November –December/ Marraskuu –Joulukuu 2016 Finnish Television: “In Between” PRESENTER : DR . MARI PAJALA Government of Finland/David and Nancy Speer Visiting Professor in Finnish Studies at the University of Minnesota Dr. Mari Pajala will provide us with a fascinating glimpse into the development of television broadcasting in Finland after World War II. Finnish television, much like Finland itself, was situated between the West and the East during the postwar era. The first television broadcaster in Finland was a commercial company (unusual in Europe). Finnish television featured American entertainment from the beginning. At the same time, Finnish television collaborated with television organizations in socialist Eastern Europe. How did this in-between position shape Finnish television culture? Mari says, “I was born in Vaasa and spent my childhood and school years in Oulu, Ylivieskä and Kajaani. My parents, who are both from a small place called Kälviä in central Ostrobothnia, thought it was good not to be too stuck in one place! However, after moving to Turku for University, I’ve ended up living there ever since.” She now holds a position as a senior lecturer in Media Studies. Her PhD thesis explored how ideas about Finnishness have developed around the popular television show, the Eurovision Song Contest , which began in the 1960s. She is interested in how contemporary television programs interpret Finnish history and how Finnish media represent gender and class. Her current research is on connections between Finnish television and television in socialist countries during the Cold War era. Program in Brief In her free time, she likes to do yoga, go to the cinema, sing in a choir and spend time at her family’s summer cottage Finnish Television: “In Between” near Orivesi. Dr. Mari Pajala Coffee and conversation will follow the program. Friday, November 18, 7 p.m. International Institute FACA Event Cancellation Policy of Minnesota If St. Paul public schools are canceled due to bad weather, then a 1694 Como Ave., St. Paul FACA event scheduled for that day will also be canceled. FACA (Across from the Fairgrounds) members may contact any board member if they have a question. FACA 2016 –2017 President’s Message /116365755059161/FACA 3015-2016 By Gene Ollila B Board of Directors Finally, some cooler weather—but picking beans and President tomatoes at the end of October? I guess we just have to Gene Ollila put up with it. We had the opportunity to see exquisite 612-840-2932 tamarack golden yellow coloration when in Zim in mid- [email protected] October, along with a terrific full moon across a bog. It Vice Pres./Program Chair was very quiet, a change from the mix of noises of the Phillip A. Erickson city. Today I’m enjoying a look at the website 763-551-9248 woodenskis.com, which has interesting versions of [email protected] wood skis. I remember my old homemade wooden skis that I used in the woods in deep snow when I was a kid. I’m not certain they Treasurer could take the flex and torque nowadays, sixty or more years later! Janie Ahola 651-455-6152 Find information about upcoming major events in the calendar and articles [email protected] later in this issue. I want to point out that the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast is headed this year by Finland. A good year to attend! And at this Secretary time, Eeva Savolainen is still looking for tenors and basses for the Finnish Dennis Halme Choir project. See finnsource.org/2016/10/choir-project-news / to 763-208-3294 learn more. [email protected] The theme for the 2017 Festival of Nations, May 4 –7, is “Ceremonies and Rituals.” You will hear more about the planning for this festival, the Hospitality Chair Finland100 celebration and FinnFest USA 2017 in the new year. Finally, we need people to sign up for providing treats at our next two Member-at-Large programs. If no one does, only coffee will be served. Please call me if you wish to provide this valuable service. Kiitos paljon and looking forward to exciting events over the next year! FACA Newsletter Committee Last Chance to Attend the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast Editor Jeanne Swope There’s still time to make your reservation for the Nordic American 612-827-6773 Thanksgiving Breakfast. Ticket deadline is Wednesday, Nov. 16. The breakfast [email protected] takes place Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the Grand Ballroom of the DoubleTree by Hilton, 7800 Normandale Boulevard, Bloomington. Seating begins at 6:30 a.m., Graphic Design and the program commences at 7 a.m. Darlene Esko 651-455-8843 This year, the breakfast is sponsored by the Finns and the Honorary Consul of [email protected] Finland, K. Marianne Wargelin. Speakers include Minnesota Orchestra music Membership/Mailing director Osmo Vänskä, journalist Mary Lahammer and State Senator John Urho and Pam Rahkola Marty. Emcee is Don Shelby. The Augsburg Choir (conducted by Mark Sedio) [email protected] performs a song in Finnish. Cardamom rolls will be served, and traditional 651-429-3319 Finnish costumes, sweaters, scarves and jewelry are highly welcome! The NATB is a charitable event supporting two charities: Second Harvest Website: finnfaca.org Heartland and Minnesota Military Family Foundation. Reservations are Facebook: required and can be purchased from Janie Ahola 651-455-6152 or https//www.facebook.com/ [email protected]; or at sonsofnorway.com; or by calling Sons of Norway at groups 612-821-4640. Tickets are $25 per person or $250 per 10-person, reserved table. /116365755059161/FACA Students pay $20 per person. 3015-2016 B Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc. 2 Joulu —Magical Finnish Christmas Most events are free. Please consider making a By Betsey Norgard donation—only with your donations can Joulu remain a free community event for friends and families. Mark your calendars! The fifth annual For additional information, visit joulumn.org or call Joulu—Magical 651-270-9784. Joulu is cosponsored by FACA, Finnish Christmas Finlandia Foundation Twin Cities, Finnish American will take place on Chamber of Commerce Minnesota, AlwaysMod, Saturday, Dec. 10, Minnesotan Suomi-koulu/Finnish Language School of 11 a.m. –4 p.m., at Minnesota, and the Honorary Consulate of Finland, all Christ Church in partnership with Christ Church Lutheran. Lutheran, 3244 34th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Learn More about Your Finnish Ancestors The Twin Cities Finnish community is If you wonder about your family in Finland long ago, celebrating Finnish come to the Finnish Genealogy Group of Minnesota Christmas traditions, Research Day and Potluck Lunch on Nov. 26. Bring the and we’re inviting family information you already know and learn how to neighbors and friends discover more. Tables will be set up to address a variety to join us. of research interests, with a knowledgeable genealogist in charge of each. Fun and fascinating! Nonmembers are Did you know that ginger cookies Holiday Christmas always welcome. Buffet—Noon – became popular at Christmas because they can be baked well 2 p.m. This is the Location: Apostolic Lutheran Church, 11015 Old ahead of time and only improve in County Road 15, Plymouth. Research Day hours are only event that flavor as Christmas nears? Buy requires a ticket. some at Joulu to bake at home. 10 a.m. to approximately 2 p.m. Enjoy the Deco Catering’s elegant Pikkujoulu dinner of Finnish traditional holiday foods— Christmas ham, breads, salmon platter, a variety of herrings, rosolli (beet salad), lanttulaatikko (rutabaga casserole), porkkanalaatikko (carrot casserole), perunalaatikko (potato casserole), etc. Tickets: adults $39; children ages 5 –12, $17.50; and children under 5, free. To reserve call 651-646-3715 or online at FACA Membership http://christmas-buffet2016.eventbrite.com . The deadline to reserve is 11 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 2. A one-year membership for $25 provides you with nine issues of this newsletter, plus other benefits. To Kauneimmat Joululaulut (Most Beautiful Christmas subscribe or renew, complete this form and mail with Songs) sing-along program at 3 p.m. Join with Finns your check to FACA, P.O. Box 580708, Minneapolis, around the world singing favorite traditional and new MN 55458-0708. (Check the mailing label for songs from the same songbook. The offering taken for membership expiration date.) the Finnish Mission Society supports global projects that promote peace and provide basic help to people in need. Name _______________________________________ Joulutori (Marketplace), 11 a.m. –3 p.m. is a great place to do some Christmas shopping. In the Finnish Café, Address _____________________________________ enjoy Christmas tarts; pulla (cardamom bread), Christmas cookies and torte; coffee, tea and juice during City/State/Zip ________________________________ the day. Drop in on kids activities during the afternoon. Enter the Wreath Design Contest—create your own Phone ______________________________________ wreath for “Magical Finnish Christmas” to bring for decoration during the afternoon at Joulu and Email _______________________________________ to take home. Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc. 3 Celebrate Independence Day on Dec. 6 Public Lecture in Honor of Finland 100 By Betsey Norgard Pirjo Markkola, Professor of History, Join the Finnish community for a program and reception University of Tampere, Finland to celebrate Independence Day on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 7 p.m., at Christ Church Lutheran, 3244 34th Ave. S., Carlson Hall, American Swedish Institute Minneapolis. Jan. 11, 2017, 7 p.m. The program includes a talk by Mari Pajala, the Gender History in the Nordic Countries: Strong Government of Finland/David and Nancy Speer Visiting Women, Woman-friendly Welfare State and Other Professor of Finnish Studies at the University of Scandinavian Stereotypes Revisited Minnesota. She is a senior lecturer in Media Studies at the University of Turku. She will talk about her research The Nordic Countries are known for women’s high labor on Independence Day television from the 1960s to 2010.