3D Third District Today November 2012 3D-100 years – Happy Thanksgiving

The mission of Sons of is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and to provide quality insurance and financial products to its members.

Fra Presidenten, Gail Ekloff November is election of officers---- Those who accepted a position THANK YOU! Please support the efforts of the new officers, specifically.... support their new ideas! Some will be a refreshing change and others might be a learning experience. Remember that change can be good! Getting out of your comfort zone is never easy. In this ever-changing world things must change to grow and survive. However, let's move forward without forgetting the significance of our long-standing traditions and ceremonies.

Please remember that one of the major rules of the order is that every lodge must have 8 meetings a year, with at least 4 being business meetings. Many lodges have a brief business meeting followed by a social meeting for all to enjoy. These business meetings are necessary for the lodges to keep Sons of Norway updated with lodge information and the required IRS forms

This is a good time to remind ourselves of the oath we all took when we joined the order of Sons of Norway; (Copied from the order of ceremonies section in the Sons of Norway “Guide for Leadership”) We hope you will be honest and fair with all people and endeavor not to judge the errors and shortcomings of others.

We require that you never introduce any matter of a political or religious nature into the lodge. We expect that your influence and activities will be with us and for us and that you will, to the best of your ability, attend our meetings and activities so that our association both here and elsewhere may be of mutual benefit and pleasure.

We are pleased that you have accepted these obligations. From now on, your own interests and the progress and the welfare of our Order are closely related. We expect that you will be sociable and tolerant in your conduct, not easily offended, and always willing to forgive. The fellowship you experience within this Order will go with you through life, and may it guide you to a better understanding of your fellow men. Hold Sons of Norway’s standards high and let us all by our association and conduct show the right understanding of the principles of our Society. Let us all remember this pledge as we support new officers that take on the challenge of leadership!

Alt for denne gangen Gail Ask & Advertise ------Mentor and Mingle 1

Vice President, Mary Andersen, VP Voice You run a great program and don't get the attendance you hoped for. We have all been there; scratched our heads and asked ourselves - Why didn't people show up? What can we do differently? What should we do?

A recent blog introduces the How Might We concept as an approach to innovation. The blog notes that words like "can" and "should" involves judgment and could result in "can't" and "shouldn't" in the answer. The author notes that using the word "how" implies that there are solutions and the word "might" enables people to make suggestions that might or might not work and the "we" means that we are going to do this together.

Think about this question - How might we improve attendance at our monthly meetings?

 call people  advertise  utilize social media

Let's explore each idea a little:  What prevents us from calling people? - Well, it's a lot of phone calls for one person. Let's institute or reinstitute our telephone chain. Let's all ask the same questions and determine if a theme develops, e.g., members don't like to drive at night. If we know the problem, we can find a solution. Don’t like to drive? We can arrange car pools.  How would we advertise? Where would we advertise? How much will it cost us? There are quite a few community newspapers that provide free advertising for groups such as ours. The key is determining the paper's deadline and submitting your announcement on time. There is always the old fashioned "flyer" strategically placed at grocery stores, etc.  Do we take advantage of social media? You can post your event on the 3D website. See if neighboring lodges have a facebook page and post your event. Don’t forget to post on the Sons of Norway website!

Consider distributing index cards at your next meeting with the question "How might we improve meeting attendance" written across the top. You might get a couple of good ideas. All you need is one idea that works. Keep asking the question of yourself and your fellow lodge members. Don't be hesitant to reinstitute something that worked in the past or try something totally new. If you do try the index card idea, please share the results!

Have a happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving! All the best, Mary 2

Counselor’s Corner by A. Kris Rasmussen The Charitable Trust – Taking Care of Our Own The leaves are falling, the smell of burning wood is in the air and there is a nip in the air in the mornings! Snowbirds are on the way south. All are seasonal reminders of the end of the year and of an opportunity for lodges and individuals. What opportunity? The opportunity to help your fellow brothers and sisters in the Third District of the Sons of Norway and at the same time help yourself by reducing your tax liability with the tax man. All contributions to the Third District’s Charitable Trust, which is a 501 c (3) fund, are fully tax deductible on both federal and state returns. Don’t wait for the new year to donate. Contribute now and I will provide you with a written receipt for tax purposes. Lodges also have the same opportunity as do individuals. If your lodge has a donation committee, as many do, this is the time of the year when you consider who your lodge will help this year in terms of financial donations. Please remember the Charitable Trust in your discussions. The “Terrific Third” is the only district in the Sons of Norway that has such a fund to take care of its own members in time of need. The Charitable Trust needs your continued support especially in these economic hard times; if you can, would you please make a donation to the Charitable Trust. Your contributions should be sent to the Charitable Trust’s Financial Administrator, Rannveig Klinge, 55 Laurel Avenue, Hamburg, PA 19526‐8721.

Please support the Charitable Trust!

CULTURE by Kathy Dollymore, Cultural Director This month we will be talking about "Nålbinding. (also spelled nålbinding, naalbinding, nalebinding). During the Viking-age (793-1066 AD) knitting and crochet were unknown to the good folks in Scandinavia, so they used another very effective and very old method for making these necessary garments: nalbinding.This is a textile technique that uses a single, eyed, needle to create fabric by sewing non-continuous lengths of thread in a fashion that in its most basic form is a series of buttonhole stitches and in more complex forms are threaded together. In Nålbinding, the thread is not pulled tight against itself forming a hard knot, but the stitches are tensioned, often around a thumb or needle, leaving a meshwork of interlocking loops of thread. Except in those forms that look like crossed knitting, it does not unravel like knitting or crochet as the thread is drawn entirely through each stitch. The resulting fabric is generally built spiraling up row by row and can be very elastic or quite stiff depending on the variation and material used. Nålbinding can be used to make a number of different items. Most often used for mittens, socks, hats, milk strainers, and bags, it can, however, be used to make many different objects. Unfortunately many archaeological nålbinding finds are just fragments so their original use is often obscured if not unknown." Nalbinding predates both knitting and crochet by at least 2000 years. Ancient samples have historically been misidentified as knitting by archaeologists and hopeful textile historians. Fragments of fabric with the appearance of knitting, excavated from third century AD Dura-Europos, in the Middle East, turn out to be nalbinding. Additional samples of toed anklet socks from fifth and sixth century AD Egypt are also examples of nalbinding, previously misidentified as knitting. Nalbinding as a practical needle craft survived longest in Scandinavia before it was supplanted by easier to produce knitting. Nalbinding was regarded as a superior craft because it required more skill to produce and the fabric created was thicker and warmer. Nalbinding is worked with a single, blunt needle (also called a nal or naal) that can be made out of numerous materials ranging from antler to wood to even plastic and acrylic. The needle can range in size from just a couple of inches long to over 6 inches in length depending on the preference of the person using it. In Anglo-Saxon manuscript illustrations both sexes either wear ankle-height shoes which would hide socks of the Coppergate style or else they go barefoot. However, Scandinavian King Cnut (in BL Stowe MS 944 of A.D. 1020-30) appears to be wearing closer fitting hose or knee length socks, with a decorative band just below the knee. For more information on Nålebinding http://viking-history.wetpaint.com/page/N%C3%A5lbinding http://www.dilettante.info/nalbindingmain.htm 3 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naalebinding Karin Gudbrandson McCadam, Youth Director Third District Youth News It is an honor for me to begin my term as Third District Youth Director, yet humbling to follow in the footsteps of Evelyn Karpack, along with other Youth Directors, who served so selflessly in this position. Some might say I have some big shoes to fill (and I agree) … but then again, have you seen my feet? ; -) Our new 3D Youth logo symbolizes what we experience as a district: ups and downs, but always looking to the future. It also symbolizes a daring, hopeful spirit. The children who’ve seen this logo have said “skateboard”, “surfboard” and “balance beam”: our kids get the symbolism! Every lodge has things they do well. Yet often, when the subject of youth is mentioned, the response is “but we don’t have kids”. Well, we have to start somewhere! We cannot build on perceived weaknesses: we must build on our strengths. So humor me please and read on. Youth programming is not very different from programming for adults. First, youth must be invited, next encouraged, and then recognized for their efforts. Children, like adults, want programs which are relevant, straightforward yet creative, and fun! Please note: don’t do everything for them - they like to participate! And, yes, youth love snacks and treats, too. It helps to think about youth programming within the larger scope of culture, sports, and social activities. You need not create separate activities for kids; just involve them in what you’re already doing. And, kudos to those directors of culture, sports, youth and social who regularly communicate with one another to plan their work and then they follow-through with their plans! Here is an idea you may want to adapt for one of your lodge events. At Oslo Lodge in April 2010 the theme was Royalty and Commoners. Adults and children listened as one member read “Why Kings and Queens Don't Wear Crowns” written by Norway’s Princess Martha Louise. (It is best to have someone who can read the few Norwegian words with the correct pronunciation and an endearing dialect.) Once the story was over, the children (ages 3-12, with older ones and the Cultural Director to supervise) left for the kitchen while visitors and new members enjoyed a presentation on the Norwegian Royal Family. Meanwhile the children had a blast making Tilslørte Bondepiker (Veiled Farm Girls’ Dessert), which they served as soon as they dished out 50 servings! By that time, the adults were ready for another cup of coffee and all enjoyed the dessert made by the children. There were many recipe requests for the delicious Fyrstekaker (also known as Prince’s or Aristocrat’s Cake), which several of the ladies baked. (You can find dessert recipes online. To ensure that children can participate safely, use boxed graham cracker crumbs, jarred chunky applesauce, and premade whipped cream.) Remember: we build on our strengths. So, if your lodge strength is cooking, then start with just one family-oriented cooking class. If you are sports-minded, then how about starting with Kubbs (see the 3D Sports column this month), a nature hike, or even a rocking chair or jump rope contest? Just have fun. These suggestions work for lodges of any size. Please email me with some of the ideas that have worked for you. We will gladly share them in this column. Med vennlig hilsen, Karin Gudbranson McCadam, Youth Director

Ron Martinsen, PR Director Pictures!! I really need your pictures. Mostly from the middle and northern zones. Digital is preferred. Also, include the name of the lodge, the event and if possible the names of the members in the photo with a caption. I can’t guarantee you will get in the Viking Magazine, but I can most likely get you in the TDT. I want to have pictures from all around the district. Occasionally I get a bunch of pictures with no lodge, no names and no captions. If I recognize a member I know, then I can figure out what lodge it is. And don’t forget the Events Calendar on the District Website, where you can also post a flyer. The deadline is always the 15th of the month. Happy Thanksgiving. Ron [email protected] 4 Mike McCadam, Sports Director Greetings! Thanks to each of you who have contacted me in the past month. Each question is important. Other members may have the same questions, so, here are some answers to frequently asked questions about Sports Medals. More information is available at www.sofn.com. Sports Medals are earned within one year. It is not a calendar year nor does it begin in one particular month. The twelve months begin from the date you note your first activity on the recording form, such as Nov. 1, 2012 and then you have until Oct. 31, 2013 to complete all activity for the sports medal you are working toward. You do not need to take one full year to finish, but you can if you like. The confusion about the start date may come from the reminders we send prior to the Third District Conventions, when it is our intention to award Sports Medals at the Convention. Another good question is “what happens when I’ve earned all four medals in my sport?” The good news is this - if you want to continue in your preferred sport rather than changing to a different sport, you can. Stay with what works. Just begin again with the bronze medal. And, why not bring someone along on the way to your next medal? You can be a super encourager to someone else in the lodge. If you are doing this now, please contact me as we’d like to share your story here! And, remember, before beginning any fitness program, it is essential that you have an appointment with your physician regarding your current health and fitness readiness. Only then should you begin. Once your physician clears you for a fitness program, start slow and pace yourself giving your body time to adjust to the demands you place on it. Some discomfort is to be expected, but listen to your body! Listening and being aware will help you maintain and improve your health! All about Kubb: Kubb is the fastest growing lawn game in . Although some claim that it dates back to Viking times, no one knows for certain, however its origin is Nordic! You can buy Kubb sets online for less than $80. It can be played on grass, sand and yes, even snow. It can be played by two players or two teams, so it makes for a good choice for any size lodge. The goal is to knock down all the opponent’s men before yours are knocked down. When a team successfully topples the king, then they are the winners of that round. (Sounds like a Viking game.) Best out of three are declared the winners. In September there was a 3D Golf Tournament in Myrtle Beach. I’ve heard through the grapevine that golfers and non-golfers enjoyed delicious food, cool conversation, balmy weather and some great golf. Although we cannot promise the same weather for the 3D Tournament at LOV in the Spring, we will see if we can beat their scores! Fraternally, Mike ([email protected])

5 Zone Reports Zone 1 - Karen Olsen- Helmhold – Chairperson – [email protected] Karen Olsen-Helmold has accepted the position of Zone 1 chairperson. This still means we have no representation on the 3D Board but we can still function as a Zone. Zone 2 – Peter Hanson – Director As Zone Director, I have had the opportunity to begin visiting the various Lodges that make up the Zone. I visited the Maine Nordmenn at their monthly cultural meeting on October 4th. They welcomed new members, shared a pot luck dinner, went over their budget highlights, and heard from a local wooden boat builder who had spent six weeks on a Viking reproduction as it sailed from Ireland to . Other visitations are scheduled for Dovre Lodge and Hartford Lodge later in October.We held our Fall Zone 2 meeting on Saturday October 13th. Four of our six Lodges were well represented at the meeting as we shared lunch, heard Lodge reports, and began working through a vision for the future of the Zone. Hartford Lodge; Hartford Lodge has their annual Leif Erickson Day meatball dinner, served by the men of the Lodge, and cultural meeting scheduled for Sunday October 21st. I will not only have the pleasure of joining them as Zone Director but also as a presenter talking about our 2011 visit to Newfoundland, specifically Lan’s aux Meadows. Maine Nordmenn Lodge: As mentioned above, the Maine Nordmenn continued their tradition of a monthly cultural meeting with a visit from Ton Jackson, an editor of Wooden Boat Magazine. Tom served as one of 62 crew members aboard the Viking Havhingtsen Fra Glendalough on a voyage between Dublin and Denmark.Their future meetings have been planned out with visits from authors, lectures about the different languages spoken in Norway, and a talk about the Norwegian wind power project in Maine. In December they will hold their annual Julefest which will include great food, silent auction, live music, a children’s program, and their installation of new officers.

Norumbega Lodge; At the monthly Lodge meeting in October, the Norumbega Lodge members were treated to a talk from Meg Stone who is a marine mammal trainer at the New England Aquarium. She shared her experiences and knowledge as a volunteer intern, and trainer of Atlantic harbor seals, northern fur seals, California sea lions and a Blandings turtle. The meeting plans for November include a presentation by authors Michael Carr and David Brody about their research, Michael’s novel about the and Knights Templar and their upcoming series on the History Channel. Norumbega Lodge is very busy finalizing plans and operational issues for their annual Scandinavian Fair. This will be held on November 10th and it usually attracts about 900 visitors. It is the only external fundraiser for the Lodge and thus is very important to their budget for the coming year. Dovre Lodge;Dovre lodge will be holding it’s annual potluck dinner on Friday October 19th. In celebration of Leif Erickson day there will be a lecture about Leif’s life. I will be visiting this meeting representing the Zone. On Sat. morning, November 17.some members will be going over to Fairhaven, MA, for a variety of Norwegian experiences. First up is the annual Christmas sale at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Fairhaven, MA. This features hand- made Norwegian (and other) gifts, plus a fantastic Norwegian lunch featuring creamcakes, open-faced sandwiches, lobster rolls, seafood chowder, and a variety of Norwegian baked goods. On Sat. December 1, they will have their annual Norwegian Christmas party. 6

Zone 3 – Barbara Bensen – Director The October Fests are behind us, and the witches, ghosts, and gobblins have retreated for the year. It's hard to believe there are less than 65 left in 2012! And, the remaining days include: Election Day, Armistice/Veteran's Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Welcome, to the holiday madness

Zone 3 held it's Memorial Service on Sunday, October 7th, hosted by Noreg Lodge. Our Guest Speaker, Mary Andersen - 3D Vice-President delivered a special heart-warming message to the families of our departed members. Following the service, coffee, cake, and fraternalism was enjoyed by everyone. In November, four of Zone 3 Lodges (Bernt Balchen, Fredheim, Nor-Bu, and Noreg) will have elected new Officers for 2013. The presentation by Anne Elisebeth Skogen, Storyteller from Norway, was a marvelous cultural experience for the members of our three "N" Lodges. A Mange Tusen Takk goes to Pleasant Point Lodge for their $500 contribution to the 3D Charitable Trust.

BERNT BALCHEN LODGE will be presenting a BY LAW change to the members of their Lodge. If the membership votes to accept the change, the regular monthly meeting date will change from the third Thursday of the month to the third Sunday of the month....excluding January and February. On October 13th, the Adopt- A-Highway Committee worked on clearing the Tow Path along the river. If you want a good laugh, speak to Tom Thorkildsen about his skit of an old-time radio show,"Pied Piper" and his rats in tow. At the October Business Meeting, Bernt Balchen served a soup luncheon followed by a "White Elphant" sale. NANSEN LODGE had 11 members go to Myrtle Beach for the 3D Golf Tournament. Some members enjoyed shopping better that golfing. However, they had a golf team that placed 1st in the tournament. Their Junior Lodge is preparing for the Fall season and invites young members to join the group. Nansen's Heritage Fair, on October 13th, was a success. For Brother's Night, the Nansen men did all of the work. They cooked a fabulous pork dinner, showed old Brother's Night movies, and treated the ladies like Queens. NOR-BU LODGE'S biggest fundraiser of the year is the Tricky Tray on Sunday, November 11th. Everyone is invited to come, to take some chances, and to have fun. Thank goodness for the Junior Lodge members, who bring the prizes to the winners. A fourth cooking class has been added to their cultural agenda: "How to make FariKal" on December 1st. Space is limited...... first come, first served! NOREG LODGE had a sell-out crowd for their Leif Erickson Social on October 21st. Eighty five people attended the dinner and storytelling presentation by Anne Elisebeth Skogen, of Norway. Now, the Lodge is preparing for their Annual Scandinavian Bazaar, that will be held on November 17th and 18th, at the Old Bridge Municipal Center, in Old Bridge. The men will be serving homemade pea soup, lapskaus, open-faced sandwiches and meatball dinners. Norwegian waffles and krumkake will be served by the ladies. It's a great place to start that holiday shopping and to enjoy a great meal. From our Zone to your Zone, have a Happy Thanksgiving and enjoy your day

Zone 4 –Kari Williams – New Director I have not received any reports from Zone 4 lodges, so therefore I will report on Troll Lodge: We had a fantastic 45th Anniversary Celebration Sept. 29th. On Friday Oct 12th We had an OKTOBERFEST, with food made in the kitchen by one of the members, bratwurst, hot dogs, sauerkraut, baked beans, potato salad and spaetzle. Cup cakes for dessert, It was a great evening. Troll is having their annual Scandinavian Holiday Fair on Saturday, November 10th at the Methodist Church on Rte 6 & Mt. Hope Rd., Mahopac, NY We have vendors who sell Rosemaling, Jewelry, Glassware, T-shirts and hats etc. Our café sells meatballs, lapskaus, ertesuppe (peasoup) and hotdogs, soda , water, coffee and tea. The ladies make fresh waffles all day. Bring the kids, Games and art/crafts for them while you shop. Troll Lodge Christmas Party Dec. 15th at Travelers Rest, call for reservations 914-736-0784 Kari or 845-628-4241,

HUDSON VALLEY LODGE: In their October Newsletter they list Men’s Night at Maennerchor November 10th at 7 PM, Christmas Party at Maennerchor December 8th at 7 PM, and children’s Christmas Party, Dec 9th at 3 PM

Norrona Lodge: In their newsletter they list November 16th at 7:30 PM as “ERTESUPPE NIGHT”. Sounds Good. Their Christmas Party will be December 15th at 7:30 and Children’s Christmas Party Sunday Dec.16th at 2 PM.

No November Newsletters received yet from the Zone 4 lodges. 7

Hilsen, fra Kari Williams

.Zone 5 – Gail Martinsen – Director Wow, October was such a very busy month here in Florida! The majority of our lodges celebrated Leif Eriksson Day in a variety of interesting ways. Harbour's Rosemaling/Craft Class is working on Swedish weaving at this time and will shortly be back to working on rosemaling. They are so very creative! Their October meeting was held at Wally's Southern Style BBQ. Can you imagine they all ready have their 2013 calendar prepared! Gateway to Florida had a fun meeting with a lasagna dinner and a pound auction. You bring an item that weighs a pound wrapped up and it is auctioned. It can be a pound of flour, a beautiful Scandinavian item, a book, etc. The items are auctioned off and the winner of the item takes their chances in winning a great prize or not. But, everyone has fun! Their member, Evelyn Hopkins shared her videos from her recent visit to Norway. Four times a year the Sjomannskirken Scandinavian Church in Davie, FL sends a minister to the Messiah Lutheran Church in the Estero area to preach to the local Norwegian community. The whole service is in Norwegian. Suncoast had a Viking Feast with a Valhalla skit and prizes were given to the best Viking and Troll costumes. Space Coast Vikings enjoyed their meeting at MeeMaw's BarBQ. Vikingworld showed a video on Vigeland Park in Oslo and a video on Bergen to their members. All the members at Sarasota wore orange tops and black bottoms to celebrate Halloween. Their menu included Wiggly Worms (spaghetti & meatballs), Graveyard Cutting (salad), Vampire Deterrent (garlic bread) and Spooktacular Dessert! What a fun idea! Scandia had their annual fundraiser, The No Garage - Garage Sale. They served lapskaus at their October meeting. A Pasta Potluck was held by Tampa Bay Lodge in honor of Joe Centineo. They celebrated Leif Eriksson Day and Foundation Month at the meeting. Money was raised for the Foundation in Joe's honor at the meeting. Sun Viking served a lapskaus dinner at their meeting and entertained the members with a skit on Leif Eriksson. Gulfstream had the men cook and serve the meal at their meeting. They served Mexican food and the members came dressed as Mexicans. Sun Viking had their Annual Scandinavian Cultural Fair and Sarasota had their Annual Scandinavian Festival at the end of the month. At Sarasota's Festival, they had entertainment by Hardanger Fiddler, Karen Torkelsen Solgård. Gulfstream hosted their Annual Leif Eriksson Weekend and Viking Boat Regatta. For the second year in a row, the regatta was canceled due to weather. But, we still had the festival at the waterway. There were many guests and among them were some very beautiful and friendly ones! One was American of Norwegian Descent and the other was born in Norway. I got on my knees to greet them and they kissed me. One was a wonderful Norwegian Elkhound and the other was so AMAZING! He was born in Norway and had a haircut just for the Florida weather, he was a WOLF! He was so GORGEOUS!!! Have a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

Zone 6 – Roger Corneliussen – Director Bondelandet Lodge, Fredriksten Lodge, Nordkap Lodge, Restauration Lodge This month is a time for moving into high gear the 2012-2013 season. The schedules are being reviewed and revised as necessary. The Bondelandet weekly ice cream meetings (Wednesday 7 pm) at the Oregon Dairy continue with attendance ranging from 3 to 15. We have now started an Exton weekly get-together at the Exton Mall in the Food Court, Tuesday, 7 pm. The first one was successful with 5 Exton /West Chester members and four visitors from the Oregon Dairy group. A couple of Extonites are candidates for Sons of Norway members. We hope this will become a recruiting tool for the Sons of Norway. A couple of Swedes also expressed interest. I will be pushing for this in the Zone 6 lodges to encourage at least trial runs. Anyone from other lodges are always welcome to either of these meetings.

The Fall Bondelandet program is underway. The September program was a recap of the summer conventions and I gave a description of why 60 000 Norwegians are settled in the Red Valley region around Fargo, ND and Moorhead, MN. Six feet of black topsoil was the magnet. Our October meeting (Friday, October 19) will feature the Max Manus movie. Jorgen Flood will introduce the movie (member of Restauration Lodge). His father was in the same military group as Max Manus and personally knew him. As a six year old child Jorgen remembers seeing Max Manus at some event. November is the start of the Christmas season with a visit to the National Christmas Center in Paradise, PA, Friday November 16, followed by Christmas at the Olsons, the Julebord and finally the annual Lutefisk dinner in January. Fredriksten Lodge is busy with Fall events including the local food bank and Toys for Tots. The lodge visited LOV for the fall foliage. In November they are having their annual Flea market and Bake sale. They are closing the year with a Christmas Party hosted by the Danish Brotherhood. Nordkap hosted a Crab Feast, September 8 at Norse Park. On October 13 they will be running the water station for mile 2 of a marathon to assist a medical and hospital charity. Restauration Lodge celebrated the summer Norway trips of members. William Taylor presented their trip along with some genealogical information. The lodge is making woven, heart shaped Christmas baskets for their Julefest. In November they will have a potluck dinner and elections followed by making sandkakers for the Julefest. Roger D. Corneliussen, Zone 6 Director

8 Zone 7 - Ed McCarthy – Director Drammen Lodge #682, New Bern, N.C. will be having a dinner in honor of Day. It will take place on October 10th and will feature Leif's favorite dish-Spaghetti. Sounds good to me! Blafjell Lodge #646 in Salem, Virginia will take part in a community celebration known as Taste of Colors which will feature Sweden this year. They are also planning a dinner for their 16th Anniversary on October 27th. Hampton Roads Lodge #522 will host the dance group "Scandans" along with a dessert walk. This group hails from Raleigh, N.C. and features all the countries of Scandinavia but of course, will do "all things Norwegian" this time. Norsk Carolina Lodge #679 will feature a concert by the Norwegian pianist Knute Erik Jensen aon October 11th.If you attended the district convention you will know just how good he is! On October 20th they will have a smorboard social and will initiate new members and make awards. Southern Star Lodge #630 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. will feature a hayride with cider and donuts to help usher in the fall season. Vennegretsen Lodge #678 in Atlanta, Georgia will feature a presentation on the Norwegian language both old and new. Members will get a chance to practice what they learn. North Carolina Lodge #675 in Raleigh, N.C. will feature a program broken into four parts on Norway today. This particular topic will probably spill over into their November meeting. Edward McCarthyDirector Zone 7

People around the world have celebrated Thanksgiving throughout the ages in many different ways. The ancient Greeks celebrated Thanksgiving with the fertility Goddess Demeter and the Romans celebrated when the corn crops came in with their Goddess Ceres. On September 29, Michaelmas in the past was a festival to celebrate the harvest and the Archangel Michael. Michaelmas is a very important festival in Norway. It falls near the equinox and is associated with the beginning of autumn and the shortened days in the Northern Hemisphere. In the Bible, Michael, the greatest of the Archangels, is honored for defeating Lucifer in the battle for the heavens. Today, if you are visiting Norway during the Thanksgiving Holiday, it is difficult to find a Thanksgiving meal, but, you can shop for the ingredients. In the local matbutikk or a slakter (butcher) you can find kalkyn (turkey), søtpeter (sweet potatoes) and tranebær (cranberries). But, frozen pie crusts, gresskar (pumpkin puree) and certain urter (herbs) for the stuffing will be difficult to locate. But, where you find yourself on Thanksgiving Day have a wonderful day! 9

Leif Erikson Weekend in Jensen beach, Florida Members and friends from lodges in Florida and District 3 attended the 40th annual Leif Erikson Regatta Oct. 12-13 in Jensen Beach hosted by the Gulfstream Lodge. The weekend kicked off with an informal welcome reception Friday evening at the hotel that included the opportunity to win lovely gift baskets. Boats from Gateway to Florida, Gulfstream, Lauderdale and Suncoast Lodges were poised for the spirited competition Saturday, but Mother Nature and a high-wind advisory for small craft cancelled the race. But the true-at-heart Vikings enjoyed food, vendors and conversation at the park. Later that evening 100 members and guests assembled for a banquet and recognition of the two Lifetime Achievement Award winners Charlie Nilsen and Rolf Ekloff who attended and Ed Trabulsy, Jr., the Leif Erikson Award recipient, who was unable to attend because of health issues. The twice annual Zone 5 meeting was held Sunday morning with representatives from most of the 13 Florida Lodges in the zone. Other attendees include International Vice President Ralph Peterson, International Director Marci Larson and District 3 President Gail Ekloff.

Int. V.P. Ralph Peterson, 3D President Gail Ekloff, LOV Chairman Rolf Ekloff, Past Int. V.P. Charlie Nilsen & wife Britt Nilsen and Int. Dir. Marci Larson. Rolf & Charlie received their Lifetime Achievement Awards presented by Ralph & Gail (see 2012 Summer Convention TDT). Not present but also receiving an award was Ed Trabulsy. Ed received the 2012 Leif Erikson Award (see September TDT).

Ron Martinsen 3D PD & Ralph Peterson Int. VP discuss lunch D3 President Gail Ekloff admires many baskets

The crew of Hagar – Gateway to Florida 3-541 Due to small craft warnings, Hagar was only boat to sail-by 10

Harry Oyangen of Bernt Balchen 3-566 won big at Willy Hansen of Willy’s Products and Kent Larson the raffle of Gateway to Florida 3-541

A real Norwegian wolf at the Regatta Aura Borealis – the land of the Northern Lights

October is a time for all of us to witness strange things. It might be a ghost or a witch walking down the street. It could be a lot of black and orange lights that will shine along our houses. This is an occasion that happens each year at the end of this month. To observe a natural experience you will want to watch the skies in north Norway. The northern lights as visible most frequently from late autumn and winter to early spring. Furthermore, the best months are October, February and March. Even though it is possible to view the northern lights from all over Norway, it is definitely advisable to make your way north, as daylight hours become lesser and you are physically closer to the display. To see this phenomenon, it would be best to visit the auroral zone, the location beyond the Arctic Circle, where the Northern Lights occur. Tourists' favorite viewing locations are the coasts of the Norwegian counties of Trømso and Finnmark - especially at the North Cape (Nordkapp)! The northern lights are a physical phenomenon that occurs when electrically-charged particles from the sun hurtle towards the Earth. The light becomes visible when the particles collide with gases in the Earth's atmosphere. This phenomenon can only be observed near the magnetic poles. The polar light in the northern hemisphere is called aurora 11 “borealis” - or northern lights - while the polar lights in the southern hemisphere are called aurora “australis”, the southern lights. The northern lights have fascinated and captivated people through the ages, and they are mentioned in texts written by Aristotle, among others. Chinese texts from 2000 BC also describe what may be the northern lights. The earliest explanations and descriptions fuelled the myths and mystery surrounding the northern lights, and it was not until the 17th century that the phenomenon was studied in a more systematic and scientific manner. A connection was gradually discovered between the northern lights and magnetic disruptions, and that the sun's activity influenced the phenomenon. In 1886, Norwegian physicist Kristian Birkeland formulated the first comprehensive theory on the northern lights based on these previous observations. Birkeland developed and reinforced his theory, and his work formed the basis for modern research on the northern lights. This research still continues today, and it has given us new information about the sun, the Earth's atmosphere and near space. There was a great deal of mystery and myths associated with the northern lights in former times. Some considered the northern lights to be an omen of war or plague while others believed the lights were created by dead, old, unmarried women. People were advised against waving white clothing at the northern lights, as this would anger them and cause you to be abolished from Earth. Others believed that the northern lights would wink back if you waved a white garment at them. The Sami people believed that the northern lights had supernatural power, and they used symbols from the lights on their shaman drums. The aurora borealis (or the northern lights), was named after the Roman goddess of dawn, Aurora, and the Greek name for the north wind, Boreas, by Pierre Gassendi in 1621. The Cree, one of the largest groups of Native Americans in North America, call this phenomenon the "Dance of the Spirits". In Europe, during the Middle Ages, the auroras were commonly believed to be a sign from God. The northern lights can be many different colors. This is determined by the gases with which the particles from the sun collide. This, in turn, is determined by the altitude at which the collision takes place in the atmosphere. The visible northern lights are from 90 km to approx. 150 km (56 miles to 93 miles generally) above the ground, and the colors can be categorized roughly as follows: More than 150 km: Red light 120 km - 150 km: Yellow-green light Less than 120 km: Blue-purple light Green is the most common of all auroras. Behind it is pink, a mixture of light green and red, followed by pure red, yellow (a mixture of red and green), and lastly, pure blue. When we had our trip to Alaska Roy and I were woken about 2:00 am to see the auroras. It was hard to see the dashing lights and they were not vivid colors, but it was amazing just the same. From Barbara Berntsen, Garborg 3-265, past 3D Int. Dir. 12

The Johnsen’s and the Nilsen’s of District 3 at the 2012 International Convention Norse Gods & Goddesses The religious beliefs of the Vikings were mostly influenced by the land. The Viking's ancestors were buried in hundreds of funeral mounds covering Scandinavia. The beliefs were a blend of their traditional need for a close proximity to their dead ancestors and the family land and the new sights and cultures they encountered on their raids and trading expeditions. The Viking religion and lifestyle underwent a transformation in the 8th & 9th centuries to these migrations. They believed many Gods & lesser Deities had special powers to assist the people in different circumstances, such as, harvesting crops or attacking enemies. The pagan Gods, such as Odin, Thor or Freya were interwoven into a tapestry of belief, the afterlife, heaven, hell and resurrection (very similar to many aspects of Christianity). The Vikings buried the dead with goods and chattel needed in the afterlife. Odin was the chief of Æsir. He is the Highest and the Oldest of the Gods, he rules all things and however powerful the other Gods they all serve him as children. Their father, Odin, the Allfather is the father of all Gods. He is also, known as Valfather because his chosen sons are all of those who die in battle. Valhalla is for them. Valholl, Valfather and Valkyrie are all derived from the word valr, meaning the slain in battle, which gave rise to our word VALOR. Odin is also connected with the birds and animals, particularly the ravens and wolves, which feed on carrion. This is tempered by Odin’s association with wisdom and poetry. Odin is accompanied by his 2 ravens, Huginn (Thought) and Muninn (Memory) and his gray 8 legged horse Sleipnor. Odin was Father of the Gods, but, his supremacy was challenged at times. Thor, God of Thunder & War was the most powerful God and when the Vikings referred to “the God” they were referring to Thor not Odin. To the Viking warriors Thor was the most important God. During the excavation of warrior burial mounds personal jewelry associated with Thor is found the most. The other known group of Gods were known as Vanir, they originated in Asia minor and were brought to Scandinavia through migration & trade. Njord, the God of the Sea was their tribal chief. Njord’s children were Frey, God of Weather & Fertility and Freya, Goddess of Sex, Fertility, War & Wealth. Freya helped Odin to gather souls. Next to Odin & Thor this brother & sister were among the most venerated of the Norse Gods. Balder, Odin’s second son was killed by his older blind brother Hödr. Hödr was tricked by Loki, the Father of all Lies, to throw a spear of mistletoe into Balder, killing him. As punishment, Loki was bound by the entrails of his own son, shackled to a rock and tortured with snake venom dripping into his face for all of eternity. Every time Loki shudders it causes what we know as an earthquake. Most of the Gods are related in some way and are ruled by Odin, like a protective Father supervising his wayward offspring. The universe was framed by the branches of Yggrdrasil, the world tree. It is the hugest and most stately of all trees. This mighty ash encompassed the Viking world and was preyed upon by 4 stags, who nibbled on the leaves and the dragon, Drandbiter, who lay at its base. An eagle wise beyond all knowing roosts in this tree and between his eyes sits the hawk, Vedrfölmir. The Gods gave out judgment at the tree every day. The Worlds in the Tree Yggdrasil, the world ash - The tree has 3 roots which reach Asgard, Midgard and Niflheim and supports all 9 worlds. 4 dwarfs uphold the sky, 2 wolves chase the sun & the moon, the world serpent encircles the earth and the dragon Nidhöggr gnaws at the root in Niflheim. The rivers all issue from the eternal spring Hvergelmir. Asgard – Asgard is the center of the Viking Universe, the heavenly dwelling place of the Gods. It lays upon a mountaintop above the clouds. The mortal world lays beneath so the Gods could watch over and steer mankind. Midgard – Midgard (Middle Earth) is the world of humans. Hel – Beneath Midgard lay Hel, the home of the Giants and Monsters, which the Gods kept at bay till the day of Reckoning. Jotunheim ( Also known as Utgard) - Jotunheim is the home of the Giants.

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