Edmonton Estonian Society
Celebrates 50th Anniversary
About forty members of the Edmonton Estonian Society gathered in the beautiful Wedgwood Room of Hotel MacDonald on Sunday, February 28 to celebrate the 81st Anniversary of Estonian Independence and the 50th Birthday of the Society. Members were also appraised of planning activities underway to host the Estonian-Canadian Centennial Celebration at Linda Hall near Stettler.
Dave Kiil welcomed members to this important event and concluded that we owe a debt of gratitude to our ancestors who persevered over the centuries in their quest for independence for Estonia. He also noted that a celebration of our heritage such as the annual Independence Day gathering help instill a sense of pride in the generations to come.
The Society received numerous congratulatory messages on its 50th Anniversary, and these were read to the audience. A particularly heartfelt message was received from Ann Holtz, the daughter of one of the original members (Pals) and the letter is printed in its entirety in this edition of Ajakaja.
A number of the longstanding members of the Society, including Helmut and Airi Langeste, Andreas and Shirley Pilt, Mila Kivi Kowalski, Eugene and Astrid Pastewka, Arnold Pent and Laine Sastok, were in attendance. They were introduced and recognized for their valuable contributions in furthering the aims of the organization over the years.
A highlight of the afternoon's program was a guest appearance by Tiiu Haamer who performed three classical selections on the piano. It was a powerful recital and resulted in enthusiastic applause and an encore. Eda McClung presented the artist, also noted for sky-diving exploits, with a beautiful bouquet of beautiful yellow roses.
Andreas Pilt, one of the early members of the Society, reminisced about the reasons behind the influx of Estonian's to Edmonton in the late 1940's and early 1950's. The Edmonton Estonian Society was formed in the fall of 1949 under the leadership of Robert Kreem to provide a forum for social and political activity. Andreas also read a congratulatory letter from Robert Kreem.
In thanking the speaker, the President commended Andreas for his exemplary leadership during the half-century and thanked him for his major contribution in pursuing the aims of the EES. The speaker was also presented with a framed Letter of Commendation from Mr. Ilmar Heinsoo, Honorary Consul-General of Estonia.
About a year ago, Toomas Pääsuke, Eda McClung and Bob Tipman, realizing that the first Estonian pioneers settled permanently in Alberta in 1899, decided that this historically significant event should be marked by an Estonian-Canadian Centennial Celebration in the summer of 1999. As the Event Coordinator - Facilitator, Toomas provided an overview of planning activities to date and concluded that this promises to be an outstanding Party in honor of the Estonian pioneers who settled in Alberta about a century ago. He encouraged EES members to spread the word to their relatives and friends, and to become personally involved to ensure that this event will be a major success.
The ambience of the Wedgwood Room was further enhanced by displays covering the activities of the EES during the past 50 years. The photographs, newsletters, signs and artifacts were assembled from various sources and mounted on display boards. Kristiine Zielinski did an outstanding job in preparing the displays and deserves our gratitude for adding to our enjoyment of the gathering. Similarly, Helmut Langeste's album of EES activities over the past decade was enjoyed by the guests.
The celebration opened and closed with heartfelt renderings of the Canadian and Estonian National Anthems, with piano accompaniment by Helve Sastok. Finally, I'd like to extend a special vote of thanks to Eda McClung for choosing the venue and for coordinating the entire program.
As the newly-installed President of the EES, I look forward to working with the members of the Executive Committee in serving the needs and interests of the members. I am very enthusiastic about the upcoming Centennial Celebration during Jaanipäev and I firmly believe that it will be an outstanding event for all Estonians and their Canadian friends. The hardy Estonian pioneers who settled in Alberta are already part of Canada's heritage; our support of and participation in the Centennial Party will further integrate the customs and traditions of our ancestors into the mosaic of our adopted home.
Dave Kiil
