by Elsa Shepard
ASHTABULA, Ohio — Juhannus was celebrated at the Finnish American Cultural Center on June 27. Members and friends of the Finnish American Heritage Association gathered for a pizza party and entertainment by Linda Riddell on the accordion and Betsy Wood with her mandolin. Accepting the scholarship award for their great niece, Jolie Jokinen, were members and trustees Carol and John Mead. Jolie and her family live in O'Fallon, Illinois and couldn’t attend.
Dan Riddell showed slides of his recent trip to Finland with his daughter, Amelia and son Isaac, former scholarship recipients. His brother Erin Riddell and son Orion also traveled on the same tour. Helping with refreshments and beverages were Ruth Ann Falcione, Elsa Shepard, and Carol Mead.
Several members and friends helped celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Finnish American Cultural Center on July 4. Musical entertainment was provided by the duo of Susan Sippola and her daughter, Hannah. Susan is the niece of Linda Riddell. Susan sang “Be Still My Soul” in Finnish.
Later, a musical program was presented by Betsy Wood, mandolin, and John Stoker, guitar with some pop and rock tunes and an original composition by Betsy. Linda joined in on the accordion for one song. Refreshments were provided by Linda, Elsa Shepard, Ruth Ann Falcione and Jim Smith, Carol and John Mead, Estelle Riddell, Noreen Fairburn, and Richard and Joann Golden. An anniversary cake featuring a picture of the log cabin/museum was enjoyed by all. Thanks to Judy Pallutch for delivering the cake from the bakery!
Sunday, the celebrating continued with visits from Linda and John’s family, including their granddaughter, Stephanie and husband, Eric, and daughter, Elaine from North Carolina. They brought some goodies to share and Linda had made piirakkas and sloppy joes.
John Riddell’s great grandfather’s buckskin coat was on display. Dan Riddell’s pictures of his Finland trip also were viewed and hearing of the trip added to the enjoyment of the day.