It is an honor to lead our House this year, together with a team of dedicated Finns who all want to do their utmost so we can have a fun year. 2015 will be a great year for the House of Finland! We are in the midst of a year-long celebration of the Centennial of our dear Balboa Park. At the same time we honor the House of Pacific Relations, our parent organization, for 80 years of continuous existence in promoting harmony among the nations of the world through the spreading of our individual cultural identity to all the citizens of San Diego; not to forget our many out-of-town visitors. Some of us may also not know that the House of Finland will be 75 years young this year!
In February of 1940, that coldest of winters during the “Talvisota”, the Red Cross and many Finns and other San Diegans came together to put together packages for Finland, and organized the House of Finland to accomplish that. We salute those civic-minded Finns of yesteryear and thank them from the bottom of our heart for our home away from home these many years. We hope and trust they look kindly on our efforts to date. I look forward to a wonderful time together as we celebrate our Vappurieha with the Finnish School, the Ethnic Food Festival which will be a two-day event this year, Juhannus on the lawn, our September weekend program on the stage, and of course the traditional end of year International Christmas Festival. Golf tournaments and cultural outings round out the usual events and plans for the year. Join us also in our new offering of Finnish films directly following the monthly meetings of the HOF, on the first Sunday of the month. These are free to all paid-up members. We have a brand new big-screen TV to show Finnish movies old and new. Popcorn and wine anyone?
Lots going on. There is so much to gain from membership, so do sign up for the simple little obligation of hosting once a year, to showcase our delightful little cottage which gets so much praise; and spread the good word from Finland. Stay tuned to the member announcements appearing in your e-mail inboxes!
In February of 1940, that coldest of winters during the “Talvisota”, the Red Cross and many Finns and other San Diegans came together to put together packages for Finland, and organized the House of Finland to accomplish that. We salute those civic-minded Finns of yesteryear and thank them from the bottom of our heart for our home away from home these many years. We hope and trust they look kindly on our efforts to date. I look forward to a wonderful time together as we celebrate our Vappurieha with the Finnish School, the Ethnic Food Festival which will be a two-day event this year, Juhannus on the lawn, our September weekend program on the stage, and of course the traditional end of year International Christmas Festival. Golf tournaments and cultural outings round out the usual events and plans for the year. Join us also in our new offering of Finnish films directly following the monthly meetings of the HOF, on the first Sunday of the month. These are free to all paid-up members. We have a brand new big-screen TV to show Finnish movies old and new. Popcorn and wine anyone?
Lots going on. There is so much to gain from membership, so do sign up for the simple little obligation of hosting once a year, to showcase our delightful little cottage which gets so much praise; and spread the good word from Finland. Stay tuned to the member announcements appearing in your e-mail inboxes!
