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The American Scandinavian Society is a pan-Scandinavian membership organization devoted to bringing cultural, educational, artistic and musical events to the Nordic community of the metropolitan area.

We are an organization for the young and the young at heart! Our common link is our love of Scandinavia, and because of this we have many different types of programs and events ranging fromthe cozy to the glamorous! These vary from a Spring Herring cruise , a Christmas Ball , Art Studio Tours, attending speeches at the UN, listening to a fine jazz concert and so much more! Over the years one constant is our cultural grants.It is indeed a privilege that we can bestow financial awards and recognition to up and coming gifted artists.

For the past 90 years, The American Scandinavian Society has been striving to be a home away from home, where we can celebrate all the wonderful aspects of our heritage.

 

The President's annual meeting speech 2007

Good Evening Ladies and Gentlemen,

My name is Lisa Resling Halpern. Tonight I have the privilege of standing before you for my final year as American Scandinavian Society’s President. In the past few years we have really had a fantastic rejuvenation. Our web site has been redesigned, new programs have been added to our social schedule-while protecting and high-lighting classic favorites.

 We have danced the wedding waltz at Ib and Elfi Alvin’s 50th wedding anniversary, had art tours in Galleries and Central Park, participated in fashion shows, appreciated modern dance and classical music, sang snaps songs on the herring cruise, celebrated a poignant Christmas Ball celebrating humanitarian efforts, appreciated Icelandic art and sampled Scandinavian delicacies just to mention a few.

These past few years have been dynamic and incorporated increased focus on new generations of members. It is however imperative that while we welcome and support the much needed new  additions, that we recognize the significance of the cornerstones of our Society. Without the dedication and continued involvement from our long standing members we would never be where we are today.

Our Board is a reflection and combination of both of these vital groups. I have rarely seen a group that is more consistent or effective. It is with great appreciation and respect that I present them to you (please stand as I call your name)

  • Else Matthews, Executive Grants Chair
  • Ritva Metso, Fund Raising Comm Chair
  • Per Kjellgren,VP Sweden
  • Sarah Cameron Sunde, V.P for the United States
  • Tarja Silverman, Corresponding Secretary and Arts Committee
  • Ann-Christine Westerlund, Treasurer
  • Elfi von Kantzow Alvin, Arts Committee Chair
  • Tuula Feineis, Finance Chair
  • Laufey Bustany, V.P. Iceland
  • Linda Rafoss-Samios, V.P. Norway
  • Peter L. Hessellund-Jensen, Nominating Comm Chair, Legal Counsel
  • Helena  Niskanen, V.P. Finland
  • Rikke V. Landi, V.P. Denmark and Recording Secretary
  • Bertha Lindefjeld, Program Chair
  • Edda Magnusson, Membership Chair
  • Ulla Molbo,Executive Vice president
  • Vibeke Steineger, Christmas Ball Chair
  • Birgit Holm, Young Executives Chair and Web site committee has unfortunately moved to India. We appreciate all of her dedication and hard work in the past two years.

Thank you and all of your committee members for an extraordinary job!

I want to thank all members of the American Scandinavian Society for allowing me to serve as your President these past three years.. It has been one of my greatest honors. I am extraordinarily proud to be part of this organization that cares so very much about supporting Social and Cultural endeavors in its community. When I look at the talented artists that we celebrate and know that we had some small roll in encouraging them to fulfill their dreams, I know that this is a group that touches my soul.

I am certain that Vibeke will bring back her special touch to American Scandinavian Society and we will profit from it- but we must offer our support. This organization can only be as effective as what we put into it. I urge everyone to take an active roll. We can not afford to do otherwise.

I will leave it to my colleagues to inform you what is in store for you in the year to come, and to detail what has been. I leave you with this , when I started my Presidency I was strongly reminded that I was no longer just Danish - but must think like a pan Scandinavian. Well I will always be born in Denmark and raised in the United States but now and forever more there will be parts of my heart marked Finland, Iceland, Sweden and Norway. I thank you for that.
© 2007 American Scandinavian Society. All rights reserved | credits