Måken: The Poulsbo Sons of Norway Newsletter

Chris Clawson Chasing Down Sheep My aunt Chris Clawson and I share a love of horses and went on our first adventure to ride Icelandic Horses after I moved back to Seattle in 2019. We have Icelandic as well as Norwegian roots, and were able to connect with relatives still living in Húsavík during that trip.  Icelandic Horses are descendants of small horses and ponies brought to Iceland by Viking settlers in the 9th and 10th centuries. They’ve been isolated from the rest of the world’s horses since importation was halted in 982, and developed into a uniquely smart, resilient, and strong-minded breed, much like Icelanders themselves. Chris was keen to go back for Réttir, when local farms come together in September to herd sheep down from shared grazing areas in the highlands, drive them to central sorting pens, and separate their flocks. After having to cancel twice, this year we finally made it happen!  We were joined by Chris's son Brock, his wife Kara, daughter Ares, and my h...

Mark your calendars for Our Annual Lutefisk Feast: January 23, 2027! There’s some interesting folklore on Lutefisk. One popular story says Viking longships accidentally invented it when a warehouse of drying stockfish caught fire and was doused with water mixed with birch ash, producing a lye solution that cured the fish.  Another version credits St. Olaf, Norway’s patron saint, with discovering the method. A more humorous Norwegian-American tale claims the Irish “poisoned” Viking fish barrels with lye, and the Vikings liked the result.  However, the earliest reliable written reference to lye-cured fish appear centuries later, likely as a practical solution to make hard stockfish edible during the long Christmas fasting season. Whichever you believe, Lutefisk 2027 at our lodge is about celebrating this age-long tradition with friends and family. So, mark your calendars. Tickets go on sale in January. We’ll also be lookin...

Hei og velkommen verdsatte medlemmer av Sons of Norway Poulsbo Lodge.  October carries a rich history. The word October comes from octo, the Latin word for eight. In the early Roman calendar, it was the eighth month of the year until January and February were added, shifting it to the tenth month we know today. In Old England, October was called Winmonath , the “wine month,” marking the season of wine production. It was also known as Winterfylleth , the “winter full moon,” signaling the arrival of the colder season. Here in Washington, October is sometimes referred to as Owl Month, as owls become more vocal while establishing their winter territories. As we welcome October, we embrace the peak of autumn—cooling weather, vibrant foliage, falling leaves, golden light, and the anticipation of Halloween on October 31. It is also the month when we prepare for the end of daylight‑saving time and settle into the rhythm of the fall season. October is nota...

  Photo by Paul Dudley Photography The Leikarringen folk dancing has begun for the 2026-27 season! Practice started on September 14th with a parent meeting in the Marine room. Dance classes meet on Mondays and are available for ages Pre-K through 12th grade.  Leikarringen is much more than a dance group—they are ambassadors for our Nordic heritage. Their energy and talent help preserve our traditions while sharing the joy of Norwegian culture with our lodge and the Poulsbo community.  Class 1 (Grades K–1) has open spots remaining and is looking to add more dancers! Classes 2 & 3 also have limited availability. In addition, adults are invited to participate in the Sammendra folk dancing group that follows the Leikarringen practices, with no experience required. For more information, check out the new Leikarringen website: poulsbo.dance . If you have any questions, please contact Kristina Halvorsen at halvorsonkm@gmail.com . A friendly reminder to please leave the upp...

Today, we celebrate Koleen and the incredible nine years she has given to the Sons of Norway family. Koleen, it is difficult to put into words just how much you have meant to our lodge over the years. As our Bar Manager, you became a familiar face, and a presence, who helped make our lodge feel like home. Through busy evenings, special events, celebrations, and everyday gatherings, your work and dedication was felt by everyone who walked through our doors.  The friendships you have built over these nine years and the connections you formed have enriched our lodge and strengthened the sense of community that lies at the heart of the Sons of Norway. While we are saddened to see you leave, we are even more grateful for the time we have had with you. As you begin a new chapter, please let it be known we are proud to have you as part of our Sons of Norway family. Thank you, Koleen, for your nine years of friendship, commitment, and service. The impact you have made cannot be measured si...

Honoring Our Veterans of the Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge Dear Sons of Norway Veteran, Honoring Our Veterans – Join Us on November 11 The Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge extends its deepest gratitude to all Veterans within our Lodge family. Your service and sacrifice continue to inspire us. We warmly invite you to participate in the Veterans Day Parade in Poulsbo on November 11, 2026 . Veterans who prefer not to walk may ride proudly on the Viking Boat, and all participants will receive a flag representing their branch of service. May the flag of our great country wave boldly in tribute to our heroes. With the utmost respect and appreciation, Poulsbo Sons of Norway Lodge No. 2‑044 Thank You, Tusen Takk; cdVincent Curtis D. Vincent