BEMUS POINT - Fanchon Fuller, Thule Lodge cultural leader, recently announced dates for future events at the recent lodge meeting.
The Thule Lodge serves to preserve the Swedish heritage through events and activities and is concluding its 105th year.
Mrs. Fuller said on Saturday, Dec. 1, at Jamestown Community College will be the annual Julmarknad, an annual Christmas Swedish event which will include a gift and craft show and sale at the college. The event begins at 10 a.m. and concludes at noon. The show is open to the public. Donna Johnson, children's dance leader, said the team will perform at Wegmans at 2 p.m. Dec. 1 and are also preparing for the annual St. Lucia Festival at Holy Trinity Church at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9. Mrs. Fuller then said the annual Christmas festival of food called the Dopp I Gryta will be at the lodge on Saturday, Dec. 15. All Thule Lodge members are welcome to attend. The Swedish phrase means the dipping of the bread, as different kinds of bread will be served along with korv, ham, pickled herring, beets, cheeses, potatoes, and cookies. Mrs. Fuller also presented a culture report by reading a letter from a Swedish ambassador.
The meeting was opened by Ralph Veights, lodge chairman, with John Sipos, historian, leading all in the pledge of allegiance. The chaplain's message was given by Susan W. Sipos, who asked members remember those members who are ill and in need. Carolyn Ostrom, secretary, gave the roll call of officers, and read the minutes of the previous meeting. Loretta Smith, treasurer, gave the financial report for the last month. Donna Sandberg, financial secretary, said dues for 2013 are now due and encouraged all to pay soon. Mrs. Sandberg also read the report of those who are ill and standing in need.
At the recent lodge meetings, drawings were held by outer guardsman Eugene Smith of Kiantone, inner guardsman Don Carlson, and historian Sipos. Recipients included past chairman Edwin Sandberg, lodge chairman Ralph Veights and past chairman Robert Fuller.
Thule Lodge is meeting on a winter schedule of the third Saturday afternoon of each month at 2 p.m. New members are welcome.