Margaret Jensen, an author of several wonderful books, described this lady as no one else could do.
My very special friend and mentor, Dorothea Felton, was my nail in a secure place or as Margaret Jensen would say, “A Nail In A Sure Place.” This was also, the title of one of her books. I highly recommend it along with her other books.
As a young teenager, I was very involved with Luther League. I loved being a part of this organization, so I spent as much energy and time as I could. At that time, Boy River, Remer, Longville and Outing were a four-point parish. As all of us know, this area exploded in the summer. Our regular pastor, Reverend Hilpert needed help. He had interned in Omaha, Nebraska and had met Harvey Anderson who was going to attend the Lutheran seminar in St. Paul. He did what it took to convince the congregation we needed help. They hired this young seminarian who was our junior pastor for two summers. (Authors’ note) Forty years later at my church in Plano, Texas, This same “Young man” was our Senior Pastor for ten years.)
Because resources were very limited, it was part of our training to know that if you wanted something, you worked for it. Dorothea was one of our leaders and taught us well.
She had the most awesome recipe for fudge. Later it was dubbed Luther League fudge. Many of us came from few luxuries. Dorothea was no exception. Yet with the grace of one great lady, the love of Christ in her heart, and the dedication to teach, she spent many evenings helping us make fudge to sell at the next Smorgasbord at Salem Lutheran to raise funds for the next project.
She is a dedicated Lutheran, using her talents to teach Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Released time, or any of the women’s groups, She is a leader; serving in many capacities as kitchen coordinator of the Smorgasbords, leader of the Christmas chicken noodle dinners, quilt maker, member of the choir, soloist, council member or President of the Congregation or cleaner of all things church.
When my father, John Welk, (Punchy) passed away, the service was held at Salem Lutheran. I had been living in Texas for a couple of years at that time so I was not involved in Salem as I once had been. After the service, we all gathered in the church basement for the traditional Lutheran fellowship and celebration of his life. You will never know the feeling that overcame me when I looked into the kitchen and saw my “Nail in a Secure Place”. Yes, Dorothea was leading the ladies one more time in the manner that only she knew.
God has truly blessed us with this great Christian lady.
Thank you Dorothea for all you have given us. You truly are one of God’s angels.
Gwen Welk Workman, author 06-08
A Scandinavian shop specializing in the imported and domestic foods and gifts from Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland. We teach classes in the Norwegian, Finnish, Danish, and Swedish, languages, Rosemaling and the handiwork. The Swedish School, Sons of Norway, and the Danish Club meet here. We can host and cater your party, Scandinavian style.
Friday, July 22, 2011
Who Is Your Neighbor
Nestled among beautiful pine and oak trees, sky blue water and countless miles of rolling hills covered with green grass and wild flowers or snow drifts, sits the small town of Longville, Minnesota.
In the late 1800’s logging came to the Longville area. In 1903, a supervisor, Jimmy Long built a logging camp. From the logging industry came an influx of people. . A school has been a part of the skyline since the early 1900’s when people first began to arrive. The school often served as a place for the community to gather for meetings, celebrations and elections. The school has always had an important place for this area.
Now it is a peaceful vacation and retirement community. Many business thrive in the area providing goods and services to tourists and the locals. Summertime will find this small community exploding with thousands of visitors who have come to enjoy nature at it’s purest.
Please do not let this pristine surrounding fool you. Among the residents, live some very impoverished families. Children attend school without the proper jackets, shoes or hats. Yes, there are programs for the needy but someone always seems to fall through the cracks.
For thirty-seven years my sister, Marilyn, was a fifth grade teacher. Not only was she one of the best teachers, but she watched over her students in many ways. Cold winter mornings she would see these children come to school improperly dressed. She knew she must find a way to help them. She approached the ladies circle of Salem Lutheran for a donation. They were very willing to help her. As with many good deeds, the word got out about her mission. It did not take long before people came to her with checks and dollars. When her purse contained a certain sum, she would ask her girl friends to help her shop. They would drive to a neighboring town to begin finding jackets, hats, boots, etc. She learned that if they shopped the Army Navy Surplus and spent a certain amount, they would get a 10% discount; the dime store had the best deals on hats and gloves, etc.. They shopped very wisely. So with their purchases in hand, home they would go. As Marilyn watched the children, she would find the one who needed a snowsuit. Very discretely, she would call the child to her room when no one else was there. From the closet she would take that snowsuit and hand it to the child. With tears in her eyes, she would be overwhelmed to find it fit perfectly. Time and time again this happened. Not just the snowsuits, but the shoes, the gloves--they all fit perfectly. She would tell each child, “You do not owe anyone for this jacket, but when you get older and get your education and a job, you find a child to give a jacket to”. Not only did she warm the child, she taught them one more lesson.
For 37 years she continued her ministry to children. Never once was she asked to account for the money or what she had purchased. As a retired teacher, people still hand her checks and dollars, knowing full well the money will clothe a child.
Who is your neighbor?
In the late 1800’s logging came to the Longville area. In 1903, a supervisor, Jimmy Long built a logging camp. From the logging industry came an influx of people. . A school has been a part of the skyline since the early 1900’s when people first began to arrive. The school often served as a place for the community to gather for meetings, celebrations and elections. The school has always had an important place for this area.
Now it is a peaceful vacation and retirement community. Many business thrive in the area providing goods and services to tourists and the locals. Summertime will find this small community exploding with thousands of visitors who have come to enjoy nature at it’s purest.
Please do not let this pristine surrounding fool you. Among the residents, live some very impoverished families. Children attend school without the proper jackets, shoes or hats. Yes, there are programs for the needy but someone always seems to fall through the cracks.
For thirty-seven years my sister, Marilyn, was a fifth grade teacher. Not only was she one of the best teachers, but she watched over her students in many ways. Cold winter mornings she would see these children come to school improperly dressed. She knew she must find a way to help them. She approached the ladies circle of Salem Lutheran for a donation. They were very willing to help her. As with many good deeds, the word got out about her mission. It did not take long before people came to her with checks and dollars. When her purse contained a certain sum, she would ask her girl friends to help her shop. They would drive to a neighboring town to begin finding jackets, hats, boots, etc. She learned that if they shopped the Army Navy Surplus and spent a certain amount, they would get a 10% discount; the dime store had the best deals on hats and gloves, etc.. They shopped very wisely. So with their purchases in hand, home they would go. As Marilyn watched the children, she would find the one who needed a snowsuit. Very discretely, she would call the child to her room when no one else was there. From the closet she would take that snowsuit and hand it to the child. With tears in her eyes, she would be overwhelmed to find it fit perfectly. Time and time again this happened. Not just the snowsuits, but the shoes, the gloves--they all fit perfectly. She would tell each child, “You do not owe anyone for this jacket, but when you get older and get your education and a job, you find a child to give a jacket to”. Not only did she warm the child, she taught them one more lesson.
For 37 years she continued her ministry to children. Never once was she asked to account for the money or what she had purchased. As a retired teacher, people still hand her checks and dollars, knowing full well the money will clothe a child.
Who is your neighbor?
Shinning Star, Our Family Jewel, Aunt Muriel Lien
Imagine a 6 year old sent to get the mail. No big deal if you just walk to
the mail box or take it from the mail drop on your porch. Well, that is not
what happened. In the small community of Brevik, Minnesota in the early
1940’s, we had the Brevik Post Office. My Aunt Muriel, two uncles and my
Grandmother ran Lien’s Resort. Just walk up the hill, past several cabins
and you would be at the Post Office. Not me. I picked up the mail with no
problem but finding my way back home was. I wandered around the cabins,
and the lake until Fran Berger found me, picked me up and held me tight.
She knew I was lost. She walked me back to my Aunt’s waiting arms. I was
crying and so very scared. You can never imagine how wonderful it felt as
she held me tight and wiped away my tears.
I was plagued with impacted ear wax. The only way to remove this was with
a syringe and warm water. Patiently Aunt Muriel would warm water, put it
in a glass, hand me a towel to put on my shoulder to hold a pan that would
catch the water. She would slowly squeeze the syringe filled with water into
my ear. If this were done too fast, I would get dizzy. Finally, after flushing
with the warm water, the core of wax would be freed. Then in a teaspoon she
would warm some oil over the burner on the stove. Then it was dropped into
my ears and covered with a cotton ball. Only someone as gentle and patient
would take the time to care for a niece as Aunt Muriel did.
When any of my seven siblings were sick, she would cook for us the things we
liked. I know that is why we recovered so fast. If she was cooking some-
thing and knew it was our favorite, it would arrive in the least expected
time. One of my favorites was fish soup. She made the best. It was made
with fish stock, barley and veggies. What a treat when that grey soup arrive.
Everyone knew it was for me.
Thoughtful, kind, and always thinking of others, is how she lived her life.
She was also a full time caregiver for my Grandmother who was riddled
with arthritis and an uncle who was epileptic. When my Mother was so ill
with kidney disease, Aunt Muriel was our angel. She attended to Mother’s
needs and the needs of our family. I am not sure we could have managed
without her and the other members of the Brevik community.
Birthdays in our home were celebrated with your choice of meal, cake,
presents and company. On my 12th birthday, my Mother was in the hospital
giving birth to my twin brothers, Ronald and Donald. I knew Mom would
not be able to fix my birthday cake and I was feeling very dejected. I was
happy to have baby brothers, but the day before my birthday? Well you
may have guessed it. The birthday cake came through the front door
followed by the ever thoughtful Aunt Muriel. My birthday was celebrated
with her homemade cake, ice cream and presents.
I loved spending the night with her. It was not hard to pretend you were a
Princess because that is how she treated you. She fixed meals you liked, she
showed me how to tat and embroider. In the morning she bathed me, put on
the best smelling powder, combed my hair and put it in French braids. Oh
was I ever cute! Then from a special drawer she would take out a box
containing glass vials of perfume. She would break off the tip and put the
perfume on me. After breakfast, I was ready get on the school bus. Up the
hill, she would walk with me and wait until the bus came. I would board the
bus and wave good-by. Little did she know, but bouncing on the bus of
twelve miles with that perfume made me queasy. I was so glad to see the
school and get fresh air. It took me a long time to tell her to please forget the
perfume because I knew it would hurt her feelings.
I will never forget how upset she got when someone was teasing a child. She
spoke with disgust, “Don’t do that, he is just a child.”
Three years ago, she got a rap on her door. She did not recognize either of
men but graciously invited them in. Soon the coffee, treats, and conversation
flowed. The two men were researchers and writers from Brevik, Norway. They
were interested in the history of Brevik, Minnesota. As the oldest member of the
community, she was able to tell them its history. They kept in touch, sharing
more information and again about a year later, they rapped on her door. She
knew how she would be spending the next several hours and looked forward
to it.
As a Lady of 92 years, her interest in family, community, and world events, is
unmatched. A conversation on almost any subject can be had. She never
ceases to amaze me.
I am only recalling a few of the very special times spent with Aunt Muriel. I
am sure many of you in the community have your own special recollections
of this special lady. She is a storehouse of information, so someone is always
calling her or stopping in to get some questions answered. She is never too
busy for a cup of coffee and a treat.
I thank God daily that he has allowed us to have our Family Jewel with us
for all these years. Thank you Aunt Mona for all you have done for all
of us. We love you.
Gwen Welk Workman
July 14, 2010
the mail box or take it from the mail drop on your porch. Well, that is not
what happened. In the small community of Brevik, Minnesota in the early
1940’s, we had the Brevik Post Office. My Aunt Muriel, two uncles and my
Grandmother ran Lien’s Resort. Just walk up the hill, past several cabins
and you would be at the Post Office. Not me. I picked up the mail with no
problem but finding my way back home was. I wandered around the cabins,
and the lake until Fran Berger found me, picked me up and held me tight.
She knew I was lost. She walked me back to my Aunt’s waiting arms. I was
crying and so very scared. You can never imagine how wonderful it felt as
she held me tight and wiped away my tears.
I was plagued with impacted ear wax. The only way to remove this was with
a syringe and warm water. Patiently Aunt Muriel would warm water, put it
in a glass, hand me a towel to put on my shoulder to hold a pan that would
catch the water. She would slowly squeeze the syringe filled with water into
my ear. If this were done too fast, I would get dizzy. Finally, after flushing
with the warm water, the core of wax would be freed. Then in a teaspoon she
would warm some oil over the burner on the stove. Then it was dropped into
my ears and covered with a cotton ball. Only someone as gentle and patient
would take the time to care for a niece as Aunt Muriel did.
When any of my seven siblings were sick, she would cook for us the things we
liked. I know that is why we recovered so fast. If she was cooking some-
thing and knew it was our favorite, it would arrive in the least expected
time. One of my favorites was fish soup. She made the best. It was made
with fish stock, barley and veggies. What a treat when that grey soup arrive.
Everyone knew it was for me.
Thoughtful, kind, and always thinking of others, is how she lived her life.
She was also a full time caregiver for my Grandmother who was riddled
with arthritis and an uncle who was epileptic. When my Mother was so ill
with kidney disease, Aunt Muriel was our angel. She attended to Mother’s
needs and the needs of our family. I am not sure we could have managed
without her and the other members of the Brevik community.
Birthdays in our home were celebrated with your choice of meal, cake,
presents and company. On my 12th birthday, my Mother was in the hospital
giving birth to my twin brothers, Ronald and Donald. I knew Mom would
not be able to fix my birthday cake and I was feeling very dejected. I was
happy to have baby brothers, but the day before my birthday? Well you
may have guessed it. The birthday cake came through the front door
followed by the ever thoughtful Aunt Muriel. My birthday was celebrated
with her homemade cake, ice cream and presents.
I loved spending the night with her. It was not hard to pretend you were a
Princess because that is how she treated you. She fixed meals you liked, she
showed me how to tat and embroider. In the morning she bathed me, put on
the best smelling powder, combed my hair and put it in French braids. Oh
was I ever cute! Then from a special drawer she would take out a box
containing glass vials of perfume. She would break off the tip and put the
perfume on me. After breakfast, I was ready get on the school bus. Up the
hill, she would walk with me and wait until the bus came. I would board the
bus and wave good-by. Little did she know, but bouncing on the bus of
twelve miles with that perfume made me queasy. I was so glad to see the
school and get fresh air. It took me a long time to tell her to please forget the
perfume because I knew it would hurt her feelings.
I will never forget how upset she got when someone was teasing a child. She
spoke with disgust, “Don’t do that, he is just a child.”
Three years ago, she got a rap on her door. She did not recognize either of
men but graciously invited them in. Soon the coffee, treats, and conversation
flowed. The two men were researchers and writers from Brevik, Norway. They
were interested in the history of Brevik, Minnesota. As the oldest member of the
community, she was able to tell them its history. They kept in touch, sharing
more information and again about a year later, they rapped on her door. She
knew how she would be spending the next several hours and looked forward
to it.
As a Lady of 92 years, her interest in family, community, and world events, is
unmatched. A conversation on almost any subject can be had. She never
ceases to amaze me.
I am only recalling a few of the very special times spent with Aunt Muriel. I
am sure many of you in the community have your own special recollections
of this special lady. She is a storehouse of information, so someone is always
calling her or stopping in to get some questions answered. She is never too
busy for a cup of coffee and a treat.
I thank God daily that he has allowed us to have our Family Jewel with us
for all these years. Thank you Aunt Mona for all you have done for all
of us. We love you.
Gwen Welk Workman
July 14, 2010
SPOON STORY
SPOON BAG STORY
Scandinavian families had just enough
utensils for their own use. When they
went to feasts, events, celebrations, or
were invited to another home, they took
their own spoon with them. Usually, it
was made of wood.
Remember, wood is a natural resource
in the Scandinavian countries.
Attached to the waist of the Lady’s dress
was a “spoon bag”. This is where the
Wooden Spoon was carried.
Scandinavian families had just enough
utensils for their own use. When they
went to feasts, events, celebrations, or
were invited to another home, they took
their own spoon with them. Usually, it
was made of wood.
Remember, wood is a natural resource
in the Scandinavian countries.
Attached to the waist of the Lady’s dress
was a “spoon bag”. This is where the
Wooden Spoon was carried.
2011 Class Schedule
Registration is required at least two weeks in advance. A credit card or check is required at pre-registration. Payment reserves student’ s place in class. NO refunds will be issued if you cancel. Fee is no-refundable for “ no shows” . Unless noted, all classes will be $25.00 per class.
ROSEMALING Suzanne, Instructor
6 weeks $150.00 plus supplies
BEGINNING 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Monday, September 26 to October 31
4 weeks, $100.00 plus supplies
INTERMEDIATE 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Monday, November 1 to November 22
Hardanger-Knitting-Handiwork
Taught by Vivian & Mary
Each Saturday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Join the class anytime.
$25.00 per student per class.
Lefse Demonstrations:
Saturdays 8:30AM-10:00 AM
October 22 and November 19, 2011 Demos are free, but please call for reservations.
LANGUAGE CLASSES
6 Weeks $150.00 plus books
FINNISH
Beginning Teddy, Instructor
Saturdays 10:00-12:00 PM
September 17 to October 22
FINNISH
Advance Teddy, Instructor
Saturdays 1:00-3:00 PM
September 17 to October 22
NORWEGIAN
Advance Oddrun, Instructor
Saturdays 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
September 17 to October 22
NORWEGIAN
Beginning
Oddrun, InstructorSaturdays 10:00 PM-12:00 PM
September 17 to October 22
SWEDISH
Beginning and Advance Instructor, Evelina 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
September 20 to October 25
ROSEMALING Suzanne, Instructor
6 weeks $150.00 plus supplies
BEGINNING 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Monday, September 26 to October 31
4 weeks, $100.00 plus supplies
INTERMEDIATE 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Monday, November 1 to November 22
Hardanger-Knitting-Handiwork
Taught by Vivian & Mary
Each Saturday, 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Join the class anytime.
$25.00 per student per class.
Lefse Demonstrations:
Saturdays 8:30AM-10:00 AM
October 22 and November 19, 2011 Demos are free, but please call for reservations.
LANGUAGE CLASSES
6 Weeks $150.00 plus books
FINNISH
Beginning Teddy, Instructor
Saturdays 10:00-12:00 PM
September 17 to October 22
FINNISH
Advance Teddy, Instructor
Saturdays 1:00-3:00 PM
September 17 to October 22
NORWEGIAN
Advance Oddrun, Instructor
Saturdays 12:30 PM-2:30 PM
September 17 to October 22
NORWEGIAN
Beginning
Oddrun, InstructorSaturdays 10:00 PM-12:00 PM
September 17 to October 22
SWEDISH
Beginning and Advance Instructor, Evelina 7:00 PM-9:00 PM
September 20 to October 25
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Cloudberries / Queen's Blend
Cloudberries
Rubu chamaemorus
This fragile yellow berry, a kin to the raspberry grows only in the high altitudes of Scandinavia. It’s delicate flavor adds excitement to pastries, ice cream, and cheesecakes
Queen’s Blend
Vaccinium Myrtillus/Rubusicaeus
Often referred to as forest jam, this combination blends blueberries and raspberries in a most unique flavor. Serve it on toast, breakfast items or over ice cream.
Rubu chamaemorus
This fragile yellow berry, a kin to the raspberry grows only in the high altitudes of Scandinavia. It’s delicate flavor adds excitement to pastries, ice cream, and cheesecakes
Queen’s Blend
Vaccinium Myrtillus/Rubusicaeus
Often referred to as forest jam, this combination blends blueberries and raspberries in a most unique flavor. Serve it on toast, breakfast items or over ice cream.
Lingonberries
The duel benefits of the midnight sun and the warming effects of the Gulf Stream, produce berries with outstanding flavor and color.
Lingonberries
Vaccinium vitis idaea
The “Red Gold From the Forest” is the most popular wild berry in Sweden. Their unique tartness makes them a natural accompaniment to meat, fish and game. Or they can be served with pancakes and waffles.
Lingonberries
Vaccinium vitis idaea
The “Red Gold From the Forest” is the most popular wild berry in Sweden. Their unique tartness makes them a natural accompaniment to meat, fish and game. Or they can be served with pancakes and waffles.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)