by M.J. Flinkstrom
FITCHBURG, Mass. — The Finnish Center at Saima Park has grown in stages from a hall built in 1905 by the Saima Society formed by Finnish immigrants who numbered in the thousands by that time. They pledged to preserve and cherish Finnish culture in America. Professional actors and musicians came there to perform. Meaningful Finnish events were held in that Finn hall in the city as well as at a farm in the country on Scott Road. In time, the people of "Old Saima" deeded the Scott Road property to "Young Saima," known then as The Finnish American Club of Saima.
Through many transitions, it seems to happen every 25 years or so, the meeting locations changed. After Saima Hall was sold, a large dance hall had been built at Saima Farm which burned to the ground in the year 1977. Within two years the current function hall had been built, and a celebration was held at the burning of an early paid off mortgage.
In those days, committees gathered to prepare newsletters mailed monthly to more than 2,000 Finns throughout USA and Finland, many of whom joined as members. They featured track and field meets, competition for running and cross-country skiing. It was a time when people came every single Saturday night for music, dancing and sharing coffee and pulling time together. Those same things are still being done, but not as frequently as before.
Twenty-five years ago, the Finnish Ski Club, the Finnish Cultural Center and the Finnish American Club of Saima became one organization in one location as the Finnish Center at Saima Park. Each group continued their interest in maintaining athletic, social and cultural preservation of Finnish characteristics and ideals that remind members of their homeland and impress visitors.
Now another generation, willing and able, is coming forward to give time and support to those of us who are still willing but less able. Our annual meeting with election of officers will be on Sunday, October 18 at 1 p.m. This year, openings on the Board of Directors are for officers including vice-president, recording secretary and membership secretary. A call is out for all who are eager to become involved in a friendly relaxed atmosphere at Saima Park.
Many new events are in planning stages to be reported on in the future. Winterizing the summer buildings and preventing frozen water lines are of prime importance to be done in the next few weeks. Indoor activities will follow the September Nordic Tori and Car Cruise. October’s special events are a pancake breakfast at Saima Park and Finn-Fun Weekend in Troy, N.H. Then will come Thanksgiving and Finland’s Independence Day and Christmas.
Heartfelt thanks and high praise go to everyone whose efforts have made Saima Park a wonderful place for meeting together or just roaming woods and fields in solitude. We hope to have a long list of newcomers joining for 2027.
FITCHBURG, Mass. — Here is a point to ponder: we are into October (Lokakuu). I decided I wanted to know what the word "loka" means. As we all know, the names of the months of the year in Finnish mean something. Well — according to my Suomi-Englanti–Suomi Sana Kirja (Finnish-English–Finnish Dictionary) which I personally bought in Vaasa, Finland in 2006 the word "loka" means mud!
There you have it. October is the "mud" month. I’ve never heard this before; perhaps it is not so, but if it is, I’m hoping October won’t live up to its name!
September was an extremely busy month. More things going on than one can imagine!
Our schedule started the first Thursday of September. My family reserved two tables at the K-BOB (?) Bingo charitable fund raiser for the Maison McCulloch Hospice, which was at the Caruso Italian Club. My brother passed away on June 15. We were very lucky to get a table for the ultimate five-week care he received at the Hospice. Pokerita bingo originated in Sudbury in the 1940s and 1950s from Italian immigrants who worked in local mines.
The Kivi Park Artisan Walk was held September 12–13 with more than 125 artisans taking part. Folks spent the day strolling through the park while discovering the incredible creativity of our community and area. There were musical groups and food trucks from local vendors and artisans. Plus, there were a few new vendors who also found their way to the event. The Beaver Lake Sports and Cultural Club held its annual Fall Fair on September 12. There was a food tent, live music and a bake sale. The Coventry Firefighters beer and barbecue, plus a pancake breakfast and children’s activities drew many.
Another item on the Coventry schedule was the showing of the film "The Finnish Way" which documents the Finnish way of life, the sauna and the culture. It was well attended and a number of people commented they enjoyed seeing a slice of Finland on the big screen.
Happy Thanksgiving (October 12 in Canada). Be safe, stay healthy.