July - August 2006

JULY - AUGUST 2006

Official publication of THE VASA ORDER OF AMERICA A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization Organized September 18, 1896 The Grand Master’s Message

Rolf Bergman

Vasa Brothers and Sisters! anniversaries of 50, 55, 60, etc., so that I may participate in It is with great pleasure and some trepidation that I the celebrations. My address information is on the facing address you for the first time as Grand Master of the Vasa page; email contact is preferred, if possible. Order. Over the next four years it is my sincere desire that A motto I would propose for use for my term is we can together address the important issues facing our “Tradition, with Vision.” In later messages I will expand Order, the foremost being membership retention and on this idea. Further at the Convention in San Diego we recruitment. I hope you will take the time to dialogue with adopted a mission statement for the Order; “As the world me and the Executive Board, either through personal com- continues to shrink, it becomes ever more important munications or via letters to the Editor. I want to know that we promote, preserve, and celebrate our Swedish what you think about Vasa so that together we can find heritage and fellowship in all our cultural, educational, ways to celebrate our unique fellowship and heritage. As and social endeavors.” Grand Master I see my job as a servant of the VOA and, Vasa needs your help in carrying out our vision and mis- with God’s help, hope to carry out that service with whatev- sion! Can we count on you? er strength and ability are given me. A sincere Thank You to PGM Ulf Brynjestad and the Vasa Syskon! District Lodge Pacific Southwest No. 15 Convention Det är med stor glädje och viss oro som jag skriver till Er Committee, chaired by Daga-Karin Lindquist, for a well för första gången som Stormästare av Vasa Orden. Under organized and run 36th GL Convention, especially the won- min tjänsteperiod är det min önskan att vi tillsammans kan derful arrangements in San Diego. The weather was, of hantera de viktiga frågor vi står inför, inte minst frågan om course, beautiful with warm sunny days to enjoy the daz- hur man behåller nuvarande medlemmar och samtidigt zling array of flowers and scenery at the Town & Country skaffar nya medlemmar till vår Orden. Jag hoppas att Ni Hotel. Marty and I spent twelve wonderful days there and vill ta tid för dialog med mig eller Exekutiva Rådets enjoyed ourselves immensely. medlemmar, genom brev eller epost till mig eller till It is my pleasure to welcome and congratulate the new Redaktören, om dessa eller andra frågor. Jag vill gärna höra members of the Grand Lodge Executive Board; Pam Era tankar om Vasa så att vi tillsammans kan finna vägar att Genelli Ð Eastern Region, Jake Gruel Ð Midwest Region, säkerställa vår gemenskap och vårt unika arv för framtiden. Tore Kellgren Ð Western Region, Tore Tellberg Ð Sweden, Som Stormästare ser jag min uppgift att vara Ordens tjänare Ken Banks Ð Canada and Bertil Ericsson Ð At Large. It is och med Guds hjälp hoppas jag på tillräcklig kraft och also my special pleasure to welcome Joan Graham as the begåvning. new Grand Secretary. The secretary has the most difficult Jag vill påminna Er (särskilt LL sekreterare) om att med- job in the Order, no matter at what level. Not only does she dela mig om 75-, 80-, 85-års födelsedagar osv samt 50-, 55, have a lot of work, she also has to put up with the GM and 60-års medlemskapsjubiléer osv så att jag kan deltaga i other EB members’ demands. I congratulate Bill Lundquist firandet. Ni finner min adress på nästa sida. as the new Vice Grand Master. I am excited about the com- Mottot för min tjänsteperiod är “Tradition with position of the board and know we will be able to work Vision.” Jag skriver mer senare om vad det betyder. På together for the good of the Order. I also congratulate PGS storlogemötet i San Diego införde vi en programförklaring Cynthia Ericson on her Honorary Life Member award. She för Orden: “Som jorden fortsätter att krympa ihop, blir is retiring after serving three GM’s as Grand Secretary; but det mer och mer viktigt att upphöja, bevara och fira not quite yet as she is still helping the board with lots of vårt Svenska arv och gemenskap i alla kulturella, details during the transition. utbildnings- och sociala strävanden.” I remind you (LL secretaries in particular) to advise me Vasa behöver Er hjälp att uppnå denna vision och fylla of any birthdays of 75, 80, 85 etc., and membership vår uppgift! Kan vi räkna med Er? THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020) THE VASA STAR JULY-AUGUST 2006 July-August 2006 Vol. 99, No. 4, Serial 846 Published by: Letter from the Editor Vasa Order of America vasaorder.com The 2006 Grand Lodge Convention in San Diego is now over. Note the changes in officer’s names and the look of The Vasa Star. Also the Lodge Address directo- HEADQUARTERS: ry is included in this issue. A report of the convention will appear in the next issue. c/o Joan Graham Grand Secretary I will continue as Editor, something I enjoy. The health issues in my family I 5838 San Jose Avenue have dealt with for a while are now a thing of the past. We were able to visit Richmond, CA 94804 Sweden for a few weeks and see family and friends. Phone: 510-526-5512 E-mail: [email protected] Back in June I had the honor of meeting Ambassador Gunnar Lund at the opening of SACC-OHIO in Cleveland, Ohio. You can read about him and some of his Grand Master: major goals as ambassador in the Please Meet section. Rolf S. Bergman 3236 Berkeley Avenue The Swedish American of the year Agneta Nilsson, founder of SWEA, Cleveland Heights, OH 44118 Swedish Women’s Educational Association, No. 47 in order, is featured in this Phone: 216-371-5141 issue. Fax: 707-598-0638 E-mail: [email protected] August and September is the time for yet another cultural culinary tradition celebrated all over Sweden, so for everybody who enjoys surströmming and crayfish Editor: Marie Carlson I would like to share a toast, “SKÅL”! 9560 Curberry Drive Marie Mentor, OH 44060 Phone: 440-255-4665 E-mail: [email protected] Circulation Manager: Brev från redaktören Cathy Anderson 6631 E. Via Algardi Storlogemötet 2006 i San Diego är nu över. Notera namnändringarna för tjän- Tucson, AZ 85718 Phone: 520-615-3113 stemän och utseendet av The Vasa Star. Addresslistan över logemedlemmar finns E-mail: [email protected] även med i denna upplaga. En rapport över Storlogemötet kommer i nästa upplaga. Membership Chairman: Jag kommer att fortsätta som Redaktör, något jag tycker är givande. Tore Kellgren Hälsoproblemen i min familj jag haft under en period ligger nu bakom oss. Vi 5971 W. Walbrook Drive San Jose, CA 95129 hade möjlighet att besöka Sverige i några veckor och träffa släkt och vänner. Phone: 408-996-1970 I juni hade jag äran att träffa Ambassadör Gunnar Lund under öppnandet av E-mail: [email protected] SACC-OHIO, (Svenska Handelskammaren) i Cleveland, Ohio, och ni kan läsa om Send bottom section of white copy of honom och några av hans viktiga mål som ambassadör i Please Meet delen. application for new members to him. Årets Svensk-Amerikan, Agneta Nilsson, SWEAs grundare, Swedish Women’s Orders for advertising should be sent to: Educational Association, nr 47 i ordningen, kan ni läsa om i denna upplaga. THE VASA STAR Augusti och September är en tid för ännu and kulturell mat tradition som firas Marie Carlson 9560 Curberry Drive över hela Sverige, så till alla som njuter av att äta surströmming och kräftor vill Mentor, OH 44060 jag utbringa en gemensam hyllning, ”SKÅL”! Phone: 440-255-4665 Marie E-mail: [email protected] New Advertising Prices: Grand Lodge Executive Board Full Page Black and White old price $300.00 new price $500.00 Back row (left to right): Tore Kellgren, GLEBM-Western Region; Bertil Ericsson, Half Page Black and White old price $175.00 new price $275.00 GLEBM-At Large; Jake Gruel, GLEBM-Midwest Region; Pam Genelli, GLEBM- Quarter Page Black and White old price $100.00 new price $150.00 Easter Region; Ken Banks, GLEBM-Canada; Tore Tellberg, GLEBM-Sweden; One Column Inch old price $20.00 new price $30.00 George Nord, PGM. Front row (left to right): C. Richard Overberg, GT; William Full & Half Page Color is available only for Lundquist, VGM; Rolf Bergman, GM; Ulf Brynjestad, Jr. PGM; Joan Graham, GS; inside back cover or back cover - contact and Helen Mingram, VGS. the editor for prices. 10% discount for Vasa Lodges and Members

THE VASA STAR (ISSN 0746-0627) is Deadlines for The Vasa Star: published bi-monthly by the Vasa Order of America. Periodicals postage Jan./Feb. is Dec. 1st July/Aug. is June 1st paid at Oro Valley, AZ and additional March/April is Feb. 1st Sept./Oct. is Aug. 1st entries. May/June is April 1st Nov./Dec. is Oct. 1st POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Vasa Star, P.O. Box 69997, Oro Deadline for Christmas ads: October 1st Valley, AZ 85750-6382.

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 3 ARCHIVES NEWS TABLE OF CONTENTS The Grand Master’s Message Letter From The Editor (SWE and ENG) Archives News Swedish Lessons About Our Organization Swedish-American of The Year Grand Lodge News 2005 Grand Lodge Membership Campaign Results Membership Campaign ’06 District Lodge News DL Minnesota #7 DL Golden Gate #12 DL Arizona #21 News from Lodges Nobel Liljan Lodge #64 Göta Lejon Lodge #84 Freja Lodge #100 Thule Lodge #127 Tegnér Lodge #149 Norden Lodge #233 Svea Lodge #253 Svea Lodge #296 Skånska Husarsextetten Linde Lodge #492 Hope Lodge #503 Connections! What wonderful things of Bishop Hill’s historic district, it is only Bishop Hill Lodge #683 they are. New opportunities, meeting new natural that we encourage visiting groups, Norden Lodge #684 people, making long lasting friendships, whether Vasa or not, to meet at the Baltic Lodge #689 travel; the list is endless how one can Archives. Vasa members usually know Tuscon Lodge #691 benefit from connections. what we have and non-Vasa members Vinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703 Such was the case when one person in will be briefed about our organization Valhalla Lodge #715 Sierra Kronan Lodge #737 Sweden, Lars-Olof Strufve, not a member and all will be given tours, if they so Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760 of Vasa, was asked by Vasa lodges in wish. Swedish News southern Sweden to be a guest speaker at Information about lodges in their indi- Logen Mälardrottningen Nr 563 some of their events. Besides his speak- vidual areas is offered, if the interest is Logen Enköping Nr 646 ing engagements, he is also involved with there. We are always optimistic that new Logen Sundsvall Nr 705 och Logen Härnösand a group called Skånska Husarsextetten in Vasa members will be added to our mem- Nr 673 Höganäs. This is a fine group of six men bership roster. Logen Knallen Nr 745 playing brass instrument (plus one drum- We are pleased to be able to host any Logen Bråviken Nr 751 mer) dressed in early military uniforms. group coming to Bishop Hill and of Youth News Although Lars-Olof does not play with course the Archives. Our building allows Allison Gawlinski the group, he manages the many tours the our guests to rest in comfort while tour- Welcome To New Members group has taken and will take. ing the town. There is a misconception Please Meet During his speaking tours he spoke that only Vasa members can visit the Ambassador Gunnar Lund Florence Granberg with some Vasa members who suggested Archives. Not so, we welcome everyone In Memory of that the group tour the USA. Connections and everyone is treated in a welcoming Ingrid Elizabeth Lindberg were made and the rest is history. The manner. So plan to visit and bring your Karl Johansson group toured and gave concerts in family and friends. Orville Johnson Chicago, Bishop Hill and Rockford in We can be reached at Vasa Archives, Tim Malm Illinois and Madison and Milwaukee in PO Box 101, Bishop Hill IL 61419, tele- The American Dream Wisconsin. All hosted by Vasa lodges in phone/FAX: 309-927-3898 and a NEW Culture those cities. E-MAIL: [email protected]. Amerika Pära (SWE and ENG) Since the Vasa Archive is in the heart Submitted by: R&L Horngren Kokta Kringlor (SWE and ENG) An American Success Story Happenings Santa Cruz Midsummer Festival Midsummer Festival IMPORTANT! District #9, Pennsylvania Immediate Changes Family Wedding Lillemor and Richard Horngren at the Vasa Archives Vasa Tidbits Inspiration new e-mail: [email protected] Smörgåstårta

Page 4 Vasa Star July-August 2006 Swedish Language Lessons by Lillemor and Richard Horngren LEARNING SWEDISH Ð LESSON 1

After a long absence and after receiving many requests, we We have given you the approximate sounds that will give you have now decided to resume the Swedish language lessons in some help in reading the Swedish words. the Vasa Star. Marie Carlson, the editor of the Vasa Star, has The letters G and K have soft and hard values and we will agreed to make room for the lessons. We really appreciate that. cover them in a future chapter. When we first started the lessons, they appeared in the When we have enough lessons to fill a cassette tape we will February 1985 issue of the Vasa Star and they continued in record the Swedish portions and make it available to those every issue until we stopped four years ago. We enjoyed work- interested. ing on and presenting these lessons for our members. It was Here are some easy phrases you can use every day: very gratifying hearing from many of you how these lessons Hej Hi were used in so many different ways. Our favorite way was Hur mår du? How are you? when these lessons were used during “pratstund” (chat) ses- Jag mår bra I am fine (I feel fine) sions just before a lodge meeting. Tack Thanks Once we start with the actual lessons we will use the same Tack så mycket Thank you very much format as before with Nya Ord - New Words, a story, first in Talar du engelska? Do you speak English? Swedish and then in English. We may also incorporate the Talar du svenska? Do you speak Swedish? actual lessons used before with some changes. We will, at times, try to introduce some grammar but these There are several ways to say good-bye in Swedish here are lessons should not be complicated. We aim to make learning some of them: easy and fun. Hej då Bye then Swedish is a Germanic language, as is English, German, Hej hej Bye bye Dutch and the other Scandinavian languages so you will find A(d)jö Goodbye many familiar words in our lessons. Vi ses We’ll be seeing you

THE SWEDISH ALPHABET There you have it, the first lesson of many we will feature in Swedish has the same letters as English plus three more the Vasa Star. vowels. These vowels are found at the end of the alphabet and We are hoping you will enjoy them and that they will be also in dictionaries, telephone books and other lists. Most con- useful in your effort to learn Swedish. We want you to remem- sonants sound like their English equivalent, as do many vowels. ber that learning should be fun and also remember that we have However, Swedish does have several vowel sounds, which must to learn as a child learns, from babyhood on…one or two be learned. Swedish is generally spoken as it is spelled but there words at a time. are exceptions which we will cover as we go along. Good Luck Ð Lycka till!!! Swedish vowels are generally long but are short when followed by two consonants in the same syllable. This will be explained in another chapter. Remind yourself that you are learning to speak Swedish. In our experience teaching Swedish, we have had students trying AUDIO-VISUAL Swedish words with German or French accents. A as in car O as in brood DIRECTOR (New) B bay P pay C say Q ku Todd Anderson D day R air E eh S ess F eff T tay 383 Middlebrook Way G gay U as in truth Rohnert Park, CA, 94928 H as in hold V vay Phone: (707) 664-9688 I ee W dubbelt vay J yee X eks E-mail: [email protected] K kå Y say oo and ee together The Vasa website at www.vasaorder.com contains a L ell Z sehta Mem Å oh “materials button” which has the listing of audio N en Ä aih visual materials available. Ö as in bird These are not the exact sounds of the Swedish alphabet. If you are unable to use the Vasa website, you can This can only be accomplished by listening to a native speaker. still ask that a listing be sent to you by mail.

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 5 ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Vasa Order of America began more than a century ago including Smorgasbord and Scandinavian music. While much as a benefit fraternal society for Swedish immigrants to the of our activity occurs during the summer season, in mid- United States. Membership at the time was limited to Swedish December it is hard to find a Vasa Lodge where Luciafest is born men who through the Vasa Order met others who needed not observed. to learn the new language and ways of the new country. A bene- Many lodges and districts sponsor Language classes as well fit fund provided a small income to members during sickness, as Children’s clubs in which Folk Dances are learned and per- and a death benefit at the time would cover final expenses. The formed in authentic costume. Whenever we can, we take part in Order is named for Gustav Vasa, who liberated the country in programs where our rich heritage may be shared with the pub- the 16th century and became the first King of modern Sweden. lic. The name of Vasa reflects the Order’s roots as a Swedish There are over two hundred lodges in the Vasa Order, gov- American Fraternal Organization. erned by 19 District lodges in the United States, Sweden and Over the past decades, many things have changed, and the Canada. Vasa Order has grown to meet the new needs of the You become a member of the Vasa Order by being initiated Scandinavian American community. Where in the past, mem- in person into a local lodge. bers looked to Vasa to help them learn the ways of the new country and provide them a means to share problems and solu- tions with their countrymen, today Vasa provides members a means to share their rich heritage with fellow Americans, and helps them to learn or remember the meaningful ways and values of the "Old Country." Swedish in origin, the Vasa Order welcomes men and woman over 14 years of age who are interested in celebrating elements of Swedish or other Nordic heritage. We do this by encouraging the observance of special dates old and new, such as Midsummer, Leif Ericksson Day, etc. with proper festivities

Arts and Crafts Music & Dancing Hay Rides Scandinavian Vendors Scandinavian Foods Kubb Game 5th Annual Viking Historical Speakers Viking Skill Games for Irish Step Dancers Kids SCANDINAVIAN Archery Demonstrations Moon Walk Bag Pipers HERITAGE FESTIVAL

The Vasa Order of America, District #6 A Celebration of Scandinavian Culture Proudly Presents the 8th Representing Scandinavian Organizations Denmark * Iceland * Finland * Norway * Sweden Leif Erikson Festival Daily Programs, Events, Sales and Demonstrations Scandinavian Music, Food, Arts and Crafts Celebrating the Millennium Anniversary of Leif Erikson’s Raffle Prizes Discovery of North America Grand Prize: 2 Round Trip Tickets to Scandinavia Saturday, September 30th, 2006 (certain restrictions apply) Donated by: Festival begins at 10 AM at VASA Park Scandinavian Airlines and Scandinavian Heritage Festival Viking Dance to follow Festival in early evening Admission: $8.00 for Adults Ð Children 12 and under FREE October 6th – 8th, 2006 Entertainment during the Festival provided by The Friday – Sunday 11:00am – 7:00pm Scandinavian Accordion Club of NY, The Viking Ship Admission: $6 Friday – Sunday to all events, Norseman, Ostvik Vikings, Viking Battle Children 5 and under Free Re-enactments and many other participants. Free Parking in Gold lot across from main entrance, RV Parking Available For more information, call (732) 388-3329 Pavilion Hall - Western Washington Fairgrounds www.vasaparknj.com Puyallup, Washington 425-881-1544 or e-mail [email protected] www.oktoberfestnw.com

Page 6 Vasa Star July-August 2006 SWEDISH-AMERICAN OF THE YEAR AGNETA NILSSON Årets Svensk-Amerikan 2006

De båda svenska Distriktslogerna The two Swedish district lodges of the Vasa Order of av Vasa Orden av Amerika har utsett America has named Agneta Nilsson, Manhattan Beach, Agneta Nilsson, Manhattan Beach, California to be the Swedish American of the year 2006, the Kalifornien, till Årets Svensk- 47th person to be named for this honour. Amerikan 2006, den 47:e i ordningen. Agneta Nilsson was born in Stockholm and had a wish to Agneta Nilsson föddes i Stockholm come to the US early on. In the beginning of the 60’s she went och hade tidigt en önskan att komma there as a participant in “The Experiment in International till USA. I början av 60-talet for hon Living.” dit som deltagare i “The Experiment in International Living,” She became a tour guide at the UN, but wanted to see more hon blev guide på FN, hon ville se mer av det stora landet och of the big country and travelled with some friends to California. for med några vänner till Kalifornien. Där arbetade hon på en There she worked in a Scandinavian restaurant, sewed and sold skandinavisk restaurang, hon sydde och sålde bikinis (ett plagg bikinis (a garment that at the time was strictly forbidden on the som då var absolut förbjudet på badstränderna) och mycket, beach) and much, much more. mycket mer. Sedan hon gift sig med SAS-chefen i Los Angeles, After she married the president of SAS in Los Angeles, Gunnar Nilsson, och flyttat till denna stad började hon intressera Gunnar Nilsson, and moved there, she became interested in sig för bärnsten och har sedan många år eget företag med bärn- amber and has since many years her own company of amber stensprodukter. products. Men det som har gjort Agneta Nilsson känd över hela But the thing that made her famous worldwide is SWEA, världen är SWEA, Swedish Womens Educational Association. The Swedish Women’s Education Association. She got the idea Idén fick hon i samband med en julbasar för svenska vänner for it at a Christmas bazaar for Swedish friends in 1979. 1979. Inte många organisationer har haft en sådan utveckling Few organizations have had the rapid development of som SWEA. Idag har man ca 8.200 medlemmar i 78 SWEA. Today there are 8200 members in 78 local chapters in lokalföreningar i 35 länder på fem kontinenter. 35 countries on 5 continents. SWEAs syfte är att värna om det svenska språket, stödja och SWEA’s purpose is to promote and safeguard the Swedish sprida kännedom om svensk kultur och svenska traditioner, language, support and promote the knowledge of Swedish cul- förmedla personliga och professionella kontakter, samt att ture and traditions, encourage personal and professional con- etablera ett nätverk Sweor emellan över hela världen. tacts and build a network of SWEA’s around the world. Några exempel på utmärkelser Agneta Nilsson erhållit för Some examples of honours that Agneta Nilsson has received sin gärning: for her work are: • 1995 utsågs hon till “Årets Svensk i världen.” • 1995 “Swede of the world” ¥ Hon har belönats med 2 kungamedaljer för insatsen med ¥ 2 royal awards for her work with SWEA SWEA. ¥ 2005 “The Great Swedish Heritage Award” by the ¥ 2005 erhöll hon The Swedish Council of America Swedish council of America utmärkelse “The Great Swedish Heritage Award for Agneta Nilsson will travel to Sweden with our sponsor “SAS 2005.” Scandinavian AB, Sweden” to be present at the Swedish- Agneta Nilsson kommer att resa till Sverige med vår sponsor American of the year celebrations in Stockholm and Växjö, SAS Scandinavian AB Sverige, för att närvara vid de sven- beginning on Aug 6. skamerikanska firandena i Stockholm och Växjö med början The Vasa Order of America has since 1960 named a den 6 augusti. Swedish-American of the year to honour our emigrants for their Vasa Orden av Amerika har sedan 1960 utnämnt en Årets work in America. Svensk-Amerikan för att hedra våra emigranter för deras The Swedish-American of the year has to have either been insatser i Amerika. Årets Svensk-Amerikan har antingen varit engaged in Swedish-American cultural exchange or have made engagerad i svenskamerikanska kulturutbyten eller gjort en an outstanding career in the American business or professional enastående karriär i det amerikanska samhället. Bland tidigare world. mottagare av denna hederstitel märks nobelpristagaren i kemi Among previous recipients of the award are: 1951, Dr Glenn T. Seaborg, astronauten Edwin Aldrin, skåde- Dr. Glenn Seaborg - Nobel prizewinner chemistry 1951, spelerskan Signe Hasso, ordföranden i USA:s högsta domstol Edwin Aldrin - astronaut, Signe Hasso - actress, William T William H. Rehnquist samt Marilyn Carlson Nelson, VD för Renquist, supreme court justice, and Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Carlson Companies Inc. president of the Carlson Companies Inc. Mer information om Årets Svensk-Amerikan kan fås av: More information about the Swedish-American of the year Ordföranden i kommittén för Årets Svensk-Amerikan, Bertil can be had from the chairman of the committee: Bertil Ericsson, Ericsson, tel 0457-245 42 phone 46-457-24542 or Catherine Bringselius Nilsson, phone: eller Catherine Bringselius Nilsson tel 0470-285 88. 46-470-28588. Vasa Orden av Amerika: http://www.vasaorder.com/, http://www.vasaorden.se/ SWEA: http://www.swea.org/

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 7 GRAND LODGE NEWS Campaign Results Membership 2006 – Membership 2005 – A Campaign for Vasa A Campaign It is time for action! The Vasa Order of America is a treasure-trove of Swedish tra- for Vasa dition and heritage. Celebrate your wonderful heritage by sharing it with your fellow This year five District Lodges did not Scandinavians. Help your children and grandchildren learn WHO they are. submit their reports in time to be consid- Participate in wholesome activities with your family. It took generations to build the ered for the membership awards. There Vasa Order of America, but could disappear if we neglect it. Each year, we are losing well could have been others who had more members than we are taking in. We are in danger of disappearing Ð we must greater numbers, but unfortunately, their take action now! reports were not submitted by the dead- Once again, the Grand Lodge is sponsoring the Membership 2006 Ð A Campaign line. for Vasa with special awards for the annual Membership Campaign. To help you The Vasa Order experienced a very attract new members, the Grand Lodge is producing a new four-color brochure for deep decline during 2005. Of the fourteen your use. Order a supply (free) from Vice Grand Secretary Helen Mingram, 6752 districts reporting there were only two Harrisburg Place, Stockton, CA 95207, and then hand them out to prospective mem- districts that show any gain. The rest had bers at street fairs, festivals, to your friends, or even at the grocery store. no gain or lost more than they initiated. We aren’t initiating as many new mem- Calling All bers into the Order as in past years and Local Lodge Members! Local Lodge Officers! District Lodge Officers! we are not keeping our members. Of the losses experienced in 2005, 23% were $200 lost due to death, 6% transferred to other to a newly organized Children’s Club lodges, and 71% dropped their membership. $200 “Membership 2006 – A Campaign for to a newly organized Activities Club Vasa” can be an incentive for Local Lodges and District Lodges to create $200 something new in their lodges.New to a newly instituted Local Lodge Children’s Clubs! New Activities Clubs! New Local Lodges! $250, $200, $100 The Grand Lodge has available to the top three districts with the highest percentage gain a “Prospective Member Packet” $100 and a “Welcome to New Members to the member sponsoring the most New Members Packet” which can be ordered from the (with minimum five new members) Vice Grand Secretary. Order a supply $100 today. to the local lodge in each district with the most members initiated Local Lodge and District and a minimum 20% increase Secretaries: Be sure to get those Yearly $100, $75, and $50 Reports turned in by the deadline, so that to the top three local lodges with the highest percentage gain your lodges will be in the running for Results of Membership 2006 Ð A Campaign for Vasa will be announced in 2007, Cash Awards at the close of and will be based on the Yearly Reports prepared by the Local and District “Membership 2006 – A Campaign for Secretaries. Yearly Reports must be received by the Grand Secretary by March 31, Vasa”! Let’s turn this around and start an 2006. UPWARD trend! *The District and Local Lodge Membership Contest Rules are as follows: Percentage gain is determined by: total # initiated minus # lost for other reasons, divided by total membership at beginning of the year, multiplied by 100. Transfers, dual members and those lost by death are not counted. Lodges instituted are not included, nor are those due to mergers. Deadline is March 31st - District Secretaries must have their reports to the Grand Secretary to be included. –Joanie Graham, Grand Lodge Membership Chair ’02-‘06

Page 8 Vasa Star July-August 2006 DISTRICT LODGE NEWS theme chosen by District Master Birgitta DL Minnesota #7 Kellgren. Youth participated in the recep- Minnesota District #7, Vasa Order of District #7 looks forward to a very spe- tion on Friday and at the opening cere- America, held its 98th annual state con- cial celebration; in 2008 for their 100th monies. A youth was initiated as a mem- vention at the Loyal Order of Moose year. ber on the convention floor. Clubrooms in Two Harbors, MN, on Submitted by: Patricia Olson Friday evening reception-goers were April 29, 2006. The Vasa Order has entertained by the “Anti och Strolling lodges in the United States, Canada and Strings,” a group of young people ages 5 Sweden. The six Minnesota lodges are to 18 who played violins accompanied by Runeberg, Stenbock and John Morton cello, electric guitar, keyboard and per- Lodges in Minneapolis, Framat in cussion. They played and performed, Sandstone, MN, Kronan in St. Paul, and moving in choreographed formations and Gota Lejon in Two Harbors. dance steps. Preceding the general meeting a Past Opening ceremonies were emceed by District Masters’ meeting was held at GLEBM, Joan Graham, convention chair, Blackwood’s Restaurant in Two Harbors. who introduced Concord city council Delegates and members of Minnesota member and former mayor, Laura District #7 enjoyed juice, coffee and Hoffmeister. She read a Proclamation muffins before they began their business from the City of Concord that the days of meeting, which was called to order by the convention were designated “Vasa District Master Bertil Erickson. JoAnn Days” by the Concord City Council. A Thureen presented the delegates creden- flag ceremony was presented with lodge tials and Kari Dietrich was initiated as a members and an Honor Guard of children new delegate. After the District from the host lodges. Narrators for the Chaplain’s message the business meeting flag ceremony were children’s club mem- continued, with reports from the District bers Kimberly Pearson and Shelby Master, Vice District Master, Treasurer, Nordendahl. Members of the Vasa Blad Auditors, Membership and Jr. Vasa Children’s Club of Sveaborg Lodge Dancers. entertained with folk dancing. Teen Correspondence included regrets from Challena Gilbert sang two Swedish spring songs. Musicians accompanying those who were unable to attend. For Clyde Hedin, long-standing member of Gota the program were Bob Burman and Sven New Business a by-law change was pro- Lejon #251, Two Harbors, MN, and Janice posed, with the district convention being Lehman, retiring District Secretary of Chilton. changed to once every two years, a one- Minnesota #7, toast each other as Clyde cele- Todd Anderson of Petaluma’s Linnéa day convention, with the next convention brates his 86th birthday and Janice celebrates Lodge was elected and installed as the being held in April or May of 2008. After her retirement. incoming District Master for 2006-2007. the motion was made and seconded there He was presented the gavel from outgo- was some discussion, and the motion was ing District Master Birgitta Kellgren. approved by the delegates. The Executive DL Golden Gifts from the District were presented to Board made plans to meet to plan a spe- Gate #12 the outgoing District Master. cial celebration for the 100th year of Birgitta Kellgren was honored at the Saturday afternoon District Master’s Minnesota District #7. Gala receptions, a beautiful banquet, Reception that featured Scandinavian After adjournment for lunch the meet- annual elections, meeting old acquain- foods and music. Ernie Lantz on the ing continued with a lovely memorial ser- tances, making new friends, and sharing accordion, Kikki Nordin presented music vice for those members who passed away Scandinavian culture with adults and with her fiddle and Jan Nordin as vocal- in 2005. JoAnn Thureen offered a thank children were the highlights of the Vasa ist. The District Master’s family and Svea you from the District to the Gota Lejon Order of America, District Lodge Golden Lodge gave the party. Lodge #251 in Two Harbors for hosting Gate #12 convention held in Concord at In the spirit of “Youth – The Future of the convention. A standing ovation was the Crowne Plaza. Three lodges hosted Vasa” fourteen-year-old Steven Bray of given to retiring District Secretary Janice the convention: Tegner Lodge #149 of Woodside was initiated into membership Lehman for her years of experience, tire- Oakland, Framåt Lodge #405 of Berkeley of Svea Lodge, San Jose, on the floor of less work and support of Minnesota and Sveaborg Lodge #449 of Concord. the convention. District Master Birgitta District #7. District Master Birgitta Kellgren of Svea Kellgren, along with Vice District Master Lodge #348, San Jose, presided over the Conversation and fellowship followed Todd Anderson, led his initiation and business and festivities of the convention. the banquet, and a highlight of the Stephen’s father Past District Master GL Executive Board Member Joan evening was a champagne toast given by Michael Bray, participating. David Johnson of Gota Lejon to his Graham of Framåt Lodge was convention father-in-law, Clyde Hedin, who was cel- chair. ebrating his 86th birthday! Minnesota “Youth, the future of Vasa” was the Continued on page 10

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 9 DL Golden Gate #12 Continued from page 9 The annual Memorial Service on Sunday morning honored those District Golden Gate members who passed away in the past year. Readings, song and music comprised the service accompanied by the necrology, the reading of each deceased member’s name. Members of each lodge stood in silence and in honor of those whose names were read. Sixty-year membership pins were presented to Don and Lillian Stafford, members of Monitor Lodge, Sacramento. Included in the awards presented were the annual Membership Trophy to the lodge who has increased their membership the greatest. That award was presented to Sierra Kronan Lodge of Roseville. Those present to receive the award were: Joan Sherry, Scott and Kathryn Matthews, Barbara Erickson Lutz and Anne Erickson. Written by: Barbara Olson Submitted by: Tore Kellgren “Staffords:” District Master Birgitta Kellgren with Don and Lillian Stafford showing off their Photo By: Ulrika Kellgren and Tore Kellgren new 60-year pins. DL Arizona #21 Arizona District Lodge No. 21 held its banquet theme, celebrated in the Seville Jennifer Johansen, the 2006 winner, was 14th Biennial Convention in Tucson on Room with festive Viking Ship center- unable to attend. March 31, April 1 and 2, 2006 at the pieces on the tables. Entertainment was Red “Dala Häst” planters filled with Holiday Inn Palo Verde. Convention provided by soloists Stardust Johnson ivy decorated the Sunday morning buffet Chairman Joan Swenson-Hitz and and Jennifer Martinez, the “Trollungarnas breakfast, and the Memorial Service fol- Tucson Lodge 621 hosted the event. The children folk dancers” and the “Tucson lowed. Carnations were given to each Friday night Welcome Reception fea- adult folk dancers.” lodge in memory of their deceased mem- tured “smörgåstårtor” and other treats, The District Membership Award was bers. and spring decorations. won by Nordic Red Rocks Lodge 760. The District was grateful to have so A Cultural Leaders workshop was led The 2005 District Scholarship winner, many GL officers and visitors attend the by DCL LaVonne Lindall on Saturday Sophie Anderson, was introduced and Arizona Convention. morning, and an exchange of ideas told of her career and education plans. Submitted by: Jaynie Anderson and programs was attended by represen- tatives of each lodge and visiting dignitaries. The Convention was opened at 10:00 a.m. by Tucson 691 Chairman Maudine Sullivan, with Susan Nordeen narrating the flag ceremony during the national anthem. District Master Gisela Liden and Staff were introduced and the meeting was called to order. Dignitaries were recognized: GM Ulf Brynjestad, VGM Rolf Bergman, GS Cynthia Erickson, GLEBM Joan Graham, PGM Lennart Petersson, GLD AZ 21 Ruth Gregory and GLD PSW 15 Jackie Ahlen. Other special dignitaries were introduced. “The Vikings – America’s First Immigrants” was Saturday evening’s District #21 Officers

Page 10 Vasa Star July-August 2006 NEWS FROM LODGES Nobel Liljan Lodge #64 Freja Lodge #100 Brooklyn, NY White Plains, NY At the April 2006 meeting, the new officers for Lodge Nobel Liljan #64 were installed by the District Deputy, Elaine Gyllenhammer for a two-year period. Chairman - Christine Hansen, Vice Chairman - Lilyan Langfeldt, Recording Secretary - Ingrid Smith, Treasurer - Beryl Lake, Financial Secretary - Christopher Smith, Master of Ceremonies - Kathryn Hansen, Greeter - Mildred (L-R) Mary Lou Kristensen, Don Jacobson, Johansson, Chaplain - Gladys Munghall, Barbara Peterson, Alice Erhard, Sonja Trustee - Ingrid Smith. Derrien, Art Peterson, Mary Nordlund, Margaret Lindblom, District Master of George Simpson, Karen Bellows. District #4, thanked the outgoing Lodge Freja #100 of White Plains, NY Chairman, Herb Antonson, for a job well welcomed spring this year with a new slate done and congratulated and thanked of officers. At our meeting on March 11th, the incoming officers for accepting Chairman and Past Chairman, Christine Lodge Stenland #727 joined us so that we the responsibilities of their respective Hansen and Herb Antonson, cutting the cake could have a Dual Installation of officers, offices. noting the beginning of the new two-year preceded by a wonderful St. Patrick’s Day Submitted by: Elaine Gyllenhammer term. luncheon. Freja’s District Deputy Beatrice Rasmussen is a member of Stenland and Stenland’s District Deputy Barbara Göta Lejon Lodge #84 Peterson is a member of Freja, so a dual Mount Kisco, NY installation seemed appropriate. The fol- Göta Lejon is pleased to have initiated Snowberg, Recording Secretary Karen lowing officers will serve Lodge Freja for three new members since the beginning Bellows, Assistant Recording Secretary the next two years: Chairman: Karen of the year: Crystal Terhune (grand- Alice Johnson, Financial Secretary Snowberg; Vice Chairman: Jennifer daughter of Sister Greta Upham), Marisol Barbara Peterson, Treasurer Greta Dreaper; Secretary: Don Jacobson; Aarbo (wife of Brother Andy Aarbo), and Upham, Cultural Leader Anita Karlsson- Chaplain: Arthur Peterson; Financial Amy Johnson (daughter of Sister Grace Dion, Chaplain John Karlson, Master of Secretary/Treasurer: Mary Nordlund; and Brother Dennis Johnson). In addi- Ceremonies Andrew Aarbo, Assistant Master of Ceremonies: Sonia Derrien; Assistant Master of Ceremonies: Margaret tion, Brother Don Jacobson of Master of Ceremonies Ellen Osterling, Bruce; Cultural Leader: Barbara Peterson; Freja Lodge #100 became a dual member Inner Guard/Greeter Lars Osterling, Greeter: Evelyn Seastrand; Past Chairman: at our February meeting. Welcome to Historian Beverly Dyckman, Auditor George Simpson; Auditors: (Chairman) all! Chairman Andy Aarbo, Auditors Beverly Lynn Eklund, Ray Kallio, & Alice Erhard; District Deputy Mary Nordlund and Dyckman & Ralph Lindblom, Trustee Trustees: (Chairman) Don Jacobson, Mary her installing team from Lodge Freja, Chairman John Karlson, Trustees Eric Lou Kristiansen, & George Simpson. #100 installed the following officers at Holmquist & Alice Johnson, and Past Our meeting in April took place a week our February meeting — Chairman Chairman Margaret Lindblom before Easter. Following our business Dennis Johnson, Vice Chairman Karen Submitted by: Karen Snowberg meeting, members each made Påskris to enjoy during Holy Week. This was the first time many Freja members had had the opportunity to make a Påskris, and everyone dived into the project with great enthusiasm. Although they are traditionally made from birch branches, due to the lack of birch trees in our area, Vasa members have found forsythia and butterfly bush branches are more than adequate substitu- tions. Colorful feathers were attached to the branches, with some members corner- ing the market on blue and yellow feathers, for obvious reasons. We had a lot of laughs working on this project, but the Relaxing after the officer installation are - (L-R) Row 1: Karen Bellows, Dennis Johnson, results were terrific. Now if you could Karen Snowberg, Greta Upham. Row 2: Andreas Aarbo, Beverly Dyckman, Barbara Peterson, only see this picture in color! District Deputy Mary Nordlund, Ellen and Lars Osterling. Submitted by: Karen Snowberg Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 11 Thule Lodge #127 Norden Jamestown/Bemus Point, NY Lodge #233 Tacoma, WA On May 7th, 2006, our Lodge Norden #233 had a very nice potluck dinner/meeting with guests from the Swedish Order of Vahalla of Tacoma, WA, and prospective new members visiting us. We were so full we almost didn’t have room for everyone. But it was terrific and as usual the food was delicious. A very special person was acknowl- edged at this social. Our lodge presented our Vice Chair, Diana Nelson, with an Outstanding Service Award honoring her from our members for her loyal dedication for so many years. Diana started coming to Vasa since she was a baby with her parents and grandparent in the Thule Lodge #127 Degree Team. early 40s ... thru the 60s. And as time Thule Lodge #127 has had a wonder- anonymously. This followed tradition as went by, became more active in the ful spring season, leading to warm his father the late Chester Sandy also had recent years and served as our Social weather and many activities at the lodge. an egg put into his pocket without his Chair for over 6 years. She and along Our lodge chairman Robert Fuller, along knowledge each year at the same with Shirlyanne Sargent have kept our with vice chairman Don Carlson, planned festival. Historian John Sipos takes lodge membership going and Diana has for many events throughout the spring photographs. brought in over half of current member- and summer seasons. Inner guardsman Susan Sipos is in ship and is still bringing in new members. A cleaning day was scheduled in early charge of monthly drawings and outer She was totally surprised and we were spring to move out the “winter” guardsman Gene Diamond is in charge of delighted to give it to her. She is current- cobwebs. This led to the spring meeting drawings. Diane Shaw serves ly undergoing intensive cancer treatments pancake breakfast, and the annual as the chaplain. but hopefully will be with us a lot longer. Swedish meatball dinner, enjoyed by The annual Memorial Service was She is a great asset to Vasa and so proud many. held at the lodge, led by chairman Fuller of being a part of the Swedish heritage. Lodge meetings were changed to and vice chairman Carlson. Joel Marsh Her mother is 84 and she cares for her Thursday evenings, and the annual “egg sang hymns, with Lucile ringing a tone and 2 dogs and cats as well. You would sexa” was held with a big variety of after each name was announced. Family not believe all that she does for us and Swedish foods. Thanks to Betty Lawson, members were invited to attend the others as well. A very well deserved Fanchon Fuller, Allie Nelson Withers and service. award to a very special lady. Ted Jackson for setting up a wonderful If you are in our area, we would be Submitted by: Officers of Lodge variety of food. Member Don Sandy had happy to visit with you, “God dag” to all! Norden #233 a hard boiled egg dropped into his pocket Submitted by: John Sipos Tegnér Lodge #149 Oakland, CA The members of Tegnér Lodge #149, At our April meeting Laura Oakland, CA, celebrated Glad Påsk at Nordendahl and Marie-Ann Hill were their March meeting. After a delicious elected as delegates to the Northern pea soup/oven pancake, etc. supper, two California Vasa Order District #12 little witches, Shelby Nordendahl and Convention in Concord, CA, in April. Ann-Marie Ross, and Ingrid Anderson, Tegnér is helping to host the convention Marie-Ann Hill, Elsy Mattsson, and with Framåt and Sveaborg lodges. Laura Nordendahl entertained us with a Members brought items to our meeting to reading of Shelby’s original story about be put in gift baskets which were to be Easter witches and by singing Swedish raffled off at the convention. Laura was children’s songs such as “Blinka, blinka able to make up seven baskets as part of stjärna där,” “Bä Bä vita lamm,” and Tegnér’s contribution toward convention “Blåsippor.” A short business meeting expenses. On May 7th 2006 Norden Lodge #233 pre- was then held. Submitted by: Ann Tennis sented Vice-Chair Diana Nelson an Outstanding Honorary Achievements Award.

Page 12 Vasa Star July-August 2006 In 1903 Marta Palme finished design- addition, a couple of the members brought Svea Lodge #253 ing the costume she envisioned as repre- their vintage Volvos to be shown. Carmel, IN senting all of Sweden. We celebrated Midsommar on June It took 80 years from the time the 11th, a little early, to accommodate our Svea Lodge #253 members were pre- National Costume was designed until it members busy summer schedules, which sented with a delightful program in April. became accepted. On June 6, 1983, include enjoying other lodges Midsommar The Swedish National Costumes, as well Queen Silvia modeled the costume festivals. The celebration was held at the as folk costumes from different provinces, for the first time on Sweden’s National home of members Jim and Brenda were modeled by many lodge members Day. Lindgren. We began by decorating a and children. Being that it was close to In May two salesmen treated us to a Maypole and having a parade at their Easter, it was titled: “Swedish Easter presentation from Tom Wood Volvo street. There was also dancing and a Parade.” Our narrator gave a brief history explaining their overseas program. They smorgasbord. and description of each model’s costume brought two of their new models for Submitted by: Sue James and and we found many very interesting facts members to get a first hand view at. In Michelle Escalante about many of them. National Costumes were handmade by the models themselves, grandmothers, or mothers, as well as purchased. Instructions were in Swedish, therefore, help was needed to translate measure- ments and directions. Jenne Swaine’s costume was a gift from her father. She thinks of him each time she wears it. Sara Swanson designed and sewed her family’s costumes, as did Susie Swanson and Joella Hultgren. Annette Johansson made her costume with a unique flaired bodice and hat that covered her ears. Char Swenson’s costume is 75 years old and belonged to her Swedish Costumes. aunt from Värmland. Sophia Anderson’s decorative costume featured a 100-year- old apron made by her mother in Västergötland. Iva Lynn’s costume is from Dalby and is made exactly like her cousin, Aina’s. Ann-Katrin Roth’s costume came from Sjakevad. The fabric was handwoven by her aunt Anna, born in 1901. Dan Anderson modeled his Tomte costume.

Experience Swedish Language & Culture In Minnesota! Svea Lodge #296 Erie, PA “Sweden and Swedish: On Saturday, May 6, 2006, we cele- The Sjölunden Experience” brated our 92nd Anniversary of our lodge. We had a festive banquet at the Waterfall Restaurant. Guests and Swedish Elderhostel Week prospective members joined us for an October 15-21, 2006 enjoyable evening. There was a Chinese Program No.: 6800-101506 Auction of Swedish items, as well as other interesting gifts donated by mem- Concordia Language Villages bers. Table centerpieces were also won by lucky participants. Awards were pre- 8569 Thorsonveien NE sented such as the 50-year membership Bemidji, MN 56601 pin presented to Elsie Carlson (pictured 1-800-450-2214 with Chairman Dorothy Overberg). The evening was a fitting end to an exception- Email: [email protected] al year for Svea Lodge. Web: www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages Submitted by: Linda Collin

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 13 Linde Hope Lodge #503 Seattle, WA Lodge #492 Vasa Hope members met again May 8, Bill Sroufe, and the return of the “Snow New Berlin, WI 2006, and were greeted at a desk just Birds” from Arizona: Sylvia Jorgensen (of Linde Lodge is reporting two success- inside the door by our three reception The Fjordsong Band), and Arvid and ful fundraisers for their upcoming hosting committee members, Liz Bogus, Nancy Ardis Svenning. Ardis stated that while of the 2007 District Convention. In March Flaten and Ethel Norman. Sympathy, get- they were in Arizona they enjoyed we had our annual Ärtsoppa & Pannkaks well, and birthday cards were laid out for reading my articles in the Vasa Star. We Dinner. We had over 180 paying guests. us all to sign and be sent to those unable to all enjoy this social hour, as this is the The kids at Skansen Children’s Club #113 attend. After purchasing our lunch tickets time to reacquaint ourselves with members were busy helping serving and bussing and tickets for a later cash drawing, we and to catch up on the latest happenings of tables, as were their parents, and many of were enticed to take a chance on the prize others. the veteran Lodge members were working drawing which displayed three medium After lunch, during our meeting, Eric hard in the kitchen. The children also took sized bottles of wine, set inside three Anderson was presented with his 55-year a break from their duties and showed off attractive small ceramic pots with a match- membership pin. For being lodge the dance and song program they so ing ceramic tray, all in three shades of Chairman for the last two years, Joanne green, containing three garden seed pack- Bell was presented with a handmade neck- proudly perform. In May we participated ets. Added to the garden theme of this lace made by Nancy Flaten’s daughter-in- in the Scandinavian Festival, and served prize was a transplanter trowel and a pair law, Chris. Our annual August Picnic is at pancakes again. This time we had over of women’s green striped canvas gloves. our beautiful Vasa Park by Lake 250 guests, despite the competition of During the social hour we were pleas- Sammamish. delicious food creations by our friends antly surprised to see Norman Ginsberg, Submitted by: Elsie J. Busch from Norway, Denmark, and Finland. During a visit to Sweden in April, Lisa Ekstrand had the pleasure of joining in the Bishop Hill Lodge #683 “gemensamhetsmöte” in Enköping. Sr. Bishop Hill, IL Elisabeth Agge and Br. Karl-Erik Axelsson had invited both Lisa and her sister Birgitta Markeling from Simrishamn to this very elegant and festive meeting with full sit-down dinner and entertainment to follow. The business meeting covered four lodges; Enköping #646 (host lodge), Uppsala #623, Engelbrekt #619 (sister lodge to Linde #492), and Eskilstuna #633, but other guests made up for a total of 10 lodges being represented, as well as having the DM for District 19 Lisbeth Hallberg- Qvarfordt and the Dist. Deputy Libert Karlsson present. Swedes in USA are much more casual in their meetings, and Deanna Wendel receiving a Vasa Scholarship from Vice Grand Master Rolf Bergman held at attire, and although we all have to become the District Lodge Lake Michigan No 8 District Convention. more modern and contemporary, and The Vasa spirit is alive and well in our even invited audience participation. sometimes ease off on rituals and “stuffi- lodge. When the lodge was asked to host Sten Hult handled the business end of ness” it is still a pleasure to be part of a the Convention of District Lodge Lake the Convention in true Vasa Spirit and “gala” affair. Michigan No 8, we had barely a year to with skill. We were honored to have three Lisa also had another informal meeting prepare for it. Our Chairman Sally Nelson Grand Lodge board members and the with members from Tomelilla #631 in put together a committee and they set to President of the Vasa Archives attending. District 19. A delicious meal was shared work. No matter whom she asked in the This year many Grand Lodge scholar- at Gull-May and Bengt-Arne Åstrads- lodge, they all agreed to help to the best of ships were awarded in our District. One of son’s home, while planning of a USA trip their ability. them, Deanna Wendel, lives in Bishop for Tomelilla members took place. Having hosted the District Convention Hill. We were pleased that she, along with Tomelilla Lodge is also a sister lodge to 13 years ago, we followed more or less the her parents, was able to attend the banquet Linde. Long lasting friendship are formed same schedule as before with very few on Saturday and to receive her award from and strengthened all the time. changes. The cultural portion of the the Chairman of the Grand Lodge scholar- What amazes Lisa is that although she has Convention, held on Friday night, offered ship committee, Vice District Master Rolf lived in USA for 28 years, and always an exhibit of Nordic National folk cos- Bergman. makes friends in USA, she is still making tumes. Local talents entertained the con- All in all the Convention was a great new friends in Sweden, despite the dis- ventioneers with several funny skits. Our success, thanks to everybody who worked tance. newly chartered Children’s Club, Pride of so well together and in true Vasa Spirit. Submitted by: Lisa Ekstrand the Family, performed several dances and Submitted by: Lillemor Horngren

Page 14 Vasa Star July-August 2006 where women washed in former times; the Norden Lodge Baltic Lodge #689 annual Swedish festival in Barkeryd with Riverside, CA Texas Lucia; the courthouse and mills at #684 Komstad; the graveyard at Norra Sandsjö Fresno, CA Kyrka; green and blue springtime and summer, golden autumn; white winter; jul; A few years ago Norden Lodge #684, and a selection of old photographs of located in Fresno, CA, decided to set up a Sven’s hembygd which especially evoked scholarship fund for its members. One of precious memories of old Sweden. The the primary requirements for receipt of a photographs of nature beauty and the older scholarship is membership in the lodge photos were especially beautiful and mov- for at least 2 years. At the regular meeting. ing on April 7, 2006, the first scholarship Past Chairman of Baltic Lodge, Karen was awarded by Anders Linde, Chairman Willman, introduced the honorable Mayor of the Scholarship Committee. He pre- Ronald O. Loveridge of the City of sented a check for $500 to Stephanie Mona Sjögren and Sven and Mary Danielsson Riverside who welcomed and congratulat- Laich. from Nässjö, Sweden. ed Sven and described his Swedish roots Stephanie has been a member of the and a few memories evoked by Sven’s On Saturday 22 April 2006, through a lodge since she was old enough to join. “astounding accomplishment in images.” slide show of luminous photographs, Sven Before that she participated in the yearly He welcomed the visitors from Sweden Danielsson of Nässjö, Sweden transported Lucia Pageant from the time she was 3 and “the vital cultural exchange,” and said his audience of about a hundred from years old until she was old enough to be he was deeply moved by all he heard and Riverside, California to Småland. Lucia. She has been active in other lodge saw. “This is the closest I have felt to activities and some District events. She After the slide show, the audience Sweden. My grandparents were born in has also helped in various capacities con- enjoyed delicious food, displays from each Sweden in Småland. I have always longed nected with the annual Scandinavian Scandinavian country, handicrafts for sale to travel to Jönköping but never have. Picnic of which Norden #684 is one of including hemslöjd from Bankeryd in Now I feel like I have been in Sweden the sponsors. Småland by Ann-Charlotte Karlsson today! The photographs were wonderful!” Stephanie’s Swedish connection is Hiljanen and Inger Karlsson. The festival “Sven’s vibrant photographs brought through her mother. Prior to the trip she ended with handshakes, California back memories of the Sweden I left long attended a short class on the Swedish lan- embraces, and longed-for conversation ago! This was a wonderful experience, guage so has some familiarity with with our distinguished guests from Nässjö. wonderful day! Thank you Mr. Swedish words and pronunciation. She All agree that the day was memorable, Danielsson!” will continue to be a valuable member of and everyone in attendance was deeply “My heart is full of longing to see this a Vasa lodge wherever she may live in honored and grateful that Sven Danielsson place in Sweden for myself even though I the future. brought a little bit of Småland, Sweden to am Danish-American! Småland is beauti- Submitted by: Pauline Peterson Mathes Riverside, CA. ful!” Submitted by: These are a few comments heard after Dianne Carlsson Cook the hour-long presentation of photographs that came to us from Småland through our distinguished guest. Writer, photographer, Pennsylvania genealogist, archivist, Sven Danielsson, his lovely wife Mary and sister-in-law District #9 Mona Sjögren were guests of honor at Baltic Lodge in Riverside for the 52nd District Scandinavian Fest on 22 April 2006. Stan Cook introduced the chairman, Convention Myrt Palatas, who welcomed Sven with a certificate from Baltic Lodge, an engraved September 29, 30, memory mug, and an official welcome and October 1, 2006 from the city of Riverside. Through his photographs, Sven gave us Holiday Inn South a window into life in Nässjö, a city of about 30,000, and the parish of Norra Boardman, OH Sandsjö in Nässjö County, situated in the Host Ð Harmony Lodge #465 highlands of Småland. He showed us the shimmering blue lake, Ingsbergssjön; the Youngstown, OH park; the fishing contest in spring; glorious spring flowers; the graduation complete Contact David Williams with the red carpet leading from the city park to Hotell Högland; the search for the (330) 750-0716 mysterious, sunken castle Sundholm; the Anders Linde presents a check for $500 to [email protected] Stephanie Laich. byvandring in Norra Sandsjö; klapphuset

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 15 Our Annual Swedish Meatball singing of a number of Swedish songs. Tucson Lodge Luncheon was held in May. It was very We had a small “symbolic” fire in the successful gastronomically, and brought courtyard’s outdoor barbeque. It was a #691 in $248.00 towards Vinland’s special time for all. Tucson, AZ Scholarship Fund. Thanks to all our If anyone is visiting Las Vegas on the members who pitched in to make it a suc- first Thursday of the month, the Valhalla Tucson Lodge #691 celebrated an cess. Lodge #715 cordially invites you to early Valborgsmässoafton, the arrival of Our regular meeting was held later in attend our meeting. It is held at the spring, on April 29, 2006. May, during which a Memorial Service church starting at 6:15 p.m. with refresh- As I was driving to the party the beau- was conducted to observe the deaths of ments and food served during the course ty of the dessert, struck me now with all deceased members of Vinland Lodge. of the evening. For more specific details, masses of yellow flowers on the “Palo Our Joint Scholarship Chairmen, Lee go to [email protected]. During July and Verde” trees against the blue sky, the and Peg Johnson, announced that a August we do not have formal meetings Swedish colors! $400.00 scholarship will be awarded to but we resume in September with a tradi- Members with children, grandchildren Jennifer Morris of the Dennis-Yarmouth tional potluck. and guests gathered under the flags of the High School of Cape Cod. In addition to Submitted by: Ruthie Byers Nordic countries in the beautiful garden her 3.52 grade point average, she ranks at the home of two of our members. Our 23rd in a class of 255 students. In addi- cultural leader described the tradition and Sierra Kronan tion to her scholastic work, Jennifer has meaning of Valborgsmassoafton. We all been active in school, sports, church and enjoyed true Vasa friendship, a scrump- Lodge #737 community, and is a member of The tious potluck smorgasbord and a bit of National Honor Society. This very bright Roseville, CA dancing to the tunes of waltz, schottis and lady will study biochemistry at Regis We are enjoying our new meeting hambo. College and pursue a career in medical place in the Roseville Host Lions Club As the evening fell, the bonfire was lit research with interests in cancer and Hall / Boy Scout Clubhouse. We are and we spent a pleasant evening singing stroke treatment. Vinland Lodge is very grateful to our member, Walter American and Swedish songs and telling proud of you, Jennifer! Wickstrom, for making our move a stories, as the children roasted their We are happy to report our faithful smooth one. Tack så mycket! Walter! We marshmallows. and hard-working Contingency Fund do appreciate your faithfulness to the Submitted by: Ann-Marie Kinnison Chairman, Donald Olson, has undergone Vasa Order of America. several serious operations since our last We are also enjoying our spring calen- article was submitted, but he is recover- dar of events. After our joint installation Vinland of Cape ing well. Once he is up and about, he’ll of officers with our sister lodge, Monitor Cod Lodge #703 say adjö to Cape Cod and move down to #218 of Sacramento, we celebrated our The Lone Star State. We’ll all miss you, 20th Anniversary with a luncheon at our Cape Cod, MA Donald, and thank you for all you have local Cattlemen’s Restaurant. Arrange- done throughout the years for Vinland ments were handled by member, Marian If there’s anyone reading this who is Lodge. Halberg, and her team. We were enter- debating whether or not to visit Sweden Submitted by: Marion S. Borgman tained by our own talented Marissa this summer, my advice is “don’t hesi- Matthews, and her boyfriend, Rick tate!” Flying SAS out of Newark was a Valhalla Lodge Woods. After asking guests, “German?” breeze—no delays, customs lines moved or “Italian,?” she sang a couple of arias rapidly, the personnel on SAS couldn’t #715 from Italian operas and then they accom- have been more cordial and helpful. It panied each other in a humorous show was ease and courtesy all the way; a very Las Vegas, NV tune duet – much to everyone’s delight. positive experience. The lodge held its first Thanks also to Ricky Laumann who pre- Although we have been to Sweden “Valborgsmässo” celebration on Sunday sented Marissa with a bouquet after she many times over the past 50 years, and evening, April 23, 2006, at the sang, and then later helped to serve the have often “swapped” our kids with their Reformation Lutheran Church courtyard beautiful anniversary cake. Swedish cousins during the summer at 580 St. Louis Ave. Located right off There were many nice door prizes for months, this time we pretty much stayed the Las Vegas strip the side street (St. the party and Donna and Orville put at Rune’s brother’s home in Louis Ave.) is perpendicular to the near- Huttner’s grandson, Patrick, helped with Vaxholm. The once “little kids” came to by Stratosphere Hotel and Casino. the drawings. Thanks go to one of our visit with their children and grandchil- Brought to Sweden in the Middle Ages, new members, Joan Sherry, for the prizes dren; it was a wonderful and hemtrevlig Walpurgis Night is traditionally on the she donated. Anne Erickson set a beauti- experience for Rune and me. 30th of April. We preempted the date to fully decorated table which was just love- But on to the real reason why I’m accommodate the attendance of some 50 ly for our festive occasion. Thanks also to writing: April saw the installation of members and guests. our member, Oskar Don Carlson, who Vinland’s officers with very few changes. Chairman of the event, Birgitta Fathie offered the blessing and later led us in Louise Fietz is again Chairman, and Vice and her committee, served an elaborate songs. Chairman is George Hedlund. Several Swedish-American buffet. Inga-Britt We were honored to have our District members of the District Lodge were in Barnes’ husband, Raymond, an accom- Master, Birgitta Kellgren, and her hus- attendance for the swearing in and we plished organist, played leading us in the appreciated their presence. Continued on page 17

Page 16 Vasa Star July-August 2006 SIERRA KRONAN LODGE #737 Continued from page 16 band Tore (who is a recent Past District now that the rains have finally stopped Our current lodge Secretary and first-time Master), with us for our anniversary cele- and we have sunshine, we are looking convention delegate, Joan Sherry, accept- bration. Also sharing the event with us forward to our annual bus trip to Reno Ð ed the trophy on behalf of our lodge. were members of Monitor Lodge, includ- always a favorite outing. And, on a clos- Submitted by: Ingrid Herink ing Dale Ingvardsen, chairman and ing note, Sierra Kronan was honored to Myrtle Widmark, Past District Master. be the proud recipients of the Golden In March we wore green and observed Gate District #12 Membership Trophy for St. Patrick’s Day with a corned beef and 2005. This award is presented at the cabbage dinner with all the trimmings. annual District Convention, to the lodge Dinner was wonderful and we Swedes in the District that has achieved the high- felt a little bit Irish for a day. In May, est percentage increase in membership. Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760 Sedona, AZ

Ulf Brynjestad congratulating Vito Pantaleo. Congratulations to Vito Pantaleo. He of Runes and how they can be found was elected District Master of Arizona throughout Europe. There are even some District 21. Vito was elected to this posi- in the US but their authenticity is question at our District Convention held in tionable. The Lofstrands’ gave us maps Tucson, Arizona on March 31 through of highly concentrated areas in Sweden April 2. The Tucson Lodge #628 hosted where they can be found. We also the convention. Nordic Red Rocks received a great handout on the changes Lodge members who were at the conven- in styles over the ages of Runes. tion were Vito and Louise Pantaleo, Last month we inducted a new mem- Chuck and Marilyn Elston, ber. She is Vivi Arnett. This month we Janell Brainard and Kristin Boyes. inducted her husband, David. Welcome Louise is the District Master of Vivi and David. Ceremonies, Chuck is District Trustee June 25, 2006 is our second annual #1, Marilyn is Scribe, Kristin and Janell Mid-summer Fest. This potluck and are Delegates. BBQ of pulled meat and bratwurst is held April 20, 2006 Louise Pantaleo and at our lodge. We have songs, stories and Barbara Maurice taught a group of mem- dancing. Our lodge has the best cooks in bers the art of Scandinavian wheat weav- town that provided wonderful side dishes, ing. Louise opened up her home for this salads and desserts. Thank you Janell for fun and challenging craft project. arranging everything. Darby and Tobias Lofstrand gave us July and August we do not have any an educational presentation on Runes for regularly scheduled meetings. The weav- our May 28, 2006 meeting. They showed ing ladies will have some get-togethers to videos of their travels around Sweden in work on their skills. the summer. Tobias discussed the history Submitted by: Kristin Boyes Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 17 SWEDISH NEWS Logen Engelbrekt nr 619, ordförande för Logen Mälardrottningen Nr 563 förtroendemännen i DL 19 Hans-Olof För att få uppleva historiens vingslag Sveriges Nationaldag Söderström samt från USA, VDS DL från Vikingatiden samlades vi, ett antal Firandet inleddes egentligen redan i Michigan nr 8, Lisa Ekstrand, logen Vasasyskon Från Logen Mälardrottningen Kungsträd-gården, varifrån fanborgen Linde nr 492. nr 563, Logen Stockholm nr 589 och marscherade till Skansen. Våra fanor pre- Dessutom närvarade sju distriktsde- Logen Uppsala nr 623 för avresa till den senterades av Björn Adelöw, Hans Weber, puterade. fornnordiska vikingastaden Birka på Lage Jenneflod och Rolf Öhgren, medan Under gemensamhetsmötet med de Björkö i Mälaren, som fram till att den Greta Öhgren och Ulla Jenneflod i omgån- duktiga aktörerna CM Leif Lindén och övergavs i slutet av 600-talet var en av gar bar vår fina ordens-skylt. BCM Anne-Sofie Hjort kände alla den Sveriges och Nordens viktigaste handel- Vid Hazelius-porten anslöt sedan ytter- högtidliga och fina gemenskapen. splatser med varor från alla världens hörn. ligare ca 10 syskon som tillsammans med Efter mötet serverades en god middag. Vid ankomsten till Birka möttes vi av några tusen andra firade vår Nationaldag Senare underhöll sånggruppen en vikingasoldat som beväpnad dåtidens på Skansen. Spisflickorna med Lasse från Enköping. vapen – en pilbåge – anförde oss på en Det blev, liksom förra året, en folkfest i Deras repertoar bestod av välkända sven- intressant och dramatisk vandring med Kunga-familjens närvaro. Uppträdde ska sånger som sedan övergick de till berättelser om livet på vikingatiden med gjorde Arméns musikkår, Daniel Lemma, roliga sånger och allt avslutades med alla de besvärligheter som var för handen. Christer Sjögren, Charlotte Perrelli, gemensam allsång. Ordförande Karl-Erik Hus byggda av trä och endast isolerade Barbara Hendricks och Tomas Ledin. Ett Axelsson tackade Spisflickorna med med lera skyddade invånarna i vikingas- mycket fint högtidstal hölls av Carolina taden mot regn, iskalla vindar och snö Lasse varmt genom att överlämna varsin Klüft. ros. under de stränga vintrarna. Efter detta firande gick många av Eftersom husen byggdes tätt inpå varan- Efter kaffet passade ordensbrodern syskonen från Logen Mälardrottningen till Lennart Elvin med hustrun Valborg att dra innanför stadsmuren som skyddade restaurang Carl Michael för en avslutande mot överfall, var bränder vanliga och nya framträda med några trevliga trollkonster, god måltid. bl a fick hedersmedlemmen Thore Gryse hus byggdes ovanpå de som brunnit ner. Submitted by: Pia Norrman Mängder av värdefulla föremål begravdes i sin fina slips sönderklippt. Både Br Thore askan, vilket i dag har gjort det möjligt att och Br Lennart försökte trolla fram en hel återskapa Birkas historia. igen men misslyckades. Efter många Sopor och avskräde samlades på de försök trollade Br Thore och Br Lennart smala, leriga gatorna med både sjukdomar tidigare slips som var hel igen. Kvällen och ohyra som följd. Alla viktiga beslut avslutades med med lotteri och dans. fattades i ett stort ”långhus” som utgjorde Den 21 maj passade några stadens gemensamma stadshus. Vasamedlemmar i logen Enköping nr 646 På grund av de ständiga överfallen och att göra en utflykt till Sala Silver gruva. krigen hade kungen många soldater i sin Sala Silver gruva ligger i Västmanland tjänst. Soldaterna och de handelsmän som och staden Sala byggdes bl a upp kring bedrev handel på Birka hade många egna denna gruva. trälar som utförde de dagliga sysslorna. Av deras berättelser och ett fantastiskt Kung Karl-Gustaf och Drottning Silvia. Vikingamuseum fick vi Vasasyskon lära oss hur livet i ett framstående vikingasamhälle var på den tiden. Efter vandringen på Birka och Logen Enköping museibesöket avåts en gemensam lunch i restaurang Särimner innan vår båt – det Nr 646 moderna vikingaskeppet Victoria – åter- Den 22 april samlades loger från förde oss till Stockholm med nya kun- Uppsala nr 623, Engelbrekt nr 619, skaper om våra anfäder. Eskilstuna nr 633 tillsammans med Submitted by: Bo Blum Logen Enköping nr 646 för att genomföra ett gemensamhetsmöte. Värd för mötet detta år var Logen Enköping nr 646. Många andra loger hade sökt sig till Enköping för att närvara denna kväll. Till glädje för kvällen deltog från DL Norra Sverige nr 19, Distriktsmästare Lisbeth Qvarfordt-Hallberg med maken Inge, DS Birgith Siegers från Mälardrottningen nr 563, DK Britt Mörck Soldat Continued on page 19

Page 18 Vasa Star July-August 2006 Logen Enköping Nr 646 Continued from page 18 Silvergruvan vet man inte riktigt hur gammal den är men kontinuerlig drift förekom redan på 1500-talet och fortsatte in på 1900-talet. Gruvområdet täcker ca 20 km av fuk- tiga bergrum och djupa schakt och under den tid den var i drift så vakade ”gruv frun” över arbetarna. Därför gällde det att vara artig mot henne och knacka tre gånger i berget innan någon gick ned och en speciell gruvbön lästes alltid först. Under besöket i gruvan finns möj- lighet att få komma ner på 155m djup. Våra intresserade Vasamedlemmar passade på att ta tillfället att besöka detta djup. Där fick de information över möj- ligheten att boka tid för olika arrangemang som ex. att gifta sig i gruvan på 155 m djup samt höra historien om gruv Karl-Erik Axelsson, Kent Aspengren, Alan Tammerfors och Torbjörn From i full mundering på driften. väg ner på 155m djup för att undersöka gruvorna. Vi övriga som inte ville möta gruvfrun eller andra saker på djupet passade på att också ett polismuseum där information värdshuset som låg i ett äldre hus. Där gå omkring på området och titta på alla fanns om de kända “salarånarna” som en bjöds vi på gös med pepparrot, skirat vackra byggnader. En del av husen var gång i tiden härjade i trakten. smör och potatis. från 17-1800 talet. På området fanns Vi avslutade dagen med att besöka Submitted by: Elisabeth Agge Logen Knallen Nr 745 Logen Sundsvall Söndagen den 26 mars samlades vi, cirka 60 Vasasyskon och gäster, till tradi- Nr 705 och Logen tionsenlig Vasafrukost på Militärpalatset, den ombyggda matsalsbyggnaden på Härnösand Nr 673 gamla ärorika – men sedan några år ned- lagda – Älvsborgs regemente i Borås. Har den 21 april hållit gemen- Bland våra gäster hade vi äran att se Br samhetsmöte i Sundsvall tillsammans Storlogedeputerad Lars Rosén med en med Logen Härnösand Nr 673, som liten “Vasapluton” från Logen anlände med en hel busslast medlemmar. Strömkarlen. Dessutom hade lokalbladet Vi hade även en gäst från Florida, USA. Borås Tidning hörsammat vår inbjudan Efter en stunds mingling hölls ett kort och sänt en reporter och en fotograf, som logemöte, där vår Kulturledare Rolf redan i måndagsupplagan bidrog med en Sjödin berättade om en resa till Prag i liten “blänkare” i avsikt att sprida Vasa- september, som Distriktslogen Norra ljus över Sjuhäradsbygden. Sverige Nr 19 anordnar för medlemmar. Bengt Wingborn (pristagare för bästa En viss informell ritual har utvecklats utstyrsel) och Katarina Norving. Efter en god måltid underhöll Carina vid dessa frukostträffar. De starka banden Odsberg med vacker sång till ackompan- med Amerika präglar i allt väsentligt våren gav inte de vädermässiga villkoren jemang på gitarr av Tommie Nilsson. På aktiviteterna. Vi äter sålunda en för en utomhusrunda. Militärpalatsets åhörarnas trägna begäran fick vi lyssna amerikansk frukost, där givetvis veder- utrymmen hade emellertid utnyttjats för till flera extra nummer. Så blev det kaffe börliga pannkakor och lönnsirap har en erforderligt antal skärmar och en med Sy Greta Perssons goda rulltårta, given plats. inomhuspromenad. Frågorna ställde som vinstdragning på lotteriet och dans, sedan Årets tema var Country & Western. vanligt rimliga krav på våra kunskaper i var dags för ”Härnösandarna” att frampå Det betyder bland annat, att de som så Amerikansk historia, geografi och kultur. nattimmarna borda bussen för hemfärd. önskar och har möjlighet väljer sin kläde- Skiljefrågan, uppskattad vikt på det Ett stopp vid Bölesjön med en sedvanlig dräkt i enligt härmed. Priset för bästa gamla strykjärnet, behövde inte tillgripas. nattmacka med dryck gjorde resterande utstyrsel tillföll enligt i vanlig ordning Br Thorwald Lorentzon var suverän tillbakaresa kort, en trevlig samvaro med sluten omröstning Br Bengt Wingborn vinnare med alla svaren rätt inprickade. Vasasyskon avslutades. för hans osedvanligt svartmuskiga west- För underhållningen svarade denna Submitted by: Margareta och Tore Tellberg ern-skepnad. gång Fristads Country & Linedancers.Vi Logen Sundsvall Nr 705 Tipspromenad tillhör också sysselsätt- fick först information om denna sortens Barbro Sundgren, Härnösand Nr 673 ningarna. Den så obarmhärtigt försenade Continued on page 20

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 19 mer om Vasa Orden av Amerika och sex We rented a big assembly hall to make Logen Knallen Nr 745 familjer som vill arbeta för att få ett utbyte room for everyone and asked a few won- Continued from page 19 med anhöriga. Samtliga Finspångare vet derful families to assist in our effort to dans, varefter gruppen gav en uppvisning nu om att Logen Bråviken #751 är en make a fantastic evening possible with till bandad Country & Western-musik. mycket aktiv loge inom Vasa Orden av information and home made pastries and Sedan fick vi, som kände oss manade, Amerika. coffee as a special treat. försöka oss på några grundläggande steg “Logen Bråviken har alltid varit en After a short entrance speech and wel- och turer i denna dansform, där var och loge med framtidsanda,” säger DM come greetings DM Lisbeth H Qvarfordt en dansar singel men i ett gemensamt Lisbeth H Qvarfordt, “och det känns told everyone present about the Vasa Order gruppmönster. Det blev en stor succé, mycket bra att Broder Åke Sjöblom har of America, its founding and the different och vi är många som ser fram mot tagit detta till en hjärtefråga att tillsamman local lodges. A membership gives you a höstens Line-dansövningar. med sin Loge Bråviken att försöka öka better quality of life and 22,000 friends in Så återstod dragningen i dagens lotteri medlemsantalet,” vilket också FDO Sweden, USA and Canada. med talrika trevliga vinster. Viveka Skott ägnar mycket tid till. The former president Viveka Skott Br Lars Rosén framförde en hälsning Om samtliga Loger både i Sverige och informed about the Lodge Bråviken #751 från Storlogemästaren. Han tackade USA gjorde denna information under and Inge Hallberg documented the också för detta så väl genomförda hösten 2006, är undertecknad övertygad evening by taking photographs. Amerikadominerade arrangemang, något om att Vasa Orden av Amerika går mot en I was presented a very desirable medal- som han betraktade som ganska unikt ljusare framtid! lion to remember The Bridge of inom den Svenska Vasaorden. OBS! Konceptet borde visas på “The Friendship, which now is under evaluation Arrangörsgruppen med Gunilla och Swedish Bridge Conference i Karlstad.” and hopefully approved by the Vasa Order Maria Lundkvist i spetsen hade gjort ett Lodge Bråviken #751 of America. omfattande och värdefullt arbete. 50 people came to this meeting and 26 On my first contact with Vasa Order of Submitted by: Ingvar Carlén of these were interested to attend a lodge America the subject of how to inform the meeting as guests to be able to get more Logen Bråviken rest of our society of our existence, to reju- information about Vasa Order of America. venate and to increase the number of We also got six families who are interest- Nr 751 members were discussed. ed to work for better relations and commu- Vid min första kontakt med Vasa That is one of the main goals that lie nication with relatives in USA and Orden av Amerika, diskuterades hur man ahead for District Master (DM) Lisbeth H Canada. bör informera samhället om vår existens, Qvarfordt for the future of Vasa Order. The people of Finspång municipality för att föryngra och lättare öka antalet That is a task that I would like to take an now are aware of the fact that Lodge medlemmar. DM Lisbeth H Qvarfordt har active role in with my lodge Bråviken and Bråviken #751 is a modern and active detta som ett av sina stora mål för Vasa to update and make it an important part of lodge within the Vasa Orden of America. Ordens framtid vilket jag vill vara med the modern society. “Lodge Bråviken have always been a och arbeta för tillsammans med min Loge As a newly elected Lodge Historian lodge with one foot in the future and with Bråviken - med andra ord Vasa Orden i (LH) in Lodge Bråviken #751 I have just very active members,” says DM Lisbeth H Tiden. had my first briefing with the municipality Qvarfordt. “Brother Åke Sjöblom has Som ny LH i Logen Bråviken 751 har of Finspång situated in the northern part of made it clear that this is a matter very dear jag nu genomfört den första informations- region Östergötland. We invited every- to his heart and that he, together with his mötet med en enskild kommun, Finspång i body with relatives in the United States lodge Bråviken, will work hard to try to norra Östergötland. and Canada and those who in other ways increase the number of members.” This is Genom annonsering i samtliga lokaltid- had close bonds westwards. We used a matter that the former chairman Viveka ningar och annonsblad inbjöd vi samtliga advertising in the local newspapers and Skott also dedicates long hours to. som har anhöriga i USA och Kanada, samt leaflets distributed in mailboxes as a way Submitted by: Åke Sjöblom de som har en relation med landet i väster. to contact the above target group. Picture by: Inge Hallberg Genom att hyra en större lokal, vidtala några fantastiska familjer kunde vi inbjuda till information och kaffe med hembakat! Efter en kort inledning och välkomsthäls- ning, berättade DM Lisbeth H Qvarfordt om Vasa Orden av Amerika dess till- blivelse och de loger som finns. Ett medlemskap i Vasa ger livskvalité och 22000 vänner i Sverige, USA och Kanada. FDO Viveka Skott berättade om Logen Bråviken #751 och Inge Hallberg tog & såg till att det blev bilder! Undertecknad förevisade en åtråvärd minnesmedalj “The Bridge of Friendship,” som just nu utvärderas och ev godkännes. Mötet resulterade i 50 intresserade “Intrsessant. Vi såg annonsen och insåg att det var för oss. Vår Farfarfar bodde i det stora gäster, 26 anmälde ett intresse att som jordbävningsområdet han hade 700 hästar och allt försvann.” Från v Nils Arvid Andersson, gäster gå på ett logemöte för att få veta Una Jerlok, Torsten Andersson och Karl Jerlok. Page 20 Vasa Star July-August 2006 Union. He returned to Sweden in 2002 when he was appointed Minister and YOUTH NEWS Member of the Swedish Cabinet with responsibility for international economic and financial affairs as well as for public Allison Gawlinski administration. Allison Gawlinski (pictured left), Mr. Lund arrived in Washington DC, daughter of Edward and Diane Gawlinski as ambassador September 2005. One of (members of Scandia Lodge #23, his major efforts as a Swedish Manchester, CT) was one of 19 cadets Ambassador to the US would be to from the United States Air Force Promote Swedish American trade and Academy in Colorado Sprigs, CO who investments and to improve transatlantic were selected to attend the United States relations. He would also like to change the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD for perception of Swedes - they’re modern, the Spring 2006 semester. Allison and dynamic, exciting! her roommate, Ashley Snyder (right) will While visiting Cleveland the start classes for their senior year in Ambassador shared thoughts at a meeting August. sponsored by the Cleveland Council on Among Allison’s many activities she a tomte through being Saint Lucia in World Affairs. He expressed the impor- has been performing in the annual Saint December 2001. tance of the relationship between the USA Lucia Festival for fifteen years starting as Submitted by: Edward Gawlinski and Sweden, but even more important, the European Union. He expressed the views that tensions between the US and Europe have increased during the Iraq war. In part PLEASE MEET the increased tensions reflect differences due to directions taken following the “Cold War; the US continues to spend Gunnar Lund – Sweden’s New on arms increasingly, while Europe began Ambassador to the U.S. to divide. In addition the US appears to be more conservative on issues today than that in the 1960’s, when the outlook of the US and Europe were more similar. On the other hand, there are signs of progress, particularly in shifts in US foreign policy views. Further issues such as the fight against nuclear weapons, global warming, infectious diseases, poverty and terrorism need US and European coopera- tion if such are to successfully addressed. We need to work together. Gunnar Lund was born on July 26, 1947 in Karlskoga, Sweden. Gunnar Lund is fifty-eight years old and is married to Kari Lotsberg, a financial consultant and Christian Bernadotte, Chairman, SACC-Ohio, Gunilla Gerardo, President SACC-USA, former Deputy Minister. They have three Ambassador Gunnar Lund and Michael Miller, Swedish Consul, Ohio. children, Gustav 22, Harald 19, Ingrid 14 I had the honor of meeting with the first political assignment when he was and dog Ninni (black lab). Ambassador during the opening ceremony appointed Deputy Finance Minister (State By: Marie Carlson. of the Ohio chapter of the Swedish- Secretary) with responsibility for budget, Picture by: Lynn Miller and American Chamber of Commerce at the economic policy and international affairs. Kristoffer Carlson Union Club in downtown Cleveland, on In 1991 Gunnar Lund began work in the June 12. Ministry for Foreign Affairs as Gunnar Lund was educated in econom- Ambassador and negotiator on issues of ics, political science and Russian at the defense and armaments as well as on universities of Uppsala and Stockholm. As Russian affairs. a Fulbright scholar he studied at Columbia After the election in 1994, Gunnar University in New York, from where he Lund was appointed Deputy Foreign holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Minister (State Secretary) for European International Law. In the seventies and Affairs. In that capacity, he helped design eighties, he pursued a career as a civil ser- Sweden’s policy during its first years in vant in the Swedish Ministries of Finance the European Union and served as his and Foreign Affairs, and served for several country’s chief negotiator for the years as the Finance ministry’s representa- Amsterdam and Nice treaties. tive to the OECD in Paris. In 1999, Gunnar Lund was named Ambassador Gunnar Lund and Marie In 1988, Gunnar Lund was given his Sweden’s Ambassador to the European Carlson, Editor, The Vasa Star.

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 21 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 GRAND LODGE NO. 0 Dalahast #742 Teresa Schurke Miami #554 Edna Bergen Tre Kronor #713 Clara Mitchell Catherine Longo Anastasia Alto Jeffery Mitchell Anne-Lise Maid Linnea Saris Nordic #708 George Swan DL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15 Dianne Isakson Lillian Swan Gustov V #175 Johnny Isakson Carol Kerr New Travelers #758 DL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8 Danny Gregory Svea #253 DL IOWA-NEBRASKA NO. 17 Virginia Strand Omaha #330 DL CONNECTICUT NO. 1 Linde #492 Ida Ehlers Three Crown #38 Karin Konrad Faye Maillie Whitney Ahneman Ralph Scheele Patricia Otto

DL MASSACHUSETTS NO. 2 DL SUPERIOR NO. 10 DL ALBERTA NO. 18 Brage Iduna #9 Mankein #159 Red Deer #733 Jill Lacey Larry Fernstrum Roy Amundson Linda Thodal Peggy-Sue Fernstrum Doris Helen Lindman Nordic #611 Lilly Leis Kenneth Engstrand DL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12 James Leis Birka #732 Svea #348 Amy Tanzer Steven Bray DL SVERIGE NO. 20 Judith Tanzer Bengt Kulleskog Skåner #570 Laurie Lennon Monika Lekander DL RHODE ISLAND NO. 3 Julie Scales Sven Lekander Svea #362 Jenny Lind #388 Calmare Nyckel #628 Jennifer Kirby Judy Kent Jan-Erik Granström Lindbergh #494 Monica Jernetz DL NEW YORK NO. 4 Charlotte Fors Tomelilla #631 Gota Lejon #4 Oscar Fors Åke Täck Marisol Alers-Aarbo Anette Wikman Don Jacobson DL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13 Höganäs #634 Amy Johnson Norden #233 Maj-Lis Friedman Christine Morgenthaler Juleen Nowlan Tre Hjärtan #665 Jennifer Morgenthaler Johann Skuggeld Helena Uhlén Robert Morgenthaler Joy Skuggeld Utvandrarna #680 Crystal Terhune Solidaritet #396 Agneta Lassi Tegner #109 Vern Pederson Lillemor Norrman Tobie Anderson Frihet #401 Sarah Foss Sarah Thompson DL ARIZONA NO. 21 Eric Nielsen Olympia #550 Nordic Red Rocks #760 Marie Neilsen John Rex David Arnett Marvin Schurke Vivi Arnett DL NEW JERSEY NO. 6 Arlington #62 Christian Baker Judith Baker Noah Cramer Advertise Christopher Renne Bjorn Sandhaaland Lyckan #507 Lillemor Munawwar in the Vasa Star

Page 22 Vasa Star July-August 2006 Florence Granberg – A 75-Year Vasa Veteran Florence Granberg’s parents began the sales, bazaars and smorgasbords used to long journey from Sweden to southern raise money to keep the local organiza- Saskatchewan, Canada, in 1907. Her per- tion running in the rented hall two flights sonal story began on October 27, 1915, up over the Heather Bell Restaurant. when she was born on a snowy farm Hard work and careful saving made it where the winters were so cold that possible for the group to eventually pur- school was held in the little one room chase the old VFW property on schoolhouse during the summer. It was in Cleveland Street in Mount Vernon and 1925 that the family with eight children remodel it into the present fine facility. It came to the United States, first to was there that Algot Olson started the Snohomish and later in the same year to pancake breakfasts that evolved into the the community of Baker Heights near economic lifeline that finances the local Mount Vernon, WA. Five years later, Vasa today. And Florence was in the Florence, now fifteen, made a significant middle of it! She seemed to gravitate decision and joined Vasa on July 1, 1930. towards the delicious Washington straw- She was involved with a drill team that berries that garnished the thin rolled performed in Mount Vernon and Swedish pancakes and ham that bring in Bellingham and in Vasa welcomed new literally hundreds of hungry customers officers and members. Busy with getting on a Saturday morning. This required a acquainted in a new country and going to lot of berries and sometimes 4:45 a.m. high school, she graduated with the Sedro shifts for Florence. She also served Vasa Mount Vernon where she still lives. This Woolley class of 1936. as a Master of Ceremonies, Assistant to year she was awarded the pin for 75 years Vasa, in those days, was conducted in the Secretary and Financial Secretary as of Vasa membership in January of 2006. Swedish and it wasn’t until the 1950s that well as work on the Culture Committee. It is a great honor to know Florence: such the last holdouts gave in and Vasa These are part of the work of one of five an ardent worker for many years. And it became the preserver of Swedish heritage generations of Vasa members. is a privilege to know her as a member of in English (mostly). Florence was work- Florence retired from her work (but Vasa Lodge #396 Solidaritet in Mount ing at the Sedro Woolley Greenhouse and not Vasa!) in 1980 to her house in Baker Vernon. Florist and participating in the many craft Heights. Ten years later she moved to Submitted by: Lillian Nelson IN MEMORY OF

Ingrid Elizabeth Lindberg around Europe and places in Asia such as She joined North Star Lodge #106 on Tibet, China, Cambodia, Vietnam and September 4, 1974. Ingrid Elizabeth Lindberg, born April Thailand. One favorite place was Hawaii In 1976 she was “Svea” in the 29, 1959, in Los Angeles, CA, passed to soak up sunshine. Midsummer Pageant, and also served as away March 20, 2006, in London, Ingrid is survived by her parents, “Lucia” at a couple of Swedish organiza- England, after a long and courageous bat- Birgit and Erik Lindberg of Glendale, one tions. tle with cancer. sister, Christina Lindberg of Big Bear Through her parents she participated Ingrid was educated in the Glendale City, CA, one niece, two nephews and in many of the Vasa Sport Club functions School system, graduating from La one great-nephew. in the 70s and 80s, such as camping, Crescenta High in 1977 and was particu- As per her request there will be no ser- boating, water and snow skiing trips. larly proud of her role as Director of vice. Her ashes will be spread over her Ingrid will be missed by all who knew School Spirits. favorite lake in Sweden. her. She graduated from UCLA in 1982 As a little girl Ingrid participated in Submitted by: Her father with a B.A. degree in Interior Design and the North Star Children’s Club Svea #5. Erik Lindberg worked as an interior designer and in Like at the Christmas Program on Dec. 1996 started with the world renowned 12, 1964, then 5 years old, she was part design firm, Gensler and Associates in of a skit “Baka Kaka.” At that program Irvine, CA. there were some 20 children participat- She was elated in being transferred to ing. She continued to participate with the their London office in 1999 where she children at many events such as the chil- became a Senior Associate working on dren’s programs at the lodge as well as at many major projects such as Global Midsummers in Vasa Park. Crossing, from which she received an In the early 1970s she was active in award. the Vasa Junior Folkdance Club and in She was an avid world traveller and 1972 she was with them on their tour to having London as a hub she travelled Sweden.

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 23 Karl Johansson in West Los Angeles was filled to capaci- ting place to remember Orville, not ty. 25 Executive Chefs attended. Karl because he spent a lot of time there, but was a member of the prestigious rather because it represents the place Epicurean Club of Los Angeles where where he sought and found his sanctuary. one had to be an Executive Chef to Orville was also very active in the belong. Kiwanis Club, and as a result of his rev- Karl was a treasure to know and will erence for the natural world around him. be missed by all. North Star’s Charter He was an avid outdoorsman and active was draped at our February meeting in in the Nature Conservancy. There is no his honor and at that time Chaplain doubt that Orville will be sorely missed Evelyn Earls read the Lord’s Prayer in by all who had contact with him. Swedish. The greatest source of joy in Orville’s Submitted by: Elinore Thornton life was his adoring family. He was married to his best friend and life partner, Orville Johnson Verna, for more than fifty years. He is Orville M. Johnson was born in St. survived by Verna, three daughters, Karl Johansson, Executive Chef Paul, MN, on December 18, 1924, to Linda, Nancy and Susan and their fami- humble immigrant parents, Arvid and lies. A dear friend and faithful member of Anna (Christenson) Johnson. He died in Blessed be the memory of Orville, North Star Lodge #106, VOA, left us on Roseville, MN, on February 16, 2006. loyal friend, loving husband, dedicated February 2, 2006. Karl was born in At a mere 18 years of age Orville father and grandfather, and tireless Mariestad, Västergötland and came to the entered the U.S. Army during the height servant. U.S. at the age of 21 years. of World War II as a member of the 90th Submitted by: Stanley Palm Karl had been married to his wife infantry division, assigned to the Dolly for more than 58 years. They had European theater, bravely participated in Tim Malm met in Sweden but Karl convinced Dolly the monumental invasion of France. He Tim Malm, who long sat on assorted to join him here and they were married was honorably discharged a decorated boards and commissions in Glendale, upon her arrival. war hero for wound sustained in combat. always seemed to know what was going Karl was well known for his talents as For decades thereafter Orville would hold on in the city he decided to call home. Executive Chef. He began his career in in the highest esteem the unbreakable For those reasons and more, Malm Mariestad. He worked as a chef on the bonds he formed with his fellow soldiers. received the Glendale Chamber of Swedish-American lines; Drottingholm, Following his military service Orville Commerce’s community service award in Kungsholm and Gripsholm. When in the attended the University of Minnesota and 2004. In yet another honor, the Glendale military, he was chef in the Swedish Air graduated from the Institute of Women’s Club recently told Malm and Force. Technology with a degree in Mechanical his family that he would be honored as its When Karl and Dolly moved to Los Engineering, following his graduation Citizen of the Year this spring. Angeles, he continued as Master Chef Orville began his professional life, which “We are missing a silent giant, who and Executive Chef at many fine restau- included a career long contribution to the did a lot for the community,” said Dale rants in the Los Angeles area. Karl lived 3M Company of St. Paul as an engineer Schmidt, the chamber’s executive vice a full busy life. He enjoyed being a mem- in their Tape Custome Engineering president and executive director. “A lot ber of North Star Lodge #106, where he Department. of people didn’t know about Tim until a often volunteered to prepare delicious Over the years Orville’s dedication to couple years ago.” meals. his faith and community service led to his “It was his community,” said Karen Karl enjoyed fishing and collecting involvement in many service organiza- Malm, his wife of 23 years. “It was stamps. Later years Karl created a beauti- tions such as the Vasa Order of America, where his kids were growing up, and it’s ful wood cut-out designs on his scroll Minnesota District #7 where he held the a really nice place to live.” saw. At North Star’s Christmas party he office of District Master and other posi- Timothy V. Malm died of congestive would add his cut-out designs to the chil- tions of leadership. He is so well remem- heart failure in February, 2006, less than dren’s Santa bags, and friends and mem- bered for his fine cultural reports at a year after he first fell ill. He was 59. bers were often recipients of his designs Kronan Lodge meetings. If the lodge He grew up in Bayside and earned his as well. needed suggestions and new ideas, law degree from Marquette University. Karl was a very special person: kind, Orville could usually help with some- Malm began specializing in probate law generous, cheerful with a full loving thing so practical and sensible. No man and estate planning. heart. He lived almost 84 full years. In could be more humble, kind, gentle, He met his wife after the former Karen addition to his wife Dolly, Karl also thoughtful, caring, or sincere than Sottile’s sister, Maria Datzer, decided to leaves a son Kenneth, daughter-in-law Orville. He was a careful listening, more play matchmaker. Susan and two precious granddaughters, interested in hearing the thoughts of “He worked part time at Sears at Amanda and Erika. He also leaves a sis- others than making them aware of his Bayshore, and my sister did, too,” Karen ter, Ulla Anderson in Sweden. Amanda opinions. Let us also not forget that Malm said. “She told me she had a won- reigned as North Star’s Lucia in 2003, Orville could be found in worship at the derful man for me to meet, and she told and Erika in 2005. Karl was so proud of Como Park Lutheran Church, St. Paul, me to call him.” them. MN, each Sunday morning for the last A memorial service was held February sixty years, which represents a most fit- 10, 2006. St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church Continued on page 25

Page 24 Vasa Star July-August 2006 TIM MALM Swedish Historical Society and the worked at the Bedford Reformatory for Scandinavian Chorus. In addition to his about 5 years, from 1950 to 1955. Continued from page 24 wife, survivors include daughters Lisa, During those years, Bonnie worked in In those days, women did not usually Amanda, Holly and Kayla; sisters Mavis the kitchen at Rippowam School in call men, but she mustered the courage to Weber and Carol Seith; and grand- Bedford Village. Their baby son Roy do so. children. spent his days in a basket under the sink “We went out the next night, and we Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel at Rippowam School and eventually went haven’t parted since then, until yester- Submitted by: Lisa Ekstrand to Kindergarten there. At this time day,” she said of the day her husband Bonnie also worked as a cocktail waitress died. The American Dream in wealthy homes. Gus worked as a care- They settled in Glendale, where he Unbeknownst to his Freja Lodge taker at Rippowam School from 1960 to began serving in a variety of civic posi- friends, Gustav Soderquist passed away his retirement in 1986 (at the age of 82!) tions, including as a member of the Plan on August 5, 2002 in North Carolina. Gus and Bonnie joined Freja Lodge Commission and as police commissioner. Gus’s life story is typical of many #100 on January 14, 1961. Some of our He was long involved in the annual 4th of immigrants from Sweden who came here members still remember the Soderquists July celebration. He also served as a to pursue their dreams. Gus was born in from the days at the Hartsdale Square Glendale Chamber of Commerce board on November 27, 1904 in Trollheimen, Club. Bonnie was Lodge Chairman and member and as its liaison to the Glendale Sweden, to parents who had met on the Gus was our best Schottis and Hambo Association of Commerce. boat coming to America. They married dancer with the nickname of “Yahoo.” Tim brought interest and enthusiasm here, but returned to live in Sweden, Gus loved to dance with the young girls to his legal work, said law partner when his mother didn’t like it here. Gus and could dance all night with the help of Thomas LaFave. “His forte as a lawyer moved here as a young man, in 1927, and a bit of Scotch! He actually was kind of was estate planning and probate,” LaFave made his home in Boston. He was work- shy but was a live wire and an unforget- said. “He was well respected by the vari- ing at the Hood Rubber Company when table character. The sons have fond ous probate judges and court commis- he met the love of his life, Bonnie memories of the Freja Lodge days at the sioners. “He was often the one they McKinnon, an immigrant from Prince Hartsdale Square Club. Roy remembers turned to when there was a problem. Edward Island, Canada. It didn’t matter being lifted onto the bar to play his accor- They would often appoint him to the that he spoke only Swedish and she dion when he was a youngster. case.” spoke English and French. They were The four Soderquist sons all went to Malm, however, was not an attorney married on July 14, 1931 in Chicago, St. Mary’s School in Katonah from 1st to who thrived on confrontation. “He wasn’t Illinois and took up residence there. This 12th Grade. From there they all attended a trial attorney - I don’t know if he ever was Chicago at the time of Al Capone St. Louis University and all graduated did a trial.” “He was not an adversarial and John Dillinger! In fact Gus worked with degrees in Aeronautical attorney, but he could be pretty stern at the Shoreland Hotel, which happened Engineering. The sons are scattered all when he needed to be. If Tim felt some- to be Al Capone’s Headquarters, for a over the country now. Peter Roy is in thing was important, he wasn’t afraid to time. Gus told his children that Al California in charge of an airport. Robert let that be known.” Capone was like a Robin Hood to the (Bob) is retired and living in Loveland, The two men met as attorneys and hit immigrants. Colorado. Ronnie (Joe) is in North it off right away. They began working Gus and Bonnie next moved to the Carolina and Richie is in Arlington, together with other attorneys, finally run- Bronx, where their sons Ronald, Richard Virginia and they are retired. Gus and ning a two-man legal practice for the last and Robert were born. Gus dug trenches Bonnie moved to Virginia to live close to 15 years. “It never ceased to amaze me for the Brownstone apartments in the their son. Bonnie developed Alzheimer’s how many attorneys knew Tim and that Bronx. When they lived in the city he disease and died in 1996. Gus eventually he was a good guy,” LaFave said. “He also worked as an elevator operator at the moved to Colorado, then to North had that kind of personality.” Essex Hotel near Central Park. Carolina where he died in 2002 at the age “He really liked his clients,” Karen Eventually, in the mid 40’s they of 97. Malm said. “He took care of them, all the moved to Bedford where Gus and Bonnie 4 sons, 8 grandchildren and 7 great way to their passing. “He even helped worked at Long Meadow Farm, which grandchildren who must have many, clients without family meet with the was a private estate of the Cartier Jewelry many wonderful family memories to funeral directors to make their arrange- Family. Gus was the caretaker and cherish survive this remarkable couple. ments.” Bonnie was a maid, wearing the tradition- Their sons say that Gus taught them that He also was involved with his church al black dress with white apron and cap. whatever job you do, even sweeping the and with Vasa. Tim always remained a Gus’ brother, Johan, was the butler and floor, you must give it your very best. “Swede” and has been a Linde Lodge his wife was the cook. Their youngest They also believed that your truest legacy #492 member since 1990. In 1993-1994 son, Peter Roy, was born at that time, in is your children. Their story seems like he became the Vice Chairman, and in Mt. Kisco, NY. the true American Dream, they worked 1995-1997 he was the Chairman for the From mid 1955 to 1960, Gus worked hard and earned everything they lodge. Tim loved being involved in at Blueberry Farm in Bedford Village. achieved. They left a great legacy for Lodge activities, and we all remember Gus cut down trees to build bridges over their descendants. him flipping pancakes and stirring pea the small streams and even developed Sov i ro Gus and Bonnie. soup with enthusiasm while showing his equipment to spray the bushes at different by Barbara Peterson, Cultural Leader, blue and yellow colors. levels while one of the boys pulled the Freja Lodge #100, Tim was also involved with the equipment with a tractor. Gus also White Plains, New York

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 25 CULTURE AMERIKAPÄRA Vega Anderson heter en dam strax norr om Vimmerby i Småland. På våren går hon ut på ett hygge nära föräldrahem- met för att sätta “stubbapära” eller “amerikapära.” (Stubba = stubbe och ‘pära’ är dialektform för potatis.) Man sätter potatisen runt stubbarna och låter den växa där. Då får man väldigt fin sättpotatis, som blivit föryn- grad. Trots att det på ytan ser ut att vara torrt som fnöske, är jorden inunder mörk, fuktig och lucker. Den är också mycket näringsrik. Eftersom träd tar en sorts näring ur jorden och potatis en annan, finns det tillräckligt för båda. Alldeles efter avverkningen och innan ny växt- lighet har fått fart är den rätta tiden att sätta “stubbapära.” Man sätter en potatis i taget och på med jord igen. I början på hösten är det dags att skörda. Om man har tur och grävlingen inte har hittat till potatisen, kan man plocka upp många kilo. Förra hösten fick Vega 10 kilo, som hon sålde en del av på torget i sta’n. En del sparas och blir basen för nästa års skörd. Hur kan det då komma sig, att smålän- ningen kom på idén att sätta potatis på ett hygge? Man kan enkelt svara med ord- språket att nöden har ingen lag. Småland var ju så stenigt att det nästan var omöjligt att bryta ny åkermark, amerikapära or stubbapära.’ (PÄRA is a potatoes like this? Maybe you know that och därför var det praktiskt att använda dialectal word for potatoes and the word this part of the county of Småland is very sig av den fina jorden runt stubbarna. of STUBBE is Swedish for stump.) stony and almost impossible to cultivate. Den amerikanska sättpotatisen ger jät- She plants the potatoes around the It’s easy to give an answer to the question tefin potatis. Den är varken mjölig eller stumps and soon she’ll have very fine by using an old proverb: “necessity fast utan något mitt emellan, och mycket rejuvenated seed-potatoes. Although the knows no law.” god. Skalet är mörkrött och potatisen är ground seems to be dry as tinder the soil The American seed-potatoes give very rödstrimmig inuti. Man har alltid kallat underneath is moist, dark and fluffy. delicious potatoes, they are neither mealy potatisen för ‘amerikapära,’ troligen för It’s very nutritious too, and since trees nor firm, but something in between. The att någon hemvändare tagit med sig den need one kind of nutrient and potatoes skin is dark red and inside the potatoes här speciella sorten från Amerika. Men another, there is enough for both of them. have red streaks. The American potatoes det riktiga namnet kan vara Early Rose The best time to plant the “stump pota- real name could be Early Rose, but here eller på svenska Rosenpotatis. toes” is when the trees have just been cut they have always been known as Vega Andersson har fått potatisen down and before new plants start to ‘America pära.’ They were probably a efter sina föräldrar, och hon tar väl hand grow. very special kind of potatoes that om sitt arv. Samtidigt söker hon bevara Vega plants the potatoes one at a time Swedish emigrants brought when return- den gamla traditionen att odla potatis på and then covers it with soil. If she is ing back home again. Vega Anderson is a stubbåkern. lucky and the local badger hasn’t found lady who takes very good care of the her potatoes, she may harvest lots of potatoes, an inheritance from her parents. American Potatoes them in the fall. Last year Vega got 10 She also tries to conserve the old by Vega Andersson is a lady living a few kilos, about 22 pounds, and some of them planting potatoes on her field full of kilometres north of Vimmerby in she sold at the market in town. She stumps. Småland. In the spring she goes to a always saves a few and they’ll be the Submitted by: Gun Lith, DCL DL 20 clearing quite near her parents’ home to bases of next year’s harvest. Pictures from plant American seed-potatoes, How did people get the idea to plant the Vimmerby Newspaper Page 26 Vasa Star July-August 2006 VIMMERBYKRINGLOR In the early days they laid the wet Anderson’s life and what a life. twists on a baking sheet covered with Born in 1919 in the predominantly När man besöker Vimmerby får man straw, but today they use a cooling rack. Swedish town of Greensburg, PA, säkert smaka en speciell sorts vetebulle, The twisted buns are then baked in a very Anderson was one of many hard working Kokta Kringlor. De är traditionella och hot oven until they are yellowish brown Swedes in that particular town who found obligatoriska i varje hem vid jul. De in colour. fame and fortune in the United States. serveras vid alla kyrkkaffen och säljs This is a very old way of making buns His father came from Sweden and pushed också på auktioner före jul. and by boiling the buns before baking himself incredibly hard along the way to Kringlorna görs av vanlig vetedeg, them is the reason they can remain fresh eventually become owner of Anderson men med extra smör och grädde tillsatt. for a long period of time before Foods, a grocery store that still exists Efter jäsningen bakas degen ut till getting mouldy. They were perfect for today. kringlor, som får jäsa ungefär en halv emigrants to take on their long voyage to More importantly “Doc’s” father mar- timme. Då lägger man 4 -5 kringlor i America. ried Tekla Bergren of Swedish parentage taget i en stor gryta med kokande vatten. Elderly people in Vimmerby still and they had seven children. Doc was six Efter några sekunder flyter kringlorna remember how twisted buns were being foot, four inches tall when he started col- upp till ytan och då tas de upp med en sold to emigrants at the railway station. lege. His father accompanied him to hålslev. Förr i tiden lade man kringlorna The cost at the time was 2 “öre” per piece Temple University to enroll as a Physical på en halmbädd på bakplåten, men nu får and they were very popular as it was said Education major. “The line was long but de i stället ligga på ett galler, för att de to be the best-tasting twisted buns in the the ’pre-med’ line had only one person inte ska fastna på plåten. Därefter bakas entire world. waiting when his father said to him, I kringlorna i mycket varm ugn tills de är (Between the years of 1850 and 1940, think you’re in the wrong line ... move gyllenbruna. 1,042 people from Vimmerby emigrated, over here ... this line’s shorter, we don’t Det här är ett gammalt sätt att baka many of them settled down in have much time.” bullar. Det är troligen för att de kokas Jamestown, NY. In the year of 1940, The young man replied that he wanted före gräddningen som de håller sig fina Vimmerby had 4,052 inhabitants, today to be a coach. His dad answered, “This is en längre tid utan att mögla. Kringlorna about 8,000 people live here.) where you belong Ð in medicine. I var därför perfekta för emigranter att ta Submitted by: Gun Lith, DCL, DL 20 watched you when we butchered cattle ... med i matsäcken på sin långa resa till Pictures from “Smålands Cookbook” you took the heart and you wanted to see Amerika. Äldre Vimmerbybor kommer what it looked like, so you’d cut it up ... fortfarande ihåg hur kringlor såldes till the spleen and the kidneys or an eye ... emigranter vid järnvägsstationen. De you looked at everything, even the brain. kostade 2 öre styck och var omåttligt You have a natural curiosity about the populära, eftersom de sades vara världens way a body works. You’ll make a good godaste kringlor. doctor.” And “Doc” did. (Mellan åren 1850 och 1940 utvan- Continued on page 28 drade 1042 personer från Vimmerby. Många av dem slog sig ner i Jamestown, N.Y. År 1940 hade Vimmerby 4.052 invånare, i dag bor här ung. 9.000). TWISTED VIMMERBY BUNS

If you visit Vimmerby I’m sure you’ll be served a special kind of bun called, “Kokta Kringlor,” Cooked Twisted Buns. They are traditional in this part of An American Sweden and are a “must” in every home during Christmas. They are served after Success Story every church service with coffee and they are also sold at auctions during When you read the title you may think Christmas. it is a “rags to riches” story of some An ordinary white bread dough is “household name,” i.e., a movie star, a made but with extra cream and butter politician, a sports hero, or one of the added. super rich. This story has much more When the dough has risen for about 30 depth, substance and meaning. It is about minutes, the dough will be formed into an American medical doctor and you twisted buns. Then 4-5 buns at a time are guessed it, he was Swedish. put into a big pot of boiling water. After a Hot off the printing press is a “must few seconds the twists buns will rise to read” biography called Doc Anderson, by Raymond and Inga-Britt Barnes holding the the surface and is removed by using a Mary Neiswander, an Award-winning book, “Doc Anderson,” written by Mary perforated ladle. reporter. It is about William “Doc” Neiswender.

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 27 AN AMERICAN SUCCESS STORY Musical story times with "Mamselle Midsommar," Ms Märta Narus and musi- Continued from page 27 cians, lead traditional songs, dances and Written at the top of the jacket cover Clinic to help the medical students children’s games. A children’s introduc- of the book is a quote: “If there was a become better doctors. tory drawing and coloring class produced Hall of Fame for medical doctors, Bill “From Anthens to Shanghai ... from Norse mythology inspired pictures of Anderson’s name would be at the top of San Francisco to Istanbul ... from the fierce Vikings and their ships. The chil- the list.” He went from a medical doctor fjords of Norway to the Black Sea ... he dren’s art program was organized by in World War II ending up practicing was known.” When he became old and Gwen Christensen and her eight year old medicine in San Pedro, CA. As a doctor ill, he asked his friend, his neighbor and granddaughter Hanna Christensen; a he treated many patients at his well his patient, Mary Neiswender to write his Scotts Valley, Vine Hill School student, who also made flower garlands for the known “Anderson Clinic,” including the story. She did and it is a good one. You other children. vast number of sailors who came into the can order the book at Border Book The highlight of the day was the rais- greater port of Los Angeles on ships from Stores. (For some reason Amazon.com ing of the tall, beautifully decorated, all over the world. does not have the book yet, however they Midsummer pole. Playing traditional He became an international specialist have an older book with the same title by Scandinavian music, Bill Likens, Jon- on every kind of parasite that evaded the another author. Make sure you get the Anders Persson, Leif Syrstad, Birgit sailor’s bodies. “Doc” was respected by right one). Calhoun and Herb Lundin; and other leg- the University of Southern California Submitted by: Ruthie Byers endary accordion players and fiddlers Medical School for providing these Cultural Leader, Valhalla Lodge #715 entertained all with the old and new tunes exotic specimens from his Maritime and waltzes. Then the flowery pole was raised into place. Everyone was invited to take part in the traditional ring dancing around the Midsommarstång. Nordahl HAPPENINGS Grieg Leikarring and Spelmannslag played music for their dancers who danced around the beautiful Midsummer Scandinavian Cultural Center Santa Cruz Pole. The purpose of the Nordhahl Grieg Annual Midsummer Festival Leikarring is to learn, perform, enjoy and maintain the tradition of Norway’s Sunday, June 4th, 2006 dances, music and songs. Most of their members are from Norway or of Norwegian descent and are members of our brother group Sons of Norway. All our Scandinavian members, however, enjoy promoting Norwegian and other diverse folk culture regardless of their individual ethnic heritage. The event has been held in different locations but "this is the most beautiful" said Jeanne Shada. The players, many members and visitors, attended in their elaborate Festbunads, National dress, decorated with silver and other precious metals, gems, stones and fineries. Beth Holenbeck and Carolyn Anderson played Swedish music with her group. Jon Persson and friends also played other Scandinavian music. There was Finish Kantele music and story telling, told and played by Helen Tyrrell and Anja Miller. Jon-Anders Persson and Leif Syrstad played Swedish and Norwegian music. Elisabeth Carlisle played modern Our Midsommar Fest was held on a Calhoun. Flag bearers, in the following Swedish music. beautiful warm, sunny day both indoors order representing the six Nordic An equally diverse menu of and outdoors under the great Oaks at the Nations, were: Hanna and Ole Scandinavian foods was served. Typical Scotts Valley Community Center. A col- Christensen, Denmark; Ellen Moilanen, traditional folk fare was delicious orful flag parade started the festivities it Finland; Mike Block, Norway; Birgitta æbleskiver and pølser. Tom Andersen was led by strolling musicians Carolyn Kellgren, Sweden; Sharon Mellott, and Bryan Chambers using Tom’s Anderson, Herb Lundin, Bill Likens, Jon- Iceland; and Brian Chambers, Sámi. Anders Persson, Leif Syrstad, and Birgit There was fun for and young old! Continued on page 29

Page 28 Vasa Star July-August 2006 ANNUAL MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL Continued from page 28 mother’s Danish recipe made some and planning the set-up of the festival, This large cultural event was orga- aebleskiver balls. Working with them including the indoor and outdoor sound nized by Michael Block, Chairperson, was Glenn Johnson, a great storyteller. systems; using his computer skills and and Ole Christensen, Cultural leader; Volunteers made open-faced sandwiches Facilities Engineering experience in lay- with the help of our many dedicated vol- and lots of ethnic specific deserts, which ing out AutoCAD detail plans. Birgitta unteers. were great with free coffee from the Kellgren and Suzanne LaFrance orga- Submitted by: Ole K. Christensen Zayante Creek Coffee CO. This great nized the food and kitchen staff. Sandra Cultural leader and Board member coffee will soon to be available at New Lua led the popular bake sale. Scandinavian Cultural Center of Leaf stores. There were woodcraft demos, photogra- Santa Cruz & Valhalla Scandinavians Facility Coordinator, Dennis phy exhibits and Scandinavian collec- Lodge # 746 Uyematsu, did the huge job of organizing tables at the butik (boutique). Photo by: Ms Bea Ahbeck Midsummer Festival in Southern California Under a beautiful, sunny and warm Southern California day, a Midsummer Court, chosen to reign at the 86th Annual Midsummer Festival on Sunday, June 25, 2006 was selected by members of the Swedish American central Association of Southern California at the April 30th Midsummer Royal Court Selection and Coronation Luncheon held at the Brookside Inn in Pasadena, California. Miss Diane Earl of San Diego, representing North Star Lodge No. 106, daughter of Lenda and Michael Earl was crowned as Midsummer Queen from a group of seven lovely young ladies representing various affiliated organizations of the Swedish American Central Association. Miss Earl is the daughter of the 1973 Midsummer Queen, Lenda Earl and the grand daughter of the 1937 Midsummer Queen Ruth Erickson The honor of being crowned Svea, representing Sweden, was accorded to The 2006 Midsummer Court Katherine Olson from Golden Valley Left to Right: Jennifer Stacks, Princess, Viking Lodge No. 256; Stephanie Lunt, Princess, Lodge No. 616. The distinction of being Evening Star Lodge No. 426; Kristin Carlson, Columbia, Nordic Lodge No. 660; Diane Earl, selected as Columbia, representing the Midsummer Queen, North Star Lodge No. 106; Katherine Olson, Svea, Golden Valley Lodge United States, was Kirstin Carlson of No. 616; Emilie Lantz, Princess, Swedish American Women’s Club of Los Angeles; Chelsea Nordic Lodge No. 660. Blake, Princess, Mayflower Lodge No. 445. The Swedish Midsummer Court will also have in attendance Princesses Jennifer Stacks of Viking Lodge No. 256; Stephanie Lund of Evening Star Lodge No. 426; Emilie Lantz of the Swedish American Women’s Club of Los Angeles and Chelsea Blake, representing Mayflower Lodge No. 445. The Swedish American Central Association bids Välkommen to all who Left to Right: Ruth would like to celebrate a traditional Erickson, Midsummer Queen 1937 of North Star Swedish Midsummer. For Additional Lodge No. 106; Lenda Earl, information, please contact Arnold Midsummer Queen 2006 of Anderson at 562 430-6536 or Thomas North Star Lodge No. 106; Jahn at 714 378-9821 Lenda Earl, Midsummer Submitted by: Thomas Jahn Queen 1973 of North Star Photo by: Thomas Jahn Lodge No. 106.

Vasa Star July-August 2006 Page 29 FAMILY VASA TIDBITS Wedding Inspiration Older Than 80 – So What? I have promised my grandchildren that learned a great deal. They were very pos- I’ll do all in my power to live another 13- itive with a wonderful outlook on life and 14 years. Why? I want to see them grow a terrific sense of humor. My grandma up, graduate from college and get married always said, “Lennart, remember that the and have children. Besides, maybe I can most important thing in life is doing also be of some value to them? things for others.” Additionally, I feel that I have much At first I thought that was corny, but more to accomplish in my life! later in life I realized how true that is. So where do I stand right now? In Giving to others and helping others result spite of nine surgeries (two cancer) I am in great satisfaction for yourself. in good shape. I have never been addicted I truly feel that I have had a fantastic to smoking, I eat and drink everything life; I have lived in two countries (now I (except green beans), I stay away from live in the greatest), visited forty-seven sugar, salt and pepper. Every day I walk countries and thus seen and experienced a 3-4 miles, also bicycle and swim. great deal. However, as important is to keep So why would I not like to live the brain working. You have to see new another 13-14 years? I have a wonderful things, learn new things and challenge family, a great lady friend and many yourself to adjust to all the new good friends. I am also involved in stuff, such as getting used to hearing several things. aids, which right now give me a As you can well understand, I count The wedding of Vasa member headache. my blessings every day. Michael Olofsson of Mayflower Lodge From my parents and grandparents I Submitted by: Lennart Gohrn and his bride, Elaine Weathers, took place on October 8, 2005. Michael is the Recipe son of the Chairman, Kurt Olofsson of Mayflower Lodge #445, Inglewood, CA. Smörgåstårta Elaine chose to wear the Swedish bridal 1 loaf sandwich white bread crown to honor Michael’s Swedish her- Mayonnaise or butter itage. “Mike and I are from such different Hard-boiled eggs, sliced with slices of black or green olives as per personal choice ethnic backgrounds Ð my family is of 1 can tiny salad shrimp with dill Chinese and Portuguese heritage and his Thinly sliced cucumbers and onions/tomatoes as desired Swedish. I wanted to include something Cool Whip of Swedish tradition in our ceremony and Variety of veggies, caviar, shrimp, etc. to “decorate” we appreciate that Vasa lent us the crown to commemorate the event.” Trim crusts from bread (save for croutons or bread Submitted by: Irma Wendell crumbs) depending on the number of people you will be serving (4 slices for each 2 servings). Spread butter or mayo on first slice and top with egg slices and olives. Butter or mayo on next slice, face down and again spread on top. Cover with shrimp and dill. Spread on next slice of bread face down and again spread on top. Cover with cucumbers, onions and tomatoes. Spread on next slice of bread face down. Mix equal amounts of mayo and Cool Whip to “frost” cake. Decorate as desired.

Optional Layers: Lettuce with ham slices, salmon, lobster, bacon, liver paté, coleslaw, etc. Recipe by: Kay Lynne Picheco Submitted by: Linda Collin Page 30 Vasa Star July-August 2006 CARL EDWARD WASSMOUTH, JR., passed away on WASHINGTON November 28, 2005. He was a member of Skogen Lodge CHARLES BAKOVICH, JR. was born in Seattle, WA, #700. He was born on August 29, 1919, in Boston, MA. He on December 30, 1944. He passed away on March 29, In Memoriam was a Navy veteran of WWII and is survived by a son Carl 2006, at the age of 61. Chuck joined Skogsblomman Lodge III, daughters Linda Kamisky and Donna Ferris, 9 grand- #378 on October 1, 1976. He is survived by his son, Paul Till minne av hädangångna children and 6 great-grandchildren. He was always helpful Bakovich, mother Gladys Bakovich, 5 grandchildren and ordenssyskon genom vilkas and we will miss him. other relatives and friends.

bortgång syskonkretsen gjort ILLINOIS NINA VICTORIA CHANDLER was born October 23, en kännbar förlust DAVID G. ANDERSON died in Rockford, IL, on March 1908, and died November 23, 2005. She is survived by her 31, 2006, at the age of 80. He was born in Rockford, IL, on son, G. Bradley Chandler. In memory of our departed May 16, 1925, and joined Brahe Lodge #245 on November members who will be 18, 2004. He is survived by his wife Vivian, sons Keith and JOHN G. ERIKSON was born November 27, 1911, and Mark, and daughter Cindy Bina. passed away January 30, 2006. He is survived by his wife sorely missed of 69 years, Myrtle, and 2 daughters and sons-in-law, 7 ANNA L. FORSSTROM died in Rockford, IL, on March grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. 29, 2006, at the age of 94. She was born in Sweden on July CALIFORNIA 14, 1911, and joined Brahe Lodge #245 on October 9, WESLEY F. JUNE was born in the community of MAXIMILIAN BACHA passed away on April 10, 2006, 1958. She is survived by her son, Karl Forsstrom and Monohon, WA, on July 14, 1923, and passed away on at the age of 91. He joined Skogen Lodge #700 in 1997 and daughters Mona Longnecker and Anita Forsgren. January 14, 2006, at the age of 82. Wes joined was a pleasant, helpful member. He was born on May 14, Skogsblomman Lodge #378 on July 14, 1991. Wes is sur- 1914, in Pittsburgh, PA, and was Norwegian decent by his MICHIGAN vived by his son Craig June, stepsons Ken and Gary parents. He is survived by his long-time companion, CLEMENTINE “CLEM” JOHNSON, 92, of Norway, Bracken, sister Frances Peterson Fuherer, 10 grandchil- Virginia Stottrup, a loyal Skogen #700 member. MI, passed away March 7, 2006. She was a member of dren, 5 great-grandchildren. Superior Lodge #423, Marquette, MI. She is survived by MARGARET JUNICE LINN passed away on April 11, daughter, Marie Seat, sons Leonard and James Trudeau, FLORENCE E. LARSON, 89, passed away on March 25, 2006, at the age of 83. Margaret was born in Magna, UT and nephews George and Charles Zanon whom she raised, 14 2006. She was born in Holmes City, MN, on January 1, had been a resident of Carmichael, CA, since 1956. She was grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Clem was pre- 1917 and joined Svea Lodge #469, Longview, WA, on a dedicated life member of the Vasa Order of America. Her ceded in death by husbands Leonard Trudeau and Arne B. April 28, 1989. She is survived by 3 daughters, 9 grandparents were Vasa members and she grew up in the Vasa’s Johnson. children, 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grand- Children’s Group. Margaret transferred from the Mayflower children. Lodge #445 in 1957. She was a 70-year old member of NEW YORK Vasa, joining at the age of 14. Margaret was the founding EVA JOHNSON passed away March 16, 2006, at the age ALCINIA IRENE NORWOOD was born February 13, of the Sierra Kronan Lodge #737. Her positions were of 79. She was born on June 11, 1926 and would have been 1916, and passed away November 26, 2005. She is sur- Secretary for Golden Gate District #12, Sierra Kronan 80 years old on June 11. She became a member of vived by son, Ron and family, several grandchildren, great- Lodge #737 Secretary, Cultural Leader and Maser of Lindbergh Lodge #505 on June 3, 1983. Eva was a member grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Ceremonies. Margaret is survived by her loving husband of in good standing for 23 years and will be sorely missed by 61 years, Charles Linn, children Kathy Braun (Bob), Mike all the lodge members. EILEEN PETROFF was born September 1, 1921, and Linn (Shirley), and Dan Linn, 5 grandchildren and 3 great- passed away October 27, 2005. She is survived by her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed. A memorial ser- OHIO daughter, Pam Michajla and family. Eileen was very active vice was held at the Lind Brothers Mortuary, Carmichael, VALDEMAR ERDMAN died March 25, 2006, in in Vasa and was secretary at the time of her death. CA. Painesville, OH, at age 85. Survivors are his wife, Ellen (Christy) Erdman, whom he married October 30, 1943, in CANADA JOHN ALLEN PENCE, 85, died March 23, 2006, in his Cleveland, OH, sons Ronald W. Erdman and Dennis A. MATILDA ELIASSON passed away on May 7, 2006, in home after a long illness. He was born November 14, 1920, (Teresa) Erdman, sister Margaret Lucas, and brother, Carl Edmonton, AB. She was born in Edmonton, AB, on in Tacoma, WA. John schooled at Stadium High School (Elizabeth) Erdman. Valdemar was born in Cleveland, OH, September 14, 1937, and became a member of Skandia and then attended the University of Washington as a mem- on February 13, 1921, and was a 57-year member of Nobel- Lodge #549, Edmonton, AB, on April 1, 1961. She is sur- ber of the Sigma Chi Fraternity, receiving an engineering Monitor Lodge #130. vived by her children, Ken Eliasson, Lori Berkenbosch, degree in Forestry. John was a veteran of WWII, serving as Allan Eliasson, Ron Eliasson, 7 grandchildren, Matthew, a lieutenant in the United States Army in the India Theater. DOROTHY PETERSON MACDONALD passed away Abby, Brenna, Kristen, Niklas, Steven, Madison, brothers After returning home, John married his high school and April 18, 2006, at the age of 97. She was born June 26, George Litven, Andy Litven and sister Mary Ferguson. college sweetheart, June Larson, on August 10, 1946. The 1908, in Youngstown, OH, and was initiated into Harmony Matilda was predeceased by her husband, Leonard, on couple enjoyed 59 wonderful years of shared love. Soon Lodge #465 on November 9, 1972. Her husband, Norwood, May 25, 1998 and her brother Ed. She was a Security after marrying June, John joined Weyerhaeuser Lumber passed away in 1978. She leaves a son, Raymond B. of Officer at Northlands Park, which included Northlands Co. as a chemist in Longview, WA. It was soon clear that Westfield, NY, 8 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren. Spectrum, Sportex and Northlands AgriCom. Many per- John was a “people” person and a natural leader. With his sons from this complex attended the Memorial Service. young family by his side, he was given promotional trans- ERLING G. WENNERSTROM, age 88, passed away on She helped with the Vasa Children’s Group when her chil- fers with Weyerhaeuser to Walnut Creek, CA, White Bear March 22, 2006, in Cleveland, OH. Beloved husband of the dren were younger. Lake, MN, Springfield, IL, and then to Ventura, CA. In late Marguerite R. (nee Lundberg), father of Linda 1962 he started John Pence Building Specialties. He retired Baumgardner (Gary), Karen Nelson (Don), and Jane ANNE GLADYS M. ERICKSON (SELIN) passed away in 1985. John was the consummate husband, family man Mrsnik (Frank), grandfather of Stacy (Greg) Martin, on April 10, 2006, in Calgary, Alberta. She was born in and community service volunteer. His extensive communi- Michael Baumgardner, Kristin (Zack) Stafford, Jeff Hay Lakes, Alberta, on December 11, 1934. Anne joined ty involvement included two terms with the Retired Nelson, and Brittany, Matt and Mark Mrsnik, great-grand- Vasa on March 9, 1956, and was Chaplain for Branting Professional and Business Men’s Club of Ventura, Past father of Nelson and Emerson Stafford, brother of the late Lodge #417. She was predeceased by her parents, husband, President of Ventura East Rotary Club and Past President Eldon. Erling was born in Sweden on December 31, 1917, a daughter, and brothers. She is survived by her children, of Ventura Kiwanis Club. He was also a member of the and joined Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 on February 9, grandchildren, sister and brother. A lodge funeral was held Greater Ventura Chamber of Commerce, Ventura Yacht 1986. April 13 with interment at Queens Park Cemetery, Calgary, Club, Masonic Lodge #214, Santa Barbara Welsh Club Alberta. and, with June, joined Vasa in 1989 in Oakleaf Lodge #685 PENNSYLVANIA and transferred to Northern Lodge Lodge #620 later. John ELSA SOLON, nee Appelgren, 95, died May 8, 2006, in will always be remembered for his great energy, positive Stamford, CT. She was born April 22, 1911, in attitude and his great love for people. John is survived by Philadelphia, PA. Elsa joined Oscars Borg Lodge #172 on his wife June, sister Peggy Keys of Tacoma, WA, brother April 28, 1996. She was the beloved wife of the late James Robert Pence of Gig Harbour, WA, daughter Jone Pence of Solon and sister of the late Charles Appelgren. She is sur- Ventura, son and daughter-in-law, Jack and Beth Pence of vived by her sister, Dorothy Paley, and brother, Edward Valley Center, CA, grandsons Garrett Pence, Santa Appelgren, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, 3 grandnieces, 1 grand- Monica, CA, and Evan and Clayton Pence, both of nephew, 2 great-grandnieces and 2 great-grandnephews. Oceanside, CA. A memorial service was held on March 29, Elsa was truly young at heart and will be fondly remem- 2006, at Trinity Lutheran Church, which was full of family bered by all who knew her. MEMORIAL NOTICES and friends who afterward joined together in a celebration- should be mailed with check or money order to: of-life at the yacht club. G. ROBERTA SANDSTROM passed away on February Marie Carlson, 9560 Curberry Drive, Mentor, OH 25, 2006, at the age of 90. She was born January 10, 1916, 44060. The fee is $5.00 for six lines. All notices STEPHEN PIZZICA passed away in Barrington, IL, on in Hamilton, PA, and was initiated into Harmony Lodge must be TYPED and written in a format similar to November 15, 2005, at the age of 67 years. He was born on #465 on December 4, 1941. Her husband, Roy, passed those in this column. August 6, 1939 in Chicago, IL, and was initiated into away in 1981. She leaves 2 daughters, E. Elaine Kropp of Longer memorials are charged at the rate of Mayflower Lodge #445, Inglewood, CA, on August 5, Akron, OH, and Alice Schulz of Mentor, OH, 5 grandchil- $8.00 per column inch. 1982. He was given a life membership in 2005. dren and 11 great-grandchildren. At SAS, we believe enjoying a thoroughly comfortable flight also means being comfortable with the fare. So on our fleet of Airbus A340s and A330s, you’ll enjoy one of the widest choices of services and amenities in the air, now including inflight Wi-Fi service – SAS Net Access. 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