Lögberg-Heimskringla - 15.01.2019, Qupperneq 8

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8 • Lögberg-Heimskringla • January 15 2019
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Have you ever seen a ninety-six-
year-old woman do a “plank”
at a meeting? Not sure what a
plank is? It’s an isometric core strength
exercise that involves maintaining a
position similar to that of a push-up
for the maximum length of time. Last
year, Agnes Bardal Comack, now
97, gave a talk at the Jon Sigurdsson
Chapter IODE on the benefits of
exercise, especially for the elderly.
Then, with a little encouragement
from her audience, she showed us how
to do a “plank.” She adeptly got down
on the floor, showed us her move, and
then popped up again. Agnes is one
example of the amazing nonagenarian
women who are a part of the Jon
Sigurdsson Chapter and who continue
to make significant contributions to
the organization. There is something
special about these Icelandic
mainstays. Although they have gone
through many of life’s trials and
tribulations, illnesses and operations,
these women never quit creating,
baking, playing bridge, knitting,
raising funds for charity, organizing,
speaking, writing, and volunteering.
The longest-serving member
of the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter
is Johanna (Jo) Wilson, who in
December received a certificate for
having devoted 75 years as a member
and former president. At ninety-
nine years old, Jo is still making her
famous vínarterta for bake sales and
other events, rallying the women
from various clubs to join our Bridge
and Whist fundraiser, rarely missing
a meeting and always playing a key
role behind the scenes. As a talented
seamstress, Jo sewed traditional
Icelandic attire for two 12-inch
dolls that are being raffled in May to
support the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter’s
scholarship fund. Jo’s longtime
friend and former teaching colleague,
Alice Mark, 99, also participates in
meetings and luncheons.
“YOU ARE NEVER TOO OLD!”
The remarkable nonagenarians of the Jon Sigurdsson Chapter IODE
Karen Botting
Winnipeg, MB
Left: Agnes Bardal Comack, 97, with some of her cards
that she sells to raise IODE scholarship funds. Above:
Gunnthora Gisladottir, 95, who until recently baked
vínarterta for raffles, with the proceeds going to an
IODE charity. Below: on the right is Helga Sigurdson,
98, who is with her daughter, Linda Collette. Each year
Helga makes plum jelly and mysost which she sells to
raise funds for IODE charity