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Neighborhood Connections Artists explore Falck named « Første nyttårsdag er hvert the constitution menneskes bursdag. » Rotary pres. Read more on page 13 – Charles Lamb Read more on page 10 Norwegian American Weekly

Vol. 126 No. 1 January 9, 2015 Established May 17, 1889 • Formerly Western Viking and Nordisk Tidende $2.00 per copy Happy New Year!

What’s inside? News 2-3 Business 4 Sports 5 NAW’s new friend Opinion 6-7 An interview with a very unusual type of person—and a call for help Travel 8

Roots & Connections 9-10 Emily C. Skaftun Nils Anders Wik: I came from a very NAW: We didn’t think too much of Obituaries & Religion 11 Norwegian American Weekly large family who worked on a farm. We were names. The people called it something-dahl Calendar of Events 12 all but invisible, my brothers and I, to the hu- or something-stad, I can’t remember. They In Your Neighborhood 13 At NAW, we get a lot of inquiries from man family who thought they ran the farm. called us nisser, so that just tells you how people who think we can help them with Oh, sure, once or twice a year they would much they knew. Norwegian Heritage 14 things. Finding lost relatives, planning their leave out some grøt for us, as though we were But anyway, I was a young man and Arts & Entertainment 15 trip to , locating a source of gjetost no better than the farm cat, but we did our part irked at doing so much for the farm with so Back Page 16 in Missouri. But when a long-time reader anyway. It was what we’d always done. What little recognition. I would hear the young brought this one to us, well, we knew right our parents had done. We’d lived on the farm man from the other family boasting to a $1 = NOK 7.619 away it was different. since before it was cultivated, in the trees and young woman he fancied: “Oh yes,” he’d updated 01/05/2015 Nils Anders Wik has an extraordinary rocks, so what else would we do? say, “Our potatoes seem almost to spring story to tell. Honestly, we would have found from the ground on their own,” or “We have In comparison it pretty hard to believe if we hadn’t met him Emily C. Skaftun: Where was your 12/05/2014 7.1290 in person. What follows is his incredible tale. farm? Do you remember the name? See > NAWnisse, page 10 07/05/2014 6.1936 01/05/2014 6.1557 Painting in upper left: Inger Sitter, Hymne til Gaia. Akryl/lerret 160×130 cm. Courtesy of grunnlovsboken.no 2 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly Nyheter fra Norge Nyheter Solbergs nyttårstale Millioner Elbilbestanden doblet igjen Det ble registrert mer enn 20,000 Mange små handlinger kan gjøre Norge og nye elbiler i Norge i fjor, en dobling verden til et bedre sted, oppsummerte Solberg for tredje år på rad. Totalt ble det 1.4 til Ewald prosent flere nye personbiler her til lands. Statistikk fra Opplysningsrådet for Veitrafikken viser at det ble regis- Norge må betale trert 144.202 personbiler i Norge i fjor. over to millioner for Samtidig var det 437,456 eierskifter av personbiler (bruktbilsalg), en oppgang kjønnsdiskriminering på 1,7 prosent fra 2013. 18,017 av de nyregistrerte personbilene var helelek- VG triske. I tillegg kommer elvarebiler og bruktimporterte elbiler. Totalt blir det Norge er dømt til å betale millionerstat- mer enn 20.000 nyregistrerte elbiler, ning til Ellen Ewald etter at hun fikk mindre opplyser Norsk Elbilforening, som lønn enn sin mannlige kollega ved det norske likevel ikke er fornøyd. — Høyeste konsulatet i Minneapolis i USA. markedsandel ble oppnådd i første Det er en domstol i byen St. Paul i del- kvartal, med 14.5 prosent, mens el- staten Minnesota som onsdag dømte norske bilene utgjorde 12.7 prosent gjennom myndigheter for å ha brutt statens diskrim- hele 2014. Salget har altså ikke økt Foto: Terje Bendiksby / NTB Scanpix / VG ineringslov og lov om likelønn. Det melder gjennom året, sier generalsekretær Statsminister Erna Solberg sin nyttårstale til folket. Minneapolis Star Tribune. Christina Bu i foreningen. Volkswa- Da Ellen S. Ewald (55) ble ansatt ved gen er det mest populære bilmerket i Begrensning av klimaendringene ble konsulatet i Minnesota, fikk hun 200,000 Norge. Både når det gjelder elbiler og VG knyttet sammen med mulighetene for ny kroner lavere lønn enn en mannlig kollega. I biler generelt er det tyske merket på — Vi har alle muligheten til å gjøre en vekst i et grønnere samfunn, noe som igjen 2013 ble det kjent at Utenriksdepartementet topp i antall registreringer. forskjell. Du kan, med din vilje og kraft, ble satt i sammenheng med at oljealderen går måtte møte i retten i USA. (Aftenposten) gjøre en forskjell neste år—for naboen, kol- mot slutten. I lang tid har Ewald kjempet en hard Kinesisk selskap snuser på T-banen legaen, for lokalsamfunnet eller internasjon- Solberg varslet at norske utslipp skal likestillingskamp mot UD. alt, sa statsministeren i den TV-sendte talen ned, i tillegg til at vi jobber globalt, blant an- Høsten 2008 fikk hun det hun trodde var Eieren av T-banen i Hongkong, MTR, som ble vist på årets første dag. net som en ledende nasjon i arbeidet med å drømmejobben ved det norske konsulatet i ser på overtakelse av Flytoget og T- Solberg viste til flere eksempler på per- bevare regnskog. Minnesota: banen i som interessant. Sels- soner som hun mener utgjør en forskjell: Solberg snakket også om to velferdsløft Som sjef fikk hun Walter Mondale, den kapet overtok T-banen i Legen Silje Lehne Michaelsen som dro som kommer i 2015—nemlig innføringen amerikanske visepresidenten under Jimmy for fem år siden. Selskapets Norden- til Sierra Leone for å bidra i kampen mot av brukerstyrt personlig assistanse som gir Carter (1977–1981) med norske aner, som i avdeling, MTR Nordic, har fått med ebola og selv ble smittet, 14-åringen Fredrik funksjonshemmede større rettigheter, og 2008 sa ja til å bli Norges honorære konsul i seg debatten i Norge om privatisering Dyb Alnes som har gitt statsministeren inn- innføringen av det såkalte pakkeforløpet i Minnesota. av Flytoget. — Vi følger godt med på spill til tiltak mot dysleksi og fredsprisvinner kreftbehandlingen. Så sprakk idyllen: Det norske utenriks- den slags muligheter. Både flytoget og Malala Yousafzais kamp for jenters rett til å departementet ble tvunget til å møte i en T-banen i Oslo er interessant, sier kon- gå på skole, var noen av dem som ble truk- English Synopsis: Prime Minister Erna Solberg de- føderal amerikansk rettssal, for å forsvare at sernsjef Peter Viinapuu i MTR Nordic ket fram. clared that small changes can lead to a better world in Ellen Ewald ikke ble diskriminert da hun ble til Dagens Næringsliv. Han opplyser her new year’s speech. She focused on inspirational En stor del av statsministerens tale han- ansatt ved det norske konsulatet i Minneapo- at Norden, på grunn av lav risiko for people, international relations, and the environment. dlet om internasjonale forhold. lis i Minnesota i 2008. korrupsjon, samt avregulering innen Nå er Norge dømt til å betale Ellen samferdsel, er et viktig vekstmarked Ewald omkring 1.3 millioner norske kroner for MTR. Han viser til overtakelsen av i erstatning og rundt 740,000 norske kroner T-banen i Stockholm for fem år siden, for den følelsesmessige belastningen hun og sier T-banen i Oslo er av interesse. opp­levde etter at hun ikke fikk lønnen økt. — Det har vi diskutert med Oslo kom- Gutt fant månefisk Ellen Ewald sier til VG at hun er veldig mune. I Stockholm har vi vist at pri- lettet og glad for dommen. vatisering ga økt tilfredshet og bedre Rikard (6) var på skattejakt og fant månefisk — Jeg håper denne dommen vil hjelpe punktlighet, sier Viinapuu. som er sjeldent så langt nord som Nordland kvinner til å føle seg sterkere slik at de tør å (NRK) stå opp for sine rettigheter og til å sloss for Kian ble årets nyttårsbarn NRK prinsippene om likestilling, sier Ewald, og understreker at hun ikke har kjempet bare Årets nyttårsbarn heter Kian Wilhelm Rikard Johannes Bredal (6) fra Steigen for seg selv i denne saken—men for kvinner Siem Swainsbury og ble født på Ak- drar ofte på skattejakt sammen med moren generelt. ershus universitetssykehus i Løren­ sin på Brennviksand, men i dag var fangsten Hennes advokat sier følgende til Minne- skog ti sekunder over midnatt 1. jan- ekstra stor og fin. apolis Star Tribune: uar 2015. — Jeg trodde ikke vi skulle — Sønnen min er litt av en oppdager — Jeg er glad for at dommeren mener rekke det. Sist jeg så på klokken mens og var på skattejakt på stranda sammen med at alle, store eller små, må følge loven. Selv jeg lå der, var det et kvarter til midnatt. hunden vår Bella, da han kom over måne- utenlandske land må betale lik lønn for likt Så så jeg at mannen min og jordmor fisken. Den var ikke lett å få øye på, men arbeid, sier Sheila Engelmeier. sto og lo, sier nyttårsbarnets mor Lisa de fant den likevel under snøen, sier Hege Siem Johnsen (33) til NTB. Kian var Elisabeth Albriktsen til NRK. English Synopsis: Norway has been sentenced by the 3,460 gram og 52 centimeter lang da Den unge gutten ble svært fornøyd over city of St. Paul to pay over two million kroner to Ellen han kom til verden klokken 0:00:10. dagens fangst. Ewald for paying her less than her male colleague at Gutten lot virkelig vente på seg, for- — Det er den beste dagen i mitt liv, sier the Norwegian Consulate in Minnesota. teller den stolte moren. Nyttårsbarnet seksåringen. skulle ifølge terminen vært født lille Månefisken, eller klumpefisk som den julaften. Alt står bra til med mor, far og også kalles, har et veldig karakteristisk ut- barn. Far Adam er fra England, mens seende. Rikard visste med en gang hvilken Foto: Privat mor Lisa er fra Lofoten. Kian, som er fisk det var. Rikard er kjempefornøyd med månefisken. Abonner parets første barn sammen, får de trolig — Sønnen min er svært interessert i eks- på norsk ta med seg hjem til Kløfta i Ullensa- otiske fiskearter, og skjønte raskt at det måtte — Nå ligger den på utstilling. Folk syns ker kommune lørdag. Også jordmoren være en månefisk, sier Albriktsen. det er helt utrolig, og vi har allerede fått amerikansk ukentlig! som tok imot Kian, Silje Aspehjell, er Månefisken holder normalt til i det sør- mange henvendelser fra folk som ønsker å stolt. Helt greit å jobbe på nyttårsaften lige Atlanterhavet og er en sjelden gjest på se den. Ring til (800) 305-0217 når du får ta imot Norges nyttårsbarn, våre breddegrader, og spesielt så langt nord Send e-post til forteller hun til NTB. som Nordland. English Synopsis: A six-year-old boy from Steigen (Aftenposten) Familien har latt månefisken ligge på found a blowfish on the beach while on a treasure [email protected] stranda, slik at andre kan besøke den. hunt with his mother. Norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 3 news page Oslo club makes hot list Former Finance This week in brief Warmest year in Norwegian history The Villa chosen Minister passes On the last day of 2014, the Meteoro- for The Guardian’s Labor’s (Ap) died logical Institute announced that 2014 European top-25 has been the warmest year in Norwegian Monday, Dec. 29, aged 76 history. Despite a white Christmas and a list of nightclubs chilly December, the Norwegian Mete- orological Institute can confirm that the year has set a record. The figures show Michael Sandelson that the temperatures for 2014 have Lyndsey Smith The Foreigner The Foreigner been 2.2 degrees celcius above normal, and 0.4 degrees higher than the previous The Leftist politician, who was born in record, which was from 2011. The Villa in downtown Oslo’s ’s Bærum municipality in “There is no longer any doubt Møllergata was praised for hav- 1938, served as Minister of Finance under that the year that has passed has been ing a variety of DJs performing, two Labor Prime Ministers between 1979 and warmer than ever before,” says climate booked by the club’s Nils Noa. 1981. researcher Hanne Heiberg at the Meteo- “This is the main place to go His first one and half years were as part rological Institute to NTB. in Oslo if you’re into underground of ’s Cabinet, which lasted some According to Heiberg, it was a partic- tech house and techno, and the five years from 1976. ularly warm winter and spring that made club has a really knowledgeable, , Norway’s first temperatures rise well above normal. smart crowd. He [Noa] does the female Prime Minister, succeeded Nordli in Photo: the Villa / Facebook “In Finnmark County the aver- programming and gets in some This Oslo nightcub is among Europe’s best. February 1981, serving until October that age temperature was 10 degrees higher great DJs, but he’s open to bring- year. than usual, and at Svalbard there was a ing in new acts too,” The Guardian’s Jon goalkeeper for British soccer club Totten- Other posts Ulf Sand held included Dep- change of 14 degrees. Especially the lat- Rudell wrote. ham, amongst others. uty Minister of Pay and Prices from 1971-2— ter is highly unusual,” Heiberg explains. Nils Noa told Aftenposten-run site os- “After Charlotte Thorstvedt came in when the Ministry was dissolved—and two (Norway Post / NTB / Aftenposten) loby.no that The Villa’s position on the list about a year ago, we’ve managed to build periods as Deputy Minister of Government means the club is doing something right. He a very good network together. She has un- Administration and Consumer Affairs (dis- Christmas shopping sets new record does not claim sole responsibility for this, doubtedly given the place a new dimension solved 1990) in 1972, as well as between 1973 though. and flavor,” said Nils Noa. and 1977. Norwegians used their credit or debit DJ Charlotte Thorstvedt, born in west- Some of the other clubs Jon Rudell at He retired from his post as advisor at the cards to shop for more than NOK 50 bil- ern Norway’s , recently became The Guardian recommends are Fluxus Min- then Ministry of Local Government and La- lion between December 1 and 24, which one of the club’s staff members. She was the isterija in Lithuania, Kaffibarinn in Iceland’s bor in 2003. means that this year’s Christmas shop- first Norwegian VJ on MTV. Reykjavik, Prague’s Cross Club, Kaiku in The late Sand passed away at Bærum ping has increased by 5 percent (NOK Her father is Erik Thorstvedt, who was Helsinki, and Moscow’s Propaganda. Hospital, located in County. 2.5 billion) from last year. This 5 percent increase is partly due to an extra day of shopping before Christmas, population growth, and of course an increase in prices, explains Pollution lands Norway in court CEO Bror Stende in Virke Fashion and Leisure, the Enterprise Federation of The EFTA Surveillance Norway. The growth in people’s spend- ing before Christmas has been steady Authority (ESA) has for the past few years. summoned Norway (Norway Post / NRK) for air quality breaches Russia warns Norway over sanctions Norway risks major financial losses by Michael Sandelson following the EU’s policy of sanctions and Sarah Bostock against Russia. This was the message when President Putin’s special envoy to The Foreigner the High North, Artur Tsjilingarov, vis- ited Norway. EEA legislation has established legally “If you continue with the sanctions, binding limits for certain airborne pollutants we must look for other partners, like that may pose a threat to public health. Pub- China, South Korea, and other nations,” lic authorities are required to set up plans on Photo: Ruben de Rijcke / Wikimedia Commons he said to NRK, thereby indicating that how air quality can be improved, and legal Automobile exhaust gas is one source of air pollution. Norwegian oil companies are in danger action can be taken if legally binding pollu- of losing the competition for major con- tion limits are exceeded. Municipalities are vironment a letter of formal notice in 2013. breaches of EEA legislation in relation to the tracts in the North. responsible for this in Norway. This was in relation to non-compliance with EU’s Ambient Air Quality Directive. The EU introduced the sanctions Norwegian diplomat and ESA president limit values for NO2 (Nitrogen Dioxide), The Authority argued that many citizens on September 12, as a reaction against Oda Helen Sletnes told VG why the Author- PM10 (Particulate Matter up to 10 microm- in Norway’s cities were exposed to pollution what was seen as a breach of human ity has decided to refer Norway to the EFTA eters in size) and SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide). at high levels, in which Norway “had failed rights in Ukraine. Norway joined in the Court: “The figures that ESA has obtained Conservative Party (H) Environment to establish concrete plans to address the sanctions less than two weeks later. from Norwegian authorities have shown that Minister Tina Sundtoft commented to NRK problems.” “Sanctions will not stop us,” Tsjil- the level of harmful emissions is too high then that “we must do what we can so we Norway had requested an extension of ingarov said to NRK. in several places. Norway has implemented do not end up in the EFTA Court for this. the deadline to meet required concentrations Norway is probably the European measures to deal with pollution, but we are Norway must take responsibility, which the of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in four specified nation that stands to lose the most finan- not satisfied with progress,” she wrote in an municipalities and state must do in tandem.” areas: Oslo, , , and in the cially after relations with Russia have email last week. ESA delivered a reasoned opinion to deteriorated, NRK writes. ESA sent Norway’s Ministry of the En- Norway in March this year concerning See > pollution, page 5 One of Norway’s largest newspa- pers, Aftenposten, commented that Nor- theforeigner.no is one of the top sources for English-language news way must not give in to pressures from and features from Norway. Subscriptions start at NOK 49 per month Russia. Norway has much more to lose There are no foreign by endangering its relationships with «lands. It is the traveler the EU and the U.S. than what could be won by moving closer to Russia, the only who is foreign. newspaper writes. – Robert Louis Stevenson » (Norway Post / NRK / Aftenposten) 4 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly Business Business News & Notes Norsafe CEO named Analysts: Norway best prepared to handle the two years. The same bank estimated that low oil price with today’s oil price, Norway will lose an The gigantic Norwegian sovereign wealth income of NOK 84 billion next year. entrepreneur of the year fund and Norway’s relatively small depen- (Norway Post / NRK) dence on oil to balance the national budget Making waves in the field of safety at sea will help Norway through a period with a Air traffic in Norway breaks all records low oil price, a new analysis presented by the More than 50 million air passengers passed Financial Times concludes. “Norway seems through Norway in 2014. Since 2009, the to be in one of the best positions of all the oil number of passengers at Avinor’s 46 airports producers,” the newspaper reports. has grown by 10 million. Norway’s oil fortune has been moved According to Dag Falk-Petersen, CEO into the Government Pension Fund of Nor- of Avinor, the tremendous growth the past way, also known as the “Oil Fund.” Its es- ten years is due to two main factors: Both timated value is NOK 6,300 billion. The Norwegian and SAS have invested in the fortune is meant to secure pensions, but may Norwegian market, and Norway has not also be used to stimulate the economy, which been heavily affected by the financial crisis gives the Norwegian government room to in Europe. The latter has helped attract new maneuver through a potential financial crisis. foreign companies to Norway, which has ex- Meanwhile, several reports show that panded the route offers even further. Norway is not dependent on an oil price The aviation industry is sensitive to cy- higher than USD $40 per barrel in order to clical changes, so the development will not balance next year’s national budget. This is follow a straight line. “We currently see a the lowest level for all the oil producers that plateau in the air traffic, but the prognosis tell the rating company has looked at. us that the traffic will continue to increase in However, there is no question that a fall- the long run,” the CEO explains. ing oil price will have consequences for the Avinor is also affected by the recent Air Norwegian economy. New oil projects may Asia accident. “Those of us who work in the Photos courtesy of Norsafe now have to be dropped. New oil invest- airline industry are all part of an international Above: Alexander Skaala (Geir Skaala’s son, family, and an accident like this one affects ments have for many years been an impor- center) accepting the Ernst & Young Entrepre- tant growth factor in the Norwegian econo- all of us. At the same time it is important to neur of the Year award on behalf of his father. my, but this will not be the case in 2015. highlight that aviation is the safest method of Left: One of the company’s lifeboats, the GES50 In November, DNB markets concluded transportation in the world,” Falk-Petersen MKIII (Gravity Escape System) approaches the that 7,000 positions have disappeared from tells Aftenposten. surface in a test. The free-fall lifeboats are some the Norwegian oil industry during the past (Norway Post / Aftenposten) of the best in the world.

Exchange Rates Oslo Børs: Week at a Glance (Jan. 5, 2015) Winners Losers Norsk Kr. 7.6189 Name NOK Change Name NOK Change Dansk Kr. 6.2344 Scana Industrier 1.38 25.45% Oceanteam Shipping 5.75 -9.87% EMAS Offshore 3.31 9.97% Aker Solutions 37.27 -9.63% Svensk Kr. 7.9135 Nio 1.99 9.94% Fred. Olsen Energy 59.95 -9.30% Islandsk Kr. 129.13 Siem Shipping 61.00 6.09% Photocure 26.70 -8.87% Byggma 40.00 5.82% Siem Offshore 3.60 -8.86% Canadian $ 1.1753 Rasmus Falck also received several Design Awards for its For detailed information about the Oslo Børs, visit www.dn.no. Euro 0.8378 Oslo, Norway products. According to the jury, the entrepreneur Norsafe Group’s CEO and founder Geir has, through tough priorities and strategic Skaala was awarded Ernst & Young’s Entre- choices, developed the business into the preneur of the Year in the Norwegian nation- world’s largest in its industry. Innovative and al final. He won the regional finals for the technically advanced products customized to south of Norway earlier last year, where he its market has been the key to success. The was chosen as the winner out of 320 candi- entrepreneur has established a winning cul- dates. According to the jury, Skaala, with his ture in an innovative business, which makes enthusiasm for the employees, the company, it well positioned for further growth. “We and the industry, was a worthy winner. create safety at sea. It’s a vocation for us to Norsafe, based at Tromøya in contribute to improved safety on ships and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers rigs,” said Aleksander Skaala when he re- of lifeboats, and is a major producer of free- ceived the prize on behalf of his father. fall lifeboats and fast rescue boats. The fam- A recent study of accidents with life- ily-owned business is now also focusing on boats concluded that five out of seven ac- the production of military and professional cidents were related to the crew’s lack of boats. Skaala has been in the lifeboat busi- knowledge. To improve the competence of ness his whole life, and has built Norsafe crew onboard ships and offshore installa- into the company it is today since its estab- tions is an important next step to enhance lishment in 1987. Today the group has more the safety of seafarers. Early this year Nor- than 1,200 employees. safe will be opening a new training center The company’s strategy is to design and in Rosendal, located between Bergen and develop high-quality products in consult- Stavanger, in the heart of the Norwegian oil ing with wide groups including customers, and gas industry. equipment users, and regulatory authori- Geir Skaala will represent Norway in MULLAVEY, PROUT, GRENLEY & FOE ties. Norsafe was the first European lifeboat the international finals in Monaco in June. manufacturer to invest in full production fa- Lots of luck! cilities in China; they also have a full pro- duction unit in Greece, an advanced davit Attorneys and counselors at law Rasmus Falck is a strong manufacturer site in the west of Norway, and innovation and entrepre- a wholly-owned subsidiary in the U.S. These Advice regarding maritime and civil claims, disputes, neurship advocate. The production opportunities allow them to low- author of “What do the commercial transactions and estate planning. er overall costs for the customers, while still best do better” and “The maintaining stringent quality control. They board of directors as a also have built a service network with hubs resource in SME,” he re- 2501 NW 65th St, P.O. Box 70567 Seattle, WA 98107 in most key ports. Norsafe manufactures the ceived his masters degree Telephone: (206) 789-2511 Fax: (206) 789-4484 largest free-fall lifeboat in the world, certi- from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He fied for a drop height of 47 meters, and has currently lives in Oslo, Norway. norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 5 sports Norway remembers footballer “Ivers” Former Rosenborg striker and soccer legend Odd Iversen dies at age 69

Molly Jones Norwegian American Weekly

Norway lost one of the country’s best soccer players of all time when Odd Iversen passed away at age 69 on Monday, Decem- ber 29. After a period of illness, Iversen spent his last days in his hometown of Tron- deim at Øya helsehus. Iversen was born on November 6, 1945, and would soon become a star in Norway’s elite soccer league and an idol for many young Norwegian athletes. The young striker, commonly called Ivers, moved from his home team of Trond to Rosenborg in 1964, making his way into Norway’s 1st Division league (what is today called Tippeligaen). He quickly achieved fame as the top scorer in the 1967. But one year wasn’t enough for Iversen; he went on to score the most goals in the ‘68 and ‘69 seasons as well for a total of 73 goals in the three consecutive years. He scored 30 goals for Rosenborg in 1968 alone, setting the re- cord for most goals in a single season; this record still stands today. Already a national success, Iversen decided to try his luck internationally. He Photo: Scanpix / NRK accepted a position with the Belgian club Ivers in action. He still holds the record for per-season goals, with 30. Racing Mechelen in the spring of 1970, but suffered an injury and was never able to ex- his son Steffen, who also competed as a record holder is now with ern Irish George Best, the confident Iversen cel abroad. He stayed with Racing Mech- striker for Rosenborg. 172 goals. declared, “From now on, he will be called elen through 1973, but eventually returned “Odd was a superstar for those of us In addition to his professional success, just George second-Best.” According to his to Rosenborg. who grew up in the 1960s and ‘70s. I have Iversen represented Norway in 45 national closest friends and teammates, such remarks In 1975, Iversen transferred again for been ‘Odd Iversen’ many times on the play- games and scored 19 goals for his home were anything but rare. a five-year stint with Vålerenga. But yet ground. He is a legend in Norwegian soccer. country. Iversen’s coach and teammate for many again, he came back to Rosenborg to finish He had incredible skills and a physique to Many of Norway’s soccer experts be- years, , has endless good off his professional career in 1982. He is excel at many sports. His outlook and con- lieve that Iversen deserved a better interna- things to say about his lifelong friend. widely considered to be Rosenborg’s best- trol were very special, something we have tional career. “I would so like to have seen “I trained Odd on the boys’ team already ever player, and was honored as the first seen again somewhat in Steffen. There’s no him in a bigger club. He deserved more than in the early 1960s. He is the greatest talent I Norwegian player in history to get a testi- doubt where Steffen got it from,” comment- being in a backyard club in . Odd have trained. He was fast, very good with his monial match by his club. ed Rosenborg’s former director of sports, should have been one of the biggest clubs head, strong, and shot equally well with both “It was with sadness today that Rosen- . in Europe,” argued NRK commentator Arne feet, even though he was right footed,” he borg received the news that one of Norway’s Throughout his career in the 1st Divi- Scheie. commented. “We said he had ‘fly eyes.’ Flies best footballers of all time has passed away,” sion, Iversen broke the all-time goalscoring But Iversen isn’t just remembered for can see in all directions, and so could Odd.” reported the club’s website on the day of record with 158 total goals. He held the re- his talent on the field; he is also celebrated Without a doubt, Odd Iversen will be re- Iversen’s death. cord for over two decades until Petter Bels- for his quick remarks and good humor. When membered as one of the greats in Norwegian But the Iversen legacy continued with reached 159 goals in 2003. The current competing in shootouts against the North- soccer.

Sports News & Notes < pollution EFTA Court.” From page 3 Norwegian Ministry of Climate and En- Handball: Euro Gold for Norway again Cross country: Another win for Bjørgen vironment officials remark to The Foreigner Western Zone. Stavanger, Norway’s fourth- in an email that “in Norway, it is the local Norway’s women defeated 28-25 in Norway’s Marit Bjørgen won the women’s largest city is located in this zone. municipalities who have the responsibility of the final of the European Handball Champi- cross country World Cup sprint event in Da- ESA accepted Norway’s request regard- improving air quality.” onship 2014, to become champions of Eu- vos on Sunday, Dec. 21, ahead of ’s ing NO2 levels and Bergen. This gave the “They have a long list of available poli- rope for a sixth time since 1994. The victory Stina Nilsson and compatriot Ingvild Flug­ Scandinavian country up until January 1, cies and measures that they can use to im- also means that coach Thorir Hergeirson stad Østberg. Bjørgen had also won the sixth 2015, to meet limit values for this. prove air quality, like congestion pricing, and his team have qualified for the Women’s consecutive World Cup 10km freestyle race “In relation to the remaining three ar- higher tolls on days with high pollution, World Championships in 2015 and the Rio the day before. eas, the Authority has decided to reject the lower speed limits, and other permanent and Olympic Games in 2016. Sweden’s women Sunday’s sprint victory was Bjørgen’s request. For both Trondheim and the West- temporary measures. Several measures are won the bronze match against Montenegro 84th World Cup win, and leaves her on top ern Zone, the Authority considered that already in place, and generally the air quality 25-23. of the World Cup sprint standings with 300 an extension was unnecessary, as the limit has improved.” (Norway Post / NRK / Aftenposten) points, ahead of fellow Norwegians Østberg values had been complied within 2012. In Minister of Climate and Environment and Maiken Caspersen Falla. Bjørgen also the case of Oslo, the information provided Tine Sundtoft says that municipalities could Ski jumping: Jacobsen wins at leads the World Cup overall with 849 points, by the Norwegian Government showed that make even better use of the available regula- Garmisch-Partenkirchen with compatriots Therese Johaug second even with an extension, there was unlikely to tory measures. (528) and Østberg third (476). Norway’s veteran Anders Jacobsen is back be compliance with the limit values before “Norway is not alone having problems in form and won the ski jumping contest at (Norway Post / NRK / Aftenposten) 2025,” the Authority stated. with the limit values in the directive. Air pol- Garmisch-Partenkirchen on Thursday, Jan. ESA published an update regarding lution is a widespread problem across the 1, the second competition in the Four Hills Alpine skiing: Super-G win for Jansrud Norway on Friday, Dec. 19. In it, officials EEA, particularly in big cities, where emis- tournament. Norway’s Rune Velta captured Norway’s Kjetil Jansrud extended his World wrote that “although there has been some ac- sions from diesel cars are a major contributor fifth place. Jacobsen (29), who suffered a se- Cup overall lead in the World Cup after a tion in Norway to address air pollution, EEA to poor air quality. The European Commis- rious knee injury in 1913, won with a jump comfortable win in the Super-G event in Val requirements are not being fulfilled within sion is currently pursuing similar infringe- of 136.5 meters. Gardena, , on Saturday, Dec. 20. a reasonable timeframe. Consequently, the ment proceedings against several EU Mem- (Norway Post / NRK / Aftenposten) (Norway Post / NRK / Aftenposten) Authority has decided to refer the case to the ber States,” they conclude. 6 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly opinion

An opinion column about current issues in Norway and the On the EDGE Join the conversation! Let’s send a real Ambassador to Norway

• not require their DCM and other staff ating with each other. to do the real work while they show off la Norway therefore is not a throw- James Bruno bella figura at cocktail parties away oversized golf resort in the Carib- Washington, D.C. • actually write policy recommendations bean where a rich plutocrat can flaunt his and know to whom to send them abysmal standing on the Peter Principle After much drama and embarrass- By the way, all the drunkenness, solic- scale. It’s a real country with real issues ment to the Obama White House lasting iting, drugs, womanizing, etc. have actually demanding a real diplomat as U.S. am- almost a year, the president’s nominee to occurred with a slew of politically appointed bassador. Our last career ambassador to be U.S. ambassador to Norway, George ambassadors. A relevant example is Ronald Oslo was Margaret Joy Tibbets, appoint- Tsunis, dropped out last week. The White Reagan’s ambassador to Norway Mark Ev- ed by President Johnson—in 1964. House gave up on his nomination after ans . An outspoken former Mormon And here’s another reason why the it became clear there were not enough missionary who hurled tirades against a vari- altruistic folks in the White House per- votes in the Senate to confirm him. Mr. ety of Norwegian liberal institutions as well sonnel office should change tack on the Tsunis, a hotel magnate who had donated as the press, he was arrested by Norwegian Norway ambassador position: and bundled well over a million dollars police at a house where he drunkenly bel- Your ambassadorial selections thus to President Obama’s and congressional lowed and banged on a woman’s door at 3:00 far have brought increasing embarrass- members’ campaign funds, so botched a.m. The police ended up returning the good ment upon the president, who is being his confirmation hearing, displaying ambassador to his residence. For other ex- criticized in the media for Boss Tweed- broad and deep ignorance of Norway and amples of misbehaving pay-to-play ambas- like selling of public office. This presi- its form of government, that four Demo- Photo: Wikimedia Commons sadors, see, The American Diplomatic Spoils dent has the worst record in this regard cratic senators defied White House arm Insert America’s Ambassador to Norway here. System: Embassies for Sale. compared to his predecessors. Moreover, twisting and refused to support Mr. Tsu- Bonus points if he or she is a qualified diplomat. We actually have serious business with morale in the U.S. Foreign Service is the nis for the job. Vigorous lobbying by the our Nordic NATO ally. A few priority issues: lowest it’s been since the witch-hunting Norwegian-American community played lack the pizazz that someone like a TV soap • Russian fighter jets have increased near- years of Senator Joe McCarthy. Foreign no small part in sinking his candidacy. opera producer or a political party rainmaker incursions of Norway’s coastal areas. Nor- Service officers have been shut out of the Influential Norwegians, including the brings to the foreign policy stage. These, af- way, of course, shares a border with Russia. top jobs at State, while the administration mayor of Oslo, also expressed their op- ter all, are folks who can pick up the phone at • Norway is a major player in the Arctic uses the State Department as a patronage position. the drop of a campaign donation and call the and Antarctic. Moscow recently has made waste dump, appointing a swelling num- Okay, there’s again an ambassado- Prez about Argentine LIBOR rates or visa military moves in the Arctic. ber of political hacks and cronies to a me- rial vacancy in Oslo. What will the ad- fraud in the Budapest consular section. But • Norway rivals its Russian neighbor in ministration do? Nominate another mon- I’m serious here. I really mean it. You’d be gas exports to the European Union, supply- See > ambassador, page 7 eybags campaign contributor with zero amazed what a Norwegian-speaking expert ing 20 percent (compared with 25 percent qualifications, hoping that nobody will in diplomacy and with relevant college de- from Russia). Should Russia cut back gas James Bruno is a best- notice and make a fuss? After all, the grees can accomplish. Based on personal ex- exports to Europe by 20 percent, Norway selling author. He has Democratic Senate leadership managed perience, I can attest that real diplomats can could easily make up the difference. been featured on many to ram through the lame duck Congress do the following: • Since Norway is not an EU member, national and interna- tional media outlets. two equally ignorant and unqualified • communicate with the people in their all trade issues that come up—including fish Bruno is a contributor campaign contributors to Hungary and own languages exports—go through the Norwegian govern- to Politico Magazine • know who to talk to in the host govern- ment, not, as in EU countries, through Brus- Argentina, countries sliding into despo- and an instructor at tism and bankruptcy, respectively. That’s ment and actually know what to say sels. Therefore, our embassy in Oslo plays a ThrillerFest. Bruno served as a diplomat like sending two junior high Pop Warner • not insult the locals with brash, stupid key role. with the U.S. Department of State for twen- players to the NFL and the Super Bowl. statements • Norway is home to the world’s larg- ty-three years and currently is a member of A real winning formula. • pull the strings of USG agencies to get est sovereign wealth fund, a trillion dollars. the Diplomatic Readiness Reserve, subject Now, here’s a novel idea: Let’s send results Its guidelines mandate that 2 percent be in- to worldwide duty on short notice. He holds a real diplomat to Norway! Oh, pshaw, • not embarrass the United States vested in North America. M.A. degrees from the U.S. Naval War Col- you say. Why, everyone knows that civil through public drunkenness, drug abuse, • Oslo is the go-to place whenever Israe- lege and Columbia University, and a B.A. servants are as poor as church mice and adulterous affairs, or soliciting prostitutes lis and Palestinians get serious about negoti- from George Washington University.

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Norwegian American Weekly (USPS 679-840) (ISSN 1942-1389) is published weekly except the last two weeks of July, the first two weeks of August and the last week of Dec. by Norwegian American Weekly Inc, 7301 Fifth Avenue NE Suite A, Seattle, WA 98115. Periodicals postage paid at Seattle, WA and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Norwegian American Weekly 7301 Fifth Avenue NE Suite A, Seattle, WA 98115. Phone: (206) 784-4617 • Email: naw@na- Proud to bring you the Norwegian American Weekly weekly.com • Website: www.na-weekly.com. Annual subscription cost: USD $70 domestic; USD $94 to Canada; USD $212 to Norway and all other foreign countries. norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 7 opinion Norwegian American Weekly Letters to the Editor Published since May 17, 1889 7301 Fifth Avenue NE Suite A, Seattle, WA 98115 Do you have something to say? Toll-free: (800) 305-0217 • Local: (206) 784-4617 Fax: (206) 448-2033 • Email: [email protected] Write to us at Norwegian American Weekly, Letter to the Editor, 7301 Fifth Avenue NE, Suite A, Seattle, WA 98115, or email us at [email protected], subject line Publisher: Norwegian American Foundation Letter to the Editor. Letters may be edited for style, clarity, or length. Editor-in-chief Emily C. Skaftun [email protected] Copy Editor Harry Svenkerud [email protected] vs. Lister Advertising Drew Gardner [email protected] Dear Editor, Subscriptions The small town of Lista is located on John Erik Stacy [email protected] Lista Peninsula and the area including Far- sund, Hægebostad, , , Editorial Assistant Molly Jones [email protected] and is known as the Lister District which is part of Vest- County. The Lis- Contributors ta Peninsula was named Lister up to 1918. Larrie Wanberg Grand Forks, N.D. Patricia Barry Hopewell Junction, N.Y. In my very old Norges Geografi (the Geog- Melinda Bargreen Everett, Wash. raphy of Norway) Lister is in the index but Carla Danziger McLean, Va. / Albany, Calif. Daughters of Norway Members Various not Lista . Gary G. Erickson Sunburg, Minn. I hope this helps on the confusion about Rasmus Falck O oslo, Norway Lista versus Lister. Marit Fosse G geneva, Switzerland Sunny Gandara Beacon, N.Y. not in Norway. The white and blue fields are ning to learn how much the Norwegian flag Shelby Gilje Seattle, Wash. Sincerely, frequently of the same width, whereas you means to so many people. Heidi Håvan Grosch Sparbu, Norway Line Grundstad Hanke Seattle, Wash. Roar Irgens will note from the enclosed that the blue fiels As a graphic designer, my take on flags Victoria Hofmo Brooklyn, N.Y. Mount Vernon, Wash. should correctly be of twice the width of the has always been a bit casual. If I needed Leslee Lane Hoyum R rockford, Minn. Inger-Torill Kirkeby Miami, Fla. white fields. an American flag image, I wouldn’t be too Scott Larsen New Westminster, B.C. I take it that you are now wondering picky about the exact number of stars on it. Thor A. Larsen Fishkill, N.Y. Flag dimensions when I will submit a more relevant letter. I suppose I’ve been the same way about the Solveig M. Lee Seattle, Wash. Whitney Love Stavanger, Norway Norwegian flag—with the added complica- Christine Foster Meloni Washington, D.C. Dear Editor, With best wishes for the New Year, tion being that I also hadn’t realized what David Nikel Trondheim, Norway Roy Jorgensen Hopewell Junction, N.Y Having grown up in Nazi-controlled Eric A. Hallén the specific flag ratios were meant to be.I Jerry Larson Zimmerman, Minn. Norway during World War II, when the dis- Reston, Va. do take some artistic license with the sym- Richard Londgren Thousand Oaks, Calif. Donald V. Mehus New York, N.Y. play of the Norwegian flag was strictly “ver- bol, but I meant no offense. And I appreciate David Moe Sun City, Calif. boten,” I developed a deep love of the Nor- learning about the right way of doing things! Ken Nordan Batavia, Ill. wegian flag. Dear Eric, Does that mean that I promise never to Barbara K. Rostad Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho Rolf Kristian Stang New York, N.Y. Looking at pictures in the press, includ- A happy New Year to you too! include an iffily proportioned flag in NAW? It Daytona Strong Seattle, Wash. ing your own, and also pictures from the Your letter is plenty relevant to us here does not. I hope you won’t mind! Judith Gabriel Vinje Los Angeles, Calif. many Norwegian groups, the flag is very at NAW; apologies if I’ve been mis-using the Norwegian American Weekly strives to make often having incorrect dimensions. The flags flag. It was certainly never my intention to Sincerely, its news report fair and accurate. If you have a question or comment about news coverage are most likely made in China and certainly disrespect it, but I will say I am only begin- Editor call (206) 784-4617. • Norwegian American Weekly reserves the right to edit any and all submissions for style, grammar, accuracy, and/ or space, and the right not to print submissions < ambassador deemed libelous, in poor taste, or not suited for From page 6 publication in this newspaper. • The opinions have you a story to tell? expressed by opinion writers and letter writers are not necessarily those of Norwegian American tastasizing array of “Special Envoys” to one Weekly, and our publication of those views useless or p.c. portfolio after another. The NAW is now a market for fiction! is not an endorsement of them. Comments, State Department resembles a bureaucratic suggestions, and complaints about the opinions NAW is now accepting fiction of • up to 1,500 words expressed by the paper’s editorials should be Humpty Dumpty—fat, largely marginal- • English-language directed to the publisher. • Norwegian American ized, and at risk of falling off the policy wall up to 1,500 words (1,000 or fewer Weekly is published weekly except the first week • Norway-themed or mystery of the calendar year, the week after Easter, the altogether as a bloated NSC runs foreign preferred) of any genre that have last week of July, and the first two weeks ofA ugust policy from the Eisenhower Executive Of- something to do with Norway, or • $50 payment by Norwegian American Weekly, INC. • Please fice building. • [email protected] send address changes to 7301 Fifth Ave. NE crime/mystery stories even if they Suite A Seattle, WA 98115 • Annual Subscription So, decisionmakers, before you blithely Cost: US $70 Domestic, US $94 to Canada, US name yet another credential-challenged, have nothing to do with Norway $212 to Norway and all other foreign countries. monied dolt to go galumphing off to the land (but bonus points if they do). We SINCE MAY 17, 1889: of Edvard Grieg and Trygve Lie, ponder the Formerly Norway Times pay a flat rate of $50 for stories, Western Viking & Washington Posten benefits of making just one exception. The on publication. Submit your best Norwegian people certainly deserve better. Comprising Nordisk Tidende, Decorah-Posten (English-language) stories to og Ved Arnen, Minneapolis-Tidende, Minnesota America’s diplomats would appreciate such Posten, Norrona, and Skandinaven a gesture. And the president sure could use [email protected]! NORWEGIAN AMERICAN WEEKLY, INC. some image repair in this area.

Han Ola og Han Per with new translations by John Erik Stacy

Hey there, stop that monkey business!

I’m just going to That is Ha ha ha, he who Whatcha gonna use that smoke Lars a bit. Oh yes, now you just right. laughs last laughs best. tar paper for, Værmor? will see a picnic. 8 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly Travel A day’s tour through Kvinesdal Known for its Utvandrer festivalen, Kvinesdal offers museums, arts, and an immigrant connection

Victoria Hofmo Brooklyn, N.Y.

For the past four years I have been at- tending The American Festival in , which takes place the last weekend in June. It is an awful time for me to travel, but this year I was starting a brand new program and its Photos: (right) Visitnorway.com, (below & bottom) kvinesdal.no Right: Tore Bjorn Skjolsvik’s statue depicting the separation of em- late start gave me enough time to take an en- migration. tire six days off. This left me with two days Below: Menighetssenter and Kvinesdal Gjestehus, where travelers to explore before the festival began. and the needy can all find hospitality. I chose to spend those two days explor- Bottom: Utsikten Kvinesdal, a stark building with a magnificent ing Kvinesdal. I have many friends who live view and many cultural attractions. in the town and had been there many times before—long, long ago. My biggest incen- tive to visit came through a chance encounter at the 17th of May celebrations in Brooklyn. There Erling Dugan, one of the founders of the Facebook site Brooklyn Norwegians, had a chance encounter with my good friend Liv Lyngsvag, who graciously opens her home to me when I attend the American Festival. Erling had Liv swear that she would take me to the museum in Kvinesdal that June. So nothing stood in my way of this ad- venture; I had a wonderful tour guide—Er- ling—and great company in transit—Liv. The day began with ice cream, a “must” according to Liv: “They have the best at the Sentrum Kiosk.” It is delicious. Cones in hand, we wandered over to a marvelous statue. Made by artist Tore Bjorn Skjolsvik, it depicts a family of three saying their final farewells to an elderly father. All are wearing early 20th-century garb. It commemorates the enormous emigration from the south of Norway and the human repercussions of families separating, often forever. Its rough- hewn texture allows you to feel the human pain of the impeding partition. Magda Dugan and Arthur Svennivik began the campaign to raise funds for this statue. The monument was unveiled in 2002 and is one of the many markers Kvinesdal holds, reflecting the area’s long history of tion was truly a grassroots effort. Local Ju- this part of Norway. der if the amazing backdrop would steal the poverty, which forced thousands to leave and dith Osteboe left her home to the Kvinesdal I asked Liv about her impressions of the show? In 2009, it featured a site-specific in- seek employment elsewhere. It also serves Council for the explicit purpose that it serve museum and she said, “I love the museum; stallation, Jewels of Kvinesdal, by Rapahaele as symbol of Kvinesdal’s popular Utvandrer as a center/museum, documenting the emi- so nice to see memories that I remembered Shirley. The artist’s work incorporated the festivalen, held on the 4th of July weekend. gration history between Vest Agder and the from my childhood! I was impressed to see changes of light that occurs here. In 2014 it boasted its 25th anniversary. U.S. It is located on Prestergarden and was how many things had been collected there This reminded me of a relatively recent Next, we meandered in a well-tended fully furnished, which makes looking at the and to see different rooms with original fur- Norwegian policy, which proposes to have graveyard across from Menighetssenter vintage mid-20th-century furnishings a blast. niture. Also the original apartment down- cultural centers built in small towns all over & Kvinesdal Gjestehus (Church Center & The Sons of Norway Viking Lodge pro- stairs that she used to stay in during her sum- the country. Each would be unique. I remem- Guesthouse). Liv and Erling know many of posed that it be the entity to run the center/ mer vacation was impressive. The museum ber seeing the one built in Vigeland, its Kul- the people who are forever at rest; some are museum in 2003. Its purpose is: “To preserve is absolutely worth a visit.” turtorvet. I noticed the structure right away. related. The headstones are slightly different the emigration history; inform visitors of the Afterwards we headed to Utsikten Ho- Not for its size; it was very compact, but for from those I’ve seen in the states. I especially emigration history from the Lister region that tell. On our way into Kvinesdal I had noticed its distinct design, a mix between modern love the carved sparrows and other birds. took place between 1850–1970, highlighting a concrete-looking building jutting out from and traditional architecture, but a little off Erling brought us into the Gjestehus, the period from the end of the Second World the trees on a mountain top. It was jarring to kilter. Shifting planks play peek-a-boo with originally known as the Rafoss Hotel, which War up until the mid-1970s; collect and ex- see in this bucolic setting. Thinking it was the walls, like a cabin in the beginning stage opened in 1908. Today, it is owned by the hibit objects, letters, photos, documents, and ugly, I asked what it was. When they told me of collapse. The idea of having cultural cen- church. They offer meals and accommoda- other relevant material that would help to it was Utsikten I was shocked. More than a ters in towns around Norway is a marvelous tion and are active in mission work. This highlight how much the emigration meant decade ago, I remember visiting a charm- one. Vigeland is where the famous artist of centrally located building is a stately Norwe- for the people and the community and pre- ing wooden building with an amazing view. the same name hails from. The area is rich gian affair. The building’s incarnation is truly serve objects and knowledge from this pe- It blended into the environment seamlessly. in wood carving tradition. Doesn’t it make hospitable to all: offering food to locals, ac- riod that would otherwise stand the risk of This one, not so much. sense to feature it here, at the battlefield? commodations to visitors and refugees, and disappearing during the next generations.” Well, Norway, like the rest of the world Ideally, should you have to travel all the way a place to learn a trade at its “Peace Cafe.” It includes the stories of many locals is not frozen in amber. Bigger, bolder, and to Oslo to see a performance or exhibition? These refugees cannot yet legally work, but who lived in the U.S., along with its vast col- glitzier should not surprise. So, I say suck it If you give local artists a place to feature the they are permitted to earn tips, so the church lection of many objects from the 1950s era, up and enjoy. Away we went. results of their creativity the locals will flour- started this cafe where the refugees cook and parts of it are set up like an apartment. I We first walked around outside. The ish. Perhaps adding this cultural layer to a their native food, serve, and clean up. Unfor- especially loved the funky lamp that twisted view is breathtaking from atop one of the town will even encourage youth to stay. tunately, it was not open the day we visited, like a vine up the side of a couch, with light highest peaks, in the center of Fedafjord. It Back to Kvinesdal Utsikten. Not only is but we made a plan to return. glowing from bulbous plastic flowers. The is perfectly placed, like scoring the 10th row there an amazing view, they also have a de- Our next stop was to the Lister Emi- vintage furniture in the living room is iconic center seat at the theater. lightful neighbor, a museum. It was the home grant Museum (Sørlandet Utvandrersenter), to a specific time in American history. That There is a small, curved amphitheater and studio of one of ’s most the catalyst for my visit. Erling has a key time—the 1950s/1960s—coincides with the overlooking the fjord for outdoor concerts, renowned painters, Marcelius Førland. It because he serves on its board, so Liv and I last large wave of emigrants who came to performances, and exhibits. Can you imag- got a private tour. The creation of this institu- America, some for only a short time, from ine hearing a concert from this place? I won- See > kvinesdal, page 16 norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 9 roots & connections King Harald’s New Year’s speech 2014 “None of us can come near another person today’s youth are better at home with their parents, are good students, use without holding that person’s life in our hands.” less stimulants than earlier and are pleased with their lives. That pleases Translated by Finn Roed me—for that is my impression when West Bloomfield, Mich. I meet young people around Norway. At the same time, the many possibil- “None of us can come near another per- During the summer we experienced ities—paradoxically enough—can son without holding that person’s life in our something historic as Norwegian Muslims be experienced as a burden, because hands.” arranged a demonstration against the ter- when everything is possible, nothing This I will let stand as a headline to rorists’ terrible handling and misuse of Is- is good enough. what I wish to say tonight. lam. Several thousand people participated One out of five teenage girls has As a grandfather—and in meeting in Oslo—opposite in religious and cultural signs of depression. They become young people on my journeys around Nor- affinity, age, and political platform. “We sick from the press of expectations— way—I am often amazed at the wisdom of have proven that we can stand together as both their own and those of others. children. That was also true in March when one nation,” said nineteen-year-old Fatem We adults have an important duty to I had a visit at the Palace of Kapellveien Al-Husseini in his testimony in front of remind our youth that they are good Kindergarten in Oppegård municipality. The Stortinget. This gladdened many of us, and enough as they are. That the youth children came to me with their own constitu- we need more of it. It is profound strength feel that they belong and have se- tion, which they had developed in connec- to get together as one people with common curity and companionship is among tion with the Constitution Celebration. They fundamental values. our most important societal duties. wanted, as one of the boys said, “To tell how I invited leaders from many different be- The young coming from traditions we would like it to be.” liefs and different views of life for a conver- different than our own fall outside, Many of the paragraphs which the chil- sation in the Palace to listen to their points of and that can limit their possibilities dren had written concerned important things view as to how we can best all live together to participate in the work force and which we all—both in Norway and in the in Norway. One of them reminded us: “The achieve a good social life. A few end world at large—need to be reminded of. I fact that we can sit around a table and talk Photo: Tor Atle Kleven / Wikimedia Commons up as religious or political extrem- want to highlight three of them: together is a significant value.” King Harald V in 2010. ists. If they are in that milieu, they • We should say nice words. Dear all, let us use 2015 to give each surprisingly feel themselves pulled • Older children should help the young- other time for the good conversation. And gruesome school massacre in Pakistan. to extremes. It is important to get ahead of er ones. to have the attention focused on each other In 2015 it is seventy years since the these milieus and offer our young safe are- • All people must take care of our earth. and to say nice words to each other. We need Second World War ended. In October, I had nas. “We shall say nice words,” was the first each other’s listening presence. significant meetings with people in Finn- “All people must take care of our earth” concern of the children’s constitutional para- “Older children should help younger mark, who still remember the war vividly. It is the last of the children’s constitutional graphs. children,” is another paragraph heading in doesn’t seem so long ago. paragraphs I would like to bring forward. Since we know how much power lies in Kappellveien’s Kindergarten constitution. In the North, there are many who iden- We can compare the seriousness about giving each other kind words, we ought to Even though Norway is a small country tify with today’s refugees—who know what the milieu situation by getting a message practice that more often. Praise gives more by international standards, we are among the it was like to flee their own homes. World from the doctor that a man is seriously sick, self-confidence, and encouragement gives us privileged—with resources, good economy, events can quickly turn around. We cannot but nevertheless, he’s not taking the life-sav- courage. peace, security, and social welfare for our in- take the peace as a given. ing medicine. Communication on the internet has sad- habitants. There are many that need our help. Good leadership, peace, and solid work Here at home we have experienced ex- ly sunk to a low threshold as to what we per- We cannot support all, but we have to share effort through generations has created the treme weather and a 200-year flood that has mit to say about ourselves and to each other. this responsibility. Looked at in proportion basis so that the young in Norway can have See speech, page 15 It hurts to hear all the stories about abusive- to our population, we contribute to a large many possibilities. Fresh research shows that > ness both in school, in social media, and in degree. the workplace. I want tonight to send warm regards to I want to take this opportunity to speak all Norwegians who have duties in foreign to those who abuse: countries through defense, police, foreign- Come to Norway, Meet the World! There are other aspects of yourself that service, and private organizations. you can use—to do good. To those of you Before Christmas, the queen and I were

who experience abuse, talk with somebody; on a state visit to Myanmar—a country [email protected] hang on to what you know inside yourself to which struggles to develop democracy and a l

be what you are. solid economic base. I am glad that Norway July 31, 2015

Another aspect of word usage concerns can contribute to this work. -

free speech. We have—and will have—a We can afford to be generous—not only 0058 - high ceiling for free speech in Norway. I because of our economy, but we have secu- am glad that we hold this banner high even rity and abundance, which makes us want to uio.no/summerschool

when the words sound absurd to your way of share. June 20 thinking. We have to learn to live with this. Individual lives and happiness often lie (800)639 Free speech is fine for most of us as long in our hands, as the Danish philosopher K. as we agree with what is being said. But the E. Logstrup mentions in the citation I read in This is the story of the original test comes up when we deeply disagree. At the opening. Their destiny is weighed on our Norwegian pioneers who came to the same time, it is important to remember scales, therefore it is a big moral responsibil- America in 1825 on a 54-foot that, even though speech is not within the ity. I believe many of us may try to avoid get- sloop, and eventually settled at framework of the penal code, it should not ting too close to others, just because we then the Fox River Settlement near go unchallenged when we believe it ought to get this responsibility—the power of being present-day Norway, IL. be challenged. human in the meeting of another human be- The 668-page book, with maps We have to encourage each other to dare ing. But who do we want to be—each and and pictures, tells the story of their journey, the families involved, and to have the courage to challenge. every one of us and as a nation? genealogies of the descendants. I have a great belief in the value of Do we want to protect our own abun- This specially-commissioned re- people meeting face to face and giving ex- dance and be satisfied with that? production of the 1961 original is pression to their feelings, and in the value Do we want to satisfy ourselves by liv- individually numbered over an of good conversation. This year we have ing side by side with people who daily strug- embossed seal by the Norwegian experienced two important demonstrations, gle for their survival? Slooper Society of America. Only a limited number of these beauti- which are strong examples: We have to have sympathy both in meet- fully gold-embossed hardbound In November, fourteen-year-old Vil- ing with people from our own country who books, with protective dust cover, lamo Hatland took the initiative to demon- struggle, and with people who come here in “The Sloopers” by J. Hart Rosdail are available. strate against abuses after many stories of the hope of a better life—and with those who Now available! Collector’s Edition. Published by: children’s pain emerged. Thousands showed struggle in other places in the world. My For more information, $66.30 visit online: up and walked in parades in several Norwe- thoughts go tonight especially to those who SlooperSociety.org gian cities. mourn after having lost their dear ones in the Order through Amazon.com 10 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly Roots & Connections NAW’s new friend Third-generation Nils Anders Wik needs our help to find his family Rotary president < nawnisse NAW’s own correspondent, Rasmus Falck, From page 1 takes the reins of a venerable Oslo institution the silkiest sheep—as though combed by an- gels.” It wasn’t angels. It was us. And a lousy bowl of porridge at Jul was our only reward. My father didn’t like my attitude, so he sent me away, but not before I’d infected my brothers with the same bad attitude. We left together, travel- ing far and wide, and found ourselves at a furniture maker’s. He was struggling, had no sons to help him build cabinets. We wanted to make a name for ourselves, and so we Photo courtesy of Rasmus Falck entered into a wager. Rasmus Falck, new president of the Oslo Rotary Club. If any of us could cre- Photo courtesy of NAW ate a cabinet as beau- Ambassador Kåre Aas was kind enough to meet Nils Anders Wik and Special to the Weekly tion arrived in Chicago on the 17th of May! tiful as one of his, we hear his plight, but was ultimately unable to help. Oslo, Norway At the charter banquet in Kristiania later the would share in the same year, past president of Rotary Interna- shop and I inherit it when he passed. ECS: I don’t know. What is it you want? Oslo Rotary Club has elected Norwegian tional, architect C. Klumpf from Cleveland He made his first, a very finely painted NAW: I want to find my family. My fa- American Weekly’s correspondent Rasmus Rotary Club, handed over the charter dated entry. Then it was my turn. I knew I could ther, my brothers, my sisters. After whatever Falck as their next president. He follows in June 1, the first such charter in Scandinavia. do better. I’d once been a tree, so I called happened to me, I worry for my brothers. I the footsteps of his grandfather and father as The club’s president bell was a gift from upon the essence of the wood before me. I suspect that furniture-maker of foul play. president of Scandinavia’s largest and oldest the Minneapolis Rotary Club in 1925. Ex- envisioned the shape of the wood, the joints, club. His grandfather became a member in plorer Roald Amundsen became an honor- the hinges. I called upon the colors of berries ECS: Assuming they weren’t magically 1924. When the capital of Norway changed ary member in 1926. Crown Prince Haakon and leaves to finish it off. interred inside furniture, will they still be, name from Kristiania to Oslo on the first of keeps up the tradition and is an honorary you know, alive? After 100 years? January 1925 (90 years ago), he had the idea member today. Rotary’s founder Paul P. Har- ECS: And then what happened? NAW: Of course! of using the occasion to do some internation- ris visited the club in 1932. During WWII NAW: I really couldn’t say. I awoke in al branding. A special publication about the the club went underground. a dark place, and pushed open a door, and ECS: Have you tried anything else to club and the city was distributed to all the The club has its luncheon meetings on I realized that I’d been in the cabinet that I find them? existing Rotary clubs. Rasmus’s grandfather Thursdays at the Grand Hotel in the heart made. It was as beautiful as I’d hoped, and NAW: Yes, I’m afraid I have already was elected president shortly after WWII, of Oslo. The Grand first opened its doors in I knew that I’d won. But then I saw that the made entreaties at a very high level. I have and his father was president when Crown 1874, and world-famous Norwegians such room I was in was different, unfamiliar. Ev- even spoken to the Ambassador from Nor- Prince Harald became a member of the club. as Henrik Ibsen and Fridtjof Nansen made erything looked different but a couple pieces way. A very nice man, he was, but he ulti- Rasmus’s father celebrated his 107th birth- the hotel their second home. At the Mirror of rosemaled furniture. The furniture maker mately couldn’t help me. day at the club as the world’s oldest rotarian. Room, where the club occasionally has its and all of my brothers were gone. The most ambitious program in Rotary’s meetings, the annual Nobel Banquet takes And things just kept getting more differ- ECS: You spoke of magic communica- history is to end polio. Rotary, along with place just before Christmas. If you want ent. I witnessed miracles, mechanical mon- tions. Tell us more about that. partners like World Health Organization, and to invite friends and try the menu, you are sters lumbering along. Humans communi- NAW: Your twitter, your facebook, your the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, has welcome. Rasmus Falck had the pleasure of cating via magic like we hidden people once internet. We have always used these, though reduced polio cases by 99 percent worldwide meeting with Carl Johnson, president of the did. I was in a different part of the fjord, per- without your shiny devices. since our first project to vaccinate children Fort Dodge Rotary Club on a visit to Iowa haps, I thought. A place where they lived like in the Phillipines in 1979.We are now close some years ago. Then he extended an invita- we always had. I thought maybe harnessing ECS: So can’t you use that to find your to eradicating polio. The efforts in 2015 will tion to all members to visit the Oslo chapter. all the magic I’d needed to make the cabinet family? give priority to refining surveillance to catch The same applies now. had transported me. NAW: Well, it hasn’t worked yet. A lot any remaining virus, keeping Africa and the could have happened to them in all this time, Middle East polio-free and providing a surge Norsk-Engelsk Kryssord ECS: When did you find out the truth? even if they did escape from the furniture- of support to Pakistan and Afghanistan. NAW: As I wandered the city, I learned maker. Maybe they’ve been looking for me Rotary has more than 300 clubs and Solution to last issue’s puzzle: that it was a place called Ballard. I learned all this time. Or maybe some other fate has 12,000 members in Norway. It was the Nor- that much time had passed—a hundred years befallen them. But I’m trying not to worry; wegian-American senator Olaf M. Oleson or more. I learned that I was far from the why would you make me start to worry? Can from Fort Dodge Rotary Club who brought hills and fjords of my homeland. I was on a you help me or not? the movement to Scandinavia. He partici- faraway fjord attached to a different ocean. pated in Rotary International’s Convention I learned that the region I’d come from was ECS: Well, we’ll try. Readers, if any- in Edinburgh in 1921, the first to be held in called Norway, but I still can’t comprehend one has any information about Nils Anders’s Europe. After the Convention he visited Nor- how very, very far away it is. family, who may or may not be trapped in- way, where he brought up the idea to start A family took me in for Jul. They cele- side Norwegian furniture, please contact us a Rotary Club. Oslo Rotary Club held its brated much as the family I’d lived with long using twitter or facebook. Include #NAWn- first inaugural meeting on the 13th of Octo- ago had, with some of the old traditions. And isse in your posts. With your help, we’ll get ber that year, when the first members of the they showed me your paper, your Norwegian Nils Anders back to his family! board and the first president was elected. American Weekly. And that is how I found That was the first Rotary meeting held you. Can you help me? You can watch Nils Anders’s progress by fol- in Scandinavia. Later they applied for mem- lowing him on twitter: @NAWnisse bership in Rotary International. The applica- norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 11 obituaries & Religion Pastor Larson’s Corner In Loving Memory Pastor Jerry Larson retired to his cabin in Zimmerman, Minn., after 39 years Do you have a loved one or friend who has recently passed? in parish ministry for the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. In 2011 he Contact us at (206) 784-4617 or [email protected] to place an obituary. published a book entitled “Speaking the Word Freely: Writing with purpose, preaching with power.” Contact him at [email protected] Alice K. Jacobsen September 7, 1921 – December 27, 2014 Rejoicing in the gift Alice K. Jacobsen, 93, passed away on Growing up, I spent a lot of time at God my savior.” Advent and Christmas are Saturday, December 27, 2014, in Brooklyn, Christmas helping my dad at his hardware seasons of rejoicing. What joy we have, as N.Y. She was born in Lyngdal, Norway, on store. At Christmas time the toy depart- we celebrate the birth of Christ. What joy the family farm called Myran, on Septem- ment of the store would triple in size. I we have, as we remember once again the ber 7, 1921, where she lived until she im- would stock shelves, assemble various great good news of “peace on earth, good migrated to Brooklyn in 1947. Alice worked toys, and set toys up for display. I felt like will to all.” as a personal domestic assistant to various one of Santa’s elves, and I looked forward As a child, I had the good fortune at people throughout the years in Brooklyn un- to it all year long. My friends considered Christmas of working in the toy depart- til she retired. She continued to live on her me the luckiest guy in town. I constantly ment of my father’s store, and I rejoiced in own in Brooklyn. rejoiced in the fact that my father managed it. I also rejoiced in the fact that the man- Alice was predeceased by her parents, a hardware store. ager of the store was my father. It meant Adolf Cornelius Jacobsen (1869-1948) and We have just come through a wonder- that my employment was secure. As recip- Jette Josephine Jacobsen (née Olsen, 1883- ful season of rejoicing. On the first Sunday ients of God’s greatest gift at Christmas, 1980) both of Lyngdal, Norway. She was in Advent at our church we sang the great we can rejoice in the gift because we know also predeceased by her six siblings: Jacob, Advent hymn, “Joy to the World.” From that it also is secure. Our salvation exists Olga, Olaf, John, Albert, and Edmund. She that day until Christmas day we celebrated because God came to earth as a child in is survived by her many nieces and nephews and rejoiced in the great good news of a . As we look back upon another and their families, who will miss her very God’s coming to earth to live among us. Advent and Christmas season and remem- much. As Mary said to the angel, “My soul mag- ber this great gift, we give thanks and re- Alice was a hard-working, strong wom- nifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in joice for all that we have received. an who always looked at the good in people around her. She was a kind soul who loved knew her. to keep up with current events, was enthusi- A private graveside service was held Community Connections astic for life, and loved to live in Brooklyn at Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New and to be independent, which she was until York, on Tuesday, December 30, 2014, she entered the hospital one month ago. She which was officiated by Pastor Paul Knud- Gratulerer med Dagen! loved to cook, sew, and crochet. She was sen from Bethlehem Lutheran Church in well loved by so many people: her family, Brooklyn. Donations in Alice’s name can friends, and neighbors. Her positive attitude, be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Happy birthday / common sense approach to life, and her 4th and Ovington Avenues, Brooklyn, NY kindness will be greatly missed by all who 11209. engagement / etc! Your name and special message Connie Ronning Stanwood WA

13. januar here! Harald Breivik Farstad Norway Anne Austad Hermanson Melbourne FL Alfred Smemo Eau Claire WI For more information, call us at (800) 305-0217 or email 14. januar [email protected]. 9. januar Erling Berg Seattle WA Lowell Gregerson Columbus MN Solveig M. Grupp Sioux Falls SD Olaf Rodegaard Nesbyen Norway Alma S. Knudsen Mukilteo WA Karen Ann Rende Redwood City CA Julia Losnegaard Korssund Norway Josephine Nelson Santa Rosa CA 10. januar Torbjørn Pedersen Conway AR Carl J. Aas Duluth MN Arlene M. Templin Seattle WA The Scandinavian Hour Robert Anderson Benson MN Mark A. Uhl Portland OR Celebrating over 50 years on the air! Andrew Stangeland Paullina IA Harald Veseth Malta MT Robert A. Svendsen Seattle WA 15. januar KKNW – 1150 AM 11. januar Astrid Bjerke Oslo Norway Saturdays 9 – 10 a.m. PST Odd Askilsrud Renton WA John Dahl Green Pond NJ Bjørn Bjørnsen Plentywood MT Verla Aamodt Keeling Cedar Rapids IA Streaming live on the internet at: Hjalmer Christenson Wahpeton ND Norma Pedersen Melick Oldwick NJ Johanna Fossan Hegra Norway Helen Ruen Decorah IA www.1150kknw.com Wenche Krohn Kristiansen Gunnar Solbjørg New Canaan CT Vestre Gausdal Norway Lynn Sove Maxson Des Plaines IL Edward Thompson Gardiner NY Carl Ofstun Soldiers Grove WI Mary T. Vangsnes Business and individual Lars Sollie Camano Island WA Moose Jaw Sask Canada tax returns; audits; forensic Lucian E Soltvedt Bloomington MN Gordon Walvik-Nielssen Beaverton OR Marianne Warry accounting; financial West Vancouver BC Canada Want to see your birthday in the statement preparation; Norwegian American Weekly? 12. januar Certified Public Accountants litigation support. Clara Asmus Binford ND Email [email protected] or call (800) 305-0217. Dag Blomdal Calgary Alberta Can Birthdays must be submitted one month in advance. 221 First Avenue West Suite 400 Lower Queen Anne location, easy parking. Harry Jackson Whitehall WI NB: Has someone on our birthday list passed Seattle, Washington 98119 Todd A. Monson Minneapolis MN away? Please notify us! Phone: 206.292.1747 • Online: loecpa.com • Email: [email protected] 12 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly in your neighborhood What’s going on in your neighborhood? Calendar of Events california Massachusetts oregon tendance. For tickets and the schedule, visit Freya Lodge Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner Norumbega Cultural Meeting Lutefisk & Meatball Dinner at Sonja Lodge nordicmuseum.org Jan. 24, 4:00—7:00 p.m. Feb. 8, 3:00 p.m. Jan. 24 & Jan. 25 Santa Rosa, Calif. West Newton, Mass. Eugene, Ore. Skandia Third Friday Dance The traditional Norwegian menu will include Join Norumbega Sons of Norway for a cultural Menu includes lutefisk, meatballs, white sauce Jan. 16, 7:30 p.m. lutefisk, as well as delectable meatballs in meeting. There will be a lego competition, which and melted butter, homemade coleslaw, lefse, Lynnwood, Wash. brown gravy and all the trimmings, lefse, al- will benefit the Lodge Scholarship Fund. At the flatbread, and dessert! Reserved seatings at 4:00, The Skandia Folkdance Society is always mond cake, and coffee. Cost is $22 for mem- Scandinavian Living Center. 4:45, 5:30, 6:15, and 7:00 p.m. on Saturday and pleased to have the Folk Voice Band playing bers, $25 for non-members, and $6 for kids 12:00, 1:00, 2:00, 4:00, 5:00, and 6:00 p.m. on for their enjoyment at a Friday dance, and six to 14. Mail paid reservations by January 10 Minnesota Sunday. Tickets sell out quickly so call early and this dance is no exception! Come at 7:30 p.m. for the great dance hyfs (a polkette variation), to Sons of Norway—Lutefisk Dinner: P.O. Box Scandinavian Lutefisk and Meatball Dinner reserve your meal time. For reservations and in- taught by Don Meyers and Kathi Ploeger. The 6558, Santa Rosa, CA 95406. At Norway Hall. Jan. 17 formation email [email protected] or call dance starts at 8:30 p.m. and goes until 11:00 Visit www.freyalodge.org for more info. Columbia Heights, Minn. (541) 344-1064. Handicapped access parking p.m. There will be plenty of mixers and some Join First Lutheran for the annual Scandinavian available. polskas, as well, so don’t miss out on a great illinois Lutefisk and Meatball dinner with seatings at evening. At the Cedar Valley Grange. Skjold Lodge Meeting 12:00, 2:00, 4:00, and 6:00 p.m. Tickets can be south dakota Jan. 18, 3:00 p.m. reserved by calling (651) 633-0679. Dinner will Forbidden Landscapes: The Secrets of Northern Norwegian-American Veterans Theatre Palatine, Ill. include lutefisk with melted butter and white Norway Project: The Epiphany Enjoy the Norway Travelogue program and sauce, meatballs, mashed potatoes, lefse, jule- now—Feb. 2 Jan. 22, 7:00 p.m. installation of the new 2015 officers at this kake, and more! Tickets are $18, or 50 cents per Sioux Falls, S.D. Seattle, Wash. Skjold Lodge meeting. In tradition, the incom- year for children up to 10 years. At 1555 40th Av- Augustana College presents the photography of Visit the Nordic Heritage Museum for a staged ing president brings a cake. Members are enue NE. Visit www.flcch.org for more informa- Lars Westvig, professor at the University of Nor- reading of a new play called The Epiphany. Set encouraged to bring their favorite open face tion and directions. dland in Bodø. In 2000 Lars published his first in during the Nazi occupa- sandwiches to share with others. At AUYA book of images, Bilda. The majority of the images tion, the play is based on Bruce Olav Solheim’s Ukrainian Center. Beginning Rosemaling on display were taken from his light aircraft. The family history. The play will feature local ac- Jan. 24 and 31, Feb. 7 and 14 show is free and open to the public in the Fantle tors and a Norwegian combat veteran who 110th Annual Norge Ski Jump Tournament Edina, Minnesota Building at The Center for Western Studies. Hours has recently served in Afghanistan. A local Jan. 24—Jan. 25, 12:00—4:00 p.m. The Sons of Norway and Vesterheim collaborate are Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 Seattle hero, Knut Einarsen, who is 100 years Fox River Grove, Ill. for this rosemaling class taught by Shirley Even- p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. old, will be honored along with the Norwe- Ski jumpers from around the world compete stad at the Church of the Good Shepherd from gian veteran. There will be a reception before on this 70 meter hill. The Junior Competition 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. A kit with all the supplies can vermont the performance. and K70 Competition will be on Saturday, and be purchased at the time of registration for $36, Vermont Ski Dance Weekend the K70-US Cup Five Hills Tournament and or you may bring your own supplies. The class Jan. 29—Feb. 1 Cooking Class with Daytona Strong the Long-standing Competition will be held will be taught in oils, in either Telemark or Hal- Fairlee, Vt. Jan. 24, 2:00—4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Entrance buttons cost $10 when lingdal style. Cost is $85 for members or $105 for 19th Annual Ski Dance Weekend with outdoor Seattle, Wash. purchased at local merchants by Jan. 23, $11 non-members. Call (563) 382-9681 to register. activities include skiing, skating, or snow shoe- Join the Nordic Heritage Museum for a hands- online, and $15 at the gate. Admission is free ing, as well as dance or fiddle instruction. Evening on class to learn how to make Almond Prince for children 12 and under. Visit www.norgeski- new york dance parties will include sets with music from Cake, Grandma’s Sandbakkels, and heart- club.com for more information. Edvard Grieg & Frédéric Chopin—A Musical Telemark and Valdres, traditional Gammaldans, shaped waffles with Daytona Strong. Review Friendship and music from Sweden. More information avail- the history and culture of each treat, roll up iowa Jan. 22, 8:00 p.m. able at skidance.us. At Hulbert Outdoor Center. your sleeves and cook, then stay afterward for Scandinavian Modern Design: Norwegian New York, N.Y. a proper Nordic fika. Part of a five-class cook- Enamel Hear Edvard Grieg’s invigorating 4 Norwegian Washington ing series. Cost is $25 for members or $30 for now—April 19, 2015 Dances, Op. 35 (1880), the charming Lyric Pieces, Imaging the Arctic: Communicating Climate Sci- non-members. Decorah, Iowa Op. 12 (1866-67), and the soulful Ballade in the ence through Art This exhibition focuses on Norwegian enamel Form of Variations on a Norwegian Folksong in G now—Feb. 22 Poulsbo Lodge Lutefisk Dinner production (technology, innovation, and busi- minor, Op. 24 (1876), and Frédéric Chopin’s Pol- Seattle, Wash. Jan. 31, 12:00—5:00 p.m. ness) and design. Artistic and technical in- ish dance the Mazurka, the fervent Ballade No. This exhibit explores the impact of climate Poulsbo, Wash. novations in enamel were Norway’s greatest 1 in G minor, Op. 23 (1835-36), and the Grande change on West Greenland’s ecology and culture Enjoy lutefisk, lefse, Swedish meatballs with contributions to the Modern Design - move polonaise brillante in E-flat major, Op. 22 (1831). through the work of three women: marine mam- gravy, and more! Tickets are $23 for adults ment. The exhibition will showcase enamel Cost is $25 or $20 for ASF Members. mal biologist Dr. Kristin Laidre, expeditionary art- and $10 for children under 10. At Grieg Hall. jewelry, cookware, and tableware from ist Maria Coryell-Martin, and Finnish photogra- For more information, call the lodge at (360) Vesterheim’s collection and from individuals Voyage to the Virtual pher Tiina Itkonen. The exhibit will center around 779-5209. and other institutions. Jan. 24—April 4 the impact of climate change in the Arctic and New York, N.Y. sea ice loss on narwhals and polar bears. These Skandia Saturday Dance Scandinavian Style Flat Plane Figure Carving The first Scandinavia House exhibition dedicated iconic species of the Arctic are highly adapted Jan. 31, 4:00 p.m. Feb. 6—8 to digital, moving image, and light-based Nordic to the extreme polar environment, and are also Clearview, Wash. Decorah, Iowa art, Voyage to the Virtual takes the metaphor of an integral part of Greenlandic culture as subsis- The first of its kind, the fifth Saturday dance Beginning with tool sharpening, Harley Refsal “the voyage”—a concept deeply rooted in Nordic tence resources. At the Nordic Heritage Museum. will include an evening dance and a dance will provide hands-on carving experiences, as identity—as a starting point for an exploration workshop. Starting at 4:00 p.m., Jerry Walsh you complete a figure in step-by-step fashion. into the ways contemporary artists are expanding Breidablik Lodge Lutefisk Dinner and Judy Patterson share their love of Val- Finish the project by painting the figure and on the human perceptual experience. Combining Jan. 11 dresspringar, with Bill Boyd providing hard- applying a final oil finish. Sharpening equip- video, animation, sculpture, light, and interactive Kelso, Wash. ingfele music! Following the two-hour class, ment and finishing supplies are covered, but media, the exhibition invites viewers on expedi- Join Breidablik Lodge 2-027 for their annual fam- there will be a potluck supper, at approxi- there will be a materials fee. Cost is $192 for tions to the far north, travels through time and ily-style lutefisk and meatball dinner with- seat mately 6:15 p.m. Plan to stay, eat, and then be members or $242 for non-members. Youth space, and perceptual journeys into the realm of ings at 11:30 a.m., 12:00, 12:30, 1:00, 2:30, 3:00, ready for more dancing, starting around 7:00 ages 12 to 17 signed up with an adult receive the virtual. At Scandinavia House. Gallery hours 3:30, and 4:00 p.m. Purchase your tickets for a p.m. The evening dancing will kick off with an a 25% discount. All levels welcome. At Vester- are Tuesday through Saturday, 12:00—6:00 p.m. specific seating time by calling Larry at (360) 575- allspel set, likely to feature Røros Pols, mixers, heim. Call (563) 382-9681 to register. and until 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday. Free admis- 1385 or via email at [email protected]. and some gammaldans as well. Hosted by Jim sion. Adult tickets are $23 and tickets for children 12 and Margaret Noyes in their Clearview home, Scandinavian Bowl Turning and under are $8. Tickets sell out quickly so call the day’s events will be in the upstairs dance Feb. 16—18 The Three Billy Goats Gruff & Other Nimble early to reserve your meal time. hall. The suggested admission donation is $15 Decorah, Iowa Nordic Tales for the workshop and dance. Visit www.skan- Learn to make Scandinavian Bowl Turning on Feb. 7, 11:00 a.m. Nordic Lights Film Festival at SIFF dia-folkdance.org/parties.html for directions. a Spring Pole Lathe with Roger Abrahamson. New York, N.Y. Jan. 15—18 During the class there will also be lively dis- Some of New York’s most famous storytellers Seattle, Wash. Wisconsin cussions on the design, function, and culture bring to life exciting tales of mythical creatures The Nordic Heritage Museum is thrilled to pres- Scandihoovian Winter Festival surrounding these objects, as well as the his- and fantastic adventures from Scandinavia and ent its sixth Nordic Lights Film Festival. This cut- Jan. 30—Feb. 1 tory of woodworking. Cost is $192 for mem- the far north. LuAnn Adams and Navida Stein tell ting-edge cinematic festival offers an immersion Mount Horeb, Wis. bers or $242 for non-members. All levels wel- tales of terrible trolls, a feisty fox and a bullying into the world of Nordic films, focusing on con- Shake off the winter blues at the Mount come, but students should be prepared for a bear, the Norwegian Cinderella, Katie Wooden- temporary, award-winning films from Denmark, Horeb Area Scandihoovian Winter Festival! physically strenuous experience. At Vesterhe- cloak, and an Emperor who may or may not be , Iceland, Norway and Sweden. The festi- Stroll, shop, eat, and play at one of Dane im. Call (563) 382-9681 to register. wearing new clothes. At Scandinavia House. val is hosted at SIFF Cinema in downtown Seattle. County’s most unique and charming villages. As the festival’s premiere film the Norwegian There will be a whole weekend full of mostly documentary The Optimists/Optimistene will be free indoor/outdoor events tailored for win- screened on Jan. 15 at 8:00 p.m. The movie’s di- ter enthusiast. Visit www.scandiwinterfest. Send your event to [email protected] or call (206) 784-4617 rector Gunhild Westhagen Magnor will be in at- com for the schedule of events. to be added to the Norwegian American Weekly! Event listings are free, but space is limited. Please contact us at least one month prior to event. Check www.na-weekly.com/events for complete listings norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 13 In your neighborhood 200 years of the Norwegian Constitution A remarkable book and exhibit explore the link between the US and Norway’s constitution

Christine Foster Meloni Blue: Norwegian Constitution, American In- history of the Norwegian Constitution, the Washington, D.C. spiration, and its accompanying art exhibit. influence of the U.S. Constitution, and the The man who deserves credit for the significance of both documents today. Some The Norwegian Constitution was signed idea is Trond B. Olsen, Publisher of ART representative titles are “Liberty, equality, in Eidsvoll on May 17, 1814. Norwegians PRO forlag AS. Olsen has worked for many and fraternity” by Ambassador Kåre R. Aas; and Norwegian Americans alike have been years with the Norwegian American Foun- “American Inspiration in the Norwegian enthusiastically celebrating this momentous dation to disseminate knowledge and art be- Constitution” by Ola Mestad, professor at occasion every year ever since. Syttende tween Norway and the U.S. Among his other the University of Oslo; “My Norwegian- Mai is dear to all of our hearts. major achievements are books and art exhib- American Experience” by Walter Mondale, May 17, 2014, was particularly special its commemorating two Norwegian centen- Vice President of the United States 1977- as it marked the Constitution’s 200th birth- nials, the secession from Sweden (2005), and 1981; “The Freedom of Religion that Dis- day. This was commemorated with festive the death of Ibsen (2006). appeared” by Dag Thorkildsen, professor at events around the globe. But many special The publication of this splendid book the University of Oslo; “The Loyal Younger events also took place throughout the year. was a major achievement that involved im- Brother: Norway’s Relationship with the The Royal Norwegian Embassy in pressive planning and execution. Olsen, USA” by Eirik Bergesen, writer, former Washington, D.C., observed the end of Editor Gudleiv Forr, and Co-Editor Eirik diplomat; “With a Heart for the Old Coun- 2014 with a festive reception at the embas- Bergesen, along with the many individuals try: The Significance of the Bicentennial of sy. Guests were treated to a birthday cake involved, deserve high praise. Eidsvoll for Norwegian America” by Sverre topped with 200 blazing candles, traditional The book consists of two parts. The first Mørkhagen, writer; “Should the Constitution holiday gløgg, and lively music by the Du- contains 18 essays by historians, social re- be Interpreted Literally?” by Morten Ruud, striking and varied, from traditional to ab- pont Brass Band. searchers, and politicians, while the second Special Advisor at the Department of Justice; stract. These works were on display for the The highlight of the evening was the presents works by ten of Norway’s leading and “The EU and the Norwegian Paradox” guests to contemplate and appreciate. A few introduction of the bilingual book, 1814 contemporary visual artists. All were asked by Eric Oddvar Eriksen, political scientist representative examples from the extraordi- –2014 Rødt, Hvitt og Blått: Norsk grunn- to reflect on the Norwegian Constitution. and Professor at the University of Oslo. nary exhibit are found below. lov, Amerikansk inspirasjon/Red, White and The eighteen essays shed light on the The 40 remarkable works of art are

Photos courtesy of grunnlovsboken.no Helga Bu & Håvard Vikhagen, Constitutional human Niklas Mintorovitch / Martin Schreiner Sverre Bjertnæs, Norsk installasjon, Skulptur 170 cm. rights, scenario 02-attack. Olje/lerret 200x140cm Did you know? Random facts Best of the Boro about Norway Scandinavian museum up against the top in Brooklyn A Norwegian carpen- ter, Thor Bjørklund, Lagertha Aslaug invented and patented Brooklyn, N.Y. the original cheese On December 18, the Scandinavian East Party Place, Best Concert Venue/Local Live slicer (“ostehøvel”) Coast Museum got the best kind of news. Theater, Best Fine Jewelry, Best Hotel, Best in 1925. Norwegian They were nominated as one of the best mu- Karate School/Martial Arts, Best Movie cheese, particluarly seums in the Brooklyn Spectator/Home Re- Theater, Best Party Events Rental, Best Pool the special brown porter's Best of the Boro competition. Hall, Best Sporting Goods, and Best Tutor. cheese, is now mainly There are six other museums nomi- SECM President Victoria Hofmo en- nated. They are the Coney Island Museum, thused, “We are delighted to have been nom- eaten as thin slices, of- Jewish Children's Museum, Morbid Anat- inated as one of the Best of the Boro’s mu- ten on open-face sand- omy Museum, New York Transit Museum, seums in Brooklyn in the Spectator/Home wiches. The word “høvel” is identical to the Norwegian word for The City Reliquary, and The Toy Museum Reporter's contest. We have stiff competi- “plane,” a carpenter’s tool, because he modeled the first slicers on of New York. tion, but it is wonderful to see that a small that tool. Besides the museum category the other grassroots organization that is totally run by Best of the Boro categories include: Best volunteers has been considered. The nomi- Adult Dance School, Best Antique Store, nation truly validates all of the hard work Adapted from TripAdvisor.com and Wikipedia. Best Bicycle Shop, Best Book Store, Best that our volunteers have been doing for de- Bowling Alley, Best Camp, Best Children's cades.” 14 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly norwegian heritage

Norway has come a long way in a few decades. When Jon Lind was a child they still dug peat for fuel, carried water from a well, and lit their houses with kerosene. Lind was 11 when his family moved from to Oregon, Long Ago & Far Away and considers America his home. Yet in memory the Norway of his child- hood seems idyllic. In this column he shares some of those memories. Share by Jon Lind your memories with him at [email protected].

Leaving home

It’s funny the things that stick in your “I don’t begrip” (“begrip” is Norwegian for being able to handle rough seas better than the trunk. The odor of cured leg of lamb is mind, even after 60 years. I honestly don’t “understand”), meaning that my father’s, as any of the other ships of the line. The pas- not that far from that of dirty underwear. remember the exact moment when I was well as the rest of the community’s compre- sengers were divided into three classes: First On arrival in New York, relatives told we were moving to America. The hension of the English language was most Class, Second Class, and Tourist. We were from Brooklyn picked us up and took earliest memory I have of the impend- likely limited to “I don’t.” Tourist. One day I sneaked up to the First us to their apartment to await our flight ing trip was a ride on my bicycle on my My father left for the U.S. about two Class sun deck and, for whatever reason, to Portland, later in the day. There I was way to Solesjøn, to the local store. I re- months before my mother, sister, and I. pulled out my harmonica and played one of introduced to television for the first time. member thinking that, right at this time, The idea was that he would find a job and the few tunes I knew well, “Gjøk Valsen.” It was a Hoffman (all the images were I really had no problems weighing on my a place for us to live before we arrived. He One of the First Class passengers gave me green) and there was a baseball game mind (although on, which made no sense to me at all. I I can’t imag- quickly lost interest. Later that afternoon ine what kind we walked around the neighborhood of problems and when we came to a vegetable stand I usually car- I decided to impress my mother with the ried around at English I had learned from my father’s the age of 11). blue book. I pointed to the carrots and That was until told her that in English these were called I suddenly real- “karrhot” and, pointing to the cabbage I ized: “Oh yeah, explained that these were called “kabb- we’re moving bhag-eh.” My mother was very proud. It to America.” was the extent of my English vocabulary. I don’t think I We boarded a United Airlines flight really dreaded from New York to Portland, Oregon (a the move, as first for all of us). I remember looking uncle Karl and down from my window seat and seeing his wife and all the green and yellow squares down daughter had below, having no idea what they could visited from Photo courtesy of Jon Lind be. Later in the flight I told my mother I Oregon a few My parents about a year before leaving Norway, then in their middle thirties. was thirsty and my mother tried to impart years before this to the attendants without any luck at and they were very nice people and the crossed on “Oslofjord,” which was Norwe- Photo courtesy of Jon Lind all. My mother finally stood up and said image they left in my mind was that we gian America Line’s newest ship, launched My sister was five and I was ten when these (quite loudly in her very best Stril dia- were moving to a place of constant sun- in 1948. He sent me a postcard and told me pictures were taken. My sister grew up to be a lect) “E ‘kje da nåken her som kan snakka shine. I was quite certain that everyone of doors on the ship that would open auto- strikingly beautiful woman but died tragically of norsk?” (Isn’t there anyone here who can in America was nice. The fact that I had matically just by standing in front of them. cancer at the age of 21. speak Norwegian?). She got no takers. to learn a new language did not seem to I spent many nights lying awake, wondering The attendants finally brought me a glass worry me. My father however, had fore- how this was possible. 50 cents (an inducement to make me go of water, for which I was very grateful. seen this problem and, on most nights, sat I can’t remember all the relatives and away, no doubt) but it was a coin I had never Having solved this crisis they returned to us down at the kitchen table (my mother, friends who came with us to Bergen when seen before and a coin I kept for many years their normal duties, assuming they had my six-year-old sister, and me) to teach it was our turn to embark. I remember that thereafter. The trip across was uneventful, finally placated the crazy foreign woman us English from a blue paperback book he my aunt Marta (my mother’s sister, then a but I remember complaining to my mother in 27D. had purchased (it was quite a thin book teenager) took me to a toy store because her that there was not enough fish or herring to When we arrived in Portland we were and I remember thinking that if this was parents (my grandparents) had given her 10 eat. My mother was one of the most honest met by my father, uncle Carl, and aunt all there was to learning English, I’d have kroner to spend on a toy for me. When al- people I’ve ever known, but she demonstrat- Bergliot. When we wandered through the it mastered in a week or two). One of the lowed to chose, what I really wanted was a ed a small degree of larceny when we went parking lot to find their car, I was amazed minor obstacles to learning English was Hohner harmonica that cost 12 kroner. With through customs in New York. She had hid- at some of the sleek, fancy cars we were that our teacher couldn’t speak a word of great reluctance she spent two of her own den a leg of lamb (dried and cured) in one of passing that I’d never seen the likes of be- the language either. At that time it was kroner and bought it for me. I still have it. our trunks, which may not have been legal fore. I was so hoping we were going to very unusual for people living in our rural She is still my favorite aunt. This was not my to bring into the country at that time. When ride in one. We got into a ‘48 Dodge se- setting to speak English. It wasn’t taught first harmonica, so I knew a few tunes. the customs inspector opened the trunk and dan, which, although nice, wouldn’t have in grade school (we only had two teach- We boarded “Stavangerfjord” in Bergen asked of its contents (he obviously spoke been my first choice. ers). My father had a friend and neighbor, on July 1, 1953. Even though this was an old Norwegian) my mother said it contained Thus began my life in America. Kasper, whose favorite expression was ship (launched 1917), it was renowned for only dirty underwear. He immediately closed

Vesterheim the national Norwegian-American museum and heritage center • The largest collection of Norwegian-American artifacts in the world • A national center for folk-art classes • Open all year in Decorah, Iowa NAW is hiring! We have an opening for a part-time Ad & Subscription Manager. If you love NAW and live in Seattle, apply today! Up to 20 hours per week in our Seattle office. $20/hour plus commission. Must have excellent written and oral communications skills, and be organized, self-directed, and motivated. Norwegian heritage and language skills a plus. Send resume and cover letter to [email protected]. norwegian american weekly January 9, 2015 • 15 arts & entertainment Vesterheim announces Book review: Murder is a family 2015 Folk Art School Woodworking, fiber arts, rosemaling, food affair in The Cold Song traditions, knifemaking, jewelry making, and heritage gardening make for a crafty year Thor A. Larsen Fishkill, N.Y. Special Release Vesterheim The fifth novel by Linn Ullmann re- ceived many accolades around the world, Vesterheim, the national Norwegian- handverksskole with instructors Ven Val- including a place on the New York Times American museum and heritage center, an- evatn and Olav N. Dolve. Lirhus has been Book Review’s 100 Notable Books of 2014. nounces its 2015 Folk Art School schedule, working with wood as a carpenter and folk Ullmann’s very effective writing skill, which which includes classes in woodworking, fi- artist for over 30 years, and has been a teach- I enjoyed in Stella Descending is here in ber arts, rosemaling, food traditions, knife- er for 20 years at Folkehøgskole. He spades. I share with other readers that once making, jewelry making, and heritage gar- taught woodcarving at Vesterheim in 2002 you pick up this book, it is very difficult to dening. This year, Vesterheim will welcome and 2005. put down. The story takes place on an island talented instructors from Decorah and all Morten Håkonsen will teach a basic and the pace moves quickly, jumping back over the country, plus three master teachers knifemaking class and he will team up with and forth in time, but maintaining a mean- from Norway and one from Iceland. A com- K.J. Groven to teach two sessions on how ingful direction. The book is a psychological plete class list can be found at vesterheim. to forge your own knife blade, plus how to study of a family over several years, with fo- org or by calling (563) 382-9681. make a knife handle and sheath. Håkonsen cus on a major family event, the 75th birth- “We are so excited about the opportuni- is a highly skilled, full-time knifemaker and day party for the matriarch. ties we’re offering this year,” Darlene Fos- knifesmith from Skien, Norway. He started As with Stella Descending, there is a sum-Martin, Vesterheim’s Education Spe- to make knives in 1987 and is now the most tragedy that happens early in the book and cialist, said. “Vesterheim’s Folk Art School productive knifemaker of Norway. Håkon- Ullmann teases the reader throughout the is a nationally known program and classes sen taught at Vesterheim in 2011 and 2013 book as to who caused this tragedy. Unfortu- As we try to decipher who killed Milla are already filling fast.” and has won many prizes for his blades and nately, the author leaves the reader to wonder the night of the party, there are a number of Instructors coming from Norway are knives in Nordic knifemaking competitions. which one of a number of potential culprits possibilities. Was it the boy she met at a lo- rosemaler Johild Mæland, woodworker Tor- He is a member of the Norwegian Knifemak- are to blame. The tragedy was that Milla, a cal pub after she left the party? Or perhaps geir Lirhus, and knifemaker Morten Håkon- ers Association and on the board of Grenland summer nanny caring for Siri and Jon’s two Jenny, while driving intoxicated, struck Mil- sen. Knitter Hélène Magnússon is coming Knifemakers Club, the biggest and most ac- children, was killed, her body discovered by la while she was walking home from the pub. from Iceland. tive club in Norway. two boys buried in a shallow grave. As the Perhaps Jenny’s caretaker, Irma, buried the Johild Mæland will teach Telemark Hélène Magnússon will teach how to story unfolds, the bulk of the story occurs body after the accident—Irma was very good rosemaling, one class for beginners and knit an Icelandic “Lopapeysa” sweater. two years before this gruesome discovery. at caring for Jenny in every aspect of her life. one for intermediate and advanced painters. Magnússon is an Icelandic knit designer Siri is an owner of two restaurants, one Then, Jon had some texts with Milla late in She’s also offering a class in “kroting,” a with a degree in fashion. She preserves Ice- in Oslo and one on the island, where she and the evening and had been out walking his white chalk paint decoration found in Nor- landic traditions by continuing to use them, family spend the summer. Jon is a writer. The dog. Or could it be Siri, who simply couldn’t way. Mæland is a visual artist and decorative giving them new life. She’s the author of two children are Alma and Liv. Their nanny, Mil- stand Milla flirting with her husband? painter from Utne on the West Coast of Nor- books—“Icelandic Color Knitting: Using la, is an attractive girl of 19. Jon, in addition Ullmann develops the personalities of way. She has a masters degree in art history Rose Patterns” and “Icelandic Handknits: 25 to being a writer, enjoys his freedom to wan- each of the main characters very crisply, from the University of Bergen and studied Heirloom Projects and Techniques.” She de- der and has a roaming eye and a number of along with their relationships with each other rosemaling under well-known Norwegian veloped her own range of luxury lace yarns liaisons. Of course, with a young attractive and with Milla. It is the reader’s task to sur- rosemaler Bergljot Lunde. and she shares her genuine passion for her nanny in the house, there evolved mutual in- mise the culprit. So, as you rush through the Torgeir Lirhus will offer two options on country’s rich knitting heritage on tours she terests between Jon and Milla. book puzzling out who committed the crime, how to carve an ale vessel with horse heads. organizes in Iceland. Due to Jon’s infidelities over the years you will be very surprised at the ending. Lirhus, from Skulestadmo near Voss, Nor- and his interest in Milla, serious tensions Born in Stavanger, Thor A. way, received his training at Norsk Kunst­ Through 24,000 artifacts and 12 historic between Siri and Jon increased. Siri and her Larsen immigrated to New buildings, Vester- mother, Jenny, the owner of a big estate on York City with his parents heim, the national the island, had a long-term conflict stem- in 1948. Now retired from Norwegian-American ming from the tragic death of Siri’s younger a 40-year career as physi- museum and heritage brother when she was four years old. cist and engineer, Thor center in Decorah, Siri has planned the party for many draws and paints, and Iowa, shares the most people at her mother’s estate. However, the writes travel and arts ar- comprehensive col- mother does not want the party, causing her ticles for a local publication. He’s been mar- lection of Norwegian- to drink heavily and take the car out drunk ried to Arlene for 49 years, and they have two American artifacts in with her granddaughter along for the ride. adult children and three grandsons. the world. This trea- sure is also a center for folk-art educa- < speech we will continue and will teach new genera- tion, offering a wide From page 9 tions to value. But then we must all partici- variety of classes in pate in protecting everything around us. authentic Norwegian destroyed municipalities and taken people’s I hope we can manage to bring out more folk art every year. homes. On my travels in the last years, I have of the child in us: For more informa- myself seen what is about to happen in sev- The child’s innocent freedom, the child’s tion on the museum’s eral places in the world. direct understanding of right and wrong, the exhibitions, classes, All life on the earth is important. We are child’s acknowledgement that it is an action, events, membership standing in the danger zone that could rock not words, that counts, the child’s courage to opportunities, and the balance, which can get lost for all times. come close to other people—and the wonder ways to donate, check When I visited the Yanomami Indians of everything living. Vesterheim’s website in the Amazon, I learned about how to live I wish we could take the children’s con- at vesterheim.org, in harmony with nature, which is strange for stitution as our own as rules for good living: call (563) 382-9681, most people in our part of the world. I be- • All people must take care of our earth. or write to Vesterheim lieve we have a lot to learn from those who • We will say nice words. Norwegian-American live close to nature, to get an understanding • Older children will help younger chil- Museum, 502 W. Wa- of how we should handle nature’s demands. dren. ter St., P.O. Box 379, 2015 is the year outdoor life is celebrat- For none of us can come close to another Decorah, IA, 52101- ed. We Norwegians love the outdoors. We person without holding that life in our hand. Photo courtesy of Vesterheim 0379. enjoy this fantastic gift intensely—on the I wish each and every one of you a very Morten Håkonsen will teach knifemaking at Vesterheim’s Folk Art School. mountain, in the woods, on the seas—that Happy New Year! 16 • January 9, 2015 norwegian american weekly back page < kvinesdal Norwegian Language Corner From page 8 NORWEGIAN FOLK TALES, FAIRY TALES and TROLLS holds many of his work in situ. What a won- amenities, such as golf, which will hope- derful place to be an artist, for how could fully attract an international crowd. It is also this site fail to inspire? Unfortunately, it was declaring itself to be the innovative cultural closed when we arrived. But we could see a hub of the town, which could draw in a com- lot through the windows and stumbling upon pletely new audience. By creating a place for it introduced me to an artist who was former- cutting-edge art and technology it becomes Volume 2 ly unknown to me. an educational and cultural center, which With 21 classic folk tales, fairy tales, and trolls from Norway in Norwegian and English, “Tuss og Troll” is now We were ready to see Utsikten. The will hopefully keep the younger residents in serialized in the Norwegian American Weekly’s Corner. The stories are from the collections windows are enormous, making the view town and attract other like-minded folk. It of Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Moe, and retold by Øyvind Dybvad, Gard Espeland, Velle Espeland, Johannes Farestveit, and Nana Rise-Lynum. Translated by Alexander Knud Huntrods and Odd-Steinar Dybvad democratic. The architecture on the inside has transformed itself into a destination for Raneng. Illustrated by Solveig Muren Sanden, Jens R. Nilssen, and Ralph A. Styker. “Tuss og Troll” was edited, is much warmer than the outside, paneled in most segments of the population. designed, and published by Deb Nelson Gourley of Astri My Astri publishing. Copyright © Norsk Barneblad. local oak. The hotel is also a center where We order dessert and coffee. Both are art and technology merge, featuring chang- splendid. We are cocooned in a very laid- ing installations. The piece featured on their back environment, so we linger forever with- website involves plants, entitled, Akousma- out an eyebrow raised. After hours of chat flore or The Singing Garden: “The plants’ we depart and separate. Liv and I promise ability to sense energy variations is used to to return tomorrow to continue our tour of create sound. Maybe we know that nature Kvinesdal—take two. 2.NAW.Holand.CMYK.20March2014.qxp_Layoutis sensitive to our interaction, here one 1 can 3/20/14 7:37 PM Page 1 experience it.” This hotel is doing some To be continued. very clever things. It is offering traditional

WINNER of 2 National Awards! History of the Norwegian Settlements: A translated and expanded version of the 1908 De Norske Settlementers Historie and the 1930 Den Siste Folkevandring Sagastubber fra Nybyggerlivet i Amerika By Hjalmar Rued Holand • Immigrants in the Midwest 1830-1870 • 512 pgs, hardcover, 6″x9″, Smyth sewn Høna trippar i berget The hen is out hiking in the • Includes 32 pgs of full-colored maps • = $39.95 with FREE shipping in the USA del 4 mountain The 63-chapter non-fiction book lets readers part 4 trace the trails of 3,800 indexed immigrants through Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota Då jenta hadde vore i berget endå ei When the girl had been in the moun- and the Dakotas as they explore new frontiers god stund, hende det ein dag at det datt tain a good while longer, it happened one and tame the wilderness. In English only. ein geitebukk ned gjennom lemmen. — day that a billy goat fell through the trap- Call, send a check or visit website Kven er det som har sendt bod etter deg, door. “So who has invited you then, you Made in America! ditt langragga beist? sa trollet. Så tok det shaggy haired beast?” said the troll. Then Astri My Astri Publishing www.astrimyastri.com Deb Nelson Gourley Phone: 563-568-6229 bukken og dreiv til han og slengde han he took the billy goat and whacked him 602 3rd Ave SW, Waukon, IA 52172 [email protected] ned i kjellaren. and threw him down into the cellar. — Å nei, kvifor gjorde du det då? sa “Oh no, why did you do that then?” jenta. — Den bukken kunne eg ha hatt og asked the girl. “That billy goat I could the moroa meg med her nede. have had down here to play with.” — Du treng ikkje surmula for det, “You need not fret about that,” Hearthstone veit eg, meinte trollet. — Eg er vel såpass meant the troll. “I surely must be a good til kar at eg snart kan få liv i denne skarve enough fellow to be able to revive this geitebukken att. scrawny billy goat again.” Dermed tok trollet ei krukke som With that the troll took a jar that hang på veggen, gjekk ned i kjellaren til was hanging on the wall, went down into geitebukken og smurde han med salve frå the cellar to the billy goat and smeared krukka, så var han like god att. — Hå hå! him with ointment from the jar, and so tenkte jenta. — Den krukka er nok noko he became well again. Aha, thought the verdt, ho. No skal det vel bli ei råd for sys- girl. This jar must be something special, trene mine også. it must. There must now be a way for my Ho passa på ein dag trollet var borte. sisters as well. Då tok ho krukka og smurde den eldste She waited for a day when the troll systera si, slik ho hadde sett trollet gjera was away. Then she then took the jar and med geitebukken. Og straks vakna systera smeared her eldest sister as she had seen til liv att. Jenta bad henne krypa ned i ein the troll do with the billy goat. Immedi- sekk, og så la ho litt mat ovanpå. ately her sister came to life again. The girl Då trollet kom heim att, sa ho til det: asked her to slide down into the bag, and Welcome to the Neighborhood! — Kjære vene, no får du gå heim til mor with that she put some food on top. med litt mat att. Ho er visst både tyrst When the troll came back home, she og svolten, stakkar, og åleine er ho også. said to him: “My dearest one, now you Men sjå ikkje i sekken! must go home to my mother with a bit of — Nei då, eg skal ikkje så mykje som food again. Apparently she is both thirsty gløtta ned i sekken, lova trollet. and hungry, the poor thing, and alone she Men då trollet var kome eit stykke på is as well. But don’t look into the bag!” vegen, tykte det sekken vart så tung og “Of course not, I will not take as ville kika ned i han. — Same kva slag augo much as a glimpse into the bag,” the troll ho har, så kan ho vel ikkje sjå meg no, sa promised. trollet. Men straks det ville til å løysa opp But when the troll had walked a bandet, sa ho som sat i sekken: — Eg ser while, he thought the bag was so heavy deg nok! and wanted to look inside. “No matter how good her eyes are, she won’t be able to see me now,” said the troll. But just as the he was about to loosen the rope around the bag, said she who was in the bag: “I Hearthstone can see you!” Retirement Living 6720 E Green Lake Way N Miss the beginning? Sign up Seattle, WA 98103 for our digital edition and get at Seattle’s Green Lake www.hearthstone.org $29.95 with FREE shipping in the U.S.A. access to back issues! (206) 517-2213 www.astrimyastri.com