3D Third District Today - May 2014 - Happy Mother’s Day – Happy Syttende Mai Published by Ron Martinsen, 3D Pub. Rel. Dir. 3D SofN Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheThirdDistrictoftheSonsofNorway
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. 1 Third District President’s Message June will be here before you know it! Hope many of you are going to the Convention June11- 15th to enjoy the city of Albany and all it has to offer! This May Norwegians proudly celebrate the 200th anniversary of their constitution. Using the American constitution as a guideline.. Norwegians composed their very own constitution. Significant factors and people involved in this were : The Treaty of Kiel; A peace treaty was signed on 14 January 1814 at Kiel. Dominion over Norway was transferred from the King of Denmark to the King of Sweden. Norway’s old dependencies; Greenland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands, were not included in the transfer... they were to continue to belong to Denmark. In the drama that took place in Norway in 1814 there were two great protagonists. One of these protagonists was Carl Johan (1763–1844). He was christened Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte and was a lawyer’s son from the south of France. In 1810 Bernadotte was chosen to succeed to the Swedish throne, and he took the name Carl Johan. The King of Sweden was old and ailing, and the new Crown Prince lost no time in seizing the reins. When the Swedes selected Carl Johan to succeed to the throne, Carl Johan did not do what the Swedes expected, instead he turned against this old friend Napoleon and brought Sweden into the war against France. The prize which lured him on.... was Norway. Carl Johan founded a new dynasty in Sweden and the current King of Sweden is a direct descendant of that soldier of the French Revolution. The other great protagonist was Prince Christian Frederik (1786–1848), a member of the Oldenburg dynasty which had ruled Denmark and Norway for almost 400 years. He was heir to the throne of Denmark-Norway, King Frederik VI’s cousin. In May 1813 the war situation was critical, and, 26 years old, Christian Frederik was sent to Norway as Governor. A prominent member of the Independence Party was Christian Magnus False (1782–1830), a magistrate. False had participated in preparing an important draft constitution for Norway: for this reason and as a result of the commanding role he assumed at Eidsvoll he has been called “the father of the Constitution”. A unionist was Count Herman Wedel Jarlsberg (1779–1840), one of the extremely few noblemen in Norway. Wedel Jarlsberg probably had more political experience and insight than any other representative at Eidsvoll. On the 11th of April, 112 men came together as a constituent assembly, and a national assembly. They met at Eidsvoll, sixty kilometres north of Christiania, Of the 112 members of the National Assembly, 33 were specially elected from the military, while the rest represented the rural districts and the towns. Holders of public office, civil and military, predominated, being more than half of the assembly, yet they did not include the top officials. A handful of the delegates were owners of large estates and works, thirteen were merchants. Christian Frederik’s election rules ensured that the farmers should be well represented; nearly one third of the assembly were farmers.
On 17 May 1814, all the representatives at Eidsvoll signed a new constitution for independent Norway, and elected Christian Frederik to be King. The most important ideas expressed in the Constitution were: The sovereignty of the people, the separation of powers; Freedom of the individual.
This is just a short synopsis! If you would like to read more about it please go to the website: http://www.stortinget.no/no/Grunnlovsjubileet-2014/Jubileumskalender/?mid=1
Take some of this information to your meetings and share this monumental event. Show your Norwegian pride by Marching in the 17th of May Parade in Brooklyn. The constitution is the theme this year and the pin they have chosen is gorgeous. I'm certain this pin will become an heirloom for many
May is also the Month Americans honor our Mothers… please take this day and show your Mom how much you care….. old or young everyone needs a hug now and then. May we also memorialize our service men and women. Remember those who have passed and those who serve now; for as we all know ” Freedom is not free ” and these dedicated people keep us safe to celebrate living in a free country every day of our lives and theirs. Though it can’t express how we really feel we say THANK YOU for all they have done. Without their sacrifice there would be no American or Norwegian constitutions to celebrate!
Gail, Ask & Advertise ------Mentor and Mingle. 2
Vice President, Mary B. Andersen, VP Voice It's our organization and I couldn't be prouder and if you can't hear me, I'll shout a little louder.
Actually I don't shout, it was not permitted when I was growing up. But many of you will probably recognize the above words and recall the simple chant shouted at high school sporting events to support the team. I wonder if they still do it!
The pace of activity in the District is picking up! Our fraternal brothers and sisters are scurrying around preparing for the Convention. Delegates have been elected, resolutions drafted and Zone caucus meetings are scheduled. If you are a delegate, congratulations!
You have a very important job; you represent your lodge when discussing the business affairs of the District much as a Congressperson or Senator represents their constituents in conducting government business.
Take an active role at your Zone caucus; ask questions if you are not sure what is going on; read the reports book before the convention begins. First time delegates should make a point to attend the informal gathering just for first timers. Make sure you step out of your comfort Zone and meet people from other Zones. This is your opportunity to learn how things work in other lodges; to make new friends, to learn new things and to share what you do in your lodge and support the District and all its volunteers (that includes you!).
Make sure you report everything you learned back to your lodge; better yet, why not blog about? Talk about it on the 3D facebook page as it is happening; you can keep your lodge members up to date every step of the way. It's not quite shouting but let your voice be heard!
Finally, let us all remember our President and her husband in our thoughts and prayers. Brother Rolf Ekloff suffered back injuries in a recent car accident. However, he is determined to make it to the convention. You can't keep a Norwegian down!
Hip, hip, hurrah for Syttende Mai and the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Norwegian Constitution!
Happy Mother’s Day Happy Memorial Day! Remember all who serve (past and present)
Thank you, All the best, Mary
Spotlight on Membership 3 By Mary B. Andersen, 3D VP
New lodges are like new businesses. They start with such enthusiasm and excitement and then something happens and the momentum is lost and some go out of business or in the case of a lodge, they disband. One of our newer lodges still has their mojo working! This month the spotlight is on……………..
For this month's article, I interviewed Ruth Campbell, President of Norsk Carolina Lodge.
How do you maintain your momentum? President Campbell said that "we are open and friendly; the Board members naturally fan out across the room and talk to the attendees. We are a very comfortable group to be with, or so we have been told."
Tell us more. We try to reach out to other lodges. We realize we are part of a bigger organization and try to think globally. We participate in other lodge events and they participate with us. I think it increases and strengthens connectivity and identity with the Sons of Norway; it strengthens the bonds that tie us together.
What kind of programs do you have? We do a lot of different things. We have a monthly meeting but it is important for us to stay connected between meetings. This month, we have something going on almost every weekend. We will be sponsoring a Syttende Mai activity as well as participating in a local International Day. We have participated in other local Scandinavian events and marched in the St. Patrick's Day parade. We also emphasize the Sports Medal programs. Many of our members bowl in a league, walk regularly, and take exercise classes. (Some have even been known to do Orienteering and run half marathons.) We try to branch out and do different things.
What are some of the other activities? Well, we have participated in events that run the gamut of age groups from school programs to presentations in nursing homes. Our Vice-President, (in true Norwegian fashion our VP did not want to draw attention to herself and, requested not to be named!) has an excellent bunad presentation which always engages the audience. She also maintains our facebook page and our website. She scours the local newspapers for possible venues for us and then we have organizations that we spoke at a few years back who ask us to come back. Because we have visibility on the internet and facebook, other organizations looking for programs on Norway or wanting us to participate at an international level, have contacted us.
What are you going to try next? I would like to try some more outings and partner with other local Scandinavian organizations including the Sons of Norway lodges within driving distance. We have to think about what we can do to engage some of the young Norwegians. Our experience has been that their initial impression is that Sons of Norway doesn't reflect Norway today and it is hard to keep their attention; while the older members like to maintain the traditions of their youth. It is a very difficult balance to strike but we are thinking about it.
What do you see as challenges to the Order? There is no magic bullet to membership. It is striking a balance and identifying the needs of various groups and seeing if you can give something to each group. Something like food often provides the older member with happy childhood memories but would have little or no appeal to the younger members. Younger members might like more outdoor activities; it is important to have a mix of events. The challenge is finding a happy medium of diverse activities.
Filling leadership positions is tough in any organization and we are no different. I wonder if it is tough to fill leadership positions because people are deathly afraid of public speaking; maybe we could help with leadership training. There are challenges for people who work or have families; perhaps restructuring the leadership positions. I liked your recent article, Mary, about sharing leadership duties.
I also think we have to accept the reality that people with children are juggling a lot of after school activities and sometimes we may be at the bottom of the list and will be the first to be crossed off. Regardless, we must maintain the connection and continue to send them our newsletters. Even if they only come out once or twice a year, it still is a good thing.
What advice would you offer other lodges? Be friendly and welcoming. Hold activities other than the business meeting or the once a month meeting; it is the social activities that help bind us and Sons of Norway becomes a big part of your social life. The feeling of getting together with friends is important to continued success.
If you’re a smaller lodge or newer lodge, think simple. The itineraries and schedules that the larger lodges plan can be intimidating. Every lodge is different. Do what you can do with the resources you have and you will likely feel successful. It will also help foster a positive attitude as everyone wants to be a part of the winning team and the popular crowd.
And lastly, read the TDT; there are a lot of very encouraging articles with good suggestions.
Community Connections Kathy Dollymore, Volunteer Coordinator New lodges are being added to the list of The Helping Hands of Community Connections each month. Since the founding of Sons of Norway, helping other individuals and communities has been a core value of the organization. There is enormous untapped kindness available from busy people like these, demonstrating to the nation that by working together, we have the fortitude to meet our challenges and accomplish our goals. A number of lodges have reported on their charities and causes and you can all be proud of the fact that you are discovering and actively demonstrating the collective power to make a difference.
4 Gulfstream Lodge 3-514 “Box Tops For Education” Ingrid Hammen is collecting “Box Tops for Education” You can find them on many products. House of Hope - 62 Lbs. of canned goods were sent last month. Keep up the good work.
PLEASANT POINT 3-439 Members of Pleasant Point have been collecting blankets, towels, socks and clothing for TENT CITY, in Lakewood, NJ, a place where people with issues such as mental illness, drug and alcohol abuse and homelessness live. They also collected towels, women and children’s clothing, shampoo, soap, bedspreads and rugs for the Women’s Shelter. There were three car loads of food for the food pantry at the Jackson Baptist Church. A very busy lodge is Pleasant Point.
Norumbega Lodge Volunteer Activity! Boston’s 46th annual Walk for Hunger We have decided to field a Norumbega Team for the Walk For Hunger, Sunday, May 4th, starting at Boston Common at 8:00 am or whenever you want. Join the Norumbega Team or donate in the name of one of the team members toward the Norumbega Team goal. You can register and join our team on-line at http://support.projectbread.org/site/PageServer?pagename=walk_route You can also donate through the website or by giving at check made out to “Project Bread - Walk for Hunger”
Blafjell Lodge Sept/Oct for four years: at Faith Christian School (our adopted school) for fifth graders completing their study of Viking Era. Coming July 19, 2014: booth at the D-Day Memorial Family Day in Bedford, VA. on the involvement of Norway and other Nordic countries in World War II. Nothing will be sold. (A Norwegian flag is flown at the D-Day Memorial as one of the allied countries). Collect Tubfrim stamps. 1. Ski for Light: annual monetary donation; this is a budget line item 2. D-Day Memorial in Bedford, VA.: annual monetary donation: this is a budget line item 3. Faith Christian adopted-school in Roanoke, VA: annual purchase of 3 books for the school library; this is a budget line item "Helping Hands" fund, accumulated by collecting spare change at each meeting. The total in the fund at year end is given to a local organization we designate. -2013: donation to FRAXA (Fragile X Syndrome Foundation) which provides research and information on this form of Autism. Given in honor of a parent of children with this syndrome, who gave a presentation on her experience learning Danish and visiting Denmark for several months. Kathy Dollymore 1015 Edgerton Rd Secane, Pa 19018 5 610-626-2260 3D Cultural Director
CULTURE by Kathy Dollymore, Cultural Director As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the signing of the Norwegian Constitution we take a look at that day and that place in history.
Eidsvoll Eidsvoll House (Eidsvollsbygningen) is a house full of exciting history! For Norwegians it is one of the most important national symbols, inextricably tied to the constitution, independence and the dramatic events of 1814, which are celebrated on the 17th of May every year. This is why Eidsvoll House became Norway’s first national monument in 1837. At the start of 1814 Norway was part of the absolute monarchy Denmark-Norway. By the end of the year the country had entered into a personal union with Sweden. In between, Norwegians had mobilized, drawn up the world’s most democratic constitution and elected their own king. It was hailed as ‘the year of miracles’. The union between Denmark and Norway had begun 434 years before. In the years up to 1814 Denmark-Norway had allied itself with Napoleon Bonaparte in the French emperor’s wars with the other major European powers. Following Bonaparte’s defeat at a crucial battle near Leipzig in the autumn of 1813, peace negotiations were opened in the port city of Kiel. Here, as punishment for Denmark-Norway’s support for France, Denmark’s King Frederik VI was forced to cede his Norwegian territories to Sweden, which had long wished to take control over Norway.
Denmark’s viceroy in Norway when news of the Treaty of Kiel arrived was Crown Prince Christian Frederik, heir presumptive to the Danish throne. He opposed the treaty, arguing that he was the rightful heir to the Norwegian crown, and was therefore entitled to take over as king as soon as Frederik VI’s rule no longer applied there. Initially the Crown Prince sought the advice of his good friend Carsten Anker, owner of the Eidsvoll Verk ironworks. Then he embarked on a journey up the Gudbrandsdalen valley and over the Dovre Mountains to Trondheim to whip up support among the people. Having returned to Eidsvoll he convened a council of the country’s leading men. At this meeting, on 16 February, he presented his plan to declare himself king and, when time allowed, give the country a constitution.
Not everyone backed the plan. Professor Georg Sverdrup protested: “You have no more right to the Norwegian throne than I or any other Norwegian,” he said. According to Sverdrup, it was up to the people themselves to elect a new sovereign now that the union with Denmark was over. And before a king could be elected those very same people had to draw up a constitution for themselves. Giving assurances that Christian Frederik would be the one elected king, the meeting decided to call together representatives from the whole country to an assembly at Eidsvoll that would adopt a new constitution.
Christian Frederik instructed every parish in the country to swear an oath to support the Norwegian independence process, after which the parishioners were to elect delegates who would, in turn, choose the representatives who would make up the Constituent Assembly. On 10 April, 112 men meet at Eidsvoll to frame the Constitution. Two committees were appointed: the Constitutional Committee, whose task was to draft proposals for the Constitution’s various articles; and the Finance Committee, whose task was to assess the country’s financial situation. The Constituent Assembly was divided into two parties: those who wanted complete independence, and those who favored union with Sweden.
By 16 May the wording of the Constitution had been finalized. Independence was declared and power divided between the king/government, a national assembly elected by the people (called the Storting), and the courts. The foundations for democracy had been laid. 17 May 1814 was the day the Constitution was dated, and Christian Frederik elected King of Norway. On May 20th the members of the Constituent Assembly came together for the last time. They all shook hands and swore to be ‘faithful and true until Dovre falls’, before each going their separate ways. A brief war was fought in the Østfold region, close to the border with Sweden. Norway’s King Christian Frederik lost to Sweden’s Crown Prince Carl Johan (formerly General Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, Marshal of France), who had command of his country’s army. Peace negotiations between Norway and Sweden in Moss: King Christian Frederik succeeded in securing Sweden’s agreement that Norway could retain its constitution more or less intact, but had to promise to renounce the Norwegian throne. The New Norwegian parliament (the Storting) met in Christiania (now Oslo) for the first time in October. The Storting drew up the amendments necessary to adapt the Eidsvoll Constitution to union with Sweden. 6 On November 4 the Storting adopted the amended Constitution and Norway entered into a union with Sweden. At the same time, Sweden’s King Carl XIII was elected king of Norway. After 1864 the day became more established when the first children's parade was launched in Christiania, at first consisting only of boys. This initiative was taken by Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, although Wergeland made the first known children's parade at Eidsvoll around 1820. It was only in 1899 that girls were allowed to join in the parade for the first time .By historical coincidence, WWII ended in Norway nine days before that year's Constitution Day, on May 8, 1945, when the occupying German forces surrendered. Even if The Liberation Day is an official flag day in Norway, the day is not an official holiday and is not widely celebrated. Instead a new and broader meaning has been added to the celebration of Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17.th. Ron Martinsen, PR Director Website: Most of the website you do not need a password to access. You can get the President’s & Vice President’s messages, TDT, newsletter contest, district forms, LOV information, calendar of events, photo gallery, etc. at http://3dsofn.org/home.html To go on the blog or to list an event you need a password. You can get that through the sidebar on the “Calendar of Events” page. If you have a problem with your password, contact me at [email protected] But you must first get a temporary password from Jim Dunagan at [email protected] to get you started and then you can change that to your own password. Once your password is set, you can enter events. If your calendar information is submitted correctly, I will approve your entry. Photos: Some photos I am receiving are not suitable for the Viking Magazine. Something with their resolution? Maybe it’s those camera phones (try to get .JPG photos). You can get the requirements on the website at the Publicity page for photos for the Viking Magazine. Anyway, they are OK for the TDT. The deadline is the 15th of the month for the TDT. Click for How to Submit Your Photos from Viking Resource I need photos for the Viking Magazine. Check out the 3D website at the web address above and look for information on “Constant Contact” e-mails when you receive them. From now on the TDT will only be sent out on Constant Contact or you can access it at the website above. The Third District of Sons of Norway now has a Facebook Page. See below. 7 https://www.facebook.com/TheThirdDistrictoftheSonsofNorway Check out the “Calendar of Events” on the website and the zone reports in this TDT. Lodge editors, please try to send photos to me by the 10th of each month. Thank You, Ron Martinsen, 3D Pub. Dir. [email protected]
Karin Gudbrandson McCadam, 3D Youth Director – May What a wonderful May photo! Does it bring back any memories or help to solidify the importance of involving youth in Sons of Norway? This photo is from 2009 taken by Berit Hessen at the May 17th Parade in Brooklyn and it can be found online at the Norwegian-American weekly. http://blog.norway.com/2009/04/07/norwegian-constitution-day-parade-in-brooklyn- ny/ We hope you’ll find wonderful ways to involve, not just include, your children and grandchildren and the youth of your lodge. Take lots of photos. Kids of all ages love to look back and see how cute they were in previous years, as well as hear how glad you are that they are participating. Photo by Berit Hessen. On another note, there is an update on Youth Camp 2014. Although not all zones send youth to camp, we do have significant representation from New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware among others. With the closing of Land of the Vikings in November 2013, there was one key question: “what will happen to Youth Camp in 2014?” So your Third District Board investigated every possibility to make Youth Camp happen this year. Everyone wanted to offer Youth Camp for the children and grandchildren of our members. We had all the volunteers and returning campers, but that was not enough. We needed a location. So through much investigation regarding the reopening of Land of the Vikings or having camp at different venue (all which would entail much planning and extra effort), in the end the obstacle was obtaining the necessary insurance to cover camp. The Executive Board did due diligence in attempting to secure the insurance, but it just was not meant to happen. So there is no camp this year. All volunteers were personally called and parents were notified by email. (In the event that any parents has changed or not checked email, it has also been announced at many lodge meetings and posted on the Third District website.) It is hoped that the Third District will be able to offer Youth Camp in the summer of 2015. Although I am not seeking re-election as Youth Director for the next term, it will be my pleasure to assist in any way possible to make Youth Camp 2015 happen for our District! Respectfully submitted, Karin Gudbranson McCadam
Mike McCadam, 3D Sports Director Hei alle sammen! May, the month for which we have been waiting all winter long. In May we have Mothers’ Day, Memorial Day weekend along with graduations and perhaps some weddings thrown in for good measure. However as Norwegian-Americans we also have May 17th. In the Northeast we have an awesome parade in Brooklyn on May 18th and we hope to see many in attendance. Many lodges are also planning special recognitions of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Norwegian Constitution. Perhaps a few of you will be in Norway on that day! Wherever you are, remember to be safe and have fun! Now on for some sports news: The 3D Bowling Tournament ends April 30th, so we are awaiting the final results and I will report the same in the June column. If your lodge is participating, then please forward the information needed to me at your earliest convenience. As Sons of Norway members of the Third District, many of us are looking forward with great anticipation to the Convention in June. As I mentioned in the April column, the 3D Convention in Albany will be a great event, where we will meet old friends and make new ones. Everyone should do their very best to be there. Even if you are not a delegate, this is one Convention that is NOT to be missed. It begins with some great sporting events: a fishing derby as well as the 3D Golf Tournament (18 holes on a championship course for $55 which includes cart plus $4 at Pro Shop). Please check out all the information in the Convention brochure and on the Convention link at www.3dsofn.org. Yes, we know that most of our members are not delegates so typically the next thought is “I am not going.” Yet, I want to encourage those of you who may have already ‘written the 2014 Convention off’ to think about the great opportunity to participate with fellow Norwegians and Norwegian-Americans in the many activities planned for outside of the formal convention business! By the way, did you know that anyone, including you, can come for just a day or two? So, whether you fly or drive, you can design your time at the Convention in the manner that suits you. It is not too late to make it happen! Yes, I also have a more selfish reason to ask for your presence at Convention: I want input into what we can do to energize our Sports program at the lodge and zone levels. Also, we need to learn who is committed to running for Sports Director for the next term and who would like to be the lodge and zone contacts for the next Sports Director. So, please email me at [email protected]. We want to give our full support to the next Sports Director and invigorate the Sports Program at the Third District level. Finally, several times in the past six months, I have included the information on the new Sports Medal program entitled Virtual Pilgrimage. It retraces the route of the faithful from Oslo to Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Even if you decide to participate in the regular sports medal program, learn more about it at http://www.sofn.com/members/showPage.jsp?document=virtualpilgrimage/virtualpilgrimage_index.html You can also read more by logging onto http://pilegrimsleden.no/ to read about it in English or Norsk. The Virtual Pilgrimage idea began in the 3rd District at the 2012 Convention, so we hope many will take this challenge! IF YOU OR SOMEONE IN YOUR LODGE HAS BEEN PARTICIPATING IN THIS EFFORT PLEASE CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. At the June 2014 Convention in Albany, we will recognize the members and lodges who participated in the Virtual Pilgrimage! Also we’d like to identify their locations along the Pilgrims Way on a map of Norway. Lodge Presidents and Sports Directors and Zone Directors can help in this endeavor. Please send photos of members as they make progress on the Virtual Pilgrimage or working on other Sports Medals. Fraternally, Mike
8 From Marci Larson, D-3 International Director and
Co-Chair, 2014 International Convention Congratulations to several lodges celebrating specific anniversaries that include Brooklyn Lodge (90); Henrik Ibsen Lodge (80); Hartford Lodge (50); Sarasota Lodge (40); Gateway to Florida Lodge (also 40). I have the privilege of attending the celebrations in Brooklyn and Henrik Ibsen along with District Vice President Mary Andersen, my own lodge Gateway to Florida, while Int. President Marit Kristiansen and District 3 President Gail Ekloff will attend the Hartford Lodge golden anniversary. The IRS has reinstated tax exempt status for the Washington Lodge retroactive to the date of their suspension. They are working on several requests from the International Board which should be completed very soon, thereby allowing them to have delegates to the district convention. On a related topic, Oslo Lodge has had numerous conversations with the IRS re: their tax exempt reinstatement, but have been told it may be another three to six months because of a backlog of thousands of organizations with the same issue. The International Board continues to be focused on local lodges that own real estate but are not properly organized under our Constitution. Letters were sent last summer advising them of the requirements and asking them to verify their status if, in case, the requirements are not being met by the lodges. Our lodge, officers, members and Sons of Norway are at risk if the title to the real estate is held by the lodge instead of a corporation established by the lodge. Follow up continues. The conversation about governance also continues not only for Sons of Norway, but other fraternal organizations as well. Study about this issue continues with recommendations to be presented at the 2014 International Convention.
While all eyes are currently focused on our District 3 Convention June 11- 15 in Albany, I wanted to update you re: plans for the 2014 International Convention Aug. 17 - 24 in Jacksonville, hosted by the very excited Gateway to Florida Lodge. The convention web site is available at www.sonsofnorway2014.com. The web site is updated as additional details are finalized. Eighteen members from throughout the District and approximately another 130 will attend as delegates, but we hope many, many more will join the festivities. This is only the second time in SON’s 119-year-history that a Florida Lodge has hosted the International Convention, even though we currently have 12 lodges throughout Florida. 9
Our host hotel is the Omni Jacksonville, a four-diamond hotel located downtown, within walking distance of many venues. Their customer service is outstanding and the room rate exceptional at $109 plus associated tax. The delegate package is $299 and the non-delegates have an ala carte choice from several evening events, to the lunches and coffee breaks Friday and Saturday. The Leadership Conference Wednesday is a separate cost, but will be a motivating experience open to anyone who wants to attend. It was highly rated at the 2012 Convention in Fargo. Our lodge welcome, priced separately at $20, will be a one of a kind evening. Everyone can have a hand at being a Viking by rowing in our free regatta demonstration on the St. Johns River from about 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Experience is not required, but a desire for a fun is. The Lodge Welcome at the Maritime Museum in the Jacksonville Landing will feature food and adult and specialized beverages including Hagar beer brewed only in Jacksonville, everything fit for a Viking!! Our entertainment is of international reputation that you will not want to miss. In upcoming articles, I will discuss the other events and venues.
But like all conventions, we need your help! If you are or know a possible vendor(s) please let me know because we have a “good deal” for you. We have several vendors already, but want a cross-section of goods and services.
If you or your lodge can advertise in the convention journal, we’d appreciate it. As you know, the lodges create a convention journal as one way to enhance revenue to help offset costs that would be passed to attendees. We’d really appreciate your support.
We need about 5,000 Scandinavian cookies/treats for six coffee breaks. If you or your lodge is willing to bake a few dozen we’d appreciate it. Our lodge will be baking as well. Gail Martinsen, Zone 5 Director, is coordinating our three-day silent Viking Auction with proceeds going to the SON Foundation and the Third District Charitable Trust. She has been outreaching for gift items.
I look forward to seeing you at the District Convention to encourage you to attend. It will be a week of fun and festivities in addition to conducting the business affairs for SON.
Marci Larson, 2014 International Convention Co-Chair, D3 International Director
International Convention and Journal Advertising Information The 2014 International Convention planning committee is following the long-standing tradition that Sons of Norway lodges can place ads in the convention journal greeting the delegates or showcasing individual lodge accomplishments. Events like an international convention take much time and planning to make them successful. They also require the host lodge to raise funds for the varied activities to help offset increasing the delegate/non-delegate registration. One way is by soliciting ads for the Convention Journal. The early-bird prices through March 31 are consistent with journal pricing for the past two international conventions. We hope the lodges in District 3 will consider placing an ad in the 2014 Convention Journal. Questions or comments can be directed to Gail Yerkes, the Journal Coordinator, at [email protected]. The Gateway to Florida Lodge appreciates your support.
Click below for 2014 International Convention Information 10 www.sonsofnorway2014.com Click here for International Journal Ad Reservation Form Click here for International Convention Boosters
Calling All Members Convention Journal Boosters Needed As we continue our International convention planning, all members are asked to find convention boosters to be listed in the 2014 International Convention Journal. What does that mean and how do you help? Ask family, friends, co-workers, individuals from church, other organizations, just any one in your circle to become a booster by donating $5, $10 or $20. For a $5 donation, the person’s name will be listed in a 12 point font, for those donating $10, the font size increases to 18 point and for those who donate $20 their names will appear in 24 point, which is quite large. The forms are attached in the newsletter. When you have money to turn in, please, contact either Marci Larson @306-7513/307-2888 or Evelyn Hopkins @733-4268/625-5686, convention co-chairs. If you raise $500 or more you will receive a free ticket to the Welcome Reception at the Cummer Museum Thursday evening, Aug. 21.
www.willysproducts.com e-mail [email protected] Willy's Products 1601 NW 38th Ave. Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311 office: (954) 316-1350 Fax: (954) 316-1375 Mobile: (954) 461-3985
Scandinavian Foods Zone Reports Zone 1 - Karen Olsen-Helmhold – Chairperson - [email protected] The Zone One Challenge on March 30th was a great success. Five teams competed. With only 2 games left to be played 3 teams were tied at 19 points each and the other two had 17 points each. The final scores were: Lindbergh Lodge 25 Norden Lodge 22 Garborg Lodge 20 11 Henrik Ibsen 19 Loyal Lodge 18 Yes, the Swedes took home the trophy, but rest assured there will be a rematch next year. Most importantly the room was full of people laughing and having fun. The event was able to raise $1070.62 for the Zone One Scholarship fund.
First Place Team Lindbergh Second Place Team Norden Let the games begin!
NICE AND STEADY NOW
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Also on March 30, Brooklyn Lodge hosted the Zone One (City) Memorial Service. Members of Faerder and Brooklyn Lodges and guests gathered at Our Saviour Lutheran Church in Bay Ridge for their annual Memorial Service dedicated to Zone 1 Lodge members who died the past year. The presentation of the colors was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of the Canadian, Norwegian and American National Anthems. Music played an important part of the service, with those present singing several familiar hymns interspersed with Faerder member Ingrid Olsson Feingold’s beautiful rendition of Den Store Hvite Flokk, The Lord’s Prayer and How Great Thou Art. The service was followed by fellowship hour with refreshments provided by members.
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Zone 2 – Peter Hanson – Director Zone 2 Lodges gathered together on April 12th to participate in our Spring Zone meeting and Memorial Service. Four of the six Lodges were represented at the meeting in the morning and approximately 20 members and friends attended the Memorial Service in the afternoon. Nine deceased members were honored with the building of a beautiful bouquet of roses that was built as friends or family spoke about each one. Several members participated by playing the piano for hymns, reading the scriptures, presenting the Tribute from the Sons of Norway and delivering the message.
At the meeting, Lodges shared with each other about what they have been doing and what they plan to be doing over the next months. The open session was very uplifting as we learned from each other about what seems to work and what doesn’t work regarding member retention and recruitment. This particular subject was the focus of our gathering. There was also a great deal of talk around thinking about Zone activities which we don’t do enough of. We all left with a sense of encouragement and the will to execute on some of the thoughts that were presented during the meeting.
Dovre Lodge recently held their April meeting and took some time to take an in-depth look at “The Constitution that launched a Nation. Presenters Kristina and Kurt Ramsland along with David Woolman had explored many resources and memories in preparation for their presentation. The word is that the three of them learned a great deal about the Norwegian Constitution along the way and they were eager to share their new found knowledge with their fellow members. 14
Hartford Lodge is in the final stages of preparing for their 50th Anniversary on April 27th. All the details have come together and the number of reservations from their own Lodge members and folks from other lodges has encouraged them. The Lodge is also busy making plans for their annual Syttende Mai celebration in May which will include a van trip for many to the annual Brooklyn parade in NY. Honored at the Zone 2 Memorial Service: Laura Clementsen, Arnold Olsen
Maine Nordmenn Lodge: In addition to those plans they are preparing for their annual, Syttende Mai celebration which is a festival held at the Maine wildlife park in Grey, ME. Here they will get some time to celebrate with each other and also share their celebration with the public. Honored at the Zone 2 Memorial Service: Bill Schellinger, Bob Kauserud, Art Fredricksen, and Terje Kjell Hansen
Norumbega Lodge held its annual pot-luck dinner at their April meeting. Many attended and enjoyed great home cooked food and great fellowship. The guest speaker for the evening was Christina Mealey, Cultural Director for the Scandinavian Cultural Center. She shared what she has been doing to bring Scandinavians together with her cultural activities. Norumbega is preparing for their annual “bus to Brooklyn” so that members can participate or simply watch the Syttende Mai parade there. Honored at the Zone 2 Memorial Service: Thorleif Knutrud
Morgensolen Lodge continues to meet monthly and their current focus is on member recruitment. They do a great job advertising their meetings in the local media and it is not surprising to see a couple of people come off the street for a visit after they see the notices in the paper.
Zone 3 – Barbara Bensen – Director Why is Syttende Mai so important to Norwegians? The Norwegians were not happy with the Norway/Sweden union. They wanted independence of language, culture, economy, and lifestyle. In other words, Norwegians wanted to express themselves. That is what was achieved with the dissolution of the Swedish union...... Norway's Independence Day"...... the Constitution of May 17th. Hip! Hip! Hurrah! for Syttende Mai as Norway celebrates 200 years of independence.
What will Zone 3 Lodges be doing to celebrate Norway's 200th Anniversary? Most of our Lodges will be marching in Brooklyn and a couple of the Lodges will have floats. BERNT BALCHEN will have some of their members join the Nor-Bu members on the bus into Brooklyn and march in the Syttende Mai Parade. FREDHEIM will have marchers and their Viking Ship in the parade. For the past few months, several members have been working to spruce up the Danish Club in Brooklyn. That is where they will celebrate after the parade, with the Viking Ship parked in front of the Club. On May 3rd at 7:00 pm, they will have a 17th of May celebration buffet dinner at Zion Lutheran Church. The cost is $10 per person. NANSEN'S Syttende Mai celebration is 3 days long: on Friday, May 16th at 6:30 pm is a smorgasbord with Norwegian music.....attire is bunads, if you have one.....$25 per person; on Saturday, May 17th noon - 6:00 pm is a picnic at the Nansen Picnic Grounds...fun, food, drinks, Jr. Lodge activities, and a Norwegian band to entertain everyone; Sunday, May 18th Lodge members will be marching in the Syttende Mai Parade. After all of that activity, massages and foot- rubs will be needed! NOR-BU will be parading in Brooklyn on May 18th. Following the parade, they will celebrate Syttende Mai at their Lodge with a smorgasbord, dancing and music by the SVERRE RISDAL TRIO from Norway. And, people are still talking about their March Meeting/Social where members of the Gythfeldt Family (mother, daughter and granddaughter) treated them to a musical concert of musical treasurers from around the world! NOREG will have a comfortable motor coach available to take their marchers into Brooklyn to parade. The cost of the ride is $15 per adult, $5 for children under 12 and includes the meal following the parade. Now that's a bargain! If you don't march and attend the dinner, the cost of the meal is $7. The Lodge is also hosting an accordion club and folk dancers from the Rogaland Fylke, Sandnes, Norway following the parade. The name of the group is DANDNES TREKKSPILLORKESTER OG SANDNES FOLKEDANSLAG. PLEASANT POINT doesn't march in the parade, however, several members attend the parade. A number of them remain in Brooklyn and celebrate Syttende Mai with friends.
Happy Mother's Day to all of you special Moms. Don't forget to display your Norwegian flag on May 17th, and have a safe and fun-filled Memorial Day Weekend.
Zone 4 –Kari Williams - Director 15
Spring is here, I guess, grass is getting greener and leaves are popping out. Zone 4 members are really working to get the 3D 2014 Convention all ready for the June 11th start. On Saturday, April 26th, 2014, Zone 4 will celebrate the 8 2014 Scholarship winners at Winters Clove in Round Top, NY. We are expecting quite a crowd, and we hope a few of the winners will be able to join us. On Saturday, May 3rd,2014 Zone 4 is having their annual Memorial Service in Yorktown, NY, followed by a Zone 4 meeting.
TROLL LODGE 3-476. On Friday, April 11th, Troll Lodge and Norrona Lodge joined in Mahopac for a presentation from Len Carlson, Director of Insurance at Sons of Norway, Troll Lodge will celebrate 17th of Mai on Friday, May 9th. Some of the members will spend Saturday the 17th at the Norwegian Seamen’s Church in Manhattan for a big celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution. and will also march in the 17th of May parade in Brooklyn on Sunday, May 18th.
NORRONA LOGDE #3-467 will celebrate 17th of May, on the day, at the Masonic Temple in Pearl River. Other Zone 4 lodges may join Norrona members for this celebration. Lodge members will also join in the parade in Brooklyn on May 18th.
FRAM LODGE #3-564. A meeting will be held on May 4th at the Firehouse in Freehold.
HUDSON VALLEY LODGE #3-432. The lodge will have a meeting on May 10th, and they are arranging a bus to Brooklyn for the parade on May 18th.
NORSEMEN LODGE # 3-572. The lodge meets Saturday, May 10th.
SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE SOCIETY LODGE # 3-433. The lodge will celebrate Norway On May 17th by hosting a lunch at Kings Bend Park in Pittsford. Member Bill Andrews will give a history about the Norwegian Constitution in 1814.
OSLO CENTRAL # 889, no report .
Some of the Zone 4 lodges will celebrate 17th of May in Brooklyn on May 18th for the big parade. The 3 D 2014 Convention starts on June 11 to June 15th at the Desmond in Albany, NY.
Submitted by Kari Williams, Zone 4 Director 16
For the love of Norway
Zone 5 – Gail Martinsen – Director Due to the wonderful sunshine here in Florida throughout April, many lodges enjoyed picnics and some members were out in their boats practicing for the Syttende Mai Regatta, fishing or just enjoying the water. Gateway to Florida celebrated their 40th Anniversary @ the Jacksonville Maritime Museum. It was a very interesting venue for the celebration. There were numerous displays of models of Navy, Coast Guard and commercial ships. Among the models was historical information on the ships and some of the items the sailors used while at sea. Several Past Presidents and many of the members who helped to establish the lodge were at the celebration. They came up and shared how they worked to help form Gateway to Florida. Eugene Yerkes’ “Hagar Beer” was served with the food. Everyone enjoyed the food and the camaraderie. President Kent Larson spoke on their hosting the 2014 International Convention. After the meal everyone was invited to watch their Viking Boats, Hagar and Tapper Viking being rowed on the Saint John’s River. Ralph Peterson, our International Vice President, Ron & I all enjoyed this special event. Their boat, Hagar and members marched in the Jacksonville Beach Parade on April 7th. Members were asked to wear their bunads or Viking costumes. Gulf Coast Vikings met at Bonita Bay in April. Before the Pot Luck Dinner was served many members enjoyed a swim in the beautiful pool and hot tub. Also, they were able to walk through the wonderful butterfly gardens. Gulfstream had a meet, greet and mingle at their April meeting. The members and visitors enjoyed a meal of meatballs, potatoes, side dishes and delicious desserts. Members, Kaare & Margrethe Gjerde (newly transferred from Sarasota) just became 50 Year members! Congratulations! Gulfstream is collecting food for the Jesus House of Hope. In March, they collected 42 pounds of food for them! That is fabulous! Lauderdale met at the Scandinavian Center/Norwegian Seaman’s Church as usual and an excellent dinner cooked by Willy Hansen was served! Port Orange met again at the Clubhouse Restaurant. They are a great group and they all do what they ever can to support their President Larry Frohock. Sarasota will be celebrating their 40th Anniversary on April 27th. Ron & I will be there. I’m hoping that we will be able to see their Past President Mary Larsen while we are there. She is such a special person! Their President Arlene Mavilia will have a showcase of the Lodge’s History at the celebration. Prime rib, caesar salad, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, Anniversary cake, ice cream and kransekake will be served. Yummy! Scandia’s members, Gary Gibbons and Norman Reinertsen performed in The Paradise Coastmen Barbershop Chorus at the 39th Annual Barbershop Show. The members met at The Club @ Longshore Lake, ham and salmon and all the trimmings were served at the buffet. Space Coast Vikings members enjoyed a picnic at the Castaway Point Park in April. We had joined them at this park for a picnic a while ago and I’ll never forget how absolutely beautiful that park was!!! The food was cooked by their “Famous Chef” Torbjorn. Their special guest was the Easter Bunny and they had fun playing the bean toss game. Suncoast members were served a “Salad Supper”. After their meal, they all sang spring songs, such as “I’m Looking Over A Four Leaf Clover”, “In Your Easter Bonnet” and “April Showers”. They all joined in playing “Pictionary”. At 7:00 AM, on the 5th of April, they met at the Eagle Lake Park to clean-up their Adopt-A-Mile area. Afterwards, they all went the Acropol Restaurant for breakfast. Their rowing teams are busy practicing for the upcoming Syttende Mai Regatta weekend. Sun Viking’s members met on Easter Sunday with an Easter Dinner of Ham, brown sugar gravy, mashed potatoes, a vegetable medley, rolls and apple pie. The caterers, Nita & Burton of Betty Marie’s Meals and More are so good! They serve only fresh food and any food left over will be brought to the local homeless shelter or some other place for those in need! Sun Viking had their Annual Crew’s Lake Park Picnic at the end of March. Every year we reserve the same pavilion, but, this year it was double booked! The other group was already set-up and much larger than us. So, the park people took us to a new place in the park! Well, heaven must have been looking out for us! It was a beautiful cabin with a grill nearby and it poured!!!! It rained cats and dogs all day! And here we were set up in a cabin safe from the rain and winds! It was meant to be, since 3 of our members were out for the first time after serious illnesses! Tampa Bay served a Spring Pot Luck Supper and a large variety of delicious desserts to their members. At Vikingworld Orlando’s meeting they showed “The Hurtigruten Voyage” travel DVD. Then, the members were asked to share their most enjoyable or interesting times in their travels to Norway or elsewhere. An Easter meal of spiral ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, rolls and a Key Lime Pie were served! So far, I have heard from Bernt Balchen, Gulf Coast Vikings, Maine Nordmenn, Nordkap and Sun Viking with donations for the 2014 International Convention’s Viking Auction. Tusen Takk to you all!! Please remember an item for the Viking Auction so that we can help our members in need through the 3D Charitable Trust and the Foundation! If you send a check, please, make it out to Gail Martinsen, it makes it easier for me to cash it and buy a special item to represent your lodge’s donation. (At the memo corner of the check, state that it’s for the Viking Auction.) Be sure to remember our veterans and troops on this Memorial Day!
Have a wonderful Memorial Day!! Ha en god Syttende Mai!
Happy Mother’s Day! Gail 17
Zone 6 – Roger Corneliussen - Director Bondelandet Lodge, Fredriksten Lodge. Nordkap Lodge, Restauration Lodge Our Zone 6 Memorial service occurred March 26 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church in Exton, PA. 62 attendees celebrated the passing of 14 members. Most agreed the service was meaningful and should be continued. A Zone 6 Caucus is scheduled for Saturday, April 26 at 11 am at the West Chester Diner. All Zone 6 lodges will join together to celebrate the Bicentennial Celebration at Brooklyn, NY in the Norwegian-American Parade. Bondelandet had a successful March 21 meeting with Bingo. Part was done in Norwegian with some help from the experts. The April meeting will deal with the Conversion of Oppland to Christianity by St Olaf. Fredriksten had their Spring Fling dinner and Show “N Tell program. They are hosting a bus trip to the 17th of May Parade in Brooklyn. The other Zone 6 lodges are invited. . Restauration’s April meeting consisted of a movie on Kon Tiki with Polynesian food and popcorn. For the May meeting they are planning a 17th of May celebration with a parade at their church location. Their Genealogy classes are continuing under the leadership of Rick Nelson. Nordkap Lodge’s April meeting is a culinary meeting in which members bring their favorite dish to prepare, describe and share. In May they will meet at their former Norse Park under the pavilion, with colors, flags, music, catered BBQ meal -will have commemorative readings of 1814 events and will parade around the park to drums, horns and Hip Hip Hurrah. There will be no meetings June, July or August.. Roger Corneliussen Zone 6 Director 18
Zone 7 “Happenings” - Ed McCarthy – Director Southern Star Lodge #630 in Myrtle Beach, S.C. will be celebrating their Twentieth Anniversary with a guided tour of historic Charleston, S.C. including a luncheon on 5 April. Congratulations to Southern Star members on their anniversary.
Blafjell Lodge #646 in Salem, Virginia will hold its first ever Sons of Norway yard sale with donated items to raise the funds for the convention. This will take place on Friday and Saturday, April 11-12. On Saturday, 22 April the lodge will hold its annual Family Day Open House at College Lutheran Church in Salem. There will be display boards and artifacts covering all five Nordic countries, Nordic baked goods and crafts to sell and sample and a children's activity table.
Norsk Carolina Lodge #679 in Charlotte, N.C. will have a Strawberry Festival and a program from some special guests on what it is like to live in Norway today. This will take place on 19 April. The lodge will also be participating in the annual International Festival with a booth and displays on 26 April.
Hampton Roads Lodge #522 in Virginia Beach, Va. will meet on 24 April with a program on Viking sword fighting and on Viking re-enactors. On 19 April the lodge will participate in the International Children’s Festival in Hampton, Va. with a booth and displays. This festival draws around ten thousand people each year. On 26 April the lodge will march with its float and longboat in the annual NATO Festival parade in Norfolk, Va.
Drammen lodge in New Bern, N.C. has no program scheduled.
Vennekretsen lodge in Atlanta has no program scheduled.
Edward McCarthy, Director Zone 7
Happy Syttende Mai Happy Mother’s Day Remember the Military on Memorial Day
ZONE 4 WELCOMES THE 3RD
DISTRICT TO ALBANY, NEW YORK
Sons of Norway Third District Convention
Albany, New York JUNE 11-15, 2014
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For Convention Information go to http://3dsofn.org/home.html
The following links are for the third District Convention Click HERE for 2014 Convention fold-out flyer. Includes Desmond Room Rates Click for 2014 3D Convention - Save the Date - Discover Albany Click for 2014 3D Convention Journal Ad Click for 2014 3D Convention Journal Booster List Click for 3D Folk Art Exhibition & Competition Click for New Merchandise for Sale (with new 3D logo) Albany Convention & Visitor’s Bureau www.albany.org/sonsofnorway/ Click for ”The PathThrough NY History and Heritage” Click for “NY Travel Ideas and Events” Click for Albany Attractions Sons of Norway 3rd District Convention 2014 – Click below https://www.facebook.com/SonsofNorway3rdDistrictConvention2014
MAKE YOUR ROOM RESERVATIONS EARLY 518-869-8100 800-448-3500 Group ID #120566 THE DESMOND ROOM RATES* Single Rate—$132 Double Rate—$132 Triple Rate—$147 Quad Rate—$162 (*All rates are subject to the prevailing taxes at the time of the event.) Links for the Third District Convention from the Website
Optional Events
Golf Tournament
Tours and Special Events
Convention Fly Casting
Optional Special Events
Saratoga
Albany
Dutch Apple Cruise
Sunday Fathers Day Breakfast Registration
Letter for DELEGATE Registration
Delegate Registration Form
Letter for NON-DELEGATE Registration
Non Delegate Registration Form
Evening Only Registration Form
Journal Ad Info Deadline Extended to April 30
Booster List Deadline Extended to April 30 20
Viking Auction Letter
2014 Convention Pin
New Merchandise for Sale (with new 3D logo)
Desmond Hotel Trifold Flyer.pdf
Zone 4 Welcomes You “For the Love of Norway”
The 3rd District Convention – In a Nutshell June 11-15, 2014 at The Desmond Hotel, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany, NY 12211.
The 101st Biennial 3rd District Lodge Meeting and Convention in Albany, New York, will be hosted by the members of the 7 Lodges in Zone 4: Fram #3-564, Hudson Valley #3-432, Norrona #3-467, Norsemen #3-572, (Oslo) #3-889, Scandinavian Heritage Society #3-433, and Troll #3-476.
The Convention activities begin at 4:30 PM on Wednesday afternoon, June 11th with the Memorial Service, remembering with love, and honoring all the brothers and sisters in our district who are no longer with us. Following the service is a Skål hour (cash bar) in the Courtyard. New Delegates are asked to meet with the President during this time for orientation. Following is the President’s Reception, a “Welcome to New York”- themed black and white cocktail party with lots of New York finger-food and Broadway-type musical entertainment by The Clifton Park Community Chorus.
The Convention’s Opening Ceremonies will be Thursday morning, June 12th. Dress is casual business attire. This is also the day we will be celebrating our Scandinavian/Norwegian Heritage. During the day there will be the Folk Art Exhibition and Competition, demonstrating artisans, as well as the vendors’ Butikker. Morning and afternoon coffee breaks feature homemade Scandinavian cookies. Following the closing of the afternoon business session, you can again relax during the Skål hour in the courtyard, along with the sounds of Ed Hendela. Everyone dressed in bunads is invited to join the Bunad parade, kicking off the evening’s Folk theme, moving from the courtyard right into the Scandinavian Smorgasbord dinner. This is the night for full bunad dress. Folk entertainment will be provided by Tore Heskestad with an emphasis on our theme “For the Love of Norway”, and concludes with the opportunity for dancing to Ed Hendela’s toe-tapping accordion music.
Friday’s agenda is pretty much all business. But, afterwards – an extended Skål hour blends into the much- anticipated Great Viking Auction. You’ll want to be sure to take time to look over all the items up for auction, buy your tickets, and get your spot to enjoy all the action. Dinner is on your own this evening.
Saturday morning is the closing business session, and then we’re off for lunch, “Cruising Down the (Hudson) River”. The Installation of District Officers is slated for the late afternoon, with our by-now ‘traditional’ Skål hour following, and ending with the Final Banquet and Dancing to the “Swing Docs”.
Sunday is Father’s Day – and we will celebrate them as well as join our old and new friends for a Father’s Day Brunch (a special optional event – advance reservations/purchase required) before we head home.
*On Thursday and Friday – a Courtyard Buffet Lunch will be served – tickets are required. 21
*On Thursday and Friday mornings and afternoons, and Saturday morning – Coffee/cookie breaks will be available – tickets are required.
NEW 3rd District Logo Merchandise and Convention pins are available for sale. Order yours now – and they will be available for pick up at the time of registration to enjoy throughout the week of the convention.
22 President’s Reception:
The Clifton Park Community Chorus
Thursday’s Smorgasbord Dinner:
Ed Hendela Tore Heskestad
23 Saturday’s Banquet and Dance:
The Swing Docs 24
June 11 – 15, 2014 - To all Sons of Norway members, who have not been elected as delegates, we hope you will also want to attend the 2014 Third District Convention in Albany as a Non-Delegate. Even though you aren’t required to sit in on the business sessions, there will be plenty of other events for you to participate in. Please take a look at the “Optional Special Events and Day Trips” found at the end of this Convention Information sheet. The sign-up link is found on the Convention Page. (It is intentional that Non-delegate registration fees do not include the costs of the Thursday and Friday lunches or coffee- breaks because we wanted you to be free to take advantage of these other exciting events and day-trips.) If you wish, Thursday and Friday lunch and coffee-break tickets can still be purchased individually from Susan Maybeck, Convention Registrar, at [email protected] . - - An “Evening Only” registration* is also available for those wanting to come for only one or more of those events @ $75/per event. Wednesday – President’s Reception – “Welcome to New York” cocktail party with choral entertainment. Thursday – “For the Love of Norway” Scandinavian smorgasbord, with traditional Scandinavian entertainment and dancing. Saturday- “Grand Banquet and Dancing” to “The Swing Docs” *You can download all forms from the link on the Convention Page.
- We are still accepting Journal ads. Please send to Solveig Hellstrom: [email protected] 25
New Merchandise for Sale (with new 3D logo)
Collared Polo Shirts for men (embroidered logo) V-neck Polo Shirts for women (embroidered logo) Windbreakers (embroidered logo) Visors and Caps (embroidered logo) Traveling coffee mugs (etched logo) Refrigerator magnets(heart-shaped full color logo) Orders can be taken ahead of time – and picked up at the time of registration, or purchased at the Buttiker. Contact Kari Williams, Zone 4 President, for more information. [email protected]
- Please bring your donations for the Great Viking Auction (Friday night) with you when you come. Contact Deb Martin for more information: [email protected] 26
- Please bring your Lodge Banner with you when you come - for displaying throughout the convention. Contact Arnold Johnsen for more information: [email protected]
- Convention Pins are available for $5.00/each. Contact Deb Martin for more information: [email protected]
The 2014 Third District Convention in Albany is
“The event” of the year!
We hope to see YOU there! Optional special events and day trips you’ll want to sign-up for.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 11: 27
Third District Sons of Norway Golf Tournament at the Capital Hills at Albany Golf Course, Home of the LPGA Symetra Tour.
Fly fishing, “The Contemplative Recreation” (author, Izaak Walton) is loved and enjoyed throughout the state of New York. Be part of a fly-casting class, taught by LL Bean experts, and celebrate the home of dry fly fishing, found in the nearby Catskills and 6 million acre Adirondack Park.
“Fall in Love with Saratoga Springs” bus tour. See for yourself one of the most significant and historic cities in our state, and experience the mineral springs that have drawn folks here for over a century.
FRIDAY, JUNE 13: (FOR NON-DELEGATES, ONLY)
“Come Discover Albany” bus tour. Visit the NY State Capitol, explore the NY State Museum, see the oldest remaining Dutch Building still standing, and have lunch beside the banks of the historic Hudson River.
SATURDAY, JUNE 14:
Take a break from the Convention Business Sessions and Events with a leisurely lunch “Cruising the Hudson River” aboard the Dutch Apple. A couple of hours out on the water in the fresh air will restore both the body and the soul.
SUNDAY, JUNE 15:
Time to go home? Not yet! Please stay for a final farewell with friends, old and new, and celebrate the end of our Convention at the Father’s Day Buffet Breakfast. Bring this great week to a close in the fraternal sharing of good food, friendship, and memories.
ONE OF THE MOST POPULAR EVENTS AT EACH OF THE THIRD DISTRICT’S CONVENTIONS IS THE TRADITIONAL NORWEGIAN FOLK ART EXHIBITION AND COMPETITION. WE HOPE YOU WILL BE PARTICIPATING IN THIS MUCH-LOVED EVENT AT THE 2014 CONVENTION IN ALBANY. IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY DONE SO, PLEASE READ PORTIONS OF 3-D CULTURAL DIRECTOR, KATHY DOLLYMORE’S LETTER, ONCE AGAIN:
Create Traditional Norwegian Folk Art
. . . Make a belated New Year’s resolution to enter an item into the Folk Art Exhibition and Competition held at the 2014 Convention. Don’t be intimidated thinking that your work will not win a ribbon. Not everyone who enters a marathon will win, or even finish – but people enter marathons non-the-less, many times just for the experience. You have to give it a try. So it is, too, with the Norwegian Folk Arts – give it a try. You probably won’t become a Vesterheim Rosemaling Gold Medalist, but just enjoy the art form and share your experiences, talent, and most of all, your heritage with others. You may enter your art/craft for Exhibition or for Competition. We want to showcase to others what we are learning in the Norwegian Folk Arts and Handicrafts. The following are the Traditional Folk Art Categories for the convention:
Rosemaling· Weaving w/Norwegian design· Hardanger embroidery· · Klostersøm, diamantsøm, and other traditional needlework w/Norwegian theme Hand knitting w/Norwegian design· Crocheting and tatting· Figure carving w/Norwegian motif· Relief carving w/Norwegian motif· Chip carving· Bentwood/tine box or other woodworking w/Norwegian motif·
· Other media w/Norwegian theme including photography, painting, felting, kolrosing, etc. The Traditional Norwegian Folk Art is a very important part of our Conventions. We celebrate the award winners, applaud all entrants, and encourage and appreciate all beginners. (PLEASE COMPLETE ENTRY FORMS – FOUND ON THE CONVENTION PAGE – AND BRING YOUR WORK WITH YOU, OR SEND WITH A FRIEND SO WE CAN ALL CELEBRATE YOUR EFFORTS IN KEEPING OUR HERITAGE ALIVE AND WELL.)
Kathy Dollymore 1015 Edgerton Rd Secane, Pa 19018 610-626-2260 3D Cultural Director 28
YOU WILL ALSO BE ABLE TO WATCH DEMONSTRATING ARTISANS ON THURSDAY AT THIS YEAR’S CONVENTION. LET US CELEBRATE OUR NORWEGIAN FOLK ARTS AND HANDICRAFTS!
2014 Sons of Norway Third District Convention Merchandise Order Form
Men’s Breathable Cotton Polo Shirt/Women’s V-neck (no photo yet) Royal Blue with embroidered 3D Logo $30
Windbreaker, Royal Blue with embroidered 3D Logo $40
Visor/Cap in Royal Blue with an adjustable Velcro strap and both embroidered with the 3D logo. $15
Stainless Steel Lined Thermal cup with laser etched 3D Logo $12
Plastic Lined Thermal cup with laser etched 3D Logo $9
Heart shaped refrigerator magnet with 3D Logo $2
2014 Sons of Norway Third District Convention Merchandise Order Form
First Name ______MI ____ Last ______
Address______
City ______State ______Zip Code ______
Telephone ______Email______
Men’s Breathable Cotton Polo Shirt &/or (circle one) Women’s V-neck (no photo available) Royal Blue with embroidered 3D Logo EA: $ 30 ___S ___ M ____ LG ____ XLG ____XXL Total: $______
Windbreaker Royal Blue with embroidered 3D Logo EA: $ 40 ___ S ____ M ____ LG ____ XLG ____ XXL Total :$______
Cap/ Visor, adjustable Velcro strap Royal Blue with embroidered 3D logo EA: $ 15 ____ CAP ____ VISOR Total: $______
Stainless Steel Lined Thermal cup Laser-etched 3D Logo EA: $ 12 ____ RED ____ BLUE Total: $______
Plastic Lined Thermal cup Laser-etched 3D Logo EA: $ 9 ____ RED ____ BLUE Total: $______
Heart shaped refrigerator magnet with 3D Logo EA: $ 2 _____ QTY. Total: $ ______
Total: $______
Please Make Checks Payable to “SoN 2014 Convention”
Please order by May 21, 2014 for delivery at the Convention
Remit to: Jefferson Davis 4 Kalina Drive Saugerties, NY 12477 30
31 Please Support The Sons of Norway Foundation 32 and The Third District Charitable Trust
Land of the Vikings (LOV) is now on Facebook. facebook
Please join in congratulating the following Third District members who recruited 10 or more individuals to join the Sons of Norway during 2013. David Thorsen, Fredheim 3-242 Kent Larson, Gateway to Florida 3-541
Click for SYTTENDE MAI PARADE Information
Click HERE for 2014 Brooklyn Syttende Mai Dinner/Dance Flyer
Click for Sons of Norway 3D Community Connections - Volunteers
Click for Suncoast Lodge 36th Syttende Mai Regatta Flyer and Maps – in Clearwater, Florida
Click for Stoughton Norwegian Dancers From Scandia Saga Newsletter
Click for 2015 Sons of Norway Zone 6 Caribbean Cruise
Maine Nordmenn will hold their Syttende Mai celebration at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2014, at the Maine Wildlife Park in Gray, Maine. Come and enjoy a parade, games, music, cook out, and time with friends and Maine’s wild animals. 200th Anniversary celebration and parade at 11:00 a.m. Koldtbord, pølser, and pot luck buffet at 12:00. Please bring a koldtbord item or a dessert and a portable chair. Maine Nordmenn will provide the rest. Free admission for dues paying members, and special $3.50 entrance fee for visitors. Free parking. All are welcome. Find directions to the park at http://www.maine.gov/ifw/education/wildlifepark/ Rain date Sunday, May 18. For more information, contact Karen Soldberg at 207-854-9992 or solberg [email protected]
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Welcome Back 3-428 The Norwegian Wolffish
The wolffish is also known as the seawolf, Atlantic catfish, ocean catfish, devil fish, wolf eel or sea cat. Their numbers are declining quickly due to overfishing. The adult wolfish grows to almost 5 feet long and up to 40 pounds! Their body is long, smooth and slippery, the scales are embedded and practically hidden in their skin. The wolffish’s color varies from purplish brown, dull olive green to bluish grey. Their eel-like body makes them swim slowly, moving side to side (just like an eel). Their name is derived from their teeth structure. Their lower and upper jaws have 4 to 6 strong fang like teeth! In the upper jaw behind those teeth are 3 rows of crushing teeth. The central row has 4 pairs of molars and the outer rows have blunted fang like teeth. There are 2 rows of molars behind the main fang like teeth on the lower jaw. Plus, their throat has serrated teeth scattered though out it. The wolfish are found on the east and west coasts of the Atlantic Ocean. A few sightings have been as far south as New Jersey! They live on the hard ocean floor and rarely move from their rocky homes. They are often found in nooks and small caves at depths of 250 to 400 feet in cold waters, sometimes as low as 30 degrees fahrenheit! The oil they get from the wolffish’s liver is the same quality as cod liver oil. Wolffish eat hardshell mollusks, clams and crustaceans, thanks to their strong jaws. Because of the eating habits of the wolfish the green crab and sea urchin populations are kept under control. Wolffish don’t ever eat other fish. Unlike many other fish, wolfish eggs are fertilized inside the female and the male stays with the nest and protects the eggs for up to four months! Their eggs are one of the largest fish eggs, up to ¼ inches and are a yellow tint and opaque. The female lays the eggs on the ocean floor among the seaweed and stones. The eggs stick together in a loose clump. A wolffish doesn’t reach maturity until 6 years old. They are scary looking fish, but, they are only a danger to humans when trying to defend themselves out of the water. They are harvested in the Barents Sea off of the Norwegian coast. They are considered a good substitute for Dover sole and they have a slightly sweet taste like that of a lobster. You can get Norwegian wolffish fillets at Trader Joe’s in America. They say wolffish are delicious poached, pan-sautéed or steamed with a little butter.
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Norwegian Methodist Church Ole Peter Petersen 4/6/1822 – 12/20/1901 When the Norwegian Constitution was written in 1814, it included that the Lutheran Church was the state church of Norway. This ruling made all Norwegians join the Lutheran Church and follow Lutheran traditions. The constitution, also, banned the Catholic Church’s priests, monasteries and Jews from entering or living in Norway. In 1845, a “Nonconformist Law” was made granting religious freedom to all Christian denominations. Six years later, Jewish people were, also, allowed to practise their religion in Norway. The missionary, Ole Peter Petersen brought the Methodist Church to Norway in 1853. He was born in Fredrikstad, Norway on April 6, 1822, his parents were Peter Hansen and Sophie Catherine Jensdatter. His father passed away shortly after Ole was born and he lost his mother when he was 6 years old. He was raised by foster parents in one of the poor rural areas of Norway and after confirmation in 1836 at the age of 14 years old, he went to sea. First, he worked on Norwegian ships and then American ships. He arrived in America in 1844. In 1847, he joined the Methodist Bethel Ship Mission on the ship John Wesley. The John Wesley was a noncommissioned ship docked at the Port of New York. Shortly after joining, he became Olaf Gustav Hedström’s assistant. In 1849, he went back to Norway to marry his fiancee, Anne Marie Amundsen. They returned to New York in 1850 and he studied and became a Methodist minister. He was sent as a missionary to the Norwegian settlements in Washington Prairie, Iowa, where he started the first Norwegian Methodist Church west of the Missippi River. In 1853, he was sent as a missionary to Norway. His first Norwegian congregation was in Sarpsborg in September 1853, followed by congregations in Halden and Porsgrunn. Ole returned to America in 1859 and served as Minister in churches in Wisconsin and Illinois. Over the years, he visited Norway 4 times, at the last visit in 1896, he joined in the 40th Anniversary of the Norwegian Methodist Church in Sarpsborg. His last assignment was at the Second Church in Brooklyn. There after a half century of ministering to Norwegian Methodists in Norway and America, Ole passed away at 80 years of age on December 20, 1901. Anne had died in 1883 at the age of 65. Ole was buried on December 26th beside Anne and one of their sons in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was survived by his oldest daughter, Alvina. She was married to Rev. Charles Johnson, a Harvard graduate and superintendent of the Children’s Home in Dobbs Ferry, New York. After he had left, the congregations he had founded and his missionary work in Norway still grew. In 1865, the first Norwegian Methodist Church was founded in Oslo. Oslo became the center for the Methodist mission works in 1902, when Kristiana Bymisjon was founded. Today, there are 13,000 members of the Norwegian Methodist Churches. It is part of the United Methodist Church, which has churches in all Scandinavian and Baltic countries. The UMC supports the Betanien Foundation in Bergen, the Soltun Folk High School in Troms County, a theological seminary and a nursing home. They have one English speaking congregation (the International Methodist Church Oslo), it meets at the Grünnerløkka Methodist Church. Like all other Methodiast Churches, the Norwegian Methodist Churches have ecumenicaL relations with other churches including the Church of Norway recognizing each others offices, baptisms and confirmations. There are Methodist congregations in 18 Norwegian counties, 47 parishes and 50 churches. In World War II, during the Nazi occupation of Norway, the Methodist congregation in Trondheim allowed secret worship for the Jewish community after their synogogue was destroyed. They, also, hid the Jewish religious literature and artifacts till the end of World War II. (Note: on December 25th, 1992 the Methodist in Sarpsborg was burned down, due to arson.) By Gail Martinsen, Sun Viking 3-607
34 Methodist Central Church in Oslo Saint Paul Methodist New Methodist Church in Church, Bergen Sotra, started in 2011
Christian Magnus Falsen 9/14/1782 – 1/13/1830 Christian Magnus Falsen was born in Kristiana (Oslo) on September 14, 1782. His father, Enevold de Falsen was a dramatist and he wrote the famous war song “Til Vaaben”. Christian was a statesman, jurist and historian. On April 10th, 1814, he was one of those at the meeting in Eidsvold attempting to stop the Treaty of Kiel, in which Denmark ceded Norway to Sweden. At the meeting, they framed a Declaration of Independence and a constitution. He became the leader of the Selvstendighets Party (Independence Party). They wanted independence and they were prepared to fight Sweden for it. Prior to the assembly meeting, Christian and Johan Adler prepared a liberal constitution. Their draft of the constitution was a guide for the constitution committee, of which he was the chairman. Both men were influenced by the American and French Constitutions, while writing the Norwegian Constitution. Christian was inspired by Thomas Jefferson. Many Norwegians call him “The Father of the Norwegian Constitution” (Grunnlovens Far). He was appointed Attorney General of Norway in 1822, he held this position for 3 years, then in 1825, he was made Bailiff for Bergen. From 1825 to 1827, he was County Governor of Hordaland and in 1827 he became the President of the Supreme Court. He suffered a stroke in 1828 and didn’t go back to his office. His first wife, Anna Birgitte Munch died in 1810. They had one child, a son, Enevold Munch Falsen. They were married for 3 years and he was born in 1810. Christian married Elisabeth Severine Böchmann in 1811. They had 2 children, Henrik Anton Falsen, 1813 and Elisabeth Christine Falsen, 1820. Christian passed away on January 13th, 1830. He was survived by Elisabeth and his 3 children.
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Johan Gunder Adler 3/5/1784 – 5/26/1852 Johan was born in Copenhagen on March 5th, 1784 and he was raised there. In 1812, he came to Norway to be a warden at the school of Fredrikskal (Halden). During this time, he became a friend of George Sverdrup and Christian Magnus Falsen. Johan and Christian met again in February 1814 at Christian’s farm in Vollebæk to work on the Norwegian Constitution. Johan spoke French fluently and Christian spoke English fluently, which is most likely why they used the American and French Constitutions as a guide for their Constitution. Johan was the Cabinet Secretary for Christian Frederik, when was King of Norway in 1814 and King of Denmark from 1839 – 1848. He was, also, Secretary of State under the Danish King. He passed away May 26th, 1852.
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Rødgrøt med Fløte (Red Berry Pudding with Cream) From “Time-Honored Norwegian Recipes” recipes by Sigrid Marstrander 1 10 ounce box frozen strawberries whipped cream, Cool Whip or ½ & ½ cream 1 10 ounce box frozen raspberries 5 tablespoons cornstarch as much water as berries & juice 5 tablespoons sugar Place berries and water in a saucepan and cook for 5 minutes. Strain through a sieve. This should make about 4 ½ cups juice. Mix the cornstarch and sugar and add water to make a thin paste. Bring juice again to a boil. Take it off the heat and stir in the cornstarch mixture. Bring it back to a boil quickly and after 2 minutes take it off the stove. Cool it a little before you pour it carefully into a glass bowl or individual serving dishes. (Don’t crack the dishes.) To prevent a skin from forming, sprinkle a little sugar on top of each dish. Rødgrøt is better if made several hours ahead or the day before serving. At dessert time, top with whipped cream, Cool Whip or ½ & ½ cream. Serves 6. This is Norway’s National Dessert. It can be made with fresh currants or blackberries or canned wild blueberries or blackberries. Just be sure you have 4 ½ cups juice after putting the berries through the sieve. Marvposteier (Almond Tarts) From “The Complete Scandinavian Cookbook” by Alice B. Johnson 2 cups flour 1 cup butter ¼ cup water 1 Tbsp. vanilla, cognac or brandy 3 ½ oz. almonds, blanched & ground 5 ½ oz. confectioners’ sugar 3 large egg whites Sift flour, crumble in butter and add water and vanilla, cognac or brandy. Mix with fork or pastry blender. Chill. Break off small pieces and line fancy forms or tiny muffins pans. Mix almonds and sugar and stir carefully into beaten egg whites. Place a teaspoonful of the filling in the center of each pastry-lined form. Roll out a small piece of the dough and cut in strips with a fluted pastry wheel. Place strip over the filling to form a handle for the basket-like tart. Bake at 350 until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Makes 30 tarts.
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Members of Loyal Lodge 3-252 at the dessert table at their Easter meeting
PLEASE HELP THE THIRD DISTRICT CHARITABLE TRUST FUND and the District with our raffle ----- 1, 000 tickets were printed so your chances of winning the TOP PRIZE of A TRIP OF A LIFE TIME (value $3,500) is better than ever. The cost is $20.00 per ticket with 2nd and 3rd places paying cash of $1,000 and $500.00. Help us boost the 3D Charitable Trust bottom line to continue its help to our fellow members.
37 3D SofN Facebook Page https://www.facebook.com/TheThirdDistrictoftheSonsofNorway
Land of the Vikings (LOV) is now on Facebook. facebook
Former International Director Barbara Berntsen, District Vice President Mary Andersen, Doris Beck and other Restauration Lodge members are ready to watch the Kon Tiki movie. From Restauration Lodge 3-555 Meeting
38 History Article: Emigration from Norway: The largest, the fastest steamships Traveling became faster and more comfortable which caused emigration to be at its highest level. Passengers on a sail-ship had an average crossing time from Norway to North America of 53 days. According to the statistics the slowest sailing ships crossed in about 100 days while the fastest voyages estimated about 25 days. In 1865 the Allan Line steamship Belgian crossed between Liverpool and Quebec, under normal sailing conditions, in only 12 days. Even though passage on a steamship cost about three times more than passage on a sail- ship more chose to travel by steam each year. A safer and quicker crossing plus the food price being included in the ticket price was hard to resist. It did not take long before the sail-ships lost their competition to the steamships. In 1874 the last two sail-ships sailed from Norway. The Norwegian American Steamship Co. maintained a direct connection between Norway and New York operated from 1871 – 1875. A sharp decrease in the number of immigrants, dated 1874, caused the discontinuation of the line. Emigration took place in waves and at this time there was a decline. When emigration was finally on the upswing again, no Norwegian ship owners were willing to take a chance. Denmark established in 1880 the Thingvalla Line aiming its marketing toward Norwegians by offering direct connections from Copenhagen, Christiania, Christiansand to New York. Competition grew fierce between shipping companies which resulted in reduced prices. At times the shipping agents (travel agents) carried on intensive advertising and often characterized their competitors with negative comments. In Trondheim in 1870, when the agents of the Anchor andAllan Lines held a newspaper campaign blaming each other as untrustworthy. This discredited the shipping lines causing agents to make promises that would not be kept. The association of “Norwegian General Agents” produced a set of ethical directives in 1871. These directives stated that the agents of the shipping companies should not make derogatory or false statements about the other shipping companies. Owners of the larger companies also agreed on minimum prices for the crossing. Lists of these set prices were posted in a visible location at agency offices. The new law was created to protect the immigrants against trickery from the agents. The law stated agents had to have police authorization and they had to sign a written contract with the immigrant. This information was entered into the “police register of immigrants” including details about the agent or shipping line responsible for the contract. This prevented the agents from making false promises to the immigrants. If the agents were guilty of breaking the law, they could lose their credentials. The agent’s authorization certificates were renewed annually. From the mid-1870s the most common travel route for Norwegian immigrants was via Hull, England. The Wilson Line had the monopoly carrying passengers from Norway to England. Norwegians traveled from Hamburg, Germany to New York on German vessels or via Holland between the years of 1880 – 1895. The majority of those who emigrated from Norway were from rural districts. Most often tickets were ordered beforehand and many received tickets from America. But every passenger had to go via the shipping company agent, whether they had received a ticket or not. The immigrants had to be in town no later than one day before departure. They met their agents on the dock or at the railroad station and were guided to the shipping company office. Here the baggage was tagged → and made ready for loading on the steamship. The ticket was paid for and the contract was signed and names entered into the emigrant register. 39
Many of the agents had agreements with specific hotels and boarding houses to arrange a nights lodging for emigrants before they departed. They also exchanged currency and made out foreign drafts. On the day of departure they had to gather outside the office of their respective agent. From there they were led to the ship and assigned a place on board. The interior of the early steamships was not very differ- ent from that of the sail ships. The steerage was usually divided into two or three large sections. There was usually a large gathering of people ← on the docks who had come to bid farewell to friends and relatives. Margaret (Mom) remembers the excitement of the days when ships came into port. She traveled many times to visit the family and reminisced of when she waved her white handkerchief at the docks welcoming or saying good bye to family and friends who visited. After she married Knut (Dad) they left to visit their families in Norway and ended up staying 10 months for their honeymoon. What a wonderful way to start a marriage. I’m impressed. An immigrant who traveled described the food on board in a letter he sent home in 1869: ". . . for supper there was always at sea sweet tea without milk in it and dry hard biscuits or Ship's bread, and the same for breakfast. There was butter, but it was so rancid that we could not digest it. For dinner, meat, but there was no taste to the soup or for us Norwegians it had a disgusting taste, and the meat was as salty as herring. One day we had salted fish with a dash of soup, but it was inedible for most of us and it was just to dump our
portions into the sea." Maybe bringing your own food and drink in years past was the prudent way to go. It probably tasted better too. From Garborg Lodge 3-265 By Barbara Berntsen
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Bay Ridge - 1885 Cars rolling down 5th Avenue Syttende Mai Parade, Bay Ridge 1950s Gov. Rockefeller @ 17th of May Bay Ridge 1948 - Brooklyn, NY 1945
NYPD Vikings FDNY Vikings Bay Ridge is in the southwest corner of Brooklyn. When the Dutch settled in this area, they named it Yellow Hook, due to the yellow colored soil. In 1853, people in this area were struck with yellow fever, so they felt they needed to rename their area. They were located in the New York Bay area and it had beautiful views from the ridge, so they decided that Bay Ridge was a perfect name! Due to the beautiful scenery many wealthy people built summer homes overlooking the water. Many of those homes still exist there today. In 1915, many workers from Manhattan moved to the area, thus changing the area to a middle-class neighborhood. Numerous Danish and Norwegian seamen settled in this area during the 1800’s and the early 1900’s. There were many Scandinavian bakeries and Scandinavian specialty stores found on 8th Avenue, from 45th to 60th Streets, thus it was nicknamed “Lapskaus Blvd.” For decades, every year on May 17th, Norwegians get together to march in the Syttende Mai Parade. Many groups participate, including churches, schools, FDNY Vikings, NYPD Vikings and of course, the Sons of Norway. They travel from Long Island, upstate NY, NJ, PA and New England just to march! Nelson Rockefeller was one of many politicians who have marched in the parade. Also, in some years they were honored to have the King of Norway at the event. The parade ends at the Leif Ericson Park near the Leif Ericson Statue. The statue was donated by Crown Prince Olav on behalf of Norway in 1939. At one time there were approximately 100,000 people whose ancestors came from Denmark, Norway, Sweden and Finland living in the Bay Ridge area! Of those, there were about 60,000 Norwegians! Beginning in the 1970’s Chinese and other Asians have replaced most of the Norwegians. But, there are still a few bakeries and other Scandinavian stores there. Now the Norwegians still march in Bay Ridge, but, the onlookers waving the Norwegian Flag represent many different nationalities! By Gail Martinsen, Sun Viking Lodge
Belt Parkway, Verrazano D3 @ Syttende Mai FDNY Vikings marching in Syttende Mai Parade, 2013 Bridge announcement with Parade 2013 1956 Super 88 Oldsmobile, 1961 40 .
LOV PHOTOS IN THE PAST
Folk Dancing at LOV – Else Griffin, LOV Operating Group Officers Ronnvaug Ust, Ted Griffen, Astrid Front: Helge Aursland, Kjell Hansen, David Morris Grunstad, Sissel Pettersen, Back: Walter & Clair Eriksen & Stanley Bergesen Magnus Kalfoss & Aage Grunstad
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Addendum to the Zone 5 Report After writing my Zone 5 Report for this TDT, I received heartbreaking news! Mary Larsen, Past President of Sarasota Lodge 3-539 passed away this past April 19th! She is loved and admired by us all here in Florida! She was suffering from cancer, but, never gave up! Mary will be greatly missed by us all! A Sons of Norway Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 3rd at the Sarasota Football Club. Time to be confirmed. Our prayers and thoughts go out to her family, friends and lodge members. For additional information, contact Sarasota Lodge. Gail Martinsen, Zone 5 Director
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