Deadlines for The Vasa Star - the Vasa Order of America.

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