GYDA_VARDEN_KULTUR

Experts, Sorted by Skill, Area of Expertise

SONS OF NORWAY
THE CULTURE OF
GYDA VARDEN LODGE
& some HERITAGE
- 1903 – 2003 -
- (- -) -

CULTURAL SKILLS AT THE LODGE:
------------Through the years, the lodge has engaged in unlimited cultural, social, and charitable activities. The annual Syttende Mai Fest, the Jul Fest, the Leif Erikson Day observance, and the lutefisk dinner have become community traditions; and the søt suppe, rømmegrøt, lapskaus, and lefse have attracted hundreds to lodge functions. Norwegian language classes, rosemaling, wood carving, “Norsk Lese Lag” (Norwegian reading group), Hardanger embroidery, folk dancing, genealogy research, craft classes, ethnic programs, pancake breakfasts, chili suppers, chorus performances, corn feeds, lefse baking, bløt kake demonstrations, bunad making, drill team performances, and pot-luck meals have involved scores of members at the lodge hall. Here, too, faithful volunteers have worked unceasingly to construct and improve facilities and to enjoy life-long friendships. See the Centennial web page (klikk på mus å se HUNDREÅRSDAG siden).

------------History contributed by: Helny Ohnstad

CULTURAL SKILLS PROGRAM:
The Cultural Skills Program is open to all Sons of Norway members, both through their lodges or as individual participants. The Cultural Skills Program offered by Sons of Norway serves a variety of purposes:
To encourage active participation in both traditional and contemporary Norwegian-North American pursuits;
To enrich the lives of members of all ages;
To provide the basis for special interest clubs within our lodges;
and To provide new reasons for people to join Sons of Norway.

The awards are as follows: Specialist: One who wishes to go in depth in one area, e.g.
Hardanger embroidery or genealogy, etc
Generalist: One who samples several skills and qualify for the basic level in each, for example: stamp collecting, crafts, and Norwegian foods.
Mentor: One who is skilled in activities offered in the Norwegian Cultural Skills Program can do a different challenge: mentor others who need formal or informal instruction. The mentor is an extremely important person in passing on the Norwegian heritage to others.
Master of Cultural Skills: One who has completed at least three levels of three different skills, or nine individual basic activities.

Log into the web site at the main office to download the Record Forms or ask Arden Shores (aishores.gf@juno.com) for a record card for the pin you would like to start working towards.

Sports & Fitness Medal Program
Sports & Fitness Medal Program contributed by Arden Shores (aishores.gf@juno.com), Sports Director.

The Importance of Fitness: Sons of Norway recognizes the importance of healthful activities not just to prolong your life, but to improve the very quality of your life. This Sports Medal Program, which originated in Norway, will improve your attitude as well as your physical well-being.
Something for Everyone: No matter how young or old you are, and no matter what your present physical condition, the Sports Medal Program offers a fitness plan for you. With doctor's advice, you can determine the appropriate level. Then you are assigned point or mileage requirements for medal qualifications that are within your reach. The program is great because you don't need to be a natural athlete - the only one you are really competing with is yourself.
Different Levels, Different Medals: As you reach each objective, you will be awarded different grades of sports medals. Begin in pursuit
of the Bronze, then work yourself up to Silver, Gold, and eventually Enamel (There is no longer a fee for the pins, and only members can take part in this program). Set your own pace-your program can be for just one medal or all sixteen!
GANGMERKE: (klikk på mus) Download the Record Forms here.
“Gangmerke” is a walking medals program. "Gang" is the Norwegian word for walking, "merke" means pin or in this case, level of achievement. If you like to walk or use a treadmill, then you can earn the Gangmerke medal according to your abilities or achievement.
SKIMERKE: (klikk på mus) Download the Record Forms here.
"Ski" is a true Norwegian word that is used in the English language and "Skimerke" refers to cross-country skiing. Of course if you have a ski exercise machine, then you can use the mileage to qualify for the Skimerke pin.
SYKKELMERKE: (klikk på mus) Download the Record Forms here.
"Sykkel" means bicycle. If you like to ride outdoors or ride the stationary bike at the health club or in your home, this is the program for you.
IDRETTSMERKE: (klikk på mus) Download the Record Forms here.
The "Idrettsmerke" (EE-dretts-merk-eh) Sports & Fitness Medal program awards Sons of Norway members for living an active lifestyle. While participating in a wide range of fun, athletic activities, members earn points towards bronze, silver, gold and enamel medals. This program focuses on Distance, Duration and Sports Activities.
Some of the activities are:
Aerobics, Backpacking/Hiking, Badminton, Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Broomball, Curling, Dancing, Football, Golf, Handball, Jogging, Kayaking, Roller skating, Rollerblading, Rope Jumping, Soccer, Tennis, Walking, Volleyball, Water Aerobics, Weightlifting and Wrestling.
FIRST: choose the pin that you would like to earn.
SECOND: log into the web site at the main office to download the Record Forms or ask Arden Shores for a record card for the pin you would like to start working towards.
THIRD: we advise you to get permission from your physician before beginning any exercise program.
FOURTH: read the Record Form to find out what your goals are for each session and record them.
FIFTH: have someone initial your recorded efforts.
SIXTH: when your Record Card is complete, submit it to Arden Shores. He will check the record and order your pins. The pins will be presented to you at a lodge meeting. Pins are made available by Sons of Norway Headquarters at no cost.
www.sonsofnorway.com - Go to Lodge Programming – Sports Medal Program.

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--	: -----(TO CONTACT WEBMASTER CLICK ----) MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AND INSTRUCTORS ARE INVITED TO CONTRIBUTE COMMENTS TO THE WEBMASTER . PLEASE HELP TO PROMOTE THE WEBSITE.	--
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Through the years, the lodge has engaged in unlimited
cultural, social, and charitable activities. (HISTORY)

NORWEGIAN CULTURAL HERITAGE: