UPDATE: 
WINTER NEWSLETTER................enjoy  
  

1985           THE ICELANDIC-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF HAMPTON ROADS, VIRGINIA, INC.         2008

                                 WWW.ICELANDICASSOCIATIONVIRGINIA.ORG

 

TEL/FAX (757) 587-1068                       NEWSLETTER           ICEAMERNORF@AOL.COM

MEMBERSHIP YEAR 07-08         VOLUME 22, ISSUE # 2 - Fall 2007 & Winter 2007/2008                                     NÓVEMBER 30, 2007

 

INFORMATION ABOUT ÞORRABLÓT 2008 IS INCLUDED -  PLEASE READ !!

 

 President Sella´s Report (Fréttablað)

 

Góðir Íslendingar, Members and Friends,

 

       The best place to begin is always at the ‘beginning‘ of our Association´s 2007-2008 Membership Year – our 23^rd year!  Who would have imagined in 1985/86 that our ‘little association‘ would last for 23+ years?  We had a fabulous 22^nd year – and, regretably, a substantial loss of Memberships from: returns to Iceland, serious illnesses, deaths, and what seems to be generational disinterest.  More later about changes over the years,  For now, please notice that I am both underlining and italicizing the words our, your, and we when referring to our Association – there is a reason!   If it is not OUR´s, it will not survive, as others of it´s kind that  went defunct in recent years. For the first time ever, I worry about that possibility.

  

       As expected, morning of Saturday, June 16^th dawned ‘a bit hazy‘ – not really perfect weather for our Association´s 23^rd Annual ‘17^th of JUNE PICNIC‘ Observance of Iceland´s Independence Day (June 17^th, 1944).  But, by the time folks arrived at Steve Olzinski´s beach- front condo on Norfolk´s Willoughby Spit, it was an absolutely glorious afternoon and evening.  Best count by several observers agreed that 130 +or- Association Members and their guests were in attendance – that´s an all-time record for this event.  By another measure, some 400 or so heitar pylsur (með öllu - the works) were consumed, along with a keg of Yuengling Beer, and countless cans & bottles of Steve´s private beer stocks, and a lot of soda pop and other goodies.  In all, it seemed that everyone had a great time – I certainly did – with the help of Steve, Harry, Ella & John + Isabel and her friend, Kristín, Kristín Jónsd‘ & Steini G´, Þýrí & Joí, and many others.  The actual purpose of this event is to reward our Association Memberships -- for just being members, and to thank them for renewing their membership for (at least) the coming year.  This is always an absolutely FREE event for dues-paid current members and their families – with only a modest fee for their adult/children guests. On behalf of our Association´s Membership, I want to thank Steve Olzinski for providing the venue for this event - for so many years past – and, hopefully, for years to come.  This is, as always,  basically a private party, by invitation only and not open to the public .

 

       Results of the (so-called) ‘BIENNIAL ELECTION‘ of our Association Corporation Board of Directors and, consequently, our Association´s Executive Board Officers were just about as expected. We met the Commonwealth of Virginia State Corporation Commission requirements – but not mine!  Not a single member ‘nominated‘ anyone not on the ‘slate‘ ... or

[Results cont‘d.] themselves.  Simply stated, there were no ‘volunteers‘ to take over any of the responsibilities involved with operating one of, perhaps, the most successful Icelandic/American organization in the United States of America.  Very disappointing !!!

 

       Our next event was our Association´s 23^rd Annual OKTÓBERFEST & SILENT AUCTION on September 8^th in the garden of my home.  About 70+/- members  attended.  Having lived in Germany for several years, I´ve always said that even the Germans don´t have Októberfest in October – it´s just too chilly.  We had great weather!  As usual, we didn´t make much money on the food and drinks.  Using Kristín Jónsd‘, my niece, as the ‘Judas goat,‘ the event was again virtually mosquito-free -  with many thanks to Kristín and Orkin, Inc.  This was our 3^rd year with Orkin‘s mosquito service and we´re pleased!  We broke  about even on the food and drinks, but the Silent Auction and ‘Sella´s Shop‘ sales more than made up for it. In all, it was, again, a remarkably remunerative event for our Asssociation, with only two-thirds of last year´s attendance.  The money almost paid for the Þorrablót Hall rental.  Like the ‘17th of June Picnic‘, this is a private party, by invitation only and not open to the public.

 

 

       ‘SELLA´S SHOP‘ participated for our Association in the WASHDC ICELANDIC ASSOCIATION´S  ANNUAL BAZAAR on Saturday, November 17^th – as we have done for many years.  It´s work, it´s fun, and it´s very remunerative – giving us a substantial offset to our Association‘s Þorrablót (the price of Þorramatur is out of sight and importation has become ‘difficult‘ with DHS getting into the USDA & Customs´ area).  Helping me get ready and go (in their truck), and my on-site helpers were my niece,  Kristín Jónsd‘ and her husband, Steini Gislas‘ – both 2^nd-year members of our ASSOCIATION and (only volunteers) newly installed as non-voting Directors thereof.  We are grateful to Elsa & Leifur Peturson for generous overnight accommodations at their home (and R/V) in Catlett, VA on Friday night, breakfast and professional pathfinding to the Bazaar venue at McLean, VA on Saturday    Also, I want to thank Hafdís Bortle (a hard-charging member of the WASHDC ASS´N (as well as ours) and the WASHDC ASS´N Board and Members for the invitation and their support.

 

 

       OBITUARIES: Absolutely, this is the most unpleasant duty of my office as your Association´s President, and I understand why no one would want this task.  Members may recall that I published an extensive list of our Association‘s deceased Members in our Spring/Summer 2007 Newsletter – 35 (and possibly 37) long-standing Members were listed.  I invited comments and suggestions about ‘freezing‘ that list and simply adding incrementally to it on an annual or occasional case basis.  Having. (as usual) receivevd no feed-back, I adopted the recommadation I made ... and, I will now and hereafter publish only current/recent (2007 and, later) when-occuring obituaries.    Our Spring/Summer 2007 Newsletter Memorium did not list:

 

-         Ragnheiður (‘Ransy‘) Sandra Þorhallsdóttir Morr – a photographer extraordinary

 

-         Sigriður (‘Sigga‘) Finnsdóttir Tate – a most generous supporter of our Association

 

 

-

INFORMATION ABOUT ÞORRABLÓT 2008

 

22^nd ANNUAL ÞORRABLÓT BANQUET – SATURDAY,  FEBRUARY 2^rd, 2008

 

       As usual, our 2008 Annual Þorrablót Banquet was ‘sold out‘ – over-sold, in fact – since late August..  I´m working to clear the ‘Wait List‘ and hope to accommodate everyone who wants to attend.  But, I need your understanding and cooperation – please bear with me on the few details following:

 

- Þorrablót ‘TICKETS‘... THERE ARE NONE AND LIKELY NEVER WILL BE ANY AGAIN !!!!  We simply can´t afford the unnecessary postal costs and keep the Þorrablót Banquet within a reasonable price.  So, don´t look for your tickets – they aren´t there !

 

--Þorrablót reservation seat/s are never transferable unless personally authorized by me   ‘giving or selling’ your reservation seat/s directly to another, even an Association member, is not

 permitted.  As always, seats are never sold at the door!  This is always a by invitation only   event – which it must be for our Association to obtain the required VA ABC licenses.

 

- REFUNDS: If you learn that you are, or may be unable or decide, not to attend our 2008 Þorrablót, be assured that your seat/s are fully refundable until Friday, January 25th.

 

- Our Þorrablót is a ‘Black Tie’ or equivalent (business suit / party dress) event.  NO JEANS OR SNEAKERS !!!

 

- THE LONG-STANDING RULES OF CONDUCT FOR THIS EVENT WILL BE POSTED ON OUR INTERNET SITE. PLEASE REMEMBER THAT SMOKING IN THE V.F.W. HALL AND REST ROOMS IS NOT PERMITTED.  THANK YOU!

 

- Your Association Board of Director decided that an open (free) bar is again affordable within your Association´s financial resources – we have never seen any abuse of this perk. The bar will operate as IT has.   Wine, which used to be on the table (and often left there) will be available for free at the bar – by the glass or by the carafe.  PLEASE TIP THE BARTENDERS GENEROUSLY !!!

 

 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Reservations, arrival arrangements (day & time), etc. are always the responsibility of attendee(s).  We have negotiated an ICELANDIC GROUP’ RATE with BEST WESTERN HOLIDAY SANDS INN & SUITES at 1330 E. Ocean View Ave – Norfolk for $54.00/room night [good for one or more nights] (+taxes), double room (two (2) person occupancy); 4 PM check-in (negotiable-talk to the GM or the desk clerk), no pets (not-negotiable), mini-kitchen, continental breakfast, shuttle to/from V.F.W. Post for $1.50 p.p. each way.  Please book your reservation DIRECTLY and early with a credit card – Tel: (757) 583-2621; FAX: (757) 587-7540.  Ask for the ‘Icelandic Group’ rate.   Be sure to get confirmation number (and the desk clerk’s name)!  You can always cancel before the date.  The GM’s name is Thad Milburn – his assistant is Denise.  Isn’t it interesting that prices have increased since Norfolk became a ‘tourist destination’?

 

      

55^th ANNUAL AZALEA FESTIVAL  APRIL 14^th – 19^th, 2008:  For the 21^st year, your/our Association will again represent the Republic of Iceland by participating in NORFOLK´S  INTERNATIONAL AZALEA FESTIVAL honoring NATO in  the  U.S.A.  The Kingdom of Netherlands will be  2008’s Most Honoured Nation and their ‘Queen Azalea’ will be announced later. On April 18^th, at Norfolk´s Botanical Garden Coronation Ceremony after the Luncheon & Fashion Show at the Sheraton.  I hope to have the pleasure of crowning our Association´s ‘Iceland Princess’ Miss Isabel Sif Leitsch,  daughter of Mrs. Ella Magnúsdóttir Wanros – her 3^rd Azalea Princess daughter.  That evening, before dark, we will decorate the ‘Iceland’ Float ’TÝR’ in my driveway.  On April 19^th , as we have for the past 20 years, we will parade TÝR at the Festival Grande Parade through downtown Norfolk –  last year, TÝR was awarded the ‘Governor’s Cup’ – which, we understand, is for ’Best In Show’ – and now joins the  20-plus trophies awarded to TÝR for this and other parades.  Award and Iceland banners were carried along the parade route (2+ miles) by Elva Bane and her friend, Christi, and Matta Bush and daughter, Lisa Arnold.  I want to thank all the Members that helped us with the float and the NATOFest – Kristín J. & Steini G., Ella & John, Þyri & Jói, Sandi Fabian, Isabel Leitsch, Steve, Harry & Norman Biela, and others who loaned their support with always-needed cash donations for float maintenance, etc.. The rest of the 19^th will be taken up with NATOFest at Town Point Park and the Queen´s Dinner & Ball at the Half Moon – it was fabulous last year (and expensive at $150.00/ticket) – but well worth it!  Current and complete info on the Festival can be found at www.azaleafestival.org.

ÍSLENSK-AMERISKA FÉLAGIÐ

 

THE ICELANDIC-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION

 OF HAMPTON ROADS, VA

 

22^ND  ANNUAL ÞORRABLÓT BANQUET

 

RULES OF THE HOUSE

[“THE TWELVE COMMANDMENTS”]

 

I

 

THOU SHALT BE PROPERLY DRESSED: TUXEDO OR COAT & TIE ETC. FOR MEN; GOWN OR PARTY DRESS FOR LADIES.

 

II

 

THOU SHALT NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE YOUR ASSIGNED SEAT WITHOUT FIRST OBTAINING PERMISSION OF THE GUEST WHOSE SEAT YOU COVET AND WANT TO TAKE.

 

III

 

THOU SHALT NOT SMOKE IN THE BANQUET HALL.

  THOU SHALT GO TO A “PERMITTED PLACE” -

TO BE ANNOUNCED.

 

 

IV

 

THOU SHALT NOT BE INTOXICATED OR OBNOXIOUS -

 OR THOU SHALT BE “STERNLY INVITED” TO LEAVE!

 

V

 

THOU SHALT NOT TAKE MORE FOOD ON THY PLATE THAN

THEE CAN EAT.  GO FOR SECONDS; TAKE LEFTOVERS HOME.

[PLASTIC BAGS WILL BE PROVIDED – PERSONAL CONTAINERS ARE NOT PERMITTED]

VI

 

THOU SHALT NOT GIVE ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE TO

 A MINOR - NOR ALLOW ANY MINOR TO CARRY AND/OR CONSUME SUCH BEVERAGES {VIRGINIA ABC LAW}!

 

VII

 

THOU SHALT NOT CARRY ANY ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE OUT OF THE BANQUET HALL {VIRGINIA ABC & NORFOLK LAW}!

 

VIII

 

THOU SHALT NOT ENTER THE POST CANTEEN AREA OR

KITCHEN WITHOUT PERMISSION  {V.F.W. POST RULES}.

 

IX

 

 THOU SHALT NOT STEAL ANOTHER GUEST’S TABLE

FAVORS WHILE THEY ARE AWAY FROM THEIR TABLE.

IT MAY BE “SMALL STUFF” BUT IT’S STILL THEFT!

 

X

 

THOU SHALT NOT DALLY WHEN IT IS TIME TO LEAVE –

WHICH IS BY 1:00 AM, LATEST!

SHUTTLE RUNS TO THE MOTEL BEGIN AT MIDNIGHT.

 

XI

 

THOU SHALT COMPLY WITH THESE RULES.  FAILURE TO

 DO SO WILL RESULT IN EXPULSION WITHOUT A REFUND.

 

XII

 

THOU SHALT HAVE A GOOD TIME - OR ELSE

… AND HAVE A DESIGNATED DRIVER!

 

Saturday, February 2, 2008

[Please ensure that all of your guests are familiar with these “Commandments”]