Gwen Daniels, the creator of NorSari, invented the woolly outer-skirt to survive the cold Minnesota winter.  “I started wrapping a blanket around my waist before heading out the door to get in my cold car to drive to work.  I couldn’t believe how warm it kept me!  Soon, I was wearing the blanket even at work.  At that point I decided I needed to make myself a wrap that looked a little more stylish”.  Daniels shared her idea with family and friends, refined her product over the course of a couple winters, and NorSari was born. Now she offers the wrap in three sizes and an assortment of wool fabrics. So warm! So easy! Why didn’t I think of that?    (text courtesy blog www.nordesque.com , Amy Boxrud)

Founded in Minnesota in 1946 by Dorothy and H. David Dalquist, Nordic Ware began by selling specialty Scandinavian ethnic cookware products.  Soon, the company expanded into Bundt pans, microwave cookware, bakeware, cookware and grilling accessories. Jennifer Dalquist carries on her family's legacy as Director of Sales and marketing, and is recognized as a leader and innovator in her industry.  Since many of our members will once again use their Nordic Ware to prepare traditional fare over the holidays, it's the perfect time for Jennifer to present on this important company's 70 years of history. 

(photo credit: http://www.homeworldbusiness.com)

As invasive plant species like buckhorn and garlic mustard spread quickly throughout Minnesota parks, an innovative approach is being taken to address the problem in an eco-friendly way: Jake Langeslag, and his wife Amanda, own Goat Dispatch, a company that specializes in land management/brush removal with the use of goats.  The goats naturally clear-away bothersome plants, reduce the production of more seeds, and decrease the habitat of mosquitos and wood ticks – and they’re cute to boot!

(photo credit: www.goatdispatch.com)

What are runes? What does runic writing teach us about our Scandinavian ancestry? This presentation will provide an overview of the thousands of rune stones existing today, primarily in Scandinavia, but some in North America.  

Loraine Jensen is the President and founder of the American Association for Runic Studies (AARS), a nonprofit organization based in Roseville, MN, promoting scholarly research on runes and runic inscriptions in Europe and North America.    Jensen became intensely interested in rune stones and runic inscriptions when working as a consultant for the Kensington Rune Stone Park Foundation while living in Alexandria, MN.  She is currently an education specialist for the Minnesota Dept. of Education. 

The Tiny House movement, which has grown in popularity in the United States in recent years, encourages homeowners to downsize.   Financial freedom, a simpler lifestyle, and a reduced environmental footprint are all motivating factors. Kim Kasl’s family, which includes her husband and two children, took that challenge and downsized from a 2,000 square foot home to one that is 267. Come hear more about this family’s unique journey!

(source: www.blessthistinyhouse.com)

Who knew learning Norwegian as a Forestry major would ever be useful to a Swede destined for a career as a cop? Not fellow Lakselaget member Jane Laurence. But as fate would have it, things came together magically. On topics from hostage negotiation to homicide investigation to intelligence analysis for the RNC, her interest and esteem for Nordic culture and methods led to exchanges of knowledge and tactics (in both directions) between Minnesota and Norwegian police for many years. Any career can be invigorated and enriched by sharing experiences with colleagues in other cultures. Jane hopes her presentation will inspire you to reach out and make a connection with a Nordic counterpart!

Alice O'Brien grew up on Summit Avenue in Saint Paul.  The daughter of a wealthy family, she had no need to work, let alone go to war - yet in WWI, she joined hundreds of other women who served as nurses, clerks, drivers and canteen workers in war-torn France.  Her letters home "full of breezy gossip and telling detail" were edited and published by her grandniece Nancy O'Brien Wagner.  Ms. Wagner is co-founder of Bluestem Heritage, LLC, which does research, program development, interpretive planning, and project management for historical organizations. (source: Minnesota Historical Society)