Viking Magazine - January 2020 - 29

picnic that featured a band, chili contest
and Salad Day. Not only do I love all
the food we eat, I'm impressed with
how an array of Norwegian values are
tied into each event, whether it be healthy
living, generosity or camaraderie. "
Kephart, who works in customer service at
Sons of Norway headquarters, also appreciates how much
she gets out of this monthly publication.
" I love the continual learning. Whether it be a
conversation with a member on the phone or [while] reading
Viking magazine, I'm always expanding my breadth of
knowledge, " Kephart says. " I enjoy the exploration into
all corners of Norway. It's eye-opening to read about topics
I didn't think would interest me; it has given me a more
detailed picture of Norway as a whole. "
She's also made use of the organization's online lessons in
language and reading comprehension. " I took three years of
Norwegian in college, so the website is a very useful tool for
me to practice and keep up my skills, " Kephart says.
In addition to the wealth of information, recipes and other
resources available on the Sons of Norway website, another
member benefi t beloved by many is the expansive Cultural
Skills Program, which offers countless ways to celebrate the
art, literature, music and crafts of Norway. The program
rewards members for participating in both traditional and
contemporary pursuits, whether through their lodges or
as individuals. Members of all ages can earn medals for
pursuing skills in folk dancing, Hardanger embroidery,
genealogy and much more. The program was developed as
a way not only to enhance the participants' lives, but also to
encourage others to join Sons of Norway.
In 1966, the Sons of Norway Foundation was created
as yet another way to uphold Norwegian traditions and
heritage by promoting international relationship-building,
offering interpersonal enrichment programs, advocating
for healthy lifestyles and encouraging humanitarian efforts.
The Foundation offers a range of scholarships for young
members and adult learners alike, as well as a number of
grants at the individual and lodge level for a wide range
of purposes including Norwegian cultural development,
community outreach, lodge support and humanitarian aid
for members and Sons of Norway communities.
Today, while Sons of Norway's mission statement has been
periodically updated from its original form over the past 125
years, the intent and spirit behind it remain the same. As it
has done since the beginning, Sons of Norway will continue
to grow and evolve, whatever the future may bring.
1
Button
commemorating
the dedication of
a lodge in Albert
Lea, Minn., 1978
Right, top to
bottom:
1. Parade fl oat
designed to look
like a Viking boat
during the 1963
Aquatennial
Grande Day
Parade in
Minneapolis
2. Old Sons
of Norway
headquarters
3. New
headquarters
Buy 125th
anniversary
merchandise at
sofn.com/125years
3
2
TOP LEFT AND RIGHT: 2011 MINNESOTA HISTORICAL SOCIETY / SCOTT MCPARTLAND / WALTER LEPORATI / GETTY IMAGES

http://www.sofn.com/125years

Viking Magazine - January 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Viking Magazine - January 2020