Hei alle sammen!! It is hard to believe but as I write this note the summer has been here and gone.  It just goes to show you one doesn't want to waste time, especially at my age.

We had a great convention that included a large number of first time delegates in attendance.  We also have several first time delegates that will attend the International convention.  While our Local Lodges are the heart of our organization, those lodge members need to be aware of the matters that are handled on the District and International Lodge level. It is difficult to properly conduct this business if we don't have full participation from all members.  This is why I think attendance at all conventions is so important.  I was happy to see a high percentage of local lodges in attendance at our recent convention.  Perhaps we can shoot for 100% attendance at our next convention. 

The convention did make some significant changes in the makeup of your District Board. We now have a Cultural Director and a Publicity Director. By splitting up the duties, the applicable Board Members will be able to concentrate on each area.  We have advised the Cultural Attache at the Norwegian Embassy that our new position is available to assist them in locating venues along the East Coast for Norwegian artists and performers.

I spent 3 days at the Senior Youth camp and had a great time.  Sister Evelyn has a great program set up for the children.  We need to make sure that both weeks are full as well as our camp in Florida.  Not only is it good for our children, but they also have fun and it is very inexpensive. It is not too early to be thinking about next year.

On my way to the camp, I spent an evening with Gene and Nalda Olson and attended the weekly Bondelandet ice cream social.  It is another great way for members to get together and it requires little or no effort on your part.

I know that the signing of the gas lease at LOV was an exciting bit of news. The lease payment has been received and a significant portion of it is in a CD.  We have not been contacted by the gas company since that event took place but there is a well that is being drilled in the area. We will keep you advised.

As we head into the fall we need to help Sister Gail with our membership programs.  We need to have membership tables at every event possible.  We need to follow up on every name we can find.  Call those members who have fallen behind in their dues.  We can not afford to lose any more members.

The International Convention is almost here as I write this column.  Six members of our delegation will be arriving in San Diego on Sunday 24 August 19, 2008 so we can start work in the various committees Monday morning.  Our International Delegate Audun Gythfeldt will also be on hand Monday as the International Board will be meeting daily prior to the actual start of activities on Wednesday. 

I am very excited by the challenges and opportunities we have and I am looking forward to visiting with as many of you as I can in the next two years.