Capital Viking

WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Capital Viking

Featured This Month April Lodge Meeting: Ibsen March Meeting ...... 1 Festdrakt Workshop ...... 1 and the Birth of Modern Drama Rosemaling Workshop ...... 1 Sunday, April 26, 5 PM (note non-standard day & time) “The Norwegians” Theater Review...... 2 Norwegian Film Coming to DC ...... 2 Norway House, 3846 Meredith Dr., Fairfax, VA The Longship Company Fundraising ..... 3 Potluck — please bring dishes by 4:45 so we Need Fridge, Freezer, BBQ ...... 4 Three Important Dates ...... 4 can start promptly at 5. Recipe—Kvikk Lunsj Dessert ...... 4 Join us for a lively presentation on Litt på Norsk ...... 5 Henrik Ibsen by drama scholar Easter Thriller Suggestions ...... 6 and practitioner Dr. Rick Davis. Knit/Crochet Group ...... 7 Note the day and time are not April Reading Circle Selections ...... 7 standard for our monthly meet- Memories of Sunday School ...... 8 ings. Author Lars Ramslie Speaks ...... 10 Memorial Service Held ...... 13 Our speaker is the Executive Di- Language Class Schedule Change ...... 14 rector of the Hylton Performing Electric Cars Mainstream in Norway . 14 Arts Center, Associate Dean of March Meeting Photos ...... 15 the College of Visual and Perform- Recurring Announcements ing Arts, and Professor of Theater at George Mason University. From Name Badges ...... 3 1983-1985 he Children’s Activities ...... 7 was Associate Share Your Interests ...... 9 Director and co- Care/Sunshine Committee ...... 9 founder of the Lodge President’s Message ...... 12 Caricature of Ibsen, 1898, American Ibsen Birthdays ...... 12 Norwegian National Library Theater in Pitts- District 3 President’s Message ...... 13 burgh, PA. His Lodge Calendar / Area Events ...... 18 Join Sons of Norway ...... 19 publications include co-translations of Ibsen Dr. Rick Davis which have been performed at leading re- Norwegian Themed TV ...... 19 gional theaters across the country. He was educated at Law- Flyers rence University (BA) and the Yale School of Drama (MFA, Festdrakt Workshop ...... 21 DFA). Syttende Mai Gala ...... 22

Festdrakt Workshop Rosemaling Workshop April 11 & 12 April 25 The workshop originally planned for March has Member and artist Tina Kenue will lead a ro- been rescheduled due to the snow storm. There is semaling workshop from 1-4 PM on April 25 room for a few more participants including those at Norway House. Space in the workshop is who want to be measured for a custom-made fest- currently filled. To get on a waiting list email drakt. At Norway House. For more information see [email protected]. the flyer on page 21. For reservations or more information email [email protected].

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 1 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 “The Norwegians” - A Must-See!

By Christine Foster Meloni

If you haven’t yet seen “The Norwegians,” a hi- larious dark comedy performed by the Scena Theater at the Anacostia Playhouse, don’t wait another minute. Buy your tickets now. The last performance is April 19. Norwegian Americans and/or Minnesota natives in particular will un- Photo Courtesy Jae Yi Photography, Scena Theater derstand and appreciate this play. But everyone paced exchanges that make fun of Minnesotans can surely enjoy it. and Norwegians (and people from other states

and of other nationalities as well). Olive and Betty, recent transplants to Minneso-

ta from Texas and Kentucky, respectively, have Betty laments that Minnesotans weatherproof been dumped by their boyfriends and they want their babies at birth to withstand the cold but, if deadly revenge. They, therefore, hire Gus and you move to Minnesota as an adult, your heart Tor, two nice (as in Minnesota Nice) Norwegian freezes and you become evil. And Betty is ap- (that is, Minnesota Norwegian) hitmen. palled at the potlucks. The Minnesotans bring

something that they call “hotdish” and it con- While there is a plot (and perhaps some mur- sists of Stove Top and Cream of Mushroom ders are committed in the end), the appeal is soup topped with Tater Tots. These are truly the dialogue. All of the actors offer stellar per- frightening people! formances as they deliver the amusing, fast-

Tor (named after the Norse god of Thunder) explains to Betty that Norwegians are re- strained people. They don’t waste their energy on emotions because they need it for heat.

The playwright is C. Denby Swanson, the Artistic Director Robert McNamara, the actors Nora Achrati (Olive), Brian Hemmingsen (Gus), Nanna Ingvarsson (Betty), and Ron Litman (Tor). Several Lodge members and friends attended the March 27th performance. Shown from left are Richard Meinhold, Mette Go to www.scenatheater.org now and purchase Levasseur, Lynn Juhl, Christine Meloni, Tenley Erickson, and your tickets. Invite your friends (even non- Joel and Barbara Myklebust. Minnesotan, non-Norwegian friends). Don’t miss “The Norwegians.”

Norwegian Film Coming to DC

1001 Grams, directed by Norwegian Bent Hamer, will have two screenings as part of the 2015 Washington, DC International Film Festival. FilmfestDC notes that the director is well known for his deadpan humor as evidenced by his recent films Factotum (2006) and Home for Christmas (2011). 1001 Grams is in Norwegian, French, and English with English subtitles and will be shown on April 17 at Landmark E Street Cinema and on April 22 at AMC Mazza Gallerie.

For more information on 1001 Grams at FilmfestDC see www.filmfestdc.org/filmView.cfm? passID=37. For information on the entire festival, which includes a few other Scandinavian films, see www.filmfestdc.org/index.cfm

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 2 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 The Longship Company Fundraising By Henry Hansen

Many members will remember September 20 of last year, when the Lodge sponsored a voyage on the replica Viking ship Sae Hrafn, owned and operated by the all-volunteer nonprofit organization called “The Longship Company.” It was a voyage that many of us will never forget.

It was an educational, exciting and fun voyage. I, for one, will never forget the slight flexing of the boat and the creaking of the wood as we went through the choppy waves — almost what our ancestors experi- enced in the long voyages across the open ocean. Bill DeRoche wrote in his October 2014 Capital Viking article titled, “My Viking Raid,” “As I pulled my oar to the rhythmic chant of our captain and felt the cool breeze from the Potomac River, I began to understand what it was like to be part of a raiding party in the heyday of the Viking age.”

But The Longship Company needs our help. They have started fundraising efforts to purchase a winter shelter for the boat. Presently they are using an old billboard canvas kept up- right with logs. This “shelter” periodically col- lapses and exposes the boat to the elements. Let’s keep this icon of our heritage alive. It is the only known Viking boat on the East Coast If you would like to attend a work session and/ south of Philadelphia, and we are lucky to have or voyage this season, please visit The Longship it available to us and so close to our Lodge. website at: www.longshipco.org for upcoming schedules. We will try to organize another Any donations would be greatly appreciated. Lodge-sponsored voyage in the early Fall of this You can read more about the fundraising cam- year. paign, see many photos, and donate by visiting www.indiegogo.com/projects/winter-shelter- For more information call Henry at 703-815- for-our-viking-longship. 4945 or email [email protected].

Name Badges

Personalized Washington Lodge 3-428 name badges may be ordered from Burt Koske for $10. The badges are made of hard plastic with a pin on the back. Contact Burt at any Lodge event, or email [email protected].

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 3 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015

Do You Have an Extra Refrigerator, Freezer, or Charcoal BBQ Grill’? The Lodges’ Cultural Center is very much in need of these items for the up-coming picnics and Holiday Festival and Bazaar. If you have any of these items and you feel they have a few additional years of useful life, the Lodge would greatly appreciate the donation.

Pick-up can be arranged. Call Henry Hansen at 703-815-4845 or email [email protected].

Save Three Dates — Award Ceremony for Membership Welcome Brunch for New Mem- Pins September 19 bers June 6 The Lodge will hold a ceremony commemorat- ing the number of years of individuals’ member- New and old members ship on Saturday evening, September 19th. alike are asked to put Years of membership will be recognized retro- June 6 on their calen- actively from November 2010 to the present. dars for a brunch to wel- More information will follow, closer to the come all who have date. joined the Lodge from November 2010 to the Norwegian Festival and Bazaar De- present. New members can learn about how the Lodge works, how it cember 4 & 5 fits into the larger Sons of Norway International We will soon start to plan for another banner organization, check out all the activities we year. Special thanks to all who worked so dili- sponsor and support, and perhaps think about gently in years past, and we hope everyone will joining one the Lodge committees that get the put December 4 and 5 on your calendars for work done and get the fun going. New mem- this year’s Festival — to attend and enjoy the bers will receive invitations via U.S. mail closer fun and also, hopefully, to donate your valuable to the date. time once again.

Kvikk Lunsj with Apples and Mascarpone Cream

Adapted from www.newscancook.com

Kvikk Lunsj is the Norwegian equivalent of the wafer and chocolate Kit Kat™ bar. Introduced by Freia founder and hiking enthusiast Johan Throne Holst in 1937 as the perfect portable snack to enjoy while hiking or skiing, Kvikk Lunsj has become a favorite of Norwegians during Eastertime family hikes and cross-country ski trips to the mountains.

 3 apples, peeled and coarsely chopped  2 lemons  2 tbs. icing sugar (powdered sugar)  1 tsp. cardamom  ¾ cup mascarpone  2 tbs. icing sugar (powdered sugar)  4 Kit Kat™ bars (Kvikk Lunsj), coarsely chopped

Add chopped apples, sugar, cardamom and juice from two lemons to a pan. Cover with lid and simmer for 2-3 minutes. Mash apple compote with a whisk and cool. Add remaining sugar to mascarpone and whisk together. Serve apple compote topped with mascarpone cream and coarsely chopped chocolate bars in a glass or a bowl and enjoy.

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 4 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 a little in English... Easter is also full of traditions when it comes to food. First and foremost it’s about lamb, eggs, chicken, chocolate, marzipan and orang- Easter Traditions in es.

Norway Last but not least… Easter Beer—Having a beer outside is great. Once the snow has melt- Easter is an important holiday in Norway. The ed and the sun is high in the sky, the world traditional Norwegian way to celebrate Easter awakes again. Easter kick starts Spring, and can be linked to nature hikes, good food, lei- what can be better than enjoying a beer out- sure and time spent with family and friends. side in the sun? Many travel to the mountains at Easter to go on the last ski trip of the year, many put their boat in the water or others visit relatives. Most litt på norsk... however, celebrate Easter at home. Påsketradisjoner i Nor- Easter Vacation - Easter vacation is actually a special Norwegian phenomenon. They have a ge five day long weekend starting Thursday until the second Easter day which is always on a Påske er en viktig høytidsdag i Norge. Den Monday. With the long holiday people have tradisjonelle norske måten å feire påske på er the opportunity to travel a bit during Easter. knyttet til turer i naturen, god mat, fritid og tid til familie og venner. Mange reiser på fjellet i Easter Crime - Easter and påsken for å gå årets siste skitur, crime – it’s a strange tradi- mange setter båten på vannet eller tion. Both on TV and in andre besøker slektninger. De aller books, Norwegians are giv- fleste feirer imidlertid påsken en a variety of murders and hjemme. mysteries for the short holiday. Easter crime is a tradi- Påskeferie - Påskeferie er faktisk et tion that has several expla- spesielt norsk fenomen. De har en nations and is an odd Nor- fem dager lang sammenhengende wegian phenomenon. helg fra og med torsdag til og med andre påskedag som alltid er på Easter Nuts (Trivia) - Are mandag. Med lang ferie har man you smarter than a fifth grader? As soon as muligheten til å reise litt i påskeferien. Easter Eve arrives, along comes Easter Trivia on TV. Norway’s Easter Nut-general Roald Eye Påskekrim - Påske og krim – er en merkelig has resigned, but NRK’s Øystein Bache and tradisjon. Både på TV og i bokform serveres Rune Gokstad have captained the Easter Trivia nordmenn mord og mysterier i drøssevis i boat safely ahead. For eight days they present løpet av denne korte høytiden. Påskekrim er seven exciting and entertaining puzzles for the en tradisjon som har flere forklaringer og er et whole family. særnorskt fenomen.

Easter Egg - The perfect Easter eggs can be Påskenøtter - Er du smartere enn en filled with, for example, jewelry, chocolate and femteklassing? Like sikkert som at Påskeaften candy – depending on the eye of the beholder. kommer, kommer det også Påskenøtter på TV. Each year the Easter eggs are filled, with con- Norge’s påskenøttgeneral Roald Øyen har sideration, for everyone in the family. Some takket for seg, men NRK’s Øystein Bache og like salty, other like sweet. Some like things Rune Gokstad styrer påskenøttskuta trygt crunchy and others simply like soft candy. videre. I åtte dager presenterer de sju spen- nende og underholdende oppgaver for hele Easter Food - Easter is a time for togetherness, familien. relaxation, and hanging out with family and friends and with that there is also good food. Continued on next page...

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 5 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 From previous page… av tradisjoner, også når det gjelder mat. Først og fremst handler det om lam, egg, kylling, Påskeegget - Det perfekte påskeegg kan for sjokolade, marsipan og appelsiner. eksempel være fylt med smykker, sjokolade og godteri – avhengig av øyet som ser. Hvert år Sist men ikke minst…Påskepils - Utepils er top- skal påskeeggene fylles og alle i familien skal pen. Når snøen har smeltet og solen står høyt tas hensyn til. Noen liker salt, andre søtt. Noen på himmelen, våkner verden til live igjen. liker at det knaser og noen trenger rett og slett Vårens kickstart er påsken, og hva er vel ikke myke ting. bedre enn å nyte en utepils i solveggen?

Påskemat - Påsken er en tid for hygge, avslap- Courtesy SofN Newsletter Service. ping, og samvær med familie og venner og dermed også tiden for god mat. Påsken er full Give Me Five! Time to Choose Your Easter Thrillers

By Christine Foster Meloni This article appeared in the Norwegian American Weekly. It is reprinted with permission.

Easter is fast approaching. Folks in Norway are undoubtedly busy choosing which thrillers they will be reading over the Easter week-end. What about you? Have you finalized your reading list? If not, let me offer some suggestions. I would like to recommend five books, one each by five among the best Norwegian crime novelists.

Jo Nesbø, Norway’s undisputed King of Crime, is becoming very popular in the U.S. He is a very prolific writer, and each one of his novels is well written and electrifying. Although it is very difficult to choose one, I will single out The Snowman. This novel is fast paced and terrifying as a serial killer murders each victim after building a snowman in her yard. Although serial killers are rare in Norway, Police Investigator Hole is up to the task since he has taken an FBI course on serial killers.

Karin Fossum, Norway’s undisputed Queen of Crime, is gaining well-deserved recognition in the U.S. She too has written many novels, most now available in English. Her novels lack the action of Nesbø’s but they are intriguing psychological studies that look deeply into both the minds of the perpetrators and the victims of the crimes. One of my favorites is Black Seconds. A ten-year-old girl disappears without a trace. We follow Inspector Sejer as he tries to solve the case. We also see the impact that this crime has on the family, their friends, and the entire community.

Thomas Enger is not well known in the U.S. but he is considered one of the top four crime novelists in Norway today along with Nesbø, Fossum, and Staalesen. He has written six novels, and so far three have been translated into English. His protagonist is Henning Juul, an investigative re- porter for a newspaper. Enger himself had a career in journalism so he gives credibility to Juul. His first novel is Burned (see the review in the November 21, 2014 issue of NAW). Not only does it have an exciting plot, it also sheds light on problems between Norwegians and recent immigrants to Norway. The reader also learns a lot about the city of Oslo.

Gunnar Staalesen finds inspiration for his stories in the newspapers he reads every morning. He has written 16 novels in his Varg Veum series. Veum is a social worker turned private detective.

Continued on next page... VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 6 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015

Continued from previous page…

The plots are exciting and the characters well developed. The setting is the city of Bergen and readers become acquainted with its inhabitants, culture, weather, and topography. In The Writing on the Wall Veum is called upon to determine the cause of death of a judge who is found dead in a luxury hotel and to find a teenage girl who has disappeared. To solve these interrelated mysteries, Veum must venture into the criminal underworld of Bergen.

Jørn Lier Horst is another first-class writer who is not yet very familiar to American readers. Be- cause of his experience as chief inspector detective in the CID (Crime Investigation Department) at the Vestfold Police district in Larvik, he provides authentic insights into police procedures. He has written nine novels, three of which have been translated into English. His novel Closed for Winter won the Norwegian Booksellers Prize in 6455. At the outset of this novel a man discovers a murder victim inside his neighbor’s cottage but the dead man is not his neighbor. The case is very complex, and the suspense becomes almost unbearable as Inspector William Wisting works very methodically to track down the dangerous criminals responsible for this and other crimes.

Any books by these five authors provide stimulating reading and, of course, Norway and the other Nordic countries offer numerous other wonderful crime novels. One finds an embarrassment of riches! Knit or Crochet with the Sons of Norway If you are interested in joining a congenial needle arts group, please contact Doris Goodlett at [email protected] or call 703-278-8724. The Lodge has yarn and knitting needles available for members who would like to learn. Come and enjoy fun, food, and fellowship, and learn how to make a pot holder or scarf. If you are already have experience, just come for the com- panionship while you work on a project of your own.

and crossed the North Atlantic, from Iceland and April Reading Circle Greenland to Newfoundland and Norway, eight times. Who was this intrepid woman, and why did she roam off the edge of the known world? – New Selections York Times The Reading Circle will meet at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, April 28. We The Sea Road by Margaret Elphinstone: A haunt- will be discussing two books. The ing and compelling historical novel, The Sea Road is books have the same subject, an an ambitious re-telling of the Vi- extraordinary Viking woman, but king exploration of the North one is non-fiction and the other Atlantic from the viewpoint of historical fiction. You may choose one extraordinary woman. - Re- to read one or both: view by Simon Hall, The Herald. The Far Traveler by Nancy Marie Brown: The au- Contact Christine Meloni for the thor tries to solve the mystery of a beautiful woman location of the discussion at named Gudrid who appears in two Icelandic sagas [email protected].

Children’s Activities at Meetings Our monthly lodge meetings include youth activities. Parents, please RSVP before each meeting to youth director Annemarie McCaslin at [email protected] with your children’s names and ages so that activities can be appropriately tailored. VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 7 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Fond Memories: The Sunday School Program

By Julie Ann Ophaug Burnett language. I have my grandfa- parents were lutefisk-loving ther Otto (Arnold) Molmen’s Norwegians born in the US, My first birthday was on East- Norwegian Bible. My grand- however some of their parents er Sunday, and the significance parents on all sides were Nor- were born in Norway. of that is not lost on me con- wegian and spoke the lan- sidering my childhood was guage. My other grandfather, My grandparents embraced spent surrounded by a caring Olaf, pronounced my name their Norwegian heritage Christian community. Religion “Yulie” and my sister Beth’s while my parents’ generation was not portrayed as a fearful name “Bet.” One of my broth- seemed to move more toward part of life, but by the people ers was named Arvid, so he the current U.S. culture of that demonstrating, by their ac- didn’t have any problem pro- day. tions, their loving relationship nouncing his name. My grand- with Jesus by always But Christmas was al- being there to help ways special. My mother each other. Every- kept some of the tradi- one attended every tions of her Norwegian wedding, every ba- background by making by or wedding all the Norwegian special shower, every funer- th th foods, such as lefse, ro- al, 25 or 50 wed- settes, sandbakkels, and ding anniversary, krumkaka. We also kept and every church the tradition of opening program. They were our Christmas gifts on generous with their Christmas Eve. Santa hotdishes, desserts, still came with small and support for each gifts for Christmas Day, other on each occa- but we knew that our sion. bigger gifts were from our parents. During my childhood, I attended the Evan- One of my fondest gelical Lutheran Christmas memories is Church. I have fond singing in the Christmas memories of going to program at church. We Sunday School, start- would sing all the tradi- ing at the age of two. tional religious Christ- Who would have mas songs, plus the first thought that from verse of “I am So Glad the days of crank Each Christmas Eve” in phones and party Norwegian. Our church lines that my class- had a magnificent mates and I, now wooden altar and kneel- scattered throughout ing rail at the front. We the US, still keep in sang in front of the altar touch through Face- that had tall spirals book on our cell pointing toward Heav- phones? en, with a large painting of Jesus with his hands When I was a baby, I outstretched as if he am told that our Family wedding at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, were embracing our church services were McVille, MN, 1975. The author is second from the held in the Norwegian left. Continued next page.. VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 8 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015

Continued from previous page… After the program, we looked forward to our singing. Sometimes, one person would sing brown paper bag filled with an apple, peanuts from the balcony, with their voice spreading in the shell, ribbon candy and chocolate candy through the church and moving all eyes upward with white filling. It was all delicious. to focus on the heavenly, huge, four-tiered brass chandelier that had been converted from This has been an endearing memory for me, a gas chandelier. The soft, different colored growing up in an American community with a lights were held in place with elegant bowl-like strong Norwegian background, in McVille, sconces. It was a beautiful sight. North Dakota.

The 21st Century Viking Invasion of Ireland The History Channel recently announced a casting call for the next session of their popular TV show Vikings. Tryouts, unfortunately, are in Dublin. According to the Irish Times, the call has in- spired thousands of would-be Vikings to stand patiently in lines snaking through Dublin. Is this normal Viking behavior? The word went out: the bigger the beard the better. For a look at some of these determined, hopeful, and creative people, check this video produced by the Irish Times: www.irishtimes.com/news/ireland/irish-news/thousands-queue-in-temple-bar-for-vikings-casting- 1.2160046. There may be a short but amusing Vodafone ad just before the actual video starts.

Share Your Interests

The Capital Viking is a great way to highlight our member’s interests and experiences. Can you help by sharing some of yours? Please think about writing a little something for the newsletter. Even short items that fit in a text box (like this one) would be great. Here are a few ideas to get you started…

* Do you have a favorite spot in Norway, off the beaten track? * Do you have genealogical research to share — tips or personal stories? * Do you have a special family photo or keepsake? What’s the story behind it? * Do you have a passion for Norwegian music, dance, fiber arts, cooking, rosemaling, literature? Could you choose one example like a book, recipe, pattern, or instrument, and write a short article about it? Photos: Many photos from the Internet are copyrighted and thus off-limits to the Capital Viking, so before you download please contact me and we can work together to find copyright-free images. Please email me at [email protected]. Tusen takk! Marie Hansen Editor

Spread a Little Sunshine Please keep our Care Committee Chair, Debbie Fosaaen, in- formed about members who are ill, undergoing surgery, recuperating, or homebound for an extensive period. We will send them best wishes from the Lodge as a whole. Contact Debbie at [email protected].

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 9 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Lars Ramslie and Christian Jungersen: New Voices in Contemporary Nordic Literature

By Christine Foster Meloni Many Nordic crime novels are being translated into English and are selling well. This article appeared in the Norwegian Ameri- can Weekly. It is reprinted with permission. Jensen said that she was not going to discuss Nordic Noir, however. She would focus on oth- Two up and coming Scandinavian novelists, er trends and highlight the most promising Norwegian Lars Ramslie and young Nordic writers. Danish Christian Jungersen, were the featured speakers at Realism/Minimalism “Out of Denmark and Nor- Jensen began with a discussion of way,” an event held at the Minimalism, which has long been a Bethesda Writing Center in popular tradition in Scandinavia. Maryland on March 12th. She cited three contemporary works in particular: Norwegian Stewart Moss, the Center’s Kjell Askildsen’s Selected Stories, Executive Director, extended Danish Helle Helle’s This Should Be a warm welcome and ex- Written in The Present Tense, and pressed his pleasure at host- Danish Dorthe Nors’ Karate Chop. ing this literary event. Kåre R. These novels are written very simp- Aas, the Norwegian Ambassa- ly and describe everyday situa- dor, greeted the audience tions. They lack action and a sense and thanked the Center for its of moving forward. hospitality. He acknowledged his love of literature and its Auto Fiction importance in his life. “Life The towering figure in the tradition Norwegian author Lars Ramslie at of Scandinavian Auto Fiction is Nor- without literature is hell,” he the Bethesda Writer’s Center said, quoting the American wegian Karl Ove Knausgaard. His writer Charles Bukowski. six-volume autobiographical novel My Struggle has been hugely successful in Norway. Four vol- The moderator was Katrine Øgaard Jensen, umes have been translated into English and Danish journalist, writer, and translator. She is they have been very popular in the U.S., much the Editor-in-Chief of Columbia: A Journal of to the amazement of critics. Literature and Art and Editor-at-Large for the international literary journal Asymptote. She is Auto Fiction is literary fiction in which the bor- currently a judge for the prestigious Best Trans- ders between life and literature begin to blur. lated Book Award and a consultant on Danish The reader remains uncertain about what is literature for various publishers and journals. true and what is not. The author’s focus is not on plot but rather on language.

Jensen presented an informative overview of the trends in contemporary Nordic literature. Fabulism or Magic Realism – Fairy Tale Tradi- She began by pointing out that translated liter- tion ature does not fare well in the U.S., where only Fabulism is in the dark fairy tale tradition. It is 3% of published books are translations from short fiction that is dark and weird. Jensen re- other languages. Fiction makes up less than 1% ferred to two writers, Icelandic Sjón (Sigurjón of this percentage. Birgir Sigurðsson) and Swedish Karin Tidbeck. A critic in the Paris Review praised Sjón’s Whis- But since the publication of the English transla- pering Muse and issued a warning: “Move over, tion of Stieg Larsson’s trilogy, American readers have become curious about Scandinavia. Continued on next page...

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 10 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Continued from previous page… nosed.

Blue Lagoon” because from now on Sjón’s nov- The passage that Jungersen read recounted an el and not the lagoon will come to mind when incident in which Frederik drives his car at Americans talk about Iceland. Reviewer Sofia breakneck speed while his terrified wife and son Samatar calls the stories in Tidbeck’s Jagannath: desperately try to make him slow down but to Stories “fascinating, frightening, and above all, no avail. He completely disregards their feel- tender.” ings.

Historical Fiction Q & A Finally, Jensen cited two historical novels. The A lively Q & A Session followed the readings. first was The Little Horse by Thorvald Steen Both writers emphasized the desire of all writ- about Snorri Sturluson, the well-known Iceland- ers to be experimental, to write something ic politician, writer, and historian who lived dur- new. Story lines today focus primarily on the ing the twelfth century. The second was Every- person. thing under the Moon that tells the story of an astronomer. Jungersen said that he explores how complicat- ed we are as people. His goal is to present a Presentation of Author Lars Ramslie new view of what it is to be a person. What Jensen then presented Lars Ramslie. He made does it mean to be human? What makes a per- his literary debut in 1994 with his first novel, Bi- sonality? What makes a soul? opsi, for which he received the Tarjei Vesaas’ deb- utantpris, awarded annually to the best Norwe- According to Ramslie, the plot should not win. gian writer under the age of 35. He has since The focus in a novel should be on the individual. then written five more novels. Fatso, published He too wants to offer a new view of the self in in 2003, was made into a film in 2008. society. He wants to show the person as a plu-

Ramslie told the audience that he tries to make ralistic radical, similar to a symphony. his novels universal by scraping off exterior things such as clothing and surroundings. He Both authors were asked about their experienc- locates his stories outside of place and time. es with translations of their books. Jungersen said that his first experience was absolutely hor- He noted that his novels are intertwined, his rific. It is not easy when someone takes your fifth being a reaction to the previous four. He words and replaces them with different ones. read a passage from his book Ugly Bugly about The experience, however, has improved and he Siamese twins, one male, the other female, who works quite well with his translators. Ramslie wander from place to place until they end up was more accepting of the process and said with Uncle Rust and his city of fleas. that one needs to empathize with people who are translating from different cultures. Presentation of Author Christian Jungersen Jensen then introduced Christian Jungersen, Sponsors the author of three novels. He made his debut This informative and stimulating literary event in 1999 with his novel Undergrowth. It won the was sponsored by the Royal Embassies of Nor- Best First Novel award in Denmark and became way and Denmark and NORLA (Norwegian Liter- a best seller. (It has not yet been published in ature Abroad, Fiction and Non-Fiction), a gov- English.) ernment-funded, non-commercial foundation which promotes Norwegian literature to other Before reading from his latest book You Disap- countries. pear, Jungersen provided some background on its medical foundation. The main character Fred- The Bethesda Writing Center has a long and dis- erik develops a brain tumor behind the center tinguished history. In addition to hosting discus- of his forehead. Tumors in this part of the brain sions and workshops, it has published the liter- drastically change the personality of the afflict- ary journal Poet Lore since 1889. In three issues ed individual. Frederik is suddenly unable to feel published in 1892 you will find ads placed by empathy, and his behavior bewilders and angers Walt Whitman for his newly-published Leaves of those around him until his cancer is finally diag- Grass!

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 11 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 your volunteer President’s Message activities. We will provide Dear Members, individual activ- ity sheets at st On Saturday, March 21 I had the honor to par- each meeting ticipate in the Zone 6 Memorial Service in Lu- that you can therville, MD. Debbie Fosaaen and Susie record your Fosaaen also attended the service. There were volunteer 15 Washington Lodge members who entered hours. If you Lodge Eternal. A more complete description of have other the Memorial Service is provided on page 13 of SofN volunteer the newsletter. activities please take a March was to be a very busy month but snow few copies got in the way. Deb McConaghy had to re- with you. I en- schedule her workshop on sewing Festdrakt courage you to th th costumes to April 11 & 12 (see the flyer on think about all the volunteer activities that you th page 21.) On Friday, March 27 & Saturday, contribute each month so you can be prepared th March 28 the Lodge will host the Third District when we ask for volunteer hours. Board meeting. The 3D Board will meet all day Friday and Saturday at Norway House. On Sat- There are several Lodge positions still open. I th urday evening, March 28 we will have a “meet encourage you to seriously consider accepting & greet” with the 3D Board members. Alt- a position. The Lodge needs your support. We hough the “meet & greet” will have happened have three key open positions, Program Direc- before you receive this newsletter, I hope that tor, Cultural Director and Publicity Director that many of you will have had the opportunity to are urgently needed. Additionally, all of our meet the Third District Board members. committees need additional members -- please volunteer. If you can help please email me at Most of you take time to volunteer at a variety [email protected]. of Sons of Norway Activities and Events. Sons of Norway International requests the members Fraternally, to provide the time spent on these volunteer Burt Koske activities. SofN has developed a new program President, Washington Lodge 3-428 that we can use to record the hours spent on

Happy April Birthdays!

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 12 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Memorial Service Held March 21 A memorial service was held son, Pat klove, John Lerohl, Berit Mesarick, Bev- on March 21, 2015, at St. Paul’s erly Nickens, and Odd Nordhuus—all who Evangelical Lutheran Church in passed in 2010-2014 and who had maintained Lutherville, MD to honor mem- memberships. bers of our Lodge and of other lodges in Sons of Norway’s Attendees from our Lodge included Judy and Mid-Atlantic states (Zone Six, Orron Kee for Judy’s sister, Joyce Bierman, and District Three). Families of all Deb Torguson Pollio for her mother Ida Torgu- honorees were invited. son Frick. Burt Koske, Debbie Fosaaen and Susie Fosaaen from our Lodge also attended the ser- Fifteen honorees from our Lodge were remem- vice. Third District President, Mary Andersen bered: Karl Bergsvik, Joyce Bierman, Trygve spoke briefly about Fraternalism and family Blix, Ida Torguson Frick, Marit Grachow, Mar- based on a few of the bios of the deceased guerite (Pam) Hackett, Orwall Milton Hackett, members. Ruth Hampton, Percival Hanson, Eleanor John- District 3 President’s Message “You can’t always sit in your corner of the forest and wait for people to come to you… you have to go to Our Zones are breaking out them sometimes.” Winnie the Pooh of their comfort zones and trying new things. You have What’s next? heard about the Zone One Do you remember why you joined the Sons joint lodge meetings. Zone of Norway? Perhaps your parents or grand- 6 recently sponsored a parents joined and brought you to meetings cruise for Zone 6 members and invited mem- and events. Perhaps you have friends who are bers from across the Order. It was a rough ride members and they invited you to a meeting back but a shared experience which will bond and you were hooked. Perhaps someone them forever. passed and you realized how much you didn’t know about your heritage and it was time to Do we as a District have a comfort zone? We reconnect. Whatever your reason, what counts probably do but we make little changes all the is that you are here. So, what’s next? time. We have a Facebook page; we use email more than ever. We have developed leadership Many people find that they get the most out of vignettes which you will be seeing soon. We being a member by taking an active role in are in the process of refreshing our website. lodge activities. Sometimes the role is large and We have held Board meetings at local lodges. sometimes the role is small. One way to start is We are talking to other Districts to learn what to volunteer to your comfort level. Once you they do and determine if it will work for us. We get “comfortable”, expand your comfort zone recently connected with delegates at the last and once your comfort zone has expanded, District convention as well as lodge leadership. step out of it!!! It’s not easy but it will be re- We hope to continue that. warding. So, what’s next? YOU are what is next!! What Does your lodge have a comfort zone? I am you do or don’t do will shape the future of your very encouraged by lodges beginning to ex- lodge and of our organization. Get involved, pand their comfort zones and trying something keep our great big Viking ship moving forward. You will be glad you did and so will we all!! different. It could be as simple as changing winter meeting times from night meetings to day Jeg ønsker dere alt godt, meetings. Do something different! Add a new God Påske program. It may work; it may not but try it! Mary

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 13 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Language Class Schedule Change All Classes Now Meet on Wednesdays

Level 1 - Beginners: 6-7 PM Level 2 - Intermediate 7-8 PM (students who know more Norwegian and have been at it for a while) Level 3 - Advanced 8-9 PM (students those who can speak a little or a lot)

Students can decide which level works best for them and can attend different classes to find a fit. In the first two levels, students use the book Norsk, Nordmenn og Norge, available from Amazon. There is also a workbook that accompanies the textbook, but is not mandatory. Cost is a bargain $10 per hour to the Instructor and $5 per evening to SoN Lodge. The Lodge provides coffee and other beverages. For more information contact the instructor, Nina Brambini Smith, at [email protected].

In the early days, having an electric car meant How Electric Cars Went enduring cold rides during the winter and only having room for one passenger in the light- Mainstream in Norway weight plastic-bodied vehicles. Finding a place to charge one’s car also presented a major chal- As of 2014, Norway reached #1 in per capita lenge. Electric cars have advanced significantly ownership of elbiler, or electric cars. One in eve- over the past 25 years, as has the available infra- ry 100 cars on the road is run solely with structure. As of 2014, there were more electricity. This might not seem signifi- than 5,000 charging stations in Nor- cant, but when you consider plug-in auto way, which can be located through an sales (which include both electric and hy- online database NOBIL. brid vehicles), Norway’s 6.10% is simply staggering compared to the United The key component that propelled the electric States’ (0.60%,) and Canada’s (0.25%). car market, though, wasn’t the monetary or environmental benefits, but getting the word out However, this trend didn’t happen overnight, to the average person and developing an infra- but was the product of a long-term combina- structure. It took several decades, but most tion of marketing, celebrity endorsements and Norwegians now know what an electric car is, government incentives. The earliest adopters can name some of the models on the market, and promoters of the electric car were none and know where to find a charging station. An- other than the members of Norwegian 80s other incentive to make the leap to electric was band a-ha, who imported the first electrical car the high price of gas (a whopping $9 a gallon). to Norway in 1989 through a partnership with So much so, that sales of electric cars have rap- the Bellona Foundation, an Oslo environmental idly eclipsed the addition of charging stations, organization. making it difficult for all commuters to plug in while at work, or fit in the bus lane. Then, the Norwegian Parliament created an incentive package to encourage its citizens to re- This has resulted in the Norwegian Parliament duce emissions and buy Norwegian brands of deciding to set a limit for the sales-tax-free sta- electric cars. The Norwegian Electric Vehicle As- tus of electric cars: 50,000 zero-emission cars sociation, an Oslo nonprofit, also lobbied to sold, or the year 2017, which ever came first. At make the cars more attractive to buyers, mak- the current rate of adoption, this goal may be ing it possible for electric cars to travel toll-free reached in the summer of 2015. The Norwegian on all roads and ferries, have access to use of Electric Vehicle Association is aiming higher: bus lanes, and free public parking. By far the 100,000 electric cars on the roads by 2020. They largest benefit is that there are no taxes on find that this number is the minimum needed to electric car sales, something that on regular build enough charging stations nationwide. cars may double or triple the price. Courtesy of Sons of Norway Newsletter Service VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 14 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Photos from the March Meeting It was wonderful to see Ardis Morton at the March meeting! You will see many faces on the following pages from both our Lodge and the 3D Board, which held business meetings at Norway House March 27-29.

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 15 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 More Pho- tos from the March Meeting

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 16 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 More Photos from the March Meeting

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 17 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015 Clyde’s of Tyson’s, 8332 Leesburg Pike, Vienna, VA. Reservations required. Contact Katherine Barnett at Lodge Calendar [email protected] or www.lakselagetdc.org.

All meetings/activities are at Norway House Norw. Valdresspringar Dance Workshops/Potluck unless otherwise indicated Saturday, April 4, before & after 6:30pm potluck. 9512 St. Andrews Way, Silver Spring, MD 20901 Festdrakt Workshop Two informal workshops with potluck between. To gear Saturday & Sunday, April 11 & 12 up for our May 8-10 Spring Springar Spree dance/ See p.1 and flyer for details music weekend. All are welcome. Bring clean shoes to wear, food to share, and $$ you can spare. Rosemaling Workshop http://MAND.fanitull.org or contact Jenny at Saturday, April 25 1-4 PM [email protected] or 301-371-4312. See p. 1 for details Norwegian Dance & Potluck April Lodge Meeting Sunday, April 5, potluck 5:30 p.m., dancing 7 p.m. Sunday, April 26, 5 PM 6807 Westmoreland Ave, Takoma Park, MD 20912 “Ibsen and the Birth of Modern Drama” Norwegian-style house party. Live music by Loretta See p. 1 for details Kelly. Beginners, singles/couples, watchers/listeners all welcome. Bring clean shoes to wear, food to share, April Reading Circle and $$ you can spare. http://MAND.fanitull.org or con- Tuesday, April 28, 2015, at 7:30 p.m. tact Jenny at [email protected] or 301-371-4312. Location to be announced. www.norwaydc.org/reading Cracking the Runic Code See p. 7 for details Saturday, April 11 9:30-2:15 The Smithsonian Associates New Member Brunch Members, $90 / Non-Members $130 Saturday, June 6 10 AM – 1 PM Scandinavian language professor Henrik Williams See p. 4 for details sheds light on early Runic inscriptions, providing [email protected] glimpses of the Viking culture as it was nearly two thousand years ago. http://smithsonianassociates.org/ Norw. Language & Conversation Groups ticketing/tickets/reserve.aspx? Every Wednesday ID=231449&utm_source=RAad&utm_content=FEauto &utm_campaign=featevent Beginner I Class 6 p.m. (Changed from Tues.) Beginner II Class 7 p.m. Intermediate/Advanced 8 p.m. Norwegian Church Service Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m. www.norwaydc.org/language Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 7730 Bradley Blvd., Be- See p. 14 for details. thesda, MD (corner of Seven Locks Rd. & Bradley Blvd.). The service is in Norwegian. All are welcome. “Kirkekaffee” after the service. For information call

Other Area Events of Interest Lasse Syversen at 301-641-7908 or email The Norwegians [email protected] Through April 19 The Anacostia Playhouse 1001 Grams 2020 Shannon Place SE, WDC 20020 By Norwegian film director Bent Hamar See p. 2 for a review FilmfestDC, April 17 and 22 www.scenatheater.org/ See p. 2 for more information www.filmfestdc.org/filmView.cfm?passID=37 Lakselaget Luncheon Meeting Saturday, April 4, 11:30 a.m. Continued on next page “Easter Celebration and the Norwegian Church - A Meeting Place Abroad ” presented by Lasse Syversen.

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 18 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015

Continued from previous page… Syttende Mai Gala Scandia DC 3rd Saturday Dance Friday, May 15, 6:30-10;30 pm Saturday, April 18, 7-10 p.m. Key Bridge Marriott Teaching, 7-8 p.m., open dancing 8-10 p.m. www.naccma.org/events/ Greenbelt Community Center, 15 Crescent Dr., EARLYBIRD PRICING ENDS 4/10 Greenbelt, MD (dance studio on lower level). The fea- See flyer on p. 22 tured fiddler is Loretta Kelley. $10. www.scandiadc.info/ or contact Linda Brooks & Ross Syttende Mai Picnic Schipper at 202-333-2826 or Sunday, May 17, 1-3 pm. email [email protected] Carderock Park, MD Music, parade, games and food, Co-sponsored by ASA April Meeting: Sibelius 150th Anniv. multiple local Norwegian organizations including Monday, April 20 at 8 p.m. SofN. More information coming soon. St. John’s Church, Wisconsin Ave. & Bradley Blvd., Chevy Chase, MD. www.scandinavian-dc.org.

Join Sons of Norway,  To join as a new member visit our Lodge web Renew or Reinstate a Membership, site www.norwaydc.org/membership or call 800- 945-8851. Give a Membership  If your membership has lapsed call 800-945-  Current Dues: Individual $56.50 (International = 8851 or email [email protected]. $32 + District $14.50 + Lodge $10)  Children 15 years of age or under who have a  Spouse $ 49.50 parent or grandparent who is a Sons of Norway  Youth $23.25 member may sign up for a free Heritage Mem-  Your children & grandchildren are FREE! bership. Youth ages 16-23 who have a parent or grandparent who is a Sons of Norway member may be a free Unge Venner member.

New Scandinavian Cooking on Norwegian Mysteries on MHz Public TV in April Worldview TV in April Award-winning TV host and cookbook au- Based on novels by Unni Lindell. thor Andreas Viestad treats viewers to a voyage Norwegian with English subtitles through his native Norway, where he creates tan- talizing recipes with unusual ingredients out- The Honey Trap — Parts 1 & 2 on Wed. April 1 doors, against stunning backdrops. and 8 respectively, 9 PM.

The Orchestra Pit — Parts 1 & 2 on Wed. April 15 Saturdays at 6 am on WETA, and 22, respectively, 9 PM. Various weekdays at 3 pm on MPT www.pbs.org/food/shows/new-scandinavian- MHz1 channels in the DC area: cooking/ Verizon FIOS 451 / Cox 470 / RCN 30 / Comcast 271 / DirecTV 56/2183 / Dish 8077 / WNVC 30.1

Up-to-date channel information is found here: www.mhznetworks.org/about/where-watch-mhz

VOL. 51, NO. 4 PAGE 19 WASHINGTON LODGE 3-428 NEWSLETTER Non-Member APRIL 2015

Directions to Norway House About Capital Viking 3846 Meredith Dr., Fairfax, VA 22030 Capital Viking is published by Sons of Norway Lodge 3-428, eleven times per ** Please park in the Christ Lutheran Church parking lot (entrance year. directly across the street from the Norway House). On weekdays, a residential parking permit is required to park on Meredith Dr. Address Changes: Did your email address, mailing address, From Beltway or I-66: or other information change? Please no- Go west from Beltway on tify database manager Marie Hansen at 66. Take Exit 60, Rt. 123 [email protected]. (Chain Bridge Rd.) south U.S. Mail: toward Fairfax. Proceed Sons of Norway about a half mile. Turn 3846 Meredith Dr., right on Rt. 50 west (also Fairfax, VA 22030 Rt. 29, Lee Highway, and Fairfax Blvd.). Stay in the Lodge Website: right lane. Just after the www.norwaydc.org 3rd traffic light, turn right on Meredith Dr. (which is between a Find Us on Facebook: Merchants Tire store and a Mobil gas station). Turn left immedi- www.facebook.com/ ately behind the gas station into the church parking lot. groups/123693707650322/ From Rt. 50/29: Go west from the Beltway about 5.33 miles. Newsletter Deadline: After crossing Rt. 123 (Chain Bridge Rd.), stay in the right lane. Please submit items by the 25th of the Just after the 3rd traffic light, turn right on Meredith Dr. (which is month to [email protected]. between a Merchants Tire store and a Mobil gas station). Turn left immediately behind the gas station into the church parking lot. 2015 Lodge Leaders From far western suburbs: From I-66 East, take Exit 52, Rt. 50, President: Burt Koske east, toward city of Fairfax. Proceed about one mile. Turn left at 703-573-5943 or [email protected] Fairfax Blvd., which is where Rt. 29 joins Rt. 50 (which itself an- gles left). Turn left after a Mobil station onto Meredith Dr. Turn Vice-President: Doris Goodlett left immediately behind the Mobil gas station into the church 703-278-8724 or [email protected] parking lot. Secretary: Lauren Nilssen 571-278-3185 or [email protected] Metro & bus: From the Dunn Loring/Merrifield Metro station Treasurer: Bill DeRoche (on the Orange Line), go to Bus Bay E. Take bus 1C toward West 301-537-8309 or [email protected] Ox Rd. and Alliance Dr. The bus will go down Lee Highway/ Financial Secretary: Henry Hansen Fairfax Blvd. (Rt. 50/29). Get off about 30 min. later at Meredith 703-815-4945 or [email protected] Drive (after Warwick Ave.). Hospitality Director: Debbie Fosaaen 703-318-8128 or [email protected] Librarian/Historian: Henry Hansen Reusing Capital Viking Content: 703-815-4945 or [email protected] Except as noted, newsletter content is licensed under a Crea- Newsletter Editor: Marie Hansen tive Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License. 703-815-3467 or [email protected] www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ Webmaster: Clarissa Peterson 202-285-9585 or [email protected]

See the website for a full list of officers and committee chairs: www.norwaydc.org/officers/.