tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-349853362024-03-13T09:14:02.174-07:00The Icelandic Association of Chicago NewsletterUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger60125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-66013292388081663422020-01-06T14:14:00.002-08:002020-01-06T14:18:08.812-08:00IAC Newsletter January 2020<pre style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #241c15; line-height: 24px; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: , "menlo" , "monaco" , "consolas" , "liberation mono" , "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: 1.4rem;">
</span><pre style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> CONTENTS
</b></span></pre>
<pre style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From the President's Desk </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Non-for-profit status</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Thorrablot 2020 </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Taking down the Christmas Tree Greater Icelandic Open 2019</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Scandinavian Day-Scholarship Program </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Icelandic 101: INLNA 2020 Calendar
</span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: transparent; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">EVENTS/SAVE THE DATE</b></span></h1>
<pre style="border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 24px; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Save the date!
Thorrablot 2020 (#Thorrablot)
Saturday, February 29th 6PM
Swedish Museum
Take down the Christmas Tree (#Christmas Tree)
Saturday, January 1</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1th at 11am
Museum of Science and Industry
</span>Email Lena (mailto:koshkuklo@gmail.com) if you plan to attend</span></pre>
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<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif;">From the President’s desk</b></div>
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New corruption scandal in Iceland with one of the largest fisheries, money laundering and briberies in Namibia.
Never a dull moment if you follow the news from Iceland. Samherji, Iceland’s biggest fishing company, is being accused for paying alleged bribes to officials in Namibia in exchange for trawling rights and to ensure access to fishing quotas. In addition, they are charged with money laundering through Dubai, and of all places, Norway. This sounds like something out of a movie, I know. You can find the details on the internet, but this is far from over.
In other news, our organization put up its Christmas tree at the Museum of Science and Industry last month. The tree looks spectacular, thanks to everyone who helped, in particular, Gunna and Kalli who create and maintain the decorations. Please take the time this holiday season to visit ‘Christmas around the World’ exhibit where trees from 64 countries are represented. Following the tree trimming we met for a successful General Meeting, more news on that in this newsletter.
Our 2020 Þorrablót will be hold at the same place as last years on February 29th, the day that only comes every four years. I hope most of you can attend, more information coming soon.
Happy New Year! Gleðilegt nýtt ár! I hope you all enjoyed quality time with family and friends over the Holidays.
Einar Steinsson
President
<b>From the Editor
</b>
In this Newsletter we have details on upcoming IAC events including the ever popular Thorrablot. We will also be taking down the Christmas tree at the MSI in January. We hope you can join us for some of these events.
The 13 Icelandic Yule lads are heading back to the mountains, hopefully the kids got gifts and not a potato. If you were able to go to Iceland over the holidays, I hope you got to see the beautiful Northern Lights.
As always feel free to contact me at kolbrkr@gmail.com (mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com) with original articles for the newsletter or suggestions on topics to cover.
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass
Editor
<b>Non-for-profit status
</b>
Breaking News!
I am thrilled to announce that IAC recently completed its registration as a non-for-profit organization with the IRS and the state of Illinois, enabling it to solicit tax-deductible donations.
Thanks to the excellent work of Mayer Brown’s LLP lawyers, who for the past four years worked on our behalf, pro bono. Haukur Guðmundsson, Caroline Jensen, and many more - Þúsund þakkir!
Einar Steinsson, president, and the board of IAC.
<b>Thorrablot 2020
</b>
ÞORRABLÓT 2020 – February 29, 6 P.M., at the Swedish American Museum.
We’re ready and open for business and proud to keep the prices for members the same as previous years!
We’ll start the party at 6 P.M., and greet you with a welcome drink, homemade gravlax, double smoked leg of lamb, Brennivin, and rotten shark. The Swedish American Museum is one magical place, thanks to you, and thanks to Hermann Arason, Hemmi Boy, who’ll be back with his guitar leading the room in song and dance, and, thanks to Master Chef Ari Hallgrímsson who’ll be in charge of the food and ready to answer all your questions about Icelandic traditions, old or new. On the dinner table you’ll find standards such as pickled rams’ testicles, sheared sheep heads, dried haddock, blood pudding, liver pudding, hangikjöt, rye and flat bread, and other delicacies you’ve been craving… For dessert we’ll have a traditional ‘Kaffihlaðborð’ with pönnukökur, kleinur, marengstertur, Siggi’s skyr, and other goodies prepared by our members. We’ll treat you to the best Glacial water in the world BUT for other drinks, this is a BYOB event.
We’ll have our famous and forever popular raffle, where you can win a ticket from Icelandair to the Old Country, Icelandic music, design wool products, chocolates, art work, limo ride, and many more unique prizes.
Þorrablót is a fun filled night a la Icelanders’ style where ´maðr er manns gaman´. We look forward to seeing you all and sing and dance the night away.
Skál!
Þorraþræll
The small print...
The deadline to purchase tickets is February 24th. We will not sell tickets or accept payment at the door. We have sold out for the past several Þorrablót. You can click on the links below to pay membership fees and buy tickets or visit our webpage www.icelandchicago.org If you are unable to buy your tickets online, please notify our treasurer, Erik, and mail a check to:
Erik Johnson
1548 N. Hoyne Ave,Apt 2
Chicago, IL, 60622
scarletham@gmail.com (mailto:scarletham@gmail.com)
Click here (https://icelandchicago.org/home/membership/) to pay membership fees and fill out the census form
Ticket prices 2020 – Click on link to purchase
Member $65 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=25N8795PC782S)
Member 70 + $55 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Z7LKSGK5CGN64)
Member Student $55 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=SDXBBZ5Q72BPW)
Member 11-17 $45 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=MF2GAYW4UZRCL)
Non-Member $90 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=Y3ZNAXYX343U4)
Non-Member 70+ $75 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=PXPS4KKCWFCP4)
Non-Member Student $75 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=75TDT8WJHP3T8)
Non-Member 11-17 $65 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=NPG3RBYQUVA78)
Non-Member 7-10 $45 (https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=3NEH6FJXYD4HE)
The smaller print...
No refund of tickets after February 24th, as we will have committed to all expenses. If you mail in a check it must be postmarked by 2/24/19. Out of respect to everyone please comply to deadlines.
The Swedish American Museum
5211 N. Clark Street
www.swedishamericanmuseum.org
Designated parking lot for 14 cars, first come first served at the North East corner of Foster Ave and Ashland Ave. Street parking available.
Many thanks to all of our sponsors, especially, www.icelandair.com
<b>Taking down the Christmas Tree
</b>
We will be taking down the Christmas Tree on Saturday, January 11th at 11am at the Museum of Science and Industry. Email Lena (mailto:koshkuklo@gmail.com) mailto:koshkuklo@gmail.comif you plan to attend.
<b>The Greater Icelandic Open 2019
</b>
One more successful Open under our belt, graced with exceptional weather. Nick Rokop and David Baker are this year’s Champions, congratulations. Runner up, team grandpa Jim A Sveinsson and grandson Max Henley, who also took the ‘Longest Drive’ for men, and the ‘Longest Putt’, well done. 3^rd place, after a four team play off on the putting green: Paul Sörensen and Michael Gallagher. Anna María Kárdal won the ‘Longest Drive’ for women, and Lena Hallgrímsdóttir, ‘Closest to the Pin’. I look forward to 2020 and our 15 year anniversary – Until then, keep it in the short. Einar Steinssson.
<b>Scandinavian Day-Scholarship Program
</b>
Scandinavian Day-2019 at Vasa Park, South Elgin, IL & IAC Scholarship Program:
Once again, we received a generous allocation of IcelandicGlacial Wate (http://www.IcelandicGlacial.com) r for sale at Scandinavian Park, some of which was additionally purchased and then resold by four other Scandinavian lodges on Sunday, 8-Sep-2019. Despite a chilly [60+ degrees, cloudy day with intermittent light rain], we received wonderful support from the Scandinavian Community. A friend of the Icelandic Association of Chicago committed to purchasing remaining bottles. Some were donated to the Park and to the entertainers throughout the day. The principal entertainment, this year, was the Long Island, New York-based Accordion ensemble, SmogasBandet (http://www.SmorgasBandet.com) . All proceeds went to our IAC Scholarship Program. This year, our beverage-sale were in the totally-rebuilt Rosemalling-Boutique Building. The concrete base for the enlarged building was donated by Ozinga and the sweat-equity for rebuilding it was provided by a local Boy Scout, who earned his Eagle
Badge for this community-service. The Scandinavian Park Not-for-Profit 501(c), of which the IAC is a member [represented by Larry and Joni Shaw and John Hofteig] provided the building materials.
At our IAC General Meeting, 11-Nov-2019, at the Museum of Science and Industry after decorating our Icelandic Christmas Tree, one change in the IAC Scholarship Program was approved: For the foreseeable future, subject to annual review by the IAC Board and General Membership, there will be a “perpetual” Open Enrollment/Application Schedule, on average, offering annually, at least:
Up to two Icelandic Language stipends, each for up to USD $ 375.00 each; and
Up to two stipends up to USD $ 750.00 each for any combination of the following:
Stipend for partial support of enrollment in either the Snorri Foundation’s (http://www.Snorri.is) “total Icelandic immersion” program for North American young-adult applicants [currently for five weeks] or the two-week-long Snorri-Plus program for North American mature adults and/or retirees;
Enrollment/Registration in any bona fide Icelandic-related academic coursework, including independent study, under the auspices of any bona fide American, Canadian, or Icelandic academic, scientific, or cultural entity.
Prevailing guidelines remain, including in the case of the Icelandic Language stipend, preference for younger applicants. Awardees are expected to be or become active IAC members and to provide a suitable Report to the IAC General Membership. Further relevant information will be posted on our IAC website: www.IcelandChicago.org. Further information, application, and volunteering to serve on the IAC Scholarship Program & Academic Liaison are all available, via email: Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org (mailto:Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org) and JohnHaldor@gmail.com (mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com) . J.H.H.
<b>Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols
</b>
The Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols has come to Iceland:
Within the English-speaking world and amongst those who observe Christmas as the Christian Church’s unbelievable proclamation of the incredible Mystery of the Incarnation, a much-anticipated celebration is the annual Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols, still observed much like its original version designed by the Dean of Kings College Cambridge, the Reverend Eric Miller-White, for its first performance at Kings College Cambridge after the 11-Nov-1918 Armistice. He had served as a chaplain during World War I in the 7th Infantry Division. The Reverend Miller-White actually adapted his service from the much-earlier formal service of Nine Lessons and Carols designed in 1880 by the Right Reverend Edward White, then the Bishop of Truruo [later in 1883 to be appointed the Archbishop of Canterbury]. This service, long-since made famous by the Kings College Cambridge Men and Boy Choir, always beginning with a treble solo on the first verse of: Once in Royal David’s City, immediately followed by
full organ, choir, and congregational singing of the remaining stanzas. The service is broadcast by the BBC and syndicated on the CBC, PBS, and NPR, distributed in the United States by Minnesota Public Radio for broadcast at 9:00 am, CST, on Christmas Eve morning. In Chicago, is available on WFMT-98.7.
In recent years, a version of this service has been hosted by foreign embassies in Reykjavík. Currently, Iceland’s National Lutheran Cathedral, Hallgrímskirkja, presents this same festive service in English during Advent. Perennial favorites of Church musicians and attendees, alike, often include the Advent anthem beginning: “This is the Record of John;” the Christmas anthem beginning: “Who knocks tonight, so late, the weary porter asked;” and the Epiphany anthem beginning: “Three kings from Persian lands afar.” The full text of Once in Royal David’s City and these three anthems, together with additional information, are all available via Googling each. J.H.H.
<b>Icelandic 101: INLNA 2020-Calendar
</b>
The INLNA 2020-Calendar produced by the Icelandic National League of North America [www.INLofNA.org] is entitled: Icelandic 101 and is dedicated to the Icelandic Language, the heart-and-soul of Icelandic literature and culture. Each month features a short themed-dialogue with the English-translation of the vocabulary and each day references an Icelandic word or expression relevant to each month’s theme. These calendars are available [USD $ 12.00 each] from John: JohnHaldor@gmail.com, (mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com) who continues to serve on the Board of the INLNA. J.H.H.
=================================================
** (https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago)
** (http://www.icelandchicago.org/)
Copyright © 2016 Icelandic Association Chicago, All rights reserved.
FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEBSITE:** WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG (http://WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG)
. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (IAC), ** EINAR STEINSSON (mailto:ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com )
PRESIDENT.
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-17634295201053299772019-07-02T20:11:00.000-07:002019-07-02T20:11:54.739-07:00IAC Newsletter May 2019<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<em>Gleðilegt Sumar</em></div>
<br />
Family and friends in Iceland have reported that they finally have nice weather for most of Iceland even though the East fjords were hit with snow in the past few days. The month of May in Chicago officially set a record, the wettest one since meteorologists began keeping records. Hopefully, we will dry out soon.<br />
<br />
We had an open board meeting on May 8th in the format of a Conference Call. The meeting went very well with nine people attending. This was the first time we use this format. Thanks to Haukur Guðmundsson for organizing. Haukur stepped down as Secretary and we thank him for all the great work he has done. He will still participate in our endeavors and lead the Non for Profit project. We elected Sóley Runólfsdóttir as our new Secretary. We welcome Sóley and her family back to the Chicagoland and look forward to working with her on the board of IAC. More news from the meeting are elsewhere in this newsletter.<br />
<br />
I hope many of you can make it to our 17th of June celebration on the 23rd and some of you to our 14th Icelandic Open September 15th at Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate. More details on that later this summer.<br />
<br />
All the best – Bless,<br />
<br />
Einar Steinsson<br />
<em>President </em><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0782c1; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="m_-3822207810867295774Editor" name="m_-3822207810867295774_Editor" style="color: #2baadf; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>From the Editor</strong></span><br />
<br />
In this Newsletter we have details on upcoming IAC events such as the ever popular 17da Juni celebration featuring delicious Icelandic Hot Dogs and the 2019 Greater Icelandic Open golf tournament. Other fun events include the 40th annual Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park. IAC usually sells water at Scandinavian Day and proceeds go to our scholarship fund. We hope you can join us for some of these events.<br />
<br />
We also have several articles from John Halldor Hofteig, our IAC member. The articles give updates on the IAC scholarship program, The Icelandic National League of North America, and the Artic Council. We thank him for his hard work on this. As always feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a> with original articles for the newsletter or suggestions on topics to cover.<br />
<br />
I hope you have a lovely summer, whether you spend it in the Chicagoland area, in the extended daylight hours in Iceland or elsewhere.<br />
<br />
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass<br />
Editor<br />
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<h1 class="m_-3822207810867295774mc-toc-title" style="line-height: 32.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong>17da Juni Celebration</strong></span></span></h1>
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<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
17da Juni Celebration - Icelandic Independence Day<br />
<br />
When: Sunday June 23rd at 2pm<br />
Where: Kolla Kristjansdottir and Steven Fass's house in Glenview<br />
Provided: Icelandic hot dogs, buns and fixings, desserts and some drinks. Please bring a dish or drink to share.<br />
RSVP to <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a> for address and more details<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Thorrablot 2019</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
Thorrablot 2019 was celebrated at the Swedish American Museum on February 16th and it was a success! Bjössi Greifi (Count Bjössi) was our musical entertainer and Master Chef Ari Hallgrímsson was in charge of the food. Guests feasted on delicacies such as homemade gravlax, double smoked leg of lamb, rotten shark, pickled rams’ testicles, sheared sheep heads, dried haddock, and liver and blood pudding, and for dessert we had the traditional ‘Kaffihlaðborð’ with pönnukökur, kleinur, marengstertur, Siggi’s skyr, and other goodies prepared by members. We had our famous and ever popular raffle with a ticket from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes including designer wool products, and art work. Many thanks to all our sponsors. Finally, check out the pictures from Thorrablot 2019 on <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D7a8475e3e1%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNEF6s3wQb8AFfLUrahobV9LoBsC6w" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=7a8475e3e1&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. We hope to see you there (again) next year!<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>The Greater Icelandic Open 2019</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
Save the date for our 14th Icelandic Open at one of our favorite golf courses, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate. The event will be September 15th and will be a 9 hole Texas Scramble as before. Spots are limited and we have sold out for the last few years! $500 gift certificate for a ‘hole in one’ or closest to the pin and lots of other goodies. If you already know you are going to play, send an email to Lena and Einar at <u><a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">einarandlena@<wbr></wbr>ameritech.net</a></u> to reserve a spot. Spread the word!<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="m_-3822207810867295774Scandinavian Festival" name="m_-3822207810867295774_Scandinavian Festival" style="color: #2baadf; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></a></strong><strong>Scandinavian Day</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>The 40th annual Scandinavian Festival will be held at Vasa Park on Sunday September 8th 2019.<br />Festival Hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm<br />$10.00 per person<br />Children 12 and under free!<br /><br />IAC will have a booth as usual and sell Icelandic water to sponsor the IAC Scholarship Program. There may also be an availability to sell handmade products in our booth for the first time! Contact<a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"> Kolla</a> or John if you are interested in volunteering or have products to sell.<br />For more information go to <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Df9d50a9ad4%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNGsciAzAaQ30N3k4jKHof6kec9fBA" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=f9d50a9ad4&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">http://www.scandinaviandayil.<wbr></wbr>com/</a> </strong></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pictures from last years festival are <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D612c1e3035%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNHpdlmQveq2lQ6sdrsqt06nHNXEqQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=612c1e3035&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><span style="color: #0099cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"></span></strong><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="m_-3822207810867295774IAC Scholarship" name="m_-3822207810867295774_IAC Scholarship" style="color: #2baadf; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a> IAC Scholarship </strong><strong>Program </strong><strong>Updates</strong></span></span><br />
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<strong>Congratulations to Sigriður Helga Ólafsson! Sigga</strong>, the daughter of long-time IAC Members, <strong>Ásgeir Ólafsson</strong> and <strong>Anna Kardal</strong>, is our most-recent IAC Scholarship awardee at <strong>USD $ 750.00</strong> to partially support her current university-level studies in Iceland at the <strong>Menntaskólin</strong> in Reykjavík. Virtually all of her instruction is in Icelandic and includes Icelandic literature during the current term and additional on-line course-work at the same institution this summer. In the preceding semester, she was enrolled in an Icelandic history course. These courses will complete her graduation requirements in Iceland and increase her impressive skills in reading and writing in Icelandic. Two years ago, this same industrious Icelandic-American was a prior IAC Scholarship awardee, taking high school-level coursework---all in Icelandic---at the same gymnasium, the European equivalent of junior college in the United States.<br />
We look forward to receiving reports and videos regarding her academic experiences in Iceland, which will be shared with the IAC and posted on our IAC website: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D854486847b%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNEF9b2i1kcssC2iEvzXEiLAyWxE3A" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=854486847b&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.IcelandChicago.org</strong></a><strong>.</strong><br />
<br />
<strong>Solicitation of new IAC Scholarship Applications:</strong><br />
At our most-recent IAC open Board Meeting, it was agreed to solicit applications for up to:<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"> Two stipends at <strong>USD $ 375.00</strong> each to support any bona fide Icelandic- language instruction [on-line, Icelandic-language camp, or regular enrollment] in Iceland, the United States, or Canada;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="2">Two stipends at <strong>USD $ 750.00</strong> each to support participation in either of the two Snorri Foundation [<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D48e7d2f511%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNHAKJ0QFXUx1I39rdP_H2-z8xSL2A" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=48e7d2f511&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.Snorri.is</strong></a>] exchange programs for North Americans coming to Iceland, i.e., either the six-week “Total-Icelandic-Immersion” <strong>SNORRI</strong> program for young-adults or the two-week <strong>SNORRI-PLUS</strong>program for mature adults and retirees…<strong><u>OR</u></strong>…any Icelandic-related course work, including independent study. Applicants for <strong>SNORRI</strong> or <strong>SNORRI-PLUS</strong>should consult the Snorri Foundation website regarding application deadlines and their applications to the Snorri Foundation should indicate that an application to the IAC Scholarship Program is pending.</li>
</ol>
<br />
Application forms and current guidelines will be posted on the IAC website and are available by email inquiry at: <a href="mailto:Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>Scholarships@IcelandChicago.<wbr></wbr>org</strong></a>. Applications will be reviewed by the IAC Scholarship Committee and approved by the IAC Board. We are soliciting applications per an earlier time-frame to encourage participation in those two Snorri-Exchange programs and to increase the likelihood that successful applicants may be recognized at our next <strong>þorrablót</strong>.<br />
<strong>Participation in the IAC Scholarship Committee is welcome and open to any IAC member:</strong><br />
Indications of interest should be sent, via email, to: <a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>JohnHaldor@gmail.com</strong></a>. Committee members are encouraged to participate by supporting our principal annual fund-raising activity, the sale of donated <strong>IcelanciGlacial Water</strong>at the annual <strong>Scandinavian Day</strong> at <strong>Vasa Park</strong>, South Elgin, IL, always held on the first Sunday after Labor Day, and to help in soliciting and reviewing applications.<br />
<br />
<strong>Further suggestions and inquiries are most-welcome!</strong><br />
For several years, we have been fortunate to receive generous, in-kind, donations of <strong>IcelandicGlacial Water</strong>[<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dc7a9e9a624%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNGr1urfPIswGthejpfRLtjDMoN2Dg" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=c7a9e9a624&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.IcelandicGlacial.com</strong></a>], which we sell at Scandinavian Day, ALL proceeds going entirely into this program. Please patronize <strong>IcelandicGlacial</strong>, the very best pure Icelandic spring-water, imported directly from Iceland. Suggestions for expanding the IAC Scholarship Program and re-visiting the aforementioned stipend-levels are always welcome and will be considered by the IAC Board. <wbr></wbr> <strong>John Haldor Hofteig</strong><br />
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<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong><strong><span style="color: #0782c1; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="m_-3822207810867295774INLofNA" name="m_-3822207810867295774_INLofNA" style="color: #2baadf; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>The Icelandic National League of North America (INLofNA)</span></strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong><strong>[</strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dfaf21c0ff8%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNFnMzrSD44mKxvsdL1ZQtUGhmQk9w" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=faf21c0ff8&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.INLofNA.org</strong></a><strong>]</strong></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><br /></strong></span></span>
<strong>John</strong> attended the <strong>INLNA Convention/AGM</strong> in Winnipeg, MB, from the 16<sup>th</sup> to the 19<sup>th</sup> of May, 2019: <strong>Honour – Celebrate – Build</strong>, hosted by the Winnipeg-based <strong>Icelandic-Canadian Frón</strong>, a long-time INLNA member-club, a festive and momentous occasion for several reasons:<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">It marked the <strong>INLNA Centenary</strong>, founded in Winnipeg in 1919;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="2">The special guests of honor were the <strong>Icelandic President</strong>, <strong>Guðni Th. Jóhannesson</strong>, and <strong>First Lady</strong>, <strong>Ms. Eliza Reid</strong>, originally from Ottawa, ON, the <strong>Co-Founder</strong> and <strong>Principal Director</strong> of the annual <strong>Icelandic Writers’ Retreat</strong>;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="3">Several awards, including the new award: <strong>Rómm er sú Taug</strong> [<strong>Strong is the Bond</strong>] which recognizes those who have made significant contributions to collaboration between the INLNA, INL of Iceland, and Snorri Foundation, facilitating connections between Western Icelanders and Icelandic-Nationals, were announced. The inaugural recipient was <strong>Almar Grímsson</strong>, <strong>Co-Founder</strong> of the <strong>Snorri Foundation</strong>, known to many Western Icelanders;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="4">An tour of Winnipeg featured significant Icelandic venues in Winnipeg and Manitoba;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="5">Election of INLNA Officers and Board Members, including the reelection of <strong>John</strong>, as an INLNA Board Member and Finance/Fund-Raising Chair;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="6">The announcement of the <strong>INL-US</strong>, a new, IRS-approved <strong>501(c)3 charitable-entity</strong> which might be an attractive alternative to or supplemental-membership option to joining the INLNA for Icelandic Associations and individuals resident in the United States. <strong>Details remain to be worked-out and will be shared with the IAC, as they become available</strong>;</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="7">An <strong>International Visits Program</strong> [<strong>IVP</strong>] presentation: <strong>Sails, Rails, Rivers, & Trails</strong> curated by <strong>Cathy Josephson</strong>, originally from Minneota, MN, a dual Icelandic–American citizen living near Vopnafjörður. Her presentation surveyed the various ways by which the earliest Icelandic immigrants made passage to North America. Her exhibit is on view this summer at the <strong>East Iceland Emigration Centre</strong>, Vopnafjörður and next summer in Seydisfjörður. Her presentation is archived, freely-available on the <strong>INLNA</strong> website: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dea7592491d%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNFM0ZRMoYrCDSN0xc7pT8R9me8H3Q" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=ea7592491d&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.INLofNA.org</strong></a><strong>.</strong> It might be repeated at other North American venues.</li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="8">The introduction of the second-group of <strong>Snorri’s-Deaf</strong>: two deaf-Manitobans of Icelandic-descent and their obligatory Icelandic/English bilingual hearing-enabled translator/signer, fluent in Icelandic- and American- standard sign languages. They will visit Iceland in August for a week, engaging the hearing-enabled and deaf-communities and professionals in Iceland. They will be the guests of the INL of Iceland, Snorri Foundation, and Icelandic Deaf Association. In September, 2018, <strong>John</strong> helped to co-host part of the <strong>Inaugural Snorri-Deaf Tour</strong>: two deaf Icelandic-nationals and their translator/signer during eight-days in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Manitoba.</li>
</ol>
<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">is a Pilot-Project, supported by the INLNA, INL of Iceland, Snorri Foundation, Icelandic Deaf Association, IcelandicRoots [<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D4766555a2b%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNG5KSNWar7P3x3NQiUEnUzGJB-3Lw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=4766555a2b&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.IcelandicRoots.com</strong></a>], Government of Iceland, and Icelandair [<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D1f7ffcd1ae%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNFX3-9wz1UceWwkbQ6hR0X5YSRMXA" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=1f7ffcd1ae&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.Icelandair.com</strong></a>]. This program has received financial and in-kind support from INLNA member-clubs and individuals throughout North America and Iceland. Unlike other established Snorri-related exchange programs [<strong>SNORRI</strong> and <strong>SNORRI-PLUS</strong> administered by the Snorri Foundation and <strong>SNORRI-WEST</strong> administered by the INLNA], <strong>Snorri-Deaf</strong> entails the obligatory expense of hiring a <strong>translator/signer</strong> and paying for his or her travel. Any additional financial and/or in-kind support will contribute to the vitality and viability of this program, which aims to bring the advantages and benefits of Snorri-related exchange programs, hitherto accessible only to the hearing-enabled, to the <strong>Deaf Community</strong>. It provides opportunity for interaction between hearing-enabled individuals and professionals serving the <strong>Deaf Community</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<strong>Snorri-Deaf</strong> is actively recruiting candidates from North America, i.e., Deaf Western-Icelanders fluent in either standard signing-languages. If any IAC members know of Deaf North Americans of Icelandic-descent, please notify <strong>John</strong> and he will place candidates in touch with the <strong>North American Snorri-Deaf Coordinator</strong>, <strong>Ms. Sunna Furstenau</strong>.<br />
<br />
<strong>A wonderful video</strong> introduces Snorri’s-Deaf from 2018 and 2019:<br />
<ul style="list-style-type: circle;">
<li> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D0cdc6c7e56%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNEQ2DNgnpovAprQvd2jEcD_b16XwQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=0cdc6c7e56&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=<wbr></wbr>hDbBNqhS9Ao&feature=share</strong></a> </li>
</ul>
<br />
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-roman;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The INLNA received permissions from the <strong>Icelandic Parliamentary Office</strong>, the <strong>American Scandinavian Foundation’s Scandinavian Review</strong>, and the <strong>Lögberg-Heimskingla</strong> to publish relevant historical documents, freely-accessible via the following link: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D55db04eabd%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNHiPmQKfIMo_OO4gaD-OhxPQO-vww" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=55db04eabd&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>http://inlofna.org/Icelandic-<wbr></wbr>Heritage</strong></a><strong>:</strong></li>
</ol>
<ol style="list-style-type: lower-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The first available English translation of the <strong>1918 Icelandic-Danish Act of Union</strong>; </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="2"><strong>The President of Iceland</strong> and <strong>The Birth of a Nation</strong>, reprints from the <strong>Scandinavian Review</strong>, Spring-2018; <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> and</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="3"><strong>America in the Making</strong>, the first three inaugural WCAL-Radio [St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN] 1948 lectures by <strong>K. Valdimar Bjornsson</strong> [1906 – 1987], a noted Minnesotan journalist, broadcaster, and politician, reprinted in July and August, 2018, by the <strong>Lögberg-Heimskringla</strong>. These lectures surveyed the earliest continuing links between Iceland and North America; the broad history of Icelandic-immigration to North America; and specific elements of contributions of Icelandic immigrants to Valdimar’s Minnesota and his home town, Minneota, MN.</li>
</ol>
<strong>Thank you for your interest in the INLNA, Celebrating a Centenary of Sharing Icelandic-heritage throughout North America and beyond, to/from our cousins in Iceland! J.H.H.</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong></strong><strong><span style="color: #0782c1; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Icelandic Chairmanship of the Arctic Council</span></strong></span></span><br />
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<strong>Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park, South Elgin, IL, Sunday, the 8<sup>th</sup> of September, 2019…<u>AND</u>…Heritage Day, Sunday, the 21<sup>st</sup> of July, 2019</strong><br />
<strong>Please mark your calendars for both of these events!</strong> <strong>Joni Shaw</strong>, in this <strong>IAC Frón</strong> issue, has an article regarding <strong>Heritage Day</strong> at <strong>Vasa Park</strong>. <strong>Scandinavian Day</strong>---more details to follow via email---is the principal special event coordinated by the <strong>Not-for-Profit 501(C)3 Scandinavian Park, Inc.</strong>, on whose Board <strong>Larry and Joni Shaw</strong> and <strong>John </strong>represent <strong>the Icelandic Association of Chicago</strong>. It is also the venue for our fund-raising event for our <strong>IAC Scholarship Program</strong>. A great time will be had by alland your continued attendance and support is most-appreciated!<br />
Additional information regarding <strong>Vasa Park</strong>, the wonderful twenty-five acre recreational park on the shore of the Fox River, about two miles south of downtown South Elgin, IL on Illinois Route 31, originally begun by the Swedish-American Community, now managed by its Trustee and Curator, <strong>The Scandinavian Park, Inc.</strong>, is available on its website: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D0c2e73e79b%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1562127275132000&usg=AFQjCNHHeBUqQLHEbrkftkc6bv3nyvKjCQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=0c2e73e79b&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.VasaParkIL.com</strong>
</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-60976534486382377802019-01-03T06:37:00.000-08:002019-07-01T21:12:57.243-07:00IAC Newsletter December 2018<div class="date-posts">
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<h4 class="m_4464959140773005583null" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<strong><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the President’s desk</span></span></strong></h4>
<h4 class="m_-3700313993236072848null" style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 18px; line-height: 22.5px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<em style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Secret tapes in Iceland of members of the parliament – Alþingi up in arms.</em><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">If you have followed the news from Iceland you know the island is turned upside down. So is the parliament after news outlets published tapes of conversation between six of its members wheeling and dealing, drinking at a bar next door to Alþingi, during work hours. What shocked the nation is the vulgar, sexually explicit and inapproprate language they used calling out disabled, immigrants, women and fellow members of the parliament. None of the MPs stepped down despite public outcry and demands thereof but two were fired from their party and two are taking an upaid leave. Sad times indeed and it will take some time for Alþingi to rebuild its reputation and trust of the public. Good luck Iceland. </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Christmas and New Year’s is a wonderful and special time to visit Iceland. Every house is lit with holiday lights which brighten up short December days. It’s a time to spend with loved ones, enjoy food and festivities, peace and tranquility, except perhaps for New Year’s Eve when the nation goes wild with fireworks. I hope you all get an opportunity to experience this first hand.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">In this </span><span class="il" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">newsletter</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> you will find information about Þorrablót 2019. You can pay membership and buy tickets on our webpage </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D7939df4c92%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762323000&usg=AFQjCNHZOFA1yiVG9CeBKcRRM6pp9g-f-A" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=7939df4c92&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.icelandchicago.org</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> I look forward to seeing many of you at Þorrablót in February. </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">We also have news from our General Meeting and Christmas tree, which we will take down January 13th</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> if you are interested in joining us.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Gleðileg Jól – Merry Christmas.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Einar Steinsson</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">President</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><strong style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_4464959140773005583Editor" name="m_4464959140773005583_Editor" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></span></a></strong><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">In this </span><span class="il" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Newsletter</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> we have details on the upcoming Thorrablot 2019, the past 2018 The Greater Icelandic Open and the putting up the Christmas tree at The Museum of Science and Industry.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, whether you spend it in the Chicagoland area, somewhere warm, or you get to enjoy the Northern Lights in Iceland.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">As always free to contact me at </span><a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> with original articles for the </span><span class="il" style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">newsletter</span><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> or suggestions on topics to cover.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Editor</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_4464959140773005583Thorrablot" name="m_4464959140773005583_Thorrablot" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>Thorrablot 2019</strong></span></span></span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">ÞORRABLÓT 2019 – February 16, at 6 PM, The Swedish American Museum.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">We are ready and open for business – Renew your membership and purchase tickets today. </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Ddda16206d8%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762323000&usg=AFQjCNE3D7oH5hjCdkjUWQI4aQOiinXmmQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=dda16206d8&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.icelandChicago.org</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> We’re happy to keep prices the same as last year!</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">We’re excited to welcome back Bjössi Greifi (Count Bjössi) as our musical entertainer but some of you know Björn Grétar Sveinbjörnsson as a member of the famous and popular Icelandic band, Greifarnir (The Counts) and many more from our previous Þorrablót. We’re also happy to celebrate at the Swedish American Museum and to have Master Chef Ari Hallgrímsson back and in charge of the food and on hand to answer all your questions about Icelandic traditions, old or new. We’ll open the house at 6 PM with a welcome cocktail, homemade gravlax, double smoked leg of lamb, Brennivin, and rotten shark. On the dinner table you’ll find standards such as pickled rams’ testicles, sheared sheep heads, dried haddock, blood pudding, liver pudding, hangikjöt, rye and flat bread, and other delicacies you’ve been craving… For dessert we’ll have a traditional ‘Kaffihlaðborð’ with pönnukökur, kleinur, marengstertur, Siggi’s skyr, and other goodies prepared by members. We’ll treat you to the best Glacial water in the world BUT for other drinks, this is a BYOB event.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">We’ll have our famous and ever popular raffle where you can win a ticket from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes, Icelandic music, design wool product, chocolates, art work, and more.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Þorrablót is a fun filled night a la Icelanders’ style where ´maðr er manns gaman´. We look forward to see you all and sing and dance the night away.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Skál!</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Þorraþræll</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The small print...</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><em style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Ticket prices 2019</em><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Members: $65</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Guests: $80</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">70 and older: $55</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">11-17 and Students: $55</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">10 and younger: Free</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The deadline to purchase tickets is February 7th. We will not sell tickets or accept payments at the door. We have sold out for the past several Þorrablót. You can click on the links below to pay membership fees and buy tickets or visit our webpage </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D19ee04b645%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762323000&usg=AFQjCNEU5R36luvcNRz7rCUG5xSaaJDHcw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=19ee04b645&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.icelandChicago.org</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> If you are unable to buy your tickets online, please mail your check to:</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Erik Johnson</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">2220 W North Ave, Apt 3</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Chicago, IL, 60647</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><a href="mailto:scarletham@gmail.com" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">scarletham@gmail.com</a><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Click </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D2057ca7dcc%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762324000&usg=AFQjCNHFHza3QDEEwxSXQemm7cNuDZNhcg" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=2057ca7dcc&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> to pay membership fees ($20 for family; $10 for individuals and students), and fill out the census form</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Click </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Df1f2657329%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762324000&usg=AFQjCNHpI1UpOkKqtHovX4p5DQA6qTMOew" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=f1f2657329&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> to purchase Þorrablót tickets for members</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> Click </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D22980680b5%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762324000&usg=AFQjCNENNzRPlt204JoNF9iuqtQgoHM1MQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=22980680b5&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> to purchase Þorrablót tickets for non-members</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The smaller print...</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">No refund of tickets after February 7th, as we will have committed to all expenses. If you mail in a check it must be postmarked by 2/7/19.. Out of respect to everyone please comply to deadlines.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The Swedish American Museum</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">5211 N. Clark Street</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D336aff3eb7%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762324000&usg=AFQjCNFbvbjahNAPjfNZYPahpVZg7e7XTA" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=336aff3eb7&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.swedishamericanmuseum.org</a><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Designated parking lot for 14 cars, first come first served at the North East corner of Foster Ave and Ashland Ave. Street parking available.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Many thanks to all our sponsors. Please visit their websites </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dcb955bbaf9%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762324000&usg=AFQjCNF5QkjLP1cVlSsdp5SMtS2Q1gXeNQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=cb955bbaf9&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>icelandchicago.org/icelandic-<wbr></wbr>association-chicago-sponsors</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_4464959140773005583Icelandic Open" name="m_4464959140773005583_Icelandic Open" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>The Greater Icelandic Open 2018</strong></span></span></span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><img class="CToWUd a6T" height="205" src="https://ci3.googleusercontent.com/proxy/5l0jC62DVVxhgza6ljYKFaAzRLVeMALHVyyN9d2LHS0zrCAKq_ZXh3bDuXns7Iov5OTVrexeqjwYPprhQf8POnTKpaqoShmgVRT0bcjOo15_kcpX_1ChXhFTjGbgo8pKzLiMfUllXILc7F9Q0f8PSX-7Jbb0Bm0G9dui=s0-d-e1-ft#https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/93e67f70-459d-4bf2-a254-69e322dba9e5.jpeg" style="border: 0px none; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; height: auto !important; margin: 0px; outline: none;" tabindex="0" width="274" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">We had our golf tournament Sunday September 23th for the 13th time in fantastic weather at one of our favorite golf courses, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate. The 2018 Greater Chicago Icelandic Open Champions are Kathy and David Mehl who also won Closest to the Pin prize. Second place winners were Stephen Burn and Nik Rokop and Max Henley and Jim Sveinsson took the third place with. Indeed, a close and exciting competition. Paul Sorensen took the Longest Drive for men. Anna Kardal won the Longest Drive for women, Hallgrímur Arason the Longest Putt. No one made a Hole in One but Hallgrimur Arason was the closest to the pin and won the prize of $500 from Icelandair. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic time and I look forward to seeing all of you next year. Until then, keep it in the short - Einar Steinsson.</span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_4464959140773005583Christmas Tree" name="m_4464959140773005583_Christmas Tree" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>Christmas Tree at MSI</strong></span></span></span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The 2018 Christmas tree at the MSI was decorated at the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) on November 4th by our fabulous volunteers with hand crafted decorations by Gudrun and Karl Jonsson. If you haven't had a chance to see it yet, you have time until January 6th. Visit the </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dadf957d277%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546611762324000&usg=AFQjCNHB3_tt7geo5wC23nPSo0Ib7w50Aw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=adf957d277&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">MSI website</a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> for more info. We will be taking down the tree on January 13th. Contact </span><a href="mailto:koshkuklo@icloud.com" style="color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Lena </a><span style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">if you are interested in helping.</span><span style="font-family: "univers" , sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><img class="CToWUd a6T" height="226" src="https://ci6.googleusercontent.com/proxy/DRh3dSlMXATY1KBbvQGZTs-tsOSsQv2ooHxMejQ-HX1X-hlfRuAnpYl2fcZW4p8sKnFFRWDC2htQjdlsOYu-rnqhA3u3TmNsbRU0xtk33f_lDQ0K51h2WMuzH_6YKy0eKLL2bPmHtO-7UpL1ozmmGQVAeRH1Z9eFMkU=s0-d-e1-ft#https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/5455db8e-a339-46a6-8fad-001802553509.jpg" style="border: 0px none; cursor: pointer; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; height: auto !important; margin: 0px; outline: none;" tabindex="0" width="303" /></h4>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-81846706285162149512019-01-03T06:21:00.000-08:002019-01-03T06:34:42.207-08:00IAC Newsletter May 2018<br />
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<span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Breaking News</span></span><br /><span style="font-size: 12px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Our IAC president and Vice Consul, Einar Steinsson has been promoted to The Consul of Iceland in Chicago. His office is on 625 North Michigan Ave, Chicago. Phone 312-642-5616 or email him at <a href="mailto:esteinsson@karenzupko.com" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">esteinsson@karenzupko.com</a>. We congratulate Einar on this well deserved promotion!</span></span></h4>
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<br /><strong><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848President" name="m_-3700313993236072848_President" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>From the President’s desk</span></span></span></strong> </h2>
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<em style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Gle</em><em style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">ðilegt Sumar</em><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">19th of April was ‘Sumardagurinn Fyrsti’ in Iceland or the first day of summer. It did not feel as summer at that time in Iceland and even in Chicago we had the coldest April in 147 years. It has completely turned around in May so we go from winter straight to summer, enjoy it.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">We had an open board meeting May 5th at IKEA in Schaumburg. The meeting did go extremely well and many topics were covered, many of which you can read about elsewhere in this newsletter. I still want to highlight that Pam and Óli Ólafsson offered to host 17th of June celebration at their house on the morning of the 16th in conjunction with Iceland playing Argentina in the World Cup. Details elsewhere and in an email to all members.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Enjoy Chicago summer and the Icelandic summer if you’re visiting. I’m sure all of you know that we now have two Icelandic Airlines flying directly to Iceland all year. Over the summer months there may be two flights or more a day. This is extremely valuable for our community and I hope most all of you have the chance to use these services.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">See you at some or all of our events in 2018 and don’t forget to mark your calendar for Þorrablót 2019 February 16th.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Einar Steinsson</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">President </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848Editor" name="m_-3700313993236072848_Editor" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></span></a></strong><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">In this Newsletter we have details on past IAC events including Thorrablot 2018 and Save the dates for Thorrablot 2019, The Greater Icelandic Open and 17da Juni Celebration. We also have a save the date for Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park and updates on the IAC scholarship fund. Finally we have articles from IAC Member John Hofteig's trip to the INLNA and an article on the Iceland's Centenary of Sovereignty.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Please join me in congratulating our IAC President Einar Steinsson on his promotion to The Consul of Iceland in Chicago!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">I hope you have a wonderful summer, whether you spend it in the Chicagoland area or you get to enjoy the long days of summer in Iceland. Don´t forget to watch Iceland compete in our first ever Men's Soccer World Cup appearance against Argentina on June 16th. Afram Ísland! </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">As always free to contact me at </span><a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> with original articles for the newsletter or suggestions on topics to cover.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Editor</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-370031399323607284817da Juni Celebration" name="m_-3700313993236072848_17da Juni Celebration" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>17da juni Celebration</strong></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Iceland vs. Argentina play at 8:00am Saturday June 16th in a World Cup qualifying match, and all are welcome to meet at the home of Oli and Pam Olafsson to watch together and cheer them on. In addition, they will host a June 17th celebration at 12:00pm, with hot-dogs on the grill. Please bring a side dish to share and RSVP to </span><a href="mailto:pam@olafsson.com" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">pam@olafsson.com</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">. All members in good standing are welcome to both events!!</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848Scandinavian Day" name="m_-3700313993236072848_Scandinavian Day" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>Scandinavian Day</strong></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Scandinavian Day will be held on Sunday September 9th in Vasa Park. Festival hours are 10AM to 6PM, $10 per person, children 12 and under get free admission. More details about this fun event: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D260b5b7f38%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNH052xQeIXrusJv8lf9pxn0aZ5XlA" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=260b5b7f38&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.scandinaviandayil.<wbr></wbr>com/</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> We always need more helpers to sell Icelandic Water to benefit the IAC Scholarship fund. If you are able to help, please contact John Hofteig </span><a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">JohnHaldor@gmail.com</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848Icelandic Open" name="m_-3700313993236072848_Icelandic Open" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>The Greater Icelandic Open 2018</strong></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Registration for The Greater Icelandic Open starts soon. It will be at the same place, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate, Sunday September 9th.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> Spots are limited and we have sold out for the last few years! $500 gift certificate for a ‘hole in one’ or closest to the pin and lots of other goodies. If you already know you are going to play, send an email to Lena and Einar at </span><u style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"><a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">einarandlena@<wbr></wbr>ameritech.net</a></u><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> to reserve a spot. Spread the word.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848Thorrablot 2018" name="m_-3700313993236072848_Thorrablot 2018" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>Thorrablot 2018</strong></span></span></span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">ÞORRABLÓT 2018 was held on February 17 2018 at the The Swedish American Museum. We welcomed back Bjössi Greifi (Count Bjössi) as our musical entertainer and also Master Chef Ari Hallgrímsson was in charge of the excellent food. We had a welcome cocktail, homemade gravlax, double smoked leg of lamb, Brennivin, and rotten shark. On the dinner table we had standards such as pickled rams’ testicles, sheared sheep heads, dried haddock, blood pudding, liver pudding, hangikjöt, rye and flat bread. For dessert we had a traditional ‘Kaffihlaðborð’. Many thanks to all our sponsors. Please visit their websites </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D8d2ff47f2f%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNGFCJCZigoq_e6DPLhGig51kWG7nw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=8d2ff47f2f&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.<wbr></wbr>icelandchicago.org/icelandic-<wbr></wbr>association-chicago-sponsors</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> . Finally, check out the pictures from the </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Da483fb9c2d%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNGu3sTGys5e8VsHwEKvnjfIctRWWA" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=a483fb9c2d&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">Thorrablot 2018 </a><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><strong style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px;">Save the Date: Thorrablot 2019! </strong><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Saturday, February 16th at 6PM</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The Swedish American Museum</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 18px; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848IAC Scholarship" name="m_-3700313993236072848_IAC Scholarship" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a></strong></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #0099cc; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><strong>Icelandic Association of Chicago [IAC] Scholarship Program 2018 Update & Availability </strong></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"></span><div style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">IAC Scholarship applicants are encouraged to apply for the following:</span><br />
<ol style="list-style-type: upper-alpha;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At least one stipend of up to <strong>USD $ 750.00 </strong>to support enrollment in any bona fide academic program or supervised independent study in the United States, Canada, or Iceland relevant to Iceland or matters Icelandic during 2018, 2019, or 2020;</span><br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="2"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At least one stipend of up to <strong>USD $ 750.00 </strong>to support participation in either of the Reykjavík-based <strong>Snorri Foundation </strong>[<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dbafc9ffc25%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNERGo0VsY8aAqulo-9RlupwuF-lBQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=bafc9ffc25&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>www.Snorri.is</strong></a>] exchange programs during the summers of 2019 or 2020: The six-week <strong>“Total-Icelandic-<wbr></wbr>Immersion”</strong>program for North American young adults [18-30 years of age] <strong><em><u>OR</u> </em></strong>the two-week <strong>“Snorri-Plus”</strong>program for North American mature adults and/or retirees;</span><br /> </li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;" value="3"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At least two stipends of up to <strong>USD $ 375.00 </strong>each to support enrollment in any bona fide American-, Canadian-, or Icelandic- based Icelandic-language program [resident-enrollment, CD’s, language-camp, or supervised independent study, etc.] with preference given to children or young adults.</span></li>
</ol>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Applications will be accepted until qualified applicants are approved and the allocation of available IAC Scholarship Program funds will be modified, as needed, based on the applicant-pool. Application forms and a statement of the IAC Scholarship Program Objectives and Guidelines will be posted on our IAC website: <strong><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D3d50a6bb74%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNHFt9kNLPmQq_PiJuUfzZ7Z8Rw-Tw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=3d50a6bb74&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.IcelandChicago.<wbr></wbr>org</a> </strong>Applications and inquiries should be sent to: <a href="mailto:Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>Scholarships@<wbr></wbr>IcelandChicago.org </strong></a>or <a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank"><strong>JohnHald<wbr></wbr>or@gmail.com</strong></a> IAC members and friends interested in serving on the IAC Scholarship Committee should send indications of interest to either of these two email addresses. Our principal source of IAC Scholarship Program funding comes from our annual sale of donated <strong>Icelandic Glacial Water </strong>at <strong>Scandinavian Day</strong>, at <strong>Vasa Park</strong>, <strong>South Elgin, IL</strong>, this year on <strong>Sunday</strong>,<strong>9-Sep-2018</strong>. <wbr></wbr>Volunteers that weekend are always very welcome and much appreciated! <strong>J.H.H.</strong></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0099cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848INLNA" name="m_-3700313993236072848_INLNA" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>99th Annual Icelandic National League of North America [INLNA] Convention & AGM</span><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">, 26<sup>th</sup>- 28<sup>th</sup>of April, 2018, Edmonton, AB, ACCOLADES</span></span></span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The 99th annual INLNA Convention and AGM was attended by John Hofteig, INLNA individual member, who was reelected to the INLNA Board. The theme of this year’s Convention and AGM was Accolades, featuring the life-history and achievements of Icelanders, hosted by the Icelandic-Canadian Club of Edmonton, Norðurljós. Highlights included a presentation by Iceland’s Ambassador to Ottawa, Pétur Ásgeirsson [A Hundred Years of Icelandic Sovereignty – Kingdom and Republic]; Kolfinna Von Arnardóttir [Reykjavík Fashion Festival]; Sandra Mjöll Jónsdóttir-Buch, Ph.D., CEO </span><wbr style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">of Platome Biotechnology, an up-and-coming Icelandic biotechnology company developing techniques for preserving functionality of platelets in vitro [The 4thPillar: The Innovative Society]; and Hrafnhildur Gunnarsdóttir, the Iceland-based cinematographer, currently collaborating with Reykjavík-based Krumma Films, who introduced an extended trailer to: The Long Friday, the fascinating untold story of the Icelandic women’s all-day strike on a Friday, some forty years ago, a documentary which has the enthusiastic support of former Icelandic President Vigdís Finnbogadóttir. This documentary is actually being co-produced and co-directed by United States-based cinematographer, Pamela Hogan. When completed, the video and related background material will be donated to the permanent collections of the University of Iceland. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Entertainment included videos and live modern music composed and performed by New York City-based violinist Eva Ingólfsdóttir, a musician with worldwide performances to her credit and part of a famous family of Icelandic musicians. Additional guest-speakers included: long-time INLNA friend, known to many Western-Icelanders, retired Ambassador Hjálmar Hannesson, now President of the Icelandic National League of Iceland, and Ásta Sól Kristjánsdóttir, the long-time Snorri Foundation exchange programs Project Manager in Iceland.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">An optional Sunday tour included Markerville, AB [</span><wbr style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">formerly known as Tindastoll, AB], better known as the home of beloved Icelandic-Canadian poet and writer, Stephan G. Stephansson, who along with other Icelandic immigrants relocated from North Dakota to Markerville in 1888. His home, Stephansson House, now a provincial heritage-landmark; the original Markerville Lutheran Church; and the working Markerville Creamery [originally powered entirely by a coal-burning steam engine, working continuously 24 X 7, mechanically-driving all the mechanisms and providing the pasteurization heat] have all been fully-restored in this historic Icelandic heritage-venue, midway between Edmonton and Calgary.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Significant reports included INLNA’s on-going progress in obtaining Charitable Tax-Deductible status [first from Revenue Canada and later from the IRS] and the expansion of INLNA’s community outreach through various new pilot-projects and partial funding of the aforementioned The Long Friday Documentary. One such promising pilot-project is Snorri-Deaf, a collaboration between the Icelandic Deaf Association, the Snorri Foundation, and North American academic centers with an expertise in empowering deaf and hearing-impaired young adults. Later this year, the first of two Icelandic deaf and hearing-impaired young adults will participate in the inaugural North American tour for this program, affording participants many of the same opportunities to connect with the North American Icelandic Diaspora available to participants in conventional Snorri exchange programs. During mid-May, 2019, the INLNA will celebrate its Centennial during its Winnipeg-2019 Convention and AGM and a Centennial Tour of Iceland in August, 2019. Additional information is available on its website: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D6391f4ff50%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNG5tIQnaJUFKpS_1wToESfSrF50Fw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=6391f4ff50&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.INLofNA.org</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> J.</span><wbr style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"></wbr><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">H.H. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span></h2>
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<span style="color: #0099cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-37003139932360728481919" name="m_-3700313993236072848_1919" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>1919 Danish-Icelandic Act of Union & Iceland's Centenary of Sovereignty</span></h2>
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The current year marks the Centennial of Iceland’s sovereignty, the remarkable culmination of the perseverance of Jón Sigurðsson, whose efforts began in the mid-Nineteenth Century to restore Iceland’s independence from having become a colony of Denmark, as evidenced by The 1918 Danish-Icelandic Act of Union. All year-long, activities are being planned throughout Iceland and beyond, full details of which are available at the official Centennial Celebration website: <strong> <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D43e181439c%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNF2B8BA55BudqCbGJheswdYze3MGg" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=43e181439c&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.Fullveldi.is</a></strong></div>
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This website, in Icelandic with an English-button, has a form for free on-line, frequent email updates of activities and features an opening statement by the President of Iceland, Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, and states the intent of the Icelandic Parliament, the Alþingí, to solicit ideas for celebrations throughout Iceland.</div>
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The 17th<strong> </strong>of June, 1944, is generally recognized as the beginning of the modern Republic of Iceland, when the Icelandic Parliament unilaterally-declared its severance from Denmark during the Nazi German-World War II occupation of Denmark. However, according to the Act, as of 1-December-1918 when the Act was jointly ratified by both Denmark and Iceland, Iceland was, effectively, already recognized by Denmark as an independent, sovereign nation in voluntary union with the Kingdom of Denmark and the Act provided for renegotiation of the Act in twenty-five years [i.e., during 1943] and for the option of Iceland withdrawing from the Union. During the duration of the Union, Iceland was obliged to declare its neutrality and Denmark was to provide for Iceland’s foreign-relations, albeit with the consent and full participation of Iceland, itself, in determining its foreign policy. Immediately, Iceland was permitted to develop its own diplomatic corps, a privilege which enabled the Government of Iceland to be very well-prepared to send its own diplomatic missions to London and New York City when Denmark was no longer able to protect or represent Iceland, early-on, during World War II.</div>
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Heretofore, the only extant versions of this Act were the official Danish- and Icelandic- language official texts of this treaty. Remarkably, Iceland’s Parliamentary Office has recently translated the Act into English and the .pdf of this English translation will be posted on our Icelandic Association of Chicago’s website: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D35aa578e3a%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNEgW45Zb8Zqx8e6Iy2aL99TogzM8g" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=35aa578e3a&e=a4d7048538" style="color: #2baadf;" target="_blank">www.IcelandChicago.org</a></div>
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Just a few recent observances of Iceland’s Centenary of Sovereignty included a presentation by Pétur Ásgeirsson, Iceland’s relatively newly-appointed Ambassador to Ottawa, at the recent 99th Icelandic National League of North America Convention and AGM in Edmonton, AB and a symposium on The Future of the Icelandic Language, sponsored by the Icelandic-American Chamber of Commerce [New York City], the morning of 10-May-2018, at Scandinavian House, the headquarters of the American Scandinavian Foundation. Highlights of that presentation included a keynote address by Iceland’s President and panels, one of which included Iceland’s First Lady, Ms. Eliza Reid, the Founder and Director of the annual Icelandic Writers Retreat since 2014. [Internet-links to archival videos of each of those presentations will be posted on our IAC website, when available.] Later that evening, Iceland’s President was the guest of honor at the American Scandinavian Foundation’s Annual Gala at New York’s Metropolitan Club, honoring his scholarly achievements and further celebrating Iceland’s Centenary. J.H.H.</div>
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<strong><span style="font-size: 16px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="m_-3700313993236072848Icelandic Literature Center" name="m_-3700313993236072848_Icelandic Literature Center" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration-line: underline;"></a>Letter from The Icelandic Literature Center</span></span></span></strong></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">This letter is to introduce to you The Icelandic Literature Center, send you our new booklet about Icelandic literature and tell you about the grants we offer.</span></h2>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The Icelandic Literature Center is a government-funded office. The role of the Icelandic Literature Center is to raise awareness of Icelandic literature, both in Iceland and abroad, and to promote its distribution. The Center selects annually a list of Icelandic books for promotion at book fairs and literature events abroad and participates in big book fairs such as in Frankfurt, London, Gothenburg, and Bologna. </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Here is the online version of Books from Iceland 2018, which we´d appreciate if you could send to publishers, festival organizers, translators etc. who might be interested in Icelandic literature: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Dbbb2361591%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNHMH2Q-VkpA2OMhZVcJvZQefLKADQ" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=bbb2361591&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.islit.<wbr></wbr>is/en/promotion-and-<wbr></wbr>translations/books-from-<wbr></wbr>iceland/</a><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">The Icelandic Literature Center offers translation grants for foreign publishers of Icelandic books. Authors, publishers and organizers of literary events can apply for a support for Icelandic authors travelling abroad in order to promote their work.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Please see here all the grants we offer outside Iceland in our grant brochure: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D10304d9968%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNFlJspqViHUiDZbrAszRdxpmpPabw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=10304d9968&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.islit.is/<wbr></wbr>en/grants/translation-and-<wbr></wbr>travel-grants/</a><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Furthermore, the Center supports the publication of Icelandic works of literature and the publication of literary works translated into Icelandic and organizes events, such as the International translation seminar in Reykjavik last September: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3De27a1eab2b%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679906000&usg=AFQjCNF26yblTSYZsHquaX0jgZDiQ--Axw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=e27a1eab2b&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">http://www.islit.<wbr></wbr>is/en/news/nr/4020</a><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Please visit our website for more information at </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3D3001c41f3a%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679907000&usg=AFQjCNGUeqGwwZgyVORVCraTA-DB9IK6vw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=3001c41f3a&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.islit.is</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> or send us a line on </span><a href="mailto:islit@islit.is" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">islit@islit.is</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">.</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">With warm regards,</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Hrefna Haraldsdóttir & Gréta María Bergsdóttir</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><a href="mailto:islit@islit.is" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">islit@islit.is</a><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Icelandic Literature Center</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Hverfisgata 54 | 101 Reykjavík | Ísland</span><br style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;" /><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;">Tel: +354 552 8500 | </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u%3Dcd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96%26id%3Db9344c221d%26e%3Da4d7048538&source=gmail&ust=1546610679907000&usg=AFQjCNGE60uF9P0fQd6R9uVqztEP8j_jlw" href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=b9344c221d&e=a4d7048538" style="background-color: white; color: #2baadf; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal;" target="_blank">www.islit.is</a><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400;"> </span></h2>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-79170151410071586042017-12-18T09:42:00.001-08:002018-11-24T15:05:46.597-08:00IAC Newsletter December 2017<img align="middle" alt="" class="mcnImage" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/be00b5e2-9102-4983-b4a4-c13899c2d90c.png" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0; display: inline !important; height: auto; max-width: 983px; outline: none; padding-bottom: 0; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom;" width="564" />
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<b><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="President" name="President" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"></a>From the President’s desk</span></span></span></b></h2>
<i>New government in Iceland – What else is new?</i><br />
<br />
In just over a year Iceland has its second government. Several people
voted at my consular office some of who are new to Chicago and may join
our association. Members from eight political parties were elected to
parliament and three parties form the new government: The Independence
Party (Sjálfstæðisflokkur) with five ministers, the Progressive Party
(Framsóknarflokkur) with three and the Left-Green Movement with three.
Iceland’s prime minister is Katrín Jakobsdóttir and only the second
women to lead a government in Iceland. I’m hoping this one will last
more than a year, maybe even a full term – four years! Lena and I
enjoyed a good visit to Iceland over Thanksgiving weekend and were happy
to see that the country is blooming on many fronts and tourists brace
the unpredictable weather and dark days and travel to Iceland in record
numbers for this time of the year. We especially liked the restaurant
scene and the innovative cuisine although dining out in Iceland is quite
pricey.<br />
<br />
In this newsletter you will find information about Þorrablót 2018. I
have invited our ambassador and his wife to be the guests of honor. He
thanked us and expressed an interest but asked for few weeks to confirm
if they can attend. We understand as the new government just took over
as previously mentioned. Please fill out the 2018 membership form and
send in with a check or renew your membership online. Same low price
once again and remember you must do this to get tickets at member’s
price to Þorrablót – just saying !<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas – Gleðileg Jól.<br />
Einar Steinsson<br />
President<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="Editor" name="Editor" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></span></a></b><br />
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In this Newsletter we have details on several past events that IAC
members participated in including Christmas around the world and The
Icelandic Open. You can also renew your IAC membership and purchase
tickets for Thorrablot 2018 which is always an amazing event! We also
have updates from the IAC scholarship fund and finally, update on the
application for non-profit status for IAC. I hope you enjoy this
newsletter and as always free to contact me at <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a> with original articles for the newsletter or suggestions on topics to cover.<br />
<br />
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season! Kids in Iceland (and
Icelandic kids living abroad) are visited by 13 different Yule Lads on
the 13 days preceding Christmas and they receive a small gift every
morning in their shoe (or a potato if they are not being good). If kids
really misbehave they risk becoming a meal for the scary Yule <i>Cat</i> (Jólakötturinn). Tonight the kids will receive a visit from Door-Slammer or Hurðaskellir.<br />
<br />
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass<br />
Editor<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="Christmas Around the World" name="Christmas Around the World" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;">Christmas around the world</a></b></span></span><br />
</span><br />
The Icelandic Christmas tree was decorated once again at the Museum of
Science and Industry on November 5th. Many thanks to all the helpers and
special thanks to Gudrun and Karl Jonsson and their special helper, Óli
Ólafsson, for making and painting new buildings for under the tree and
for knitting the Christmas balls . <a href="http://bit.ly/2h0bBAf" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light</a> are open at Museum of Science and Industry through January 7!<br />
<img data-file-id="2734305" height="187" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/a14cb817-0518-43f4-b68a-2a5721cd4a3d.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0px; height: 187px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 250px;" width="250" /><br />
<img data-file-id="2734309" height="187" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/cbb89502-d045-4bab-8e69-17a9d62ebd8c.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0px initial; height: 187px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 250px;" width="250" /><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="Taking down Xmas tree" name="Taking down Xmas tree" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"></a>Save the Date: Taking Down the Christmas Tree and Thorrablot Meeting</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span data-term="goog_1330485249" tabindex="0">Saturday, January 13th at 3PM</span><br />
Museum of Science and Industry<br />
Please sign up with Lena at <a href="mailto:koshkuklo@icloud.com" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">koshkuklo@icloud.com</a><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: #0099cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 18px;">The 12th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open</span></span></b><br />
<br />
<img data-file-id="2735017" height="261" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/3597fcf1-99ba-4e8f-8716-c0a6aef4e90b.jpg" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0px; height: 261px; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 350px;" width="350" /><br />
We had our golf tournament <span data-term="goog_1330485250" tabindex="0">Sunday</span> September 17<sup>th</sup> for the 12<sup>th</sup> time
in fantastic weather at one of our favorite golf courses, Hilldale Golf
Club in Hoffman Estate. 2017 Champions are Rodger Aitken and Todd Blue
with a score of 35. Second place winners were Lena Hallgrimsdottir and
Einar Steinsson with a score of 36 and Kolbrún Kristjánsdóttir Fass and
Tom Hoover took the third place with 37. Indeed, a close and exciting
competition. Gunnar Thors took the Longest Drive for men and since no
one made a Hole in One on the 8th hole and Gunnar was the closest to the
pin, he won the prize of $500 from Icelandair. Guðrún Thors won the
Longest Drive for women, Hallgrímur Arason the Longest Putt and Tom
Hoover Closest to the Pin on the 4th. Everyone enjoyed a fantastic time
and I look forward to see all of you next year. Einar Steinsson.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="Save the Date: Thorrablot" name="Save the Date: Thorrablot" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"></a>Thorrablot 2018</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
ÞORRABLÓT 2018 – <span data-term="goog_1330485360" tabindex="0">February 17, at 6 PM</span>, The Swedish American Museum.<br />
<br />
We are ready and open for business – Renew your membership and purchase tickets today. <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u%3Dhttp-3A__www.icelandchicago.org_%26d%3DDQMFAw%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3D8Bkm5HCX5uKIwYrDRD796CErSHXm9zoxchSfOKVMnys%26m%3DAt-C5D0fTpdZh14FrYogzl1ASmZa02_GiNzCu2Ng_YQ%26s%3DmlRfrZyqbbA7LI3I8tF-wWzomxChLF_PbqzMJWA6ekA%26e%3D&source=gmail&ust=1512760692412000&usg=AFQjCNGwvSBroiXENplo91HZsGwzhNLgkA" href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.icelandChicago.org</a><br />
<br />
We’re excited to welcome back Bjössi Greifi (Count Bjössi) as our
musical entertainer but some of you know Björn Grétar Sveinbjörnsson as a
member of the famous and popular Icelandic band, Greifarnir (The
Counts) and many more from our previous Þorrablót. We’re also happy to
celebrate at the Swedish American Museum and to have Master Chef Ari
Hallgrímsson back and in charge of the food and on hand to answer all
your questions about Icelandic traditions, old or new. We’ll open the
house at <span data-term="goog_1330485361" tabindex="0">6 PM</span> with
a welcome cocktail, homemade gravlax, double smoked leg of lamb,
Brennivin, and rotten shark. On the dinner table you’ll find standards
such as pickled rams’ testicles, sheared sheep heads, dried haddock,
blood pudding, liver pudding, hangikjöt, rye and flat bread, and other
delicacies you’ve been craving… For dessert we’ll have a traditional
‘Kaffihlaðborð’ with pönnukökur, kleinur, marengstertur, Siggi’s
skyr, and other goodies prepared by members. We’ll treat you to the best
Glacial water in the world BUT for other drinks, this is a BYOB event.<br />
<br />
We’ll have our famous and ever popular raffle where you can win a ticket
from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes, Icelandic
music, design wool product, chocolates, art work, and more.<br />
<br />
Þorrablót is a fun filled night a la Icelanders’ style where ´maðr er
manns gaman´. We look forward to see you all and sing and dance the
night away.<br />
<br />
Skál!<br />
Þorraþræll<br />
<br />
The small print...<br />
<br />
<u>Ticket prices 2018</u><br />
Members: $65<br />
Guests: $80<br />
70 and older: $55<br />
11-17 and Students: $55<br />
10 and younger: Free<br />
<br />
The deadline to purchase tickets is <span data-term="goog_1330485362" tabindex="0">February 7th</span>.
We will not sell tickets or accept payments at the door. We have sold
out for the past several Þorrablót. You can click on the links below to
pay membership fees and buy tickets or visit our webpage <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u%3Dhttp-3A__www.icelandchicago.org_%26d%3DDQMFAw%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3D8Bkm5HCX5uKIwYrDRD796CErSHXm9zoxchSfOKVMnys%26m%3DAt-C5D0fTpdZh14FrYogzl1ASmZa02_GiNzCu2Ng_YQ%26s%3DmlRfrZyqbbA7LI3I8tF-wWzomxChLF_PbqzMJWA6ekA%26e%3D&source=gmail&ust=1512760692413000&usg=AFQjCNGi2yMMHiO1vFd8UcSX6vGeoKWvmA" href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.icelandChicago.org</a> If you are unable to buy your tickets online, please mail your check to:<br />
<br />
Erik Johnson<br />
2220 W North Ave, Apt 3<br />
Chicago, IL, 60647<br />
<a href="mailto:scarletham@gmail.com" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">scarletham@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u%3Dhttp-3A__www.icelandchicago.org_membershipForm.htm%26d%3DDQMFAw%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3D8Bkm5HCX5uKIwYrDRD796CErSHXm9zoxchSfOKVMnys%26m%3DAt-C5D0fTpdZh14FrYogzl1ASmZa02_GiNzCu2Ng_YQ%26s%3D_VnJCXGGazmatKKat1rIw71Y0PO6fdEhq28a9-0xIwM%26e%3D&source=gmail&ust=1512760692413000&usg=AFQjCNE6Ro0CTLMxEK8Y0F9iv6oQ8MTcbA" href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/membershipForm.php" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Click here to pay membership fees ($20 for family; $10 for individuals and students), and fill out the census form</a><br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/iac-payment-member.html" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here</a> to purchase Þorrablót tickets for members<br />
<br />
Click <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/iac-payment-non-member.html" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">here</a> to purchase Þorrablót tickets for non-members<br />
<br />
The smaller print...<br />
<br />
No refund of tickets after <span data-term="goog_1330485363" tabindex="0">February 7th</span>, as we will have committed to all expenses. If you mail in a check it must be postmarked by <span data-term="goog_1330485364" tabindex="0">2/7/18</span>.<sup>. </sup>Out of respect to everyone please comply to deadlines.<br />
<br />
The Swedish American Museum<br />
5211 N. Clark Street<br />
<a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?hl=en&q=https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u%3Dhttp-3A__www.swedishamericanmuseum.org_%26d%3DDQMFAw%26c%3DeuGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM%26r%3D8Bkm5HCX5uKIwYrDRD796CErSHXm9zoxchSfOKVMnys%26m%3DAt-C5D0fTpdZh14FrYogzl1ASmZa02_GiNzCu2Ng_YQ%26s%3Dtx0A8Lqxq15CLgi3ZKpIa86syJFOwC4c9xN-07JMIqk%26e%3D&source=gmail&ust=1512760692413000&usg=AFQjCNEh3bD7RFVn2WcI1JaHyQPORzTgTA" href="http://swedishamericanmuseum.org/2.0/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.swedishamericanmuseum.org</a><br />
<br />
Designated parking lot for 14 cars, first come first served at the North
East corner of Foster Ave and Ashland Ave. Street parking available.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="IAC Scholarship" name="IAC Scholarship" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"></a>IAC Scholarship Program-2017 </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #0099cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Updates</b></span><br />
<br />
At our recent combined Icelandic Association of Chicago [IAC] AGM and
open Board Meeting, 5-Nov-2017, in Hyde Park, the following information
regarding our IAC Scholarship Program and Academic Liaison was
discussed: For the ninth consecutive year, we received a very generous
allotment of IcelandicGlacialWater, donated by the vendor, for our
annual beverage sales at Scandinavian Day [10-Sep-2017], at Vasa Park,
South Elgin, IL, which with the help of many much-appreciated
volunteers, we sold, along with assorted soda pop, for our Scholarship
Fund, which now stands at approximately USD $ 4,400.00.<br />
It was agreed that we would allocate approximately one-third of these
funds for current applications for the following scholarship assistance:<br />
At least one award at up to USD $ 750.00 to support any bona fide,
Icelandic-related study at any relevant American, Canadian, or Icelandic
cultural or academic institution OR participation in either the
traditional six-week Snorri “total-Icelandic-immersion program” for
young adults OR the two-week-long Snorri-Plus program for mature adults
or retirees under the auspices of the Reykjavík-based Snorri Foundation
[www.Snorri.is], for enrollment in 2018, 2019, or 2020.<br />
And up to two awards, each, at up to USD $ 375.00 to support any bona
fide Icelandic-language study program [preference given to younger
applicants], for enrollment in 2018, 2019, or 2020. Substitutions
within these eligible study options may be made, depending on the pool
of qualified applicants.<br />
Application forms, including the current IAC Scholarship Program Guidelines, will be posted on our website: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>
and will be circulated to known potential applicants. Review of all
applications will be completed as they are received, with a goal of
announcing approved applications at the February, 2018 Þorrablót or at
our June, 2018 Icelandic Independence Day Picnic.<br />
<br />
The current committee members of our IAC Scholarship Program remain:
Tryggvi Emilsson, Haukur Guðmundsson, Sonja Johnson, Joni Shaw, and the
undersigned. Anyone interested in working on or with our Committee
and/or assisting with our fund-raising, currently primarily at the
annual Scandinavian Day [next on Sunday, 9-Sep-2018] is encouraged to
liaise with the undersigned.<br />
Inquires, suggestions, and applications are always welcome, by email to: <a href="mailto:Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org</a> or the undersigned [<a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@Gmail.com" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">JohnHaldor@Gmail.com</a>]. J.H.H.<br />
<br />
<div>
<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/1/null" id="Nonprofit" name="Nonprofit" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b> Update on Nonprofit Status for IAC</b></span></span></span></a><br />
<br />
Dear all,<br />
<br />
As previously reported Mayer Brown is working pro bono for IAC to be a
nonprofit organization. They‘ve done a great job but the process
involves many steps and filings with various departments, e.g., the IRS,
Department of Revenu, State of IL, etc. IAC has to present records
dating back 3 to 6 years and pay filing fees, late fees and registration
fees. The predicted cost will most likely be within our $1000 budget
or lower. At the moment no one knows when this will be completed as
we’re dealing with government agencies. I’m optimistic and hope to
share good news early 2018.<br />
<br />
Wish us luck :)<br />
Einar Steinsson, president.</div>
<div>
<br />
<hr />
<i>Copyright © 2016 </i>Icelandic Association Chicago<i>, All rights reserved. </i></div>
<div>
<b>FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER.</b> EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEBSITE:<a href="https://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=cd435d69df&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3d6776; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</a>. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (IAC), <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #656565; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">EINAR STEINSSON</a> PRESIDENT.<br />
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-16024348493109205882017-06-02T15:02:00.003-07:002017-06-11T14:07:55.818-07:00IAC Newsletter June 2017<h2 class="yiv1744390150null" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20937" style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 22px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20936"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20935" style="color: #0099cc;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20934" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20933" style="font-size: 18px;">From the President’s desk</span></span></span></b></h2>
<i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20928">Gle</i><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20909">ðilegt Sumar</i><br />
<br />
We called a Special General Meeting for May 13<sup>th</sup> with great
success. We accepted revised bylaws, planned and reviewed Þorrablót,
started planning our 17th of June celebration (more on that elsewhere in
the newsletter), approved one Sholarship grant of $750 and discussed
many other things. Indeed a productive and fun meeting hosted by Lena
who prepered a yummy breakfast enjoyed by all.<br />
<br />
It’s worth noting that at the moment the only income for our Scholarship
fund is selling Icelandic water at Scandinavian Day in Vasa Park. We
need volunteers to help us with the booth as Joni and Larry Shaw have
retired. They, along with John Hofteig, have organized and done most of
the work for many years with some help from members. We hope to see
recipients of the grant and families and many more this year at Vasa
Park Sunday September 10th.<br />
<br />
We’re looking for a replacement for our Webmaster Marc Johnson. Marc has
done a fantastic job with our webpage and we’re sad to see him leave
but also excited that he’s launching his own business and wish him all
the best. Anyone with interest and skills, please contact us.<br />
<br />
The 12<sup>th</sup> Greater Chicago Icelandic Open will take place at Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate on the 17<sup>th</sup>
of September. I’ll let you know once registration is open. Ólafur
Ólafsson and Marvin Ray are the 2016 Icelandic Open Champions. Like
Þorrablót, the Icelandic Open has sold out for the last four years!<br />
<br />
Enjoy Chicago summer and the Icelandic summer if you’re visiting. I hope to see you at some or all of our events in 2017.<br />
<br />
Einar Steinsson<br />
President<br />
<br />
<br />
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20945"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="yiv1744390150Editor" name="Editor" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20944" style="font-size: 18px;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20943" style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></span></a></b><br />
<br />
In this Newsletter we have details on several IAC events including 17da
Juni Celebration and The Icelandic Open. As always, we welcome original
articles for the newsletter. If you don't want to write an article you
can send suggestions on topics to cover. Feel free to contact me at <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
I hope you have a wonderful summer! We are enjoying fabulous weather in
Chicago and I look forward to visits from family and friends taking
advantage of the direct flights from Icelandair to O'Hare airport. For
those of you traveling to Iceland, enjoy the long days to explore the
beautiful countryside, take a dip in the outdoor heated swimming pools
and natural hot springs or to party in the streets of Reykjavik. Today
in Reykjavik the sun rose at 3:22am and sets at 11:30pm.<br />
<br />
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass<br />
Editor<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"></a>Sautjándi júní - 17th of June Celebration 2017</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
How cool to celebrate SAUTJÁNDI JÚNÍ on the same day as in Iceland and
on the actual date our country got its full independence from Denmark in
1944. Our Honorary Members, Joni and Larry Shaw will be this year’s
hosts of the association’s annual hot dog picnic – pylsupartý. We’ll
enjoy their beautiful, spacious, peaceful garden and deck and in case of
a typical Icelandic Seventeenth of June weather, their warm house. IAC
treats everyone to hot dogs (pylsa), Icelandic style, or as we say it
‘eina með öllu’, which for an Icelander means ketchup, SS Pylsusinnep
(mustard), raw and dried fried onion, and remoulade! What makes
Icelandic hot dogs unique and oh so good, is that they’re made from lamb
meat. Please note that other than the hot dogs, the event is a BYO, so
please bring drinks, sides, salads, sweets, or other plates you'd like
to eat or share. We’ll give you the exact address when you sign up but
so you have an idea, the Shaw’s residence is in Sugar Grove and the
party starts at 2 PM.<br />
<br />
IAC welcomes all members in good standing and their guests. Please sign up with Lena by <b><u>June 12th</u></b> at <a href="mailto:koshkuklo@icloud.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">koshkuklo@icloud.com</a> or call 773-489-4621.<br />
<br />
Hæ, hó og jibbíjey and we look forward to see you on the 17th.<br />
<br />
If you’ve yet to renew your membership or are a new member, please do through our webpage <a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=9c517ebacf&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/membershipForm.php</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"></a>IAC Scholarship Program-2017 </b></span></span></span><span style="color: #0099cc; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><b>Updates</b></span><br />
<br />
<b>IAC Scholarship Awardee: Sigríður Helga Ólafsson:</b><br />
Congratulations to our newest USD $ 750.00 IAC Scholarship awardee,
Sigríður Helga Ólafsson, the daughter of very active, long time IAC
members, Ásgeir Ólafsson and Anna Kardal. For the past academic year and
continuing until next autumn, Sigga has been taking an essentially
full-time academic load at the highly-respected Menntaskólinn in
Reykjavík, Ásgeir’s alma mater. Her academic program includes<br />
Icelandic literature, history, mathematics, science, and gymnasium. Her
academic program at the Menntaskólinn is equivalent to enrollment at an
American junior college. Virtually all of her instruction, including
text books, is in Icelandic, so she is using this wonderful opportunity
to greatly increase her fluency in Icelandic, fluency which she had
already begun with her parents’ speaking Icelandic in their home and on
family vacations to Iceland. Her principal goal is to increase her
spoken-, reading-, and written- Icelandic fluency to the point that she
will be able to return to Iceland very well-prepared to enroll in a
full- time, academic degree program at the University of Iceland. We
look forward to her triumphant return, later this year, from her
exciting year of total-immersion in Icelandic. We commend her courage
and commitment to take on this academic challenge at the Menntaskólinn!<br />
<br />
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20947">Remaining IAC Scholarship Opportunity(ies):</b><br />
The IAC Scholarship Program and Academic Liaison still has scholarship
or stipend funds available for at least one additional current award at
up to USD $ 750.00 for any Icelandic-related academic program at any
bona fide academic, cultural, or scientific institution in the United
States, Canada, or Iceland OR up to two stipend awards at each up to USD
$ 375.00 to support any Icelandic-language study program under the
auspices of any bona fide correspondence, on-line, or residential
Icelandic language program in the United States, Canada, or Iceland,
including Icelandic-language camps, such as the current Icelandic
Language Camp in Gimli, Manitoba, a successor to the original Icelandic
Language Camp begun by the old, now dissolved, Icelandic Lutheran Synod.
The larger stipend award at up to USD $ 750.00 may also be used to
partially support enrollment in either the traditional six-week total
Icelandic-immersion program for North American young adults going to
Iceland under the auspices of the Snorri Foundation in Reykjavík [<a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=616bcd0214&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.Snorri.is</a>]
or the similar two-week Snorri-Plus program for mature adults or
retirees. [Please note: Applications to the Snorri programs should be
submitted by January preceding the anticipated summer of<br />
enrollment.] Copies of the current IAC Scholarship Guidelines and an Application Form may be obtained from <a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=d298c7bf89&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org</a>
or from the undersigned. The current members of the IAC Scholarship
Committee include: Sonja Johnson, Joni Shaw, Haukur Guðmundsson, and
Tryggvi Emilsson. Anyone interested in joining our committee and/or
helping with our annual fundraiser, selling IcelandicGlacial Water and
assorted soda beverages at Scandinavian Day, Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31,
South Elgin, IL 60177 on Sunday, 10-September- 2017, should contact the
undersigned. Any help at Scandinavian Day will be very much
appreciated! John H. Hofteig, 847-331-9473, <a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">JohnHaldor@gmail.com</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"></a>Vasa Park Events</b></span></span></span><br />
Midsommar Celebration on June 17th and Scandinavian Day on September 10th. For more information see:<a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=d13ddb33b0&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"> http://www.vasaparkil.com/events.html</a>
<br />
<div id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20950">
<a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=baadce01f2&e=7c69f2ed3c" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20949" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><img height="334" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20948" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/a1786189-c6e2-43f3-be0f-aa03792347db.jpg" style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; min-height: 334px; outline: none; text-decoration: none; width: 250px;" width="250" /></a></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;"></a>North Park University's Center for Scandinavian Studies</b></span></span></span><br />
For several years, North Park College, now North Park University <b> [<a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=d81495b757&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">www.NorthPark.edu</a>] </b>,
has had a very active Center for Scandinavian Studies, which includes
representation from all five Nordic countries, including our IAC, for
whom John continues as our representative. During the past year, the
Center for Scandinavian Studies has engaged a new Project Manager, Greta
Rosenberger, and has received renewed commitments from the University’s
Provost, Dr. Michael Pensack, and it’s continuing long-time Executive<br />
Director and Academic Dean Emeritus of the College, Dr. Charles
Peterson. Programs planned for the next academic year will be announced
later. Please stay tuned and know that the Center very much welcomes
participation by our IAC and the entire Icelandic-American Community in
the Chicago area!</div>
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<tr id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20952"><td class="yiv1744390150mcnTextContent" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_20951" style="color: #656565; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; line-height: 150%; padding-bottom: 9px; padding-left: 18px; padding-right: 18px; padding-top: 0; text-align: center;" valign="top"><i>Copyright © 2016 </i>Icelandic Association Chicago<i>, All rights reserved. </i><br />
<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1497214602180_21106">FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER.</b> EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEBSITE:<a href="http://facebook.us8.list-manage1.com/track/click?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=a27e8694cb&e=7c69f2ed3c" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3d6776; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</a>. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (IAC), <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com" rel="nofollow" style="color: #656565; font-weight: normal; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">EINAR STEINSSON</a> PRESIDENT.</td></tr>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-53185085558901077852016-12-22T16:54:00.001-08:002016-12-22T16:54:31.736-08:00IAC Newsletter December 2016<pre style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; font-family: 'Source Code Pro', Consolas, 'Lucida Console', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.28571429em; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>From the President’s desk</u>
It’s not over but it was a blast.
I hope you had the opportunity to enjoy some of our activities this year and if not that you can make it to some of our events in 2017. Lena and I are off to Iceland this week and very much looking forward to getting out of the cold to a warmer climate. It is not a joke, Iceland has been much warmer than Chicago in the last few days and the forecast calls for the same. But you never know with Icelandic weather, as most of you know. You can get five different types of weather in the same day, sun, snow, rain, wind and no wind. We are looking forward to meeting family and friends in Hafnarfjörður, Seltjarnarnes, Reykjavík and Akureyri where I am hoping to do some skiing in Hlíðarfjall. We will be back at the end of the month ready to start prepping for Þorrablót 2017.
Speaking of Þorrablót 2017, you can read the details elsewhere in the newsletter and about the Christmas Tree at the Museum, and our General Meeting. Also in this newsletter a membership form that you need to fill out and send in with a check or you can renew your membership online. Same low price! Do that early as once we open ticket sales for Þorrablót it will be for members only and two guests. We will start general sales late January.
I hope all of you have a great holiday season with excellent food and drink, even though it is not sheep heads or rotten shark and brennivín.
Merry Christmas – Gleðileg Jól.
Einar Steinsson
President
<u>From the Editor:</u></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; font-family: 'Source Code Pro', Consolas, 'Lucida Console', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.28571429em; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In this Newsletter we reflect on the IAC events of 2016 and start preparing for 2017 events including Thorrablot. As always, feel free to send me any suggestions on the newsletter look or content. Original articles on topics of interest to the Icelandic association are also welcome.
I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. I look forward to celebrating with family and friends in Iceland, in much milder weather than the recent negative Fahrenheit weather! I also look forward to the outdoor heated swimming pools and the magnificent fireworks on New Years Eve.
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass
Editor
<u>The General Meeting</u>
The general meeting was at Snail Thai restaurant on November 13th 2016 immediately following the set-up of the Icelandic Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry. All officers and directors were re-elected. Association fees will be kept at same rate as previous years, $10 for individual and $20 for families. Thorrablot is scheduled for February 4th and preparations are going well. The new treasurer Erik Johnson gave an update of finances. 2016 went well, we made $87.70 from the Golf Event, $1,220.48 from the Thorrablot and $565 from water sales.
<u>Renew or sign up for IAC Membership</u>
It is that time of year again! You can renew your membership online. http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/membershipForm.phpSame low price! Make sure to renew your membership early if you are planning to attend Þorrablót since it will be for members only and two guests.
If you prefer an emailed form that you can print out and sent with a check, please contact kolbrkr@gmail.com (mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com)
<u>Taking Down the Christmas Tree and Thorrablot Meeting</u>
We’ll take down the Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry, Sunday January 15, 2PM. We’ll use this opportunity for a Thorrablot meeting. Thorrablot is scheduled for February 4th at the Swedish Museum. Anyone who’s interested to help and participate with Thorrablot, welcome. Please sign up with Lena at koshkuklo@icloud.com (mailto:koshkuklo@icloud.com)
<u>IAC Scholarship Program-2016 Update:</u>
At our recent combined Icelandic Association of Chicago [IAC] AGM and open Board Meeting, 13-Nov-2016, in Hyde Park, the following information regarding our IAC Scholarship Program and Academic Liaison was discussed:
For the eighth consecutive year, we received a very generous allotment of IcelandicGlacialWater, donated by the vendor, for our annual beverage sales at Scandinavian Day 11-Sep-2016], at Vasa Park, South Elgin, IL, which with the help of many much-appreciated volunteers, we sold, along with assorted soda pop, for our Scholarship Fund, which now stands at approximately USD $ 4,500.00.
It was agreed that we would allocate approximately one-third of these funds for current applications for the following scholarship assistance:
At least one award at up to USD $ 750.00 to support any bona fide, Icelandic-related study at any relevant American, Canadian, or Icelandic cultural or academic institution OR participation in either the traditional six-week “total-Icelandic-immersion” program for young adults OR the two-week-long similar program for mature adults or retirees [www.Snorri.is], for enrollment in 2017, 2018, or 2019.
And up to two awards, each, at up to USD $ 375.00 to support any bona fide Icelandic-language study program [preference given to younger applicants], for enrollment in 2017, 2018, or 2019. Substitutions within these eligible study options may be made, depending on the pool of qualified applicants.
Application forms, including the current IAC Scholarship Program Guidelines, will be posted on our website: www.IcelandChicago.org and will be circulated to known potential applicants. Review of all applications will be completed as they are received, with a goal of announcing approved applications at the Februrary, 2017 Þorrablót.
The current committee members of our IAC Scholarship Program remain: Tryggvi Emilsson, Haukur Guðmundsson, Sonja Johnson, Joni Shaw, and the undersigned. Anyone interested in working on or with our Committee and/or assisting with our fund-raising, currently primarily at the annual Scandinavian Day [next on Sunday, 10-Sep-2017] is encouraged to liase with the undersigned.
Inquires, suggestions, and applications are always welcome, by email to: Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org (mailto:Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org) or the undersigned [JohnHaldor@Gmail.com (mailto:JohnHaldor@Gmail.com) ]. J.H.H.
<u>Snorri Program</u>
The Snorri Program Deadlines are rapidly approaching. If you are of Icelandic heritage and would like to explore Iceland, see the information below.
Snorri Program deadline: January 13, 2017
Snorri Plus deadline: January 20, 2017 Application forms, dates, grant info and more on www.snorri.is (http://www.snorri.is/)
<b><u>EVENTS/SAVE THE DATE</u></b></pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; font-family: 'Source Code Pro', Consolas, 'Lucida Console', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.28571429em; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b>Taking Down the Christmas Tree and Thorrablot Meeting</b>
Sunday, January 15th at 2PM
Museum of Science and Industry</pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; font-family: 'Source Code Pro', Consolas, 'Lucida Console', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.28571429em; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Save the Date:
<b>Thorrablot 2017</b>
February 4th
Swedish Museum
</pre>
<pre style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: border-box; color: #484848; font-family: 'Source Code Pro', Consolas, 'Lucida Console', Courier, monospace; font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.28571429em; max-width: 635px; padding: 12px 15px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">============================================================
(https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago)
(http://www.icelandchicago.org/)
Copyright © 2016 Icelandic Association Chicago, All rights reserved.
FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEBSITE:** WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG (http://WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG). CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (IAC), ** EINAR STEINSSON (mailto:ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com )
PRESIDENT.</pre>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-12600530414947279442016-05-29T10:05:00.000-07:002016-06-02T14:45:16.668-07:00May 2016<i>Gle</i><i>ðilegt sumar – Happy summer</i><br />
<br />
21<sup>st</sup> of April was The First Day of Summer – Sumardagurinn
Fyrsti in Iceland. It is a public holiday with festivities all around
the island. Iceland has sixteen public holidays. The next one is
Fishermen’s Day – Sjómannadagurinn, on the 5th of June. It is celebrated
every year and always on the first Sunday of June. The Icelandic
Association of Chicago has not been celebrating these holidays but that
is something to think about! Our next festival is Iceland’s
Independence Day, 17<sup>th</sup> of June, which we will celebrate on the 11<sup>th</sup>
at Jóhann Friðriksson‘s house in LaGrange Highlands. Jóhann is one of
IAC‘s newest members and graceously offered up his house for our
picnic. My in-laws imported the Icelandic Hot Dogs so we are all set.
More info in the newsletter but I hope you can make it.<br />
<br />
2016 started out with a bang for IAC. We had a sold out Þorrablót the
19th of March at the Swedish American Museum, 130 attendees with our
Ambassador Geir Haarde and his wife Inga Jóna Þórðardóttir as guests of
honor. This was the second year we invited a chef from Iceland and this
time he happened to be my brother in-law, Ari Hallgrímsson, who brought
his wife Rut, and son Hallgrímur. They did a fantastic job. So did our
musician, Hemmi, who rocked the house once again and led the Valkyrju
and Viking choirs in a sing off. Everyone was happy, and what a great
time. We have pictures on our webpage.<br />
<br />
I also would like to share with you that I have been working with
lawyers at Mayer Brown on a Nonprofit Status for IAC. This is a pro
bono work on their behalf thanks to our Secretary Haukur Guðmundsson who
set this up even though he can not be directly involved as it would be a
conflict of interest. What this means for IAC is that any payments or
donations can be considered charitable. It will take about six months
to finalize our status but it will be retroactive 22 months so any
monetary contribution you make to IAC this year could be tax
deductible. This is very exciting and I am sure it will help our
organization to prosper for years to come and be a boost for the
Scholarship Fund.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the summer of 2016 and I hope to see you at many of our events.<br />
<br />
Einar Steinsson<br />
President<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="Editor" name="Editor" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></span></a></b><br />
<br />
This May Newsletter features articles on the amazing Thorrablot (even
though I didn't win the trip to Iceland) and the INL meeting in
Vancouver written by John Hofteig. It also contains information on
upcoming events such as the 17da juni celebration, the Greater Icelandic
Open and Midsommar Nott in Vasa Park. I also included some information
on the Viking ship sailing from Norway to Chicago. The ship will be on
exhibit at Navy Pier for anyone interested in seeing this beautiful
vessel.<br />
<br />
The newsletter has once again received a facelift, this time to make it
look more like the website. We hope you like the new look. The
newsletter should be easy to view with different browsers, cell phone
operating systems and iPads. If the newsletter does not open or read
well on your device please let <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">me</a> know what type of device or browser you use.<br />
<br />
Enjoy your summer. I am sure I will see many of you at O'Hare either
departing for Iceland on a direct flight or picking up visitors from
Iceland!<br />
<br />
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass<br />
Editor<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="17da" name="17da" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #0099cc;">Hæ hó jibbíjei og jíbbíajei... Sautjándi júní – Iceland’s Independence Day around the corner…" – Icelandic hot dog picnic!</span></span></u></span></a></b><br />
<br />
We’re excited to welcome all IAC members in good standing and their
guests to a ‘17di júní’ pylsupartý on Saturday June 11th at 2 PM. This
year we’ll enjoy the hospitality of Jóhann (Joe) Friðrikson and his
family who genorously offered their house and garden for our annual hot
dog picnic. IAC treats everyone to Icelandic hot dogs (pylsa),
Icelandic style, or as we say it ‘eina með öllu’, which for an Icelander
means ketchup, SS Pylsusinnep (mustard), raw and dried fried onion, and
remoulade! What makes Icelandic hot dogs unique and oh so good, is that
they’re made from lamb meat. Please note that other than the hot dogs,
the event is a BYO, so please bring drinks, sides, salads, sweets, or
other plates you'd like to eat or share. We’ll give you the exact
address when you sign up but so you have an idea, Joe and Luann live in
La Grange Highlands, conveniently close to I-55. They have plenty of
parking, a huge garden, cabana, a hot tub and a swimming pool so please
feel free to bring your swimsuit and towel. For the younger generation
and the kid in all of us, they have plenty of activities and games.<br />
<br />
Please sign up with Lena by <b><u>June 6th</u></b> at <a href="mailto:koshkuklo@icloud.com" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">koshkuklo@icloud.com</a> or call 773-489-4621.<br />
<br />
We look forward to see you on the 11th.<br />
<br />
If you’ve yet to renew your membership or are a new member, please do through our webpage <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/membershipForm.php" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.icelandchicago.org/misc/membership/membershipForm.php</a><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=008a116974&e=7c69f2ed3c#Thorrablot" id="Thorrablot" name="Thorrablot" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>Thorrablot (Þorrablót) 2016</b></span></span></a></span><br />
<br />
The Icelandic Association of Chicago held its annual Þorrablót March 19<sup>th</sup>
at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville. Traditionally we
celebrate Þorri in February but this year we wanted to take advantage of
the direct flight and booked the musician and chef on the first
Icelandair plane to land in our city in 30 years. People and Thorrafood
arrived safely and we were all excited and ready for an extra special
celebration and to welcome our Ambassador to the United States, Geir H.
Haarde, and his wife, Inga Jóna Þórðardóttir, to enjoy the night with
us. We had a record attendance and sold out weeks before the event.
Everyone had fantastic time savouring Icelandic goodies, cherishing old
friends and making new ones in the spirit of Þorrablót’s motto ‚maður
er manns gaman´ (men enjoy the company of other men) as says in
Hávamál. We pride ourselves to throw an authentic Icelandic Þorrablót
where all generations come togeter and where sheared sheep heads,
pickled rams’ testicle, blood and liver pudding, and many other
treasured delicacies take center place on the dinner table. Our
Icelandic chef this year, Ari Hallgrímsson, educated adventurous first
comers what they were putting on their plate, and our president, Einar
Steinsson, stepped on stage and demonstrated how to eat a sheep head,
eye ball and all. Per tradition, we started the party off with a rotten
shark and brennivín, a classic; home made gravlax and a twice smoked
leg of lamb from Mývatnssveit. Other home made food was the rúgbrauð
(rye bread), and desserts: kleinur, ástarpungar, sörur, lakkrístoppar
(licorice), meringue cream tarts, skyr and, of course, pönnukökur.
Thanks to Hemmi Ara, our Icelandic musician, we did a lot of singing and
no one was exempt when it came to the competition of the men‘s and
women‘s choir. Anna Kárdal decorated the room and this year‘s theme was
Svartfuglsegg (Guillemot eggs).<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="Midsommar" name="Midsommar" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"></a>11th Annual Midsommar Nott Celebration</b></span></span></span><br />
<br />
Info from Vasa Park:<br />
<u>Saturday, June 18.</u> MIDSOMMAR. Park opens at 3:00. Picnic dinner
at 6:00 Please bring a family sized dish to pass. Main course
furnished by Scandinavian Park.<br />
Traditional Maypole raising and dancing, games for children, bonfire lighting and traditional toast at sunset.<br />
Donation - $5.00 per adult. Free for Scandinavian Park members with 2016 membership card - free for children 12 and under.<br />
Reservations required by June 16, 2016. Call 630-665-7866 or email <a href="mailto:matthewe0607@comcast.net" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">matthewe0607@comcast.net</a><br />
<img align="none" height="404" src="https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/images/bf9aef4a-d461-4d07-8355-183c857f07bc.png" style="-ms-interpolation-mode: bicubic; border: 0; height: auto !important; margin: 0px; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" width="348" /><br />
<br />
<u>Sunday, September 11, 2016.</u> SCANDINAVIAN DAY. 10:00AM - 6:00PM. Admission $10.00 Children 12 and under free.<br />
Fabulous entertainment: Abba Salute, Jaerv, Kyle Elsbernd and Dave
Kirkeby, Ron Eckberg, Leikarringen Heimhug and ICELANDIC VIOLINIST -
Dorothy Shaw.<br />
Many vendors of Scandinavian wares, wonderful Scandinavian food,,
beverages including Nordic Beer tasting, Viking Bar and Outdoor Beer
Garden, coffee, soft drinks Lingonberry Saft and ICELANDIC GLACIAL
WATER.<br />
Children's activities including Pony rides and face painting.<br />
<i>Mark your calendars for this event and plan to help in the Water booth</i><br />
<br />
<u>Sunday, June 5th. </u> BAROKOKO. A program of songs by Swedish poet
Carl Michael Bellman and other composers from the 18th and 19th
centuries. 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.<br />
Bring a picnic basket and spend a summer afternoon under the stately oaks of Vasa Park.<br />
Free admission - beverages will be available to purchase - no food vendors at this event - no reservations required. <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http:/barokoko.se/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<h1 class="null" style="color: #202020; display: block; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 26px; font-style: normal; font-weight: bold; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 125%; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" id="golf" name="golf" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"></a>The Greater Icelandic Open: August 28th</b></span></span></span></h1>
Registration for The Icelandic Open starts soon. It will be at the same
place as the last few years, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate,
Sunday August 28th. Spots are limited and we have sold out for the last
five years! Trip to Iceland for a ‘hole in one’ and lots of other
goodies. If you already know you are going to play, send an email to
Lena and Einar at <u>einarandlena@ameritech.net</u> to reserve a spot. Spread the word.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 18px;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="INL" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b>INL of NA 97<sup>th</sup> Annual Convention, Vancouver, BC, 28 April-1 May 2016</b></span></a></span>
<br />
<div style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #202020; font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 16px; line-height: 150%; margin: 10px 0; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; padding: 0; text-align: left;">
The following are some of the highlights of the <a href="http://www.inlofna.org/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">Icelandic National League of North America</a>’s 97<sup>th</sup>
AGM, attended by IAC member, John H. Hofteig, for which there were just
over 200 registered attendees, including many guests from Iceland.<br />
The Convention was book-ended, beginning and ending, with organized
tours of Vancouver. Thursday afternoon, volunteers from the convention
host, the <b>Icelandic Canadian Club of British Columbia</b> [<b>ICCBC</b>],
led a self-directed city tour with optional ends either at Stanley Park
and the nearby Queen Elizabeth Botanical Gardens or at one of the
multiple waterfront eatery districts. Both tours began with a visit to
the surviving <b>Icelandic Lutheran Church</b>, once at the
center of the earliest Icelandic settlement in the area, a congregation
which in recent years has been the beneficiary of very generous support
from a nearby German Lutheran congregation. The Icelandic Lutheran
Church, as it is still known by the locals, will soon be rebuilt as a
five-storey development, a public-private partnership, providing modest
affordable senior housing rental units while the congregation will
retain one floor for its sanctuary and community outreach. The much
more extensive all-day Sunday bus tour included a tour to the <b>Höfn Icelandic Harbor</b>
[as in “safe-haven/refuge”], a large assisted-living senior residence,
the third major successor to Vancouver’s original Icelandic Retirement
Home, a strikingly modern building with all the amenities and a
priceless curated photographic documentation of Icelanders throughout
the Pacific Northwest, including Vancouver, Victoria, Blaine, and Point
Roberts, complete with decades of relevant art work and Icelandic
mementoes throughout the entire building. The Höfn is overseen by a
professional, experienced, dedicated Board of Directors, which still
includes members from the original Icelandic Community which was the
founding benefactor and still provides considerable volunteer support.
Because occupancy in the Höfn is significantly subsidized by city,
regional, and provincial authorities, enrollment is no longer simply the
prerogative of Icelandic descent. Currently, only one of the residents
is of Icelandic descent and she opened her very tastefully-appointed
apartment, filled with priceless original Icelandic artwork. The tour
ended at the <b>Scandinavian Community Centre</b>, furnished
with artwork and libraries provided by all five Scandinavian
Communities, with a luncheon and genealogical presentations from the
volunteer <b>Icelandic Roots</b> Project.<br />
The Convention theme was <b>Strandarsaga --- A Coast Story</b>, not entirely limited to greater Vancouver and Victoria. Notable presentations included:<br />
A world-premiere, of sorts, of a dramatic reading of four of the <b><i>Ten Play</i></b>s [<b><i>Tiu Leikret</i></b>] by <b>Guttormur J. Guttormsson,</b> organized by the author’s granddaughter, <b>Heather Alda Ireland</b>,
the current long-time Honorary Icelandic Consul General for British
Columbia and the Yukon: One of the readers --- these plays were
actually meant only to be read rather than be staged, per se, as “plays”
--- was former IAC-member, <b>Gunnar Ólafur Hansson, Ph.D.</b>, now resident in Vancouver. One of the editors of the <b><i>Nordic Journal of Linguistics</i></b>, he is an acknowledged English, Icelandic, and Russian linguist.<br />
An historical survey of western migration across North America by both Canadian- and American- Icelanders presented by <b>W. D. (Bill) Valgardson</b>,
the semi-retired veteran of thirty years experience as a senior faculty
member at the University of Victoria; a long-time Trustee of the
Richard and Margaret Beck Trust, which the Beck’s endowed to provide
relevant lectures on Iceland and its culture at the University of
Victoria [their final adopted home after distinguished careers at St.
Olaf College, Thiel College, and finally at the University of North
Dakota for 38 years]; a prolific writer and editor of short stories now
published in multiple languages; and briefly once the editor of the
Winnipeg-based <b><i>Lögberg-Heimskringla</i></b>: Bill’s presentation was organized under the rubric of <b>Horace Greeley’s</b> iconic advice: <b>“Go West, young man, go West!”</b>
Immediately recognized by virtually all of the Western Icelanders in
the audience, regardless of being resident in Canada or the United
States, even by many of the attendees directly from Iceland, Horace
Greeley’s advice was further amplified by reference to his admonition to
young North Americans to go not where they were necessarily “<i>wanted</i>” but rather where they and their skills were “<i>needed</i>,’’
i.e., where there would be the greatest long-term economic
opportunity. Greeley’s advice was yet more specific to young men
contemplating going west: Learn to chop wood; learn to plow [the
prairie]; and learn to mow grass, i.e., hay. While perfectly obvious to
immigrants already well-established in North America, these imperatives
were foreign to Icelanders and presented unique challenges: There were
essentially no woods in Iceland. There were no opportunities for
native Icelanders to have learned to plow when Icelandic fields were
full of lava with barely any remaining topsoil. In Iceland, there was
meager short-grass, suitable for grazing sheep, but none of the
high-grass encountered on the North American prairie.<br />
Yet the always westward Icelandic immigrants persevered, always avidly
seeking educational opportunity for their children, a luxury available
to only the privileged few in Iceland in the 1870’s, owing to severe
economic and natural disasters then prevalent, despite near-universal
literacy. Even after having settled and established themselves in
Victoria by the 1880’s, Icelandic immigrants continued to expand out
across the West Coast to Point Roberts, Blaine, Bellingham, and Seattle,
driven both by adversities in Victoria [a severe economic depression,
devastating outbreaks of small pox and scarlet fever, overly harsh
quarantines during the second small pox epidemic, and being confined to a
relatively small area in the original plat of Victoria, with precious
little land for domestic vegetable gardens] and more abundant
opportunities elsewhere during the last quarter of the Nineteenth
Century. While quoting extensively from the family histories of
Canadian-Icelanders, the same challenges and motivations were also very
relevant to the American-Icelandic immigrant experience. In both
countries, westward expansion and mobility really only became a
practical possibility, for the first time, by the completion of each
country’s respective transcontinental railway.<br />
A tribute to retiring <b>Ambassador Hjálmar Hanesson</b> and his wife, Anna Birgis, and a belated tribute to Hjálmar’s immediate predecessor as Iceland’s Consul General in Winnipeg, <b>Ambassador Atli Ásmundsson</b>,
and his wife, þrúður Helgadóttir: Hjálmar, who turned 70 this past
April, has had a distinguished 40-year-long diplomatic career,
highlights of which included postings to Canada, the United Nations, and
the United States. Both Atli and Hjálmar carved-out a unique role as
Iceland’s only professional, full-time diplomats posted outside of the
Embassies in Ottawa, Washington, DC, and New York City [the U. N.], in
part, because of the large numbers of Western Icelanders in Manitoba.
As Hjálmar stated, they both were always “disrespectful” of the <b>49<sup>th</sup> Parallel</b>.
Both of them actively served the entire North American Icelandic
Community from Minnesota, North Dakota, and all of the Canadian
provinces west of Winnipeg.<br />
Reelection and election of IAC-members: <b>Joni Shaw</b>, recently an INL of NA Director-at-Large as Co-Director of the International Visits Program, was reelected and <b>John H. Hofteig</b> was newly elected as a Director-at-Large, recruited to concentrate on INL of NA fundraising issues.<br />
Further relevant information is available on the Icelandic National League of North America’s enhanced website: <a href="http://www.inlofna.org/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;"><b>www.INLofNA.org</b></a>. <b>J.H.H.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 12px;"><a href="https://us8.admin.mailchimp.com/templates/preview?id=321945#INL" id="Viking" name="Viking" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #0099cc;"><span style="font-size: 18px;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Viking ship sailing to Chicago: Draken Harald Hårfagre</span></span></span></b></a></span><br />
<br />
A modern day version of a Viking Ship is sailing from Norway to Chicago.
It is named after Harald Hårfagre the first King of Norway. Come see it
at Navy Pier between July 27th and 31st!<br />
<br />
Information about the expedition and Viking Ship:<br />
<a href="http://www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com/" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">http://www.drakenexpeditionamerica.com/</a><br />
Information about the Pepsi Tall Ships Chicago 2016 at Navy Pier:<br />
<a href="https://navypier.com/tall-ships-chicago-2016/tickets-and-ship-info/" id="Midsommar" name="Midsommar" style="-ms-text-size-adjust: 100%; -webkit-text-size-adjust: 100%; color: #2baadf; font-weight: normal; mso-line-height-rule: exactly; text-decoration: underline;" target="_blank">https://navypier.com/tall-ships-chicago-2016/tickets-and-ship-info/</a></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-33802058229599998012015-12-14T13:47:00.001-08:002016-01-23T00:39:02.694-08:00December 2015 NewsletterThe December 2015 newsletter is found <a href="http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=0de6d01b4c"><span style="color: blue;">here</span></a>. The plain text version is below. To sign upfor the newsletter, please fill out this <a href="http://eepurl.com/VrORP"><span style="color: blue;">form</span></a>.<br />
<br />
<i><b>** Farsælda Frón</b></i><br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Volume 17, Issue 2<br />
December 2015<br />
<br />
<br />
<u><b>** From the President's desk</b></u><br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
What a year we had.<br />
<br />
You may be thinking, 'well it’s not over', but for The Icelandic Association of Chicago
it is in terms of activities in 2015. We started out with a sold out Þorrablót, the
biggest and best in many years, back at our old location at the Swedish American Museum.
Everything was excellent, the food, entertainment, and the company of good people.
This was the first time we invited a chef from Iceland who happened to be my brother
Gauji who I hope you all had a chance to meet. We also had a record attendance to our
Independence Day celebration at Promontory Point by the Lake just off South Shore
Drive. We imported Icelandic hot dogs as before and everyone had a great time. We took
part in Leif Erikson day, Scandinavian Day, and at the end of the summer it was the
10^th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open and the 2015 champions are Paul Henley and Martin
Devaney. Our last event of the year was putting up the Icelandic Christmas Tree at the
Museum of Science and Industry followed by the Annual Open General Meeting at Snail Thai
Cuisine. Once again, we had a record attendance and a very good time.<br />
<br />
In between all of these activities we had several smaller gatherings and board meetings.
<br />
<br />
All in all this was a great year thanks to our members who worked hard and unselfishly,
a list too long to thank everyone individually.<br />
What does the future hold for us in 2016?<br />
We take the tree down at the museum on the 10th of January at 1:30PM, everyone is
invited. The Þorrablót is our highlight as all of you know and, like last time, it
will be at the Swedish American Museum on Clark - the 19^th of March – Save the Date!
We are again flying in Hemmi our musician, and a chef, Ari Hallgrímsson, who happens to
be Lena‘s brother. Ari is a Master Chef and leads the culinary department of
Verkmenntaskólinn Akureyri. This may turn out to be our biggest Þorrablót in the
history of the organization as two groups of people from nearby states have requested
access plus our ambassador Geir Haarde is likely to attend. Sales will open early
in 2016. We plan to celebrate 17^th of June in style as years before and The 11^th
Greater Chicago Icelandic Open will held Sunday August 28^th with the same format so
Save The Date! I hope you will have a chance to participate in all or most of our
events helping us make 2016 an even greater year than this one.<br />
<br />
Merry Christmas – Gleðileg Jól.<br />
Einar Steinsson<br />
President<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<u><b>From the Editor</b></u><br />
<br />
This December newsletter is packed with exciting information. First, it covers the
decoration of the Icelandic Christmas tree at Christmas around the World. Then 2016
IAC events are presented including the always fantastic Thorrablot in March and Taking
down the Christmas Tree at MSI in January. Several short articles are featured
including an update on the status of IAC Scholarships, the announcement of direct
Icelandair flights to O'Hare (Yes!), description of significant updates Marc Johnson
made to our IAC website. Marc did a fantastic job and I encourage you to visit the
websitehttp://www.icelandchicago.org/ and give us feedback. I also encourage you to
renew your membership online (or become a member if you are not already). The price
has not gone up in years and is very reasonable ($10 Individual/Student and $20
Family).<br />
In this newsletter you will also find an article by IAC member John H. Hofteig about
the life of Joan Eyolfson Cadham, who was a prolific Canadian-Icelandic author and
editor of Logberg Heimskringlan and passed away earlier this year. We hope you enjoy
this newsletter and as always, please feel free to contact me if you have articles or
topics you would like to share or see covered.<br />
Stay warm and Happy Holidays!<br />
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass<br />
Editor<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<u><b>PAST AND FUTURE EVENTS</b></u><br />
<b> </b><br />
<b>Christmas Around the World 2015</b><br />
<br />
The IAC has an annual tradition of decorating an Icelandic Christmas Tree at the
Museum of Science and Industry. This year this festive event occurred on Saturday
November 8th. Thanks to all of you who helped at the tree tri mming. We are excited
and extremely proud of our tree this year, which boasts some brand new ornaments and
refurbished older ones. A big shout out to Guðrún Jónsson the new Chairperson of
Christmas Tree Committee the master designer of the tree decorations and herself
knitted the colorful Christmas balls. We hope you’ll find time this holiday season
to visit Christmas Around the World and see for yourself.
Save the Date: Thorrablot 2016
The 2016 Thorrablot will be held on March 19th at the Swedish museum! Read more about
the details in the letter from the president above. Relive last years Thorrablot or
if you did not attend, see the fantastic food and fun times that were had last year:
http://www.icelandchicago.org/content/%C3%BEorrablot-2015<br />
<br />
<u><b>OTHER NEWS</b></u>
<br />
<br />
<b>One if by Land, Two if by Sea, and Three if by Air: The Icelanders are
coming! The Icelanders are coming!</b><br />
<br />
Iconic, renowned American-colonial era silversmith, town crier, and American-
Revolutionary War hero, Paul Revere [---He of “One if by land, two if by sea…”-fame---]
sort of had it right, by 1776 standards, but were he to reappear in Chicago by the
16th of March, 2016, he would now have to light and hang three lanterns atop the
John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower and replace his incomplete “warning” with
the more complete Glad-Tidings: “The Icelanders are coming!” After a nearly thirty
year absence from Chicago’s O’Hare Airport [then operating seasonally under the
moniker: Loftleiðir], Icelandair has announced year-round, frequent, almost daily,
non- stop service from ORD, beginning 16-March-2016.<br />
<br />
Besides the wonderful convenience this will afford us here in the Chicago area, it
will have three additional benefits for our Icelandic Association of Chicago [IAC]
and our friends: First, as reported in this same issue of the Frón, we will receive
our fresh Thorra Food early, just in time, for our earlier- than-usual Saturday, the
19th of March, 2016 Þorrablót; Second, we will be able to welcome Icelandic dignitaries
and Icelandair crew celebrating this inaugural Icelandair service; and Third, at a
later-date to be announced, we in the Chicago area will be able to enjoy a
four-day-long mini trade-fair and festival, the Taste of Iceland, sponsored by
IcelandNaturally (http://www.IcelandNaturally.com) ; the Icelandic-American
Chamber of Commerce; and Iceland’s Trade Commissioner for North America,
New York City-Consul General, Hlynur Guðjónsson [Update: Date set for Thursday to
Sunday, the 17th-20th of March, 2016].<br />
<br />
IcelandNaturally, the trade-group comprised of Icelandic and North American companies
engaged in cross-border commerce, often stages these Tastes of Iceland in North
American markets for which Icelandair has frequent year-round service and for which
there is either an established or a potential market for Icelandic-North American
commerce. Very recently, there was a Taste of Iceland in Seattle,WA and in Toronto,
ON. Typically, these include bringing an Icelandic chef who collaborates with a
local restaurant to have Icelandic-menu items available throughout the festival;
representatives from several Iceland-related companies; free Icelandic musical
offerings; and publicly-accessible programming highlighting relevant contemporary
business, economic, and societal issues and trends in Iceland.<br />
<br />
When Icelandair inaugurates new continuing, year-round service to a new market, if
often affords opportunities for local Icelandic-American residents to collaborate
with Icelandic companies looking for local talent to assist them in developing new
business opportunities and enhancing established ventures. There may be ad-hoc,
temporary, contract, or even permanent employment opportunities for Icelandic-American
residents in the host city, almost everything “from A. to Z.,” including the obvious,
e.g., English-Icelandic translation services. At our recent combined IAC AGM and open
Board meeting, it was announced that the New York City-based Icelandic-American Chamber
of Commerce often receives inquiries from companies entering a new market for available
local professional resources. Interest was expressed in exploring some sort of
mechanism for preparing a list of our IAC members and friends who might be interested
in making their talents known to these companies and then placing these individuals in
contact with Icelandic companies in a professional manner, respecting confidentiality
and privacy. Once a specific date is announced for a Taste of Iceland in Chicago, our
IAC Board will be exploring options in this regard. Please submit comments via email
to either our IAC President and local Honorary Icelandic Vice-Consul, Einar Steinsson,
or the undersigned. J.H.H.
ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com (mailto:ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com) or JohnHaldor@gmail.com
(mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com)<br />
<br />
<b>New and Improved IAC Website</b><br />
<br />
Our responsive site now built and maintained in the popular and powerful content
management system (CMS) Drupal has arrived! Check it out at
http://www.icelandchicago.org/
The previous versions of our site built in static html met the basic needs of the IAC
over the years having been mostly informational with limited interactivity for
membership signup, and a few forms to register and pay for events.
Moving IcelandChicago.org to a CMS allows us the potential to add more dynamism to
the site and offer our members a more interactive experience.
Right now the new site:
<br />
<li> has a modern (2015ish) look and feel</li>
<li> is responsive to different screen sizes from phones to large monitors</li>
<li> has roughly the same content/functionality that it had before.</li>
In the coming months, we will be enlisting the feedback of IAC members and the
board to see what more our site could and should be doing. The possibilities are
numerous and include such options as:
<br />
<li> membership logins that give access to restricted "members only" content,</li>
<li> site hosted member-maintained blogs to contribute to the site's content,</li>
<li> member-maintained, publically facing members directory of services,</li>
<li> private polls and forums,</li>
<li> etc...</li>
What of this we actually do will depend on YOU (the members and board).
Stay tuned...<br />
<br />
<b>IAC Scholarship Program 2015-2016 Update:</b><br />
<br />
At the most-recent 8-Nov-2015 Icelandic Association of Chicago [IAC] combined AGM
and open Board Meeting, the following information regarding our IAC Scholarship
Program and Academic Liaison was discussed. For the seventh consecutive year, we
received a very generous allotment of IcelandicGlacialWater, donated by the vendor,
for our annual beverage sales at Scandinavian Day [6-Sep-2015], at Vasa Park, South
Elgin, IL, which with the help of many much-appreciated volunteers, we sold, along
with assorted soda pop, for our Scholarship Fund, which now stands at approximately
USD $ 4,000.00. We still have some additional cases of IcelandicGlacialWater
[twenty-four one-half-liter bottles per case at USD $ 24.00] available for sale,
all proceeds of which will go into our Scholarship Fund.
It was agreed that we would allocate up to approximately half of these funds for
current applications for the following scholarship assistance:
Up to two awards, each, at up to USD $ 750.00 to support any bona fide,
Icelandic-related study at any relevant American, Canadian, or Icelandic cultural
or academic institution OR participation in either the traditional six-week
“total-Icelandic-immersion” program for young adults or the two-week-long similar
program for mature adults or retirees [www.Snorri.is], for enrollment in 2016 or
2017. And up to two awards, each, at up to USD $ 375.00 to support any bona fide
Icelandic-language study program [preference given to younger applicants], for
enrollment in 2016 or 2017. Application forms, including the current IAC Scholarship
Program Guidelines, will be posted on our website: www.IcelandChicago.org and will
be circulated to known potential applicants. Review of all applications and
announcements and presentations of awards will be completed in time for our next
Þorrablót [19-Mar-2016]. In this same issue of the Frón, our webmaster, Marc Johnson,
is reporting on pending improvements to our IAC website, which will afford additional
opportunities to enhance our reporting on our Scholarship Program and its history.
At our meeting, there was renewed interest in exploring options for applying for
IRS-recognized Charitable Tax-Deductible status [e.g., 501(c)] for our Scholarship
Fund, a designation which might also be relevant for other IAC activities to the
extent that they are relevant to Icelandic-related cultural and educational outreach
activities of our Association.The current committee members of our IAC Scholarship
Program remain: Tryggvi Emilsson, Haukur Guðmundsson, Sonja Johnson, Joni Shaw, and
the undersigned. Anyone interested in working on or with our Committee and/or
assisting with our fund-raising, currently primarily at the annual Scandinavian Day,
is encouraged to liase with the undersigned. Inquires, suggestions, and applications
are always welcome, by email to: Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org
(mailto:Scholarships@IcelandChicago.org) or the undersigned [JohnHaldor@Gmail.com
(mailto:JohnHaldor@Gmail.com) ].<br />
J.H.H.<br />
<br />
<b>The 12 Gifts of Christmas and Other Stories by the Late Joan Eyjolfson Cadham</b><br />
Joan Eyolfson Cadham, a prolific Canadian-Icelandic author, reporter, editor, and
long-time active member of the Icelandic National League of North America
[www.INLofNA.org], died on the 28^th of October, 2015, at the age of
seventy-five-years-young, literally at her writingdesk in her home in Foam Lake,
Saskatchewan, practicing her life-long craft to the end. During her final nearly
six-year-long valiant struggle against idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, she remained
remarkably active, travelling, driving, and most of all, writing. She was widely
known to active INL of NA participants, readers of Western Icelandic literature, and
subscribers to the Lögberg-Heimskringla [www.LH-Inc.ca], where she had been its
Editor [2010 – 2014], with a keen interest in covering all matters Western Icelandic
throughout Canada and the United States. She recently finished her final opus, The
12 Gifts of Christmas and Other Stories, which her estate has just now released.
The preceding general information came from obituary remembrances which have been
widely circulated by the INL of NA and by Stefan Jonasson, the current Editor of the
Winnipeg, MB-based Lögberg-Heimskringla, North America’s oldest and longest
continuously-published Icelandic newspaper. LH’s current homepage still features
some of this material. The following specific information [“bracketed by quotation
marks”], excerpted from a press release written by Shirley Byers, a long-time
colleague and friend from nearby Kelvington, SK, is used with kind permission.
Audrey Shepherd, another long-time colleague and friend from nearby Wynyard, SK,
mentioned in the final paragraph, often provided Joan with desktop publishing
assistance and was actively involved in this book’s production. “Celebrating Christmas
with Joan: Joan Eyolfson Cadham loved Christmas. Early in 2015 she began gathering
together her many, many stories and columns on that season and organizing them into
a book. The finished product, The 12 Gifts of Christmas and Other Stories, is a
tangible expression of that love. Christmas cards, Christmas trees, Christmas music —
where did they come from? Why do we celebrate on December 25th? Why does the
gift-giver, a part of every Christian culture’s traditions, arrive at different times
in different countries? And when was Jesus really born?<br />
<br />
Besides answering these and other questions while serving up a wealth of Christmas
history, traditions and folklore, this book is about the author’s own Christmases on
the family farm near Foam Lake, in the town of Foam Lake, in Toronto, Montreal, and
Cold Lake with a young family, back in Foam Lake with her husband, Jack Cadham, and
finally on her own, shored up by the reminiscences of a lifetime of Christmases.
And gifts from her Secret Santa: Twelve exquisite works of art, mailed anonymously
to Joan over twelve years, including a nativity, a herb dryer, a key safe and more —
each one clearly designed especially for its recipient, (Note the blonde Joan-like
braids on more than one illustration), each one building the suspense, growing the
legend which eventually captured the attention of the entire town and became the
title story for this book.<br />
<br />
The 12 Gifts of Christmas and Other Stories has dozens of pictures, including the
twelve gifts. And, like the true journalist she was, Joan made sure that there was
a chapter for the folks who don’t love Christmas, or who maybe don’t love it this year.
A Ryerson-trained journalist, Joan was the author of three books, The Prairie Does
Flourish [2011], Red Right Returning [1998], and Bent but Not Broken [1992],
(co-authored with Dennis Dwyer and David Marcel Letourneau). She was the editor of
two more books and contributing author to several more. She was the editor of Port
Hole, the Canadian Power and Sail Squadron magazine, and The Lögberg-Heimskringla
[2010 - 2014], bi-weekly covering Icelandic news for North Americans. She produced
countless features, editorials and columns, including Prairie Snapshots, a weekly
broadcast column for CBC Radio, Regina, SK.<br />
<br />
This book may be ordered through Audrey Shepherd [ol.shepherd@sasktel.net
(mailto:ol.shepherd@sasktel.net) ], as it's not yet in bookstores this year.
Probably next year, as Joan died so suddenly and her son (executor) has many things
to do before he gets it into bookstores and Amazon. The approximate cost is $ 23.00
(tax incl.), plus shipping and handling.”<br />
Please liaise directly with Audrey regarding the exact USD $ cost, including shipping
options. Sounds like a great Christmas stocking-stuffer!<br />
J.H.H.<br />
<br />
-Upcoming Events-<br />
<i><u> </u></i><br />
<i><u>Taking down the Christmas Tree </u></i><br />
Sunday January 10th 1:30pm<br />
Museum of Science and Industry<br />
Everyone is welcome<br />
<br />
<br />
<i><u>Save the date: Thorrablot </u></i><br />
Saturday March 19th at 6pm<br />
Swedish American Museum<br />
More details to follow.<br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Save the date: Icelandic Open </u><br />
August 28th<br />
More details to follow.<br />
<br />
<i>About the Icelandic Association</i><br />
The purpose of our association is to ensure that the legacy of the Icelandic heritage
will be preserved through cultural events, social gatherings and educational
opportunities. We always welcome new members and look forward to hearing from you. -
More at: http://www.icelandchicago.org/
Forward to a Friend
View our blog (http://icelandchicago.blogspot.com/)
Visit on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago)<br />
<br />
============================================================<br /><br />
Copyright © All rights reserved.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "courier"; font-size: 10.0pt;">FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER.
EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEB SITE:** WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG
(http://WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG)
. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (AIC),
EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT.
</span>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-27334283036573768302015-06-14T20:14:00.002-07:002016-01-23T22:07:42.337-08:00June 2015 NewsletterThe June 2015 newsletter is found <a href="http://eepurl.com/bptlx9">here</a>. The plain text version is below. To sign up for the newsletter, please fill out this <a href="http://eepurl.com/VrORP">form</a>. <br /><br /><b>** Farsælda Frón <br />------------------------------------------------------------ <br />Volume 17, Issue 1 June 2015 <br /><br />** From the President's desk <br />------------------------------------------------------------<br />Gleðilegt Sumar – Happy Summer </b><br />The summer in Iceland has yet to arrive and we can sense how friends and family are getting frustrated with the weather. June 2nd in Akureyri started with 32F and some snow. We send warm wishes over the ocean and hope things will improve fast as I know many in our community are visiting Iceland this summer. We have welcomed some new members who have recently moved to the Chicago area and joined our association but we are also saying farewell to long standing members and good friends, Anna Jóels and Tom Fox, who are moving to Iceland. We will miss them dearly and wish them all the best. 23rd of May we had a successful open board meeting at the restaurant Tre Kronor who did the catering for our Þorrablót. The meeting was well attended and we covered wide variety of topics. We talked about the BIG news, the direct flight to Chicago from Iceland, recently announced by Icelandair. The meeting approved moving the Þorrablót 2016 from February to March if we could get seats on the first flight, March 16th, for musician and chef. I am happy to report that I was successful at securing spots on the plane and I am excited to confirm a date for Þorrablót 2016, for the 19th of March, at the Swedish American Museum. Maybe we will have guests from Iceland attending with the new direct flight in place. I hope to see many of you at our Independence Day picnic June 13th at the Promontory <br />Point. The hotdogs have arrived from Iceland! Einar Steinsson President <br />------------------------------------------------------------ <br /><br /><b>From the Editor </b><br />Summer weather is finally here in Chicago! As we get used to the hot, humid weather again, you may have heard about the massive strikes going on in Iceland. Most industries were affected. Notably, veterinarians were on strike resulting in a shortage of meat in grocery stores and healthcare was hit hard with reports of many healthcare professionals looking into jobs in Scandinavia. On a lighter note, over 1100 people are reportedly gathering on June 13th to participate in a 'Free the nipple" event, from the recently viral movement working towards gender equality. <br /><br />This newsletter includes information about exciting upcoming events including the Icelandic Independence Day celebration this Saturday. It also contains a call for applications for Scholarships from IAC to learn Icelandic and an article about the Icelandic National League (INL) of North America meeting in Minneapolis that two of our members attended. <br /><br />Gledilegan 17da juni! Happy June 17th! <br /><br />Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass Editor <br />------------------------------------------------------------ <br /><br /><b>-Upcoming Events- </b><br />Iceland's Independence Day, Saturday June 13th 2pm, Promontory Park, Join us for delicious Icelandic hot dogs! Please RSVP. <br /><br />Midsommar Celebration, Saturday June 20th Vasa Park, Elgin, Opens at 3:30PM, Potluck Dinner begins at 6PM <br /><br />Save the date: Icelandic Open, August 30th, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate, More details to follow. <br /><br />Scandinavian Day, September 13th 10AM-6PM, Vasa Park, Elgin <br /><br /><b>PAST AND FUTURE EVENTS </b><br />
<br />
<b>Thorrablot 2015</b> <br /><br />
The Thorrablot was held on February 21st at the Swedish museum and was a great success! For pictures see: http://www.icelandchicago.org/blot2015.html <br /><br />Iceland's Independence Day "17da Júni" Icelandic Hot Dogs! All members are invited to celebrate our Independence Day at Promontory Point,locally known as ‘The Point’. Please join us for a picnic style festival and a fun afternoon by the Lake. The IAC will treat everyone to hot dogs, pylsa, from Iceland, Icelandic style – eina með öllu – which includes dried fried onion and remolade! What makes Icelandic hot dogs unique and oh so good, is that they’re made from lamb meat. Please note that other than the hot dogs, the event is a BYO, so please bring drinks, sides, salads, sweets, or other plates you'd like to eat or share. Remember to bring picnic gear: blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas...And, if anyone owns flags or other 17th of June decorations, please bring it with you – takk! We’re excited to celebrate 17di júní on the 13th of June and look forward to see you at 2 PM. A beach with life guards is close by for those who want to bring swim suits and go for a dive in the lake. Sign up by e-mailing Einar or call 773-489-4621. If the weather is questionable we will move the celebration to Lena and Einar’s house on Rockwell. Thus, it’s important you sign up so we can alert you of a different location.<br /><br />Directions and Parking: The Point is off 55th Street, East of Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Use 5500 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 for driving directions (Google Maps, etc.). You’ll find a metered parking lot on 55th street,by Bar Louie, or you may find free street parking. The walk to the Point takes about 6 minutes through a tunnel, which passes under Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th street. Upon emerging from the tunnel you’ll see a statue and a fountain. Turn right and walk south until you see our flag. We’ll try to find a spot as close to the field house as possible. For more information, photos, and the history of the Promontory Point, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago). <br /><br />Save the date: Icelandic Open - August 30th Registration for The Icelandic Open starts soon. It will be the same place, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate, and same price, $35. We have sold out the last four years! Trip to Iceland for a ‘hole in one’ and lots of other goodies. <br /><br />Midsommar Celebration - June 20th 2015 Once again, this event will occur in the form of a family picnic. The park will open on Saturday June 20th at 3:30 PM. A picnic dinner will begin at 6:00 PM. Meat will be furnished by Vasa Park aka Scandinavian Park in Elgin and each family is asked to bring a dish to pass. Activities will include the traditional Maypole raising, dancing, activities and crafts for children and will culminate with the bonfire lighting, traditional toast (Brenivin) and music. A donation of $5.00 per adult is requested, but is free for Scandinavian Park members with a 2015 membership card. It is also free for children 12 and under and parking is free. The park has a policy of no pets. Reservations are required by June 17, 2015 (so that they can be sure there is enough beef for all)Call 630-665-7866 or email matthewe0607@comcast.net For further information see http://www.vasaparkil.com/rentals.html and http://www.vasaparkil.com/general/Midsommar_2015_rev.pdf <br /><br />Scandinavian Day - September 13th "Enjoy a late summer day with traditional food, crafts, gifts and entertainment representing the five Nordic Cultures as we celebrate the 62nd year of Vasa Park in South Elgin Illinois Honor the founders for the vision, labors and resources that built and preserved this beautiful Fox River Valley venue. Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park is enjoyed by the thousands who return each year to this tradition on the Sunday after Labor Day (September 13th from 10AM-6PM). A great day of food , fellowship and fun bringing together friends and family with pride for 36 years. Select your favorites,and feast on a variety of Scandinavian and American food. Visit the many craft and gift vendors for that special memory of the five Nordic countries. Bring the family for a full day of fun and enjoy the tradition of music, dance and a relaxed day in the park." Once again, we ask for your help in selling our wonderful Icelandic Glacial Water during the day, Sunday September 13th. We are grateful to Icelandic Glacial Water for donating many cases to benefit our Scholarship Fund. We are the only vendor of water at the park on Scandinavian Day and we sold out last year. And it was good to be among friends enjoying the spirit of the occasion. For further information seehttp://www.vasaparkil.com/rentals.html <br /><br /><b>OTHER NEWS </b><br />Call for Applications: Icelandic Association of Chicago Scholarship Program Before announcing current Icelandic Association of Chicago [IAC] Scholarship Program opportunities, kudos are appropriate for the following three individuals who made unexpected and much-appreciated gifts at our þorrablót-2015, which were immediately auctioned-off for benefit of our IAC Scholarship Fund: Dr. Leifur Bjornson, Melissa Findley-Thompson, and our IAC President and Honorary Icelandic Vice-Consul in Chicago, Einar Steinsson. Leifur donated a 1975-vintage bottle of Brennivin. Its purchaser, Melissa, instead of taking it home for preservation and aging for another forty years or personally enjoying same with friends and family, immediately auctioned off shots --- the entire bottle! Einar donated one of his signature-ties with the Icelandic flag prominently displayed. The ensuing enthusiastic bidding netted approximately $300.00 which brings our current IAC Scholarship Fund balance to just under $4,000.00 after having awarded four stipends in the past two years. Thank you to all who supported this novel addition to our funding! At our most recent open IAC Board Meeting on Saturday, 23-May-2015, at Tre Kronor, the Swedish Bistro which catered our recent þorrablót, it was agreed that the following stipends will be available: Up to two [2] awards at USD $ 375.00 to support any bonafide Icelandic-language study [course work, on-line, language-camp, etc.] and up to two [2] awards at USD $ 750.00 to support any bonafide Icelandic-related studies under the auspices of any recognized cultural or academic institution in the United States, Canada, or Iceland OR participation in either the traditional six-week total Icelandic-immersion Snorri program for young adults [approximately 18 to 30 years of age] or the more recent similar two-week Snorri-Plus program for mature adults or retirees. Further details, including guidelines and application forms, will be posted on our IAC website: www.IcelandChicago.org. As of going-to-press-time, we currently have at least two promising pending applications and more applications are very much welcome! Currently, most of our IAC Scholarship funding comes from beverage sales [assorted soda-pop and donated IcelandicGlacialWater] at Vasa Park [South Elgin, IL] during Scandinavian Day and Mid-Sommar Day under the auspices of the Park’s trustee, The Not-for-Profit 501(c) Scandinavian Park, Inc., on whose Board our IAC is represented by Joni Shaw and as alternates, Larry O. Shaw and John H. Hofteig. Please see Joni’s article above on both of these events, inviting all to come and enjoy Vasa Park, celebrate Scandinavian Heritage, purchase IcelandicGlacialWater, and perhaps even help us at our booth on Saturday afternoon, 20-June-2015, and nearly all-day on Sunday, 13-September-2015.<br />
<br />
John H. Hofteig <br /><br />A Report from the INLofNA Convention The 96th Annual Convention was held in Minneapolis, Minnesota May 14-17, 2015 at the Hilton MSP Airport/Mall of America Hotel. The theme of the convention was "Icelandic Connections: The Sagas Continue". John Hofteig and I, Joni Shaw, were attendees from Chicago. We were reminded of the journeys our ancestors made in the hope of starting a new life in a new land. How their children and the following generations spread across the North American continent and the stories have continued. The programs presented highlighted some of those families and their stories. We met old friends and made new ones - relatives? As we say - "What is more joyful than a gathering of good friends". Honored guests were: Former President Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Iceland's Ambassador to the Us, Geir Harde and Canada's Ambassador, Sturla Sigurjonsson. The keynote speaker for the Saturday evening banquet was Madame Vigdis Finnbogadottir, Former President of Iceland and current UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador of Languages of the World - as she was introduced in the program. Friday was a full day with many interesting sessions. It was divided into three time divisions, each containing sessions regarding Research, Education, Heritage and a Workshop. My cousin, Alicyn Goodman, and I, Joni Shaw, participated in the second session of Heritage topics, presenting information regarding the INLofNA International Visits Program (Sharing Talents with Clubs Here and Across the Ocean). This year, in October, North America will be hosting a very prominent man in fisheries through this program - Dr Grimur Valdimarsson, an international expert on world fisheries. A man who has, worldwide, made significant advances in his area of expertise. There were about 150 in attendance. Saturday brought us more sessions, the AGM and the Banquet with the delightful Madame Vigdis and dancing. Next year the Convention will be held in Vancouver, Canada. For further information see inlofna.org/2015-Convention <br /><br />============================================================ <br />About the Icelandic Association The purpose of our association is to ensure that the legacy of the Icelandic heritage will be preserved through cultural events, social gatherings and educational opportunities. We always welcome new members and look forward to hearing from you. - More at: http://www.icelandchicago.org/ View our blog (http://icelandchicago.blogspot.com/) Visit on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago)<br /><br />FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. <br /><br />EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEB SITE: WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG. <br /><br />CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO (IAC), EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-64034610200519168532015-01-13T14:21:00.002-08:002015-06-14T14:12:34.044-07:00December 2014<i>Here is a link to the <a href="http://us8.campaign-archive1.com/?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=77d2896521">newsletter</a>.</i>
<i>The plain text version is found below:</i><br />
<b><i> </i>** Farsælda Frón</b><br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Volume No. 16 Issue No.4
December 2014
<b>** </b><br />
<br />
<b>From the President</b><br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
Farwell 2014 – Welcome 2015
In 2010 I wrote that everything is happening so fast that 2015 would soon be around the corner. Well, guess what, it is here. It is a good thing; every year we celebrate another birthday is an accomplishment.
I am the bearer of more good news. It was just announced that Costco will open a store in Iceland in 2015. This is causing a debate among Icelanders who some go so far as to warn that imported meet can shorten the longevity in Iceland. We shall see.
The Icelandic Association had a fantastic year on all fronts; a record attendance to all events and more new members than ever before. We updated some of the decorations for our Christmas Tree as reported earlier, which is a task we will keep working on. We polled the membership with a Þorrablót survey and got some great feedback which we will use in 2015.
Set your calendar for taking down the Tree Sunday, January 4^th at 4 pm and to celebrate the ancient god, Þór, at Þorrablót, February 21st.
I hope you are looking forward to a prosperous 2015 and I wish you and your families Happy Holidays and Gleðileg Jól og Farsælt Komandi Ár.
Einar Steinsson
President<br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<b>From the Editor</b><br />
<br />
The IAC has once again had a eventful year. We look forward to 2015 events including Þorrablot, Icelandic Open Golf event, 17da Juni Independence Celebration, Tree trimming and cultural events as they present themselves. If you have not already taken part in these events, I encourage you to come and give it a try. We promise not to bite!
This newsletter includes information and details about upcoming and past events. It also features an article from one of our IAC members, Kenneth, who visited Iceland recently and gives us a synopsis of his trip including some beautiful pictures.
As I prepare to go "home" to Iceland for the holidays I reminisce about growing up in Iceland and loving this dark yet light (read: holiday lights), joyous time of the year.I hope your holidays are filled with light, joy and laughter.
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass
kolbrkr@gmail.com (mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com)
Editor<br />
<br />
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<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>PAST AND FUTURE EVENTS</b><br />
<br />
<b>Þorrablót survey and Raffle</b>
Thank you to everyone who participated in the Þorrablót survey. It was emailed to the IAC mailing list containing current and past members and 40 responses were received. The results were presented at the General Meeting in November followed by the raffle drawing. Axel Nielsen was the lucky winner of a ticket to the 2015 IAC Þorrablót. Congratulations Axel!
<b>Save the Date - Þorrablót 2015</b>
Þorrablót 2015 will be held February 21st. More detailes to follow soon. The Þorra Committee
<b>Christmas around the World!</b><br />
<br />
The IAC has an annual tradition of decorating an Icelandic Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry. This year this festive event occurred on Saturday November 8^th. Thanks to all of you who helped at the tree trimming. We are excited and extremely proud of our tree this year, which boasts some brand new ornaments and refurbished older ones. We met prior to the event and fixed up the farm and the church – Thanks Oli and Pam for hosting and Oli, Larry, Karl, Miguel and myself for doing the work. A big shout out to Guðrún Jónsson the new Chairperson of Christmas Tree Committee who, in addition to starching and re-stringing the snow flakes, came up with and executed some great ideas for new decorations and herself knitted colorful Christmas balls. We hope you’ll find time this holiday season to visit Christmas Around the World and see for yourself.
<b>Scandinavian Day</b>
A huge "thank you" to all who came out in September to celebrate Scandinavian Day in support of the Icelandic community and our Scholarship Fund. It was a perfect day at Vasa Park in Elgin. Those handsome Olafsson men, Oli, Luke, Will and Bjorn, proudly carried the Icelandic flag in the opening ceremonies. Lena sang our National Anthem so beautifully, along with Joni. Pam Olafsson was our professional photographer. John and Larry were the backbone of our effort. It was a magnificently successful event on this sunny Sunday. All worked in our booth selling Icelandic Glacial water and assorted pop we had the most successful sales day in our history. We had more water to sell this year than others and we actually sold out, whereas we have taken home many cases in years past.
And, an Icelandic vendor joined the celebration this year - Leda Herman - with her Scandi-mania. Wonderful to have Leda and her daughter. They were also in Mountain this year at the Deuce of August.
Entertainment at the park included Swedish recording artist Peter Nordberg, Nordic Folk Dancers of Chicago, Chicago Spelmanslag, Leikarringen Heimhug Norwegian Folk Dancers of Chicago, Ole and Sven, folk dancing classes, pony rides, a Scandinavian Zoo, a wonderful Living History Timeline and the wildly popular closing act - the ABBA Salute. Attendance at the event is growing every year and we are happy to be a part of this celebration of our heritages. Icelandic Glacial Water is the exclusive vendor of water and we are very appreciative that we have the support of the Scandinavian community of Vasa Park.
Joni Shaw
<b>OTHER NEWS</b>
<b>Renew your IAC Membership now</b>
It is time to renew your IAC Membership. Membership is the same as last year, only $10 per student/individual or $20 per family. There are two ways pay/apply for membership: Online (http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm) or by downloading this document (https://gallery.mailchimp.com/cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96/files/IAC_Membership_Form_2015.pdf) and sending it to Lawrence O. Shaw (address on form).
Entertainers or speakers needed in January or February
Hi – I am the Community Life Director at Cedarlake Village in Plainfield,IL, and independent home for senior citizens. We would like to highlight Iceland for the month of January or February. Do you have entertainers or speakers you could recommend? What is the fee for performances/speakers. Thanks so much.
Mary Nebor
Community Life Coordinator
14800 S. Van Dyke Rd.
Plainfield, IL 60544
P: (815) 254-3564
F: (815) 439-9651
www.cedarlakevillage.com<br />
<br />
<b>Two Day Whirlwind Across South Iceland by Kenneth Beckwith Benavides</b><br />
<br />
I spent my first night with a dog in a gas station. Actually, it was great. It's so easy to get into a mindless routine; Iceland is exactly the private piece of microcosm I needed to get in touch with my core.
Skógafoss in the morning. Sorry, Reykjavík I didn't come for the civilization. Onto Dyrhólæy. First, Mr. Drunk man at three in the morning, "can you please tell me how to get gas?" He has no idea. Oh well.
Dyrhólæy, my first encounter with black lava rock and the ocean in the daytime. Sheep everywhere, horses too. An otherworldy surreal landscape; heaven and hell.
Dyrhólæy was great, but Reynisfjall was like a dream. Spires, no, daggers spiralling up out of the ocean; Maleficent's mountain. Iceland is the only place wonder and weird add up to make cool. Black sand, white ocean froth, basalt columns. A Sigur Rós music video -- no, better, another world.
Would I want to stay here? I don't know about the dark winters. Can a mind survive something like that in one piece?
At Skaftafell I met the forest sanctuary, Svartafoss. She was magnifecent. And Skeiðaràrasandur a geologic wet dream. Finally, Jökulsárlon; gems of diamond white atop coal pitch. Translation please? Where the mountain glaciers go to meet with the sea and become saltwater. As they transform they tinkle like bells into smaller and smaller renditions down a river to the surf.
The glacier that manage to survive litter the shore amid maroon kelp and the occasional driftwood and diamond ice masses. A sight to behold, walk on beach sand stones, return with a lost part of your soul.
My adventure, in the remote reaches of Iceland, crafted by human minds and human hands. A world where the winds and sea are king and go to meet with fire, crash, and wonder the mind, wonder the soul--so beautiful.
Þakka þér fyrir að Icelandic Association of Chicago og Lena Hallgrímsdóttir for preparing me fyrir the adventure!<br />
<br />
<b>-Upcoming Events-</b>
<b>Save the Date!</b><b>IAC Þorrablót 2015 February 21st</b>. More details to follow. The Þorra committee
<b>Taking down the Christmas Tree</b> Sunday January 4th at 4:00pm Join us for taking down the Icelandic Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry. Contact Lena to RSVP.<br />
<br />
<b>About the Icelandic Association</b>
The purpose of our association is to ensure that the legacy of the Icelandic heritage will be preserved through cultural events, social gatherings and educational opportunities. We always welcome new members and look forward to hearing from you. - More at: http://www.icelandchicago.org/
View our blog (http://icelandchicago.blogspot.com/)
Visit on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago)
===================================================<br />
Copyright © *All rights reserved.
FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEB SITE:** WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG (http://WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG)
. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT.
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-62270283430294634542014-10-07T11:34:00.003-07:002014-12-16T20:30:34.097-08:00September 2014<i>Here is a link to the <a href="http://us8.campaign-archive2.com/?u=cd8fd8c44006d28c9bf1b7b96&id=825a5ca3ea&e=bc09fd9b17">newsletter</a>.</i><br />
<br />
<i>The plain text version is found below:</i><br />
<br />
** Farsælda Frón<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
Volume No. 16 Issue No.3<br />
September 2014<br />
<br />
<br />
** From the President’s desk<br />
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<br />
<b>To Fall In Love</b><br />
<br />
It is great when people fall in love with Iceland after their first visit. A coworker just came back from her honeymoon in Iceland and can not stop talking about it. I told her that is one of the dangers, to fall in love with Iceland, and want to go back. She said we have to go back; so many things we did not see. Tourism industry is blooming in Iceland but one of the things Icelanders are disputing is how to fund improvements needed for many of the most popular locations. Estimated number of tourists in Iceland this year is about one million, up 100% in the last 10 years. Many are in favor of selling a nature pass but some want to charge each person for each place, i.e. Gullfoss, Geysir, etc. I hope they will only have one fee once you enter the country and not a booth at every waterfall or glacier.<br />
<br />
The Icelandic Association is doing well. We had a successful 17th celebration by the Lake with a record attendance. Great time, good hot dogs from Iceland and good weather. On Sunday we wrapped up The 9th Chicago Icelandic Open with sold out number of 16 teams. Master’s winners this year are Kathy and Dave Mehl who played a very good game, shot 33 or two under par. No one had a hole in one to win the trip to Iceland, better luck next year<br />
Have a great fall.<br />
<br />
Einar Steinsson<br />
President<br />
<br />
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<br />
<b>From the Editor</b><br />
<br />
I hope you had a wonderful summer and are enjoying the mild fall weather. This newsletter is packed with events and news from the IAC and other Icelandic-centered topics. In particular, take note of the timing and location of the IAC General meeting immediately following the Tree Trimming at the Museum of Science and Industry. This is a great opportunity to contribute to the association and learn what our upcoming events are. Contact Lena or Einar to RSVP and for more information. Finally, please feel free to send me any topics/articles for the newsletter. I welcome your input.<br />
<br />
Kolla Kristjansdottir Fass <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com">kolbrkr@gmail.com</a><br />
Editor<br />
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<br />
<b>PAST AND FUTURE EVENTS</b><br />
<br />
<u>The Greater Icelandic Open</u><br />
<br />
The 9th Greater Icelandic Open was held at the Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate on September 14th. Champions were Kathy and Dave Mehl, 2nd place Paul and Max Henley and 3rd place went to Leigh and and David Mehl. Thank you to everyone who participated in this great event!<br />
<br />
<u>Christmas around the World!</u><br />
<br />
Once again it is time to decorate our tree at the Museum of Science and Industry. Please join us at 2:00 PM, Saturday November 8^th for this annual tradition and festive event. You must sign up with Lena as we’re to enter through the main Entry Hall and must show a wristband for a complimentary admission. Unfortunately, free parking is no longer offered. Parking in the museum’s garage costs $20 BUT there are other options. For example, metered parking in the east parking lot where we used to park; metered parking in the Park District lot just east of the Museum (enter off Lake Shore Drive just south of 57^th street – the same lot we use for our 17^th of June Celebration at Promontory Point; or free street parking within short walking distance from the Museum in the Hyde Park neighborhood.<br />
<br />
Hlökkum til að sjá ykkur! For more info contact Lena: <a href="mailto:koshkuklo@icloud.com">koshkuklo@icloud.com</a> (tel:773-910-3154)<br />
<br />
<u>IAC General Meeting</u><br />
<br />
Please join us for the IAC General Meeting right after the Tree Trimming at the Museum of Science and Industry. It will likely start around 4:30pm. Contact Lena or Einar to RSVP.<br />
<br />
<u>Icelandic Movie at Chicago Film Festival</u><br />
<br />
50 years of exciting, bold and daring new work from around the globe. Since 1965, we've prided ourselves on championing movies from the hottest young filmmakers to the most accomplished masters, from star-studded spectacles to the latest indie gems.<br />
<br />
Order your passes to the 50th Chicago International Film Festival now, and see the best in world cinema where it has the biggest impact–on the big screen. For all movies and more info: <a href="http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/sneak_preview/">http://www.chicagofilmfestival.com/sneak_preview/</a><br />
<br />
Icelandic Movie: Paris of the North<br />
Director: Hafsteinn Gunnar Sigurðsson • Iceland<br />
<br />
A genial schoolteacher's summer days are measured by long runs, time with students, and AA meetings. However, his best-laid plans for a quiet life are derailed by the arrival of his beer-guzzling father. A droll and assured film about finding yourself, Paris of the North is grounded in the wry, patient rhythms of small-town life.<br />
<br />
<b>OTHER NEWS</b><br />
<br />
<u>Icelandic Photo Exhibit in D.C. - Visible Iceland</u><br />
<br />
Iceland is a small island country with a large personality and many ever-changing moods. To showcase this inspirational place of sheer natural beauty, a month long exhibit called Visible Iceland, is planned for November 2014 in Washington, D.C. at Hillyer Art Space to coincide with FotoWeek DC. This proposed show will exhibit breathtaking work from Icelandic and American photographers. A successful <a href="https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/visibleiceland/visible-iceland-a-photographic-journey-0?ref=nav_search">Kickstarter</a> fundraising campaign was designed to increase visual awareness and stimulate interest in the project. Thank you for your time and consideration!<br />
<br />
Featuring Friðgeir Helgason, Svavar Jonatansson, Katrín Elvarsdóttir, Rax Axelsson, Pall Stefansson, Elena Sheehan and Jillian Watkins.<br />
<br />
<u>New Book: Yule Lads</u><br />
<br />
Hello, my name is Ken Barr, and I am a writer in the Orlando, Florida area. I have recently written a new version of the Yule Lads , including new works for the Lost Yule Lads as well. Here is the book description from Amazon.<br />
<br />
The Yule Lads have been around for many years, their story unchanged. They are a major part of the holiday season in Iceland. What I have done here is to reinterpret them, through the eyes of an outsider, and to modernize them, just a little. I have also included other members of their family that have not had much written about them, namely Grýla and the Yule Cat. I have actually given the Yule Cat a name. I have also found twelve “lost” Yule Lads and I couldn’t find anything written about them except their names, so I have created identities for each. It’s my hope to keep these characters and stories alive long after I am gone.<br />
<br />
<b>Link to book: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/J%C3%B3lasveinarnir-Yule-Lads-Their-Family/dp/1499277679/ref=sr_1_5_title_1_pap?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1410018363&sr=1-5&keywords=yule+lads">the Yule Lads</a></b><br />
<br />
Thank you, Ken Barr<br />
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=34985336">Kbarr2@cfl.rr.com</a><br /> (mailto:Kbarr2@cfl.rr.com)
407-325-7097<br />
Addition from Editor. <a href="http://www.mbl.is/frettir/innlent/2014/09/14/fell_fyrir_islensku_jolasveinunum/">Article in Mogginn</a> (in Icelandic) about the book and author.<br />
<br />
<u>Icelandair begins new service from Portland, Oregon</u><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.icelandair.us/">Icelandair</a> will begin seasonal non-stop service from Portland, Oregon to Reykjavik, Iceland beginning May 20, 2015 and continuing through October 21, 2015. With this new route, Icelandair now provides flights to its third gateway in the Pacific Northwest region of North America, and 14^th overall in the United States and Canada. Additionally, with Icelandair continuing the cooperation with their partner Alaska Airlines, convenient connections to Icelandair’s extensive route network are now available via their Portland hub. Cities include Phoenix, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Oakland and San Jose, as well as gateways in Hawai’i and Alaska, amongst others.<br />
<br />
Icelandair offers service to Iceland from Boston, New York-JFK, Washington, D.C., Seattle, Denver, Toronto and Edmonton, with seasonal service from Newark, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Orlando Sanford, Portland, Vancouver, Halifax, and Anchorage. Connections through Keflavik International Airport are available to more than 20 destinations in Scandinavia, the U.K. and Continental Europe. Only Icelandair allows passengers to stopover in Iceland for up to seven nights at no additional airfare.<br />
<br />
For additional information about Icelandair’s fares and packages to Iceland & beyond please visit us at <a href="http://www.icelandair.com/">www.icelandair.com</a> or by calling (877) I-FLY-ICE.<br />
<br />
<b>-Upcoming Events-</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<u>Christmas around the world</u><br /><br />
Saturday November 8th at 2pm<br />
Please join us at 2:00 PM, Saturday November 8^th for this annual tradition and festive event as we decorate our tree at the Museum of Science and Industry. You must sign up with Lena to attend and receive a wristband for complimentary admission.<br />
<br />
<u>IAC General Meeting</u><br /><br />
Saturday November 8th at around 4:30pm<br />
Join us for the IAC General Meeting right after the Tree Trimming at the Museum of Science and Industry. Contact Lena or Einar to RSVP.<br />
<br />
<u>About the Icelandic Association</u><br /><br />
The purpose of our association is to ensure that the legacy of the Icelandic heritage will be preserved through cultural events, social gatherings and educational opportunities. We always welcome new members and look forward to hearing from you. - More at: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">http://www.icelandchicago.org/</a><br />
<br />
View our blog (http://icelandchicago.blogspot.com/)<br />
Visit on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago)<br />
<br />
============================================================<br />
<br />
Copyright © rights reserved.<br />
<br />
FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: KOLLA KRISTJÁNSDÓTTIR FASS, WEB SITE:** <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</a>
. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-65463169036565202742014-05-23T20:17:00.000-07:002014-10-06T12:25:22.368-07:00May 2014<i>Here is a link to the <a href="http://eepurl.com/VaIfX">newsletter</a>.</i><i></i><br />
<br />
<i>The plain text version is found below:</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<i>Farsælda Frón
--------------------------------------------
Volume No. 16 Issue No.2
May 23th 2014</i><br />
<br />
------------------------------------------------------------ <br />
<b> From the President’s desk</b> <br />
<br />
Gleðilegt Sumar
Our last board meeting was ‘a first’ in the association’s history; it was online. It was productive and efficient so we may have more of these in the years to come. We still miss though, getting together in a restaurant or at a member’s home, socialize and enjoy each other’s company, good food, and drinks. I hope we will do that soon.
A few of our members met Iceland’s president, Olafur Ragnar Grímsson, who was in Chicago the other day lecturing on ‘Ice and Water in the 21^st century’. It was an interesting and thought provocative lecture, which you can access at <a href="http://www.forsetinn.is/">www.forsetinn.is </a> It was energizing and entertaining to meet Ólafur Ragnar and his Chief of Staff Örnólfur Thorsson. I am organizing a follow up meeting with them this summer in Iceland to discuss the ‘ins and outs’ of our Icelandic community in Chicago.
Please note the most recent changes on our board. Óli Ólafsson is now Chairperson for Membership and Marketing and Kolla Kristjánsdóttir Fass, our Secretary, is the new Editor of Frón. In this newsletter you will also find information about our next events: Midsummer Festival in Vasa Park and Iceland’s Independence Day Celebration on June 14^th at Promontory Point where we will treat our members to free hotdogs from Iceland. I hope you can attend.
The 9th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open will be held at Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate on the 14th of September, registration has started. Gunnar Thors and Mike Wothke are the 2013 Icelandic Open Champions. Like Þorrablót, the Icelandic Open has sold out for the last four years!
Gleðilegt Sumar<br />
Einar Steinsson
President<br />
------------------------------------------------------------<br />
<br />
<b>From the Editor</b><br />
I hope you are enjoying the lovely weather this Memorial Day Weekend. We look forward to many exciting events this summer and they are all described below. First, our Independence Day (17di Júní) celebration will be held on the 14^th of June at Promontory Point which is a fun family event with the oh-so-tasty Icelandic hot dog Hope to see you there.
Then, make sure to reserve your spot at the Greater Icelandic Open held on September 14th at Hillendale Golf Course. We have sold out for several years!
We also have information on fun Scandinavian events at Vasa park.
Finally, we are experimenting with a new format for the IAC Newsletter. We use a program called Mailchimp and this should make viewing the newsletter on mobile phones and tablets much more streamlined. Please feel free to give your feedback to <a href="mailto:kolbrkr@gmail.com">Kolla</a>.<br />
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<br />
UPCOMING EVENTS<br />
<br />
<b>Iceland's Independence Day '17di Júní'</b><br />
Saturday June 14th. Icelandic Hot Dogs!
All members are invited to celebrate our Independence Day at Promontory Point,locally known as ‘The Point’. Please join us for a picnic style festival and a fun afternoon by the Lake. The IAC will treat everyone to hot dogs, pylsa, from Iceland, Icelandic style – eina með öllu – which includes dried fried onion and remolade! What makes Icelandic hot dogs unique and oh so good, is that they’re made from lamb meat. Please note that other than the hot dogs, the event is a BYO, so please bring drinks, sides, salads, sweets, or other plates you'd like to eat or share. Remember to bring picnic gear: blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas... And, if anyone owns flags or other 17th of June decorations, please bring it with you – takk!
We’re excited to celebrate 17di júní on the 14th of June and look forward to see you at 2 PM. This year we’re due for sunshine and, hopefully, warm enough weather for a quick dip into the lake! We'll have our parade with flags and balloons. A beach with life guards is close by for those who want to bring swim suits and go for a dive. Sign up by e-mailing <a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net">Einar</a> or call 773-489-4621. If the weather is questionable we will move the celebration to Lena and Einar’s house on Rockwell. Thus, it’s important you sign up so we can alert you of a different location.<br />
<i>Directions and Parking:</i> The Point is off 55th Street, East of Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Use 5500 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 for driving directions (Google Maps, etc.). You’ll find a metered parking lot on 55th street,by Bar Louie, or you may find free street parking. The walk to the Point takes about 6 minutes through a tunnel, which passes under Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th street. Upon emerging from the tunnel you’ll see a statue and a fountain. Turn right and walk south until you see our flag. We’ll try to find a spot as close to the field house as possible. For more information, photos, and the history of the Promontory Point, check out: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago)">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago)</a>.<br />
<br />
<b>Midsommar Celebration at Vasa Park</b><br />
Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 3:30 PM
This year's event includes a picnic dinner at 6:00 PM free to 2014 Scandinavian Park members or a $5.00 donation per adult. Family memberships may be purchased that day at the park. Children under 12 are free. Parking is free. There will be activities and crafts for children, horse-drawn wagon rides and a bonfire and toast at sunset. You are encouraged to bring a dish to pass.
Reservations are required by June 18, 2014. Call 630-665-7866 or email <a href="mailto:matthewe0607@comcast.net">matthewe0607@comcast.net</a> The Board and friends have been working hard at making the park inviting and beautiful. The setting is relaxing and the price can't be beat. Come and support the organization that is the sole source of donations for our Icelandic Scholarship program. <br />
<br />
<b> Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park
</b><br />
Sunday, September 7, 2014
SAVE THE DATE and plan on helping in the Icelandic Glacial Water and Pop booth.
Email <a href="mailto:ammajoni@msn.com">Joni Shaw </a>if you can help that day.<br />
<br />
<b>The Greater Icelandic Open
</b><br />
Registration for The Icelandic Open starts soon. It will be the same place, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate, and same price, $35. We have sold out last three years! Trip to Iceland for a ‘hole in one’ and lots of other goodies. If you already know you are going to play, let <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@karenzupko.com">Einar </a>know to reserve a spot. Spread the word.
-Upcoming Events-
Iceland's Independence Day at Promontory Point
Saturday June 14th, 2pm
Come join us for Icelandic hot dogs with all the authentic fixings! For more info see main text.<br />
<pre></pre>
<hr />
Farsælda Frón - The Icelandic Association of Chicago Newsletter. editor: Kolla Kristjánsdóttir Fass, web site: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>
. correspondence: The Icelandic Association of Chicago, Einar Steinsson President.
<br />
-About the Icelandic Association-<br />
The purpose of our association is to ensure that the legacy of the Icelandic heritage will be preserved through cultural events, social gatherings and educational opportunities. We always welcome new members and look forward to hearing from you.<br />
<br />
View our blog (<a href="http://icelandchicago.blogspot.com/">http://icelandchicago.blogspot.com/</a>)<br />
Visit on Facebook (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago">https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago</a>)
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-90848713651836413962014-03-20T18:59:00.000-07:002014-03-20T19:05:15.793-07:00January 2014<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Farsælda Frón</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Icelandic Association of Chicago</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Volume No. 16 Issue No. 1</span><br />
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<h1>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">From the President’s desk</span></h1>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The next chapter in our history!</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gle<span lang="IS">ðilegt ár og takk fyrir það liðna – Happy New Year and thanks for the past - using a direct translation from Icelandic. <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> had a fantastic 90th birthday year and we are starting 2014 strong with new board members</span>: <span lang="IS"> Welcome Kolla Kristjánsdóttir Fass as our Secretatry and Óli Ólafsson as our Chariperson of Marketing and Membership. I am also happy to</span> report we are keeping the low membership fee the same and the ticket price for <span lang="IS">Þ</span>orrabl<span lang="IS">ó</span>t is unchanged from previous years. You can read about that and other updates from our General Meeting in the newsletter. <span lang="IS">I hope all of you, and many more, will join our group and help write the next chapter of The Icelandic Association of Chicago.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The latest news out of Iceland tells us the economy is thriving, except, for the housing market, which keeps inflation up. The rental market is making it very hard for renters, who are mostly younger people or students, to leave the nest. One bedroom flat in Reykjav<span lang="IS">ík is </span>going for $1,400 a month with two months advanced payments and two months security deposit. On top of high rent, it has become increasingly difficult to find a place and it is common to have a bidding war. Tourism is one section of the economy that is flourishing with record breaking numbers everywhere. The question has become how to limit access to some of the busiest tourist attractions or how to charge for access. The goal is to have a new system in place this spring and some are voting for a flat fee to be charged once you enter Iceland. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span lang="IS">Þorrablót 2014 will be hold on the 15th of February </span>as most of you know from our “Save the Date” email blast. I want to remind you we have sold out for the past four years at Svithod House. We will sell 70 tickets. First two weeks of sales will be for members only and their guests and then we will open up sales to the public. Our ambassador has yet to confirm attendance but our great musician from last year, Hemmi, ensures we all will have fun and for a bargain price you will enjoy food and drink, raffle prizes, and singing and dancing. I hope you can make it.</span></div>
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<span lang="IS"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a prosperous 2014 and I look forward to seeing you at some of our events this year.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Einar Steinsson</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">President </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=34985336" name="1439967e13c60820_1439423758d71d60_14394126f027d759_1438f11eb830a48c_1438dfcf16b162f2_blot"><strong><b><span style="color: #222222;">Þorrablót 201</span></b></strong></a><strong><b><span style="color: #222222;">4</span></b></strong><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">We’ll celebrate </span><span style="color: #222222;"><span lang="IS">Þ</span></span><span style="color: #222222;">orri Saturday, February 15, at the Svithiod House, <u></u><u></u>5518 W. Lawrence Avenue<u></u><u></u>. The location is close to I-90/94; easy street parking, and accessible by public transportation. We’ll open the house at 6 P.M., and start with a welcome punch and gravlax, and for the brave of heart, Brennivin and rotten shark. We’ll serve a buffet style dinner with delicious Þorrafood flown in from <u></u><u></u>Iceland<u></u><u></u> and some traditional and less traditional dishes prepared by members.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">We’ll have our famous and ever popular raffle where you can win ticke</span>ts<span style="color: navy;"> </span><span style="color: #222222;">from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes from <u></u><u></u>Iceland<u></u><u></u>. We’re thrilled to have the talented musician, Hermann Arason, back. Hemmi will entertain us throughout the evening and make sure everyone hits the dance floor, or the stage, for a song or two, and the Þorra Choir, i.e., you, will sing like there’s no tomorrow… </span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">Purchase your tickets, join <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span>, or renew your membership now! We’ll have a pre-sale for members and their guests until 1/28 when we’ll open up the ticket sale, if any left. <u></u><u></u></span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">We’ll sell 70 tickets at the same great prices as last year:</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">Member: $50</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">Guest: $60</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">70 and older: $40</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">12-18 and students: $40</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">11 and younger: Free</span><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2012.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Þorrablót Tickets</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Online Membership Form</a></span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsMembership.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Pay for Membership Online</a> Membership is $20 per family or $10 per person/student. </span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsDonations.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Donations</a> (specify if it's a general donation or for the scholarship fund)</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">If you prefer, you can fill out the attached Membership form and send payment by mail to:</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><u></u><u></u><span style="color: #222222;">Lawrence</span><u></u><u></u><span style="color: #222222;"> O. Shaw</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span>25501 Maurepas Lane<u></u><u></u><br /><u></u><u></u>Leesburg<u></u>, <u></u>FL<u></u> <u></u>34748<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">We’re excited about our Þorrablót and look forward to a memorable Icelandic night with all of you good folks.</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span><span style="color: #222222;">Skál!</span><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Þorra-committee </span></div>
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<b><span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Program Update:</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At our most recent combined Annual General Meeting and Board Meeting in November, 2013, the following was reported and approved by those in attendance:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">The previously authorized stipend [but not hitherto awarded] in the amount of USD $ 375.00 for Icelandic-language instruction was awarded to Sóley Johnson, the daughter of Marc and Sonja Johnson. During the past summer, Sóley, completed the same three-week resident Icelandic-language day-program in Reykjavík [</span><a href="http://www.skoli.eu/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">www.Skoli.eu</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">] in which her brother, Krístján, was also enrolled. A previously authorized stipend [for which no prior applications had been submitted] in the amount of USD $ 750.00 for partial support of participation in Snorri Foundation [</span><a href="http://www.snorri.is/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">www.Snorri.is</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">] exchange programs or any bona fide Icelandic-related study in Iceland, Canada, or the United States was renewed and authorized to accept new applications for relevant activity during calendar years, 2014 or 2015. In addition, up to two [2] new awards, each in the amount of USD $ 375.00 for bona fide Icelandic-language instruction was newly-authorized to accept applications for relevant study or Icelandic-language camp programs through calendar years, 2014 or 2015. Full details regarding this now-open<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship opportunities will be posted on our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> website: </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">www.IcelandChicago.org</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Association was reminded that John remains the Icelandic-Community’s representative on the Advisory Board of the North Park University [Chicago] Center for Scandinavian Studies [<b>CSS</b>] and that the CSS is eager to continue its cooperation with our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span>, including possibly hosting the showing of the INL of NA current video, <b><i>Living With Lava</i></b>, the Snorri Foundation video, <b><i>The Wayfarers</i></b>, and perhaps co-hosting a program of Icleandic music. North Park University is the only academic institution of any consequence in the Chicago area with a long-standing, continuing student- and faculty- exchange program with two Icelandic universities. North Park University will be inviting the participation of all Chicago-area Scandinavian communities to participate in the 13-September-2014 grand-opening of the Timothy Johnson Center for the Sciences and Community Life on their campus. This facility will also house North Park’s very active International Student Program, which regularly welcomes students from Iceland and sends North Park students for shorter and longer programs in Iceland.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Scholarship Program Committee will be working on the INL of NA’s Biographies Project and will be making recommendations and soliciting nominations for inclusion of prominent past and present Icelandic immigrants in the Chicago and Mid-West area. The Committee will also notify the <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Board and Membership of any new INL of NA International Visits Program opportunities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park, South Elgin, this past September was a success and left-over donated IcelandicGlacialWater is nearly all sold, leaving a comfortable reserve balance in our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Fund to support any new opportunities next Autumn.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Committee has been expanded to include: Joni Shaw, Sonja Johnson, Tryggvi Emilsson, and Haukur Guðmundsson.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Scholarship Committee will be making recommendations to our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> webmaster and the Board to enhance publication of relevant <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship information, including: a brief history, its current objectives, all awardees to date, reports from awardees who have completed supported activities, current <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship opportunities, and relevant application forms.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Committee will be making recommendations to the Board and to our Membership regarding a more regular, predictable schedule for announcing, reviewing, and awarding scholarship opportunities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">Respectfully submitted, John H. Hofteig, Chair, <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Program & Academic Liaison [</span><a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">JohnHaldor@gmail.com</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">]</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>January, 2014: A proposal for our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> to become a full-member of the Icelandic National League of North America [INL of NA: <a href="http://www.inlofna.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.INLofNA.org</a>]:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During 2012, our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> became a “provisional” member of the INL of NA, a not-for-profit, cultural organization [affiliated with the INL of Iceland], whose stated purpose is to preserve, enhance, and share the very best of Icelandic heritage in North America through education, cooperation with Icelandic groups across North America, and communication with the people and Government of Iceland. For historical and practical geographic reasons, the INL of NA was chartered in Gimli, MB in 1919 but its outreach and purview extend both north and south of the 49<sup>th</sup> Parallel! “Provisional” member-status is normally available for only one year, after which a club must either convert to “regular” full membership or drop out. The INL of NA Board granted a one-time, six-month extension [until 30-June-2013] to encourage our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> to convert to “regular” member-status.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The undersigned seek your support for our recommendation that our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> convert to “regular” membership. As individual members of the INL of NA and/or as attendees at its events and/or as a delegate [John] at its conventions, we are very well informed regarding the INL of NA, as we ask you to support our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> becoming a full member-club of the INL of NA, “<i>Warts-and-all</i>!”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joni, as our representative to the INL of NA and as an elected at-Large Board member, and John, as an appointed member of two important INL of NA committees [Scholarships and the Biographies Project], are in positions with ample opportunity to build upon INL of NA’s strengths and redress some of its imperfections, real and imaginary.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This article is an abbreviated version of much longer proposal [emailed as an attachment] asking for you support for our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> to become a full-fledged member of the INL of NA. The current <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> 2014 Membership-Renewal Form solicits your vote on this “Referendum” issue.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There are approximately fourteen Canadian-resident member clubs and a growing North American <b>on-line INL of NA</b> Chapter. In the United States, in addition to one grandfathered “affiliate” member-club [the Icelandic Hekla Club], there are now “regular” INL of NA chapters in <b>Blaine, WA</b>; <b>Seattle, WA</b>; <b>Mountain, ND</b>;<b>Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN</b>; and <b>Washington, D.C.</b><i></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The INL of NA does not presume to be the only viable vehicle for maintaining and sharing Icelandic heritage in North America but it does continue to be a dedicated, natural vehicle for same. Our own <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> has already benefitted from, is currently benefitting from, and could, well into the future, benefit from the various programs of the INL of NA, as indicated below:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Snorri Foundation Exchange Programs for Western Icelanders:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At least five <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> members have participated in either the traditional six-week “total-Icelandic-immersion” <b>Snorri</b> program for young North American adults or the newer, two-week <b>Snorri-Plus</b> program of Icelandic orientation, education, travel, and networking for mature adults and retirees. Anyone with a bona fide interest in Iceland is eligible to participate in Snorri programs, regardless of any affiliation with the INL of NA. However, significant financial and in-kind contributions from the INL of NA significantly reduce costs of participation and improve the quality of Snorri programming.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Snorri-West Visits to Icelandic-Heritage Communities:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Snorri-West</b> brings young Icelanders to clusters of Icelandic-heritage communities throughout North America for a variable number of weeks. Such a clustered-tour in the next few years could include Mountain, ND; Minneota, MN; the Twin Cities; Washington Island, WI; and Chicago, IL. Please stay tuned for this exciting opportunity for our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span>to welcome young people from Iceland during their tour of the American Upper Midwest!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Íslendingadaggurin:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Íslendingadagurinn, the largest North American Icelandic festival, for nearly a century has benefitted from assistance from the INL of NA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Annual INL of NA Conventions:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Usually held in April or May, these conventions include elections and relevant business, preceded by a germane program of interest to both Western Icelanders and the community-at-large. An optional tour of nearby Icelandic-heritage community(ies) is always followed by superb Icelandic entertainment and a festive concluding banquet. Attendees come from all across North America and also include ambassadorial, consular, and ministerial officials and other guests from Iceland. Our own <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> has been asked to consider hosting [or co-hosting] such an INL of NA convention in the next few years.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>International Visits Program [IVP]:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The INL’s of NA and Iceland and several benefactors fund the trans-Atlantic travel for these tours to North America or Iceland. Venues include any member-chapter willing to host an artist, making him or her available to their own membership and the surrounding community-at-large. Artists tour for one to three weeks, <b><i>gratis</i></b>, accepting only voluntary modest stipends.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">During October, 2012, our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> welcomed Icelandic scholar, <b>Viðar Hreinsson</b>, to discuss his recently translated-into-English book, <b><i>Wakeful Nights</i></b>, about the late North American-Icelandic poet, Stephan G. Stephansson, widely-recognized for his insights into the North American immigrant experience. Viðar is best known, professionally, as the managing editor of the highly-acclaimed 1997 English translation, <b><i>The Sagas of the Icelanders</i></b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>INL of NA Biographies Project:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <b>Biographies Project</b> is a new ambitious INL of NA initiative to complete a web-accessible biography database of past and present notable Western Icelanders, including Icelanders from the Chicago area and the American Midwest.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>INL of NA Website:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The INL of NA has a rich website: <b><a href="http://www.inlofna.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.INLofNA.org</a></b>, an improved version of which will be revealed in May, 2014.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>INL of NA-Sponsored Films:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The highly-acclaimed video, <b><i><a href="http://vimeo.com/39975203" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Living with Lava</a></i></b>, filmed in Iceland in 2011, recalling the dramatic stories of three volcanic eruptions in the past one hundred years: <b>Eldfell</b>,<b>Eyjafjallajökull</b>, and <b>Katla</b> from the viewpoint of resident-eye witnesses is the current offering. The INL of NA offers one such local video-showing at nominal cost and negotiates a modest royalty fee for additional showings. Please click the above hyper-link to open a downloadable brief snippet. Hopefully, you’ll agree that this video is “worth-the-price-of-admission.<wbr></wbr>” Annual INL of NA dues are $ 4.00 per member-unit up to fifty members and $ 2.00 per member-unit, thereafter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Other Icelandic-Related Scholarship Opportunities:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The <i>ad hoc</i> INL of NA Scholarship Committee will be researching how best the INL of NA can promote, solicit, facilitate, and, perhaps, vet applications for significant scholarships from private and governmental sources in Iceland.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Summary:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">All Icelanders have much to be proud of regarding their heritage. The INL of NA continues its long-standing commitment to preserve, enhance, and share this unique heritage. We hope you will share our conviction that our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> can both benefit from and further contribute to this noble commitment! The original longer proposal enumerated several examples of Icelandic-immigrant communities in North America which have benefitted from and contributed to preserving and promoting Icelandic heritage, the principal objective of the INL of NA.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thank you for your consideration of our “Appeal.” Comments, both “pro” and “con,” and any questions are most-welcome and should be sent to the undersigned and copied to our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> President, Einar Steinsson.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joni Shaw, <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Board member; <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Committee member; <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span>correspondent to the Lögberg-Heimskringla; <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> representative to the INL of NA; individual INL of NA member; and INL of NA at-Large Board-member: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><a href="mailto:AmmaJoni@msn.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">AmmaJoni@msn.com</a> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John H. Hofteig, <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> V.P.; Chair, <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> Scholarship Program & Academic Liaison; individual INL of NA member; and member of INL of NA Scholarship and Biographies Project Committees: <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> <wbr></wbr> <b><a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">JohnHaldor@gmail.com</a></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">cc: Einar Steinsson, <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> President: <b><a href="mailto:ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">ESteinsson@KarenZupko.com</a></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">INL of NA Biographies Project: First Installment Regarding Chicago-Based Western Icelanders</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">One of the newest initiatives of the Icelandic National League of North America [<b>INL of NA</b>: </span><a href="http://www.inlofna.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">www.INLofNA.org</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">] is the <b>Biographies Project</b>, with its ambitious goal of creating an internet-accessible biographic database of North American Western Icelanders who have made significant contributions to their community and profession, in time for INL of NA’s pending centennial celebrations in 2019. This project should be of interest and benefit to our Icelandic Association of Chicago [<b><span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span></b>], as the INL of NA is quite keen to include notable Western Icelanders from both our own <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> and the greater American-Midwest. At the pending INL of NA Convention, to be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from the 15<sup>th</sup> through the 18<sup>th</sup> of May, 2014, a new INL of NA website will be revealed, including postings of then available completed biographies.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">Where to begin, with so many suitable candidates, both past and present, all of whom eventually will be included in this database, was made easy by our Joni Shaw [<span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span>Board Member and a recently-elected INL of NA at-Large Director], who submitted an excellent article for our own June-2013 <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> <b>Frón Newsletter</b> [archived on our website: </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">www.IcelandChicago.org</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">] regarding the early history of our <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">IAC</span> and relevant antecedent organizations. Joni very much welcomes any and all additional available relevant historical information. Please email her [</span><a href="mailto:AmmaJoni@msn.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">AmmaJoni@msn.com</span></b></a>]<span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Joni’s above-cited article included the names of the four prominent Chicago-based entrepreneurial Icelandic immigrants with Chicago-links worthy of inclusion in the final INL of NA biography database: <b>Chester Thordarson,</b> <b>Lawrence Johnson</b>, <b>Árni Helgason</b>, and <b>William “Bill” Johnson</b>. In addition, two of the three women responsible for the important early history of Icelanders in Chicago[which Joni quoted],<b>Marjorie Johnson Krengel</b>, and <b>Dolores Thorkelson Johnson</b> [a/k/a: <b>Undine Johnson</b>] had familial ties to some of the aforementioned Icelandic immigrant entrepreneurs. Finally the third contributor to this early Chicago Icelandic history,<b>Guðrún Íngibjörg</b> [<b>Dorothy</b>]<b> Clemens Johnson</b>, was related to another prominent early Icelandic immigrant professional, Guðrún’s father [and our Joni Shaw’s grandfather], <b>Paul </b>[<b>Páll</b>]<b> Melstad Clemens</b>, who has been recognized in previously published books as the first Icelandic-Canadian architect. His family originally immigrated from Reykjavík to Chicago, where he was trained in architecture, and later re-settled with his family in Winnipeg, Manitoba. He was also amongst the founders of the earliest Icelandic association in Chicago. [Guðrún was the wife of Vigfus Holm Johnson of Kandahar, Saskatchewan.] The following brief sketches will highlight the preeminence of these first subjects and represent only the beginning of a much larger list of Icelandic immigrants with links to Chicago. Fortunately, both Bill and Undine are still very much alive and ready and willing to provide additional relevant biographic detail for these first five subjects and several others, to follow. Undine and Bill have both lived throughout nearly the entire history of Icelandic-Americans in the Chicago area and are able to share their unique perspective relevant to the biographies of these and several other past and present members of our Icelandic-American community in Chicago.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Benjamin Franklin’s fool-hardy experiments with kite-flying during thunder-storms forever-after earned him the distinction of being the “Discoverer of Electricity” and nearly a century later, the pioneering and inventive work of Thomas Alva Edison [an early-advocate of Direct Current] and his contemporary and competitor, Nikola Telsa [an early advocate of Alternating Current], secured their places of honor in the Annals of Electricity. But the story of Electricity was by no means fully written! Subsequently, early in the Twentieth Century, many notable Icelandic immigrants to Chicago were very impressive pioneers in the field of electrical transformers. The above-cited four Chicago-based gentlemen share in common their [pardon the intentional pun] <i>electro-</i>magnetic personalities, as each was or is associated with significant contributions to the electrical transformer industry. They all shared personal, familial, and professional associations beginning very early in the last century. Bill, currently eighty-seven-years-young, is the sole survivor from this earlier era of Chicago-based electrical transformer innovation, for which many Icelandic-Americans were widely known. Collectively, they are further representative of the much larger panoply of Icelandic-Americans in the Chicago area and the American Midwest, both men and women, who have been responsible for significant inventions, scientific discoveries, academic achievement, distinguished community service, entrepreneurial innovation, and well-recognized contributions to their respective industries and professions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">Chester was one of the very earliest Icelandic entrepreneurs in Chicago. Quite early, beginning in the first decade of the 1900’s, he hired many immigrants, including Icelanders. Earlier-on, both Árni Helgason and Lawrence Johnson [Bill’s father] worked for Chester before later starting their own firms. Each is recognized for significant inventions and innovations in electrical transformers. As late as 1928, just before the Great Depression, Chester’s firm, for which Lawrence by then was General Manager, was phenomenally successful and profitable. Unfortunately, as was his prerogative as principal of his own firm, Chester, in the next few years withdrew exceedingly significant amounts of capital to finance an ambitious private real estate development on Rock Island, just off of Washington Island [near Door Peninsula, WI], a vacation destination which was then attractive to the <i>nouveau-riche</i>. Absent sufficient capital reserves to weather the economic turmoil which followed, by 1932, he subsequently lost his firm and many of his very loyal Icelandic employees were eventually let go by the new management. Soon thereafter, Árni founded the <b>Chicago Transformer Company</b> [no longer in existence] and Lawrence founded the much more successful<b>Johnson Electric Coil Company</b> [</span><a href="http://www.johnsoncoil.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><b><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">www.JohnsonCoil.com</span></b></a><span style="line-height: 20.700000762939453px;">], which ever since has endured, survived, and thrived, in good times and bad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On New Year’s Day, 1934, Lawrence began his company by rebuilding, repairing, and then re-selling used, damaged, and/or discarded electrical transformers requisite for neon-signs. Even during the Great Depression, it was quite common for companies to continue to use neon signs for advertising and marketing. From that niche-market, his firm subsequently expanded to manufacturing a full array of electrical transformers. On New Year’s Day, 2014, Bill Johnson [Chairman Emeritus], his son-in-law, Bill Bockes [President], and his daughter, Beth Bockes [Board Chair], celebrated eighty years of continuity of family-ownership, manufacturing in America [Antigo, WI] and exporting worldwide almost everything from the tiniest transformer used in precision electronics to massive transformers used by electrical utilities.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sometimes a family’s meticulous regard for flag-etiquette speaks volumes about character, gratitude, and pride---and in the case of the Johnson Clan---even the reconciling power of love: Visitors to the Johnson Electric Coil Company’s headquarters, now in Antigo, WI, are greeted by “Old Glory” reigning overhead and their corporate logo, a Viking ship, both in prominent view, and the Icelandic flag proudly displayed in Bill’s office, symbolic, respectively, of the family’s gratitude for the freedom and opportunity afforded Lawrence by his adopted country and the family’s abiding pride in its Icelandic heritage. Bill, very well-pleased that at least one of his grandchildren had participated in the Snorri Foundation [<b><a href="http://www.snorri.is/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.Snorri.is</a></b>] total Icelandic-immersion program for young adults from North America, has vowed that the Icelandic flag will<i>always</i> fly in or on the premises of the company’s headquarters.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Observant guests at Bill’s residence [Antigo, WI], which he shared with his late wife, Janet, to whom he was married for over sixty years, will have noted a third flag proudly flying overhead, that of Denmark. Bill quite willingly explains the presence of this third flag, both for the benefit of those not very well-informed about recent centuries of European military and diplomatic history with implications for Iceland, as well as for the benefit of the better-informed who might not be <i>fully</i>-informed: The treaties which settled the Napoleonic Wars were not particularly kind to the losing Bonaparte and his erstwhile allies. Norway, which had a centuries-old credible claim to sovereignty over Iceland [and also Greenland], was punished for its support of Napoleon. It was forced to surrender to Denmark all of its prior claims to Iceland and Greenland. Early-on, in the Nineteenth Century, when Iceland effectively became a colony of Denmark, that new arrangement was both politically odious and economically onerous to most Icelanders. Iceland’s centuries-old parliament, the <b>Alþingí</b>, was obliged to cede its legislative prerogatives and only retain its judicial functions and most Icelanders were subject to a mercantilist system of barter advantageous only to Denmark and the privileged-few. Most Icelanders received a relative pittance for their produce [fish, mutton, wool, and woolen-goods] and paid dearly for finished goods from Denmark. Eventually, Icelanders got out from under their sole-dependence upon barter when later in the Nineteenth Century, Great Britain was able and quite willing to pay Icelandic farmers hard currency [Pounds Sterling] in exchange for the mutton and sheep livestock which it desperately needed to feed its people. Politically, thanks largely to the persevering and diligent work of Jón Sigurðson and his successors, beginning later in the Nineteenth Century, the Danish Crown and Parliament ratified a series of remarkable concessions which paved the way for restoration of the Alþing’s legislative prerogatives, increasing home-rule privileges for Iceland, and a timetable of plebiscites eventually offering the option of total Icelandic sovereignty independent of Denmark. Bill quite proudly recalls that Iceland declared its full and complete sovereignty in 1944 while Denmark was still occupied by the Nazi’s. Alas, in 1947, Bill quite willingly surrendered his own “independence” to his new wife, Janet, who was equally proud of her Danish-American heritage.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 14.720000267028809px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The aforementioned Marjorie Johnson and Undine Johnson both had familial ties to Chester Thordarson: Marjorie was the daughter of Lawrence Johnson and the sister of Bill Johnson and also worked in finance and accounting at Johnson Electric Coil Company. Undine’s father, Thorarinn John Thorkelson, an Icelandic immigrant also worked for Chester Thordarson, briefly for the successor to Chester’s firm, and later for Crest Transformer [no longer in existence]. Thorarinn served in the Royal Canadian Armed Forced during World War I and later re-settled in Chicago. </span></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Check out this Akvavit Production: MISHAP!!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">TICKETS: Available at <a href="http://www.brownpapertickets.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.brownpapertickets.com</a> via <a href="http://www.akvavittheatre.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.akvavittheatre.org</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tickets: $20, Students/Industry $15!!</span></div>
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-8517496566564452482013-06-04T19:52:00.002-07:002013-07-02T19:29:18.857-07:00June 2013<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: x-large;">Farsælda Frón</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Icelandic Association of Chicago</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Volume No. 15 Issue No. 1</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">From the President’s desk</span></h1>
<i><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">90<sup>th</sup> Anniversary celebration continues!</span></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our open board meeting on the 11<sup>th</sup> of May was successful and productive. We covered various topics including Þorrablót 2013, planning of Þorrablót 2014, 17<sup>th</sup> of June celebration, improvements to our website and redesign, festivities in Vasa Park, membership and marketing – and last but not least, the first two scholarships were approved at the meeting, hurray! We also added a new member to our board: Kolla Kristjánsdóttir Fass is the new Chairperson for Membership and Marketing – Welcome onboard Kolla. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Next up is Iceland’s Independence Day celebration on June 22<sup>nd</sup> in Vasa Park, Elgin. We still like our recent location, Promontory Point by the Lake, but this time the date falls on the same day as Midsummer Festival in Vasa Park where the IAC sells Icelandic Glacial water for our scholarship fund. So we thought it was a good idea to combine the two. We hope to see many of you there for the Icelandic hot dogs with all the trimmings. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 8<sup>th</sup> Greater Chicago Icelandic Open will be held at Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estates on August25<sup>th</sup> and registration has started. Larry Shaw and his daughter, Kathy Mehl are the 2012 Champions. Like Þorrablót, the golf outing has sold out for the last three years! <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IAC2013IceOpenPymtMethods.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">You can register here.</a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gle<span lang="IS">ðilegt Sumar,</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Einar Steinsson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President </span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the Editor</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope this spring finds you well and that you are enjoying the back and forth between hot and cold weather. Hopefully our Independence Day (17di Júní) celebration which will be held on the 22<sup>nd</sup> of June in Elgin’s Vasa Park will bring us sun and a light breeze and lots of fun and good food. Just remember that the Icelandic hot dog is one of the best food groups out there. Lena provides us with immaculate details about the celebration below our "New and Noteworthy" section. See you then!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We encourage you to read Joni Shaw's piece below that she wrote about the history of the Icelandic Association of Chicago and its origins. It illustrates the unique relationship among this tiny community of people from that island in the North Atlantic, no matter where we land within an enormous world population.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Attached you will also find two articles written by John Hofteig about the recent elections in Iceland and the INL.</span><br />
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<b>New and Noteworthy</b></span><br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We have new information regarding a new link on our <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">website</a> listing sponsors who have generously donated to the Association for various events, including the scholarship fund. More details below.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you do not receive it already, here is a link to the latest edition of <a href="http://www.em.is/display.php?M=674207&C=335af47ee04136ed3be6e914fdfd0af0&S=1223&L=417&N=1075" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">the Embassy of Iceland’s newsletter</a>.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you have ever wondered what it would be like to travel inside of a volcano, you can read how to do so <a href="http://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/inside-the-volcano?utm_content=feature&utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Nation&utm_campaign=5.29.13%20NATION:%20Inside%20the%20Volcano" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Or if you prefer to travel Iceland on horseback, read this article in <a href="http://thedailybeast.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">thedailybeast.com</a> called: <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/newsweek/2013/05/29/iceland-by-horseback-is-the-ride-of-a-lifetime.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Iceland by Horseback is the Ride of a Lifetime</a>.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An <a href="http://spyr.is/grein/gullkorn/2319/?fb_action_ids=10151450163517903&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">interesting article</a> (in Icelandic) about Icelanders who live in the United States.</span></li>
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Norse Mythology blog is holding a Midsummer Art Contest for all ages. <a href="http://www.norsemyth.org/2013/05/art-contest-midsummer-2013.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Check it out</a>. </span></li>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Iceland's Independence Day '17di Júní'–</strong><b> </b><strong>Vasa</strong><b> </b><strong>Park,</strong><b> </b><strong>Elgin, Saturday June 22<sup>nd</sup>. Icelandic Hot Dogs!</strong><br /><br />All members are invited to celebrate our Independence Day at the Midsummer Festival in Vasa Park, Elgin. Please join us for a picnic style festival and a fun afternoon, in the company of other Scandinavians celebrating Midsummer, which we Icelanders call J<span lang="IS">ónsmessa. </span>The IAC treats you to Icelandic hot dogs, pylsa, Icelandic style – ‘ein með öllu’ – which includes dried fried onion and remoulade! What makes our hot dogs unique and oh so good, is the Icelandic lamb meat. Please note that other than the hot dogs, the event is a BYO, so please bring drinks, sides, salads, sweets, or other plates you'd like to eat or share. You can also purchase food items from vending specialties in support of the Scandinavian Club and our Association sells pop and Icelandic Glacial water in support of our scholarship fund. Remember to bring picnic gear: blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, insect repellent, umbrellas... If anyone owns flags or other 17th of June decorations, please bring it with you – takk!<br /><br /><b>Logistics.</b> The official address for Vasa Park is Rte 31, South Elgin. It is north of North Avenue on Rte 31. It is made obvious by the Scandinavian flags on the east side of the road. The price for entering the park: adults $5:00 donation, age 12 and under free. No pets are permitted on the grounds. The park opens at 1:30 PM but the Icelanders will meet at 3 PM and fire up the grill for the dogs. We'll have our parade with flags and balloons but the park also offers other activities including music and a bonfire! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We look forward to seeing you, rain or shine and sing: Hæ, hó, jibbíjei og jíbbííjei, það er kominn 17di júní…</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Email <a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Lena</a> if you have any questions and check out <a href="http://www.vasaparkil.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Vasa Park’s webpage</a> for more information on the Midsummer and other events at the park this summer. We attached the official Vasa Park flyer to this e-mail as well for your reading pleasure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The 8<sup>th</sup> Greater Chicago Icelandic Open – Save the Date: August 25<sup>th</sup> at 1:00 PM</b><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Registration for The Icelandic Open starts in June. It’ll be the same place, Hilldale <span class="il" style="background-color: #ffffcc;">Golf</span> Club in Hoffman Estate, and same price, $35, as last year; maybe, new results… and for sure, fun time for everyone. Trip to Iceland for a ‘hole in one’ and lots of other goodies. If you already know you’ll play, let me know and I’ll reserve a spot. We have sold out the last three years. Spread the word, and have a great weekend. </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IAC2013IceOpenPymtMethods.html" style="color: #1155cc; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;" target="_blank">You can register here.</a></div>
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<b>From the Ministry for Foreign Affairs: Announcing the New Government in Iceland:</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Government of the Progressive Party and the Independence Party took office on May 23rd, 2013.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u></u><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A comprehensive policy statement of the new Government in Iceland has been introduced, where the focus is put on a forward looking policy, aiming at serving the whole of the country and the people. The guiding element will be the improved prospects of the households in Iceland, and promotion of opportunities in trade and employment, which will create added value for the benefit of the nation as a whole.<u></u><u></u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Nine ministers will take seat in the new government, four from the Progressive Party, and five from the Independence Party. Two of the current ministries, Ministry of Industries and Innovation, and Ministry of Welfare, will have two ministers each. </span><br />
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<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Prime Minister: Mr. Sigmundur Davíð Gunnlaugsson,</b> chairman of the Progressive Party.<br /><a href="http://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.is/minister/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://eng.forsaetisraduneyti.<wbr></wbr>is/minister/</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs: Mr. Bjarni Benediktsson,</b> chairman of the Independence Party. <a href="http://eng.fjarmalaraduneyti.is/minister/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://eng.<wbr></wbr>fjarmalaraduneyti.is/minister/</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister for Foreign Affairs: Mr. Gunnar Bragi Sveinsson</b>, (PP)<br /><a href="http://www.mfa.is/minister/about/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://www.mfa.is/minister/<wbr></wbr>about/</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of Health: Mr. Kristján Þór Júlíusson</b> (IP) (Ministry of Welfare).<a href="http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.is/minister/welfare" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><br />http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.<wbr></wbr>is/minister/minister-of-<wbr></wbr>health/</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of Education, Science and Culture: Mr. Illugi Gunnarsson,</b> (IP)<br /><a href="http://eng.menntamalaraduneyti.is/minister/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://eng.<wbr></wbr>menntamalaraduneyti.is/<wbr></wbr>minister/</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of Industry and Commerce: Mrs. Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir</b>, (IP) (Ministry of Industries and Innovation).<br /><a href="http://eng.atvinnuvegaraduneyti.is/ministers/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://eng.<wbr></wbr>atvinnuvegaraduneyti.is/<wbr></wbr>ministers/nr/6748</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of Social Affairs and Housing: Mrs. Eygló Harðardóttir</b> (PP) (Ministry of Welfare). <a href="http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.is/minister/welfare" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank"><br />http://eng.velferdarraduneyti.<wbr></wbr>is/minister/minister-of-<wbr></wbr>social-affairs-and-housing/</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of Fisheries and Agriculture, and Minister for the Environment and Natural Resources: Mr. Sigurður Ingi Jónsson</b> (PP) (Ministry of Industry and Innovation, Ministry for the Environment and Natural Resources).<br /><a href="http://eng.umhverfisraduneyti.is/minister/cv" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://eng.<wbr></wbr>atvinnuvegaraduneyti.is/<wbr></wbr>ministers/nr/7594</a><u></u><u></u></span></li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Minister of the Interior: Ms Hanna Birna Kristjánsdóttir</b> (IP)<br /><a href="http://eng.innanrikisraduneyti.is/minister/about-the-minister" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://eng.<wbr></wbr>innanrikisraduneyti.is/<wbr></wbr>minister/about-the-minister</a></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Scandinavian Day – September 8, 2013</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Save this date and come and celebrate Vasa Park’s 60<sup>th</sup>
year anniversary. Traditional food, crafts, games, gifts and entertainment are
fare for the day. The vendors always
have great Scandinavian products to tempt you.
An ABBA Salute will be a highlight of the day along with many local
clubs who will entertain with song and dance. Scandinavian food will be in
abundance and the Icelandic Association of Chicago will sell Icelandic Glacial
Water and pop once again. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We need many hands to help us with that venture. The proceeds go entirely to our Scholarship
Program. Please contact Joni Shaw (<a href="mailto:ammajoni@msn.com">ammajoni@msn.com</a>) to set up a time to sell that wonderful water
with us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The day will begin with a Worship Service followed by the
Opening Ceremonies. For the Opening
Ceremonies we need several volunteers: two people for the procession - one to
carry the Icelandic flag and one to carry the sign for Iceland; and a soloist
or a group (Thorrachoir?) to sing the beautiful Icelandic National Anthem. Again – deluge Joni Shaw with your
willingness to sign up for these opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The festivities begin at 9:00 AM and conclude at 6:00 PM. Fees are $10.00 for
adults, children 12 and under are free.
Parking is free. Vasa Park is
located in South Elgin on Rte 31 which is 7 miles south of 1-90 (Northwest
Tollway) or 5 miles north of Il Rte 64 (North Avenue)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<b>New “Sponsor” Tab on <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">IAC Website</a>: </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marc Johnson, our webmaster, recently added a “Sponsor” tab or button on the top-right of our homepage. Clicking on the “Sponsor” tab opens a page listing several companies which have made contributions of cash or in-kind gifts to the Icelandic Association of Chicago or have otherwise been very helpful in ensuring the success of our Scholarship Program, Annual Icelandic Open Golf Tournament, and our Thorrablot. The Board and those who worked on our most recent Thorrablot will be up-dating this page to include vendors who have donated raffle gifts for recent Thorrablots. If you know of companies which should be recognized for their valued assistance to our Association, please contact any member of the IAC Board and please consider patronizing these enterprises which have been so helpful to our Association. Once this list is fully up-dated, a future Frón article will provide additional background relevant to each of these IAC sponsors. J.H.H.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joni Shaw Remembers:</span></b><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dear friends,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To those of you who may remember the early days of the
Chicago Icelandic Club (Visir and the
Chess Club) and to those of you who are young and don’t know our early history
– I submit this document written by another generation. My mother was one of
the authors and that is why I have this particular version. My intent is twofold: one is to inform and
the second is to invite submissions to complete our history. This is our 90<sup>th</sup> Year Anniversary
as a gathering of Icelanders and I have been asked by Logberg-Heimskringla to
detail <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>’s
history to date, including pictures. The
editor would especially like a picture of Arni Helgasson. Where I have a real
void of information is starting in the 50’s and 60’s. How did the club get started again? Who
spearheaded the effort? Who were the
driving forces? How often did they gather and what did they do? Icelanders are
writers. Please send me your memories
and pictures, if possible. As previously
mentioned, I need memories of the 50’s to the present day – but especially the
time of its demise to the days when it started up again. I know there was a time when it was a very
large and active group and I want to document that era. Either email your
thoughts to <a href="mailto:ammajoni@msn.com">ammajoni@msn.com</a> or call me
at 630-466-5555</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="text-align: center;">THE FIRST ICELANDIC
CLUB OF </span><st1:city style="text-align: center;" w:st="on">CHICAGO</st1:city></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many of the Chicago Icelanders are from families that
migrated to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
in the 1870’s. They became fishermen,
fur trappers and farmers for the most part.
The second generation, looking for a better way of life, came to <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> in the early
1920’s.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hjortur Thordarson, who had a transformer manufacturing
company in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>,
hired a good number of these young Icelanders when they came to the city. Some of those men started their own
companies. Arni Helgason was one –
Lawrence Johnson was another. Arni
Helgason’s firm was the Chicago Transformer Company, no longer in existence. Lawrence Johnson’s firm was Johnson Electric
Coil Company and is still in existence located in Antigo, <st1:state w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:state>, enjoying sixty years of
successful business. It is still owned
by the second and third generation of Lawrence Johnson.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From this nucleus, the first Chicago Icelandic Club was
formed around 1923. The “Visir” Club was
extremely successful, meeting monthly from September to May, with a picnic in
June at Harms Woods, north of <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>. Speeches, games and races were all an
intricate part of these picnics and they were well attended. (Marge has old movies of some of these
picnics.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Visir meetings attracted a large number to which they
were treated to good food (some Icelandic), speakers and news from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Iceland</st1:country-region>. An Icelandic student entertained us with his
great tenor voice at one time. Young
people wrote and produced small plays and skits. There was also poetry and group singing. These meetings were attended by both parents
and children. Many came from quite a
distance. The meetings were held at the
Norski Club on <st1:street w:st="on">Kedzie Avenue</st1:street>
in <st1:address w:st="on"><st1:street w:st="on">Logan Square</st1:street>, <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city></st1:address>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Halloween costume party with live music always brought out
a lot of members and guests. Each year
the annual February Thorrablot was held.
The Iceland Airlines also gave round trip tickets to raffle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A Christmas party was given for the children in
December. Each youngster had to perform,
sing, dance, play music or recite before Santa Claus arrived to give each child
a gift around the big Christmas tree.
Sveinn Storm and Arni Helgason were Santas for many times. Arni’s white hair and rotund figure made it
hard for anyone to doubt this was really Santa. (He was President of Visir for
some time and also Counsul to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Iceland</st1:country-region>.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A large faction of this group started the Icelandic Chess
Club in 1928. They met in the homes
monthly during the winter. Dorothy
Johnson has the minutes of these meetings, written Icelandic until 1939. The last minutes were written in 1963.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visir began its decline during and after World War 11, when
so many of the young were in the service and the group of older ones occupied
in defense work. It started up rather
weakly during the late 40’s and early 50’s, but did not survive.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Chess Club continued into the 60’s when the older
members began to pass away and chess did not hold an interest for the younger
people, busy starting their families.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These clubs were a good opportunity for the members to speak
Icelandic and keep up the skills of their language. (At one time Joe Bjornson,
who was a teacher at <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Harrison</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place>, gave
Icelandic lessons to some of the younger members.) Also, many of these Icelanders came to <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> leaving their families in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>. Therefore, a closeness was established
between them to fill the family void.
The early social life revolved around these Icelandic groups.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">These notes are compiled – with the help of several
long-time members still living – of their memories and ours:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Marjorie Johnson
Krengel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dorothy Clemens
Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dolores Thorkelson
Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Second generation of
the Canadian immigrants<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The following is a
list of the families in the early days of Visir,<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The First <st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place> Icelandic Club<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joe Bjornson, President Arni
Helgason , President<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Oli Alfred Joe
Gudmundson, President<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gustav Anderson Skafti
Gudmundson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Julius Anderson <st1:city w:st="on">Lawrence</st1:city> Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Petur Anderson C.
Melsted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Egill Anderson Daniel
Olafson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Arni Arnason Sveinn
Storm<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Alex Benson Allen
Sveinsson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ben Geston Wm.
Taylor<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ingolfur Brynjolfsson Th.
Thorkelson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kris Christianson Eric
Vigfusson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Paul Clemens Vigfus
Vigfusson – and later ones<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pall Einarson Earl
Krengel<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kristin Helgason Monte
Johnson<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vigfus Johnson Fred
Weisman<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Apologies to those
who may have been omitted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflecting on this history, I have some impressions of my
own as a child of these first Icelanders in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>.
My grandfather, Paul Melsted Clemens, came directly from <st1:city w:st="on">Reykjavik</st1:city> to <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>
with his family in the 1890’s. Icelanders in <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> were in significant numbers at that
time. He was one of the founders of the Icelandic Club in 1923. My mother was
born in <st1:city w:st="on">Winnipeg</st1:city>, however, the family returned
to <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city> in
the 1920’s. She graduated from <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Hyde Park</st1:placename> <st1:placetype w:st="on">High School</st1:placetype></st1:place>. My father was born in Gardar, North Dakota
but was raised in Wynard, Saskatchewan
He came to Chicago in the 1930’s and was welcomed and housed within the
caring and generous Icelandic community. Hjortor Thordarson, who was mentioned
in the article above, was a prosperous Icelander who provided jobs for many
Icelanders. (Google Chester Thordarson – Thordarson Electric Manufacturing
Company.)They were hard workers (and annoyed many of his other employees who
didn’t want to work so hard - according to lore). There were clusters of
Icelanders all over the city. My family
was on the south side, but many were on the north side. They helped each other
and nobody even entertained the question “What’s in it for me?” This attitude
influenced me greatly as a child.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Many came from <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
and I spent many summers in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region>
with family members. However, we didn’t say we were going to <st1:country-region w:st="on">Canada</st1:country-region> or the <st1:country-region w:st="on">US</st1:country-region>
– we said <st1:city w:st="on">Winnipeg</st1:city>, Wynard, Ashern, <st1:city w:st="on">Kandahar</st1:city> or <st1:city w:st="on">Chicago</st1:city>.
Who knew there was a border? We were all
one – Icelanders in <st1:place w:st="on">North America</st1:place>. It was a shock to me when a few years ago I
had to have a passport to visit my family.
For most of my life we were one and in my mind we still are.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their children were included in the gathering. I particularly remember the picnics where
there was Glima and long speeches which also included Rimur. Three legged races and egg tossing games were
for the children – and PONNUKOKUR. They
encouraged the creative side of their children. We were one big family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I lovingly remember more than half of these Chicago
Icelanders and my actions and decisions are generally informed by the lessons
learned from these loving, generous and pragmatic Icelanders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Joni (Johnson) Shaw<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>27-April-2013 Parliamentary Elections:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Iceland, the proverbial land
of Fire [volcanoes] and Ice [glaciers], is also home to earthquakes, both those
measured on the Richter scale and those registered in the voting booth, as
evidenced by dramatic changes in 2009 and most recently in 2013. Four years ago, when the severity of
Iceland’s fiscal and financial crises erupted, a plurality of the electorate
was receptive to or in favor of joining the European Union and adopting the
Euro in order to avoid wildly fluctuating foreign-exchange rates. In addition, the electorate was disenchanted,
at best, and angry, at worst, at the financial abuses by some following
privatization of the banking sector. The
time, then, was ripe for the Socialist Party and Left Green Party to each
garner a plurality of the vote, in aggregate, sufficient to form a durable
coalition government. Now four years
later, this same Icelandic electorate is skittish, at best, regarding joining
the EU and adopting the Euro, especially because the former might restrict
Iceland’s prerogatives regarding fishing quotas, etc., still a significant
driver of Iceland’s economy, despite recent decades of remarkable
diversification. In addition, the
financial and fiscal circumstances of
Iceland and its citizens, while not fully resolved, have seen much
improvement in the intervening four years.
As Ambassador Stefánsson wryly noted in his banquet remarks at the
recent INL of NA Seattle Convention: “Iceland
is still not out of the woods: Iceland
has no forests!” Ironically, this
time-around, the Progressive Party which, early-on, had advocated privatization
of the major state-owned banks, and the Independence Party, which executed same,
each garnered a plurality of the votes, in aggregate, sufficient to form a
durable coalition government which was announced on 23-May-2013. Relevant to their joint success was the fact
that, at the present time, the Progressive Party is opposed to joining the EU
and the Independence Party is skittish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Members and friends of our
Association who are fluent in Iceland are quite up-to-date on all of this, as
relevant news in Icelandic is available on-line [ <a href="http://www.ruv.is/">www.RUV.is</a> and <a href="http://www.morgunbladid.is/">www.Morgunbladid.is</a>]. Those not fluent in Icelandic will find
relevant English-language postings in Daily News From Iceland [<a href="http://www.icelandreview.com/">www.IcelandReview.com</a>], especially
the posting dated: 23- and 24-May-2013,
which summarize the final accords agreed to by the two new coalitions partners
and the final allocation of ministerial portfolios amongst Progressive and
Independence Party members of the new Althing.
The Wall Street Journal in its print editions, dated: 26- and 29-April-2013, respectively,
immediately before and after the parliamentary elections, had excellent analyses,
the full transcripts for which<b> </b>are available via an exact-word Google search on
the following two phrases: “Europe
Gets Cold Shoulder in Iceland” and “Iceland’s Voters Oust Pro-European
Leadership.”</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b> </b>J.H.H.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Icelandic National League of North America [<a href="http://www.inlofna.org/">www.INLofNA.org</a>] 94<sup>th</sup> Annual
Convention, Seattle, WA April 4-7, 2013: “There’s No Place Like HEIMA!”<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Association was represented by John H. Hofteig. This year’s
convention theme was in keeping with the INL of NA’s mandate of preserving
Icelandic Heritage for Western Icelanders and promoting same in their
respective North American communities.
Included were twenty-some presentations around the general theme of
Iceland as HEIMA, i.e., home, even for Western Icelanders remote in time by one
or more generations from Iceland. The
convention was hosted by the Icelandic Club of Greater Seattle and held at the
downtown Seattle Crowne Plaza, attended by at least 170 delegates and many
guests from Iceland.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">An optional day-long tour of the Icelandic-heritage community
of Blaine, WA included an excellent presentation by Ms. Joan Thorsteinsson Linde, a long-time resident of nearby tiny
Point Roberts, WA, a community whose early settlement was augmented by sixty-plus
Icelandic families who re-immigrated from Victoria, BC, beginning circa
1894. Initially, these Icelandic
immigrants were attracted by the prospect of free land per “squatter’s rights,”
exceedingly abundant salmon fishing in adjacent waters, and employment
opportunities at four very large fish canneries then in full production. Point Roberts is a peninsula south of
Vancouver, BC cut-off from contiguous land-access to the rest of Washington
State by the 49<sup>th</sup> Parallel. Originally
intended as the site of an American military fort, early-on it almost became a
forgotten isolated fragment of remote United States territory. All of this changed early in the presidency
of Theodore Roosevelt when the federal government announced formal plans to
develop this area for permanent settlement.
The residents of Point Roberts, mainly of Icelandic descent but also
including those from Germany, Denmark, and elsewhere, immediately mobilized and
petitioned Washington, DC for the right to remain as landed-immigrants. President Roosevelt’s personal representative
was so impressed with the industry of these early immigrants and the
improvements they had made to a once heavily-forested coastal area that all of
its residents were immediately granted secure homestead rights for the very
first time. So grateful were these new
American citizens that they engaged a local German immigrant and professional
tanner to sacrifice a prized ram and make a rug for the President from its
hide, a gift which President Roosevelt graciously accepted and acknowledged
with a letter still preserved by local Icelanders in the archives of Point
Roberts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Late-breaking news bulletin:
Þrúdur Helgadóttir [see
below] was so impressed with Joan’s presentation that she arranged for a
television crew from Iceland to come to Point Roberts this past 30-May-2013 for
about five hours, photographing various sites and interviewing several
residents. The resulting documentary
will be aired in Iceland sometime next December, details to follow. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Other notable presentations during the Convention included a
report and video by INL of NA 2<sup>nd</sup> V.P Sunna Pam Furstenau on her 2012 two-week tour of twelve communities
in Iceland in which she presented vignettes about Icelandic settlements in
North America, all under the auspices of the INL of NA’s International Visits
Program, the same program which brought Icelandic scholar, Viðar Hreinsson, to
Chicago last October.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ásta Sól
Krístjánsdóttir, Reykjavík, long-time Project Manager for the Snorri
Foundation [<a href="http://www.snorri.is/">www.Snorri.is</a>], reported on its three principal
programs: Snorri for young adults and
Snorri-Plus for mature adults and retirees from North America and Snorri-West,
the program which brings young Icelanders to North America to visit selected
clusters of Western Icelandic-heritage communities in the U. S. and Canada. She gave John a copy of the 30-minute DVD, The Wayfarers: Seeking Identity, which she produced,
profiling three recent North American Snorri participants. Once it is “officially” broadcast, she has
given permission for it to be shown to our membership and posted on the Scholarship
page(s) of our website [<a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gail Einarsson-McCleerry,
Honorary Icelandic Consul General, Toronto, ON and the immediate-past president
of the INL of NA, presented long-range planning for Snorri-West tours by young
Icelanders to clusters of Icelandic-heritage settlement sites throughout North
America, which in two or three years may include a clustered visit to the
heritage communities of Mountain, ND, Minneota, MN, Washington Island, WI, and
Chicago, IL. Yes, Chicago does indeed
qualify as an Icelandic-heritage community long before contemporary immigrants
came here for educational and career opportunities!. Our Joni Shaw will be assembling additional relevant historical information to be shared
with IAC members and friends but, for now, suffice it to say that Chicago was,
very early-on, an important disembarkation transfer point for the earliest
immigrants and notable Icelanders in Chicago enthusiastically provided
employment for many Icelandic immigrants, including in the 1920’s the
Icelandic-American founder of Johnson Electric Coil Company, the electrical
transformer manufacturer now based in Antigo, WI, Lawrence Johnson, the father of our long-time IAC member, William L. Johnson, Chairman Emeritus, now
nearly 87-years-young! The company is
now managed by a member of the family’s third generation. [Please see Joni accompanying article for
additional information regarding the celebration of ninety years of Icelandic
heritage here in Chicago.]<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both of Iceland’s Ambassadors to Canada [Þórður Ægir
Óskarsson] and the United States [Guðmundur Stefánsson] reaffirmed
the Government of Iceland’s long-abiding interest in preserving and enhancing
relations between Iceland and Western Icelanders, the descendants of Icelandic
immigrants to North America all the way back to the 1850’s. Such has been a mandate of the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs in every government since Iceland declared its full sovereignty
in 1944. The presence of both
Ambassadors exemplified the close cooperation between the Government of Iceland
and the INL of NA to preserve and communicate Icelandic heritage.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the festive Saturday evening banquet, entertainment
featured Icelandic soprano, Guðrún
Íngimarsdóttir, in a repertoire of classic and contemporary Icelandic
songs, light operetta selections, and American classics. She was joined by Seattle-based tenor, Jon Palmson, in lighter fare. The two of them also offered a longer recital
Sunday afternoon in the nearby, downtown Seattle, Pilgrim Congregation. The banquet also afforded an opportunity to
publically recognize and thank retiring long-time Icelandic diplomat and
Winnipeg, MB Consul General, Atlí
Ásmundsson and his wife, Þrúdur
Helgadóttir, who have been friends indeed to Western Icelanders all across
North America.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the formal Annual General Meeting, our Joni was elected as an INL of NA At-large
Board Member. Joni is well-qualified to
serve in this capacity: She has been our
representative to the INL of NA for the past one-and-a-half years; is our
correspondent to the Lögberg Heimskringla; and together with Larry Shaw, our long-time
IAC Treasurer, has an abiding interest in preserving and sharing Icelandic
heritage, as evidenced by their frequent visits to Mountain, ND [near where her
father was born], attendance at Íslendingadagurinn, Gimli. MB [the largest
annual Icelandic festival in North America], and representing our Association
at the annual Scandinavian Day, Vasa Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">With Joni’s election, three of the six Directors at-Large
represent INL of NA chapters resident in the United States. Two of the five principal constitutional
officers, 1<sup>st</sup> V.P. Claire
Eckley [Roseville, MN] and 2<sup>nd</sup> V.P. Sunna Pam Furstenau [Fargo, ND] represent United States-resident
chapters. According to INL of NA polity,
at the Spring 2014 convention, Claire will automatically ascend to the Presidency
of the INL of NA for two years.
Likewise, two years later, in 2016, Pam will ascend to the Presidency.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Also, John was
appointed to two important INL of NA committees, Scholarships and the
Biographies Project. The Scholarship
Committee will work with INL of NA chapters to promote, facilitate, and make
recommendations regarding the Government of Iceland’s significant renewable
scholarships, one each year for a resident/citizen of Canada and one each year
for a resident/citizen of the United States.
Each scholarship includes tuition-remission and a housing allowance for
study in Iceland. The Biographies
Project is an ambitious undertaking which seeks to identify and document the
personal history of past and present Western Icelanders in a web-accessible
biography database in time for the 100<sup>th</sup> anniversary of the INL of
NA in 2019. Joni and John are compiling
a list of our own IAC members, past and present, whose biography should be
documented and preserved. Both are
eager to receive recommendations and any background information.
J.H.H. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There is Talent “in Them
Thar Hills,” i.e., talented Icelandic-Americans living and working right here
in the Chicago area!</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At our most recent combined AGM and Board Meeting, a
suggestion was discussed to promote local Icelandic-Americans, members and friends
of our Icelandic Association of Chicago, who are artists, musicians, or provide
a variety of services living and working in the greater Chicago area by
featuring them in a special “Talent-Links” section of our website: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you are a artist, author, playwright, dancer, poet, or
musician; or provide a professional service, or are the proprietor or manager
of an enterprise [especially one founded and managed by Icelandic-Americans] and
you would like to be featured in a new “Talent-Link” section of our website,
please submit your full name, title, and email address and/or website, and a
brief narrative.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Your name and your talent, service, or enterprise will be
hyper-linked to your preferred email address and/or webpage. E.g., <u><span style="color: blue;">Agathe
Christe</span></u> [mystery-writer],
<u><span style="color: blue;">Thomas Alva Edison</span></u> [inventor], <u><span style="color: #3366ff;">Leonardo di Vinci</span></u> [pioneering engineer and
sculptor], <u><span style="color: #3366ff;">Maria
Callas</span></u> [opera singer] will be hyper-linked to a brief
description along with the relevant email address and/or webpage for the reader
to contact with you.. We know there’s
plenty of Icelandic-American talent in the Chicago area. Please help us help the rest of the world find
you!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please send your requests and suggestions to <a href="mailto:JohnHaldor@gmail.com">JohnHaldor@gmail.com</a> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Exciting Icelandic
Association of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>
Scholarship Program & Academic Liaison Milestones:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This summer, in early June
and July, respectively, IAC Scholarship awardees, <b>Nicholas Lieber</b> and <b>Krístján
Marc Johnson</b>, embark on their adventures in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iceland</st1:place></st1:country-region>, supported, in part, by the
IAC Scholarship Fund.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Nick</b>, whose grandmother settled in the Icelandic-American
immigrant community of Washington Island, just northeast of Door Peninsula in
Wisconsin, will be participating in the six-week total Icelandic-immersion
program in Iceland designed for young adults from the United States and Canada,
sponsored by the <b>Snorri Foundation</b> [<b><a href="http://www.snorri.is/">www.Snorri.is</a></b>]. He is a 2011 graduate of the University of
Illinois at Chicago with a B.A. in Political Science and in the coming autumn
will begin a one-year M.A. program in Government, with a specialization in
Diplomacy and Conflict studies, at the interdisciplinary Center Herzliya in
Herzliya, Israel. Prior to applying for
Snorri, he had travelled for approximately ten days in parts of Norway, Sweden,
and Denmark and now looks forward to Snorri to broaden his understanding of
Scandinavia, especially his family’s roots in Iceland. He has also participated in a similar
total-immersion program in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Israel</st1:place></st1:country-region>
designed for children of Jewish descent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In addition to receiving USD
$ 750.00 assistance from our program, at the recent [April, 2013] Icelandic
National League of North America [<b>www.INLofNA.org</b>] convention in
Seattle, it was announced that <b>Nick</b> was one of three Americans of
Icelandic descent to receive a USD $ 2,000.00 stipend from the relatively
recently-launched <b>Guttormsson Family Foundation</b> [see accompanying
article] to participate in this same Snorri Foundation program. Also, at the above-mentioned recent INL of NA
convention, both Stefan Guttormsson, M.D. [founder and principal trustee of the
Guttormsson Family Foundation] and Atlí Ásmundsson, the retiring long-time
Icelandic diplomat and Consul General in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Winnipeg</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">Manitoba</st1:state></st1:place>, knew of Nick’s interest
in pursuing a career in diplomacy. Both
of them will make a good-faith effort for Nick to meet with members of the
ambassadorial and consular corps at the Ministry for Foreign Affairs during his
participation in the Snorri program. During that program, Ásta Sól
Krístjánsdóttir, the Snorri Project Manager, will post on their website [<b><a href="http://www.snorri.is/">www.Snorri.is</a></b>] updates<b><sup>*</sup></b>
on the current participants and their adventures, which include two weeks of
rigorous education regarding Icelandic history, culture, current events, and
language [which Snorri applicants were required to study on-line before coming
to Iceland], three weeks living with an Icelandic family, and a one-week
adventure tour of Iceland, culminating in a festive graduation ceremony hosted
by President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson at Bessastaður, his official residence. [<b><sup>*</sup></b>If Ásta’s up-dates are in
the form of a blog, members and friends of our Association will be notified of
the exact link to same.]<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Krístján Marc Johnson</b>, the ten-year-old son of IAC members, Marc and Sonja
Johnson, received a USD $ 375.00 IAC Scholarship stipend to partially support
his participation in an intensive, three-week resident day program of Icelandic
language instruction at the <b>Tungumálaskólinn</b> [<b><a href="http://www.skoli.eu/">www.Skoli.eu</a></b>], Reykjavík. In addition to visiting with his Amma,
long-time IAC member, Áslaug Holm Johnson, Krístján will be very busy this
summer conjugating Icelandic verbs, declining Icelandic nouns, and dramatically
increasing his Icelandic vocabulary and fluency!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We wish both Nick and
Krístján <b>Góða Ferð!</b> [Icelandic for Good Travels!] and look forward to
their reports and triumphant return to <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> after these educational
adventures in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iceland</st1:place></st1:country-region>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Later this summer, our
website [<b><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">www.IcelandChicago.org</a></b>],
will be up-dated to include a Scholarship “tab,” which will take the reader to
a new page(s) from which to click-on relevant information, including: A brief history of the program, its
Objectives and Guidelines, awardees to-date, acknowledgments of support,
current open scholarship opportunities, relevant application forms, a link to
inquiries and suggestions, academic institutions with which our Program liases,
and additional scholarship resources beyond our program. Please stay tuned! Once launched, this enhanced feature will be
announced via email to members and friends of the IAC and up-dated periodically.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Further detail will be
separately circulated, but please be advised that there are still <b>two more
open IAC Scholarship opportunities:</b>
One USD $ 375.00 stipend for Icelandic-language instruction [intended
primarily for younger applicants] and up to USD $ 750.00 to partially support
relevant Icelandic studies or participation in either the six-week Snorri
program for young adults or the two-week Snorri-Plus program for mature adults
and retirees, both held in Iceland during the summer. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">John H. Hofteig, Chair, The
Icelandic Association of <st1:city w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Chicago</st1:place></st1:city>
Scholarship Program & Academic Liaison<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>The Guttormsson Family
Foundation:</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The relatively recently-launched
<b>Guttormsson Family Foundation</b>, founded by Stefan Guttormsson, M.D, and
his wife, Rosemary, honors the life and legacy of both his father, Bishop
Stefán Thorstein Guttormsson, and his grandfather, the Reverend Guttormur
Guttormsson, both of whom having had an abiding interest in preserving Icelandic
heritage amongst Western Icelanders, the descendents of Icelanders who
immigrated to the United States and Canada, beginning as early as the 1850’s
but beginning in earnest in very large numbers in 1875 and the following
decades. The younger Pastor Guttormsson served parishes in <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">La Crosse</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Wisconsin</st1:state></st1:place>
and other venues and was elected a Bishop in the ELCA [<st1:place w:st="on"><st1:placename w:st="on">Evangelical</st1:placename> <st1:placename w:st="on">Lutheran</st1:placename>
<st1:placetype w:st="on">Church</st1:placetype></st1:place> in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region>]. The elder Pastor Guttormsson served for
nearly forty years in the Icelandic Lutheran Synod parishes in and around <st1:place w:st="on"><st1:city w:st="on">Minneota</st1:city>, <st1:state w:st="on">Minnesota</st1:state></st1:place>,
a very important Icelandic-heritage community.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Doctor Guttormsson works very
closely with both the Icelandic National League of North America [<b><a href="http://www.inlofna.org/">www.INLofNA.org</a></b>] and the Snorri
Foundaiton [<b><a href="http://www.snorri.is/">www.Snorri.is</a></b>] and is
quite keen to assist both with bringing young people from Iceland to
Icelandic-heritage communities in North America under the auspices of the <b>Snorri-West</b>
program and sending Americans of Icelandic descent to Iceland under the
auspices of either the six-week <b>Snorri</b> total Icelandic-immersion program
for young people or the newer two-week <b>Snorri-Plus</b> program for mature
adults and retirees.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Foundation’s support this
summer for our IAC-member, Nicholas Lieber [see accompanying article], is most
appreciated and welcome! The Guttormsson
Family Foundation is an IRS-approved 501(c)3 tax-exempt charity and very much
welcomes support from Western Icelanders and friends of <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">Iceland</st1:place></st1:country-region> who
share its abiding interest in preserving Icelandic heritage here in <st1:place w:st="on">North America</st1:place>.
Inquiries should be directed to Stefan Guttormsson, M.D., Principal
Trustee, The Guttormsson Family Foundation, <st1:address w:st="on"><st1:street w:st="on">3715 Greysolon Road</st1:street>, <st1:city w:st="on">Duluth</st1:city>,
<st1:state w:st="on">MN</st1:state> <st1:postalcode w:st="on">55804</st1:postalcode></st1:address>. </span><span style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR:<a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com" target="_blank"> SIGGY JONSSON</a> (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</a>. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@karenzupko.com" target="_blank">EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/IcelandicAssociationChicago" target="_blank">LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.</a>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIcelandicAssociationChicago&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=true&header=true&height=427" style="border: currentColor; height: 427px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-4944808687975717652012-10-30T19:49:00.000-07:002012-10-30T19:49:24.023-07:00October 2012<br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: bold;">From the President’s Desk</span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>The Icelandic Association of Chicago turns 90 next year!</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">Next year is going to be big for us Icelanders in Chicago, people of Icelandic heritage, and other members and friends of Iceland. The Association turns </span><span style="color: #222222;">ninety years old, which calls for celebration! Our organization is only as strong </span><span style="color: #222222;">as its members and for the past 15 years we have flourished thanks to the </span><span style="color: #222222;">unselfish work and contributions from all of us. Our members volunteer their </span><span style="color: #222222;">time with no monetary benefits; everyone pays a membership fee and everyone </span><span style="color: #222222;">who works at the Þorrablót also pays for their Þorrablót ticket. Next year, you </span><span style="color: #222222;">can expect it to be different as I will suggest to the board we grant those who </span><span style="color: #222222;">organize and help with Þorrablót a complementary admission. I am sure the </span><span style="color: #222222;">board and all of our members will agree. We will celebrate our 90th Þorrablót in </span><span style="color: #222222;">February and I am convinced it will be the best to date!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">But why do we volunteer for the IAC or why even become a member? We </span><span style="color: #222222;">may have different reasons but we all share the passion to hold out a strong </span><span style="color: #222222;">organization to support the Icelandic-American community in Illinois and </span><span style="color: #222222;">neighboring states. We want to maintain a strong connection to our culture </span><span style="color: #222222;">and to help represent immigrants and others who show interest in their Icelandic </span><span style="color: #222222;">background. We want the children in the community to learn about Iceland and </span><span style="color: #222222;">Icelandic culture. Last but not least, we want to enjoy each other’s company and </span><span style="color: #222222;">have good times with our friends. That speaks volumes and if at the same time </span><span style="color: #222222;">we can create something good and help people to learn about Iceland, that is a </span><span style="color: #222222;">bonus. I encourage you to consider an application to the Scholarship fund and if </span><span style="color: #222222;">not for you, spread the word.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Take care and have a great rest of 2012 and happy 2013!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">Einar Steinsson</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><b>From the Editor</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We have picked a winner for our logo contest! Congratulations to Kenneth Beckwith, our official winner. His logo will be featured on our web site, Facebook page and any other materials related to the IAC.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He will be officially congratulated by our President Einar Steinsson at the Annual Christmas Tree Decoration event this coming Sunday, as well as being presented with his well deserved prize. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">Here is how he described the logo: </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">The logo features the giant, dragon, eagle, and bull present on the </span><span style="color: #222222;">current logo, but given an almost propaganda-style screen printed </span><span style="color: #222222;">treatment. </span><span style="color: #222222;">I wanted to keep the clear communication of a logo, while appealing to </span><span style="color: #222222;">a contemporary audience.</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We would love to hear ideas from our members to find out how you would like to use our new logo. Some ideas that came up during the last board meeting were t-shirts, bags, cards ... Post your ideas on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/IcelandicAssociationChicago" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Facebook</a>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;"><b>Renew Your Membership</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222;">Dear members, it's that time again where we ask that we all renew our memberships to keep our wonderful organization running. $20 for family membership and $10 for individuals and students. Please fill out the attached form, or you can pay online via</span><span style="color: #222222;"> </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">PayPal</a><span style="color: #222222;">. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><b>Christmas around the World!</b></span><u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once again it’s time to decorate our tree at the Museum of Science and Industry. Please join us at 12 noon, Sunday November 4<sup>th</sup> for this annual tradition and festive event. You must sign up with Lena as this year we’re to enter through the main Entry Hall and must show a wristband for a complimentary admission. Unfortunately, free parking is no longer offered. Parking in the museum’s garage costs $20 <b>BUT</b> there are other options. For example, metered parking in the east parking lot where we used to park; metered parking in the Park District lot just east of the Museum (enter off Lake Shore Drive just south of 57<sup>th</sup> street – the same lot we use for our 17<sup>th</sup> of June Celebration at Promontory Point; or free street parking within short walking distance from the Museum in the Hyde Park neighborhood.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Hlökkum til a</span><span style="color: #222222;"><span lang="IS">ð sjá ykkur!</span></span><u></u><u></u><u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="mailto:koshkuklo@gmail.com" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" title="blocked::mailto:koshkuklo@gmail.com">koshkuklo@gmail.com</a> <a href="tel:773-910-3154" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank" value="+17739103154">773-910-<wbr></wbr>3154</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>The 7th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open</b><br /><br />Heavy rain forced us to reschedule the original date of The Icelandic Open to September 23<sup>rd</sup> which turned out to be a good move as we had more players than previously planned. Everyone had a great time at our new location, Hilldale in Hoffman Estate. The Icelandic Open Masters 2012 are the daughter father team, Kathy Mehl and our treasurer, Larry Shaw, with a great score of 34. In second place, a father son team, Dave and David Mehl, not far behind with a score of 35. Third place winners, a wife husband team, Melissa Finley and Eric Thompson with a score of 39, but Melissa also won the longest drive for women. Axel Nielsen won the longest drive for men. David Mehl won the longest putt and Marvin Ray won closest to the pin. No one took the ticket to Iceland this year for a ‘Hole in One’ – Better luck next year!<u></u><u></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/golf2012.html" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">Click here to see pictures of the event</a>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’d like to thank everyone for playing and hope I’ll see all of you next year.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Message about Scandinavian Day from Joni: </span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thanks to all who participated in Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park this year. Lena and Einar represented Iceland in the Opening Ceremonies - carrying the flag and singing our National Anthem. Joni played the keyboard for the Worship Service. A great time was had by all who sold Icelandic Glacial water and pop in our booth - Ole and his boys, Will and Luke; Lena and Einar; Elizabeth, Biggi and Magnus; Kenneth Beckwith, who artistically set up our booth, and his friend Sergio; Joni and Larry; and John. Thanks to John who saw to it that we had the water and Larry, who went and picked it up from the distributor. All this effort goes to the Scholarship Fund to help further Icelandic studies and culture among students both young and "older". And - the weather cooperated. It was a beautiful day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Have a great day, Joni</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong>INL Convention in Chicago in 2017?</strong><br /><strong><u></u></strong><br />INL meetings are held once a month by Conference Call. Last month they were looking forward to future Conventions and we were asked if we would be willing to host the Convention in 2017. This year it will be in Seattle April 4th - April 7th. They are traditionally held in April or early May to preceed vacation rates. They can host between 150 - 200 people. Some venues are large cities, such as Seattle this year and some are small, such as Wynyard. Each has its own unique flavor - and costs. The larger cities being more costly for the attendees.<br /><br />Some things we would be responsible for are: speakers; accommodations; publicity; local activities/attractions; general area information; anything one can think of to make a successful convention. Check out these websites to see what Seattle is doing this spring - <a href="http://www.inlofna.org/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">www.inlofna.org</a> and <a href="http://www.icelandseattle.com/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">w<wbr></wbr>ww.icelandseattle.com</a>. Chicago has a lot to offer and many different locations to consider.<br /><br />Tentativly they are looking at Wynard in 2014, Vancouver in 2015, Mountain/Fargo in 2016, Chicago in 2017, and Markerville in 2018.<br /><br />This idea is up for discussion. Please direct input to Einar or Joni Shaw (delegate to the INL).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR:<a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com" target="_blank"> SIGGY JONSSON</a> (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE: </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@karenzupko.com" target="_blank">EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/IcelandicAssociationChicago" target="_blank">LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.</a></span>
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIcelandicAssociationChicago&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=true&header=true&height=427" style="border: currentColor; height: 427px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-27229979203680812862012-05-21T19:52:00.002-07:002012-05-21T19:52:38.861-07:00May 2012<span style="font-family: "Courier New", Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><strong>Farsælda Frón </strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>From the President’s Desk</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>Things are heating up in Iceland</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Icelanders elect a president June 30th! Eight candidates have announced their candidacy but some of them still need to collect enough signatures to be eligible to be on the ticket. This is more interest in the presidency than we have seen before. Current president, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, is running for his fifth term. The person closest to Mr. Grímsson in the latest poles, or actually a little bit ahead of him, is a news anchor from RUV, Þóra Arnórsdóttir. Þóra is about to give birth any day now to her third child but between she and her husband they have 6 children. Historically, the post of the Icelandic president is a position without much power even though the constitution allows for rights such as to veto laws the Parliament has approved and send to referendum. Mr. Grímsson is the only president who has exercised the right to veto a law, not once, but twice, which has changed the way people look at the position and, possibly, explains the interest and record number of candidates. Interesting news so make sure you stay tuned on June 30th.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In other news, our Þorrablót 2012 sold out just as it did the previous two years. This motivates us to look for a new venue that could welcome more attendees. Most of you know by now that our Þorrafood was confiscated in Boston but our great musician, Bjössi, was able to retrieve some of it before coming to Chicago. We did our best to make up for the loss and were lucky one member had some Hangikjöt to donate. Plans are in place to ensure the food for 2013 Þorrablót will make it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We are excited to celebrate the Icelandic Independence Day on the 17th of June, the actual day. Again we will import Icelandic hot dogs and do not worry, they are pre-cooked, thus will make it through customs! Hopefully, we will see most of you by the Lake on June 17th. Look for more information about the event below in the newsletter.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Gleðilegt Sumar – Have a great summer. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Einar Steinsson</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>From the Editor</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">One month before the National Icelandic Independence Day (see Lena's write up about our beloved, annual hot dog festival), the Chicago Tribune's John Keilman did a write up about the IAC and its members: <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-nato-ethnic-enclaves-icelanders-20120517,0,2516835.story" target="_blank">Tiny Icelandic Community Keeps Up Traditions</a>. If you haven't read it already, it's a bitter-sweet article for us, as the photo that accompanies the piece is of our Swany and her and Bert's youngest son Eyjolfur. They are moving to Victorville, CA next month. We wish them the best of luck out there and we look forward to hearing about their adventures out West! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Warm up your computer design program and/or your sketchbook and get set! We want you to design our logo. See instructions below.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Iceland's Independence Day '17di Júní'– by the Lake,Sunday June 17th. Icelandic Hot Dogs!</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">All members are invited to celebrate our Independence Day at Promontory Point,locally known as ‘The Point’. Please join us for a picnic style festival and a fun afternoon by the Lake. The IAC will treat everyone to hot dogs, pylsa, from Iceland, Icelandic style – eina með öllu – which includes dried fried onion and remolade! What makes Icelandic hot dogs unique and oh so good, is that they’re made from lamb meat. Please note that other than the hot dogs, the event is a BYO, so please bring drinks, sides, salads, sweets, or other plates you'd like to eat or share. Remember to bring picnic gear: blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas... And, if anyone owns flags or other 17th of June decorations, please bring it with you – takk! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re excited to celebrate 17di júní on the 17th of June and look forward to see you at 2 PM. This year we’re due for sunshine and, hopefully, warm enough weather for a quick dip into the lake! We'll have our parade with flags and balloons. A beach with life guards is close by for those who want to bring swim suits and go for a dive. Sign up by e-mailing </span><a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">einarandlena@ameritech.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or call 773-489-4621. If the weather is questionable we will move the celebration to Lena and Einar’s house on Rockwell. Thus, it’s important you sign up so we can alert you of a different location. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Directions and Parking:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Point is off 55th Street, Eastof Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Use 5500 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 for driving directions (Mapquest.com; Google Maps, etc.). You’ll find a metered parking lot on 55th street,by Bar Loui, or you may find free street parking. The walk to the Point takes about 6 minutes through a tunnel, which passes under Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th street. Upon emerging from the tunnel you’ll see a statue and a fountain. Turn right and walk south until you see our flag. We’ll try to find a spot as close to the field house as possible. For more information, photos, and the history of the Promontory Point, check out: </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>IAC Logo Design Contest</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The IAC needs a logo and we are holding a contest. The prize is $100, but more importantly bragging rights. All entries need to be received by September 15th, 2012 and should be sent to: </span><a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">siggyosk@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. The winner will be chosen by the board members and revealed in the fall issue of Frón. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The fine print: The IAC will have exclusive rights to the logo and it may not be re-used without permission by the board members. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>The 7th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open August 26th @ 2:00PM</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The 7th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open (TGCIO) will be held at a “new” course, Hilldale Golf Club in Hoffman Estate this year. This is one of our favorite golf courses that our Swedish friends introduced us to some years ago. The course is one of Robert Trent Jones Sr. designs and used to be a sportsman club owned by the Marshall Field’s family. You can read more about it on their web page> </span><a href="http://www.hilldalegolf.com/index.php"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.hilldalegolf.com/index.php</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As before, we will max out at 32 players and we have sold out for two of the six years. I am proud that we are able to lower the fee this year, $35, which includes 9 holes of golf, a cart, sleeve of TGCIO golf balls, and great prizes, including an airline ticket to Iceland with Icelandair for a hole in one.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Deadline to pay is August 15th as that is the day I have to confirm number of players to the Hilldale Golf Club. First come first served – You can mail a check* or pay on our web page </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.icelandchicago.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> with a credit card: </span><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IAC2012IceOpenPymtMethods.html"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://icelandchicago.org/IAC2012IceOpenPymtMethods.html</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The TGCIO is a 9-hole Texas Scramble tournament in teams of two players, with many of the teams being a couple or a parent and a child. We give a trophy for first place, medals for 1st 2nd and 3rd places, plus various prizes for the Longest Drive men/women, Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt, and Hole in One.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">For any questions, email me at </span><a href="mailto:einarandlena@amreitech.net"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">einarandlena@amreitech.net</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a great time out there,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Einar Steinsson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* If paying by check, make your check payable to the Icelandic Association of Chicago and mail to Lawrence O. Shaw, 147 N. Buckingham Drive, Sugar Grove, IL 60554</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Vasa Park Summer Fun</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Time to get your picnic blankets and head to the park to celebrate with Vikings of all ages this summer. June 23rd is the annual Midsommar Celebration. For details go to the website: </span><a href="http://www.vasaparkil.com/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://www.vasaparkil.com/</span></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR:<a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com" target="_blank"> SIGGY JONSSON</a> (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE: </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@karenzupko.com" target="_blank">EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT</a>. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/IcelandicAssociationChicago" target="_blank">LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.</a></span>
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<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIcelandicAssociationChicago&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=true&header=true&height=427" style="border: currentColor; height: 427px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-48705427367079738292011-12-06T19:12:00.001-08:002012-01-24T03:15:57.323-08:00December 2011<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>From the President’s Desk</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Iceland is recovering</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> ‘Iceland is recovering’ reads the headline of a great article by Jake Halpern in a recent issue in <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/05/15/magazine/icelands-big-economic-thaw.html?pagewanted=all" target="_blank">The New York Times magazine</a>. It’s a must read for everyone interested in what happened and is happening in Iceland after the crash. Icelanders are slowly shifting their focus from the fall of the banks and more and more folks are rediscovering the nation’s cultural roots, values and rich heritage. This is good news for all of us who worried about Iceland’s future and our friends and family living on that great island of ours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Like Icelanders back home, our little society in the Midwest is thriving. I’m proud to announce that our scholarship fund is up and running as you can read more about in this newsletter. I thank everyone involved for their unselfish and relentless work; a true accomplishment. Our goal is to give out the first scholarship at the next Þorrablót. We had a successful General Meeting and I‘m truly happy to report that every board member agreed to stay on the board for one more year. This board has done a great job building up the IAC and with fewer expenses and a strong fund for a non profit organization, we decided to lower our annual membership fee. All members will still enjoy access to discounted tickets to Þorrablót and a free 17th of June festival. It was the right thing to do. The date for Þorrablót 2012 is Saturday, the 25th of February, see details below in this newsletter. Lastly, our Christmas Tree is up at the MSI and this year we’re tree number one :). It‘s the first tree you see as you go up the escalator, and it looks great! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a splendid holiday season and I hope I’ll see all of you at some or all of our events next year.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Einar Steinsson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>From the Editor</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hello members! It's that time of the year where we look back at the year that's coming to an end while slowly getting excited about the new one. We make plans, decide to improve things that may not have worked out so well in the past. A clean start. We join a gym, learn a new instrument, change our hair color and buy a juicer to make our own organic health smoothies while deciding to never eat preservatives again. Good luck, I'm sure your life changing plans will make a difference in your life -- but don't forget a sure thing to make 2012 your best year ever: renew your IAC membership so that you don't miss out on all the fun. You'll get a discount when you buy your þorrablót ticket, celebrate the Icelandic Independence Day eating the tastiest hot dogs in the world, get a chance to apply to our new scholarship fund (keep reading for more infomation and how to apply)! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Icelandic Embassy just sent out its most recent newsletter which is attached for your information. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sign up for both the membership and þorrablót below where Lena has lovingly put together all of the þorrablót information along with a little treat (Skyrterta recipe). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We will be taking the Christmas tree down on January 15th at 1:00 PM, followed by a brief board meeting which all members are invited to attend. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Wishing everyone a happy holiday season and looking forward to seeing everyone in 2012 and make sure to "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/IcelandicAssociationChicago" target="_blank">like</a>" us on facebook to get all of the latest updates. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Siggý</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong><a name="blot">Þorrablót 2012</a></strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Þorrablót 2012 will be Saturday, February 25, at the Svithiod House (</span><a href="http://www.svithiod.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">www.svithiod.org</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">), located at 5518 W. Lawrence Avenue, close to the I-90/94 and accessible by public transportation. Parking is plentiful and the building is easily accessible at street level. The ballroom seats 80 guests for dinner, which sold out last year, so buy your tickets early! The format will be similar to past successful years – We’ll open the house at 6 P.M., and start with a welcome punch and gravlax, and for the brave of heart, Brennivin and rotten shark. We’ll serve a buffet style dinner with delicious Þorrafood, flown in from Iceland, and some traditional and less traditional dishes prepared by members.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’ll have our famous and ever popular raffle where you can win a ticket from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes from Iceland. The great musician Sveinbjörn Grétarsson or better known as Bjössi in Greifarnir (a popular band in Iceland) will entertain us throughout the evening and make sure that everyone hits the dance floor or the stage, for a song or two :-) We’re delighted to have Bjössi back for the third time and are proud to call him a friend of Chicago! Of course, the Þorra Quire will sing, as will everyone else. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Save the date or, better yet, purchase your tickets now for Þorrablót 2012 on our web site. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm" target="_blank">Online Membership Form</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsMembership.html" target="_blank">Pay for Membership Online</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2012.html" target="_blank">Þorrablót Tickets</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsDonations.html" target="_blank">Donations</a> (specify if it's a general donation or for the scholarship fund)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you prefer, you can fill out the attached Membership form and send payment by mail to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lawrence O. Shaw</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">147 N. Buckingham Drive</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sugar Grove, IL 60554</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please note we will not sell tickets at the door.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Price of tickets:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Members: $50</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Guests: $60</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">70 and older: $40</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">12-18 and Students: $40</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">11 and younger: Free</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Membership is $20 per family or $10 per person/student. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We’re excited about our Þorrablót and look forward to a memorable Icelandic night with all of you good folks.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Skál!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Þorra-committee</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>How about a typical Icelandic treat for the holidays?</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now that we enjoy the luxury of SKYR being sold in the greater Chicago area, let me tell those of you who don’t know, you can use it to make a healthy, nutritious and a very popular dessert in Iceland, SKYRTERTA! It’s similar to the cheesecake, but oh so much lighter and refreshing. I recommend using SIGGI’S SKYR as his product is all natural and no sugar added, leaving it up to you to make what you fancy. In short, you make the crust from your favorite cookies and make sure to mix with ICELANDIC BUTTER. For the cake itself you mix SKYR, sugar, egg yolks and flavorings, then fold in whipped cream. Use gelatin to stiffen. For a topping use gelatin and whatever jam/berries/liquo retc., that fits your cake. No baking involved and ready after a few hours in the fridge. You can find plenty of recipes on the web or feel free to email me if you want more details/measurements. SIGGI’S SKYR is sold at Whole Foods and some other grocery stores.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Bon Appétit</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lena </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>New!! The Icelandic Associationof Chicago Scholarship Program</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">OBJECTIVES:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Icelandic Associationof Chicago [hereinafter referred toas the IAC] Scholarship Program [i.e., the Program] shallhave a broad mandate to: encourage,facilitate, and fund formal and informal educational opportunities to promoteknowledge of Iceland,its language, culture, history, and current affairs. It shall also recognize exceptionalcontributions to same by members of the Icelandic-American Community which theIAC represents and serves.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">GUIDELINES:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A. The elected Chairperson[i.e., the Chair and its Committee [i.e., the Committee]shall:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Recommendthe scope of its current activities consistent with available and anticipatedresources, opportunities, and the needs of the Icelandic-American Communitywhich the IAC represents and serves; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Solicitand review applications for approved scholarship aid; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. Recommendgranting of scholarship aid and/or special recognition; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4. Only the IACBoard of Directors [i.e., the Board] shall have authority to approvethe recommendations of the Chair and Committee regarding actual awarding ofscholarship aid and special recognition(s);</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B. Funding sourcesfor the Program shall include individual and corporate contributions andfund-raising activities approved by the Board; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C. The Chair shallrecruit a Committee, by the first of January following the Chair’selection/re-election to the Board, to include at least two IAC members, withrelevant input welcome from all interested parties; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">D. Preference in theawarding of scholarship aid shall be given to IAC members and family members ofsame;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">E. Recipients ofscholarship financial aid shall be required to present a suitable reportfollowing their supported activity, preferably at the next Annual GeneralMeeting [i.e., the AGM], and will be encouraged to become and remainactive in the IAC and to assist the Program. Such report(s) will be disseminated via the IAC Newsletter and/or on itswebsite; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">F. Committee orBoard members and their immediate family members are eligible to receivescholarship aid, the only restriction being recusal from voting on one’s ownapplication or that of an immediate family member;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">G. Absent compellingreasons to the contrary, scholarship financial aid on behalf of the awardeeshall be paid directly to the relevant, bona fide academic, cultural, orscientific institution with which the supported activity will beundertaken. Scholarship aid may be usedfor tuition, travel, living expenses, books, supplies, etc., relevant to theaid approved;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">H. Scholarshipfinancial aid not accepted or not used within two years of the award shallrevert to the Scholarship Fund;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I. The Program shallbe reviewed annually;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">J. If the Program isever rescinded or the IAC ceases to operate as a not-for-profit organization,all Scholarship Program funds not already committed or disbursed shall betransferred to bona fide, not-for-profit institution(s) whose activities areconsistent with the Program’s above-stated objectives.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">CHAIRPERSON’s REPORT TOTHE AGM & BOARD:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Chair shall give a reportto the AGM and Board Meeting (oftener to the Board if exceptional financialresources and opportunities or challenges warrant). This report shall be disseminated via the IACNewsletter and/or its website:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A. Scholarshipawards and special recognition(s) granted in the past year;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">B. Scholarship fundsavailable, significant sponsors and donors, anticipated funds, andrecommendations regarding new fund-raising opportunities; </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">C. Recommendationsfor current scholarship funding priorities and relevant deadlines forapplications, award announcements, and preferred venue for final awards orspecial recognition(s), e.g., at the next Þorrablót;</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">D. Recommendationsfor special recognition(s).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Last but not least:</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">UNICEF has asked us to encourage our members to visit their web site and share the following message, which we are more than happy to share:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Visit UNICEFUSA.ORG for news and updates on UNICEF USA's campaigns towards saving the lives of millions of children all over the world. Through the assistance of individuals, organizations and communities, more and more children are being saved from famine, malnutrition, diseases, violence and illiteracy. However, while many children are being given a chance for a more promising future, there are many more who need the help of UNICEF. Please extend your generousity and support UNICEF USA in its efforts to save children's lives. Please visit UNICEFUSA.ORG for information on how you can lend a helping hand to save the world's most vulnerable children. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: SIGGY JONSSON (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE: </span><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-77259531429293477062011-09-28T09:52:00.000-07:002011-09-28T09:52:35.820-07:00September 2011<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Icelandic Association of Chicago Volume No. 13 Issue No. 3 September 2011</span><br />
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<strong><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">From the President’s Desk</span></strong><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><em>The Land of Ice and Fire</em></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Mother Nature keeps reminding us that she is in charge which in Iceland, The Land of Ice and Fire, people are very much aware of lately. The rest of the world has taken notice but once you visit the island you realize that Icelanders are not constantly thinking about eruptions that may happen, rivers that could overflow or snow storms that have the potential to shut down the economy.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Lena and I visited Iceland for two weeks this summer and enjoyed a wonderful time with friends and family. We experienced “Icelandic” weather, 60F and some rain, some windstorms, and some sun, all in the same day.It was a relief from the blistering heat we have had in Chicago this summer. Many of our members and friends visited Iceland and took advantage of the first direct flight from Chicago in decades. By the same token, many of us saw an influx of visitors from Iceland. Hopefully, Iceland Express continues these flights next summer and we can expect even more visitors in 2012.In short, a busy but enjoyable summer, I hope you had the same.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We postponed The Greater Chicago Icelandic Open until next summer.Instead, we had a mini golf outing at the Highlands of Elgin with great success. The following day we participated in the Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park in Elgin where Joni and Larry Shaw have done a great job representing IAC.Many volunteers showed up and helped sell Icelandic water and soda pop. The proceeds will go to the Scholarship Fund.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am sad to announce that our great ambassador Hjálmar Hannesson is leaving his post for Iceland at the end of this month. I would like to thank him for all his support on our behalf and wish him all the best in the future. We welcome our new ambassador Guðmundur Arni Stefánsson and hope that he will enjoy success as the Icelandic ambassador to the United States.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have a pleasant fall.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Einar Steinsson</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">President</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>From the Editor</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Einar is always a tough act to follow because his message always shows the strong love for his country even when he and Lena have made a home thousands of miles to the west. There are so many Icelanders abroad, but almost everyone has this powerful loyalty to our little island whether we arrived a month or a decade ago or if we are connected through a great-grand-parent. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Ten years ago my family and I went on an outing with some uncles, aunts and cousins to see where my grandfather grew up, about an hour drive outside of Reykjavík. At one point of our journey, I found myself standing next to my aunt, who has lived in Iceland all her life, at one of the black beaches surrounded by the trademark raw lava rock, moss covered hills and the ocean. She simply said: "I always find this country to be so 'furðulegt'." It means "weird" but the way she said it with her eyes open wide facing a strong wind really meant "uniquely fascinating" in that you almost don't feel that it is real. I was glad that she said that because it let me know that we were looking at the surroundings the same way. If you live there all your life or visit once every few years, Iceland never fails to impress.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To segue a little bit, please be sure to 'like' us on facebook so that we can give you live updates on anything that´s going on with the IAC. If you like to post anything on our facebook page wall, feel free to send me an e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">siggyosk@gmail.com</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Christmas Tree Decoration and General Meeting</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please join us once again to decorate our Icelandic Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry on Sunday, November 13th at 1 PM. We will be sending you more information closer to the event and remember to check our facebook page </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/#!/IcelandicAssociationChicago"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.facebook.com/#!/IcelandicAssociationChicago</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for updates.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our General Meeting will be held right after the Tree Decorating at 3 PM, at Medici on 57th street.Some of you may recall that we had a meeting there a few years ago.It’s a no nonsense, something for everyone, budget friendly, BYOB, a ‘where the food came from’ concerned type of place :-) We will head there right after decorating our Christmas Tree.There is plenty of street parking. Please sign up with Lena no later than Friday November 11 – You can send me an e-mail at </span><a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">einarandlena@ameritech.net</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> or call 773-489-4621.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Medici on 57th<br />1327 E. 57th St.<br />Chicago, IL60637-1724<br />HydePark<br />773-667-7394<br />medici57.com</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Hours: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner: seven day<br />Open Late: Friday & Saturday till midnight, other nights till 11<br />Always-bustling University of Chicago hangout serving hearty, American-Italian, veggie-friendly cafe fare.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Our Review</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The quintessential off-campus hangout, complete with carved wood booths and graffiti-covered walls. The reasonable prices at this long-standing Hyde Park gem make it a favorite among students and locals alike. Pizza toppings come both classic and designer (pesto, spinach, and goat cheese); hamburgers can be topped with jalapenos, bacon, or mushrooms in addition to cheese. There's an ample variety of other nibbles -- hummus, wings, chili, and spaghetti -- but no alcohol; instead there's fresh lemonade, milk shakes, and malts. Late night, it's a nice stop for a cup of tea and one of the luscious homemade desserts, like Gracie's apple pie, carrot layer cake, or warm and gooey pecan pie. Though many customers opt for delivery, the dining room is spacious, with an upstairs loft and an adjacent outdoor patio for warmer weather.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Scandinavian Day at Vasa Park</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A big "thanks" to all who helped to make the day a great success. We sold Icelandic water and pop. Thanks to Jon Hofteig, who, once again, secured the water for us and all who manned our beverage booth - Andrew, Susan and family, Pam, Ole and family, Lena and Einar and Larry and Joni. We sold all our pop and most of the water. Many thanks to Icelandic Glacial for their donation of water to benefit our scholarship. We heard many good words about the water and the shape of the bottle.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The day began with a Worship Service. Joni Shaw was the organist and her daughter Dorothy Hall played her violin for the Service. This was followed by the opening ceremonies and procession of the flags. Einar carried the Icelandic flag and Madeleine Hall carried the banner for Iceland in the procession. Joni sang the Icelandic National Anthem, accompanied by daughter Dorothy on the violin while she played the piano. 9/11 was remembered during both the Worship Service and the Opening Ceremonies.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was a beautiful day and a good time was had by all!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Lögberg-Heimskringla</strong></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If you find yourself in Winnipeg in October, our L-H friends in Canada have invited us to join them for their Open House to celebrate the 125th anniversary on October 13th. The invitation is attached. The IAC and its members congratulate them on this monumental celebration!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com">SIGGY JONSSON</a> (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE: WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@karenzupko.com">EINAR STEINSSON</a> PRESIDENT. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK:</span><br />
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<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIcelandicAssociationChicago&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=true&header=true&height=427" style="border: currentColor; height: 427px; overflow: hidden; width: 292px;"></iframe>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-33552531450150847882011-05-18T10:13:00.001-07:002011-05-18T10:18:58.758-07:00May 2011<span style="font-family:verdana;">Icelandic Association of Chicago Volume No. 13 Issue No. 2 May 2011<br /><br /><br /><strong>From the President’s Desk<br /></strong><br />We continue to flourish.<br /><br />On the first Saturday in May we had a wellattended and productive board meeting at our house on Rockwell. We looked over official numbers from our 2011 Þorrablót and got aconfirmation of what we already knew; the Þorrablót was a bigsuccess and sold out as it did in previous years. Wemade plans to have the 2012 Þorrablót at the same place with a similar format – why mess with a good thing if not needed. We now have new bylaws approved and filed. We are in the midst of finishing setting upthe scholarship fund and plan to give out the first donations at the GeneralMeeting this fall. Our goal is to get a"Not for Profit" status approved after the first donations. We planned our 17th of June celebration atPromotory Point, and festivities in Vasa Park with our Nordic relatives at MidsummerFestival and Scandinavian Day. You willfind more information on these events in the newsletter. We have yet to set a date for The IcelandicOpen but are looking at September and will keep you updated via email and on facebook. In short, we have a flourishing community,which is more active in the association’s affairs every year. Please spread the word and let everyIcelander, Icelandic-American, or anyone interested in Iceland, know about us, and,better yet, invite them to join us.<br /><br />Gleðilegt Sumar!<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br />President </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;"><br /><strong>From the Editor</strong><br /><br />Hello everyone! I hope you are all ready for the summer festivities that are coming up. To keep you even more up-to-date on IAC current events, we invite you (if you haven't already) to "like" our new Icelandic Association of Chicago facebook page. Simply click on the Like button once you're on the page next to the title and you will automatically receive the latest information in your news feed. Building this community also means that we encourage members to post pictures and updates on the wall. We will be posting a facebook fan button on our web site shortly as well.<br /><br /><strong>Iceland's Independence Day '17di Júní'– by the Lake, Saturday June 11th.Icelandic Hot Dogs!</strong><br /><br />All members are invited to celebrate our Independence Day at the same location as two years ago in Burnham Park around PromontoryPoint, locally known as "The Point." Please join us for a picnic-style festival and a fun afternoon by the Lake.The IAC will offer hot dogs from Iceland, Icelandic style. Last year, despite the cold weather, we still had close to 40 people show up at the alternate location despite the rain. This year we are in for sunshine and hope to see all of you at the lake for a 'pylsa (pulsa) með öllu’! <br /><br />Please note that other than hot dogs, the event is a BYO, so please bring drinks, sides, salads and other food or plates and cups you'd like to share. Also, make sure to bring other picnic gear: blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas...<br /><br />The festivities start at 3 PM, Saturday June 11th and, of course, we'll have a parade with flags and balloons. A beach with a life guard is close by for those who want to bring swim suits and go for a dive. Sign up by e-mailing einarandlena@ameritech.net or call 773-489-4621. If the weather is questionabl ewe will, just as we did last year, move the celebration to Lena and Einar’s house on Rockwell. Thus, it is important you sign up so we can alert you of a different location. <br /><br />Directions andParking:<br />The Point is off 55th Street, East of Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Use 5500 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 for driving directions (mapquest.com; google, etc.). You’ll find a metered parking lot on 55th street, by Bar Loui, or you may find free street parking. The walk to the Point takes about 6 minutes through a tunnel, which passes under Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th street. Upon emerging from the tunnel you’ll see a statue and a fountain. Turn right and walk south until you see our flag. We’ll try to find a spot as close to the field house as possible. For more information, photos, and the history of thePromontory Point, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago).<br /><br /><br /><strong>Surge - Art Installation by one of our members, Anna Jóelsdóttir, in NY</strong><br /><br />If you find yourself in New York City this summer, stop by the Clocktower gallery, presenting Surge, by Anna Joelsdottir, a site specific installation that examines the process by which the human mind creates and deconstructs personal narratives. <br /><br />For more information: http://artonair.org/exhibition/surge<br /><br /><br /><strong>Class on Norse Mythology at Loyala starting May 18th</strong><br /><br />Dr Seigfried still has two more spots in his class (starting today, the 18th at Loyola University). Register now at https://perseus.luc.edu/continuum/getCourse?classnbr=2509&term=1114 before it's too late!<br /><br /><strong>Sixth Annual Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration on Saturday, June 18th at Vasa Park</strong><br /><br />Come out to the NW suburbs to enjoy a wonderful day in the park. Bring a picnic basket and your own beverages for this all day fare. There will also be food for sale by various Scandinavian organizations and Icelandic water from 2:00 until 6:00 PM. For directions to Vasa Park, click here.<br /><br /><strong>All upcoming Scandinavian Park events to put in your calendar:</strong><br /><br />Saturday, June 18, 2011 – The 6th Annual Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration –<br /><br />Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Adults $5.00, Children 12 & Under FREE<br /><br />Saturday, August 13, 2011 - Steak Fry with Crayfish Sampling -- 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. -- Vasa Park<br /><br />Sunday, September 11, 2011 - The 32nd Annual Scandinavian Day Festival at<br /><br />Vasa Park, South Elgin from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. featuring Traditional Food, Crafts, Games, Gifts & Entertainment * Adults $10.00, Children 12 & Under FREE * FREE PARKING * Rain or Shine * Come celebrate the culture & traditions of Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden!!<br /><br />Saturday, October 15, 2011 – The 10th Annual Fish Boil & Harvest Festival at Vasa Park, Route 31, South Elgin, IL, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. with Boil at 2 p.m., serving immediately. A great time is planned with music & entertainment. Adults: $15, Children under 12: $5.00. Reservations please by Oct. 10 to 847-695-6720 or vasaparkil@yahoo.com.<br /><br /><strong>FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: SIGGY JONSSON (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE: WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, EINAR STEINSSON PRESIDENT. LIKE US ON FACEBOOK.</strong><br /><br /><iframe style="border: currentColor; width: 292px; height: 427px; overflow: hidden;" src="http://www.facebook.com/plugins/likebox.php?href=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FIcelandicAssociationChicago&width=292&colorscheme=light&show_faces=false&stream=true&header=true&height=427" frameborder="0" allowtransparency="true" scrolling="no"></iframe></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-16203353135396297022011-01-31T14:26:00.000-08:002011-01-31T14:29:48.819-08:00February 2011Icelandic Association of Chicago Volume No. 13 Issue No. 1 February 2011<br /><br />From the President’s Desk<br /><br />Gleðilegt Ár – Happy New Year<br /><br />The IAC is starting the year with a bang! Looks like we’ll sell out our 2011 Þorrablót – We already have 64 attendees confirmed. Our goal is to fill the 70 seats available with IAC members and guests, and and have a fun and intimate event where everyone gets to talk to everyone. If you’ve yet to sign up, don’t procrastinate ...<br /><br />I want to extend my congratulations to Joni and Larry Shaw on becoming honorary members of our association and thank them for their relentless and unselfish work for IAC, which I hope we’ll enjoy for many more years to come. They’re unable to attend the Þorrablót, therefore I presented them with their certificate at our last meeting before they left for Florida. I hope they’re enjoying the sunny state.<br /><br />At the beginning of this year’s Þorrablót we’ll have a formal voting on our new bylaws, which, thanks to Larry, are now ready to be put into practice. Once we approve the laws, we’ll distribute them to all members. This is a milestone for the organization – Now we’re offical, and legal in the eyes of the State and other authorites. Good job everyone!<br /><br />We’re planning to join the Icelandic National League of North America (INL of NA) this year. Membership has many interesting benefits, e.g., access to programs like ‘The Icelandic Movie Night,' and a reading club. I’ll tell you more about the program in the next news letters.<br /><br />Have a great 2011 and I hope to see most of you at the 2011 Þorrablót.<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br />President<br /><br /><br />From the Editor<br /><br />Hello everyone and welcome to 2011. I wanted to remind you all to send in your travel or Iceland experience story to include in the newsletter. Andrew and Sue Scholberg shared their wonderful travel stories with us last time and we have a few stories coming our way. That said - the more the merrier, so come and share your Iceland story with the rest of the members. We would love to hear from you. You can also write to tell us how much you enjoyed yourself at the Annual þorrablót.<br /><br />Speaking of ...<br /><br /><br />ÞORRABLÓT 2011<br /><br />Reserve your seat today! Please rsvp on the evite that you received, and click on the following links to purchase tickets and pay membership:<br /><br />Payment for þorrablót:<br />http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2011.html<br /><br />Payment for Membership:<br />http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm<br /><br />If you prefer, you can send payment by mail to:<br /><br />Lawrence O. Shaw<br />147 N. Buckingham Drive<br />Sugar Grove, IL 60554<br />(remember to fill out and include the membership form)<br /><br />If you’re mailing your payment to Larry, we still need you to sign up on the Evite. We use the Evite to keep track of how many are attending.<br /><br /><br />A Brief Reminder From the Snorri Project<br /><br />There are a few spots available in the Snorri-2011 Program and the Snorri Foundation would like to encourage you to help us find more candidates.<br /><br />The deadline has been extended to February 4, 2011. The sooner you send in an application the better.<br /><br />ICELAND AWAITS YOU<br /><br />For further information please contact me ASAP.<br />On behalf of the Snorri Foundation,<br />Asta Sol Kristjansdottir<br />Project Manager<br />www.snorri.is<br />info@snorri.is<br /><br />-Snorri - because we have passion for your heritage<br /><br /><br />92nd Annual INL of NA Convention<br /><br />Pam Olafson Furstenau ‘Sunna’ who is on the Board of Directors of the INL of NA wishes to extend an invitation to everyone in the Icelandic Association of Chicago to the 92nd Annual INL of NA Convention. The event will be held from Thursday, April 28 – Sunday, May 1, 2011 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.<br /><br />Information about Registration is on the website:<br />http://www.inlofna.org/Conf%202011/index.html<br /><br />You can also find this information on the new INL of Iceland Facebook page where Sunna posts interesting topics, links, videos, and photos of upcoming events, recipes, historical facts, Icelandic Traditions, etc.: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Icelandic-National-League-of-Iceland-pjodraeknisfelag-Islendinga/116320588431614<br /><br />Sunna also posts information regarding Icelandic culture, heritage and genealogy on the following web sites: www.thingvalla.org and www.august2nd.com and the US GenWeb site for Pembina County, North Dakota.<br /><br />She also administers the following Facebook pages in regards to Icelandic heritage: August the Deuce, Icelandic Klub of Fargo Moorhead, Family History Workshop, and Cousins Across the Ocean.<br /><br />All these sites have information regarding our Icelandic ancestors, traditions, stories, history, etc.<br /><br />If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Pam, a.k.a. Sunna at 701-200-1694 or at pam@rootstotrees.com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-82865160389045708112010-12-09T08:15:00.001-08:002011-01-26T05:34:37.906-08:00December 2010<span class="Apple-style-span"><div><span><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse;font-family:Arial;"><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80);"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;font-size:15px;" ><span style="font-size:10pt;">Icelandic Association of Chicago Volume No. 12 Issue No. 3 December 2010</span></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;font-size:15px;" ><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></b></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;font-size:15px;" ><b><span style="font-size:10pt;">From the President´s Desk</span></b></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;font-size:15px;" ><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></b></span></i></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;">Farewell 2010 – Welcome 2011</span></i></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Before we know it, 2011 will be here. In 2010 the economy is still in slow mode, especially back in the “old country” where many people are struggling. There are signs of improvement in Iceland but many Icelanders have left for greener pastures, Norway being a popular destination.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">The latest news from Iceland is the national election of 25 citizens to serve as members on a Constitutional Assembly. These are regular folks whose task is to make suggestions to the parliament, Alþingi, on changes and/or additions to the current constitution. They are supposed to have completed their work by the 15th of April, 2011. Alþingi is not obliged to follow the assembly´s suggestions but will, at least, have to review -- for consideration -- what they come up with. Good move Iceland.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">For our Association, 2011 starts by taking down the Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry, January 15th at 1PM. Everyone is welcome.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br />We will celebrate the Þorrablót at Swithiod House on February 19th, the same venue as last year.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br />I hope you are looking forward to a great 2011 and I wish you Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas and Gleðilegt Ár.<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br />President</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="line-height: 14px;font-size:10pt;" ></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;">From the Editor</span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">We have a lot to report at the end of 2010. First of all, please join us by congratulating Larry and Joni Shaw for becoming Honorary Lifetime Members of the IAC Chicago. They have contributed endless passion and hours of volunteer work to the association. Einar, our president will be presenting them with their awards this month.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></p><br /><a name="Þorrablót"></a><br /><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span><span style="font-size:13px;">Several members came to the annual Christmas Tree Decoration at the Museum of Science and Industry in October, followed by an open board meeting. We discussed our annual þórrablót. Lena has put all the important information for us together in this newsletter (see below). We also discussed membership and the member form, and here is how you can pay for your membership, þórrablót and if you´d like to make a donation:</span></p></div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;" >Membership Form: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.<wbr>icelandchicago.org/<wbr>membershipForm.htm</a></span></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><span style="font-size:13px;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;" >Pay membership online: </span></span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsMembership.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.<wbr>icelandchicago.org/<wbr>IACpaymentMethodsMembership.<wbr>html</a></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><br /></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" >Pay for 2011 þórrablót online: </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2011.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.<wbr>icelandchicago.org/<wbr>IACpaymentMethodsBlot2011.html</a></span></b></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><b><br /></b></p><div style="font-size:13px;"><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" >Make misc. donation to IAC: </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsDonations.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.<wbr>icelandchicago.org/<wbr>IACpaymentMethodsDonations.<wbr>html</a></span></b></div><div size="13px"><b><br /></b></div><div style="font-size: 13px;"><b><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" >Donate to the IAC Scholarship Fund: </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsDonations.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.<wbr>icelandchicago.org/<wbr>IACpaymentMethodsDonations.<wbr>html</a></span></b></div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;">We love to hear stories from our members. This time we are pleased to share Andrew and Sue´s Iceland travel story. Sue won a ticket to Iceland at this year's þórrablót raffle and Andrew joined her as they ended up having the time of their life on this trip. Please see the story below and read about their wonderful adventure to the homeland.</span></p><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-size:13px;"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">You will also find some interesting, additional information regarding the Snorri Program and something about Icelandic children´s literature in this newsletter.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">This isn´t necessarily news, but I finally got around to reading <i>Tricking of Freya</i> by Christina Sunley. A story about a young girl, Freya, from Connecticut whose mother brings her back to her family´s town Gimli in Canada every summer where Freya discovers a great deal about her Icelandic family history. It´s a dark tale about family and secrets interconnected between continents. I enjoyed it very much. Not just because it´s an interesting story, but also identifying with the draw people have to their own history and one´s identity which is often intertwined with that nordic island.</p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p></div></div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial;"><i><img src="https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=dc0e04b307&view=att&th=12cbf433b8c06c2b&attid=0.1&disp=inline&zw" alt="mail (288×386)" /></i></p><div><div style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial;"></div><div><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-size: 13px; border-collapse: collapse; font-family: Arial;"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;"><b>Þorrablót 2011</b></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><i><span style="font-size:10pt;"><b><br /></b></span></i></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">The Þorrablót will be at the Svithiod House (<a href="http://www.svithiod.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">www.svithiod.org</a>), located at 5518 W. Lawrence Avenue, close to I-90/94 and accessible by public transportation. Parking is plentiful and the building is easily accessible at street level. The ballroom seats 80 guests for dinner, which we know will sell out. The format will be similar to past successful years – we’ll open the house at 6 pm and start with a welcome punch and gravlax and for the brave of heart, Brennivin and rotten shark, followed by a buffet style dinner with delicious Þorrafood, flown in from Iceland, and some traditional and less traditional dishes prepared by members.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p size="11pt" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p size="11pt" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">We’ll have our famous and ever popular raffle where one can, for example, win a ticket from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes from Iceland. The great musician Sveinbjörn Grétarsson or better known as Bjössi in Greifarnir (a popular band in Iceland) will entertain us throughout the evening and make sure everyone hits the dance floor.<span> </span>We’re delighted to have Bjössi back and heard it through the grapewine he’s been practicing a brand new Þorra-song, dedicated to Chicago. :-)<span> </span>Of course, the Þorra Choir will sing, as will everyone else. We have sent an invitation to our Ambassador Hjálmar W Hannesson and his wife, Anna Birgis, to be our guests of honor.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; font-size: 11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p></div><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse;font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Save the date or, better yet, purchase your tickets now for Þorrablót 2011, Saturday February 19th on our web-site with a credit card. Please go to:</span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><b><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2011.html" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.icelandchicago.<wbr>org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2011.<wbr>html</a>.</b></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; color: rgb(0, 0, 0); border-collapse: collapse;font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><br /></span></p><div><div class="im"><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Conveniently, you can also pay your membership online by going to: </span><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><b><a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">http://www.icelandchicago.<wbr>org/membershipForm.htm</a>.</b></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" ><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">If you prefer, you can send payment by mail to:</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Lawrence O. Shaw</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">147 N. Buckingham Drive</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Sugar Grove, IL 60554</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">(remember to fill out and include the census form)</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Please note we will not sell tickets at the door.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Price of tickets:</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Members: $50</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Guests: $60</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">70 and older: $40</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">12-18 and Students: $40</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">11 and younger: Free</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">We’re excited about our Þorrablót and look forward to a memorable Icelandic night with all of you good folks.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">Skál!</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">The Þorra-committee</span></p><p face="Arial" size="13px" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><b><i>Literature</i></b></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;">We received an e-mail from an Icelandic children´s author </span><span style=";font-family:verdana,arial,helvetica,sans-serif;font-size:13px;" >Guðrún Kristín Magnúsdóttir.</span><span style="font-size:13px;"> She has written a series of books for children and youth over the years published under</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:13px;">Freyjukettir (Norræn menning). Her work can mostly be found under the European <a href="http://amazon.co.uk/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">amazon.co.uk</a>, <a href="http://amazon.de/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">amazon.de</a>at print cost only, her work is non profit.</span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;"><span style="font-size:10pt;"><br /></span></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><i><b>The Snorri Project</b></i></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></p><p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span style="border-collapse: collapse;font-family:arial,sans-serif;" ></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 12pt; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;" align="center"><span lang="EN-CA" style="font-family:'Tempus Sans ITC';">– ADVENTURE OF A LIFETIME –</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px 0px 0px 0.25in; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;" align="center"><span lang="EN-CA">SNORRI PROGRAM</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><span lang="EN-CA">Since 1999 The Snorri Program has offered 171 young individuals to participate in a 6-week diverse program in Iceland: 2 weeks in Reykjavík studying Icelandic, 3 weeks with relatives and 1 week exploring Icelandic nature.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><b><span lang="EN-CA">Why?</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> To strengthen the bonds between Iceland and North America</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><b><span lang="EN-CA">Who?</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> Available for ages 18-28 of Icelandic descent</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><b><span lang="EN-CA">When?</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> June11 - July 22, 2011 (approximate dates)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><b><span lang="EN-CA">Deadline:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> January 14, 2011</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><i>12-16 will be selected by the Snorri Foundation</i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><i><br /></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;" align="center"><span lang="EN-CA">SNORRI PLUS</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; text-align: center; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;" align="center"><span lang="EN-CA"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-family:Arial;font-size:13px;"><span lang="EN-CA">Since September 2003 the Snorri Foundation has accepted 88 individuals to participate in a 2-week cultural program; an ‘in-depth’ program that you will get so much more out of than you’d get as an ordinary tourist. Relatives, history, culture, nature and everything in between!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="Arial" size="13px" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);"><b><span lang="EN-CA">Who?</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> Anyone over 30 who’s interested in Iceland</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" face="Arial" size="13px" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);"><b><span lang="EN-CA">When?</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> August 18 - 31, 2011</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><b><span lang="EN-CA">Deadline:</span></b><span lang="EN-CA"> January 31, 2011</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><i><span lang="EN-CA">15-20 individuals will get an opportunity to participate</span></i></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><b>Website</b> for both programs; fees*, application form & information</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://www.snorri.is/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">www.snorri.is</a> - <b>email </b>- <a href="mailto:info@snorri.is" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">info@<wbr>snorri.is</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><span>Please note*: Both programs are </span>non-profit. Grants are offered to all younger participants.</p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80);font-size:19px;" ><span class="Apple-style-span">Surviving a huge sandstorm and other adventures in Iceland</span></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span></span></p><p class="FreeForm" style="font-size:small;"><span class="Apple-style-span">by Andrew Scholberg<o:p></o:p></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"> <p class="FreeForm" style="font-size: small;">Secretary of the Icelandic Association of Chicago<o:p></o:p></p> <!--EndFragment--></span><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span"></span></p><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><span class="Apple-style-span">It was a shock when my wife, Sue, won the drawing for a round-trip ticket to Iceland at last February’s Þorrablot. Neither of us had been to Iceland before. What a fantastic prize. We spent a week in Iceland in late September.</span></p><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">On Saturday, our first day in Reykjavik, we walked around town and came across the Viking settlement exhibit near downtown. We went inside to view the excavation. The rain was no problem because Sue and I wore our rain jackets. While walking past a store window we saw a painting of a puffin by Vaddy, similar to the puffin painting Sue won at the 2009 Þorrablot.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Later in the afternoon Sue and I attended our first Catholic Mass in Icelandic at the Reykjavik cathedral. Only about 40 people attended it. Sue and I stayed at the Radisson Blu Saga Hotel, which has a wonderful spa that includes a hot tub, steam room, and sauna. The young Icelanders in the hot tub generously shared their bottle of Brennavin (also known as “Black Death”) and also handed me a beer.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">On Sunday, we went to the cultural museum that displays the saga manuscripts. After touring the modern art museum we visited the national museum, which exhibits the sacred vestments worn by my direct ancestor Jon Arason, Iceland’s last Catholic bishop who was beheaded in 1550 for his faith. Later in the day I had an excellent time at the outdoor swimming pool about two blocks from the Blu Saga Hotel. I soaked in the hot tubs, which Icelanders call “hot pots,” and relaxed in the steam room. It was refreshing to cool off in the wind and rain, and then to go back into a hot pot or re-visit the steam room. I also took the opportunity to practice my French with some children from France who were playing in the pool.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Fortunately the weather cleared up on Monday because that’s when we took the Golden Circle tour by bus, which included stops at a major geothermal power station, the spectacular Gullfoss waterfall, an impressive geyser named Strokur (which blows every three minutes), and the rugged and historic Þingvellir National Park. Þingvellir is the five-mile-wide rift valley where the European and North American tectonic plates are pulling apart. It overlooks a gorgeous lake. It was at Þingvellir that that the early Icelanders met in front of the Lögberg (Law Rock) to resolve their lawsuits and determine public policies, including the mass conversion of Iceland to Christianity in the year 1000 A.D. Sue and I could hardly believe how beautiful Iceland is. We were utterly amazed.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Tuesday we rented a 5-speed VW Polo and drove to Akureyri, near the arctic circle. We made good time, although we had to come to a complete stop to let some sheep cross Highway 1 (Iceland’s main highway). We had a late lunch at Lena Hallgrimsdottir’s restaurant and met her mother. Because the weather was fine, Lena’s father was out golfing that day, practicing his swing at the highest 18-hole golf course in the world by latitude. We stayed near Akureyri at the historic Hrafnagil farm that dates back to the Viking Age.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Wednesday we drove to Dettifoss (Europe’s largest waterfall) and Iceland's “Grand Canyon” located in the northeast part of the country. It was a clear day, and the fall colors were beautiful. But as we drove farther east toward the falls and the canyon, the landscape changed into a barren, desolate moonscape where you couldn’t even see a blade of grass. It was actually on this moonscape where the Apollo astronauts practiced their moon walk. To get to the gigantic waterfall we had to cross a one-lane suspension bridge and drive on a rough dirt road for 29 kilometers, but it was worth it. The falls and canyon took our breath away. Just as we were driving away form the falls, a huge sandstorm hit us. We never expected this. We were literally in the middle of nowhere, and we were running low on gas. The sandstorm impaired our visibility and almost forced us to stop at times. But we made it out of the storm and got to a gas station on fumes. Later we saw the boiling mud and some weird lava formations around Myvatn, one of the most beautiful lakes I’ve ever seen. Sue and I both had a good soak in the warm waters of the outdoor “Blue Lagoon of the north” — the geothermally heated Nature Baths near Myvatn. Sue’s teeth were chattering until she got into the warm water up to her neck. We had the whole Lagoon to ourselves for a while. Only one other couple showed up while we were there. On the way back to our farm accommodations I took some pictures of Goðafoss -- an amazing place. Goðafoss, of course, is the beautiful waterfall where, in the year 1000 A.D., a great Icelandic chieftain threw his gods over the falls to make a clean break with paganism and officially embrace Christianity.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Thursday we drove up the west coast of Eyjafjörður (“Island Fjord”), visited Akureyri’s botanic garden, and explored the area south of Akureyri. We also visited the Akureyri library where our son Joseph had worked when he participated in the Snorri Program for young adults. (Snorri was the first European baby born in North America, as described in the medieval Vinland Saga.) We met Joseph’s boss, who remembered him as a good worker. We had hoped to visit the relatives Joseph had stayed with in Akureyri but were unsuccessful in contacting them.</p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><p class="FreeForm" style="border-collapse: collapse;">Friday we drove back to the Blu Saga Hotel in Reykjavik and visited the fabled warm waters of the Blue Lagoon of the south. That night at the Humarhúsið<span style="font-size:13pt;"> </span>(“The Lobster House”) I told the waitress that I’m just about the only person in America who can say Eyjafjallajökull, the impossible-to-pronounce volcano that shut down airports throughout Europe earlier this year. After asking me to repeat it, she agreed that my pronunciation was correct. Sue and I flew home on Saturday we were already planning our next trip to Iceland. She, too, can now say Eyjafjallajökull, which means “Island Mountain Glacier.” Do we recommend Iceland as a tourist destination? Yes!<span style=";font-size:10pt;color:#000000;" ><o:p></o:p></span></p><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse;"><!--EndFragment--></span></span><p></p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0px; border-collapse: collapse; color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;"><br /></p></div></div></div></div></span></div><div style="border-collapse: collapse; font-family: arial,sans-serif;"><div class="im" style="color: rgb(80, 0, 80); font-size: 13px;"><div><div></div><div><div><span style=";font-family:Arial;font-size:11pt;" >FARSÆLDA FRÓN - THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO NEWSLETTER. EDITOR: <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">SIGGY JONSSON</a> (SIGRÍÐUR ÓSK SIGURÐARDÓTTIR), WEB SITE:<a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">WWW.ICELANDCHICAGO.ORG</a>. CORRESPONDENCE: THE ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION OF CHICAGO, <a href="mailto:ESteinsson@karenzupko.com" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);">EINAR STEINSSON</a> PRESIDENT.</span></div></div></div></div></div></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-28035692716181411242010-09-06T11:51:00.000-07:002010-09-26T06:15:16.688-07:00September 2010Farsælda Frón Icelandic Association of Chicago Volume No. 12 Issue No.2 September 2010<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the President’s Desk</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Back to the Future</span><br /><br />It’s been a good summer even though it’s been hotter and more humid than I<br />remember for the 13 years we’ve lived in Chicago. We’ve been outside as much<br />as possible playing golf and going to the beach. The summer isn’t over and I<br />refuse to say so even after Labor Day. I know the pool and the beach will close<br />but the weather in Chicago can be like the best Icelandic summer day until late<br />October, so go out and enjoy it.<br /><br />Looking back we had a great 17th of June celebration on the 12th of June with a<br />good turnout and the Icelandic Hot Dogs. We had to move the celebration to our<br />house as storms were lingering around Chicago and the last thing we wanted<br />was to be stuck by the Lake in a thunderstorm. Good times were enjoyed as well<br />by everyone at The 6th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open on the 1st of August. An<br />excellent day which you can read more about in this newsletter. I hope the 7th<br />Open will be even better.<br /><br />The Association will run the beverage booth at the Scandinavian Day on the 12th<br />of September in Vasa Park. I hope most of you can make it there. It’s always<br />great fun to go to Vasa Park and a good place to take children and participate<br />in all the activities. Lena and I will be there and participate in the opening<br />ceremony.<br /><br />The General Meeting will be held in conjunction with putting up the Icelandic<br />Christmas Tree at the Museum of Science and Industry on the 24th of October.<br />We’ll decorate the tree at 1 PM but we’re still looking for a venue near the<br />museum for the meeting. General Meetings are OPEN to everyone. I hope<br />many of you can show up - we’ll let you know the details by email soon.<br /><br />So that’s my look back and into the future. I hope the past was good and the<br />future will be even better for you.<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br />President<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the Editor:</span><br /><br />I hope that everyone has enjoyed their summer and is looking forward to<br />their kids´ new school year, wearing long sleeves again soon or at least<br />the new fall programming on TV.<br /><br /><br />Take a look at the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Snorri_Sturluson">Snorri Sturluson</a> fellowship, a great opportunity.<br /><br />Hope to see you at Vasa Park and the Christmas Tree decorating at the museum!<br /><br /><br />Best wishes,<br /><br />Siggy<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The 6th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open</span><br /><br />We had a great time August 1st and the weather was superb, no storms like last year. The team who took home the trophy and the medals for 1st place were Ólafur Ólafsson and Tom Hoover. We had four teams with even score for the 2nd and 3rd place and had a playoff on the putting green. After a most exciting putting competition, Lena Hallgrímsdóttir and Einar Steinsson, took home the silver and Michael Gallagher and Paul Sorensen the bronze. Ólafur also won the prizes for the Closest to the Pin and the Longest Putt. Lena won the Longest Drive for women and Gunnar Thors won the Longest Drive for men.<br /><br />I would like to thank everyone for playing and hopefully I’ll see all of you next year.<br /><br /><br />Einar<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">1st place:</span><br /><br />Ólafur Ólafsson and Tom Hoover<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://icelandchicago.org/images/golf2010/IMG_7628.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 800px;" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/golf2010/IMG_7628.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">2nd place:</span><br /><br />Einar Steinsson and Lena Hallgrímsdóttir<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://icelandchicago.org/images/golf2010/IMG_7626.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 450px;" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/golf2010/IMG_7626.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">3rd place:</span><br /><br />Michael Gallagher and Paul Sorensen<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://icelandchicago.org/images/golf2010/IMG_7625.JPG"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 600px; height: 800px;" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/golf2010/IMG_7625.JPG" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />News From Vasa Park</span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The 31st Annual Scandinavian Day Festival is Sunday, September 12, 2010 - 9:00AM to 5:00PM</span><br /><br />The church service begins the day at 10:00 AM. Joni Shaw will be the organist for that service. The opening ceremonies begin about 11:00 AM. Einar and Lena will carry the Icelandic flag in the procession and the national anthem of each of the 5 countries will be sung. We will once again have a booth selling pop and water. If you haven't already volunteered to help PLEASE contact Joni Shaw (<a href="mailto:%20ammajoni@msn.com">ammajoni@msn.com</a>) to set up a time to sell our wares. The proceeds benefit our scholarship fund, which is growing thanks to this event. There is no planning or hard work involved here, but a committment of time and it is just fun to be together. There will be many traditional Scandinavian food booths and a large variety of vendors . The emphasis for this year is Nordic authors and who has more famous authors than Iceland? There will be entertainment all afternoon including Ole and Sven with their humorous music, many ethnic musical groups and dancers, pony rides and Viking games. Once again, there are many activities for the children to enjoy and, new this year, historical events for our learning pleasure. Admission: Adults $10.00- Children 12 and under Free - FREE PARKING<br />For free entry, wear full traditional Scandinavian costume<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Midsommar</span>...<br />celebration was June 19th. It is a smaller, more intimate event than Scandinavian Day. Weatherwise it was a perfect day! Joni and Larry manned the beverage booth and added about $100.00 to the scholarship fund. The children especially had a good time with crafts, games and pony rides. Before the picnic Joni taught one of the kids how to do Icelandic Krila and that child then taught this fingerknitting craft to others during the afternoon session. Word was that it was very successful. Dark of the Moon Contra-Band performed and there was a retro dance party late afternoon until dark - the kids never stopped dancing. It was a delightful day in all respects - tho Icelanders "don't do Midsommar" - it was just fun being in a Nordic mode.<br /><br />Directions:<br />Route 31, South Elgin, Illinois - along the beautiful Fox River<br />7 miles south of I-90 Northwest Tollway or 5 miles North of Il. Rt. 64 North Ave.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">HANDS-ON HISTORY AT VASA PARK!</span><br /><br />A live-action timeline, honoring and illustrating the long history of Scandinavian immigration to America, will again be a featured exhibit of this year's Scandinavian Day festival.<br /><br />Well-informed and entertaining historical 8e-enactors will explain and demonstrate the clothing, tools, weapons, and day-to-day life of Leif Ericsson's Newfoundland explorers, the 17th century colony of New Sweden, and 19th century Scandinavian immigrants.<br /><br />Specially featured, and new this year, will be an exciting group of Civil War enactors from Wisconsin who portray the famous 15th Wisconsin "Scandinavian" Regiment. This Union regiment, composed mainly of recent immigrants from Norway, Sweden and Denmark , won personal praise from Abraham Lincoln for skill, courage, loyalty. sacrifice and service to their adopted nation. As during the Civil War, the men will demonstrate their period manual of arms and musket firing drill-to commands in both English and Norwegian!<br /><br /><div style="border: 4.5pt double windowtext; padding: 1pt 0in 1pt 4pt;"><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:green;" ><img alt="Flag" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/flags/Denmark.gif" height="51" width="68" /><img alt="Flag" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/flags/Finland.gif" height="50" width="67" /><img alt="Flag" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/flags/Iceland.gif" height="51" width="66" /><img alt="Flag" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/flags/Norway.gif" height="51" width="67" /><img alt="Flag" src="http://icelandchicago.org/images/flags/Sweden.gif" height="50" width="66" /></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:130%;"><i><span style="color:black;">Come Celebrate the Culture, Heritage & Traditions</span></i><i><span style="color:black;">of<b> </b>Denmark, Finland, <span id="lw_1285503903_20" class="yshortcuts">Iceland</span>, <span id="lw_1285503903_21" class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Norway</span> and <span id="lw_1285503903_22" class="yshortcuts">Sweden</span> at the</span></i><br /></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span style=";font-size:24pt;color:black;" >31<sup>st</sup> Annual Scandinavian Day Festival</span></b><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><i><span style=";font-size:13.5pt;color:black;" >“Celebrating Nordic Authors & The Tales of Scandinavia”</span></i><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="color:black;">SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2010</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b><span style="color:black;">9 AM to 5 PM – RAIN OR SHINE</span></b></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" >PRESENTED BY Scandinavian Day Festival Committee</span><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="color:black;">VASA PARK, Route 31 along the Fox River, South Elgin, IL</span></b></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><i><span style="color:black;">7 miles South of 1-90 Northwest Tollway & 5 Miles North of <span id="lw_1285503903_23" class="yshortcuts">IL</span> Rt. 64 North Ave</span></i></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style=";font-size:85%;color:black;" >Adults $10 – Children 12 & Under Free - FREE PARKING</span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style=";font-size:85%;color:black;" >FOR FREE ENTRY, wear full Traditional Scandinavian Costume</span><span style=";font-size:85%;color:black;" ></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><b><span style=";font-size:16pt;color:black;" ><img src="http://icelandChicago.org/images/misc/VasaPark.jpeg" height="88" width="133" /></span></b><span style=";font-size:10pt;color:black;" ></span></p><br /><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style=";font-size:85%;color:black;" >Traditional Scandinavian foods, crafts, games, gifts and entertainment, including the <b>Sun City Concert Band, Ole & Sven </b>with their humorous music from <span id="lw_1285503903_24" class="yshortcuts">Madison, WI</span>, <b>Normennenes Singing Society</b> and <b>Leikarringen Heimhug Folk Dancers</b>, FREE Pony Rides for the children, Living History Display, <b>Sweden’s Telge Glima “Vikings”</b> presenting Old <span id="lw_1285503903_25" class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">Nordic Games</span> & more. Church Service starts at <span id="lw_1285503903_26" class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">10 A.M</span>.</span><span style=";font-size:85%;color:black;" ></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="color:black;">Hotline</span></b><b><span style="color:red;"> <span id="lw_1285503903_27" class="yshortcuts" style="border-bottom: 2px dotted rgb(54, 99, 136); cursor: pointer;">847-695-6720</span> * </span></b><b><span style="color:black;">E-mail:</span></b><b><span style="color:red;"> </span></b><b><span style="color:black;"><a style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);" href="mailto:vasaparkil@yahoo.com" target="_blank" ymailto="mailto:vasaparkil@yahoo.com" rel="nofollow"><span style="color:red;">vasaparkil@yahoo.com</span></a></span></b></span></p><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><p style="margin: 0px; text-align: center;" class="MsoNormal" align="center"><span style="font-size:85%;"><b><span style="color:black;">Website: <a style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);" href="http://www.vasaparkil.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span id="lw_1285503903_28" class="yshortcuts">www.vasaparkil.com</span></a> or <a style="color: rgb(7, 77, 143);" href="http://www.scandinaviandayil.com/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><span id="lw_1285503903_29" class="yshortcuts">www.scandinaviandayil.com</span></a></span></b></span></p></div><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Snorri Sturluson Icelandic Fellowships for 2011</span><br /><br />The fellowship is granted to writers, translators and scholars outside Iceland<br />in the field of humanities and meant to enable them to stay in Iceland for at least<br />three months in order to improve their knowledge of the Icelandic language,<br />culture and society, as is stated in the attachment.<br /><br />Please see the <a href="http://icelandchicago.org//documents/Snorri%20Sturluson%20Icelandic%20Fellowship.pdf">attached PDF</a> for further information.<br />Applications for the fellowship should be sent no later than 31 October 2010.<br /><br /><br /><hr />Farsælda Frón - The Icelandic Association of Chicago Newsletter. Editor: Siggy Jonsson (Sigríður Ósk Sigurdarðóttir), E-mail: <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com">siggyosk@gmail.com</a> & Website: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>. Correspondence: The Icelandic Association of Chicago, <a href="mailto:esteinsson@karenzupko.com">Einar Steinsson</a> President.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-85218778305134098402010-06-11T22:53:00.000-07:002010-09-26T04:17:53.683-07:00May 2010<span>May 2010</span> Volume No. 12 Issue No.1<br /><br /><br />From the President’s Desk<br /><br />Ash for Britannia!<br /><br />This is one of many jokes going around in Iceland. Britain: Iceland way are you sending us ash and closing down our airspace? Iceland: Is that not what you asked for? Britain: No Cash, not Ash, Cash! Iceland: Ups, sorry we do not have C in our alphabet.<br /><br />The volcanic eruption is no laughing matter and neither is the financial meltdown but these are just some of the ways people use to copy with the fiascoes that continue to plague our lovely country. The latest news from Iceland is that we are prosecuting and jailing some of the bankers and business people who may have been responsible for the financial meltdown. A major clean up is our only hope to build a better society – anything less, we will end up with the same or similar system we had. Hopefully, Iceland will do it right this time.<br /><br />Moving away from Iceland to our community I am happy to announce the Icelandic government appointed me the Vice Consul and at the same time the former Vice Consul, Aristotle Halikias, to the Consul. We met our Ambassador Hjálmar Hannesson and his wife Anna Birgisdóttir for lunch May 15th where Hjálmar gave us our "Letter of Ordinance" along with an identification card from the US State Department. The contact information for me and Mr. Halikias is below. Hopefully, this will strengthen our community and relationship with Iceland and Icelanders.<br /><br />Have a great summer and, hopefully, I will see you at one of our events in the next few months. The first being the 17th of June celebration on the 12th where we will enjoy our specially imported and famous lamb hot dogs with Icelandic condiments such as “steiktur laukur & remólaði’. You can have ‘eina með öllu’ or two :)<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br /><br />President<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">From the Editor:</span></span><br /><br />Happy upcoming summer everyone! I wanted to take this opportunity to invite everyone to share your Iceland story. If you want to tell us how you are related to the island or simply why you are interested in Iceland, please send me one to two paragraphs to <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com">siggyosk@gmail.com</a> and I’ll include it in the next newsletter.<br /><br />If you have not paid your membership please do so ASAP, so that you can enjoy the upcoming festivities. You can pay on our <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsMembership.html">web page</a> and fill out the <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm">membership form</a> or send us a check with the form ( click on link to the left or use attached form). The membership fee is $25 for a family and $15 for an individual or student.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Iceland's Independence Day '17di júní'– by the Lake, Saturday June 12. Icelandic Hot Dogs!</span><br /><br />All members are invited to celebrate our independence day at the same location as last year in Burnham Park around Promontory Point, known locally as The Point. Please join us for a picnic style festival and a fun afternoon by the Lake. The IAC will offer hot dogs from Iceland, Icelandic style. Last year, despite the cold weather, we had close to 40 people show up – This year we’re in for sunshine and hope to see all of you for ‘pylsa (pulsa) með öllu’! Otherwise, the event is a BYO so please bring drinks and other food or plate you'd like to share. Also, make sure to bring other picnic gear: blankets, lawn chairs, sunscreen, umbrellas... We'll meet at 3PM, Saturday June 12 and, of course, we'll have a parade with flags and balloons. A beach with a life guard is close by for those who want to bring swim suits and go for a dive. Sign up by emailing <a href="mailto:einarandlena@ameritech.net">einarandlena@ameritech.net</a> or call 773-489-4621. Directions and Parking: The Point is off 55th Street, East of Lake Shore Drive (LSD). Use 5500 S Shore Dr, Chicago, IL 60637 for driving directions (mapquest.com; google, etc.). You’ll find a parking lot on 55th street, by Bar Loui, or you can park on the street. The walk to the Point takes about 6 minutes through a tunnel, which passes under Lake Shore Drive at the east end of 55th street. Upon emerging from the tunnel you’ll see a statue and a fountain. Turn right and walk south until you see our flag. We’ll try to find a spot as close to the field house as possible. For more information, photos, and the history of the Promontory Point, check out: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_%28Chicago%29">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Promontory_Point_(Chicago)</a><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The 6th Greater Chicago Icelandic Open August 1st @ 2:00PM</span><br /><br />We sold out again last year with 32 players who all showed up but then The Greater Chicago Icelandic Open had to be postponed due to rain. This is the first time we have had this happen and hopefully the last. We did play two weeks later and had a great time. Martin and Jessica Brunback took first place, Goran Aronsson and Eve Keepings the second, and Kathy and Stephanie Mehl won the third place. Brandon Burk won the closest to the pin and the longest putt, Martin won the longest drive for men, and Stephanie Mehl won the longest drive for women. This year we have moved the tee times up to 2PM on Sunday the 1st of August and again we will have limited spots. $38 per player includes cart, prizes, and a sleeve of golf balls. We are securing the yet to be won Hole in One prize, a ticket to Iceland with Icelandair – maybe this will be the year...?
The Greater Chicago Icelandic Open is a 9-hole best ball tournament in teams of two players, with many of the teams being a couple or a parent and a child. We give a trophy for first place, medals for 1st 2nd and 3rd places, plus various prizes for the Longest Drive men/women, Closest to the Pin, Longest Putt, and Hole in One. The tournament is held at Highland Woods golf course in Hoffman Estate. If you are interested email me at einarandlena@amreitech.net or just send your check to Larry. We are also in the process of setting up a <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IAC2010IceOpenPymtMethods.html">payment option</a> on our web page.<br /><br />Keep it in the short,<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br /><br />News from Vasa Park<br /><br />Route 31, South Elgin, Illinois along the beautiful Fox River<br /><br />7 miles south of 1-90 Northwest Tollway or 5 miles North of Il. Rt. 64 North Ave.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The Fifth Annual Scandinavian Midsommar Celebration is on Saturday, June 19, 2010 - 2:00 PM to 9:00 PM</span><br /><br />Bring your own picnic basket and beverage or purchase Scandinavian clubs vending specialties, pop and water.<br /><br />We will have a booth selling pop and Icelandic water. We can use all the help we can get in this booth. The proceeds benefit our Scholarship Fund and it is just a lot of fun proudly selling our wares. There are many events for children - games, crafts (Icelandic Krila), pony decorating and rides, musical entertainment - and - Vikings. The evening ends with a bonfire and Aquavit - a bonfire in your throat.<br /><br />Admission is $5.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free and there is free parking on the grounds.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">The 31st Annual Scandinavian Day Festival is Sunday, September 12, 2010 - 9.00 AM to 5.00 PM</span><br /><br />This event begins with a church service and then a parade with flags carried by people in traditional dress culminating with soloists singing each national anthem. There are many more vendors at this event and the park often hosts around 2,000 in attendance. We will have the beverage booth for this celebration as well.<br /><br />Admission is $10.00 for adults, children 12 and under are free and parking is free.<br /><br />For free admission, wear full traditional Scandinavian dress or costume and spend a few minutes in the VIP/Culture tent sharing the significance and history of your attire.<br /><br /><br />These are both great events for kids - celebrating our Scandinavian ways. If you can come either time and could spare a few minutes, we need help in the beverage booth for both days. For midsommar I need brave souls to help me teach Krila (finger knitting) and for Scandinavian Day I need flag bearers for the parade and an anthem singer. Please contact Joni Shaw - <a href="mailto:Ammajoni@msn.com">Ammajoni@msn.com</a> or 630-466-5555.<br /><br /><br />----IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS-----<br /><br /><br />Congratulations to the New Consul and the new Vice Consul for Iceland<br /><br />Saturday the 15th of May our Ambassador Hjálmar Hannesson came from Washington to Chicago and appointed a new Consul and a new Vice Consul for Iceland. The new Consul is Mr. Aristotle Halikias and the new Vice Consul is Mr. Einar Steinsson.<br /><br /><br />Icelandic Consulate<br /><br />Aristotle Halikias<br /><br />2221 Camden Court, Suite 200<br /><br />Oak Brook, IL 60523<br /><br /><a href="mailto:%20Ahalikias@icred.com">Ahalikias@icred.com</a>,<br /><br />Phone (630) 560-8090<br /><br />Fax (630) 684-0290.<br /><br /><br />Vice Consul<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br /><br />c/o KarenZupko & Associates, Inc<br /><br />625 North Michigan Ave, Suite 2225<br /><br />Chicago, IL 60611<br /><br /><a href="mailto:esteinsson@karenzupko.com">esteinsson@karenzupko.com</a>,<br /><br />Phone (312) 642-5616<br />Fax (312) 642-5571<br /><br /><br />All membership dues and þorrablót’s admissions should be paid via Paypal or sent to our treasurer Larry Shaw.<br />The Icelandic Association of Chicago cordially invites all Icelanders, descendants of Iceland and friends of Iceland to join our organization. Please forward a copy of this <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm">Membership Form</a> to anyone interested in joining, or provide us with that person´s name and address.<br />------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------<br /><br /><br />Icelandic Association of Chicago<br />2010 Membership Form<br /><br /><br />Date_______________________<br /><br />Full Name of member/s____________________________________________<br /><br />Name of child/children_____________________________________________<br /><br />Address_________________________________________________________<br /><br />City, State, Zip-code_______________________________________________<br /><br />Phone Number_____________________ E-mail_________________________<br /><br />New Member__________ Renewal Member___________<br /><br />Annual Membership fees: Individual/students: $15.00, Family: $25.00<br /><br />Make payable to: Icelandic Association of Chicago<br /><br />Please mail your check and completed form to our Treasurer:<br /><br /><br /><br /> Lawrence O. Shaw,<br /> 147 N. Buckingham Drive<br /> Sugar Grove, IL 60554<br /><br /><br /><hr />Farsælda Frón - The Icelandic Association of Chicago Newsletter. Editor: Siggy Jonsson (Sigríður Ósk Sigurdarðóttir), E-mail: <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com">siggyosk@gmail.com</a> & Website: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>. Correspondence: The Icelandic Association of Chicago, <a href="mailto:esteinsson@karenzupko.com">Einar Steinsson</a> President.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-34985336.post-27496770450753341162009-12-10T09:26:00.000-08:002010-01-02T03:39:45.392-08:00December 2009Icelandic Association of Chicago, Volume No. 11 Issue No.8 December 2009<br /><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>From the President’s Desk:</strong></span><br /><br />Big changes in store for IAC!<br /><br />It’s time to reflect on 2009 and predict for 2010. I’ll concentrate on our association’s affairs and leave the rest to others. The Icelandic Association of Chicago has had one of the most eventful years since Lena and I joined 13 years ago. We had a great Þorrablót at the Solis’s house but also had an unfortunate incident damaging their hardwood floor, which we have resolved. Our Independence Day celebration at the Promontory Point by the Lake was a great success with 30 attendees and Icelandic hot dogs, thanks to Swany and her parents who brought them from Iceland. This is an event that’s here to stay and the location is great. Our Icelandic Open sold out with 32 players who all showed up but then we got rained out for the first time in five years, what a bummer. We rescheduled and had a great tournament where Martin and Jessica Brunback took the trophy with a great score of one over par. Our Scandinavian Day was a big success selling Icelandic water for our scholarship fund.<br /><br />Lastly, our Annual General Meeting at Svithod House was very good and productive. That brings us into this time of year when we ask you to pay your membership dues and sign up for the 2010 Þorrablót. We’re going to go online with the payment process thanks to the great work of Marc Johnson, our webmaster. <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm">Membership can be paid online</a> with a credit card and Þorrablót tickets will also be available through Evite and <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2010.html">on our web page</a>. This is a big step for us and although we’ll have to pay a fee for the service, the convenience outweighs the cost. Make sure to pay for the membership and purchase tickets soon, as <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">we will not be selling tickets to Þorrablót at the door.</span> We expect to sell out, as Svithod House can only host <span style="font-weight: bold;">80 guests</span> for a sit down dinner. To ensure all members have an opportunity to attend, we’re limiting the number of guests one can bring to two up until the 20th of January, when we’ll open up the ticket sale, without restrictions, if any tickets are left. We’re so happy to have Bjössi from the band <a href="http://twitter.com/greifarnir">Greifarnir</a> in Iceland join us again to play and sing all night long. Of course there will be Þorrafood from Iceland and two tickets to Iceland with <a href="http://www.icelandair.us/">Icelandair</a>, for the raffle along with many other good prizes.<br /><br />I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all of our donors who are listed below in this newsletter for the great support. Corporations and many of our members have donated to our scholarship fund and events throughout the year - BIG hug from all of us.<br /><br />Wishing you safe and happy holidays,<br /><br />Einar Steinsson<br />President<br /><div align="left"><br /><strong>The Icelandic Association of Chicago would like to thank the following donors and sponsors for their support in 2009:<br /></strong><br />Guðrún and Gunnar Thors<br />John Halldór Hofteig<br />Lena and Einar Steinsson<br />Marc Johnson<br />Siggý Jónsson<br />Svanfríður E. Arnardóttir<br />Valgerður (Vaddý) Íngolfsdóttir<br />Þórdís Björnsdóttir<br /><br />Nói Sírus, Reykjavík<br /><a href="http://www.bautinn.is/">Bautinn Restaurant</a>, Akureyri<br /><a href="http://www.icelandicglacial.com/">Icelandic Glacial Water</a>, Þorlákshöfn<br /><a href="http://www.skyr.com/">Siggi’s Skyr</a>, New York<br /><a href="http://www.skifan.is/">Skífan</a>, Reykjavík<br /><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>From the Editor: </strong></span></div><br /><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Most likely everyone is in the midst of holiday plans and preparations and the timely snow is adding to the festive mood. This time of year brings people together physically, by phone, mail or e-mail. It’s time for the IAC to wrap up 2009 as our president Einar mentioned and look back at a successful year and then look forward to an even better 2010. þórrablót is not far away and a perfect gathering for all of us to meet up and reconnect to look forward to the new beginning.<br /><br />I must say that IAC is a lovely group of people with a common thread, that of Iceland, whichever way we are connected to the country. I have often met Icelandic people abroad that get together and only speak Icelandic, excluding any non-Icelandic speaking person sitting at the table, talking about places they love and miss over there and sometimes even put down the place they live in, be it America or elsewhere. Almost enough so that I wondered: ‘Well why are you not there then? Why are you here complaining?” And I understand homesickness, stress about being in a new place, it’s easier to put it down than to embrace all the newness and changes.<br /><br />But everyone I have met here in and around Chicago has been gracious and open to their own heritage and combinations of histories that exist over here. There is a beautiful blend of Icelandic and American. Nobody excludes the English speaking members, they are simply embraced as part of this family.<br /><br />As a sort of family, we thought it might be nice if members cared to share news, happenings, events and milestones. Please feel free to send me an e-mail if you´d like your news to appear in the next Frón at <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com">siggyosk@gmail.com</a>.<br /><br />Recently, for example, our Svany´s “Völuspá” was released this fall and þórdís´ book “Sonata Fyrir Svefninn” was published just a few weeks ago in Iceland to great reviews. I know we have lots of news to share in 2010 and since we’re not all on Facebook, let’s use this newsletter as a vehicle to bring everyone up to speed on accomplishments, weddings, births, art events, you name it.<br /><br />Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season!<br /><br />Siggy </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"><a name="Þorrablót">Þorrablót 2010</a> </span></strong><br /><br />The Þorrablót will be at the Svithiod House (<a href="http://www.svithiod.org/">www.svithiod.org</a>), located on 5518 W. Lawrence Avenue, close to I-90/94 and accessible by public transportation. Parking is plentiful and the building is easily accessible at street level. The ballroom seats 80 guests for dinner, which we know will sell out. The format will be similar to past successful years – we’ll open the house at 6 pm and start with a welcome punch and gravlax and for the brave of heart, Brennivin and rotten shark, followed by a buffet style dinner with delicious Þorrafood, flown in from Iceland, and some traditional and less traditional dishes prepared by members. We’ll have our famous and ever popular raffle where one can, for example, win a ticket from Icelandair to the Old Country plus many more prizes from Iceland. The great musician Sveinbjörn Grétarsson or better known as Bjössi in Greifarnir (a very popular band in Iceland) will entertain us throughout the evening and make sure everyone hits the dance floor. And, of course, the Þorra Quire will sing, as will everyone else. We have sent an invitation to our Ambassador Hjálmar W Hannesson to be our guest of honor.<br /><br />Save the date or, better yet, purchase your tickets now for Þorrablót 2010, Saturday February 20th on our web-site with a credit card. Please go to: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2010.html">http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsBlot2010.html</a><br />Conveniently, you can also pay your membership online. Please go to: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm">http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm</a><br /><br />If you prefer, you can send payment by mail to:<br />Lawrence O. Shaw,<br />147 N. Buckingham Drive<br />Sugar Grove, IL 60554<br />(remember to fill out and include the <a href="http://icelandchicago.org/documents/membershipForm.pdf">census form</a>)<br /><br />Please note we will not sell tickets at the door.<br /><br />Price of tickets:<br />Members: $50<br />Guests: $60<br />70 and older: $40<br />12-18 and Students: $40<br />11 and younger: Free<br /><br />To ensure availability, we’ll restrict sales to members only and limit number of guests each one can bring to two people. After January 20th remaining tickets will go on open sale.<br /><br /><span><span style="font-family:arial;">You may also donate to the IAC and/or the IAC Scholarship Fund at: <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsDonations.html">http://www.icelandchicago.org/IACpaymentMethodsDonations.html</a><br /><br /></span></span>We’re excited about our new location and look forward to a memorable Icelandic night with all of you good folks.<br /><br />Skál!<br /><br />The Þorra-committee </div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>Icelandic Christmas Tree:<br /></strong></span><br />Iceland has the most beautiful Christmas Tree at the <a href="http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world/">“Christmas around the World”</a> exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry!<br /><br />It’s true – you can go and see for yourself through January 3rd. If you find yourself too busy this holiday month, or you want to go again, you can join us January 10th at 1 pm for taking down the tree, followed by an open board meeting. Please call Lena to sign up. 773-489-4621<br /><br />Merry Christmas!<br />Yule Lad #3<br /></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">In the Community:</span></strong><br /><br />Hlin Einarsdóttir of Salka Book Publishing in Reykjavík asked us to pass this on to our members:<br /><br />I am writing from a book-publisher in Iceland to promote our beautiful, new book; “The Essence of Iceland.” The book is a photography book with poems, prose and geographical info about our stunning island in the North. The book was newly available on <a href="http://www.amazon.com/">Amazon.com</a> and is very appropriate for friends, family, business-partners and co-workers for all sorts of occasions. If you order now, you get it before Christmas, here is the link on Amazon: <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Essence-Japanese-Ukrainian-Malayalam-Gujarati/dp/9979650850/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258450739&sr=8-1">http://www.amazon.com/Essence-Japanese-Ukrainian-Malayalam-Gujarati/dp/9979650850/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1258450739&sr=8-1</a><br />Pictures from the book can be viewed at this website: <a href="http://www.kristjaningi.is/myndasafn/SAMPLE%20FROM%20THE%20BOOK%20THE%20ESSENCE%20OF%20ICELAND/">http://www.kristjaningi.is/myndasafn/SAMPLE%20FROM%20THE%20BOOK%20THE%20ESSENCE%20OF%20ICELAND/<br /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />-----IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL MEMBERS-----<br />All membership dues and Þorrablót’s admissions should be paid <a href="http://www.icelandchicago.org/membershipForm.htm">via Paypal</a> or sent to our treasurer Larry Shaw.The Icelandic Association of Chicago cordially invites all Icelanders, descendants of Iceland and friends of Iceland to join our organization. Please forward a copy of this Membership Form to anyone interested in joining, or provide us with that person´s name and address.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Icelandic Association of Chicago2010 Membership Form<br /><br />Date_______________________<br /><br />Full Name of member/s____________________________________________<br /><br />Name of child/children_____________________________________________<br /><br />Address_________________________________________________________<br /><br />City, State, Zip-code_______________________________________________<br /><br />Phone Number_____________________ E-mail_________________________<br /><br />New Member__________ Renewal Member___________<br /><br />Annual Membership fees: Individual/students: $15.00, Family: $25.00<br /><br />Make payable to: Icelandic Association of Chicago<br />Please mail your check and completed form to our Treasurer:<br /><br />Lawrence O. Shaw, 147 N. Buckingham Drive Sugar Grove, IL 60554<br /><br /><hr />Farsælda Frón - The Icelandic Association of Chicago Newsletter. Editor: Siggy Jonsson (Sigríður Ósk Sigurdarðóttir), E-mail: <a href="mailto:siggyosk@gmail.com">siggyosk@gmail.com</a> & Website: <a href="http://www.IcelandChicago.org">www.IcelandChicago.org</a>. Correspondence: The Icelandic Association of Chicago, <a href="mailto:esteinsson@karenzupko.com">Einar Steinsson</a> President.<br/><br/><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0