Sons of Norway Blog

This week, Sons of Norway Chief Executive Officer Eivind Heiberg presented the charitable recipients of the 32nd Annual Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast with nearly $8,000 each, the result of the generosity of those who attended last month’s event. Pictured receiving a warm handshake is Second Harvest Heartland CEO Rob Zeaske. Minnesota Military Family Foundation Founder and President Bill Popp was also on hand to accept donations on the foundation’s behalf. Nearly 900 people [...]

Sons of Norway announced today that Corrie Maki Knudson has been hired to serve as the new Director of the Sons of Norway Foundation.  Joining the Foundation in advance of its 50th anniversary, Knudson brings with her a wealth of experience and success from within the fundraising industry. Having spent the last decade working in philanthropy and focusing on the areas of major gifts and grant writing, Knudson will [...]

Norwegian innovator Johan Brand is on a mission to make learning fun. He’s the CEO and co-founder of Kahoot!, a new game-based learning platform used by millions in classrooms worldwide. It encourages scholastic engagement via customizable content and a user-friendly interface that incorporates smartphones. Brand believes that games are based on our first language—play—the crucial element to how we learn about the world around us. In 2015, he was [...]

November is here, and it’s time to make your Christmas list and check it twice! Looking for some inspiration? In the November 2016 issue of Viking, we rounded up Nordic-inspired gift ideas, including toys, home goods, books and accessories. Here are a few more of our favorites. Display your holiday sweets in the Ginger Serving Bowl by Sagaform. Color enthusiasts will love this modern domino set from Scandinavian company [...]

In the November 2016 issue of Viking we talked with Norwegian screenwriters Anna Bache-Wiig and Siv Rajendram Eliassen. They are the masterminds behind Norway’s hit television drama, “Acquitted.” Here, they discuss more about their career and favorite places in Norway. On the inspiration behind the television series “Acquitted” The story is inspired by a real life 1995 murder case in Norway. At the time I took great interest in [...]

Minnesota Senator John Marty is a featured speaker at the 2016 Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast to be held on November 22 at 7 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington. His remarks will focus on the concept of faith, one of the event’s primary themes (the others are freedom, family and friends). When asked why community gatherings like the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast are important, Marty said, “In a [...]

Sons of Norway is pleased to bring you the following message from Travel Partner and International Convention Sponsor, Borton Overseas.  During the winter months, it's easy to hibernate. But with all the adventures that Scandinavia has to offer - including cruising, dogsledding, snowmobiling, and the Northern Lights - there's no reason to stay at home this winter! At Borton Overseas, Scandinavia is our passion, and our staff continually strives [...]

Award-winning TPT political reporter and program host Mary Lahammer is a featured speaker at the 2016 Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast to be held on November 22 at 7 a.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Bloomington. Her remarks will focus on the concept of freedom, one of the event’s primary themes (the others are faith, family and friends). While sharing comments with Sons of Norway leading up to the event, [...]

From a rosemaled spice cabinet to a complete Illinois bunad, the 2016 International Folk Art Competition and Exhibition, part of the International Convention in Tacoma, Wash., featured an array of intricate pieces crafted by over 50 talented Sons of Norway members from across the globe. More than 90 items competed for various titles in 10 different artistic categories during the international celebration of Norwegian heritage and culture. Announced below [...]

A vibrant, action-packed convention took place in Tacoma last month when Sons of Norway delegates descended on the mountain-ringed port to conduct its biennium business and have a generous portion of fun as well. Read on for the run-down … Elections Jon Tehven, Waverly, Iowa, was re-elected International President. Tehven served as president from 2014-2016; his new term will extend until the next election at the 2018 International Convention. [...]

In less than two weeks tens of thousands will gather at the State Fair Center in Minot, N.D., to take part in North America’s largest Scandinavian festival, Norsk Høstfest. We’ve already highlighted some of the world-class entertainment and learning opportunities available at the event, read on to learn more about gourmet restaurant En To Tre and Sons of Norway’s "Spin the Norway" trivia contest. En To Tre Bring­s a [...]

Sons of Norway is pleased to bring you the following message from Travel Partner and International Convention Sponsor, Borton Overseas.  Today we bring you some travel highlights from Nicole Anderson, a Scandinavia Specialist with Borton Overseas. Nicole had the pleasure of leading her first group tour to Norway just a few weeks ago. Read on to learn more about her favorite experiences during the trip, including one unforgettable bus [...]