Conference turris::scandia

470.0. "Vasa Order of America" by TLE::SAVAGE () Mon Aug 28 1995 13:28

    From: "Riedlinger-Al" <[email protected]>
    To: "International Swedish Interest discussion list"
    Subject: Vasa Order of America
    
    The Vasa Order was started in 1896 ...  which means we'll be
    celebrating a very BIG anniversary next year. They took the name from
    Gustav Vasa, the Swedish king who led the break from the Kalmar Union.
    The original purpose was financial assitance for the sick. Since, it
    has evolved into an organization that tries to keep Scandinavian
    heritage alive and promote cultural activities. It also tries to help
    people with their educations thru various scholarship funds at the
    national, district, and local lodge levels.
    
    Membership is open to anyone born in Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland
    or Iceland; descendants of those countries, spouses, or widows/widowers
    of Scandinavians 15 or over. For the kids there are a number of
    children's Clubs. Cultural activities might range from folk dance
    clubs, to language instruction, to genealogical research, to parties...
    or whatever the imagination can dream up.
    
    There is a certain minimal amount of ritual,  ceremony and procedural
    rules involved at business meetings, but certainly not as extensive as
    some other fraternal organizations like the Masons, for instance (or so
    I've been assured.)
    
    For me, it's provided:
    - great fellowship, food, and fun
    - opportunities for leadership (which while not always fun, has at least
    been a learning experience)
    - access to info about Scandinavian Christmas Fairs and other events
    - access to info about Scandinavian food and other goods suppliers...
    
    That's an unofficial overview from one Vasa member's perspective. While
    unofficial, I think I have a pretty good grasp on what the organization
    is about.
    
    ---Al Riedlinger ... [email protected]
    District Master, Massachusetts District, VOA (for 3 more weeks)
    Chairman, Birka Lodge of Hamilton, MA, VOA