| Välkommen SVEA LODGE #296 VASA ORDER OF AMERICA A Swedish-American Fraternal Organization Instituted May 20, 1914 Erie, Pennsylvania Photo: | Log in to your Member account: |
From the 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!
On March 23rd, at 6PM, members will be gathering at Primanti Brothers to share a meal and make some $$! A flyer has been distributed for members to bring and/or share with neighbors. You may go to the restaurant any time between 11AM and 11PM. But if you want some Swedish commaraderie, come at 6PM and bring friends. The more the merrier. Your group must have the flyer that identifies you as a Svea member/group no matter what time you attend.
We are a cultural society but always look to see how we can impact our community in positive ways: We are resuming Benevolence - our committee chair, Karen Lundwall, has teamed us up with Our Neighbor's Place, a shelter for people who need a warm place to stay on cold winter nights. One of the trials for people experiencing homelessness, is cold feet - frostbite, blisters, sores, toenail growth. Our Neighbor's Place offers foot care through the Lecom podiatry program. To that end, we are asking our members to bring in white cotton crew socks for individuals to wear after they have undergone foot care. Socks will be collected from now until the March meeting. To date we have collected 96 pair of socks. Thank you!
Be kind to your neighbors, you never know who may need a kind word.
Pat
 | Odin's Ravens sharing our Viking history! | Stay tuned to learn about Huginn and Muninn! |
Valhalla, the Hall of the Slain, is a warriors paradise located in 'Asgard; the realm of the god's'. It is the afterlife paradise for warriors who died heroically in battle. Valhalla is ruled by Odin, the Norse god of war, wisdom, and death. Those who enter Valhalla are called 'Einherja', elite warriors chosen personally by Odin. They feast and prepare to fight Ragnarok with Odin.
Prior to any earthly battle or a celebrated feast of victory, vikings would beat their chests and yell "To Valhalla!" meaning - Fight the good fight with honor, Until we meet again. It is used as a respectful farewell to fallen comrades and depicts a place of honor, glory or ultimate victory.
contributed by Kevin Soles
The Swedish Embassy, Washington, DC | The Fourth in the Series: Wednesday Night Get Togethers May 13, 2026 7:PM This will be an interview with a local historian from Erie, PA> 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 or the interview with our Grand Master, Jack Hanright, check out the District Website: |
Vasa BreakfastOn a winter hiatus! Check it out again in the Spring 2026.
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| Join us now to become a member. Members must be 14 years of age but younger children are always welcome to participate! You can attend all of our activities. You will receive our Newsletter so you can stay informed about what is happening within the Svea Lodge. Check out Our Story - Member Benefits to see what's in it for you! Join us now!
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OTHER INTERESTING EVENTS TO DO WITH SVEA FRIENDS IN NWPA OHIO & NY
Learn a new language - Elfdalian! Ovdalian or Elfdalian is a North Germanic Language spoken by around 3,000 people who live or have grown up in the locality of Alvdalen, in the south east of Dalarna, Sweden. (wikipedia) Check out the youtube video to get started! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxB4FLUKDT8&t=19s
Phrase of the Month in Elfdalian:
Gusin! Hey/Hello!
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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!