Editor’s message

Dear readers and friends,

None would dispute that 2020 has thrown us all some unexpected turns. No one expected that a face mask would be the latest fashion accessory this summer; no one expected that we would be canceling our summer travel to Norway; and no one expected that we would not even be able to visit some of our loved ones here at home.

But that is our reality, and as a community, we have done what we can to help each other through this challenging time. Here at the newspaper, this has meant putting in extra hours for our team, and in turn, we have received an outpouring of support from you. We are so grateful for your generous donations as well as the many kind letters and emails of appreciation. They have brightened our workdays and motivated us to work even harder. While we do what we do because we love it, it means the world to us that our publication also brings meaning to your lives.

I have had the honor to serve as editor-in-chief of The Norwegian American since October 2019, and as we move into our summer break, I am happy to share with you that our newspaper is very much alive and well. We have weathered the COVID-19 crisis and seen improvement in virtually every aspect of our business—but that doesn’t mean we are going to stop now.

During the month of August, we will be taking a publishing break to renew our energy and implement more operational improvements, but we will keep in touch during that time. Expect to hear from us, both in print and on the web. We will be posting news updates online, and our weekly e-newsletters will fill you in on the very latest. If you don’t have access to our website or haven’t been receiving the e-newsletter, be sure to send us your email address at naw@na-weekly.com.

At a time when it is difficult for us to travel abroad, our current focus is on cooperation beyond borders. Historically, there have been strong connections between all the Nordic countries, albeit problematic at times, but today, positive and enriching. We hope you will enjoy exploring Denmark with us, the first country to open up for Norwegians after the pandemic lockdown. And we are also sharing some good Viking content, in the spirit of adventure.

Once again, on behalf of our entire team, I want to say thank you for this amazing adventure that is The Norwegian American. It’s so fun to be on this journey with you—together we are going places!

Wishing you an August full of summer magic,

Lori Ann Reinhall
Editor-in-chief
The Norwegian American

This article originally appeared in the July 31, 2020, issue of The Norwegian American. To subscribe, visit SUBSCRIBE or call us at (206) 784-4617.