Finnish Independence Day honored
ISHPEMING — Dec. 6 is Finland’s 99th Independence Day, and the League of Finnish-Ameerican Societies UP Chapter Finlandia Foundation National Affiliate is holding a celebration at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Bethel Lutheran Church, 333 E. Ridge St. in Ishpeming.
Dr. Jon Saari, NMU history professor emeritus, will be speaking about his recent trip to Washington, D.C., for the FFN Joint Chapter Meeting where Finland’s 2017 Centennial Year was a major topic of lively discussion. Thirty-four of the 52 affiliate chapters were represented at the JCM in early November.
In addition, the annual “Pikkujoulu” or Little Christmas will be included in the Dec. 6 celebration, with reminiscing about Christmas customs in Finland and in Finnish America, and singing of Finnish Christmas carols, accompanied by Tanja Stanaway on her accordion.
Janet Wissuri will have her baked goods for sale at the meeting, and Tanja Stanaway will offer a selection of Christmas items from her Heart to Finland collection.
There will be ample time for visiting over coffee and refreshments. This is also a time to start or renew membership in the League of Finnish-American Societies UP Chapter.
This meeting is open to all at no charge. For more information, call 228-8035 or consult the group’s website at www.lfasup.org.