Letter from the President's Desk
The Edmonton Estonian Society executive is happy to present the first issue of Ajakaja. We hope that it will heighten interest in and awareness of events and issues that are relevant to the Estonian community. Perhaps 'ärkamisaeg' will also have meaning in Edmonton!
The decision to resume publication of a newsletter, following a ten year break, was made at the general meeting of the EES held in January. It was apparent that the membership wanted to have available more information about Estonian activities, cultural events, people and viewpoints, both locally and from further afield. Mare Maxwell has agreed to be in charge of publishing our newsletter. It is hoped that this sharing of news will arouse interest in our heritage and lead to greater participation in available ethnic activities.
As the contents of this first issue indicate, there is much that is newsworthy for our local group: there are numerous exciting Estonian celebrations taking place, we are privileged to have a visiting academic from Tartu University at UofA, we can access an increasing number of videos of recent events in Estonia, and this winter we can look forward to hearing the renown RAM boys' choir in Calgary, arranged by their active and energetic Estonian Society. Ajakaja's ability to be informative and interesting is largely dependent upon its readership submitting news and views. We are therefore soliciting articles and comments (in either language) from you, and ask that we receive your contributions for the second issue by September I, 1989.
A second and important decision made at the general meeting was in regards to formalizing membership in the EES. It was decided to do this by selling of memberships. In recent years, the EES has had no fund raising activities and has operated width an ever-depleting bank accounted. As a result, its scope of activities has been limited. With additional funds however, efforts such as this newsletter are possible. Other suggestions for the use of these funds could include the purchasing of an Estonian flag and flag pole, acquisition of Estonian videos, music and songbooks for local use and the provision for more frequent mail outs as significant events or news occur. (Each mail out costs a minimum of $25.00).
Memberships were sold Vabariigi Aastapäeval and the response was excellent. It was particularly heartening to sign up many new, young members who to date had not participated in the EES. The membership drive is still on-going, and you are urged to support the society's efforts by purchasing a membership. An application form is included with the newsletter. To those already signed up, your support is genuinely appreciated.
The newly elected executive of the EES is looking forward to its term in office. By all accounts, the first activity that was planned, Vabariigi Aastapäev, was a success. The next major social event will be the combined Edmonton-StettIer-Calgary Jaanipäev picnic on June 25 at Linda Hall in Stettler.
This location is significant as Stettler is one of the pioneer Estonian communities in Canada. It is hoped that Estonians from around the province will join in.
The new EES executive is comprised of seven new members, some of whom are familiar to the local community as well as those that are new. They bring to the society a broad range of interests and talents. The executive will be pleased to be of help in matters related to the Estonian community and welcomes your input and suggestions. Please feel free to contact either Eda McClung, president or Nurmi Simm, past president.
We hope that the forthcoming year is one of renewal and expansion for the EES. We welcome all new members and appreciate those who have shown support throughout the years.
Eda McClung
Edmonton Estonian Society president
