One woman’s dream of owning a business was the catalyst for her friend’s cultural organization to do the same.
Phyllis Kalajian, of Dyer, and Lynda Smith, of Munster, opened the doors in late August to Nordikreations, on the lower level of Crown Point’s Old Lake County Courthouse.
“I was selling my Scandinavian earrings part time. My business became so busy that I had to quit my office job to devote myself to it full time,” Kalajian said.
At that same time, she approached Smith, the leader and coordinator of Nordikids Musiklubb No. 208, a youth group affiliated with the Vasa Order of America — an international organization dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Nordic culture. Smith is involved with an associated group, Nordic Folk Lodge No. 761.
“This (new store) is a great opportunity for us to raise funds for our Nordikids group,” Smith said. “The timing was right.”
The Crown Point store’s grand opening featured a multitude of activities for visitors.
Among them was picture opportunities with a Viking warrior, sampling pepparkakor — Scandinavian spice cookies, raffle drawings and entertainment.
A highlight was an hour-long performance by the Nordikids in the center of the Courthouse Shopps.
Music Director Lynnea Sinwelski led the children’s chorus as they sang traditional songs. The group also performed cultural dances as well.
More Top Picks Zero Gravity Chairs
Audience member Bonnie Hantz, of Valparaiso, was browsing the Courthouse Shops for gifts when she came across the performance.
“I just had to stop and watch these children,” she said. “They are so talented and it’s so refreshing to see them in their traditional costumes.”
Afterward, Hantz went to Nordikreations to continue her quest to purchase birthday presents for family members.
Inside she found not only Kalajian’s jewelry, but many other colorful items lined up on the shelves.
Scandinavian shirts, towels and aprons were neatly folded next to display cases of decorations such as Dala horses — emblems of the providence of Dalarna in Sweden and symbols for the kingdom of Sweden.
Described as a “Nordic Culture Education Group for Children” the mission of the Nordikids is to encourage children of Scandinavian/Nordic descent to become familiar with the language, music, customs and traditions of their ancestors.
Membership in the group gives children awareness of their heritage/culture and confidence and poise in performing in front of large groups, according to Smith.
In addition, membership in Nordikids and VASA can provide scholarship opportunities for college and a chance to win awards to attend Concordia Language Camps.
The Nordikids perform at many functions throughout the year.
Among them are cultural festivals in various communities, an annual Springfest, participation in the Duneland Heritage Days at the Chellberg Farm, Luciafest and many others.
The organization has been in existence for 10 years and includes 24 children from ages three to 21.
Nordik Folk Lodge has approximately 50 members ages 14-94.
The local Vasa lodges all have different offerings, depending on the knowledge and talent of the members.
Each group holds celebrations at Christmas — especially honoring the Feast of St. Lucia, an important event in Sweden celebrated Dec. 13th.
More information is at 219-923-8777.
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.