1989 President's Annual Review
The EES can be proud of its accomplishments in the past year. It was a year of growth in membership, increase in number and variety of events, establishment of ties with the Calgary Estonian Society for promotion and support of joint activities and the year that our society showed financial growth. These activities were guided by an executive committee that gave willingly and often of their time and talent.
The success of the past year was largely due to the doubling of the Society's membership. This is reflected in the increased attendance at events as well previous members have shown renewed interest, and more importantly, new members of Estonian background have joined. Our Society now includes members from Red Deer, Eckville, Grand Prairie, Edson, Hinton and Camrose.
The activities of the EES in 1989 began with its Independence Day celebration in February at the Marchand Towers. Despite a snowstorm, there was a good turnout of about 50 people. A video from Estonia, "Eesti Laul" was well received. By switching the celebration to a public venue, and by charging admission, it was possible to induce a program and to organize an event for the larger gathering.
1989 was the first time in the recent past that an optional membership fee was charged. This resulted in approximately $400 revenue for the Society. This provided the basic monies for operational expenses, such as mail outs and postage, as well publication of our newsletter "AjaKaja". As revenues accumulate, purchase of flags and flag poles is planned.
The 'Ajakaja' was initiated this past year following a 10 year hiatus. It serves to keep members informed of ongoing events and carried reports and articles from local Estonians as well as those from abroad, e.g. Tokyo, Pärnu, etc. Two issues were published, with three being planned for the coming year. Our newsletter has caught the attention of Estonians elsewhere who have asked to be on our mailing list.
Main social event for the EES in 1989 was participation in a province-wide 'Jaanipäev' in Stettler on Sunday, June 25. Organized by the Edmonton and Calgary Societies, and hosted by Stettler Estonian Community at Linda Hall, the event attracted 175 people. It was an opportunity to meet other Estonians and celebrate ethnic tradition, music, and food. The success of this event has led to plans for a weekend-long Jaanipäev celebration this year.
By fall, the executive was involved with plans to assist Calgary in hosting the 110 member Estonian Boys' Choir and ERSO Chamber Orchestra in a December concert. Calgary deserves enormous credit for undertaking such a large event and carrying it out with resounding success. The EES also made a significant contribution: 46 people traveled by chartered bus to attend the concert and our Edmonton membership donated more than $500 directly to the Choir and Orchestra. The executive was pleased to have along 15 people from the Latvian community. Our Society enjoys good relations with the local Latvian and Lithuanian groups.
In November, the Estonian rock group 'Ultima Thule' performed at the U of A Campus. The six members of the band were housed and entertained by local Estonians, and at their concert, several new and younger Estonians were in the audience.
It was a pleasure to have Professor Volli Kalm in Edmonton for nine months. He was a visiting scientist to the U of A Geology Dept. from Tartu University. His participation at our events, contributions to our newsletter, and his first-hand knowledge of happenings in Estonia were appreciated by all those who had a chance to meet him.
In summary, we can be proud of what we achieved in the past year. The increased support of our members indicates that the Society has an important function in bringing together those who maintain an interest in their Estonian heritage.
Eda McClung, Pres.
