Growing up in Seattle where there is a big Scandinavian population gave me the opportunity to go to Swedish and Finnish events from the time I was born. My most memorable cultural event was Midsummer at Vasa Park on Lake Sammamish near Seattle. We couldn't join Vasa because my Swedish dad knew no one that could sponsor us. However, the Dance Hall provided lifelong lessons in Scandinavian dancing.

My Finnish mother had some distant cousins in SW Washington State. Occasionally, we went to visit. She had been brought to San Francisco when she was 20 by an aunt whom we also visited.

The most memorable and life changing event in my life remains the trip to Sweden and Finland in 1951 on the Swedish American Line from New York. As a result of that adventure I started to learn Swedish and followed our genealogy. I regularly go over to visit my relatives!

When we had children, I sought out the Vasa organization. A wonderful couple, Edna and Al Hollinghurst from Frithiof Lodge in NJ came to interview us!  Edna directed Duvan, its Children's Club. With Duvan, we got to stand on the stage at Lincoln Center in New York City with the King of Sweden in 1976.

We moved to McLean, Virginia in 1981 from Framingham, MA. We found Drott Lodge and became active right away. I was Chairman twice before going to Finland the 1996-1997 school year as a Fulbright Exchange Teacher. Following our return, I served one more year as Chairman. I have also been privileged to be District Master of PA District No.9 two terms.

Our most meaningful activity at Drott involved the Best DMV Bazaar ever. Gerry got busy with Imported Foods. I took my turn at the Kitchen. People loved our Food Line. I had gone to the Ambassador's Chef for lessons in Open Face Sandwich making. I shared my lessons on big poster boards so the sandwiches were always superb!

I find time to attend Drott meetings now, but it is limited. At the present time, I am President of the American Scandinavian Association. Our biggest cultural events of the year are Midsummer and Lucia which have coordinated with other groups that also celebrate these events. I find pleasure in all things Scandinavian.