Events This Year | Pittsburghscandinavians

2024 Events For the Zoom link to all on-line events, contact President Eva Robinson

January 21, 2024 – SSWP presents a Virtual Film on Zoom at 3:00 p.m. Passage to Sweden recounts the efforts of Swedes to provide a refuge for Jews fleeing Nazi controlled areas and the Holocaust.
February 18, 2024 – Traditional Fastleven celebration. 3:00 p.m. Children are invited to come in costumes (anything fun) this is the Danish version of Carnival. There will be activities and crafts. Bring a dish to share. The event is being held at an event room of the Albion at Morrow Park at 5250 Liberty Ave. This is a secure facility. Contact Eva Robinson for information on entering. For more on parking click here.
March 17, 2024 — The Rev. Eric McIntosch, who directs the Pittsburgh Dioceses part in the Episcopal Church’s anti-racism program called “Beloved Community. The Talk is at 3 p.m. Bring a dish to share. The event is being held at an event room of the Albion at Morrow Park at 5250 Liberty Ave. This is a secure facility. Contact Eva Robinson for information on entering. For more on parking click here.
April 21, 2024 — It is still Easter season, and the society is celebrating “Easter on Liberty” with finds for the little ones and discussion for the adults. The event is being held at an event room of the Albion at Morrow Park at 5250 Liberty Ave. This is a secure facility. Contact Eva Robinson for information on entering. For more on parking click here.
May 19, 2024 — Norwegian Independence Day Celebration at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park, 3:00 p.m. Fun for the kids, and a good potluck for all. Bring a dish to share. BYOB.

2023 Events For the Zoom link to all on-line events, contact President Eva Robinson

March 19, 2023 – A presentation prepared and recorded by the Vesterheim Museum that features two members of the Tuve family talking about Richard and Merle Tuve who were brothers and scientists who made important contributions to their fields.
April 16, 2023 – 2:00-3:30 -Easter Egg Hunt for children at the Colombo Home. Contact Eva Robinson before event to let us know if you have children or grandchildren, coming. Nothing to bring, water coffee, and sweets for all.
May 7, 2023 – SPECIAL FILM SHOWING OF “Passage to Sweden” – an award-winning documentary film on those in Norway, Denmark and Sweden who helped save Jews in their country during World War II. The film director will be present for discussion following the showing at the Row House Theater in Lawrenceville. Tickets required and sponsors needed.
May 21, 2023 – Norwegian Independence Day Celebration at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park, 3:00 p.m. Bring a dish to share. BYOB.
July 22, 2023 – Midsommer Celebration – Saturday, at Renato and Suzanne Lyra’s Home, 104 Lazy W Lane, Cheswick, 3:00 p.m. There are special activities for children. Bring a dish, chairs or blankets, a dish to share and BYOB.
September 17, 2023 – Crayfish festival at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park at 3:00 p.m. Crayfish provided, bring a dish to share and BYOB.
October 14, 2023 – Nordic Night honoring all the Nordic Countries. Reservations required (deadline Oct. 6) for a night of good dining and then dance to the music of Drew Moniot and the Red Rocket Band. St. James Episcopal Church, 11524 Frankstown Road, Penn Hills.
November 19, 2023 – Come participate in the traditional craft of making paper Christmas Hearts and bring a dish to share that serves about 25. The location is the recreation room of the Albion at Morrow Park at 5250 Liberty Ave. Use the door on Liberty closest to Baum. Someone will be at the secured door between 2:30 and 3:15. After that call Kristen at 412-897 4728. For more on parking click here.
December 10, 2023 – Annual Christmas Party, 3:00. Our traditional foods and fun will be held at the Blackridge Civic Association, 1200 Beulah Road. This event requires reservations, and they must be made by December 1. The form for reservations is here.

2022 Events For the Zoom link to all on-line events, contact President Eva Robinson

January 16, 2022 – Two short videos about how a family saved their sled dog business during the pandemic and an annual roundoup of a special breed of Icelandic horses. Time for conversation as well. Join us on Zoom.
February 20, 2022 – a video session on the Fastlevn holiday, its history and how to make its signature pastry. Bring your questions and comments and join us for discussion before and after the video shown on Zoom.
March 20, 2022 – a short talk by Carl Rahkonen and video about the Scandinavian-American accordionist Walter Eriksson. Time for discussion and visiting as well. Join us on Zoom.
March 20, 2022 – a short talk by Carl Rahkonen and video about the Scandinavian-American accordionist Walter Eriksson. Time for discussion and visiting as well. Join us on Zoom.
May 15, 2022 – Norwegian Independence Day Celebration at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park, 3:00 p.m. Bring a dish to share. BYOB.
June 25, 2022 – Midsommer Celebration, Saturday, at Renato and Suzanne Lyra’s Home, 104 Lazy W Lane, Cheswick, 3:00 p.m. There are special activities for children. Bring a dish, chairs to share and BYOB.
September 11, 2022 – Crayfish festival at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park at 3:00 p.m. Crayfish provided, bring a dish to share and BYOB.
October 22, 2022 – Nordic Night (Saturday) A really special event dinner preceded by a concert by Magnus Martensson in person, who combines comedy and great piano playing. Details for member were sent in a special email. General public may reserve seats after October 1. Dinner and performance $50 for non-members, $20.00 for performance alone, if reserved in advance. If seats available, the performance tickets are $30 at the door. The event is at Church of the Redeemer, 5700 Forbes Rd., Squirrel Hill, Pittsburgh. Doors open for the Martensson performance at 3:30, with the perfromance beginning at 4:00. The Nordic Night dinner will follow.
December 11, 4:30 p.m. – Annual Christmas Party. Our traditional foods and fun will be held at the Blackridge Civic Association, 1200 Beulah. More information coming soon. Mark the date!

2021 Events For the Zoom link to all on-line events, contact President Eva Robinson

January 17, 2021 – Movie Night. Join us for two short videos and discussion. One looks at the the foods to try on a visit to Sweden, and the other on what not to do when in Finland. Bring your own popcorn and join us on Zoom.
February 21, 2021 – Animated Short Movie on the History of the Lego Company. 3 p.m. Join us for a family friendly Zoom event. Non-members welcome.
March 21, 2021 -Travel Video. Bob Gundersen will show the 20 minute video “The Gundersen Sagas: Northern Finland 2016.” Joan and Bob Gundersen reunited with old friends in Finland in 2016 for a trip from Oulu to Finland’s northern border. There are stops along the way to enjoy Finland’s beautiful lakes, woods, and historic sites. Bring your questions, comments and munchies for another Zoom meeting.
April 18, 2021 – April 18, 2021. A video presentation by Norwegian storyteller Anne Elisebeth Skogen that recounts the esperience of the Norwegian immigrants to the U.S. who arrived on the sloop Restauration,. Their arrival is considered the start of immigration to the U.S. from Norway. Skogen has done extensive research on the topic. There will be time for questions and comments. So bring your munchies and join us on Zoom at 4. p.m.
September 19, 2021. An online version of our annual crayfish festival. Wear a silly hat, bring your own beverages, and enjoy being together and three short videos about the festival. For how to connect to the Zoom event, contact President Eva Robinson at president@pittsburghscandinavians.org
October 17, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. “Summer Study in Denmark” a presentation by Mark Attenborough who had a scholarship for study this last summer. For how to connect to the Zoom event, contact President Eva Robinson at president@pittsburghscandinavians.org
November 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. We are going to do some simple craft activities for Christmas decorating. Have scissors and plain, colored, or craft paper handy. patterns will be emailed to members and will also be available on screen shares during the meeting. For how to connect to the Zoom event, contact President Eva Robinson at president@pittsburghscandinavians.org
December 12, 2021. The Christmas Party is back! It will be members only, no guests, masks required. Those eligible for, but unvaccinated are requested to not participate in order to protect the children who cannot yet be vaccinated and any immune compromised adults. Registration is required and the form will be sent to members in November.

2020 Events

January 19, 2020, Movie Night. The film is “The 101 Year Old Man Who Skipped Out on the Bill and Disappeared.” It is the sequel to the very funny Swedish film, “The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared.” The event starts at 3:00 p.m. at the First Unitarian Church, Schweitzer Room, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213.
February 16, 2020, Fastleven and Children’s movie -“How to Tame Your Dragon II”- at the First Unitarian Church, Schweitzer Room, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 . Potluck, bring a dish to share that feeds 15. Event starts at 3:00 p.m.
March 15, 2020, Cancelled due to covid-19 shutdown. Seana Gysling, a senior at the university of Pittsburgh majoring in Biology and Business, spent her summer studying in Denmark with support from the Herbert Lieberking Scholarship for Summer Study in Denmark. She will talk about her experience. at the First Unitarian Church, Schweitzer Room, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 . Potluck, bring a dish to share that feeds 15. Event starts at 3:00 p.m.
April 19, 2020, Must be rescheduled due to covid-19 travel restrictions. Concert by Magnus Martensson. Swedish Concert pianist and comedian. This event is ticketed – advance purchase $10, at the door (if still available $15). You can reserve your tickets here. The concert is in the First Unitarian Church sanctuary with a light reception in the Schweizer Room following, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213.
May 17 2020 – Event cancelled due to pandemic. Norwegian Constitution Day. Come and celebrate with costumes, games, and potluck at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park. 3:00 p.m.
June – Event cancelled due to pandemic. Celebrate Midsommer at the home of Renato and Susanne Lyra, 104 Lazy W Lane, Cheswick. Bonfire, games, traditional dancing, maypole, and of course a potluck. Bring flowers for Maypole and a potluck dish for 15-20.
August 23, 2020 – Virtual Social Hour on Zoom. Bring your own drink and enjoy the company of other memebers of the society. For Zoom instructions and meeting information, email webmaster@pittsburghscandinavians.org.
September 20, 2020 – Swedish Crayfish Celebration. Virtual celebration with video, chat and singing. 4:00 p.m. on zoom.
October 18, 2020 – Special short concert by Magnus Martensson. 3 p.m. Martensson will be available after his performance to answer questions. Zoom information in Runes. Non-members welcome, for how to connect to the zoom event, contact President Eva Robinson at president@pittsburghscandinavians.org
November 15, 2020 – Talk by Joan Gundersen,”Building a Norwegian-American College on the Minnesota Frontier.” 3 p.m. The talk is fully illustrated. Dr. Gundersen spent 14 years on the history faculty at St. Olaf. Zoom information in Runes. Non-members welcome, for how to connect to the zoom event, contact President Eva Robinson at president@pittsburghscandinavians.org.
December 2020 – Presentations by several members of the society on how their families celebrated Christmas in the Nordic countries. Bring your own Christmas cheer, and join us at 3 p.m. on Zoom. Non-members welcome, for how to connect to the zoom event, contact President Eva Robinson at president@pittsburghscandinavians.org

2019 Events

Sunday January 20, 2019 – Movie Night! Come watch Max Manus: Man of War. One of Norway’s most famous resistance fighters in World War II, Manus fought along side the Finns during the 1939-40 “Winter War” and then against the Nazi frorces who occupied Norway from 1940-45. For more on the video go here. The meeting at the First Unitarian Church at 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, starts at 3:00 p.m. with the society providing hot dogs, popcorn and chips.Bring anything additional you want. Cancelled due to weather.
February 17, 2019 – Fastelavn Celebration. Children ware welcome to come in costumes (non-scary Halloween types). There will be traditionally activities for children including a pinata and a movie. For adults there will be time to socialize and the potluck is for everyone. Bring a dish to share that serves 15. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 at 3:00 p.m.
March 17, 2019 – March 17, 2019 Paul Hopper, a linguist, from CMU will give a talk “Is English a Scandinavian Language?” Potluck follows. Bring a dish to share that serves 15. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 at 3:00 p.m.
April 14, 2019 – Rescheduled Movie Night! Come watch Max Manus: Man of War. One of Norway’s most famous resistance fighters in World War II, Manus fought along side the Finns during the 1939-40 “Winter War” and then against the Nazi frorces who occupied Norway from 1940-45. For more on the video go here. The meeting at the First Unitarian Church at 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, starts at 3:00 p.m. with the society providing hot dogs, popcorn and chips.Bring anything additional you want..
May 19 2019 – Norwegian Constitution Day. Come and celebrate with costumes, games, and potluck at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park.
June 22, 2019 (Saturday) – 5 p.m. Celebrate Midsommer at the home of Renato and Susanne Lyra, 104 Lazy W Lane, Cheswick. Bonfire, games, traditional dancing, maypole, and of course a potluck. Bring flowers for Maypole and a potluck dish for 15-20.
September 22, 2019 – Swedish Crayfish Celebration. Singing, games, crayfish and potluck at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park at 3:00 p.m. National dress encouraged. Bring dish to serve 15.
October 19, 2019- Nordic Night honoring all the Nordic Countries. Reservations required for a night of good dining and a special cultural program. Oakmont Yacht Club.
November 17, 2019 – Social Event, Penn Brewery, 3:00 p.m. The society will buy snacks.
December 2019 – Christmas Party. Blackridge Civic Club. The popular event has limited space with reservations required and open to members only.

2018 Events

Sunday January 21, Movie Night! Join us for a viewing of the 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared, a quirky comedy in Swedish with English subtitles and based on the best selling book by Swedish author Jonas Jonassonn. For more on the movie go here. The meeting at the First Unitarian Church at 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, starts at 3:00 p.m. with the society providing “movie food.”
February 18, 2018 – Fastelavn Celebration. Children ware welcome to come in costumes (non-scary Halloween types). There will be traditionally activities for children including a pinata and a movie Trolls. For adults there will be time to socialize and the potluck is for everyone. Bring a dish to share that serves 15. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 at 3:00 p.m.
March 18, 2018 – Theresa Leatherow, Danish Scholarship Recipient will talk about her time in Denmark on the scholarship offered through the Danish Room. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 at 3:00 p.m.
April 15, 2018 – Ray Jones will discuss genetic testing and its applications to genealogy and Scandinavian heritage. Pot Luck. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213 at 3:00 p.m.
May 20, 2018 – Norwegian Constitution Day. Come and celebrate with costumes, games, and potluck at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park.
June 23, 2018 (Saturday) – 5 p.m. Celebrate Midsommer at the home of Renato and Susanne Lyra Lindell, 104 Lazy W Lane, Cheswick. Bonfire, games, traditional dancing, maypole, and of course a potluck. Bring flowers for the maypole and a potluck dish for 15-20.
September 16, 2018 – Swedish Crayfish Celebration. Singing, games, crayfish and potluck at Aspinwall Fireman’s Park at 3:00 p.m.
October 20, 2018 – Nordic Night honoring all the Nordic Countries. Reservations required for a night of good dining and a special cultural program. Oakmont Yacht Club.
December 9, 2018 – Christmas Party. Blackridge Civic Club. The popular event has limited space with reservations required and open to members only.

2017 Events

Sunday January 15, 2017 Movie night – come watch “A Royal Affair” a 2012 Danish film nominated for both a Golden Globe and Academy Award as best foreign film. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, 3:00 p.m. Movie Food provided.
Sunday February 19, 2017. Fastelavn: a fun event for children of all ages. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, 3:00 p.m.
Sunday March 19, 2017. “The History of Finnish Independence” a talk by Prof. Sharon Franklin-Rahkonen. Learn about how Finland managed to achieve and maintain its independence from Russia. Dr.Franklin-Rahkonen is on the history faculty at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, and has a specialty in Finnish History. Bring something for the Pot-luck that will serve 10-15. Schweitzer Room, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, 3:00 p.m.
Sunday April 23, 2017. Talk by Mary Kay Johnsen on the Danish Astronomer, Tycho Brahe, First Unitarian Church, 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213, 3:00 p.m.
Sunday May 21, 2017. “Syttende Mai” Norwegian Constitution Day Celebration. 605 Morewood, Pittsburgh, 15213,. 3:00 p.m. Potluck. National Costumes encouraged.
Saturday June 24, 2017. Midsummer Celebration. Home of Renato Lyra and Suzanne Lindell, 104 Lazy W Lane, Cheswick at 5:00 p.m. Potluck. Bring lawn chairs. Maypole, games, bonfire and more.
June 29, 30, July 1, 2, 2017 – Scandinavian Society booth at the Westmoreland Arts and Heritage Festival. Need booth volunteers. Contact Eva Robison if you can help.
Sunday 24 September 2017. Swedish Crayfish Festival, Aspinwall Fireman’s Park. Bring a dish to share with about 15 people. Make a silly hat to wear, and wear traditional costumes if you have them. There will be some special activities for Children. Starts at 3:00 p.m.
Saturday October 21, 2017. Nordic Night, Oakmont Yacht Club, Harmony Hot Haus performing, Reservations required.
Sunday November 19. Penn Brewery get-together 4 p.m. Cash bar. The society will provide some appetizers. You can order and buy dinner if you wish. For a map and more information about Penn Brewery click here.
Sunday December 10, 2017. Christmas Party, Members only and reservations required.