Pacific Posts: Jani Juntunen

Friday, August 20, 2021

Arnold and Newlin: Joel in Finland 1983–1984

In 1983 Joel got a small scholarship from the American Scandinavian Foundation Finnish Fund Fellowship to study at the University of Helsinki for a year. It came with a travel grant from the Fulbright Program. He was met at the airport by the Kettunen family with whom he had stayed in 1975 and 1977–1978.

Veikko and Aino Kettunen greet Joel at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in September 1983

Joel with joulupukki (father Christmas) and Jarno and Jani Juntunen, Christmas Eve 1983

Joel on the Helsinki waterfront

Joel gave a short presentation to the Finland-America Foundation in Helsinki;
sadly he had the flu so his voice did not carry to the large hall

Joel with U.S. Ambassador Keith Foote Nyborg and his wife Raija-Leena Itkonen

Joel at a party in Helsinki

Joel with Pertti Pyhtilä sunbathing on a rooftop in Helsinki

Joel joined the Finnish planning committee for hosting the International Gay Association conference in Helsinki. IGA primarily attracted Europeans and some White South Africans but few Asians or Americans. The Finnish organization SETA (Seksuaalinen tasavertaisuus 'Sexual Equality') was the sponsor and host.

Joel (far right) assisting with the International Gay Association 6th Annual Conference in Helsinki

Seppo Kettunen, Joel, Aino Kettunen, and Veikko Kettunen, Helsinki–Vantaa Airport, August 1984

next post Arnold and Newlin: 1984

previous post Arnold and Newlin: Eric 1983

first post in Flashbacks How the Nevis family came to California

first post in Arnold's Story July 1943

first post in blog Leonard's Story: May 29, 1943

Tuesday, August 17, 2021

Arnold and Newlin: Joel and Andrew in Europe 1978

Andrew arrived in Luxembourg after his graduation in June to travel on a Eurail pass, and Joel got an Interrail pass. They went from Luxembourg to Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, back to France, then Switzerland, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and Finland.