Friday Happy Hour: 5 Countries – 5 Gins

Friday, May 19, 7 pm

Who knew they make gin in Norway? A few of these gins are available at your local liquor store. We had to import a couple (Denmark and Iceland). Come try these unique spirits!

• Sausage with oven roasted potatoes and fixings
• Oven pancake with whipped cream and jam

Limited to 20 attendees. Members and guests only. Designated drivers attend for free.

Denmark: Tranquebar Colonial Gin is based on the 17th century recipe created by Jan de Willum, founder of the Danish East India Company. Alongside juniper, it is warming and deeply spiced with cardamon, nutmeg, coriander seeds and cinnamon, balanced with citrus peels. The original recipe has been recreated by Royal Dirkzwager Distillery in the Netherlands and it is bottled in Denmark. 45% ABV.

Finland: Kyrö Gin by Kyrö Distillery is inspired by wild nature, with four locally foraged botanicals and 13 traditional gin botanicals. In 2015 it was declared “The World’s Best Gin for Gin&Tonic” at International Wine and Spirits Competition (IWSC). 46% ABV.

Iceland: VOR Gin. VOR means “spring” in Icelandic. The arctic spring in Iceland was the source of inspiration for this aromatic gin, the Icelandic summer the source for the spicy taste. Wild Icelandic juniper and crowberries, organic rhubarb, angelica root, birch leaves, sand thyme, kale as well as Icelandic moss and sweet seaweed are among the botanicals in this Icelandic craft gin. 47% ABV.

Norway: Harahorn Gin. In North American folklore the creature is known as the Jackalope; in Norway it is the Harahorn. Juniper berries, wild blueberries, rhubarb, seaweed, angelica root, wild marjoram and many more. Norwegian herbs and botanicals is among the world’s most flavorful due to the soil and geographical placement. 46% ABV.

Sweden: Stockholms Bränneri Dry Gin is a Nordic take on a traditional dry gin that gets its characteristics from 7 organic botanicals – juniper berries, coriander seeds, angelica root, lemon peel, heather, elderflower and rosemary. 40% ABV.

Limited to 20 attendees. Members and guests only. Designated drivers attend for free.

Event chair: Peter

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Eurovision Song Contest

Saturday, May 13, 3 – 6 pm
In the Members Lounge

Europe’s favorite television show streaming live via the internet on the Club’s 85-inch TV!

If you grew up in Europe there’s no need to explain. Before American Idol there was Eurovision. Since 1956, the Contest has been broadcast every year and is one of television’s longest running music shows. It is one of the most watched non-sporting events in the world. Featuring kitschy costumes and every style of music, love it or hate it the Contest represents a broad cross section of European culture unmatched by any other event.

• 37 countries participate in Eurovision 2023; 25 in the Grand Final.
• Two semi-finals are held leading up to Saturday’s Grand Final.
• Five countries are automatic pre-qualified for the Grand Final: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom.
• Each country will have two sets of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 and 12 points to give: One set for each country’s jury, and one set for each country’s televoting. Televoters and national juries have equal weight in the voting.

Last year’s winner Ukraine is not able to host this year, for obvious reasons, so the Contest is hosted by the U.K. (Liverpool).

Event chairs: Leena and Birgitta

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Spring Artisan Fair

Saturday, April 29, 10 am – 4 pm

• 30 local fine arts and crafts vendors showcasing handcrafted artistic gifts
• Food: Choice of Scandinavian split pea soup or Finnish salmon chowder. Soups come with piece of Estonian rye bread.
• Baked goods and beverages for sale
• Free admission and parking
• Mobile sauna from Spa Fleet

Vendors:

Candles
Oh D’Luxe Candle Company
Wrenhouse Atelier

Ceramics / Pottery
Sara Hunsucker Potery

Clothing
Deb Owen
Jolanda Gallas
Karma Knitted
Nic and the Newfie

Custom Buckets
The Lucky Bucket

Glass
Jason Curtis

Hand Bags
Heidi Armster

Jewelry
Beadfreeforever
Blue Lotus Bracelets
Erin DeLuca Jewelry
Lee Skalkos
Lydia Tucci
peace_of_nature_by_sofi

Macramé
Knots on Euclid

Ornaments / Decorations
Blue Door Vibes
Nancy Allyn

Paintings
Donna Albano

Pet Items
StephenieLauren LLC

Photography
Brie’s Art
The Rescued Earth

Wood
2Latitude
Awl Wood Design
Dick Stein
Driftwood Design
Holm-Hansen Woodturning
Tables Devore

Wreaths
Sonia Schaffner Wreaths

The Spa Fleet mobile sauna will be on site throughout the day and open for anyone to take a peak inside. The owner of Spa Fleet will be on hand to answer any questions you may have.

Questions and answers on the North American Sauna Society website

Experience the sauna

Starting at 4 pm, you may book time in the Finnish-style sauna for yourself, your family, friends and/or business associates. 30-minute time slots are available at $15 per person (or $60 for the entire sauna) until 8 pm. Cold plunge tub and outdoor shower available, campfire, general hygge and laid back setting, food and beverages will be served at additional cost. Close proximity to South Pine Creek Beach (for a real cold plunge). Please bring your own towel and bathing suit.

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Queen’s Birthday

Sunday, April 16, 2 pm

Queen Margrethe II of Denmark is turning 83 and the Scandinavian Club is putting on a royal celebration with talented Danish pianist Rasmus Sørensen and upright bassist Ben Tiberio.

Set list includes some arrangements of Danish songs, some originals and some of the duo’s favorite jazz tunes.

Price of admission:

• Member: $10
• Non-member: $20
• Child: $10

Ticket includes:

• Concert (approximately 1 hour)
• Roulade with bær and fløde (slice of Swiss roll topped with berries and whipped cream)
• 1 beverage (coffee, tea or soft drink)

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Easter Movie Night with Memma

Friday, April 7, 7 pm

Adapted from the runaway international best-seller, this movie is a charming, globe-trotting riff on world history and the highest-grossing Swedish film of all-time.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

After a long and explosive life in munitions, involving a number of the seminal moments and phenomena of the 20th century, including the Spanish Civil War, the Atomic Bomb, and Cold War espionage, Allan Karlsson finds himself – on his 100th birthday – stuck in a tranquil Swedish nursing home. Determined to escape the monotony, he hops out a window and kicks off a hilarious and unexpected comic-adventure by way of a stolen briefcase, a roughneck biker gang, and an escaped circus elephant named Sonya.

Runtime: 1 hour 54 minutes. In Swedish with English subtitles.

Watch the trailer on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jMFycJQ0RTs

Peter is offering his home made mämmi (memma in Swedish) to anyone who would like to try this Finnish traditional Easter delicacy.

The ingredients are water, rye flour, malted rye, salt and orange zest. The mixture is left to sweeten naturally at 150℉ for 3–4 hours, before being baked in an oven until set by the Maillard reaction (another 3–4 hours).

Typically, mämmi is eaten cold, with either milk or cream and sugar.

Mämmi was first mentioned during the 16th century, in a dissertation (in Latin). It’s claimed that it has been eaten in southwestern Finland ever since the 13th century.

Happy Easter!

Read more on Wikipedia:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mämmi

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Swedish Waffle Day

Saturday, March 25, 1 – 3 pm
Inside the Clubhouse and/or outside by Picnic Pavilion

“Våffeldagen” (Waffle Day in Swedish) stems from a mispronunciation. The traditional Feast of the Annunciation, or “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day) in Swedish sounds an awful lot like “Våffeldagen”, and so over time, this became less about the conception of Jesus, and more about crispy, delightful waffles.

In earlier times most Swedes were poor, living off the land and coping with a very harsh climate. Late March marked the start of the crop growing season and the increased availability of eggs and milk. As eggs symbolized the start of spring, it became popular to use them to make waffles to celebrate.

We’ll have an array of the traditional Swedish waffle irons that make thin, crispy, heart-shaped waffles.

Served with strawberry jam and sweetened whipped cream.
A variety of beverages available.
Suggested donation $5.

Welcome!

Event chair: Peter

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Friday Happy Hour: Sportlov

Friday, March 24, 7 pm

Friday night is the Sweet Sixteen round of men’s college basketball March Madness: Alabama vs San Diego State and Houston vs Miami. Watch it at the Club!

• Hot dogs
• Beer, wine, snacks
• Fire in the fireplace
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Sportlov (literally, “sports break” in English) has its origins during World War II when it was too expensive to heat the schools in Scandinavia during the coldest month of the year, so children were given a week off.

The tradition continued when people realized that keeping children out of school for a week dramatically reduced the spread of colds and flu. And today, different parts of Scandinavia enjoy sportlov in different weeks to avoid overcrowding on the slopes.

Of course, you don’t have to go skiing – any type of sport (or none at all!) is acceptable during this late-February/early-March break.

Event chair: Ed

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Friday Happy Hour: Neneh Cherry 59

Friday, March 10, 7 pm

• Chicken and barley soup (with Ed’s sourdough bread)
• Beer, wine, snacks
• Fire in the fireplace
• March Madness on the flatscreen (tech willing)
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

P.S. Feel free to come on down 30 minutes early to help set up!

Event chair: Ed

Neneh Mariann Karlsson (born March 10, 1964), better known as Neneh Cherry, is a Swedish singer-songwriter, rapper, occasional DJ and broadcaster. One of her best known singles is 7 seconds, which she performed along with Youssou N’Dour in 1994.

Watch music video on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqCpjFMvz-k

Neneh’s half-brother is Eagle-Eye Cherry, most known for his 1997 single “Save Tonight”.

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Oskar Stenmark Duo – Concert with semlor

Sunday, February 19, 2 pm

Oskar Stenmark is coming to Fairfield for the first time! Oskar, born in Gothenburg, Sweden, is the tenth generation in his family to play music. His trumpet has been heard at the Super Bowl, The Matrix Resurrections and he has opened up for Lenny Kravitz among others. Jeff Washburn is a multi faceted singer and guitar playerr. Together they are bringing Swedish classic hits in an intimate setting. You will hear music by ABBA, Roxette and Avicii for example, this dynamic duo is not to be missed!

Oskar Stenmark – Flugelhorn and trumpet
Jeff Washburn – Guitar and voice

Price of admission:

• Member: $10
• Non-member: $20
• Child: $10

Ticket includes:

• Concert (approximately 1 hour)
• 1 semla (fluffy brioche bun with a hint of cardamom, filled with whipped cream and almond paste, then dusted with powdered sugar)
• 1 beverage (coffee, tea or soft drink)

Ticket holders may purchase additional semlor for $5 each.

Semlor have become a bit of an obsession in Sweden, as they are no longer only served for Shrove Tuesday (Swedish fettisdag, French Mardi Gras) sometimes appearing in bakeries before Christmas and all the way through Lent.

History has it that King Adolf Fredrik of Sweden died after consuming 14 of these creamy buns of goodness in 1771.

Sunday, February 19 marks Quinquagesima which is another way of saying 50 days until Easter. Related is Quadragesima which refers to the 40-day period of Lent. In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in order to replicate the account of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s journey into the desert for 40 days. So, before Lent starts on Ash Wednesday, let’s grab the last opportunity to indulge by semla.

Event chair: Peter

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Scandinavian Trivia Night

Friday, January 27, 7 pm

What Danish Territory is the world’s largest island?
Which Swedish Actress became known as “The Face“?
What does “Stockholm syndrome” really mean?

If you know the answers, you (and your team) may have a chance at winning the grand prize in the Club’s Scandinavian themed trivia contest. If you don’t know the answers, don’t worry, you still have some time to cram. Regardless, come for the fun and jest.

A Tribute to Club member Randy Summ. Legend has it that Randy once won a game of Trivial Pursuit on his first round – before any of the other players had a chance to play.

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• Beverages, snacks
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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• Hot dogs
• Beverages
• Freshly baked chocolate chip cookies
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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• Beverages
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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Friday Happy Hour: New Year’s

Friday, December 30, 7 pm

We’ll watch “Dinner for One” – perhaps the world’s funniest TV sketch. This 18-minute short film from 1963 takes place on New Year’s Eve. Freddie Frinton as the butler and May Warden as the Countess reminisce about bygone times. The butler acts as the old lady’s wooing cavaliers, while serving the dinner. The many toasts gets him tipsier with each course.

Event Chair: Peter

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Julbord (Christmas Buffet) with Gangspil Concert

Sunday, December 11, 1 – 4 pm

• Traditional Christmas food: Glögg, gravlax, sill, rye bread and cheese, home made Swedish meatballs with lingonberry jam and gravy, Christmas ham, prinskorv, Jansson’s Temptation, mashed potatoes, apple beet salad, carrot and turnip casseroles, rice pudding, gingerbread cookies, lingonberry juice, coffee
• Glass of wine or beer included. Cash bar available.
• Concert by Danish folk music duo Gangspil. The Danish musicians have let the Club know that they did not get their U.S. work visa straightened out in time, so they unfortunately had to cancel Sunday’s concert at the Club. The Event Committee regrets this late change in the program. However, Mats Klemets and the Scandinavian Club house band will play instead.

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Christmas Market

Saturday, December 3, 10 am – 3 pm

• Artisan vendors both inside and outside
• Nordic gifts and food
• Handmade crafts
• Baked goods
• Entertainment
• Lunch: Danish smørrebrød, Swedish pea soup, hot dogs. Indoor and outdoor seating available.
• Free parking
• Much more

Raffle: Vintage American Girl Doll Kirsten Larson with an entire wardrobe of outfits, including a Lucia gown and crown. Three books, rare accessories and bed included. Tickets are $5 and the winner does not need to be present to win.

Kirsten Larson is a pioneer girl of strength and spirit growing up in Minnesota in 1854. After a long, dangerous voyage with her family from Sweden to America, Kirsten finds it difficult to get used to a new country and a new way of life. But as she makes friends and discovers what her new land has to offer, she learns the true meaning of home – and that love is the same in any language. Read more about Kirsten.

Vendors:

Alpaca clothing  – Old Redding Farm
Artisanal small batch jams  – Sammy’s Kitch’n
Beeswax candles  – Sport Hill Honey Farm
Clothing  – Deb Owen
Clothing  – Nic and the Newfie
Crystals and macramé – Zoia’s Creations
Custom buckets – The Lucky Bucket
Felt hand bags – Heidi Armster
Florals – Floral Surroundings
Furniture, candles, and wooden toys  – 2Latitude
Glass – Funky Tulip Glassworks
Glass – Henry B Glass 
Glass – Jason Curtis
Hand bags – Jan Eklund
Hand knit clothing – Siw Potter and Anita Husebaek
Household – Izadorable
Household – Oak & Vale
Household – The Decorator’s Eye
Jewelry – Bead Free Forever
Jewelry – Emmy Starr Designs
Jewelry – Erin DeLuca
Jewelry – Lee Skalkos
Jewelry – Lydia Tucci Jewelry
Jewelry – Peace of Natur by Sofi
Jewelry – Robin Ann
Macramé – Knots on Euclid
Ornaments/decorations – Nancy Allyn 
Ornaments/decorations – Blue Door Vibes
Painting – Donna Albano
Pet Items – Stephanie Lauren
Photography – Brie’s Art
Photography and original environmental education products – Civilian Journalist
Swedish language – Svenska Skolan Connecticut
Skincare – Honey Bee Essential 
Skincare – Obtuse Organics
Wood turning – Dick Stein
Wood turning – Holm-Hansen Woodturning
Woodworking – Rustic Wares
Wreaths – Sonia Schaffner Wreaths

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• Snacks and beverages
• On the flatscreen: Your favorite (and most ridiculous) music videos from the ’80s: ABBA, Roxette, A-ha, Pet Shop Boys, Samantha Fox, The Police, and more!
• Fire in the fireplace
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Event Chair: Ed and Peter

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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Svenska Dagen Brunch

Sunday, November 6, 11 am – 1 pm

Fourth annual Svenska Dagen – Finnish Swedish Heritage Day celebration.

Traditional menu

• Pea soup
• Swedish punsch
• Oven pancake with strawberry jam and whipped cream
• Coffee

$20 for members/$30 for non-members.

Event Chair: Peter

Today, approximately 5% of the current population in Finland are considered to be Swedish-speaking Finns. This history of Swedish-speaking Finns dates back several centuries to when Finland was under Swedish rule and trade was prominent along the Baltic coast.

The day has been celebrated in Finland since 1908 by the Swedish speakers as “Svenska dagen”. The date was chosen in honor of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who was killed on November 6 in 1632 at the Battle of Lützen in the Thirty Years’ War.

Read more on Wikipedia.

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• Food
• Beverages
• Fire in the fireplace
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Event Chair: Ed

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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• Food: Smörgåstårta
• Beverages
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

“Bread Week” can be very stressful for the contestants on The Great British Baking Show on Netflix. It’s when Paul Hollywood critiques everything from the way bakers knead their dough to their choice of flour. And nothing is as intense as the Showstopper Challenge. This season (season 10, episode 2), Paul and Prue Leith asked the bakers to make smörgåstårta, a Swedish “sandwich-cake” and the results were… interesting.

Try some smörgåstårta for yourself at this Friday Happy Hour!

Read more: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smörgåstårta

On our flatscreen: The 1933 feature film Queen Christina starring 28 year old Swedish actress Greta Garbo. Garbo is back! And she talks! In English!

Read more about the Swedish Queen Christina (1626–1689): https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christina,_Queen_of_Sweden

Event Chair: Ed and Peter

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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• Food: Mac, prinskorv & cheese casserole
• Beverages: Sparkling pear drink from IKEA, BYOB
• Famous showtunes on 85″ flatscreen, including “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend” from the 1953 musical comedy film “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” starring Marilyn Monroe and Jane Russell!
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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• Korvsoppa – Scandinavian comfort food in the form of soup
• Beverages
• Music videos on 85″ flatscreen
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed and Peter

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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Leifur Eiríksson Brunch

Sunday, October 9
11 am – 1 pm

Everyone is welcome! Drop in, drop out at any time between 11 am and 1 pm.

• Swedish prinskorv with scrambled eggs and roasted potatoes
• Overnight oatmeal from steel cut Irish oats with all the fixings
• Sandwich ingredients: Bread, cheese, tomato, cucumber and more
• Baked goods for dessert and for sale
• Coffee, tea, orange juice, soda

$20 for members/$30 for non-members

Leifur Eiríksson (who is known in English as Leif Erikson) is probably the best known hero of Viking age Iceland, the first European to arrive in America: Leifur’s voyage to America in the year 1000 preceded the Christopher Columbus’ voyage by roughly half a millennia.

In 1964, the United States Congress authorized and requested the president to proclaim 9 October of each year as “Leif Erikson Day.”

Read more on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leif_Erikson

Event Chairs:
Catherine and Peter

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Friday Happy Hour

Friday, September 30, 7 pm

Casual get-together under the string lights outside the Picnic Pavilion.

Bring a friend! We are always looking for potential new Club members!

• Food and beverages
• Fire bowl
• Streaming jukebox (Spotify)
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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Friday Happy Hour

Friday, September 16, 6:30 pm

This casual get-together under the string lights outside the Picnic Pavilion includes:

• Danish Hotdogs and Hamburgers plus Beverages
• Bubble wands for kids of all ages
• Corn hole (or other lawn games)
• Raffle
• Fire bowls
• Streaming jukebox (Spotify summer music)
• Donation jar for capital improvements!

Cheers,
Ed and Lisbeth

P.S. Please fee free to come on down 30 minutes early to help setup!

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Friday Happy Hour

Friday, September 9, 6:30 pm

Club members and guests are getting together this Friday to relax and share some time together. The Club will offer simple grill food, beverages and snacks. If you have a beverage preference bring it along. Donation jars will be out for anyone interested in supporting the Club’s mission. Proceeds will go to the Club as always.

A couple club members volunteering to set up tables and chairs at 6 pm would be appreciated. Let us know if you have an item to donate for a raffle prize.

Chaired by Ed.

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Friday Happy Hour: “Villaavslutning”

Saturday, August 26
7–9 pm

“Villaavslutning”, which directly translates to “closing of the summer house”, is a festive farewell to summer in Ostrobothnia, Finland. It is always celebrated on the last weekend in August and the festivities culminate in mighty bonfires, torches, colored lanterns, fireworks, and more. The original and genuine celebration takes place at the summer house in the archipelago.

Casual get-together under the string lights outside the Picnic Pavilion with traditional BONFIRE and luminarias.

• Beverages
• Raffle
• Streaming jukebox (Spotify summer music)
• Corn hole (or other lawn games)
• Firefly lightshow (after dark)
• Donation jar

Fireworks is also a tradition, but we can’t do that.

Event Chairs:
Lisbeth and Ed

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Friday Happy Hour

Friday, July 22, 6–8 pm

Weather forecast shows sunny 🌞 and temperatures in the upper 80s, but cooling somewhat in the evening.

• Hamburgers and hot dogs
• Beverages of all kinds
• Spotify summer playlist
• Donation jar

The sun is hot, the water’s cool. Don’t forget to bring your bikini or board shorts in case you need to cool off in the water by the beach!

Chaired by Ed. Thank you!

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Family camping

Saturday, July 16 @ 6 pm to Sunday @ 10 am

Bring your tent and camping spirit this Saturday night for a campout in the back field at the Club.

• Hamburger and hot dog dinner on Saturday night
• Fire bowls with s’mores station
• Scrambled eggs breakfast on Sunday morning

Overnight is not mandatory! Come for an informal get-together, food and drinks on Saturday night. Stay for as long as you like.

Don’t forget bug repellent!

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Midsummer Celebration

Saturday, June 25, 5 – 9 pm

Outdoor sit-down dinner at community table for 70 people
(Sunset is at 8:30 pm, so dress in layers)
– Live music
– Fire bowls

Menu:
Appetizer: Pickled herring, gravlax, mustard, Estonian rye bread
Entree: Poached salmon with sauce verte, potatoes, cucumber salad, bread
(Alternative to fish will be available, including vegan option.)
Dessert: Strawberry shortcake, cookies
Included beverages: Aquavit, Swedish Punsch, wine/soda, coffee

Cost: $40/person for members. $60/person for non-members. Kids free.

Signup is required. Limited to 70 attendees.

SOLD OUT! Sorry.

Make your own flower crown and wear it:

For those who would like to practice the singing

“Helan går” by Brahe Djäknar & Florakören:

“Punschen kommer” according to Vasa nation at the University of Helsinki:

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Friday Happy Hour

Friday, May 20, 6–8 pm

We’ll plant a whitebarked Himalayan birch (Betula jacquemontii) tree to commemorate the bequest by the Florence and Eleanor Franzen estate, which had enclosed the following note: “Miss Franzen was very proud of her Scandinavian heritage and made this bequest so that your organization could preserve Scandinavian traditions and culture.”

Birch trees are an iconic symbol of the Nordic region with their papery white bark, long lean trunks with eye-like knots and the warming sweet smell of the sauna. They grow abundantly all around Scandinavia. Aside from their distinctive outward appearance, many parts of birch are also used for food: their sap is traditionally drunk fresh, boiled down into syrup, and even brewed into beer, and the small buds, harvested in the winter before they begin to shoot, are deeply resinous and aromatic. The chewing gum sweetener xylitol is extracted from birch trees.

Eleanor Franzen (1922–2019) and Florence Franzen (1918–2006) were two sisters who devoted their lives to their parents, John and Ellen Franzen, their church, The Scandinavian Club including the Northern Lights female chorus, The Southbury Lutheran Home Guild and traveling.

Growing up in Bridgeport, Conn. they were life members of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. Between the two of them they participated in many of its facets: Sunday School, music, fairs including baking! Florence was a secretary at the Fairfield Board of Education and Ellie worked at People’s Bank, Fairfield.

Neither of them ever married, but they were survived by several cousins in Connecticut and Sweden. Florence and Eleanor were two very special ladies who shared their compassion and love with anyone they contacted.

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Eurovision Song Contest Viewing Party

Saturday, May 14, 3 – 6 pm

Europe’s favorite television show streaming live via the internet on the Club’s new 85-inch TV!

If you grew up in Europe there’s no need to explain. Before American Idol there was Eurovision. Since 1956, the Contest has been broadcast every year and is one of television’s longest running music shows. It is one of the most watched non-sporting events in the world. Featuring kitschy costumes and every style of music, love it or hate it the Contest represents a broad cross section of European culture unmatched by any other event.

• 40 countries participate in Eurovision 2022; 25 in the Grand Final.
• Two semi-finals are held leading up to Saturday’s Grand Final.
• Five countries are automatic pre-qualified for the Grand Final: France, Germany, Italy, Spain and United Kingdom.
• Each country will have two sets of 1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,10 and 12 points to give: One set for each country’s jury, and one set for each country’s televoting. Televoters and national juries have equal weight in the voting.

This year’s Contest is hosted by Italy (Turin).

Sweden has won 6 times. First time with ABBA (Waterloo) in 1974.
Finland has finished last 11 times, but won in 2006.

Systur (Sigga, Beta and Elín) will represent Iceland 🇮🇸 at the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 in Turin with the song ‘Með Hækkandi Sól’.

The Rasmus will represent Finland 🇫🇮 this year with the song “Jezebel.”

Cornelia Jakobs will represent Sweden 🇸🇪 this year with the song “Hold Me Closer.”

Subwoolfer will represent Norway  this year with the song “Give That Wolf A Banana.”

Sadly, Denmark 🇩🇰 did not qualify for the Grand Final this year. Here’s Reddi with the song “The Show.”

Finland’s first and, so far, only Eurovision win (2006).

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Spring Artisan Fair

Saturday, April 30, 10 am – 4 pm

• Local fine arts and crafts vendors showcasing handcrafted artistic gifts
• Free admission and parking
• Outdoors
• Burgers and hot dogs
• Coffee, tea, soda

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Swedish Punsch Workshop

Saturday, April 2, 5 – 7 pm

Help preserve a hundred year old tradition by learning how to make the classic liqueur of Scandinavia. Our “Swedish Punsch” will be made from batavia arrack (pot distilled rum from Indonesia) mixed with smooth Barbados rum, Yunnan tea, sugar and Sorrento lemons.

Punsch is traditionally served warm as an accompaniment to Swedish yellow pea soup (ärtsoppa) which will also be served at the workshop with a small sample of commercial Punsch for tasting.

Each participant or couple will leave with 2 x 17 fluid ounces of Punsch (Classic and Raspberry, around 23% ABV).

Limited to 20 people (or 20 couples); 21 and older only.

Event chair: Peter

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Swedish Waffle Day

Saturday, March 26, 1 – 3 pm
Inside the Clubhouse and/or outside by Picnic Pavilion

“Våffeldagen” (Waffle Day in Swedish) stems from a mispronunciation. The traditional Feast of the Annunciation, or “Vårfrudagen” (Our Lady’s Day) in Swedish sounds an awful lot like “Våffeldagen”, and so over time, this became less about the conception of Jesus, and more about crispy, delightful waffles.

In earlier times most Swedes were poor, living off the land and coping with a very harsh climate. Late March marked the start of the crop growing season and the increased availability of eggs and milk. As eggs symbolized the start of spring, it became popular to use them to make waffles to celebrate.

We’ll have an array of the traditional Swedish waffle irons that make thin, crispy, heart-shaped waffles.

Served with strawberry jam and sweetened whipped cream.
A variety of beverages available.
Suggested donation $5.

Welcome!

Event chair: Marianne

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Semlor

Sunday, February 27, 1–3 pm

It’s the time of year for “semla” (plural “semlor”) again! These traditional Swedish pastries are fluffy brioche buns with a hint of cardamom, filled with whipped cream and almond paste, then dusted with powdered sugar.

Get your “semlor” to go, or enjoy inside the Clubhouse, or outdoors by the Picnic Pavilion in a relaxed, wintery setting with coffee and other hot beverages.

“Semlor” have become a bit of an obsession in Sweden, as they are no longer only served for “Shrove Tuesday” (Swedish “fettisdag”, French “Mardi Gras”) sometimes appearing in bakeries before Christmas and all the way through Lent.

History has it that King Adolf Fredrik of Sweden died after consuming 14 of these creamy buns of goodness in 1771.

Sunday, February 27 marks “Quinquagesima” which is another way of saying 50 days until Easter. Related is “Quadragesima” which refers to the 40-day period of Lent. In Lent, many Christians commit to fasting, as well as giving up certain luxuries in order to replicate the account of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ’s journey into the desert for 40 days. So, before Lent starts on “Ash Wednesday”, let’s grab the last opportunity to indulge by “semla”.

Event chair: Peter

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Dinner: Plant-Based Nordic by Chrissy Tracey, Bon Appetit’s First Vegan Chef

Saturday, February 5, 6–10 pm

A three course menu:

• Carrot lox on toast
• Vegan Swedish meatballs, potatoes, pickled beets, lingonberry jam, smashed peas
• Runeberg torte in a vegan reincarnation

Vegan chardonnay pairing.

Limited to 30 seats.

SOLD OUT! Sorry!

The dessert is named after the Finnish poet Johan Ludvig Runeberg (1804–1877) who, according to legend, regularly enjoyed the torte with punsch for breakfast. Runeberg tortes are typically eaten only in Finland and are generally available in stores from the beginning of January to Runeberg’s birthday on February 5.

Event chair: Catherine

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Glögg Party (Members only)

Friday, December 17, 7–10 pm

• Glögg
• Swedish cocktail meatballs
• Risengrød / risgrynsgröt / riisipuuro / rice porridge with cinnamon sugar and butter pat
• Other light refreshments
• Cookie swap! Bring the overflow from your holiday baking (along with your recipe or note of potential allergens) and get a variety of different cookies in return. For fun, not competition! Try to bring at least 2 dozen cookies of any one variety. And empty tins for your traded cookies!

Party will be indoors, so please only attend if you’re fully vaccinated.

No need to sign up. We’re not going to run out of glögg. 🙂

Event chairs:
Steve and Catherine

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Experience an Old World Scandinavian Christmas Market

Saturday, December 4, 10 am – 3 pm

• Artisan vendors both inside and outside
• Nordic gifts and food
• Handmade crafts
• Baked goods
• Entertainment
• Lunch
• Free parking
• Much more

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New this year: Scandinavian candy shop!

The “Swedish Lösgodis” box contains the most common, traditional Swedish loose candy packed in a giftbox for you to share and enjoy.

Also available: Marianne (peppermint covered chocolates), Finnish soft licorice, Marabou Schweizernöt (chopped hazelnuts in milk chocolate), Cloetta Guld Nougat and Norwegian Freia Firkløver milk chocolate.

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Braided Cardamom Bread has been a staple at the Scandinavian Club’s Christmas Market every year. This traditional holiday loaf is a delicious, enriched dough topped with pearl sugar. This puffy braided dough is perfect when paired with warm coffee.

Available for pickup at 10 am on Saturday, Dec 4 at the Christmas Market.

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Homemade Swedish meatballs with mashed potatoes, creamy gravy and lingonberry jam. Side of wilted cucumber salad with dill. Slice of Estonian rye bread with butter. Served in convenient take out container.

Available for pickup at 12 noon on Saturday, Dec 4 at the Christmas Market.

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Limited number of homemade VEGAN Swedish “meatballs” (seitan, brown rice, beets, traditional seasonings) with VEGAN mashed potatoes, VEGAN mushroom gravy and VEGAN lingonberry jam. Side of VEGAN wilted cucumber salad with dill. Slice of VEGAN rye bread with VEGAN butter. Served in convenient take out container.

Available at 12 noon. $15

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Vendors:

• Adirondack furniture and toys – 2Latitude
• Artisanal small batch jams – Sammy’s Kitch’n
• Beeswax candles – Sport Hill Honey Farm
• Beeswax hand and body creams – Honey Bee Essential
• Candles and jewelry – Wicked Wires and Wax
• Ceramics – Patty Church
• Christmas ornaments – Nancy Allyn
• Custom clothing and knitting – Deb Owen
• Dog leashes and collars – Stephenie Lauren LLC
• Felt Handbags – Heidi Armster
• Floral designs – Floral Surroundings
• Glass – Funky Tulip Glassworks
• Glass – Jason Curtis
• Glass objects – Henry B Glass
• Hand carvings – Driftwood Design
• Hand made soaps and oils – KIS Skincare LLC
• Jewelry – Beadfreeforever
• Jewelry – Erin DeLuca
• Jewelry – Lee Skalkos
• Jewelry – Robin Ann
• Organic skin care – Ingrid Vit
• Paintings – Donna Albano
• Photos and cards – The Rescued Earth
• Planters – Karen West
• Pouches and handbags – Jan Eklund
• Scandinavian gifts – Gunilla Elm-Rogers
• Scandinavian knitting – Siw Potter and Anita Husebaek
• Scandinavian themed clothing – Sven Moller
• Shelves and cutting boards – Modern Wood Products
• Svenska Skolan Connecticut
• Wire earrings, wine glasses – Danu Artisans
• Woodturning – Dick Stein
• Woodturning – Steve Holm-Hansen

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Svenska Dagen

Saturday, November 6, 5 pm

Third annual Svenska Dagen dinner. This year we’ll be inside again.

Traditional menu
Pea soup
Swedish punsch
Oven pancake

Raffle.

Donation jar.

Event chair: Peter

Today, approximately 5% of the current population in Finland are considered to be Swedish-speaking Finns. This history of Swedish-speaking Finns dates back several centuries to when Finland was under Swedish rule and trade was prominent along the Baltic coast.

The day has been celebrated in Finland since 1908 by the Swedish speakers as “Svenska dagen”. The date was chosen in honor of King Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who was killed on November 6 in 1632 at the Battle of Lützen in the Thirty Years’ War.

Read more on Wikipedia.

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FCS presents MAMMA MIA!

October 15–24, multiple performances

Fairfield Center Stage (FCS), an environmental community theater group, will present an outdoor production of the hit musical comedy MAMMA MIA! with an all-local cast during two weekends in October.

Like the ABBA concert last year at the Club, this performance will also be outdoors on back field with socially distanced lawn square seating.

For more info and tickets, visit https://www.fairfieldcenterstage.org/up-next

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Octoberfest – Scandinavian beer tasting

Friday, October 8, 6–8 pm

SOLD OUT!

This extra-special event will have beer expert (and cartoonist) Em Sauter conduct a beer tasting with a Nordic touch – one beer from each of the 5 Nordic countries.

Also, get answers to all your beer-related questions, for example:

• Is beer best stored in a bottle or a can?
• Did the Vikings drink beer or mead?
• What is a fruit lambic?

Food: Genuine Swedish Falukorv baked in the oven with cheese
(since drinking on an empty stomach is not recommended)

Palate cleanser: Freshly baked soft pretzel sticks

Music: Oktoberfest playlist from Spotify

Cost: $25 (Designated drivers free)

This event is not open to the general public. Fully vaccinated members and guests only. Limited to 24 participants. Each participant will be served 4 oz pours of 5 different beers, in addition to food.

Please bring your designated driver.

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Event chair: Steve Holm-Hansen

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Download a PDF listing all the tag sale sites around the town of Fairfield this weekend:

https://operationhopect.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/oh-tag-sale-sites-2021.pdf

Or check out a Google map:

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