3D

DECEMBER 2010 Third District Today

The mission of Sons of Norway 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 Ralph Peterson It has been a busy time since I last wrote to you. We held our District Board Meeting; Hampton Roads held its annual Bazaar and I went to Minneapolis for our District Presidents Council (DPC) meeting which is held at the same time the International Board meets. I am very pleased and honored that my fellow Presidents have chosen me to chair the Council for our term.

Twenty Three (23) D3 lodges will hold Bazaars or take part in some sort of Christmas bazaar or Community fair. It is a great time to recruit new members and raise money for your activities. The lodges receive exposure to the community, gain members, work together and earn money. I received a few reports so far and Hampton Roads is the leader in new members with 12 from their bazaar and Nansen earned over $9,000 at their event. Super numbers!! If your lodge didn’t participate in a bazaar or a Community fund raiser this year I encourage you to do so next year.

The District Board Meeting was held 30/31 October along with a short 3D LTD meeting. The Executive board met on 29 October. The LOV board also met during that time and met with the Executive board and the District board. Among the business conducted was adopting goals for 2011 which will be posted shortly on the web site) and adopting the 2012 Centennial and Convention motto “The D3 Viking Journey: 100years.”

Among the items discussed at the DPC was the content of the “Lodge Achievement Form” (formally the Lodge of the Year (LOY) form). While the form is used to gather information for Lodge of the Year award another significant use is to determine Lodge Merit Awards. While we only have one LOY winner in each division we will recognize many lodges for their achievements via the Merit Awards. Among the recommended changes to the form were recognition for having a current web site, an annual lodge budget and other up-dates which will make it more appropriate for its designed use. The DPC recognizes that membership retention is perhaps our biggest challenge. The 8 District Presidents share the opinion that effective lodge programs are what brings members in and keeps them as members. We encourage all lodges to plan and announce their programs for at least 6 months ahead and better yet for an entire year. Please help in this endeavor. The DPC also asked District 8 (Norway) and D3 to start a pilot project dealing with a blog site for our Heritage and Unger Venner members. D8 has volunteered to set up guidelines and will be presenting them to D3 shortly.

Third District Today 1 2010 3D One major concern of the entire organization is the failure of some lodges to file financial reports in a timely manner or not at all. This is critically because the SON cannot risk the entire order being negatively affected by a few lodges. The International board has passed a resolution that will deal with lodges not complying with these Federal and SON requirements that could lead to the lodge losing its charter. We all need to be in compliance.

The District Board has voted to institute web site competition similar to our newsletter competition. We know that not all lodges will have web sites, and we have lodges without newsletters. The District and the home office can provide assistance in the starting of a web site. In some ways a web site is easier to maintain than a monthly newsletter. We know that the internet and our web sites have played a major role in bringing in new members to the SON.

Another item the District Board has approved is that we will ask each lodge to provide a “correspondent” to our District Web site. We want to publish lodge activities and news so that all members and prospective members can see what is happening throughout the District and perhaps pick up some ideas. Our Publicity Director and web master will provide guidance and information on both of these projects.

I know that many of our lodges are having Christmas Parties and gatherings this month and while I can’t be there with you, my thoughts and best wishes will be there. AnneGrete og Jeg ønsker dere God Jul og et Godt Nytt År Fraternally Ralph Peterson President District Three Sons of Norway

Vice President Gail Ekloff

The Goals of the third district membership committee are set; -reduce members leaving voluntarily by 10% -start a recruitment network.

What is a recruitment network? Are you a lodge member that likes to recruit new members.. but feel alone in your endeavors? Through a recruitment network you'll have a forum where you can talk and exchange ideas with other lodge member through-out the District. Get the boost of energy you need when you are out of ideas and have need support! Signing up is easy Contact me at: [email protected] or call 845-67-3891. I plan to put together a contact list of members wishing to be part of this network and I will distribute a copy to everyone that joins. Let's start the New Year with the knowledge we have a place to go for ideas and support with people who are as enthusiastic about expanding our membership. With your support, it's possible we could put a recruitment network blog up on the 3D website!

An issue of concern discussed at this months board meeting was that many lodges are struggling to get funds to support their lodge …… ….lets see what we can do! Scandinavian Bazaars are always good fundraisers, most lodges have them in the fall with the hope people will come and buy gifts for the holidays, but you can have one anytime. Need help in getting started? That is what I’m here for, give me a call or an email and we can discuss what to do.

Third District Today 2 2010 3D Garage sales---hate to do your own? Get the lodge members to bring their "treasures" to your meeting place and off you go (or if a member is willing to let you use their garage; save the cost of the rental) you get to clear out the house and the lodge makes money!

Many lodges have monthly raffles or 50-50's at the meetings. Also consider getting boosters to defray the cost of your newsletter publication. How about having dinners before your lodge meeting or a few times during the year around the holidays? Easter; 4th July picnic, & Julefests are always popular.

Got ideas? Share! Send them to me and I’ll pass them along. Let’s pool all our individual talents and great ideas into making the “Tremendous Third” really grow!

Rolf and I would like to wish everyone a God Jul and a God Nyttǻr, may you all prosper and have good health. Enjoy everyday... it only comes once!

Alt for denne gangen, Gail Remember: 2 A’s - Ask & Advertise - to get a member. 2 M’s - Mentor and Mingle - to keep a member. Publicity by Kathy Dollymore, 3D Public Relations It’s time for the annual newsletter contest! Publicity Directors and newsletter editors watch your emails; you will receive more information shortly! Zone Directors have gotten their dedicated lodges and will be contacting them. Remember – when submitting pictures for the Viking, please send them via email to [email protected]. Digital photos at a very large scale, with low pixel resolution are acceptable for use in Viking (e.g. 21” X 28” at 72 dpi). Smaller scale photos with higher pixel resolution can also be submitted (e.g. 3” X 5” at 300 dpi). Photos taken and saved at a small size with small resolution are not useable (e.g. 3” X 5” at 72 dpi)

We are closing in on the New Year and the official first day of winter is even closer. The weather is getting colder and it has probably already felt like winter for many of you in various locations around the Third District. There will be many celebrations, jultrefest, fairs, and bazaars during the month of December. Remember pictures for the TDT. If you plan on traveling this holiday, check for a Sons of Norway Lodge in the area. Make sure the other lodges know what you’re up to and where you’re located by putting your event on the calendar. http://www.3dsofn.org/eventscalendar A lodge brochure is a fantastic method to publicize your lodge, educate non-members on Sons of Norway and what opportunities your lodge offers and to highlight all the good your lodge does! If no one at your lodge has the technical know-how or interest in creating a brochure, you may contact the design department in Fraternal, who will create one for your lodge for a nominal fee. Request forms for this service may be obtained online in the member’s section. If your lodge decides to create its own brochure, make sure you consult the logo usage guidelines.1Logo UsageSons of Norway Headquarters can provide a copy of the logo, in the size needed, for your project. Here are a few basic guidelines that need to be followed when using the Sons of Norway logo:

• the shield and the words “Sons of Norway” should be placed side by side • proper proportions need to be maintained • if the logo is used as part of a fundraiser, or to make money for the lodge, the lodge name and number must be included underneath the logo • a sample of the logo piece needs to be sent to Sons of Norway Headquarters for the files If you have any questions about the Sons of Norway logo and how it can be used call 800-945-8851

Third District Today 3 2010 3D

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.Last night I attended the 14th annual Minnesota Magazine Publishing Excellence Awards. Apparently, our readers aren’t the only folks who like Viking: the judges did, too! Our May wedding issue won two silver awards: one for Best Single-Topic Issue and one for Best How-To Article (that is, how-to add some Norwegian touches to your big day). Our January “Get on Board” feature won a silver award for best use of visuals/photography. And remember the speed skater on our February issue? It won a bronze award for Best Single Cover. Now it’s your turn to be the judge. Did you have a favorite issue or feature in Viking this year? If so, I’d love to hear about it! Share your thoughts by emailing me at [email protected].

Notes from the District Secretary Marci Larson

Happy Holidays to you. It’s a busy time for everyone as we plan and implement our Jule festivities in both our lodges and our homes. I do want to remind you of important lodge information that must be completed in the next week or two.

1. Please submit the 2011 change of officers form to Sons of Norway with a copy to me by Dec. 15. You can also update on line. This is very important information to SON and for the district directory update. Even if you are not changing lodge leadership, the form must still be submitted with “no changes” marked. If you have any questions please let me know so this can be handled on time. And if you are writing in names and contact information, please do so legibly so it can be read correctly.

2. I e-mailed the Installation of Officers form to the lodges in early November requesting an update for lodges scheduling installations in 2011. The form is also on the district web site. While I have heard from some lodges, I’d really appreciate your letting me know by Nov. 30 when your installation is scheduled and who you would like as the installing officer. I then compile a schedule of the dates and those requested for installations. If you are not installing new officers, please tell me that as well. Many lodges are on a two-year cycle.

3. I will be distributing the approved district convention minutes in the next week or two. For those who attended convention, the Bylaws were changed so that the District Board would approve the minutes at their fall board meeting, which they did Oct. 31. I am making minor revisions and the minutes will be distributed soon via e-mail and snail mail to the delegates, lodges and others, and also posted on the website. The minutes were completed as a draft in late July and sent to SON within 45 days of the convention per the district bylaws. Currently the draft minutes are on the site.

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4. The District Board has been working on a Policy Manual that combines current policies and historical district information into one document. While the Policy Manual will eventually be accessible on our district web site if you’d like a copy now, please let me know. Many portions were approved at the fall district board meeting, while other sections are being reviewed, researched and/or written. This is an evolving document and will be updated periodically. Most districts have a policy manual that is available on their web sites.

5. And finally, please remember our Fraternal Funds Program, which offers financial support to our district lodges for a wide range of cultural and heritage activities. The district received over $6,000 to be used to support lodge activities from April 1, 2010-March 30, 2011. The form is on the web site but if you have any questions, please let me know.

6. As always, if I can answer questions about these initiatives or other district business, please let me know through e-mail ([email protected]) or a phone call (904-260-4064 or 904-306-7513).

Notes from Cultural Director Kristin Stone

Nobel Peace Prize

The Nobel Peace Prizes are awarded in Oslo, Norway on December 10th , the day on which Alfred Nobel died in 1896. The terms of Nobel's will specified that the Peace Prize is to be awarded to "the person who shall have done the most or the best work for fraternity between nations, for the abolition or reduction of standing armies and for the holding and promotion of peace congresses". The terms of Nobel's will further specified that the selection of the Peace Prize should be made by a committee appointed by the Storting (Norwegian Parliament). The other Nobel Prize winners (Physics, Chemistry, Medicine, Literature and Economics) are selected by Swedish bodies and awarded in Stockholm, Sweden on December 10th.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee is responsible for the selection of eligible candidates and the choice of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureates. The Committee is composed of five members appointed by the Storting. The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the Chairman of the Norwegian Nobel Committee in the presence of King Harald V.

Third District Today 5 2010 3D

Nominations for the Nobel Peace Prize are only accepted (by statute) from:

1. Members of national assemblies and governments of states; 2. Members of international courts; 3. University rectors; professors of social sciences, history, philosophy, law and theology; directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes; 4. Persons who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; 5. Board members of organizations who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize; 6. Active and former members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee; (proposals by members of the Committee to be submitted no later than at the first meeting of the Committee after February 1) and 7. Former advisers appointed by the Norwegian Nobel Institute.

The Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded 91 times. Some years no Nobel Peace Prize has been awarded and other years the prize has been shared. There have been a total of 121 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates from 1901 through 2010. These 121 winners are comprised of 98 individuals and 23 organizations. Two Norwegians have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize: Christian Lange in 1921 and Fridtjof Nansen in 1922. Norman Borlaug (Norwegian-American) was the 1970 Peace Prize winner. The youngest recipient of the award was 32 and the oldest was 87. The Peace Prize is no longer awarded posthumously unless the award winner has been announced prior to death.

Each Nobel Prize consists of a medal, a personal diploma and a cash award. The Nobel Peace Prize medal was designed by Gustav Vigeland (1869-1943). The face of the medal of the Norwegian Nobel Committee shows Alfred Nobel in a pose slightly different from that of the other medals. The inscription on the front is the same as those received by other medal recipients. The other side of the Nobel Peace Prize medal represents a group of three men forming a fraternal bond.The inscription reads:Pro pace et fraternitate gentium (translated "For the peace and brotherhood of men"). "Prix Nobel de la Paix", the relevant year, and the name of the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate is engraved on the edge of the medal.

The 2010 Nobel Peace Prize winner is Liu Xaiobo who was selected from among the 237 nominees. The Peace Prize rules say that the prize must be presented to the winner or a member of his family. Mr. Xaiobo is imprisoned and China has detained Mr. Xaiobo's wife, so no family member will be able to accept the prize. The Norwegian Nobel Committee is expected to postpone bestowing the medal and the 10 million Swedish Kroner ($1.5 million) award but is expected to read some of Mr. Liu's writings at the award ceremony.

The peace prize has been awarded three times to detained human rights and democracy activists — the Russian physicist Andrei Sakharov; Myanmar’s (Burma's) opposition leader, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi; and the Polish trade unionist Lech Walesa. In those cases, family members accepted the awards. The last time neither a winner nor any family member could go to Oslo was in 1936 when the German journalist and pacifist Carl von Ossietzky was barred from leaving Nazi Germany.

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Christmas is coming and you may want to try something for your Julbord.

NORWEGIAN OATMEAL LACE COOKIE Recipe adapted by Judy Kee – Washington Lodge 3-428.

1/2 c. butter or margarine 1 1/2 c. regular rolled oats 1 egg 2/3 c. sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 T. all-purpose flour

Melt the butter in a small saucepan and stir in the oatmeal. In a separate bowl, beat egg and sugar until foamy. Mix flour and baking powder into egg mixture. Stir the oatmeal mixture into the egg mixture. Drop batter, 1 teaspoonful (or less) at a time, onto well-greased and floured baking sheets, 2-3" apart. (Place only 3 across on a cookie sheet because they spread out while baking.) Bake at 375° F for 10 minutes or until golden brown. Place baking sheets on wire racks to cool, about 1 minute (cookies should still be hot and flexible, but cooled until firm enough to move). Remove from baking sheet and place cookies on wire rack before they harden (or they will stick to the baking sheet). When cool, store in airtight container at room temperature. Makes about 2 dozen

MANDELSTENGER (Almond Bars) Recipe from Mary Zimmerman – Hampton Roads Lodge 3-522 1/2 c. butter--soft 1 c. sugar 1 egg 1 tsp. almond extract 1 3/4 c. flour 2 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp. salt Milk (1/4 c. or less) Blanched almonds, coarsely chopped (about 3/4 c.) (Optional substitution – Almonds, sliced)

Almond-flavored powdered sugar frosting – mix sieved powdered sugar and drops of milk until drizzling consistency and just a little almond extract for more flavor.

Divide dough into six equal pieces. Flatten dough by hand--using a gentle hand! Make a long "snake" about 12" long (very gently) and lay it down on the pan and pat to 1 1/2 " wide. Place 3 pieces to a pan on two ungreased cookie sheets. (Using parchment paper also works great.) Brush with milk and sprinkle with coarsely chopped blanched almonds. Bake at 350° F for 12-15 min. While bars are somewhat warm, cut crosswise diagonally into about 1 " slices and then drizzle almond-flavored powdered sugar frosting over.

******************************************************************************************************************************** TUBFRIM: Please remember to save used postage stamps for Tubfrim. Please cut the stamps from envelopes with scissors, leaving a 1/4 inch margin of paper around the stamp for ease of handling. Picture post cards should be left whole. Tubfrim also collects used telephone cards. The money realized from the sale of stamps benefits disabled children and youth in Norway. ************************************************************************************************************************

Third District Today 7 2010 3D ANOTHER MILESTONE IN SAGA'S JOURNEY It was a festive and fun-filled celebration as 100 friends and family joined Saga Skafte-Lindblom for her 105th birthday Oct. 17, her actual birth date. Hosted by the Sons of Norway Gateway to Florida Lodge and the Italian American Club, the party goers feasted on Norwegian and Italian appetizers, a delicious roast pork dinner, mashedpotatoes, vegetables, buns and, of course, birthday cake. The band, the Manhattans, played throughout the partywhile Saga received warm wishes from everyone. Helping her celebrate were two nieces and one husband who traveled from Sweden and a nephew, his wife, daughter and granddaughter from British Columbia. Saga received congratulatory messages from Jacksonville Mayor John Peyton, U.S. Representative Ander Crenshaw, U.S. Senators Bill Nelson and George LeMieux, SON International President Dan Rude, SON Executive Director Eivind Heiberg, SON District President Ralph Peterson, the Swedish Embassy and President Obama. A reporter and photographer from the Florida Times Union also attended and the photo with Saga cutting her cake was on the front page of the Metro section with an article. Saga is a charter member and is the Honorary Swedish Consul Emeritus.

Thank You from Saga I want to thank everyone from Sons of Norway who helped me celebrate my 105th birthday. I am very grateful for the fabulous party at the Italian American Club and for the numerous warm wishes from you. Photo by Zoran Kajalic Foundation News Your Sons of Norway Foundation is doing great things. Donations from our members and lodges play an important role in keeping us growing to provide more and more offerings. Our scholarship opportunities and grants are allowing us to fund students and programming designed to showcase our unique Norwegian heritage and culture to wider audiences.

Visit www.sonsofnorway.com and click on Foundation to see where your donations are making a difference.

Cindy Olson Director Sons of Norway Foundation

Grant opportunities What is your lodge planning for 2011? Perhaps you will be participating in a community festival, offering a special cultural activity, doing an Adopt A School program, or doing some other exciting lodge or community activity. If so, check out the Sons of Norway Foundation for grant opportunities. Lodges may apply for three grants. Find out about grant requirements and application procedures at www.sonsofnorway.com/foundation

Sons of Norway Foundation Scholarship & Grant Applications Deadline All applications must be post-marked by the following dates, no exceptions:

General Heritage & Culture Grants due January 15th Helping Hands to Children Grants due February 1st Local Lodge Partnership Grants due April 1st Astrid Cates/Myrtle Beinhauer Scholarships due March 1st

Third District Today 8 2010 3D Oslo International Summer School Scholarships due March 1st Nancy Lorraine Jensen Memorial Scholarships due April 1st King Olav V Norwegian-American Scholarships due March 1st Tronvold Norwegian Folk High School Scholarships due March 1st All the qualifying information for grant and scholarships as well as the application forms for each are updated by November 1 annually. Please use the most current application form which is available on our web site at www.sonsofnorway.com/foundation. Scholarships and grants are awarded in the spring. Students should be thinking a year ahead. Grants are for upcoming events and are to be spent within one calendar of receiving them. For questions email [email protected] or call Cindy Olson, Director, Sons of Norway Foundation at 1-800- 945-8851.

SPORTS DIRECTOR NEWS: Gene Olson SPORTS & FITNESS CHALLENGES

3D Sports/Fitness

By now I hope all members have heard about The Sports Medal Challenge which began Oct. 1st. and will end 5/31/11 with rewarding one of the 7 zones in 3D as the # 1 ZONE. Questions, contact your Zone Director or myself.

Get your bowling teams lined up. The 3D Bowling Tournament takes place January through March 2011. Use Third District web site (sofn3d.org) to keep up with all 3D NEWS and in particular Sports Page. Open up sofn3d.org and click on "About Us" on upper right side and next move to the far right and click on Sports. There you will find all updates and other info. 3D Sports & Recreational Director Gene Olson [email protected] or 717-569-1747 and leave message.

Sports/Fitness Medal Programs There is something for ALL members willing and able. We have a challenge before us. Between October 1, 2010 and May 31, 2011 we will award the Zone within 3rd District, a # 1 ZONE AWARD to the Zone whose individual members have earned the most Medals. We have developed a value point system to equal out the playing field. We have taken into consideration the total membership within each Zone and have come up a very fair point system.

SPORTS/FITNESS MEDALS Gangmerke (walking) Skimerke (skiing) Sykkelmerke (bicycling) Idrettsmerke (Fitness of many exercises) Go to Sons of Norway International web site www.sofn.com, click on Members Login (top right corner), fill in name and password. On the right side of page go down to Sports Medal Program, click, select which medal you wish to achieve and then print the Card for instructions and requirements to earn the particular medal. Currently working on an Orienteering Course at LOV.

Third District Today 9 2010 3D ZONE NEWS ------A WEEKEND OF FUN AND FRIENDSHIP at LOV *** HARTFORD LODGE & NORDKAP LODGE*** JANUARY 28, 29 AND 30, 2011 MEET NEW FRIENDS, PLAY SOME GAMES, HAVE FUN WITH THE VIKING BOAT RACES, RELAX BY THE FIRE, READ A BOOK, WIN A PRIZE, TAKE A WALK, GO SKIING, SLEDDING, SKATING, LEARN ROSEMALING, TRY WOODCARVING, TAKE A NAP, HAVE A DRINK (OR 2), DO NOTHING, JUST ENJOY YOURSELF BECAUSE THAT’S WHAT LOV IS ALL ABOUT

ZONE 1: TENTATIVE --Zone One Meeting Dates 2010 - 2012 NOTE: Schedule is subject to change. Generally third Wednesday of month (except December which is the first Wednesday)

12/1/10 2/16/11 4/13/11 (2nd Wednesday) 5/18/11

9/21/11 10/19/11 12/7/11 2/15/12 4/18/12 5/16/12 ZONE 2: Judy Mack Director The lodges in Zone 2 have had a busy Fall. Maine Nordmenn has welcomed their new members with an evening/dinner devoted to them. December 4, they will have a combination Julefest and Installation of new officers. January 7, they will have a Soup and Bread Supper plus a film. They continue to offer crafts, culture, and games before their meetings. They have several award winning wood carvers in their lodge.

Hartford Lodge had a successful Scandinavian Heritage Day November 6. They will be partnering with Nordkap Lodge for a week-end at LOV on January 28 - 30, 2011. They are encouraging the zone members to join them. They will be having a Julefest and their installation is scheduled for January 16, 2011 at 2 PM.

Norumbega Lodge had a successful Scandinavian Fair November 13. They faired well after a change in location and date. November 5, Barry White, US Ambassador to Norway , was their guest speaker. On December 3, they will have bell ringers at their Juletrefest. December 18, they will celebrate Juletrefest for barn. They will have a joint installation with Morgensolen Lodge on January 9, 2011. Morgensolen Lodge recently had Peter Ferante, a retired fisherman, as a guest speaker. He was able to share his experiences salmon fishing in Alaska with Norwegians as well as his experiences fishing in the Atlantic Oceean. Morgensolen will celebrate their Julefest December 11, with a traditional pork dinner. Dovre Lodge and Skaugum Lodge will be celebrating the holiday season with festivities.

Third District Today 10 2010 3D ZONE 3: Barbara Bensen Zone 3 Director THIS N' THAT’S - The Noreg/Norbu Lodge visit for the Nor-bu social was a huge success. Nor-bu was a gracious host am made Noreg part of their event. Though this was an expensive visit for Noreg Lodge, it allowed many older members to enjoy an evening with friends, and not have to drive. That is the biggest issue with our older members. - Zone 3 Lodges are into their holiday mode, preparing for their bazaars, flea markets, Christmas Socials, Children's Christmas Parties and Ribbe and Juletrefest Dinners. - Two lodges, Nansen and Nor-bu, put out membership surveys looking for feedback from their members. The goal is to find ways to improve and encourage membership participation. - Zone 3 happenings in 2011: Zone 3 Meeting is Sunday, February 13th, 2:00pm at Noreg Lodge in Marlboro, NJ. Zone 3 Memorial Service, Sunday March 20th, 2:00pm at Holy Trinity Church, Hibernia NJ. Host Lodge is Nor-bu. Zone 3 Scholarship 50th Anniversary Dinner Dance is April 10th, 2:00 pm at Nor-bu Lodge, Hibernia, NJ.

From Zone 3 to all of the Zones/ Lodges in District Three...... GOD JUL and GODT NYTT AR

ZONE 4: Karin McCadam Zone 4 Director From beautiful upstate New York, the seven lodges of Zone 4 are doing what Nordic people around the globe are doing: preparing for the season and enjoying special times with friends and family. Here is a sampling of what is happening in our neck of the woods in December.

In Rochester, the Flower City, you will find the Scandinavian Heritage Society (SHS) with the annual Lutefisk and Meatball dinner Saturday the 4th. As always there will be delicious lefse and cookies! It is an opportunity for this lodge to share Nordic culture with the community. The Lodge Christmas party is a more intimate lunch at the home of the Lodge President. And to share in joy of the season, rather than giving gifts to each other they bring food and warm clothing to be distributed to those in need. SHS exemplifies the spirit of giving!

In Cairo, New York also known as the “Crossroads of the Catskills”, Fram Lodge has had a busy season which begins with their annual Christmas dinner party on December 3rd in capital city of Albany.

In the Salt City of Syracuse on December 5th there is Oslo Lodge’s annual Juletrefest which is fun for kids, youth, and adults! This event has everything: St. Lucia, Children’s Nordic Christmas Story time, singing around the Christmas tree, and a “surprise visit by Julenissen. Of course there are always too many wonderful refreshments. This is our first Nordic cookie exchange and we also do some shopping for Nordic gift items!

Hudson Valley Lodge is in the midst of the area of historic sites in Sleepy Hollow Country, however there is no sleepiness in this lodge! December 11th is the Christmas party for adults and then on December 12th is the Children’s Christmas party.

In beautiful Putnam County, you will find Troll Lodge. Troll Lodge is thriving in the holiday spirit and has a December 18th Christmas Party with dinner & dancing. Also in Beautiful Putnam County, Norrøna Lodge has lots of things going on. So if you live nearby or will be in the area, please drop in to see them. December 17th is the Adult Christmas Party with traditional Julebord and dance music by Jeannie Widmann Band. The Children's Juletrefest follows on December 19 with a magic show and a visit by Santa.

Third District Today 11 2010 3D And, in the small town of Wells Bridge in Otsego County, Norseman Lodge is quietly finalizing holiday plans, including a secret Julebord just for the Viking Julenissen. He has to keep up his energy visiting all the Nordic homes in Zone 4 before he moves on to Zone 5. We wish all wish everyone “God Jul og Godt Nyttår”.

ZONE 5: The Zone 5 Lodges have been very busy this fall. Each year the 4 lodges on the West Coast of Florida get together for a day of fun and fellowship. The 4 lodges are Sarasota, Sun Viking, Suncoast and Tampa Bay. They alternate each year as host of the picnic. This past September, Suncoast was the host and the park they chose was so beautiful! There was a lake near the pavilion and you could see the fish jumping out of the water! We were blessed with fabulous weather, delicious food and great conversation. It is so good to be able to get together with members of the different lodges. October was a very busy month for Florida! If you haven't been to one of our Regattas you are missing a good time! Several of our lodges have their own Viking boats and they participate in a Regatta 3 times a year. Gulfstream sponsors the Leif Eriksen Regatta Weekend at Jensen Beach, FL. All the Florida lodges get together on this weekend, even the ones without boats. We were honored to have Audun Gythfeldt, International Secretary and Barbara Berntsen, 3D International Director join us on this Leif Eriksen Regatta Weekend. We, also, have a Zone meeting during this weekend. At our meeting, Ingrid Hammen, President of Gulfstream was elected Assistant Zone 5 Director and Fred Lopez from Sarasota Lodge was appointed our Zone 5 Secretary. Congratulations to both of you! A wonderful article appeared in the local newspaper about the Regatta. Sun Viking had their second Annual Scandinavian Cultural Fair, Sarasota had their Annual Scandinavian Festival and Gateway to Florida had their Scan Fest in October. Many members of various Florida lodges and numerous visitors attended these fairs. These events helped to bring in several new members for these lodges. Some other events that took place in Florida in the month of October were a Halloween Party at Lauderdale Lodge and the Annual Linda Pedersen Picnic at the Linda Pedersen Park sponsored by Sun Viking. In November, Gateway to Florida will participate in the Annual Jacksonville Light Parade. We are all busy planning our Juletrefests for Christmas. Florida is busy each and every month and we welcome you all to come visit our many different lodges! Happy Thanksgiving, Gail Martinsen, Zone 5 Director

ZONE 6: Carol Goral Director Zone 6 is preparing for a God Jul. I was able to visit Washington's bazaar this year and was amazed at the amount of Norwegian items they had on sale. There seemed to be a steady stream of people all day and it is a Bazaar that should be on everyone's calendar. I was also able to visit Restauration and enjoyed their cultural program, "Where Do We Come From." It was so interesting to see how many counties of Norway are represented in that lodge. I plan to join the lodge at their Juefest in December and am looking forward to a wonderful afternoon with friends.

Fredriksten lodge completed their elections and look forward to a good year. The lodge will be celebrating Christmas with the Danes this year. It will be held at the lodge hall and the Danes will be the hosts. Both lodges are bringing Toys for Tots to their party for children this holiday season.

Bondelandet will have their holiday celebration on December 29 at their regular meeting place. I know that will be a delicious and fun filled night. Their Lutefisk dinner will be on January 21. Nordkap

Third District Today 12 2010 3D will celebrate the holidays together at their December meeting, December 19 . All Zone 6 lodges had a great 2010 and are looking forward to many wonderful programs in the New Year.Financial News

By Sverre Aasgaarden, Financial Benefits Counselor WHY PURCHASE INSURANCE AND ANNUITY PRODUCTS FROM SONS OF NORWAY? Whatever stage of life you’re in, Life Insurance can help secure your family’s financial future. If you are like most people, you probably don’t know how much Life Insurance you need or what kind you should buy. Because everyone’s needs are different, the best way to develop a plan that’s right for you is to talk to your Financial Benefits Counselor. Proper planning can generate a secure financial future for you and your loved ones, no matter what happens. Call your Sons of Norway Financial Benefits Counselor for more information

Counselor’s Corner By Mary B. Andersen, 3D Counselor

Our Third District has some historical celebrations on the horizon including – Færder’s 100th Anniversary our own Third District’s 100th anniversary in 2012. Another anniversary which is near and dear to my heart and the hearts of past Counselors is the 40th anniversary of the Charitable Trust. The following three paragraphs were written by Dr. Louis Olsen, past Counselor and appeared in the September 2008 TDT and are worth repeating as we approach the 40th anniversary of the Charitable Trust.

“On December 14, 1971, Jan H. Henriksen, President, District Lodge No. 3, Sons of Norway, along with Edmond J. Trabulsy, Sigvald Andersen and Frank C. Monnick, established the District Lodge No. 3, Sons of Norway Charitable Trust.

This Trust was," to provide elderly, indigent and infirm persons with subsistence and those services essential to their physical, social and psychological well being". Its funding was to be in the form of grants, contributions, donations and receipts from estates. Such funds were to be invested in appropriate portfolio offerings that would assure the protection and longevity of them.”

This document and funding have prevailed for the 39 years. Monthly funds have been paid to deserving Sons of Norway members without interruption since then. It has truly met the intended goals of the vision of the 3rd District members and founders. The recipients have ranged from Maine to Florida, wherever our members are. They must have been members of a lodge for at least 5 years, be recommended by a member and complete forms of application. These are reviewed by the Trustees of the Third District board --The President, Vice President, Secretary, Counselor and Treasurer. The Counselor is the Trustee who serves as the manager of the fund handling the letters, recommendations and applications; conferring with the portfolio managers; communicating with the recipients; and reporting to the board. The beneficiaries are known only to these 5 board members.”

As you celebrate the holiday season, know that your contributions are put to good use in helping our fraternal brothers and sisters.

Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.

God Jul!

PICTURES FROM AROUND THE DISTRICT

Third District Today 13 2010 3D Family,Fun,Fraternalism

. Sun Viking Scandinavian Cultural Fair Preparing the Viking Boats for Gulfstream’s Leif Nellie Larson & Harry Oyangen dancing Eriksen Regatta at Jensen Beach, Fl. at the fair. Odd Pedersen in background.

This is world renowned rosemaling artist, Joan Dahl with many of her beautiful pieces of art at Sun Viking’s Scandinavian Cultural fair. She has taught all over the world, including South Korea! She, also, has held classes at her home in Ingles, FL for members of Sun Viking.

Third District Today 14 2010 3D Gail and Rolf Ekloff of Delancey buy a cake Saturday from Diane Gianfrancesco of Somers and her granddaughter Nova, 11, at the Scandinavian Holiday Fair at the United Methodist Church in Mahopac. The Gianfrancescos were selling baked goods to raise money for the Troll Lodge Sons of Norway, which is primarily made up of Norwegians. Greta Heidenberg of Greenville, NY, and Deborah Gustafson of Lexington, NY sold Scandinavian crafts and products as well as baked goods and homemade foods.

Go to the following website for the story and pictures. http://www.lohud.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=201011140375

A special visitor at LOV during the 3d Board meeting. - What a surprise for everyone

Third District Today 15 2010 3D

Hands of all ages helped Gateway to Florida Lodge 3-541 bake Scandinavian desserts for the ScanFest on November 12. Left to Right: Cheryl Drabek, Katrina Fluker, Hannah (Cheryl's granddaughter) and Marci Larson

Members of Nansen dressed up for Western Night (Line dancing) Nov. 19, 2010

Third District Today 16 2010 3D

Children dressed in Halloween costumes at the Nansen Heritage fair on Oct. 30. 2010

COME ONE COME ALL Noreg’s bazaar: Krumkake and sweaters, trolls and flags.

Third District Today 17 2010 3D Upcoming Events Remember to post your events to the Events Calendar on our 3d website http://www.3dsofn.org/eventscalendar/

December 3rd Norumbega- Christmas Concert 5th Nor-Bu-Pork Roast Dinner 5th Nor-Bu-Food Sale 5th Færder – Children’s Christmas Party 6th Gateway to Florida - JuleFest 10th Sun Viking – Juletrefest 11th Norsk Carolina- Jultrefest th 11 Henrik Ibsen – Christmas party th 11 Fredriksten- Christmas Party th 12 Restauration- Juletrefest PRIVACY NOTICE: th 18 Troll This information is for th 18 Norumbega- Juletrefest for barn official Sons of Norway th 18 Færder – Christmas Party business use only. th 18 Nor-Bu-Christmas Party Use of this information th 18 Blafjell Juletrefest for solicitation or th 29 Bondelandet-Julebord commercial purposes January is a violation of the Sons of Norway 14 th Sun Viking Installation of Officers. privacy policy and is st strictly prohibited 21 Bondelandet Lutefisk/Meatball Dinner 28-30 Hartford and Nordkap- Vinterfest at LOV 30 th Zone 5 Memorial Service Hosted by Suncoast

. 3D Officers President, Ralph Peterson [email protected] Vice President, Gail Ekloff [email protected] Secretary, Marci Larson [email protected] Treasurer, Peter Vatne [email protected] Counselor, Mary Andersen [email protected] Youth Director, Evelyn Karpack [email protected] Sports/Recreation Director – Gene Olson [email protected] Public Relations Director, Kathy Dollymore [email protected] Cultural Director, Kristin Stone [email protected] Adopt A School Coordinators, Nalda & Gene Olson [email protected] Zone 1 Director, Kris Rasmussen [email protected] Zone 2 Director, Judith Mack [email protected] Zone 3 Director, Joan McKillop [email protected] Zone 4 Director, Barbara Bensen [email protected] Zone 5 Director, Gail Martinsen [email protected] Zone 6 Director, Carol Goral [email protected]

Third District Today 18 2010