Q: How did you hear about the Norwegian arm of Sons of Norway? It was still relatively new when you joined…
A: I knew Sons of Norway from my younger years because my father’s brother was a founding member of a lodge in Flint. He immigrated to the US in 1927, first living in Minnesota, and then later in Flint.
Q: Why did you join?
A: In 1984 I saw an ad in the local newspaper that Sons of Norway was going to have a meeting to see if there were enough members to start a new lodge. I joined at that meeting and became a member of what would become Eidsvold lodge 8-009, which will celebrate its 25 year anniversary this year.
Q: What leadership positions have you held within the organization?
A: I went from being a board member in Eidsvold lodge to president and stayed there for several years. Then I became District 8 President for a few years before I became an International Director.
Q: Which ones did you like the most?
A: All of the positions I have had and have now have been very interesting.
Q: How do you think the Norwegian and North American lodges differ?
A: We live in the Old Country but we’re influenced by the Norway of today as far as lodge activities are concerned. We don’t have the insurance component of Sons of Norway in this country, so culture and heritage are the most important parts of lodge work. It would be nice to see a little more interest from our Sons of Norway friends in Canada in the US in modern Norway.
Q: What do you like best about Sons of Norway?
A: Vennskap og kunnskap – friendship and knowledge.
Q: What is your favorite traditional Norwegian dish?
A: Norwegian pancakes and fried meat.
Q: What is your favorite American traditional dish?
A: Turkey dinner.
Q: What do you like to do when not working for Sons of Norway?
A: Local politics for many years, the fight against drunk driving and we run a small family business that demands more than the usual amount of work. Besides that I was a communications officer (lieutenant) in the Norwegian Home Guard for 34 years, but I’ve retired from that now. I was also chairman of the local church council here in Råholt for 12 years.
Showing posts with label Getting to Know.... Show all posts
Showing posts with label Getting to Know.... Show all posts
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Getting to Know...District 5 International Director Jostein Bakken
Ah, Jostein Bakken – the enthusiastic International Director from District 5. Read on to reminisce with him about emigrating from Norway and what might make for a stronger Sons of Norway.
Q: How did you get involved with Sons of Norway?
A: It goes back many years, when I first came to this country. My uncle took me to the lodge down here, Skjold 5-100. I was a member from late 1950 to the middle of 1960. Then I moved away, built a house, started a business and then came back again in 1980. Been a member ever since … about 43 years.
Q: What’s different about Sons of Norway now, as compared with then?
A: Not an awful lot has changed, I must admit. We have more young people now, but we had some then .. Of course, I was younger back then… Meetings are getting shorter…
What changes would you like to see in the organization in the next few years?
I think programs have to be improved. I don’t think that giving medallions are doing the job. Of course, I think the tickets to Norway are a good promotion, but it’s so hard to get programs. They aren’t the interesting and educational programs that we should be offering.
Q: Which leadership position within the organization have you enjoyed the most? Why?
A: [without a moment’s hesitation] District president. That was the most fun time in my life in Sons of Norway. The people! I felt at home. The board was really nice to work with, and I enjoyed that the most. And, also, you get to know and visit more people.
Q: When did you come to the U.S.?
A: I came to the United States the 16th of January 1950.
Q: Why?
A: I came for work. I was emigrating.
Q: What do you miss about Norway?
A: Well, of course, I think of Norway because it’s my motherland and it’s a beautiful country – lot of hills, lots of mountains and I was used to it. It was quite a change when I went back for a trip to visit my sister— she is still living there. I didn’t recognize it because it looked so small. I still have Norway in my mind and I frequently go back.
Q: What’s your favorite Norwegian food?
A: At Christmastime, I miss the lutefisk. Every Christmas Eve in Norway, we had lutefisk and ribbe and rømmegrøt.
Q: How did you get involved with Sons of Norway?
A: It goes back many years, when I first came to this country. My uncle took me to the lodge down here, Skjold 5-100. I was a member from late 1950 to the middle of 1960. Then I moved away, built a house, started a business and then came back again in 1980. Been a member ever since … about 43 years.
Q: What’s different about Sons of Norway now, as compared with then?
A: Not an awful lot has changed, I must admit. We have more young people now, but we had some then .. Of course, I was younger back then… Meetings are getting shorter…
What changes would you like to see in the organization in the next few years?
I think programs have to be improved. I don’t think that giving medallions are doing the job. Of course, I think the tickets to Norway are a good promotion, but it’s so hard to get programs. They aren’t the interesting and educational programs that we should be offering.
Q: Which leadership position within the organization have you enjoyed the most? Why?
A: [without a moment’s hesitation] District president. That was the most fun time in my life in Sons of Norway. The people! I felt at home. The board was really nice to work with, and I enjoyed that the most. And, also, you get to know and visit more people.
Q: When did you come to the U.S.?
A: I came to the United States the 16th of January 1950.
Q: Why?
A: I came for work. I was emigrating.
Q: What do you miss about Norway?
A: Well, of course, I think of Norway because it’s my motherland and it’s a beautiful country – lot of hills, lots of mountains and I was used to it. It was quite a change when I went back for a trip to visit my sister— she is still living there. I didn’t recognize it because it looked so small. I still have Norway in my mind and I frequently go back.
Q: What’s your favorite Norwegian food?
A: At Christmastime, I miss the lutefisk. Every Christmas Eve in Norway, we had lutefisk and ribbe and rømmegrøt.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
Getting to Know…District 7 International Director Erik Brochmann
The vivacious Erik Brochmann has been an upstanding Sons of Norway member since 1970. Currently hailing from Vancouver, Erik is doing a bang-up job as the International Director for District 7.Q: What drew you to Sons of Norway?
A: When I got to Canada in 1970--the day after I arrived--I was approached by the field representative at that time, and he sold me insurance. That’s how I got involved, and I’ve been a member ever since, and I haven’t regretted it. It’s been a great 38 years.
Q: What positions have you held within the organization?
A: We’ll start with the beginning. Lodge: assistant social director counselor president oh, and financial secretary At the district level: publicity director vice president president And then international director!
Q: Which was your favorite? Why?
A: Well, I think the publicity director position was very interesting, but I don’t know if that was my favorite... I think the international director has been very interesting, it’s been a learning curve from day one. I think from a lodge level, it’s hard to see the whole perspective. We see, especially in Canada, the fraternal portion more than the business portion.
Q: How does District 7 differ from the other districts?
A: There is some difference – the insurance thing is the big difference – but apart from that we’re not really that different.
Q: Where are you from? What brought you to Canada?
A: I was born in Bergen, Norway. In 1970, I moved to Canada. I was actually at sea, sailing as an electrician on an ocean going vessel. The ship was called Vancouver and I was asked if I wanted a job with a shipping company there in Vancouver. We moved back to Norway, but we only lasted two years, two and a half… Then I was relocated to Savannah, GA. There was no lodge there, but I stayed connected to Sons of Norway.
After a few more moves, Erik and his wife, Veronica, and their children finally came back to Vancouver to settle in 1986.
Q: What’s your favorite Norwegian food?
A: Fårikål – lamb and cabbage – that’s the Norwegian national dish!
Q: Favorite Sons of Norway memory?
A: That’s a tough one…to be involved in putting on the international convention in 2006 was a great experience. The way the members got together and chipped in. It was a big undertaking when we decided to do this.
Saturday, November 29, 2008
Getting to Know…District 4 International Director Elaine Nelson
Back from a great Thanksgiving we've got a great new profile of the International Director from District 4, Elaine Nelson, who has almost forty years of committed membership under her belt. After joining when she was just 19, Elaine has seen the organization change and grow. Read on to see what’s kept her involved all these years!Q: What was your proudest moment in Sons of Norway?
A: I would have to say, when I made a presentation to a member where there had been a tornado. I was proud to be an international director and was proud of our Helping Hands to Members grants. I was proud that Sons of Norway does that for our members.
Q: How long have you held a Sons of Norway financial product?
A: Since the convention in Philadelphia. I was a delegate and I needed insurance.
Q: Why do you think it’s important to have one?
A: I feel it’s one of the benefits we have of being a Sons of Norway member, and it’s a quality product.
Q: What other positions have you held in Sons of Norway?
A: I came on the district board as district treasurer. I had four years as district counselor, four years as district vice president and four years as district president. I’ve also held positions in my local lodge. I haven’t been secretary and that’s a good position…
Q: What prompted you to join Sons of Norway at such a young age?
A: My parents and I joined 4-087 when our district was having a reorganization of lodges. We joined because of our Norwegian heritage. I didn’t become too active till 1983. My parents and I took our first trip to Norway to visit relatives. I saw the beautiful scenery and my connection to Norway and I came back and became lodge president.
Q: Throughout the years, what has Sons of Norway done to continually engage you?
A: The fraternal friendship from lodges in Canada, Norway and the United States; the heritage; I love the Viking magazine; the web site. We’ve had a lot of great changes. It’s a great organization.
Q: Why is recruitment so important to you?
A: I guess if you like an organization you belong to, you like to tell people the story of Sons of Norway. There’s a lot of people that don’t know about Sons of Norway, and we like to tell of our benefits and how it was started. People can join of all ages. One of the things that I think has really helped in the past few years is the family membership.
Q: What’s your favorite Norwegian food?
A: Oh boy, that’s a tough one. Probably lefse and krumkake.
Q: How do you eat your lefse?
A: Just sugar and butter.
Q: Where in Norway would you like to yet visit? Why?
A: Grimstad, Norway. I have a penpal there. I’ve met her, but I’ve never been to her city.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Getting to Know…New International Director Jon Tehven
A member only since 1996, John Tehven from Iowa in District One, has quickly rose to the recently elected position of International Director. Let’s find out a little more about this motivated man.Q: Compared to some of our other officers, you’re a relatively new member of Sons of Norway. What drew you to the organization?
A: My job was training director for an insurance company, so I was on the airplane and traveling all the time. I didn’t belong to much besides church and I had friends that kept saying you need to join Sons of Norway. When my traveling stopped, I did.
Q: What positions have you held besides district president?
A: Lodge vice president, lodge president and then zone director. After that, district secretary and then district president. I had some significant encouragement.
Q: And why did you get involved after just a few years with district leadership?
A: I have never actively sought office; others have come to me and said, “You should do this.” I had some very good mentors.
Q: What has the transition been like from district president to international director?
A: As district president, there is a huge amount of functional things that have to happen, and the international board will be more visionary.
Q: What would you like to see for Sons of Norway in the next decade?
A: I think we need to have greater insurance participation, need to grow and retain our membership and keep building the Foundation.
I’m very encouraged by the proactiveness of the Sons of Norway and the strategic planning committees of the board. I think that they’re very effective and a good way to build our organization.
I think that we need to continue workshops that train our leaders in the many parts of the Sons of Norway.
Q: What is a characteristic of our fraternal benefit society unique to Sons of Norway?
A: I think that there are some parts here. I think that what happens here at the international office, that the leadership here is individually and collectively as good a leadership experience as I’ve had anywhere.
And in our lodges, I think we have, as a volunteer organization, exceptional leaders. We ask a lot of them and they respond because they think it’s important.
Q: Favorite Norwegian food?
A: My mother’s lefse, but I like rommegrøt also.
Q: Favorite skol?
A: Every year at our house we have a Superbowl party, so that’s our favorite party. Go Bears!
Q: Most amazing experience in Norway?
A: It was visiting my cousins in the Lofoten Islands. We stayed with them, and they came and stayed with us.
Q: Favorite convention memory?
A: Solglimt lodge getting Lodge of the Year; I’m very proud of it. We celebrated at our lodge.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Getting to Know…District 3 International Director Barbara Berntsen
Our dedicated Barbara Berntsen, recently elected to the position of District Three International Director, began her time with Sons of Norway when she was just nineteen years old! Since then, she can boast a long history with district three, and also a strong family connection—every single family member and in-law belongs to Sons of Norway! What’s kept her going in this great organization? Read on!
Q: Why did you join Sons of Norway? What did it offer you as a young adult that ?
A: At the time, my future in laws were members, so I wanted to get involved in an organization that we could do as a family.
Barbara also said that Sons of Norway was the “night out.” There were a lot of people her age and their kids grew up together in this organization; it was a very big family group.
Q: What initiatives did you start whilst D3 President?
A: I started a new strategic meeting plan. What had happened is, people used to come with reports intact. I started that…everybody now presents their reports early … this way when we got to the board meeting, we had more time for brainstorming, organization and committees. It gave us more time to work things out instead of being more rigid.
Also, as a district board, we revamped and wrote many new procedures for this district for the future.
Q: What changes do you anticipate between being a District President and an International Director?
A: I feel it’s a natural progression, but I also feel that one of my main responsibilities is to report all the great things that are happening in the third district to the international board.
Q: Favorite Norwegian Food?
A: Sylteflesk – like head cheese. My mother in law makes it.
You cook pork and then make a lot of slices and put it together with a lot spice. Then you have to squish it in a press and then cool it down and put in a salt brine. You put in fridge for a month, then serve with boiled potatoes.
That, and waffles.
Q: From what region is your bunad? Does that have personal significance for you / your family?
A: It’s from hardanger. My mother-in-law’s best friend used to be a folk dancer. When she felt that she and her husband were not going to dance any more, [she] asked if anyone wanted a bunad.
Liv remade the skirt and 90 year old Sigrid made apron. My mother-in-law helped me re-bead certain parts. It was a mini-lodge event!
I wore it for the first time at my installation.
Q: What is your favorite Sons of Norway memory?
A: One of them would be having my lodge watch me grow up. We joined the lodge, then got engaged, then married, then children, now I have grand-children. And really move in the organization. We have a great lodge.
When I was elected the first time to the district board. I knew I was prepared, but when I got involved with the district is how I really saw the big picture. That was really a nice time.
Q: What activities do you most enjoy participating in through Sons of Norway?
A: Just visiting with other people when we’re up at Land of the Vikings. A lot of times, we would go up on a lot of weekends (Barbara’s husband, Roy, works on building and grounds). Making new friends from other lodge and meeting the old…
Q: What’s one thing the blog readers should definitely know about you? Any hidden talents?
A: I’m a colonial oil painter, it’s all over my house. I’m from a family of painters.
We’re very involved in the 17th of May parade in Bayridge, Brooklyn. We have a lot of Scandinavian groups--it’s the civic groups, the Sons of Norway groups and the churches.
I’m very involved in the Norwegian Immigration Association. We put on exhibits from late 1800s through just after World War II, mainly about the contributions Norwegians have made to society.
Q: Why did you join Sons of Norway? What did it offer you as a young adult that ?
A: At the time, my future in laws were members, so I wanted to get involved in an organization that we could do as a family.
Barbara also said that Sons of Norway was the “night out.” There were a lot of people her age and their kids grew up together in this organization; it was a very big family group.
Q: What initiatives did you start whilst D3 President?
A: I started a new strategic meeting plan. What had happened is, people used to come with reports intact. I started that…everybody now presents their reports early … this way when we got to the board meeting, we had more time for brainstorming, organization and committees. It gave us more time to work things out instead of being more rigid.
Also, as a district board, we revamped and wrote many new procedures for this district for the future.
Q: What changes do you anticipate between being a District President and an International Director?
A: I feel it’s a natural progression, but I also feel that one of my main responsibilities is to report all the great things that are happening in the third district to the international board.
Q: Favorite Norwegian Food?
A: Sylteflesk – like head cheese. My mother in law makes it.
You cook pork and then make a lot of slices and put it together with a lot spice. Then you have to squish it in a press and then cool it down and put in a salt brine. You put in fridge for a month, then serve with boiled potatoes.
That, and waffles.
Q: From what region is your bunad? Does that have personal significance for you / your family?
A: It’s from hardanger. My mother-in-law’s best friend used to be a folk dancer. When she felt that she and her husband were not going to dance any more, [she] asked if anyone wanted a bunad.
Liv remade the skirt and 90 year old Sigrid made apron. My mother-in-law helped me re-bead certain parts. It was a mini-lodge event!
I wore it for the first time at my installation.
Q: What is your favorite Sons of Norway memory?
A: One of them would be having my lodge watch me grow up. We joined the lodge, then got engaged, then married, then children, now I have grand-children. And really move in the organization. We have a great lodge.
When I was elected the first time to the district board. I knew I was prepared, but when I got involved with the district is how I really saw the big picture. That was really a nice time.
Q: What activities do you most enjoy participating in through Sons of Norway?
A: Just visiting with other people when we’re up at Land of the Vikings. A lot of times, we would go up on a lot of weekends (Barbara’s husband, Roy, works on building and grounds). Making new friends from other lodge and meeting the old…
Q: What’s one thing the blog readers should definitely know about you? Any hidden talents?
A: I’m a colonial oil painter, it’s all over my house. I’m from a family of painters.
We’re very involved in the 17th of May parade in Bayridge, Brooklyn. We have a lot of Scandinavian groups--it’s the civic groups, the Sons of Norway groups and the churches.
I’m very involved in the Norwegian Immigration Association. We put on exhibits from late 1800s through just after World War II, mainly about the contributions Norwegians have made to society.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Getting to Know…New International Vice President Marit Kristansen
The lovely Marit Kristiansen moved up to the role of International Vice President at this year's International Convention in San Diego. That convention kicked off a very looong trip for VP Kristiansen, so I was lucky to catch her when she had only just returned. Read on to find out more about this outgoing woman who joined Sons of Norway when she was just 24 years old!Q: Where are you from originally?
A: I was born in Norway in a little place called Vaag and that’s in the kommune of Gildeskaal, but I came to Seattle at the age of five.
Q: Why did you join Sons of Norway back in ’68?
A: Because it was a family organization; it was a place where when my husband was working out of town I could go and bring my two daughters. Everyone was so welcoming, it became my social outlet. And of course my Norwegian roots.
Q: How has the organization changed over the past forty years?
A: It has become more informal in its business meetings and ritual. I do like the ritual, I think it gives it meaning. I think s/n has hit a good balance by having various ceremonies so we can choose what suits out lodge best. I think lodges are doing a good job with programming, and it has changed by focusing on better programming.
Q: What made you initially want to get involved with Sons of Norway leadership?
A: At my very first meeting, the secretary was absent so they asked, ‘Marit, can you take minutes? Can you write English?” I like parliamentary procedure and the business aspect. Once I got involved, it was fun. I went through district board and lodge positions and so moved on up.
Q: Any VP initiatives you are considering for the next biennium?
A: The vice president’s work basically focuses on membership. I think where we need to focus is membership retention. We sign them up right and left, but I think we have to focus more on keeping them.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?
A: To spend time with the family. I have four grandkids. That, and I like to go dancing. And I like play my accordion.
Q: Best vacation? Why?
A: I think the best vacation I had was when my husband and I (back in ‘85) spent two months traveling. We went to London and Aberdeen, then flew to Nice and took a cruise in the Mediterranean and spent some days in Venice and Paris. Then up to Norway. That was the best – that one stands out because we saw so much we hadn’t seen before.
Q: Favorite Norwegian food?
A: Homemade bread with gjetost. I can’t live without my gjetost!
Q: Top convention memory from any convention?
A: Perhaps the one that was meaningful for me was the installation ceremony in Stavanger in Norway. It happened in my husband’s town and my family was there and that they could be present for my installation as international director.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Getting to Know...International Treasurer Gene Brandvold
International Treasurer Gene Brandvold is a busy man. On his second term as treasurer, he took time out from his bowling to talk to me about his membership in Sons since he first joined in 1983.Q: Favorite Norwegian food?
A: Lefse and torsk.
Q: Favorite Norwegian beverage?
A: Akevit (which Gene said without skipping a beat!).
Q: How many times have you visited Norway?
A: Five times. Myrt [Gene’s wife] has been there seven –not bad for a Swede.
Q: What city in Norway you’ve visited do you like best? Why?
A: I visited the Brandvold family farm twice in Hemsedal. It’s only 10 acres on the side of a mountain. Otherwise, just seeing Norway – it’s so beautiful, the mountains the rivers the valleys.
Q: Why did you join Sons of Norway?
A: At that time, they had on Sunday mornings on WCCO a five minute Sons of Norway show. I called the headquarters and somehow I filled out an application and I ended up in Vonheim. At that time, Vonheim had about 4000 members.
Q: What is your favorite Sons of Norway event in the Twin Cities?
A: Visiting other lodges, attending their events and meeting their members.
Q: What other lodge, district or international positions have you held?
A: International Director for District One, District One President, District One Treasurer and five different offices within Vonheim.
Sounds like Gene is quite the renaissance man.
Q: What made you run for treasurer?
A: Finance is my background, and auditing. The position came open, so why not?
Q: What have you gotten out of being treasurer that you didn’t receive as a district or lodge officer?
A: I guess being involved and making decisions that effect the whole organization. As a member of the executive committee, we get involved more so. It effects the future, you might say. It’s exciting, but at times there’s a little pressure because people want the organization to grow and it’s up to us to approve the programs to make them grow.
When I asked him if there was anything else, Gene told me that he is in the Minneapolis bowling hall of fame for meritorious service. That seems a fitting close.
Get up close with International Vice President Marit Kristiansen in our next installment!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Getting to Know...International Secretary Audun Guthfeldt
We've got another great installment of the Getting to Know... series from Nichole Neuman. This time she interviewed our International Secretary Audun Gythfeldt. We hope you enjoy it and have a great weekend!
Audun Gythfeldt joined Sons of Norway in 1981 and has never looked back. With an unparalleled enthusiasm, Audun has undertaken all aspects of lodge, district and international membership and leadership. Most recently, at the International Convention in San Diego, he was elected to International Secretary. Want to know more about Herr Gythfeldt? Read on!
Q: What was the impetus for you to join Sons of Norway?
A: When I finally settled [I] knew about Sons of Norway because my sister had been over here since the 60s and had joined for the travel program. So, I knew about Sons of Norway and thought it might be good to have a group of Norwegians.
Furthermore, Audun said, it was about connecting with other Norwegians in the area; “to get roots in the community.”
Q: What do you think is a distinguishing feature of the 3rd District?
A: Land of the Vikings – what we have that is different than anywhere else. It is important because there are a lot of gatherings and a youth camp up there.
So, it’s a place for a the district to come together?
Yes, it’s still supported by the entire district, the Floridians, even though not everyone can easily get up there.
One other thing we have that none other has and that’s our Viking boat. Three regattas a year.
Q: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed or added to Sons of Norway?
A: Something that we need to do. I belong to two lodges...my own is a large lodge and I’m looking at the participation of membership and such. Only a small portion are active in coming to meetings and that. We need to do something to increase membership. My other lodge gets a ton of people to their meetings.
It is a general factor that it’s a small percentage of members that are really active. We’re trying to work on programs more than anything.
More important than that, I think, is to get the young people involved -- that gap from 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 to 40s…
Q: What do you receive from taking part in SoN international leadership?
A: I’ve been involved in organizational life right back to high school days. Once I get into things, I really get into things. I joined in December 1981 and come elections the following September, I was approached for office and it just went on from there.
I believe very strongly in Sons of Norway and feel very gratified that I can take part in leadership.
Q: When did you emigrate from Norway? From where / why?
A: I came over here in 1972 for a job in the United Nations. That was to be a temporary thing and I went back to Norway a few yers later. Then I came back in 1980 and knew then we’d stay here.
Prior to that, Audun lived in Oslo working for the government.
Q: What is your favorite Norwegian food?
A: får i kål (mutton in cabbage)
Q: Favorite Norwegian drink?
A: What’s truly Norwegian? Aquavit, yeah, it’s ok… aquavit is nice, but I’m not aquavit crazy, either…
Q: Favorite Norwegian folk song?
A: I have 2 favorite songwriters. Erik Bye, he’s written some really great songs, and Alf Prøysen. If you want to include Sweden, we could include Everert Thaube. He has some fantastic waltzes!
Look forward to a profile from our treasurer in two weeks!
Audun Gythfeldt joined Sons of Norway in 1981 and has never looked back. With an unparalleled enthusiasm, Audun has undertaken all aspects of lodge, district and international membership and leadership. Most recently, at the International Convention in San Diego, he was elected to International Secretary. Want to know more about Herr Gythfeldt? Read on!Q: What was the impetus for you to join Sons of Norway?
A: When I finally settled [I] knew about Sons of Norway because my sister had been over here since the 60s and had joined for the travel program. So, I knew about Sons of Norway and thought it might be good to have a group of Norwegians.
Furthermore, Audun said, it was about connecting with other Norwegians in the area; “to get roots in the community.”
Q: What do you think is a distinguishing feature of the 3rd District?
A: Land of the Vikings – what we have that is different than anywhere else. It is important because there are a lot of gatherings and a youth camp up there.
So, it’s a place for a the district to come together?
Yes, it’s still supported by the entire district, the Floridians, even though not everyone can easily get up there.
One other thing we have that none other has and that’s our Viking boat. Three regattas a year.
Q: What’s one thing you’d like to see changed or added to Sons of Norway?
A: Something that we need to do. I belong to two lodges...my own is a large lodge and I’m looking at the participation of membership and such. Only a small portion are active in coming to meetings and that. We need to do something to increase membership. My other lodge gets a ton of people to their meetings.
It is a general factor that it’s a small percentage of members that are really active. We’re trying to work on programs more than anything.
More important than that, I think, is to get the young people involved -- that gap from 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 to 40s…
Q: What do you receive from taking part in SoN international leadership?
A: I’ve been involved in organizational life right back to high school days. Once I get into things, I really get into things. I joined in December 1981 and come elections the following September, I was approached for office and it just went on from there.
I believe very strongly in Sons of Norway and feel very gratified that I can take part in leadership.
Q: When did you emigrate from Norway? From where / why?
A: I came over here in 1972 for a job in the United Nations. That was to be a temporary thing and I went back to Norway a few yers later. Then I came back in 1980 and knew then we’d stay here.
Prior to that, Audun lived in Oslo working for the government.
Q: What is your favorite Norwegian food?
A: får i kål (mutton in cabbage)
Q: Favorite Norwegian drink?
A: What’s truly Norwegian? Aquavit, yeah, it’s ok… aquavit is nice, but I’m not aquavit crazy, either…
Q: Favorite Norwegian folk song?
A: I have 2 favorite songwriters. Erik Bye, he’s written some really great songs, and Alf Prøysen. If you want to include Sweden, we could include Everert Thaube. He has some fantastic waltzes!
Look forward to a profile from our treasurer in two weeks!
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Getting to Know…International President Dan Rude
Over the next couple of weeks our Membership Coordinator, Nichole Neuman, will be running a series called "Getting to Know..." that will profile some of our International Board members and give you, the reader, a chance to get to know them a little better. So, this week we are starting at the top with a short interview/profile that Nichole did with our new International President Dan Rude.
Dan is a very familiar face around Sons of Norway. He's been an active member since 1972 and most recently served as International Vice President, adding to the long list of International, District and Lodge (Normanden 4-424 in
Q: Favorite Norwegian Delicacy?
A: Torsk (cod)
Q: Favorite Norwegian Cookie?
A: Jordelbakkels
Q: Ever been to
A: Five times – one of them was visiting the church where my grandmother was confirmed. It was also a highlight to visit the exchange students and spend time with them and their families. I also co-chaired a square dance event, which was fun.
Oh! And sitting in the King’s chair in Parliament--though maybe I wasn’t supposed to do that... and I spoke from the podium (Does that make Dan the “king” of Sons of
Q: What cultural skills do you practice?
A: I have all three bars for folk dancing and the mentor for that, too, and two bars for stamp collecting and one reading bar.
Q: How get involved with / learn folk dancing?
A: I’ve been instructing for over 30 years, but I went to watch a folk dance and was invited by a young couple to participate and we’ve been folk dancing ever since.
Q: What is the best part of being president?
A: Being invited to be part of all the celebrations and 100th anniversaries and going to go to the FBCs’ vacation. (I hear he’s taking me…) The fun part is working with the people at home office and my board and getting to meet all our members. The people make it.
Q: What are some goals? / Why did you want to be president?
A: I want to see us increase our membership and participation and see what we can do to stop the voluntary leaving. I’d really like to get out and visit the different districts. It’s really quite interesting to see how the different districts handle their business. I don’t think a lot of districts take advantage of the cultural skill programming. I’d like to see more of the districts participate. As well, I’d encourage more districts to get involved with family and cultural camps.
Q: What is your favorite activity from the Barnas Norsk Klubb?
A: The Barneløpet and our Halloween Party
Dan sure has come a long way since he first joined for the travel programs 36 years ago! Over the years he's become a strong leader and a great supporter of fraternal programming. We congratulate Dan, again, on his election to the office of International President and we at the Headquarters look forward to working with him over the next two years.
Be sure to stay tuned for more profiles of your new International Board! Nichole will be back next Wednesday with another update.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
