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ARCHIVES NEWSTHE ARCHIVESARKIVETMy first two months as archivist at Vasa Order of AmericaNational Archives have been a satisfying experience. It feelsmore like I go to my hobby every day. I am very grateful forthis opportunity and am honored to work with these fantasticpeople. I was in this area for the first time in 1982 to visit myrelatives in Woodhull. My grandmother’s brother immigratedhere in 1914 and settled in Woodhull (about fifteen minutesfrom Bishop Hill). I was already in love with this area but Inever thought that I would be living and working in this wonderfulplace twenty-nine years later.I smile to myself when I think back when TorstenTorstensson’s group came to visit and I had only been here acouple of weeks. I felt very green but everyone was so niceand everything seemed to work out fine and I hope that thegroup had a nice visit.Jake and Marge Gruel (responsible for the finances) andmany other people who perform work here at the Archivesmake me look forward to when this “gang” comes once amonth. On one visit the Gruels brought a group from variouslodges around Stockholm. They made a donation to theArchives which were very welcome.Have a great fall season from the Vasa Order of AmericaNational Archives.Viktoria Almgren – KofoidViktoria.vasaarchives@gmail.comMina första två månader som arkivist på Vasa Order ofAmerica National Archives, har varit en fin upplevelse, detkänns som om jag går till min hobby varje dag. Jag är myckettacksam över att få denna möjlighet och ära, att arbeta tillsammansmed dessa fantastiska människor. Jag var här för förstagången 1982 och besökte mina släktingar i Woodhull, eftersommin mormors bror emigrerade 1914 och flyttade tillWoodhull (som ligger ca 15 minuters bilväg från Bishop Hill.)Redan då blev jag förälskad i området, men inte trodde jag dåatt jag skulle bo och arbeta på detta underbara ställe 29 årsenare.Jag ler för mig själv när jag tänker på Torsten Torstenssonoch hans grupp som kom på besök då jag bara hade arbetat häri några veckor och jag kände mig verkligen som en“gröngöling,” men alla var så trevliga och allt verkade fungerabra, och jag hoppas ni hade trevligt under ert betök.Jake och Marge Gruel (ansvarig för ekonomin) samt mångaandra människor gör ett otroligt arbete här, och jag ser framemot varje månad när “Gänget” dyker upp, och stackars Jakefår stå ut med att vara mitt bollplank både när han är här ochvia telefon. Vid ett tillfälle hade de med sig några svenskar(ingen nämd och ingen glömd) från olika loger runtStockholm, och som om skänkte ett välkommet bidrag tillArkivet.Höstliga hälsningar från Vasa Order of America NationalArchives.Viktoria Almgren – KofoidViktoria.vasaarchives@gmail.comPlease remember the Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund and theVasa National Archives when making a memorial donation. VasaScholarship Fund, Joan Graham GS, 5838 San Jose Ave.,Richmond, CA 94804 ~ Vasa Archives, Jake Gruel, FinancialSecretary, 13716 W. Lilac Lane, New Berlin, WI 53151.Vasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 5

DISTRICT LODGE NEWSDL Pacific Southwest #15It was another sunny day in SouthernCalifornia when Vasa Park Association put ontheir 61 st annual autumn fest and “Marknad.”There is no better way to start a day than having aSwedish pancake breakfast with friends in thisbeautiful spot. This year Mayflower and VikingLodges were responsible for this treat. Surroundedby hills and close to the ocean there is still a feelingof wilderness to the park even though privatehomes come creeping closer by the year.Quite a few vendors set up their stands; manyhad Scandinavian items for sale. As the years goby cultures intermingle and other “goodies” getintroduced. This is good too, as long as Dala horsesremains at the top of the list.The 3 rd Annual Meatball contest drew manyparticipants. Did you know that it was theSwedish heavy weight Ingemar Johansson whomade the expression “if it is going to be meatballs Young folks enjoying the egg toss at Vasa Park’s autumn fest and “Marknad.”it has to mamma’s meatballs,” popular.Apparently this was Ingo’s favorite food. The lingonberry pie eating contest is fun to watch. It can get quite messy and the participantsloved it.There were many things on the program. The Swedish folk Dancers of Los Angeles performed and LeRoy Anderson played theaccordion. Younger Vikings played soccer and older Vikings enjoyed a game of Bingo. If anyone wonders where most of theyounger generation was…they do their thing by the pool, a life saver for children and parents on a summer day.When the day was over, everybody left the park tired, but happy.Submitted by: Nel SoltPhotos by: Tom JahnLeRoy Anderson and CarolGoeller make sweet musicat Vasa Park.Page 6 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

LODGE NEWSBrage-IdunaLodge #9Springfield, MAMembers of Brage-Iduna Lodge ofSpringfield and members of VikingLodge #756 of Greenfield joined in celebrating“Midsommar” at the home ofmembers Tom and Margaret Falkowskion June 26.What a pleasant summer-garden thisis! The Falkowskis have made quite ahobby of cultivating the spacious backyardwith flowerbeds and a variety ofgreenery! The plentitude of potluckdishes, Tom¹s barbecued sandwiches, anddecorating the maypole were enjoyed byall.Brage-Iduna endeavors to award ascholarship to an eligible student eachyear. This year’s recipient was LeahRadner, daughter of members Larry andMarcia Radner. As a junior at WestfieldState University, Leah majors insecondary education and English.She has volunteered in Springfield publicschools, participated in our SwedishChildren’s Club, and was our Lucia.Submitted by: John MorganFylgia Lodge #119San Francisco, CAGod dag from San Francisco, FylgiaLodge #119. In July 2011, Bob and ChrisOlson hosted Fylgia members at the SanFrancisco Yacht Club to a picnic andpotluck. The delicious food and aquaticenvironment was enjoyed by all! “Tackså mycket to Bob and Chris Olson for thisspecial event”.In Sept. we hosted an Art and CraftShow at the Swedish American Hall.Members and guests brought needlepoint,costumes, photographs and many otherinteresting items to share, which was funand informative.On Oct. 11, 2011, we celebrated our104th Anniversary! Lodge members andguests will mark the occasion with a dinnerat Schmidt’s Restaurant in SanFrancisco’s Mission District, and on Dec.13 we will host an annual “Julbord” dinnerat the historic Swedish American Hallin San Francisco.Submitted by: Victoria Lynn PetersonPhotograqph by: Scott SchulkinFylgia Lodge at the SF Yacht Club in July 2011. L-R: Dennis Erickson; Barbara Erickson;Chris Olson; Bob Olson; Duane Erickson; Roxanne Schulkin; Victoria Lynn Peterson.Hello to everyone from the ThuleLodge #127 in the Jamestown/BemusPoint, NY area. Our lodge has had a wonderfulsummer of events and activities,and there are many fond memories. One ofthe main purposes of our lodge is to continueto preserve the Swedish heritage.We continue to hold our meetings and dinnersat our lodge located at 4123 PancakeHill Road.Thule Lodge has now moved to itswinter schedule of meetings on the thirdSaturday afternoon of each month at 2p.m. Fanchon Fuller, our cultural leadercontinues to provide something interestingabout Sweden, and keeps all informed ofupcoming events. Refreshments anddesserts are provided following everymeeting.Ralph Veights is our lodge chairman,and welcomes everyone to the meetingsand dinners. All those entering the lodgeare greeted at the door by long time memberNels John Nelson, who makes everyonefeel welcome. Loretta Smith is ourtreasurer, with Donna Sandberg as ourfinancial secretary and Lucile Marsh asour lodge secretary. Diane Shaw is ourchaplain, and reminds all there is strengthin unity. Past cultural leader Allie NelsonWithers gives the Swedish blessing beforeany time of refreshments. This fall, agroup of members gathered to make someimprovements on the lodge, and chairmanVeights thanks everyone who workedtogether to improve the lodge. Paintingand repairs were just some of the manyThule Lodge #127Jamestown/Bemus Point, NYtasks completed. Of course the workerswere treated to a luncheon by some of thewomen of the lodge.The fall season brought our annualSwiss steak dinner in September, whichwas well attended. Then in October wasthe annual harvest turkey dinner with allthe trimmings. November brought aSunday morning pancake breakfast.December activities were well attended.Our activities inspire new members whenthey see the happy times at our lodge.Thule Lodge #127 wishes all a happyholiday season with a Merry Christmasand a happy new year. If you are in ourarea, we would welcome you for a visit toour lodge. “God dag” to all!Submitted by: John Sipos,Lodge HistorianAt the fall Swiss steak dinner, lodge membersBetty Lawson and Janet Miller were serving asalad for the appetizer, and cake for dessert.Vasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 7

Tegnér Lodge #149Oakland, CAThe members of Tegnér Lodge #149,Oakland, CA, had a very interesting culturalprogram at its June meeting.Member Richard Orlando presented aprogram about the official flower ofSweden’s 25 provinces. He had beautifulpictures of the flowers to show us.In July, the three lodges of the EastBay held their Tri-Lodge picnic atRedwood Regional Park in Oakland.Sveaborg Lodge of Concord was the hostlodge this year. After a great picniclunch, the Kubb Tournament was heldand Tegnér’s team won, composed of JanNorberg, Richard Orlando and his friend,Erin, won. Therefore, Tegnér gets to keepthe Dala Horse trophy, made by MaurySegerberg of Framåt Lodge, for a secondyear in a row.In August, Chairman Marie Ann Hillhosted the annual crayfish party at herhouse. Only a few of Tegnér’s memberswere able to be present. However, somemembers of Marie Ann’s family whowere visiting her helped fill out the guestlist and all who were present reported agood time.We were back at Björnsen Hall inSeptember for our fall meetings.Submitted by: Ann TennisMonitor Lodge #163Ishpeming, MIMonitor Lodge #163 of Ishpeming, MI, recentlyhad a summer meeting and supper with homemadepotato sausage, beans and coleslaw. Wealso helped a member celebrate her 95th birthday– pictured is Helen Kakkuri (right) withher cake (top).Submitted by: Ted SwansonTegner Lodge #224Missoula, MTGordon Swanson, PDM, Ina Swanson, Amy Galipeau, Cheryl Galipeau, and Jim Galipeau.At our June meeting, we celebratedMidsummer at the Benson farm with apotluck dinner, entertainment, and givingour member pins. The members enjoyeda potluck dinner as they always want totry something new. After the dinner wewere entertained by Roy Anderson, whosang several songs with a Swedishaccent. We had several members whowere awarded 40-year pins by ourChairman, Pat Swanson, and they wereContinued on next pagePage 8 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

Tegner Lodge #224Continued from previous pageEarling Gustafson, Betty Ann Gustafson,Otto Benson, Ann Bens and JohnSwanson.Our five hundred dollar scholarshipwinner this year was Amy Galipeauwhose parents are Jim and CherylGalipeau. She is also the granddaughterof Gordon (a Past District Master) andIna Swanson. Everyone had a great timeand even the weatherman gave us a pleasantevening.Submitted by: Rick Swanson40-year members, left to right: Betty Ann Gustafson, Earling Gustafson, Nancy Hopkins acceptingher mother Ann Benson, John Swanson, and Otto Benson.Brahe Lodge #245Rockford, ILOn August 25, 2011, Brahe Lodge#245 held its annual corn boil at oursplendid Vasa Park Lodge in RockfordIllinois! Twenty-three attendees enjoyeddelicious sweet corn and the trimmings.Afterwards we held our monthly businessmeeting.Fifteen members of our lodge met onJuly 28, 2011 to enjoy an Ice CreamSocial! Wonderful pies with ice cream,and a brownie too, were served to all onthis warm summer evening! Afterwards,a short business meeting was held to discussupcoming lodge meetings, finances,and membership.On Sept. 22, 2011, we discussed andplanned for the remainder of this yearincluding upcoming annual election ofofficers, plus ideas for next year. Thenwe held a “show and tell” program duringwhich several members showed heirloomsbrought here by their Swedishancestors which included a Bible fromthe mid-1800s! Lastly, we all enjoyedrefreshments provided this month bymembers Traudi and Gunnel.Submitted by: D. G. EkstenTacoma Lodge #233Tacoma, WANina Christiansen, a long-time member of Vasa Norden Lodge #233, is celebratingher 100th birthday in this picture. She was born in Haparanda, Sweden, on July 29th.She came to the United States when she was 15 years old. She is very alert andremembers all her life, both in Sweden and the USA. Members of Norden Lodge,Marcia Aagaard, Carolyn Nelson, and Fritz Grahn took her a beautiful bouquet ofroses and spoke Swedish with her. Fritz Grahn visits her periodically and they conversein Swedish. He emigrated from Pitea 60 years ago. Pitea is about 100 milessouth of Haparanda.Submitted by: Fritz GrahnTraudi and GunnelVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 9

Svea Lodge #253Indianapolis, INWe held our first meeting of spring onApril 3, and it was held at the LatvianCenter in Indianapolis, IN. We weredelighted to welcome District MasterTom Cleveland, and his childrenElizabeth and Matthew Cleveland, whowere all visiting relatives in the area.District Master Tom Cleveland presentedPast Chairman’s Degree pins to:LaVonne Heighway, Jenne Swain, RonGardin, Jean Tygum, and EdwardHultgren. We remembered former lodgemember Violet Prah, who died in March2011, with a moment of silence. DanAnderson presented a program onSwedish postage stamps and the historyof stamp designs since the mid - 19thcentury to the present day. Dan Andersonhas collected stamps for seventy years,and he shared his enthusiasm for hislongtime hobby with unique informationabout Swedish postage stamps, which arebeautiful and fascinating.On April 26, the Fourth TuesdayLuncheon Group met at Sahm’sRestaurant, a longtime favorite inIndianapolis, Indiana. “Tack Så Mycket”to our lunch coordinators Eva Berglund,Donna Bergstrom, and PatriciaHoffmann.On May 1 st , the lodge initiated andwelcomed new member Ulla Williams,who was born in Lund, Sweden. Janisand Jerry Alfredson presented a travelogueprogram of their several trips toVärmland, Sweden and other provinces.We saw many pictures of the Alfredsonrelatives and family homes, and heardhumorous stories of their travelsThe Scandinavian movie group met atthe home of Michelle and Josh Escalanteon May 7 to view the movie “House ofAngels” / “Angel Farm,” a 1992 filmwritten and directed by Englishman ColinNutley. The movie takes place inVästergötland, and starred HelenaBergstrom and Rikard Wolff.On May 13-15, members attended theDistrict Convention. Several memberswon gift baskets or other raffle prizes.Our lodge received the first placeMembership Award for having the largestmembership gain in 2010. Ingrid Wiebkewas recognized for sponsoring the mostnew members. The Memorial Servicewas presided over by Marvin Andersonand District Chaplain Inez Törnblom.Our departed members Juanita Goranson,Charles Lindgren, Thomas Klubens, andGrace Petersen were remembered.Wesley Hanson arranged the anthemwhich was written and directed by PastDistrict Master Christine Kilstrom, andfive members participated in theMemorial Service Choir.On May 21, lodge member AnnetteJohansson, mezzo soprano and Professorof Voice, Emeriti, at the University ofHawaii, and Amanda Asplund Hopson,pianist and Adjunct Associate Professorof Music at DePauw University inGreencastle, Indiana, presented “ARecital Of Nordic Music” at The MusicRoom in Indianapolis, IN. In addition toSwedish music, Danish, Finnish, andNorwegian music was performed. Lodgemember Glenn Sweitzer, professor atBall State University, was the narrator.The artistic recital was hosted by JohnSeest, director of the Dans NordenScandinavian Folk Dancing Group.Sincere appreciation is given to SylviaSwanson and Eija Vesterqvist for coordinatingthe recital and refreshments.The Fourth Tuesday Luncheon Groupdined at “Athens on 86th,” inIndianapolis, IN, on May 24. It is a popularGreen/Mediterranean restaurant withScandinavian tiesOn June 12, “Midsommar” was celebratedat the Latvian Center inIndianapolis, IN. About 65 members andguests gathered to decorate and, paradethrough the grounds, and dance aroundthe “Majstång” to Swedish songs anddances. An abundant potluck luncheonwas served. This year’s piñata, made byMichelle and Josh Escalante, was in theshape of a Swedish Maypole in brightcolors. The event was co-chaired by FayeBevelhimer and Ulla Williams, but manymembers helped with the preparationsand activities. John Seest, Director of theDans Norden Scandinavian Folk DancingGroup, led the “Midsommar” dancing inthe park.Saint John’s Festival was celebratedon June 25 at the Latvian Center inIndianapolis, IN. This multinational festivalincluded participants and groups fromeight countries: Estonia, Latvia,Lithuania, Poland, Scotland, Slovakia,Sweden, and the Czech Republic. This isEastern Europe’s version of“Midsommar.” The Swedes started theprogram with a parade led by the decorated“Majstång,” followed by the GrandMarch and ring dancing directed by JohnSeest, Director of the Dans NordenScandinavian Folk Dancing Group.Nineteen lodge members attended withfamily and friends. The Scottish groupAnders Zorn and wife Emma Lammprovided musical entertainment; theLithuanian group prepared the food sales,and the Latvian group sold the beverages.Tug – Of – War competitions were heldbetween different nationality groups, andchildren participated in youth Tug – Of –War events. A bonfire completed the celebrations.On August 6, we held our annual“Kräftskiva” that was celebrated at thehome of Charlotte Swenson, inIndianapolis, IN. More than seventymembers, family, and friends attended,with ages ranging from youngsters underten years of age to members ninety yearsof age or more. Beverages includedAqvavit!!!,On September 11, we held our firstmeeting of the fall season featured a programpresented by lodge Historian JenneSwain on Swedish artist Anders Zorn andMora, Sweden. Many of Anders Zorn’spaintings were shown, and the history ofthe artist’s life was discussed. Hisimages of Mora in Alana captured theessence of traditional Swedish life;Anders Zorn also visited the UnitedStates of America seven times. His portraitof President William Howard Taft isthe only portrait in the White House of aPresident that was not painted by anAmerican artist.On September 27, The “FourthTuesday” Lunch group met at Rick’sCafé Boatyard in Indianapolis, Indiana.Nothing is better than enjoying a deliciousseafood meal with good friends onthe shores of Eagle Creek Reservoir.The Scandinavian Film Group met atthe home of Michelle and Josh Escalanteon September 24 to view the film “TheWhite Lioness,” about Swedish authorHenning Mankell’s Detective KurtWallender, starring Rolf Lassgård andCharlotte Sieling, and directed by PerBerglund.Continued on next pagePage 10 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

Svea Lodge #253Continued from previous pageOn October 2, a very interesting program,“A Month Near Provence,” waspresented by Faye and John Bevelhimer,who gave a wonderful video tour on theirmonth-long visit to France, theMediterranean Sun Coast, Spain,Monaco, and Italy. To help members geta real taste of southern France during thetravelogue, Faye and John Bevelhimerserved French wine, French bread, andFrench Brie cheese during the wine discussions.We journeyed with them to southernFrance on a pictorial visit of French markets,vineyards, ancient Roman sites,medieval towns, picturesque rural Frenchvillages, and more. For a month, theylived in the small French village of Saint– André– de – Roquepertuis, out of theway of traditional tourists. The audienceenjoyed the beautiful photographs, the in– depth descriptions, the personal anecdotes,and the French wine and food.Submitted by: Joella D. Hultgren,Cultural Leader and PublicityCommitteeBevelhimers in FirenzeStrindberg Lodge #259Svea Lodge #296Erie, PAThe Convention Committee is startingto meet to plan the 55th BiennialConvention September 28-30, 2012, inErie, PA, hosted by Svea Lodge #296 atthe Bel-Aire Conference Center. A gorgeousNordic Quilt will be raffled andalso a money raffle. The theme is“Viking Ventures.” Mark your calendarsand plan to join us.Our Septemeber 18th meeting was a“Show and Tell.” Members of the Vasagroup brought items that depicted theirScandinavian Heritage and gave a shorttalk about the items.Our next item for a program was anHistorical Swedish Trunk. It was filledwith Swedish artifacts. Each item was atoken of what the immigrants broughtwith them from Sweden (loaned from thePhiladelphia Swedish Museum).Submitted by: Linda CollinWinnipeg, Manitoba, CanadaOur new executives, picture was taken at our lodge meeting of September 18. Left to right:Karen Adams, Garry Hammerback, Neil Carlson, Dave Hammerback, Iris Wedge, JudyWantzing.Submitted by: Garry Hammerback, SecretarySveaborgLodge #449Concord, CASveaborg Lodge, Concord CA, presentsa “Viking of the Year” award eachyear to a member for outstanding serviceand dedication to the lodge.This year’s award went to BobBurman, who has been active in manycapacities: Membership Chairman,Publicity Chairman, NominatingCommittee member, pianist for the children'sclub, and refreshment committeemember.Both of Bob’s parents emigrated fromSweden. Bob grew up in SouthernCalifornia and graduated from USC, withmusic major. After teaching music in LosAngeles for 35 years he retired andmoved to Northern California.Submitted by: Bob BurmanA Vasa-bridge to yourSwedish ancestors!Looking for your relatives in Sweden?I have helped many satisfiedVasa-members finding their Swedish roots.Further info please e-mail:swedengen@telia.comBob BurmanVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 11

LindberghLodge #494Palo Alto, CAFor our September gathering we had ashort business meeting during the cocktailhour. Members were reminded of ourThomas Kruse Winery picnic next month,an annual event much appreciated by themembers. Two new members were initiated,Doug Anderson and Steve Eliseu, andheartily welcomed by the group. Our sisterLodge Svea Lodge #348 of San Jose invitedall to join them for a picnic in Sveadalon Sunday. It is the end of the season forour summer resort and a last chance toenjoy this lovely summer place. This yearSveadal is celebrating its eighty-fifth birthday.Our splendid cooking crew put on amemorable feast. The program subject forthis evening was the Sweden Poland connection.We had an illustrated talk byStanford Professor Zbigniew Stanczyk ofthe Hoover Institute at StanfordUniversity. Most of the references were torulers of Poland during the years 1500 and1600 and their connection to Sweden. Thenames were different and unfamiliar suchas Sigismund, Henri, Maximillian,Charles, Dimitri and a host of others that Iam reluctant to try and spell. It was a veryinteresting and enlightening evening. Weare grateful to our member MariaSmolenski for contacting her friendProfessor Stanczyk enabling us to hearabout the association between Sweden/Poland during past years.The festive evening opened with acocktail hour. We are celebrating thefounding of this excellent club in 1927. Itwas a memorable year as the first soloflight over the Atlantic was made byCharles Lindbergh, after whom we namedour club. We had a chance to greet guestsand welcome visitors. Our special celebrationstarted with beverages, then a catereddinner from Harry’s Hofbrau.There was a special surprise for theprogram which featured our own memberJerry Blaufarb dressed as Uncle Sam anddoing a Yankee Doodle Tap Dance todelight of all onlookers. He prancedaround to the astonishment of all and completelyin rhythm and dancing steps. Hesaid he had been doing this dance formany years and his expertise was quiteevident. We also had the opportunity tohonor our Maid of Honor in theMidsummer Festival Alexa Wallin. Shehas fulfilled this role for three years, andhas been a member of the Lodge for thepast six years. She is the granddaughter ofour former Chairman Chuck Wallin andwill be a junior at San Jose StateUniversity this fall. Kersten Jansson presentedAlexa with a Vasa emblem lavalierein honor of her service. The SwingShift Band played dance music for the restof the evening. Members of the band areNorden Lodge #684Fresno, CAJubilee Lodge #692Delano, FLJack Gerken, Larry Blake, Rich Owens,Adam Roderick and Larry Farnsley. Therewere lots of dancers swinging around andthe rest of us were toe tapping. It was asplendid way to celibate our Lodges 84thbirthday.Submitted by: Muriel Nelson BerozaNorden Lodge members got to enjoy an award-winning garden at their Augustmeeting. Mike and Corky Peterson invited everyone to join them for a crayfish and potluck dinner in their recently completed water-conserving garden. Planted with localplants and grasses that thrive in low-water conditions, the yard was lovely and serene.Mike and Corky’s efforts were rewarded as they were selected in a local contest forthe best garden in the area promoting water conservation.The September meeting was a celebration party for the Lodge’s 43rd Anniversary.Members brought desserts and white elephant donations, and Norden Lodge ChairmanRoselind Gaviola called the numbers for some hotly contested rounds of bingo. Lotsof good food and good fun!Submitted by: Judith HarlessMike and Corky PetersonRoselind GaviolaAlthough the group was sad to officially close the lodge, we have many memories of wonderfulmeetings of culture and fellowship. We wish the Vasa Order many more years of sharing theheritage.After 40 years Local Lodge Jubilee#692 voted to close due to many factors.On April 30, 2011, as a final accomplishmentof the lodge, we dedicated a monumentto the many Swedish Pioneers whoContinued on next pagePage 12 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

Jubilee Lodge #692Continued from previous pagesettled in this area of Florida. This monumentwas erected at the BarbervillePioneer Settlement where many peoplevisit to see the history of this area. TheSwedish Pioneers were responsible forThe Swedish Pioneer MemorialVinland of Cape Cod Lodge #703The leaves on our trees prematurelyturned brown and fell in early Septemberdue to Hurricane Irene. However, theupcoming season for our lodge containedbright, busy and bountiful programs andmeetings. We reconvened in September,updating family news, sharing leisuretime interests and planning for newevents.In October, we invited friends to joinus as we showcased international entreesand desserts at an International Potluckluncheon. November featured a speakeron the origins of “The 12 Days ofChristmas.” On December 10 children,grandchildren and their friends will participatein the Lucia procession led by2011 Lucia, Grace Sohoel Goldberg. Wewill dance around the Christmas tree, listento holiday stories and feast on festivedesserts and tea sandwiches. Our uniqueCape Cod, MAthe worldwide fern industry, an orangeindustry and celery industry in the centralFlorida area.Submitted by: Cecilia Jackson,Past Secretarygift raffle will conclude the Lucia Fest. Itis through our planning and workingtogether to present dinners, meetings andprograms that we are able to share andcare for each other. We are so blessedwith friendship.As we gather together, we willremember Wally Lornell, GeorgeLundquist, Derelyn Twombly, JohnMcDonald, Evind Sohoel and FlorenceFreeman. We also lost a charter member,Lena Anderson. We've had a lot of funeralsand memorial services in the pastmonths, but each one has lived a wonderfuland contributory life. We have beenblessed to have known and to haveworked alongside them. We extend loveand sympathy to their friends, familiesand caregivers.Submitted by: Dorothy Ann-Ellner KeanNordic Lodge #708Atlanta, GASeptember 25th, 2011, was a fun day.The featured entertainment was somethingwe never had in this lodge. Vodka!Well, vodka we had before, especiallywith crawfish. But we never had a VodkaAcademy. What we had was an “AbsolutAkademi,” hosted by Absolut Vodka’sKristin Young, from United Distributors.Kristin educated us about Absolut andserved us three different kinds ofAbsolut’s 13 flavor varieties - not muchthough, just a tiny bit of each as a tastetest. We learned that entrepreneur LarsOlsen Smith in 1879 introduced andperfected a now time-honored method ofdistillation. He bottled what he called“Absolut Rent Brännvin.” We alsolearned that Absolut Vodka goes througha seven column distillation process and isdistilled literally hundreds of times. Thevodka is produced in Åhus, nearKristianstad, in Sweden’s southernmostprovince, Skåne. It is sold in 126countries, no longer owned by theSwedish government, but by the Frenchcompany Pernod Ricard.In the spring the Lodge announced aschnapps song contest. We wantedpeople to write a Swedish style schnappssong text to any well-known melody. Thesong had to be in English and the word“Absolut” had to be included in thetext. The winner was to be announced atthe “Absolut Akademi” on September25th. A few days before 9/25 the twojudges, Professor Jay Lutz andGöran Rygert put their heads together,sang through the four received entries,actually without any vodka. Finally theymade the decision. Two winners wereselected.At the end of the “Akademi” programit was time to reveal the winners. But firstwe had to sing through all four entries –we had them printed on a song-sheet. Weactually sang six songs, including twoolder schnapps songs about Absolut thatdid not participate in the contest. Afterpointing out that the judges’ decisioncould not be appealed the winners wereannounced.First prize, a bottle of Absolut Vodka,went to Jette Bender for “Drink Absolut,You Can’t Go Wrong. The melody is “ISee The Moon.”Continued on next pageVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 13

Nordic Lodge #708Continued from previous pageDrink Absolut, you can’t go wrong,it’s sure to make your day move along.If you feel down, it picks you up,beats coffee in a cup.Your blood will circulate twice as fast,makes you forget the things of the past.It gives you power to computewhen you drink Absolut!Second prize, also a bottle of AbsolutVodka, went to Pam Minton and StenEkberg for “Getting Tipsy In A Bar,” tothe melody “Twinkle, Twinkle LittleStar.”Getting tipsy in a barhow I wonder where I are.Absolut you are my friend,hanging tight until the end.Even though I’m on the flooryou’re so good I just want more.Tied on third place was KarlaOlterman for “Absolut Vodka Is TheDrink For Me,” and Sten Ekberg andPam Minton for “There’s A Place In TheBar.”About 40 people had a great time thismemorable evening. And when cleaningup after the event no one was foundunder the tables!Submitted by: Göran RygertSierra KronanLodge #737Roseville, CABasic school supplies were donated andgathered.Sierra Kronan has no regular meetingsduring the summer, so a number of membersgot together in July for an outing atthe Maidu Indian Center in Roseville. Aspecial tour of the museum and a trailwalk were led by our member MiltHuston, a docent there for 27 years. Welearned all about the native plants andanimals, the Maidu diet, saw their grindingrocks, petro glyphs, and more. Didyou know that sometimes squirrels stilldig up the occasional arrowhead?Summer or not, the action never stopsat the home of Donna Huttner and hergroup of crafters preparing for the 28thannual Sacramento ScandinavianFestival in October. These ladies (andgentlemen) have developed good friendshipswhile sharing their creative andartistic talents. In addition to the craftersmaking a variety of items to sell at thefestival, a smaller core group volunteeredto begin work on cutting out, painting,and decorating seventy-five wooden Dalahorses for the annual Golden Gate #12District Meeting. The horses wererequested for the banquet tables at thisevent next spring.It was ‘welcome back’ time at ourSeptember lodge meeting as membersgreeted each other and enjoyed anevening together. In addition to the usualbusiness of nominating officers for 2012and finding volunteers to help at theOctober festival, our lodge completed acommunity outreach project. Basicschool supplies were donated and gatheredtogether for presentation to a localgrammar school whose students are primarilychildren of low-income families.The school administrators are very appreciativeof our efforts.Submitted by: Carol Nesewich,HistorianJubileumLodge #755Madison, WIWe held our annual “Midsommar”gathering at Arbor Covenant Church onSaturday, 25 June 2011. The crowd wassmaller than usual, under 30 people, withseveral regular attenders away on trips.The weather was also cooler than the lastseveral Midsummers, with a cloudy sky.After raising the "stång" and dancing,with music provided as usual by Kjell-Erik Anderson (also a member of LindeLodge #492 in Milwaukee), we wentinside for “smörgåsbord.” The dessertfeature was a beautifully decorated sheetcake. A local store bakery did just finewith the flags and the roses, two blue andtwo yellow, despite the fact that there area lot more Norwegians than there areSwedes in our part of Wisconsin. Withdessert and coffee came some reminiscing,especially from people who hadexperienced “Midsommar” in Sweden. Itpasses largely unnoticed around here, butone person recounted a celebration onGötland that drew 4000 people to thelocal park.Submitted by: Robert Merrill,HistorianUlla Swanson and Trudy Nordling show offone of the wreaths they decorated for our“Midsommarstång.”Page 14 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

SWEDISH LODGE NEWSLogen Skåne Nr 570Den 3 september var det dags förLogens firande med anledning av att detgått 80 år sedan logen bildades. Firandetbörjade med jubileumsloge med 52 gästandeoch 72 egna logesyskon. Ordf. Br.Per Dahlman öppnade ritualenligt mötetoch hälsade de införda gästande och egnalogesyskon varmt välkomna. Receptionutfördes på sedvanligt högtidligt och stilfulltsett och logen fick nu tre nyamedlemmar, nämligen Lena och GeorgLarsson samt Solvig Kristoffersson somhälsades välkomna enligt ritualen. Enståtlig och väl genomförd fanparadgjordes av Sy. Ingrid och Br. StigMoberg samt Sy. Eva och Br. KentFransson som belönades med välförtjäntavarma applåder.Utmärkelser delades ut till Logensmedlemmar bland annat Br. OlleWickström.Kl. Olle Olsson anförde lite om VasaOrdens tillkomst och lite historia omtiden framåt och talade om kulturledarnasoch medlemmars viktiga delaktighet ipunkten Kontakt Amerika på våra möten.LH Nils Henriksson läste en dikt medhistorisk innebörd om vår loge.Uppvaktningar gjordes av Sy. HelenaJönhill från LL Klockan Nr 747 somöverlämnade logens Klockans bordsstandar,Sy. Ingegerd och Br. Ulf Alderlöfsamt DM Br. Olle W. från ER DL 20,överlämnade penninggåvor och frånLokallogerna i Distrikt 20 hade LogenSkånes DD Sy. Gunilla Broddesson samlatin pengar till en gemensam gåva sombestod av fyra st. fina Vinbägare somäven invigdes under kvällen.Insänt av: KL Olle OlssonLL Skåne Nr 570Logen Skåne Nr 570 anordnadesöndagen den tredje juli en utflykt iSkåne, Ordförande Br. Per Dahlmankunde glädja sig åt att nästan 30 medlemmarhade hörsammat kallelsen.Turen bestod av både tingsrätt ochdomstol, samt ett antal “enkelrum” somknappast kunde frambringa någon störremunterhet.Till historien hör att vår ordförande,Br. Per normalt sitter här – dock ej sompresumtiv kund, uan som arbetstagare iett arkitektkollektiv som inryms i dennanumera hederliga byggnad.Vår färd gick vidare till småbåtshamneni Ystad där vi tog plats för attTop: Logens nya medlemmari mitten Lena ochGeorg Larsson samtSolvig Kristofferson.Right: Logens ordförandePer Dahlman med hustruGunnel smakar på jubileumstårta.inmundiga vår egen medhavda picknickkorgoch chansen att bekanta oss medvarandra. Nya medlemmar har tillkommitfrån andra loger.Vår färd gick vidare till Sövdeborgslott. Slottet är uppbyggt i tre längor.Färdigbyggt omkring mitten av 1840-talet. Vi fick en fantastisk fin guidninggenom två grandiosa salonger – den enemed takstukaturer utförda av italienare.Den andre salongen med barocktak iskulpterat ek. En verklig upplevelse!!Vi skulle dock vidare på vår upptäcksfärd.Befinner man sig i Skåne – vad kanman mer begära att titta på? Jo, möllor!Just denna dag var det “Mölledagen.” Vikörde till Övraby mölla. Möllare BoLarsson hade att berätta att möllan varfrån 1886. Tyvärr var det för lätt vind föratt vi skulle få se vingarna snurra.Sy. Marianne och Br. Bengt hade ordnatmed grisfest i sin trädgård till glädjeför Vasa-syskonen som lät sig väl smakaav läckerheterna innan det var tidd attbegära sig hemåt.Insänt av: Jan Åke Ferborn, BKLSwedish Genealogy Help?Do you have Swedish letters orother papers you want translated?Contact Sven-Ove Westbergsow@grels.net or (925) 228-6325Vasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 15

Refreshments beingserved outdoors atKoppartorp.Logen Eskilstuna Nr 633We had our final meeting this spring in Koppartorp outside the town of Nyköping.Our brothers and sisters living in this town had arranged a very pleasant Saturdayafternoon in the middle of May. We enjoyed refreshments outdoor in the sunshine andour meeting took place in one of the old buildings of the mining area, where we alsohad an excellent meal. The three-course homemade food was delicious.The weather was the best that Sweden can offer this time of year. We strolled alongin the old mining area with Ingvar as an excellent guide. We also visited the oldchurch, which told us so much about the history and the people of this old mining village.Eva took us to the “Goldmine” where we saw many objects of art from localartists: fantastic small wooden cabinets, glasswork and many other things.We all do hope that this will became a tradition for years to come.Submitted by: Lillemor Karlberg, Cultural LeaderLogen Härnösand Nr 673Som tradition inbjöd familjen Wigerttill firande av 4 juli för att hedra Sverige-Amerika-dagen. Solen sken dagen till äramen med en mycket kraftig blåst, somställde till det för flaggor och noter.Karl Wigert hälsade 40-taletVasasyskon, paret Jamie Bolling ochSverker Ågren välkomna. Därefterhedrades Amerikas och Kanadas flaggoroch vi sjöng ”Du gamla du fria”.Paret Bolling-Ågren har bosatt sig iStigsjö och intervjuades av Karl Wigert.Jamie är född i Cuyahoga Falls Ohio ochhar även varit bosatt i Schweiz en tid,innan flytten till Sverige. Hon har bott iSverige 20 år och trivs väldigt bra här.Dagens underhållning stodCittraflickorna för med gott stöd av EgilNordlöf på dragspel. Ett antal gamlaörhängen spelades bl.a. ”Nidälven”,”Man skall leva för varandra” m.fl.Pastor Ove Bylund från Stigsjö mennumera bosatt i Viksjö tackade för inbjudanatt besöka Karl Wigert och utgickfrån skapelseberättelsen i sin betraktelse.Karen Anderson hade skänkt denAustraliensiska flaggan som överlämnadestill Karl Wigert. Därefter lästeKnut Nordkvist från Timrå, medinlevelse några dikter bl.a.”Sommaridyll”. Sen blev det dags för attinta medhavd lunch. Våra gäster ochmedverkande bjöds på sommarbuffe avfam. Wigert vilket rönte stor uppskattning.Den trevliga dagen led mot sitt slutoch Cittraflickorna med Egil bjöd åter pånågra visor. Karl Wigert tackade för entrevlig dag men noterade också att uppslutningenav Vasasyskon hade kunnatvara större.Insänt av: Bo Selin, KulturledareHär firar vi Sverige-Amerika dagen.A Vasa-bridge to yourSwedish ancestors!Looking for your relatives in Sweden?I have helped many satisfiedVasa-members finding their Swedish roots.Further info please e-mail:swedengen@telia.comPage 16 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

YOUTH NEWSThis past June, I spent two weeks inSweden with my sister, Lauren, and closefriend, Eva Carlson. The trip occurred ata very important time in our lives.Growing up in Ohio, my family hasknown the Carlson family since Eva and Iwere both very young. Over the years ourfamilies supported one another throughtough times and great accomplishment.Together we celebrated Lucia Day,enjoyed Swedish meatballs and sharedmany late nights – skål! This summerpresented the perfect opportunity for Eva,Lauren and I to finally visit the countrywe learned so much about over the years,as well as the chance to spend valuabletime together before each of us embarkedon new academic and professional adventures.Without hesitation, we purchasedtrain tickets, confirmed the hostel reservations,and finalized our trip schedule.With Eva fluent in Swedish, I needed toonly learn a few essential phrases (sommarrea, fika, jag älskar dej), buy a camera,and pack my backpack.My First Trip to SwedenLanding in Stockholm and navigatingto the hostel proved to be more difficultand bewildering than expected. To remedyour hunger and jet-lag, we quicklyfound a corner shop and ordered lunch.Sitting outside, watching as peoplerushed by in every direction, the sunfinally calmed us and I began to sink intothe peaceful rhythm of the city. Over thenext two weeks we traveled fromStockholm to Göteborg to Östersund bybus, boat, train and car. Family andfriends greeted us at each stop, openingtheir homes and sharing a glimpse oftheir lives with us. Exploring the cities,we enjoyed frequent pauses for ‘fika’ andindulged in the refreshing taste of ‘glass.’We navigated the difficult bus system inGöteborg and played soccer in the backyardwith Eva’s cousin’s children. Wevisited the church on Frösön andexplored Viking ruins. In every communitywe visited, a love for family and alove for nature were apparent. During ourfinal few days in Östersund, as I lookedout onto Lake Storsjön, I began to fullyrecognize the intricate yet simple characteristicsof the surrounding terrain. Anystress and worries I felt for the futurewere stripped away and replaced by anoverwhelming love and appreciation forthe people I met and experiences weshared.At the end of the summer the Carlsonfamily moved from Ohio, back toSweden. I started a new job inWashington, DC and Lauren began herfirst year of college in Cleveland, Ohio.It may be many years until we are alltogether again. I realized that sometimesit takes a trip away from daily activity toreinforce the importance of unconditionalfriendship and support. My time inSweden gave me a fresh outlook for thefuture and a renewed sense of love for thepeople I value in my life – and for that Iwill always be thankful.Submitted by: Ashley Starks,Mentor, OhioVasa Star October-December 2011 ww.vasaorder.com Page 17

Holiday Greetings UniteMembers and LodgesGod Jul och Gott Nytt ÅrfromDistrict LodgeLake Michigan #8Tom Cleveland, DMEd Hultgren, VDMNancy Hult, DSJoella Hultgren, ADSBrent Erickson, DTLinda Tylk, DHFSAndrea Wilczynski, DCLLynda Smith, DSCYSSteve Westlund, EBMSusan Cleveland, EBMSheila Lundquist, PDMInez Törnblom, DCIva Lynn, DHGod Jul och Gott Nytt Årto All Our Vasa FriendsfromThule Lodge #127Bemus P{oint, NYGod Jul och Ett Gott Nytt ÅrfromSiljan Mora TunaLodge #134Chicago AreaGod Jul och Gott Nytt Årto all our Vasa friendsand to our sisterLodge Mälardrottningen #563Nobel Lodge #184Portland, ORGod Jul och Gott Nytt ÅrFrom the sisters and brothers ofSkogen Lodge #700Redding, CAGod Jul ochGott Nytt ÅrVASA ORDER OF AMERICAGRAND LODGE EXECUTIVE BOARDGrand Master - William LundquistVice Grand Master - Tore KellgrenGrand Secretary - Joan GrahamGrand Treasurer - Keith HanlonVice Grand Secretary - Gail OlsonMEB-Eastern Region - Art BjorknerMEB-Midwest Region - Sten HultMEB-Western Region - Ed NetzelMEB-Sweden - Ulf AlderlöfMEB-Canada Ken BanksGod Jul och Gott Nytt ÅrMerry Christmas and Happy NewYearfrom all of us atFrihet Lodge #401Seattle, WAAUDIO-VISUAL DIRECTORMike Pearson7309 New Hampshire Pl • Hammond, IN 46323-2937 USAPhone: (219) 588-4752E-mail: audiovisual.vasaorder@yahoo.comThe 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 listingbe sent to you by mail.Page 18 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

Jul – och Nyårshälsningar 2011Distriktslogen Södra Sverige Nr 20ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt Distriktslogen Södra tt Sverige Nr 20 tttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tttillönskastt alla Vasasyskon tt Executive Board Members: tttt Olle Wickström Karl Axel Bengtsson tt Catherine Bringselius Nilsson tt Ingrid Cannerhagen Bengt Hammargren tt Agneta Västersjärna Bengt Åberg tt Maureen Bengtsson Anita Nilsson tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasavänner tt Bertil och Ann-Margreth ttEricksontttSLHttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasavänner tt i USA, Kanada och Sverige tt Gunnar och Siw Mossberg ttPGLMEBttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttGod Jul och Gott Nytt Årtttillönskas alla Vasasyskontttt Olle och Marie Wickström tt DM – DL Nr 20 tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasasyskon tt i USA, Kanada och Sverige ttKnut RosenkvistttttMaj-Lis FriedmantFD, SLD DL Nr 20tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttGod Jul och Gott Nytt Årttönskartttt Ulf och Ingegerd Alderlöf tt LL Ronneby Nr 630 ttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttGod Jul och Gott Nytt Årttönskartttt Logen Klockan Nr 747 ttÖrkelljungatttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasasyskon tt Logen Höganäs Nr 634 tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt önskas alla Vasavänner tttt Berit och Hans Bogren tt LL Höganäs Nr 634 tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasasyskon tt Göran och Catherine tt Bringselius Nilsson tt PS LL Nr 678 och FDM DL Nr 20 tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasasyskon tt Logen Skåne Nr 570 tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt God Jul och Gott Nytt År tt tillönskas alla Vasa-syskon tt Logen Ronneby Nr 630 tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttDistriktslogen Norra Sverige Nr 19tttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttUnite Members and LodgesttMerry Christmas and A Happy New Yearttto All Our Vasa Friends in the US, Canada and SwedenttLisbeth H. Qvarfordt and Inge Hallberg, HMttFDM LL751 NorrköpingtttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 19

Welcome To Our New MembersOn behalf of the Grand Lodge and members of the Vasa Order of America, I am pleased to welcome you tomembership in these local Vasa lodges. If you are new to the Vasa Order of America we bid you welcome. Ifyou are transferring or are a dual member, your new lodge bids you welcome. We hope you will enjoy yourmembership and will participate in all of the activities planned for you.Art Bjorkner, Grand Lodge Membership Chairman31 Vasa Drive,Hackettstown NJ 07840-5314 USADL RHODE ISLAND NO. 3Svea Lodge No. 362Walter G. JosephsonGeorge Edward OlsonDL NEW YORK NO. 4Thule Lodge No. 127Carol J. ArthurDennis H. LundbergCarolyn E. OstromMary Susan WrightDL NEW JERSEY NO. 6Tryggve Lodge No. 88Louis S. CassarelloKarl Arne HendelaDavid C. WaldronLinne Lodge No. 423Dominick Anthony DursoThree Crowns Lodge No. 704Franklin Philips Baker IIIKathy McGrath BakerStephen F. ColonnaKelly Marie ConoverGeorge William GutleberRenee Virginia LupiaLilian Lora RadelJohn K. RehseJohn J. RothenbergerLaura Michele Stiller-WilliamsDalahäst Lodge No. 742Barbara E. PetersonDL MINNESOTA NO. 7Kronan Lodge No. 433Sally Jean SpreemanTaylor Afton SpreemanDL LAKE MICHIGAN NO. 8Linne Lodge No. 153Joan Linnea HartmanAustin Lodge No. 466Allan Charles WintersLinde Lodge No. 492Daniel Donald SchroederMary Ann SchroederHagar Lodge No. 721Lester Harvey JohnsonEgon Waldemar TietzJubileum Lodge No. 755Christina BergmannDennis Lee BergmannNordik Folk Lodge No. 761Carl Erik LundinSofia Crystina NelsonHarrison Timothy OgrentzJennifer E. PearsonBryan E. TomkyJanice L. TomkyPaul Carl WakefieldSarah CloverWakefieldDL PENNSYLVANIA NO. 9Nobel-Monitor Lodge No. 130Harriet B. BushDL GOLDEN GATE NO. 12Monitor Lodge No. 218Brian Charles HorsfieldSvea Lodge No. 348Keith McKee CrawfordMarylin Joan CrawfordLindbergh Lodge No. 494Douglas E. AndersonSteven Michael EliscuLinnea Lodge No. 504Donna Mae EdstromDL PACIFIC NORTHWEST NO. 13Svea Lodge No. 469Geneva E. EllisJennifer Rose PearsonHarmoni Lodge No. 472Victoria Alexandra Tengblad KreftNancy TuttleDL PACIFIC SOUTHWEST NO. 15Skandia Lodge No. 247Ernest Clair MauritsonDr. Beau StockingMayflower Lodge No. 445Christina BadourGolden Valley Lodge No. 616Janet G. BellJohn Wayne BellRuzenka di BenedettoRoy Elmer OlsonNicolette TaylorBradley ThorntonSofie ThorntonBaltic Lodge No. 689Chuck Joseph FiaccoBritt I. M. HolmstromNelda Ilene RichardsDL SÖDRA SVERIGE NO. 20Skåne Lodge No. 570Solvig KristofferssonGeorg LarssonLena LarssonHöganäs Lodge No. 634Mats MalmströmCalle NilssonKerstin NilssonDL ARIZONA NO. 21Phoenix Lodge No. 677Keith George AndersonNancy Lenore AndersonNeal D. NelsonPage 20 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

CULTURESvaret på varför det finns en stavkyrka iLillsjöhögen är ganska enkel: Varför inte?Historien börjar hösten 2007 med att tvåbybor blev nyfikna på stavkyrkor.Byggmetoden i sig är så intressant med denbakgrund den har. De tyckte också att detfanns behov av en andlig lokal i byn. Så nuär det bara att hoppas på att byns attraktionskraftska öka i och med stavkyrkan. Detfinns bara en handfull stavkyrkor i Sverigeoch det sätter Lillsjöhögen på kartan. Detfinns också ev en koppling mellanPilgrimsleden och Lillsjöhögen. Sydvästom Ösjön finns en Pilgrimskälla.Steget från idé om att bygga en stavkyrkatill att faktiskt göra det, togs ganskasnabbt, men utan sponsorerna hade detaldrig gått. Göte Falkman och GöranNilsson från Lillsjöhögen, har arbetat idéeltmed bygget. All el i kyrkverkstaden,bränsle till verktyg och så vidare, har debekostat själva. De båda kyrkbyggarna harlagt ner flera tusen arbetstimmar var, påbygget. Från idé till invigning har det tagitfyra år.Snickarna är pensionärer, men har intearbetat professionellt som just snickare.Göte har en bakgrund som grönsakshandlareoch Göran från verkstadsbranschen.Men snickra kan de. Det har varit roligareän de trodde, men det har också varit merjobb än de någonsin kunde ana.Under vårvintern 2008 påbörjadesarbetet av stavkyrkan och i november 2009började man förbereda marken därstavkyrkan skulle uppföras. Våren/sommaren2010 uppförs huvudskeppet. Koretbyggdes under sommaren 2011. Allt finsnickerihar utförts i Lillsjöhögen samtbearbetningen av timret.Christer Wall står för smidesarbetet istavkyrkan och kommer från en släkt somlevt och andats smide sedan 1800-talet, dåmorfars far kuskade Europa runt som lärling.Christer började sin bana 1958, mendet var under 70-talet som han kunde titulerasig smidesmästare. Han har varit medoch smitt föremål till ett flertal kyrkor, bl atill Stora kyrkan i Östersund, Frösö kyrkasamt Lits kyrka. Dessa arbeten har varitsmå jämfört med det i Lillsjöhögen.Till Lillsjöhögens stavkyrka har hanbland annat smitt dekoren till ytterdörren,kyrktuppen och ett stort antal bultar. Han äräven den som tänkt ut vilka symboler somska finnas på exempelvis den magnifikakyrkporten. Christer vet inte hur mångaStavkyrkan i Lillsjöhögenarbetstimmar han lagt ner på enbart smidet.Som den smidesmästare han är räknar hanarbetet i liter stenkol som använts. Han harsmitt upp 250 liter stenkol och det ärväldigt mycket. Det går åt cirka 5 liter omdagen, så det handlar om runt 50 dagar ismedjan hemma på gården i Lillsjöhögen.På utsidan av stavkyrkans port finns tresymboler: liljor, drakar och pilspetsar.Drakarna finns överst och det är en symbolsom finns både inom asatron samt kristendomen.Stavkyrkorna byggdes i brytpunktenmellan de olika religionerna. Drakarnavar en symbol för ondska och de skulle hållasutanför helgedomen. Pilarna finns därför att skydda helgedomen mot det onda ivärlden. Längst ner finns liljor och detkommer från Bergspredikan där Jesus pekarpå liljorna på marken och menar att alla skavara välkomna till kyrkan precis som de är.Ett Ankhkors finns uppsatt ovanföringången till kyrkan. Ankh-korset är engammal egyptisk symbol för livet, styrkaoch hälsa. Den representerar även visdom,inre kraft och auktoritet. Ankh-korset ärLivets nyckel. Korsets cirkelformade delsymboliserar Gud.Stavkyrkan i Lillsjöhögen är behandladmed en blandning av tjära, terpentin ochlinolja. Genom tiderna har det kallats för enrad olika saker: Båtsmörja, bryggsmörjaoch roslagsmahogny. Roslagsmahogny gerträet en längre livslängd och en vackerbrunröd färg. Den kan användas till såvälaltaner, trappor som till träbåtar och, somsynes, även som fasadbehandling påstavkyrkor.Stavkyrkor började byggas på 1100-taletnär nordvästra Europa kristnades. Kyrkornabrukar ses som en av de viktigaste representanternaför europeisk medeltidsarkitektur iträ. Namnet stavkyrka kommer sig från attkyrkan är byggd på en bärande konstruktionav stolpar. Mellan stolparna är det en fyllningav stående plankor, eller stavar somdet också kallas. I Norge finns det flestabevarade stavkykorna.Under medeltiden fanns det runt 1000stavkyrkor i Norge. I dag finns det 28 kvar.I Sverige finns det endast en bevaradstavkyrka från medeltiden. Det är Hedaredsstavkyrka, som byggdes omkring år 1500.Det finns sex nutida stavkyrkor, inräknatden i Lillsjöhögen.Det var Jan Gustavsson, prost emeritus,som förslog att Lillsjöhögens stavkyrka inteska ingå i Svenska kyrkan. Det innebär attbygdegårdsföreningen i byn kan styra öververksamheten och utbudet efter eget tycke.Kyrkan är därför sparsamt utsmyckadmed kristna symboler. Byns vilja är attkyrkan ska fungera som mötesplats även förContinued on next pageVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 21

Stavkyrkan i LillsjöhögenContinued from previous pagemänniskor med andra trosinriktningar ochför dem som inte är troende. Stavkyrkanblir på det här sättet religiöst obunden. Detgör att alla människor kan använda bynsandliga rum för sin tro.Storleken på Lillsjöhögens Stavkyrka:Huvudskeppet är 6,5 meter långt och 5,5meter brett. Koret är 3,5 meter i både längdoch bredd. Totalt blir ytan 48 kvadratmeter.Stavkyrkan är 8 meter hög. Sittplatser: 55till 60 st.Källa: Lillsjöhögens StavkyrkasInformationshäfteNi kan även hitta dem på FacebookInsänt av: Marie Carlson, Editor, VSFoto: Erik Trapp, LillsjöhögenThe Stave Churchin LillsjöhögenThe answer to why there is a stavechurch in Lillsjöhögen is quite simple: Whynot? The story begins in the autumn of2007 with two villagers that became curiousabout stave churches.The way it is constructed is so interestingand its history. They further thoughtthat the village was in need of a spiritualsanctuary. So now, one can only hope thatLillsjöhögens appeal will increase with thestave church. There are only a handful stavechurches in Sweden and this setsLillsjöhögen on the map. There might alsobe a link between the Pilgrims way andLillsjöhögen. Southwest of Lake Ösjön is aPilgrim well.From just an idea to actually doing itwas taken quite quickly, and without thesponsors, they would not have been able todo it. Göte Falkman and Göran Nilssonfrom Lillsjöhögen, has worked for free,with the construction. All electricity in thechurch, fuel for the tools and so on theyhave supplied and paid for on their own.Both of them have spent several thousandhours working on the construction. It hastaken four years from, just an idea, untilthe grand opening.The builders are retired, but have notworked professionally as just carpenters.Göte has a background as a greengrocer andGöran from the workshop sector. But carpentry,they can do. It has been a lot of fun,but it has also been a lot more work thanthey had imagined.During the spring/winter of 2008 theystarted working on the stave church, and inNovember of 2009 they began preparingthe land where the stave church would besituated. In the spring/the summer 2010they built the central ship. The altar roomwas built during the summer of 2011. All ofthe detail woodwork has been carried out inLillsjöhögen including the processing andpreparation of timbre.Christer Wall is responsible for thewrought iron work in the stave church andcomes from a family that has lived andbreathed the art of wrought iron since the1800th century, when his grandfather traveledaround Europe as a trainee. Christerbegan his career in 1958, but it was during70s, that he could titular himself as awrought iron master. He has done wroughtiron work in several churches, such as StoraKyrkan (the Big Church) in Östersund,Frösö Church and Lit 's Church. Those jobshave been small compared with the one inLillsjöhögen.In Lillsjöhögens Stave Church he hasamong other things made the scenery to thedoor outside, the church rooster and a largenumber of bolts. He is also the one who hasfigured out which symbols that will be onthe magnificent church gate. Christer doesnot know how many work hours he hasspent on the wrought iron work alone. Asthe wrought iron master he is, he counts hiswork in liters of coal he has used. He hasused 250 liters of coal, and that is a hugeamount. He has used approximately 5 litersper day that is about 50 days he has spent inhis workshop on the farm in Lillsjöhögen.On the outside of the stave church's gatethere are three symbols: lilies, dragons andarrow heads. The dragons are on the top,and it is a symbol that you can find bothwithin Norse paganism and Christianity.The stave churches were built in the breakingpoint between the different religions.The dragons were a symbol for evil andthey should be held outside the shrine. Thearrows are there in order to protect theshrine against the evil in the world. At thevery bottom are the lilies and it comes fromwhen Jesus preached and Jesus points to thelilies on the ground and says each andeveryone will be welcome to the church justthe way they are.You can find the Ankh cross above theentrance to the church. The Ankh cross isan old Egyptian symbol for life, strengthand health. It also represents wisdom, internalstrength and authority. The Ankh crossis the key to life. The cross's circle shapedpart symbolizes God.The stave church in Lillsjöhögen istreated with mixture of tar, turpentine andlinseed oil. Over time it has been calledseveral different things: Ship butter, pierbutter, and roslag mahogany. Roslagmahogany gives the wood a longer lifespan, and a beautiful brown red color. It canbe used on porches, stairs that are on woodships and also as façade treatment on stavechurches.Stave churches began to be built around1100 when northwestern Europe was christened.The churches can be seen as one ofthe most important representatives forEuropean Middle ages architecture inwood. The name stave church comes fromthat the church is built on a carrying structureof posts. Between the posts there arestanding boards, or staves that they also arecalled. In Norway, you can find most of thepreserved stave churches.During the middle ages, there werearound 1000 stave churches in Norway.Today, there are 28 left. In Sweden, there isonly one preserved stave church from themiddle ages. It is Hedared's Stave Churchthat was built about year 1500. There aresix modern stave churches, whereLillsjöhögen is included.It was Jan Gustavsson, prost emeritusthat suggested that Lillsjöhögens stavechurch will not be part of the Swedishchurch. It means that the district farm associationin the village can govern over theiractivities, and make their own decisions.The church does not have manyChristian symbols. The village wants thechurch to function as meeting place for peoplewith other faiths as well as for the nonbeliever.This way the stave churchbecomes religious unrestricted, whichmeans that all people can make use of thevillage's shrine for their personal faith.The size of Lillsjöhögens Stave Church:The central ship is 6,5 meters long and it is5 meters wide. The altar room is 3,5 metersin both length and width. The total surfaceis 48 square meters. The stave church is 8meters high. It seats 55 to 60 people.Source: Information Booklet available atthe church.You can also find them on FacebookSubmitted by: Marie Carlson, Editor, VSPictures by: Erik Trapp, LillsjöhögenA Vasa-bridge to yourSwedish ancestors!Looking for your relatives in Sweden?I have helped many satisfiedVasa-members finding their Swedish roots.Further info please e-mail:swedengen@telia.comPage 22 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

Två svenska jättar, Dag Hammarskjöld och Jan EliassonDen 18 september (denna artikelskrivs en vecka senare) hade jag turen attåtervända till mitt gamla universitet iUppsala i tid för att kunna höra The DagHammarskjöld Lecture 2011 med JanEliasson som inbjuden föreläsare. Dennaföreläsning är årlig sedan 1988 och inramasav klassisk musik, sånger av studentkörenAllmänna Sången samt presentationerav universitetets rektor och representanterför Hammarskjöldfonden, somtillsammans med universitetet ansvararför arrangemanget.I år ägde evenemanget rum exakt pådagen 50 år efter flygkraschen näraNdola i nuvarande Zambia, där DagHammarskjöld omkom. Detta förhållandegav en speciell mening åt årets föreläsning.Det gav speciell mening också förmig, som i september 1961 fortfarandebefann mig i Uppsala som nyligen legitimeradläkare och i min första tjänst somunderläkare på kirurgen vid AkademiskaSjukhuset. Det var lätt att återuppleva dentidens sorgliga atmosfär, som drabbadehela Uppsala, staden där DagHammarskjöld växte upp.Jan Eliasson hade valt Fred,Utveckling och Mänskliga Rättigheter –den absolut nödvändiga relationen somrubrik för sin föreläsning. I denna underströkhan nödvändigheten att hålla dessatre vitala begrepp samman vid allt arbeteför fred och humanitet. Det var ettimponerande tal med många reflektionertill Hammarskjöld och hans tid menockså en bred översikt över världensnuvarande konflikter. Efter föreläsningenlämnades visst utrymme för frågor frånden fullsatta universitetsaulan, följt avstudentkörens sång och en ceremoni, därJan Eliasson tilldelades DagHammarskjöldmedaljen av universitetsrektorn,professor Anders Hallberg, ochprofessor Ashok Swain frånHammarskjöldfonden samt PeterWallensteen, som är Dag HammarskjöldProfessor vid avdelningen för freds- ochkonfliktforskning, Uppsala Universitet.HKH Kronprinsessan Victoria bevistadeårets Dag Hammarskjöld-föreläsningför att hedra både Dag Hammarskjöldoch Jan Eliasson.Före programmet i universitetsaulanlade Jan Eliasson ned en krans på DagHammarskjölds grav på Uppsala gamlakyrkogård i närvaro av kronprinsessanVictoria och ledande företrädare för universitetetoch Hammarskjöldfonden. –Där var nu de båda svenska jättarna, denene hyllande den andre som den storemästaren i fredsskapande arbete. Deraskarriärer har vissa likheter med början idet svenska utrikesdepartementet. DagHammarskjöld var FN:s generalsekreterare1954-1961 och är väl ihågkommenför sin enastående förmåga att tjäna såvälstora som små nationer. Det var inte lättoch efter det första året deklarerade han:“FN skapades inte för att ta oss tillhimlen utan för att rädda oss från helvetet.”Han var en framstående förhandlareoch i hans fotspår har Jan Eliassontjänat vid många försök till fredsmäklandesamt som representant för Sverige iFN och under ett år som ordförande idess generalförsamling. Hammarskjöldtillhörde den svenska regeringen ett parår före utnämningen till generalsekreterareoch Eliasson var under en kort tidSveriges utrikesminister. Han ståralltjämt till förfogande för nya uppdragoch är högt respekterad såväl i Sverigesom internationellt.Femtioårsminnet av flygkraschen iNdola har föranlett nya krav på undersökningav de alltjämt inte fullt klarlagdaomständigheterna vid olyckan. Det finnshittills sekretessbelagda dokument, somefter 50 år kan offentliggöras, och nyligenpublicerade den engelska historikernSusan Williams sin bok “Vem dödadeHammarskjöld?” Det är inte tillfredsställandeatt ha så allvarliga frågor obesvarade,men det kommer troligen att dröja,innan några svar finns.Insänt av: Stig S. Sälgeback,Karlstad, SLKL, SverigeTwo Swedish Giants,Dag Hammarskjöldand Jan EliassonOn September 18 (this article is writtenone week later) by chance I happenedto return to my old University of Uppsalain time to attend The Dag HammarskjöldLecture 2011 with Jan Eliasson as theinvited speaker. The tradition of this lecturegoes back to 1988 and includes classicmusic, songs by the student choir,Allmänna Sången, and presentations bythe president of the university and representativesfrom The HammarskjöldFoundation. These two institutions are incharge of the arrangement.This year the event took place exactlyon the date 50 years ago, when DagHammarskjöld died in a plane crash nearNdola, Zambia, giving a very specialmeaning to the lecture. It also gave me asan individual a special meaning, becausein September 1961 I was still in Uppsalahaving the same year graduated frommedical school and recently started myfirst residency at the surgical unit of theUniversity Hospital. It was easy to recallthe sad atmosphere at the time in theentire city of Uppsala, where DagHammarskjöld grew up.Jan Eliasson had chosen Peace,Development and Human Rights – TheIndispensable Connection as title for hislecture. During his speech he underlinedthe necessity of holding these three vitalconceptions together at all times in thework for humanity. It was an impressivespeech with many reflections on DagHammarskjöld and his time, but also agood overview of the current conflicts ofthe world. After his speech the floor wasopen to questions from the crowded mainauditorium followed by song from thechoir and a ceremony at which JanEliasson was awarded The DagHammarskjöld Medal by professorAnders Hallberg, Vice Chancellor,Uppsala University, professor AshokSwain from The Dag HammarskjöldFoundation and Peter Wallensteen, DagHammarskjöld professor at TheDepartment for Peace and ConflictResearch, Uppsala University.Her Royal Highness, Crown PrincessVictoria, attended The 2011 DagHammarskjöld Lecture in honor of bothDag Hammarskjöld and Jan Eliasson.Prior to the program Jan Eliassonplaced a wreath on Dag Hammarskjöld’sgrave in the old cemetery of Uppsala inthe presence of Crown Princess Victoriaand prime representatives from the universityand the foundation. - There werethe two Swedish Giants of high integrity,one of them honoring the other as thegreat master of peace efforts. Theircareers show some similarities with abeginning in the Swedish Foreign Office.Dag Hammarskjöld served as UNSecretary- General 1954 – 1961 and iswell remembered for his outstanding abilityas a civil servant for big as well as forsmall nations. It was not easy and afterone year in office he concluded: “TheUnited Nations was not created in orderto bring us to heaven, but in order to saveus from hell.” He was a great mediatorand in his footsteps Jan Eliasson hasserved in many peace-keeping missionsas well as in the UN representing Swedenand for one year as President of TheContinued on next pageVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 23

Two Swedish GiantsContinued from previous pageGeneral Assembly. Hammarskjöldbelonged to the Swedish government afew years before his appointment as UNSecretary General and Eliasson was for ashort period our Minister for ForeignAffairs. He is still at the UN disposal forassignments and is highly respected inSweden as well as internationally.The fifty year old memory of the planecrash in Ndola has raised new demandson investigations of the still not fullyunderstood circumstances at the accident.Questions have been put forward fromfamily members and from authorities.There are so far secret documents thatcould be released after 50 years andrecently an English historian, SusanWilliams, published her book “Whokilled Hammarskjöld?”It is not satisfactory having such seriousquestions unanswered, but it willprobably take some time until any solutionwill be there.Submitted by: Stig S. Sälgeback,Karlstad, GLCD, SwedenMy SwedishConnectionsHow I Found My Swedish Relativesby Frances Fröberg WooleyShortly after beginning my search afew years ago to fill in some holes on myhusband’s pedigree chart, I decided Iwould try to obtain information concerningmy Swedish grandfather.At this point in time, the only thing Iactually knew was that Olof Fröberg, mygrandfather, had gone to sea as a youngman. The story I had been told was thatas he left Sweden, his mother stood onthe hill above him waving her apron infarewell. He was never able to return tohis home in Sweden. On one of his seavoyages, he had met my grandmotherwho was traveling from Norway to theUnited States. They were married inChicago (Cook) Illinois in 1880.With only the above information andthe year of his birth obtained from hismarriage license, 1856, I submitted aquery to Swedish-American Magazine. Aresponse was received from Dr. JanVegelius of the Department of Statisticsof Uppsala University in Sweden. Heprovided some information about thename Fröberg and gave me names andaddresses of nine individuals bearing thissurname. I wrote letters to all these peopleand only received one reply whichturned out not to be a relative.In the meantime, in a collection ofpostal cards which my GrandmotherFröberg had given me when I was a child,I found two which had been sent fromSweden and which were written inSwedish. I located someone who couldtranslate them and learned that they werefrom Härnösand, Sweden, and mentionedsome changes in a building there that hadbeen done since my grandfather had lastbeen there. They were signed HannaFröberg. I sent this information on to Dr.Vegelius and told him of the one reply Ihad received from the listing he had sentme.Dr. Vegelius wrote again. He had continuedto work on my query and with theadditional information I had given him,he made several inquiries on my behalf.Following is the text of his next letter:“First I looked in a book containingthe names of all Swedish villages, farmsand so on. There we could find fourplaces by the name of Utvik. Two ofthem were in Ångermanland, one in theparish of Nora and one in the parish ofUllånger.“I went to our city library and lookedat the telephone book of Ångermanland.In the Ullånger telephone area (whichalso contained Nora) I found a dozen personsby the name of Fröberg.“In the afternoon I called the church atNora and the person who answered(probably the clergyman) mentioned thatthe only Fröberg he found in Nora (with atelephone) was Per Fröberg in Frok.“I phoned Per Fröberg, who said thatthere had been Fröbergs in Utvik, but hedid not know where their descendantslived. He recommended me to call StureFrolen in Härnösand whose uncle hadmarried a daughter (of) Dora Fröbergfrom Utvik. After a long search in thetelephone book he found Sture’s number.“I called Sture Frolen and he couldgive me telephone numbers to severalchildren of Dora Fröberg Nilsson.“Finally I called Dora’s daughter,Aina Nilsson Lindström, who confirmedthat her grandparents had lived in Utvikin Nora. She became very interested ingetting a letter from you. She says she isnot so good at reading English but shehas a daughter who can help her.”I assure you that I will always bedeeply indebted to Dr. Vegelius as AinaLindström and I have now correspondedfor several years. From the pedigree chartwhich follows, you will be able to see ourrelationship.Then, on Christmas Day, 1991, anearly morning phone call announced thatAina’s daughter, Gun-Marie Sohlin, hadjust arrived in Ft. Meyers (where I live)and wanted to meet me. She was on leavefrom her duties as a member of theSwedish delegation on the UnitedNations interim forces stationed inLebanon. My husband and I immediatelywent to the motel where she was stayingand after introductions, invited her backto our home for the balance of her visit inFlorida.Then we had another surprise, Gun-Marie’s daughter, Charlotte, was attendinghigh school as an exchange student inSpokane, Washington. Her mother madea few phone calls and arrangements weremade for her to fly into Ft. Meyers.Within hours we had met two Swedishrelatives never known before. What awonderful Christmas present!Soon after these two relatives hadreturned to their respective homes, aphone call from Sweden informed us thatGun-Marie’s mother, Aina, was planningto fly to Florida on June 1. My Swedishfamily just kept growing and growing.It was a long time from the first part ofJanuary until June 1. Many overseas telephonecalls were made – many letters andmaps were sent and received. Explicitdirections had to be given as Aina andher party would fly into Ft. Lauderdaleon the east coast, rent a car and driveacross the state to Ft. Meyers. It would beafter dark before they would reach ourhome. None of the party had ever been tothis country before. The hours on June 1,1992, passed slowly.Finally, a car pulled up outside of ourhome. The doors opened and for the firsttime in my life I met my half-cousinfrom Sweden – a relative that until a coupleof years ago I did not know evenexisted. It was truly an exciting and awesomeexperience.Those who came were Aina and herhusband,Werner. Neither of them speakEnglish although they do understand abit. Aina’s sister Elsy Syren, sometimesacted as a translator but it was difficult.However, Aina’s granddaughter, PetraSohlin and her fiancé, Peter Westin,speak very good English as they hadlearned it in school and did most of thetranslating.Continued on next pagePage 24 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

My Swedish ConnectionsContinued from previous pageNot only did Aina bring me many giftstypical of Sweden, she even brought severaljars of homemade jam that she hadmade in her own kitchen. She alsobrought the name and address of yetanother member of our mutual family –agranddaughter of my grandfather’s sister.Since my grandfather’s sister had 13 livingchildren, I now shall have many moreSwedish cousins to try and find.Aina and I poured over photo albumsand exchanged notes on what we eachknew of our own grandparents and theirfamilies. We talked of her grandchildrenand mine. She taught me a few words ofthe Swedish language and I tried to teachher some English phrases. Gettingacquainted with each other was not difficult.We had a most enjoyable timetogether.The visit with my Swedish relativeshas ended and they have returned to theirhomes in Härnösand and Uppsala. To saythat this was one of the most importantand exciting events in my lifetime is anunderstatement. From not ever knowingof any Swedish relatives, I now havedozens! And now it is time to begin planningmy trip to the land of my forefathers.Should anyone reading this account bea relative or have information that can beadded to my family history, I would certainlybe interested in hearing from them.And again, I thank Dr. Vegelius for allthe time and energy he spent on mybehalf. It is he who encouraged me towrite this account of how I found mySwedish connections!Pedigree of theFröberg-Lundin FamilyTab. 1.Olof Fröberg, born in Springare, SabraParish (Vn.) 25 Jan. 1842; d. in Harno(Vn.) 21 June 1879. Married (1) 19 Nov.1847 Anna Brita Strinholm, born in Harno22 Nov. 1825, d. in Harno 1 Jan. 1876; (2)in March 1877 Brita Greta Lindström, b.21 July 1845; d. 8 July 1921.Children in the first marriage:1. Johan Fröberg, b. 3 March 1848, d. thesame day2. Israel Fröberg, b. 4 April 1849; went tosea 18703. Johanna Fröberg, b. 10 June 1854, d.12 Jan. 1935; mar. 10 Feb. 1876 JonasFredrik Lundin4. Olof Fröberg, b. 3 Sept. 1856 (see Tab. 3)5. Brita Cajsa Fröberg, b. 29 Sept. 1861;d. 17 Feb.1872.Children in the second marriage:1. Anders Gustaf Fröberg, b. 22 Feb.1878 (see Tab. 3)2. Johan Fröberg, twin b. June 1879; d.24 July 18793. Louisa Fröberg, twin, b. 8 June 1879;d. 26 July 1879Tab. 2Olof Fröberg, called himself Fröberg inAmerica. Grandfather of Frances FröbergWooley.Tab. 3.Anders Gustaf Fröberg, grandfather ofAina Nilsson Lindström.Scandinavian American Culturaland Historical FoundationHonors LeRoy Anderson2011 Outstanding Scandinavian AmericanA beloved Swedish-American musicianin Southern California, LeRoyAnderson has worn many musical hats, asa singer, choral director, pianist, accordionistand liturgist. Born in Chicagohimself, his parents were from Jämtlandand Skåne in Sweden. Raised in theAugustana Swedish Lutheran Church, hehas a love for Swedish choral musicwhich he has enthusiastically promoted inSouthern California churches, directingmany festive choruses in concerts, cantatasand oratorio.As a youth, LeRoy sang early in hischurch choir and in 1945 he joined theSwedish Glee Club in Chicago. In 1946he enlisted in the army and was stationedin Japan for more than a year. In 1951 hemarried Greta, a gifted pianist and organistwho shared his love for music. In 1953Greta and LeRoy moved to the LosAngeles Area. After two years of collegeLeRoy continued extension studies atUCLA and USC, studying principally theteaching of music. Meanwhile he sang inthe choir of Grace Lutheran in Bell,becoming director of the choir in 1969, adirectorship he continued for 32 yearsHe created an early morningChristmas liturgy for Angelica LutheranChurch in Los Angeles and continued astheir liturgist for seven years. In 1987 heorganized a choir at the Norwegian andSwedish Seamen’s Church in San Pedro,directing that choir for 13 years. In theearly ‘90s he assumed directorship of theLos Angeles area Vasa Choir.LeRoy is a founder of VästkustensSpelmanslag and does music arrangementsfor his group. This popular grouphas played regularly at the ScandinavianFestival at California Lutheran Universityin Thousand Oaks and at MidsummerFestivals at Vasa Park and other festivalsin Southern California.He is past President of the Swedish-American Central Association ofSouthern California, a past chairman ofNordic Lodge #660 District LodgePacific Southwest #15 of the Vasa Orderof America, a former director of SAHAC,The Swedish American HistoricalAssociation of California, and a memberof The Association of Lutheran ChurchMusicians.Submitted by: Thomas Jahn,GLD, DL Pacific Southwest #15Photographed by: Thomas JahnLeRoy AndersonVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 25

HAPPENINGSRoyal Glamour at New York GalaScandinavian royalties and other heads-of-states joined for an historic gathering atthe Hilton Hotel in New York City. They were all in town to celebrate the Centennialof the American-Scandinavian Foundation. Read all about it at www.amscan.org orwww.nordstjernan.com HRH Queen Silvia of Sweden looked beautiful as always andespecially elegant in that violet ball gown! This event, with tickets starting at$500/person was on October 21st. The next day King Carl XVI Gustaf and QueenSilvia flew up to the still-Swedish community of Jamestown, New York. Children’sClub Thule Folkdancers performed in the royals’ presence and Queen Silvia joinedthem for “Små Grodorna.”Donna Johnson of Vasa Lodge Thule and three others received an award directlyfrom the King commemorating her 50 year membership with The Nordic Club, celebratingtheir own 100th anniversary. Coordinator of the Scandinavian Folk Festival inJamestown, Don Sandy received the Order of the Polar Star medal from the King ofSweden. Grattis! Don is also a member of Vasa Thule Lodge, accordionist for both theadult and children´s folkdance clubs in Jamestown, as well as a member of two musicalgroups Nordanvind and Svenska Spelmän. Wish New York City weren’t so highsociety – it would have been spectacular to have a chance to meet and greet our Kingand Queen on a more intimate venue. Kanske nästa gång!Submitted by: Jeanne Eriksson-Andersen, Chairman,Lindbergh Lodge #505, New York, -Jeanne/Dragspel@aol.comSource: Sweden TodayTranströmer Wins Nobel Prize in LiteratureSwedish poet Tomas Tranströmer has won the 2011 Nobel Prize in Literature. Theacademy said it awarded the 80-year-oldpoet “because, through his condensed translucentimages, he gives us fresh access to reality.” Born in 1931 in Stockholm,Tranströmer is a poet, translator and psychologist, who have been translated into 50languages. The child of divorced parents, Tranströmer studied at Soda Latin inStockholm and graduated as a psychologist from Stockholm University in 1956. Hebegan writing early, at age 13 and published his first collection of poems in 1954 titled“17 dikter” (Seventeen poems).His work, though, lies within and further develops the Modernist andExpressionist/Surrealist language of 20th century poetry; his clear, seemingly simplepictures from everyday life and nature in particular reveals a mystic insight into theuniversal aspects of the human mind. Tranströmer is a close friend of the Americanpoet Robert Bly and their correspondence has been published in the book “Air Mail.”In 1990, Tranströmer suffered a stroke that affects his speech, but he continues towrite. Tranströmer has in the past been mentioned as a candidate for the Nobel Prizein Literature, and is considered one of Sweden's foremost poets. In addition to hiswork as a writer, Tranströmer was also a respected psychologist before he had hisstroke. He worked in juvenile prisons, and with disabled, convicts, and drug addicts.He is also a pianist, something he has been able to continue after his stroke, albeit withone hand. Here are a few lines describing a forest from one of Tranströmer’s poemsfrom the book “Dikter” 1985.“… Skogen är tysta övergivna lokaler så här års.Bara några få slags ljud: som om någon flyttadekvistarförsiktigt med en pincetteller ett gångjärn som gnyr svagt inne i en tjock stam.”This is the first time since 1974 a Swede has been awarded the prize (HarryMartinsson and Eyvind Johnsson shared the honor that year).Submitted by: Carol Blackwell, Phoenix Lodge #677New Jersey Vasa ParkCelebrates 75Wonderful YearsEven though the official festivities werenot to begin until Saturday, August 27th,parties started Friday afternoon as District#6 New Jersey members from far and widedescended on Vasa Park in Budd Lake.Gatherings at the summer cabins Fridayafternoon, prior to the weekly Friday nightdinner, found old friends getting togetherjust like old times. After dinner folks lingeredon the patio late into the night sharingphotos and memories of their years at thePark.Unfortunately the threat of hurricaneIrene kept some folks away on Saturday,but the majority of those who had beenlooking forward to this day for nearly ayear, braved the stormy weather. And theywere glad they did! Members from as faraway as California, Utah and Coloradomade the trip. License plates from NJ, NY,CT, PA, MO, NC, TN and FL were in ourparking lot along with a bus load of Swedesthat happened to be visiting NYC.The entrance fee to the Park was twentyfivecents. Not only did that modest sumgain you entry, and a commemorative journalbut also tickets for either a hamburgeror hot dog platter and a free soft drink.Remember when you could actually getsomething great for a quarter?The opening ceremonies on Saturdaydedicated 657 new memorial plaques bearingthe names of our Vasa members whoare now departed. This monumental undertakingwas completed by our Vice DistrictMaster Kevin De Feo with assistance fromhis wife Elve and daughter Emily. The newname plates are laser etched on materialthat will be weather resistant and will holdup for many generations to come. It is abeautiful memorial to those who helpedbuild Vasa Park.A presentation was then made by ourDistrict Master Jack Hanright. He and hiswife Inger unveiled the rune stone they createdfor Vasa Park along with their sonPatrick. It stands proudly next to the carvedwooden Viking outside the Cultural Center.Jack explained that he selected the stonefrom an old stone wall on Park property. Itcould barely be lifted by a front-end loader.He reduced its size and chiseled it into ashape that is reminiscent of the rune stonesContinued on next pagePage 26 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

New Jersey Vasa ParkCelebrates 75 YearsContinued from previous pageseen in Sweden. He engraved the messagethat Inger composed, designed and translatedinto the runic alphabet. Patrick paintedthe letters in the traditional rune stone red.It reads, “In the year 1936 the Swedesbought this land and named it Vasa Park.For 75 years we have kept it so that oursons and daughters will know of theirancestors. This stone was raised to rememberthe people that built this park.”Then it was time for the Vasa OlympicGames to begin, a tradition from years past,resurrected for this special occasion. Theparade of District #6 Lodges ended at thebasketball court where Games’ Chairman,Chad Peterson lit the Vasa flame. NineDistrict 6 Lodges competed for glory. Aftertug-o-war, keg toss, ticket ripping and variousother feats of skill Frithiof #63 camehome with the Gold, Goithoid #486 theSilver and Tryggve #88 the Bronze. At theawards ceremony the following Past ParkPresidents were recognized: Rodger Grady(1998-2000), Art Antonucci (2000-2001),Roy Persson (2001-2003), Mark Bernabei(2003-2004), Art Bjorkner (2007-2009),Jack Hanright (2009-2011) and ChadPeterson (2001). Current and Past ParkPresident BJ Peterson (1996-1998, 2006-2007) was also in attendance as was JamesRadel (2004-2006).A wonderful meatball dinner was servedin the Cultural Center for the bargain priceof $5. There was also a video display setup of old home movies from past Parkevents along with several tables of familyalbums and photos of the members thatmade Vasa Park what it is today. There wasno shortage of hugs, smiles and tears ofremembrance as fond memories cameflooding back. It was wonderful to see somany family photos, lodge photos and folksat their favorite spots in Vasa Park beingChad Peterson lights the Vasa Olympic torch.taken that day to preserve the occasion. I’msure they will be on display at the next celebration.Fond farewells were said as hurricaneIrene descended on New Jersey butmany hearty Vikings lingered to dance andsocialize, not wanting the evening to end.A huge thank you goes out to the 75thAnniversary Committee. These dedicatedVasa members planned and worked forover a year to make the day a memorableevent. District #6 is very lucky to havebeautiful Vasa Park and so many dedicatedmembers who work to keep it going.So save the date: Summer 2036. VasaPark turns 100!Submitted by: Beverly Blake, District#6 New JerseyAnniversary committee pictured left to right; Inger Hanright, Candace Peterson-Phelps, ChadPeterson, Chairman, Cathy Peterson, Co-Chair, Debbie Larsson, Jerry Meloskie, TerryMeloskie, Helen Haumacher and Art Haumacher.Let’s Take a Lesson from the NorwegiansWe here in northern Minnesota who isof Swedish and other ethnic backgroundshave watched with awe and perhaps someenvy as Norwegian-Americans haveengaged in a frenzy of preparation for KingHarald and Queen Sonja of Norway's visitto Duluth, Minnesota this week. DuluthSons of Norway members spruced up theirNorway Hall to the tune of $50,000.00 inpreparation for the visit and rededication ofEnger Tower, a beautiful landmark on thehill above the majestic Lake Superiorshore. This property and tower were builtand donated to the city of Duluth by a successfulNorwegian immigrant as thanks forhis good fortune. It was dedicated byCrown Prince Olav in 1939. A lovely luncheonwith city and state dignitaries wasattended by 500 people and throngs of residentsfrom all over the area lined thestreets to greet the royalty. Norwegianflags flew in the breeze and the Norwegiannational anthem was sung. We of otherNordic countries, in particular, should bevery impressed with the passion and dedicationand pride of Norwegian-Americansin their heritage (and perhaps work harderto do the same with our Swedish heritage)!Locally our Göta Lejon Lodge eachsummer challenges the local Norwegiansto a fun-filled event called the LutefiskToss. This is held during Two HarborsHeritage Days in July and it is always apopular event with cheering and laughterand waving of Swedish and Norwegianflags. And the Norwegians are alwaysgood sports, because the Swedes onceagain took the honors and carried away thetrophy for another year. Once again weSwedes were impressed with the integrityof the Norwegians, even as they lost. Andwe of the Swedish persuasion admit thatwe have had some talent who are ofFinnish descent that has demonstratedgood throwing arms for our team.However, when an article appeared inthe local Lake County News Chronicledescribing the contest, it stated that theSwedes defeated the FINNS! Could therebe a closet Norwegian on the newspaperstaff? Was there an attempt to cover theirloss? No! Surely not! We Swedes are trustingfolks and we are certain that it was onlya typographical error! Or not? Hmmm.In the meantime, let’s take a lessonfrom the Norwegians – be loud and proudabout our Swedish heritage, wave the flag,learn the words to the Swedish nationalanthem, sing it loudly, encourage membershipin our organization and if our SwedishKing and Queen come to visit someday,let’s be “copy-cats” and give them a royalwelcome that will make the front pages ofour newspapers!Submitted by: Patricia Olson,Göta Lejon Lodge #251,Two Harbors, MinnesotaVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 27

Vasa Orden av Amerika medlemmarfrån Sverige besöker Vasa arkivet i USAUnder augusti månad passadelogesyskonen Karl-Erik Axelsson,Elisabeth Agge, Anne-Sofie Hjort frånlogen Enköping Nr 646, Håkan Hjort frånlogen Linde Nr 492, Hillivi Sjöberg logenEskilstuna Nr 633 samt Lars-Åke Sjöberglogen Mälardrottningen Nr 563 att besökaordenssyskon samt Vasa arkivet i USA.Vi bodde hos Jake och Marge Gruelsom är logesyskon från Linde logen iMilwaukee. Under sin vistelse i USA träffadevi ordenssyskon från Linde logen samtdeltog på deras kräftkalas hos Lisa ochRolf Ekstrand. Varmt tack till familjenEkstrand.Under besöket i USA begav vi oss tillsammansmed Jake och Marge Gruel tillVasa arkivet i Bishop Hill. Där fick vi träffaden nya föreståndaren ViktoriaAlmgren-Kofoid. På arkivet kunde man seatt fastigheten fått sig ett ordentligt lyft ochutanför stod tre flaggstänger med USAs,Karl-Erik Axelsson LL 646 samt Lar-ÅkeSjöberg LL 563 studerar handlingar i vasaarkivet.Sveriges och Kanadas flaggor som hälsade oss välkomna. Även inne på arkivet hademånga bra förändringar skett. På övervåningen finns ett kontor, sovrum samt kök.Viktoria Almgren-Kofoid som nu är den nya föreståndaren, upplevdes som en positivoch inspirerande person med ett stort engagemang. Hon pratar flytande svenska ochamerikanska.Under vistelsen i Bishop Hill hittade man tidningsurklipp då Amerikanska ungdomarbesökte Biskopskulla utanför Enköping i Sverige.Vi tog en promenad ner till kyrkogården för att titta till Eric Janssons gravsten. EricJansson som föddes i Biskopskulla utanför Enköping och bosatte sig i Bishop Hill,Illinois.Vi fick även vara med när Jennifer Johnsson, dotter till Jake och Marge Gruel avtackadesefter det att hon avslutade sin tjänstgörning inom polisen efter 24 år. Tillsammansmed arbetskamrater samt chefer samlades vi i polishuset i Waukesha där det hölls tacktalsamt bjöds på kaffe med tårta.Dessa veckor i USA tillsammans med ordenssyskon, gör att man känner den gemenskapsom vår orden står för och som sträcker sig mellan kontinenterna. Varmt tack tillfamiljen Gruel och Ekstrand som vi fått som vänner inom vår orden för hela livet.Insänt av: Elisabeth AggeLUCIAMy name is LuciaI come with the light;There is nothing to fearWhen the embers are bright;No shadow is so darkThat you're ever alone;Look to the lightAnd find your way home.In life, I had plenty,Both riches and gold,But how can you be warmWhen others are cold?There is no glory in fine clothesAnd shoes for your feet,When people go to bed hungryWith nothing to eat.I traded my goldTo share with the poor;I went out by nightAnd laid a bounty at their door;I can only imagineThe smiles on their face,Where instead of dust,Love took its place.You see me clad in white,With lights all aglow,Offering a gift of plentyAs I did so long ago;I travel from place to place,Bringing hope and cheer;Come, be at peace,You are welcome here.--Joel Bjorling, 2010Member of Bishop HillKarl-Erik Axelsson, Elisabeth Agge,Enköping Lars-Åke och Hillivi Sjöberg, Stockholm ViktoriaAlmgren-Kofoid nya föreståndaren samt Håkan och Anne-Sofie Hjort, Enköping.Page 28 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

Kära Vasasyskon!Sitter i Palo Alto i Kalifornien, USA och funderar över det senaste DistriktsmötetVasa-orden hade i Ljungby i våras och hur det ska gå för min kära Vasa-loge. ViceGrandmaster visade hur det går utför med Vasa om vi inte gör något och det är därmina tankar kommer in. Om en organisation eller liknande inte är förändringsbenägenkommer den att tyna bort. I vår ungdom kunde en gudstjänst hålla på i 1½ - 2 timmar– idag tar den ca 45 minuter – och ändå har kyrkan kvar sina ritualer. En begravningtog då minst 1 timmar – idag ca ½ timma. Men både en högmässa och en begravningär fortfarande stilfull! Hur har kyrkan lyckats bevara sina ritualer trots den mycketförkortade tiden?Vi måste också på något sätt korta ner våra ritualer och våra möten! Hur ska vimarknadsföra oss? Ska vi ta ut svängarna?Här kommer så några mer eller mindre vilda idéer för att få fart på diskussionerna:• Ska vi stå med bokstånd på Skänninge eller Kiviks marknader? Eller ska vi stå påstormarknader typ A6 i Jönköping, Väla i Helsingborg eller Entré i Malmö?• Ska vi engagera oss med det lokala föreningslivet på vår nationaldag?• Kan vi få in emigrationshistorien som en kursplan på t ex en folkhögskola ochsom skulle ge poäng för vidare studier?• Ska vi annonsera i de stora reklamkanalerna i TV?• Ska vi göra en större sak om årets svensk-amerikan, som t ex anlita en marknadsföringsbyråsom spelar in hela tillställningen och gör ett färdigt manuskript, föratt ha ett färdigt koncept att plantera i ett soffprogram i TV.• Ska vi gå ihop med lokala släktföreningar och starta släktforskning särskilt fördem som har släkt i USA och Kanada?Om vi går tillbaka till Distriktsmötet: Det blev en hel del avtackningar – lite tamtoch enformigt tycker jag. Skulle man inte kunna utveckla det t ex bjuda de berörda påhögtidsmötets supé? Eller kanske skulle man lämna över ett antal Triss-lotter och omde gav en större vinst kunde en viss procent gå till logen. Den loge-medlem som skaffarflest nya medlemmar i förhållande till hur många medlemmar det finns i denneslokal-loge, kan t ex få åka till USA och uppleva ett storlogemöte.Det finns säkert många som också har tankar och idéer om hur vi ska förfara. Jagvet att det kostar en del pengar, men på något sätt måste vi gå vidare. Vi får se det pålite längre sikt – t ex 6-8 år, sätta upp delmål och ha utvärdering efter halv tiden, så attdet går att följa hur vi ligger till i förhållande till den uppsatta målen.• Måste våra ritualer vara så omfattande? Kan vi trimma dem utan att innebördengår förlorad?• Måste alla i styrelsen vara med på alla styrelsemöten – kan det inte ibland räckamed presidiet och FDO?• Måste en DD vara med och kanske köra långa sträckor för att delta i ettstyrelsemöte? Eller det är ett moraliskt ansvar av hävd och tradition?• Kan vi använda de sociala medierna mera?• Det kanske finns företag som har verksamhet båda sidor av Atlanten – där kanman kanske göra någonting tillsammans t ex den 4 juli.• Jag skulle vilja veta hur det går för Norra distriktet och hur logerna där gör – därtycker jag vi saknar en del information.• Kan man slå ihop distrikten?The Volvo OpenRace 2011My husband and I had the opportunityto sail on Kings Legend in the VolvoOcean Race Legends Regatta andReunion in Alicante, Spain in November.It was sponsored by The JalousieEnclave, an exclusive property developmentin a UNESCO World Heritage site,Val des Pitons on the Caribbean island ofSt Lucia.The first day of racing was abandonedthrough lack of wind, conditions on thesecond day could not have been better,with the Legends boats powering arounda 22-mile course in up to 30 knots ofbreeze.A testimony to the Volvo OceanRace’s 38-year history, the LegendsRegatta was the largest ever gathering ofyachts and sailors from previous races.During the event, which took place inthe week prior to the start of Leg 1 of theVolvo Ocean Race 2011-12 fromAlicante to Cape Town, South Africa onNovember 5, more than 600 past competitorstravelled from across the globe torenew old acquaintances and reminisceabout past adventures.Seven Legends Ambassadors were inattendance: Lady Pippa Blake; TracyEdwards MBE; Magnus Olsson; SkipNovak; Pierre Fehlmann; Alain Gabbayand Juan Vila. Sir Chay Blyth was unableto attend having sustained a broken legshortly prior to the event.From the 1977-78 race was the British65’ sloop King’s Legend, and from 1981was the 57’ Berge Viking from Norway.Kings Legend now had has Dutchownership!Submitted by: Marie CarlsonSource: Volvo Open Race info sitesPicture by: Marie CarlsonHur är det: Finns det en tidskrift för Norra distriktet typ vår Vasa-Nytt? Om så ärfallet kanske det kunde startas ett samarbete och samtidigt förbättra informationendärifrån, och hur ska man göra med USA-delen som vad jag förstår tappar flestmedlemmar. Det har jag alldeles för lite kunskap om, men det finns säkert duktigamedlemmar där som kan utveckla den biten.Jag hoppas att mina tankar kan starta en förutsättningslös diskussion, och jag hoppasfå slippa höra kommentarer som t ex: ”Så här har vi aldrig gjort förr – gör viingenting tynar vi bort!”Med de bästa Vasa-hälsningar I sanning och enighetSven Broddesson, LL Kärnan Nr 608, HelsingborgVasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 29

TIDBITSKurbits PåCatwalkMODE: Slotts Barbro från Fjäkelmyra– där har ni årets svenska modeexport.Kläder med hennes traditionella dalamålerihar visats på catwalken i Paris ochsålts på exklusiva varuhus världen över.Franska modehuset Rochas anlitadeSlotts Barbro då chefs-designer MarcoZanini, vars mor är dalkulla, villeåterknyta till sina svenska rötter.– Han kom hit ett par dagar och vi jobbadetillsammans fram mönstren, berättarBarbro som målar enligt traditionellametoder med äggoljetempera och limfärgpå gammalt hemvävt linne.Originalmålningarna fördes seda över tillsiden av specialister i Italien.Nu har lugnet lagt sig i ateljén hemmapå Fjärdmansgården utanför Börlänge.Men i garderoben hänger en klänning,special designad av Marco Zanini.– Hen gjorde en särskild version tillmig och en likadan till sin mamma. Litemer klädd, med rejäl ärm och krage.Ateljén är öppen för besök, men ringförst.Hedestad AliasSollefteåFILM: “Hedestad” säger stationsskylten.Men det är i Sollefteå somBondstjärnan Daniell Craig, i rollen somMikael Blomqvist, kliver av tåget i kommandeHollywoods tolkning av StiegLarsson: The girl with the draton tattoo,med premiär i december.Även Kilafors och Segersta utanförBollnäs har fått ta på sig rollen som denfiktiva norrländska orten.Sites of InterestSwedish program about Americans visitingSweden to find their roots! A mustsee!!http://svtplay.se/t/167318/allt_for_sverigeMore Men Than WomenIn about four years there will be a historical trend break in Sweden: There will thenbe more men than women living there. And subsequently, the male dominance willincrease every year. Sweden has had more females than males since long before thestart of the national registration in 1749. Daily Sydsvenskan has looked into the matterand pinpointed the breaking point as April 26, 2015. After that date, expect to seemore men than women, as the life expectancy of men will increase due to a number ofmedical advances. Meanwhile, Swedish women are leading less healthy lives thanbefore, they work harder, smoke and drink more and are also more susceptible tostress and exhaustion. “There’s probably a ceiling for how quickly life expectancy canincrease,” says Sven-Olof Isacsson, professor of community medicine at LundUniversity.“Swedish women are close to hitting that ceiling, therefore men are catching upwith them.” The increase in men also has to do with immigration, more men thanwomen immigrate to Sweden from former Yugoslavia, Africa and the Middle East.Manliest city in Sweden? Övertorneå with 53.1 percent men. Stockholm, Malmö and.Göteborg still has a 51 percent female dominance.Submitted by: Carol Blackwell, Phoenix Lodge #677Biathlon instersundCOLD NOSEWARM HEARTHThe logo symbolizes the core values of biathlon in the winter city Östersund.- Hosting, we might give you your next cold but we receive you with a warm heart.- An event in true winter conditions with cold and snow- An event in an urban environment- The proximity to the worldIn short: Cold nose – warm heart!WORLD CUP 2011 IN FIGURES- 500 leaders - 350 active, 38 nations- 130 media representatives - 15 Radio & TV Stations- Over 50 million TV viewers in the EBU - 22,000 visitors- 600 volunteers - Five days of competition- 6 racesLogot symboliserar det huvudsakliga värdet av skidskytte i vinterstanden Östersund.- Som värd, kanske vi ger dig din nästa förkylning men med ett varmt hjärta.- En händelse i riktig vinter med kyla och snö- En händelse i en stads - miljö- Närheten till världenKort och gott: Kall näsa - varmt hjärta!VÄRLDSCUPEN 2011 I SIFFROR- 500 ledare - 350 aktiva, 38 nationer- 130 massmediatekniker - 15 radio & TV-stationer- Över 50 miljon TV-tittare i EBUEN - 22,000 besökare- 600 volontärer - Fern dagar med tävlingar- 6 racesPage 30 www.vasaorder.com Vasa Star October-December 2011

In MemoriamTill minne av hädangångnaordenssyskon genom vilkasbortgång syskonkretsen gjorten kännbar förlustIn memory of our departedmembers who will besorely missedCALIFORNIADORINDA NYLAND died on July 3, 2011 at theage of 89. Sister Dorinda was born on March15,1922 in Oakland, California. She Joined TegnerLodge #149 on February 5, 1975. She is survivedby her daughter Celeste Spencer and husband JohnSpencer, and her children Ellen, Tyler, and Linnea.COLORADOMARGARETA GUSTAFSON passed away onAugust 15, 2011. Preceded in death by her husbandon March 2, 2011. They joined Runan MagnetLodge #120 in 1971 and transferred to EnighetLodge #178, Denver Colorado on October 28, 1990.ILLINOISGEORGE KENNETH MICHELSON, 97, bornFebruary 23, 1914, in Batavia, IL, passed awayAugust 27, 2011, in Blooomingdale, IL. He joinedViljan Lodge #349 on February 27, 1975 and was a36-year member. He is survived by a son, a daughter,and 2 grandchildren.MINNESOTAVERNETTE ANN HALLDEEN passed away onAugust 13, 2011. She was born Dec. 9, 1924 inMinneapolism MN. She joined Stenbock Lodge#138 on Dec. 1, 1950 and was serving as Master ofCeremonies. She is survived by Sisters GloriaAdolphson, Vivian Cushing, Joyce Carlson, andbrother Ray H. Halldeen, Jr (Peggy).D. ARLENE HOLMGREN - age 86. Passedaway on October 9, 2011 after a lengthy illness.1951 graduate of Gustavus Adolphus College.Loving wife, mother, former parish worker and substituteteacher. Follow in death by husband, Arthur,on October 20, 2011. (See C. Arthur Holmgrenmemorial)C. ARTHUR HOLMGREN - age 88. Passedaway on October 20, 2011. “Arthur” was precededin death just 11 days earlier by his wife of 58 years,“Arlene.” Arthur was a P38 pilot in WWII. Later,he worked as a teacher in the St. Paul PublicSchools. He held a bachelor's degree in teachingfrom St. Cloud Teacher's College and went on toearn his Master's Degree from St. Thomas College.Arthur and Arlene are survived by: two sons, David(Natalie) and Wayne; Arlene's sisters and theirspouses; niece Maryellen Mikwold; nephewClifford Trudell; and many friends in Minnesotaand Sweden. They were both long-time members ofV.O.A. Kronan Lodge #544 in St. Paul. Their commitmentto each other, their family, to God, and totheir Swedish heritage is a model for all who knewthem.FERN RICHTER was born in Minneapolis,Minnesota, August 16, 1921. She passed away inLos Angeles, California, July 20, 2011. She joinedNorth Star Lodge #106 on November 7, 1989 asmember #2122 and served as auditor for manyyears. Fern is survived by three children and grandchildren.OHIOBETTY ARVIDSON, age 86, of Mentor, OH,passed away on October 19, 2011, at HospiceHouse in Cleveland, OH. She was the beloved wifeof Emil Arvidson and William Becker (deceased),loving mother of Kim (Mark) Sample, grandmotherof Matthew, Gwen, and Tim; great-grandmother of8; stepmother of Penny (Neil) Richards and Pam(Jim) Hooley; step-grandmother of Cameron, Ian,Dylan, and Rose; loving sister of the late Carl Lind;and sister-in-law of Eric Arvidson. Betty joinedNobel-Monitor Lodge #130 on February 28, 1947,and was a Life Member.MARIA I. ARVIDSON (nee Wenzel), 84, died athome (Mentor, OH) on September 9, 2011. She wasthe beloved wife for 55 years of Eric O. Arvidson,loving mother of Gerda (Gunner) Maidhof, andgrandmother of Sylvia, Katia, and Peter, all ofGermany; sister-in-law of Emil (Betty) Arvidson ofMentor. Maria was a 50-year member of Nobel-Monitor Lodge #130, having joined January 6,1961.PEARL L. BLACK passed away July 11, 2011, atthe age of 85. She was born March 17, 1925, inYoungstown, OH, and was initiated into HarmonyLodge #465 on September 13, 1997. Her husband,James A. Black, whom she married in 1948, isdeceased. She leaves a son, Dudley A. Black, adaughter-in-law, Elisa, brothers Paul Storm andCarl, and grandchildren Kristin Yates and ColinBlack.RICHARD F. KANENGEISER, age 83, dearhusband of Frida (nee Ek) for 60 years, passed awayon September 25, 2011. He was the devoted fatherof Paul (Patricia) and David (Lynn); proud grandpaand “papa” of Nicole, Alyssa,and Richard; brotherin-lawof Elsie Jones (Robert, deceased), IrmaJackson (Delbert) (both deceased), and Barbara Ek.Dearest uncle of many. Dick joined Nobel-MonitorLodge #130 on February 11, 2001.PENNSYVLANIAEDWARD J. APPELGREN, 96, born July 13,1915, passed away October 26, 2011. Ed joinedOscars Borg Lodge No. 172, Phila., PA, February27, 1994. Ed was a faithful and active member ofOscars Borg Lodge, including a two-year term aschairman, 1998-99. Dear father of Brenda Ferichand the late Edward Appelgren; loving grandfatherof 4 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren; anddear brother of Dorothy Paley. Sov i ro.LUCINDA A. (DANIELS) JOHNSON ofCannomsburg, PA, passed away July 12, 2011, atthe age of 52. She was born in Johnstown, PA, onOctober 27, 1958, and was initiated into BalderLodge #308 on June 11, 1994.WASHINGTONCARL D. MILLER, a lifelong resident of SkagitValley area of Washington, passed away August 9,2011. He was a beloved member of SolidaritetLodge #396. He is survived by nice Donna Cook,her family and extended family members. Heserved his country in WWII and married in 1951.For many years he came early in the morning tohelp with the pancake breakfast.JENNIE C. PEARSON passed away in Cathlamet,WA, on October 18, 2011. She was born inCenterville, WA, on February 25, 1914. She was a73-year member in good standing with Svea Lodge#469 in Longview, WA. She loved her social lifeandwas active in the community. She leaves adaughter udith (Lewis) Jones; daughter-in-lawBernice Pearson, 8 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren.WISCONSINRichard Allan Priem, longtime resident ofWauwatosa, Wisconsin, passed away Monday,November 7, 2011, at age 78 years. He was a specialfriend and comrade for 50 years of the lateRobert Paul Thekan and was preceded in death byhis parents Raymond and Ruth Priem. RichardPriem was the brother of Ronald, Roger (Valerie),and Russell (Donna) Priem, and is also survived bynieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.Richard Priem was a longtime member of theFinnish - American Society of Milwaukee, andLinde Lodge 492 Vasa Order Of America. He wasretired after 30 years of service at Boston Store.TEXASVIVIAN ANDERSON BROWN passed away onMay 6, 2011 in Dallas, TX at the age of 90. Shewas born August 27, 1920 in Manor, TX. She wasa Charter member of Carl Widen Lodge #743 whereshe served as Cheer Ch, Recording-sec, Financialsec,and Auditor. She is survived by sister-in-lawRose Anderson, nieces, nephews, step-children andgrandchildren and great-grandchildren.MEMORIAL NOTICESshould be mailed with check or moneyorder to: Joan Graham, 5838 San JoseAvenue, Richmond, CA 94804. Phone510-526-5512. E-mail: vasajlg@aol.com. Thefee is $8.00 for 1 column inch. Longerobituaries will be charged a flat rateof $25.00. All notices MUST be typed andWRITTEN in a format similar to those inthis column. NO newspaper clippings.Vasa Star October-December 2011 www.vasaorder.com Page 31

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