VALTHORNET DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8
January 2014
GOTT NYTT ÅR 2014! District Master’s Message: To all District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Members,
Genie-ology --- Genealogy --- Gee-nealogy: There is something magical about genealogy, and it has a whiz - bang aspect to it as well. About thirty years ago and earlier, research of one’s heritage required writing letters to archive offices and genealogists and waiting long amounts of time for answers. The occasional visit to Europe also provided a rewarding look at original records and a chance to meander the lands and cities of ancestors. Now, one can view Swedish Church records, and others, just using internet access. We have so many volunteers and companies to thank for giving us this opportunity. It is also amazing to find and to be found via the internet by third, fourth, and other cousins in the US and elsewhere who are willing to collaborate to add to the family trees. Perhaps our Vasa Order can become a major helper to our members who have an interest in genealogy. Genealogy support could become a reason for members to stay involved and a way to attract new members. District Auditor Herb Smith, of Nordik Folk Lodge # 761 in Northwest Indiana, has conducted genealogy studies and is willing to answer email enquiries from people looking for sources of genealogy information. A list of sources he has compiled is located on page # 16 of this issue. If you have ideas how we can further genealogical and historical research, please pass them to one of us. Conventions: Next year’s District Convention will be hosted by Siljan – Mora - Tuna # 134 in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Satellite # 661 will host 2015’s Convention in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Viking # 730 of Flint, Michigan, will host 2016’s. If you wish to offer a proposal to be discussed at the 2014 Convention, please forward it to District Secretary Nancy Hult by January 31, 2014. This will enable the District Executive Board to review the proposal at our February Board meeting. The proposal will be included in the mailing to attendees of the Convention. Vikings: Recall that the District has DVD copies of a Viking history series that may be borrowed by local lodges. Please call or email District Cultural Leader Tim Ogrentz for information. Joella and I and Sue and Tom Cleveland experienced the Viking era at a now - annual Viking Dinner held by Nordik Folk Lodge # 761. Quite a number of Viking - age coins were displayed, owned by VDM Mike Pearson, Sr. He and others also exhibited reproductions of Viking articles. I sanning och enighet; enighet ger styrka, Ed Hultgren District Master District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8