Re-elected AEHS board members are Lorne Hennel, Toomas Pääsuke, Rein Pääsuke, Helgi Leesment, Martha Munz Gue, Jüri Kraav, Eda McClung and Dave Kiil. Director Kaidi Phypers resigned her position which is now filled by our former and first president Bob Tipman.
Among other topics, the AGM dealt with plans for a Summer Social on August 20 at Linda Hall, Stettler. It was not possible to arrange a province-wide Jaanipäev celebration as the suitably located halls were already booked by other groups. All are welcome to the AEHS Summer Social which will also celebrate the 25th anniversary of the regaining of Estonia's independence. Further information will be available in a few weeks on what will be the new AEHS website.
Calgary area members of AEHS and friends gathered at the home of Steve and Evelin Fodor who generously offered their backyard for a low-key local Jaanipäev celebration on June 18. The third host was a young relative visiting from Estonia, Keili Kase, who is gathering material about the attitude towards Estonianism among the Alberta Estonian community, for her degree at the Tartu University. The AEHS is looking forward to eventually seeing the results of this research.
A couple of dozen people brought food to share in pot-luck fashion. There were open face herring sandwiches, home baked bread, sliced cold cuts and smoked salmon, barbequed chicken legs, sašlik, sausages, white potato salad, rossolje and pasta salad. Desserts included European style cheese cake with fresh berries, Nanaimo bars, a huge bowl of fresh strawberries plus other tasty treats as well as chocolates brought directly from Estonia. All were served on blue, black and white plastic dishes and beverage cups with matching serviettes. Adults were delighted to chat with most welcome new acquaintances and old friends. Children ages 2 to 15 spent most of the afternoon cheerfully jumping on the trampoline. Later in the evening, host Steve Fodor made a fire in the outdoor firepit.
A few days later a new, full colour Summer 2016 issue of AjaKaja arrived in AEHS members' mailboxes, excellently edited by Eda McClung and Dave Kiil, as always.
The Alberta Estonian Heritage Society is looking forward new types of projects and activities under its new president.
Helgi Leesment
FOTOD
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