The Danish Beacon The Danish Beacon The Danish Beacon

Newsletter of the Danish Homes’, N.J., N.Y. and Danish-American Organizations on the East Coast of the U.S.A
The Danish Beacon
Nyheder
fra defra
Danske
Hjem, Hjem,
N.J., N.Y.
og Dansk-Amerikanske
Foreninger paa Foreninger
Østkysten af paa
U.S.A.
Nyheder
de Danske
N.J.,
N.Y. og Dansk-Amerikanske
DANISH HOME OF EDISON, N.J.
DANISH HOME, CROTON-ON-HUDSON, N.Y.
Volume 17, No 4
July & August
2013.
GRUNDLOVSDAG IN CROTON-on-HUDSON, June 2, 2013
Herbert Mathiasen, with his wife Joan and family was recognized for his 50 years of service to the Danish –American Community
and especially to the Danish Home for his dedication and devotion to maintain the well being and care of its residents.
Nancy Mathiasen, introduces her Father;
Herbert Mathiasen
President of the Danish Home, Erik Andersen joined by the Board of Directors,
present a painting of Herbert Mathiasen, painted by Birgit Jacobsen , to him, for his
effort and devotion.
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THE DANISH HOME, CROTON-ON-HUDSON
President/Administrator: Erik J. Andersen
East Quaker Bridge Road, P.O. Box 334, Crotonon-Hudson, NY 10520
Phone: 914-271-3052
The Danish Beacon
Serving the Danish-American
Community Since 1996
Published Every 2nd Month
EDITOR & PUBLISHER
Kenneth L. Nielsen
95 Ira Ave.,
Colonia, NJ 07067-2434
Phone: 732-382-6167
Fax: 732-382-2811
Email: [email protected]
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Joy E. Billich
[email protected]
Carl B.S. Pedersen
[email protected]
DENMARK EDITORS
Hedvig Poulsen
Aalborg, Denmark
011-459-787-9342
[email protected]
Aage Nielsen
Aarhus, Denmark
[email protected]
NEW YORK METRO CHAPTER
OF THE REBILD NATIONAL PARK
SOCIETY, INC.
Kim Qvistorff, President
[email protected]
THE DELAWARE VALLEY CHAPTER,
OF THE REBILD NATIONAL PARK
SOCIETY, INC.
Carl C. Wilhjelm, President
Email: [email protected]
DANE
Danish Archive North East
855 New Durham Road
Edison, NJ 08817-2827
Phone: 732-287-6445
Email: [email protected]
Web page: www.rootsweb.com/~njdane/
index.html
DANISH HOME, EDISON
MAUSOLEUM
DIRECTORS
Bruce F. Kovacs
732-463-3837
[email protected]
&
Victor Little, Jr.
732-549-9305
[email protected]
By: Jana
Wilson
Summertime!
By Jana Wilson
Tusind tak to all who attended our Grundlovsdag festival on June 2 - and CONGRATULATIONS to the raffle winners, whose names are posted on our website
(www.danishhome.org). Thank you also to: our lovely, hard-working volunteers;
the staff and residents; the highly entertaining Swedish Meatballs and jazz trio Venner af Danmark; præst Julie Sløk, singer Marianne Magnusen, and everyone from
den Danske Sømandskirke; keynote speaker Maiken Tandgaard Derno; and MC Peter Hessellund-Jensen. Finally, a giant thank you to Herbert Mathiasen, former
Board president and someone who has given so much over so many years to the Danish Home. You are one in a million, Herb!
Thank you to our guests and performers for their patience as the Grundlovsdag
schedule went through some last-minute rearrangement. Luckily, Mother Nature was
on our side, and the sun shone the whole day through. Danish food went fast: smørrebrød, frikadellar, wienerbrød, Carlsberg. Hamburgers and hot dogs did not sell as
well as last year - I think people wanted the good stuff - the Danish stuff!
The months leading up to Grundlovsdag are always extra busy, and we keep the
calendar moving with plenty of activities and events. In May, the vegetable garden
and the flower beds get planted. The residents hosted the Croton Seniors for an Ice
Cream Soda-Social. The Fathers and Brothers from Maryknoll came over for a barbecue. On Memorial Day we had yet another barbecue. A special thanks to our chef
Rocky for his hard work on these meals. He's the best chef around! We are very
lucky.
The Danish Home is enjoying hosting Bikuben Scholars and filmmakers DitteMarie Jakobsen and Trine Berg-Hansen, recent graduates of the program in Documentary Media Studies at The New School. Ditte-Marie and Trine were residents of
the Bikuben Foundation’s Academic Guest House on West 74 th Street in Manhattan.
Having visited the Danish Home in May to give a day of service with manager Irene
Krarup and other residents of the Guest House, Ditte-Marie and Trine were charmed
by the Danish Home and the work being done here. They approached the administration with a proposal to film a documentary about the Home, which was accepted.
Their presence is a delight and an enrichment for many of the residents. Stay tuned
for information on the film they make…
Live musical entertainment graces the Danish Home with regularity. In May classical pianist Sergei Deych played a beautiful concert in our living room. On May 18
the Bouwerie Boys Morris Dancers made their annual appearance, complete with live
fiddle music, and of course traditional English folk dancing. On June 22 music
teacher Brian Carpentieri brought his students back for a second recital at the Danish
Home, this one held outdoors at the picnic grounds. What a treat to hear those students play! On June 29, the Renaissance Vocal Ensemble returned for another a cappella show. Thanks to their musical director Warren Dyckman for his continued support of the Danish Home.
The Danish Home's Sankt Hans celebration was a huge success, held this year on
Sankt Hans Dag, June 24. With some old
and new friends of the Home, residents
and staff marked the summer solstice with
a barbecue, Midsommervisen, live violin
music courtesy of Sarah Wassberg, and a
bonfire. The witch, hand-crafted by Danish residents, went straight to Bloksbjerg,
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so... except for her, this was a very hyggeligt evening. We look forward to next year's solsticial celebration.
Administrator Erik Andersen returned just in time for Sankt Hans. Erik attended the Museum of Danish America’s 30 th anniversary
celebration in Elk Horn, Iowa. Erik had a great trip, and especially enjoyed hearing speeches from the Danish Ambassador to the
United States, Peter Taksøe-Jensen, and Iowa Governor Terry Branstad.
Have a great summer!
Haley Ryan & Andrea DeBonis at the TOMBOLA booth, Grundlovsdag
Volunteers prepare Smørrebrød for Grundlovsdag
The Danish Home ladies are all smiles as they show off the flower arrangements they made!
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FREJA LODGE #36 DSOA
meets 3rd. Fri. monthly, 1:00 pm, except July and August.
at the Danish Home, 855 New Durham Road, Edison, NJ
Carol Pioerorazio, President, [email protected]
by: Joy E. Billich
On a beautiful day at the Danish Home, our Lodge closed our June meeting, the last one for the season until September 20th, 2013, after sharing our pot-luck lunch and a quick meeting to take care of a little business, It was a wonderful
and happy group of Sister's and guests, spouses and grandchildren, who enjoyed being together one more time.
At each place setting we found a description and history of Sankt Hans Aften (St. John's Day) June 23-24rd and an answer to the question "What is Midsummer Eve, June 20-22nd? This year is was June 21, 2013. This information was
compiled and printed for us by our own Sister Dr. Bernice -Marie Yates, who is a cultural historian and author of eighteen
books.
Sister Bernice will present a visual lecture on Norse Culture on October 20th, 2013 at the Danish Home of Edison, from 2-5 pm. This educational lecture will consist of a series on media boards, period artifacts, a discussion of the role of men and women in this society, the role of religion in every day life and how this religious
dogma became a blend of Christianity and pagan customs widely practiced today. This will be so interesting
and not to be missed.
Where else can you hear, see and learn more about our Danish heritage in such a comfortable spot, and have
coffee and cake served afterward. Freja Lodge #36 is proud tosupport this event and thank Dr. Yates for offering her knowledge and time.time
NOW IS THE TIME TO MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR OCTOBER 20TH, 2013 AND BRING YOUR FAMILY AND
FRIENDS. WE WOULD LIKE TO FILL THE HOME WITH ALL LODGE MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS. THE DANE
HAS GRACIOUSLY GIVEN US THIS OPPORTUNITY TO USE THEIR MEETING DATE TO BRING THIS OUTSTANDING PROGRAM TO EVERYONE.
Don't miss this scheduled afternoon.
Our trustee, Vera explained how our financial statement read and we voted to make changes to our account. Vera is
very conscientious and does an outstanding job of watching over our account, and she is our Sunshine committee of
one! thank you.
We are proud to have the
monies to offer our students
in the form of a scholarship
each year. We enjoyed
awarding two scholarships
this year, each in the amount
of $500.00. One to Sister
Emily A. Bauer, who will attend the College of New Jersey; grand daughter of Sister
Inge Darroch, great grand
daughter of Sister Mrs.
Kjems. The second certificate and check was given to Tyler John Calderone, grandson of Sister Marianne and
Brother Bruce Kovacs. Tyler, a very nice young man, will be attending East Carolina University in North Carolina. His
proud grandmother presented the award and check to him, with a tear in her eye, and he personally thanked the Sisterhood for this award and consideration. This celebration and gathering could not take place in a more beautiful spot, on
the grounds of our Danish Home Picnic Grove. How lucky we are to have such a wonderful place to enjoy the efforts of
so many who serve us. We thank the Scholarship committee and Eloise for printing the certificates and Vibeke for securing the checks. Now for the other good stuff!
The clams were small and tasty, the grill was hot for the dogs and hamburgers, the corn was sweet with plenty of
butter, and the desserts were sooo good. We thank our Sister's who themselves donated and provided all salads, condiments and desserts and we thank the Brotherhood for providing clams, grilled foods, corn and beverages.
The men also set up the tables, etc., for us and the clean up crew too! No matter how many attend the picnic, it seems
the work load is the same. Joe, Vic, Ken, Rich, Bruce, Eric, Gregory, and of course the ladies; Marianne, Doris, Olga,
Eloise, Vibeke, Joy and Inge who we know contributed time and money to make the day a success. We thank all who
worked to make our scholarship picnic a success, and wonder; where were the members who couldn't attend. We
always miss the ones who don't join us for these events. You missed another good time if you didn't come and now
you're saying to yourself "I forgot! I should have marked it on my calendar, so I don't miss this one!" Please know that if
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you ever need a ride to any of our events call someone in your Lodge and we will arrange it. We need you and miss you!
Also let me remind everyone that donations to our Scholarship Fund are always welcome. Students have so many expenses we feel it necessary to help where we can. Please be as generous as possible. Money for students doesn't buy
much today. Let's continue to help them. Donations are tax deductible.
July, August and September are such lovely days to spend at the picnic grove of the Danish Home. They have shuffleboard, horseshoe pit, grills, trees to shade you while you snooze in your comfortable beach chair, and always a soft
breeze.
The All Lodge picnic is scheduled for the second Sunday in September, the 8th, anytime after 12:30 pm. Always a
nice afternoon. Bring your chairs, lunch, etc and enjoy the fellowship of other Lodge members and your families.
We send our get well wishes to Agnes, Joan, Bess, Esther and Joy and all other Sister's and Brother's in distress. We
remind you all to remember Carl BS and call or send him a card. He would love to hear from you.
Freja Lodge #36 will meet again on September 20th at 12 pm. at the Danish Home. Guests are always welcome.
If during the summer you hear of someone sick or in any way of need please call one of our officers so we can
help. That's why we call ourselves, Sister's.
I wish all of you a happy Fourth of July. Did you know that the first time in the United States (outside of the Danish Embassy) the American Flag and the Danish Flag (Danneborg) flew side by side was at the Danish Brotherhood Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska around 1881. You all know that the Danish Home of Edison flies both flags, side by side, every
day of the year! The Danish Brotherhood Headquarters in Omaha was an attractive building of Danish Motif even to the
miniature tower on its roof, a small facsimile of the famous twisted tails of the Stock Exchange tower in Copenhagen.
I don't know what it looks like today. Check it out!
So fly the Stars and Stripes on the 4th and everyday! Thank those who keep us safe: fire fighters, police and our military who give their everything.
With all its faults, it still the best Country in the World. Be thankful we live here!
Thought for the day- "Observe good faith and justice towards all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with
all." George Washington
jeb
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2013 AT 2PM,
DR. BERNICE-MARIE YATES,
CULTURAL HISTORIAN AND AUTHOR OF EIGHTEEN BOOKS
WILL PRESENT A VISUAL LECTURE ON NORSE CULTURE.
THE LECTURE WILL CONSIST OF A SERIES ON MEDIA BOARDS, PERIOD ARTIFACTS,
A DISCUSSION OF THE ROLE OF MEN AND WOMEN IN THIS SOCIETY,
THE ROLE OF RELIGION IN EVERY DAY LIFE AND
HOW THIS RELIGIOUS DOGMA BECAME A BLEND OF CHRISTIANITY AND PAGAN CUSTOMS
WIDELY PRACTICED TODAY.
DIGNITARIES FROM OUR COMMUNITY HAVE BEEN INVITED AND SHOW INTEREST IN THIS
PROGRAM.
COME, LOOK, LEARN, LISTEN AND ENJOY FACTS NOT KNOWN BEFORE ABOUT
YOUR DANISH HERITAGE.
AND ACCORDING TO TRUE DANISH CUSTOMCOFFEE AND DESSERT WILL BE SERVED
NO ADMISSION FEE
COME AND SUPPORT YOUR DANISH HOMEALL SISTERHOOD AND BROTHERHOOD LODGES,
DANE MEMBERS,
FRIENDS AND FAMILY, AND ALL INTERESTED FRIENDS.
LONG ISLAND LODGE #325
meets 2nd. Fri. monthly, 8:00 pm, except July & August, at the
American Legion Hall, Malverne, Long Island, NY
President: Helen Kofod
by: Birgit Jacobsen
"Summer?"
It's June, so it must be summer? But what happened to Spring? This year's calendar seems to have jumped over that
beautiful season - but it's not only our continent experiencing this strange weather. My reliable sources tell me, that Denmark is still waiting for the typical Danish Summer to arrive, with a Spring much colder and rainier than ours.
But enough talk about the weather and wasting precious energy complaining about it! A more important topic - our next
meeting, which is the annual "Ice cream and strawberries" event - all you can eat for a mere $2.00! Last year's June
meeting we had scheduled a Game night, which turned out not to appeal to the membership. So we have instead
planned the popular game, Bingo, where you will have a chance to take home a nice prize, and in addition to that you
may also be lucky enough to win the "Attendance Jackpot", now up to $30.00, since last month's number pulled was Vivi
Hansen, who was not in attendance. But remember, you must be a member to win! This brings to mind - a hearty
VELKOMMEM to Janet Hannigan, who joined our ranks at the May meeting, and I am happy to report, that we have a
couple of additional candidates, interested in joining our lodge
The May meeting was extremely well attended, which saved Johnna and me the job of wrapping up leftovers from the
Smørgåsbord!
The Horserace game was a lot of fun, in part due to the hilarious "calling" by Eleanor's son Ricky, visiting from Edison
Lodge #46. Thank you, Ricky!
Since we have no meetings in July and August, please mark your calendar for Sunday August 4th, as we have again
been invited to hold our annual picnic in the Bedell's lovely garden - something everyone truly enjoys. We start at 12
noon, and you are asked to bring your chair, beverage for your own consumption, and a dish for the buffet table.
To assure a variety, I'll ask you to call me at (516) 593-5358, when you have decided what to bring. - Come and enjoy
a great afternoon in beautiful surroundings. The address is:
2753 Harrison Ave
Oceanside, NY
Johnna's phone # is: (516) 536-8161
Another important item to pay attention to and to put on your calendar - something we have discussed at the last two
meetings. But in case you were not present, I will mention it here.
We believe everyone has an interest in "our" Home in Edison, but may be reluctant to drive there for one reason
or another. So we have arranged for a visit there to give you a chance to see it! We have been invited on Saturday,
September 14th to have lunch, provided by Eleanor and Janet, plus a very interesting guided tour of the Home, by
Agnes Hagmuller, who is the Power behind, and Creator of all the exhibits you are sure to enjoy.
Now please note that this will actually be our September meeting, although it is on a Saturday - and I promise, I will
make it very short!
For transportation, we feel certain that we can provide carpooling, but we will need a definite count of who would like
to go, either as passengers or as drivers. We can either meet in the Legion's parking lot, or 3 blocks over at our house,
should the parking lot be occupied. To sign up, please do so either at this meeting, at the picnic or by calling me.
We wish a Happy Father's Day to all the fathers, grandfathers and Great Grandfathers!
And my wishes for everyone to have a wonderful summer!
Come and indulge in Ice Cream - and Bingo - and don't forget food for the Needy!
See you there!
Respectfully submitted,
Birgit.
855 New Durham Rd,
Edison NJ 08817
732-287-6445
[email protected]
www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~njdane/
As part of our monthly programs, DANE along with the Danish Home, held an open house on Sunday May 19th. Several invitations went out to the local community officials and Danish people. We were happy to receive several interesting guests. They were
able to tour the Home's many exhibits and talk about their Danish roots.
Bernice Yates, an expert lecturer on Viking history
brought her exhibit boards for viewing. They tell
the story of early Vikings and their culture and
history. Bernice will be giving a talk at DANEs
October meeting.
The date for this event is Sunday Oct 20, 2-5 pm at
the Danish Home. Bernice was originally slated to
give her talk at the October Sisterhood meeting.
However after some discussion, it was decided to
have the talk at the DANE. Members of the Sisterhood would invite members of the Lodges and
DANE to attend. It will give added interest and
support to DANE.
We were honored to have a visit from Mayor Antonia Ricigliano of Edison NJ. The Mayor was very
impressed with the displays and collections. After
the tour Mayor Ricigliano talked with the group
Dr. Bernice Yates, Edison Mayor Antonia Ricigliano & Agnes M. Hagmueller, President of D..H. and had some refreshments. She has suggested
that she would very much like to attend Bernice
Yate's October talk and perhaps bring a camera crew. Freja Lodge #36 will serve coffee
and cake.
We encourage everyone from the Lodges and
local Organizations to attend the meeting and
talk. It will be an opportunity for all to get
to know what DANE has to offer and what
the Danish Home is all about. our goal is to
make all aware of how we are trying to retain
the Danish contributions to the local and National communities.
DANE will not hold any meetings during the
summer months of July and August. We will
resume meetings on Sunday September 15th
with the showing of "Cycling in Perth Amboy". The DVD covers the Danish community of Perth Amboy and the contributions
they made to the city. The DVD was created
by our own Joan Seguine LeVine. It won
her a second place award with the NJ Historical Society. Please plan to attend. It will be held from 2-5pm at the Danish Home.
Call us if you need further information on all these events. 732-287-6445.
Hope you have a good summer. See you in the Fall. AMH
THOR LODGE #46
meets 2nd. Wed. monthly, 8:00 pm
at Danish Home, 855 New Durham Rd., Edison, NJ
By: Rick Thoren
Hello family , friends , brothers, and sisters, and to all my fans out there in
Beaconland ! I think that included a whole bunch of the readers out there. So,
being that I now have your attention, let's get down to business. That business
being the Danish Brotherhood, and good ole' Lodge #46. Well last time I
wrote to ya, we were just getting over the GCEL, and talking about what a
great time we all had having it right here in our Home in Edison. With that
very positive, and productive event behind us we had our May memorial service on the 4 of May. Once again the sun shone brightly down upon us as we
gathered at the burial mound to remember our past members. On may 10th I
was invited back to Lodge #325 in Malvern, N.Y. to attend another elegant
dining affair by Birgit, and Johnna. This time it was a smorgasbord table. They had everything a smogasborder could ever want, and
then some. I tell you I've eaten better at these Danish dining/meetings than I've eaten at most restaurants, and I've got the belly to
prove it.After dinner we had horse races. They gave me the honor of rolling the die, and calling the race . It was very exciting indeed, with bets being made, the rolling of the die, and people cheering on their favorite horse to win. Well, I'm pretty sure everyone
went home happy.
We had our May meeting on the 8th, where we discussed the upcoming scholarship picnic, at the time, in June. Now, this is where
it gets tricky. The scholarship picnic was scheduled for June 15th, BUT ! I was also invited to go deep sea fishing on that very same
day, To fish, or not to fish ! That was the question. Whether it be nobler in the minds of men to attend an important Lodge event, or
to go out upon the briny deep on a 40 foot Viking Sport Fisherman, and come home with a bag of fresh sea bass filets, and tales of
the one that got away. I deeply pondered this question for about 5 seconds before confirming my reservation aboard one of the best
fishing vessels to fish the Jersey coast. I mean it's still in the interest of the Danish Brotherhood. Isn't it ? Sailing, and fishing is a big
part of our Danish heritage. A great many Danes have gone to sea. It's in our blood. It was VIKING Sportfisherman, I'm sorry, I
really don't get a chance to get out on a boat like this, so , I made the decision to go out and fish. It was a beautiful day, with calm
seas, and the captain put us on a couple of hot spots that we came home with a bag of nice sea bass filets apiece. Back at the Danish
Home, I'm sure things went well. I know I missed a good time, because I've been to a few of these picnics before with all my good
friends. Hey Guys ! Take care, have a great summer.
We would like to congratulate our scholarship recipients. First
of all the recipient of the Lodge #46 award went to Tyler
Calderon. Second, we would like to congratulate Skylar
Thoren.She is the recipient of the GCEL award. Let's keep up
the good work, and achieve your goals through higher education.
Bruce Kovscs & Grandson Calderon
I also have some very exciting news to report from our last meeting. We initiated into our Lodge a new member. Carl [ no relation to Kenny ] Nielsen has taken the oath, and was sworn in on
June the 12th. A young family man employed by a major utility
company, who will definitely add to our organization. Welcome
New member, Carl Nielsen being presented with his lodge Pin.
Carl.
He joined just in time to take off until we meet in September.
With that all said, I will now take time to give a shout out to our members who are not feeling up to par. Dana Little, a way down
south, Jim Stevenson, and Agnes. Here's hoping that back up and running on all cylinders.
Things are looking good at the home. we're getting ready to seal, and stripe the parking lot, if we already haven't, and we're getting
quite a few donations for our front porch window project, which I know we haven't started.
And last, but not least,,,,1. The largest knight at the round table was Sir Cumference. He aquired his size from eating too much pi.
#2 The last time I went to an eye doctor in Alaska, he turned out to be an optical Aleutian. and #3. Two hats were hanging on a rack.
One hat says to the other, you stay here, I'll go on ahead. Ebbity,,,,ebbity,, ebbity,,,,
That's All Folks !!
The Danish Home of Edison NJ
855 New Durham Rd. Edison NJ 08817
Phone: 732-287-9855
[email protected]
It was a very sunny day May 5th so the Annual Memorial Service was held at the Mindehoyen at the Danish Home. The service
was attended by Lodge Members and Guests. This year we honored Grete Leth who died at the age of 82. Grete and her husband Raymond were members of Brooklyn Lodge #116. Grete is now interred with husband Raymond. In the 1970s Raymond
served as Secretary on the Home Board.
The Service included remembrances of all those deceased members of the Lodges in 2012. A representative from each Lodge
gave a short honor to those who passed. We also honored all those who passed on in years before. The Ceremony included
prayers and hymns. We thank Ken Nielsen along with Greg Hispanski on the trumpet for leading the hymns. Bill Billich led the
group in the Lord's prayer. The program ended with the playing of taps and a moment of silence to remember of all those Lodge
members who have gone before us. The gathered were then invited back to the Home for cake and coffee. Many thanks goes to
the ladies for arranging things and baking cakes. The kitchen looked lovely.
As always the Home is busy during Summer months. On Saturday June 18th Sisterhood Lodge #36 Freja held their annual picnic
and awards presentation. There are several other picnics on schedule. If you would like to hold a family get together please call 732
-287-9855. It is truly a great place for a family reunion.
This is early but it is not too late to start. In March 2014 the Home will celebrate its' 100th Anniversary. It all started with a farm of
72 acres and an old Victoria farm house. The Lodges of the Eastern States wanted to have a retirement home for their members who
were up in age. Over time and changes in the needs, the facilities have now become a place for the preservation of Danish Culture
and Heritage.
There is a very active Archive maintained by DANE...Danish Archive North East. There are biographical files of the many Danes
who contributed to their communities in the North East. Along with these files are displays dedicated to local Danes as well as noted
Danes who became and are great assets to their adopted new country.
We are looking for any photos, stories and memorabilia of the Home throughout its' history, If you can contribute any information,
we would truly like to hear from you. Please call 732-287-6445(the Home) or 7312-287-6445 (DANE) You can also e-mail DANE
ay [email protected]. Please share any information you might have. It will give us some more insight on the Home as we celebrate
its' wonderful history over the years.
AMH
FUN IN THE SUN WITH THE EGC SISTERS
The Sisters of Freja Lodge #36 elected me to represent them as a delegate to the EGC Convention this year.
The Eastern General Committee held their annual Convention in Tarpon Springs Florida on April 18, 19th,
and 20th. This was the 85th convention for our organization. The convention was hosted by Sunshine Lodge
#181 of Holiday, Florida.
It was wonderful to see old friends and to meet new Sisters. The weather was beautiful; coming from cold
New York to the land of sun and palm trees was great!
The convention week end kicked off to a good start on Thursday with registration, a get together, and dinner
on our own. My friend Diane Moody and I went to the Old School House Restaurant near the hotel we had a
very tasty meal. Diane and I have been friends since we were 4 years old. Diane lives in St. Petersburg Florida,
we have kept in touch, and I have to say that this is a 68 year friendship!
The convention opened on Friday morning, with our new President Dianna Kennedy from Lodge #181 presiding. There were 32 members present; with 10 Past EGC Presidents, 3 Past National Officers, and four current National Officers. There were three Lodges that were unable to attend the convention.
We were happy to welcome Lodge #187 from Rochester to the convention. This is the first time this Lodge
has attended an EGC convention. Delegate Marilyn Wadsworth represented her Lodge. Marilyn was later installed as a Trustee of the EGC. I was a National Officer when this Lodge was installed; my husband Joe and I
attended the Installation in Rochester, and we spent a weekend touring the beautiful Finger Lakes region in
New York.
I especially enjoyed getting to know our special guest, Aase Hansen, National Trustee from California
Lodge #68. Aase is a wonderful, interesting person, with a great sense of humor! She does a great job representing the National Board.
We as a Lodge are proud to announce that Joy Christensen Billich, Sister from Lodge #36 was elected by
the EGC board as EGC Sister of The Year! Joy was installed as President of Lodge #36 in 2006. She served as
President for 8 years before retiring. She has given the Lodge a new life, attracting many new members with
her great personality and sense of humor and dedication to the Danish Sisterhood which she loves. Joy has
served on the board of the Danish Home in Edison, and on the board of Dane, (Danish Archives Northeast).
She is always busy promoting the Danish culture. She is also a correspondent for the Danish Beacon.
I started coming to Lodge #36 meetings several years ago. What drew me to the Lodge was being in an environment of love and respect. I marveled at the fun they had together. I always felt welcome because of Joy
There was always something going on in #36. I can’t think of a more deserving person than Joy Christensen
Billich to receive this reward!
We had election of new Officers; I am happy to say that after passing through the chairs of the EGC and becoming President in 2008, I was able to run again for office and was elected Secretary of the EGC. It is a rewarding experience to serve on the local and district boards. I would recommend my fellow Sisters to run for
office, you will enjoy it.
We had some great times, a pizza and bingo party on Friday night, fun in Tarpon Springs and lunch in a
Greek Restaurant with fellow Sisters on Saturday afternoon. Then the Installation of new officers Saturday
evening, and entertainment with the melodies of “The Golden Smoothies” The raffle was held that evening,
and I am happy to say, one of my Lodge Sisters, Deb Larsson won the beautiful Danish vase.
We left on Sunday morning with such good memories. I can come back to my Lodge with a great report of
wonderful times and a great convention. Thank you Lodge #181 for all your hard work, time, and especially
for making all those Danish costumes you wore. We all appreciate your effort. Mange Tak! Hope to see you
all next year!
Sisterly Regards,
Carole E. Pierorazio
President Lodge #36
EDUCATIONAL FESTIVALS AND TOURS,INC.
ANNOUNCES
DENMARK-AMERICA CUP®
(Soccer – Fodbold)
at
EAST STROUDSBURG UNIVERSITY
EAST STROUDSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA
July 9 – 21, 2014
Participation is open for eight teams of boys ages 15 and 16 from Denmark and eight similar teams from the United
States.
Sightseeing trips to New York City and Philadelphia will be included. Attendance at professional fodbold/soccer and
baseball games are planned. Time for swimming in the University pool will be available and evening entertainment will
be offered.
Each participating team will receive a small group physical training and fitness session.
Housing will be provided in the University dormitories and three meals each day will be provided in the University dining room.
All teams and individual players will receive a DENMARK-AMERICA CUP participation award and the top four teams
will receive a trophy to be presented at the final game.
Teams will be accepted in the order in which applications are received.
For tournament details and to put your teams in line for acceptance, kindly contact us at: 404 Greenleaf Court, Pompton
Plains, NJ, 07444 or by e-mail at [email protected]
Adding your name to our list does not commit your participation.
Carl C. Wilhjelm
Carl C. Wilhjelm
President
Educational Festivals and Tours, Inc.
Team name _____________________________ Contact person ____________________
Address __________________________City _________________ State ___ Zip ______
Telephone _______________ Fax _________________ E-mail ____________________
Comments:
EDUCATIONAL FESTIVALS AND TOURS, INC.
404 Greenleaf Court, Pompton Plains, NJ 07444
Telephone: (toll free USA) 888 548 2639 (1) 973 835 2422 E-mail [email protected]
Facsimile: (1) 973 835 0024
The Danish Beacon has been in circulation since April 96, on the East Coast, in the Danish American Community, with articles written in English,
and are published 6 times a year, (by -monthly). We invite you to subscribe to the newsletter, and/or send a gift subscription to a friend or relative:
(This Stub may also be used for renewal of yourSubscription).
NAME:_________________________________________________________
ADDREESS:____________________________________________________
CITY/STATE/ZIP:_______________________________________________Email:_________________________________________
Subscription rate is: $10.00 per year. Yes, that's all ! to keep you abreast of what is happening in the Danish American Circles on
the East Coast. Make Check payable to: Kenneth L. Nielsen
Write, Call or Fax: THE DANISH BEACON, 95 IRA AVE., COLONIA, NJ 07067-2434
Phone: 732-382-6167, or Email: [email protected]
“The Danish Beacon”
Kenneth L. Nielsen
95 Ira Ave., Colonia, NJ 07067-2434
ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED
FIRST CLASS
Support your local
Rebild Chapter
A Danish American Friendship
organization
[email protected]
www.rebildeselskabet.dk
Excerpt of Residents activities
Weekly Bingo.
Shopping trips..
Movies, Musical, Variety Show and
Entertainment in the Lounge.
Exercise classes
Church Service on Sunday’s.
Please visit us, we enjoy showing
our Home to you.
Rooms and Apartments available.
Prices start at 1650.00 monthly
Living Room & Entertainment Area
The Danish Home
Croton-on-Hudson,
N.Y.
Erik J. Andersen, President/
Administrator
Phone: 914-271-3052
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.danishhome.org
Traditional Dining