Minutes of the Meeting May 20, 2013 & Lodge News

Now that was a Meeting!

Please read the Minutes here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SBzxXYi0ksZu-9bOglMHRiSiFlx5E4SDJxyenGJSYOE/edit

We had a wonderful surprise celebration for Lynda Smith in honor of her Distinguished Service Award.  We served sandwiches & check out this cake:

It was delicious and there wasn't much left.

We didn't mean to make Lynda cry!

U.S. National Kubb Championship

U.S. National Kubb Championship

http://www.usakubb.org/

Eau Claire, Wisconsin

July 13th & 14th

$60/team

38 registered so far!

Check it out Nordik Folk!  If we could keep our eye on this, maybe we could be ready for tournaments starting next Spring.

Also, Anyone interested in going this year?

Lodge roadtripping!!

Leave a comment and let me know what you think!

Learn to play Kubb

Learn to play Kubb

New Parking Lot at the Swedish American Museum

Swedish American Museum Parking

    Many of you may know what it is like on a busy day in Andersonville.  So I was so happy to see that they have added a special parking lot for patrons at the corner of West Foster and North Ashland avenues.  So go ahead and plan your trip now!

http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20130510/andersonville/swedish-american-museum-adds-parking

District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Convention

Distinguished Service Award 

Lynda Smith

     What an exciting convention!  I am proud to announce that our very own Lynda Smith received the Distinguished Service Award at the District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Convention in Rockford, IL., last weekend.  District Vice Chairman Micheal Pearson presented her with this award.  Lynda has worked tirelessly to promote VASA through Youth Programs and has been the driving force in reminding us all that without instilling a love of Scandinavian Culture in our children through songs, dance, crafts and tradition that the order could be in jeopardy.  She has made Nordik Folk & Nordikids a shining example of how to keep the youth involved so that they grow up to be valuable and willing VASA members.  To this day 11 Nordikids have been inducted into our Lodge; and 7 of them are still active in the children's club.  Congratulations, Lynda!  

Watch the Slide Show:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_bm-LC38TU

And...the 2013 Vasa Order of America Distinguished Service Award goes to...

Lynda Smith!!! 

Lynda received this lovely necklace.

Mike Pearson & Lynda

Lynda Smith & Joella Hultgren

     

     We had a wonderful turnout from our Lodge at the Convention.  A big congratulations to Brahe Lodge No. 245 & Linde Lodge No. 492 on a successful event held at the Holiday Inn in Rockford, Il.  On Friday, the Golf Outing was cancelled due to rain...but the Friday evening culture program was a fascinating presentation of the Swedish Provinces.  The Hospitality room was full of good freinds, good food & drink.  

Nordik Folk members Steve Westlund, Tim Ogrentz, Lynda Smith, Emily , Mike and Lisa Pearson enjoying the Friday program.

In the Culture Room the Nordik Folk display on Princess Cakes was a success.  Notice the cakes are gone!

     After a long day of convention meetings, silent auctions &  Culture, the Dinner Banquet was held.  In addition to Lynda Smith receiving the most prestigious award of the evening, scholarships were also awarded.  Among the winners for the South Side Chicago Scholarships were Katie Westlund, Lisa Raddatz, Emily Pearson, & Abigail Ogrentz.  Additionally, Lynda was able to award 4 Sjolunden Scholarships to Erik & Sofia Nelson, Jennifer Pearson and Harry Ogrentz.  Katie Westlund received the Grand Lodge Scholarship.  Congratulations to our youth!

Scholarship Winners

Katie Westlund receiving the Grand Lodge Scholarship from Grand  Lodge Chairman, William Lundquist

Ingrid Lesko & Abigail Ogrents enjoying dinner

Lynda at the Sunday Service

The New District Board.  Congrats to all!

Thank you to our Delegates:  Michael Pearson Jr., Ingrid Lesko & Katie Westlund.  We look forward to your reports at the next lodge meeting on May 20th!!!  

Spring fest 2013

Spring Fest 2013

     Springfest was held on Sunday, April 28 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Munster.  Our little (and big) Nordikid Trolls put on a wonderful show of traditional Swedish songs and dances.  After social hour and the Nordikid Performance we feasted on Swedish Meatballs, potatoes, lingonberries,  salad, bread, corn, green beans & ice cream sundays for desert.  

     What a wonderful turnout!  All hands were on deck to help cook, sell raffle tickets, set up our bakesale, and help sell items.

Part of the cooking crew:  Bryan Tomky, Janice Tomky & Tim Ogrentz

Shelly Pehlgrim & Tonia Tomky selling Scandinavian goods.

Wanda Huszar at the bakesale

Caleb & Kristen Schmal

Les Lesko manning the children's raffle table.

     Several of our older Nordikids were presented with special pins commemorating their involvement with the Children's Club  as college students.  We are very proud to have them as Lodge Members as well.  They continue to be involved members of both Nordikids and Nordik Folk!!!  We are lucky to have such a dedicated bunch.  District Lodge Lake Michigan No. 8 Chairman, Ed Hultgren and his wife, Assistant District Secretary and new Nordik Folk member Joella Hultgren were on hand to present them with their pins!

Emily Pearson & Ed Hultgren

Lisa Raddatz & Ed Hultgren

Ed Hultgren & Micheal Pearson Jr.

Ed Hultgren, Micheal Pearson Jr., Lisa Raddatz, Emily Pearson, Erik Nelson,  and Joella Hultgren

Also, Erik Nelson received his 8 year pin!  Congratulations to them all.

Erik Nelson & Ed Hultgren