Midnattsol (The Midnight Sun)

Newsletter

Saskatoon Norwegian Cultural Society Inc.

Box 703, Saskatoon, SK S7K 3L7

2012

1

LEFSE BEE

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Want to be a part of the Board of Directors? President Vacant We are in need of:  President

Vice President  Secretary

Vacant  Vice President

 Social Director

Please consider spending a few hours a month to bolster and maintain Secretary our great Norwegian Cultural Society. Please call Dennis @ 382-8728 Vacant

Treasurer

Andrea Cameron Some upcoming dates to put on your

calendars: NorSkole Director March 26 Omar Aschim  Norskole Closing Ceremony

 Social Director Aden Bowman High School Cafeteria at 7pm Vacant

April 19, 20 and 21 Assistant social Director  Lefse Bee Carol Bumford At Zion Lutheran Church

323 – 4th Avenue South Newsletter

Heidi Sheehan May 17

Kathrine Marshall  Syttende Mai Chris Lambert At Western Development Museum Joint event with Sons of Norway

Cultural Director Aug 6-10 Margaret Kleiv  Bybruen Lodge Norwegian Cultural Camp ø Membership Contact Bj rn Tokle at 373-9803

Alice Olson

August 16-18  Folkfest

At St. Joseph’s School

http://www.saskatoonfolkfest.ca/home

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MEMORIES written by Sylvia Leland

Life is full of many different emotions and reactions throughout our years. While visiting our family in Norway, my dad asked us kids one day if we would be interested in going to a ski competition at a near-by ski slope. That sounded like it would be fun, as he said it was a “Gubbe“ run (older men), and we may know the names of some of the participants. About half-way through the competition, after us kids had gone for a piece of “Kringle“ at a Kiosk, we looked up the slope. Down the mountain swooped a middle-aged man, his bare head gleaming in the sun, his pant-legs (not the traditional ski garb of knickers and woolen knee socks) flapping in the wind as he rushed gallantly over the slope without the aid of ski poles, and landed in front of us with a smile bigger than the length of his skis ------IT WAS OUR DAD ------Our faces displayed total shock and disbelief, but soon changed to looks of warm pride, as we threw our arms around him, amid loud cheers from the crowd. My dad had not been on skis for over 3 decades, but had often told us that even, though he grew up very poor after his dad died , he had always had a pair of old “ hand-me- down “ skis to swoop down the mountain slopes as a young boy…….Our hero for sure !!!!! When I think of different reactions in life, I remember the day when my brother was introducing his cousin to a group of people as we just roared with laughter. He said, “I would like you to meet my sviskenbarn (prune child)……Somehow the word (søskenbarn) had left his memory……. I will never forget the night in June, when my family and lots of friends, trudged up the mountain behind Grandma’s house to a mountain lake called “Gard Vann“ where a huge bonfire had been made. We sat along the shore in the moonlight as many of the friends brought out their guitars, accordions, and violins and began to play and sing - what a beautiful night to celebrate the longest night of the year, “St. HANS “ night. !!!! As the lake reflected the flames of the campfire and the moon up above – we all felt the warmth of friendship and the quiet peace of a small Norwegian community in the majestic mountains in the country of Norway.

Midsummer Fire, Nikolai Astrup (1880-1928)

4

Dearest and Special Friends of

Irene Seierstad

Are invited to her 90th Birthday Celebration!

Come & Go Tea

at her Residence at 214 Davies Road - Saskatoon

Sunday, April 1st.

from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Please RSVP to 382-8728 (leave a message)

Gifts Graciously Declined

5 Syttende Mai Feiring!

This year the 17th May celebrations will be held at Western Development Museum.

Prices: Adult $25.00 (Meal) Dessert only $15. Children $10 Meal / (Subsidized) Dessert only $5.

NB! Children from the language school who are dancing will not pay for their supper.

Ticket also includes entertainment and Admission to the Western Development Museum. Cash Bar.

5:30 Cocktails 6:00 BBQ Supper Followed by Entertainment, Norwegian Folkdancing, Greetings 7:30 Parade through the museum (HURRA FOR SYTTENDE MAI!) 8:00 Coffee & Desserts!

FLAG RAISING AT CITY HALL IN MORNING

Share your Memories We invite your contributions be they memories, thoughts, pictures or wishes. ______Thank you!

6

DANCE WORKSHOP With Lee Otterholt

On March 4th & 5th, our Saskatoon Norwegian School had the great honour and privilege to host a Norwegian dance workshop featuring dance instructor, Lee Otterholt! Lee choreographed the opening ceremonies of the Lillehammer Olympics, thus we had first class instruction and he did not disappoint!  The workshop was well received as we had a full house with Norskole kids, other membership, and from the community at large, and even two other moms and myself. The age varied from 5yrs to 80+ as with levels of dance from no experience to instructors. Everyone seemed to have great fun. People brought treats and such for the breaks. On Monday the instruction continued and the adult language school came over on their break to check it out and it didn’t take too much twisting of the arm to keep them 

During these sessions it was more than dance instruction. Lee taught some history regarding some of the dances and songs which made them more meaningful. He also taught us the Norwegian “Happy Birthday” and we even practiced it on the Adult Language teacher, Omar A. who had just celebrated his birthday a couple days before. I say “practiced it” as it has dance steps which include hops, spins etc. Check out the following YOU-TUBE link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVp1KtN5kHs&feature=related OR http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOW45XodiuE&feature=related

Our Monday session sadly ended and we said “Ha det bra” (Good-bye, take care of yourself). We hope to have Lee back as he has a fun and relaxed teaching style, but it was a workout for some of us as well. Please send the editors your thoughts of this event and if you would like to see Lee back, I know I do! Hey Lee, what do you say??? 

Also, if you’re interested in joining an educational dance tour with Lee and visit Norway, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Romania or Eastern Turkey, see below for some options!

7 Great turnout for the dance workshop!

8 Saskatoon Heritage Fair Feb 5th, by Omar

These pictures were taken at our display at the Saskatoon Heritage Fair at the Western Development Museum on February 5, 2012. Various displays lined both sides of Main Street and an adjoining room near the antique automobiles. I heard that over 2200 people had visited, but I don't know just what the final tally was. While our display featured crafts, it focussed on our language courses. Beside the display, we had the Bridal Procession banner. It got a lot of attention and brought many to pause at our language course material and crafts where Mary Westendorp, Carol Olson and Alice Olson charmed them.

We currently have a display at the City Folkfest Office on Avenue D and 23rd Street. We will also have a display at Centre Mall during July 12 to August 8, and then again at Folkfest in August.

Carol Olson with guests Alice and Carol

Salesman "Ole and Lena were visited by a door to door salesman, Lowell Thompson. He tried to convince them if they bought the big freezer he was selling, they would save enough on food bills to pay for the freezer. Ole responded that they were paying for the house on what they were saving on rent. And they were saving on movie tickets with the price of cable TV." Finally, Ole said, "And we're saving on laundry with the new washer and dryer. So, I guess ve have to say, ve can't afford to save any more right now."

9 Norwegian Store

It is almost time to start ordering things for our store for Folkfest! If you can think of items that you would like to see and purchase, please send Kathrine Marshall an email with your wishes and she will try her hardest to bring in your favorite items. And remember that this year, our Folkfest theme is ‘Norway Today’. If you have an idea for a great seller in our store, Kathrine will take it into consideration.

She also needs volunteers for the Folkfest weekend, to help set up and also be behind the counter. Demonstrate that Saskatchewan excellence for volunteering! [email protected]

FOLKFEST INFO Norwegian Pavilion

Executive Director, Terri Rau Pavilion Manager: Arlene Jorgensen Saskatoon Folkfest Inc. Venue: St. Joseph’s School 127B Avenue D North Address: 115 Nelson Road Saskatoon, SK S7L 1M5 Theme: Norway Today! Saskatoon Folkfest Website: http://www.saskatoonfolkfest.ca/home Phone: 931-0100 Cell: 260-7933 Fax: 665-3421 Folkfest '12 - One World! August 16, 17, 18, 2012

10 Teacher Exchange at the U of S this month by Katherina Luneng Norskole parent and fan

I also had another honour this month, meeting Petter Pettersen who was on a teacher exchange at the university through the North-2-North program. He is a grad student and instructor at Nordland University in Bodo, Nordland. I have family there and hope to visit in the near future. Petter, being an instructor there did a presentation of his University for international English-instruction programs.

I only learned of this that morning or I would have let it be known in last newsletter but another Norskole parent was able to attend with me. This was very interesting and perfect timing as this is one of a few Norwegian universities I have been considering.

My daughter, Katherine, and I brought him to the airport Friday afternoon as he was going to explore more of western Canada before heading back home. But before he left, Kat and he talked of her interests in hope that his daughter and her may develop a friendship. He was told he would likely meet people of Norwegian heritage and was excited when he did, three of us by that moment and to hear of our Norskole.

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Kid’s Korner

Ja, vi elsker

Ja, vi elsker dette landet, som det stiger frem, furet, værbitt over vannet, med de tusen hjem. Elsker, elsker det og tenker På vår far og mor Og den saganatt som senker drømmer på vår jord

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12 .BYBRUEN LODGE 4 – 576 SONS OF NORWAY

4th ANNUAL SUMMER

NORWEGIAN CULTURAL CAMP Mon. Aug. 6th to Fri. Aug. 10th 2012 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m

Grace Westminister United Church 505 – 10th Street East, Saskatoon Open to all persons over 6 years

INSTRUCTION FOR CHILDREN Dance, cooking, needlework, artwork, woodwork, organized recreation, nature study

INSTRUCTION FOR ADULTS Needlework, genealogy, cooking, theme-oriented activities Theme for week: Jul (Christmas)

COST: $50.00 per person, includes materials, nutrition breaks, noon lunches. Registration must be made by June 25th 2012.

Mail to: Bjørn Tokle 1006 – 302 – 6th Ave. N. Saskatoon, SK S7K 4A8 Phone: 306-373-9803 for information

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Brunost - Brown Cheese By Omar Aschim

When milk is curdled, it separates into curds and whey. The curds are used for conventional cheese making. The watery, slightly cream-colored whey contains protein. When the water is evaporated from it, the brown protein portion becomes more concentrated and darker in color, until eventually quite solid and dark brown. I am aware of two brown Norwegian whey cheeses, primost and gjetost. Primost is just the whey of 100% cows’ milk evaporated to the consistency of fudge. It may have some cream mixed in with it. Primost used to be available in our grocery stores, but I have not seen any for decades. On the other hand, gjetost is readily available. The gjetost commonly available here is the Ski Queen brand made by Tine, the huge Norwegian dairy producer Co-op. Gjetost is made from evaporated goat’s milk whey but commonly includes some cows’ milk whey. In Norway one can also buy ekte gjetost meaning genuine gjetost made from 100% goat milk whey. It has a slightly stronger taste. We have made ekte gjetost a few times. We started with 10 liters of 100% goat milk whey which I obtained free from a local goat milk cheese factory. We poured it into three kettles on the kitchen range to provide lots of surface area for evaporation and kept it at 80ºC which is good for evaporation without scalding the whey. During the first two hours we strained out curds which had separated and also skimmed off the foam. After five hours one kettle was sufficient to hold the evaporating whey. After seven hours we mixed the curds and skimming’s back into the whey. After nine hours it was about the consistency of pudding but was not smooth, so we put it into a blender for about half a minute. It was then reheated to 80ºC and evaporated on a double boiler for another hour. Using the double boiler at this stage prevented scalding. Then it was taken off the heat and cooled by placing the pan onto ice water. Now, after ten hours, the consistency and color was like thick peanut butter. There was no need to evaporate further. From the 10 liters of whey we ended up with 700 mL of genuine (ekte) gjetost. After the novelty of making it wore off, it has not bothered me to pay $15 for a 500 gram package of Tine’s gjetost! Last spring when we were in California, I bought some gjetost made in the Mid-west. It didn’t taste like any gjetost I had ever tasted. Instead, it tasted much like Norwegian gammalost which is too pungent for most people. Gammalost is made from the curds of sour cows’ milk and almost all is made at Tine’s factory in Vik on the Sognefjord. Vik has a gammalost festival every spring. My father liked gammalost, but when a piece fell on the floor, the cat tried to cover it up! Those have been my experiences with brown whey cheeses.

14 Norwegian for Children

The children’s Norwegian class offers youth an opportunity to gain an understanding of the language and build their knowledge of written and oral Norwegian. It culminates with the goal of transforming their knowledge into conversational abilities.

This is achieved through fundamental lessons, exploration of folk stories, songs that become “ear worms”, and interactive games.

This year the children shared the following thoughts as to why they enjoy participating in the weekly Norwegian language class:

“I like the food” – M. age 15

“I’m learning about my heritage, and can now understand my grandparents!” – C. age 12

“It’s a good way to start my week” – C. age 11

“Norwegian is my favourite language” – E. age 10

“I like sharing the language with my friends” – M. age 12

Consider spreading the word about the Norwegian language classes, be they adult or children. Tell your family and friends. Norwegian heritage is not required to join!

15 Norwegian for Adults

This picture below is our Tuesday evening Conversational Class at Aden Bowman Collegiate, with two missing from the picture. Instructor Sylvi Johansen is front centre. We enjoy the spontaneous, delightful humour she encourages in these classes and she is relatively easy for us to understand. This class is for those both from the Monday Beginner Class working to improve their fluency, and others who want to keep in touch with the language.

The next picture is of the Beginner class that meets on Monday evenings at Aden Bowman Collegiate. This was taken at the end of Term 1. A few have not returned for Term 2 because of winter vacationing, or scheduling issues with other activities. This class enables a student to read and write basic Norwegian, and with a little extra effort to start developing fluency. Students are strongly recommended to repeat this class a couple times because the studies cover a lot of ground with review and repetition being very helpful for language study. Students in the Monday class may also attend the Tuesday Conversational class at no extra cost.

16 Pannekaker (crepes)

 3 eggs  1 1/2 cups milk  1 cup all-purpose flour  1/4 teaspoon salt  1 teaspoon sugar

Directions

1. Combine the eggs and milk in the container of a blender. Add the flour, salt and sugar, and blend until smooth. Let stand in Fridge for about ½ hour to thicken 2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, and coat with cooking spray or butter. Scoop about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet, and tilt the pan to coat the bottom. Cook until the top looks dry, about 30 seconds. Carefully slide a spatula under the pancake and flip. Cook for a few seconds on the other side, just until browned. Remove to a plate, and repeat with remaining batter.

Try with just adding sugar or add your favorite jam!

Enjoy!

17 No Longer a member of the Saskatoon Norwegian Cultural Society?

Please join us and help us keep the SNCS alive

Saskatoon Norwegian Cultural Society Membership Registration September 1, 2011 – August 31, 2012 Box 703 Saskatoon, SK S7K 3L7

Name: ______

Address: ______

City: ______Postal Code: ______

Phone #: ______Email: ______

Single Membership______$20/year Cash______

Family Membership ______$30/year Cheque______CHQ # ______

*______(Dependent) *______(Dependent)

*______(Dependent) *______(Dependent)

*______(Dependent) *______(Dependent)

Volunteer Interests

SNCS Director______Phoning Committee______Norskole ______

Cultural Classes ______Social Committee ______Folkfest ______

Other______