The Board Members of the Edmonton Latvian Society
Imanta
extend a warm invitation to
members, volunteers, friends, and supporters to this year’s AGM.

Please join us as we host our Annual General Meeting and review the successes and challenges of the past year. We are always looking for new active members and new ideas! Support us, become a member, join our board!

Location: Laurier Heights Community Hall
14405 85 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Saturday, March 23, 2024. Doors open 1:00pm,
Meeting called at 1:15pm.
Refreshments served. Latvian School of Edmonton Movie: Daudz Laimes Latvija!

We look forward to seeing you!

World Cup Biathlon is thrilled to announce that the BMW IBU World Cup Biathlon (International Biathlon Union) www.biathlonworld.com tour is returning to Canmore, Alberta for the final events of the season from March 14th to March 17th, 2024. This is an incredible opportunity to witness the best athletes from 25 different countries including Latvia to compete in thrilling Sprint, Pursuit, and Mass Start races.

World Cup Biathlon invites you to join and be a part of the excitement by cheering along the course. Entry to the event is absolutely free, so don’t forget to bring your flags and bells to show your support for the talented biathletes. Biathlon is the most popular winter sport on television in Europe, offering plenty of action and entertainment.

For those unable to attend in person, all races will be streamed live. The link can be found at www.biathlonworld.com. You can find the schedule and live results on the official IBU website at https://www.biathlonresults.com/

 Simply select World Cup and scroll down to find the Canmore events.

Canmore offers ample space for spectators, so gather your friends and family and make a day or weekend out of it. Let’s surprise the biathletes with a sea of “hometown” flags along the trails!

As this is the final World Cup of the season, the prestigious Crystal Globes will be awarded here.

Aside from the thrilling biathlon action, Canmore has plenty to offer. Explore the charming town and immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Canadian Rockies.

Mark your calendars and get ready to be a part of this incredible event!

Artist registration for the art exhibition is now open! If you are a visual artist interested in participating, please send an email to dzsv.maksla@gmail.com before March 17th. Once we receive your email, we will get back to you with more information about the art exhibition as well as everything you need to submit your artwork. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Mākslinieku reģistrācija mākslas izstādei ir tagad atvērta! Ja Jūs interesē pieteikt savus mākslas darbus izstādei, lūdzu sūtiet e-pastu uz: dzsv.maksla@gmail.com līdz 17. martam. Saņemot Jūsu e-pastu, atsūtīsim visu vajadzīgo informāciju par mākslas izstādi, kā arī informāciju par to, kā iesniegt savus mākslas darbus.

It is with much love and sadness that the family announces the peaceful passing of our beloved Helen Richards (1928-2024), on February 11, 2024, the day after her 96th birthday. Helen Voley Frey was born in Edmonton to Latvian immigrant parents and lived here her entire life. Helen was very involved in the Latvian community up to this past year. It’s evident that she had a remarkable and fulfilling life, dedicated to her community and those around her. Her contributions to the Latvian community, particularly her involvement as a board member and her commitment to helping newcomers, showcase her kindness and generosity.It’s heartwarming to know that she shared her artistic talents with Latvian school children, leaving a lasting impact on the younger generation. Her involvement in various Latvian community activities reflects a life well-lived and a legacy that will be remembered fondly by those who had the privilege of knowing her. Helen’s vibrant spirit and selfless contributions to the Latvian community will forever be remembered. May her enthusiasm for life inspire us all to embrace each day with love, just as she did. A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Connelly-McKinley Downtown Funeral Home, 10011 – 114 Street NW, Edmonton. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Helen’s favourite charities, the Salvation Army or the Laurier Heights Building Society.
Salvation Army Edmonton
Laurier Heights Building Society
To send condolences and/or tributes please visit Connelly-Mckinley Funeral Home:
Helen Richards Obituary

Other News
Imanta celebrates 77 years on March 8th!  Despite all the challenges we are still an active society and the oldest active Latvian organization in Canada. We are hopeful that we can keep Imanta up and running for many more years.

Viola Baker, one of the founders of Imanta, recently celebrated her 102nd birthday! Peter Green celebrated his 103rd birthday! These are truly remarkable achievements. These individuals, as founding and active members of Imanta, have not only witnessed the passage of time but have contributed to the community’s growth and spirit over the years.

Please join us as we host our AGM and review the successes and challenges of the past year. We are always looking for a new active members and new ideas. Support us, become a member or join our board!
Location: Laurier Heights Community Hall 14405 85 Avenue, Edmonton, AB
Saturday, March 23rd, 2024. Doors open at 12:00pm. Meeting called at 1:15pm. Refreshments will be served. We look forward to seeing you!

If you are planning to attend, please advise us by email before Wednesday November 15th, as this will give us a better indication of how many people will be joining us for our special dinner. Thank you.

You are invited to join us as we celebrate the 105th anniversary of Latvian Independence on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Laurier Community Hall, 14405 85 Avenue, NW, Edmonton. Doors will open at 5:15 pm with the program to start at 6:00 pm with dinner to follow. We are excited to announce that we will be offering a dinner in the Latvian style with some traditional dishes! There will also be a cash bar and raffle. To help us make this more fun, if you are able to, we would like to ask you to bring a handmade item or a purchased item to donate to our raffle table.

A small group from Edmonton’s Pro Coro Choir will help to start the festivities. Pro Coro Canada was founded in 1981 and is one of only a few professional choirs in Canada. Under the direction of Michael Zaugg, the choir is widely recognized as one of this country’s finest. Imanta is proud to support Pro Coro and Grammy nominated composer Ugis Praulins.

We are also excited to announce a special screening of Imanta’s Latvian School Animation Film for Latvia’s 105^th Anniversary, “Daudz Laimes Latvija”. This film was created by the teachers Zane Vandelina and Inga Goba and the children who attend Imanta Latvian School together with animation film director/producer Genadijs Dolganovs in support of Imanta and the  Latvian Language Agency & Ministry of Education and Science. 

We look forward to seeing you on November 18^th!

Admission:
$25.00 per adult member / $30.00 per adult non-member
$12.00 per child member / $15.00 per child non-member (11 to 16 yrs)
Under 11 years no charge
Advance purchases can be made by e-transfer. Imanta memberships can also be purchased. Please email your form and e-transfer payment to imantaedmonton@gmail.com

2023 NOVEMBER EVENT FORM

If you require more information, have any questions, would like to volunteer for us or just want to let us know that you will be attending please contact us at imantaedmonton@gmail.com

Latvian Freedom Fighters’ Remembrance Day – Lāčplēsis Day is Saturday, November 11, 2023.
To commemorate this day we are meeting on Friday, November 10th at the Latvian Linden Tree at Monsignor William Irwin Park, 9814 110 St. at 6:00 p.m.  After a short remembrance ceremony we will gather at ‘Asymmetrical Brewing’ around 7PM – Address: 11821 105 Ave NW, Edmonton. Please join us either at the Tree or Brewery! Everyone is welcome!

We are pleased to announce that on Saturday, November 18th, in honor of Latvia’s 105 Independence Day, the Edmonton High Level Bridge will be illuminated in the colours of the Latvian Flag. https://www.edmonton.ca/attractions_events/schedule_festivals_events/light-the-bridge

Imanta will celebrate Latvia’s Independence Day on Saturday, November 18th at Laurier Community Hall, 14405 85 Avenue, NW, Edmonton. More details on this event will follow, so stay tuned!

IMANTA is once again pleased to announce our self-administered scholarship program for the 2023/2024 school year, funded by the ongoing casino program and governed by the regulations of the Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Commission.

Scholarship Eligibility
The scholarship is open to:
1. Alberta residents who are Canadian citizens, landed immigrants, or foreign students on visa and are registered as full or part-time students as defined by the accredited or licensed educational institution.
2. Applicants who are registered in a Continuing Education course related to a career goal.

Eligible Institutions
All accredited post-secondary educational institutions in Canada. Such institutions include universities, colleges, polytechnics, and trades training institutions that the advisory committee is satisfied are duly accredited or licensed.

Scholarship Award Criterion
All applications will be evaluated by an advisory committee consisting of at least one IMANTA board member and two members from the community at large which will present recommendations to the Executive. IMANTA’s Executive retains final decision-making authority over the selection of scholarship recipients.

Application Process
All applicants must complete and submit the application form (link follows) along with the requirements as listed on the form. The deadline for scholarship applications relating to enrollment in the 2023/2024 fall/winter program or 2024 spring/summer program must be received by IMANTA no later than October 29, 2023. Awards will be announced in mid November 2023. Payment will be made directly to the individual upon submission of proof of attendance (i.e. tuition receipt) at the recognized educational institution.

Scholarship Application 2023 / 2024

Submit applications by email, with a read receipt, to:
The Edmonton Latvian Society “Imanta”
Attn: Adjudication Committee
imantaedmonton@gmail.com

 Sanāksim kopā Jāņos, Sestdien 24. Jūnijā! Lets get together for Jāņi, Saturday June 24!

Kur/Where: Laurier Heights Community Hall and park with outdoor patio, 14405 85 Avenue, NW, Edmonton Laiks/Time: 2PM-10PM Ieeja/Admission: Brīva/Free

Ievērībai: Jums vajadzēs naudu ēdināšanas treilerim, loterijai, alus un vīna iegādei ( alkohols atlauts lietot tikai telpas/ieklautaja patio, ne parkā). Please note:  You will need money for food truck, raffle, beer and wine (alcohol consumption will be allowed indoors and patio area only. No alcohol in the park!).

Vainagu pīšana, Jāņu siera siešana, pīragu konkurss, loterija, aktivitātes bērniem un pieaugušajiem.    Flower Wreath and Jāņu cheese making, pirags contest, raffle and activities for children and adults

Ēdināšanas treileris / Food Truck – THE LORD OF THE GRILLS – Lieliskie pavāri: Ilze un Armands

https://www.facebook.com/thelordofgrills https://www.instagram.com/thelordofgrills/

Priecāsimies ja varēsiet atnest līdzi groziņveida uzkodas vai saldo. We would appreciate if you could bring some potluck style appetizers or dessert.

Ja vēlies piedalīties pīragu konkursā atnes līdzi savus garšīgos pīragus! If you would like to participate in pīrāgs contest, please bring some of your delicious pīrāgs!

Visas bija Jāņa zāles, Ko plūc Jāņu vakarā; Visi bija Jāņa bērni, Kas atnāca līgodami.

If you would like more information, please contact us! imantaedmonton@gmail.com

There are still many spots to fill for our casino event on June 6th and 7th. Please consider volunteering and giving us a hand in fulfilling our obligation to AGLC. If you have never volunteered for a casino you would be surprised at how easy the work is! It’s basically a need to show up! There is a small amount of training provided and it’s never taxing work! A meal is also provided. So if you or a friend or family member have some spare time to give us, it would be greatly appreciated.

Our involvement in AGLC casinos helps us to keep running our scholarship and senior’s programs.  Without the funding that AGLC distributes to us, we would not be able to keep these programs going. Please consider signing up for a shift. If you do not have access to a vehicle we will cover the cost of a taxi. Just keep your receipt to submit to us for reimbursement. The casino event will run from June 6th to 7th, 2023 at Yellowhead Casino, 12464 – 153 Street, Edmonton.

We’re using SignUp (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming casino event.

Here’s how it works in 3 easy steps:

1) Click this link to see our SignUp time slots – Link to Casino sign up
2) Review the options listed and choose the spot(s) you like.
3) Sign up! It’s Easy – you will NOT need to register an account or keep a password on SignUp.

Note: SignUp does not share your email address with anyone. If you prefer not to use your email address, please contact me directly at imantaedmonton@gmail.com and I can sign you up manually.

Happy Spring everyone and Happy Birthday Imanta! This month Imanta celebrates 76 years!  For those of you who don’t know, Imanta was founded on March 4^th, 1947 and registered as a society a few days later on March 8^th. Despite all the challenges we are still an active society and the oldest active Latvian organization in Canada. We are hopeful that we can keep Imanta up and running for many more years.

One of Imanta’s founding members, Viola Baker, celebrated her 101st birthday last month. Peter Green, an active member in the past, celebrated his 102nd birthday.  Helen Richards, who is still an active member and volunteers often, celebrated her 95th birthday. These milestones are remarkable achievements!

Our annual general meeting was held on March 11, 2023. The members of Imanta’s executive for the coming year are: Nelda Kononova, Ed Rudzitis, Linda Payne, Liesma Mithrush, Jon Goor, Zane Vendelina, Ena Rudovics and Lasma Bobkova. We are fortunate and grateful to have these dedicated board members.

UPCOMING DATES AND EVENTS

March 25, 2023 – Latvia commemorates the victims of the 1949 deportations and communist genocide. Forty-two thousand Latvian residents were shuffled into cattle trains and taken to Siberia on that day. Many deportees died on the way and the ones who survived spent years in the northern regions of Russia, fighting for survival in inhumane conditions. Ukrainian cities have become the modern history of violence in Europe in 21st century. We need to help Ukraine any way we can by demonstrating solidarity with Ukrainian people in the fight for Ukraine’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity. We honor the civilians and armed forces personnel who died as a result of Russia’s military aggression in Ukraine.

May 4, 2023 – Latvia marks the 33^rd anniversary of the Restoration of Latvia’s Independence. As well as speeches and parades, recent years have seen a new tradition taking root which brings friends and families together around a “white tablecloth” to share memories of the past and hopes for the future. On May 4th everyone is encouraged to gather around a table clad in white and share photos and videos on social media with the hashtag #mans4maijs or #BaltaisGaldauts.

 June 6^th & 7^th,  2023  – Volunteers are needed for our upcoming casino event. Our involvement in AGLC casinos helps us to keep running our cultural events, scholarship and senior’s programs.  Without the funding that AGLC distributes to us, we would not be able to keep these programs going. Please consider signing up for a shift. We will even provide you with a meal! The casino event will run from June 6th to 7th, 2023 at Yellowhead Casino, 12464 – 153 Street, Edmonton. We are using ‘SignUp’ (the leading online SignUp and reminder tool) to organize our upcoming casino event. Information for volunteering has been posted to our website in the previous post. Signing up is simple and easy, just click on the following link to see what spots are available and sign up! Volunteer Sign Up

June 24, 2023 -We are pleased to confirm that our Ligo celebration will be held on Saturday, June 24th at Laurier Heights Community Hall and park, 14405 85 Avenue, NW, Edmonton with a potluck style get together. We are looking forward to meeting our old friends and always open to meeting new friends and supporters of Imanta! More details will follow at a later date.

Other News

Imanta’s name is now displayed on the donor wall in Fort Edmonton Park in recognition of the donors and sponsors of the historical Johnny J. Jones Midway at Fort Edmonton Park. In 2021 Imanta dedicated 20 lightbulbs on the Midway to ‘Latvian Society Imanta members, past and present’. Our society has a rich history to celebrate and it is wonderful to be a part of this historical and educational park. Imanta’s Latvian school continues to be active and teachers, Zane Vendelina and Inga Goba, continue doing an excellent job introducing and educating children about Latvian culture, traditions, history, and language.  The school is in session twice a month for approximately 2 hours on Saturdays. Our school also receives support from the Latvian Language Agency and has a Latvian library of children’s books.

Imanta is donating to support Pro Coro Edmonton in a CD recording project featuring the Choral Music of Latvian Composer Ugis Praulins. The project is scheduled to take place in October 2023 with a CD release date in December 2023.

Imanta continues it’s friendship with the Edmonton Garrison Military Family Resource Center.  In 2021 the military project “ Follow their Footsteps” was started and was up and running in May 2022. The goal was to introduce military families, whose spouses were deployed or will be deployed to Latvia, to help add a positive spin on this deployment.  The program includes various sessions ranging from learning about Latvia and its traditions, to language and food.  Members of Imanta have participated in this program with presentations about Latvia, led question and answer sessions and had coffee workshops with military spouses, whose loved ones are already deployed to Latvia.  We are very grateful for the Canadian Military presence in Latvia and are determined to continue our relationship.

Imanta is always looking for volunteers and for those who would be interested in joining us on the executive board! If you are interested, please contact us. For the latest posts and news visit our website often or sign up to receive email notifications whenever new information has been posted. You are always welcome to email us with any suggestions or questions at imantaedmonton@gmail.com