SynNor Brevet. November 2015

Transcription

1 SynNor Brevet Published monthly by Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge #1-008 WEB SITE: November 2015 Number 15:10 District 1 Lodge of the Year 2013 and Family Lodge of the Year 2006, 2008 New Land, New Life! Synnove-Nordkap s Historical Exhibit Is Telling the Norwegian Immigration Story and Proudly Representing Sons of Norway Throughout Minnesota It will soon be three years since our Lodge premiered the wonderful exhibit entitled New Land, New Life at the Landmark Center in February of After a successful opening in St. Paul, the exhibit has been on the move ever since! It has traveled to all corners of our great state. Come hear President Ron Stow describe the places and people that have enjoyed our work, and hear of how the story of Norwegian immigration continues to touch the spirits and fill the hearts of many Minnesotans. And of course, spread the good word about Sons of Norway! "New Land, New Life: Norwegian Immigration to Minnesota, " opened to the public on Thursday, February 21, 2013, at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. Hosted by the Ramsey County Historical Society, the exhibit was the culmination of nearly two year s work by volunteer members of the Synnove-Nordkap Lodge in St. Paul. The exhibit was accompanied by a variety of performances, demonstrations and educational information, cultural skills, artifacts and traditions which Norwegian immigrants brought to our Minnesota communities. The exhibit was supported by the Sons of Norway Foundation and a grant from the Minnesota Legacy Fund. "New Land, New Life" may be one of the most ambitious projects undertaken by a local Sons of Norway Lodge in America. The result is a high quality exhibit featuring 20 Panels of historical text and photographs which have been reviewed for accuracy and professional integrity by authorities such as noted historian Odd Lovoll and UW-River Falls professor and author Dr. Betty Bergland. The panel artwork and layout design has been developed by a graphic designer from within the Lodge s membership. The Museum Exhibit was designed and intended to be a traveling exhibit. The exhibit has been made available to Sons of Norway Lodges throughout Minnesota to host in their own communities.

2 Scandinavian Culture and News By Don Halvorson Petersburg-Alaska s Little Norway At its peak, Petersburg was one of the nation s top ten fishing ports. Today, when the pink salmon run is on, over 1000 workers stream into town each year to jobs at the local fish plants. Hundreds of local fishermen hold commercial permits and go after salmon, halibut, black cod, shrimp, crab and herring worth millions of dollars when sold to processors. While many towns in the 49 th state take pride in their Russian or Native heritage, the inhabitants of Petersburg, Alaska look back to Norway, and the immigrant Norwegian fishermen who settled here. Located on Frederick Sound along the Inside Passage, Petersburg is an island community surrounded by abundant marine life, and still primarily making it s living from the sea. A short boat ride away is the Stikene-LeConte wilderness, and its majestic LeCounte glacier, continually calving off tons of blue icebergs into the cold sound. In 1898, it was the discovery of this glacier and its plentiful supply of ice, that led a Norwegian by the name of Peter Buschmann to believe that he could set up a cannery there, on the northern tip of Mitkof Island. Although the practice of fishing and Tlinglet fish camps date back 2000 years in that area, the building of Buschmann s cannery was the beginning of a commercial fishing industry. That, along with tourism, remains the main source of income for Petersburg today. Because of its shallow harbors, Petersburg cannot be reached by larger cruise ships. Still, during the summer months, countless tourists arrive there by smaller cruise ships, yachts and other pleasure boats. Once there they find themselves in a small fishing village that has held on to its strong Norwegian roots since its beginning. The common greeting in stores is velkommen not welcome. In the business district the usual symbols of Alaska have been replaced by images of Viking ship logos and other Norwegian decor. If you want to go there during a celebration, go there for their 2-day Fourth of July holiday, or their 4-day Syttende Mai festivities. Petersburg Alaska Magazine, November 2010 Petersburg Chamber of Commerce Community Guide visitorinfo@alaskan.com Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge normally meets on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, usually at 7:00 PM at Gustavus Adolphus Church 1669 Arcade Street, Saint Paul, Minnesota (use the South entrance) For information, contact one of our officers. (See back cover for list.) Web Page: < On FaceBook, look for Synnove-Nordkap and Middel Lag Sons of Norway International: < SynNorBrevet, Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 2

3 Lodge News Fra Presidenten Hallo kjære medlemer! Hello dear members! Our lodge had another tremendous program in October, when Rosanne Brekken showed us what it s like to do wing walking. I m still spinning from watching the climbs and the dives of the bi-plane with Rosanne poised on the wing. The November program will catch us all up on the progress of our New Land, New Life: Norwegian Immigration in Minnesota exhibit. Our members, who were instrumental in the production of the display panels, the artifact exhibit, and the interview videos, will review the process of the production. You will also learn about the reception of the exhibit at the various host museums throughout Minnesota since our initial showing in the spring of 2013 at the Landmark Center in St. Paul. This exhibit was instrumental in our Synnøve-Nordkap being named the District 1 Lodge of the Year. Remember the 3 F s of Sons of Norway, the three legs of the stool which represents our organization? Fraternal, Foundation, Financial. November will be Foundation Month. Please consider generously donating as we pass the basket for this vital part of our organization. November is also time to sign up to help with the annual ringing of the bells for the Salvation Army. See details elsewhere in the Brevet. Please consider giving of your time for this worthy cause. Mange tusen takk to all of you who have stepped forward to help Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge be the success it has become. I invite others to join these volunteers. Ha det bra! Ron Stow History of Norway by John Yilek signed copies now available at Sandeen's Scandinavian Gifts 1315 White Bear Ave. St. Paul, MN Meet the author at a book signing on Sat., Dec. 12th Sunshine News Our sympathy to Ruth Gibson on the death of her husband, Lyle. Best wishes to Susan Stow as she recovers from eye surgery and to Paul Hove recovering from a knee replacement. HELP US KEEP TRACK OF OUR MEMBERS! Mary Beth Mutchler is our sunshine person. If you know of someone who is sick, had surgery, etc., please call her at or her at mbe43@q.com and she will send a card from the lodge. Also, if your phone, , or address change, please let us know at or dmutchler@q.com. - Thanks! SynNorBrevet, Synnove-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 3

4 Lodge News Board Meeting Minutes, October 6, 2015 Attendees: Ron and Susan Stow, Kathy Stevens, Laura Sherman, Pat Carlson, Trudi Johnson-Richards, Dianne Anderson, Dave and Mary Beth Mutchler, Sharon Amann, and Lynn Hoffmeyer. After a warm-up discussion of our favorite place to view the autumn splendor, we reviewed the September lodge meeting. Mary Beth stated that the meeting part went too long; all agreed that was the case. It seems to happen each September. Pati Kuchel was very entertaining, and is willing to come back some other time. The October speaker, Roseanne Brekken, has been very well received at other lodges. October is also Leif Erickson month. Sharon Amann, the Mutchlers, and Pat Carlson are tasked with providing apple crisp and ice cream for dessert. Sharon previewed the upcoming Torsk and Meatball Dinner. Many specific items were assigned or picked up by Board members. The Dianne Anderson will take charge of the table settings on Friday. The Silent Auction items will be gathered into a central location immediately after the auction closes for security until picked up. Ken Bjork now has Linda s copy of the software and will be joining the Brevet staff. Thanks, Ken! Susan had a Junior Lodge report. Their new dance is Olaf Skol. Singing is going well. Susan has asked the members to help at the Torsk and Meatball Dinner. Laura gave a financial report. We discussed the November program. It will feature the New Land, New Life exhibit which has been a big hit wherever it has gone. Ron will take the lead, with others involved as well. Susan will speak briefly on the benefits that our lodge has received in recent years from the Foundation. We discussed future programs and the Julebord. There will be more information as these items firm up. There are several openings on the Board for Cultural Director, Foundation, Librarian, and a Marshall are open.we discussed some possible candidates who will be contacted, but we would welcome volunteers! The slate of officers must be published in the November Brevet, discussed in November at the lodge meeting, and voted on in December. Submitted by: Dave Mutchler, Secretary The next board of directors meeting will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, November 3 in the Board Room at the Maplewood library. Lodge Meeting Minutes October 13, lodge members and guests attended our October event at Gustavus Adolphus Lutheran Church. After a welcome and the anthems, we welcomed Clair Keller on her return to our lodge and Joy Killeen, a guest from Woodbury and interested in genealogy. The July meeting minutes were approved and printed in the Brevet, and Laura Sherman gave a treasurer s report. Ron Stow recognized the recent passing of Lyle Gibson, husband of former lodge president Ruth Gibson. Ron Stow highlighted the Anoka lodge meeting on October 25 with the Christmas Wish family and Leif Erikson Day and Foundation month in October. Sharon Amann spoke on the upcoming Torsk and Meatball Dinner and Silent Auction / Bake Sale fundraiser on October 24. She again brought signup sheets for helpers for this event, and Dave Mutchler discussed the upcoming Silent Auction / Bake Sale. We celebrated the September birthdays and anniversaries. Ron announced wing walker Roseann Brekken, whose interesting life and adventuresome spirit were fascinating. She brought a video of her wing walking. We thank Sharon Amann, the Mutchlers, and Trudi Johnson-Richards for our treats at the end of the evening. Submitted by Dave Mutchler, Secretary SynNorBrevet, Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 4

5 Genealogy Group Tues. Nov. 3 Sat. Nov. 7 Tues. Nov.10 Tues. Dec. 1 Tues. Dec. 8 Synnøve-Nordkap Board Meeting Maplewood Library Board Room) 3025 Southlawn Dr.(W. of Maplewood Mall Genealogy Group Meeting Maplewood Library See box at right for more information. New Land, New Life presentation Ron Stow and other staff for NLNL Synnøve-Nordkap Board Meeting Maplewood Library Board Room) 3025 Southlawn Dr.(W. of Maplewood Mall Annual Julebord Dinner Heads up! Save this date! 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 10:00 AM to Noon 7:00 PM 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM 5:00 PM At the November 7 th Genealogy Group meeting we will be helping a group member break through a brick wall in his research. The meeting will be at the Maplewood Library, 3025 Southlawn Dr. (W. of Maplewood Mall) from 10 am to noon. An optional lunch at a nearby restaurant will follow the meeting. Mindekirken Events: Go to for more information on activities. There are still some 2016 Paulstad Classic calendars remaining after the Torsk and Meatball Dinner. They will be available for sale at the November and December meetings for $12.50 each. There are also some note cards remaining. We will again be bell ringing for the Salvation Army at Byerly s in St. Paul near I94 and Ruth Street on Saturday, December 5 from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Two people are needed for each shift. Please contact Mary Beth Mutchler at or mbe43@q.com to volunteer. Norwegian Language Classes (1) "Norwegian In Five Minutes A Month" series. Class 6:30-7:00 PM Tuesdays before lodge meetings. (2) Norsk Nordmenn og Norge Class will be held on the second and fourth Wednesdays: in November the 11 th and the 25 th from 6:30-7:45 PM at the Hayden Heights Library at White Bear & Arlington Avenues. Interested members please contact Crystal Bloecher, ALL ARE WELCOME! 9:00-11:00 AM Clayton & Char Lance 11:00-1:00 PM 1:00-3:00 PM 3:00-5:00 PM 5:00-6:00 PM SynNorBrevet, Synnove-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 5

6 Nominations for the election of officers for 2016 The following members have been nominated to serve as officers of Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge for The election will take place at the December meeting, with installation at the January Lodge meeting. President Ron Stow Vice President Sharon Amann Secretary Dave Mutchler Membership Sec. Trudi Johnson-Richards Treasurer Laura Sherman Social Director Pat Carlson, Dianne Anderson Cultural Director Kathy Stevens Counselor Kathy Stevens Junior Lodge Dir. Susan Stow Trustees Kathy Kaluza, LaRee Opdahl Marshall Sylvia Vaala Asst. Marshall Doug Peterson Sports Director Lowell Johnson Historian Lenore Jesness Newsletter Editors Lowell Johnson, Lynn Hoffmeyer, Ken Bjork Newsletter Mailers Axel Torvi, Scott Torvi Newsletter Staff Ron and Susan Stow, Don Halvorson, Maf Berg, Mary Beth Mutchler Musician Jennie Read Greeters Shirley Brekke, Maureen Austinson Foundation Dir. Susan Stow Scholarship Dir Kathy Manderscheid Publicity Leif Erickson, Jana Stow Velo Sunshine Mary Beth Mutchler Librarian Maf Berg Genealogy Cathy Reasoner, Fred Matson Sound Tech. Chuck Draheim Norsk Classes Crystal Bloecher Scholarship Kathy Manderscheid Webmaster Dave Mutchler Auditors Linda Holmstrom, Wayne Bjorum, Chuck Draheim Meet Our New Member Jennie Read One of our most recent new members, Jennie Read joined Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge in August of this year. After visiting Norway in 2014, Jennie felt a strong desire to establish a better connection with her Norwegian roots. Inspired by her grandparents who have been members of Storting Lodge in Austin, MN, Jennie felt that Sons of Norway seemed a logical way for her to get more involved with Norwegian culture and heritage. Jennie considers Albert Lea, MN her hometown, although she graduated from Fairmont, MN high school, having moved there at the age of 14. After graduating from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Jennie lived in St. Paul for five years. Currently, she resides in Woodbury with her dog, a Hungarian puli named Miss Emma. Career-wise, Jennie works for the Minnesota Department of Transportation as a civil engineer, currently assigned to Mn- DOT s Central Office. She was involved with many highway projects in Ramsey County and in St. Paul during her time with the Metro District of the DOT. Jennie loves to travel, go for walks, downhill ski and listen to music. Her hobbies also include baking and cooking, reading, knitting and crocheting. Finding diy projects around the house and dabbling in crafts are also on her list. Playing the piano since age 3, Jennie has taught lessons and more recently accompanied the children s choir at church. Her Norwegian background comes mainly from Jennie s father s side of the family. Her great-grandparents emigrated from Norway. Born here, her grandmother spoke only Norwegian until starting school. Her grandfather is Norwegian and English. The maternal side is mainly Dutch with a small amount of Norwegian. When asked about her observations of our lodge, Jennie stated, The Synnøve-Nordkap lodge is a wonderful lodge. I ve only been to two meetings but have felt so welcomed by everyone at both meetings. I ve really enjoyed the opportunity to start getting involved right away in lodge activities. Velkommen to Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Jennie Read! SynNorBrevet, Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 6

7 Skål! A Norwegian toast equivalent to Cheers is part of a figure dance we learned on Saturday at junior lodge. In fact, it was Olav s Skål. We were testing out the possibility of using this dance as one we do around the May pole at the June picnic, or for audience participation. It is fun and peppy just like the Peer Gynt Dancers. Continuing with phase two of the cultural skills for youth which we started last year, we thank Sasha Aslanian, and Bridget Haugen for their leadership with the knitting and Ron Stow, guiding the figure carving unit. Each cultural skill requires two projects, plus the reporting of the process. Thus far, the knitters have made a red scarf with the outline of a Norwegian flag embroidered on each end. This year the project is a small dishcloth that includes learning increasing and decreasing stitches. Figure carvers have drawn their interpretation of some Norwegian wood carving examples, and made a leather strop. Some carvers completed their carving last Spring while others will be doing that step this Fall. Our Skogfjorden song this month was Denne sang. This tune is brief and full of tra la la s, but fun to sing in a round. If you have grandchildren, nieces and nephews or children between 7-17 and you would like to sponsor junior lodge activities, our next meeting will be Sat., Nov. 14 th from 1-2:30 at Our Savior s Church in Stillwater, 1616 Olive St. W. Norwegian summer camps are a great way to introduce kids to their heritage along with others who share the same excitement and passion for a fun learning experience. Kids attend camp to learn the Norwegian language, play Viking games, eat traditional foods, learn Norwegian history and culture and enjoy the summer days with friends while gaining confidence and independence. Concordia Language Villages offer Day Camps (both Summer and Year-Round), Sleepaway Camps (Youth and for High School Credit), and Family Weeks and Weekends. You may want to plan ahead for next summer. The Summer Youth Sleepaway Camps atconcordia Language Villages -Camp Skogfjorden for Calendar Year 2016 are: Youth Exploration 1 wk June Ages 7-11 NB11 $ 940 Youth Exploration 1 wk June Ages 7-11 NB21 $ 940 Youth Immersion 2 wks June Ages 8-12 NB12 $1,985 Youth Immersion 2 wks June 27-July 9 Ages NB32/33* $2,035 Youth Immersion 2 wks July Ages NB52** $1,985 Music option *Dual immersion session including native Norwegian learners of English **Plus For more information about all Concordia Language Village programs, please visit: Scholarships are available: This article courtesy of our Scholarship Director, Kathy Manderscheid. See last page for her contact information. SynNorBrevet, Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 7

8 Benefit News Life Insurance 101 Test your knowledge with these questions 1. Life insurance policy benefits can assist someone with which of the following? a. protect home mortgage b. retirement savings c. estate planning d. all of these. Answer: Life insurance can assist you in a variety of ways when preparing to protect your future (answer d). 2. Which type of life insurance is generally the least expensive, helping provide protection for a specific period of time? a. Universal life b. Term life c. Whole life Answer: Term life provides protection for a specific period of time-usually 10 to 30 years-and it is also usually the least expensive type (answer b.) Universal life and whole life can help provide coverage for your lifetime, and build a cash value to use in the future. 3. Which of the following is a provision that allows you to take an advance payment from your policy if you ve been diagnosed as terminally ill? a. Accidental death benefit b. Waiver of monthly deduction c. Accelerated benefit rider Answer: While these features may all be available to customize your coverage, the accelerated benefit rider allows a policyholder who is diagnosed with a terminal illness to access money early to help care for there needs (answer d). 4. How frequently should you review your policy with an agent? Answer: An annual review of your policy is suggested. Whenever you experience a life-changing event, such as a new job, purchase of a new home, marriage of childbirth, is recommended to help ensure your coverage still fits your needs. For more information schedule a complementary Sons of Norway financial review. Greg Hovland Financial Benefits Counselor ltcfinancial@msn.com Yes, this is the apple crisp served at the October meeting. Apple Crisp 6 c. Apples, peeled & sliced 1¼ c. Oatmeal 3/4 c. Butter 1¼ c. Brown Sugar ½ tsp. Cinnamon 1½ c. Flour (add last) Melt butter and mix with brown sugar, oatmeal, cinnamon, and flour. Pat half of crumble mix into bottom of a greased 9 X 13 pan. Add apples over the bottom crust. Sauce: 2 T. Cornstarch 1 c. Water 1 c. Sugar 1 tsp. Vanilla Cook in saucepan until clear and thick, pour over apples. Sprinkle the rest of the crumble mix on top. Bake at 350 o for minutes. Recipe courtesy of Sharon Amann SynNorBrevet, Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 8

9 Corner Library By Trudi Johnson-Richards z Sverre Waagen s life story begins in Norway and ends in America. The book is entitled Surviving Norway s Nazi Occupation and the Korean War. Living in Norway during World War II. Sverre was born in Gursken, Norway, on November 9, He was 12 years old when the Nazi Germans entered Norway. The Nazi Germans took over all the newspapers, radios were supposed to be turned in and, if you did not, the penalty was jail and in some cases death. Ration cards were issued. There was no electricity kerosene lamps were used. It got dark at 3:00 p.m. and it got light about 10:00 a.m. It was a difficult time for the people of Norway. Food got scarce sometimes it was rock salt and potatoes. Schools were closed for three months. The Nazi Germans ordered churches closed. Some heads of the church, the Bishops, were sent to jail. Sverre and his Uncle Oscar Venoy were fishing shrimp when the Nazi Germans took over their fishing boat and them. The Nazi Germans told them where to go. He had no choice but to work for the Nazi Germans. The occupation of Norway started April 9, 1940 and lasted until May 8, Coming to America. The Oslo Fjord and the Bergen Fjord ships usually took passengers to New York. They were booked full for two years. Sverre s sister, Gerd, said she could get tickets to America on a troop transport ship. Gerd, his father, and Sverre took this opportunity to go to America. The ship went to England first and then to New York. It took 11 days. They could not speak much English. The train went to Hot Springs, South Dakota. Ending Up in Minneapolis and Japan. Sverre s father died. It was time to move to Minneapolis. He met other Norwegians in evening classes. He became a night cook. He was now a U.S. citizen. A letter arrived from the United States Army he was drafted. On December 10, 1950, he left for Kansas City, Kansas for basic training. Sverre was assigned to cook in the big kitchen near Tokyo, Japan. Soldiers were fed 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day His job was to stir the soup. He had to walk up a ladder where there was a platform around the soup pan. The soup pan was almost 12 feet high and 5 feet wide. It was vegetable soup. He stirred with a big wooden spoon. Korea. After the defeat of Japan at the end of World War II ( ), Korea was left with no government of its own. On June 25, 1950, North Korea crossed its 38 th Parallel border into South Korea. Sverre spent about a year in a combat zone during the Korean War. The book continues with true incidents in the front line. Axel Torvi loaned me this book. He met Sverre Waagen who signed the book Surviving Norway s Nazi Occupation and the Korean War. This is an easy book to read with many photos and interesting true stories. The book was printed by Nordic Publishing, P.O. Box 923, Prior Lake, MN Sverre travels back to his home in Norway many times throughout the years. Norway and his heritage have remained a large part of his life. He has been a member of Sons of Norway for many years and the Norwegian Glee Club for over 50 years. The deadline to submit items to the Brevet for the coming month is normally the 20th of the previous month. Please keep this time frame in mind, and keep those news items coming! Thanks, Lowell, Lynn, and Dave. SynNorBrevet, Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge, Issue Page 9

10 Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge #1-008 Sons of Norway 3496 Nancy Place Shoreview, Minnesota OFFICERS & COMMITTEE CHAIRS PRESIDENT Ron Stow VICE PRES./MEMBERSHIP Sharon Amann SECRETARY Dave Mutchler MEMBERSHIP SEC. Trudi Johnson-Richards TREASURER Laura Sherman SOCIAL DIRECTOR Pat Carlson (cell) Dianne Anderson COUNSELOR Kathy Stevens JR LODGE/PEER GYNT DANCERS Susan Stow TRUSTEES Kathy Kaluza LaRee Opdahl MARSHALL Sylvia Vaala ASSISTANT MARSHALL Chuck Draheim SPORTS DIRECTOR Lowell Johnson HISTORIAN Lenore Jesness MUSICIAN Susan Stow GREETERS Shirley Brekke Maureen Austinson NEWSLETTER EDITORS Lowell Johnson Lynn Hoffmeyer Dave and Mary Beth Mutchler NEWSLETTER MAILERS: Axel Torvi & Scott Torvi NEWSLETTER STAFF: Trudi Johnson- Richards, Ron and Susan Stow, Don Halvorson PUBLICITY: Leif Erickson Jana Stow Velo SUNSHINE Mary Beth Mutchler LIBRARIAN Trudi Johnson-Richards GENEALOGY Cathie Reasoner Fred Matson NORSK CLASSES Crystal Bloecher WEBMASTER Dave Mutchler FOUNDATION [OPEN] SCHOLARSHIP Kathy Manderscheid AUDITORS Chuck Draheim SYNNØVE-NORDKAP SONS OF NORWAY LODGE #1-008 Gustavus-Adolphus Lutheran Church 1669 Arcade Street St. Paul, MN To: Upcoming Activities Sat. Nov. 7 - Genealogy Group Meeting Tues. Nov New Land, New Life Tues. Dec. 8 - Julebord More Info Inside The Mission of Sons of Norway is to promote and to preserve the heritage and culture of Norway, to celebrate our relationship with other Nordic countries, and to provide quality insurance and financial products to its members. Synnøve-Nordkap Lodge welcomes visitors and new members.