Letter from the President:

Hello, I just finished enjoying a scoop of ice cream with fresh raspberries on it.  Yum!  Summer has such great tastes, and I hope all of you are enjoying the summer season in every way.

What a pleasant and educational evening we had at our Syttende Mai celebration on May 18. We enjoyed good food, good friends and a good speaker, Dr. Neil Eckstein from Winchester, Wisconsin. Dr. Eckstein gave us a look at Norwegian pioneer life in Wisconsin and talked about his two historical novels, “Norton’s Folly” and “Jacob’s War” set west of Neenah and Menasha. His books have been purchased and added to our library. You’re encouraged to check out any of these books from our lodge library.

On  June 5, we presented pianist Knut Erik Jensen in concert. The evening was delightful and well attended by nearly 150 people. Jensen shared with us a journey "From Grieg to Gershwin," which showed his musical talent and his personable style as he announced each piece.

 In true lodge fashion, a large group of people helped to make the evening a success.

I’d like to extend our thanks to:
Myron Vedvik, coordinating the arrangements to bring Jensen to our lodge;
Ken and Ramona Eliason, securing Calvary for the performance;
Bonnie Vastag, arranging publicity and producing the printed program;
Carl Lovlien, providing accommodations for our guest;
Shirley Pennock, helping with CD sales  and picking up the programs from the printer;
Carol Brunner, greeter;
Rita and David Running, bringing the tablecloths, setup, clean up;
Pat Jacobs, collecting entrance fee;
Luann Zabel Jelinek, treasurer;
Mark Jelinek, sound work;
Marlene Bergum, coordinating refreshments, set up and clean up;
Peggy Schroeder, providing roses for Jensen;
Everyone who brought cookies and bars, and anyone that I may have forgotten. 

I hope you are looking forward to the upcoming  annual  picnic and inviting family neighbors and friends to join us. The potluck picnic will be on July 20th at 6 p.m.   at Bay Beach. We will again be enjoying lefse and pølse. Please bring a dish to pass and your own tableware. Lemonade will be provided. Have a fun and safe summer. See you soon.

Mollie Bergsbaken
President, Gronnvik Lodge