Gunnar DamstromSandi Gaffney, Shirley Jenkins & Jane ElySFV’s new publication “SFV Magasinet”Solveig Lozier & Carita Laakso at the Annual Luncheon in 2015. Reserve your seat today.Sandi Gaffney & Candy EnquistPresident Elect, Bill Carlson, thanking Dick Erickson for over a decade of SFHS leadershipConnie Harrington & Shirley JenkinsDick Erickson, Ed Schneble & his better halfUlf & Harriet Wallendahl with Carita LaaksoMark Hillman enjoying social hourGunnar Damstrom Sings Finland’s National Anthem (in Swedish, of course)Ed Brannfors with Nils Holm in backgroundPresident Elect Bill CarlsonSFV Guests and Welcoming CommitteeSyrene Forsman Introducing Maria MännistöDon Ostrand & Gunnar DamstromPresident Elect,Bill Carlson, with the three recipients of the SFHS “President’s Award of Excellence”Social HourFrank & Barbara Sanchez with Gunnar Damstrom trading Swedish Finn secrets at last year’s Annual Luncheon.Per-Edvin Persson presenting a thank you giftOur Featured Speaker Jean MonsebrotenAnnabelle KergenJean Monsebroten visiting with Marita AgnewSyrene Forsman hanging out with the bandThelma Mosebar, Syrene Forsman & Dick Erickson enjoy during the social hour at the 2015 Annual Luncheon. This year’s luncheon is March 12, 2016. We would love to see you there.Annabelle Kergen & Johanna PadieBoard Chair of SFV, Per-Edvin PerssonOur Featured Speaker Jean MonsebrotenCarol Deskines, Dick Erickson & Torr RosbackPer-Edvin Persson giving thank you gifts to SFHS Board Members with help from SFV Director Johan AuraSunnie Empie with guestVerna & Bob JacobsonPer-Edvin Persson giving thank you gifts to SFHS Board Members with help from SFV Director Johan AuraSyrene Forsman, Inge, Laura, & Alicia CarlsonGeorge Miller Conducting Board ElectionsThelma Mosebar, Larry Sandell & Cami HaskinsElaine & Erik StevensLee & Lynn Thompson with Ed Brannfors& Etel RossbackEtel & Torr Rossback with George NelsonEd Brannfors presenting a generous donation from Order of RunebergLarry Sandell, Lee Thompson, Mary Hillman, , & Lynn ThompsonLorene Mara inviting SFHS members to the 90th Anniversary of Runeberg Lodge 124Dick Erickson, Connie Harrington, & Bob OstrandMaria Männistö Singing Songs of SibeliusCaterers happy it’s over. Kal Gellein and his talented crew of caterers.Marita Agnew & Thelma MosebarWendy Sundquist, Torr Rosback, Dick Erickson, & Bill CarlsonSyrene ForsmanGunnar Damstrom sings American National AnthemMark Hillman, Joanne Hilton & Karen LundgrenBeverly Huchala, Aleda Enright, & Nancy EricksonMaria Männistö Singing Songs of SibeliusJohn Laakso & Bud SaxbergOur beloved caterersMary Hillman putting out the delicious cardamom bread that she baked for the social hourBoard Chair of SFV, Per-Edvin PerssonSunny Empie, Leif Holmes & Ron ZentnerTorr Rosback & Ed BrannforsGunnar Damström Sings Canadian National AnthemVolunteers Nino & HannahDick Erickson holding his award and thank you gift for over a decade of SFHS leadershipPresident Elect, Bill Carlson, with the three recipients of the SFHS “President’s Award of Excellence”Sunny Empie, Leif Holmes & Ron Zentner
Relive the Social Hour in Two Minutes
SFHS members spent an hour and a half socializing before heading downstairs to lunch. We would like you to experience a taste of the luncheon wherever in the world you may be. The hour and a half has been edited to a 2 minute time lapse to make that possible.
This year’s luncheon was a resounding success! It started off with good conversation, coffee and cardamom bread accompanied by the accordion trio of Lars, Leif, & Lena (some of you may know Lena by the name of Sunnie Empie. We then enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by our Swedish Finn Chef, Kal Gellein. The guests were serenaded during lunch by Maria Männistö singing songs of Sibelius. Jean Monsebroten, our featured guest, gave an interesting talk on “The Swedish Finns of Coos Bay.” The talk interspersed Jean’s own memories of her family along with accounts of what life was like for the immigrants. Our honored guests from Svenska folkskolans vänner (SFV) gave some wonderful gifts to the board. The Board Chair of SFV, Per-Edvin Persson, told us a little about the history of SFV and why it is important today. He stressed the importance of SFHS and SFV maintaining close ties. The luncheon was adjourned after outgoing President, Dick Erickson, gave awards to Syrene Forsman and Gunnar Damstrom for their unwavering support of the SFHS mission. Dick was surprised by President Elect Bill Carlson handing out his own award to Dick Erickson for over a decade of SFHS Leadership.
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