Article appeared in the Dec. 1, 2011 issue of the Interlake Spectator…
Riverton and Area Business Association (RABA), now called the Riverton and District Chamber of Commerce, held its 13th annual RABA Christmas Dinner and Dance, at the Riverton Hall on Nov. 26.
Over 200 people dressed in their best attended the gala, which was catered by Bunny and Diane Bostrom of Manigotagan, with wine provided compliments of the Riverton Motor Inn.
The dinner and dance topped off Riverton’s three-days of moonlight madness events.
Guests had a chance to win $1,000 in gift certificates, redeemable at any Riverton business establishment. Raymond Johnson, of Riverton, was the lucky winner of this prize. A television, donated by the Riverton Co-op and the Riverton Chamber of Commerce, was won by Joy Collins, of Matheson Island.
The gala is the chamber’s only fundraiser for the year. Last year, the chamber sponsored Communities in Bloom and the Riverton Reunion Homecoming with proceeds raised from ticket sales and the silent auction. The chamber is also trying to raise enough funds to be to install solar lighting over highway community signs within three years, a project that is expected to cost the chamber about $10,000.
After a delectable turkey dinner, a few brief speeches were made. Selkirk-Interlake MP, James Bezan, brought greetings on behalf of the Government of Canada, Councillor Daniel Gudbjartson spoke on behalf of the Village of Riverton, in place of Mayor Collin Bjarnason who was, regrettably, unable to attend due to illness.
During the evening, guests were entertained by the Arborg and Riverton Concert Choir and Vocal Ensemble, comprised of Riverton and Arborg high school students who performed a number of Christmas carols. They were directed by Renise Mlodzinski. The choir will be performing at an upcoming concert on Dec. 8, at the same location.
Entrepreneur, Marc Myrowich of Erosion Control Blanket, gave an inspired Power Point presentation with an idea of how to put Riverton on the map. His presentation focussed on the rebuilding of the Riverton Walking Bridge which was destroyed last spring by an ice jamb during the spring melt.
After a meeting with community-minded entrepreneurs in Amsterdam earlier this year, at which an “entrepreneur’s manifesto” to change the world was signed, Myrowich came up with the inspiration to build a “spectacular” new bridge that would draw in tourists from around the globe, and make Riverton a destination. Some examples of a bridge design include one in the form of a Viking ship, a design which draws from Riverton’s Icelandic heritage.
Myrowich hopes to inspire local community leaders to take up the cause.
The highlight of the evening, however, was a presentation made to Riverton’s own Djorfung Ladies Aid, who were honoured for 110 years of continuous community service. Some of the current members are descendants of the group’s founders. The ladies announced the printing of a recipe book, in celebration of the milestone anniversary. It is available for purchase at Riverton Agri’Auto, and Riverton Noventis for $12. Recipes are old family favourites.
Vice-chair, Jean Gudmundson accepted a plaque from chamber chair, Vickie Johnson, who commended Djorfung Ladies Aid for all their important community work throughout the years. Johnson, who is also a member of the ladies group, highlighted some of the group’s history.
Djorfung Ladies Aid had its start in 1901, when the settlement at Riverton was only 25 years old. All of the founding members were single, the youngest of whom was 12 years old. Now members range in age from 46 to 70.
Records, first written in Icelandic, have been kept since 1902. The annual membership dues cost 50 cents in 1915. In 2011, they are only $2.00, and anyone is welcome to join.
The group has been active in their community for all these years, holding dinners, Mother’s Day and Christmas Hamper raffles, beautifying their community, and raising funds for charity.
