Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society
Box 1979, Gimli, Manitoba R0C 1B0
NEWSLETTER FALL 2015
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GICS Executive Board – 2014 - 2016
President - JoAnne Gullachsen
Vice-President – Shawn Bjornsson
Past President – - Bryan Bjerring
Treasurer – Janet Isfeld
Secretary – Daphne Markusson
Committee Chairs for 2013
Phoning – Valdine Bjornsson
& Shirley MacFarlane
Membership – Elva Simundsson
Archivist – Dean Bjornsson
Sunshine – Shirley MacFarlane
Calendars – Candice Murphy
Scholarship – Elva Simundsson
Festival Display Coordinator – Bryan Bjerring
Newsletter – Margaret Kernested
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President’s Report – submitted by JoAnne
Gullachsen
GICS has been involved in a number of endeavours since our Spring Newsletter.
On June 18th the GICS provided a luncheon for a Senior Citizens group from Iceland. Many members put forth a great effort with the preparation of the soups, sandwiches and various desserts and dainties. A big thank you to all. A good number of the Senior Citizens said how much they enjoyed the food. In addition to the luncheon, they watched a film which spoke of, and showed Gimli past and present. After the luncheon Bryan Bjerring read a very moving letter written by Dr. Alex Baldwin who spoke of the incredible hardships which the Icelanders endured during their first years here. Afterward, when visiting the museum, the seniors expressed an interest in buying the book which contained this letter. Following the visit to the museum, they met with the residents of Betel Home. They entertained those who were able to attend by singing some old traditional Icelandic songs. Many of the residents were moved to tears on hearing these songs.
The display tables at the Pavilion during Islendingadagurinn were well attended. The mysostur sold out quickly and I imagine that this is something we will want to sell again next year. Thanks to Judy and Bryan Bjerring for working hard at making the table cloths for the tables. These very attractive cloths will be used year after year and they make the display tables very appealing. Thanks as well to the many volunteers who were there to meet, greet and sell to the visitors. Also, thank you to Dick Thorsteinson for all his work with regard to the organization, and the actual photography of the members who posed in costume for the post cards sold at our display table. Everyone very much enjoyed seeing all the various costumes and backgrounds Dick chose for the photographs.
The Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society, along with the Arborg Chapter of the Icelandic National League of North America co-hosted a talk by Dr. Grímur Valdimarsson on Friday evening, October 9th, at the Lady of the Lake Theatre, Gimli Waterfront Centre. Dr. Grimur Valdimarsson is the 2015 guest speaker under the INLofNA International Visits Program. He is currently the Senior Advisor to the Ministry of Industries and Innovation. Prior to that, he was senior advisor to the Ministry of Fisheries and Agriculture. From 1997 to 2013 Grimur was director of the Fish Products and Industry Division of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Dr Valdimarsson's talk focused on how fisheries and aquaculture have evolved in the recent decades; both in Iceland and internationally.
There are some items I have received via the INL which I think are worthy of our attention. The first is a 32 minute documentary titled The Log Cabin at Markland. The cost of the DVD was $25. It has been purchased by the Club. Because of the short time it would take to show it we could view it after one of our meetings. As well, there has been an email regarding the 2016 Convention. The Convention will be held April 27 to 30 at the River Rock Casino in Richmond, BC. Some plans have already been made with regard to hotels, room rates etc.
GICS would like to recognize Steve Affleck of Splash Printing for the generous discount provided to GICS on the printing of our Newsletters.
Secretary of the GICS
A big thank you to Daphne Markusson who will be leaving her position as secretary of the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society after our annual meeting in February. She has served in that capacity for two years and we are very grateful to her especially for the new insights she brought to some of our programs.
INL of NA Convention 2015 – submitted by Gunnvör Daníelsdóttir
The GICS voting delegates for the 2015 INL Convention were: Janet Isfeld, Candice Murphy, Daphne Markusson, Gunnvor Asmundsson and Beverley Einarson.
Gunnvor has provided the following information on the Convention which was held in Minneapolis:
There were many workshops to choose from throughout the week-end.
I have always found workshops very valuable, as they were this time.
Friday´s workshops:
Research/Education:
Promoting Innovation through Minnesota- Icelandic partnership - It was most interesting to hear about the long standing relation betweenMinnesota and Iceland University.
For many years Icelandic students have attended University in Minnesota and this program is getting stronger.
Finding the balance with nature - Slide show on Iceland/Minnesota respect for Nature. Talk about the midpoint Europe and N. America, which we all know goes through Iceland.
Culture Detective Iceland - with Thórunn Bjarnadóttir program director of International Education. Talk about summer classes in Iceland like the University of Manitoba Field School. Good for them. Too bad U of M will no longer have the Field School.
Since 2009 US, Iceland, Denmark and Japan have had Video Conference on different health topics. Next one is on Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).
Heritage:
Words Worth Keeping - The Fragile Heritage Project, with Ryan Johnson about how Iceland is compiling and saving old manuscripts. Very well done.
The Icelandic Association of Utah with Richard Williams - Very interesting and well done. It made me want to go to their 150 Year Celebration in the fall.
Saturday’s Workshops:
Þau fóru... Ties that bind East Iceland and Minnesota. Cathy Josephson - It was most interesting to learn the difference in how wellIceland documented everyone leaving the country from other countries.
Other Topics:
Icelandic Landscapes, Tíu leikrit, Stepping Stone for the Medieval Norse Fur Trade in NA.
Annual General Meeting:
I had not attended a General meeting for some time. It surprised me that the INL of NA. gave donations and also how a motion was put to the floor. In early years any motion had to be forwarded to the INL in time to send it out to every chapter for discussion.
Asking about the constitution I was told there is none, only By-Laws. What happened to the previous constitution? I found the meeting unnecessary long and boring.
This was a very good Convention but with a few disappointing changes:
Opening Ceremony was held Friday morning. Other years the Opening Ceremony has been hosted by the INL of NA umbrella.
Friday night was only awards ceremony. Many Convention attendants left for the evening and very few locals attended.
Opening ceremony and the awards have always been very festive. Most people did not like this.
Saturday banquet was hosted by The Icelandic Hekla Club.
The highlight of this Convention wasMadame Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, Former President of Iceland.
Kvennahlaup 2015 – submitted by Margaret Kernested
Kvennahlaup (Women's Run) was held in Gimli on June 13th, the same day as in Iceland. As I was out of the country at the time, a big thank you goes out to my daughter-in-law, Shanne Kernested, and my sisters, Marlene Forbes and Christine Dann for ensuring there was a walk. Thanks for all their work and for the wonderful homemade baking that everyone enjoyed following the walk. This year Gimli had 40 registered participants. This is not a fundraiser however any proceeds remaining from the Gimli walk are donated to the Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society. This year a donation of $371.10 was presented to the Club at their regular September meeting.
Kvennahlaup: Some 2015 Participants
Icelandic Language and Cultural Camp –
Six children received bursaries for Icelandic Camp at $100.00 each for a total of $600.00.
The campers and their association to the club were:
1. Xander Bjornson, son of Shawn Bjornson
2. Carter Derksen, grandchild of Claude Thorsteinson
3. Madison Kunz, daughter of Tannis Kunz
4. Molly Larner, grandchild of Pam Newbury
5. Raven Larner, grandchild of Pam Newbury
6. Christopher Asmundsson, grandchild of Gunnvor Asmundsson
Islendingadagurinn
GICS Pavilion Display – submitted by Bryan Bjerring
We again had our information table at the pavilion all day Sunday and Monday afternoon. An addition this year was the sale of pictures of members and others in Icelandic costumes. Thanks to all those who donated costumes and those who agreed to have their pictures taken. We are especially grateful to Dick Thorsteinson who took all the pictures and had them printed for sale. We could not have our table without the help of the volunteers who take shifts staffing the table. Next year we will need a new convener for this undertaking. As well, we are always looking for volunteers to take the place of the many who have volunteered over the years. One of the perks of volunteering is that you often renew contacts with old friends. It is great fun. As they say, try it; you'll like it. For additional information pleasecontact Bryan Bjerring at .
Our 125 Float – submitted by Bryan Bjerring
The GICS again had a wonderful float in the parade featuring both the GICS and the Icelandic National League of North America. Thanks to all who rode on the float and joined in the fun. The riders often see long lost friends and relatives along the parade route and then re-connect during the Festival. If you are asked to participate next year, please consider saying "yes". Our thanks to the float conveners Thor Arnbjornsson, Gunnvor Asmundsson Dean Bjornsson, Dilla Narfason, and Savala Thrastardottir. Svein Arnbjornsson loaned the tow vehicle and the trailer.
2016 INL Calendars – submitted by Candice Murphy
The Club still has 42 calendars available for sale. The 2016 theme, The Heart of Iceland, captures beautiful moments with people in Iceland doing what they love. The calendars make great Christmas gifts. So, if you don’t have yours yet, phone or email Candice at 642-9791 or at .
Tombola
Gimli Icelandic Canadian Society held its Tombola, 10th October at Minerva Hall.There were a large number of young people in attendance who especially enjoyed the dancing and all the prizes that are given out. Lynnette Sisterson again did an excellent job of coordinating the event.
Dance floor at Tombola
News from the INL of NA
President: Claire Eckley
Past President: Ron Goodman
1st Vice Pres.: Sunna Furstenau
2nd Vice Pres.: Brad Hirst
Treasurer: Candice Murphy
Executive Secretary: Gwen Grattan, Office: 103-94 1st Ave., Gimli, MB R0C 1B1, (204) 642-5897
MOTHERS FUND Since there are still many in need in Iceland, INLofNA will once again collect donations from individuals and clubs for this charity and forward them to Iceland. Deadline will be Dec. 1. Make cheques out to INL NA, clearly marked ´Mother´s Fund´and forward to INL NA Room 103 94 1st Avenue, Gimli Manitoba R0C 1B1 or pay online. http://inlofna.org/Donations
2016 CONVENTION Vancouver B.C. April 27 to 30. River Rock Casino. A great program is being planned.
SNORRI WEST 2016 will visit Minnesota, North Dakota and Manitoba July 7 to August 5 www.snorri.is Click on Snorri West
2017 CALENDAR Deadline for pictures is October 15, 2015. If you have interesting photos showing activities, local area monuments, festivals or some other view of Icelandic Culture, please consider submitting. Email Gwen Mann for details
ONLINE FUNDRAISING/CROWDFUNDING Sunna Furstenau has developed a plan to support our programs with rewards depending on the size of the donation. You can choose to support whatever you are interested in; International Visits, Snorri West, general. http://inlofna.org/Donations
PERKS PROGRAM INL Membership cards will be issued to clubs for their members after dues are paid in January. These will entitle members to perks from shops, travel agents, etc. in Iceland and North America. Another benefit of membership!
Dates to remember:
Wednesdays Kaffitími – Conversational Icelandic at Amma’s Tea Room 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Oct 21, 2015 Walk to the Rock
Oct 21 & 23, 2015 Grettir’s Saga – 7:00pm @ Aspire Theatre
Oct 22, 2015 New Iceland Heritage Quiz Night – 7:00pm @Ship & Plough
Oct 24, 2015 New Iceland Heritage Museum’s Gala Dinner@ Lakeview Resort
Nov 2, 2015 GICS Meeting – 7:00pm @ Lady of the Lake Theatre
Nov 10, 2015 Vesturfarar, Riverton & Arborg Segment - 7:00pm @ Lady of the Lake Theatre
GICS Website:
Go to http://www.inlofna.org/Gimli/index.html and check out the photos of GICS events. We plan to keep up-dating our new “photo album” on an on-going basis.
GICS Newsletter
If you have any GICS news to report, please contact the newsletter editor, Margaret Kernested at
GICS Membership
Annual GICS Memberships are still only $10. Dues for 2016 can be paid to Benna Martin, Dilla Narfason or Elva Simundsson or else mailed to Box 1979, Gimli.
If you would like to join the INL news & information e-mail list service, contact the INL office at
*Charitable donations to GICS are tax deductible
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