Monday, May 7, 2012

8:30 – 9:30 PASSAGE SPRING SHOWER TODAY
Vehicles will be parked in front of the Gale Mansion to receive your donations of cash, diapers, paper goods, household items, and cleaning supplies.

INTERNATIONAL DAY

FINLAND TODAY

The spotlight lands these days on Finland. What accounts for this Finnomena? One of the
northernmost members of the European Union, Finland excels in high tech, education, music, and design. It boasts a Nobel Peace Prize winner. Today, we go beyond “sauna, sisu, and Sibelius” to learn what the Finland excitement is all about. A display of modern Finnish art design will be presented all day in the Library by FinnStyle.
Carole Mae Olson and Shirley Olson, Co-Chairs

9:30 – 10:30 – Presidents’ Hall

Finland Today Through the Lens of Yesterday

Speaker: Marianne Wargelin, Honorary Consul for the Republic of Finland, Researcher, Educator

In August 2010, Newsweek ranked Finland as “the world’s best country” in terms of education, health, quality of life, economic dynamism, and political environment. The New York Times on January 8, 2012, listed Helsinki as the second most interesting destination in the world for 2012. Ms. Wargelin will describe why and how Finland has created its own distinctive contemporary culture and character.

Linda Blaisdell

10:45 – 11:45 – Film – Presidents’ Hall

The Finland Phenomenon: Inside the World’s Most Surprising School System

Finland’s education system has ranked among the best in the world for more than a decade. Documentary film maker, Bob Compton, with Harvard researcher, Dr. Tony Wagner, guide the viewer through an inside look at the secondary education system. From within classrooms and through interviews, Dr. Wagner reveals the factors justifying Finland’s top ranking.

Carole Mae Olson

11:45 – Noon ANNOUNCEMENTS

12:00 – 12:45 SPECIAL FINNISH LUNCHEON

Luncheon Hostess: Mary Ann Christenson
Guest Hostess: Virginia Hansing

1:00 – 1:30 – Finnish Regional Music – Presidents’ Hall

Speaker: Diane Jarvi, Singer, Songwriter, Kantele Performer, Poet, Recording Artist

Diane Jarvi is known in Finland as “The Minnesota Nightingale.” She will present a program of Finnish regional music accompanied by the kantele, a five string Finnish folk harp. Ms. Jarvi is an award winning poet, writing under the name of Diane Jarvenpa.

Shirley Olson

1:30 – 2:15 – Finnish Design – Presidents’ Hall

Speakers: Liisa Ojala, Betsey Norgard Designers

These designers will speak to us about the uniquely Finnish qualities in furniture, textiles, lighting, glass, ceramics, and industrial design. Ojala, born in Finland, moved to the United States about 30 years ago. She has worked at the International Design Center and as an independent designer, recently completing a significant commission at the home of the President of St. Olaf College.

Julie Ollila

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