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!     

It's also that time of year when the Scholarship applications become available.  This year Youth AND Adult scholarships are being given out.   Please check out the link under the Scholarship tab to get the information and applications for both.  DISTRICT #9 SCHOLARSHIPS  The deadline is February 15, 2026 so don't delay if you are interested.

At our November meeting, the following officers were voted in for two year terms:

Pat Bellingham - Chair

Judy Etzler - Recording Secretary

Sarah Larson - Master of Ceremonies

Nancy Serwinski - Trustee

Thank you to these wonderful leaders.  Your time and service are appreciated!

Membership is an upcoming topic as well!  We have two types of membership in the Vasa Order/Svea Lodge.  You can be:

Associate member - A person who has an approved application to a local lodge and has paid annual dues.  The Associate member will have voice, but no vote, and shall receive the Vasa Star but no other benefits

Active member - A person who has filled out an application, been voted on by the membership, paid yearly dues, and has been initiated.  An active member is eligible to vote and receive all benefits of the Order (The Vasa Star, Old Age and Benefit, Scholarships, to name a few).

Every member, whether Associate or Active, is required to pay the annual dues beginning January of the upcoming year, no matter when they have joined.   That being said some prospective members, who consider membership after July,  choose to hold their membership until January so that they are not billed again for the upcoming year in a couple of months.

Be kind to your neighbors, you never know who may need a kind word.

Pat