June 19 -- Everyone arrived in Trondheim today and checked into the beautiful Radisson SAS Royal Garden Hotel right on the Nidelve River. The sun was shining, so many explored the area nearby. We had a wonderful meal at the hotel to meet everyone. The men practiced this evening and are ready for their first concert.

June 20 -- We started the day with a bus tour of Trondheim including stops at the Nidaros Cathedral and the Christensten Fortress. It is a beautiful city along the winding river and the fjord. Even saw a statue of Leif Erikson on the pier. We had an hour long bus ride to Selbu for our evening concert at a beautiful old stone church -- the initial church was built in 1100. Acoustics were great and the concert went very well. We were greeted with a reception in the nearby museum and learned about the history of the mill stones and the Selbu knitting that made the Selbu area famous. A quick stop at the knitting / gift shop ended our evening before the bus ride home. This was a great way to start our trip!!

June 21 -- Today was a free day to explore Trondheim. Some people went to the Ringve Music History Museum, others visited the Trøndelag Folk Museum, or the Archbishops Palace museums by the Cathedral, or took a boat trip to Monk Island, or just shopped in downtown Trondheim. A few spent time visiting relatives in the area. Tonight's concert was a Byneset Kirke, another beautiful old stone church overlooking the fjord. A local choir also performed with us and they were great. We ended the day with a nice dinner back at the hotel.

June 22 -- This morning started with a bus ride in the rain to the airport and ended with a flight to sunny Stavanger. The bus that greeted us at the airport also served as a tour bus of the Stavanger area. We went to a high overlook to see "all of Norway" (as the guide stated), and then drove around the city and toured the magnificant Domkirke (cathedral) in downtown Stavanger. At 4:30 pm, we met our host to walk the 1/2 mile or so to St. Johannes Church for a rehearsal and concert. Our concert was hosted by the Ladies Chorus Kvinnekoret Concentus. They performed as well with some beautiful music. A late night dinner on the waterfront (or in our hotel) ended the night for most. It is amazing to see how light it still is at 11:30 pm when we finished eating and saw all the young people out and about. Congrats to Lyle on the birth of a new granddaughter!!

June 23 -- Today was a free day in Stavanger. Most went to the Sardine Canning Museum. Others went to the Petroleum Museum to learn about the oil industry on the North Shore of Norway. Some went on a harbor cruise out to see the fjords and Pulpit Rock and Jake climbed to the top of Pulpit Rock!! The day ended with a Skt. Hans Fest at a local farm, with grilling steaks, a special church service inside the barn, music accompanied by Ray's accordion, and a huge bonfire for midsommer. It was a great way to meet with local people and learn about a very special tradition here in Norway.

June 24 -- This morning we boarded an express catamaran for the trip to Haugesund. Our boat seemed pretty small compared to the Queen Mary 2 which has arrived that morning in the Stavanger harbor - what a ship!! A 1 1/2 hour ride brought us to Haugesund. We were greeted by a bus and tour director for tour of the city. We visited the Haraldshaugen, the national monument of Norway - the burial site of King Harold Fairhair who united Norway in 872. Nearby was Krosshaugen, a stone cross erected in early Christian periods about 1000. We also learned about the importance of the herring industry in forming this city -- and got a taste as well. Most spent some time exploring Haugesund, a city built along the shores of a north-south channel. Our guide stated that people would point to the sea as the "way north" and that is how Norway got it's name. Most of us found the statue of Marilyn Monroe on the waterfront - her father had immigrated to the US from Haugesund. The Amanda Hotel we are staying in has a film theme and is named after the famous Amanda Awards given at the film festival held here each year. We ended the day with a group dinner, and watched the beautiful sunset about 11pm.

June 25 -- Today the choir sang in the beautifully modern Udland Kirke. The steeple was shaped like the bow of a boat on the waves of the roof. The church was strikingly beautiful but the crowd was small. The afternoon was free to explore Haugesund. The city has a pedestrian mall that was the center of many shops -- only two with tourist souvenirs. Our hotel was located on the main channel that went through the city -- a great place to sit and watch boats go by. We surprised Ed Kramer with a "waffle cake" for his birthday. Waffles were available every afternoon from 3-6pm for all to enjoy.

June 26 -- After breakfast in our hotel (all the hotels have wonderful breakfast buffets), Roger Buhr led us in an English-language church service at the hotel. A few ventured to the church in Haugesund for the Norwegian service. We left Haugesund at 1:30 pm on the Flaggruten for the 3 hour trip to Bergen. We are staying at another beautiful Radisson SAS hotel right on the plaza next to the Ole Bull statue. This evening we headed south for a joint concert with the Fana Manskor in the old Fana Domkirke. The concert was great and well attended. We enjoyed a reception of homemade sandwiches and desserts with the other chorus.

June 27 -- Today we awoke to scattered clouds and some sun in Bergen. We learned last night that they have had rain almost every day for 2 months, so this was a pleasant surprise. We had an organized bus tour out to Trondhaugen, the home of Edvard Grieg. What a beautiful site. Then we headed back into Bergen and visited the Hanseatic Museum on the Bryggen. These buildings have been around for many centuries and are often pictured on posters of this area. The afternoon was free to explore Bergen, the Fish Market, Håkon's Hall, the Domkirke (Cathedral), Mariakirke (this church is the oldest building in Bergen), and other sites. Several caught the funicular and rode to Fløyen for a beautiful view overlooking Bergen. It is hard to believe our trip is half over. We have had a great time so far, wonderful concerts, attendance of over 100 at each concert but one, and are enjoying getting to know each other well. We are looking forward to the remainder of the trip.

June 28 -- Today we took an early morning express catamaran up the Sogenefjord to Balestrand. Unfortunately it was cloudy, but still a beautiful ride. We arrive about noon and checked into the unique Kvikne Hotel overlooking the fjord. Several people spent the afternoon in the home of a local artist; others explored the town. We were served a buffet dinner in the hotel -- the food was elegantly prepared and tasted fantastic!! A prayer service was being held in the local St. Olaf's church so a few of us attended. We were invited to have the men sing the following evening in the church. Others attended a piano performance of Grieg music in the hotel. A very relaxing day.

June 29 – The morning breakfast at the Kvikne was as impressive and the evening buffet -- and the sun was shining besides. Some hand-made posters were distributed around the town and hotel to generate interest in tonight's concert. Many people took a boat trip up to the Glacier Museum. The ride up the fjord had many waterfalls and photogenic scenery. The trip included a bus ride to one finger of the largest glacier in Europe. Other people explored this unique little community. We ate an earlier buffet dinner in order to get ready for the concert at 9 pm. We had a packed church, plus 50 or so people who listened to part or all of the concert from outside! Many people stopped to say thanks and show their appreciate for the concert.

June 30 -- This was one of the longest days of the trip. It started with another boat trip to start the day, this time to the city of Flåm. Then a ride up the valley on the Flåmsbana railway -- an old time train that proceeds up the steep valley through 20 tunnels and past spectacular waterfalls. At the top, we caught another train from Myrdahl to Gol. Our bus was waiting in Gol to drive us to Lillehammer. We had a short hour between check-in and a joint concert with the Klang Manskor in the Lillehammer church. A wonderful dessert reception followed and a chance to renew acquaintances. The Klang Manskor had just finished a USA tour which included stops in most of the cities where NSAA choirs had hosted them.

July 1 – We started the day with a tour of Lillehammer and a short stop for shopping in the downtown area. It was great to see the ski jumps used in the Olympics, plus we drove past many other venues used during the Olympics. We had a short guided tour of the Maihaugen Folk Museum, an outdoor museum located in Lillehammer. We visited an original stave church and went inside farm buildings that were part of the museum. After checking out of the hotel, many returned to Maihaugen to see additional areas and saw some demonstrations of cheese being cooked over an open flame, flax being beaten into fiber for clothing, and how to make felt. Back on the bus for a drive along Lake Mjøsa to Hamar. Here we saw the Olympic skating rink that looks like an up-side-down viking ship. We arrive in Oslo about 5:30 pm with the evening free to explore. Happy Birthday to John Myhre today.

July 2 -- Today started with a 3+ hour tour of Oslo. We saw many historic buildings downtown, including the city hall where the Nobel Peace Prize is given each December, the Royal Palace, Parliament Buildings, and the Akershus Castle. We walked through Vigeland Park with the many granite statues. The a ride out to the Bygdøy peninsula to visit the Viking Ship Museum and the Kon Tiki Museum. The afternoon was free before a bus ride to Drøbak for the evening concert. This concert was held outdoors in an natural rock amphitheater along the Oslo Fjord. A beautiful setting an a special little town. The pastor took us on a walk to see the town center and the waterfront after the concert before the bus ride back to our hotel.

July 3 – Our last full day started with the chorus singing for church in the Bekkelaget Church in Oslo. The organist here is Trond Dahlen, arranger of the Per Spellman song sung by the chorus. The church service included four baptism's and communion. It was a special and meaningful service to attend and the music of the chorus was a beautiful addition to the service. We were hosted with coffee and waffles after the service and the men gave a short concert on the church steps of the non-religious music in their program. Another bus ride to Drøbak and then a ferry ride across the fjord to Oscarsborg Fortress. This fortress is on an island that was used to protect the Oslo harbor for many years. The fortress was opened in June 2004 to the public. The men sang a concert inside the walls of the old fortress with attendees sitting on the grass. Another beautiful setting for the final concert of the tour! Back via ferry and bus to our hotel for a farewell dinner. It was the last night that all members of the tour group would be together, so thanks and awards were given to the directors. Many photos were taken and some members of the group said good bye.

July 4 -- Fourth of July in Oslo!! Group members scattered all over the city and community for a day of individualized sightseeing. Many toured the Akershus Castle and the Resistance Museum, some toured the Royal Palace, others toured the new Peace Prize Museum, even others climbed to the top of the giant Holmenkollen Ski Jump. Others spent time visiting family in the area, going for a boat ride on the fjord, or just relaxing. A noon, the cannons at the castle sounded 12 times. We claimed in was fireworks for the 4th, but found out it was realy in honor of the Queen's birthday. We joined together at the hotel for our last group meal. The waiters surprised us with fireworks in honor of the 4th of July -- a pineapple with an American flag and a huge sparkler!! What a way to enjoy America's Independence Day.

July 5 -- People departed from the hotel in various shifts for the bus ride to the airport and flights home to the US. Others left for visits with family in Norway and Germany. We can all look back on this trip as a special time this summer where new friendships were made and great music was shared with people in Norway. We look forward to a reunion of the chorus members and those who traveled with our group next summer during Sangerfest. Thanks for the support of many people back home too. Mange Tussen Takk!!

President Francis Peterson called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m following a dinner. The agenda for this meeting, dated 9/14/05, had been sent in advance by Don Berg.

Roll Call: The first order of business was a roll call by the recording secretary. The following were present: Francis Peterson (President), Guy Hole (Treasurer), Jim Gray (Grand Marshal), David Judisch (Director-in-Chief), Don Berg (Corresponding Secretary), Ed Kramer (Assistant Director), and Richard Leake (Recording Secretary).

Report of 2004 Board Meeting: There were no additions or corrections to minutes of the last board meeting held October 9, 2004, which had been previously submitted and published in the September-October 2004 issue of Sanger-Hilsen. The minutes were approved as published.

Treasurer’s Interim Report: Treasurer Guy Hole gave a brief interim financial report. Written copies of the NSAA and Sanger-Hilsen Statement of Receipts and Disbursements were distributed covering the June 13, 2004 to September 22, 2005 period. An ending balance of $16121.68 was noted in the NSAA general fund, whereas the Sanger-Hilsen fund showed a loss for the period of $3095.20 due primarily to the timing of printing issues. The combined balance as of this date is $14667.20 with $14185.63 in the savings account and $481.57 in the checking account. An analysis of changes in these funds was included in the profit and loss statement. A bank reconciliation statement was also included with the report. Discussion ensued on how these reported figures compare to previous years. The report was received and accepted.

2005 Norway Tour Report: It was generally agreed that this was a very worthwhile trip musically and socially, and that NSAA should be encouraged to schedule future trips. The tour group consisted of 16 singers and 18 additional persons in the traveling party. Several chorus directors on the tour were given an opportunity to direct some numbers. Thanks were expressed to Thor Fjell for finding venues and making trip arrangements. A suggestion was made that future trips should be made earlier in June to avoid Norwegian holiday time, and some felt the length of the trip this year may have been too long. A total of $68.00 taken from the offering at the unscheduled Balestrand concert, minus some unanticipated tour expenses, was given to the treasurer to serve as “seed” money for future trips.

A discussion was held with respect to numerous financial and logistical difficulties encountered by the NSAA tour group. A copy of a letter written by one of the tour members to Tor Jensen of Jensen World Travel was presented to the Board. A motion was made to request from Jensen World Travel a complete and full accounting of all revenues and expenses related to the Norway 2005 NSAA tour by November 1, 2005. The reason for this request is due to substantial cost increases incurred by participants both before and during the tour, and because of the difficulty identifying how much money was spent at various stages of the trip. An additional reason for this motion was that the difficulties encountered by the 2005 tour had also been encountered on previous tours. It was further noted that several additional members indicated they would have been willing to go on this tour until they heard about difficulties encountered on previous trips. The motion was seconded and approved.

New Chorus Information: There are no new choruses that have been formed at this time. The Norwegian Glee Club is touring in the upper Midwest in early October and will be visiting some possible sites for new choruses. It is thought that the lack of directors is an obstacle for some of these yet-to-be formed choruses.

Letter from Glenn Heggem: A letter written by Glenn Heggem, member of Bjornson Male Chorus, was received with several suggestions about how to enhance the image of NSAA and attract new members. In a discussion about a suggested corporate name change, it was noted that legal action would be required. Selection of the type of music that choruses sing is mostly an individual chorus issue; only Sangerfest has rules about the percent of music that must be Norwegian. The Board recognized the chorus and membership issues that were raised by Mr. Heggem. Berg indicated that the letter would be published in the next issue of Sanger-Hilsen.

Update on Sangerfest 2006: A preliminary report on the 2006 Sangerfest that will be held in Decorah was given. Committee assignments have been made with responsibilities delineated. Arrangements for facilities are nearly complete, and detailed planning is underway. Luren is excited about the arrangements being made. Stay tuned for more! Suggestions were made to place the Awards ceremony at the time of the Parade of Choruses, and to take pictures for the honorees prior to the concert on Saturday evening. A question about having a hospitality room was also raised. Some suggested that the best time would be on Saturday. Another suggestion received from members of several choruses was to host a golf outing the day before the official start of Sangerfest. A question was also raised about starting the concert at an earlier hour. Gray requested that the Northern Lights chorus be invited to the Parade of Choruses. It was decided that no action was needed since this would be part of host chorus programming. The consensus of the Board was that the host chorus should be in charge of all arrangements and have the responsibility for setting the time and place for these events. Berg suggested that traveling choruses may wish to consider singing in local congregations on Sunday and that he would be willing to help with arrangements. A request was received from Berg to schedule the business meeting as a breakfast meeting if possible in order to accommodate other events taking place.

Update on Sangerfest 2008 [June 26,27,28]: President Petersen reported on a visit to Fargo-Moorhead that was made to assess the location and their capability to accommodate a Sangerfest. He stated that this will be a great location. The Fargo-Moorhead Sangerfest will be hosted by the Sons of Norway Lodge [Carol Juven] and assisted by the Chamber of Commerce [Tracy Powell]. The housing and concert venues look very attractive. Many choruses may even find train transportation to the area possible. Sangerfest will be held in conjunction with the 31st Annual Scandinavian Hjemkomst Festival. The big question unanswered at this time is who will be the ‘point person’, and which group will carry out the detailed planning since there is no local chorus.

Sanger-Hilsen Subscription Rates & Christmas greeting rates: Don Berg gave a report on Sanger-Hilsen. Subscription rates to Sanger-Hilsen and Christmas greeting rate information were shared. No changes were deemed necessary. A motion was made, seconded and passed to leave the rates the same for Sanger-Hilsen. A similar motion about Christmas greeting rates was made and that also passed. Contributions for Christmas ads will continue to be solicited as in the past. Extra copies of current editions continue to be available through corresponding secretaries upon request.

NSAA Website: The NSAA website has been developed and was officially launched in April 2005. Response has been favorable with few difficulties reported. The annual ongoing expenses for the website are approximately $110/year. As of the Board meeting there had been 4662 ‘hits’ since the April launch and 549 in the month of September alone. Visitors from eight different countries have logged in to date. An interesting use of the website this past summer was to include a daily journal on the calendar page for the NSAA tour to Norway. Member choruses are encouraged to contact the webmaster@ nsaaonline.org to place member chorus events on the NSAA calendar. The website is also ready now to accommodate an electronic version of Sanger-Hilsen. A letter was sent to member choruses about developing and linking their own website to the NSAA site. The Edvard Grieg Male Chorus [Madison] reported gaining at least two new members directly as a result of the NSAA website.

Other business: It was moved, seconded, and approved that the fall 2006 Board Meeting be held either the last week of September or first week of October 2006 in Decorah. A photo was taken of board meeting room and attendees. Following the photo a motion to adjourn was made, seconded and passed without opposition. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Richard Leake

Recording Secretary

It seems that white grubs have laid claim to this facility. It seems that this increase in grub population did not escape the attention of four legged creatures from Newton Hills State Park. The white grub was a tasty morsel to the raccoons. In feeding, the grubs cut the grass roots. This enabled the animals to roll back the sod, thus exposing their food. When Jerry inspected the grounds, he found it littered with rolls of sod in place of a lush green meadow. This necessitated a move to Newton Hills State Park. The picnic proceeded, perhaps somewhat subdued by the lack of privacy.

The first rehearsal was held on September 12, 2005, at Farmer’s State Bank. We were saddened by the news of the death of Alden Eiesland, former member. He belonged to the chorus some years ago until custodial duties in the Sioux Falls Public Schools made attendance impossible. However he maintained a friendly interest in our group.

On September 19, 2005, the Grieg Chorus will sing for the funeral of active member, Garry Stalheim. During his early years his employment prevented active membership. During his later years he was able to exercise his interest in vocal music with activie participation in the Grieg Chorus. He will be missed.

Maynard Lintvedt

Corresponding Secretary

Our accompanist is June Taylor, a very talented musician with an excellent, enthusiastic attitude for choral music. She has been serving in the music ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church in Rockford. We would also like to extend big “thank you” and acknowledge the years of service that Elsie Siebel, our previous accompanist, gave to the Men’s Chorus. She will still remain with Harmony Singing Society by directing and accompanying our Women’s Chorus.

Our Men’s Chorus will be preparing a musical program with many musical selections from the 1950’s and 1960’s to be presented this fall for the Harmony Club that plans to use those years for its theme at a banquet for all club members. We will also continue to present programs throughout the year for community organization as well as preparing for the Sangerfest next summer.

We were also saddened by the recent death of a good friend and fellow singer, Art Johnson. Art was a long time member of the Men’s Chorus. He will be missed by all who were fortunate to know him.

On the lighter side: So Ole – I see you got a sing up that says, “BOAT FOR SALE.” But you don’t own a boat, Ole. All you got is your old John Deere tractor and your old combine. “Yup, and they’re boat for sale.”

Tom Storm

Corresponding Secretary

But there was excitement in the air, and we filled lots of pews with bodies and lots of space with music. Dr. Judisch brought out several new numbers, so all of us were in the same situation of sight-reading selections.

Part of the excitement was due to the presence of six prospective members. Five of them returned for our second rehearsal, and we hope the sixth one will be back too.

We did not officially elect our new officers last May, as we were supposed to do. The Nominating Committee had done its work, but we did not get to vote. That was takenc car of on the 26th. Francis Peterson returns as President, and Earl Hofff as Vice-President; Don Berg and Dan Hagen are still in their positions as Corresponding Secrtary and Treasurer. But Carrol Anderson stepped down as Recording Secretary and was replaced by Pastor David Andreae, who relinquished his position as Chaplain. David Nelson is still the historian-archivist, and LeRoy Iverson and Dan Alstad are Marshal and Assistant Marshal.

A new chaplain will be appointed. This should not be too difficult, since we already have 18 clergy in the group, and at least one more among the prospects. We have found this position to be very important, and strongly urge other choruses to have such a person. We have appreciated the role of a chaplain on our various tours, as well as in the week-by-week reports on the joys and sorrows of our members and their families.

Speaking of such concern, we have not heard any first-hand information about the impact of the Wisconsin tornadoes on the Edvard Grieg Chorus members. Maybe no news in good news, but we would still like to hear how these fellow NSAA members fared.

We are scheduled to sing a mini-concert for the Vesterheim Edlerhostel on October 31. It has been suggested that we do a longer concert than our usual 45 minute mini ones. Our Auxiliary members are also going to be involved in helping entertain these visitors to our community.

We are looking for a possible concert this fall prior to the Christmas Season one on December 12.

Because of our late start in rehearsals, we do not have the details worked out for Sangerfest 2006 yet. But some of the committees have held their own meetings, so there is work ongoing. We WILL be in touch regularly and early.

Don Berg

Corresponding Secretary

By the time this publication reaches you, we will have begun our Monday evening rehearsals under our new director, Carsten Slostad, who we introduced in the last issue. One of our major projects is the recruitment of new members which will be the privilege of each of us.

This fall we have not yet arranged for many outside engagements, but we can announce the following: Friday evening, October 21, at The Pines in Richfield, and Sunday morning, November 27, at the Fort Snelling Chapel.

Wendell Frerichs

Corresponding Secretary

Great news! Charles Kessell has agreed to be our music director. He is half Norwegian and half Irish, which means he is mostly Norwegian. He is a native of Chicago from the Northeast side, a family man, married with a 21-year-old son. He has 30 years of musical experience, primarily within the Archdiocese of Chicago since 1974, and for the past 5-1/2 years has been musical director of the Irish Heritage Singers in Chicago. Charles brings a fresh, energetic attitude to our chorus, while possessing a wealth of musical knowledge. We started rehearsals on Sept. 5, and the reception to Charles has been wonderful. By the way, he turned 50 in August.

We had a “Last Fling Party” at my place on Aug. 28 for members and guests. Over 20 were present. Of course, we had a sing-along led by Karen Frink and Ray Nilsen. Norm and Astrid Hansen were on hand, prior to their retirement move to Florida.

Clarence and Hazel Peterson have already reserved our rooms for the Sangerfest 2006 in Decorah. Contact them for further information.

Normennenes will have its 135th Anniversary Concert and anquet at the Indigo Hotel (formerly Double Tree Club Hotel) in Palatine on Saturday, Oct. 29, with concert at 7:00, meal at 8:00 p.m., followed by dancing to the Dave Kyrk Orchestra. Cost: $30 per person.

On Nov. 13, we will join with Bjornson in concert at the Polar Star Sons of Norway Lodge in Aurora. Our annual meeting will be Friday, Dec. 2. We will perform at the Irish Heritage Center in Chicago on Dec. 3, and our Christmas party will be Friday, Dec. 9, at Des Plaines Elks.

(gleaned from newsletters sent by Thor Fjell)

The Norse Glee Club has been busy singing at several events. In July we sang at the Granite, Iowa Threshing Bee and the Turner County Fair in Parke, SD. September 10th the choir sang at the Sidewalk Arts Festival in Sioux Falls.

In July members and their wives worked at our food stand at the Sioux Empire Fair. Now most members are eagerly waiting to work at making a success of the Lutefisk dinners to be served in October and November. The most fun of those two events is the making of meatballs. You are most welcome to join in that fun-packed event. I realize that is just one opinion.

On September 6th the choir sang for the funeral of Audrey F. Olson whose husband, Cliff, is a member of the Glee Club. [photo included] She was a faithful and hard worker for the activities of the Auxiliary and the Glee Club. Audrey was born in Olivet, SD, on February 6, 1925. She worked at John Morrell & Co. for 39 years and retired in 1982. Her funeral was held on September 6th at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Sioux Falls. We extend our sympathy again to Cliff and are grateful for the years of working with and knowing Audrey.

On the evening of September 12th, the choir and auxiliary gathered to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of David and Betty Steen. A delicious meal was served and a nice program was enjoyed by all. Our Congratulations and Best Wishes to David and Betty and may you have many more years together.

Kenneth Johnson

Corresponding Secretary

With very little rest, on return we prepare for our fall Lutefisk fund-raising dinner October 15. Kris Rusten, our ticket gatekeeper says the reservations are pouring in, assuring us of another capacity attendance for that delicious fish and all the trimmings. The week following, on October 19, we will be singing at St. Therese Southwest in Hopkins, then on the 30th our annual engagement at the Ft. Snelling Chapel. On November 10, a concert at St. Mark’s Cathedral Care Center, and on December 3, a Christmas concert at Gethsemana Lutheran Church in Hopkins. Our business manager, Gary Rust, will be keeping us busy.

The annual Christmas Concert with Nordkap and the Swedish Institute choruses will be Sunday, December 11, at Director Tom’s Woodlake Lutheran Church in Bloomington. Tom has been sharing some bits and pieces of his impressions and experiences of his year in Estonia. He also took some interesting trips to the Scandinavian countries during the year.

We are grateful for the better news regarding Bjorn Hagen’s, Glenn Tollefsen’s and Joe Campion’s medical problems. They are now back in their customary places at practice. Ralph Berglund is still searching for some help to restore his normal pep and vigor. We are going to see that he gets an extra helping of the lutefisk.

Lars asked Ole, “Do you know da difference between a Norwegian and a canoe?” “No, I don’t,” said Ole. “A canoe will sometimes tip,” explained Lars.

Charles Engh

Corresponding Secretary

Alden married Wava McCain on Jan. 6, 1940. They farmed in the Canton area until retirement, when he went to work for the Sioux Falls School District. They returned to the Canton area in 1969.

Alden died Aug. 27, 2005, at the hospital in Canton. He was preceded in death by his parents, one sister and two brothers. He is survived by his widow and three children: DeLoris (and George) Gulson, and Linda Stensland of Sioux Falls, and Tom (and JoAnn) Eiseland of Canton; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and one brother, Lloyd of Sioux Falls.

During the funeral service at Canton Lutheran Church on Sept. 1, the Grieg Male Chorus provided one special selection, “Den Store Hvide Flok.”

We in the NSAA family extend our sympathy to Alden’s family and the Grieg Chorus on his death.

Art married Norma A. Mickelson in Rockford on Aug. 22, 1941. She survives him, as well as one daughter, Nancy (and David) Tredrea of Port Byron, and one son, Steven of Rockford; and five grandchildren.

Art was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Rockford; Harmony Singing Society, Lyran Singing Society, and the American Union of Swedish Singers, as well as the Norwegian Singers Association of America.

Art was preceded in death by his parents. He died Sept. 12, 2005, at Provena St. Anne Center, Rockford. Funeral services were held Sept. 15 at Trinity Lutheran Church.

We thank God for Art’s long years of life and singing in various musical groups.

Garry married Donna Janet Romereim June 25, 1955, at Romsdal Lutheran Church, rural Hudson, SD. They farmed the Romereim farm at Hudson until they moved to Canton, where he worked in various firms relating to automobiles. Garry semi-retired in 1993 and fully retired in 1996. He was active in various ministries of Canton Lutheran Church as well as Sons of Norway and Grief Male Chorus.

Garry died Sept. 15, 2005, at Canton. He was preceded in death by his parents and three sisters. He is survived by his widow, four children: Mark of Canton, Marshall (and Marian) of Hinton, IA, Mick (and Kathy) of Oviedo, FL, and Melina (and Edlund) Ellis of South Bend, IN; 14 grandchildren; four great grandchildren; two brothers: Gayle (and Joyce) Stalheim, Glenn (and Mary) Stalheim, and Glenyta (and Gene) Hanson.

Funeral services were held Sept. 19, 2005, at Canton Lutheran Church. Among the special music were two selections by the Grieg Male Chorus.

We offer our sympathy to his family and to the Chorus on his loss.

In the fall of 2003, the Board of Directors of NSAA came up with the idea of having a website in order to increase visibility of the organization and to enhance communication for its members. Investigations were made by various members and at the Sangerfest 2004 meeting, a prototype was presented to the Board for their review. At the Fall, 2004 Board meeting, it was decided to move ahead with the website project and bids were solicited. HelpTML of Madison, WI, was selected to design the website and conduct initial training for a webmaster.

The website has several components including a brief description about NSAA, a list of officers, a brief description about each member organization, Sangerfest updates, NSAA tour information, a place for translation of words for non-English songs, a calendar of concerts and special events, and an electronic version of the Sanger Hilsen,

The brief description about each member organization includes information about rehearsal times, a roster of officers, and a contact person and telephone number. Each organization can develop their own website underneath the NSAA host site (for a fee), or if any member organization has a separate site developed, it can be linked to the NSAA site. Information included in this part of the website was taken from the latest version of the Sanger Hilsen. Corrections to the information online should be sent to admin@nsaaonline.org.

The calendar can be used to post concerts and special events held in various locations that would be of interest to NSAA members. Dates of future Sangerfests and tours of organizations will also be posted on this calendar. Information to be placed on the calendar can be submitted to the webmaster at admin@nsaaonline.org.

Although the Sanger-Hilsen will continue to be published in paper format, an electronic version will be available online. Headlines will be listed, but links to the full text of each article will also be available.

Check out the new website at http://www.nsaaonline.org. >