Vinland’s Secrets to Success
Vinland lodge 6-159 in Temecula, CA, is excited about #Growingto2020 and looking toward the future! When the lodge began 2017, it had 57 members. In just four months it has grown by five members, bringing the lodge closer to its goal of increasing membership by 10 percent. Lodge President Caronne Van Nyhuis shared with us Vinland’s approach to making 2017 a big year for recruitment and their tips for [...]
It’s Growing Season!
This time of year, the gardens and crops are sprouting. To help them grow properly they will need to be nurtured and cared for. This means watering and feeding in the hopes of a bountiful harvest come fall. Plants will also need protection from forces of nature, like hail and pests. In a lot of ways, your money is a lot like the spring’s sprouting plants. Its location can [...]
Syttende Mai: 10 Fun Facts
Hurra for Syttende Mai! Soon communities across North America and Norway will be waving their Norwegian flags, hosting parades and gathering in fellowship to commemorate Norway's Constitution Day. In honor of this special day, we’ve compiled 10 facts about the signing of the Norwegian Constitution at the National Assembly in Eidsvoll in 1814 as well as some details about how the day is celebrated today. 4. The Constitution that [...]
Youth Summer Camp Offers Norwegian Cultural Immersion – and Much More
Masse Moro is a Norwegian heritage camp located near Eau Claire, Wis., for youth who are 9-15 years old. This summer’s two-week cultural immersion experience takes place July 16-29, 2017. Here’s what one long-time camper, who later became a counselor and volunteer, had to say about her experience at Masse Moro: Masse Moro is truly a special place. Campers make friends for life, learn about Norwegian culture and stay [...]
Alaskan Lodge Casts for New Members in Support of Growing to 2020
Weaving in the colorful history of Norwegian immigrants in Alaska, Bernt Balchen Lodge 2-46 President Terje “Ted” Birkedal took a creative approach with ramping up momentum for Sons of Norway’s 2017 recruitment campaign, Growing to 2020. In his April President’s Message in The Flyer, the lodge’s monthly newsletter, Birkedal provides an engaging overview that outlines how it came to be that Norwegians are the fourth largest ancestry group in [...]
Style and Sustainability
In the May issue of Viking magazine, we interviewed Norwegian fashion designer Elisabeth Stray Pedersen. She runs two fashion lines: her own label called ESP and Lillunn, a legacy brand in Norway. Pedersen specializes in high-quality apparel made from pure Norwegian wool with an innovative twist. Within every garment is her passion for sustainable and ethical fashion. Here’s more from the interview. Did you enjoy fashion as a [...]
Kindred Spirits: The Many Varietals of Aquavit
Aquavit is no longer exclusive to the Nordic regions of the world. It currently hails from at least seven countries and a dozen states across the U.S. In addition to the caraway-infused classic, there are more varieties of aquavit than may be imagined. While Norway claims two producers that own 15 brands of the spirit, the northwest states of Oregon and Washington combined create 21 brands from seven producers. [...]
Our Foundation Strengthens Communities
Each year, the Sons of Norway Foundation contributes thousands of dollars to communities throughout the United States in the form of grants and scholarships. Many of the Foundation’s awards are intended to maximize the outstanding work our lodges throughout the country are doing within their communities. This year’s grant recipients exemplify this spirit, including 2017 Local Lodge Partnership Grant recipient Kong Sverre 1-482 in Story City, IA. The Sons [...]
New Kroner Designs Sport a Modern Look
The Central Bank of Norway (Norges Bank) has unveiled a series of new kroner bills that will be phased in beginning in summer 2017. The designs are a departure from the current Norwegian banknotes in several aspects. This will be the first Norwegian money that does not feature a human face. All of the motifs pay tribute to the sea, which has played a pivotal role in shaping Norwegian [...]
An Exploration to the Bottom of the World
Sons of Norway is pleased to bring you the following message from Travel Partner and International Convention Sponsor, Borton Overseas. Antarctica is. Antarctica is: a continent. Antarctica is: 5.405 million square miles. Antarctica is: primarily composed of rock, ice, and snow. Antarctica is: dry and high. In fact, it is the highest and driest continent in the world. Antarctica is: cold (although the summer averages between 32° and 40°F along the [...]
Is the Time Right to Establish a Lodge in Your Community?
It’s a fact: Not all Sons of Norway members have access to a lodge, the central place to gather and experience the fellowship that is at the heart of our organization. Many members may live in communities where the nearest lodge is quite a distance away...
Sons of Norway is Looking Forward
Sons of Norway Headquarters is pleased to announce the launch of its 2017 recruitment campaign – a revamped and expanded Founders Day Awards. With our 125th anniversary fast approaching, the new campaign reinforces the vision of Sons of Norway’s founders for an organization that celebrates its roots while continuing to look toward the future.
Festivities Across Norway Mark Royals’ 80th Birthdays
Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway are celebrating their 80th birthdays in 2017, and multiple events will be held across the country to convey congratulatory wishes to the beloved sovereigns. King Harald was born on Feb. 21, 1937; Queen Sonja was born on July 4, 1937. The entire Norwegian Royal Family celebrated the King’s 80th year while on holiday in South Africa earlier this year [...]
Seeking Summer Intern – Elementary Education/Norwegian Studies
Are you interested in helping young people connect with their ethnic background? Do you believe in the importance of understanding other cultures? If so, this opportunity may be for you! Sons of Norway is seeking an individual for 15 to 20 hours per week to develop learning modules on various Norwegian topics to get elementary age youth excited about Norway past and present, as well as their heritage and [...]
One-of-a-Kind Ride Along
You may not know it, but Norway has the distinction of having a one-of-a-kind police unit--the Reinpolitiet (Reindeer Police). Those unfamiliar with the duties of this group of officers may find the idea of reindeer policing a bit peculiar, however the mission of this unit is an important one. Founded in 1949, Norway's Reindeer Police are tasked with oversight and environmental protection of the northernmost counties of Finnmark and [...]