district lodge new jersey no. 6

I would like to begin myterm by saying thank you toall of the members of NewJersey District 6 for honoringme with the privilege of beingelected as your District Masterfor 2011/12. Congratulations toall of the newly electedOfficers and Park Trustees forthe commitment you havemade to our organization anda special thank you to all ofthe past Officers and Trustees

that have gone before us. Allof us on the District Boardlook forward to the upcomingyear. This year I would like toconcentrate very simply byworking to strengthen andpromote the good of theorder. I have always enteredinto things feet first and thenproceeded to go in up to myears. I have found that beinginvolved with a hands onapproach is the best way toreally understand what isgoing on around you. It isthen that opportunity anddirection present themselves toyou. The most predominantreward that Inger and I haverealized during our involve-ment with the Vasa Order hasbeen the sense of satisfactiongained through working forthe good of the order.Everyone needs to have asense of accomplishment, asense of worth and value. Allof these have come to us in

abundance through ourinvolvement with this organi-zation. I have always been aworker and when I have beenplaced in a position to lead Ihave always tried my best tolead by example. To becomeinvolved with a hands onapproach so that I would havea complete understanding ofthe task and then I let thedirection find me. Workingwith other members is whatfosters activity, social interac-tion, and building relationswith one another. Thosethings combined will almostalways result in a sense ofaccomplishment, satisfactionand a sense of belonging. Iwill encourage all of you towork along with me and ourexecutive board. Think outsidethe box a little, nothing monu-mental. Maybe a day trip or asmall group visiting anotherlodge during their monthlymeeting. Maybe organize an

event, a dance, a party, a cul-tural presentation or evensomething as simple as meet-ing for breakfast at the diner.These are the things that willfoster activity. These are thethings that promote a sense ofaccomplishment and satisfac-tion. These are what we are allabout. That is how I have meta lot of you and workingtogether towards a commongoal is how our friendshipshave become cemented.

We have a great calendar ofevents planned for the upcom-ing year that include Mother’sDay Breakfast, MemorialService, Golden Colony, LadiesAuxiliary Father’s DayBreakfast, SAHS MidsummerFestival, a bunch of lodge par-ties on the patio, Scanfest and,of course, the 75th Anniversaryof Vasa Park. These are allgreat opportunities to gettogether and strengthen ourorder and introduce us to

potential new members. Pleasesupport these events andmake it a point to get out toFriday Night Dinners.

Official visits start in Mayand I am looking forward tothem. As I have said in previ-ous letters, the official visitsare one of my favorite parts ofserving on the District Board.A member could spend yearsat the local lodge or out at thepark and not meet and interactwith as many members as youdo during official visits.

I would like to close byagain thanking everyone fortheir tremendous support andencouragement. I look forwardto working with all of theDistrict Officers, Local LodgeOfficers and members in theupcoming year. My door isopen and I am always avail-able.

In Truth and UnityJohn C. Hanright

District Master

Volume LVIII, No. 22 Published Bi-Monthly JUNE/JULY 2011 www.vasaorder.net/?Lodge=D6 Periodicals Postage Paid at Hackettstown, NJ 07840

N.J. VasaHome Family

The Official Publication of District Lodge New Jersey No. 6, V.O.A.

DISTRICT MASTER’S MESSAGEby John Hanright

John Hanright

A beautiful sunny weekendwelcomed District Lodge NewJersey #6 to Cape May for its104th annual convention.District Officers, PDMs anddelegates came together ingrand style to take care ofannual business. As always,First Viking, Lou Casella host-ed a hospitality suite onFriday evening to give us theopportunity to re-connectwith fellow Vasa members.

Our District Cultural Leader,Carol McDermott welcomed usinto the meeting room Sat-urday morning with a beautifuldisplay of books and picturesfrom the internet illustratingfolk costumes from all differentareas in Scandinavia.

District Master MarkBernabei opened our conven-tion using his gavel fashionedin the shape of a fire hydrant.Art Haumacher, this year’spresident of the PDM Clubintroduced the PDMs in orderof their year of service. Thosepresent were: A. Leslie Swen-sen - 1973, Art Haumacher -1985, Errol Ernstrom - 1989,Paul Thenstedt - 1991, JerryMeloskie - 1994, IngridCasella - 1996, HowardCorneilson - 1997, HelenHaumacher - 1998, JohnLarsson - 2000, Richard Apgar- 2001, Walter Emihl - 2003,Sue Knutson - 2004; PalmerHval - 2005, Art Bjorkner -2006, Eric Johansson - 2007,B.J. Peterson - 2008 andDebbie Larsson - 2009. PDMRobert Anderson - 1984was not present for themorning session but arrived

later in the afternoon.The PDMs then formed an

honor guard and escorted thefollowing Grand Lodge offi-cers to the altar: GrandMaster, William Lundquist;Grand Lodge Deputy NJDistrict #6, B.J. Peterson;Executive Board Member -Eastern Region, Art Bjorkner;Vice Grand Secretary, GailOlson; Grand Lodge CulturalLeader for US and Canada,Inger Hanright; and GrandLodge Deputy NY District #4,Alice Schmutz.

All of our District Officerswere in attendance except forDistrict Chaplain JeanetteBaker who was home recov-ering from a broken hip. Shewas sorely missed at thisyear’s convention but is onthe mend.

After initiating our new del-egates the trustees called forcount of delegates from eachlodge. Lodge representation atour convention was as fol-lows: Arlington #62, eight del-egates; Frithiof #63, eight;Tryggve #88, seven; Baltic-Framat #360, four; Linne #429,eight; Sveaborg #446, four;Gothiod #486, 4; Lyckan #507,five; Vågen #588, four; ThreeCrowns #704, two; Draken#731, six; Viking #735, fiveand Dalahäst #742, three. Örn#284 sent no delegation. Thetotal of those in attendancewith voice and vote was 68,consisting of 20 District offi-cers, 15 PDMs, 30 delegates,and 3 emeritus members.

BJ Peterson was appointedparliamentarian for this year’s

convention. The minutes ofthe 103rd convention wereaccepted with corrections.Our District Master appointedErrol Ernstrom and RichApgar as tellers and HowardCorneilson as the head teller.We then voted for membersfor the Vasa Park Board ofTrustees. Those winning a 3-year term were BjornSandhaaland from Arlington#62, Chris Anderson fromBaltic-Framat #360, CarolBoyle from Lodge Linne #429,Jaret Wurzbach from ThreeCrowns #704 and BobGustafson from Draken #731.Jerry Meloskie was re-electedEditor of the New Jersey VasaHome Family and HelenHaumacher was re-elected asits treasurer.

District Master Mark

Bernabei read his annualreport. His heartfelt messageenumerated all the events hehosted and attended duringhis term and his pride of thesuccess of his “Bring a Friend”membership initiative. Heannounced that this yearDistrict Six gained in member-ship for the first time in manyyears. He thanked the manypeople who helped and sup-ported him especially FirstLady Stacy Graham. It endedwith a standing ovation fromeveryone present.

During the minutes’ reviewsessions it was reported thatthe new floor poured into thepool has saved us many hun-dreds of dollars in electricityand chemical costs. Poolbadge sales increased due tocomfortable water tempera-

tures being maintained. Thefloor still needs to be coatedwith an epoxy to help curethe concrete that was pouredlast year and to stem addition-al water loss. That could costover $20,000 but wouldensure the longevity of theimprovements just completed.

Past Park President JackHanright reported that theBoard of Trustees has retaineda PR firm, CHP Communi-cations. Dan Hirshberg, whoheads the company, is arecently initiated member ofArlington Lodge. He hasalready lined up severalevents for the park to bring inadditional revenue. The board

104th Convention – New Jersey District Lodge #6April 29 - May 1, 2011

2011-2012 District Executive Board and Jr. Past District Master. Seated from left to right: Secretary Cathy Peterson, ViceDistrict Master Kevin DeFeo, District Master Jack Hanright, Jr. Past District Master Mark Bernabei, Assistant Secretary ElveDeFeo. Standing from left to right: District Executive Board Members - Fred Signor, Marie Demboski, Ken Christensen,and Treasurer Eric Johansson.

See page 5 for more picturesand balance of

article on page 6.

2 www.vasaorder.net/?Lodge=D6

The New Jersey Vasa Home Family,(ISSN 0744-8384) is published bi-monthly by District Lodge NewJersey No. 6, Vasa Order ofAmerica. Periodicals postage paid atHackettstown, NJ, and additionalentries. One copy per family is sentto all members of the New JerseyDistrict. The cost is included in theannual lodge assessments.Non-member subscriptions:In the USA, $15.00 per year; Canadaand Foreign, $20.00 per year.Change of address:please give both old and newaddress and include the most recentmailing label. Allow six to eightweeks for change to becomeeffective.POSTMASTER:Send address changes to 19 RidgeSt., Hackettstown, NJ 07840.COPY SUBMISSION:Copy must be received by the dateshown in the VHF * FYI box onpage 6.

N.J. Vasa HomeFamily

The Official Publication ofDistrict Lodge NJ, No. 6Vasa Order of America

District MasterJohn Hanright47 Scandia Rd.

Hackettstown, NJ 07840-5303973-347-1933

EditorJerry Meloskie116 West Shore RdDenville, NJ 07834(973) 627-4746

Email: [email protected]

TreasurerHelen Haumacher119 Creek Rd.

Andover, NJ 07821-2037(973) 786-6398

Circulation ManagerBob Anderson

(Change of address - newsubscriptions)19 Ridge St.

Hackettstown, NJ 07840(908) 852-4357

Email: [email protected]

New Jersey Vasa HomeWolfe Road

Hackettstown, NJ 07840(973) 691-8383

Cultural Center ManagementBob Haughton(973) 691-8383

FAX (973) 691-4994

Expiration DateJulie Schedin 09-10Steven Schedin 09-10John Olson 09-10Sandy Olson 09-10Arlene Lindstrom 09-10Inga-Lil Helm 10-10Frances Lundeen 10-10Eugenie Scholtz 12-10Mary Carlson 02-11Kenneth Anderson 02-11Ann Anderson 02-11Lillian Jenson 09-11Helen Smith 03-11Amy Sheehan 03-11Virginia Waller (in memory) 06-11Doris Potter 06-11Inger Hanright 06-11Jack Hanright 06-11Vic Skaar 06-11Vivian Skaar 06-11Ingrid Carlson 08-11Kurt Carlson 08-11Kathleen Buckley 08-11Gerald Buckley 08-11Laura Badger 08-11Robert Badger 08-11Chuck Lindstrom 09/11Doug Lindstrom 09/11John Larsson 10/11Debbie Larsson 10/11E Axel Larsson 10-11Meaghan Larsson 10-11Kevin Larsson 10-11Carrie Hebert 10-11David Carlson 12-11Richard Johanson 12/11Irene Johanson 12/11Chu Signor 12/11Fred Signor 12/11Carol Schelin 12-11C Richard Overberg 12-11Frank Csulak 12-11Ines Csulak 12-11Mark Osborne 12-11Allison Osborne 12-11Kirsten Osborne 12-11

Expiration DateShirley Nylund 12-11Art Bjorkner 12/11Nancy Bjorkner 12/11Kurt Bjorkner 12/11Cheryl Bjorkner 12/11Erik Bjorkner 12/11Sandi Bjorkner 12/11Stan Morgan 12/11Berit Morgan 12/11Marion Schumacher 12/11Sarah Morgan 12/11Madison Morgan 12/11Mark Bjorkner 12/11Kevin Bjorkner 12/11Allie Bjorkner 12/11Anders Bjorkner 12/11Ivar Anderson 02-12Linda Anderson (in memory) 02-12Lawrence Blomberg 02-12Marjorie Blomberg 02-12Connie Wild 03-12Carol Boyle 04-12Steve Boyle 04-12William von Minden 04-12Solveig von Minden 04-12Annika von Minden (in memory) 04-12Barbara Saam 06-12Kenneth Saam 06-12Ronnie Thorsell 09-12Emily Dunbar 09-12Dave Peters 11/12Donald Hubbard 11-12Leona Dolan 12-12Florence Johnson 12-12Judy Johnson 12-12Edmund Kolb 12-12Margie Greendyk 12-12Marge Nord 06-13George Nord 06-13Ronnie Emihl 06-13Walter Emihl 06-13Arve Larsson 06-13Ingrid Allison 08-13Ellen Knapp 09-13Barbara Johnson 02-14Gunnel Johnson 02-14Kennith C Johnson Jr 02-14Jerry Meloskie 02-15Terry Meloskie 02-15Carl Swanson 07-15

VASA HOME FAMILY BOOSTERS CLUBHas your name been dropped from the Booster List? Do you

want your name to appear on the Booster List? Your donationof only $10.00 or more helps defray costs of printing the paperand lists your name in the Vasa Home Family Boosters Club.

Since its inception in 1999, Booster Club donations haveunderwritten at least one issue of the paper. It’s a great way tosupport the paper and see your name in print. If you see me ata meeting, event or at Vasa Park, stop me and give me yourname and address. If you wish, donations can be sent (madepayable to New Jersey Vasa Home Family) to the addressbelow:

NJVHFHelen Haumacher

119 Creek Road • Andover, NJ 07821-2037

RESOLUTION

It is with deep regret thatLodge Dalahast No. 742, VasaOrder of America, announcesthe death of

BROTHER ALLEN NELSON

who passed away on March16, 2011.

Brother Nelson was born onJune 1, 1923, and was initiatedinto Dalahast Lodge No. 742on February 8, 2008.

It is therefore resolved that weextend our deepest sympathyto the family and friends, thatour Charter be draped for aperiod of thirty days, and thatthis resolution be inserted inour records and printed in theNew Jersey Vasa Home Family.

In Truth and Unity,Duncan Peterson, Chairman

Kathleen Evans,Recording Secretary

RESOLUTION

It is with deep regret thatLodge Arlington No. 62, VasaOrder of America, announcesthe death of

SISTER THEO RUGG

who passed away on January13, 2011.

Sister Rugg was born onOctober 7, 1909, and was initi-ated into Arlington Lodge No.62 on April 5,1974. She was101 years old and a 37-yearVasa member.


In Truth and Unity,Victoria Ozkan, ChairmanBeverly Blake, Secretary

RESOLUTION

It is with deep regret thatLodge Arlington No. 62, VasaOrder of America, announcesthe death of

BROTHERRAYMOND SCHMIDT

who passed away on April 16,2011.

Brother Schmidt was born onJuly 1, 1925, and was initiatedinto Arlington Lodge No. 62 onMay 18, 1990. He was a 20-year Vasa member.


In Truth and Unity,Victoria Ozkan, ChairmanBeverly Blake, Secretary

TRICKY TRAYSaturday, July 23, 2011Lodge Frithiof No. 63 – Lodge

Draken No. 731

VASA PARKCULTURAL CENTER

� Complete Dinner Menu �

Serving 5:00 to 7:00 P.M.

� Tricky Tray to follow �

Come and Enjoy

JR. PAST DISTRICTMASTER’S MESSAGE

This last month of beingDistrict Master sure flew byquickly. In April, we had ourmurder mystery dinner “WhoKilled the District Master?!”.The night was filled withlaughs and smiles as I lay“dead” on the Viking shipthroughout the entire night.Thank you to all the DistrictOfficers who made this eventa success. I know manyenjoyed coming out to seewho “offed” me. As we allnow know, it was yourincoming District Master John“Jack” Hanright!! Just makesure you all keep your eye onhim this year!

This past weekend we cel-ebrated our 104th New Jersey

District No. 6 AnnualConvention. As usual, a won-derful time was had by alland it was a fantastic week-end. Congratulations to all ofthe new Board of Trusteemembers. I know how hardof a job that is having servedon the Board for many years.It is a vital job to Vasa Parkand I know you will all begreat assets.

Also, congratulations to allthe incoming District Officers.We had many familiar facesand we welcomed some newones as well. Special congrat-ulations go out to our newDistrict Master, John Hanrightand our Vice District MasterKevin DeFeo. Along withyour Executive Board, both ofyou will make a great teamand I look forward to thisyear very much.

I enjoyed very much get-ting to spend time with themany Grand Lodge officersthat were in attendance at ourconvention. A special thank-you to our Grand MasterWilliam Lundquist and hiswife Sheila for their wonder-ful company throughout theweekend.

This past year, I made itclear that my focus was onmembership. I need to con-gratulate Arlington Lodge #62

for winning the “BRING AFRIEND” during my term.While they were the Lodgethat brought in the most newmembers, I was so happy tosee that several lodges wel-comed multiple new membersand it was close!! Thank youall for supporting my goal thisyear. As we have seen fromthe numbers, this is the firstyear in twenty years that wehave had an increase in mem-bership - I hope to see thistrend continue. As a part ofthe membership committeethis year, I will continue tofocus my efforts on gainingnew members into this won-derful Organization of ours.Please continue to BRING AFRIEND this year and everyyear.

As I sign off for the lasttime as your District Master, Ilook forward to my year asJunior Past District Master. Ilook forward to workingclosely with the ExecutiveBoard this next year and willoffer any assistance I can.

As a wise man recentlyshared with me ….“It’s betterto be a has-been than anever was….”

In Generosity,Truth and Unity

Mark A. BernabeiJunior Past District Master

Mark Bernabei

DATES TO REMEMBERFriday night dinners throughout the year – call 973-691-8383 for weekly menu – Reserve by Thursday nightplease.

Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 11American Red Cross “ROCK’N RED Battle of the Bands MUSIC EVENT”

Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 19Father’s Day Breakfast – See ad on page 3.

Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .June 25Scandinavian Midsummer and Barnensdag – See ad on page 4.

June & July75th Anniversary Fundraisers – See article on page 4.

Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 16Gothiod Lodge Annual Chicken BBQ – See ad on page 3.

Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 23Lodge Frithiof & Draken Annual Tricky Tray – See ad below.

Saturday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .July 30Tryggve Barbecue Picnic – 4 PM

Vasa Park Ladies Auxiliary

FATHER’S DAYPANCAKE BREAKFAST

Sunday, June 19, 20119:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Adults $7.00 Children $3.50

Tickets on sale at doorRaffle of Hand Crafted Afghan“Snappers” - Odds/Ends Table

www.vasaorder.net/?Lodge=D6 3

Drama and suspense filled the air at Vasa Park on April 23rd as the Vasa Park Players solvedthe Mystery of “Who Killed the District Master.” The dinner theater event was excellently per-formed by the District #6 team. The audience was kept in suspense until the very end and onlya few tables were able to discern who actually murdered District Master Mark Bernabei. Theaccompanying pictures provide the highlights for the enjoyable event.

VDM Jack Murders DM Markto Take Over District #6

Cast and Crew.

President of Vasa Park ChadPeterson in costume.

DM Mark Lays at Rest.

VDM Jack is found guilty.

On Saturday, April 25, DM Mark Bernabei received a warmwelcome back into his home lodge, Gothiod Lodge #486, at theCultural Center. The evening provided fun-filled entertainmentand great food along with wonderful memories of the past yearwith Mark and First Lady Stacy Graham at the helm. The picturesbelow provide a capsule view of the enjoyable evening.

HOMECOMING FOR MARKBERNABEI AT VASA PARK

Top left: Mark is inducted intothe Ladies Red Hatter Club byIngrid Carlson.Top right: Mark receivesLutofisk shirt from lodge.Left: Beautiful cake created bySolweig von Minden commem-orating Mark’s events duringthe past year.

Greetings. On behalf to the Board of Trustees, I would like to con-gratulate are newly elected District Master Jack Hanright as well as all thenewly elected and re-elected district officers. I would also like to congrat-ulate Robert Gustofson, Christian Anderson, Carol Boyle, BjornSandholm, and Jarrett Wurzbach for being elected to the Board ofTrustees at our 2011 District Convention. They are all great additions tothe Board and I look forward to working with them. At this time I wouldlike to thank Tom Blake and Harry Swanson. There terms on the boardhave expired and I would like to express my sincere gratitude for every-thing they have done to support the park. There actions have helpedinspire other members to volunteer and I look forward to there contin-ued support.

Spring is here and shortly summer will be upon us. The cabins willhave just been open to its renters, the pool will soon be open, and mostimportant the snow has stopped for the time being. This year the parkhas some exciting new events. By the time you read this The Groove inthe Grove singer songwriter festival will have happened and we will bepreparing for the American Red Cross’s Battle of the Bands event as wellas SAHS Midsummer/Barnens Dag. We are having a two day GreenSummer Festival in August that looks promising and Scanfest will returnfor its 6th year back at Vasa Park. Throughout June, July, and Augustthere are many lodge fundraisers as well as District 6 fundraisers. Pleasecheck the events calendar on the district website for details.

There will also be fundraisers for the 75th Anniversary celebration.The 75th Anniversary committee has been working extremely hard overthe past year to raise money to keep cost to a minimum for anyone whoattends the 75th Anniversary celebration on August 27, 2011. I personallylook forward to this day as we all will have an opportunity to celebratethe 75th birthday of Vasa Park with friends and family.

I look forward to working with everyone who can volunteer therefree time with helping the Board of Trustees with the upcoming events. Ihope to be able to submit an article in every issue of the Vasa HomeFamily to keep our members updated on the happening at Vasa Park.

In Generosity, Truth, and UnityChad Peterson

President, New Jersey Vasa Park

Message from the Board of Trustees


Due to conditions weather-wise and healthwise, there hasbeen a lull in our activities. Weare looking for signs ofimprovement in both. Wehope those who were “underthe weather” will be with usagain to participate in “May 1.”

We are happy to report thatneither snow, rain, sleet norwind deterred our ladies fromsending out our request formembers for 2011. We arehappy to report the following:

Baltic FramatAnderson, ChristianAnderson, Janet R.Bauern Fiend, Peter (Pastor)Carlson, MarguaritaDeChristofer, DrewDeChristofer , GavinDeChristofer, MadelineDeChristofer, StacieDuPout, L. GailFox, AndyJerfsten, ArneLacko, AmyLacko, GregLindquist, BettinaManning, JanetMcCall, ChristineOlson, AinaOlson, GordonPearson, ArlenePearson, RaymondPeterson, CindyPeterson, CraigPeterson,GunnerRouitelle, EricaSaam, BarbaraSaam, KenSheehan, RaySmith, HelenThomsen, Ellen

DalahastEvans, KathleenFiske, CarlaMcErlean, ElizabethMcErlean, KathyPeterson, CherstinPeterson, Edwin Jr.Spector, AlyssaSpector, LynnSpector, Maryam-ArfagniaWild, ConnieWild, Samantha

FrithiofCarlson, AnnaCarlson, EileenCarlson, ErikCarlson, IngridCarlson, Joseph F.Christensen, DeeChristensen, ErikChristensen, Ken

Christensen, KurtClarey, MikeDiDomenico, DeniseEnright, Ingrid L.Enright, JoeEnright, MelissaEnright, VictoriaJohnson, GunnelMeloskie, JerryMeloskie, TerryOrlandi, ChristopherOrlandi, KristinaSecallus, CharlesSecallus, EllenSecallus, Jake

GothiodBilling, InezBernabei, AlyssaBernabei, AnthonyBernabei, MarkBernabei, NicholasCassarello, LouDeFeo, ElveDeFeo, EmilyDeFeo, KevinDobres, BobDobres, ElaineGraham, StacyLawlor, ErnieLawlor, NancyLindstrom, ArleneMaxwell, LaurenPierson, AxelPierson, ChrisPierson, CindyPierson, DotPierson, EileenPierson, JoannePierson-Wenz, LauriePierson, MargiePierson, RandyPierson, Ron (in Memory)Zafiropoulos, Kirstin

Three CrownsBaker, FrankBaker, JeanetteBloomberg, LarryBloomberg, MarjorieThe Ben BrooksHowell, BillJohnson, FlorenceJohnson, FredRader,GinnySchondrasWidmaier, JulieWidmaier, RobertWurzbach, DebbieWurzbach, JarettWurzbach, MargaretWurzbach, Staci

VagenAnderson, PatCarlson-Simon, MurielEmihl, RonnieEmihl, WalterEskilson, Barbara

Hilm, Inge-LillHutchinson, LindaLawson, LynLundeen, FrancesNostrand, AgnesSwensen, Ingrid

We received dues from thefollowing:Brown, JeanDunbar, EmilyGreendyk, MargieMcDermott, CarolSkaar, Vivian (Lyckan)Trapani, Graham, Ann(Arlington)

Thank you for your sup-port.

In closing, we would like toinvite you to our Father’s DayPancake Breakfast, June 19 –for details see our ad. Thisaffair is a joint venture spon-sored by the Pierson familyand the Ladies Auxiliary.

For the Ladies,Emily V. Dunbar

LADIES AUXILIARY

NJ VASA POOL APPLICATION – 2011(Members Only)

Name:___________________________________________________Date: _____________Address:___________________________________________________________________Telephone:__________________________________Email: _________________________INDICATE YOUR CHOICE:( ) SINGLE $50 ( ) COUPLE $75 ( ) FAMILY $100*•FAMILY includes children through age 18 residing at home.PRINT NAMES/AGES OF ALL FAMILY MEMBERS:Name: _______________________________________________________Age: _________Name: _______________________________________________________Age: _________

MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: NJ VASA HOME

For more information about other ticket options call Pool Operator Lisa Smith at973-691-4490 or Margie Greendyk at 862-266-6997.

During the next few months there are several dates to set aside to help support raising funds forthe 75 th Anniversary celebration scheduled for August 27, 2011. Dinners will be held on thesedates:June 26 at 3 PM - Midsummer Smorgasbord on the Pool Patio $15July 3 at 5 PM - Toga Party on the Pool Patio with food- $15July 17 at 3 PM - Barbeque and Horseshoe tournament by the Hunt Club - $10July 31 at 3 PM - Menu to be announced- $15

Vasa Park 75th Anniversary Fundraisers

Scandinavian American Heritage Societyin association with

3rd District, Sons of Norway & Vasa Order of America, District #6, NJpresents

Scandinavian Midsummer Celebration& Barnensdag (Children’s Day)

201123rd Annual Celebration

SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011At Beautiful Vasa Park

VASA PARK, WOLFE RD., BUDD LAKE, NJ2:00 PM TO 8:00 PM - (PARK OPENS AT 11:00 AM)11:00 AM ’til 5:00 PM – SCANDINAVIAN CAFÉ, MARKET PLACE, BARNENSDAG, (TRADITIONAL SCANDINAVIAN FOLKDANCE).

5:00 PM – FOROURGRAND FLAG CEREMONY AND ENTERTAINMENTCheck ourWeb Sites: SAHS - www.sahsnj.org - VASA - www.vasaparknj.com

The March 27th meeting ofNew Jersey District SixExecutive Board was held atthe Montan Room at VasaPark. Elve DeFeo did a greatjob preparing breakfast andlunch.

All officers were presentwith Grand Lodge WebmasterBob Anderson and GrandLodge Deputy and PDMWilliam “BJ” Peterson also inattendance. The 2010 finan-cials were reviewed in prepa-ration for the up comingconvention in Cape May. Thenew memorial plaque displaycases will be unveiled at the75th anniversary of Vasa Parkcelebration.

DM Mark Bernabei thankedeveryone for there help withthe “Bring a Friend” Friday

night dinners; they were a bigsuccess as several new mem-bers were attributed to thedinners. The restoration of thedistrict charter was discussedwith Jack Hanright suggestingtalking to Leonard Seastone, aprofessional printer and bookbinder. It was agreed uponand Jack said that he wouldcontact him. Kevin DeFeostated that five scholarshipapplications have beenreceived this year and thewinners would be receivingtheir awards at GoldenColony. Some 75th anniversaryplans were discussed and itwill be a great event.

In Truth and UnityFred Signor

Executive Board MemberNJ District #6

Message From The Executive Board

UPDATE TO ABOVE ARTICLE:The District Charter was beautifully restored since themeeting and was displayed on the Convention floor.

www.vasaorder.net/?Lodge=D6 5

Pictures from 104th Convention

Jack and First Lady Inger entering thebanquet hall in costume on Saturdaynight.

Jack finally makes it to the top being installed byGrand Lodge Deputy BJ Peterson.

Jack thanks Past First Lady Stacy Graham, current First LadyInger Hanright and Assistant Secretary Elve DeFeo for all oftheir help in the past year.

Elected District #6 Officers for 2011-2012 term.

Jack being escorted around the room by Grand MC JerryMeloskie prior to installation.

District Master Jack’s family from left to right - Jack’s father Dave, son Patrick, motherGinger, Jack and First Lady Inger.

Roy Persson with daughter Maria and wife Carmelinareceiving the first framed print of the painting of VasaPark in appreciation from VP Board of Trustees for hismany years of work in the Park.

A stunned Bob Anderson at the Banquet after receiving the Grand Lodge DistinguishedService award from Grand Master William Lundquist.

On Wednesday, May 11, over 65 members gathered atAcacia Lodge in Dover to participate in Frithiof Lodge’s enter-taining “Send-off” party for DM Jack Hanright and First LadyInger. Jack was presented survival equipment for his journeythroughout the District in the coming year. Inger received herchauffeur’s hat to drive him around and a tribute song createdby Kevin DeFeo. It was a great night with good food and plen-ty of laughs. Accompanying this article are pictures that pro-vide some highlights for the evening.

In other Frithiof news, we will not be meeting at AcaciaLodge again until October 12 for our Octoberfest celebration.Our June dinner meeting will be held at Scerbos Restaurant, 47Kossuth St., Wharton at 6:30 PM. The July 13 meeting will bepotluck dinner at the Vasa Park Patio at 6:30. Don’t forget ourTricky Tray with Draken Lodge on July 23 at Vasa Park. Weneed trays from all members. Call 973-347-1933 to drop offtrays. There is no meeting in August, but don’t forget our Gala75th Vasa Park Anniversary on August 27 where we will partic-ipate with our Red Shirts in the Vasa Olympics.

On September 14 we will again meet on the Patio at VasaPark at 6:30 for another potluck dinner meeting. Come out andjoin in – it’s fun.

FRITHIOF LODGE #63 PROVIDES ROUSINGSEND-OFF FOR NEW DISTRICT MASTER JACK HANRIGHT

Right: Jack withnew dishwasher

apron and lightedcap to find his

way around theDistrict at night.

Top: First Lady Ingerreceives Chauffeur hatto drive Jack aroundthe District.

Right: Jack and FirstLady cutting the cake.


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feels that this will be a verybeneficial relationship for thefuture financial viability ofVasa Park.

The 75th AnniversaryCommittee unveiled prints ofthe painting commissioned byBill Sturm of Budd Lake. Thepainting depicts our CulturalCenter viewed from the pavil-ion. Pictured are numerousfamiliar Vasa faces, dancing incostume, parading with theflags and having a grand timeat the park. The original willbe hung in the Clubhouse.Prints will be for sale alongwith sets of note cards withdifferent scenes from theprint. Art Haumacher is sellingraffles for one of the framedprints to help defray costs ofthe Vasa Park 75thAnniversary Celebration.

Helen Haumacher gavesome highlights on the GrandLodge Convention held inWashington DC in July of lastyear. She praised ourVasastjarnan dance group andsaid their performance therewas spectacular.

Executive Board memberFred Signor gave an updateon the Vasa Boat. JohnLarsson gave the history ofhow he purchased the kitnearly 14 years ago. It hasbeen passed from him to DickFeltus, Frank Baker, BruceBrattstrom and now to FredSignor to complete. It is avery complicated kit whereeach piece has to be fash-ioned by hand out of theunfinished wood provided. Itwill be over 3 feet long whencompleted and the PDM clubhas allocated funds to displayit in a plexiglass case.

The annual reports wereaccepted after all questionswere answered to the delega-tion’s satisfaction.

The District Master’s rec-ommendations were consid-ered. His first asked that therebe a minimum of one “Bringa Friend” Friday Night Dinnerheld at Vasa Park each year tocontinue this successful out-reach program to attract newmembers. After some discus-sion about options for thelodges that are not near VasaPark, it was overwhelminglyapproved. After the lunchbreak his second recommen-dation was considered. He

asked that the A. HenryAnderson Award for member-ship be changed to reflect thenumber of members broughtin from each lodge versus theincrease computed in percent-age. That recommendationwas defeated.

The District by-law change,asking that the District berequired to hold only oneaudit per year and more ifdeemed necessary, passed.

Honorary Life Membershipto District Lodge NJ #6 wasthen bestowed on DeborahLarsson for the successfulcompletion of her term asDistrict Master.

A motion was made andpassed to put a hold on CapeMay for our convention in2013. Save the date!

Lou Casella then presented$1250. to Vasa Park from theproceeds of his HalloweenParty.

Grand Master Bill Lund-quist then addressed the con-vention. He told us steps havebeen put in place to revampfinancial reporting to theGrand Lodge. They are tryingto restore the scholarshipfund through various fundraisers. He asked that we sup-port those along with consid-ering donating back a portionof the un-allocated Old Ageand Benefit Fund. HelenHaumacher then made amotion that we donate back1% to the Grand LodgeArchives. The motion passedand the Saturday session wasadjourned.

Our Saturday evening ban-quet began with a festivecocktail hour. Members wereserenaded by WalterEricksson Jr. strolling aroundus playing his nyckelharpa.After a delicious dinner wewere entertained by theVasastjarnan Junior Club withtheir excellent dance program.Several presentations weremade. The Vasa Park Boardof Trustees gave their TrusteeAppreciation award to RoyPersson for his long andunending dedication to VasaPark. They presented himwith the first framed print ofthe painting of Vasa Park byBill Sturm. Grand Master BillLundquist followed by award-ing Bob Anderson with theGrand Lodge DistinguishedService Award for his manyyears of dedication to theOrder. Bob was truly movedby the honor. Mark Bernabei

announced that ArlingtonLodge #62 won his award forbringing in the most membersduring his term as DistrictMaster. Willamina Groething,Arlington’s Vice Chairman wascalled up to receive theplaque. The Vasa OlympicChairman, Chad Peterson, ledrepresentatives of the lodges,all dressed in togas, to thedance floor where he calledon all the lodges to meet atVasa Park on August 27th tocompete on the playing field.The evening ended with theband playing God BlessAmerica while membersformed a circle around Chadholding the Olympic torch.

Carol McDermott led ourMemorial Service on Sundaymorning honoring Vasa mem-bers who passed away duringthe past year. The Vasa Choiradded to the beauty andsolemnity of the service.

Our Sunday morning ses-sion was called to order andwe proceeded with the elec-tion of District Officers for the2011-2012 term. Brother MarkBernabei was nominated for asecond term as District Masterand First Lady Stacy Grahamrespectively declined. DistrictSix’s newly elected officersare: District Master - JackHanright, Frithiof #63; ViceDistrict Master - Kevin DeFeo,Tryggve #88, Executive BoardMembers: Fred Signor,Sveaborg #446; MarieDemboski, Draken #731 andKen Christenson, Frithiof #63;District Treasurer - EricJohansson, Tryggve #88;District Secretary - CathyPeterson, Draken, #731;Assistant District Secretary -Elve DeFeo, Gothiod #486;District Trustee, 3-years -Helen Smith, Baltic-Framat#360; District Auditor, 3-years- Inger Hanright, Frithiof #63;District Chaplain - JeanetteBaker, Three Crowns #704;District Cultural Leader, CarolMcDermott - Tryggve #88;District Master of Ceremonies- Robert Cranmer, Draken#731; Assistant Master ofCeremonies - Mary Carlson,Viking #735; District InnerGuard - Beverly Blake,Arlington #62; District OuterGuard - Ed Peterson, Dalahäst#742.

DM Mark Bernabei called abrief recess to set up theroom for the installation ofDistrict Officers. Flag bearers,Frank and Cliff Demboski

escorted the Grand LodgeDeputy’s installation team tothe altar. PDMs JerryMeloskie, Walter Emihl,Debbie Larsson, John Larsson,Howard Corneilson and ErrolErnstrom efficiently installedour new officers and weredismissed with thanks. Withhis new team in place DistrictMaster Jack Hanrightaddressed the convention. Hecommented on how thewords “thank you” seemedinadequate to express how hefeels about all the peoplewho have helped him reachthis point. He told us how hemet Inger and their journey tobecome members of FrithiofLodge. He thanked the manymembers who have mentoredhim and encouraged hisgrowth in the Order. Hespoke of how supportive hisparents have been throughouthis life and the pride he hasin his son, Patrick, whogrounds him when needed.And of course he thankedInger, his wife, best friendand dance partner. Inger andPatrick then presented himwith his gavel, a “Jack” ham-mer that Inger carved andPatrick stained and painted.

Frithiof Lodge presented himwith a brief case and analbum to chronicle his year asDistrict Master. Other giftswere presented and the Goodof the Order contained goodwishes from Grand Lodgeofficers, the New York FolkDancers and the variouslodges present.

Past District Officer pinswere then given to RandyPierson and Dee Christenson.The 104th Annual Conventionof District Lodge NJ #6 wasthen adjourned until nextyear.

Again, I wish to encourageall Vasa members to try toattend one of our conven-tions. All members are wel-come to sit in on the sessions,whether you are a delegate ornot. It is a great way to learnthe inner workings of ourOrder and meet membersfrom other Lodges andDistricts. It is always a funweekend and you couldn’task for better company. Ihope to see you in Cape Maynext year. And remember,Bring a Friend!

Respectfully submitted,Beverly Blake,Correspondent

104th ConventionContinued from page 1

district lodge new jersey no. 6

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