ORD FRA PRESIDENTEN NORWEGIAN BINGO Nancy Dunn, Cultural Director Murphy's law, or was it Ole's law, prevailed at our November meeting. The doors to Good Samaritan were Back by popular demand, our program will locked and required Security to open them for us. The be a Social. We will play Norwegian BINGO where the pizza, for our Pizza Party, was late in arriving, with 49 letters and numbers hungry members, spouses, and guests waiting with will be called in growling stomachs. When the pizzas finally arrived, they Norwegian, were gobbled up and the night turned around for the better. followed by English All were delighted with the hilarious showing of the for those not so lutefisk film given to us by member Marilynn Loustalet. fluent in Norwegian. As we look ahead to the busy month of December, It gives us all practice in hearing the – Crystal Sundet, our Zone 8 Director, will be here at the and there will be lots of prizes. Come and relax from all December 2nd meeting to install officers. That will be your Holiday preparations!!! followed by a Social Night, to relax with Norwegian BINGO. Three days after that will be our Party JULETREFEST ( PARTY) in Windsor. We hope to see you all there. Sunday, December 5, 2 p.m. In January, on the 8th, we will participate in the Leadership Workshop at Trollheim Lodge in Denver. All Come to our Juletrefest and enjoy the food, officers should attend, as it will help you in your office. , singing around the tree, the Christmas Our biggest celebration will be Stein Fjell's 35th Anniver- Story, and more. Please call Sonja West at sary on January 22nd (see page 5). Please send your 970.686.0622 by December 1st, to let her remittance to Jane Robbins as soon as possible. It will be a know the number of children you will be Gala Affair to remember!! bringing, so the nisse can provide for them. God Jul og Godt Nytt År For the Potluck Dinner, if your last name begins with: A-M Please bring a main dish and dessert Fraternally, N-Z Please bring a main dish and salad Marian Erdal Access to the handicapped entrance ramp on the north side of the church is from 4th Street. *********************************** THANK YOU

Thank you to those who sent sympathy cards in memory of Bill Parkos. Thanks, also, to those who brought desserts to the funeral luncheon. Your thoughtfulness and support are very much appreciated.

Midge Parkos and Family

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DESEMBER KALENDER MEETING REMINDERS FROM RAS *Official Norwegian Flay-Flying Day Ras Erdal, Stein Fjell Host Coordinator

1: Tickets for Church Basement Ladies - A Second Our Desember meeting is on Thursday, December 2nd. Helping, noon, UCCC, Greeley (November Posten) We will have our installation of officers and play Norwegian BINGO with lots of prizes. 2: Lodge Meeting, 7 p.m., Installation of Officers and Our Refreshment Hosts are: Becky and Jon-Eirik Norwegian BINGO Holm-Johansen (chairs), Janet Oien, Roxanne Storlie, Lyn Warrick, and Gary and Susan Zook. 4: Loveland Lights, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Loveland Public Looking ahead... The Refreshment Hosts for the Library; Norwegian vaffler demonstration 1 p.m. (p. 6) January 6th meeting are: The Strand Family, Bonnie Fjelldalen Lutefisk Dinner, 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. (p. 7) Heberlein, Mickey Schmidt, Paula Sutton, and Terry Fjellheim Scandinavian Christmas Tea, 2 p.m. (p. 7) Thompson. Vær så god... 5: Juletrefest (Christmas Tree Party), 2:00 p.m., Bethel Lutheran Church, 328 Walnut Street, Windsor (p. 1) VOLUNTEER HOURS

7: Natt i , 7:30 p.m., Newman Center, DU This is very important for our Lodge and for SON, as a non-profit organization. Please sit down and record all 13: Santa Lucia Dag (Saint Lucy’s Day) your volunteer hours for 2010. Get the form at the December Lodge meeting or download it from the Home 16: Sons of Founders Day – wear your SON pin page of www.steinfjell.com. Please return completed forms to Roxanne, our secretary, at the January Lodge meeting. 20: Posten Submission Deadline NORWEGIAN CULTURAL SKILLS 21: Winter Solstice Ras Erdal, Cultural Skills Director

24: Julaften () Hardangersøm (Hardanger embroidery) – this will be the next thrust of our Cultural Skills program. We now 25*: Første Juledag (Christmas Day), have 10 members that expect to start on this cultural skill. Public Holiday, Norway and USA The latest and best news is that Midge Parkos has volunteered to teach us. We expect to meet on a Tuesday, 26: Andre Juledag (Second Christmas Day), St. Thursday, or Friday evening every two weeks or so, Stephen’s Day, , Public Holiday, Norway starting in January. Please contact me if you want to join this group. 31: Nyttårsaften (New Year’s Eve) Stein Fjell Scholarship Application Deadline (Applications at www.steinfjell.com) GRATULERER MED DAGEN ! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ! SAVE THE DATE – 2011 08 Johanna Hocker 16 Russell Knutson Januar 6: Lodge Meeting, 7 p.m., Memorial Service and A 11 Rick Bilstad 19 Ras Erdal Birkebeiner Tale 11 Inger Froyland 24 Tami Bothwell Januar 8: Zone 8 Leadership Workshop, 9 a.m., Trollheim 11 Paul Fugelstad 28 Bill Nesse Lodge, 6610 W. 14th Ave., Lakewood 13 Nancy Dunn 31 Blaine Johnson Januar 15: Trollheim Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner (p. 7) 14 Stephanie Sikes 31 Paula Sutton Januar 18: Norwegian class begins, 6:30 p.m (p. 6) 15 Jane Strand Januar 20: Board Meeting, 7 p.m., Roxanne Storlie’s th Januar 22: Stein Fjell’s 35 Anniversary Celebration (p.5) STEIN FJELL CONTACTS 2010 Januar 30 – Februar 6: Ski for Light, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, Winter Park President: Marian Erdal – 970.225.9035 Februar 26: Barneløpet (The Children’s Race), Snow VP & Membership: Rod Skaflen – 970.484.5459 Mountain Ranch, Winter Park Secretary: Roxanne Storlie – 970.412.5713 Juni 25-26: Scandinavian Midsummer Festival, Estes Park 3

DITT OG DATT (THIS ‘N’ THAT) GIF GRINAGER IN MEMORIAM i Be sure to pick up lefse from Barb Nolin at the December Lodge meeting! Can’t be there? Call her. Gifford “Gif” DeWayne Grinager, 76, passed away on i It is terrific to hear from Sandy Cole (Tillie’s daughter) November 18th. He joined Stein Fjell Lodge in July of that Tillie Schopbach “is doing great!” Tillie’s 102nd 2008, followed by Claire in July of 2009. Unfortunately, birthday is in January. their welcome attendance at our meetings was curtailed i Stein Fjell mourns the passing of Alan Robb, husband due to his illness. of Barbara Robb. Alan and Barbara have been long- Born November time friends of Stein Fjell Lodge, and were with us at 14, 1937 to George our 34th Anniversary last January. Our thoughts are and Cora (Lageson) with Barbara and family. Grinager in i Stein Fjell extends its condolences to the family of Clarkfield, Ken Severson, 84, Eaton, who passed away November Minnesota, Gifford 19th in Windsor, following a lengthy illness with married Claire Alzheimer’s disease. He was a member of Stein Fjell Linette Galstad on from 1997-2000. To extend condolences to the family, December 5, 1957 in go to www.adamsonchapels.com. St. Louis Park, i We all wish member Karen Johnson a successful Minnesota. operation on December 13th, when both knees will be He proudly replaced. We hope that she will be pain free after served in the Army surgery. during the Korean War. i We’re so glad to hear that Ruth Nelson’s rehab after Gif received his bachelor’s degree from Metro State knee replacement surgery is getting a boost from a University in Minnesota. He was a farmer, banker, realtor, nifty “bike pedal” exerciser. and appraiser. An active Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow, i We have nine orders for Stein Fjell shirts (in light member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, and leader of blue, ash, and white), and will take orders at the Sonrisers, a men’s reading group, he loved his community, December Lodge meeting. See Marian Erdal to sign family, and friends. Most knew him by his jolly laugh and up – we need ten or more to place the order. ever-ready Sven and Ole jokes. His Norwegian heritage i Mange takk to Marilynn Loustalet for providing the was dear to his heart. The walleye had to swim fast to Fishin’ for Tradition: The Lutefisk Saga video at our escape his ferocious hook. His friends were amazed at his last Lodge meeting. It really gave us a good chuckle. golf swing with long-driven golf balls, sometimes off into i Support Ponderosa Elementary in Loveland, our the brush, other times farther than the rest. Adopt A School, by signing up for e-labels (no more He is survived by his wife Claire, son Gregory and clipping!) at www.elabelsforeducation.com.You can daughters, Lisa, Kari, and Amy, and their families, register both King Soopers and/or Safeway cards. including eight grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in- i Butikken at Trollheim has holiday hours (Tues. - Sat., law, extended family, dear friends, and a beloved dog, 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.) through December 23. Note: cash and Sophie. charge cards are accepted, but not checks. His memorial service, held on November 23rd, included i Let Crystal Sundet know if you will be attending the Norwegian flag and the Norwegian national anthem, at the Zone 8 Leadership Workshop on Jan. 8th so that his request. Memorial contributions may be made to King plans can be made for serving lunch: 720.283.8592 or of Glory Lutheran Church, Loveland Rotary Club, or [email protected]. Pathways Hospice in care of Kibbey-Fishburn Funeral i Be sure to RSVP about your participation in Ski Home. Inurnment will be held at Fort Snelling Cemetery in For Light – help needed Jan. 29 and 30, and Feb. 6. St. Paul, Minnesota at a later date. If you can help at DIA, contact Crystal Sundet: Skål pa fiske! 720.283.8592 or [email protected]. If you can help at Snow Mountain Ranch, contact Alan Sommer- >>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<< feld: 970.531.0811or [email protected]. “A heritage isn’t preserved. It’s nourished. i The District 6 Newsletter is always available at It grows from bits and pieces told and written. www.sofn6.com. The October issue gives background But it lives through use.” and heritage information for all the District officers From Notes From a Scandinavian Kitchen and zone directors, including Diane Molter for Adopt by Morry and Florence Ekstrand A School, plus Camp Norge information. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<< 4

VELKOMMEN VELKOMMEN

Stein Fjell Lodge extends a warm welcome to Susan Stein Fjell Lodge extends a hearty velkommen to and Gary Zook. They have been married 41 years, living Rosalind Larsen. Rosalind's birthplace is Brooklyn, N.Y. in Minnesota, Manitoba, Nebraska, and, since August She was a long time 2009, Ft. Collins. Susan's birthplace is Detroit and Gary's resident of Oak Park, is Minneapolis. Both graduated from the University of Illinois and has recently Minnesota, with Susan majoring in English and Gary moved to Fort Collins. majoring in economics. Gary also has a master's degree in Rosalind attended Bay Public Administration from the University of Nebraska. Ridge High School in New In their 30 years in Lincoln, Nebraska, Susan raised York, and Upsala College two children and worked part time in the public schools. in East Orange, New From 1988 until retiring in August 2009, she worked for Jersey. She earned her the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services as master's in social work at a clerical the University of Illinois in worker. Chicago. Rosalind retired For 29 as a licensed clinical social years worker from the Cook County Department of Public Gary Health. At some point in time she plans to work in northern worked Colorado. for the In 1891 her mother's parents emigrated Nebraska from Odland, near Stavanger. Rosalind has Depart- visited Norway three times. The first visit was ment of with a friend and the second journey was with Labor, her mother. In 1992 her third trip took her to retiring as Alta for the midnight sun and a Sami museum. the She has extended family in , Stavanger, Rogaland Unemployment Tax Administrator, collecting unemploy- , and Odland. Fylke ment taxes from all Nebraska employers. Four family members live in the Ft. Collins area: her Susan's Norwegian heritage has been being married to daughter, Ruth Ellen, and son, Lorin Bridger, his wife, one for 41 years. Gary's Norwegian ties are to western Morgan, and their son, Theodore. Norway near Bergen. Regarding Norwegian cultural skills, Norwegian cultural skills of interest to her are Susan is interested in Hardanger Norwegian Rosemaling, Traditional Norwegian Cooking Embroidery, Traditional Norwegian (Christmas cookies), and reading Norwegian and Cooking, and Reading Norwegian and American-Norwegian Authors. Rosalind's hobbies and Norwegian-American Authors. Her hobbies interests include theater, music productions, and and interests are reading (fiction and swimming. historical fiction) and sewing. Gary's Sigrid Undset's 1927 book The Bridal Wreath was Norwegian cultural skill interest is Chip listed "as a treasure" by Rosalind in the “sharing about Fylke Carving and his hobbies are woodworking yourself” question. and currently, handyman/remodeling projects. WELCOME, Rosalind, and The Zooks have a daughter, Carolyn, who is working MANGE TAKK for your help at the Lutefisk Dinner! on a Ph.D., in Pittsburgh. Their son, Nathan, is an architect and lives in Atlanta with his wife, Julie. NAME TAGS In the “sharing about yourself” question, Susan responded with “I am pretty boring, but have a husband Some members have suggested that they would prefer who THINKS he’s pretty witty.” Gary wrote “I’m to have magnets on the back of their name tags, rather than gorgeous and witty with a huge imagination.” the present pin backing. This was discussed at the Board Meeting and it was decided that it can be easily done. For WELCOME Susan and Gary, and THANK YOU for those who want the magnet backing, please sign the sheet jumping right in – helping with the at the December Lodge meeting and contribute $1.00 to the Lutefisk Dinner and as Refreshment Hosts! "Name Tag Fund." If you have a pacemaker, please do not choose this option!!! 5 6

LOVELAND LIGHTS – DECEMBER 4 NORWEGIAN CLASS GRADUATES! Loveland Public Library, 300 N. Adams Avenue

Loveland Lights celebrates Winter holidays, traditions, and customs from a variety of cultures. Barb Nolin will begin making Norwegian heart vaffler (waffles) at 1 p.m., with samples to taste. Please come to see all the demonstrations – wear your Stein Fjell shirt for publicity! Activities for children include creating a as well as a “Find the Gingerbread Man” contest. Adults will be able to get ideas for preparing holiday party foods. There will be holiday entertainment, decorated holiday trees, and displays for all ages to enjoy. Baked goods and holiday books will be available for sale. Schedule of Events: 9:00 a.m. pick up tickets for gingerbread house workshops 9:30 a.m. Children’s Gingerbread House Workshop #1 11:00 a.m. Children’s Gingerbread House Workshop #2 1:00 p.m. Holiday Party Food Demos 3:00 p.m. Holiday Entertainment Note: Parking in the lot is limited due to construction, but on-street parking is available. After two years of study, these happy graduates have completed sett i gang: An Introductory Norwegian LÆRE NORSK (LEARN NORWEGIAN) Language Curriculum and have just received diplomas from their instructor, Charles Knutson. Pictured are: (front, Don’t forget to let Charles Knutson know if you’re L-R) Kirsten Bell, Carmen Herrick, (back, L-R) Charles planning on taking his beginning Norwegian language Knutson, Sharon Rein, Marianne Workman-Nesse, Bernice class! If there are seven students Kwan, and Bill Nesse. Not present: Carol Condit and Rob interested in the class – four more are Werge. Undaunted, and with just enough expertise to needed – it will start on January 18, really get themselves into trouble linguistically, they intend 2011. Classes will be held on to continue studying Norwegian through a reading group. Tuesday nights at 6:30 p.m., in the The happy look on their faces also may be due, in part, to Mirasol Event Center, 1153 Finch celebrating with aquavit prior to the photo being taken! Street, Loveland (between Madison Avenue and South St. Louis Avenue, A GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING and between 1st Street and SH 402). LaRue Hanson, Financial Benefits Counselor Call Charles at 303.860.9025 (h) or 303.726.6470 (c), or e-mail him at We are nearing the time of year for gift giving and [email protected]. often end up buying our children, grandchildren, or great- grandchildren gifts that last only a very short time – either MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY they break, get lost, get out-dated, or just wear out. How about giving a gift this year that "keeps on It’s time to create the 2011 Membership Directory! Let giving?" Viking Voyager is a simple, the Editors know of any corrections or additions. Takk. economical way to introduce children to Sons of Norway. They will become a CLITHERO, Betty 720.273.3774 (c) “Heritage” member and receive Viking for Kids at no cost. You may find that it KNUTSON, Russell 514 W. 24th Street costs less than what you had planned to 307.432.9157 Cheyenne, WY 82001-3525 spend. Sons of Norway has the perfect [email protected] fit for those special kids in your life. Call me and I will share with you MICHALKA, Eunice 6219 Eagle Ridge Court this "once in a lifetime gift idea." 970.226.3470 Fort Collins, CO 80525-9132 [email protected] - 719.599.8546(w) - 719.237.7314(c) [email protected] 2523 Shalimar Drive, Colorado Springs, CO 80915-1030 7

FJELLDALEN LUTEFISK AND LEFSE DINNER DOING BUSINESS IN NORWAY December 4, Servings at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. Bill Nesse

Fjelldalen Lodge’s Lutefisk and Lefse Dinner is on Each year, the World Bank publishes a report that December 4th at 3:00 and 5:30 p.m. in Prince of Peace indicates how easy it is to do business in different Lutheran Church, 2400 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver. The countries around the world. So how does Norway stack up menu includes lutefisk, lefse, kjottkake (meatballs), boiled to the rest of the world in terms of ease in doing business? potatoes, peas, lingonberries, Scandinavian cookies, The World Bank ranks Norway 8th in the world in ease coffee, and lemonade. A Scandinavian Butikken will be of doing business, after Singapore, Hong Kong, New hosted by the Lodge, and a cookie walk, selling homemade Zealand, United Kingdom, United States, Denmark, and Christmas cookies, will be hosted by the Church women. Canada. The other Scandinavian countries also rank high, Donations are: $18 (adults), $6 (4-11 years old), and with Finland 13th, Sweden 14th, and Iceland 15th. The worst no charge for those under 4 years old. Reservation in the world is Chad, ranking a dismal 183rd. Deadline is Tuesday, November 30tth. Please send check Not surprisingly, payable to Fjelldalen Lodge or Sons of Norway – indicate wealthy countries if you would like the 3:00 or 5:30 sitting – and a self - generally rank highly addressed, stamped envelope to: Helen Mulhern, 8060 E. in ease of doing Girard Ave., Apt. 207, Denver, CO 80231. Questions: business. The figure at Crystal Sundet (720.283.8592) or Helen (303.337.4090). right shows per-capita gross domestic FJELLHEIM SCANDINAVIAN CHRISTMAS TEA product plotted Viking Hall, December 4, 2 p.m. against the World Bank ranking of ease Fjellheim Lodge is providing a special Scandinavian of doing business – Christmas Tea on December 4th at 2 p.m. in Viking Hall, the heavy black line 1045 Ford Street, Colorado Springs. This is shows the general a great beginning to the trend. Based on World Christmas Season. Bank data from 2009, nd Homemade Scandinavian Norway is very wealthy indeed, ranking 2 in the world holiday treats will be with a per-capita gross domestic product (GDP) of about served, along with $79,000, surpassed only by tiny Luxembourg. By th holiday tea. There will comparison, the United States ranks 6 , with about be a program and door $46,000 in per-capita GDP. prizes will be awarded. To come up with the 2011 rankings, the World Bank Please call June Peterson, considered a wide variety of data, including ease of start- 719.599.3235, for reservations – call early as space is ing a business, getting credit, paying taxes, enforcing con- limited! Cost: $12.00. tracts, obtaining building permits, and so forth, often based on conditions in the country’s largest city. Norway gener- ally did well on most criteria, but was weakest in the bu- TROLLHEIM LUTEFISK & MEATBALL DINNER eaucatic hurdles to start a business (ranking 33rd), getting January 15, 2011, Sittings at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. credit (46th), and getting building permits (65th). In Oslo, it can take 210 days to get a basic building permit for con- Trollheim Lodge’s Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner will be structing a building and costs NOK80,400. The U.S. also held Saturday, January 15th (sittings at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m.) at ranked highly on most criteria, but was weakest on paying 6610 W. 14th, Lakewood. The menu includes lutefisk, taxes (62nd), with 13 different taxes to be paid in New York butter, cream sauce, Norwegian meatballs, potatoes, lefse, City, versus only three different taxes in Norway. red cabbage, riskrem, red sauce, and drinks. Donations are A bright spot in the World Bank report is that the $18 for adults and $8 for those under 12, with reserved number of reforms making it easier to do business around seating for parties of four or more. Reservations: make the world significantly outnumber the instances where checks payable to Sons of Norway and send, along with additional burdens have been placed on doing business. your Name, Address, City/State/Zip, Sitting preference, Number and type of Tickets, and a self-addressed, stamped Sources: Wall Street Journal, Nov. 15, 2010; World Bank: envelope, to Barb Hessel, 953 S. Holland St., Lakewood, Doing Business 2011, International Monetary Fund, CO 80226. Questions? Call Barb at 303.989.4496. Wikipedia 8

offers a rare treat for viewers: an inspiring event featuring Marianne Workman-Nesse the renowned a cappella voices of the St. Olaf Choir Take a break from all the hustle and bustle, and enjoy from St. Olaf College in some special Nordic holiday programs. PBS is doing the Northfield, Minnesota, the honors this time, but if you can’t find them in your local Nidarosdomens Jentekor TV listings, they may be available through other media, (Nidaros Cathedral Girls such as DVDs or websites like www.hulu.com, a free, Choir) from Trondheim, and online video service. noted Norwegian mezzo Since 2004, the gifted, award-winning, young, sibling soprano Randi Stene. Filmed musicians Mari Silje (violin) and Hakon (cello) in Trondheim’s historic Samuelsen, joined by Nidaros Cathedral, the acclaimed musicians and program showcases two countries and two choirs, singers, have performed their presenting traditional Christmas hymns sung in both Klassisk Julekonsert (Classic Norwegian and English, featuring songs of peace and joy Christmas Concert) from Vang that are timeless and a tribute to people of all nations. Church in Hamar, Norway. This special is the seventh in a popular series of PBS Presenting traditional classical holiday concerts featuring the St. Olaf Choir. This and holiday music, the concert Christmas concert, recorded in 2005, commemorates the has become a Christmas Eve centennial of Norway’s independence and the cultural tradition in Norway. roots of St. Olaf College, founded in 1874 by Norwegian The 2010 concert will be Lutheran immigrants, and the St. Olaf Choir, founded in performed live on December 9 1912 by F. Melius Christiansen, a Norwegian immigrant. and 10, and will be broadcast, Visit www.tpt.org/stolaf/ for online video and audio for the first time in the U.S., possibly on Christmas Eve or clips of the program and images of the performing choirs. Christmas Day. Hosted by HH Princess Märtha Louise and Rick Steves' European Christmas (debuted 2005) film director Harald Zwart, the music will be accompanied highlights traditional, sacred, and intimate family celebrated in England, Norway (at Drobak, Norway's self-proclaimed capital of Christmas, Santa Lucia Dag, and a Norwegian Girls' Choir concert in Oslo), France, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and Italy. Note: PBS stations are airing this as a 1-hour special, and as a 2-hour pledge event. Also available: DVD, Blu-ray, www.hulu.com, music CD, iTunes, and book form.

Sources: www.norway.org L-R: Hakon Samuelsen, HH Princess Märtha Louise, (Includes video promo), Mari Silje Samuelsen www.amazon.com, www.ricksteves.com, by outdoor scenes of wintertime and holiday celebrations www.hamar-regionen.no/ in Norway’s Hamar region. article23964-958.html, www.kulone.com/NO/ Joining the Samuelsens this year will be soprano Event/1398540-A-Christmas-Concert-from-Norway, Measha Brueggergosman (performed at the 2010 Winter www.klassiskjulekonsert.no/, Olympics opening ceremony), Norwegian tenor Didrik www.collegenews.org/x5174.xml Solli-Tangen (represented Norway in the 2010 Eurovision ********************************* Song Contest), the Trondheim Soloists, Choir Collegium Please respect the privacy of fellow members. Vocale, and members of the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. Names, Phone Numbers, and Addresses must not be A St. Olaf Christmas in Norway (also on DVD or CD) redistributed, or used for commercial purposes. 9

COTE DE RODELØKKA WINE It’s remarkable that the Bill Nesse Heens are able to produce something that is “not a great Just about every culture has figured out how to make wine, but it’s potable.” Making alcoholic beverages. What gets made, however, depends on wine from grapes grown in the local ingredients. Southern Europe has famously marginal conditions can be a developed wine because grapes grow well in its warm, challenge, because if the sunny climate. In northern Europe, grapes do not thrive, acidity and sugar content aren’t but grain does, so beer has become the beverage of choice. right, the result can be awful. Distilled spirits follow the same pattern. In southern Anyone trying to gag down the Europe, brandy, grappa, and similar drinks are made from “Sludge Falls Wine” that I grapes. Further north, grain and potatoes provide the raw made from grapes grown by a material for whisky and vodka. friend in Loveland will readily Given that almost all of Norway lies north of 60o north agree. latitude, it would normally be assumed that wine could not Each summer the Heens be made there. However, like the folks in Kristiansand who and their neighbors have a are growing palm trees (Januar 2009 Posten), a few folks garden party and serve the in the Rodeløkka suburb of Oslo are proving conventional Cote de Rodeløkka wine with wisdom wrong by growing grapes and making wine. They shrimp. The fact that they have formed a wine club called Les Compagnons de made the wine (and didn’t Rodeløkka. have to pay Vinmonopolet The people at the center of this enterprise are Olav and prices) undoubtedly makes it Betsy Heen, who a particularly enjoyable developed a taste for event. wine when they were students Sources: together in France. www.cityfarmer.info, Back in Norway in www.aftenposten.no the 1980s, they tried to grow grapes by ARIZONA KRETSSTEVENE planting grape seeds. Saturday, February 12, 2011, 8:30 a.m. When that didn’t work, they bought Heading south this Winter? Consider attending some grape vines Arizona’s Kretsstevene. Topics to be presented include from a nursery and planted them on the south-facing, sunny Sami Lands, Stave Churches, Bunader and Sweaters, side of their house. The grapes grow well in the long Barneløpet, history of the Norwegian Language, summer days, and are a hardy French variety that produces Genealogy, Heavy Water, and Norway Travel. The cost is some grapes even if the growing season isn’t optimal. $37 per person and includes a meal, coffee breaks with The Heens’ garden was much too small, however, to Norwegian cookies, and handout materials. Registration is provide the quantity of grapes needed by February 7. Mail checks, payable to Sons of needed for their wine making. Norway (include your name and lodge name), to Wendy So, they asked if they could Winkelman, 5553 E. Gable plant vines in sunny areas in Ave., Mesa, AZ 85206-6707. their neighbors’ yards. Eight If you’re planning to stay neighbors have agreed and each over in Mesa, request the gets to put a sign on their house Sons of Norway – designating it a “Grapevine Kretsstevene rate at the Cottage.” Over the years Holiday Inn & Suites Mesa harvests have averaged 30 to 40 (480.964.7000): $99 plus tax, kilograms of grapes, enough to with breakfast included. make about 30 bottles of white wine. Olav Heen prunes the vines as needed during the Sources: W. Winkelman, course of the year and he and his wife and the neighbors www.visitnorway.com make the wine each Fall. 10

JUL they closely ride by meadow and path Bill Nesse And pass the fearful nation. Then, - take care farmer! Keep all in order! In Scandinavian countries Christmas usually translates As the wild hunt of Asgard may visit your home!...” as jul or its etymological equivalents, including in English. But jul, however it is spelled, has roots much The merging of pagan Yule festivities with Christian older than the Christian celebration. practices began in Norway with King Håkon the Good, “Yule” traditionally refers not to a single day, but to around 950 a.d. Håkon had been sent by his father, King the period of the year when days are shortest and nights Harald Fairhair, to be raised, out of harms way, in England. longest. Before the Roman Julian calendar was introduced He was brought up in the Christian faith and when he in the early Middle Ages, the Germanic calendar used returned to Norway to be king, he unsuccessfully attempted terms such as Jéola, Jiuli, Jól, Jul, jiuleis, geola, and giuli to introduce Christianity. He did, however, pass a law for the month that fell in December and/or January. The requiring that Yule activities must coincide with the Germanic calendar months only loosely correlate with our Christian Christmas. months, in part because the start of the year was often Pagan Yule traditions have, of course, continued in taken as the first full moon after the winter solstice. various forms to the present day. Some of the traditions Pagan celebrations, feasts, and ceremonies around the related to the nisse and julebukk were described in the winter solstice have become identified with the name Yule, Desember 2009 Posten. Another tradition that continues to or perhaps the month acquired its name from these the present is the brewing and drinking of juleøl festivities. Regardless, the fact that days start getting (Christmas beer). While drinking beer during Yule had longer after the winter solstice was probably sufficient undoubtedly been common before then, King Håkon the cause for celebration, but other motivations often became Good codified the practice. Snorri Sturluson wrote in involved. A common theme was to honor one’s ancestors. Heimskringla that Håkon passed a law that “...at that time Some scholars have associated Yule with the Wild everyone was to have ale for the celebration with a Hunt, in which a phantasmal group of huntsmen is in mad measure of grain, or else pay fines, and had to keep the pursuit of its prey across the skies. In Norway this is holiday while the ale lasted.” Today, Norwegian breweries known as Åsgårdreien, or the Ride of Åsgård, in which the produce special beer at Christmas that is darker, heavier, Norse gods (including Thor and his hammer) and other and sweeter than the light- inhabitants of Åsgård are members of the hunt. It is colored lagers and pilsners normally favored in Norway the rest of the year. This Juleøl or Julebrygg (Christmas beer or Christmas brew) is designed to compliment heavy, rich traditional foods like pinnekjøt and ribbe. Some people brew their own Juleøl. Breweries also prepare Julebrus (Christmas soda) for the younger set who aren’t allowed to drink alcohol. While the religious dimension is very important to many, our modern holiday still seems most like a Yule celebration. It extends for about a month (longer if you count the Christmas advertising that starts before Åsgårdreien (The Ride of Åsgård), Halloween), has a wild hunt on in which , 1872 hoards descend upon businesses, and often includes events at which intoxicating beverages are consumed in quantity. described by Johan Sebastian Welhaven (1807-1873) in his But perhaps most significantly, we honor our ancestors by poem Åsgårdreien: maintaining traditions such as our Juletrefest and having lutefisk dinners. “...The Wild Hunt of Asgard raids the county Whilst fall and winter at stormy nights. Sources: Wikipedia, www.stavanger travel, Ringnes But it favors to travel at Yuletide... Brewery, Heimskringla by Snorri Stulason ~1200 a.d., They feast with trolls and giants; www.-gift.com 11

THE INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL When an applicant is deemed worthy of a scholarship “Come to Norway, Meet the World” (recommended by the 6th District Scholarship Committee Application/Scholarship Deadline: February 1, 2011 and approved by the 6th District Board) the funds will be SON Foundation Scholarship: Postmark March 1, 2011 jointly paid to the applicant and to the institution he or she is attending. Applications must be submitted to the For a unique cultural scholarship committee by April 1. experience, study with and live Also, the 6th District offers a scholarship for a two- close to fellow students from all week Concordia Language Camp Summer Session at The over the world (550+ students, Norwegian Village or Skogfjorden in the amount of about ~100 countries) during six weeks $1700.00, for a camper over the age of 13. The applicant (June 25 – August 5, 2011) at the must be a Heritage or Unge Venner member of a 6th International Summer School District lodge. District applications may be obtained from (ISS), . members of the scholarship committee. Applications must Cultural and social activities and be submitted to the scholarship committee by May 1. events are included, in additional to a varied program of The applicant must also apply directly to and meet all weekend excursions. requirements of Concordia Language Camp. Visit website The ISS offers courses focusing on Norwegian www.ConcordiaLanguageVillages.org for information and language (beginner to advanced) and various aspects of applications for the Norwegian Village or Skogfjorden. Norwegian culture and society, as well as undergraduate and graduate courses taught in English. SON FOUNDATION SCHOLARSHIPS On-campus students have full board and lodging in a Cindy Olson, Director, Sons of Norway Foundation dorm adjacent to the Oslo University campus. Off-campus www.sonsofnorway.com / Member Oslo Lodge 1-002 students make their own board and lodging arrangements. 612.821.4632 / [email protected] Participants are selected on the basis of their academic record, recommendations, and a personal statement in It is not too early to be which they outline their reasons for applying. A limited thinking about Sons of Norway number of scholarships are offered. The number of Foundation Scholarships and scholarship applications always exceeds the number of Grants. Your Foundation awards available grants, and competition for scholarships is over $100,000 in scholarships and consequently very tough. Note that the SON Foundation grants every year. Don't miss offers two $1500 scholarships each year to students of ISS. these opportunities. Application postmark deadline is February 1, but Scholarships: Many students applications may be made online any time (the earlier the begin filling out college scholarship applications during better); self-paying applicants may apply after the deadline winter break. All Sons of Norway Foundation scholarship (first-come, first-served), space permitting. applications are due March 1, 2011, with the exception of More information and applications are at the Nancy Lorraine Jensen Memorial Scholarship, which is www.summerschool.uio.no. U.S. contact info: Oslo due April 1, 2011. There are five separate scholarship International Summer School, North American Branch categories to choose from. Go to www.sonsofnorway.com, Office, c/o St. Olaf College, 1520 St. Olaf Avenue, click on Foundation, then click on Scholarships. All of the Northfield, MN 55057-1098; e-mail is [email protected], or qualifying information and applications are accessible on call 507.786.3269 / 1.800.639.0058. this site. Grants: What is your local lodge planning where a 6TH DISTRICT 2011 SCHOLARSHIPS grant could help? Local Lodge Partnership Grants are Carolyn Dahl, Chairman due January 15, 2011. Helping Hands to Children Grants 13361 East 35h Place, Yuma, AZ 85367 are due February 1, 2011, and General Heritage and PH: 928-335-1801 / e-mail: [email protected] Culture Grants are due April 1, 2011. Go to www.sonsofnorway.com, click on Foundation, then click The 6th District will award three, $1,000 scholarships on Grants. Applications, complete with budget sheets, are to members in good standing, and children or grandchil- accessible from this site. dren who are Unge Venner members in any District lodge. Youth Heritage Camp Scholarships are available They must attend a four-year accredited college or univer- from local lodges and your District. Contact the District sity in the USA as a full-time undergraduate in their soph- Youth Director for applications and information. omore, junior, or senior year and have a grade point aver- Lodge Improvement Grants are handled by age of 2.5 or better on a scale where A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1. contacting your District International Director, Janie Kelly. MARIANNE AND BILL NESSE POSTEN EDITORS 22 DOS RIOS GREELEY CO 80634-9501 FIRST CLASS

SONS OF NORWAY STEIN FJELL LODGE 6-114 LOVELAND, COLORADO www.steinfjell.com

DESEMBER 2010

STEIN FJELL LODGE meets on the first Thursday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Good Samaritan Society - Loveland Village’s West Dining Hall. The address is 2101 S. Garfield Avenue, Loveland, Colorado. Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of every other month at the home of a member. YOU ARE WELCOME TO JOIN US!

The mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and , to celebrate our relationship with other nordic countries, and provide quality insurance and financial products to our members.

Sons of Norway misjon er å fremme og ivareta norske kulturtradisjoner, feire vårt forhold til andre nordiske land, og samtidig tilby de beste forsikrings og finansprodukter til våre medlemmer.