A little bird from Naselle, Wash., told the Ear that SUE PAKENEN HOLWAY, pictured above, of Oysterville, Wash., has been selected as the GALVANIZED FINN OF THE MONTH for February by THE FINNISH AMERICAN REPORTER (www.finnishamericanreporter.com) at Finlandia University in Hancock, Mich. JIM KURTTI is the editor.

Galvanized Finn? The Ear called Jims assistant, DAVID MAKI, at the publication and asked what it means. People who are not Finnish by genealogy, and who have no Finnish blood, he explained, but who are very involved in the community. Someone youd be surprised to learn is not of Finnish descent.

OK, that makes sense, as Sue is not a Finn. But she was married to one, and has become a Finn by osmosis. The article mentions her involvement in the Finnish-American Festival and other events, but the little bird says, They should have mentioned that she also was on the FinnFest USA Board for many years.

If youd like to read the whole story, Finnish American Reporter is on sale at Finn Ware, 1116 Commercial St.