Cruising into spring
Photo: Dinah Berntsen Miss Norway of Greater New York Amanda Berntsen with Smörgåsbandet members Wayne Söderlund, Jeanne Eriksson Andersen and Chad Widman on the “Welcoming Spring” cruise.
Scandinavian community in New York welcomes warmth and sunshine with luncheon cruise
Odette M. Larsen
Brooklyn, N.Y.
On Sunday, May 6th the American Scandinavian Society, in collaboration with the Norwegian Immigration Association, Inc., the Danish-American Society, the Finnish and American Women’s Network, the Finlandia Foundation – New York Metropolitan Chapter and the Swedish Women’s Educational Association, Inc. – New York Chapter, sponsored their annual “Welcoming Spring” luncheon cruise.
Members and friends of these organizations set sail on the luxury yacht Destiny from the World Yacht Marina in New York City for a spectacular afternoon of food, fun and fellowship. As the Destiny inched its way further into the Hudson River, the somewhat grey sky burst into a bright blue.
As we sailed passed the breathtaking Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty, we were greeted and welcomed by Ms. Bertha Lindefjeld, the event coordinator. As the luncheon consisting of traditional Scandinavian delicacies was served, we were entertained by Jeanne Ericksson Andersen and Smörgåsbandet. Spontaneous singing and dancing to favorite Scandinavian melodies was enthusiastically encouraged.
One of the highlights of the cruise was being able to meet and spend time with our special guest, Miss Amanda Berntsen, the reigning Miss Norway of Greater New York. The high school senior and future freshman at Princeton University, was perfectly poised and a delight to be with.
Photo: Dinah Berntsen. Amanda Berntsen with her grandmother Anne Marie Jensen.
The afternoon concluded with the drawing of a wide array of raffle prizes. As the Destiny pulled into Pier 81, Ms. Lindefjeld thanked all for attending and we happily disembarked looking forward to next year’s cruise.
This article originally appeared in the June 1, 2012 issue of the Norwegian American Weekly. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (800) 305-0271.
