Palm Desert

www.solskinn.org

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Editor: Steinar Johansen

Calendar ......................................... Bus Passes for Amistad High School. Norwegian Waffles............................... Pictures from March Social ............ Music Culture Skills .......................

The President Note from the President… Regretfully I did not make it to our Coed Lunch Bunch on 3/11at B B’s but I understand it was a wonderful day and the food was good. They had 19 people in attendance. The reason I did not make it was that I was home putting on my Bunad for the meeting at Amistad High School to present Bus Passes to the Students. Dave Lutes, Ulf Lokke, Nancy Madson and I met with faculty and students, and Nancy even presented kromkaker to the staff. A very successful and positive meeting (see picture). Om Sunday 3/13, seven of our members drove to Temecula’s Vinland Lodge for a Bunad Parade and Lapskaus dinner. Several Lodges participated, and it is always a pleasure to visit with other Lodges (see picture). Our Social this month “MEMBERSHIP/MINI CULTUR AND HERITAGE PROGRM’’ tuned out to a fun day. Beautiful 90 degrees and we had about 35 people in and out. Some stayed for

April 2016

p. 2 p. 3 p. 5 p. 6 p. 7 don’t forget to call or email in your reservation. The month of May will be our last regular Social. We will have our Syttende Mai, and a Social on May 21st. Please see Newsletter for more information. There will be no social meetings in June, July or August.

lunch, some for just a few minutes as they figured out there was nothing to purchase except baked goods. People brought pot luck food, and a hot-dog stand was set up with “PÖLSE in LEFSE”. There were over 10 different displays of Norwegian Cultural Crafts as well as other Informational Tables. A BIG thank you to the working crew, Dave Lutes, Ulf and Sharon Lokke, Freda Jorgensen, Charlotte and Norm Larson, Vaughn Simon, Loren Opdahl, and last but not least our “welcome back person” Heidi Albright…(see pictures). We also had a Happy Hr. at Stufed Pizza in the mall on 3/28. Our next Social on 4/16 will be a “Norwegian Music Level 1, with a baked potato bar and salad” so

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Fraternally, Berit Reistad

President Solskinn Lodge

DATE Apr 7, Thurs Apr 5, Fri

EVENT Hardanger Lunch Bunch

LOCATION/TIME _____________ 3:00 RSVP to Charlotte call 760-328-1791 11:30 Blue Coyote, PS Call or email Margie 760-322-3803 or

Apr 16, Sat Apr 19, Tues Apr 21, Thurs May 5, Thurs May 10, Tues

Social Business meeting Hardanger Hardanger Business meeting

Norwegian culture Program 3:30 Nancy Madson’s home call 760-343-0848 3:00 RSVP to Nancy Madson 760-343-0848 3:00 Rsvp to Debera Ellingboe at 760-699-7436 3:30 Nancy Madson’s home call 760-343-0848

July 2016

Book group

TBA

[email protected]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Out of the Valley June 19-22 District Six Convention Loveland, CA

April Birthdays 3 5 12 17 29

Kennedy Sandra K Stokke Svein Olav Brown Colin Haagenson Robert A Ellingboe Collin Neal

-Hurra for deg som fyller ditt år! Ja, deg vil vi gratulere! -Alle i ring omkring deg vi står, og se, nå vil vi marsjere. -Bukke, nikke, neie, snu oss omkring, danse så for deg med hopp og sprett og spring, ønske deg av hjertet alle gode ting og si meg så, hva vil du mere?

-Gratulere!

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Future Happy Hours

Bus Passes Presented to Local High School

With winter visitors leaving the area and our members busy with spring activities, we will not have a Happy Hour perhaps until next fall. Whomever will be setting up future Happy Hours can use suggestions on good places to meet. Be sure they can handle 15-20 people, within easy driving distance and will issue separate checks.

Earlier this year, your board voted to participate in Sons of Norway educational outreach program called “Helping Hands to Children Grant.” This involved selecting a school and making a determination d as to their needs. The school r recommended b our members by w Amistad was H School in High I Indio. Berit and I met with the staff to determ their needs mine and priorities. Since many students don’t drive or have a way to get to school, it was decided to expend $500 on daily bus passes that will be distributed to students based on need. Berit, Nancy, Ulf and I are pictured with student leaders, school principal, counselor and teacher, Rebecca Nabors, daughter of our member, Bev Nabors. We have also applied for a $500 matching grant through the Foundation. We are awaiting to hear if this grant has been approved. We will then determine what the next priority is and work on funding it.

The Ongoing Saga of Priscilla and Porky Priscilla and Porky at enjoying themselves back at Farmer Johnson’s farm. The pens were somewhat damaged while they were on their honeymoon. They will be repaired as funds become available. At our meeting in April, you will have a chance to see how much it will take to raise Priscilla and Porky for the rest of this year. And as you will note, there are two little piglets

Naming of Piglets In the fall, we will have a contest to name Priscilla and Porky’s little piglets. Several names have been suggested but those will be included with new suggestions. This is your chance to get your name in the newsletter along with the name(s) you selected. Think about it and be prepared to submit your names.

David Lutes Foundation Dir.

… And Did You Know? David Lutes Foundation Dir

Pig skin has no sweat glands. To keep cool, pigs prefer a dip in cool, clean water. If that is not available, mud will do. Mud also protects them from lice as well as prevent sunburn. Bacon is one of the oldest processed meats in history. Chinese began salting pork bellies as early as 1500 BC. 38% of meat consumed worldwide is pork. Pigs are important in medicine, because their skin is used for treating burns, their insulin is used for diabetics, their thyroxine is used to treat underactive thyroids. About 40 different medications are made from pigs, and their heart valves have been used to replace those in humans. Pigs are used to sniff out ruffles below the ground. Truffles exude a scent that imitates the pigs’ sexual chemical messengers. “Big Bill” was the largest hog at 5 feet tall at the shoulder and 9 feet snout to tail. He weighed 2,552 pounds. He was to be exhibited at the 1933 World’s Fair, but broke a leg and had to be put down. (Thanks to Tidbits of Coachella Valley for this valuable information.)

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“Camperships” available from SPPC

Foundation   

    Priscilla and Porky have become well known In the March newsletter, you may have noticed the list of expenses Farmer Johnson will incur during the rest of this year. Everything from new pens that were year damaged by high water, to antibiotics, feed dam and feeder pans to keep the piglets healthy. We have covered several expenses so far but we still have $439 that you have h donated to our Foundation Fund. Keep up the good work and at the next meeting, be sure to check the board and see where your donations are being expended. I had a long conversation with Farmer Johnson and he is very happy about the progress the 4 pigs are makiing. He wanted me to thank all of you fo for your continued support.

for Both Camps at Camp Norge “Camperships” (½ scholarships) are available from Southland Past Presidents Club (SPPC) for the two District Six camps held at Camp Norge. Camp Trollfjell, the District Six Language & Heritage Camp for youth, ages 8-13, will be held July 10 - 23, 2016. The new camp, Trollfjell Folkehøgskule, or Folk High School, for youth 14-17 years old, will be June 26 - July 9, 2016. Both “camperships” will be $437.50, half the cost of the two-week camp registration, based on early registration with the camp before May 17. The SPPC deadline for applying for a “campership” for either session is May 7, 2016. See the new District Six website, www.sofn .org under the Youth heading for more information and to apply to attend either camp session. Camp registration is separate from the campership (½ scholarship) application. Applicants for the SPPC camperships can be a youth member or a child, grandchild, or great grandchild of a Sons of Norway member from Zone 5 or Zone 6 in District Six. Applications for the SPPC campership should be sent to Luella Grangaard, SPPC Secretary, P.O. Box 832, Morongo Valley, CA 92256 or to Luella at morongo @ verizon.net stating the applicant’s name, age, birth date, telephone number, the reason for wanting to attend Camp Trollfjell or Trollfjell Folkehøgskule, and the name of the parent/grandparent member and their lodge name. The campership application must be received by May 7, 2016. The number of camperships to be awarded will be determined at the SPPC Spring meeting in conjunction with Norrøna Lodge #6-50 meeting on May 14. The camperships will then be awarded by a drawing.

Dave Lutes Foundation Direct or

Sad News Lyle Berge, our Sons of Norway International Director representing District Six (California, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and Nevada) passed away suddenly on March 3, at age 81. Lyle was District Six President when Solskinn Lodge hosted the District Six Lodge Meeting and Convention in Palm Springs in 2014. Several Solskinn Lodge members met Lyle when he attended one of our convention planning meetings. More people met Lyle during the 2014 Convention and also when he attended our Solskinn Lodge 25th anniversary in October, 2015. Lyle was a member of Fjellheim Lodge in Colorado Springs. Lyle was a friend to everyone he met. He was proud of his Norwegian heritage. Lyle’s life revolved around his family, his church, and Sons of Norway. He will be missed by many.

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My submission for the “Favorite Scandinavian Dessert” contest in the February Viking magazine: 

and sugar together until they are a pale yellow and the eggs are quite aerated. You’ll also want to give the dough time to rest before you cook the batter; this allows the gluten strands to form, making for a waffle that is airy but strong enough not to break when you fold it. Your first waffle might come out a bit wonky, but the second will likely be perfect.

I love the sugary texture and almond flavor of sandbakkels. Since I am a perfectionist, it takes me a long time to pr press the sandbakkels dough in into the decorative tins. It ha has to be just the right thickne ness, and the edges have to be perfectly smooth. I must ga gauge the right pressure to ge get the correct thickness. P Pressing the edge around an and around ensures a smooth ed edge. Since my perfectionis ism is time consuming, I do not make sandbakkels as often as I’d like. I made th the dough recently, and rrefrigerated the dough as Congratulations! You are the winner required. I became busy in of Viking’s book giveaway conthe ensuing days and didn’t test –Scandinavian Classic Deshave time for pressing the serts. Thanks very much for reading dough in the tins. I’d nibble Viking!Anya Britzius a bit on the refrigerated Editor, Viking Magazine dough every day. I never did make the sandbakkels. Did I mention that the dough is just as good as the baked sandbakkels?

Serve your waffles warm or cold and topped with cold, full-fat sour cream, sliced Norwegian brown cheese, strawberry jam, or fruit compote. From http://thanksforthefood.com/ Norwegian Food Blog by Whitney Love March 19, 2016

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1. Using a stand mixer or a hand mixer, whip the eggs, sugar, and cardamom together until the mixture is quite aerated and turns pale yellow. 2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

Submitted by  Nancy Madson

Norwegian Waffles

3. Mix the sour cream and butter into the egg mixture, then add in the dry ingredients. Allow the batter to rest for 20 minutes at room temperature. (Do not skip this step.)

The most famous waffle recipe comes from the Norwegian Seaman’s Church—and is one of the things they are loved for the world over, in addition to the many marriages they perform for Norwegians living abroad. This recipe differs from theirs a bit, but I like it anyway.

4. Five minutes before the end of the resting period, preheat your waffle iron. 5. When the iron is hot, spray with cooking spray or brush with melted butter and pour the batter into the iron, taking care not to over- or under-fill the waffle iron.

Waffles in the U.S. are normally eaten for breakfast, but in Norway they are normally eaten for snacks and between meals. And unlike Belgian- or American-style waffles, Norwegian waffles are heart-shaped as well as soft and pliable, making them easy to fold around brown cheese or sour cream and jam. If you can get your hands on a heart-shaped waffle iron outside of Scandinavia (via Amazon or another online seller), be sure to buy one. They are broader and shallower than the ones used in the U.S. and make for more authentic Norwegian waffles. The secret to a good waffle is to really whip the eggs

6 eggs 100 grams (1/2 cup) sugar 1 teaspoon freshly ground cardamom 180 ground (11/2) cup all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder Pinch of salt 250 grams (1 cup) sour cream 120 grams (1/2 cup) butter, melted Non-stick cooking spray or melted butter for cooking

6. Cook the waffle until slightly brown, then remove from the iron and serve. Perhaps you’ve enjoyed some of Sharon Lokke’s Norwegian waffles recently at our lodge meetings. Yummmy!

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Heidi Albright

Darrel and Oranda Sinclaire

Wyonne Long

Norm Larsen

Alan Jacobson

Margie Jacobson

Bob Haagenson

Nita Haagenseo

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Attractions in Norway Tourists to Norway are often familiar with the county’s top attractions, visiting natural sites like Preikestolen as well as cultural gems like Oslo Opera House and Bergen’s famous wharf. But which attractions and destinations are among Norwegians’ favorite ways to spend their summers? Survey results from the Norwegian Hospitality Association highlight the most popular sites. Here are five that made the list: The National Gallery - Founded in 1837, the Nasjonalgalleriet in Oslo houses the country’s largest public collection of paintings, drawings and sculptures, including works by Munch, Manet and Cézanne. According to the survey, more than four out of every ten Norwegians have visited the gallery. Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park - A popular destination, nearly 75% of all Norwegians surveyed have visited this zoo and amusement park. In addition to over 800 animals, the zoo also includes theme parks inspired by cultural works like Cardamom Town, modeled after the famous children’s book by Thorbjørn Egner, and Captain Sabertooth World, which was created after characters in a theater production. Nidaros Cathedral - Visited by nearly 400,000 tourists annually, Nidaros Cathedral is Norway’s national sanctuary and stands over the grave of the country’s patron saint, St. Olav. Restored many times since initial construction began in 1070, the cathedral has survived several fires and lightning strikes over its long history. Fredriksten Fortress - Constructed in Halden to protect Norway against incursions by the Swedish in the latter half of the 17th century, Fredriksten Fortress is now a national monument. Today, a variety of cultural activities and offerings attract visitors to the historic site, such as restaurants, guided tours, museums and nature trails. The Lofoten Islands - Distinctively beautiful, the Lofoten Islands are often described as one of the most picturesque places in Norway. Visitors flock to the area to take in the dramatic coastline and sandy white beaches while enjoying hiking, biking, kayaking, whale watching and more.

Music Culture Skills Program April Social Are you interested in learning more about the culture skills program? Come find out more about the music program. This program has been updated using You-tube links for your listening opportunities. Unit 14: Music and Musicians of Norway. This unit introduces the richness and variety of Norwegian music from its roots in times unknown through modern time. At our social in April we will listen to the roots of Norwegian music with a focus on the folk music and the instruments. You are already very familiar with this because of our own Steinar Johansen who has entertained us over the years. You can start now before the social go to the Sons of Norway website link here https://www.sofn.com/member_resources/cultural_programming/cultural_skills_program/ and start or you can check out these links on the internet. You-Tube links: h ps://www.youtube.com/ wat ?v=L d pgXMCzc&index= &li =PLJAn AfEnOp CA VcsPN pAetXIBxldKed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9_7DhF2Rqg&l ist=PLJAn1AfEnOp5CAVcsPN9pAetXIBxldKed&ind ex=9 h ps://www.youtube.com/wat ?v=DigG VIg-a &li = PLJAn AfEnOp CAVcsPN pAetXIBxldKed&index= If you would like to work on this culture skill please call or email Luella at 760-363-7704, e-mail morongo @verizon.net and I will prepare the paperwork for you.

Solskinn Book Club Coming this Summer Have you ever belonged to a Book Club? If not here is what you do. You read the book assigned and then discuss the merits or lack of merits with the book group. Did you like the book? Was it boring? What was the theme? Would you recommend it to other? We are going to try a quarterly Norwegian/Scandinavian/American Scandinavian book club. We will meet at Panera on Dinah shore and Monterrey this July. Our first book is a classic. One of our District lodges is named after this classic author. Can you guess who the author is? And the name of the book we will start with is one of his most classic books and another lodge in our district is named after the book. Actually to make it easier the book is a play. Take a guess. This book is not long so it will be a great one to start with. If you are interested please contact: Luella 760-363-7704 or e-mail [email protected]

Solskinn Lodge Dinner Social Saturday, April 16

Solskinn Lodge Officers - 2015

Berit Reistad David Lutes Luella Grangaard Nancy Madson Beverly Nabors Luella Grangaard Sharon Lokke Steinar Johansen Berit Reistad Luella Grangaard Ulf Lokke Charlotte Larsen Linda Lathers Photographer: Steinar Johansen Miriam Hendrix Foundation Director: David Lutes Tubfrim Chairman: Norm Larsen Tel. Tree Chairman: Dottie Bessares Historian: Lorna Albertsen Assist: Camp Norge: David Lutes Happy Hour: David Lutes Lunch Bunch: Dottie Bessares Librarian: Corrine Bjerke Auditors: Norm Larsen Debera Ellingboe Richard Ellingboe Bob Haagenson Bob Hendrix

485-1130 674-1933 363-7704 343-0848 323-7179 363-7704 834-8144 898-3340 485-1130 363-7704 834-8144 328-1791

Hope Lutheran Church Social Hall 45-900 Portola Avenue, in Palm Desert 4:30 Social 5:30 Dinner 6:00 Program

898-3340 320-9244 674-1933 328-1791 345-6586

Program: Music Culture Skills Program—Folk Music Baked Potato and Salad Bar with dessert $5.00/member & $7.00/non-members with reservation Please call Luella to reserve your spot. 760-363-7704 or [email protected]

674-1933 674-1933 345-6586 360-5229 328-1791

PO-Box 2207 Palm Desert CA 92260

Save stamps for tubfrim cut 1/4 inch around the stamp

President Vice President Secretary Treasurer Membership Social Director Cultural Director Editor: Publicity Director: Counselor: Sports Director Sunshine Girl:

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