Western Carolinas ASF

Chartered in 1982, the Western Carolinas Associates of ASF (American-Scandinavian Foundation) celebrated its 25th Anniversary this year. The event was marked by a May 5 gala dinner at the Hendersonville Country Club in Hendersonville, N.C. Special recognition was given to eight charter members, both from North Carolina and South Carolina, still on the club's rolls. Entertainment was provided by the highly regarded Scandinavian Folk Dancers of North Carolina (SCANDANS) from the Raleigh area.

Congratulatory messages were received from the Chairman of the Board and Trustees of ASF, the Executive Director of the Swedish Council of America, Swedish Ambassador Gunnar Lund, and Scandinavian organizations in neighboring Charlotte, Raleigh, Columbia, South Carolina and Atlanta, Georgia. The messages emphasized the WCA/ASF group's much appreciated community service work (including grants to Scandinavian summer camps in Minnesota and local community college grants) and promotion of Scandinavian traditions and heritage.

The event also recognized the contributions of founder and outgoing President Eiler R. Cook and his Norwegian wife, Bitten. Keeping in mind Eiler's Swedish heritage -- kept in perspective by Bitten's Norwegian lineage (!) -- the couple was presented a stunning Orrefors crystal bowl to commemorate the presidency of 25 years.

Pictured here: Founder/President Eiler R. Cook and wife Bitten flanked by Rae and Jim Gulick of SCANDANS.

Submitted by Eiler R. Cook

June 2007