Nordic Knit & Craft Gathering

Our October meeting has been cancelled because it conflicts with the rain date for Berserk, our Viking festival. We hope to see you in November! Nordic culture has a rich tradition of fiber arts such as knitting and weaving, from Icelandic lopapeysa sweaters to Norwegian selbuvotter mittens. Our monthly Nordic Knit &amp; Craft Gathering celebrates this while also welcoming all crafts, cultures, techniques and styles. Join a group of crafters who are creative and curious and get ready to be inspired!<ul><li>Bring your own supplies</li><li>All types of craft welcome: draw, weave, collage, embroider, bedazzle… we love seeing new ideas!</li><li>Drop in anytime between 10am and noon</li><li>You’re welcome to get coffee, pastries, and open-face sandwiches from the Kaffestugan and bring them into the Nordic Hall to enjoy. You can also bring food or coffee from home if you prefer!</li><li>All experience levels welcome–all you need to do to fit in here is be kind and respectful&nbsp;:)</li></ul>Second Saturdays | 10am-12pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/nordic-knit-craft-gathering-tickets-1997338759998?aff=oddtdtcreator">free with registration</a> | BYO supplies | donations to support free programming are welcome

Scandinavian Cultural Center & Library

J-Dag: A Festive Beer Tasting

Celebrate Christmas like a Dane! Or rather, celebrate the arrival of Christmas beer like a Dane! <img src="https://scandicenter.org/wp-content/uploads/J-dag-1200x720-1.jpg">The first Friday of November is known in Denmark as J-Dag, short for julebryg dag, meaning “Christmas beer day.” J-Dag started in the 1980s when Tuborg Brewery began releasing their extremely popular Julebryg and has become a beloved tradition. Tuborg salesmen drive around Denmark handing out beers to crowds decked out in blue Santa hats (to match the bottle’s blue packaging). While Tuborg's Julebryg isn't available in the U.S., we have our own local seasonal brews! In the spirit of the holiday, we invite you to try some beers from Somerville's <a href="https://www.aeronautbrewing.com/">Aeronaut Brewing</a> with us. Ticket includes a flight so you can sample our selection, a blue Santa hat, and Danish snacks (including pigs in a blanket!). Once you've tasted your flight, you can head back to the bar to purchase your favorite(s) in full size. Friday, November 6th | 6 – 8pm | 21+ | $25 | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/j-dag-tickets-2003088906842?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a>

Bilingual Storytime: Moomin

Join us as we celebrate Moomins at bilingual storytime in Swedish and English! Our library volunteers Linnea and Maya will be reading Hur gick det sen? (Then what happened?). Moomintrolls are beloved storybook characters created by Finland-Swedish children’s book author, novelist, and artist Tove Jansson. She published her first Moomin book in 1945 and continued to publish Moomin stories over the next five decades. The residents of Moominland remain as cherished today as they were 80 years ago. Linnea will read Hur gick det sen?, which follows characters Moomin, Mymble, and Little My on a colorful and exciting adventure. Next, Maya will read the English translation of the same story. After the reading, everyone is invited to color and make a Moomin-themed craft. You don’t need to speak Swedish or English to enjoy this storytime! All ages can enjoy this brightly colored tale, which features cutouts on each page so that readers can guess “what happens next.” Of this detail, Jansson said, “The characters crawl through and are met on the next page by the most surprising things. I think the moment of astonishment is vital when you are trying to capture the interest of small children.” Our Kaffestugan will be open and serving open face sandwiches, pastries, and coffee–vital to capturing the interest of adults! Parents and caretakers are welcome to bring their drinks and snacks to storytime. Please RSVP in advance using the link below. Saturday, November 7th | 11am – noon | all ages | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bilingual-storytime-moomins-tickets-2004023653695?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">free, RSVP here!</a>

Screening: The Bridgeplayers

Join us for a screening of The Bridgeplayers, a contemplative documentary about friendship and perseverance. The film centers on four women who survived Auschwitz as teenagers then emigrated to Sweden, where their enduring friendship began. Over the past 80 years, they have seen war and change, but through it all still gathered to play bridge. As the rise of far-right politics and war bring back harrowing memories of their youth, the four friends have different ways of reckoning their past with the present. This thoughtful and moving documentary provides a meaningful perspective on today’s global climate through the eyes of holocaust survivors. English and Swedish with English subtitles | runtime 82 minutes | 2025 Saturday, November 7th | 1pm | $10, $5 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-the-bridgeplayers-tickets-1991714719341?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">tickets</a> *Free admission for anyone who qualifies for WIC, EBT, or ConnectorCare. Email <a href="mailto:caroline@scandicenter.org">caroline@scandicenter.org</a> to reserve a ticket free of charge or request tickets in person at the event.

Screening: The Love That Remains

<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkvA0IXRDgo">The Love That Remains</a> (original Icelandic title: Ástin sem eftir er) is a story of an Icelandic family in which the parents are separating. Anna, an artist, and Magnus, a fisherman, share three children and live in Iceland’s stunning countryside. With wit and depth, auteur Hlynur Pálmason explores a year in the family’s life through a series of vignettes. The film is beautifully shot on 35mm film and features bursts of surrealism. Join us for this visually and emotionally radiant study of a family. Saturday, November 14th | 1pm | $10, $5 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/screening-the-love-that-remains-tickets-1999268539019?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email <a href="mailto:caroline@scandicenter.org">caroline@scandicenter.org</a> Icelandic with English subtitles. 109 min

Talk: Hygge and Happiness

Dr. Anne Ipsen will give an illustrated talk about Hygge and Happiness, drawing on Meik Wiking’s “The Little Book of Hygge” and her own recent book, “Happier Longevity,” by Anne Ipsen and Tami Muller. Hygge has been described as the cozy feeling of curling up with a good book, spending time with loved ones, or sharing food with your closest friends. It is about savoring the simple pleasures of everyday life. It is a familiar concept to Danes and Norwegians but is related to similar cultural concepts in Sweden and Finland. In short, it is one explanation for why Nordic people vie for first and second place as the happiest people on earth. So, how do we become happier? Although Anne’s book was written for seniors like herself, including their families and caregivers, much of the material applies to people of any age. It is based on scientific research and the SPIRE happiness framework by Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar and his Happiness Institute. The talk will combine these two concepts and explain how hygge and the SPIRE framework can contribute to a happier life. Saturday, October 24th | 1pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talk-hygge-and-happiness-tickets-1995955751382?aff=oddtdtcreator">free with registration</a>* *donations to support free programming are welcome and can be given via Eventbrite ﻿Dr. Ipsen was born in Denmark but emigrated to the USA with her parents in 1949 and grew up in Cambridge. She graduated from Radcliffe College and received a PhD in Statistics from Harvard University. She has been a writer for over thirty-five years, having published ten books, including two memoirs and five historical novels. Her first memoir, “A Child’s Tapestry of War, Denmark 1940-45,” and the historical novel “Karen from the Mill,” were written while she was a Professor of Public Health at the University of Minnesota, where she taught, published technical papers, and collaborated on medical research. After leaving academia to pursue writing full-time, she and her husband moved back to the Boston area in 2005. Anne walks the talk. At ninety-one years of age, she continues to write, give talks, and actively participate in her independent living community in Wellesley. She is widowed and has two adult children and five grandchildren.

Talk: Mangle Boards of Northern Europe

A mangle board is a plank of wood used in the 16th to 20th centuries to smooth wrinkles in linen. Author of the book “Mangle Boards of Northern Europe: A Definitive To The Geographic Origins of Mangle Boards” Jay Raymond joins us for a presentation of his research on the objects, which he surveyed over 7,000 of from museums in Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Germany, and the Netherlands. The boards are not only functional but decorative, and Raymond studied and catalogued the aesthetic differences between regions. Join us to learn about these beautiful tools of the past, and stay for a Q&amp;A with Raymond to ask any questions you might have about mangle boards or the process of writing and researching his book. “The book is like a fine art museum, inviting you to go deeper, to look more closely. It feels fresh and ancient, all at once. The layout is just right, showcasing the text as well as the art. I get the sense of traveling back in time, from country to country, with this friendly and erudite curator showing the way.” – Reader Saturday, October 17th | 1pm | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talk-mangle-boards-of-northern-europe-tickets-1994092949692?aff=oddtdtcreator">free with registration</a>

Bilingual Storytime: Trolls

Come explore the world of trolls with the Scandinavian Library! Our library volunteer Maya will read a Norwegian children’s book in both Norwegian and English. During the story, littles will have an opportunity to decorate their own Troll to take home! We’ll have coloring pages, markers, crayons, yarn, and assorted bits and bobs to customize the trolls. All ages and spoken languages are welcome: you don’t need to speak Norwegian to enjoy this bilingual storytime and craft. Feel free to stop by the <a href="https://scandicenter.org/event/rakmackans-dag-shrimp-sandwich-day-2026/">Kaffestugan</a> for pastries, open-face sandwiches, and coffee for grownups. Saturday, October 17th | 10am – 11am | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bilingual-storytime-tickets-2003086608969?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">free with registration</a>

Berserk: A Viking Festival For All

⚔️ Berserk: A Viking Festival for All—epic battles, crafts, music &amp; Nordic food. Step into Norse legend—fun for all ages! This event has been rescheduled from September 26th due to weather. Sharpen your axes and gather your clan—<a href="https://scandicenter.org/event/berserk-2026/">BERSERK, our epic Viking festival</a>, is storming back into town on Saturday, October 10th! TWO Rival Viking Encampments will take over the front lawn—witness warriors crafting tools of the past, playing traditional Viking games, and clashing in combat demonstrations throughout the day. It all leads up to an all-out battle to the “death” at 2PM—you won’t want to miss it! ON THE LAWN:<ul><li>Viking Encampments Step into the world of Norse warriors—explore daily life, tools, and traditions in our rival camps.</li><li>Crafts, Games &amp; Warrior Training Fun for all ages—test your skills, train like a Viking, and unleash your inner shield-maiden or berserker!</li><li>Stone Lifting with the New England Stone Lifters Think you’ve got Viking strength? Step up and try your hand at lifting legendary stones—glory (and bragging rights) await!</li></ul>KIDS’ CORNER:<ul><li>Rune-Making Station Create your own Viking message in ancient runes—mystical, magical, and yours to take home!</li><li>Weaving Station Try your hand at traditional weaving and craft something colorful, cozy, and uniquely yours.</li><li>Viking Interaction Zone Meet the Vikings! Ask questions, explore gear, and step right into the world of Norse legends.</li></ul>FEAST-LIKE FJORD-FOLK:<ul><li>Waffle Samples &amp; Sandwiches from our beloved Kaffestugan Warm, golden, and impossible to resist—come taste a Scandinavian favorite.</li><li>Nordic Breads, Prepared Foods, Candies &amp; Scandi Goods Stock up on sweet, savory, and everything in between—your Nordic pantry starts here.</li><li>Icelandic Hot Dogs from Gunner’s Icelandic Hot Dogs A true Reykjavík street food classic—juicy hot dogs piled high with crispy onions, sweet brown mustard, remoulade, and more. One bite and you’ll understand the hype.</li></ul>Prepare your shield, don your cloak, and get ready to go BERSERK! Saturday, October 10th 11am – 3pm Adults $20 in advance ($25 day of), Kids 12 &amp; under $10 ($15 day of) <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/berserk-a-viking-festival-for-all-ages-tickets-1988424186268?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">Buy tickets here!</a> Skål!

Gallery Reception: Jens Retlev

Sweden meets New England on our gallery walls this fall. Join us for a reception celebrating Swedish-born, Rhode Island-based artist Jens Retlev and a body of work inspired by the landscapes that have shaped his life—from the coastlines and countryside of Scandinavia to the forests, mountains, and shores of New England. Tuesday, October 6th | 6–8 PM | Free Jens Retlev grew up in Sweden surrounded by dramatic landscapes, beautiful cities, and a deep appreciation for art and architecture. His father was both a painter and an architect, and Jens learned early to notice the beauty in the world around him. After moving to Rhode Island as a young adult, he found himself equally enchanted by New England. His paintings bring those two worlds together, capturing memories of Scandinavia alongside the places and landscapes he continues to discover closer to home. Through color, texture, light, and shadow, Jens celebrates the natural world—and the places that stay with us long after we’ve left them.

Between Languages: The Power of Multilingualism

In bi- and multilingual homes, parents sometimes struggle with the decision which language(s) they should use with their children. Outside of the family, at least since the 1960s when the first bilingual programs were introduced in schools in Canada, there has been a heated debate in many countries around the world as to the pros and cons offering bilingual education programs. In this presentation by Dr. Beata Schmid, she will review the recommendations given to parents, caretakers and educators, the history and the various iterations of immersion and other types of programs, as well as the impact that public opinion and referenda have had on multilingual education and upbringing. Participants are welcome to share their own experiences as well. We will also provide some insights into language acquisition theories and what more recent findings tell us about the positive impact of multilingualism, not just on children. Saturday, October 3rd | 1pm | <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1355053529983989">This event is FREE with registration</a> Dr. Beata Schmid has a Ph.D. in Linguistics from Brown University. As a practicing applied linguist, she studies how people learn and use language(s) in the real world.Now retired, she previously worked as a senior academic officer at EF Education, based in Cambridge. Now she does occasional school compliance visits and enjoys gardening, traveling, cooking and playing with her dogs.

ABBA Music Bingo

Voulez-vous like to play some bingo? Take a chance on us Thursday, October 1st for a music bingo night featuring the songs of Swedish pop legends ABBA! Here’s the name of the game: you’ll get a bingo card and fill it with hits such as “Waterloo,” “Dancing Queen,” and “Take A Chance On Me.” Then, we’ll shuffle a playlist, and when you hear one of your songs, mark it on your card. The first person to get five songs across will win a special prize–the winner takes it all! There will (obviously) be a disco ball, and dancing is encouraged! We welcome you to dress up in all manners of sequins, bellbottoms, and lurex. Drinks and Swedish candy will be available for purchase, and an array of exciting prizes available to win! Don’t let this opportunity go slipping through your fingers… Thursday, October 1st | 7 – 8:30pm | $20, $10 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/abba-bingo-tickets-1991571008498?aff=oddtdtcreator&amp;keep_tld=true">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org

Exhibition On Screen: Munch

Seventh Art Productions, founded by BAFTA award-winning filmmaker Phil Grabsky, brings the museum to you with <a href="https://seventh-art.com/about-us/">Exhibition On Screen</a>. With teams of cinematographers and art experts, they film guided tours of art exhibits from around the world, allowing you to see masterpieces and hear the stories behind them. We will be screening “Munch,” which is an in-depth look at the exhibition celebrating Edvard Munch (1863 – 1944), a visionary of modern art and national treasure of Norway. Directed by Ben Harding, the film provides beautifully shot footage of the exhibit, featuring over 200 paintings from the prolific artist. Host Tim Marlow is joined by special guests to provide the context that will allow you to admire the work even more. You’ll hear Munch’s fascinating life story and see the process of creating the exhibit, which was co-hosted by Norway’s National Museum and the Munch Museum in Oslo. Many know Munch from The Scream, which the exhibit has four different productions of, but you will see that Munch was an artist of incredible breadth who worked with many styles and subjects over the course of his exceptional career. “Beautifully filmed… The remarkable life story is threaded deep into every canvas displayed in the film.” Leigh Paatsch, Herald Sun “…a treat for the eyes” The Globe and Mail Saturday, November 26th | 1pm | $10, $5 for members, free for Nordic Film Society members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/exhibition-on-screen-munch-tickets-2002225740087?aff=oddtdtcreator">tickets</a> EBT, WIC, and ConnectorCare cardholders receive free admission. To reserve free tickets, email caroline@scandicenter.org Runtime 90 min.

September Sauna with Got Sauna

Escape the ordinary and experience the timeless tradition of authentic Finnish sauna. For the weekend of September 18th-20th, <a href="https://event.sportreach.com/scc-sauna-9">Got Sauna</a> will be on-site with their handcrafted wood-fired sauna. A Sauna Mestari (Finnish for “expert”) will be on site to guide you through a brief orientation so you can relax with confidence and enjoy the experience the Finnish way. Try some thermal contrast: you can experience the exhilaration of hot and cold therapy with a refreshing plunge or a crisp outdoor shower between sauna rounds. Afterwards, join in on a community gathering to enjoy light refreshments, rehydrate, and swap stories with fellow sauna adventurers. Whether you’re a seasoned sauna enthusiast or curious to feel Löyly (a Finnish word for the spirit or soul of the sauna experience) for the first time, there’s a session waiting for you. Choose between a private session for up to 8 people or share the experience in a community session. We recommend pre-registration, though walk-ins are welcome if space is available. Friday, September 18th to Sunday, September 20th | Multiple sessions offered throughout the day Private sessions starting at $70 per hour, community sessions $40 per person for up to 2 hours | <a href="https://event.sportreach.com/scc-sauna-9">For more information and to register, click here</a> Questions? Email <a href="mailto:Mark@GotSauna.com">Mark@GotSauna.com</a>

Runes 101

History • Meaning • Divination • Everyday Practice Curious about the ancient symbols of the Norse world? Join us for a full-day introduction to the runes with Behzad "Bear" Bakhshandeh, an initiated Shaman in The Northern Tradition Shamanism Guild and practicing Norse Pagan. Together you'll explore: ✨ The history and origins of the Elder Futhark and Anglo Saxon Futhork ✨ The meaning of each rune ✨ Rune divination and interpretation ✨ Connecting with rune spirits ✨ Practical ways to incorporate runes into your daily life Our Scandinavian café, Kaffestugan, will be open throughout the lunch break with coffee, pastries, sandwiches, and Scandinavian specialties available for purchase. You're also welcome to bring a bagged lunch—refrigeration is available. Saturday, September 19 | 10am–4pm | $125, $75 for members | <a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/runes-101-tickets-1994039155793?aff=oddtdtcreator">advanced registration required</a> Behzad "Bear" Bakhshandeh is an initiated Shaman in The Northern Shamanism Guild and a Norse Pagan. Through his own practice and his work with Summit Performance Therapy in Auburn, Massachusetts, Bear has spent years leading ceremonies, rituals, and guided journeys while helping others deepen their spiritual practice.

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