Finn news

Before I get into sharing the Finnish events in the area that will be happening in October, I want to give thanks to the many Finns and friends who attended September events. It’s only through you that these events are able to be organized and presented. And it’s only because of you, the attendees, that these events continue to be offered.

The month of October starts off with another great program at 2 p.m. Oct. 1 at Grace Lutheran Church, 4010 Ninth Avenue West, Hibbing. It will feature Duluth author Mark Munger, who is a retired district court judge who has written three acclaimed historical fiction novels featuring Finnish themes and characters. His first novel, “Suomalaiset (The People of the Marsh),” captures the story of immigration, love, valor and heroism during the Great War. His second book, “Sukulaiset (The Kindred),” portrays Erlin Gustafson’s dream of a better life as he embarks on a journey from the shores of Lake Superior to the shores of Lake Onega in Russia, a story full of hardship, broken promises, and the terror of Stalin’s purges. Mark’s third novel, “Kotimaa (The Homeland),” explores why Anders Ahomaki (introduced in “Suomalaiset”) left his homeland, what hopes he harbored, and what motives carried him from Finland to the subarctic of Norway, and on to Michigan. All three books are compelling reads of Finnish-American history, and Mark’s presentation is based on accurate research providing a rich source of sisu and insights into the difficult situations Finns had to cope with and overcome in their search for a better life.

For a wonderful pannukakku meal with lots of time to visit with Finnish friends, plan to attend the Pannukakku Breakfast on Monday, October 14 from 8-11 a.m. at Bethesda Lutheran Church, 205 Fifth Street North, Carlton. This annual event put on by the Ladies of Kaleva Väinnottaren Tupa No. 24 raises scholarship money for local students.

If you are ready for some more history and music, join The Third Generation members and friends on Saturday, Oct. 19 for a concert called “Midwest Accordion Princess: Memories of Finland and Viola Turpeinen.” It begins at 4 p.m. at the Cloquet Senior Center, 1100 Olympic Drive, Cloquet. It will highlight the rich baritone voice of Gregg Santa and evocative violin melodies as played by Jeanne Santa Doty and Johanna Santa Lorbach. The program will include a variety of Finnish and Finnish-American tunes. The concert is sponsored by the Sons of Norway Heimsyn Lodge and admission is free.

The local Knights and Ladies of Kaleva groups are all back to their regular schedule of meetings and activities. Check out the group closest to you and plan to attend a meeting.

The Knights and Ladies of Kaleva Pohjolaisen Maja No. 25 and Soinnuttaren Tupa No. 32 will meet twice during October, on Thursdays, Oct. 10 and 24, starting at 6 p.m. at Kaleva Hall, 125 Third Street North, Virginia. The first meeting of the month is the regular business meeting and the second meeting will feature a program.

The Ladies of Kaleva Aallottaren Tupa No. 15 will hold its monthly meeting on Monday, Oct. 14 starting at 6 p.m. at Kenwood Lutheran Church, 2720 Myers Avenue, Duluth. They will be receiving new members at this meeting.

The Ladies of Kaleva Valvottaren Tupa No. 20 will be meeting at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 16 at Kaleva Island, off Minnesota Highway 37 south of Eveleth. They invite all guests and new members to join them for a beautiful afternoon on the island.

The Ladies of Kaleva Väinnottaren Tupa No. 24 will meet on Wednesday, Oct. 16 starting at 6 p.m. at Thomson Town Hall, 25 East Harney Road in Esko. They welcome all new members and guests.

The Ladies of Kaleva Vellamon Tupa No. 4 will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 22 beginning at 1 p.m. in the Community Room of the Grahek Apartments in Ely.

All of the Finnish groups in the area would love to have new members bring in new ideas, helping hands, and enthusiasm to their groups. It’s the dedicated, hardworking members of these groups that bring the wonderful events and opportunities for all of us attendees.