"Alt for Norge" Casting Call

Remember the article in the October, 2010 issue of Viking about "Alt for Norge," the Norwegian reality TV show where Norwegian-Americans compete to be the most Norwegian? The show has become a hit in Norway, winning the country's Emmy Award for best reality TV series. Now entering its fourth season, the producers of "Alt for Norge" are looking for the next season's contestants to travel to Norway and compete in good-natured, extreme cultural challenges. The winner earns a reunion with long lost Norwegian relatives and a cash prize of $50,000.

You might quality if:

• you are a fun, outgoing and adventurous American. 
• you are of Norwegian descent—even a little Norwegian heritage is enough to qualify.
• you have never traveled to Norway.
• you are a U.S. citizen and at least 18 years old.

Note that there will be open casting calls in Minnesota at the Mall of America on Sat., Dec. 12 and in Chicago on Fri., Dec. 7. Applications and video submission are due Jan. 6, 2013. For more information, visit oconnorcasting.tv. Email questions to castingnorway@gmail.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.

Happy Thanksgiving from Sons of Norway!

This Thanksgiving we have a special message from the Sons of Norway CEO, Eivind Heiberg.

Dear Son of Norway Members,

With Thanksgiving upon us, I find myself reflecting on the many things in my life for which I am thankful. In addition to the blessings of family, friends and good health, I am thankful for you, the remarkable members that make Sons of Norway what it is today.

Your dedication to your lodges and communities, as well as your passion for preserving Norwegian heritage and culture is inspiring. Every day I hear about a lodge or group of members who are engaging and giving back to their community in true fraternal spirit. It gives me a great sense of pride every time I hear one of these stories.

So, this Thanksgiving, I want you to know that I am thankful for all you and your fellow members are doing throughout the organization. I hope today is filled with peace, joy, appreciation and thankfulness. Also, if you find yourself in a moment of reflection on the things you are thankful for this year I hope you'll share them with me by contacting me at ceo@sofn.com.



Fraternally,

Eivind Heiberg
CEO, Sons of Norway 

Sons of Norway: Good Neighbors Once Again

Throughout the day Sons of Norway will be mentioned on the radio as part of the Good Neighbor segment on WCCO 830AM radio! You can listen in at 7:52 a.m., 12:40 p.m., and 5:50 p.m. by clicking here and selecting the “Listen Live” link.

This is part of a daily segment that WCCO runs, acknowledging individuals and businesses in the Twin Cities who do impressive things to make their community a more vibrant place to live. I hope you’ll tune in today, or listen online if you have a chance.

Hurricane Sandy Recovery: the Foundation Does its Part

As the east coast begins its long march towards recovery following the devastating results of Hurricane Sandy, the Sons of Norway Foundation has already given its first Helping Hands grant to a member-family in the Breezy Point section of Staten Island. This area has sustained some of the worst flooding and experienced significant fire damage, so the grant will go a long way to helping the family in their recovery efforts.

At this point we’ve hear from another member in the Rockaway area of New Jersey as well as a number of lodges who were in Sandy’s path and expect to hear from more families who have been displaced as they determine their full scope of damage.

I’m sure everyone is aware of the destruction caused by Sandy and there are definitely going to be a number of member-families in need this fall. That being so, Sons of Norway is asking members to make a donation to the Humanitarian fund, so the Foundation can provide much needed support to those affected by the hurricane. To make a donation, click here and fill out the linked form. Any amount helps, and remember--it's tax deductible!

In the meantime, our thoughts are with all those displaced by the hurricane. We hope your recovery is swift and successful!

Fall Holiday Dessert

Looking for a finale for your Thanksgiving dinner? Here's a beloved Norwegian dessert, served primarily in the fall when apples are plentiful, known as Tilslørte Bondepiker, or Veiled Farm Girls. The recipe, originally featured in our October 2010 issue, is from Viking friend and foodie Scott Givot.

Tilslørte Bondepiker
1½ lbs. apples
½ cup water
Approximately 3/8 cup white sugar
2 cups dried, ground white bread
3/8 cup sugar
½ tsp. ground cinnamon
2½ Tbsp. butter
1½ to 2 cups heavy whipping cream
1½ tsp. vanilla extract (optional)

Peel the apples, cut them in wedges and remove the core. Cook the apples in slow boiling water until tender. Stir frequently to avoid scorching on the bottom of the pan. Add sugar to taste. Continue stirring until achieving the consistency of applesauce with some chunky bits remaining. Cool. Melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the breadcrumbs, sugar and cinnamon. Stir and brown over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid burning, until the mixture is evenly browned. The crumbs should have the color of light caramel. Pour onto a flat platter to cool. Whip the cream until stiff, adding vanilla, if desired. Layer bread crumbs, applesauce and whipped cream in a glass bowl. Place a layer of cream on top. Sprinkle with a few breadcrumbs to garnish. Serves 4.

And remember—Sons of Norway's Recipe Box has dozens of tasty, traditional Norwegian recipes for the holidays or any day!

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

You're Invited: Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast

Will you be joining Sons of Norway and 800 of its closest friends next week at the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast (NATB)? If you haven’t gotten your tickets yet, I highly recommend you do so ASAP because space is limited and filling up fast. If you’re not familiar with the NATB, it’s an event, founded by Sons of Norway in 1985, that is devoted to bringing together people of Nordic heritage and offering thanks for the privileges of freedom, faith, family and friends.  

This year we’ve got some amazing speakers! First, we have none other than Governor Mark Dayton sharing his thoughts and reflections on the topic of freedom. Next Luther College president, Richard Torgerson Ph. D. will discuss the importance of faith. Then we’ll close the morning with Marcia Zimmerman, Senior Rabbi at Temple Israel, speaking to the audience about the blessings of family & friends. Then, helping us throughout the morning will be, Mirja Hanson, Honorary Consul General of Japan at Minneapolis as our MC.

This is going to be a great morning of reflection and fellowship for the Nordic-American community here in the Twin Cities, so if you are within driving distance, I recommend you check it out. If you would like to learn more about the Nordic American Thanksgiving Breakfast, click here to download an invitation and ticket information. I hope to see you there!

Viking Wins Excellence Awards

Viking magazine had a strong showing at last week's 16th annual Excellence Awards, hosted by the Minnesota Magazine Publishing Association (MMPA). In the category of Associations Over 30,000 Viking silver awards for overall design and for the design of its February 2012 cover. Our January 2012 Travel Issue also won a silver for best single topic issue.

The judges have spoken, but what's your call? Did you have a favorite cover, article or issue this year? If so, share your thoughts with our staff 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.

A Message From Our CEO: Hurricane Sandy Relief

I'm sure by now you've read about the aftermath of the superstorm that affected much of the East coast of the United States earlier this week. I hope that you will join me in keeping all those affected in our thoughts as communities up and down the eastern seaboard recover from this disaster.

Speaking of recovery, I am happy to report that our Foundation stands ready to assist members who have been negatively affected by the storm. The Foundation is prepared to offer Helping Hands to Member Grants for up to $1,000 for current Sons of Norway members who are displaced from their homes due to heavy damage as a result of Hurricane Sandy.

If you have been displaced due to the storms, or know another member who has been, notify your Zone Directors, District President or Cindy Olson at the Foundation office (800-945-8851) to learn how you can receive one of these grants. If you were not affected by the storms, I'd like you to consider donating to the Foundation's Humanitarian Fund, so it can continue its great work of supporting our members in a time of need.

In closing, my thoughts and those of the entire Sons of Norway staff are with our members on the east coast this week as they begin the slow process of recovery after such a devastating event.

Fraternally

Eivind Heiberg

CEO