Summer Newsletter 2019

FEATURES 03 

What is Midsummer? 

— 

Learn more about the 

Nordic summer tradition 

that inspires our annual 

festival. 

06 

Donor Spotlight: 

Alf & Lili 

— 

Read about their life 

story and history with 

our organization. 

Summer 2019 

NEWSLETTER 

Michelle Bauer

Welcome New 

Board Members! 

SØREN ANDERSEN 

“I came to Oregon in 1982 from 

Denmark, where I was born, when 

I was 17. I retired last year from 

Intel after 20 years and my last role 

was Strategy Director for Corporate 

Enterprise Systems IT. Before that I 

spent nine years in consulting and 

systems integration. I am currently 

on the Advisory Board for the 

Oregon State University College of 

Business Supply Chain and Logistics 

Management program where I 

volunteer and am leading an effort to 

build a technology innovation lab. I 

am a Limited Partner with the Oregon 

Venture Fund and OTBC where I help 

to advise Oregon based startup 

companies. And, I have a consulting 

company called Soren Andersen 

Consulting LLC which is focused on 

enterprise digital transformation.” 

VESA A. VIHAVAINEN 

“I’m a Finn, born in Helsinki in 

1962, educated in Germany at the 

Technical University in Berlin where 

I graduated as MS. Econ. in 1988 

and then received my MBA degree 

from the University of Jyväskylä in 

Finland in 1999. I’ve been married 

to Heli since 1987 and have four 

children, two grandchildren and a 

third one is coming this July. I work as 

the COO at Sheldon Manufacturing, 

Inc. and we have operations also 

in Irving, TX. Besides my work life 

I write songs and one CD has been 

published in 2018 and the next one is 

coming in 2019. I was also nominated 

as Honorary Consul of Finland for 

Oregon in 2017 and have served on 

the steering committee of Oregon 

Business and Industries since 2018.” 

Regatta 

Saturday, August 10 

SALES GALLERY ANNOUNCEMENT 

Throughout the years, Nordic Northwest has grown and created relationships 

with many local artists and collectors in the Portland area. 

This year, we are very excited to announce a new Sales Gallery at 

Nordia House! Starting this summer we will begin showing and selling 

collections of art and curated antiques from single artists and owners. 

This may include paintings, wood carvings, textiles/weavings, jewelry, 

and so much more! This gallery will help celebrate local artists and 

preserve both traditional and modern techniques and styles in Nordic 

art. Displays will rotate every three months. 

INTERESTED IN DISPLAYING AND SELLING ART 

OR ANTIQUES? 

Contact Kirstie Opel for more information! 

Dirk Schulbach 

THE ASTORIA REGATTA IS ONE 

OF OREGON’S BIGGEST FESTIVALS. 

For the past 4 years, Nordic Northwest has been a part of this 

Oregon Heritage Tradition by having our famous Viking Ship as a 

float in the parade! This year, the 125th Regatta, the float will be 

put together with help from the Danish Sisterhood and Danish 

Brotherhood to give the ship some Danish Viking flair. The float 

is maintained by the Pacific Coast Viking Ship Foundation (Dave 

Alford & Judy Gervais Perkiomaki) and each year the Official Lucia 

of Oregon court rides the float. For all three years the ship has been 

in the parade, the float has been awarded the Grand Land Parade 

Grand Marshall’s Award! This parade will take place just as the 

Astoria Yacht Club begins their races, and is the culmination of the 

weekend long festival. 

SCANDINAVIAN OF 

THE YEAR CHANGE 

This year NNW will move the 

NNW SPOTLIGHT 

Scandinavian of the Year Award 

ceremony from being awarded 

annually at the Portland Scandinavian 

Midsummer Festival to 

being awarded on the Portland 

ScanFair stage in December. 

HAVE A NOMINATION? 

Contact info@nordicnorthwest.org 

or call 503-977-0275. 

Midsummer 

Saturday, June 8 

11am – 6pm 

Oaks Park 

The Midnight Sun 

Just above the Arctic Circle, these places can 

have months with no darkness from May to 

late July. Lands of the Midnight Sun have 

become destinations for visitors to Scandinavia. 

Instead of setting, the sun dips down towards 

sea level. In some towns it lightly touches the 

sea before rising again. When the sun sets just 

a few degrees below the horizon this is called a 

white night. 

This is a time of year when many local 

attractions and activities are open during the 

MIDSUMMER NIGHT IS 

THE LIGHTEST NIGHT OF 

THE YEAR IN SWEDEN. 

Today, it is the time when summer 

holidays have just begun and Swedes 

flock to the countryside to enjoy fires 

and traditional Midsummer food like 

herring, potatoes, meat or fish on the 

grill and strawberries or other seasonal 

fruit and vegetables. Flower crowns 

are also a large part of the tradition, 

as plants are collected to craft them 

and decorate the maypole, which people 

dance around as the celebrations 

late hours of the night. It is a rare opportunity 

to kayak over quiet gold waters or take 

a walk over a glacier at midnight. Some say 

this extreme sun exposure is needed to sustain 

residents through the opposing polar night, 

24 hours of darkness, which can contribute 

to mental health problems. Light is such an 

essential part of Nordic living that many 

homes and cabins are built with as much 

exposure to natural light as possible. The 

central Norwegian town of Rjukan, nestled in 

a fjord valley, has even notably installed large 

Michelle Bauer 

continue. Midsummer is a welcome party for the season but it started 

as a celebration for the season of fertility. This is where the focus on 

foliage and new growth comes from. Midsummer Eve is traditionally 

the best time for love to bloom. Young women are tasked with picking 

seven types of flowers to put under their pillow, then they dream of 

their future lovers. Because of the magical feel in the air, it is also 

a popular time for weddings and christenings. The food and drink 

traditions come from the industrial industry, where factory employees 

were given a feast of herring, beer and schnapps. It has been the most 

celebrated Swedish festivity since the early 1900s. 

Portland’s Annual Scandinavian Midsummer festival, an Oregon Heritage 

Tradition Day since 2018, is now in its 91st year! Join the League 

of Swedish Societies and Nordic Northwest for all of the favorite 

traditional celebrations: flower crowns, dancing around the maypole, 

delicious food and drink, and more! 

BODØ, JOKKMOKK, AND ROVANIEMI ARE ALL 

CONSIDERED CITIES THAT NEVER SLEEP. 

rotating mirrors on the mountainside to reflect 

sunlight back into the town! Nordia House 

was also designed based on the Nordic principle 

of utilizing natural light. If you look closely, 

there are almost no 90 degree angles in the 

entire building; the walls are angled in such a 

way as to allow the most light possible. As it is 

with the polar night, Nordic people continue 

to be outdoors no matter the season. The extra 

hours of daylight help them, and the many 

tourists who flock to see this phenomenon, to 

be out and enjoy nature that much more. 

2 NORDIC NORTHWEST SUMMER 2019 3

CALENDAR 

June 

91ST PORTLAND SCANDINAVIAN 

MIDSUMMER FESTIVAL 

June 8, 11am – 6pm 

NEEDLE FELTING WORKSHOP: 

VIKINGS & GNOMES 

June 22, 10am – 1pm 

July 

NORDIC HERITAGE NIGHT WITH 

THE PORTLAND THORNS 

July 5, 8 – 10pm 

CONCERT & DANCE: VARELSE 

July 21, 6pm 

NNW or Norske Runddansere Members: $15 

September – October 

CONCERT: SVER 

September 5, 7:30pm 

NNW Members: $30 

Oaks Park (7805 SE Oaks Park Way) 


Providence Park 

Non-members: $20 


Adults: $8 


Tickets: $20 

Arts for All: $5 

(Concert at Nordia House, presented by the Alber- 

Seniors & Students: $7 

Join Smart Felt creator Sabrina Mauer and create 

See the Portland Thorns against the Seattle Reign 

Varelse (a local Portland band) is a unique 

ta Rose Theater) SVER play epic Nordic folk music 

Families: $17 

your unique version of a Viking or Gnome in just a 

FC! After the game we will be hosting a Q & A with 

combination of various traditions, instruments, and 

with relentless energy and seductive spark taking 

Children 11 & Under Free 

few hours! In this introductory class, you can learn 

Icelandic player, Dagny Brynjarsdottir. A portion of 

histories. Nyckelharpa, fiddle, six-string guitar and 

you on a fantastic musical journey guaranteed to 

Presented by the League of Swedish Societies and 

how to make this freestanding gnome using wool 

ticket sales comes back to Nordic Northwest! 

various hand percussion instruments come together 

excite you. SVER is one of the most acclaimed live 

Nordic Northwest. Join your friends and family in 

and a felting needle. 

to create a groove and sound that is simultaneously 

acts in the Nordic folk scene. 

SE Portland to ring in the 91st year of this historic, 

THE COMPLETE SONGS 

old and new. Come for a concert and dance! 

regional tradition that occurs each June. Enjoy 


OF EDVARD GRIEG: 

NORDIC WINE & PAINT NIGHT 

Nordic food, games, entertainment, vendors and 

more! Plus, entry includes discounted ride bracelets 

FOUR LEGGED FRIEND 

June 22, 2 – 5pm 

THE MOUNTAIN MAID 

July 9, 7:30pm 

August 

September 13, 7 – 9pm 


for the park! It continues to be a fun, family friendly 




and important day with centuries-old traditions and 



WOODBLOCK TOTE BAG PRINTING 

Enjoy a complimentary beverage while you learn 

All events are at Nordia House 

everyone is invited. 

A fanciful unicorn or a fuzzy alpaca, these four 

Arts for All: $5 

August 18, 12 - 2pm 

from master artist and crafter, Joel Henrique! Be 

unless otherwise noted. All dates 

legged beasts are as fun to make as they are to 

Join Laura Loge, sporano, and Knut Erik Jensen, 


inspired by Joel’s exhibit Design Play, on display 

subject to change. 

WORKSHOP: RUNE RING 

look at! Learn this shortcut technique for creating 

piano, with Northwest Edvard Grieg Society and 


from July 12 - October 31, 2019. 

June 12, 10:00am – 1:00pm 

quadrupeds. 

Nordic Northwest, as they venture in the mountains 

Craft your own printed tote using Scandinavian de- 

For more information, visit 


to the sæter (summer farm). 

signed blocks and acrylic paint with Joel Henriques! 

ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP & 

nordicnorthwest.org 



Families welcome. In collaboration with the Design 

VOLUNTEER CELEBRATION 

Using sterling silver, learn some basic jewelry 

BIRCH CANVAS 

EXHIBIT OPENING: DESIGN PLAY 

Play exhibit (July 12 - October 31). 

September 15, 5 – 7pm 

All sales are final; no refunds. 

silversmithing techniques by texturing and forming 

June 23, 2:30 – 5:30pm 

July 12, 6:30 – 8pm 

Free for NNW Members 

sheet metal into a wide band ring. Stamp the Elder 


Free & Open to the Public 

CONCERT: ABBAGRAPHS 

Non-member Guests: $15 

Futhark Viking runes in a pattern and leave with a 


This summer we feature the whimsical art of Joel 

August 24, 7 pm 

Join us for our annual community celebration at 

completed ring. 

Wool painting is a technique using wool fibers to 

Henriques, focusing on his oeuvre of toys, craft, and 

VIP Reception, 5pm 

Nordia House! RSVP to info@nordicnorthwest.org. 

"paint" a two dimensional design, using a felting 

fine art. His paintings will be on display and for 

VIP: $60 

DANISH BOOK CLUB 

needle. This piece will be suitable for framing. 

sale! Get a first look and enjoy light refreshments. 


FALL FILM COURSE: 

June 19, August 21, October 16 


NORDIC CINEMA 

12 – 2pm 

CONCERT: NORDIC SINGERS 

PICKLED HERRING DINNER 

Seattle-based, The ABBAgraphs recreate the pop 

Mondays, 7:15 – 9:15pm 

NNW Members: Free 

June 26, 7:30pm 

July 13, 6:30pm 

magic of ABBA’s chart-topping, classic pop hits 

September 23 – November 18 




of the '70s and early '80s PLUS hits of the disco 

Course Fee: 

This group reads book selections & conducts discus- 



era. Think Dancing Queen, Take a Chance on Me, 


sions in Danish! The meetings are open to the public 

Visiting from Denmark as a part of their national 

Join us on the lawn at Nordia House for the 4th 

Mamma Mia, Fernando, Waterloo and more! 


and take place in the MLC Conference room inside 

tour, the Nordic Singers will perform a selection 

annual Pickled Herring Dinner with Broder Söder! 

See them perform at Nordia House for the first 

Dr. Birnie received his Ph.D. in German Literature, 

of Nordia House. Brunch available to order from 

of operatic classics. Save the date to see this 

The smörgåsbord will feature herring in a variety 

time and enjoy the first concert on the Fogelbo 

with a minor in Scandinavian Studies, from UW 

the cafe to enjoy during group discussion. 

incredible group! Sponsored by the ScanDesign 

of sauces, new potatoes with lots of dill, cucumber 

Lawn (weather permitting)! 

and has since taught Norwegian, Scandinavian 

Foundation. 

salad and, of course, Swedish Meatballs! 

literature and film, and German. This course will 

WINE WEDNESDAYS 

VIKING KNIT BRACELET 

provide an introduction to the origins and devel- 

June 19, July 17, August 14, September 18 

FILM: SARABAND 

WORKSHOP: VIKING 

August 25, 3 – 7pm 

opment of Scandinavian film over the past 90 

5 – 7pm 

June 28, 7pm 

CHAINMAILLE EARRINGS 


years. The focus will be to acquaint students with 


Suggested Donation: $10 

July 17, 6:00 – 8:00pm 


the major directors, themes and narrative styles. 


(Rated R) Join us in viewing this 2003 drama, 


With Debra Carus of Elentari Handverk, you’ll use 

Enjoy an evening on the Nordia House patio with 

Saraband (Sweden) directed by Ingmar Bergman. 


sterling silver wire, pliers and wooden dowels, 

NORDIC NIGHTS AUCTION & GALA 

light refreshments! Taste offerings from four local 

Professor Tom Birnie will present the film and host a 

Learn chainmaille patterns, plus wireworking skills 

and create one of the most ancient and lovely 

October 5, 5 pm 

Nordic wineries, and bottles will also be available 

brief discussion following the screening. 

to create your own earrings, decorated with stone 

chains that dates to Viking times. Once woven, the 

Tickets: $150 

for sale. More details to come. 

and metal beads. You’ll even create your own ear 

chain is drawn through a special drawplate that 

Enjoy an elegant night at Nordia House full of 

wires, using sterling silver wire. Class taught by 

compresses and lengthens the weave into a dense, 

delicious food and drink, exciting bidding and 

Debra Carus of Elentari Handverk. 

beautiful bracelet. 

more! It is a night not to be missed! 

Lisa Oliver 


NNW STAFF 

Jodi Lippert 

Executive Director 

Sassa Carver 

Events Coordinator 

Christine Beaulieu 

Events Support 

Minna Lindholm 

Rental Coordinator 

Laila Simon 

Program & Communications 

Coordinator 

Kirstie Opel 

Exhibit, Membership & 

Volunteer Coordinator 

Doug Webster 

Facilities Coordinator 

Nate Powers 

Facilities Coordinator 

Whitman Craig 

Facilities Associate 

Oscar Hårrskog 

Facilities Assistant 

NNW BOARD 

Mike Nelson 

President 

John Nelson 

Vice President 

Sonja Haugen 

Treasurer 

Grethe Larson 

Secretary 

Anton Akervall 

Søren Andersen 

Kim Bergenser 

Aase Besson 

Dana Bjarnason 

Kirsty Dickinson 

Bob Evenson 

Ross Fogelquist, Emeritus 

Greg Jacob 

Leah Jørgensen Jean 

Katariina Lehtonen 

Ralph Tuomi 

Vesa Vihavainen 

Tim Wahlberg 

BRODER STAFF 

Colin Dunphy 

Executive Chef 

David Narlock 

Café Manager 

Casey Currier 

General Manager 

COMMUNITY NEWS 

Donor Spotlight 

Alf & Lili Gregerson 

ALF AND LILI LEFT 

THEIR HOME COUNTRY 

OF DENMARK TWO 

WEEKS AFTER THEIR 

WEDDING IN 1959. 

Despite thinking the decision to move 

to America was crazy, Lili’s parents 

drove them to the Copenhagen train 

station and waved goodbye for what they 

thought might be the last time. The couple 

had no jobs lined up and no money, 

just the desire to start a new life. “We 

came with just our bare hands.” 

Their pioneer spirit lead them to board 

the Queen Elizabeth on the way to 

Canada. After landing in New York they 

took a Greyhound bus across the country 

to Calgary where they lived for five 

years before seeking a warmer climate in 

the Portland/Vancouver area. 

Arriving in Portland while pregnant with 

their daughter presented challenges of 

finding a new home and work to support 

their family. Alf worked graveyard shifts 

at the shipyard. After a worker’s strike 

threatened time without pay, Alf decided 

to seek out tools and equipment to start 

his own welding business; he did so 

within the month. Because ‘A’s come first 

in the phone book, they named the business 

‘Advance’ and rented a warehouse in 

the Vancouver shipyard. Alf went door 

AMC ANNOUNCEMENT 

to door to drum up business to get them started. 

They were met with many kind individuals 

and grew a solid reputation. Lili describes Alf 

as, “never wanting to make a big splash,” but 

they certainly made ends meet. Alf worked day 

and night to support the business, finishing 

projects in the day and putting together estimates 

in their spare bedroom. Lili also helped 

with office work at Advance for a few years. 

They owned the business for 35 years. 

In the early 1980s, the two were asked by a son 

of fellow Danish immigrants to begin attending 

meetings at Portland State University to help 

support the Scandinavian Studies department. 

It was important to Alf and Lili to become 

American citizens and Lili attributes this mind 

set to their spread set of interests and friend 

groups in the Nordic community at large. 

After following the progression of Nordic 

Northwest, born out of those meetings at PSU 

in the 80s, Alf & Lili were pleased to be invited 

to attend a NNW board meeting. It was this 

gesture that inspired a generous 1 million 

dollar donation to the organization. 

Nordic Northwest congratulates Alf & Lili on 

their Diamond Anniversary - 60 years! Tillykke 

Alf & Lili! 

Annual Membership & Volunteer Celebration! September 15, 5–7 pm. Every year, since our opening, 

we gather at Nordia House to celebrate the members and volunteers of our Nordic Northwest 

Community! Your support helps sustain everything we do from programs and exhibits to festivals and 

NEW AT NNW 

The National Nordic Museum Act 

This March, the Natural Resources Management Act was 

signed into law, affecting almost every state, including the 

maintenance of local parks and new protected land and 

water designations. 

In Oregon, the habitat for steelhead is conserved: one hundred 

thousand acres of land and 200 miles of river! This is one 

of the 170 provisions in the law, which is a triumph of conservation 

legislation. Attached to this law is a brief bill which 

states, “This bill designates the Nordic Museum at 2655 NW 

Market Street in Seattle, Washington, as the ‘National Nordic 

Museum.’” This bill was sponsored by Senator Maria Cantwell 

of Washington and serves as a continuation of Ballard’s 

strong Nordic connection. As a national representative of 

Nordic culture, the museum will continue to promote local 

economic opportunities as well as international relationships. 

With their new building, which opened in May 2018, the 

Nordic Museum has the opportunity to attract world class exhibitions, 

community partnerships and expand their in-house 

collections. Nordic Northwest is looking forward to watching 

them grow and working with them in the future! 

Tillykke, onnittelut, til hamingju, gratulerer, grattis! 

(Congratulations) 

NORDIC NIGHTS 

Nordic Northwest’s annual Auction and Gala has a new name, 

Nordic Nights! October 5, 2019 will be a night of celebration 

for the Portland Nordic community. Gathering at Nordia House, 

Lisa Oliver 

CALL FOR COMMITTEE VOLUNTEERS: 

Are you a member with us and looking for a unique way to be involved? 

NNW is looking for members to volunteer for several committees: 

Development Committee 

Annual Auction & Gala 

Help plan NNW’s strategic direction Plan a night of philanthropic engagement, 

fun and fundraising all with a 

that identifies philanthropy’s role in 

accomplishing NNW’s strategic plan Nordic theme 

and vision 

ScanFair Christmas Market 

Facilities Committee 

Help with preparation and evaluation 

Help plan the maintenance, capital of our annual Christmas market at the 

projects and volunteer work projects Memorial Coliseum 

to keep NNW’s facilities in top condition 

to accomplish its mission 

Midsummer Festival 

Help plan and execute our annual 

Governance Committee 

outdoor summer celebration 

Enhance the Board’s capacity for 

effective governance 

Cook & Eat 

Have a hand in one of our most popular 

offerings; Friday Night Lecture 

Program Committee 

Grow and help assure the programs Series - ensure quality lecturers at 

and exhibits meet NNW mission Portland State University through this 

20+ year old program 

MEMBERSHIP 

Want to be a member of Nordic Northwest? 

FINN WARE STAFF 

Saara Matthews 

Owner 

Marjo Northrup 

Roberta Lang 

Sales Associates 

Nordic resources. Join us to gather with friends old and new. We want to show our appreciation and 

host an opportunity for staff, volunteers and members to get together. The President’s Award will be 

presented alongside remarks from the President of the Board and the Annual Report will be handed 

out. Families are welcome; there will be a craft area and lawn games (weather permitting)! We hope 

to see you on the 15th. 

Nordic organizations, businesses and individuals have a chance 

to socialize over great food and drink while supporting NNW’s 

cultural mission. Bid on exciting items and packages! Sponsorship 

opportunities are available now and donations are being accepted. 

Plan to spend a fall night with us! 

See mebership levels and benefits at 

nordicnorthwest.org/membership 


EXHIBIT & EVENT NEWS 

From Sweden to 

Oregon Exhibit 

FROM SWEDEN TO OREGON: THE 

IMMIGRANT EXPERIENCE 1850 – 1950 

Between 1850 and 1949, only Canada and Germany 

surpassed Sweden in Oregon’s foreign born population: 

by 1930, one in ten immigrants in Oregon was a Swede. 

Who were these immigrants and why did they choose 

to leave Sweden? What did they do when they got 

here? And why was Oregon the place to go? This is an 

exhibition which follows the Swedish immigrants to 

Oregon and reveals what became of their lives, hopes, 

and dreams. This exhibit is funded in part by grants 

from the Swedish Council of America and the Cultural 

Coalition of Washington County, as well as generous 

donations from Swedish Society Linnea, Harmoni Lodge 

#472, and the New Sweden Cultural Heritage Society. 

This exhibit has been created and curated over the past 

year by Swedish Roots in Oregon, an immigration focused 

nonprofit. A special thank you to Exhibit Curator 

Rhonda Erlandson and Artifact Curator Ross Fogelquist. 

(April 12 - July 8, 2019) 

Joel Henriques: 

Design Play 

This summer (July 12 – October 31, 2019) Nordia House will feature 

the whimsical art of Joel Henriques, focusing on his oeuvre of toys, 

craft, and fine art. His work explores the connection between visual 

and emotional responses to playful, positive, functional design and 

how it helps us live more joyfully artful lives. 

 

Joel Henriques is the artist and writer behind the blog, Made by Joel, 

and book, Made to Play! As a child, Joel learned how to create crafts 

and toys from his Norwegian grandmother by using simple materials 

such as walnut shells for bathtub boats, wooden spools for tractors, 

and yarn cuttings for latch-hooking. Documenting the crafts he began 

to make for his own kids on his Made by Joel blog, Joel found a sweet 

spot in the DIY (Do It Yourself) movement by making it excitingly 

easy for parents to fashion toys with and for their own kids. Thanks to 

the popularity of Joel's blog, Martha Stewart invited him to her show 

in celebration of his Made to Play! book release. Side by side, Joel and 

Martha made his Scandinavian-inspired dollhouse, catapulting his 

reach to design blogs all over the world. Joel currently spends his time 

creating illustrations and art projects for kids by working with a wide 

array of collaborators including his local public schools, Disney, and 

the Portland Art Museum. Joel lives with his wife and three children 

in Portland, Oregon. 

Lisa Oliver 

Nordic Northwest is a nonprofit 

organization focused on the five Nordic 

nations: Denmark, Finland, Iceland, 

Norway and Sweden. 

8800 SW Oleson Rd. 

Portland OR 97223 

503.977.0275 

nordicnorthwest.org 

info@nordicnorthwest.org 

The mission of Nordic Northwest is to 

preserve, communicate and celebrate 

Nordic culture, heritage and innovation. 

FOLLOW US 

@nordicnorthwest / #nordicnorthwest / #nordiahouse

Summer Newsletter 2019

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