Published by Swedish News. Volume 145 No. 16, December 01, 2017. Price per copy $3.50.
THE VASA STAR pages 29-44
Swedish enclave in NY
I grew up in the “Swedish enclave” of western New York. Some such enclaves were completely populated by immigrants from Scandinavia, but here my family settled in already established towns of Anglo-Americans. The story goes that the first Swedes travelled west along the Erie Canal as far as Buffalo, around 1850. They had no money for steamboat passage in the Great Lakes to the Swedish enclaves further west in Chicago and Minnesota, so they decided to walk. The people were pretty tired when they got to Chautauqua County, the westernmost county in New York state, and the beautiful lakes, forests and rolling hills reminded them so much of home that they decided to stay. / p8
Baking for the holidays with the most expensive spice in the world /p19 Smart cities - whether cities towns or villages - will be sites where people need not have a car. /p22 The most humanitarian country in the world /p27
IN PRINT, NOT MISSING A BEAT SINCE 1872.
dashboard | december 01, 2017 SCANDINAVIAN QUIZ
1
What is not another name for lingonberry? 6 Norway and Finland both share their land borders with how many countries? A) 3 B) 2 C) 4 A) partridgeberry B) cowberry C) reindeerberry D) foxberry 7 Who first used “Scandinavia” as a political term in the 19th century? A) King Charles XIV John 2 Orrefors, Nybro and Kosta Boda are examples B) Mormon missionaries C)university students of what? A) Danish chair designs B) Finnish
From time to time we are the lucky recipients of books, products and tickets for special events – for which we often share some kind of review. This time, we want to share the product itself with you: juleskum. To American ears, this may not sound like a winner, but let us tell you it is; it is skum-scrum-tious. Our friends at Cloetta, the Swedish confectionery company founded in 1862, were kind enough to send us samples of their newest limited edition holiday candy, lingonberry flavored skumtomtar (marshmallow santas) – and we love ’em. The Cloetta skumtomtar aren’t available in the U.S., but we’re making it possible for some lucky readers to win them. Here’s how: 1. Count the number of times “lingon” (or “lingonberry”) is printed in this issue 2. Email your guess to editor@nordstjernan. com; the first five (5) will be declared the winners and will be notified via email (if you prefer to call, dial 1.800.827.9333 ext 10) 3. Optional: While you’re at it, feel free to comment about anything else you’d like us to know Name’s Days of the Swedish Calendar Namnsdagar i november
December 1 December 2 December 3 December 4 December 5 December 6 December 7 December 8 December 9 December 10 December 11 December 12 December 13 December 14 December 01
New York Chicago Stockholm Kiruna Lund Los Angeles 2 NORDSTJERNAN
Oskar/Ossian Beata/Beatrice Lydia Barbara/Barbro Sven Nikolaus/Niklas Angela/Angelika Virginia Anna Malin/Malena Daniel/Daniela Alexander/Alexis Lucia Sten/Sixten | Sunrise & Sunset
7.00 am 6.58 am 8.17 am 10.10 am 8.12 am 6.40 am
4.29 pm 4.20 pm 2.55 pm 12.44 pm 3.39 pm 4.43 pm
4 In what city is the Nobel Peace Prize awarded? A) Oslo, Norway B) Stockholm, Sweden C) Copenhagen, Denmark
5 What is hidden in every Nordic family’s rice pudding during the December holidays? A) coal B) almond C) fig D) Baby Jesus
CULTURE
Namnsdagar
9 Even more so than at Christmas, glögg is popular to drink on what day in Sweden? A)Advent 1 B) Midsommar C) Lucia
10 How old was Malala Yousafzai when she won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, claiming the distinction of youngest winner in 99 years? A)17 B)15 C)19 D)21
December
December 2 - Beata Beata is a female name that stems from Latin and means “the happy.” The name first surfaced in Sweden in the 14th century and was very popular among noble families. December 5 - Sven Sven is Old Norse for “young man” or “young warrior.” The original spelling was Sveinn. Over the centuries, many northern European rulers have carried the name including Sweyn I of Denmark (Sven Gabelbart), who established Danish rule over Norway and successfully invaded England in 1002. In medieval Swedish “sven” is a term for squire. December 12 - Alexander Alexander is a male name with Greek origins, made of two words which together mean “defender of men.” It’s been one of the most common boy’s names since the early 1990s and is Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia’s first son’s name.
founded in new york city in september 1872 Nordstjernan (ISSN 1059-7670), founded in New York City in September 1872, is published by Swedish News, Inc., 570 Lexington Ave, New York, NY 10022 • Readers services and editorial submissions: P.O. Box 1710, New Canaan, CT 06840 Periodicals Postage paid at New York, NY, and additional mailing offices. www.nordstjernan.com, Nordstjernan is published semimonthly, except for the months of January, February, July when it is monthly and Augustwith no issue. 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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Photo: Henrik Trygg
A Swede holiday contest
3 When did the Scandinavian buffet become internationally known and spelled “smorgasbord?” A) 1939 World’s Fair in New York B) 1926 Sweden joined the UN c) 1905 Norway gained full independence.
8 Gideon Sundback was a Swedish engineer most commonly associated with what invention? A) cheese slicer B) fika C) zipper D) 3-point seatbelt
Answers: 1:C, 2:C, 3:A, 4:A, 5:B, 6:A, 7:C, 8:C, 9:A, 10:A
architects C)Swedish glass D) Norwegian skiis
this week… My first Selfie, a Nobel moment, VOA and dance I’m not often in front of the camera, other than to check the lighting for a portrait or help out a photographer at a photo shoot. Small wonder then that, in spite of working with every tech tool you can think of, I’ve never really taken a selfie. Well, I have now. House of Sweden in DC invited me to a Nobel Symposium with six of nine U.S.-based Nobel Prize winners and an opportunity to meet with them after the event. As you’d expect, they are smart, have made astonishing discoveries and have worked on those for a very long time - as a matter of fact, the winner of the Nobel Prize in Economics, Dr. Richard H. Thaler said it best: “Living long enough is key to winning the Nobel Prize.” Be that as it may, they’re also people just like you and me, low-key and used to selfies, much more so than your publisher. You see my first with Dr. Thaler if you look at the top of the rail on right. Intelligent he is; they all are. One of the winners mentioned it seemed he had gotten much smarter since the October announcement because he’s now constantly invited to advisory positions and boards, so I guess even with prize winners it’s all about perception. While on that subject, rest assured when it comes to
Americans’perception of Sweden, we’re in good hands. The new ambassador Karin Olofsdotter is not only a nice and extrovert Swede, highly professional and capable as a communicator, but she also heads a group of equally gifted staff at Sweden’s center in our capital. Welcome Karin, kudos to you and your staff for a well managed event! (More to come on our ambassador in a later issue.) Another thing I seldom do is dance. A speech I listened to at a recent VOA District Convention made me want to change that, however — you’ll find the basis for the speech on p6. And no, Jack Hanright is mostly of Scottish and English descent, far from retirement and happily married to a born Swede. And yes, although I don’t always dance, I am a lodge member. I know you’re all busy preparing for the holidays so allow me to end with another quote from my meeting with the Nobel winners. Dr. Joachim Frank, winner in chemistry, had this to say on how to find the right things to do with your life in research or in general: “If you have a good idea and everyone disagrees, Ulf Barslund Mårtensson just persist.”
Nobel Prize winner Thaler with the publisher.
Dashboard, p4-5
Sweden celebrates a big win / No passport required for this Swedish chef / It isn’t Christmas without smörgås / Swedish glass blower in Corning, NY / Portrait of a princess / Happy Birthday Aquavit.
Events calendar, p10-15
What’s going on – including our comprehensive holiday events listing.
Editor & Publisher
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Page 19
Who’s to say you can’t have lingon in your glögg, in this case a white glögg - made with or without alcohol. Tasty and pretty, too.
Our Swedish Honorary Consuls, who are they really? We decided to find out. /p20
Swedish News, p26
Swedes slow to recruit / Sweden buys American / Immigrant children “aging out”/ Younger siblings get the shaft / “Just say no” in preschool / Bamse branches out / Looking to Japan for inspiration / Compensation for sterilization / Sweden hires U.S. scientist.
About Page One
The lighting of the Kinnevik Christmas tree on Skeppsbron in central Stockholm is always on the first Sunday of Advent, this year on Dec. 3. This image by Henrik Trygg/ SVB is from the 2010 tree. The Exchange Rate:
$1.00 = SEK 8.42 (11.17.2017)
DECEMBER 01, 2017 3
dashboard | december 01, 2017
“Heja Sverige!”
Baker Anna Bringle, a Swede in America, celebrates the Swedish football (soccer) win with cupcakes. Photo by swedishdreamish.com
After a stunning 1-0 win in the first leg, Sweden held the Azzurri to a 0-0 draw in the second leg of their World Cup qualifying tie on Nov. 13 in front of Italy’s home crowd in Milan: Sweden defeated Italy and returns to World Cup, the first time since 2006. The upset keeps Italy from going to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1958. More on p 28
The stories, the traditions, the people behind the news. founded in new york city in september 1872 executive editor & publisher:
Ulf Barslund Mårtensson (editor@nordstjernan.com) editor:
Amanda Olson Robison (editor@nordstjernan.com) managing editor & production: Everett Martin graphic design: Nadia Wojcik (design@nordstjernan.com)
The Swedish Cultural Society in Cleveland celebrated 90 years in October, when they also recognized and celebrated long time honorary consul Mike Miller, who retired from the position last spring after 40 years. Here (L-R): the eminent photographer Ingemar Svala; SACC-Ohio President Jim Hornyak; newly appointed Swedish honorary consul in Cleveland Malou Monago; Mike Miller with one of the evening’s many gifts, a plaque from the local organizations; Rolf Bergman, past GM of Vasa Order of America and Bengt Gerborg, past president of Husqvarna sewing machines. Photo courtesy of Ingemar Svala.
No Passport Required PBS and Eater of VOX Media announced on Oct. 31 they are launching a new original television series, “No Passport Required” to be hosted by internationally renowned Swedish chef Marcus Samuelsson. The show will celebrate America’s diverse food culture as Samuelsson travels to less-visited parts of the country to spotlight the people, places and culinary flavors of immigrant communities. “Chasing flavors has been my lifelong passion,” said Samuelsson, co-owner of New York’s critically acclaimed Red Rooster Harlem. Born in Ethiopia, raised in Sweden, and a resident of
Harlem, he’s inspired by his global background to infuse his culinary experiences with diverse elements of culture. “To now be able to bring viewers on that journey with me to these amazing communities in cities across the U.S. is truly a dream come true. We get to go deep into the markets, pull up to the roadside stands, and be welcomed into homes — all the places where people share and celebrate food together.” No Passport Required will premiere in 2018 on PBS.
contributors:
Chipp Reid - Lisa Mikulski - Ted Olsson - Leif Rosqvist Ulf Kirchdorfer - Valorie Arrowsmith - Olle Wijkström Bo Zaunders - Göran Rygert - James Kaplan - Gunilla Blixt publications director:
Mette Barslund Mårtensson (mette@nordstjernan.com; 800.827.9333, ext 12)
nordstjernan p.o. box 1710 new canaan ct 06840 contact us at 1.800.827.9333 ext 10 for reader services, email: subs@nordstjernan.com; ext 12 for advertising, email: ads@nordstjernan.com www.nordstjernan.com Covering three worlds: Sweden, America and Swedish America. Order your own copy, $55.00 for a year (18 issues) Choose ‘subscribe’ at www.nordstjernan.com or call 1.800.827.9333, ext 10 4 NORDSTJERNAN
No Christmas without smörgås ... and, we weren’t thinking about skinksmörgås with the left-over christmas ham this time. The energetic eclectic Scandinavian-American musicians of Smörgåsbandet, from Long Island, New York, are proud to announce their new album “A Smörgåsbandet Christmas” on November 25 at Juldans, Vasa Park, New Jersey. A big CD celebration is planned at the Scandinavian Christmas Ball of Brooklyn on December 10 at The Danish Club. Visit Smorgasbandet.com, Facebook, YouTube or Dragspel@aol.com. A Smörgåsbandet Christmas will also be available on iTunes. GOD JUL from Jeanne, Wayne , Chad & Johnny! For more ino on smörgås and smörgåsbord, Smörgåsbandet, with (l-r): Chad Widman, Jeanne see Ulf Kirchdorfer’s column, page 7 and on Ericsson Anderson, Wayne Soderlund and Johny juldans, see www.juldans.org Soderlund.
Gripsholm Castle, one of the 10 royal palaces of Sweden, is home to the National Portrait Collection.
Celebrating Första Advent The season of Advent (from the Latin word "adventus" which means "arrival") is about a month long, marked by the four Sundays before Christmas as Christians anticipate the celebration of the arrival of Jesus. This year the first Sunday of Advent is Dec. 3, an observance considered the kick-off to the holiday celebrations in Sweden. Första Advent is first and foremost a Christian tradition, but it has become very secular in its celebrations, often including a casual party with glögg, pepparkakor, sweet rolls and candles. It's also a day for decorating — with stars, julbockar (Christmas goats) and especially candles. In December, Sweden has very few hours of daylight, and the tradition of lighting a candle for each Sunday of Advent is both figuratively and literally significant for the light they bring.
Swedish glass blower in NY
ROYALTY
Portrait of a princess
HRH Crown Princess Victoria unveiled a new portrait of herself at a ceremony in Gripsholm Castle on Nov. 8. The portrait of the Crown Princess is a gift from the Friends of the National Portrait Collection, marking the occasion of her 40th birthday earlier this year. She removed the cloth to reveal photographer Thron Ullberg’s portrayal of her standing in Gustav III’s Pavilion. The work is now part of the National Portrait Collection located in Gripsholm Castle. Thron Ullberg was present at the unveiling and talked about how he worked with a large format camera and traditional negatives, which he then processed digitally. Ullberg is known for a series of celebrity portraits for clients including Gösta Ekman, Bill Skarsgård and Noomi Rapace. Gripsholm Castle, also known as Gustav Vasa’s castle, was built as a defending stronghold in 1537 on the shores of Lake Mälaren, about 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Stockholm. Since 1822 it has been known as having the oldest national portraiture gallery in the world; it currently houses more than 5,000 works of art. Gripsholm is open to the public, offering strolls around the waterfront castle grounds and Hjorthagen nature reserve, as well as the chance to wander inside the many rooms and winding passages filled with history and the Swedish State’s collection of portraits.
The portrait of the Crown Princess is a gift from the Friends of the National Portrait Collection, marking the occasion of her 40th birthday earlier this year.
A royal baptism Prince Carl Philip and Princess Sofia announced to the Kingdom of Sweden that the baptism of their second son, Prince Gabriel, is taking place on December 1. According to tradition, the prince (born August 31), will be baptized (in a televised service) in Drottningholm Castle Church. A private reception and lunch follow.
FINE DINING
Micke Johansson of Nybro, Sweden spent two weeks in November with Corning artists and visitors. Johansson, an Orrefors artist and private studio owner, shared his technique for creating magnificent vessels with deep and rich colors. Johansson has been making glass for nearly 30 years and welcomed this opportunity to work in Corning’s large facility. He is only the second Swedish artist to be an artist in resident at the Corning Museum of Glass in Corning, New York, founded in 1951. www.cmog.org
Happy Birthday
Renowned Scandinavian New York restaurant Aquavit is celebrating its 30th anniversary in December. The first establishment to serve modern Scandinavian cuisine to finicky New York palates in 1987, we take our hats off to long-time proprietor and founder Håkan Swahn and the executive chef, Emma Bengtsson, honored by two stars in The Michelin Guide and three stars by the New York Times. The ever popular restaurant, located at 65 East 55th St, New York, just off Park Ave., is celebrating with a six-course menu on Dec. 1. For more info, see www.aquavit.org DECEMBER 01, 2017 5
Photo: Dick Norberg/kungahuset.se
dashboard | december 01, 2017
readers forum
Ola Ericson/imagebank.sweden.se
It all started with a dance
I have been a member of The Vasa Order of America for about 20 years. It all started for me at a Leif Eriksson dinner dance at Vasa Park in Budd Lake, NJ. I had run in to an old friend from high school a month earlier. Her name is Vencka and she was a member of The Vasa Order and invited me and my wife to come out and check out the music. Being married to a lovely Swedish girl from Gothenburg, I had heard of Vasa Park but this was our first time there. The Scandinavian Accordion Club of New York was playing. If you had ever asked me whether I would get into accordion music, I would have said never in a million years. But these guys where good. I mean world class good. Artie Carlson was the band leader and there where so many great players — Einar Ericksson, Jeanne Widman, Tommy Rosco, Walter and Wayne Sunderland, Kenny Johnson, Ines Sulak — just to name a few. During the first break, Jeanne and Randy Widman (accordionist and drummer) took the time to come over to our table and make our acquaintance. I remember thinking how cool it was that they even noticed the two newcomers. They are that kind of people, and they made us feel very welcome. I was amazed at how much I enjoyed the music that night. There was one fellow, Les Swenson, who was dancing up a storm. I think he must have 6 NORDSTJERNAN
danced with every girl in the room. Les introduced himself, too, and we became great friends. He asked my wife Inger to dance and they took to the dance floor and danced what I later learned was a schottis. I asked Inger how she knew how to dance that step and she told me they taught it in school when she was a young girl in Sweden. We met a bunch more people that night and I told Inger I wanted to learn how to dance like that guy Les. You could have knocked her over with a feather. I had never danced a step nor took to this type of music, but it was great and the people were super nice. We decided to join Frithiof 63 Lodge in Dover, NJ. That was Vencka’s home lodge and we knew a few people from outside the membership. We made a load of new friends and started hanging around Vasa Park. Inger and I volunteered to help with the Walter Eriksson Music Festival and started meeting a lot of musicians. We met Peter Hedlund at one festival and became introduced to the nyckelharpa. We have become good friends since then and nyckelharpa music has become one of my favorites. (Not hard to imagine when you hear it played by Peter. He is the best of the best.) To facilitate my new brainstorm of learning to dance, we joined the Swedish Folkdancers of New York. Though I told them I couldn’t dance a step they all encouraged me and it seems the willingness to learn and have fun was the only prerequisite. We started hanging around The Manhem Club in the Bronx. We would go in every Thursday night for dance practice. There were more than 20 dancers in the club at the time and we had a blast performing at Midsummer, Lucia festivals and parties. We even found ourselves regular visitors at The Danish Club in Brooklyn. The folk dance group had a Christmas party there every year and we met a lot of great people. We also frequented Solheim in Staten Island, Peter Norrman was the director there and he and his wife Karin would host great parties in a fabulous wooden pavilion on the property. It was a magnificent old mansion building owned by the Vanderbilt family before becoming a home for the aged and it was easy to see pieces of its former grandeur. Peter and Karin spent a lot of time teaching me to dance. We had the time of our life.
It all started for me at a Leif Eriksson dinner dance at Vasa Park in Budd Lake. Being married to a lovely Swedish girl from Göteborg, I had heard of Vasa Park but this was our first time there. Inger and I spent a large portion of our time at Vasa Park. Countless dinner dances, Swedish events and all things Scandinavian. Everywhere we went there was great music and new dances to learn and share. We met some of the most talented musicians anywhere in the world at these events and music festivals. We traveled with Jeanne and Randy to Sweden for the accordion festival in Ransäter and on another trip the whole dance club took part in the Nordlek folk dance festival in Göteborg. We had become completely immersed in the music and dance of old world Scandinavia and couldn’t get enough. We have made many friends during our trips to visit family in Göteborg. Since that first night at Vasa Park, Inger and I have become active members of The Vasa Order of America. We moved to Vasa Park in Budd Lake and have lived there for a little over 10 years now, doing our best to be productive members. We have worked with so many wonderful people along the way. No matter if we visit a Local or District Vasa meeting we would always meet more great people and make lifelong friendships. I could never have imagined that this music and dance would bring me to this place in my life. It has blessed me with friends that I consider my extended family, brothers and sisters. It has brought me so much about the wonderful culture of the Scandinavian people. I often think back to that first night at Vasa Park and that simple chance encounter with Jeanne and Randy. The gift of music and dance they shared with everyone has enriched me beyond measure. By John (Jack) Hanright, Grand Lodge Executive Board Member, Eastern Region, Vasa Oder of America (VOA).
Through music & dance and
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language
w/ord encounters It’s not every day that I receive an email with only three words: “butter goose table.” In my American “language zone,” for a moment I thought I was being visited by the Swedish Secret Police via coded message. I soon realized, however, that my publisher, known for his mischievous sense of humor matched only by a high flow of ideas, had an idea for a Swedish compound noun I might write about. As I assembled the three words and cast them into Swedish, “smörgåsbord” appeared clearly in my mind. That’s right, the ubiquitous smorgasbord on most people’s lips one way or another around the world had landed in my lap. But what a strange phrase, so readily adopted into our everyday usage. American intellectuals or educated Americans know the phrase and many also use it in the pluralistic sense to indicate a variety of items that are unrelated to the pure Swedish meaning. So you might have a smorgasbord of Houston Astros winning baseball players (sorry Dodgers!) or a smorgasbord of seasonal dangers (falling on the ice, being hit by an icicle, children with snotty noses). You might even go so far as a high-up police official for Sweden’s NOA, who was recently quoted in Expressen speaking about auto theft by international gangs in the land of the Three Crowns: “Sadly, coming to Sweden for them is like coming to a smörgåsbord. They eat and then drive off with full bellies.” This police officer definitely wins a linguistic award for using the original phrase and a figure of speech while employing extended imagery of eating. Back to the origin of smörgåsbord. As can be expected from most phrases, no consensus exists for when the word was first used, but that is the beauty of linguistic expeditions, to find all sorts of delicious details and variations. The Oxford English Dictionary has a delightful entry: “1879 Baedeker’s Norway & Sweden p. xxv. The Smörgåsbord or Brännvinsbord, where relishes of various kinds, bread-and-butter, and ... liqueurs are served by way of stimulant to the appetite, is ... peculiar to Sweden.” But when was the term first really used and what did an original Swedish smorgasbord really consist of? Surely not what is so beautifully laid out in plentitude these days! Regina Junghans writes that the smörgåsbord’s
“roots are found in the upper class of 14th century Sweden where a small spread of bread, butter, and cheese was offered before mealtime.” Furthermore, “The smorgasbord grew to include meats, both hot and cold, and at the 1912 Olympic Games in Stockholm it officially became the main meal instead of an appetizer.” I can, of course, not vouch for the accuracy of any of these statements, but they are intriguing. I visualize a castle or large farm estate several hundred years ago, candlelit and draughty, and there are my ancestors getting their Swedish teeth into hearty yet Spartan fare, husmanskost. What I have learned and confirmed with my publisher is that in the olden and less politically correct days men used to gather before dinner, without the ladies, and consume brännvin along with some salty dishes. This was known as a brännvinsbord. The buffet then grew in selection and men and women became consumers together of tasty dishes offered as a full meal. When I was a child in Skåne in the 1960s I remember visits to my mormor’s large farm estate and the formal dining room, where on a really long side table all sorts of delicacies were laid out and we helped ourselves and sat to eat at a really long table and ate until our bellies were more than full. It was a true smörgåsbord, the social aspect not even lost on a youngster who crept underneath the table to sleep off the food-rush while the adults likely kept on eating and drinking, more practiced at pacing themselves. That is what I hope you associate with smörgåsbord, whether or not the spelling of the word without the ö and å drives you crazy. May I suggest you also engage in the following fun activity, especially after a few glasses of snaps, with your American friends at the smorgasbord: Have them pronounce, repeatedly, smorgasbord the Swedish way. I guarantee this is more fun than walking the IKEA maze and having your non-Swedish friends have a go at the names of all the merchandise. At least until IKEA allows on-site consumption of aquavit and puts up some nice safety signs of neutral-gendered persons warning to proceed safely while under the influence among all of its solid furniture. Skål, fellow language enthusiasts! Ulf Kirchdorfer
Born in Sweden and raised in Europe and the U.S., Ulf Kirchdorfer is as Swedish American as we come. As a contributing writer for Nordstjernan he has shared eloquent and witty essays on how his Swedishness has influenced his life, reflecting on his childhood with his Swedish grandmother and experiences as an adult in America. You might just see a little of yourself in what he writes, in a collection of essays Kirchdorfer calls Swede Among the Rednecks: The Language That Just Won’t Stay Buried, available from Nordstjernan and through amazon.com.
Smörgås in Swedish, butter goose, is a word that has no absolutely clear origin according to
diachronic linguists. In its basic meaning, bread topped with butter, it is mentioned for the first time in writing in 1538. Some historians claim the word stems from the clumps of butter that float up on top of the raw milk when butter is churned the old fashioned way. These clumps were indeed called butter geese but no one can trace the origin with any certainty. Today’s use of smörgås for sandwich, often dressed with more than butter is relatively new - the use of more than one spreading was considered sinful and an unforgivable waste in olden times.
DECEMBER 01, 2017 7
readers forum
InBox
The Swedish Enclave of Jamestown Continued from page 1 One hundred years ago, Jamestown, NY was over 75 percent Swedish. Today towns in “the enclave” may be 10-20 percent people of Swedish ancestry, whereas the American population as a whole is only one or two percent Swedish. It grew beyond Jamestown to include adjacent areas of northwestern Pennsylvania from Warren north to Erie and extends as far west as Ashtabula, Ohio — making it the third largest Swedish enclave in the U.S. In my younger years it seemed that everyone knew how to do a mock Swedish accent. You seldom hear this lilting accent nowadays, probably because the new crop of Swedish-Americans learned English as children in Sweden and do not have the heavy accents of 100 years ago. Americans are very particular about freedom of speech and it only extends as far as people speaking English. Back then, it was considered rude and improper to speak Swedish in public and especially shameful to speak the language around young chil-
dren, who might then start to learn it naturally. The United States had a large number of school districts, private schools and universities where English was not the primary language of instruction. German was the predominant other language and Swedish a not-so-distant second. My grandmother attended a Swedish-language “Saturday school” at her Lutheran church in Erie, PA where children learned to read and write the language they had picked up from their parents at home. All of this changed during WWI. It was a time of jingoism and xenophobic sentiments. You might get beaten up in the street by “patriotic” monolingual Americans for speaking a foreign language in public. The Ku Klux Klan was in resurgence all across the North. It was not a good time to be different in any way. All these non-English language schools were forced to close; they reopened a few days later with most of the same students and teachers but all the books and classes were in English. Swedes had it easy because we could just go underground, become “stealth Swedes.” English was easy to learn, you flew a few flags, sang the songs and never mentioned where your grandparents had come from. After a while nobody noticed. We just thought Grandma was nice and that was why we were allowed to open our presents on Christmas Eve. Nobody ever told us she was Swedish!
During WWI it became important to blend in, to be as American as possible. It was easy for Swedes to go underground and become "stealth Swedes.” English was easy to learn, everyone flew flags, sang the songs and never mentioned where their grandparents had come from. After a while nobody noticed.
Reality check
Marcel Proust needed to taste a madeleine dipped in tea to experience that intense, involuntary memory of time lost, but for some reason I got back there without a bit of anything. Sixty years ago we all sat down for dinner at Grandma’s. I remember the disappointed look on her face when fussy little me refused to eat the “mashed potatoes.” “But they are just like mashed potatoes,” she implored me. l wouldn’t compromise. l knew these were no mashed potatoes! These were yellow and slightly sweet. Everyone knows mashed potatoes are white and tasteless. “How did you make them?” asked Great Uncle Walter to ease the tension of the moment. Grandma used a word I did not know. It must have been “rutabaga,” that natural cross between turnips and cabbage which appeared in Sweden during the Middle Ages. Americans did not originally eat them and most people actually called them “swedes,” but those who did eat them called them rutabagas. This was Swedish peasant dialect and meant something like “roots-biggies!” In modern proper Swedish they are called “kålrötter” (cabbage roots). Grandma continued, “To this I added some mashed potatoes and then one little mashed car8 NORDSTJERNAN
“Vera has the gay, carefree spirit that usually accompanies light hair and blue eyes. Therefore she finds it hard to sit down and study when she would rather be out having a good time.” A page from a yearbook of Jay Stratton’s grandmother.
rot.” Dour Great Aunt Florence got all excited when she heard about the carrot and began to rock back and forth in her chair, nodding her head and smiling. It must have been the first time I ever saw her smile; that’s why I remember it so vividly. 50% rutabaga, 40% potato and 10% carrot with a pat of butter, a splash of milk or cream, salt and pepper — that’s the standard Swedish rotmos, which translates best as “roots mushed.” Well, I wrecked the rotmos. Grandma never fixed it again at family reunions due to my obstinate nature, but 60 years later I’ve been making it for myself. It is far better than plain mashed potatoes! Grandma was a Johnson. This looks like an English name, but people in the know recognize it was Swedish. “Jones” sounded even more American. (It was probably originally Jonsson or Johansson.) Farmor was Elvira Victoria and her older sister was Florence Gertrude. The girls were allowed the
readers forum
Westfield Gerry
Friendship
Sugargrove, Warren in PA
History repeats itself
So why did we Americans get run out of Sweden? It was said to be a plot by an earlier government to rid the country of poor people, alcoholics, manic depressives, bipolars, schizophrenics and other undesirables with congenital health conditions — those “poor
IN AND AVIA N SC
UB CL
about being of Swedish extraction. I am reminded of my classmate whose strict Swedish grandmother from Jamestown would not let her play with “any children whose name ended in a vowel.” “How may Swedes does it take to change a light bulb?” This is that standard ethnic joke with idiotic punch lines like “one to hold the bulb and two to turn the ladder.” The only specific Swedish ethnic joke I remember is: Did you know that Swedes are so dumb that it takes two of them to powder a baby? (Johnson & Johnson was the most popular brand of baby powder.) There was really no need to pick on the SwedishAmerican kids because we had been socialized to do more than an adequate job of picking on ourselves. Why have we internalized such negative self-concepts? Friends of mine who aren’t even acquainted with each other still perform virtually identical comedy routines for outsiders. Swedes are quirky old people with lilting accents who eat stinky fish. (We’re not talking surströmming here — lutfisk, lax, roe and even Kalles Kaviar are subjected to this withering mockery.) If the food isn’t stinky fish, it is sure to be white and disgustingly bland. Swedes use no spices, so the food has no taste. Imagine little bits of meat smothered in white sauce next to a lump of mashed potatoes. Yum. Even the pepper is white in Sweden!
S
luxury of elegant middle names but this was too fancy for the boys. They only got the letter “R.” Great-Grandma’s maiden name was Rundqvist and of course the “R” was to honor her family, but they didn’t want to burden the boys with a foreignsounding middle name. “QV?” Everyone knows that “Q” is always followed by “U” but spelling it “Rundquist” didn’t really help. “No, it doesn’t stand for anything,” Great Uncle Walter R would say. “Just ‘R’ with no period.” He was a stealth Swede for sure, and an Erie factory worker. He smoked a pipe and only drank root beer and buttermilk. The root beer is sweeter than “real beer,” he explained. “And milk doesn’t taste like anything,” he continued, “but as for buttermilk, it does taste like something.” It was probably a poor substitute for the filmjölk his mother once made. We kids didn’t like the buttermilk but we weren’t allowed to have root beer, so we had to drink that tasteless regular milk. It is true, as a friend reminded me, that the Swedish-American did not get picked on to the same extent as other ethnic groups. We weren’t lazy or criminals or rapists or terrorists or any of those other hurtful stereotypes; Swedes were just “dumb.” Gone are the days, we hope, when you can get beat up just for being “foreign” or for speaking Swedish in public. My siblings and I are fourth-generation halfbreed Swedes, which has no doubt influenced my perspective. Every kid knew that being “ethnic” was something yucky and best avoided. If you could pass as American, you did. “There’s no need to mention this outside our family,” Father cautioned after our parents had confessed to us
NG
Forestville
YOU
Dunkirk
Swedish genes.” Swedes are the palest sort of white people, overly subject to skin cancers and freckles. The women are slightly pinker, but that is just because they are probably all over-sexed buxom blonds who aren’t even ashamed of their own naked bodies! Can you imagine? Some were even porn stars! Back in the day when Swedes were dumb, of course there were a lot of socialists and even communists that got into America. That changed. Socialism engulfed poor Sweden, and by the 1970s the immigrants tended to be the right-wing rich fleeing the high income taxes, or so they say. The tech-savvy entrepreneurial Swedish immigrants of today probably won’t be working at the factory with Uncle Walter. So what will be next? Now that Sweden has reinstated the draft, America must get ready for a new wave of hippy draft dodgers. We may even get back some of the grandchildren of the traitorous hippy peaceniks who left America for Sweden in the 1970s. Over 200 American draft resisters did seek asylum in Sweden during the Vietnam War. This is so ironic to think about because my great grandfather left Sweden in the 1880s so as to avoid the draft. Fortunately today we are all Americans just like all the others. We can leave all these problems in the past just by not talking about them. There is no need to eat stinky fish any longer, but I have come to like the rotmos. By Jay Stratton
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The Young Scandinavians Club presents
Lucia
Sunday, December 10, 2017
Time:
Location: Tickets:
Glögg, kringler and lussekatter served at 4:30pm Lucia Program begins at 6 pm Swedish-American Hall 2174 Market Street, San Francisco $25 members, $35 non-members, $15 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), hot-dogs, 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 DECEMBER 01, 2017 9
local events
Local Events Florida
Miami 12.09, 10 AM-5 PM Stockholm School of Economics visit: Book a one-on-one meeting to share information and find out about programs and offerings. Make an appointment at www.hhs.se/meetus to meet at The Langford Hotel, 121 SE 1st St. 12.09, 5-6:30 PM Stockholm School of Economics Network Mingle: Searching for a European graduate school out of the ordinary? SSE will present their program portfolio, admission requirements, scholarships, etc. for 2018 or beyond. Sign up at www.hhs. se/meetus to mingle at The Langford Hotel, 121 SE 1st St.
Georgia
Atlanta 12.05, 6:30-9 PM Glögg-mingle: Join SACC-GA for a traditional christmas glögg-mingle. Glögg and Christmas-inspired treats will be served at the offices of Arnall Golden Gregory, 171 17th St NW #2100, 231.633.0776 / sara.vonsydow@saccgeorgia.org
Illinois
Chicago 12.05 Opening reception for Bonader, Swedish Folk Paintings. The
LUCIA FEST
“Natten går tunga fjät…” Annual Lucia Fest on Sunday December 10th, 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 dance around the tree & a visit by Santa Claus (bring a small, wrapped present for Santa to give to your child with his/her name printed on it) Adult members $ 25.00 Adult Non Members $ 28.00 Children 6-14 $ 10.00. 5 and under=free. RSVP Dec. 1 checks payable to Linnea Lodge #504. Mail to: Nick Provenzano, 221 Darby Court, Petaluma CA 94952. Email linnealodge@gmail.com for more info.
LINNEA LODGE, VASA ORDER OF AMERICA 10 NORDSTJERNAN
collection, donated by the Art Institute of Chicago, is comprised of extraordinary works on linen and paper, with vegetable and mineral pigments that achieve arrays of color. On exhibit through Jan. 7. Swedish American Museum, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org
New York
New York 12.03, 10 AM-5 PM Stockholm School of Economics visit: Book a one-on-one meeting to share information and find out about programs and offerings. Make an appointment at www.hhs.se/meetus to meet at Soho Grand Hotel, 310 West Broadway. 12.04, 7-8:30 PM Stockholm School of Economics Network Mingle: (Searching for a European graduate school out of the ordinary? SSE will present their program portfolio, admission requirements, scholarships, etc. for 2018 or beyond. Sign up at www.hhs. se/meetus to mingle at Soho Grand Hotel, 310 West Broadway.
Massachusetts
West Newton 12.09, 6-9 PM Lingonberry Twig Sitting in a Cocktail Glass: A tribute by American and Swedish jazz musicians dedicated to one of the greatest Swedish jazz singers of all time – Monica Zetterlund. Tippan, Oskar Stenmark, Jon Snell and Karl Kohut perform. $15. Scandinavian Cultural Center, 617.795.1914 / www. scandicenter.org
Oregon
Portland Now through Dec. 29 Winter Comes: Oregon’s Nordic Ski History: Learn about the history of Nordic skiing, from its roots in Scandinavia to its prominence in Oregon and the Pacific Northwest! Includes reproductions of both historical and contemporary ski equipment. Free. Nordia House Gallery, 503.977.0275 / www.scanheritage.org
Geneva Christmas Walk
Yuletide cheer fills the early December air during Geneva, Illinois’ annual Christmas Walk on Dec.1. A special tradition always on the first Friday in December, the evening begins at 6 p.m. with the first candy cane of the season being presented with great fanfare followed by the arrival of Santa Lucia, who offers Swedish cookies to everyone. The Great Tree on the courthouse lawn is lit and Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage. Santa and Mrs. Claus open their gingerbread home for visits from excited children. Among the twinkling lights and greenery-lined streets, chestnuts are roasting over open fires, carolers are singing seasonal favorites and there’s a live nativity scene close by. Decorated shop windows invite shoppers to stroll through shops as merchants serve traditional holiday refreshments. For more information call Geneva Chamber of Commerce at 630.232.6060 or visit www.genevachamber.com.
Washington
12.02, 4-7 PM Happy Hour & Tour with Steve Jensen: Delicious hors d’oeuvres, live music and a special guided tour with the artist, plus the chance to buy and win a piece from the gallery. A portion of the sales go to the construction of the new Nordic Museum. $25/members, $50/general admission. Nordic Heritage Museum, 206.789.5707 / www. nordicmuseum.org
For more local events in Swedish America see our online calendar at www. nordstjernan.com/calendar or download the free app Nordic in America-Events from App Store or Google Play www.nordicinamerica.com
FINE SWEDISH FOOD Shop online We ship!
Scott’s Hometown Foods Lindborg, KS 67456
855.227.2296
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Zacharius Topelius’s “Läsning för barn” in English: “Reading for children” This book is a treasure trove of historical significance with emphasis on nature, the simplicity of daily life, spirituality and morality. Brilliantly translated by Judith Gustafson to English, the book is the perfect gift for every child. Available at Amazon.com
local events
Christmas in Swedish America Arizona
Scottsdale 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Market, Lucia pageant, jultomte, crafts and gifts, Café Swea and kids’ activities. www.arizona. swea.org / Arizona@swea.org
California
Burlingame 8 Dec: Annual Julfest and Lucia procession. Julbord. Entertainment. The Swedish Club of San Francisco, lindairiz@ comcast.net / 650.344.8144 Kingsburg 2 Dec: Kingsburg Chamber of Commerce Santa Lucia Celebration. Festival of lights, Parade on Draper St at 5:30 PM. www. kingsburgchamber.com / 559.897.1111 Los Angeles - San Pedro 3 Dec: 1 Adventmässa. Kören medverkar. Kyrklunch serveras. www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles or Email: losangeles@ svenskakyrkan.se 9 Dec: Svenska Kyrkans’s Julbord. Info and RSVP at www.svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se 13 Dec: Svenska Kyrkans’s Lucia Celebration with pageant and Lussefika. www. svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se 25 Dec: Svenska Kyrkans’s Julotta. www. svenskakyrkan.se/losangeles / losangeles@svenskakyrkan.se Los Gatos 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration. The Swedish School in Silicon Valley, www.swedschool.org / swed_school@yahoo.com Petaluma 10 Dec: Lucia Fest. Swedish food and drinks, Lucia Pageant, Santa anda dancing around the Christmas tree! Linnea Lodge #504, llinnealodge@gmail.com / 415.990.3882
San Diego - Balboa Park 1 Dec - 2 Dec: Annual Christmas Fair. Lucia procession, Swedish crafts, vendors, Swedish food and drinks. www.sandiego. swea.org / msvedlund@gmail.com
Thousand Oaks - Samuelson Chapel 7 Dec: Lucia celebration at California Lutheran University, elohrmyers@callutheran.edu / 805.493.3228
San Francisco 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Fair. Lucia, crafts, gifts, Swedish music and activities for kids. www.sanfrancisco.swea.org / julmarknad@sweasanfrancisco.org
Denver 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Market. Traditional Swedish food & crafts, bake sale, flowers, glögg, Lucia and Santa. www. denver.swea.org / denver@swea.org
7 Dec: 2017 Christmas Gala. Lucia procession, live music and amazing Julbord from Chef Pelle. Swedish-American Chamber of Commerce, www.sacc-sf. org / events@sacc-sf.org 10 Dec: Lucia performance, Swedish Church Advent Service with Swedish Church Choir and coffee. 415.632.8504, www.svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco 10 Dec: Santa Lucia celebration with procession, lussekatter, glögg and Scandinavian treats. The Young Scandinavians Club at Swedish American Hall, www.ysc. org / info@ysc.org 16 Dec: Scandinavian Christmas dinner. The Young Scandinavians Club, www. ysc.org / info@ysc.org 24 Dec: Swedish Church Julbön. www. svenskakyrkan.se/sanfrancisco / 415775-6566 Santa Cruz 2 Dec: Lucia Festival with Zaida singers, dancing around the Christmas tree and kids’ activities. Scandinavian Cultural Center, www.scc-santacruz.org / santacruz@gmail.com Torrance, Los Angeles 3 Dec: SWEA LA’s Annual Christmas Fair with Scandinavian crafts, food and Christmas collectibles, Santa’s Workshop, a raffle and Lucia program at 12 and 3 p.m. 747.222.9102 / www.losangeles. swea.org/swea-la-xmas-fair
Colorado
Connecticut
Fairfield 2 Dec: Holiday Fair and Bake Sale. Nordic gifts, handmade crafts, baked goods and a Scandinavian lunch. www.thescandinavianclub.com / scanclubnews@ hotmail.com Hartford - Emanuel Lutheran Church 1 Dec: St. Lucia Festival. An annual tradition since 1914, with performances at 5 & 8 p.m. $5/adults, $3/children. www. emanuelhartford.org / 860.525.0894 Westport - Christ & Holy Trinity Church 9 Dec: Lucia Celebration with glögg and Swedish delicacies served after the Lucia program. Swedish School of Connecticut, www.svenskaskolanct.com / svenskaskolanconn@gmail.com
Florida
Boca Raton 2 Dec: Christmas Bazaar. www.southflorida.swea.org / florida@swea.org 17 Dec: Julkonsert and Julbord. www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida / florida@ svenskakyrkan.se Clearwater 1 Dec: Lucia Pageant with harpist Victoria Garcia and Christmas sing-a-long. Suncoast Scandinavian Club, blekinge93usa@gmail.com / 732.546.7756 Davie 3 Dec: Adventsgudstjänst. florida@ svenskakyrkan.se / www.svenskakyrkan.se/florida
24 Dec: Julbön med julens sånger. florida@svenskakyrkan.se / www. svenskakyrkan.se/florida Lake Worth 10 Dec: Swedish Julfest and Glögg Party. Annual party with great food, desserts and coffee. $10, holiday raffles! Nordic Heritage Club of South Florida, carolrune@aol.com / 561.737.6476 Miami - Immanuel Lutheran Church 9 Dec: Lucia Celebration. florida@svenskakyrkan.se / www. svenskakyrkan. se/florida Sarasota 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration with pageant, coffee, glögg and baked goods. www. swedishclubsarasota.org / info@SwedishClubSarasota.org
Georgia
Atlanta - Sandy Springs 3 Dec: Svensk Julmarknad. Baked goods, flowers, handicrafts, Swedish delicacies, Lucia and activities for kids. www.atlanta. swea.org / sweaatlanta@gmail.com Atlanta 5 Dec: Glögg Mingle with glögg and Christmas inspired treats. www.saccgeorgia.org / info@sacc-georgia.org 10 Dec: Lucia concert at Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Nordic Lodge #708 celebrates with music, the “Sounds of Sweden” choir, coffee, pepparkakor and more. 404.874.8664 / www.redeemer.org Atlanta - St. Luke’s Lutheran Church 16 Dec: Julbord. The Christmas smörgåsbord with glögg, Christmas music, singing and an auction. RSVP to Nordic Lodge, 770.292.9916 / www.stlukeatlanta.org Atlanta - Druid Hills Golf Club 16 Dec: Lucia Gala 2017. Swedish Christmas smorgasbord, Lucia procession, dancing and singing. www.sacc-georgia. org / info@sacc-georgia.org
Ann Assarsson proudly presents the 14th Annual
Another holiday season is upon us! Let’s gather with friends for a cozy evening of hot cider, cookies, and music of the holiday season! We look forward to sharing music and laughs with our beloved Christmas in the Ballroom family!
Monday December 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Universalist Unitarian Church of Palo Alto 505 E Charleston Road Palo Alto, CA 94306
Suggested donation - $20
For more information email aassarsson@gmail.com or call (650) 704 4211 DECEMBER 01, 2017 11
local events Illinois
Batavia - Bethany Lutheran Church 2 Dec: Swedish American Children’s Choir Swedish Christmas and St. Lucia Festival with Swedish gifts and baked goods. swedishsoprano4@aol.com / 630.414.9700 Bishop Hill 2 Dec - 3 Dec: Julmarknad, Swedish Christmas Market: Music, handmade items, antiques, folk art and other gift items. www.bishophill.com / 309.927.3899 8 Dec – 9 Dec: Lucia Nights, Festival of Lights. Coffee and sweets are served in shops and museums by young girls dressed as St. Lucia. www.bishophill.com / 309.927.3899 Chicago - Andersonville 1 Dec - 3 Dec: Julmarknad. Scandinavian handicrafts and kaffestuga, children’s crafts, games, Santa, Lucia and folk dancers. www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / 773.728.8111 Chicago 8 Dec: 35th Annual Lucia Luncheon. The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce-Chicago, www.sacc-chicago. org / sacc@sacc-chicago Chicago - North Park University 9 Dec: NPU Center for Scandinavian Studies Sankta Lucia Celebration. Smörgåsbord following the pageant, 773.244.5615 / www.northpark.edu/lucia Chicago 9 Dec - 10 Dec: Breakfast with Tomten. Swedish pancake breakfast with traditional crafts, dancing around the Christmas tree. RSVP www.swedishamericanmuseum.org / museum@samac.org 13 Dec: Lucia Celebration in Andersonville. Lucia celebration with holiday songs, readings, and Lucia procession with Chicago Cultural Center and Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 773.728.8111 / www. swedishamericanmuseum.org 17 Dec: Traditional Swedish Christmas smörgåsbord. Lucia procession, dancing around the Christmas tree and Santa. RSVP www.swedishamericanmuseum. org / 773.728.8111 Geneva 1 Dec: The Annual Christmas Walk. Santa Lucia and her attendants arrive by horsedrawn carriage. www.genevachamber. com / lrush@genevachamber.com Rockford - First Lutheran Church 1 Dec: Lucia concert. Swedish songs and candlelit processional. www.swedishhistorical.org / museum@swedishhistorical.org
Iowa
Swedesburg 7 Dec: Swedish Smörgåsbord with traditional Swedish foods. Info and RSVP Swedish Heritage Society, swedish@ iowatelecom.net / 319.254.2317 11 Dec: Lucia festival. Singing, cookies and a potluck dinner. Swedish Heritage Society, swedish@iowatelecom.net / 319.254.2317 12 NORDSTJERNAN
Kansas
Lindsborg - Bethany Lutheran Church 9 Dec: Lucia Festival. Holiday music and festivities, Lucia processions and traditional folk dances. www.visitlindsborg. com / cvbdir@lindsborgcity.org 25 Dec: Julotta.Traditional Swedish Christmas Lutheran Church service. www.visitlindsborg.com / triciac@ lindsborgcity.org 26 Dec: Annandag Jul. Experience a traditional Lutheran Church service in Swedish. www.visitlindsborg.com / cvbdir@ lindsborgcity.org
Maryland
Sveaborg 9 Dec: Lucia. www.sveaborgsociety.com / info@sveaborgsociety.org
Massachusetts
Boston 9 Dec: Swedish Yuletide. Food, crafts, gifts, Swedish café, musical entertainment, Lucia and activities for kids. www. sweaboston.org / swedishyuletide@ sweaboston.org East Longmeadow – St. Paul Lutheran 17 Dec: Lucia Fest with singing, folk dancing and refreshments. BrageIduna Lodge, radners122@gmail.com / 413.447.5850
Michigan
16 Dec - 17 Dec: Gammelgården Museum’s Girls and Dolls Tea Party with Lucia. Bring your dolls and girls and enjoy lunch, stories and crafts. RSVP www.gammelgardenmuseum.org
Missouri
Kirkwood 9 Dec: Lucia and Jul Festival. Celebrate a Swedish Christmas with Lucia with Nordic folk dancing, caroling, Swedish Santa Claus, gingerbread boys and much more. www.swedishcouncilstlouis.org
New York
Bronx 2 Dec: Glögg party and Lucia at Manhem Club. www.SmorgasBandet.com / Dragspel@aol.com Brooklyn 10 Dec: Christmas Party & Luciafest at The Danish Club. Glögg, Dancing around the Christmas tree. Music & entertainment by Smörgåsbandet. dragspel@aol. com / 718.415.0602 Melville 2 Dec: Julfest at Lindberg Lodge. www. SmorgasBandet.com / Dragspel@aol.com New York - Aquavit 1 Dec: Christmas Luncheon & Lucia: Celebration at restaurant Aquavit. Swedish smörgåsbord and Lucia. www.saccny.org / info@saccny.org
Grand Rapids 2 Dec: Lucia Celebration with music and candlelight in a beautiful setting. Saffron buns, cardamom bread, pepparkakor and craft. www.sahswm.org / info@ sahswm.org
Through
NORDSTJERNAN 1.800.827.9333 Ext 10
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to continental U.S.).
Novi 9 Dec: Christmas Concert with Lucia. The Arpi Swedish Male and Scandia Women’s Chorus of MI, www.swedishclub.net / 248.478.2563
Minnesota
Minneapolis 2 Dec – 3 Dec: Christmas Market at American Swedish Institute. Outdoor Handcraft Fair with wares by local artisans, musical performances and activities. www.asimn. org / 612.871.4907 7 Dec: SACC-MN Scandinavian Christmas Julfest. www.saccmn.org / info@ saccmn.org 9 Dec: Lucia with concerts featuring the ASI Lucia Choir. Info and tickets American Swedish Institute, www.asimn.org / info@ASImn.org 12 Dec: Lucia Celebration for ASI members in the mansion. www.asimn.org / 612.871.4907 15 Dec - 17 Dec: Julbord with traditional Swedish Christmas smorgasbord. RSVP American Swedish Institute, www.asimn. org / 612.871.4907 Scandia 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration. Swedish Prayer service and Lucia Fest Breakfast. www.gammelgardenmuseum.org / museum@gammelgardenmuseum.org
God Jul
Food f Gifts f Decor And so much more Celebrating 30 Years!
1.800.851.3466 1116 Commercial Street Astoria, Oregon Follow us on Facebook!
All-new website coming in 2018 We ship all over the U.S.
National archives and library for Swedish-American historical research Publishers of Swedish American Genealogist 639 38th Street Rock Island, IL | 61201-2296 309-794-7204
www.augustana.edu/ swenson
local events New York - Scandinavia House 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Children’s Workshop. Kids learn the secrets of making traditional holiday crafts. www.scandinaviahouse.org / info@amscan.org New York 8 Dec: Christmas Ball at The Metropolitan Club. Dinner, Lucia, silent auction. www. americanscandinavian.org / info@ americanscandinavian.org New York - Scandinavia House 10 Dec: Holiday Concert & Lucia featuring Scandinavian and American holiday favorites and traditional Saint Lucia procession. www.scandinaviahouse.org New York - Church of the Incarnation 16 Dec: Lucia Celebration.Tickets: www. svenskakyrkan.se/newyork New York - Svenska Kyrkan 25 Dec: Julotta. www.svenskakyrkan.se/ newyork / 212.832.8443 West Hempstead - St. Andrew’s Lutheran 3 Dec / 9 Dec: Lucia Festival with pageant, folk dancing, coffee, dessert, glögg and gifts. Barnklubben Elsa Rix#1, Elsarix1@ aol.com / 917.363.9885
Feel the magic of Lucia Nights in the streets, museums and shops of Bishop Hill, Illinois on Dec 8-9 as little Lucias serve coffee and treats, and little tomtar peak through windows looking for mischief, Christmas porridge, and perhaps some good and helpful children. RIGHT: Bishop Hill Steeple Building set for an evening of Lucia. For more info, seewww.bishophill.com
New and traditional Scandinavian design.
A Swedish Shop 257 West Center St. Rte 106 West Bridgewater, MA 02379
508-580-0222
aswedishshop257@gmail.com
Food & authentic Gifts from Sweden
Ta med partner, vänner och bekanta! Vi bjuder på luciatåg. glögg, lussekatter, pepparkakor och andra godsaker.
Söndag den 10 december, kl 17.00-20.30 5 Tudor City Place , NYC $25 RSVP Dec.6 http://newyork.swea.org/
JULMARKNAD Christmas Market Saturday, Dec. 2, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. ST. LUCIA DAY CELEBRATION Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon at Daley Plaza, 4:45 p.m. at Swedish American Museum, 7 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church
All the food you need for your Christmas table 349 Main Ave. | Norwalk, CT 06851 Phone: 203-529-3244 Email: info@scandinavianbutik.com www.scandinavianbutik.com
! God Jul
body. mind. sole
SVENSK JULGUDSTJÄNST Christmas Service in Swedish Sunday, Dec. 17, 4 p.m. at Ebenezer Lutheran Church JULMIDDAG Christmas Dinner Sunday, Dec. 17, 5 p.m. SHOPPING Get your Swedish items for the holidays in the Store or online 5211 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640 SwedishAmericanMuseum.org
E G 10 Y ARS C E L E B RATIN 6 EST. 2 0 0
FREE SHIPPING through the holiday season. Shop online at www.capeclogs.com or call 1-800-380-5977 DECEMBER 01, 2017 13
local events
God Jul Merry Christmas
Your one-stop shop for all things Jul
North Carolina
Oregon
Raleigh - State Fairgrounds 2 Dec: Scandinavian Christmas Fair. Authentic celebration with food and glögg, Nordic folk dancing, music, children’s activities, gifts and Lucia. http://scanfair. org / 336.541.5072
Portland Memorial Coliseum 2 Dec - 3 Dec: ScanFair. Scandinavian arts and crafts, Nordic food, Lucia and kids’ entertainment. New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society, www.scanheritage.org / 503.977.0275
sale, raffle, coffee, glögg, Lucia procession. http://austin.swea.org / austin@swea.org Dallas 2 Dec: JulBasar and Lucia. Swedish crafts, gift items, baked goods, glögg and sweets, Lucia procession. www.dallas. swea.org / dallas@swea.org
North Dakota
Portland 2 Dec - Broder Nord 15 Dec - Nordia House Julbord dinner. Nordic-style with Broder Restaurant’s take on a traditional Julbord dinner with spiced glögg. Nordic Northwest, www.scanheritage.org / 503.977.0275
Houston 10 Dec: SWEA Houston’s Lucia celebration with procession, julfika and dance. www.houston.swea.org / sweahouston@hotmail.com
Bismarck - Lord of Life Lutheran Church 10 Dec: Santa Lucia Celebration. Dancing, food and other goodies. Three Crowns Swedish American Association of Bismarck-Mandan, 3crownsswedish@ gmail.com / 701.516.2979
Ohio
Cleveland Heights - Church of the Saviour 9 Dec: Lucia Celebration and Vasa Voices Jul Program with dessert and coffee, a raffle and Swedish butik. Swedish Cultural Society and Vasa lodge. 216.371.5141 / Marty.bergman@sbcglobal.net
Advent Candles, Tomten, Linens. Christmas Cards, Carl Larsson Swedish ham, Kalles, Herring, Glögg, Lingonberries, Caviar, Bulk candy, Chocolate bars, Licorices Stop in, call in, or order on-line www.woodenspoon.ws gwen@woodenspoon.ws
WOODEN SPOON, 1617 K Avenue, PLANO, TX 75074 972-424-6867
Cleveland Heights - Peace Lutheran 25 Dec: Traditional Morning Julotta Service with Vasa Voices and a light breakfast 216.371.5141 / Marty.bergman@ sbcglobal.net Indian Hill 10 Dec: Lucia Fest. Lucia dinner party. Info and tickets Scandinavian Society of Cincinnati, www.scandinaviansoc.org / 513.889.5306
Virginia
Portland - First Presbyterian Church 9 Dec: Lucia Fest with Tomte, ring dances, Swedish bakery, coffee and glögg. www. newsweden.org / 503.977.0275
Virginia Beach 2 Dec: Swedish Christmas Bazaar. Traditional decorations- Gifts and Crafts Swedish Crystal-Baked Goods- Café. www.virginiabeach.swea.org / virginiabeach@swea.org
Pennsylvania
Vermont
Philadelphia 1 Dec: Julbord. Cocktails, Christmas smörgåsbord dinner, Lucia procession and Christmas Market. www.americanswedish.org / info@americanswedish.org 2 Dec: Lucia Fest and Christmas Market with holiday deli items, decorations, gifts, SWEA bakery and Swedish Christmas Café. www.americanswedish.org / info@ americanswedish.org Philadelphia - Gloria Dei Church 8 Dec - 10 Dec: Sankta Lucia and St. Eric’s Fair. Celebrating 80th Lucia Fest! Christmas bazaar with Scandinavian imports. www.old-swedes.com / info@ old-swedes.org
South Carolina
Columbia 16 Dec: Lucia Celebration. Enjoy the fellowship, food and fun. The Nordic Club, wcui2@aol.com / 843.324.8076
South Dakota
Dalesburg 10 Dec: 40th Annual celebration of the St Lucia Tradition in Dalesburg. www. dalesburg.org / 605.253.2575
Texas
Austin 10 Dec: Annual Lucia and julbazar. Bake
Landgrove 16 Dec: Sankta Lucia at the Landgrove Inn. Delicious julbord, traditional Jul songs, Nordic Harmoni chorus, Lucia, glögg and more. RSVP 802.824.6673 / Vtinn@sover.net
Washington, DC
House of Sweden Washington 2 Dec: Christmas Bazaar. Scandinavian crafts, cafe and Lucia procession. SWEA Washington DC or Embassy of Sweden and House of Sweden, www.washingtondc.swea.org / sweapr@gmail.com
Washington
Seattle - Kirkland 13 Dec: Glögg and meatballs. SWEA women’s choir, Christmas songs and Lucia. www.sacc-seattle.org/events/gloggand-meatballs / julie@sacc-seattle.org Seattle 7 Dec: Nordic Stories. Children’s Christmas stories from the Nordic countries, along with fun craft projects. Nordic Heritage Museum, www.nordicmuseum. org / nordic@nordicmuseum.org Seattle 15 Dec: Swedish Christmas Julbord. Delicious and authentic Christmas smörgåsbord. Info and RSVP info@sacc-seattle. org / 425.952.6299
BARNKLUBBEN ELSA RIX #1 97th Annual Lucia Festivals Lucia Bride – Liv Maredith Abrahamsen Saturday December 9, 2017 at 6 pm St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church
54 Nassau Blvd. West Hempstead, NY Lucia pageant & folk dancing. $15/adult, $5/child 5-12, Children under 5 free. Light Smörgåsbord, coffee & desserts included. Glögg and gifts available. Reservations & Advance Payment Requested. Information/reservations: (516) 565-2091 • Elainedance@aol.com Send reservations & check payable to Barnklubben Elsa Rix: Elaine McGrath 252 Wellington Road South, Garden City, NY 11530
14 NORDSTJERNAN
Directions: Southern State Pkwy. Exit 17N. 2nd light left onto Nassau Blvd. Cross Hempstead Tpk., right onto 8th St. & right onto Kilburn Rd. to parking lot.
local events
Jazz Tribute to Monica Zetterlund “Lingonberry Twig Sitting in a Cocktail Glass” is a tribute concert given by American and Swedish jazz musicians at 7 p.m. on Dec.9 at the Scandinavian
Cultural Center in New York. Dedicated to one of the greatest Swedish jazz singers of all time, Monica Zetterlund, the program extends from some of her
Tacoma - Pacific Lutheran University 3 Dec: Sankta Lucia Festival of Light, reception to follow. Scandinavian Cultural Center, www.plu.edu/scancenter / schroejm@plu.edu
Madison - St. Mark’s Lutheran Church 2 Dec: Julfest/Christmas Party with traditional Swedish dinner (julbord) and Lucia procession. The Scandinavian American Club (SAC) www.madsac.org / madisonsac@gmail.com
Wisconsin
Dodgeville - Folklore Village 9 Dec: St. Lucia Ceremony. Swedish songs, candlelight and aromatic saffron buns. Potluck and dancing. www. folklorevillage.org / programs@folklorevillage.org
Sister Bay 8 Dec – 9 Dec: Traditional Swedish Christmas Smörgåsbord. A multi-course Christmas smörgåsbord. RSVP www. aljohnsons.com / 920.854.2626
Hales Corners - Whitnall Park Lutheran 10 Dec: Lucia Celebration. Dance around the Christmas tree, Santa, Coffee and treats. swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail.com / www.sahswi.org
USA 15 Dec: Swedish Christmas Julbord Celebrations at all IKEA restaurants with an all you can eat buffet! Contact your local IKEA store for more information. www. ikea-usa.com/StoreLocator
25 Dec: Julotta. Hymns and liturgy in Swedish and English. Coffee and treats. swedishamericanhistoricalwisc@gmail. com / www.sahswi.org
earliest work in the well-known revue with Hasse & Tage to her collaboration with the great piano player Bill Evans on their album Waltz for Debby. Thai-Swedish singer Sirintip “Tippan” Phasuk leads on vocals. Tippan discovered jazz when she was 14 and it became her portal in New York in 2015 as she pursued a Master’s degree at the Manhattan School of Music. In
the fall of 2015, she was a semi-finalist in the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Competition in Los Angeles, landing her several scholarship opportunities and a record deal. The band includes Swede Oskar Stenmark, a jazz soloist in his own right who also made New York his home. On trumpet and flugelhorn, he turns “Gärdebylåten,” which generations of his family made the signature melody of Rättviks Spelmanslag, into jazz. Jon Snell is at the piano and Karl Kohut plays bass. $15. 617.795.1914 / www.scandicenter.org
IKEA
No Celebration listed close to you? For continuous info from all over the U.S., see events at www.nordstjernan.com.
Sankta Lucia Pageant & Smörgåsbord Saturday, December 9, 2017 4 p.m. Anderson Chapel
This beloved annual tradition features the North Park University Lucia choir, star boys, and the 2017 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 by Dec. 2 online at www.northpark.edu/lucia or make your reservation by calling 773-244-5615.
LINGONBERRIES • Fresh Frozen • Preserves www.sturdiwheat.com 1-800-201-9650
Scandinavian Traditions
Gifts, crafts & more! 800-779-3344 | www.hemslojd.com Call for free catalog! Downtown Lindsborg, KS DECEMBER 01, 2017 15
feature
Scandinavian women help Santa Helen Nielsen, a Danish-American food activist who works closely with her husband, AKA (The Skinny) Sustainable Santa, is recruiting influential women to help curb the shortened life expectancy of American children. The Standard American Diet (“SAD”) of snacks and processed foods has led to an explosion of diet driven illnesses not seen in American children just 30 years ago. The trifecta of fast, junk and processed “foods,” stripped of nutritional values and the fiber so important to good digestion and loaded with chemicals, preservatives, herbicides, pesticides and added sugar is leading to a generation of American children whose lifespan will be shorter than their parents’ —a first in American history, according to Helen Nielsen. Nielsen, a DanishAmerican food activist, is now recruiting influential women to help curb this shortened lifespan situation. Together with her husband, who is known as Sustainable Santa, Nielsen has spent the better part of the year recruiting a “Corps of Lady Santas” (CLaS) to join the members of a growing group called The Real Santas United to end Childhood Obesity whose goal is to change the current message and the future image of the 21st century Santa from the overweight guy who promotes eating candy canes and cookies to one who promotes good health by eating real food and living a sustainable lifestyle. This is not a simple task, says SWEA San Francisco (Swedish Women’s Educational Association) chapter president Birgitta Hilleberg-Durrett, who was recruited to the cause last spring. The eating patterns embedded in SAD are now part of American culture, where in some neighborhoods, particularly in the poorer sections of our communities, access to healthy “real food” options are limited.
to you in a paper sack while you’re in your car, or your daily Snickers bar.
Promoting healthful happiness
A new American holiday icon
Since 1984 SWEA San Francisco has held a December holiday fair where the healthful happiness in Swedish Christmas culture is on display. “It is no mystery as to why the Scandinavian countries all showed up at the top of the 2017 World Happiness Report published by the United Nations last February,” says Hilleberg-Durrett. “Sure we Swedes enjoy our traditional special holiday treats, but they are just that: special treats—such as limpa and pepparkakor (bread and gingersnaps), glögg (mulled wine), Julskinka (Christmas ham), gravlax (salty salmon), and the use of spices like cardamom, saffron, cinnamon and cloves. The tradition of having risgrynsgröt (rice porridge) on Christmas morning, and even lutfisk (lye cured codfish) and some pickled beets and herring brings memories of childhood and family gatherings.” She adds that the process of cooking and baking for the Swedish holiday takes time and preparation, fostering community and togetherness, two important factors in achieving happiness. That is quite different from ordering pizza, or picking up fast-food passed 16 NORDSTJERNAN
Keys to the cause
Care, freedom, generosity, honesty and good governance are keys to our cause: good health and a healthy life expectancy. These are the markers The Real Santas United are focusing on. The question of “what’s wrong” can be answered simply: It’s the food! SAD is accelerating our demise in the 21st century, and we want to change that. That’s where understanding the values in other national cultures is why we so very much appreciate the examples SWEA provides. For instance, sugar in the amounts now consumed by American kids is toxic, with illnesses like non-alcoholic fatty liver disease becoming one of the fastest growing ailments showing up in school-aged kids. Compare that to the pioneers who crossed the prairie in their covered wagons—they brought with them 10 pounds of sugar per person to last them a year. Today’s American kids consume an average of 175 pounds per year. The list of illnesses SAD is creating in kids is long and ugly sounding: bleeding bowel syndrome, leaky gut, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance (glucose intolerance or pre-diabetes), high blood pressure, high triglycerides and low lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and abdominal obesity. These lead to coronary artery disease, heart disease, peripheral vascular disease, diabetes, cancer, even stroke. America has strong beliefs in symbols and icons, often created by corporate advertisements. It was 1931 when the Coca-Cola Company introduced the obese Santa wearing the red suit with the white cuffs into our culture. Today many, if not most, Americans think Santa is supposed to be fat, and wearing the coke-can colored outfit. European Santas don’t wear Coke’s colors; and the original Santa, Saint Nicholas, wasn’t fat. He also lived a very long life—he was 73 years old when he died in 343 AD. Why? Because he ate a Mediterranean diet of duck, goats, lots of veggies and olive oil. He’s the icon the Real Santas United follow, not the sugar salesman invented by Coke.
Recruiting influential women
Nielsen recognizes that big money is on the line between those encouraging kids to continue consuming bad food and financially favors the fast and processed “food” industries, the industrialized food producers, and the pharmaceutical industry that sells Americans remedies … allegedly to “cure” the ailments they
created (this is not permitted in Europe and other large industrialized countries). On the other side are those such as the Real Santas United to End Childhood Obesity who are intent on helping parents switch their kids to eating “Real Food,” and living a sustainable lifestyle. They’re supported by organic farmers and farmers markets, advocates for food diversity and seed security and a host of interest groups concerned about children’s health and the enormous health care costs associated with the current medical system needed to treat the tsunami of illnesses now created. To accomplish this switch from the SAD to the “joy” of eating real food, Nielsen is taking a page from the European playbook where women play key roles in encouraging healthy lifestyles and good nutrition—particularly at holiday time. “Our 21st century guys need help, so I have recruited some key women to join them as Lady Santas,” says Nielsen. Like Sweden’s Sankta Lucia. Lucia’s story dates back to the 3rd century in Syracuse, Italy where this devout young woman helped feed the poor. Her iconic crown of candles was a practical way to light up the darkness while carrying heavy trays laden with food. Lucia’s legend is linked with health and healing. She was martyred in 304 AD but came to be celebrated during dark Nordic winters: Nowadays on December 13 (the shortest day of the year on the Julian calendar) girls don white gowns, wear candles on their heads and carry trays of coffee and pastries to portray St. Lucia as part of their festival of light. And Sankta Lucia isn’t the only one. It’s also Beira, the mother to all the gods and goddesses in the
A group of children with Lady Santa accompanied by Sustainable Santa at the 2017 Sonoma Heirloom Expo.
Celtic culture of Scotland, Cailleach, the deer herding goddess of winter for the Irish and those living on the Isle of Man, and Snegurochka who brings Christmas joy and good health to all in Russia.
Lady Santas work together
National public interest and environmental advocacy is getting involved through the Center for Food Safety’s west coast director, Rebecca Spector. CFS empowers people, supports farmers and protects the earth from the adverse impacts of industrial agriculture. They use legal actions, policy initiatives and corporate and grassroots advocacy campaigns to reduce the public health and environmental impacts of industrial agriculture and to advance organic and sustainable food systems. Working with their over 900,000 members, CFS works to insure the integrity of organic foods, label genetically engineered (GE) foods, curb pesticide use, and much more. Lady Santa Therese has been a wound care medical device sales rep for devices used in the homes of diabetics who have lost toes, a foot, and even a leg to the ravages of Type 2 diabetes. She got frustrated with the lack of knowledge about the dangers within our food system which produces these outcomes. Therese shared with Helen a host of stories, like one about an elementary school principal who was feeling helpless to address the obvious-to-him health problems facing the kids at his school. He talked of how 5-year-old children would arrive at school holding a “sugar loaded drink” in their hands. When pressed, it turned out to be a frothy coffee drink from a well known coffee house. They range from 490-600 calories—that’s a quarter of the recommended maximum adult daily intake of 2,000 calories per day.
Worse yet, it is devoid of the fiber needed to mollify the rate at which a body absorbs the sugar calories—which leads to sugar spikes that can create the insulin imbalances responsible for so many metabolic illnesses. “A calorie is not a calorie” and not all calories are used by your body at the same rate. You can’t just “count calories” says Helen. You need to know how your body assimilates the different types. In their education program known as SPARK (Santas Promote Americans’ Right to Know), Santas teach that in addition to adding all the unhealthy chemicals, sugars, preservatives, pesticides and herbicides into processed food products, they also strip out the nutrients and the fiber. This means essential, good gut health and the healthy flow of calories through the liver and pancreas to your cells is thwarted. Lady Santa Sasha Irving directs the award winning Co-op Art Studios on the Park in Paso Robles, CA. The studios bring in more than 3,000 public elementary students for hands-on professional art classes completely free of charge. Their Kids Art Smart program is at the heart and soul of their effort to show kids the creative process which builds social, emotional and intellectual strength and development in the children of that community. Lady Santa Nancy Walker, founder, executive director and therapeutic chef of the Wellness Kitchen in Templeton, CA runs a program which should be a model for every community, says Santa Helen. In a nut shell: With an all-volunteer staff they prepare a host of nutrient rich meals and broths in several categories—some with very few spices and others loaded with extras—and all are delicious and fantastically nutritious. These are packaged and delivered to people all over
the area, many of whom are recovering from a variety of surgeries and treatments. The Wellness Kitchen also has a walk-in sit-down area which serves super nutritious lunches with prices based on ability to pay. Along with educational programs on nutritious cooking taught in both English and Spanish, they also have a program aimed at kids 4-7: Eat the Rainbow, one of the programs taught by the Real Santa United at farmers markets. But the program Santa Helen found the most impressive was the 10-week Teen Ed Program which attracts kids from the three area high schools who get community service points for learning how to source products and prepare/cook heathy foods. Lady Santa Rosemary Hawthorn is a baking pioneer in Paso Robles. At her business, Bless Your Heart Bakery, she and staff produce super yummy breads, cakes and cookies, using no wheat, no sugar, no butter or other dairy, no GMOs, no gluten and nothing else bad—but rather a host of natural ingredients like root, coconut and nut flours, brown rice, millet and sorghum. She has agreed to collaborate with Santa Helen in producing a cook book with recipes that improve kids’ health. As Dr. Lustig, the founder of the UCSF Medical School has reminded the old-image Santas, “Sugar, in the amounts consumed by kids today is toxic!” When the cook book is completed and distributed to all the Mrs. Clauses out there, there will no longer be any reason to feed kids unhealthy cookies as “treats.” As Santa Helen says, “It should not be called a ‘treat’ if it jeopardizes your health!” Written by Per-Olof Nielsen with Helen Nielsen and Amanda Robison
DECEMBER 01, 2017 17
Photo: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds/rareseeds.com
The general rule is: The longer the shelf life – the shorter your life!
local events
the most popular films and tv shows from sweden
swedish dvd releases Order Swedish language movies on DVD. All videos are in the original language with English subtitles.
SAN FRANCISCO Lördag 2 december kl 9-16: Träffa oss på SWEA San Franciscos julbasar, 1111 Gough Street i San Francisco. Vi säljer lotter till vårt jullotteri, du kan förnya ditt medlemskap och vi berättar om vår verksamhet.
Torsdag 7 december kl 19.00:
STUDENT OCH AU-PAIRTRÄFF Terminens sista träff för unga vuxna. Hemlagad julmat och gemenskap i Norska sjömanskyrkan. Föranmälan via vår facebook-sida.
Söndag 10 december kl 11.00:
ADVENTSGUDSTJÄNST
Kom och sjung de vackra adventspsalmerna och lyssna till luciakören. Ragnar Bohlin spelar och Louise Linder predikar om intåget i Jerusalem och i varje människas hjärta. Kyrkkaffe och lussekatter.
Söndag 10 december kl 15.00:
LUCIAHÖGTID
med luciatåg. Tal av Louise Linder. Kyrkkaffe med Lussekatter och pepparkakor.
Lördag 16 december kl 15.00 (barnsamling kl 14):
FAMILJEGUDSTJÄNST I LOS ALTOS
Louise Linder predikar om julens hemlighet och barnen uppför ett julspel. Kaffe serveras.
Söndag 24 december kl 11.00:
JULBÖN
Sweden’s selection for the Oscar’s
Immerse yourself and family in swedishness with the latest dvd releases from Sweden.
Gudstjänst kring krubban med barn och vuxna. Välkommen med i ett levande julspel. Hanna Linder piano och solosång. Kören sjunger. Louise Linder präst. Kyrkkaffe.
Fredagar kl 10.30-12: Barngruppen träffas varje fredag i Norska sjömanskyrkan, för lek, sång och gemenskap. Kaffe, saft, smörgås och frukt serveras. Se Facebook för mer info!
A Man Called Ove ($29.95 = _______ The Last Sentence $29.95 = _______ The 100 Year Old Man $29.95 $19.95 = _______ The Dragon Tattoo Trilogy Extended Boxed Set $39.95 = _______ Wallander Series 2 Boxed Set $74.95 $59.95 = _______ Max Manus: Man of War (in Norwegian) $19.95 = _______ Jackpot (in Norwegian) $24.95 = _______
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Nelson’s Food Pride 100 years of Swedish Tradition Family owned Business Swedish Specialty Food Items www.nelsonsfoodpride.com
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art and culture
Dreaming of a white Christmas
The following recipes for the necessarily saffron spiced pastries on your Swedish holiday platter assume you’ve already made the glögg, probably your favorite with a base of red wine or a red port. Or maybe you’d like to try a white glögg this year—here’s an easy version, but you can vary the spices as you would for your favorite traditional recipe as well: Bring 3 cups water, 1/2 cup sugar, small pieces of fresh ginger, raisins, 10 cloves and 3 cinnamon sticks to a boil and simmer for 30 min. Add 1 bottle of light white wine, and a few shots of vodka or gin, if desired. Heat to near boil. Garnish with star anise, lingon and a sprig of rosemary. Aside from the glögg, one must have an assortment of favorites, such as lussekatter, saffron buns, to serve at your glögg party - here are three basic wrecipes adapted from Swedish recipes:
Lussekatter
Yields: 36 buns Prep Time: 30 minutes Raising Time 75 minutes Bake Time: 12 minutes Ingredients 1/4 tsp saffron 2/3 cup butter 1-3/4 cup milk 50 grams of fresh yeast 1 egg 3/4 cup of granulated sugar 1 tsp salt 6-1/2 cups all purpose flour Raisins for decorating Egg white to brush on before baking Instructions Use a mortar to grind the saffron to textured powder. Melt the butter and add the milk, making sure that the mixture is a little bit warmer than lukewarm (98 F) and add to a bowl. Then crumble the fresh yeast into little pieces and add. Then add the rest of the ingredients, adding the flour a little bit at a time until the dough is loosening from the bowl. It should stick together nicely without sticking to the bowl. Let the dough rise in its bowl (cover with kitchen towel) for about 45 minutes. Add the dough to a working area (countertop, large table). Knead it lovingly and roll it out with a rolling pin. Cut strips of dough, about 10” long x 1/2” thick, and roll them each into sausages between your hands. Alternatively, take a piece of dough and roll it into the above mentioned proportions. Form traditional Lussekatter by creating two opposite spirals. Let the Lussekatter rise for 30 minutes. Heat the oven to 440˚ F. Decorate each individual spiral with a raisin in the middle and brush with beaten egg. Bake the Lussekatter in the oven for 10-12 minutes.
Första Advent Pastries Many are the spices that remind us of Christmas, but saffron might be our favorite. Derived from the saffron crocus flower, saffron has been traded and used for over four millennia. Iran now accounts for about 90 percent of the world production of the spice. Because each flower’s stigma need to be collected by hand, and there are only a few per flower, saffron is the most expensive spice in the world. A Christmas without “saffran” in bread is not a Swedish Christmas. Luckily, since it is expensive, you don’t need much of the spice to get the golden glow and the particular taste of it.
Saffranskaka (saffron cake) Ingredients 200 g butter (or margarine) 0.5 g saffron 2 eggs 1.2 cups sugar 1 cup milk 1.6 cups flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 pinch confectioner’s sugar
Instructions Preheat oven to 350˚F. Butter and breadcrumb a smooth, round pan with removable sides, about 9” diameter. Melt the butter and let it cool. Pestle the saffron in a mortar (preferably with a sugar cube). Beat egg and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the saffron, the melted butter and milk. Mix flour and baking powder and add to the batter. Pour the batter into the pan and bake in the lower part of the oven for about 45 minutes. Sift confectioner’s sugar on top before serving.
Skurna pepparkakor (cut ginger snaps) Ingredients 1 cup sugar 200 g butter 1/2 cup molasses 2-1/2 cups flour peels of two lemons (grated) 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1 tablespoon cloves (ground) 1 tablespoon ginger (ground) 1 teaspoon ground bitter orange peel 1 tablespoon cardamom 1 tablespoon baking soda about 3/4 cup peeled, blanched almonds
Instructions Melt the butter in a pot along with the molasses and sugar. Remove from heat and let cool somewhat. Stir in all the spices. In a bowl, mix flour and baking soda, and add to the batter. Also stir in the almonds. Shape the dough into long “sausages” or rolls and put into the fridge (if you plan on making ginger snaps within the next week) or the freezer (if you want them later). Take out when you need, cut as many as you need and bake of a sheet of baking paper for around 7 minutes in 400˚ F. So you’ve had lussekatter and you made glögg. What to do with spices and the raisin you put in the glögg pan? Turn to page 24 for our favorite recipe; a sure winner after a long, cozy winter walk!
DECEMBER 01, 2017 19
feature
Sweden’s Honorary Consuls in the U.S. Who are they? In an effort to find out more about the Swedish consuls in America, the work they do and the people they represent, contributor Helen Teike interviewed each of them, published here throughout the year.
CALIFORNIA
Honorary Consul: Britta Lundstrom-Armstrong, San Diego How long have you been the Swedish consul? Almost 2 years.
About Swedish food: I don’t start my holiday mornings with a cup of glögg, but I do enjoy it during the month of December.
What is your full-time occupation? My education is as an agronomist and I work with garden design.
Explaining Sweden to others: It’s easy to speak about Sweden, the general opinion is very positive. I talk about innovation, the Nobel Prize, climate sustainability, equality, and that we are ranked No. 1 as the best country in which to be a child or a woman.
How much time do you spend on consular matters? Do you have help? It depends on the Swedish calendar and on what events are scheduled. Sometimes there are a lot of very different tasks. We’ve had governmental delegation visits from Sweden to arrange for, panel discussions representing and explaining the Swedish point of view, speeches to the Swedish community, visits to incarcerated and detained Swedish citizens … there are so many things happening in Southern California. And I have help. Vice Consul Katarina Keane takes care of all strictly consular matters such as passports, interviews, etc. How many Swedish citizens are in your area? That’s difficult to answer. Swedes are drawn to Southern California for so many different reasons: adventure, jobs, study, fame and fortune, for shorter or longer periods – it’s just hard to give a number. Additionally, there is no consulate in Los Angeles, so we serve all of Southern California. But if I were to give an estimate, I would say there are about 25,000 Swedes in Southern California. Does your consulate district differ from others? Southern California is a very popular vacation destination for Swedes, and there are also many Swedes working in the entertainment industry in Los Angeles. Since San Diego is situated on a national border, we deal with many cross-border issues as well. What is the Swedish Consulate’s most important job for the community in your area? There is a great interest in “The Swedish Model” in California.
Sweden’s biggest achievement in history: Our role in diplomacy and peace talks in the world, for example in Bosnia and Colombia. Today we are a friendly country to people who have suffered war and hardship. We are leaders in sustainability and gender equality. People are also very interested in our free higher education system and our national healthcare. For the Swedish-American community, we provide a link to contemporary Sweden. What is your most important task? My commitment is to serve the Swedish community and inform Southern California about our country. We have multiple events every year, everything from concerts and theatre, talks and movie screenings to delegate visits and exhibitions. If we had more funds, it would make our community outreach efforts more wide-ranging and innovative – in part by doing away with time spent on fundraising to pay for venue rentals, etc. What is your personal connection with Sweden? I have dual citizenship, but after 30 years in the U.S., I still feel totally Swedish. I visit Sweden every year and I speak Swedish in my family.
Keep your heritage “afloat” with our handpainted buoys. Made to order with the flag of your choice. Makes a great gift! 20 NORDSTJERNAN
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Most admired Swede: Carl Von Linné. He developed the binomial nomenclature for naming plants and animals that is still used worldwide. As a student of botany in Uppsala, I had the privilege to look at some of his collections and was even able to handle them, of course using white cotton (Gossypium hirsutum) gloves. The biggest misconception about Sweden: That taxes are so high … they are not that steep compared to the rest of the world, when you consider what we get for our taxes in Sweden. What Sweden could teach America: Sustainability, climate awareness. Capitalism with a conscience, unions and good products, reasonable pay and state supported innovation … and paid parental leave for all. Swedish Honorary Consulate in San Diego 8880 Rio San Diego Drive, Suite 800 San Diego, CA 92108 619.209.6170 sandiego@consulateofsweden.org
Vice Consul: Katarina Keane, San Diego How long have you been the Swedish consul? I have been working at the consulate since January 1, 2006. I started as a consular assistant and was appointed vice consul in February 2008. How much time do you spend on consular matters? Do you have help? It’s a full-time position. Most of the time I work by myself at the office. Our Consul Britta Armstrong is available to assist me whenever I need help. How many Swedes visit the consulate? For what purpose? If I add up all the consular activities we had in 2016, it’s about 1,300 Swedes who have visited the consulate. Come December, do you start your mornings with a cup of glögg? No! Dricker inte glögg (I don’t drink glögg). Explaining Sweden to others: I usually talk about Sweden’s inventions, like dynamite, pacemaker, the 3-point safety belt, the safety match. I also like to talk about our fantastic maternity leave and Allemansrätten. Sweden’s biggest achievement in history: Sweden’s history of neutrality Most admired Swede: Dag Hammarskjöld The biggest misconception about Sweden: That we have such high taxes What Sweden could teach America: It is possible to have free health care and free education. On being Swedish: A typical Swede loves the nature, is reliable and punctual. Our traditions are important to us.
Are there other local Swedish organizations you cooperate with? We work closely with all the Swedish organizations in San Diego. We arrange events together with Swedish Center, SWEA, SACC-San Diego and House of Sweden. Together we host receptions, movie screenings, exhibitions and many other events. Does your district differ from the other Swedish honorary consulates? Being so close to an international border can present challenges that other consulates may not experience. How much are you guided by directions from the embassy in Washington, DC? I reach out to the embassy on a regular basis for advice regarding all kinds of consular matters. What made you choose to accept this position? My father Hans Colliander was a diplomat and I have always been very interested in working for the Swedish Foreign Ministry.
Augusta’s Daughter Ever wonder what made so many emigrate from Sweden in the nineteenth century? Judit Martin’s novel, “Augusta’s Daughter,” about 19th century Swedish peasant life made such an impression on us, we decided to offer it to the Nordstjernan readership. call 1.800.827.9333 for your own copy ($24.90 incl. S&H to cont. U.S.). The sequel,
Kajsa
was just released. The story of 15-year-old Elsa-Carolina’s illegitimate daughter Kajsa,who was cast out into the world from a foster home at the age of 8.
What is your most important task? If you had more funds what would you do in your region to spread the word about Sweden? My most important task is to help Swedes in need and be a good representative of Sweden. If we had more funds, we would host more Swedish exhibitions. We’ve had two exhibitions so far and they were very popular! What is your personal connection with Sweden? Fondest memory of Sweden? I lived in Sweden a big part of my life. I didn’t move to the U.S. until I was 30 and became a U.S. citizen in 2009. My fondest memories are from my childhood summers in Grisslehamn, Roslagen, in a house my family shared with my cousins.
Sweden recognized the United States on April 3, 1783, when the Treaty of Amity and Commerce between the United States and Sweden was signed in Paris. The Swedish minister in Paris approached Benjamin Franklin in 1782 with the suggestion of concluding a treaty between the two entities, remarking that he hoped it would be remembered that “Sweden was the first power in Europe which had voluntarily and without solicitation offered its friendship to the United States.” Franklin informed Congress of this initiative and was then empowered to negotiate with Sweden. Diplomatic relations were established in 1818 when the United States named David Erskine as the first Consul to Stockholm on May 22. On September 20, 1947, H. Freeman Matthews was appointed to be the first U.S. Ambassador to Sweden.
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DECEMBER 01, 2017 21
feature
Digitizing Sweden: goals and concerns Sweden’s Minister of Housing and Digital Development Peter Eriksson was in San Francisco recently to present his “Outlook on the Swedish Current Political Climate.” Anne Lidgard, of Vinnova at Stanford, introduced the Swedish official, who started his career 20 years ago as an economics teacher. He entered politics as mayor of his hometown, Tranås, Sweden and from there became co-spokesperson for Sweden’s Green Party; he is now a member of parliament. In Sweden’s governing administration, Minister Ericksson’s role in housing and digital development is within the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation. Sweden is a leader in technology and innovation. During his visit in the Bay Area, Eriksson hoped to discover how Sweden and the Silicon Valley can learn from each other. During his presentation, he noted there are about 80 Swedish entrepreneurial companies located and integrated here, and he is looking forward to coordinating with universities about artificial intelligence.
Sweden’s current political outlook
As Sweden anticipates its next election in September 2018, there is concern about interference from Russia, especially since nationalization and populism have begun to assert more strength in Sweden than during the last half a century. Eriksson expressed an interest in discussing with other large software and social media giants the rules and responsibilities they have, particularly during national elections. Moreover he wants to learn about the advantages and possibilities these new technologies have to enhance a democracy. And, in particular, he hopes Swedish journalism will be bold enough to distinguish between real facts and fake news, to provide a balanced perspective on all political positions in order to aid citizens in voting. He said it is important for any democracy that its citizens are able to learn the facts that are most relevant and significant for their vote in an election. Sweden’s strong economy is performing well. Eriksson said this is because Swedes are willing to pay higher taxes than most other countries in exchange for a better life for most of its citizens; it enjoys a very protective and capacious welfare system. For this reason Sweden’s public sector is much larger per capita than in other European countries.
Sweden’s future investments
Sweden must invest even more public money in training its citizens in the skills necessary to guarantee full employment in the digital age, Eriksson said. This is important not merely for individual Swedes to obtain good jobs and maintain steady work but for the country itself to maintain its gross domestic product (GDP) in competition with the rest of Europe. This will be challenging, for previously Sweden’s educational attainment had been temporarily sinking when compared internationally (in PISA exams), but now 22 NORDSTJERNAN
Swedish Housing and Digital Development Minister Peter Eriksson while on a recent visit to San Francisco said he “believes that smart cities — whether they are cities, towns, suburbs or villages — will be sites where people need not have a car because multiple alternatives and public transit are plentiful.” Designing Sweden’s infrastructure Peter Eriksson
it has begun to rise, helping the country to once again become more competitive internationally. Another challenge, of course, will come from the fact that its population has grown significantly, partly due to its magnanimity during the refugee exodus from the Middle East (accepting proportionally more refugees than any other European country; 100,000 in 2015). So, now the country must educate, acclimate and integrate these people into its workforce in order to regain full employment, public safety, accustomed lifestyle, as well as for the nation’s competitive GDP — all of this is required for Sweden to succeed. At the same time Sweden must make substantial investments in the environment, increasing more in 2018 and considerably more again by 2025.
Digitizing the nation
Turning to the digitization of society, Eriksson said he wants Sweden to become a leader among nations in this field. Swedes are very proud of their country for having a disproportionately large number of entrepreneurs and for their highly successful international companies, such as Spotify, Skype and other unicorns (a privately held startup valued at $1 billion or more — a target for venture capitalist firms and many wealthy investors). Sweden is the best producer of unicorns in Europe, and second only to Silicon Valley internationally. At the beginning of the Computer Age, Sweden was quite innovative socially —subsidizing many of its citizens to buy and use personal computers by offering tax incentives. This made a significant difference for many Swedish children, who received computers at young ages and became accustomed to them, aiding them in study (both academically and independently). Some of them went further and became engaged in computer programming and eventually young Swedish adults were at the forefront of the Information Age and progress.
Sweden has a strong infrastructure, but there is hope for continuing improvement in the areas of digitalization and its national reach. For Sweden to harness the opportunities of digital transformation, Eriksson proposed enhancing the following areas for Sweden to thrive: digital skills, digital security, digital innovation and digital leadership. The Nordic country has a new broadband strategy to include all its citizens for connectivity, education, government services and participation. With the intention to become completely connected — providing fast and comprehensive digital connectivity to all its citizens — by 2025, the question becomes about the cost needed to cover old Swedes and all Swedes. This is a particularly important question when the citizens are spread out, some sparsely, throughout the country. Is 90 percent coverage sufficient? If Sweden has 10 million people, that means 1 million people are not covered or they have slower coverage and connectivity. Is that acceptable? The Swedish healthcare system will rely upon this connectivity for serving all its citizens. This will be a very difficult problem to solve, for the elderly and isolated citizens are frequently those most in need of these healthcare services. So, Swedes must learn how to use the internet effectively for the whole society; then they must make this access easy to use for older or disabled citizens.
Housing in smart cities
As in the San Francisco Bay Area (which regularly swaps places with New York City for the dishonor of being the most costly city in which to buy housing and live in), so too Eriksson claimed there is a great shortage of housing in Sweden, which drives up prices for the young and the elderly. Today, Sweden’s government is taking measures to accelerate the construction process, yet price remains a big problem. So, part of the reason for his visit in his official capacity is to learn of new solutions which could be implemented in Sweden. His goal is for people to be able to buy a house and afford to live there. In San Francisco, he learned
how the city is requiring a percentage (33%-45%) of units in residential towers to be affordable housing (a euphemistic oxymoron here, based upon the resident’s income level) and for the city to subsidize with loans, rents and mortgages. In Sweden, the components of Eriksson’s program include smart cities, innovation and new partnerships. He believes that smart cities — whether they are cities, towns, suburbs or villages — will be sites where people need not have a car because multiple alternatives and public transit are plentiful. This would make the community more attractive for the residents, attracting others to live there. Currently he observes that the Swedish building and construction industry is making a lot of money; however, too often they are building residences for wealthier clients. He believes the industry could achieve more for average people if it were digitized and automated.
Sweden vs. San Francisco
After his speech, Minister Eriksson took several questions from the audience. The first was about similarities between Sweden and San Francisco. This city is in the midst of rapid construction with half a dozen mega-developments (10,000 people or more), mainly along the waterfront, to grow the city’s population to one million people by 2030 — all within 47 square miles with 48 hills, about the size of a medieval European city. And with sea-level rising by an anticipated 6- to 60-feet this century, who knows: we too may become a walled city! The minister was grateful to learn of San Francisco’s affordability ratios for new buildings and of the attempts to help subsidize and stabilize the middle class by offering loans for mortgages or rents. He said nothing like this was happening in Sweden. Another listener asked what Sweden was doing about fake news affecting the election. Eriksson repeated his intentions to speak with Facebook and with other social media and digital companies, and he added that he is encouraging all journalists in Sweden to teach their readers to cherish a higher regard for the profession’s ethics of factual reporting and for all editors and publishers to be vigilant against suspicious and foreign influences. Another inquirer observed that Sweden and Cali-
Public transportation in Stockholm—much more then buses, trains, trams and subway. While the commuter trains and subways are just as popular as in any modern metropolis, Stockholm, built on 13 islands, has public transportation on water. Above the free ferry from Stockholm Söder to Hammarby sjöstad.
fornia are similar in their dedication to sustainability, and they are partnering with each other to exchange ideas on sustainability. In his response, Eriksson stated how surprised he was not to see more solar panels or windmills both in the city and in the countryside here. He felt Europe is much more advanced in these technologies.
Final comparisons
In conclusion, Minister Eriksson said he felt Sweden had built too few houses during the past two decades and that today they are building predominantly expensive housing. Instead, he hopes to refocus Sweden on two things: industry must create more efficient and rapid industrialized processes for constructing homes, and the government must promote subsidies for buyers, following the example of San Francisco. Today in Stockholm more than 50 percent of the
people take public transit, which reduces traffic congestion and makes travel more efficient for everyone. And while Sweden in general is very friendly to bicycles, especially in the big cities, he mentioned how impressed he was to learn that the San Francisco Bay Area’s 20,000 bicycles in the regional bike sharing program (among the area’s cities also including Palo Alto, San Jose, Oakland and Berkeley), places it second in the nation after New York City, encouraging commuters to leave bikes at the train and get a new one at the other end of their commute. Maybe the transit situation in San Francisco will benefit from being a leader, among more than three dozen U.S. cities, in the adoption of Sweden’s Vision Zero Plan, to eliminate traffic accidents and to make any city more friendly and viable, too. Ted Olsson
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art and culture
Best recipe for the re-use of ingredients from glögg making
LOS ANGELES Söndag 3 december kl 10.00
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Söndag 3 december kl 10-17
Ginger muffins with glögg-marinated raisins
Träffa kyrkan på SWEA Los Angeles julbasar, 3330 Civic Center Dr i Torrance. Vi driver caféet, säljer fina julsaker och du kan köpa biljetter till jullotteriet.
(yields 20) Ingredients: 1/2 cup raisins 1/2 cup of glögg 125 g butter 5 oz milk 1 egg 1.5 cups flour 3/4 cup sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon ginger 2 teaspoons cinnamon 1 teaspoon cloves 1/2 cup lingonberries 3/4 cup crème fraîche confectioner’s sugar
Tisdag 5 december kl 18.30
Instruction: Let the raisins marinate in the glögg overnight. Preheat oven to 390F. Melt the butter and let cool; then add the milk and the egg. Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and spices and add to the butter mixture. Lastly, carefully add raisins and the glögg. Distribute the batter into small paper muffin cups. Bake for about 15 minutes in the middle of the oven. Mix lingon and créme fraîche, and put on top of the baked muffins along with some confectioner’s sugar.
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not my time to die Titanic and the Swedes on Board by Lilly Setterdahl 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... Perfect bound, large size paperback, 296 pages. Richly illustrated.
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news in brief
Swedish News Sweden buys American
Sweden will purchase American made Patriot, an air weapons defense system that will roll out in 2020. This multi-billion dollar partnership is meant to help Sweden become more self-sufficient in its military defense capabilities. Patriot, which is based in Massachusetts, is the foundation of integrated air and missile defense for more than a dozen nations.
Immigrant children “aging out”
Unaccompanied minors seeking asylum in Sweden are provided housing in local group homes. After the minors receive their resident permit, they are able to enter Swedish society when they turn 18. But the overwhelming numbers of refugees who arrived in 2015 has burdened the immigration agency, slowing down the application process and leaving thousands of children who have now “aged out” of their group homes and requiring them to find new places to live in private accommodations.
Looking to Japan for inspiration
The basic infrastructure and technology required to transport people by train is very similar in Japan and Sweden. Industry insiders say Sweden could invest more in infrastructure and resources so train travel becomes a preferred source of transit and replaces the car or plane.
Swedes slow to recruit
While many Swedish companies complain they lack adequate talent to fill job positions, studies show they are slow to look outside their own contact network to recruit new employees. Over a quarter of job seekers in Sweden are immigrants or foreigners but their education and skills have little bearing on whether they will be granted an interview, let alone offered a job when 60 percent of Swedish companies hire only from within their own contacts.
Younger siblings get the shaft
It’s well known that first-born children are more likely to become leaders as adults, but new evidence from Uppsala University shows last-born children are more likely to have poorer health. A research team at Uppsala says birth order plays a significant impact on health as well: For siblings on the tail end of the birth order, an increase in illnesses and hospitalizations has been reported, adding that poor health and inability to handle stress or function well in groups can lead to negative career outcomes, too.
“Just say no” in preschool
With the rate of obesity rising across Sweden, some health advocates are urging preschools to remove all sugary items from their menus. For a country that loves its cinnamon rolls and lördagsgodis, this request may be a challenge. Still, if children learn about healthy eating when they are very young, it is hoped that will lead the way to better food choices over their lifetime.
Taking to the skies
A Lerum, Sweden resident has spent the last 18 months traveling around the world, sharing his adventures in English on his YouTube channel, www.youtube.com/user/dantorp11. Daniel Goz has racked up over 31 million views from over 238 countries and regions, all from people who tune in to see this 20-year-old share his thoughts on everything from companies he reviews to the differences in cultures found by flying different airlines.
Compensation for sterilization
Dozens of countries require sterilization, and until 2013 people who wanted to change their legal gender in Sweden were also forcibly sterilized. The government is now offering SEK 225,000 ($26,850) in compensation to each of the 600-700 people affected by the policy from 1972-2013, making Sweden the first country in the world to give any kind of compensation to transgender people who were forcibly sterilized by the government.
Sweden hires U.S. scientist
An American scientist who resigned from the U.S. government in protest against the change in climate policy has been hired by Sweden to present the Arctic Resilience Report at the UN climate conference in Germany. Joel Clement was a top climate policy official at the Department of Interior until President Trump announced the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement in July. Now, after the change in the U.S. policy – which no longer aims to lower carbon emissions – Clement will have an opportunity to discuss the federal government’s “absurd war on science and fact” at the 10-day UN climate conference, the annual centerpiece of global climate discussions.
Bamse branches out
Bamse, the beloved Swedish bear who has entertained children for decades with his cartoons and storybooks, has a new partner. Teaming up with Magnus Samuelsson, the world’s strongest man, the two fight evil and prove that honesty is always the best policy.
Bamse, the world’s strongest bear, is really happy about his new partnership with strong man Magnus Samuelsson. 26 NORDSTJERNAN
news in brief
Clean, green motion
A company in Lerum, Sweden has created a way to help people drive clean and green. Working with the Swedish Government and Volvo Buses, the company, Clean Motion, The Zbee is behind the electric car, Zbee. Their focus will be on creating and supplying lightweight materials, which will help with the rollout of electric cars and transportation worldwide. For more info, see www.cleanmotion.se/zbee/
Nordic center for drones
Vinnova, Sweden’s innovation authority, has invested nearly SEK 8 million in creating a test area in the coastal town Västervik in southern Sweden, where industry experts can test how drones can be used in a variety of industries across the country. The program is expected to last four years and generate over 20 million in turnover. It is hoped enough information will be gathered that new sources of employment and industry can be built from it, making it the Nordic center for drone development. The town’s name, Västervik, means “western bay” and is known as hometown of Björn Ulvaeus of Abba fame, the singer Alice Babs, tennis player Stefan Edberg and legendary author, designer and feminist Ellen Key. (Meanwhile, prepare by getting your drone operator license in Ljungbyhed through Malmö Yrkeshögskola, www.my.se)
The most humanitarian country in the world shares its riches
According to the latest Good Country Index, which ranks 163 countries by their contributions to the global community, Sweden – which is no stranger to topping this and other lists – takes the top spot overall. Sweden is No. 1 in two categories: Health and Well-being; and Prosperity and Equality, something independent policy advisor Simon Anholt says is extraordinary. “Ranking number one in two categories is pretty amazing,” Anholt says. “Health and Well-being covers things like contributions to resolving pandemics and sending doctors to international health disasters. Prosperity and Equality is mainly about trade: how much beneficial trade Sweden indulges in with other countries, and how easy it makes international transactions.” Sweden's dominance in the equality and wellbeing categories stems from its insistence on human rights for all, its parental leave policy (which gives new moms 480 days and new dads 90 days), and it frequently sends doctors to help with health crises in other countries. Given its heavy arms exports and refugee-related conflicts, however, Sweden's lowest-performing categories were International Peace and Security, where it placed 52nd, and World Order, where it came in at 11th.. In 2005, Anholt began collecting data about what people think of other countries and in 2007 the Good Country Index (GCI) was created - without opinion or perception, just numbers. Using a wide range of data from the U.N. and other international organizations, each country has a balance sheet with data measuring what it contributes to the common good of humanity, and what it takes away, relative to its size. “It’s as objective as the United Nations could be,
which is fairly objective,” Anhalt says. The others in the top five were Denmark, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Germany. The United States ranked 21st overall and was 12th for Health and Well-being. See more at www.goodcountry.org
Did you know?
The Swedish word lingon is derived from the Norse lyngr, meaning heather.
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DECEMBER 01, 2017 27
sports
Sweden tops Italy to reach 2018 World Cup
at every turn it the San Sire, although not without the help of some dubious calls from Spanish referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz.
Pushing for a goal
Swedish players celebrate at the San Siro in Milan Italy after Sweden stunned Italy to score a 1-0 aggregate win in the World Cup playoffs. Peter Arvidsson/Bildbyran
Sweden is Italy’s kryptonite
In 1950, after having won the previous two World Cups, Italy suffered its first ever defeat in the tournament—at the hands of the Swedes. As a result, it failed to progress to the second round. Eight years later, Italy needed just one point to qualify for the World Cup but surprisingly lost to Northern Ireland. That was the last time Italy failed to qualify for the World Cup. The tournament was held in Sweden. And the last time Italy failed to qualify for a major tournament was the 1992 European Championship. The Azzurri had to beat the USSR to qualify but hit the post in a 0-0 draw and missed out on the finals—held in Sweden. Italy also failed to qualify for Euro 1984, despite being the world champion, after two qualifying defeats to Sweden—including a 3-0 loss. Perhaps the most famous incident of Sweden costing Italy dearly came at Euro 2004. Only one result would have knocked Italy out of the tournament. Denmark and Sweden were angered by suggestions they would throw the game to progress together. But the match between the Nordic neighbors ended in a 2-2 draw and the Azzurri were out. That match was one of those where a certain result suits both teams, and Italians remain embittered — with players being asked about it in the buildup to Monday’s playoff. In the previous game at Euro 2004, Zlatan Ibrahimovic had burst onto the international stage with an astonishing back-heeled goal five minutes from time to secure a 1-1 draw for Sweden against Italy. 28 NORDSTJERNAN
In what might be the most stunning upset in modern Swedish international football, the men’s national team knocked off four-time Italy 1-0 on aggregate to reach the finals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia. The Blågult advanced thanks to a 1-0 win in Solna, Sweden on Nov. 10 followed by an epic defensive stand Nov. 13 at the San Siro in Milan, where Sweden weathered an Alpine storm in a 0-0 draw. The better team won. “Totally sick, I’m shocked. We were not favorites to go to the World Cup, even when we started qualifying,” said Swedish striker Marcus Berg. “I am so extremely proud of what we do. It may not look so nice, but it’s soccer. We do what we have to do.” Sweden, runners up in their qualifying group to France, had not reached the World Cup since 2006. Italy had not missed a World Cup since 1958— ironically, the lone world championship tournament to which Sweden has played host. Italy was the massive favorite going into the home-and-home series as the Azzurri had qualified for 14 straight tournaments and were finalists in the 2012 European Championships. Pundits across Europe had already penciled Italy into the final field of 32 teams at Russia, with none seeming to give Sweden a chance. Except for the Swedes. The Blågult did not have one player who was a starter on a top-six team in any of the major European leagues, while Italy had a side drawn primarily from Juventus, Napoli, Roma, Lazio and Inter Milan, teams with a long history and huge European pedigree. It didn’t matter. Riding a compact, well organized defense and the goalkeeping of Robin Olsen, who led the U-21 Swedish team to a European championship in 2015, Sweden stymied Italy
Defender Ludwig Augustinsson bowled Italy’s Marco Parolo from behind in the eighth minute, but Lahoz’s shouts for a penalty were waved away. Video replays clearly showed the infraction, for which Italy should have had a penalty. Instead, Lahoz handed a yellow card to Italy defender Giorgio Chiellini for dissent. Chiellini was fortunate to stay on the pitch three minutes later when the referee missed his elbow to the stomach of Ola Toivonen. It was then Sweden’s turn to shout for a penalty, as Berg tried to round defender Matteo Darmian, and the ball struck the defender’s hand, but Lahoz again waved off the Swedes’ protests. Nothing was given. It happened a second time in the 29th minute when Emil Forsberg knocked a cross into the Italian penalty area that Andrea Barzagli clearly knocked down with his arm. Forsberg protested vehemently and Lahoz booked the Swede—for dissent. The two non-penalties were about all the offense the Swedes mustered as Italy utterly dominated the flow of play. The Azzurri had a 75 percent possession rate but it never translated into goals. Italy’s best opportunity to find a goal came in the 27th minute when Ciro Immobile bounced a low cross through the six-yard box that was just out of reach of striker Manolo Gabbiadini, and Antonio Candreva then blazed his shot over the bar. Sweden suffered a major blow when Jakob Johansson, the hero of the first leg, tore the ligaments in his right knee when he caught his foot in a divot on the soggy San Siro pitch. Johansson had scored the lone goal in the first leg victory Nov. 10 to put Sweden in a position to advance to the finals. Italy continued to push for the goal they needed as Alessandro Florenzi’s shot flew just wide, and in the 63rd minute coach Gian Piero Ventura made a double change, subbing in Stephan El Shaarawy and Andrea Belotti. Soon after, Florenzi’s cross into the box fell to the head of Lustig, who deflected the ball onto the crossbar but safely out for a corner. Ventura then made his final change bringing in Federico Bernardeschi, spurning the use of prolific Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne. Then Belotti’s soft shot drifted wide in the 84th minute, El Shaarawy’s volley three minutes later was saved by Olsen, and Parolo missed as the 70,000-plus crowd at the San Siro grew increasingly quiet. As the final whistle sounded, players on both teams shed tears — for the Swedes it was pure joy. They will go to Russia next June, a result midfielder Sebastian Larsson said he still could not believe. “It’s hard to describe, that means everything,” he said. “It’s impossible to describe the feeling.” Chipp Reid
THE VASA STAR VASASTJÄRNAN
fall 2017 Publication of The Vasa Order of America
‘Tis indeed a long-awaited time of year—a time to rejoice, to gather with friends and family, a time to reflect on friends, near and far. /Page 41
SEASON OF ADVENT, A TIME FOR PREPARATION
National Archive News
The Vasa National Archives in Bishop Hill has so much to offer when we take the time / p31 archive news » p31
dear vasa members, By the time you read this, my travels for the year are complete. Birgitta and I attended the convention at DL Connecticut No. 1 in Berlin, CT. We also attended Local Lodge anniversary celebrations at Sveaborg Lodge No. 449 in Concord, CA and Linnéa Lodge No. 504 in Santa Rosa, CA. You have likely heard the news about all the devastating fires in California Wine Country last month. Santa Rosa is located in the heart of Sonoma County, one of the premier wine areas in California. I was relieved to learn
that no member in Linnéa Lodge was ing made for tours during the convenseriously affected by this disaster. It is tion including our beautiful capital city worth mentioning that, although the of Sacramento and of the surrounding fires affected many people in the area, Gold Country here in California. You the Wine Country is as vital as ever will also have the opportunity to tour and all visitors are welcome. San Francisco, including the famous The planning of the next Grand Fisherman’s Wharf. Unless you are an Lodge Convention is well under way. officer or a delegate to the convention, In the next few weeks your lodge you will also have your pick of several will receive a letter with information other exciting tours, including Lake about having a greeting printed in the Tahoe and the Sonoma Valley Wine Convention Program Book. Please Country. You can find more informaconsider placing that greeting. All pro- tion about the tours in the Convention ceeds go to defray the cost of hosting / continued on p32 the convention. Arrangements are be-
Grand Lodge News
GL Convention 2018
Save the date for the 2018 Grand Lodge convention and file your motions on time / p32
grand lodge news » p32
2018 grand convention » p34
Tour dates, specifics and all you need to know to come prepared and ready for an unforgettable Vasa experience / p34 district lodge news » p37
District Lodge News
A wedding celebration in DL No. 3 Rhode Island and learn how youth play a major role for both DL No:s 4 and 8 / p37
local lodge news » p38
swedish news » p43
THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
EDITOR’S MESSAGE
issue highlights
As I peruse all your submissions for the Vasa issue as well as those for Nordstjernan, in which the Vasa Star in published, I am once again intrigued by the stories. The stories of how folks like each of you reading this have come to hold close the old (and new) traditions of Sweden and how we still practice many of them in 21st century America. Many of us were born into it, and if you were the first generation born during a certain time and place, you might even have been encouraged to keep your Swedish heritage quiet (be sure to see the article on p. 8). Some of us may have grown up feeling immersed in and even emotional about the traditions of our forefathers, hearing a smattering of a few key Swedish words at the holidays, recognizing that blue and yellow are the colors of the flag, and knowing that Swedish pancakes are eaten with lingon, not syrup. Still others of us came into this Swedish American community by chance, like Jack Hanright (p. 6). He was lucky enough to marry a Swede, and together
they discovered some of the many, fulfilling gifts that our community – specifically Vasa - offers. At this time of year, as we celebrate the season that’s especially full of the world our forefathers brought with them from Sweden – whether it was three generations ago or just last year – let us be thankful. We are so lucky to call ourselves Swedes and Swedish Americans. And as always, our interest in this is clear: In the pages of the issue, with the news from recent district meetings and the plans for the Grand Lodge Convention, our pride for and desire in keeping up these traditions is evident. I hope you find fulfilling events near you and can attend as many as possible, especially with your brothers and sisters of the international Vasa community. I wish you Gud Jul och Gott Nytt År!
Submit Material to
Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331
vasaeditor@gmail.com
Svea No. 253 members at the IKEA Store Indianapolis Grand Opening! /p39
The Swedish cultural leader on a fall trip through the U.S. / p38
in truth and unity, amanda olson robison
P.S. Don’t forget to take photos at your events, then send the best ones along with details about your upcoming events. Digital correspondence can be directed to vasaeditor@gmail.com, and other information can be sent to the Vasa Star at P.O. Box 13331. Milwaukee, WI 53213-0331
the vasa star Fall 2017 Vol. 109, No. 4, Serial 850 Published by The Vasa Order of America www.vasaorder.com
Welcome to Scandinavian Festival, Julie LeBlanc and Liza Ekstrand / p39
Remember the Vasa Archives when you are making a memorial donation Send your donations to: Vasa National Archives PO Box 101, Bishop Hill, IL 61419
For our next issue:
By Jan. 15
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 gmtore@kellgren.org
Family Tree Släktutredningar
Editor / Amanda Olson Robison
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.
Send articles, photos & memorials to: The Vasa Star PO Box 13331 Milwaukee WI 53213-0331 vasaeditor@gmail.com
If you want my help to find your Swedish ancestors, please email me for further information: swedengen@telia.com
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
Managing Editor / Liza Ekstrand
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.
page 30
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
ARCHIVES NEWS Each time I visit the Vasa Archives, I enjoy reading the historical minutes of lodge meetings from the early 20th century. There’s so much to learn from our past and so many wonderful stories. This past summer I decided to take a peek at the minutes of Lodge Viking, #131 of New Rochelle, New York which eventually was absorbed by Lodge Freja, #100, my home lodge. I had already read all the minutes of Lodge Freja and was curious to learn more about Lodge Viking and its early years. My time was limited, so I decided to search in the early 1940s. This was a pivotal time as the lodge was considering switching from the use of Swedish to English for their meetings; they switched permanently to English in 1942, the same year the U.S. joined World War II. Jan. 23, 1942 - Viking members heard Grand Master Brother Bernhardt Krafft’s emergency communication regarding America’s entry into the war … “The
A Vasa Lodge during WWII
lodge decided that due to the present war situation, the lodge shall conduct its business in English, for the duration of the war, or until further notice.” The meeting closed with the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. I was curious to investigate what additional impact the war had on the lodge. The next year’s minutes revealed how the war affected member dues and benefits, the need for special election of officers, how the lodge supported the war effort and those members who were serving in the Armed Forces. The following findings are taken from the early war years. Jan. 1942 - The lodge had 176 members. As of Feb. 13, 1942, Br. Clarence Nykvist and Br. Berthil Gustavson had already left to serve in the Army and Navy. It was decided that their dues were to be paid by the lodge and they were to be kept in good standing. Mar. 13, 1942 - The lodge was concerned about the possibility of having
to pay sick benefits for all wounded soldiers who were members. “A motion was made and seconded that the lodge shall not be required to pay any sick benefit to members in the Armed Forces of the United States during the present war. But that any such member shall be kept in good standing during his services. The motion was carried.” Members continued to Musician Walter Eriksson, member of DL #4 reading leave by ones and twos and Nordstjernan while serving in Germany. the Aug. 14, 1942 minutes January, a motion was carried to donate indicate that even the doctor who exam$10 to the Red Cross and to buy two ined sick members and new member defense bonds for $150. The money candidates had been called up to serve. was taken from the Entertainment Fund to pay for these. Supporting the war effort Mar. 12, 1943 – The secretary read a Lodge Viking wasted no time in mak- letter from the Red Cross asking for a ing its first donation to the war effort. In Continues on page 33
Greetings from the Vasa National Archives
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
i n tru th a n d u n ity ,
k ath y cu f f , m a n ag er - a rch iv is t
vasa n atio n al a rch iv es
Distriktslogen Södra Sver God Jul och Gott Ny
tillönskas alla Vasasysk
God Jul och Gott Nytt År Executive Board Members:
Olle Wickström Karl Axel Bengtsson Olle Wickström Karl Axel Catherine Nilsson Catherine Bringselius Nil Vasa OrderBringselius of America Grand Lodge Executive Board Agneta Västerstjärna Bengt Åberg Agneta Västerstjärna Be Grand Master Tore Kellgren Vice Grand Secretary Fae Doty Alf Nilsson Lennart Nilsson Lee-Ann Hurtibise MEB-Canada Alf Nilsson Lenna Vice Maureen Grand Master Art Bjorkner MEB-Eastern Region Jack Hanright MEB-Sweden UlfBengtsson Alderlöf Bengtsson Anita Nilsson Maureen Ani Grand Secretary Joanie Graham MEB-Midwest Region Bruce Elfvin MEB-Western Region Jeff Klein
tillönskas alla Vasasyskon
Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 God Jul och Gott Nytt År
Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon
Executive Board Members:
Olle Wickström Karl Axel Bengtsson Catherine Bringselius Nilsson Agneta Västerstjärna Bengt Åberg Alf Nilsson Lennart Nilsson Maureen Bengtsson Anita Nilsson
Executive Board Memb
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
MEB-Canada Doreen Nyroos MEB-Sweden Ulf Alderlöf WWW.VASAORDER.COM
We’re still wondering what you want to see in the archives for our next exhibit on the Vasa Order: Vasa Order during WWI and WWII, individuals we’ve honored over the years, regalia over the years, featured local lodges/ districts, or other suggestions. This is your archive and we want to have things interesting to you on exhibit.
We’re currently looking for gently National Archives will have storytellers and light refreshments available used plain/white cotton sheets or muslin fabric for conservation projfrom 6-9 p.m. When we close for winter we will be ects this winter. The sheets provide a taking time to do some preservation buffer between the acidic cardboard work before researching for our next and our textile collections. The sheets exhibit. A local carpet store donated also give protection from dust, light the cardboard centers from carpet and environmental elements. Many of rolls that will be used to preserve our the sheets will be used to pad hanglarge textiles (flags, banners, table ers and create garment bags for our cloths, etc.). Rolling textiles does regalia collections. If needed, we’ll not stress the fibers as much as fold- buy some cotton or muslin, but old sheetsSverige tend to be cheaper. ing does andDistriktslogen requires less work toSödra Nr 20 maintain.
n
Where has the time gone? And how did another year pass so quickly? We hope you all are enjoying some wonderful fall weather and your holiday plans are coming together nicely. In the past few months, the Vasa National Archives has been busy inventorying boxes and taking “breaks” to enter names into the membership database. I attended a SwedGen workshop at Augustana College to learn more about Swedish databases and genealogical sources. I also went to the Illinois Genealogical SociGod Jul och ety’s Conference in Moline to learn additional genealogical tricks and Gott Nytt År network with various organizations; I am looking forward to using this Vasanew Order of America information, so if you have any researchExecutive requests or genealogy Grand Lodge Board questions, send them in so I can get some practiceWilliam with theseLundquist sources. Grand Master The holidays are quickly approachVice Grand Master Tore Kellgren ing. We hosted a community paper Grand Secretary Joanie Graham mache tomte project during the first Grand Treasurer Keith Hanlon weekend of Bishop Hill’s annual JulVice Grand Secretary GailVisitors Olsonlaid the marknad, Nov. 24-25. MEB-Eastern Region Art Bjorkner paper and later helped paint the tomte that is onRegion exhibit forSten the holidays. MEB-Midwest Hult During Lucia weekend, Dec. 8-9, the Vasa EB-Western Region Wayne Pierson
page 31
THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
GRAND LODGE NEWS Motions to the 2018 Grand Lodge Meeting The Grand Lodge Vasa Order of America will meet for its 39th Convention on June 29-July 6, 2018 at the Double Tree by Hilton Hotel, 2001 Point West Way, in Sacramento, CA and now is the time to submit your motions. This is when you can present motions for the changes you want to see happen within Vasa. You can find the Constitution on the Vasa web site: www.vasaorder.com Any individual member, local lodge, or district lodge may submit motions to this Grand Lodge meeting. An individual member does not need approval from any local or district officer when submitting a motion to the Grand Lodge. However, the local lodge secretary must certify (including the lodge seal) that the individual submitting the motion is a member in good standing (dues are current.)
more than one motion, please put one motion per form to avoid confusion.
Please refer to your Constitution for Grand Lodge – Article XVIIAmendments concerning motions to change the Constitution.
All motions must be typed or printed clearly, so that no errors in interpretation or intent will be made. You may submit your All signatures are required, motions as early as along with the appropriate you want. ALL MOJoanie Graham, lodge seal. Paper copy Grand Secretary TIONS MUST BE REmust be received by the CEIVED BY THE GS due date of March 1, 2018. An BEFORE MARCH 1, 2018. emailed copy of the motion would be appreciated, but does not replace the Process: Motions will be numpaper copy with signatures and lodge bered in the order in which they are seal. Email a copy of your motion/s received. Motions are not voted on to: vasajlg@aol.com. based on order received, but are assigned to delegate committees When making a motion that for discussion and then presented involves finances, please show the by the committee to the full Grand probable cost along with the motion. Lodge for vote. All Vasa members may attend the Grand Lodge meetRemember that Constitutions ing. While you will not have voice and Bylaws use the words “shall” or or vote, you may pass along your “will”, not the words “can”, “should”, opinions to your district’s delegate or “could”. at any time outside of the meeting.
Please use the format provided on the next page when writing your motions. This will ensure a consistent appearance for the many motions to be considered. Please do not use the Recommendations included in any Mail your motions along with the words “Whereas” or “Be It Resolved” GL Officer’s or Archives Board Mem- lodge secretary’s certification to: or the motion will be returned to you ber’s report involving a constitutional Convention Motions for proper format. If you submit change must follow these rules. Joan Graham, Grand Secretary
5838 San Jose Ave. Richmond, CA 94804 and Email motions to: vasajlg@aol.com If you need a copy of the Constitution or the Local Lodge Ritual, send an email to GS Joanie at vasajlg@aol. com for an electronic copy (pdf.) For a paper copy, send your order and a check payable to Vasa Order to: Vice Grand Secretary Lee-Ann Anderson Hurtubise, 350 Kenyon Ave., East Greenwich, RI 02818. Constitution for Grand Lodge, District Lodge, Local Lodge (all three in one document) $2.00 plus postage: send a check for $3.78 in US or $5.12 in Canada Local Lodge Ritual $2.00 plus postage: send a check for $3.36 in US or $4.71 in Canada Both - $4.00 plus postage: send a check for $6.20 in US or $7.54 in Canada. For sample formats, please see next page.
The Grand Master’s Message (continued from page 29) Registration information elsewhere in who will be celebratthis issue of Vasa Star. ing milestone birthThe Grand Lodge Convention is days in 2018 to alnow just about seven months away, low me to send them June 29 through July 6. Make a note birthday greetings. of these dates and consider attending This should start with this very special Vasa event that only 75 years of age and happens every four years. This is one after that every five years including great Vasa experience, where you will everyone over the age of 100 years. have the opportunity to meet Vasa Thank you to all who have sent me this members from Canada, Sweden and information in prior years. from all over the U.S. At your latest I like to emphasize the value of your District Convention you elected your contributions to the Vasa Star with Grand Lodge Delegate. Remember the thoughts of the future: Write about upinformation about this delegate must coming events in your articles. Think be submitted to Grand Secretary Joan three to six months out. no later than March 1, 2018. This makes it an advertisement for As the year is coming to an end, I am your lodge and gives readers across requesting all secretaries to send me Vasa Land ideas for their future pronames, addresses and ages of members grams, as well as opportunities to visit page 32
other lodges for their special events. Also send in pictures from events, including captions describing the event they are from and make sure to identify the individuals. In the last issue of Vasa Star I talked about our arrangement with Volvo, giving Vasa members the benefit of purchasing a Volvo automobile at a discount essentially equivalent to the employee discount. It is available to all Vasa members after one year of membership in the United States. This Vasa benefit includes the option of “overseas delivery” and is in addition to any other promotional discounts that are offered from time to time. The “overseas delivery” option includes airfare for two to Sweden for picking up the car. The program is now available to you by
registering at www.aplanbyvolvo.com. Unfortunately Volvo is currently not offering any similar programs in Canada or in Sweden. For the “partner code” needed for the registration, contact GS Joan Graham by email vasajlg@aol. com or phone at 510-526-5512. Your PIN number will be sent to you after you have registered. MEMBERSHIP CONTINUES TO BE OUR NUMBER ONE CHALLENGE. Make your meetings worth attending! Be enthusiastic! in truth and unity, tore kellgren,grand master
WWW.VASAORDER.COM
Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
Continued from page 31 donation. A motion carried to donate $10 from the Refreshment Fund. Sep. 10, 1943 - The lodge decided to purchase $500 in war bonds. $350 was to be taken from the building fund in the bank and $150 from the Entertainment Fund. Dec. 10, 1943 - An appeal for help from the Swedish National Sanatorium, Denver, Colorado was received. The lodge decided to donate five dollars. Dec. 24, 1943 - Sister Evelyn Nicholson reported that as a result of Lodge Viking’s War Bond Rally, $8,000 worth of war bonds had been sold in New Rochelle. A letter from the Red Cross has been received requesting a donation.
Remembering our boys
Mar. 14, 1942 – A motion was carried that a committee of two people should be appointed to write to our members in the service of the United States. Brother Irving Nykvist and Sister Irene Nelson were appointed to the committee. Sept. 11, 1942 – Sister Hansen suggested we do something for our soldier members for Christmas and the lodge decided after a short discussion to appoint a committee of three to take care of this matter. Dec. 12, 1942 - The committee for Christmas packages reported they had sent packages and cards to all serving members and two sons of members. The total cost was $26.51. Jan. 23, 1943 - Corsages were given to all attending who were mothers of servicemen. Br. Dietrichson read a poem from the last war and the District Deputy said a few words suited to the occasion. Feb. 12, 1943 – Br. John Fisher and Sister Hultgren expressed thanks for the cards that had been sent to their sons in the service. The committee appointed to send Christmas gifts to our boys in the service was asked to stay for the duration and was given authority to send any birthday gifts that they may find suitable.
Life at home
Formats for submitting motions • Deadline for submission - March 1, 2018 SAMPLE FORMAT #1 – Motions Not Affecting Constitution ________________Lodge, No. _____, Vasa Order of America, at its regular meeting on ________________, 20___, voted to submit the following motion: VOTED: That____________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION: ___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________ Signature of Chairman (or District Master) (Lodge or District Seal) ______________________________________ Signature of Secretary (or District Secretary) ______________________________________ (Date) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SAMPLE FORMAT #2 – Constitutional Changes _________________Lodge, No. _____, Vasa Order of America, at it regular meeting on _________________, 20___, voted to submit the following motion: To change the Constitution for __________________ Lodge: Present Article ______, Section ______, Par. ______ Page _____ now reads:..………………………...……. [state section as it now reads] MOTION is presented to CHANGE Article ______, Section _____, Par. _______ to read: ………………… [State section exactly as it will be written should the requested change pass] MOTIVATION: ___________________________________________________________ ______________________________________ Signature of Chairman (or District Master) (Lodge or District Seal) ______________________________________ Signature of Secretary (or District Secretary) ______________________________________ (Date) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------SAMPLE FORMAT #3 – Motions made by Individual Members NOTE: Motions submitted by individuals must include the format described below together with Sample Format 1 – motions not affecting the Constitution, or Sample Format 2 – Constitutional Changes, above. I, __________, a member in good standing of ________________Lodge, No.______, submit the following motion: [Format as indicated above] ______________________________________ (Signature) ______________________________________ (Typed Name) ______________________________________ (Address, City, State, Zip) Date: ________________________________ This is to certify that _____________________________is a member in good standing in ____________Lodge, No. _______ as of this date. ______________________________________ (Signature of Secretary) (Lodge or District Seal) ______________________________________ (Date of signature)
Throughout the war years Lodge Viking continued to meet twice a month. Dances, card parties, picnics and an ocJuly 24, 1943 – In order to conduct casional Sill Sexa were not curtailed to Lodge Viking’s annual picnic on Aug. 1 any great extent, although the economy at City Park, “The secretary reported that and rationing did have some effect on she had received 850 ration points from these activities. the rationing board for meat and butter Nov. 13, 1942 - The Entertainment etc. for the lodge picnic.” Committee reported their barn dance Although this is a glimpse of only netted a profit of only 33 cents.” WWW.VASAORDER.COM
one local lodge’s activities at the onset of World War II, having also read the minutes of nearby Lodge Freja, I know it followed a similar pattern. It never fails that whenever I spend time at the Vasa Archives reading the minutes of one of our lodges, I come
away having learned a lot. This time I left feeling even more proud to be a member of the Vasa Order and with a renewed determination to live up to our heritage! submitted by karen snowberg grand lodge cultural director, usa & canada
page 33
THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
VASA ORDER OF AMERICA GRAND LODGE CONVENTION, Hosted by Golden Gate District No. 12 39th Quadrennial Convention, June 29 to July 6, 2018 The DoubleTree by Hilton, 2001 Point West Way, Sacramento, CA 95815 Activity Schedule
Thursday, June 28
Golf Tournament at Bartley Cavanaugh Golf Course; Ed Netzel, Golf Chairman (916-416-1144; edlnetzel@att.net)
10:00 am – 6:00 pm
Registration Desk open.
Friday, June 29
8:00 pm – 10:00 pm Saturday, June 30
9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Welcome Reception sponsored by the Past District Masters Club of DL Golden Gate No. 12.
Registration Desk open.
8:30 am – 10:00 am
New delegate breakfast, hosted by the Grand Lodge.
11:00 am
Photographer, Officers and Delegates.
introduction of Grand Lodge Officers.
9:00 am – 10:30 am
1:00 pm – 2:15 pm
2:15 pm – 2:45 pm
Officers and Delegates pick up Convention Binders.
Opening Ceremony by DL Golden Gate #12 with special greetings, presentation of the flags, entertainment, and
Coffee break.
2:45 pm – 4:30 pm
Opening Session for Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates; Vasa members invited to join.
Artichoke Chicken - $55/person.
6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Opening Banquet. Western theme for the Banquet. Entrée Cost: Teriyaki Grilled Flank Steak or Parmesan
Sunday, July 1
San Francisco Tour. No Grand Lodge Session. Buses leave hotel at 8:00 am and return about 7:30 pm. $70/person.
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Session for Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates.
Monday, July 2
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm Tuesday, July 3
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Non-delegate tour to Sacramento Tour and Lodi Wine Tasting. 9:00 am – 6:00 pm. Cost: $99/person. Seminar –Membership, presented by Grand Lodge Executive Board. Session for Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates.
Non-delegate tour to Lake Tahoe. 9:00 am – 5:00 pm. Cost: $125/person.
Wednesday, July 4
Gold Country and Folsom Rodeo and Fireworks tour. Buses leave hotel at 9:00 am and travel to the Gold Country,
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Thursday, July 5
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Friday, July 6
9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Seminar – Archives, presented by Archives Board.
lunch included, and return to hotel about 2:00 for some free time. Depart at 4:30 pm for Folsom Rodeo, Dinner and
Fireworks and arrive back at the hotel at about 10:30 pm. Cost: $130.00/person; VIP seating at Rodeo with (no-host) dinner and beverages delivered to your seats.
Session for Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates.
Non-delegate tour to Sonoma Valley and Wine Tasting. 8:00 am – 5:00 pm. Cost: $129/person. Cocktail Reception for all officers, delegates, and Vasa members, hosted by Vice Grand Master.
Session for Grand Lodge Officers and Delegates; election and installation of new officers.
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Cocktail hour (cash bar) and photo opportunities.
Entrée Cost: Prime Rib or Salmon with Dungeness Crab - $75/person.
7:00 pm – Midnight
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Grand Banquet with entertainment and dancing. Formal or Dressy attire. Dance music by Smörgåsbandet
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Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
Convention Registration Form
39th Grand Lodge Convention • June 30 – July 6, 2018
Submit one copy of form per attendee Advance Registration is required for all events, including the Welcome Reception. Online registration and credit card payment can be done at https://vasagoldengate.regfox.com/GL2018
Registration must be received by: March 4, 2018
Attendee Information: Please Print Clearly
www.vasaorder.com
Name ______________________________________________________ Local Lodge & No. ____________________________________ Address ___________________________________________________ District Lodge & No. ____________________________________ City ___________________________________________ State/Prov. ________________________ Zip/Postal Code _________________ Country _______________________ Phone Number: Country Code/Area Code/Number ________________________________________ E-mail Address ____________________________________________________ (so we can notify you of any additional information) I register as a: Delegate GL Officer (Elected) GL Officer (Appointed) GL Honorary Life Member Archives Board Member Vasa Member Guest Desired Title for Badge: _________________________________________________ Expected arrival date _____________ Expected departure date _____________ Sharing room with ___________________________ NOTE: * Grand Lodge Officers, Honorary Life Members of the Grand Lodge and Delegates receive complimentary tickets for the Saturday and Friday nights banquets and the Sunday and Wednesday tours – indicate “comp” in $ column. Spouses and other participants are responsible for payment of all events in which they partake.
https://vasagoldengate.regfox.com/GL2018 GL2018@VasaGoldenGate.org Please make your Hotel Reservations directly with the Hotel to ensure Convention Rate at DoubleTree by Hilton, Sacramento by calling 844-543-4405, Group Code: “VAS” or make your reservation online at: https://goo.gl/2N5Z4o DoubleTree By Hilton 2001 Point West Way Sacramento, California
• Room rate: $119 + tax $17.91=$136.61 per night for all rooms. • Rooms contain either One King or Two Queen Beds • All rooms are non-smoking• Special $119 room rate is available for dates between June 27 and July 8 • Room Reservation deadline to obtain above room rate is June 6, 2018
For committee use – Date rcvd/# ________________ /_________________ Check no. ___________ Amount _________________ WWW.VASAORDER.COM
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THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
The Grand Lodge 2018 Scholarship and Essay Contest The Grand Lodge of the Vasa Order of America offers Scholarships to student members attending or planning to attend institutions of higher education. A LL INSTRUCTIONS BELOW MUST BE FOLLOWED TO BE CONSIDERED
Applicants for the above scholarships must have become a Vasa member prior to February 15, 2017. Applications will be available at the Vasa website (www.vasaorder.com)until January 15, 2018.
To be eligible, the following items must be postmarked no later than February 15, 2018 to be considered.
1. Completed application with enclosures MUST be postmarked no later than February 15, 2018.. 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” x 3” 4. A letter of recommendation from applicant’s Local Lodge with date of initiation and seal. 5. Letters of recommendation from two personal references signed and dated within last 6 months. 6. A letter of reference from your Dean, Principal, Teacher or Counselor, on letterhead signed and dated 2018. 7. Fill out application online, then print. 8. 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: (put the subject number at the top of essay)
1. What do you consider a strategy to entice new members to VASA? How could you promote this successfully? 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 at 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 Drive Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Phone: (973) 426-0776 E-mail: vgm@vasaorder.org
Sjölunden Language Camp Awards
The Grand Lodge is pleased to announce this year’s Sjölunden Language Camp awards. Bertha Kalm Sjölunden Language Camp Awards were awarded to: Anna Benson, DL No. 12; Claire Custer, DL No. 9; Melissa Pearson, DL No. 8; Kristine Pearson, DL No. 8; Anya Hess, DL No. 12; Dmitriy Hess, DL No. 12; and Clayton Lekander, DL No. 8. Applications for next year’s awards MUST be postmarked February 10, 2018. An application online is available at www. vasaorder.com. Elsa Fleetwood Memorial Fund Elsa Fleetwood Memorial Fund was founded in memory of Sister Elsa Fleetwood, who passed away in 1979. She was a member of Mälardrottningen Lodge No. 563 in Stockholm and served as Grand Lodge Youth Director and Grand Lodge Cultural Director in Sweden. It was very important for Sister Elsa to encourage and support exchange between young Vasa members in USA/Canada and Sweden. A member of the Vasa Order of America in USA/Canada can now apply for an award related to Culture and Youth Exchange in 2019. Award $1,000. Next time the award will be granted to a Vasa member in Sweden. Information about this award can be found in the Constitution for Grand Lodge, Article XIV. The application deadline is April 15, 2018. Send your application to the Grand Master. For more information you may contact: Ulf Alderlöf, G.L. MEB – Sweden ulf.alderlof@gmail.com or Maureen Bengtsson, G.L. Cultural Director maureen.bengtsson@gmail.com
ARTHUR QUIST died in Santa Maria, HENRY R MALM, 91, our NobelCA on September 18, 2017 at the age Monitor No. 130 member died on Sept. of 94. 12, 2017. He was known as Bob but GERALD (GERRY) GREENLEES He was born in Los Angeles on March 23, was also called “Tiger” by close friends. Memorial Notices should be mailed with died in Flagstaff, AZ on October 7, 2017 1923. Arthur joined North Star Lodge No. Survived by his wife Tillie, two children check or money order to The Vasa Star, at the age of 66. He was born in Culver 106 in 1939. He was also a member of and four grandchildren. PO Box 13331, Milwaukee, WI 53213-0331. City, California on February 2, 1951. and very active in the Vasa Sports Club. Email: vasaeditor@gmail.com. The fee Gerry was a member of North Star Lodge All his friends in North Star Lodge will is $10 - max. 40-45 words, and $25 for No. 106, and is survived by his wife Bar- miss him greatly. longer obituaries - 50-120 words. All bara, two children Tabitha and Mathew notices must be typed and in a format OHIO and his mother Helen Greenlees. Gerry similar to what you see here. NO news- was very active in Swedish Folkdance Be sure to send address paper clippings Club of Los Angeles until he moved to PHYLLIS J KRETZ, our faithful memchanges to: If you submitted an Obituary and it is Arizona a few years ago. ber of Nobel-Monitor No. 130 for 30 circulationvasastar@gmail.com not listed here, please resubmit to be years, died on June 29, 2017, two weeks included in the following issue. after her 93rd birthday.
IN MEMORIAM
CALIFORNIA
Moving?
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Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
DISTRICT LODGE NEWS DL No. 3 Rhode Island Rhode Island / In October at Little Rhody Vasa Park in Foster, Kris Zarli-Bloomquist and Michael Onsrud tied the knot. Kris has lived in Rhode Island her whole life, a member of Pioneer Lodge No. 506 for 27 years and active on all levels of the Vasa Order. Michael was raised in (the very Norwegian town) Stoughton, WI and served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. Their wedding took place at the memorial garden and rune stone, where flowers were placed on the bride’s late father’s and late husband’s bricks. Her mother, a 25-year member of the district and Pioneer Lodge, sat on a bench given in memory of Kris’s dad, who was also a member of Vasa. The dinner was a pig roast with all the fixin’s, and the combined family roots were represented with: Jordan almonds from Kris’s Italian roots, wheat in the flower arrangements and aquavit for the toast from Kris’s Swedish side of the family; and dessert was both a traditional Norwegian kranskake and German chocolate cupcakes from Michael’s roots - which Kris baked herself. Kris Zarli-Bloomquist and Michael Onsrud with the Norwegian Kranskake.
DL No. 8 Lake Michigan During the past year, our District has been offering assistance to our local lodges through the CEF (Culture Enhancement Fund). Each lodge may request money (based upon lodge membership numbers) for special activities or events to add to their cultural experiences – hiring guest speakers, taking field trips, updating equipment for lodge presentations, and much more. The goal is to assist lodges in becoming more active and vibrant, and through this attract more new members to share these cultural experiences. This is the third year of this project, and about half the lodges have taken advantage of this generous offering. There is a three-year window, so some lodges may still be planning on making larger requests this coming year. Youth are a very important part of our district. This fall scholarships of $2,000 each helped the following young adults with their academic studies. Elizabeth Cleveland – Viljan – American University, Paris, France Harrison Ogrentz – Nordik Folk – Western Michigan University Jennifer Pearson – Nordik Folk – Purdue University Marissa Childs – Svea – Hanover College
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submitted by kris onsrud
DL No. 4 New York
Mary McConnaughay – Viljan – Belmont University Additionally, we offered two, twoweek scholarships and travel stipends to Sjolunden Language Camp in Bemidji, Minnesota. This year’s fortunate young campers were: Aubrey Chelich – Nordikids/Nordik Folk lodge No. 761 Julia LeKander – Viljan Lodge No. 349 Other district members also attending Sjolunden were Kristine and Melissa Pearson who both received scholarships from the Grand Lodge. Ava Tomky received a scholarship from American Daughters of Sweden. Keeping these young folk close to their Swedish roots and traditions is vital to keeping Vasa strong as we move into the future! Stay tuned for more information about the 2018 District Convention in Naperville, IL on May 4, 5 and 6. Save the dates! submitted by lynda smith, vdm
Youth from the Elsa Rix Club were assisting to install new officers.
New York District #4 of the Vasa Order of America presents its slate of officers for the term 2017-2019 at the recently held biennial convention at the Marriott Melville on Long Island. Pictured here are the upcoming two year’s district officers (top row): Bob Rasmussen, Treasurer; Beatrice Rasmussen, Member of the Executive Board; Don Jacobson, Auditor; Susan Roberson, Cultural Leader and Wayne Söderlund, Vice District Master. (seated): Gail Olson, District Secretary; Jeanne Eriksson-Andersen, District Master, and New York’s matriarch, 90-year young Alice Schmutz, Vice Secretary. More than 100 people of all ages were immersed in Swedish American activities for a whole weekend. See more at www. VasaNewYork.com. Save the date for VASA DAY, USA, August 4, 2018.
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THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
DL No. 19 Norra Sverige: A journey to the United States
My trip to United States was mixed with lectures in genealogy, Vasa friends, Vasa Archive and a Swedish American of the Year. I started with Anneli Andersson, Logen Mellerud nr 644, and ended my journey with genealogy. There were several meetings in the spirit of Vasa. In Augustana College, Rock Island, IL, our archivist Kathy Cuff attended our lectures on genealogy in Sweden. Kathy brought a great deal of knowledge from her work at the archive. Then I accompanied her to Bishop Hill and the archive for a few days. From my district, I presented a nameplate to the archive that belonged to the late Stig Håkansson when he was Grand Lodge Deputy 1998–2002, and it is now kept in the archive. During my visit, I looked closer into what resources and opportunities the archive has to convey and display for visitors
and lodges in both the United States and Sweden. At one of the breakfasts we were joined by Eldon and Denise Menkin from Bishop Hill Lodge No. 683. I also got to meet Kim Thrusch, who helps with the archive if necessary. Kim lives in the former hospital built 1855 and runs it as a bed and breakfast, and she invited me and Kathy over for a nice dinner. So, I got three new friends in Bishop Hill. My husband and webmaster for DL 19 Lars-Göran Börjesson joined me and we visited Wilmington, Delaware. There we were guests at the Swedish-American of the Year 2015, Emily Tepe. It was so great to meet Emily and her father John again, and on their home turf - it was a very nice and appreciated visit. In addition, LarsGöran and I were guests of honor at The Swedish Colonial Society meeting
in Philadelphia where John Tepe is deputy governor. From the board, we also met Michael R. D’Andrea and his wife Jill, from Drott Lodge No. 168 in Washington, DC. Many nice meetings with new and familiar friends were the highlights during the journey. submitted by charlotte börjesson district cultural leader dl 19 norra sverige, board member of voa national archives
LOCAL LODGE NEWS Thule No. 127 jamestown/bemus point, ny / Our lodge celebrated its 110th anniversary. Thule was organized in December 1907 to help the Swedish immigrants settle in the United States – with housing, employment, schooling and socially. At one time, the lodge was located on Pine Street in the city of Jamestown but moved to the Pancake Hill location nearly 20 years ago. Today Thule serves to preserve the Swedish heritage through events and activities. The anniversary featured a special catered Swedish dinner for all
2017 Lucia - Liv Maredith Abrahamsen
members and included some of the artifacts of the lodge, including many of the annual historical books. A book of all the lodge’s chairmen was compiled and available to examine. Thule is a part of the New York District No. 4, Vasa Order of America. God dag to all. submitted by john sipos
With the original 1907 charter are lodge chairman Tom Eckberg and chaplain Diane K. Shaw, standing. Seated are past cultural leader Fanchon Fuller and assistant mistress of ceremony Bernice Veights.
white gowns, silver belts, and garland
perform traditional and ring dances for
Mulak, whose grandmother was born
(Tipp Tapp). Past Lucia’s, including Liv’s sisters, Heidi (the reigning “Miss Sweden Day” 2017) and, Linnea (“Miss Sweden Day” 2014), were present at the performances and all looked lovely wearing white gowns and red sash belts. Liv, 14, is a new member of NY Olympic Lodge No. 235, joining the rest of her family in the lodge. Liv, dancing in Barnklubben Elsa Rix since she was 2 has been waiting for this special time. After the pageant, club members donned their folk costumes to
to help the current Elsa Rix families and Lodge members making each pageant a joy for all.
two children. We ended the evening with a business meeting and awarded Franz Mayrhofer a well deserved Svea Lodge Certificate of Appreciation. Mikaela Rejbrand surprised us by donating $2,500 to Svea Lodge in the memory of her parents Rolf and Lillian Rejbrand, who were married at Kalmar Castle in 1964.
pieces. The Tomtars were so cute everyone. Liv was so thankful for the in Sweden and whose brother now Olympic No. 235 hair stomping their feet to Tomtarnas Julnatt alumni families of Elsa Rix that came lives in Sweden with his wife and
garden city, ny / The 2017 Lucia was Liv Maredith Abrahamsen. She sang O Helga Natt so beautifully, her angelic voice brought tears to our eyes. In each of the three pageants performed, Liv was supported by current and alumni Barnklubben Elsa Rix No. 1 members. The big star was carried by Stephan Williamsen. The candle girls: Alana Winstead and Jade Emerson spoke their Swedish lines well, the maidens so festive and beautiful holding flickering candles while singing, in
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submitted by robin abrahamsen
Svea No. 348
san jose, ca / In September we met at the San Jose Odd Fellows Hall and had delicious hors d’oeuvres and a wonderful presentation by Henry
submitted by jim melin
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
Svea No. 253
Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
Linde No. 492
Swedish American Children’s Choir, the headline entertainment at the Scandinavian Festival in October. Svea No. 253 members in traditional clothing at the IKEA Store Indianapolis Grand Opening! indianapolis, in / On Nov. 5, Brenda Miller presented her “Overview from the Viking Spindle to the Early 1800s” and Nov. 9-11 was the 41st International Festival at Indiana State Fairgrounds. The Lucia Fest is December 3, with a rehearsal the day before.
submitted by james hook October meeting: Glenn Carlstrand poses with self-created volumes of his family genealogy. He and his wife Judi gave the program “Summer Culture in Sweden,” based on several visits to Sweden.
milwaukee, wi / Fall has become the time when our lodge takes to the road. In September we visited Stoughton, WI for the day, with members from Brahe 245 and Austin 466 joining us. The Norwegian Heritage Center “Livsreise” was such a treat to see, and the folks there were so informative that we spent many hours there. We also allowed for everyone to venture through the town on their own for lunch, shopping, antique searching, or just enjoying nature and the impressive Veteran’s MeDinner in Stoughton l-r: Elaine Johnson, Jan Kamholtz, morial Park. We finished the day together for dinner. Marge Gruel, Char & Dave Tollin, Linda Romblom, In October was our Annual Scandinavian Festi- Ray Shoberg, Gary and Carole Johnson, Jean val; we had record sales of pancakes, meatballs, pea Berggren, Joyce Anderson, Paul Gruber, Joe Glass, soup and baked goods galore. New for the festival and Margaret Leech with her back to the camera. was Nordic language classes - a hit! In early November was a meeting with a presentation of “The History of Swedish Folk Dance” and on Dec. 3 is the traditional Christmas lunch, Lucia and JulFest on Dec. 10, Julotta on Christmas Day. In January we will have an installation of officers on the 20th. As always, please join us, we welcome everyone! submitted by liza ekstrand
Svea No. 362
September meeting: John Bevelhimer with the original Svea No. 253 Lodge Charter from 1913; John gave a well-researched and informative program “The Founding of Svea Lodge No. 253.”
October 11, 2017 - Susan and Mark Swanson with Lars Petersson, president of IKEA USA, at the IKEA Store - Indianapolis Grand Opening!
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east providence, RI / In October at Little Rhody Vasa Park in Foster, RI the members of Svea along with friends and family came together to celebrate the lodge’s 100th Anniversary. It was an afternoon of food, fun and fellowship. Greg Olson, lodge chairman, surprised and delighted the guests by providing a raw bar prior to the main course. While people were enjoying the seafood, the dinner was being prepared by other lodge members. Our District Master, Marsha Neimi spoke about Svea & Vasa, and our Grand Lodge Deputy, Carol Olson presented a certificate from the Grand Lodge congratulating Svea on its 100th anniversary. Blanche Richmond, the lodge historian gave a brief history of the lzactive in the lodge, the district and Vasa Park. There was music provided by a local musician throughout the afternoon. Even the weather cooperated and we had a lovely sunny fall day.
submitted by janice johnson
Ken Olson shucking clams and Lily Zarli enjoying them.
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LOCAL LODGE NEWS
THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
Nordik Folk No. 761 munster, in / We have been busy this year. In addition to our regular meetings we also had a food booth at a fall weekend event at the Dunes National Lakeshore/Chellberg Farm homestead. Twenty of our members helped with this event, serving meatballs och potatis, varm korv, ham or salmon smörabröd, lemon saft, roasted corn, coffee and pepparkakor. The lodge made over $1,000 which will be of great help as we plan to host the 2019 District No. 8 convention. The 7th Annual Viking Dinner was in November. Of the 48 in attendance,
over 15 were in Viking costume attire. In addition to a wonderful meal, there were craft activities for the young and young at heart. Nordik Folk had their glögg making party on Nov. 17. Our big event of the season is Luciafest on December 3 – with a luncheon and program by the Nordikids. It is always a wonderful family party with raffles and craft sales, and Nordikids will perform. Nordik Folk will be at Nordic Faire in Munster on April 14, 2018 – save the date.
Left: Nordik Folk’s crowded September meeting. submitted by lynda smith
Nordikids have lodge function which showcased their Nordikids Children’s Club No. 208 been busy, this/ The season. They have Viking heritage. munster in
Tre Viking flickor: Aubrey Chelich, Ava Tomky, Krissy Pearson.
been practicing for Lucia and Jul since early September. This year, their Luciafest will be on December 3 at Wicker Park Social Center in Highland, Indiana – a beautiful venue with windows on three sides overlooking the golf course. If we get snow, the day is magical! The Nordikids meet every Monday from 6:30-8 p.m. where they have Swedish conversation lessons, music lessons and craft lessons, each designed for age appropriate instruction. Members range in age from 3 through college. Members recently participated in a
Nordstjärnan No. 575
Vinland No. 703
falun, alberta canada / Music, history, presentation of boutonnieres to six
members whose parents were charter members and a delicious catered dinner took place in celebration of Nordstjärnan’s 85th anniversary. The Lodge is dissolving at the end of 2017, and the camaraderie, friendships and remembrances of years past will remain good memories. On display were the history books of various functions and artifacts collected over the years. Some interesting items were: • Nordstjärnan’s meetings were held in Swedish with minutes written in Swedish until 1959 • A major fundraiser was the Lutefisk & Meatball supper, from 1949 to 1992, with over 700 people served each year • In addition to Midsummer and Lucia, there were many functions for members including bowling, curling, golfing and campouts, to name a few • Many members held positions at the District Level, while younger members won both the District and Grand Lodge Scholarships, and wore the Vasa Bridal Crown. submitted by lois brown
submitted by lynda smith
Little Vikings: Kenneth, Abigail and Zoey Blue.
cape cod, ma / The Luciafest will be on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 3:00 p.m. Nicole Peterson, daughter of Elena and Russell O. Peterson and granddaughter of Svea and Russell Peterson is our Lucia bride attended by Maids and Starboys. Readings of Scandinavian traditions will be presented followed by holiday refreshments. Singing and dancing around the Christmas tree will evoke memories for many. The Installation of Officers is Jan. 20. At our Feb. 17 and Mar. 17 meetings we will view the DVD “A Man Called Ove”. We are emphasizing Scandinavian films and literature in 2018.
submitted by dorothy ann ellner kean
2017 Lucia Nicole Peterson
Left: Members of Nordstjärnan 575 whose parent(s) were charter members 85 years ago: (L-R) Gertrude Dickau (parents Ferdinand and Emma Dahlberg), Shirley Dool (father Ernest Eklund), Darl Brown (parents Carl & Lena Brown (nee Sjorlund)), Henry Sjogren (father Sven Sjogren), Shauna Labrie (father Daniel Edin) and George Sjogren (father Sven Sjogren).
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Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Ulf och Ingegerd Alderlöf MEB Sweden/FÖM DL 20 och LL Ronneby # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Executive Board Members: Olle Wickström • Mats Holmberg • Bo Västerstjärna• Bengt Åberg Claes Johansson• Hans-Åke Rytterdahl • Sandra Eriksson• Bo Ljungklint Maureen Bengtsson • Catherine Bringselius Nilsson •Karl-Axel Bengtsson
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Sandra & Per Eriksson DH DL 20/LH & LL Ronneby # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Berit och Hans Bogren LL Höganäs # 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt År! önskar Karl-Axel & Anita Bengtsson DM DL 20 LL Höganäs # 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Agneta och Bo Västerstjärna DS - DL Nr 20 LL Skåne #570
Logen Tomelilla # 631 Önskar alla GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Göran och Catherine Bringselius Nilsson SLD DL # 20, LL Carl von Linné #678
God Jul och Gott Nytt År Hans & Ingrid Rytterdahl MDER DL 20 Södra Sverige LL Ronneby # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Knut Rosenkvist DHM DL 20 & LL Höganäs # 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Logen Höganäs # 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt VasaÅr tillönskas alla Vasavänner Ann-Margreth Ericsson, Björn Ericsson, Mikael Arborelius LL Ronneby # 630
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Mats & Heidi Holmberg VDM DL 20 & KP
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Logen Filbyter Nr 714
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Bodil & Leif Carlsson LL Höganäs # 634
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Claes & Karin Johansson VDS DL 20/PS och LL Nybyggarna # 698
God jul och Gott Nytt VasaÅr tillönskas alla Vasavänner DL Norra Sverige #19
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THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
CHRISTMAS GREETINGS God Jul och Gott Nytt År to all our Vasa friends from District Lodge Pennsylvania No. 9
Julie Lynn Olson – District Master Cheryl Brown – Vice District Master Sharen Swanson Tizzano – District Secretary Richard Erickson - District Treasurer Bo Carlsson - Member Executive Board Arne Dunhem - Member Executive Board Marit Knollmueller – District Cultural Leader Karen Chilcote – District Historian Nobel-Monitor Lodge No. 130 - Cleveland, OH Drott Lodge No. 168 - Washington, DC/Maryland Svea Lodge No. 296 - Erie, PA
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR Wishes to all Vasa Friends from District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 DM Nancy Hult • VDM Lynda Smith DS Lois Klubens • DT Linda Christensen ADS Linnea Ogrentz • HFS Linda Tylk DCL Susan Nilsson • DLYS Michael Pearson Jr. EBM’s Gene Kiesel • Theodore Ruser • Timothy Ogrentz DH Marianne Ekstrand PDM Sue Cleveland
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Maureen och Göte Bengtsson SLKL-Sverige / KL och LL Småland # 618
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Gary & Gunlog Spaberg Haakan Spaberg Evening Star Lodge No. 426, No. 506
Logen Kärnan # 608, Helsingborg önskar GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR
God Jul och Gott Nytt År tillönskas alla Vasasyskon Bo & Heléne Ljungklint DKL DL 20 LL Carl von Linné # 678
God Jul & Gott Nytt År Merry Christmas & Happy New Year To everyone in Sweden, Canada & USA Amanda Olson Robison Bill, Ellen, Jonah
önskar sina Vasasyskon och vänloger En God Vasa Jul och ett Gott Nytt Vasa År
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR To all our Vasa friends from Thule Lodge No. 127
God Jul och Gott Nytt År önskar Millie Johnson Member of Pioneer Lodge No. 506
God jul och Gott Nytt VasaÅr tillönskas alla Vasavänner Olle o Marie Wickström SLD 20/FDM
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Logen Ronneby # 630
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR önskar vi er alla Linde Lodge No. 492 Milwaukee, WI
God Jul & Gott Nytt År Till Alla vänner i Sverige, Kanada och USA Liza & Rolf Ekstrand Linde No. 492 Members
GOD JUL OCH GOTT NYTT ÅR Britt-Marie & Hans-Erik Lindeblad LL 628 Calmare Nyckel
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SWEDISH NEWS
Fall 2017 / THE VASA STAR
SWEDISH NEWS Christian No. 617 kristianstad , sweden / Logens 70-årsjubileum firades i mars i Ordenslokalen i Kristianstad med 34 gäster från Storlogen och Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20 och 24 egna logesyskon. Efter gästernas införande utfördes ljuständning och jubileumslogen öppnades enligt Ordens ritual. En stilfull Fanparad utfördes av Kenneth och Lena Andersson samt Bengt-Arne och Gull-May Åstradsson från Tomelilla Nr 631. KL Eva Newin berättade under Kontakt Amerika om ”Sigrid Bengtsson, en guldtjej från Kullaskogen” av Sture Myrberg. En resa från Sofietorp i Broby via Göteborg till England, New York och Denver i Colorado. LH Karin Holmqvist föredrog delar av logens 70-åriga historik, som också tryckts upp och var lagd vid varje kuvert. Uppvaktning till logen framfördes av SLD Olle Wickström med telegram från SM Tore Kellgren, SLKL Maureen Bengtsson med telegram från SLKL. DM Karl-Axel Bengtsson DL 20 överlämnade en penninggåva. Även Logens DD Jan-Anders
Ovan: Gäster. Till höger: En stilfull fanparad.
Ingvarsson överräckte en penninggåva från 11 loger i DL 20, dessutom en personlig gåva från Jan-Anders och Ann. O Göte Bengtsson LL Småland Nr 618 överlämnade en bok och från Vasa Support Club mottog logen penninggåva. Under Ordens Väl framfördes lyckönskningar och hälsningar. Jubileumsmötet avslutades med ljussläckning av Ceremonimästarparet Sven Hermansson och Siv Junge Olsson. O Jan-Erik Larsson tackade Musikmästare Ronny Ragnarsson för aftonens musik. Vid uttåget spelades ”On the Sunny Side of the Street” av Jimmy Mc Hugh. Samling till de
dukade borden i vitt med blommor i önskade Logen all lycka i framtiden Vasa Ordens färger och en god 3-rät- och lovade komma tillbaka om 10 år. ters middag intogs med skål och sång Efter att taffeln brutits spelade Magför vår kung Carl XVI Gustav. CM nus Persson upp till dans, som pågick Sven Hermansson läste upp telegram till sena kvällen med avbrott endast till Logen och 70-åringen. Tacktal av för kaffe, tårta och lottdragning av en SLD Olle Wickström. Under måltiden tavla som skänkts till Logen av vår fick vi “kungligt besök” av Chris- medlem Ursula Karlstedt. Vinnaren tian IV, som var glad att få komma blev Kenneth Andersson LL Tomelilla till Logens 70-årsjubileum och till Nr 631. Vi skiljdes i god Vasaanda. Logen med namn efter honom. Han grundade staden Christianstad år 1614 submitted by karin holmquist och har bevistat både Logens 50-års, 60-års och nu 70-årsjubileum. Han
Småland No. 618 jönköping, sweden / På Barkerydsdagen den 6 augusti medverkade vår Loge. Br Bo Ahlsgård bar Vasafanan i kortegen. Sy Maureen Bengtsson överlämnade Logens diplom till The Swedish Club of Houstons Lucia för 2016, Lisa Swank. Jubileum den 21 oktober. Äntligen var dagen inne då vi firade Logens 70-årsjubileum. Gäster infördes i logesalen under högtidliga former, bland dem Distriktsmästare och Storlogedeputerad Olle Wickström, Storlogedeputerad Catherine Bringselius Nilsson, Distriktsdeputerad Åke Mellnert och Före Detta Distriktsmästarna i DL 19 Connie Grön och Einar Savolainen Grön. KL Maureen Bengtsson berättade under ”Kontakt Amerika” om våra elva
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Ordföranden Göte Bengtsson och Distriktsmästare och Storlogedeputerad Olle Wickström.
Ordföranden Göte Bengtsson och Distriktsdeputerad Åke Mellnert.
lade br Harald Pet- Sent på kvällen serverades ostkaka tersson på flygeln. och kaffe. Trivseln och glädjen var Ordföranden Göte stor under kvällen. Ett varmt tack till alla gästande ordenssyskon från norr Fanparad genomfördes av br Bo Ahlsgård, sy Eva Dahlberg, br Bengtsson hälsade Lennart Emanuelsson och br Lars-Åke Larsson samt sy Kerstin välkommen till bords. och söder. Detta jubileum blev en Nilsson läste texterna om de fyra fanorna. Tolv studerande från musiklinjen vitamininjektion för logens fortsatta vid Södra Vätterbygdens Folkhögs- verksamhet. vänloger och läste upp ett brev från kola underhöll med sång och musik 1982 från Pioneer Lodge nr 506. LH Ackompanjerade av br Harald sjöng submitted by maureen and Bo Ahlsgård berättade om logens göte bengtsson vi Logen Smålands egen sång, med 70-åriga historia. Under ”Ordens väl” hölls tal av sy Catherine Bringselius text av förre logebrodern Per-Olof Nilsson och br Olle Wickström. Brinck. Dansen tråddes till musik Under intåget till banketten spe- från logens gamla ”bergsprängare”. page 43
THE VASA STAR / Fall 2017
SWEDISH NEWS andra loger, O Jan-Anders välkomst- tidigare Malmö för mer än 30 år sedan, för oss fem: Gull-May, Bengt-Arne, Tomelilla No. 631 från hälsning, sedvanlig mötesordning och som tog emot med värme; lantbrukar- Gertrud, Kerstin och Hans-Ingvar, där tomelilla, sweden / September - dags att återuppliva samvaron med medlemmarna och enligt traditionen i Kverrestads bygdegård. Musik, välkomsthälsningar, protokoll och rapporter. Vi fick hälsa vår nya DD, Eva Newin från Logen Christian, välkommen. Samtidigt hälsade vi vår tidigare DD, Nadja Kärvin Häll välkommen och O Jan-Anders tackade henne för gångna år och överlämnade standar och blommor. Kl Gertrud berättade om den aktuella händelsen i Charlottesville i augusti med demonstration och stridigheter och tragiska dödsfall. Kulturledaren berättade om Ku Klux Klan, dess tillkomst 1867 efter inbördeskrigets slut, och de följande andra och tredje klanernas tillkomst. LH Bengt-Arne berättade om årets Svensk-Amerikan, Jan Eliasson. Mötet avslutades med nationalsången och musik under ljussläckning. Dags för Hattparad och inmundigande av kräftor. Oktobermöte - höstlikt och kallt. Gå till hamnen när det blåser i Simrishamn - vilka fantastiska och skrämmande vågor! Mötet började med musik av musikmästare Gert och med besökare
Du gamla du fria avslutade mötet. paret med 30.000 tunnland jord, där våra möten med människorna, som alla Sedan följde vi med över Atlanten till man åkte i timtal innan man kom till ville berätta om sin svenska bakgrund, svenskbygderna i USA med hjälp av maskinhallen. Detta imponerade på Br var oförglömliga. fem medlemmar, som för några år sedan Hans-Ingvar, lantbrukaren, som nästan spelade teater om en utvandrarfamilj vid ville stanna kvar. En minnesvärd resa submitted by gertrud hägg syskonlogerna där. Borden var dukade i amerikanska färger, med flaggor och namn på några stater som medlemmarhöganäs, sweden / Brödernas afton i Oktober. Ett 50-tal förväntansfulla na hade besökt som Illinois, Oregon och Vasasyskon samlades på Vikens Hemgård till oktobermötet. En stämningsfull Mississippi. Resebildspelet i Amerika, parentation hölls över Sy Elise Ek. En ansökan om medlemskap hade inkominkluderade besök av Niagarafallen. mit och ballotering utfördes. Br KL berättade om mormonernas religion med Resan med greyhoundsbussarna, bilder månggifte och hade också en intressant historia om en skånsk flicka som lockfrån naturen, och en amishgård skymades över till USA och blev hustru nr 12 till en apostel. BLH Br Leif Larsson tade ibland. Olika busstationer; en hade letat i gamla protokoll och vi fick en inblick i 80-talets möten. Br Calle trevlig sådan till en otrevlig i Cleveland, Nilsson rapporterade från förra helgens utfärd till Wallåkra Stenkärlsfabrik glömmer vi aldrig; Chicago med då och efterföljande föreställning av Spelman på taket på Malmö Opera. Mötet världens högsta byggnad, sin svenska avslutades enligt ritual och mingel tog vid medan salen iordningställdes för stadsdel Andersonville, Michigansjön; efterkapitlet. Våra bröder bjöd in till de höstdekorerade borden och alla lät sig besöket i Bishop Hill och möten med väl smaka av Kreolsk kycklinggryta och kaffe och kaka. Temat för kvällen var svenska invandrare i andra eller tredje en afton med Amerikansk touch och plötsligt dök själva Onkel Sam upp och led vid våra teaterföreställningar i lopresenterade en rad amerikanska presidenter från olika tider. I pauserna mellan gerna. Besöket i Lindstrom; statyn av omklädningarna underhöll vår egen Br Leif med sin gitarr och sjöng kända Karl-Oskar och Kristina och Vilhelm utvandrarsånger. Ett mycket trevligt och intressant program som Bröderna fick Moberg med sin cykel är kvar i minmånga applåder för och var sin ros som överlämnades av Sy Inger. net. Vi minns Jenny Linds kapell från Den 9 dec. håller logen sitt julmöte med ett dignande julbord, stämningsfulla 1850 med gravstenarna med enbart julsånger och besök av tomten. Med Vasahälsningar från Skåne svenska namn; våra värdar, speciellt submitted by berit och hans bogren Liza och Rolf från Milwaukee och
Höganäs No. 634
STORMÄSTARENS MEDDELANDE kära vasasyskon,
När du läser detta har jag rest färdigt för året. Birgitta och jag deltog i distriktsmötet för DL Connecticut No. 1 i Berlin CT. Vi deltog också på årsfester som hölls av Logerna Sveaborg No. 449 i Concord CA och Linnéa No. 504 i Santa Rosa CA. Du har sannolikt hört nyheterna om alla förödande bränder i Kaliforniens vinområden förra månaden. Santa Rosa ligger i hjärtat av Sonoma County, ett av de främsta vinområdena i Kalifornien. Jag var lättad att höra att ingen medlem i Linnéa Lodge blev allvarligt påverkad av denna katastrof. Det är värt att nämna att, även om bränderna drabbade många människor i området, är vårt ”Wine Country” lika vitalt som någonsin och alla besökare är välkomna. Planeringen av nästa Storlogemöte är i full gång. Under de närmaste veckorna kommer din Loge att få brev med information om att sätta in en hälsning i Programboken för Storlogemötet. Överväg gärna att sätta in en sådan hälsning. Alla intäkter page 44
går för att täcka kostnader för mötet. sekreterare att skicka mig namn, adress Arrangemang görs för turer under och födelsedatum på de medlemmar som mötesveckan, inklusive vår vackra hu- firar “jämna” år under 2018, så jag kan vudstad Sacramento och det omgivande skicka födelsedagshälsningar. Detta startar guldgrävarlandet här i Kalifornien. Du vid 75 års ålder och därefter vart femte år kommer också att ha möjlighet se San och dessutom varje år för alla över 100 år. Francisco, med den berömda ”Fisher- Tack till alla som har skickat mig denna man’s Wharf”. Om du inte är tjänsteman information under tidigare år. eller delegat till mötet, kommer du också Jag vill betona värdet av ett bidrag till att kunna välja bland flera andra spän- Vasastjärnan som inkluderar tankar om nande turer, inklusive Lake Tahoe och framtiden: Skriv om kommande händelser Sonoma Valley ”Wine Country”. Mer i dina artiklar. Tänk tre till sex månader information om turer finns i registrering- framåt i tiden. Det gör det till en annons för sinformation på annan plats i denna utgåva. din Loge och ger då också idéer till läsare i Det är nu bara sju månader kvar till mötet. Vasa Land för deras framtida program. Det Det kommer att hållas mellan 29 juni och ger naturligtvis också alla Vasamedlem6 juli. Notera dessa datum och överväg mar möjligheter att besöka andra Loger att delta i denna mycket speciella Vasa- på deras speciella möten. Skicka också in händelse som bara händer en gång vart bilder. Inkludera bildtexter som beskriver fjärde år. Det här är en stor Vasa-upplevelse händelsen de kommer från och identifiera där du får möjlighet att träffa Vasamed- de som är med på bilderna. lemmar från Kanada, Sverige och från I förra utgåvan av Vasastjärnan nämnde hela USA. Vid ditt senaste distriktsmöte jag vårt arrangemang med Volvo, vilket valdes din Storloge-delegat. Information ger Vasa-medlemmar fördelar vid köp om delegaten måste skickas till Storloge- av en Volvo med en rabatt som i princip sekreterare Joan senast den 1 mars 2018. motsvarar den rabatt som de anställda får. Nu när året går mot sitt slut ber jag alla Detta program är tillgängligt för medlem-
mar i Vasa efter ett års medlemskap i USA. Denna Vasa-förmån inkluderar även valet av ”Overseas Delivery” och är utöver andra rabatter som ibland erbjuds. Alternativet ”Overseas Delivery” inkluderar flygbiljetter för två till Sverige för att hämta bilen. För att delta, registrera dig på den här webbplatsen: www.aplanbyvolvo. com. Tyvärr erbjuder Volvo för närvarande inte något liknande program i Kanada eller i Sverige. För en “PartnerCode”, som behövs för registreringen, kontakta GS Joan Graham med email vasajlg@aol.com eller telefon 510-526- 5512. Ditt PIN-nummer kommer att skickas till dig efter att du har registrerat. MEDLEMSKAP FORTSÄTTER ATT VARA VÅR STÖRSTA UTMANING. Gör det värt att delta i varje möte! Var entusiastisk! i sanning och enighet, tore kellgren, grand master
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