Swedish-American Society  Newsletter, January 2001 Edition President: Larry Leonardson 721-6827 Web master:

**Subscriptions to Sweden & America, according to the Swedish Council of America, will be reduced from eight dollars to three dollars for four issues annually. January is the month for renewal. When Last We Met  The Swedish-American Society held their annual Sankta Lucia celebration on December 17th.  There were 73 in attendance including 11 children.  Due to illnesses, traveling and other events coinciding with our chosen date, we did not have as many attending as last year.   The decorations were very festive.  The Thunandar Glogg was as delicious as always, along with the hors d’oeurves served during our Social Hour at 4:00 p.m.  The buffet had a great variety of food befitting such a celebration.    At 5:00 we gathered at the tables to sing  “Du Gama”, and My Country “Tis of Thee, and to pray I Jesu Namn, our Swedish Table Grace.  Following the meal, Leland as part of his last official duties as our President, introduced new members Bill & Diane Newlon.  He also introduced several guests including Mr. Carlson, who is 98 years old.  He invited all the visitors to become members.   Don Lundquist gave the Treasurers Report.  He said we have 45 paid members to date.  Ted Johnson led us in singing some music including “Nar jul dagsmor gon-glimman” and”Stilla natt, heliga natt”.  He also sang some of his own creations which we always enjoy.           The lights were then dimmed, the candles were lit, and the Sankta Lucia procession began, accompanied by a recording of Sankta Lucia.  11 children participated, along with Allen Coker.  After the procession, the children then passed out cookies to all present.  Lizbeth Coker arranged the beautiful procession and deserves our thanks for a job well done.  It should be noted that the Coker family came from Richmond, bringing all the costumes, in order to make our evening such a success.  It is our hope that we will be able to entice more guests in the future to share in this lovely Swedish custom.  After the procession, Ted led us in the singing of “Sankta Lucia” and “Helsa Damma Hemna”.  The raffle was held with some great prizes.  The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.  With so many participating in the clean-up, we were ready to leave shortly there-after.   Respectfully Submitted,    Georgie Unser - Secretary

CHILDREN’S CORNER I wanted to take this opportunity to further report on our Sankta Lucia celebration.  The children did a great job. Bentley Anderson’s description enables us to reflect on exactly what the “legend” is. Lucia was a young Italian girl who brought hope to the poor in Sweden.  She was martyred for her beliefs in 304 AD.  The Italian version was brought to Sweden by the Christianized Vikings.  The one chosen to be Lucia is usually the one who is awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.  The celebration began in the 19th Century.  It is focused on the hope that spring will be coming.  Lucia means “Lucidity on Light”.  After Bentley’s talk, the children (and Allen!) entered, being led by Molly Stedfast, the grandchild of Sheila Barrie. Molly wore the crown with the 7 candles to dispel the dark of winter.  In the midst of only the soft glow of candlelight the young maidens (and gentlemen) looked like angels with their glistening halos and carrying candles.  I did not write down the names of all of the participants and do not wish to omit anyone so I won’t name any but I encourage everyone to let the kids know what a great job they did and to let the Coker’s know how much we appreciate their contribution.     DIRECTIONS TO OUR MEETINGS    If coming from the peninsula, take I-64 across the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, follow 64 to 264 East (144). Follow 264 to the Witchduck Road exit, after exiting, turn left onto Witchduck Road. About 1/4 to ½ mile is Ruritan Drive (fire station light is there). Turn left on Ruritan, go the end of the street, building is on the left