THE

POSTEN May 2015

Inside This Issue

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Syttende Mai flyer; meetings

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Membership Matters; birthdates

6 7 8 9

Desert Fjord info

Reflections; pictures of April meeting History of Norway (the book); Norwegian-American Richard Pederson

Business Meeting minutes District 6; Zone 7; Financial Benefits Counselor Camp Norge flyer

There will not be a Heritage and Cultural Meeting in May

Desert Fjord Lodge 6-133, P.O. Box 1716 Scottsdale, AZ 85252-1716 Voice Mail: 480-422-4334

President’s Column by Ed Bergo, President

Norway’s Constitution Day is celebrated on May 17th each year. Syttende Mai celebrates the day that Norway ratified its constitution at Eidsvoll in 1814. The constitution declared Norway to be an independent kingdom to avoid being ceded to Sweden after DenmarkNorway’s defeat in the Napoleonic Wars. Technically, Norway did not become independent from Sweden until 1905 and until then, this type of celebration was discouraged. Today, Norway’s Constitution Day celebration involves children and students marching through the streets waving flags, singing songs and celebrating their country’s independence. It is not a military themed holiday. This year, we will be holding a picnic on Saturday, May 16th at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park in Scottsdale. As Desert Fjord has in previous years, we will cosponsor this picnic with other Phoenix-area Sons of Norway lodges and with Norwegians worldwide. As you arrive at the park, you will see our Ramada festooned with Norwegian flags and banners from the various organizations represented. The picnic (a potluck brunch) begins at 9:30 a.m. with a parade around the park and a short talk about the significance of this day.

Complementary hot and cold drinks will be provided. The morning concludes with games for children and grandchildren. In keeping with Norwegian tradition, the children will be served ice cream. As the temperature gets warmer that day, everything will be stored away by noon. June 14th - Ice Cream Social and Bingo The first half of our year wraps up with this popular social event. Ice cream sundaes go along with bingo and lots of social interaction. Prizes are awarded to the bingo winners. There will be a $5 charge to cover the ice cream, toppings and the rent charged by the Masonic Lodge.

Velkommen

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Business Meeting May 2 , at 1:00 p.m., following the morning Genealogy Meeting, at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ nd

Desert Fjord Norwegian Genealogy Meeting Saturday, May 2nd, at 10:00 a.m., at Granite Reef Senior Center. Details to be announced via e-mail later.

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REFLECTIONS By Phyllis Bergo

Our April 12th Heritage and Cultural Meeting with author, Irene Berman, was a wonderful afternoon (see pictures below). Our attendance topped 92! During the introduction, I forgot to mention that Irene is a professional translator of Scandinavian languages and has translated a number of Ibsen’s works. She has retired from that activity but is now busy traveling to speak about her book and experiences. THANKS to all who were so supportive, and especially to those who donated the wonderful treats. THANKS also to the Sons of Norway foundation that gave us a grant to help with the travel expenses from Connecticut to Arizona. THANKS to Jonathan Walters who ran the meeting so very well! THANKS to Irene and her assistant, Karin Stahl, who were willing to spend 12 hours traveling each way to bring us the story of Norwegian Jews during the holocaust.

Visit us on Facebook to view the above pictures more clearly at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Desert-Fjord-Lodge-6-133-Sons-of Norway/563052183744742

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History of Norway Minnesota author John A. Yilek has written a new book called History of Norway, which clearly describes Norway's history from the Stone Age to the present day. The book is the first comprehensive history of Norway by an American author in almost 70 years, and it is filled with stories of Vikings, the Sami, kings and queens, farmers and fishermen, the Black Death, the Hanseatic merchants, the Reformation, Norwegian independence, emigration from Norway to America, polar explorers, World War II in Norway, and much more. It is available in paperback or e-book at bookstores, Scandinavian gift shops, and online booksellers. The author teaches Norwegian history in the Mindekirken Norwegian Language and Culture Program in Minneapolis.

NORWEGIANS SWITCH FROM PRINT TO WEB For the first time, the Norwegian Media Survey (Norsk Media barometer 2014) made by Statistics Norway, shows that internet publications of newspapers are clearly more popular than the printed versions.

Norwegian-American Richard Pederson Honored California Lutheran University is located in Thousand Oaks just outside of Los Angeles. It was founded as California Lutheran College in 1959 on land donated by Richard Pederson, a Conejo Valley rancher and son of Norwegian immigrants. His generous gift made it possible to open a Lutheran institution of higher learning in beautiful Ventura County. The area near CLU is rich in Scandinavian heritage. This part of the Conejo Valley was settled by a handful of Norwegian immigrant families in 1895. Running through the CLU campus is Olsen Road named after the Olsen family. A few blocks to the east is Pederson Road named after Richard Pederson's family. Northeast of the campus, Moorpark Road becomes Norwegian Grade, which was dug using only hand and mule power by those immigrant farmers. On Saturday, April 18th, a statue commemorating Pederson’s pioneering spirit will honor him. It is located at the center of the Thousand Oaks campus at the flagpoles, between Soiland Humanities Center and the steps to Memorial Parkway.

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MEMBERSHIP MATTERS by Floyd Downs, Membership Secretary

Our April meeting was a great success, bringing in many visitors to hear Irene Berman’s presentation for a total of 92 in attendance. However, we were unable to sign up even one new member at this meeting. Nevertheless, we enjoyed the assistance of some recently new members (Marty Frampton, Bethany Tso and Annie Houser) from Nordmanns Forbundet. If I’ve missed anyone else I offer an apology, but with a full house and in keeping busy it was easy to do so.

many invitations to them to join our monthly Heritage and Cultural meetings.

With the summer months ahead and minimal meeting times it will be harder to attract new people, but the only way to do so is for YOU to make an effort to bring a relative or a friend, old or new. And begin now to plan ahead for the regular meetings in the fall.

Finally, you are once again reminded of our Membership Retention Fund (MRF) that can assist members currently under financial stress to meet their SON dues extensions. All such requests or referrals are strictly private and anonymous as are the names of those who volunteer monies to support the Fund.

Please keep spreading the news of the benefits of Sons of Norway via Desert Fjord membership to all those of Scandinavian heritage. Yes, we accept the Swedes, the Finns, and any others who wish to unite with us. We hope you will personally extend

As I’ve noted previously, keeping our own databases current is an ongoing challenge, especially when members do not report changes directly to us or if some of their incoming e-mail messages may be deleted or allocated to spam. A similar reminder pertains to postal addresses. Please let us know if you are not receiving timely notices.

I can be contacted in person during a Desert Fjord meeting, by e-mail at [email protected] or by phone at 480-816-3875.

Mission Statement: 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 for our members.

Kathleen G. Rice Roxane McLaughlin Lynn J. Eide Jodi K. Levell Laura J. Riddle Janis Stevenson Johnson Emily McLaughlin Leif Strom

3rd 7th 10th 10th 13th 15th 17th 17th

Karsten Sellers Knut Haldorsen Jonathan Walters Janice E. Haldorsen Marissa F. Boyles Susan W. McClinton Jimmy D. Rice Kaare Jewel Sellers

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19th 20th 20th 25th 26th 27th 29th 30th

Officers of Desert Fjord Lodge President

Ed Bergo

Historian

Roger Espeland

Vice-President

Jonathan Walters

Librarians

Gil Witsoe

Secretary

Lynn Eide

Marshals

Knut Haldorsen and Peter Flanders

Treasurer

Roger Espeland

Posten Editor

Julie Westby

Membership Secretary

Floyd Downs

Publicity Dir. Pub. Relations, Outreach, and Photographer

Janis Johnson

Counselor

Ross Berg

Reservations

Phyllis Bergo

Cultural Directors

Phyllis Bergo (acting), Jana Peterson, Janet Lendle, Elizabeth Lenci-Downs and Brenda Witsoe

Schools and Scholarships

Dick Westby

Auditors

Dirk Walter and Floyd Downs

Scrapbook

Sharon Clunk

Boutique

Ali Berg-Anderson

Social Directors

Berit Miltun and Nellie Lokken

Box Tops for Education

Sharon Clunk

Sports

Tyler Soine

Database and Ref. Manual

Roger Espeland

Sunshine

Dawn Walter

Distribution

Tyler Soine

Trustees

Foundation

Dick Westby

Tubfrim

(1yr) Knut Haldorsen; (2yr) Floyd Downs; (3yr) Ross Berg Lois Ripley and Lois Saakas

Greeters

Floyd Downs and Ross Berg

Webmaster

Roger Espeland

Desert Fjord Lodge 6-133 P.O. Box 1716, Scottsdale, AZ 85252-1716 Voice Mail: 480-422-4334

Website: http://www.desertfjord.org/index.html Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Desert-Fjord-Lodge-6-133Sons-of Norway/563052183744742

Heritage and Culture Meeting nd 2 Sunday, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Scottsdale Masonic Lodge, 2531 N. Scottsdale Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85252

Desert Fjord Posten Submissions: Send to: [email protected]

Business Meeting May 2nd, at 1:00 p.m. following the morning Genealogy Meeting, at Granite Reef Senior Center, 1700 N. Granite Reef Road, Scottsdale, AZ

Additional assistance is needed in the Desert Fjord Lodge Library . . . Elizabeth Lenci-Downs will help train those who are willing to assist.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT During a board meeting in February, it was decided that regarding our monthly Heritage and Cultural Meetings, when members or guests want to come for the program but not eat, there will be a $5.00 charge. The reasoning is: we have to pay rent for the room to the Masonic Lodge whether we have a meal or not. This will help us stay on budget. It is not meant to keep anyone away! We have also decided to interview new members and include it in our Posten; this is so we can get better acquainted with people as they join. Even if you are not a new member, if you would like your biography and photo to appear in our “get acquainted section” let us know! We will try to do this.

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Sons of Norway – Desert Fjord Lodge 6-133 Business Meeting at Granite Reef Senior Center April 4, 2015 1. 2. 3.

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Meeting called to order by Ed Bergo at 1:00 PM. In attendance: Roger Espeland, Ross Berg, Floyd Downs, Elizabeth LenciDowns, Ed Bergo, Phyllis Bergo. Quorum (4+): Yes Floyd made a motion to accept March 2015 business meeting minutes as published in the Posten. Roger seconded the motion. The motion passed. Treasurer’s Report – Roger Espeland a. Checking balance is $3,975.40. Roger distributed a financial statement detailing March 2015. b. Ross recommended that since the scholarship fund is for education, part of the fund should be used for the expenses to bring Irene Berman to our lodge. This will be discussed in detail next month. c. A form needs to submitted to headquarters to authorize Roger to access the scholarship and general fund. Ed will do this. d. We need to schedule a meeting this summer to review and update Lodge Rules and Policies. Review of April 12th Heritage and Cultural Meeting. a. Reviewed preliminary meeting agenda. th b. Cultural Director’s Report – Program on April 12 from 2 PM to 5 PM  April Heritage and Cultural Meeting will feature author Irene Berman. Ross will prepare a PowerPoint listing the books we have in the library related to World War II. Members will provide Norwegian cookies to serve after the program. th  Syttende Mai potluck picnic will be held on May 16 at McCormick-Stillman Railroad Park jointly with Nordmanns Forbundet. We may need some hired help this year for this event. Ed is looking into some options. Committee Reports a. Membership – Lodge membership activity report: 142 active members (includes juvenile members with active insurance). Lodge membership activity report was passed out by Floyd for review. The death of Lou Clunk was announced. The new member breakfast was considered a success with our new members getting to know each other as well as the board members. Ross suggested repeating this each year with new members. b. Library – With the resignation of Judi Anderson, we will need additional assistance in the library. A notice or banner will be in the Posten. Elizabeth will help train those willing to assist. No library books will be available for checkout until fall. Elizabeth mentioned it would be nice to continue to have book reviews in the Posten. c. Sunshine – No report. d. Cultural/Sports awards – No report was available. e. Genealogy - Ross will send information to the new members who expressed interest. Next genealogy meeting is May 2, 2015. f. Publicity –Janis sent reminder flyers to the area Jewish synagogues to invite them to attend our April meeting. g. Posten – Posten prepared and mailed with printed version handled by Tyler. Posten will be updated monthly on our Facebook page. Complications caused by the merger of OfficeMax-Office Depot delayed the distribution of the printed version. h. Calling committee – No report. Old Business a. Online lodge directory is ready to go. Roger needs to finalize the password protection details. b. Roger reported that the history of the lodge’s activities is available on the website and in the library. c. At the last meeting, a decision was made to charge $5.00 for the people coming only for the H&C presentation. This needs to be announced in future Posten. New Business a. Ed attended a meeting with other tenants at the Masonic lodge to address problems and solutions common to various organizations that use the building. Desert Fjord should not arrive too early on Sunday afternoons. b. Roger will post an annual calendar on our website. Ed and Ross will give him information. c. There will be no formal business or H&C meetings in June, July, or August. d. June will be an ice cream social and bingo. e. July or August will be a casual get together at a restaurant – details to be announced. f. Roger moved to adjourn meeting at 2:48 PM. Phyllis seconded it. The motion carried.

Respectfully submitted by Lynn Eide, Desert Fjord Secretary, 04/17/2015

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OTHER SONS OF NORWAY LODGES IN ARIZONA rd Nordic Pines 6-167 - 3 Sunday, Family Resource Ctr., Flagstaff Overtro Fjell 6-153 - 3rd Saturday, at 11:00 a.m., Fountain East Clubhouse, 303 S. Recker Rd., Mesa Sola 6-168 - 3rd. Tuesday at 7:00 p.m., Faith Lutheran Church, 2215 S. 8th Ave., Yuma Sol Byer 6-134 - 3rd. Saturday, at 11:00 a.m., Elk’s Lodge, 10760 Union Hills Dr., Phoenix LODGES IN OTHER STATES Go to: https://members.sofn.com/lodgeDirectory/ Most post their monthly newsletter on their lodge website. OTHER CONTACTS Norwegian Consulate: George Olander, 602-543-6256 Financial Benefits Counselor: Jonathan Walters, 480-788-7623 District Six President: Mary Beth Ingvoldstad District Six is made up of the following states: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah and Hawaii Website: www.sofn6.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/377019032437840/ Zone Seven Director: Benny Jo Hinchey Zone Seven is made up of lodges in the following states: Arizona: Scottsdale #133, Desert Fjord; Sun City #134, Sol Byer; Mesa #153, Overtro Fjell; Flagstaff #167, Nordic Pines; and Yuma #168, Sola Utah: Salt Lake City #83, Leif Erikson

Leaving a Legacy When we ponder what our legacy might be, our contributions to society and raising a family with similar ideals as our own often come to mind. The other legacy most of us will need to decide on is financial. The kids and grandkids are usually at the top of this list. For most of us we don’t worry about estate taxes unless our estates are over $5 million. What is more likely to reduce the value of even a modest estate is the income tax liability we may pass along. If your intention is to leave your IRA’s or other retirement accounts to the kids think again. The beneficiaries of retirement accounts have to pay income tax on distributions. That means if your adult children in their 50’s are to inherit your IRA they will pay income tax on that inheritance and could possibly be put in a higher tax bracket that year for ALL of their income. Sons of Norway can help you reposition your assets to properly structure them and create a win-win for all parties. Call your Financial Benefits Counselor to find out more.

Jonathan Walters, Licensed Insurance Agent Financial Benefits Counselor

Term Life | Whole Life | Universal Life | Annuities | Viking Voyager

Serving Arizona: Flagstaff, Mesa, Scottsdale, Sun City and Yuma P 480.788.7623 [email protected] ■ www.sonsofnorway.com

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FROM Desert Fjord Lodge, Sons of Norway P.O. Box 1716, Scottsdale AZ 85252-1716

STAMP

TO

Please return to sender If not deliverable.

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Sons of Norway International Headquarters Website:

https://www.sofn.com/

Tubfrim - Tubfrim is a Norwegian program that collects and sells cancelled postage stamps to raise funds to aid individuals who are handicapped. Just bring to any of our regular meetings; put your name on the bag or box so your name gets put into the drawing.

http://www.boxtops4education.com/participating-products

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