THE VASA STAR Vasastjärnan

THE VASA STAR Vasastjärnan Publication of THE VASA ORDER OF AMERICA

Spring 2013

Presentation of the Swedish-American of the Year – 2013

Vasa Orden av Amerika har utsett Årets Svenskamerikan – 2013

Face Stockholm’s Managing Director, Martina Arfwidson, was born in 1966 in Stockholm, but has family roots in Småland. Martina is the daughter of Gun Nowak, founder of the Swedish cosmetics brand, who grew up in a country village just outside of Växjö. After completing school in Sweden, Martina went directly to New York, where she studied for two years at The American Musical and Dramatic Academy and formed her own á capella trio. While she continued to sing professionally, in the fall of 1989, she joined her mother in opening the first Face Stockholm shop in New York. Martina’s musical background served as a source of inspiration in her work at Face Stockholm. Providing exceptional service and superior products that are true to the Swedish beauty ideal and encourage creativity, learning and self-discovery became the company’s mission. “When I started to work with Mom, I could see the link that this business shared with music, bringing out a woman’s inner beauty is the same as finding your inner voice,” says Martina. Maintaining high standards of quality and committing to environmental awareness have always been key principles behind the brand. Driven by true entrepreneurial spirit, Face Stockholm is guided by passion and creativity, there are no shortcuts, everything must be thought out and challenges are met with tenacitynever give up in the face of adversity. Remaining true to these values for 31 years has led to great success and recognition in many ways. Face Stockholm products are now available at 170 locations worldwide, and together with her mother, Martina has been the proud recipient of several prestigious awards, including: • The Rising Star Award from Fashion Group International, May 2000, USA. • Entrepreneur of The Year from ICMAD (Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers American Division) 200l, USA. • The Crystal Apple Award from Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, NY, 2003 • History Hudson Preservation Award, Hudson 2003rd • FöreningsSparbanken price: Net Economy Woman 2002, Sweden (“The Economy Woman of the Year.”) Martina Arfwidson resides with her family in Upstate New York. Since 1960, a Swedish American of the Year has been chosen annually by the Swedish branch of the Vasa Order of America, a non-profit organization started by Swedish immigrants in the USA in 1896. The Swedish branch of the Vasa Order of America began in 1924. This award highlights accomplishments of prominent Swedish Americans who are either related to early Swedish immigrants, or who have recently immigrated. The award recognizes exceptional work by an individual in his or her profession and/or who has made valuable contributions in promoting good relations between Sweden, the USA or Canada. It highlights the Swedish American community.

Face Stockholms VD Martina Arfwidson är född 1966 i Stockholm och med rötter i Småland. Martina är dotter till Gun Nowak, som är uppvuxen i en by på landet utanför Växjö och grundare av kosmetikaföretaget Face Stockholm. Efter avslutad skolgång i Sverige studerade Martina två år vid The American Musical and Dramatic Academy i New York. Hon startade en á cappella-trio, sången var hennes yrke. 1989 gick Martina in aktivt som affärspartner i Face Stockholm. Tillsammans med Gun Nowak öppnade Martina Arfwidson den första Face Stockholm-butiken i New York. Martinas musikaliska bakgrund blev en inspirationskälla i arbetet med att utveckla Face Stockholm. Hög kvalitet och miljömedvetenhet är ledstjärnor och företagandet vilar på en välgrundad filosofi: - företagande skall bygga på passion och skaparglädje - det finns inga genvägar, allt måste vara genomtänkt - envishet - att inte ge upp för motgångar “När jag började arbeta med mamma såg jag sambandet mellan den här verksamheten och musiken - att föra ut en kvinnas inre skönhet är det samma som att hitta sin inre röst,” säger Martina. Svenska värderingar avspeglar sig i miljötänkande och det skönhetsideal som Face Stockholm representerar och som Martina Arfwidson är stolt över. Face Stockholm har i 31 år stått fast vid sina ideal och nått stor framgång. FACE Stockholms produkter finns nu tillgängliga på 170 platser över hela världen. Framgången med Face Stockholm har lett till flera prestigefyllda priser: • The Rising Star Award from Fashion Group International, May 2000, USA. • Entrepreneur of The Year from ICMAD (Independent Cosmetic Manufacturers American Division) 200l, USA. • The Crystal Apple Award from Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, NY, 2003 • History Hudson Preservation Award, Hudson 2003. • Föreningssparbankens pris: Årets Ekonomikvinna 2002, Sverige (“The Economy Woman of the Year.”) Martina Arfwidson med familj är bosatt i Hudson, norr om New York. Vasa Orden av Amerika har sedan 1960 utnämnt Årets Svensk-Amerikan med syfte att uppmärksamma svenskamerikaner, som antingen har rötter bakåt till den tidiga emigrationen från Sverige eller har utvandrat i modern tid. Utmärkelsen är ett erkännande för framgångsrik yrkeskarriär eller värdefulla insatser för främjande av goda relationer mellan Sverige och USA/Canada, men även ett sätt att ge uppmärksamhet åt Svensk-Amerika. Mottagare av denna hederstitel de senaste fem åren: 2008 Barbro Osher, generalkonsul, 2009 Anne-Charlotte Hanes Harvey, dramaprofessor, 2010 John E. Norton, statsvetare/historiker, 2011 Kerstin Lane, museichef, 2012 Ingvar Wikstrom, entreprenör för svensk matkultur.

On behalf of the Swedish American of the Year Committee 2013 Catherine Bringselius Nilsson For more information, contact: Ewa Pilhammar, tel +46(0) 303-22 55 47, email: [email protected] Catherine Bringselius Nilsson, tel +46(0) 470-28588, email: [email protected]

För Årets Svenskamerikan-kommitté Catherine Bringselius Nilsson

THE GRAND MASTER’S MESSAGE

Bill Lundquist

Dear Vasa Brothers and Sisters, We’ve now entered the fast cycle of District Conventions for 2013. Many districts will be electing their Grand Lodge Delegate/s this year as the choice must be made before March 2014, 120 days prior to our next Grand Lodge convention, July 4-11, 2014. While serving at the convention, delegates are required to complete assigned

committee work necessary to form recommendations related to each motion. Decisions made by the delegation determine whether programs continue over the following four-year term, therefore careful thought, broad mindedness and progressive thinking are required. Innovative thinking is the only way to help the Order move into the next term. Another expectation of your chosen delegate/s is a willingness to take a Grand Lodge office if elected or appointed. Time and travel will be required while serving in an office. I don’t mean to paint a picture of “all work and no play” at a Grand Lodge Convention as host districts plan interesting outings and social functions where delegates and guests have ample opportunity to develop and renew friendships with other Vasa members. If your district hasn’t made the decision regarding your Grand Lodge Delegate, I am hopeful you will nominate your best candidate/s to achieve these objectives. I would also like to encourage all members to con sider attending the

Grand Lodge Convention as a guest. This is also the time that you as a member, local lodge or district lodge should be considering constitutional changes you feel are best for the future of the Order. Please pay careful attention to the facts I’ve shared with you, both in my addresses when I’ve visited your districts and in my articles in the Vasa Star regarding the health of the Order where I’ve shared the reasons why we’ve progressed over the past three years, when you submit your suggested changes. The Vasa National Archives would not have been able to operate this term without the supportive motion that was approved by the last Grand Lodge in session allowing districts the “opportunity to donate up to 5% of their undrawn allocated funds in the OA&B.” Money from member dues currently pays only 50% of operating cost. Volunteer efforts currently help with some maintenance activity. It is not realistic or sensible to continue operating in this manner; there-

fore, delegates will be asked to make important decisions related to the necessary future financial support of the Archives. The Archives is an important arm of the Order. I realize that many of you haven’t visited the Archives located in Bishop Hill, IL, nor will you in the future, therefore you can’t visualize what we are supporting. I often share visual information regarding the Archives when I visit your district conventions and I would be happy to send you my program electronically so you can view it yourself or show it to your membership as a program to familiarize yourself with this important piece of history. The Vasa National Archives holds the history of the Vasa Order, the history of the many brave Swedish immigrants who left Sweden due to famine and religious persecution. They faced tremendous obstacles to come to America. Our members in Sweden celebrate their courage and Swedish Americans celebrate the accomplishments of these ancestors. Our history is housed in this facility.

Please go on line for information regarding Bishop Hill, IL, and consider planning a visit. I would like to encourage your first visit be during a festival time in Bishop Hill such as Juldbruksdagarna (Agricultural Days, Sept. 28-29), Julmarknad (Christmas Market, Dec. 7-8) or Lucia Nights (Festival of Lucia, Dec. 13-14) when the shops with many handcrafted items available, restaurants and museums are open for business. Bishop Hill is a rural community but there are many area hotels available for your visit. Our Archivist, Victoria Almgren, will greet you at the Archives. Please remember the Sami exhibition at the Archives during the month of June. I hope to see many of you at your district conventions during this year and thank all of you for your continued support for all the important benefits of Vasa membership and your personal support and friendship. In Truth and Unity, Bill Lundquist, Grand Master

THE VASA STAR

THE VASA STAR (USPS 657-020) Spring 2013 Vol. 106, No. 2, Serial 849

Published by: Vasa Order of America vasaorder.com HEADQUARTERS: c/o Joan Graham Grand Secretary 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-526-5512 E-mail: [email protected]

Grand Master: Bill Lundquist 1456 Kennebec Rd. Grand Blanc, MI 48439 Phone: 810-695-3248 Cell Phone: 810-845-5065 E-mail: [email protected]

Vasa Star Editor: Send articles, photos & Memorials to: Annelie Lindberg 105 Gorrion Ave Ventura, CA 93004 E-mail: [email protected] 805-672-0032

SPRING 2013

Message from the Editor I love receiving all the news and articles from our Vasa lodges, and look forward to hearing about the midsummer festivities just around the corner. In this issue, several interesting and relevant articles had to be postponed due to important GL information. Fear not, I have them ready to insert in our Summer 2013 issue, along with all the new Vasa members who will be listed. As you might have noticed on p. 7, yours truly earned her 40 years as an adult member pin and I am so proud to have been involved with Vasa for such a long time (I was also a member of the children’s club, Solstrålen at Skandia). I was one of the lucky kids of immigrant parents who spoke Swedish at home, and who encouraged me in every way to appreciate my Swedish heritage. As a result, I have enjoyed working with several Swedish American publications and businesses over the years, putting my bilingual skills to god nytta! There are so many wonderful events taking place this summer both here and in Sweden that are listed in this issue. I hope many of you will be able to take part in the festivities and report back. Please take a moment to visit the websites of our new advertisers and give them some business when possible, or tell a friend about them. We really want to support our Vasa Star advertisers and attract more businesses that enhance our members and our heritage. Annelie

Send bottom section of white copy of application for new members to her.

Grand Master’s Message .........p. 1

Deadlines for The Vasa Star:

Archives News...........................p. 3

Summer Deadline is July 1 • Fall Deadline is October 1

Grand Lodge News ...............p. 3-5

(All Address Changes) Joan Graham 5838 San Jose Avenue Richmond, CA 94804 Phone: 510-526-5512 E-mail: [email protected]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Message from the Editor .........p. 2

Winter Deadline is January 1 • Spring Deadline is April 1

Circulation Manager:

Vinland Lodge #703 VC Marilyn Sohoei at the MultiCultural Fair - see page 8.

District Lodge News .................p. 5

Picture and article, 200 words or less. For Letters to the Editor column, 150 words or less.

Lodge News............................p. 6-9

Please send pictures of good quality in order for them to reproduce well in The Vasa Star. Electronically submitted photos should be scanned in JPEG format at a resolution of 300 dpi.

Swedish News ......................p. 9-11

For submitted lodge articles, please add city and state. Thanks!

Cultural News....................p. 11-12

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam ..........................p. 12

Please read instructions on how to send and pay for Obituaries.

Vasa Supplies: Secretaries (only) order lodge supplies from Gail Olson, VGS 654 Western Hwy Blauvelt NY 10913 845-359-9151 E-mail: [email protected]

AUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTOR Mike Pearson 7309 New Hampshire Pl Hammond, IN 46323-2937 USA Phone: (219) 588-4752

Membership Chairman: Art Bjorkner 31 Vasa Drive, Hackettstown NJ 07840-5314 USA

E-mail: [email protected]

The Vasa website at www.vasaorder.com contains a “materials button” which has the listing of audio visual materials available. If you are unable to use the Vasa website, you can still ask that a listing be sent to you by mail.

Advertising: Orders for advertising should be sent to Annelie Lindberg 105 Gorrion Ave Ventura, CA 93004 E-mail: [email protected] 805-672-0032

CORRECTION Advertising Prices Half Page

10”x7”

$500

Quarter Page

7”x5”

$275

Eighth Page

5”x4”

$150

Sixteenth Pg

2”x3”

$ 75

Column Inch 2”x1” (sizes are approximate)

$ 30

THE VASA STAR (ISSN 07460627) is published quarterly by the Vasa Order of America. Periodicals postage paid at Richmond, CA, and additional entries. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Vasa Star, 5838 San Jose Ave., Richmond, CA 94804.

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In the Winter 2012 Vasa Star page 6 under Nordic Red Rocks Lodge #760, Sedona, AZ — the Lucia was Karin Fabbrini. Thank you. Marge Larson

Nordic Lodge 708’s new chairperson, Erica D’Onofrio chatting with Assistant Financial Secretary Tom Riley - see page 9.

If you prefer to read an electronic copy of The Vasa Star, email [email protected] to be removed from the mailing list for the paper copy. You can read The Vasa Star at vasaorder.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR For the Good of the Order - presenting this new column where members may share their ideas, thoughts, and concerns relating to The Vasa Order of America. Please keep your comments under 150 words, and remember our motto: Generosity, Truth and Unity. Letters will be printed as space allows. www.vasaorder.com

Vasa Star Spring 2013

ARCHIVES NEWS As we organize and catalog the contents of hundreds of archival boxes, we sometimes come upon material that is out of the ordinary. Such was the case the other day when we found a 248-page manuscript entitled, “Vasa Orden av Amerika: Historik över Vasa Orden av Amerika 1896-1946” written in Swedish by Olof H. Nyström. Mr. Nystrom was the Grand Master from 1915 to 1919. The manuscript is typed on both pages of good paper and is based on what transpired at the grand lodge meetings and writings in the Vasa Star. Here is an example from the proceedings at the grand lodge meeting in Boston in 1909: On page 35, it says, “The committee elected at the grand lodge meeting in New York to find out what could be done to establish a Vasa Old-Age Home (Ålderdomshem) reported, “We have done our best to collect funds for the mentioned home, and with the help of most local lodges and individual members we have managed well despite the hard times…. Upon hearing the report, the question was raised, “How could it cost $1,264.34 to collect $2,905.33??” Quote by Franz E. Sellgren, published in Vasa Stjernan. A new committee was elected. On page 36, we read:

“Five years ago the Order of Vasa proposed to invade Chicago, Ill. I was told that we were not enough nor economical enough to compete with the Svithiod or the Vikings. I was licked [picked] from twelve men (lucky not from theirteen [sic]) as a past president of the first lodge. Of sourse [sic] it was a mistake, I made errors and many enemies for the lodge. The only reason I did not ‘Bust’ the lodge was perhaps because I was not dense….” [We do not know if these typos and/or spelling errors were made by Mr. Sellgren or Mr. Nystrom]. When the grand lodge meeting was held in Jamestown, New York in 1913, 37 lodges had contributed to the Old-Age Home fund. (p. 45). In 1915, when the Vasa Order of America had 35,374 members, the Old-Age Home fund amounted to $3,996.84. The Grand Lodge decided to return the money to the districts because “the interest for a home was minimal.” Instead the meeting decided to raise funds for the erection of a national monument in Washington D.C. honoring Captain John Ericsson. (p. 56). In 1917, the grand lodge decided to raise funds for a free bed at the Sanatorium in Denver and a committee was elected for this purpose. (p. 66-67). In 1919, in was reported that 2,500 Vasa Brothers served in “Onkle Sams Krigstjänst” (Uncle Sam’s Military Service, p. 72).

In 1929, an “Åldersdomshem and Understöds Fond” (old-age home and benefit fund was discussed. (p. 125). In 1930, a merger of all Scandinavian Fraternities had been suggested by the Scandinavian Fraternity of America. The Depression was mentioned. We welcome comments on this article. Viktoria Almgren När vi ordna och katalogisera innehållet i hundratals arkiv lådor, kommer vi ibland på material som är utöver det vanliga. Så var fallet häromdagen när vi hittade en 248-sida manuskript med titeln "Vasa Orden AV Amerika: Historik ÖVER Vasa Orden AV Amerika 1896-1946" skriven på svenska av Olof H. Nyström. Mr Nyström var stormästare 1915 till 1919. Manuskriptet skrivs på båda sidor av arken och bygger på vad som hände på Grand Lodge möten och skrifter i Vasa Star. Här är ett exempel från förfarandet vid Grand Lodge mötet i Boston i 1909: På sidan 35, står det: “Kommittén valdes vid Grand Lodge mötet i New York för att ta reda på vad som kan göras för att upprätta en Vasa Old-Age Hem (Ålderdomshem) i rapporten kunde man läsa följande: “Vi har gjort vårt bästa för att samla in medel för nämnda hem, och med hjälp av de flesta lokala loger och enskilda medlemmar har vi lyckats bra

trots de svåra tiderna .... På grundval rapporten togs frågan upp, :Hur kan det kosta $1,264.34 för att samla $2,905.33?” Citat av Franz E. Sellgren, publicerad i Vasa Nordstjernan. En ny kommitté valdes. På sidan 36 läser vi: “För fem år sedan Vasaorden föreslog att invadera Chicago IL, jag fick veta att vi inte var tillräckligt eller ekonomiskt nog att konkurrera med Svithiod eller vikingarna. Jag var slickade [plockad] från tolv män (tur inte från tretton) som en tidigare president av den första lodge. Av sourse det var ett misstag, jag gjorde fel och många fiender för lodge. Det enda skälet till att jag inte "Bust" lodge var kanske för att jag inte var tät ....” [Vi vet inte om dessa stavfel och / eller stavfel gjordes av Mr Sellgren eller Mr Nyström]. När Grand Lodge hölls i Jamestown, New York 1913, hade 37 loger bidragit till ålderdomshem fond. (S. 45). År 1915, när Vasa Orden av Amerika hade 35.374 medlem-

mar uppgick ålderdomshem fond till $ 3,996.84. Grand Lodge beslutat att återlämna pengarna till distrikten eftersom “intresset för ett hem var minimalt.” Istället beslutade stämman att samla in pengar för uppförandet av ett nationellt monument i Washington DC hedra kapten John Ericsson. (Sid. 56). År 1917 beslöt Grand Lodge att samla in pengar för en fri säng på sanatoriet i Denver och en kommitté valdes för detta ändamål. (Sid. 66-67). År 1919 var i rapporterade att 2.500 Vasa Brothers tjänstgjorde i “Onkle Sams Krigstjänst” (Uncle Sams Militärtjänst, sid. 72). År 1929 genomfördes en “Åldersdomshem och Understöds Fond” (ålderdomshem och nytta med fond diskuteras. (S. 125). År 1930 hade ensammanslagning av alla skandinaviska Broderskap föreslagits den skandinaviska av brödraskapet i Amerika. Depressionen nämndes. Vi välkomnar synpunkter på den här artikeln. Submitted by: Viktoria Almgren

Prairie Market will be held on the lawn of the VASA Archives at 101 Bishop Hill Road on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. 2013 Dates: April 6th – May 18th – June 22nd – July 13th – Sunday, July 28th August 17th – September 28th – October 19th

Vasa National Archives Honor Roll of Donors Heritage Fund Campaign May 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013

Thank you for your generosity Albrechtsen, Albert &Gunhild Alfredson, Gerald Anderson, Robert L. Anderson, Warren Arneson, Karin Asplund, Ray K. Atherton, Jane M. Austin Lodge #466 Axelsson, Lloyd E. Bachan, Lisa Belden, Norma Bennett, Alison Bentley, Constance B. Beroza, Muriel Blakeman, Laura Blomquist, F. A. Bodelson, Christine M. Bowman, Nancy P. Boyes, Kristin Bray Family Bressette, Linnea Breuer, Margaret Anne Brown, Susan Brusenback, Pernilla & Joy Buchman, Jean M.

Burman, Bob Burnett, Helen J. Campbell, Virginia Carlson, Anna L. Carlson, Dorothy V. Carlson, Kenneth E. Carlsson, Bo & Glenda Carnegie, Carla M. Carter, Ralph R. Clausen, Betty Jane Clyatt, Ann Marie Collin, Linda M. Cummings, Genevieve Dahlberg, Deidre A. Davis, Leena A. Dawn, Margaret M. Derrien, Sonja Dewing, Bruce & Cecily Drew, Astrid S. Duffy, Ruth V. Dugan, Jean Dyer, Dr. Robert Edstrom, Donna Mae Eklund, John E. &

Margareth Ellis, Birgitta Erickson, Richard L. Erickson, Yvonne Ernes, John & Linnea Evans, Kathleen & Harvey Fahlstedt, Carl & Ragna Fassl, Rosemary Fedor-Thurman, Victoria L. Ferguson, Stina Ferrazzano, Ruth Filbeck, Loren & Evelyn Fosdick, Helen Framåt Lodge #405 Frank, Stephen & Robyn Friesen, Ulrika & Quint Gaviola, Roselind Golden, Carol J. Golden Gate District #12 Golden Valley Lodge #616 Graham, Joan Lindquist Grandin, John L. Greenwood, May E. Guidara, June

Haderle, Jack & Ronni Halldeen, Roy Hammarstrom, Margareta Hanson, Victor E. Harvey, Anne Charlotte Hayward, Nancy C. Hedberg, Inga Hedlund, Nancy Hersh, William & Alexandra Hiryak, A. E. Hollcraft, Kristine Holmes, C. V. Holtermann, Kathy Holtermann-Docto, Mimi Hovis, Linda Hughes, Patricia A. Hult, Sten & Nancy Hultgren, Tore Jarrell, David & Barbro Jensen, Helen C. Johansson, Doris E. Johansson, Peter Johnson, Ann M. Johnson, Charles B., Jr. Johnson, Donald & Joyce

Johnson, Eric Johnson, Frances Johnson, Harold T. Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Karl & Catherine Johnson, Mildred A. Johnson, Neil M. Johnson, Phil & Esther Johnson, Raymond K. Johnson, Richard & Vicky Johnson, Ronald A. Johnson, Susan E. Jorgensen, Thelma L. Jothen, Marjorie Kaald, Pat & Paul Kantar, George & Ann Kiesel, Gene M. King, Everett & Eleanor Koagedal, Linnea La Grande, Jayne P. Laaback, Robert E. Lantz, Malle Feudig Larson, Alden A. Leopold, Shirley L. Lindgren, Sven

Lofstedt, Carl Johan Lundin, Carl E. Lundquist, William & Sheila Magnuson, Mel W. Majava, Eino & Irene Marks, Leslie J. Marsh, Mayo E. Martin, Lynne Aronson Mattsson, Elsy McCauley, Betty M. McKinnon, Janice R. Melin, Tracy L. Moberg, F. Alden Moline, Jacqueline Morton, Mary Kinder Nelson, David Nelson, Donald William Nelson, Lillian I. Nemy, Gail Nettz, Louise Nichelini, Mary Ann Nilsson, Roland & Raija Nordin, Jan North Star Lodge #106

Nowlan, Juleen Odell, May Oliveira, Mary Ellen Olson, David Olson, Donna M. Olson, Joy J. Omaha Lodge #330 Onopchenko, Judy Osteen, Karen Pelham Palm, Amaryllis J. Parmley, Judi Patzer, Dorothy E. Pearl, Linda Pearson, Anita Peterson, Anita Peterson, Mike & Corky Peterson, Jan & Carolyn Quarfordt, Pernilla Risi, Marjorie Roman, Eva Rosengren, Diane Rydeen, Mary

Salk, Bob & Carolyn Saterstrom, Selma M. Scheirer, Bevin Schmutz, Alice M. Schoberg, Ray W. Schroeder, Daniel & Mary Seberger, Cheryl Sell, Carole & George Sierra Kronan Lodge #737 Sipos, John & Susan Skogsblomman Lodge #378 Soderberg-Gomez, Karen Solstad Lodge #709 Sonntag, Theodora Spalin, Robert G. Stephenson, R. Rhoads Stone, Lu Ann Stottrup, Virginia Strandberg, Jeffery Stromquist, Ralph & Martha Stuyvesant, Judith M. Swanson, Anne M. Swanson, Gordon & Ina Swanson, Mary Ann Swanson, Robert N. Swanson, Stanley Swenson, Ray & Charlotte

Sylvander, Roy & Joan Tegner, Arvid Tegnér Lodge #149 Teigen, Jeanne E. Tennis, Clara Ann Thenstedt, Paul & Nancy Thurf-Jell, Laila A. Veis, Arlie E. Venberg, Evelyn M. Walkup, Janet Wallin, Charles O. Walters, Judith Washolm-McCuen Wenberg, Jim & Marilyn Westberg, Rose-Marie & Sven-Ove Wieselquist, Erik S. Jr. Wittenbrook, Claudia D.

Ever Living Julgran Campaign December 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013

Given in Memory of Your Loved Ones Who will Live in your Hearts Forever Anderson, Jeanne Anderson, Dorothy Anderson, Erik Anderson, Evert R. Axelsson, Lloyd & Lynda Barthelson, Glenn Bergh, Marianne Bergman, Marty & Rolf Bishop Hill Lodge #683 Bjorling, Elizabeth Brewer, Ann-Marie Brus, Deniz Bulin, Hildur Carl Widen Lodge #743 Carlson, Arline Carlson, Ingrid Carlson, Ken Carlson, Rita Carlson, Ron Carlsson, Bo & Glenda Carter, Ralph

Cleaver, Linda D. Cleveland, Tom & Sue Cook, Hazel Cooley, William Dahlman, Greta Delfs, Linda Dewing, Bruce & Cecily Dostmann, Maria Palsson Doyle, Peter & Meriel Family Droster, June

Forsblad, Karin Froemming, Barbara Gardebring, Olov Gaviola, Roselind Giffin, Mary-Jane Golden, Carol Gradin, John L Graham, Joan Lindquist Guidara, Paul & June

Edwards, David Eklund, John Ellis, Bergetta Enright, Ingrid Erickson, Richard Eskilson, Evald Evening Star Lodge #426

Hammerstrom, Margaretta Harvey, Anne-Charlotte Haumacher, Helen & Art Hayward, Nancy Hedlund, Nancy Hinrich, Doris Holm, Betty M. Hoskonson, Beatrice E. Hult, Sten & Nancy

Filbeck, Loren & Evelyn Folkesson, Lars

Jarrel, Dr. & Mrs. David Johansson, Peter

Johnson, Dorothy Johnson, E. B. Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Karl Johnson, Lavonne Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Earl Johnson, Paul & Family Johnson, Raymond Johnson, Ruth Johnson, Verna Jones, Betty Anne Jones, Grayce Kane, Karen R. Karling, Maidie Karlstrom, Olaf Kellgren, Birgitta & Tore Kessel, Ann & Dick Kiesel, Gene & Dawn Klein, Jeff Klintmalm, Goran & Tina Klooster, Marilyn Koontz, Eunice

Mossberg, Gunnar & Siw Landstrom, Britta Larson, Jean Larson, Suzanne Leopold, Shirley Levig, Dr. Anne Lidman, Elna Lindow, Tom Ljunggren, Harriet Lootens, Linda Lundahl, Patricia Lundbohm, Dorothy Lundin, Carl Lundquist, Bill & Sheila Lyons, Olivia Maguire, Dorothy McKnight, Laurie Ford Melin, Tracy Moberg, Alden Moline, Jacqueline Morch, Camilla Morteson, Earl

Nelson, John Nelson, Marie Christine Nilsson, Bruno & Britt Nobel Lodge #288 Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 Nordic Folk Lodge #761 Nordic Folkdancers of Chicago Nordic Lodge #611 Norton, John & Janet O’Connor, Arlynn Olmstead, Audrey Anderson Olsen, Magda Olson, George & Abby Olson, Marilyn Olson, Martin Olsson, Hans & Lorraine Orlandi, Kristina Overberg, Dorothy

Pantaleo, Vito & Louise Pape, Eleanor Patzer, Dorothy Pearson, Mike & Lisa Persson, Roy & Carmelina Peterson, Craig Potter, Margaret Price, Ingrid Rasmussen, Robert Red Deer Lodge #733 Rosengren, Diane Rosenquist, Beth Ryan, Beverly Johnson Sack, Norm Saterstrom, Selma Schmutz, Alice Schneider, Ingo & Rignor Schreyer, Linea Setterdahl, Lilly Shipley, Monica & Family Shoberg, Ray

Silver, Elsie E. Sisco, Dorothy Smith, Lynda & Herb Snellman, Jill Snowberg, Karen Snyder, Janet Soderberg, Barbara Soderblom, Marshall G. Spaberg, Gary & Gunlog Stake, Richard & Marjorie Steinmiller, Linda Stenn, Larry Stranberg, Jeffrey Sundholm, Larry & Rebecca Sundstrom, Sven Svea Lodge #348 Svensson, John & Cynthia Swenson, Dan Sylvander , Roy & Joan Tafvelin, Nils Taylor, Cal Tegner, Arvid

Thomas, David Thoreen, JoAnn Toivonen, Marvin Tornquist, Linnea Touve, Leslie Van Horn, Annemarie Veis. Arlie Wahlmark, John Wallin, Charles O. Westenburg, Wendell Westrup, Richard & Rose Marie Whited, Noel O. Whitley, Carol Widmark, Myrtle Wieselquist, Erik Wilczynski, Jeffrey & David Wildman, Elaine Wreigard, Margaret Yarwood, Margareta

Special Gifts May 1, 2012 to March 31, 2013

Thank you for your generosity Jacqueline Ahlen Tore & Birgitta Kellgren

Leslie & Carol Mendelson Martin & Susanne Omander

Vasa Star Spring 2013

Robert & Donna Peterson

DL Connecticut #1 DL Rhode Island #3

DL New Jersey #6 DL Lake Michigan #8

www.vasaorder.com

DL Pennsylvania #9

DL Pacific Southwest #15

DL Iowa-Nebraska #17

DL Arizona #21

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GRAND LODGE NEWS Motions to the Grand Lodge Meeting The Grand Lodge Vasa Order of America will meet for its 38th Convention on July 4-11, 2014 in Rye, New York and it is not too early to start thinking about motions you want to present. Any individual member, local lodge, or district lodge may submit motions to this Grand Lodge meeting. (An individual does not need approval from any local or district officer when submitting a motion.) Please use the format provided here when writing your motions. This will ensure a consistent appearance for the many motions that will be considered. Please do not use the words “Whereas” or “Be It Resolved” or the motion will be returned to you for proper format. If you submit more than one motion, please put one motion per form to avoid confusion. All motions must be typed or printed clearly, so that no errors in interpretation or intent will be made. All signatures are required, along with the appropriate lodge seal. An emailed copy of the motion would be appreciated, but does not replace the paper copy with signatures and seal. You may email a copy of your motion to: [email protected]. When making a motion that involves finances, please show the probable cost along with the motion. Remember that Constitutions and Bylaws use the word “shall”, not the words “can”, “should”, or “could”. Recommendations included in any GL Officer’s or Archives Board Member’s report involving a constitutional change must follow these rules. Please refer to page 39 of your Constitution for Grand Lodge – Article XVIIAmendments concerning motions to change the Constitution. You may submit your motions as early as you want. ALL MOTIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE GS BEFORE MARCH 1, 2014. Motions will be numbered in the order in which they are received. Mail to: Convention Motions Joan Graham, Grand Secretary 5838 San Jose Ave. Richmond, CA 94804 Deadline for submission - March 1, 2014

SAMPLE FORMAT #2 – Constitutional Changes _________________Lodge, No. _____, Vasa Order of America, at it regular meeting on _________________, 20___, voted to submit the following motion: To change the Constitution for __________________ Lodge: Present Section ______, Par. ______ Page _____ now reads:..…………… [state section as it now reads] MOTION is presented to CHANGE Section _____, Par, _______ to read: ……………… [State section exactly as it will be written should the requested change pass] MOTIVATION: _____________________________________________________________ ________________________________________ Signature of Chairman (or District Master) (Lodge or District Seal) ________________________________________ Signature of Secretary (or District Secretary) ________________________________________ (Date) -------------------------------------------------------SAMPLE FORMAT #3 – Motions made by Individual Members NOTE: Motions submitted by individuals must include the format described below together with Sample Format 1 – motions not affecting the Constitution, or Sample Format 2 – Constitutional Changes, above. I, _________________________ member in good standing of _______________Lodge, No.______, submit the following motion: [Format as indicated above] ______________________________________ (Signature)

SAMPLE FORMAT #1 – Motions Not Affecting Constitution

______________________________________ (Typed Name) ______________________________________ (Address, City, State, Zip) Date: ________________________________

________________Lodge, No. _____, Vasa Order of America, at its regular meeting on ________________, 20___, voted to submit the following motion: VOTED: That_________________________________________________________ MOTIVATION: _____________________________________________________________ ______________________________________ Signature of Chairman (or District Master) (Lodge or District Seal) ______________________________________ Signature of Secretary (or District Secretary) ______________________________________ (Date

This is to certify that _____________________________is a member in good standing in ____________Lodge, No. _______ as of this date. ______________________________________ (Signature of Secretary) (Lodge or District Seal) ______________________________________ (Date of signature)

Grand Lodge Education and Scholarship Funds Honor Roll of Donors January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012

Thank you for your generosity Adams, Karen G. Ahlberg, Kenneth H. Akerlund, Sten Alberta District #18 Alberts, Theresa Alexis, May-Britt Allen, Dale Allen, Glen & Helen Allen, Kristina M. Allison, Ingrid Amidon, Barbara Anderson, Arthur L. Anderson, Carl & Sylvia Anderson, Claire Anderson, Donald & Alice Anderson, Dorothy B. Anderson, Evelyn C. Anderson, Evert & Patricia Anderson, Dr. & Mrs. George Anderson, Grace N. Anderson, Jack & Lillian Anderson, Janet R. Anderson, Karla Anderson, Keith & Nancy Anderson, Kenneth Anderson, Louise A. Anderson, Mary C. Anderson, Norman Anderson, Robert C. Anderson, Robert L. Anderson, Stanley & Patricia Anderson, Westen H. Andersson, Anders & Ruth Andersson, Ingrid Angell, Herbert E. Antonson, David Antonson, Jane Antonson, K. A. Arneson, Karin Aronson, Mary Louise Asplund, Ray Atherton, Jane Athey, Margareta &

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Kristina Axelsson, Lloyd Backstrand, Aino Ball, Lillian Balsa, Elisabeth Bana, May Carlgren Banker, Martha Barile, P. Elizabeth Barrett, Colton Barrett, Verna N. Barthelson, Glenn Beck, Ralph & Ruth Belden, Norma Bell, Janet Bellingham, Helen Belue, Agnetha Benacci, Berit Bender, Carol & Dylan Benker, Johanna Benson, Edith I. Bentley, Constance B. Bergh, Marianne Berglund, Robert Bergman, G. Martha (Marte) Bergman, Rolf & Marty Bergquist, Minnie Bergstrom, Albion Bessemer Lodge #203 Bevelhimer, John & Faye Birtwistle, David Bischoff, Ina Bjorklund, Edward Bjorkner, Art & Nancy Bjorkner, Kurt & Cheryl Bjorling, Elizabeth Black, Norman Blain, Judd & Beatrice Blakeman, Laura Blondfield, Birgit (Bebe) Bloomquist, Lorraine Bodelson, Christine Book, Velma Boutilier, Betty M.

Boyes, Kristin Bradford, Diane Brage Idune Lodge #9 Brainard, Jannelle Alden Brand, Gail Lundeen Brandon, Phyllis Lindquist Briggs, Janice L. Brolin, Andrew G. Brown, Cheryl Bruce, Marion Buchman, Jean Buckley, Kathleen Bulin, Hildur Buonocore, Katherine Bushnell, Elizabeth Dahlström Campbell, Virginia Carlson, Arthur Carlson, Alice Carlson, Ann Carlson, Anna L. Carlson, Eric W. Carlson, George & Arline Carlson, Gerald Carlson, Ingrid C. Carlson, Kenneth Carlson, Mrs. Henry Carlson, Phyllis & Kenneth Carlson, Robert W. Carlson, Ronald Carlsson, Bo & Glenda Carter, Evelyn, R. Carter, Ralph R. Catrone, Susan Cepielik, Elizabeth Chilcote, Karen Arvidson Churkin, Carol Bjork Clausen, Betty J. Clemensson, Robert Carl Clough, Jean Clyatt, Ann Marie Collin, Linda Conlogue, Donna Cook, Hazel

Cook, Lois A. Cosmen, Franklin & Ingrid Crawford, Marylin Cummings, Genevieve Curtis, Diane Cusson, Doris M. Dahlberg, Deidre Dahlstrom-McCann, Nancy Danielson, Joyce M Davenport, Elaine Davis, Leena Dawn, Margaret M. Delfs, Linda DeMent, J. Payton & Joanne Derrien, Sonja DeSau, Carol Dill, Birgitta T. Dobres, Robert & Elaine Docksteader, Sharon&Richard Donnelly, Dee Dorner, Eleanor Doty, Fae & Lee Doughty, Linda M. Doucette, Roger Doyle, Christina Doyle, Peter, Merial Drake, Betty Boquist Droster, June Dryden Yvonne E. Duffy, Ruth Dugan, Jean E. Dunbar, Emily Earnest, Ron Earnshaw, Joan Ebbersten, Robert Eckman, Betty Edeen, Lars & Vivian Edeen, Mary Ann & John Edmark, Harvey Edstrom, Donna Edwards, Eleanor

Eger, Kathleen Egger, Gerald Eide, Marie Ekebom, Jean Eklund, Sharon Ekstrand, Liza & Rolf Elfvin, Bruce Eliason, Siri Elston, Charles & Marilyn Emihl, Walter Engstrom, Bob & Ila Erbling, Jean A. Erickson, Ayleen Erickson, Bertil A. Erickson, Carole D'Ann Erickson, Dwayne Erickson, Richard L. Erickson, Ron Erickson, Victor Erickson, Yvonne Ernes, John & Linnea Eskilson, Evald & Barbara Evening Star Lodge #426 Fahlstedt, Mr. & Mrs. Carl Falk, Frederick J. Falkowski, Margaret Nystrom Fassl, Rosemary Fedor-Thurman, Victoria Ferguson, Stina Fietz, Louise K. Finnerty, Beverly Fisher, Don & Bonnie Fogelquist, Edith Folkesson, Lars Forsblad, Karin Foss, Steven N. Fossen, Julian H. Fox, Robert C. Frank, Stephen Frank, Stephen E. Freedlund, Carl O., Jr. Froemming, Barbara G. Frost, Ruby

www.vasaorder.com

Gadzik, William Gaethe, Inger & Joachim Gagliardi, Marie Nelson Gardebring, Olov & Shirley Gauld, Roberta Gaviola, Roselind Gavitt, M. Lillian Gellella, Anita Glatz, C. William Golden, Carol Gorman, Irma Grabher, Marie Graham, Celeste Q. Graham, Joan Lindquist Grandin, John & Lina Green, Carl K. Green, Dr. Dawn L. Greenough, Madeline Gruel, Reinhold & Margaret Guidara, June W. Gullbrand, Howard Gustafson, Clifton S. Gustafson, Erling & Elizabeth

Hellgren, Beryl Henderson, Diane Hendrickson, Jack & Betty Hendrickson, Miriam Herrmann, Kerstin Hersh, Bill & Sandie Higgins, Lois & Andrew Hillander, Hans Hintz, Betty L. Hirsch, Carolyn Hiryak, Audrey E. Hofmann, Kristina Gustafson Hohler, Lillian Holmberg, Victoria Holtermann, Kathy Holtermann-Docto, Mimi Horsfield, Brian & Louanne Hovis, Linda Hughes, Kathryn Hughes, Patricia A. Hult, Sten & Nancy Hultgren, Edward & Joella Hultgren, Tore & Marianne Hutchison, Greta Ingvardsen, Dale

Haas, Louise Haderle, John A. Halgren, Katherine & Clake Hancock, Bill Hansen, Sharon M. Hanson, Mildred Hanson, Victor Harless, Judy Harper, Felicity A. Harris, Lois M. Hart, Arline Hart, Kerstin Rita Harvey, Anne Charlotte Hayward, Nancy Hazlewood, Donald Hedenskog, Ebon Hedlund, Nancy Hedman, Ingrid

Jahn, Thomas Jansson, Kyle Jarrell, Dr. David & Barbro Jensen, Anders Jensen, Lillian Jenson, Helen C. Jernberg, Inger Jessen, Maxine Johanson, Eva Johansson, Doris Johansson, John Johansson, Jorgen Johnson, Barbara L. Johnson, Beda Johnson, Betty M. Johnson, Boyd Johnson, Cathleen

Johnson, Charles Johnson, Denise & Ken Johnson, Donna Johnson, Dorothy R. Johnson, Edmund & Lois Johnson, Elsie Johnson, Eric & Lynn Johnson, Harland Johnson, Janet Johnson, Jennifer Johnson, Joan Johnson, Karin M. Johnson, Karl A. Johnson, Ken Johnson, Lavone Johnson, Linnea Johnson, Marjorie Johnson, Millie Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Donald Johnson, Mr. & Mrs. Sigurd Johnson, Newkirk Johnson, Norman W. Johnson, Ralph K. Johnson, Raymond Johnson, Ron Johnston, Karin Jones, Betty Ann & Wendell Jones, Donna Jordan, Lois Y. Jorgensen, Thelma L. Jothen, Marjorie Kantar, George & Ann Karling, Maidie Karlsson, Maud Karlsson, Svea Karlstrom, S. Olof Kellgren, Tore & Birgitta Kelly, Leslie Kenyon, Maryann & Family Kessell, Ann & Dick Kiesel, Gene & Dawn

Kihlstrom, Earl & Dorothy Kihlstrom, Lori Kinnison, Ann-Marie Kirchoff, Amanda Klein, Jeff Klimo, Lillian Knowlton, Mrs. Richard Koenig, Susan Koontz, Eunice Korfanta, Anna-Greta Krastins, Liesma Kritzer, Karen L. Krummrey, Sonia Kullberg, Vivian Lager, Carl E. Jr. Lake Michigan District #8 Landgren, Mr. & Mrs. Harry Lantz, Malle Larsen, Barbara J. Larsen, Norman & Charlotte Larson, Ernest V. Larson, Robert E., Jr. Larson, Verna Lawson, Madelyn Lemaster, Florence Leopold, Shrley LeSourd, Connie L. Leuthold, Mr. and Mrs. Dale Levine, Dorine Lewander, Lars Lewis, Ruth D. Lewis, Sally Lidén, Dr. & Mrs. Sam Lidman, Elna G. Lilja, Herman & Ann Lillquist, Gunnar Lindberg, Erik & Birgit Lindbom, Ron and Dianne Lindhe, Inger Lindquist, Daga-Karin M. Lindstrom, Doris E.

Vasa Star Spring 2013

Netzel, Ed Nielsen, Kendra Nilson, Stig Nilsson, Agneta Nilsson, Alfred L. Nilsson-McGann, Susan Nord, George A. Nordby, Elsie Norden Lodge #1 Nordic Lodge #611 Nordic Lodge #660 Nordic Lodge #708 Nordin, Kiki & Jan Nordquist, Joyce Norman, Joyce & Norman Nowlan, Juleen Noyd, David B. Nyblad, Mildred Nylund, Dr. Shirley Nyroos, Ray & Doreen

Honor Roll of Donors Continued from page 4 Liner, Carl A. Linzmaier, Lois Lipscomb Family Ljunggren, Harriet Löfstrand, Tobias Logan, Elisabeth A. Loreen, Florence Louvialis, Ingrid Lua, Sandra Luce, Louise B. Lund, Dorothy Lundahl, Patricia Lundberg, Richard C. Lundbohm, Dorothy Lundgren, Elizabeth Lundin, Carl Lundquist, William & Sheila Lynn, Iva Magnusson, Erland & Ann Maguire, John & Dorothy Majava, Eino & Irene Mante, Elva Mar, Deborah Marks, Leslie (Les) James Martin, Tina & Jim Mathis, Hilda & Hilda Joy Mattson, Elsy Mattsson, Bengt E. Mayette, Merlene Mayrhofer, Franz McDaniel, Chantal

McElroy, Sandra J. McGrath, Elaine & Kevin McKillip, Karen McKinnon, Janice R. McLeod, Dana McNamara, Virginia Melberg, Margaret Melin, Tracy L. Meling, Charlotte Merrick, Inger Meyer, Elinor Mihelich, Josephine Mills, Doris A. Mills, Hazelle E. Mishel, Louise Miura, Elizabeth Swenson Moberg, Alden Moline, Jacqueline Morgan, Kerstin Morrison, Don & Ellen Mortimer, Eva M. Mueller, Roberta Murray, Marian Muscarella, Isabella & Frank

O'Connor, Arlynn Odell, May O'Grady, Britt Ogrentz, Timothy O'Leary, Robin Olmstead, Audrey Anderson Olsen, Magda Olson, Carol A. Olson, Donna Olson, Florence V. Olson, Jane C. Olson, Lee Olson, Linda Olson, Martin Olsson, Kenneth G.

Nelson, Debra Nelson, Eunice E. Nelson, Jean M. Nelson, Noel & Eleanor Nelson, Stanley J. Nemy, Gail Nettz, Mrs. Roger

Olsson, Lennart H. Omander, Martin Oquist, M. Orlandi, Kristina Carlson Orlando, Richard O'Steen, Karen Pelham Ottoson, Clarice Overberg, Dorothy Pacific Southwest District #15 Pagano, Sandra Johnson Palmer, Mr. & Mrs. William Pantaleo, Vito and Louise Parmley, Judi Pasco, Jean Patman, Carrin M. Patzer, Dorothy Paxton, John & Vikki Pearson, Carl G. Pearson, Diantha & Earle Pearson, Robert & Marcia Pefferly, Nancy Paulson Petersen, Craig Peterson, Anita Peterson, Carin Peterson, Craig Peterson, Ed & Cherstin Peterson, Frank and Vangelene Peterson, Jan and Carolyn Peterson, June B. Peterson, Mike & Corky Peterson, Seline Pfannkuch, Kurt & Eivor Pierson, Wayne and Siv

Swan Pittsley, Ingegerd Plano, Odd Player, Doris C. Post, Arthur & Janice Potter, Margaret E. Pride of the Family #209 Puttner, Asta Radel, John & Kerstin Rademacher, Ingrid Ray, Dorothy Raymond, Norma Red Deer Lodge #733 Rees, Fredrick & Mona Reylek, Debra Richmond, Edward & Blanche Richtarcik, DeAnna Ostrom Riley, Thomas Riston, Karen Roberson, Susan Peterson Roncarti, June Ronn, Robert Rose, Steve & Sue Rosengren, Howard & Diane Rosenquist, Beth Ross, Grace Rudberg, Ted & Jenny Rundquist Family Ruser, Charlotte Rust, Judy Ryan, Beverly Saam, Kenneth E., Jr. Sack, Norman Sales, Robert & Twyla

Salls, Anna Salmonson, Gerd Salomonsson, Eric J. Sandberg, Janet Sandstrom, Gladys C. Scheirer, Bevin Schewe, Al & Dorothy Schmidt, Marion Schmutz, Alice Schneble, Karen Marie Schon, Lars & Lucy Schueman, Margaret S. Schurke, Teresa P. Seberger, Dave & Cheryl Seberger, Dustin Segerberg, Maurice & Yvonne Sell, George & Carole Shearer, Louise Shipley, Monica Shoberg, Ray Silbert, Delores Simmons, William S. Sipos, John & Susan Skaar, Victor Smedberg, George Smith, Ambia Olsson Smith, Dale & Linda Smith, Edward S. Smith, Floyd Smith, Herb & Lynda Smith, Ingrid Smith, Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Linda E. Smith, Loretta & Gene Soderberg-Gomez, Karen Soderblom, Marshall G.

Spaberg, Gunlog Spalin, Robert G. Spurgeon, Mary Star Lodge #56 Steffen, Mona & Melissa Stenberg, Arthur & Judith Stilling, Dorit Strand, Gwendolyn D. Strandberg, Jeffery Strandberg, Peter Strasburg, Richard & Gunn Stried, Alice Strock, Susan Stuyvesant, Judith M. Swanson, Anne Swanson, Carl Swanson, Gordon E. Swanson, Harry A. Swanson, Ingrid Swanson, Louise Swanson, Mary Ann Swanson, Robert N. Swanson, Ronald & Elna Swanson, Russell & Nannette Swanson, Stanley Swanson, Swan & Rosanna Swedberg, Valborg Swenson, Charlotte Sylvander, Roy & Joan Tagstrom, Carlene L. Tart, Kay A. Tauren, Jack & Doreen Taylor, Cal Taylor, Gunilla G. Teigen, Jeanne E.

Tennis, Mrs. C. Ann Terslin, Blanche M. Thenstedt, Paul & Nancy Thofson Family Thomas, David Thoreen, Brian Thoreen, JoAnn Thornquist, Lennart Thornton, Ulla Three Crown Lodge #38 Tilton, Janet I. Timshel, Michael Carlson Tohlen Family Tonder, Robert Törnblom, Inez Tornquist, John Touve, Les Trollebo Swedish Youth Camp Turnquist, J. Petter Tylk, Linda Uddenberg-Adams, Sharleen Unze, John Velline, Chris & Ellen Vickstrom, Edward Von Rueden, Ruby Wahlmark, John Wallace, Hazel Wallander, Linda Wallenberg, Bob Wallin, Chuck Walters, Judith L. Ward, Marian F.

Warden, Jane C. Warns, Majken & Fred Wedge, Iris Wedge, Darlene Weeks, Shirley Wenberg, Jim & Marilyn Wernlund, Helen West, Hjordis Westenburg, Wendell E. Westrup, Richard&RoseMarie Whited, Noel O. Whitley, Carol A. Wickstrom, Anne Marie Widmark, Myrtle Wiebke, Ingrid Wiese, Maj Wieselquist, Erik S., Jr. Wilkening, Ruth E. Wilson, Barbro Wilson, Kristi Wilson, Steve Wittenbrook, William B. Woodson, Anne Wooster, Yasuko & Richard II Wright, Dr. & Mrs. Curtis Yarwood, Margareta Yencer, Anna Stina Yockey, Ann & Nathalie Zarli, Lily B. Zeissler, Kimberly Zmudka, Marianne & George

DISTRICT LODGE NEWS CT District #1,VASA PARK, So. Meriden, CT Saturday March 23, 2013 Today we celebrated the arrival of spring. Our morning began with a nice warm breakfast consisting of pancakes, sausage, coffee and orange juice. After breakfast it was time for our children to hunt for Easter eggs along a nicely decorated trail. Despite the chill in the air, a warm smile was brought to everyone’s face as the kids happily filled their baskets.

Our Park Board and Executive Board meetings along with some spring cleaning concluded the day. A new season of active events at VASA PARK has gotten off to a great beginning. In Truth & Unity Vasa Star Correspondent Gary Steinmiller

District Lodge Pacific Southwest #15

Front Row, left to right: Asst. Master of Ceremonies Inga Francis, Asst. Secretary Linda Kosvic, Secretary Isabella Muscarella, Vice District Master Russell Almquist, Past District Master Gunlog Spaberg, District Master Ann Hellgren, Treasurer Bob Solt, Cultural Leader Nel Solt, Master of Ceremonies Elliott Codding. Back Row, left to right: Inner Guard Delphine Trowbridge, Auditors Ann Heinstedt, Siv Swan-Pierson, and Lori Wennbo; Executive Board Members Mary Wright, Lon Kirkgaard, Bertil Winther, and Jon Vikander; Historian Carolyn Salk, Trustee Robert Salk, Chaplain Maidie Karling, Outer Guard Lauren Lundstrum, Trustee Susan Premo. Photo: Ashley Vikander

District Lodge Pacific Southwest No. 15’s annual District Convention was held on February 22nd, 23rd and 24th. There was just about 70 voting members plus guests and visitors. All went very well. Congratulations to the Con vention Committee, which once again put together a very nice event. Once you have been involved you realize how many trustworthy persons it takes, in front and in back, to keep things Vasa Star Spring 2013

together. This year the Con vention was held at the Holiday Inn in Long Beach. The place was nice which was reflected in everybody’s face. We were graced by the presence of Grand Master Bill Lundquist and his wife Sheila, Vice Grand Master Tore Kellgren and his wife Birgitta and Past Grand Masters Eric Johnson and Ulf Brynjestad. District 15 thanks you all for your friendly support!

District Master Gunlog Spaberg had a good time directing our 99th Convention with some assistance from husband PDM-Parliamentarian Gary. One resolution was presented and fell on deaf ears. Evening Star Lodge #426 hosted a great District Master’s reception Friday evening and for Saturday evening’s enjoyment there was a nice banquet with an entertaining disc-jockey. At the end of the Convention Grand Master Bill greeted and installed our new District Master Ann Hellgren of Mayflower Lodge #445. Russell Almquist of Glenn T. Seaborg Lodge #719 claimed the Vice District Master’s Chair. Past Officers were thanked and new ones installed. Con gratulations to all! Personally I want to thank everybody who attended, working or not. Your support and friendship means so much to all of us. Next year is the District’s 100’s anniversary!! A Com mittee is already hard at work! I can hardly wait! On January the 13th all of the District’s Local Lodge officers were invited for a “mass installation” at Skandia Lodge #247 in Pasadena, California. The event was hosted by District Lodge #15. It was a very happy afternoon preceded by workshops for Chairmen and Secretaries. DM Gunlog Spaberg and GLD Tom Jahn did a fine job in installing almost 70 officers. Old officers were thanked for their work during the past year and new officers “promised and swore” to do their very best for the coming year. The installation was followed by a kalops (Swedish stew) dinner prepared mainly by Executive Board members. Other gems who had their fingers in the dough are also very much thanked. According to Swedish traditions this was the day to dispose of the Christmas tree (Julgrans plundring). Accordionist LeRoy Anderson played with gusto as Maidie Karling of Golden Valley Lodge, led the dancing around the tree. Everybody was a kid again even if only for a short while. We may not be rocket scientists but I am convinced that we can do anything! Well, almost anything. www.vasaorder.com

In March District Lodge #15 held, what we hope was the first of many, Easter lunches. The idea came from DCL Nel Solt who says that she could never have pulled it off had it not been for all fantastic help she received. The event was held at the new digs of Mayflower Lodge #445 in Torrance, CA. Guests were making bright colored Påskris during the social. PDM Gunlog Spaberg had just returned from Sweden and brought all kinds of “real” wonderful feathers. The traditional decoration is believed to be a left over from the times when people whipped themselves to

remember Jesus’ suffering. DM Ann Hellgren stirred pots in the kitchen and DC Maidie Karling had baked semlo PDM Jackie Ahlen made us wonderful deviled eggs. She also gave the guests information about Swedish Easter traditions. Everybody seemed happy with the company and with the event. Also special thanks to Bob and Bob, Inga, Carolyn, Tom, Dotty and Uno we couldn’t have done it without you. In Truth and Unity, Nel Solt District press rep.

Grand Installation Crew (from left) Patrick Mcginley, Jackie Ahlen, Nathan Codding, Beau Stocking, and Nel Solt.

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LODGE NEWS Diana Birger Jarl Lodge #3

Tegner Lodge #149

New Haven, CT

Oakland, CA

Korv Och Potatis This past December LL Diana Birger Jarl #3’s apprentice korv makers were hosted by Lars and Vivian Edeen and under their direction and the direction of John and Mary Ann Edeen 45 lbs. of Korv were produced. Most of the Korv was

sold to benefit the lodge. As the January 2013 meeting rolled around the decision was made to use the remaining korv for a Korv and Potatis dinner. The dinner was held on Friday 25 January prior to the election and installation of a new slate of officers. Despite the threat of snow by the local weather forecasters a good time was had and the reviews by those in attendance gave the Korv dinner 5 stars. We are looking forward to next year!

Tegner Lodge had its new slate of officers installed at the Tri-Lodge installation held at Sveaborg Lodge #449 in Concord earlier this year. Ken Weissenborn is our new chairman, replacing Marie Ann Hill who has been our chairman for the past 6 years. We thanked Marie Ann for her many hours of service on behalf of our lodge and presented her with a card and gift. Kathryn Hughes gave a slide introduction of the work she and

Submitted by: Paul Ljunggren

Marie Ann are doing about the Swedes who came to the East Bay Area at the turn of the 19th century. In February, we made note of the Chinese New Year with a feast of Chinese food. We read our fortunes out loud, as Jesse Lane gave a demonstration of the new website he has designed for Tegner. Richard Orlando and Kathryn Hughes presented information about the SwedishAsian connection. An Easter witch appeared at Washington, DC

Jamestown/Bemis Point, NY

Our Thule Lodge #127 is seeing good weather now after a long winter, and has made plans for spring and summer events. Preserving the Swedish heritage through events and activities continues to be the main goal of the lodge, along with providing fellowship among the members. The installation of new officers took place at the beginning of the year, and past chairman Ralph Veights presented the gavel to 2013 chairman Jeffrey Anderson. Susan W. Sipos is the vice chairman, with Carolyn Ostrom as the lodge secretary. Donna Sandberg serves as the financial secretary and Loretta Smith as the treasurer. Chaplain of the lodge

is Diane Shaw. Gene Smith is the outer guardsman and Don Carlson is the inner guardsman. Donna Johnson and Bernice Veights are masters of ceremony. Members of the planning committee met to decide on dates of future events. The first Friday night fish dinner with another special menu will be held on May 3rd, and every first Friday of the month through October will feature a fish dinner as well. There is always another choice on the menu. Our monthly meetings will change from the winter schedule of Saturday afternoons to the fourth Thursday evenings beginning in May. Father’s Day Sunday will feature a herring breakfast. At a recent meeting, lodge historian John Sipos presented to Chairman Anderson a historical record of the events of the lodge for the last year. Included were photographs, news articles and special Swedish stories. The record is kept at the lodge for all to examine. All those at the Thule Lodge #127 wish everyone a happy summer season. We always welcome visitors if you are in our area. “Goddag” to all. Submitted by: John Sipos

Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130 Cleveland, OH

Sarah Blaser was born in Monessen, PA, on January 18, 1913, to Axel and Kristina Lundberg. In 1916, Kristina took Sarah to Sweden to visit family back home. Because of the bombing of ships during World War I, they could not return until the war ended in November, 1918. Kristina went back to Sweden with Sarah in 1924, but this time the Depression prevented them from coming home. Kristina took a job as a housekeeper, and Sarah worked as a live-in babysitter. In 1941, Kristina died, but Sarah did not make enough money to return to the U.S. In 1948, a Swedish friend from Monessen asked Axel to Page 6

Submitted by: Ann Tennis

Drott Lodge #168

Thule Lodge #127

Thule Lodge #127 past chairman Ralph Veights on the left is passing the lodge gavel to 2013 chairman Jeffrey Anderson during the recent installation ceremony.

our March meeting (Kathryn Hughes) flying though birch branches and brightly colored feathers. Elsy Mattson and Ingrid Andersson made semlor for our dessert and Carol Madigan showed us a beautiful Swedish Easter table runner that had belonged to her grandmother and used for all Easter gatherings. Richard Orlando told us about Swedish Easter customs.

Dennis Roy, Eric Randolph with Ambassador Hafstrom (center).

“Nordic Cool 2013 Festival” and Pea Soup Dinner on an SAL Voyage Members of Drott Lodge #168 were busy during February and March enjoying the many performances and exhibitions that were part of a month-long celebration of Nordic culture at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington along with attending associated exhibitions, performances, and events at the various embassies and even the residences of several ambassadors. There was music, dance, film and theater, forums and interactive events. We went in twosomes or foursomes and a group of 20 enjoyed for a meal and a performance by the National Symphony Orchestra on the night Swedish mezzosoprano Anne Sophie von Otter was soloist. A couple of members volunteered at Kennedy Center throughout the period (Feb.19-March 17) and the beautiful Northern Lights beamed on the Kennedy Center’s façade

each night for the duration of the Festival. Members Dennis Roy and Eric Randolph anted up for tickets to the Kennedy Center fundraiser “Nordic Tasting Event” at the home of Swedish Ambassador Jonas Hafström. Our March meeting typically features a traditional Pea Soup and Plättar dinner (Ärtsoppa och Pannkakor), but the 2013 version was a grand affair in the first class dining room aboard a Swedish American Line (SAL) ship. Travelers crossed the gangplank to the sights and sounds of ocean waves and entered the elegant dining room with its beautifully set tables. Drott members told stories about themselves or family members who journeyed across the ocean aboard an SAL ship, either as a passenger or an employee, or, in one case, as both. Carl Alexis and Karin Alexis Frenze told their mother’s story (Maj-Britt Aleixis, née Lennerup, manager of the aboard-ship beauty salon), Margaret Schueman (née

Bergvall) recollected her family’s journey in the 1950s as children being brought to the Old Country to meet their grandparents, Margareta Storm talked of coming by ship to America to start a new life, and Larilyn André told of a change in travel plans occasioned by the breakout of the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1967. Marianne Diaz spoke about how her father, the late Gus Dahlberg, came to be a steward for the SAL and the extra fine treatment she and her parents received on their journey to the homeland. Peter Storm reported that in 1970 he was given a choice, when assigned to the American Embassy in Stockholm, to travel by air or to go as a first-class passenger on an SAL liner. Some of the slides in the presentations were from the recently closed exhibit about the SAL at the American Swedish Historical Museum. Others were items from the presenters’ collections of photographs and memorabilia. The raffle prize on this day was four white with gold trim plates from the SAL. Raffle winner Bob Rainey offered the plates to those members who had shared their stories. At first there were no takers, but, after a pause, Larilyn accepted the plates with gratitude. She returned from 13 months as an exchange student in northern Sweden aboard an SAL ship but lost all the items from her time abroad and on-board when her parents’ basement was flooded years ago. Larilyn is the Press Officer at the Swedish Embassy and is the Embassy’s longesttenured employee. Submitted by: Carol Whitley

send Sarah the money to come home. Sarah landed in New York on January 16, 1949. After Axel’s death, Sarah’s cousin, who was a member of Vasa, asked her to move to Cleveland. Sarah joined our lodge in 1951 where she could meet and socialize with other Swedes. Sarah has continued to be an active member of NobelMonitor Lodge for 62 years. She is sharp as a tack, has a great memory, wonderful sense of humor, and is a delight to all who know her. Congratulations to Sarah celebrating her 100th Birthday! Submitted by: Karen Arvidson Chilcote www.vasaorder.com

Vasa Star Spring 2013

Skandia Lodge #247 Celebrates 100 Years Pasadena, CA

Left to right: Ken and Sandra Pearson, Alma Marie Nordquist, Joyce Mossberg, Anita Bos, Annelie Lindberg, and Nancy Hedlund.

On March 13, 1913, the original officers and members of Skandia Lodge #247, proudly opened their first business meeting. One century later, Skandia Lodge started the day with the 100th Anniversary celebration at the famous Beckham Place Restaurant on Saturday, March 9. The greetings from the Grand Lodge officers, our sister lodges, members far and near, including a beautiful 100th Anniversary card with red roses from Kerstin Johansson in Sweden – it has been fifty years since her husband, Nils, was District Master. Our new District Master, Ann Hellgren, and PDM, Gunlog Spaberg also brought congratulatory greetings. There were many PDMs present and we all enjoyed a streaming photo presentation and overview of Skandia’s 100 years. Our 25, 40, and 50 year members were presented with their membership jewel and a certificate of appreciation. 50 YEARS: Alma Marie Nordquist, Robert Lindberg, Kenneth Pearson, Sandra Pearson, and Joyce Woodward 40 YEARS: Anita Bos, Nancy Hedlund, Marilyn LarsonKlooster, and Annelie Lindberg 25 YEARS: Julie Lindberg Future issues of the Skandia Nytt will showcase these longtime members individually. Our new past Chairman, Jane Hendricks, was presented with a card and a token our appreciation from the lodge. The dinner menu consisted of either prime rib, almond crusted salmon, or chicken with goat cheese and walnuts. Some had black truffle ravioli.

For dessert we were served Princess Cake. The entertainment included the performance by harpist Jillian and by the St Erik’s Church Choir. Kenneth Pearson brought an extra large folder of historical photographs and memorabilia. On top of the fun and frolic, the food and service at Beckham was impeccable as always. Their management and staff are a joy. Our team 100 all did their jobs smoothly – many thanks to Nel and Bob Solt, Birgitta and Rudy Roodsari, Dr. Beau Stocking, Betsy Cepielik, Lori Wennbo, Robert Yankowsky, Kristen Demarjian, Sue and Steve Rose, Ernie Mauritsen and his daughter Emmaline, Kathleen and Patrick McGinley – Patrick, the knight in shining armor again came to the rescue of Lori and Robert – involved in an accident on the 210 freeway at 10:30 a.m. – but it all worked well. Thanks also to

Kirsten Orcutt for her help with the raffle prizes. Scholarship Chairman Bob Solt presented the first Skandia scholarships to Kristen Demarjian and Robert Yankowsky – it is very heartwarming to know we are leaving our future in such capable hands. On Sunday, many Skandia members joined with the Viking Athletic Club for a pleasant dinner meeting, and then the following weekend, the home of Nel and Bob Solt was toured by some three thousand happy souls who were treated to a wonderful view of the Wisteria vine – even had the pleasure of seeing Nel on television – such a movie star, as well as a proud grandmother taking care of grandfather Bob and world traveler Malin, and mom Lisa and son-in-law Scott – the little one joined the Canadian part of her family for a 100th birthday party for Daddy Scott’s great grandmother. And Skandia is continuing the 100th Anniversary year with a Midsummer reception on Saturday, June 15, 2013, at Skandia Lodge Hall with a very special program and an outstanding menu. We look forward to re-introducing our 25, 40 and 50 year members as well as many friends from sister lodges and this will be compliments of the officers and members of Skandia Lodge. Submitted by: Jacqueline Ahlen

Ken and Sandra Pearson 50 year members.

Svea Lodge #253 Indianapolis, IN

dinators, Ulla Williams and Jean Bang; Trustees: Charlotte Swenson (3 years), David Duff (2 years), and Jay Hook (1 year); and Auditors: Kenneth Allen (3 years), Scott Clarkson (2 years), and Patricia Hoffmann (1 year). Congratulations to Past District Master/Past Chairman Swan Swanson, Jr., who celebrated his 90th birthday this month. A program on “Accordion Music In Sweden” was presented by Douglas Krantz. Inter woven with accordion music and group singing, Doug Krantz told the story of how the accordion came to be one of the most important musical instruments in all of folk music, in Sweden, and in Doug’s life. He has accompanied company classes for Cirque du Soleil and the Street Dance Hubbard Company. In 2004 he composed Music for Ballet Class, a set of pieces and instructions to teach pianists to accompany dance classes. At the February meeting, three prospective members, Brenda Miller, Jeff Peterson, and David Young, were approved for membership and initiated. Delegates to the May 2013 Convention were elected: Marvin Anderson, Jean Tygum, Glenn Sweitzer, and Dennis Danielson. Alternates are: Janet Jegen and Sue James. The program on “Swedish Glass – Kingdom Of Crystal / Glasriket” was presented by Earl Hurst, assisted by his wife Cindy Hurst. In addition to a colorful PowerPoint presentation and lively commentary, Earl and Cindy Hurst brought numerous examples of Swedish glass for all to see. Other members brought Swedish glass to show, shared stories and pictures of their visits to the Glass Kingdom, and told of experiences with Swedish glass. The March meeting program was “Return Trips To Sweden” presented by Jessica Young, Sara Young Hess, and Abram Hess, daughters and son–in– law, respectively, of members Carin and David Young. Jessica Young and Sara Young Hess recounted adventures from their summer 2012 trip to Sweden. Sara’s husband, Abram Hess, spoke about his first trip to Sweden: from fika to fika! From Stockholm to the peaks of Hemavan - Tärnaby (hometown of famous skier Anja Paerson), we got a glimpse Sweden as it is today. The Fourth Tuesday Luncheon Group continues to sample the international cuisine found in Indianapolis. So far this year, the fare has been Greek, American, and Western. The Scandinavian Movie Group viewed the 1996 Swedish movie Jerusalem. Submitted by: Joella D. Hultgren Publicity Committee

New members David Young and Brenda Miller were initiated by Chairman Jean Tygum. The officers for 2013 were installed at the January meeting: Chairman, Jean Tygum; Vice Chairman, Ulla Williams; Past Chairman, John Bevelhimer; Recording Secretary, Janet Vasa Star Spring 2013

Jegen; Assistant Recording Secretary, Kristina Grasso; Treasurer, Marvin Anderson; Financial Secretary, Douglas Krantz; Cultural Leader, Glenn Sweitzer; Assistant Cultural

Leader, Carin Young; Chaplain, Carol Atherton-Clarkson; Master Of Ceremonies, Dennis Danielson; Historian, Jenne Swain; Inner Guard, Eva Berglund; Refreshment Coor www.vasaorder.com

Viking Lodge #256 San Pedro, CA

Our member, Vera Enquist, was 103 on her birthday – September 30, 2012. On that day, there was a special party for her, complete with local newspaper coverage, at the Senior Center in Lakewood, where she goes most days for lunch and to play games with other seniors. Then,Viking Lodge honored their 40-year member at the October meeting with a big cake, birthday song and card. Vera was born in a Nebraska sod, farmhouse. Her parents were Swedish, and her first language was, of course, Swedish. After high school, she left home to go to Nursing School … became a surgical nurse and joined the Red Cross in 1932. She moved to Southern California where she worked until joining the Army Nurse Corps as a 2nd Lt. in 1941. With the army, she served in Washington state, California, Germany, and Okinawa, retiring in 1960. In 1962, she became a dental nurse and moved to Lakewood, CA, where she lived up until this spring..She’s a member of the Military Officers Association (a former president), as well as the Retired Officers’ Wives Club. A seasoned traveler, Vera has crisscrossed the nation numerous times to visit all 50 states and traveled to 81 foreign countries, as well — by plane, train, car, bus, and ocean and river ships. And still takes an occasional day trip. She was a longtime bowler and proudly displays her many trophies. A Lakers, Dodgers, and Angels fan, she also loves PGA golf and the Long Beach hockey team. Vera now accepts a ride to the Viking Lodge meetings on the first Saturday morning, and rarely misses a meeting, lodge anniversary, or special event. She attributes her long, healthy life to never having been married, exercising, and being Swedish. Submitted by: Joan Johnson, Chairman

Advertise in the Vasa Star Page 7

Svea Lodge #296 Erie, PA

Our lodge began the New Year with the installation of the new officers. Seated from left to right: Leona Carlson, Carol Johnson, Joanne Dahlstrand, Sharon Olson, Robin Arvikson. Standing: Linda Collin, Lorraine Horn Aman, Cheryl Brown, Berit Benacci, Sandy Miller, Tom Johnson, Lisa Owen, Lorraine Johnson, Marge Johnson We all look forward to a wonderful year ahead for Svea! Submitted by: Linda Collin

Balder Lodge #343 Ferndale, CA January 5, 2013, we held an Installation of Officers and were graced with the presence of Grand Master David Jensen who conducted the installation. We thank him for his gracious and wisdom in answering some of the questions our little lodge has had. He was able to follow through with getting us the Proof of Insurance that has been missing for the past few years. February 16, I conducted my first meeting as Conductor of Balder Lodge #343. We were able to nominate our delegate

for the upcoming convention in April. Kathy Holtermann will be busy just getting back from Thailand, but hopes to have the time to attend the convention. March 16 we dispensed with our normal business meeting and celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at St. Bernard Church for a Corn Beef and Cabbage Feed. They put on a wonderful event with Irish Dancers and song.

Arrange onto prepared baking sheet Bake until browned and cooked through, 15 to 20 min. depending on size. Serve with a good gravy made with beef stock and seasoning.

Lise’s Meatballs 1/3 cup plain bread crumbs 1/2 cup milk 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 onion, shredded 1 lb ground beef 1 lb ground pork 2 eggs 1/4 bunch fresh parsley 2 cloves garlic, crushed 2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon ground pepper 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1 teaspoon dried Italian herb seasoning 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese

The December 9th, 2012, celebration of Julfest was the occasion for Eleanor Pfeil, a nearly 71-year member of Sveaborg Lodge, to receive recognition as Honorary Life Member. Traditional Nordic foods and a beautifully decorated Masonic Hall in Martinez provided the perfect setting. The Vasablad children superbly assisted Kristen Sibley in the Lucia pageant. Members Eleanor recruited for Sveaborg Lodge include daughter Judy and husband Larry Ard, grandsons Michael and David and wife Natalie Ard (three children for Vasablad), Marily Brar, Keith and Bryn Hartley (two children in Vasablad), Ray Olsen and Geneva Walker. Larry Ard and

Preheat oven to 425 degrees Cover baking sheet with foil and spray light with cooking spray Mix ingredients Use wet hands, form meat mixture into balls.

Scandinavian Lodge #667 San Diego, CA

Submitted by: Christian Nielsen Vasa Star Correspondent

Svea Lodge #348 San Jose, CA At their January, 2013, meeting, Svea Lodge #348 members heard a fascinating presentation “From Rags to Riches” by Muriel Beroza. Muriel’s presentation traced the life of Erik Lindblom one of the “three lucky Swedes" who started the most successful gold rush in North America with their discovery of rich, coarse gold at Anvil Creek, Alaska in the winter of 1898. Their story is filled with personal risk and adventures such as claim-jumping and official corruption, but Erik Lindblom with his partners John Brynteson and Jafet Lindeberg (actually from Baddeven Norway) prevailed in their work. They formed the Pioneer Mining Company and became wealthy businessmen. The site of the Anvil Creek gold rush became Nome Alaska; Jafet Lindeberg is considered its founder. After active management as a Vice President of the Pioneer Mining Company, Erik Lindblom rejoined his wife

book! Fifty-five contented Sveaborgians enjoyed the dinner of meatballs, salad, vegetables, dessert and (of course) coffee. The lodge meets monthly.For information call 925-876-5370. Here is Lise’s recipe.

Mary Ann and family and became a resident of Oakland CA. He proved his business acumen by entering into successful mining operations in California and Nevada. He invested in the Claremont Resort and became the sole owner in 1921. He resided in the hotel until his death in 1928. Muriel Beroza is a member of Lindbergh Lodge #494 and historian of Sveadal, the summer resort of the Swedish American Patriotic League. Muriel is the author of Golden Gate Swedes: The Bay Area and Sveadal. There is a great deal of engaging material available about Erik Lindblom, his legendary adventures and equally interesting partners. I recommend the following references. ien.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erik_L indblom iialaskamininghalloffame.org/ inductees/lindblom.php Submitted by: Emma Hanlon Vasa Star Correspondent

The Scandinavian Lodge #667, which meets in La Mesa, CA, is celebrating its 50th Anniversary. The Pea Soup Dinner held on March 23, 2013, marked a continuation of that celebration. Attached is a photo of some of the members who showed off their Swedish folk

costumes at the Pea Soup Dinner. Back Row: Bob Swanson, Chairman., Paul Swanson, Gabe Crawford, Everett Shogren. Front Row: Beda Johnson, Pat Coffey, Natalie Swanson, Jean Shogren. Submitted by: Jean Shogren

Oak Leaf Lodge #685 Thousand Oaks, CA Oak Leaf Lodge #685 is just like “Ol’ Man River.” We just keep rollin’ along, without any great fanfare, but with a great love and loyalty from all our members. In December, we celebrated with a marvelous Christmas Party. Lots of children to trim the tree and wonderfully decorated. We all had a great time. Lots of stuffed toys were collected and donated to a local Fire Station who will give them to children in need.

Our Lucia was Paige Kenyon. In February we honor one of our members with a “Sweetheart of the Year” award and this year we honored Judi Palmquist, our longtime Editor, then Co-Editor of our Newsletter and Vasa Star Representative as our Sweet heart of the Year. From the first day Judi joined us, she wasted no time in getting involved with anything she could do for the lodge and we love her for it. Submitted by: Louise Shearer

Vinland Lodge #703 Cape Cod, MA

Sveaborg Lodge #449 Concord, CA MEATBALL COOK-OFF Winner of the “First Annual Meatball Cook-off” at Sveaborg Lodge #447 (Concord, CA) recently was Lise Peachee. There were ten contestants at this event, which was judged by Sven-Ove Westberg, Erik Wernes and Bob Burman. Chairman Rob Laaback presented Lise with the 1st-prize ribbon, certificate and a meatball cookPage 8

From left: Past Chairman Louise Feitz, Secretary Clara Buttrick, Vice Chairman Marilyn Sohoel, Chairman Judith Peterson, Cultural Leader Dorothy Kean, Chaplain Virginia McNamara, Treasurer Ed Blomdahl.

A mild January day allowed www.vasaorder.com

many members to attend our

Geneva Walker have been elected Vice Chairman and Secretary for 2013. A niece, Tina Martin, her husband and son are also members. Tina’s mother, Elizabeth Nordgren, PDM Golden Gate #12, was a sister to Eleanor Pfeil’s husband. Eleanor was small in size, but strong physically and in character. She worked in the Richmond Shipyard No. 3 with Rosie the Riveters in the 1940s. Many miss Eleanor and remember her fondly. Submitted by: Eleanor Pfeil, Honorary Life Member Sveaborg #449

Eleanor Pfeil, Honorary Life Member Sveaborg Lodge #449.

January 19 th meeting. Then, Debby Nugnes, of Finnish descent, explained the history and benefits of massage therapy for all ages. A complimentary massage (ohhh, ahhh) was offered to each of us. DM Marlene Patient and VDM Marlene Ekstrand conducted our Installation of Officers on February 16th. Several officers renewed their terms and others assumed new offices. The Preserves and Baked Goods Walk netted a large pile of quarters for our Lodge Scholarship Fund. Many were rewarded with a tasty treat. On March 2, we attracted much attention with our Maypole and Viking at the annual Multi-Cultural Fair at Cape Cod Community College as we proudly represented five countries. We paraded in costume with our flags and displayed many Scandinavian artifacts and foods on our tables. Our supply of 75 travel brochure packets and coloring books was gone in 3 hours. We were so pleased to share our culture with others. After our March meeting, Dr. Fred Dunford, a local archaeologist stirred our interest in the geological formation and ancient history of Cape Cod. Vikings may have visited this area briefly a thousand years ago. Some members will be assisting in his site digs this spring. We also participated in a gathering of several Massa chusetts Scandinavian groups at SAC Park in Shrewsbury to encourage the support and the promotion of our missions and activities. Our annual Swedish Meatball Luncheon in April featured kottbulle, ny potatis, gron bona, limpa, knackebrod, lingon, inlagd gurka, inlagd rodbetor, citronkaka and kaffe. We held a raffle of a variety of containers holding non-perishable foods. The winners kept the containers and the food was donated to a local food pantry. Our lodge is co-hosting The Massachusetts District #2 Con vention, September 20-22 in Hyannis, MA. We encourage members and officers of neighboring districts to join us in fellowship. Submitted by: Dorothy AnnEllner Kean Vasa Star Spring 2013

Nordic Lodge #708 Atlanta, GA

NEW SWEDEN 375 YEAR ANNIVERSARY The Nordic Lodge meeting on April 7th turned out to be a celebration of the 375th anniversary of New Sweden, Delaware – pretty appropriate since it was in March 1638 that the ship Kalmar Nyckel of Sweden landed at what now is Wilmington, Delaware’s capital. Maybe this recollection of New Sweden came to be one of the first in the country! At the time when you read this article you probably have read a lot already about this anniversary, including several events such as Colonists Day in Wilmington on April 13th and the celebration also in Wilmington on May 11th in the presence of King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia. At our lodge meeting on April 7th Göran Rygert (a former longtime officer of the lodge and cultural director) gave a presentation of the history of New Sweden. He started with a question of how many in the audience knew anything about the New Sweden colony in Delaware. The answer was not surprising. All of the Swedish-born knew at least some of their Swedish history. But of the 20 American-born in the audience only two were familiar with New Sweden. If this lack of knowledge is representative for all the VOA American-born people there clearly is a need to fill in the blanks! Göran then showed pictures of two flags. One was almost identical with the Swedish flag. The only difference was that it had a round, smaller seal in the middle. The other consisted of three vertical blue-yellow-blue strips, also with a small seal in the middle. No one in the audience had ever seen these flags. What flags were they? The first one is the (current!) flag of the City of Wilmington. The other is the flag of the City of Philadelphia. Wilmington’s flag reflects the fact that the city was founded by the Swedes, in 1638. Philadelphia was not founded by the Swedes (but by William Penn), however the Swedish colors is a reminder of the presence of Swedes in Philadelphia 40 years before Penn arrived. Göran continued with a few words about Sweden in the mid 17th century. At the time Sweden was one of the greatest powers in Europe, controlling Finland, a piece of Russia, Estonia, Latvia, a part of Poland and the part of Germany that was called Pommern. The Baltic Sea was essentially a Swedish lake. In order to bypass French and English merchants Sweden wanted to expand their influence by creating an agricultural and furtrading colony in America. The Swedes knew that the areas around (and especially west of) the Delaware River were where the friendly Indians, the Lenape and the Susquehannock tribes lived, and that they would be able to buy fur and tobacco from them. In March 1638 the Kalmar Nyckel arrived to the Delaware River and into the tributary that they named the Christina River after Sweden’s Queen Christina (who ruled 1632-1654). The Swedes built a fort where Wilmington now is located. It was called Fort Christina. The New Sweden prospered and grew along the Delaware Vasa Star Spring 2013

River all the way up to Philadelphia. About 600 Swedes and Finns settled in the area. More fortresses and also churches were built. The one in Wilmington that was erected in 1698-99, the Holy Trinity Old Swedes Church, is the oldest church in the United States that is still in use. Göran also told about log houses that were first introduced in America by the Swedes and the Finns. This way of building homes became that popular that it spread to the west and all over the United States. One of the still

existing log houses, built in 1698, was home to John Morton, whose grandfather was Swedish-Finnish Mårten Mårtensson, who arrived to New Sweden in 1654. John Morton was one of Pennsylvania’s signers of the Declaration of Independence and his name also lives in the “John Morton Memorial Building” in Philadelphia, which is the same as the American Swedish Historical Museum, built in 1927, designed by Swedish-American architect John Nyden. The New Sweden colony did not last long, only for 17 years. Its last governor Johan Rising seized a Dutch fortress south of Fort Christina. The governor of New Netherlands, Peter Stuyvesant became furious and wanted revenge. In the

summer of 1655 he and seven armed Dutch ships and 317 men appeared on the Delaware River. The badly outnumbered Swedes gave up without a fight. That was the end of New Sweden. But the Swedes and the Finns stayed in the area and were allowed to continue as a “Swedish Nation” until 1681 when William Penn came and threw out the Dutch. Göran finished his interesting presentation with the information that on the same evening, April 7th, a historical re-enactment was going on in New Castle, Delaware, exploring the trial of the Swedish officer who was to blame for surrendering Fort Trinity in 1655. The participants of this Vasa meeting and celebration now enjoyed a delicious ham and a lot

of great home-made food, as well as one of Atlanta’s first really nice and beautiful spring days. Submitted by: Jan Rygert, Secretary, Nordic Lodge #708, Atlanta, GA

Carolyn Bagheri and Göran Rygert.

Stenland Lodge #727 West Nyack, NY answer a question about that country. Upon completion of the passport, each person received a small prize. Cultural crafts, foods, costumes and performances were part of the day's activities. They all helped us learn more about each of the countries. Stenland was well represented and provided Swedish meat balls and

Submitted by: Betty Langberg

Standling left to right: Erin Barschdorf, holding son Matthew, Erik Rasmussen, Bob Rasmussen, Beatrice Rasmussen, Ingrid Allison, seated is Gail Olson.

Left to right are: Ingrid Allison, Lucy Syvarth, Julia Syvarth, Beatrice Rasmussen, Erik Rasmussen.

Stenland Lodge#727, District #4 represented Sweden at the “We the People” multi-cultural festival at the South Orangetown Community Elementary School in South Orangetown, NY, on March 9, 2013. The event cele-

Swedish cookies at our table to the delight of many. Stenland also celebrated their 33rd anniversary with their annual dinner at the 76 House in Tappan, NY, on March 24, 2012. It was a joyful occasion with 31 members and guests in attendance.

brated cultural diversity through fun and educational programs for the whole community. Upon entering the school, each participant was given a passport to travel to each of the 25 countries represented and

SWEDISH NEWS Grand Master’s Message Kära Vasa-syskon, Vi närmar oss kommande Distriktsmöten för 2013. Många distrikt ska välja sina Storlogsdelegater detta år. Kom ihåg att minst 120 dagar före vårt nästa Grand Lodge konvention, Juli 4-11 2014, måste delegaterna väljas. Det krävs att de slutför tilldelade utskottsarbeten och det är nödvändigt att bilda rekommendationer med anknytning till varje anslut. Beslut av delegationen avgör om programmen fortsätter under de följande fyra åren, därför krävs noggrann eftertanke, öppet sinne och progressivt tänkande. Innovativt tänkande är det enda sättet att hjälpa Orden att lyckas i nästa valperiod. En annan förväntan på din valda delegat är en vilja att ta en Storlogspost om han/hon väljs eller utses. Tid och resor kommer att krävas under den tiden. Jag menar inte att måla en bild av “allt arbete och ingen lek” på Storlogskonventionen, då värdsdistrikten planerar intressanta utflykter och sociala funktioner och då delegaterna och gästerna har stora möjligheter att utveckla och förnya vänskap med andra Vasamedlemmar. Om distriktet inte har fattat beslut om din Storlogsdelegat, hoppas jag att du kommer att nominera din bästa kandidat för att uppnå dessa mål. Jag vill också uppmuntra alla medlemmar att delta i Storlogskonventionen som gäst. Detta är också tiden när du som medlem, lokal loge eller distriktsloge bör överväga konstitutionella förändringar som du

tycker är bäst för Ordens framtid. Se till att ägna stor uppmärksamhet åt de fakta som jag har delat med mig av - både i mina adresser när jag har besökt era distrikt och i mina artiklar i Vasa Star där jag har förklarat anledningarna till hur vi har utvecklats under de senaste tre åren - när du skickar in dina föreslagna ändringar. Vasa Riksarkivet skulle inte ha kunnat drivas denna termin utan stödjande rörelse som godkändes av den sista Storlogssessionen. Den gav den “möjlighet att donera upp till 5% av sin tilldelade outnyttjade budget (FUNDS) i OA & B.” Pengar från medlemsavgifter betalar för närvarande endast 50% av driftskostnaderna och för närvarande arbetar volontärer med underhållstjänst. Det är inte realistiskt eller smidigt att fortsätta verksamheten på detta sätt, och därför kommer delegaterna att uppmanas att fatta viktiga beslut som rör det nödvändiga framtida ekonomiska stödet av arkivet. Arkivet är en viktig gren av Order. Jag inser att många av er inte har besökt arkivet som finns i Bishop Hill, Illinois, och inte heller kommer ni att besöka den i framtiden. Därför är det svårt för er att visualisera vad vi stöder. Jag delar ofta visuell information om arkivet när jag besöker distriktets konventioner och jag skulle gärna skicka dig mitt program elektroniskt så att du kan se det själv, eller visa det för ditt medlemskap som ett program för www.vasaorder.com

att bekanta er med denna viktiga bit av historien. Vasa Riksarkivet håller historien om Vasa Orden, historien om de många modiga svenska invandrare som lämnat Sverige på grund av svält och religiös förföljelse. De stod inför enorma hinder för att komma till Amerika. Våra medlemmar i Sverige firar sitt mod och svenskamerikanerna firar prestationerna av dessa förfäder. Vår historia är inrymd i denna anläggning. Gå gärna online för information om Bishop Hill, IL och planera ett besök. Jag skulle vilja uppmuntra ditt första besök under festivaltid i Bishop Hill t.ex Jordbruksdagarna (Agricultural dagar, Sept 28-29), Julmarknad (julmarknad, Dec 7-8) eller Lucia Nights (Festival of Lucia, Dec . 13-14) när butikerna med många handgjorda alster, restauranger och museer är öppna. Glöm inte den Samiska Utställningen på Arkivet under juni månad. Bishop Hill är en lantlig kommun, men det finns många hotell i området tillgängliga för ditt besök. Vår arkivarie, Victoria Almgren, hälsar er hjärtligt välkomna. Jag ser fram emot att se många av er på distriktets konventioner under detta år, jag vill personligen tacka för ert fortsatta stöd, de viktigaste fördelarna med Vasamedlemskap, samt ditt personliga stöd och din vänskap. I sanning och enhet, Bill Lundquist, Grand Master

Logen Höganäs Nr 634 Vid årets första möte, den 26 januari samlades 79 medlemmar för att delta i Högtidsmöte med installationn av nya tjänstemän. Undertecknad hade ett föredrag om Anna Q Nelson från Hasslarp strax utanför Helsingborg, en mycket målmedveten kvinna, som var fast besluten att åka till Amerika och hon lyckades verkligen. Hon blev en av Hollywoods mest eftertraktade ”stars” i filmens barndom. Logemötet var som brukligt mycket högtidligt och efter en vacker ljussläckningsceremoni avslutades mötet och Nationalsången sjöngs. Därefter dukades borden upp för efterkapitlet och en fin måltid dukades upp till de festklädda deltagande medlemmarna. Kvällen blev som vanligt mycket lyckad och vi gick alla hem nöjda och glada och en del av oss med vinster från de välfyllda vinstborden. Lördagen den 16 mars samlades vi åter igen för att fira systrarnas afton. Efter ett kort och fint men Högtidligt möte hade systrarna hittat på ett trevligt och medryckande arrangemang med sång och dans till de populäraste melodier som Svensktoppen hade bjudit på under de 50 år som den hade funnits. Efter en stunds dans och lottdragning gick vi alla hem mycket upprymda efter kvällens underhållning eller kan man säga show. Anita Bengtsson KL Page 9

Svenska Språhörnan – The Swedish Language Corner Introduction to Swedish – Chapter 2

Hur går det? How goes it?

Due to a hard disc crash I was not able to access the fourth and last installation of the Basic Swedish Course. This new course, Introduction to Swedish© by Urban , which started in last issue, consists of nine chapters. Mr. Sikeborg has graciously allowed us to use his course for free. One of thethings I like about the course is that it gives some hints on pronunciation. If you have access to the internet, you can listen to words or sentences in each chapter and you can also go through the course faster, should you wish to do so (www2.hhs.se/isa/swedish/default.htm). Greetings and Goodbyes SALUTARY PHRASES Hej!

Tjéna[re]! God mórgon! Good morning! God dag! Good day! God kväll! Good evening!

Could refer to life in general, but also to a specific task or job. Showing concern, focusing on the health/well-being of somebody. Showing more personal interest when including How someone else.

Hur mår du? How feel you? Hur är det med [famíljen]? is it with [the family]? Suitable answers: Tack, [bára] bra! Thanks, [just] fine!

This is the most common way of greeting someone, be it in a formal or informal situation, and can be used as an equivalent of ‘How do you do’ or ‘Hi (there)’. Informal and friendly. Used in both formal and informal situations: This equivalent to ‘How do you do’ is mostly used to people you call ‘Ni’ The Swedish ‘good evening’ salute is nowadays mainly reserved for somewhat formal meetings or to people you address with the ‘Ni’ pronoun.

NOTE: ‘Tj’ is pronounced a bit sharper than the English ‘sh’ sound – as in ‘shut’, but with the middle part of the tongue pressed more towards the palate (cp. German ‘ch’ in ‘ich’).

Skápligt / Hýfsat Fair / Decent Så där / Det kúnde vára bä ttre. So there / It could be better

rr. Not so good, I’m afraid Ínte så bra, tyvä´

HOW TO SAY GOODBYE… Hej då! Hello then! Adjö ! Goodbye! Adjö så länge! Goodbye so long!

If you just have been introduced to someone you might add: Trévligt att rå kas! Nice to meet [you]! Demonstrating that you are a polite and well-behaved person. Ángenämt! Pleasant/nice [to meet you]! Definitely old-fashioned, but could be popular among mature ladies. NOTE: Like in English some consonants change sound when they are followed by certain vowels. The ‘g’ in ‘Angenämt’, which precedes the soft vowel ‘e’, is therefore pronounced like ‘y’ in ‘yes’, not like ‘g’ in ‘good’. If you know the person in question you can ask: Hur står det till? How stands it to? Has got a slightly formal touch, but can also be used in informal situations. Hur är det? How is it? Informal, very common. Hur har du det? How have you it? Informal, very frequent. Hur är lä´ get? How is the situation? A bit more informal, very common. get? The situation? An abbreviated and more informal form of “Hur är Lä´ läget?”

Very common. Can be used no matter how you feel..... With the Swedish avoidance of superlatives. Quite frequent. Two variants of the same theme: “Not very well, but I’ll survive.”

God natt! Good night! Farväl! Farewell! Ha det [så] bra! Have it [so] good!

Vi ses: We see [each other]: See you! • sénare • i mórgon • i kväll later in morning in evening (i.e. tomorrow) (i.e. tonight) • på on må´ ndag Monday frédag Friday

(You are expected to show genuine concern when somebody tells you this.)

Very common, can be used anywhere. Formal, dismissive. When used alone equivalent to ‘good day’. More informal than just ‘adjö’: ‘goodbye for now’, ‘so long’. Informal, very frequent. Outmoded, often used in a melodramatic way. Informal, very common, like ‘take care’. Often in combination with ‘hej då’.

• snart soon

tísdag Tuesday lördag Saturday

• om en stund in a while

onsdag Wednesday tórsdag Thursday söndag Sunday • nästa vécka next week Siv Swan-Pierson, GL Language Director [email protected]

SVENSK-AMERIKANSKA ARRANGEMANG 2013 Distriktslogen Södra Sverige nr 20 9 juni Kl 14.00 Kl 15.00

Kalmar Sverige-Amerikadagen på Kalmar Slott Gudstjänst på engelska/svenska i Slottskyrkan Underhållning i Gröna Salen, Kalmar Slott Fanparad, högtidstal, folkdans och stipendieutdelning Kl ca 16.30 Ostkakegille med underhållning i Krusenstiernska Gården Kontakt: Hans-Erik Lindeblad 0480-47 19 44, 070-327 73 43 Logen Calmare Nyckel nr 628 29 juni Höganäs Sverige-Amerikamöte (Logemöte) Kl 17.00 Vikens Hemgård, Viken Kontakt: Karl-Axel Bengtsson 042-28 03 26 Logen Höganäs nr 634 4 aug Barkeryd Barkerydsdagen – “Fest och vardag” Kl 14.00 Barkeryds Hembygdsgård, ligger 1 km väster om Barkeryds kyrka 18.00 Dagen firas som en hyllning till S M Swenson från Barkeryd, som byggde ett ranchimperium i Texas. Kortege med Lyrans musikkår och drillflickor Medverkande: frilansjournalist Erik Lindfelt från Jönköping, Texas Lucia 2012, Evan Wood, från Houston med gäster, kyrkoherde Ann-Christine Borg och imitatören Sven Slättengren och Krister Möller Kontakt: Bo Ahlsgård 0381-30227 Logen Småland nr 618 4 aug Ljuder Minnesotadagen Kl 11.00 Gudstjänst i Ljuders kyrka Kl 13.00 Program i Ljuders hembygdspark alternativt i kyrkan Kontakt: Catherine Bringselius Nilsson 0470-28588 17 aug Kristianstad Svensk-Amerikanskt Logemöte Kl 18.00 Sirius Ordens lokal, V. Boulevarden 35, Kristianstad Kontakt: Åke Mellnert 044-24 46 64 Logen Christian nr 617 18 aug Önnestad Sverige-Amerikadagen / Hans Mattsondagen 25-årsjubileum Kl 11.00 Svensk-Amerikansk gudstjänst i kyrkan. Fanparad till Hembygdsparken. Tal, plakettutdelning, musik, folklore och utställningar. Kontakt: Karin Holmqvist 044-24 13 78 Logen Christian nr 617 Andrew Petersonutställning Asby gamla skola (mellan Tranås och Österbymo i Ydre kommun) Den permanenta och mycket intressanta utställningen berättar om Andrew Peterson, hans emigration till Amerika och hans liv och arbete i Carver County i Minnesota. Här finns nu en ny lokal med en utställning som präglas av “Ydre på 1800-talet.” Den ger en bakgrund till bland annat skolans framväxt och utvandringen från bygden. Andrew Peterson Society www.andrewpeterson.se 23, 24 juli Kl 11.00 25 juli Kl 18.00

Amerikavecka 19-28 juli 2013 Guidat bygdebesök med samling i Asby. Medtag kaffekorg. Arr: Andrew Petersonsällskapet Guider: Olle Karlsson och Rune Ericsson “Garden Party,” Asby Arr: Andrew Petersonsällskapet och projektet Hedners Park För upplysningar kontakta Lena Skördeman Tfn: 0140 40005 E-post: [email protected]

Välkommen till Sverige i sommar! Maureen Bengtsson, District Cultural Leader [email protected] Page 10

www.vasaorder.com

Vasa Star Spring 2013

Logen Härnösand Nr 673 Lördagen den 2 februari höll Vasa Orden sitt årsmöte med 40talet medlemmar. Rolf Ögren med medlemmar från Logen Mälardrottningen 563 besökte oss, och genomförde samtidigt installation av vår styrelse för kommande verksamhetsår.Efter sedvanliga förhandlingar, tilldeSonja och Sten lades Nygren,samt Lena och Bo Selin förjänsttecken för 10 års medlemskap.Till kvällens middag hälsade värdarna Anita och Bengt Andersson, Ulla-Britt Nordin och Börje Nygren, samt Britt-Marie och PerGrundström välkomna till bords.Efter en mycket välsmakande måltid underhölls vi av paretÅke och Karin Wiberg. Åke sjöng och hanterade sitt dragspel förnämligt med Karin ackompanjerande på elbas. Mångaroliga historier berättades som framkallade många skratt.Till kaffet spelades bl.a. Härnövalsen till medlemmarnasförtjusning. Bo Selin, Kulturledare

Torsten Torstensson wears a Vasa uniform worn 100 years ago and displays various manuscripts, medals and pins from Vasa’s inception in America.

Rolf Ögren installerar tjänstemännen Bengt Nyberg och Marianne Högberg.

Leif Claesson och Marianne Claesson med syskon till bords.

Logen Kongahälla Nr 702 Vi har nu haft tre logemöten hittills i år. Lördagen den 19 januari samlades ett drygt 70-tal Vasasyskon på Restaurang Fars Hatt i Kungälv för årsmöte och installation av tjänstemän. Detta blev starten för ett nytt och förhoppningsvis händelserikt år i Logen Kongahälla. O Br Morgan Andersson hälsade oss alla välkomna till årsmötet och ett speciellt välkommen riktades till vår DD Sy Birgit Lindblad, VDM Br Ola Hansson, FDO Br Ingvar Winmalm, BCM Sy Berit Hörberg Winmalm, samtliga från Logen Göteborg Nr 452

samt VDS Br Seppo Bladbacke Logen Skövde Nr 626. De sedvanliga årsrapporterna godkändes och den avgående styrelsen och kassören beviljades ansvarsfrihet för det gångna året. Installation av Logens tjänstemän för den nya terminen utfördes ritualenligt av DD Sy Birgit Lindblad med stab på ett exemplariskt och värdigt sätt. Vår O Br Morgan Andersson tackade för förtroendet att bli omvald och hälsade de nytillkomna tjänstemän välkomna in i Logens arbete samt hoppades på ett gott samarbete. Efter en god supé, svarade vår

Aktivitetsklubb Vasakören, under Sy Inger Unebacks ledning, för kvällens underhållning och sjöng sånger ur Birger Sjöbergs rika repertoar samt ett par sånger ur Beatles repertoar. Det blev återigen en mycket trivsam Vasakväll i Logen Kongahälla. Lördagen den 16 februari hade vi ett logemöte gemensamt med Logen Göteborg Nr 452. Närmar 80-talet Vasasyskon, där av ett 15 tal från Logen Göteborg Nr 452, samlades denna dag på Restaurang Fars Hatt i Kungälv. Vår O Br Morgan Andersson öppnade mötet och därefter ledsagades följande tjänstemän in, vår DD Sy Birgit Lindblad, VDM Br Ola Hansson, O Sy Margareta Ruthagen samtliga från Logen Göteborg Nr 452. O Br Morgan Andersson hälsade alla välkomna och öppningsceremonin genomfördes. Först stod Logen Kongahällas dagordning på programmet. Vår KL Sy Birgitta Larsson informerade om ett stort kulturutbud som är under planering i år samt inbjöd medlemmarna i Logen Göteborg att också delta i dessa. Efter Logen Kongahällas dagordning var avslutad, intog Logen Göteborgs tjänstemän sina ordinarie platser i Logesalen och deras dagordning behand-

lades på ett mycket intressant och informativt sätt. Bl.a. informerade KL Sy Charlotte Börjesson om släktforskning som är ett av Logen Göteborgs stora intresseområden och tackade för erbjudandet att få delta i våra kulturaktiviteter. O Sy Margareta Rutehagen genomförde därefter avslutningsceremonin på traditionellt sätt. Insamlingen vi Ordens Väl gick denna gång till Vasa-arkivet i Bishop Hill. Detta samarbete mellan Logerna, med ett gemensamt Logemöte i februari månad, var det tredje i ordningen och har utfallit mycket positivt. Efterkapitlet avhölls som vanligt i Rådmanssalen, där vi som vanligt fick avnjuta en mycket god supé. För underhållningen denna kväll svarade, två av Kungälvs stora musikaliska förmågor, David Carbe på piano och Mikael Gustafsson med gitarr och sång. Vi fick höra ett antal fina melodier i både den lite ”rockigare” sorten samt även ur kända musicaler och det var ett sådant program som man alltid tycker är för kort. Återigen en Vasakväll som man njöt av och där man kände gemensamhet. Logemötet lördagen den 16 mars samlade ett 50-tal Logesyskon på Restaurang Fars Hatt.

O Br Morgan Andersson kunde då hälsa välkommen till O Br Torsten Torstensson och BPS Sy Monica Torstensson från Logen Uddevalla Nr 638. Vi hade också glädjen att ha reception för Br Hans Ekstrand och hälsa honom välkommen som ny medlem i Logen Kongahälla Nr 702. Under mötet presenterades ett flertal rapporter och det beslöts att vi skall ha ett extra möte, utan uppställd loge söndagen den 5 maj, för att behandla motionerna inför Distriktslogemötet den 18 19 maj i Lundsbrunn. Efter en god supé höll O Br Morgan Andersson sitt tal till vår nya medlem och därefter talade Br Hans Ekstrand och tackade för de välkomnande orden. Vi fick edan en trevlig information av Br Torsten Torstensson under rubriken “Vasa Orden för 100 år sedan”, där han visade gamla skrifter, medaljer och utmärkelser som han lyckats införskaffa i Amerika. Även en mycket elegant “uniformsjacka”, som lär ha används i Vasa Ordens barndom, kunde han visa upp. Som vanligt var alla tillfreds och glada efter kvällens sammankomst och gemenskap. Rolf Claesson (text) och Leif Nilsson (foto)

CULTURAL NEWS HOW VASA LED TO MY BOOK Something extraordinary happened after a VASA meeting in Texas, fourteen years ago. The speaker was the author Elsa Lagevik who, when she learned I was planning a group tour to Sweden, encouraged me to visit Järvsö, my great-grandfather’s Hälsingland birthplace. I couldn’t have imagined then that my new book, WHISPERS IN THE CHURCH, Swedish Witch Hunt, 1672, would result. There, at Karlsgården in 1998, I was shocked to learn that my ancestor Märit Hansdotter was sentenced to death. Children witnessed at her trial that she flew through the air to feast with the devil at Blåkulla. I burned to know the truth and years of painstaking research followed. I learned that the accused, mostly older women, were innocent, but that many were executed nonetheless. This was in Sweden twenty years before Salem. I examined how they lived, what they ate besides lutfisk and bark bread, how they celebrated and even what they used for toilet paper. Many things surprised me, including that a Swidden Finn became Ingmar Bergman’s ancestor and mine, too. The fascinating things I learned eventually became the book. You never know what can come from attending Vasa meetings! Submitted by: Charlene Hanson Jordan

To buy a signed copy of WHISPERS IN THE CHURCH, Swedish Witch Hunt, 1672, contact me: Charlene Hanson Jordan, 1361 County Road 464 Elgin, TX 78621 [email protected] (512) 856-2562 Vasa Star Spring 2013

Expected Spring and Other Events This is written only three days after the arrival of Spring - in the calendar, but in all Sweden we still have sort of Winter with very low temperatures and some snow remaining on the ground. It gives the background to this article. Some signs of Spring have come. One is the arrival of the first crane to the Hornborga lake in the province of Västergötland. Some early flowers like snowdrops and winter aconites have defied the winter in the south. Easter is just one week away and it is usually not connected to Winter. Regardless of the weather we are planning for our district meetings in May. DL 19 will meet in Skövde May 18-19 and DL 20 in Ljungby May 10-11. Hopefully we will have the pleasure of welcoming some Vasa members from the other side of the ocean. Before these meetings a gathering of the cultural leaders from the local lodges within DL 20 will take place on April 20. The activities at the Swedish American Center in Karlstad are increasing in number, partly due to widening of the migration subject. It is now, in addition to the work on the large emigrawww.vasaorder.com

tion to America, also much to find out and register of the immigration to Sweden and also some still existent emigration from Sweden to other countries. One example of the latter part is the ongoing and probably temporary emigration to Norway, where young unemployed people go to finding work and income. One of our latest lectures at the center was dealing with that subject. Another recently was a lecture on “The Swedes in Oregon” given by the Swedish-American Lars Nordström from Beavercreek, OR, author and translator. He has written several books covering his area in the Northwest, where he also is running a vineyard. In conclusion migration is a better word than emigration for the future. This was sincerely debated at the annual meeting of the SAC a few days ago. It was also the first annual meeting for Mathias Nilsson as the new director, and it also contained the change of President of the center. The former governor, Eva Eriksson, was sincerely thanked for her services and replaced by the new governor, Kenneth Johansson. It is a long tradition that the governor of the province of Värmland is the President of SAC.

Returning to Vasa issues the Swedish-American of the Year has been appointed by the joint committee from DL 19 and DL 20. The person for 2013 is Martina Arfvidson of New York, CEO for Face Stockholm, a company in the cosmetic business spread out to 170 places in the world. She is also known as a singer. The order of arrangements for her this summer is not yet fully fixed, but there will probably be celebrations in Stockholm and Karlstad. From the cultural point of view we have sort of renaissance of abstract art in the US as well as in Sweden in the form of a discussion on how that kind of art started. In Modern Museum of Art in New York there is an ongoing (until April 15) exhibition, “Inventing Abstraction, 1910-1925” mentioning at least one Swede, Nell Walden, as an early protagonist of the field. Simultaneously The Moderna Museet in Stockholm has an exhibition on Hilma af Klint going until May 26. She was probably the very first painter of abstract art (1906), but she is not even mentioned in New York except in an article in Wall Street Journal: “Did a Mystic Swede Invent Abstract Painting?” An explanation is Continued on page 12 Page 11

Förväntad vår och andra händelser

Expected Spring Continued from page 11

that Hilma af Klint, who passed away in 1944, did not allow her paintings to be shown until 20 years after her death. The paintings have now been shown and provoked the discussion. A fair comment would be that both these Swedish women were very good pioneers in the field of Abstract Art. This year we have a common jubilee to face, the 375 year anniversary of New Sweden that was founded 1938 by the very first Swedes (some Finns included) coming to the US. They came on two ships, Kalmare Nyckel and Fogel Grip and landed at current Wilmington (at the time: Fort Christina) in Delaware. They negotiated about land with the Lenape Indians and spread out also to small parts of New Jersey, Maryland and Pennsylvania. The Swedish colony ended 1655, when first the Dutch and later (1964) the English took over. Most of the Swedes (and Finns) chose to stay in the area under the new rule. The anniversary will be

observed several times, first on the annual Colonist’s Day on April 14, more prominent on May 11 in the presence of King Carl-Gustaf and Queen Silvia of Sweden together with the Speaker of the Parliament of Finland, Eero Heinälouma. Still more interesting to us in Sweden is “The New Sweden 375 Friendship Delegation Tour of Finland, Sweden and Iceland” June 2-14 2013. The tour is arranged by the Swedish Colonial Society in Wilmington. Herbert Rambo, a prominent Vasa member of LL #172 Oscars Borg in Philadelphia, is in charge of the celebration on May 11, but he will also be the leader of the delegation to Scandinavia in June. Together with other Vasa members I hope to meet the delegation in some place in Sweden. Looking forward to Spring and Summer. In Truth and Unity Stig S. Salgeback GLCD Sweden [email protected]

Det här skrivs bara tre dagar efter vårdagjämningen, men i hela Sverige råder vintern fortfarande med mycket låga temperaturer och en del snö kvar på marken i nästan hela landet. Det ger bakgrunden till denna artikel. En del vårtecken har dock visat sig. Ett sådant är ankomsten av den första tranan till Hornborgasjön i Västergötland. I söder har som vanligt snödroppar och vintergäck trotsat vintern. Och mycket snart är det påsk, som ju inte brukar förknippas med vinter. Oberoende av vädret förbereds nu våra distriktsmöten. DL 19 skall samlas i Skövde 18-19 maj och DL 20 i Ljungby 10-11 maj. Förhoppningsvis får vi glädjen att välkomna några Vasasyskon från andra sidan Atlanten. Dessförinnan kommer DL 20 att anordna en träff för sina kulturledare den 18 april. Aktiviteterna vid SverigeAmerika Centret i Karlstad ökar i antal, delvis beroende på en vidgning av innehållet i begreppet migration. Förutom den klassiska Amerikaemigrationen finns det numera mycket att ta reda på om immigrationen till Sverige i nutiden samt i någon mån pågående emigration från vårt land. Ett exempel på det senare är den, troligen temporära men omfattande, emigrationen till Norge, dit unga arbetslösa åker för att hitta arbete och inkomst. En av våra senaste föreläsningar behandlade detta ämne. En annan föreläsning gavs nyligen av svenskamerikanen Lars Nordström från Beavercreek, OR, om “Svenskarna i Oregon.” Lars är författare och översättare och har skrivit flera böcker om sitt område i nordvästra USA, där han också driver en vingård. Sammanfattningsvis blir i framtiden migration ett bättre täckande ord än emigration.

Detta diskuterades seriöst förra veckan vid årsmötet med SAC. Det var också det första årsmötet med Mathias Nilsson som föreståndare, men samtidigt skedde också nyval av ordförande. Förra landshövdingen, Eva Eriksson, avtackades och ersattes av sin efterföljare som landshövding, Kenneth Johansson. Det är en lång tradition, att landshövdingen också är ordförande för SAC. Återgående till vår ordens aktiviteter skall meddelas, att Årets Svensk-Amerikan för 2013 har utsetts av den gemensamma kommittén från DL 19 och DL 20. Det blev Martina Arfvidson från New York, chef för Face Stockholm, ett företag i kosmetikbranschen med spridning till 170 platser i världen. Hon är också känd som sångare. Sommarens arrangemang med anledning av detta är ännu inte helt fastlagda, men högtidligheter kommer troligen förläggas till Stockholm och Karlstad. Beträffande kultur upplever vi ett slags renässans av abstrakt konst i såväl USA som Sverige, närmast som en diskussion om hur denna konstgren startade. På Modern Museum of Art i New York pågår (t.o.m. 15 april) utställningen “Inventing Abstraction 1910 – 1925” med visning av åtminstone en svensk, Nell Walden, som pionjär i denna konstart. Samtidigt visar Moderna Muséet i Stockholm en separatutställning (t.o.m. 26 maj) med verk av en annan svensk kvinna, Hilma af Klint, som troligen var den allra första (1906) konstnären på detta fält, men hon är inte ens nämnd i New York utom i en artikel i Wall Street Journal: “Did a Mystic Swede Invent Abstract Painting?” En förklaring skulle kunna vara, att Hilma af Klint, som dog 1944, inte tillät, att hennes konst fick visas förrän 20 år efter hennes död. Målningarna har nu visats och

orsakat diskussionen. En rimlig kommentar är väl, att båda dessa svenska kvinnor var goda pionjärer, när det gäller abstrakt konst. I år har vi ett gemensamt jubileum att uppmärksamma, 375-årsminnet av “New Sweden,” som grundades 1938 av de allra första svenskarnas (och några finnars) ankomst till USA. De kom på två båtar, Kalmare Nyckel och Fogel Grip, och gick i land vid nuvarande Wilmington (då: Fort Christina) i Delaware. De förhandlade till sig mark av Lenape-indianerna och spred ut sig till närliggande delar av New Jersey, Maryland och Pennsylvania. Den svenska kolonin erövrades först av holländarna (1655) och senare (1664) av engelsmännen. De flesta i den primära kolonin bestämde sig för att stanna under de nya herrarna och i dag finns de i upp till 14:e generationen kvar i USA. Minnet kommer att uppmärksammas flera gånger, först vid den årliga Kolonisternas Dag den 14 april men ännu högtidligare den 11 maj i närvaro av kung CarlGustaf och drottning Silvia samt finska riksdagens talman Eero Heinälouma. Ännu mer intressant för oss i Sverige blir “The New Sweden 375 Friendship Delegation Tour of Finland, Sweden and Iceland” 2 – 14 juni 2013. Resan arrangeras av “The Swedish Colonial Society” i Wilmington och kommer att ledas av Herbert Rambo, en välkänd Vasamedlem i LL No 172 Oscars Borg i Philadelphia. Han är också huvudansvarig för firandet den 11 maj. Jag och andra Vasamedlemmar hoppas kunna sammanträffa med delegationen på någon plats under turen i Sverige. I Sanning och Enighet Stig Sälgeback, SLKL Sverige [email protected]

In Memoriam Till minne av hädangångna ordenssyskon genom vilkas bortgång syskonkretsen gjort en kännbar förlust In memory of our departed members who will be sorely missed CALIFORNIA MAJA (MAY) ELISABETH DAHL, born Andersson, passed away in Sweden on March 15, 2013. May was born in Vaardsberg, Sweden on August 12, 1917. She was predeceased by her husband, Erling Dahl. In the 1950’s she came to San Diego where she later established residence. She became a member of the Gustav V Lodge #175 and the House of Pacific Relations and House of Sweden, and affiliated with the House of Norway and the House of France. She played the piano beautifully, and often entertained with music and song and Scandinavian cultural events. She regularly returned to the Linköping area of Sweden, where she had many friends and relatives. After the loss of her husband, she relocated back to Sweden in 2011. She is survived by her son, Urban Fridlund, his wife Roma and their daughter Katarina in Sweden. She is also survived by her stepdaughter Greta Goszinski and her family in PA. She will be dearly missed by her many friends in California and the world. Among her close friends were Marta and Bengt Nilsson, their daughters Anna and Maria, all of San Diego, and Britta Oskarson of Sweden.

DOLLY MARIA JOHANSSON passed away in Los Angeles on December 25, 2012 at the age of 90. She was born July 11, 1922 in Hallsberg, Sweden and joined North Star Lodge #106 on October 3, 1989. She is survived by her daughter-in-law and two granddaughters.

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JUNE LILLIAN MORGAN passed away in Placentia, CA, on January 4, 2013 at the age of 93. She was born in Los Angeles on June 28, 1919 and joined North Star Lodge #106 on July 16, 1935, and was the longest-time member. She is survived by two dauthers and one son, and their families. ELEANOR PFEIL died unexpectedly December 23, 2012, at the age 92, following a fall. She was was initiated into membership in Sveaborg Lodge #449 on March 19, 1942. ILLINOIS FRANK W. PETERSON was born in Arvika, Sweden on July 23, 1922. He passed away at home in Chicago on December 24, 2012. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Vangelene, and his daughter Linnnea (Paul) Johnson. He was ¨papa¨to Bjorn Erik, Birgitta Maj, and Kjell Anders Johnson. Frank was a founding member of Hagar Lodge #721. He was a Past Chairman and Cultural Leader. He was Santa Claus at the Christmas party for many years, and active as the glögg maker for Hagar and Vasa Park in November. Each March he would regale the lodge with the story of Sven Patrick. Frank served on the board of the Vasa Park Association for several years and the original concept of what became Scandinavian Day came from him. He boiled potatoes and worked the herring stand for Children’s Day in June and worked non-stop in the beer garden for Scandinavian Day. On work days at Vasa Park, he painted alongside Marion Johnson. Little did they know that one day Paul Johnson would become his son-in-

law. Vasa Conventions were also a time to celebrate his Swedish heritage. Trips with Vasa members were always enjoyed. Frank was a quiet man, but his opinion was often sought by others. His wisdom will be missed by all of us. Hälsa hem med Gud. MASSACHUSETTS JOHN HOLGER WESTERBACK died January 19, 2013, at age 86. John served in both the Finnish Army and the U.S. Army. He worked for SAS Airlines and Finnair Airlines. He was a member of Vinland Lodge of Cape Cod #703, Nordic Lodge #603 of Worcester, Lindbergh Lodge #505 in Long Island, NY, and Royal Palm Lodge in FL. His wife Sonya, son John Henrik, 3 children and 7 great-grandchildren survive him. MINNESOTA C. ALAN LINDQUIST, JR., was born September 15, 1918 in South Dayton, NY, and passed away April 22, 2012, in Orange City, FL. He joined Stenbock Lodge #138 on June 20, 2010. Alan graduated from Alfred University in NY in 1947 with a Masters in Ceramic Engineering. He holds three U.S. patents. He and his wife, Geraldine (also deceased) were fromer members of Viking Lodge #735 in Bethlehem, PA.

RONALD A. SWANSON was born in Minneapolis, MN on November 25, 1929 and passed away in Blommington, MN, on December 12, 2012. He joined Stenbock Lodge #138 on November 9, 1983. He served as Chairman several years and was District

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Master in 1998 for District #7. He is survived by his wife Elna, daughter Sara, son Mark (Julie), two granddaughters Hannah and Olivia, and two brothers. PENNSYLVANIA JANE O’NEILL OLSON, 81, born January 22, 1932, passed away April 1, 2013. Jane joined Oscars Borg Lodge #172 in Philadelphia in April 1997. Jane was the dear wife of Frank W. and loving mother of Rev. James, Eric, and Nancy. She also is survived by four grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, and her brother and sisters. She will be sorely missed. Sov i ro. TEXAS ELIZABETH PRICE O’CONNELL FAGERSTROM (1924-1912), former Arlington, TX, resident, educational pioneer and community leader died September 27, 2012 in Boulder City, NV. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry. She was a member of the Carl XVI Gustaf Lodge #716 in Dallas, TX. WASHINGTON, DC ROBERT C. HOLLAND, 87, died on January 3, 2013, at his home in Centreville VA. An economist and a World War II veteran, Robert was born April 7, 1925, in Tekamah, NE. He was predeceased by his wife, the former DeEtte Hedlund in 1993. Survivors include a son and two daughters, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Robert joined Drott Lodge #168 in October 2004.

WISCONSIN ETHEL MANCHESTER (nee Lindholm) entered God’s loving arms on January 17, 2013 at the age of 93. Beloved wife of Norbert for 57 years. Loving mother and devoted grandmother and great-grandmother. Ethel was a member in Linde Lodge #492 for almost 35 years, and was very active. She held the Financial Secretary position for many years, and also assisted with the Skansen Children’s Club. She could be counted on to attend the District Conventions and will be missed by all.

MEMORIAL NOTICES should be mailed with check or money order to: Annelie Lindberg, 105 Gorrion Ave., Ventura, CA 93004. E-mail: [email protected]. The fee is $8.00 for 1 column inch. Longer obituaries will be charged a flat rate of $25.00. All notices MUST be typed and WRITTEN in a format similar to those in this column. NO newspaper clippings.

Vasa Star Winter 2013