Friday, January 27, 2012

Hot Off the Press: Viking's February Issue

I'm always a bit surprised when the newest issue of Viking appears on my desk. The other day I was in the middle of checking final proofs for the upcoming March issue when the February issue arrived, hot off the press. When I saw the lush cover photo it was like a breath of fresh, tropical air—a treat on a cold winter's day in Minneapolis!

I enjoyed working with Anna Klenke on our eco-fashion cover story, featuring the work of Norwegian designer Leila Hafzi and NICE (which stands for Nordic Initiative, Clean and Ethical). I must be the target audience for this article, because it really had an affect on me. It made me a more careful label reader and reaffirmed my commitment to buy recycled clothing when possible.

Our second feature highlights nine notable Norwegian immigrants that every Sons of Norway member should know. How does our list stack up against yours? Share your thoughts by emailing me at vikingeditor@mspcustomcontent.com.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.



Wednesday, January 25, 2012

ISO Cultural Coordinator

In case you didn't see the blog post from last week, Sons of Norway is looking to hire a new Cultural Coordinator at its Minneapolis Headquarters. We will be accepting applications through the 27th for an individual who will be responsible for managing media resources, developing new member programs, administering and promoting assigned programs while supporting various levels of leadership in their execution.

Specifically, they will be responsible for Sons of Norway's Media Lending Library, member communication and reference, Sports Medal program, Barneløpet events, Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast, and communications support.

This is an exciting position for someone with a Bachelors degree in Scandinavian studies/languages, education or communications.

The perfect candidate must have:
•    Excellent customer service skills (phone & email).
•    Excellent written & verbal communications skills.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian culture
•    Experience using Excel, Word, a database program and email.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Ability to be flexible, adaptable, proactive and to take initiative.

The preferred qualifications for this position include:
•    Basic competency in Norwegian.
•    Experience in event planning.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian literature and history.
•    Experience marketing and promoting programs and events.
•    Experience directing and working with/coordinating volunteers.

To learn more about this position and the application process, click here or go to: http://www.sonsofnorway.com/highlight/Cultural_Coordinator.html

Monday, January 23, 2012

Travel Lessons from Telemark

I've always wanted to visit the Telemark region of Norway, and last summer I was able to make this dream a reality. When my family traveled to Norway last August, we managed to squeeze in a two-day trip in the area that included cruising the Telemark canal and overnighting at one of the region's many guest farms. Like any good travel experience, I learned a few lessons along the way.

Lesson #1: Rent-A-Wreck is not for everyone. It's easiest to get around Telemark by car, and renting a vehicle is really expensive in Norway, so you might be tempted (like I was) to look for cheaper alternatives. While the Rent-A-Wreck office looks like it's conveniently located near Akerbrygge in the heart of Oslo, it's actually situated in an industrial neighborhood and it's a hike from the waterfront. As you might expect, travelers are not really their target market. This became very apparent when we had to circle the warehouse a couple of times to find the correct entrance. We were traveling to Telemark with friends from Oslo, so we needed a big vehicle. And while the van was indeed large enough to hold seven of us, it came with only six shoulder belts and definitely had seen better days. The fact that there was no air conditioning had me momentarily panicked, too. But then I remembered I was in Norway, where AC is rarely needed. It all worked out fine, and we did save a bundle, but I can't recommend Rent-A-Wreck to most Viking readers.

Lesson #2: Allow extra time to get to your destination. When looking at a map of Telemark, you might think, wow...there's really no direct route to where I'm headed. This is an understatement. As a gal from the Midwest, where life is laid out more or less on a grid, I'm usually unprepared for Norway's winding and twisting (in other words, slow) mountainous roads and this was no exception. When you get off the main highways, don't be fooled into thinking you can keep driving at normal highway speeds.

Lesson #3: Don't forget Dramamine. The charming mountain roads and amazing scenery come with a price: car sickness. This is especially true when you're in a hurry because you're trying to catch a boat. By the time we reached Ulefoss, our destination along the canal, we were all looking a bit green. I can only imagine what would have happened had we not all popped some Dramamine. Later in the trip, we learned that it's not as easily available as it is in the states, so definitely bring an ample supply if you think you'll need it.

Does it sound like I didn't enjoy my time in Telemark? Not true! Even when I was cruising through the countryside in a shabby van, late and nauseated, I couldn't think of anywhere I would rather be. And as the day went on, things only got better.

Lesson #4: The Telemark Canal is wonderful way to see the countryside. After speeding through mountainous byways, a slow, smooth ride on a canal boat was a welcome change of pace. We took a 2-1/2-hour excursion on the Telemark canal, from Ulefoss to Lunde, which was just about right for the kids. If I do this trip again, I might consider a longer trip, perhaps biking one direction and cruising the other. There's also an opportunity to get out and hike along the canal route—a great option for those looking for a bit more activity than the boat provides.

Lesson #5: Farm stays are fun! We visited the idyllic Nordigard Bjørge in Seljord, operated by the warm and welcoming Bjørge family. The kids loved exploring the farm and getting acquainted with the animals there. My daughter loved the fact that the guest house felt so homey and my son was excited to find a trampoline. I was happy to find a well-equipped kitchen in the charming old farm house, since we had planned to make our own meals.

Lesson #6: Happy cows = great ice cream. The folks at Nordigard Bjørge produce their own gourmet ice cream in mouthwatering flavors like kiwi and black current. It was simply the best ice cream we tasted in Norway, and we tasted a lot!

For more information on what to see and do in Telemark, check out my article, "The Best of All Worlds," in the January issue of Viking.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

All photos by Doug Bratland.

Sons of Norway Wins National Award

Sons of Norway, in conjunction with Destination Bloomington, the Airport Foundation MSP and the Royal Norwegian Honorary Consulate, were recognized with a Shop America Salutes Innovation (SASI) Award at the 15th annual ONE Travel Conference for Shopping, Dining and Cultural Tourism. The award ceremony, which was held on January 17, 2012 recognized marketing excellence in promoting shopping, dining and cultural tourism. 

The Gold SASI award was presented in the Heritage and Culture category for the “Cold Recall: Reflections of a Polar Explorer and Their Majesties of Norway Departure Event”.

The Cold Recall exhibit was a month-long photo display on concourse C of the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport that commemorated the 100th anniversary of Roald Amundsen’s journey to become the first explorer to reach the South Pole.  As part of the airport’s Arts and Culture Program administered by the Airport Foundation MSP, a non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the travel experience, this exhibit gave viewers an inside look into the daily lives and hardships of polar explorers. 

The exhibit and event were created and secured through a partnership between Sons of Norway, the Honorary Royal Norwegian Consulate, the Bloomington Convention and Visitors Bureau and the Airport Foundation MSP.  The exhibit was brought to MSP Airport to coincide with Their Majesties King Harald V and Queen Sonja of Norway visit to Minnesota October 14-18, 2011.  Minnesota has one of the largest Norwegian heritage populations outside of Oslo, Norway.  Norway is one of the top 5 incoming tourist markets for Minnesota.

Monday, January 16, 2012

Enchanting Ålesund

Since editing Carter Walker's article on Ålesund for the Viking travel issue, I'm seeing mentions of the city everywhere. For example, I came across a link in the Huffington Post, featuring 10 Hotels in the Most Unlikely of Places. Among the list was Ålesund's cozy Molja Lighthouse, which Walker also highlights in Viking. Accommodations in the 150-year-old lighthouse can be booked as room 47 of the Hotel Brosundet, which—if their website is any indication—appears to be an appealing destination in and of itself.

I also came across a program on NRK's website called "Norsk Attraksjon" (Norwegian Attractions), a slightly off-beat travel show featuring interesting sites and travel destinations around Norway. One episode called "Huset som ikkje brann" (The House that Didn't Burn) features an old wooden building in the center of Ålesund that was spared in the 1904 fire that destroyed most of the city. According to local legend, the owner of the house was warned by an angel prior to the fire. The program doesn't include subtitles, but it does offer some footage of the city and an entertaining reenactment of the event.

If Walker's article inspires you to plan your own adventure in Ålesund, check out the wealth of information found on the city and its surrounding area on VisitNorway.com. You'll find expert advice on how to get there, what to do, and where to eat, shop and sleep.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Happy Founders Day!


It's January 16th, and for Sons of Norway members around the globe today is a day of celebration. You see, today is our Founders' Day, which marks the 117th anniversary of the founding of Sons of Norway!

On this date back in 1895, 18 Norwegian immigrants in Minneapolis, MN came together and formed a new group whose goals were to protect its members and their families from the financial hardships experienced during times of sickness or death in the family. A noble purpose, to be sure, but over time the mission grew to also include the preservation of Norwegian heritage and culture. It was clear that our founders and earliest members were great leaders and, I believe, also men of great vision. 

Since then, Sons of Norway has grown significantly in every way. We are now more than 60,000 strong with lodges and members residing throughout all of North America and Norway. We have become a recognizable brand with reliable financial products that benefit our members. We have also grown into a large philanthropic organization that annually provides more than a hundred thousand dollars in scholarships and grants while members give more than half a million hours of volunteerism every year.

It's been said that from the smallest of seeds can grow the largest of fruit. I think Sons of Norway is a prime example of how true that saying is. So much so, in fact, that I keep a large photo of our 18 founders over my desk as a source of inspiration and perseverance. When I look at it I always think "Well, if a group of 18 can create all this, just imagine what a group of 60,000 can create when every Sons of Norway member works together toward a common goal." Just a little food for though.

For Sons of Norway members reading this, there's three things I'd love to hear about throughout the day: 1) Sons of Norway members wearing Norwegian colors or their membership pin all day 2) members taking advantage of the day to recruit someone new into their lodge and 3) all members taking a moment to reflect on all our Founders have created, then considering what you could do to build upon that.

I hope everyone has a great Founders Day and I encourage you to post your Founders' Day activities and reflections on the Sons of Norway Facebook page.

Thursday, January 12, 2012

Job Opening: Sons of Norway Seeks New Cultural Coordinator

Sons of Norway is currently accepting applications for an open Cultural Coordinator position at its Minneapolis Headquarters. The individual selected for this position will be responsible for managing media resources, developing new member programs, administering and promoting assigned programs while supporting various levels of leadership in their execution.

Specifically, they will be responsible for Sons of Norway's Media Lending Library, member communication and reference, Sports Medal program, Barneløpet events, Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast, and communications support.

This is an exciting position for someone with a Bachelors degree in Scandinavian studies/languages, education or communications.


The perfect candidate must have:
•    Excellent customer service skills (phone & email).
•    Excellent written & verbal communications skills.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian culture
•    Experience using Excel, Word, a database program and email.
•    Attention to detail.
•    Ability to be flexible, adaptable, proactive and to take initiative.

The preferred qualifications for this position include:
•    Basic competency in Norwegian.
•    Experience in event planning.
•    Knowledge of Norwegian literature and history.
•    Experience marketing and promoting programs and events.
•    Experience directing and working with/coordinating volunteers.



To learn more about this position and the application process, click here or go to: http://www.sonsofnorway.com/highlight/Cultural_Coordinator.html

Sunday, January 8, 2012

Oslo's Opera House Doesn't Disappoint

Working on our annual travel issue is always inspiring for the Viking staff. Last January's travel issue gave me such a serious case of wanderlust that I began planning a long-postponed trip to Norway for my family. We spent two weeks in August exploring Oslo, Bergen, the Sognefjord and Telemark.

One of our must-see attractions in Oslo was the new opera house, since it had so quickly become a top tourist destination after it was opened in 2008. This new attraction, designed by the Norwegian firm Snøhetta, has generated a lot of buzz, and I must say: it did not disappoint. The whole family enjoyed exploring, picnicking and people-watching on the building's sloping white marble roof. My kids loved the building's playful exterior so much that we could have almost skipped going indoors. But I'm glad we did, as it was equally impressive. (My kids thought the bathrooms were the coolest they had ever seen.) If time had allowed, I would have enjoyed taking a guided tour of the building, since the facility includes three stages, 1,100 rooms and covers the area of four football fields!

You'll find a list of Oslo's other top attractions in the December issue of Viking. And you'll find all the advice and inspiration you'll need to plan your own Nordic adventure in our annual January travel issue!

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.

Photos courtesy of Doug Bratland.

Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy New Year from Viking!

jan2012Happy new year from the staff of Viking magazine! The year may have just started, but our staff has been busy thinking about 2012 for months. We started planning our editorial calendar back in September, and we're excited about what we've got in store for readers this year.

The annual travel issue—a January tradition—has already arrived in many members' mailboxes. Check it out! It's packed with information, advice and gorgeous photos to inspire your own Norwegian adventure.

We're currently working on our February issue. In it, we'll take a look at Norway's growing eco-fashion industry and the work of designer Leila Hafzi. And if sustainable fashion isn't your cup of tea, we know readers will enjoy learning about nine notable Norwegian immigrants.

In March, we'll be exploring the world of the Vikings and taking a look at international development in the Arctic region.

What else can you expect from Viking in 2012? Shipwrecks, Scandinavian design, modern-day explorers, Norse mythology, summer Olympians, mouth-watering recipes and much more!

While our calendar is brimming with ideas, we'd still like to hear from you. What topics would you like to see in Viking in 2012? Send your suggestions to vikingeditor@mspcustomcontent.com.

Amy Boxrud is editor of Viking magazine. She lives with her family in Northfield, Minn., where she’s a member of Nordmarka 1-585.