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The Grand Master’s Message

Rolf Bergman

Vasa brothers and sisters! Vasa bröder och systrar! This will be my final message as Grand Master. It has been a Det här blir mitt sista meddelande som Stormästare. Det har wonderful four years during which time I have come to know many varit fyra underbara år och under den här tiden har jag lärt känna of our members much better, particularly those in district leadership våra medlemmar mycket bättre, speciellt dem med ledande befat- positions. I thank you for your support and the warm reception tningar inom distrikten. Jag vill tacka för ert stöd och för det varma you have given Marty and me. Of course the last few months have mottagandet som ni har visat mig och Marty. Naturligtvis har de not been particularly easy given the loss of the Education and sista månaderna inte varit speciellt lätta med tanke på förlusterna Archives funds. But I am learning to leave those things behind inom Utbildnings- och Arkiv fonderna. Men jag lär mig att lämna and look forward to what will be given us. I look forward because I det bakom mig och ser fram emot vad som komma skall. Jag ser strongly believe that Vasa people will band together and open framåt, därför att jag tror starkt på att Vasa medlemmarna går sam- their hearts in times of trouble and need, even those created by man och öppnar sina hjärtan under problematiska situationer även ourselves. dem som vi själv skapat. I am now focused on final preparations for the Grand Lodge Just nu fokuserar jag på det slutliga förberedanden inför convention/meeting in Washington DC just two months away. The Storlogemötet i Washington DC som det är bara två månader kvar next issue of the Vasa Star will highlight the events in Washington. till. Nästa upplaga av Vasastjärnan kommer att fokusera på alla vik- Most of those coming have made their reservations for the hotel tiga händelser i Washington. De flesta av dem som kommer har and events and are hopefully excited about coming. The DL redan gjort sina reservationer för hotell samt evenemang och Pennsylvania No. 9 GL Committee has been hard at work and, förhoppningsfullt ser de med glädje fram emot detta. based on the reports at our last teleconference, we are pretty well on Storlogekommittén i DL Pennsylvania Nr 9 har jobbat hårt och track with most items. We have removed the GL information from baserat på rapporterna under vårt sista telefonkonferenssamtal, går this issue of the Vasa Star as it likely will arrive too late for action; allt enligt planerna. Vi har tagit bort Storlogeprogrammet i denna however the material will be kept on the Vasa website until mid- upplaga av Vasastjärnan, eftersom den troligen inte kommer i tid June. för att kunna nyttjas, men den kommer att finnas på Vasas hemsida The delegates for the GL meeting have received the ‘gift’ pack- till mitten av juni. age of 94 motions from the Grand Secretary. I am now in the Delegaterna för SL-mötet har tillhandahållit ett ”paket” innehål- process of selecting chairs and putting the delegates on various GL lande 94 motioner från SL-sekreteraren. Jag håller just nu på att committees, then assigning a sub-set of the motions, including offi- välja delegater till diverse SL-kommittéer och därefter tilldela ett cer recommendations, to the each committee. I thank Grand underlag till motionerna, däribland rekommendationer till officer- Secretary, Joanie Graham, for her monumental work in the last few sposterna, till varje kommitté. Jag tackar Storlogesekreteraren, months in collecting, preparing and mailing the motions as well as Joanie Graham, för hennes monumentala arbete under de sista all the other things she needs to do for the convention, not to men- månaderna med att samla, förbereda och att posta motionerna så väl tion her normal duties as GS, including collecting the DL reports. I som alla andra uppgifter som hon behöver göra inför mötet och för look forward to the meeting in Washington knowing that through it att inte nämna de dagliga arbetsuppgifter en SS har, däribland till- Vasa will be strengthened to go forward. hör bl a att samla in alla DL-rapporterna. Jag ser fram emot mötet i In addition to preparing for the GL meeting and helping with Washington med vetskapen om att genom detta kommer Vasa att convention activities Marty and I have had the pleasure to förstärkas och att gå framåt. attend Drott Lodge #168’s 100th anniversary on April 17, DL Förutom förberedelserna inför SL-mötet och att hjälpa till med Golden Gate No. 12 convention, April 23-25 and DL New Jersey de olika aktiviteterna hade Marty och jag nöjet att delta i 100-års No. 6 convention, April 30-May 2. A heartfelt, ‘Thank You!’ jubiléet för Drottlogen Nr 168 den 17:e april, mötet hos DL Golden to you that voiced your personal support to me during the last Gate Nr 12 mellan 23-25:e april samt mötet för DL New Jersey Nr months. The final DL convention we will attend during my term as 6 mellan den 30 april–2:a maj. Ett hjärtligt tack till er alla som GM that of Lake Michigan No. 8 will be May 14-16 in Michigan uttryckte ert personliga stöd till mig under de senaste månaderna. City, IN. Det sista distriktsmötet vi kommer att delta vid, under min tid som I thank those that served on the Grand Lodge Executive Board. I SM, är Lake Michigan Nr 8 den 14-16:e maj i Michigan City, IN. felt we worked together well and accomplished the items set before Jag vill tacka dem som tjänade i de Exekutiva Rådet. Jag kände us. They are a talented group who worked hard for the Order. I also att vi arbetade bra tillsammans och fulländade det vi bestämt oss thank the Appointed Officers, many of who för. Det är en begåvad grupp som arbetat hårt för vår Ordern. Jag work very hard with no or little monetary compensation to further tackar också de valda Officerarna, många av dem har arbetat myck- the work of the VOA in areas such as Culture, Youth, History and et hårt med ingen eller mycket liten kompensation för att främja Publication. Thank you to the 21 GL Deputies, who took arbetet av VOA i områden såsom kultur, ungdom, historia och pub- their assignment with pleasure and reported back to me their likation. Tack till de 21 SL deputerade, som tog sin uppgift med actions and thoughts. Finally, thank you to the members of nöje och rapporterade sina handlingar och tankar till mig. Slutligen, Vasa for electing me as Grand Master four years ago. The work has tackar jag medlemmarna i Vasa för att ni valde mig som been rewarding and the memories and friends made will last our Stormästare för fyra år sedan. Arbetet har varit givande och gett oss lifetime. minnen och vänner som räcker livet ut. THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020) THE VASA STAR MAY-JUNE 2010 May-June 2010 Vol. 103, No. 3, Serial 849 AN IMPORTANT REMINDER Published by: Please send pictures of good quality in order for them to reproduce well in The Vasa Order of America Vasa Star. Electronically submitted photos should be scanned in JPEG format at a vasaorder.com resolution of 300 dpi. For submitted Lodge articles, please add city and state. Thanks! HEADQUARTERS: c/o Joan Graham Don’t forget “Kids Corner!” Grand Secretary 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-526-5512 THANK YOU E-mail: [email protected] Grand Master Rolf Bergman wishes to thank everyone who has sent cards and Grand Master: condolences on the death of his 65-year old brother Lennart. Rolf S. Bergman 3236 Berkeley Avenue Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 Phone: 216-371-5141 Fax: 216-274-9664 AUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTOR E-mail: [email protected] Editor: Todd Anderson Marie Carlson 1383 Middlebrook Way • Rohnert Park, CA, 94928 • Cell Phone: (707) 694-1345 9560 Curberry Drive E-mail: [email protected] Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-4665 E-mail: [email protected] The Vasa website at www.vasaorder.com contains a “materials button” which has the listing of audio visual materials available. Circulation Manager: (Address Changes) If you are unable to use the Vasa website, you can still ask that a listing be sent to you Cathy Anderson by mail. 13194 N. Woosnam Way Oro Valley, AZ 85755 Phone: 520-219-9433 CORRECTIONS E-mail: [email protected] In the previous Mar-Apr 2010 issue of The Vasa Star under “Thank You,” the Send bottom section of white copy of article was written by Past Chairman, Murray Sund. application for new members to her. Correction made by: Ray Wold Membership Chairman: Tore Kellgren Under Svea Lodge #296 news in the Mar-Apr 2010 issue of The Vasa Star on 5971 W. Walbrook Drive pg 17, the organist mentioned is Kathy Swanson not Kathy Gustafson. San Jose, CA 95129 Correction made by: Sandra Miller Phone: 408-996-1970 E-mail: [email protected] Orders for advertising should be sent to: Deadlines for The Vasa Star: THE VASA STAR Marie Carlson Jan./Feb. is Dec. 1st 9560 Curberry Drive March/April is Feb. 1st Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-4665 May/June is April 1st E-mail: [email protected] July/Aug. is June 1st Sept./Oct. is Aug. 1st Advertising Prices: Nov./Dec. is Oct. 1st Full Page Black and White $500.00 Half Page Black and White $275.00 Deadline for Christmas ads is October 15 Quarter Page Black and White $150.00 Deadline for Lucia articles is December 24 One Column Inch $ 30.00 Half Page Color $500.00 Picture and article, 200 words or less. Full Page Color $800.00 Available only for inside front cover, inside Price for Xmas Greetings – $30.00 column inch back cover or back cover. 10% discount for Vasa Lodges and Members Cover: THE VASA STAR (ISSN 0746-0627) is Pictured are two girls that gave flowers to the Swedish American of the Year published bi-monthly by the Vasa during the Swedish American of The Year celebrations in Filipsstad in 2009. Order of America. Periodicals postage The girls are both dressed in the Swedish National Folk costume. paid at Richmond, CA, and additional entries. På bilden är två flickor som gav blommor till Årets Svensk-Amerikan under POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Vasa Star, P.O. Box 69997, Oro Årets Svensk-Amerikanska firanden i Filipsstad, 2009. Flickorna bär den Valley, AZ 85737-0025. Svenska Nationaldräkten.

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 3 Letter from the Editor

It is hard to believe that it was four years ago since the Grand Lodge Convention was held in San Diego. It seems like only yesterday I was work- ing on a collage for the Vasa Star on pictures from that event! When it was announced that the next Grand Lodge Convention was going to be held four years later in Washington DC it sounded so far off, but now we are almost there. A lot has happened since then in our lives as well as around the world. As we all now the world is “shrinking,” people travel more than ever and what seemed so far away only 100 years ago, is mere like a “hop, skip and a jump” today. Looking through the material I have collected for this issue of The Vasa Star, several stories are connected to Ellis Island where: “Seventeen million immigrants came through Ellis Island, just a mile from Manhattan. Some esti- mates put the number as high as 30 million. The exact figure will never be known. They came here to make a new life for themselves, their families, and for the generations that would follow. It was the end of a journey that began in order to escape oppression or a caste system, to start a new beginning, PAGE 18 to gain the freedom to worship as they pleased, say what they believed, and befriend whom they wished. And they vowed that their children would be better off than they were.” Today Ellis Island is a National Monument visited by many tourists. Archives News ...... 5 Nowadays you can make the same journey, from Stockholm to New York City, by air, in about eight hours for a business trip, vacation or just for the “weekend.” What a difference!!! You can read Swedish Language Lessons 23 ...... 6 more about Ellis Island under Culture. There is also an award issued in its name The Ellis Island Award. One of the recipients of this prestigious award is the founder of SWEA, Agneta Nilsson; see Grand Lodge News ...... 7 Happenings. Under Youth News you can read that, fortunately, some of the younger generation has Swedish-American of the Year an interest in learning about Ellis Island. Emma Duthie, a recipient of a prestigious scholarship, Vasa Order Jewelry helped write and produce a play on Ellis Island Emigrants. That was yesterday’s immigration. Today we have a little bit of an opposite trend with the study District Lodge News...... 8 abroad programs offered in schools around the US. Also there seems to be a trend in that some of these immigrants or their children are “going back” to the “old country” to explore where their ances- Lodge News ...... 9 tors came from; sometimes they stay. In the Happenings section, you can read about two young producers/directors that I am sure you Swedish News ...... 15 will hear more about in the future. Here you have two young people wanting to expand their careers in “opposite” directions. Read about Jesper Ganslandt and Robert Banks. Youth News ...... 18 See you in DC! Marie Welcome To Our New Members ...... 19 "I enjoy the open landscape...... " - Ulf Lundell, Swedish singer and songwriter. Culture ...... 20 How to save a Lodge Hur man räddar en Loge Brev från Redaktören Remembering Ellis Island

Det är svårt att förstå att det var fyra år sedan Storlogemötet hölls i San Diego. Det känns som om Happenings...... 22 det var igår jag jobbade med ett collage för Vasastjärnan med bilder från detta evenemang. När det Svensk-Amerikanska Arrangemang 2010 meddelades att nästa stormöte skulle hållas fyra år senare i Washington DC, lät det så avlägset och nu The Ellis Island Award Recipient är vi nästan där. Texas Swedish Pioneers Association Mycket har hänt sedan dess i våra liv samt runt om i världen. Som vi alla vet, "krymper" världen, Meet the Director Peter Ganslandt folk reser mer än någonsin och vad som verkade så långt borta för bara 100 år sedan, är idag bara som A Cleveland Producer att ta några "korta kliv". Antigymnastique När jag går igenom det materiel jag samlat för denna upplaga av Vasastjärnan, är flera förknip- SACC-OHIO visit NASA Glenn pade med Ellis Island där: “Sjutton miljoner invandrare gick igenom Ellis Island, bara någon km från New York State Festival Manhattan. Några bedömningar som gjorts uppskattar att det var runt 30 miljoner. Den exakta siffran kommer aldrig att bli känd. De kom hit för att börja ett nytt liv för sig sjäva, deras familjer och Book Review...... 24 för kommande generationer. Det var slutet på en resa, som började med en flykt från förtryck eller Growing up in Sweden ett kastsystem, en ny början, för att få friheten att tro och tillbedja som det ville, säga vad de beha- gade och bli vänner med dem de önskade och de lovade, att deras barn skulle få det bättre än dem In Memory of ...... 26 själva.” I dag är Ellis Island ett Nationalmonument och besökt av många turister. Ann Sandquist Nuförtiden kan du göra samma resa, från Stockholm till New York City med flyg på ca åtta tim- mar, t ex en affärsresa, på semester, eller helt enkelt för att tillbringa veckoslutet där. Vilken skill- In Memoriam ...... 27 nad!!! Du kan läsa mer om Ellis Island under Culture. Det finns också en utmärkelse som delas ut med det namnet The Ellis Island Award. En av dess mottagare av denna prestigefyllda utmärkelse är grundaren till SWEA, Agneta Nilsson, se Happenings. Under Youth News kan du läsa att lyckligtvis är några från den yngre generationen intresserade av att lära sig mer om Ellis Island. Emma Duthie, mottagare av ett prestigefullt stipendium, har hjälpt till med att skriva och producera en pjäs om Ellis Isands invandrare. Det var “gårdagens” immigration. I dag har vi litet av en “motsatstrend” med program för studier utomlands som erbjuds i skolar runt om USA. Det finns även en trend inom dem som invandrat eller deras barn som vill “åka tillbaka” till det “gamla landet” för att undersöka var deras förfäder kom ifrån och ibland stannar de. I Happenings delen kan du läsa om två unga producenter/regissörer som jag är säker på att ni kommer att höra mer om i framtiden. Här har ni två unga individer som önskar utvidga sina karriärer i “olika riktningar. Läs om Jesper Ganslandt och Robert Banks. Vi ses i DC! Marie “Jag trivs bäst i öppna landskap ...... ”, PAGE 23 - Ulf Lundell, svensk sångare och låtskrivare. Page 4 Vasa Star May-June 2010

ARCHIVES NEWS In Praise of the Vasa Archives Board of Directors In advance of the Grand Lodge Donations of equipment and supplies cient use of space, installed rubber walk Convention in Washington, D.C., where have come to us directly from board tread to the stairs going to the lower various discussions are on the table, I members who identified our needs and level, and repaired and painted walls in want to speak to what I know about the were willing to foot the bill themselves. the exhibition areas. I can tell you as a Board of Directors at the Vasa Archives. To name just a few things, we have person who mainly works alone, their Let it be known that I am not a delegate received in the past three years: a visits are a great inspiration to me and a at the Grand Lodge Convention nor will I microwave oven for the districts gallery joy for their warm fellowship. even be attending this year, but I am an as well as an electric piano for gather- Now, Lennart Petersson, President of active member in Bishop Hill Lodge ings, a snow blower, a lawn tractor and the Archives, is in a complete category #683, Past Treasurer and current Vice other yard tools, a copy machine for the unto himself. You simply will not find a Chairman, a regular delegate at the Lake office, including boxes of copy paper, let harder worker than he is. Lennart living Michigan District #8 conventions, and of alone travel expense that volunteers have in Alberta, Canada, we do not see him, course Archivist at the National Archives regularly paid themselves to come do but we do hear from him, as frequently as in Bishop Hill. work at the Archives. “the three, happy Vasa couples” but when I have no authority to decide who its Saving the best for last, the most cru- he is here three or four times a year, for members are or how the body should be cial contribution that board members two or three weeks at a time, he lives and structured, so it is not my place to com- have made to our efforts is time, time in breathes the mission of the Archives . . . ment on these areas, but I do have obser- the form of physical presence at the well, also when he is home and else- vations about the current board’s perfor- Archives in Bishop Hill doing work for where, come to think of it. His memory mance over the past three years. Let me the good of the Order. There are many of the institution, connection with indi- share with you some of the things that I great volunteers in our organization, not viduals associated with the Archives and have seen. to diminish this fact in the least, but I the Vasa Order, and his dedication to the I have seen tireless ambassadors work- must say that we have some of the very Archives for over thirty-five years is truly ing for the good of the Order through the cream of crop working with us at Bishop remarkable. He scrapes, repairs, paints, mission of the Archives. Collections have Hill. Jake Gruel, along with his wife builds in and around the building and res- grown and operations have become more Marge, is here practically every month idence, and takes care of the executive efficient through their work in Vasa tending to the work of his post as finan- concerns of his office, pulling sixteen- lodges across the Order at all levels. All cial secretary. Beyond his appointed job, hour days for two weeks straight, and the board members have made significant he is always available for telephone con- even so, delights in personally greeting contributions to keep the Archives in the versations and advice over email, about every visitor who walks through our forefront of people’s minds when they anything and everything from plumbing doors. I love it when his wife, Joan, make decisions about preserving the to computer software. He is an invalu- accompanies Lennart during his visits to organization’s history. able resource who I have come to rely on the Archives, so I do not have to worry We have received countless inquiries more than anyone. all on my own that he is working too and numerous donations as a direct result Jake and Marge are often accompa- hard. of conversations that Rolf Bergman and nied on work weekends by Sten and My comments here are not solicited Lennart Petersson have had with people Nancy Hult, who have both been by anyone: these board members are not out in “Vasa Land.” Bill Lundquist and involved with the Archives since its the sort of people who seek praise or Richard Overberg have, along with other inception. Whenever they come, one or “toot their own horn” but let me tell you board members, put special care into pro- two or three important projects get done their work is worth a trumpet fanfare. I moting the work of the Archives and with amazing focus and efficiency. Add feel very fortunate to have them on my fundraising to make sure that we always to these two couples a third, Dave and team. have a promising future in featuring our Charlotte Tollin, who also have a long In Truth and Unity, grand past. In addition, researchers have history with the Archives and have Lars Jenner, Archivist come to use the facility as a recommen- recently begun again to take time from Svensk sammanfattning dation of board members who have their busy schedule in the Rockford area Innan Vasa delegaterna samlas i learned in detail what the Archives offers to put hard work into our facility in Washington, D.C. och diskuterar Vasa in different subject areas. From Sweden, Bishop Hill. They are in my mind “the Arkivet i Bishop Hill, skulle jag vilja Gunnar Mossberg keeps regular contact three, happy Vasa couples” who fill the skicka ett varmt tack till arkivets styrelse with us and does all he can to inform Archives with lively stories, laughter, and som har lagt ner ett enormt arbete på att Vasa members how to use the Archives, a whirlwind of serious, hard work. Just främja arkivets mission. Framför allt har to maintain collaboration with related in the last few months they have put up a de gett sin tid och närvaro vid arkivet institutions, and to raise money in sup- new garden shed, moved heavy cabinets under en period när stora och viktiga port of our operations. inside the Archives to make more effi- arbeten har förts framåt.

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 5 Swedish Language Lessons By Lillemor and Richard Horngren LEARNING SWEDISH – LESSON 23

We should be approaching summer by the time och koppar and cups you read these lessons. Spring-cleaning is done and sked, gaffel och kniv spoon, fork and knife the new flowers you wanted to plant are in the skeden, gaffeln och kniven the spoon, the fork ground…or perhaps that flower basket you always and the knife wanted, is hanging visibly outside your kitchen win- skedar, gafflar och knivar spoons, forks and dow. You can now look forward to the hazy, lazy knives summer days ahead. There will be many opportuni- badkaret är vitt the bathtub is white ties for you to practice the new words. Keep lessons dushen är vit the shower is white 21 and 22 handy…no peeking until you have to. en gul och röd handduk a yellow and red towel Good Luck---Lycka till. gröna och blåa handdukar green and blue towels First we will remind you of the different colors tvålar soaps so that we can incorporate them into the sentences. Here again we will show them in common, neutral There you have it. Not a long lesson but you can and plural forms build on it by changing the colors and noticing if it the noun is a common, neuter or plural form. blå, blått, blåa blue Lillemor and Richard gul, gult, gula yellow grön, grönt, gröna green röd, rött, röda red svart, svart, svarta black vit, vitt, vita white grå, grått, gråa grey District #9 Convention väggen är blå the wall is blue väggarna är blåa the walls are blue “In Leif’s Footsteps” golvet är blått the floor is blue golven är blåa the floors are blue Sept. 24-26, 2010 – Cleveland, OH fönstret är vitt the window is white dörren är vit the door is white We invite you to our convention to be On those you may have noticed that the spelling held at the Hilton-Beachwood. of the colors changed depending on the noun, whether common, neuter or plural Highlights: Aquavit toast to Leif, (at his monument in downtown Cleveland), cruise on the Goodtime III, mattan är grön the rug is green sightseeing via Lolly the Trolley, wonderful raffle prizes gardinen är röd the curtain is red including gift baskets from each of our lodges, excellent en hylla och en bok a shelf and a book en tidning och en soffa a paper and a sofa banquet with great food, Viking souvenir table favor for bordet är svart the table is black everyone; a noted speaker, music to get your feet tappin’, svarta stolar black chairs and much more. en spis i ett kök a stove in a kitchen (spis is a common (en) and kök a neuter (ett) Do consider attending….we’d love to have you there to noun) enjoy all that will be happening. spisen i köket the stove in the kitchen kylskåpet är rött the refrigerator is red en vit diskmaskin a white dishwasher For detailed information ugnen är grå the oven is grey Contact Sharen (Swanson) Tizzano–DS at en tallrik och ett glas i skåpet a plate and a [email protected]. glass in the cabinet

Page 6 Vasa Star May-June 2010 GRAND LODGE NEWS Swedish-American of the Year As a volunteer, John E. Norton has som underofficer i Förenta Staternas been board member of Scandinavian armé samt följeofficer för Skandinaviska Seminar, The American Scandinavian studiegrupper. Han undervisade vid Association at Augustana College, and the arméns stabsskola i München och USA Augustana Historical Society in Rock och avgick med pension 1990 som under- Island, where he edits their quarterly rättelseofficer efter 32 års tjänst. newsletter, and the Bishop Hill Heritage Som volontär har han tjänstgjort som Association, devoted to restoration of this styrelsemedlem i Scandinavian Seminar, pioneering Swedish “prairie Utopia.” He The American-Scandinavian Association has served as guide and host for tourist vid Augustana College i Rock Island i groups ranging from Swedish government Illinois, där han också redigerar and military, to cultural representatives, Augustana Historiska Sällskapets farmers and students of history from Nyhetsbrev. John E. Norton har också Scandinavia. He has maintained his varit engagerad i Bishop Hill Heritage Swedish language through those connec- Association. Han är en mycket kunnig tions, and values his Swedish background och inspirerande guide för turistgrupper. highly. Han behärskar svenska språket och vår- Since 1987, he has led popular dar sitt svenska ursprung väl. John E. Norton “Elderhostel”/Exploritas educational tours Sedan 1987 har John E. Norton lett to Scandinavia for American seniors, and uppskattade “Elderhostel-”resor för äldre John E. Norton was born in 1936, the since 1997 to Germany, Switzerland, till Skandinavien och sedan 1997 till son of Swedish-American watercolor artist Austria and central Europe. His interests Tyskland och Centraleuropa. Han är Paul N. Norton and Lucy McClean and hobbies include historic research, intresserad av historieforskning, Norton, a graduate of Augustana College photography and outdoor activities. John fotografering och friluftsliv. John E. in Rock Island and rural elementary E. Norton and his wife Janet, a St. Olaf Norton och hans hustru Janet har två barn school teacher in Muscatine County, Iowa. College graduate, have two grown chil- och två barnbarn. John Norton's great-great grandfather Olof dren and two grandchildren. John E. Norton kommer att mottaga Nordin was one of the immigrants who John will receive his award in Växsjö sin utmärkelse i Växjö den 8 augusti. followed Swedish Lutheran clergyman on the 8th of August. Lars-Paul Esbjörn from Gästrikland to Kommittén för Årets Svensk- Andover, Illinois, in 1849. Årets Svensk-Amerikan 2010 Amerikan 2010 John received a degree in Political John E. Norton, född 1936, son till Vasa Orden av Amerika har sedan Science from Knox College in Galesburg, den svenskättade konstnären Paul N. 1960 utnämnt Årets Svensk-Amerikan för Illinois, and studied Swedish at Augustana Norton och Augustana-studenten Lucy A. att hedra våra emigranter för deras in 1958. After a year's study at Föreningen McClean, senare småskolelärarinna i insatser i Amerika. Årets Svensk- Nordens Folk High School Biskops Arnö, Iowa. John E. Nortons farfars farfar Olof Amerikan har antingen varit engagerad i near Uppsala, he continued graduate stud- Nordin ingick i pastor Lars Paul Esbjörns svenskamerikanska kulturutbyten eller ies at Stockholm University, and later utvandrargrupp till Andover, Illinois, gjort en enastående karriär i det received his Masters Degree in American 1849. amerikanska samhället. Bland tidigare Studies from the University of Minnesota, John E. Norton tog examen i statskun- mottagare av denna hederstitel märks with emphasis on immigration to North skap på Knox College i Galesburg, Nobelpristagaren i kemi 1951, Dr Glenn America. Illinois, och studerade svenska vid T. Seaborg, astronauten Edwin Aldrin, He served as a junior officer in the U.S. Augustana College i Rock Island, skådespelerskan Signe Hasso, ordföran- army in Germany, where he also acted as Illinois. Efter ett års studier vid den i USA:s högsta domstol William H. escort officer for visiting Scandinavian Föreningen Nordens Folkhögskola Rehnquist, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, VD military. He taught Command and General Biskops-Arnö utanför Uppsala fortsatte för Carlson Companies Inc., Agneta Staff College subjects in Munich, han med högre studier vid Stockholms Nilsson, grundare av organisationen Germany, and other sites in the United Universitet och tog därefter Master's SWEA, diplomat Barbro Osher och States, and was retired in 1990 as a Degree vid University of Minnesota i dramaprofessor Anne-Charlotte Hanes Military Intelligence Foreign Area Officer. amerikanska studier, särskilt immigration Harvey. He served over 32 years in both active and till Nordamerika. Submitted by: Catherine reserve status. John E. Norton tjänstgjorde i Tyskland Bringselius Nilsson Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 7 Questions on Vasa Order Jewelry There have been some inquiries by the membership about a catalogue for Vasa Jewelry. There is an order form and price list with information available from me. Eventually there is going to be a “Member’s Only Access” page on the Vasa Website. It is still in the “process.” For those of you who wish to order items, you must go through the Local Lodge Secretary or the District Secretary. The jew- elry is for Vasa Members, not the general public. There is very definite direction in the GL Constitution and By-laws as to who is eligible to wear certain emblems, jewels and pins. The secretaries have the information on the members of who served in an office and is eligible for a Past Chairman’s jewel or pin, also for the years of membership for the various pins or jewels given. You must request permission to use the Vasa Order logo on any items that you might like to produce for fund raisers in the Local or District Lodges. These emblems and logos are what make the Vasa Order of America unique to itself. You can email me, call, or request by mail any information you might require. I am available at [email protected]. You may retrieve my mailing information and phone number from the listing of the Grand Lodge Officers on the Vasa Order website. Hopefully this will answer some of your questions. I am here to assist you in any way that I can. Respectfully Yours, In Truth and Unity, Helen Mingram, Vice Grand Secretary DISTRICT LODGE NEWS DL Pacific Southwest #15 opened by Master of Ceremonies Glenn Johnson, PDM, following the intro- duction of dignitaries Mr. Johnson pre- sented a superbly revised Flag Ceremony with music by Carolyn Kingston. The day was dedicated to the election of District officers and a special lunch hosted by the Past District Masters of District 15. The evening was dedicated to various parties including the District Master’s Reception hosted by North Star Lodge #106, numerous cocktail parties and the Annual Banquet under the leader- ship of Master of Ceremonies Jerry Reylek of Desert Viking Lodge #682. District Scholarship Chairman Siv Swan Pierson presented various Scholarship. District Youth Supervisor introduced the newly elected Vi-King Mathew Kosvic. 2010 District Lodge Pacific Southwest #15 Officers Sunday morning was back to business. Front Row L to R: Maidie Karling, Cultural Leader; Helen Hellgren, member of the District Chaplain Jean Peckfelder Executive Board; Mary Ethel Pierson, Past District Master; Robert Salk, District Master, Susan arranged a very beautiful Memorial Premo, Vice District Master; Arlene Lundquist, District Secretary; Gudrun Solt, District Asst. Service. Long stem white carnations were Secretary; Robert Solt, District Treasurer. Back Row L to R: Nathan Codding, Master of used to commemorate each departed Ceremonies; Ila Engstrom, Auditor, Jennifer Larson, Outer Guard; Ann Heinstedt, Auditor; Russell Almquist, Inner Guard; Jerry Reylek, member of the Executive Board; Kjell Åke member. The Vasa Choir sang as beauti- Hellberg, Auditor; Siv Swan Pierson, member of the Executive Board; Thomas Jahn, Trustee; fully as ever under the direction of LeRoy Kevin Luft, member of the Executive Board; Jon Vikander, Asst. Master of Ceremonies. Anderson. Lunch was enjoyed by all and District Youth Supervisor introduced “Progress through Participation” was Heinstedt made a presentation about our outgoing Vi-Queen Jennifer Larson the motto for the convention and hopeful- Vasa Park, Viking Village Camp and and introduced the incoming Vi-Queen ly for all Vasa Members. The 96th con- Sjölunden. The second seminar “The Kiley Jahn. Following the lunch, the vention was truly one of the best. It was Computer and You” was presented by newly elected District officers hosted by District 15 Executive Board at Nathan Codding and Henning Anderson, were installed. The convention concluded the beautiful Hilton Hotel in Woodland PDM. Friday activities concluded with a with coffee, cookies and cake for Hills, CA. wonderful reception hosted by Golden everyone. Friday afternoon, two seminars were Valley Lodge #626. Submitted by: Thomas Jahn held. District Youth Supervisor Ann Saturday morning, the convention was Picture by: Jon Vikander Page 8 Vasa Star May-June 2010 LODGE NEWS Fylgia Lodge #119 Nobel-Monitor San Francisco CA Lodge #130 Fylgia Lodge #119, San Francisco, Cleveland, OH CA, held their annual business meeting on January 12th. Our own member, Nobel-Monitor #130 in Cleveland District Master Richard Wooster, held their 5th Annual “Kaffe Stuga” on installed the 2010 Officers, who were April 11, 2010. 2009 Officers and accepted their posi- It was advertised as “Come, see, taste, tions once again. We were happy to and hear a bit of Sweden.” As you initiate two new members, Mr. and Mrs. entered the Lodge room, you could see Scott Schulkin. Jean Nelson celebrated the five Nordic Flags along with mem- her 85th birthday and served sandwiches, bers in the colorful National “Dräkt.” cake and coffee. The “stuga” area had small tables dec- On February 9th, Ulla Sabelstrom orated with Swedish cloths and fresh gave a talk on Easter and its many flowers, where the tasty waffles and other decorations and customs in Sweden. The desserts are served. Our past Chairman membership made Påskris, which were in and present District Chairman, Bruce various springtime colors and all Thule Lodge #127 member Bernice Veights is Elfvin, was one of the workers making the members had an enjoyable time getting refreshments ready to serve to the waffles in the kitchen. doing so. Semlor buns and coffee was members at the St. Patrick’s Day meeting. At the Bake Sale there was a good variety of home made Swedish bakery served. Our monthly meetings changed from On March 9th, 2010, Natalie items, coffee bread, cookies, etc., Besides the winter schedule to the summer sched- the Bake Sale, there was a large selection Nordstrom showed a video and spoke on ule of the fourth Thursday evening of the Kvänum Kitchen. The home office is of Nordic items at the “butik” for pur- each month. Lodge chairman, and past chase. located in Sweden but offices are located district master Edwin Sandberg wel- throughout the world. She has an office For hearing, we invited Don Sandy comes all to the meetings, and chaplain from Jamestown, NY to come with his here in San Francisco at present, and was Diane Shaw leads all in the opening and a former IKEA employee. These kitchen accordion. Although we did not have closing messages. Refreshments are room for dancing, you could see a lot of products seem to be well made and of always served following each meeting, very high quality. Our Chairman, Ted heads nodding and toes tapping. and recently at the St. Patrick’s meeting, Two local newspapers picked up our Olsson and wife served refreshments. mistress of ceremony Bernice Veights Submitted by: Jean Nelson announced cultural event. As a result we helped to serve the refreshments. had 96 in attendance with 33 non-mem- At each meeting, Chaplain Shaw says bers. We have already received two Thule Lodge #127 for all members “to visit the sick and the membership applications! needy.” Long time member, past chair- Jamestown/Bemus Point, NY Needless to say, it was a fun afternoon man, and current financial secretary for all. Hello from Thule Lodge #127 in the Donna Sandberg was recently thanked for Submitted by: Marty Bergman Jamestown/Bemus Point, NY area. We reporting to the lodge members those are having a beautiful spring here in the who are ill and standing in need. For 32 western New York state, and the wonders years, Donna has called upon those ill, of nature are opening up to produce a kept track of these people, visited these Tegnér Lodge #149 beautiful display of colors in the flowers. people, and reported at each meeting Oakland, CA All are happy to see the good weather. about those ill. Special thanks go to Tegnér Lodge #149, Oakland, CA, Thule Lodge will begin its spring and Donna for taking on this important duty had a Chinese theme for its January meet- summer season with the annual pancake for such a long time. Also special thanks ing. After a Chinese dinner, our breakfast in April, and following this will go to members Tim Miller, Randy Miller, Chairman, Marie Ann Hill, told of her be the first fish fry of the season in May. Wayne Nelson, and Tom Eckborg for experiences during the two years she The annual Swedish meatball dinner will their efforts in the recent renovation of spent in China teaching English. It was be held on a Sunday afternoon in May. our lodge kitchen. Past chairman Robert most interesting. During the business The annual Father’s Day Herring break- Fuller is also thanked for his efforts on meeting, Marie Ann Hill and Ann Tennis fast will take place in June. The ninth lodge building and grounds renovations were elected as delegates to the District annual Scandinavian Folk Festival will this year. 12 convention in April. Later, at the be held on the third weekend in July, and Thule Lodge is now into its 103rd February meeting, Charlotte Weisenborn once again, Thule Lodge will be serving year, looks forward to a wonderful sum- was elected alternate delegate. its famous Swedish meatball dinner. The mer season. If you are in our area, we In February our long-time Swedish Thule Lodge Swedish Folk Dancers will welcome you. “God dag” to all! chef, Stig Björk, made delicious oven also be a part of the Scandinavian festi- Submitted by: John Sipos, val. Lodge Historian Contnued on page 10

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 9 Tegnér Lodge #149 Drott Lodge #168 Continued from page 9 Washington, DC pancakes and new member, Kathryn Hughes, made pea soup for our dinner. Kathryn said she had never made that soup before but she followed a recipe in a Swedish cookbook. All complimented her on it and said it tasted exactly like an authentic Swedish pea soup. Our program in February was present- ed by Evelyn Ternstrom of Sveaborg Lodge. She told of her family’s and her experiences when she was seven years old. They were on a ship which was sunk in the South Atlantic by a German ship in 1941, before America joined the war. They were with a group of missionaries and other passengers going to Africa. All the passengers were saved by the German ship which sunk their ship, including This photograph is from 1911 and is a group photo of a large number of people (about 50 Evelyn, her five siblings, and her mother. totals, including about 20 children) taken at a picnic somewhere in the DC area. The family was going to join their father, who was a missionary in Tanganyika. Drott Lodge turned 100 years old on ities of some early members who helped Evelyn also had pictures to show us. It February 18. The first of several events shape Drott in its early days. was a most unusual story. scheduled throughout the year to mark Henry Nelson, a former Chairman and the son of two Drott members, was active Submitted by: Ann Tennis this occasion was held on Sunday, February 21. Following the business as a youth and met his wife, member Linné Lodge #153 meeting, Historian Karin Alexis Frenze Alva Nelson, through the Drott Dance reviewed the Lodge’s history using a Group of the 1940s. Henry noted that South Bend, IN well-organized Power Point presentation many Drott members were carpenters and of photographs, memorabilia, and bullet- reported that at one point a bunch of them ed highlights as a guide. The attentive got together and built a house for a fellow audience heard a comprehensive narra- member. tion of the life of Drott Lodge from 1910 Marianne Dahlberg Diaz, currently to the present. Drott Treasurer, reported that she exists Members and guests alike very much because of Drott Lodge. Her parents, Gus enjoyed looking at the 10 wonderful and Betty Dahlberg, met at a Lodge posters prepared by Julie Olson, each meeting and romance blossomed. Each of chronicling a decade in the years since 36 her parents served in numerous positions founders participated in the Lodge’s of leadership, including terms as Chair. Linné Lodge #153 welcomes Dr. Mika Roinila organization. A second array of mar- Marianne offered recollections about as a new member on March 7, 2010. He is the Assistant Professor of Geography, velous posters was created by members growing up as a child of the Lodge and Department of History & Contemporary Helen and Lowell Finch, each a grand- then of her membership as an adult, Society, Bethel College Division of Social child of Drott Charter members. Helen involving her husband and children in Sciences. Mika is interested in the Finnish and Lowell live in South Carolina and Drott activities. Marianne noted that 40 ethnic group in North America. He and his have not been active in recent years but years ago she wore the Swedish Wedding wife, Grace, have 3 daughters and one son. have maintained their membership; they Crown owned by our District when she He will be a great addition to the lodge. created the displays from their own col- and Nick were married. lections and delivered them to Margaret Ruth Meixner Bird, a former Vice and Gerry Schueman in December while Chair and former Cultural Leader, dis- on a holiday visit to family. cussed the importance and function of Following a refreshment break, Drott’s traditional rituals related to for- including a delicious anniversary cake, mal meetings and reviewed aspects of life there was a panel discussion in which in the Lodge during the 1970s and 1980s. five long-time members shared their A photo of Ruth dancing with member reflections, insights, and knowledge Ernie Anderson on a stage on the about Drott, each with a somewhat differ- Washington Mall during a “Nordic Days” ent focus. celebration in the early 1970s was among Elinor Huggett and Gordon Hulteen were Harry Sandberg, who is related to sev- the photos in the Power Point presenta- awarded their ten year pins by Chairman Judi eral individuals from the Sandberg family tion. Parmley at the March 7, 2010 meeting. who were instrumental in the Chartering David Lundberg, also a former Chair, Congratulations! of the Lodge, offered a personal look at and for many years resident “Santa,” Submitted by: Lorraine Cooper this family and talked about the personal- Continued on page 11 Page 10 Vasa Star May-June 2010 Drott Lodge #168 Branting Lodge #417 Continued from page 10 Calgary, Alberta, Canada commented on the significance and value of the fraternal nature of Drott. He and his wife Judy have been vigorous sup- porters of Drott endeavors. Dave also talked about our Lodge’s Annual Jul Bazaar, an “all-hands needed” event. Members and family and friends have come through each time to help make our bazaars successful; the November 2009 Bazaar was the 30th such event. February 21 was indeed a good day for Drott, and we were especially hon- ored to have District Master Bruce Elfvin present on this first of several celebra- tions. Look for a follow-up article in the next issue with a report on our April 17 Gala Banquet Luncheon. Submitted by: Carol Whitley and Karin Alexis Frenze Split pea soup and pancake supper can put a Ain Haas, Professor of Sociology, played smile on a good Swede’s face. This picture Picture by: Julie Olson replicas of old musical instruments, including touched my heart and I will willingly prepare a Viking-era violin. the delightful dish anytime. I can understand with family and friends in Sweden. A why the King of Sweden has it on the menu Scandinavian Film Club is in its early every Thursday. stages. Each month Svea Lodge #253 has Submitted by: Deanna Summy, weekday luncheons at various Historian Indianapolis restaurants. For history buffs, Past Chairman Dr. Wesley Hanson, music professor and Lindbergh concert soloist, has produced a CD. Lodge #494 Titled “Farewell to the Star Spangled Palo Alto, CA Banner,” it is a collection of rare and unusual songs and horn solos tracing the Our new Chairman David Jansson course of the Civil War; excellent music conducted his first meeting during our from various archives which put the lis- pre-prandial. February turns our thoughts tener into the minds of Northerners and to romance and Valentine’s Day. Guests This photo is from the meeting on February Confederates. Two solos are played on were introduced at this time and a short 21 during the history presentation by Karin Wes’s Civil War horn, which blows discussion of events to come. Frenze. backwards (guess why). Wes can be We were busy preparing for the reached at [email protected] or 765- District 12 meeting in April. Positive Svea Lodge #253 759-7319. thoughts were voiced about the purchase Submitted by: Michelle Escalante of a barrel of wine from our favorite Indianapolis, IN and Wesley Hanson Vintner at Kruse Winery in Gilroy. We Our March meeting featured guest have been there often and are royally speaker Ain Haas, Professor of treated by the owner. Our visits Sociology. He told of the centuries-long there have been very lively and the possi- Swedish influences across the Baltic Sea bility of buying our own barrel of wine in the area of Estonia and its islands; exciting. We could have a Lindbergh influences reaching back to Viking times. Lodge label with this purchase as a spe- He played replicas of old musical instru- cial treat. The yield would be about 22 ments, including a Viking-era violin and cases, just in time for the coming an early bagpipe. We saw a film of holidays and selling them to deserving today’s Estonian island people doing old members. Swedish ring dances in a country field. Our dinner was delicious home made Great fun! pea soup and sandwiches. Marina Svea Lodge #253 continues an enthu- Johnson had made the traditional siastic Swedish Language Class. Led by Swedish food for this time of year … LaVonne Heighway, its 12 members “semlor.” The extravagant special “sem- meet weekly, working to read, write and lor” buns are filled with creamy good- speak good Swedish. Incorporated into The CD Cover for the “Farewell to the star ness. This is the food that fortifies the the lessons is the exchange of e-mails Spangled Banner.” Continued on page 12 Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 11 Lindbergh Lodge #494 Phoenix Lodge #677 Continued from page 11 Phoenix, AZ assembled members for Lent. After this delightful culinary adventure two new members of the Lodge were introduced and initiated into the Svea Lodge rituals. Loren and Evelyn Filbeck were led through the ceremony by the appropriate officers. Dean Babcock our Cultural Leader, showed a film of this very same ceremo- ny as it was performed in Sweden proba- bly in 1950 at Malmö. The film was made by a Vasa Lodge in Sweden con- sulting notes about how the ceremonies were done at that time. It was quite inter- esting to watch the older version of the same ceremony as we had just witnessed. They had a much more formal meeting with lots of very colorful flags, symbols, candles and music as part of their cere- mony. The film was really beautiful as it was in color; flags of all three Vasa coun- tries were paraded through the scene members carrying the national flags of the countries where the Vasa Order has Scandinavian Lodge #667 annual Pea-Soup dinner held on March 9, 2010. Pictured Left to Right is: Lodge Chairman Beda Johnson; PDM George Swanson; Paul Swanson Accordionist lodges United States, Canada and Kjell Holmes; Natalie Swanson; Everett Shogren; Margaretha Orchel; Jean Shogren; Pat Sweden and also the Vasa Order Flag. Coffey and Bob Swanson. Jussi Björling sang. The ceremony was much longer and more formal than the Our January meeting was two-part: were a joint effort by Vasa, Norse one we had just witnessed. It was a Installation of officers and a short cultur- Federation and the Danish Club. very special time for us all and especially al program. Our Icelandic DVD show In March, the meeting began with a to be reminded of the ritual aspects to was presented by LaVonne Lindall, as the delicious homemade Swedish “kött this organization that got its start 104 previously planned presenter was “weath- soppa,” consisting of potatoes, leeks, and years ago in New Haven, Connecticut in ered in” by snow and rain. We all carrots with beef but which in the far 1896. enjoyed the beautiful music (by north of Sweden is normally made with We held our annual March St. Björnsson and Holst) that accompanied reindeer meat. Our presenter, who had Patrick’s Day meeting with some mem- breathtaking scenes of the Northern participated in our lodge activities about bers decked out in Four Leaf Clovers and Lights, including the famous auroral dis- ten years ago, Maj-Lis Aasa, comes from Greenery, a popular color these days. Our play of October 2003. the Torneå Valley in the borderland of program was scheduled to be about At the February meeting a film was Sweden and Finland. The DVD consisted Norway and St. Olav’s Day. shown of the TV Program Allsang På of stunning nature photography in the far Unfortunately our guest speaker was not Grensen featuring Scandinavian winners north of Sweden, including scenes of able to attend so we look forward to have of the Eurovision Song Contest in an out- birds, various lichens consumed by rein- another chance in the future to hear his door concert at the Norwegian-Swedish deer, and reindeer herding. The film and comments about this wonderful neighbor border town of Halden. The audience was accompanying piano music were pro- of Sweden. Guests were introduced and encouraged to sing along with subtitles in duced by Maj-lis’ cousin, Rolf Aasa, who business quickly dispensed with English. The program and desserts served resides in the Torneå area. We also sang Our talented chefs had a lovely meal along with Maj-Lis as she accompanied prepared to honor the Irish holiday, us on guitar. We all got to practice not corned beef and cabbage. The program THETHE SWEDISHSWEDISH only our singing voices, but our Swedish substitute was some recorded CLOCK MAKER as well. Scandinavian music, always a pleasant CLOCK MAKER Submitted by: Sara Nilsson, Chairman treat for our Swedish ears. A trip for Traditional Swedish design Picture by: Everett Shogren, Treasurer Easter was planned to the Kruse winery. Traditionalhandcrafted Swedish in Oregon design handcrafted in Oregon. We are so lucky to be in California where Custom painted to order in the wine grapes grow and are eventually anyCustom color painted or folk artto orderstyle turned into very special beverages. in any color or folk art style. Seeking Your For details see web site: Birthday members were serenaded with swedishclockmaker.comFor details Swedish Roots?? the best wishes for another hundred 541-461-0329 Phone 541-461-0329 years. Email: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected] Submitted by: Muriel Nelson Beroza Email: [email protected]

Page 12 Vasa Star May-June 2010 Tre Kronor Lodge #713 Salem, OR

Charlotte Holmes Stenland Lodge #727 30th Anniversary Dinner.

Tre Kronor Lodge #713, Pacific DATE: March 21, 2010 ... And so we Northwest #13, celebrated Valentine Day Vasa members gather this special day to 2010 by honoring Charlotte Holmes, a celebrate a truly memorable event in New founding member, with Life York District #4 – the 30th Anniversary Membership. Barry Ostrom, member, of Stenland Lodge #727, whose local wrote a poem for her, “Happy Birthday lodge number gave rise to the affection- Charlotte” in appreciation of her and her ate handle of ’The Jet Set.’ 91st birthday. Yes, it’s true, the stalwart members of Charlotte served as the Lodge’s first this lodge made it through the last 30 Recording Secretary and also edited the years with nothing gained but a deep Tre Kronor Tidning for many years. She appreciation for our Scandinavian roots also served as Lodge Historian. Through and culture, warm-hearted friendships, her efforts, most of the lodge history has and long-lasting memories that just can’t been preserved. help but make you smile. Barry Ostrom, Membership Chairman, The members, along with various dig- recently wrote “A History of Tre Kronor nitaries and guests, came together for a Lodge of Salem, Oregon” using materials celebratory dinner at the famous ’The Charlotte saved. The book can be pur- Old ’76 House’ in Tappan, NY – once a chased for $18.00 ($15 plus a $3 han- headquarters of George Washington. It dling fee) by sending a check to, and paid was a splendid occasion starting with to the order of, Tre Kronor Lodge #713, chit-chat and cocktails. The sumptuous P.O. Box 2833, Salem, Oregon 97308. dinner – en smaklig måltid – opened with Write “History Book” in the memo sec- an impressive invocation by Stenland’s Gail & Ken Olson tion of the check. own, Bishop George Langberg. Through Submitted by: Barry Ostrom the evening there were various speakers aahs resounded as so many folks went who had accolades to offer, but it was through the pages. Sister Gail Olson, reading the concise Kudos go out to Sister Beatrice Stenland history of the lodge along with her reflec- Rasmussen and her committee: Ingrid Lodge #727 tions, that impressed everyone present. Allison, Evelyn Larson and June Sundvik Brother Ken Olson added that there was for their fine job in coordinating this spe- Sparkill, NY great support from members of the illus- cial occasion, to Stenland Chairman Bob DATELINE: March 7, 1980 ... Ken trious (in their day) Vasa Folkdancers of Rasmussen who obeyed his wife’s Olson (PDM, PGLO) and Gail Olson New York that enabled our institution instructions to guarantee a successful (PDM, DS) are sitting in their kitchen way back then. event, to District Master Brother Carl with a few friends and they decide – Of particular note was the striking his- Geffken, District Deputy Sister Dorothy Yes!, we can start a Vasa lodge right here torical books with files and photos which Kihlstrom, and the other visiting digni- in ROCKland County, and, because the has been kept by Lodge Historian, Sister taries for their support and warm wishes. Swedish word for rock, is ’sten,’ ... voila Beatrice, over the years ... OMG ... look Tack Så Mycket! ... we have STENland. at me – I had hair back then! Oohs and Submitted by: Ken Olson

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 13 We look forward to the remainder Sierra Kronan of the year’s activities including the Lodge #737 Golden Gate District #12 Convention, Sweden Day, Trollebo Swedish Family Roseville, CA Camp, the annual Nordic Festival in the 2010 is progressing much as in previ- Fall, and of course our Lucia Fest in ous years for Sierra Kronan. December. Scandinavian friends are getting together Submitted by: Carol Nesewich, monthly for cultural presentations, food, Historian and fellowship. In January, we hosted a joint installation of officers and dinner Jubileum with Monitor Lodge #218 of Sacramento. Lodge #755 Our 24th Anniversary Luncheon was held at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant in Citrus Madison, WI Heights on Sunday, February 21st. The Our monthly meeting on February 14, food was very good, the yellow and blue 2010 began with the installation of offi- frosted carrot cake was delicious and a cers by Jake Gruel, Past District Master short presentation by “Swede” Englund of Lake Michigan Lodge #8 and Past from Skogen Lodge in Redding proved Chairman of Linde Lodge #492. We very informative. He showed us an exam- appreciate the continued support Jake and ple of a wooden shoe fiddle or a his wife Marge have for our lodge. We Sven-Olof Petersson “Träskofiol”; an instrument originating in then spent some time planning for our Skåne, Southern Sweden. It was very Pea Soup and Pancake supper in May, well,” said Sven-Olof, which usually interesting to learn that this type of fiddle selecting delegates for the District means “beating the Norwegians.” They was generally made from well-worn left Convention, and talking about won the gold in Curling, of interest to us shoes. “Midsommar!” It seemed odd with so because Madison is home to an active Cultural co-chairs, Blanche Bradley much snow on the ground, but these club that is home to a member of the and John Pearson continue to offer excel- things will be here before we know it! American team. lent programs and have lined up a num- Our program featured Lodge members We also learned that Sweden had just ber of presentations for 2010. In March, Lois Fride and Ulla Swanson and their experienced a winter of record cold and after a corned beef and cabbage dinner presentation of Husmanskost — Swedish snow, and Swedish relief efforts in Haiti prepared in observance of St. Patrick’s “Homely Fare” — the regular food of are still regularly in the news. Day, Keith Hanlon from Svea Lodge regular Swedes. Ulla was raised in But the really big news according to #348 in San Jose talked about the “The Sweden and Lois spent about 30 years Sven-Olof is the upcoming marriage of Viking Invasion of Ireland.” Mr. Hanlon there. For a month, Lois and Ulla had Princess Victoria. Like her parents, King is of Norwegian and German descent and been poring through their favorite cook- Karl Gustav XVI and Queen Silvia, is also Irish through his paternal great books and preparing, photographing, and Victoria will be married on the 19th of grandfather. Points of interest included serving representative meals in their June. the time frame of the Viking raids, which homes. The economy is always in the news in lasted from about 795 to 1100, the By the end of the presentation, we Sweden, just as in America. The Swedish colonizing process, the founding of were all hungry! Fortunately, the usual economy is improving. Some of the Dublin in 834, and the fact that the coffee and excellent Jubileum Lodge Swedish banks had been hurt by bad Viking’s woolen underwear and oiled treats were waiting for us, prepared by investments in the Baltic countries, but goatskin outerwear were superior to mod- Dorothy Leon and Maj Wiese. unlike America, none had failed outright. ern cold weather gear. Good protection Our March meeting, on the 14th, fea- Ingvar Kamprad (IKEA) was upset to was needed because the Long Ships were tured “News from Sweden,” gleaned learn that his company had paid bribes to open to the elements of the north from Swedish newspapers by Sven-Olof operate in Russia. The Saab automobile Atlantic. Petersson, SAS employee and Lecturer in brand may survive after all — it is being Cultural chairperson, Blanche Conversational Swedish at North Park purchased by a Dutch firm. Bradley, was initiated in 2007 and University. We all left the meeting somewhat became very involved in the activities at Swedes are the most newspaper-read- enlightened, thoroughly entertained, and Sierra Kronan and continues to be a great ing people in the world. Many have a comfortably full of dessert provided by asset to the Lodge. In April, she subscription to a national paper, either Maud Karlsson and Trudy Nordling. will present a talk on Leif Erickson Dagens Nyheter or Svenska Dagbladet, Submitted by: Robert Merrill, entitled “Back in Time.” In May, Gwen for the morning. On the way home in the Historian Myers, a new member who joined evening, they pick up Aftonbladet or in November of 2009, will present Expressen, available only on newsstands. a genealogical adventure called “Look- Then there’s the daily or weekly local ing for Morfar.” Gwen is the co-leader of paper, and Dagens Industri, the “Swedish Seeking Your the Sun City Roseville Genealogy Club Wall Street Journal,” for the business- Swedish Roots?? and is also Vice President of the minded. E-mail: [email protected] Sacramento area Historical & Genealogy The recent Winter Olympics dominat- Council. ed the sports news. Sweden had “done

Page 14 Vasa Star May-June 2010 SWEDISH NEWS

medlemsvärvning till FDO Br. Jan-Åke namn är vanligt förekommande. Det är 38 Logen Skåne Nr 570 Ferborn. Vid banketten serverades en år sedan Vasaloppet i Sverige gav sitt till- mycket god middag. Efter maten började stånd att Mora Minnesota fick köra sitt dansen till Rickards enmansorkester. En eget Vasalopp. LH Br. Nils Henriksson glad och trevlig kväll tar också slut. läste en dikt som syftade till att fler Fredagen den 12:e mars var det Vasasyskon skall bli medlemmar i “Brödernas Afton.” Logemöte enligt rit- Vasaarkivets stödförening. ualen som vanligt, Kl. Br. Olle berättade Efter att ha ätit en god middag var det om Vasaloppet dock inte det i Dalarna i dags för bröderna att framföra sin Sverige utan det Vasalopp som går mel- kavalkad. Med sång i kör och solosång lan Warman och Mora, Minnesota. Där i fick vi uppleva en härlig och rolig halv- omgivningarna är det mycket som liknar timme. Dalarna i Sverige, dalahästar och svenska Insänt av: Olle Olsson, Kulturledare Logen Carlskrona Nr 601

Vår äldste medlem Sy. Birgit Ekelund och Br. Carl-Olov Rindstål. Lördagen den 20 februari hade vi Högtidsmöte med installation, vi var 32 egna logesyskon och vår DD Gunilla Broddesson från Logen Kärnan Nr 608, Helsingborg, hade 18 logesyskon med sig som gäster, inklusive installationsstaben som installerade våra tjänstemän på ett stilfullt sätt. Kulturledare Olle Olsson berättade om “Den glömda utvandringen” som hand- lade om när sydsvenskar på 17-1800-talet emigrerade till Danmark “De fattigas Amerika.” Det var mycket värdefull Logens nyinstallerade tjänstemän. arbetskraft som flyttade till Danmark, Lördagen den 27 februari avhölls fikarast och efter hand som åren gick fick under perioden 1850 till 1910 beräknades högtidsmöte med installation av logens vi mot slutet uppleva hur det var på ålder- att inte mindre än 83.000 svenskar kom tjänstemän för år 2010. Br. O hälsade domshemmet där äldre män och kvinnor till Danmark. Många råkade illa ut. Nu år våra gäster från logen Ronneby Nr 630 träffades och samtalade. 2010 är det många danskar som flyttar till välkomna. Mötet öppnades enl. ritualen. Br. Lennart underhöll med södra Skåne av positiva ekonomiska skäl. Br. DD Arne Söderbom med stab dragspelsmusik till sångtexter som Br. Under punkten utmärkelser fick genomförde installationen med värdighet Percy hade framställt. Ett programhäfte Logens ordf. Br. Carl-Olov Rindstål mot- och taktfast musik. Br. DD utdelade dis- utformats av Br. Leif delades ut till alla taga Logens förtjänsttecken för sitt arbete triktets förtjänsttecken (DFT) till Sy. närvarande med bild på de medverkande. som VO. Ordf. Sy. Barbro Henriksson Lilian Svensson Br. Percy och Sy. Mona Enl. utsago en mycket lyckad kväll fick även hon logens förtjänsttecken för Persson erhöll 10-årsmärket. Efter mötets med många glada skratt. sitt mångåriga och uppskattade arbete avslutning väntade vårt nya krögarpar Insänt av: Göran Svensson med logens lotteri. Susanne och Jan Kousholt med en utsökt Logens hedersmedlem och äldsta supé, helstekt oxfilé med tillbehör, gott medlem Sy. Birgit Ekelund bad CM föra vin och avslutningsvis med desserten vit Ordf. Br. Carl-Olov till altaret, hon över- choklad och jordgubbs-glasstårta med lämnade till honom, som gåva till logen, dessertvin. en check, på en stor aktningsvärd pen- Lördagen den 27 mars samlades vi för ningsumma, som hjälp till bl.a logens 80- logemöte enl ritualen. Vår hedersmedlem års jubileium nästa år 2011, ett stort tack Sten Jönsson har för alltid lämnat oss, och en lång applåd för denna fina gåva. logen hedrade Br. Sten med en tyst Sy. Birgit är 92 år och kommer på nästan minut. Kvällens efterkapitel var bröder- alla logemöten, på högtidsmöten dansar nas afton med underrubriken “Från Då hon och alltid glädjer hon oss med sin till Nu en riktig gubbröra.” närvaro, en enastående medlem. Här fanns allt från skolpojkar med VDM Br. Olle Wickström överläm- sträng skollärare, Can-Can dansöser nade distriktets märke för bra varvsarbetare som samtalade under sin Brödernas afton.

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 15 Logen Logen Eskilstuna Nr 633 Höganäs Nr 634 Logemöte lördagen den 13 mars 2010 Logen Höganäs Nr 634. Det var Systrarnas Afton och vi var 80 personer, gästande och egna medlemmar. Till efterkapitlet tillkom 11 personer, förhoppningsvis blivande medlemmar. Sy O Evy Lindstrand hälsade oss all välkom- na och speciellt de från andra loger. Fyra gäster från Logen Kärnan Nr 608 i Helsingborg, 13 gäster från logen Nybyggarna Nr 698 i Ängelholm och en gäst från Logen Carlskrona Nr 601 i Karlskrona. En stämningsfull parentation hölls för avlidna hedersmedlemmen Sy. Elly Ekdahl. Vår DD Br Alf Nilsson installerade Bengt Johansson läser telegram. omvalda tjänstemän som inte kunde när- Sy Krystyna Aronsson ser till att allt finns på Lördagen den 6 februari 2010 firade vara på Högtidsmötet som vi hade i janu- plats vid bufén. Logen Eskilstuna sitt 55-årsjubileum i ari. KL Sy. Ingrid Berg berättade om Erik vi varit små.” Det utspelades i en skolsal Frimurarhuset med högtidsloge och gäst- Jansson och Erik-Jansarna som åkte till med elever, som alla hade blivit berömda loge. Flera loger var representerade – Amerika och bilda kollektivet Bishop i vuxen ålder. Publiken skulle med hjälp Mälardrottningen Nr 563, Engelbrekt Nr Hill. Br. Gunnar Lindstrand hade tittat av elevernas repliker gissa vem dom 619, Filbyter Nr 714 och Bråviken Nr tillbaka på Systrarnas Afton från den 11 föreställde. Det vinnande bordet belö- 751. Logen uppvaktades med många mars 1995 och berättade lite om det nades med en guldmedalj. telegram och gåvor från andra loger och mötet. Därefter blev det full fart på dansgol- logesyskon. Vår egen damklubb överläm- Mötet avslutades med en vacker ljuss- vet med avbrott för lotteridragning. nade en penninggåva samt en gåva till läckningsceremoni. Kvällen avslutades med att Sy. O Evy Bishop Hill. Många hälsningar fram- På efterkapitlet hade borden dukats Lindstrand tackade de arrangerade sys- fördes från de logesyskon, som var upp med en Påskbufé och till tonerna av trarna och de fick var sin fin ros av VO förhindrade att deltaga denna kväll. Åke speleman intog vi alla en god måltid. Br. Karl-Axel Bengtsson och FDO Br Br. Bo Hjulström fick under Efter en stund ringer “skolfröken” (Sy. Leif Larsson. efterkapitlet mottaga Eskilstunastatyetten, Magdalini Kalivas) in för lektion. Insänt av: KL Ingrid Berg som utdelades för andra året. Kommitténs Systrarnas tema för kvällen var “Alla har Foto: Ingrid Berg och Hans Bogren motivering lyder: “Bo Hjulström har genom stort engagemang och alltid med logens bästa för ögonen, ställt upp närhelst behov funnits i logen, även om det inneburit extra personliga insatser. Br. Bo har också tillsammans med Sy. Marianne bidragit till logens trivsel och utveckling.” Flera gäster hade hörsammat inbjudan till gästlogen och de fördes högtidligen in i logesalen och fick där information om Vasa Ordens historia och nuvarande verksamhet. Efter logemötet samlades ordenssyskon och gäster till en välkomst- drink och tog sedan plats vid vackert dukade bord. En mycket smakrik måltid intogs. För kvällens underhållning stod Fairlines orkester från Stockholm och snart var dansen i full gång till underbar 50- och 60-talsmusik, som de flesta av oss är välbekanta med. Festen pågick till midnatt och både logesyskon och gäster Från vänster: Kronprinsessan Victoria (Sy Dagny Pervan), Sven “Tumba” Johansson (Sy var överens om att kvällen hade varit Gunilla Jönsson), Kristina “Mat-Tina” Nordström (Sy Ingrid Berg), Nils Poppe, (Sy Maj-Lis mycket lyckad. Nilsson), Birgit Nilsson (Sy Ingrid Svensson), Fröken, (Sy Magdalini Kalivas), Astrid Lindgren (Sy Berit Bogren), Anders Zorn (Sy Mona Sennström) och Ingvar Kamprad (Sy Åsa Ovhagen). Insänt av: KL Lillemor Karlberg Page 16 Vasa Star May-June 2010 kommitterade Inger och Torbjörn From, Ordförande Karl Bäcklund tackade för det Logen Lena och Sven-Olof Johansson samt och fortsatte följa mötesordning en med Enköping Nr 646 Pernilla Hallström. vänskapskedjan där alla kunde välkomna Kvällen avslutades bl a med lot- våra nya Vasa-syskon. Sekreterare teridragning. Marianne Claesson hade många brev, Insänt av: Elisabeth Agge, PS inbjudningar och tack att delge logen. Kulturledare Barbro Sundgren hade brev med hälsningar från Amerika loger. Logen Vännerna Helge Andersson och Lennart Härnösand Nr 673 Gohrn är ju de trognaste brevskrivarna som berättar om både logernas och den Lördagen den 6 febr. kunde Karl egna familjens förehavanden. Lennart Bäcklund hälsa oss välkomna till ett kommer, om allt går enligt planerna, att välbesökt årsmöte. besöka oss till hösten. Från Sundsvalls Logen Nr 705 kom En studiecirkel om utvandringen och MSLER Tore Telberg och Ordf. Pernilla Hallström, Lena Johansson och Inger Vasa Ordens tillkomst och historia From. Margareta Tellberg. Sundsvall Nr 705 från början i Amerika vill KL även få hade sju medlemmar ur logen med i den till stånd i höst om tillräckligt intresse Under lördagen den 20 februari stab som installerade årets tjänstemän. finns. genomförde logen Enköping Nr 646 sitt DD Margareta Tellberg utdelade Vice Kulturledaren Bosse Selin kunde årsmöte. Trots det dåliga vädret besöktes Distrikts Logens förtjänsttecken till Pia erbjuda boken om Petter Norberg av logen av Ordenssyskon från Eskilstuna. Björkegren-Hamrin. Lennart von Post. Han har tidigare berät- Västerås och Stockholm. Under årsmötet Ordf. Karl Bäcklund kunde utdela tat om sin forskning om denne okände fick vi höra att logen har god kontakt medlemsutmärkelser för 25 år till Ann- Härnösandsbos äventyr och märkliga liv med sina vänloger i USA samt andra Charlotte och Lennart Jansson. För 10 år som kom att sluta i Kanada där han gifta lokalloger i Sverige. till Kjell och Gunilla Johansson, Barbro sig med en indianflicka och bildade Ordförande Karl-Erik Axelsson, och Lars Sundgren, Ulla-Britt Nordin och familj. sekreterare Elisabeth Agge samt biträ- Börje Nygren. När ordförande avslutat mötet kom dande cermonimästare Anne-Sofie Hjort Efter maten undehöll Egiel Nordlöf kvällens värdar Ulla och Bengt hade under året besökt vänlogen Linde med sina Cittra-flickor och bjöd på en fin Granquist, Ulla och Bert Wallin samt loge i Milwaukee, USA. underhållning. Egiel spelade också Marianne och Ivan Högberg och bjöd in Valda tjänstemän för 2010 blev bl a dragspel. Våra duktiga musikaliska till det festligt dukade borden. Efter en Ordförande Karl-Erik Axelsson, Vice vasasyskon gjorde kvällen mycket trevlig välsjungen för kvällen komponerad Ordförande Torbjörn From, Finans- för oss alla. välkomstvisa, som även innehöll kvällens sekreterare Bo Axelsson, Sekreterare Ordf. Kalle B tackade alla med- meny, serverades en mycket välsmakande Elisabeth Agge, Kassör Alan verkande. Värdar var Ann-Margret och middag. Tammerfors, Kulturledare Pernilla Jan-Erik Wikström, Ulla-Britt Nordin Kvällen fortsatte med att Bert Wallin Hallström samt Cermonimästare Leif (även cittra-flicka) Börje Nygren, Verna berättade om forna dragspelskungar och Lindén. Beijar och Ingert Häggström. spelade deras musik med inlevelse. Den 10:e april höll logen Enköping Vasa Ordens månadsmöte var fredag Margareta Tellberg avslutade det hela Nr 646 sin 50-åriga högtidsdag. I logen den 19 mars. Ett 50-tal medlemmar kom med att tacka för kvällen. finns idag fem medlemmar som var med där Anita och Bengt Andersson och Insänt av: Barbro Sundgren då logen startade 1960. Det är Ingrid och Margit och Gottfrid Löventeg kunde Foto av: Ulla-Britt Nordin Alan Tammerfors, Thore och Kerstin välkomnas som Gryse samt Inga-Britt Nyberg. nya medlem- Efter årsmötet samlades vi till mid- mar. Delta- dag. Under middagen läste Anna-lisen gande gäster var Levin från logen Engelbrekt Nr 619 samt MSLER- Logen Eskilstuna Nr 633 en trevlig Sverige Tore berättelse. Tellberg och Till kaffet kom Torpartrion med Janne Margareta och Anki. De sjöng och spelade många Tellberg ord- melodier där de ändrade scenkläder mel- förande i Logen lan framförandena. Vi fick också höra Sundsvall Nr Ivar Karlsson framföra en solosång om 705. kärlek ackompanjerad av den duktiga Margareta pianistern Taimi Johansson. installerade vice Ordförande Karl-Erik Axelsson tack- ordförande ade för det trevliga programmet och Bengt Nyberg logens distriktsdeputerade Liberth för tjänstgöring Karlsson framförde ett varmt tack till de under året. Egiel Nordlöf och Cittra-flickorna.

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 17 Logen Vadstena Nr 762 YOUTH NEWS Emma Duthie

Emma Duthie, daughter of Erik and Shana Duthie and granddaughter of PDM and DM Bob Salk, DL 15 and GLH Några vasasyskon samlade i väntan på att avnjuta Valvets påskbuffe. Sittande fr.v. ses Barbro Carolyn Salk. Emma has just been notified Kardell, Sylvia Nilsson, Filbyter, Jan Ek, Owe Hilding och Anette Ek Bråviken, Sören Nilsson that she has received the prestigious Filbyter. Stående fr.v. Laila Petersson och Stig Carlsson Vadstena, Mary Dalström Filbyter, Roberts scholarship at Culver Lisbeth H Qvarfordt Bråviken, Inger Berg, Marika Carlsson och Jan Andersson Vadstena och Girls Academy in Culver, Indiana. Solweig Thuresson, Filbyter. (www.culver.org). Culver is a private high Det lyser av glädje i Vadstenalogen, bevisar tankarna från senast tjänsteman- school. denna tredje vår av logens existens, en nakurserna som nu sprids i logerna. The Roberts scholarship is an all-inclu- vår som startat med ett Amerikabesök Under kvällen informerades om sive scholarship - everything, books, under tio dagar. Kulturledaren Laila vårens olika utflykter som logen uniforms, trips, sports equipment. It is Pettersson och Broder Jan Andersson Vadstena kommer att medverka vid, bl a given to only two students annually. To be tillsammans med Ordf. Stig Carlsson såg ett besök hos författaren Heidenstams, eligible for this prestigious scholarship, till att gästerna fick det Vadstenabesök de Övralid, där runturen ges av intendenten she has had to have many qualities. Emma önskade. Logen Vadstena är populär, Per-Erik Andersson, ny medlem i logen is an academic 4.0 in advance placement många Amerikagäster och loger har avis- Vadstena. Detta i logen Filbyters regi. En classes at Mary Putnam Henck Middle erat sin ankomst under våren. vårutflykt med logen Bråviken kommer School in Lake Arrowhead, California. Det var en härlig vårkväll när vi kom att ske med besök hos Carolinen och Her athletic ability in ice hockey playing till Vadstena dagarna innan påsken. Vi Baronen Eddie Uggla och han hustru for the 14-under Lady Ducks is one of her var många gäster från Logen Bråviken Louise, på Karolinska Ranstorps Säteri sports. Emma also participates in commu- #751 och Logen Filbyter #714 som bjöds belägen vid sjön Roxen. Efter detta besök nity service projects throughout the Lake på ett utmärkt logemöte med efterföl- blir det middag på Löfstad Slott. Arrowhead area. She has been a peer tutor jande buffé. Vasakvällen med logen Vadstena gav since fourth grade and helped write and En mycket fin undehållning bjöds av en mycket fin Vasa-anda, nu ser vi alla produce a play on Ellis Island Emigrants två ungdommarna från Vadstenas musik- fram mot vårens utflyckter och som- in sixth grade, plus other school activities. skola, Anna Wallstedt och Linnéa maren. Emma has been active in Morgonstjarnan Hesseltrand som på ett utmärkt sätt trak- Insänt av: Inge Hallberg #172 under Evening Star Lodge #426, first terade sina instrument och bjöd på både Bilder av: Inge Hallberg as a “tomte” until last July when she was folkmusik och klassiskt. selected Lucia. FDM Lisbeth H. Qvarfordt tackade At Culver for the next four year, Emma för ett fint välkomande och kom med will be able to achieve in academics, to do förslaget att de tre östgötalogerna Ordf. community service at least twice, to study skulle kunna träffas och bearbeta möj- and tour historical and cultural places in ligheten att ordna gemenskapsmöten lite Europe between her junior/senior year, to tätare och därigenom bilda en grupp för continue with her ice hockey and, of Vasa Orden av Amerika inom Östergöt- course, to be able to continue with her land. En idé som annamades av ordf Stig Swedish heritage. Carlsson om kommer att arbeta för detta. We in the Vasa Order know Emma will Lisbeth tog upp detta vid ett tidigare succeed in anything she aspires to do! tillfälle med Logen Filbyters där ordf Vacker och ljuvlig underhållning bjöds vi på Farfar Bob och Farmor Carolyn Arne Samuelsson var mycket positiv. av fr.v. Anna Wallstedt och Linnéa Submitted by: Carolyn Salk Grand Framtiden för Vasorden måste stärkas det Hesselstrand. Lodge Historian Page 18 Vasa Star May-June 2010 Welcome To Our New Members

On behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you to membership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order of America we bid you welcome. If you are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids you welcome. We hope you will enjoy your membership and will participate in all of the activities planned for you. Tore Kellgren, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman 5971 W. Walbrook Dr. San Jose, CA 95129 E-mail: [email protected]

DL CONNECTICUT NO. 1 Ulf Bjork Harmoni #472 Kronan #2 Glen Clarkson Teresa Davis Margaret Lindblom Karin Ejendal Martin Kweger Ralph Lindblom Maria Finnell Margaret Sarro Vera Littlejohn Helena Grip Monika Soennicksen Ellen Scott Christel Avennall-Harding Tre Kronor #713 Diana Birger Jarl #3 Petra Hinkle Caitlin Cameron Jake Calhoun Dawn Largerkvist Molly Fertig Judy Corrigan Sara Olsson Samuel Paulson John Edeen Stefan Persson Sonja Paulson Mary Ann Edeen Emily Shanbaz Phyllis Rattray Lillian Markusen Sigrid Vaubel Victoria Wilson Barbara Prior Ass Wrammerfors Bette Ziegler Gordon Reimer Viljan #349 Odin #726 Lorraine Reimer Joy Walsh Gustafson Christine Pendergrass Carolyn Staehly Mary Hannon Arthur Thorsen Joe Harbor #534 DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Nancy Thorsen Janet Snyder Oak Leaf #685 Bernard Wajan Satellite #661 James Eckdahl David Runstrom Johan Eckdahl DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2 Karl Swann Ingeborg #66 DL PENNSYLVANIA NO. 9 Norma Raymond Svea #296 DL IOWA-NEBRASKA NO. 17 Nordic #611 Dorothy Williams Branting #417 Lester Saltis Connie Carlson DL SUPERIOR NO. 10 Patrick Carlson DL NEW YORK NO. 4 Ishpeming Monitor #163 Norrskenet #331 Olympic #235 Alan Nelson Helen Eriksen Maribeatta Russo Marilyn Hansen DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6 Fylgia #119 DL ALBERTA NO. 18 Arlington #62 Roxanne Schulkin Norden #518 Kimberly Stanford Scott Schulkin Niklas Lee Gothiod #486 Svea #348 Nordstjarnan #575 Zachary Lawlor Janet Hulegaard Sherri Hill Brendan Pierson Larry Skarset Stacey Legge Ryan Pierson Valhalla Scandinavian #746 Viking #735 Bobbie Erickson ARIZONA NO. 21 John Boesen Lewis Erickson Scandia #728 Bryan Cone Roberta Pifer Elaine Fahlman Lori Scheirer Mary Timpany DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 Nordic Red Rocks #760 DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Tegner #224 Gurli Hartmann Vasa Linne #153 James Peterson Mika Roinila Skogsblomman #378 Svea #253 Dirk Muller Patricia Benatti Linda Muller

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 19 CULTURE tablecloths our Sisters have made, for her charm and sense of good humor, and How to Save a Lodge example. Has their entire job been in a special ability to find just the right word vain? I think you had better feel at the right time makes her outstanding. ashamed.” Lasse´s speech made those “What have been the highlights?” present rethink. But how would they be “It was at the District Convention in able to form a new board? Where would Västervik 1991 when there were about 70 they find a new chairman? members of LL Westervik present at the At last Anna offered to become chair- meeting, then my heart was filled with man, if Lasse promised to be the treasurer joy, and pride,” Anna says. of the lodge, and if the members had full In the year of 2000 Anna and Lasse confidence in them, and so they had. This were appointed honorary life members of happened in January 1988, and Anna and LL Westervik #679. Lasse so to speak made a “flying start.” All information comes from Anna och Lasse had learned of a suitable place Lasse. that the lodge could be rented on a per- Submitted by: Gun Lith, GLCD manent base by the lodge for its meet- Picture by: Västerviks Tidningens ings. The lodge is still holding its meet- (Newspaper) photographer: ings there. This was maybe one of the Tore Wiklund most important changes for the lodge. Another change was that Anna started Hur man räddar en loge Anna Smedberg and Lars Ringberg, LL to send personal invitations to each mem- Jag vill presentera Anna Smedberg Westervik #679. Lasse is 90 and Anna is close ber before every meeting with an agenda to 90. och Lars Ringberg, LL Westerviks två and information of what food would be hedersmedlemmar. I would like you to meet Anna served and what the culture program Det är nämligen tack vare dem det Smedberg and Lars Ringberg, two would be about. fortfarande finns en loge i Västervik. members of LL Westervik #679. It is Anna and Lasse have been hardwork- LL Westervik Nr 679 instiftades i jan- thanks to them there still is a lodge in ing officers all this time. Lasse for uari 1966, och då installerades 17 Västervik. instance made the altar table and a regalia medlemmar. Tio år senare hade logen 63 LL Westervik was established in stand himself. They have invited friends medlemmar, och läget verkade vara gans- January 1966 when 17 people were to lodge meetings, and during the first ka gott. Men det fanns ett stort problem, installed. Ten years later there were 63 year after restarting, 56 new members logen hade ingen egen lokal. Därför members and you would think everything joined LL Westervik. måste mötena hållas på olika platser, t.ex. would be OK. But there was a great prob- Anna, the chairman, was determined på en restaurang, på ett hotell eller i lem, the lodge had no permanent meeting and demanding, careful to follow by-laws någon medlems hem. De fick sätta in en place of its own. Therefore they had to and rituals. All new officers were trained annons i lokaltidningen och meddela var have their meetings at different places, and learned how to perform the cere- och vilken dag följande möte skulle vara. for instance at a restaurant, a hotel or in monies properly, supervised by Anna, Troligen var det därför allt färre medlem- Vasa-Mom. somebody’s home. They had to put an ad who got the nickname mar kom till mötena och efter 20 år hade in the local paper to tell the lodge mem- They have been the greatest sponsors ett 20-tal medlemmar gått ur logen. Vid bers where and on what day the next of the lodge. In the year of 1998 they pre- ett möte hösten 1987 var bara sju meeting was to be. This was probably the sented the lodge a flag. This flag is hoist- medlemmar närvarande. Situationen reason why fewer and fewer members ed every time there is a meeting, which verkade då så hopplös att man diskuter- joined the meetings, and after 20 years, makes god advertisement for LL ade att lägga ner logen. Anna och Lasse about 20 members had left the lodge. At a Westervik and The Vasa Order of hade då i fem år varit medlemmar i LL meeting in the autumn of 1987 with only America. Westervik, något som givit dem ett nytt seven members present, the situation Every year in December the lodge och mera värdefullt liv, som de sade. De seemed so hopeless that they were dis- Lucia receives a silver necklace by Anna hade i logen funnit både glädje och vän- cussing to discontinue the lodge. For five and Lasse. skap, god mat och kultur i en helt under- years Anna and Lasse had been members At the annual meetings and some bar blandning. of LL Westervik which had given them a other special meetings they pay for live Då Lasse hade lyssnat till de pes- new more valuable life, they say. They dance music for the following banquet. simistiska diskussionerna, reste han sig had found joy and friendship, good food They have visited all Lodges of DL 20 upp och höll det bästa tal han någonsin and culture in a most wonderful mix. and some of DL 19 and District hållit, enligt Anna. “Här sitter ni och Having listened to the pessimistic talk Conventions too. säger att vi ska lägga ner och tänker inte about discontinuing, Lasse stood up and Anna was chairman for six successful ett dugg på alla dem som har arbetat för made his best speech ever, according to years. Having said she hadn’t the faintest logen. Tänk bara på de vackra dukar Anna. “You are sitting here saying that idea what it meant to be chairman, I think våra Systrar sytt, till exempel. Ska allt we should discontinue, not thinking about she has done a most fantastic job, having deras jobb ha varit förgäves? Jag tycker all those who have been working so hard saved a lodge from disappearing. for our lodge. Just think of our beautiful Anna’s determination and carefulness, Continued on page 21

Page 20 Vasa Star May-June 2010 How to Save a Lodge “Något särskilt fint minne från åren till hedersmedlemmar i LL Westervik Continued from page 20 som ordförande?” Nr 679. “Det var år 1991, när 70 av våra egna Faktauppgifterna kommer direkt från ni borde skämmas!” Lasses tal fick dem medlemmar var med på distriktsmötet i Anna och Lasse att tänka om. Men hur skulle de få till en Västervik. Då fylldes hjärtat både av Insänt av: Gun Lith, SLKL ny styrelse? Var skulle de hitta en ord- glädje och stolthet,” säger Anna. Foto av: Västerviks Tidningens förande? År 2000 utnämndes Anna och Lasse fotograf: Tor Wiklund. Till sist erbjöd sig Anna att ställa upp som ordförande, om Lasse lovade att bli Remembering Ellis Island logekassör och om de fick medlemmarnas förtroende. Det fick de. Det här var i janu- Seventeen million immigrants came were primarily third class or steerage pas- ari 1988, och Anna och Lasse drog i gång through Ellis Island, just a mile from sengers who were transferred from ships med en rivstart skulle man kunna säga. Manhattan. Some estimates put the num- to barges, which then took them to Ellis Lasse hade fått nys om en passande ber as high as 30 million. The exact fig- Island. By this time the island had grown lokal som logen permanent skulle kunna ure will never be known. to 271/2 acres, created by land fill and få hyra för sina möten och logen har fort- They came here to make a new life for rock from government projects. farande sina möten där. Det var nog en av themselves, their families, and for the Ellis Island marked the beginning for de viktigaste förändringarna för logen. generations that would follow. It was the the immigrants. It was a birth place for En annan nyhet var att Anna började end of a journey that began in order to their new life that was to come. It was skicka personliga inbjudningsbrev till escape oppression or a caste system, to especially so for the children. They first varje medlem inför varje möte med start a new beginning, to gain the free- saw the Statue of Liberty as they came in dagordning samt information om vad för dom to worship as they pleased, say what to the harbor, headed for docks in New slags mat och kulturprogram det skulle they believed, and befriend whom they Jersey and New York City. It was a sight bli. wished. And they vowed that their chil- to behold, this Lady in the Harbor, who Anna och Lasse har hela tiden varit dren would be better off than they were. stood magnificently tall. She held her arbetande tjänstemän. Lasse gjorde t.ex. Ellis Island was less than three acres arms towards the heavens, as if to signify ett altarbord och ett ställ för regalierna. sitting in New York Harbor. It was first that there was something heavenly about De inbjöd sina vänner till logemöten och thought of as an immigrant station in their arrival. It was the most warm-heart- under det första året efter nystarten gick 1891. By January 1, 1892, it was in ser- ed welcome they could imagine. 56 medlemmar in i LL Westervik. vice to accommodate about a 1,000 The children included Felix Anna var en både bestämd och for- arrivals a day. Five years later, its pine Frankfurter, a two year old from Austria drande ordförande, noga med att regle- board buildings were destroyed by fire; who grew up to become a United States mente och ritualer skulle följas. Alla nya fortunately there were fewer than 200 Superior Court judge and a brilliant inter- tjänstemän fick träna och lära sig att people on the island, and no casualties. preter of the law. Samuel Goldwyn, was utföra ceremonierna på rätt sätt under It was an inauspicious beginning. The only five, when his parents brought him Annas överinseende och då fick hon immigration station was ripe for corrup- from Poland grew up to become the head smeknamnet Vasa-Morsan. tion. News of forged certificates for ille- of MGM Studios and one of the finest Sedan dess har Anna och Lasse fortsatt gal immigrants was widespread. Federal filmmakers in the world. arbeta för VOA. De har besökt alla immigration employees were rude and There was Bob Hope, who was five lokalloger i DL 20 och flera i DL 19 samt crude. Many young girls had to promise years old when his parents carried him ett antal distriktsmöten. De har varit favors to employees before they were ashore from England. Notre Dame’s logens största sponsorer. granted entrance to America. Money Knute Rockne was an immigrant child of År 1998 skänkte de Logen en fana som exchangers cheated the immigrants, rail- five when he arrived through Ellis Island, hissas utanför logelokalen varje mötesdag road tickets were sold at exorbitant and Isaac Asimov was only three when och gör god reklam för LL Westervik och prices, and baggage concessionaires were he was brought from Russia. He grew up Vasa Orden av Amerika bilking the helpless newcomers. Getting to become one of America’s most prolific Vid varje julfest överlämnar Anna och through Ellis Island was an ordeal. After writers of science fiction. Irving Berlin Lasse till logens Lucia ett silverhalsband President Theodore Roosevelt ordered a was a five year old immigrant from som minne. shakeup, all employees were dismissed Russia who was raised on the lower East Vid årsmötena och en del and new ones hired. They worked under Side and became this nation’s tunesmith, högtidsmöten bjuder de på levande musik signs that called for kindness and com- writing songs as American as the immi- till dansen vid den efterföljande banket- passion for the immigrants. grants themselves. Edward Flanagan ten. At the turn of the 20th century, meals came from Ireland, an 18-year old who Anna var ordförande i sex were served in a dining room. Boys and immediately started training for priest- framgångsrika år. Då hon sagt att hon inte girls were kept in side rooms until called hood. He eventually became Father hade en aning om hur en ordförande for by an adult family member; families Flanagan and founded Boys Town. skulle vara, tycker jag hon gjort ett fan- slept in dormitories. It was bare, but for These tales could be told over and tastiskt jobb. Hennes bestämdhet och the time it was adequate. They came at a over countless times… tales of people omsorgsfullhet, hennes charm och humor, rate of a 1,000 per day, these new people who came through Ellis Island and och en förmåga att finna rätt ord i rätt tid, speaking different languages, and they became successful. Who could tell what allt detta gjorde henne till en enastående came eagerly. their lives would have been if they had ordförande, som räddade en lokalloge från They came on ocean liners headed for not come to America? But for the oppor- att gå under. the Port of New York. The immigrants Continued on page 22

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 21 Remembering Ellis Island abandoned. The building became run the immigrants passed, and to refurbish Continued from page 21 down. The few visitors to the island the grounds. It was opened on September could sense ghosts of immigrants walk- 10, 1990. tunities found here, in all likelihood, their ing its halls. A visionary President Today Ellis Island is an important des- illustrious careers would not have been Lyndon Johnson declared Ellis Island a tination for tourists to New York, and to realized. national monument, and in 1982 citizens of surrounding metropolitan The contributions of immigrants to liter- President Ronald Reagan asked Lee areas. It stands, in the shadow of the ature, music, film, religion, law, show busi- Iacocca, then Chairman of Chrysler Statue of Liberty, as a symbol of the ness, theater, business, industry, science, Corporation, to help restore both Ellis diversity, the courage, and the optimism sports, and the arts, are almost beyond Island and the Statue of Liberty, which that continue to make the United States a measure. Here, they found opportunity. was also showing signs of disrepair. beacon of light that shines to every corner Ellis Island was closed in 1954—its More than $160 million was raised to of the world. heat, water and electricity shut off. It was renovate the Great Hall, through which Submitted by: Agneta Nilsson HAPPENINGS

SVENSK-AMERIKANSKA ARRANGEMANG 2010 The Ellis Island Distriktslogen Södra Sverige nr 20 Award Recipient 12 juni Höganäs Svensk-Amerikanskt Logemöte Agneta Nilsson Kl 17.00 Logen Höganäs nr 634 Kontakt: Evy Lindstrand 042-34 93 59 Official Recognition 12 juni Karlskrona Jubileum i försommarfest Logen Carlskrona nr 601 The United States Traditionsenlig fest på Hässlegården i Karlskrona Senate and House of Grillfest och dans på lövad loge Representatives have Kontakt: Kärstin Holmberg Jönsson 0455-825 94 passed resolutions 13 juni Kalmar Sverige-Amerikadagen på Kalmar Slott officially recogniz- Logen Calmare Nyckel nr 628 Kl 14.00 Gudstjänst på engelska/svenska i Slottskyrkan ing the National Kl 15.00 Underhållning i Gröna Salen, Kalmar Slott Ethnic Coalition of Kl ca 16.30 Ostkakegille med underhållning i Krusenstiernska Gården Organization’s Ellis Kontakt: Anna-Lena Karlsson 0480-168 60, 0480-106 70 Agneta Nilsson Island Medal of 30 juni- Andrew Petersonutställning Honor, and as one of 7 aug Asby gamla skola (mellan Tranås och Österbymo i Ydre kommun) our nation’s most prestigious award. Lördagar kl 10 – 13, onsdag-torsdagar kl 15 - 17 Grupper efter överenskommelse året runt “The resolutions provide unprecedent- www.andrewpeterson.se ed recognition to past and future recipi- 4 juli Halmstad Sverige-Amerikadagen ents of Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Logen Tre Hjärtan nr 665 Their names will be chronicled forever in Tid och plats meddelas senare our nation’s history,” said William Denis Kontakt: Elve Lensvall 035-15 70 58 Fugazy, NECO Founder. “We thank the 1 aug Barkeryd Barkerydsdagen Senators and Representatives for bring- Kl 14.00 Dagen firas som en hyllning till S M Swenson från Barkeryd, som byggde ett ranchimperium i Texas. ing even greater distinction to one of our Tal av Tommy Hellström - Sverige Amerika Centret, Karlstad Texas Lucia 2009 och Barkeryd & Ängs Lucia deltar nation’s most prestigious awards.” Kontakt: Barkeryds Hembygdsförening Gunnel Petersson 0380-26 039 The Senate resolution recognizes the Logen Småland nr 618 Per-Olof Brinck 036-16 04 81 Ellis Island Medal of Honor for celebrat- 6-8 aug Växjö Årets Svensk-Amerikan hyllas i Växjö ing “the richness and diversity of Arrangör: Distriktslogen Södra Sverige No. 20 American life,” and for “the pluralism Kontakt: DM Catherine Bringselius Nilsson 0470-285 88 and democracy that have enabled the 14 aug Kristianstad Svensk-Amerikanskt Logemöte nations ethnic groups to maintain their Kl 18.00 Logen Christian nr 617 identities while becoming integral parts Kontakt: Karin Holmqvist 044-24 13 78 of the American way of life.” 15 aug Önnestad Sverige-Amerikadagen/ Hans Mattssondagen The Ellis Island Medal of Honor pays Logen Christian nr 617 Kl 11.00 Svensk-Amerikansk gudstjänst i kyrkan. Fanparad till Hembygdsparken. tribute to our Nation’s immigrant her- Tal, plakettutdelning, musik, folklore och utställningar. itage, as well as individual achievement. Kontakt: Karin Holmqvist 044-24 13 78 The medals are awarded to U.S. citi- Välkommen till Sverige i sommar! zens from various ethnic backgrounds Sept. 25 Waconia, Minnesota Andrew Peterson Day who exemplify outstanding qualities in “Andrew Peterson - The Genuine Pioneer Story” both their personal and professional lives, Some songs from the musical will be presented at the Andrew Peterson Farmstead in Waconia. while continuing to preserve the richness www.andrewpeterson.se Contact: [email protected] of their particular heritage. Since Continued on page 23 Page 22 The Ellis Island Award and traditions, hopes to continue the vital landmarks such as the Swedish Log work of the association. She states, “I Cabin and blacksmith shop at the Zilker Recipient have traveled twice to Sweden with my Garden Center. In 1965 the association Continued from page 22 family. I have a special interest in arranged for the log cabin, which had NECO’s founding in 1986, more than Swedish folk dresses and Swedish been located at Govalle and then moved 1,700 American citizens have received traditions. I am excited and honored to be to Round Rock, to be moved back to Ellis Islands Medal of Honor, including 6 the new President of the Texas Swedish Austin. American Presidents, several United Pioneer Association.” Liz is In the early 1990s members of the States senators, Congressmen, Nobel pictured below in a traditional Swedish TSPA participated in the monumental Laureates, outstanding athletes, artists, dress. You may contact Liz at translation project that translated from clergy and military leaders. [email protected]. Swedish into English the 1200-page book Today we honor a distinguished group known as Swedes in Texas In Words and of Americans. Each of them represents Pictures published in 1918. the very essence of the American way of Submitted by: David Borg, life, having greatly contributed to our Carl Widen #743, Austin, Texas, national identity while preserving the dis- and Jim Christianson, tinct values and heritage of their ances- Carl XVI Gustaf Lodge #716, Dallas tors. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor have Meet the Director: been aptly named, for the Island is the Jesper Ganslandt symbol of the diversity of our nation’s On March 20, people – a people whose genius, culture, 2010, director artistry and thought have joined to form a Jesper Ganslandt single mosaic of many cultures and visited Cleve- ancestral backgrounds. It is from the land, Ohio, while diversity that the United States is still a Elizabeth “Liz” Jean Sellstrom Cadwallader on tour in the US beacon of hope for so many, and the In 1917 the Texas Swedish Pioneers promoting his greatest democracy the world has ever Association held its first celebration in films during var- known. honor of the 50th anniversary of the ious film festi- So this day is a celebration of not only arrival of 100 Swedes who came to Texas vals. Following outstanding accomplishments of the in 1867. The first Swede to arrive in Jesper Ganslandt the screening of Medalists, but also an acknowledgement Texas was S.M. Swenson, who came to his two films The Ape and Falkenberg of the spirit, hard work, and values of our Texas in 1838. He was joined by his Farwell that afternoon people from the ancestors…those who took the uncle, Sir Svante Palm, who played an Swedish Community had a chance to “American dream” from just a hope, and important role in early Austin history. meet and talk with him. Some of the made it a reality. Palm’s famous library was donated to the comments you could hear was: “He is a Agneta’s comment on receiving the University of Texas which increased the bit like a young Ingmar Bergman.” award; “I am very honored and humble size of the university library by more than Director Ganslandt is a recipient upon receiving this very prestigious 60%. of the 34th Cleveland International medal and also very proud that I will The purpose of the TSPA is to pre- Film Festival’s Someone to Watch receive this as a recognizing for the 31 serve and perpetuate the rich Swedish award. years that I along with 8 000 Swedish heritage and to honor the memory of Jesper Ganslandt, was born Per Jesper women that so lovingly has worked with Texas Swedish Pioneers. Some 10,000 Sundberg on 31 October 1978 in promoting SWEA around the world!” Swedes settled in Travis, Williamson, Falkenberg, Sweden. He is a self-taught Submitted by: Angeta Nilsson, and Bastrop counties during the period filmmaker who has directed a number of Founder of SWEA 1870 to 1910 where they built homes, music videos and short films, in addition Texas Swedish churches, businesses and farms. Some 20 to directing and editing for television. His churches in the Austin area trace their film debut was in 2006 with Farväl Pioneers Association origins to the Texas Swedish pioneers. Falkenberg. Elects Its First Woman Swedish place names today dot the Austin area landscape, such as Govalle, Awards for Jesperr Ganslandt: President Palm, Berkman, Linder, and Widen pub- • In 2006 he was nominated for the The Board of Directors of the Texas lic schools, facilities such as Bergstrom Grand Prix award for Farrväl Swedish Pioneers Association (TSPA) Airport, Palmer Auditorium, and the Falk Falkenberg (2006) at the Bratislava elected its first woman president in its 93- baseball field, roads: Anderson Lane, International Film Festival. year history. Elizabeth “Liz” Jean Rundberg Lane and Berkman Drive; • In 2007 he was nominated for the Sellstrom Cadwallader, whose ancestors commercial ventures too many to men- Guldbagge Awards Best Direction include the Stark, Sellstrom, and Quist tion, but include the Nelson store in for Farväl Falkenberg (2006) and families of Round Rock and Austin, was Round Rock, the Seaholm Power plant; Best Screenplay for Farväl named the new President at a board meet- and communities: Palm Valley, New Falkenberg (2006) shared with ing in February, 2010. Sweden, and Lund, to mention a few. Fredrik Wenzel. President Cadwallader, who has a The TSPA through the years has been Article and photo by: Marie Carlson, deep interest in Texas Swedish history active in the preserving of Texas Swedish Editor, VS Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 23 A Cleveland Producer With an Interest in Sweden BOOK Robert was born in 1966, Cleveland, REVIEW Ohio, USA and where he still lives. Banks attended the Cleveland School of REVIEWING A the Arts, and has taught film at Cuyahoga Community College, the Cleveland SWEDISH CHILDHOOD Institute of Art, and Cleveland State Lilly Setterdahl: Growing up in Sweden University. in the Shadow of World War ll. His best known work is the 1992 film, Fidlar Doubleday Inc 2008. X: The Baby Cinema, a 4.5 minute, 16 mm short film which chronicled the commer- The author describes a happy child- Robert Banks cial appropriation of the image of Malcolm hood in spite of WWII going on around Cleveland based producer Robert Banks X. The movie appeared on the compilation the small village (Frändefors) in southern is a person I met through a local Vasa video The Best of the New York Dalsland, a province north of Gothenburg member helping him out on a couple of Underground: Year One. The 1994 feature and bordering Norway. For me, being of projects. By doing so and seeing the end documentary film, You Can't Get a Piece the same generation and growing up in result, I was very impressed. of Mind explores the world of Cleveland Värmland, just north of Dalsland, it is a Robert has a great interest in foreign musician and Vietnam veteran, Dan real déjà vu in almost every detail. She films where Swedish films are rating pretty “Supie T” Theman. tells about the home as a safe haven with high in his opinion. His comment on for- Banks has had his films shown at the reduced resources, but far from starving eign films: “I prefer all World Sundance Film Festival, was named and suffering. The habits were simple and Cinema….European, (Swedish) Asian, Filmmaker of the Year at the Midwest the daily life without luxury exactly as it South American etc…They’re great films Filmmakers Conference, and in 2000, he was before the postwar modernization of made everyday from all around the was the honored guest filmmaker in living. They had soap, but no makeup, world…waiting to receive an audience. London at the BBC British Short Film washing outdoors without any technical Most of them are by far superior to the Festival. devices, one single broadcasting channel average American film.” Awards for Robert Banks and no TV, no central heating and so on. Amongst his list of favorite Swedish Toys were simple, too, and animals on directors/filmmakers is Ingmar Bergman • Filmmaker of the Year (2001), the farm added to memorable experi- and amongst the Swedish actors Max von Midwest Filmmakers Conference ences. Early school education was carried Sydow. When it comes to Swedish film he • Jury Citation Award for Outlet, Black out in two or more classes together with names Elvira Madigan and Persona 2001. Mariah Film Festival the same teacher. Right now he is working on completing • Prize Pieces Award, National Black Due to the surrounding circumstances, seven new short films and trying to secure Programming Consortium but also as a sign of that period (the financing for a new feature length horror • Best Experimental for X-The Baby 1930-ies and 1940-ies) of the last centu- film. He is applying for a grant for possible Cinema (1993), The First NY ry, the family was strongly united includ- fellowship to work abroad. With this he is Underground Film Festival ing aunts, uncles, grandparents and hopes to “land” somewhere in Europe, Article and photo by: cousins. Among them were also some preferably in Sweden, the Netherlands or Marie Carlson, Editor, VS that migrated to the US. Mutual support Great Britain. These places are where some was necessary, so also within the entire of his favorite films and directors work Swedish village. from. He further comments: “The Children were taught early to work on Northern parts of Europe has always Language Class the farm as well as assisting in the house. intrigued me with the folklore and legends It was also a thrilling period using as well the history of the land and its peo- storm windows, watching and hearing the ple. Sweden has always been a place that air planes in the sky and the trains with I’ve dreamed of working out of for its land- soldiers passing by on the railway. Lilly scape and immense physical character. also tries to put her own experiences in It’s truly liberal nation with so much cre- perspective to the nation’s measures of ative energy. I want to go there so badly defense and maintaining neutrality. and shoot MANY Films!! Bergman, In summary, the book is well worth Widerberg, Andersson and many other reading, most of all for people with per- directors have that quirky Swedish style sonal memories of WWII. that still fascinates me. The People alone Review by: Stig Sälgeback, make it worth the experience. I would love LL 632 Karlstad to do an Artist Residence at a Swedish film The picture shows the Swedish lan- School or work at a Production House guage class in Los Gatos, CA, at Sandra Seeking Your directing Swedish TV Ads. I’d be in film Rain’s lovely home. During the coffee ecstasy!! For now, I’d settle for a film fes- break we sampled traditional Easter egg Swedish Roots?? tival screening if any Swede festival that and wished each other “Glad Påsk!” E-mail: [email protected] would accept my crazy work!” Submitted by: Gerd Salmonson

Page 24 Vasa Star May-June 2010 Antigymnastique SACC-Ohio Visit NASA Glenn Research Center Swede to introduce new form of On April 22, the SACC-Ohio members mercial corporations in the aeronautics physical awareness had a private tour at the largest USA and space communities. Penilla Björnsdotter Ackerman arrived NASA research center adjacent to the from Stockholm, Sweden to Cleveland, Cleveland airport. Approximately 1200 New York State Ohio, during 2009 together with her fami- employees work at this 350 acre location, Festival of Nations ly, (her husband is a native) to introduce a where three wind tunnels have been new form of physical awareness to the US. instrumental in not only space exploration With dedicated hardworking members During her stay here in Cleveland she has projects but for Boeing and other corpora- we once again represented Sweden at attended Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 Lucia tions testing the last 60 years. Festival of Nations in Albany, NY. This celebration, where her two daughters par- The SAAC members were treated to a year was exciting because it was the very ticipated. rare access to the inside of perhaps the first year we were able to participate in Anti-gymnastique is a method for largest wind tunnel in the world, measur- every single part of the event. Several local attaining physical awareness. Developed ing 10 feet by 10 feet and approx 80 feet businesses donated gifts for raffles. We by Thérèse Bertherat, a French physio- long. Once inside the tunnel, the members also sold program ads, had people work in therapist, AG assumes that our bodies have were able to see a concept Intake project the ticket both, represented Sweden in the a ‘natural form.’ During the stresses and that will be hopefully used in 10-15 years. parade and cultural presentation, food court traumas of life, the body loses this form. All testing at the wind tunnel is done on and craft area. Most exciting was that we, The strong muscles in the back become their third shift, at night, since, due to the for the very first time, had a Miss Sweden! fore-shortened and tense. We compensate extraordinary electrical energy needed to The parade always begins the fun event. for our pain and lack of balance. The properly operate the large tunnel, 250,000 Olivia Wallin-Eddy carried the Swedish abdomen abdicates its role to the lower horsepower, which equates to 200 sign dressed in an amazing, old traditional back; the jaws clench in response to tense megawatts; First Energy demands this co outfit donated by Hans and Ida Henriksen. shoulders. To release these tensions, Anti- operation from them. (200 megawatts Also marching was Ingrid Frank and Mary gymnastique explores each muscle, the would be an entire city of about 50,000 Grace Wajda, Miss Sweden, in traditional strongest and the weakest, the most-used inhabitants). This part of the tour was dresses. Caroline Simpson and Paula and the long-forgotten. Using precise, gen- hosted by Chief Engineer Jim Roeder. Wallin-Eddy were dressed in the Swedish tle, and anatomically appropriate move- The second half of the field trip was colors of yellow and blue that can be seen ments, one rediscovers their own body and held in a conference room, where Dr. John at sports events in Sweden like soccer and their own natural form. Thesken, gave a power point presentation ice hockey. Bertherat has written several books about the increasing usage of composites The food court was crowded with about this bodywork. The bestseller The for upcoming space capsules. Swedish Meatball fans. Berit McKenna Body Has Its Reasons by Bertherat is trans- After these educational and fascinating and Ingrid Frank sold our traditional lated into English. presentations, a catered wine and cheese Meatballs in gravy with “lingon” berries For more information about Anti-gym- social hour was held, where the members and “limpa” with butter. Visitors were nastique Bertherat: http://www.antigym- were able to continue asking questions of delighted by our lingon berry juice and nastique.com the two co-hosts. bought platefuls of homemade Swedish Pernilla Björnsdotter Ackerman, who Definitely no cameras allowed at this cookies. Anders Fältskog’s pecan cookies studied under Thérèse Bertherat, has been meeting. were such a success visitors came back to offering workshops in Sweden and Submitted by: Ingemar Svala, buy dozens to bring home. After hours of Norway since 2006. Starting in 2010, she SACC-Ohio member hard work by Berit and Ingrid, Caroline is the sole licensed practitioner of Anti- NASA GLENN INFO Simpson and Paula Wallin-Eddy relieved gymnastique in the US. Björnsdotter has a NASA Glenn operates and maintains them due to the heavy stream of customers. background in theater and has studied with several wind tunnels in accordance with Once again we decided to share our cel- the Gestalt Institute of Scandinavia. its commitment to researching innovative ebration of Lucia in the cultural presenta- Workshops will be given in NYC propulsion technologies and flight safety. tion. Mary Grace Wajda walked through and LA. If you are interested in requesting Spanning the operating speed up to Mach the crowd with a white Lucia gown, red a workshop in your area, or for 7, the wind tunnels offer unique aerody- ribbon around her waist and candles in her further info, please contact pernilla.bjorns- namic and propulsion test capabilities to hair. Behind her followed the Lucia maid- [email protected] support very diverse needs. The wind tun- ens while the song “Sankta Lucia” was playing. When the girls had reached the Testimonial! nels have developed the capabilities, sys- tems, and expertise to execute tests in stage Caroline Simpson held a fascinating “As a singer I was amazed how these areas such as basic flow physics, icing speech about the history of our celebration. gentle exercises could improve my voice, protection systems, large- and full-scale In the craft area Alan, chairman of the help me release tensions and remove trau- component research and development, lodge, and Virginia Anderson, made a matic memories stored in the muscles. I acoustics, aerodynamic force and moment, wonderful display of Swedish decorations, also experience a long lasting effect of short takeoff and vertical landing, space candy like Swedish fish and Dajm, hand improved posture and understanding of the launch vehicles, propulsion systems (live made walking sticks, dolls, shirts, bags, body. Pernilla is a warm and very lovable burning), and nontraditional wind tunnel “dala” horses, hats, magnets, buttons, AG coach that I highly recommend!” activities. These tests have been efficiently kitchen towels, and of course our district AK von Malmborg Singer, Stockholm. and effectively conducted for NASA, other lodge cook book. The Swedish decorations Submitted by: Pernilla Björnsdotter Government agencies, academia and com- and the candy were two of the top sellers. Ackerman Continued on page 26

Vasa Star May-June 2010 Page 25 reflecting their values and continuing investment in their Swedish heritage. IN MEMORY OF She is survived by husband Ernie Sandquist, five children, Linda Magley, Ann Sandquist infants in their homes. She met Ernie Scottsdale, AZ, Anita Sturm and Kurt Sandquist in an elevator in Chicago in Sandquist of Rockford, IL, Erik and John 1951. They married 9 May 1953, at First Sandquist of New Lisbon, WI; “barnbar- Lutheran Church, Moline, IL. She was a nen,” April Birgitta (Chris) Jones, member of Brahe Lodge, Rockford, IL, Tucson, AZ, Karl, Mary and Jacob Sturm and led the Rocklyn Children’s Club for of Rockford, IL. many years, she showed me the way, as I Submitted by: Linda Sandquist lead the club later, in the late 1970’s early Magley, Scottsdale, AZ 1980’s. Mom loved to sing, and loved to teach Festival of Nations children to sing Swedish songs. She had Continued from page 25 the best accompaniment with my Dad, Ernie, playing the accordion! Miss Sweden was the beautiful Mary Ann also served as President of the Grace Wajda. She wore a traditional Svenska Kultur Förbundet, Rockford, and Swedish dress that Heidi Kietzman provid- was a member of Svithoid and Syjunta in ed. Mary Grace is 15 years old and had Rockford. never been involved in an event like this Ann, Mary Sturm (granddaughter), and Ernie The thirty years she spent in their before. She did an amazing job and she Sandquist. home on East Gate Parkway is reflecting said she would do it again. Thank you Ann’s love of nature and her flower gar- Mary Grace! Ann Sandquist, died peacefully in her dens. She enjoyed playing the piano and Anders Fältskog our wonderful chef home, 2 Mars 2010, (Pappa’s Namn’s singing in the Tabor Lutheran Church and wise co-chairman in our lodge is also Dag) in Rockford, IL. A Memorial choir, and teaching music for Vacation the Miss Festival of Nations Committee Service was held at Tabor Lutheran Bible School. Ann and Ernie volunteered Chairperson. Church, 13 March, singing “Tryggare their time bringing Swedish music to Submitted by: Paula Wallin-Eddy, Kan Ingen Vara,” and “O Store Gud.” local care centers and church gatherings, Tegnér Lodge #109 Solo by Joanne Johnson Blaser “Mor Lilla Mor” (daughter of Ingrid Nelson Johnson-Elvira Lodge, Rockford). After Church we met for coffee at Stockholm Inn, just down the hill. Dad Translation Services - Översättningstjänster plays accordion there every Friday evening. The big banquet hall, was full of Swedish to English - Svenska till engelska photos, flowers and balloons of yellow and blue. Brother Erik Sandquist cap- tured the room with the cowbell, Mom Correspondence, certificates, etc. - Brevväxling, intyg, osv. would call us in for dinner from the park, First hour free for Vasa members - Första timmen and a heartfelt history of Mom’s life. Ruth Ann-Marie Olson, born 9 April, gratis för Vasamedlemmar 1931, in Moline, IL, she was the daughter Rates negotiable - Priser förhandlingsbara of Olof Herman and Edith (Schedin) Olson, who came from Moliden, near Örnsköldsvik, Ångermanland, Sweden, “Morfar” came to Moline to work at John Please contact: - Var god kontakta: Deere Tractor, in 1927. He sent for his wife and son Henning in 1929. Mom was Cindy Coan born in 1931, the first born in Amerika. [email protected] She always said she was the most expen- sive person in her house, she was born in http://www.indexingbythebook.com the hospital and cost $100. She had a PO 12513, Tucson, AZ 85732-2513, USA younger brother, Bertil, both brothers predeceased. Tel. (520) 750-8439 Ann was active in the Nobel Lodge, as a child in the “Barnklubb,” her great uncle Gust Norman helped form that Lodge. She graduated from Moline High Translating Service: Spanish & Swedish to English School in 1949, she graduated Augustana School of Nursing in Chicago, IL, and INDEXING “BY THE BOOK” became a pediatric nurse, caring for

Page 26 Vasa Star May-June 2010 ILLINOIS SUZANNE JOY JOHNSON, 45, a devoted educa- ELEANOR M. EKSTROM, 95, passed away on tor of Laurel, MD, died May 27, 2009. She was July 23, 2009, in Valley Springs, CA. She was born born April 19, 1964, in St. Charles, IL. Suzi was In Memoriam October 25, 1913. She was a 41-year member of initiated into Drott Lodge #168, PA District #9, in Till minne av hädangångna Viljan Lodge #349, Batavia, IL, having joined in December 2007. She is survived by her mother, 2 ordenssyskon genom vilkas 1969. While living in Illinois, she made many brothers, a sister, a sister-in-law, 6 nieces and bortgång syskonkretsen gjort afghans and quilts to be used as raffle drawings. She nephews and 2 great-aunts. Five family members en kännbar förlust is survived by her daughter and grandson. are also members of Drott Lodge #168. In memory of our departed DIANE KAMMES, 73, passed away March 8, ROBERT A. NELSON, of Springfield, VA, was members who will be 2010, in West Chicago, IL. She was born May 17, born in East Bridgewater, Ma, on January 13, 1920, sorely missed 1936, in Oak Park, IL. She joined Viljan Lodge and died March 10, 2009. Bob and his widow, Irene #349 of Batavia, IL, in October 2000, after retiring Rauha Palonen Nelson, joined Drott Lodge #168, as a beloved kindergarten teacher. She is survived PA District #9, in November 1981. Bob is consid- ered the “father” of Amtrak’s Metroliner. Other sur- CALIFORNIA by her son, Lance, and 3 grandchildren. vivors include a daughter, son, and 3 grandchildren. MIRIAM CAROLYN BERNDES passed away on NEW YORK February 6, 2010, with her daughter by her side. MARIANNE SENESE, 65, died peacefully on ALICE (NEE LINDBLAD) THIEE, 89, born Miriam was born August 8, 1915, in Brooklyn, NY, Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at the Glens Falls June 12, 1920 in Brownsburg, PA, died March 17, and enjoyed 94 active years of life. Miriam was pre- Hospital after a long battle with cancer. Formerly of 2010, in Philadelphia, PA. She joined Oscars Borg ceded in death by her husband, Earl, after almost 60 Glen Lake, she was a resident of Lake George, NY. Lodge #172, Philadelphia, PA, on May 10, 1968. In years of marriage and her daughter, Phyllis, who Marianne Ingrid Nyström was born on May 1, 1944, addition to Vasa, Alice was an active and enthusias- passed away this year in Denmark. Miriam was in Eskilstuna, Sweden to Ingrid (Aberg) and Rune tic Auxiliary member of the American Swedish very active in Pasadena activities as a member of Nyström. In 1953 her family moved to Karlskoga, Historical Museum in Philadelphia. She was a faith- the Eastern Star, Daughters of the Nile, Skandia Sweden, where she attended schools until moving to ful member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Women’s Club, the Women’s Civic League, an the United States in December, 1964. On July 19, Christian Endeavor, Philadelphia, area Sunday PEO. She had many friends and loved to shop, 1975, she married Richard R. Senese and they School Superintendents Association, American entertain and laugh. She was one of the original resided in Schenectady, N.Y. Ms Senese was a Legion Auxiliary #120, Artisans Assembly NE #11, founders and board member for many years of the preschool teacher at the Center for Early Learning and Order of the Eastern Star, Cigna Chapter. Foothill Vocational Opportunities and was very in Glens Falls. At the time of her death she was Alice’s professional career included over 30 years proud of her efforts in helping VOA raise funds. A employed by the Sagamore Hotel as a hostess in the service in the insurance business. She is survived by memorial service was conducted at Miriam’s recep- Trillium Bistro. She was an active, and enthusiastic, her husband, Charles M. Thiee, also a Vasa mem- tion for Miriam’s daughter, Phyllis Dahl, who member of VASA Order of America, Local Lodge ber, her brother and sister-in-law, George and Ruth passed away October, 2009. This is the service that Tegner 109 in Scotia, NY. Ms Senese survived can- Lindblad, nephews Raymond and Harold Lindblad, was to be at Skandia Lodge last November business cer for several years, enduring every possible and several great-nieces and nephews. She was pre- meeting; however, Miriam fell and broke her hip chemotherapy local doctors had knowledge of yet, ceded in death by her brother, Harold Lindblad. the day before the meeting and was not able to and still, in spite of the debilitating effects of these Alice will be sorely missed by her husband and return to Pasadena after that. treatments, she maintained her poise, remaining family, and by her many dear friends. Sov i ro. spirited and optimistic, presenting a cheerful BETTY J. RYDEEN, 90, passed away in demeanor, always with a smile. Ms Senese is sur- TEXAS Westchester, CA, on February 23, 2010. She was vived by her son, Richard R. Senese Jr.; her ex-hus- SUSIE LOVEN passed away February 21, 2010, born on September 3, 1919, in Ellensborg, WA, and band, Richard R. Senese Sr.; a sister, Birgitta after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer’s. Born joined Mayflower Lodge #445 on July 2, 1987. She Hillström and her husband, Kennert, of Mölnlycke, December 16, 1917, in Cliffton, TX, she was a received her Life Membership in 2008. Sweden; a brother, Kjell Nyström and his wife, charter member of Oak Cliff Lutheran Church Cathrin, of Karlskoga; and many nieces and where she met and married her husband of 53 years, GLORIA WENNERSTRAND, 68, passed away nephews. Lloyd Loven. Always enthusiastic about her on February 12, 2010. She was born January 2, Scandinavian heritage, she was a charter member of 1942, in New Kensington, PA, and joined PENNSYLVANIA the Norwegian Society of Texas, a dancer in the Mayflower Lodge #445 on January 4, 1996. ALPHID LARSON GLATZERT, died on Leikarringen, and a member of the Carl XVI Gustaf Lodge #716. GEORGIA February 27, 2009, at the age of 104. Alphid lived in Camp Hill, PA, and became a member of Drott EDWARD "ED" C. CARLSON, 94, of Decatur, Lodge #168, PA District #8, in January 2000, when CANADA GA, member of Nordic Lodge #708, Atlanta, GA, Trillingen Lodge #332 merged with Drott. She is STANLEY BRUCE WENNBERG passed away passed away on February 28 after a long, full life. survived by 2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 10 great- on January 14, 2010, at Nanaimo, BC, Canada. He Ed was born on August 20, 1915 in St. Paul, MN, grandchildren, and 3 great-great-grandchildren. was born October 11, 1933, and was initiated into and grew up in Stillwater on the banks of the St. Strindberg Lodge #259, Winnipeg, on February 18, Croix River. He was preceded in death by his par- FLORENCE HARRIET HAASE, 88, of 2001. He served as Chairman until ill health forced ents, John and Hilda, older brother Bill and younger Landsdowne, VA, died October 5, 2009. She was him to move to Nanaimo, BC. sisters Margaret and Marion. He is much loved and born May 11, 1912, in New York, NY, and was ini- survived by his wife Dottie, daughters Karen and tiated into Drott Lodge #168, PA District #9, on Tina, grandchildren Loren and Kristin, 3 nephews September 10, 1976. She is survived by husband and 5 nieces. Ed graduated from University of Harry Wilbur Haase of Landdowne, 2 daughters, 1 Minnesota with a BS in Forestry & Economic son and 5 grandchildren. Harry Haase is also a Zoology and received honors in graduate studies. member of Drott Lodge #168. MEMORIAL NOTICES He served in the 20th Weather Squadron in the U.S. should be mailed with check or money Army Air Corps during WWII in the Philippines GLADYS SELLER HEDSTROM, 89, of Omaha, order to: Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry and Japan. A lifelong outdoorsman, Ed retired as NE, died January 5, 2009. Survivors include her Drive, Mentor, OH 44060. The fee is $8.00 the Southeastern Regional Director of the U.S. Fish husband of 62 years, Axel Bernard Hedstrom, and 4 for 1 column inch. Longer obituaries & Wildlife Service after a 34-year career, and con- children. Gladys was born in Deadwood, SD, and will be charged a flat rate of $25.00. All sulted with the state of Georgia for many years became a memner of Drott Lodge #168, PA District notices MUST be typed and WRITTEN in after. #9, in 1984. Husband Bernie is also a Drott Lodge a format similar to those in this column. member. Gladys’ passion was genealogy. Other NO newspaper clippings. interests included reading and cooking. Välj. Gotoflysas.com/usforgreat No one flies nonstop from the US to Scandinavia more often dealstoScandinaviaandFinland. than we do. By the way, “Välj” means choose in Swedish. As in, sometimes you need the highest level of flexibility and comfort, other times a low price. That’s why SAS offers Business, Economy Extra and Economy – it’s your choice!

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