Welcome to the Chicago Torske Klub Web Site at torskeklub.org! It's good to be in Chicago on the second Saturday of the month.  We will update this monthly for current events and dinner meeting news.

April 9, 2022 - Bjorn Rektorli - Viking Boat Update

We thank Bjorn Rektorli, who is the president of the Friends of the Viking Ship, as well as the Norwegian American Chamber of Commerce - Chicago Chapter. Along with Dave Nordin, who in on the FoVS committee, he gave us an update on the status and the future of the Viking. The Viking is an exact replica of the Gokstad. In 1893, under Captain Magnus Andersen, she sailed across the Atlantic (from Bergen, Norway to New York) and on to the World Columbian Exposition in Chicago (via the Erie Canal and Great Lakes). It was based in Chicago for decades, and moved to Geneva IL for conservation.
Please note that this luncheon price has risen to $35, as in the last month.

Future of Meeting Locations of the Chicago Torske Klub

A vote-poll was taken in March to gather opinion of the locatioon of our luncheons. The votes were received and tallyed on March 12. The Elks site was chosen to continue for future luncheons, by a reasonable margin. Detail will be in the monthly letter.

March 12, 2022 - Terry Sullivan - Scout for Boston Red Sox on Father/Son/Daughter Day

We were honored to have Mr. Terry Sullivan speak to our collective luncheon including special guests of fathers, sons and daughters. Terry retired as a teacher and baseball coach in the Lyons Township in 2000. Beginning in 2003, he traveled Illinois and the Midwest as a scout for the Boston Red Sox, evaluating promising players from behind the backstop of countless high school and college diamonds. He also founded the Walk Chicago Tours in 2004.
Please note that as of this luncheon, the price of each luncheon was risen to $35. Please review the monthly letter for details.

February 12, 2022 - Honorary Norwegian Consul on Ladies Day

Our February luncheon has been our yearly tradition for Ladies Day, where all are invited to dine with us. Our Honorary Norwegian Concul in Chicago, Susan Meyer has agreed to address our assembled group this year.
We were notified in January that the requirements of Cook County has required our hosts at the Elks Club to check for Covid Vaccinations at the door, and refuse service to those that cannot comply. As before, watch here and in emails as anything changes in regulations and make your reservations accordingly.

January 8, 2022 - Logan Sqaure History on Sweater Day

This new year kicked off with our sweater day. Our podium this month featured Andrew Schneider of the Logan Square Preservation Group discussing the new book and images from the history about Logan Square. This neighborhood was a landing point for Norwegian immigrants 100 years ago, including notables such as Knute Rockne. In fact, Logan Square was the origin of our own Chicago Torske Klub in the elegant site of the Norske Klubben at Kedzie and Fullerton.
This was sweater day, wear you favorite sweater. We planned to take a yearly photo, but the Covid restrictions limited many members, so we'll wait.

December 11, 2021 - Christmas Celebration

Our annual Christmas celebration hosted by our good member elf David Langseth with accompaniement by Kathleen West.

November 13, 2021 - Vasa Park

We heard from our good member Bruce Carlson, who volunteers and represents Vasa Park along the Fox River in South Elgin IL. Vasa Park was founded by the Swedish community in the 1950s and by 2003 incorporated with participation from groups representing 5 Nordic countries: Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Iceland and Finland.

October 9, 2021 - Cryptocurrency

Most of us cannot listen to the financial news without hearing about Bitcon, Etherium, and other cryptocurrencies. The second luncheon of this season featured our own Ken Larson, who spoke about the nature of cryptocurrency and blockchain, the technology behind it and its advantages and disadvantages. Ken retired in 2020 from Hewlett Packard Enterprise, a leading provider of technology and services.

September 11, 2021 - September Luncheon - ITS A GO

As the board had met online in late July 2021, we all agreed that were are readly to restart in September. A speaker is lined up for October, but since we will not have met for almost a year and a half, we decided to pass the microphone and have each member greet the others and reintroduce ourselves with brief news. We got as far as two people before the time expired. We will have to try again in the future.
We continue to watch the COVID-19 situation. We are obligated to follow state and local rules for separation and masking if needed, as well as any requirements of the Elk's Club on the day of the luncheon. We know that the elks are anxious to see us, and we understand that seating may be a little more spaced for them and us. We rely on your good judgement at the luncheon.

Torske Klub Members - January 2020