Lögberg-Heimskringla - 15.11.2012, Síða 2

Visit us on the web at http://www.lh-inc.ca
2 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • November 15 2012
News
Robert T. Kristjanson
125 5th Avenue
Gimli, MB R0C 1B0
Fax: 204-642-7306
Phone: 204-642-5283
This year, the ICCE decided to go a different route and have an
informal fall celebration for
their Leif Eiriksson dinner, and
it proved to be a real success.
The club served up BBQ
hamburgers and hot dogs, and
all attendees brought either a
salad or dessert.
Jon Bjarni Baldursson,
son-in-law of ICCE members,
Colleen and Ron Adams, had
his “direct-from-Iceland”
jewellry set up for those who
were interested. After dinner
everyone was entertained
with the adventures of the
2012 Snorris in Iceland this
past summer; Alexandra
Nieuwenhuyse-Sigvaldason
and Breanna Olsen had many
fun times to share with the
group. After their presentation,
the 2012 Scholarship winners
were announced. They
are Sophie Olsen, Jolene
Helgason and Nathan Robock.
Entertainment for the even-
ing was singer/guitarist Carol
Gogol, accompanied by her
sister Gloria Krenbrenk, a long-
time member and Saga Singer.
Another announcement at
the dinner was the beginning
of Icelandic Language Classes.
Helgi Thorvaldson will be
holding informal sessions at
his home for interested persons
every Wednesday. If interest
from the membership grows, the
location may have to change.
Next year is going to be a big one for Icelanders in Chicago,
people of Icelandic heritage,
and other members and friends
of Iceland. The Icelandic
Association of Chicago
turns 90 years old, and will
celebrate their 90th Þorrablót
in February.
According to the Icelandic
Association of Chicago
President, Einar Steinsson, there
are many reasons why people
chose to become members and
volunteers for the IAC. “We
may have different reasons
but we all share the passion to
hold out a strong organization
to support the Icelandic-
American community in
Illinois and neighboring states.
We want to maintain a strong
connection to our culture and
to help represent immigrants
and others who show interest
in their Icelandic background.
We want the children in the
community to learn about
Iceland and Icelandic culture.
Last but not least, we want to
enjoy each other’s company
and have good times with our
friends. That speaks volumes
and if at the same time we can
create something good and help
people to learn about Iceland,
that is a bonus,” he said in the
October issue of Farsælda Frón,
the association’s newsletter.
Information courtesy
Farsælda Frón, used with
permission
Chicago club
90 years old in 2013
ICCE BBQ – Joedy Englesby, who organizes the social events,
and her partner Norm Baudisch
photo: linda cornell
ICCE Lief Eiriksson dinner a success
Linda Cornell
Edmonton, AB
ARBORG PHARMACY
Store Hours: Mon. - Sat. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Fri. 9 a.m. - 8 p.m. Sun. noon - 4 p.m.Pharmacist: V. T. Eyolfson
Box 640, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0
Ph: 204-376-5153
SHared wiSdoM • SHared coMMitMent • SHared valueS
From a humble beginning of three people 37 years ago, the Walk to the Rock has grown
to many more walkers and a large
group. Visitors from Iceland, the
United States and other places in
Canada who witnessed the unveil-
ing of the Sigtryggur Jónasson stat-
ue in Riverton on October 20 also
took in the cultural events in Gimli.
On October 21 they joined the tried
and true locals for the Walk to the
Rock.
Dreary drizzle gave way to a
brighter sky and a more pleasant
walk. Participants gathered around
the white rock where Bryan Bjerring,
President of the Gimli Icelandic
Canadian Society, welcomed every-
one and asked the group to sing the
Icelandic and Canadian anthems.
Connie Magnusson gave an overview
of the first walk that she, her mother
and her aunt began in 1975. Peter
Bjornson, MLA for Gimli, spoke
about the cultural events and
preserving our heritage. Connie’s
granddaughter, Megan Biluk, placed
a rose on the plague in memory of
the pioneers and another direct
descendant, Braden Thordarson,
read the poem Willow Point written
by his grandfather Don Martin in
1975 about the first landing of the
settlers.
Everyone gathered for picture
taking and this sparked an impromptu
burst of singing of some favourite
Icelandic songs. Refreshments were
waiting at the New Iceland Heritage
Museum. There was more to come in
the Lady of the Lake theatre where
Nelson Gerrard gave an enlightened
and educational presentation about
Sigtryggur Jónasson, Man and
Myths. This brought the event to a
close but fellowship and friendship
lingered on.
Dilla Narfason
Gimli, MB
At left: The two oldest participants in the walk, Anna Arnason Stevens with Gunnthora Gisladóttir. Directly
behind them are some of Kent Bjorsson’s tour group from Iceland who also participated in the weekend events.
Below left: The Honourable Peter Bjornson, Minister of Manitoba Entrepreneurship, Training and Trade
joined the walk the beach with Jo-Ann Welham (Magnusson) and Sharon Thordarson (Martin). Jo-Ann’s
mother Connie was one of the ladies who started the Walk to the Rock in Oct 1975.
At right: Participants gather as Bryan Bjerring, President of the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society
welcomes the group.
Walk to the Rock
photoS: kent láruS bjornSSon