It’s been a busy time for us at the Lodge, as we just wrapped up the Viking Fair, which was a great success. We have a number of folks to recognize for a job well done in putting it all together. I’ll do my best to recognize them at our next Heritage meeting, as I don’t want to forget anyone on the list. A host of volunteers organized and staffed the event, and I want to send them all a special thanks.

As you may know, Cathy and I have been traveling again for the past 30 days, and we just arrived home. We went to Alaska, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and finally Singapore. On the trip, we met so many great people both on the ship and at each stop.

We found Asian culture to be among the politest and kindest you could meet. I hope everyone has a chance to experience these countries one day. All of them were great, and I wondered what Vietnam would be like, but they welcomed us with open arms. The Vietnamese folks really accepted us and welcomed us in many ways. There is no doubt that they are a communist country, and they do talk a lot about the war with us, but they seem to generally like Americans. We visited many temples and historic sites.

While traveling, I often wore my Sons of Norway hat, and several folks came up to talk to me, many of them from Canada and other parts of the US, since they were members. It was great to talk with other SON members from other countries. Overall, it was a wonderful time for us; now back to real life here at home, catching up on appointments.

We will soon be experiencing snow and cold weather; for some it is already here. We will also be sharing Thanksgiving meals together and opening Christmas presents before you know it. We have many events coming up, and I look forward to seeing each and every one of you there.

Our cultural team has been busy planning events for our Heritage meeting, and I think you will really enjoy them. I’d like to thank them for bringing together these special guests and events for our Heritage meeting, as organizing them takes a lot of time.

I hope everyone is doing well, and I look forward to speaking with you at the next Heritage meeting or special event. Until then, enjoy life, and thank you for allowing me to represent this wonderful organization.

I wish you peace and harmony.

Mark Wedo
Fjellheim Lodge President