner at 6:00. www.facebook.com/SwedesburgSwedishAmericanMuseum / swedish@ iowatelecom.net / 319-254-2317
Minneapolis 10 Dec 2016 11 AM–12 PM 10 Dec 2016 1 PM–2 PM ASI Lucia Celebration at American Swedish Institute. Lucia concert featuring a seasonal choir of 75 children. www.asimn.org / info@ASImn.org / 612-871-4907
Lindsborg - Bethany Lutheran Church 10 Dec 2016 10 AM–4 PM Lucia Fest. Music and festivities, Lucia processions and traditional folk dances. www.visitlindsborg.com / triciac@lindsborgcity.org / 888-227-2227 or 785-227-3355 Lindsborg - Bethany Lutheran Church 25 Dec 2016 5:45 AM Julotta.Traditional Swedish Christmas Lutheran Church service. www.visitlindsborg.com / triciac@lindsborgcity.org / 888-227-2227 or 785227-3355 Lindsborg - Bethany Lutheran Church 26 Dec 2016 10 AM Annandag Jul. Experience a traditional Lutheran Church service in Swedish. www.visitlindsborg. com / triciac@lindsborgcity.org / 888-2272227 or 785-227-3355
Massachusetts
Boston 10 Dec 2016 10 AM–4 PM Swedish Yuletide – The SWEA Boston Fair and Holiday celebration. Foods, crafts, gifts, Swedish cafés, musical entertainment, Lucia pageant and activities for children. www.sweaboston.org / swedishyuletide@sweaboston.org East Longmeadow 11 Dec 2016 3 PM–6 PM Sankta Lucia presented by Brage-Iduna Lodge and Three Crowns Swedish Children's Club. Holiday songs, Nordic folk dances, songs, refreshments and socializing. radners122@gmail.com or jmorgan@crocker.com / 413-447-5850. Greenfield 11 Dec 2016 6 PM–8 PM Viking Lodge 756 of Vasa Order of America's annual Lucia Celebration in conjunction with St. Paul's Lutheran Church. Holiday songs, kaffe och dopp. estherjohnson4@comcast.net / 413-4221132
New Jersey
Budd Lake 26 Nov 2016 5 PM Juldans - Dancing around the Christmas tree with music by Jeanne Widman Anderson and Smorgåsbandet with Walter Eriksson, Jr. on Nyckelharpa. Traditional Scandinavian special-
ties, glögg, candle-lit ceremony and Sankta Lucia pageant. www.juldans.org / 973-691-8637
New Mexico
Albuquerque 4 Dec 2016 1 PM–5 PM Scandinavian Club of ABQ. Christmas celebration with dinner and program with Santa Lucia and Uffda band! $25/member, $30/guest. sonialersten@yahoo.com / 505-884-4495
Crown Bakery
of Worcester, Mass.
Minneapolis 26 Nov 2016 12 PM–2 PM Julglädje - A kickoff to Making Traditions at American Swedish Institute. Songs, stories and smiles are the hallmarks. www.asimn.org / 612871-4907 Minneapolis 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–5 PM 4 Dec 2016 12 PM–5 PM ASI Christmas Market at American Swedish Institute. Outdoor Handcraft Fair with wares for sale by local artisans, as well as musical performances, family activities and plenty of holiday cheer. www.asimn.org / 612-871-4907
Kansas
More info: www.gammelgardenmuseum.org / museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org or gammelgardenlynne@frontiernet.net / 651-4335053
Minneapolis 11 Dec 2016 1 PM 17 Dec 2016 6 PM 18 Dec 2016 1 PM ASI’s annual Julbord at American Swedish Institute. Enjoy a traditional Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord with dopp i grytan, prinskorv, Jansson’s Temptation, Swedish meatballs, potato sausage, etc. www.asimn.org / 612-871-4907 for reservation
God Jul och Gott Nytt År We ship U.P.S. anywhere, now until Thursday 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 54 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 in December til Christmas www.crownbakeryandcafe.com
Minneapolis 23 Dec 2016 5 PM–8 PM Lilla Julafton at American Swedish Institute. Extended museum and Jul Shop hours; help decorate the ASI community Christmas tree! www. asimn.org / info@ASImn.org / 612-871-4907 Rush City 13 Dec 2016 6:30 PM–8:00 PM Santa Lucia celebration by We R Able. Lucia parade, pepparkakor and making julgranskaramel. 320-358-1211 Scandia 11 Dec 2016 6 AM–10 AM Gammelgården Museum’s Lucia Celebration. Swedish prayer service, Lucia Fest Breakfast. www.gammelgardenmuseum.org / museum@ gammelgardenmuseum.org or gammelgardenlynne@frontiernet.net / 651-433-5053 Scandia 11 Dec 2016 6:00 AM – 10:00 AM Gammelgården Museum’s Lucia Celebration. Swedish Prayer service, Lucia Fest Breakfast. Info www.gammelgardenmuseum.org email: museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org or gammelgardenlynne@frontiernet.net or 651-4335053 Scandia 17 Dec 2016 10 AM 18 Dec 2016 1 PM Gammelgården Museum’s Girls and Dolls Tea Party with Lucia. Bring your dolls and enjoy lunch, stories and crafts. Make a reservation!
Swedish Yuletide The SWEA Fair and Holiday Celebration
Saturday 10 a.m.toto44p.m. p.m. SaturdayDecember December 10, 15, 2016 2012 •• 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!
November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 14
New York
Brooklyn 11 Dec 2016 2 PM–8 PM Christmas Party & Luciafest at The Danish Club. Glögg, dancing around the Christmas tree, music & entertainment by Smörgåsbandet. www.facebook.com/danishclub/ or www. SmorgasBandet.com / Dragspel@aol.com / 718748-7844 Jamestown 3 Dec 2016 9 AM–12 PM Julmarknad. Music, door prizes and vendors, followed by Julbord. www.scandinavianjamestown.org / 716-665-0883 Jamestown - Holy Trinity Church 10 Dec 2016 2:00 PM American Scandinavian Heritage Foundation's traditional Swedish Lucia celebration. www. scandinavianjamestown.org / swedishjamestown@gmail.com / 716-665-0883 Manhasset - Church of Our Savior Lutheran 10 Dec 2016 6 PM Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1 celebrates 95th Annual Lucia Festivals - Lucia pageant, folk dancing, Swedish cakes & crafts. Elsarix1@aol.com / 917363-9885 New York 2 Dec 2016 11AM–2 PM SACC NY Annual Christmas Luncheon & Lucia Celebration at The Pierre Hotel. Swedish smörgåsbord. Lucia performance. www.eventbrite.com/e/annual-christmas-luncheon-lucia-celebration-tickets-15558166896 / info@ saccny.org or roza.bicer@saccny.org / 212-8385530 New York 2 Dec 2016 7 PM–12 AM The American Scandinavian Society Christmas Ball at The Metropolitan Club. Dinner, Lucia pro-
cession, silent auction. www.americanscandinavian.org / info@americanscandinavian.org / 212-751-0714 New York - Scandinavia House 3 Dec 2016 1 PM–3 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). www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@amscan.org / 212-779-3587 New York - Svenska Kyrkan 10 Dec 2016 4 PM–8 PM The Swedish Church Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession and choirs. www.svenskakyrkan.se / newyork@svenskakyrkan.se / 212-832-8443 or 646-255-0381 New York - Scandinavia House 11 Dec 2016 5 PM Festive holiday concert. Featuring Scandinavian and American holiday favorites as well as a traditional Saint Lucia procession. www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@amscan.org / 212-779-3587 New York 13 Dec 2016 SWEA New York's Glöggmingel with Lucia. www. newyork.swea.org/events/gloggmingel-medlucia / sweanyprogram@gmail.com Svenska Kyrkan, New York 24 Dec 2016 11 AM–6 PM The Swedish Church Christmas Celebration. Swedish food, Kalle Anka, glögg and pepparkakor. www.svenskakyrkan.se / newyork@svenskakyrkan.se / 212-832-8443 Svenska Kyrkan, New York 25 Dec 2016 7 AM Julotta at the Swedish Church. www.svenskakyrkan.se / newyork@svenskakyrkan.se / 212832-8443 West Hempstead - St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church 4 Dec 2016 3:30 PM Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1 celebrates 95th Annual Lucia Festivals - Lucia pageant, folk dancing, Swedish cakes & crafts. Elsarix1@aol.com / 917363-9885
North Carolina
Raleigh 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–5 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. www.scanfair.org / info@scanfair.org / 336-541-5072 (SWEA) or 919-824-2335 (Vasa)
North Dakota
Three Crowns Swedish American Association of Bismarck-Mandan's Lucia Celebration at Lord of Life Lutheran Church. Lucia procession, dancers, pot-luck and dancing around the Christmas tree. dhswenson@msn.com / 701-255-5005
Ohio
Cincinnati 11 Dec 2016 5 PM–8 PM Scandinavian Society of Cincinnati's Lucia dinner party. www.scandinaviansoc.org
Oregon
Portland Memorial Coliseum 3 Dec 2016 10 AM–5 PM 4 Dec 2016 10 AM–4 PM Annual ScanFair by New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society. Scandinavian food, arts and crafts, Lucia, Santa, pickled herring eating contest. www.newsweden.org or www.scanheritage.org / shf@mindspring.com or info@newsweden. org / 503-977-0275 Portland Immanuel Lutheran Church 10 Dec 2016 New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society's Lucia Fest. www.newsweden.org / info@newsweden. org / 503-977-0275
Pennsylvania
Old Swedes Church, South Philadelphia 9 Dec 2016 6 PM & 8 PM 10 Dec 2016 2 PM & 3:30 PM & 5 PM 11 Dec 2016 2 PM & 3:30 PM & 5 PM Lucia Fest 2016. Sankta Lucia and St. Eric’s Fair at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’ Church). www.oldswedes.com/luciafestandfair.rhtml / info@ old-swedes.org or Marlysegl@gmail.com /215389-1513 Philadelphia 2 Dec 2016 6 PM–9 PM ASHM’s Julbord. Cocktails and authentic Christmas smörgåsbord dinner are followed by the Lucia procession.Christmas Market with holiday gifts and food. www.americanswedish.org / info@americanswedish.org / 215-389-1776 Philadelphia 3 Dec 2016 11:30 AM–4:30 PM ASHM’s family-friendly Lucia Fest, with Lucia processions at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Christmas Market with holiday deli items, decorations and gifts, SWEA bakery and Swedish Christmas Café. www.americanswedish.org / info@ americanswedish.org / 215-389-1776
South Dakota
Dalesburg 11 Dec 2016 3 PM 39th annual celebration of the St. Lucia tradition in Dalesburg. www.dalesburg.org / ron@dalesburg.org / 605-253-2575
Bismarck 11 Dec 2016 2:30 PM–4:30 PM
Välkommen till ÅRETS ALLA JULEVENEMANG i
Tisdag 20 November, kl.18.30: Veckomässa med kyrkkaffe. Söndag 4 december, kl.10-17: Träffa oss på SWEA Los Angeles Julbasar
Söndag 11 december kl 17.00
Luciagudstjänst med tomtebesök och lussefika Tisdag 13 december, kl.18.30: Hemlagad julbuffé. Föranmälan krävs. Tisdag 20 december, kl.18.30: Veckomässa med kyrkkaffe.
Austin 11 Dec 2016 SWEA Austin’s Annual Lucia and Julbazar. Bake sale, raffle, coffee, glögg, Lucia procession. http://austin.swea.org / austin@swea.org Dallas 3 Dec 2016 10:30 AM– 4 PM SWEA Dallas JulBasar and Lucia Celebration. Swedish crafts, gift items, baked goods and sweets. Lucia procession. www.dallas.swea.org / dallas@swea.org Houston 11 Dec 2016 SWEA Houstons Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession. www.houston.swea.org / sweahouston@ hotmail.com
Virginia
Virginia Beach 3 Dec 2016 9 AM–3 PM Swedish Christmas Bazaar by SWEA. Traditional decorations gifts and crafts, Swedish crystal, baked goods, café. www.virginiabeach.swea.org / virginiabeach@swea.org
Vermont
Landgrove 10 Dec 2016 6 PM Sankta Lucia at the Landgrove Inn. Julbord, choir, Lucia, glögg and more. RSVP 802-824-6578 or vartland@comcast.net
Washington
Seattle 4 Dec 2016 1 PM–2:30 PM Children’s Christmas in Scandinavia. A day of Nordic Christmas fun at the Nordic Heritage Museum. Lucia pageant, music and dancing, Santa, and Nordic crafts. www.nordicmuseum.org / alisonc@nordicmuseum.org / 206-789-5707 Tacoma - Pacific Lutheran University 11 Dec 2016 5 PM– 7 PM Pacific Lutheran University's Sankta Lucia Swedish Christmas Fest. Lucia and Sonoro Scandinavian Children's Choir, dancing around the Christmas tree. www.plu.edu / reicheee@plu.edu / 253-535-7322
Wisconsin
Dodgeville - Folklore Village 10 Dec 2016 5:30 PM St. Lucia Ceremony - Swedish songs, candlelight and aromatic saffron buns. Potluck and dancing. www.folklorevillage.com/t1 / staff@folklorevillage.org / 608-924-4000 Milwaukee - Whitnall Park Lutheran Church 11 Dec 2016 5 PM–7 PM Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin Lucia Celebration. Lucia procession, coffee and Swedish treats, dancing around the Christmas tree and a visit from Santa. www.sahswi.org / swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com / 262-781-6113 Milwaukee - Whitnall Park Lutheran Church 25 Dec 2016 6 AM–8:30 AM Julotta with Swedish hymns and liturgy in both Swedish and English. Enjoy coffee and cardamom buns afterward. www.sahswi.org / swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com / 262781-6113 Sister Bay 9 Dec 2016 5 PM–9 PM 10 Dec 2016 5 PM–9 PM Al Johnson's Julbord Celebration. Traditional Swedish Christmas Smörgåsbord, hot and cold dishes, glögg, $25.95/person, reservations required. www.aljohnsons.com/ john@doorguidepublishing.com / 920-421-1589
Senaste nytt om alla våra aktiviteter hittar du på vår Facebook- och hemsida!
IKEA USA 9 Dec 2016 4 PM–9 PM Swedish Christmas Julbord Celebration at all IKEA restaurants with an all-you-can-eat buffet! Contact your local IKEA store for more information.
Svenska kyrkan, Los Angeles 1035 South Beacon Street, San Pedro, CA 90731 Tel. 310-292-7079 • Epost: losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Hemsida: www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles På facebook heter vi “Svenska kyrkan i Los Angeles”
No celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all over 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.
Fredag 25 december kl 07.00
Julotta med kyrkkaffe
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
Texas
feature. page 15
Outside in northern Sweden with Blossa 16 The special annual edition of the Blossa glögg — now in its 16th year —usually takes us to new places in the world for the flavor of this vintage mulled wine. Previous coordinates were set in England, El Salvador and Japan, for instance, but Blossa 16 has returned home to Sweden for nature’s pantry that can be found in Norrland’s vast forests. “With Blossa 16, I wanted to portray an outing in the woods that ends at evening up around the campfire,” explained Åsa Orsvärn, chief blender of Blossa. “Crowberry is sometimes forgotten but in this taste we found an ingredient that contributes freshness to our vintage mulled wine. Birch syrup refined from sap adds a round sweetness and holds notes of toffee. As a reminder of the campfire, Blossa 16 features a slight smokiness. Along with classic mulled wine spices and carefully selected wines, we have managed to create a glögg we are very proud of,” Orsvärn continued. Crowberry grows wild and covers large areas in the north but also in other parts of Sweden in its southern variant. Throughout history crowberry has been considered curative, perhaps thanks to its copious amounts of antioxidant anthocyanins, the highest values of all together with blueberries. Although the Blossa glögg bottle keeps its shape from year to year, the colors and design change. Many people have quite a collection of these colorful bottles. This year’s is characterized by shades of green — reminders of the shadow play in a forest landscape. The typography in gold at the center stands out like a fire to gather around, with dancing leaves, deer, wolverines and bears. The artist Petra Börner and Scandinavian Design Group created the design. If you travel to Scandinavia, you’ll find the special edition at most tax free stores and in every state owned liquor store in Sweden, Systembolaget.
1 cup + 2 oz white wine 4 oz of Calvados brandy (optional) Heat half the apple juice with the sugar and spices. Remove from heat and stir in the rest of the juice, let it sit overnight then run it through a sieve. Heat the glögg with the white wine and brandy (leave out the wine and brandy for an alcohol-free glögg).
Gáhkku prepared the sami way, in the forest—here with leek and mushrooms.
The makers of Blossa suggest combining their glögg with Gáhkku, a sami flatbread baked in a dry cast iron pan Makes 8–10 breads 1 oz fresh yeast (25 g) 2 1/2 dl milk, lukewarm 1 cup 1 tbsp sugar (1 msk) 2/3 of a stick (75g) butter, room temperature 1 tsp salt (1 tsk) 2.5 – 3 cups (6–7dl) flour Instruction 1. Break up the yeast into a bowl and add the milk. 2. Add sugar, butter, salt and flour, a little at a time. Knead until smooth. Butter or oil a bowl for the dough to rest in. Cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise for about an hour to double the original size. 3. Cover a baking area with flour and knead the dough. Divide the dough into 8-10 pieces
and use a rolling pin to create round pieces, about 1/5 of an inch thick. Puncture with a fork. 4. Heat up a dry flat iron pan and fry the bread pieces 1-2 minutes on each side. Wrap in a towel and serve with crab meat salad, a beef stew, mushroom and leek stew or another ingredient of your liking. As for us, who won’t travel this holiday, we have to make do with our own and in most parts of the U.S. find other ingredients than the crowberry. Here are two recipes; one based on apple, the other the classic.
Apple glögg
4 cups of freshly squeezed apple juice (use organic apples) 2 oz muscovado sugar 1 cinnamon stick (about 1.5” long) 2 star anise seed 2 cloves 1 bitter orange peel
Old-fashioned glögg
Half a cup of vodka (you can also use whiskey or brandy) 5 cinnamon sticks 20 cloves 1 piece of ginger 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom kernels 1 bitter orange peel 1 bottle of cheap red wine (not too strong or rich) 1 cup + 2 oz sugar vanilla blanched almonds raisins Mix the alcohol and spices in a jar, cover with lid and put in the fridge overnight. Shake the jar occasionally. Let the mixture pass through a coffee filter until you get a clear, golden liquid. Heat this liquid with the red wine, sugar and vanilla. Serve the hot glögg with blanched almonds and raisins.
‘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 (in continental U.S.) Total: _________
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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, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 16
Santa Claus’ makeover
The millennial generation is rejecting the chemicals and pesticides now added to industrialized foods. Continued from page one
ailments), but some 40 percent of those who “look healthy” are also afflicted. That adds up to over half the current generation. We have been fed the myth that the problem lies in that “we eat too much and exercise too little,” says Sustainable Santa the SwedishAmerican leader of these health promoting Santas. In truth, Sustainable Santa says the problem is not the quantity of the food we eat but the quality, where processing for the sake of shelf life, cost and convenience, strips out the nutrients and fiber needed for good body health and digestion, and adds in chemicals, colors, preservatives, trans fats and huge amounts of artificial sweeteners and sugars which are toxic at the levels kids now consume them. The simple fact is the manufactured fast and processed food makes you want more, whereas the nutrient and fiber rich “real food” is more filling, in addition to being more beneficial for your health.
“Good health is all relative to what you eat,” Albert Einstein’s grandson tells Santa at a meeting in Palm Springs.
Get your photo with Santa — and a lot more
To address these issues several years ago, Healthy, Happy Santas were deployed at holiday time into farmers markets from San Diego to Sebastopol, above San Francisco. There, in addition to taking a picture with Santa — which parents take with their own cameras — the Santas gives out “Santa’s 3 Food Rules” cards which can go on the refrigerator and get seen all year long. The three food rules are designed to wean kids OFF the fast, snack and processed foods. As you may recall from previous issues of Nordstjernan, Rule #3 is the “S” Rule: no sodas, no snacks, no second helpings, no added sugar or salt and no sweets — except perhaps on days that begin with the letter “S” = Saturday or Sunday, which has its roots in the Swedish tradition of “lördagsgodis,” the reward of a “Saturday candy” if the child has attended to their schoolwork and chores during the week. After the photo is taken and the Food Rules cards discussed and distributed, the santas send the kids into the market on a treasure hunt looking for “Santa’s Garden Bites,” which are
The Young Scandinavians Club presents
Lucia
Sunday, December 11, 2016 Time:
Glögg, kringler and lussekatter served at 4:30pm Lucia Program begins at 6 pm
Location:
Swedish-American Hall 2174 Market Street, San Francisco
Tickets:
$20 members, $30 guests, $13 children 5-16, children under 5 free. Last year Lucia completely sold out, so get your tickets early!
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
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
Young Paul Abrinko pledges to eat the rainbow for the rest of his life at a local farmers market.
Farmers offer kids dehydrated blood oranges — “natures candy” — at the market as part of the Santa’s Garden Bite program.
tastes of fresh, raw or fermented REAL FOOD supplied by the farmer vendors. This hopefully introduces the children to tastes which they can adopt as new healthy staples in their diet.
Eating the rainbow
This holiday season the santas will be urging parents and kids to “eat the rainbow” of vegetables. But many parents don’t actually know why or what that means. The fact is each color signals what a food contains and can provide a high level of different vitamins and minerals. Eating a combination of them can yield optimum health. In their farmers market “Santa House” they have illustrations of what the different colors represent.
Red = lycopene, a powerful anti-oxidant that research suggests has cancer fighting properties, and vitamin C; plus reds typically are high in manganese and fiber. Orange and Yellow = higher levels of vitamin A (the eye sight vitamin), B6, potassium and lysine, which is an essential amino acid for humans to build proteins. Color counts even within the same species: An orange caro rich tomato has 10 times the amount of beta carotene as the average red tomato. Greens = excellent sources of vitamin K essential for blood clot development, folic acid which supports cell reproduction, potassium which aids in balancing cholesterol, and lutein, a naturally occurring carotenoid which is an antioxidant. Lutein also aids in eyesight and delivers needed omega-3 fatty acids. Greens also often contain isothiocynates which induce enzymes in the liver that assist the body in removing potentially carcinogenic compounds. And hopefully everyone knows that all lettuce is not the same with iceberg by far having the least nutritional value and romaine and green leaf the best. The good rule of thumb for lettuce is the nutritional value goes up as the leaves get darker. The list goes on to include the purple, blue and whites = each contains its unique combination of beneficial vitamins and minerals.
Healthy habits for life
The children love the bright colors and at farmers markets parents can make a game with them by having them select their favorite colors to prepare and eat: as many red things one day, orange the next and so on. The next step is for Santa to urge the children to help cook at least one healthy meal each week using vegetables of their favorite colors. That can help them focus on the vitamin and mineral values within the colors, plus learn cooking methods which
feature. page 17
Saturday, December 10, 2016 4 p.m. Anderson Chapel This beloved annual tradition features the North Park University Lucia choir, star boys, and the 2016 Lucia Queen. Following the pageant, join us for a smörgåsbord buffet in Hamming Hall. Tickets for the pageant are $5 per person; $10 per family. Tickets may be purchased at the door. Smörgåsbord tickets (includes the pageant): $20 per adult; $10 for children under 12. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Purchase advance tickets by December 2 online at www.northpark.edu/lucia or make your reservation by calling 773-244-5615.
From homecoming queens to hockey teams, #EatRealFood is the key.
preserve as much of the nutritional values as possible. Patterns of healthy favorites will begin to emerge. With practice, the pattern of cooking a healthy meal using different colors will extend into a lifetime of nutritious eating. The same colors distinctions apply to the fruits, where the greatest dose of vitamins for varieties is often found in the skin. Santa urges care with regard to the natural sugar in fruit, encouraging kids to “eat that orange — don’t drink it” as the fiber in an eaten orange buffers the body’s absorption of the sugar so kids use the calories and don’t just wear them. For Sustainable Santa and the Healthy, Happy Santas who populate the farmers markets there is a bottom line. They are on a mission to help moms, dads and kids recognize the importance of eating real food. We think Santa can promote this first step in the process needed to change the eating culture of America
back to the habit of eating real food — the type available at local farmers markets. “We want to encourage all santas to stand up to the promoters of the current unhealthy American diet and promote these healthy alternatives,” says Sustainable Santa. “We can no longer just stand by, passing out candy canes and watching as this tsunami of diet driven diseases in our children continues to grow.” The efforts of these santas have drawn support from the doctors at the University of California San Francisco Medical School, through their foundation The Institute for Responsible Nutrition. For more on this effort go to: www. responsiblefoods.org/santas “Bring your children to the farmers markets and let us help you give your kids the greatest gift of all — good health. It’s great fun and very rewarding.” November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
local events. page 18
Winter Skål If you’re in the upper Midwest this I recently started paying more attention to local breweries and beer in general (I am holiday season, make sure to find this from Wisconsin, after all) and saw for the beer and raise a glass to toast our first time Capital Brewery’s Winter Skål at Viking ancestors. my grocery store. I was immediately curious because when you’re a Swede, what better name could a beer have? I did a little research and found out Winter Skål isn’t a new brew; Capital Brewery (of Wisconsin’s state capital city, Madison) has been selling the seasonal beer since the 1990s. In 1986, while established breweries were calling their specialties “micro brews,” Capital Brewery opened as the first significant craft brewer in the state. Their Winterfest craft beer wasn’t welcomed by the bigger brewer’s micro brew with the same name, so Capital Brewery brainstormed for a new name. Of course they sipped the amber lager as they considered new names, and as they considered new names they sipped a little more. Soon they were cheering for the good ideas, maybe even singing, and raising their glasses to “skål” each other — and low and behold someone realized THAT could be its name. After all, didn’t skål mean skull, and didn’t the Vikings used to drink from the skulls of their enemies when they celebrated a success?
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Well, no, probably not — that’s really the stuff of legend. And skål actually means “bowl” (which comes from “skal” meaning “shell”), and supposedly the word is meant to encourage people to empty a bowl in somebody’s name — just as we “toast” jolly good fellows in this country. But since the ancient Nordics had a passion for beer, Capital Brewery knew they had a good name for this amber lager. The Viking drinking heritage is reflected in “the badass nature of what the craft beer industry is,” said Giotto Troia, with apologies for his language. Troia is the marketing and communications coordinator of Capital Brewery Co., Inc. He was eager to tell me about Winter Skål’s story, admitting there was nothing else
SCANDINAVIAN SHOP 1617 K Avenue Plano, TX 75074
gwen@woodenspoon.ws www.woodenspoon.ws
Winter Skål from Capital Brewery Co., Inc. in Madison, WI. www.capitalbrewery.com
Scandinavian about the beer but its name.
I assured him that didn’t really matter much, that though the German-American community is a lot bigger than ours (at least in southeast Wisconsin), we live peacefully together and respect that the Germans can take credit for much of the beer culture — and Winter Skål itself (its rich malt heritage is a German process). Winter Skål is what it needs to be: a really delicious medium amber lager that happens to have a Swedish name. And in case you haven’t (yet) tried it yourself, the answer is no, it’s not a replacement for your Christmas glögg, nor is it Julmust, but it is a really smooth amber lager that’s been featured at beer festivals and won enough awards to keep the brewery brewing it year after year. So pour yourself a tall, blonde
! l d u o J G
E G 10 Y ARS C E L E B RATIN 6 EST. 2 0 0
Even if it’s a twist-off (which this is), I always use a favorite gift given to me the first time I was in Sweden - a bottle opener made from the antler of a Lapland reindeer.
Swedish beer this holiday season, give it as a gift or share it at the next smörgåsbord. It’s only available through January. Skål! Amanda Olson Robison
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local events. page 19
Memories of Thunder Valley Inn Just before school started, we took one last mini-vacation with our daughters to our state’s top tourist attraction, the Wisconsin Dells. This place is known as the water park capital of the world, but we went for the reason the area became popular in the first place: the unique beauty of the glacier-carved rock formations that stretch for miles along that part of the Wisconsin River. We pre-booked a two-hour boat tour through the Upper Dells, and while we waited for our turn to board the boat, I was surprised to hear so many different languages being spoken around me. We could have been among international tourists in New York or Paris, yet here we were in a relatively remote location in central Wisconsin; it was fascinating to realize people from so many different countries knew about — and traveled to — this special place in my humble home state. Of course I listened for any signs of Swedish being spoken, or a similar Scandinavian language. I never did — at least not there. It wasn’t until the next day when we were headed out of town that we encountered something Scandinavian. We saw a sign on the side of the road that led us to what turned out to be a very special place. I jumped out of the car and looked around: It was a small campus of barns and outbuildings, a dining hall and sleeping cottages — a bed and breakfast. Run by Ole and Lena. Well, it’s run by Anita Nelson and her family, but Ole and Lena’s Scandinavian humor and charm is woven throughout the grounds of this 130-year-old farmstead the Nelsons call Thunder Valley Inn. It didn’t take long to see that it’s not just a place to sleep and eat a good breakfast (and the reviews indicate they are indeed good), but there are also Sunday smorgasbords the public can enjoy, folk music and games on the lawn, a gift shop full of Scandinavian items for sale, and to my girls’ delight, a small petting zoo. We regretted that we didn’t stay here the night before. But we do have fond memories of our short visit with Anita and her warm Scandinavian hospitality (and the kitten we adopted will certainly always be a reminder … ).
It could be that was our only visit because Ole and Lena are — in their words — “getting old,” and are hoping to sell the property. Maybe another Scandinavian will pick up where the Nelsons left off and maintain it as a bed and breakfast. That would be fantastiskt! Anyone interested can find all specifics by contacting the proprietors through www. thundervalleyinn.com
Sankta Lucia christmas Fest
Come enjoy a night of beautiful singing by PLU student Lucia candidates and the Sonoro Scandinavian Children’s Choir, as well as short skits embodying Swedish traditions by our little ones! This is a night of peaceful ceremony, to be followed by a fun-filled party in the Scandinavian Cultural Center with dancing around the Christmas tree and traditional Swedish tunes. There will be gifts for the children and a performance by the University Congregation band. Tickets are $5.
Anita Nelson (AKA “Lena”) in the dining room of Thunder Valley Inn ...
a charming Wisc. bed and breakfast that’s now looking for a new owner.
Amanda Olson Robison
Swedish Food and Candy, Design and Christmas Decorations for a uniquely Swedish Christmas.
349 Main Ave. | Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 203-529-3244 Email: info@scandinavianbutik.com
www.scandinavianbutik.com
Eastvold Auditorium in the Karen Hille Phillips Center, Pacific Lutheran University December 11, 5-7 p.m. November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
dashboard. page 20
London, UK
Hmmm... Swedish fashion model and blogger, Kenza Zouiten, was listed on the Daily Mail’s list of worst dressed at the MTV European Music Awards ceremony.
Lindsborg, KS
Lindsborg’s Karmon Almquist, the City of Lindsborg and community volunteers join in lighting up the Old Mill Bridge, above, each holiday season. Karmon and spouse Mary Anne Almquist are just a couple of the people who make “Little Sweden” Lindsborg brighter each Christmas. www.visitlindsborg.com
New York, NY
Kudos to producer Vicky Von Der Lancken for setting up “From Sammy With Love” (we wrote about the show and performers in issue 16, 2016), and then finding a date for the one-night-only performance at New York’s Apollo Theater. Great artists, great show!
an on. She has been honored with several grew up with his grandmother just blocks From Vicky with love onawards and medals, but one gets the impres- away. As Mirro faked a conversation between
Fackföreningen Unionen has created an emergency hotline to provide advice to those who have been affected by “mansplaining” in the workplace. Several famous experts will answer the phone lines to provide information to callers on suppression techniques to ward off unwanted explanations. But the program is not without criticism as some men feel the initiative is hostile to men and others wonder if it is a left-oriented political agenda. Many, however, have cheered the program and expressed gratitude. Mansplaining is a word borrowed from English and there’s no Swedish equivalent. According to Merriam-Webster, mansplaining is, at its core, a very specific thing. It’s what occurs when a man talks condescendingly to someone (especially a woman) about something he has incomplete knowledge of, with the mistaken assumption that he knows more about it than the person he’s talking to does.
Considered the queen bee of entertainment in Sweden, Vicky Von Der Lancken has a long track record of successful shows — early on as an artist herself and later, since the late 1980s, as a producer. She’s worked with all the major names in Swedish entertainment, from the immensely popular Lill Babs to Povel Ramel and Hasse Alfredsson, two of Sweden’s most beloved artists in modern times. One of Sweden’s renowned producers, the late Lars Schmidt, contacted her and actor Jarl Kulle to “discuss the future of” the legendary Oscars Theater in 1997. She had previously passed on the opportunity to take over Oscars, but this time she became a theater manager overnight. That was in 2004, an ownership she shares with 2Entertain — a partnership that since 2009 extends to the equally celebrated Chinateatern, a private theater in Berzeli Park, just around the corner from the King’s Garden and Stockholm’s busiest shopping streets. Guys and Dolls, Some Like it Hot, My Fair Lady, Singin in the Rain … the list of Von Der Lancken’s successful productions goes
sion her most important reward comes from working with the artists and a happy audience.
Love indeed
A one-night show in New York can’t possibly be a profitable venture but in this case it was a rather heartfelt show of gratitude to, and love for, the two artists who were instrumental in the immense success of Singin’ in the Rain at the Oscars Theater. Both performers had members of their U.S. families in the audience on the night of the show at the Apollo. Rennie Mirro and Karl Dyall were interchanging the role of Sammy Davis, Jr. who
Sammy and his grandmother, I couldn’t help but notice a special tone in his voice — and his own paternal grandmother was in the audience. It’s good to be reminded there are people everywhere with heart and brain in sync. The performance could have been at any theater in Midtown Manhattan but this show was no doubt for Karl and Rennie with love from Vicky. We wonder not why Von Der Lancken was honored with the “Smilbandspriset” (the Smiling Award) in 2011 — received from the hand of H.M. the King for “making Sweden a happier place.” Thanks for adding New York to the list, Vicky. /UBM The performers of “From Sammy With Love,” Rennie Mirro and Karl Dyall arrived in New York a day prior to the U.S. performance after an evening in Karlstad where the show was performed in Swedish. They rehearsed at the Apollo all day, then left the day after the show to continue their Swedish tour—36 hours after they left New York they were on stage again, at the Concert Hall in Västerås, Sweden. Left, Rennie Mirro with local “SWEA NY groupies.”
d i s t i n c t i v e ly
SWEDISH Learn more about our heritage at g e n e r a l s n u s . c o m
WARNING: This product can cause mouth cancer. Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
©2016 Swedish Match North Europe AB
Emergency hotline for Mansplaining
dashboard. page 21
Stockholm and Lund, Sweden
Hunting for the oldest ice on earth Swedish experts from Lund and Stockholm universities have joined a team of European scientists searching for the oldest ice on earth to better understand the climate system and thus improve models and methods of prediction. The team is heading to eastern Antarctica where they will use radar to drill three kilometers into the surface to capture 1.5 million years of the earth’s history. Clues contained in the tiny bubbles of air trapped in the ice could help solve mysteries of the earth’s climate over years.
Pets and us
The dialect of a cat’s meow
Does a cat from Stockholm and a cat from Skåne meow in different dialects? The answer may surprise you and the question is the subject of a research project at Linköping University where 30 cats and their owners are being studied to determine if cats have a language melody based on where they live and who they live with. Meowsic (Melody
in human cat communication) will film cats and owners at home and scientists will analyze situations when cats ask for food, play, and get loved. Participants will come from Östergötland, Stockholm and Skåne. Sounds purrfect.
Texas, Sweden?
Living cowboy style in Sweden (Real Estate) Come to Sweden and live the life of an American cowboy in a 28-acre (114,000 square meter) ranch that features a rodeo hall, shooting range, teepee room and stables. Located outside Småland Ljungby, the ranch is designed with an American West theme with rustic wood beams and floors, described as an upscale horse and training center. It includes 15 unique rooms, an area as hotel, a bar and restaurant. The starting price for the property is listed at SEK 9.7 million (just under $1.1 million.) Svensk Fastighetsförmedling is eager to hear from you.
The Meowsic Keyboard, right, supposedly provides “lots of opportunities to experiment with music and sounds” ... whether it also covers Swedish dialects is not part of the description.
God Jul
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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 Sunset 7.00 a.m. 4.29 p.m. 8.17 a.m. 2.55 p.m. 10.12 a.m. 12.43 p.m. 8.12 a.m. 3.39 p.m. 6.41 a.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
A Gift of Nordstjernan Is a gift of shared fun that keeps coming. 800-827-9333
Tisdag 13 dec 18:30 – 21:00 Ta med partner, vänner & bekanta! Vi bjuder på luciatåg, musik, glögg, pepparkakor och andra godsaker 5 Tudor City Place, NYC $25 RSVP Dec. 6 http://newyork.swea.org
November 30, 2016 Nordstjernan
feature. page 22
Two classics for the glögg party Soft Ginger Cake—a recipe on mjuk pepparkaka spice cake from Vasa member Lorraine Reimer and her husband Gordon’s mother; you can safely assume the cake is among the best we’ve tried. Ever.
1 tsp baking soda 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp ground cloves 1 tsp ginger 1 cup heavy cream
Elsie Reimer’s ginger cake
Heat oven to 350˚F. Beat eggs and sugar together. Add dry ingredients to egg mixture and stir in heavy cream. Pour into a small greased and floured tube pan. Bake for 3038 minutes depending on oven.
Serves 8
2 eggs 1 cup sugar 1-1/4 cups flour advertisement
Raspberry and coconut squares Makes 40
Crust: 3-1/2 tbsp (1/2 dl) sugar 3/4 cup (200 g) butter 2 cups (5 dl) flour Coconut mixture: 5 egg whites 3/4 cup (2 dl) sugar 2 cups (5 dl) sweetened coconut flakes Raspberry filling: 1/2 cup (1 dl) raspberry preserves Crust: Heat the oven to 350˚F. Mix together sugar, butter and flour by hand or in a food processor. Roll the dough between two sheets of parchment papers to a square 12” x 12” (30 x 30 cm). Place the square and the bottom parchment paper on a baking sheet. Bake on center rack for 8-10 minutes.
THE CAR COMPANY WITH A CONSCIENCE Volvo has come a long way, environmentally speaking, in its 89-year history. From the Lambda sensor to hybrids, its cars have grown a little greener every year. The Volvo approach has always been holistic, one that takes into account the total effect the car has on the environment—from the collection of raw materials, to production, to engine efficiency and recycling. The company kicked off a “life cycle analysis” of its cars as early as the 1970s, examining everything going into the cars, how the production process itself affects the environment. Throughout the 1970s, the U.S. car industry and clean air activists were caught up in an on-going dispute over auto emissions. In 1977, the state of California enacted new, tougher emission standards over and above Federal levels. At the time, U.S. carmakers balked at the stringent law, claiming the requirements simply couldn’t be met. Meanwhile—and in the wake of the oil crisis of the early 1970s—Volvo was developing more powerful and more economical engines. When the 240 model was introduced in 1977, it shocked the world. The 240 by far exceeded the “impossible” California emission standards, while at the same time increasing gas mileage. All this was made possible by the three-way catalytic converter with a Lambda sensor. The new Lambda Sond emission control system measured oxygen in exhaust gases and adjusted the fuel injection for the optimum air/fuel ratio. The emission control system based on this Volvo innovation is used by nearly every car manufactured in the world today. And, it is just as indispensable for protecting the environment as the three-point seat belt (another Volvo innovation) is for protecting drivers. Stronger, faster and more economical In an early attempt to push the boundaries of alternative technology, Volvo started experimenting with hybrids in the 1990s. Both a “dual fuel” car that could be powered by gasoline, methane gas or even biogas; as well as an electric hybrid, were being tested as early as 1994-95. Today, Volvo has taken the expectations of luxury high-performance plug-in hybrid SUVs one giant step forward with the introduction of the T8 twin-engine model of the best-selling XC90. The XC90 T8 is so close to the ultimate solution of today’s technology, you may mistake it for a perpetual motion machine.
Nordstjernan, November 30, 2016
It offers comfort, safety and an unprecedented level of efficiency for a sevenpassenger all-wheel-drive SUV. How? Volvo’s new Scalable Product Architecture has made it easy to accommodate the addition of a lithium ion battery and a pair of electric motors to offer substantially more horsepower without compromising on the interior. What differentiates the T8 “twin-engine” is that it pairs the 316-hp turbo-charged and supercharged four-cylinder that powers the T6 version of the SUV with twin electric motors attached to the front and rear wheels. The rear-mounted 87-hp AC motor has a third power source in the form of a 46-hp electric motor located between the gas engine and the XC90’s eight-speed automatic transaxle. A 34kW starter generator charges the battery pack when the regenerative braking system is in use. Sound complicated? The good thing is you don’t have to understand any of that to drive this surprisingly nimble SUV and enjoy class-leading fuel economy. (Plus: The plug-in hybrid SUV’s 15-mile range on batteries, something unique in this automotive segment.) The XC90 T8 offers six driving modes: AWD, Save, Pure, Hybrid, Power and Off Road. AWD we’re already familiar with. “Save” charges and retains battery power for later use. “Pure” is the eco mode that helps reduce energy consumption by staying in electric mode. “Hybrid” is the default mode, allowing maximum energy efficiency by fading between the gas engine and both electric motors. “Power” is for sportier driving, enabling 100% access to the electric motor, the turbo charger and the super charger, giving the car roughly 400 total horsepower. “Off Road” helps the car handle better in difficult road conditions. Introduced as only the second SUV hybrid in the U.S. market, the XC90 T8 has quickly been followed by other brand alternatives—but none as versatile as the Volvo, which combines form and function, style and substance, power AND sustainable mobility. As a friend of Nordstjernan, contact your concierge, Daniel Dwyer at 201.519.7268 for special offers and to set up a test drive at your local dealer. www.volvocars.com/us
Coconut mixture: Mix egg whites, sugar and coconut flakes in a saucepan. Simmer on low heat until thickened. Note: Do not boil! Remove from heat. Increase heat to 400˚F. Spread the raspberry preserves on the warm crust. Spread the coconut mixture on top. Bake for 9 minutes, place under the broiler for 1 minute until the coconut mixture is golden brown. Cut the cake in squares while lukewarm. Let cool and enjoy.
The four stages of a man’s relation to Santa: Det finns fyra stadier i en mans liv: 1 Han tror på jultomten. 2 Han tror inte på jultomten. 3 Han är jultomten. 4 Han har glömt bort jultomten. There are four stages of a man’s life: 1. He believes in Santa. 2. He doesn’t believe in Santa. 3. He is Santa. 4. He’s forgotten Santa.
the vasa star vasastjärnan
Photo: Inara Prusakova/161622983
Fall 2016 Publication of The Vasa Order of America
Pepparkakor, glögg, Sankta Lucia, the letter to tomten, julbock and julbord — all the details so important in the traditions of us Swedish Americans at this time of year.
the grand master’s message
Dear Vasa Brothers and Sisters, We concluded our Vasa travels for the year with a trip to District Pennsylvania No. 9. They held their biennial convention at Punderson Manor, a beautiful mansion located within Punderson State Park in Newbury, OH, just a half hour east of Cleveland. We are looking forward to the holiday season that is upon us as you read this. Most
of our Vasa lodges have a long tradition of celebrating the holidays, starting with Lucia and her procession of “tärnor,” “stjärngossar” and “tomtar” coming into a darkened room, singing the traditional Lucia song and often a number of other songs. For most of us, the culmination of the holidays is Christmas with all the traditional food and the tree beautifully decorated with presents under it waiting to be opened. In Sweden, most families open presents in the late afternoon or early evening on Christmas Eve. Many Vasa families brought that tradition with them to America. The special Financial Report issue of the Vasa Star is now available on the web. I highly recommend that you study it. You will find the audited financial statements for 2015 for both the Grand Lodge and the Vasa National Archives. Our auditor is the independent auditing firm H&J CPA, Inc. in Concord, OH. This is the third year in a row we have a complete audit, and we now have an audit trail showing our financial record of accomplishment. You will also
find the tax returns for both organizations. I know many of you have asked the question: “Where does my money go?” This is where you can find out. You will also find one entry for monies recovered in the settlement of the RCG lawsuit and another one from Bank of America refunding excess investment fees charged over many years. Each of these is in excess of $150,000, monies that we now have in the bank because of much work on the part of GT Keith Hanlon and GLMEB Bruce Elfvin. It should be noted that these monies are not available for spending, as they are scholarship and Old Age and Benefit monies respectively. I recently attended a Lodge anniversary party and had the privilege of talking to a long time member who related the story of arriving at Ellis Island from Sweden at the age of 3 in 1928. He mentioned that he recently had the opportunity to visit Ellis Island where he was interviewed about his experiences as an immigrant who had arrived and been processed through the
facility. He encouraged everyone who had come through that facility to do the same when visiting that historic place. We are now at the end of the year and I am requesting all secretaries to send me information about your members who will be celebrating their 75th, 80th etc. birthdays in 2017. Please also include anyone celebrating birthdays in excess of 100 years. With this information, I will be able to recognize them with a birthday greeting on their special days. The next Grand Lodge Convention is now about 1 1/2 years away and you must elect your Grand Lodge Delegate at your next District Convention. Delegate information must be submitted to the Grand Secretary no later than four months prior to the convention. That means this information has to reach GS Joan by the end of February 2018. It is critical that you elect delegates who are willing and able to run for Grand Lodge positions. All GL positions are filled by delegates and current officers. Delegates
National Archive News
Grand Lodge News
Holiday Greetings
Speaking Swedish
Bill Lundquist, the president of the National Archives explains how the new website offers information for everyone. / p25
Test your Swedish and be all the wiser for learning why we shouldn’t turn a blind eye to what geese can teach us. / p26
Special wishes to and from the Vasa Order community “from seas to shining seas,” in the U.S., Canada and Sweden. / p27-29
How much Swedish do you remember from your childhood? (Re) learn in this visit down memory lane. / p36
archive news » p25
grand lodge news » p26
district lodge news » p30
local lodge news » p31
language » p36
/ continued on p26
in memoriam » p36
swedish news » p37
the vasa star / Fall 2016
editor’s Message
issue highlights
It’s that special time of year again, the time for Sankta Lucia, the uniquely Swedish tradition many of us hold very dear - and that holds together many of us. Even though its origins remain unclear, we’re OK with that – what matters most is that we still gather in quiet darkness and sing together by the light of candles and share pepparkakor or lussekatter and coffee or glögg with one another. And, like on March 17 when everyone is Irish, we proudly welcome everyone to celebrate Sankta Lucia on Dec. 13, when everyone wishes to be Swedish. This year, I’ll be sitting in a pew as the mom whose quiet wish it’s been to pass along a love for being Swedish, as I watch my daughter appear in the darkness with a wreath of candles on her head and a train of young maidens behind her, lighting the
way as she leads the singing of all the familiar songs we hold so dear. I know you, my sisters and brothers in Vasa, understand my emotion and pride in this moment. It’s an unexpected, though always hoped-for merging of two of the most important elements of my own identity – being Swedish and being the mother of a child, who is embracing her own Swedishness. It’s wonderful. I hope you all have wonderful moments this season, too. Be sure to read what everyone else is excited to share, expressed throughout the pages of this issue of the Vasa Star. And don’t miss the joy coming to you from all over Vasaland in the special greetings expressed on our pages. Glad Lucia Dagen (Dec. 13), God Jul och Ett Gott Nytt År! Önskar
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.
amanda olson robison vasaeditor@gmail.com
Please send no later than January 15.
Linde Lodge visit to Minnesota, Lindström and the American Swedish Institute. / p34
Language: A bit of 50s nostalgia How to keep up or work on your conversational skills by joining a group. / 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
Connecticut’s Vasa Park turns 70. / p30
the vasa star Fall 2016 Vol. 108, 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 44118-2434 bruce@ekrtlaw.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 2016 / the vasa star
ARCHIVE news Message from the President of The Vasa National Archive
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
in truth and unity, bill lundquist, PGM, president of the vasa national archives
If you have any questions about the collections or the archives, feel free to contact me at VasaArchivist@gmail. com or 309927-3898. For more current Kathy Cuff, Vasa Archivist information on Bishop Hill or the Vasa National Archives, follow us on Facebook. In Truth and Unity, Kathy Cuff, CA Vasa Archivist
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige God Jul och Gott Nytt
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
Executive Board Members:
God Jul och 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 MEB-Western Region Jeff Klein
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 God Jul och Gott Nytt År
Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
Olle Wickström Karl Axel Bengtsson Catherine Bringselius Nilsson Agneta Västerstjärna Bengt Åberg Alf Nilsson Lennart Nilsson Maureen Bengtsson Anita Nilsson Executive Board Members: tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 God Jul och Gott Nytt År
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Our best wishes to all of you for a happy, healthy and prosperous coming year. Thank you for your personal support and your support of the Vasa Order of America and the Vasa National Archives.
Executive Board Members:
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
God Jul och Gott Nytt År
ful memories during this holiday season. We will be making memories this year with our eighth grandchild, Otto, born in September. We have so much to be thankful for this year.
Olle Wickström Karl Axel Bengtsson Catherine Bringselius Nilsson Agneta Västerstjärna Bengt Åberg Alf Nilsson Lennart Nilsson Maureen Bengtsson Anita Nilsson
Vasa Order of America Grand Lodge Executive Board
put together additional shelving in the base- let us know. The tree will stay up well into ment to accommodate everything. the new year for late arriving ornaments. We will begin research and preparation On Dec. 9-10, Bishop Hill will be celfor an exhibit of Swedish and Swedish- ebrating Lucia Night and the close of the American art, which will open on April 1, 2016 tourist season. We will host a local 2017 and will feature artworks from our storyteller, Brian “Fox” Ellis, who will tell members and lodges. Ted Myhre’s wooden Swedish Christmas stories both nights at bowls, Ron Carlson’s Dala horse rocking 6:30 and 7:30. Lucia weekend will also be chair, Eric Lindberg’s castle clock and the closing reception for the current exhibit several Swedish crystal pieces will be back on 19th century Sweden. Light refreshments on display. If there is a special piece in our will be provided and everyone is welcome collection that you hope is on exhibit, let to come. us know. We are also planning game nights on We will be celebrating the Julgran on Dec. Tuesday evenings, beginning in January 2 at the Vasa National Archives. We will and continuing until March. Game Nights have the tree decorated with your ornaments, will be our way to break up the monotony a variety of food, and lots of Christmas of winter and provide entertainment to our localSverige community.Nr 20 cheer. If you would like to attend, please Distriktslogen Södra
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been at the Vasa Archives for a year now. This has been a good year and I look forward to more to come. Right now we are getting ready for winter; Julgran fundraiser ornaments arrive daily in the mail and we hang them on the tree regularly. Our seed saving program during Ag Days (Jordbruksdagarna) brought us into direct contact with over 200 people in one weekend. We had a table set up in the park where people could do their own seed saving and we sold seeds at the booth. Nancy Hult greeted visitors all weekend - thanks, Nancy! Our item-by-item inventory of the attic boxes God is almost complete Jul och and should be done in a few weeks. The boxes of trophies Gott in the garage Nytt have beenÅr cleaned and most are on display in the basement. We had to
We are creating a complete Collection Policy to help you, your lodge and your district save some of those memories for others to enjoy. Members can donate personal histories, crafts/artworks, regalia and pins, awards and certificates, books written in Swedish, published in the United States and materials related to Scandinavia (particularly, Swedish) immigration and some reference materials. Bibles, flags, and items in very poor condition along with some Vasa records and publications can not be used. Please seek the guidance of our archivist, Kathy Cuff before donating. We greatly appreciate the generosity of The Vasa Archives in Bishop Hill, IL in fall dressing. our members who donated to this year’s Heritage Fundraiser which makes it possible settlement offers partial restitution but work to fund restoration, display and storage at must continue growing our endowment. the Archives. The Julgran Fundraiser is Donations to the Julgran Fundraiser (unless currently underway. The tree is up on the you specify differently) are applied to the second level of the Archives and the bulbs in endowment. The Archives belongs to all honor of your loved ones have been placed members of the Vasa Order and your continon it as they arrived with your donations. ued support of our two annual fundraisers is The annual Julgran reception celebrating very important to its success. You can review the successful fundraiser was held at the the full list of donors to the fundraisers in the Archives December 2 but donations arriving next edition of the Vasa Star. The Archives has gratefully received some large monetary later will be gladly accepted. gifts from Vasa members this year and we hope these Vasa friends and other members Settlement funds will continue to offer this type of support in The Archives is fortunate to have received the coming year. Please remember The Vasa a monetary settlement in the complicated National Archives as you update your wills. and long lasting legal dispute related to Sheila and I trust you will enjoy many joythe Vasa financial situation in 2009. This ous family and Vasa events and make beauti-
Hello Vasa Members,
Collection Policy
n
greetings fellow vasa members, As you read in a past article from our archivist, the Archives has a new website, vasaarchives.org. We have created this new site to give the archivist a convenient way to communicate with all of you. Please take time to access it and learn what is available to those who visit the Archives, Bishop Hill and Henry County. It gives you an electronic way to enjoy current events and displays should you be unable to physically visit. Our membership told us for many years that it wants virtual access to the Archives and this new web presence makes that happen. If there is something you are interested in seeing via our new web presence please contact the archivist at her e-mail address, vasaarchivist@gmail.com. Also check our Facebook page for current happenings at vasa national archives. Many of us are downsizing to make our lives less complicated. We all have artifacts and memorabilia stored in closets, attics and basements. Some of these items might be of great interest to us at the Archives. In everyone’s busy lives, all too often historically significant items get discarded, old pictures can no longer be identified and interesting stories are forgotten - let us help. You may be the last of your family to know the details of important documents related to your parents’ or grandparents’ immigration.
page 25
the vasa star / Fall 2016
grand lodge news The Grand Master’s Message (continued from page 23)
Education Stamp Campaign
may run for and be elected to all GLEB Your lodge needs to positions except to Grand Master and Vice have a Membership Grand Master, where prior service on the Chairman, though GLEB is required. Appointed positions, this is not the only including Grand Lodge Deputy, are often person in charge of filled by Delegates as well. While this is membership retennot mandated, the incoming Grand Master, tion and recruitment who makes these appointments, will get to – YOU ALL ARE! By know the delegates pretty well during the retaining your memconvention. bers and getting new You have heard me say this many times members, your lodge can grow and thrive. before: MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO For this to happen, interesting lodge meetBE OUR NUMBER ONE CHALLENGE ings are essential. The competition for your and you need to keep that in mind at all times. current and prospective members’ time is
stiff. You need to have food at your meetings and put on programs that your members want to attend. Cultural Leaders, work with your District Cultural Leader and with your lodge members to create programs. It is every member’s job to make the meetings attractive to current and prospective members. Recruiting ONE new member is all I ask from each one of you. Keep your current members! Don’t be boring! in truth and unity, tore kellgren,grand master
Thank you to all those who have responded to the annual Education Stamp Campaign. Your support allows the Grand Lodge to provide a full array of educational and cultural programs for our Vasa members. Your generosity provides funding for scholarships and student loans to college students, younger students attending Sjölunden Swedish language camp, and our children’s and youth clubs. In addition, your encouragement and support provides funding for developing programs that will be of special interest to members of our local lodges. Thank You!
Wishing our 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 DL CONNECTICUT NO. 1 Norden Lodge No. 1 Carolyn Cook DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2 Brage-Iduna Lodge No. 9 MaryAnn Carroll Spiran Lodge No. 98 Marit White Marta J. Witthöft Nordic Lodge No. 611 Marie Louise Sturdevant John Milton Vining DL RHODE ISLAND NO. 3 Svea Lodge No. 362 Robert Scott Carlson John Matthew Lucas Stephen Norman Malec Gregory Eric Olson Haley Marie Tavares Pioneer Lodge No. 506 Dawn Rose Manchester DL NEW YORK NO. 4 Thule Lodge No. 127 Susanna Ecklof
Olympic Lodge No. 235 Ingrid A. Smith DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6 Arlington Lodge No. 62 Carl Cimino Linda Louise Gardner Tammy L. Jones Jennifer Marie Montell Pat Montell Roy Nilsen Amy Grace Renni Christine Stanford Paul David Turrisi-Chung David Brian Venezio Gift Tolin Venezio Frithiof Lodge No. 63 Victoria R. Enright Michelle Gassert Shannon E. Hoctor Ian Leahan Kurt John Leifken Linne Lodge No. 429 Edward Mauritz Gunneson Katharine Mary Killion Rachel R. Redford Barry S. Seip Patricia Seip Sandra J. Seymour Natalie Anna Zaman
Gothiod Lodge No. 486 Elexa May Bauman Chad H. Peterson Brian S. Schaechter Frances S. Steiner Vågen Lodge No. 588 Patricia Anne Munson-Siter Three Crowns Lodge No. 704 Matthew William Denzler Betty Ann Rush Teresa M. Wilder Viking Lodge No. 735 Greta Lovisa Amidon Tyler Anton Scheirer DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Linne Lodge No. 153 Mark Smedley Svea Lodge No. 253 Annika Nichole Swanson Paige Emilia Swanson Viljan Lodge No. 349 Jake Edward Epperly Peter Trygve Haroldson Hagar Lodge No. 721 David V. Erickson
John Erickson Lois S. Johnson R. Donald Johnson Linda Nordhem Nordik Folk Lodge No. 761 Melissa Pearson Jason Jeffrey Schmal DL PENNSYLVANIA NO. 9 Nobel-Monitor Lodge No. 130 Gretchen (Grete) Anderson Carole J. Blake Grace Bush Svea Lodge No. 296 Nancy B. Serwinski DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 Balder Lodge No. 343 Ruth Anne Christen Karen Greta Concepcion Darrel Eugene Heyer Gun Margareta Heyer Eva Lynn Janson James Anderson Lancaster Dorene L. Lewis Sherman M. Schapiro Sveaborg Lodge No. 449 Pat Seaman Kristin Stabb DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 Svea Lodge No. 469 Callie Danielle Johnson
Harmoni Lodge No. 472 Linnea Azizie Ashkar Erik R. Bombardier Victoria Ellen Davis Donald W. Tohlen DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 North Star Lodge No. 106 Inga M. Francis Skandia Lodge No. 247 Harold Olof Johanson Viking Lodge No. 256 Jane Austin Hendricks Richard Allen Stephens
Nordstjarnan Lodge No. 575 Scott Alasdair Allnutt Haley Linnea Campbell DL ARIZONA NO. 21 Scandia Lodge No. 728 Kristin Boyes Roy Kim Boyes Janet Duke Jimmy Duke CENTRAL REGION Carl XVI Gustaf Lodge No. 716 Anders V. Hellstrom
Mayflower Lodge No. 445 Inger B. Akerlund Rolf Lennart Danryd Myra G. Posert Chris Velline Ellen Velline John William Wilson Kern River Lodge No. 763 Jon R. Christenson Bailey Reynolds DL IOWA-NEBRASKA NO. 17 Omaha Lodge No. 330 Enid A. Haysk Roger Edward Nettz Joan I. Tomlinson White Richard L. White DL ALBERTA NO. 18
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
grand LODGE NEWS
Fall 2016 / the vasa star
Dum som en gås? Helt fel! Lite tänkvärda ord. Men hur kan vi alla hjälpas åt för att implementera detta i vårt arbete med Vasa Orden av Amerika? Dum som en gås? Helt fel Vi kan lära av gässen. • När varje gås flaxar med sina vingar skapar det ett ”upplyft” för fåglarna som följer. Genom att flyga i V-formation ökar flocken effektiviteten med 71 % jämfört med om varje fågel flög ensam. Lärdom: Människor som arbetar i en gemensam riktning och med en känsla av samhörighet kommer fortare och lättare till målet, eftersom de får draghjälp av varandra. • Så snart en gås faller ur formationen återtar den sin plats så fort som möjligt för att kunna dra nytta av lyftkraften från den framförvarande gåsen. Lärdom: Om vi har lika mycket förnuft som en gås skulle vi ansluta oss till dem som strävar i samma riktning som vi själva önskar. • När ledargåsen blir trött flyttar den bakåt i formationen och en annan gås intar tätplatsen.
Lärdom: Det lönar sig att turas om att ta de tunga jobben och att dela upp ledarskapet sinsemellan. • Gässen som flyger i formationen tutar för att uppmuntra de där framme att hålla farten uppe. Lärdom: Vi måste försäkra oss om att vårt tutande är uppmuntrande. I grupper där det finns uppmuntran, är produktiviteten betydligt större. Uppmuntrandets kraft (att följa) sitt hjärta eller stå fast vid sina ideal och uppmuntra andras hjärtan och ideal) är den sorts kvalitet vi söker i tutandet. • När en gås blir sjuk, skadad eller skjuten, faller två gäss ur formationen och följer den ner för att hjälpa och skydda den. De stannar hos den tills den antingen dör eller kan flyga igen. Sedan lyfter de och gör följe med en annan formering eller flyger ikapp sin egen flock. Lärdom: Om vi har lika mycket vett som gäss, står vi vid varandras sida i svåra tider likväl som i tider då vi är starka. gunnar gustafsson slh sweden
Silly as a goose? Completely Wrong! Some thoughtful words, presented by GL Historian, Sweden, Gunnar Gustafsson.
it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they hook up with another formation or catch up with their own flock. Silly as a goose? Wrong! Lesson learned: If we have as much sense It’s common to call someone a “silly goose” as the geese, we will stand by each other in if they have done something childish or difficult times as well as when we are strong. comical, but the truth is geese might not be translation by gm tore kellgren so silly! In fact, we can learn from geese:
Tracking down the authorship of this interesting reflection is a bit of a wild goose chase since it’s been attributed to so many authors. It is often credited to “anonymous” but when it was transcribed from a speech given by the anthropologist Angeles Arrien in 1991, it was claimed to be based on the work of the Rev. Milton Olson, an American clergyman born to Swedish immigrants. But this was not the first documentation of the article (which has been translated • Whenever a goose falls out of formation, into several languages including French, it retakes its place as soon as possible to Spanish, Swedish and Japanese) - the first take advantage of the lifting force from the was actually in the November 1988 edition goose ahead. of Nebraska Synod (ELCA) Update, where Lesson learned: If we have as much sense it was [allegedly] incorrectly credited to as a goose, we join those who work toward the as yet unverified author, Milton Olson. the same goals as we do. We are then willOther things suggest that Dr. Robert Mcing to accept their help and offer our help Neish of Baltimore, MD originally wrote to others. the text in 1972. Dr. McNeish, a science • When the lead goose gets tired and moves teacher before he became involved in school to the back of the formation, another goose administration, had observed geese for years and first wrote the piece for a sermon takes the lead. Lesson learned: It pays to take turns to do he delivered in his church. His background and profession makes the attribution likely the heavy jobs and work as a team. given the subject matter, but alas, we aren’t • The geese in the back are honking and entirely certain. cheering on the ones ahead to keep up the (Much of this explanation was compiled speed. from extensive research by Sue Widemark, Lesson learned: In groups where there is who also managed to gather scientific encouragement, there is much greater proevidence for much of the statements. For ductivity. We need to ensure that our words more info, see http://suewidemark.com/ from the ranks are always encouraging and lessonsgeese.htm) supportive of each other and leadership.
• As each goose flaps its wings, an “uplift” is created for the birds that follow, and by flying in a “V” formation the flock’s efficiency is increased by 71% compared to when each bird flies alone. Lesson learned: Working with a common direction and sense of belonging gets us to the target faster and more easily as we get help from each other.
• When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, two other geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect
Christmas greetings God Jul & Gott Nytt År
God Jul & Gott Nytt År
from
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year
Evening Star Lodge No. 426
From the members of Framåt Lodge No. 405 El Cerrito, CA
En riktigt God Jul
God Jul & Gott Nytt År
tillönskas alla Vasavänner Christopher, Mårten, Mette, Ulf Barslund Mårtensson LL Diana Birger Jarl
önskar Millie Johnson Pioneer Lodge No. 506 Cranston, RI
Gary and Gunlog Spaberg
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GOD JUL OCH
GOTT NY TT ÅR Från Bishop Hill Lodge No. 683 Bishop Hill, Illinois
page 27
the vasa star / Fall 2016
Christmas greetings
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar vi er alla Linde Lodge No. 492 Milwaukee, WI
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Berit och Hans Bogren LL Höganäs # 634
May the special warmth of Christmas be with you always. Logen Ronneby # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År
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 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
God Jul och Gott Nytt År
God Jul & Gott Nytt År
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Logen Höganäs nr 634
Till alla våra vänner och VASA medlemmar Liza & Rolf Ekstrand
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Göran och Catherine Bringselius Nilsson O SLD DL # 20, LL Carl von Linné #678
God jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Logen FIlbyter # 714
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 Södra 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 Alf & Ingrid Nilsson VDS LL Kärnan # 608
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önskar Gudrun Gustafsson LL Blå Jungfrun #749 Oskarshamn
God Jul och Gott Nytt År Britt-Marie & Hans-Erik Lindeblad LL 628 Calmare Nyckel
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Fall 2016 / the vasa star
VASA SCHOLARSHIPS TO SWEDISH LANGUAGE CAMP The Grand Lodge Executive Board will award 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, 2017. Applicant, parent/guardian or grandparent must be a member of the Vasa Order of America for at least two years prior to April 2017. Requirements Award winner is expected to provide: A. Evidence of health/accident insurance and a statement 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 has been a member for at least two years prior to April 1, 2017, E. Other comments that will assist in selecting the winners. Awards The Vasa Order of America will pay the basic tuition (around $2,060) for the two-week 2017 Summer Program and will reimburse reasonable travel expenses against submitted receipts. All other costs will be borne by the recipient. Date of Camp: 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, 2017. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Bo & Heléne Ljungklint DKL DL 20 LL Carl von Linné # 678
The Grand Lodge 2017 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
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.
swedengen@telia.com
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Applicants for the above scholarships must have become a Vasa member prior to February 15, 2016. Applications are available at the Vasa website (www.vasaorder.com) until January 15, 2017. To be eligible, the following items must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2017 to be considered. 1. Completed application with enclosures MUST be postmarked no later than February 15, 2017. 2. Complete “OFFICIAL” 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. Current passport style photo (on photo quality paper, preferably 2”x3”). 4. A letter of recommendation from applicant’s Local Lodge with date of initiation. 5. Letters of recommendation from two personal references dated 2017. 6. A letter of reference from your Dean, Principal, Teacher or Counselor, dated 2017. 7. An original, typed essay, not to exceed 1,000 words. Cannot have been submitted in prior years.
Please put in one envelope if possible. Choose an essay subject from the following list:
1. What do you consider to be role youth can and should play in Vasa. 2. If you have visited a Nordic Country, what was the most impressive element of your visit and why? 3. Explain the differences in Nordic music written by Sibelius, Kalle Jularbo and ABBA and which best suits you. 4. How would you describe a Nordic folk costume to someone? When and where are the costumes most used today? 5. Describe the various economies of the Nordic countries and compare their success. 6. Within the Nordic countries, choose what is a most popular tourist attraction, and provide your thoughts on its appeal. 7. What Nordic invention appeals to you in being most important to mankind and why have you selected this? AWARDS ARE PAYABLE TO the institution in which the student is enrolled or accepted for enrollment. To qualify for the College or Vocational School Scholarship, a 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.
Art Bjorkner Vice Grand Master 31 Vasa Dr. Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Phone: (973) 426-0776
For questions email: vgm@vasaorder.org page 29
the vasa star / Fall 2016
DISTRICT lodge news Arizona No. 21
Golden Gate No. 12
A memorial service was held after the business meeting. Packets of forget-me-not prescott, az / Arizona District 21 held flower seeds were passed out. The Saturday their biennial convention on April 29 and night banquet was held at Prescott Centen30, 2016 in Prescott. The convention was nial Center. Wearing his Viking helmet, hosted by Scandia Lodge #728 of Prescott; emcee Bob Wood introduced the District the theme was “Viking Spirit” and each Scholarship winner, Hannah Ingerson, she registrant received an Ikea bag full of also wore the Viking helmet. Bob then inconvention materials and other goodies. troduced “Cowboy Poet” Mike Dunn, our Saturday the business meeting included welcome comments from Grand Master funny and moving entertainer. Yes, he wore Tore Kellgren and his wife Birgitta, both the Viking helmet, too. Pat Flippen won from Golden Gate District 12, California. the raffle grand prize, a painted Swedish Linda Kosvic, Asst. District Secretary from style hutch,hand made by Joe and Karleen Pacific SW District 15, California and Vito Andrews. The convention was a success; Pantaleo, Grand Lodge Deputy also spoke; we meet again in 2018 in Tucson, Arizona. District Master Joanne DeMent conducted submitted by kristin boyes the election of officers and the installation district historian of new and re-elected officers.
Biennial Convention
Surströmming ... not your everyday treat in California and really only for the truly brave. (Allegedly the world’s smelliest dish.) The Sveadal community room filled up for the many informative speeches. san francisco, ca / On a rainy October 12 presented information on how the Vasa weekend 45 Vasa members and guests lodges got their names, an historical perfrom around northern California gathered spective on District 12, the Young Scandiat Sveadal. District Cultural Leader Mimi navians Club, and Franz Mayrhofer gave Holtermann produced an amazing event an informative presentation on CalFire’s which was a celebration of Swedish-Amer- efforts to save Sveadal. He also prepared a ican culture and of Sveadal itself (which spread for attendees to enjoy (or try) surnarrowly escaped the Loma Fire just two strömming; a delicious meal was provided weeks prior, and by less than a quarter mile). by Svea Lodge, and Swedish music was Mimi arranged a number of excellent speak- provided by Swedish native and Tegner ers, an opportunity to try surströmming, live lodge member Therese “TC” Brewitz. music, a delicious meal and traditional Vasa submitted by scott schulkin conviviality. Members of different lodges in District
Connecticut No. 1 Our 70th anniversary at Vasa Park was a wonderful day and great fun for all who attended. Jeanne Eriksson Widman Andersen and Smörgåsbandet put everyone in the mood to celebrate the glories of our “Jewel on Diamond Hill.” The young dancers of Barnklubben Elsa Rix were delightful and contributed much to the day through their performance of many traditional dances. The rune stone presented by Vasa Park, New Jersey will be a lasting remembrance of this day and a fantastic addition to our Heritage Walk. Thanks to VGS Lee-Ann Anderson Hurtubise and her husband Carl, District Secretary RI #3, for their gift of the Swedish game Kubb. And we really hit it on the head with a delicious meal at dinner. Check Facebook-Vasa Park So Meriden for more pictures. To everyone who contributed in any way to planning the 70th celebration, worked on sprucing up the park, assisted with the serving of dinner and the appetizers, and everything else necessary to make the day run smoothly and be enjoyable, my personal thanks and those of the District Executive Board and the Park Board. And to everyone who came, especially from Connecticut #1 for this was our party, and our brothers and sisters from Massachusetts #2, Rhode Island #3, New York #4, New Jersey #6 and Södra Sverige #20: Your presence made this day a great success and a fitting tribute to our park.
Smörgåsbandet with Jeanne Eriksson Widman Andersen entertained, as did the young dancers of Barnklubben Elsa Rix.
No celebration without a cake and from hereon out, a rune stone; above, a gift from New Jersey.
Smörgåsbandet with the instantaneously formed TriState choir and dance group on stage at Vasa Park, South Meriden.
Our friends from New Jersey enjoyed the park so much, they stayed the night with guests visiting from Sweden,
submitted by joe o’leary
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Fall 2016 / the vasa star
LOCAL LODGE news Monitor No. 163
Vice Chairman Susan Washington Sipos is presented with a certificate of appreciation for 32 years of lodge membership by financial secretary Loretta Smith.
Thule No. 127
jamestown / bemus point , ny / Our fall season of events is well planned with the annual Harvest Dinner in November, and the Dopp i Gryta in December by chairman Tom Eckberg. Monthly business meetings are now held on the third Saturday of the month though we won’t meet in January and February. We’ll re-open for a fresh new spring of activities in March, beginning the
lodge’s 110th year. Our lodge is located at 4123 Pancake Hill Rd., Bemus Point, and visitors are always welcome. Everyone at Thule Lodge wishes all a happy Thanksgiving, a wonderful Christmas and a successful New Year. If you are in our area, stop and visit. “God dag” to all. submitted by john sipos lodge historian
Tegnér No. 149
oakland, ca / We had an interesting October meeting, with VOA Dist. 12 DM and Chairman of Flygia Lodge No. 119 Scott Schulkin and his wife Roxanne joining us for our pot-luck supper and presentation of the history of the early Swedes of San Francisco, the Swedish-American Hall and his Swedish ancestors in particular. Later in the month, plans for the 108th Anniversary dinner to be held at Bjornson Hall on Nov.17 were discussed as were details for the Lucia program and dinner on Dec. 10, also at Bjornson Hall.
Dan Argall, a member and his latest Stain Glass Window Left: The Angel St.Michael being installed—Argall recently designed, constructed and helped to install this larger-thanlife depiction of the angel St. Michael at Bethany Lutheran Church in Ishpeming. submitted by carl pellonpaa
submitted by ann tennis
Christmas greetings Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20
God Jul och Gott Nytt År
God Jul och Gott Nytt År wishes to all Vasa Friends from
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8
Executive Board Members: Karl Axel Bengtsson • Morgan Pålsson Agneta Västerstjärna • Bengt Åberg Alf Nilsson • Hans-Åke Rytterdahl Maj Svensson • Bo Ljungklint Olle Wickström • Maureen Bengtsson Catherine Bringselius Nilsson
Nancy Hult – District Master Lynda Smith – Vice District Master Susan Nilsson – District Secretary John Loula – District Treasurer Linnea Ogrentz – ADS • Linda Tylk – HFS Timothy Ogrentz – DCL • Michael Pearson Jr. – DLYS Theodore Ruser – EBM • Gene Kiesel – EBM Sue Cleveland –PDM
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local LODGE NEWS
the vasa star / Fall 2016
Brahe No. 245
Svea No. 348
rockford, il / The monthly lodge meeting for September was attended by 10 members. We discussed the sale of the park, which is still pending. We enjoyed donuts and apple cider from Edward’s Orchard in Poplar Grove, IL.
submitted by gary johnson
Svea No. 253 Members at September meeting - Back Row (Standing L to R) Scott Johnson, Roy Ylitalo, Don Erickson, Charlotte Tollin. Front Row (seated L to R) Jean Berggren, Gunnel Stewart, Dennis Eksten, Angelina Erickson, Dave Tollin
san jose, ca / We move into 2017 with pleasant memories of 2016’s informative cultural programs, collegial business meetings, and just plain fun and recreation with Vasa friends. The cultural programs ranged from Valborgsmässoafton, Sweden Day and Midsummer at Sveadal, to Swedish music and Viking history Christmas. Our 100th anniversary, at Hult’s restaurant in Los Gatos, featured a beautiful “Sentimental Journey” through lodge history, and the Swedish cuisine was excellent. In November, U.C. Berkley Professor Jonas Wellendorf presented a Viking and Norse Philology program, and we close the year with Lucia and Christmas Dinner. Cultural Leader Mary Hanner and Chairman Jim Melin have planned an interesting set of cultural programs in 2017 supporting the Vasa Order of America’s mission of preserving and perpetuating our Nordic Heritage, including a day at Golden Gate Fields Turf Club on May 20, 2017 for thoroughbred horse racing. Please join us!
submitted by emma hanlon
Lindbergh No. 494 Herb Smith and Mike Pearson, Sr. demonstrating Vikings in battle. Lynda Smith (background) providing commentary. indianapolis, in / In September, we were presented with the program “Viking Artifacts and Viking Weapons.” A robust replica collection of Viking artifacts and weapons were shared with a brief history. There was a discussion about the life of Viking women and a demonstration of several weapons in battle followed. All enjoyed a wonderful smörgåsbord! In October Jeanne M. Dams, mystery novel writer, spoke to the lodge about herself, historic South Bend, Swedes, and her Hilda Johansson mystery series. She explained how at the age of 50 she wrote her first mystery novel! The lodge enjoyed her humor and insight, and several lodge members gave interesting accounts of Swedes and South Bend. The presentation was followed by another wonderful smörgåsbord!
Jeanne M. Dam and examples of her novel series about the Swedish American sleuth, Hilda Johansson.
submitted by james hook
Nobel No. 288 moline, il / A few of us traveled to Bishop Hill for Midsommer and most recently the Chautauqua. We visited the Vasa National Archives and the quaint shops after enjoying potato sausage, salad and potatoes in dill cream sauce at a local restaurant. We lost a dear member, making our August meeting tearful, but we celebrated her life in September at a restaurant where she had last joined us. Our lodge is lucky to have Lilly Setterdahl as a member, keeping us up to date on current events and history of Sweden. She has written 19 books with many documenting Swedish immigrants. Her late husband Lennart interviewed Swedes around the country and those records are on loan to the Vasa National Archives. Lilly recently gave
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los altos, ca / Our annual August potluck supper went well as usual. Mark Lindberg’s interesting talk on Charles Lindbergh, sharing much of his personal research, was well received by members. We look forward to a possible presentation on the kidnapping of the Lindbergh baby. In September the Lodge’s 89th Anniversary was celebrated. The charter was draped and a minute of silence observed in memory of Lodge Chaplain, Mardell Blaufarb, and to those who lost their lives on 9/11/2001. Guests were welcomed before we moved into the Great Room for music and a sumptuous buffet. Before eating, we enjoyed TJ’s pear aquavit with a round of Helan Går. Med’s Mood Swings played jazz during dinner and dance music later. In October we observed our popular Oktoberfest. The social hour was convivial and lively. VC Bengt conducted a short meeting. Guests were introduced and warmly welcomed. The Charter was draped and a minute of silence observed in honor of member Kerstin Jansson. The Wiklander family prepared a meal of sausages and German side dishes. Sunday Seven provided the oompah music. Susanne Jansson was presented with the Lindbergh Laureate, awarded posthumously to her mother Kerstin Jansson. The evening concluded with music and dancing that was enjoyed by all!
submitted by elizabeth britten nilson
two lectures in Sweden, one about Lennart’s work in America and the other about Bishop Hill. She was also scheduled to on a panel of authors in Muscatine, Iowa on Nov. 3 talking about her historical fiction. Many of her books are available on Amazon. Our lodge is looking forward to her return and her report on her journey. Nobel No. 288 member, the author Lilly Setterdahl at the maypole.
submitted by linda lootens
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local LODGE NEWS
Fall 2016 / the vasa star
Viljan No. 349 batavia, il / Our 100th anniversary was celebrated on October 16 as a cultural event as well as a social event. During the social hour, historical items and photo albums were on display and Mayor Jeffrey Schielke shared some historical facts about Batavia and the impact the Swedes had upon this area years ago. Tables were decorated with sheafs of wheat and favors of rosemaled cookies, and a fantastic buffet was served. The entertainment was presented by the Swedish American Children’s Choir under the direction of Viljan member Marguerite Karl. Program booklets were given to everyone and contained memories by long time lodge members, some of whom had been a part of Junior Vasa.
submitted by ruth beck Right: We sang “Happy Birthday” in English and Swedish to Florence Olson, shown here with Tom Cleveland, at the 100th Anniversary Party for Viljan 349 as she celebrated her 94th birthday that day!
The Swedish American Children’s Choir, directed by Marguerite Karl, was the entertainment for the evening.
Ruth Beck and Mary Jean Nystedt were the co-chairmen of the 100th Anniversary Party.
Phoenix No. 677
From l to r: Ida Lee-Bender; Margareta Flink; His Excellency Björn Lyrvall, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States; Sharyl Bales; Katarina Ivarson; Keith Andersen. Other than the ambassador, all are members of Phoenix Lodge 677.
Stephanie is a third generation Vasa member and her mother, Karen Mathes, is one of our fresno , ca / Greetings from our VASA newest members. lodge. Our 48th anniversary luncheon in Sep- At our November Lodge meeting, Roslind tember at the Cattlemen’s restaurant was very Gaviola our chairman organized our members well attended, and the food was delicious. Our so that everyone is helping to make the Lucia VASA GM Tore Kellgren and his wife Birgitta and Lutfisk Dinner a big success on Saturday, from Svea Lodge in San Jose attended. Golden December 10, 2016. Come join us at Trinity Gate No. 12 DM Scott Schulkin and his wife Lutheran Church, 3973 N. Cedar Ave., Fresno! Roxanne from Fylgia Lodge in San Francisco Glögg at 4:30, dinner at 5:30, Lucia Pageant helped us celebrate as well. at 7 p.m. We recognized our youngest lodge member, Adults pay $20 in advance, $25 at the door; 3-week-old Cooper Brown. Cooper’s mother children under 12 are $5. RSPV by Dec. 3 to
Norden No. 684
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phoenix, az / We are getting ready for the busy time of the year on our lodge calendar. On tap is the Jul Bazaar on November 5, which will have passed by the time this issue of the Star is published. In December the Lucia Pageant will take center stage under the leadership of our talented Sindi Westberg. It is always the highlight of the season . This year’s Lucia will be announced in time for the festivities. Date is December 10, at Burns Hall, Shepherd of the Valley Church. Any visitors to the Phoenix area interested in attending the pageant can email Karen Artus at karenartus@live. com. We were honored to have Björn Lyrvall, Ambassador of Sweden to the United States, visit our city. A reception was held at the Wrigley Mansion in Phoenix, on October 13, 2016. The event was sponsored by Bryan Cave, LLP, SWEA, and Lars Lagerman, Honorary Consul of Sweden in Arizona. It was a festive occasion to meet his Excellency on his first visit to Arizona. We would like to take this opportunity to wish the members of all the lodges a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and healthy New Year.
submitted by romy solomonson
Chairman Roselind Gaviola at (559) 673-7364. submitted by clyda dehn
Right: Youngest member Cooper, 3 weeks, with his mom Stephanie Brown.
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local lodge news
the vasa star / Fall 2016
The famous Karl-Oskar and Kristina statue in Lindström.
Minnesota trip: Welcome to Lindström, Minnesota — the town with the Swedish coffee pot water tower and yes, a definite umlaut in its name.
a Christmas lunch on the 4th, and our annual Lucia program on December 11. On January 21st we will have a meeting to install 2017’s milwaukee, wi / An absolutely wonderful road trip for Swedish culture was experienced officers. Save the date for June 11, 2017 for by a group of our members in September. Linde’s 90th Anniversary Celebration! ConDoesn’t get much more Swedish than the tact 262.366.9152 or lekstrand@wi.rr.com for American Swedish Institute in Minneapo- information if you’d like to visit/join us - we lis - their Party at the Castle, the Mansion always welcome everyone. tour, FIKA and their shop. And a stop in submitted by liza ekstrand Right: Kurt Andersson is teaching Lindstrom and Stillwater on our way home. young Alek Ekstrand how pancakes The Scandinavian Festival in October was as are made at the Scand Fest 2016. always a success. In December we will have
Linde No. 492
Minnesota trip: Party at the Castle, American Swedish Institute in Minneapolis.
Mary Ann Klees was awarded her 60 year jewel, and Kurt Andersson received his 10 year pin in November.
November meeting’s Göta Kanal presentation by Allan and Linda Stenmark and Brent Erickson.
St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Harwich, MA, in which Kyra Brimdyr will be Lucia. Traditional music will entice members to cape cod, ma / Our members devote a couple hours each month to gather for a sing and dance around the Christmas tree, meeting, a cultural presentation or cel- and memories of Scandinavian celebrations ebration and socialization. We treasure our will be shared as we feast on holiday refreshshared heritage. At our memorial service we ments. The installation of officers will be on remembered our Chairman Marilyn Sohoel, Jan. 21 and the next meeting is scheduled Clifton Gustafson and Thomas Kean. Clara for Feb. 18. Buttrick presented a program on Norway’s submitted by dorothy ann ellner kean Constitution Day. Our Midsummerfest picnic luncheon featured dancing and singing around the Maypole with Sonya Westerback Midsommar dance, playing accordion, and our Lodge Scholarthe “sleeping bear” is Cameron ship was awarded to our youngest member Blomdahl. Grace Sohoel Goldberg, daughter of Deborah and granddaughter of the late Chairman Marilyn Sohoel. Luciafest is on Dec. 10 at
Welcome addition to our selection of goodies at Scand Fest; Baked goods by Julie LeBlanc and Linnea Bakery.
Vinland No. 703
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Vinland No. 703 Midsommar 2016.
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local lodge news
Fall 2016 / the vasa star
Nordikfolk No. 761 munster, in / Nordik Folk has grown and we held a party to celebrate our 10th anniversary in conjunction with our annual Viking Dinner. Many members dressed in Viking attire and attendees included 90 friends and members from nearby lodges as well as our own. A feast of grand proportions included a whole roast pig, lamb, turkey and recipes from Viking times as well as more traditional Swedish fare and a wonderful exhibit of Viking artifacts and weapons was provided by several lodge members. Our annual glögg party, held on Nov. 5 at the home of Lynda and Herb Smith, brought together 20 members and friends for the traditional jul beverage. We lit the “caldron” of liquid and filled bottles to be offered throughout the holiday season. Luciafest will be held on December 11 in Highland, Indiana with a banquet served after a performance by our Nordikids. RSVP to 219-923- 8777 or email lamsmith@hotmail.com.
submitted by lynda smith
Top: Fearless Vikings, Nancy Hult, Zoey Blue, Hailey Lindemulder.
Caitlin and Alexa with Grandpa Chuck Wallin, taking a breather from selling tickets for the drawing.
Above: Herb Smith (Nordik Folk) and Linda Tylk (Bessemer) light the glögg. Left: Phyllis Kalajian seated in the Viking ship.
Feast included a Viking ship carved from a watermelon.
Tim Ogrentz fills bottles of glögg.
The guys get in a little target practice at our water-gun marksmanship competition.
Sierra Kronan No. 737
roseville, ca / Sierra Kronan celebrated a fun and festive Mother’s Day in May: The gentlemen of the lodge put together a delicious dinner for everyone, and our culture team hosted May Basket crafts and a water-gun marksmanship competition. In June, the ladies organized a dinner to celebrate
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Father’s Day. By now we’ve had our Sacramento Scandinavian Festival and continue to enjoy a few kubb games while the warm weather lasts before our culture programs at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Välkommen! submitted by elissa silveira
Milt Houston and Darin Freeland, our Mother’s Day Dinner chefs.
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language & culture
the vasa star / Fall 2016
Svenska Språkhörnan – The Swedish Language Corner A Bit of Nostalgia – the 50’s Excerpts from Lilla nostalgiboken 50-talet by Annica Triberg and Eva Kallhed Welcome to the Land of Childhood! Those of you who grew up in Sweden in the 40’s and 50’s probably know these words well, but since many of them are kind of universal I believe many Swedish-Americans will recognize them too and will smile at the memories they invoke. I know I did! Why not use the list at lodge meetings to share
childhood memories? Someone chooses a word and gives it to someone else to share a memory, then that person chooses another word, etc. It will be a fun and interesting exercise. You can also use the words in a quiz about the land of childhood!
skidor spark(stötting) släde bandy spela kula hopprep kasta boll hoppa hage pressa blommor cykelutflykt vika pappersflygplan tennsoldater ångmaskin hartsfiol lådbil pappersdockor bokmärken biomatine filmisar samla autografer radio vedspis kallvatten utedass bada i plåtbalja Spara och Slösa
hemkokt saft home made “juice” jojo yoyo första plastkopparna the first plastic cups brödrost toaster moped moped piratbyxa pirat trousers jeans jeans fiskpinnar fish sticks rock’n’roll rock’n’roll livstycke bodice kliande strumpor itching stockings välskrivning penmanship illustrerade klassiker illustrated classics allemansrätt right of common rockring rock ring testbild test image (tv) hushållspapper kitchen towels sparbanksbok savings book skola på lördagarna school on Saturdays Pippi Långstrump Pippi Longstocking stringhylla string shelf masonit plywood gårdsmusikanter itinerant musicians bandspelare tape recorder pingis table tennis runda glasspinnar round ice cream bars
skis kicksled sled bandy play marbles jump rope throw the ball play hopscotch press flowers bike trip fold paper airplanes tin soldiers steam engine resin violin soapbox ca paper dolls bookmarks movie matinee movie star pics collect autographs radio wood stove cold water outhouse bathe in a tin tub Save and Squander
Fancy fraternizing with other Scandinavians? There are many Swedish/Scandinavian American organizations and groups that you can visit in addition to your Vasa Lodge. Here is a list of some that I found online. When you go to these or other groups, please do not neglect to tell them about VASA! Swedish/Scandinavian Meetups around the U.S. and Canada
siv swan-pierson, gl language director, vasasvenska@verizon.net
Swedish Expats in Long Beach/Orange County/Los Angeles Long Beach, CAus; 49 members Polyglot Sacramento, CAus; 182 members Swedes in San Diego San Diego, CAus; 180 members Swedish Conversation Meetup Oakland, CAus; 190 members Portland Swedish Language and Culture Meetup Portland, ORus; 30 members Eastside Scandinavian Women Snoqualmie, WAus; 15 members Seattle Language & Culture Meetup Seattle, WAus; 326 members Basic + Intermediate Norwegian & Swedish Conversation Group Kenosha, WIus; 4 members Saint Louis Scandinavian Meetup Saint Louis, MOus; 11 members Scandinavian Language Meetup Cary, NCus; 10 members Boston Scandinavian Meetup Boston, MAus; 196 members Scandinavian Social Club/Meetup Connecticut New Canaan, CTus; 11 members Swedish Playdates Fort Lauderdale, FLus; 6 members Scandinavians in Calgary Calgary, ABca; 30 members
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, 3231 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 $10 - max. 40-45 words, and $25 for longer obituaries - 50-120 words. 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.
ALBERTA,CANADA
ALLAN HAROLD WAHLSTROM, 87, died on Sept. 11, 2016 in Edmonton, Alberta. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Gwen, sons Harold (Bobbi), Cliff (Brenda), daughter Loreen, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild. He also leaves two brothers, Walter page 36
(Marie) and Donald (Dee), numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends. Allan joined Local Lodge Skandia No. 549 at Edmonton on Oct. 1, 1979.. CONNECTICUT
ELSIE ANN MARIE (AHLBERG) ARCAND, 84, born in Hartford on Feb. 19, 1932 died on June 30, 2016. She was PDM of District CT No. 1, and PC of Norden No. 1 and is survived by five children, 13 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren MASSACHUSSETTS
RONALD R. JOHNSON died at age 84 on May 29, 2016. Ronald was a long-time member of Vinland Lodge of Cape Cod, No. 703. A fine
cabinet maker and woodworker by trade, he was also a Navy veteran of the Korean War. Ronald is survived by his wife, Evelyn, three children, four grandchildren and three greatgrandchildren. OREGON
EVA RAE BRISCOE, 92 of Molalla, died Jan. 10, 2016. She was born in Oakland, CA to Swedish immigrant parents. After serving in the military, she married Ed Briscoe and settled in Portland OR, joining Nobel No. 184 in 1963. She served as Cultural Leader, Auditor, Treasurer, Chairman and District Deputy. She also served as an Auditor for DL Pacific Northwest No. 13. She was a leader for the Vasa Rosebuds junior dance group when members traveled to Sweden as part
of the VO Western Region Delegation in mid 1960s. Eva co-started the Nobel Newsletter and served for many years. She planned many trips for Nobel members and will be remembered for her cheerful spirit and willingness to help with lodge functions. She exemplified the meaning of “In Truth and Unity.” ORVIE & ELAINE JOHNSON, members for 38 years of Nobel No. 184, both died at the age of 96 in 2015. Orvie was born to Swedish immigrants and Elaine was born in Ytterberg in Sweden. They met in high school in Washington, their love affair lasting almost 80 years.
Always a willing member with any task, she served as Trustee, Asst MC and Guard. She will always be remembered for her cheerful spirit and ready smile. KARIN THORIN, 85, was born in Brooklyn, NY to Swedish immigrants. Her father’s work brought them to Oregon and in 1977 Karin joined Harmoni No. 472, and in 1995 transferred to Nobel No. 184. She Served as V Recording Secretary, Vasa Archives Rep. and Sunshine Rep. sending out cards. Her cheerful spirit and ready smile will be remembered.
BETTY JOHNSTON, 87, died Sept. 2016. Born in Portland OR, she joined Nobel No. 184 in 1992. WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Fall 2016 / the vasa star
youth news What Vasa Means To Me: By Kelsey Ingerson, one of our proud scholarship winners 2016 At the young age of 4, I started my career as a Swedish folk dancer. My parents met through folk dancing, so naturally my sister and I became folk dancers as well! As a member of the Children’s Swedish Dance Group I performed at local events such as Oktoberfest, Tucson Meet Yourself, the Nordic Fair, and the Santa Lucia Christmas Pageant (my favorite). Each Christmas the children in the group were assigned roles in the Lucia pageant as the pepparkakor, star boys, Lucia’s attendants, or the tomte. We were cute, but we weren’t who the people came to see. They were there for Lucia. Every year I watched as the Lucia walked through the darkened church with a crown of candles on her head, and every year I knew I was one year closer to my turn.
Two years ago a formal letter inviting me to be the Lucia arrived in my mailbox. It was finally my turn, and I was thrilled! On the day of the pageant I put on my long white dress, tied a red sash around my waist, and with my sister and two best friends close behind me, I lead the procession through the church, with a crown of candles on my head. As I walked to my place at the front of the church, we sang the beautiful Santa Lucia hymn, and as we did so, the audience joined in. It was all I imagined it would be and more. The pageant ended with my dad presenting me with a Lucia necklace, which he was too nervous to clasp. Vasa has given me so much: a taste for Swedish meatballs, and pepparkakor, a connection to the beautiful traditions of my culture, and most importantly a second family/home. The local lodge here in Tucson, Arizona is a close-knit group of people which I am so thankful to be part of. Through Vasa, I have met so many
wonderful people who have become such a huge part of my life. One of those people is my “uncle,” Ned Stageberg who comes to every single one of my volleyball games and tennis matches, and has been there for every holiday and birthday I’ve had for as long as I can remember. He and my father met through folk dancing years ago and he has been part of the family ever since. Through Vasa I also made two of my oldest friends, Mette and Karine. We met when we were little in the Children’s Swedish Dance KELSEY INGERSON Group and still keep in touch to this day. Lodge Tucson No. 691 Although my career as a Swedish dancer Kelsey was the winner of the has been put on hold for a few years now, Edith Gauch/Klinglof Scholarship - $2,500 I am still very involved with Vasa, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Every year a woman, I join in and get to dance with my I still look forward to, and attend the Lucia dad. The Swedish culture and traditions will Pageant, Nordic Fair, Oktoberfest, and Tuc- always be an important part of my life and son Meet Yourself where I volunteer in the who I am, and I hope that someday when I Swedish Booth! My father still dances with have children of my own I can pass on these the Swedish and Norwegian adult dance traditions to them. This is what Vasa means to me. group, and occasionally, when they are short
Swedish news Höganäs No. 634
höganäs, sweden / Brödernas afton den 15 okt. 2016. 60 Vasasyskon, varav 9 st från LL Nybyggarna nr 698 och 4 st från LL Kärnan nr 608 hade samlats till kvällens logemöte. O Sy Birgit Olsson hälsade alla varmt välkomna varefter en högtidlig parentation utfördes för två avlidna medlemmar. Två kandidater som önskat återinträde i vår Orden, Katarina och John Ljungqvist, infördes i logesalen och hälsades välkomna till vår loge. Efter Kulturledarens och Logehistorikerns framföranden utförde Ceremonimästarna den sedvanliga ljussläckningen, varefter mötet avslutades enligt ritual. Efterkapitlet inleddes med en god måltid, bestående av kycklingfilé med bacon på purjolöksbädd och åtföljdes av kaffe och
Härnösand No. 673 härnösand, sweden / Fredagen den 16
september höll Logen Härnösand sitt första höstmöte med 40-talet närvarande medlemmar. Ordförande Lars-Erik Magnusson öppnade mötet och hälsade Distriktsdeputerade Rolf Ögren med maka Greta, samt Pia Norrman och Karin Wathne Berglund från Logen Mälardrottningen välkomna att övervara mötet. Efter genomförda förhandlingar tackade Lars-Erik alla för ett väl genomfört möte och bjöd in till vårt efterkapitel. Efter en mycket välsmakande måltid höll en av våra gäster, Lennart von Post ett föredrag om Lungö Fyrs historia. Han och en kompanjon har också renoverat fyren med många timmars hårt arbete. Efter kaffet hade vi ett lotteri med många fina vinster som rönte uppskattning av medlemmarna. submitted by bosse selin Septembers presentation gjord av Lennart von Post.
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
god kaka. Därefter gjorde Bröderna bejublad entré, utklädda till olika artister och ställde frågor om personen de föreställde, och vi fick samtidigt lyssna till musik med anknytning till artisten. Övriga Vasasyskon skulle då tävla bordsvis genom att besvara tre olika frågor på varje artist. Alla blev djupt engagerade och stämningen var på topp. Vinnande lag belönades med choklad och glada tillrop. Bröderna tackades med varma applåder och fick var sin ros av O Sy Birgit. Alla var eniga att Bröderna gjort ett fantastiskt framträdande som blir svårt att överträffa. Husbandet spelade upp till dans och lotterierna fann många glada vinnare. submitted by berit och hans bogren
Göteborg No. 452
göteborg, sweden / Den 4:e juli - Logeordförande Ulla-Britt Essgren hälsade välkommen till Hovås söder om Göteborg i strålande sommarväder. Bland gästerna fanns The Grand Master Tore Kellgren med hustru Birgitta. En amerikansk buffé hade dukats upp och en tipspromenad genomfördes på temat USA. Efter flagghissningen höll Br Torsten Olsson högtidstal om USAs symboler. USAs flagga. Man vet inte med säkerhet vem som formgivit flaggan. Men man vet att den tillkom under frihetskriget på 1770-talet. Första gången den hissades som den ser ut idag med 50 stjärnor var den 4 juli 1960 i Fort Mc Henry i Baltimore. Då upptogs Hawaii som delstat. Det är dokumenterat att den andra Kontinentalkongressen i Philadelphia 1777 beslutade att flaggan skulle ha 13 röd/vita ränder och 13 vita stjärnor mot en blå botten, varje representerar en delstat. 1795 tillkom Kentucky och Vermont som nya delstater i Unionen. År 1818 tyckte man att det blev väl mycket
ränder och beslutade att det alltid ska vara 13 ränder men att en stjärna får adderas för varje ny delstat i Unionen. Nationalsången. Texten till nationalsången hämtades från en dikt av Francis Scott Key under 1812-års krig med England då USA försvarade fästningen Fort Mc Henry vid Baltimore. Melodin hämtades från en engelsk visa The Anakreon Song. Kongressen beslutade 1931 att detta ska vara landets nationalsång. Herbert Hower var president och flaggan hade då 48 stjärnor. submitted by torsten olsson
page 37
the vasa star / Fall 2016
Swedish news Skåne No. 570 Högtidsmöte lördagen den 29 oktober 2016
malmö, sweden / Efter en tids förberedelser, var tiden så inne för Logen Skånes 85-års jubileum. Ordförande Marie Wickström hälsade 40 egna och 46 gäster varmt välkomna till högtidsmötet. Logesalen var välfylld och stämningen hög med gäster och tjänstemän från Storlogen och Distriktslogen, även långväga från Norra Distriktet. Fanparad! Efter övning under ledning av Kjell Åhlander, var stunden inne att visa vad vi lärt oss. Jan Friberg ledde intåget med den Svenska fanan och därefter kom Mari Åberg, Bo Västerstjärna samt Agneta Västerstjärna. Prologen lästes av Kaplanen Birgit Persson. Gruppen fick en varm applåd efter sitt framförande. LH Åke Netterheim hade besökt arkivet och kunde presentera en utförlig historik från logens födelse fram till nu. Ordens väl inleddes med att vår Hedersmedlem Birgit Ekelund framfördes till altaret och fick av Ordförande Marie mottaga en blombukett, för att hon alltid är en så trogen besökare på våra logemöten. Uppvaktning framför altaret: DD Sven Broddesson gick fram till altaret och överlämnade till Ordförande Marie, en gemensam penninggåva, från logerna inom det södra distriktet. DK Bengt Åberg överlämnade Distriktslogens penninggåva. Övriga gratulanter framför
altaret var MDER Hans-Åke Rytterdahl, MSLER Sverige Ulf Alderlöf, SLD19 Ewa Pilhammar, DM19 Connie Grön och FDM19 Br Tore Tellberg. Tore lät utbringa ett leve för vår loge. Ordens väl fortsatte med att gästerna tackade för välkomnandet och såg fram emot en trevlig kväll. Efter avslutat möte serverades vi en välkomstdrink och minglade i de vackra salongerna, i väntan på kvällens bankett. Matsalen var fint iordningställd och borden var försedda med fina vita dukar, som vi har för högtidligare tillfällen. Ordförande Marie hälsade alla välkomna samt utbringade kvällens första skål. CM Thomas läste upp alla inkomna lyckönskningstelegram. Menyn; laxtoast till förrätt, helstekt fläskfilé till huvudrätt och glassbomb till dessert. MSLER Ulf tackade för den goda maten och taffeln bryts. Vi dansade till Hasse Skoglunds orkester. Till kaffet serverades en fin specialtårta från Österlen. Allt var så förträffligt fint och stämningen var hög hela kvällen. Speciellt tack till Romelebygdens catering som lagat maten och ställde upp med serveringspersonal. submitted by bo västerstjärna cultural leader
Fanparadens intåg i logesalen. Träningsledare Br Kjell Åhlander syns mitt i bilden.
Bankettsalen var välfylld.
Stormästarens meddelande Kära Vasasyskon, Vi har nu avslutat våra Vasa resor för året med en resa till Distrikt Pennsylvania nr 9. De höll sin konvention på Punderson Manor, en vacker herrgård, som ligger inom Punderson State Park i Newbury, Ohio, bara en halv timmes bilresa öster om Cleveland, Ohio. Vi ser fram emot julen som snart står för dörren när du läser detta. De flesta av våra Vasa loger har en lång tradition med julfirande som börjar med Lucia och hennes procession med tärnor, stjärngossar och tomtar som kommer in i ett mörklagt rum, sjunger Luciasången och ofta ett antal traditionella julsånger. För de flesta av oss, är julen den viktigaste helgen med all den traditionella maten och granen vackert dekorerad med presenter som ligger och väntar på att de skall öppnas. I Sverige kommer de flesta familjer att öppna presenterna på julaftonskvällen och många av våra Vasa familjer tog med sig dessa traditioner till Amerika. Den särskilda utgåvan av Vasastjärnan med finansiella rapporter finns nu tillgänglig på webben. Jag rekommenderar starkt att du studerar den. Du hittar de granskade boksluten för 2015 för både Storlogen och Vasariksarkivet. Vår revisor är revisionsbyrån H & J CPA, Inc. i Concord, Ohio. Detta är tredje året i rad vi har en full revision och vi har nu ett flerårigt underlag som visar vår finansiella ställning. Du hittar också skattedeklarationer för båda organisationerna. Du kan hitta mycket information genom att studera dessa rapporter. Jag vet att många av er har ställt frågan “Vart går pengarna”. Här är platsen där du kan få svaret på den frågan. Du hittar också en post för pengar som återvunnits efter förliknin-
page 38
The Swedish Newspaper in America slutet av februari 2018. Det är viktigt att du väljer wishes delegater som är villiga och kapabla att ta en tjänst inom Storlogen. Alla storlogetjänster fylls all Vasa friends happy av delegater och nuvarande storlogetjänstemän. Delegaterna kan bli nominerade för och väljas holidays— till alla storlogepositioner utom Stormästare och vice Stormästare där det krävs föregående En riktigt God Jul tjänst inom Storlogens ER. Tillsatta positioner, inklusive storlogedeputerad, är också ofta fyllda och Gott Nytt År! av delegater. Det finns inget krav på detta, men
gen med RCG, firman där Mr. Villalba spelade bort våra pengar, och en annan post från Bank of America med återbetalning av för höga investeringsavgifter som hade tagits ut under många år. Var och en av dessa är över $150.000, pengar som vi nu har på banken tack den tillträdande Stormästaren, som gör dessa vare GT Keith Hanlon och GLMEB Bruce Elfvin utnämningar, lär känna delegaterna ganska väl som båda har lagt ner mycket tid och arbete på under Storlogemötet. Ni har hört mig säga detta många gånger detta. Det bör noteras att dessa pengar är för tidigare - MEDLEMSKAP FORTSÄTTER ATT stipendie- och OAB fonderna. Jag deltog nyligen i ett Logejubileum och hade VARA VÅR STÖRSTA UTMANING - och du förmånen att tala med en medlem som relater- måste ha det i åtanke hela tiden. Din Loge har en ade historien om att anlända till Ellis Island från Medlemsvårdskommite, men det är inte de enda Sverige vid tre års ålder 1928. Han nämnde att som ansvarar för medlemsvård och rekrytering han nyligen hade möjlighet att besöka Ellis Island – ni är alla ansvariga! Genom att behålla dina nudär han intervjuades om sina erfarenheter som varande medlemmar och få in nya medlemmar, invandrare. Han uppmuntrade alla som hade kan din Loge växa. För att detta ska hända, är ett anlänt där att göra samma sak vid ett besök på intressant logemöte viktigt. Konkurrensen om dina nuvarande och blivande medlemmars tid är den historiska anläggningen. Vi är nu i slutet av året och jag ber alla sekreter- hård. Var inte tråkiga! Du måste ha mat på dina are att skicka mig information om era medlem- möten och ha ett program som engagerar. Kulmar som kommer att fira sina 75:e, 80:e, 85:e turledare, arbeta med din distriktskulturledare etc. födelsedagar 2017. Med denna information och med logemedlemmar för att skapa program. kan jag skicka en födelsedagshälsning på deras Det är varje medlems jobb att göra mötena attraktiva för nuvarande och framtida medlemmar. speciella dag. Nästa Storlogemöte är nu ca 1 1/2 år bort och En ny medlem är allt jag ber från var och en av er. du måste välja din storlogedelegat vid nästa Behåll nuvarande medlemmar! Var inte tråkiga! distriktsmöte. Informationer om delegaten skall lämnas till Storlogesekreteraren senast fyra i sanning och enighet, månader före konventionen. Det betyder att tore kellgren, grand master denna information måste nå GS Joan senast i
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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39 feature. page 23
Lucia Fest, 2016 NEW GIFTS INSPIRED BY OLD TRADITIONS
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