Get to Know Her: Solveig
Our “Get to Know Them” series continues today (check out Sara, David, and Peggy if you missed them!) with a true Greystone celeb - Solveig! More campers come through her Cooking class every summer than any other activity in camp, so you can tell she’s a favorite - and not just because of the leftovers she doles out.
Solveig’s stories are legendary around Tuxedo, and she’ll be the first to jump in with a helping hand when you call. There’s no more generous, funny, or hard working gal around camp, and you’ll get a taste of that today. Take it away, Solveig!
How did you first learn about Greystone and how many years have you been here?
My parents startted teaching at Greystone when they moved to North Carolina around 1998. All three of our daughters are Greystone Girls are our Son, Andrew, was part of the “brat” pack welcomed by Whittaker, James Franklin, and John.
What does your role at camp look like now? What has kept you coming back for so many years?
I have been the Culinary Director at camp since I started in 2014. Other than being a parent with my husband of our four children, it has been the most satisfying experience for so many reasons. The relationships that you build are like no other. Seeing the growth and development of campers and counselors alike year after year is joyous!
What do you enjoy about heading up Cooking?
I have a little saying that may sum this up - Curiosity and an Open mind allow the Opportunity for Knowledge. Developing new recipes; learning new ways to approach a recipe from the campers and counselors; mistakes can be glorious and delicious!
Where do you live during the year and what does your life look like when you’re not at camp?
Gregory and I moved to Park Ridge, IL from Chicago in January, 2019. I continue to work for Williams Sonoma as a Culinary Specialist for the Chicago store. Before COVID, we were able to host classes, but we haven’t had a class in our store for over a year. Happily, I’ve been able to teach and consult personally, but I miss the in-person classroom. I can’t wait to get back to the Grey to share, create, and learn!
Do you have a favorite or special camp memory that sticks out?
I have so many! Banquet night donning an apron and doing dishes with Sara Oliver and holding hands with Kellie Purdy and Ginger Wallace while we sing our songs - this night is so special to be and I will be forever grateful to Sara for inviting me to dish duty!
Skinning a catfish with EA (really!). Making raincoats out of massive black garbage bags with Lell. Ginger Wallace surprising me with chocolate chip chookies. Date nights with Nancy. Dancing with the girls at the Talent Show. Being invited to make grilled cheese at Carnival (you have to try one this year with the BBQ pork smooshed in there!).
Why is Greystone special to you?
Lell and her family are some of the most dear people to me in all the world. Truly, the Lord blessed our family when my mother heard Lell say her last name was “Harboe” in a small children’s dress shop in Flat Rock - that’s how our family started our relationship with Greystone!
Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m a crazy dancer… not pretty, but I love to dance!
Favorite camp food?
So many, but I know people get a kick out of me counting down the days for corned beef hash - well done, with ketchup please! Gerv’s scones of course, and his fried chicken. Biscuits, definitely, biscuits, and Cheesy Chicken! I could go on and on.. but Donut Day ranks too!
Anything else you want to add or say to our campers?
I’m so grateful to Greystone for giving me the opportunity to push myself and grow. To be given the opportunity to encourage others, share a passion, observe the beauty of faith formation, and all the wonders of the world that are experienced through traditions and lessons involved in creating nourishment for others.
