Tom Birnie, Portland State University (PSU) professor gave an update on the PSU World Language and Literatures program. Of the Nordic languages currently first year and second year Swedish and Norwegian classes are taught at PSU. The Norwegian classes are fully funded by Nordic Northwest with funding for the Swedish classes by the Barbro Osher Pro Suecia Foundation. Since our inception in 1985 Nordic Northwest has annually funded the PSU Nordic programs.
The Board received a report on February Fastelavn festival which drew 257 guests. Volunteer committee members Laura Wilson, Sara Winter and Maren Williams were thanked for their volunteerism and organizing a successful event.
Minor vandalism on the Nordic Northwest campus was reported and this incident is being reviewed and recommendations for prevention will be presented at a future board meeting.
With an April 1 beginning of our fiscal year Annual Plan objectives were highlighted. Objectives are recommended by each of Nordic Northwest’s six volunteer committees. February financial statement was approved.
The Board discussed its volunteer program. Recognition activities are planned for the National Volunteer Week in April. The Volunteer Fair and Mixer is scheduled for May 22. All members interested in volunteering are invited to attend and learn more about the many volunteer opportunities and committees.
Greg Jacob was recognized for his volunteer contributions serving on the Board of Directors for the past six years. Greg chaired the Program Committee and led the successful application for Fogelbo to be recognized on the National Register of Historic Places by the Department of the Interior’s National Park Service. Greg will continue volunteering on the Program Committee and was elected to serve on the Facilities Committee.
Thurman Miller was elected to the Board of Directors. This past year Thurman was engaged in the Ole Bolle Troll project from donating wood, collaborating on the build of the Ole Bolle Hus and on-site each day of the Ole Bolle project; leading volunteers and providing construction expertise.