Within his allocated time span, Bob outlined his experiences leading a group of people of Estonian heritage. It was a bit like “trying to herd cats” he mused of the general tendency of Estonians towards individualism when it comes to organizations. Nevertheless, during his six years at the helm of the AEHS, Bob not only kept the Board focused but very productive. The Society began work on its half-hour video Alberta's Estonians during Bob Tipman's presidency. Then under Bob Kingsep, continued on to complete the video, produce a historical website, a book, a panel display and space in the provincial archives for things Estonian. Bob Kingsep also placed a huge amount of effort into developing a website for the Society members, a task he promises to continue even when living in British Columbia. His childhood friend Garry Raabis had everyone laughing as he described some of their early teenage adventures and misadventures in and around what were Estonian farms at that time in the Eckville area.
Bob Kingsep received a lengthy, well deserved standing ovation from the approximately 70 people present at the Friendship Club in Eckville.
Our current president, Ave Peetri, newly arrived in Alberta less than two years ago, also paid tribute to Bob and expressed her delight at this opportunity to connect informally with so many Albertans of Estonian descent. During her talk, she said she is worried that Bob leaves big shoes for her to fill but Ave need not fear as she comes with years of high-level international business experience. As the Society is now ready to expand into other activities beyond documenting the past and present, Ave's leadership will be appreciated. She asked for a show of hands as to what types of activities members would like to see in the future. Among other suggestions, the idea of an Estonian film festival was considered.
Board members elected at the May 31st annual general meeting are proud of the AEHS's past achievements and are looking forward to new activities as suggested at the Summer Social. Along with Ave Peetri, they are Lorne Hennel, Rein Pääsuke, Kaidi Phypers, Martha Munz Gue, Toomas Pääsuke, Eda McClung, Dave Kiil, Jüri Kraav and Helgi Leesment.
Ave Peetri particularly enjoyed the short side trip to the unofficial tiny cemetery near Gilby where the first of Estonia's immigrants to lose their lives in this new country were buried. There Bob retold the story of the unfortunate hurried need for the cemetery in approximately 1904 and of its dedication and re-dedication at subsequent centennials celebrated in Alberta (all documented in past issues of Vaba Eestlane and Eesti Elu newspapers). Also of his own family's direct connection and re-connection via one particular gravestone whose mysteries became revealed during his first visit to Estonia seven years ago. The retelling on this occasion was almost as moving as those earlier events themselves. The two dozen folk present, all departed the gentle hill behind the trees with a quiet sense of awe.
Back at the Friendship Centre, AjaKaja editors Eda McClung and Dave Kiil emphasized that the current issue marks the 25th anniversary of the newsletter/magazine but that rising costs of production and mailing may force the publication into electronic format in the near future. Issues of the very special 25th anniversary AjaKaja were available for purchase as were CDs, books and AEHS memberships. Martha Munz Gue of Medicine Hat spoke of various current anniversaries related to Estonians in the southern part of the province.
Summer Social participants had been asked to bring heritage or Estonian food, if possible, for the Pot Luck afternoon meal. And they did. The table was filled with pirukad (meat pockets), sauerkraut, rossolje, many other types of salads, bread imported from Estonia, home-made white barley sausage, various herrings and anchovies, chicken, smoked ham, Estonian style rhubarb pie, chocolate squares, special iced tea and much more.
After the meal, the “insta choir” (collected and rehearsed at the gathering) conducted by Martha Munz Gue sang Twilight on the Prairie beautifully, accompanied by Kelly Schuler on the piano. Yes, this hall in rural Alberta still has a piano like all city rental halls used to… Incidentally, this particular piano was donated to the Friendship Club by descendants of pioneer Estonians Kristjan and Tina Kingsep. Members of that family were among those present at this July 26 event.
Next, sixth generation descendants of Estonians who emigrated from central Estonia in 1861 to Crimea and eventually Canada, followed with an instrumental solo and duet. Ten-year old Lukas Schuler-Desnoyers played the cello and his twelve year old sister Amelie played the violin. Later Martha sang a solo section in Blue Bird of Happiness, conducting everyone in the hall to join the chorus. We also heard or joined in with Home on the Range, This Land is Your Land and Amazing Grace. Martha collected the music sheets as the sing-along wound down the enjoyable afternoon event — after all, this was a gathering of Estonia-related folks and 2014 is Song Festival year in Estonia.
Helgi Leesment
