VOA Birka Lodge #732

08/28/2026

King Harold V of Norway has passed away. May he rest in peace. 🇳🇴

08/23/2026

Happy Swedish Meatball Day!

🇸🇪 Happy Köttbullens Dag — Swedish Meatball Day! 🇸🇪

Today, August 23, we celebrate one of Sweden’s most famous and beloved foods: köttbullar — Swedish meatballs!

For many Americans, Swedish cuisine begins with the Swedish meatball. Traditionally seasoned with warm spices such as allspice and served with creamy gravy, potatoes, and tart lingonberry preserves, these little meatballs have become a favorite far beyond Sweden.

Swedish meatballs have a long history. Recipes for köttbullar appeared in Swedish cookbooks as early as the 18th century, and the introduction of the meat grinder in the 1800s helped make smaller, evenly shaped meatballs increasingly common.

By the 1950s, Swedish meatballs had found their way onto American dinner tables and cocktail-party menus. Today, Americans might recognize them from Scandinavian celebrations, family recipes, Swedish restaurants—and, of course, a trip to IKEA! 😄

So whether you enjoy yours with gravy and lingonberries or have your own favorite family recipe, today is the perfect excuse to enjoy a plate.

Glad Köttbullens Dag! 🇸🇪🍽️

08/20/2026

Mark your calendar! Saturday September 12, 2026 from 12pm-5pm at Little Rhody Vasa Park in Foster, RI! It will be an incredible time to connect with Vasa members from all over New England! This is going to become a new favorite tradition.

Let’s make sure Birka is represented!🇸🇪

Presented by VOA Districts CT #1, MA #2, and RI #3

07/26/2026

Mark your calendar! Saturday September 12, 2026 from 12pm-5pm at Little Rhody Vasa Park in Foster, RI! It will be an incredible time to connect with Vasa members from all over New England! This is going to become a new favorite tradition.

Let’s make sure Birka is represented!🇸🇪

07/19/2026

This past week, members of the Grand Lodge of the Vasa Order of America have been meeting for the 41st quadrennial convention in Chicago, IL.

Congratulations to all for a successful convention, especially our own Linda Boylan PDM, who represented MA District #2 as their official grand lodge delegate!

In Generosity, Truth, and Unity!
🇸🇪🇳🇴🇫🇮🇩🇰🇮🇸🇦🇽🇺🇸🇨🇦

07/19/2026

Free event today at 2pm est on their page! Learn how to Rosemaling! 🇳🇴

Thank you Norsk Museum and Sons of Norway - Cleng Peerson Lodge for hosting and sharing this important Norwegian art and tradition!

In Generosity, Truth, and Unity!
🇸🇪🇳🇴🇫🇮🇩🇰🇮🇸🇦🇽🇺🇸🇨🇦

Check out the livestream tomorrow! 🇳🇴🎨🧑‍🎨

07/15/2026

This week, our very own Chairman, Linda Boylan PDM, is representing MA District #2 at the 41st quadrennial Grand Lodge Convention in Chicago, IL. Good luck this week Linda! She traveled to the convention with District Master, Merryl Havens.We are sending you all the best as you not only represent our lodge, but the entirety of Massachusetts at this important gathering!

In Generosity, Truth, and Unity!
🇸🇪🇳🇴🇫🇮🇩🇰🇮🇸🇦🇽🇺🇸🇨🇦

07/15/2026

Official Birka Lodge #732 t-shirts are available for sale on our online store! $25 each and will be shipped directly to your own door. Choose from blue, yellow, or white! A portion of each shirt sold goes back to support the lodge in cultivating Swedish and Scandinavian cultural experiences! 🇸🇪

Order here: https://birka732.printify.me/

07/12/2026

On Friday June 26, 2026, Birka Lodge #732 held their June meeting with 27 members present, 1 newly initiated member, and 1 guest. This was our last meeting before our summer break. We held our annual strawberry festival: delicious strawberry shortcake for dinner. YUM! 🍰🍓

During the meeting, chairman Linda Boylan and vice-chairman Richard Lilja honored and congratulated long-time secretary Judy Tanzer on an impressive and dedicated tenure as our lodge secretary. Tusen tack Judy for all you have done!🫶

The business portion of the meeting focused on an initiation, past events, and district news. Martha Rose, of Methuen, MA, was initiated as a member. Congratulations and welcome! Lodge members were thanked for showing up to the Haverhill Multicultural Festival on June 13th and Spiran's Midsommar Festival on June 20th. There was excitement among members to host our own midsommar festival next year. We also celebrated the birthdays of our members whom were born in the summer. Skål!

Additionally, District Master, Merryl Havens, has started a district fundraiser selling Pepparkakor. This is to raise funds for the district convention in 2027. Tins are $18 each and can be purchased by following the instructions on the flyer attached.

During the cultural report, Cultural Leader, Gregory Blomgren, taught the Små Grodorna song and dance. Members danced around a makeshift maypole and acted as little frogs. Thank you to Matilda and Eva for heling with the Swedish pronunciation!

Our next meeting will be Friday September 25, 2026. Refreshments begin at 6:30pm and the meeting begins at 7:00pm. This meeting will be a kräftskiva (Swedish crayfish party)! The hall will be decorated and we will celebrate the end of the summer season.🦞

In Generosity, Truth, and Unity!
🇸🇪🇳🇴🇫🇮🇩🇰🇮🇸🇦🇽🇺🇸🇨🇦