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Budstikken Volume 46 Issue 1 Budstikken January 2011 Wergeland Lodge #5/028 P.O. Box 3591, La Crosse, WI 54602-3591 Next Meeting - Thursday, January 6 Fra Presidenten: 7:00 p.m.-American Legion Hall Hei, hei .. 711 S. 6th Street, La Crosse It was good to be back with you in De- cember for the Heritage Dinner and evening. Once again, we will call the rest of the new members who joined in 2010 for a special welcome. We January Meeting Program hope most of the new members can attend. Jean For January we will be having a few lodge members speaking Marck will be installing the 2011 officers. If you on Norwegian experiences and family heirlooms. Frieda have your regalia with you, please turn it in right Nowland will be one of these speakers. Doris or Arlan Hen- away when you come to the January meeting. derson will tell of their experience with young Norwegians Thanks to those of you who participated at Rotary Lights in that have stayed and worked on their farm. La Crosse on Tuesday, December 14th in the heated tent. It was warmer this time, and we are grateful that Joyce Abernathy showed Local Scholarship winners will also be presented at the people how to make Hjerte kurv (heart baskets). The Norskedalen January meeting. We have eight college students: Trio was great, and when programs are given in the tent, they are Lydia Allen – University of MN-Duluth; broadcast throughout the park. It was a cold night, but several new Julie Dahl – St. Olaf College; people walked in to listen, besides our own members. Luke Forde– UW-Platteville; Soon, we will be busy planning for our fund-raiser with the Stoughton Dancers and Bake Sale which will be April 10th at 2 PM at Zachary Nowland Johnson– Iowa State; Holmen High School. And before that, we are going to have a mem- Heather Larson– Minnesota State –Mankato; bership breakfast at River Jack’s on Saturday, March 26th at 9 AM. Rebekah Less- UM – Twin Cities; Everyone needs to recruit a new member – there must be someone you Hannah Rock- UW-La Crosse; know just waiting to be asked to join our great lodge. Details about Abby Schoenfeld- UM- Twin Cities the breakfast and the Stoughton Dancers will be in the next 2-3 issues, so let’s all team up and make them real successes! Now, I will say “ha det” (short for have it good) as Presi- dent this last time. You have been a wonderful team to work with, and LOOKING AHEAD I’ve enjoyed knowing you. A heartfelt mange tusen takk! "A Visit to New Zealand" by John Zoerb Ha det!

WERGELAND KALENDER Fraternally, Shirley Lokstad Schoenfeld Jan. 6: 7:00 pm-General Meeting at the Legion Jan.11: 8:30 am-Board Meeting at Perkins on Our new President Adrian Johnson will be installed at the Hwy 16 January meeting with the other officers, and he has a few words to introduce himself and his family here. Jan. 17: Deadline for Budstikken Articles Jan. 26: Budstikken Mailed to Members Hei, Mitt navn er Adrian Johnson. I Feb. 3: General Meeting at the Legion grew up on a farm near Viroqua. I gradu- ated from Luther College in Decorah IA and married Ramona Dregne, also from Index Viroqua. I worked in the retail business, and Ramona worked as an RN until retire- Monthly Program, Kalender, President’s Letter...... P.1 ment. Our son Carl lives in La Crosse, Birthdays, Lunch Providers, Minutes ...... P.2 daughter Amy in Boise ID, and son Jay in Member news, Announcements ...... P.3 the Milwaukee area. Library News, Looking Back, ...... P.4 We are both third generation Norwegian Americans Hours Recording Sheet ...... P.5 and proud of it. My late father was president of the Viroqua Suggestions for Recording Hours...... P.6 Sons of lodge in the early 2000's and I hope to carry on Officers for 2011...... P.7 the tradition of great leadership for the good of the order. Lets Information, Photos ...... P.8 focus on recruitment of new members so we can reach a goal of Norwegian Culture ...... P.9 5% growth in 2011! Present Officers, Norskedalen Events ...... P.10 Mange takk,

Adrian Johnson

P-2 Budstikken January 2011 Gratulerer Lunch for the January 6, 2011 Meeting Med Dagen! Sandwiches (2 ½ dozen): Florence M. Johnson, Jean Davis, Doris Hagen, Karen Scarseth, Nancy Loper, Carole Wadel, Kathi Beane and Sara Deters Cakes: Joyce Halvorson, Joyce Olson, Flo M. Olson, Gurine Eggen, Carol Stekel, Dian Fossum, Nancy Loper, Annette Sherry and Ramona Johnson Pickles (2 qts.): Corrine Abegglan and Mary Sween

Please contribute $2 per person at the lunch table for lodge expenses. January Birthdays

1 Eva C. Dahl Membership Breakfast Set for March Mark your calendar! The annual new member breakfast is set for Saturday, March 1 Kierra Randal Rudser 26, 2011 at 9:00 am. It will again be held at the Midway Motor Lodge in La Crosse. The breakfast honors and introduces members joining our lodge this past year up to 3 Elverda M. Guberud that date. It is open to all current members and all are invited to attend the breakfast and program. Further information regarding reservations and the program will be in 3 Clara B. Johnson the next Budstikken. 3 Margaret M. Moe Sekretær Notater…. 4 A.Marjorie Haugen Minutes for Wergeland Lodge 5/-028 Sons of Norway 5 Calla Harter December 2, 2010

6 Ruth J. Koula The Heritage Night meeting was called to order by President Shirley with Christmas greetings and welcome to all members and guests. Note was made that the Charter was 7 Donald A. Bronson draped in memory of Charles O. Johnson of Whitehall who died on November 25th. He was a member of our lodge for over 25 years. Our sympathy was extended to his wife, 7 Raymond T. Johnsen Bonnie and a moment of silence was observed in his memory.

7 H. Ray Nereng The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and the 3 national anthems were sung.

9 Peter J. Linnert Pastor Glenn Borreson led us in a table prayer followed by those present enjoying a meatball dinner with many trimmings provided by Mrs. B’s catering, and Norwegian 11 Ruth M. Melby soups and desserts provided by members.

13 Brian J. Kirby After dinner the Sons of Norway Dancers danced around the Christmas tree in obser- vance of Juletrefest. 13 Vernetta F. Moe Our new Zone Director Tom Boudreau was introduced as well as new member David 14 Carla Ann Cebula Glomstad. Other guests were reminded to sign the guest book. A brief ceremony was 18 Marissa A. Langaard held to recognize all new members in 2010.

20 Char I. Vangen The Secretary’s and Treasurer’s reports were suspended as well as omitting the passing of the Foundation cans, recognizing December birthdays, the closing song and commu- 21 Gurine M. Eggen nications. The communications will be read at the next Board meeting.

21 Roger O. Olsen Announcements included: Submit any local lodge scholarship applications to Marilyn Rudser 21 Dorothy I. Paulikas We will ring Salvation Army Bell at Festival Foods in Onalaska on December 18, 10:00-6:00. 21 Roland L. Solberg Rotary Lights – Tuesday, Dec 14th 6:45-8:00 p.m. in the heated tent at Riverside Park. Stoughton Dancers and Bake Sale April 10, 2011; more information in January 22 Jarvis "Doc" L. Brudos Next Lodge meeting January 6th at the Legion 22 Randolph A. Eddy Next board meeting is Tuesday, December 14 at 8:30 a.m. at Perkins. All new officers should be present. 24 Rebekah R. Less Adjournment followed. 26 Beth L. Rock Bobby Levinger, fourteen year old pianist provided piano music for our listening 28 Sarah Gerber Hubbard enjoyment.

There were 138 people present. 30 Gene I. Gaarder Recorded by Kathi Beane, Secretary 31 Bernice C. Herder P-3 Budstikken January 2011 Dis og Dat …. Tusen takk…..

Ted and Bergene Wilcox have a grandson, Shannon Ron and Frieda Nowland write “We want to thank the Wilcox, graduating in December from UW-L. He many Sons of Norway members who sent cards, memo- plans to be a math teacher and did his student teaching rials, and said they were praying for us. We will miss in West Salem and Viroqua schools. He is the son of our son, Paul, but he went home to the Savior.” Steve and Pat Wilcox. Condolences …. Jonathon Spors and family came from Denver for Thanksgiving to visit his mother Florence Spors. ...til the family of Mildred Lorraine Westin, who died They had dinner at the home of her daughter and son- on December 5, 2010. She was a member from 1999 in-law, Marianne and Dean Buchanon in West Salem. until 2008. Blessed be her memory.

Florence and Eugene Johnson welcomed a new ...til the family of Patricia Jerman of Sparta who th granddaughter, Ella Marie Johnson, on November 5 . passed away some time ago. A grandson-in-law will graduate from UW-L on De- cember 19. God Bedring til….

Kent and Mary Sween spent Thanksgiving in Mil- ...Roland Solberg who had a knee replacement in waukee with their daughter and two sons. December.

In June, Solveig Sedlet accompanied Sonja Banegas to Madison, WI for 58th Biennial Sangerfest. They Wanted: Cookies for were guests of Sonja's cousin, Einar Johnansen who has sung with the Norwegian Glee Club in Min- the Barnebirkie neapolis for more than 50 years. The annual Barnebirke ski race In October Solveig and Sonja traveled to Elk Horn, is set for Febrary 24. Cookies are in great demand for Iowa to see the Danish Immigrant . As luck all of the young participants. If you can help furnish would have it, a bus with students from Denmark cookies for the event, please bring them to the lodge was there. Solveig enjoyed visiting with them. meeting on February 3. Each year Eugene and Florence Solveig's book "My Seven Lives" was found in the gift Johnson take the cookies to the race. Cookies should be shop. While visiting the Tourist and Information Cen- securely packed in ice cream pails or sturdy boxes for ter in Elk Horn, where her book was also on the shelf, ease of transport and to avoid breakage. she met a couple from California. The lady came to America from Denmark in 1947 (Solveig came in 1949). She grew up in a town very close to Fjelstrup Wergeland Officers for 2011 where Solveig lived. They knew some of the same to be Installed people!! Other folks joined in on the camaraderie and Solveig was busy signing books. The shop sold out Official installation of the officers of Wergeland and had to reorder. A small world? Coincidence? Lodge will take place at the January 6, 2011 meeting. Current office holders are reminded to turn in the rega- lia of their office prior to the meeting. The installation Gratulerer til….. will be conducted by Jean Marck who will be assisted by installing marshals Frieda Nowland and Anne Farn- ...Nettie Mooney. Gundersen ing. New and continuing officers are urged to attend Lutheran Hospital included her 90th and participate in the ceremony of installation. birthday celebration in their Holiday Open House on December 9. There was a beautiful arrangement of 90 Norwegian Classes Set to Resume white roses as well as punch and The classes in speaking and reading the Norwegian treats. Nettie and her husband John language are due to resume on Wednesday, February have been benefactors of the hospital and the Mooney 16. The classes meet in the Mooney Center at Gunder- Health Resources Library is named in their honor. sen Lutheran Hospital. The schedule calls for two Email Changes: classes per month for three months. Frieda Nowland is leading the classes. Information and sign-up will be Vernetta Moe: [email protected] available at the next lodge meeting and more informa- Ken & Gurine Eggen: [email protected] tion follows in the February issue of the Budstikken.

P-4 Budstikken January 2011 She had many fans. "Except perhaps for , no golfer has ever been more loved by the gal- lery". The Park and Museum to honor her life and legacy was built in Beaumont, . In 1975 there was a TV movie of her life called "Babe". In 1999 the poll voted her "Woman of the 20th Century". She is remembered for her athletic abilities, her good-natured attitude toward fans and press, her promotion of women's sports, and her work with the As we move into January, all Wisconsinites are dream- ing of a Rose Bowl Victory for the Badgers and play-off LPGA. Mildred Ella Didrikson Zaharias, "Babe": A Nor- wegian-American sports hero. games for the Packers, so sports are definitely on our minds. Sources: "BABE DIDRIKSON ZAHARIAS, The Mak- When I think of famous Norwegian female , ing of a Champion" by Russell Freedman., "This Life I've the name Sonja Henie, the famous Olympic ice skating Led" an autobiography by Babe Didrikson Zaharias, pub- champion, first comes to my mind. There is another ex- lished in 1955, and Various Internet Sites traordinary female Norwegian-American athlete. ESPN Karen Scarseth, Librarian ranked her No. 10 of the top 50 athletes (male or female) of the 20th Century and she was the highest-ranked woman on that list. Babe Didrikson Zaharias is this month's sports Looking Back Through the Budstikkens hero. By Historian Jan Storlie Mildred Ella was born to Ole and Hannah Didriksen in Port Arthur, Texas, in 1911, the 6th of 7 children. The first Fem år siden (5 years ago) three kids were born in Norway, the last four in the . Athletic as a child, she was nicknamed 'Babe' after January 2006: great , because she hit 5 home runs in a Wisconsin Ski for Light will be held at Lions Club local baseball game. (Didriksen was misspelled on school Camp at Rosholt, WI, near Stevens Point, Jan.20-22. This records so she became Didrikson). After high school, she event, sponsored by Sons of Norway, is for visually im- worked for Employer's Casualty Insurance Company of Dal- paired and/or mobility impaired youth and adults. About 40 las, Texas, which sponsored amateur teams. She people participate each year. played for the 'Golden Cyclones' and helped win the basket- Congratulations to Elsie Bye who observed her 90th ball championship for the , (AAU), birthday December 13th. Elsie served as president of our in 1931. She competed at the 1932 Olympics in track and lodge at three different times, and also served on the Dis- field and won medals in each event she entered, two gold trict 5 Board. medals and a silver for the javelin, 80-meter hurdles, and Sculptures inspired by the seasons, wind, snow, and running . rushing waterfalls of Norway, the land of Kati Casida's great grandparents, will be featured Oct. 4- After basketball and the Olympics, Babe's career be- came defined by . She took up the game in 1935 and Nov 26, at the Steele Gallery in San Francisco. three years later competed in the Men's Los Angeles Golf Dr. Eva Dahl is the president-elect of the Wisconsin Open where she was teamed up with George Zaharias, a Dental Association for 2005-06. She maintains an endodon- Greek-American wrestler; they married 11 months tic practice in Onalaska. Dr. Dahl is a fourth-generation later. She was a founding member of the Ladies Profes- dentist; her father, Dr. Andreas Dahl, recently transferred his sional Golf Association (LPGA). In one year, 1950, she Sons of Norway membership to our lodge, won the , U. S. Open, Titleholder's, and Western Open. She was the first American woman to win the British Ti år siden (10 years ago) January 2001 Ladies Amateur event. In 1951 she was inducted into the Program: Torre Kastner and Katie Erickson, grand- Hall of Fame for Women's Golf. During her 20-year career daughters of Virginia Erickson, told of their month of study in golf, she won over 80 tournaments. in Norway. Babe had many athletic talents besides basketball, track Officers for 2001 were installed by International Direc- and field, and golf. She was also an excellent diver, bowler, tor, Jon Grinde . Congratulations to 25 year members-Leon billiards player, and roller-skater. She seemed to excel at Edman, Bob and Betty Lee. many things, even singing and playing the harmonica. She recorded several songs for Mercury records and traveled on Femten år siden (15 years ago) January 1996 the Vaudeville Circuit. She was also a talented seamstress, Program : Slide show on Norway's best known artist, making her own clothes and golfing outfits. Edvard Munch. Signe Gundersen Schroeder, who recently She settled with her husband George, on a golf course in saw the Munch-Scholberg exhibit in New York, added her Tampa, Florida. Her life was cut short by colon cancer and comments. she died at the age of 45 in 1956. Officers for 1996 were installed. Beginning in 1996 highlights of the previous meeting (Continued in Column 2) and motions will be condensed in the "Budstikken" so you can see them before the meeting. P.5 Budstikken January 2011 NOTE: THIS SHEET IS FOR ADDING UP YOUR 2010 HOURS. (SEE SUGGESTIONS ON THE BACK OF THIS SHEET FOR EVENTS THAT YOU CAN COUNT. ) TURN IN AT JANUARY OR FEB 2011 MEETING OR SEND TO SECRETARY, KATHI BEAN, 608 Lake St., Onalaska, WI 54650. THANK YOU! HELP US AGAIN BECOME LODGE OF THE YEAR! P.6 Budstikken January 2011

SUGGESTIONS FOR FILLING OUT YOUR HOURS SHEET ON THE OPPOSITE SIDE

Member Name ______

How many times and hours did you attend regular meetings? ______How many times and hours did you use to bring food there? ______(includes all meetings & special ones) How many times and hours did you attend board meetings? ______How many times and hours did you work on newsletters? ______How many times and hours did you spend on Barnebirkie? ______How many times and hours did you work on selling items? ______How many times and hours did you work on cutting stamps? ______How many times and hours did you work on SON paperwork? ______How many hours did you work on the Membership breakfast? ______How many hours did you work on any fund-raisers? ______How many hours did you work on Syttende Mai Parade? * ______How many hours did you work at Syttende Mai Flag Day? * ______How many hours did you work on saving flip-top? ______How many hours did you spend for Dist. 5 Convention? ______How many hours did you spend for the Kornfest Parade? * ______How many hours did you spend getting programs? ______How many hours did you work at Festival of Nations? * ______How many hours did you work planning Heritage dinner? ______How many hours did you work at Rotary Lights? * ______How many hours did you spend on Nominating Committee ______

Totals (* indicates a Community Service) ______

Totals (All others are Fraternal events) ______

After 45 years of marriage, Ole got to looking at Lena and Ole and Lena got married. After the ceremony was said, “Forty-five years ago we had a cheap apartment, a over, Ole approached the preacher. “Vell, dat vas a cheap car, slept on a sofa bed and watched tv on a 10” black pretty long ceremony. I suppose dat I owe you quite a and white set. But every night I got to sleep with a hot 25- bit of money.” The preacher replied “Ole, I don’t have year-old girl. Now I have a $500,000 house, a $45,000 car, a a set fee. I usually get paid according to the beauty of king-size bed and plasma screen tv, but I’m sleeping with an the bride.” Being a conservative Norwegian, Ole gave old 65-year -old lady.” the preacher a dollar. The preacher looked at Lena and Lena replied, “Go out and find a hot 25-year-old gal and I’ll gave Ole back fifty cents. Uff dah! make sure you are again living in a cheap apartment, driving a cheap car, sleeping on a sofa bed and watching a black and This was told by Tip Bagstad during Wergeland’s night of music at white 10-inch tv set.” the Rotary Lights. P.7 Budstikken January 2011 WELCOME TO THE NEW OFFICERS FOR 2011! THANKS FOR ACCEPTING A POSITION

President Adrian Johnson 608-788-7507 Vice President Kent Sween 608-781-3666 Counselor Vivian Sacia 608-526-3181 Secretary Kathryn Beane 608-783-3037 Assistant Secretary Ramona Johnson 608-788-7507 Financial Secretary Hjordis Helgestad 608-779-4008 Treasurer Marilyn Rudser 608-783-8209 Co-Social Director - Spec. Meals Kathryn Beane 608-788-0397 Co-Social Director - Spec. Meals Vernetta Moe 608-786-1022 Co-Social Director - Reg. Meetings Mary Sween 608-781-3666 Co-Social Director - (Aug-Nov.) Gurine Eggen 608-781-0238 Co-Social Director - (Jan-Apr.) Elsie Olson 507-896-2236 Foundation Director Alvin R. Forde 608-269-3041 Ass't. Fndn. Director Julia L. Forde 608-269-3041 Youth Director Carolyn Skogen 608-783-2158 Sports Director Jean Davis 608-788-2195 Cultural Director Doris Henderson 507-896-2205 Ass't. Cultural Director Glenn and Mary Borreson 608-526-6077 Musician Raymond Mattison 608-526-3840 Ass't. Musician Karan Mathison 608-526-3467 Historian Jan Storlie 507-896-4204 Greeter Orlando Wadel 608-857-3925 Greeter Carole E. Wadel 608-857-3925 Ass't. Greeter James W. Gums 608-786-3790 Ass't. Greeter Alice C. Gums 608-786-3790 Lead Marshal Eugene Johnson 608-783-1492 Marshal Richard Marking 608-386-3439 Marshal Robert Everson 608-486-2379 Marshal Hazen Ames 608-786-1878 Marshal Ted Wilcox 608-786-1878 Auditor, (1st Yr) Bing Skogen 608-783-2158 Auditor, (2nd Yr) Pete Sherry 608-783-3098 Auditor, (3rd Yr. is chairperson) Orlene Hough 608-783-2860 Trustee, (1st Yr) Shirley Schoenfeld 608-788-6596 Trustee, (2nd Yr) Adrian Hagen 608-783-1205 Trustee, (3rd Yr. Is chairperson) Marilyn Trisch 608-781-3469 Budstikken Editor Carol Stekel 608-486-2175 Budstikken Editor helper Joe Stekel 608-486-2175 Co-Publicity Director - send to Viking Leif Marking 608-781-0323 Co-Publicity Director - video mtgs. Vern Olson 608-783-2600 Co-Publicity Director - take pictures Joe and Carol Stekel 608-486-2175 P. 8 Budstikken January 2011

Ski for Light, January 30 to Do You Want to Celebrate February 6 “Syttende Mai” in Norway in 2011? This special International event will include nearly 300 folks for cross country skiing, at- At our December 14 Board Meeting, Financial Benefits tending special interest sessions, gathering for Counselor Helge Vestnes provided information regarding a meals and sing-alongs. During Norway Night, nine-day tour May 15-23. It is organized by Nor-Am Tours a delegation from Norway will share some and is planned by SON Lodge 5-650 of Williams Bay WI. Norwegian heritage and entertainment. It will Highlights include: “Syttende Mai” in Oslo; beautiful fruit be held at Snow Mountain Ranch near Winter blooming in Hardanger; Bergen with Troldhaugen and Ed- Park and Granby, Colorado. vard Grieg’s home; train ride with “Flåmsbana”; spectacu- lar waterfalls, fjords and mountains; and Lillehammer, home of the ’94 Winter Olympics. The tour price is $3695 Heritage Dinner Entertainment per person in dbl. room. For information, contact them at Our December 2 meeting featured a traditional meatball phone 262-743-1814 or 866-962-3544, or by email at and lefse Christmas dinner followed by music and dance. [email protected] or noramtours.com Wergeland Night at the Rotary Lights On December 14 our lodge provided cultural entertainment at the Rotary Lights in Riverside Park. Al and Julia Forde coordinated this event.

An excellent piano concert was provided by 14-year-old Bobby Levinger, grandson of Joyce and Vern Olson. Bobby has received many awards in the upper Midwest for his musical artistry. The Norskedalen Trio (Lois Olson, Tip and Eleanor Bagstad) played and sang a mix of Norwegian, old-time, and Christmas music.

Our Wergeland Dancers demonstrated a number of traditional Norwegian dances around the Christmas tree. Brian Rude sang seasonal songs. His application of Norwe- gian lyrics to many non-Norwegian songs and carols was entertaining and many people sang along. P.9 Budstikken Jauary 2011 a little in English... litt på norsk... Northern Norway During the Polar Night Nord-Norge under mørketida In Northern Norway during the summer the sun shines Om sommeren i Nord-Norge skinner sola nesten hele døgnet. nearly 24 hours a day. Under the midnight sun people cele- Under midnattsola feirer folk med lange fester og godt humør. brate with long parties and happy moods. But for an equally Men i et tilsvarende langt tidsrom om vinteren er det mørkt, et long time in the winter it’s almost completely dark, a phe- fenomen som som kalles mørketida på norsk. nomenon called polar night or, in Norwegian, mørketida Mørketid inntrer bare nord for den nordlige polarsirkelen og (literally, “the dark time”). sør for den sørlige polarsirkelen. I denne perioden er sola un- Polar night only occurs north of the northern polar circle and der horisonten, selv når den er på sitt høyeste. Mørketida er på south of the southern polar circle. During this period the sun sitt korteste nær polarsirklene og øker i varighet nærmere po- stays completely beneath the horizon, even when it’s at its lene der den varer i seks måneder. Dvs. at jo lengre nord, jo highest point. The polar night is shortest right at the polar lengre er mørketida. I Tromsø varer mørketida fra slutten av circle and increases in length the closer you get to the poles, november til midten av januar, og i Longyearbyen på Sval- where it lasts six months. That is to say that the further north bard varer den fra sent i oktober til midten av februar. you are, the longer the polar night. In Tromsø the darkness På de fleste steder er det ikke helt mørkt når det er mørketid. lasts from the end of November until mid-January, while in Fram mot vintersolverv går det gradvis mot mørkere dager. Longyearbyen on Svalbard, it lasts from late October until Og ved vintersolverv er det tussmørket som rår på dagen i mid- February. nord. Likevel blir mange folk deprimert. It isn’t completely dark in most places during the polar I Nord-Norge er det vanlig å feire solas tilbakekomst. night. As the year gets closer to the winter solstice, it gradu- ”Soldagen” feires tradisjonelt med kakao og solboller, og det ally gets darker longer. At solstice time, noon looks a lot er mange steder vanlig at barna får fri fra skolen. Datoen for like twilight. Many people struggle with seasonally-induced soldagen vil variere fra sted til sted, alt etter breddegrad og depression over the winter due to the lack of light. lokal geografi. I Tromsø er for eksempel sola over horisonten In Northern Norway it’s typical to celebrate the sun’s return. 15. januar, men på grunn av fjellene sør for byen er den fakti- “Sun Day” (soldagen) is traditionally celebrated with special ske soldagen først 21. januar. Dagene blir gradvis lengre, og sweet rolls called solboller and in many places children get folk ser fram til vår, sommer og midnattsolas tilbakekomst the day off from school. The date for Sun Day varies from place to place, according to latitude and local geography. In Tromsø for example the sun comes over the horizon on January 15th, but because of some mountains south of the city, the sun isn’t actually visible until January 21st. After- wards, the days get gradually longer and people start to look forward to spring, summer and the return of the midnight sun.

Founders of Sons of Norway to be Celebrated January 16th marks the 116th anniversary of the founding of Sons of Norway, which began as a simple, practical way for members to support each other through times of hardship. At the time it’s likely that none of the founders would have guessed their fledgling group would go on to become the largest and longest-standing organization dedicated to promoting and preserving Norwegian culture. In commemoration of the day, Sons of Norway is en- couraging all lodges to participate in the first official Founder’s Day celebration. First, all members are encouraged to wear their membership pins, vests, or any other Sons of Norway clothing. In addition, for lodges interested in celebrating fur- ther, consider taking an ad out in your local paper acknowledging Founder’s Day, or maybe hosting a festive lodge event com- memorating the 18 founders. To learn more about Sons of Norway’s history and about the founding of our 116-year-old organi- zation, visit www. sonsofnorway.com/about_us and select the “history” link.

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and pre- serve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and pro- vide quality insurance and financial products to its SONS OF NORWAY Non-Profit Organization WERGELAND LODGE #5/028 U.S.Postage Paid Carol Stekel, Editor Permit No.22 P.O. Box 3591 La Crosse, WI 54601 La Crosse, WI 54602-3591

OFFICERS TO CONTACT BETWEEN MEETINGS Norskedalen Activities President-Adrian C. Johnson ...... 608-788-7507 Thrune Visitor’s Center: N1646 Mickel Rd., La Crosse WI 54601-8445 Winter Hours: Nov. 1 - Apr. 30 E-mail address: [email protected] Monday-Friday: 8 am to 4 pm

Vice President-Kent Sween ...... 608-781-3666 Saturday: Closed 1219 Oak Ave N., Onalaska WI 545650-2121 Sunday: Closed during months of January, e-mail address: [email protected] February and March

Financial Secretary -Hjordis Helgestad…..608-779- 4008 Upcoming 2011 Events 1075 Kristy Ln., Apt. E, Onalaska WI e-mail address: [email protected] January 30:

Notices of deaths must go to the Financial Secretary Annual Meeting of the Memebership, 1:30 p.m. Secretary-Kathryn Beane…………………..608-783-3037 608 Lake St., Onalaska WI March 12: e-mail address: [email protected] Sweet Sweet Spring & Benefit Rummage Sale Editor-Carol Stekel ...... 608-486-2175 1809 Buol Dr. Bangor, WI 54614 March: e-mail address: [email protected] Norskedalen Award Banquet

SofN Fraternal Benefit Counselor- Helge Enok Vestnes ...... 715-878-9646 Merry Christmas to All! W1741 Easterson Rd. Eleva, WI 54738 e-mail: [email protected] Norskedalen Phone: 608-452-3424 cell: 715-797-6414 Web Site: www.norskedalen.org E-mail Address: [email protected]