Alberta Estonian Heritage Society is up and running!
Ain Dave Kiil
At a meeting in Red Deer on April 23, 2005, 33 committed members of the fledgling Alberta Estonian Heritage Society (AEHS) reviewed recent progress and agreed on a course of action for the future. (A special thanks is extended to Jüri Kraav for preparing and distributing Minutes of all meetings leading to the establishment of the Society).
Helgi Leesment reviewed the need for and next steps to achieve provincial and federal registration. It was agreed that “Alberta Estonian Heritage Society” will be the registered name of the organization. The primary objectives are:
- To provide for the recreation of the members and to promote and afford opportunity for friendly and social activities,
- To promote and preserve Estonian heritage and culture in Alberta,
- To facilitate contact and current awareness among persons with an interest in Estonian heritage and culture in Canada, Estonia, and elsewhere.
Toomas Pääsuke advised that the Society has already attracted 67 paid-up members, with membership dues and contributions totaling $2325.00.
It was decided that the Society’s newsletter AJAKAJA will continue to be published biennially and distributed to paid-up members. Eda McClung will continue as the Publisher, with a Board of Contributors to assist in provision of material. Four regional correspondents, namely Irene Kerbes (Stettler), Jack Pallo (Eckville), Helgi Leesment ( Calgary) and Barbara Gullickson (Barons) were named.
A discussion about website development resulted in a decision to proceed. It was agreed that the AEHS website should have a restricted website for members only and a home page accessible to all “surfers”. Following Helgi Leesment’s proposal, it was agreed that the website design and implementation will be headed up by Bob Kingsep. He will be assisted by Helgi Leesment, Jaan Koosel, Eda McClung, Karl Vollman, Kelly Schuler, and Astrid and Judi Ustina.
Several options were considered for events and activities in the near future. It was agreed that a province-wide event would generate added interest in the Society. Local representatives agreed to confirm the availability of Stettler and Gilby sites for a midsummer “picnic basket” celebration of Jaanipäev.
New Executive
A new executive was elected as follows:
President: Bob Tipman
Vice-President: Helgi Leesment
Treasurer: Toomas Pääsuke
Secretary: Jüri Kraav
Membership: Karl Vollman
Website: Bob Kingsep
AjaKaja: Eda McClung
Communications: Dave Kiil
Directors at Large:
Barons/Medicine Hat: Martha Munz Gue
Gilby: Allan Posti;
Edmonton : Eda McClung
Members at Large:
Arne Matiisen; Liia Herman; Peter Asmus
PS. On a personal note, I would like to express my appreciation for your support and commitment leading to a successful launch of the new Society.
Congratulations to Bob Tipman, President, and the new Executive on their appointments!
Alberta’s Estonian community is unique in all of Canada, and the multi-generational makeup and talents of the people involved will no doubt contribute to the celebration of Estonian culture and traditions that will meet our equally diverse expectations.
