Valhall l
Viking
June/July 2015
1912—2015
Number 5
Message from the President
What a great Syttende Mai celebration we had at the lodge, chaired by Marc
Schaeffer and his superb crew! The food was delish, and it was wonderful to
see everyone there.
VALHALL
LODGE
Meetings
at the
East San Diego
Masonic Temple
7849 Tommy Drive
San Diego, CA
92119-1799
www.lodgeofvalhall.com
www.sofn.com
Next Lodge Meeting
Mon June 1, 2015
7:00 pm
Newsletter Deadline:
July 23, 2015
The next day Syttende Mai was celebrated at Balboa Park, and there was a
very large turnout for the flag raising in the morning, and for the Children’s
parade and lawn program in the afternoon. I met several high school foreign
exchange students who found the celebration by Googling what was going on
in San Diego for Syttende Mai! Yeah for technology!
Hey, don’t forget those Trollfjell camperships! They are available through
District 6 and through Valhall Lodge. Get your applications in via the District
6 website. You can also use that application form for Valhall by printing out
the form and submitting it to me via snail mail. Send your application, and we
will “Show you the money!!!”
.June 1 will be our last meeting before the summer break. The social committee will be serving sandwiches, pie, and ice
cream after the meeting, so come on down and
enjoy the get-together. I will be finishing up my
Master’s degree over the summer, and also enjoying some vacation (stay-cation, really), and I
hope that you have some great plans for your
summer too. We will meet again in September,
so watch the newsletters for the dates and
events. Vennlig hilsen, Susan Cody
SON VALHALL LODGE 6-25
EAST S.D. MASONIC LODGE
7849 TOMMY DR., SAN DIEGO, CA 92119
JUNE 1st
PLEASE JOIN US FOR
OUR LODGE MEETING AND
SANDWICHES &
ICE CREAM SUNDAE SOCIAL
MONDAY JUNE 1, 2015
BUSINESS MEETING AT 7:00 PM
FOLLOWED BY DELICIOUS REFRESHMENTS
******************************
DONATIONS $3.00
Valhall Viking
2
June/July 2015
Sons of Norway’s Virtual Pilgrimage Going Strong into 2015
Lodge Officers for 2015
President
Vice-President
Counselor
Secretary
Assist. Secretary
Financial Secretary
Treasurer
Social Director
Assist. Social Director
Cultural Director
Marshal
Assistant Marshal
Greeter
Historian
Librarian
Musician
Editor
Assistant Editor
Foundation Director
Publicity Director
Youth Director
Sports Director
Trustee (3 years)
Trustee (1 year)
Trustee (2 years)
Auditors:
Sons of Norway’s Virtual Pilgrimage has taken our members by storm. The route follows King Olav Harraldson’s
(995-1030, canonized St. Olav in 1031) journey from Oslo
to Trondheim during his mission to spread Christianity in
Norway in the early 11th century. After his death in the
Battle of Stiklestad in 1030 people began to flock to the
site of his death in Trondheim (then Nidaros). The number
of pilgrims increased during the Middle Ages and became
so popular that Nidaros Cathedral was the number one pilgrimage destination in Europe.
Today, Norwegians and people from around the world continue to make pilgrimages to Trondheim. In fact, they are
so popular that pre-planned trips with food, lodging and
activities are available. Websites, Facebook pages and
blogs feature pilgrims on their journey with pictures and
stories. Towns along the route have welcomed pilgrims
into their businesses with open arms for hundreds of years.
It has been an exciting to hear about the different ways in
which our members and lodges are implementing this new
program. Some Sports Directors are placing maps of Norway up in their lodges and tracking each participant’s journey with thumb tacks. Some are making their very own
pilgrimage passports and stamping each checkpoint on the
route then presenting where each member is every month.
Some members are simply following along on their own by
walking and tracking their mileage while reading about the
towns that fill the route from Oslo to Trondheim at home.
619-303-5220
858-880-5653
619-579-5447
858-484-3996
619-284-6221
619-443-0942
619-993-9113
858-271-6229
760-735-6171
619-275-1934
Rick Hausvik
Sven Olsen
Ellen Spitzer
Ellen Spitzer
Raymond Johnsen
Joyce Oen
Judy Sawyer
Allen Johannesen
Thelma Johannesen
Sig Stautland
610-264-9486
619-287-6056
858-569-5960
619-465-7425
858-271-8709
619-988-2452
619-579-5447
760-735-6171
619-444-9077
619-444-9077
858-459-5430
858-217-6229
619-993-9113
858-452-1797
858-452-1797
619-299-9237
Andy Ueland
Don Balmer
Susan Cody
619-226-1946
619-466-2179
619-303-5220
Allen Johannesen
Sigurd Stautland
Aprell Bigler
Rick Hausvik
858-452-1797
619-299-9237
619-284-6221
619-579-5447
Amelia Seeto-Murguia
Corporation Directors
What else are you doing? We want to hear more stories.
Legs A through E are up and live on the website and our
goal is to have Leg F up by February 1st. Leg F will take
pilgrims through Otta and the mountains of Rondane National Park; Norway’s oldest national park established in
1962. You can start the pilgrimage at any time but in order
to receive recognition you must complete the 387 miles by
December 2015. To learn more the Virtual Pilgrimage log
on to the Sons of Norway website and find the link under
the Highlights section on the homepage. Remember you
can “double dip” with the Sports Medal program in order
to earn sports medal but your completion of the Virtual
Pilgrimage will earn you a separate small gift of recognition, available in Spring 2015.
Valhall Viking
Susan Cody
Marc Schaefer
Rick Hausvik
Janet Weber
VACANT
Aprell Bigler
Millie Wright
Judy Sawyer
Joyce Oen
Sven Olsen
Steve Rawlinson
Patrick Kearney
Lou Coover
Jean Shogren
Else Ottesen
Ragnhild Amble
Arlene LaBree
Corporation Officers
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
3
June/July 2015
Happy Birthday
Gratulerer Med Dagen!
Coming in 2015…
June Birthdays
2
Marit Malarkey
5
Arletta J Jurasinski
10
Linda Sue Lotze
11
Stephen Rawlinson
11
Colette Ann Burgess
11
Ellen J Spitzer
11
Sara L Adams
16
Susan M Cody
18
Jeanette Rock
20
Oskar E Evensen
22
Donald H Lesney
23
Alan Svidal
26
Mary M Hinshaw
29
Raymond K Johnsen
Barnas Klubb
Crafts, Cooking, & Culture
Valhall Lodge Kids Activities at Socials
Genealogy Explorers
3rd Saturday of Month at 10:30 to 12:00
June 20
The Genealogy group is moving its meetings
to the Family History Library at 4195 Camino
Del Rio South, San Diego 92108.
July Birthdays
6
Lucy C Leon
6
Bruce E Johnson
8
Mary B Stedham
9
Kari N Nyhammer-Collins
11
Christopher M Hausvik
12
Britt Brotemarkle
13
Betty A Luther
15
Edvard A Hemmingsen
15
Kari Karlsgodt Koskinen
16
Lavonne H Coover
21
Gloria Jean Oas
22
Erica I Lee
26
Oddvar K Hoidal
27
G David Murguia
29
Ruth V Vik
29
Rachel Erin Robinson
30
Maury D Lee
30
Shawneea M Pattee
30
Sharmane Estolano
Valhall Viking
The next meeting will be June 20th.
The topic at the June 20th meeting will be Genealogy DNA trends. Even if you have already sent off for your DNA, come share your
experiences.
Your DNA test can show
your ethnic mix and help
you discover distant relatives. DNA can help you
find new details about
your unique family history and show you how
Norwegian you really are!
Questions? Contact Arlene LaBree at
[email protected].
4
June/July 2015
LOV NOTES
May 2015
Next Meeting: June 6, 2015 at 9:00am. at Denny’s
Restaurant in Fletcher Hills.Hostesses: Tam Stautland and Thelma Johnnesen
My how time flies! Our hostesses’ table decorating
theme this month was April Showers Bring Spring
Flower. It is evident that spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner as one drives around
San Diego these days. And, we all look forward to
taking part in the various 17th of May activities this
month.
a genealogy journey beyond lists of births and
deaths of my ancestors. The accumulation of information from a variety of resources turned lists into
more interesting narratives about my family heritage.
Our hostesses this month were Wilma Springer and
Janet Michka. Happy smiles were witnessed as
names were drawn to take home the spring flowers
set in colorful candle holders.
Dale Roybal, LOV President
Our 25th Anniversary committee reported plans are
well under way for the 2016 celebration. LOV’s
2015 revised Standing Rules were reviewed and approved. Tam Stautland reported that the Summer
Book Club will be putting an emphasis on Jo Nesbo
mysteries novels. The group will meet on August
1st at the House of Norway to discuss what makes
his work so popular. She will provide more details
at our June meeting. It was also reported that the
Nordic Knitters planned to get together at Ingrid
Lindgren’s home on May 5th and LOV ladies with
be her guests sometime in July.
SERVICES DIRECTORY
Financial Benefits Counselor
Pat Kelly
(818) 986-7199
[email protected]
Valhall Web Master
Steve Rawlinson
[email protected]
Genealogy Group
Arlene LaBree
858-271-8709
Linda Rawlinson
(619) 275-1934
The Valhall Lodge’s Genealogy Explorers will not
be meeting in May due to so many other May 17th
activities. The topic at their June 20th meeting will
be Genealogy DNA trends. Even if you have already sent off for your DNA, come share your experiences. The group
meets at the Family
History Center at
10:30am. For the cultural program portion
of the day’s agenda, I
gave a presentation on
Sunshine Committee:
Ingrid Lindgren
(858) 277-3376
Blood Bank Representative
David Murguia
(619) 755-3297
Tubfrim Chairperson
Susan Cody
619-303-5220
Rosemaling Classes
Carmen Cleary
(619) 922-6071
Dale Roybal, 2015
LOV President
Valhall Viking
5
June/July 2015
Syttende Mai at Valhall
Welcoming guests at the registration table
were Millie Wright and Don Lesney.
Sandra Yeoman demonstrating making Norwegian basket
hearts to JoAnn and Jordan Khaleel.
Friendly bartenders Ken and Barbara Paulovich/
Chairperson and Vice President Marc Schaeffer.
Else Ottesen looking over the fabulous desserts.
Valhall Viking
Karin Brevig and Helen Moore enjoying the celebration.
6
June/July 2015
Valhall Celebrates Syttende Mai
President Susan Cody and Cultural Director Sven
Olsen MC-ing the event.
Janet Weber and Solveig
Fauskanger Furchner looking
festive in their bunads.
Joyce Olsen playing Norwegian National Athem as guests sang.
Dean and Helen Seiler enjoying the evening.
Chans Valdez accompanying Mannskorr.
More Photos
More photos are
available on our website.
Lodgeofvalhall.com
Photos have been
posted from the
May 16th and 17th activities celebrating
the Syttende Mai.
The San Diego Mannskor provided entertainment for the evening.
Valhall Viking
7
June/July 2015
Midsummer in Norway—Jonsok
Historical Roots
St. John’s Day or Jonsok is celebrated on June 24 and is a
religious holiday commemorating the birth of St. John the
Baptist. Prior to the introduction of Christianity to Norway,
the date was used to celebrate of the summer solstice, the
longest and brightest day of the year. Because of the dual
history surrounding the date, the remaining Midsummer
traditions are an amalgamation of both Pagan and Christian
customs.
Did you know?
• The practice of lighting bonfires during Midsummer
comes from the belief that fire “awakens” the ground for
the next growing season and gives renewed strength to the
sun. It was also believed to scare away evil supernatural
spirits and witches who were thought to roam more freely
this time of year.
Norway’s Women in Military
Norway’s compulsory military service is becoming gender
neutral.
Norway is preparing for a major change to its mandatory
Armed Forces conscription policy. For the first time ever
Norway is now requiring military service for women,
which will see its first female recruits entering into service
in 2016.
This stems from an historic bill that was passed by the
Storting in late 2014 that extended mandatory military service to women. The bill, which passed with a majority of
96 votes, is part of a nation-wide plan to promote gender
equality. This means Commander Per-Thomas Bøe of the
Norwegian Armed Services will now be sending out conscription letters to all 17-year-old women in Norway and
then navigating all the logistical challenges of welcoming
this new population into mandatory service.
In other cases, it would probably be helpful if Norway
could look to other countries and learn from their experi• According to folklore, medicinal plants and herbs were
believed to be at their peak potency during the summer sol- ences, but this will be a first—not just for Norway, but for
stice, lending support to the belief that supernatural beings Europe and NATO as well. “The Scandinavian countries
were prone to scour the countryside collecting ingredients are very good at leading in gender equality, so it’s no surprise that Norway should pioneer female conscription,”
for their potions at Midsummer.
says Joanne Machowski, a researcher at the London mili• In the 19th century it was popular in western Norway for tary think tank RUSI, who specializes in gender issues.
children to dress in bride and groom outfits and participate
This move effectively doubles the pool of military conin mock weddings as a symbol of new life.
scripts from 32,000 to 63,000 and Norway looks at this as
• According to Christian legends, the crucifix at Rødal
an opportunity to increase the overall competence of its
stave church in Norway was believed to contain special
military.
powers. During Midsummer, the crucifix was said to sweat,
giving off healing power to those who touched it. Devotees But don’t expect to see these new recruits fighting on the
front lines anytime soon—Machowski notes, “we’ll be
made annual pilgrimages to the church up until 1840.
waiting a while to see firstly how women and society re• St. John’s Day was observed as a public holy day in Nor- spond to the changed policy, and secondly how many
way until 1771.
women make it from training out into combat,” she adds.
• The most popular foods consumed on Midsummer’s Eve Even if Norway participated in an international military
are fire roasted items like hot dogs or pølse and picnic fare mission, new conscripts would not be deployed.
such as pickled herring, smoked salmon or open-faced
sandwiches. Norwegian strawberries and rømmegrøt are
also common treats.

In celebration of
Midsummer the Norwegian town of Ålesund constructed a
massive bonfire of
wooden palettes, topping out at 132 ft in
2010.
Valhall Viking
8
September
June/July 2015
2014
Social Committees
May 16
Syttende Mai Celebration
Chair: Marc Shaefer
Else Ottesen
Barbara Evje
Susan & Chuck Hansen
Chris & Robin Lelevier
Meatballs with Gjetost Sauce
Ingredients
For the Meatballs
2 Lbs of Ground Beef
1 Tsp Salt
½ Tsp Pepper
2 Eggs - lightly mixed
1 Cup Milk or 1 Cup Beef Broth
½ Cup Flour or ½ Cup Fine Dry Breadcrumbs
Don Lesney
Barb Paulovich
Anne & Oddvar Høidal
Eldbjørg Backous
Collette Burgess
June 1
Ice Cream Social—follows lodge meeting
Thelma & Alan Johannesen
Kaarina Koskinen
Kari Koskinen
Lillian Jansen
others may be added
For the Sauce
2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Flour
¾ Cup Light Cream
½ Cup Chicken Broth
1 Cup Shredded Gjetost Cheese
¾ Cup Sour Cream
2 Tbsp Chopped Parsley or 2 Tbsp Fresh Dill
July and August—no events
Folk Art Competition
Folk Art Competion/Exhibition
District Six Convention 2016
June 19-22, 2016 in Colorado
Instructions
Making the Meatballs
In a large bowl combine the ground beef, salt, pepper,
eggs, milk or broth, flour or breadcrumbs using your
hands or a electric mixer. Moisten your hands and
shape the mixture into 3/4 inch meatballs.
Which is your passion of our Norwegian cultural
skills? I hope your project for the Folk Arts competition/exhibition is in the works by now. Only a year
to go, and I know some of our skills take some time
to get done – Please don’t tell me that you didn’t
In a large frying pan at medium heat add 2 tbsp of oil.
Add meatballs to the pan and shake the pan gently to have time to finish it when you get to Colorado for
our 2016 District Convention… June 19-22, 2016!
turn the meatballs. Cook the meatballs for about 10
minutes and then remove as they start to brown.
We’ll be ready for you! – make sure you are ready to
Set the meatballs on a plate lined with paper towels to
show us what you love to do! Looking forward to a
drain prior to serving. Save the pan and the cooked
“bang-up“ competition and exposition display.
on bits to make the sauce.
Making the Sauce
Remove as much of the oil from the pan. Blend the
butter and flour in the pan and remove from the heat.
Evenly stir in the light cream.
Add the chicken broth, return the pan to your burner
at medium heat and bring to a boil. Make sure to stir
evenly until thickened. Reduce the heat to low and
stir in the gjetost.
Let’s not forget about our youth! Youth up to age 15
are invited to display their work. Ages 16-20 can
compete in the Youth class. We would love to see
youth interest in these wonderful skills passed on to
us!
Entry info will be coming out soon, but if you have
questions in the meantime, give me a call – 720-283Mix a small amount of the sauce into your sour cream, 8592 – or send a note – [email protected]
Looking forward to it!
Crystal Sundet Folk Art
return the sour cream to the pan of sauce. Now add
Coordinator
2016
District
Six
Convention
the chopped parsley or dill. Return the meatballs to
the pan and simmer until they are heated through.
Valhall Viking
9
June/July.2015
Svalbard’s Sea Monsters
Skål to Aquavit Made in the USA
Norway’s archipelago of the Arctic, Svalbard, is home to
several animals—most notably the artic fox, reindeer and
the polar bear—but did you know that the islands are also
home to sea monsters? 245 to 147 million year old sea
monsters.
When you think of aquavit you probably think of Norway’s
Linie Aquavit, the most widely available in the US, right? Well
did you know there are several aquavits on the market that are
distilled right here in the United States? Derived from the words
aqua vitae, Latin for water of life, aquavit is a popular Scandinavian liquor and Norway’s national drink. Typically yellowish in
tint and distilled with grain or potatoes, the liquor is spiced with
a variety of herbs including caraway, cardamom, cumin, anise,
fennel, and citrus peel.
The two sea monsters in question are the plesiosaur and
ichthyosaur. Commonly associated with the loch-ness
monster, the plesiosaur ranged in size from 8-46 feet and
had a short tail with a broad back and four flippers. The
ichthyosaur averaged 6-13 feet in length and closely resembles the dolphin, with a snout, two flippers, a fin and
fish-like tail.
Since the turn of the century, Triassic and Jurassic period
fossils have been found in Svalbard. In August of 2004,
Dr. Jørn Harald Hurum, paleontologist with Oslo’s Natural History Museum, conducted his first search of Svalbard and found 10 separate specimens, including a partial
plesiosaur skeleton and a complete ichthyosaur skull. Encouraged by these finds, Hurum and his team set out for a
second Svalbard expedition in 2006. During the 11-day
dig they discovered 28 new specimens, including six ichthyosaurs, 20 long-necked plesiosaurs and two shortnecked plesiosaurs (commonly called pliosaurs). Among
the skeletons discovered and eventually unearthed in 2008
was an enormous pliosaur. Dubbed “Predator X” the pliosaur may be the largest ever found, measuring 49 ft in
length, 49.5 tons and boasting 12” teeth. Conditions at the
Svalbard fossil hotspot can be a bit problematic for excavation teams.
The location is part of Svalbard’s high Arctic desert,
which only thaws for a few weeks of the year. Teams must
also brave the local wildlife, installing tension lines that
set off flares if a polar bear approaches. To date, Hurum
and his team continue to make expeditions to Svalbard
each August to research the treasure trove of marine fossils they have found there. Hurum hopes that through a
combination of intensive research and 3-D modeling paleontologists will be able to discover how these rare creatures lived and died.
Here are four of the more prominent American made Aquavits:
Vikre Øvrevann – Based in Duluth, Minnesota, Vikre Distillery
creates their liquor with local grains and some Northwood’s
love. Literally translated to upper water, Øvrevann is a light
aquavit with strong caraway and cardamom flavors. Vikre says
their “Rich and aromatic, Øvrevann Aquavit is piquant and refreshing to sip alongside smoked fish or to cut the fat after a
heavy holiday meal.” To learn more visit their webpage at
www.vikredistillery.com.
Dill Aquavit – Distilled in New Richmond, Wisconsin at the
45th Parallel Distillery for Gamle Ode based in Minneapolis,
Minnesota. This spirit is Gamle Ode’s (Norwegian for old ode)
most popular aquavit because of its unique refreshing flavor and
versatile pairings options. Infused with fresh dill, caraway seed
and juniper berry this aquavit is sure to catch you by pleasant
surprise. Learn more at www.gamleode.com.
Aquavit – Private Reserve – Distilled by North Shore Distillery,
just north of Chicago, Illinois, this private reserve aquavit is
spicy and savory at all once. With a hint of the oak barrel it ages
in, the yellowish spirit has been described as “Incredibly smooth
and seductively aromatic” (SpiritsReview.com) and “Rich, fullbodied and complex.” (Imbibe Magazine). Read more at
www.northshoredistillery.com.
Krogstad Aquavit – Distilled by House Spirits Distillery in Portland, Oregon’s famous Distillery Row, Krogstad Aquavit is
crafted with ethically sourced ingredients. House Spirits Distillery crafts Krogstad so it can be enjoyed on its own, with ice, or
in a cocktail. They even offer recipes for a Norwegian Bloody
Mary or a Scandinavian Evening cocktail. Get the recipes at
www.housespirits.com.
Each having their own distinct flavors, these distilleries are
building up a Scandinavian tradition for America to adopt and
enjoy.
To learn more about Hurum’s expeditions to Svalbard and
the sea monsters found there, look into National Geographic’s new documentary “Death of a Sea Monster” or
visit http://tiny.cc/4b4cr to see pictures and clips from the
documentary. You can also visit http://tiny.cc/wypdy to
learn more about Svalbard’s massive pliosaur fossil,
Predator X.
Have a safe and happy
4th of July!
Valhall Viking
10
June/July 2015
Look to
SONS OF NORWAY
For
Affordable Insurance and
Great Annuities.
All financial products are
Guaranteed with no risk
Estate Panning
Retiremnt Planning
Life and Term Insurance
Literature Award
Cultural director Sven Olsen presenting Literature 2
award to Sandra Yeoman. Congratulations, Sandra!
Contact our FBC
Financial Benefits Counselor
For California:
Pat Kelly:
Tel:
818-986-7199
Cell:
818-667-6627
Fax:
818-905-5785
Email: [email protected]
This is a service provided by Sons of Norway
International for AMembers ONLY!
You cannot find earnings rates as good as SOFN
Offers in other major financial institutions
The Syttende Mai celebrations on May 16th and 17th
brought lots of visitors, many of Norwegian heritage.to the House of Norway in Balboa Park There
was a Norwegian flag raising, a parade and food and
entertainment. More photos of this event are on the
website at www.lodgeofvalhall.com.
Sons of Norway
Mission Statement
The mission of Sons of Norway
is to promote and to preserve
the heritage and culture of Norway,
to celebrate our relationship with other
Nordic countries, and to provide quality
insurance and financial products to its
members.
Pictured above is Elise Liljenstrand-Mjoen, a visitor
to the House of Norway .
Valhall Viking
11
June/July 2015
Valhall Viking
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
SAN DIEGO, CA
PERMIT No. 960
Published Monthly by
SONS OF NORWAY
(Valhall Lodge) 25
Arlene LaBree, Editor
11128 Blythe Road
San Diego, CA 92126-1103
DATED MATERIAL
Please Deliver Promptly
Valhall Viking
June/July 2015
Calendar
June
1
6
11
20
25
Mon
Sat
Thu
Sat
Thu
Lodge Meeting
Ladies of Valhall
Rosemaling
Genealogy
Rosemaling
Next newsletter is the
August issue
Deadline for the
August Valhall Viking
is July 23, 2015
E-Mail articles to:
[email protected]
or [email protected]