TAMMIKUU / JANUARY 2023
Our 70th Anniversary Year
Aalto vase photo by Kalle Katalia courtesy Visit Finland

Did You Know...

...that you can catch two exclusive author programs about their books on topics of interest to Finnish America at the FFN YouTube channel?

Click here for the author visit with Karl Marlantes as he talks about his historical novel Deep River.

Click here for In Conversation with Naomi Moriyama, author of The Sisterhood of the Enchanted Forest: Sustenance, Wisdom, and Awakening in Finland's Karelia about her family's experiences in Finland.
Greetings!

Dear Members and Friends of Finlandia Foundation National,

Happy New Year!

Because of our community's generosity, we have again achieved our year-end giving goal, and your gift will be matched 1:1 by the Paloheimo Foundation!

Last year, we were able to award almost $57k in scholarships to 37 qualified students and grants totaling nearly $233k for 38 various projects.

Additionally, we continued to develop and provide our members with high caliber cultural and educational programs, virtually and in person.

We are also reaching and engaging new audiences, aided by the interest and involvement of the FFN Young Leaders Board.

As Finlandia Foundation celebrates its 70th anniversary this year, we are optimistic about the future.

You have given FFN the power to fiercely face the new year in an even stronger position.

From the bottom of my heart, KIITOS.

With gratitude for the year ahead,

Anne-Mari Paster
President

Robert Saasto Honored by Finland
Robert Saasto (far left) was recently awarded the Knight First Class by Order of the Lion of Finland, presented by Consul General of New York, Ambassador Jarmo Sareva.

The New York attorney is recognized for his long term work in the Finnish-American community.
This includes his efforts in Brooklyn to honor the Finnish immigrants who, in the early 1900s, introduced the concept of non-profit co-op apartments to the U.S.

Robert, with volunteers and assisted by FFN grant monies, has had informational plaques installed on 24 buildings around Sunset Park to mark some of the Finntown structures.

Congratulations on the well-deserved honor!
New Episodes of Finnding America

On his 13,000-mile road trip across the U.S., Santi Fox visits with Finns and Finnish-Americans, including this episode with Kristiina Hiukka.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR
January 17: Grant application deadline; click here
January 24: Virtual Joint Chapter Meeting, 8 p.m. (Eastern)
February 1: Scholarship application deadline; click here
February 1: Lindfors Law Scholarship application deadline; click here
February 19-25: National Sauna Week; click here
Online Learning Opportunities

Have you wanted to study Finland's epic poem, Kalevala? Or learn the Finnish language, or to play the kantele?

Now you can do it all virtually! Check out the following:

KALEVALA: Audit the Finlandia University course taught by Dr. Hilary-Joy Virtanen, beginning January 16; click here.

BASIC FINNISH: Start Your Finnish with University of Oulu language teachers; register by February 2; click here.

KANTELE: Singer, songwriter, musician and poet Diane Jarvi teaches and holds workshops on the Finnish folk harp, and offers online instruction. Diane is a past FFN Performer of the Year. Click here to learn about Diane and to contact her about lessons.
Finlandia Foundation Turns 70
On the evening of January 21, 1953, nine members of the Finnish-American community in the Los Angeles area met at the home of Consul Yrjö Paloheimo and his wife, Leonora Curtin Paloheimo, to found the Finlandia Foundation.

They fulfilled the long-desired dream of an organization whose goal would “unite all friends of Finland in America and perpetuate Finnish-American cultural institutions.” 

This year, Finlandia Foundation National celebrates its 70th anniversary, and carries on the mission of the founders.

Fiercely Finnish since 1953, we champion our culture and heritage across the United States by supporting educational opportunities and promoting diverse, relevant, and enriching programs.
Your contribution helps us to fulfill that mission. Each donation is matched dollar-for-dollar by the Paloheimo Foundation (up to $100,000 annually). Finlandia Foundation National, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization, so your gift is tax deductible.

We appreciate your continued support.

Thank You! Kiitos!
NATIONAL SAUNA WEEK
February 19-25, 2023