1

FOREWORD

The Seattle Chapter (FFSC) is now one of over thirty local units of Finlandia Foundation, but it is one of the earliest, one of the largest, and one of the most active. It has had a rich and colorful history over the past forty years, and it is appropriate to commemorate its achievements with this publication. As these pages indicate, the origins of FFSC are quite traceable to one tenacious woman – Sylvia Summerland, who was particularly interested in introducing those in the Greater Seattle area to Finnish art and culture. Indeed, it was her single-minded determination to bring the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra to our area that motivated her to establish a chapter of Finland Foundation in 1968. She clearly felt that the organization was a means to an end, rather than an end in itself -- a position reflected in the mission of FFSC: “To promote ethnic cultural activities for the learning of the Finnish language and developing an appreciation of Finnish literature, history, art, and music through lectures, seminars, concerts and programs.” It is not without significance that this early appearance by the Helsinki Philharmonic --under the batons of both Jorma Panula and Leif Segerstram – brought not only the 5th Symphony of the famous Jean Sibelius to Seattle audiences, but it introduced them to the works of then lesser-known Finnish composers, like Einojuhani Rautavaara’s “Requiem for our Time”, Erik Berman’s “Aubade”, Matti Rautio’s “Devert”, and Uuno Klami’s “Terheniemi and Sammon taonta from the Kalevala Suite.” Because she died in November of 2007, Sylvia Summerland could not have been present when the Vaasa City Orchestra played at Town Hall this September under the co-sponsorship of FFSC. However, she would have doubtless been pleased that the tradition she initiated for bringing Finnish classical music to eager Seattle music-lovers would continue forty years later. It is impossible to contain within the pages of this relatively short history all the events – even the most significant ones – of FFSC between these two bookend concerts. This is not to diminish the excellent work done by researchers/writers Mia Spangenberg and Hester Angus, both students in the University of Washington Finnish Program. In fact, these two scholars deserve the highest accolades for their volunteer effort on behalf of this project. At the same time, both of

2

them would readily concede that there is much more to be done in documenting the history of FFSC. To this end, there is cause for rejoicing that the materials for such future efforts are now readily accessible in the Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter Records held in Special Collections at the University of Washington Library. It is difficult to overestimate the importance of this recent development. Generations of student and non-student researchers will now find in one place the totality of documents previously only available in bits and pieces in the attics, garages and basements of previous and current officers of FFSC. So it is that we have reason to look forward with optimism, just as we pause to look back with pride, where Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter is concerned. May this publication remind us where we have been and stimulate us to imagine where we may yet go. The legacy of Sylvia Summerland and other charter-member visionaries calls all local friends of Finland to join, support, and build FFSC for all the decades ahead.

Gary London, President FFSC (July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2008)

������������������������� ������

3

In December 1965, a committee was organized by Sylvia Summerland to oversee the formation of a Northwest chapter of the Finlandia Foundation. Here the committee is meeting at the Swedish Club to plan the Helsinki Philharmonic visit.

Back row (left to right): Eino Englund, Kyösti Sarkanen, Hanna

Sarkanen, unknown, Alice Määttä, Sirkka Wilson. Front row (left to right): Carl Helgren, John Sundsten, Sylvia Summerland.

Photo by Darlene Crawford. Summary of History and Activities 1968 - 2008 This year marks the fortieth anniversary of the Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter (FFSC). As one of the largest chapters of the nationwide Finlandia Foundation, FFSC actively pursues the objectives that have been the core of the chapter since its establishment in 1968:

To promote ethnic cultural activities for the learning of the Finnish language and developing an appreciation of Finnish literature, history, art, and music through lectures, seminars, concerts, and programs.

4

To support the activities of libraries, museums, colleges and churches directed towards Finnish-American culture. To cultivate an understanding of the Finnish culture among Finnish-Americans and others who are interested in Finland.

Information for this publication has been obtained through interviews of community members and from the UW Special Collections archives. If you see errors or inaccuracies, please email the chapter secretary Karoliina Kuisma (kmkuisma@gmail.com) with your comments and corrections so that we can incorporate them in the next history of the Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter. FFSC was born under the guidance of Sylvia Summerland. Already in 1965, she organized a committee to oversee the formation of a Northwest chapter, and the first dues were sent to the national office in Santa Monica. The

first edition of the newsletter appeared just in time for Christmas in December 1967. FFSC was born with the sponsorship of the Helsinki Philharmonic in a concert in Seattle on March 31, 1968. By the beginning of 1968 FFSC already had almost 200 members. At its peak in July of 1984 FFSC had a record 807 members. FFSC has placed a central emphasis on offering possibilities to study the Finnish language and Finnish literature and culture. The chapter began offering its first Finnish language classes to adults in 1969 in Seattle and also offered classes in the 1970s and 1980s to students in Tacoma, Everett and Kent, including classes for children. The chapter has drawn hundreds of students over the years to beginning, intermediate and advanced courses taught by natives and other Finnish speakers. FFSC also stepped in to become the first organization to offer Finnish literature classes in the Pacific Northwest, starting in 1970. In these classes, students had the opportunity to study the Finnish epic the Kalevala as well as many classic works by writers such as Aleksis

Seattle Times ad about the Philharmonic concert.

5

Kivi, Juhani Aho, Minna Canth and Hella Wuolijoki. The Finnish language classes are still going strong as of Fall 2008, with three levels of study offered; Beginning, Intermediate and a new Reading and Discussion class for more advanced students wanting to practice their reading and speaking skills. FFSC has sponsored a wide variety of cultural programs over the years, ranging from the showing of Finnish films, to concerts, dance workshops, the annual Kalevala Day and the annual Independence Day Dinner and Dance (IDDD). The Independence Day Dinner and Dance has become an important tradition for members of Seattle’s Finnish community. The evening’s festivities include a delicious meal, guest speakers and musical performances, followed by the attendees all dancing The Grand Polonaise together accompanied by a live band, with more dancing to follow. For some, the dancing continues year round. Finnish folk dance groups Tanhuajat and Katrilli have both been important bearers of Finnish

FFSC Finnish language teachers Pentti Uuspää and Jenny Pelto together with Sylvia Summerland (middle) in 1973.

6

tradition, keeping the authentic folk dances alive and having fun while doing it! FFSC shares a long history with both groups. Tanhuajat was founded in 1974 to help preserve Finnish culture by studying and performing authentic Finnish folk dances. They have appeared at dozens of events in Seattle and beyond, touring in 1995 to Finland where they performed at Lappeenranta, Savonlinna, Punkaharju and Valkeala. The group Katrilli was formed in 1986 “to promote enjoyment and preservation of Finnish dance, music and culture” and has performed at many festivals and events, including Seattle’s Folklife Festival and FinnFest USA. Both groups continue to enrich the Northwest with their lively performances and their commitment to maintaining and sharing authentic Finnish folk dance traditions with future generations. Another group which has had a long association with FFSC is the Finnish Choral Society. The Finnish Choral Society is an active Finnish American Choir for mixed voices with about 20 – 25 members. The roots of the Choral Society date back to 1963, when a choir named “Kaleva Korus” was started in Seattle. The choir eventually merged with the West Coast Singers’ Seattle Chapter in the mid 1970’s and the name Finnish Choral Society of Seattle was established later in 1980. The choir has performed at numerous events over the years, including the Nordic Heritage Museum Yulefest, the Annual Kalevala Festival, Vappu Performance, festivals in Seattle, Naselle and Astoria and of course, the Finnish Independence Day Dinner and Dance. At the 2007 Gala Dinner they performed the Sibelius cantata, Opus 92 “Oma Maa” together with a skilful chamber orchestra and enthusiastic choir members, all conducted by choir director Maria Männistö. FFSC has promoted Finnish and Finnish-American culture through numerous Nordic festivals in the area, including the Bicentennial Nordic Festival in 1976, FinnFest which was held on the UW campus in 1989 and 1999 and most recently the Finland Summer Festival at Vasa Park in Bellevue, celebrating the 90th anniversary of Finnish Independence. Especially in the early years, the chapter was able to arrange group trips to Finland, allowing members to become acquainted with Finnish culture first hand. Over the past four decades FFSC has sponsored an impressive number of orchestras, choral groups, soloists and dancers from Finland to come to Seattle, among them the Helsinki Philharmonic in 1968, the Kajaani Dance Theater of Finland, the Finnish male choir Semmarit and most recently the Vaasa City Orchestra, which performed at Town Hall in September of 2008.

7

In 1989 FFSC began offering a scholarship to help gifted students pay for their education. Two applicants per year receive a stipend of $500, one for academic and one for artistic work. The first pair of scholarships was awarded to Mia Sillanpää and Diane Cornell. Since its inception, the scholarship has assisted over thirty young students to pursue their educational and artistic goals. In recent years the scholarship has frequently been awarded to students of the University of Washington Finnish Studies Program, who have used it to fund airfare for study in Finland. Many of these students have taken the intensive summer language courses organized by CIMO (The Finnish Ministry of Education’s Center for International Mobility), improving their language skills and learning about Finnish life and culture. FFSC has supported and worked together with other organizations in the area promoting both Finnish and Nordic culture since its inception. Sylvia Summerland actively supported and collected funds from FFSC members for the establishment of the Nordic Heritage Museum, the only museum of its kind in the U.S. that presents the art and culture of all Nordic peoples. FFSC continues to support the Finnish room in the museum as well as the numerous Finnish artists who have shown their art there. FFSC has worked together with other Finlandia Foundation affiliate groups, including the Inland Empire Finnish-Americans Spokane-Affiliate (independent in 1974) and the Tacoma Finns. The Seattle Finnish American Week, held in 1998, was coordinated by a host of Finnish organizations in the area, including FFSC, the Finnish Choral Society of Seattle, Finnish American Heritage Committee, United Finnish Kalevala Brothers and Sisters Lodge 11, Tanhuajat, Suomi-Finland Room committee and the Finnish Lutheran Church. On a nationwide scale, FFSC has been involved with the annual FinnFest and has kept up close ties with Finlandia Foundation National. In May of 2006, FFSC hosted the first all-chapter meeting of the Finlandia Foundation in Seattle, with chapter representatives from all over the country in attendance. The theme of the weekend was “Working Together to Build a Stronger Finnish America.” The four-day gathering kicked off with a concert of the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Benaroya Hall under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen, himself a Finlandia Foundation patron. The following days’ discussions were fruitful, leading Finlandia Foundation National president John Laine to say, “The Seattle meeting was most exciting in the animated conversations conducted between people who had never met prior to this meeting.” He praised the representatives for their work

8

and affirmed that “if we can keep talking and listening to each other we will inevitably discover new ideas and new solutions.” He shared his hope that Finlandia Foundation National could help each local chapter to fully realize its potential, thus strengthening the entire culture. FFSC continues to pursue its mission with much success. Thanks to a generous grant from Finlandia Foundation National in 2006, FFSC was able to purchase a video projector to make the monthly Films from Finland series a permanent and more affordable feature of its programming. Language classes continue to be held Thursday evenings, under the instruction of Jenni Salmi and Anna Rönkkö. Instruction takes place at Finnish Lutheran Church and the students still enjoy learning about the Finnish language and culture; just like the first, enthusiastic language students did in 1969. We can look forward to more cultural and celebratory events in the months and years to come as FFSC sails into 2009. Joint events with other greater Seattle area Finnish-minded organizations are being planned and they, together with FFSC sponsored events and activities, will certainly continue to promote and cultivate the understanding of Finnishness along the lines of the chapter objectives. In closing, we reiterate words from the Kalevala that former president Leo Utter used in honor of the 10th anniversary of the chapter and which still capture the spirit of the Finlandia Foundation Seattle Chapter: Lyökäämme käsi kätehen, Sormet sormien lomahan, Lauloaksemme hyviä, Parahia pannaksemme, Kuulla noien kultaisien, Tietä mielitehtoisien, Nuorisossa nousevassa, Kansassa kasuavassa.

Let us clasp our hands together, Let us interlock our fingers; Let us sing a cheerful measure, Let us use our best endeavors, While our dear ones hearken to us, And our loved ones are instructed, While the young are standing round us, Of the rising generation.

9

Summary of Activities 1968 – 1970 The Finnish community of Seattle came alive with the promise of a visit by the prestigious Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra, established in 1882 and the first orchestra to have regular concerts in the whole of Scandinavia. Sylvia Summerland led the effort to sponsor the orchestra through the establishment of a local Finlandia Foundation chapter, and by January 1968, the fledgling Seattle chapter had over 200 members whose names were proudly displayed in the concert program. In these early years, the chapter focused on establishing a sound membership base and providing Finnish cultural events, Finnish languages classes and a newsletter. FFSC soon reached out to an affiliate group in Spokane called the Inland-Empire Finnish Americans. YEAR ACTIVITY 1968 FFSC is born with the sponsorship and performance

of the Helsinki Philharmonic Orchestra in Seattle at the Seattle Center Opera House on March 31.

1969 Conversational Finnish language courses begin under

the tutelage of Jenny Pelto with the first 25 eager students.

First Finnish films shown at the Swedish Cultural Center, sponsored by Where to Go Travel and Scandinavian Airlines. FFSC supports Finland’s YMCA Chorus tour as well as performances by the cellist Erkki Rautio and accordion virtuoso Veikko Ahvenainen.

1969-73 Midsummer night flights to Finland with Scandinavian Airlines. On the first trip in 1969, 52 FFSC members spent five weeks in Finland enjoying the midnight sun. FFSC also endeavored to support the introduction of Finnair’s direct flights to Helsinki starting in 1971.

1970 The FFSC presents a ballet concert featuring Leo

Ahonen and Soili Arvola at the Seattle Center Playhouse June 1.

10

At the first annual Holiday Supper Dance, later to become the Independence Day Dinner and Dance (IDDD), 125 attendees were graced with the presence of the Seattle Consul Carl Helgren, the San Francisco Consul Klaus Snellman, the 1970 Miss Finland Carita Holm and many fine musicians and singers.

Summary of Activities 1971 – 1980 During the 1970s, many of the members of the FFSC enthusiastically focused on exploring their Finnish roots by going on FFSC trips to Finland, taking literature courses and dancing and listening to Finnish folk music. FFSC and the Inland Empire Finnish-Americans continued to sponsor concerts and other public events. An exhibit on the Kalevala was presented at the Seattle Public Library. Summer festivals were another important way to celebrate and share Finnish heritage with the wider community. The Kalevala Festival was established during this time and became an annual tradition. YEAR ACTIVITY 1971 Leo Utter helped to arrange a trip to Sointula

July 30 – August 1 in a remote part of British Columbia where Finns have lived and preserved their close relationship to the land. Participants produced the pamphlet “Seattlesta – Sointulaan/From Seattle to Sointula.” Sointula was established by the Kalevalan Kansa Colonization Co., Ltd. in 1902.

11

Leo Utter and Pentti Uuspää enjoying the Sointula trip in 1971.

Photo by Leo Utter.

1972 Finnish literature classes start under the tutelage of Pentti Uuspää.

Tapio Rautavaara, one of Finland’s most beloved

singers, is supported by FFSC in his Seattle appearance.

1973 The Finnish literature study group appoints Leo Utter

to design a program to recognize Kalevala Day on February 28. With the help of Aili Marklund, an employee of the Seattle Public Library, Leo set up a display with Kalevala books and artifacts at the main branch.

FFSC and the Inland Empire Finnish-Americans

sponsor a variety show from Finland featuring comedy by Ville Mannila and music and song by Olavi Ritola in Spokane on March 31.

12

1974 FFSC helps to sponsor the concerts of the famous Finnish harmonica player and accordionist Veikko Ahvenainen, the Turuttaret trio, the Pelimannit musicians, and the Kanttorikuoro male chorus.

1976 At the

Bicentenntial Nordic Festival July 6-11, held at the Seattle Center and Marymoor County Park, the Finnish exhibit was the largest and most enthusiastically received. The festival featured 15 musicians from Finland and opportunities to try Finnish food and dance and listen to Finnish tunes. The FFSC Finnish Literature Class also published a pamphlet entitled “Seattle Finnish Literature Class Explores our Heritage” in honor of the Bicentennial. FFSC helps to host the singing performance of Eila Pienimäki-Cramer.

1977 Inaugurated by the West Coast Finnish American

Singers Seattle Chapter, the Kalevala Festival began in 1977 to celebrate the magic of the Kalevala. FFSC joined in as a co-sponsor to this annual event in 1978.

1978 FFSC and the West Coast Finnish-American singers

cosponsor a series of classical music by Finnish composers, starting off with Toivo Kuula and John Sundsten on June 11 at North Seattle Community College.

FFSC treasure Eleanor Pajari admires the FFSC´s 5th anniversary

cake in 1973. Photo by Leo Utter.

13

FFSC helps to promote the performance of the Motora folk dancers and musicians from Joensuu, Finland. FFSC celebrates its tenth anniversary at the Seattle Tyee Yacht Club on April 22. Tanhuajat performed and were joined by Sirkka Wilson’s “Finn Power Trio” for the festive occasion.

1979 FFSC helps to sponsor the visit of Helvi Sipilä on

February 2-3. Sipilä became the highest ranking woman official at the UN when she became head of the UN agency for social development and humanitarian affairs. Tanhuajat performed and kahvi and pulla were served on the occasion of this prestigious visit. FFSC supports the concerts of basso Raimo Luokomaa, pianist George de Godzinsky, and the Finngospel chorus from Kuusankoski, Finland.

In 1979, FFSC organizes a reception to honor Mrs. Helvi Sipilä, the

Deputy Secretary of the UN. Mrs. Sipilä became a presidential candidate in Finland in 1982. Photo by Leo Utter.

14

Summary of Activities 1981 – 1990 In the 1980s, FFSC membership grew rapidly and peaked in 1984. There were many festive occasions during this time, such as the Saint Urho’s Day potluck and dances, which included the coronation of an honorary St. Urho and Urholiina; FFSC summer picnics at Lincoln and Gas Works parks with traditional Finnish food, and dances held at the Armory building. Finnish orchestra, choir and kantele players came to Seattle to perform. The momentum generated during this decade culminated in the four-day FinnFest which was held in Seattle in 1989. YEAR ACTIVITY 1981 FFSC helps to sponsor the concerts of the

Puhallinorkesteri from Joensuu, Finland, the Sotaveteraanikuori, a male chorus from Lahti, Finland, and the kantele player Lauri Kahilainen.

1982 In July, FFSC organizes an informal talk by Reino

Paasilinna, departing Press Counselor for the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C. The topic of his talk is “The Family in Today´s Finland: Problems, Remedies, The Future.” FFSC sponsors Margareta Haverinen, soprano, at a recital and reception on November 7 at the Swedish Cultural Center. FFSC also supports the concerts of the Eino Grön trio and Nils-Aslak Valkeapää and Seppo Paakkunainen’s jazz-joik from Lapland.

15

Finn Power Trio (Signe Hemmingson, Dorothy Wilen and Sirkka Wilson) playing at FFSC summer dinner in 1983.

Photos by Leo Utter.

1983 The first Pitopöytä/A Taste of Finland Buffet Dinner is held at the Finnish Lutheran Church.

FFSC helps to sponsor the Helsinki Academic Male Choir concert.

16

FFSC members help to sponsor a visit by Kai Laitinen, professor of Finnish Literature at the University of Helsinki.

FFSC celebrates fifteen years at the Swedish Cultural Center October 14 with a gourmet dinner and dancing.

1984 FFSC attains record membership with 807 members

as of July 12, 1984.

FFSC and the Tacoma Finns host a potluck dinner at the home of Ted and Lillian Bartholomew in Tacoma on August 5.

1984 February 24-March 2 is proclaimed Kalevala Week by Seattle Mayor Charles Royer, in honor of the Kalevala’s 150th anniversary.

Pitopöytä became an annual tradition which was kept up for

almost 20 years. Here the team is getting ready for the 1987 event.

17

1988 Seattle Finnish-American Week, held Feb. 28 – March 6, celebrated 350 years of Finns in America with activities ranging from folk dancing and singing to sample language lessons and viewings of Finnish films.

THE KALEVALA WEEK PROCLAMATION

18

1989 FinnFest is held in Seattle on the University of

Washington campus. FFSC begins its tradition of offering scholarships

once a year to gifted students to help them pay for the rising costs of education and later, to support Finland-focused studies as well.

Summary of Activities 1991 – 2000 During the 1990s FFSC continued to successfully pursue its mission, co-sponsoring numerous performances, dance workshops and public events. Working in cooperation with other organizations, FFSC helped put on the Seattle Finnish-American Week celebration in 1998 and the 1999 FinnFest, which was again held in Seattle on the UW campus. FFSC was recognized by the Ethnic Heritage Council of the Pacific Northwest for its dedication to preserving Finnish-American heritage.

FFSC committee meets with Mayor Charles Royer (middle), who is signing the Kalevala Week proclamation. Committee members (from

left to right): Norman Westerberg, Rita Alport, Sirkku Vasama, George Latvala and Kerttu Van Ermen.

19

DATE ACTIVITY 1992 FFSC co-sponsors “The Kalevala People,” a special

traveling exhibit tracing the origin of Finland and Finns. The exhibit was put together by Heureka, the Finnish Science Center in Finland.

In cooperation with Katrilli, FFSC cosponsors the Kajaani Dance Theater of Finland Tour during the month of June. A total of 35 dancers and musicians performed throughout the Pacific Northwest. The group also directed several folkdance workshops

1994 FFSC celebrates 25 years on May 7 at the Nordic

Heritage Museum with a buffet dinner and performances by the Finnish Choral Society and Tanhuajat.

The Finlandia Foundation awarded FFSC $2,000 to host Näppärit, a band of Finnish fiddlers. The band performed in Seattle at the Museum of History and Industry on July 27 and at the Finnish Lutheran Church on July 28.

The Finnish Choral Society performs at Kalevala Festival

in 1994.

20

1995 FFSC sponsors Pitopöytä/A Taste of Finland in

cooperation with the Northwest Pelimannit Folk Musicians on March 19 at the Finnish Lutheran Church. Authentic dishes included silli (pickled herring), rosolli (beet salad), kaalikääryleet (cabbage rolls), lohilaatikko (salmon casserole) served with potatoes, bread and milk, juice, butter milk or beer. Kaura-omenajälkiruoka (apple oatmeal with whipped cream) was featured with coffee or tea for dessert.

1997 FFSC arranges for the folk band Koivun Kaiku to

perform at the Nordic Heritage Museum on May 18.

The Ethnic Heritage Council of the Pacific Northwest recognizes FFSC for its dedication and continued contributions to the preservation and promotion of cultural heritage for future generations.

1998 FFSC cooperates with a host of other Finnish-

oriented organizations to celebrate Seattle Finnish-American Week.

1999 FinnFest held in Seattle on the University of

Washington campus. Summary of Activities 2001 – 2008 This decade may be the most auspicious yet for FFSC. An ongoing partnership with the University of Washington Finnish Studies Program has resulted in increased opportunities for learning and exchanging information. The Films from Finland series and the weekly language classes continue to draw enthusiastic participants. In addition to sponsoring several exceptional musical performances, FFSC has hosted talks by authors and lecturers on many topics of interest. FFSC continues to cooperate with other local Finnish and Nordic organizations to create more opportunities to celebrate Finnish music, dance, art, food, literature and tradition.

21

YEAR ACTIVITY 2002 FFSC organizes the Independence Day Dinner and

Dance celebrating the 85th anniversary of Finnish Independence at the Mountaineers Club.

2003 FFSC helps to sponsor one of its most successful

events ever, bringing the Finnish male choir Semmarit to Kane Hall on the University of Washington’s Seattle campus on October 4th. Semmarit, composed of students from the University of Jyväskylä, dazzled the audience with their original songs combining rock, pop and theatrical elements.

2006 FFSC helps to arrange for the performance of the

Helsinki Police Choir at the University of Washington’s Seattle campus in the HUB auditorium on July 25. The choir proudly performed traditional Finnish songs in blue suits bearing the insignia of the Finnish police.

2007 FFSC hosts a unique evening with readings by the

authors Kirby Olson and Solveig Torvik on November 16 at the Finnish Lutheran Church in Ballard. In Olson’s novel Temping, Finland becomes the site of hilarious escapades for the protagonist Milhouse Moot who marries a Finnish woman and moves to Finland. Torvik’s work of historical fiction, Nikolai’s Fortune, chronicles the tale of several generations of Scandinavian women, moving from Finland to Norway and finally to the United States.

FFSC, together with 14 other Nordic organizations, throws a party at Vasa Park in Bellevue to celebrate 90 years of Finnish independence. A family friendly event, activities included the usual Finnish food and dancing, but also featured more unusual and quirky Finnish pastimes: the wife-carrying contest and the cell phone toss. The event was held on August 25.

2008 The renowned young Finnish kantele quartet

Kardemimmit, from Espoo, plays a concert at the

22

Nordic Heritage Museum where FFSC sponsors a post-show reception.

FFSC, in cooperation with other organizations, helps

to bring the Vaasa City Orchestra to Seattle’s Town Hall on Tuesday September 16. The performance was sponsored by FFSC along with several other organizations. Conducted by Hannu Koivula, the orchestra performed Pelleas et Melisande, Op. 46 by Jean Sibelius and works by Väinö Raitio. Featured soloist Veli Kujala performed the Suite de Gismonti by Egberto Gismonti for concert accordion and orchestra.

On October 24, FFSC hosts author Barbara Sjoholm, reading from her new book In The Palace of the Snow Queen, a travelogue recounting her time spent traveling in Lapland in which she describes the harsh beauty of the northern landscape as well as some of the conflicts and challenges faced by the people living there. In November, FFSC’s records dating from its origins in 1968 to the present time are placed in the University of Washington Special Collections Library, where they will remain available to the public.

������������������������� ������

23

THEY HAVE SERVED………..

PRESIDENT OF FFSC

Sylvia Summerland, Reino Liuska, Tauno Ottelin, Edward Saari, Edmond Jarva, Leo Utter, William Frantilla, Kalle Keränen, Pentti Rinne, Carl Jarvie, Rita Vermala-Alport, Aini Messmer, Mel Carlson, Fran Whitehill, Kristi Magee, Gerrit Missler, Byron Wicks, Gary London, Rita Vermala-Koski

VICE-PRESIDENT William Anderson, Edmond Jarva, Kaisa London, Tauno Ottelin, Leo Nalli, Marja Hall, Esther Sellers, Marja Hall, Anna-Leena Dove, Doris Snow, Shirley Mäkelä, Fred Messmer, Mark Hillman, Leo Utter, Gary London, Minna Rudd, Rita Vermala-Koski, Satu Mikkola

SECRETARY Helen Basso, Viola Ala, Corliss Liekkiö, Lillian Cox, Mabel Belka, Margaret Kallio, Pirkko Borlund, Violet Kangas, Doris Snow, Esther Sellers, Edna Metter, Pirjo DeHart, Karen Lewis, Sandra Haug, Shirley White, Alexander Safir, Carl Torkko, Paula Linnala Price, John Stephens, Gay Nixon, Karoliina Kuisma

TREASURER Eleanor Pajari, Selma Bradley, Kenneth Jurmu, Ruth Johnson, Hanna Sarkanen, Kerttu Kivimäki, Helen Eloranta, John Mäkinen, Helen Basso, Carl Jarvie, Lee Whitehill, Kathleen Lindquist-Leary, Norman Arnold, Sheila Parker, Fran Whitehill, Mary Hillman, Kim Whittle, Doris Johnston, Joel Wasti, Fran Whitehill, Mikko Männistö

MEMBERSHIP SECRETARY Sylvia Summerland, Hanna Sarkanen, Leo Utter, Pentti Rinne, Esko Männistö

24

MEMBERS AT LARGE Kenneth Borgen, Ethel Borgen, Mr. And Mrs. H. Gene Frans, Mr. And Mrs. Walter Wilson, Consul Carl L. Helgren, Betty Anderson, Sally Bradley, Tauno Erickson, Gail Hill, Edmond Jarva, Isto Latvala, Gary Lundell, Carl Luttinen, Genevive Luttinen, Ester Moisio, Vaino Moisio, Tyyne Smith, Miriam Tungate, Reino Vahala, Pentti Uuspää, Silja Hassinen, Lillian Amtower, Kenneth Jurmu, Sylvia Summerland, Mary Liuska, Sylvia Mäki, Kalle Keränen, Kerttu Van Ermen, William Frantilla, Laila Walmsley, Frank West, Toivo Toivola, Pentti Rinne, Kaisa London, Deborah Rudback, Sirkku Vasama, Marie Kretlow, Panu Puranen, Leena Reed, Seija Tikkanen, Reino Liuska, Rita Vermala-Alport, Aune Peltokangas, Don Hill, Rudy Ylinen, Tom Uusnäkki, Aini Messmer, Larry DeHart, Mia Sillanpää, Esther Sellers, Mel Carlson, Noel Bruzzichesi, Karen Piazza, Rich Mäki, Holly Huttunen, Clyde Jussila, Lisa Elrand, Anna-Leena Dove, Ami Kanerva, Mark Hillman, Mary Hillman, Byron Wicks, John Pekonen, Gary London, Liisa Mannery, Alex Aho, Anu Naukkarinen, Sheila Parker, Andy Nestingen, Scott Myrene, John Stephens, Brad Borland, Lena Hartikainen, Wade Hollinghaus, Minna Rudd, Helja Nurmela, Carl Torkko, James Goff, Petra Mengelt, Joel Wasti, Tarya Cameron, Pirjo Berg, Virve Vainio, Marja Hall, Karoliina Kuisma, Hailey Lanward, Satu Mikkola, Matt Wirkkala, Mikko Männistö, JoAnne Rudo, Mia Spangenberg, Babak Amir Parviz, Cathy Perry, Tapio Holma, Steve Crary, Jenni Salmi

NEWSLETTER EDITORS Sylvia Summerland, Silja Hassinen, Viola Ala, Jan M. Griffith, Shirley Mäkelä, Paula Linnala Price

CIRCULATION MANAGERS Leo Utter, Asko and Karen Hämäläinen, Sirkka Wilson

25

The late Sirkka Wilson, who over two decades faithfully

held the position of FFSC Circulation manager.

EDUCATION COORDINATOR

Lillian Amtower, Eleanor Pajari, Kerttu Van Ermen, Kaisa London, Edna Metter, Sirkku Vasama, Esther Sellers, Carl Torkko, Steve Crary, Minna Rudd, Karoliina Kuisma, Jenni Salmi*

26

TEACHERS Viola Ala, Lillian Amtower, Laila Bunn, Aili Casey, Heli Dalland, Marja Hall, Kalle Keränen, Liisa Keränen, Helmi Keski, Kaisa London, Marita McCallen, Jenny Pelto, Pentti Rinne, Armi Salo, Leo Salo, Rae Siegel, Seija Tikkanen, Gary Lundell, Riikka Inet, Tuija Evjen, Tuija Thatcher, Anne Tuominen, Laura Partanen, Tiina Freeman, Karita Lehto, Sylvia Ekman, Anne Vainikka, Kerttu Van Ermen, Leo Utter, Pentti Uuspää, Kari Kajuutti, Nina Portnow, Satu Stechschulte, Sirkku Vasama, Pirjo Berg, Sonia Steinberg, John Parker, Jenni Pulju, Ritva Swartz, Anu Karjalainen, Brad Larson, Jenni Salmi, Anna Rönkkö

SCHOLARSHIP COMMITTEE Edna Metter, Pentti Rinne, Kaisa London, Pastor Jarmo Tarkki, Mark Hillman, Mary Hillman, Liisa Mannery, Rita Vermala-Koski, Kristi Magee**

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Diane Cornell, Mia Sillanpää, Tina Hall, Kerstin Hoffman, Liisa Matson, Tauno Latvala, Mark Cook, Paul Whitehill, Karen Ingalls-Kiansten, Amy Carlson, Tiina Ritalahti, Sonja Parmley, Sandi Sadler, Cathy Cushing, Nancy Foster, Matti Pekkanen, Meghan MacKrell, Courtney Carlington, Andrew J. Lehto, Katrina O’Clock, Tracy Abdo, Niilo Smeds, Maija Anderson, Jussi Naukkarinen, Meg Bingham, Hailey Lanward, James Goff, Anna Satterthwaite, Maria Männistö, John Parker, Jennifer Pulju, Lola Rogers, Amy Madden, Mia Spangenberg, Charlotte Dike, Maarit Wallenius, Brad Larson, Arianna Morgan

27

FFSC PRESIDENT AWARD

1988 Aili Casey 1989 Lee Whitehill 1990 Esther Sellers 1991 Aini Messmer 1992 Rita Vermala-Alport 1993 Carl Jarvie 1994 Norman Westerberg 1995 Sirkka Wilson 1996 Fran Whitehill 1997 Lauri & Kerttu Kivimäki 2000 Norman Westerberg, Life Time Achievement Award 2001 Mikko Männistö 2002 Lempi Wilson 2003 Byron Wicks 2004 Pentti Rinne 2005 Paula Linnala Price 2006 Marianne Forssblad 2007 Maria Männistö

FFSC VICE-PRESIDENT AWARD

1987 Aili Casey 1988 Doris Snow 1989 Lempi Wilson 1990 Pentti Rinne 1992 Anna-Leena Christensen 1993 Sylvia Ekman 1994 Leo Nalli 1996 Ed Jarva 1997 Shirley Mäkelä 2003 Sirkku Vasama 2005 Heikki and Eva Männistö 2006 Mikko Männistö 2007 Marja Hall

28

*Following Carl Torkko’s stint as education coordinator, the position was folded into the board, becoming the responsibility of a board member. **The scholarship committee was later folded into the board.

Aili Casey receiving 1987 Vice President

Award for her ongoing volunteer work for Finnishness in the Seattle area.

29

Officers of the FFSC 1968 – 2008 YEAR PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER 1968 Sylvia Summerland* - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 1969 Sylvia Summerland - - - - - - - - - - Helen Basso Eleanor Pajari 1970 Sylvia Summerland 1971 Sylvia Summerland 1972 Sylvia Summerland William Anderson 1973 Reino Liuska William Anderson Viola Ala Eleanor Pajari 1974 Tauno Ottelin Ed Jarva Viola Ala Selma Bradley 1975 Tauno Ottelin Ed Jarva Viola Ala Ken Jurmu 1976 Ed Saari Ed Jarva Corliss Liekkiö Ruth Johnson 1977 Ed Jarva Kaisa London Lillian Cox Hannah Sarkanen 1978 Leo Utter Kaisa London Mabel Belka Kerttu Kivimäki 1979 Leo Utter Tauno Ottelin Mabel Belka Kerttu Kivimäki 1980 William Frantilla Tauno Ottelin Margaret Kallio Helen Eloranta 1981 William Frantilla Tauno Ottelin Margaret Kallio Helen Eloranta 1982 Kalle Keränen Tauno Ottelin Pirkko Borland Carl Jarvie 1983 Pentti Rinne Leo Nalli Violet Kangas Carl Jarvie 1984 Pentti Rinne Leo Nalli Violet Kangas Carl Jarvie 1985 Carl Jarvie Marja Hall Doris Snow Lee Whitehill 1986 Carl Jarvie Marja Hall Esther Sellers Lee Whitehill 1987 Rita Vermala-Alport Anna-Leena Dove Edna Metter Lee Whitehill 1988 Rita Vermala-Alport Anna-Leena Dove Edna Metter Lee Whitehill 1989 Aini Messmer Doris Snow Pirjo DeHart Lee Whitehill

30

YEAR PRESIDENT VICE-PRESIDENT SECRETARY TREASURER 1990 Aini Messmer Marja Hall Karen Lewis Lee Whitehill 1991 Mel Carlson Marja Hall Sandra Haug Kathleen Lindquist-Leary 1992 Mel Carlson Marja Hall Sandra Haug Kathleen Lindquist-Leary 1993 Fran Whitehill Shirley Mäkelä Shirley White Norman Arnold 1994 Fran Whitehill Shirley Mäkelä Shirley White Sheila Parker 1995 Leo Utter Fred Messmer Shirley White Fran Whitehill 1996 Leo Utter Fred Messmer Shirley White Fran Whitehill 1997 Kristi Magee Mark Hillman Alexandar Safir Fran Whitehill 1998 Kristi Magee Mark Hillman Carl Torkko Mary Hillman 1999 Gerrit Missler Leo Utter Paula Linnala Price Kim Whittle 2000 Byron Wicks Gary London Paula Linnala Price Kim Whittle 2001 Byron Wicks Gary London John Stephens Doris Johnston 2002 Byron Wicks Gary London John Stephens Doris Johnston 2003 Gary London Minna Rudd Gay Nixon Joel Wasti 2004 Gary London Minna Rudd Gay Nixon Joel Wasti 2005 Gary London Rita Vermala-Koski Gay Nixon Fran Whitehill 2006 Gary London Rita Vermala-Koski Karoliina Kuisma Fran Whitehill 2007 Gary London Rita Vermala-Koski Karoliina Kuisma Mikko Männistö 2008 Rita Vermala-Koski Satu Mikkola Karoliina Kuisma Mikko Männistö *Coordinator

������������������������� ������