They're Back!!! March 16!

Greece, Portugal, Italy, Ireland and other countries are facing potential economic ruin. Global warming, pollution, unsavory politicians, and general mayhem are presently occurring. But these problems are not nearly as serious as the dilemma facing the vintners in Finland. Alas, alas, those creepy, crawlies that go crunch in the night have, unfortunately, returned with the intent of devouring every last grape in Finland!

The wine sellers and their customers have become hysterical and a deep moroseness has settled upon many parts of the world. The use of Prozac has increased with acute shortages in several countries. Unrest is prevalent in many cities with sit ins and protests all imploring that the need for Finnish wine is tantamount for happiness and stability. The Republicans and Democrats running for office blame each other for the onslaught of the marauding herds of grasshopper, however, both parties agree that if elected, they will solve the problems of the decreasing supplies of Finnish wine.

What to do, what to do? By the time the politicians attempt to the solve this serious problem, there will not be a single grape left in Finland. Fortunately, St. Urho is still around. He has stated that, "Enough is enough!" Yes, our hero once again has agreed to go into the hordes of the green crunchy voracious and vociferous grasshoppers to stop them from destroying the vineyards of Finland. Armed with only a pitch fork he will bravely shout, "Heinasirkka, heinasirkka, mene taalta hiiteen!" Translated into family friendly terms, "Get the heck out of Finland and leave those grapes alone!"

As in years past, the grasshoppers will quake with fear. The grasshoppers will succumb to Urho's great courage and will rapidly flee. The vineyards will once again be saved so that Finnish wine can be enjoyed throughout the world and all will be well.

March 16, 2012, Skandia and Katrilli Finnish Folkdancers will honor this great hero at the third Friday dance at the Cedar Valley Grange. Kathy Bruni and Roger Mowley for the last two years have tirelessly and honorably worn the crown of St. Urho and Urhoiina, This huge responsibility has taken its toll and they desperately need relief. Please help them regain their vigor by practicing the chant so that you may be chosen for the crown of grapes. A brief but important pronunciation workshop will be given at the dance. Drama and enthusiasm will count with the judges. This is your chance for great fame.

Come at 7:30 p.m. for dance instructions. Katrilli will teach the traditional grape stamping dance. It is very impressive when you are in the basement to hear this dance. Somehow, the dance floor remains intact. Several other mixers will be taught along with a mazurkka that can be done with or without a partner. General dancing begins at 8:30 p.m. There will be many opportunities to dance so please come with or without a partner. This is a good opportunity to introduce friends to Skandia and a fun party.

Dance to the great music of Folk-Voice who have been known to add several dances during the evening from other wine producing countries. Harvey Niebulski and Marianne Tatum Letts will play their energetic music during intermission. There will be a buffet of goodies so don't eat too much prior to the dance. Unwanted and unnecessary door prizes will be offered and, of course, the always elegant and subtle "Grasshopper Hummpa" will be taught by Pat McMonagle. Do be appropriate in honoring this great hero and saint by wearing either green or purple or both. For other questions regarding political corrections of this event, please call: JoAnne Rudo 206 329-1443.

CedarValley Grange,20526 52nd Ave.W., Lynnwood. Evening of merriment $7.00 for Skandia Members, $10.00 non members.

The holiday season was a busy but rewarding time for Katrilli. Yulefest held at the Nordic Heritage Museum in November, is one of our favorite events. Our program traditionally begins with the processional of the Lucia girls and star boys. The adorable girls with sparkling garlands in their hair parade in holding either baskets of cookies, home made Christmas bird ornaments or flickering candles. The star boys keep the stars hoisted as tall as possible. The pride in the children's parents faces help to reinforce that we will be involved again next year. After the Lucia processional and Katrilli's performance, the children return to the stage for participatory dancing along with the dancing chicken and the prancing Christmas tree. When the program ends,the children eagerly return to the many Yulefest activities and Katrilli eagerly heads for the bodega for some holiday libations! Hmmmm, hot mulled wine.

The first Sunday in December, we did a Lucia processional for the Swedish Cultural Center pancake breakfast. Unlike Yulefest where we have children committed prior to the event, for the pancake breakfast we enlist children from the audience. The kids had a great time and the parents happily took many photos. One quintessential Nordic looking three year old girl had great fun using one of the stars as a broom. She very energetically and with great joy swept the floor with the star. With a little tape and glue, the star may well see another year of use! Katrilli performed and taught some participartory dances. Folk Voice provided their great music for this and the Yulefest program. Performances are always more fun with their music.

Our last Lucia program was for the Seattle Children's Museum Festival of Light. We did two programs featuring stories, dancing and, of course, Lucia. For the first program, we had so many girls that wanted to be involved that we did not have enough garlands. Katrilli member, Martin Ng, took many lovely photos of the event. The Museum has asked permission to use some of the photos for their publicity for next year's Festival of Light.

Katrilli gathered together for a Christmas party held at the beautiful Barbi Mills community center with Lake Washington a few feet away. We sang, told stories, and, of course, danced. Folk Voice was there to again add to the festivities. We retold the story that we did for the Children's Museum. Katrilli and guests, went back to their younger days and actively participated in the story telling. A lovely way to end our season!

For New Years, eighteen of us celebrated at the Russian Community Center. The Russian Center does an amazing job in creating a very special evening. We have already reserved spaces for next New Year!

Now that the holidays are over, we are learning new dances for our spring season. One of the dances is from Karelia, eastern Finland. Not only is this dance performed by various groups in Finland, it is featured in an historical video taken of a wedding in 1920.

If by chance, the holidays have expanded your horizons in places that you wish would somehow disappear, consider dancing with us on Sunday, 5-7:00 p.m. at the Swedish Cultural Center. Finnish folkdancing may well help in defeating those unwanted expansions!