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FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Dear Drott Lodge Members and Friends, 
Last month, I wrote about the exciting times ahead—and they have certainly arrived! Our first major highlight was the Icelandic Bazaar on November 9th, a vibrant event with an impressive turnout. Drott Lodge showcased Swedish foods and handcrafted items created by our talented members, and the response was incredible. Thanks to the hard work of many dedicated volunteers, the event was a resounding success.

The highlight of the month, however, was Sounds of Sweden – A Soiree on November 16th. This unforgettable evening brought together four exceptionally talented local Swedish and Scandinavian music groups. The lineup featured Skandal, Fredagskvartetten, Al Bauman and Anders Ljungholm (joined by vocalists Ingrid Ljungholm and Vivieca Karzian), and The Kensingtones (shown at right). Together, they treated attendees to an enchanting mix of Scandinavian folk music, jazz guitar, Swedish and American classics, and popular tunes.

Beyond the captivating performances, the refreshments turned into an unexpected feast! Attendees enjoyed delicious open-faced sandwiches prepared by Karin Weeden; Swedish meatballs; cheese and crackers; and of course, Swedish candy. The desserts stole the show with three massive strawberry-raspberry cakes baked by Eva Dunhem, beautifully decorated with help from Larilyn Andre. A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the volunteers who made this event possible. Your efforts created a truly memorable evening!

Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for more festive events. On December 7th, we’ll participate in the SWEA Holiday Bazaar, followed by our Lucia and Christmas celebration in partnership with ASA on December 14th. You can find more details on our Events page.


We also have a special event planned for Friday, December 27th from 7 to 8 PM. Arne and Eva Dunhem will host a Drott Lodge Memories Slide Show over Zoom. This presentation will feature photos from Drott Lodge events and activities spanning the last decade, many of which have never been shared before. The slideshow will last about 25 minutes, followed by an informal “mingle” session where participants can chat over coffee, tea, wine, or any beverage of their choice. This promises to be a fun way to close out the bustling year of 2024 and welcome 2025 with fond memories and camaraderie. Click here to register. 

As always, we welcome members who are interested in volunteering. With so many wonderful activities and events, every extra pair of hands makes a big difference.

In Generosity, Truth and Unity, 

Arne Dunhem 

Chairman



Nordic Christmas

Church Service


17th annual Nordic Christmas

Augustana Lutheran Church

Tuesday, December 24

2:30 p.m.

2100 New Hampshire Ave NW

Washington, DC


The Sunday school children will light the Advent wreath. 


Hear the familiar texts from Isaiah and St. Luke. 


Lots of singing hymns and carols, sometimes in Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, and Icelandic! And all together, in the language of your choice.

Musicians, both singers and instrumentalists, from the local Nordic community will enhance the service with their talents. 



Upcoming Events

2025 Youth Language Camp Scholarships

District Lodge Pennsylvania No. 9's annual youth language camp scholarship to Concordia's Swedish Language Village is open to all youth members and children or grandchildren of adult members of District 9 lodges between the ages of 8 and 18.


Details and application process can be found here.

Deadline is February 15, 2025.

See all our events the next six months


Member Spotlight - Paul Carlson

What is your connection to Sweden?

     My Farfar came over from Mellerud, Dalsland in 1928 and my dad's mother's parents came from Arvika, Värmland in the 1910s. As an adult, I discovered Swedish traditional music and became much more interested in learning about my Swedish background and heritage.

     I was fortunate to have lived in Chapel Hill, North Carolina when the fantastic fiddler and nyckelharpa player, Bart Brashers was leading the Triangle Spelmanslag and learned much from him. I owe him a huge debt of gratitude for all he was able to teach and show me about the tradition. Thank you so much and rest in peace, Bart. 

     I met Chris Kalke a few years after I moved to Arlington and attended Nordlek in Lahti, Finland in 2009, much to the credit of Chris for helping me get there! When I returned from Lahti, I asked Chris if I could become the fiddler for the Nordic Dancers of DC and ever since I've been very involved with my Swedish heritage through its music and dance. Thank you for everything, Chris!

Tell us a little about yourself

     Professionally, I'm a violin/fiddle teacher and performer. I was classically trained starting when I was four years old but discovered the fiddle side of the instrument as an adult and fell in love with the music of my ancestors. I live in Arlington and teach out of my house and online. Please visit my website: www.ClassicalFiddle.com and check out my Instagram: @ClassicalFiddle.

     My Farmor was a well known musician in Chicago in the 1930s through the 1960s and my most prized possession is her violin that was passed down to me. I have named it Alice in her honor. My dad is also an excellent musician, albeit classical piano, flute, and double bass. He remembers the parties and concerts that his mother used to play for the Swedish community in Chicago.

     I just got a cute studio cat who loves violin and fiddle music! She always comes into the room when I'm playing or teaching and will often meow along to the music.

How did you discover Drott Lodge, and what keeps you involved?

      My dad and his parents were/are members of VASA, my dad has been a member for more than 75 years. I joined the Carl Larsson Lodge in Raleigh, NC (#739) when I was living there and joined the Drott Lodge when I moved up here to the DC area. I love that VASA is honoring and promoting Swedish-American culture here. I think it's wonderful the traditions continue and thrive so far away from the homeland.



Göteborg Lodge #452 Celebrates 100 years in Sweden with the King 

Our sister lodge in Sweden, the Göteborg Lodge # 452, recently held a gala celebrating their 100 year anniversary, with Lodge leadership, members, and even King Carl XVI Gustaf was in attendance. Two Drott Lodge members, Arne and Eva, were even able to celebrate with Göteborg Lodge leadership a few weeks before the gala, while they were traveling through Sweden.


Göteburg Lodge #452 was the first Vasa Order of America lodge formed in Sweden. It was started in 1924 and is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. So what led to the creation of a Vasa lodge in Sweden? 

The idea was initiated by Wilhelm Lundström, a professor at the University of Gothenburg. An enthusiast about his homeland, Professor Lundström founded the Swedish Association for the Preservation of Swedishness Abroad in 1908. 

Over in America, in the early part of the 20th century, emigration from Sweden was going strong. One particular Swede, Johannes Hoving, a pediatrician, had emigrated to America in 1903, settling in New York City.

He was an active member of a Vasa lodge in the city, and in 1924, he led a group of 45 children, who were in Vasa Children’s Clubs, on a trip to visit Sweden. When the ship arrived at the port of Gothenburg, the children were received by the King. The group then met with Professor Lundstrom and it was this visit that sparked the idea for Lundstrom to start a lodge in Gothenburg. Sweden now boasts a total of approximately 23 lodges. 


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Meeting Location:

Saint Mark Presbyterian Church

10701 Old Georgetown Road

North Bethesda, MD 20852


Please do not call the Church!

Email Drott Lodge at Drott.lodge.168@gmail.com 


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