HUHTIKUU / APRIL 2022
The Most Important Source of Support for Finnish Culture in the United States
Photo courtesy VisitFinland.com
Did You Know...

...that Vappu, Finnish May Day, is a two-day, carnival-like outdoor party in Finland?

Vappu, which began as a May 1 recognition of the labor force, is now more of a celebration to welcome spring and honor students.


Traditional vappu foods and beverage include sima, a fermented, lemony drink, and tippaleipä funnel cakes. The FFN Finn Cooks, Soile Anderson and Eleanor Ostman, show you how to prepare the treats; click here for our YouTube video.


Päivi Niemi photo courtesy VisitFinland.com
Greetings

The Finlandia Foundation Board of Trustees had a productive annual meeting on the campus of Arizona State University in Phoenix on Saturday, April 2.

We were excited by the recommendations of the Grants Committee of awards totaling $124,800 to 34 projects related to Finnish America and Finland in the U.S.

The Scholarship Committee selected 19 students in a wide range of studies with a share of $46,000 to assist with their undergrad and graduate work in the U.S. and Finland.

The board reviewed the status of ongoing programs and new projects now under consideration; watch for details as plans develop. Additionally, we held FFN the board election (story below).

After the daylong meeting at the ASU University Club, we enjoyed a wonderful evening with members of the FFN chapters, Finns & Friends of Phoenix and the Finnish American Club of Tucson, and members of the local Nordic community.

We were honored that Consul General of Finland Okko-Pekka Salmimies traveled to Phoenix to join us at Saturday evening's reception, as well.

FFN looks forward to continuing to strengthen the organization and our mission to build awareness and appreciation of Finnish culture in the U.S.

Wishing you Hauskaa Vappua and Happy Mother’s Day,

Anne-Mari Paster
President
ampaster @ rcn. com
FFN Meets Finns & Friends in Phoenix
FFN welcomes two new members to its board: Ellen Harju of LA, a full-time chemistry instructor at Pasadena City College (above left), and attorney Jarno Vanto, partner at King & Spalding in New York City.

Longtime trustees Anita Häkkilä Smiley and Dennis Anderson stepped down from their board positions, and FFN thanks them for their dedication and contributions. Current members Jacqueline Harjula, Peter Makila and Anne-Mari Paster were reelected, and Anne-Mari was named to another two-year term as president.
Virtual Soiva Camp in 2022
Soiva Music Camp will be a virtual experience, July 18-21. Instrumental students will work with experienced faculty, and have a masterclass, live from Finland, with professional musicians Jussi Makkonen, cellist, and pianist Nazig Azezian.

Cost is $300 and registration deadline is June 15.
Mark Your Calendar
April 30: Salolampi FFN Scholarship Application Deadline; click here
June 15: Soiva Music Online Registration Deadline; click here
July 18-22: Soiva Music Camp
July 26: Virtual Joint Chapter Meeting
October 21-23: Joint Chapter Meeting, New York City
FFN HAS A NEW MAILING ADDRESS
Please mail and ship all items to:
Finlandia Foundation National 254 N. Lake Ave. #852 Pasadena, CA 91101
NOTE: Send to Finlandia Foundation National (no other name, or we will not receive deliver items). Questions? Email: [email protected]












Connor Dailey, a Finnish/American dual citizen, is a finance student at Stephen F. Austin University. where he is a part of the Division 1 football team.

With your generous donations, FFN is able to offer scholarships to students like Connor, who are the future of Finnish America. Your gift is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Paloheimo Foundation (up to $100,000 annually).
Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization.

Thank You! Kiitos!
Happy Mother's Day! Hyvää Äitienpäivää!

Click here to enjoy a special concert by cellist Jussi Makkonen and pianist Nazig Azezian for Mother's Day, courtesy of Finlandia Foundation.

This Finnposium program, first presented last May, features a special message and guest performance!

Finnposium is Finlandia Foundation National's virtual symposium of online chats, webinars, cooking, musical and other presentations related to Finland and Finnish culture in the U.S. found at the FFN YouTube channel.

Finlandia Foundation National, Inc.