View some video from today's performance.
Below is a photo of Finnish President Tarja Halonen at Finland's Annual Independence Day Celebration at the Presidential Palace
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Finnish Independence Day Celebration Today in Berkeley
Beautiful Finland's Independence Day celebration was held earlier today at the Finn Hall in Berkeley. Marge Saarni, Thor Miao and Richard Saarni accompanied the event, Allison Kastama was MC, and Kaarlo Heiskanen was in charge of the program. Pirjo Boss, President of FAHA gave a wonderful history of the Finnish Immigrants (and her own family) to America and told us about several upcoming events. Free joulu sauna at FAHA! Honorary Consul General Michel Wendell brought official greetings from the Government of Finland and also briefed us of the very positive increase in new Finnish companies especially in the Silicon Valley. Gwendolyn and Adrienne Tosaris played expertly the Nutcracker theme on the piano and Tuula Cotter gave us a masterful selection of favorite Finnish songs on the violin. It was also fun to meet the many Finnish students and scholars studying at UC Berkeley and Stanford. Special display of traditional Finnair Christmas ornaments was collected by Pirkko and Kirsti B. Coffee, sandwiches and pulla was enjoyed downstairs. Thank you all for a very wonderful afternoon.
View some video from today's performance.
Below is a photo of Finnish President Tarja Halonen at Finland's Annual Independence Day Celebration at the Presidential Palace
View some video from today's performance.
Below is a photo of Finnish President Tarja Halonen at Finland's Annual Independence Day Celebration at the Presidential Palace
Finlandia Foundation Announces 2011 Performer & Lecturer of the Year
Finlandia Foundation Announces 2011 POY and LOY
Christina Lin of the FF National Office has announced the selection of the Performer of the Year, Wilho Saari, and the Lecturer of the Year, Carl Rahkonen, for 2011. The terms of both will begin on January 1, 2011 and last for the calendar year.
Wilho Saari
Finlandia Foundation National is proud to announce Wilho Saari, a distinguished kantele master from Naselle, Washington, as 2011 Performer of the Year.
The Kalevala, Finland's national epic, tells us that the first kantele was fashioned by the hero Väinämöinen from the jawbone of a pike. It has progressed since then to versions ranging from 5-string to 36-string (maybe more?).
Wilho Saari can trace the tradition of kantele playing back five generations in his family. His great-great grandmother, Kreeta Haapasalo, is one of Finland’s notable kantele matriarchs, a kantele-heroine, as she is often called.
As a teenager, Wilho played brass instruments in the school band and studied piano in college. At age 50, after his older relatives had already passed away, he began to teach himself to play the kantele.
Saari’s degree in music has helped him to develop outstanding skill in teaching himself to play kantele later in life. He is not only a recognized performer in demand, but also a well- respected and active teacher who generously continues to share his kantele knowledge with numerous students around the country. Wilho has received a Washington state Governor’s Heritage Award for his work popularizing and teaching kantele. In 2006, Saari was honored with a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship, the country’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. He is also a very productive composer of kantele music, with over 2400 pieces written.
In 2010, Dr. Arja Kastinen from Finland published 365 of Saari’s compositions in a collection called “Tune-a-Day.” Saari has recorded two CDs on the kantele. His latest CD, called “Vilhon Vintiltä,” ("From Vilho's Attic") is mainly made up of his own compositions.
Carl Rahkonen
Carl Rahkonen is a second-generation Finnish-American who is a Music Librarian and Professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned a Ph.D. in Folklore and Ethnomusicology from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a dissertation entitled The Kantele Traditions of Finland. During this research, he and his wife lived in Finland as Fulbright Scholars for two years.
He has done research on polka bands in Pennsylvania, Estonian kannel players in Baltimore, American fiddling traditions, and most recently Scandinivian and Finnish-American musicians of the Upper Midwest. He authored the "Overview" for the European-American chapter of the Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. He is a practicing musician who plays classical, popular and folk music in a variety of ensembles.
For more information, see http://www.people.iup.edu/rahkonen.
We welcome both Wilho and Carl as POY and LOY for 2011 and look forward to presenting them at chapter events.
Christina Lin of the FF National Office has announced the selection of the Performer of the Year, Wilho Saari, and the Lecturer of the Year, Carl Rahkonen, for 2011. The terms of both will begin on January 1, 2011 and last for the calendar year.
Wilho Saari
Finlandia Foundation National is proud to announce Wilho Saari, a distinguished kantele master from Naselle, Washington, as 2011 Performer of the Year.
The Kalevala, Finland's national epic, tells us that the first kantele was fashioned by the hero Väinämöinen from the jawbone of a pike. It has progressed since then to versions ranging from 5-string to 36-string (maybe more?).
Wilho Saari can trace the tradition of kantele playing back five generations in his family. His great-great grandmother, Kreeta Haapasalo, is one of Finland’s notable kantele matriarchs, a kantele-heroine, as she is often called.
As a teenager, Wilho played brass instruments in the school band and studied piano in college. At age 50, after his older relatives had already passed away, he began to teach himself to play the kantele.
Saari’s degree in music has helped him to develop outstanding skill in teaching himself to play kantele later in life. He is not only a recognized performer in demand, but also a well- respected and active teacher who generously continues to share his kantele knowledge with numerous students around the country. Wilho has received a Washington state Governor’s Heritage Award for his work popularizing and teaching kantele. In 2006, Saari was honored with a National Endowment for the Arts Heritage Fellowship, the country’s highest honor in folk and traditional arts. He is also a very productive composer of kantele music, with over 2400 pieces written.
In 2010, Dr. Arja Kastinen from Finland published 365 of Saari’s compositions in a collection called “Tune-a-Day.” Saari has recorded two CDs on the kantele. His latest CD, called “Vilhon Vintiltä,” ("From Vilho's Attic") is mainly made up of his own compositions.
Carl Rahkonen
Carl Rahkonen is a second-generation Finnish-American who is a Music Librarian and Professor at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He earned a Ph.D. in Folklore and Ethnomusicology from Indiana University, Bloomington, with a dissertation entitled The Kantele Traditions of Finland. During this research, he and his wife lived in Finland as Fulbright Scholars for two years.He has done research on polka bands in Pennsylvania, Estonian kannel players in Baltimore, American fiddling traditions, and most recently Scandinivian and Finnish-American musicians of the Upper Midwest. He authored the "Overview" for the European-American chapter of the Garland Encyclopedia of World Music. He is a practicing musician who plays classical, popular and folk music in a variety of ensembles.
For more information, see http://www.people.iup.edu/rahkonen.
We welcome both Wilho and Carl as POY and LOY for 2011 and look forward to presenting them at chapter events.
Finnish Christmas Moviegoing starting Dec 17th!!!
Finnish Christmas Moviegoing!
Festooned with holly, our friend Ville Video came down the chimney and gave us this:
HEY SUOMALAISET & FRIENDS: "'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale,' by Jalmari Helander will be shown at the Shattuck Cinema, 2230 Shattuck Ave. (at Kittredge) in Berkeley for one week starting on December 17. Landmark's publicity blurb follows:
"It's the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an 'archeological' dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn't the one you want coming to town! When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari (Onni Tommila) and his father Rauno (Jorma Tommila), a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa's elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare--a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality. "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" is a re-imagining of the most classic of childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required holiday viewing. Written and directed by Jalmari Helander. (Finland/Norway/France/Sweden, 2010)."
Sounds like a winner. Check it out. Consult local theatre listings for showtimes. Further info: www.oscilloscope.net.
-- Harry
Festooned with holly, our friend Ville Video came down the chimney and gave us this:
HEY SUOMALAISET & FRIENDS: "'Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale,' by Jalmari Helander will be shown at the Shattuck Cinema, 2230 Shattuck Ave. (at Kittredge) in Berkeley for one week starting on December 17. Landmark's publicity blurb follows:
"It's the eve of Christmas in northern Finland, and an 'archeological' dig has just unearthed the real Santa Claus. But this particular Santa isn't the one you want coming to town! When the local children begin mysteriously disappearing, young Pietari (Onni Tommila) and his father Rauno (Jorma Tommila), a reindeer hunter by trade, capture the mythological being and attempt to sell Santa to the misguided leader of the multinational corporation sponsoring the dig. Santa's elves, however, will stop at nothing to free their fearless leader from captivity. What ensues is a wildly humorous nightmare--a fantastically bizarre polemic on modern day morality. "Rare Exports: A Christmas Tale" is a re-imagining of the most classic of childhood fantasies, and is a darkly comic gem soon to be required holiday viewing. Written and directed by Jalmari Helander. (Finland/Norway/France/Sweden, 2010)."
Sounds like a winner. Check it out. Consult local theatre listings for showtimes. Further info: www.oscilloscope.net.
-- Harry
Support Salolampi! through organization-matching gifting
Support Salolampi!
Finlandia Foundation National is encouraging its member chapters to support the Salolampi Program.
Eight (8) scholarships, $300 each, are made available in 2011, covering approximately one half of the one-week tuition, when the local chapter provides a matching or larger scholarship.
The name of the participating child(ren) must be submitted to the Finlandia Foundation National office by February 28, 2011. Selection will be made on a first-come first-serve basis, first-
time campers receiving priority.
This scholarship can be used as part of the tuition for a multi-week session at Salolampi. The individual scholarship funds will be transferred directly to Concordia Language Villages. Each
scholarship recipient is requested to submit a report about their Salolampi experience by August 31, 2011.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 92298
Pasadena, CA 91109-2298
Physical Address:
470 West Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 795-2081 • Fax: (626) 795-6533
Email: office@finlandiafoundation.org
http://www.finlandiafoundation.org
2010 Soiva Music Camp at Salolampi
The chapter voted to make a $250 donation to the Soiva Music Camp.
Soiva Music Camp is an international chamber music experience that brings together the best music teachers and students, ages 11 to 17, from Finland and the U.S. In addition to the camp held in Minnesota, the first camp in Finland is planned for the city of Rauma next year.
Here are details to refresh your memory, courtesy of Jeanne Doty:
Please encourage everyone you know to tell just one student about it.
For more information including a video and photos, please go
to http://www.finlandiafoundation.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39706&PID=578335
(if previous link does not work, please go to http://www.finlandiafoundation.org and click on Soiva Camp). or email Jeanne Doty at jdoty@d.umn.edu
Do it today!
Finlandia Foundation National is encouraging its member chapters to support the Salolampi Program.
Eight (8) scholarships, $300 each, are made available in 2011, covering approximately one half of the one-week tuition, when the local chapter provides a matching or larger scholarship.
The name of the participating child(ren) must be submitted to the Finlandia Foundation National office by February 28, 2011. Selection will be made on a first-come first-serve basis, first-
time campers receiving priority.
This scholarship can be used as part of the tuition for a multi-week session at Salolampi. The individual scholarship funds will be transferred directly to Concordia Language Villages. Each
scholarship recipient is requested to submit a report about their Salolampi experience by August 31, 2011.
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 92298
Pasadena, CA 91109-2298
Physical Address:
470 West Walnut Street
Pasadena, CA 91103
Phone: (626) 795-2081 • Fax: (626) 795-6533
Email: office@finlandiafoundation.org
http://www.finlandiafoundation.org
2010 Soiva Music Camp at Salolampi
The chapter voted to make a $250 donation to the Soiva Music Camp.
Soiva Music Camp is an international chamber music experience that brings together the best music teachers and students, ages 11 to 17, from Finland and the U.S. In addition to the camp held in Minnesota, the first camp in Finland is planned for the city of Rauma next year.
Here are details to refresh your memory, courtesy of Jeanne Doty:
- 2010 Soiva Music Camp at Salolampi will be held 14- 20 June.
- Instruction is offered in piano, flute, clarinet, composition, and violin (new this year) to students ages 11-18.
- Applications submitted in February enjoy all the “early bird” prices.
- 2010 Soiva Music Camp at Salolampi changes lives one note at a time.
- There is no other place on earth to experience 2010 Soiva Music Camp at Salolampi.
Please encourage everyone you know to tell just one student about it.
For more information including a video and photos, please go
to http://www.finlandiafoundation.org/templates/System/details.asp?id=39706&PID=578335
(if previous link does not work, please go to http://www.finlandiafoundation.org and click on Soiva Camp). or email Jeanne Doty at jdoty@d.umn.edu
Do it today!
Christmas Greeting from President Halonen of Finland
Independence Day greetings from the President of the Republic of Finland to expatriate Finnish communities, 6 December 2010:
Finland is part of a globalising world. We are a Member State of the European Union and are actively involved in numerous international organisations, such as the United Nations. Our
economy has also undergone a rapid process of internationalisation. Globalisation has brought economic opportunities, but also an increasing set of challenges.
The mobility of people has also increased. People move to and from Finland at all stages of life. For young people, internationality comes naturally. In the years of active employment many people work abroad for a certain period of time or even leave Finland permanently. For some, retirement may entail a move abroad, if only for part of the year.
You, Finns living abroad, are in an important role as ambassadors for Finland and Finnish culture in your own communities. You also bring influences from foreign cultures to Finland, enriching Finnishness. The networks you have created abroad are invaluable. It is important for all of us that your ties to your home country remain strong.
I send you my warmest greetings on the 93rd anniversary of Finland’s independence.
Tarja Halonen
President of the Republic of Finland
Finland is part of a globalising world. We are a Member State of the European Union and are actively involved in numerous international organisations, such as the United Nations. Our
economy has also undergone a rapid process of internationalisation. Globalisation has brought economic opportunities, but also an increasing set of challenges.
The mobility of people has also increased. People move to and from Finland at all stages of life. For young people, internationality comes naturally. In the years of active employment many people work abroad for a certain period of time or even leave Finland permanently. For some, retirement may entail a move abroad, if only for part of the year.
You, Finns living abroad, are in an important role as ambassadors for Finland and Finnish culture in your own communities. You also bring influences from foreign cultures to Finland, enriching Finnishness. The networks you have created abroad are invaluable. It is important for all of us that your ties to your home country remain strong.
I send you my warmest greetings on the 93rd anniversary of Finland’s independence.
Tarja Halonen
President of the Republic of Finland
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
San Jose Kippis Performance This Sunday! at the Avalon Ballroom
I just wanted to let y'all know about our (Mari & I w/Ryan Klassen & Eric Freeman) group, "Kippis" - a Bi-Lingual (Finnish & English) Power Pop group that is playing a one-off All Ages gig in San Jose (technically Santa Clara) this Sunday night, 11/21...
San Jose, what?!?!?! Well, call it returning to the roots in a way - since 2007, I have been am the reigning champ of Air Guitar in San Jose (until they ever host another one there, which is doubtful), and Mari booked us a gig at the Avalon Ballroom - a really cool venue.
This event is hosted by a company called Afton Live, which promotes all ages shows. It will be our first time working with these people, so I don't know what to expect, but I know WE are gonna rock it!
If you get a chance, come check it out. If you know ANYONE in the South Bay, please let them know, because the only fans I know of in that area are "AIR" fans...
Show info & getting tix:
http://www.aftonshows.com/https://tickets.aftonshows.com/cgi-bin/show.pl?show_id=1099
LINEUP:T Clemente Band, Stories in Braille, Fire Eyed Cherry, Rick Rood, KIPPIS, The Getaway Girl, Aquatemple Pony Cult & Guests
If you buy online, tix run about 12 bucks...
PS - for those of you who will be around for the day AFTER Thanksgiving (Fri, Nov 26), I will be playing at Rooster's Roadhouse in Alameda, a little closer to home - hit me up for details, as this will be a "Fuzzbucket" gig. We will play a rather improv set heavy on Jimi Hendrix to celebrate his B-Day, as well as some of my originals...
LATER DAZE ---kb
(Submitted by Kurt Brown, of Kippis and Blue Cedar)
San Jose, what?!?!?! Well, call it returning to the roots in a way - since 2007, I have been am the reigning champ of Air Guitar in San Jose (until they ever host another one there, which is doubtful), and Mari booked us a gig at the Avalon Ballroom - a really cool venue.
This event is hosted by a company called Afton Live, which promotes all ages shows. It will be our first time working with these people, so I don't know what to expect, but I know WE are gonna rock it!
If you get a chance, come check it out. If you know ANYONE in the South Bay, please let them know, because the only fans I know of in that area are "AIR" fans...
Show info & getting tix:
http://www.aftonshows.com/https://tickets.aftonshows.com/cgi-bin/show.pl?show_id=1099
LINEUP:T Clemente Band, Stories in Braille, Fire Eyed Cherry, Rick Rood, KIPPIS, The Getaway Girl, Aquatemple Pony Cult & Guests
Avalon - Santa Clara
Address: 777 Lawrence Expressway Santa Clara, CA 95051
Tel: 408.241.0777 Email: info@avalonsantaclara.com
All Ages & Bar w/IDSTART - 6:30 PM (I do NOT know when we go on unfortunately, but will update as soon as I know)
If you buy online, tix run about 12 bucks...
PS - for those of you who will be around for the day AFTER Thanksgiving (Fri, Nov 26), I will be playing at Rooster's Roadhouse in Alameda, a little closer to home - hit me up for details, as this will be a "Fuzzbucket" gig. We will play a rather improv set heavy on Jimi Hendrix to celebrate his B-Day, as well as some of my originals...
LATER DAZE ---kb
(Submitted by Kurt Brown, of Kippis and Blue Cedar)
Saturday, October 9, 2010
Oct 23 Halloween at the Wax Museum, hosted by the Young Scandinavians Club
SUMPPI suomi-kahvila tapaa huomenna, keskiviikkona kello 17 = viisi
illalla Free Speech Cafessa, Moffitt kirjastossa UCB-Campuksella. Päivä
vaihtuu ensi viikolla. Lähetämme lisätietoja.
+
alla kutsu Young Scandinavians Club-Halloween juhliin.
sirpa & jenni
illalla Free Speech Cafessa, Moffitt kirjastossa UCB-Campuksella. Päivä
vaihtuu ensi viikolla. Lähetämme lisätietoja.
+
alla kutsu Young Scandinavians Club-Halloween juhliin.
sirpa & jenni
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Kippis Performance
Live at Rooster's Roadhouse in Alameda, CA
October 2, 2010
For more information or to follow this group, go to http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=412975566325&set=a.410174881325.192248.529406325&ref=fbx_album#!/group.php?gid=63372010752
October 2, 2010
For more information or to follow this group, go to http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=412975566325&set=a.410174881325.192248.529406325&ref=fbx_album#!/group.php?gid=63372010752
Monday, September 27, 2010
Oct 16th Oktoberfest at FAHA
Call FAHA to submit payment and make a reservation.
- Oktoberfest Meal inc. German sausages, braised red cabbage, etc.
- Sauna & Swimming
- Concert & Dance
- Music by the Finlandia Foundation's "Band of the Year" in their only Northern Californian performance
- Lecture by Prof. J. Nummi: “Beer in Finnish Literature”
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
"An Afternoon of Finnish American Poetry" to be heard in Berkeley
"An Afternoon of Finnish-American Poetry" with Paula Erkkila, Johanna Rauhala, Bill Vartnaw, and Don Hagelberg will be heard on Sunday, Oct. 24 at 2pm, at Finnish Kaleva Hall, 1970 Chestnut St. (at University Ave), Berkeley, CA, in the hall's downstairs meeting room.
The poems will be read in English, with some translated work read bilingually. Sponsor of this reading, the first such poetry recital held by the Berkeley Finnish community in decades, is the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters, Berkeley Lodge 21. Hosts for the day will be Gina Hansen and Harry Siitonen.
An Open Microphone invitation will follow the initial reading with five minutes alloted per reader in order of signing up. Light refreshments will be available.
For Information, contact: 510-849-0125, or latoja86@hotmail.com.
The Finnish community's readers that day are all accomplished writers. We find their achievements exciting, as seen in their biographical notes below:
********************************
Paula Erkkila attributes her passion for writing poems, essays, and short stories to the influence of her pioneering immigrant parents. Her father, who worked as an underground iron miner for 40 years, always dreamt of having a farm, but had to settle for his vegetable and flower gardens. He was noted for his humorous story-telling . Her mother, who was a very resourceful and competent emäntä of their household, was a proud member of the Knights and Ladies of the Kaleva. She instilled in Paula a love of Finnish mythology and Finnish and Russian culture. Paula has been published in the Sampo and Connecting Souls anthologies, and in the New World Finn and Raivaaja newspapers. Paula, who is a retired community psychiatrist, describes herself as a romantic adventuress and nature lover, who enjoys expressing her creativity through writing, singing, dancing, and gardening. She honors and treasures her nature-loving, ancestor-worshipping, shamanistic, animistic, and totemistic Finnish roots, as well as the strong cooperative and labor traditions that Finns brought to America. Her Americanness is deeply steeped in California's counter-cultural renaissance, whose movements and contributions she is very proud to embrace.
***************************
Johanna Rauhala received her MA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, where she studied under poet Camille Dungy. She's been published in The Squaw Review, Raivaaja, The Sun, and recently won second place in Kippis magazine's annual creative writing contest. She's been teaching in California public schools for over 15 years and has been nominated for California League of Middle Schools Teacher of the Year, a CHADDO (Children/Adults with ADD) Outstanding Teacher, and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District teacher of the year. She enjoys reading, history, wildflowers, cooking, music and spending time with her daughter, husband and friends.
****************************
Bill Vartnaw (Estonian, Väärtnou) was born and raised in Petaluma, next door to his grandmother Elmi, and her sauna, although it wasn't used much by the grandkids. His Aunt Hilma, who took the bus up from the city and read his fortune with tea leaves when he was a kid, kept in touch with the "old country." He took his first sauna in Finland (at Aunt Sylvi's in Sysmä) in 1970 and has returned a couple of times since then to share his cousins' saunas. He established Taurean Horn Press in San Francisco in 1974, which has published 14 books of poetry, including his own: In Concern: for Angels (1984). Vartnaw has had two publications come out in 2009: Suburbs of My Childhood from Beatitude Press in Berkeley, and Postcards from Round Barn Press in Santa Rosa. He can be found online at the Red Room, http//www.redroom.com/author/bill-vartnaw.
***********************************
Don Hagelberg has been a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, almost always, since 1947. "Getting rid of 'Jim Crow' in the movies sparked me to do social justice." On Nov. 22, 1963, he sat at his pre-induction physical exam. Don walked out of the center, phoned his Draft Board office an hour after he was required to report for service and served 1964-1965 in prison for his refusal to be drafted. He attempted higher education but only was able to complete Creative Writing courses with satisfaction. In 1974 he created, produced and hosted "Live Poets," a two-hour radio program broadcast weekly on a listener-supported Bay Area station. A founding member of the Bay Area Poets' Coalition (BAPC), he supported the organization in trying to get dental insurance for its members as well as supporting its members' guerrilla poetry readings on BART's rapid transit trains. The break-up of a special relationship coincided with his 1981 breakdown. "She refused to annotate her poetry for easier understanding. She also refused to get treatment for her illness. I miss her." He got into recovery for his dual diagnosis. He approaches his 30th year in recovery and still writes and works for social justice. He has been published in The Oakland Tribune, Exit #13, New World Finn and in Vintage Voice. He has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, won third prize in the International Poetry 2008 competition, and won first prize in the Winter 2009 Kippis competition. He has appeared on numerous radio stations with his poetry: KPFA, KGO, KSRO, in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as on KKHO in the Tacoma-Seattle area.
****************************
Do come and join us on Sun., Oct 24. You won't be disappointed!
--- Harry Siitonen, Berkeley, CA
The poems will be read in English, with some translated work read bilingually. Sponsor of this reading, the first such poetry recital held by the Berkeley Finnish community in decades, is the United Finnish Kaleva Brothers and Sisters, Berkeley Lodge 21. Hosts for the day will be Gina Hansen and Harry Siitonen.
An Open Microphone invitation will follow the initial reading with five minutes alloted per reader in order of signing up. Light refreshments will be available.
For Information, contact: 510-849-0125, or latoja86@hotmail.com.
The Finnish community's readers that day are all accomplished writers. We find their achievements exciting, as seen in their biographical notes below:
********************************
Paula Erkkila attributes her passion for writing poems, essays, and short stories to the influence of her pioneering immigrant parents. Her father, who worked as an underground iron miner for 40 years, always dreamt of having a farm, but had to settle for his vegetable and flower gardens. He was noted for his humorous story-telling . Her mother, who was a very resourceful and competent emäntä of their household, was a proud member of the Knights and Ladies of the Kaleva. She instilled in Paula a love of Finnish mythology and Finnish and Russian culture. Paula has been published in the Sampo and Connecting Souls anthologies, and in the New World Finn and Raivaaja newspapers. Paula, who is a retired community psychiatrist, describes herself as a romantic adventuress and nature lover, who enjoys expressing her creativity through writing, singing, dancing, and gardening. She honors and treasures her nature-loving, ancestor-worshipping, shamanistic, animistic, and totemistic Finnish roots, as well as the strong cooperative and labor traditions that Finns brought to America. Her Americanness is deeply steeped in California's counter-cultural renaissance, whose movements and contributions she is very proud to embrace.
***************************
Johanna Rauhala received her MA in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University, where she studied under poet Camille Dungy. She's been published in The Squaw Review, Raivaaja, The Sun, and recently won second place in Kippis magazine's annual creative writing contest. She's been teaching in California public schools for over 15 years and has been nominated for California League of Middle Schools Teacher of the Year, a CHADDO (Children/Adults with ADD) Outstanding Teacher, and the Mt. Diablo Unified School District teacher of the year. She enjoys reading, history, wildflowers, cooking, music and spending time with her daughter, husband and friends.
****************************
Bill Vartnaw (Estonian, Väärtnou) was born and raised in Petaluma, next door to his grandmother Elmi, and her sauna, although it wasn't used much by the grandkids. His Aunt Hilma, who took the bus up from the city and read his fortune with tea leaves when he was a kid, kept in touch with the "old country." He took his first sauna in Finland (at Aunt Sylvi's in Sysmä) in 1970 and has returned a couple of times since then to share his cousins' saunas. He established Taurean Horn Press in San Francisco in 1974, which has published 14 books of poetry, including his own: In Concern: for Angels (1984). Vartnaw has had two publications come out in 2009: Suburbs of My Childhood from Beatitude Press in Berkeley, and Postcards from Round Barn Press in Santa Rosa. He can be found online at the Red Room, http//www.redroom.com/author/bill-vartnaw.
***********************************
Don Hagelberg has been a resident of the San Francisco Bay Area, almost always, since 1947. "Getting rid of 'Jim Crow' in the movies sparked me to do social justice." On Nov. 22, 1963, he sat at his pre-induction physical exam. Don walked out of the center, phoned his Draft Board office an hour after he was required to report for service and served 1964-1965 in prison for his refusal to be drafted. He attempted higher education but only was able to complete Creative Writing courses with satisfaction. In 1974 he created, produced and hosted "Live Poets," a two-hour radio program broadcast weekly on a listener-supported Bay Area station. A founding member of the Bay Area Poets' Coalition (BAPC), he supported the organization in trying to get dental insurance for its members as well as supporting its members' guerrilla poetry readings on BART's rapid transit trains. The break-up of a special relationship coincided with his 1981 breakdown. "She refused to annotate her poetry for easier understanding. She also refused to get treatment for her illness. I miss her." He got into recovery for his dual diagnosis. He approaches his 30th year in recovery and still writes and works for social justice. He has been published in The Oakland Tribune, Exit #13, New World Finn and in Vintage Voice. He has been nominated for a Pushcart Prize, won third prize in the International Poetry 2008 competition, and won first prize in the Winter 2009 Kippis competition. He has appeared on numerous radio stations with his poetry: KPFA, KGO, KSRO, in the San Francisco Bay Area as well as on KKHO in the Tacoma-Seattle area.
****************************
Do come and join us on Sun., Oct 24. You won't be disappointed!
--- Harry Siitonen, Berkeley, CA
Monday, September 13, 2010
Northern California Resources
Northern California
FINLANDIA CLUB OF SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Finlandia Club of Sacramento Valley
8626 Pheasant Club Ct.
Orangevale, CA 95662
email: info@finlandiaclub.org website: http://www.finlandiaclub.org
UFKB&S Lodge No. 3
P. O. Box 753
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
email: dmaurit@mcn.org
San Francisco Bay Area
FINNISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF SILICON VALLEY,
SV SUOMIKOULU
South By Area,
USA Katariina Salomaa, President
P.O. Box 4032,
Los Altos, CA 94024
email: sv_suomikoulu@yahoo.com
Kommunikointikanava: SV Suomikoulu Yahoo -ryhmä
website: www.svsuomikoulu.org
BAY AREA FINNISH NETWORK BAFN
565 Frederick StreetSan Fransisco, CA 94117
Tuula Delaneye-mail: info@BayAreaFinnishNetwork.org
FINLANDIA FOUNDATIONSAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA CHAPTER
George Sundquist, President
541 Sequoia Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94061
e-mail: GeorgeSund2@aol.com
FINNISH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
P.O. Box 967
Mill Valley, CA 94942
Contact Kirsti Mäkie-mail: kirstimaki@yahoo.com
FINNISH AMERICAN HOME ASSOCIATION (FAHA)
197 West Verano Avenue
Sonoma, CA 95476
tel.: 707-935-0200 fax: 707-938-0843
e-mail: faha@sonic.net
website: http://www.fahausa.org
Pirjo Boss, President email: Bossfinnca@yahoo.com
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS
1744 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
Anja-Leena Laitakari-Pyykkö,
Decanere-mail: lccberkeley@aol.com
website: http://www.lccberkeley.org
SCANDINAVIAN CULTURAL CENTER of Santa Cruz
Viking Hall
240 Plymouth S
Santa Cruz, CA 95063
(Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2411, Santa Cruz, CA 95063)
email: rhp-dcp@sbcglobal.net
email: oleok@comcast.net
website: http://www.scc-santacruz.org
SANTA CLARA VALLEY SUOMI KOULU
Mt. View / Los Altos Adult Education
Los Altos High School
201 Almond Avenue
Los Altos, CA
e-mail: tuulabeals@sbcglobal.net
Central California
HAULI HUVILA
8802 So. Kings River Road
Reedley, CA 93654-9227
tel.: 559-638-4812
http://www.haulihuvila.com
email: info@haulihuvila.com
FINLANDIA CLUB OF SACRAMENTO VALLEY
Finlandia Club of Sacramento Valley
8626 Pheasant Club Ct.
Orangevale, CA 95662
email: info@finlandiaclub.org website: http://www.finlandiaclub.org
UFKB&S Lodge No. 3
P. O. Box 753
Fort Bragg, CA 95437
email: dmaurit@mcn.org
San Francisco Bay Area
FINNISH LANGUAGE SCHOOL OF SILICON VALLEY,
SV SUOMIKOULU
South By Area,
USA Katariina Salomaa, President
P.O. Box 4032,
Los Altos, CA 94024
email: sv_suomikoulu@yahoo.com
Kommunikointikanava: SV Suomikoulu Yahoo -ryhmä
website: www.svsuomikoulu.org
BAY AREA FINNISH NETWORK BAFN
565 Frederick StreetSan Fransisco, CA 94117
Tuula Delaneye-mail: info@BayAreaFinnishNetwork.org
FINLANDIA FOUNDATIONSAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA CHAPTER
George Sundquist, President
541 Sequoia Avenue
Redwood City, CA 94061
e-mail: GeorgeSund2@aol.com
FINNISH AMERICAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
P.O. Box 967
Mill Valley, CA 94942
Contact Kirsti Mäkie-mail: kirstimaki@yahoo.com
FINNISH AMERICAN HOME ASSOCIATION (FAHA)
197 West Verano Avenue
Sonoma, CA 95476
tel.: 707-935-0200 fax: 707-938-0843
e-mail: faha@sonic.net
website: http://www.fahausa.org
Pirjo Boss, President email: Bossfinnca@yahoo.com
LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE CROSS
1744 University Avenue
Berkeley, CA 94703
Anja-Leena Laitakari-Pyykkö,
Decanere-mail: lccberkeley@aol.com
website: http://www.lccberkeley.org
SCANDINAVIAN CULTURAL CENTER of Santa Cruz
Viking Hall
240 Plymouth S
Santa Cruz, CA 95063
(Mailing Address: P.O. Box 2411, Santa Cruz, CA 95063)
email: rhp-dcp@sbcglobal.net
email: oleok@comcast.net
website: http://www.scc-santacruz.org
SANTA CLARA VALLEY SUOMI KOULU
Mt. View / Los Altos Adult Education
Los Altos High School
201 Almond Avenue
Los Altos, CA
e-mail: tuulabeals@sbcglobal.net
Central California
HAULI HUVILA
8802 So. Kings River Road
Reedley, CA 93654-9227
tel.: 559-638-4812
http://www.haulihuvila.com
email: info@haulihuvila.com
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