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The Kalevala, Finland’s National Epic
By Carol Melancon

Finland’s national epic, The Kalevala, compiled by Elias Lönnrot, was first published in 1835 by the recently founded Finnish Literature Society and in its final form in 1849. Lönnrot spent almost ten years traveling throughout Karelia, gathering the ancient stories and poems that had been passed down from generation to generation with songs called runos, a cross between a poem and a song.   Lönnrot organized his collection of 50 runos into an adventurous tale about three legendary Finnish heroes: Väinämöinen, Ilmarinen and Lemminkäinen.  The bravery of these mythical Finns and their interwoven stories of magic and courage were the inspiration for the works of Finnish composer Jean Sibelius, author  J. R. R. Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings trilogy, and Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s epic Hiawatha.  Most importantly, Lönnrot’s work gave Finns a new pride and strength that eventually led to their independence from Russia in 1917.

Kalevala: Land of Heroes, a play by Paul Olson, is based on The Kalevala.  On Saturday, August 22, members of the Peninsula Arts Appreciation Council community theater group of Negaunee will perform Olson’s play in the Finn Camp Dance Hall.  The Finn Camp, along with the Knights and Ladies of the Kaleva and the Finnish Center Association, are jointly sponsoring this important Finnish cultural event.

This Year’s Annual Fishing Derby

The Annual Fishing Derby was held on Sunday, June 14, at Sun Lake. Thanks to Sue Slaughter for chairing this event.

Our annual Juhannus celebration and third annual car show was held on Saturday, June 20. Entertainment by Don Reinholm and friends was enjoyed by all. The Kokko took a while to blaze up, due to heavy rains the night before, but Kokko Master Mike Honka and his crew were eventually victorious. Thanks to the Wixom Fire Department for sending a truck and two firemen for safety. And thanks to Dick Pype for chairing the Juhannus committee and Marie and Mike Barie for organizing the car show.

We are sorry to announce the passing of 96-year-old former member Sylvia Leiviska Ketola, in Wollongong, Australia. She was born September 11, 1912, and died May 20, after a fall. A celebration of her long, eventful life was held on May 26, with a slide show, testimonials from family in Finland and America, and even a motorcycle escort to see her off!  She is survived by a daughter, Georgia Leiviska Phillips; a son-in-law, Peter; and grandchildren Elizabeth and David. One sister and one brother of her Stark family also survive. Sylvia contributed many hours to the Finn Camp and owned a house at 2175 Qualla, where Georgia was raised. Sylvia lived life to the full! —Georgia Leiviska Phillips

“I like the Finn Camp because my daddy teaches me fishing. I am an expert at fishing.”

—Ian Matt, age six

Free “Services Offered” Section

All members are invited to list here any services—for pay or barter—that they would like to advertise. Whether it’s a service such as handyman or seamstress or pet care, or seasonal activities like garage sales, we will be listing these in upcoming newsletters. All you have to do is provide—via your business card or information you supply by mail or email to the newsletter editor (see“Newsletter Items,” page 4) the following information: The Type of Service Offered; A Description of Just What You Do as the Service Provider; Your Price (Hourly Rate, Job Rate, To Be Negotiated, or whatever); Your Name; and Your Contact Information (Preferred Method and Times: Phone, Email, etc.). Total length, including spaces, should not exceed 50 words, not counting the headings. (Overlength copy will be edited for fit.) The deadline is the same as the date for newsletter copy: the fifteenth of each month.