FALCONER – The Thule Lodge met recently to welcome new members and hold its annual corn roast and chicken barbecue.

The Thule Lodge is the Swedish organization formed 118 years ago in the Jamestown area to help the Swedish immigrants when they entered the U.S., with their housing, employment and schooling. The organization has served the people well, and many of the Swedish people found employment in the many furniture factories which were once in the Jamestown area. Today, the Thule Lodge exists to preserve Swedish heritage with events and activities. Sweden has a population of over 10 million people.

Recently members and guests of Thule Lodge gathered at the Falconer’s Nest in Falconer for their annual corn roast and chicken barbecue catered by the 3C’s Catering. The meal included corn on the cob, barbecue chicken, potato salad, cucumber salad, beans, and several kinds of pie.

Lodge chairman Susan Fredrickson Washington Sipos welcomed all to the meal, and conducted a brief business meeting following the meal. Lodge secretary John Sipos gave the opening blessing and closing message of the lodge. Lodge secretary and historian John Sipos led all in the pledge of allegiance, and gave the roll call of officers. Sipos also read the minutes of the previous meeting. Lodge event chairman Lynne Meyers took charge of reservations for the meal. Treasurer Loretta Smith presented the financial report which was approved.

New members were welcomed. They are Bonnie Larkin and Brenda Johnson. They were given the oath of membership by chairman Sipos. New members are welcome. The monthly meeting award was presented to Jeff Crossley. Trustee/auditor Scott Axelson said the monthly Scandinavian Studies program will begin in October at the Jamestown Community College.

The September meeting of the Thule Lodge has been canceled. The next meeting will be the annual fall dinner in October, and reservations are to be called to Mrs. Meyers two weeks prior to the dinner.