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Our October meeting began memorably with the arrival of several colorful Pippi look-alikes in the St Luke’s parking lot. Everyone looked amazing, from the braided hair to the mismatched long socks. After our business meeting, we marked Pippi’s 80th birthday with suitably decorated cakes, followed by Marit Knollmueller’s presentation on award-winning author Astrid Lindgren, Pippi Longstocking, and Astrid’s other children’s characters. Thank you to all attendees and volunteers. Everyone enjoyed themselves and the event was a success. Now, we are busy preparing for two upcoming holiday bazaars. Several members gathered recently to price items that we will sell at these fundraising venues. In the months before, our Swedish Sewing Group met to create popular bazaar items. These sessions are excellent opportunities to connect with other Drott members and enjoy some fun camaraderie. New volunteers are always welcome! |
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Another approaching volunteer opportunity is at the Icelandic Holiday Bazaar in Fairfax on Saturday, November 8. We need volunteers for a few hours—set-up starts at 8 am, sales at 10 am, and pack-up at 3 pm. This is the first of our two annual fundraisers that help support our programs. Swedish foods, gifts, and “Made by Drott” items like aprons and tote bags will be sold. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. You can also do some shopping while you are there and taste some Icelandic food. Contact Julie for available volunteer time slots. Register now our November 18 cultural program. Marit Knollmueller is going to present highlights from the Nobel Prize Ceremony. | She will also share information about the fantastic Nobel Dinner menu--we may even get some samples. Drott members are welcome to invite guests. Our annual Jul and Lucia celebration is on December 14. We’re delighted to welcome back the children’s Lucia procession. | Watching young children dressed in white robes and holding glowing candles is a truly memorable sight. Come and enjoy a family-friendly, small event. Register for the Julfika on our website. If you have a child or grandchild who is interested in participating in the Lucia pageant, please email Julie. |
District 9 Scholarships Youth and Adult It’s time again for the bi-annual District Scholarships! Youth members are invited to apply for scholarships to attend language camp at Concordia’s Swedish Language Village. New this year—the youth scholarship will also cover up to $500 in travel expenses. Adult members are encouraged to apply for a scholarship based on an individually designed proposal. For complete details, including eligibility requirements and application deadlines, see the Scholarship page. |
Upcoming Events
|  Shakespeare Theatre Company: The Wild Duck Through November 16 The DC Shakespeare Theater Company is putting on a show by the renowned Norwegian Playwright, Henrik Ibsen. He is considered one of the world's preeminent writers of the 19th century and is often referred to as "the father of modern drama." |
Member Spotlight: Susan Remmert
What is your connection to Sweden? My mother was born in Brooklyn to Swedish immigrant parents. Sadly, her mother died when she was only three and a half. At age 12, she went to live with her aunt, uncle, and cousins in Sweden, where she remained for nine years. She later returned to the United States aboard the SS American Legion—along with 869 other passengers, including Norway’s Crown Princess Märtha—on the rescue mission ordered by President Roosevelt after Hitler’s invasion of Norway during World War II. Tell us a little about yourself I grew up on Long Island, where our family celebrated Christmas Eve in the Swedish tradition. One of my earliest memories is traveling into New York City at age seven to see my newly retired morfar board a ship (formerly the MS Gripsholm) to move back to Sweden. He kept in touch through letters and sometimes audio tapes. My childhood Swedish influences also included reading the astonishing adventures of Pippi Longstocking! I attended Queens College, which offered a few Swedish language courses—so I took two semesters. One winter break, I even traveled alone to Sweden to spend Christmas with my grandfather and extended family. I have two grown children, a son and a daughter, and became a single parent after my husband passed away while they were in elementary school. I enjoy scrapbooking, reading (including ten years in a book club), and occasionally doing genealogical research on my family. How did you discover Drott Lodge, and what keeps you involved? I first picked up a Vasa application in 2005, but between raising young children and working full time, I didn’t join until 2015. |
Since joining, I’ve volunteered at every holiday bazaar. I served as webmaster first for our old WordPress site and then for our current website until early 2024. I now serve as the lodge treasurer. I feel fortunate to be part of such an enthusiastic and active group keeping Swedish and Scandinavian culture vibrant. Thanks to the camaraderie within the lodge, I’ve attended nearly every Valborg, Midsummer, and Lucia program—we truly have something special. |
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