forska som om du skulle leva evigt! search as if you would
TRANSCRIPT
March 2019Vol 119, No 1Journal
Viking Forska som om du skulle leva evigt!Search as if you would live forever!Lev som om du skulle dö i morgon!Live as if you would die tomorrow!
Vikingen
Chief ’s
William Schaefer Grand Chief
Corner
Here’s hoping that everyone is healthy and doing well! Peggy and I are again in Florida, enjoying some of the sunshine and warm weather. But looking at the weather back up north - where winter is hitting very hard and very cold – we are hoping that everyone in the North is keeping warm and safe! Just think how our first ancestors handled all the cold and snow in the early settlements. That reminds me of another good book that I read and found very interesting. It is called “Viking In the Attic” and it talks about all the Scandinavians that settled in America. Now, with some Viking news! The IOV was recently audited by the State of Illinois Insurance Commission (a routine process). Basically we are in good standing, but there are some items that the Council is working on. One of our biggest problems is trying to locate “lost” members who are still on the books as insurance policy holders and we (the society) do not know how to find them. Some have been unreachable for years! We will be asking the members to help with this. We will be sending a list to the Lodges and some of the names
over the years, with lodges closing, etc. I am very pleased to announce that my home Lodge, Linne’ #57 in Muskegon, MI is celebrating our 100-year Anniversary!! The anniversary is in March 2019 however - due to potential weather conditions, snowbirds gone and the Lodge having a very busy schedule - the committee decided to have the Grand Banquet celebrating this milestone on October 19, 2019! We are very fortunate to be a growing Lodge with a membership base of 1500! Due to the capacity of the Lodge there is normally a waiting list, and sometimes it takes at least 5 years to become a member! Some of the main reasons that people would like to become members: the Scandinavian heritage; camaraderie among the members; our community service; many activities and, of course, our beautiful view of Muskegon Lake! Another reason that our Lodge is successful is because it is run with and by volunteers, except for the few officers of the Lodge that are paid. So, this is an open invitation to all of you to join our 100th Anniversary, which we are excited about! Further information will be sent to the Lodges and shared in upcoming Journals.
“HARD WORK BEATS TALENT”
Chief Bill Schaefer
will also be printed in the next Journal. We hope you will share the lists around your Lodge and if you or your members have updated contact information on anybody, please let us know! Robin (our Fraternal Administrator) is collecting all member information now, so please send information to her rather than to UTG. It is imperative that we know how to locate these individuals; if they are deceased, we need to forward that information to UTG. Being able to process all insurance policies is necessary to end our ties with UTG – that contract is costing us! In other news, we’ll have to say that the response for the “Viking Of The Year” was very low and also the sale of the Scholarship raffle tickets was lower than hoped for. We are presently watching the response from Juniors on Language Camp Scholarships. These are the three programs that all of us should be supporting! Now, with the Convention coming up in June, delegate elections in your Lodge should be the first meeting in March. A letter was sent to all Lodge Chiefs with a reminder of the process for selecting the delegates. Of course, this brings up again that you MUST have insurance to qualify for a delegate or to run for a position on the council. I know this feels like a “mixed message”! First, we tell you to surrender your insurance so that we can exit from UTG; then we tell you that you must have insurance to be a delegate or to run for a position on the council! We tried to be as clear as we could on this but, according to our Constitution and the State of Illinois, that’s how it is. Eventually, the last people to surrender will be the delegates and Council members at a Convention - down the road. At that same time we will amend the Constitution to update ANY article that involves insurance. With all this said, I have some very up-beat information that I would like to share with you! A lot has been happening
IN THIS ISSUE:Chief’s Corner...................................................1Administrator’s Corner .................................3Member Updates .................................... 2 & 6Language Camp..............................................6Burn Camp Updates ......................................7Convention Updates ............................. 4 & 5Insurance Surrender Form ....................... 15Lodge Updates ......................................... 8-14
Page 2 March 2019
VIKING JOURNALRobin Lynn Grinnell
Fraternal AdministratorP.O. Box 27186
Lansing, MI [email protected]
989-292-0482
Grand Lodge OfficePO Box 13020
Springfield, IL [email protected]
877-241-6006Fax: 888-686-6567
Official Publication of the Independent Order
of VikingsA Fraternal Benefit Society
on Legal Reserve
e-mail: [email protected]
Welcome AboardThe following are new members who were admitted to the Viking Order since the previous Viking Journal was published. We welcome you one and all to the Viking Order and sincerely urge you to attend your respective lodges and join in all of the activities planned for you. Remember . . . It’s great to be a VIKING!!
Ingjald #65Cinnamon L Anderson Gregory (Scott) HedlundKimberly P Bentley Allen E. PetersonHenry Thomas Bucklin Catherine BucklinMartin William Bucklin Catherine BucklinBrent A Carlson Elizabeth L LingenfelterGrace Marie Carney Jennifer DavidsonJoseph F Conti Lorraine ContiThomas James Dobmeier Richard D MollerJoseph Patrick Donohue Gerald M DonohueJames S Ewing Derek B. McKownAdrianna Fish Jennifer NewmanThomas Eugene Flynn Michael FlynnStephen Donald Haas Thomas ReaJeffrey P Hansen Randy RhinehartJulie A Harper Timothy MillerTimothy C Jackson Charles E JacksonMary S Johnson Kevin NelsonRobert Edward Karalus James FredricksonTammy S Kesby Randy RhinehartSheila R Marzineck Connie ShermanDaniel Calvin Minich Kimberly TouheyEllis Montgomery Carol M DrakeTyler J Nelson Darla J NelsonRobert B Nordwall Robert VanRensselaerKaren Ann Ohl Edward James PaceJohn Walter Olson David R JohnsonTom Pocker Marlene SandersSandra Ann Saunders Jeffrey R NewmanDawn Scarsone Rex RatorRichard A Schick Jr. Tracy BuckCraig LeRoy Stewart Karen CarlsonGibson Lee Stuart Dawn Louise StuartAllison Ruth Tilburg Valerie Marie Tilburg
Linne’ #57 Zakary Jon Arnson Kera Esther MajorsCharles Ray Arnson Jr Barbara Jo BrinkJames Stephen Borushko Darrell David Van FossanSondra Joy Borushko Darrell David Van FossanMeghan Lynn Brink Arnson Barbara Jo BrinkGerri Lee Burye Richard Jerome BogueMark Theodore Burye Richard Jerome BogueJessa Joann Clark Eric SheggrudOlivia Rae Costner Mitzy TaylorLyah Loray Crago Eric SheggrudMegan Ane Dean Mary Jill HubbellJon Paul DeVoogd Paul Robert KorndorferLinda Kay DeVoogd Paul Robert Korndorfer
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are listed below. Please make a note!
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May 1, 2019August 1, 2019
November 1, 2019
Publication DatesMarch 1, 2019June 1, 2019
September 1, 2019December 1, 2019
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Bonnie M Fox Cassidy Ann CaswellRyan Ashley Fox Cassidy Ann CaswellRichard Lee Gelderloos Jr Michael J. Regeczi JrRichard Ralph Howard Matthew C WanstenIan Kristopher Jacobson Eric SheggrudKaren Lynn Kahrs Wayne Samuel KahrsEvan Daniel Klairter Trent William KlairterDan Raymond Langlois Leo John WibaldaGerald John Mazurek Cindie Suzann GillilandNikki Rochelle McRoberts Leo John WibaldaEstella Kay O’Brien Val Sue O’BrienMiles William O’Brien Val Sue O’BrienJamiann Olovson Cheryl HegerWilliam J Ruiter Robert H RaymondCathleen D Sander Kimberli HernandezDavid F Sander Kimberli HernandezKirsten Ellen Louise Sander Kimberli HernandezLauren Elizabeth Sander David SanderMichaela Jean Sander David SanderPenny Lee Schuyler Joanne DeWeerdEric Scott Seymour Mary Ann SeymourLinda Rae Seymour Mary Ann SeymourJeremiah Chase St. John Mary Ann CaswellGordon Lee Vander Wall Marvin G Vander WallJames Joseph Vander Wall Marvin G Vander WallBrady Joshua Wallace Linda M. WallaceEmery Carolyn Wallace Linda M. WallaceAngela Marie Yerkie Maxine M Lindback
Sigurd #30 Jason Cecil Koschkee Sala MusaitefKristi Anne Koschkee Jason Cecil Koschkee
LANGUAGE LESSONSay: Hej då
Pronounced: "hay dough"Meaning: either "Hello" or "Goodbye"
March 2019 Page 3
IOV Executive Council:
Grand ChiefWilliam H. Schaefer
2291 Harrison Ave - Muskegon, MI [email protected]
Vice Grand ChiefMelinda R. Worden
1750 W. Hill Road - Gerry, NY [email protected]
Jr. Past Grand ChiefRalph S. Beck
PO Box 205 - Batavia, IL [email protected]
Grand SecretaryEivor Britt-Louise Hichue
1030 W. Grand Avenue - Muskegon, MI [email protected]
Grand TreasurerThomas R. Jandt
1381 Creek Dr. Apt C - Muskegon, MI [email protected]
Grand HeraldRobert H. Grinnell
1249 Lakeshore Dr. #129 - Muskegon, MI [email protected]
Assistant Grand HeraldSandra L. Cramm
16830 110th Ave. Box 12a - Davenport, IA [email protected]
Grand Inner GuardBryan R. Nelson
332 Park Street - Jamestown, NY [email protected]
Grand Outer GuardRodney W. Ottum
6204 55th Street - Kenosha, WI [email protected]
William A. Peterson 84 Highland Avenue - Jamestown, NY 14701
Robert D. Greenwald3138 Eckman Road - Jamestown, NY 14701
Lawrence D. Anderson524 Walnut Street - Batavia, IL 60510
Barbara Hendry16409 67th Court - Tinley Park, IL 60477
Hello, Vikings! THANKS to everyone who has contacted me with address updates and to request the electronic version of the Journal! Your speedy responses allow us to better serve you. Five quick things to touch on this quarter:1. Fraternal Administration Address Update: we now have a PO box for Fraternal
Administration! All member communication and lodge reports can be directed to: IOV Fraternal Administration, PO Box 27186, Lansing, MI 48909
*The Grand Lodge PO BOX (Springfield IL) should only be used for Insurance Premiums. 2. The Role of Fraternal Administration: I provide support to the Executive
Council, committees and Lodges related to general membership activities and communication. UTG/UG continues to handle all insurance matters. It is preferred that you send member updates (surrenders, deaths, new members, address changes) and checks to me first; I will make copies and update our member records, then forward the appropriate information to UTG.
3. Convention Delegate Process: letters have been mailed to all Lodge Chiefs and Financial Secretaries regarding the election of Convention Delegates. For a Lodge to participate, they must be “in good standing” (dues paid, insurance up-to-date and lodge reports submitted, as required by the Constitution). Unfortunately, we have several Lodges that do NOT meet this criteria for the 2019 Convention: Drake #3, Mimer #33, Neptun #35, and Loki #120. (We are working with three other lodges to get lodge records organized and submitted. We also have some lodges who have surrendered all of their insurance policies and are ineligible for delegates.) If you belong to one of these Lodges and are unclear about your status, please contact your Chief. Our goal is to include as many lodges as possible in Convention!
4. Disbanded Lodges: it is our understanding that four lodges have disbanded: Thorbjorn #40 (separated from IOV); Clara #118; Sleipner #96; and Baltic Star #112. (NOTE: we are unclear on the status of Drake #3 – if you have information, please contact me.) Members from these disbanded lodges are eligible to continue to pay national dues ($15/year) if they want to continue to receive the Journal and support other IOV activities. Email [email protected] if you’d like to continue your membership and we will coordinate billing/payment. Beginning with the June 2019 Journal, unpaid members from these lodges will be removed from the Journal mailing list.
5. Member Communication: When you contact the IOV regarding your membership, please make sure to include your MEMBER NUMBER. As you can imagine, we have several (dozen) duplicate names, compounded by Jr. and Sr.; and we may or may not have received all name changes. Your Member Number is the key to connecting the right information with the right person! (Moving forward, all new members will receive a letter from this office containing their Member Number, rather than a certificate. Please keep this letter for future reference!)
Lastly… Don’t forget to share your lodge activities for upcoming Journals! Herring Breakfast? Holiday Celebration? Family Picnic? Lodge Dinner? Community Service? Tell your story – and stories are always better with photos!
Now…. Come on, Spring!!!
Administrator’s Corner
Robin Lynn Grinnell, IOV Fraternal Administrator3852 Weger Place Lansing, MI [email protected] - 989-292-0482
Page 4 March 2019
qInside Front Cover $225.00
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qHalf Page $ 75.00
qQuarter Page $ 40.00
qEighth Page $ 25.00
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Contact Name: _____________________________________________________
Lodge or Business Name: _____________________________________________
Contact Address: ___________________________________________________
City, State, Zip Code: _________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________
E-Mail Address: _____________________________________
Single Line Signature Page Text: ______________________________________
Artwork for ads will be accepted in black and white camera-ready form OR electronically. Electronic files must be sent as high-resolution jpg OR high- resolution pdf with fonts enabled. Ads can be emailed to [email protected]. Please note “Convention Ad” in the subject line.
Questions? Contact: Bill Peterson (716)499-0247 or [email protected]
84th IOV CONVENTIONJune 13th, 14th, and 15th 2019 Jamestown, NY - INGJALD #65
CONVENTION PROGRAM ADSPlease fill out the following form and return with you artwork and payment
(make checks out to Ingjald Convention Fund) by April 1st, 2019 to:Ingjald Lodge #65, Attn: Steve Kosthorst 214 N. Main Street, Jamestown, NY 14701.
Again, Ingjald #65 is honored to host the 2019 IOV Grand Lodge Convention. We are still in the planning stages for the events for our guests, but some of the planned activities include:
Wednesday, June 12th Evening: Meet and Greet at our Lake Park
Thursday, June 13th 9:00 am: Grand Lodge meeting at Chautauqua Suites Evening: Chicken BBQ at the Lake Park followed by entertainment
Friday, June 14th 9:00 am: Grand Lodge meeting at Chautauqua Suites Evening: Steak Fry at the Lake Park followed by entertainment
Saturday, June 15th 9:00 am: Grand Lodge meeting at Chautauqua Suites Afternoon: Delegate Pictures Newly elected Grand Chiefs’ reception at the Lake Park Grand Banquet at the Lake Park
We are planning to have a “Joint Hospitality Room” at Chautauqua Suites (more info to follow). There are currently no group trips or excursions planned. However, the National Comedy Center, Lucy Museum, and Fenton Historical Center are all in Jamestown. Chautauqua Institute is close to the hotel, and there are two casinos nearby: one in Salamanca NY and one in Erie, PA.
Convention Program Ads are due by April 1, 2019. Please submit ads using the form below. A form for event reservations will be sent in the Delegate packages but is also provided on page 5 of this Journal.
Convention participants are responsible for making their own hotel reservations.
Chautauqua Suites 215 West Lake Rd. Mayville, NY 14757
Phone# 716-269-7829Booked under: Vikings Convention
Hotel reservations MUST be made by May 10, 2019
2019 Convention Committee
84th IOV CONVENTION UPDATEINGJALD #65 JAMESTOWN, NY
JUNE 13TH, 14TH, 15TH 2019
March 2019 Page 5
84th IOV CONVENTION Jamestown, NY - INGJALD #65
ACTIVITIES RESERVATION FORMJune 12-15, 2019
PLEASE RESERVE FOR: Delegate Guest
Name: ____________________________________________________________ _________ _________
Name: ____________________________________________________________ _________ _________
Name: ____________________________________________________________ _________ _________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
City: _____________________________________________ State:___________________ Zip: ___________
Phone (DAY): (________) _____________ Alternate (Evening) Phone #: (________) _____________
(ALL EVENTS AT THE LAKE PARK)
Number Cost Total DueDate: Activity Persons Each Amount
Wednesday, June 12 Registration / Welcome _______ FREE $ 0.00
Thursday, June 13 Chicken BBQ _______ $15.00 $_________
Friday, June 14 Steak Fry _______ $20.00 $_________
Saturday, June 15 Grand Banquet _______ $30.00 $_________
Grand Total $_________
MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: INGJALD LODGE CONVENTION COMMITTEEMAIL FORM AND PAYMENT BY MAY 31ST TO:INGJALD LODGE CONVENTION COMMITTEE
214 N. MAIN ST.JAMESTOWN, NY 14701
HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE AT: CHAUTAUQUA SUITES 215 WEST LAKE RD. - MAYVILLE, NY 14757
YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN RESERVATIONS BEFORE MAY 10th, 2019BY CALLING 716-269-7829
BOOKED UNDER: VIKINGS CONVENTION
Page 6 March 2019
Camp Thank You!
Language Camp UpdateBrrrr, it’s hard to think about summer with all this COLD weather we are having right now. By the time you are reading this Journal the deadline will have passed for this summer’s camperships. As of Feb 1, I have received 2 applications (1 from Jamestown, NY and 1 from Muskegon, MI) and I have been notified that at least one more is one it’s way. The date to have the applications postmarked was Feb. 15, 2019. Fear not: there’s always next summer! Start thinking about Language Camp NOW so you (your child) will not miss out again. We will update you in the next Journal with the final response and our scholarship winners! If you want to learn more about the Language Camp, check out their web site: www.concordialanguagevillages.org or go to their Facebook page.
E. Britt-Louise Hichue, Chairperson – Linne’ #57, Muskegon, MI Melinda Worden, Committee Member – Ingjald #65, Jamestown, NY Barb Hendry, Committee Member – Harald #13, Tinley Park, IL
MILESTONESTo let you know that our many thoughts are with the members and families in this time of sorrow.
HÖGSATTA KÄMPAR
Member Name Born Joined Passed Away Lodge
Michael Scott Taylor 12/7/1964 11/22/2015 11/5/2018 Linne’ #57
William Beckquist 3/11/1929 11/12/1995 10/20/2018 Linne’ #57
Theodore Jackson 6/24/1965 10/9/2018 Ingjald #65
Craig Hessefort 7/25/1964 8/15/2007 12/11/2018 Sigurd #30
All Lodges are asked to submit membership reports that include the passing of our Viking brothers and sisters. Submit to the Fraternal Administrator for inclusion in the Vikings Journal.
Scholarship Committee Report Thanks to all who participated in the sale and purchase of IOV’s Scholarship Fund Raffle Tickets! Our drawing was held on January 26 at Linne’ Lodge #57 during Winterfest. Congratulations to our five winners:
• $500 to Ingjald Lodge #65, Jamestown, NY
• $200 to Barb Morrison, Spring Lake, MI
• $150 to Caleb Abdelkader, Muskegon, MI
• $75 to Ring Lodge #18 in Batavia, IL
• $75 to Linne’ Lodge #57, Muskegon, MI
Scholarship applications were due (postmarked) by March 1, 2019.
The Scholarship Committee,Bob Grinnell, Chair, Linne’ #57; Rod Ottum, Sigurd #30; and Bob Greenwald, Ingjald #65
March 2019 Page 7
Dear Independent Order of Vikings Muskegon,
The Great Lakes Burn Camp is preparing for our 21st Annual Winter Burn Camp. Winter Camp is held at the United Auto Workers Conference and Education Center Black Lake, February 15-18. We are excited for the 65 children who will be attending. They will be participating in activities that include ice fishing, snowmobile rides, sledding and riding in a Fire Truck and Police Car Parade. They will also be able to swim in an Olympic-size pool, learn and participate in arts and crafts, archery, basketball and volleyball in an oversized gym. Saturday night they will watch their own private fireworks show in the snow. Sunday will include a trip across the Mackinaw Bridge and ice skating in St. Ignace.
After leaving there, we will go to the Michigan State Police (MSP) Post on the north end of the bridge. They will get to see K-9 demos along with specialized equipment such as the robots that MSP uses, and more. Lastly, they will participate in a Camp photo with the Mackinaw Bridge in the background. Sunday evening, back at camp, the children will end their night with a dance. Summer Burn Camp, August 4-9, will be our 25th annual! Our Summer Camps are celebrated with a theme and this year we will be honoring our military. We expect 75 campers and have many exciting activities planned including water skiing, archery, swimming, kayaking, arts and crafts, ropes courses and field games. We anticipate a few special military displays, also. Thank you so much for all these years supporting the Great Lakes Burn Camp. We couldn’t do it without your generosity.
Sincerely,Mike Longnecker, Executive Director
Great Lakes Burn Camp Update
Tee Off Against Burns The Great Lakes Burn Camp will be holding Tee Off Against Burns - our biggest annual fundraiser - on Friday, June 21, 2019. The event will be held at Lincoln Golf Club, 4907 Whitehall Rd., Whitehall, MI 49445. The event is sponsored by Muskegon Professional Fire Fighters, Vikings Linne’ Lodge #57, and The Muskegon Guns and Hoses. Tee Off Against Burns is an opportunity to relax with friends while supporting this important work. Money is raised through a variety of sponsorship levels and team registration. Our morning kicks off with registration at 8:00 am, leading to a Shotgun Start at 9:00 am. We end with a Steak Luncheon at Linne’ Lodge. If you have any questions about the event or how to get involved, you can email [email protected] or call Chris Wilks (231-638-0045) or Faisel Abdelkader (231-557-8259). Great Lakes Burn Camp Testimonials:
Malik—“I was 7 years old when I started attending camp. Camp has changed my life by helping me realize that I am not the only person who is a burn survivor. When I am at GLBC, I am surrounded by friends and staff that have become family. Over the years I have become more comfortable with my burns. I get so excited about coming to camp that I start packing a week before.”
Erika— “I was 7 and 1/2 years old when I started attending camp. GLBC means more to me than words can explain. Over the last 13 years I have been able to attend almost every camp. The best part about camping is knowing that no one is going to judge you for your burns and knowing that you have a second family who you can talk to and trust not only at camp but throughout the year.”
Page 8 March 2019
SIGURD LODGE #30Kenosha, Wisconsin
Hi all! Here it is, a New Year. I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas. In the last journal I said I would give you an update on our fall Swedish Pancakes and Sausage Breakfast: well, we did great! In fact, I have never seen a crowd like that. We had people lined up all the way to the bathroom in the hallway and then coming back. We had quite a few people we couldn’t serve because it was too long a wait. Also, we ran out of pancakes! I apologize if you know anyone who came but was unable to eat; please ask them to come back next time. Thanks to all the great help and to all those who made baked goods. We gave a portion of the profit to help pay the medical bills of a young man who was shot over a dispute with another man. On a sad note, we lost one of our members, Craig Hessefort, who passed away on December 11th at 54 years young. He was one great guy and will be missed by all. Our sympathy is extended to Lisa and family. Craig always manned the cast iron skillets for our breakfast, which is a tough job as those eight-inch skillets get very heavy (especially when you start at 5:00 am.) Thanks to Pat Bishop for taking over this tough job. On Friday Dec. 14th we had our annual Christmas party with Lutefisk, Swedish Potato Sausage, Ham, Lefse and lots of other goodies. We also had a white elephant gift exchange after dinner. Thanks to all who brought snacks and dessert, and to Joyce for getting the food and preparing it with helpers. We appreciate everyone who helped with clean up etc. January 4th was our election of officers. Those elected were Rod Ottum, Chief; Gerry Jacob, Vice Chief; John Roberts, Financial Secretary; Jennifer Yule, Recording Secretary; Joyce Jacob, Treasurer; Jack Yule, Herald; Jeff Gullo, Assistant Herald; William
(Mongo) Warshack, Outer Guard; Pat Bishop, Inner Guard; and Sala (Sven) Musaitef, Membership Chairman. On January 11th I had the honor of installing the officers of Harald Lodge #13, Tinley Park, IL. Thanks for the invitation and congratulations to all! They have a couple of young ladies that are Chief and Vice Chief who are organizing events for their lodge. I would like to see some of our younger members organize some things such as a Swedish meatball dinner, night at the races or maybe even bingo. I know when I attended the October Grand Lodge Council meeting in Tinley Park they had a “night at the races” which was very entertaining as well as very profitable. On January 17th we held our installation with two longtime members, Bob Westman and Jim Hansen, installing the officers. As another benefit Bob brought his conncertina along and played some lively tunes as each person was marched around the hall. Thanks guys!. Gerald Jurgens is recovering from injuries suffered after being hit by a car; also, Linda Roberts is doing well after a fall. Now the news everyone has been waiting for: Sigurd Lodge is having their spring Swedish Pancakes and Sausage Breakfast on Sunday March 31 from 8-12. As usual we can use some help as well as items for the bake sale. Once again, I’m urging anybody who has not surrendered their insurance please do so as soon as possible. Our goal is to have no active policies, EXCEPT for those who serve as Convention delegates or IOV Executive Council Members.
Until next time, Rod Ottum, Chief
March 2019 Page 9
LINNE’ LODGE NO. 57Muskegon, MI
As I am writing this Journal article at the end of January, I was curious as to what I wrote last year during this same period. Looking back, I noticed a mention of “big” snow. This year we have been getting slammed with tons of snow and horrendous wind chills ( -40 to -50 degrees) and lower in many parts of the state. Schools were shut down for an entire week. In Michigan, that is unheard of. On a nicer note, our Lodge hosted our 7th annual Veterans Day Dinner. The dinner is free to all veterans. Non-veterans may attend for a nominal fee. This dinner has many volunteers, but the driving forces behind this successful event are Dewey Bringedahl and Steve Allen. Around the middle of November, Kera Arnson and sister Lisen Kerbuski, along with Jill Howell hosted the Retired Juniors’ Taco Dinner. A fun time for all. The next weekend, Kurt Sowa and Tim Berndt put on the extremely popular Jazzy Steak Fry. This party packs our Lodge and seems to be a great time for all. The last weekend in November is when the holiday activities really take off, kicking-off with the annual Christmas bazaar/luncheon/bake sale. All these events are organized and supervised by Chris Grinnell. There are so many things going on during the holidays, it is often hard to keep track. The highlights include Lighting of Lights, which puts a Christmas theme around the entire Lodge. This event is organized by Lisa Kerbuski and Kera Arnson. Lisen and Kera along with their dad, Alf, organized the always joyous Christmas Mixer. New Chief Tom Jandt and his wife Beth presented the Christmas Smorgasbord. I missed this one, but I understand it was very tasty. Santa Lucia is the event that draws many families to see the Lucia tradition and the Invandrana Singers. It is always entertaining, especially when Dianell is herding the active little elves. It takes a very calm person to make this work. Thanks, Dianell! In the middle of December, on the same day, we had the Children’s Christmas Party. Kera and Lisen bravely tackle this party every year. Charlie Matthews has played the role of Santa for many, many years. Next, the Past Chiefs had their annual Christmas Party. After eating a great meal, we head across the parking lot to the Lodge and join in the Christmas Sing Along hosted by Cory Chancellor and Leslee Farrel. The next day, Jen Reckell and Kera Arnson ran an excellent make your own Bloody Mary Bar. Every Christmas the Majors family puts on the Christmas Eve Celebration. This is always a fantastic time. The day after Christmas, Boyd and Susie Freeman supervise our UNdeck the halls activity. This is a tough job that they handle very smoothly. Thanks!
Continued on page 10
Page 10 March 2019
As always, we finished out the year at the New Years’ Eve party. For many years, Bruce and Bev Kleyn have hosted this party. The Lodge was decorated beautifully, a feast for the eyes! Things do not slow down in January… On consecutive Sundays Martha Bringedahl and Tonya Boews ran a cribbage tournament. The Drill team also held a spaghetti dinner. Winterfest got underway January 25th and continued through the 27th. The Mardi Gras themed event started out with a French Dip and Baked Potato dinner, with live music. The 26th is the busiest day of Winterfest. The morning offered Kickball and Softball on the lake and Grilled Sandwiches with soup. Saturday is also the Steak Fry. Live music was featured all evening. Sunday started out with Britt Hichue’s Almost World-Famous Winter Fest Brunch, then golf and bowling on the lake. By mid-afternoon we offered a taco bar and live music. After a long three days, people headed home. Winterfest takes a lot of help and supervisors. This winterfest was chaired by;
• Alf and Dianell Majors• Kera and Zak Arnson• Lisen and Chad Kerbuski• Christer and Crystal Majors
There is one person I would like to give special mention and that is Paul Pitts, from Harald Lodge. I was so pleased that he made the trip to enjoy Winterfest and that I had a chance to talk with him. Mike Hendon, Past Chief, Linne’ Lodge #57
LINNE’ LODGE NO. 57Muskegon, MI
March 2019 Page 11
INGJALD LODGE NO. 65Jamestown, New York
Fall and Winter Activity When summer ends there is a flurry of activity at our Lake Park. The picnic tables and sports equipment are stored away, and a number of Lodge volunteers participate in our annual clean-up by raking huge amounts of leaves and preparing for cold weather. Of course, in true Viking style, the volunteers are treated to a nourishing breakfast after their hard work. Once again, our Veterans were honored celebrating Veterans Day. With the help of DJ’s Unlimited each branch of our armed forces was recognized as members were introduced. This also was a time for collecting used golf clubs and balls in support of the “Bunkers in Baghdad” program. At the end of November our Lodge was beautifully decorated with Christmas Holiday trimmings under the direction of Lynn Lindberg and her Viking Elves. Breakfast with Santa was held the first Sunday in December with 65 young people (10 years of age and under) attending. Santa arrived to a large crowd of waiting children and parents through the courtesy of a large Maple Springs Fire Department truck. Santa (Charlie Kent), with much relief and thanks, stated that his ride aboard the front of the fire truck was a harrowing experience compared to his usual mode of transportation. He hoped that next year there would be enough
snow so that he could ride his sleigh led by Rudolph. Santa gave each child an age-appropriate gift, wrapped by Viking Elves. Following the giving of gifts, Betsy Lynch took pictures of each child with Santa, and Christmas craft activities were enjoyed by all. The House Committee served a delicious breakfast of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and sausage. Steve and Vicki Kosthorst were once again chairmen for this annual event. Chief Doug Sanders expressed thanks and appreciation to all who helped make this event so highly successful. Election of new Ingjald Lodge officers was held the first Thursday in December. On Dec. 7th an “Ugly Christmas Sweater” event was held with prizes awarded. Steak and ham raffles were held Friday and Saturday nights. Of course, delicious meals were also served those nights. Our always well-attended annual “Doppa I Gryta” party was held with plenty of jovial Viking “spirits” being consumed! The year ended with a New Year’s Eve celebration with music provided by DJ’s Unlimited. AS ANOTHER WONDERFUL YEAR OF VIKING FUN AND FELLOWSHIP HAS COME TO AN END, WE ARE THANKFUL FOR THE WORK OF OUR OFFICERS, VOLUNTEERS AND MEMBERS WHO MADE IT SUCH MEMORABLE YEAR! On to 2019!
More Fall/Winter photos on page 12
Page 12 March 2019
INGJALD LODGE NO. 65Jamestown, New York
March 2019 Page 13
INGJALD LODGE NO. 65Jamestown, New York
Vikings Continue Tradition of Helping Others Each year, for many years, members of Ingjald Lodge have helped spread Christmas holiday cheer through the tradition of assisting the Salvation Army in their Red Kettle Drive. Individuals and family groups volunteer to man the Red Kettles on ten-hour intervals. Most of the volunteers have done so for many years and say that they look forward to this heart-warming experience. True to Viking philosophy of helping others, many volunteers say that they receive more “Holiday spirit” than they give. It’s a wonderful way to usher in the Holiday Season! Thanks and appreciation is extended to all who gave their time---even though only six of the ten are pictured. Ingjald Lodge continues to make generous donations to groups that impact people’s lives by giving a helping hand to those in need. This year, as in the past several years, the three groups receiving donations are: Salvation Army, St. Susan’s Center and UCAN. The Salvation Army has an extensive and well-known program of helping people of all ages who are in need. The St. Susan’s Center prepares thousands of nutritious meals every year helping to feed the hungry in our community. The UCAN (United Christian Advocacy Network) is a ministry that gives food, lodging, and counseling to help men in need as they successfully reenter society. Helping others is an opportunity that Ingjald Lodge takes seriously and is what fraternalism is all about.
INGJALD LODGE ELECTS 2019 OFFICERS
Members of Ingjald Lodge of the International Order of Vikings elected their officers for 2019. This marks the 94th election of Ingjald Lodge #65 since receiving its charter in 1925. Newly elected Lodge officers were installed the first week in January. The installation team was comprised of Past Grand Chiefs Bill Peterson and Tim Fagerstrom; with Grand Council member Bryan Nelson assisting. Doug Sanders, Chief for 2018, thanked all who helped him and the many Ingjald Lodge volunteers have a very successful year. All members in attendance expressed thanks and appreciation for the hard work and dedication of outgoing Viking Chief Sanders. New Ingjald Lodge officers installed are: Chief Jane Fosberg; Vice-Chief Betsy Lynch; Financial Sec. Charlie Kent; Recording Sec. Dawn Stuart; Treasurer Darla Nelson; Trustees: Juanita Porter, Al Johnson, and Bryan Nelson; House Committee: Dawn Stuart; House Com. Auditor Bob Greenwald; Lodge Auditor Jim Chipman; Membership Chairpersons Jane Fosberg and Steve Worden; Temple Corporation: Kurt Eckberg, Kevin Nelson, Steve Worden, and Dan Clark. Following the installation of all the new officers, newly elected Chief-Jane Fosberg expressed her enthusiastic thanks for Past Chief Sanders and all those who worked so hard in 2018. Chief Fosberg indicated that some of her main goals this year are to increase membership, encourage more participation in Ingjald Lodge and to communicate to our membership what a
Past Ingjald Chief Doug Sanders hands meeting gavel over to newly-elected Chief, Jane Fosberg. Also pictured: IOV Grand Council member Bryan Nelson, Vice Chief Betsy Lynch, and IOV Past Grand Chiefs Bill Peterson and Tim Fagerstrom.
wonderful facility and program is available to them. Plans are being made to host the 84th IOV Convention in Jamestown June 13th-15th. Our Lake Park facility will be a “beehive” of activity! All Ingjald Lodge members are encouraged to attend and get involved in IOV Convention activities–a great time for FUN AND FELLOWSHIP!
Page 14 March 2019
SKANDIA LODGE #68Portland, Oregon
Greetings from Skandia Lodge #68, far out west in Port-land, Oregon. As I write this article it is raining again and snowing in the mountains. Several thousand visitors attended the annual Scanfair in early December. Our people were involved with the sale of gallons of rice pudding/fruit soup and nonalcoholic glogg. We were deck hands on the Viking ship that has become a big hit in several northwest events and parades. It is a lot of fun to ride the ship in parades. This year it was decorated in Swedish colors to recognize the 90th year of the “Swede Picnic” at Midsommer. Lots of people, mostly kids, like to have their pictures taken while standing beside the ship and its plywood Viking while wearing helmets and other Viking gear, Andrea Tolonen was a lovely Mrs. Santa, Joulu Puuki, dressed in traditional clothing. On the planning table is a trip to Seattle to see the Vikings Exhibit. We will be chartering a tour bus in March so we can party all the way up and back. Near the museum is a well-known Swedish bakery that should have something for us to take home. Seattle has a rich history of Scandinavian settlers!
Bruce K. Tolonen, Chief, Skandia #68
During a visit to the home of Lois Grufke, (right), a group of Skandia #68 folks enjoy a cup of glogg while taking in all her Nordic décor just before Christmas.
The sail is up and the lights are hung. Chief Bruce will be operating the smoke machine to send puffs of white vapor out the nostrils of the dragon head during the night of the Starlight Parade.
Andrea Tolonen, Wayne Barker and Carolyn Smithee pose with the plywood Viking as he is introduced to the Lodge members during a meeting.DID YOU KNOW?
Did you know that the Grand Lodge Convention is held every two years?• The Convention is hosted by the Lodge of the
IOV Executive Council’s Vice Grand Chief. • Any Viking member may attend the convention.• Any member may attend the meetings.• Only duly elected delegates may vote on bylaw
changes and elections.• All past Grand Chiefs are automatically elected
delegates, as are IOV Executive Council Members.
See Convention Updates in this Journal and look for registration information to be shared with your Lodge later this spring!
Submitted by Rod Ottum, IOV Executive Council
March 2019 Page 15
Name of Insured: __________________________________________ Policy Number: _________________________
Name of Owner: ___________________________________________ Phone: ________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________________________________________
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE RETURNING.
In consideration of and exchange for the Cash Value of Policy Number listed above issued on the life of the Insured listed above, I (we) hereby surrender said policy for cancellation.
In accordance with the terms of the policy, it is hereby agreed that any indebtedness thereon to the Company will be deducted from the Cash Value. Said Cash Value is accepted in full settlement and complete satisfaction of all rights, claims and demands under said Policy. It is expressly represented and warranted that no other person, firm or corporation has any interest in said policy except the undersigned and that no proceedings in insolvency or bankruptcy have been instituted or are pending against the undersigned.
Unless attached, I certify that the policy contract has been misplaced, lost, or destroyed.
Executed this day of , in the year .
SURRENDER FORM
EXECUTIVE COUNCILGrand Chief • WILLIAM H SCHAEFER •Vice Grand Chief • MELINDA WORDEN
Junior Past Grand Chief • RALPH S BECK • Grand Secretary • EIVOR BRITT-LOUISE HICHUE • Grand Treasurer • THOMAS JANDTROBERT GRINNELL • BRYAN NELSON • RODNEY OTTUM • SANDRA CRAMM • WILLIAM PETERSON • ROBERT GREENWALD • LAWRENCE ANDERSON • BARBARA HENDRY
Signature of Witness (Unrelated Adult) Signature of Owner
Please help us close the IOV Insurance program! If you haven’t yet done so, surrender your policy today! You can maintain your Vikings membership by paying dues through your home lodge.
RETURN surrender forms to IOV Fraternal Administration, PO Box 27186, Lansing, MI 48909. THANK YOU!
Independent Order of VikingsFraternal Administration P.O. Box 27186Lansing, MI 48909
Address Service Requested
IMPORTANT DATES:
March 30 .............. Certified Delegates due to Fraternal Administrator for Credentials Committee
April 1 ........................................................................................Convention Program Ads Due (form inside)
May 1 .................................................................................. Journal Article Submissions Due (June edition)
May 10 .....................................................Convention Hotel Reservations Cut-Off Date (block expires)
May 31 ....................................................................Convention Activities Registration Due (form inside)
PLEASE HELP US CLOSE THE IOV INSURANCE PROGRAM!
If you haven’t yet done so, surrender your policy today! You can maintain your Vikings membership by paying dues through your home lodge. The form can be found on page 15 of this newsletter.
RETURN surrender forms to:IOV Fraternal Administration - PO Box 27186 - Lansing, MI 48909.
THANK YOU!