Summer is here, and soon it will be Fall before we know it. Work at the Lodge by Terry Mapstone, Dave Haugen, and others has been busy with repairs to the Lodge and upkeep of the property. We had our summer picnic at Bear Creek Park, and now we are getting ready for our Annual Fish Fry and Viking Fair. I hope you will be able to join us and enjoy the festivities.

Bring your friends and neighbors and have a great time with us; it is always a great experience for all.

JUST A LITTLE BIT ABOUT NORWEGIAN CULTURE: Norway’s Viking past influences many customs, from architecture to festivals. Rural traditions, including wooden houses, cabin culture, and local crafts, remain strong, especially outside major cities. Families often stay in the same region for generations, reinforcing local identity and continuity of traditions. At our last Heritage meeting, Kerry Hefta noted that Norwegian society is known for punctuality and respect for individuals. Relationships tend to be few but deep, and social equality is a core value.

One thing Norwegians don’t have in common with other countries is that personal space is highly respected in Norway. Norwegians don’t like to stand close to strangers. We don’t talk to strangers on the bus, in the elevator, or in a waiting room. We heard in Kerry’s cultural discussion that Norwegians aren’t huggers; we don’t like to sit next to strangers on the bus. We stand as far away from each other as possible while waiting for public transportation. If you want to sit on the bench while someone else is sitting there, they will most likely move; you are way too close.

Norwegians are nature enthusiasts. We spend a lot of time in nature every day. Norway is beautiful, and we have trails and hikes everywhere. It is easy for us to just put on our shoes and get outside.

You can even download apps to register for hikes and find the popular “sjekkUT” signs along many popular trails across the country.

Quote on Traditions by Winston Churchill

“A love for tradition has never weakened a nation, indeed, it has strengthened nations in their hour of peril.” – Winston Churchill, emphasizing tradition’s unifying and stabilizing power.

Mark Wedo
Fjellheim Lodge President