Summer Calendar - Finnish American Cultural Activities

Uutiset
NEWSLETTER OF THE FINNISH AMERICAN
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES, INC.
June/Kesäkuu 2012
Summer Calendar
FACA 2011-2012
Board of Directors
President:
Kara Middleton
(952) 237-5857
km7916@yahoo.com
Vice President/Program Chair:
Bud Berry
(651) 777-6704
bud987@hotmail.com
Secretary:
Harlan Stoehr
(651) 484-9589
hrs4433@gmail.com
Treasurer/Publicity:
Edith Boos
(612) 522-7708
eb.boos@usiwireless.com
Special Events:
Open
Member-at Large:
Glen Bay
(612) 377-4701
FACA Newsletter
Committee
Editor:
Mary Belanger
(218) 839-1566
facaeditor@gmail.com
Graphic Design:
Beth Jarvis
(763) 536-9561
bethjarvi@gmail.com
Contributing Writers:
Kara Middleton, Jeanne
Swope, Joan Dwyer, Gil
Kinnunen, Erin Belanger,
Urho Rahkola, Bud Berry
Membership/Mailing:
Urho and Pam Rahkola
rahkola.urho@comcast.net
(651) 429-3319
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc. Singer/Songwriter Jonathan Rundman
to Release 20–Song Retrospective
Album
Critically acclaimed folk/pop songwriter Jonathan Rundman will release
a self-titled 20-song retrospective album this June. Rundman will perform
a CD release show in celebration of the album’s launch on Tuesday, June
19th, 7:00 p.m., at the Bryant Lake Bowl Theater in Minneapolis.
Rundman has had a busy decade: One relocation from Chicago to Minneapolis. Two children. Multiple albums. Dozens of songs. Hundreds of
performances. Thousands of miles traveled.
Now in 2012, this significant period
is summarized in a new self-titled
retrospective CD. Deftly navigating
between garagey rock, Americana,
sophisticated pop, and folk music,
the new CD Jonathan Rundman
summarizes the work of one of
America’s most ingenious and
persistent independent songwriters.
Rundman’s new anthology collects
songs from four albums (Sound
Theology, Tennesota, Public Library,
and Insomniaccomplishments) as well
as previously unreleased recordings,
remixes, and brand new songs.
Bryant Lake Bowl Theater, 810 W
Lake St., Minneapolis. All ages welcome, sliding scale admission $5-$15.
Tickets can be purchased at http://www.bryantlakebowl.com or (fee free)
at (612)825-8949.
Editor’s Note: Jonathan also performs with Finnish folk duo Kaivama.
Notice of Member Meeting
No business could be conducted at the May 18 annual meeting due to lack
of a quorum, so a brief business meeting to revise the bylaws and elect
directors will be held in connection with the regular program of September
21. Details will be published in the September newsletter preceding the
program.
The nominating committee presented these candidates: For the 3-year term
to succeed herself, Kara Middleton; for the three-year term to succeed
Edith Boos, Richard Harju; and for the remaining two years of the term
from which David Breeden resigned, Edith Boos. Directors serve until the
board meeting following the election of successors.
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June 2012
Board Notes
ing an event in Little Canada that will be presented at
the May 18 meeting, and declined a request from Frederick, S.D., for funds to help pay a performance fee by
the Finnish group Kaivama.
By Harlan Stoehr
The president appointed a subcommittee of Berry and
Boos to review FACA’s insurance policy and to make
an insurance coverage recommendation. The board reviewed FACA bylaw quorum requirements for business, meetings, noted 188 paid memberships, but 276 who are considered voting members.
The board will meet June 13 at Panera Bread, Roseville,
at 7:00 p.m.
Left to right: Kara Middleton, Edith Boos, Bud Berry,
Harlan Stoehr, Glen Bay
The FACA Board of Directors met at 7:00 p.m. May
16 at Panera Bread, Roseville.
Conversational Finnish Class
Kara Middleton, Glen Bay, Bud Berry, Edith Boos, and
Harlan Stoehr attended.
Tuesdays, 4:00-5:25 p.m.
St. Anthony Library
Corner of Como and Carter Ave.
St. Paul
Everyone is welcome.
For more information, please call
Urho Rahkola at ( 651) 429-3319
The secretary reported attendance of 87 at the April
program; minutes of the April 18 meeting were approved. The treasurer proposed an annual meeting
May-to-May financial report because the fiscal year
does not close until June 30.
The president reported that the Finnish exhibit at Festival of Nations received a certificate of excellence and
$200 cash award, and that she and Mr. Berry represented FACA at the reception for Ritva Koukku-Ronde,
Finnish Ambassador to the United States, May 3 at the
Minneapolis Club.
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
FACA needs your ideas and your helping hand.
If you can help with any of the committees or
events, please return this form. Thanks!
The board received a note of appreciation from Red
River Finns for a one-year FACA gift membership, discussed potential program speakers, reviewed a request
for housing June 19-22 from a Finnish athlete attend-
 Program
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FACA Membership
A one-year membership provides you with eight issues of this newsletter, plus other benefits, for $25.
To subscribe or renew, complete this form and mail
with your check to FACA, P.O. Box 580708, Minneapolis, MN 55458-0708. (Check mailing label
for membership expiration date.)
Name_____________________________
Address___________________________
City/State/Zip_______________________
Name________________________________________
Phone_ ___________________________
Email _____________________________
Address______________________________________
City/State/Zip__________________________________
Return to FACA, P.O. Box 580708,
Minneapolis, MN 55458-0708 or bring to the
next program.
Phone_ ______________________________________
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Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc

Meeting Hospitality

Visitor Hospitality

Library
 Laskiainen

Pikkujoulu

Festival of Nations

Information Phone
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June 2012
2012 Festival of Nations Finnish Cafe
up frosting cookies for orders-by-the-multiple-dozen 8,6,4,5,...).
We want to extend our thanks, on behalf of FACA, to
all of the volunteers who helped make another successful year of the Finnish Cafe at the Festival of Nations. It really takes a lot of hard work by many people to
make this happen. The Cafe sold about $5,000 worth
of product this year, with a total approximate profit of
$1,900, after our sale of 'leftovers' at the May program.
Thanks much to everyone for all of their help. I know
it's a lot of work, but we made it through another year
and received a lot of good comments about our products’ appearance and taste.
By Pamela and Urho Rahkola
Kiitoksia Paljon!
First, we want to give a special thank-you to Junelle
and Stuart Bernard for all of their help—from storing
and transporting all of the Festival material for the past
several years, plus purchasing products and helping
with this year's Cafe set-up and shutdown. Junelle even
showed-up to work Friday morning! Thanks much!
We also want to extend a special thank-you to Marlene
Banttari for making space in her freezer again this
year to store all of our leftovers until the May FACA
program, in addition to working a shift in the Cafe and
again washing and pressing all of the cafe aprons.
Finnish exhibit booth: Kara Middleton and Kathy Chambless.
Bazaar’s
Finnish handicraft booth:
Susan
Harstad.
Thanks to Merja Wilenius for again working all four
days of the festival—daily setting up the booth's front
and making sure that sales went smoothly throughout
the Festival.
Also, thanks to Kathy Chambless who ended up working all four days of the Festival as well, between the
Cafe and the exhibit. What a trooper!
A special thank-you to Dawn and Gil Kinnunen for
also volunteering to work the unenviable 7:00–11:00
Saturday evening shift this year, in addition to their
usual Sunday times, right after church, through shutdown. I don't know what we would do without help
like this!
Thanks to all of those who worked multiple shifts. I
know the hours get long and feet/backs get tired: Dixie Luoma, RuthAnn Swanson, Sharon Filiatrault,
Linda Davis, Elsa Hoover, Kaarina Kotkavuori, Eira
Bridges, Barb Nikula-Owens, Jane and Keith Olson
along with George Valo, who ended up 'manning' a
dish towel even though he only stopped by to watch.
Also, thanks to the many other volunteers. Without
you the Cafe would not be possible: Carol and Ray
Pesola, Bob Nelson, Anita Johnson, Stella Arola, Edie
Boos, Marcia Chess, Janie Ahola, Seija Rahkola, Jesse
Stratton, Margaret and Veijo Paine, Theresa and Clyde
Lund along with their wonderful grand-daughter– Annie Kuchenmeister, Jeanne Swope, Bette Ruskanen,
MerryAlice (who took the place of two!) and Bob
Jones, Richard Harju, and Jean Torgerson (who ended
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc Finnish cafe: Merja Wilenius.
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June 2012
edifying and entertaining, of value to both scholars and
non-scholars.” ―Peter Kivisto, Richard A. Swanson
Professor of Social Thought, Augustana College, and
Finland Distinguished Professor, University of Turku
Summer Reading
Finns In Minnesota by Arnold Alanen
This succinct yet
comprehensive
volume outlines
the contributions and culture
of Minnesota’s
Finnish Americans, perhaps
best known for
their cooperative
ventures, their
political involvement, and, of
course, their
saunas.
“Alanen opens a richly detailed window into Minnesota
geography, culture, and life. How Finns interacted with
America, not just Minnesota, comes to life in these
pages.”―K. Marianne Wargelin, Honorary Consul of
Finland and independent scholar
Arnold R. Alanen, professor emeritus of landscape
architecture at the University of Wisconsin–Madison
and a third-generation Finnish American from Minnesota, has written extensively on the topics of landscape
history, vernacular architecture, settlement patterns of
Finnish Americans, and cultural resource preservation.
Available from Minnesota Historical Society Press Format: $16.95 Paper, 112pp, 6×9, 50 b&w illustrations,
1 map, notes, index, bibliography ISBN: 978-0-87351854-3 E-book: $9.99, ISBN 978-0-87351-860-4
The first Finnish
immigrants
arrived in Red Wing in 1864, the vanguard of thousands who eventually and resolutely placed Minnesota
second among the states in terms of Finnish population.
Spring Adult Forums Held at Christ
Church Lutheran
Forums gather on Sundays from 11:10 am to noon—
after worship at 9:30 a.m. and fellowship. They will be
held in the forum space next to the upstairs nursery in
the education wing. All are welcome to attend.
Today we may recognize Minnesota’s “Finnishness” in
the popular sauna, in the characteristic tenacity known
as sisu, or in place names and cultural markers that link
to homeland. The newest contribution to the People of
Minnesota series traces the Finns’ migration to the state,
particularly its northeastern region; their log construction techniques, including dovetail notching; and their
ethnic organizations, from religious to political to
fraternal. Colorful sidebars enliven the narrative, highlighting such topics as “Finglish,” New World legends,
and the 1920s Olympic competitors in track and field
known as the “Flying Finns.”
June 17 The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia―Jane and Antii Lepisto After years of oppression, the Evangelical Lutheran
Church of Ingria in Russia is being reborn. The Suomi
(Finnish) Special Interest Conference of the ELCA is
assisting this four-hundredyear-old church in its rebirth.
A brief history, inspiring stories of ministry, and visual
presentations.
A separate thread tells the story of the Finland
Swedes—“the minority within a minority” whose
members were born in Finland but spoke Swedish and
thus straddled two ethnic groups, belonging fully to
neither. The book concludes with a personal narrative
of Fred Torma (1888–1979), a miner and carpenter
from Nashwauk, who describes establishing a Socialist
hall, involvement in the 1907 Mesabi strike, and founding a cooperative boardinghouse and store. His is just
one engaging example of the vibrant lives and legacy
of Finnish Americans in Minnesota.
Pastor Antti Lepisto, president of the Suomi Conference, has traveled to Russia 14 times. He and his wife,
Jane Lepisto, share the story of the mission and ministry of the Ingrian Church through regular communications and presentations.
June 24 Thoughts and Things from Finland―Mary Bode
and Pastor Carlson
Two members of Christ Church traveled to Finland
in April. They will share with us photos, objects, and
reflections from their time there, helping us reconnect
with our architectural surroundings and our Finnish
friends around the globe and moving us forward as a
gathering place for the local Finnish community.
Advance Praise:
“With a thorough command of his subject matter,
Arnold Alanen has written an engaging account of
the Finnish imprint on Minnesota and of Minnesota’s
reciprocal impact on its large Finnish population. Finns
in Minnesota is one of those rare books that is at once
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc
Christ Church Lutheran, 3244 34th Avenue South,
Minneapolis, Mn. 55406 (612)721-6611 mail@christchurchluth.org www.christchurchluth.org
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June 2012
Program Recap
in Paris. Saarinen’s move to the United States resulted
in his direction for the significant concept design. One
of Eliel’s last projects was Christ Church Lutheran in
Minneapolis. By Marlene Banttari
Our May program, by Kathleen Laurila, provided a
fascinating in-depth presentation of Finnish design,
influenced by the work of leading artists, architects and
designers. Kathleen’s own career experience as an interior designer and lecturer provided a rich background
for her presentation because her grandparents came to
the United States from Finland.
Kathleen recognized the second generation of Finnish designers, whose works are familiar and available
today. Alvar Aalto, remains a leading voice of Finnish
Design. Aalto furniture is sold locally at FinnStyle in
Minneapolis.
Kathleen introduced us to the topic Modern Finnish
Design, by reminding us that Helsinki has been designated the World Design Capital for 2012.
Among other artists of equally recognized work were
Kaj Frank, late Head of Design Planning for Arabia
and Nuutajärvi, and Ilmari Tapiovaara. Tapio Wirkkala,
whose amazing designs in wood and glass have become
classics and whose influence was significant as artistic
director for iittala. Timo Sarpaneva, best known for
glassware, designer of the iittalai-logo, with the lower
case i and promoter of Finnish design, with Wirkkala,
in international and US exhibitions. Oiva Toikka, has
worked in glass and ceramics, theater sets and costumes and even textiles for Marimekko. She went on to tell us how the design sensibilities of
the Finns in the early 20th century played a large role
in advancing the thinking of design and construction
throughout the century. She spoke of Finland’s culture
as encouraging equality and liberalism, of Finns being
secular in their views, and of the Compulsory Education Act that made education a civil right and available
to all citizens.
Kathleen’s last recognized Finnish designers were Eero
Aarnio, modern furniture designer, Marimekko and
Maija Isola. And finally, Kalevala Koru, known for
quality gold, silver and bronze jewelry inspired by Finnish folklore and ancient artifacts.
Finland’s active art world has been made possible in
part by the successful grant policies of the government
and by private donors. Public support for culture is
part of Finnish welfare and basic services. The Finnish
approach to making every day products without enhancement, from the materials that surrounded them,
and with the long-practiced skill of the woodworker,
weaver and glassblower are all natural to the Finnish
artisan.
Kathleen’s conclusions deserve another story to include the ideas for the innovative design system that
are in the planning stages in Finland. Her program
provided an inspiring appreciation of the progressive
society from which we are descended.
In the late 1800s, a nationalist tenor was growing in
Finland, which would impact modern art, music and
literature, first as a demonstration of uniqueness as a
culture, and eventually to have an impact beyond the
borders of their own culture. A dialogue with nature,
and with the quality and movement of light, has been a
prime force throughout the history of Finnish design.
Pieniä Paloja
•
•
But, Finns recognized the need for economic development as well. As a result, the Finnish Society of Crafts
and Design was founded in 1875. Finland’s successful
educational system also happened because of industry
and educators/government developing the system
together. The current “Design Forum of Finland
actively promotes the competitiveness and development of Finnish industry and culture through means
of design.
•
An enlightening review and contributions of the
cultural leaders of Finland, familiar to many of us,
followed. From Elias Lönnrot, who published the
Kalevala, Akseli Gallen-Kallela, and Jean Sibelius.
Eliel Saarinen, was known in Finland, for significant
work on the Finnish Pavilion at the 1900 World Fair
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc •
•
6
Kiitos to May coffee servers Pam Rahkola, Junelle
Bernard, Merja Wilenius, and Marlene Banttari!
Anna Stoehr (mother of FACA member Harlan)
is the world’s 40th-oldest person and 15th-oldest
in the United States, according to the Gerontology Research Group. An article and photos can be
found at: SHE’S ONE IN 7 MILLION on Page
ED1 of Thursday, May 24, 2012 issue of the Star
Tribune
Finnish star forward Mikael Granlund has signed
a three-year contract with the Minnesota Wild and
will join the team for training camp in the near
future.
Finnish researchers say they may be able to recreate beer from the 1840’s after finding living bacteria in beer from a shipwreck near Aland Islands.
Finns are avid readers. More books are borrowed
from the library in Finland than in any of their
Nordic neighbors, both in total and per capita.
June 2012
June
A Way with Clay and Otto
Heino: A True Potter. A
potter will be demonstrating how to make pottery.
Diane Dettman, author
of Miriam Daughter of
Finnish Immigrants will discuss her book. There will
be many other programs
as well as a wide variety
of Scandinavian foods.
The Midwest Viking
Festival will demonstrate
Viking –age crafts and have other activities in the
Viking Park outside of the Hjemkomst building at the
same time. June 8-9 Nisswa-stämman “13” will take place at the
Nisswa Pioneer village in Nisswa, Mn. Nisswa-stämman has grown into one of the largest traditional Nordic music festivals in the upper midwest. This year 150
folk musicians are expected, among them Arto Järvelä,
Finn Hall, Kaivama, Kip Peltoniemi, Arne Salli. For
more information (218) 764-2994, pwilson@brainerd.
net www.nisswastamman.org.
June 9 Sisu Heritage, Inc. 26th Annual Finnish-American Summer Festival, TimberHall, Embarrrass, Mn.
10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. Crafters, demonstrations, games,
food, entertainment, homestead tours. Contact Pat
Heikkila, (218) 229-2198 for more information.
June 15–17 The 5th
Annual Frederick, SD
Finn Fest will be held
Friday, Saturday, and
Sunday. After Frederick’s 125th celebration
in 2007, organizers
decided to have an
annual Finn Fest.
Complete with boot
toss and wife carrying
contests, Finn bread
tasting, “Miss” Finn
and Finn Princess contests, Juhannuskokko (Fire on the
Water) and music by the folk duo Kaivama (Sara
Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman). For information
about the Frederick Finn Fest visit www.fredericksd.
com or call (605)329-7143.
June 17 The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria in Russia―Jane and Antii Lepisto, Christ Church Lutheran (See page 5).
June 22–23 The 35th Scandinavian Hjemkomst and
Annual Midwest Viking Festivals will be held Friday
and Saturday June 22–23 from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
at the Hjemkomst Center in Moorhead. This year,
Sweden is the featured country. Entertainers include
Sara Pajunen and Jonathan Rundman of the folk duo
Kaivama. One of the presentations is the showing of
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc
On Saturday, June 23, 8:30 a.m. there will be a 5K
Run/Walk. On Sunday, June 24, a Norwegian service
will be held at 9:30 a.m. and a Scandinavian service will
be held at 11:00 a.m. For more information about the
35th Scandinavian Hjemkomst and Annual Midwest
Viking Festivals visit www.nordiccultureclubs.org, www.
hcscconline.org. or call (218) 299-5452.
June 24 Thoughts and Things from Finland―Mary Bode
and Pastor Carlson Christ Church Lutheran (See page 5)
July
July 17–19 Finlandia
University Finnish Folk
Music Camp, Hancock,
Mi. Traditional Finnish
music still permeates
the lakes and forests
of Michigan's Copper
Country, where Finnish-American identity
vibrantly lives on. From
Saturday evening sauna
to specialty comfort
foods, folks carry on
their Finnish traditions
as part of everyday life.
Arguably, none do it
more significantly than
those who play traditional Finnish music at
festivals and weddings, in humble kitchens, on stylish patios, and even along the pristine shores of Lake
Superior. Finlandia University's Finnish Council in
America and the Finnish American Heritage Center are
excited to arrange this second annual Finnish traditional music camp opportunity. For more information or
to reserve your spot at camp visit: www.finlandia.edu/
finnish-music-camp.html or call (906) 482-1413 during
7
June 2012
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc.
P.O. Box 580708
Minneapolis, MN 55458-0708
FACA
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc.
is an organization dedicated to preserving and
promoting the cross-cultural heritage of
Americans with Finnish ancestry.
Information: (612) 374-2718, www.finnfaca.org
Sept 21 FACA Program
Nov 8-11 FinnFest USA 2012, Tucson, Az. www.
finnfestusa.org
Dec 7-8 A Scandinavian Christmas in Cokato. Watch
our website for upcoming details and for more information. Cokato Laestandian Lutheran Church in
Cokato, Mn. www.cllchurch.org
normal business hours. Check the website periodically
for updates. Finlandia University, founded by Finnish
immigrants over a century ago, is a learning community
dedicated to academic excellence, spiritual growth and
service.
July 29 –Aug 4 SISU Finnish Language & Culture
Seminar at the University of Minnesota, Duluth.
Registration deposits were due before April 30; for
more information and registration information contact: Kathleen Ristinen, Secretary: kaisa@eurekanet.
com or (740) 592-1157. Facebook group: SISU Finnish
Language & Culture Seminar.
August
Aug 24 Uutiset copy deadline
Fall and Winter
Sept 1–2 Petrell Hall 100th Birthday Celebration.
Petrell Hall is located approximately 50 miles north
of Duluth, 3345 Brimson-Toimi Rd., County Rd. 353,
Brimson, Mn. For more information: (218) 848-2622
or email petrellhall@gmail.com.
Sept 8 20th Annual Ethnic Fest, Walker, Mn. invites
you to attend their upcoming event as a vendor, performer or visitor! Contact the Leech Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at (800) 833-1118 or (218) 547-1313
for more information.
Finnish American Cultural Activities, Inc 8
June 2012