Valthornet 2014 january

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

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DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBERS and OFFICERS 2013 - 2014 District Master: Edward L. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@gmail.com

Executive Board Member: Paula Stopka 115 Crissey Avenue Geneva, Illinois 60134 (630) 208 - 9850 Email: plundberg1066@aol.com

Inner Guard: James Pelzman 9413 South Homan Avenue Evergreen Park, Illinois 60805 (708) 423 – 4057 Email: pelzman@aol.com

Vice District Master: Michael Pearson, Sr. 7309 New Hampshire Place Hammond, Indiana 46323 – 2937 (219) 588 – 4752 Email: mikepearson@nordikfolk.com

Supervisor Of Children’s / Youth Clubs: Lynda Smith 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: lamsmith@hotmail.com

Outer Guard: John S. Loula 5400 Walnut Place Unit # 715 Downers Grove, Illinois 60515 (630) 852 – 9853 Email: jay0215@comcast.net

District Cultural Leader: Timothy Ogrentz 12849 South Manistee Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60633 (773) 680 – 6556 Email: timothy.ogrentz@gmail.com

Auditor: Herb Smith – 3 years 1502 Azalea Drive Munster, Indiana 46321 – 3812 (219) 923 – 8777 Email: hwsmith3@hotmail.com

District Secretary: Nancy Hult 14951 South Kenton Avenue Midlothian, Illinois 60445 (708) 687 – 8943 Email: stenanhult@ameritech.net Email: fruhult93@hotmail.com Assistant District Secretary: Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227 (317) 733 – 3493 Email: nodjehult@gmail.com District Treasurer: Susan Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102; Cell: (815) 546 - 1097 Email: mrandmrsc92@comcast.net

Past District Master: Tom Cleveland 1117 Foxpointe Drive Sycamore, Illinois 60178 (815) 895 – 2102 Cell: (815) 739 - 3100 Email: tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com District Chaplain: Inez Törnblom 1301 Providence Circle Elgin, Illinois 60120 - 5076 (847) 361 - 9890 Email: ineztornblom@yahoo.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: Gunnard Swanson 908 Harding Street Oregon, Wisconsin 53575 - 2856 (608) 835 - 5152 Email: gunnardswanson@gmail.com

Executive Board Member: Gene M. Kiesel 1426 Kennebec Road Grand Blanc, Michigan 48439 (810) 695 – 2563 Email: dgkiesel1@att.net

District Historian: Iva Lynn * 6035 Riva Ridge Drive Indianapolis, Indiana 46237 - 5001 (317) 714 - 9986 Email: ivalynn30@aol.com; lraylynn@aol.com

Auditor: David Runstrom – 2 years 6716 Tall Oaks Drive Unit # 1A Kalamazoo, Michigan 49009 (269) 375 - 7165 Email: Drunstrom@idexcorp.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@gmail.com Grand Lodge Deputy: (Vacant)

* Appointed by the District Master

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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.

DEADLINES: All news items, photographs, and articles should reach the Editor Joella Hultgren (see above for contact information) by the 15th day of the month before the month of publication, i.e. 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December.

ADDRESS CHANGES should be sent to: Joan Graham, Grand Secretary, 5838 San Jose Avenue, Richmond, California 94804; Email: circulationvasastar@gmail.com or vasajlg@aol.com.

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 circulation list of members from your lodge who receive the VALTHORNET and the VASA STAR by contacting Joan Graham, Grand Secretary, 5838 San Jose Avenue, Richmond, California 94804; e-mail: circulationvasastar@gmail.com or vasajlg@aol.com. Grand Secretary Joan Graham will update your mailing list with your help. Please keep the list current and correct.

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Advertisements in the quarterly Valthornet are being accepted.

The fees for each issue are: $ 35.00 for a 1/6 page ad (1/3 of one full column), $ 50.00 for a 1/4 page ad (1/2 of one full column), and $ 200.00 for a full page ad.

If you would like to purchase an advertisement, send a check written to "District Lodge Lake Michigan # 8", and mail it to: Joella Hultgren, Valthornet Editor, 13650 Amblewind Place, Carmel, Indiana 46074 - 8227.

DEADLINES for Valthornet advertisements are: March 1 for the April issue, June 1 for the July issue, September 1 for the October issue, and December 1 for the January issue.

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CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

CHAPLAIN’S CORNER

Karin Månsdotter, föräldralös piga som blev drottning

Karin Månsdotter, Orphan Girl Who Became Queen

Gustav Vasa var en god och kraftfull kung. Men när han dog år 1560, började hans tre inkompetenta söner en konkurrens om kronan med våldsam grymhet mot varandra och deras familjer. Erik, äldste sonen, ärvde kronan. Erik´s hustru, Karin, var en flicka av ödmjuk härkomst, som blev drottning (vilket inte hände igen tills vår nuvarande drottning, Silvia) och hade anknytning till Mariefred, den vackra lilla staden vid Mälaren där båda mina föräldrar föddes.

Jag minns många besök i Mariefred i min barndom. I det ståtliga Gripsholm slott såg vi högst upp i Fängelsetornet Kung Erik XIV´s lilla runda cell och på hyllan nedanför ett av de små,små fönstren, två hål i tegelstenen, nötta av Eriks armbågar, där han sägs ha stått under oräkneliga timmar i hopp om att se en skymt av Karin vinka åt honom från gården Finnsta tvärsöver fjärden, där hon var i husarrest. Erik och hans mycket älskade Karin var inlåsta enligt order från Johan, kungens bror.

Karin Månsdotter föddes 1550. Hennes far, Måns, var fångvakt på kungliga slottet i Stockholm. Mamma Ingrid sålde nötter på torget i Gamla Stan. Båda föräldrarna dog innan Karin fyllde tio. Unge kung Erik var stilig, begåvad i matematik, musik, språk och idrott. Medan hans diplomater besökte kungliga hov runtom i Europa sökande en passande prinsessa som Eriks hustru, roade sig Erik med många vackra damer och fick barn med flera av dem.

Karin måste ha varit en mycket vacker, stark och märklig ung kvinna. Vid fjorton år arbetade hon som servitris på en krog nära slottet. Så snart Kung Erik lade märke till Karin, kallade han hem diplomaterna, sade adjö till sina älskarinnor och bjöd Karin att komma och bo hos honom på slottet. Flickans person och fysiska närvaro hade en positiv effekt på honom. Senare, när han så småningom sjönk ner i vansinne, var hon den enda som hade lugnande inflytande över honom. Därför mottog de andra damerna vid hovet, i synnerhet änkedrottningen, Eriks styvmor, redan från början Karin Månsdotter med vänlighet. De såg att hon var bra för honom.

Karin var femton år när hon blev med barn, och deras första, en flicka, föddes i oktober 1566. Barnet behandlades som kunglighet. År 1567 gifte sig Erik med den sextonåriga Karin. Nu är hon Sveriges drottning. Hon reser med honom i kriget i södra Sverige medan hon väntar deras andra barn. Detta blir en pojke, Gustav, och nu finns en laglig kronprins. Erik oroade sig mycket.

Han hade spioner överallt - vid hans bröders hov, i arme´n och bland de adliga familjerna. Erik och hans familj blev inlåsta av bröderna i hans gemak på Stockholms slott, dessa rum som för exakt åtta år sedan på Gustav Vasas dödsdag, hade varit fyllda med silver och guld. Nu var de totalt tomma.

Nu följer nio långa år i fängelser, först i Stockholm, sedan i Åbo, Finland, efter detta på Kastelholm på Åland, sedan Gripsholm, Västerås och vid slutet på Örbyhus i Uppland. Under de första åren hade kung Erik sin familj med sig, men efter några fritagningsförsök, och efter parets andra son föddes 1579, togs hans familj ifrån honom, för faran att fler arvingar skulle födas. Erik XIV blir tvingad att abdikera. Hans bror, Johan III, är nu kung. I svensk folklitteratur finns det visor och sagor om hur Erik längtar efter sin hustru och hans sinne blir svagare. När kronprins Gustav fyllde sju år, tog Johan III honom från Karin och han växte upp i Polen. År 1577 fick Karin nyheten att Erik hade dött i sitt fängelserum på Örbyhus slott. Han hade givits giftig ärtsoppa av Kung Johan. Ännu en gång förändrades livet för den nu bara tjugosex år gamla änkan och avsatta drottningen. Hon fick en jordegendom i södra Finland. Hon skötte sin gård väl och den gav goda inkomster. Dottern gjorde ett gott äktenskap och stod i nära kontakt med sin mor. Man lät Karin besöka sin son två gånger under hans uppväxt i Polen. Hon försökte många gånger ta hem honom, men Johan III och den tredje brodern, som blev Karl IX, förbjöd honom att komma till Sverige eller Finland. Efter en tjugo års separation, fick han se sin mor i Lettland och han fick sin fars dagböcker. Mor och son träffades aldrig mer. År 1599 blev Gustav inbjuden till Ryssland, där Tsar Boris ville utnyttja hans svenska tronanspråk, men Gustav vägrade förråda Sverige. Han dog trettionio år gammal i fattigdom på den ryska landsbygden.

Karin Månsdotter levde ut sitt liv på sin Liuksiala egendom. Hon umgicks med de adliga familjerna i södra Finland och hon togs emot med värme och respekt överallt. Den 13 september 1612 avled hon lugnt och stilla på sin gård.

Hennes dotter med man var med henne i dödsögonblicket. Hon blev sextiotvå år gammal. Hon är begravd i Åbo domkyrka.

Inez Törnblom, Viljan No. 349 Distrikskaplan

Gustav Vasa was a good and strong king. But when he died in 1560, his three inept sons started a rivalry for the crown with ferocious cruelty against each other and their families. Erik, the eldest son, inherited the crown. Erik’s wife, Karin, was a girl of humble birth who became queen (which did not happen again until our present queen, Silvia) and had a connection with Mariefred, the beautiful little town by Lake Mälar, where both my parents were born. I remember many visits to Mariefred in my childhood. In the imposing Gripsholm castle, we saw in the top of the Prison Tower, King Erik XIV´s small round cell and in the ledge below one of the tiny windows, two holes worn in the bricks, worn by Erik's elbows where he reportedly had stood countless hours hoping to catch a glimpse of Karin waving to him from the farm Finnsta across the bay where she was under house arrest. Erik and his much beloved Karin were kept locked up on orders of Johan, the king's brother.

Karin Månsdotter was born in 1550. Her father Måns was a prison guard at the royal castle in Stockholm. Her mother sold nuts in the market place of Gamla Stan.

Both parents died before Karin turned ten. Young King Erik was handsome, gifted at mathematics, music, languages, and athletics. While his diplomats visited royal Courts around Europe trying to find him a suitable princess to marry, Erik amused himself with many beautiful ladies and had children with several of them.

Karin must have been a very beautiful, strong and remarkable young woman. At 14, she was working as a waitress at a tavern close to the castle. Once King Erik noticed Karin, he called off his traveling diplomats, said goodbye to his mistresses and had Karin come live with him in the castle. The girl's ways and physical closeness had a positive effect on him. Later, when he gradually descended into madness, she was the only one who had a calming influence on him. Therefore, the other ladies at Court, especially the queen dowager, Erik’s stepmother, right from the beginning received Karin Månsdotter with kindness. They saw that she simply was good for him.

Karin was fifteen when she became with child, and their first, a girl, was born in October 1566. The girl was treated as a child of royal birth. In 1567 Erik marries the sixteen - year - old Karin. Now she is queen of Sweden. She travels with him in the war in Southern Sweden while she is pregnant with their second child. This is a boy, Gustav, and now there is a legitimate heir to the throne. Erik was much troubled. He had spies everywhere --- at the Courts of his brothers, in the army and with the noble families. Erik and his family were locked up in his suite at Stockholm castle, these rooms which had exactly eight years ago, on the death day of Gustav Vasa, been filled with silver and gold. Now they were completely empty.

Now follow nine long years in prisons, first in Stockholm, then in Åbo, Finland, after that in Kastelholm in Åland, then Gripsholm, Västerås and at the end Örbyhus in Uppland. During the first years, he had his family with him, but after some attempts to free him were revealed, and after the couple’s second son was born in 1579, the family was taken from him, for fear that more heirs would be born. Erik is forced to give up his crown. His brother, Johan III, is now king. In Swedish folklore there are songs and stories about Erik's longing for his wife and his mind growing weaker. When crown prince Gustav turned seven, Johan III took him away to live in Poland. In 1577 Karin received the news that Erik had died in his prison room at Örbyhus Castle. He had been given poisoned pea soup by King Johan.

Once again life changes for the now twenty - six - year - old widow and deposed queen. She is given a substantial farm in Southern Finland, which she manages with skill and she has a good income from it. The daughter married well and was in close contact with her mother. Karin was allowed to meet with her son two times during his growing years in Poland. She tried many times to bring him home, but Johan III and the third brother, who became Karl IX, did not allow him to enter Sweden or Finland. After twenty years separation, he was allowed to see his mother in Latvia and he receives his father’s diaries. In the year 1599 Gustav was invited to Russia where Tsar Boris wanted to exploit his claim to the Swedish throne, but Gustav refused to betray Sweden. He died at thirty - nine in poverty in the Russian countryside.

Karin Månsdotter lived out her life at her Liuksiala estate. She had a circle of acquaintances of the noble families in Southern Finland and she was received with warmth and respect everywhere. She died peacefully 13 September 1612 at her farm. Her daughter with husband was with her at the time of death. She reached the age of sixty - two. She is buried in Åbo cathedral.

Inez Törnblom, Viljan No. 349 District Chaplain

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KULTUR HÖRN / CULTURE CORNER A Brief History of the Gingerbread Traditions Happy Holiday Season to everyone!

I want to open this article by sharing a little Swedish custom we teach the Nordikids of our local lodge’s children’s’ club. We tell the kids “put a pepparkaka in the palm of your hand, make a wish, and tap the cookie in the middle with a finger…..if the cookie breaks into three pieces, your wish will come true…..if it doesn’t…..well…..you still get to eat the cookie!”

I’m not sure everyone uses them to make wishes, but it’s true that Pepparkakor are ubiquitous throughout our Swedish culture during the holiday season…..but did you know that they were originally brought to Sweden in the 13th century by German immigrants? At that time it was known as Pfefferkuchen (literally pepper - bread). It was medicinal as well as nutritious back in the old days. Historical records from the 1400’s show Swedish nuns baking gingerbread to ease indigestion and it was also the custom to bake white biscuits, paint them, and hang them as window decorations.

Pepparkakor have changed much over the years and have evolved into the staple of Swedish coffee gatherings and celebrations and are the “must have” baked good of the season. I just had a few with my coffee this morning, in fact, as I’m sure many of you have done all season. Along with eating them with coffee, the tradition of using cookies as window decorations continues in our house, too. Unlike the thin traditional version, we make home - made pepparkakor window decorations which are a little thicker and which we decorate with frosting and candy, just like they do in Sweden.

Making Pepparkakor is one thing, but baking and building a pepparkakshus (gingerbread house) is quite another. We make ours with the same dough, but when moving from cookie to house, baking this holiday treat takes on a whole new level of culinary creativity. My wife’s farfar was a bricklayer so, when constructing the house, my wife does most of the mortar work with the frosting ;-)…..

As you may know, the gingerbread house was popular in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published “Hansel and Gretel” but pepparkakshus have been a relative recent addition to the Swedish holiday tradition. There is also an even more recent concept that is beginning to spread in Sweden: the after - holiday demolishing of the gingerbread house. Instead of merely chomping away at the gingerbread itself during the Christmas season, children pound the house to bits and then consume all the delectable edibles upon and within the shattered dwelling.

To some extent, this correlates to another non – gingerbread - related Swedish Christmas tradition for youngsters that entails removing and consuming bits of candy and cookies that have been fastened as decorations to the Christmas tree.

This tradition is called "Tree Plundering" (Julgransplundring) which we also do with the Nordikids.

This simultaneously accomplishes the tasks of removing the other ornaments, lights, and other decorations - usually done by adults - while children strip the tree of goodies. It also avoids any remorse that might arise in children's thoughts

about the end of Christmas and the disposal of the now dried Christmas tree.

So that’s a brief history of an important part of our Swedish holiday tradition and I’ll close with this recipe for pepparkakor taken from “Swedish Recipes Old and New”, page 123: You’ll need….. ½ cup dark corn syrup, ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar, ½ cup white sugar, ½ cup butter or margarine, 1 egg, 1 egg yolk, 2 Tablespoons sour cream, 2 ½ cups sifted all - purpose flour, 2 teaspoons cinnamon, 1 teaspoon ginger, ½ teaspoon cloves, 1 teaspoon double action baking powder, ½ teaspoon soda, and ¼ cup slivered blanched almonds.

Steps…..

Heat syrup until it begins to boil. Add brown sugar, white sugar, and butter and stir until butter is melted. Cool. Beat in egg, egg yolk, and sour cream.

Sift together flour, spices, baking powder and soda. Stir into first mixture.

Cover bowl tightly and chill several hours or overnight.

Roll out a portion of the dough at a time on lightly floured pastry cloth. Roll out thin. Cut out with floured cookie cutter.

Decorate with a piece of almond.

Bake in a moderately hot oven (400° Fahrenheit) 5 to 7 minutes.

Yields…..about 10 dozen.

God Jul och gott nytt år!

Tim Ogrentz, District Cultural Leader culture@thevasaorder.com References: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gingerbread, http://ecosalon.com/swedish-pepparkakor-gingerbreadcookies-advent-464/, http://www.xoxosweden.com/blogs/community/traditions/35

Visit http://www.thevasaorder.com/culture.html for information on your FREE Kubb set.

Visit http://www.thevasaorder.com/culture.html for information on culture, language, and upcoming events in the NEW District 8 Culture Blog.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR I had fun reading Tim Ogrentz´s story about his son´s sudden passion for Swedish words. I know what you mean, Tim. I had been talking Swedish with my granddaughter Anna - Lisa pretty much from the day she was born, but it was not until VASA sent her to Sjölunden that she decided the Swedish language was the coolest thing on Earth.

And her enthusiasm continues.

Now Tim is wondering why the Swedish word "gift" means both "married" and "poison" in English. My Swedish students and I have chuckled about that, but none of us had an explanation for it. After some research, however, we came up with one.

Both words have to do with the verb "gifwa" (old spelling) meaning "to give". A father might say to his future son - in – law, "Jag gifter dig min dotter", "I give you my daughter". Therefore, "Hon är gift", “She is married“.

In the poison sense, "någon gifwer någon något att äta", someone gives another something to consume, often an antidote or a medicinal concoction, "ett gift", a poison.

Our English word "a gift" meaning "a present" of course also comes from the verb "gifwa", in Swedish "en gåva".

I sanning och enighet, Inez Törnblom, Viljan # 349

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NEWS FROM LOCAL LODGES SILJAN – MORA - TUNA # 134 Evergreen Park, Illinois 20 October 2013: A meeting was held at United By Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Evergreen Park, Illinois. The special event was a Hallowe’en Party and Soup Supper.

1 December 2013: The Christmas meeting was held at United By Faith Evangelical Lutheran Church in Evergreen Park, Illinois. The Election of Officers for 2014 was held, and the Christmas Party was enjoyed.

SAVE THIS DATE --- THE 2014 DISTRICT LODGE LAKE MICHIGAN # 8 CONVENTION WILL BE HELD ON MAY 30, 31, AND JUNE 1, 2014. The convention will be hosted by Siljan – Mora – Tuna # 134.

LINNÉ # 153 South Bend, Indiana 6 October 2013: At this meeting, Don Johannson gave a presentation on Norwegian Wood Carving. He does exceptional work.

was held. In honor of our 103rd anniversary, long - time member Joan Asplund gave a brief history of where the lodge had met in the past (Verdandi Hall then Haglund Hall, to present day Svithiod Hall). A letter was received from the District Cultural Leader Tim Ogrentz letting us know that the District now owns two copies of the Viking Lecture Series for all lodges to utilize; a motion was made and seconded to put our lodge's name on the waiting list to receive it and to inquire further about it. The day ended with a few rounds of Bunco, and prizes were given to all those who played.

27 October 2013: The Hallowe’en Party, luncheon, and meeting were held at the Svithiod Hall in Chicago, Illinois. The hall was festively decorated with Hallowe’en décor with many illuminated pumpkins and plenty of orange colors. Members were treated to a hotdog lunch with chips, cole slaw, and potato salad, with pumpkin pie and Halloween candy for dessert. A new member application was received from Margot Ward, and her application was gladly accepted. The sick committee reported that Betty Wahl and Bob Anderson are doing well. It was decided to make two Holiday Ornament donations to benefit the Bishop Hill Archives in memory of long term Kronan members Ruth Helgeson and Dorothy Chapman, both who died in 2011. The election of officers for the 2014 year was held. All officers are gladly keeping their positions with the addition of Joan Asplund joining Judy Stuyvesant as co Cultural Leader, Lydia Sanderson joining Louis Nygard as co Program Activity Director, and Tom Smith taking over as Inner Guard. Louise Nygard shared the proposed 2014 calendar, with many great activities and meals planned for next year. Members will be receiving a copy of their program in the mail by the end of the year.

(above) Don Johannson with some of his wood carvings. (right) decorative wood carving.

3 November 2013: Our guest speaker was Matt Baumgardner who gave a talk on Swede Axel Oxenstierna.

Matt Baumgardner’s presentations are always most interesting.

7 December 2013: The Christmas Dinner will be at TGI Friday's in Mishawaka, Indiana. Hope to see you then. submitted by Lorraine Cooper

KRONAN # 179 Chicago, Illinois 22 September 2013: We celebrated our 103rd anniversary.

Members were treated to a catered lunch from Brown's Chicken, consisting of chicken, mashed potatoes, cole slaw, and salad, with coffee cakes and fudge for dessert. The charter was draped for the passing of member Roy Westergren who passed away in June.

Secretary Audrey Fields read his obituary and a moment of silence

Halloween Costume Contest: (Front) Bernice Baake and Dan Szymanski; (Back) John Nygard, Arnie Lidquist, Louise Nygard, Audrey Fields, Joan Asplund, and Kim Bojarski.

The day concluded with a costume contest. Arnie Lidquist came as a scary Minnesota Viking, Kim Bojarski came as a cat, Joan Asplund came as a cowgirl, Louise Nygard came as a tourist, John Nygard came as a scary cowboy, Audrey Fields came as a panda, Dan Szymanski came as The Joker, and Bernice Baake came in her shower cap. There were prizes for costumes.

24 November 2013: Our Holiday Party, luncheon, and meeting took place at the Svithiod Hall in Chicago, Illinois. This had a holiday theme: Thanksgiving, Saint Lucia Fest, and Christmas Celebration. Christmas decorations adorned the hall including

6 many Santas and Snowmen. Members were treated to a catered holiday dinner of baked ham, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, vegetables, rolls, and salad. Dessert included a fruit cake and a delicious home - made rice pudding from Margot Ward. A beautiful Lucia program was presented to members.

report, taxes, and expenses. As usual, refreshments were provided

by Tess Anderson, who helps the club membership in many ways.

(above) Scott Johnson, Chairman; Tess Anderson, Acting Recording Secretary; and Charlotte Tollin, Financial Secretary / Treasurer Lucia and her court: Joan Asplund, Kim Bojarski, Audrey Fields

Kim Bojarski served as Lucia while Joan Asplund and Audrey Fields served as her court. Lucia and her court were helped out vocally by the choir of Louise Nygard, Betty Ferina, and Margot Ward. Judy Stuyvesant read the legend of Saint Lucia, then the ladies entered singing Sankta Lucia. Kim Bojarski read the Lucia Poem, followed by Lucia, her court, and the choir singing “Nu Tändas Tusen Juleljus”, and “Stilla Natt / Silent Night”, half in Swedish, and half in English. The program concluded with the members being served Lucia Buns and coffee. There was a $ 5.00 Grab Bag. Members all formed a circle with their grab bag presents and Louise Nygard read 'The Night Before Christmas'.

Each time 'THE' was read members were to pass the gift to the left.

When the story ended whichever present was in members lap was their grab bag gift to take home. The day concluded with Chuck Steneck, son of Marion Steneck, playing a few songs on the accordion. submitted by Kim Bojarski Historian / Reporter / Webmaster

BESSEMER # 203 Oak Lawn, Illinois 12 October 2013: The lodge met for a regular meeting.

Remember, the meeting place has changed to our new location, Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. The meetings begin at 11:00 am, unless otherwise stated. Following the meetings we will be served lunch and will have an activity.

2 November 2013: Our Harvest Fest Meeting was held at Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois.

14 December 2013: Our Julfest and Christmas Party celebration was held at Trinity Evangelical Covenant Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. There was plentiful food and fun, crafts for the children, dancing around the Christmas Tree, and the special guest --Jultomte! who had a gift for each child. Susan Nilsson, Jim Pelzman, Pat Pelzman, Barbara Olson, and Britt Nilsson were on the planning committee for the Christmas Party. This event was a great time for the whole family. contributed by PDM Christine Kilstrom

BRAHE # 245

27 October 2013: Our lodge met on a sunny but cool fall afternoon, in our beautiful VASA Park in Rockford, Illinois.

Highlight of our business meeting was Cultural Leader Betty Rottman’s special presentation recognizing the late author Astrid Lindgren, famous for the Pippi Longstocking books. (right) Betty Rottman displayed Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking book.

Betty Rottman’s mother’s father was related to author Astrid Lindgren! During the remainder of our business meeting, various members volunteered to be in charge of refreshments for our planned 2014 meetings. Lastly, refreshments were served.

8 December 2013: Thirteen hardy Lodge members attended our meeting in our VASA Park Lodge in Rockford, Illinois, during a pre - winter mini snow blizzard here in northern Illinois! The main business of our meeting was to elect our officers for 2014!

(left to right): Betty Rottman, Cultural Leader; Will Rottman, Trustee; Donald Erickson, Chaplain; Charlotte Tollin, Treasurer / Financial Secretary; Tess Anderson, Acting Recording Secretary; Gary Johnson, Vice Chairman; and David Tollin, Vice Chairman Park Board.

Rockford, Illinois 26 September 2013: Eighteen members of our Lodge attended our meeting in our beautiful VASA Park in Rockford, Illinois. Our business meeting covered many topics including a treasurer’s

Afterwards, we enjoyed a delicious smörgåsbord supplied by the members. A planned bingo game was postponed until a clement weather day! submitted by Dennis G. Eksten

7

SVEA # 253

Royalty Update”, including the latest news and photographs of the royal baby Estelle and the newly married Princess Madeleine and Christopher O’Neill.

Indianapolis, Indiana 6 October 2013: A new member joined at this meeting at the Latvian Community Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Dennis Grasso was initiated by the initiating team of Master Of Ceremonies Dennis Danielson, Vice Chairman Ulla Williams, Past Chairman Edward Hultgren, Chairman Jean Tygum, and Chaplain Carol Atherton – Clarkson.

(above) Dennis Danielson, Ulla Williams, Edward Hultgren, Dennis Grasso, Jean Tygum, and Carol Atherton – Clarkson.

The Nominating Committee of Donna Bergstrom, Patricia Hoffmann, and Charlotte Swenson presented the slate of Officers for 2014: Past Chairman, John Bevelhimer; Chairman, Jean Tygum; Vice Chairman, Ulla Williams; Treasurer, Marvin Anderson; Recording Secretary, Janet Jegen; Assistant Recording Secretary, Brenda Miller; Financial Secretary, Douglas Krantz; Chaplain, Carol Atherton – Clarkson; Master Of Ceremonies, Dennis Danielson; Inner Guard, Faye Bevelhimer; Cultural Leader, Carin Young; Assistant Cultural Leader, Jay Hook; Technical Assistant To Cultural Leader, Amy Johnson; Historian, Jenne Swain; Hospitality / Refreshments Committee, Jean Bang and Ulla Williams; Trustees: David Duff – 2014; Charlotte Swenson – 2015; and Jeff Peterson – 2016; and Auditors: Scott Clarkson – 2014; Ken Allen – 2015; and Patricia Hoffmann – 2016. Judy Spencer brought julkarva (juleneks - wheat and oat sheaves) to sell at the meeting. These decorative and useful Christmas sheaves (food for birds and animals in the winter) are harvested from their own farm in Waveland, Indiana, and make lovely gifts for friends, family and neighbors.

(above) LaVonne Heighway (seated); Viola Abbott, Cindy Gast, David Duff, Jean Bang, Dennis Danielson, Edward Hultgren, Marvin Anderson, John Gundersen, Jerry Alfredson, Charlotte Swenson, and Jean Tygum.

The Svenska Klass honored LaVonne Heighway for her many years of service and hospitality leading the Swedish Class at her home on Tuesday evenings. District Master Edward Hultgren, assisted by the other class members Jerry Alfredson, Marvin Anderson, Jean Bang, Faye Bevelhimer, Dennis Danielson, David Duff, Cindy Gast, John Gundersen, Charlotte Swenson, Jean Tygum, and Viola Abbott, presented LaVonne Heighway with a framed proclamation, a gift card from the lodge, a bouquet of blue and yellow flowers, a signed card from the class members, and several personal gifts from students. Carin Young presented the elegant program “Swedish

(left) Carin Young gave a Swedish Royalty Update.

Annette Johansson added comments about the royal wedding.

Ulla Williams thanked the refreshment hosts and hostesses: Jean Bang, Faye and John Bevelhimer, Carol Atherton – Clarkson, Katherine Gagné, Charlotte Swenson, and Carin Young.

22 October 2013: The Fourth Tuesday Luncheon group met at Hellas Greek Café in Indianapolis, Indiana, for delicious Greek cuisine. One of the missions of the group is to enjoy the exciting dining experiences at numerous nationality restaurants around the city. Tack Så Mycket to Faye and John Bevelhimer for coordinating this monthly activity.

27 October 2013: A free concert of Swedish and Norwegian music was given by “Duo Scandinavica” at Saint Timothy’s Episcopal Church in Indianapolis, Indiana. The hour long concert featured Jim Nelson and Lori Ann Reinhall, who have performed in Gamla Stan and Stockholm, Sweden, and many other national and international venues. JIM NELSON lives in Greenwood, Indiana, speaks both Swedish and Norwegian, has his Ph. D. from the University of Washington (Seattle, Washington), and he is going to give our lodge a program in mid 2014! He is a member of Sons of Norway and we have been trying for some time to entice him and his lovely wife, Irene, to come to a Vasa meeting. Jim Nelson is a super talented musician! LORI ANN REINHALL is Swedish – American; she and Jim Nelson performed Swedish and Norwegian folk music together when they were graduate students in Seattle, Washington many years ago, then got together again and produced a CD called EMIGRANT! --- the Scandinavia – to – America immigration experience in music! They performed music from that CD at this concert which was a launch party for their new CD, that includes: Swedish and Norwegian folk music from immigration years 1850 - 1920; Scandinavian vaudeville hits from New York City 1900 - 1930; and popular Scandinavian music brought back by the "new Americans" 1930 - 1980, such as "My Childhood Home", based on "The Banks of the Wabash" (our state song!), and "Holy Yumpin Yiminy!" a 1918 Tin Pan Alley hit; “Toward the New World” the theme song from the 1988 winner for Best Foreign Film “Pelle the Conqueror” (Mot den nya världen, from “Pelle erobreren”); memorable American immigrant songs to make you laugh, cry, or tap your toes; and many other wonderful tunes.

Refreshments were served afterwards, including some Scandinavian treats.

3 November 2013: The Thanksgiving meeting was held at the Latvian Community Center in Indianapolis, Indiana. Guests included Irene and Jim Nelson, of Chesterton, Indiana, and Richard Wilson, who speaks Norwegian and Swedish, and who applied for membership. Richard Wilson was initiated by: Past Chairman John Bevelhimer, Chairman Jean Tygum, Vice Chairman Ulla Williams, Master Of Ceremonies Dennis Danielson, and Chaplain Carol Atherton – Clarkson. The Nominating Committee of Donna Bergstrom, Patricia Hoffmann, and Charlotte Swenson presented the Slate of Officers for 2014 and the following officers were elected: Past Chairman, John Bevelhimer; Chairman, Jean Tygum; Vice Chairman, Ulla Williams; Treasurer, Marvin Anderson; Recording Secretary, Janet Jegen; Assistant Recording Secretary, Brenda Miller; Financial Secretary, Douglas Krantz; Chaplain, Carol Atherton – Clarkson; Master Of Ceremonies, Dennis

8 Danielson; Inner Guard, Faye Bevelhimer; Cultural Leader, Carin Young; Assistant Cultural Leader, Jay Hook; Technical Assistant To Cultural Leader, Amy Johnson; Historian, Jenne Swain; Hospitality / Refreshments Committee, Jean Bang and Ulla Williams; Trustees: David Duff – 2014; Charlotte Swenson – 2015; and Jeff Peterson – 2016; and Auditors: Scott Clarkson – 2014; Ken Allen – 2015; and Patricia Hoffmann – 2016. Judy Spencer brought more julkarva (juleneks - wheat and oat sheaves), so we had another opportunity to buy these decorative and useful Christmas sheaves as special gifts for friends, family and neighbors.

Lou and Marvin Anderson celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary on November 2, 2013. Congratulations to Lou and Marvin Anderson! Ann - Katrin Roth presented the program “Ångermanland Landskap”, the province located in middle Sweden. We saw pictures of and learned about the local food, birds, fish, flowers, insects, mushrooms, fjords, towns, coastal villages, cities, rivers, and bays. Its eastern coastline, on the Gulf of Bothnia, is called Höga Kusten, or High Coast, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site because as glaciers melted, their weight disappeared and geologic uplift resulted. (above) Ann – Katrin Roth was born in Örnsköldsvik in Ångermanland.

Since the last ice age ended about 10,500 B. C., the land has risen 800 meters, which accounts for the unusual landscape with tall cliff formations. The land continues to rise at about a centimeter a year.

The population of Ångermanland, 132,689 in 2009, includes parts of three counties: Västernorrland (119,459), Västerbotten (9,996), and Jämtland (3,234). The coastal city of Härnösand (population 17,556) is called “the gate to the High Coast” and is the location of our sister lodge, Lodge # 763 Härnösand (Cultural Leader Bosse “Bo” Selin). In 2005, Ulla Thompson (who is a native of Härnösand) led a group of a dozen Svea # 253 members on a trip to Sweden and we stayed with families in Härnösand, got acquainted with members of the Härnösand lodge, and had a fabulous time.

The High Coast of Sweden is a popular tourist destination, second only to Gotland. It is also considered to be Sweden’s best hiking region. The refreshment hosts and hostesses were: Carol and Scott Clarkson, Douglas Krantz, Brenda Miller, Ann – Katrin Roth, Diann Ryan, and Ulla Williams.

26 November 2013: The Fourth Tuesday Luncheon group met at Pearl Bistro, an Asian restaurant in Indianapolis, Indiana. Tack Så Mycket to Faye and John Bevelhimer for coordinating this monthly activity.

7 December 2013: Rehearsal for Lucia took place at the Latvian Community Centre in Indianapolis, Indiana. The children practiced for the Lucia pageant and processional, and the Svea Singers rehearsed the Lucia and Christmas songs in Swedish and English.

8 December 2013: The Luciafest was held at the Latvian Community Center in Indianapolis, Indiana, with 106 attendees.

The overall pageant coordinator was Ulla Williams, assisted by a host of helpers. We began with glögg, soda, and coffee; the Swedish Emporium opened, raffle ticket sales started, and the Children’s Corner opened for fun for the kids --- thanks to Eija Vesterqvist for creating the Children’s Corner! Many raffle items were generously donated by members and friends, and were collected by Faye and John Bevelhimer. Quilter Kathy Danielson created a stunning large quilt that was won by Charlotte Swenson.

The Swedish Emporium was open for gift purchases, and was

managed by Faye and John Bevelhimer, and assisted by Patricia Hoffmann and Brenda Miller. This was followed by a delicious Julmiddag / Smörgåsbord with many Swedish foods. Limpa Bread sales were coordinated by Charlotte Swenson; our limpa bread is ordered from a special local baker and has been a favorite! This moist rye bread is flavored with fennel or anise, cumin, and orange peel, and is an immensely fragrant loaf of bread. Thank you to Judy and George Spencer who created the julkarva (both wheat and oats sheaves, in three sizes) that were sold, and raffled, at Luciafest for decorations and gifts; the juleneks are harvested from their own farm in Waveland, Indiana. John Bevelhimer produced the Lucia programs.

Our Lucia for 2013 was Ellen Björk - Griffith, 14 years old, the oldest daughter of Barbara Griffith and Ulf Jonas Björk. Ellen Björk - Griffith is a freshman at North Central High School in Indianapolis, Indiana, where she is on the girls' soccer team and plays French Horn in the Symphonic Winds Band, and she is also a member of Fairview Presbyterian Church. (right) Lucia for 2013 Ellen Björk – Griffith.

She has visited Sweden every year since she was born and attended school there two spring semesters, so she is fluent in Swedish and sounds just like a typical Stockholm teenager.

Two of her attendants were her younger sisters, twins Annika and Sarah Björk – Griffith, both 12 years old. Children and grandchildren of members joined in the Children’s Lucia Processional, including Lucia, Tärnor, Stjärngossar, which was coordinated by Barbara Griffith and Ulf Jonas Björk. The Svea Singers, under the direction of Eija Vesterqvist, and accompanied

by Annette Johansson, participated in the musical program and led the Allsång. The party continued with the Lucia Gift Presentation, Efterrätt / dessert, numerous raffle drawings (hosted by Douglas Krantz, and assisted by Alec Bevelhimer, and Ellen, Annika, and Sarah Björk – Griffith), AND a visit from Jultomte, handsomely portrayed by Scott Clarkson. Mrs. Jultomte (Carol Atherton – Clarkson) prepared goodie bags for the children! Nordic Dancing / ringdans was led by John Seest, the Director of Dans Norden.

13 December 2013: A Lucia celebration of the Swedish School of Indianapolis, Svenska Skolan, was held at King Of Glory Lutheran Church in Carmel, Indiana. The bright and talented children of Svenska Skolan give wonderful programs (singing, dancing, and skits) and they participated in our own lodge Lucia processionals for many years. Their mothers and / or fathers are native Swedes and in their Swedish school, they study the Swedish language and learn about Swedish customs, culture, and food. These children are bilingual and their Swedish is beautiful. submitted by Joella D. Hultgren Publicity Committee

NOBEL # 288 Moline, Illinois 5 November 2013: We held a working meeting to go through our historical records in preparation for our 100th anniversary in 2014.

The records are extensive, so we have to gather many more times to continue the inventory. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend our anniversary celebration scheduled for Saturday, April 5, 2014, at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Christian Church, 4330 12th

9 Avenue, in Moline, Illinois. We have a small membership, so we need other Vasa members and friends to help us celebrate.

Invitations will be sent out to the lodges in our District and to the District Officers with directions. For more information, contact Linda Lootens, Chairman, via email: linloots@mchsi.com. The following photograph was taken at an outing to Bishop Hill, Illinois, showing four ladies from our lodge.

From left: Elayne Hogan, Lilly Setterdahl, Karen Heinzel, and Linda Lootens, standing by Eric Jansson’s tombstone at the cemetery.

Photograph taken by Karen Heinzel.

7 December 2013: Three of our members attended the Fourth Annual Julgran Memorial Decorating Ceremony at the Vasa Archives in Bishop Hill, Illinois.

AUSTIN # 466 Chicago, Illinois 14 September 2013: A chicken dinner was served. Frank Bennett Rowder addressed the lodge at the Svithiod Hall, in Jefferson Park, Chicago, Illinois, on his recent article on China’s Economic Slowdown and the effect on Europe and the United States Of America. Frank Rowder also discussed the upcoming Chicago Journalist Association Annual Dinner on Friday, September 27, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart honoring Ann Gerber of Inside Booster, and the laid off Chicago Sun Times photographers.

ABC’s David Muir was approached for the Daniel Pearl award, but that is still up in the air. Frank Rowder is on the Chicago Journalist Association board in his first year [www.chija.org], and he gave updated information in his position as associate board member of the Central Asian Productivity Research Center. On Monday, October 7, 2013, Devry University Keller Graduate School of Management will have an event entitled “Exploring New Marketing Opportunities in Central Asia”.

Speakers from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Turkey will be present for this half day event. On May 16, 2014, the 2014 Silk Road Conference will be at IIT Kent Law School in Chicago’s West Loop and Northern Illinois University of Business will be a major organizer / sponsor, and along with Turkish Airlines and Silk Way Airlines will host the post conference reception later in the day; speakers will be announced at a later date. Chairman Robert Oberg gave an update on Nordic World News Publication for a possible December 2013 launch date and he wants the paper running by the group’s Holiday Party in December.

12 October 2013: The annual brunch was held at the Svithiod Hall in Chicago, Illinois, with Swedish pancakes, sausage, orange juice, and coffee cake. A film was shown during the social hour, and live entertainment was provided by Anjan Ghosh, from India, who played piano and guitar. Allan Winters gave an update on NORDIC CHICAGO.COM and NORDIC T.V.NET progress during the summer months.

9 November 2013: A special Turkey Raffle and Bingo games with prizes were enjoyed at the Svithiod Hall in Chicago, Illinois.

Refreshments were a pot luck meal, coordinated by Bonnie Olson.

14 December 2013: The Annual Christmas Dinner was held at the Grota Banquet in Chicago, Illinois. There was live entertainment and free parking.

LINDE # 492 New Berlin, Wisconsin Lilly Setterdahl, Elayne Hogan, and Linda Lootens by the decorated Julgran at the Vasa Archives.

Photograph taken by Tom Cleveland.

We also took the opportunity to inventory our lodge records that had been deposited at the archives. The box contained complete minute books from 1914 through 1959, all written in Swedish, and some membership records. Now, we have to locate the rest of the records. Hope to see all the District Officers and many others for our 100th anniversary next year. Look for more information in the April 2014 issue. God Jul Everyone! submitted by Lilly Setterdahl lillysetterdahl@gmail.com

VILJAN # 349 Batavia, Illinois 26 October 2013: The annual meeting of Scandinavian Park, Inc. was held at the Bethany Lutheran Church, in Batavia, Illinois.

COOKBOOKS: Scandinavian Cuisine Cookbooks are available again. Popular demand caused us to run out right after the District Convention, and many of our own members wished they could get some extra copies for gifts, and some simply didn’t get one at all.

So we placed a new order. Please contact Liza Ekstrand at 262 – 366 – 9152 or email lekstrand@wi.rr.com and let her know if you would like some more, or if you never got one. You need one so you’ll know what you have been missing! The cost is still $12.00 per cookbook, but if you buy more than one, the cost is only $10.00 per cookbook. If we need to mail the cookbook to you, the postage is $5.00 in addition to the cost of the cookbook. Thank you for supporting our Lodge! P. S. Some of these dishes were served at the Crayfish Party!

14 September 2013: Ray Shoberg opened his home and yard for the annual Linde fall picnic, and for folks from the Finn lodge and other friends. We sure appreciated the nice spread, and the nice weather – it was a beautiful day for a picnic. We also took time to thank and congratulate Les Touve on his 40 years as a very active lodge member. He is always helping out in one function or another.

Thanks Les Touve! We have a couple more members celebrating milestones. Leona Rynders will also receive the 40 year member

10 pin; she too has always been of great help over the years. Les Touve has promised to deliver the pin in the near future. (right) Les Touve is always helping us.

We will make sure a 25 years member pin gets delivered to Eleanor Flood, and we like to thank her as well for all her contributions over the years. The following received ten years member pins: Hillivi Sjöberg, Kalle Axelsson, Elisabeth Agge, and Marianne Ekstrand. One of the Swedes was missing this year, but Hillivi Sjöberg has promised to deliver the 10 years member pin to her husband Lars Ǻke Sjöberg. We welcome our newest lodge members, Linda and Allan Stenmark of Franklin, Wisconsin.

They like bicycling, cross – country

LeBlanc, Marianne Ekstrand, Elaine Johnson, and Ruth Windbeil. Other ethnic food for sale was Finnish Makkura and Pulla, Kringle, Rosettes and Lefse, Danish Aebleskiver, Gris on a Stick, and hot and cold beverages. This year’s main entertainment featured the Danish Troubadour Flemming Behrend from Washington State. Flemming Behrend’s music can be heard on the internet; he is a Danish Folk Musician and Troubadour, with a focus on Music performance in the traditional Danish Folk Music style, with vocals and acoustic guitar --- “every tribe has a person who sings, who stands at the threshold and shares the knowledge”.

skiing, gardening, and wood working. (left) Linda and Allan Stenmark.

A hearty welcome to you both, and we all look forward to see you often and get to know you!

Again, a huge Thank You goes out to all of you that have contributed so much to our lodge over the years, and still do. Congratulations!

5 October 2013: The 23rd Annual Indoor Scandinavian Festival presented by the Nordic Council of Wisconsin was held at Ronald Reagan Elementary School in New Berlin, Wisconsin. There were sales and exhibitions from Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway; Scandinavian cultural demonstrations; arts and crafts; Scandinavian food; genealogy; a Sami Exhibit; raffle prizes; children’s activities; and live Scandinavian entertainment: music, energetic ethnic dancing, fun filled children’s parade, and a festive fashion show. The Children’s Room was supervised by Norma Devine. Our lodge booth prepared and served Swedish Pancake plates, Meatball plates, and Combo plates --- 266 plates in all!

Kitchen crew: Rolf Ekstrand, Cheryl (from the school – it’s her “kitchen” and she was a great help), Bill Shogren, and Brent Erickson.

Tusen Tack to our working kitchen crew: Rolf Ekstrand, Bill Shogren, and Brent Erickson; ticket purchases and sales were handled by Joy Shogren and Marion Bruce; our servers were Julie

Our servers: Julie LeBlanc, Marianne Ekstrand, and Elaine Johnson.

New this year was Carol Rhoades, from Madison, Wisconsin, who presented a one – hour slide program, “Tour of Scandinavian Knitted Garments”, featuring traditional knitted garments from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland, plus contemporary interpretations of traditional styles. Carol Rhoades’ program was sponsored by the Norsk Knitters.

There were genealogy consultants and presentations available again this year for those interested in learning how to research their Scandinavian family history through the use of the internet.

2 November 2013: The Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin, through Mary’s Personalized Sightseeing, planned a shopping holiday “The IKEA Shopping Experience” bus trip to Schaumburg, Illinois. IKEA, the largest international home products retailer has a wide range of attractive, well – designed, functional house furniture, furnishings and countless accessories at affordable prices throughout the store. Lunch was available at the IKEA Restaurant that included traditional Swedish and popular American food! The marketplace offered Swedish style groceries, such as meatballs and gravy, various Scandinavian cookies and crackers, as well as salmon and lingonberry jam. Buses picked up passengers from several points.

10 November 2013: We planned a short business meeting (to nominate officers for 2014) and shopping spree at Linnea’s Bakery in Kenosha, Wisconsin. The trip was so much fun for the 16 people who participated, including two new prospective members, Susanna and Cris Rosario (and their daughter Sophia), and we are excited and happy to have them join! Susanna Rosario was born in Helsingfors, Finland. The bakery owners Kim and Mark suggested we visit on Sunday, when the shop is normally closed in the winter, so we could have the seating area for lunch and the shop to ourselves. Linnea’s Bakery did a super job in providing a sit down dinner, including a pepparkakor heart, gravad lax on rice baked in a pastry puff, mashed potatoes, Swedish meatballs, gravy, lingon, coffee, and lemonade; our lodge treated everyone to dessert – a princess torte! Transportation was by car pools. Linnea’s Bakery always has interesting Swedish dishes as well as goodies for sale and a nice gift shop. The nominated officers for 2014 are: Past Chairman, Brent Erickson; Chairman, Liza Ekstrand; Vice Chairman, Brent Erickson; Recording Secretary, Marge Gruel; Treasurer, Marianne Ekstrand; Chaplain, Les Touve; Trustees: Brent Erickson (1 year), Marge Gruel (2 years), and Les Touve (3 years); Auditors: Dan Schroeder (1 year), Rolf Ekstrand (2 years),

11 and Elaine Johnson (3 years); Vasa Star Representative, Liza Ekstrand; Linde Nytt Editors, Marge Gruel and Liza Ekstrand; and Sick Committee Chairman, Les Touve.

8 December 2013: There was a Christmas luncheon Julbord and short business meeting to elect officers for 2014 at the home of Liza and Rolf Ekstrand in New Berlin, Wisconsin. Members were invited to bring a Swedish Christmas dish to share for the meal, such as herring, Janson’s temptation, Julskinka (ham), brown cabbage, meatballs, desserts, and cookies. The charter was draped for our recently departed members Karen Schneble, Inge Hallberg, and Jack Gruel.

15 December 2013: A Sankta Lucia event hosted by the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin took place at Whitnall Park Lutheran Church, in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. The Swedish Christmas season begins with the observance of Sankta Lucia Day and a celebration of light in the dark winter days. Lucia was crowned with candles and dressed in white. She was accompanied by attendants, each carrying a candle, as well as “star boys” carrying stars. This is a beautiful festival of light as the Christmas season begins. Sonia Stephenson and Anne - Marie Hummel helped to coordinate the Lucia program. Coffee and treats were enjoyed following the procession and program. There was dancing around the Christmas tree and Santa was available to greet the children.

25 December 2013: Swedish Julotta, an early Christmas morning service in Swedish and English, was held at Whitnall Park Lutheran Church in Hales Corners, Wisconsin. Swedish immigrants in the 1800’s and early 1900’s brought early Christmas morning worship traditions with them and the Swedish American Historical Society of Wisconsin strives to maintain their customs and memories.

Since 1981, this cherished worship opportunity of early Swedish settlers and present day Swedes has been offered with singing Swedish hymns, the Christmas message in Swedish, and liturgy in Swedish and English. Coffee was enjoyed following the service.

Happy New Year to all our Members and Friends in District Lodge Lake Michigan No 8, which is Everyone in Sweden – America - Canada.

Greetings, Linde Lodge No 492 contributors: Liza Ekstrand and Marge Gruel

SATELLITE # 661 Kalamazoo, Michigan 8 September 2013: A meeting was held prior to the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Sons Of Norway Askeladden Lodge at Zion Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Cultural Leader Roger Drong presented the programs for 2014, which were planned at a meeting on September 5, 2013. The list includes 8 regular meetings, a Midsummer Fest, and a Lucia / Christmas celebration.

A list for the assignment of hosts / hostesses will be available for sign - up at the October meeting. Karin Forsblad and Audrey Engstrom were selected as the Nominating Committee for Officers for 2014. Chairman Carol Olson has chosen to end her chairman responsibilities and Vice Chairman Judith Ruser has agreed to fill the post. Roger Drong would like to resign as Cultural Leader, and Recording Secretary Karin Forsblad, Master Of Ceremonies David Runstrom, Treasurer Ted Ruser, and Audrey Engstrom all agreed to continue their respective duties. A third Auditor / Trustee will be needed as Britt McDermott completes her term. The Radisson Hotel has been selected for the District Convention in 2015, which will be hosted by Satellite # 661. It is probably the only location in the area able to house the expected number of attendees. A contract has been agreed upon by Chairman Carol Olson, Treasurer Ted

Ruser, and Sandra Neal. The District will contribute $3,000.00 to the lodge towards the expenses for hosting the District Convention. Sandra Neal suggested some fundraising events. The meeting was shortened because of the invitation to join the Sons of Norway Askeladden Lodge at their 25th Anniversary celebration.

Karin Forsblad and her daughter Annika prepared a congratulatory poster for Askeladden Lodge.

6 October 2013: This meeting was held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and featured the annual Fish Boil event, to which Sons of Norway members were invited.

Members arrived early to see the big fire spectacle of the fish boil, and the traditional fish boil dinner was enjoyed by all. Roger Drong finalized the count of attendees. Judith and Ted Ruser purchased the fish, potatoes, and onions; and dinnerware was provided by the lodge. Members were encouraged to bring cherry pies or coleslaw. A short business meeting followed the meal. The meeting included the draping of the charter in memory of Marshall Forsberg, who passed away on July 15, 2013. The Nomination Slate of officers for 2014 was announced: Past Chairman, Carol Olson; Chairman, Judith Ruser; Vice Chairman, David Runstrom; Recording Secretary, Karin Forsblad; Treasurer, Theodore Ruser; Cultural Leader, Roger Drong; Chaplain, Audrey Engstrom; Auditor / Trustee (2014), Carolyn Ehrnstrom; and Auditor / Trustee (2015) Janis Forsberg. Several positions are still open: Assistant Recording Secretary, Master Of Ceremonies, Assistant Master Of Ceremonies, and a third Auditor / Trustee to serve until 2016.

Several members have shown interest and will be contacted for these positions.

3 November 2013: The meeting was held at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The business meeting was followed by a program presented by Audrey Engstrom who gave a talk about Amber, the resin found around the Baltic and elsewhere which is made into beautiful jewelry. Refreshments for the meeting were the ever popular Smörgåsbord. Members were encouraged to bring their favorite Swedish contribution of their choice. contributor David Runstrom

BISHOP HILL # 683 Bishop Hill, Illinois 28 September and 29 September 2013: Jordbruksdagarna, (Agricultural Days) were celebrated.

Traditional harvest demonstrations, produce, music, children’s games, and Colony Stew were featured.

25 October 2013: This meeting at the Vasa National Archives featured the Hallowe’en Gotcha and Crazy Hat Night. The refreshment committee included: Donna and Lloyd Anderson, Marian and Lewis Nelson, and Don Robinson.

22 November 2013: Election of Officers for 2014 took place at this meeting at the Vasa National Archives. Thank you to all who served as officers in 2013. We hope to have “Bee Keeping” with Martin Gutzmer as our program for this meeting. The refreshment committee included: Dianne Lindbom (Chairmen), Marilyn and Wilbur Nelson, Morris Nelson, and Martha and Richard Rittenhouse.

29 November and 30 November & 7 December and 8 December 2013: Julmarknad (Christmas Market) was celebrated. Decorated shops, Christmas gifts, Swedish foods, music, and Children’s activities were enjoyed.

7 December 2013: The Christmas Smörgåsbord was held at the Colony School in Bishop Hill, Illinois. Members were asked to bring a dish to share and their own table service. In addition to the delicious food, fun, and singing, we also had our Lucia program that night. This was a great time to share our Swedish heritage with people who are interested in VASA. Guests were invited. There was also a $2.00 gift exchange for a man’s gift or a lady’s gift, and members were encouraged to bring something handmade or new for

12 a raffle prize. The refreshment committee included: Sue and Warren Schulz (Chairmen), Judy and Roger Anderson, Cheryl Dowell, Deane Hamline, Delaine Litchfield, Lynne Myhre, Gwen Strand, and John Tornquist. Thank you to: the decorating committee, Sally and Harlan Nelson; the raffle committee, Jeff Anderson; and the table set – up committee, Jeff Anderson and Rollie Krause.

13 December and 14 December 2013: Lucia Nights (Festival Of Lights): “Lucia’s” served coffee and cookies in museums and shops; Christmas music and carolers.

25 December 2013: Julotta: 6:00 am candlelight service in the Colony Church. Non – denominational service conducted in English and Swedish. Coffee and rusks served following the service. contributor Jeff Anderson, Chairman

VIKING # 730 Flint, Michigan 15 September 2013: Another great fish boil was held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church! We have excellent cooks who really know what they are doing. The menu was Lake Superior white fish, potatoes, onions with Amish butter, and Limpa bread. Members brought salads to complete the dinner and great desserts to top off the meal. Grand Master Bill Lundquist presented a PowerPoint video showing the celebration of the Fish Boil in Sweden. The proceeds benefitted the scholarship fund. Guests and children were welcomed and appreciated, and a large turn out of about fifty members and guests made for a pleasant afternoon and social event!

Unknown to most native Swedes, a “fish boil” is a Great Lakes culinary tradition in areas of Wisconsin and along the coastal Upper Great Lakes, Michigan. It consists of Lake Michigan or Lake Superior whitefish, sometimes trout or salmon, boiled outside in one large, often cast iron, kettle with other ingredients.

26 October 2013: A Halloween Party and Potluck Dinner were enjoyed. The lodge provided meatballs / meatloaf, and members brought fall vegetables, such as squash, salads, and desserts to share, such as apple crisp. The charter was draped for Gun Ohlsson who died in June 2013 [see In Memory]. A program followed.

17 November 2013: The annual Thanksgiving Dinner was held at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. Carol and Eric Swanson provided the turkeys, and members were asked to bring a dish to pass.

Coordinators were Carol and Eric Swanson, and Dawn and Gene Kiesel.

23 November 2013: A meeting to plan Saint Lucia Fest was held at the home of Sheila and Bill Lundquist in Grand Blanc, Michigan.

14 December 2013: The annual Saint Lucia celebration was held at the Elks Club in Grand Blanc, Michigan. This special annual event included a Christmas Smörgåsbord, the Saint Lucia Pageant, and entertainment, too! Cocktails and glögg were enjoyed, followed by dinner that featured a traditional Swedish Christmas Menu. Thank you to Sheila Lundquist for coordinating the reservations. contributors: Dee and Ron Carlson, and Debra LaLonde

LINDGREN # 754 Green Bay, Wisconsin 3 September 2013: The meeting took place at the Brown County Aging Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Diana Adzima shared some interesting information on the Swedish custom of having crayfish parties in August, and the Swedish Nordic diet, unfamiliar to us but considered healthier than the other diets out there.

Photographs were received from Richard and Lillemor Horngren, who now live in Greenbrier, Tennessee. The pictures were taken when the lodge was organized by Don Lindgren and founded in 1995. Members then watched a video on Sweden that was in Don Lindgren’s collection, and enjoyed eating treats and drinking coffee.

1 October 2013: The meeting was held at the Brown County Aging Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. We welcomed District Deputy Gunnard Swanson from Oregon, Wisconsin, who is a member of Jubileum # 755. Cultural Leader Nancy Suennen and her husband Chairman Ray Suennen just returned from a trip to Italy and Switzerland; they talked of the traveling experience and brought interesting artifacts from the trip for viewing.

Refreshments were furnished by Nancy Suennen.

5 October 2013: We had a great time at the fall indoors picnic, celebrating Kannelbullen’s Day, held at the home of Nancy and Ray Suennen in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Kannelbullen’s Day is the day of the Cinnamon Bun in Sweden. Members brought potluck for a Smörgåsbord on the kitchen island. A good time was had by all who attended and ate! Nancy and Ray Suennen’s Swedish meatball hamburgers were great, along with Vivian Stewart’s fruktsoppa; John Jacques’s Swedish Slaw; Diana Adzima’s beans; Dorothy’s Potato salad; Maryl Hitchcock’s baked beans; and Dottie Juengst’s rice pudding.

Jimmy Eklund Sucha’s cardamom cinnamon buns were a hit! All the food was wonderful! Tack Så Mycket to Nancy and Ray Suennen!

20 November 2013: The meeting took place at the Brown County Aging Center in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Refreshments were provided by Diana Adzima. A suggestion was made to consider alternating business meetings with social gatherings. Beckett Miller will explore ways of attracting young people to the lodge.

Maria Syzmanski gave a slide presentation of her trip to Sweden last summer. We learned about Swedish wedding customs.

7 December 2013: The Swedish Sankta Lucia Christmas program was coordinated by Maria Szymanski and held at the home of Nancy and Ray Suennen in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Our lodge family got together again to watch Sankta Lucia come down the stairs in a lighted crown, with her attendants. The Sankta Lucia pageant was followed by the Smörgåsbord and a brief business meeting. Members brought dishes or beverages to share: Dennis Miller – Swedish Meatballs; Maria Szymanski – cured Salmon and hardtack; Dottie and Fred Juengst – Rice Pudding and Rotmos; Nancy and Ray Suennen – Glögg, apple cider, ham, and buns; Ann Laes – dessert and Swedish mustard; Diana Adzima – beans; and Maryl Hitchcock – dessert. It was fun and a great time again at the home of Nancy and Ray Suennen. contributors: Maryl Hitchcock and James Eklund Sucha

JUBILEUM # 755 Madison, Wisconsin 8 September 2013: Our Fall programming reflects our Lodge’s desire to know about contemporary Sweden as well as preserving the Swedish - American immigrant heritage. We learned about a sort - of - Swedish treasure in our own backyard, the estate of Broadway actors Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne, in Genesee Depot, Wisconsin. Alfred Lunt and Lynn Fontanne weren’t Swedish, but Alfred’s stepfather was a Finland Swede and Alfred was apparently deeply influenced by several trips back to the old country, because Ten Chimneys has a distinctly Swedish feel. The studio is clearly in the style of a Swedish stuga, and the original furnishings in all the buildings make them “filled with Swedishness”, says Docent Annette Olson, herself a 100% American - born Swede. Chairman Gunnard Swanson then shared several observations from his recent trip to Sweden for his wife Ulla’s funeral. Swedish banks have no cash, but grocery stores do.

Paper checks are quite rare; nearly every transaction is electronic.

In Wisconsin, roundabout intersections are springing up everywhere, and many complain.

But in Sweden, they’re everywhere, because they reduce fuel - wasting stops and starts.

For the same reason, when you do stop your car in Sweden, the motor stops, too. But Swedish subtlety remains. Of Gunnard Swanson, people said, “Han börjar bli gammal”, (He’s beginning to

13 get old). Gunnard Swanson says that phrase is used even of people in their 90s; no one is ever actually old.

13 October 2013: Our cultural team, Lowell and Trudy Nordling, had set our programs a year earlier, but their timing was impeccable. Amidst our stand - off over the Affordable Care Act, Daniel Westberg spoke on Health Care in Sweden. His wife Lisa is a practicing physician in Sweden, so they know it well. Daniel Westberg, a professor of Ethics and Moral Theology at Nashotah House Theological Seminary, says his support for changes in the American system is “not ideological, but pragmatic”.

Daniel Westberg explained that few countries actually have “socialized” health care, in which the government owns the facilities and pays the people. The closest is the United Kingdom’s National Health Service, and even that system has a measure of independence. In contrast, the Swedish system is relatively decentralized; the 30 odd counties (län) collect the taxes and run the hospitals. Care is not “free”; to encourage thoughtful use, co-pays (user fees) are around $40.00, with an annual cap. Physicians can opt out of providing certain services for reasons of conscience. The practical Swedes continue to tweak their system as conditions change. The German and Swiss systems are more similar to the direction of the Affordable Care Act. Most health care there is paid through private insurance, and most of that employer - based. Government involvement is through price controls. The Swedish system saves them money and provides better outcomes, said Daniel Westberg.

Sweden devotes 9% of its economy to health care, to the United States’ 17%, and the Swedish system is 5 times as efficient fiscally, spending only 3% on administration. Despite the higher taxes, Swedish corporations are among the most competitive worldwide in high - value technology exports. As Daniel Westberg said, “Sweden has the capacity to surprise observers”.

10 November 2013: We were enchanted by the singing of soprano Mimmi Fulmer, accompanied on the piano by our own Lodge Chairman, Gunnard Swanson. (left) Gunnard Swanson and Mimmi Fulmer We moved from our usual meeting place at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church to the sanctuary of Arbor Covenant church for its better acoustics for such an event. Dr. Mimmi Fulmer, Professor of Voice and Opera at the University of Wisconsin, began with “Du Gamla, Du Fria”. (right) Mimmi Fulmer

She then sang 16 more folk, provincial, and art songs. Though composed, the latter often borrow structure and harmony from folk tradition. Songs were: “Intet är som Väntanstidar”, “Fjäril Vingd”, “Min Själ, Du Måste nu Glömma”, “Sommarpsalm”, “Domaredansen”, “Som Stjäran Uppå Himmelen Så Klar”, “Neckens Polska”, Vårvindar Friska”, “Flickorna I Småland”, “Ack, Värmland, Du Sköna”, “Per Svinaherde”, “Den Enda Stunden”, “Det Finns Väll Så Många”, “Vem Kan Segla”, and “Till Havs”.

Professor Fulmer’s

grandparents emigrated from Sweden and Finland, and she is undertaking a project to make this music more accessible to American singers. I enjoy music, but I have no training in its performance or criticism. That said, even when Dr. Mimmi Fulmer sang softly, there seemed to be not a single sound out of place. It was breathtaking (I bought two CDs). We also introduced and voted in new officers for 2014 and made plans for our annual Luciafest. We heard the news of Jake Gruel’s declining health, and we extend our sympathies to him and his family, Linde Lodge # 492, and the many friends of Jake and Marge throughout Vasa and beyond.

Robert T. Merrill Historian, Jubileum # 755

NORDIK FOLK # 761 Munster, Indiana 16 September 2013: The monthly business meeting was held at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana. Interest in a possible Scandinavian Film Club and a Kubb Club were discussed, and interest sheets were circulated. Those interested in a Scandinavian Film Club are: Linnea Ogrentz, Shelly Pehlgrim, Mike Pearson Jr., Ingrid Lesko, Mike and Lisa Pearson, and Lynda and Herb Smith. Those interested in a Kubb Club are: Linnea, Tim and Harry Ogrentz, Mike Pearson Jr., and Lisa Pearson. We will continue to circulate the interest sheets, and members will be informed when we have a date and location for club events. Joann Ortman shared information on the Kensington Runestone and lent us a book for our library.

7 October 2013: The genealogy workshop met with leader Herb Smith at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana.

13 October 2013: The Town of Munster hosted the 2nd Annual International Festival, for students K-12, and their families. This event was held at Munster High School in the Fieldhouse and Auditorium. Admission was free, and food and / or souvenirs were sold. There were many activities, photograph opportunities, performances, passport booths, and food and beverages available at the event. A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in this outreach event, and who came out to help our lodge at the Munster International Fest.

21 October 2013: The monthly business meeting was held at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana. The Culture Program was presented by Cultural Leader Annelise Nelson, who led lodge members and Nordikids through the “History of Gingerbread (Pepparkakor)”. It was an interesting presentation that took us way back in time to Europe in 992, Germany in the 13th Century, England in the 16th Century, and all the way into modern times.

26 October 2013: Leif Eriksson Fest was held at the Des Plaines Public Library where attendees learned the story of the Viking Ship: www.vikingship.us.

28 October 2013: Craft week for Nordikids and their families; and Lucia invitations were sent.

3 November 2013: Children the families participated in the tree decorating at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana.

All were welcomed.

10 November 2013: Come eat, drink, and look like a VIKING. Get as close as you can to VIKING LIFE. Learn something new about VIKINGS. See the Kensington Runestone and hear its story.

We’re gonna party like it 999!

The annual Viking Potluck Dinner was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster, Indiana with a record 61 Vikings attending. Viking attire was encouraged and members did a wonderful job all decked out in the finest Viking garb. Michael Pearson, Jr. led the parade of Viking - costumed participants - the

14 costumes get better every year…and so does the food! We had Viking décor, ancient table settings, and hearty Viking food brought by the attendees, including a pork roast accompanied by sides and desserts and beverages: pea soup, pickled herring, cottage cheese, brined eggs, red cabbage, beets, stuffed cabbage, roasted root vegetables, potatoes, rutabagas, rice pilaf, kugel, blueberry pie, rice pudding, four – layer dessert, and apple cider.

(above) Shelly Pehlgrim, Anaka Riani, Elizabeth Cleveland, and Rachel Lewandowski at the buffet tables.

The Pearson Family went above and beyond AGAIN with presenting their incredible display of Viking artifacts. They set up a beautiful exhibit of museum worthy artifacts, reproductions, and replicas for us to view and touch! (right) Vice District Master Michael Pearson, Sr.

(above) Herbert Smith

There were some authentic relics and some replicas of weapons, coins, armor, beads, and jewelry --- an excellent display of Viking life and history: marriage, religion, money, daily life, and food. (right) The children inspected the Viking artifacts.

For the past three years Mike Pearson has been collecting Viking artifacts and reproductions, keeping them as historically accurate as possible.

The "Pearson Hoard", not as large as the "Harrogate Hoard" found undisturbed in 2007 near the town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, England, is never the less impressive. (right) Some examples of the “Pearson Hoard”

This was an event not to be missed.

Guests included: District Master Edward Hultgren, Past District Master Tom Cleveland, Assistant District Secretary Joella Hultgren, District Treasurer Susan Cleveland, and Elizabeth Cleveland. Lynda Smith presented royal blue Nordikids Musiklubb tee - shirts to the District Officers. [See more pictures of the Viking Dinner on page # 20.]

11 November 2013: Genealogy workshop met with leader Herb Smith at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana.

18 November 2013: The final Business Meeting of the year was held at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana.

Nominations were announced for lodge officers for 2014.

23 November 2013: There was a large group for the performance of Nordikids at the Museum of Science And Industry, in Chicago, Illinois. They sounded wonderful!

1 December 2013: The annual Glögg making was held at the home of Lynda and Herb Smith. The bottles of Glögg will be sold at Lucia Fest.

3 December 2013: We participated in Christmas Tree decorating at the Munster Performing Arts Center.

8 December 2013: The Annual Lucia Fest, luncheon, and Nordikids performance took place at Wicker Park Social Center in Highland, Indiana, with a great program.

This was a very special Jul party with 115 people attending! This year’s Lucia Queen was Samantha Carroll, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, and Granddaughter of Ken and the late Carol Erikson Combis. Samantha Carroll sang a beautiful solo: Gott Morgon Mitt Harskapp. Honored Star Boys were Lucia’s brother Alec Carroll and Erik Nelson, son of Annelise Nelson. We had a bake sale, a craft table, raffles, kid’s games, and door prizes. The Nordikids performance followed the delicious luncheon. This was the perfect way to start off the Christmas season, and to join together for a magical afternoon of Swedish holiday festivities.

Lynda Smith coordinated the making of pine cone favors for the tables and guests.

9 December 2013: Genealogy workshop met with leader Herb Smith at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana.

15 December 2013: The final Nordikids Performance of the Christmas season took place at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana. Thirteen of the youngsters and many of the parents were there to celebrate. contributed by Linnea Ogrentz and Lynda Smith Nordik Folk No. 761

15

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 Nordikids #208 – Northwest Indiana and southern suburban Chicago, Illinois: (219) 923-8777; http://www.nordikids.com/ Remember: Our Youth are Our Future!

In Truth and Unity, Lynda Ann Smith District Lodge # 8 Youth Supervisor / Grand Lodge Youth Director

VÅRBLOMMAN # 54 8 September 2013: Members and their leaders sold pancakes at Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park in South Elgin, Illinois.

FÖRGÄT MIG EJ # 64 22 June 2013: Members and their leader Lynn Stolar are now meeting twice each month.

NORDIKIDS # 208 13 October 2013: The Town of Munster hosted the 2nd Annual International Festival, for students K-12, and their families.

This event was held at Munster High School in the Fieldhouse and Auditorium.

The Nordikids Children’s Club performed under the direction of Lynnea Sinwelski.

Admission was free, and food and souvenirs were sold. There were many activities, photograph opportunities, performances, passport booths, and food and beverages available at the event.

A BIG thank you to everyone who participated in the Munster International Festival.

21 October 2013: Nordikids continued with their weekly meeting and rehearsal at Ridge United Methodist Church in Munster, Indiana. Cultural Leader Annelise Nelson spoke about the “History of Gingerbread (Pepparkakor)”.

The presentation took us to Europe in 992, Germany in the 13th Century, England in the 16th Century, and into

modern times. The youngsters will be busy as the holidays draw near with rehearsals, performances, and activities.

28 October 2013: Craft week for Nordikids and families; and Lucia invitations were sent.

3 November 2013: Children and families were welcomed to help decorate a Christmas tree at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana.

18 November 2013: Photographs were taken of the children in costume in preparation for their upcoming performances.

23 November 2013: A performance of Nordikids took place at the Museum of Science and Industry, in Chicago, Illinois. The youngsters were wonderful, and three of our older girls came back from college to add their voices.

They sounded great! Tusen tack to Musical Director Lynnea Sinwelski and Dance Director Annalisa Blue.

3 December 2013: The youngsters and their families decorated a Christmas Tree at the Munster Performing Arts Center.

8 December 2013: The Annual Lucia Fest, luncheon, and Nordikids performance took place at Wicker Park Social Center in Highland, Indiana. This was a very special Jul party! This year’s Lucia Queen was Samantha Carroll, Granddaughter of Ken and the late Carol Erikson Combis.

Honored Star Boys were Alec Carroll and Erik Nelson.

This was a magical afternoon of Swedish holiday festivities, with a bake sale, craft table, raffles, kid’s games, and door prizes.

13 December 2013: Emily Pearson and Jennifer Pearson participated in the annual Lucia Celebration at the Daley Center in Chicago, Illinois, sponsored by the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville.

Emily Pearson represented Nordik Folk # 761 and Jennifer Pearson represented Nordikids # 208.

Daley Center in Chicago: Emily Pearson is fourth from the right; Jennifer Pearson is third from the right.

They sang several Swedish songs and then continued with the festivities and programs.

The enchanting ceremony is cloaked in Swedish tradition, signifying light in the darkest, coldest days. The Saint Lucia Festival Of Lights began at the Swedish American Museum with the torch – lit procession of Lucia girls, draped in white robes, leading the crowd with song, and parting the darkness with the crown of candles. Inside the Swedish American Museum, the Lucia Celebration continued with Swedish folklore performances and traditional holiday treats.

Tusen Tack to Emily and Jennifer Pearson, and to their parents Lisa and Mike Pearson, for their efforts.

15 December 2013: The final Nordikids Performance of the Christmas season took place at the Indiana Welcome Center in Hammond, Indiana. Thirteen of the youngsters and many of the parents were there to celebrate.

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LANGUAGE CAMP AWARD THANK YOU NOTE Hej Lynda!

I would just like to extend my most sincere gratitude for granting me the funds to journey to Sjölunden this past August. I cannot fully express in words how much I learned and experienced in the two weeks I was there, but if I had to describe in short all that I experienced, it would be in all happy words. My teachers and leaders there were more than exceptional, being kind and patient with me as I progressed through the lessons and activities. I picked canoeing for my activity of interest for the first week and bastu (sauna) activity for the second week. I fell in love with the calmness of Lake Bemidji as my partner and I worked as a team to row 4 or 5 miles every day through the waters. My Bastu activity for the second week was most definitely my favorite though.

Every day, we would hike out to the natural wood fire sauna house on the lake, sing Swedish songs while the steamy earthy air cleansed our skin, then run out and jump into the cold fresh water. The feeling is most euphoric. All in all, my stay up in the northern woods of Bemidji was the best time I have ever had. I really got in touch with my Swedish culture and heritage and was able to really understand and learn a lot about where I came from. I am so grateful I was able to experience this, especially with your help. I will keep the knowledge I have learned from my teachings there and continue to explore and develop my knowledge about my Swedish heritage and culture in the future.

Sofia Nelson Nordikids # 208 / Nordik Folk # 761 Nordikids Musiklubb: Nordikids is a not – for – profit educational group supported in part by Vasa Order Of America, and in part by fund – raising. We strive to promote the culture of Scandinavia and all funds received are used to pay for educational opportunities for the children and to afford them with materials and experiences that will increase their knowledge of their rich cultural heritage. Who can join Nordikids? Our members range in age from 3 years to 21 years.

They are all from families interested in learning about the culture of the Nordic countries.

Classes include: Swedish language instruction, choral singing, craft making, cultural field trips, and folk dancing. The meetings are Monday evenings, 6:30 pm to 8:15 pm, at Ridge United Methodist Church, in Munster, Indiana. Call 219 – 923 – 8777 for more information.

contributed by Linnea Ogrentz and Lynda Smith Nordik Folk No. 761 / Nordikids No. 208

Sjölunden Swedish Adult Program Learn about the Sjölunden Adult Swedish program at the web site below. Perhaps one of your lodge members could attend the April 24 – April 27, 2014 session and share the experience with your lodge: http://www.concordialanguagevillages.org/newsite/Progra ms/Adults/Language/swedish.php Contact District Cultural Leader Tim Ogrentz for more information: (773) 680 – 6556 or Email: timothyogrentz@gmail.com

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 email at lamsmith@hotmail.com.

Lynda Smith District Supervisor Of Children’s / Youth Clubs

GENEALOGY WITH HERB SMITH Below are listed a few of the sites I teach about and get information from almost daily. They keep me updated on what's happening in the world of Genealogy.

GENEALOGY NEWSLETTERS: Ancestry Insider [I took the information from "FamilySearch" (LDS), a site I use all the time. It has tons of free records. You could write a genealogy newsletter for years just about this one site.] http://familysearch.org/learn/wiki/en/User:AncestryInsider About.Com Genealogy: http://genealogy.about.com/ Eastman's Online Genealogy Newsletter (especially the article "Have You Used the FamilySearch Free Lookup Service?") http://blog.eogn.com/eastmans_online_genealogy/2013/1 1/online-newspaper-archive-passes-the-7-million-pagemark.html FAMILY SEARCH: Build your own family tree, search for records, and it also has a great Wiki "how too". You must sign up but it costs nothing unless transferred to a "partner site" like Ancestry, but there is a lot of free information. https://familysearch.org/ or https://familysearch.org/ask/researchWiki CYNDI’S LIST: This site is 17years old and massive. Total Links 328,533: http://www.cyndislist.com/ YOU TUBE: Ancestry's Christa Cowan (one of the many Ancestry presenter's) http://www.youtube.com/user/AncestryCom OR http://blogs.ancestry.com/ancestry/ OR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RDFsobHfVC0&list=PL 2F65E97B57EF8279 Herb Smith, Nordik Folk # 761 Email: hwsmith3@hotmail.com The Valthornet is available on the VOA web site. To access the quarterly Valthornet newsletters on the web, go to: www.vasaorder.com; 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.

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Scandinavian Park, Inc. NFP

HÄR OCH DÄR VASA PARK Events

by Lillemor Horngren While covering all the Swedish provinces, I discovered many things that I had not been aware of before.

Hopefully you found the same thing and perhaps it encouraged you to do more research about those provinces holding special interests to you and your family. Having Internet connections will enable you to do just that. In future articles, I will present some interesting facts about famous Swedes, past and present, and I am sure you will enjoy reading about them.

Vasa Park is a beautiful 25 acre park located along the Fox River on Route # 31 in South Elgin, Illinois. We invite everyone to discover and celebrate the culture, traditions and heritage of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Sweden. The Park is operated by the Scandinavian Park, Inc., NFP. Please “like” our page VASA PARK Illinois www.facebook.com/vasapark.Il (it is not necessary to have a Facebook account for this site).

For more information, please visit our websites: www.vasaparkil.com and www.scandinaviandayil.com.

Make note of events at Vasa Park, Route # 31, South Elgin, Illinois. vasaparkil@yahoo.com; (847) 695 – 6720. Introduce your family, friends, and neighbors to a wonderful and pleasant day at Vasa Park along the Fox River in South Elgin, Illinois.

Contributor: Jackie Moline, Secretary of the Board of Scandinavian Park, Inc., NFP

BEST COUNTRY IN WHICH TO GROW OLD? 2013 NOBEL PRIZE FOR PHYSICS You guessed it, the best place in the world to age is Sweden. Swedes over 60 years old have better lives than people that age in any other place in the world. Sweden takes first place in a unique international ranking that compares living conditions of older people. October 1 is the United Nations’ International Day of Older Persons, which was why Help Age International was publishing its very first Global Age Watch Index in Tokyo and Bangkok. The index compares the quality of life as well as the living conditions of older folks around the world.

Comparative statistics have been gathered from some 90 countries, based on 13 parameters. The information comes from several different United Nations’ agencies, as well as the World Bank and the World Health Organization. The report shows Sweden on top, followed

by Norway in second, and Germany in third place.

Economy, health, work, and senior – friendly: The 13 parameters have been divided into four main categories dealing with issues such as economy, health, work, and education, as well as so – called senior – friendly environments. Sweden does not rank highest in any of the main categories but falls high in each of them. When it comes to economy, Luxembourg is on top, whereas Switzerland is first in health, Norway for work, and the Netherlands for a senior – friendly environment. The overall favorable total for Sweden is explained by its long history of investing in building a welfare society. For example, it is noted that Sweden was first in the world to introduce a pension scheme. Also, older Swedes have a good opportunity to assert themselves, since many of them are well organized. Half of all those 1.6 million Swedes who are 65 years or older are members of an organization for retired people. “As a Swede, I’m happy for Sweden being on top, and that the living conditions are as good as they are”, says Ola Johansson, from PRO Global, previously known as Pensionärer utan gränser (Seniors Without Borders). “It shows that it’s worth it to invest in a social safety net and to work at fighting poverty.”

Thank you to James Eklund Sucha, Editor, for printing this in the Den Vasa Posten, Lindgren # 754

François Englert and Peter W. Higgs were jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics 2013 for the theory of how particles acquire mass. In 1964, they proposed the theory independently of each other (François Englert together with his now deceased colleague Robert Brout). In 2012, their ideas were confirmed by the discovery of a so called Higgs particle at the CERN laboratory outside Geneva in Switzerland.

The awarded theory is a central part of the Standard Model of particle physics that describes how the world is constructed.

According to the Standard Model, everything, from flowers and people to stars and planets, consists of just a few building blocks: matter particles. These particles are governed by forces mediated by force particles that make sure everything works as it should.

The entire Standard Model also rests on the existence of a special kind of particle: the Higgs particle. This particle originates from an invisible field that fills up all space. Even when the universe seems empty this field is there. Without it, we would not exist, because it is from contact with the field that particles acquire mass. The theory proposed by François Englert and Peter W. Higgs describes this process.

On 4 July 2012, at the CERN laboratory for particle physics, the theory was confirmed by the discovery of a Higgs particle. CERN’s particle collider, LHC (Large Hadron Collider), is probably the largest and the most complex machine ever constructed by humans. Two research groups of some 3,000 scientists each, ATLAS and CMS, managed to extract the Higgs particle from billions of particle collisions in the LHC. Even though it is a great achievement to have found the Higgs particle — the missing piece in the Standard Model puzzle — the Standard Model is not the final piece in the cosmic puzzle. One of the reasons for this is that the Standard Model treats certain particles, neutrinos, as being virtually massless, whereas recent studies show that they actually do have mass. Another reason is that the model only describes visible matter, which only accounts for one fifth of all matter in the cosmos. To find the mysterious dark matter is one of the objectives as scientists continue the chase of unknown particles at CERN.

18 for anyone who needed him. He will be truly missed!

Inurnment was private.

IN MEMORY Gun Edit Ohlsson – Viking No. 730 Roy H. Westergren – Kronan No. 179 Roy H. Westergren, 94 years old, of Chicago, Illinois, passed away June 21, 2013.

He was the beloved husband of Maude Westergren; loving father of Britt Lee (Bill) Hennigan and Linda (Paul Muhr) Westergren; proud grandfather of Brittney (Tom) Joyce and Brenden Hennigan; and caring brother of Ruth Larson. Roy Westergren was the founder and owner of Alroy Offset, and was a member of Scottish Rite, King Oscar #855, Kronan Lodge #179, and Swedish American Museum.

Entombment was in Ridgewood Cemetery.

Reinhold E. ”Jake” Gruel, Jr. – Linde No. 492 Reinhold E. "Jake" Gruel Jr. passed away on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at the age of 80 years.

Beloved husband and soul - mate for 59 years of Margaret (nee Anderson). Loving father of four daughters: Janice (Vern) Kamholtz, Joan (Stuart) Swessel, Julie (Steven) LeBlanc and Jennifer (Allen) Johnson. Adoring grandfather of Jeremy (LeighAnn), Scott, Sondra, Trevor, Tyler (Anna), and Ashley. Great - grandfather of Alex, Kayla, Lauren, Trenton, and Aubree. Further survived by his step grandchildren and great - grandchildren, sister Shirley Buss, sisters – in - law Alice Schroeder and Grace Anderson, many nieces, nephews, foreign exchange students, and friends. Preceded in death by his parents Reinhold and Hilda (nee: Kraemer). Jake Gruel was very active in his community, his church, and the Vasa Order of America. Jake Gruel served his church as a deacon and held many other positions over the years; his clear voice could be heard when he read the lessons for the day and when he preached an occasional sermon. He accepted leadership roles in the Swedish Vasa organization at the Local Lodge (Linde # 492) as Chairman, District Lodge Lake Michigan # 8 as District Master, and Grand Lodge levels as Grand Lodge Deputy and on the Executive Board of the Vasa National Archives.

He also served as Secretary / Financial Secretary of the Vasa National Archives Board in Bishop Hill, Illinois. Jake has served on many other boards, usually as the chairman or president. He was an active Amateur Radio Operator K9MWF since 1956.

Jake served our country in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict. After his four years of service he returned to Wisconsin Bell until he took an early retirement at the age of 49. He and Marge founded JM Gruel Enterprises, Ltd. in 1982. The business closed in November of 2012 due to his illness.

A Memorial Gathering was held at CHRIST THE VICTOR LUTHERAN CHURCH, New Berlin, Wisconsin. Donations may be made in Jake's name to one of the following: Christ the Victor Lutheran Church, VASA Scholarship Fund, or Wisconsin Lutheran College Scholarship Fund. Jake had a very inventive mind, a ready smile and a helping hand

Gun Edit Ohlsson of Mt. Morris, Michigan, age 89, died Sunday, June 23, 2013 at Maple Woods Manor. Gun Ohlsson was born October 31, 1923 in Stockholm, Sweden, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hugo and Linnea (Karlsson) Tingstrom. She and Frans Ohlsson were united in marriage on July 31, 1948 in Sweden. In 1958, Gun and her husband Frans Ohlsson and two children emigrated to the United States Of America and resided in Mount Morris, Michigan. She was a member of Salem Lutheran Church since 1959, and the Vasa Order Of America since 1961, as a member of Norden, and then as a Founding member of the Viking Lodge #730 in 1981. She has served as Chaplain, worked with Appleblommen, many craft projects, and Contact Sweden. She volunteered for the Old News Boys and did translation for the International Institute of Flint, Michigan. When not busy volunteering, she enjoyed sewing, reading, playing cards, and working in her vegetable and flower gardens. But most of all Gun Ohlsson was always ready to lend a helping hand with anything the family needed, especially when it came to her grandchildren. Left to cherish her memory are her three children, Birgitta and husband Rodney Brown; Bjorn and wife Joy Ohlsson; and Bengt Ohlsson; five grandchildren, four great - grandchildren, and one on the way; and two great - great - grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and

grandchild Anita.

Marion Schumerth – Lindgren No. 754 Our sincere condolences to the family of Marion Schumerth, 93, of De Pere, Wisconsin, who passed away on Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at a local nursing home.

The daughter of the late Andrew and Nanda (Wenneke) Carlson was born in De Pere, Wisconsin. In 1942, she married John Schumerth, Sr. at the Marine Base, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, where he was a Captain in the 4th Marine Division. John Schumerth preceded her in death on December 14, 2008. Marion Schumerth was a member of the First Congregational Church UCC in De Pere, Wisconsin, a past President of the McDowell Club of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and a former member of the De Pere Chapter of Eastern Star. She was the organist at Saint Matthew Church for the mixed choir. In Fort Myers, Florida, she was director of the Lake Arrowhead Ladies Choir. She was a member of Vasa (Swedish) Lindgren Lodge # 754 in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Survivors include her children: Laurie (James) Albers, Bruce, and John, Jr. (Cindy) of De Pere, Wisconsin; Dennis (Faye) Schumerth, California; eight grandchildren: Ann, Jeff, Peter, Elizabeth; Molly Wenholz, Matthew Albers; and Danielle and David Schumerth, eleven great – grandchildren; and a special family friend, Dianne Schumerth. She is also survived by a sister – in – law, Shirley Carlson and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, their son Terry, and three brothers.

19

UPCOMING EVENTS

LOCAL LODGE CONTACTS Grand Lodge Convention 4 July 2014 – 11 July 2014 - Hosted by District Lodge New York No. 4 District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Annual Conventions 30 – 31 May, 1 June 2014: Hosted by Siljan–Mora–Tuna # 134, Burr Ridge, Illinois 29 – 31 May 2015: Hosted by Satellite # 661, Kalamazoo, Michigan

Siljan-Mora-Tuna # 134 Evergreen Park, Illinois Lisa Cianci Thor # 147 Channahon, Illinois Sandra Fletcher

4 February 1908 (708) 352 – 0042 kmlmc98@comcast.net

3 October 1908 (815) 458 – 0974 sandyfletcher2001@yahoo.com

May 2016: Hosted by Viking # 730, Flint, Michigan Siljan-Mora-Tuna # 134 19 January 2014 – Regular Meeting Svea # 253 5 January 2014 – John Bevelhimer presents the Bishop Hill Archives 2 February 2014 – Douglas Krantz presents Genealogy 2 March 2014 – Glenn Sweitzer - Sweden’s Coffee Cultures: Home vs. Work 6 April 2014 – Katherine Gagné - Runic Headstones: Windows into Viking World 4 May 2014 – James Nelson: Scandinavian Settlements in Indiana 22 June 2014 – Midsommar Fest Celebration 3 August 2014 – Annual Kräftskiva Festival 7 September 2014 – Amy Johnson: Unearthing History at Chellberg Farms 5 October 2014 – Carol Clarkson presents “Early Celtic And Scandinavian Design” 2 November 2014 – June McCarty Clair – Hans Christian Andersen, Fairy Tale Life 19 November to 23 November 2014 – International Festival, State Fairgrounds 6 December 2014 – Lucia Rehearsal at the Latvian Community Center 7 December 2014 – Lucia Pageant, Dinner, and Christmas Program Nobel # 288 5 April 2014 – 100th Anniversary Celebration in Moline, Illinois Linde # 492 18 January 2014 – Auditors meeting 15 February 2014 – Business meeting and Installation of Officers for 2014 Nordik Folk # 761 7 January 2014 - Viking Lecture Series continues at Munster Library, Munster, IN. 20 January 2014 – Business Meeting 4 February 2014 - Viking Lecture Series at Munster Library, Munster, Indiana.

17 February 2014 – Business Meeting 4 March 2014 - Viking Lecture Series at Munster Library, Munster, Indiana.

March 2014 – Swedish Pancake Breakfast; location TBD 17 March 2014 – Business Meeting

VASA STAR / VALTHORNET CIRCULATION LIST Some mail to District 8 members is returned as “undeliverable” because: (a) the individual had died, (b) the individual is no longer a member, (c) the individual moved to another address and the forwarding has expired, (d) there is no forwarding address, or (e) the individual’s name has changed.

The circulation list that is used for mailing is the same list that is used to mail the Grand Lodge Vasa Star and the District 8 Valthornet; each publication is mailed four times a year. The returned mail means that many Vasa Stars and Valthornets are dumped in the USPS trash can. This of course costs the Grand Lodge (and you, through your dues), and the District Lodge, hundreds of dollars each year in wasted postage and printing costs, plus lots of wasted paper!

Even if your local lodge keeps its own mailing list current, that is not enough.

All address additions, changes, and deletions SHOULD BE REPORTED to the Grand Secretary / Circulation Manager Joan Graham as soon as changes are known. DO NOT WAIT until the end of the year report to advise of address changes. It is noted in each issue of the Valthornet and the Vasa Star to report address changes and deletions to: Grand Secretary / Circulation Manager Joan Graham, 5838 San Jose Avenue, Richmond, California 94804; e-mail: vasajlg@aol.com or circulationvasastar@gmail.com.

Joella D. Hultgren Editor, Valthornet

Linné # 153 South Bend, Indiana Judi Parmley

20 September 1909 (574) 272 - 4625 jujiparm@peoplepc.com

Kronan # 179 Chicago, Illinois John Nygard

6 September 1910 (847) 677 - 5181 jenygard@comcast.net

Bessemer # 203 Oak Lawn, Illinois James Pelzman

16 October 1911 (708) 423 – 4057 pelzman@aol.com

Brahe # 245 Rockford, Illinois Scott Johnson

30 January 1913 (815) 601-3922 owlsforjoyce@gmail.com

Svea # 253 Indianapolis, Indiana Jean Tygum

29 May 1913 (317) – 352 - 0639 jeantygum@aol.com

Nobel # 288 Moline, Illinois Linda Lootens

19 February 1914 (309) 797 – 6914 linloots@mchsi.com

Viljan # 349 Batavia, Illinois Thomas Cleveland

7 October 1916 (815) 895 – 2102 tcleveland@cityofdekalb.com

Austin # 466 Chicago, Illinois Robert Oberg

6 April 1925 (773) 477 – 0875

Linde # 492 New Berlin, Wisconsin Liza Ekstrand

6 June 1927 (262) 366 - 9152 lekstrand@wi.rr.com

Joe Harbor # 534 Saint Joseph, Michigan Linda Tjernlund

27 April 1929 (269) 429 - 4207 lintj3@gmail.com

Satellite # 661 Kalamazoo, Michigan Carol Olson Bishop Hill # 683 Bishop Hill, Illinois Jeff Anderson

22 April 1961 (269) 382 - 3140 olsoncarol1212@yahoo.com 25 March 1968 (309) 932-2068 jeffanderson2552@frontier.com

Hagar # 721 Mount Prospect, Illinois Keith Emrikson Viking # 730 Flint, Michigan Eric Swanson Lindgren # 754 Green Bay, Wisconsin Dorothy Juengst

12 November 1977 (847) 297-4645 kemrikson@comcast.net 15 May 1981 (810) 639 – 6705 ceswan@centurytel.net 14 October 1995 (920) 469 - 1919 mdjuengst@aol.com

Jubileum # 755 Madison, Wisconsin Gunnard Swanson

17 November 1996 (608) 835 – 5152 gunnardswanson@gmail.com

Nordik Folk # 761 Munster, Indiana Michael Pearson, Jr.

29 January 2006 (219) 845 - 6948 musicianman2112@yahoo.com

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 updated contact information to Joella Hultgren (Editor) at: nodjehult@gmail.com; (317) 733 – 3493; or 13650 Amblewind Place, Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227.

20 VALTHORNET District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Vasa Order Of America Joella D. Hultgren 13650 Amblewind Place Carmel, Indiana 46074 – 8227

NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE P AID Indianapolis, IN Permit No. 5677

NORDIK FOLK #761 Viking Dinner And Exhibit

Nordik Folk # 761 enjoyed a Viking Dinner and Exhibit.

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.

DEADLINES: All news items, photographs, and articles should reach the Editor Joella Hultgren (see above for contact information) by the 15th day of the month before the month of publication, i.e. 15 March, 15 June, 15 September, and 15 December.

ADDRESS CHANGES should be sent to: Joan Graham, Grand Secretary, 5838 San Jose Avenue, Richmond, California 94804; Email: circulationvasastar@gmail.com or vasajlg@aol.com.