2015 September LEIC Newsletter

 LEIF EIRIKSSON ICELANDIC CLUB SEPTEMBER 2015 NEWSLETTER

“CALLING ALL SNORRIS”

And LEIC MEMBERS AND GUESTS

You are all invited to attend the Fall Feast dinner and hear

 the 2015 Snorri presentation

on Saturday, October 17, 2015

at the Scandinavian Centre, 739 – 20^th Ave. NW in Calgary

Doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Alpine Caterers

Menu:  Hot and cold buffet featuring Chicken Cordon Bleu, cold beef and ham, buns, assortment of salads and squares, tea coffee

Price:               Seniors and adults                   $30.00

Children 3 – 10 years                                      $15.00

2 and under free

Cash bar for beer and wine

The 2015 Snorri representatives are Shannon Wright, Erika Rae Drake and Curtis Grisdale

We are inviting a special guest from Iceland - Dr. Grimur Valdimarsson, World Fisheries expert

and his wife Kristín Jónsdóttir.

For tickets please call Marg Finnson (403) 289-9827 or email margfinnson@shaw.ca

and please mail your cheque by Oct. 13 to:

LEIC, c/o Marg Finnson

4312 Chapel Road N.W. Calgary, T2L 1A4 

INL calendars will be available for sale at this event for $10.

“HAPPY LEIF EIRIKSSON DAY”

(October 9 in the U.S.A.)

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UNESCO certifies the Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute University of Iceland.htm

About the Institute

The Vigdís Finnbogadóttir Institute of Foreign Languages is a research institute working within the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Iceland. The Institute is a research centre for scholars who teach modern languages and cultures, the classical languages, and translation studies.

Since 1st October 2001 the Institute has had the honour of bearing the name of Ms. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former President of Iceland, 1980-1996.

The reasons for changing the Institute's name were, on the one hand, to honour our former President for her energetic work in foreign languages, and on the other, to help encourage and strengthen research and teaching in foreign languages.

Ms. Vigdís Finnbogadóttir has been a powerful spokesperson for the importance of language proficiency, both in one's own native tongue as well as in other languages, and she has made a vital contribution to this field in her career as a teacher, as President of Iceland, and as a goodwill ambassador for the United Nations.

To fund its research and projects the Institution receives a yearly contribution from the University of Iceland as well as subsidies from around the world from well-wishers. For further information please visit Funding.

The Institute´s board members are:

Auður Hauksdóttir, director, Professor of Danish, auhau@hi.is

Birna Arnbjörnsdóttir, Professor of Second Language Acquisition, birnaarn@hi.is

Geir Þórarinn Þórarinsson, Adjunct Lecturer of Latin, gtt@hi.is

Oddný G. Sverrisdóttir, Professor of German, oddny@hi.is

Guðmundur S. Brynjólfsson, representing doctoral students, gsb3@hi.is

 Gísli Magnússon, Lecturer of Danish Literature, gislim@hi.is

Hólmfríður Garðarsdóttir, Professor of Spanish, holmfr@hi.is

SENIORS’ BUS TRIP TO ROSEBUD THEATRE

MASS APPEAL

Comedy-Drama by Bill C. Davis

Sat. Sept. 26, 2015

NOTE: AT this point the trip has yet to be approved by the AGLC. Do not send cheques until you are contacted by Heli.  This trip is sponsored by the Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association at the Scandinavian Centre. 

 This bus trip is open to all seniors, 60 years or older. Register with Heli by calling; 403-285-3367 or emailing; saund@shaw.ca

Seniors (60 years or older) write a cheque of $45.00/person payable to Calgary Finlandia Cultural Association, with Names, Dates of Birth as well as contact phone number or email address written on the back. Send your cheque(s) to CFCA 739-20 Ave. NW, Calgary AB. T2M 1E2. If any information is missing, your reservation will be on hold until we get all the info required. As the cheque(s) arrive, we will reserve the ticket(s) and seats on the bus. The cheques will be returned to you as you show up on the bus. If you for some reason need to cancel your reservation, please contact Heli immediately.  As our theater trips are meant to be for seniors (60 years and older) there are sometimes seats available in the bus and can be offered to younger people to travel free with us. However, they are required purchasing their own theatre tickets. Once on the bus we will collect $10.00 cash from everyone before reaching Rosebud to cover the tips for the bus driver and the restaurant amenities.

LIBRARY

Christine Stuart-Smith

               

We have BURIAL RIGHTS and 3 crime fiction novels by Yrsa S.in the LEIC library.  There are many more wonderful books for your enjoyment in our LEIC library.  Please take some time and have a look, they are in English and some in Icelandic.

IN MEMORIUM

LEIF EIRIKSSON ICELANDIC CLUB EXTENDS CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILIES OF THE FOLLOWING PEOPLE

MARGRET GEPPERT

Margrrét Geppert (nee Sigvaldadóttir) passed away peacefully on June 24th, 2015 at the age of 84 years. She is survived by her three children – Ingrid (Paul), Norman and Eric (Venora) and four grandchildren.  Margret and her husband immigrated to Regina in 1956 and moved to Calgary in 1960.  She obtained degrees in education and a Master’s in German literature.  She taught high school for many years in Airdrie.  Margrét fell in love with the mountain - she loved skiing, hiking, backpacking canoeing and bike riding.  She was a member of the Alpine Club.  She also travelled to many countries to climb mountains - Nepal, China, Australia and South America.  She loved to visit her beloved Iceland.  Margrét was a founding member of the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club where she enjoyed socializing, teaching and singing in the choir.  She will be missed by her family and many LEIC friends.  A Memorial service was held at the Scan Centre on July 30 where friends and family gathered to pay their last respects.  It was a wonderful tribute by the family for a wonderful lady.

LISSEL, Thelma Hazel

(nee Thorsteinsson) March 15, 1928 - Wynyard, Saskatchewan
May 6, 2015 - Calgary, AB
Thelma passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with a lengthy illness surrounded by her loving family. Thelma is survived by her much loved children, Byron (Nancy) and Brenda (David). She was extremely proud of her grandchildren Jade and Tyler. She will be fondly remembered by her twin sister Thora Moir, and niece Anna Thorsteinsson as well as numerous relatives and her wide range of friends.

"BOOK FEST"

Christine Stuart-Smith

Saturday, October 17th, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir and Hannah Kent are part of a talk, with three other authors, at the Glenbow Museum Theatre, 4 - 5:30 pm $20.

Quote from the brochure:  "There's Australian phenom Hannah Kent, whose first novel, "Burial Rights", has been translated into 20 languages.  

"Rounding off the sampler is the master of the Icelandic crime chiller, Yrsa Sigurðardóttir..."

Sunday, Oct. 18th 10 - 12 pm. $20 again at the Glenbow Theatre:

4 mystery writers, including Hannah Kent & Yrsa Sigurðardóttir.  A talk called -"MYSTERY SHOWCASE"

  

BENEDIKTSON FELLOWSHIP

Icelandic cellist Geirthruður Guðmundsdóttir has been awarded the 2015 Benediktson Fellowship in music at the Banff Centre. Geirthruður will be participating in the Master class for Strings and Winds Program which began June 29, 2015. Geirthruður graduated from the Reykjavik College of Music in 2013 and is continuing her studies in music at Northwestern University. She has performed with the Icelandic Symphony Orchestra, the Northwestern University and Reykjavik College Chamber Music Orchestras.

The Banff Centre, whose mission is to inspire creativity, has been called "the largest arts and creativity incubator on the planet." The Benediktson Fellowships were established in 2009 at the Banff Centre by Stephan and Adriana Benediktson. In 2014 the Benediktson's expanded the Fellowship to provide for two artists each year; one from Iceland and a second, preferably from Mexico. The Benediktson's reside in the Mexican art colony, San Miguel de Allende.

Benediktson Fellows from Iceland to date have been Ragnar Kjartansson, 2009, visual arts, Kristin Omarsdóttir, 2010, literary arts, Hildigunnur Birgisdóttir, 2011, visual arts, Atli Heimir Sveinsson, 2012, music and Hreinn Fridfinnsson and Markus Thor Andresson, 2013, film and media; outstanding art.

                              MARILYNNE AND VICTOR LAXDAL

                                 CELEBRATE 60^TH ANNIVERSARY

August 15, a celebration was held at the Scandinavian Centre to honour Marilynne and Victor Laxdal on their 60^th wedding anniversary.  Music, food and refreshments for friends, relatives and family were the order of the day. Many relatives travelled from as far away as Chicago to attend this special celebration.  Tributes from many family members with anecdotes of their life together were enjoyed by all present.  Cutting of the cake was one of the highlights for the celebration.  The family of Marilynne and Victor put on a fantastic party for their parents.

“CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE LEIF EIRIKSSON ICELANDIC CLUB”

LEIC friends enjoying the day with the Laxdal’s

Christine Mueller, Gwen Mann, Marilynn & Victor, Mary and Dan Gudmundsson and Bill & Marg Finnson

THE WRITERS GUILD OF ALBERTA

The Writers Guild of Alberta awarded the Stephan G Stephansson Award for Poetry in 2015 to Sarah Lang of Edmonton for her work entitled “For Tamara”, published by the House of Anansi Press. This year’s Alberta Literary Awards Gala was held at the Chateau Lacombe in Edmonton on May 23. The award was presented by Susan Rosa Benediktson Abbiati, the great granddaughter of the poet Stephansson.

The Alberta Literary Awards were created by the Writers Guild of Alberta to recognize excellence in writing by Alberta authors in eight categories, including the Stephan G Stephansson Award for Poetry, in 1982. Stephan V Benediktson, grandson of the poet Stephansson, has sponsored the award since 2006.

MARKERVILEE CELEBRATION

Gwen Mann

OUR ICELANDIC INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATION in Markerville was a huge success.  After some traditional family activity, the Sons of Fenrir gave an amazing presentation of informative action until a lightning struck and the show continued in Fensala Hall.  They acted out 2 sagas and gave 2 presentations during the program. After the crowning of Fjallkona, Carolyn Yu from Edmonton, we enjoyed an abundant pot luck dinner, including farm fresh roast chicken and ham compliments of the Hoar family.

Loading the bus at the NAPA Auto Supply,

730 – 16^th Ave NW, proved to be a very

successful location.

A full summary of the day’s activities, including pictures is available on the LEIC website, http://www.inlofna.org/Pictures Chapters, Events Pictures.

LEIC CLUB PHOTOS FROM KARL TORFASON’S PICTURES CAN BE VIEWED ON FLICKR – GO TO

www.flickr.com/photos/leic

SENIOR’S LUNCHEON

Gwen Mann

The LEIC of Calgary held their annual seniors luncheon on Thursday, May 28.  After signing the guest book, the guests mingled around the punch table provided by the Laxdals while they enjoyed herring appetizers served with Icelandic breads.  After a warm welcome from President Christine Mueller,  Gwen Mann, convener introduced out of town member Kenneth Paulson who came from Pincher Creek and new members Shirley Morton, Judy Shupe and her sister Sally, Baldur & Lynn Johannson ( & Lynn Ewbank).   Then after an introduction of breads and how this was a change for immigrating Icelanders, a menu of soup, salad and assorted sandwiches was enjoyed.  Icelandic desserts topped the afternoon.  The committee is very grateful for the many donations of food and Icelandic desserts provided by members as well as all the help in organizing the luncheon.   Christine Mueller reported on upcoming LEIC activities and the news from the Icelandic National League of North America convention.

INL NEWS

Gwen Mann

INL CALENDAR 2016

The Heart of Iceland 2016 calendars are available from Club members or at upcoming events for $10.. 

Or call  Gwen Mann at (403)242-9714 or email ldgmmann@gmail.com or Marg Finnson at

(403) 289-9827 or email  margfinnson@shaw.ca.  Calendars will be available at the Fall Feast.

Proposed INL Calendar for 2017, Icelandic Homeland in North America, requires pictures that show the Icelandic Culture is alive and well in North America.  We require pictures that show the activities, local area, monuments, festivals, or a view of Icelandic Culture that you have captured on film.  More information:  http://www.inlofna.org/LEICNews

INL READS

“The Saga of Guðrid the Far-Traveler” is the INL Reads book for 2015 – 2016 which was announced at the Convention in Minneapolis in May.

Copies of this book are available from the LEIC Library. More information: http://www.inlofna.org/LEICNews

INL CONVENTION 2016

The next convention will be held in British Columbia, starting April 28, at the River Rock Casino Resort, Richmond, B.C.  Check out the website for more information:-http://heyevent.com/event/vexakfc5cj5rma/2016-icelandic-national-league-of-north-america-convention

ICELANDIC ROOTS DATA BASE BY SUNNA OLAFSON FURSTENAU

Gwen Mann

In April, Sunna Olafson Furstenau gave an exciting presentation at our Spring Dinner with an Icelandic Roots Data base workshop the following day. 

In appreciation of the "fabulous hospitality and support in Alberta, the members of any Alberta Icelandic organization can join the database for only $100 for the entire year. This includes our personal assistance to help them get connected to the database so they can be part of the “Cousins Across the Ocean” project".

This is a fabulous data base and a wonderful resource for so many things Icelandic.

To join as a member: www.icelandicroots.com/shop or  Sunna@IcelandicRoots.com.  Just send her an email and say you are a member of the LEIC.

(Gwen registered by writing a Canadian check and this can be put in the mail.)

Vacancies on the Board – CAN YOU HELP?

VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY

Committee members always needed!

Call Christine Mueller (403) 284-1991

CHRISTMAS TREE DECORATING

Christine Mueller

This year it is the LEIC that will be responsible for decorating the Scan Centre for Christmas.  Volunteers are needed to decorate the small tree downstairs before Nov. 21st as Branting has a party in the Valhalla Room then. Donna suggested we come on Nov. 19th or 20th to decorate. Donna can help.

As for the big tree upstairs, November 27th would be best at 2:00 PM or later. Also, it's the day before the LEIC Christmas party and that could be useful for our preparations.  Nobody will be renting the Hall that evening before we come the next day.  Come join the fun, pizza and pop will be supplied.

             Call Christine at (403) 284-1991 or email christine.mueller@shaw.ca if you can help.

LEIF EIRIKSSON ICELANDIC CLUB

of CALGARY BOARD MEMBERS – 2015

PRESIDENT       Christine Mueller

(403) 284-1991

christine.mueller@shaw.ca

PAST PRESIDEN  Dr. Victor Laxdal               

 vl8810@shaw.ca

VICE PRESIDENT   Vacant

TREASURER       Jennifer Lloyd

                               leic-treas@mail.com

SECRETARY      Vacant

MEMBERSHIP RECORDER        

Kelsey Shouldice          

kelsey.shouldice@gmail.com

 

COMMITTEES              

EVENTS COORDINATOR: Vacant

NEWSLETTER - Margaret Grisdale

          grisdal9@telus.net

HISTORIANS - Drew Anderson 

ajaeng@shaw.ca

                             Gwen Mann

ldgomann@gmail.com

SCAN. CENTRE CO-ORDINATOR

Wayne Pickering

aegis@nucleus.com

PHONING COORDINATOR – Marg Finnson 

margfinnson@shaw.ca

SPECIAL PROGRAMS   

Christine Stuart-Smith

      christinestuartsmith@gmail.com

                             Carol Blyth

blyth30@telus.net

CARE & CONCERN   Bev Johnson

                              Bevejay@shaw.ca

SOCIAL MEDIA  Kelly Bjarnason Lee          

gingerice@hotmail.com

CASINO REP      Karl Torfason

                            torf@shaw.ca

LIBRARY          Christine Stuart-Smith

christinestuartsmith@gmail.com

                                               Carol Blyth

blyth30@telus.net

LÖGBERG-HEIMSKRINGLA-VACANT

CULTURAL ADVISOR VACANT

YOUTH:                              VACANT

WEB MASTER –               Holly Ralph

INL website, www.inlofna.org/LEICNews

 2015/2016   EVENTS CALENDAR

THE LEIF EIRIKSSON CLUB OF CALGARY

                                                                     

OCT. 15^TH  (Thurs.) – Talk by

Dr. GrimurValdimarsson,World Fisheries expert,

through the International Visits Program of the INL of NA, details to be announced.

OCT. 17^TH  (Sat.) –  “Fall Feast” at the

 Scandinavian Centre with Presentations by the

 2015 Snorri participants. 

NOV. 8^TH (Sun.) – “Scandinavian Christmas

Bazaar and Craft Sale” at the Scandinavian Centre.

NOV. 28^TH (Sat.) – “Yuletide Celebration/ Christmas Party” at the Scandinavian Centre.

DEC. 4^TH (Fri.) -  Scandinavian Club Christmas

 Choir Concert at the Scandinavian Centre

JAN. 31ST (Sun.) - The “Annual General Meeting” of the Leif Eiriksson Icelandic Club of Calgary at the Scandinavian Centre.

FEB. 6^th (Sat.) – “Sons of Norway” Lutefisk Dinner

at the Scandinavian Centre.

FEB.29^th (Mon.) – The “Annual General Meeting”

 of the Scandinavian Cultural Society of Calgary

at the Scandinavian Centre.

MAR. 16^th or 23^rd (Wed.) – Free Icelandic Film Event

 “Cold Fever” at the River Park Church, sponsored

 by the Donald K. Johnson Film Series-

exact date to be confirmed.

APR. 23^rd (Sat.) – “Spring Dinner-Sumardagurinn Fyrsti”

 at the Scandinavian Centre.

APR. 29^th-30^th – Icelandic League of North America

 –Annual Conference at Richmond, B.C.

MAY 26^th (Thurs.) – Seniors’ Lunch at the

Scandinavian Centre.

JUNE 18^th (Sat.)-  Celebration of Iceland’s National Independence Day at Markerville, Alberta.