Here we are with the Holidays in the rear view mirror and fading fast.
Just the other day Vice Chief Rock called me with the date for
Madison's Rhythm And Boom this summer. Of course, we couldn't help but
talk a bit about herring season and bringing the trailer out of the
barn. And so, now, in the very depths of January, we know warmer days
are ahead of us.

At our January meeting Lodge membership honored me further with
another year as Chief of the Lodge. Thank you, Brothers. I am both
honored and privileged. 2010 will be exciting and I am stoked! This
will be the Year of the Committee!

Additionally, we did each one of ourselves a HUGE favor keeping Roger
Rock as our hard working Vice Chief. Our Lodge could not function as
we do without Roger's attention and effort. I thank Thor every day for
our Vice Chief.

Brother Scott Williams continues as our Financial Secretary. He
promises to cook the books good and have a real report for us at the
February meeting. Brother Tornberg the Younger has retired as our
Recording Secretary and replaced, by acclamation, with Brother Matt
Reed. Secretary Reed will maintain contact within the Lodge and with
our neighboring Lodges and with the Grand Lodge.

This year is crucial, yet again, to the survival of the I.O.V. and new
membership is the key component. We want to grow our Lodge too. Look
for news of our year long search for the Next New Viking here
throughout the year. We have contests and appealing meeting activities
planned. Poker night, cribbage night and a dart tournament are
possibilities.

Winterfest happens in a few weeks. Muskegon is jolly fun this time of
year. Outdoor bowling on Muskegon Lake, golf and softball are just
part of the outdoor fun. We hope to see many Vikings there.

Mimer #33 Home Brew News: Brother Williams is still serving a tasty
Winter Ale and is planning his spring beers now. Brother Rodenbostel
has a "roggenbier" (brewed with rye) that tastes very fresh and spicy.
I am still lagering my Pilsners and the first one will be ready in a
couple more weeks. It is fun to see the way this brewing has me
looking at a calendar, planning brew sessions and long lagering
schedules. If my Pils can taste as good as Scott's and Justin's ales
then it is well worth the patience. If you'd like a glass of home
brew, drop us a line!

Our next meeting is Friday, 12 February at the American Legion hall.
The Legion will have a fish fry and we will have a quick Lodge meeting
after eating and before we play cards. Plan on spending the evening
with us, as our guest! Just click that "Contact" button on our Home
page and let us know you're interested! Remember, you have to be
adventurous to be a Viking. We work hard and play hard and we like to
eat and drink. We take care of each other. You might like to join us.
If you like herring as I like herring then maybe you better join our
Lodge! That's right; take a liking to a Viking!
The Swedish Stud, Bob, liked to frequent the Fox River beaches, but
was never able to attract the girls. He decided to ask his friend,
George, the Norwegian lifeguard, for advice.

"It's dem big baggy swimming trunks, my son. Dey're years outta style.
Yer best bet is to grab yerself a pair of Speedos - about two sizes
too small,and drop a fist-sized potato down inside 'em. By gully, I'm
telling ye, man...ye'll have all da babes ye wants!'

The following weekend, Bob hits the beach with his spanking new
tight blue Speedos, and his fist-sized potato. Everybody on the beach
was disgusted as he walked by, covering their faces, turning away,
laughing, looking sick!

Bob went back to George the lifeguard and asked him, 'What's wrong
now? ''Lard-Tunderin' Jeezus b'y!' said George, 'da potato goes in the
front!!'

Be kind to each other,

Chief