We have continued to have several successful events since the last Flammen. We participated in the Trollheim Bazaar in Denver, on Nov 1st and 2nd where the Lodge volunteers Jean, Bjorg, Kathie, Maria, Jane, and Kelly sold lefse. Our November Heritage Meeting featured Erik Tjelmeland discussing little known facts about modern Norway. The Lutefisk meal on the 16th highlighted our cultural/fund raising during November. Thanks to the many volunteers, particularly the cooking staff of Cheryl, Phil, Mike, Max, Kelly and Lois.

Please remember that the December Heritage meeting will be on Saturday, December 7th and the January meeting will be on Saturday, January 4th. As part of the December 7th activities, we will be providing members with lefse dough so that they can make their own Holiday lefse! Signup sheets for the lefse making were available at the November heritage meeting and almost all the times were taken. After the lefse we will have our lunch and then have a short meeting. Our Julebord will be on December 14th and will be the highlight of our holiday celebrations at the lodge.

As part of the Board’s review of the lodge’s operations, both in dollars and volunteer time, the Board has decided that mailing of the Flammen will stop as of January 1st, 2025. The cost of printing seventy copies and the postage for them reduced costs by approximately $1700 a year. And in addition, many volunteer hours are require for the mailings. We will continue to send the Flammen by email and the Flammen is also posted on our website. Most of our members do have access to the Flammen digitally. If you cannot access the Flammen give me a call and I will work with you. There are other areas under review by both the FMC and the Lodge Boards, such as continued bar operation, that will be studied into 2025.

In closing I would encourage everyone to participate in the Heritage meeting where you can share good food and fellowship. Both Bjorg and I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving and we look forward to our Holiday celebrations at the Lodge!

Fraternally Terry Mapstone