VALTHORNET DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8
October 2011
District Master’s Message To all District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Members, I would like to announce that Viljan Lodge No. 349 of Batavia, Illinois, has informed us that they will be hosting the 2012 District Convention. Thank you Viljan Lodge No. 349! The dates for the 2012 convention will be May 18 – May 20, 2012 in Carol Stream, Illinois. I am looking forward to a wonderful convention. The Lunch and Learn session the District presented at this year’s convention had such a positive response that we are planning on doing it again. Please plan on attending by marking your calendars now for May 2012. Brahe Lodge No. 245 and Linde Lodge No. 492 have decided to join forces to host the 2013 District Convention in Rockford, Illinois. 2013 marks Brahe Lodge’s 100 year anniversary. This summer I attended many wonderful Scandinavian activities; Midsommar at both Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois and at Good Templar Park in Geneva, Illinois, the 2nd Annual Fly - In / Drive - In Pancake Breakfast at the Kewanee Airport to raise funds for the Vasa National Archives, a Danish Bird Shoot (I was on the Vasa Park team) hosted by Peter Orum of Midwest Groundcovers, Inc., and Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park on September 11. The two Midsommar events were wonderful! It was great to see old friends. The children that performed in Nordic costumes really set the mood for everyone. Attending these events, I see Nordic culture being passed down to our youth. It’s a wonderful thing! The 2nd Annual Fly - In / Drive - In Swedish Pancake Breakfast we had at Kewanee Airport was a lot of fun even though the weather did not cooperate all day. Storms surrounded us so no aircraft made it in, but people from the community drove in to support us. Thank you to the entire Gruel family, Jim and Paula Stopka, Sten and Nancy Hult, and my family! My 12 year old daughter is a Swedish pancake chef in training now! The Danish Bird shoot was so much fun! It is a contest to hit various parts of a wooden bird “target” in a specific order. My team, “The Vasa Park Sharp Shooters”, was at it again! The problem was our marksmanship was a little off. We didn’t win anything but had a great time trying! The day before Scandinavian Day, I attended the Austin Lodge No. 466 meeting at Svithiod Hall in Chicago, Illinois. They had a big announcement, a brand new Lodge website! Take a look at it when you get a chance: www.nordicchicago.com. A website is a wonderful tool to attract new members as well as share and promote our Nordic culture to everyone! Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois was outstanding! The weather was great and over a thousand people showed up. All types of Scandinavian food were devoured, especially by my son, all day long. The entertainment couldn’t have been better and the Aquavit toasts were numerous and I just happened to be part of a couple of them! Skol! I commend the entire Vasa Park Board in making the day a success! It was certainly a great day for enjoying Nordic culture. I plan on attending many of your Lodge meetings and special events this fall. I hope to see you soon! In Truth and Unity, Tom Cleveland District Master District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8
2
DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 EXECUTIVE BOARD 2011 - 2012 District Master: Tom Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102 Cell: (815) 739 - 3100 Email: tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com
Executive Board Member: Steve Westlund 55 West Joliet Street Schererville, Indiana 46375 (219) 322 – 5190; Cell: (219) 682 - 6932 Email: plncrazy@sbcglobal.net
Vice District Master: Edward L. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com
Supervisor Of Children’s / Youth Clubs: Lynda Smith 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: lamsmith@hotmail.com
District Secretary: Nancy Hult 14951 South Kenton Avenue Midlothian, Illinois 60445 (708) 687 – 8943 Email: stenanhult@ameritech.net Email: fruhult93@hotmail.com
District Cultural Leader: Andrea Wilczynski 4332 Maple Avenue Brookfield, Illinois 60513 - 2318 Home: (708) 485 - 1516 Cell: (630) 750 - 8828 Email: andreawil@sbcglobal.net
Assistant District Secretary: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com
Past District Master: Sheila Lundquist 1456 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 3248 (810) 845 - 5065 Email: wmlund1@aol.com
District Treasurer: Brent Erickson 4876 North Sheffield Avenue Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin 53217 - 5962 Home: (414) 962 - 8920 Email: berickson73@gmail.com
District Chaplain: Inez Törnblom 1301 Providence Circle Elgin, Illinois 60120 - 5076 (847) 695 – 9890 Email: eskilstuna@wowway.com
Hospital Fund Secretary: Linda S. Tylk 1960 West Richton Road Steger, Illinois 60475 - 1394 (708) 747 – 4717 Cell: (708) 805 - 3040 Email: Lstitcher1@sbcglobal.net
Master of Ceremonies: Lars Jenner 5062 North Kimball Apartment # 2 Chicago, Illinois 60625 (309) 883 - 0322 Email: larsjenner@gmail.com
District Historian: Iva Lynn 6035 Riva Ridge Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46237 - 5001 (317) 714 - 9986 FAX: (317) 596 - 1937 Email: ivalynn30@aol.com; lraylynn@aol.com Inner Guard: Gene M. Kiesel 1426 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 2563 Email: dgkiesel1@att.net Outer Guard: Timothy Ogrentz 12849 South Manistee Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60633 (773) 646 - 0279 Email: timothy.ogrentz@gmail.com Auditor: Herb Smith – 3 years 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: hwsmith3@hotmail.com Auditor: Paula Stopka – 2 years 115 Crissey Avenue Geneva, Illinois 60134 (630) 208 - 9850 Email: plundberg1066@aol.com Auditor: Eric Swanson – 1 year 8433 North McKinley Road Flushing, Michigan 48433 (810) 639 – 6705 Email: ceswan@centurytel.net VALTHORNET Editor: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@att.net; nodehult@juno.com
Executive Board Member: Susan Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102; Cell: (815) 546 - 1097 Email: mrandmrsc92@comcast.net ***************************************************************************************************************************************
HÄR OCH DÄR by Lillemor Horngren
SÖDERMANLAND The province of Södermanland often called Sörmland is south of Stockholm. It is thought of as being the wealthiest province in Sweden. It borders Uppland to the north, the Baltic Sea to the east, Östergötland to the south, and Närke to the west. The borderline between Sörmland and Uppland runs through the Old Town (Gamla Stan) in Stockholm. There is a plaque on one of the buildings showing where the dividing line is. Sörmland is the most populated province in Sweden due to the fact that a large part of Stockholm’s urban area is included in the populace count.
Forests, mostly evergreens, cover about 65% of the province. The rest of the areas are flat. This is a very historic province probably settled already during the Stone Age. This fact has been confirmed after finding numerous sites with artifacts from both that time and also from the Bronze Age. Around 300 rune stones can also be found scattered throughout the province. Strängnäs was granted city status around 1000 and Nyköping in 1187. Other cities of note are Eskilstuna and Katrineholm. King Gustav Vasa considered the Father of the Nation was crowned in Strängnäs on June 6th 1523. June 6th, formerly Swedish Flag Day, is now a National Holiday in Sweden. The cemetery, Skogskyrkogården in southern Stockholm, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Södermanland’s flora and fauna: Flower vit näckros white water lily Animal fisk gjuse fish hawk Fish braxen bream Mushroom svart trumpets vamp Black trumpet mushroom Insect simulus or stinklus not a louse but a beetle
3
DISTRICT No. 8 DONATION On Saturday August 24 2011, at the "Kräftskiva" Crawfish Party for Linde Lodge No. 492, a check in the amount of $10,000.00 was presented by District Treasurer Brent Erickson and District Secretary Nancy Hult to the Vasa National Archives Financial Secretary Jake Gruel.
VASA ARCHIVES' NEW DIRECTOR We welcome our new Vasa National Archives Archivist, Viktoria Almgren Kofoid (see photograph at left). At the same time that we welcome Victoria Kofoid, we would like to thank Lars Jenner for all the excellent work he has done for four years in the Vasa National Archives. During Lars Jenner’s years there has been a major renovation of the Vasa National Archives, not only the restoration of the Vasa National Archives building and archivist’s home, but also of computer equipment with greater capacity, e.g., the database. Lars Jenner even had Swedish lessons at the Vasa National Archives and also introduced a new tradition with Swedish Valborgsmässofirande, with a bonfire, that has become very popular. Since his family (which expanded with the addition of another child) in essence has lived in Chicago, Illinois, where his wife Anne is serving as librarian at North Park University, Lars Jenner will now have more time for family. We wish Victoria Kofoid good luck with all the work in our Vasa National Archives. Victoria Kofoid comes from the Jönköping area of Sweden and has lived in the U. S. for more than a year and began work at the Archives on August 1, 2011. Lars Jenner has made a very good transition over to her and will support Viktoria in every way now during her early phase at the Vasa National Archives. The Vasa Archives are open to the public from April 1 to December 30, but we Vasa members can also get in touch with the Vasa Archives at other times. The email address is: vasaarchives@winco.net. (from Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20.)
(left) District Treasurer Brent Erickson, Vasa National Archives Financial Secretary Jake Gruel, and District Secretary Nancy Hult.
A
big THANK YOU to the District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 for the big donation which will help the Vasa National Archives continue to operate and improve on much needed projects. submitted by Sten Hult Grand Lodge Executive Board Member Midwest Region Past District Master, District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8
Welcome Viktoria Almgren Kofoid, the new archivist at the Vasa National Archives. Viktoria Almgren Kofoid was born in Sweden and came to the U. S. A. for a number of visits prior to settling in the area of Bishop Hill, Illinois, in 2010. Please stop by and introduce yourself if you are in the vicinity. Viktoria Almgren Kofoid has moved into the archivist residence and has begun working.
****************************************************************************************** The Valthornet is available on the VOA web site. To access the quarterly Valthornet newsletters on the web, go to: www.vasaorder.org; click on "Lodge Directory" (left side); click on "DL Lake Michigan No. 8" (left column); click on "Lake Michigan No. 8"; click on "Newsletters"; then click on the date of the Valthornet desired. At times, the Valthornet on the web site may contain one or more additional pages than the USPS mailed version, because there is more news to report. ****************************************************************************************************************
UPDATE YOUR MAILING LIST! Local lodges should update their mailing list regularly. Membership lists change frequently because of initiations, moves, and deaths, and there may be errors from previous lists. Misdirected mail results in added expense for the Grand Lodge, the District Lodge, and your Local Lodge. You may request a current list of who receives the VALTHORNET and the VASA STAR by contacting Gail Olson, Vice Grand Secretary, 654 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York 10913; e-mail: circulationvasastar@gmail.com. Gail Olson will update your mailing list with your help. Please keep the list current and correct.
4
CHAPLAIN’S CORNER
KAPLANENS HÖRNA
WHEN SWEDEN WAS THE LARGEST COUNTRY IN EUROPE On the Eastern shore of Sweden´s second largest lake, Vättern, there lies a city named Vadstena. Although nowadays it is no bigger than Mariefred, I call it a "city" because it has more history and more proud old buildings than most towns. It was Sweden´s capital before Stockholm; it has two royal castles and a famous cloister church. It was the home of King Magnus Eriksson who had triumphs and tragedies in his life enough to fill volumes and he is the subject of our story this time. I came travelling to Vadstena from Stockholm by train and a bus exploring the life of my father´s aunt, my paternal grandmother´s only sister, Hilda Wetterström. Hilda was a deaf mute. My great grandparents expected that, because of her handicap, she may not have a woman´s traditional life´s work of farmwife and mother, so they sent young Hilda to Vadstena´s renowned Lace Making School, where she learned a skill which won her awards and a financially independent life. I came to see that school and her dormitory. At midsummer time in 1319, there was a gathering on Mora meadow by Uppsala. It was unique in that, for the first time, representatives from not only nobility, bishops and lawmen, but also farmers and burghers from towns were gathered --the beginning of our present day parliament. The heir to the throne was introduced --- his stance was somewhat wobbly and he had some trouble pronouncing the oath of office, for he was only three years old. This was King Magnus Eriksson. The continuation of King Magnus´ story follows in the next VALTHORNET. Inez Törnblom, District Chaplain Viljan No. 349
NÄR SVERIGE VAR STÖRST I EUROPA På den östra stranden av Sveriges näst största sjö, Vättern, ligger staden Vadstena. Fastän den numera är lika liten som Mariefred, har den mer historia och flera stolta gamla byggnader än de flesta svenska städer. Den var Sveriges huvudstad före Stockholm; den har två kungliga slott och en berömd klosterkyrka. Det var där Kung Magnus Eriksson bodde, vars liv innehöll triumfer och tragedier tillräckligt för flera volymer, och det är om honom jag skriver den här gången. Jag reste till Vadstena från Stockholm med tåg och en buss, när jag forskade i min pappas mosters liv, min farmors enda syster, Hilda Wetterström. Hilda var dövstum. Min farmors föräldrar befarade att hon inte skulle få det traditionella livet som bondhustru och mor på grund av sitt handikap, så de skickade lilla Hilda till Vadstenas kända Skola för Knypplerskor, där hon fick ett yrke, som gav henne priser och ett finansiellt oberoende leverne. Jag kom dit för att se skolan och hennes elevbostad. Vid midsommar 1319 var det samling på Mora äng utanför Uppsala. Detta var vår första riksdag, för där var inte bara representanter från adeln, kyrkan och lagmän, utan också bönder och borgare. Den nye kungen blev presenterad. Han stod något ostadigt och det var litet svårt för honom att uttala eden som kung, för han var bara tre år gammal. Detta var Kung Magnus Eriksson. Fortsättning följer om Kung Magnus i nästa VALTHORNET. Inez Törnblom, Distriktskaplan Viljan No. 349
************************************************************************************************************
CULTURAL CORNER I hope everyone has had a wonderful summer. It seems like we were just at convention and now the summer is over and time to start thinking about the holidays! I would also like you to start thinking about the cultural room presentations for next convention. I know it is really early but we have our theme for next year and why not get an early start. The theme is Nordic Mythology. I will be sending letters out to all of the Cultural Leaders after Thanksgiving and we will handle it the same as last year, list your top three choices and it will be filled on a first come first serve basis. Everyone did such an outstanding job with the presentations at the last convention, I can't wait to see what everyone comes up with for our next convention. I would also love to communicate with the Cultural Leaders through e-mail when possible so if you would send me your e-mail address that would be great. Please send it to andreawil@sbcglobal.net. Also don't forget to check the Cultural Leader Reports that were in the Convention Book for presentation ideas or visit other lodge websites; they are a great source of information. In Truth and Unity, Andrea Magnuson Wilczynski District 8 Cultural Leader
5
NEWS FROM LOCAL LODGES (left) The Latvian team won theTug – Of - War competition.
SILJAN – MORA - TUNA # 134 17 July 2011: A picnic was held at the home of Nancy and Sten Hult in Midlothian, Illinois. 21 August 2011: The meeting and Ice Cream Social were enjoyed on this summer day. 18 September 2011: A monthly meeting, pizza party, and Silent Auction were held.
KRONAN # 179 11 September 2011: Scandinavian Day was held at Scandinavian Park in South Elgin, Illinois. 25 September 2011: Our 101st Anniversary was celebrated with a luncheon. Afterwards, members played Bingo. Thank you to all who contributed prizes for the games. submitted by Kim Bojarski
BESSEMER # 203 Upcoming Event: Save the date: Sunday, October 16th, 2011! This notice is a “Save The Date” announcement for our 100th Anniversary Celebration Party. All Vasa members in the District are cordially invited to attend. The party will be held at 1:00 pm at The Royal Palace, 6254 West 111th Street (East of Ridgeland), Chicago Ridge, Illinois 60415. A social hour will be followed by lunch and entertainment. The $30.00 ticket price includes Complimentary Cocktails, Food, Fun, and dancing with the music of DJ Mark Nilsson. Join us to celebrate our milestone anniversary. Dinner, Drinks, and Entertainment!! Reservations must be made by October 1st, 2011. For more information or directions, contact Jim Pelzman, at (708) 423 – 4057 or (708) 404 – 4055; or Britt Nilsson at (773) 239 – 1855 or (773) 699 – 9943. submitted by Jim Pelzman Chairman
SVEA # 253 25 June 2011: Saint John’s Festival was celebrated at the Latvian Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. This multinational festival included participants and groups from eight countries: Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia, Sweden, and the Czech Republic. This is Eastern Europe’s version of Midsommar. The Swedes started the program with a parade led by the decorated majstång (decorated by Michelle and Josh Escalante, and Joella and Edward Hultgren), followed by the Grand March and ring dancing directed by John Seest, Director of the Dans Norden Scandinavian Folk Dancing Group. (right) Annette Johansson and Joella Hultgren enjoyed the Grand March.
Nineteen lodge members attended with family and friends. The Scottish group provided musical entertainment, the Lithuanian group prepared the food sales, and the Latvian group sold the beverages.
Tug – Of – War competitions were held between different nationality groups, and children participated in youth Tug – Of – War events. A bonfire completed the celebrations. 6 August 2011: Kräftskiva was celebrated at the home of Charlotte Swenson, in Indianapolis, Indiana. More than seventy members, family, and friends attended, with ages ranging from youngsters under ten years of age to members ninety years of age or more! A delicious dinner was prepared: Kräftor, baked ham, and hotdogs were accompanied by salads, vegetables, and desserts. Beverages included Aqvavit, wine, beer, sodas, lemonade, iced tea, and water. The planning committee included Michelle Escalante, Chairman, and Jean Bang, Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, Faye and John Bevelhimer, Dennis Danielson, Patricia Hoffmann, Barbro and David Jarrell, Madelyn Sundquist, Charlotte Swenson, Eija Vesterqvist, Ulla Williams, and Carin Young. 11 September 2011: This first meeting of the fall season featured a program presented by lodge Historian Jenne Swain on Swedish artist Anders Zorn and Mora, Sweden. Many of Anders Zorn’s paintings were shown, and the history of the artist’s life was discussed. (right) Swedish artist Anders Zorn and his wife Emma Lamm.
His images of Mora in Dalarna captured the essence of traditional Swedish life; Anders Zorn also visited the United States of America seven times. His portrait of President William Howard Taft is the only portrait in the White House of a President that was not painted by an American artist. Delicious refreshments were provided by Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, and Patricia Hoffmann. 27 September 2011: The “Fourth Tuesday” Lunch group met at Rick’s Café Boatyard in Indianapolis, Indiana. Nothing is better than enjoying a delicious seafood meal with good friends on the shores of Eagle Creek Reservoir. Tack Så Mycket to the coordinators Eva Berglund, Donna Bergstrom, and Patricia Hoffmann. submitted by Joella D. Hultgren Cultural Leader and Publicity Committee
VILJAN # 349 26 May 2011: The meeting, Memorial Service, and Convention Report were held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, Illinois.
6 Lodge members remembered and celebrated the lives of those members who have preceded us. Thank you to Florence Olson and Dorothy Patzer for providing delicious refreshments for the meeting. Thank you to the Convention delegates for their reports and Congratulations to the lodge members who were re-elected to District positions. 18 June 2011: Midsommar was celebrated at Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois. Lodge members joined together on the banks of the Fox River for a day of traditional Scandinavian Midsommar festivities. Our lodge was responsible for decorating the Majstång. Thank you to Ken Johnson, and Paula and James Stopka, for the grapevines, and to all the lodge members who brought flowers and ribbons for decorating, and raising the Maypole. This year’s Maypole was quite memorable and will not be soon forgotten! Thank you to Barb Olson and Paula Stopka, and the lodge, for providing a lovely light Scandinavian style lunch at Vasa Park for those who came out and helped with the decorating for Midsommar. There was dancing, singing, crafts for the children, children’s groups performing for all to enjoy, pony rides, storytelling, games, floral arranging, rosemaling demonstrations, and a limited number of food vendors. This was the perfect day to pack a picnic and celebrate our heritage! Check www.vasaparkil.com for more details about Vasa Park and upcoming events. 19 June 2011: Swedish Day at Good Templar Park was held. 21 - 26 June 2011: Swedish Days were celebrated in Geneva, Illinois. 28 July 2011: The weather conspired against us again this year for our fish boil. The decision to cancel, for the safety of everyone, was based on the combination of extreme heat and potentially strong storms being forecast. Hopefully Mother Nature will be kinder to us next year. Thank you to everyone who was prepared to help. Please consider attending the Vasa Park’s fish boil in October 2011. 25 August 2011: An Ice Cream Social was held at Bethany Lutheran Church, in Batavia, Illinois. Lodge members bid farewell to summer at this popular and time honored tradition. It was a wonderful way to usher in fall, and catch up with fellow lodge members as summer came to a close. The refreshment coordinators were Paula and Jim Stopka. 11 September 2011: The 32nd Annual Scandinavian Day Festival was celebrated at Vasa Park. This was our lodge’s major fundraiser for the year. It was also a great day to be at Vasa Park to partake in the many cultural festivities, food, and shopping that were featured. Activities included a church service, free pony rides for the kids, a living history display, and a special exhibit celebrating Scandinavian delights and Nordic Foods. Entertainment included Bjornson Male Chorus, DeKalb Footstompers, Nordic Folk Dancers, Ole and Sven, Sun City Concert Band, and Sun City Dance Band. Lodge members helped in the kitchen for a couple of hours and enjoyed the bucolic setting of Vasa Park and this wonderful event. 22 September 2011: A meeting was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Batavia, Illinois. submitted by Susan Cleveland
AUSTIN # 466 10 September 2011: Our new website was introduced at the meeting at Svithiod Hall, in Chicago, Illinois. The website address is: www.nordicchicago.com. This new website celebrates our rich history and culture, including many videos as well as links to other Scandinavian resources in America and around the world. You are encouraged to view the website and in addition to reading the Home Page, browse the menu items: About Us --- Austin Lodge # 466; Scandinavian Countries; Local
History of Chicago, Illinois; Videos; Photographs; Vasa Order Of America; Culture – Traditions; Bishop Hill, Illinois; and Upcoming Events. Austin Lodge plans to increase its membership this year and has established this website to promote and celebrate the history and culture of Scandinavia. We have also included links to historic videos and information of the individual Scandinavian countries.
LINDE # 492 4 June 2011: A meeting was held at Christ The Victor Church in New Berlin, Wisconsin. The program on the Kingdom of Crystal was presented by Past Chairman Brent Erickson, who gave some history of the area and a map where crystal is still made in Sweden today. There were several books from the area to inspect, in addition to crystal that Brent Erickson has purchased or received as gifts. Members were encouraged to bring their favorite crystal pieces, such as Kosta, Boda, and Orrefors, to admire. This was followed by a salad bar lunch, a short business meeting, and updates from the District Convention. 19 June 2011: A Scandinavian Midsommar was held at Old World Wisconsin in Eagle, Wisconsin. The event was free to the public. Beginning with the decoration of the Majstång (Midsommar pole) with greenery and flowers, and followed by the procession and dancing around the Majstång, it was a fun event with the Skansen Children’s Club and Lekspel Swedish Musicians entertaining. It was a day of wonderful fellowship, dancing and singing by various Scandinavian groups, and good food. The Dark Of The Moon Band and Lykkeringen Norwegian Dancers (adult and children) also participated. Visitors brought their own picnic baskets or enjoyed a Swedish lunch in the restaurant or both. 24 July 2011: The second annual Fly – In / Drive – In Pancake Breakfast was held at the airport in Kewanee, Illinois. No airplanes could participate because of the stormy weather, but 66 people attended. All proceeds will go to the Vasa National Archives. 27 August 2011: The annual Kräftskiva Celebration was held at the home of Liza and Rolf Ekstrand, who provided the crayfish. Attendees brought tasty dishes to share. Several lodge members from Sweden joined us for the party. 10 September 2011: The annual picnic and reunion of all Skansen members, old and young / former and current, took place at Christ The Victor Lutheran Church, in New Berlin, Wisconsin. A business meeting was held first, and the picnic and Skansen Kids reunion followed. Attendees brought delicious picnic fare to share. Two new members were initiated: Mary and Daniel Schroeder. Daniel Schroeder is the son of Alice Schroeder. Two members received their fifty years pins: Lillemor and Richard Horngren! Congratulations to our new members and our honored long – term members. Contributors Liza Ekstrand and Marge Gruel
SATELLITE # 661 1 May 2011: A meeting was held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. 25 Years Anniversary pins were awarded to Anders Bergh, Carolyn Ehrnstrom, and Audrey Engstrom. It was announced that Brett Jensen will receive a District No. 8 Scholarship at the Convention Banquet on 14 May 2011. His essay about a trip to Sweden impressed the selection committee. The program was “Fishing In Sweden” presented by Past Chairman Robert Groesbeck, and Midsummer plans were discussed. The refreshments were fish dishes, and the hostess coordinator was Britt McDermott. 18 June 2011: The Midsommar Feast was held at Cadwallader Park, Hickory Corners, Michigan. It was a potluck lunch with
7 typical Swedish dishes and berry desserts. The lodge provided beverages, plates, cups, plastic cutlery, and ice. Many members arrived early to help decorate the Majstång and set up the tables. Thank you to those who brought vines and flowers for decorating the Maypole. We danced around the Maypole, and played Kubb and other games. Sons (and Daughters) Of Norway were invited. Historically, the Friday between the 19th and the 25th of June is set aside for the big summer festival “Midsummer Feast”, vaguely descended from a pagan summer solstice festival. This feast is celebrated in the heart of the great outdoors, and in the days before Midsummer, Swedes leave towns and cities for country cottages, camping sites, and marinas. The oldest custom at Midsummer is, as in other parts of Europe, the lighting of a great bonfire, but in these latitudes the lightest night of the year was not the right time for dancing around a fire. So the bonfires were replaced by another early summer tradition: the maypole, part of the May Day celebrations on the Continent. Because of the cold northern climate, there were not enough leaves and flowers to be found on May 1st, hence the transformation of the continental maypole into a Swedish “Midsummer pole” which is dressed with leaves and flowers and is the centerpiece of all the gatherings. On the afternoon of Midsummer Eve, people gather for traditional games and ring – dancing around the maypole. Afterwards, they enjoy a traditional dinner of fresh potatoes and pickled herring of different sorts. Almost always, there is beer and schnapps to drink, and strawberries with whipped cream for dessert. The Midsummer night is believed to have magic power which influences everything growing in nature. Homes and houses are decorated in anticipation of the Midsummer celebration. Young birch trees are positioned on each side of the front door. In the evening, unmarried girls pick seven different kinds of flowers and put them under their pillow on Midsummer night. It is said that in the night the girls will dream of their future husbands. 14 August 2011: A Crayfish Party was held. 11 September 2011: A meeting was held at the Portage Senior Center, together with the Sons Of Norway. Information was given about the upcoming 50th Anniversary Dinner and planning was conducted for the Annual Fish Boil in October and Lucia events. The program was “Summer Vacation Reports” with a talk by Cliff Davidson, a joint member of our lodge and the Sons Of Norway. Cliff Davidson spoke on his recent trip to Norway. Smörgåsbord refreshments were coordinated by hostess Audrey Engstrom, and members contributed appetizers, fruit, and desserts. 24 September 2011: The 50th Anniversary of the lodge was celebrated at a gala party held at the Beacon Club, in Portage Michigan. A special dinner, featuring Signature Salmon and Prime Rib, including all the trimmings and dessert, was served. Coordinators were Judy and Ted Ruser, with help from the past chairmen. Telegrams with well wishes have been received from the Grand Lodge, District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8, Siljan – Mora – Tuna Lodge No. 134, Grand Lodge Deputy Tore Tellberg District Lodge No. 19 and Margareta Tellberg, Past Chairman Lodge Sundsvall, Sweden. We appreciated them all. submitted by David B. Runstrom Newsletter Editor
BISHOP HILL # 683 25 June 2011: The Midsommar Celebration was held at Park and Colony School. The public was invited to attend. Lisa Marie Wendel of Bishop Hill, Illinois, was the Midsommar Queen for 2011. Lisa Wendel is a 2011 graduate of Galva High School, where she participated in Cross Country, Flight Lessons, Civil Air Patrol, and Girl Scouts.
She will be attending Bowling Green State University in Ohio on an Army ROTC scholarship. (right) Lisa Marie Wendel, 2011 Midsommar Queen.
She is the daughter of Laura and Mike Wendel of Bishop Hill, Illinois. Lisa Wendel has attended many Midsommar festivals over the years in Bishop Hill, Illinois, and really enjoys the social and traditional cultural aspect. The refreshments committee included: Donna and Lloyd Anderson, Chairmen; Eva and Harold Harland, Carol and Rollie Krause, Gail and Jeff Olson, and Martha and Richard Rittenhouse. 22 July 2011: A potluck dinner was held at Courtyard Estates in
(above) JoAnne, Josh, Curt, Molly, and Russ Anderson.
Galva, Illinois. Everyone enjoyed a great meal followed by a short business meeting. A musical program was given by Russ Anderson, of Orion, Illinois, and his grandchildren. The refreshments were coordinated by Jeff Anderson. August 2011: The Crayfish Party was held. 23 September 2011: The meeting, Weiner Roast, and Pot Luck Dinner were held at the Vasa National Archives. The Program was a tour of the Vasa National Archives. The refreshment committee included Cecil Duffy and Andy Larson. submitted by Jeff Anderson
VIKING # 730 11 September 2011: Following a relaxing summer, we began the fall season with our lodge’s Annual Fish Boil, held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. In addition to the delicious fish, there were “pot luck” side dishes, such as cole slaw, sliced tomatoes, pickled cucumbers, pie, and other desserts. You couldn’t get a dinner like this anywhere for the price, not to mention the great time everyone had socializing with the other members! SWEDISH CUISINE Due to Sweden’s large north – south extent, there have always been regional differences in Swedish cuisine. Historically, in the far North, meats such as reindeer, and other (semi-) game dishes were eaten, some of which have their roots in the Sami culture, while fresh vegetables have played a larger role in the South. Many traditional dishes employ simple, contrasting flavours; such as the traditional dish of hearty meatballs and gravy with tart,
8 pungent lingonberry jam (slightly similar in taste to cranberry sauce). Swedes have traditionally been very open to foreign influences, ranging from French cuisine during the 17th and 18th centuries, to the sushi and café latte of today. On the fast food side, pizza and hot – dogs have been a ubiquitous part of Swedish culture since the 1960’s. Twenty years later, the same could be said about the growing popularity of the kebab and falafel, as many small restaurants specialize in such dishes. FISH BOIL RECIPE (MICHIGAN STYLE) 10 chunks or steaked pieces Lake Michigan Whitefish (10 ounces to 12 ounces each) 2 pounds salt 20 new waxy red potatoes 30 small onions (approximately 1 ½ - inches in diameter) ½ pound butter, melted 10 lemon wedges Fresh white bread DIRECTIONS Fill a 24 quarts kettle ¾ full of water. Place over open fire or on stove and bring to boil. Add potatoes and 1 pound of salt. When boil resumes, time for 8 minutes. Then add onions; wait until boil resumes, then time for 2 minutes. Add whitefish and remaining salt. After 14 additional minutes of boiling, dinner is ready. Broth may be ladled off prior to serving, or use a slotted spoon to retrieve food from kettle. Fish is placed on plate along with 2 potatoes and 3 onions; melted butter is then ladled over, and fish is garnished with lemon wedge. submitted by Debra LaLonde
JUBILEUM # 755 25 June 2011: We held our annual Midsommar gathering at Arbor Covenant Church. The crowd was smaller than usual, under 30 people, with several regular attenders away on trips. The weather was also cooler than the last several Midsommars, with a cloudy sky. After raising the stång and dancing, with music provided as usual by Kjell - Erik Anderson (also a member of Linde Lodge No. 492 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin), we went inside for smörgåsbord. The dessert feature was a beautifully decorated sheet cake. A local store bakery did just fine with the flags and the roses, two blue and two yellow, despite the fact that there are a lot more Norwegians than there are Swedes in our part of Wisconsin. With dessert and coffee came some reminiscing, especially from people who had experienced Midsommar in Sweden. (left) Ulla Swanson and Trudy Nordling with a wreath they decorated for our Midsommar - stång.
It passes largely unnoticed around here, but one person recounted a celebration on Gotland that drew 4,000 people to the local park. 11 September 2011: After our traditional summer break, we began a new Lodge year at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. With over 30 people attending, we’re outgrowing our room there and may have to request a larger one!
Lodge Chairman Gunnard Swanson gave an enthusiastic welcome and we sang the customary “Ja, må de leva!” for Lodge members with summer birthdays. Marshall Berg, Vice - Chairman, then gave an enthusiastic report from the District Convention, which he attended for the first time, along with veterans Lowell and Trudy Nordling. Marshall Berg was most impressed with the Nordikids’ Friday night depiction of Viking life, including the social hierarchy, a Viking wedding, construction of a longship, a trading expedition, a raid, and a funeral. We also learned the history of the reconstruction of the Gokstad longship which was built and sailed across the Atlantic for the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. Trudy Nordling showed her contribution to the Convention’s cultural theme of Swedish Holidays, a poster explaining Nammsdagar. Lowell Nordling recounted how Vice - District Master Ed Hultgren pointed out that, amidst political debate about the American business climate, “socialist” Sweden (not really; very few Swedish businesses are state - owned) was recently ranked second in the world in terms of economic competitiveness. Our program for the afternoon featured Betty Lindahl of Iron River, Michigan, speaking on the Swedish - American immigrant experience, presented a discussion of books on Swedish Immigration, as featured in the historical novels of Lillian Budd (1897-1989). I had read the more famous Vilhelm Moberg series, “The Emigrants”, but was unfamiliar with Budd’s “April Snow”, “Land of Strangers”, and “April Harvest”. (right) Betty Lindahl outlines the characters and plot of Lillian Budd’s trilogy.
Vilhelm Moberg’s emigrants Karl Oskar and Kristina work hard to preserve their Swedishness in a settlement in eastern Minnesota. In contrast Lillian Budd’s Karl Petersson and his also Swedish - born wife Elin, whom he meets in America, adapt much more quickly and deeply to American culture. Their daughter Sigrid, named for Karl Petersson’s mother, longs to return to Sweden. She is finally able to, but only after her father’s death. She meets her namesake and Morfar, and also her mother’s relatives, but despite a very warm reception and even an offer of marriage to a Swedish man, she returns to America and her new life. While Vilhelm Moberg’s Kristina never stops looking back towards the old country, Lillian Budd’s Sigrid ends up marrying a non Swede and fully embraces American life. Robert T. Merrill Historian
NORDIK FOLK # 761 17 September 2011 - 18 September 2011: The lodge participated in the Duneland Heritage Days Event at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore in Porter, Indiana. We sold crafts as well as Swedish meatballs, potatoes, lingon, and drinks at Duneland Heritage Days. Children from Nordikids No. 208 performed on both days during the event. submitted by Lynda A. Smith
9
NORTH GROVE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION Preserving An Icon Of American Education History: North Grove School, 3 miles northwest of Sycamore, was built in 1878 by the Swedish Evangelical Lutheran Church as a parochial and Sunday school. Pupils of diverse ethnic backgrounds learned their lessons in Swedish, even several years after the DeKalb County public school system purchased the school in 1880. The Sycamore unit district acquired the school in 1949, and it continued as a school until 1952, when it was closed. The North Grove community continued to lovingly maintain the building and used it as a neighborhood social center for many years. Upon the closing of North Grove School in 1952, all furnishings were removed. However many furnishings from old Sycamore schools were still in storage in the 1960’s when the Natural Resource Center in Genoa began using the site for special education programs. The school was refurbished and re-supplied using these furnishings, with additional period pieces being donated by private citizens. In 1970 North Grove School at 26745 Brickville Road was listed in the Illinois Directory of Historical Buildings. Today the school is still owned by the Sycamore School District but is leased to and lovingly cared for by the North Grove School Association, whose goal is to preserve this educational icon for future generations.
North Grove School Association: When the future of North Grove School was threatened in 1985, a group of concerned neighbors and other citizens formed the North Grove School Association. Because of their commitment, the Sycamore School District agreed to lease the school to the association. The Association continues to care for the site and provide opportunities for public use. North Grove School Association is a member of the Country School Association of America and the DeKalb County Association of Historical Societies and Museums. Email them at info@northgroveschool.org Check http://www.northgroveschool.org/index.htm for Events, Volunteer, Funding and Membership, and Home Page. North Grove School is a 501©3 nonprofit organization with Tax ID # 36 – 3679500
YOUTH CORNER District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Children's Clubs are: Vårblomman #54 - North side of Chicago, Illinois: (773) 282-9423 Förgät Mig Ej #64 - Far Northwestern suburbs of Chicago, Illinois: (847) 516-3103 Skansen #113 - Milwaukee, Wisconsin and suburban areas: (262) 782-2238 Nordikids #208 - Northwest Indiana and southern suburban Chicago, Illinois: (219) 923-8777 Pride of the Family #209 - Bishop Hill area of Illinois: (309) 375-6844 In Truth and Unity, Lynda Ann Smith District Lodge # 8 Youth Supervisor / Grand Lodge Youth Director
NORDIKIDS # 208 September 17, 2011 - September 18, 2011: The Children’s singing and dancing group performed at the Duneland Heritage Days Event at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, in Porter, Indiana. This event was the perfect venue to showcase the Scandinavian culture presented by the children singers and folk dancers. At the Bailly Homestead, a National Historic Landmark tucked away in dense woodlands, visitors learned how Native Americans and early Euro - American immigrants lived, traveled, and traded in the Duneland region. With a short hike down the trail to the restored, 1900 - era Chellberg Farm, visitors discovered the dramatic shift of land use from small farms to a more industrialized society featuring the rapid growth of transportation corridors and even early flight experiments in the dunes. The heritage journey finished at the modern Bailly / Chellberg Visitor Center, where visitors met the diverse people moving into the Duneland area, drawn by jobs in industry, tourism, and growing residential communities. These generations helped create the state park and national lakeshore and we all can help protect the natural and historic resources of our Duneland home.
VASA BRIDAL CROWN Our District has a beautiful gold bridal crown available to members and their children and grandchildren. This crown carries the tradition of Sweden where many churches provide such a crown for the use of their congregations. An application to use it must be completed, and after the wedding, we ask that the crown be returned along with a photograph or two of the bride wearing it on her wedding day. If you or someone in your family is planning a wedding, consider taking advantage of this special opportunity. Call
me
at
877–923–8777
(toll
free)
or
at
lamsmith@hotmail.com. Lynda Smith District Supervisor of Children’s / Youth Clubs
10
Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP
Upcoming Events Mark Your Calendar! Make note of these events at Vasa Park, Route # 31, South Elgin, Illinois. (847) 695 – 6720 vasaparkil@yahoo.com
Saturday, October 15, 2011: 11th Annual Fish Boil / Harvest Festival, 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Fish Boil at 2:00 pm, serving immediately. A great time is planned with music and entertainment. Reservations: please by 10 October 2011 to 847 – 695 – 6720.
Saturday, October 29, 2011: Annual Meeting to elect Officers and Class A Trustees, 10:00 am to 12:00 noon at Bethany Lutheran Church, 8 South Lincoln Avenue, Batavia, Illinois.
Saturday, November 5, 2011: End of Season Clean Up; Luncheon for Volunteers. Vasa Park, South Elgin, Illinois.
Saturday, March 3, 2012: Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP’s Annual Spring Dinner Dance and Fundraiser. Des Plaines Elks Club, Des Plaines, Illinois.
SONS OF NORWAY TORSK SUPPERS The Sons of Norway Fosselyngen Lodge # 82 invites the public to their monthly Torsk Dinners at the Norway House, 7507 West Oklahoma Avenue, West Allis, Wisconsin, from 4 pm to 7 pm. The buffet includes: Boiled Cod Fish, Norwegian Meat Balls, Boiled Potatoes, Vegetables, Pickled Beets, Cranberry Sauce, Flat Bread, Dessert, and Coffee. The cost is: $13.00 for Adults and $5.00 for Children (4 years old to 11 years old). Dinners will be held on 24 September 2011, 22 October 2011, 12 November 2011, and 3 December 2011. Call (414) 321-2637 for reservations.
THE CENTRAL SWEDISH COMMITTEE OF CHICAGO Central Swedish Committee of Chicagoland (CSCofC) Irene Strom Spejcher at 847-394-1108 Scandinavian.Pioneer@comcast.net http://centralswedishcommittee.com/ Friday, December 2 – The Swedish American Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual Lucia Luncheon at the Union League Club. More information to come on this not – to – be - missed event. You can periodically check our webpage at www.sacc-chicago.org or call our office at 312 - 863 – 8592 for additional details. Check out the website for the most up-to-date information and upcoming events.
HOSTING A DISTRICT CONVENTION Hosting a District Convention is a fun and satisfying experience for a local lodge (or group of lodges). A large number of lodge members, maybe including some you do not see often, can work together in an exciting atmosphere to plan and host a convention that is a social and inspiring event. If you want to share in the excitement of hosting (or co - hosting) a convention, here is what you need to do, after letting the District Master know the year that you want to reserve for your lodge(s) to host the District Convention: - Read the District Policies and Procedures documentation (the Section 600 Series) for hosting a convention. You will see what the convention components are; you will see how to work on each, and then put it all together. The host local lodge will receive a $ 3,000.00 grant from the District to be used as seed money toward the expenses of conducting a District Convention. - Find a golf course for the Friday golf tournament and a hotel for meetings, lodgings, and meals. - Choose menus for the hospitality room, the breakfasts, lunches, and the Saturday banquet. - Plan entertainment for Friday and Saturday nights. Consult the District Chaplain about the Sunday Memorial Service. - Have a merchandise display, have a drawing or raffle, sell advertisements in the program book, and print programs. - Prepare a trifold brochure for the District Secretary to mail to attendees with information about the convention, including the form for reserving a golf time and for choosing meal selections. - Meet the guests as they arrive and enjoy the rest of the weekend. The entire event will fly by in only about 48 hours. There are a few more details, and they can be found in the Policies and Procedures pages. To reserve your year to host a District Convention, please contact District Master Tom Cleveland at tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com, or me, Vice District Master Ed Hultgren at nodjehult@att.net. We will be happy to discuss the possibilities. As soon as your local lodge decides on the year you would like to host the District Convention, please let us know your choice. Ed Hultgren Vice District Master
11
UPCOMING EVENTS
LOCAL LODGE CONTACTS Grand Lodge Convention Siljan-Mora-Tuna # 134
4 February 1908
2014 - Hosted by District Lodge New York No. 4 Evergreen Park, Illinois
District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Annual Convention 2012
(708) 352 – 0042
Lisa Cianci
kmlmc98@comcast.net
18 – 20 May 2012 – Hosted by Viljan No. 349 Thor # 147
3 October 1908
Channahon, Illinois
(815) 458 – 0974
District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Annual Convention 2013 Sandra Fletcher
sandyfletcher2001@yahoo.com
May 2013 – Co-Hosted by Brahe No. 245 and Linde No. 492 Linné # 153
20 September 1909
Siljan-Mora-Tuna #134 South Bend, Indiana
(574) 272 - 4625
16 October 2011 – Hallowe’en Party and Soup Supper Judi Parmley
judiparm@peoplepc.com
20 November 2011 – Election of Officers for 2012 and Christmas Party Kronan # 179
6 September 1910
15 January 2012 – Regular Meeting Chicago, Illinois
(847) 677 - 5181
Kronan #179 John Nygard
jenygard@comcast.net
23 October 2011 – Hallowe’en Party, Luncheon, Election of officers for 2012 Bessemer # 203 Evergreen Park, Illinois
16 October 1911 (708) 423 – 4057
20 November 2011 – Holiday Party; Luncheon and $5.00 Grab Bag Jim Pelzman
Pelzman@aol.com
Bessemer #203 Brahe # 245
30 January 1913
16 October 2011 – 100th Anniversary Celebration Party Rockford, Illinois
(815) 601-3922
Svea #253 Scott Johnson
Anderson.Joyce@comcast.net
2 October 2011 – Faye and John Bevelhimer present their 2010 European travels Svea # 253
29 May 1913
6 November 2011 – Sarah Swanson gives a Heritage Scrapbooking program Indianapolis, Indiana
(317) 842 - 1783
16 November 2011 to 20 November 2011 – Indianapolis International Festival Faye Bevelhimer
fbevel@sbcglobal.net
4 December 2011 – Lucia Celebration (rehearsal on Saturday, 3 December 2011) Nobel # 288
Viljan # 349
19 February 1914
Moline, Illinois
(309) 797 – 6914
Linda Lootens
linloots@mchsi.com
15 October 2011 – Fish Boil at Vasa Park; food, music, and entertainment Viljan # 349
7 October 1916
Austin # 466 Batavia, Illinois
(815) 895 – 2102
8 October 2011 – Business meeting, Pancake Brunch, and Social Hour Thomas Cleveland
tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com
12 November 2011 – Business meeting, Bingo, Prizes, and Pot Luck Dinner Austin # 466
6 April 1925
10 December 2011 – Annual Christmas Party and Live Entertainment Chicago, Illinois
(773) 477 – 0875
Linde # 492 Robert Oberg
1 October 2011 – Scandinavian Fest at Ronald Reagan Elementary School Linde # 492
6 June 1927
Satellite #661 New Berlin, Wisconsin Liza Ekstrand
(262) 782 – 2238 Lekstrand@wi.rr.com
2 October 2011 – Annual Fish Boil; Nominating Committee Report Joe Harbor # 534
27 April 1929
6 November 2011 – Genealogy with Roger Drong; Open Faced Sandwiches Saint Joseph, Michigan
(269) 926 – 6303
10 December 2011 – Luciafest Pageant and Christmas Celebration Eleanor Anderson
pianoladyijg@yahoo.com
Bishop Hill #683 Satellite # 661
22 April 1961
28 October 2011 – Hallowe’en Gotcha; Program: Trip To Egypt by Vickie Massey Kalamazoo, Michigan
(269) 623 - 3756
18 November 2011 – Bee Keeping by Martin Gutzmer; Election of officers for 2012 Carol Olson
olsoncarol1212@yahoo.com
2 December 2011 – Christmas Party and Smörgåsbord; Lucia Program Bishop Hill # 683
25 March 1968
Viking #730 Bishop Hill, Illinois
(309) 932-2068
Jeff Anderson
rj3640@frontier.com
Hagar # 721
12 November 1977
9 October 2011 – Regular Meeting 13 November 2011 – Regular Meeting
Mount Prospect, Illinois
(847) 297-4645
3 December 2011 – Business Meeting Keith Emrikson
kemrikson@comcast.net
10 December 2011 – Lucia Dinner Viking # 730
15 May 1981
Jubileum #755 Flint, Michigan
(810) 639 – 6705
9 October 2011 – Leland Solie presents Norwegian Wood Carving Eric Swanson
ceswan@centurytel.net
13 November 2011 – Greg Athnos discusses the Influence of Edvard Grieg’s Music Lindgren # 754
14 October 1995
11 December 2011 – Lucia Fest / Smörgåsbord, Good Shepherd Lutheran Church Green Bay, Wisconsin
(920) 662 – 1088
Ray Suennen
8 January 2012 – Story Hour 12 February 2012 – Carol Bender presents Swedish Folk Art Jubileum # 755 Madison, Wisconsin
17 November 1996 (608) 835 – 5152
8 March 2012 – Pea Soup and Pancakes Dinner at Arbor Covenant Church Gunnard Swanson
gunnardswanson@gmail.com
Nordik Folk # 761
29 January 2006
15 April 2012 – Ed Hultgren presents the Nordic Arctic and also Beppe Wolgers 12 May 2012 – Wesley Hanson: Civil War Music and Authentic Instruments Munster, Indiana
(219) 322-5190
Steven Westlund
plncrazy@sbcglobal.net
23 June 2012 – Midsommar Celebration at Arbor Covenant Church The list includes a name, location, telephone number, and/or e-mail address for each of the 19 local lodges in District #8. Please send contact information to Joella Hultgren (editor) at: nodehult@juno.com or nodjehult@att.net; (317) 733 – 3493; or 13650 Amblewind Place, Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227.
12 District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Vasa Order Of America VALTHORNET Joella Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 - 8227
NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 5677
SUMMER CELEBRATIONS in 2011 (left) As part of the Midsommar activities for Svea No. 253, Indianapolis, Indiana, the youngsters took turns at hitting the piñata in the shape of a Majstång. The colorful piñata was created by Michelle and Josh Escalante, and was filled with sweets and treats for the children. Liza and Rolf Ekstrand, Linde No. 492, hosted their 9th Annual Kräftskiva – Crayfish Party in New Berlin, Wisconsin. VALTHORNET is the official publication of the District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8, Vasa Order of America, and is published in Indianapolis, Indiana. The VALTHORNET is published quarterly in the months of January, April, July, and October. All news items, photographs, and regular articles should reach the editor by the 15th day of the month before the month of publication, i.e. 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December. All address changes should be sent to: Gail Olson, Vice Grand Secretary, 654 Western Highway, Blauvelt, New York 10913; Email: circulationvasastar@gmail.com.