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From the, now, past chair - pat bellingham
Svea Lodge has a calendar filled with wonderful activities, dedicated members, new members, and a renewed sense of our purpose; bringing the Scandinavian culture to our community. There is a lot happening so you'll need to visit our website often to keep up!
At the District Convention this past weekend I was nominated for the position of District Master of District Lodge Pennsylvania No.9 and subsequently installed. As this will be a new position with different responsibilities, I have resigned my station as Chairman of Svea Lodge #296. Kathleen Williams, former Vice Chairman and wonderful leader, is taking over as the Chair. I am honored to be in this new role. Our District is engaging in many new campaigns and initiatives that will directly benefit the local lodges. It is exciting to have an active role. Thank you one and all for your support of Svea, participating in our cultural activities, offering expertise in offices, and just generally being fun to be around!
SOV I RO - Our Vasa Brother, Ralph Johnson, of Nobel-Monitor passed away on September 9th. He was 93 years old and had been a Vasa member for 33 years. His memorial service was October 3, at 11AM in Cleveland, Ohio. Rest In Peace, Ralph.
The next general meeting will be held October 18th at 1:00, Luther Memorial. One of the important agenda items will be sharing the ballot of officers for 2027-2029. We still have two spots to fill! It could be YOU!
Be kind to your neighbors, you never know who may need a kind word.
Pat
 | Odin's Ravens sharing our Viking history! |
There are five different after-lifes associated with Norse mythology. Each represents a different fate or destination for the dead.
1. Valhalla: Hall of the Slain Ruled by Odin. Warriors chosen by Odin's Valkyries who die bravely in battle are brought here. They feast, train, and prepare to fight alongside the gods during Ragnarök.
2. Fólkvangr: Freyja's Field of the People Ruled by the goddess Freyja. A portion of those who die in battle are said to go here, rather than Valhalla. Freyja chooses who enters.
3. Helheim: Realm of the Dead Ruled by Hel, daughter of Loki. It is generally where people who die from sickness, old age, or causes other than battle go. It isn't necessarily a place of punishment; it is simply a realm of the dead.
4. Rán's Hall: The Sea Goddess's Domain Rán is a sea goddess who gathers those who drown in the ocean. Her net captures the drowned, and they are believed in some traditions to join her beneath the waves.
5. Náströnd: Shore of Corpses A grim place described in Norse mythology as a place of punishment for the wicked, particularly oath-breakers, murderers, and those who betray others. It is associated with darkness, suffering, and a serpent-filled environment.
· Valhalla: Honor, battle, and preparation for Ragnarök.
· Fólkvangr: Freyja's chosen warriors.
· Helheim: The general realm of the dead.
· Rán's Hall: Those claimed by the sea.
· Náströnd: Punishment for the wicked and dishonorable.
In Norse mythology, dying in battle wasn't the only honorable way to be remembered; Courage, loyalty, keeping one's word, and how a person lived also mattered in the broader Norse warrior tradition.
contributed by Kevin Soles
The Fourth in the Series: Wednesday Evening Get Togethers October 14, 7:PM This will be a program with Past District Master Bo Carlsson Bo will tell us about the Swedish history in Cleveland and the area known as Swedetown. Our presenter, Bo Carlsson, will take us back to the late 1800s, when Swedish immigrants began arriving in Cleveland, OH as the city was becoming one of America's major industrial centers. Who were these Swedish immigrants? Where did they come from? Where did they live? And what churches, organizations and businesses helped build the Swedish community? Bo will also explore what happened to Cleveland's Swedish community after Swedish immigration declined in the 1920s and 1930s. The Zoom Invite is available on the District and Svea websites under the Events tab. Note: If you missed any of the previous programs; Swedish Flower Hens, the interview with our Grand Master, Jack Hanright, or the Swedish Embassy Representative, check out the District Website: |
Vasa BreakfastOn a hiatus! Check it out again in the Fall 2026.
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OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS TO DO WITH SVEA FRIENDS IN NWPA OHIO & NY
Scandinavian Cultural Days resumes in Jamestown, NY October 4th at Jamestown Community College, starting at 9:30 - noon. Chip carving, weaving, dancing, cooking are just a few of the activities for the day! It is free and open to the public.
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Local Lodge Svea #296 meets on the third Sunday of the month at Luther Memorial Church, 225 West 10th Street, Erie, PA for general business meetings. General meetings include a short cultural program and of course, Fika! From May - August our meetings involve cultural activities in various community locations. We celebrate Walpurgis, Midsummer, Kraftskiva, Leif Erickson Day, and Santa Lucia Festival of Light. The Mission of Vasa Order of America is to promote our Scandinavian heritage. Our Order does not conflict with religious beliefs or common law - ALL are welcome!