Icelandic National Day (Icelandic: Þjóðhátíðardagurinn, the day of the nation's celebration),
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Friday, June 15, 2012
Utah Iceland Days 2012
LOCATION: LDS Church at 300 East Center St, Spanish Fork UT
TIME: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Main Speaker/20-30 minutes
Lin Floyd on the Snorri Plus Experience
Rotating Workshops/20-30 minutes each
1. John K Johnson-Icelandic Artifacts
2. Thelma Marinosdottir-Icelandic Traits "How Icelandic Are You?"
3. Jack Tobiasson-Make Your Own Icelandic Pancakes
SATURDAY FAMILY FAIR:
LOCATION: Spanish Fork City Park at 100 South Main Street
Flag ceremony
10:00 am
Breakfast
10:30 am-11:15 am
Icelandic pancakes & pastries
Barnabær (Children's Village) organized by Charlette Henry
Kids games, prizes, photo opps, piñata
10:30 am Opens
11:00 pm Balloon Man arrives at Barnabær (Children's Village)
12:00 pm Icelandic Hot Dogs! with chips, cookies, soda/water
12:30 pm Barnakór (Children's Choir)
12:45 pm Honoree Ceremony for Rhea Jean Hancock
LOCATION: Spanish Fork City Park at 100 South Main Street
Flag ceremony
10:00 am
Breakfast
10:30 am-11:15 am
Icelandic pancakes & pastries
Barnabær (Children's Village) organized by Charlette Henry
Kids games, prizes, photo opps, piñata
10:30 am Opens
11:00 pm Balloon Man arrives at Barnabær (Children's Village)
12:00 pm Icelandic Hot Dogs! with chips, cookies, soda/water
12:30 pm Barnakór (Children's Choir)
12:45 pm Honoree Ceremony for Rhea Jean Hancock
1:00 pm Entertainment/Games
1:30 pm
Raffle (entered at registration table)
2:00 pm Historic Bus Tour (see registration table)
2:00 pm Historic Bus Tour (see registration table)
SUNDAY
NIGHT FIRESIDE:
LOCATION: LDS Church at 300 East Center St, Spanish Fork UT
TIME: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Speaker-J. Mark Fillmore, BYU student & return missionary having served in ICELAND!
LOCATION: LDS Church at 300 East Center St, Spanish Fork UT
TIME: 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Speaker-J. Mark Fillmore, BYU student & return missionary having served in ICELAND!
Monday, June 4, 2012
Fréttir June 2012
I will post more about Iceland Days when and if it becomes available. If anyone could help with information about Iceland Days this year please contact me.
Iceland Days 2012,
June 22, 23, & 24 in Spanish Fork, Utah
Friday Night:Main Speaker……………………….. Lin Floyd, Snorri Plus Experience
Rotating Workshops
1.
John K Johnson presenting Icelandic
Artifacts (20-30 min)
2.
Thelma Marinosdottir presenting
"Icelandic traits. How Icelandic are you??" (20-30 min)
3.
Icelandic Language Workshop,
Tentative
Saturday Family Fair:
Flag Ceremony
Breakfast
Children's Village
Charlette Henry with kids games,
prizes, photo ops, piñataCatered lunch/ TBA
T-shirt & memorabilia sales table/ Tentative: The William's have stepped down from participation in the association. Need someone to man this booth. Be sure to thank them for their years of service!
Sunday Night Fireside:
Speakers/ TBA Follow the Icelandic Association of Utah on their Facebook Page
Glaumbaer Turf Farm
Icelandic Sweaters
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GUÐRÚN SOFFÍA JÓNSDÓTTIR
was born 25 January 1863 at Elinarhus, Vestmannaeyjar. Her parents are Jon
Petursson, born 29 March 1829, died 15 July 1868 in Vestmannaeyjar; and Vilborg
Johanna Thordardottir, born 5 February 1831 at Hjaleigusandur, Storidalur undir
Eyjafollum, Rangarvalla, died 18 January 1924 in Spanish Fork, Utah. Gudrun’s
father passed away when she only five years of age. Her mother married Sigrudur
Arnason, born 28 November 1842 in Vestmannaeyjar, about 1870. In 1874 Sigurdur
and Vilborg and her children, Johann, Gudrun Sophia, Olof and Vilhjalmar,
emigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah.
Gudrun married Petur Valgardsson, born 31 December 1842 at Nyjabaer near Reykjavik, Gullbringu, the son of Valgardur Ofeigsson, born 1 September 1801 at Efstadar, Arnes, died 10 July 1876 at Sudurkot, Kalfatjorn, Gullbringu; and Adalbjorg Jonsdottir, born 1 January 1807 at Moldhaugar, Glaesibaer, Eyjafjardar, died 20 August 1883. They were married 17 November 1881 in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gudrun and Petur had seven Children, all born in Spanish Fork, Utah: Vilmina Christina (1882-1952), William (1884-1960), John (1886-1955), Walter Albert (1888-1949), Ephraim (1891-1950), Edward (1891-1891), and Sophia (1893-1895). Gudrun Sophia died 5 February 1893 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She was known as Soffia Valgardson in Utah.
Gudrun married Petur Valgardsson, born 31 December 1842 at Nyjabaer near Reykjavik, Gullbringu, the son of Valgardur Ofeigsson, born 1 September 1801 at Efstadar, Arnes, died 10 July 1876 at Sudurkot, Kalfatjorn, Gullbringu; and Adalbjorg Jonsdottir, born 1 January 1807 at Moldhaugar, Glaesibaer, Eyjafjardar, died 20 August 1883. They were married 17 November 1881 in the Endowment House in Salt Lake City, Utah. Gudrun and Petur had seven Children, all born in Spanish Fork, Utah: Vilmina Christina (1882-1952), William (1884-1960), John (1886-1955), Walter Albert (1888-1949), Ephraim (1891-1950), Edward (1891-1891), and Sophia (1893-1895). Gudrun Sophia died 5 February 1893 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. She was known as Soffia Valgardson in Utah.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Fréttir 6
The DVD Fire on Ice The Saints of Iceland
Steven J. Andersen recently donated to the Icelandic Association of Utah two cases of the DVD Fire on Ice: The Saints of Iceland.
This generous donation means that the popular Fire on Ice DVD is readily available again from the Association's Gift Shop. To order Fire on Ice, send $24 ($20 for the DVD plus $4 for shipping and handling) to
The Icelandic Association of Utah
PO Box 874
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Fire on Ice The Saints of Iceland, captures the compelling history surrounding the conversion, emigration, and assimilation of the early Icelandic Latter-day Saints. This remarkable story of faith, courage and sacrifice highlights the nearly 400 pioneers that left their homeland between 1855 and 1914 and the powerful legacy they left behind. On June 24th 2005, 150 years after the arrival of the first Icelander Samúel Bjarnason, a Memorial in Spanish Fork was erected and dedicated by President, Gordon B. Hinckley in honor of these early pioneers.
Featured interviews include the President of Iceland, Ólafur R. Grímsson, prominent Icelandic Historians Gunnar Karlsson and Jonas Thor, as well as many of today´s Icelandic Latter-day Saints. This unique story becomes a cherished part of America’s pioneer ancestry, woven by the faithful saints of Iceland, past and present.
You will want to hear their stories. This DVD is a must-have item in your collection. Also, Fire on Ice makes a remarkable gift to friends and family.
The DVD is based on the book, Fire and Ice by Dr. Fred E. Woods, Producer Russ Kendall, Executive Producer Steven J. Andersen, Written and Directed by Ethan Vincent, Cinematography Brian Wilcox, and Music Composed by Sam Cardon.
Also included on the DVD are Special Features:
Excerpts from interview with Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, president of Iceland
Excerpts from interview with Jónas Þór, Icelandic Historian
On Thingvellir by Dr. Fred E. Woods
David B. Timmons about Haldór Laxness
Scenes of Iceland
Icelandic Festival Choir at Selfoss, Iceland
Centennial Celebration at Spanish Fork, 1955
The Centennial Celebration at Spanish Fork, 1955 was recorded by Finnbogi Guðmundsson in 1955 and given to me (David Ashby) in 2005 when I was in Iceland.
The Monument to the Emigrants
The sculpture atop of the monument is an eight-foot-tall angel, titled the Messenger, by Gary Price. Each side panel has the name of each of the Icelandic emigrants to Utah, listed. The monument also includes a biblical passage from Ezekiel 20:34.
The center pedestal, also in both Icelandic and English, reads: “In Honor of the Icelanders that heard the call to build Zion and moved to Utah 1854 to 1914.”
This beautiful monument is located near the Mormon Pond which received its name from the many Icelanders who were baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early days of the Church in Iceland.
In 1851, two natives of Iceland, Þórarinn Hafliðason and Guðmundur Guðmundsson, were studying in Copenhagen, Denmark where they came in contact with two Mormon missionaries from Utah. After careful investigation, they joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly thereafter, they returned to their native Iceland to spread their new faith.
In 1852, Guðmundur Guðmundsson described the valley where the Mormon Pond is located as “a beautiful little round valley, surrounded by nature’s own mountain walls. In the midst of this most picturesque valley was found a small grassy plain, as level as a floor, and containing something like 20 acres of land. We approached this place one at a time, in order to avoid being noticed by our opponents and persecutors. Here in natures pure embrace, with nothing but the blue canopy of heaven for our covering, we raised our hands and our voices ‘on high,’ and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus to bless and sanctify this lovely spot, surrounded by these romantic mountain walls.”
Emigrant of the Month
GUÐRÚN MAGNÚSDÓTTIR - Born 29 June 1840. Her parents are Magnus Sigmundsson, born 1810 at Vestur Holt, Hafur, Rangarvalla; and Haldora Jonsdottir, born 16 September 1814 at Hatun, Kirkjubaejar Klaustur, Austur Skaftafell, died 7 September 1867 at Berjaneskotl, Steinar, Rangarvalla.
On 6 November 1870, she married Einar Eiriksson, born 30 December 1847 at Medalfell, Bjarnanes i Hornafiridi, Austur Skaftafell. His parents are Eirikur Runolfsson, born 1 June 1798, died 1851; and Gudrun Jonsdottir, born 19 December 1801.
Gudrun joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized by her husband on 16 August 1874. In 1880 some money was sent from Spanish Fork, Utah, by a few Icelanders who lived there, to help some of the Icelandic Saints immigrate to Utah. Consequently, on 23 April, 1880, Gudrun with her four children, Lilja, Bardur, Eirikur, and Helga, together with eleven others, left Vestmannaeyjar for Utah. Einar followed, leaving Iceland on 7 June 1880. Gudrun and Einar had seven children: Halldora Helga, born 16 April 1871, died 28 November 1871; Lilja, born 8 October 1872, died 26 March 1948; Bardur, born 10 September 1875, died 22 July 1970; Eirikur, born 12 July 1878, died 27 March 1965; Helga, born 3 September 1879, died 31 May 1962; Magnea Sina, born 3 January 1884, died 14 May 1890; and Elias W., born 8 September 1887, died 9 January 1975. Magnea and Elias were born in Spanish Fork, Utah; the other five were born in Iceland.
In 1889 Gudrun and Einar moved to Cleveland, Utah. Gudrun died 18 May 1930 and is buried in the Cleveland Cemetery. She went by Gudrun Erickson.
This generous donation means that the popular Fire on Ice DVD is readily available again from the Association's Gift Shop. To order Fire on Ice, send $24 ($20 for the DVD plus $4 for shipping and handling) to
The Icelandic Association of Utah
PO Box 874
Spanish Fork, UT 84660
Fire on Ice The Saints of Iceland, captures the compelling history surrounding the conversion, emigration, and assimilation of the early Icelandic Latter-day Saints. This remarkable story of faith, courage and sacrifice highlights the nearly 400 pioneers that left their homeland between 1855 and 1914 and the powerful legacy they left behind. On June 24th 2005, 150 years after the arrival of the first Icelander Samúel Bjarnason, a Memorial in Spanish Fork was erected and dedicated by President, Gordon B. Hinckley in honor of these early pioneers.
Featured interviews include the President of Iceland, Ólafur R. Grímsson, prominent Icelandic Historians Gunnar Karlsson and Jonas Thor, as well as many of today´s Icelandic Latter-day Saints. This unique story becomes a cherished part of America’s pioneer ancestry, woven by the faithful saints of Iceland, past and present.
You will want to hear their stories. This DVD is a must-have item in your collection. Also, Fire on Ice makes a remarkable gift to friends and family.
The DVD is based on the book, Fire and Ice by Dr. Fred E. Woods, Producer Russ Kendall, Executive Producer Steven J. Andersen, Written and Directed by Ethan Vincent, Cinematography Brian Wilcox, and Music Composed by Sam Cardon.
Also included on the DVD are Special Features:
Excerpts from interview with Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, president of Iceland
Excerpts from interview with Jónas Þór, Icelandic Historian
On Thingvellir by Dr. Fred E. Woods
David B. Timmons about Haldór Laxness
Scenes of Iceland
Icelandic Festival Choir at Selfoss, Iceland
Centennial Celebration at Spanish Fork, 1955
The Centennial Celebration at Spanish Fork, 1955 was recorded by Finnbogi Guðmundsson in 1955 and given to me (David Ashby) in 2005 when I was in Iceland.
The Monument to the Emigrants
The “Monument to the Emigrants” was erected as a tribute to the faithful Icelandic pioneers who immigrated to Utah between 1854 and 1914.
The monument was dedicated on June 30, 2000, by Elder Wm. Rolfe Kerr, Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. David A. Ashby, President of the Icelandic Association of Utah, Inc. presented the monument to the people of Iceland on behalf of the Icelandic Association of Utah. Sigrun Inga Sigurfeirsdottir, president of the city council, Vestmannaeyjar, accepted the gift on behalf of the people of Iceland.
The sculpture atop of the monument is an eight-foot-tall angel, titled the Messenger, by Gary Price. Each side panel has the name of each of the Icelandic emigrants to Utah, listed. The monument also includes a biblical passage from Ezekiel 20:34.
The center pedestal, also in both Icelandic and English, reads: “In Honor of the Icelanders that heard the call to build Zion and moved to Utah 1854 to 1914.”
This beautiful monument is located near the Mormon Pond which received its name from the many Icelanders who were baptized members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the early days of the Church in Iceland.
In 1851, two natives of Iceland, Þórarinn Hafliðason and Guðmundur Guðmundsson, were studying in Copenhagen, Denmark where they came in contact with two Mormon missionaries from Utah. After careful investigation, they joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Shortly thereafter, they returned to their native Iceland to spread their new faith.
In 1852, Guðmundur Guðmundsson described the valley where the Mormon Pond is located as “a beautiful little round valley, surrounded by nature’s own mountain walls. In the midst of this most picturesque valley was found a small grassy plain, as level as a floor, and containing something like 20 acres of land. We approached this place one at a time, in order to avoid being noticed by our opponents and persecutors. Here in natures pure embrace, with nothing but the blue canopy of heaven for our covering, we raised our hands and our voices ‘on high,’ and prayed to the Father in the name of Jesus to bless and sanctify this lovely spot, surrounded by these romantic mountain walls.”
Emigrant of the Month
On 6 November 1870, she married Einar Eiriksson, born 30 December 1847 at Medalfell, Bjarnanes i Hornafiridi, Austur Skaftafell. His parents are Eirikur Runolfsson, born 1 June 1798, died 1851; and Gudrun Jonsdottir, born 19 December 1801.
Gudrun joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was baptized by her husband on 16 August 1874. In 1880 some money was sent from Spanish Fork, Utah, by a few Icelanders who lived there, to help some of the Icelandic Saints immigrate to Utah. Consequently, on 23 April, 1880, Gudrun with her four children, Lilja, Bardur, Eirikur, and Helga, together with eleven others, left Vestmannaeyjar for Utah. Einar followed, leaving Iceland on 7 June 1880. Gudrun and Einar had seven children: Halldora Helga, born 16 April 1871, died 28 November 1871; Lilja, born 8 October 1872, died 26 March 1948; Bardur, born 10 September 1875, died 22 July 1970; Eirikur, born 12 July 1878, died 27 March 1965; Helga, born 3 September 1879, died 31 May 1962; Magnea Sina, born 3 January 1884, died 14 May 1890; and Elias W., born 8 September 1887, died 9 January 1975. Magnea and Elias were born in Spanish Fork, Utah; the other five were born in Iceland.
In 1889 Gudrun and Einar moved to Cleveland, Utah. Gudrun died 18 May 1930 and is buried in the Cleveland Cemetery. She went by Gudrun Erickson.
Friday, April 6, 2012
He is Risen
As an Easter gift to the world, the LDS Church today released "He is Risen," a seven-and-a-half-minute video focused on the last week of Jesus Christ's mortal life.
Click here to view.
Click here to view.
Sunday, April 1, 2012
Fréttir 5
Paradise Reclaimed
Paradise Reclaimed a novel by Halldór Laxness, Icelandic Author and Nobel Laureate was first published in Icelandic; Paradisarheimt, Helgafell, Reykjavík, 1960. It was translated into English by Magnus Magnusson, and published by Methuen, London, 1962 and Crowell, New York, 1962, Vinatge International, New York, 2002, introduction by Jane Smiley.
Halldór Kiljan Laxness was unquestionably Iceland's foremost literary figure of the 20th century. Born in Reykjavík in 1902, then just a small town with only one tenth of the country's population, he moved with his family at an early age to the farm Laxness in Mosfellsbær, from where he drew his surname. In 1955 Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, the first and only time an Icelander has received the award. Despite his ups and downs with the Icelandic public, due to his outspoken views as well as the nature of his writings, that honor served to cement his place among Icelanders as one of the nation's greatest writers ever. In his acceptance speech he said; “I am thinking, too, of that community of one hundred and fifty thousand men and women who form the book-loving nation that we Icelanders are. From the very first, my countrymen have followed my literary career, now criticizing, now praising my work, but hardly ever letting a single word be buried in indifference. Like a sensitive instrument that records every sound, they have reacted with pleasure or displeasure to every word I have written. It is a great good fortune for an author to be born into a nation so steeped in centuries of poetry and literary tradition.
Paradise Reclaimed is a touching story based on the experiences and writings of Eiríkur Ólafsson and Þórður Diðriksson. Eiríkur was born at Steinar, Rangarvallasysla, Iceland. He was a farmer, writer and also owned a restaurant in Iceland. Eiríkur converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1881. Eiríkur and his wife Runhildur Runólfsdóttir left for Utah shortly after they were baptized. Þórður was born at Holmar, Kross, Rangarvallasysla, Iceland. Þórður went to Copenhagen, Denmark to learn the trade of goldsmith. While in Copenhagen he met Mormon missionaries, accepted their message, and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized in 1855. Þórður immigrated to Utah in 1856. Eiríkur Ólafsson the main character in the book takes on the name of Steinar Steinsson, Þórður Diðriksson is Bishop Didrik.
Paradise Reclaimed is a must read for the descendants and the students of the Icelandic emigrants to Utah.
President of Iceland
President, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, will run for a record fifth term in office in Iceland’s June’s election. In a statement to the press he said that he has changed his mind on the decision not to run, which he announced in his New Year’s address. The President’s statement also makes an unusual plea for understanding from the electorate if he decides to call an early election once stability has returned to the country, in the event that he is re-elected in June.
Dancing with the Stars
Among the stars in Iceland are incredible displays of Northern Lights lighting up the skies of Iceland due to a massive solar storm, which has been taking place recently.
According to scientists, the increased activity is caused by solar flares which eject charges of atoms and electrons into space usually reach the Earth a day or two later. During this travel period, these flares grow in intensity, before finally reaching the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision with the Earth’s air molecules then causes energy in the form of spectacular lights to be emitted.
Due to Iceland’s location on the cusp of the Arctic Circle, these Northern Lights shows are set to be incredible. Iceland is known for being a hub for Northern Lights activity during the winter and spring months.
Emigrant of the Month
GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR
Gudrun was born 14 August 1816 at Kanastadir, Vodmulastadir, Rangarvalla. Her parents are Jon Arnason, born in 1772 at Deild, Teigur i Fljothlid, Rangarvalla, died 18 February 1841 at Bakki, Kross, Rangarvalla; and Thorgerdur Loftsdottir, born in 1777, a husmodir in Kanastodir, Vodmulastadir, Rangarvalla; and Bakki, Kross, Rangarvalla, died 9 March 1859 in Bakki, Kross, Rangarvalla.
Gudrun married Einar Bjarnason 30 September 1847. Einar was born 4 March 1809 at Geirland, Kirkjubaejarkluastur, Vestur Skaftafell, died 25 November 1890 in Hrifunesi Asar i Skaftartunga, Vestur Skaftafell. They had five children: Jon, Bjarni, Einar, Helga and Thorgerdur.
Gudrun’s brother Loftur had became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and immigrated to Utah in 1857. Loftur returned to Iceland in 1873 as a missionary for his new church. Gudrun converted to Mormonism and in 1874 left her husband and immigrated to Utah with her two daughters, Helga and Thorgerdur, and a foster daughter, Groa Thorlaksdottir. Gudrun was not well and it was hoped that her health would improve in Utah. However, she became worse and unable to return to Iceland as she had planned. Her husband sent their son Gisli to Utah to bring her and their daughters back to Iceland, but all remained in Utah.
Gudrun died 4 December 1878 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah she was known as Gudrun Bearnson.
Paradise Reclaimed a novel by Halldór Laxness, Icelandic Author and Nobel Laureate was first published in Icelandic; Paradisarheimt, Helgafell, Reykjavík, 1960. It was translated into English by Magnus Magnusson, and published by Methuen, London, 1962 and Crowell, New York, 1962, Vinatge International, New York, 2002, introduction by Jane Smiley.
Halldór Kiljan Laxness was unquestionably Iceland's foremost literary figure of the 20th century. Born in Reykjavík in 1902, then just a small town with only one tenth of the country's population, he moved with his family at an early age to the farm Laxness in Mosfellsbær, from where he drew his surname. In 1955 Laxness was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature, the first and only time an Icelander has received the award. Despite his ups and downs with the Icelandic public, due to his outspoken views as well as the nature of his writings, that honor served to cement his place among Icelanders as one of the nation's greatest writers ever. In his acceptance speech he said; “I am thinking, too, of that community of one hundred and fifty thousand men and women who form the book-loving nation that we Icelanders are. From the very first, my countrymen have followed my literary career, now criticizing, now praising my work, but hardly ever letting a single word be buried in indifference. Like a sensitive instrument that records every sound, they have reacted with pleasure or displeasure to every word I have written. It is a great good fortune for an author to be born into a nation so steeped in centuries of poetry and literary tradition.
Paradise Reclaimed is a touching story based on the experiences and writings of Eiríkur Ólafsson and Þórður Diðriksson. Eiríkur was born at Steinar, Rangarvallasysla, Iceland. He was a farmer, writer and also owned a restaurant in Iceland. Eiríkur converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1881. Eiríkur and his wife Runhildur Runólfsdóttir left for Utah shortly after they were baptized. Þórður was born at Holmar, Kross, Rangarvallasysla, Iceland. Þórður went to Copenhagen, Denmark to learn the trade of goldsmith. While in Copenhagen he met Mormon missionaries, accepted their message, and joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was baptized in 1855. Þórður immigrated to Utah in 1856. Eiríkur Ólafsson the main character in the book takes on the name of Steinar Steinsson, Þórður Diðriksson is Bishop Didrik.
Paradise Reclaimed is a must read for the descendants and the students of the Icelandic emigrants to Utah.
President of Iceland
President, Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson, will run for a record fifth term in office in Iceland’s June’s election. In a statement to the press he said that he has changed his mind on the decision not to run, which he announced in his New Year’s address. The President’s statement also makes an unusual plea for understanding from the electorate if he decides to call an early election once stability has returned to the country, in the event that he is re-elected in June.
Dancing with the Stars
According to scientists, the increased activity is caused by solar flares which eject charges of atoms and electrons into space usually reach the Earth a day or two later. During this travel period, these flares grow in intensity, before finally reaching the Earth’s atmosphere. This collision with the Earth’s air molecules then causes energy in the form of spectacular lights to be emitted.
Due to Iceland’s location on the cusp of the Arctic Circle, these Northern Lights shows are set to be incredible. Iceland is known for being a hub for Northern Lights activity during the winter and spring months.
Emigrant of the Month
GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR
Gudrun was born 14 August 1816 at Kanastadir, Vodmulastadir, Rangarvalla. Her parents are Jon Arnason, born in 1772 at Deild, Teigur i Fljothlid, Rangarvalla, died 18 February 1841 at Bakki, Kross, Rangarvalla; and Thorgerdur Loftsdottir, born in 1777, a husmodir in Kanastodir, Vodmulastadir, Rangarvalla; and Bakki, Kross, Rangarvalla, died 9 March 1859 in Bakki, Kross, Rangarvalla.
Gudrun married Einar Bjarnason 30 September 1847. Einar was born 4 March 1809 at Geirland, Kirkjubaejarkluastur, Vestur Skaftafell, died 25 November 1890 in Hrifunesi Asar i Skaftartunga, Vestur Skaftafell. They had five children: Jon, Bjarni, Einar, Helga and Thorgerdur.
Gudrun’s brother Loftur had became a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and immigrated to Utah in 1857. Loftur returned to Iceland in 1873 as a missionary for his new church. Gudrun converted to Mormonism and in 1874 left her husband and immigrated to Utah with her two daughters, Helga and Thorgerdur, and a foster daughter, Groa Thorlaksdottir. Gudrun was not well and it was hoped that her health would improve in Utah. However, she became worse and unable to return to Iceland as she had planned. Her husband sent their son Gisli to Utah to bring her and their daughters back to Iceland, but all remained in Utah.
Gudrun died 4 December 1878 and is buried in the Spanish Fork City Cemetery. In Utah she was known as Gudrun Bearnson.
Thursday, March 1, 2012
Fréttir - 4
Þorrablót
The Icelandic Association of Utah held their first Þorrablót (Thorrablot) in the spring of 1998. I had been working with a reporter in Iceland, sending him information about the Icelandic Settlement in Utah, when he asked me what we do for Thorrablot. This was the first I had heard of Thorrablot. I brought it up at a board meeting, and the board of directors voted to try this Icelandic event. Oli Olafsson was at the board meeting and made arrangements for the thorramatur to be brought in from Iceland. Emil Emilsson was the chef for our first Thorrablot with Oli at his side.
Saturday 25 February 2012 the Utah Icelanders held their 15th annual Thorrablot. The menu has changed in those fifteen years. The first Thorrablot was a meal with all the food brought in from Iceland. It includes such things as shark meat, smoked, salted and pickled lamb, and dried fish. This year there was no food from Iceland, partly due to the difficulty of importing the food from Iceland and the fact that not many find this food pleasing to the palate. It is a tradition that I truly missed.
This year was a sold out event with a menu of roasted lamb and baked battered haddock, salad, potatoes, red cabbage and a variety of traditional American deserts. The event was catered by The Copper Grill.
Jack Tobiasson, Assistant Thorrablot Chairperson was the MC for the evening. His goal for the evening was for guests to get a little taste of Iceland and leaving a little bit more Icelandic than when they arrived. Guests were entertained by an Iceland Barnakór (Children’s Choir) with speakers Michelle Curtin, Snorri 2011 Participant and Dr. Fred E. Woods, Professor Brigham Young University.
The Barnakór sang songs in Icelandic and English, Rea Jean Hancock is their conductor. This choir is always a hit at Thorrablot and other activities. Rea Jean was also selected by the Icelandic Association Board of Directors as their Honoree for 2012.
Michelle went to Iceland in 2011 as a Snorri Program participant, which gives young people of Icelandic origin ages 18 to 28 living in the United States or Canada an opportunity to tour Iceland and reconnect with their family living in the country. While in Iceland, Michelle lived with her distant cousins for three weeks and worked on their farm herding and milking cows. Michelle kept a daily bog while in Iceland you can visit her blog just click hear. Michelle is my cousin we both have the same Icelandic ancestors that emigrated from Iceland to Utah in the 1880’s, Eyjólfur Eiríksson and Jarþrúður Runólfsdóttir, which we are both grateful for.
Dr Fred E Woods reported on the museum project in Vestmannaeyjar, Iceland. The permanent exhibit on display at the Vestmannaeyjar Folk Museum is titled "Icelandic Heritage Among the Mormons" and honors those Icelanders who embraced Mormonism and gathered in Utah. The exhibit opened last summer. Fred and Icelander Kari Bjarnason are continuing to work to gather images and documents about the Icelanders that settled in Utah.
To Run or Not to Run
President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson called a press conference at his residence Bessastaðir 27 February 2012, after being handed a petition signed by more than 30,000 people asking the president to run for his fifth four-year term. In his New Year’s speech, President Grímsson indicated that he would step down and not run for office again. The Saga continues.
The Majesty of Esja
Esja is Reykjavík’s mountainous jewel in the crown. Spectacularly dominating the skyline it flanks the north of Europe’s most northern capital, providing a stunning display of color, light and rock.
One feature that often takes visitors by surprise when they visit Reykjavík is its proximity to nature. It is a rare treat to have a capital city with all its modern facilities immediately at hand and yet be able to enjoy the spoils of raw, untouched nature within minutes of leaving the city. Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the countryside surrounding Reykjavík is Esja, the extensive, monolithic mountain range that stretches itself out beyond the north of Reykjavík from the edges of the Atlantic towards Thingvellir National Park in the west.
The name ‘Esja’ is said to have come from the time of the settlement of Iceland and from the saga Kjalnesingasaga which tells of a farm called Esjuberg in Kjalarnes. The story goes that a wealthy Irish widow called Esja was amongst a group of Irish immigrants who traveled to Iceland by ship. However, as is often the case regarding historic folklore, there is some debate about this story and it’s been said that the woman’s name comes from the mountain and not the other way round.
As a mountain range 914 meters high, Esja boasts some impressive statistics. To start with, to say she has been around for a while is a gross understatement, with the western part of the mountain range being the oldest, dating back approximately 3.2 million years, and the eastern part being comparatively ‘young’, having only chalked up approximately 1.8 million years. Approaching Reykjavík by sea, Esja has a magnetic majesty humbling even the biggest cruise liner by the colossal hunk of stone that stretches across the land. One can only imagine the jaw-dropping awe that the first settlers experienced centuries ago as they approached their new homeland.
Today, Esja means many things to many people. On a practical level, views of the mountains have had a marked influence on property prices in recent times; some say they can predict the weather depending on the ever-changing palette of colors the mountain range offers; and it’s a testimony to how such a natural environment has been protected that there are no high-rise hotels or fun fairs nearby, swamping and spoiling the mountain range’s beauty.
It is perhaps this natural beauty that draws visitors to it again and again. A walk at sunset by the North Atlantic Bay in the Reykjavík suburb of Grafarvogur can be quite a special experience with the backdrop of Esja rivaling any rose-tinted Hollywood sunset. At times, she can appear ethereal and enigmatic whilst at other times she can be threatening and ominous with mist creeping tenuously down the inky, black rocks. Consequently, as an artists’ muse and inspiration Esja is a paradise. In the summer months, the mountain is covered in a soft, mossy green and on the bluest, brightest and coldest mornings in winter you can almost feel the pure, chilling air that hangs over the summit.
Emigrant of the Month
GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR
Gudrun was born 12 January 1865 at Onundarstadir, Kross, Rangarvalla. Her parents are Jon Ingimundarson, born 31 May 1829, died 28 August 1891 at Spanish Fork, Utah; and Thordis Thorbjornsdottir, born 18 April 1836, died 28 March 1928 in Ivins, Idaho. Gudrun immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah with her father in May of 1886.
Gudrun married Jon Thorgeirsson, born 12 June 1848 at Eystri Dalbaer, Kirkjubarjarklastur, Vestur Skaftafell. They were married 20 March 1888; this marriage ended in divorce about 1895. Gudrun and Jon had four children; two died in infancy. Gudrun took her two boys, John and David, and moved to Idaho to live with her brothers and mother. She never remarried. She died May 1906 in Ivins, Idaho and is buried there. She was known in America as Gudrun Johnson.
The Icelandic Association of Utah held their first Þorrablót (Thorrablot) in the spring of 1998. I had been working with a reporter in Iceland, sending him information about the Icelandic Settlement in Utah, when he asked me what we do for Thorrablot. This was the first I had heard of Thorrablot. I brought it up at a board meeting, and the board of directors voted to try this Icelandic event. Oli Olafsson was at the board meeting and made arrangements for the thorramatur to be brought in from Iceland. Emil Emilsson was the chef for our first Thorrablot with Oli at his side.
Saturday 25 February 2012 the Utah Icelanders held their 15th annual Thorrablot. The menu has changed in those fifteen years. The first Thorrablot was a meal with all the food brought in from Iceland. It includes such things as shark meat, smoked, salted and pickled lamb, and dried fish. This year there was no food from Iceland, partly due to the difficulty of importing the food from Iceland and the fact that not many find this food pleasing to the palate. It is a tradition that I truly missed.
This year was a sold out event with a menu of roasted lamb and baked battered haddock, salad, potatoes, red cabbage and a variety of traditional American deserts. The event was catered by The Copper Grill.
Jack Tobiasson, Assistant Thorrablot Chairperson was the MC for the evening. His goal for the evening was for guests to get a little taste of Iceland and leaving a little bit more Icelandic than when they arrived. Guests were entertained by an Iceland Barnakór (Children’s Choir) with speakers Michelle Curtin, Snorri 2011 Participant and Dr. Fred E. Woods, Professor Brigham Young University.
Michelle went to Iceland in 2011 as a Snorri Program participant, which gives young people of Icelandic origin ages 18 to 28 living in the United States or Canada an opportunity to tour Iceland and reconnect with their family living in the country. While in Iceland, Michelle lived with her distant cousins for three weeks and worked on their farm herding and milking cows. Michelle kept a daily bog while in Iceland you can visit her blog just click hear. Michelle is my cousin we both have the same Icelandic ancestors that emigrated from Iceland to Utah in the 1880’s, Eyjólfur Eiríksson and Jarþrúður Runólfsdóttir, which we are both grateful for.
To Run or Not to Run
President Ólafur Ragnar Grímsson called a press conference at his residence Bessastaðir 27 February 2012, after being handed a petition signed by more than 30,000 people asking the president to run for his fifth four-year term. In his New Year’s speech, President Grímsson indicated that he would step down and not run for office again. The Saga continues.
The Majesty of Esja
Esja is Reykjavík’s mountainous jewel in the crown. Spectacularly dominating the skyline it flanks the north of Europe’s most northern capital, providing a stunning display of color, light and rock.
One feature that often takes visitors by surprise when they visit Reykjavík is its proximity to nature. It is a rare treat to have a capital city with all its modern facilities immediately at hand and yet be able to enjoy the spoils of raw, untouched nature within minutes of leaving the city. Perhaps the jewel in the crown of the countryside surrounding Reykjavík is Esja, the extensive, monolithic mountain range that stretches itself out beyond the north of Reykjavík from the edges of the Atlantic towards Thingvellir National Park in the west.
The name ‘Esja’ is said to have come from the time of the settlement of Iceland and from the saga Kjalnesingasaga which tells of a farm called Esjuberg in Kjalarnes. The story goes that a wealthy Irish widow called Esja was amongst a group of Irish immigrants who traveled to Iceland by ship. However, as is often the case regarding historic folklore, there is some debate about this story and it’s been said that the woman’s name comes from the mountain and not the other way round.
As a mountain range 914 meters high, Esja boasts some impressive statistics. To start with, to say she has been around for a while is a gross understatement, with the western part of the mountain range being the oldest, dating back approximately 3.2 million years, and the eastern part being comparatively ‘young’, having only chalked up approximately 1.8 million years. Approaching Reykjavík by sea, Esja has a magnetic majesty humbling even the biggest cruise liner by the colossal hunk of stone that stretches across the land. One can only imagine the jaw-dropping awe that the first settlers experienced centuries ago as they approached their new homeland.
Today, Esja means many things to many people. On a practical level, views of the mountains have had a marked influence on property prices in recent times; some say they can predict the weather depending on the ever-changing palette of colors the mountain range offers; and it’s a testimony to how such a natural environment has been protected that there are no high-rise hotels or fun fairs nearby, swamping and spoiling the mountain range’s beauty.
It is perhaps this natural beauty that draws visitors to it again and again. A walk at sunset by the North Atlantic Bay in the Reykjavík suburb of Grafarvogur can be quite a special experience with the backdrop of Esja rivaling any rose-tinted Hollywood sunset. At times, she can appear ethereal and enigmatic whilst at other times she can be threatening and ominous with mist creeping tenuously down the inky, black rocks. Consequently, as an artists’ muse and inspiration Esja is a paradise. In the summer months, the mountain is covered in a soft, mossy green and on the bluest, brightest and coldest mornings in winter you can almost feel the pure, chilling air that hangs over the summit.
Emigrant of the Month
GUÐRÚN JÓNSDÓTTIR
Gudrun was born 12 January 1865 at Onundarstadir, Kross, Rangarvalla. Her parents are Jon Ingimundarson, born 31 May 1829, died 28 August 1891 at Spanish Fork, Utah; and Thordis Thorbjornsdottir, born 18 April 1836, died 28 March 1928 in Ivins, Idaho. Gudrun immigrated to Spanish Fork, Utah with her father in May of 1886.
Gudrun married Jon Thorgeirsson, born 12 June 1848 at Eystri Dalbaer, Kirkjubarjarklastur, Vestur Skaftafell. They were married 20 March 1888; this marriage ended in divorce about 1895. Gudrun and Jon had four children; two died in infancy. Gudrun took her two boys, John and David, and moved to Idaho to live with her brothers and mother. She never remarried. She died May 1906 in Ivins, Idaho and is buried there. She was known in America as Gudrun Johnson.
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