Newsletter September 2018

Reminder to everyone the deadline for applications to our Scholarship Program is October 1st.

Elections for the Saiema, or Latvian Parliament, will take place on October 6, the Saturday of Thanksgiving weekend. This year, for the first time, a polling station will be available in Edmonton. Information about the Latvian elections has been circulating on all social and news media for many weeks. Anyone with a valid Latvian passport is allowed to vote and probably should vote.  More details about where to vote will be sent out shortly.

Save the date:  Our November celebration of Latvia’s centenary of the declaration of independence will take place on Saturday, November 17th. More details will be posted in October.

In celebration of LV 100,  The High Level Bridge will be lit in the colors of the Latvian flag on Sunday, November 18, from ~4:30 pm to midnight, again  We are considering options for coming together to view the lights. Send us your suggestions!

The Latvian Embassy in Ottawa started an initiative earlier this year to plant trees in every city where Latvians live, to commemorate Latvia’s centenary. To date, oak trees have been planted in Ottawa, Hamilton, Toronto, Vancouver and Halifax. Winnipeg planted a linden tree. IMANTA also funded a linden tree, which was planted and will be maintained in perpetuity by the City of Edmonton. The tree is located in Msgr Irwin Park, just west of the Grandin LRT Station at 9814 – 110 Street NW. We are waiting for the plaque to be installed.

Many thanks to Rachel Anderson for designing a Latvian cycling jersey, which is also available as a sports/soccer shirt. You can view and order the jerseys at the following link:  http://shop.jakroo.ca/Es-esmu-Latvia

A reminder that the Laurier Heights Art Society is holding an open house and art show on Sunday, September 30th, at Laurier Heights Community Hall at 14405 – 85 Ave NW.  A few members of our Latvian community are regulars with the Art Society.

A long-time, very active member of our Latvian community, Harry Skrastiņš, passed away in early September. Our sincere condolences to his family and friends.

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