Detroit Finnish Cooperative Summer Camp Association
Winterfest will be this Saturday, February 2. starting with polar dipping and ice fishing from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Sun Lake and a Chili Cook-off beginning at 6:00 p.m. followed by dancing to DJ Jamie Geddes in the clubroom.
Weather Forecast for Saturday: Cloudy. Patchy drizzle possible. High 41F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph.
Condolences
Joann Carol Laitinen Hall, 76, of New York, N.Y., and St. Petersburg, Fla., died on Nov. 10, 2018, at Arden Courts Memory Care Center in Seminole, Fla. Joann graduated from Mackenzie High School in Detroit, attended Wayne University until one semester from graduation, then—on the strength of a great cultural experience in Norway during an American Field Service year—moved to New York City to be on staff at AFS. After 18 years there she then served as Executive Assistant to five national directors of the Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. She was preceded in death by her parents, Finn Campers Uno and Elsie Laitinen, and her sister, Barbara. Survivors include her husband, David R. Hall of St. Petersburg, and her brother-in-law James Ahnemiller and his daughter Janice Finney and his sons Jason Ahnemiller, Craig Ahnemiller, and their families. Joann was an active member of her local United Methodist churches and volunteered all her life in activities involving international families. She was an avid knitter, gardener, book club member, traveler, and caregiver.
Joann loved Finn Camp and her “Pikku Tuppa” (tiny cabin) there. Her grandfather John Laitinen was a founder of the D.F.C.S.C.A. Contributions in her memory can be made to Finn Camp at www.finncamp.org. A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019, at First United Methodist Church of St. Petersburg, Fla., at 11:00 a.m. Anyone considering attending, however tentatively, is encouraged to be in touch with David (see contact information below) by December 1, to help in securing rooms in nearby hotels. (Some financial assistance may be available to help defray your lodging cost.) You can reach David at davidrandallhall@gmail.com or text or call to 917 204-6494.
Jazz saxophonist, Juli Wood, debuts as Finlandia Foundation National’s Performer of the Year 2018-19 at the Finn Camp on Saturday, September 1, at 7pm. A guitarist will join Juli on the stage, making this an extraordinary evening of jazz. Juli received the prestigious POY award for her transformation of traditional Finnish songs into contemporary jazz tunes. Juli has played in jazz clubs and festivals in Chicago, Milwaukee, Detroit (Cliff Bells), Stockholm, Denmark and at the world-famous Pori Jazz Festival in Finland. The Finn Camp Cultural Committee and the Finlandia Foundation of Michigan are co-sponsoring this event. Tickets are $12 in advance and $15 at the door.
August 10, 11, and 12.
This weekend is Finn Fest. Plan to support this major fundraising event. This is a great time to get some of your work hours in, catch up with other members and friends, and cheer on our own Finn Camp Voima team in the softball tournament!
Friday kicks off the festival weekend with the kitchen and beer truck opening at 5:00 p.m., followed by the Home Run Derby beginning about 6:30 p.m. Come see the big hitters knock ’em into the woods! We will continue in to the evening with music and dancing in the Clubroom.
Saturday the kitchen will open for breakfast at 8:00 a.m., with food available all day in the Ravintola and food tent. The softball tournament also begins at 8:00 a.m. with games on the Finn Camp’s George Aho Memorial Field and the Gilbert Willis Park fields. Flag raising ceremonies will be 11:00 a.m. with music and entertainment continuing from the Dance Hall porch through the afternoon. There will be 50/50 raffles, prize raffles sponsored by the Scholarship Committee, kids activities and other games for all ages sponsored by Recreation Committee, ‘Round Robin’ houseshoes and fowling tournaments and the sale of Finn Camp and Finn Fest merchandise thoughout the day. Save some room on your dance card and join us fir some fun in the Dance Hall to close out the evening.
Sunday the the kitchen will open for breakfast at 8:00 a.m. with food available all day. Softball will continue on all fields with the champoinship game on our “A” field in late afternoom/early evening, followed by trophy presentation. Music, raffles, horseshoes, and other activities will continue as well.
Many members are needed to work in all areas throughout the weekend, especially in the security and kitchan areas. As a member of a coooperative association, please participate by giving a few hours of your time to pitch in and help make our festival successful! Every hour counts, and no task is too small. We need your help! Come out tosupport your Finn Camp and out Annual Finn Fest.